Manila Standard - 2018 April 7 - Saturday

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VOL. XXXII • NO. 51 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

1.17-m PH Facebook accounts seen stolen THE Philippines has the second highest number of affected Facebook accounts all over the world that may have been improperly shared with the British political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica.

Facebook said at least 1.175-million accounts from the Philippines may have been affected by the data sharing.

The US had the highest number of affected accounts out of the total of Next page

PRESIDENTIAL PLAUDITS. President Rodrigo Duterte applauds as he witnesses the performances during the Salo-Salo Kasama ang Pangulo Dinner Concert at the Sofitel Harbor Tent on Thursday. President Duterte sang ‘Ikaw,’ one of his favorite songs, with concert king Martin Nievera. To the President’s right is Honeylet Avanceña; to his left are former President Gloria Arroyo; Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano; Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano; and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go. Malacañang Photo

PET recount uncovers excess ballots for Leni

By Rey E. Requejo

FFICIALS taking part in the recount of votes cast in the vice presidential race on Friday found several clustered precincts that had more ballots than actual voters, a source from the Presidential Electoral Tribunal said Friday.

O Bangladesh looks up to PH in anti-drug war DHAKA--Bangladesh wants to punish methamphetamine traffickers with the death penalty, officials said Thursday, as authorities confront the growing popularity of the dangerous and addictive drug.

One senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said “drastic action” like the violent crackdown on drug users and dealers in the Philippines could be needed to stamp out the drug.

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My mother told me to be kind to Speaker Alvarez. PRD [President Rodrigo Duterte] told me not to harbor anger.

—Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio, after shaking hands with Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez during a belated birthday party for her father.

Duterte-Carpio earlier slammed Alvarez for questioning her decision to form a regional party.

The recount conducted by the Supreme Court—sitting as the PET— seeks to settle the election protest filed by former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against Vice President Leni Robredo.

“There was a precinct in Bato in Camarines Sur that registered the number of those who actually voted at 348 but the number of valid votes found for revision was 376 or an excess of 28 votes in one precinct alone. How did that happen? Where did the 28 votes come from?” the PET insider said.

GRAINS OF THOUGHT. Big rice traders from Luzon on Thursday promised to President Rodrigo Duterte they will supply low-cost rice to be distributed by the National Food Authority amid the reported depletion of subsidized rice. In a social media post, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said the rice traders agreed to ‘flood’ Metro Manila markets with newly-milled local rice to be sold at P39 per kilo for a profit of P50 per bag. Malacañang Photo

Is NFA Council abolished? Piñol: Yes; Roque: No

By Vito Barcelo THERE was confusion on the fate of the National Food Authority and the NFA Council after two Cabinet officials gave conflicting statements yesterday on whether these will be

abolished or not.

In a radio interview early Friday, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said President Rodrigo Duterte disclosed his decision to abolish the NFA Council during a dialog with rice traders at

Malacañang Thursday night.

“He announced that he has abolished the NFA Council and that he would transfer NFA and other agriculture-related agencies and return these to the Department of Agriculture,” Piñol said. Next page

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Guevarra’s aim: Restore DoJ’s dignified image ACTING Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra vowed Friday to restore “the dignified image” of the Justice department as his controversial predecessor left office, hounded by a string of controversies.

Guevarra said Friday that President Rodrigo Duterte entrusted him with a mission to carry out reforms that would restore the people’s trust in the Department of Justice and to carry out its primary goal of administering justice to all.

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Bora rehab may be shorter; govt details work plan

BORACAY CLOSURE.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu shows to media the Map of Boracay Circumferential Road and announces the closure order for the foreign and local tourists for the rehabilitation of Boracay Island during a news conference at the DENR office in Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

GOVERNMENT officials said Friday they will meet the six-month deadline to clean up Boracay, even as the tourism industry scrambled to manage the fallout from its temporary shutdown that threw into chaos trips planned by hundreds of thousands of tourists.

In a press conference Friday, Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones said there would be no extension to the sixmonth shutdown that begins April 26.

“Just to emphasize, this six months is a maximum period. We can shorten the closure, depending on the progress of Next page

Sereno wants De Castro out of ouster case

By Rey E. Requejo

ASSOCIATE JUSTICE DE CASTRO

CHIEF Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has sought the compulsory disqualification of Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro for “repeatedly manifested actual bias” against her.

In a motion, Sereno asked that De Castro be barred from participating in the deliberation and resolution of the quo warranto petition seeking her ouster, on the ground that she had already pre-

judged the issue concerning the validity of her appointment to the top post of the judiciary.

The chief justice earlier filed four separate motions for inhibition of Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Francis Jardeleza and Noel Tijam.

All of them testified against the chief justice in her impeachment case pending before the House of Representatives.

“With due respect, the chief justice has Next page

Duterte-Xi bilateral meet set in Hainan

By Rey E. Requejo and Vito Barcelo

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia, an Next page

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News

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DoH, WHO look for new anti-rabies suppliers HEALTH officials are looking at small vaccine suppliers in addressing the dwindling supply of anti-rabies vaccines for humans here caused by the recall of 50 percent of the world’s supply due to contamination, an official said Friday.

“What the department is going to do is to look for other ways of procuring anti-rabies vaccines from even smaller companies that are FDA [Food and Drug Administration]-approved,” Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo told reporters.

“We can work with the Department of Health to identify the suppliers that will be able to supply vaccines that are also of good quality,” Gundo Weiler, World Health Organization Representative to the Philippines, said in the same briefing.

Bulk supplies for anti-rabies vaccines for humans have become difficult to come by because of a global shortage caused by the recall of 50 percent of the world’s supply.

“Half of the world’s supply of rabies vaccines were tainted and could not be used, so those were withdrawn from all countries,” Domingo said.

Vaccine supply is in an all-time-low in areas such as Bacolod, where five vials of rabies vaccine remain, while some areas such as Davao have consumed all their stocks.

The Health department plans to mobilize supplies from the regions with high amounts of stock to deliver to the areas with depleted supplies.

Domingo said local government units had always bought stock from local suppliers to augment their supplies.

There are no vaccine producers in the Philippines and all supplies are secured from abroad.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced earlier that his department will abide by the World Health Organization’s standards in looking for suitable vaccine suppliers.

Weiler says manufacturers who have not gone through the WHO’s prequalification process do not necessarily produce sub-standard products and may still be considered to supply the vaccines.

Sereno...

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reasonable grounds to believe that Justice Leonardo-De Castro had already prejudged the issue regarding the validity of the chief justice’s nomination and subsequent appointment in 2012,” Sereno said.

“It would be contrary to normal human experience for her [De Castro] to suddenly repudiate her conclusions that the chief justice was ‘disqualified,’ especially when her conclusions were made under oath,” she added.

The quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida seeking to nullify her appointment as chief justice will be heard by the SC justices during oral arguments next week.

Quo warranto is a special form of legal action used to resolve a dispute over whether a specific person has the legal right to hold the public office that he or she occupies.

Sereno, who is on indefinite leave to prepare for her defense in the forthcoming impeachment trial before the Senate, said De Castro, under oath, had told the House committee on justice that Sereno was disqualified from being chief justice for failing to submit to the Judicial and Bar Council her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth when she was a University of the Philippines law professor.

She cited Section 5, Canon 3 of the New Code of Judicial Conduct, which “mandates the inhibition of a judge who is unable to decide the matter impartially or who may appear to a reasonable observer to be unable to decide a matter impartially.”

Sereno alleged that De Castro had a “personal interest” in the outcome of the quo warranto case, having been a witness against her during the impeachment proceedings on the complaint filed by lawyer Larry Gadon.

“Her [De Castro] disqualification is thus mandatory under the pertinent provisions of the Canons of Judicial Ethics, the New Code of Judicial Conduct, the 1989 Code of Judicial Conduct, and the Internal Rules of the Supreme Court,” she said.

“Considering her high profile and spirited public participation in the impeachment proceedings against the chief justice, she should, with due respect, bear in mind that her decision ‘to sit or not to sit’ on this case will affect to a great extent ‘the all-important confidence’ of the public in the ability of this honorable court to render justice impartially,” Sereno said.

Anti-graft court reraffles plunder case vs ex-BI men

By Maricel V. Cruz

The charges are in connection with the P50-million bribery scandal at the Bureau of Customs, and the reraffle on Friday came a day after the anti-graft court approved the recusal of Fourth Division chairman Alex Quiroz, who begged off from the case for being an “acquaintance” of one of the accused.

The anti-graft court’s Sixth Division is led by Associate Justices Sarah Jane Fernandez and Karl Miranda.

Sombero has sought the dismissal of his case, citing the Ombudsman’s supposed failure to cite a “main plunderer” among the respondents.

In a 19-page motion dated March 28, Sombero asked the anti-graft court to dismiss his case since the facts charged against him “do not constitute the offense of plunder.”

The Ombudsman has charged Argosino, Robles and Sombero with plunder, graft and bribery.

Argosino and Robles are accused of acquiring ill-gotten wealth worth P50 million when they conspired with Sombero, then president of the Asian Gaming Service Provider Association Inc., to work for the release of 1,316 illegal Chinese workers at the Fontana

Leisure Parks and Casino in Clark, Pampanga, owned by Chinese casino mogul Jack Lam. The Ombudsman said Argosino and Robles showed their alleged “manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence” when they conspired with Sombero for the multimillion bribe.

The Justice department had earlier dropped the plunder charges against Argosino and Robles since the money recovered from them was P1,000 short of the amount to qualify for plunder.

But the Ombudsman said Argosino and Robles were still liable under the Plunder Law despite the missing P1,000.

“It cannot excuse them from being indicted for plunder” since Robles himself admitted that “they took possession of all five bags containing the P50 million,” the Sandiganbayan said.

Lam will also face one count of violation of PD 46, a decree punishing public officials for receiving gifts from private individuals.

Is NFA...

Administrator Jason Aquino by stripping him of the power to approve rice importation.

“The President is considering the approval of rice importation to be centralized under the Office of DA Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, subject to the review of the Office of the Executive Secretary,” the Palace spokesman added.

By placing the NFA under the Office of the President, Duterte will now have a more direct hand on issues concerning the agency.

NFA Council chairman Leoncio Evasco earlier slammed the NFA for

creating an artificial rice shortage with its statement on supposed zero buffer stock.

As this developed, Roque said rice traders have pledged to give at least 700,000 sacks of rice to replenish the NFA stocks sold at P38 per kilo.

“This will allow retailers to sell rice to the public at P39 per kilo,” Roque said. The lowest price for rice at wet markets these days is around P44 per kilo.

The special pricing will be given to retailers by rice traders starting next week until the supply of low-priced NFA rice comes in, he added.

HE plunder charges filed against former Immigration deputy commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles and retired police officer Wenceslao Sombero Jr. has been reraffled off to the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division.

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But Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque clarified that the NFA and the NFA Council would not be abolished, nor would these be returned to the DA. “The 18-member NFA Council would not be abolished contrary to earlier reports. The President expressed his intent to place the National Food Authority under the Office of the President,” Roque said.

The President, Roque said, also appeared poised to clip the powers of NFA

Bora...

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the rehabilitation efforts to be done in Boracay,” Leones said.

“We do not want to extend the suffering of those on Boracay who are affected by the closure,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Some projects, such as the laying of sewage pipes, would continue after the closure period, Leones said.

The rehabilitation effort will also seek to improve Boracay’s drainage system, better handle the large amount of garbage from residents and tourists, encroachment on easements, forestland and wetlands, and the degradation of certain areas.

Leones said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has already issued orders to vacate to hundreds of establishments.

Earlier this week, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the once-idyllic whitesand resort closed to tourists for up to six months from April 26, after calling the country’s top tourist draw a “cesspool” tainted by raw sewage.

Hundreds of Boracay hotels, as well as restaurants, tour operators and business establishments were on Friday undertaking the daunting process of unwinding bookings for rooms, flights, weddings and other events and facilities.

“Some people are cursing us... it’s nasty,” Hotel Sales and Marketing Association president Christine Ibarreta said.

“I hope [there will be] no mess and no chaos,” she added. “We just want it to be orderly.”

Ibarreta said “hundreds of thousands” of bookings made as far as two years in advance—potentially worth millions of dollars for hotels and other tourism services—would have to be either canceled and refunded, or rebooked.

Duterte-Xi...

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annual gathering of government and business leaders and academics in Asia, an official said Friday.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Manuel Teehankee said the meeting was set for April 10 in the southern island province of Hainan, which has territorial jurisdiction over the disputed waters in the South China Sea. The BFA is a non-profit organization that hosts high-level forums for government and business leaders and academics in Asia and other areas to share their vision on the most pressing issues. The BFA is modeled after the World Economic Forum held annually in Davos.

Teehankee said Duterte was expected to discuss issues involving the efforts against extremism, terrorism and the cross-border trade in narcotics. Duterte will also address the opening plenary on the same day.

“Addressing the BFA is a singular privilege for the Philippines and a privilege for acknowledging the President’s role

“Some people are okay but some people cannot understand,” tour operator Clang Garcia said, adding clients are typically offered a refund or an alternate destination “to save the account.”

Domingo Enerio, the retired former head of the government’s Tourism Promotions Board, said some of the canceled bookings contained non-refundable conditions and would have to be renegotiated or credited for future use.

Under the government plan, police, or even soldiers, will be deployed to keep away tourists from the island, while residents will be issued special identification cards to ensure continued access while Boracay is rehabilitated.

Domestic airlines announced on Thursday they would scale back the number of flights to the jumping-off point for the 1,000-hectare island.

Industry officials say Boracay accounts for about 20 percent of the country’s tourism revenues, and fear a longerterm fallout on the Philippines’ image as a tourism destination.

“Overall it looks bleak,” Enerio, the former tourism official, said.

“Boracay will definitely take a hit and the Philippine tourism industry will take a hit,” he added.

The threat of closure first emerged in February when Duterte blasted the island’s hotels, restaurants and other businesses, accusing them of dumping sewage directly into the sea.

Authorities said Thursday some businesses were using the island’s drainage system to send untreated sewage into its surrounding turquoise waters.

Ibarreta, the hotel industry official, said the six-month tourist ban would likely mean the industry will lose some of its 17,000 workers in Boracay.

“So we’ll have to retrain people [after the ban is lifted] and that’s expensive,” she added. Joel E. Zurbano, Maricel V. Cruz with AFP and PNA and leadership in Asia and the Asean region,” Teehankee said.

“The President sees the goals of the forum as parallel and complementary to his own vision of a developed Philippines and a more prosperous Filipino nation as well as a more prosperous Asean economic region.”

Duterte’s attendance in the Boao Forum will represent his third visit to China since he assumed the presidency in June 2016. He had a landmark meeting with Xi in October 2016 and he also attended the Belt and Road infrastructure forum in Beijing in May last year.

The Philippines’ relations with China have improved under the administration of Duterte, who has put aside the maritime disputes with Beijing in the West Philippine Sea in favor of getting economic assistance and concessions to build the country’s needed infrastructure.

After the Hainan event, Duterte will be in Hong Kong from April 11 to 12 to check on the welfare of the Filipino workers in the bustling Chinese special administrative region. He will return to Manila on April 12.

Guevarra’s...

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“The President told me to bring back the DoJ’s dignified image,” Guevarra, a former senior deputy executive secretary at the Office of the President, said, in a text message to reporters Friday.

Duterte designated Guevarra on Thursday as the acting Justice secretary after accepting Aguirre’s resignation.

Aguirre, along with his wife, Marissa Lim, bid goodbye to employees and officials of the DoJ after attending the monthly First Friday Mass at the department.

Aguirre, wearing his fraternity jacket, was accompanied by Justice Undersecretaries Reynante Orceo, Deo Marco, Raymund Mecate, and Antonio Kho. They are all fraternity brothers of the President from law school.

As a parting message to his DoJ colleagues, Aguirre thanked President Duterte for the trust and confidence that he showed him and said he was leaving the department better then he found it.

On Thursday, Duterte accepted Aguirre’s resignation after reports said the President was displeased by the decision of DoJ prosecutors to dismiss a drug complaint against alleged drug lords.

In a move widely seen as a setback for the administration’s war on illegal drugs, a panel of DoJ prosecutors dismissed the case against self-confessed drug trafficker Kerwin Espinosa.

Duterte administered the oath of office to Gueverra on Thursday, immediately after signing his appointment paper.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said he was not sure if Aguirre would be reassigned to another government position.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Guevarra should be given the men and materiel needed to institute improvements in the department, noting that it was “hobbled by across-the-board shortages in personnel and equipment.”

He said Guevarra’s first order of business is to fill vacancies in key DoJ agencies and ask his former office, Malacañang, to propose higher funding for new equipment and buildings.

“For example, there are 1,657 vacant prosecutorial posts. The problem is that there are no takers because of the low pay for the hard labor, and the only bonus one gets is ‘unli’ death threats.”

As a result, one prosecutor handles about 403 criminal cases, Recto said.

“Daily, the prosecutor attends three court hearings, in addition to preliminary investigations, retrials, witness deposition, mediation, among others.”

There is also a shortage of public lawyers. At present, one Public Attorney Office lawyer handles 5,237 clients a year, and, at any given time, has 504 cases in court.

“All of them lack computers. They need paralegals to back them up. Comfortable offices are a rarity. And when it comes to preparing briefs, it is buy-your-ownsupplies,” Recto said. Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PET...

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The source said all the additional 28 votes were for Leni Robredo.

Requesting anonymity, the source said the presence of the excess ballots for Robredo has further bolstered suspicion of vote manipulation in the light of the findings made Wednesday that there were unused or excess ballots that were shaded for Robredo.

Marcos’ lawyer Vic Rodriguez said this bolsters their fear that vote padding marred the result of the 2016 polls for the vice presidency.

“The discovery of extra 28 votes added to Robredo in Bato, Camarines Sur and the wet ballots in several clustered precincts, together with the rest of the nation, we are convinced that more evidence of fraud, ballot box tampering and vote padding are to come out, validating our case that the 2016 election for vice president is the worst in history,” Rodriguez said.

Earliers, revisors found that several unused ballots were cut in half and shaded for Robredo, suggesting they were pre-shaded and fed into the votecounting machines before they were cut.

Robredo got more than 660,000 votes in Camarines Sur while Marcos received only around 40,000 votes.

Earlier, Marcos also said many of the ballot boxes from Bato had contents soaked in water.

Also on Friday, Marcos lawyer Vic Rodriguez, disputed the claim of Robredo’s counsel Romulo Macalintal that the water that seeped into the ballot boxes was due to a typhoon that hit Camarines Sur in December 2016, saying if that were true, the contents would have been dry by now.

“It appears that the contents were just recently drenched in water because water was still inside the ballot boxes.

If they got wet in December or four months ago, the contents should have been dried by now. It does not make sense,” Rodriguez said.

On Tuesday, the revision was delayed when four head revisors quit just one day after the start of the proceedings.

As a result, not all 40 revision committees are functioning since some of the head revisors had been made appraisers or tabulators of the recount.

The situation is further confounded by the stringent requirements imposed by the PET, which requires all revisors to check the recount at least six times.

As a result, not a single town has been fully revised since revisors needed to wait for hours for their turn with the appraisers.

The revision suffered delays even before it started, being reset from Feb. 9 to March 19, then reset again to April 2 because eight revision committee heads failed to pass the psychological exam as required by PET rules.

Marcos is contesting some 39,000 precincts from 30 provinces and cities all over the country.

In the ongoing recount Marcos needs to show substantial recovery of votes from his three pilot provinces before he will be allowed to proceed to the revision of his other contested provinces.

1.17-m...

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87-million affected users, which prompted several changes to what data Application Programming Interfaces from third-party apps could access.

Facebook’s estimate was far higher than the news reports suggesting 50-million users maay have been affected in the privacy scandal that has roiled the company and sparked questions for the entire internet sector on data protection.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told reporters on a conference call he accepted responsibility for the failure to protect user data, but maintained he was still the best person to lead the network of two-billion users.

“I think life is about learning from the mistakes and figuring out how to move forward,” he said in response to a question on his ability to lead the company.

In a report published in the South China Morning Post, Cambridge Analytica’s parent company Strategic Communication dent Rodrigo Duterte win the 2016 elections by branding him as a “tough crime fighter” in his social media campaign. AFP

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“Some [traffickers] should be put in the crosshairs. We have come to that point,” he said.

The proposal to crackdown on the spread of methamphetamine, known locally as “yaba,” comes after Bangladesh seized more than 40 million pills of the narcotic in 2017—double the previous year.

Authorities want to elevate yaba to a Class A banned substance, meaning traffickers would face the death penalty instead of life behind bars.

“We’ll raise the punishment for yaba trafficking. In the new law, the maximum punishment will be [the] death sentence,” Jamaluddin Ahmed, the head of Bangladesh’s narcotics control department, told AFP. AFP

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SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rights group welcomes SC decision on drugs war

By Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Human Rights on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court decision directing the Philippine National Police to submit a report on its war on drugs.

“It is a step forward in ensuring that the rule of law still prevails in our country. But, equally important, is on how the decision brings us closer to knowing the truth and pursuing justice for the victims and their families,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

She expressed her disappointment over the PNP’s refusal to share and open its case folder, including police blotters, spot reports, investigation documents, forensic records, inventory reports and affidavits, among others, to the CHR, “all in the interest of upholding the rights of every Filipino.”

She said: “We look forward to the police force’s cooperation without condition on this matter. “We believe that their swift action would allow the wheels of justice to turn faster given the clamor for transparency and accountability for alleged human rights violations linked to the government’s anti-drug campaign.”

“In the spirit of due process and the rule of law, these cases need to be tried in proper courts and should not remain as mere files stacked in shelves to dust,” she added.

