Manila Standard - 2018 September 13 - Thursday

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Ondoy-level rain feared Pagasa warns of Ompong’s fury, extensive damage to rice, corn crops

VOL. XXXII • NO. 210 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

By Rio N. Araja, Julito G. Rada and Nat Mariano

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YPHOON “Ompong” (international name: Mangkhut) barreled into the Philippine Area of Responsibility Wednesday, bringing with it the threat of torrential rain that could exceed the levels experienced during Tropical Storm “Ondoy,” which inundated Metro Manila in 2009, the weather bureau said.

FLAWLESS FORESIGHT. Residents of Baseco Compound in Manila’s waterfront district of Tondo (above) place plastic sheets and tires on their roofs in preparation for the arrival of Typhoon ‘Ompong’ while workers from outdoor media advertising firms (below) start folding giant tarps along Edsa in the capital as they get ready for ‘Ompong,’ whose peak intensity of 220kph in maximum winds may whip the metropolis. Norman Cruz and Manny Palmero

Forecast to be the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year, “Ompong” is expected to make landfall in the northern tip of Cagayan on Saturday, bringing very strong winds and six-meter-high storm surges in coastal areas along the path of the typhoon, weather forecaster Chris Perez said.

Agriculture officials said the typhoon could damage more than P11 billion worth of rice and corn crops if it hits northern Luzon, further aggravating food supply problems.

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P300-m worth of smuggled rice seized in Bulacan

By Vito Barcelo and Francisco Tuyay

WEATHER DEVASTATION POSSIBILITY.

An aerial view of the lakeshore town of Angono in Rizal Sept. 29, 2009, soon after Tropical Storm ‘Ondoy,’ the second most devastating tropical cyclone that year, lashed the country–a rebarbative possibility that could repeat itself should ‘Ompong’ breathe down on Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. AFP File Photo

THE Bureau of Customs seized smuggled rice worth P300 million in a raid Tuesday by customs and police officers in seven warehouses in Marilao, Bulacan, as the police natiowide were ordered to identify and arrest rice hoarders blamed for the shortage of government grains in public and private markets.

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said Wednesday at least 125,000 Next page

Draft EO tames inflation by way of tariff cuts

By Nat Mariano and Maricel V. Cruz

DISTURBING DISCOVERY. The Bureau of Customs, up front in addressing the wrath of a hungry population, has seized smuggled rice worth P300 million in a raid Wednesday by Customs and police operatives, with authorities claiming at least 125,000 sacks of imported rice–from Thailand, China and India–discovered in warehouses in one town alone in Bulacan. Customs Facebook

Daring Du30 trusts military—Palace PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s dare to the military to mutiny and support his critic Senator Antonio Trillanes IV was an expression of his confidence in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte trusted that the military would not support any ouster efforts against him.

“It just means that the President is confident that there will be no support coming from the military to remove him from his post,” Roque told reporters.

“His seeming incitement is actually also an expression of confidence that no one will follow Senator Trillanes.”

Duterte on Tuesday dared the military to Next page

Businessmen, workers slam TRAIN 2 THE proposed Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities or TRABAHO law, the repackaged TRAIN 2 bill, is expected to cause uncertainty among existing and prospective investors as the measure is seen to lead to large-scale revenue reduction and job losses because of damaged investor confidence.

This was the prevailing sentiment of business leaders during the recent Kapihan sa Manila Bay held on Sept. 12 at the Cafe Adriatico in Malate.

“Many elements in the proposed TRABAHO bill clearly aim to raise revenues for the government’s infrastructure development Next page

THE country’s economic managers will submit a draft executive order to President Rodrigo Duterte to address the rising food inflation, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the order seeks to “remove administrative constraints and non-tariff barriers on the importation of fish, rice, sugar, meat, and vegetables.”

“This means, they would make the process of importing food simple,” said Roque, adding that the EO will specifically tackle the non-tariff barriers and non-tariff impediments.

He also said that economic managers

Treason raps vs Trillanes ruled out

By Nat Mariano, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz DESPITE saying it had evidence of a plot to oust the President, the Palace said Wednesday it saw no need to charge Senator Antonio Trillanes IV—one of the alleged plotters—with treason.

“There’s no need [to file charges].

He already faces too many cases because of three counts of coup d’état [and] that’s too much life imprisonment,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque told Manila Standard in an interview.

Roque made the remark when asked about the President’s statement Tuesday afternoon that he has a record of conversations proving a loose conspiracy Next page

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Peso plummets to 13-year low of 54.13 vs dollar

Fil-Am tops US dance show HANNAHLEI Cabanilla can really dance.

The 18-year Filipino-American proved this by topping the US dance show “So You Think You Can Dance,”as she beat her closest competitor, the 20-year-old Latin ballroom specialist Jensen Arnold.

“It’s starting to feel real that my dreams are coming true. It’s just amazing ‘cause I still look up to the people on‘So You Think You Can Dance’and now I’m one of them,” Cabanilla told Mercury News, which covered the event.

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BUSINESS B1

Proud Pinay in Victoria’s Secret model lineup KELSEY Merritt, a proud Filipino-American, is set to conquer the runway.

Merritt, who has always been vocal about her love for the Philippines, has been officially introduced as Victoria’s Secret model, an iconic lingerie brand, as one of its runway models on Wednesday.

Merritt thus became the first Filipina to Next page

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Fariñas asks SC to rule on House row

By Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz

INORITY lawmakers, led by Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, have asked the Supreme Court to invalidate the minority leadership of Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez and instead install their leader, ABS Party-list Rep. Eugene de Vera, as the duly elected minority leader.

Fariñas’ bloc sought the nullification of the Suarez’s leadership of the minority for being allegedly unconstitutional and a vio-

lation of House rules.

But the bloc led by Suarez on Wednesday played down the petition questioning the legitimacy of his bloc as the duly constituted opposition recognized by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

At a news conference, party-list Reps.

Alfredo Garbin of Ako-Bicol and Salvador Belaro Jr. of Ang Edukasyon, both lawyers and members of the 45-man Suarez bloc, said the petition filed by Fariñas would be dismissed.

“I think the Supreme Court will not arrogate upon themselves the power of the plenary which recognized Congressman Danny Suarez and our group as the duly constituted minority,” Garbin said.

Fariñas’ bloc claimed that De Vera should be recognized as the minority leader after

most of Suarez’s bloc abandoned the minority by voting for Arroyo during the leadership change at the House on July 23.

The petitioners said Suarez himself voted for Arroyo as Speaker.

