Manila Standard - 2018 July 7 - Saturday

Halili’s kin asks Rody for justice

By Nat Mariano and Romeo Dizon

VOL. XXXII • NO. 142 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

THE daughter of Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili, shot dead during a flag ceremony Monday, appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to find justice for her slain father and to clear his name

from allegations that he was involved in the illegal drug trade.

“We are pinning our hopes on you to clear my daddy’s name and give him justice,” Angeline Halili said in Filipino, in a text message to media. “We are counting on you. We are waiting for you to arrive Next page

‘PH on track to cut poverty’ Dominguez paints rosy path on back of 6.8% growth

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE 6.8-percent growth experienced in the first quarter this year puts the Philippines on track to sharply reduce poverty over the next four years, the country’s top economic managers said Friday.

CABINET’S BRAG. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez tells the Economic Development Cluster and Infrastructure Cluster forum Friday—a pre-State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte and Cluster Performance later this month—at the bayside Philippine International Convention Center that the government plans to bring down the poverty rate from 21.6 percent in 2015 to 14 percent by 2022 when Duterte’s six-year term ends. Lino Santos

Bigger budget ‘Who’s guilty of inflating prices? All in govt’ sought for LGUs to fight drugs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel Cruz

By Rio N. Araja DANGEROUS Drugs Board Chairman Catalino Cuy is batting for the amendment of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of2002.

Addressing the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations Training on Universal Prevention Curriculum on Substance Use, Cuy emphasized the need to allocate a “substantial” amount of local government resources for the anti-drug campaign and advocacy.

“A substantial amount should be able to support a drug-prevention program,” he said.

In other developments: • Presidential son Paolo Duterte on Friday slammed Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison for accusing him and his father, Rodrigo Duterte, as the biggest drug protectors in the country.

He said the words of Sison were a sign that the “oldest terror group in Southeast Asia is completely losing it.”

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PATHETICALLY POWERLESS. Market vendors and consumers in Pasay City in the country’s national capital region are disturbingly helpless Friday after inflation accelerated by 4.6 percent in May, the fastest in more than five years and faster than the 4.5 percent reported in April. Prices of goods and services in the country have increased by 2.9 percent in May 2017. Norman Cruz

By Evalea Casaljay and Macon Ramos-Araneta MALACAÑANG on Friday reiterated that President Rodrigo Duterte is not running again for president under the proposed federal system of government.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque

THE Office of the Solicitor General has asked the Supreme Court, acting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, to sustain its earlier ruling that the 25-percent shading threshold in determining the validity of a vote has no basis.

In a manifestation, the OSG through Solicitor General Jose Calida prodded the PET to deny for lack of basis the motion filed by Vice President Leni Robredo seeking to uphold the 25 percent shading threshold in determining the validity of votes in the vice presidential race during the 2016 national elections.

Calida said the OSG decided to invoke its role as “tribune of the people,” for the welfare and interest of the public, instead

of filing a comment on behalf of the Commission on Elections, which has taken the 25 percent threshold position.

“As the people’s tribune, it is the solicitor general’s duty to present to the honorable Tribunal the position he perceives to be in the best interest of the state, notwithstanding the stance of the Comelec on the issue of whether the honorable Tribunal correctly ruled that it has ‘no basis to impose a 25 percent threshold in determining whether a vote is valid,” Calida said.

The OSG backed the PET’s ruling on the 50 percent shading threshold, saying Section 4, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the PET, not the Comelec, the sole power and authority to judge presidential and vice-presidential poll protests, Next page

said Duterte does not want to stay in power after his term ends, dismissing reports that he wants to stay as chief executive until 2030.

“He has said what he said: not a second longer,” Roque said.

In other developments: • Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel WEATHER RUNDOWN. Forecaster specialist Chris Perez of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration shows the lay Friday of the typhoon (international name Maria) which has rapidly intensified while exhaling disturbing signals in its generally northnorthwestward direction and may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday or Tuesday. Manny Palmero

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Tacloban boys play football at Red Square

MOSCOW—Traveling all the way from Tacloban City in Leyte to the Russian capital, four young footballers and one youth leader shared their story of hope and resilience at the 2018 Fifa Foundation Festival that just ended Thursday (Friday in Manila). Next page

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Palace insists Du30 won’t run again under fed system

Calida prods PET to keep 25% shading rule

By Rey E. Requejo

A FORMER dean of the University of the Philippines School of Economics on Friday said everybody in government is to blame for the rising prices of goods in the country, even as opposition lawmakers warned that the record-high inflation rate would continue to climb if the Duterte administration did not repeal its pet tax reform law.

Emmanuel de Dios, who is still a professor at the UP economics school, told the news website Rappler that the country’s economic managers should at least acknowledge that the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act or Train had something to do with the 5.2-percent inflation rate recorded in June.

He called out the government for not taking the blame for the high prices of commodities and compared the situation to the “Murder on the Orient Express”—the novel

by Agatha Christie—where all passengers

“At this growth rate, and with strong investment inflows contributing to more inclusive growth, the government hopes to bring down the poverty rate from 21.6 percent in 2015 to only 14 percent by 2022,” said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, during the pre-State of the Nation Address Forum of the Cabinet’s Economic Development Cluster at the Philippine International Convention Center.

“This is the most important number we all hope to achieve. All development efforts will be meaningless if they do not translate into liberating our people from the curse of poverty,” he said.

Dominguez said the enacment of the first package of the comprehensive tax reform program known as TRAIN pushed the tax effort for 13.4 percent of gross domestic product to 14.3 percent.

This was the highest first-quarter tax

III on Friday rejected the proposal of the Consultative Committee to allow President Duterte to seek another term should a federal government system be installed.

“I disagree as to allowing President Duterte to run again. That changes the present rules,” Pimentel told reporters in a Viber message.

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WEATHER

‘Maria’ now a super typhoon “Maria” grew stronger from a severe tropical storm into a super typhoon on Friday and is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon or “habagat”— and thus bring heavy rain to the country—once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday, the state weather bureau said.

In its 11 am bulletin Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said “Maria” now has maximum winds of 165 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 205 km/h.

Although it is not expected to make landfall in the Philippines, Pagasa said the international

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

13 BIFFs, 2 soldiers perish in clash C

AMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao—Thirteen members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and two government troopers were killed in the ongoing skirmishes in this province, the Philippine Army reported.

“The number of BIFF killed was based on two-way radio conversations we intercepted from factions of the terror group and from civilians on the ground,” Capt. Arvin John Encinas of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division

Sotto asks PNP to let De Lima conduct hearings

By Macon Ramos-Araneta TO FACILITATE the bills referred to her committee, Senate President Vicente Sotto III has asked the Philippine National Police to allow Senator Leila de Lima to conduct hearings while detained at the PNP Custodial Center over the illegal drugs charges against her.

He told reporters that De Lima, a staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, did not ask for it when he visited her at her detention facility.

“It was part of our mutual concern to facilitate the House bills referred to her new committee,” Sotto said.

Sotto’s request-letter was sent to PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde on July 2 or four days after he visited De Lima on June 28 to check on her condition and discuss the bills she is pushing.

A copy of Sotto’s letter to Atayde was provided to reporters on Friday. Sotto said he had not yet received a reply from Albayalde.

In his letter, Sotto urged Albayalde to allow De Lima, head of the Senate committee on social justice, welfare and rural development, to conduct hearings on the bills referred to her committee while she is in detention.

“As the Senate President, I am giving Senator De Lima full authority to discharge her duties as chair of the committee, particularly to conduct and personally preside over its hearings—similar to what had been done by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV during his detention,” Sotto said.

“This request is being made so the relevant measures that are currently pending in the committee will be given opportunity to be heard and be deliberated on by the Philippine Senate, consistent with Section 24 of the Senate Rules.”

Sotto assured Albayalde that, during the conduct of the hearings, the Senate contingent will abide by the PNP’s internal rules and regulations and arrangements will be made before the conduct of the hearing.

De Lima has been detained since February last year over allegations she allowed the illegal drug trade to proliferate inside the New Bilibid Prison when she was Justice secretary in exchange for drug money for her senatorial campaign in 2016. She has repeatedly denied the accusation and accused the Duterte administration of political persecution.

Meanwhile, Liberal Party president and Senator Francis Pangilinan said it was “right and just” for detained Senator Leila de Lima to perform her duties as a lawmaker.

Pangilinan expressed gratitude to Sotto for formally seeking the participation of De Lima in the hearings lodged before her committee.

“It is right and just for Senator De Lima to be allowed to perform her duties as a member of the legislature,” he said in a statement.

Pangilinan said De Lima had expressed her desire to carry out her functions as a lawmaker and help craft laws beneficial to the people.

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“The statement sounded insanely absurd as it was a repetition of, if not inspired by, an old gossip propagated and sowed around by an anti-Duterte senator who is also a rabid anti-communist,” Paolo said.

• The city government of Taguig on Friday commended the police for the arrest of city councilor Richard Paul Jordan who was caught in possession of 30 ecstasy party drug tablets in a popular hotel casino in Parañaque City.

Jordan was initially accused of stealing valuable items at the Solaire Bay Tower in Barangay Tambo last Tuesday but when security personnel of the hotel placed him under questioning, they found the prohibited substance along with the missing items worth P22,000 inside his bag.

Cuy said to be able to maintain consistency in the funds allocated to anti-drug advocacies, the DDB was pushing for the amendment of RA 9165 to clearly define how much is “substantial.”

“What will happen is that the budget for such will just depend on the priority of the local executive. What may be substantial for them may not the whole program,” he said. With F. Pearl A. Gajunera and Joel E. Zurbano

spokesman told the media in an interview late Thursday.

“We had one BIFF body count and several other unidentified bodies of BIFF elements killed during air and artillery assaults in the border of Datu Paglas and Mamasapano towns the past two days,” Encinas added.

Three of the BIFF fatalities recovered

by Army troopers in the battle zone were identified as Ali Tudon, Alamid Yusop, and Katod Bensar, all members of the BIFF faction under Kagui Karialan.

“Unfortunately, we also have two soldiers, including an Army lieutenant, who perished in the battle,” Encinas said. He declined to identify the fatali-

ties pending notification of their respective families.

He also said 15 other Army troopers were wounded so far in the gun battles.

Encinas said 14 firearms—four M16 rifles, three M14 rifles, one Carbine rifle, a .30-caliber machinegun, an Ultimax rifle, a .38-caliber pistol, and three 12-gauge shotguns—were recovered from the fleeing BIFF members.

On Wednesday, four roadside bombs targeting government forces were disarmed by military bomb disposal experts between Barangay Sepaka, Datu Paglas, and Barangay Pidsandawan, Mamasapano, as government troops inched their way toward BIFF positions

in the area.

“The BIFF is on the run,” Encinas said, adding that the latest of the running gun battles was reported around 6 am Thursday in Barangay Dapiawan, Datu Saudi town.

Other areas affected by the clashes are the towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Salibo, Rajah Muda, and Datu Unsay.

Local governments of the affected towns, in coordination with the provincial government and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Response Team, are now attending to over a thousand families displaced by the conflict.

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infrastructure investments will rise to 7.3 percent.

Thirty-five of the 75 strategic infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program have passed all the required approvals and are ready to begin construction anytime soon.

Dominguez said this aggressive spending will close the infrastructure gap with the Philippines’ neighboring economies, attract industrial investments, stimulate domestic economic activity, ensure that every community and every island participates in the mainstream of national wealth creation, and enable the country to take full advantage of regional economic integration within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The agriculture and fisheries sector registered a 4 percent gross value added growth in 2017, reversing the 1.2-percent decline in 2016. In the first quarter of 2018, agriculture grew by 1.47 percent, with rice production rising by 9.4 percent to about 1.65 million metric tons (MT) last year.

Debt-to-GDP ratio held steady at 42.1 percent in 2017, which was the same rate as in 2016.

Dominguez said the government would continue to prudently manage its obligations as he expressed confidence that the rapid expansion of the domestic economy would enable a further decrease in government debt to 39 percent in 2022.

“Given the rapid expansion of our GDP, we will certainly outgrow our debt,” Dominguez said. “Those who raise the specter of a debt crisis arising from our use of official development assistance [ODA] to finance our infrastructure program are not reading the numbers well enough.”

Foreign direct investment inflows reached a record $10 billion last year, up by 21.5 percent from the previous year and almost double the rate in 2015. For the first quarter of 2018, FDIs totaled $2.2 billion in net inflows, an increase of 43.5 percent compared to the same period last year.

The Department of Trade and Industry, meanwhile, has kept up its efforts to put the country in the top 20 percent in the

ease of doing business rankings.

“With all our efforts at simplifying processing, speeding up approvals for startups, and reducing red tape, this should be an achievable goal,” Dominguez said.

As of April this year, the Philippines’ unemployment rate dropped to 5.5 percent, down by 0.2 percent from the same period last year with 625,000 jobs created. Of this number, 605,000 Filipinos were employed in manufacturing and construction.

Total merchandise exports reached $62.87 billion in 2017, which represents a 9.53-percent growth over 2016.

Standard & Poor’s raised the country’s credit rating outlook from BBB stable to BBB positive, an upgrade which recognizes that the Duterte administration’s policy making settings support a track record of more sustainable public finances and balanced growth over the next 24 months.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, meanwhile, said the government’s massive infrastructure program “Build, Build, Build” should contribute to economic growth in the succeeding quarters and years.

The government expects to spend as much as 7.3 percent of GDP on public infrastructure by 2022. The government envisions the completion of 32 of 75 flagship projects by end-2022, while making sure that the 4,909 other projects in the provinces and towns throughout the country will have broken ground by then.

Pernia said that while the inflation rate for the first half of the year went slightly off target at 4.3 percent due to the rise in prices of rice, fuel, and fish, this would be temporary as the government transitions towards fully implementing important public policy reforms.

Pernia said unemployment rate from the April round this year was down to 5.5 percent versus the year ago’s 5.7 percent, the lowest recorded unemployment rate for all the April rounds of the Labor Force Survey in the past decade. This put the unemployment rate in the first half of 2018 at 5.4 percent, continuing its downward trend over the years.

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it.

effort the Philippines has achieved in the last 25 years, he said.

From January to May, revenue collections grew by 19 percent over the same period last year, with the Bureau of Internal Revenue improving its collection by 15.5 percent and the Bureau of Customs increasing its collection by 31.2 percent over the same period in 2017.

Up to 30 percent of incremental revenues from TRAIN will go to social services to improve public health, upgrade the educational system and provide cash assistance to the poorest households, while the remaining 70 percent will help fund infrastructure investments.

Dominguez said the succeeding tax reform packages, which would modernize investment incentives and lower corporate income tax rates, would empower consumers; produce conditions more conducive to job-creating investments, especially in the provinces; and ensure sufficient revenues to fund infrastructure modernization and expanded social services.

Expenditures posted their fastest rate of expansion since the beginning of the Duterte administration. With continued growth, spending from January to May was 25 percent higher than the same period last year.

Public spending for infrastructure rose to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2017—slightly above the regional average. This is more than twice the share of GDP invested in infrastructure over the last three decades, Dominguez said.

In the first five months of 2018, national government spending on infrastructure reached P281 billion, representing an increase of 42 percent over the same period last year. These numbers are on top of private sector construction and public sector projects financed through Public-Private Partnerships.

The government expects infrastructure spending to reach 6.1 percent of GDP this year. By 2022, the share of GDP going to

here so you can see with your own eyes, and question the people who are feeding you malicious information, so that you will know who is lying to your face.”

Requesting that the President pay her family a visit, she added: “I will know how you stand by whether you decide to come or not.

If you don’t come, I will understand. I’m not stupid,” Halili said.

In a press briefing Thursday, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said politics could be behind Halili’s killing, even though the President had said the mayor “probably got what he deserved” because he was involved in the illegal drug trade.

Roque said while the police are investigating the drugs angle, they were also looking at politics and business as motives for his killing.

In that same briefing, Roque confirmed that the police recovered 5.56-millimeter ammunition from the crime scene indicating that the weapon used was an Armalite and not a sniper rifle.

Malacañang has yet to respond to Halili’s appeal.

On Friday, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines condemned the series of killings of mayors, but the Department of the Interior and Local Government said it saw no pattern in the violence but offered the local chief executives extra security if they needed

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and promulgate rules for the purpose.

“The Supreme Court, sitting en banc, shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President or Vice President, and may promulgate its rules for the purpose,” he said.

“The power of the PET as the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President and Vice-President, to promulgate rules and regulations relative to matters within its jurisdiction, including the determination of the threshold to be used in the recount, is beyond dispute,” Calida added.

He said the PET’s rule-making power necessarily flows from the general power granted it by the Constitution.

The PET promulgated its rules for presidential and vice presidential election contests in 2010, and the same rules remain in effect today.

“On the issue of what threshold will be used in the consideration of votes, the PET has already made such determination. In Rule 43, Paragraph (l) of the 2010 Rules of the PET, it is stated that marks or shades that are less than 50 percent of the oval shall not be considered as valid votes,” Calida pointed out.

In resolution dated April 10, the PET de-

“Our country is government by laws and not upon the caprices of men,” the league said in a statement read on GMA-7, after the successive killings of Halili and General Tinio Mayor Ferdinand Bote this week.

“If some people believe that their elected officials have committed an offense, they should bring their grievances upon the courts which [have] the power to determine the guilt of erring officials and impose the corresponding penalty,” it added.

The league appealed to the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to step up their investigation into the deaths and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Bote was killed in an ambush in Cabanatuan City on Tuesday, a day after Halili was shot dead during a flag-raising ceremony at city hall.

DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año said there was no pattern in the killing of the mayors.

“Each case has its own facts. They are not at all related. In fact, only a small portion [is] definitely drug-related,” Año said.

“Not all cases of killings are connected to illegal drugs. The rest are personal, political, and other reasons,” Año said in a mix of Filipino and English.

The DILG chief issued the remark after the LMP aired concerns over the safety of its members due to the successive killing of two Luzon mayors this week. With PNA nied Robredo’s plea to direct the head revisors to apply the correct threshold percentage as set by the Comelec in the revision, recount and re-appreciation of the ballots, in order to expedite the proceedings for lack of merit.

“Protestee’s (Robredo) claim that the Comelec, as purportedly confirmed by the Random Manual Audit Guidelines and Report, applies the 25 percent threshold percentage in determining a valid vote is inaccurate,” the PET said.

PET said it is “not aware of any Comelec resolution that states the applicability of a 25 percent threshold; and the Tribunal cannot treat the Random Manual Audit Guidelines and Report as proof of the threshold used by the Comelec.”

“In fact, Comelec Resolution No. 8804, as amended by Comelec Resolution No. 9164, which is Comelec’s procedure for the recount of ballots in election protests within its jurisdiction, does not mention a 25 percent threshold,” it added.

“Prior to the amendment in Resolution No. 9164, Rule 15, Section 6 of Resolution No. 8804 states that any shading less than 50 percent shall not be considered a valid vote. The wording is in fact the same as Section 43(1) of the 20 I 0 PET Rules. Comelec Resolution No. 9164, however, removed the 50 percent threshold but did not impose a new threshold,” the PET said.

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on the fictional train were pointing fingers at each other “but all of them are guilty.”

“And the sad part about it is there has been no coordination among these government agencies,” De Dios said.

The UP professor also criticized the government for collecting money through tax reform but being unable to spend it as quickly as planned.

“Once the government gets the priorities wrong, you might end up wasting [funds],” De Dios told Rappler.

Meanwhile, Senator Bam Aquino hit back at government’s claim that the 5.2-percent inflation rate in June is “not alarming,” saying the administration should be concerned about the suffering of the Filipinos on the high prices of goods due to the Train law.

Aquino insisted the government should be alarmed with the “intense spike” in the prices of goods.

“Let us not simply ignore this because it burdens our countrymen,” said Aquino, who has been pushing for the suspension of the excise tax on petroleum products under the Train Law, as it could help lower prices of goods and services.

The senator also called for the full implementation of mitigating measures under the Train, such as the unconditional cash transfer program for poor families and the “Pantawid Pasada” fund for jeepney operators and drivers.

In the House of Representatives, the opposition Makabayan Bloc warned new inflation records would be set if President Rodrigo Duterte and his economic team continue to ignore calls to repeal the tax reform law.

“It may even reach 6 percent before the year ends, and the price shocks then would be more shocking. The prices of basic goods and services continue to rise,” Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate said.

“The prices of sugar, bread and rice have risen last week, and a provisional fare hike for public utility jeeps may be implemented tomorrow [Saturday],” he noted “But this is just the beginning of our burdens because based on the TRAIN Law the excise tax of P2.50 a liter is imposed on diesel and bunker fuel starting January this year, but this rate will go up to P4.50 in 2019 and P6 in 2020,” Zarate noted.

“This means that the excise tax on gasoline has already increased from P4.35 a liter to P7. It will go up to P9 in 2019 and P10 in 2020,” he explained ACT Teachers Party-list Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro slammed the Duterte administration for saying the June inflation rate is not something the Filipinos should worry about.

Solons: Govt making it hard for peace talks to proceed

By Maricel V. Cruz THE left-leaning Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives on Friday assailed the new conditions set by the Duterte administration for the resumption of the stalled peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front.

The group said the government appeared to have made it difficult for the peace talks to proceed by setting conditions.

“We call on the people to rally against Duterte’s militarist policy and press for the immediate resumption of the peace talks based on the previous agreements and those signed last June 9,” the group said.

The bloc made its statement even as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Filipinos had long wised up to the empty doctrines of the insurgents that guerrilla fighters were surrendering in record numbers to the government.

Lorenzana issued the statement Thursday to belie Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison’s claims that President Rodrigo Duterte and the “pro-US militarists” in the security cluster of his Cabinet were destabilizing their own regime.

The Makabayan Bloc coalition is composed of Party-list Reps. Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna, Antonio Tinio and France Castro of ACT Teachers Party-list, Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela, Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis and Sarah Elago of Kabataan.

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said that, in addition to holding the talks in the Philippines rather than abroad as had been done since 1992, the resumption of the peace talks would be subject to other "wishes of the President.

The other conditions were no powersharing or a coalition government with the communist rebels, a stop to their revolutionary tax collection, and a ceasefire agreement requiring the New People’s Army encamped in designated areas and for localized peace talks to start.”

“It has long been the practice of the peace negotiations that there should be no conditions in starting or resuming the talks and instead confidence building measures are undertaken by the two parties,” the bloc said.

But now the Duterte administration would like to reinvent the wheel of the peace talks to their specifications or tamper previously signed agreements foremost of which are the Hague Declaration, Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees which defines the agenda, conduct and venue of the talks.

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storm— which will be named “Gardo” once it enters the PAR—had “rapidly intensified” and would affect the country with occasional showers and thunderstorms if it maintains its current speed and direction.