With the Supreme Court order on PNP, De Guia said they were confident they could pursue an independent probe of alleged cases of extrajudicial killings through information and data sharing.

“If we can sustain development such as this, as well as expediently demonstrate that our national judicial systems are functioning as they should, it will be a concrete manifestation that the State is willing and able to genuinely carry out investigation or prosecution— dispensing the need for international bodies to step in,” she said.

Lawmaker urges hiring of more teacher items A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday sought the creation of more teacher items in 2019, noting the proposed number of items announced by the Department of Budget and Management on Wednesday was lower than those created under the 2018 budget.

At the same time, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro pushed for more funds for the promotion of teachers now employed in public schools and rehiring of more nonteaching and support personnel for public schools.

“We ask [Budget] Secretary [Benjamin] Diokno why he allowed the creation of fewer teacher positions than allotted for the current year, which is 81,100. Student enrollment is not decreasing and the administrative and support operations in schools are not getting easier,” Castro said.

She said: “We also remind the budget chief that the public education system is catching up with the decades-long sluggish creation of teacher items.

“Plus, the government recently forced the addition of three years in basic education: kindergarten and two years for senior high school. Rather than slackening off, the DBM should step up and propose to Congress funds for more new teachers, not less.”

She added the new items should not only be for entry-level posts but also for Teacher II and Teacher III and SPED Teachers I to IV. Castro said in the creation of items, the DBM should also consider the specialization of teachers and needs of the school.

Funds for promotion to Master Teachers I to IV should also be increased, as the DBM proposed, and Congress approved, for 2018 enough funds for the promotion of 344 Master Teachers only, she added.

“This will enable the promotion of more teachers, and encourage excellence in teaching by showing that career progression is possible under the DepEd,” she said.

Castro also reiterated her call for more funds for the creation of items for non-teaching personnel and support staff members. Maricel V. Cruz

FIGHTING DISINFORMATION. Nearly 200 students, teachers and employees pose with the training team of the Philippines during the signing of the covenant at the conduct of its scholastic program on fake news at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines at its main campus in Sta. Mesa. Supported by Nickel Asia Corp. as PPI’s principal partner in civic journalism which is the latter’s flagship program, this is the third installment of the campus roadshow which is an expanded program of last year’s seminar series. PPI

Duterte relieves all LTO men in Aritao, N Vizcaya P

By Vito Barcelo

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday relieved all Land Transportation Office personnel assigned in the truck weighing station in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya due to mounting complaints of extortion activities amounting to millions of pesos.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President instructed Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to immediately relieve all LTO officials and personnel in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya after truck owners complained of extortion activities in the area.

The order emerged during the meeting between President Duterte and rice traders in Malacañang Thursday afternoon, were some rice dealers were forced to increase the price of rice due to the extortion activities of some LTO personnel.

“The unabated extortion activities of the LTO personnel in the truck

weighing scale in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya has been going [on] for decades,” according to Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

The President became furious upon hearing the complaint, and called Tugade over the phone to bring the LTO officials in Malacañang where he would “squeeze their faces.”

The identities of the LTO personnel were not immediately available.

Aside from the LTO personnel, Duterte also wanted “the relief of personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways manning the truck weighing station who are reportedly working in cahoots with the LTO team.’’

The DPWH personnel were not identified either.

Angara stresses need for emergency medical services

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Juan Edgardo Angara has stressed that every major Philippine tourist destination should have improved emergency medical services to ensure the safety of both tourists and residents especially during summer break and other peak seasons.

Angara is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 1573 that mandates the development and institutionalization of emergency medical services system in the country.

“We should address the complaints of many visitors that medical services in tourist spots are mere first-aid stations unable to handle grave cases.

Under our proposed measure, all local

government units will be mandated to establish emergency dispatch centers with adequate and qualified personnel,” he said.

Last week, broadcast journalist Karen Davila posted about her family’s traumatic experience in Siargao Island where her son got injured in a surfing incident.

Davila said her son’s surfing instructor suddenly disappeared after the incident, and that it took them almost an hour to seek medical help within the vicinity.

Angara, former three-term congressman of the lone district of Aurora province, cited Baler’s municipal ordinance that requires all resorts to have lifeguards and physicians.

Baler, which attracted more than 1.2 million tourists last year, likewise

enforces Oplan SumVac 2018 which ensures that there are sufficient police officers and medics who are ready to respond in any emergency situation.

“In order to sustain the tourism boom, the local government should be prepared for the influx of visitors and ensure that they have a fun and safe vacation,” Angara said.

The senator noted that Boracay’s sixmonth forced closure for rehabilitation must include the improvement of hospital facilities and medical services in the island.

He added that better emergency medical services should be also made available in popular tourist magnets such as Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Davao and in the northern region.

Visayan bloc calls for BBL passage

By Maricel V. Cruz MEMBERS of the Visayan bloc at the House of Representatives led

by Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez on Friday batted for the immediate passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. In a statement, Benitez’s group said “the BBL will pave the way for longlasting peace and socio-economic development in the proposed Bangsamoro region by allowing the establishment of a regional government that is anchored on the Bangsamoro identity.”

“It is high time that we give our fellow Filipinos in the said region an opportunity for self-governance and to fully recognize their needs and aspirations,” added the joint statement.

Benitez, the bloc’s leader, said ensuring peace and order in the region was a concrete step towards sustainable development in the Philippines.

“We most respectfully enjoin our colleagues in the House of Representatives to expedite and support the immediate passage of this [BBL] measure,” the bloc said.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, one of the principal authors of the BBL, earlier said the House will deliberate on the proposed BBL when Congress resumes its session in May. Rep. Winter Palma II of Zamboanga Sibugay, chairperson of the subcommittee on the draft BBL, earlier said the joint committees on local government, Muslim affairs and the special committees on peace, reconciliation, had been finalizing the substitute bill on the BBL.

‘Review electrification program’

OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION. President Rodrigo Duterte poses with

Ma. Arlene Toledo, who received the Gawad Saka 2017 Outstanding Young Farmer/ Fisherfolk Organization on behalf of Tigbao 4-H Club during the awarding ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace on April 5, 2018. Joining the President is Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol. Malacañang Photo

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the Senate to review the government’s electrification program, with the aim of assessing existing strategies in closing the gap in households across the country that still do not have power.

“We want to check on the status of electrification of the country to assess and possibly revise the national electrification strategy,” said Gatchalian.

He filed Senate Resolution No. 695, claiming the assessment would be helpful in “achieving total electrification for the welfare of the Filipino people and the development of the nation.”

At present, he said the government was employing three methods in pursuing the total electrification agenda.

He said the first was through grid extension by electric cooperatives, carried out by the National Electrification Administration.

“The second is by missionary electrification in off-grid areas, which

is being implemented by the National Power Corp. The last method is through the entry of qualified third parties in remote and unviable areas.”

The methods, Senator Ralph Recto said, are being subsidized either through government appropriations or pass-on charges to consumers through the universal charge for missionary electrification.

The senator explained that from 2016 to 2018, the government allocated P5.45 billion for sitio electrification and P3.97 billion for the supply of electricity in missionary areas.

In addition, around P73 billion has been remitted from the universal charge for missionary electrification collection, as of December 2017, he said.

Despite all efforts, however, Gatchalian stressed that as of December 2017, a 2,399,108 of unserved households were not connected to the power grid, equivalent to 16 percent of households in the entire country. Macon Ramos-Araneta

A4

Opinion

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

One less injustice

EVERYMAN

Supah-cool in the age of Duterte

By Joel Vega I HAVE never credited the current sitting president for being fashionable given his preference for checkered shirts and “no ironing” crumpled barong. Or even that much-hyped “sleeping under the kulambo,” which speaks of a nearly masochistic lifestyle, when in fact in a Malacanang Palace bedroom you can easily install a pair of four-poster beds and can still lay claim to a gargantuan sleeping space.

But, grudgingly, and from the outside looking in (as an expat living in Europe) I must admit that the Duterte regime has done the fashionistas in this side of the world a big favor. We, Pinoys, are very much “in.” We’re trendy, we’re ahead of the pack, and, as millennials would say, “We are supah cool.” But that’s getting ahead of the story.

How I came to this conclusion is when a college friend (let’s call her Sabine) came back this month from Chicago to Los Baños in Laguna for much-needed R&R plus the usual family reunion. Sabine has been a sweet dear friend from college. She was a true-blue social activist, and the type who is imbued with sterling spiritual fervor. Charity work and empathy run in her blood. Her report to me was pained, being a lily-hearted soul.

She says, and I am quoting her almost verbatim: “I ride aircon buses from Los Baños to Manila. Gutay-gutay ang damit at maraming payat na tao. Ang ibang silya, sira sa vandalism. I went to check the market. Ang mahal ng bilihin! Rice served with a chicken leg and a glass of pineapple juice is 85 pesos. Pineapple juice is diluted with sugar and water! One day people will get ill with this diet.”

My jaw dropped. Not that I agree with Sabine. In fact I say that Pinoys are fashion-forward or early adaptors of the avant-garde. Gutay-gutay? I was in a high-end clothing store in Amsterdam a few weeks ago—the type of store where the sales lady will ignore you while she fiddles with her immaculately manicured fingernails— and I picked up the cheapest shirt that would set me back by 200 euro. An army-greenish shirt dotted with cigarette holes of varying sizes with the stitching near the armpits strategically threadbare. 200 euro! That’s about P10,000 at current exchange rates. I inquired from Miss Saleslady and she replied with a bemused smile: “New collection.”

Walk randomly on any street in the Netherlands and you’d see the teens and the youth sporting that threadbare look as in “gutay-gutay” that Sabine dutifully described: Ripped jeans, faded as in ukay-ukay faded.

I dare say Filipinos, as the French would exclaim in their fou-fou language, Filipinos are so avant la lettre. Just look at the recent season collection of Balmain or Christophe Dicarnin, or even the ‘pang-masa’ H&M and they would have the same threadbare look.

And the malnourished look, Sabine complained about. The Dutch girls that I know, being plump and bigboned by nature, would skip meals in pure spartan fashion so they can wriggle themselves into pricey skinny jeans and wear that Yayoi Kusama-inspired bikini for that next-top-beachlook this summer.

And the much-watered down pineapple juice? Well, you can take that as a form of molecular gastronomy which is the rage in top kitchens in recent years. Ask any avant-garde cook in Tokyo, Paris or Copenhagen and they would vote, hands-up, that culinary deconstruction is the next best thing since water, with zero calories, helps in efficient digestion.

That is if you have eaten enough after a molecular meal with molecular portions.

Whether it’s our version of ukayTurn to A5

T

HE President announced Thursday he had accepted the resignation of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II.

Prior to the announcement, talk was rife that the secretary was on his way out because of a string of deeds that appeared to run counter to the administration’s war on drugs and on corruption.

For instance, Aguirre’s prosecutors dismissed charges against several drug suspects including Kerwin Espinosa, who at a Senate hearing confessed to dealing drugs, and Peter Lim, whom no less than the President had tagged for his involvement in the drug trade.

To everyone’s incredulity, the prosecutors said evidence was weak against the suspects.

Soon after, Aguirre flirted with the idea of allowing Janet Lim-Napoles of pork-barrel notoriety into the government’s Witness Protection Program.

Just the mention of Napoles’ name enrages many Filipinos for her role in a grand scheme that allowed corrupt lawmakers to divert public funds to their pockets through fraudulent and hypocritical means.

Over in Bohol, the DoJ also dismissed charges against a provincial board member accused of killing his wife.

In his last day at work Friday, Mr. Aguirre attended the firstFriday Mass and said he hoped he was leaving the department a better place than he found it.

A swan song—anyone could hope away, of course.

The President sends a good message getting rid of his fraternity brother and loyal associate. This is not an ex-

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

traordinary thing to do—it is, instead, the bare minimum if Mr. Duterte were indeed serious about stamping out, or at least minimizing, illegal drugs and corruption.

Because a chief executive’s time, attention and energy are finite, he cannot attend to a multitude of concerns at the same time. This is why he must choose his alter egos on the basis of more than a shared history, like-mindedness or personal loyalties.

Clearly, Aguirre did his best to serve not necessarily the people but the man who appointed him. In the end, this approach backfired.

The Office of the Secretary of Justice, by its very name, is exacting. May the succeeding secretaries, led by justappointed Secretary Menardo Guevarra, make it more deserving of its name.

Commercialized Catholicism MANY Roman Catholic churches in the plush villages of Metropolitan Manila and in other urbanized cities in the Philippines have long been suspected of commercializing religious ceremonies and services—like weddings, baptismals, and wakes—to the extent that only the very rich can avail of such ceremonies and services.

That suspicion appears to have been confirmed last March 19 when the news media reported that Father Jose C. Galoy, the parish priest of Santuario de San Antonio Parish in the wealthy enclave of Forbes Park in Makati was compelled by his critics to recall his decision to impose “annual accreditation fees” on all suppliers, coordinators, florists, musicians, photographers and videographers covering all weddings at the high end church.

Under Galoy’s aborted plan, every supplier and coordinator must pay an annual accreditation fee of at least P50,000, while each florist, musician, photographer and videographer must hand over up to P30,000, also as their annual accreditation fee. In addition, every supplier would have been required to post a cash bond of P20,000 for every wedding. Incidentally, the wedding fee goes as much as P65,000 for couples who are not residents of Forbes Park and the surrounding diocese.

It’s in Forbes Park and elsewhere.

Honoring General Emilio Aguinaldo, revolutionary and president POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO Part 2 MY LAST piece talked about the 149th birthday commemoration of General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy in his hometown, Kawit, Cavite, and the speech delivered by Senator Sonny Angara, the event’s guest of honor.

The senator emphasized that it is important to remember General Agui-

naldo for many important reasons. He reminded the people in Kawit that the valiant general’s victories in battle signaled a turning point for the Philippine revolution. It inspired many thousands to join the struggle for the country’s independence.

Heroes had weaknesses and shortcomings, too.

Historical accounts bear witness to the fact that while Andres Bonifacio lost in the battlefield and was forced to retreat and run from the Spaniards for months, the troops under Aguinaldo were winning battles to the point that Cavite was freed from the Spaniards.

The news of these victories inspired thousands to join the revolution and entire families flocked to Cavite, the first province to come under the control of the revolutionaries.

Angara also paid tribute to Aguinaldo because he gave our country’s most important symbol, the Philippine flag.

Aguinaldo designed the flag and had it

Galoy’s new rates triggered intense criticism and public outrage from those adversely affected by the measure, particularly mediumscale business enterprises engaged in preparations for wedding ceremonies. The social media carried many complaints, and a number of establishments threatened to boycott any wedding to be held at the Santuario de San Antonio church.

Eventually, the public outrage compelled Galoy to revoke his controversial revenue plan, and offered the lame excuse that it was merely “a work in progress,” and that the proposed new fees were meant “to preserve the solemnity of the sacrament of marriage.” Galoy added that funds are needed by his parish to finance the maintenance of the church grounds, scholarships, and its alleged “outreach programs” in prisons, hospitals, and homes for the aged.

Father Galoy probably thinks many Filipinos were born yesterday.

First, there is no correlation between Galoy’s exorbitant “annual accreditation fees” and “cash bonds” to the preservation of the solemnity of the sacrament of marriage. Church ushers and service personnel present during the wedding, and even the officiating priest himself, can see to that. In fact, money and solemnity are almost incompatible.

Second, Galoy’s high-end church already rakes in plenty of money from rentals and related fees from the numerous wakes of rich and famous personalities held in its adjoining funeral chapels. There is also a nearby pavilion which is also rented out for seminars, cultural events, and similar activities. All baptismals held at the church bring revenue. The same can be said of the collections done during every Mass.

All that revenue is, by law, tax exempt. Being so, does Galoy really need more revenue?

Third, the alleged scholarships cited by Galoy may or may not be real, but the so-called “outreach programs” he mentioned are highly suspect. Just Turn to A5

Turn to A5 Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher

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

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Opinion

In one article, the writer gives valid ALTHOUGH sugar has been with us for barely a thousand years, from reasons why sugar is bad. 1. Added which man has learned to process a sugars (like sucrose and high fructose variety of grass called sugar cane to corn syrup) contain no essential nutriadd taste to his food, records show that ents. There are no proteins, essential sugar has been less than three hundred fats, vitamins or minerals, just pure years since he made it an inseparable energy. When people eat up to 10-20 ingredient to his diet. From the simple percent of calories as sugar (or more), act of extracting juice from that sweet- this can contribute to nutrient defitasting grass we call “tubo,” sugar ciencies.

2. Sugar is high in fructose, which production has become a multibillion dollar industry that almost all the food can overload the liver. Before sugar we eat has sugar or is laced with sugar. enters the bloodstream, it is broken Unfortunately, alongside with the down into two simple sugars... glucose increase in demand for sugar is the and fructose. Glucose is found in evesteady growth of medicines to fight ry living cell. If we cannot get glucose back the debilitating effect of a dis- from our diet, our bodies produce it. ease attributed to sugar and alternative Fructose is different. The thing with food that allegedly will help reduce fructose is that it can only be metaboour intake of sugar. This, today, rep- lized by the liver. The fructose will be resents a multi-billion dollar industry. turned into glycogen and stored in the This indicates that sugar has been at- liver. However, if the liver is full of tributed to our erratic blood pressure glycogen, eating a lot of fructose overand why all of a sudden our organs fail loads the liver, forcing it to turn the to function. As they say, there is noth- fructose into fat leading to fatty liver ing to worry about because we now and all sorts of serious problems.

3. Sugar can cause insulin resisthave the medicines to fight back diabetes without telling us that sugar is ance, a stepping stone towards metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Insulin the real culprit. is a very important To detract us, hormone in the people behind body. It allows gluthis multi-billion cose (blood sugar) dollar industry, to enter cells from including their Diabetes is the the bloodstream army of learned tells the cells to endorsers, they number-one killer start burning glupoint to other fac- disease in the country, if cose instead of tors like salt as the fat. Having too one causing to rot not the world. much glucose in our kidneys. They the blood is very blame our native harmful and one food and delicaof the reasons for cies like bagoong and daing as the culprit without admit- complications like blindness. The ting that men, since the dawn of civi- cells that become “resistant” leads to lization, have been taking salt to sup- many diseases, including metabolic plement and add taste to their food or syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disto preserve them. Ancient armies like ease and especially type II diabetes.

4. The most common cause of kidthe Roman legions and the Mongols travel distant places only with a pack ney disease is diabetes. The bodies of of salt to keep them moving. Even big people with diabetes do not use the herbivore animals have been observed hormone insulin properly or does not to regularly slurp chunks of rock salt make insulin at all, so insulin injections or other diabetes medications are to keep them from dehydrating.

Today, diabetes is the number one required.

5. Sugar could produce cancer. killer in the country, if not in the world.

It is the nastiest form of disease. It will Many scientists believe that having not only allow the person to suffer like constantly elevated insulin levels can losing his eyesight, cause him to have contribute to cancer. Multiple studies high blood pressure to cause his heart show that people who eat a lot of sugar to palpitate, but eventually cause his are at a much higher risk of getting kidneys, heart, pancreas and liver to cancer.

6. The problem with sugar and many malfunction.

Before the person dies, the disease junk food is that massive dopamine is makes sure that he and his family are highly addictive. For this reason, peofinancially ruined. This one could see ple who have a susceptibility to addicbecause the array of medicines lined up tion can become strongly addicted to for him, including the daily injection of sugar and other junk foods.

7. Sugar is a leading contributor to insulin but either way he will die.

On the average, the cost of mainte- obesity in both children and adults. nance of a diabetic patient, not to in- Many studies have examined the link clude his on-and-off confinement, far between sugar consumption and obeexceeds the pension he receives. This sity and found a strong statistical asI say because on the average, retired sociation.

8. For many decades, people have persons are the ones afflicted with an acute stage of diabetes. Given the age blamed saturated fat for heart disease. bracket of people diagnosed to be dia- However, new studies show that satubetic, some are beginning to think that rated fat is harmless. The evidence is the disease was intentionally done by mounting that sugar, not fat, as the one food manufacturers and pharmaceuti- leading to heart disease via the harmful effects of fructose on metabolism. cal companies.

To be sure, sugar is addictive just like If their daily dosage could no longer normalize their blood sugar, doc- any of those addictive medicines. All tors readily suggest they inject insu- those banned medicines used by athlin until the body finally gives up, letes are sugar-based medicines. Thus, and the dying will have to cross the if you are fat, it is because you have too Rubicon of undergoing kidney trans- much sugar in your body, and once peoplant which is expensive and contin- ple realize you are thinning fast like a gent if there is an available donor. balloon that has just been pricked, that We also overlooked that cancer cells is symptomatic that one is diabetic. So, thrives most when the body has very if you want to remain sexy, beautiful, high sugar content. This explains why slim and alert, reduce your sugar intake patients diagnosed with cancer are and you will see the difference. often required to avoid sugar or any rpkapunan@gmail.com fruit with high sugar content.

Commercialized...

From A4

how many people have seen priests from high-end parishes visit prisons, hospitals for the poor and desolate, and homes for the aged—on a regular basis?

The revenue incident in Santuario de San Antonio happened because Roman Catholicism in urban areas in the country has become commercialized. Critics maintain that church services are available only to those who can pay for them.

What happened to the vow of poverty taken by all Catholic priests?

Do cardinals and priests ride public transportation?

Clergy from rich dioceses use latemodel expensive cars. Cardinals ride in luxury vehicles, escorted by heavily

armed security personnel in large SUVs. Why do they need bodyguards? If they are basically good to begin with, they ought not to have enemies, especially enemies who would want to harm them.

A number of parishes have been exposed by the news media as beneficiaries of local gambling lords. Once, a highly visible church leader in Central Luzon was discovered to be living in a luxurious mansion which was “lent to him.”