Citing House Rule II Section 8, the petitioners said the “members who vote for the winning candidate for Speaker shall constitute the Majority in the House and they shall elect from among themselves the Majority Leader.”

The petitioners said Arroyo and Majority Leader Andaya committed a “grave abuse of discretion” for continuing to recognize Suarez as the incumbent minority leader.

“In recognizing, and continuing to recognize Respondent Suarez as the Minority Leader in the HOR and refusing to recognize Petitioner De Vera as such Minor-

ity Leader, Respondents GMA and Andaya have committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction by unlawfully excluding, and continuing to unlawfully exclude, Petitioner De Vera from the full exercise of his mandate and those of his co-Petitioners as the duly constituted Minority,” the petition says.

Impleaded as respondents were Arroyo, Andaya and Suarez.

The petitioners also sought the issuance of a status quo ante order “in order to preserve the last actual, peaceable and uncontested situation before the controversy” by recognizing De Vera as minority leader, as well as a temporary restraining order against the respondents to cease and desist from recognizing Suarez as such minority leader.

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“The typhoon may reach a peak intensity of 220 to 270 kilometers per hour,” the weather bureau said.

Tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 could be raised in Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. “Ompong” intensified, packing maximum sustained winds of 205 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 255 kph. It was moving west at 20 kph.

Heavy rains due to the enhanced monsoon are expected in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Siquijor, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Island and Lanao del Sur. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol on Tuesday warned that “Ompong” may damage more than P11 billion worth of rice and corn crops if it hits northern Luzon.

“In the worst-case scenario… if it hits northern Luzon, rice alone will lose about P7 billion, and corn around P4 billion,” Piñol told lawmakers during budget hearings.

He said this is because some rice and corn crops in the region are still in the vegetative state, even while the harvest season has already begun.

“So I am praying that it won’t hit extreme northern Luzon because it could be devastating and could change the figures altogether,” Piñol said.

Weather forecasters said the typhoon threatens northern Luzon and may traverse the Cagayan-Batanes area on Saturday.

A report from ING Bank warned that “Ompong” could drive food prices higher if it does widespread damage to crops in northern Luzon.

“This could exacerbate price pressures in the Philippines as the harvest season is just about to begin,” the bank said.

Reports early this week said farmers in Cagayan and Isabela, two of the country’s top rice and corn-producing provinces, were rushing to reap their harvests as the typhoon approached.

Cagayan has harvested less than 10 percent of its produce from 130,000 hectares of rice fields, Gov. Manuel Mamba said in a statement.

High food prices drove the inflation rate to 6.4 percent in August, a nine-year high.

The Palace on Wednesday reminded the public to be alert and ready as “Ompong” approached the country’s area of responsibility.

“We remind the public to be alert and safe because of the approaching storm,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque in a Palace press briefing.

Roque said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Department of Social Welfare and Development have already prepared standby funds, food packs, and other

relief assistance.

Roque said several government agencies involved in disaster preparedness are now in contact with each other to facilitate quick emergency response to those who will be gravely affected by the coming storm.

He urged the public to take precautionary measures by knowing the evacuation plan, and preparing flashlights, radio, battery, sufficient amount of food, water supply, and first-aid kits.

“Please stay inside your houses and refrain from going outside if not necessary for your safety,” said Roque. “Let us pray for the safety of all.”

The Manila International Airport Authority on Wednesday announced it will close airport terminals and aerodromes if “Ompong” hits the country with maximum sustained winds of 35 knots crosswind.

MIAA officials led by its general manager Eddie Monreal met with members of Airline Operators Council to discuss contingency plans and possible measures in anticipation of the bad weather.

“We need your advance advisories regarding your planned cancellation or delay flight so we can disseminate the information to all passengers and employees who will be affected by the typhoon,” Monreal told AOC officials during the meeting.

“The Passengers Bill of Rights will be strictly implemented during the closure of the airport,” Monreal said.

On Wednesday, Senator Grace Poe urged MIAA and airlines officials to prioritize passenger welfare with the looming cancellation of flights as a result of “Ompong.”

“A typhoon is approaching the country.

Please call up passengers if their flights are canceled or prepare food at the airport,” said Poe over radio dzMM. She also noted that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has standby funds of some P200 million that can be used for emergency response.

Trade and Industry Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Ruth Castelo assured the public that there is an ample supply of rice in case the typhoon damages crops.

“Yes, we have 5 million bags coming in October. And then, the DTI has already initiated importing rice also as assistance to the NFA [National Food Authority],” Castelo said. “We are on standby because we also need to seek the approval of the NFA Council before we can do this.”

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said his department’s Regional and District Disaster Response Teams nationwide will deploy heavy equipment to high-risk areas to ensure structural integrity of vital roads, bridges, and high-rise public buildings.

The department, he added, is coordinating with the weather bureau, the Office of Civil Defense, the Army, the police, and local government units to monitor and submit timely situational reports of national roads and bridges every six hours and provide

prompt assistance during the onset of typhoon.

Villar said all teams are likewise responsible for the initial assessment of damage as well as the submission of detailed information on damaged structures with cost estimates for the restoration of calamity-hit structures.

Motorists are advised that a section of the Basco-Mahatao-Ivana-Uyugan-Imnajbu Road is temporary closed to traffic due to a landslide. Clearing operations are ongoing, and motorists may take Uyugan-Mahatao Interior Road as an alternative route.

The Metro Manila Development Authority announced it was preparing for “Ompong.”

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim tapped heads of the agency’s quick response units to ensure readiness of all assets and personnel to respond during emergencies.

The agency’s assets and emergency equipment on standby include seven ambulances, two tow trucks, two military trucks, two fire trucks, a boom truck, seven chainsaws, man-lift, rubber boats and extrication equipment.

Personnel of the agency’s emergency stations in the area of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Roxas Boulevard, Orense Street, Ortigas Avenue, and Timog Avenue; Circumferential Road-5 in Libis, Commonwealth Avenue, Tandang Sora Avenue and Nagtahan were also placed on blue alert.

With about 20 tropical cyclones entering the country every year, the MMDA reminded the public to heed warnings and take all precautions to protect health and ensure safety.

The NDRRMC has also called on people living in flood and landslide-prone areas to undertake necessary preparations as early as possible and heed calls by authorities for pre-emptive evacuation .

The initial effects of “Ompong” will be felt in Catanduanes during its approach and Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over the province.

The NDRRMC said heavy rains and strong winds may be experienced over northern Luzon and parts of Central and Southern Luzon and surrounding seas are expected to be rough to very rough.

Metro Manila is likely to be placed on Signal No. 1.

