Manila Standard - 2018 August 30 - Thursday

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SULTAN KUDARAT BOMBERS HUNTED; BLAST KILLS 2, INJURES 35

By Nash B. Maulana and Francisco Tuyay AUTHORITIES have launched a manhunt for two men believed to have planted the explosives that killed two people, including a seven-year-old girl, at a festival in the town of Isulan in Sultan, Kudarat Tuesday night.

The blast, which also wounded 35 others, was the second deadly bombing in less than a month in the region where Islamist militants have waged a decadeslong insurgency.

A man left the improvised bomb in a bag near a grocery store as crowds gathered to celebrate the town’s founding anniversary but he and an accomplice escaped, the military said.

“One [man] did the emplacement while the other one [drove] the getaway motorcycle,” Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said, adding that a manhunt was underway.

The attack, claimed by the Islamic State group, is the latest violence in the south, where a long-running Islamist insurgency has left more than 100,000 people dead by government count.

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DEADLY EXPLOSIVES. Two people, including a young girl (above and left), died from explosives Tuesday in the Sultan Kudarat town of Isulan in Mindanao, the second fatal bombing in less than a month in the region where Islamist militants have waged decades-long insurgency. Security auithorities are chasing down suspects in the bombing, which also wounded 35 more.

Facebook accounts of Peter Evangelista and Philippine Red Cross

VOL. XXXII • NO. 196 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Martial law extension in Mindanao eyed

Food execs told: Resign

By Nat Mariano and Maricel V. Cruz

Rice crisis biggest threat to nat’l security—solons

EXECUTIVE Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Wednesday that extending martial law in Mindanao is an option after a bomb attack killed two people and wounded more than 30 others Tuesday night in Sultan Kudarat.

“It’s an option. We’re trying to make it as easy as possible to prevent this from happening. But since it’s still happening, what else could we do? Should we just sit there?” he told reporters in an ambush interview Wednesday morning.

Medialdea clarified that he would not necessarily recommend an extension of martial law, but considers it an option. Next page

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE minority bloc in the House of Representatives on Wednesday demanded the resignation of food security officials for incompetence, saying the looming acute rice shortage is the biggest threat to national security.

The move came as Senator Cynthia Villar, chairpman of the Senate committee on food and agriculture, said the rice situation has worsened during the term of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol.

In the House, the bloc led by Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez urged Piñol, National Food Authority Administrator Jason Aquino, and members

of the NFA Council led by Secretary Leoncio Evasco, to resign for incompetence and failure to protect Filipino farmers and fishermen and for promoting the importation of rice and fish and the legalization of rice smuggling in parts of Mindanao.

Food security is the biggest national threat. If he cannot handle the job, he might as well resign. They [Piñol, Aquino and

the rest of NFA Council officials] should all resign,” said Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, a member of the minority bloc.

Suarez said the food security officials must be able to address the problem by promoting self-sufficiency even as he was alarmed by the situation, which he said, has triggered by some rice traders and cartels to take advantage of the situation.

“The Philippines is an agricultural country with our lush greenery, cultivated fields, and rich aquatic ecosystems.

It is befuddling that the Department of Agriculture proposed the importation of rice and ‘galunggong’ from other Asian countries. Rice and ‘galunggong’ are staples of the Filipino diet,” Suarez said.

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‘Kwek-kwek’ vendor’s daughter skates way to Asiad gold

By Riera U. Mallari PALEMBANG—Her mother can stop selling kwek-kwek now.

Margielyn Arda Didal, who honed her skateboarding skills in the streets of Lahug, Cebu City, turned her hobby into a pathway to fame and fortune as she delivered the Philippines’ fourth gold in the 18th Asian Games at the JSC Skate Park in Jakabaring Sports City here on Wednesday. Next page

Budget chief toys with idea of extra outlay for 2019

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Palace is open to submitting a supplemental budget to offset budget cuts for several government agencies in the 2019 spending plan, as long as Congress passes the remaining tax reform packages this year, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Wednesday.

“As you know it’s difficult to pass and initiate a supplemental budget, since it requires the executive to identify source[s] of funding,” Diokno said during a breakfast forum.

“If Congress agrees to pass all our tax measures then there’s a possibility.

That’s the requirement we need, the tax Next page measures,” he added.

RUNWAY MISHAP. Senator Grace Poe, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, and Senator JV Ejercito put through the wringer Lin Huagun (left), general manager of Xiamen Airlines during a hearing Wednesday on the airport tragedy involving a Xiamen plane, including Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Naia general manager Eddie Monreal (right). Lino Santos

Xiamen Air liability mounts; MIAA execs taken to task

By Macon Ramos-Araneta XIAMEN Air must pay P33 million to defray the cost of removing its airplane that veered off the runway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Aug. 16 and caused bedlam, Manila International Airport Authority general manager Ed Monreal said Wednesday.

He told Senator Grace Poe, head of the Senate public services committee, that the airline must pay more than double the

initial P15-million estimate of the damage it had cost.

“It will now be P33 million,” Monreal told Poe’s committee.

In other developments: • The government is considering acquiring heavy equipment to address problems similar to what happened to the Xiamen aircraft, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said Wednesday.

The incident paralyzed airport and airline operations and brought confusion

and inconvenience to passengers because it took aviation personnel 36 hours to remove the disabled plane.

• Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Wednesday the government had no choice but to build a new main gateway to the country because of the increasing number of passengers using the airport in Manila.

He said the Naia’s passenger volume had doubled from 20.4 million in 2007 to 42 million last year.

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Nayong Pilipino head draws Palace rebuke

By Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta MALACAÑANG said Wednesday the open letter by the sacked head of Nayong Pilipino Foundation is an “open defiance” of President Rodrigo Duterte after the foundation placed a newspaper advertisement asserting the legality of its lease contract with a casino developer.

“I read [the letter] and I was troubled about it. This is an open defiance of the decision of the President,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a radio interview.

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Goats can read face? No kidding PARIS—Goats can distinguish smiling human faces from frowning ones on photos, and actively seek out snapshots of happier individuals, a study said Wednesday.

Shown two pictures of the same person—one with a happy expression and the other angry—20 domesticated goats in Next page

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Thursday, augus augusT 30, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Arroyo downplays impeach bid

By Maricel V. Cruz

S

PEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Wednesday she doubted that the impeachment complaint filed against the seven justices of the Supreme Court will succeed.

She said she welcomed the filing of the complaints against Justices Teresita de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Andres Reyes Jr., Francis Jardeleza, Noel Tijam and Alexander Gesmundo, but whether it would prosper was another question.

House Minority Leader and Quezon

Martial...

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“Signs like this [are] not a good sign.

Do you want lives and limbs in danger and an explosion during a fiesta? How would you feel?” he said.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque condemned the attack.

“Authorities are now investigating the incident and we vow to bring the perpetrators of this brazen attack to justice. We will apply the full force of the law,” Roque said in a statement sent to media Wednesday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines attributed the incident to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

“We believe that the terrorist group BIFF is the primary suspect behind this atrocity. They are the ones who have the strongest evil desire to initiate this kind of attacks that victimize innocent civilians and disrupt peace.

If they are fighting for a worthy cause, why are they hurting civilians?” said the AFP in its statement.

In a radio interview, Roque said the BIFF is always at odds with the government’s ways on peace talks.

“This group disagrees with the government. We are even hoping that the Bangsamoro Organic Law would bring peace not only to the MILF [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] but also to all the groups involved,” said Roque.

“We would look into it because the BIFF previously expressed disagreement with any peace negotiation,” he added.

The town of Isulan, the official provincial capital of Sultan Kudarat, was celebrating its Hamungaya Festival when an improvised explosive device detonated Tuesday evening.

The blast occurred in Barangay Kalawag 3 along the national highway where people gathered for shopping.

Isulan police authorities reported that two people died while 37 were injured.

‘Kwek-kwek’...

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The 19-year-old Didal, the favorite to win the women’s street skate gold here, owing to her eighth-place finish in the 2018 Street League Skateboarding PRO Open in London, England, was peerless in her performance.

Living up to all the pre-game hype and expectations, Didal scored a dominant 30.4 in a smashing Asian Games debut that was way ahead of the eventual silver medalist’s score as Japan’s Isa Kaya placed a distant second with 25.0 points from the combined two runs and two top tricks.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Nyimas Bunga of Indonesia took the bronze with a tally of 19.8 in this captivating millennial sport making its maiden appearance in the quadrennial, 45-nation sportsfest and will also see its debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Didal’s gold netted her a total windfall of P6 million in incentives from the government and private patrons.

“Bibigay ko po sa nanay ko para makapagtayo kami ng small business (I will give my prize to my mother that we may be able to put up a small business),” said Didal of her plans of giving her bonus to her mom, a sidewalk vendor of “kwek-kwek” (eggs fried in flour) near the Concave Skate Park in Lahug, Cebu City, where the athlete was discovered by coach Danny Gutierrez seven years ago.

Food...

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Suarez said he hopes the current ‘importation’ policy “ is not a case of ‘when there is importation, there is commission.”

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin hit Piñol for promoting the idea to legalize rice smuggling in some parts of Mindanao, saying it is tantamount to economic sabotage.

“To legalize smuggling… endangers national economy and also local farmers.

This is a very wrong solution to the prob-

Rep. Danilo Suarez said the impeachment process against the seven justices “is an exercise in futility.”

“How can you impeach the Supreme Court justices that unseated [Chief Justice Maria Lourdes] Sereno? They just performed their job,” Suarez said.

Arroyo earlier ordered the House

committee on justice, led by Oriental Mindoro Rep. Salvador Leachon, to dispose of the complaint soonest to ensure that the impeachment process would not hamper the House’s legislative mill.

“The most important thing is to expedite it one way or another so that it does not disturb the legislative agenda,” Arroyo said earlier.

The House in plenary session Monday referred to the impeachment complaints against the justices by opposition Reps. Edcel Lagman of Albay, Gary Alejano of the Magdalo Party-

list, Teddy Baguilat of Ifugao and Tom Villarin of the Akbayan Party-list.

They charged the seven justices with violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust over their roles in the ouster of Sereno through the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida.

The justice committee expressed readiness to conduct marathon hearings beginning Sept. 4 on the impeachment complaint against the seven justices of the high court, including newly appointed Chief Justice Teresita de Castro.

With new CJ at the helm, SC firms up reshuffle

By Rey E. Requejo THE promotion of Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro to chief justice has paved the way for the reorganization of the Supreme Court’s three divisions.

Besides being the head of the Court en banc, De Castro also heads the high court’s First Division with Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin as working chairman. Associate Justices Mariano del Castillo, Francis Jardeleza, and Noel Tijam compose the First Division.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio will serve as chairman of the

Second Division with Associate Justices Estela Perlas Bernabe, Benjamin Alfredo Caguioa, Andres Reyes Jr. and Jose Reyes Jr. as members.

The Court’s Third Division will be led by Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta with Associate Justices Marvic Mario Victor Leonen, Alexander Gesmundo, Andres Reyes Jr. and Jose Reyes Jr. as members.

The two Reyeses are the swing justices to complete the membership of five justices for every division.

There are now only 13 justices in the 15-member bench as a result of the vacancies that arose from the appointment

of De Castro as top magistrate and of Associate Justice Samuel Martires as Ombudsman.

The Judicial and Bar Council― the constitutional body that accepts, screens and nominates appointments to the judiciary―has opened the application and nominations for the post left by Martires. It has yet to announce the vacancy left by De Castro as associate justice.

The Court en banc meets every Tuesday without prejudice to holding special sessions to tackle urgent cases, while its divisions hold sessions Mondays and Wednesdays.

sultan...

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Sobejana said it was “highly likely” that the pro-IS Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters plotted the bombing.

A military spokesman said the blast could have been in retaliation for offensives against the BIFF, adding the group had planned bomb attacks in parts of the southern region of Mindanao.

“They want to create and sow terror in the area,” regional military spokesman Capt. Arvin Encinas said, adding that two soldiers were among the wounded.

The attack comes less than a month after a van bomb ripped through a military checkpoint on the neighboring island of Basilan on July 31, killing 10 people.

IS claimed responsibility for that bombing as well and authorities believe the man behind the wheel of the explosives-laden van may have intended to target a nearby children’s parade.

President Rodrigo Duterte put Mindanao under martial rule until the end of this year after pro-IS militants seized the southern city of Marawi last year.

On Wednesday, Duterte’s aides condemned the bombing saying it could prompt the President to extend martial law in the area.

The recent blasts follow the Duterte administration enacting a law to create greater autonomy for the Muslim mi-

Military and police bomb experts look for fragments of a homemade bomb that exploded during a street festival Tuesday night, August 28, 2018 in Isulan town of Sultan Kudarat in Mindanao. Suspected pro-Islamic State militants owned up to the bombing that left two dead and 35 others wounded, nearly a month after the militants also set off a car bomb that left 11 people dead in Basilan. Mark Navales

program for the 2019 national budget. Under this, payment terms will be extended up to six months instead of three months after the fiscal year, but only on selected projects.

The House committee on appropriations on Wednesday approved the allocations for the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President under the P3.757-trillion spending plan for 2019, sidestepping a plea from Vice President Leni Robredo to spare her office from a P95-million budget cut.

The committee, chaired by Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, approved the proposed P6.773-billion OP budget in less than 10 minutes after Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea made his budget presentation before the panel in the presence of

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Opposition Rep. Edcel Lagman made the motion to approve the proposed budget while Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. seconded the motion.

Under next year’s General Appropriations Bill, the allocation of the OP is 12.3 percent higher than this year’s P6.03-billion budget.

Similarly, the Nograles panel approved in 15 minutes the proposed P447.6-million budget of the OVP, which is P945 million lower than this year’s P543-million allocation.

On the sidelines of the budget deliberations, Robredo said the budget cut of her office, saying its livelihood programs for the poor will be affected.

When Poe asked when Xiamen Air would pay, Monreal said the Chinese airline would finally pay “next week.”

Poe also pressed Monreal if the charges could be higher if it could be proven that Xiamen Air’s pilots were responsible for the accident.

“Since the equipment are still being investigated in Singapore, and if we eventu-

ally find out that this is not force majeure, is it possible for Xiamen to pay higher charges because of pilot error?” Poe said .

Monreal said the Philippine government “may charge higher” than P33 million, but they could not charge the airline the impact on flight operations because it was consequential.

Testifying in the same hearing, Tugade said he wanted Xiamen Air to pay not just the actual cost of the damages but also the lost opportunities the incident caused to the airport.

“We will conduct a study to establish

the cost that will be paid by Xiamen Air,” Monreal said.

MIAA, said a total of 631 flights were canceled from Aug. 17 to 20, leading to thousands of stranded passengers.

More than 61,000 passengers of Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific were affected by the mishap following the 36-hour closure of Naia Runway 06/24.

Philippine Airlines said the entire runway fiasco cost it P50 million, with over 56,000 passengers inconvenienced due to canceled and diverted flights. With Joel E. Zurbano

lem. This is plain stupidity,” said Garbin.

Suarez, Atienza and Garbin also hit NFA’s statement that the fumigated rice from Thailand and Vietnam that were infested by weevils (“bukbok”) are safe for human consumption.

Suarez also threatened to defer the budgets of various agencies during plenary deliberations.

Villar said prices of rice have shot up under Piñol’s watch, with prices going up to P50, P60, P65 or even as high as P75 per kilo.

“Do you think it’s not worsening?” Villar said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

Villar also questioned Piñol’s suggestion that rice smuggling be legalized.

“Why legalize smuggling? Are you not encouraging smuggling? Why not just get the smuggled rice and give them to the DSWD?” If smuggled rice is bid out, smugglers would be the winners, she said.

“Eventually, these smugglers will win the bid. It was just be an inconvenience on their part, but in the end, they are still the winners,” she said.

She rejected the claim of Piñol that the increase in the prices of rice and the supply shortage was due to the delayed

rice importation.

“It is their mandate to buy from farmers during harvest the rice at P17 and sell them at P20 to P22. Why not buy from farmers? Why insist on importation?

Why is there a shortage?” she asked.

She lamented that the lack of seriousness in getting rid of the rice cartel and smuggling.

Opposition Senators Francis Pangilinan and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV sought a Senate investigation into the rice crisis in Zamboanga City and the eight-month hike in rice prices in the country.

If the 2018 supplemental appropriations push through, the funds would be released next year.

Diokno acknowledged the clamor in Congress to restore the budgets of some agencies, which could affect education and health programs.

“There is a talk of a supplemental budget because there is pressure from lawmakers to add funds to offset what we cut from inefficient government agencies in the 2019 budget,” Diokno said.

Diokno said the department and Congress agreed to have a cash-based transitory

Xiamen...

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THE United States government will extend $60 million in security assistance to the Philippines under the Indo-Pacific Strategy being pushed by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary Walter Douglas of the State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs disclosed this on Wednesday during a roundtable discussion with Filipino journalists in Makati City.

“It’s a recognition of the long-term partnership we have with the Philippines at the security front, in addition to the other things. We see it as a priority to help the Philippines,” the visiting US official said.

“This is a new money in addition to the security assistance we give,” Douglas added.

He said the Indo-Pacific assistance fund will cover programs such as peacekeeping, maritime domain awareness, and “all sorts of areas we think we would work very well with the Philippines.”

As a “close friend and ally of the United States,” Douglas said the Philippines plays an important role as Washington pushes for the IndoPacific Strategy with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“I think there are couple of levels that the Philippines interacts on.

One is as a close friend and ally of the United States. That’s certainly an importance force. I also say that the Philippines is a very strong member of Asean. We look at Asean as a group that works at being part of the IndoPacific and I know there will be talks coming,” he said.

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Army’s 6th Infantry Division, identified the fatalities as Devey Shane Alayon, 7 and Leni Ombrog, 52, both residents of Isulan.

The bombs went off near a row of stalls selling second hand items hours after the departure of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, who was the guest speaker of the annual event. With Mark Navales, AFP and PNA

From A1

By Rey E. Requejo

Nayong...

nority in the south and which is hoped will help end the conflict.

The mother of the girl who died in Tuesday’s bombing pleaded with authorities for justice.

“I hope they help us and catch the perpetrators,” Nezel Alayon said in between tears.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the

Budget...

US dangles $60m in extra funding for PH

He made the statement even as Senator Francis Escudero filed a resolution for a Senate inquiry into the alleged graft and corruption committed by the former trustees and officials of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation when it entered into an integrated resort project to be built on its property in Parañaque City.

Through Senate Resolution 858, Escudero asked the Senate to direct the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to investigate the NFP’s 50-year lease agreement with Landing Resorts Philippines Development Corp., whose parent company is the Hong Konglisted Landing International.

Landing International is set to build a $1.5-billion integrated resort and theme park to be called Nayong Landing in the Entertainment City, home to Resorts World, Solaire, City of Dreams and Okada Manila. The project is expected to be completed in 2022.

Roque said the fired NPF members should have complied with the orders of Duterte as the President had previously stressed a moratorium on casinos.

“The letter, which has been published in not one but two publications, is an open defiance of the President’s decision,” Roque said.

“They should wait for them to become the President before they do actions like this.”

“The President has said the contract is flawed and that it must proceed with a public bidding... They are just wasting money,” Roque said.

goats...

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an experiment were more likely to approach the smiling image and touch it with their snout, said researchers from Europe and Brazil.

“Goats looked and interacted on average 1.4 seconds with the happy faces and 0.9 seconds with the angry faces,” study co-author Christian Nawroth of the Queen Mary University of London told A FP. “That means that goats spend approximately 50 percent more time to look and interact with happy images compared to angry ones.”

The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, claims to provide the first evidence of goats reading human emotional expression.

The findings suggested “livestock species have very sophisticated minds to interpret their environment,” said Nawroth, and “likely adapt their behavior” based on human facial expressions. AFP

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BI upholds deportation order vs Sister Fox THE Bureau of Immigration has upheld its deportation order against Australian nun Patricia Fox, according to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Guevarra confirmed that the BI board of commissioners dismissed the motion for reconsideration filed by Fox and stood firm on its deportation order issued last month.

“Fox’s MR was denied by the BI,” Gueavarra said, in a text message.

However, Fox may not be immediately deported because the BI deportation order “can still be subject to appeal to the DoJ or the Office of the President.”

The case could also reach the courts should Fox opt to file a petition after all administrative remedies before the executive branch are exhausted.

“Any adverse ruling of the DOJ or OP may further be reviewed by the courts,” Guevarra said. Rey E. Requero

CA affirms admin raps vs ex-PCG Rear Admiral THE Court of Appeals sustained the resolution of the Office of the Ombudsman last year that found Philippine Coast Guard Rear Admiral Cecil Chen, now retired, administratively liable for anomalous utilization of cash advances totaling to P689.6 million.

In a 17-page decision, the CA dismissed the petition for review filed

by Chen seeking the reversal of the Ombudsman’s November 22, 2017 resolution finding him guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service along with 24 other highranking officials of the PCG. The Ombudsman meted the penalty of dismissal against the PCG officials or a fine equivalent to the salary for one year for respondents who have already retired or separated from the service.

In seeking a reversal the anti-graft ruling, the petitioner asserted that the Ombudsman committed error in concluding that he is liable for the alleged irregular grant of cash advance in his capacity as designated special disbursing officer despite proof that he simply signed a report of disbursement after it had been certified as true and correct by the PCG’s chief accountant.

Rey E. Requero

Guevarra asks Peter Lim to surrender as manhunt hits snag JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday called on Cebuano businessman Peter Lim to turn himself in and face the drug trading conspiracy case filed against him before a Makati City Regional Trial Court.

“There is a legal doctrine that flight is an indication—although not conclusive—of one’s guilt,” Guevarra said, even as he reminded Lim, who is now considered a fugitive, of possible repercussions of his hiding.

The Justice secretary said the hunt for Lim by Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation operatives continues since the Makati City RTC Branch 65 ordered his arrest last Aug. 14 or after 16 days.

“Too bad the PNP and the NBI have yet to find some leads as to his whereabouts,” Guevarra lamented.

According to him, Lim could still be in the country because based on records of the Bureau of Immigration has not left the country. The RTC has also issued a hold departure order against the businessman that should prevent him from leaving the country. Rey E. Requero

REHABILITATION. DPWH Secretary Mark Villar(middle) inspects the ongoing rehabilitation of the Otis bridge in Paco Manila on Wednesday, August 29, 2018. Villar said the rehabilitation will be finished before Christmas and will be resistant to earthquakes.

Norman Cruz

Duque asks Senate to pass bill on budget for vaccine victims

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

H

ealth Secretary Secretary Francisco T. Duque III has urged the Senate to pass the bill appropriating P1.16 billion as supplemental budget to help children vaccinated with Dengvaxia.

“We are making an appeal in behalf of the children vaccinated with Dengvaxia who are the intended beneficiaries of this supplemental budget. We are urging our honorable senators to pass the Senate version of the bill,” Secretary Duque said.

“We are hopeful that our senators will listen to our pleas and will approve their version of the bill the soonest possible time,” he added.

While the Senate version of the bill is still pending, he said the DoH is stretching its resources to attend to the

needs of the vaccinated children.

“We want to inform the Senate that every day that passes is crucial in delivering the best health outcomes for the vaccinees,” Duque said.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has certified as urgent the bill granting the DoH supplemental budget to finance the medical assistance of the children and other individuals vaccinated with Dengvaxia.

The House of Representatives in May approved on third and final reading House Bill 7449, which is the House

version of the proposed supplemental budget.

The amount represents the money refunded by Sanofi Pasteur to the DoH for the unused Dengvaxia vaccines returned to them.

“The entire amount of P1.16 billion will be used exclusively to fund efforts to improve the situation of children vaccinated with Dengvaxia,” Duque said.

More than P945.8 million will be allocated for medical assistance program Dengvaxia vaccinees seeking treatment, who were either confined at a hospital or outpatient.

Around P148.3 million will be spent on assessment and monitoring of Dengvaxia vaccinated-children and for supplies and medicines. Lastly, around P67.6 million will be used for the deployment of health workers who will follow up on complaints of vaccinees.

Man whose son was killed in drug war files case at ICC A MAN who voted for President Rodrigo Duterte in the last presidential elections has turned his back on the country’s Chief Executive after his son was allegedly executed by police in Davao.

Denise David, the father of 21-year-old John Jezreel, who was killed last year in Manila, said they filed charges against the police officers involved in the killing of his son but the case has not prospered so he decided to bring their fight for justice to the International Criminal Court.

David said he filed the case with the ICC because Philippines’ justice system is “paralyzed.”