Priests operating well-patronized elementary and secondary schools in the metropolis live in luxury. Their expensive wristwatches, their jewelry, and their imported shoes are already indicators of their luxurious lifestyles. It’s almost as if Father Damaso of Jose Rizal’s novel came to life.

An order of Catholic priests based north of Manila which operates a nationwide chain of schools known for its very

A5

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Overcoming doubt, receiving mercy

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

Why we should minimize sugar

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

TOMORROW is the Second Sunday of Gospel and, as it has been this past week, the Gospel tells a resurrection story, this time when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after he rose from death. On that day, the disciples were in a locked door fearful of the Jews when Jesus appeared to them, showing them his hands and his side.

This caused great rejoicing among them for indeed their master has risen from the dead.

Thomas, one of the apostles, did not witness the event. So when he was told about the news, he was doubtful, saying—unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. It was only a week after when Jesus again appeared and Thomas was with them. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Many of us are like the doubting Thomas. We demand from God a sign of his presence in order that we should believe. To us God is a distant, opaque and invisible being. Yet, it is sin that beclouds our vision of God. A clean and pure heart has a 20/20 vision of God. But even to the unbelieving, God is ever present. He constantly urges the sinner to reconcile with him, but oftentimes it is our hearts enwrapped with hatred, impurity, violence and other forms of iniquity that compel us to reject the promptings of his spirit and force us to refuse to even acknowledge

Honoring...

From A4

made by Marcela Agoncillo in Hong Kong. The flag was first unfurled on May 28, 1898 after Aguinaldo’s victory in the battle of Alapan. Proudly, Aguinaldo and his troops put the national colors on display for the people to see for the very first time.

The flag would again be displayed in Kawit on June 12, 1898 when the country’s independence was declared.

This most important event happened in General Aguinaldo’s home, now called Aguinaldo Shrine.

Let me add that it was also during this event when Aguinaldo caused the Marcha Nacional Filipina (formerly Marcha Filipina Magdalo), the country’s national anthem composed by Julian Felipe, to be publicly played for the first time. I can only imagine how proud the people were to have a flag and a national hymn.

Angara noted that General Aguinaldo also elevated the essence of our nationhood when the Malolos Constitution (our country’s first constitution as a republic) was ratified, and the general was proclaimed as first president. This proud moment proclaimed to the whole world that the Philippines had ceased to be a colony, that the country and its people are free and sovereign.

Angara noted that General Miong was only 29 years old when he became president. The senator then said, “Pagnilayan po sana natin ito ng saglit.

Ano ba ang nagawa natin noong tayo’y 29 years-old lamang?” Indeed, who among our 29 year-olds can come close to General Aguinaldo’s accomplishments at this age?

Again, this is something that a lot of people overlook when they now consider Aguinaldo, our other heroes, and the expensive tuition fees has members living in luxury—in defiance of the order’s founder’s edict that its priests should live simple lives, educate the poor, preach to poor areas, and not just live and work in comfort in successful parishes.

Many clergy enjoy being treated like royalty, just like during the Spanish colonial era in the country. The security guards of a well-known university in Manila must stand at attention each time a priest passes by.

Ironically, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle denounced during the Holy Week certain arrogant “kings” in the government, whom he did not identify. Maybe he should include the priests of that Manila university in his list.

There are many nuns who are no better than priests. They operate high-end schools in Metropolitan Manila and

his presence in our lives.

This day is also called the Divine Mercy Sunday. It is the day when God opens the floodgates of graces and mercy to those who approach him, even to the hardest of sinners. The devotion of the Divine Mercy began to spread throughout the world in the 1930s based on the 600-page diary of St. Faustina Kowalska, a young Polish nun recording the revelations from Jesus. Jesus requested that Blessed Faustina make a special novena before the Feast of Mercy, from Good Friday through the following Saturday. Jesus also asked that a picture be painted according to the vision of Himself as the fountain of mercy. He gave her a

God continuously pursues and offers us his love and mercy despite our intransigence and constant refusal to accept or even acknowledge His offer of love.

many souls to his offer of love, saying, “My Heart overflows with great mercy for. Xxx I desire to bestow My graces upon souls, but they do not want to accept them (...). Oh, how indifferent are souls to so much goodness, to so many proofs of love! (...). They have time for everything, but they have no time to come to Me for graces” (Diary, 367).

Yet God in his infinite mercy remains faithful to his errant children, offering salvation even to the most hardened of sinners. He promises to bestow to them many graces, even victory over enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death to whosoever performs acts of devotion on this blessed Sunday.

In April 2000, St. Pope John Paul II in his homily, during the canonization of St. Faustina, said that God’s message of mercy continues to reach us through his hands held out to suffering man. This is how St. Faustina saw him and proclaimed him to people on all the continents when, hidden in her convent at Lagiewniki in Kraków, she made her life a hymn to mercy: Misericordias Domini in aeternum cantabo.

Nearer to home, our parish—Jesus, Lord of the Divine Mercy—is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It’s a wonderful Church that services a faithful community. We have been fortunate to have been blessed also with good pastors.

This Sunday reminds us that God continuously pursues and offers us his love and mercy despite our intransigence and constant refusal to accept or even acknowledge His offer of love.

It is time to renew our faith and trust in the risen Lord for today he is not only giving us a unique opportunity to experience his love and mercy, but also “to practice mercy’ towards others: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

chaplet to be recited and said that it was appropriate to pray the chaplet at three o’clock each afternoon (the Hour of Great Mercy)The devotion spread the message that God is merciful and forgiving that we too must show mercy and forgiveness; that God’s love is unlimited and available to everyone— especially the greatest sinners.

As recorded in St. Faustina’s diary, Jesus was quoted to have warned “Tell sinners that no one shall escape My Hand; if they run away from My Merciful Heart, they will fall into My Just Facebook: Antonio La Vina or tonyHands” (Diary, 1728). On another occasion, Jesus sighs the indifference of lavs2 Twitter: tonylavs context within they operated then. Many of us judge our heroes from the comforts of our offices using standards and knowledge we now have, and not based on the actual existing situation then—a revolution, and a war. How easy for us to condemn, vilify, and mark as traitor someone who has given us so much!

All things considered, General Miong gave most important and lasting gifts to the country and its people, then until now. According to Angara, these make Aguinaldo a hero.

The senator, however, pointed out something important. He said that despite El Caudillo’s bravery and gallantry, he was also like an ordinary person. He also doubted himself and his capacity to unite the country. In December 1898, Aguinaldo wrote a letter to the Filipino people asking for a gift—to be allowed to resign from his position. He admitted to not being well-versed on matters of running a state. He was also having a hard time dealing with “favoritism, selfishness, and bribery shown by other officials.” Aguinaldo, the first president, was also first to complain about what we now know as “trapo politics.”

Before we continue accusing Aguinaldo of incompetence as evidenced by this letter he wrote, let us first remember that the country, until Aguinaldo’s time, has not experienced running our own government. There was no role model for Aguinaldo, nothing. For a 29-year-old, heading the first Philippine government this must be extremely challenging. It was natural for anyone in Aguinaldo’s place to have doubts. It was good that he was prevailed upon by other leaders like Apolinario Mabini and Felipe Buencamino.

According to Angara, “Sa kwento ni Heneral Aguinaldo, ladies and gentlemen, maalala sana natin na totoong tao, hindi mga Diyos ang nagtayo ng ating bansa. Sana maalala din po natin na treat their schools as geese that lay golden eggs because they cater only to the rich. Parents are expected to sponsor the almost endless fund-raising projects of the nuns.

A convent in Quezon City which received donations of used clothes from Europe made commercial use of the donations in violation of the instructions of the donor. These nuns were brazen because they retained an expensive law firm based in Manila.

Many senior nuns from the less known orders treat their postulants like plebes in a military academy. The postulants are required to kiss the hand of each nun, and the nun does not even bother to look at them.

What is Cardinal Tagle doing to address this mess?

Belated happy Easter greetings to everyone!

mga taong tulad natin, hindi mga DiyosDiyosan ang magdadala sa ating bansa patungo sa kaunlaran at kasaganaan.”

Angara continued, “Our national heroes and heroines comprise a gallery of larger-than-life, almost mythical men and women. They have done extraordinary things that have changed the course of our nation’s history. But each have also made his or her fair share of mistakes. Like everybody else, they come with their own set of frailties, failures, and imperfections. Even in the face of hardships, they too, have their misgivings.”

“That does not strip away the greatness of what they have achieved. In fact, their humanity bounds their greatness, grounds it in reality, and makes it all the more admirable…. Umuusbong kasi ang kadakilaan mula sa pagkukulang at pag-aalinlangan ng tao. Hindi magiging bayani ang isang tao dahil wala siyang pagkakamali at pagkukulang.

Nagiging bayani sya dahil naiigpawan nya ang kanyang pagkakamali at pagkukulang para abutin ang tagumpay.”

Angara nailed it. Heroes are people, and people can be heroes. Our heroes, Rizal, Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, Mabini, and all others were not gods. They all had weaknesses and shortcomings. But they all did things for our country, our people. They are all heroes and it is important that we understand what they did, and what they went through. It is important to honor them, not demonize one in favor of another.

More than 100 years ago, an entire generation of Filipinos dreamed of and fought for a free and independent Philippines. One of those who gave us the most was General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy, revolutionary and first president. bethangsioc@gmail.com @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

Supah-cool...

From A4

ukay fashion or that much-derided pag-pag food salvaging resorted to by so-called ‘low-radar citizens’, we can safely surmise that, hey, it’s not that bad in our dear Islands of the Philippines.

You see, dear Sabine—and to spare you all that needless heartaches of deeply lamenting for our country and countrymen—all of these are a matter of perspective. Flip the way your brain works and everything will be just supah cool.

Joel Vega lives and works in Arnhem, The Netherlands, as publications editor for an international medical association.

News

A6

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MMDA gives way for DPWH road repairs along España

5 charged over ‘party drugs’ in 2016 rave party

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority o n Friday advised commuters and motorists to brace for a traffic gridlock along España Boulevard in Manila after it allowed the Department of Public Works and Highways to resume its reblocking operation in the area for six weekends.

MMDA acting general manager Jose Arturo Garcia said DPWH contractors will begin their road repairs starting next weekend, April 13 to 16, and will continue the following weekends until May 18 to 21.

One segment per lane along España Boulevard-westbound from Vicente G. Cruz to Arsenio H. Lacson Street will be closed to vehicular traffic at 10 p.m. on Fridays.

The MMDA Traffic Engineering Center said the entire road work will cover 166 meters stretch of España Boulevard.

The DPWH is also set to conduct road repairs along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue every weekend beginning Friday night (April 6) until November, this year.

“At 11 p.m. on Friday, one section on the southbound lane of Edsa from Eugenio Lopez Drive to Scout Borromeo in Quezon City will be closed to traffic. The affected lane would be passable on Monday 5 a.m.,” said Garcia.

The MMDA official said road repair will continue on more portions of Edsa up to Pinatubo area in Quezon City in the succeeding weekends until Nov. 2 to 4.

The massive road repair, according to Garcia, is part of DPWH’s road maintenance project intended to improve Edsa’s badly-damaged pavement. Entire roadwork will cover 1.6 kilometers stretch of Edsa.

“Road damage may get worse if we will delay the repair,” added Garcia.

Garcia said contractors were advised to observe guidelines in parking their equipment and the right procedure in pouring concrete so as to minimize obstructions along Edsa, the country’s busiest thoroughfare.

“Chairman Danilo Lim gave strict orders to follow the road repairs schedule and for the contractors not to obstruct traffic with their equipment and vehicles,” said Garcia.

The DPWH had started working on Edsa since last month. Areas covered by the ongoing repairs were the stretch of Aurora Boulevard to P. Tuazon on the southbound side and Nepa Q-Mart to Kamuning area on the northbound side.

The ongoing reblocking activities are being done one lane per every segment only during the weekends.

Based on records, around 300,000 vehicles pass by Edsa daily. Motorists are advised to avoid Edsa and use Mabuhay Lanes and other alternative routes to avoid being caught in traffic.

‘Every day is World Health Day at PCSO’ ON APRIL 7, the world will celebrate World Health Day, which calls on world leaders to take concrete steps to move towards universal health coverage.

The goal is to ensure that everyone, everywhere can access quality health services without having to undergo financial hardship.

Incidentally Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has been doing just that for 83 long years.

Staying true to its Charter, or Republic Act (RA) No. 1169, PCSO has been “providing and raising funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character.”

Everyday, we try to help people who are undergoing financial crisis due to sickness. Our doors are always open—whether they’re rich or poor—as long as they are Filipino [they are qualified],” said PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan.

As of 1st Quarter this year, there are already 38,199 total number of cases received through the Individual Charity Assistance Program, to which the agency spent about P1.34 billion, according to Rubin Z. Magno, manager of the Charity Assistance Department of PCSO. Topping the list of the most requested cases is confinement/hospitalization with 13,769 requests, where the agency spent about P571.48 million; next is chemotherapy with 8,313 requests at P386.15 million; and medicines with 8,415 requests at P157.64 million.

In 2017, there are 143,200 overall total number of cases, to which the agency spent about P4.75 billion, and every year, the requests keep on increasing.

“That’s why instead of introducing a new game this year, we are focusing on innovating our strategies and enhancing our existing games to increase our sales revenues.

As we all know, PCSO generate funds come from Lotto and other digit games, which is precisely the reason why we are going after illegal gambling because only gambling lords benefit from it. They don’t remit taxes to the government! While our Lotto, STL, and other games benefit everyone, especially the poor and the sick,” said Balutan.

BLACK FRIDAY. Rallyists and members of militant group Kilusang Mayo Uno trooped in front of a fastfood establishment in Mendiola, Manila to protest against contractualization as part of their weekly Black Friday protest on Friday, April 6, 2018. Norman Cruz

Misdeclared sports car, jet skis, payloader seized

By Vito Barcelo

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HE Bureau of Customs’ intensified drive resulted in the seizure of an expensive Porsche sports car, two payloaders, a forklift and jet skis worth more than P3 million in Cebu and Port of Manila.

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the seized Porsche, pay loaders and ski jets were all misdeclared to defraud the government of rightful duties and taxes.

The sports car alone was estimated to be worth P1.5 million, Lapeña said.

The confiscated payloader and forklift were consigned to Green Aphelion Marketing with office address in Sta. Ana, Manila. The ski jets came from

China and consigned to a certain Ferdie Alipio of BF Homes, Parañaque.

Lapeña said the illegal shipment was discovered after the BoC conducted 100 percent physical examination of the two container vans.

“The owner of Green Aphelion and the signing broker could face charges for duping the Bureau by misdeclaring the actual contents of the container,” he said.

The 2017 model jet skis were dis-

covered in the container upon X-ray examination.

It was shipped from the United States and was consigned to Imerex Group of Companies Inc. with office address in Cebu City.

Lapeña said the newly installed X-rays proved to be useful in the campaign against smuggling.

Some packages and containers which passed through X-ray machines are found to contain misdeclared items and taxable items.

“The BoC’s strict border security and monitoring results to higher returns in revenue collection of the bureau,” he said.

A portion of the additional budget of P1.4 billion for 2018 will be allocated in buying 56 additional X-ray machines, Lapeña added.

Cebu’s Lim seeks separate DoJ probe

By Rey E. Requejo CEBU-BASED businessman and alleged drug trafficker Peter Lim has asked the Department of Justice to conduct a separate preliminary investigation into the illegal drug charges filed against him and his corespondents.

In a five-page motion, Lim asked the DoJ’s panel of prosecutor to hold a separate preliminary investigation against him on ground that his defense might not be given due attention by the investigating fiscals.

“Mr. Lim is concerned that his defenses and the obvious lack of evidence against him might not be given due attention in view of the number of respondents and transactions involved in the case,” Lim said.

“Worse, his defenses might not only be glossed over and overshadowed as this Panel of Prosecutors may concentrate on the defenses raised by the other respondents,” the motion said.

According to Lim, the complainants in the case relied on the statements of Marcelo Adorco, the former bodyguard of the late Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa.

Rolando is the father of self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

“From Adorco’s own statements, it is clear that the alleged transactions between: (a) Kerwin and Co/Impal, on one hand; and (b) Kerwin and ‘Peter Lim,’ on the other hand, are separate, distinct and totally unrelated,” the businessman said.

“Considering that he is being charged with a non-bailable offense, and in order to prevent undue prejudice to him, Mr. Lim respectfully requests that this Panel of Prosecutors conduct a separate preliminary investigation against him to fully protect his constitutional right to due process,” Lim’s motion stated.

Resigned Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II had reconstituted a new panel of prosecutors composed of Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera, Assistant State Prosecutor Anna Norren Devanadera, and Prosecution lawyer Herbert Calvin Abugan.

In his order, Aguirre empowered the panel to continue the preliminary investigation on the cases against the two alleged drug kingpins.

He made the move after being criticized when a panel of prosecutors of the DoJ issued the Dec. 20, 2017 resolution dismissing the drug complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group's Major Crimes Investigation Unit.

TONDO RAID. Several persons were arrested for illegal possession of firearms during a raid at 651 Tomas St., Gagalangin, Tondo Manila, on Friday, April 6, 2018.

Seized from suspects are a .45 cal., 9mm pistols, a .38 cal. revolver, hand grenade and fake land titles. Norman Cruz

Mayor Binay pushes for pet vaccination in Makati THE city government of Makati on Friday urged residents to have their pets vaccinated following reports on the shortage of available human anti-rabies vaccines in the country.

“Apart from the expensive cost of human anti-rabies vaccines, the shortage could translate to fatalities if patients do not receive immediate treatment. The only thing we can do right now is to prevent cases of rabies in humans by making sure that our pets are vaccinated,” Mayor Abigail Binay said.

Binay said the lack of human rabies vaccines is alarming since the fatality rate is 100 percent. She added she is asking all residents to take advantage of the city’s anti-rabies program and have pets vaccinated for free—at the soonest time possible.

Reports showed that the Philippines was listed number six among the countries which still have reported cases of rabies, with around 200 to 500 people dying from the illness annually.

It also showed that 30 to 60 percent of the

victims were children under the age of 15.

Most of these deaths are caused by the lack of prevention measures, such as dogs not being vaccinated against the disease, lack of treatment after an animal bite, or misconceptions such as the belief that pouring vinegar on an animal bite will kill the rabies virus.

In its website, the Rabiesawareness.com stated that rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. Animals and people can get rabies when they come into contact with the saliva of, or most often through the bite of an infected animal.

The Department of Health recently confirmed the global shortage of human rabies vaccines.

On Tuesday, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced that his department will intensify its anti-rabies vaccination program for dogs in response to the problem. He also encouraged local government units to step up their dog anti-rabies immunization campaigns and promote responsible pet ownership. Joel E. Zurbano

TWO years after a rave party incident that resulted in the deaths of five people, authorities threw the book against five suspects who were found guilty of illegal drug possession during the event.

The suspects were linked to the deaths of the victims in the event dubbed as “Forever Summer” and hosted by a popular toothpaste brand, who were found to have overdosed on party drugs.

Two of the five suspects—Marc David Deen and Seergeoh Villanueva, were sentenced to life imprisonment and fined P5 million each.

The three others, identified as Erica Valbuena, Thomas Halili and Martin Dimacili, were sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined P500,000 each.

The five were arrested days after the event at a suspected party drug laboratory in Parañaque City in 2016.

Also charged were executives of toothpaste brand Closeup and its parent company, Unilever Philippines, for criminal negligence over the deaths, while the event and security organizers of the concert were also charged.

‘Deaths, injuries in road mishaps down in 2017’ THE number of deaths and injuries caused by vehicular accidents in the National Capital Region went down in 2017, an annual report from the Metro Manila Development Authority showed.

Based on the 2017 data collated by the MMDA through its Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System program, a total of 434 people were killed, down by 12 compared to the 446 number of deaths in 2016.

It also showed that the number of injuries in road accidents happened last year dropped by 1,502 to 19,374 from the previous number of 20,876.

“Record shows, that the actual number fatality in 2017 was 434 persons per 423 recorded cases of road crash which is lesser compared to 446 persons per 426 recorded cases in 2016. It shows effectiveness of the engineering solutions and interventions of the MMDA towards road safety,” the 2017 MMARAS report stated.

It also stated that “in 2017, the number of injuries in Metro Manila’s roads were 19,374 persons. A decrease of 7.19 percent from 20,876 of actual number of persons injured in 2016.”

MMDA Traffic Engineering Center chief Noemie Recio attributed the significant decrease of the number from the agency’s intensified apprehension of jaywalkers and implementation various road and traffic policies such as the motorcycle and bus lane schemes, and the one-truck lane policy along Circumferential Road 5 (C-5 Road).

Recio also cited the construction of additional footbridges and fences, and lightings on major streets in Metro Manila as contributing factors.

The 2017 MMRAS report showed that reckless motorcycle riding is also described as the top cause of deaths and injuries on Metro Manila streets.

It said that motorcycles listed with 247 the total number of deaths, followed by trucks (118) and private cars (97).

The records further stated that 24,058 motorcycles were involved in the road accidents last year.

“Motorcycles have the highest fatality accident rate,” said Recio.

Motorcycles also topped the list of vehicles with the most number of injuries at 12,182, up by 726 compared to the 11, 456 number of injuries in 2016; followed by cars (7,681).

MMRAS is a program created by the MMDA aimed at improving road management in the metropolis.

Government records showed that most road accidents happen because of undisciplined motorists, drunk driving and the use of mobile phones while driving. Most of these incidents involved reckless motorcycle riding men.