“Maria” is at 2,125 kilometers east of Central Luzon, moving north northwest at 15 kilometers per hour, the weather bureau said, as it could enhance the southwest monsoon.

That will bring occasional rain to Western Visayas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Palawan until Saturday evening, Pagasa said.

Monsoon rain may affect Metro Manila as well as the western parts of Central Luzon, of Calabarzon, and of Mimaropa beginning Sunday, the agency added.

Residents of those regions and provinces to be affected by the southwest monsoon, especially those in low-lying and coastal areas, should be on alert for possible flash floods and landslides, Pagasa warned.

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Daniel Ocenar, Nilda Macion, Carl Ladios, and Mariane Yman—all survivors of Typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan)—were selected to represent the Philippines out of 865 children who successfully completed the Football for Life Academy program organized by Fundlife International in Tacloban City.

The young footballers joined more than 200 players from 48 countries in an intensive 11-day program of workshops, cultural exchanges, and friendly football matches aimed at harnessing the power of football for social development.

The highlight was the football tournament on June 30 at Moscow’s Red Square—the heart of the Russian Federation—where the young Taclobanons showed their football skills.

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According to the newly drafted Constitution that would shift the country from a unitary to federal system of government, Duterte can run again for president if he wants to.

“Their term will end in 2022. There’s no ban. They can run under a new constitution,” member of the Palace consultative committee on the Constitution Julio Teehankee said.

He said under the proposed Charter, Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo could run for another four-year term if they bid for reelection.

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

DoJ ends PI on P133-m tax raps vs Rappler THE Department of Justice has concluded its preliminary investigation into the P133-million tax evasion complaint filed against controversial online news site Rappler.

Assistant State Prosecutor Zenamar Machacon-Caparros, who is handling the preliminary investigation of the case, said tax case against Rappler is now deemed submitted for resolution after both parties submitted their respective memoranda, which listed the evidence presented during the preliminary investigation.

In its complaint filed with the DoJ, the Bureau of Internal Revenue accused Rappler Holdings Corporation and its executives-editor-in-chief Maria Ressa and treasurer James Bitanga-of violating Sections 254 and 255 in relation to Sections 253(d) and 256 of the National Internal Revenue Code for their willful for deliberate failure to supply correct and accurate information in its annual income tax return and value added tax returns in 2015. Rey E. Requejo

Lawyer disbarred for fake court decision THE Supreme Court has disbarred a lawyer for falsifying a court decision on the annulment of the marriage of an overseas Filipino worker in 2011.

In an 11-page decision promulgated last July 3, the Supreme Court disbarred laywer Dionisio Apoya Jr. for violating Canon 1, Rules 1.01 and 1.02 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, and Section 2, Rule IV of the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.

“Respondent committed unlawful, dishonest, immoral and deceitful conduct, and lessened the confidence of the public in the legal system.

Instead of being an advocate of justice, he became a perpetrator of injustice.

His reprehensible acts do not merit him to remain the rolls of the legal profession. Thus, the ultimate penalty of disbarment must be imposed upon him,” the Court said.

The High Court also ordered Apoya’s name to be immediately stricken off the Roll of Attorneys.

The case stemmed from the complaint of Leah Taday, an OFW in Norway, who with the help of her parents, sought Apoya’s legal services to nullify her marriage in 2011. PNA

Bible seminars set for deaf and mute A SIGN language program has been arranged by Jehovah’s Witnesses as part of the series of 154 regional conventions at various locations in the country. The first of these three-day Bible seminars with the theme, “Be Courageous,” began June 2-4 and the last will be held on Aug. 24-26.

The special conventions for the deaf and mute are scheduled on July 6-8 at the Witnesses’ Assembly Hall in Novaliches, Quezon City; July 2729 in Tarlac City and August 10-12 in Cagayan de Oro City. Expected attendance at the three sign language conventions is 6,000.

Danilo Calso, convention media services coordinator, said that the program is similar to that in the regular convention. “Talks, symposia and video presentations highlighting Bible principles and teachings will be presented by sign language to help everyone, including the deaf and mute, muster courage to face problems owing to violence and criminality, drug addiction and immorality, and corruption and economic hardship,” Calso added.

WATER WORLD. Residents of Artex Compound in Malabon steer their makeshift boats along the eight-hectare property now covered with water. The city of Malabon is among the areas in Metro Manila declared by the Department of Health affected in the Leptospirosis outbreak. Lisa Marie David

‘OP expenses in 2017 were 548% higher than in 2016’

By Rio N. Araja

T

HE Office of the President has spent 548 percent more than it did in 2016, according to the Commission on Audit.

The state auditors said that the OP, in its maintenance and other operating expenses alone, spent P14.9 billion in 2017 compared to P2.3 billion in 2016.

CoA also flagged the OP’s increased in its expenditures due to the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in 2017.

The OP footed the bill of P3.2 billion for professional services in 2017 against P40-million in 2016.

A big volume of the professional fee or P3.09 billion went to Asean consultants.

The state auditors called the attention of the OP for its P5.8-million unliquidated cash advances incurred

during the Asean Summit.

The “Other MOOE” for 2017 also went up to P8.186 billion against P769 million in 2016.

CoA cited the biggest increases came from rent expenses of P1.6 billion from P35 million and representation expenses of P1.5 billion from P195 million.

It also took note of the OP’s other MOOE expenses sourced from the Presidential Social Fund that went to donations of P4.7 compared to P524 million in 2016.

The OP also was flagged for spending P177.176 million for the maintenance of the Presidential

Airlift Wing’s helicopter fleet at 94 percent of the total P188 million spent for the repairs and maintenance of its transport equipment.

The OP was also questioned for the unused choppers’ spare parts and materials worth P51.5 million, and that these were not included in the Dec. 31, 2017 physical inventory.

The OP spent P2.5 billion in confidential and intelligence funds in 2017 than in 2016.

It only had P715 million in intel funds.

CoA also called the attention of the Office of the President for unliquidated cash advances for its officers and employees worth P6.426 million and unutilized cash advances due for refund amounting to P447,275.

In the 2017 annual audit report, CoA gave its observations that there were no demand letters issued by the OP’s chief accountant to compel accountable officers to refund their unliquidated balances.

LTFRB orders jeepney fare hike by P1 in NCR, Reg. 3,4 THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board had officially issued an order granting provisional authority to public utility jeepneys in Metro Manila, and Regions 3 and 4 to increase minimum fare from P8 to P9 for the first four kilometers effective Friday.

“The provisional authority to increase fare rates shall be effective immediately upon issuance hereof, and until full and final disposition of the above petition for fare increase, or unless modified/revoked and/or cancelled by the Board,” its threepage decision read.

The order was signed only by LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III and board member Ronaldo Corpus.

The LTFRB officials, however, said there would be no increase in the succeeding kilometers.

Another board member, Aileen Lizada, was not a signatory.

She, however, did not comment when asked why she did not sign the order for a fare hike.

Last Thursday night in a Viber conversation, Lizada said “bago lang pumasok po, I reviewed the same and may

comments po ako sa Order, sent back to legal for revision.”

Delgra reminded concerned jeepney drivers not to deprive the senior citizens and the students their right and privilege for a 20 percent discount.

The petitioners—the Federation of Jeepney Operators and DriversAssociation of the Philippines, Land Transportation Organization of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations and Pangkalahatang Sangguniang Manila & Suburb Drivers Association Nationwide Inc., on May 29, filed a petition for a P2 jeepney fare adjustment for the first four kilometers.

In granting a P1 fare hike, the order said “the Board is aware of the present economic state of every Filipino brought about by the rise in oil prices in the world market and the continuous acceleration of inflation rate. Inflation rose from 4.0 percent at the start 2018 to 4.5 percent in May 2018. with transport services increasing from 1.2 percent to 6.2 percent during the same period, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.”

“More, the Department of Trade and

Industry, while it is true that fuel prices went up partly as a result of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law, they shared that it has a very minimal impact on the prices of basic goods. That is because according to the DTI, transportation only accounts for less than 5 percent of the production costs,” it read.

“Per the National Economic and Development Authority, the bigger contributors in the increase of prices of goods are the series of increases in the price of oil in the world market.”

Moreover, the order stated “while the Board recognizes the plight of the Filipino people everytime an increase on the prices of commodities occurs, it cannot be insensitive to the present clamor of stakeholders in the public land transportation services for necessary action relative to the fare rates. Thus, the Board has judiciously balanced the rights of the riding public who are mostly dependent on the public transport system vis-a-vis the right of grantees of certificate of public convenience to a reasonable return on investment.” Rio N. Araja

Solon welcomes SC ruling on IRA

By Maricel V. Cruz AN OPPOSITION lawmaker on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court ruling that the Internal Revenue Allotment for Local Government Units would now include all taxes collected from other government agencies apart from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, especially the Value Added Tax. “We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision interpreting the basis for the ‘just share’ of LGUs to include all national taxes collected from all government agencies aside from the BIR. This is a long-delayed interpretation of the Constitutional guarantee on local autonomy,” Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said.

Atienza cited Section 6, Article X of the 1987 Constitution which states that local government units shall have a just share, as determined by law, in the national taxes which shall be automatically released

to them. As it is, LGUs only get their 40 percent share from national internal revenue taxes.

Atienza, a former mayor, said he had tried to convince the government to give LGUs their just share in the national taxes collected in their respective areas such as the VAT, customs tariffs, excise taxes, and fees collected by the Philippine Ports Authority and airports.

“LGUs do not get any share at all from other taxes collected. With the implementation of the provisions of the Local Government Code, national functions such as those on health services have been devolved to LGUs,” Atienza said. “However, previous presidents opted to devolve the functions of several departments but refused to share the revenues with the LGUs. They still do not have fiscal autonomy. This is also the reason why complaints continue to hound LGUs over their perceived failure to provide better services to their constituents.”

NEW PLATES. Fred Fetalver, assistant chief of the Land Transportation Office in Tayuman, Manila sorts out on Friday, July 6, 2018, the newly arrived vehicle plates ready for distribution. Norman Cruz

Tourist arrival increased in May despite ‘Bora’ closure

By Rio N. Araja THE government may have closed the world-famous Boracay island for rehabilitation for six months, but tourists still flocked to the country’s other tourist destinations.

According to the Department of Tourism, tourist arrivals even increased in May compared to the previous month despite the closure of Boracay island.

Boracay was ordered closed by President Rodrigo Duterte starting last April to give way to its rehabilitation after the president called the worldfamous island as a “cesspool.”

Following its closure, the DENR ordered establishments to improve its sewerage systems, while also even as it ordered illegal structures torn down.

Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said at a meeting of hoteliers in Makati that since Boracay’s shutdown, some 537,743 travelers visited the country in May, or up 0.94 percent from April’s tourist arrivals.

Bengzon said that the DoT has recorded a total of 3,177,974 foreign visitors in the first 3 months of the year, which is 10.24 percent higher compared to tourist arrivals in the same period in 2017.

The DoT official said the government will rebrand Boracay and initiate green infrastructure projects in the island when it opens again on Oct. 26.

According to a report by Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, some 3.7 million tourists visited the island in 2017. Boracay is known worldwide for its powder-like beaches.

Morales rules out politics after stint as Ombudsman AS SHE prepares to down from her post in July 27, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said that she had already ruled out any talk about her entering politics.

“No political plans. I’m just tickling some people kapag sinabi kong my door is closed but the window is open. That’s not true. I am not up for politics,” she said.

Morales said this was the same answer she has given to some people who were trying to convince her to run for an elective position.

I’m decided not to join politics.

Siguro naman I deserve to take a prolonged rest,” she said.

But at the same time, Morales said that she is hoping someone as competent and honest as she is would replace her at the Office of the Ombudsman.

“I want a man who know what he is doing and who is honest, too. It would such be a waste of time if a corrupt one would replace me,” she said in a public forum in Pasig City.

Morales said she was proud to say that she has been an honest Ombudsman.

“Now competence, may be the public could judge me,” she added.

Rio N. Araja

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Opinion

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

State terrorism in HSA amendments

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

penalize unlawful membership in terrorist organizations and proscribed UN designated organizations while HB 7141 introduces a number of amendments to the present anti-terror law including the inclusion of addiMORE than 10 years ago, Congress tional predicate crimes to the existing passed the Human Security Act of twelve (12) to the definition of terror2007. It is the country’s primary ist; inclusion of other punishable acts; weapon against terrorism. When it and an increase in penalty from “40 was first proposed, the HSA was con- years imprisonment” to “life impristroversial. While some justifies the onment to death.” law as a necessary response to terror Under HB 5507, membership in a incidents happening all over the world proscribed organization shall suffer and in the country, critics raised con- the penalty of reclusion perpetua and cerns about its potential derogation assets seized without judicial trial. of civil and other human rights. The The proposed bill criminalizes mere compromise was to pass the law but membership in the proscribed organiwith safeguards. zation, and his or her guilt could be The HSA gives state security agen- prove on the mere testimony of at least cies the authority to conduct surveil- two (2) persons. lance upon order All these proby the court, deposed amendtain suspected ments are repugterrorists, pronant to the sacred scribe terrorist constit utional In other times, these organizations or doctrine of due associations after bills would not have a process of law due notice and chance to prosper. which protects hearing, detain life, liberty and suspected terproperty of any rorists without person and the warrant although right of an acthey must be delivered to proper ju- cused to be heard and present evidicial authorities within three days. dence in his or her behalf.

The law also authorizes authorities to It gets worse. examine bank deposits, accounts and In HB 7141 the law enforcement records. Violation of the law carries a agencies and the military are placed penalty of up to forty (40) years im- on equal footing in the surveillance prisonment. of suspects notwithstanding that these Ten years after its enactment, two institutions perform different roles bills are now pending in Congress under the law. Without a clear-cut seeking to amend the existing anti- dichotomy at least in the conduct of terror law. Introduced by Representa- surveillance, performance of functive Amado Espino Jr. of Pangasinan, tions between the law enforcers and the bills denominated as H.B. 5507 military might overlap if not intrude (“An Act Declaring as Unlawful the into one another’s turf on the pretext Membership in any Philippine Court- that the surveillance is to prevent terProscribed or United Nations Security roristic activities. Worse, safeguards Council-Designated Terrorist Organi- incorporated in existing privacy laws zation and Providing Penalties There- have been removed. This grant of for”) and HB 7141 or An Act to Secure authority is too susceptible to abuse. the State and Protect the People from Moreover, the bill, as crafted, also Terrorism. House Bill 5507 seeks to Turn to A5

Patterns

L

OCAL government officials are alarmed. Just this week, two mayors were killed in broad daylight.

Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili was shot by a sniper during Monday’s flag-raising ceremonies.

The following day, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote was shot by men on board a motorcycle just as he was leaving a government office in Cabanatuan.

A chilling pattern is emerging, the local executives say. The League of Municipalities of the Philippines has in fact sought a dialogue with the President to raise their concern.

Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año, however, was quick to say that there is none. “Each case has its own facts,” he said in a statement.

“They are not at all related.”

Año said not all of the killings can be traced to illegal drugs— some reasons are personal, some political. Thus, there is no cause for concern. The Philippine National Police is prepared to provide additional security anytime, should mayors and other local officials feel the need for it. They

only need to communicate their request.

But Año’s words do little to dispel the notion that these are, in fact, more dangerous times.

Mayors, for example, are seen as the most powerful, influential individuals in their town or city.

They have access to threat intelligence that would allow them to prepare for perceived danger to their lives, and to the best security they can afford.

Halili’s and Bote’s deaths—and these are just the more recent cases—reminded the local officials they are not as invincible as they would like to be.

Then again, nobody is altogether safe these days—not even priests preparing to say mass, prosecu-

tors getting themselves a drink after a hectic day in court, people who look idle and who could be capable of crime.

There is a pattern all right, and it’s one of violence and impunity. It’s not only mayors who fear for their lives, it’s all of us wondering why those who commit these killings are able to get away with them while law enforcers plod helplessly behind.

Even if the mayors, for instance, were involved in drugs, or even if the priests and lawyers were leading double lives, nothing justifies their killing, and nothing excuses the failure of the state to protect its citizens. Worse, state agents who themselves inflict harm on the people they are supposed to protect are a disgrace.

Small wonder that the pattern keeps repeating itself—our very own officials reinforce it, and those who are supposed to see so that they can do something about it, simply look the other way.

Paralyzing local officials Recently however, lawyers, priests, and LGU officials have been added to the list of those who are killed. Most of the killings involve operatives of the Philippine National Police. This does not add to the confidence level of I WONDER how Local Government ordinary Filipinos.

What perhaps escapes most is the Unit officials are feeling now with the killing of two mayors in broad day- fact that from 2016 when Duterte assumed office to date, 10 mayors light within two days of this week.

Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan including Halili and Bote, and four City, Batangas was shot dead on July vice mayors have already been killed.

2, 2018 during the weekly flag rais- A list put together by Rappler.com ing ceremony at the city hall grounds. shows this.

The other mayors were: He became notorious for his “walk of Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of shame” initiative where drug suspects were paraded in public in 2016. This Datu Saudi Ampatuan who was killed act was condemned by human rights allegedly in a shootout with state opgroups. However, Mayor Halili him- eratives on Oct. 28, 2016. He was on self was linked by the Duterte admin- Duterte’s drug list. He was flagged istration to illegal drugs. This resulted down at a checkpoint on the basis of in the removal of his power to super- information that they were delivering illegal drugs vise the local poto Maguindanao lice. Mayor Halili and Cotabato aralso refused calls eas; for him to surrenMayor Rolando der—until that How are people Espinosa Sr. of fateful morning.

Albuera, Leyte.

The country to expect maximum He was arrested was still reeling performance from their for violation of from this when officials in the midst of the ComprehenMayor Ferdinand sive Dangerous Bote of General all these killings?

Drugs Act of Tinio, Nueva Eci2002 and for ilja was also shot legally possessdead the following firearms and ing day, July 3.

His vehicle was shot at by motorcycle- ammunition. The PNP said that their riding gunmen as he was leaving the raid of Espinosa’s house yielded 11 National Irrigation Administration in kilos of suspected shabu worth P88 million, and high powered weapons.

Cabanatuan City.

These killings have made people He was killed in an alleged shootout restive. Many are nervous and asking inside his prison cell in Baybay City how safe ordinary Filipinos really are on Nov. 5, 2016; Mayor Mohammad Exchan Limif mayors, who are the most powerful in their towns and cities are killed bona of Pantar, Lanao del Norte was as easily as Halili and Bote. This killed when an unidentified group of is a very valid question especially men opened fire on his vehicle in Basince the killings are unabated. Tens rangay Dalipuga, Iligan City on Dec. of thousands have been killed since 29, 2016. With him were his wife, President Rodrigo Duterte started his daughter, and two escorts. Local police claimed that possible motives war on drugs.

First, the targets were suspected were politics or family feud.

Mayor Arsenio Agustin of Marcos, drug pushers and users, young and old alike, and mostly poor.

Turn to A5

POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO

A ‘Japanese tip’: The origami art left by diners

By Harumi Ozawa YUKI Tatsumi was waiting tables at an izakaya pub in Japan’s Kyoto when something on the table caught his eye— a chopstick wrapper folded and fiddled into an abstract shape.

It was the catalyst for a collection that now includes some 15,000 pieces of found “origami art” made by customers folding the paper sleeves that cover chopsticks at Japanese restaurants.

“The very first one I found just looked like a bit of junk,” 27-year-old Tatsumi admitted, but it made him think.

“What if this is a message for me from customers? Cleaning tables suddenly became something fun, just by thinking about it that way.”

Tipping at restaurants is not standard in Japan, but Tatsumi came to see the little folded paper pieces left behind by customers as a “Japanese tip,” and started watching out for different types.

He soon found there was a huge variety in the pieces left behind by customers, perhaps no surprise in a country where origami is a popular hobby and taught at schools.

“I discovered many of them were folded in shapes of traditional good luck items in Japan, like a fan, a crane and a turtle,” he said.

“I also once found a table decorated like a fish tank, with paper folded like fish and seaweed.”

Enchanted by his discoveries, he decided to branch out and ask other res-

taurants to donate the pieces left by their customers to his collection.

In April 2016, he set off on a yearlong road trip, asking hundreds of eateries from sushi restaurants to noodle stands to share their transformed paper sleeves with him.

He encountered some curiosity, and even reluctance, from restaurateurs bewildered about why he would want something usually headed straight for the garbage.

But eventually 185 places from northern Hokkaido to southern Okinawa promised to keep whatever they found and send them to him.

Better than cash “Many of the restaurant owners that Turn to A5

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Opinion Landmines arrive with the summer thaw in Pakistani Kashmir

By Sajjad Qayyum AS THE summer sun warms the verdant valleys of Pakistan-held Kashmir, its snow and glaciers begin to melt, and the deadly landmines buried within them slowly begin to shift downstream towards the villages below.

Laid by troops along both sides of the highly militarized Line of Control (LoC), the de-facto border dividing the contested Himalayan region between India and Pakistan, the landmines are believed to kill and maim dozens of villagers each year.

“It is a hilly area. Our village is located at the bottom, and the enemy posts are at the top,” explains Muhammad Sulaiman, a 72-year-old resident of the village of Bugna, in the steeply sloped Neelum Valley.

When the snow melts, he says, the mines “flow from the top to our village.”

Villagers routinely ford the many small streams criss-crossing the valley as they go about their daily business.

“They are hit by landmines, and they become victims,” Sulaiman says.

Nobody knows how many landmines flow into populated areas this way each year. The area is vast, and villagers do not always report what has happened.

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society does not have access to parts of the LoC itself, and says it does not have proper data.

But it is enough that in winter the villagers feel safe, many told AFP, while rising temperatures bring increased nervousness.

Like Sulaiman, Salima Bibi lives in Bugna, a village of 1,500 people that has only enough electricity for lights —not heat or cooking—and is just yards (meters) from the LoC. Pakistani and Indian troops are deployed on the

State...

From A4

imposes the death penalty to certain derivative crimes thus violating treaty obligations which prohibit the Philippines from doing so.

In other times, these bills would not have a chance to prosper. But in the time of Dutertismo, the bills were speedily referred by the House Committee to Technical Working Group.

Interestingly, during the only two public hearings conducted to discuss and fine-tune the two proposed bills only representatives from the national security agencies were invited, with no participation from human rights groups, civil libertarians, lawyers’ groups, and other concerned citizens.

I make mine Anakpawis Party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao argument opposing the HSA amendments “These draconian bills have grave impact on the state of our human rights which today is already under attack from all sorts of oplans hatched by the Duterte administration. They have Oplan Kapayapaan, Tokhang, and Oplan Rody. The entire Filipino people should reject these bills for they are added fangs to

Paralyzing...