“Ang justice system natin ay paralisado na kaya napag-isipan kong makapagsampa na ng kaso baka ang makatulong na sa ’kin ay international na,” he told a television interview on Wednesday, a day after they filed a new complaint against Duterte before the ICC.

Govt to give out P3.9-b fuel subsidy in 2019 LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Martin Delgra said the government will distribute fuel subsidy worth over P20,000 for each public utility jeepney next year pending the approval from Congress.

The fuel subsidy was created to cushion the impact of higher fuel excise tax among PUJ operators and drivers.

Delgra said the subsidy fund for 2019 will reach P3.9 billion. This year, the fuel subsidy program has a budget of only P977 million.

The LTFRB has started the distribution of Pantawid Pasada fuel cards to the operators and drivers of 179,000 PUJs nationwide.

He added that the fuel cards may only be used directly at gas stations with point of sale devices, as this will serve as a proof that the amount was indeed used for fuel purchase after the LTFRB has flagged 22 beneficiaries using the fuel subsidies for other means.

(Our justice system is already paralyzed that’s why I thought it’s better to file a case before the International Criminal Court.)

“Magwa-one year na po kaming nag-file sa Ombudsman. Pero until now, wala pa pong reply ’yung police. Tapos nakita ko pa po na si Leandro Gutierrez, promoted pa as station commander sa MPD station 3,” his wife Kathy added, referring to one of the accused police officers.

(It’s been almost a year since we filed charges against the police officers before the Ombudsman. But until now, the police have not replied yet. Then one time, I saw that Leandro Gutierrez was even promoted as commander of Manila police’s station 3.)

Atty. Maria Kristina Conti, Davids’ lawyer said they had asked for the suspension of the police officers involved in the killing of their son to prevent them from possibly tampering

with the evidence. But their plea did not prosper.

Conti said David’s case is just one of the many cases that demonstrates how ineffective our justice system is in prosecuting not only the “small fishes” involved in the drug war killings, but also the President, whom she said is behind a “policy of mass murder.”

“We think yung prosecution ng ‘big fish,’ of the person who ordered everything—unable ang Pilipinas to prosecute him. Bakit? First, he said he’s immune. That’s the President’s stand.

Second, the law itself says so,” she said.

The David couple said he and his wife are still finding it hard to move on from the untimely death of their son because of the slow justice system. He said he now regrets voting for Duterte during the 2016 polls after they themselves were hit by the drug war.

INVENTORY.

Pasay City Police Chief Senior Insp. Nelson Flores conducts inventory of guns during the serving of a warrant of arrest against an international syndicate allegedly involved in gun-running on a condo in Pasay City.

Norman Cruz

House okays bill on creation of ‘Timbangan Ng Bayan’ hubs

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved House Bill 7857, principally authored by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, which seeks to provide the establishment of Timbangan ng Bayan Centers in all public and private markets nationwide and penalize those who tamper with weighing instruments after these are officially sealed.

The House, in plenary session, approved the bill by an overwhelming 199 votes.

Arroyo’s proposed establishment of Timbangan ng Bayan Centers, which shall provide the buying public with an effective means of checking the accuracy of the weight and the quantity of the goods that they are buying.

It will also discourage dishonest vendors to commit any irregularity because of the imminence of getting caught in flagrante delicto, said Arroyo.

The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 7394, otherwise known as the “Consumer Act of the Philippines,” to protect the public against fraudulent practices relative to the use of weighing instruments in public and private markets.

For one, the bill seeks to insert a new Article 62-A in Chapter 11 of RA 7394 which mandates all local government units, through their provincial, city or municipal treasurers, to establish Timbangan ng Bayan Centers in all markets nationwide, public or private, including flea markets or tiangges.

Floreindo appeal for Alvarez lawyer to recuse from case struck down DAVAO del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr.‘s appeal to prevent the lawyers of former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez from helping the prosecution in his graft case in connection with allegedly anomalous land lease deal at the Davao Penal Colony was struck down by the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division.

The anti-graft court’s division said “The Court finds no reason to reverse its ruling in the assailed Resolution and resolves to deny the accused’s motion for reconsideration.”

The court allowed the prosecution to tap lawyers Edgardo De Jesus and Paul Joseph Mercado to join the proceedings of the case of Floirendo, who was accused of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. It affirmed its earlier decision that allowing Alvarez’s lawyers to assist in prosecuting the graft case filed against Floirendo. Maricel V. Cruz

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Opinion

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Carpio as CJ: It’s about time cases!

De Castro was appointed on the tradition of seniority and meritocracy. As primus inter pares—the first among equals—she knows the right thing to do. *** THERE is logic and reason to reports There is no doubt that with the enthat Associate Justice Antonio Carpio will vie for the position of chief justice actment of the tariffication law which when newly appointed Chief Justice opens the doors for the importation of Teresita Leonardo-de Castro retires in rice, the National Food Authority will eventually be abolished, and for good October after 41 days in office.

Carpio is the most senior among the reason.

The NFA has lost all credibility as justices. In fact, he has been bypassed twice. A third time would be when he an agency tasked to stabilize the supply declined his automatic nomination. He and prices of rice in the market.

But look at what is happening today. said he declined out of delicadeza because he had voted against the ouster This is primarily due to the incompeof Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno tence of those running the NFA. Funds through quo warranto proceedings. He supposedly for importation of rice as did not want to benefit from what he buffer stock was instead used to pay multi-billion peso debts. This, to me, voted against.

Still, Carpio’s appointment would constitutes malversation of public funds. Officials be in observance should be held acof the traditional countable. recognition of The existence seniority. of the NFA as Carpio’s credenHis integrity an instrument tials and integrity and credentials are of government are beyond questo stabilize rice tion. His appoint- unassailable. prices has become ment would heal useless. It’s a fact and stabilize the that when governcourt that showed ment is used to cracks during the stabilize prices, time of Sereno.

The restoration of the seniority rule the opposite happens.

With the enactment of the law, imnot only in the Supreme Court but in other sectors of government will go a portation is now open to anybody. Lolong way in ensuring a stable govern- cal farmers will be protected through tarriffs on imports. ment.

As for NFA officials, they must be Carpio’s appointment as chief justice will be for the good of the Supreme charged not only administratively but criminally.

Court. *** *** When I decided to be a journalist, I The minority in the Senate is warning De Castro against participating in knew I was making a choice not to be political cases to do away with specula- a millionaire.

Being a periodista entails a lot of saction on why exactly she was appointed rifice. Journalists put their life on the

by President Duterte. line to bring the public’s attention to Inhibit herself, Santa Banana?

Why—when it is her very responsi- what is wrong in government.

In short, if you don’t place your life bility to rule on all cases brought before the High Court? If she did not do this, in danger, if you don’t want to stay poor, if you don’t want to be sued for she would be shirking her mandate.

I find it strange that Senate major- libel, then do not be a journalist.

Santa Banana, I have been sued 17 ity leader Franklin Drilon issued this warning while also saying De Castro is times! I had to apologize four times.

Being a journalist is a calling. The a woman of intelligence and integrity.

If she is indeed a woman of intelli- rewards come in the satisfaction at the gence and integrity, all the more should knowledge that he or she is somehow she not inhibit herself from political Turn to A5

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

F

A staple problem

ILIPINOS are rice consumers by nature and habit.

This is why rice makes up a considerable portion of families’ food budget.

This is also the reason the soaring price of rice is hurting the people’s pockets —fanning their outrage.

For the eighth month in a row, the price of rice has increased, roughly between 9 percent and 13 percent for both wholesale and retail.

In Zamboanga City, the shortage is such that prices have reached P70/kilo, hurting families already struggling to cope with higher prices of other goods and services.

The National Food Authority said the shortage was caused

by the delay in the delivery of imported rice from Vietnam and Thailand, as it encouraged the public to settle for fumigated, weevil-infested rice that it insisted was safe to eat.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol also floated the idea of legalizing rice smuggling in certain areas in an attempt to stabilize prices—a suggestion that was immediately shot down as insensitive and defeatist.

The Duterte administration must understand that rice is not at the level of other issues it must address. Certainly all these issues—corruption, criminality, drugs, changes in the system of government—are important. But none is quite so fundamental as Filipinos having rice on the table.

This is a gut issue, literally and not just figuratively. A nation insecure about its food is insecure about its future.

President Duterte has been known to act decisively on issues he deems truly important. Look at how swiftly he acted on Boracay despite warnings on its impact on tourism and the economy.

Look at how he continues to wage war on illegal drugs despite vociferous opposition from those who mistrust his methods.

We are sure that once the President recognizes just how central rice is to the everyday lives of Filipinos, he will do what is necessary: Fire incompetent agriculture officials, dispel talk about his official family’s link to shady activity, and establish measures that would make rice supply stable despite external developments.

A government is supposed to assure its people of sustenance, instead of force-feeding them low-quality grain, or worse, its brand of incompetence and apathy.

Addressing food shortage only put further strain on our country’s agricultural sector. The importation of rice and galunggong will enDANILO courage further importation of other SUAREZ agricultural products. This course of THE Philippines is an agricultural action will surely reduce the prices country with lush greenery, culti- of rice and fish, inducing competition vated fields, and rich aquatic eco- in the market, at the costly expense of systems. Under the country’s agri- our local farmers and fishermen.

I call on DA to review its budget alcultural sector are four sub-sectors: farming, fisheries, livestock, and for- location on its programs and ensure a estry, which employ 39.8 percent of more efficient spending. I hope this is the labor force and contribute around not a case of, “when there is importation, there is commission.” Instead of 20 percent of GDP. Given the country’s rich agricultur- allocating funds to the importation of al resources, it is befuddling that the such locally grown food staples, the DA should invest Department of Agin the subsidy of riculture proposed our local farmers the importance of and fishermen. rice and galungLet us take EuroIt is befuddling that gong from other pean countries as Asian countries. the Department of an example. Their We know that rice governments put and galunggong Agriculture proposed heavy subsidy on are staples in eve- the importance of rice their agricultural ry Filipino fam- and galunggong from sector with an end ily’s dining table. goal of establishAccording to Sec- other Asian countries. ing self-sufficienretary Emmanuel cy. It would be Piñol, the probetter if the DA posed importation will address the “very limited” supply would compute its expenses on the of rice and fish in the southern prov- importation and compare it with the inces of the country. The said short- amount needed to subsidize locally age is reportedly being experienced in grown rice and other agricultural several provinces in Mindanao, where produce. Maybe it would be better to rice already costs about a hundred pe- spend a substantial amount in research and development of rice, crops, fishersos per kilogram.

While I feel the plight of my fellow ies, and other aquatic resources, and Filipinos experiencing food shortage, in providing adequate protection to I cannot help but question the way our farmers and fishermen, to provide the government, particularly the Ag- them stable livelihood and help them riculture Department, is handling this rise above poverty. I see this as a more matter. There seems to be a discon- effective step in securing long-term nect in the planning and execution of solutions to food shortage.

The Unisan Fish Hatchery is a test programs that would address the food case for improving the fisheries and security concerns of our country.

I believe that importation of rice and aquatic resources of our country. I galunggong is not the sole solution in encourage the DA and the Bureau of addressing food shortage, as this will Turn to A5

OVERSIGHT

Robot teachers invade Chinese kindergartens

By Elizabeth Law and Danni Zhu THE Chinese kindergarten children giggled as they worked to solve puzzles assigned by their new teaching assistant: A roundish, short educator with a screen for a face.

Just under 60 centimeters (two feet) high, the autonomous robot named Keeko has been a hit in several kindergartens, telling stories and challenging children with logic problems.

Round and white with a tubby body, the armless robot zips around on tiny wheels, its inbuilt cameras doubling up both as navigational sensors and a front-facing camera allowing users to record video journals.

In China, robots are being developed

to deliver groceries, provide companionship to the elderly, dispense legal advice and now, as Keeko’s creators hope, join the ranks of educators.

At the Yiswind Institute of Multicultural Education on the outskirts of Beijing, the children have been tasked to help a prince find his way through a desert —by putting together square mats that represent a path taken by the robot—part storytelling and part problem-solving.

Each time they get an answer right, the device reacts with delight, its face flashing heart-shaped eyes.

“Education today is no longer a oneway street, where the teacher teaches and students just learn,” said Candy Xiong, a teacher trained in early childhood education who now works with

Keeko Robot Xiamen Technology as a trainer.

“When children see Keeko with its round head and body, it looks adorable and children love it. So when they see Keeko, they almost instantly take to it,” she added.

Keeko robots have entered more than 600 kindergartens across the country with its makers hoping to expand into Greater China and Southeast Asia.

Beijing has invested money and manpower in developing artificial intelligence as part of its “Made in China 2025” plan, with a Chinese firm last year unveiling the country’s first human-like robot that can hold simple conversations and make facial expressions.

Turn to A5

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Opinion 41 days DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA SHE may be Supreme Court Chief Justice for only 41 days but newly appointed Chief Justice Teresita de Castro looked radiant and happy—like she were on cloud nine—nonetheless.

We cannot really fault her for acting that way. After all, she has just been given the biggest prize of all.

What could one do in 41 days? Well, she has already been quoted in the papers as saying that she would institute judicial reforms. She was also advised to stay out of politics.

Why don’t we just let her enjoy whatever is left of her government service before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 years old? With the time that she has left, she will hardly be able to do very much. When she finally retires, there will be plenty of time to evaluate her legacy to the Supreme Court. This is because for better or for worse, she will be remembered as the Supreme Court Justice who became a witness against her former colleague Lourdes Sereno, became her fiercest critique and then sat in judgment and voted to oust her from office in a quo warranto case. People might say that for the sake of delicadeza, Chief Justice De Castro should have inhibited herself in the case. But times have changed.

People might also question why the President appointed someone who will only serve for 41 days. As the President himself said, he was only following seniority. He does not know De Castro nor did he talk to her before the appointment. But any statement from the President would not have satisfied everyone and not stopped the many conspiracy theories as to the real reason for the appointment. We have to accept the statement of the President at face value because whether we like it or not, he has the authority to appoint

anyone he likes so long as that person possesses the minimum qualification.

We of course do not know whether history will be kind to the Chief Justice, but that will be for historians to decide.

In the meantime, she should just try to enjoy what is left of her term instead of trying to do so much in just 41 days. *** It is time that President Duterte and the top man of the National Democratic Front, Jose Maria Sison, stopped their ongoing verbal war on who is healthier between the two of them.

This is not only because their verbal tussle will not solve anything. The people might wonder about what is going on in the minds of the two gentlemen.

People might also think that the long-

Supreme Court Chief Justice looked radiant and happy.

distance rhetorical war is juvenile, not befitting the office of the President of the land and also a veteran communist ideologue and revolutionary. But perhaps it is better to have verbal fireworks than a shooting war. What these two gentlemen should do is to find a way around their differences to finally sit down and talk peace for the sake of the country.

We now hold the distinction of having the longest insurgency in the world. What is clear is that the lives of both men are nearer the end than the beginning—healthy or not. There is therefore a great incentive for both to be able to strike a peace deal. For President Duterte, he would become the President who was able to bring an end to the 50-year communist insurgency.

Luis Jalandoni, one of the senior lead-

ers of the NDF, has called the President brethren —and for good reason.

As mayor of the City of Davao for 20 years, he was able to strike a deal with the New People’s Army to keep Davao free of fighting by clever diplomacy.

He told the NPA that they would be safe in Davao City so long as there is no fighting. If there is a President who can strike a peace deal with the NPA, it should be President Duterte. At no time in the past were members of the left given so many senior-level positions in the government than this president. But even with the resignations of many of the leading left leaning senior officials, Leoncio Evasco Jr. is still at the center of power in Malacañang Palace.

We must bear in mind, however, that although the President has sympathized with the NDF on occasion, he is a man with a contradictory personality. He is very capable of changing positions without any problems. Some would even say that he is more to the right than anything else. We will simply have to see which side of his personality will take over with regard to his on-andoff desire to strike a peace deal with the NDF. For communist leader Jose Maria Sison, who is now approaching 80 years, he will really have to think hard whether he will swallow a bit of his pride in order to resume peace negotiations or tough it out and wait for the next administration.

But that is another three years and further away from realizing his revolutionary dreams. No revolutionary leader would want to leave this world without realizing all or part of his revolutionary objectives.

The most cruel thing that can happen to Joma Sison is to depart this world empty-handed, having accomplished nothing for his lifelong struggles. He must reassess his position carefully so that a peace deal with the government can be reached. The two gentlemen must keep their sights on the ultimate prize, which is peace.

John McCain, mettlesome maverick

By Honor Blanco Cabie TWO summers into the fall of Saigon to North Vietnamese communists and the Viet Cong in 1975, 108 rawboned but bubbly American prisoners of war, including John McCain, regained their freedom after being released by their captors.

At Clark Air Base, where the 108 underwent debriefing before flying on to the continental United States, the senior-ranking prisoner, 50-year-old Air Force Col. John Flynn, declared the US POWs “performed magnificently...they were first class soldiers, they were first class citizens.”

What makes the Clark stopover kind of poignant at this point, 45 years later, is the death of McCain—who eventually became a member of the US House of Representatives when he was only 46 and a senator when he was 51 until his death, four days short of his 82nd birthday.

The spindly 108 were flown from Hanoi to Clark Air Base in three planeloads of C-141 Starlifters.

Following the Paris Peace Accords of January 1973, US prisoners of war were returned during Operation Homecoming from February through April 1973.

During this period, 591 POWs were released to US authorities, including a few captured in Laos and released in North Vietnam.

The release in March 1973 left 147 known US POWs still in Indochina, including 10 in Laos. Another 32 were released shortly by the Viet Cong and the rest were all supposed to be freed

by March 28 according to the Vietnam ceasefire.

Under airport lights, Flynn was followed off the plane by Navy Lt. Cmdr.

John S. McCain III, the son of retired Adm. John S. McCain, who was commander-in-chief of the Pacific forces at the height of the Vietnam war.

The younger McCain, 36, walked from the plane with a noticeable limp and graying hair, paused for a dozen seconds to chat with his father’s successor, Adm. Noel Gayler, and then limped to the bus, where he climbed on unassisted straight away to the military hospital less than three kilometers away from the flight line.

Carpio...

From A4

making a difference. *** The debate over the health of President Duterte is getting to be boring.

Critics of the President insist he is ill but Palace spokesmen say he is very

EVERYMAN Most of the men appeared to be in good physical condition although visibly thin and sallow.

The two exceptions were McCain, shot down on Oct. 26, 1967 while on a bombing mission during Operation Rolling Thunder over the North Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, and Air Force Capt. Hubert C. Walker, 31, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Walker, moving very slowly under his own power, was escorted off the plane by a medic.

McCain was seriously injured when he was shot down and captured, and failed to escape episodes of torture and refused, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, an out-of-sequence early repatriation offer.

The wounds McCain, who eventually became a presidential bet of the Republican Party in 2008 against Barack Obama of the Democratic Party, sustained during the Vietnam War left him with lifelong disabilities.

The senior man on board the third C141, Air Force Col. David W. Winn, chose to step off his C-141 Starlifter medical plane in flight coveralls worn

by American pilots instead of the blue outfits given the other POWs by the North Vietnamese.

“You brought us home with honor and we hope to serve you well,” Winn said.

“To borrow from Keats, freedom is happiness and happiness is freedom.

That is all we need to know and it’s all we know today.”

In an interview later with McCain, the man told us he never lost his faith in the goals his government wanted to achieve: freedom and peace worldwide.

Washington had viewed its involvement in Vietnam as a way to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam —part of the domino theory of a wider containment policy, with the stated aim of stopping the spread of communism.

We would meet McCain again 44 years later, while we were in Colorado Springs and he was in Washington, D.C., not face to face but through the television screen where the Senate Armed Services Committee was havhealthy, as shown by his frequent public appearances.

I don’t believe the President is seriously sick. Of course he can sometimes be weak. He is 73 years old, after all, and his job is very stressful. But I don’t think the condition is alarming.

Still, to end all speculation, the Palace should once and for all issue a bul-

ing a hearing on the Russian government using hacking and leaks to try to influence the presidential election where Donald Trump of the Republican Party defeated Hillary Clinton of the Democrats.

It was in those hearings where Republican and Democratic senators as well as intelligence officers, including James Clapper Jr., the director of National Intelligence, Michael Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command presented a “united front” that “forcefully reaffirmed the conclusion that the Russian government influenced the US elections.

While many had seen McCain as a non-conformist and a maverick, and while he was often at odds with Trump, the man he did not want to attend his funeral except George Bush and Barack Obama, he voted in June 2017 to support Trump’s controversial arms deal with Saudia Arabia.

McCain returned to the Senate for the first time following his cancer diagnosis and delivered remarks on July 25, 2017 after casting a crucial vote on the American Health Care Act. McCain, the naval officer we interviewed two score and five years back, is being brought this week to Washington to lie in state in the rotunda of the US Capitol on Aug. 31 before a service at the Washington National Cathedral on Sept. 1 (Sunday, Sept. 2 in Manila).

He will then be buried at the US Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland, next to his Naval Academy classmate Admiral Charles Larson.

McCain’s passing on closes a chapter dotted by indomitability of spirit, love for freedom and global peace, as well as thumbs down to communism, and unqualified commitment to family.

HBC, a former international news agency journalist, covered the return of the Prisoners of War from Indochina in the first quarter of 1973, and was able to interview, among other POWs, John McCain, who was returning home from Hanoi, Vietnam through the US Clark Air Base in Pampanga in 1973 after spending almost six years at what was called the “Hanoi Hilton,” a euphemism for Vietnamese jail. letin about the President’s condition. *** The presence of political and military officers in the Israel-Jordan trip of the President is being questioned. Why go with the President when they can make the trip by themselves?

This sets a dangerous—and costly precedent—for a country in dire need of money.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Economic managers and businessmen vs. Duterte As example of draft-Constitution provisions that were ambiguous and unclear, Secretary Dominguez pointed to (1) the fact that, while it provided RUDY for the respective taxation powers of ROMERO the Federal Government and the fedTHE Cabinet economic cluster and eral regions and for the federal sates’ the Philippine business community 50-percent share in income, excise and have taken a public position against value-added taxes and customs duties, President Rodrigo Duterte, who is the draft Constitution “(has) no provithe principal promoter of—and who sion on expenditure assignment and is obsessed with—the idea of install- (2) the fact that while it contained an ing the federalist form of government enumeration of the respective exclusive in this country. If a signboard were powers of the Federal Government and made to depict the situation, it would the federal regions. The draft Constituread Rodrigo R. Duterte versus the tion was “silent on the funding source Economic Managers and the Philip- for the exercise of these powers.” and (3) the fact that while it provided for pine Business Community.

The Cabinet economic cluster— an Equalization Fund of not less than a.k.a. The economic managers—is 3 percent of the annual national budget led by Secretary of Finance Carlos (General Appropriations Act), the draft Dominguez III, Neda (National Eco- Constitution does not state whether this nomic and Development Authority), amount will be taken from the share of Director-General Ernesto Pernia, Sec- the Federal Government or the shares retary of Budget and Development of the federal regions.

In sum, he was “confused” by the Benjamin Diokno, Secretary of Agriculture Emmanuel Piñol and Secre- draft Constitution where fiscal mattary of Public Works and Highways ters were concerned.

In their joint statement the nation’s Mark Villar—have taken the position largest business (1) that the fedorganizations — eral Constitution these included drafted by the Philippine ChamDuter te-created Constit utional Obduracy on the part ber of Commerce and Industry, Committee is unof Mr. Duterte and the Makati Business clear and ambiguClub and Manous, (2) that a shift consultative committee agement Associato federalism will could very write finis to tion of the Philipdisrupt the na- the entire federalism pine and Financial tion’s growth moExecutives of the mentum (3) that caper.

Philippines— a federal governplaced themment will be very selves squarely costly and (4) that behind Secretary federalism will place at risk this country’s external Dominguez and his colleague. “We echo the concerns of the fiscal and credit ratings.

That is quite an indictment of the economic experts about the ambiguproposal shift to a federal form of gov- ous provisions on the division of revernment. Secretary Dominguez has enue and expenditure responsibilities until now been quiet on the subject between the proposed Federal Govof federalism, although from time to ernment and the federated regions,” time he has let go of remarks about the the statement read. It went onto say: need for fiscal stability. But in a recent “We worry about the dire consequencappearance before a Senate hearing on es that such fiscal imbalance could the economic implication of federal- have on the economy and the flagship ism, the Department of Finance chief Build Build Build program of the curunburdened himself of his sentiments rent administration.”