The Philippine National Police and the military have alerted their personnel in the provinces along Ompong’s path to mobilize all search and rescue units to respond to emergencies.

The NDRRMC Operations Center is currently on red alert and the Response Cluster has been activated.

The local government unit of Maasin City in Southern Leyte has declared the suspension of classes in all levels both private and public in the city on Sept. 13 to 14. With Joel E. Zurbano, Francisco Tuyay, Vito Barcelo and PNA

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diately pass the Rice Tariffication Bill this September.

According to Roque, economic managers will allow fish imports to be distributed in Metro Manila and other markets in the country. They will also set up public markets where producers can sell chicken products directly to the end customer and provide cold storage facility.

On sugar, Duterte’s economic team will simplify procedures to allow importation to direct users to moderate cost to consumers. On vegetables, the government will improve the logistics, transport distribution and storage as this would reduce prices for consumers.

“In line with this, the President has said in his address yesterday with Secretary Salvador Panelo that he wants the smooth delivery of vegetables from the North going to Metro Manila,” said Roque. “Prioritize the release of essential food items in the port— this is what we’re telling that there should be a hands-on designated person to sign the papers especially the imports of rice in the Customs.”

Meanwhile, the economic managers suggested medium to long-term measures in the agriculture industry and fisheries sector.

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sacks of imported rice, reportedly imported from Thailand, China, and India, were discovered inside the warehouses located at the FedCor Compound at Barangay Ibayo, Marilao, Bulacan.

Representatives from the National Food Authority in Bulacan were present when the BoC and Philippine National Police raided the compound.

“Seven out of the total of 11 warehouses inside the compound were being used to store the thousands of sacks of rice,” the BoC chief said.

The customs chief said the warehouse owners, lessees or the owners of the imported goods failed to present proof that payment of duties and taxes had been made on the rice.

The bureau is stepping up its operations to thwart rice smuggling given the price hike in the country’s staple grain.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier announced that the government will go after rice hoarders who contribute to the increasing cost of rice.

Lapeña instructed the bureau’s Intelligence and Enforcement Groups to go after suspected rice smugglers and hoarders of imported rice and other agricultural products.

PNP chief Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday ordered the mobilization intelligence units across the country to identify and arrest rice hoarders and manipulators.

Albayalde’s directive came after President Duterte ordered the police to go after traders who were keeping rice out of the market.

“We intensify our intelligence gathering to identify these warehouses that are hoarding rice blamed for the shortage of staple,” Albayalde said.

The PNP is closely coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture and National Food Authority (DTI, DA, NFA) to discuss the anti-hoarding campaign.

Despite imports, NFA rice of different varieties, priced at P27 and P32 a kilo remained scarce, sparking public outrage.

Albayalde said the prevailing rice shortage could be attributed to illegal stockpiling in warehouses.

“If there’s a shortage, it could be because of hoarding. The rice could be sitting in warehouses and will be released only when the price goes up,” Albayalde said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“We have to figure out, that’s why we intensified our intelligence gathering through the different intelligence officers of different regions,” he said. “This is a matter of national interest.”

Meanwhile, quarantine officials on Wednesday cleared 132,400 bags of rice docked at the Subic Bay Freeport after they were fumigated for weevils.

Plant Quarantine Service Regional Manager Ronnie M. Manuel issued the certification that the rice shipment from Thailand is fit for human consumption after it was treated by SSI Chemical Applications, Inc., a Bureau of Plant Industryaccredited fumigator.Before the clearance was issued, rice samples were randomly taken from the cargo holds of m/v Gazi for inspection, examination and sensory evaluation. The samples passed the quality specifications and standards.

If the weather permits, unloading of the rice shipment is expected to resume on Sept. 13 for delivery to NFA warehouses.

The 132,400 bags rice shipment is part of the 160,000 bags allocated for distribution in Central Luzon to beef up the inventory of NFA rice in the agency’s warehouses in Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan and Aurora.

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros described the weevil infestation involving over 100,000 sacks of imported rice languishing at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as the “single biggest hallmark of government incompetence.”

“No matter how many cups of weevilinfested rice our public officials eat, no matter how safe they all claim it to be, our people shouldn’t have to endure eating this kind of food if only our government had done its job in ensuring the country’s food security,” she said.

She said the government has thousands and thousands of sacks of rice and just let it get infested.

“If this is not gross incompetence, I don’t know what is,” she said.

The NFA on Wednesday assured the public that the delivery of its services will continue even as administrator Jason Aquino has requested to be relieved from his post.

In a statement, the NFA said Aquino, who is currently on leave, will remain head of the food agency until a replacement is appointed by Duterte.

During a meeting with NFA Regional Directors last Sept. 5, Aquino had instructed them to further intensify rice distribution activities, to reach 15 to 20 percent market participation, so that more consumers, especially those living in remote barangays, island-provinces, the poor and marginalized in highly populated urban areas, are able to benefit from the government’s low-priced good quality rice at P27 and P32 per kilogram.

With Macon Ramos-Araneta and PNA

stage a coup and oust him if they no longer found him effective as a leader, echoing what he had been repeatedly saying in previous speeches.

“If you want another President, fine,” Duterte said.

Duterte’s tirades prompted his critics to suspect that the chief executive had started feeling “insecure” about the military’s loyalty.

In other developments: • Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said Wednesday they will not be persuaded to join any move by would-be coup plotters in ousting Duterte.

“We will always be loyal to the Constitution, to his administration and to the Filipino people. The President has our trust and confidence,” Albayalde said.

• Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano on Wednesday urged Duterte to send a message of unity instead of challenging the military to oust him.

Alejano, a former officer of the Philippine Navy, lamented Duterte’s statements during his tête-à-tête with Chief Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo on Tuesday.

• Both Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison and the Magdalo group on Tuesday denied they were in cahoots to oust Duterte.

• Duterte’s one-on-one interview with Panelo was “a lost opportunity,” Vice President Leni Robredo said Wednesday.

She told the Duterte administration to focus on inflation the rice crisis and how to address them, instead of repeatedly criticizing the opposition.

She said the President could have discussed and addressed the people’s immediate and urgent concerns rather than waste time coming out in a televised “tetea-tete” with Panelo.

• Duterte’s widely anticipated public address was a complete disappointment and a total waste of time and precious government resources, Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros said Wednesday.

Francisco Tuyay, Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

came up with short-term anti-inflationary measures, assuring the public that the country has enough supply of rice.