From A4

Ilocos Norte was shot by unidentified men in his town on June 3, 2017 while inspecting a water impounding project. His driver, Mark Valencia also died in the shooting incident; Mayor Gisela Bendong-Boniel of Bien Unido, Bohol was believed to have been abducted and killed on June 7, 2017 by her husband and Bohol Board Member Nino Rey Boniel. The suspected motive was marital issues.

Her remains have yet to be found; Mayor Leovino Hidalgo of Balete, Batangas who was gunned down by unidentified killers during a local sports event on June 10, 2017; Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog of Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental was with his wife, brother, and sister when they were killed during a police raid on July 30, 2017. State agents were allegedly serving a warrant of arrest when the mayor’s security personnel attacked. The Parojinogs were on Duterte’s list of government officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs trade; and Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol of Buenavista, Bohol. He was gunned down by an unidentified assailant while inside the town’s cockpit arena on May 27, 2018.

The vice mayors who were killed were: Vice Mayor Aaron Sampaga of Pamplona, Cagayan Province. He was killed by unidentified gun men on Au-

heights above it.

Last September she, like many other women of Bugna, was cutting grass for livestock, foraging for wood for cooking and heating, and bringing drinking water from the stream.

“I was walking through a small stream,” Salima says. “All of a sudden there was a blast. I fell down on the ground, I was bleeding.”

She was rushed to the capital of Pakistani-held Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, and remained there for two months as doctors fought to save her mangled leg. Eventually, it was amputated, the International Committee of the Red Cross providing her with a prosthetic.

Bibi, a mother of three clad in a traditional shalwar kameez, wrings her hands sadly as she tells AFP how difficult it is to carry out routine chores and care for her children.

“I don’t want what happened to me to happen to others,” she says in an interview at her home.

Fighting back So she is joining forces with the Red Crescent, which has been carrying out a landmines awareness campaign in the region since 2011.

The organization has provided her with posters and pamphlets showing the different shapes of mines and other unexploded ordnance, such as mortar and artillery shells, to help villagers recognize the danger and avoid it.

The mines are often small and sometimes camouf laged, the color of stones and lying half-buried in the grass along the streams, underscoring the program’s push to educate Kashmir residents on what they look like.

They are hoping to save people like Muhammad Rafiq, a carpenter from the village of Polas near the LoC, who was going to a forest to cut wood when he stepped on a mine and lost his foot.

The 46-year-old now takes jobs as a day laborer to put food on the table for his five children.

“I had no difficulty when I had two real legs,” he tells AFP. The Red Crescent volunteers are going door to door to spread the word, and say they have spoken to more than 200,000 people.

Yasir Arafat Kazmi, the program’s project manager, says they have seen a decrease in the number of victims they have been able to trace since the campaign began—from 61 in 2015 to 13 last year.

The organization has also referred some 250 victims of mine blasts to rehabilitation centres providing them with artificial limbs since 2011.

At risk But there has been a surge of shelling along the LoC in recent months as tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan rise, and the violence is hitting the campaign.

The two countries have disputed Kashmir since independence from Britain in 1947, and fought two of their three wars over the territory.

Cross-border clashes recently reached the highest levels in 15 years, figures from both sides show. Earlier in June both militaries pledged to respect the ceasefire, but the vow was broken within days.

In the Neelum Valley, Kazmi of the Red Crescent warns that the shelling is preventing them from carrying out their mission of educating people about landmines.

“Our field teams are not visiting the areas on the LoC as their own lives are at risk,” he says.

Meanwhile, the sun beats down and the streams course through the valleys, many carrying their treacherous cargo from the militarized heights above.

AFP

a rising tyranny. They are weapons of mass destruction of our human rights.”

Casilao continues: “We treat these proposed bills as another step toward a dictatorship. Just recently, the Supreme Court thumbed down the appeal of [former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes] Sereno to reverse its ruling that ousted her through a quo warranto, making the three branches of the government literally under the executive power.”

It is lamentable that notwithstanding the plethora of existing laws and treaties entered into by the Philippines designed to protect human rights the Duterte administration and its law enforcement agencies are now almost universally accused of widespread violation of human rights in the prosecution of the so-called war on drugs.

The bills as proposed should they be enacted will give both law enforcement agencies and military an almost unfettered discretion and latitude to perform acts that amount to violation of civil rights and liberties.

This is not to say that the State has no right to protect and preserve the peace and security of the people. Terrorism is a universal scourge that recognizes no borders. It is the duty of every State to adopt means to address this challenge.

But by adopting countermeasures that curtail civil liberties and violate human right, the state does an an evil to eradicate another evil.

We are better than this. Fighting terrorism with terror will lead to failure. State terrorism is wrong and can never be justified. Justice Marvic Leonen explains why in his dissent in Lagman vs Medialdea, the Supreme court decision that upheld the constitutionality of President Duterte’s martial declaration of martial law in Mindanao as a response to the Maute terrorist acts in Marawi. According to Justice Leonen: “We all need to fight the long war against terrorism. This needs patience, community participation, precision, and a sophisticated strategy that respects rights, and at the same time uses force decisively at the right time and in the right way. The terrorist wins when we suspend all that we believe in. The terrorist wins when we replace social justice with disempowering authoritarianism. We should temper our fears with reason. Otherwise, we succumb to the effects of the weapons of terror.”

gust 5, 2016. He was mayor for three terms before becoming vice mayor; Vice Mayor Anwar Sindatuk of Datu Saudi Ampatuan who was shot at close range by an unidentified gunman while he was entertaining guests in his house on Nov. 26, 2016; Vice Mayor Jackson Cinco Dy of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro was gunned down by unidentified assailants on Sept. 22, 2017. The killers fled using a motorcycle; and Vice Mayor Jonah John Ungab of Ronda, Cebu who was killed when unidentified men opened fire at his vehicle on Feb. 19, 2018 in Cebu City. He was the lawyer of suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, son of slain Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. Of the 14 cases, 13 of the victims were decidedly killed using guns while one remains a mystery since her body is yet to be found.

At least six of the killings could possibly be drug-related. These are the murders of mayors Samsudin Dimaukom, Rolando Espinosa, Jr., Reynaldo Parojinog, Antonio Halili, and vice mayor Jonah John Ungab. Three of these six cases involved alleged shootout with state operatives.

The killings of local government officials could possibly have a chilling effect particularly on our mayors and vice mayors. Mayor Halili’s murder happened during the flag raising ceremony, Mayor Bote’s right after his visit to the NIA office, Mayor Agustin’s happened as he was inspecting a water impounding project, and Mayor

Hidalgo’s murder occurred during a local sports event.

They were merely performing their usual functions as local officials when they got killed. How are people to expect maximum performance from LGU officials in the midst of all these killings? How many of them would think twice now about attending the weekly flag ceremony, coordinating with other government offices, and attending local events?

What guarantees are given by the national government about the safety and security of LGU officials when a number of the killings involved police operatives? President Duterte’s statements on killings are not encouraging since there has been no assurance from him ALL local officials, not just his friends, have nothing to worry about.

The killings can paralyze local government officials.

On the contrary, he has always assured the police that they are protected even if they kill. This kind of protection has indeed been given the police as manifested by the fact that most of those involved are merely transferred to other assignments. We have yet to hear of police operatives being meted prison terms for their crimes.

In the end, if local officials are unable to perform well, it is the people who will lose. The killings must stop.

These can paralyze local government officials.

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A5

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The dreamers and the realists gler, Sison has his insecurities; that to negotiate could be interpreted by his followers as an act of capitulation or could be accused of “Lavaism.” Sison, in particular, feels that the ageing revolutionary veterans whom he accused of MOST political analysts expected the revisionism would equally charge him peace talks between the Government of the same offense of betrayal.

His unbridled charges against his and the Communist Party of the Philippines/ National Democratic Front to own comrades whose only crime is to fail. When President Duterte finally adhere a different strand of Marxism, announced the cancellation of the talks, Sison now finds himself isolated. In the realists were somehow given their the years in self exile, he has developed a variant perspective of Marxsigh of relief.

It was bound to fail because the ism. His statements already bares the group of Jose Maria Sison, holed up truth—that he is not interested in any in the Netherlands, was at the outset negotiations. Rather, he and his diehard determined to impose his parameter followers merely want to prolong the on how to hammer out the details that talks in order to maximize the benefits that accorded them safe passage and to would be acceptable to both sides.

However, even before the two could put to an end the negotiations by raistalk about the possibility of securing an ing the usual alibi of bad faith on the agreement, Sison and his group had al- part of the government when it did not ready been spreading demands he knew consider their demands.

During the backchannel talks with would be rejected by the government panel. It could have served as a good start the group of Sison, the two parties for both sides to revive the Joint Agree- agreed to include in the package agreement on Safety and Security Guarantees ment the following: 1) coordinated uni(JASIG) instead of publicly hurling accu- lateral ceasefire; 2) GRP certified copy of presidential proclamation to amnessations and counter-accusations.

As the chief consultant who frequent- ty and release of all political prisoners ly speaks for the panel, Sison should listed by the National Democratic Front have refrained from accusing the gov- of the Philippines; and 3) Agrarian Reernment of terminating the peace ne- form and Rural Development and Nagotiations by President Duterte’s issu- tional industrialization and Economic ance of Proclamation No. 360 and by Development Section of CASER (Comhis issuance of Proclamation No. 374 prehensive Agreement on Social and designating the CPP/NPA as terrorists Economic Reforms). These proposals organizations. Sison was aware that failed to take off because of the intractable attitude of once he raised the Sison to demand issue of violation, matters outside he simply opened of what has been the door to endless agreed as the talkre c r i m i n at ion s, Duterte is far more ing points or pafor certainly the rameters. government also logical than Sison.

The supposedly has its legitimate dialectical mind and valid reasons. has now fossilSison should have ized his thoughts read between the lines the conciliatory attitude of the to opposing any government policy that government. But it seems Sison is de- would bring about change in our society. termined to scuttle any negotiations Sison now considers China as an enemy by claiming that the peace talks was a of the progressive forces for abandoning trick to divide their ranks, and to iden- the puritanical Maoist interpretation of tify and secure the arrest of members Marxism-Leninism. To him, the concept of socialism with Chinese characwhich was not at all constructive.

Sison should have kept an open mind teristics is a blasphemy to the dogma if only to start the negotiations. He and a political swindle. But who is he to should have considered the willing- judge that China is wrong? Can Sison ness of the government to cross half and his ragtag army decide what model the bridge to negotiate by going to of socialism is suited for this country?

Sison’s attitude in treating his ideoNetherlands to appease his group. They completely disregarded the move of the logical line as invincible in effect President in appointing leftist person- amounts to telling that his thoughts are alities into his cabinet, in publicly dig- infallible and he is now a sort of deminifying Sison by telling everybody he god. But reality tells us that his dream is the founder of the CPP and was his of a socialist revolution remains at the gantry, has failed to take off, and his former teacher.

Instead, Sison and his cabal hardened foot soldiers miserably failing to build their position by unleashing another an impregnable mass base, indicating round of propaganda, that they are they have achieved the crucial stage of winning their 40-year-old protracted strategic defense in their struggle. For war for the fact the President appointed his persistence, it now appears that he some of them to his cabinet, initiated is extolling the people to remain poor, economic and social reforms, though be stacked in poverty and ignorance, short of their version of socialism, but faithful to the promise of liberation.

Setting aside the childish tantrums nonetheless laid down the foundation for structural change in our society, of Sison, the only difficult issue on the released detained leaders and mem- initial points of agreement is the debers of the CPP, NDF and the NPA, and mand by the government panel for the again offered to revive the long delayed CPP/NDF/NPA to stop their extortion peace talks. In fact, he even allowed activities they dubbed as the exaction many of them to leave for Netherlands of “revolutionary tax.” This position is given because no two governments can to participate in the aborted talks.

Yet, nobody from among them real- co-exist in the same territorial boundized that their release from detention ary and collect taxes over the same in effect revoked the proclamations people for their earnings and property. suspending the JASIG agreement. As To grant them this privilege is to grant one observer would like to put it, Du- them “belligerency” status which is not terte is far more logical than Sison be- possible because this issue can only be cause talks can never resume whether it resolved in the battlefield and not on be held in Netherlands or in Manila as the negotiating table. In any case, the long as JASIG remains suspended and release of all political prisoners as dethe government maintains that the CPP/ manded by the CPP/NDF/NPA was a gesture of good faith which they should NDF/NPA are terrorist organizations.

Sison’s recalcitrance was completely have taken advantage to proceed with negative indicating his visceral hatred the talks, but it seems Sison is still meof the government, which explains why andering out there in the universe. he cannot contribute something conrpkapunan@gmail.com structive to the negotiations. As a strag-

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

A ‘Japanese...

From A4

helped me told me afterwards that they now find it more rewarding than a real tip in cash,” Tatsumi said.

“It may sound hard to believe, especially for those outside Japan, but this way of showing appreciation that is unique to each person is something very pleasing.”

Now working as a researcher at an art museum in Kameoka near Kyoto, Tatsumi has around 15,000 pieces, each stored in its own small wooden box, like a piece of precious jewellery.

Many are simple, with diners just forming a makeshift chopstick rest out of the sleeve.

But others are elaborate, like a black and white patterned piece formed into a dress, or a blue wrapper twisted into a snake, with the folds following the patterns on the paper.

He sees them as an unspoken mes-

sage between customers and their servers in restaurants, and worries that as automated service becomes more common in Japan, the “tips” he collects will disappear.

“When you walk into a restaurant and only deal with a machine, I don’t think you would make these items. I really think these are products created only when people communicate in person,” he said.

Tatsumi has already exhibited his collection in Japan, and plans to take it to art events in Paris and South Korea later this year.

He wants the collection to remind people to show appreciation and consideration for what they have.

“Japan is a very wealthy country, where you can find something to eat anywhere at any time, but I think people are becoming less appreciative of what they have or who makes the food,” he said.

“Cash isn’t the only way to show your warm feelings.” AFP

News

A6

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

Poe files reso seeking Senate probe on PNP jeeps purchase SENATOR Grace Poe filed a resolution Friday urging the Senate to investigate the alleged irregularities in the purchase of P1.9 billion worth of patrol vehicles by the Philippine National Police, which vowed full cooperation.

Poe filed Senate Resolution 777, only days after declaring her intent to have the 2015 purchase of Mahindra Enforcer and Mahindra Scorpion vehicles investigated.

The Commission on Audit report had validated concerns raised by Poe in 2014 about the terms of reference for the purchase of the vehicles eliminating bidders other than Mahindra, which she said was not qualified to bid in the first place due to its lack of service centers.

“All forms of government misfeasance, malfeasance, and nonfeasance, especially with regard to government funds, must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Poe’s resolution stated.

In the resolution, Poe said Republic Act 6975, also known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990,

Republic of the Philippines

Considering that FM Pass-Through Amounts are not included in NGCP’s Final Determination for any regulatory period, the proposed FM Pass-Through Amounts can be recovered pursuant to Section 10.1.1 of the RTWR where NGCP is allowed to recover the cost incurred for the repair, restoration, and rehabilitation of damage sustained by its transmission assets and other related facilities as a result of an FME. A copy of the FM Pass-Through Amount Computation is hereto attached as Annex “D.”

19.

Further, the FM Pass-Through Amounts in this Application do not breach the Force Majeure Threshold Amount (FMTA) of PhP0.0347/ kWh in accordance with the RTWR. A copy of the FMTA Computation is hereto attached as Annex “E.”

20.

Also, NGCP considered the NFAV of the transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by the FME Typhoons Karen and Lawin in Luzon given that NGCP would have normally fully recovered the return of capital on said assets for the duration of their economic lives had these assets not been damaged or destroyed by said FMEs.

San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

ERC CASE NO. 2017-090 RC

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (NGCP), Applicant. x - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

JUSTIFICATION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Notice is hereby given that on 12 October 2017, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) filed an Application dated 02 October 2017, seeking the approval of Force Majeure Event Regulated FM pass-through for Typhoons Karen and Lawin in Luzon, in accordance with the Rules for Setting Transmission Wheeling Rates, with a prayer for provisional authority.

21.

NGCP respectfully moves for the issuance of a provisional approval for the immediate recovery of the FM Pass-Through Amounts pursuant to Section 3, Rule 14 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure.

22.

NGCP needs to immediately recover the actual expenses incurred for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the damaged transmission assets and other related facilities. It must be emphasized that the rehabilitation of the assets damaged by the aforementioned FMEs in Luzon required capital infusion, the recovery of which should be allowed immediately in order to avoid any financial strain in the operation of NGCP and to allow the continuous provision of transmission service to the grid customers.

NGCP alleged the following in its Application: 1.

2.

3.

NGCP is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

It is the concessionaire which assumed the power transmission functions of the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) pursuant to Republic Act No. (RA) 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).1

23.

Under RA 9511,2 NGCP was granted a franchise to construct, install, finance, manage, improve, expand, operate, maintain, rehabilitate, repair and- refurbish the present nationwide transmission system of the Republic of the Philippines.

24.

On 15 January 2009, NGCP assumed the transmission functions of TRANSCO, including the operation, management and maintenance of the nationwide electrical grid.

5.

6.

7.

In addition, the timely implementation of the FM Pass-Through Amounts will allow the equal or even spread of the increases or decreases in tariffs from the initial implementation of the recovery of the cost.

A copy of the Judicial Affidavit of Agnes F. Dela Cruz, Head, Tariff Design and Billing Management Division, Revenue and Regulatory Affairs, in support of the instant Application, is hereto attached as Annex “F.” PRAYER

STATEMENT OF FACTS 4.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

18.

TODAY ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF FORCE MAJEURE EVENT REGULATED FM PASS-THROUGH FOR TYPHOONS KAREN AND LAWIN IN LUZON, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES FOR SETTING TRANSMISSION WHEELING RATES, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

Mayor John Rey Tiangco (left) of Navotas commends Rodney Chad Mallari, resident of Brgy. San Jose, who returned a pouch containing P150,000 worth of cash and personal items to a passenger who left them inside his taxi. Andrew Rabulan

mandated the PNP to buy equipment that would sufficiently protect the public.

But CoA said the purchase of the vehicles supposedly “compromised security, crippled the police, and left citizens vulnerable.”

CoA raised these concerns: a.) The purchase of the vehicles was done “without the benefit of operational needs assessment”; b.) The purchase was also marked by numerous “unsound changes in Napolcom minimum standard specifications restricting in effect wider latitude in selecting the most suitable mobility assets”; c.) The actual performance of the initial 1,656 Mahindra vehicles was not evaluated; d.) 206 units were not effectively utilized due to “frequent breakdowns, poor after sales services, and limited availability of spare parts”; e.) The PNP incurred additional costs of P59.379 million in the form of service fees which “…could have been otherwise used to acquire approximately 67 units of patrol jeeps.”

Manila

Standard

HONEST RESIDENT.

WHEREFORE, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission to:

From 13 to 17 October 2016, Typhoon Karen was inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) with maximum winds of 150 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of 210 kph. Subsequently, from 17 to 20 October 2016, Typhoon Lawin also entered the PAR with maximum winds of 225 and gustiness of 315 kph.

1.

DECLARE Typhoons Karen and Lawin in Luzon as Force Majeure Events (FMEs);

2.

Immediately GRANT Provisional Approval to implement and bill the following FM Pass-Through Amounts starting October 2017 billing month to December 2020 for Luzon customers, or until such time that the amounts incurred are fully recovered:

Due to heavy rains and gusty winds brought by Typhoons Karen and Lawin, NGCP’s transmission assets and other related facilities in Luzon were damaged causing widespread power interruption over the area. Copy of the Certification dated 27 December 2016 issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is attached hereto as Annex “A.” In compliance with Article X of the Rules for the Setting of Transmission Wheeling Rates (RTWR), NGCP filed with this Honorable Commission Force Majeure Event (FME) Notices for Typhoons Karen and Lawin both dated 16 December 2016. Copies of the FME Notices for Typhoons Karen and Lawin duly received by the Honorable Commission are attached hereto as Annexes “B” and “C,” respectively.

Immediately after the devastation of Typhoons Karen and Lawin in Luzon, NGCP started the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of its damaged transmission assets and other related facilities in order to restore transmission service to its customers and the public. As a result, NGCP incurred additional costs for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the said damaged transmission assets.

Luzon P/kW-mo.

P/kWh 3.

2017

2018

2019

2020

0.30

0.08

0.09

0.09

0.0006

0.0002

0.0002

0.0002

APPROVE the CAPEX and OPEX incurred by NGCP for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the damaged transmission assets and other related facilities due to FMEs Typhoons Karen and Lawin broken down as follows; Amount in PHP

4.

CAPEX

13,551,641.83

OPEX

16,131,730.94

TOTAL

29,683,372.77

APPROVE, after due notice and hearing, the proposed FM Pass-Through Amounts to be collected from the Luzon customers starting October 2017 billing month or until such time that the amounts incurred are fully recovered, as follows:

FORCE MAJEURE EVENT CLAIM 8.

9.

Typhoons Karen and Lawin were categorized by PAGASA as a “Typhoon” in its Certification dated 27 December 2016.3 Therefore, Typhoons Karen and Lawin fall within the definition of an FME in accordance with Section 1.3 of the RTWR.

10.

Pursuant to Section 10.1.1 of the RTWR, NGCP is allowed to recover the cost it incurred in the repair, restoration, and rehabilitation of its transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by Typhoons Karen and Lawin through an FM Pass-Through Amount.

11.

Within three (3) months after the occurrence of Typhoons Karen and Lawin in Luzon, NGCP filed before the Honorable Commission FME Notices both dated 16 December 2016 pursuant to Sections 10.2.1 and 10.2.2 of the RTWR.

12.

Thereafter, within twelve (12) months after the occurrence of FME Typhoons Karen and Lawin, NGCP hereby files the instant FME Application, in accordance with Sections 10.2.1 and 10.2.3 of the RTWR. FM PASS-THROUGH AMOUNT COMPUTATION

13.

14.

It must be noted that NGCP has not recovered from its Industrial AllRisk (IAR) Insurance Policy procured from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the year 2016 the cost NGCP incurred in the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by the FMEs Typhoons Karen and Lawin, considering that the affected assets are located beyond the 1,000 meters radius from the nearest substation perimeter fence, and that the total cost of damage is below the One (1) Million US Dollars deductible amount. Thus, it is but proper for NGCP to file the instant FME Claim Application to recover the cost it incurred for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of its transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by the FMEs Typhoons Karen and Lawin in Luzon pursuant to the RTWR.

P/kW-mo.