One of two things can happen in the toward federalism.

A shift to federalism would de- wake of the strong common position rail the Duterte administration’s on federalism that has been taken by infrastructure program, Secretary the Duterte administration’s economDominguez said. “Instead of the am- ic team and the Philippine business bitious Build, Build, Build program community. The drafting committee going into full swing; the big-ticket could, motu propio or under instrucitems in the pipeline may instead be tions from President Duterte, agree to Build Minus Three.” Responding to address the fiscal issues raised by the Senator Ralph Recto, Dominguez said economic managers and the businessthat this country’s investment-grade men. Or it could decide to not revisit credit ratings would “go to hell” if the its handiwork and to adopt a take-itshift to federalism proceeded. He said or-leave-it attitude.

Given the statures of Secretary that it was the responsibility of the nation’s economic managers to point out Dominguez and his colleagues and of the ambiguous and unclear provisions the leaders of the business organizaof the draft Constitution, “especially tions, an attitude of obduracy on the when the possible repercussions could part of Mr. Duterte and the consultaresult in dire, irreversible economic tive committee could very well write finis to the entire federalism caper. consequences.”

BUSINESS CLASS

Robot...

From A4

According to the International Federation of Robots, China has the world’s top industrial robot stock, with some 340,000 units in factories across the country engaged in manufacturing and the automotive industry.

The service robot market—which includes devices ranging from specialised medical equipment to automated vacuum cleaners—is estimated to be worth $1.32 billion last year.

It is expected to grow to $4.9 billion by 2022, said market research firm Research In China.

Last week, Beijing hosted the World Robot Conference, featuring machines that can diagnose diseases, play badminton and wow audiences with their musical skills.

Robocompanion Last year, a group of monks in Beijing created a two-foot-high robot monk dispensing mantras and advice

Addressing...

From A4

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to explore this facility and check on the possibility of sharing this practice to rest of the country. Furthermore, they should invest in developing local know-how, specifically on cultivating

to attaining nirvana.

The iPal—a companion of sorts for children—is the latest humanoid robot to be marketed for family use, following in the footsteps of the diminutive, wisecracking “Pepper” companion released by Japan’s SoftBank in 2015.

But Xie Yi, principal of the kindergarten where Keeko has been put on trial, believes that it will be a long while before robots can completely replace humans in the classroom.

“To teach you must be able to interact, have a human touch, eye contact and facial expressions. These are the things that make an education,” Xie said.

“It’s not just the language or the content, it’s everything.” AFP She said the Keeko robots, which cost about 10,000 yuan ($1,500), or about the monthly salary of a kindergarten teacher, may have some advantages over a flesh-and-blood educator.

“The best thing about robots?

They’re more stable (than humans),” she said with a laugh. AFP the high-value fish and aquatic products for export.

The House Minority group, comprised of party-list members who represent and protect the interests of various agricultural sectors, will be vigilant and proactive in addressing the proposal of the DA. We believe it puts the sector in a vulnerable position.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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TODAY THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

1,831 officers promoted in metropolis

By Joel E. Zurbano

UN lauds PH for crucial role in disaster risk reduction

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE United Nations has lauded the Philippines for being in the forefront in disaster risk reduction, evident by its handling of the recent flooding incidents that hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

This developed as the National Resilience Council launched the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for local government units to bring disaster risk and reduction management to the local level.

During a meeting with members of ARISE Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena Annex Building in SM MOA Complex, Mami Mizutori,

S

the new Special Representative of the Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction, commended the national government and the private sector’s initiatives to make the Philippines one of the most disaster resilient countries.

Mizutori pointed out the “shining example” that the Public-Private Partnership being carried out in disaster management which is being spearheaded by UNISDR Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies-Philippines and the National Resilience Council both led by Hans Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings.

Sy assured SM Prime would continue to

make DRRM the core of its operations, a pursuit he has adopted even before disaster resilience became a national policy.

“SM Prime as a responsible property developer places DRR as one of its core strategies.

We have to protect our business and property and ensure the safety of our tenants, customers and employees,” he said.

Today, Sy said disasters had become more frequent and severe.

“We have to do our share with the government and the private sector to work together to find solution towards building greater resiliency that ever before,” he added.

House okays 4Ps measure

OME 1,831 Metro Manila police officers were promoted to their next higher rank in an oathtaking ceremony and pinning of ranks at the Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City Wednesday.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Guillermo Eleazar led the oathtaking, donning and pinning of the newly promoted officers.

Those promoted included 38 Police Chief Inspectors, 24 Police Senior Inspectors; 112 Police Inspectors; 32 Senior Police Officers 4; 44 Senior Police Officer 3; 512 Senior Police Officer 2; 196 Senior Police Officer 1; 517 Police Officer 3; and 356 Police Officer 3.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police entered into service more than 17,000 of its next generation firearms mostly made in Israel and Turkey.

In a ceremony in Camp Crame Wednesday, the PNP bared its newlyacquired equipment under its Capability Enhancement Program.

These include 8,170 units of caliber 5.56mm Galil Ace 22N assault rifle; 4,933 units 5.56 Emtan assault rifles; 1,920 Masada striker fired 9-mm pistola and Negev light machine guns in 7.62mm caliber (231 units) and 5.56mm (320 units).

Also acquired were 10,000 units of the Turkish-made Canik TP9SF Elite-S 9mm pistol, which is gaining popularity in the United States.

Eleazar congratulated the promotees and their families and conveyed his expectations from them to be of help to the NCRPO in achieving more success and accomplishments particularly in Internal Cleansing Program and campaign against criminality and illegal drugs.

He also emphasized that the Internal Cleansing Program was not just about getting rid of the misdeeds and scalawags. Rather, it was about pride in the uniform.

“It is more about on creating a culture of pride and respect, a culture of efficiency and dedication to work,” he said.

Last week, Eleazar was also given his two-star rank in Camp Crame by his predecessor and now Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde after President Rodrigo Duterte granted the recommendation of the National Police Commission to promote him to his next higher rank of Police Director.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Intramuros, Manila IN THE MATTER OF EXTENDING THE LAST DAY FOR FILING PETITIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF COALITION OF POLITICAL PARTIES FOR PURPOSES OF THE 13 MAY 2019 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS x---------------------------------------------x

ABAS, Sheriff M. PARREÑO, Al A. GUIA, Luie Tito F. GUANZON, Ma. Rowena Amelia V. INTING, Socorro B. CASQUEJO, Marlon S. KHO, Antonio T. Jr.

By Maricel V. Cruz VOTING 96-6, the House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a measure institutionalizing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) which aims to reduce poverty and promote human capital development.

House Bill 7773, principally authored

by Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, proposes to prioritize investments on human capital, provide resources and improve delivery of services—particularly education, health, and nutrition—to the poor, ending the cycle of inter-generational poverty.

During the administration of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the 4s was introduced to assist the poor families CAPABILITY PROGRAM. The Philippine National Police hopes to fulfill its vision of achieving through an executive order. a more capable, effective and credible police force with the continuous implementation of the Capability Enhancement Program it hopes will pave the way to modernizing police equipment. Photo The program was continued by the shows PNP chief Oscar Albayalde and other senior police officers during the blessing of the equipment Aquino administration, and even up to the worth P2.2 billion at Camp Crame Wednesday. Manny Palmero present time.

The House will transmit the bill to the Senate for action.

The 4Ps Act also seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, empower women and girls and achieve genIN AN effort to build a more inclusive and pro- thers in the upbringing of their children. der equality, and capacitate those who cannot ductive workplace, Unilever Philippines has imIt is part of their continued commitment provide for themselves so that they become plemented new policies to address what it calls to build an environment where everyone can productive and healthy members of society. the needs of its diverse workforce. achieve their professional and personal goals.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK HB 7773 defines the poor as those These include: expanded paternity benefits; The expanded paternity benefit complehousehold whose income falls below the the recognition of same-sex partners as eli- ments the company’s 120-day expanded mapoverty threshold as determined by the gible beneficiaries; and the introduction of the ternity benefit, introduced in 2017.

National Economic and Development Adoption Leave.

“We recognize the roles that both mothers and Authority and who cannot afford in a susUnilever introduced three weeks of fully paid fathers play in the upbringing of their children, tained manner to provide their minimum paternity leave as a benefit for employees across which is why we have expanded the paternity leave basic needs of food, health, education, its global operations, it said in a statement. for the fathers in our workforce,” stated Unilever housing, and other amenities.

In the Philippines, Unilever employees enjoy Philippines chairman and CEO Benjie Yap. The program will be implemented unan extended version of this benefit—20 days of “As a purpose-driven company committed to til it has covered 60 percent of the total paid paternity leave, a significant increase from the well-being of every family, we are starting number of extremely poor households in the seven-day paternity leave mandated by law. with our own community in making sure that the the country, as may be determined by the With this new policy in place, Unilever fathers in our team are able to have adequate time Philippine Statistics Authority.

Philippines recognizes the essential role of fa- with their newborn children.”

Unilever launches employee benefits

Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner

Promulgated: August 29, 2018 1.

WHEREAS,, the Omnibus Election Code and Rule 32 of the 1993 COMELEC Rules of Procedure do not provide when a petition for registration of a coalition for political parties may be filed; Section 61 of the Omnibus Election Code states:

No religious sect shall be registered as a political party and no political party which seeks to achieve its goal through violence shall be entitled to accreditation.”

2.

The Province of Pangasinan now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of Hospital/Medical Equipment.2 Delivery of the Goods is required Seven (7) Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed 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”.

Section 29 of Republic Act No. 66161 provides:

WHEREAS, the Commission on Elections has the power to enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall pursuant to Section 2 (1), Article IX-C of the 1987 Constitution.

NOW THEREFORE, the Commission on Elections by the power vested in it by the Constitution and other election laws, RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to extend the filing for petitions for registration of coalition of political parties for purposes of the May 13, 2019 National and Local Elections, from August 31, 2018 until September 15, 2018.

September 15, 2018

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Province of Pangasinan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during August 24, 2018 – September 14, 2018; 8:00 am to 5:00pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders August 24, 2018 – September 14, 2018at the BAC office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Lingayen, Pangasinan and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Nineteen Thousand Pesos (P19,000.00).

6.

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.

The Province of Pangasinan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference3 on August 31, 2018; 2:00pm at BAC Office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

8.

2.

The Province of Pangasinan now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of Hospital/Medical Equipment.2 Delivery of the Goods is required Seven (7) Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed 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”.

(i)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.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before September 14, 2018; 10:00am. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Province of Pangasinan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during August 24, 2018 – September 14, 2018; 8:00 am to 5:00pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders August 24, 2018 – September 14, 2018at the BAC office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Lingayen, Pangasinan and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Nineteen Thousand Pesos (P19,000.00).

6.

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.

7.

The Province of Pangasinan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference3 on August 31, 2018; 2:00pm at BAC Office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

8.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before September 14, 2018; 10:00am. 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 September 14, 2018; 10:00am at Conference Room 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan. 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.

COMELEC Resolution No. 10395 is hereby amended accordingly .

Let the Clerk of the Commission implement this Resolution. The Education and Information Department (EID) of the Commission is hereby directed to cause the publication of this Resolution in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation.

9.

SO ORDERED.

The Province of Pangasinan, through the Capital Outlay – Hospitals, & Health Centers / Hospital Equipment (PR#2018-07-6524)1 intends to apply the sum of Eighteen Million Five Hundred Eighty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-Five Pesos (P18,587,295.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Delivery of Various Hospital/Medical Equipment at Urdaneta District Hospital, Urdaneta, Pangasinan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

(i) 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.

“Section 29. Designation of Other Dates for Certain Pre-election Acts. - If it should no longer be reasonably possible to observe the periods and dates prescribed by law for certain pre-election acts, the Commission shall fix other periods and dates in order to ensure accomplishment of the activities so voters shall not be deprived of their right to suffrage.”

Filing of Petitions for Registration of Coalition of Political Parties

1.

The Province of Pangasinan, through the Capital Outlay – Hospitals, & Health Centers / Hospital Equipment (PR#2018-07-6524)1 intends to apply the sum of Eighteen Million Five Hundred Eighty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-Five Pesos (P18,587,295.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Delivery of Various Hospital/Medical Equipment at Urdaneta District Hospital, Urdaneta, Pangasinan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

“Section 61. Registration. - Any organized group of persons “seeking registration as a national or regional political party may file with the Commission a verified petition attaching thereto its constitution and by-laws, platform or program of governrnent and such other relevant information as may be required by the Commission. The Commission shall, after due notice and hearing, resolve the petition within ten days from the date it is submitted for decision.

DEADLINE

INVITATION TO BID for Delivery of Various Hospital/Medical Equipment Solicitation No. PANG-2018-1378

INVITATION TO BID for Delivery of Various Hospital/Medical Equipment Solicitation No. PANG-2018-1378

RESOLUTION No. 10415

ACTIVITY

2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan Tel. No. (075) 632-7840 Website@biddingandawards.pangasinan gov.ph, E-mail address: bacpangasinan@yahoo.com

2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan Tel. No. (075) 632-7840 Website@biddingandawards.pangasinan gov.ph, E-mail address: bacpangasinan@yahoo.com

Bid opening shall be on September 14, 2018; 10:00am at Conference Room 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan. 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.

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

9.

The Province of Pangasinan 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:

AL A. PARREÑO Commissioner

MA. ROWENA AMELIA V. GUANZON Commissioner

MARLON S. CASQUEJO Commissioner

LUIE TITO F. GUIA Commissioner

EDWIN B. MENDOZA Supervising Admin. Officer BAC Secretariat

BAC Office 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan 075 6327840

SOCORRO B. INTING Commissioner

BAC Office 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan 075 6327840

(SGD.) HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman

ANTONIO T. KHO, JR. Commissioner

3

(MS-AUGUST 30, 2018)

Provincial Budget Office Finance Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pnagsinan 075 5426574

EDWIN B. MENDOZA Supervising Admin. Officer BAC Secretariat

2

The Electoral Reforms Law of 1987.

HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman

Provincial Budget Office Finance Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pnagsinan 075 5426574

1

1

10. For further information, please refer to:

HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman

SHERIFF M. ABAS Chairman

(SGD.) HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman

In the case of National Government Agencies, the General Appropriations Act and/or continuing appropriations; in the case of GOCCs, GFIs, and SUCs, the Corporate Budget for the contract approved by the governing Boards; in the case of (LGUs, the Budget for the contract approved by the respective Sanggunian. (Section 5(a), R.A. 9184) A brief description of the type(s) of Goods should be provided, including quantities, location of project, and other information necessary to enable potential bidders to decide whether or not to respond to the invitation.

May be deleted in case the ABC is less than One Million Pesos (PhP1,000,000) where the Procuring Entity may not hold a Pre-Bid Conference.

(MS-AUG. 30, 2018)

1

2

3

In the case of National Government Agencies, the General Appropriations Act and/or continuing appropriations; in the case of GOCCs, GFIs, and SUCs, the Corporate Budget for the contract approved by the governing Boards; in the case of (LGUs, the Budget for the contract approved by the respective Sanggunian. (Section 5(a), R.A. 9184) A brief description of the type(s) of Goods should be provided, including quantities, location of project, and other information necessary to enable potential bidders to decide whether or not to respond to the invitation.

May be deleted in case the ABC is less than One Million Pesos (PhP1,000,000) where the Procuring Entity may not hold a Pre-Bid Conference.

(MS-AUG. 30, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports Jordan takes PGT Club Filipino lead DANAO CITY, CEBU—Australian Damien Jordan unleashed a strong finishing kick to shoot a three-under 68 then watched Jhonnel Ababa fumble with a late bogey to wrest solo control at the start of the rich million ICTSI Club Filipino de Cebu Invitational here yesterday.

Making the most of his first foray on the Philippine Golf Tour, Jordan actually had a mediocre one-birdie, one-bogey card after 12 holes at the par-71 Club Filipino layout but birdied a par-4, a par-5 and a par-3 in the last six holes to find himself a bewildered leader in the P3.5 million serving as the penultimate leg of the 10-stage circuit sponsored by ICTSI. Ababa hit three birdies at the back to be right in the mix and kept a threeunder card to stay abreast with Jordan with three holes to play at the front.

But he stumbled with a bogey on No. 7, enabling the Aussie, who tied for seventh at PGT Asia Riviera leg last June, to get a solo view of the top at the mountain-top course hosting a PGT tournament for the first time.

Reigning Philippine Masters champion Jerson Balasabas rallied with two birdies at the front to join Ababa at second, along with Michael Bibat and Nilo Salahog and Korean Kim Joo Hyung as the rest of the starting 71-player field sort of opted to further test the short but tricky layout before making their assault in the next three days.

Jobim Carlos, winner of three tournaments the last 12 weeks, including the PGT Iloilo stop last weekend, bucked a double-bogey mishap on No. 5 with three birdies in the last 13 holes as he wheeled back into early contention for the top P650,000 purse with a 70 in a tie with Brunei’s Qawim Aslimon and Pete Vilairatana of the US. Tony Lascuña, out to snap a long title spell in the circuit organized

by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., turned in a so-so one-birdie, one-bogey round to lead the even par scorers who included some of the pre-tournament favorites—Aussie Tim Stewart, American Lexus Keoninh, Joenard Rates and Elmer Salvador along with Erwin Arcillas, Qazzri Aslimon, also of Brunei, and former PGTA leg winner Rene Menor.

PSC upbeat on Children’s Games PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez is upbeat about the collaboration of the Diocese of Mati and other parishes in Davao region for the holding of the Children’s Games.

The Unesco-cited program for children eight to 12 years old will be brought to Davao Oriental towns including Lupon and Cateel in October.

Ramirez, in a meeting with Diocese of Mati Bishop held at downtown Davao City restaurant over the weekend, said, “We will have Children’s Games in dioceses of Mati, Tagum, Davao del Sur and Samal.

Let’s start it here first before we think of replicating it in Luzon and the Visayas.”

However, PSC consultant Dr. Serge Opeña clarified that the Children’s Games in these areas will still be open to non-Catholic children as the program welcomes Lumads, Christians and Muslims alike.

A Children’s Games of this kind was launched in Davao City last year wherein 500 children gathered to play and foster friendship despite their different religions, culture and social status.

“The government and the parish priests and catechists will work together for the benefit of the children,” Opeña said, adding that the PSC will shoulder expenses for food, shirts and equipment needed for the non-competitive Games while partner dioceses and parishes shall provide the venue and manpower.

He also said that prior to the Games, a training for Ate and Kuya volunteers, who will be leading the children during the event, will also be held.

Bishop Apigo, for his part, thanked the PSC for its initiative to reach out to their Diocese and the people of their province.

Also present during the meeting were Fr.Pete Lamata of St.Francis Assisi Parish, St. Michael’s College of Padada director Sister Cherrie Carote , Fr. Alfe Alimbon of the Diocese of Mati, Cherry Sarona of St. Michael College of Padada, PSC consultant Ed Fernandez, Philippine Sports Institute Mindanao coordinator Pochollo Elegino and Ateneo de Davao University director for Community Engagement and Advocacy Council Mark Paul Samante.

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‘Survival mode’ sees Novak through at steamy US Open W

IMBLEDON champion Novak Djokovic suffered in sweltering US Open conditions Tuesday but battled through to the second round with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory over Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.

Djokovic, playing his first match on Arthur Ashe Stadium since falling to Stan Wawrinka in the 2016 final, received a brutal welcome back to Flushing Meadows as soaring temperatures and high humidity prompted organizers to offer the men a 10-minute mid-match heat break for the first time ever.

“We both struggled. We were not the only ones today. Brutal conditions,” said Djokovic, who called for trainers who enveloped him in ice packed towels late in the second set.

Until late in the third it was “survival mode” said Djokovic, who endured a rocky start to the season after elbow surgery before breaking through for a 13th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

His Cincinnati Masters victory over Roger Federer stamped him a US Open favorite along with defending champion Rafael Nadal, despite his modest sixth seeding.

He certainly looked a contender as he reeled off the last 10 games against Fucsovics, showing signs of sharper focus

even before the 10-minute heat break between the third and fourth sets.

Federer, the second seed, escaped the worst of the conditions as he headlined the night session on Ashe.

Federer, who claimed his 20th Grand slam title at the Australian Open in January, put the match away two games later, sealing it with a service winner.

“I didn’t know how really good Nishioka was,” Federer admitted of the 22-yearold, who was ranked 58th in the world last March before tearing a left knee ligament and sliding out of the top 150.

“I wanted to play well at the beginning of each set. I was able to break the beginning of each set, cruise after that. I was very happy.”

For many, however, the day was a

hard slog and the decision made some two hours in to afford the men a heat break after a third set wasn’t enough to prevent half a dozen retirements.

In other women’s matches, reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber, seeded fourth, defeated Russian Margarita Gasparyan 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova beat Belgian Yanina Wickmayer 6-1, 6-4 and 2017 runner-up Madison Keys downed France’s Pauline Parmentier 6-4, 6-4.

Maria Sharapova, who won the last of her five Grand Slam titles in 2014, advanced 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) over Patty Schnyder, out of retirement and at 39 the oldest player to qualify for a Grand Slam main draw. AFP

Saints, Heroes collide in NCAA All-Star Game

THE best players in the country’s oldest collegiate league will get to showcase their skills and bond with fans at the NCAA 94 All-Star Game ‪this Friday which will air live from the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City on ABSCBN S+A and S+A HD on cable.

The league will split up into two teams for the All-Star Game with Arellano University (AU), Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), Jose Rizal University (JRU), Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), and Mapua University (MU) comprising Team Heroes with Coach Topex Robinson of LPU. Meanwhile, Team Saints, headed by San Beda University (SBU) Coach Boyet Fernandez, will feature SBU, NCAA Season 94 host University of Perpetual Help System – DALTA (UPHSD), Colegio De San Juan de Letran (CSJL), San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R), and College of Saint Benilde (CSB).

Livestreaming is also available on sports.abs-cbn.com and the ABS-CBN Sports Youtube starting at 1:30 p.m.

The festivities will begin with side events featuring the Skills Challenge, Shooting Stars, Three-Point Shootout, and Slam Dunk Contest. Lacing up for the Skills Challenge are Jasper Cuevas of hosts UPHSD, Clint Doliguez of SBU, Bonbon Battiler of Letran, rookie Jimboy Pasturan of CSB, Mark Mallari of JRU, Charles Cadua of EAC, Arjan Dela Cruz of SSCR, Carl Lumbao of Lyceum, Maui Sera Joseph of AU, and Eric Jabel of Mapua.

Meanwhile, the Shooting Stars challenge will see each school suiting up a current seniors men’s basketball player with their top juniors player and a former player of the school who they consider as a legend. The goal is to outscore their opponents by scoring baskets off different areas of the court that have corresponding points to them.

PROUD PINAY.

Golf protégé Monique Arroyo proudly displays her trophy during the awarding ceremony as she placed third in the 13-14 division in the International Juniors Golf Championship Venice Open in Italy recently.

SoKor archer refuses to celebrate Asiad gold A SOUTH Korean archer refused to celebrate bagging a gold medal at the Asian Games after his second-placed compatriot missed a final chance to win an exemption for military service.

Kim Woo-jin, 26, brushed off a strong challenge from Lee Woo-seok in the men’s individual recurve on Tuesday, where top spot would have exempted the 21-year-old from South Korea’s mandatory near two-year military service.

But Kim—the reigning Olympic champion in the recurve men’s team— diplomatically claimed the Lee’s mili-

tary predicament wasn’t on his mind as he declined to wave the national flag in celebration.

“Whether it was the military situation or anything else not related to the competition, I wasn’t thinking about that,” Kim said, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.

“It was just tough to beat someone that I know so well after months of training together.”

Lee’s situation mirrors that of South Korea’s Son Heung-min, the Tottenham Hotspur forward who is gunning for gold

in the football to gain a military service exemption.

Lee, who has already completed part of his service and is scheduled to be discharged next year, said he was disappointed but “the military isn’t all bad”, according to Yonhap.

“I’ll go back and serve the country the best I can,” he added.

Nearly every able-bodied South Korean male is required to enrol by age 28 in the military, although a rare reprieve is gifted to elite sportsmen such as Olympic Games medallists or Asian Games champions. AFP

Ceres eyes first Copa Paulino Alcantara

By Ram Christian Agustin AFTER dominating and ending up as victors in two Philippine Football League championships for 2017 and 2018, the Ceres-Negros Football Club will be battling in a domestic double for the Copa Paulino Alcan-

tara- the first cup club competition in the Philippines announced to kick off on September 1.