“We have 4.6 million sacks of rice available in National Food Authority warehouses which will be released immediately. We have around two million sacks of rice which will arrive before the end of September, and the NFA Council has likewise approved the importation of 5 million sacks that will arrive over the next 1.5 months,” Roque said, pointing out that 2.7 million sacks will be allocated to curb the high prices in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

The Palace official said the administration are projecting a harvest for 2018 amounting to 12.6 million metric tons or around 252 million sacks of rice. Another five million sacks of rice will be imported early next year.

However, aside from the importation, the economic managers also plan to simplify and streamline the licensing procedures for rice imports of the NFA. Roque said they will form monitoring teams for surveillance of rice from ports to NFA warehouses and outlets and urge the Senate to imme-

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plan but many of these elements, particularly those that reduce or even scrap certain tax incentives, may drive away foreign investors,” said Ed Cutiongco, vice president of the Petroleum Association of the Philippines or PAP Meanwhile, the labor group Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines or ALU-TUCP on Wednesday expressed concern over the TRABAHO bill that may cause job losses and poor production output in the economic zones.

ALU-TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay cited the lack of an effective policy from the Finance department guaranteeing job and income security for workers whose jobs and livelihood would be affected once government cracked down on the companies and locators who do not comply with the implementation of TRABAHO. “There was no safety net in place and so-

cial protection of the [Finance department] in light of incredible inflation triggered by TRAIN implementation. This will be an additional burden for the workers with the enforcement of TRABAHO,” Tanjusay said.

Cutiongco said “Although the House version of the TRABAHO bill no longer cover PD87, which gives fiscal incentives to oil and gas contractors, we in the energy sector, however, are still wary that the Senate version will retain its repeal of PD87, as in the previous draft of the TRAIN 2 law.”

“The evolving TRABAHO bill still has the energy sector concerned since oil and gas exploration and development is capitalintensive, which would require foreign investors to provide equity into projects.”

Cutiongco also said the oil and gas sector was already reeling from a low success rate brought about by the inherent low prospectivity coupled with dismal exploration activity compared with the country’s Asean neighbors. Vito Barcelo

Poll body gives in to Congress, resets filing of bets’ CoCs THE Commission on Elections has rescheduled the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2019 national and local elections to Oct. 11 to 17, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said Wednesday.

The original schedule for the filing of CoCs was Oct. 1 to 5, 2018.

The leadership of the House of Representatives was relieved following the Comelec’s announcement that granted Congress’ request to reset the election schedule.

House Majority Leader and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. said the House could now focus on its legislative work as the election season begins with the CoC filing next month.

“Now we can buckle down to work and focus on deliberating on the priority legislative measures of the President without the distractions of the electoral campaign,” said Andaya, chairman of the House committee on rules.

“We have approved on third and final reading six of these measures and we hope to wrap up the committee and plenary deliberations on the other pending bills.”

Jimenez said via Twitter that the new schedule excluded Saturdays and Sundays.

“On the last day, there will be no extension of the filing hours. Please be advised,” Jimenez said.

On Monday, both chambers of Congress adopted resolutions urging the Comelec to move back the period for the filing of CoCs to Oct. 11 to 17, 2018. Maricel V. Cruz

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involving Trillanes, communist rebels, and the opposition Liberal Party to remove him from office.

“We are not hiding any information about Trillanes as everyone knows all the crimes he committed even during the Oakwood mutiny,” Roque said.

While Duterte said the conversations were provided by a foreign government, Roque said he had no information about the President’s source.

“I don’t know if it’s a regular thing. But what I do know is that it’s the nature of an intel. Intel, precisely, is intended to provide you information to avoid eventualities,” Roque said.

“The gathering of Intel has always been recognized as a function of diplomatic missions... We also get intel information, that’s the nature of diplomatic relations nowadays,” Roque said when asked if the intel provided counted as foreign interference.

Roque also said that the President’s incitement to the military to oust him was just an expression of confidence.

“The President is confident there will be no support to oust him. His excitement is an expression of confidence that no one will follow Senator Trillanes or his companions,” Roque said.

On Tuesday, Duterte said he has evidence, provided by a foreign country, to prove there is a plot to oust him. He also warned the Armed Forces of the Philippines against siding with his enemies.

“I asked that it be declassified, and we will show it [to the public],” Duterte said as he addressed the nation with his live dialogue with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo Tuesday afternoon.

“This is my message to the Armed Forces: Just be careful. Just be careful of your connivance with the Magdalo [group of Trillanes]. Because Magdalo is not all in agreement to destabilize or overthrow the government,” he warned.

“To those who see that Trillanes made a difference for your well-being, go to them and stage a mutiny or revolution. You are free to do that. As a matter of fact, I am encouraging you, so we could end this,” Duterte said. “I am challenging Magdalo to start now. If you think the soldiers are yours, it’s fine. If the generals [think the same], so be it. Let’s show the Filipino people what you really want.”

With Rey E. Requejo, PNA

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walk in the highly-coveted Victoria’s Secret fashion show, which in the past has featured the likes of Tyra Banks and Miranda Kerr.

“It’s a dream come true for Kelsey Merritt!” read a post on the official Instagram page of Victoria’s Secret, which carried a photo of the Filipino-American in tears after finding out that she is now part of the brand’s fashion show this year.

Merritt also appeared on Victoria’s Secret “runway Q&A” in its IG where the Fil-American was asked about her special talents or skills, favorite food and television shows, her style icons, and her pet peeves.

Merritt’s advice to aspiring models?

“Dream big and dream hard, and work hard. Don’t stop pushing yourself to your limits… Don’t look at others’ success, don’t worry about others, don’t compare yourself to others. Just focus on yourself and you’ll go far.”

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According to the news report, Cabanilla started dancing at the age of two and later trained at the Orange County Performing Arts Academy.

Cabanilla’s performance drew high praise from all the judges, including actress Vanessa Hudgens, who called the 18-year-old dancer a “fierce warrior princess.”

Hudgens, who also has Filipino blood, earlier described Cabanilla as a “fellow Filipina.”

News Chinese envoy visits PH to discuss WPS joint exploration

By Vito Barcelo CHINESE Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit the Philippines next week to discuss infrastructure projects, as well as joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

Wang, who is also a Chinese state councilor, will visit the country on the invitation of Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

The two officials will discuss the framework on the possible projects which is expected to conform to domestic rules and regulations and international laws as both sides had stated in the past.

In a statement, the DFA said Wang will visit the country on Sept. 16 to 18 which is aimed at further building on the increasingly strong foundation of friendship between the Philippines and China.

“With continued dialogue and consultation anchored on mutual trust and respect, and the resolute pursuit of mutually beneficial practical cooperation, Philippines and China will continue to work together in managing differences and addressing issues pertaining to the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea,” the DFA statement said.