P/kWh

CAPEX

13,551,641.83

OPEX

16,131,730.94

TOTAL

29,683,372.77

Further, the recoverable value or the Net Fixed Asset Value (NFAV) of the assets destroyed by Typhoons Karen and Lawin is Four Million Nine Hundred Twenty-Nine Thousand Three Hundred Eighty-Eight and 40/100 (PHP4,929,388.40).

16.

NGCP proposes the FM Pass-Through Amounts, in P/kW-month, as additional network charges starting October 2017 billing month until December 2020 for Luzon, or until such time that the amounts incurred are fully recovered, computed as shown in the tables below:

P/kW-mo.

P/kWh

2017

2018

2019

2018

2019

2020

0.30

0.08

0.09

0.09

0.0006

0.0002

0.0002

0.02

APPROVE and ALLOW the recovery of the Net Fixed Asset Value of the transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by the FMEs Typhoons Karen and Lawin in Luzon amounting to Four Million Nine Hundred Twenty-Nine Three Thousand Hundred Eighty-Eight and 40/100 (PHP4,929,388.40); and

6.

EXCLUDE the proposed Pass-Through Amounts from the side constraint calculation.

NGCP prays for other relief deemed just and equitable under the premises.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and evidentiary hearing on 30 July 2018 (Monday) at ten o’clock in the morning (10:00 AM), at the ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1)

The petitioner’s name and address;

2)

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

3)

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicant rests its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing.

Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

15.

Luzon

2017

5.

The cost NGCP incurred as additional FME Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditure (OPEX) for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of its transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by Typhoons Karen and Lawin in Luzon are summarized below: Amount in PHP

17.

Luzon

Under Section 1.3(a) of the RTWR, an FME is defined as a “typhoon, storm, tropical depression, flood, drought, volcanic eruption; earthquake, tidal wave or landslide; or an act of public enemy, war (declared or undeclared), sabotage, blockade, revolution, riot, insurrection, civil commotion or any violent or threatening actions.”

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO AGNES VST DEVANADERA, and the Honorable Commissioners ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAPTARUC, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA,, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 1st day of June 2018 in Pasig City.

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal

2020

0.30

0.08

0.09

0.09

0.0006

0.0002

0.0002

0.0002

NGCP proposes the FM Pass-Through Amounts for the years 2017 to 2020 to allow the recovery of the CAPEX, OPEX, and NFAV incurred relative to the FME Typhoons Karen and Lawin in Luzon pending the reset process for the Transmission Services for the Fourth Regulatory Period.

1

Republic Act No. 9136 entitled, “An Act Ordaiqing Reforms in the Electric Power Industry, Amending for the Purpose Certain Laws and for Other Purposes”

2

Republic Act No. 9511 entitled “An Act Granting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines a Franchise to Engage in the Business- of Conveying or Transmitting Electricity Through High Voltage Back-bone System Or Interconnected Transmission Lines, Substations and Related Facilities, and for Other Purposes”

3

Please see P AGASA Certification, Page 2 of for Typhon Karen and Page 3 for Typhoon Lawin.

(MS-JUNE 29 & JULY 7, 2018)

NCRPO chief vows cleanup of rogue Makati cops N

ATIONAL Capital Region Police Office regional director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar assured prompt action against rogue cops assigned in Makati City, the country’s premiere business district.

The assurance was made as the Makati City Police got involved in another controversy, this time one of its men was implicated in kidnap-for-ransom activities involving foreigners.

Police Officer 2 Jaycee Abana, 28, assigned at the Makati City Police Station-Traffic Investigation Unit, was arrested in an entrapment operation following reports that he and his four cohorts victimized two Chinese nationals.

The foreigners were identified as Changbo Fang, temporarily billeted at Yakal Street, San Antonio, Makati City; and his friend Fang Zhang Bao. The four other suspects were identified as Mohalem Macamundag, 28; Muhamad Macamundag, 34; Mohalil Macamundag, 30; and Wenceslao Sevellejo, 44.

In a press briefing, police presented to mediamen Police Officer 2 Jaycee Abana who is assigned to the Makati Traffic Investigation Unit and allegedly leads a group of kidnappers preying on foreign nationals.

Eleazar said Abana denied the accusation but was caught redhanded extorting money from foreign nationals Chang Bo Fang and

Fang Zhang Bao. The two claim that Abana, along with four others, abducted them and demanded P1 million for their release. The demand was later reduced to P80,000.

Abana was arrested in N. Garcia (formerly Reposo St.) Poblacion, Makati City.

Aside from Abana, also arrested were Mohalem Macapundag, Mohammad Macapundag, Mohalil Macapundag and Wenceslao Sevellejo.

Abana’s arrest follows the relief of four Makati police personnel who were caught on video abusing a naked woman.

The authorities made the entrapment operation after friends of the victims sought police assistance and reported the abduction happened along Nicanor Garcia Street in Barangay Poblacion Thursday afternoon.

Initial investigation disclosed the victims were on board their Lexus IS 300 Sedan traversing along Nicanor Garcia Street around 1:30 pm when a group of five men on board a Mitsubishi Montero told them to stop in front of Jazz Mall.

PNA with Joel Zurbano

94 named protected areas

By Macon Ramos-Araneta NINETY-four more areas which included popular tourism destinations as well as internationally-recognized critical zones were placed under “government protection” as mandated in the amended law on environmental protection signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Among the 94 new areas are three Ramsar Sites: the Las PiñasParañaque Wetland Park, Agusan Marsh (Agusan del Sur) and Olango Island (Cebu).

Also protected now as national parks are popular tourist spots in the country including Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Chocolate Hills and Panglao Island in Bohol, Apo Island in Negros Oriental, Mt. Mayon in Albay, Taal Volcano in Batangas,

Hinulugang Taktak in Rizal, and Palaui Island in Cagayan.

Internationally-recognized areas are also included: the Asean Heritage Sites Mount Timpoong-HibokHibok (Camiguin) and Mount IglitBaco (Mindoro); and Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (Tawi-Tawi).

Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, was principal sponsor of Republic Act 11038 or the law expanding the National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS), signed into law

by Duterte on June 22, 2018.

“We are very happy to come up with this legislation ensuring protection for more areas in our megadiverse country. This legislation is timely, given the heightened public clamor to protect and rehabilitate our popular tourist spots,” Villar said.

Balutan lauds gaming public PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Alexander Balutan on Friday lauded the gaming public for their continued support to Lotto and other digit games that earned P2,440,028,390 billion for the month of June.

Balutan said in a press release that 30 percent of the revenues automatically went to the agency’s Charity Fund to pay for free hospitalization and medicines of indigent patients and other medical services such as chemotheraphy and dialysis treatments, among others.

From January to May, data from the Charity Assistance Department led by assistant general manager Larry Cedro shows that more than P3 billion of revenues from Lotto, Digit Games, Sweepstakes, and Small Town Lottery were already spent for almost 154,000 patients.

He said that as revenues increased, the number of patients also increased because of the massive information and dissemination campaigns being implemented both in the traditional media and social media about PCSO’s charity programs.

Sports Aguilas to grace Rota film screening THE Davao Aguilas Football Club is inviting its Davaoeno fans to the special screenings of the documentary “Journeyman Finds Home: The Simone Rota Story” on July 10, 4 pm at SM Lanang in Davao City, and on July 11, 4 pm, at Citymall in Tagum City.

Admission to these screenings is free.

The events are made possible through the partnership of DAFC, SPEARS Films, the Davao Football Association and the North Davao Regional Football Association Inc. Viewers will have a chance to meet DAFC players, led by Phil Younghusband, James Younghusband and Rota at the fan sessions after the screenings.

As an added treat, attendees will also be given invites to the Davao Aguilas FC match versus Bacolod Ceres FC on July 14 at the Tagum Sports Center.

“I am looking forward to the screening and meeting the fans in Davao,” said James Younghusband.

On the efforts that the team is putting into the Philippines Football League matches, James Younghusband had this to say: “We, Davao Aguilas FC, are starting to find our rhythm and our potential now going into our last round of games.”

The film “Journeyman Finds Home: The Simone Rota Story” reveals the search of Filipino-Italian footballer Rota to find his roots. He was abandoned as a baby and adopted by an Italian couple. He grew up in Italy and learned to play football.

After stints in European clubs, Rota journeyed to the Philippines to search for his biological mother and try his luck with the Azkals.

In spite of physical, cultural and personal difficulties, Rota achieved a success that displayed his good heart and tenacity of spirit.

Directed by Albert Almendralejo and Maricel Cariaga, “Journeyman…” has won numerous recognitions, including the Documentary Jury Prize at the 2018 Sinag Maynila Film Festival where it was cited for its “rare depiction of the innate goodness in people, which comes less frequently at a time when the world is becoming more jaded and cynical.”

Run for Humanity slated Aug. 12 at CCP grounds THE Philippine Red Cross Pasay City chapter celebrates the 69th International Humanitarian Law Day with the Run for Humanity 2018 on Aug. 12 using the theme “Pagprotekta sa Mamamayan sa Panahon ng Digmaan, Sama-sama nating Pagtulungan” The activity will be held at the Liwasang Ulalim, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Pedro Bukaneg St., Pasay City.

The run will cover 3 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and 10 kilometers and will target 3,000 runners from both government and non-government agencies, public and private schools, communities, running clubs, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The run aims to promote and intensify information and public awareness on International Humanitarian Law and the Executive Order no. 134 declaring Aug. 12, 1999 and every 12th day of August thereafter as International Humanitarian Law Day. To register for the run, please call PRC – Pasay City Chapter at Tel. No. 854-2748 or 0917-815-1179 or e-mail pasay@redcross.org.ph and look for Cindy M. Villegas or Virginia B. Arrieta. Registration date is from June 25 to Aug. 10.

A7

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Lions begin bid to extend reign S

AN Beda College will try to extend its reign for another year as it clashes with host Perpetual Help, even as last year’s runner-up Lyceum of the Philippines University tackles San Sebastian today in the opening games of the 94th NCAA senior basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Lions remain as the consensus favorites after retaining the core of the team that won back-to-back championships, headed by Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon and last year’s Finals MVP Donald Tankoua of Cameroon, while acquiring blue-chip rookie recruit Even Nelle from its San Beda-Taytay high school team to further boost an already loaded core.

Gone were Davon Potts and Cameroon’s Arnaud Germain Noah, who was replaced by the taller Toba Eugene of Nigeria.

Clint Doliguez, Franz Abuda, Jose Mari Presbitero, AC Soberano, Ranbill Tongco, Jerimer Cabanag and Calvin Oftana are among the players, who made the roster this season for San Beda, which has made the finals 12 straight times, win-

ning 10 championships during that span.

San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez, however, stressed the league is balanced and anyone can beat anyone.

“Yes, we have experience and we’re almost intact. But I still think it will be tough this season because teams have beefed up,” said Fernandez.

San Beda will tackle at 2 p.m. a Perpetual Help team that has tapped coach Frankie Lim, who incidentally steered the Lions to four championships more than a decade ago, while LPU tangles with San Sebastian at 4 p.m.

A 12 noon opening number will precede the games, which will be shown at ABS-CBN Sports and Action live.

NCAA president Anthony Tamayo

Games today (MOA Arena, Pasay)

12nn.- Opening Ceremony 2 p.m.- San Beda vs Perpetual Help (srs) 4 p.m.- LPU vs San Sebastian (srs)

of Season 94 host Perpetual Help bared the schedule of the “NCAA on Tour” set on July 12 at the Jose Rizal Gym, on July 19 at the Arellano U Gym, on July 26 at the Emilio Aguinaldo Gym, Aug. 2 at the Letran-Calamba Gym, and on Aug. 9 at the Perpetual Help Gym. “For the second straight year, we will be bringing our NCAA games straight to the students with our “NCAA on Tour,” said Tamayo.

Arturo “Bai” Cristobal will be league commissioner and will tap a new set of referees also officiating in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

NCAA Management Committee chairman Frank Gusi also of Perpetual Help said this year’s theme is “NCAA Season 94: UnParalleled Heights in Sports Development.”

MCC CHAMPS. Manila Cockers Club Inc., the country’s cockfighting industry game changer, awarded three champions during its recently concluded 57th 7-Cock Breeders Festival, namely Boss Brothery by Henry Chua and Allen Lim; Docs Partner by Dr. Henry Fajardo and Dr. Biboy Lazaro; and Redbull by Atty. Carlos Tumpalan. MCC President Ding Magboo and MCC Pitmaster Doc June Cueto are shown with (from left) winners Pulido, Lazaro and Atty. Tumpalan. The month of July features an exciting roster of derbies slated at the Cockers Arena. Interested breeders are invited to join the club’s upcoming events on July 13 to 19 (61st 7-Cock Derby) and July 25 to 31 (62nd 7-Cock Derby). All derbies will follow a 3-4 format, requiring a minimal fee of P8,888 per entry. The contest is open to all cocks and bullstags with a weight limit of 1,800 to 2,400 kilograms. MCC does not require any minimum bet nor membership fee to its participating breeders.

A generous purse of P2.620 Million pesos (distributed) will be awarded to the winners. MCC derbies are aired live via GameTime TV, Cignal Ch 109 with online livestreaming on manilacockers.com. Top fights and champion breeders will also be featured in MCC’s upcoming cockfighting magazine, “Maginoong Sabungero.” For more information, you may call the MCC hotline at (02)696 1120 or (63)917 582 2615.

Visit our website, manilacockers.com; and follow our official Facebook page, facebook.com/ManilaCockersClub. You may also visit the Cockers Arena located at the G/F Turf Building of the San Lazaro Leisure Park, Barangay Lantic, Governor’s Drive, Carmona, Cavite.

San Beda basketball camp begins July 14 THE Saturday-only classes of the San Beda basketball camp, which is now on its 13th season, will start on July 14.

Program head Edmundo Badolato said it will be held at the Mendiola and Taytay campuses, open to boys and girls aged 5 years and over.

Registration is open for interested parties, who may contact Oliver Quiambao at 735-6011, local 2104, or at 0929-1971071, and through Badolato at 0908-8624543.

The camps are set from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in both campuses, and will run for 8 Saturdays from July 14 to Sept. 1.

It will will feature fundamentals for first timers and advance sessions for those who have undergone camps that were held previously.

Fees for the sessions of the camp is set at P4,000. This will include a San Beda jersey and a ball provided by Molten.

LONDON—Defending champion Garbine Muguruza was sensationally knocked out of Wimbledon by journeywoman Alison van Uytvanck on Thursday, leaving just one of the top six seeds left after only two rounds.

Belgian 47th-ranked Van Uytvanck triumphed 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 for her first-ever win over a top 10 opponent.

Muguruza’s defeat leaves just top seed Simona Halep, number seven Karolina Pliskova and 10th seed Madison Keys as the remaining top-ranked contenders after two rounds.

In the men’s event, third seed and last year’s runner-up Marin Cilic was knocked out by Argentina’s Guido Pella.

Fourth seed Alexander Zverev was teetering on the brink of defeat when he trailed Taylor Fritz of the United States by two sets to one when their second round tie was suspended for the night.

Elsewhere, Rafael Nadal overcame two time warnings and Novak Djokovic shrugged off a knee problem to battle into the third round.

“I knew that if I let her play, I would lose so I thought, let’s go for it,” said 24-year-old Van Uytvanck, who has made the third round for the first time.

“I may have looked calm but inside I was dying.”

Muguruza admitted it had not been her day.

“She played big, took risks and it worked for her but my level was not where I wanted it to be,” said the deposed champion.

“It’s a little bit sad.”

World number one Nadal defeated Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 and will next face Australian teenager Alex de Minaur.

Djokovic, the three-time champion, needed treatment on his left knee on Court Two but still had too much for Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.

Djokovic has now made the third round for 10 consecutive years and will face British 21st seed Kyle Edmund.

Cilic blew a two-set lead in his 3-6, 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 loss to Argentina’s Guido Pella, ranked at 82.

When rain forced the tie to be postponed on Wednesday, Cilic was leading by two sets against an opponent who had never won a match at Wimbledon before this year. AFP

Team Phenom tops Red Bull Reign

By Aidan Fajardo

Members of Team Phenom display their medals. Aidan Fajardo

RED Bull Reign concluded another highendurance, offense-driven 3x3 Basketball Tournament that was won by Team Phenom, composed of team captain Carl Kenneth Sumalacan, Jarrold Flores John Rom Alvarado, and John Jordan Sta. Ana. Despite the delays due to bad weather, Team Phenom scored a 10-6 win in the finals over Team LGU to win the crown and grab the opportunity to compete in the Red Bull Reign World Finals at Washington, DC. “Today was extremely difficult, it was as if we went through the eye of a needle. They were all skilled and hungry to win,” said Phenom captain Sumalacan. “We are happy and at the same time, excited. We were constantly worn out, but it was all worth it” Team Phenom was one of 16 finalists, namely LGU, Pacita, Souldier, Kervy,

LA, Team Kate, Better Basketball PH, VVestrada, SY Men, Humkins, Phenom, King of Hoops Evogen Tough Gear C, Tough Gear A and 7/11.

“We’re really trying to get bigger and better every year. And I think we’re definitely doing that,” said Philippine Basketball Association legend Vince Hizon, who is also the tournament director. “Red Bull truly made a big presence here and what’s nice is the homegrown presence. So hopefully, Phenom represents us well in Washington DC and we’re praying for the best.”

“What’s good about Red Bull Reign is that it opens another door for amateurs who, even though haven’t been part of any basketball professional leagues, get the chance to represent the Philippines against 60+ countries.

And it’s on, Phenom is flying to Washington, D.C. later this year!” said the tournament’s sports consultant Al Delos Reyes.

Madis scores double win at PPS Digos netfest, captures MVP plum TENIELLE Madis hacked out a pair of victories in contrasting fashions, including a tense-filled 2-6, 6-3, 10-7 escape over fancied Minette Bentillo in the girls’ 14-and-under division to clinch the MVP honors in the PPS-PEPP Digos City regional age-group tennis tournament at the Digos City Tennis Courts recently.

The 12-year-old Mlang, Cotabato find’s reversal over the top seeded Bentillo from Sultan Kudarat came on the heels of her imposing 6-2, 6-1 triumph over Jillian Manangking in her age group as she emerged the lone “double” winner in the

Muguruza out; only 1 of top 6 seeds left standing

Group 2 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala and presented by Dunlop.

“As a regular campaigner in the circuit, Tenielle has developed her skills and boosted her confidence and whose work ethics should serve as inspiration to other young players aiming to make it big someday,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Angil Jay Balaoing, who scored a rare three-title feat in the previous PPS leg in Gen. Santos City, fell short of his bid this time, winning the boys’ 14-U title via a

6-1, 6-1 triumph over top seed Jude Padao but bowing in the 16- and 18-U finals of the event backed by Asiatraders Corp. and sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines, made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg. Meanwhile, action resumes on July 20 with the staging fo the PPS-PEPP Valle Verde Country Club National Age-Group in Pasig, a Group I UTP event. Listup is ongoing. For details, call PPS-PEPP Program Development director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Local bet Padao got back at Balaoing in the 16-U title duel, scoring a 2-6, 0-5(ret.) win while second seed Mark Directo from Sultan Kudarat held off the Koronadal ace, 6-4, 6-3, in the 18-U finals.

Other winners were Bentillo, who thwarted Angelica Novis from Malita, 6-4, 6-3, in the 18-U championship but the latter toppled the former, 6-4, 6-4, to snare the 16-U diadem. Kabacan’s Reyman Saldivar Jr. crushed Charles Jumawan, 6-2, 6-2, for the boys’ 12-U plum while Kael Palo from Kidapawan took the 10-unisex crown with a 4-1, 2-4, 4-0 victory over Andre Mateo.

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

Sports

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

A8

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018

Matthysse sends ‘war’ message to Pacquiao KUALA LUMPUR—It’s going to be “war” in Malaysia as World Boxing Association welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse didn’t hide his intentions of defending his championship belt by retiring boxing’s living legend Manny Pacquiao nine days from now here.

Just right after landing from a grueling 18-hour journey from the other side of the Pacific, Matthysse and his team buckled down to work, hitting the gym and tried to shake the effects of jet lag in his system on Thursday evening.

Fight day will be on July 15 at the Axiata Arena, with three other world championship fights adding drama to the roadshow presented by Pacquiao’s own MP Promotions.

So focused is Matthysse that he only has Pacquiao on his mind. How to beat the fighting Senator from the Philippines, the only eight-weight division champion of boxing, is the only order of business for him.

“Manny Pacquiao. I want to defeat a legendary fighter like Manny. This is not Judah, Alexander, Postol or Garcia,” said Matthysse, who planed in together with manager Mario Arano, trainer Joel Diaz, Golden Boy Promotions PR man Ramiro Gonzalez and three others who are helping out in training.

Matthysse has a 39-4 win-loss record with 36 of these fights ending by spectacular knockouts. Incidentally, (Zab) Judah, (Victor) Postol, (Devon) Alexander and (Danny) Garcia are the only boxers who have beaten the 35-year-old fighter in the past.

For Arano, Matthysse has gotten over these losses and has become a more dangerous and complete fighter since last losing to Postol in 2015.

His lean but mean entourage pales in comparison to Pacquiao’s own team, which will arrive on Monday—a whole plane-load of trainers flying on a chartered flight from General Santos City, including utility persons and fans and supporters.

Matthysse’s early arrival signified his desire to leave nothing behind and ensure victory for Argentina. “This is Manny Pacquiao, and this is the quest for anyone in boxing [to defeat Pacquiao],” said Matthysse.

Under the supervision of Justine Fortune (left), Senator Manny Pacquioao continues his intense training for his mega-showdown with WBA belt holder Lucas Matthysse on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sweden stands in England’s way R

EPINO—Enthused by an exciting young squad and a potentially kind draw against Sweden in Saturday’s quarter-final, England fans are starting to believe they can end a 52-year wait to win the World Cup. But the obdurate Scandinavians have a habit of upsetting the odds, particularly against England, having lost just one of eight previous competitive meetings.

Confidence in England is soaring after the team ended a long wait to win a World Cup penalty shootout, squeezing past Colombia in a tense and bad-tempered last16 tie in Moscow.

“We’d like to bring it home,” said England defender John Stones on Thursday.

“I’d love to win a World Cup, England would love to win a World Cup. “It’s been a long time since we last won it. We want to make people proud back home.”

England, World Cup winners in 1966, have already won over a public disaffect-

Alaska snaps slide, captures no. 2 seed

By Jeric Lopez WITH a familiar face back in tow, Alaska regained its bearings at the right time.

The Aces snapped their twogame losing skid and took care of business with ease, outclassing and eliminating Phoenix, 114-91, to claim the No. 2 seed in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

With reinforcement Diamon Simpson back in the fold after eight years away, Alaska was rejuvenated right away, grasping control right from the get-go.

Using a balanced attack, something they lacked in their previous two losses, the Aces’ arsenal was in full display as they immediately grabbed a commanding 34-17 cushion right out of the gates at the end of one.