The competition’s Group A will be composed of Ceres-Negros, Davao Aguilas, and Stallion Laguna while Group B consists of Kaya-Iloilo, JPV Marikina and Global-Cebu.

Members of Team Kaya pose for photographers during the Copa Paulinho Alcantara press conference at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas. Ram Christian Agustin

Ceres Negros will battle Davao Aguilas in the second match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium after an initial showdown of Kaya-Iloilo and Global Cebu at the same field.

“It’s a new tournament. Whatever the result of the league, it doesn’t matter anymore,” said Coach Noel Marcaida of Kaya FC. The Copa Paulino Alcantara cup will have a pool of six PFL Clubs in a double-round robin where the top two teams from groups A and B will climb to the competition’s next stage.

“It’s all about progression. As long as we are progressing then we can be happy,” said Davao Aguilas’ team captain Phil Younghusband on their chances in winning the cup.

“If you look at the past few games, obviously we are underdogs. I just arrived two weeks ago and I see huge improvements in my squad,” said new GlobalCebus head coach Dragutin Stevic-Rankovic as their team is currently in a reassembling state with the addition of former Philippine Azkals member Anton Del Rosario.

The victors of the cup will snatch a spot in the Asian Football Competition (AFC) Cup Group Stage for next year although Ceres-Negros has already secured the league title since their success in the PFL leaving the remaining clubs eyeing the chance to secure a league title for themselves.

The Copa Paulino Alcantara is the first club cup competition in the Philippines under the supervision of Liga Futbol Inc. (LFI) and is promising to be a fastpaced action-packed arena of football clashes.

Cocolife Tigers turn back Lanterns THE Davao Ocidental Cocolife team will go home with another win.

The Tigers of Mindanao owned by Claudine Bautista of the Davao Occidental LGU, backed by Cocolife President Elmo Nobleza, FVP Joseph Ronquillo and AVP Rowena Asnan, shot the lights off to trounce the Pampanga Lanterns, 82-77, at the Alonte Sports Center

in Sta. Rosa, Laguna over the weekend.

With the win, Cocolife boosted their bid in the ongoing 2018 Maharlika Pilipiinas Basketball League-Datu Cup. Former PBA standouts Bonbon Custodio and Leo Najorda, along with prized catch Billy Robles, joined forces to hand their team the much-needed victory,

which improved its chances in the league organized by Senator Manny Pacquiao.

Pampanga’s sweet-shooting Michael Juico and Jerry Nacpil scored 25 and 13 each, respectively, as they gallantly fought for the Lanterns, but to no avail.

Pampanga absorbed its fourth setback in seven games, while Davao Occidental

savored its fourth victory in seven outings to remain in the hunt in the MPBL. The Davao squad, managed by Bhong Baribat and Ray Alao, with coach Don Dulay calling the shots, will face a formidable Valenzuela squad in Davao City on Aug. 30 in the next stage, dubbed as ‘MPBL South Invasion’ in Davao City.

Sports

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

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018

Guiao wants databank of scout reports JAKARTA—If there is an archive for past basketball results, there should also be a database for game plans and scouting reports.

In order to save time, Philippine team coach Yeng Guiao is proposing to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas the creation of archives that could help the national team program in future international campaigns.

The materials that will be put in a databank will be under the intellectual property of the SBP. “We need to do this for future references, so that whichever group is handling the national team, they won’t be left out in the dark,” Guiao said. “We want to share this database because this is for Philippine team after all.

We will keep our files secret for our respective mother teams in the PBA as this belongs to ours, but not for the national team because these files would help the program in the long run.”

Built for only two weeks, the Rain or Shine-led Pilipinas team came and competed in the Asian Games with little ideas about their rivals.

In creating an archive of game plans and scouting reports, it will certainly help the future national squads since they have files to look over.

Ryan Gregorio, chief scout of the squad competing here in the Asiad, who was also appointed just recently as Special Assistant to SBP President Al Panlilio, will make the files official under the property of the governing basketball body.

“The main proponent of this is Coach Yeng Guiao. We hail Coach Yeng to high heavens as a person who puts the best interest of the country and put this program a priority. I will operationalize it as part of the SAP function in the SBP,” said Gregorio.

PH SEA Games to hold eSports?

JAKARTA—Officials of Asian Electronic Sports Federation are optimistic that electronic sports or eSports will be included in the 30th edition of the South East Asian Games that will be hosted by the Philippines in 2019.

Kenneth Fok, president of AESF during a press conference at the Jakarta Main Press Center, said that they are now communicating with the Philippine Olympic Committee and will present a proposal for the staging for the first time of the eSports in the SEA Games.

“I could not divulge any details now but we are communicating with the Philippines and will attend a meeting with the South East Asian Games Federation in October,” sabi Fok, who was joined by Eddy Lim, president of the Indonesian eSports Association and Santi Lonthong of Thailand eSports Association.

Games of the eSports had drawn many viewers and supporters that include China’s basketball superstar Yao Ming, who likes playing League of Legend, according to Fok. The Philippines will host for the fourth time the regional mutli-sport meet SEA Games in November, 2019.

Eight SEA countries had confirmed their support for the staging of the eSports in the 30th SEA Games.

Carlo Paalam (right) sneaks in a punch against Kazakhstan’s Termirtas Zhussupov, en route to a 4-1 win Wednesday, assuring himself of a men’s flyweight bronze medal in the 18th Asian Games.

PH bags 4 pencak bronze; Paalam wins th

J

AKARTA—Asian Games first timer Almohaidib Abad captured the fourth bronze medal of the Pencak Silat Team after he placed third in the men’s singles finals Wednesday morning to add to the medal haul of the Philippines in the 18th Asian Games at the Padepokan Pencak Silat, TMII Mat 1 here.

The 18-year-old Abad, who is making his Asian Games’ debut here, submitted a total of 445 points in the finals to secure the bronze medal in the event and his first in the quadrennial event.

“Glory to God! I feel so blessed with my win,” said Abad, who became the second to the youngest medalist of the delegation next to 17-year-old Yuka Saso, who claimed two gold medals in the women’s individual and team events in golf.

The gold went to Sugianto Sugianto of Indonesia to add to his world title in this event from 2016.

Indonesia has won all nine pencak silat events held at the Asian Games.

The silver went to Ilyas Sadara of Thailand.

Also contributing bronze from pencak silat were Cherry May Regalado, Dines Dumaan and Jeffrey Loon.

The Philippines, which has a tally of 4 golds and 13 bronze medals, is currently at 16th overall in the medal standings, but still behind Southeast Asian Games rivals Thailand (10th, 9 golds), Vietnam (14th, 4 golds, 12 silvers) and Malaysia (15th, 4 golds, 10 silvers).

Meanwhile, Carlo Paalam toppled an older and more seasoned foe from Kazakhstan, Termirtas Zhussupov, 4-1, also on Wednesday to assure himself of a men’s flyweight bronze medal in 18th

Asian Games boxing action at the Jakarta Expo Boxing Hall.

Paalam, the youngest in the eightboxer Philippine team at 20, scored the split decision victory over the 30-yearold Kazakh—a former Asian champion and two-time national titlist of his country.

“Magaling siya at mautak kasi experienced siya,” said Paalam, who takes on China’s Wu Zhonglin—a controversial 5-0 winner over Indonesia’s Mario Blasius Kali earlier in the day—in the semifinals on Friday.

“Kahit bata ako, gusto ko siyang sabayan,” said Paalam, who clinched a bronze medal in each of the 2016 Asian and World Youth Championships.

Middleweight Eumir Felix Marcia was scheduled to fight South Korea’s Kim Jinjea in a middleweight quarterfinal bout late Wednesday.

Olympian Rogen Ladon already advanced to the flyweight semifinal and will take on Thai Yuttapong Tongdee also on Friday.

Olympian Toni Leviste rides her 10-year-old horse Maximilian during the equestrian competitions of the 2018 Asian Games. Leviste has cleared all three qualifying rounds the past two days. From 32nd on first day to 17th in Qualifier 1 and in the Top 20 of Qualifier 2. Leviste said she and Maximilian are ready for Thursday’s Final 2 Rounds, where height of hurdles are much higher at 1.50m and 1.55m.

NLEX routs Columbian, 116 to 104

By Reuel Vidal THE NLEX Road Warriors displayed composure late in the game to beat the Columbian Dyip, 116104, in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018.

Columbian import Akeem Wright scored from inside with a layup. He then showed his range with a contested three-pointer which he banked off the board to cut the NLEX lead to just five points, 107-102, with 3:20 to go in the game.

NLEX veterans JR Quinahan and Larry Fonacier then decided the outcome the match with their outside shooting. Quinahan drilled two threepointers while Fonacier added his own triple to push the Road Warriors to a decisive, 116-104, lead with just 55 seconds left to play.

The Road Warriors (3 wins, 1 loss) bounced back with the victory.

The Dyip (0-3) suffered their third consecutive loss to drop to their familiar place at the bottom of the standings.

The Alaska Aces (2 wins, 0 loss) are tied with Phoenix (2-0) at the top of the standings. The two teams are playing as we went to press. Trailing them are the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok (1-0) and the Blackwater Elite (1-0).

The other teams include the Meralco Bolts (1-2), TNT KaTropa (1-3) and NorthPort Batang Pier (02). Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the San Miguel Beermen and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have not yet played.

The Road Warriors started to run in the fourth. Import Aaron Fuller converted a pair of fastbreak layups to add to another breakaway layup by Alex Mallari as NLEX extended its lead to nine points, 98-89, with 9:45 to go in the game.

The Road Warriors seemed on the way to a lopsided win after Mallari converted another jumper to go with free throws by Fuller to hike the NLEX lead to 102-89.

But the Dyip was not about to give up. Jeramy King drilled a triple to fuel an 8-0 run to cut the NLEX lead to just five points, 102-97, with 6:37 to go in the game.

Lady Maroons shock Falcons, near PVL finals University of the Philippines fought back from six down midway in the fourth and shut down top seed Adamson in the stretch to hack out a stunning 24-26, 2519, 25-22, 25-20 victory and zero in on the first finals berth in the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Collegiate Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan yesterday.

Marian Buitre presided over the Lady Maroons’ stirring fightback from 12-18 down in the fourth with torrid spiking that netted them nine unanswered points then the veteran hitter sealed a closing 4-1 binge with an off-the-block kill to finish off the Lady Falcons.

“Buitre did a good job and the other players were just as composed,” said UP coach Godfrey Okumu after his

Games Saturday

2 p.m. – UST vs FEU (women’s) 4 p.m. – UP vs Adamson (women’s)

wards stopped the Lady Falcons’ run following the latter’s elims sweep that gained them the top seeding in the bestof-three semis.

UP goes for the clincher on Saturday.

Buitre delivered 23 kills in all and finished with 25 points while Marist Layug, Roselyn Rosier and Aie Gannaban combined for 35 markers for the Lady Maroons, who needed to topple the San Beda Lady Red Spikers to snare the fourth and last semis seat in the mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

The Lady Falcons, so impressive in the elims, struggled against the Lady Maroons gutsy stand right in the opening frame, blowing a couple of set points before clinching the win.

But the Diliman-based spikers rode the momentum of their late first set charge and took the next two sets then foiled the Lady Falcons’ bid to force a decider with that fiery comeback that spoke well of the character of the team.

Bernadette Flora scored 20 hits while Eli Soyud and Le-Anne Perez added 16 and 11 points, respectively, for the Lady Falcons, who vowed to strike back in Game Two and force a decider.

No. 2 UST and third ranked FEU were slugging it out in the other semis playoff at pressime.

WOMEN’S LEAGUE. Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association president Juanita Alamillo, St. Paul Pasig directress Sr. Dedicacion Rosario and WNCAA executive director Ma. Vivian Manila (second to fourth from left) are flanked by some representatives of the 16 member schools during the WNCAA Season 49 launch yesterday at St. Paul Pasig, the host school.

IN BRIEF

Cebu Pacific adding more routes from Clark

CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it is adding more routes from Clark International Airport to help improve air connectivity and logistics between Central Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Cebu Pacific said it would mount daily flights between its Clark and Davao hubs and between Clark and Tagbilaran (Bohol) once a day starting Nov. 9 this year.

“Cebu Pacific has been operating flights in and out of the Clark International Airport since 2006. Since our maiden ClarkCebu route, we have not only expanded, but consistently maintained our presence at the Clark airport. We remain committed to helping play a pivotal role in the growth of the Clark airport,” JR Mantaring, vice president for corporate affairs of Cebu Pacific, said.

Clark International Airport has served as the hub for North and Central Luzon of Cebu Pacific for the past ten years. It has emerged as one of Asia’s fastest-growing airports, with passenger volume expected to breach two million in 2018. Cebu Pacific mounts direct flights from Clark to Cebu, Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong and will resume direct flights to Caticlan (Boracay)

by Oct. 28. Darwin G. Amojelar

PH, China want to enhance trade

THE Philippines and China are gearing up to bring bilateral relations to a higher level through enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

Dominguez told Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua during a recent visit by a Philippine delegation to Beijing that the government was open to expanding the mutuallybeneficial economic, trade and investment and people to people cooperation between the two countries.

Dominguez led several meetings with high-ranking Chinese officials to discuss ways to swiftly address issues and challenges in the preparation and implementation of the Duterte administration’s priority projects that China committed to support with official development assistance loans and grants.

The other members of the Philippine delegation were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Vivencio Dizon, president of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. Julito G. Rada

Business

Economists see August inflation peaking to 5.9% PRIVATE sector economists expect inflation to peak to 5.9 percent in August from 5.7 percent in July, after intermittent weather disturbances affected food prices during the month.

Economists from First Metro Investment Corp. and University of Asia & the Pacific expressed optimism that once it hit the peak in August, inflation would decelerate in the succeeding months.

“Headline inflation will peak in August given the heavy rains and flooding during the month,” FMIC and UA&P said in their monthly ‘Market Call’ report.

“The saving factor in the third quarter would be normalizing food prices, due to September rice harvests and larger imports and downward trending crude oil prices to well below $70/ barrel. Electricity rates should also go down as hydro-power plants go full blast during the rainy season,” they said.

They said that inflation in September might slow down to 5.2 percent and further to 5 percent in October.

Inflation in July accelerated to a more than five-year high of 5.7 percent from 5.2 percent in June based on the 2012 price index, on higher food prices. This brought the inflation average in the first seven months to 4.5 percent, beyond the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2018.

The economists said unless inflation started to slow down and exports began to move to positive territory, economic growth would continue to remain tepid at around 6.5 percent or less in the third quarter.

“With construction [especially infrastructure] and manufacturing remaining robust, the underlying growth momentum should hold up,” they said. Julito G. Rada

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018

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US offers to finance infra projects T

By Othel V. Campos

HE United States on Wednesday offered to help finance some of the infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program.

Visiting US assistant secretary for economic and business affairs Manisha Singh said the US government wanted the Philippines to know were many alternatives to fulfill the country’s infrastructure needs.

“We certainly hope that you will look to the US as a very positive alternative that is very much in your interest to explore. The [Trump] administration is committed to modernizing and streamlining our approach to development,”

Singh said in a briefing hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

The US is banking on the passage of the Build Act currently pending in the US Congress to give financial muscle for its development financing program under the recently-launched Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy.

The US launched early this year the Indo-Pacific Strategy, a commitment on its part to provide incentives to countries in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines, to help them develop their infrastructure networks.

The legislation will consolidate overseas private investment corporations and other development finance arms of the US government into one larger international development finance corporation agency.

“We think that this is a way to mobilize and strengthen all the development

finance aspects of our government,” Singh said.

The Build Act will also help increase the capital of Overseas Private Investment Corp. from $30 billion to $60 billion to enable it to expand its lending portfolio.

“President [Donald] Trump has said that we are committed to reforming our development finance institutions so they can better incentivize private sector investment in the economies and provide strong alternatives to stay directed in issues that might come with strings attached,” said Singh.

The US also plans to invest in new programs under the Asia AID program and help partners in the region to get the tools to import, produce, move and deploy their energy resources.

Washington is also looking at spending $130 million for the digital security and cyber connectivity program in the region.

The global initiative aims to promote

access to open, reliable and secure internet. The partnership plans on advancing the successful private enterprise-driven, multi-stakeholder model of internet development and governance as well as build on the cap of partners to address cybersecurity by working with law enforcers.

Singh said the US would create a standing committee to identify infrastructure priorities for technical assistance and share information through the private sector and increase funding for capacity building program.

These programs are intended to increase the US host countries’ capacities in project planning, economic governance and make it easier for business to invest in the region.

Recent estimates showed that the Indo-Pacific countries would need about $26 trillion to develop their infrastructure by the year 2030.

BPI sells $600m worth of 5-year unsecured notes

By Julito G. Rada

Aboitiz Power set to issue P10-b bonds

ABOITIZ Power Corp. filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday to issue P10 billion worth of bonds, representing the second tranche of its P30-billion debt securities program.

Aboitiz Power said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the second tranche of bonds were registered with the SEC under its shelf registration program on June 19, 2017.

“The second tranche bonds, equivalent to P10 billion and with an oversubscription option of up to P5 billion, are expected to be offered to the general public during the fourth quarter of 2018,” it said.

Aboitiz Power said it would use the proceeds of the second tranche bonds to refinance the medium-term loan of whollyowned subsidiary Therma Power Inc. to repay its short-term loan obligations and for general corporate purposes.

Aboitiz Power appointed BDO Capital Corp. as issue manager for the proposed offering; BDO Capital Corp., BPI Capital Corp. and United Coconut Planters Bank as joint lead underwriters; and BDO Unibank Inc.’s trust and investments group as trustee.

Alena Mae S. Flores

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

ONLINE PAYMENT FACILITY. Land Bank of the Philippines president and chief executive Alex Buenaventura (second from left) and Bureau of Fire Protection director Leonard Bañago (second from right) lead the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the two agencies for the LandBank LinkBiz Portal. As part of the BFP’s automated clearance system, the online channel will accept payment of Fire Code fees that will significantly speed up the issuance of fire safety evaluation clearance and the fire safety inspection certificate. Also shown during the signing ceremony at the BFP National Headquarters in Quezon City are LandBank executive vice president Liduvino Geron (left) and F/S Supt. Gilbert Dolot.

DOTr expects to seal China loan for P151-b South rail

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation said it expects to obtain a loan from China this year for the P151billion Philippine National Railways South Long-haul project.

“Our target is to sign the loan agreement during the visit of President Xi of China this year,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said during an economic forum organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines at Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, Manila Tuesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the Philippines after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit on Nov. 12 to 18 in Papua New Guinea.

The PNR South Long-haul project is a 581-kilometer, standardgauge railway from Manila to Le-

gazpi, Matnog and Batangas City.

The railway will connect cities, international seaports and economic zones, allowing faster transportation of passengers and freight.

The project involves the complete reconstruction of the legacy PNR railway into a single-track, at-grade railway The government targets to start operation of the PNR South long haul project by the second quarter of 2022.

Besides PNR South long haul, the government will also construct the P134-billion PNR South Commuter project, a 72-kilometer mass transportation railway from Manila to Los Baños, Laguna.

It is expected to have more than 300,000 passengers daily in its opening year. It will cut travel time between Manila and Calamba by more than half from over two

hours today to under one hour once the railway is fully operational.

The PNR South Commuter will be seamlessly integrated with PNR North 1, PNR North 2 and PNR South Long Haul.

The P150-billion PNR 2 is a 69.5-km railway that will extend PNR North 1, connecting NCR with Clark International Airport and New Clark City. This will cut one-way travel time to 56 minutes between Manila and Clark International Airport.

The P105.31 billion PNR North 1 is a 38-km line that will connect Malolos, Bulacan with NCR. It will reduce travel time between these two areas from over one hour and thirty minutes today to 35 minutes once the railway is fully operational.

The project is expected to serve more than 300,000 passengers daily in its opening year in 2021.

BANK of the Philippine Islands, the third-largest lender in terms of assets, said it successfully raised $600 million from the debut issuance of five-year senior unsecured fixed rate notes under its $2-billion medium-term note program.

BPI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the notes fetched a coupon of 4.25 percent. The issuance marked the first in the bank’s 167-year history and the largest-ever debut issuance for a bank in the Philippines.

The issuance was part of the bank’s initiatives to maximize flexibility in accessing offshore funding. The offering came after the successful fixed income investor calls and roadshow meetings in Hong Kong and Singapore on Aug. 24 and 27, 2018.

“The success of our first-ever issuance of the notes is a reflection of investors’ confidence in the credit strength of BPI,” bank president and chief executive Cezar Consing said in a statement.

“It allows us to diversify our sources of liquidity, lengthen the maturity profile of our borrowings, and manage the growth of our balance sheet more efficiently. We are grateful for the support we have received from a broad range of high quality investors,” Consing said.

BPI said the offering was about three times oversubscribed, with the order book allocated predominantly to Asia, with the rest to Europe. By investor type, the distribution comprised more than half of the offer allocated to asset managers and fund managers, around one-third to banks and the rest to insurance and pension funds, private banks and other investors.

The transaction is expected to settle on Sept. 4, 2018. The notes will be listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange and are expected to have an issue rating of ‘Baa2’ or investment grade by global debt watcher Moody’s Investors Service.

RCBC infuses P800m into leasing subsidiary

TRAVEL EXCHANGE. The Tourism Promotions Board is hosting the country’s biggest and significant travel trade event – the Philippine Travel Exchange -- on Aug. 28 to 30 at Marriot Grand Ballroom. This year’s Phitex promotes the country as the premier tourist destination among some of the world’s biggest travel and tour buyers. With this year’s theme ‘Tourism is our Business: Guarding our Environment, Reliving our Culture’, TPB aims to provide a venue for foreign buyers of travel products to discuss business with Philippine tourism suppliers with a possibility of securing booking on-site or at least business leads.

THE board of directors of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., the tenth-largest lender in terms of assets, approved the infusion of an additional P800-million capitalization in subsidiary RCBC Leasing & Finance Corp. to support growth.

RCBC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the board approved the planned capital infusion during a regular meeting on Aug. 28.

RCBC Leasing provides direct lease, sale and leaseback. Formerly known as IFC Leasing and Acceptance Corp., it changed its name to RCBC Leasing & Finance Corp. in May 2013.

The company was founded in 1957 and is based in Makati City.

RCBC Leasing posted a net income of P60.077 million in the first half.

Return on average assets stood at 1.31 percent, while return on average equity was 14.19 percent.

Bank officials earlier said the parent bank was also planning to infuse around P2 billion in thrift banking arm RCBC Savings Bank, as its consumer segment

was growing around 20 percent yearly.

RCBC posted an unaudited consolidated net income of P2.2 billion in the first six months, down 6 percent from P2.35 billion a year ago on lower trading gains.

Net interest income grew 12 percent to P9.7 billion. The bank said despite the intense pricing competition, it still achieved an annualized net interest margin of 3.98 percent which was one of the highest in the sector.

This was bolstered by the bank’s vibrant lending business with net loans and receivables expanding by 14 percent to P372 billion. RCBC recorded an 11-percent growth in corporate loans, 36-percent growth in SME Loans, 17-percent growth in consumer loans and 33-percent growth in credit card receivables.

Rizal MicroBank, the micro-finance arm of the bank that provides financing requirements for micro and small enterprises, increased its outstanding loan portfolio by 27 percent.

Julito G. Rada

B2

Business

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market retreats; Metro Pacific up S TOCKS slipped on profit-taking Wednesday, with a number of blue chips leading the retreat.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 13.65 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,830.96 on a value turnover of P6.2 billion. Losers beat gainers, 112 to 81, with 51 issues unchanged.

Security Bank Corp., the sixth-biggest lender in terms of assets, dropped 1.7 percent to P199.90, while Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., which is into power generation and distribution, banking, food, ship building and infrastructure, declined 2.8 percent to P52.50.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon George Ty lost 1.2 percent to P852, but Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water

distribution, power generation and distribution, and hospitals, rose 3.2 percent to P5.22.

The rest of Asian markets enjoyed broad gains for a third day on Wednesday but investors moved more cautiously as they took stock of the latest trade developments and possible headwinds.

New York provided another record lead on lingering optimism after the United States and Mexico agreed on a revised free-trade deal and Canada began talks that could see it join them.

However, while the news was seen as a much-needed boost after Donald Trump threatened to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement when he took office, there remain concerns about his tariffs row with China that has rattled markets for months.

Washington could soon also impose

but in afternoon trade Hong Kong was 0.1 percent lower and Shanghai ended down 0.3 percent.