Wang visited the Philippines in July 2017, where both the Chinese official and Cayetano signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening cooperation.

In that meeting, Wang said that the China-Philippines continuing relations have ‘‘dispelled the dark clouds and embraced splendid and bright prospects again under the joint efforts of both sides’’ since President Rodrigo Duterte has assumed office, with bilateral political mutual trust being constantly enhanced and cooperation in various fields being advanced in an orderly manner.

The Philippines is a close neighbor of China separated by only a narrow strip of water and a regional major country with significant influence.

Wang said that China is willing to see the Philippines achieve national stability and economic development and play a more important role in regional affairs.

“It is hoped that both sides will earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to properly handle sensitive issues, and create a favorable environment for the sustained and stable development of bilateral relations,” Wang said.

‘Ompong’ forces cancellation of UPCAT exams nationwide TYPHOON ‘‘Ompong’’ (international name ‘‘Mangkhut’’), has forced the postponement of the University of the Philippines College Admission Test scheduled this weekend.

In a radio interview, UP vice president for Public Affairs Jose Dalisay Jr. said that the typhoon will likely affect UPCAT’s examination centers nationwide.

“Itong postponement ng UPCAT ay nationwide. Apektado lahat ng examination center ng UPCAT mula Luzon hanggang Mindanao, maski pati mga lugar na hindi naman masyadong tatamaan ng bagyo,” (The postponement of the UPCAT is nationwide. All examination centers are covered, from Luzon to Mindanao, even areas that will not be directly hit by the typhoon.) Dalisay said.

As in past exams, materials and protocols will come from Metro Manila, which is expected to be battered by heavy rains starting Friday.

Dalisay said the University of the Philippines may need at least two weeks more to study the situation and reschedule the UPCAT. “Gagawa na naman ng mga panibagong agreement para sa mga testing centers, mga proctor, kaya hindi ganoon kadali i-reset ang UPCAT,” (We need to draw new agreements for testing centers and proctors so resetting the UPCAT is not that easy.) Dalisay said.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Only 180 Bora resorts OKd for reopening

By Rio N. Araja, Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

O

F THE 2,300 establishments in Aklan’s Boracay Island, only 180 of which or 7.8 percent have fulfilled the requisites of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Jonas Leones said based on latest figures, only 180 establishments have complied with the directives.

DENR earlier promised to the Senate that 30 percent of the 2,300 commercial establishments in the island would be ready to operate and welcome tourists on Oct. 26.

But barely a month before the island’s reopening, only 7.8 percent of the

businesses have complied.

“We will be discussing with the Department of Tourism and Department of the Interior and Local Government to finalize the list,” Leones said.

The department is now validating and processing the compliance requirements of the other 2,120 business establishments.

“We still have to validate their documents. The 180 establishments have [already] undergone the process,” he said.

Leones said he hopes to complete the

evaluation of the applications of the over 2,000 businesses before the scheduled Oct. 15 dry run.

DENR has put up a one-stop shop to assist business operators to comply with all the necessary requirements.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, however, said business owners would still need the approval of the Department of Tourism for accreditation.

In April, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure of the Boracay Island to address its environmental woes for the next six months.

Meanwhile, President Duterte’s Cabinet has adopted several recommendations for the capacity assessment of Boracay in time for the island’s reopening on October, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the interagency looking at the carrying capacity assessment of Boracay said on Tuesday evening that there is an

excess in hotels and available rooms, solid waste generated, and existing nontourist population in the island.

“There is, however, sufficient water supply and insufficient wastewater treatment facilities,” said Roque.

He added that the following are some of the recommendations which were adopted: 1) maintain the tourism carrying capacity of 19,215 persons per day, including 6,405 tourist arrivals per day; 2) evaluate the feasibility of utilizing the extra available rooms; 3) promote wetlands utilization for filtering out waste from both soil and water through plant uptake; 4) maximize open spaces for vegetation and minimize point source pollution; 5) use the Information, Education, and Communications approach especially on both solid waste and liquid waste management and 6) minimize coastal erosion and establish permanent monitoring facilities in designated areas.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Losing an opportunity

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

his critics. Oh yeah? So why was Trillanes’ amnesty revoked?

So, can Trillanes be arrested? I don’t think so. The Supreme Court, while denying his petition, also ruled that the matter should be with the Regional TriMALACAÑANG labeled that dialogue al Court which rules on matters of fact.

Didn’t President Duterte say he upbetween President Duterte and his legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, a “tete- holds the rule of law? Then he knows what to do—leave the matter to the a-tete.”

To the dismay of many, including the courts! *** business community, what emerged In the wake of the impending abowas a scripted conversation between lition of the Presidential Commission Mr. Duterte and his minion.

Everything he said, except for that on Good Government, Malacañang challenge to the Magdalo group, was a may well know what is going on at rehash of what he has been saying all the PCGG. Of some 300 corporations that were sequestered by the Cory along.

It was a letdown because people Aquino government after the downfall were expecting the President to pre- of strongman Ferdinand Marcos, how sent measures to alleviate the misery many are left, still represented by soof the people, reeling from the double called presidential nominees or fiscal whammy of inflation and a looming agents?

I know for a fact that PCGG commisrice crisis. sioners have taken Businessthe place of these men hoped that fiscal agents or President Duterte presidential nomiwould enumerate nees by virtue of measures to curb Mr. Duterte did not a memorandum inflation so they really connect to the from the Office could plan their people. of the President operations better. that all presidenAlas, he missed tial nominees in that opportunity sequestered corto connect with porations must the people. Instead he talked about the alleged coup submit their courtesy resignations.

And soon after, believe it or not, against him and the fact that he was the one who raised the salaries of soldiers. PCGG commissioners assign themI have seen coups in my nearly seven selves or just take over the positions decades as a journalist, and I can say of fiscal agents, receiving double comthat for a mutiny to succeed, it should pensation and perks. My gulay, some have a people power component. That sequestered corporations even for their was the mistake of the Magdalo group. directors.

Shouldn’t the Commission on Audit They thought the people would support look into this anomaly since the them, but they were wrong.

This is also why President Duterte commissioners seem to be having a appears confident that he would stay in holiday? *** power, in the wake of reports of destabiThe Senate race in 2019 is tight with lization. Surveys show he continues to enjoy high trust and satisfaction ratings. reelectionists, returning senators and But it will be high prices and the viable names entering the picture.