That was all the leverage that Alaska needed as it managed its

double-digit well the rest of the way, immediately killing every bit of comeback attempt Phoenix uncorked.

Once again, Vic Manuel was at the forefront of Alaska’s onslaught, scoring a game-high 28 points and grabbing nine rebounds for a near doubledouble while Simpson was solid in his return, completing a double-double with 18 points and 19 rebounds.

The scores: Alaska 114—Manuel 28, Simpson 18, Banchero 14, Exciminiano 12, Enciso 10, Thoss 7, Teng 7, Baclao 4, Casio 4, Racal 3, R. Pascual 3, J. Pascual 3, Galliguez 1, Cruz 0.

Phoenix 91—Phelps 23, Wright 13, Revilla 10, Perkins 10, Jazul 8, Intal 6, Eriobu 6, Guevarra 4, Dehesa 4, Mendoza 3, W. Wilson 3, Chua 1, Kramer 0, Gamboa 0.

Quarters: 34-17, 53-42, 8063, 114-91.

ed by an early exit in Brazil four years ago and an embarrassing defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016.

Gareth Southgate’s men have been drawing more viewers for their matches in Russia than May’s royal wedding, with 23.6 million tuning in for the shootout against Colombia.

“It’s great to see the support back home. Everyone’s getting behind us in their thousands,” added the Manchester City player.

“I’m getting videos and pictures from my friends back home watching the game, in the pubs, wherever they are in the country.”

With just a four-day turnaround to facing Sweden in Samara, though,

football, Sweden have thrived off a collective team spirit.

Happy to sacrifice possession, defend deep and wait for their opportunity on the counter-attack, they will let England have most of the ball.

But other than in a 6-1 thrashing of Panama in the group stages, England have struggled to create chances from open play, with seven of their nine goals so far coming from set-pieces and penalties.

“Normally the other teams have better players on paper and we let them have the ball in the places we want them to have the ball,” said Sweden captain Andreas Granqvist.

“If you look at the games we have played of course the opponent has more ball possession, but we have created more dangerous chances.

This is how we play... this is our way to have success.” AFP

Kim hangs tough, Carlos charges back CAGAYAN de Oro—Kim Joo Hyung checked a shaky finish with back-to-back birdies, matching Jobim Carlos’ fiery windup to cling to a one-stroke lead with a 69 and stay on course for a breakthrough in the ICTSI Pueblo De Oro Championship here yesterday.

Kim, 16, flashed steely nerves under pressure, rebounding from a missed green bogey on No. 16 with birdies on the last two that somehow cushioned the impact of Carlos’ fiery windup that spiked the latter’s bogeyfree 67 in another day of torrid scoring at the Pueblo De Oro layout.

“I hit some great shots today (yesterday) and my putting strokes were better although I missed some birdie chances,” said Kim, whose 15-under 201 aggregate put the rising Korean star 18 holes away from becoming one of the youngest winners on tour at 16.

But Carlos, who assembled a 202, made sure to hound Kim in his first clear crack at the crown after the latter turned in a pair of joint sixth finishes in his first two pro tournaments at Apo and Del Monte.

Kim held Carlos at bay at the turn, staying three-up after matching the Filipino ace’s 34 start. But he bogeyed No. 11 and Carlos pulled within one with a birdie on the 12th although the Korean went 2-up again with his own birdie on No. 14 only to drop an-

Matching Jobim Carlos’ birdie-birdie windup keeps Kim Joo Hyung at the helm

other stroke on No. 16 before the two players matched closing birdies to make it a onestroke game.

“Playing against Kim was tough. He has vastly improved with his shotmaking since our amateur days,” said Carlos, also in the hunt for a second crown after scoring a come-from-behind win at Apo Invitational two weeks ago. “I have to bring my A-game

Vivo Hoopbattle Championship PH blasts off THE Vivo HoopBattle Championship Philippines presented by ABS-CBN Sports, Ayala Malls, Inc., and Vivo Philippines continues on Sunday with more 3x3 squads from the 48-team field seeing action this time at the TriNoma Activity Center.

Action in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas-sanctioned tournament blasted off last Sunday at the Glorietta Activity Center with 12 teams facing off namely Team Ballers, Metro Star Realty, Pio Makati, Arellano University 1, Mamba Army MNL, Team Downtown, New Born: St. Claire College, Bigshot Burger, Glorietta, Zion, Turbo, and Team 3WC. Emerging on top in the leg were Team Ballers, composed of Team B players from the Ateneo Blue Eagles, and Metro Star Realty, which is

England have little time to replenish their energy.

And while some are already making plans for a potential semi-final against hosts Russia or Croatia, Stones warned of complacency against Sweden.

“I think if you say it’s an easy game in a quarter-final of a World Cup then you are pretty stupid to say that.”

“Sometimes they can throw you, these teams. They can go kind of under the radar, but there is no question they are a good team. They wouldn’t be where they are if they weren’t.”

Solid Sweden Sweden have arguably faced a much tougher path to get to the last eight, eliminating the Netherlands and Italy in qualifying just to get to Russia and then emerging as winners of Group F as holders Germany crashed out.

Shorn of star names since Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement from international

powered by players from the developmental league.

On Sunday, F4, Alphas, D’Engineers, California Supreme, Fuego Heneral, Bulacan Hoopers, Spartans, Radiant Hoops, Ballerz, Team Mommy Kate, BS Susim Shipping, and Team 3WA will get to showcase their 3x3 wizardry in the competition.

The tournament will go to South Park in Alabang on July 15 and at Fairview Terraces Mall on July 22.

The top two teams per elimination leg will advance to the Finals round on July 29 at Market! Market!, which will air live on ABS-CBN S+A. ABS-CBN S+A will also air updates on the tournament on its daily sports newscast “The Score.”

Participants of the Vivo HoopBattle Championship Philippines show their wares.

to level with him. It should be fun in the last 18 holes.”

A horde of pursuers actually turned in fiery starts to make it a wide-open race but all faded out with mishaps at the backside that surprisingly held its own after yielding a number of under-par cards in the first two rounds of the P3 million event sponsored by ICTSI.

PSA starts search for Hall of Famers

THE Philippine Sports Commission has started the search for the third batch of Filipino sports legends to be inducted to the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.

The agency made the announcement following an initial meeting between PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, Commissioner Charles Maxey, PSI National Training Director Marc Velasco, POC Communications Director and ABAP Secretary General Ed Picson, SBP Deputy Executive Director Bernie Atienza and GAB Boxing Division Head Dioscoro Bautista, together with MAP Secretary General Pearl Managuelod and Philippine Olympians Association President and former PSC Commissioner Akiko Thomson-Guevara last June 20 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

“It is mandated by law, and is a good way to honor the sacrifices and achievements of our sports heroes” said Fernandez.

The Sports Hall of Fame was established on November 25, 1999, through Republic Act No. 8757, signed by former President Joseph Estrada, which aims “to immortalize the Filipino Sports heritage and serve as in inspiration for our countrymen.”

By law, candidates eligible for enshrinement “shall be limited to Filipino athletes, coaches and trainers who have won a gold medal in any Southeast Asian Games, or silver medalist in any Asian Games or Asian Games or regional games, or bronze medalist in any Olympic or World Games, or a world champion in any professional or amateur sports competition.”

The candidates will then be selected by a Screening Committee composed of the PSC Chairman, POC President, GAB Chairman, two representatives from POC-accredited NSAs and two members from the private sector elected by the PSC.

IN BRIEF IPR applications rose 14% in of Q1 of 2018

APPLICATIONS for intellectual property rights rose 14 percent in the first quarter of 2018, reflecting an increase in the demand for the protection of new technology and inventions, and trademarks in business.

Applications for patents and trademarks received by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines reached 10,024 in the first quarter of the year from 8,761 yearon-year.

“The rise of intellectual property applications reflects the spreading awareness among the public of the importance of trademarks, due to our key partnerships with media, the Department of Trade and Industry, and other strategic partners. Apart from this collaboration, IPOPHL’s strategic presence has steadily been gaining traction on our social media platforms,” said IPOPHL director general Josephine Santiago.

“Of course, these efforts are underpinned by the growing understanding, appreciation, and relevance of trademarks among micro, small, and medium enterprises, ultimately driving the increased demand for protection,” she added.

Majority of applications in 2017 were for trademarks totaling 8,400 or 84 percent of the total during the period.

Othel V. Campos

Co-ops slam Energy’s new procurement rules THE Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. on Friday questioned the Department of Energy’s new procurement rules disallowing the Swiss Challenge mode.

Philreca, one of the largest groups of electric cooperatives in the country, slammed DoE’s new procurement rules, questioning the guidelines in the awarding of several energy projects and their impact on current participants.

Philreca, which represents 121 ECs across the country, said Department Circular No. DC2018-02-0003, which became effective on February 10, 2018, as well as a related advisory released later in March, had “unfair and disruptive effects,” especially regarding distribution utility participants in ongoing bidding and compliance processes.

The group said the DoE issuances now essentially limited electricity procurement through competitive bidding, unlike before when the “Swiss challenge” mode was allowed. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

Globe, Smart extend the validity of prepaid loads

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE country’s two largest telecommunications companies have extended the validity of prepaid loads for one year.

PLDT Inc.’s Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.’s prepaid loads below P300 on July will have a validity period of one year.

This includes all load denominations of Smart Prepaid, Smart Bro, TNT, Sun Prepaid, Sun Broadband Wireless Prepaid, Smart Link, Smart Marino, PLDT Prepaid Landline Plus and PLDT Home.

“We thank the government for giving us enough time to perfect this implementation and ensure the best possible experience for our customers,” PLDT said.

Globe added that prepaid load, including those with denominations below P300, would carry a one-year expiration period.

The industry since January 6 has implemented a one-year validity period for prepaid loads P300 and above.

The development completes the compliance of PLDT and Globe with Memorandum Circular No. 05-122017 issued jointly by the National Telecommunications Commission , Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry.

“We are grateful to the NTC, DICT, and DTI for giving us ample time to prepare for the smooth and seamless implementation of the extension of the expiration period across all denominations,” Globe said.

The country’s mobile market has a total industry subscriber identification module base of over 118 million, with an industry penetration rate of 112 percent in 2017.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018

B1

Forex reserves fall to 6-year low T

By Julito G. Rada

HE country’s gross international reserves declined to a six-year low of $77.68 billion at the end of June, mainly due to the government’s payments of maturing foreign exchange obligations, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said Friday.

The end-June reserves were lower by $1.52 billion from $79.202 billion a month ago. The reserves were the lowest in six years since $76.129 billion in June 2012.

Espenilla in a statement also cited the outflows arising from the foreign exchange operations of the Bangko Sentral as well as the revaluations adjustments on gold holdings resulting from the decrease in the price of the precious metal in the world market.

“At this level, the GIR nonetheless continues to serve as an ample external liquidity buffer and is equivalent to 7.5 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income,” Espenilla said.

“It is also equivalent to six times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity,” he said.

He said the decline in reserves was partially tempered by the government’s net foreign currency deposits as well as the income from investments abroad of

the Bangko Sentral.

Data showed the value of the Bangko Sentral’s gold holdings as of end-June declined to $7.913 billion from $8.196 billion a month ago.

Net international reserves, which refer to the difference between the central bank’s GIR and total short-term liabilities, also decreased $1.53 billion to $77.65 billion at end-June from the endMay 2018 level of $79.18 billion.

The Bangko Sentral in May kept the reserves target this year of $80 billion, lower than $81.5 billion in 2017.

The Bangko Sentral said the reserves level by yearend would be consistent with the revised balance of payments projection of a $1.5-billion deficit from the earlier projection of a $1-billion surplus.

It said the updated BoP projection

incorporated the latest available data and reflected recent and prospective economic developments, both domestic and global. The current account is seen to post a higher deficit of $3.1 billion, equivalent to 0.9 percent of the gross domestic product.

“This mainly reflects the projected wider trade deficit as growth in goods imports largely outpaces exports growth,” the Bangko Sentral said.

Gross international reserves ended 2017 at $81.5 billion, surpassing the target of $80.7 billion for the year, due mainly to inflows arising from the Bangko Sentral foreign exchange operations and revaluation adjustments on its gold holdings. The full-year GIR was also higher than $80.69 billion in 2016.

Reserves hit an all-time high of $86.139 billion in end-September 2016.

US, China fire 1st shots in ‘largest trade war’

SSS seals bilateral ties with Germany, Japan THE Philippines, with the Social Security System taking the lead in its pursuit, now has bilateral Social Security Agreements with Germany and Japan effective June 1 and August 1 of this year, respectively, ensuring the protection of social security rights for over 230,000 Filipinos abroad.

SSS president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Dooc said the bilateral SSAs, aimed at reducing or eliminating nationality- and territory-based restrictions on social security, would benefit an estimated 47,214 Filipinos in Germany and 182,917 Filipinos in Japan, who are working or residing permanently in the two countries.

SSAs promote the welfare of all persons covered under the social security programs of either or both countries for retirement, disability and death contingencies.

Its guiding principles are embodied in the 1962 ILO Social Security Convention No. 118 on the Equality of Treatment and the 1982 ILO Social Security Convention No. 157 on the Maintenance of Social Security Rights.

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

BIOMASS PUSH. Energy Undersecretary Benito Ranque (fifth from left) leads some participants in opening the Capacity Building on Biomass Workshop on July 3, 2018 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The event is part of the 6th Power and Energy Infrastructure Cluster Meeting, which aims to promote the use of renewable energy resources, specifically biomass and biofuels. The Department of Energy hosted the conference.

Meralco raises July electricity rates by P0.3136/kWh

By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co. is increasing power rates by P0.3136 per kilowatthour this month on higher generation charges.

Meralco said in a statement Friday a typical household consuming 200 kWh a month would see an increase of around P63 in the total bill.

Meralco said the higher electricity charges ended two consecutive months of reductions.

The power distributor attributed the higher July rate mainly due to the P0.2823 per kWh increase in generation charge.

Meralco’s overall rate now stands at P10.1925 per kWh for July from P9.8789 per kWh in June.

Generation charges rose to P5.2651 per kWh from P4.9828 per kWh in

June due to the P0.3573 per kWh increase in the cost of power from Independent Power Producers arising from the peso depreciation and lower average plant dispatch.

Around 96 percent of IPP charges are dollar-denominated. Meralco secures 38 percent of its power requirement from the IPPs this month.

Charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the country’s trading floor of electricity, also increased

by P0.7039 per kWh due to higher WESM prices.

“As demand for power in the Luzon grid reached a record high of 10,876 megawatts in the June supply month, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines declared yellow alerts from May 29 to June 1 and on June 4 due to insufficient reserves. Tight supply conditions likewise persisted

in the second half of the month with more generating capacity on outage,” Meralco said.

The company said the weakening of peso against the US dollar also resulted in a P0.1513 per kWh increase in the cost of electricity from its power supply agreements. Around 63 percent of PSA charges are dollar-denominated.

Meralco purchased 13 percent of electricity supply from the WESM and 49 percent from its PSAs this month.

Transmission charge to residential customers was stable, while taxes and other charges rose P0.0309 per kWh this month as a result of the higher generation charge.

Meralco reiterated its distribution, supply, and metering charges had remained unchanged for 36 months, after they registered reductions in July 2015.

WASHINHGTON—The US and China on Friday launched tit-for-tat tariffs on each other’s imports, the opening shots in what Beijing called “the largest trade war in economic history” between the world’s top two economies.

At the stroke of midnight Washington time, the US pulled the trigger on 25-percent duties on about $34 billion in Chinese machinery, electronics and high-tech equipment, including autos, computer hard drives and LEDs. The foreign ministry in Beijing said retaliatory measures “took effect immediately” with state news agency Xinhua confirming they were also 25-percent tariffs on an equal amount of goods.

Economists have warned escalating trade frictions could throttle global growth and strike at the heart of the world trading system, causing shockwaves across the planet.

Friday’s tariffs could just be the opening skirmishes in the trade war, as US President Donald Trump has vowed to hit as much as $450 billion in Chinese goods, the vast majority of imports.

Months of dialogue between the two economic superpowers appeared to have failed, with Trump warning just hours before the tariffs came into effect that Washington was ready to impose duties on hundreds of billions of dollars more in Chinese imports.

Trump has for years slammed what he describes as Beijing’s underhand economic treatment of the United States, with the US trade deficit in goods with China ballooning to a record $375.2 billion last year.

US officials accuse China of building its emerging industrial dominance by stealing the “crown jewels” of American technological know-how through cyber-theft, forced transfers of intellectual property and state-sponsored corporate acquisitions. AFP

House to probe foreign books in schools

ORTIZ-LUIS HONORED. Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. (right), who is also the honorary chair and treasurer of the country’s biggest business organization Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is recognized by the National Capital Region Police Office for his role in rallying the support of the business sector to efforts to keep Metro Manila a safe place both for investors and the public. NCRPO Chief Director Camilo Cascolan (from left), Chief Supt.

Gregorio Lina and Chief Supt. Rolando Lana present to Ortiz-Luis Jr. the medal and plaque of appreciation, with other awardees and police officers

THE House of Representatives, through its committees on Basic Education, and Ways and Means, is set to look into the reported proliferation of foreign published books in government and private elementary and secondary schools, and related violations of existing laws by foreign and local ventures related to education and media.

In House resolution No. 1945 introduced by Sultan Kudarat 2nd district Rep. Horacio Suansing Jr. and Nueva Ecija 1st district Rep. Estrellita Suansing, the House directed the two committees to investigate, in aid of legislation, the reported illegal distribution of foreign published books in the country’s schools and the proliferation of unregistered foreign companies engaged in this issue in violation of existing laws.

The Sultan Kudarat and Nueva Ecija lawmakers said the inquiry should address the threat not only to the educational development of the country, but also issues related to the government’s revenue col-

lection efforts and other legal concerns.

The two lawmakers cited provisions in the Philippines Constitution, which stipulate that the ownership and management of mass media, which include books, should be limited to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations, cooperatives or associations, wholly-owned and managed

by Filipino citizens.

The proliferation of foreign published books is also prohibited under existing laws, especially Reppublic Act 8047, Presidential Decree No. 1018 of 1976, Rep. Act 7394, and Department of Justice Opinions No. 040, 1998 citing DOJ Opinion No. 24. 1986.

The House resolution noted the reported presence and activities of a foreign company that has allegedly been selling foreign published books and workbooks for students and lesson plans for teachers on basic educations, without acquiring registration or establishing a local partner or counterpart.

B2

Business

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market falls, awaits BSP move T HE stock market fell Friday as investors await the next move of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas after the inflation rate in June surged to a five-year high of 5.2 percent.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 46.86 points, or 0.6 percent, to 7,186.71 on a value turnover of P4.8 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 127 to 65, with 45 issues unchanged.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, lost 2.8 percent to P69.75, while major property developer Ayala Land Inc. declined 2.4 percent to P36.70.

Megawide Construction Corp., which expanded the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu province, fell 3.7 percent to P19.20.

Wellex Industries Inc. of the Gatchalian Group jumped 24 percent to P0.31. Wellex said Thursday it might now pursue the planned development of its 17-hectare “Plastic City” estate in Valenzuela City in joint venture with Ayala Land. The possibility emerged after the rehabilitation case against Wellex Industries’ subsidiaries was terminated and the loans with Philippine National Bank settled.

The rest of Asian stocks rebounded on Friday despite the introduction of US tariffs on $34 billion in Chinese goods in what Beijing called the “largest trade war” in economic history.

Beijing said it had already imposed retaliatory measures on US goods without immediately providing precise details.

But analysts said the news had been expected for weeks and therefore many traders took the opportunity to buy into markets that have been under pressure

over growing global trade spats.

Tokyo stocks led the gains, closing 1.1 percent higher, with markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong up by around half a percentage point.

Li Daxiao, analyst at Yingda Securities, said news of the tariffs was already priced into the market.

“After the US tariffs announcement, the negative news finally came out and has already been digested over recent weeks. Therefore investors are not in as much of a panic as before, and the market sentiment will reverse,” said Li. Stanley Chik, from Bright Smart Securities International in Hong Kong, said that “the impact of tariffs on economic growth appears limited for now, giving the market a breathing spell.”

But these could be just the first skirmishes in a trade war between the world’s top two economies, with finan-

cial markets worried about a knock-on effect on the wider global economy and the broader trading system.

Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on some $450 billion of Chinese goods—virtually all of China’s exports to the US—as he seeks to advance his “America First” protectionist agenda.

Beijing has accused the US of “firing on the whole world” with the measures, pointing out that most of the Chinese goods under attack are made by companies with large foreign investment—including American.