Records also showed that the number of motorcycles has steadily increased over the last four years in the Philippines. The entry of cheap motorcycles in the country and the worsening traffic condition in Metro Manila are seen as the primary reasons in pushing the demand for motorcycles.

The MMDA has been coming up with solutions to solve the problem in road safety. Among the measures are the installations of pedestrian facilities, signages and footbridges. Sidewalk clearing operations were also intensified.

“Road Safety is a global concern and the task to lessen the number of traffic accidents is a daunting objective but possible with the cooperation and support of the public,” the MMDA said. Joel E. Zurbano

Sports

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SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Century Properties to hold Batulao Bike Trail tilt PROMOTING an active and outdoor lifestyle, Century Properties Group is holding the first-ever “ArtVenture: Bike Trails at Batulao Artscapes” Bike Trail event on March May 5 and 12 at the 7-kilometer bike challenge circuit located at the Batulao Artscapes Complex in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The maiden Batulao biking event is the ultimate test of agility, concentration, endurance and athleticism that will challenge beginner, intermediate and professional bikers alike, thanks to its topography, composed of rolling terrain, hills, and natural forest.

“We envisioned this event to be a worthwhile adventure for all mountain biking enthusiasts. We want to elevate the awareness and support for the sport in the Philippines by providing a venue here in Batulao Artscapes, which truly espouses artventure, or an art cum adventure lifestyle. The site’s natural landscape indeed serves as an ideal destination for adrenalinepumping biking action,” said Century Limitless Corporation President and COO Tim Hallett, President of Century Properties’ leisure, tourism and hospitality unit that developed Batulao Artscapes.

Dubbed “the world’s first livable art park”, Batulao Artscapes is a 142-hectare residential tourism development situated in the heart of Batangas. The project, developed by Century Properties is dubbed as “the world’s first livable art park” because of its and features limited edition, branded designer prefabricated homes and museums, designed by some of the world’s preeminent architects, designers and artists.

The development is a partnership between CLC, a subsidiary of CPG, and Revolution Precrafted, a global manufacturer and supplier of prebuilt homes and structures.

Its world-class vacation amenities include a man-made beach with clubhouse and a lake with a charming wedding chapel. ‘Artventure’ facilities include a sports park, flavour park, and art park with museums designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects.

CLC Century then partnered with Trails Solutions Inc., a company dedicated to building world-class mountain bike parks and pump tracks around the country, to make the trail more conducive to semi-professional mountain biking and a permanent fixture in the development masterplan. Trails Solutions Inc. is the brainchild of sports enthusiast Toby Claudio with fellow mountain biking aficionados Edmund Mangaser, Vic Paterno and Agu Paiso.

Athletics, Patriots take semis openers BATANGAS CITY—Batangas City went through some anxious moments before surviving Valenzuela, even as Paranaque continued to peak at the right time to dump Muntinlupa at the start of their MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup at the Batangas City Coliseum here.

The Tanduay-backed Athletics blew hot and cold in Game 1 of their best-ofthree semis series against the Classic-Yulz before ekeing out an 80-75 win and moved a win away from securing a finals berth.

It was a highly-physical, grueling encounter as three players—Jayson Grimaldo of Batangas City and his teammate Adrian Santos and Ford Ruaya of Valenzuela got ejected.

Grimaldo and Ruaya grappled at each other while fighting for the loose ball and things nearly went out of hand.

Santos rushed inside the court to come to the aid of his teammate and was penalized in the process.

All three players were ejected from the game and will serve a one-game suspension starting in Game 2 to be held at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

The Parañaque Patriots, showing they’re peaking at the right time, easily disposed of the Muntinlupa Cagers, 84-59, in the other game.

The Gamboa Coffee-backed Patriots blasted the Angelis Resort-backed Cagers with a torrid shooting in the first half and solid defensive game plan.

With its excellent shooting in full display, Parañaque was able to break the game wide open in the first 20 minutes of play. The team shot a fantastic 63-percent from the field, including 8-of-11 treys in the first half.

On defense, the Patriots also worked double time as they held their rivals to just 26-percent shooting in the first half (9-of-34).

The Patriots padded their lead to as many as 25 points, 80-55, in the closing minutes of the fourth period.

South Korea, Japan to renew rivalry

Jordan Spieth of the United States plays a shot on the 17th hole during the first round of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. AFP

Spieth surges to lead; Woods 1 over in return

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UGUSTA—Tiger Woods felt the love, but it was Jordan Spieth who heard the roars as he surged to a two-stroke lead in the Masters Thursday with a scintillating six-under par 66.

Woods was back at Augusta National for the first time in three years, finally ready to challenge for a fifth green jacket after spinal fusion surgery last year.

From the practice range to the 18th green, Augusta fans made him more than welcome, although his one-over par 73 gave them few real opportunities to cheer.

“It has been awesome this entire comeback,” said Woods, 42. “I got a standing ovation on the range. Coming up to the first tee, the people come out of the clubhouse and the putting green. They’re really into it.”

The 14-time major winner grabbed his first birdie with a delicate downhill putt at the third.

He followed, however, with back-toback bogeys.

There was more trouble lurking around Amen Corner, where Woods was right off the tee at 11 and his shot from the trees hit a fan and dropped into the rough.

“It was a great shot there,” said Woods, who ended up with a bogey. “Unfortunately people ran out and it clipped them.

Otherwise it’s just short right of the green, an easy up and down from there.”

A dip in Rae’s Creek at 12 cost him a shot, although he limited the damage with an impressive 18-foot bogey putt.

He pulled strokes back at 14 and 16 and produced two crisp tee shots at 17 and 18 as he capped his round with a pair of solid pars.

“Seventy-three is fine,” Woods said. “I could have easily let it slip away. And I fought hard to get it back and I’m back in this championship.”

That bullish assessment came before Spieth caught fire, stringing together five birdies on the back nine as he seized a two-stroke lead over fellow Americans Matt Kuchar and Tony Finau.

The 24-year-old Texan, who has struggled to find consistency on the greens this season, was even through seven after two birdies and two bogeys.

Spieth rolled in a 14-foot eagle at the eighth, and two-putted from 40-feet for a birdie at 13.

He rolled in a nine-footer at 14, and his pitch at 15 left him a four-footer.

Birdie putts from within 10 feet followed at 16 and 17 before a terrific bogey save at 18.

“I felt like I putted well, but I didn’t putt amazingly well. I just hit some really solid iron shots on that back nine to go with just some solid, inside of 10, 12 feet, putting,” said Spieth, whose wire-to-wire Masters victory in 2015 was sandwiched between runner-up finishes in 2014 and 2016. AFP

Lady Warriors stun Falcons in Summer Slam UNIVERSITY of the East pulled off a shock 9-8 reversal over reigning UAAP champion Adamson while La Salle trounced Team P’Cali, 2-0, in women’s division of the Summer Grand Slam 12 softball tournament at the Sto. Niño ballpark in Marikina City recently.

The Lady Warriors came armed to the teeth against the Lady Falcons, hacking out the close win in 10 innings in the second day of action in the premier Open division of the annual tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and sanctioned by the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (AsaPhil).

In other matches, Adamson came away with a 5-2 victory over AdU Alumni, while the Philippine Youth team crushed UE, 10-0, and regional teams ChikaraBrunei and Indonesia scored 9-2 and 5-4 wins over Team P’Cali, respectively.

The week-long tournament drew 49 teams, featuing the top and rising softball talents in the country.

“Softball is something that we have big in our hearts. We’ve had great strides in the last few years with our women’s and men’s teams and we’re looking forward to playing in the 2019 SEA Games here in the Philippines and the 2020 Olympic Games, which is a big goal. I’d

AsaPhil president Jean Henri Lhuillier (fourth from left) flashes the thumbs-up sign, as he poses with (from left) AsaPhil board member Ron Sangil, Ponchie Santos, exec assistant to Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, Marikina Sports Center administrator Angelito Llabres, sec-gen board member Denis Nuevo, and board member Jose Miguel Jimenez during the opening rites of the annual event.

like to congratulate all of you guys for coming and playing here. May the best team win,” said AsaPhil president and Cebuana Lhuillier president/CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

In the women’s Club division, Rizal defeated Sta. Maria, Bulacan, 10-7, and ripped Makati, 5-0; while Polytechnic University of the Philippines outclassed Makati City, 6-1; and San Miguel toppled Laguna, 3-1.

In men’s Club section, Antipolo routed AMLA, 17-2; Cabuyao crushed San Ildefonso, 7-1; Quezon toppled RTU, 11-9; and Best Binangonan blasted Alasba, 9-2; while Rizal Technological U clobbered the Orioles, 9-0.

Others which posted shutout victories were Marikina, which crushed BBinangonan, 21-0; Ateneo Coaches, which smothered Manila, 10-0; and Cabuyao which thumnped BSU, 7-0.

Cocolife faces Smart, shoots for PSL quarterfinal incentive BATANGAS CITY—Cocolife shoots for a quarterfinal incentive when it clashes with Smart in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Saturday at the Batangas City Sports Center.

Battle is set at 6 p.m., with the Asset Managers looking for an important victory to pocket one of the four twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinals of this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu and UCPB Gen with ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

Also gunning for a crucial victory is Foton, which will face Generika-Ayala at 4 p.m. in this league that also has Senoh, Mikasa, Asics, LGR and Grand Sport as technical sponsors.

Despite hammering contrasting fortunes in their previous matches, powerhouses Pe-

Games Today (Batangas City Sports Center) 4 p.m. – Foton vs Generika-Ayala 6 p.m. – Cocolife vs Smart

tron and F2 Logistics have already clinched the first two twice-to-beat incentives after posting identical 8-1 marks entering the crucial stretch of the classification phase.

Cocolife (5-4), Foton (4-4) and Sta. Lucia Realty (4-5) are pressured to score crucial victories to formalize their claim of the last two remaining quarterfinal incentives and to march into the next round oozing with confidence.

The Asset Managers, however, are in a perfect position to bag the incentive as they battle the Giga Hitters, who have yet to win a single match despite the effort of hard-

hitting Cuban reinforcement Gyselle Silva.

But Cocolife coach Moro Branislav vows to be careful.

“For me, Smart is a dangerous team,” said Branislav, the noted Serbian mentor, who guided Foton to the Grand Prix crown in 2015.

“Gyselle Silva is one of the most talented imports in this conference and her team will be playing with nothing to lose. If Silva will play the way she’s playing in their last two or three matches and the locals will support her, then we’ll be in big trouble.”

Branislav stressed that although they swept Smart in their first meeting, 25-20, 25-22, 25-13, the Giga Hitters had improved tremendously as the chemistry among Silva, Sonja Trivunovic and the local players like Janeth Serafica, Maureen Penetrante-Ouano, Jeanie Delos Reyes and Genie Sabas is well.

JAPAN has a strong history of mixed martial arts as the country has given birth to heaps of legendary promotions such as Pancrase, Shooto, DREAM and PRIDE. From fearless strikers to elite submission grapplers, Japan also provided the sport with a long list of extraordinary talents.

Meanwhile, South Korea sparked its own mixed martial arts renaissance in 2003 with the establishment of the nowdefunct Spirit Martial Challenge.

Since having its first local mixed martial arts organization through Spirit Martial Challenge, the sport in South Korea has grown in leaps and bounds, paving the way for the founding of the locally-loved Road Fighting Championship and the influx of homegrown competitors.

Combatants from Japan and South Korea have shared the battlefield on numerous occasions as both countries are staking their claims as the ultimate powerhouse of mixed martial arts in Asia.

The Japan-South Korea rivalry will be rekindled on April 20 as Masakazu Imanari is slated to take on former world title contender Dae Hwan Kim inside the five-rope ONE Championship ring.

Both men are set to face each other on the undercard of ONE: HEROES OF HONOR, which takes place at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

For the past 18 years, Imanari has carved a niche for himself in the world of mixed martial arts as the Japanese warrior rose to prominence by becoming a three-time titleholder in Deep and is famously known for his moniker “Ashikan-Judan,” which translates to “Master of Leglocks.”

With a style focused on submission grappling, 25 of Imanari’s 36 career victories have come by submission finish.

After falling short in his muchawaited ONE Championship return last January against Yusup Saadulaev, Imanari plans to redeem himself by claiming a big win over Kim. “I think I will make a big statement, and this win will be a big one,” Imanari guaranteed. “It’s Japan versus South Korea. I can’t lose this match. I have to win this.”

Alab Pilipinas out to remove Saigon in ABL playoffs SAN Miguel-Alab Pilipinas looks to close out their best-of-three quarterfinals series against the Saigon Heat this Sunday in the ASEAN Basketball League’s Playoff round in front of a hostile crowd at the CIS Arena in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Filipinos can watch and cheer for the squad on ABSCBN S+A and S+A HD at 8 p.m.

The team took game one last April 1 when it hacked out a 110-100 victory over their rivals with reigning ABL MVP Bobby Ray Parks scoring 24 points.

World import Justin Brownlee, meanwhile, finished with an almost triple-double job of 22 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.

Alab Pilipinas has won 10 of its last 12 games but fell short of an outright semifinals seat when defending ABL champions Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions got beat by the Chong Son Kung Fu squad.

After tasting defeat at the hands of Alab the last time they faced each other, the Heat still could not solve the puzzle and saw themselves down big before head coach Kyle Julius was sent off the playing court because of technical fouls for continuous complaining in the first half of the game.

Saigon’s world import Maxie Esho paced the Heat with a career-high 42 point outing while Fil-Am Mikey Williams and Jamaican Akeem Scott chipped in 19 apiece.

Alab will welcome back Josh Urbiztondo in the fold this Sunday as they go for the sweep to move to the semifinal round against defending champs Hong Kong, which is led by Fil-Am center Christian Standhardinger.

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

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

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SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

Sports

Garcia named Tiger Cubs’ coach; FEU eyes Final 4 Games today (Mall of Asia Arena) 8 a.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Men) 10 a.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men) 2 p.m. – AdU vs FEU (Women) 4 p.m. – UP vs Ateneo (Women)

Members of the Batang Gilas celebrate their victory over Japan in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship in Foshan, China. With the win, the PH juniors earned a seat to the Fiba U17 World Cup. Fiba.com

Allianz Conquer Challenge set May 13

By Peter Atencio THE thrills and frills of obstacle course racing are about to be set into high gear.

Organizers will start holding and staging the first of three major races, dubbed as the Allianz Conquer Challenge, next month.

The first race is slated on May 13 at the Vermosa in Daang Hari, Imus, Cavite.

Conquer Challenge president Rob Afzelius said their series of races will allow enthusiasts to enjoy a mix of sporting activities that are of a higher level and acceptable to all.

“I believe that this is an evolution of adventure racing and other sports, with something higher and acceptable,” said Afzelius during yesterday’s press conference at the Allianz Philippine National Bank Life offices in Ayala Ave., Makati.

Afzalius talked about their events during the Conquer Challenge launch with Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation president Alberto Agra, Allianz chief operating officer Alexander Grenz, Allianz Chief Marketing Management officer Gae Martinez, their branding communications and digital director Rei Abrazaldo.

Afzelius said they are reaching the 500 mark in their list of entries, believing that they could reach the 1,000 mark next month.

There will be different set of races.

Participants can join the elite division, known as the Conquer Challenge Power Race, which is a 7 km run and 20 obstacles race.

There’s also the open category, which is for beginners, and is 3 kms long and has 12 obstacles.

For kids, there’s the 13-yearold and up open division, and the 7-12 yrs old kid section. Its distance is 7 kms and has at least 7 obstacles.

Allianz also announced its partnership with two other events coinciding with the Conquer Challenge. They are Allianz’s partnership with the Philippine Heart Association for the PHA Heart Run, and a Bayanihan Walk happening in Singapore for the Filipino community there.

Gilas jrs edge Japan, earn World Cup berth

Greg to miss more games for Gin Kings

By Jeric Lopez GREG Slaughter will continue to miss more games for Barangay Ginebra.

According to Gin Kings’ coach Tim Cone himself, the team just found out that it has to play the first part of the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup without its potent big man due to his continuing problems with his sprained ankle.

“We just learned about a bad news that Greg Slaughter will miss the first half of the Commissioner’s Cup due to his injury,” said Cone.

This injury already caused Slaughter to miss the entire playoffs of the seasonopening Philippine Cup where he could’ve given Ginebra a much-needed boost.

Further, it might have cost the Gin Kings a better chance against mighty San Miguel Beer in the semifinals of the Philippine Cup, where they struggled to contain reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.

Cone said that his squad is in the process of digesting the development and seeking a direction as it prepares for the second conference.

“Right now, we still have more than 20 days to figure out which direction we can go for the next conference without Greg,” he said.

Slaughter was projected to play midway that series but that never came to fruition as Cone admitted that it is taking a long time for his ankle to heal up.

Also, Ginebra will still have to play several games without resident import Justin Brownlee as he is still finishing his stint with Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball league playoffs.

Shane Edwards is the team’s temporary import, while it waits for Brownlee’s availability.

As of this report, the Beermen are doing their best to seal a four-peat and win their fourth straight Philippine Cup title against Magnolia in Game 5 of their championship showcase.

San Miguel, currently ahead 3-1, only needs a single game to once again reign supreme and make history.

S

IXTEEN-YEAR-OLD RC Calimag, who wasn’t supposed to be playing for Batang Gilas, made his decision to stay behind in the Philippines worth the sacrifice.

The 6’1” Calimag scored what proved to be the winning basket in the last eight seconds as Batang Gilas made a date history following a thrilling 72-70 win over Japan in the Fiba Under-16 Asian Championship in Foshan, China on Thursday.

Calimag, who stayed in the country for Gilas as he decided not to leave for the United States to be with his mom and two siblings to pay their dad a visit, knocked in 15 points, including the game winner with eight seconds left that shattered a 70-all deadlock.

Japanese hotshot Chikara Tanaka, who gave Batang Gilas a scare with his three-point bombs, however, bungled a jump shot in the ensuing play with a second left, enabling the Gilas juniors to escape with the win that netted them a berth in the semifinal round and a historic place in the Fiba U17 World Cup. The Philippines made it to the Fiba Under-17 World Championship (renamed Fiba U17 World Cup) in 2014 on a team led by University of the Philippines’ Paul Desiderio and Ateneo’s Matt and Mike Nieto and Jolo Mendoza.

Calimag was not supposed to play for Batang Gilas after his parents booked him a flight to the United States to visit his dad Ricky, a retired PBA player and former member of the San Beda Red Lions.

But when his dad learned that Calimag was going to be part of the team that’s going to China, Ricky asked his mom to cancel his flight to the US.

Because of this, RC will just follow his family to Los Angeles after his stint in the tournament is over, according to family members.

Kai Sotto powered Batang Gilas with 28 points and 21 rebounds, including a split charity in the last 1:28 that allowed them to stay afloat, 70-65.

Tanaka led Japan with 17 points as scored all of his team’s points in an 11-1 rally, spiked by three triples that allowed the Japanese to fight their way out of a 59-69 deficit and into a 70-all tie with 32 seconds left.

Earlier, Batang Gilas took charge early and smothered Hong Kong, 103-61, last Thursday to reach the quarterfinals.

Australia also advanced to the semifinals after prevailing over South Korea, 6960, along with New Zealand, which pulled off a 73-69 win over Iran.

Host China and Lebanon are still locked in a showdown, with the winner facing Batang Gilas this Saturday.

In 2013, Batang Gilas reached the finals, but lost to China, 78-85.

The scores: Philippines 72—Sotto 21, Calimag 15, Cortez 8, Fortea 6, Guadana 4, Padrigao 4, Andrada 4, Bautista 3, Balaga 0, Chiu 0, Lazaro 0, Go 0.

Japan 70—Tanaka 17, Yuki 14, Mitani 12, Tominaka 12, Nakamura 5, Kawamura 2, Yokochi 2, Sasayama 0, Iwasaki 0.

Quarterscores: 15-17, 32-34, 57-46, 72-70. Peter Atencio

Ginebra coach Tim Cone announced that their seven-foot slotman Greg Slaughter, shown here making his move inside during a PBA game, will miss half of the Commissioner’s Cup due to his ankle injury.

A NEW coach has been chosen to handle the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs.

Bonnie Garcia, one of Aldin Ayo’s assistant coaches with the UST Growling Tigers, will be the interim head coach of the juniors’ basketball team.

The school’s official publication said Garcia’s appointment by Growling Tigers’ head coach Ayo comes almost a month after Chris Cantonjos quit his post.

Garcia is the former coach of the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates in the National Collegiate Athletic Association and Sta. Lucia Realtors in the Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League in 2016.

Ayo currently handles UST’s basketball operations for both high school and college.

In an online interview, Ayo said he chose Garcia in order to keep a single training system from the junior division to the senior division.

“We want to compete sa high school level and prepare them pag-akyat sa college,” said Ayo in a statement.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University seeks to formalize its Final Four entry against Adamson University today in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Sporting a 7-4 slate, the Lady Tamaraws are aiming to boost their twice-tobeat incentive bid in their crucial 2 p.m. duel with the Lady Falcons.

Ateneo, still undefeated in the second round, eyes to solidify its hold on the No. 2 spot as it plays University of the Philippines in the day’s other match at 4 p.m.

FEU is separated by two games with Adamson University in the race for the last Final Four berth.

Once they accomplish their initial goal of making it to the semifinals, the Lady Tamaraws’ next target is to crash into the Top 2 at the end of the double-round eliminations.

Being the lower-ranked team in the semis, FEU crashed out in the Finals’ hunt in the last two seasons, as Bernadeth Pons and company are hoping for a different story this time around.

Thai beats Cyna for 1st LPGT victory TARLAC—Thai Supakchaya Pattaranakrueang claimed her first Ladies Philippine Golf Tour crown the hard way, needing three extra holes to foil Cyna Rodriguez and snare the ICTSI Luisita Ladies Championship crown at the Luisita Golf and Country Club here yesterday.