“Overall the US-Mexico deal has deflected attention away from Trump’s legal setbacks as investors may see the light at the end of the tunnel—hoping that the US-Sino trade dispute can end in an equally friendly manner,” Stephen Innes, who heads Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA, said in a note.

David Ader, chief market strategist at Informa Financial Intelligence, said stocks remained buoyant despite the caution on trading floors.

“I tend to be more pessimistic that we are going to come away with trade deals that are going to make everybody satisfied,” he told Bloomberg TV, “but we are trading headlines, we are trading the sensitivity to those headlines, so for the moment it looks good.” With AFP

levies on $200 billion of Chinese goods, which would come on top of the $50 billion already being hit.

“Latest news headlines seem to be easing market worries over a trade war for now,” Kengo Suzuki and other forex strategists at Mizuho Securities said in a note.

“But it may be a bit too early to become fully optimistic, given fears that the Trump administration may impose additional tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods as early as next month and US-China summit talks are expected after the US mid-term elections in November,” they said.

Still, for now traders are upbeat.

Tokyo finished 0.2 percent higher—a seventh straight gain—and Sydney rose 0.8 percent while Singapore edged up 0.1 percent and Seoul put on 0.3 percent.

Wellington and Taipei saw sharp gains

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018

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

59.8 93.55 2.7 130 1.74 32.1 16.36 14.44 4.08 1.54 0.56 73.9 0.99 48.9 197 83.3 29.2 200.8 1,850 83.45 1.24

60 93.6 2.7 130.5 1.74 32.1 16.36 14.44 4.2 1.62 0.56 74.3 1.03 48.9 197.1 83.3 29.2 201 1,850 83.45 1.24

59.5 92.7 2.55 129 1.72 31.75 16.36 14.4 3.98 1.54 0.56 73.05 0.98 47.7 197 83.3 28.9 199 1,850 77.1 1.24

FINANCIALS 59.95 7,600 93 1,137,530 2.55 52,000 129.5 1,844,880 1.72 35,000 31.75 43,600 16.36 7,600 14.4 269,100 3.99 461,000 1.62 3,000 0.56 83,000 73.5 2,174,380 1.02 1,008,000 48.4 77,700 197 2,760 83.3 10 29 233,200 199.9 825,010 1,850 45 78.9 39,500 1.24 1,000

454,915 105,992,141.50 133,080 239,231,659 60,640 1,395,745 124,336 3,879,946 1,890,870 4,780 46,480 160,396,012.50 1,016,080 3,770,080 543,725 833 6,769,110 164,976,551 83,250 3,130,843.50 1,240

329,050 -4,168,536.50 -46,531,082 -902,705 -256,434 -84,000 -30,585,191.00 -25,500 1,483,895 9,855 -2,177,330 -69,680,308 43,505 -

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION 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 PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHIL H2O PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VULCAN INDL

37.15 17.12 1.03 1.21 0.24 3.23 14.52 31.45 20.65 45.3 1.8 7.49 10.3 15.92 10.4 7.27 7.04 16.06 63.8 27.9 7.26 13.7 2.14 288.8 4.97 24.35 13.8 18.12 380 0.198 2.16 4.14 8.93 5.12 7.84 1.03 11.4 57 6.05 4.84 2.47 3.08 1.71 13.4 94.4 5.6 1.01 142 2.13 1.83

37.15 17.24 1.11 1.23 0.24 3.3 14.6 31.45 20.65 45.5 1.8 7.5 10.3 16.42 10.42 7.34 7.05 17.12 63.8 28.1 7.48 13.7 2.19 291 4.99 24.45 13.86 18.4 380 0.198 2.18 4.14 9.03 5.34 7.84 1.03 11.5 57.25 6.1 4.84 2.5 3.1 1.74 13.4 94.9 5.6 1.01 143 2.14 1.96

35.8 16.9 1.02 1.19 0.235 3.22 14.46 28.5 19.8 45 1.8 7.4 10.18 15.82 10.2 7.24 7.04 16.06 63.5 27.9 7.26 13.36 2.14 286 4.95 24.15 13.54 18 370 0.197 2.15 4.11 8.91 5.03 7.84 1.01 11.4 56.9 6 4.75 2.46 3.08 1.7 13.14 92.65 5.47 1.01 139.5 2.1 1.83

INDUSTRIAL 36.5 1,916,600 17.24 1,209,400 1.05 19,078,000 1.21 1,085,000 0.236 1,090,000 3.29 5,516,000 14.46 46,900 29.5 1,341,900 20.2 2,500 45.5 165,900 1.8 20,000 7.5 58,100 10.22 431,500 16.2 3,027,700 10.2 79,100 7.3 2,321,600 7.04 1,540,900 17.04 4,775,000 63.65 137,780 28 130,800 7.44 8,900 13.5 926,000 2.19 593,000 287.4 687,570 4.99 129,200 24.3 851,100 13.58 301,500 18 3,629,200 371.2 197,020 0.197 720,000 2.16 75,000 4.12 13,000 9 1,152,100 5.03 277,000 7.84 27,000 1.03 1,052,000 11.5 26,100 57.2 1,061,940 6 51,000 4.75 19,000 2.49 344,000 3.09 10,000 1.74 184,000 13.14 19,600 94.9 517,250 5.52 62,800 1.01 119,000 142 395,840 2.11 2,188,000 1.9 22,268,000

69,844,580 20,583,846 20,484,390 1,309,890 259,740 17,919,730 679,220 39,647,230 49,825 7,542,300 36,000 431,503 4,405,534 48,732,868 815,222 16,931,965 10,848,166 80,431,518 8,774,406 3,661,980 66,399 12,443,204 1,287,540 197,926,866 641,666 20,659,135 4,109,118 65,434,434 73,332,142 142,160 162,740 53,490 10,359,088 1,402,859 211,680 1,080,180 299,730 60,610,660 307,600 90,430 851,630 30,890 314,460 257,958 48,802,777 347,328 120,190 56,107,014 4,637,580 42,310,890

4,500,160 -1,686,774 -71,680 -408,980 -3,212,600 -615,314 -16,375,575 -5,649,840 7,490 -1,360,294.00 11,428,010 -60,530 -7,326,833 -6,658,533 22,232,812.00 -4,825,401 361,788 48,393,296 -3,450,455 -672,420 -53,868,734 -17,422,154 -8,600 -3,553,170 -41,984 -309,000 -2,782,507.50 -60,000 -19,831,984 86,822 -3,706,295 24,100 -433,430

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV 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 REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.395 54 13.2 0.92 6.1 36.05 1.52 1.54 975.5 5.99 12.04 6.95 0.206 870 6 57.95 5.06 0.59 4.5 17.32 0.66 5.05 3.38 0.039 1.24 2.83 2.79 166.1 970 0.77 1.52 435 282 0.36 0.206

0.41 54.25 13.4 0.97 6.11 36.5 1.55 1.58 990 6 12.04 7.09 0.207 870 6 59.2 5.06 0.61 4.72 17.5 0.66 5.33 3.38 0.041 1.29 2.83 2.79 173.5 973.5 0.77 1.54 435 300 0.365 0.207

0.385 52.5 13.18 0.92 6.1 35.55 1.5 1.51 975 5.95 11.5 6.95 0.206 846.5 5.96 56.3 5.06 0.58 4.5 17.32 0.62 5.02 3.38 0.038 1.24 2.77 2.79 165.6 956 0.77 1.5 392 282 0.335 0.206

HOLDING FIRMS 0.39 90,400,000 52.5 2,661,060 13.4 1,297,600 0.94 190,000 6.1 45,200 35.85 96,900 1.54 20,325,000 1.56 5,023,000 990 160,100 5.98 10,817,900 11.9 7,112,900 7.09 1,600 0.207 430,000 852 216,960 5.98 8,400 59.2 1,081,190 5.06 100 0.61 68,000 4.65 3,212,000 17.44 1,773,500 0.63 7,885,000 5.22 78,105,200 3.38 2,000 0.039 25,200,000 1.25 228,000 2.82 1,281,000 2.79 4,000 171 571,090 963.5 278,000 0.77 30,000 1.5 254,000 408 90 300 176,290 0.34 28,810,000 0.207 110,000

35,952,150 142,663,189 17,313,368 178,610 275,849 3,481,465 31,128,930 7,795,320 157,684,890 64,669,540 83,652,814 11,190 88,930 185,097,550 50,312 63,294,573.50 506 39,770 14,860,050 30,804,380 5,073,220 408,557,786 6,760 1,005,800 285,480 3,594,010 11,160 97,510,375 268,380,580 23,100 384,560 37,070 52,626,300 9,943,800 22,760

-40,165,430 7,638,974 184,220 394,585 5,953,320 -27,911,355 -9,698,184 -5,861,808 -107,741,235 33,052,857.50 -394,970 -17,329,030 2,900,300 -7,871,010 -12,000 -42,300 4,774,214 57,073,385 65,500 -

8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU PROP A CENTURY PROP CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE IRC PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME

7.3 0.98 13.12 1.96 0.72 43.75 3.1 4.53 5.82 0.455 0.97 0.24 0.43 9.38 26.5 0.114 1.5 1.19 1.75 4.72 0.64 0.49 0.49 3.44 20.7 2.01 3.21 38.3 1.15 7.2 0.77

7.39 0.98 13.12 1.96 0.73 44.8 3.12 4.54 6.5 0.455 0.99 0.255 0.45 9.5 26.5 0.117 1.53 1.2 1.76 4.73 0.64 0.5 0.495 3.5 21.05 2.03 3.21 39.1 1.15 7.2 0.8

7.24 0.97 13.12 1.96 0.72 43.7 3.08 4.5 5.82 0.445 0.97 0.238 0.425 9.24 26 0.114 1.5 1.19 1.7 4.64 0.62 0.46 0.49 3.42 20.7 2 3.21 38.3 1.13 7.14 0.77

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

NAME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

VISTA LAND

6.35

6.42

6.32

6.35

1,001,600

6,369,711

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

14.2 24.95 1.43 0.55 0.046 13.52 2.93 9.12 0.064 72.9 7.95 6.49 8.25 2.26 26 900 2,050 5.5 319 11.26 4.13 93 7.83 0.121 3.21 3.55 15 3.86 1.03 19.88 0.445 5.63 6.78 2.9 2.05 2.12 8.25 10.56 8.5 3.68 114 5.12 1,425 0.88 0.36 45.8 80.1 8.34 2.18 0.92 0.71 5.1 0.82 11.78

14.2 24.95 1.46 0.57 0.046 13.52 3.03 9.38 0.064 74.4 7.95 6.53 8.26 2.26 26.1 900 2,096 5.55 319 11.26 4.13 95 7.83 0.123 3.27 3.67 15 4.1 1.04 20 0.445 5.63 6.78 2.94 2.08 2.18 8.3 10.98 8.7 3.68 114.4 5.17 1,425 0.88 0.37 46.1 80.85 8.34 2.2 0.92 0.71 5.12 0.84 11.78

13.7 24.8 1.43 0.53 0.045 13.52 2.92 9 0.062 72.7 7.95 6.2 8.25 2.25 24.65 900 2,030 5.45 301.2 11.26 4.02 93 7.8 0.12 3.04 3.55 14.66 3.85 1.02 19.88 0.445 5.4 6.57 2.9 2 2.12 8.16 10.5 8.5 3.65 112 5.07 1,392 0.86 0.36 45.6 78.55 8.14 2.11 0.84 0.69 5.09 0.79 11.58

SERVICES 13.7 24.85 1.46 0.53 0.046 13.52 2.95 9.01 0.062 73.1 7.95 6.2 8.25 2.25 25.5 900 2,096 5.52 315 11.26 4.05 95 7.83 0.122 3.07 3.64 14.68 3.97 1.04 20 0.445 5.4 6.62 2.94 2.06 2.12 8.16 10.58 8.65 3.68 113.5 5.07 1,415 0.86 0.37 46 79 8.15 2.14 0.84 0.7 5.12 0.81 11.6

17,600 35,700 68,000 20,792,000 7,300,000 6,100 1,833,000 18,729,700 10,920,000 194,840 1,000 4,084,400 14,100 21,000 59,900 50 70,410 251,100 3,540 300 997,000 923,600 26,000 1,690,000 11,232,000 36,000 1,400 2,161,000 273,000 207,800 20,000 114,800 2,992,700 186,000 222,000 23,000 1,386,600 15,800 6,800 6,000 2,830 394,800 43,175 1,580,000 210,000 869,100 2,110,870 5,400 7,713,000 16,963,000 19,612,000 1,086,800 5,889,000 852,700

244,530 887,050 97,300 11,337,110 329,000 82,472 5,456,980 170,829,871 685,470 14,325,906.50 7,950 25,695,924 116,335 47,350 1,527,565 45,000 146,009,360 1,379,800 1,104,430 3,378 4,041,590 87,075,369 203,430 205,260 35,669,900 128,640 20,564 8,673,130 278,590 4,151,324 8,900 622,831 19,789,403 540,510 454,950 49,430 11,379,626 169,258 59,014 22,050 320,104 2,007,954 60,816,540 1,359,570 77,200 39,992,670 168,240,659 44,067 16,581,250 14,755,010 13,723,720 5,541,319 4,791,440 9,890,812

13,700 105,550 15,000 -70,325,391 -514,901.50 -7,915,876 -82,500 105,915,240 36,540.00 24,699,880 180,680 -2,109,620.00 289,166 -5,229,892 -23,280 97,920 205,470 5,080 -13,725,045 -229,460 -15,724,805 -34,950,265 4,671,870 -703,130 119,650 -232,241 11,340 -8,805,288

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

0.0027 1.64 3.52 21 1.4 1.98 0.3 7.23 2 0.212 0.123 0.128 0.0082 0.0084 1.41 5.38 1.14 0.55 1.16 0.012 0.014 0.013 3.53 4.18 16.98 29.7 0.0086

0.0028 1.65 3.65 21 1.4 2 0.32 7.38 2 0.216 0.129 0.131 0.0095 0.0098 1.45 5.75 1.17 0.58 1.18 0.013 0.014 0.013 3.63 4.35 17.12 29.7 0.012

0.0026 1.58 3.5 20.35 1.4 1.97 0.3 7.23 1.98 0.212 0.123 0.128 0.0082 0.0084 1.4 5.38 1.1 0.55 1.14 0.012 0.014 0.012 3.44 4.15 15.78 28.65 0.0086

MINING & OIL 0.0028 603,000,000 1.58 3,429,000 3.5 533,000 20.5 33,300 1.4 2,000 2 483,000 0.31 530,000 7.38 500 1.99 23,472,000 0.212 820,000 0.127 5,080,000 0.131 950,000 0.0091 241,000,000 0.0087 33,000,000 1.44 775,000 5.5 14,094,300 1.15 197,000 0.58 604,000 1.18 817,000 0.012 400,000 0.014 1,100,000 0.012 79,800,000 3.53 265,000 4.15 1,995,000 15.8 7,362,600 28.9 2,862,900 0.01 1,321,000,000

1,657,200 5,526,690 1,893,540 688,360 2,800 961,580 164,950 3,670 46,511,190 175,750 641,930 123,520 2,110,300 298,600 1,106,880 78,585,121 225,130 348,700 946,210 4,900 15,400 965,400 944,020 8,424,120 119,646,500 83,236,795 13,309,000

-208,570 -63,000 -59,600 -38,190,970 11,384,337 -24,000 -3,958,520 1,390,494 -37,711,910 340,000

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G FPH PREF C GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B LR PREF PCOR PREF 2B PNX PREF 3A SFI PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

24.7 490 502.5 101 100.1 505 500 5.24 970 1.02 1,050 101 1.92 999 77.45 80.2 77 75.9 75.5 75.8

24.7 490 502.5 101 101.5 505 500 5.3 970 1.04 1,050 101 1.92 1,000 77.45 80.2 77 75.9 75.5 75.8

24.7 490 502.5 101 100.1 451 500 5.24 970 1.02 1,050 100 1.92 999 77.45 80.2 77 75.5 74.8 75.8

PREFERRED 24.7 21,000 490 4,110 502.5 1,500 101 460 100.6 10,010 451 4,000 500 6,000 5.28 210,800 970 510 1.04 15,000 1,050 5 100 13,720 1.92 2,000 1,000 3,200 77.45 500 80.2 40 77 7,150 75.9 8,040 75.5 30,730 75.8 10,000

518,700 2,013,900 753,750 46,460 1,007,973 1,814,260 3,000,000 1,112,706 494,700 15,500 5,250 1,372,500 3,840 3,197,650 38,725 3,208 550,550 608,186 2,306,141 758,000

-491,530 -954,406 10,000 -

LR WARRANT

2.35

2.49

2.33

WARRANTS 2.46 593,000

1,449,740

-

12,095,715 1,469,970

-185,650 14,250

1,370,282

-

184,370

-

MS

PROPERTY 7.28 0.98 13.12 1.96 0.72 44.8 3.09 4.53 6.5 0.45 0.97 0.25 0.43 9.24 26.1 0.117 1.5 1.19 1.73 4.67 0.63 0.46 0.495 3.5 21 2.01 3.21 39 1.14 7.15 0.8

170,200 1,191,000 10,700 104,000 364,000 18,582,800 1,854,000 456,000 2,100 10,430,000 85,000 21,570,000 400,000 1,374,900 334,100 620,000 2,584,000 1,937,000 5,399,000 19,823,000 17,868,000 30,310,000 190,000 981,000 3,444,900 82,000 14,000 7,461,200 1,508,000 416,500 23,000

1,241,340 1,156,480 140,384 203,840 263,050 823,807,705 5,748,200 2,065,350 12,290 4,673,150 83,570 5,334,780 171,900 12,754,259 8,728,105 70,710 3,896,380 2,307,030 9,315,340 92,493,390 11,193,310 14,481,350 93,950 3,394,570 72,235,300 164,480 44,940 290,695,430 1,721,180 2,984,430 17,800

-204,947 78,720 380,616,945 -1,172,740 -9,080 4,500 4,760 89,340 -3,532,300 594,110 504,820 -43,950,310 111,510 233,500 1,109,040 -32,623,240 126,900,755 -50,223 -

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.16 2.88

5.39 2.92

5.15 2.84

FIRST METRO ETF

116.6

117

116

USD DMPL A1

10.3

10.3

10.3

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

8,306,438

INDUSTRIAL

81,937,693

HOLDING FIRMS

293,951,972

PROPERTY

150,760,156

SERVICES

146,470,998

MINING & OIL

2,350,779,394

GRAND TOTAL

3,035,002,868

5.37 2.87

SME

2,273,400 510,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 116.7 11,730 10.3

DDS

17,900

-598,279

VALUE 1,812.19 (down) 14.98 693,923,441.55 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,263.30 (down) 70.04 975,063,713.96 HOLDING FIRMS 7,674.01 (down) 3.38 1,853,239,498.11 PROPERTY 3,959.42 (up) 24.41 1,536.60 (down) 6.55 1,378,040,279.41 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,922.74 (down) 65.66 922,629,163.32 PSEI 7,830.96 (down) 13.65 368,599,151.3163 All Shares Index 4,750.86 (down) 8.27 6,206,436,995.83 Gainers: 81; Losers: 112; Unchanged: 51; Total: 244

Del Monte may pursue share sale this year

By Jenniffer B. Austria DEL MONTE Philippines Inc. may push through with its planned initial public offering this year.

Informed sources said Del Monte Philippines was set to decide in the next two weeks if it would push through or not with the planned maiden share sale this year.

With the Philippine Stock Exchange Index back around the 7,800-point level, sources said the company might consider the IPO once it saw a strong momentum for the index to go up to the 8,000-point mark.

Del Monte Philippines deferred its P13.5-billion maiden share offering in June due to the market volatility.

The PSEi temporarily entered the bear market condition in June when it closed at 7,098.15, down 22 percent from a peak of 9,058.62 on January 29.

The market since then has climbed back to the 7,800 level on improving sentiments.

Another factor that could affect Del Monte Philippines’ decision was the large initial public offering of San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. Since both IPOs are in the the food business, sources said Del Monte Philippines might want to avoid a potential clash with SMFB’s P142.8billion IPO. Del Monte Philippines, according to a filing earlier approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, plans to sell 587.437 million in secondary shares.

The company plans to use the net proceeds from the offering to partially prepay and repay certain financial obligations.

The company has tapped BDO Capital and Investments Corp., BPI Capital Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp. as joint domestic lead underwriters, and DBS Bank Ltd. and Nomura as joint international lead underwriters.

Cirtex bares share buyback to boost value CIRTEK Holdings Philippines Corp. on Wednesday announced plans to conduct a share buyback program to boost shareholder value.

Cirtek Holdings vice chairman Roberto Juanchito Dispo said in a statement the planned share repurchase program was aimed at bolstering shareholder returns.

The company did not provide other details, including the number of shares it would purchase from the market, and the timing and duration of the buyback program.

“Returns to shareholders is one of Cirtek’s key objectives. The company will carefully consider the timing and method of the share repurchases,” Dispo said.

From a 52-week high of P65 on January 4, share price of Cirtek dropped to a 52-week low of P29.50 on Wednesday.

Cirtek early this month said it would make two overseas acquisitions to expand operations.

Dispo said in an interview at the sidelines of an investors’ briefing the company was targeting a company from United Kingdom and China.

The planned acquisitions will complement the company’s business operations and at the same time expand its market in Asia.

The company plans to conduct a follow-on offering next year to finance the acquisitions.

Cirtek in 2017 acquired US-based Quintel for $77 million. US-based Quintel is a leading innovator of spectrum and space-efficient base station antennas for wireless networks.

Cirtek booked a net income income of $7.5 million in the first half of the year, up 60 percent year-on-year, on strong revenues from Quintel.

First-half revenues surged 30 percent to $54.8 million from $42.2 million recorded in the same period a year ago.

Revenue contribution from Quintel amounted to $30.7 million in the first six months of the year.

Jenniffer B. Austria

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Business/World

Landing controversy omits tourism benefits HONG KONG-BASED Landing International Development Ltd. is facing an uphill battle in the Philippines after President Rodrigo Duterte fired the whole board of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation over its decision to grant what he believes is a long-term lease to a foreign company.

President Duterte’s aversion to the establishment of new casinos on the Philippines is not helping the cause of Landing International to push through with NayonLanding, the proposed integrated resort in the Entertainment City of Manila costing an estimated $1.5 billion.

Duterte’s surprise move also created a confusion over the legality and validity of the lease contract signed by Landing Resorts Philippines Development Corp., the local unit of Landing International, and the NPF. Will the lease contract hold? Some government officials says the deal is gone, although the Department of Justice and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel are still studying the validity of the lease contract.

Until the the DoJ issues its opinion, according to one lawyer, the lease contract is in effect. There is also the possibility that the contract can be renegotiated, if the DoJ finds infirmities in the agreement.

Buried in the dispute are the basic terms of the lease agreement and the real design of the tourism project. Wrong assumptions and uninformed judgement have prevailed in the public debate.

NayonLanding will be constructed on a land site of approximately 9.6 hectares within the Entertainment City, which has been leased to Landing Philippines for a period of 25 years. The lease contract is renewable for another 25 years upon expiry of the first 25 years, at a fixed lease rate of P360 per square meter a month and a variable lease rate at 10 percent of the net income from the NayonLanding’s theme parks.

Sacked NPF chairman Patricia Yvette Ocampo, in a full page newspaper ad Thursday, noted that a provision in the contract stated that if the application of LRPDC to designate the leased property as a Tourism Enterprise Zone is approved by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the initial lease period would be 50 years instead of 25.

“This is perfectly legal, and specifically allowed and granted by Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009, and Republic Act No. 7652, otherwise known as the “Investor’s Lease Act,” says Ocampo, adding that nowhere in the lease contract it is “stipulated or even hinted that the lease period would be 70 years!”

Mixed signals The NPF controversy this early is sending mixed signals to investors at a time when investments in registered industrial zones of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority are dropping. Peza earlier reported that investments fell 56 percent in the first six months of 2018 to P53 billion from P120.2 billion year-on-year.

Peza director-general Charito Plaza said the “uncertainties in the Philippine fiscal regime” pushed back all possible expansion and new investments.

“There are incentives that are being removed in the Train 2 [second package of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law]. Because of this, there are investors who are manifesting their support for us, conveying their sentiments that they are happy with Peza as it is now,” says Plaza.

NayonLanding’s tourism benefits are also being ignored. With a planned construction floor area of approximately 610,000 sq.m., the integrated resort will house an educational and inspiring indoor cultural theme park and water park that will showcase the Philippines’ rich history and culture, Asia’s first and largest indoor movie-based theme park, and a world-class state-of-the-art convention center.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said earlier this month her department would seek to reestablish the Philippines as a top international destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE).