In the US and Europe traders were cheered by comments from the US ambassador in Berlin, who on Thursday told bosses of Germany’s biggest car firms that Washington was calling on the EU to bring tariffs to zero on car imports—in exchange for equal treatment by the US. With AFP

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

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIAL 58.8 14,500 87.5 2,174,140 128.5 2,176,990 1.5 17,000 33.35 63,000 16.4 35,700 14.68 120,000 3.52 61,000 1.53 4,000 855 40 0.53 154,000 69.75 7,443,880 1.05 1,072,000 11.9 31,900 47.45 34,500 189 1,550 116 250 80 620 28.6 21,500 201.2 881,370 1,910 5 86 75,870

847,318.50 188,753,614 279,068,740 25,090 2,097,205 585,856 1,766,172 210,360 6,120 35,100 80,310 522,521,625.50 1,126,280 379,610 1,642,015 294,265 29,102 51,255 613,450 176,764,018 9,550 6,494,869

435,005 18,463,435 129,453,827 30,010 -202,724 -275,089,029.50 -116,600 -80,655 -9,430 -79,730 -28,958,814 76,950

34.7 15.78 0.58 1.15 27.65 0.231 3.05 192.1 45 21.6 59.8 62.15 1.79 7.4 9.98 15.4 10.76 7.2 5.13 14.5 61.05 21.35 7.02 14.18 2.38 250.6 5.1 26.4 11.06 19.2 351 0.18 6.81 2.25 4.05 8.7 6.1 7.8 1.28 11.8 52.6 4.65 2.02 1.85 12.14 5.17 121.1 2.51 2.53 21 1.35

INDUSTRIAL 35.3 562,400 15.94 938,600 0.6 405,000 1.15 495,000 28.25 646,100 0.237 1,620,000 3.09 649,000 192.1 20 45.55 447,000 21.8 26,400 59.8 10 66 2,240 1.79 38,000 7.4 84,900 9.99 1,688,200 15.5 448,800 10.76 2,600 7.33 2,190,600 5.15 309,700 14.86 164,200 61.5 109,230 21.95 102,300 7.04 24,300 14.46 1,252,700 2.52 3,677,000 251 583,500 5.1 218,500 26.8 33,200 11.08 81,400 19.2 5,426,300 358 346,650 0.18 170,000 6.9 4,200 2.25 1,188,000 4.06 67,000 8.71 847,200 6.12 2,811,400 7.8 10,000 1.28 2,000 12 11,600 52.8 175,130 4.65 112,000 2.09 472,000 1.9 79,000 12.42 31,600 5.2 100,000 122 337,280 2.51 33,000 2.59 6,521,000 21 900 1.36 15,158,000

19,836,105 14,909,546 241,570 572,790 19,047,445 380,310 2,004,510 4,071 20,596,700 578,360 598 145,358.50 68,220 635,946 16,948,425 6,986,684 28,216 15,990,716 1,592,461 2,404,378 6,691,787 2,225,210 172,366 18,117,750 8,997,850 146,715,120 1,114,350 883,195 902,606 106,043,688 123,438,054 30,600 28,917 2,673,000 272,500 7,400,218 17,721,917 78,000 2,560 138,028 9,246,756 520,920 988,680 147,750 390,422 519,397 41,181,584 83,130 16,849,960 18,900 21,309,750

-2,016,130 5,391,914 -386,890 117,160 30,940 5,370 -183,949 -9,201,539 564,354 -3,735,685 455,552 -73,144 581,871.50 -126,228 49,640 -113,530 -17,670,090 -728,560 -14,624 -21,359,176 56,633,770 202,500 -194,810 -3,006,308 64,100 -12,000 -636,068.50 -474,400 23,090 101,552 706,086 1,088,250 348,170

0.245 54 11.84 5.97 0.73 0.71 905 5.9 11.28 7 4.25 0.228 902 5.99 50.5 5.5 0.57 3.69 17.66 0.8 4.66 3.49 0.039 1.2 2.64 137.5 892.5 0.77 1.63 491 259 0.33 0.204

0.235 53 11.6 5.96 0.68 0.7 895.5 5.85 10.64 7 4.25 0.201 888 5.99 49.5 5.03 0.56 3.57 17.54 0.67 4.61 3.48 0.039 1.16 2.61 136 870 0.77 1.58 486 256 0.265 0.203

HOLDING FIRMS 0.242 760,000 53.1 1,469,350 11.7 6,354,800 5.97 24,100 0.7 18,844,000 0.7 4,426,000 898 279,190 5.85 591,500 11.02 3,668,100 7 1,300 4.25 36,000 0.226 2,290,000 890 96,980 5.99 12,800 50 1,397,530 5.03 24,300 0.56 185,000 3.57 276,000 17.6 1,490,400 0.67 40,613,000 4.63 12,099,000 3.48 3,000 0.039 100,000 1.19 549,000 2.62 551,000 137 64,840 879 217,670 0.77 10,000 1.63 28,000 490 320 259 8,270 0.31 250,160,000 0.204 90,000

181,070 78,060,271.50 74,370,134 143,867 13,199,580 3,113,670 251,116,650 3,474,762 40,106,996 9,100 153,000 502,460 86,354,695 76,672 69,883,218.50 129,259 103,620 989,300 26,213,048 28,964,670 56,071,480 10,450 3,900 646,720 1,449,090 8,875,464 191,135,560 7,700 44,290 156,500 2,129,598 75,830,000 18,350

-54,051,380 -738,832 1,460,300 -96,459,255 -3,260,342 -12,493,404 24,440,905 -21,023,764.50 -283,020 -12,764,674 -740 -18,599,040 1,180 26,200 -132,305 -71,280,380 -12,880 957,300 -

7.4 0.96 14.1 1.9 0.77 37.4 3.17 4.54 5.94 0.44 0.97 0.9 0.222 0.4 9.81 25.5 0.61 0.116 1.47 1.22 1.75 4.4 0.6 0.5 0.49 3.33 29.4

7.3 0.94 14.04 1.88 0.74 36.7 3.13 4.46 5.69 0.43 0.95 0.87 0.218 0.4 9.08 25.25 0.6 0.116 1.42 1.18 1.53 4.31 0.56 0.445 0.475 3.15 29

1,037,515 2,247,140 43,550 312,310 195,460 403,234,275 780,720 1,039,150 223,637 940,000 204,250 190,320 703,060 612,000 50,392,353 7,635,650 712,850 15,080 19,315,250 1,152,340 72,154,210 44,645,890 16,679,310 21,838,400 408,850 10,176,720 87,260

514,142 -173,263,305 15,790 -124,986 43,500 21,850 -16,789,934 124,355 7,894,650 -3,335,230 20,190,870 159,830.00 -70,750 38,400 241,230 8,760

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

57.35 86.25 128 1.48 33.25 16.42 14.88 3.41 1.53 885 0.53 71.8 1.07 11.9 47.9 190 117.2 85 28.6 202 1,910 85.5

59.4 87.5 128.5 1.5 33.4 16.42 14.88 3.54 1.53 885 0.53 72 1.08 11.9 47.9 191 117.2 85 28.6 202 1,910 87.2

57.35 86.2 127 1.47 33.25 16.4 14.6 3.39 1.53 855 0.52 69.75 1.04 11.9 47.4 188.6 116 80 28.5 200 1,910 85.5

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

34.95 15.78 0.6 1.18 29.6 0.234 3.05 215 46.5 22.3 59.8 65.45 1.79 7.65 10.12 15.6 11 7.29 5.15 14.56 62 21.55 7.02 14.3 2.43 254 5.1 27 11.08 20.25 357 0.18 6.81 2.25 4.15 8.79 6.54 7.8 1.28 11.8 52.9 4.65 2.18 1.87 12.4 5.26 123.3 2.52 2.53 21 1.5

35.5 15.96 0.6 1.18 30.85 0.238 3.14 215 46.95 22.3 59.8 67.8 1.8 7.65 10.14 15.74 11 7.34 5.15 14.96 62 21.95 7.1 14.64 2.55 254.2 5.1 27 11.28 20.25 358 0.18 6.9 2.25 4.15 8.82 6.7 7.8 1.28 12.08 53 4.7 2.19 1.91 12.42 5.26 123.4 2.52 2.63 21 1.51

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A FORUM PACIFIC 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 WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.242 54 11.84 5.96 0.72 0.71 905 5.89 11 7 4.25 0.207 890 5.99 50 5.5 0.56 3.59 17.6 0.79 4.65 3.49 0.039 1.17 2.64 137.5 890 0.77 1.58 491 257.6 0.265 0.203

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

7.4 0.95 14.06 1.9 0.77 37.4 3.15 4.47 5.7 0.435 0.97 0.9 0.222 0.4 9.8 25.5 0.61 0.116 1.46 1.21 1.73 4.4 0.57 0.445 0.48 3.28 29.4

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

19.6 2.03 3.2 36.85 1.05 7.1 0.76 6.12

19.66 2.03 3.2 37.05 1.05 7.18 0.76 6.21

19.2 1.99 3.2 36.2 1.03 7 0.76 6.01

19.5 2.01 3.2 36.65 1.05 7.06 0.76 6.09

1,176,200 296,000 40,000 3,429,600 736,000 558,200 101,000 5,649,400

22,894,352 591,110 128,000 125,932,280 763,770 3,943,394 76,760 34,337,494

6,833,842 161,770 2,339,340 95,949 23,560 -16,086,670

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MELCO RESORTS METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B 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

14.86 23.5 1.34 0.465 0.043 14 10.04 0.054 66.6 8.8 7.1 7.29 22 1,650 5.4 276 3.4 79.2 12.7 8 0.137 2.95 4.07 15 4.18 1.04 24.7 5.14 2.62 2.67 2.6 17 9.1 11.08 8.7 3.25 122.5 5.18 1,292 0.85 0.345 45.8 81.5 8 1.9 1.14 0.465 5 0.77 11.94

15.18 24 1.34 0.465 0.046 14.5 10.14 0.054 67 8.8 7.1 7.29 24.5 1,670 5.4 300 3.46 79.2 12.7 8 0.14 2.95 4.18 15 4.2 1.05 24.7 5.21 2.62 2.67 2.82 17.1 9.93 11.08 8.7 3.28 122.6 5.45 1,299 0.86 0.35 45.9 84 8 1.9 1.14 0.465 5.01 0.81 12.26

14.86 23.3 1.34 0.46 0.043 14 9.7 0.052 66 8.8 6.9 7.29 21.4 1,610 5.37 276 3.3 78.8 12.7 8 0.134 2.57 3.75 15 4.05 1.02 24 5.02 2.59 2.5 2.56 17 9.08 11.08 8.3 3.07 122.5 5.12 1,265 0.84 0.325 45.65 79.05 7.91 1.83 1.13 0.445 4.9 0.77 11.82

SERVICES 15.16 23.3 1.34 0.465 0.045 14.46 9.8 0.053 66.05 8.8 6.98 7.29 23.45 1,667 5.4 286 3.3 79 12.7 8 0.134 2.62 4.06 15 4.08 1.03 24 5.05 2.62 2.51 2.73 17.1 9.66 11.08 8.3 3.16 122.6 5.41 1,290 0.84 0.34 45.9 83.95 7.91 1.86 1.14 0.445 5 0.79 12

6,900 191,600 85,000 1,120,000 17,900,000 11,600 5,756,800 4,600,000 143,690 1,000 1,609,500 5,200 1,139,600 24,280 18,000 7,740 1,401,000 2,047,300 20,000 20,100 18,870,000 20,038,000 552,000 3,400 296,000 718,000 421,600 1,440,300 141,000 1,275,000 32,000 1,600 8,652,000 600 1,300 209,000 303,390 3,326,900 35,825 1,041,000 1,330,000 153,000 102,650 3,200 2,558,000 476,000 22,800,000 888,900 5,307,000 2,719,600

104,552 4,499,485 113,900 517,000 798,400 167,196 56,908,522 243,450 9,510,577 8,800 11,231,520 37,908 26,255,050 40,135,805 97,087 2,223,468 4,723,690 161,504,258.50 254,000 160,800 2,556,560 54,407,700 2,224,160 51,000 1,210,640 739,870 10,157,060 7,297,294 366,840 3,235,860 83,990 27,260 82,397,845 6,648 10,860 656,590 37,165,282 17,840,763 46,183,170 879,130 448,150 7,010,390 8,569,273.50 25,510 4,726,920 541,450 10,302,150 4,433,638 4,200,020 32,707,648

-113,900 32,350 13,500 -17,739,495.00 -7,032,373.50 -4,742,464 22,200 1,723,620 107,212 438,150 -42,442,639.50 708,770 51,000 224,250.00 5,413,175 -400,025 -10,420 -13,770 410,773.00 28,530 0 28,600 6,100,020 -82,690 -5,738,030 2,701,294.50 2,400 1,552,630 -317,960.00 -123,026 -32,600 20,949,176

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

0.0025 1.49 3.9 20.55 1.58 1.69 0.3 7.94 2.19 0.126 0.13 1.51 4.39 1.29 1.26 0.012 0.012 3.02 4.47 10.98 30.8

0.0025 1.49 3.9 20.55 1.58 1.7 0.305 7.99 2.2 0.128 0.13 1.53 4.39 1.4 1.29 0.012 0.012 3.19 4.48 10.98 30.8

0.0025 1.4 3.79 19 1.57 1.69 0.29 7.52 2.16 0.125 0.13 1.48 4.26 1.26 1.21 0.012 0.011 2.9 4.43 10.7 30.3

MINING & OIL 0.0025 54,000,000 1.43 4,670,000 3.81 500,000 19 70,800 1.57 116,000 1.7 81,000 0.29 2,600,000 7.99 1,000 2.2 3,676,000 0.128 820,000 0.13 100,000 1.53 307,000 4.27 2,746,000 1.33 1,330,000 1.29 8,102,000 0.012 3,500,000 0.012 16,700,000 2.91 1,235,000 4.43 167,000 10.72 252,600 30.7 306,800

135,000 6,671,480 1,919,570 1,358,779 183,180 137,670 770,650 7,903 8,029,820 104,180 13,000 459,330 11,824,820 1,770,200 10,102,950 42,000 192,200 3,777,520 744,380 2,730,576 9,378,725

32,500 362,200 -49,470 3,800 717,160 -10,108,170 15,010 37,950 -15,750 -66,810 4,320 -137,305

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F

22 496 500 100.5 106.8 501 960.5 962.5 100 1.04 103 1,049 108.5 76.3 79 75.1 76.25 76.4

22 496 500 101.2 106.8 501 997 987.5 100 1.04 103 1,050 110 76.3 79.5 75.1 77 76.5

21.7 496 500 100.5 106.8 500 960.5 962.5 99 1.03 102.9 1,049 108.5 76.3 79 75.1 76.2 76

PREFERRED 21.7 371,100 496 6,590 500 240 100.5 18,720 106.8 10 500 100 997 20 987.5 20 99.1 12,500 1.03 300,000 102.9 79,310 1,050 1,900 110 8,680 76.3 20 79 152,910 75.1 15,100 77 31,790 76.5 17,910

8,162,900 3,268,640 120,000 1,886,169 1,068 50,010 19,575 19,500 1,239,550 310,000 8,165,107 1,994,505 947,780 1,526 12,088,419 1,134,010 2,441,025 1,364,615

-2,122,540 449,860 -

LR WARRANT

2.4

2.47

2.3

WARRANTS 2.31 239,000

554,520

-

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

5.12 2.96 3.43

5.12 2.96 3.56

5 2.95 3.4

5 2.95 3.51

2,598,361 32,460 19,622,950

1,096 -1,498,990

FIRST METRO ETF

108

108

107

835,083

31,070

50,500 60,200

-60,200

MS

PROPERTY 7.37 0.95 14.1 1.9 0.74 36.7 3.13 4.53 5.72 0.44 0.95 0.88 0.219 0.4 9.8 25.35 0.6 0.116 1.45 1.19 1.53 4.4 0.59 0.46 0.49 3.33 29

141,300 2,377,000 3,100 166,000 261,000 10,950,300 248,000 231,000 39,100 2,160,000 213,000 217,000 3,210,000 1,530,000 5,274,300 301,500 1,185,000 130,000 13,348,000 969,000 44,286,000 10,228,000 28,589,000 45,800,000 850,000 3,128,000 3,000

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.1 10

10.1 10

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

17,425,024

INDUSTRIAL

52,153,369

HOLDING FIRMS

347,137,864

PROPERTY

188,600,600

SERVICES

130,804,647

MINING & OIL

101,434,598

GRAND TOTAL

843,705,211

10.1 10

SME

517,500 11,000 5,610,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 107.3 7,750 10.1 10

DDS

5,000 6,020

VALUE 1,771.79 (down) 4.24 1,405,000,514.42 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,332.21 (up) 4.37 701,622,673.523 HOLDING FIRMS 7,021.25 (down) 79.75 1,079,099,348.155 PROPERTY 3,552.52 (down) 45.59 1,414.16 (up) 5.10 875,593,231.285 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,598.20 (down) 69.68 712,223,533.59 PSEI 7,186.71 (down) 46.86 60,368,454.062 All Shares Index 4,387.34 (down) 20.28 4,857,007,396.13 Gainers: 65; Losers: 127; Unchanged: 45; Total: 237

Globe forms new company to manage its tower assets

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc., the second-biggest telecommunications firm, created a new company that will be in charge of the divestment of its tower assets.

Globe, owned by conglomerate Ayala Corp., disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange it began the process of incorporating a separate tower holding company.

“As soon as it gets approval from the SEC, this will operationalize the divestment of all or part of its tower assets through a separate company,” Globe said the move would support the company’s thrust to improve internet connectivity in the Philippines.

Globe early this year announced it initiated talks with independent third parties to manage the tower assets.

“As a major industry player we understand what this country needs to improve the internet experience of our customers. Putting up more towers based on global standards within strategic areas will make spectrum use more efficient,” Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said.

“We should work together and find all means to supplement the build for towers—either through telcos or tower companies. This in turn will bring us closer to first world internet connectivity,” he added.

The company has been pushing for the establishment of tower companies similar to those found in other developed countries.

“This initiative will help accelerate the deployment of more cellular towers in the Philippines and foster competition,” Cu said.

With the proposed tower holding company, any player can do outright lease of the towers using standard, nondiscriminatory commercial terms.

The lack of cellular towers has long been identified as the greatest barrier to seamless mobile internet connectivity with no viable short-term solution due to permitting issues.

“We remain open to collaborate with new and existing players in the interest of national development,” Cu said.

The Philippines has one of the lowest tower densities in the world with under 20,000 towers serving 100 million people.

Approximately 50,000 more towers should be built in order to serve the current voice and data traffic that grows exponentially every year.

PSE suspends share trading of San Miguel Food

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Philippine Stock Exchange suspended the trading of San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. after its public float fell below 10 percent following the completion of a share swap agreement with parent San Miguel Corp.

SMFB said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the Securities and Exchange Commission approved the increase in the company’s authorized capital stock to P12 billon from P2.46 billion.

The increase in the capital base enabled SMFB to implement the share swap agreement with San Miguel.

San Miguel earlier agreed to transfer 7.86 billion shares in San Miguel Brewery Inc. and 216.97 million shares or Ginebra San Miguel Inc. to SMFB as part of a move to consolidate the food and beverage business under one subsidiary.

SMFB in exchange will issue 4.24 billion shares to San Miguel.

“In view of the approval of the amendment of the articles of incorporation to increase the capital stock for SMFB, the share swap has been effected as of June 29, 2018 the same date of effective of the capital increase of SMFB,” San Miguel said.

The share swap agreement, however, caused SMFB’s public float to drop below the 10-percent minimum public ownership requirement on listed companies.

The PSE said the suspension of SMFB shares was temporary , citing that the non-compliance with the MPO requirement was a result of an ongoing restructuring plan.

SMFB also had a defined program to comply with the MPO requirement within the next six months, the local bourse said.

The PSE said the lifting of the temporary trading suspension was dependent on the company securing a favorable ruling from the Bureau of Internal Revenue on the appropriate taxes to be imposed on the trades of SMFB securities.

World

Manila

Standard

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018

TODAY

B3

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

Whale halts fireworks display WELLINGTON―A rare visiting whale in Wellington Harbor has won hearts in the New Zealand capital but forced officials to cancel the city’s annual fireworks display.

The southern right whale appeared in the harbor on Wednesday and has delighted onlookers as it breaches and blows water spouts a short distance from downtown office buildings.

Whales regularly migrate along the North Island coast near Wellington but do not usually venture into the harbor.

The city’s acting mayor Jill Day

said the presence of the giant marine mammal meant a fireworks display scheduled for Saturday could not go ahead.

She said experts had advised the pyrotechnics, to mark the Maori new year celebration Matariki, could make the whale behave unpredictably.

“We don’t want anyone in boats or kayaks on the water, in the dark, to come off second-best if the whale breaches among them,” she said.

“We also don’t want the whale to be injured in any contact with a vessel.” AFP

Manila

Standard

TODAY

NOTICE TO LEASE

FREE VACCINATION. A woman holds her pet dog at a free vaccination camp at the Government Veterinary Hospital in Hyderabad. AFP

Japan executes sarin attack head TOKYO―The leader of the Japanese doomsday cult that carried out a deadly 1995 sarin attack on the Tokyo subway was executed Friday along with six of his followers, decades after the horrific crime.

Shoko Asahara, the charismatic near-blind leader of the Aum Shinrikyo sect, had been on death row for more than 10 years for crimes including the nerve agent attack, which shocked the world and prompted a massive crackdown on the cult.

Japan’s Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa confirmed the seven executions, saying the Aum members were responsible for “extremely atrocious and grave acts that were unprecedented and should never happen again”.

The hangings are the first executions in connection with the attack, which killed 13 people and injured thousands more. A further six cult followers remain on death row.

Japan is one of the few developed nations to retain the death penalty, and public support for it remains high despite international criticism.

The relatives of those killed in the attack, and others who were injured welcomed the executions.

“I reacted calmly... But I did feel the world had become slightly brighter,” said Atsushi Sakahara, a film director who was injured in the sarin attack at Tokyo’s Roppongi station.

“I’ve been in pain for years,” he told AFP. “It will be impossible to ever forget the incident, but the execution brings a kind of closure.” AFP

Window for cave rescue narrows as military diver dies M

AE SAI―A former Thai navy diver helping to rescue a football team trapped inside a flooded cave died Friday as officials warned the window of opportunity to free the youngsters is “limited.”

The diver’s death raises serious doubts over the safety of attempting to bring the 12 boys and their football coach out through the cramped, waterlogged passageways of the Tham Luang cave.

But Thailand’s Navy SEAL commander indicated that rescuers may have little choice but to attempt the tricky extraction of the group, in the first official admission that they cannot wait out the monsoon underground.

“At first, we thought the children could stay for a long time... but now things have changed, we have a limited time,” Apakorn Yookongkaew told reporters.

A sombre mood has clouded the elation from earlier in the week, when the boys were found disheveled and hungry but alive on a ledge several kilometers inside the cave.

Many of the boys―aged between 11 to 16―are unable to swim and none has scuba experience, further imperiling any attempt to

dive out of the cave.

Those risks were made all the more immediate by the death of the diver, identified as Saman Kunan, who passed out and perished while returning from the chamber where the boys are trapped.

He was part of a team trying to establish an air line to the chamber where the children are awaiting rescue.

The Seal commander said the oxygen levels in their shelter had dropped, but said a doctor was with the team monitoring their health.

Chiang Rai deputy governor Passakorn Boonyaluck delivered the “sad news” of the diver’s death to reporters massed at the entrance to the cave complex.

But Navy Seal commander Apakorn vowed the rescue bid will continue.

“We lost one man, but we still have faith to carry out our work.”

Asked how the boys could make it out safely if an experienced diver could not, Apakorn said they would take more precautions with the children.

Even for expert divers the journey is an exhausting 11-hour round trip.

“It’s very risky [diving out]. Think about it, a Navy Seal just passed away last night, so how about a 12-year-old kid,” said Rafael Aroush, an Israeli volunteer helping the rescue bid. AFP

Interested parties are invited to submit comparative or counter proposal within fifteen (15) days from the date of this notice to: The Port Manager PMO Batangas PMO Administration Building Port Access Road, Calicanto, Batangas City Telephone Number (063)(43)7234293/7238704 (sgd). LEOPOLDO C. BISCOCHO, JR. Port Manager PMO Batangas (MS-JUNE 30, JULY 7 & 14, 2018)

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004 INVITATION TO BID FOR THE UPGRADE OF DOF NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE EQUIPMENT 1.