Pattaranakrueang missed clinching it on the first playoff hole on No. 18 but hit a solid drive and a superb approach shot on the par-4 No. 10 and banged in the putt from pin-length distance to end a grueling search for a victory the last five weeks here and abroad.

“I’m very happy. I’ve been wanting to win here,” said Pattaranakrueang, who tied for 13th at the Tagaytay Highlands Ladies Challenge last month and saw action in India, Thailand and China in pursuit of a championship.

“I’d like to rest for now and enjoy the moment,” said the 29-year-old Thai, who also birdied No. 16 in regulation play to salvage a 72 and force a tie at 219.

Rodriguez blew a two-shot lead with a poor frontside stint but fought back from three down to regain the lead with back-to-back birdies from No. 14 but settled for pars the rest of the way for a 74.

Both parred the first two playoff holes on the par-4 No. 18 with Rodriguez needing a pair of par saves and Pattaranakrueang muffing her birdie putt from 12 feet and saving a par on the next after overshooting the green.

The Filipina ace hit the fairway bunker on the third extra hole and came up short on her approach and Pattaranakrueang never gave her the chance to extend the duel by sinking that titleclinching putt worth P350,000.

PH Cuppers promise to give visiting Thais a good fight

The Philippine Davis Cup team (from left) team captain Chris Cuarto, John Bryan Otico, Jeson Patrombon, Francis Casey Alcantara, Johnny Arcilla and AJ Lim

FRANCIS Casey Alcantara and the rest of the national team promise to give Thailand a good fight.

This is because competitions in Bahrain and Qatar over the last three weeks have kept the national squad in shape for their coming encounter with the Thais starting today in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group 2 tie at the Philippine Columbian Association indoor courts.

“Preparations are okay. Galing kami sa mga tournaments sa Bahrain at sa Qatar. We have been together for the last two weeks,” said Alcantara.

Alcantara, who has been around for some time with the national squad, won’t

be playing in the singles.

Instead, Jeson Patrombon and John Bryan Otico will be picked in today’s first two singles starting at 10 a.m.

During yesterday’s draw, Patrombon was picked to meet Jirat Navasirisomboon in the first singles, while Otico battles Wishaya Trongcharooencharakul.

The world no. 391-ranked Alcantara will join a much-experienced Johnny Arcilla in meeting the Ratiwatana twins Sanchai and Sonchat, who are expected to make an impression in the doubles.

Sanchai is ranked 101 in the world, while Sonchai is at no. 123, and Thailand wants to make a difference in the doubles

with their presence.

The 26-year-old Alcantara acknowledges the experience that the Ratiwatanas have.

“They are more experienced with the many games that they have played. But we will try our best and give them a good fight,” added Alcantara.

Non-playing team captain Chris Cuarto believes that the team’s familiarity with the conditions of the shell court after three weeks of practice has made the squad ready for anything.

On Sunday, Otico takes on Navasirisomboon,while Patrombon will be pitted against Trongcharooencharakul.

Peter Atencio

IN BRIEF

GMA approves cash dividends of P2.43b THE board of GMA Network Inc. approved the declaration of cash dividends totaling P2.430 billion, or P0.50 per share, during a meeting held at the GMA Network Center on April 5.

The network has declared total dividend per share and total dividends amounting to P4.81 and P23.378 billion, respectively, from 2008 to 2018.

The payout date for the dividend is set on May 15, 2018 to shareholders of record as of April 23, 2018.

Since launching an initial public offering in 2007, GMA Network has been paying out cash dividends equivalent to almost 100 percent of the company’s net income every year. “We are the only company in the Philippine broadcast industry that has consistently declared cash dividends each year since becoming publicly listed. We are proud to uphold our commitment to provide the best returns to our shareholders,” said GMA Network chairman and chief executive Felipe Gozon.

The network sustained its nationwide TV ratings lead in the first quarter of 2018 based on data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

Business

Mindanao holds key to poverty reduction UNLOCKING Mindanao’s potential is critical in bringing down poverty in the entire country, says a new report launched Friday by the World Bank, the Mindanao Development Authority and the Philippine Business for Social Progress.

The main challenge for Mindanao, like the rest of the Philippines, is how to speed up growth that creates more and better jobs and reduces poverty, said the report, entitled Mindanao Jobs Report: A Strategy of Mindanao Regional Development.

MinDA chairperson Secretary Abdul Khayer Alonto said the strategies cited in the report was a timely observation.

“Under our long-term development plan as approved and included in the Philippine Development Plan for 2017-2022, we are pursuing socio-economic development initiatives through the Mindanao Development Corridors,” he said.

Othel V. Campos

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

B1

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PAL-AAP PARTNERSHIP. Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, teams up with the Automobile Association of the Philippines as the carrier in the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile Sport Conference slated on June 4-6 in Manila. As the event’s official carrier, PAL will provide 2 business class tickets to lucky delegates, and discounts to participants. Sealing the partnership deal are (from left) AAP advocacy and marketing manager Cynthia Reyes, AAP motorsport committee chair Mandy Eduque, PAL vice president for marketing Ria Domingo, AAP travel committee chair Mina Gabor and AAP assistant operations manager for travel Michael Quitorio.

Meralco: April power rates up P0.2250/kWh M

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ANILA Electric Co. announced Friday an increase of P0.2250 per kilowatt-hour in overall electricity rates for April, mainly due to the P0.1773 per kWh rise in the generation charge.

Meralco said in a statement the adjustment this month brought the overall rate to P10.55 per kWh from P10.32 per kWh in March.

Residential consumers with a monthly average consumption of 200 kWh will pay P45 more in their bill.

Meralco said month’s increase included the P0.12 per kWh balance of

the supposed increase in March.

Electricity rates in March increased P0.97 per kWh but only P0.85 per kWh was implemented to cushion the impact of the higher electricity rates on consumers.

Meralco said the generation charge rose to P5.4735 per kWh this month from P5.2962 per kWh in March.

“Contributing to the generation charge increase were higher charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, which increased by P1.6441 per kWh because of tighter supply conditions in the Luzon Grid,” the electricity retailer said.

WESM serves as the country’s trading floor of electricity.

Meralco said demand for power in the grid increased by about 357 megawatts due to warmer temperatures.

“Luzon was placed on yellow alert

by National Grid Corporation of the Philippines on February 26 due to

forced plant outages and restrictions in the supply of natural gas from Malampaya that affected the output of several power plants,” the company said.

Natural gas supply from the Malampaya gas field was restricted from February 26 to 27, March 3 to 5, and March 8 to 14.

Meralco, meanwhile, secured 15 percent of its supply from the WESM during the March supply month.

The higher WESM charges were slightly offset by a P0.1412 per kWh drop in the cost of power from Independent Power Producers due to improved average plant dispatch. Meralco obtained 39 percent of its supply from the IPPs last month.

Charges from plants under Meralco’s power supply agreements, meanwhile, remained stable, inching up just P0.0077 per kWh. The PSAs provided 46 percent of Meralco’s total power requirements.

Forex reserves fall to 39-month low of $80.1b

Thrift banks back plan to sell bonds THE Chamber of Thrift Banks backed the government’s planned bond issue to raise funds for the completion of the Department of Agriculture’s farm-tomarket roads and its farm and fisheries mechanization program.

Chamber president Gregorio Anonas III said in a statement Friday the proposed bond flotation would allow banks to comply with the agri-agra law (the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009) that requires them to set aside 25 percent of loanable funds for agricultural and agrarian reform financing.

“This initiative is among the proposals elevated by CTB to our legislators, particularly to House Committee on Banks chairman Ben Evardone,” Anonas said.

“We are grateful to Cong. Evardone and the DA for introducing this program which we view as a win-win proposition for both the banking and agri sectors,” Anonas, who is also Wealthbank president, said.

He said CTB was committed to help farmers obtain a more dignified way of life through the extension of loans to increase farm productivity. He said CTB was also committed to its fiduciary responsibility to depositors whose funds the banks are bound to protect.

Agriculture last month announced a plan to do a bond flotation program this year to finance farm-to-market roads and farm mechanization projects aimed at improving the productivity of the sector.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said he made a proposal to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. to fund the backlog of 13,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads as well as its farm modernization program.

“In the proposal, it is recommended that the government will float bonds to be sold to private and commercial banks to finance the construction and completion of critical farm-to-market roads which would connect food and agricultural production areas to the national highways and later railway loading depots en route to the market,” Piñol said in a statement. Julito G. Rada

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

CEB stands to lose $5m from closure of Boracay

PLDT retains lead in home broadband PLDT Inc. said on Friday it kept its top position in the home broadband market last year.

PLDT reported a total Home subscriptions of 4.1 million last year, up 12 percent from a year ago, including Fibr, DSL and voice customers.

PLDT fiber facilities passed four million homes at the end of 2017, expanding by around 1.2 million from the previous year.

“The market response to PLDT’s aggressive deployment of fiber lines was quick and strong, adding nearly half a million new subscribers,” PLDT senior vice president and head of consumer business market development Oscar Reyes Jr. said.

“The dramatic improvement in PLDT’s ability to deliver faster broadband speeds with the rollout of fiber and hybrid fiber, coupled with continuous innovations in digital solutions, access to content, and bundled offers, have boosted subscriptions,” he added.

Reyes noted that PLDT Home also introduced the world’s leading entertainment platform Roku through its Roku-powered TVolution. Darwin G. Amojelar

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

By Julito G. Rada

DMCI AWARDS. Diversified engineering conglomerate DMCI Holdings Inc. wins one of the four Platinum Anvils in the 53rd Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. The Anvil Awards is considered the Oscars of public relations in the country. DMCI Holdings received the prestigious award for its 2016 Integrated Annual Report (“Delivering Real Benefits”), after garnering the highest score in its public relation tool category (Publication). In all, DMCI Holdings won four Anvil Awards— Platinum and Gold Awards for Delivering Real Benefits, a Gold Anvil Award for the Hard Hat Newsletter Special Tribute issue for DMCI group founding chairman David Consunji and a Silver Award for its Hard Hat company newsletter.

CityMall secures P5-b lease contracts

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CITYMALL Commercial Centers Inc., a joint venture between DoubleDragon Properties Corp. and SM Investments Corp., won lease contracts worth P4.97 billion in several CityMall sites across the country.

DoubleDragon said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 10-year contacts involved the lease of an additional 22 SM Savemore Supermarkets in CityMall scheduled for opening this year.

“The signing of another 22 SM Savemore Supermarkets to locate in our soon-to-open CityMalls is a testament to the value of what CityMall is providing to modern retail brands and the relevance of the platform we provide in their expansion into the next frontier of retail,” DoubleDragon chief investment officer Hannah Yulo said.

Twenty eight CityMalls are in operations with an average occupancy rate of over 95 percent as of the first quarter of 2018.

“We now have 28 operational malls, plus the 22 more malls slated for com-

pletion this year, we are in line with our goal of having 50 completed malls by the end of this year,” DoubleDragon chairman Edgar Sia II said.

DoubleDragon expects to generate at least P20 billion in rental income during the first 10 years of operations once the target 100 CityMalls is completed.

“For the past three years, DoubleDragon has already planted the seeds and necessary groundwork that will enable the company to play a major role in this retail transformation as we continue to expand in what will essentially be the most important market one day as e-commerce continues to disrupt the urban market,” Sia said.

“The business model of CityMall is positioned to remain relevant beyond the age of digitalization because we focus on delivering only basic necessities, and generally, the supermarket, cinema, services and food tenants combined occupy more than 70 percent of a typical CityMall. CityMalls are also conveniently located in provincial city centers within close reach of its market.” he added.

THE country’s gross international reserves declined to a 39-month low of $80.1 billion at the end of March this year from $80.4 billion in end-February, pulled down mainly by the government’s settlement of maturing foreign exchange obligations, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas officer-in-charge Deputy Governor Cyd Tuano Amador said Friday.

Data showed the reserves were the lowest level since $79.54 in December 2014.

Amador in a statement also attributed the decline in reserves in March to outflows arising from the foreign exchange operations of the Bangko Sentral.

“These were partially tempered by the national government’s net foreign currency deposits [which include proceeds from the issuance of renminbi-denominated bonds (Panda Bonds) for the NG’s general financing requirements] and revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings resulting from the increase in the price of gold in the international market,” Amador said.

She said the end-March 2018 level of reserves served as an ample external liquidity buffer and was equivalent to 7.8 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

The reserves were also equivalent to 5.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity.

Net international reserves, which refer to the difference between the Bangio Sentral’s GIR and total short-term liabilities, also decreased by $0.3 billion to $80.1 billion at the end of March end-March from the end-February level of $80.4 billion.

BUDGET carrier Cebu Pacific expects $5 million in foregone revenues due to the six-month closure of Boracay Island, according to the report of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation.

Citing executives from Cebu Pacific, CAPA said the budget airline’s Caticlan and Kalibo flights accounted for 6 percent to 7 percent of its total traffic and six percent of total revenue.

“The group said that under the worst case scenario the six month closure of Boracay will have a $5-million impact on its bottom line,” CAPA said.

“However, the $5 million impact assumes Cebu Pacific is unable to recover some of these losses by increasing operations on other routes.

Depending on the success of capacity redeployment efforts, Cebu Pacific believes the financial impact will be closer to $3 million,” it added.

Despite the closure, Cebu Pacific will initially maintain a small number of flights in Caticlan and Kalibo to cater to local residents To serve local residents and ensure continuity of commerce in Northern Panay island, Cebu Pacific will operate a number of flights for Kalibo and Caticlan from April 26 to October 27.

Cebu Pacific is the market leader at Caticlan, accounting for 42 percent of total seat capacity. This includes a 14-percent share of its turboprop subsidiary Cebgo and 28 percent of its main jet operation.

Philippine AirAsia currently has a 33-percent share of seat capacity at Caticlan, while PAL has only 23 percent.

All of PAL’s flights at Caticlan are run by the domestic subsidiary PAL Express, which operates A320 family aircraft and Dash 8 turboprops. The balance of 3 percent of seat capacity at Caticlan is generated by the small independent regional airlines AirSWIFT and SkyJet CAPA said a six month closure meant the island will likely only attract 1 million total visitors this year, compared with approximately 2 million in 2017, including domestic tourists.

Visitor numbers to Boracay increased 7 percent in March to 172,000.

CAPA said about one million of the 6.6 million overseas visitors to the Philippines in 2017 stopped in Boracay.

Boracay is popular with Chinese and South Korean visitors, which are the largest markets for the Philippines tourism industry. Chinese visitor numbers to the Philippines increased 43 percent in 2017 to nearly 1 million, while South Korean visitor numbers were up 9 percent to 1.6 million.

B2

Business

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market falls; URC, BDO decline

T

HE stock market fell Friday along with the rest of Asia, as traders digested hawkish comments from US President Donald Trump on a brewing trade war and with an eye on all-important US jobs data due out later in the day.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slumped 76.50 points, or 1 percent, to 7,945.66 on a value turnover of P7.6 billion. Losers beat gainers, 130 to 80, with 40 issues unchanged.

Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, tumbled 4.7 percent to P143, while parent JG Summit Holdings Inc. dropped 2.4 percent to P62.30. BDO Unibank Inc., the largest lender in terms of assets, declined 3 percent to P134.60.

Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. advanced 3.5 percent to P13.50.

Tokyo, meanwhile, finished in the red after opening higher, losing 0.4 percent while Seoul and Sydney also ended in negative territory.

Hong Kong outperformed its regional peers and was up one percent in afternoon trade, with the market playing catch-up after being closed on Thursday.

Shanghai was closed.

Shinichi Yamamoto, a broker at Okasan Securities in Tokyo, told AFP “trading was thin as players were on the sidelines ahead of US jobs data to be released later in the day.”

Market players scrutinize the monthly jobs report from the US Department of Labor for clues on Federal Reserve monetary policy.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index lost 0.36 percent, or 77.90 points, to close at 21,567.52. Over the week, it gained 0.53 percent.

The broader Topix index was down 0.31 percent, or 5.31 points, at 1,719.30

but marked a weekly gain of 0.17 percent.

Tokyo shares opened higher as a weak yen—a positive factor for Japanese exporters—boosted market sentiment.

But investors started cashing in profits in afternoon trade, pushing the bellwether Nikkei index into negative territory, brokers said.

“The fact that early gains were easily erased showed that the Tokyo market has yet to be on course to a steady recovery,” said Shinichi Yamamoto, broker at Okasan Securities in Tokyo.

“Trading was thin as players were on the sidelines ahead of US jobs data to be released later in the day,” Yamamoto told AFP. The Asian session followed a positive day for stocks in the US and Europe, with Wall Street closing higher for the third straight day, as investors’ fears over a full-blown US-China trade war

eased.

However, officials from the world’s two largest economies traded fresh blows on Friday, reigniting concerns that a damaging trade war could be in the offing.

Trump ratcheted up the rhetoric against China, saying he had instructed trade officials to “consider whether $100 billion of additional tariffs would be appropriate.”

The US leader has already asked for $50 billion worth of Chinese goods to be punitively taxed, which has sparked a formal challenge from Beijing at the World Trade Organization.

China hit back, with the commerce ministry saying it would “take them on until the end at any cost.”

Beijing has also unveiled plans for painful import duties targeting politically-sensitive US exports, including soybeans, aircraft and autos.

With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.55 1,730 108.1 859,880 134.6 1,743,720 1.69 86,000 35.3 210,900 16.16 22,500 18.84 1,768,400 3.5 175,000 8.71 800 1.56 51,000 875 150 0.54 550,000 83.9 1,533,940 1.21 3,243,000 12.56 58,800 21.9 7,700 55.5 33,380 231 8,120 114.2 380 87 10 44.95 13,400 229.8 382,630 1,910 275 90.5 39,120 1.21 15,000

102,855.50 92,420,216 237,009,707 145,160 7,443,950 363,570 33,379,500 609,210 6,968 79,560 131,600 297,020 128,611,466.50 4,000,830 712,508 166,970 1,851,840 1,876,240 43,904 870 600,960 87,886,956 525,000 3,547,301.50 18,410

88,064.50 -49,290,538 -115,638,167 2,341,055.00 10,328,852 70,000 -68,711,498.50 -537,070 -102,290 2,895.50 1,155,000 6,150 -98,795 -61,749,168 945,419.50 -

38 13.78 0.63 1.27 19.48 0.235 3.61 17 50.8 29.4 61.15 73.1 99.9 2 5.35 10.28 11.04 15.14 11.7 7.34 5.45 16.8 65.35 23.6 9.61 16.7 2.37 276 57.95 4.87 26.9 16.04 21.4 320.8 0.192 7.98 2.8 4.94 9.04 5.36 7.78 1.5 12.06 52.75 6.05 4.84 2.19 3.51 2.18 14.22 66.05 5.35 0.137 1.05 143 2.77 1.97 0.92

INDUSTRIAL 38.5 1,098,300 13.98 672,100 0.67 53,992,000 1.28 61,000 20 39,600 0.236 7,460,000 3.62 1,446,000 17.18 1,102,900 51.5 444,630 29.55 190,900 61.8 310 80.75 1,210 99.9 20 2 1,316,000 5.35 77,200 10.28 7,000 11.04 3,663,700 15.16 6,367,500 11.7 1,260,400 7.36 298,400 5.47 1,410,700 17.12 2,168,200 65.65 84,590 24 84,300 9.75 5,100 17.2 1,291,600 2.4 8,115,000 278 1,301,960 59.9 180 4.9 263,800 27.25 3,290,500 16.04 41,000 21.5 4,880,300 322.6 124,060 0.192 170,000 7.99 11,700 2.85 48,000 4.95 105,100 9.19 760,700 5.45 208,100 7.81 74,000 1.51 234,000 12.28 71,800 52.8 397,900 6.1 9,300 4.84 245,000 2.19 592,000 3.55 52,000 2.19 919,000 14.4 74,500 69.2 753,730 5.47 12,300 0.137 60,000 1.05 7,000 143 1,631,750 2.78 6,000 2.07 17,305,000 0.95 36,402,000

42,116,730 9,326,338 36,040,830 78,070 782,130 1,783,230 5,273,490 18,912,814 23,023,392 5,820,735 18,971 92,115.50 1,998 2,645,020 414,008 72,050 40,582,620 96,529,904 14,803,370 2,211,391 7,715,052 37,072,840 5,553,242.50 2,052,560 49,576 21,979,054 20,235,240 363,101,860 10,471.50 1,295,786 89,476,920 661,372 105,062,025 40,036,050 32,640 93,433 136,190 522,705 6,925,646 1,153,472 585,731 351,450 880,586 21,015,429 56,270 1,185,800 1,305,410 193,030 2,029,920 1,073,058 51,824,214.50 66,429 8,220 7,350 235,125,360 16,670 34,820,840 36,025,810

-31,439,390 1,612,906 -1,773,690 -219,010 -75,310 645,560 -388,035 -33,961,436 32,995,136 12,024,484 -695,677 -4,136,708.00 -30,490,376.00 4,720,857.00 2,940 876,782.00 -115,730 -8,261,358 -141,574 -739,555 -86,938 36,755,470 3,773,726 19,200 -34,700 97,380 -2,739,576.00 -352,800 141,000 -25,518 -18,391,725.50 0 -21,530 148,090 442,120 25,242,718.50 -123,223,224 -12,235,430 -812,620

0.3 67.25 13.5 0.9 6.25 0.62 0.64 907 7.17 12.46 7.41 1,139 6.92 62.3 5.3 0.65 4.92 19 0.71 5.2 3.37 0.043 1.17 3.21 140 969.5 0.84 1.72 634 270 0.245 0.196