The state-of-the art convention center in NayonLanding will feature the largest pillar-free ballroom in the Philippines with a seating capacity of approximately 5,000 seats. NayonLanding will be an ideal MICE destination in Manila to host high-profile and international events, including large-scale conferences, exhibitions and international events.

The National Economic and Development Authority board itself endorsed the project concept in November 2016. The integrated resort project will allow the country to be more competitive in the Asia-Pacific region and create a positive impact on the Philippine tourism industry.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or business@manilastanard.net or extrastory2000@gmailc.om

Thousands pay their respects as Aretha Franklin lies in state DETROIT―Fans paid their respects en masse Tuesday to US music icon and “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, whose body lay in a golden casket while dressed in a red dress and matching stilettos in Detroit.

The 76-year-old singer, beloved by millions around the world, died of cancer on August 16, closing the curtain on a glittering six-decade career that made her one of America’s most celebrated artists.

Thousands of people are expected to bid her farewell at the Charles H. Wright Museum for African American History on Tuesday and Wednesday, at her father’s New Bethel Baptist Church on Thursday and a star-studded funeral on Friday.

White-gloved, sharp-suited pallbearers escorted her casket into the museum for the first of two days of 9:00 am to 9:00 pm viewing, where she lay in state surrounded by enormous clouds of pink, white and purple roses.

“I broke down when I seen her. She was beautiful,” said nurse Monique Valentine. “It was just an awesome experience. I was glad to be here.”

The gospel, soul and R&B star influenced generations of female singers from the late Whitney Houston to Beyonce with unforgettable hits including

“Respect” (1967), “Natural Woman” (1968) and “I Say a Little Prayer” (1968).

People camped out through the night to pay their respects to a woman considered royalty in her Michigan hometown of Detroit, and traveled from far and wide, at times breaking into song or wearing Aretha T-shirts.

They queued down the street and around the block, swaying to Franklin tracks or breaking into song and dance, with a steady flow trickling inside.

“Thank you Queen, thank you for all your years of loving us,” said one woman, dressed in a floral romper suit dancing with her friends outside the venue to Franklin’s 1985 hit “Freeway of Love.”

In the marble museum, people gazed at the musical icon, resplendent in her finery. Outside, they posed for snapshots next to her cream hearse.

CNN reported that it was the same 1940 Cadillac LaSalle that transported the body of her father and of civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2005. Franklin is resting in a 24-karat casket, the network added.

A group of five friends told AFP they drove from Chicago, dressed alike in white pants and blue Franklin T-shirts to pay their respects despite heavy rain sweeping parts of the Midwest. AFP

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Myanmar rejects findings of UN probe on Rohingya

Y

ANGON― Myanmar on Wednesday rejected the findings of a UN investigation alleging genocide by its military against the Rohingya, after the US and other countries joined the growing calls for them to face justice.

Mainly Buddhist Myanmar has come under immense pressure this week over last year’s military crackdown that pushed more than 700,000 of the Muslim minority into Bangladesh.

On Monday the UN probe detailed evidence of genocide and crimes against humanity “perpetrated on a massive scale” against the Rohingya, including acts of rape, sexual violence and mass killings.

In a UN Security Council session a day later, several countries―including the US, Britain, France and Swedencalled for Myanmar’s military leaders to be held accountable.

But Myanmar rejected the UN mission’s findings in a typically defiant response to a crisis that has heaped inter-

national opprobrium on both its military and civilian leadership.

“We didn’t allow the FFM [the UN Fact-Finding Mission] to enter into Myanmar, that’s why we don’t agree and accept any resolutions made by the Human Rights Council,” said government spokesman Zaw Htay, according to Wednesday’s state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

He pointed to the formation of Myanmar’s own Independent Commission of Inquiry, which he said was set up to respond to “false allegations made by the UN agencies and other international communities”.

The country has “zero tolerance for human rights violations”, Zaw Htay said, but he added that “strong evidence” including records and dates of any alleged abuses must be provided before investigations are undertaken.

The government would take “legal action against any violation of human rights”, he said.

Zaw Htay also lashed out at Facebook for shutting down the pages of Myanmar’s army chief and other top military brass on Monday, saying the move could hamper the government’s efforts at “national reconciliation”.

The social media giant has admitted it

was previously too slow to react to the crisis, which saw its platform―wildly popular in Myanmar―become an incubator of hate speech against the Rohingya.

Much of Myanmar’s public has vilified the Rohingya since the army’s crackdown, with little sympathy for a minority who have for years been refused citizenship and denied freedom of movement and access to healthcare and education.

Myanmar’s military retains significant constitutional and political power and is essentially free of civilian oversight.

But the country’s civilian leaders, including Nobel laureate and de facto head of state Aung San Suu Kyi, have repeatedly defended the military crackdown as a proportionate response to Rohingya insurgents in Rakhine state who staged deadly raids on police posts on August 25, 2017.

However the UN report agreed with rights groups who say the crackdown was premeditated, a key factor in determining if a genocide has taken place.

It pointed to the large-scale military deployments to Rakhine in the weeks leading up to the campaign in a “broader oppressive context”. AFP

IN BRIEF US toughens stance on North Korea WASHINGTON―With US-South Korean military drills back on the table and the cancellation of a top-level summit in Pyongyang, Washington is toughening its stance as it negotiates with North Korea.

Discussions have grown prickly after a historic summit in June between President Donald Trump and Pyongyang strongman Kim Jong Un, where the leaders embraced and pledged to work toward the “complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”

But despite the bonhomie of the occasion, Pyongyang has taken few concrete steps toward that stated goal and signs of frustration abound.

Last week, Trump nixed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s planned trip to North Korea, reportedly because he received what US officials deemed to be a “belligerent” letter from Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of North Korea’s ruling party.

And on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the Pentagon is not planning to suspend any more military drills on the Korean peninsula.

“We took the step to suspend several of the largest military exercises as a good faith measure,” Mattis told reporters.

“We have no plans to suspend any more.”

Still, Pompeo said Washington remains ready to engage with North Korea. AFP

Players suspended after buying sex TOKYO―Four Japanese basketball players kicked out of the Asian Games for paying prostitutes for sex will be suspended for a year, officials said Wednesday.

Japan Basketball Association chief Yuko Mitsuya told reporters the players would be barred from official tournaments for a year, adding their action “damages the honur and trust of Japan’s sporting world”.

They would be allowed to take part in training, however, Mitsuya added.

The players were spotted in a notorious red light district of the Indonesian capital Jakarta wearing their national jerseys and were promptly sent home in disgrace.

The expulsion of Yuya Nagayoshi, Takuya Hashimoto, Takuma Sato and Keita Imamura came as a major embarrassment for Japan, which is gearing up for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“I deeply apologize for our careless actions that have brought disgrace on not only basketball fans but also all Japanese people,” Sato told a news conference last week after the four returned to Tokyo.

They were believed to have been solicited by a pimp to go to a hotel with women but a reporter for Japan’s Asahi Shimbun newspaper spotted them and broke the story.

At the last Asian Games in 2014, Japan officials were forced to send home swimmer Naoya Tomita after he was caught on video stealing a journalist’s camera from the pool deck.

It is far from the first case of sexual misconduct at major multi-sport events, which typically draw thousands of athletes, officials and fans from around the world. AFP

CENTURY CITY OPENING. Lili Reinhart attends the new H&M Westfield Century City opening at Century City Mall on August 28, 2018 in Century City, California. AFP

Maduro’s economic reforms fail to convince Venezuelans

CARACAS―President Nicolas Maduro has launched a raft of economic reforms aimed at injecting life into his country’s dying economy, but Venezuelans aren’t convinced and continue to flee in the thousands.

Among the bare supermarket aisles and pharmacy shelves, interminable bank queues to withdraw scarce cash and buses that have grounded to a halt, the feeling of disillusionment, incredulity and haplessness is palpable in the streets of Caracas and beyond.

“It’s a disaster, we don’t have basic foods. The measures are pure lies, they’ll bring more hunger and unemployment,” 34-year-old doctor Marielsi Ochoa told AFP. Shelves are filled with cleaning materials and fizzy drinks but meat, chicken, eggs and corn flour―what used to be the Venezuelans’ staple diet―have disappeared.

Maduro’s government has been busy recently, trying to generate capital and reverse the recession and hyperinflation that have gripped a country in which the International Monetary Fund is predicting inflation will reach one million percent this year.

The minimum wage got a 3,400 percent increase, while the currency was redenominated―removing five zerosdevalued to the tune of 96 percent and

fixed to the value of Venezuela’s largely discredited cryptocurrency, the petro.

There’s also been an increase in the value added tax and reduced petrol subsidies―Venezuelans pay the lowest prices in the world for fuel.

But experts say this won’t solve the greatest economic crisis in Latin America’s recent history.

“I cannot see how Maduro’s latest financial package can possibly address the huge inflation problem confronting Venezuela,” said Peter Hakim, president emeritus and a senior fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue think-tank.

David Smilde from the Washington Office on Latin America said Maduro’s “plan is not coherent.”

One of the main problems centers around the new bolivar being anchored to the petro, “which is backed by oil, which is itself calculated in dollars,” said Smilde.

“This by itself could work, since one necessary task for getting out of hyperinflation is to emit a new currency.”

However, Hakim said that in reality “the new currency has no backing beyond Maduro’s rhetoric: no dollars, no gold, no increase in oil earnings, no nothing!”

Some experts have described the petro as nothing more than a tactic to circumvent US economic sanctions that Maduro blames for his country’s woes. AFP

LGUs

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

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LocaL government units

EVERYDAY HEROES. SM City Masinag in Antipolo City takes a different route in celebrating National Heroes Day by holding a day filled with activities celebrating bravery in all its forms.

Photo shows children with Down syndrome in their favorite superhero costumes joining soldiers from the Philippine Army, policemen, firefighters and other security forces. Manny Palmero

251 streets cleared in Makati Davao’s Nograles ‘adopted Waray’ of Leyte co-op HOUSE Appropriations Committee chairman Rep. Karlo “Ang Probinsyano” Nograles is not just the son of Davao, but is now also a son of the Warays.

This was after Leyte 3 Electric Cooperative Board president Cornelio Brazil got the blessing of close to 10,000 member-consumer-owners who gave Nograles a standing ovation after the latter’s speech at the electric cooperative’s Annual General Membership Assembly at the Leyeco 3 Gymnasium, at the co-op’s compound in Tunga, Leyte.

The applause was followed by Brazil announcing “from this day onwards, you shall be known as Karlo Nograles, adopted son of the Warays,” while tapping the unsheathed “Goodbye Jaro” on the left and right shoulders of the solon from Davao.

The sword was later handed to Nograles by Brazil, who explained the significance of the ceremonial weapon.

“There are two cemeteries in Jaro, Leyte, on the opposite sides of the town. It is said that if you enter the town and the brave Waray dislike you, you will not be able to get out of Jaro alive. This is how the sword got its name, because often this is what Warays use when they want to kill their enemies,” Brazil explained.

“We are now adopting you as a true Waray-Waray. Now you are one of us. You are now a Waray-Waray,” he added.

Nograles was the guest of honor of the event, and in his speech stressed that electric cooperatives should be recognized for their efforts in energizing the countryside and bringing much-needed development to the regions and providing economic opportunities for “probinsyanos.”

The legislator from Davao also lauded the leadership of Leyeco 3 for turning its financial fortunes around, transforming Leyeco 3 from an economically unviable co-op into a multimillion EC with a net worth of almost P350 million.

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE city government of Makati had cleared 251 streets in 27 barangays in six months while conducting continuous sidewalk recovery operations in line with the directive of Mayor Abigail Binay to maintain safe and walkable streets in the city.

Binay tapped the city’s Department of Environmental Services to conduct the continuous sidewalk clearing operations to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness in the community.

“Our paramount goal is to promote safety and mobility in our city not only for the benefit of Makatizens, but for all who come here to work, do business, shop and dine, or do any leisure activities,” Binay said.

Among the things removed or confiscated during sidewalk recovery operations from January to June this year were scrap materials, metal bars of tents, tires,

woods, debris, chairs and tables of eateries which served as their sidewalk extensions, food stalls and food carts obstructing the streets, among others.

Based on the report of DES head Leopoldo Parumog to the Office of the Mayor, its Solid Waste Management Division had cleared a total of 251 streets and sidewalks during the said period, with 148 in District 1 and 103 in District 2.

Parumog said in District I, DES cleared a total of 148 streets in 15 barangays from January to June. These were in Pio del Pilar, 31 streets; Poblacion, 23; Olympia 19; Tejeros, 13; San Isidro,

11; Palanan, nine; Bangkal and Singkamas, seven each; Magallanes and San Antonio, six each; San Lorenzo and Valenzuela, four each; Bel-Air and Sta. Cruz, three each; and La Paz, two.

In district II, DES conducted clearing operations in 11 barangays, covering a total of 103 streets during the said period. These were in Guadalupe Nuevo with 25 streets; Cembo and Pembo, 15 each; West Rembo, 12; Guadalupe Viejo, 11; Rizal, eight; Pitogo, seven; Comembo, four; East Rembo, three; Pinagkaisahan, two and South Cembo, one.

In the same period, deputized environmental enforcers apprehended a total of 607 individuals and issued violation tickets to 73 errant establishments for violating relevant provisions of the Makati Solid Waste Management Code and other environment-related city ordinances, Parumog reported.

BREAKING GROUND.

Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, with his wife Janet and Vice Mayor Rico Golez, leads the ceremonial groundbreaking Monday of the construction of Ospital ng Parañaque building in Barangay Don Bosco in District II. Presently, the city government is maintaining the 120-bed Ospital ng Parañaque in Barangay La Huerta, District I, one of the most modern public health facilities in Metro Manila. The city government will be spending P150 million for the six-story hospital, expected to be open in the first quarter of 2020.

Davao won’t let guard down after Kudarat bombing

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY—Mayor “Inday” Sara Duterte assured the public Wednesday that this city remains safe despite the bombing in Sultan Kudarat that killed two persons and injured 36 on Tuesday evening.

Mayor Inday said the city has never lowered its guard after the 2016 Roxas Night Market bombing and at Davao will remain on heightened alert.

“With the bombing incident in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, all the more that our security forces will be vigilant,” the mayor said.

She asked the public to cooperate with the security measures to ensure the safety of the people.

“There are random check points and some other measurers that the Davao City Police Office and Task Forces Davao are doing. I’d like to solicit everybody’s cooperation with this,” she said.

She added that the public should not be scared of the security procedure of the DCPO and Task Force Davao especially if they are not hiding anything.

On Sunday, the city will commemorate the second anniversary of the Roxas Night Market Bombing, which killed 15 persons and hurt at least 70.

Duterte also said the city is willing to follow the decision of the Office of the President and the security forces if they see a need to extend martial law in Mindanao, which is currently in force until the end of the year.

“We follow the decision of the Office of the President, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police because they are better informed by the intelligence units on the need to extend martial law in Mindanao,” she said.

QC ups cinema fees by P1 for Boy Scouts fund

By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista has approved a measure for a P1 increase on admission fees in cinemas for the benefit of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and National Scouting Month in October.

Bautista signed Ordinance No. 2725 authored by District 1 Councilor Elizabeth Delarmente to support the Boy Scouts’s developmental programs and foster leadership among the youth.

The additional P1 on all admission fees in cinemas in the city shall be used to fund the city’s Boy Scouts’ activities and programs, the ordinance states.

“Prominent among the activities and series conducted by the BSP-Quezon City Council are those geared towards the promotion of the moral, spiritual and physical well-being of the youth; the development of sports and livelihood, and; assisting in the promotion of the environment and waste management program and community development of the city government,” the ordinance read.

The city is home to 11,361 registered Boy Scouts.

Meanwhile, with three areas in Quezon City identified as having a high concentration of street children, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday proposed a care center for them modeled after the Kuya Center for Street Children.

Jolo fire victims gain P3.8m in assistance from regional neighbors JOLO, Sulu—The local government has finished paying out P1,000 to each of the 3,848 households affected by the nine-hour fire that gutted homes in the barangays of Walled City and Busbus last July 24.

Jolo Vice Mayor Abdelrazi Amin said the P3.848 million they handed out was part of the P5 million that government

officials and agencies in the Davao Region handed to Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan on August 9 for the fire survivors.

“Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Davao Del Norte Gov. Anthony del Rosario, and Davao Occidental Gov. Claude Bautista personally presented to Mayor Tan one million peso checks each when

they visited Jolo on August 9,” Amin said.

Another P1-million check was likewise given by the Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley Provinces through Mayor Duterte, who also “emphasized the value of transparency,” the vice mayor added.

Mayor Tan received the aid on behalf of the survivors, as witnessed by Sulu

Vice Governor Nurunnisah AbubakarTan, Amin, Jolo councilors, Datu Shahbandar Abdusakur Tan, and Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.

Engineer Khalid Jaafar, Jolo Municipal Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Officer, said all households have received the aid. Frencie L. Carreon

‘Sea of Life’ project to save Batangas reefs

TO HELP ensure the health of the country’s marine ecosystem, Gold Seas Tuna Chunks under General Nutrifoods Philippines Inc. recently embarked on the “Sea of Life” coral reef conservation project.

The “Sea of Life” is an artificial reef installation positioned along the shores of Tingloy, Batangas that covers about 1,000 square meters.

In partnership with the Junior Chamber International Manila, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Philippine Navy, and the local government of Batangas, the project will install eight artificial corals made of pH neutral cement and micro silica that is conducive to the

growth of marine life.

The installations are shaped like the busts of six world-renowned local and international luminaries, who personify outstanding corporate citizenship and passion for nation-building, and two area markers. These underwater sculptures comprise the first set of 50 statues in the “Sea of Life Museum” that will be completed in a span of four to five years. A special Gold Seas marker will also be installed to outline the expanse of the underwater museum.

With this project, organizers expect that the coral reef, algae, and marine fish population will improve in a year and a half. The structures are also projected to have coral growth in three years.

Signing the agreement for the ‘Sea of Life Museum’ are (from left) museum co-chairmen Julian Dayrit and Jim Jimenez, 2018 JCI Manila president lawyer Joaquin Pablo A. Esquivas, General Nutrifoods Philippines Inc. general manager Philip M. Sanchez, General Nutrifoods marketing head Daryll Abegail B. Soriano, and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks brand manager Charissa Madel R. Javier.

Life

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

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@MstandardLIFE thursday, august 30, 2018

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A golfer’s dream home H

TEE TIME. The Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course that offers lush nature views including the Taal Lake and Volcano.

OME, they say, is where the heart is. And for avid golfers, home perhaps is where they can spend quality time in the company of family and friends and play a round, or two, of golf.

There are several golf and residential estates in the Philippines, but only a few exudes the luxury and elegance of a premier mountain resort community while providing access to a championship golf course set amidst breathtaking views.

Horizon Terraces is an Asian-contemporary residential community of garden suites and villas.

Tagaytay Highlands has become the favorite weekend destination of golfers and their families. The premier mountain resort community is home to Asia’s most exciting golf course, the Tagaytay Highlands Golf Club, and the equally challenging 18-hole Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club.

The championship golf course offers a perfect view of the Taal Lake and Volcano, which can be enjoyed while starting their first tee or having lunch with family at the Midlands Golfers Lounge.

After a day of golf, residents can recharge in the comforts of their home at Horizon Terraces or Vireya, two of Tagaytay Highlands’ most favored residential developments that are in close proximity to the Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club.

An urban escape amidst nature

Horizon Terraces is ideal for residents who long for a weekend retreat closer to nature.

This 3.2-hectare community boasts a contemporary Asian design aesthetic in its Garden Villas and Garden Suites, which are laid out, terrace-style, to afford postcard-pretty views of the Taal Lake and Volcano, the distant Mt. Makiling, the Midlands Golf Course, and its own lush central park.

The Garden Villas are three-bedroom townhouses of 136 to 154 square meters masterfully designed for large, closeknit families who long for a quick dis-

Tropical-inspired homes with elements of wood and wide glass windows.

connect from the urban frenzy.

Each living space is complemented by large glass windows and sliding doors to maximize natural light, cool breeze, and refreshing views. The ground floor in each unit features a multi-functional den that may be converted into an entertainment area or a guest room.

The Garden Suites, on the other hand, are perfect for growing families. These well-planned one- and two-bedroom units range from 43 to 68 square meters in size, highlighted by large panel sliding windows that maximize natural lighting and ventilation and an expan-

sive balcony where residents can enjoy views.

Inspired by the radiance of nature that surrounds it, Horizon Terraces promises holistic indulgence through the community’s very own central park, where laidback moments or active adventures can be found within a hectare of lush, verdant setting.

Over 70 percent of the development is dedicated to open spaces and lush gardens while therapeutic walkways, private nooks, and a jogging path weave through the entire area serving as spaces to converge and commune. Two

Vireya, the first and only tropical resort community in Tagaytay Highlands, offers refreshing views of the Taal Lake and Highlands mountains.

Vireya’s Pavana, a pavilion with swimming pool.

swimming pools and a playground call high-pitched roofs and entryways allow for invigorating activities. the verdant outdoors in.

Vireya’s exclusive amenities include A mountainside paradise Pavana, the community’s central amenFamilies who prefer to dwell in a tropi- ity with a pavilion and swimming pool, cal haven would do well living in Vireya, and Ammanya Massage Point. the first and only tropical resort comVireya’s pocket parks or gardens such munity in Tagaytay Highlands where the as the Cala Mira, Leafwing, Herb Garcool mist of the mountains complements den, and Garden Patio offer a conducive the vibrant warmth of the tropics. space where families can spend serene Located at the highest point of the afternoons with nature. There’s also a Midlands, future residents can build new hangout spot, Treehouse in Tagaytropical-inspired homes on 250- to tay Highlands as well as jogging paths 562-square-meter lots wherein elements where residents can maintain a fit and of wood and wide glass windows, and active lifestyle.

Pregnancy 101: How to have a smart baby foundation for their health, growth, and ability to learn in the future.

Take these three simple steps to help AS An expectant mom, you want the promote proper brain growth and develbest for your baby. That is why you opment of your baby while in the womb: do everything you can to ensure their Stay fit and active health. But did you know that you could Exercising during pregnancy may do a lot of things that can help give your not only improve your health but also baby a bright tomorrow?

While your child is yet to be born, your the brain development of your baby. pregnancy is a crucial time in their life. In The University of Montreal conducted fact, the World Health Organization says a study, involving 18 expectant moms the first 1,000 days of your baby’s life, and their babies, which found out that starting with the 270 days of pregnancy after 10 days of exercising, the unborn and the first two years of a child’s life, is children of active mothers had a faster an optimum period to building a strong brain development.

By Mary Jude Icasiano, nutritionist

This finding also suggests that being physically active during pregnancy can help increase your body’s blood flow, which can stimulate your baby’s overall development.

Talk to your baby

It may seem like a silly thing to do, but talking to your unborn child can help create and establish a bond between you and your baby.

In a 2013 study by Eino Partanen, et al., expectant women were given a recording that they played toward the end of their pregnancy, which included a made-up word. The babies who heard

The first 1,000 days of a baby’s life is an optimum period to building a strong foundation for their health, growth, and ability to learn.

the recording most frequently had the strongest response, suggesting that language learning begins in the womb.

Playing music is also beneficial to your baby since it helps trigger happy hormones like serotonin, an important neuromodulator of brain development and the structure and function of neuronal circuits. These chemicals also encourage your baby to feel calm and increase concentration power.

Eat healthily

Several studies revealed that expectant mothers who are active, talk to their babies, and eat healthy food items tend to give birth to smart children.

Every food you eat during pregnancy has a direct effect on your baby. Take this as an opportunity to eat healthy meals that will help with your baby’s growth and development.

There are certain food items that have been proven to effectively help your baby’s memory and ability to learn. For example, a study led by a researcher from Cornell University found that expectant moms who consumed nearly

twice the recommended amount of choline each day during their last trimester gave birth to babies who showed better brain function.

Similarly, consuming food rich in DHA, folic acid, and iodine are essential for a healthy brain development.

It is also critical to provide your baby with the nutrients that will support their brain development. In addition to following a healthy diet, you also need a maternal milk to supplement you and your baby with essential nutrients.

ProMama is a delicious nutritional milk drink, scientifically formulated with key nutrients designed to support you during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation. It is rich in brain-building nutrients such as DHA, folic acid, choline, and iodine.