The winnables, not necessarily in looming price crisis that matter most— not Trillanes. He is not a gut issue as far this order, are Davao City Mayor Sara as millions of Filipinos are concerned. Duterte Carpio, Ilocos Norte Gov. History has shown that people’s hun- Imee Marcos, and Senators Grace Poe, ger has fueled revolutions. Is the Presi- Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito and Koko Pimentel. dent listening?

They have the distinct advantage of I am bothered, however, that Malacanang chose to change the format of name recall and bailiwicks.

There are also former Senator Pia the usual press conference. Why did the President all of a sudden refuse to Cayetano and Jinggoy Estrada, and also answer questions from the media? Why former MMDA chief Francis Tolentino.

This means that newcomers have did he prefer that scripted “tete-a-tete” only slots 11 and 12 to fight for. with Panelo?

Duterte insisted he is not silencing Turn to A5

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

On the warpath

S

UPER Typhoon “Ompong” has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and the lives and assets of millions of Filipinos in Luzon are under threat.

The storm, internationally known as Mangkhut, is seen to reach an intensity of 220 to 270 kilometers. Moving westward at 20 kph, it is expected to make landfall on Cagayan province on Saturday.

Torrential rain, powerful wind and storm surges are forecast.

These are not new to Filipinos. Disasters happen several times a year, in different places, forms and intensity.

Sometimes the damage is greater than at other times.

Sometimes the calamities and

their aftermath are handled better.

This time around, authorities assure us that they are sufficiently prepared for Ompong’s onslaught. They have also given public advisories, advising people what to do and what not to when the typhoon is felt. Rescue and communication equipment are in place, they say.

In this case, the threat of damage heightens the looming crisis in food staples, specifically rice. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol has warned that in a worstcase scenario, Ompong could cause destruction up to P7 billion in palay and another P4 billion in corn.

Experience has taught us that local governments, just because of their immediacy, play a crucial role in determining how an area is able to deal with disaster, and

recover from it. Notwithstanding the much-vaunted preparations of the national agencies, this will continue to be the case. It is the faces and voices of local officials from who residents will take the cue.

There is nothing we can do about the fact that our country is on the warpath of powerful weather disturbances.

We can only brace ourselves for Ompong’s onslaught this week, and for that of many others to come. What government can influence, however, is the way disaster risk can be mitigated, prepared for, responded to and recovered from.

We’ve seen enough tragic stories occasioned by natural disasters. We hope that the man-made inadequacies and excesses do not compound the damage—at least, not too much.

On ghost stories; literary events in September lar series of urban legends and ghostly tales from Visprint, with many of the stories coming from contributors.

Other publishers have also come out with horror anthologies and collections, but in total we don’t have a body I’VE been laid up in bed the past few of work similar to what the Victorians months because of illness and I have and Edwardians came up with.

I look forward to a compendium of a lot of free time. I’ve been catching up on my reading and am revisiting Philippine ghostly tales, particularly Victorian and Edwardian novels and the ‘true to life’ stories. With Halloween and Hundas just around the corner, stories.

A favorite genre of the era was ghost it’s that spooky time again. *** stories. They were quite popular among This month is for all things litera people who were obsessed with death and the afterlife. It was during this pe- ary in the Philippines, from writers’ riod that mediums and séances were awards nights to book fairs and other events. all the rage, and First, the 39th devices to warn of Manila Internapremature burial tional Book Fair were advertised in is happening on newspapers. (The Are there parallels in Sept. 12-16, 10 Victorians were a.m. to 8 p.m. terrified of being Philippine literature? at SMX-Mall of buried alive.)

Asia. Scores of These were a bookstores and people who had publishers will be strict etiquette on mourning, extending to the garb won. selling their wares to the public, many The severity and color of the dress de- at discounted prices. *** pended on the status of the mourner The UST Publishing House under and proximity to the deceased (widow? the directorship of professor and author Daughter? A cousin twice removed?)

So it’s no surprise that ghost stories Ailil B. Alvarez will be showcasing were widely read. Among the famous academic and literary books at stalls authors of the day who wrote them #256-257 at the MIBF, with some of were Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan their most popular authors on hand to Doyle, Rudyard Kipling, M. R. James, sign their books.

Among them are Joselito de los and many others.

Are there parallels in Philippine lit- Reyes (Paubaya, Finding Teo), Ralph erature? We don’t have a canon of ghost Semino Galan (From the Major stories, and the only such works I can Arcana, Discernments), Chuckberry think of in that direction are the popuTurn to A5

Got a problem? Ask China’s online agony aunts

By Albee Zhang WONDERING if you have a sex addiction? Have a question about the USChina trade war’s likely impact? Or about whether to buy a house? China’s online question-and-answer mavens like Gu Zhongyi are there for you.

Gu, a nutritionist, is among hundreds of thousands of “experts” who sell their advice in thriving Chinese internet forums where they serve as web-based agony aunts.

Chinese often have nowhere else to turn—the Communist government’s controls on information, especially on

sensitive topics like the trade war and sex, makes some information hard to come by, and consulting professionals in person costs too much for many people.

Around 10,000 questions per day were asked last year via “Wenda” (“Q & A”), a function on dominant Chinese social media platform Weibo where financial, health and professional experts —often self-appointed—earn money with each response.

Gu quit his nutritionist job at a top Beijing hospital last year to focus on Wenda, establishing himself as a go-to guy for masses of young mothers with

questions on nutrition for their babies.

“I think it is more meaningful to do a job that can impact more people.

Wenda is a win-win,” said Gu, who supplements his online income writing pay-for-access articles, and also books.

Many Wenda pundits are credentialed experts, but many more become authorities merely by drawing enough of a following.

They set a rate, typically between 100-200 yuan ($15-$30) per question, answering those of their choosing.

More money comes in via “snooping,” in which other users pay Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

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Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

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Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion A more efficient disbursement OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ AFTER several weeks of committee deliberations on the 2019 national budget by the House Committee on Appropriations, the Lower House is now gearing up for the tedious plenary deliberations.

Budget deliberations is an opportune time for legislators to scrutinize the proposed new appropriations of government agencies to ensure that their proposed budgets clearly reflect their projects and programs for the benefit of the Filipinos.

Based on records, most government agencies fail to efficiently utilize their respective budgets each fiscal year. In fiscal management, a low absorptive capacity of a government agency is a clear indicator of inefficiency. Therefore, the bigger chunk of our nation’s wealth is not being used effectively for the delivery of basic services.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is one of the government agencies with low absorptive capacity. It is the main agency tasked to deliver social services.