HOLDING FIRMS 0.3 2,020,000 67.95 762,930 13.66 9,999,000 0.92 172,000 6.5 31,500 0.63 6,545,000 0.65 825,000 919 270,540 7.19 4,038,000 12.46 2,448,700 7.49 75,700 1,140 190,805 6.92 24,600 62.3 1,819,940 5.3 1,600 0.66 234,000 4.93 500,300 19.7 801,600 0.75 19,530,000 5.2 14,118,900 3.37 2,000 0.045 11,800,000 1.18 2,716,000 3.21 1,411,000 142 169,460 976 296,260 0.84 540,000 1.72 328,000 650 650 270 30 0.245 110,000 0.196 80,000

623,900 51,953,060.50 137,052,628 154,860 199,941 4,137,190 535,870 248,760,785 29,069,534 30,669,102 570,504 218,230,380 170,232 114,031,921 8,480 153,280 2,508,404 15,718,138 14,550,140 74,004,044 6,740 510,900 3,255,450 4,633,840 24,126,940 288,360,485 458,980 566,030 417,975 8,100 27,150 15,960

-55,850 -35,601,356.50 64,779,906 -54,940 325,000 58,989,970 18,945,567 -11,838,772 -7,888,195 -52,229,276 -897,978 -4,740,350 -35,596,374 -360,810 -235,418 88,628,295 -249,840 -32,770 8,100 -10,000

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59 108 139.5 1.68 35.3 16.14 19.1 3.43 8.71 1.56 880 0.55 84.9 1.3 11.92 22 55.2 231 114.1 87 45 230 1,910 91.6 1.23

59.55 109.5 139.9 1.69 35.35 16.16 19.1 3.57 8.71 1.56 880 0.55 85 1.3 12.56 22 56 235 123 87 45 232.6 1,910 91.6 1.23

59 105.9 133.9 1.68 35.2 16.14 18.72 3.33 8.71 1.56 875 0.54 83 1.19 11.92 21.5 55.2 231 114.1 87 44.35 229 1,905 90 1.21

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS ASIABEST GROUP BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CONCRETE B 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 LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHIL H2O PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

38.4 13.9 0.64 1.27 20.5 0.239 3.67 17.18 51.6 32.5 61.15 73.2 99.9 2.04 5.64 10.38 11.12 15.18 11.78 7.45 5.51 17.1 65.35 25.7 9.83 17.06 2.62 281 57.95 5 27.15 16.18 21.6 323.4 0.192 7.99 2.88 5 9.15 5.42 8 1.5 12.42 52.85 6.05 4.84 2.28 3.51 2.27 14.4 69.3 5.45 0.137 1.05 150 2.78 1.97 1.06

38.8 14 0.7 1.28 20.5 0.244 3.68 17.18 52 32.85 61.8 81.45 99.9 2.07 5.64 10.38 11.2 15.22 12 7.45 5.54 17.28 65.95 25.7 9.83 17.48 2.66 285 59.95 5 27.35 16.2 21.9 323.8 0.192 7.99 2.88 5.04 9.19 5.68 8 1.51 12.6 52.9 6.1 4.84 2.28 3.79 2.27 14.46 69.9 5.47 0.137 1.05 150.8 2.78 2.07 1.06

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

0.31 69.6 13.9 0.91 6.3 0.63 0.65 907 7.2 12.5 7.59 1,163 6.92 63.95 5.3 0.67 5.21 19.74 0.74 5.29 3.37 0.044 1.25 3.37 144 974 0.86 1.72 635 270 0.25 0.2

0.32 70.4 13.96 0.92 6.5 0.64 0.65 929 7.21 12.68 7.6 1,164 6.92 64 5.3 0.67 5.21 19.78 0.77 5.36 3.37 0.045 1.26 3.37 144 976 0.89 1.78 659.5 270 0.25 0.2

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 DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE IRC PROP KEPPEL PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES

6.41 1.01 15.3 2.14 0.89 41.65 3.63 4.64 6.2 6.05 0.46 1.06 1 0.295 31.65 0.71 0.125 1.76 1.46 1.1 4.26 4.69 0.66 0.435

6.55 1.01 15.72 2.14 0.94 41.75 3.65 4.65 6.2 6.05 0.49 1.06 1 0.31 32.5 0.72 0.125 1.77 1.49 1.25 4.26 4.69 0.67 0.44

6.41 0.99 15.3 2.1 0.88 40.45 3.63 4.61 6 6.05 0.455 1.06 0.99 0.285 30.8 0.69 0.124 1.74 1.46 1.08 4.26 4.52 0.61 0.415

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.56 4.05 19.5 1.96 3.17 34 1.01 17.02 0.84 6.7

0.57 4.18 19.6 1.98 3.2 34.35 1.03 17.18 0.84 6.71

0.56 4.03 19.26 1.96 3.16 32.95 1.01 15 0.84 6.58

0.57 4.08 19.32 1.98 3.17 33.9 1.03 15.2 0.84 6.65

906,000 2,270,000 3,862,500 166,000 25,000 8,123,300 5,993,000 752,800 17,000 3,856,900

508,510 9,296,490 74,644,920 326,380 79,300 273,664,855 6,059,840 11,769,160 14,280 25,656,338

-30 -4,166,020 70,640 -93,470,570 -13,022 2,189,829

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA GRAND PLAZA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL 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 SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

18 29.2 1.25 0.53 0.053 12.52 5.36 13 0.065 92.85 8.9 7.69 7.52 2.24 29.95 1,630 6.45 300 16 5.3 2.55 100 12.8 8.3 0.121 1.47 3.3 14.8 6.17 1.08 27.2 5.45 8.08 3.49 17 8.65 11.38 9.9 2.9 122 6.74 1,480 1.08 0.45 52 90 7.46 2.71 1.46 0.435 4.51 1 10.84

21.7 29.5 1.31 0.54 0.055 12.52 5.36 13.7 0.067 94 8.9 8.06 7.65 2.26 30 1,630 6.45 324.8 16 5.34 2.55 100 13 8.3 0.123 1.47 3.45 15 6.42 1.28 27.7 5.6 8.08 3.49 17 8.65 11.5 9.9 3.11 122 6.8 1,493 1.08 0.45 52.05 90 7.46 2.71 1.46 0.445 4.85 1.01 11

18 28.7 1.25 0.48 0.05 12.5 5.36 13 0.064 92.5 8.9 7.69 7.25 2.24 27.5 1,600 6.31 300 14.98 5.14 2.55 97.5 12.74 8.3 0.121 1.44 3.25 14.66 5.9 1.08 26.7 5.24 7.8 3.41 17 8.07 11.38 9.65 2.9 120 6.6 1,480 1.06 0.43 51.25 87.15 7.24 2.65 1.45 0.435 4.49 0.9 10.78

SERVICES 18.82 28.7 1.28 0.49 0.05 12.5 5.36 13.5 0.064 92.9 8.9 7.71 7.5 2.24 27.8 1,623 6.36 303 15.9 5.18 2.55 99.4 12.98 8.3 0.122 1.47 3.4 15 5.95 1.12 27 5.24 7.81 3.45 17 8.27 11.5 9.7 3.1 121 6.71 1,487 1.06 0.435 52 89.9 7.24 2.65 1.46 0.44 4.7 0.93 10.84

1,990,700 33,600 59,000 13,653,000 90,850,000 5,100 100 11,260,600 3,280,000 125,490 100 1,315,600 56,400 127,000 109,000 11,275 1,584,000 53,320 600 1,118,600 3,000 768,470 29,000 500 3,510,000 85,000 206,000 6,900 11,083,500 28,594,000 2,247,000 1,240,200 685,000 396,000 500 9,044,500 13,300 14,500 44,000 6,400 180,900 210,210 899,000 3,350,000 225,640 313,920 69,800 447,000 1,262,000 7,030,000 9,552,000 41,632,000 1,593,300

39,985,482 975,040 75,990 6,922,635 4,735,420 63,764 536 149,694,758 212,240 11,724,894.50 890 10,281,942 419,688 284,980 3,085,470 18,246,310 10,099,218 16,519,776 9,182 5,821,499 7,650 76,459,109.50 375,140 4,150 426,060 123,170 698,220 101,500 68,194,885 33,686,950 60,817,650 6,661,154 5,438,771 1,359,140 8,500 75,180,083 152,734 140,725 134,420 770,216 1,211,191 312,070,620 961,270 1,468,450 11,720,845 28,134,855 511,191 1,192,900 1,832,370 3,078,850 44,594,820 39,819,240 17,273,764

2,276,865 16,700 26,500 -11,756,002 5,648,081 -252,760 -25,230 -5,950,895 -1,584,052 -87,417 19,289,636 -97,280 -6,000 242,939 -698,120 12,786,295 -48,642.00 1,838,923 205,780 -1,398,610.00 32,010.00 -27,700 486,395 -135,340 248,905 -36,080 4,350 3,411,942.50 -4,992,905 226,495 -98,260 1,277,440 798,400 -7,854,670 197,300 -226,484

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

0.0029 1.75 4.67 1.65 0.32 8.1 2.5 0.212 0.15 0.154 1.48 6.07 1.23 0.56 0.89 0.013 0.014 0.013 6.1 14.92 32.1 0.0066

0.0029 1.8 4.67 1.65 0.325 8.29 2.51 0.213 0.151 0.156 1.5 6.07 1.23 0.6 0.89 0.014 0.014 0.013 6.15 16.04 32.7 0.0066

0.0027 1.72 4.6 1.6 0.315 7.64 2.42 0.209 0.15 0.154 1.48 5.99 1.12 0.56 0.88 0.013 0.014 0.012 6.06 14.9 31.85 0.0066

MINING & OIL 0.0028 914,000,000 1.78 16,219,000 4.6 137,000 1.64 634,000 0.325 510,000 8.22 38,600 2.45 42,038,000 0.212 170,000 0.151 220,000 0.154 30,000 1.5 400,000 5.99 224,200 1.2 315,000 0.6 114,000 0.89 72,000 0.014 92,000,000 0.014 241,800,000 0.012 6,600,000 6.06 1,149,900 15.68 4,836,100 32.35 968,700 0.0066 15,000,000

2,552,600 28,496,440 634,870 1,020,660 162,250 307,755 103,018,550 35,990 33,020 4,640 593,890 1,350,275 363,240 64,660 63,840 1,198,000 3,385,200 81,700 6,985,706 75,791,430 31,270,160 99,000

14,000 -66,950 -379,580 48,920,340 -598,019 -3,900 2,014,890 1,464,002 -2,584,070 -

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

27.7 508 512 107 101.1 109.2 6.28 1,001 101.5 1.06 107.5 1.96 981 75.25 79 75 77.25 76 76.5 75.8

28 508 512 107 101.1 109.2 6.28 1,001 101.5 1.06 107.5 1.96 981 75.9 79.5 75 78 76.8 76.5 75.8

27.7 508 511 105 100.5 109.2 6.22 1,000 100.5 1.06 107.5 1.96 980 75.2 79 74.95 77.25 76 76 75.3

PREFERRED 27.8 138,400 508 1,990 511 2,400 105 1,400 100.5 10,500 109.2 800 6.28 32,800 1,000 1,035 100.5 610 1.06 39,000 107.5 40 1.96 15,000 980 16,000 75.9 11,450 79 67,420 74.95 2,500 78 6,650 76.8 4,880 76 40,600 75.5 72,680

3,837,610 1,010,920 1,226,800 148,050 1,061,402 87,360 205,033 1,035,005 61,685 41,340 4,300 29,400 15,680,120 862,105 5,327,735 187,420 517,837.50 371,760 3,085,900 5,483,730

-261,410 10,040 1,078,100 -660,970 -

LR WARRANT

3.87

4.2

3.78

WARRANTS 3.9 2,647,000

10,532,480

11,830

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

5.97 3.45 3.58

6.04 3.48 3.6

5.7 3.32 3.39

5.7 3.48 3.41

9,486,966 194,050 13,360,200

116,200 -377,320

FIRST METRO ETF

123

123.1

120.4

2,709,708

36,000

USD DMPL A2

10.18

10.2

10.18

58,116

58,116

MS

PROPERTY 6.54 0.99 15.72 2.12 0.9 41 3.63 4.61 6.19 6.05 0.47 1.06 0.99 0.285 32.15 0.69 0.124 1.76 1.46 1.24 4.26 4.52 0.62 0.425

106,200 2,539,000 12,800 80,000 7,740,000 5,370,200 390,000 913,000 209,400 6,000 84,360,000 2,000 63,000 177,880,000 162,900 4,558,000 1,000,000 3,622,000 5,083,000 22,310,000 1,000 14,316,000 114,715,000 8,190,000

689,063 2,531,710 195,894 169,340 7,009,500 220,521,885 1,419,320 4,210,370 1,268,176 36,300 40,029,700 2,120 62,910 52,995,850 5,154,995 3,193,180 124,500 6,364,950 7,464,680 26,588,500 4,260 65,441,940 72,983,840 3,504,550

-31,860 -216,320 61,190 -71,246,480 -90,450 56,231 -21,307,100 -27,000 -75,750 1,218,435 -521,400 4,142,710 294,710 1,459,640.00 -14,866,710 -785,210 21,500

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

10,806,002

INDUSTRIAL

178,500,066

HOLDING FIRMS

93,297,311

PROPERTY

480,682,544

SERVICES

261,397,015

MINING & OIL

1,337,883,259

GRAND TOTAL

2,368,126.560

SME

1,619,600 57,000 3,859,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 121.1 22,290 10.2

DDS

5,700

VALUE 2,024.41 (down) 25.42 601,854,596.75 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,156.48 (down) 138.91 2,461,407,337.82 HOLDING FIRMS 7,987.62 (down) 43.40 1,425,262,523.71 PROPERTY 3,644.50 (down) 51.71 1,660.43 (up) 6.62 966,188,291.75 SERVICES MINING & OIL 11,307.15 (up) 69.24 1,846,974,920.49 PSEI 7,945.66 (down) 76.50 257,535,606.13 All Shares Index 4,828.50 (down) 35.95 7,584,984,496.97 Gainers: 80; Losers: 130; Unchanged: 40; Total: 250

China ready to pay any cost in a trade war BEIJING—China said Friday it is ready to pay “any cost” in a trade war after US President Donald Trump threatened an additional $100 billion in tit-for-tat tariffs on Beijing.

“If the US side disregards opposition from China and the international community and insists on carrying out unilateralism and trade protectionism, the Chinese side will take them on until the end at any cost,” the commerce ministry said in a statement on its website.

“We don’t want a trade war but we aren’t afraid of fighting one.”

The US on Tuesday published a list of $50 billion in Chinese exports set to be hit by US tariffs because of Beijing’s alleged theft of intellectual property and technology.

China retaliated Wednesday by announcing plans to impose levies on $50 billion worth of major US exports such as soybeans, cars and small aircraft.

On Thursday Trump responded to Beijing’s countermeasures by doubling down.

“Rather than remedy its misconduct, China has chosen to harm our farmers and manufacturers,” Trump said in a defiant statement.

“In light of China’s unfair retaliation,” Trump said he had instructed trade officials to “consider whether $100 billion of additional tariffs would be appropriate”.

Trump said he was still open to talks, but only if they were aimed at achieving “free, fair, and reciprocal trade.”

China on Thursday formally launched a World Trade Organization challenge against Trump’s first round of proposed tariffs.

In the text released by the WTO, China’s delegation requested “consultations” with Washington “concerning the proposed tariffs (and) measures that the United States accords to certain goods in various sectors including machinery, electronics, etc. originating in China.”

A “request for consultations” is the first step in a full-blown legal challenge at the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body.

Beijing has also unveiled plans for painful import duties targeting politically-sensitive US exports, including soybeans, aircraft and autos.

None of the tariffs have yet come into effect, but the world’s two largest economies are in a game of chicken that could inflict collateral damage on the global economy.

The prospect of a trade war has sent markets around the world on a rollercoaster ride, with traders seemingly unable to decide if the threat is real or bluster. AFP

Samsung posts record operating profit of $14.7b SEOUL, South Korea—Samsung Electronics flagged Friday a first-quarter operating profit of 15.6 trillion won ($14.7 billion), a record for any three-month period, as it benefited from soaring demand for its memory chips for mobile devices.

Sales for January to March are expected to reach 60 trillion won, the world’s largest maker of smartphones and memory chips said in an earnings forecast.

The profit forecast from Samsung Electronics—the flagship subsidiary of the giant Samsung Group—widely surpassed the market consensus for about 14.6 trillion won.

This marks the fourth straight quarter in which the South Korean tech firm has beaten its record operating profit.

First-quarter operating profit was up nearly 60 percent from the same period a year ago, while sales jumped by 19 percent.

The South Korean company has seen profits soar over the past year thanks to solid demand for memory chips for mobile devices, which has helped offset shrinking profits from its own mobile production.

The mobile unit suffered a serious blow after the disastrous worldwide recall of its Galaxy Note 7 device over exploding batteries two years ago, which cost the firm billions of dollars.

But the firm rolled out its latest flagship mobile phone, the Galaxy S9, in the first quarter to largely favorable reviews—potentially contributing to the better-than-expected profits.

Samsung withholds net profit and sector-by-sector business performance until it releases its final earnings report, which is expected later this month.

“The earnings estimate is quite a surprise,” said Kim Sun-woo, analyst at Seoul-based Meritz Securities. AFP

Manila

World

Standard

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

TODAY

B3

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, World Editor

S. Korea’s Park sentenced to 24 years for corruption S EOUL―South Korea’s disgraced former president Park Geun-hye was jailed for 24 years Friday for corruption, closing out a dramatic fall from grace for the country’s first woman leader who became a figure of public fury and ridicule.

MUSIC FESTIVAL. Lauren Alaina performs at the Country Thunder Music Festival Arizona - Day 1 on April 5, 2018 in Florence, Arizona. AFP

A trial that lasted more than 10 months ended with Park being found guilty on multiple criminal charges, including bribery and abuse of power.

Park’s successor described the sentencing as a “heartbreaking event” for both the nation and the ex-leader herself.

“The accused abused the power bestowed by the people―the true ruler of this country―to cause chaos in national administration,” said Judge Kim Se-yoon.

“Despite all these crimes the accused denied all the charges against her, displayed no remorse and showed an incomprehensible attitude by blaming Choi and other ... officials,” he said, referring to Park’s secret confidante and long-time friend Choi Soon-sil.

Park, 66, was convicted of receiving or demanding more than $20 million from conglomerates, sharing secret state documents with Choi, ordering officials to stop offering state subsidies to “blacklisted” artists critical of her policies, and firing officials who resisted her abuses of power.

The wide-ranging corruption scandal exposed shady links between big business and politics in South Korea, prompt-

ing massive street protests against Park last year.

But on Friday the ruling was greeted with dismay in streets outside the courtroom by several hundred flag-waving Park supporters.

Many protesters sat on the pavement in tears while others began a protest march.

“The rule of law in this country is dead today,” said Han Geun-hyung, a 27-yearold Park supporter.

Park herself was not in court for Friday’s judgment which, in a rare move, was broadcast live on television. She had boycotted most sessions of the trial in protest at being held in custody.

She now has seven days in which to file an appeal.

Park becomes the third former South Korean leader to be convicted on criminal charges after leaving office, joining Chun Doo-whan and Roh Tae-woo, who were both found guilty of treason and corruption in the 1990s.

Park’s presidential predecessor Lee Myung-bak is currently in custody as prosecutors investigate multiple corruption charges involving him and his relatives.

Poisoned woman getting stronger

LONDON―The Russian woman who was poisoned last month alongside her former spy father said she is recovering, in her first public statement since the attack, as Moscow and London unleashed a new war of words during a bitter session at the UN Security Council.

Britain blames Russia for the March 4 poisoning on UK soil of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia with what it says was a Soviet-made military-grade nerve agent, a charge the Kremlin furiously denies.

The crisis has sent relations between Russia and the West plummeting with the biggest wave of tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats in recent memory.

In the latest expulsions, some 60 US diplomats who were ordered to leave flew out of Moscow airport early Thursday.

A few hours later British authorities released a statement from Yulia commenting on her recovery.

“I woke up over a week ago now and am glad to say my strength is growing daily,” she was quoted as saying in comments released by the police.

That statement came on a day of furious rhetoric between Moscow and London at the UN Security Council.

Russia unleashed a blistering war of words against Britain deflecting accusations of poisoning a former double agent in England with Moscow’s envoy issuing a series of denials and colorful insults. AFP

Lula on verge of going to jail

GRIEF. A supporter of South Korea’s former president Park Geun-hye cries after a court sentenced Park Geun-hye to 24 years in prison during a rally outside the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on April 6, 2018. AFP

Razak’s coalition Puigdemont ready to walk out in Germany faces tough test KUALA LUMPUR―Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak Friday announced the dissolution of parliament for a general election that will pose one of the sternest-ever tests for his ruling coalition, due to a massive financial scandal and a challenge from former leader Mahathir Mohamad.

After laying out the Barisan Nasional coalition’s recent achievements in a 25-minute speech on state television, Najib announced that parliament would be dissolved Saturday to pave the way for the hotly-anticipated poll.

“We have delivered and we will continue to deliver,” he said. “I seek your mandate for Barisan Nasional to rule for another five years.”

Following the dissolution, the election commission will announce in the coming days the date for the polls, which are expected early May. The coalition has been in power since independence from Britain in 1957 but its support has been dropping in recent years. A scandal surrounding sovereign wealth fund 1MDB that captured global headlines has added to its problems.

Billions of dollars were allegedly looted from the fund in an audacious campaign of fraud and money-laundering which is being investigated in several countries, and it is claimed that large sums ended up the personal bank accounts of Najib. AFP

Judge Kim Se-yoon said he had passed a tough sentence to “prevent such an unfortunate event from happening again”.