Creating a strong foundation built on healthy environment and diet can ensure that your baby will have a bright tomorrow.

Life

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thursday, august 30, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

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IlIPINo fast food chain Jollibee has introduced a new batch of valuecentered families vying for the Jollibee Family Values Awards.

since its launch in 2011, the JFVA has recognized numerous Filipino families for their exemplary advocacies that improve the lives of people in their communities. out of hundreds of entries from the country and abroad, the finalists for the 8th year of the search include 11 families from luzon, one family from Visayas, one from Mindanao, and two overseas Filipino worker families from Australia and the United states.

Among the finalists are: Arquiza family (Camarines Norte), Bacudio family (Manila), Cua family (Manila), delos Reyes family (Caloocan City), Homan family (sorsogon), Idzenga family (Bacolod City), Manuncia family (Quezon City), Marcial family (Pasig City), Pedro family (Rizal), Rubico family (laguna), sibug family (North Cotabato), Vinuya family (Tarlac City), and Zulueta family (Makati City).

The two nominated oFW families are Alegado family from the United states and Roa family from Australia.

The finalists will vie for the six JFVA family awards and special citations at the “Gabi ng Parangal para sa Pamilyang Pilipino,” the search’s culminating event, on sept. 26 at Blue leaf Cosmopolitan.

Parenting and relationship consultant and seasoned JFVA judge Maribel dionisio chairs the panel of judges that chose the finalists “I’m taking it more seriously each year and so are the other judges. There’s even more vigor this year because we continue to see more amazing and selfless families with inspiring advocacies,” shared dionisio.

Reprising their role as judges are TV host and news anchor Edric Mendoza, renowned writer and inspirational speaker Francis Kong, and lifestyle

Jollibee announces

Family Values Awards finalists

The 8th Jollibee Family Values Awards board of judges (from left) news anchor and edu-preneur Edric Mendoza, Jollibee Philippines HR Head Jazel Mendoza, actress Dimples Romana, parenting and relationship consultant Maribel Dionisio, Jollibee Group Foundation executive Ddirector Gisela Tiongson, TV host and newscaster Christine Jacob-Sandejas, columnist and children’s advocate Audrey Tan-Zubiri, Jollibee Brand chief marketing officer Francis Flores, and multi-awarded broadcaster, author, and inspirational speaker Francis Kong.

columnist and children’s advocate Audrey Tan-Zubiri. other returning judges include actress dimples Romana and TV host and news anchor Christine Jacob-sandejas.

Completing the panel of judges were Jollibee brand chief marketing officer and Jollibee Philippines mar-

keting head Francis Flores and Jollibee Group Foundation executive director Gisela Tiongson.

For Jollibee Philippines HR head Jazel Mendoza, a first-time judge, it was an enriching experience as she discovered the stories of the nominees.

“The diverse entries represented dif-

ferent sectors so it gave the judges a lot of opportunity to really see the different needs of the country and how people address those things,” said Mendoza.

The 8th JFVA will honor each of the five exemplary families and one oFW family with P300,000 cash prize, Jollibee gift certificates, and a

trophy designed by renowned sculptor Michael Cacnio.

Jollibee and its citation partners will also confer special awards to families supporting advocacies on education, children, minority groups, and PWds. Family awardees will each receive P50,000 cash prize, Jollibee gift certificates, and a plaque.

Health plans help ease the financial burden should an individual becomes ill.

O-Range 360 Exhaust-integrated Gas Range is designed with exhaust hood that rids home of cooking odors.

The secret to smoke-free kitchen and hearty meals Food is at the center of every Filipino household, which means the kitchen, particularly cooking tools and appliances are easily the most used home items. one of the challenges of cooking, particularly in enclosed spaces, is the accumulation of fumes that not only cause unpleasant smells but also create an unhealthy indoor atmosphere.

The high-temperature cooking of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates can generate toxic fumes that can harm the respiratory system or, worse, may contain carcinogenic compounds. In addition, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, frying creates aerosols containing fatty acids that may cause pneumonia.

Home and kitchen appliances brand oHome offers o-Range 360 Exhaustintegrated Gas Range, designed to ensure indoor air remain healthy for the whole family.

The product comes with a built-in exhaust hood that absorbs up to 99 percent of cooking oil fumes, effectively eliminating dangerous pollutants and purifying the air.

Aside from air pollutants, the integrated exhaust hood rids the home of cooking odors to retain a pleasant indoor atmosphere.

The compact range also helps in retaining food flavors and nutrients thanks to its two burners, each with 4.2 kW of high heat, which help cut cooking time.

With faster cooking time, the o-Range 360 ensures each dish is

nutritious and delicious. The minimal exposure to heat helps the food retain vitamins and natural antioxidants.

The o-Range 360 comes in three variants. one model combines a steam oven, enabling busy moms to cook, bake, roast, and steam with just one kitchen equipment. other variants come with a heating cabinet or a sterilizer cabinet. The former helps prevent bacteria and microorganisms from contaminating dishes and pans as it helps ensure a simple and proper way of handling dishware. While the latter uses ultraviolet technology for a more thorough sanitation of kitchen and dining tools and equipment.

The OHome O-Range 360 Gas Range variants are available on Lazada, Shopee, and at OHome’s Makati showroom.

Preparing parents for the future PARENTs invest in various tools, from high-interest savings account to educational plans, to help them finance the needs of their children as they grow into adults.

However, moms and dads often forget to secure their own financial health.

In 2016, the World Health organization said life expectancy across the globe has increased by five years since 2000 due to better access to basic healthcare and innovations in preventing treatable diseases. While this information bides good fortune, there is a growing need for older adults to better plan for their future when they no longer receive a regular income after retirement.

Most adults depend on health plans provided by their company. However there are limited conditions and beneficiaries covered by health plans, typically carried out by HMos. The biggest consideration is when the employee leaves the company, the health plan also terminates.

Bancassurance company BPI-Philam thus offers an insurance plan that caters to the financial and health needs of individuals going into retirement.

Critical Care Plus is a variable life insurance that provides coverage against a wide array of major diseases and critical illnesses, and sets aside funds for rainy days.

It’s a double-advantage policy that gives life insurance coverage, securing the family against financial strain in an emergency, and health coverage which pays for medical bills that may arise in the future.

The insured automatically gets a cash benefit upon diagnosis of any of the covered critical illnesses. They are also exempted from making any future payments to the policy to focus on getting better.

Before that happens, however, Critical Care Plus, as part of BPIPhilam’s Wellness series, provides rewards and benefits for the insured through Philam Vitality.

Philam Vitality gives the insured a better understanding of their health’s current state and what they can do to better it. The program also provides upfront additional coverage of 20 percent while the insured’s lifestyle is improved through health-improving decisions.

As it is integrated with Philam Vitality, Critical Care Plus also promotes a balanced lifestyle through deals on medical services as well as gym membership.

Finally, it also builds a health fund over time that can be used for additional medical services or any expense policy holders might also have.

Go to www.bpi-philam.com for more information.

As life expectancy increases, it is important for individuals to prepare for their future.

The hightemperature cooking of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates can generate toxic fumes.

Entertainment

HARRY ROQUE’s VISION for the

By Nickie Wang

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Being well-entrenched in the industry as he is friends with celebrities including Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Piolo Pascual, and Claudine Baretto, to name a few, Sec. Roque shared his thoughts on how the government could help local entertainment.

“You know, entertainment is very important. So I feel calm in the same way that political media has to inform and to put it in public opinion,” Roque shared.

A member of the press brought up how South Korea created an agency that is in charge of stimulating and protecting their domestic film industry by promoting and supporting it both on a national and international level.

“The government is more than willing to assist the local industry because it doesn’t just provide livelihood for the actors but also for the people who work behind the camera like film talents, cameramen, makeup artists,” Roque responded.

The secretary further said that he’s currently in talks with Actor’s Guild president Imelda Papin to discuss how the government can help support the industry through legislation.

“That’s why when Imelda contacted me, I told her I have space in Malacanang to accommodate the members and officers of Actors’ Guild so we can have a meeting,” the Presidential Spokesperson said.

“Isa rin sa dapat isulong natin sa Congreso eh yung mga incentive pati mga foreign films dapat maingganyo na dito na sa Pilipinas mag-shoot ng kanilang pelikula. We have prospects when we promote movie tourism, marami tayong mga lugar na dapat makita sa pamamagitan ng pelikula,” he added.

With this clear vision, it’s easy to trust

Sec. Harry Roque, Presidential Spokesperson and Presidential Adviser for Human Rights

Roque’s words due to his impressive track record. Before becoming the Presidential Spokesperson and Presidential Adviser for Human Rights, Sec. Roque excelled as a courageous and topnotch lawyer, brilliant University of the Philippines (UP) law professor, prolific congressman and a staunch defender of the disadvantaged, the poor and the oppressed.

Among Sec. Roque’s notable cases were the 2009 Maguindanao massacre where he defended the rights of 34 murdered journalists and 19 other dead civilians; and the 2014 murder of Filipina trans-gender Jennifer Laude by American soldier Joseph Scott Pemberton; among many other celebrated cases.

The champion of the underdogs for decades, Roque has always fought for the defenseless against the Goliaths, including other governments and known-murderers; for the aging Comfort Women―when others refused to take up the case and would rather bury the issue; for murdered environmentalist Gerry Ortega against big corporations.

Sec. Roque received his Master of Laws with Merits from the London School of Economics (1996), Bachelor of Laws from University of the Philippines (1990), and Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Political Science) from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor (1986).

He was also the lawyer for some 40 journalists against unwarranted actions by the previous governments. Part of his long list of crusades include being one of the founders of Centerlaw, a non-profit organization that defends the voiceless and the poor of Philippine society.

Roque is a nationalist leader who upholds the Philippines’ independent foreign policy of making the Philippines

a friend of the world’s super powers and enemy of none; views that run similar to that of nationalist President Rody R. Duterte; former Senator Claro M. Recto and Sec. Roque’s grand-uncle, the late incorruptible, nationalist Senate President Jovito Salonga.

He believes that Pres. Duterte is similar to many of Asia’s strongwilled and nationalist Asian leaders often criticized by the West for many years, like the late Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, Prime Minister Mahathir of Malaysia and the late reformer Deng Xiaoping of China. Duterte is not antiWest, but staunchly pro-Philippines.

A true patriot, Sec. Roque as Congressman continued his role as champion of the poor, oppressed, and voiceless with bills filed for the indigenous people, informal workers, whistleblowers, victims of human rights violations. He also prioritized progressive bills in socialized housing, public safety, free health care, science and technology, among others. Sec. Roque is also the author of the Universal Public Health Bill.

When asked why he accepted the post of Pres. Duterte’s spokesperson, Sec. Roque made notes on the pro-poor, proregional development and nationalist stance of the government of Pres.

Duterte.

His more important work in the Duterte administration is defending and presenting the TRUTH―heavily being trampled by the Western-media’s aim to demonize anything that does not conform to Western subservience.

The most challenging underdog for Harry Roque may be being the official voice of Pres. Duterte, amidst the Goliath of a well-funded foreign, mostly Western media which have often unfairly criticized the Philippine government.

Queen of Quezon City 2018 search is on TO CELEBRATE respect, equality, pride, and empowerment, Quezon City is now accepting applicants for Queen of Quezon City 2018, a pageant open to all transwomen.

To qualify, applicants must be a resident of Quezon City, at least 18 years old, 5’5” in height, with proportional body measurement and has reached 2nd year college or its vocational-technical school equivalent.

Candidates must present proof of residency, which includes a barangay residency certificate of at least six months and a Quezon City voters’

identification or Commission on Elections certificate.

Applicants must also secure an endorsement from the Barangay Pride Council, with an approval from the Barangay Chairperson.

Apart from the above, drug test results and National Bureau of Investigation or Police Clearance must also be submitted.

The organizers also said it will favor candidates with strong sense of social awareness. Applicants must not have existing management contract. Should applicants win, titleholders must be

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, August 30, 2018

ACROSS 1 Different 6 Pen brand 9 Ship’s wheel 13 Throw 14 Bete noire 15 Inventor’s spark 16 Fruit stand item 17 Broad ave.

18 Wins at rummy 19 Fume 20 Faded 22 Fleecy animal 24 Stone Age weapon 25 Kernel holders 28 The majority 30 Far-reaching mental view 34 Brazilian port 35 Chipper 36 Wreck, as a train 37 Slipping past 39 Ore 40 Contradicted 41 Dietary needs 42 Novelist — Levin 43 Weirder 44 Mr. Satie of Les Six 45 “— —, old chap” 46 Tea cake 48 Author — Rand 50 “The Little Mermaid” author

53 Tech-support callers 57 Layered cookie 58 Dice 59 Send, as a payment 60 Dog nail 61 Desert st.

62 Very short time 63 Ripped 64 Gaze at 65 Wheat stalk DOWN 1 Resistance units 2 Abound 3 Ring around the moon 4 Calls to mind 5 Pick up a lease 6 Sub stabilizer 7 Turn inside out 8 It repels moths 9 Circus apparatus (2 wds.)

10 Singer — Adams 11 Advance 12 More, in Baja 14 Consumer protection gp.

21 Groups of witches 23 Do editing 25 Tenet 26 Slicked up 27 Leap

29 URL suffix 31 Bombay garments 32 Dainty ornament 33 Soothe 35 Make holes in 36 Sportscaster Mike — 38 Dwindles away (2 wds.)

39 Avril follower 41 Giveaway 44 Double-check 45 Coin-slot word 47 Killer whales

49 Mongol tents 50 Mr. Guthrie 51 At hand 52 Gendarme’s schnoz 54 Arab VIP 55 Costa — 56 Slumgullion 57 Nov. preceder

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

Deadline to enter Star Magic digital video making tilt extended

entertainment industry

ITTLE did many people know, Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque has done collaborative work with some groups in the entertainment industry that’s why when he met with the entertainment press, it was inevitable that questions related to film and showbiz would be asked.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018

willing to fulfill her respective duties and responsibilities for one year.

Forms are available at Quezon City barangay halls. Alternatively, hopefuls may download application forms at the pageant’s facebook page, which is https://www.facebook.com/ queenofquezoncity/.

Forms must be submitted personally at VPF Creative Marketing Communications, located at the 3rdfloor of PM Building, 24 Matalino Street, Central, Quezon City.

Deadline of entries is Sept. 7. For inquiries, call 2944813.

MORE amateur creators from in and outside the country now have the chance to participate in Star Magic’s first ever video making contest Lights, Camera, Magic.

After a bout of last minute entries and unprecedented interest toward Lights, Camera, Magic, the registration deadline for the global video making competition has been extended until Sept. 25.

All prize-worthy two to three minute narrative videos from participants 18 years old and above now have the chance to enter the competition in the hopes of being part of the first 20 shortlisted entries.

These shortlisted entries would be screened by Star Magic’s homegrown and prized talents namely Piolo Pascual, actors-turned-directors Nash Aguas and Khalil Ramos, character actors Janus del Prado and Ketchup Eusebio, digital content producer and vlogger Renee Dominique and led by Star Magic’s Chairman Emeritus, Johnny Manahan.

After which, three finalists would be determined via online voting and by the jury composed of some of the industry’s pioneers namely: Leo Katigbak, Head of ABS-CBN’s Special Projects and Film Restoration, Ronald Arguelles head of Channel Management―Cinema One and Velvet channels, and Ice Idanan,

independent film director of Sakaling Hindi Makarating, Ania ‘ti nagan mo and Limang Libo.

Young and sought-after directors JP Habac (I’m Drunk I Love You, Maria and Oktopus), Victor Villanueva (Patay Na Si Hesus, Ang Nanay Ni Justin Barber, Abot-kamay and Kusina King) and Mikhail Red (Birdshot, Neomanila, and Rekorder upcoming movies Eerie and Block Z) are also joining the esteemed jury.

Apart from winning P50,000 in cash, the finalists’ would have the full experience of developing their submitted entries into a 15-minute short video for digital entertainment; while being mentored by one of the three aforementioned young directors and with Star Magic artists as their videos’ headlining stars.

Get to know more about Star Magic’s latest milestone Lights, Camera, Magic by visiting lightscameramagic.ph or by following Star Magic’s official social media accounts to stay in the know about Lights, Camera, Magic.

Along with Johnny Manahan and other young talents, Piolo Pascual will help select the winner in the inaugural Star Magic digital video making contest.

More riches for ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ ROM-COM Crazy Rich Asians continued to sparkle in North America, topping the box office for the second weekend running, according to industry estimates Sunday.

The Warner Bros. adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel of the same name took $25 million, almost matching its $26.5 million debut last week, box office tracker Exhibitor Relations said.

Starring veteran actress Michelle Yeoh, British-Malaysian former BBC host Henry Golding and American sitcom star Constance Wu, the film tells the story of a American economics professor who meets her super-wealthy boyfriend’s family in Singapore.

It is the first major studio release with a mostly Asian cast since The Joy Luck Club in 1993.

Shark attack thriller The Meg clung on to the runner-up spot for another week, taking $13 million—a significant

tumble from last week’s earnings of $21.2 million. It stars action movie regular Jason Statham as a rescue diver who tries to save scientists trapped in a submarine from a huge, prehistoric shark.

In at third was newly-released mystery The Happytime Murders, which took $10 million. Based in a world where humans and puppets co-exist, the film follows a joint police force as they probe a recent murder spree targeting puppet TV stars.

On its heels with takings of $8 million was Tom Cruise’s action blockbuster Mission: Impossible-Fallout, which took fourth place in its fifth weekend in theaters.

Fifth went to Disney’s live-animated hybrid Christopher Robin, which took $6.3 million. In the film, Ewan McGregor plays Winnie the Pooh’s now grown-up and stressed-out pal who reunites with his old stuffed friend. AFP

'Crazy Rich Asians,' the Warner Bros. adaptation of Kevin Kwan's best-selling novel of the same name, rakes in $25 million this week.

Entertainment

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

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018

‘Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral’ A FILM OF EPIC PROPORTION 'Battle of Tirad Pass' reimagined in the historical feature film 'Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.'

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UCH has been said about the biggest film of the year but there’s one thing everybody who anticipates the historical feature agree on —it’s a must watch film not only for its scale but for the underlying messages masterfully embedded in every scene and dialogue.

Paulo Avelino as the young general Gregorio del Pilar

Paulo Avelino (right) with Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo

Gwen Zamora as Remedios Nable Jose, Goyo's (Paulo Avelino) love interest in the film.

BEREFT of sound but brimming with feature films accompanied by live musical performances, the much-anticipated annual International Silent Film Festival Manila (ISFFM) is back.

Established in 2007 as the first of its kind in Asia, the ISFFM promises to bring once more to Manila film buffs and music aficionados an extraordinary experience. From the 1890’s to the 1920’s, audiences around the world were enchanted by the magic of watching soundless images on a screen accompanied by live music played by different performing artists.

This year, the Philippine-Italian Association, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Embassy of France, the

Three years after the critical and box-office success of the historical film Heneral Luna, director Jerrold Tarog returns with its much-awaited follow-up, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral with Paulo Avelino still on board as the titular Gen. Gregorio del Pilar.

Set to be the Philippines’ biggest cinematic epic to date, the comingof-age story of one of the most revered Filipino heroes of the late 19th century opens in cinemas nationwide on Sept. 5.

Set during the Filipino-American war, the film tells the story of the revolution as it marches on against the Americans after the death of Gen. Antonio Luna. The conflicted philosophies behind the heroic struggle continue and become personified in the colorful character of Gen. Gregorio “Goyo” del Pilar, one of the youngest generals of the Philippine Revolution.

TBA Studios’ executive producers Fernando Ortigas and E.A. Rocha confirm Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral is a much bigger movie compared to Heneral Luna, not only in terms of scope and production, but also in emotion.

“We expect people to get a terrific ebb and flow of emotional reactions that will deal in an indelible memory or experience,” Rocha said. “The Filipino audience can expect a world-standard, a world-class cinema I hope they appreciate and realize that we put out the necessary budget and effort to give the Filipino moviegoers the best film that we think they deserve.”

“We had to give Jerrold his vision. We knew from the beginning that Goyo had to be much bigger than Luna. It is an epic story,” Ortigas said. “As the producers, whatever Jerrold needed for the set, it was there.”

To put to life director Tarog’s vision for Goyo’s story to the big screen, production employed talents and a cast of over 2,000 and built an entire movie set to recreate a late-1800s town in Tarlac.

Overall, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral was shot in 60 days in multiple locations like Tarlac, Bataan, Rizal, Batangas, and Ilocos, among others, in a span of eight months, with an extra year spent in preproduction.

When asked why the story of Gregorio

Goethe-Institut Philippinen, the Japan Foundation Manila, the Embassy of the United States of America, the Instituto Cervantes, and the Embassy of Austria, are proud to present the 12th iteration of the International Silent Film Festival in Manila.

Beginning today until Sept. 2 at SM Cinema 2 of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, the 2018 ISFFM brings together the best of silent cinema from its eight member-countries, to be accompanied by the best Filipino musicians in the scene.

The Festival reels off at 8:00 p.m. on today with the PhilippineItalian Association, the Italian Embassy and the Italian Chamber of Commerce presenting the most important of those stylish

del Pilar is important to be told in today’s time, the director has this to say: “In many ways, yung kwento ni Goyo, para siyang a call to critical thinking.

Kinukwestiyon niya yung sarili niya, kinukwestiyon niya kung bakit ginagawa ito. And in a way, ‘yun din ‘yung magiging tanong ng audience kapag lumabas sila ng sinehan,” Jerrold said. “Ano ba talaga yung pinaglaban ni Goyo? Pag-ibig ba? Si Aguinaldo ba? O yung bayan? I think magandang pag-isipan yun nung audience, especially ng kabataan.”

This film also marks TBA Studios’ first movie co-production with Globe Studios.

Quark Henares, head of Globe Studios shares, “It’s an honor for Globe Studios to be part of a Jerrold Tarog film. I’m a big fan of Heneral Luna and Jerrold Tarog. Everyone knew there was going to be a follow-up to Heneral Luna so to be part of that is such a blessing.”

Apart from Paulo, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral boasts of a stellar, all-star cast which includes Gwen Zamora as Remedios Nable Jose, Empress Schuck as Felicidad Aguinaldo, Carlo Aquino as Col. Vicente Enriquez, and Rafa Siguion-Reyna as Col. Julian del Pilar.

Reprising their roles from Heneral Luna are Mon Confiado as Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo, Epy Quizon as Apolinario Mabini, Arron Villaflor as Joven Hernando, Alvin Anson as Gen. Jose Alejandrino, Art Acuña as Manuel Bernal, Ronnie Lazaro as Lt. Pantaleon Garcia, Perla Bautista as Doña Trinidad Aguinaldo, and Benjamin Alves as Lt. Manuel Quezon.

Jojit Lorenzo, Tomas Santos, Carlo Cruz, Perla Bautista, Che Ramos, Matt Evans, RK Bagatsing, Karl Medina, Stephanie Sol, Miguel Faustmann, Jason Dewey, Bret Jackson, Ethan Salvador, and Robert Seña round up the ensemble cast.

Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral is supported by several government agencies from across the country, including the National Council for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

Before Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral opens in theaters next week, Heneral Luna will have a special limited theatrical release in selected cinemas.

Silent Film Fest reels off

Blues band Miles Experience accompanies the film 'Rapsodia Satanica' (Satanic Rhapsody 1915-1917).

YUGEL LOSORATA AMID the notion that record labels are on their way out and that gamechanging break of getting signed by one is a thing of the past, a new company was recently launched, boasting an interesting breed of musical acts and a celebrity couple who are artists themselves serving as bosses.

O/C Records, described as a joint venture between rocker-actor Kean Cipriano and the iconic Vic Del Rosario, clearly presented itself as not the typical label as we know it. ‘‘I exactly know how it is to be an artist and what he or she deserves. Our label is one that respects the artists and the message is magpakabaliw ka sa art mo and do your thing and we will take care of the business side of it,” expressed Kean who rose to fame as frontman for the hit band Callalily and later evolved into a mainstream actor himself.

Of course it meant that the artists attached to this new label have enough talent and charm, and not just mere mad acts who think they’re deep and just misunderstood. The initial roster proved interesting, with Unique of IV of Spades fame on board.

In fact he will officially debut on Sept. 29 with a show at the Kia Theater in Araneta Center, QC branded as Grandma Concert Tour.

Unique’s “Midnight Sky” track has more than three million streams on Spotify. He also has a song called “Ozone” which obviously referenced that disco house tragedy in 1996.