The Department of Finance (DOF), through the General Appropriations Act of 2018 intends to apply the sum

Lot No. 1 2 3 4

Description ABC Core Switch with at least 24 (1/1010G SFP) ports and Php4,887,500.00 with Virtual Switching System (VSS) Distribution Switch that have (48) 10/100/1000 Php5,387,500.00 Ethernet ports and 4x10GE Network Module Access Switch Non-POE that have (48) 10/100/1000 Php5,187,500.00 Ethernet ports with 4x1 Gigabit SFP-based ports WLAN AP that support One 802.11b/g/n and one Php5,387,500.00 802.11a/n radio Total Php20,850,000.00

being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Upgrade of DOF Network Infrastructure Equipment. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The DOF, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), now invites bids for the Upgrade of DOF Network Infrastructure Equipment. Delivery of the Goods is required within 60 days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the DOF BAC Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on July 9, 2018 to July 30, 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee in the amount as follows for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB:

Lot No. Description ABC Amount 1 Core Switch with at least 24 (1/1010G SFP) ports and with Virtual Switching Php4,887,500.00 Php5,000.00 System (VSS) 2 Distribution Switch that have (48) 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports and Php5,387,500.00 Php6,000.00 4x10GE Network Module 3 Access Switch Non-POE that have (48) 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports with Php5,187,500.00 Php6,000.00 4x1 Gigabit SFP-based ports 4 WLAN AP that support One Php5,387,500.00 Php6,000.00 802.11b/g/n and one 802.11a/n radio Total Php20,850,000.00 Php23,000.00

12 dead as boat sinks in Thailand PHUKET―Thailand’s navy pulled 12 bodies from waters off the coast of the holiday island of Phuket on Friday after a tourist boat went down in heavy seas with dozens of Chinese passengers on board.

Five were found drifting face down in the water, still wearing life jackets, several miles from the area where the Phoenix sank after being hit by 15-foot high waves in a storm on Thursday evening.

One survivor, a Chinese woman, was rushed to hospital in Phuket, according to an AFP reporter at the scene, after she was also found several miles from the boat, floating near the bodies of fellow passengers. Her condition was unknown.

Forty-three other passengers remain unaccounted for but are believed to have been trapped on the Phoenix, which sank as it was returning from a day trip from Phuket.

“The 12 bodies are on the way to Vachira Phuket Hospital for identification,” according to a statement from the Public Health Ministry in Bangkok.

Helicopters scanned the water Friday as divers tried to reach the boat which the Thai navy said had sunk 40 meters below the surface of the Andaman Sea, a few kilometers off the coast of Koh He, an islet known for its coral formations and popular with day-trippers from Phuket. AFP

Notice is hereby given to the public that ASIAN TERMINALS, INC. has applied to lease a parcel of land with an area of 20,002.89 sq.m. at Phase II, Port of Batangas at the rental rate of P26.00/sq.m./mo. This is to develop port facilities consistent with the Port of Batangas Masterplan and for the sole purpose of conducting its core business of cargo handling services.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

The Department of Finance will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on July 16, 2018, 11:00 AM at CAO Conference Room, 7/F EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:45 AM, July 30, 2018. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on July 30, 2018, 10:00 AM at CAO Conference Room, 7/F EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

MOTORCADE. The motorcade carrying US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo drives towards Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang. AFP

Pompeo to seek denuclearization details

PYONGYANG―US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Pyongyang Friday to press Kim Jong Un for a more detailed commitment to denuclearization following the North Korean leader’s historic summit with President Donald Trump.

Pompeo was greeted in the North Korean capital

by Kim’s right hand man Kim Yong Chol and Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho. Since meeting Kim in Singapore last month Trump has been bullish about hopes for peace, boasting that the threat of nuclear war is over.

But the statement the leaders signed was short on

clear commitments.

Kim agreed to the “complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula”―a stock phrase favored by Pyongyang that stops short of longstanding US demands for North Korea to give up its atomic arsenal in a “verifiable” and “irreversible” way. AFP

The schedule of bidding activities is as follows:

ACTIVITIES Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Issuance and Availability of Bidding Documents Pre-Bid Conference Last Day of Request for Clarification Last Day for Issuance of Supplemental Bid Bulletin Deadline for Submission of Bids Opening of Bids 9.

SCHEDULE July 7, 2018 Starting on July 9,2018 July 16, 2018, 11:00 AM July 20, 2018 (by email) July 23, 2018 July 30, 2018, 9:45 AM July 30, 2018, 10:00 AM

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

10. For further information, please refer to: Mr. Richard G. Manzano BAC Secretariat, Procurement Management Division Department of Finance 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex P. Ocampo Sr., Street corner Roxas Boulevard, Manila Telefax No.: 526-4786 Email Address: bac@dof.gov.ph

(MS-JULY 7, 2018)

(SGD) GIL S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and DOF-BAC Chairperson

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

B4

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018

2018 PROPERTY GURU THAILAND AWARDS IN AUGUST THE Philippines’ best real estate developers, designers and top projects will be celebrated in Bangkok on August 31.

More than 40 awards will be presented this year, recognising the best developers and developments in the country with special awards also given for best green development, best universal design development, best smart home development and a special recognition for public facility. Locations where developments will be judged and selected to receive awards include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Eastern Seaboard, Hua Hin, Khao Yai, Koh Samui, Phuket & Phang Nga, Songkla and the Northeast.

“Thailand’s property market is increasingly diverse and complex for investors to navigate so they appreciate the endorsements that come with a prestigious awards programme,” said Suphin Mechuchep, managing director, Jones Lang LaSalle (Thailand) Limited, and chairwoman of the Thailand judging panel. Shown here is Robbie Antonio, chief executive officer of Revolution Precrafted, who won the 2018 Philip-

NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE BOOMING CONSTRUCTION MARKET. Frey-Fil Corporation recently showcased its capabilities to be a one stop shop in the field of construction with the hosting of the 21st Century Precast Roadshow in its Bulacan plant. Among the products presented were the AASHTO I-Girder, for spans ranging to 45m formwork; the Tunnel Lining Segment, used in the 6.5km stretch tunnel connecting Ipo and Angat Dam; U-Girder, for spans ranging 20m to 60m,, currently being used in the construction of MRT-7; Steel I-Beams, for spans ranging to 20 m for small bridges; Multi Box Steel Girder, for spans ranging 40m to 100m; Box Girders, for spans 60m upwards; currently used in the multi-million construction of Calumpang Bridge in Batangas City; Translab, a precast slab system for faster construction that eliminates formwork, flexibility in design and eliminates bar chairs; and other assorted products, including precast wall, glass fiber reinforced concrete, columns, barriers, manholes, septic tanks, beams and piles. Frey-Fil is an ISO9001:2015 certified construction company with “AAA” General Engineering Construction License issued by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board.

‘Innovations Living’ brings Scandinavian design to PH pines real estate personality of the year award at the PropertyGuru Philippines awards last May.

‘PLAYFUL INTERIORS. A

sofabed folds into a corner for private huddles between family, friends.

Innovations Living’s Weiss (right) said he designed the furniture for Alveo’s new Portico model unit, a one-bedroom affair, in coordination with Modernbrand Inc. The model unit showcases a ‘playful’ concept of enlarging condo spaces by combining form and function. With Weiss is Peter Bach, area sales manager.

Where are the reasonably priced homes in the PH? WHILE the Philippines country continues to face the challenge of a growing backlog in affordable housing, or homes priced P3 million or less, there remains an excess supply of mediumcost (P3 million to P4 million), and open-market or high-cost (P4 million or more) homes in the country.

In a recent joint report by the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association and the Center for Research and Communication of the University of Asia and the Pacific, residential properties priced P3million to P6 million remain the most available on the market.

Lamudi Philippines analyzed its residential listings for the first quarter of 2018 to share which areas it has observed to feature the most homes being sold for P6 million or less.

Cebu City Accounting for as much as 20% of the over four million homes priced P6 million or less listed on Lamudi for the first three months of the year, Cebu City also received the second most views for such properties on the website.

General Trias, Cavite The location of over 8% of the resi-

dences listed on Lamudi priced P6 million or less, General Trias continues to be among the locations most considered by property seekers interested in reasonably priced homes that are within a manageable distance of the National Capital Region.

San Mateo, Rizal The locale observed to have the third most number of options in terms of residences for sale priced P6 million or less is the municipality of San Mateo in the province of Rizal.

Lapu-Lapu, Cebu Taking on just under 5% of the listings of homes priced P6 million or less, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu maintains its place as the most ideal place to search for residence in the Visayas outside of capital Cebu City itself.

Lipa City, Batangas While also on the pricier side at an average of P5.8 million, Lipa City homes homes continue to receive a great deal of interest, given that it is in a province that is not only within a relatively manageable distance of Metro Manila, but is also a popular tourist and vacation destination in Luzon.

CONNECTIVITY ON TAP. A partnership agreement was recently signed between leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT and realty company Corsan Realty Development, to power the fixed and wireless telecommunications infrastructure of the latter’s high-rise buildings. PLDT initially equipped Corsan’s One Felicity Center at Don Mariano Marcos Avenue, Quezon City with the network connectivity of fiber, which also features high resolution video capabilities, and other telecommunications services. It is currently upgrading the communications facilities of Corsan’s JocFer Building in Diliman, Quezon City. “We are glad to partner with Corsan Realty to provide total building solutions to future-proof its building projects in the country and serve the communications needs of its residents and tenants,” said PLDT AVP Ronaldo David R. Mendoza. At the signing ceremony were, from left, Mendoza, Corsan Realty president Carlos Coronel, and PLDT AVP and head of GMM BICS management Bong C. Lintag.

I

T’S EASY to forget how much Scandinavian design has influenced the world furniture market.

Thanks to modern mass retailers, such as Ikea, Bo, and recently ModernBrands Inc., clean lines, starkly simple silhouettes, and functional designs are so popular that they’ve become mainstream.

But what exactly is Scandinavian design? The style emerged in the 1950s as part of a modern movement in Nordic design (i.e.

Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway) that prioritised function and affordability over preciousness and luxury. Marked by pale colours, natural materials and lean, leggy furniture, the aesthetic was largely a response to the region’s short days and long winters, which called for bright, practical interiors.

Furniture with less fuss These days, it’s a favourite among minimalists who tout its influence on the mid-century modern movement and praise its lack of fuss. As such, the aesthetic seems particularly trendy around the new year, when resolutions to declutter are top of the mind.

While there’s a great deal of overlap between Scandinavian and mid-century modern design, the biggest differences can be found in the lighting and colour palette.

Mid-century modern interiors tend to explore darker hues and work just fine in low light, whereas Scandinavian interiors aim to maximise lightness in a room.

“It’s as much a lifestyle as it is a look,” Per Weiss, creative director of Innovation Living Denmark, explained to the Manila Standard.

Innovations Living Denmark is part of the furniture brand stable of Modernbrands Inc, which recently hooked up with Alveo Land in a year-long partnership to produce functional furnitures and innovative interiors for the model unit of Alveo’s Portico project. Portico is a 3.6-hectare mixed-use condominium complex combining high-

DISCIPLINED DESIGN. Swap out heavy dining chairs for light ones, and mix a variety of colors and materials for that inviting, personal feel. rise residences and townhouses in Ortigas.

“It’s disciplined. Danish chairs, for example, have longer legs. And I think to myself, how easy would it be to store stuff underneath there? But Danish design has no place for clutter because clutter ruins the lines. It begs to be left alone so that air and light can circulate through it. It’s aspirational,” Weiss pointed out.

Modernbrands’ partnership with Alveo provides Portico unit buyers with special privileges on multifunctional furniture. Buyers can choose from Modernbrands’ suite of furnishing packages, which will offer daily efficiency and ease without sacrificing comfort and quality.

Magazines and design blogs tend to make Scandinavian design look impossibly neat and expensive.

Pictures show whitewashed walls, natural wood floors and rooms flooded with light. These interpretations aren’t always realistic, so if you’re looking to work the aesthetic in your own home, just remember that it’s high on function, low on fuss.

“The dining room is a great place to start,” Weiss said. “One by one, swap out heavy dining chairs for light ones and mix a variety of colours and materials. It will feel inviting and personal.”

Multi-functional sofas Weiss said Innovation Living spe-

cifically builds space-saving multifunctional sofas crafted on top of the Scandinavian tradition. For over two decades, he said the company has built its name as an international sofa bed specialist that is best for creating unique ‘sofabeds’ that puts focus on comfort and durability.

The company creates several innovations in the field of multifunctional sofas. This includes the use of pocket springs mattress for their sofabeds for maximum comfort, as well as metal frames that can withstand up to 250kg for durability.

Moreover, fabrics are of commercial grade and may have special treatments like Teflon coating to repel water.

“Innovation is not just our name, it is what we do,” Weiss declared. “We want to create appealing furniture that will make a difference in your everyday life. Your home is who you are and we want to be able to suggest collections of different inspiring styles each year, as we respect that we all have different backgrounds, tastes and preferences.” he said.

Innovation Living has over 1200 Stores in 90 different countries worldwide. Of those stores, 94 are Innovation Living brand stores.

The brand was first introduced to the Philippines in 2010 and since then it has opened boutique stores in Metro Manila. Its newest store can be found at LRI Design Plaza, Makati.

Life

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

young life

Coffee-loving student J

finds ‘the one’

uggling schoolwork, extra-curricular activities, and other projects is no easy task. For Alyssa Ramos, a third year chemical engineering student at university of the Philippines, a cup of coffee helps her meet the demands of school.

“i love to drink coffee to help me stay up during late nights,” shares Ramos, a uP Oblation scholar and Department of Science and Technology-Science Education institute Merit Scholar.

For about three years now, Ramos has been relying on local coffee blend brand Kaffea to help give her the energy boost she always needs. “i first sampled Kaffea sometime when i entered university. it was during my first year in uP (2015) that a relative recommended the product to me,” she recalls. it was a case of love at first taste for Ramos. “i instantly fell in love with its creaminess and it having just the right amount of sweetness. it is a very well-balanced treat in terms of flavor and nutritional content,” she says.

She continues, “Also, knowing that it is a healthier alternative to other brands of coffee made me drink it regularly without any guilt whatsoever.”

Kaffea has been her constant companion for the past years. “i have been drinking Kaffea since my freshie year. i usually drink during mornings to help wake up my senses and get my day started, as well as during evenings and late nights when i have to stay alert and focused while studying,” shares the uP student who was recently elected chemical engineering student representative to the Engineering Student Council.

She shares, “As ChE reps, we are tasked with taking care of the needs of ChE students as well as representing them to the whole engineering student body. We organize events, entertain questions and concerns, and monitor the welfare of the Department of Chemical Engineering. We also spearhead social campaigns and projects regarding local and national issues.”

Ramos loves Kaffea not only for its creamy, delicious flavor but also for its nutritious ingredients.

“Kaffea is my favorite brand of coffee. its overall taste and formula is very suitable for me. it is delicate and creamy, not too strong or acidic but keeps me very much alive and awake when needed.

This is actually very appealing, since when hearing the term ‘herbal coffee,’ one would think that it would not taste as good as regular coffee. Kaffea breaks that paradigm, providing tremendous

UP student Alyssa Ramos relies on Kaffea to help her meet the demands at school.

amounts of health and nutritional benefits while still delivering in terms of taste,” she avers.

Kaffea has 10 essential ingredients which are beneficial to health. Even diabetics and those with heart conditions can safely drink this coffee.

“Our family actually has a history of diabetes, so we monitor sugar intake very carefully. Thankfully, Kaffea provides just the right amount of sweetness with its coconut sugar and coconut cream. it even improves blood circulation. it is a healthier alternative, contributing to the regulation of blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels,” Ramos shares.

The coffee’s healthy ingredients benef it students like her with hectic schedules.

“Sometimes as uP students, we don’t have that much time to monitor our diet.

We also have numerous sleepless nights working for both academic requirements and extra-curricular deliverables,” laments Ramos.

“Drinking Kaffea, it provides essential nutrients and minerals that keep me well and healthy despite some of these hardships.”

Ramos is also part of uP AlCHEMES (university of the Philippines Academic league of Chemical Engineering Students, inc.), wherein she organizes research fairs, academic reviews for chemical engineering students, chemical engineering student summits, and charity work.

But when not working on her projects, she spends her spare time reading books, singing, playing the guitar or the piano, swimming, watching Anime, reading Manga Fan, and participating in Rhythm games.

Kaffea is available nationwide at Rustan’s, Shopwise, SM Hypermarket Bazaar, SM Market Street, SM Kultura, CityMall GoLokal stores, and online at lazada.com. ph and beautymnl.com. Call telephone number 477-9920 for orders or inquiries.

saturday, july 7, 2018

C1

A look into Shaira Luna’s career, personal style PRO photographer Shaira luna is one of this generation’s most brilliant talents.

But those who have followed her career, from the “gifted child” who starred in a formula milk’s TVC to where she is now, know that it didn’t start on a linear path.

At the age of 13, luna found herself at De la Salle university, taking a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology. After switching courses for some time, she finally answered to the call of photography and purchased her first professional camera, a Canon EOS 350D. The camera enabled her to flex her creative muscles and eventually inspired her to pursue a professional career in photography. in the decade since, the 31-year-old creative gradually developed herself to become one of the most prolific young photographers in the country. luna regularly works with high-profile brands and influential names from the world of art and entertainment.

“Behind the camera, especially when shooting for someone else, i make sure i understand their vision and i understand the output that they need from me,” shares luna. “i just try to make it work for everyone and keep communication open.”

This level of professionalism extends to moments that require luna to stand in front of the camera.

“When i’m in front of the camera, i try to take the place of the photographer,” she says. “i try to imagine what they need from the shoot and i try to move as quickly as possi-

ble. i find it is over much faster if i get what they need, so i tend to move a lot in front of the camera even if it’s awkward for me.”

As a fashion photographer, luna is well-regarded for her personal style. She shares she draws inspiration from rock ’n roll icons of yesterday and today. “i love Florence Welch so much! i really love her style and her music,” she enthuses. “i also like Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. i’m very much inspired by icons of the ‘70s. i’m not sure why, maybe someday i’ll find out.”

Even then, luna is quick to admit that a lot of her style inspiration comes from the research she does prior to every shoot. “in general, i’m very much into the history of fashion and that translates into my style and the people i admire as well,” says the bubbly photog.

She continues, “i think the reason i got into studying eras of fashion was because of my shoots. So, whenever i have a shoot that’s inspired by a particular period, i find myself going even deeper into what happened during that time, especially the things they wore and why they wore the things they did.” if there is anything luna can share, it’s her love for rediscovering the past through pieces of clothing. “if you just use your imagination, you can try to rework the stuff you already have. Perhaps you can use stuff from your parents and grandparents.

You end up with something more unique, something not Turn to C2

31-year-old Filipino creative Shaira Luna is as good behind the camera as in front of it.

Walking with pride Young Filipino artists come together to paint the rainbow lane at Ayala Malls Circuit.

The rainbow lane is a safe space for everyone to express themselves freely.

A FEW days after the Pride March in the country, a new rainbow lane was unveiled on the upper ground floor of The Deck at Ayala Malls Circuit. initiated by artist and advocate Ralph Eya, together with Andrei Venal of Dakila organization, the rainbow lane is aligned with the thrust of Metro Manila Pride’s call of generating a bigger, stronger movement of love and support,

and creating safe spaces for the Filipino lgBTQ+ community.

According to Eya, the effort is actually part of a worldwide movement of painting rainbow lanes on different streets and locations. it is intended to continue and expand the creation of safe spaces for the lgBTQs and for all individuals from all walks of life. “let each lane in every city and every community be a safe

space not just for the lgBTQs, but for all the Filipinos. When every walk becomes a safe journey, every citizen feels secure about who they are as a person,” said Eya. He added, “When every lane becomes a symbol of acceptance, we create belongingness. We all belong in this world where every lane doesn’t just lead us home, because every lane is actually a part of our homes.”

Life

C2

saturday, ju juLy 7, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

V

Cute finds at Miniso Mall of Asia arIeTy store chain Miniso recently opened its 52nd store in the Philippines on the second level of SM Mall of asia’s entertainment Mall.

Miniso president Michael Hong, vice president Mariano Guy, Miniso International country director Johnny Huan, SM Mall of asia senior associate vice president for Operations Perkins So and mall manager amy Gonzales opened the store with a “kagami biraki” ceremony, wherein the lid of a sake barrel was opened using a wooden mallet and the sake is served to everyone present.

Mall-goers at SM Mall of asia can now check out Miniso’s wide selection of creative and low-priced products, including Creative Home Necessities, Health & Beauty, Fashion accessories, Stylistic Gifts, Office Supplies, Stationery Gifts, Seasonal Products, Boutique Package Decoration, Digital accessories, and Food and Drink.

Here are some of the cute items you can shop at Miniso:

Adorable stationery items

Colorful notebooks and stickers

Building better learning spaces for Filipino students

Pink Panther notebooks

Adorable and huggable plushies

Water based stamps

BuILDING materials companies lent a hand to Department of education’s Brigada eskwela in a bid to provide Filipino public school students conducive spaces to learn.

CeMeX Holdings Philippines, through its social responsibility arm, CeMeX Philippines Foundation, participated in Deped’s Brigada eskwela at public schools of communities where it operates. The company joins the program annually.

“We recognize at CeMeX how education plays a central role in youth development and how it will provide them with greater opportunities in the future.

Many of our community and outreach programs are dedicated to promote education for all Filipinos, and the Brigada eskwela is our small contribution in building a secure and clean place where students can learn and hone their potential,” said Chito Maniago, director for corporate communications and public affairs at CeMeX Philippines and executive director of CeMeX Philippines Foundation, Inc. In line with this year’s Brigada eskwela theme, “Pagkakaisa para sa Handa, Ligtas at Matatag na Paaralan tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan,” hundreds of CeMeX Help. engage. reach. Out. (H.e.r.O.) employees and community volunteers proactively worked with the government and other stakeholders to help improve learning environments for the students of Tinaan National High School and CePOC elementary School in the City of Naga, Cebu and at Marcelino M. Santos National High School in antipolo City, rizal.

To kick off the Brigada, Maniago and corporate communications manager erlinda Lizardo, led the ceremonial turnover of a two-horsepower electric water pump to CePOC elementary School to ensure ample water supply for the institution. Hr manager Danilo antonio, community relations officer Marlito Cabigas, Tinaan barangay captain Teodoro Cantal, Tinaan National High School principal Justiniana Lapiz, and CePOC elementary School principal

CEMEX executives and volunteers join DepEd in the latter’s Brigada Eskwela activity at Marcelino M. Santos National High School in Antipolo City, Rizal.

H.E.R.O volunteers repaint the interiors of the main building and social hall of CEPOC Elementary School.

antonio rimas also graced the event.

CeMeX H.e.r.O. volunteers repainted 10 classrooms at Tinaan National High School, as well as the interiors of the main building and social hall of CePOC elementary School. The

volunteers also helped in cleaning and preparing the surroundings within both school premises.