The presidential Blue House said in a statement after the verdict: “Each person must have different feelings about former President Park Geun-Hye. But a bleak wind blew through the hearts of all of us today.

“It is a heartbreaking event for the nation as well as for the person’s life. A history that is not remembered is bound to be repeated. We will not forget today.”

Park, the daughter of dictator Park Chung-hee, lost both her parents to assassins. She took office in 2013 as a conservative icon who cast herself in the role of daughter of the nation -- incorruptible and beholden to none.

Less than four years later, she was impeached, stripped of all her powers and ousted from office on the back of months-long mass protests that brought millions onto the streets of Seoul and other cities.

The trigger was a snowballing graft scandal involving Park and Choi and accusations of graft, influence-peddling and taking bribes from corporate bigwigs in exchange for policy favors.

Much of the public anger was focused on Park’s relationship with Choi and accusations that she let her childhood friend―who held no formal position or security clearance―meddle in state affairs, including high-level appointments and editing official speeches. AFP

NEUMUNSTER, Germany―Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont is set to walk out of German jail Friday, after judges refused his extradition to Spain on a rebellion charge and ordered him freed on bail pending a ruling on a lesser corruption charge.

“See you tomorrow. Thank you very much to everybody!” read a tweet posted in Puigdemont’s name late Thursday.

It was not immediately clear what time he would leave the prison in the northern town of Neumuenster. By 0730 GMT, prosecutors said Puigdemont had yet to post his 75,000-euro ($92,000-) bail.

In a heavy blow for Madrid on Thursday, judges at the upper state court in Schleswig-Holstein found extradition on a charge of rebellion would be “inadmissible”.

Puigdemont was not involved in violence during

a referendum on Catalan independence last October, they said in a statement.

That was grounds to reject prosecutors’ argument that the Spanish “rebellion” charge was similar enough to Germany’s “high treason” statute to justify extradition.

The Catalan separatist figurehead could still be extradited on a charge of misusing public funds, the judges added, as they asked their Spanish counterparts for more information on the matter.

Once Puigdemont is out on bail, he must keep authorities informed of his whereabouts, report to police weekly, respond to summons from prosecutors or the court, and remain in Germany.

Puigdemont’s German defense team welcomed the decision to set aside the “outrageous” rebellion charge, and said they “respected” judges’ call for more information from Spain. AFP

Cosby back on trial for sexual assault NEW YORK―Disgraced US megastar comedian Bill Cosby goes back on trial next week for alleged sexual assault dating back 14 years in a legal fight made tougher the second time round with more witnesses in a #MeToo world.

The now frail and isolated 80-year-old could spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted of drugging and molesting former university employee Andrea Constand at his Philadelphia home in 2004.

The pioneering black entertainer’s first trial ended in a hung jury on June 17 with a seques-

tered panel hopelessly deadlocked after six days of testimony and 52 hours of deliberations.

But the case irrevocably damaged the legacy of an actor adored by millions as “America’s Dad” for his seminal role as a lovable father and obstetrician on the hit 1984-92 television series “The Cosby Show.”

Around 60 women have publicly accused the Emmy-winner, who now claims to be legally blind, of being a serial sexual predator, alleging that he drugged and assaulted them over a span of 40 years. AFP

BRASILIA―Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was on the verge of going to prison Thursday after the Supreme Court rejected his bid to delay a 12 year sentence for corruption in a ruling that split the country and upended this year’s election.

Following the court’s narrow decision against allowing Lula to remain free pending new appeals, it was expected that Brazil’s chief anti-corruption judge, Sergio Moro, would soon issue an order for the two-term former president to be incarcerated.

It remained unclear exactly when this would take place. But legal experts said it would be no more than a few days away, possibly early next week.

The 11 judges deliberated for more than 10 hours from Wednesday into Thursday on Lula’s request to avoid going to prison while he mounts fresh appeals. At 5-5, it was court president Carmen Lucia who cast the tie-breaker, saying that postponing serving of sentences “could lead to impunity.”

Broadcast live on television, the drama left Brazilians as divided as the judges themselves, and raised questions over the state of the country’s democracy after the top army general appeared to urge prison for the 72-year-old founder of the leftist Workers’ Party. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TARIFF COMMISSION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE FINAL EXTENSION OF SAFEGUARD MEASURES AGAINST IMPORTATIONS OF TESTLINER BOARD FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES AHTN 2012/2017 Codes4805.24.00 4805.25.10 4805.25.90 FOR: SAFEGUARD MEASURES (R.A. No. 8800) SG-2018-MR3-Testliner Board PHILIPPINE PAPER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, INC. (PPMAI), Petitioner. x----------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 16 (Monitoring) of Republic Act No. 8800 otherwise known as “The Safeguard Measures Act”, a public hearing will be held at the Conference Room of the Tariff Commission, 4th Floor, West Insula Condominium, No. 135 West Avenue, Quezon City, on April 20, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.

The purpose of the public hearing is to determine the compliance by the Philippine testliner board industry represented by the United Pulp and Paper Co. Inc.with its adjustment plan as well as the progress and specific efforts the domestic industry has undertaken to make a positive adjustment to import competition.

All interested parties must attend, submit their comments/position on the matter, and/or present evidence, if necessary.

For particulars or queries, please contact Ms. Jean C. Alberto or Ms. Lynly P. Dela Cuesta, Head and Deputy Head of the Task Force on the Monitoring Review ofTestliner Board, respectively, at TelephoneNumbers 928-8419 or 9363318. Queries may likewise be made at info@tariffcommission.gov.ph.

Issued this 6thday of April, 2018, at Quezon City, Metro Manila.

MARILOU P. MENDOZA Chairperson (MS- APR. 7, 2018)

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

JUST BENEATH THE SURFACE

FROM afar, ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower appears as a structure of glass and steel common to urban landscapes. Up close, there is much more than the glass façade.

The air circulates around each floor with ease And natural light is abundant in almost all the levels.

The business center is the central hub of ArthaLand tower where guests, tenants, and occupants can gather to exchange ideas: occupants such as top international firms and companies that have leased spaces in the building,

firms that share ArthaLand’s commitment to sustainability and “going green.”

With the rise of ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), ArthaLand is committed to sustainability with its certification by the US Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and by the Philippine Green Building Council’s BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) certification.

GREENHILLS PREMIER PROPERTY.

Grand Taipan, a newbie in the real estate and property development scene recently broke ground for Verano Greenhills, the company’s first residential condominium and serviced residence in Greenhills, San Juan. At the event were (from left to right) San Juan City building official Arch. Romeo Gonzales; HBA Manila director Arch. Norman Agleron; Grand Taipan executives; (6th from the left) presidential adviser on investments Atty. Antonio A. Cablitas; President Joeben Tai; VP for finance Analyn Agabin; and Greenhills brgy chairman Alan Yam.

New houses, new lives Atimonan residents get new start

There are parks… and there are parks

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME. The New Carinay rehab project comes complete with basic facilities, ushering a new beginning for families in the area, and the next generation.

ATIMONAN, QUEZON—Atimonan One Energy Inc. (A1E) and Habitat for Humanity Philippines Foundation recently turned over new single detached houses to 47 families, benefitting close to 300 residents in Sitio Carinay, one of the two sitios in Barangay Villa Ibaba,in Atimonan, Quezon.

The New Carinay housing project, is part of A1E’s PhP12.4 million capital expenditure since it started its corporate social responsibility projects in 2012 in Atimonan. A1E is injecting investments here to create a self-reliant community through projects focusing on livelihood, education, health and sanitation, safety and disaster risk reduction and environment stewardship.

A1E is building a 1,200 megawatt state-of-the art coal-fired power plant in Atimonan, the first power station in the Philippines to utilize high efficient, low emission (HELE) technology known as ultra supercritical (USC).

The houses at New Carinay each have power and water supply, toilet and bath,

as well as a sewerage system. After five years, the land title will be handed over to formally allow them to own the properties built for them.

From simple to inspired lives For several decades, the residents in Sitio Carinay lived in makeshift houses.

Life was simple, with folks relying on fishing along the shore of Lamon Bay, and gathering food as their main means of livelihood.

Johnny Ambon, barangay captain of Barangay Villa , said the new relocation project helps local residents with their daily business, and have inspired them.

“Since the relocation is in the center of the barangays, we will have a closely-knit community and services will be readily accessible,” he said.

A1E provided community facilities, including a small chapel, basketball court, water tanks, and a multi-purpose hall where the Carinay homeowners’ association can hold community gatherings.

In cooperation with Habitat, A1E also

conducts technical vocational training programs on masonry and commercial painting to residents.

Easy access to transport The availability of transport is fundamental to the sustainability of isolated communities here.

One of the areas given high priority

by A1E, in cooperation with the Atimonan provincial and local government units (LGUs), is transporting residents of isolated communities in Barangay Villa Ibaba to the town proper.

A1E provided regular boat trips for students so they can reach their schools.

A1E partnered with the Quezon provincial government, namely, Quezon Governor David ‘Jayjay’ Suarez, and the Atimonan municipal council headed

by Mayor Rustico Joven ‘Ticoy’ Mendoza, to improve road access to the isolated communities.

A 1.6-kilometer road is now being built that will allow easier movement of local commodities and essential goods in Atimonan.

LIGHTING UP THE SKYLINE

AID FOR ALBAY. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)

recently turned over P35 million to the provincial government of Albay to respond to the needs of locals whose livelihood were affected by Mayon’s volcanic activity over the past few months. Of the P35 million donation, P17 million, was turned-over to Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara. The financial grant is being used to build evacuation centers and resettlement areas for those living in hazard-prone areas, learning shelters and toilets for students, potable water, medicines, tents, as well as fuel and transportation, water and electricity. PAGCOR has likewise been conducting feeding programs for affected residents in Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Daraga, Tabaco, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, and Legazpi City. Shown here are PAGCOR chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo (3rd from left), turning over a P17 million check to Governor Bichara (right).

Witnessing the turnover are (from left) PAGCOR President and COO Alfredo Lim, and Political Adviser Secretary Francis Tolentino.

REAL estate developer, Federal Land Inc. is completing One Wilson Square, its 38-storey residential condominium in the heart of San Juan City.

Th project offers thoughtfully-designed living spaces as well as resident-focused amenities.

It features spaces for recreation, relaxation, fitness, social gatherings and business pursuits.

Each unit has a private balcony.

Units in the topmost floors include private decks of at least 55 sqm., with the floors having as little as 4 units to a floor.

One Wilson Square is just minutes away from the Greenhills’ retail, dining and entertainment centers, as well as schools, workplaces, health facilities, and other commercial establishments. Federal Land, Inc. is a member of GT Capital Holdings.

Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) and Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. (EPPI) are currently developing a 35-hectare urban estate in Pasig and Quezon City that will be connected by a bridge over the Marikina River, and anchored by a three-hectare central park. Parklinks is master-planned to promote easy access between residential and commercial spaces by way of an integrated park and walkway system. The bridge will have dedicated lanes for both bikers and pedestrians. Features include an esplanade, river park terraces, running and biking trails and riparian gardens. The joint venture company, ALI Eton Property Development Corporation, plans to infuse P53 billion in the next 10 years for the project’s initial development. This includes five residential towers in the next 10 years.

It will be anchored by regional mall with a gross leasable area of 58,000 sqm. located along C5 road. On top of the mall, to complement its retail, dining and entertainment offerings, will be a 3,500 sqm sports complex.

HUB OF AGES. Ortigas & Company recently launched its newest development

Ortigas East (formerly Frontera Verde) as a fully integrated mixed-use property. The P50-billion redevelopment, which kicked off at the start of the year, will be done in three phases. The company is investing P18 billion for the first phase, which will introduce office, residential, and retail components. “Ortigas East is designed to bring connected living in a progressive urban neighborhood,” said Ortigas & Company President and CEO Jaime E. Ysmael said. Ortigas & Company partnered with local and international consultants to bring forward its vision for Ortigas East. The developer worked with Callison RTKL for master planning and Langan for seismic analysis. The company also harnessed the expertise of Meralco, Manila Water, and DCCD Engineering to further prepare and enhance the features of the property. Ortigas & Company will be launching The Glaston Tower, a 34-storey office building targeting spaces fit for traditional offices and start-up businesses.

Life

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

travel and leisure

@MstandardliFE saturday, april 7, 2018

Exploring

Hong Kong remains one of the top destinations of travelers from the Philippines, according to a research

by MasterCard.

the artistic side of Hong Kong W

ITH diverse culinary choices, exhilarating shopping experiences, and vibrant cultural offerings, it’s no wonder why Hong Kong remains one of the top destinations of travelers from the Philippines. It also doesn’t hurt that the “Asia’s World City” is close to our shores.

But aside from its shopping and dining attractions, Hong Kong also boasts a thriving art scene, with over 200 galleries of different sizes and styles as well as several art events, which lures visitors from all over the world.

The annual festival, Art Basel Hong Kong is a huge affair, attracting art enthusiasts from across the globe. The festival brings together a unique selection of modern art from different parts of the world as well as nurtures budding artists.

The world’s premier contemporary art fair featured 248 galleries from 32 countries during its March 29 to 31 staging at the Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

Hong Kong also stages a six-day festival, Art Central, which features a variety of exhibitions, installations, panel discussions, and performances.

The event’s extensive lineup of activi-

Art Central is a six-day festival that features a variety of exhibitions, panel discussions, and performances. (Photo from Art Central Facebook page)

Fuel up with a cup of HABITŪ coffee

ties gathers a host of art enthusiasts, from experienced collectors to amateur artists.

Art Central 2018 was recently staged at Central Harborfront from March 27 to April 1.

In addition to major art fairs, Hong Kong also has several art hubs for the curious travelers to discover.

The PMQ, along Aberdeen Street in Central, which used to house Chinese police officers before it became the original Queen’s College Central School, is now home to a variety of inventive restaurants, shops, and exhibition spaces including the HKTDC Design Gallery.

If you’re looking for a more structured approach to your art journey, go on a professionally guided tour of a specially curated selection of Hong Kong’s contemporary galleries through the Soho Gallery Walk that starts at the Yan Gallery in Central.

This deep-dive into modern sculptures, paintings, and installations offers you a closer look at the intricate eco-system of the city’s contemporary art community, and can even provide greater insight on art valuation.

Hong Kong is bustling with dining, shopping, and cultural attractions that lure tourists from all over the world.

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Turn to C2

The Philippine Arena is the world’s biggest multi-purpose indoor arena, which seats a maximum of 51,898 guests

Of MICE and Me

WITH thanks to the late American author, John Steinbeck for having inspired the title of my today’s column, I am particularly pleased that our Department of Tourism is leaving no stone unturned in getting a bigger chunk of the lucrative MICE market. This is the tourism industry’s acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions. mercury rising For this purpose, DoT has partnered

BY BOB zOzOBRadO with the Philippine Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers, with the cooperation of the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Investments, and the Tourism Promotions Board.

At a recent meeting participated in by representatives from the government and private sectors related to the tourism industry, DoT and PACEOS presented the MICE Road Map to 2030, getting everybody excited and involved in their collective effort to put the country back to being in the lead again in this industry.

The 3500-seater Plenary Hall of the 70,000-square-meter Philippine International Convention Center, the first in Asia and the biggest in the country

These two government agencies also wanted to raise the consciousness on the importance of this industry in driving economic growth, towards getting the budget and institutional support from the concerned agencies, towards boosting the country’s competitiveness.

In 1982, we were the only country in Asia with an International Convention Center, thus we ranked first in this industry, among all countries in the region. However, in 2016, our neighboring countries surpassed us, as they grew faster in this industry, pulling us down to 14th place, in terms of having the most number of MICE events in the region.

Why is this a lucrative industry? A MICE delegate spends an average of nearly six times more than what an average leisure tourist spends. This expenditure creates a multiplier effect not only within the tourism industry but also in the other industries.

Aside from the much valued earnings, MICE stimulates trade and investment, facilitates technology transfer, boosts tourism and entertainment, and fosters regional collaboration through cultural exchange and global understanding. More importantly, it builds a positive image for the country.

After a careful consideration of the various factors affecting the country’s prospects in the industry through a YOUR weekend CHUCkLe SWOT Analysis, the two FOOD FOR THOUGHT: If you exert a lot of effort lead agencies to fail, and succeeded in doing so, what have you found it vital done? Did you fail or succeed? to form four s u b -wo r k i n g groups and asked for volunteers from the meeting’s attendees for membership in these groups. The mandate for each is based on the strategies that have to be implemented to achieve the Road Map’s goal.

One group will handle Policies and Governance, another one will take care of concerns on Infrastructure, while another group will focus on the Human Capital needed to make the industry function according to established world-class standards. The group that I joined will take care of Marketing.

With these sub-working groups functioning seamlessly and going full speed ahead, there is no doubt the country will zoom up from its present lodge of being 14th in the region to being in the top 10 by 2030, in terms of having the most number of events.

The current mantra of the government, “Build, Build, Build,” is a big help to achieving this industry’s goal because new hotels and new events venues are now being constructed to further augment the choices available for foreign and local events organizers.

Now who would ever think that the sound-alike of lowly rodents could bring big things to a country? I’m sure John Steinbeck never even dreamed of that when he wrote his popular novel.

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

Life

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saturday, apri apriL 7, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Buy to win a trip to Bali

WHErE to: City escape and island getaway Discovery Suites Manila offers a staycation deal that lets guests spend a relaxing overnight stay in a suite and enjoy fun activities.

B

LISSFUL memories are often made during the bright summer season.

Whether you prefer to spend it in the comforts of the city or on a paradise island, The Discovery Leisure Company’s got you covered.

If you only have a few days or a weekend to spare, go on a city staycation and take advantage of the Weekend Steals deal at Discovery Suites Manila. rates for an overnight stay in a Junior Suite Deluxe start at P3,665.99++. This offer includes breakfast buffet for two at restaurant 5, access to the swimming pool, fitness center, and children’s playroom, as well as weekend kiddie activities on Saturdays, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stay period is until July 1, Fridays to Sundays.

My Discovery Elite members are entitled to a complimentary upgrade from Junior Suite to One-Bedroom Suite, subject to availability, when they use the promo code LEISUrEWEEKEnD. Folks in the southern part of the metro may opt for a quick city escape at Discovery Primea in Makati, which offers 10 percent off the Best Available rate in its Business Flat, Business Suite, Executive Suite, and Primea Suite. The room package in the Makati property comes with tempting culinary treats such as daily gourmet breakfast and one order of pizza of your choice at restaurant

THErE are only a few things cooler than spending an all-expense paid three-day vacation with three of your friends to Bali, Indonesia this summer.

Japanese convenience store FamilyMart treats its customers to a trip to this picturesque Indonesian island and other fun summer getaways with its 5x the Summer Fun raffle Promo.

To join, register for free via mobile by typing PFM Summer along with your name, complete address, and email, and send it to 292-908. You’ll then receive a unique bCODE which you’ll scan at the counter every time you make a purchase. Get one entry for every single receipt purchase worth P80. You can also double your chances of winning by

purchasing major sponsor products to earn four bonus entries or minor sponsor products to get two bonus entries.

Grand prize winner gets a trip for four to Bali, Indonesia, inclusive of a threeday/two-night hotel stay and roundtrip airfare. Second prize is a trip for four to the beautiful island of Siargao.

Staycation prizes are also up for grabs.

There will be one winner each of either a staycation package at Hotel H20 Manila with four passes to Manila Ocean Park, a luxurious stay at nobu Hotel City of Dreams Manila plus four passes to DreamPlay, or a relaxing weekend at five-star hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

Promo is ongoing until May 31. Go to www.familymart.com for more information.

Chase the summer sun at Club Paradise in Palawan, a private island resort in Coron.

Tapenade, one round of cocktails for two at EDGE, and 20 percent discount on food and beverage.

Guests at Primea may also access the hotel’s iconic infinity pool, 24-hour gym, and handy smartphone and high speed Internet access when they use the code DISCOVEr. This promo is available for stays until June 30.

For those who want to chase the sun in Palawan, the Club Paradise Palawan, a private island resort in Coron, offers special rates for a minimum stay of two nights. relax in a Garden View room for P11,200++ or in a Sunset Villa for P12,800++, and enjoy buffet breakfast for two adults and two children below 12 years old, roundtrip Busuanga Airport transfers, and a serving of Firefish restaurant’s “Bowl of Happiness” (dif-

ferent flavors of homemade ice cream, ideal for sharing). Promo is available for stays until June 1.

Want to escape the city but no time to fly to another island? Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay offers a Week Date Dream with special rates for a Deluxe Suite for P6,354.38++ and a Premier Suite for P7,169.04++. This offer comes with complimentary set dinner for two and Country Breakfast for two at restaurant Verbena, wine and cheese platter at sundown, and milk and cookies before bedtime. Use the code DrEAM to avail this promo. Stay period is until november 28, Sundays to Thursdays except long weekends and holidays.

Go to www.discoveryhotels-resorts. com for inquiries and more details.

Department store inspires wanderlust UPSCALE department store rustan’s aims to make your summer escape memorable as it launches a travel fair offering travel packages and discounts on travel essentials.

Happening on April 27 to 29 at rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza, rustan’s Your Summer Escape travel fair presents new and exciting destinations to inspire your desire to travel, from the icy escapes and cruises in norway to every beach-lover’s paradise in Club Med resorts or the Seychelles islands.

Snag deals from Philippine Airlines, HSBC, Adventures International Tours, Inc., and Turkish Airways.

During the fair, rustan’s offers amazing deals for must-have picks from some of the lifestyle brands it carries. Enjoy up to 50 percent off on select bags and luggage from American Tourister, High Sierra, and Samsonite, as well as 20 discount on select bags from LeSportsac, MZ Wallace, and rebecca Minkoff.