Others backed by O/C are folk singer Rice Lucido, songbird Frizzle Anne, the psychedelic

A really ‘new‘ record label band Bita and the Botflies, and acoustic funk groover Earl Generao whose song “Lunas,” with now nearly 300,000 Spotify streams, is melodically catchy as it is lyrically engaging.

Acknowledging he’s one of the few who really made it in such a cutthroat field, Kean noted, “I’ve been in the industry for 13 years and it’s the best time to give back because I’m really blessed with fruitful and meaningful career.”

That is a sincere expression of gratitude which should immediately benefit the fortunate ones he signed and will sign on his label.

Kean’s wife-actress Chynna Ortaleza is no doubt a woman behind his continued success. She said in part, “We’re glad to be given such importance and respect

by Boss Vic.” To further stressed its commitment to giving the music scene a fresh take on the business of handling Filipino artists, O/C Records promises to be “a haven for the fearless authentic artists to fully explore their craft and insights and an eye opener that defies what is deemed typical and class for a new set of dynamics in rhythm.”

That poetry is easier said than done.

Yet having a clear, nontraditional mindset from the onset is an indication that things will be done differently. Unique himself pointed out he’s scared of record labels because of the general view that artists lose creative freedom once they’re signed. That he allowed himself to go under O/C says a lot about it being truly a new record label.

Couple Kean Cipriano and Chynna Ortaleza with O/C Records' signed artists

melodramas made-in-Italy, Rapsodia Satanica (Satanic Rhapsody 19151917), directed by Nino Oxilia.

The film tells the story of ageing Italian aristocrat Dame Alba d’ Oltrevita who discovers a particular and special solution for her beauty by forging a pact with the devil. The blues band Miles Experience accompanies this film with a live performance.

Tomorrow at 7:00 p.m., the Film Development Council of the Philippines will present a unique offering in The Lost Film Triology composed of Filipiniana, Aswang (1933), and Juan Tamad Goes to the Moon (1898), and an excerpt from Nitrate: To the Ghosts of the 75 Lost Philippine Silent Films (1912-1933). A live musical performance by Khavn & the Kontra-Kino Orchestra will accompany the film.

Culminating the festival at 7:30

p.m. on Sept. 2 will be the Embassy of Austria’s Die Kleine Veronika (1929), directed by Robert Land. The film tells the story of Tyrolean mountain girl, Veronika, who travels to Vienna to visit her aunt, only to find out that the city experience she has been dreaming of is not all the fun and glamorous life she had previously imagined. The live score will be played by avant-pop electronica solo Joee & I. This year’s film festival experience will have a unique addition, an exhibit at the SM Cinema lobby. The exhibit will be presenting a visual installation of this year’s participating films.

For more information on the schedule and inquiries, and for the list of films participating in the festival, check Silent Film Fest Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/InternationalSilentFilmFestivalManila.

ChAd Amy Eisma’s State of the Freeport Address: An Excerpt

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018 advertise@manilastandard.net

“As someone who was born, raised, and will die here, my dreams for Subic are lofty and ambitious.”

I CALL for applause for everyone in this room because we all made this happen. All of you who responded to my call for Malasakit. I could not seem to find the right English word for it. But remember the love that comes from your gut.

The kind of love you have for your child? The one you have for your nephews? The kind that give you until it hurts. That is malasakit.

Recently, we hosted a cruise ship and it got me thinking that is very much like SBMA. The passengers are our community — the locators and residents — who all want safe and memorable journey. The captain steers the ship, looks after every human being in it.

And that responsibility is mine.

But I cannot do this without my hardworking crew. You are the one who deserve the applause. You are the reason why I am here today.

Last year, I presented my 10Point Program. So, let’s review what has been done: 1) As part of Good Governance...

- With the support of my board of directors, the signing and the release of CRTEs have been transferred to my office, so you can now directly follow these up with me.

- You can text or call me anytime if you have any concern.

- If there is anyone asking you for money from my office or any SBMA offices in exchange for the release of CRTE’s or any document, please report to me immediately - We are currently working on extending the validity of the CRTE to 3 years.

- We hope to get this started next quarter.

We also introduced several policy reforms: - Extension of project development schedules are now heavily scrutinized and if warranted denied.

- Tightening our policy for collecting receivables and be tough and implementing this.

- We cancelled the contract of Dynamic Konstruk for failing to meet its commitment.

- Repossessed SBMA properties from locators for not paying their rent for many years.

I have been criticized, lambasted, crucified for many of these actions. But I, together with my board of directors, stand firm. There is no room for personal interest in our term, only that of SBMA. 2) The second item in our 10Point Program is Sustainable Development: I am pleased to announce SBMA is the first government agency to pass ISO 14001:2015 certification.

It means that our organization has standards to minimize negative effects to the environment, comply with laws, and continually improve the same. And we got this, I believe, because of the malasakit we all have for our community, our home, and our planet.

Malasakit in action was what we saw in the thousands of volunteers: - Who joined the clean- up activities for our coasts, rivers, mangroves, and premises; and - Who planted some 5,000 trees on Arbor Day. - And SBMA employees who showed up very early on Fridays to clean up our surroundings first before they go to work.

3) Safety and Security - For 2017, our Emergency and Rescue Team managed to improve its average response time by more than 57% - As in any emergency situation, a two-minute improvement and response time can spell a big, big difference in saving lives and property.

- Our police force also managed to reduce the crime volume in some areas — like breakins, robberies, and bukas- kotse.

We need, however, to boost our security capabilities and heighten our vigilance to address all forms of criminal activities Also, as part of our safety and security agenda: - We continue to strengthen our Subic Bay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee.

- We also participated on Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake drills which brought to fore malasakit by the cooperation we received - More than 9,000 participated in capacity building programs such as - Bomb and IED Familiarization and Detection Trainings; - Emergency Preparedness Seminars; and - Community First Aid/Basic Life Support Trainings And lastly, implemented the Anti-Distracted Driving Law to keep our motorists and pedestrians safe.

4) Community Engagement We also went deep into community engagement programs

and activities with our Aeta brethren as priority, since after all much of the Subic Freeport are their ancestral lands.

Our effort — specifically our Joint Management Agreement with the Pastolan Ambala Tribe — was recognized by the International Finance Magazine as the Best Social Responsibility Initiatives for 2017.

We also did not forget our fisher folks and waste and land pickers.

Through various activities and projects, we also engaged the rest of the members of our community: - Our Work Force - Locators - Residents - Tourism Stake Holders Another important part of our 10-Point Program is Locator Excellence.

- We reduced documentary requirements for issuance of business registration - SBMA started offsite and non- appearance processing - 4,000 new IDs and 400 renewals.

While our strategic location is a distinctive edge, we introduced various marketing strategies to further our goal as seaport gateway.

- To attract more port users, we waived our port fees for a period of time - This is part of art marketing campaign #GOSUBICBAY Another vital gateway here is the airport. All our outbound missions explored possible FDIs to the Freeport. In support of business inclusivity, we support and provide growth opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

In early 2017, we dared to dream to make Subic the next cruise ship destination in Asia. In February 2018, this has become a reality when MV Costa Atlantica made a port of call in Subic.

We also won the 2017 Best Sports Tourism Destination of the Year award while our theme, “Funtastic Subic Bay,” bested “Visit Victoria” of Australia and “Amazing Thailand.”

Allies in Congress, particularly Senator Richard Gordon, assisted us in securing funds to repair our seaport and airport, the Magsaysay Bridge, and an endorsement of funds to maintain and repair our roads from DBM. In other developments, SBMA’s net income increased by 34% while our debt decreased by 5%. If that is not good financial health, I don’t know what is.

While our committed investments may have lowered because we decided to sack dubious investors. The more important figure is the expansion projects of existing locators, showing increased confidence in our business climate.

Our total contribution to the national economy is PHP19.6 billion. That is a 14% increase from last year. If you don’t call this a strong economic driver, then I don’t know what it is.

We also have aggressive port marketing together with SBITC. Containerized cargo volume increased 13%. Transshipment increased by 468%.

Our national economic performance is important to us.

However, like many other cruise ship in the ocean, we too face rough sailings. I personally had my share of rough seas due to the leadership row in the first nine months of my term. It was a very difficult time for me personally, but also for SBMA and the Freeport as a community.

It was never about me, the issue has always been and should forever be the future of Subic.

But that is all in the past now, with a fresh mandate, and a recognition from the international community.

I will try more than my best to steer Subic’s voyage to a destination worthy of your hard work and the malasakit each and every one of us will invest in.

Smuggling to me is another pressing concern. We cannot close our eyes to this. We should not allow it.

We are as guilty and complicit if we continue to be silent even if it is already staring in our faces.

As someone who was born, raised, and will die here, my dreams for Subic are lofty and ambitious. With integrity as our moral compass, it goes without saying that I will not tolerate corruption in Subic.

I have zero tolerance for any form or manner of graft and corruption — whether within the SBMA or elsewhere in the Freeport.

To end, I reiterate my clarion call for MALASAKIT sa Subic. Do not do it for me. Do it for the 8,000 volunteers who made Subic what it is today. Do it for those who fought hard to protect Subic to have stable leadership.

Do it for yourself. Do it for your business. Do it for your children.

Do it for your nephews.

Do it for our future.

Subic Bay:

More than just a Freeport I

F BEING the first ever freeport in the Philippines wasn’t enough of an accolade, Subic Bay -- this bustling economic zone and one of the premier economic zones in the country -- has its fair share of trailblazing feats in recent years.

From sustaining robust economic growth and leading the way for port-related activities to having its first female chairwoman and administrator, Subic Bay sets the benchmark for all other freeports to equal.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the primary institution responsible for the development of the Subic Bay Freeport and the Special Economic Zone, will be celebrating 26 years of prolific growth since its inception in 1992 with founding chairman and administrator Richard “Dick” Gordon, now a senator, at the helm. Now, it’s enjoying the unwavering service of the men and women behind the government-owned and controlled corporation.

SBMA has turned Subic Bay into a self-sustainable area that promotes the industrial, commercial, investment, and financial areas of trade in the zone as well as in the Philippines. It is currently headed by Atty. Wilma T. Eisma, former Public Affairs and Contributions manager of Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Company Inc., as Chairman and Administrator.

The SBMA is the operating and implementing arm of the Government of the Philippines for the development of the 262 square mile (670 square kilometer) area of Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) into a self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center to generate employment opportunities for Filipinos. This area was the former American naval facility in Subic Bay. On March 13, 1992, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act 7227, known as the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, in anticipation of the pullout of the United States from its military bases in the country.

Section 13 of RA 7227 created the SBMA to develop and manage the Freeport, which provides tax and duty-free privileges and incentives to business locators in the special economic zone.

Gordon, then the mayor of the City of Olongapo, became the first SBMA chairman. The mayor, with 8,000 volunteers, took over the facility to preserve and protect US$8 billion worth of property and facilities

when the last US Navy helicopter carrier USS Belleau Wood sailed out of Subic Bay on November

24, 1992. That started the conversion of the military base into a free port like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Its mission is to “grow the Freeport to be an environmentally sustainable community where locators are ahead of their competitors and our stakeholders enjoy the highest quality of life,” while its vision for the future is to be the leading Eco-Urban Freeport in Southeast Asia.

Apart from enticing international locators to Philippine shores, Subic has positioned

Head Office: Phase 1 Argonaut Highway cor. Braveheart St. Subic Bay Gateway Park, Subic Bay Freeport Zone 2222 Tel: +63-47-252-1668 Fax: +63-47-252-3234 Website: www.taiansubic.com; www.teco.com.tw

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itself as a premier destination -not only as an investment hub, but as a burgeoning amalgam of industries such as leisure and sports, hotels and tourism, and other recreational activities that fall under their scope in tagging Subic Bay as a place to live, work, and play.

With the ascent SBMA has achieved in only a short span of time, it’s hard not to believe that all of this is not achievable -- and greater things are in tow for this Freeport for the next 26 years and more. Peter Paul Duran

Branch Office: Unit 15B Belvedere Tower No. 15 San Miguel Avenue Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines Tel: +63-2-655-6893 / 2938 / 9959

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Subic Bay:

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More than just a Freeport

Swiss cruise line eyes Subic Bay Freeport SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – A Swiss cruise line, considered as one of the largest privatelyowned cruise companies today, has become the fourth international cruise line to make this premier Freeport its next destination.

MSC Cruises, which is part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC), the world's second biggest container shipping operator, is scouting the area because of the tourist spots in the Subic Freeport, as well as those found in the nearby communities.

MSC Cruises officials led by Port Operations Assistant Ian Meachem met with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma last Friday, August 3 to discuss the possibility of making Subic a part of its itinerary.

He was accompanied here by Antonio Calingo Jr., assistant general manager of Wallem Philippines Shipping, Inc., the leading ship agent in the Philippines.

In the meeting, Eisma briefed the visitors about local destinations and pointed out the places where most tourists from visiting cruise ships go during their stops here.

She added that the SBMA has plans to

turn the coastal area of the town of San Antonio in Zambales into a cruise-ship docking area and resort destination.

Meachem noted that the tourist spots in and around the Subic Freeport appear interesting, especially to tour operators who want a little bit of everything. He added that certain requirements had to be met before the company commits to make Subic a part of their itinerary.

MSC Cruises welcomed 1.8 million guests on board in 2016, and with 12 new ships to be put into service by 2026, it expects its capacity to nearly triple to 5 million passengers a year over the next 10 years.

MSC Cruises, which is the world's largest privately-owned cruise company and the number one cruise line in Europe, South America and South Africa, is the fourth major international cruise line to consider Subic.

Three others have made Subic a regular stop: Costa Crociere, an Italian cruise line that is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc; Dream Cruises, which is Asia’s first luxury cruise line; and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the world’s second largest cruise line operator.

SBMA officials led by Chairman Wilma T. Eisma (middle) welcomes MSC Cruises Port Operations Assistant Ian Meachem (fourth left) and Wallem Philippines Asst. Gen. Manager Antonio Calingo Jr. (fourth right)

Subic to host first Spartan Trifecta Race in Southeast Asia

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Another historic first will happen here next month when Subic hosts the country’s first Trifecta Weekend for Spartan Race, the most popular obstacle course race (OCR) in the world today, at the Camayan Beach Resort on September 15-16.

Race Director Michael Reyes said in a press conference here on Wednesday that this will be the first Trifecta event in the whole of Southeast Asia where all three medals can be earned in one weekend.

“This particular Trifecta Weekend will serve as the grand finale for the Southeast Asian Championship Series and will be offering the only Spartan Beast race in the SEA Series,” Reyes said.

“We are expecting around 5,000 athletes to participate in the event since the reception we got in the last three events was phenomenal.

We estimate around 7,000 finishers in the Philippines with 99.99 percent finish rate,” he added.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Wilma T. Eisma said in the same briefing that the Spartan Race would add to

the already large number of prestigious sporting events being held in Subic, including the first full Ironman that was held here in July.

“Subic has been hailed last year as the best sports tourism destination in Asia, and now with the Spartan Race we’re cementing this free port’s reputation as the endurance sports capital, too,” she added.

The Spartan Race Trifecta Weekend is part of the South East Asia (SEA) Series Finale that will take place on September 15 and 16, holding three races in one epic weekend. The race will be held at the West Ilanin Forest area of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Reyes said the Subic Trifecta Weekend will comprise all three Spartan Races: Spartan Sprint, which is a six-kilometer long, 20-obstacle course; Spartan Super, a 13km, 25-obstacle course; and the Spartan Beast, a 21-km, 30-obstacle course.

The Spartan Beast will be held on September 15, a Saturday, while the Spartan Sprint and Super categories will be held on September 16, a Sunday.

Reyes said Spartan racers from all over Southeast Asia will be coming to Subic Bay Freeport to gain a spot in the 2018 World Championship in Lake Tahoe.

He said the top ten male and female finishers from the elite category, the top five male and female racers in the 14-17, 18-24, and 50+ age groups, and the top ten male and female entrants in the 25-29, 30-39, and 40-49 age groups will earn their spots in the 2018 Asia Pacific Championships in Johor, Malaysia on December 2018.

Meanwhile, the top three finishers in both the elite and age group categories will qualify in the Regional Championship, as well as the World Championships in Lake Tahoe at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Ocean Adventure founder Scott Sharpe said the company plans to create a small obstacle course inside the Camayan Beach Resort here to give tourists a taste of the Spartan Race course.

The firm will also plans to create a fitness facility here based on the OCR model, he added.

SBMA releases P147.13 million for 1st semester LGU shares; cumulative releases since 2010 now total P1.65 billion

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (left) hands over a check for the LGU share of San Antonio, Zambales to Mayor Estela Antipolo

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has released P147.13 million representing the first-semester 2018 revenue share for local government units (LGUs) contiguous to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma distributed individual checks for the LGU shares on Wednesday, August 1, during a meeting with mayors and municipal treasurers at the Fortune Restaurant here.

The biggest share went to Olongapo City at P34,356,210.73; followed by Subic, Zambales with P22,438,000.32; Dinalupihan, Bataan with P18,317,950.71; and San Marcelino, Zambales with P17,652,452.62.

Next came Hermosa, Bataan with P15,292,064.02; Castillejos, Zambales with P13,656,489.21; Morong, Bataan with P12,776,665.57; and San Antonio, Zambales with P12,664,679.21.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (right) hands over a check for the LGU share of Castillejos, Zambales to Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez

Eisma said that the latest releases brought the cumulative LGU shares distributed by the SBMA in the last eight years to a total of P1,649,947,885.13.

This means an average release of P206.24 million every year to the eight LGUs covered by the benefit taken from the 5% tax paid by enterprises registered in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Again Olongapo City received the biggest share in the eight years that the SBMA began directly releasing the shares to the LGUs. SBMA records indicate that Olongapo has received a total of P396.79 million; Subic, Zambales had P246.42 million; Dinalupihan, P206.39 million; and San Marcelino, P198.89 million.

Meanwhile, Hermosa received a total of P169.29 million; Castillejos, P145.03 million; San Antonio, P144.06 million; and Morong, P143.05 million.

Eisma said the SBMA began directly

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (middle) hands over a check for the LGU share of Dinalupihan, Bataan to Mayor Ma. Angela Garcia (left) and another municipal official

releasing the shares to LGUs in 2010.

Before this, Subic business locators paid their 5% corporate tax to the BIR, which remits payments to the national treasury. Then the Department of Budget Management released the 2% share to the LGUs concerned.

Under Republic Act No. 9400, which amended RA 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, business enterprises within the Subic Freeport Zone only pay a 5% tax on their gross income earned within the zone.

The corporate taxes are remitted as follows: 3% to the national government and 2% to the SBMA for distribution to LGUs affected by the declaration of, and contiguous to the zone.

Meanwhile, the 2% share is divided according to population (50 percent), land area (25 percent), and equal sharing (25 percent).

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Anita F. Grefal OIC-Operation Baldwin Felipe Advertising Manager Paula Marie Reynoso Supplements Head Peter Paul Duran Dexter Tilo Ron Tamayo Supplement Proponent Sheila Suarez Joan Velasco Eric Jutic Edelyn Elamparo Deowaher Rabanillo Romel J. Mendez Jerome Calayag John Marc Cruz Design

Subic Bay:

More than just a Freeport

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TH THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018 advertise@manilastandard.net

Places you should visit in

Subic right now

A

By MJ Blancaflor and Dexter Tilo

re you looking for a one-stop place?

Stop seeking elsewhere. All you need could be found in one destination.

Just two hours away from Manila lies the Subic Bay Freeport, the former American naval base operated and managed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority since 1992, it is the country’s first military base converted into a tax- and duty-free zone.

Unknown to many, this investment haven is also a promising tourist destination, which offers unique and exciting activities that await curious locals and foreigners alike.

Tired? Breathe calmly as you listen to the waves hitting the seawall. Athletic? Subic has a wide range of activities to stretch those muscles. Adventurous?

Subic provides the wildest, most upto-date unique theme parks.

Everything is here in Subic.

Leave the confines of the metro and discover that Subic Bay is more than just a Freeport. Explore these fine places Manila Standard has listed just for you.

1.Subic Bay Yacht Club. Witness Subic Bay in its full glory by stopping over the Subic Bay Yacht Club. Inaugurated in 1997, the yacht club has seen first-hand the rich history of Subic— from its military roots to the blooming business and eco-tourism hub that it is today.

Surrounded by a mountain range and the West Philippine Sea, the Premiere Marina Country Club not only offers a great port for yacht owners to dock, but also let them enjoy an overnight stay from an upper deck room up to a two-floor presidential suite, with Italian and Asian cuisines served by the cambusa oriental restaurant.

The hotel’s interior is just as grand as its surrounding natural bodies. The club has a lot of available sports fa-

cilities such as basketball, tennis, and beach volleyball courts, and a children’s playground.

With its stunning facilities, pristine calm waters, and safe harbor, the Subic Bay Yacht Club opens its port as a paradise to yacht owners and tourists, complete with superb service and warm hospitality.

2. The Lighthouse Marina Resort. Unrivaled for its exemplary beauty, elegance, and renowned service, the Lighthouse Marina Resort is a perfect getaway for sea-loving sailors. As Subic Bay's premier luxury hotel, it features 34 modern and tastefully-appointed suites and an all-day dining mecca.

Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and features a flat-screen TV with cable channels and DVD player which are perfect for a leisurely stay.

All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom.

For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. The rooms provide the utmost relaxation with a host of exquisite indulgences and good views of the hillside, bustling waterfront road, and the breathtaking bay capped by the glimmer of sunsets.

The Lighthouse offers room promos this rainy season. Check out their social media accounts for more info or call their 24-hour front desk.

3. Zoobic Safari. Located in the forest of Subic, the 25-hectare Zoobic Safari is the only Tiger Safari in the country. This forest adventure park treats guests to an exciting escapade.

Take a train ride and get an open tour of their different attractions,

meet wild animals who are in their natural habitat, and be within pawreach of these animals as you observe how they behave in their natural sanctuaries.

You can also walk over a steel grate walkway with crocodiles directly below you. Here you can dangle a quarter chicken on a fishing pole for the crocs to snap away from your line.

Far from the conventional zoo and theme park, Zoobic gives you a chance to meet wild animals up close and personal. In turn, it promotes awareness and concern for animals. This unique avenue to commune with nature is truly an thrilling treat for family and friends!

4. Ocean Adventure. Meet the majestic marine life in a trip to Subic’s Ocean Adventure. Grab the opportunity to swim with sea lions, get up close and personal with dolphins, and dive with sharks, turtles, and jacks in activities that will introduce you to the underside of the bay.

Ocean Adventure is the first openwater marine theme park in Southeast Asia. It is committed in providing entertainment, while encouraging youngsters and young-at-hearts to take an active role in the protection of marine wildlife. It also exhibits various shows such as Dolphin Tales—an exciting presentation of intelligence, discipline, and skill of some of the friendliest animals in the deep blue sea.

5. Tree Top Subic Adventure.

Experience nature tripping from a breathtaking view at Treetop Subic Adventure, with its thrilling above-theground adventures. This includes Canopy Ride, Superman Turbo Charged,

and Tree Drop Adventure. The park uses an original tree trunk clamping mechanism to make sure that trees are not harmed in their spectacular natural setting.

Learn how to make a bonfire or drink from water vines while taking a tour of Subic’s remarkably diverse landscape via trekking. Surf into the wind with a fellow rider while seeing the unmatched view of the forest wilderness at the Silver Surfer Ride. Corporate groups can also try team building activities here such as Dragon Boat and Team Cycling.

Journey into one-of-a-kind activities with tour guides who are trained in first aid, industrial rope access work, and basic rope access rescue at The Tree Top Adventure. With your unforgettable experience and their unparalleled expertise, this theme park succeeds in promoting a greater appreciation of nature and ecosystems in its rugged beauty.

Make no mistake—from its bay, its concrete, and its forest, Subic offers the perfect fusion of a rural and urban experience. While it allures businessmen to invest in the booming economic zone, it also captivates visitors to participate in the rising eco-tourism industry. Subic Bay is not just for large ships of exports, but also for travellers who are in for a surprise.

So pack your things, drive your way, rent a hotel, and take your much-needed break at the harbor.

Stop seeking elsewhere. All you need could be found here.

Subic is more than just a Freeport. It has everything.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Manila Standard would like to thank the following Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Officials: Atty. Wilma "Amy" T. Eisma Chairperson and Administrator Amethya P. dela Llana Officer-in-Charge Office of the Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Kenneth G. Rementilla Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Noli Manuel Media Relations Officer Media Production Department