Furthermore, it is mandated to up-

lift the well-being of poor Filipinos, particularly to free the Filipinos from poverty and hunger. DSWD’s average utilization rate from 2013 to 2016 is only 88.78 percent. Last year, the department’s utilization rate dropped to 79.5 percent. From 2013 to 2017, the unused appropriations of the Office of the Secretary alone averaged at P15.9 billion per year. Per the report of the Commission on Audit, most of

Most government agencies fail to use their respective budgets each fiscal year.

the unused appropriations were due to the delays and discontinuation of implementation of several projects and programs of the department. As an example, DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program, which is a multi-year program, gets discontinued on the second year due to the dissolution of the beneficiary associations.

It is important to note that dur-

ing last year’s budget deliberations in the plenary, the Minority lawmakers, including myself, called for the downloading of funds to the local government units. This year, the House Committee on Appropriations also proposed to increase the Internal Revenue Allotment share of Local Government Units to 60 percent. This would require amendatory legislation.

Currently, the LGUs get a 40-percent share from the national government’s internal revenue collection, while 60 percent is allocated to the national government.

The inefficient spending of the national government implies ineffective delivery of government services. As a practical matter, LGUs, most especially municipalities and barangays, can be considered as the most effective in disbursing funds because they are on the front line of delivery of basic social services. They have on-theground knowledge and experience in determining the needs of their communities.

In broad strokes, the Minority would support such legislation as it allows for fiscal autonomy, self-determination and independence from the National Government. It will also ease the bottleneck in centralized spending.

The ouster plot DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA IS THERE really a plot to oust President Duterte? If there is, where is it coming from and who are behind it?

Basing from the two models wherein the country ousted two of its presidents, the report, to be credible, could only come from two fronts. The tactical alliance of our uniformed services and the political opposition is materially supported in part by vested interest groups from the business community. But there is no credible and verifiable intelligence coming from these groups.

In the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada, left-leaning organizations participated by providing warm bodies to help the demonstrations going for days. The civilian plotters worked on the military and police to turn them around. They eventually succeeded in removing President Estrada.

In the current situation, it is hard to see where the threat is coming from.

Other than the communists who are bent on ousting the President, the report of a plot is only a rumor according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, a staunch but level-headed supporter of President Duterte. It is possible that it is just a product of the insecurities of the President.

If it is, he should not be alarmed. His trust and approval ratings remain high, midway through his term. He among many Presidents have shown partiality to our uniformed services showering them with better pay and appointment to positions in government. In fact, one criticism of the President is that there are too many retired uniformed people occupying senior positions in government. He has indeed pampered the Police and Military to the envy of other government employees. In his recent trip to Israel and Jordan, he brought with him retiring military and police personnel as a parting gift which

Got...

From A4

one yuan each to view answers to previously asked questions.

Fuelled by China’s ubiquitous use of mobile-phone payments, snooping of hot topics can bring in tens of thousands of yuan per answer, which is split between the asker, the expert and Weibo.

“You need to find the time to go to a hospital or to buy a book. But the time and money you spend on it are costly.

But I can just give the answers to you,” Gu said.

Sex, trade and housing One of Wenda’s more popular experts is “Queen C-Cup,” whose identity and qualifications are unknown but who has established herself as an oracle on sex, with more than six million followers.

Open discussion of sex is still

swelled the number of the delegation.

I realize of course, that these are not iron-clad guarantees that some disgruntled elements from the police and military will not join other factions for a plot to oust the President but right now, there are no indications at all.

As they say, where there is smoke, there is fire and those of us even in the retired list are not hearing anything. If there is, we would have heard it in the grapevine because it is something that cannot be hidden for long. If it is the

Liberal Party that is leading the plot, it is hard to see how it will succeed considering that its ranks have been decimated and whose members are now mostly with the majority party. Vice President Leni Robredo, the head of the party, is not exactly the type that can spearhead a plot to oust a President. The President himself already questioned the competence of his Vice President. If it is a project of the Liberal Party and the reds, this would automatically exclude the uniformed personnel because they could never go to bed with the Reds. Perhaps what is in the mind of the President that he cannot say in public is the unseen hand of a puppeteer directing or encouraging disgruntled elements in the country to oust him. If so, he is probably referring to the CIA which has occupied his mind ever since he took office. He seems to believe that the United States, represented by the CIA, has a plan to get him. During his trip to Israel, he alluded to some unseen forces who are spying on him and monitoring all his

activities.

Since he is the repository of all intelligence reports, we do not know if he has some basis in believing so. Senator Antonio Trillanes has also been mentioned as one of the leaders of the ouster plot. But if we ask anybody in the police or military, it is doubtful if the good Senator can recruit a platoon much less a company of soldiers to follow him. Besides, his record of leading coups has not been very good. He was of course able to parlay his involvement in coup plots to become a senator of the realm but most of his comrades were not as successful as him. We have seen this in the two coup attempts that the good Senator has participated. The Oakwood and Peninsula Hotel capers ended in total failures and destroyed many careers.

It is true that Senator Trillanes is a big thorn on the side of the President but to make a martyr out of him will just be igniting a fire that has the potential of developing into a bigger problem. If indeed we have a democratic system of government, it is better to leave Senator Trillanes alone so that we can say to the world that there is dissent in this country. If dissent is stifled then our reputation as a country ruled by a strongman will cause our democratic credentials to deteriorate further.

The midterm elections is just around the corner and politicians from all parties are already lining up for the coming political battle which is one good reason why the story of an ouster plot is not credible. What the administration should perhaps be doing instead of being so fixated on the ouster plot is to try to do something about the economy which is floundering. The peso is depreciating, the inflation is at record levels, our international reserves have gone down not to mention the scarcity of rice which the government continue to describe as artificial. If all these are left unattended, these will be the spark that will ignite bigger problems for this government in the long run and not the report of an ouster plot.

frowned upon in China, and Queen CCup has complained of being harassed online.

But Wenda grants a degree of anonymity to those asking questions, who seek Queen C-Cup’s advice on everything from jazzing up one’s sex life to grappling with domestic violence or the anguish of forced marriages.

Her fees range up to several hundred yuan and her answers are heavily snooped.

Wenda is becoming an important part of China’s knowledge economy, Beijing-based internet research company Sootoo Institute said in a recent report.

The number of people willing to pay for knowledge on Wenda or use other forms of paid content or articles doubled in 2017 to nearly 188 million people, it said.

The dragged-out US-China trade

tussle has spurred a wave of questions, especially because China’s government—ever wary of potential social instability—has largely stifled discussion of the dispute’s impact.

“Is there any way China and the US may reconcile? How will we ordinary folks be affected?” one Wenda user asked recently, while countless others seek advice like whether to stock up now on certain goods.