Men can dress to impress as they crisscross the globe as Hackett and ricardo Preto Man offer 30 percent off on select merchandise, while Adolfo Dominguez, Bluemint, and Psycho Bunny slash off up to 25 percent on select collections.

Well-heeled female travelers will be treated to the buy 1 and get 25 percent off on the second item promos from Adolfo Dominguez Woman, American Vintage, Charli, Eileen Fisher, Joie, Karen Kane, Lafayette, and ricardo Preto Woman.

Family Mart gives its customers a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Bali, Indonesia

The Japanese convenience store will raffle off a staycation package at Hotel H20 Manila

Holiday Inn Express opens in Newport City InTErnATIOnAL hotel chain InterContinental Hotels Group opens its first and only Holiday Inn Express in the country in newport City.

Holiday Inn Express Manila newport City offers superb accommodation and modern amenities. All rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and a choice of firm or soft pillows, en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold shower, international power plugs with USB ports, in-room safe, flat screen television, sofa bed or lounge chairs, refrigerator, hairdryer, and more.

Facilities geared towards guests’ convenience include a gym, meeting room, and coin-operated laundry, which will all be available by the end of April.

“The Holiday Inn Express brand is

providing savvy business and leisure travelers with relaxed, affordable, and hassle-free stays every time,” enthuses HT Cheah, general manager for Holiday Inn Express Manila newport City.

Cheah adds, “As part of the IHG, our guests can also enjoy the many benefits of the world’s largest loyalty program, IHG rewards Club and IHG Business rewards.”

Holiday Inn Express Manila newport City is just a 10-minute walk from the ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 via the runway Manila bridge, and a short ride from Terminals 1 and 2 via the free resorts World Manila airport shuttle.

For inquiries and reservations, call the Tourist/Visitor hotline at (02) 908-8000.

From left: Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Qatar Airways country manager Rohan Seneviratne, Philippine Airlines’ Kit Javier, Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay vice president for sales and marketing Carmela Bocanegra, Rustan’s president Donnie Tantoco, Adventures International Tours, Inc. general manager Lara Santos, and HSBC senior vice president and head of marketing Anya Katigbak-Cajucom

Those purchasing two regular-priced items from Pedro del Hierro Woman, natori, n natori and natori Undergarments get 20 percent off.

Traveling moms need not worry about their babies during long-haul flights as they can ensure a comfortable trip with baby essentials and travel accessories from Chicco, Clevamama, Diono, Ergo Baby, and Mustela that are available up to 25 percent off.

Acca Kappa, Areum, Clarins, Diptyque, Dermalogica, La Prairie, Laura

Mercier, Murad, Phyto, and many more will offer special gifts and promotions to guests of the rustan’s Your Summer Escape Travel Fair.

As an additional treat, until April 15, shoppers get a free Anker Powercore Fusion for a minimum purchase of P15,000, a free American Tourister DC Superlite II Activair rolling Tote for a minimum purchase of P50,000, and a free Samsonite luggage for a minimum purchase of P100,000.

Rooms at Holiday Inn Express Manila are equipped with comfortable beds and other amenities

Exploring...

From C1

Crimson Resort & Spa and HSBC, among others, offer travel deals at Rustan’s Your Summer Escape travel fair.

MasterCard helps make it easier for cardholders to explore Hong Kong’s creative gems. Cardholders may take advantage of flight and accommodation booking discounts and privileges: Expedia offers a MasterCard coupon code that takes 12 percent off on hotel bookings, Zuji has 8 percent hotel coupon code for MasterCard and Masterpass users, and AsiaTravel.com offers discounts for flight packages and accommodations.

World MasterCard cardholders get access to MasterCard Airport Experi-

ences provided by LoungeKey, where they may enjoy membership to lounge, dining, spa, and retail offers from select airport merchants.

Once in Hong Kong, move around easily with the help of HKTaxi app.

Cardholders simply add their MasterCard card to the app until May 31 to receive two HK$25 taxi coupons which they can redeem when ordering a cab to visit any of Hong Kong’s galleries.

Fuel up in between museum tours and art fairs with a cup of HABITŪ’s handcrafted, artisan coffee. Those who will pay using World MasterCard get another cup for free.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

Anna Marie Alforte, J-pop Anime Singing Contest 2nd Placer, sings Anata dake mitsumeteru

by Maki Ohguro from Slam Dunk.

J

OHANNIE R. Velasco who performed “Eternal Blaze” by Nana Mizuki won the Grand Prize and an all-expense paid trip to Japan in the Embassy of Japan’s J-Pop Anime Singing Contest Grand Finals at the SM Cinema Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia.

Johannie R. Velasco, J-pop Anime Singing Contest 1st placer, performs "Eternal Blaze" by Nana Mizuki.

A joint project of the Embassy of Japan, together with Japan Foundation Manila and SM Cinema, the 9th J-pop Anime Singing Contest aims to further promote Japanese language and culture through music. And no less than the Embassy of Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission Minister Takehiro Kano and Consul General Minister Atsushi Kuwabara graced the event giving it their fully support.

Fifteen grand finalists showcased their talents and mutual fondness for J-pop music and anime with Anna Marie Alforte bagging second place for her version of “Anata dake mitsumeteru” by Maki Ohguro from Slam Dunk;; and Jena Mostajo placing third for her rendition of the song “Aitakute Ima” by Misia.

Special awards were also given to other finalists: Bandai Namco’s Best for Arianne Zagala, Kuri~n, and ChaCha Cañete; Hero’s Choice Award to Risu; and Toei’s Favorite for Yuri and Nicx.

The J-pop Anime Singing Contest’s panel of judges included Mr. Ken Nakamura,, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) Director; Mr. Hiroaki Uesugi, Japan Foundation Manila Director; Mr. Akihiro Hosoya, All Nippon Airways General Manager; Mr. Nestor Palabrica, Toei Animation Philippines General Manager; Ms. Carlo Landrito, Hero Digital Channel Producer; and Ms. Gwen Albarracin, Center for Pop Music Philippines President and COO. The J-pop Anime Singing Contest is one of the many exciting cross-cultural events at the SM Cinema Centerstage at the SM Mall of Asia.

CineMarya trains spotlight on women empowerment IN LINE with the celebration of empowerment, different roles the National Women’s Month of women in the society, and and in honor of Filipino women awareness about diverse social and their contributions in shaping issues on women and equality families and societies, Film and others. The festival is Development Council of the open to filmmakers who have Philippines (FDCP), together not yet made a feature film/ with Department of Interior and documentary.

Local Government (DILG) and As part of the Festival as the Philippine Commission on well, FDCP will conduct an Women (PCW) are launching educational component for the CineMarya – a festival of the ten finalists of CineMarya short films centering on women. by providing two slots “The festival aims to tell (preferably the director and stories of Filipino women, another representative) to the more than their beauty, but FDCP Filmmaking Workshop their strength and passion, Series – Planting Seeds and rising above prejudice and FDCP chairperson Liza Diño (leftmost) with DILG Asec. Marjorie Film Industry Conference struggles in society,” said FDCP Jalosjos and PCW's Honey M. Castro and GSp program director during Pista ng Pelikulang Chairperson Liza Dino during Ginnie Oribiana.

Pilipino 2018. the launch of the Festival The finalists will also have on March 23 at the FDCP the privilege to undergo the Cinematheque Center Manila.

CineMarya film camp - a two-day intensive filmmaking workshop The launch was also attended by DILG Asec. Marjorie in a secluded area in Rizal featuring multiple filmmakers, PCW Jalosjos and Chief of Corporate Affairs and Information Resource representatives, and others. Each production team’s director shall Management Division of the Philippine Commission on Women serve as a fellow for this intensive program that would help develop Ms. Honey M. Castro. their skills in story development, editing, and other elements of For its first year, CineMarya will grant a seed money of filmmaking to better advocate women empowerment.

Php 100,000.00 to interested participants aged 18 to 30 years Applicants may submit their entries to FDCP from April 1 to old to produce a 10 to 20-minute short films tackling women June 30.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, April 7, 2018

ACROSS 1 Meadow rodent 5 Ceremonial fire 9 Quipster 12 Unwelcome obligation 13 Freeloader 15 Style 16 Good disguises 17 Vex 18 District 19 High school sweetheart 21 Flowering shrub 23 “This Land Is — Land” 25 Geraint’s love 26 Peace gesture 29 Zoomed 31 Mystery writer — Cross 35 Jungfrau or Eiger 36 Hawke of “Alive” 38 Piano seat 39 Erik the Red’s son 41 “Shane” or “Stagecoach” 43 Hence 44 Male relative 46 Attack on all sides 48 Bronze component 49 Inching forward 51 Cook in a wok

52 Start of a bray 53 Deli bread varieties 55 Pitfall 57 Stumbling block 61 Forested 65 Lightweight toy 66 Fast-growing vine 68 Non-soap opera 69 Heavy metal 70 It may be tall 71 Horse color 72 Diligent insect 73 Ago, to Burns 74 Tar’s patron saint DOWN 1 Wedding ritual 2 Step — — !

3 Winter Olympics event 4 Theme 5 Softsoap (3 wds.)

6 Hankering 7 Vegas rival 8 Pierre’s school 9 News 10 — fixe 11 Eye drop 14 Veld scavenger 15 Fiat 20 Two tablets, maybe 22 Purposes 24 Bring back to

snuff 26 Esteem 27 Helen, in Spain 28 Huge-cast films 30 Sticky fruit 32 Nanook’s realm 33 Motherless calf 34 Solo 37 Twig-and-mud homes 40 Acted coy 42 Extend the policy 45 Gaelic pop star 47 Cafeteria item 50 Sure-footed

lizard 54 Insults 56 Driving hazard 57 N. Mex. neighbor 58 Good, in Baja 59 Right away 60 Water whirl 62 Cello kin 63 Not know from — 64 Prefix for “billionth” 67 Meditative sect

J-pop Anime Singing Contest 3rd place winner Jena Mostajo (second to the right) receives the award from (left to right) Gwen Albarracin, President and COO of the Center for Pop Music Philippines; Glenda Ferma of Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc.; Shinichi Hayashi, President of Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corp.; and Minister Atsushi Kuwabara, Consul General, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

PHILIPPINES HOSTS

Mr. Universe-Tourism pageant THE holding of the 2018 Mr. Universe Tourism, a presentation by Kasama Inc., the organizer of the international pageant now on its second edition, is in full swing with the appointment of a new chairperson.

Peaches M. Oblena-Nasser is the chairwoman for the 2018 edition and Mr. India Universe-Tourism 2017 Landjeet Karam as Mr. Tourism-Universe 2018 Ambassador.

Oblena-Nasser, a businesswoman/ philantrophist and currently the president of Legacy Group of Companies and Inner Wheel Club Phillippines International, was appointed by Kasama, Inc. president Gerald Ortiz.

“Ms. Oblena-Nasser has been helping us during the inaugural Mr. Universe-Tourism last year and I’m happy that now she will be taking a huge role to ensure success of the this year’s pageant, “ Ortiz said.

“I am humbled to accept the role as chairwoman for this year’s edition. I will be working with all the members of the national organizing committee to make the Mr. Universe Tourism 2018 a success,” said Oblena-Nasser.

Karam, one of 22 candidates last year and represented Manipur, India, will be

helping Oblena-Nasser in the promotion of the pageant as well as oversee the preparation for this year.

“I am so thankful to my parents and my family who have encouraged me to do my best in the pageant life despite of my busy college life as a medicine student in India,” shared the male pageant winner.

Confirmed delegates include Thailand’s Dome Nitat Na Wayo, who will aim to make it back to back after Richard Ricardo Carter, the reigning Mr. Universe Tourism winner from Thailand.

Others are Indonesia’s Bratta Kartasasmit, Sri Lanka’s Akila and Cameroon’s Kitinga Goumbolo Dapsia Gédéon. The Philippines will be represented by Ion Perez, a 26-year-old, print ad model from Capaz, Tarlac.

Mr. Universe Tourism 2018 is scheduled on May 22 to 30 with the Finals Night on May 29 at Tanghalang Pasigueño in Pasig City. Delegates from all over the world will visit Tourist destinations including Tagaytay City, Nasugbo and Pampanga. Mr. Universe Tourism 2017 Richard Ricardo Carter will be arriving a week before the finals to join the 2018 candidates. Eton Concepcion

Mr. Universe Tourism chairwoman Peaches M. Oblena-Nasser, Kasama, Inc. president Gerald Ortiz and Mr. India Universe-Tourism 2017 Landjeet Karam with pageant officer and organizer.

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

C4

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018

YUGEL LOSORATA TWO local concerts scheduled in the next two weekends will feature seasoned rock acts from the 1990s, one set here in Manila to celebrate a hit band’s 20th year milestone, the other in Cagayan De Oro where a few equally recognized names from the same era headline the province’s much-anticipated summer event.

Sandwich, the group behind the hits “Betamax,” “Butterfly Carnival” and the classic anthemic “Sugod,” will celebrate its longevity with a special show called Under the Glow of the Satellite on the evening of April 13 at the Metrotent Convention Center in Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Pasig City.

As a treat for supporters who have stuck with the group for two decades now, the band is putting out a limited 7” vinyl with two new songs titled “Time Lapse” and “Parang Walang Nangyari.”

“April 13 is not just a celebration but definitely a show you need to watch for, all solid hits from the first album up to the latest single “Time Lapse” which is only available on limited edition 45” rpm vinyl courtesy of The Grey Market,” informed Eric Perpetua, station manager of FM radio station Jam 88.3 which is behind the anniversary concert.

Perpetua once created a stir in the rock scene when he conceptualized a tribute album for Eraserheads that involved popular rock acts of the past decade.

Sandwich main man Raimund Marasigan, who first gained popularity playing the back beat for “Ligaya” and “Pare Ko,” is a rarity having blossomed from being the drummer of that seminal alternative rock band to frontman status by the time “Sugod” became a major hit. It can be argued that he is the DaveGrohl of the Philippines since the latter languished in the shadow of the late Kurt Cobain during Nirvana’s active years, somehow in the same way that he was then opposite Ely Buendia.

Sandwich is his crowning glory.

The radio executive added, “Jam 88.3 has always been the radio station that supports our very own local bands.

Aside from being a fan and listener of their music myself, I believe celebrating 20 years marks another milestone in their career as a band.”

The Sandwich show will be spiced up by guest acts Diego Mapa, Young Sleepyboi, Ciudad, Tom’s Story, She’s

A rock milestone and a festival only Sixteen, and Autotelic.

The group was formed in 1998 as “an excuse to make other kinds of music with other people.” Through the years it managed to go around bars and festivals, including gigs in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, London, New York, and Los Angeles. Actor Marc Abaya was initially the lead singer. The current lineup includes Diego Castillo (guitars), Mike Dizon (drums), Myrene Academia (bass), and Mong Alcaraz (guitars).

Down south, the likes of Dong Abay, Joey Ayala, and The Youth will be flown to Cagayan De Oro for the first Chada CDO Millennials Music and Arts Festival set on April 21, 6:00 p.m. at the Atrium of Limketkai Center.

The former frontman of Yano is now calling his group Dong Abay Music Organization, short for, well, DAMO, while Robert Javier and the gang is rebranded as The Youth Pilipinas. Anyway, the calming voice behind “Walang Hanggang Paalam” and “Karaniwang Tao” has not changed the name of his Bagong Lumad.

All three were key artists that helped make the Pinoy band scene a major force two decades back.

Chada, which means “nice” to Cagayanons, is a music fest initiated by Sirhc Event Productions which aims to “cultivate and nurture Philippine talent by producing first-rate concerts and events here and abroad.” The man behind it is Chris Bautista who have brought top Filipino music acts in the US. He related, “I’m excited about this concert because, for one, it will be headlined by artists who have already earned the respect of the band scene.”

Silent Sanctuary and Jireh Lim are likewise joining the bill, so do front acts Kokoi Baldo, Dodu Abrio and The Viajeros, Fran/N.A.N.A/Wally, Fused.

CDO, and my band The Pub Forties.

Our group will sure perform our latest digitally released single “Drive On” which fortunately graced Spotify’s New Music Friday list last February.

Rob Geronimo, 38

Tommy Tiangco, 21 Angel Jones, 39

Bella Ysmael, 21

Who will be this year’s

SUPERBODS?

A

TOTAL 40 gorgeous, fit and sexy finalists will compete for four titles in the much-awaited Finals Night of Superbods Ageless, which will be held on April 12 at the Cove, Okada Manila.

The four winners of Century Tuna Superbods 2018 will each receive Php 500,000 in cash. Each winner will also receive an appliance showcase worth P250,000; an editorial campaign contract; a training contract from Star Magic; a one-year unlimited elite membership at Gold’s Gym; a May 2018 Mega Magazine supplement feature; and a special prize from Cove.

One lucky Superbods finalist will take home a brand-new Chevrolet

Trax. The winner will be selected based on the transformation videos of each candidate’s journey towards becoming a Superbod.

Special awards will also be given including Superbod Beachbod, Superbod of the Night (Best in Runway), Superbods Challenge winners, People’s Choice, Photogenic Award and Best in Congeniality.

During the VIP Night at Maybank Performing Arts Theatre in Taguig City, the finalists were introduced to the media. The Superbods male and female finalists are Jules Aquino, Angelo Cacciatore, Elcid Camacho, Tony De Oteyza, Denver Hernandez, Farzam Nazirian, Luiji Panoso, Sandro Roman, Tommy Tiangco, Anthony Wahl, Christine Balaguer, Faith Garcia, Weizel Gulfan, Maureen Montagne, Mariah Nilo, Queenie Rehman, Joanna Toledo, Amanda Villanueva, Kim Ross Williams, and Bella Ysmael.

The Superbods Ageless male and female finalists are Albert Adrales,

Manny Apilado, Marc Dungo, Rob Geronimo, Grech Go, Johann Ludovica, Manu Reyes, Jerome Salvado, Ari Simangan, Jude Yap, Glenda Bayona, Elisse Camarillo, Anna Cope, Maricel Cruz, Mica Fuentes, Michelle Garcia, Lois Hunter, Angel Jones, Margaret Chua Lao, and Romela Nacar.

Leading to the Finals Night, the finalists will participate in an exciting lineup of activities throughout the summer. The Ultimate Challenge at the Inflatable Island in Subic put the finalists’ mental and physical abilities to the test. Sam YG and Amanda Fernandez hosted the event. Meanwhile,The Superbods Weekend will include a Zalora fashion show today featuring the finalists, the fun Underpants Run tomorrow morning at Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa, and the Electric Spinning Party in the afternoon at BGC Amphitheater.

For more details and updates on events, visit Century Tuna Superbods on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ centurytuna.

Alternative rock band Sandwich with frontman Raimund Marasigan (center), guitarists Diego Castillo and Mong Alcaraz, drummer Mike Dizon and bassist Myrene Academia.

Snapshot

ABS-CBN top execs in Dubai INITIALLY driven by a goal to personally thank partners for decades of support to ABS-CBN in the Middle East, the network’s top executives found themselves instead at the receiving end of an overflowing display of gratitude from overseas Filipinos (OFs) in their recent visit to the United Arab Emirates.

ABS-CBN Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Carlo Katigbak and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Broadcast Cory Vidanes, together with ABS-CBN Global COO Olivia de Jesus, were warmly welcomed recently with the trademark Filipino hospitality from private and public sector partners in UAE led by Philippine Vice Consul for UAE Von Ryan Pangwi, Vice Consul Beth Ramos, and Vice President of the Diplomatic Ladies Group in Dubai Yasmin Cortes (also the spouse of Philippine Consul General in Dubai Paul Cortes and the Chairperson of the Filipino Ladies of Dubai) as well as from media, including Kabayan Weekly and The Filipino Times at the “2018 ABS-CBN Middle East Thanksgiving Dinner” held at the Manila Grill of the Asiana Hotel in Dubai.

All systems go for TOFARM Film Festival 2018 THE local film festival scene is set to witness the third edition of the TOFARM Film Festival (TFF), which shall now include a TOFARM Short Film Competition.

The brainchild of Socio-Entrepreneur Dr. Mila O. How, TFF is the only advocacy-driven film festival in the country today, with entries showcasing the lives, journeys, trials and triumphs of the Filipino farmers.

“We were deeply saddened with the demise of Direk Maryo J. delos Reyes, our first TFF Director,” Dr. How said.

“He gave so much of himself for TFF. When he suddenly left us, we found ourselves at a crossroad. Should we go on with the project or not?”

“But after a lot of thinking, I personally thought it’s best to carry on what Direk Maryo started. The festival would be a continuation of his vision for the farmers and for our film industry.

This is our tribute to him,” Dr. How added.

In the absence of Direk Maryo, Dr. How sought the expertise of three seasoned film personalities who will stand as Festival Advisers, Bibeth Orteza and Joey Romero, with Laurice Guillen as Consultant.

The Festival Director, however, is yet to be appointed.

“It’s very overwhelming to get support from not one, but three well-respected people from the film and television industry. It motivates us further to come up with more meaningful films that,

hopefully, will follow the success of our previous entries,” Dr. How enthused.

Just in the first two years of its existence, from 2016 to 2017, a number of TOFARM Film Festival entries have already gained international recognition following local exhibition.

The weeklong TOFARM Film

Festival 2018 will run from Sept. 12 to 18, with the Awards Night slated on Sept. 15. The festival committee is now accepting script entries for screening.

Deadline of Submission is on April 20.

For more information on how to submit original manuscripts, log on to www. tofarm.org.

Universal Harvester Inc.'s Dr.Milagros O. How(center) with Joey Romero and Bibeth Orteza during ToFarm Film Festival press conference held at Shangri-la Makati. Sonny Espiritu