In antipolo City, volunteers repainted 40 classrooms at Marcelino M. Santos National High School.

* * * More than 400 volunteers from Holcim Philippines, Inc. and its partner organizations nationwide joined the education department’s Brigada eskwela.

Volunteers helped 17 public schools catering to 13,500 students in their communities by cleaning, repainting, and repairing classrooms, facilities, and equipment. a supporter of the Deped program since 2012, Holcim Philippines also

donated new equipment and building materials, and conducted disaster preparedness and solid waste management briefings.

“This year is extra special for us given the focus on safety which is our core value at Holcim Philippines. We are glad to share this mindset to our neighbors aside from lending a hand in readying the schools for their children,”

Pink Panther pencil case

Follow Miniso Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

a look...

From C1

cookie-cutter. Just something more fun that will put a smile on your face.”

Shaira Luna is an old soul who has built her name by turning her dreams into a successful career.

This ref lects in both her personal style and her approach to her work—

and these two things have made her the right fit as one of Melissa’s Style Mavens, which is part of the #MeInMelissa campaign. #MeInMelissa is the latest campaign of the Brazilian footwear brand, Melissa Shoes, in the Philippines. This fresh and empowering digital campaign showcases pieces from the brand’s 2018 collection, dubbed Open Vibes.

Volunteers from Holcim’s facilities and partner organizations participate in the 2018 Brigada Eskwela.

said Holcim Philippines president and chief executive John Stull.

In Norzagaray, Bulacan, around 100 employees and contractors participated in cleaning the grounds and classrooms as well as repainting facilities of Sapang Kawayan elementary School, Padling elementary School, and North Hill High School.

Over 140 plant employees volunteered to construct hand washing areas, drainages, and concrete pathways in five public schools in Davao City. The company also donated cement to 61 public schools in the region.

In Misamis Oriental, more than 170 employees of its plant and partner organizations helped clean and repaint classrooms and facilities of the Lugait National High School. Volunteers also held a seminar on community disaster preparedness and resiliency in times of calamities.

Holcim’s La union plant, meanwhile, conducted a safety workshop for a public school in La union. It also donated art pieces made from wooden pallets. The company’s sites in Mabini, Batangas and Calumpit, Bulacan also joined the Brigada eskwela in their areas.

Entertainment

‘GEE-GEE AT WATERINA’

proudly waves the rainbow flag PRIDE month concluded last June 30, with a rainbow colored shindig that transpired in the heart of Marikina. Many members of the pink community were in attendance, out, proud, and happy of course.

Sebastian Castro, model turned vlogger and musician performed his latest song. Iza Calzado, graced the occasion. She stars in Distance, a Cinemalaya Film Festival entry wherein she plays a wife, a mother of two daughters and a closeted lesbian.

It was an auspicious month for anything and everything that is pink that is why Artists Playground made sure to add more exclamation to the celebration by announcing that Gee-gee at Waterina, the much loved first Virgin Labfest baby written by J. Dennis Teodosio and directed

by Roobak Valle, now sashays and struts as a musical.

Book and libretto were written by Teodosio himself, he collaborated anew with Maestro Jesse Lucas, who acts as the composer and musical director.

Andrew de Real serves as its stage director.

Gee-Gee at Waterina, the play has a special place in this columnist’s heart.

It was part of a trio of gay themed plays I reviewed for another broadsheet.

Because of my review, Dennis sought me out because it somehow “unsettled” him. We initially met in the house of theater icon, Tony Espejo, and after the exchanges, we became friends.

This new musical’s inspiration were two real-larger than life gays, former entertainment writer turned Pasay City councilor Justo “JJ” Justo and Japanese era victim and war survivor, Walterina Markova.

Teodosio says, “The play was a big ‘what if’’ initially. I wondered what Markova and JJ did with the money that Dolphy paid to them, how much was given to them and what are their plans. In their conversation and the musical numbers, people will get to witness what they have gone through and the friendship that they developed. I hope to show them as real people and not just as gays. I hope the people will learn a lesson THE region’s largest eSports platform, eGG Network, now has coverage to the entire island nation of the Philippines with its latest partnership with Cignal TV. The partnership comes in time for Filipinos to catch the biggest Dota 2 event of the year, The International 8, on Cignal’s DTH and IPTV services.

For the first time in the Philippines, eGG Network will be available in HD through Cignal’s OTT platform Cignal Play, and to its IPTV service Cignal Roku.

Filipino eSports fans can also catch major eSports tournaments LIVE on the 24/7 channel on Cignal, as the eGG Network was only available to TVs in the Philippines from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. prior to this partnership.

EGG Network brings 24/7 tournament coverage, game features, game streams and local content to Cignal TV’s 2-million strong subscriber base.

Besides the channel and content, both Astro and Cignal TV have plans to collaborate in a series of local eSports tournament and leagues reaching out to millennial, eSports fans and talents.

EGG Network (Channel 99) is also available to Cignal postpaid subscribers starting at Plan 250 and to prepaid sub-

from their stories.”

He carries on, “I was very happy because I have worked with Jesse ALWIN who did the music for IGNACIO some of the plays that I did in the past. What I gave him are poems, and hearing them as songs, ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”

Norman Peñaflorida gives life to Geegee. Roeder Camanag , of course, is Wateerina. During the press conference, the two performed musical numbers, with Camanag’s song entitled “Minsan Siyang Naging Akin,” pulling all the heart strings of the people in attendance.

No exaggeration here, this song, without a doubt, will be a national gay anthem.

And why so? Every word, every line, and the story behind each lyric. Camanag interpreted with an emotional commitment that was so truthful, it hits you, bull’s eye, in your heart.

Any gay man or woman, who have loved and lost, who went for broke, took the gamble in the name of romance, will surely relate and become teary eyed when you experience the manner Roeder breathed life to it.

He performed the Jesse Lucas ditty with a great amount of vulnerability, plus, he added a wonderful mix of defiance and even flippancy, from someone who believes in the power of love and all its splendor and the acceptance of a reality that some dreams just cannot be.

All gay men went through ups and downs in the name of love, but in the end, a gay man accepts that scarred people are the most beautiful.

Other cast members include Bench Ortiz, Joseph Dela Cruz, Nel Gumalog, Romeo Palma, Jr., and Sean Nolasco.

Providing the much needed artistic support to De Real, Lucas and Teodosio are Leslie Dailisan (Choreographer), Luis Galang (Lighting Designer) and Reynoso Mercado (Production Designer).

Playdates are on Aug. 18 to 19, and 25 to 26 at Arts Above at 112 West Avenue, Quezon City.

Tickets may be availed by calling Kimberly Somoza at 0975-919-3179.

ARIAS

Saturday, July 7, 2018

ACROSS 1 Cringe at 6 Dandy 9 Cut with a violent sweeping stroke 14 Sound 15 Down Under bird 16 Spaghetti 17 Let slide 19 Anesthetic 20 Lemon cooler 21 Use a doorbell 22 Economical 23 Common amphibian 25 Aims 27 Cringes 30 Not e’en once 31 Makes up for 32 Probate concerns 36 Life stories 37 Excavation 38 Tabloid tidbit 40 Husky (2 wds.)

43 Lady from Toledo 45 Genie’s offering 46 Swindled 47 Heavy rain 51 Optimistic 52 Be of use 53 Muse of history 55 Shogun’s yes 58 Hero’s award 59 Innsbruck na-

tives 62 Utter foolish talk 63 AAA suggestion 64 Sorenstam rival 65 Fine violin, briefly 66 Cub Scout group 67 Part of TGIF DOWN 1 “Two Years Before the Mast” author 2 Was sorry for 3 Rim 4 Be under the weather 5 Female goat or rabbit 6 Having an offensive odor 7 Be a prophetic sign of 8 Most roly-poly 9 Prism bands 10 Shop machine 11 White as a sheet 12 Place 13 Stringed instruments 18 Crude 23 Rigid 24 Metal source 26 Party fabric 27 City convey-

ance 28 Elevator guy 29 Winter wear 30 Whinny 33 Cheap-sounding 34 Jacket style 35 Dried up 37 Traveler’s note 39 In a snit 41 Lived as a permanent resident 42 Noise 43 Hightail it 44 Sister of Helios

47 Fills a pipe 48 In plain sight 49 Speeder’s nemesis 50 Lariat 51 Above the horizon 54 Banjo ancestor 55 Merry sound (hyph.)

56 Shortly 57 Meryl, in “Out of Africa” 60 Go bad 61 Berlin pronoun

nickie.standard@gmail.com

not bidding TV goodbye; remains no. 1 nationwide

By Clay Moreno

N

O, NOT just yet. In fact, according to a statement sent to MS Entertainment by ABSCBN Integrated Corporate Communications Head Kane Errol Choa, there is no truth to the rumor that FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano is scheduled to end soon.

“Coco Martin and the show’s writers are enjoying the process of coming up with creative ideas to make the story more compelling, as well as collaborating with the cast and the production team. FPJAP continues to enjoy high viewership every night, and our Kapamilyas can expect new twists and characters as it goes into its third year,” Choa relayed.

Speaking of its viewership, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, contrary to the data presented

by Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, still held the top spot for the whole month of June in the list of most watch shows.

Its rating of 42.6 percent made it the consistent no. 1 nationwide. It is followed

by Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids (33.6 percent).

Also part of the top ten are Bagani (32.7 percent), TV Patrol (29.9 percent), MMK (27.9 percent), Home Sweetie Home (25.6 percent), Wansapanataym (24.9 percent), It’s Showtime (Saturday) (22.6 percent), and Rated K (21.2 percent).

The data gathered by Kantar Media also showed that Filipinos turned to ABS-CBN for news and information and value-laden stories as the TV network hit an average audience share of 45 percent versus GMA’s 32 percent in June.

The Kapamilya network won in both rural and urban homes, particularly in Metro Manila with an average audience share of 43 percent, compared to GMA’s 29 percent.

ABS-CBN likewise led in total Luzon with 41 percent versus GMA’s 36 percent; in Total Visayas with 54 percent, compared to

Cignal TV's Jane Jimenez Basas (second from left) and Astro's CK Lee (third from left) shake hands to officially seal the partnership to launch eGG (Every Good Game) Channel on Cignal TV. Joining them are Cignal’s Vitto Lazatin (first from left) and Astro's Edward Ng Sun Kong (fourth from left).

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

C3

‘ANG PROBINSYANO’

Yassi Pressman and Coco Martin as Alyana and Cardo of the top-rating series, 'Ang Probinsyano.'

GMA’s 24 percent; and in Total Mindanao with 53 percent, while GMA only got 26 percent.

Multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN also led across all time blocks, particularly the primetime block as it garnered an average audience share of 48 percent, or 15-point lead against GMA’s 33 percent. The primetime block is the most important time of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investments in to reach more consumers effectively.

The Kapamilya network also ruled the morning block (6:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn) with an average audience share of 39 percent versus GMA’s 29 percent; the noontime block (12:00 nn to 3:00 p.m.) with 47 percent, compared to GMA’s 31 percent; and the afternoon block (3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) with 44 percent, beating GMA’s 36 percent.

Cignal TV partners with Astro for eSports in PH

scribers starting at Plan 300.

According to Jane Jimenez Basas, Cignal TV president and CEO, “Cignal TV is formalizing our partnership with ASTRO, a champion of the eSports industry in Southeast Asia.

Through this partnership, we expect to reach millions of homes and provide our subscribers all the international tournaments and even local

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018

content that is relevant to Filipinos.”

Among the popular eSports tournaments that Filipino enthusiasts can watch are League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, Starcraft II and many more.

Astro’s Chief of Sports CK Lee, believes that engagement is a key objective in the partnership.

“eSports is growing and we wish to engage Filipino enthusiasts through the eGG Network.

It is good for eSports to have these platforms through Cignal TV. In terms of popularity and growth, the Philippines is growing fast and ranks close to Malaysia,” Lee said.

Private and public support is important for the eSports industry to continue to flourish in the country. This is the reason why Edward Ng Sun Kong, Astro Senior Assistant VP for eSports & Digital Services is upbeat.

“For eSports to flourish, the private and public sector should work hand in hand. The collaboration with Cignal TV is a prime example of how the private sector can boost the development of eSports. Subscribers can share the thrill of eSports through TV 24/7.

Every subscriber can have access to regional and worldwide events,” he said.

For Vitto Lazatin, Vice President, Head of Content Acquisition of Cignal TV, eSports is definitely a good thing. “eSports instills the competitive spirit in Filipinos of a wide range of ages. Filipinos have the native ability and skill to compete. And Filipinos are good at it.”

Simply...

From C4

A short documentary made

by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Digital Filmmaking students won Best Direction at the Istorya ng Pag-asa (Stories of Hope) Film Festival.

Winning the award for their documentary Pamilyang Bernardo are Anna Mikaela Quizon, Alda Dalisay and Jocelyn Frago. Two members of the Bernardo family from Looc, Romblon are suffering from ectrodactyly, a condition of malformation of limbs and making life difficult for them. Despite this, they find strength in their own home.

Florence Rosini’s Ang Biyahe ni Marlon, an inspiring tale of an Uber driver with Tourette syndrome, which manifests through involuntary movements, got the INPFF Best Film trophy, a cash prize of P50,000, a DSLR camera and a Samsung S8 cellphone.

First runner-up was Margaret Serranilla. She brought home P30,000 pesos for her entry Tago, which tells the story of Nelson Gonzales, drummer and owner of Tago Jazz Café , a small jazz joint in Cubao that serves as a place for budding musicians to hone their craft.

Kelsy Lua’s Gawilan, about a disadvantaged Filipino swimmer named Ernie Gawilan who faced hardships that forced him to battle his insecurities before making it to the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, won second runner-up and P20,000.

The INPFF was held to celebrate the first year of Istorya ng Pag-asa, an initiative that aims to inspire and empower the nation through extraordinary stories of the Filipino people. It seeks to promote hope and inspiration on a wider scale, with positive real-life stories that feature the triumph of ordinary Filipinos over life’s adversities.

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

C4

Entertainment

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018

Is your favorite film, actor or actress the editors’ choice?

You To The Stars And IF YOU think your Back); Edgar Allan favorite Filipino film, Guzman (Deadma actor or actress mattered Walking); Aga Muhlach to the members of the (Seven Sundays); and Society of Philipine ISAH V. RED Ronaldo Valdez (Seven Entertainment Editors, Sundays). they should accept this Special awards will year’s Eddys trophy for outstanding achievement in filmmaking be given to the late entertainment editor Mario Hernando who will be honore and acting.

The question is who will be named best with the Joe Quirino Award; Philippine Star entertainment editor Ricky Lo with of the best?

The 2nd Eddys Choice for last year’s the Manny Pichel Award; and Viva Films best in cinema will be known at a producer Vic del Rosario as Producer of glittering ceremony on Monday, July 9, the Year. SPEEd will also give out the EDDYS Rising Producers Circle Award 7:00 p.m. at The Theatre at Solaire.

The awards ceremony will be hosted by to second generation producers Roselle celebrity siblings Ruffa and Raymond Monteverde of Regal Entertainment Guttierez. This year’s red carpet before and Veronique del Rosario of Viva the ceremonies will be anchored by Entertainment for their unwavering belief in the local Rhian Ramos movie industry. and Tim Yap. The EDDYS SPEEd has will also honor joined forces iconic actors with the Film Eddie Garcia, Development Gloria Romero, Council of the Susan Roces, Philippines Nora Aunor, (FDCP) led by Charo SantosChairperson Liza Concio and Dino-Seguerra, Maricel Soriano and Globe with the Film Icon Studios as major awards. presenter.

The Eddys aim Some of the is to unite the performers on local film industry awards night are into a community Abra, Loonie, to celebrate Jona, Bituin achievements in Escalante, Wishful 5, Ciara Sotto, and outstanding filmmaking. It is not a contest where the Noel Cabangon.

The five nominated works in the Best editors pit everyone and find out which Film category are Birdshot (TBA Studios/ film or who is the last man standing.

Pelikula Red); Deadma Walking (T-Rex The Edddy’s recognizes each and every Entertainment, Octo Arts Films); Respeto film and the work the people behind it (Cinemalaya Foundation, ArkeoFilms, had put to make the film worthy of the Dogzilla); Smaller And Smaller Circles admission ticket each and every member (TBA Studios); and Unexpectedly Yours of the audience pay for to watch it.

To be nominated among the five (Star Cinema).

Nominated in the Best Actress category best in the 14 catgories is tantamount are Joanna Ampil (Ang Larawan); Mary to winning the Eddys, although in an Joy Apostol (Birdshot); Sharon Cuneta awards show, wherever in the world it (Unexpectedly Yours); Bela Padilla (100 is held, only one among the nominees is Tula Para Kay Stella, and Alessandra given the ultimate honor.

Immediately following the awards de Rossi (Kita Kita).

Battling for the Best Actor honor are rites is the glamorous after-party.

Abra (Respeto); Joshua Garcia (Love Continued on C3

Lani at the Shang IT’S July and Shangri-La Plaza goes the extra mile by rolling out remarkable musical performances, art exhibits, and gourmet adventures to ensure an unforgettable time for all its mall guests.

Get bedazzled by The Philippine Madrigal Singers as they give you a string of delightful performances with Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha tonight at 7:00 o’clock at the Grand Atrium.

For inquiries, call 370-2597/98 or visit www.facebook. com/shangrilaplazaofficial. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial.

By Nickie Wang

I

S THERE any specific formula to make it big in the music business?

At the media launch of The Clash, local television’s newest singing competition, host Regine Velasquez –Alcasid tried to answer the question. Her response, which also served as an advice not just to the contestants of the show but also to anyone who aspires to be in the industry, was plain and simple—be original.

“No one will ever be the next Christian Bautista or Lani Misalucha. You make your mark in the business. You don’t follow someone else’s career path. You can emulate someone but you will have to create your own mark. It’s better that way,” Regine said with reference to two music artists who will sit on the judging panel of the new show.

Christian, who was also present at the media launch together with Lani and AiAi delas Alas as another judge,

Lani Misalucha

Let the

CLASH begin

Youtube sensation Mikey Bustos

debuts Fun Taipei MV

By Dence Benedito COMEDIAN-SINGER Mikey Bustos introduced Taipei’s amazing food scene in a playful and catchy parody at the Fun Taipei 2018 media launch held recently at Ascott Hotel in Makati.

In the music video, he presented all the delectable and luscious food (including beef noodle, Mango shaved ice, fried chicken as well as the world’s famous stinky tofu) he feasted on during the shoot for Taipei’s tourism campaign.

During the media launch, he also shared his fun experience exploring all the incredible places and food options in Taiwan’s capital city including the time when it rained heavily while sampling some skewered food at the city’s famous night market.

“The taste is so unforgettable and I wish I can go back to Taipei to try more things that I didn’t get to eat last time,” shares Mikey.

The song titled “My New Crushie,” is based on last year’s theme song of the 2017 Universiade in Taipei City.

The music video is set to take the spectators in a sneak peek into one of the most renowned exceptional cities for foodies and shopaholics.

Yu-Shin Chen, deputy commissioner of Taipei City said that the Youtube star is the first foreign celebrity to be invited

as Spokesperson in promoting the city.

At the same time, he invited Filipinos to enjoy food stations featuring dishes from Taipei for free, a DIY session and an interactive photo studio at the Activity Center of Glorietta 2.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the event to get a sample taste of Taipei’s exquisite food as well as live performance from Bustos.

There will be also a winning prize to be given at the event when you tag Fun Taipei in your pictures.

The 2018 Travel Madness Expo caps off the series of promotional events for Taipei City in Manila.

Happening at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the event is open to the public until tomorrow.

Meanwhile, in a separate event held on July 4 at the Diamond Hotel, Taiwan Economic and Cultural office (TECO) Representative Michael Peiyung Hsu announced that in 2017, Taiwan recorded its largest number of tourist arrivals with over 10 million visitors.

“The tourism landscape in my country has been very much improved over the years. Taiwan is also considered as one of the safest countries in the world, for both residents and tourists. Famous attractions such as Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, the wide variety of Taiwanese cuisines, efficient transportation systems, diversified and vibrant culture, and the warm Taiwanese hospitality, make Taiwan an attractive tourist destination,” he said in his speech.

In 2017, Filipinos visiting Taiwan reached 290,784, posting a 68.59 percent increase as compared to the number in 2016.

On the other hand, Taiwan is currently the Philippines’ 6th top tourist source market and has recorded over 60,000 Taiwanese visitors to the Philippines during the first 3 months of 2018.

YouTuber Mikey Bustos with Taiwanese actress Chung Chi having fun in Taipei.

Regine Velasquez (third from left) with co-hosts (from left) Andre Paras and Joyce Pring and competition judges Lani Misalucha, AiAi delas Alas and Christian Bautista

explained that aspiring singers should have a specific goal and being a copycat of an established singer should be out of the whole equation.

As for winning the competition, Regine could only tell the contestants to calm their

nerves especially when they’re performing on stage.

“In competition like this, your self will be your own enemy. Obviously everybody is good and has an experience in singing competitions. You just have to learn how to overcome your stage fright, the nervousness that you feel when you’re in front of the audience because that’s what will make the difference. Your voice changes when you’re nervous,” stated The Clash host.

The singing competition, which according to the Songbird is looking for the next singing star and not necessarily someone who would be a versatile television talent, will premiere tonight on GMA-7.

“We’ll run for 14 weeks

and everyone will be given challenges, which means contestants wouldn’t be able to stay in their comfort zone. It will challenge them to be versatile performers,” Regine shared.

In its premiere, telecast the program introduces the Top 62 clashers who will compete in intense one-on-one battles and outdo each other to become the country’s next singing sensation.

These Clashers are the product of several auditions that kicked off in Gaisano Island Mall Mactan in Cebu City on Feb. 17, followed by two regional auditions at Sunshine Park in Baguio City on Feb. 24, and at The Annex Event Center in SM City Davao on March 10 before the last leg that took place at SM North Edsa on March 17.

In the show, Regine leads the toughest, fiercest and most talented hopefuls in a cutthroat and head to head encounter every week.

“We are not looking for an all-around star here. We are looking for someone who has the talent and the voice to be a recording star. It’s a singing contest to begin with. It’s not a talent reality show where the winner eventually becomes an actor and performer,” the seasoned chanteuse explained.

Joining Regine and the rest of the judges are Andre Paras and Joyce Pring who will give updates on the aspirants’ quest for musical stardom.

Under the helm of director Louie Ignacio Ignacio, The Clash airs every Saturday and Sunday night. For more information, follow its Facebook page @TheClashGMA.

Kapuso network's newest singing competition 'The Clash' headlined by Asia's songbird Regine Velasquez premieres tonight.