China’s rising housing prices are another top subject that has minted countless “experts,” including Wang Sicong.

An investor and son of a top Chinese business tycoon, Wang was recently asked—for a fee of 10,000 yuan— whether young urban residents should use their parents’ savings to buy homes.

The answer—renting may be a better choice, Wang said—was snooped nearly one million times. AFP

It is better to leave Senator Trillanes alone so that we can say to the world that there is dissent in this country.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Resource-short Taiwan achieved rice self-sufficiency Communists’ arch-enemy, the US. Not only that. Since it now had enough rice and other agricultural products to feed the Taiwanese RUDY ROMERO people, and because Taiwan badly needed foreign exchange, the islandTAIWAN is generally regarded as a state embarked on export trade in First World country and is one of the agricultural products, especially world’s foremost industrial and trading rice. Taiwan became, and remain, an nations. Yet, not so long ago—more important exporter of rice. precisely, almost 70 years ago—that That surely is not bad for a country was not the case. that had very little cultivable land, In September 1949, Taiwan— had limited water resources, had a christened Formosa by the colonizing start-from-scratch administrative Portuguese—was just one of the larger infrastructure and was short of foreign islands off the Chinese mainland. Then exchange. Since it first attained rice in the following month, Generalissimo self-sufficiency, Taiwan has not had to Chiang Kai-shak and his Nationalist import a single grain of that. army, beaten by the Communist Comparisons are odious, but in view troops led by Mao Tse-tung, crossed of what is happening in this country the Formosa Strait and established a today—and of how unstable the rice government on Taiwan. Thus was the situation is—a comparison between island-state born. the agricultural experiences of Taiwan The Chiang group came to an island and the Philippine is both inevitable that was relatively small and had and instinctive. minimal natural This country is resou rces. one of the world’s Taiwan is largely biggest importers mountainous, of rice— and whatever total imports We can also do it, if cultivable land it will probably be 500,000 has is found along our authorities applied metric tons in the island’s coastal the same seriousness 2 018 — d e s p i t e areas. The total and consistency to their the 3,000,000 area available hectares of land for agriculture is jobs. devoted to the just over 200,000 cultivation of hectares—that rice and corn, wasn’t much land this country’s by any standard.

Realizing that the first order of numerous rivers with large water business was to provide enough volume, its centuries-long tradition food for his beleaguered army, of rice culture, the existence in the the Generalissimo decreed that Philippines of two pre-eminent rice the highest priority, after the research institutions (UPLB and the strengthening of Taiwan’s defenses, International Rice Research Institute), was the development of the island’s a favorable legislative environment, agriculture. Whatever land and water a broad administrative infrastructure existed were to be used in the most and sufficient foreign exchange.

If the government—Congress efficient manner possible. All the necessary agricultural production and the Executive branch—applied inputs besides water—especially to Philippine agriculture the same credit, agricultural extension and seriousness and consistency that the marketing assistance—were to be authorities of Taiwan, with the island’s made available by the government far more limited resources, did, this to ensure the highest possible yield country would have become (1) selfper hectare of land. It was a case of, sufficient in rice, (2) not needed to literally, all hands to the flow, and the import that basic community and (3) government was closely monitoring quite possible have become an exporter.

The job can be done. In the seventies the progress of the farmers. It is not out of place to mention here that some the government, through its Masagana of Taiwan’s agricultural officials and 99 program, demonstrated that an alltechnicians were sent to this country out effort pursued with determination to enroll in courses at the University could give rise to rice self-sufficiency. of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). There is no reason why a MasaganaIt was not long before the single- type program cannot be replicated at mindedness and determination of the this juncture.

If Taiwanese, with far limited Nationalist government began to bear fruit. Self-sufficiency in rice, corn, resources on their agriculturally vegetables and other agricultural inhospitable island, could produce products was soon attained, and not only rice self-sufficiency but also Taiwan no longer needed food aid from a rice export trade, so, definitely, can friendly countries, particularly the Filipinos.

BUSINESS CLASS

Losing...

From A4

There is a question, though, if both Jinggoy and JV, sons of former President Joseph Estrada, will run.

Personally I think Jinggoy’s chances are greater. *** As all cases in business, whether solicited or unsolicited proposals, government has the last say.

Take the case of the unsolicited proposal of Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp. for a P750-billion aerotropolis on 2,500 hectares of land in Bulacan. Ang has been reassuring the government that the government would not spend a single centavo on the project.

Santa Banana, the National

On ghost...

From A4

Economic and Development Authority already approved the project. But the Department of Finance is imposing certain conditions on the project.

Finance chief Sonny Dominguez questioned if San Miguel can afford it.

Of course it can! And Ang has already tapped credit from no less than two international banks.

Dominguez cited what happened to the airport in Cebu, where the Aquino administration gave too much concession to MegawideIndian partnership. In the end, our government had to bear additional costs.

So why should the fault of the past administration hound us today? We need a new airport like yesterday! www.emiljurado.weebly.com

The workshop will be held on April 21-28, 2019, venue to be announced. All fellows will receive a modest stipend and free hotel accommodation. Applicants must be writers in English, Filipino, or other Philippine languages, and must submit one original unpublished manuscript not exceeding 6,000 words.

For the documentary and other requirements, please visit panitikan.ph or send an email to 58upnww@gmail. com. *** An exception to the usual annual September schedule: the awards night of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, usually held Sept. 1 at the Manila Peninsula, will be held on Oct. 5 instead. Submission of entries this year, usually end of April, were extended by a month.

Pascual (Kumpisal: Mga Kuwento) and other writers and poets who have been published under the UST-PH aegis. *** On Sept. 25, the Philippines Graphic will be holding the 2018 Nick Joaquin Literary Awards at El Calle Bar, Resorts World Manila. The award is given for best short story published in the magazine during a given year. There are first to third placers and three honorable mentions. The list of winners has not been released, making the reveal more exciting when it happens. *** Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing is now accepting applications up to Sept. 30 from writers in Dr. Ortuoste, a writer and researchmid-career for the 58th UP National er, has a PhD in Communication. FB Writers Workshop. and Twitter: @DrJennyO

News

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Air fares expected to increase

By Joel E. Zurbano

FOOD CONCESSION. Committee on Accounts chairperson and Leyte (1st Dist) Rep.Yedda Marie K. Romualdez discusses with the different department heads of the House of Representatives how to shorten the 17 working-day processing span of the House food concessionaires’s check payment during the joint committee meeting Wednesday with Committee on Food Concession chaired by Rep. Gus Tambunting. Ver Noveno

Trillanes wants Go probed for P4.5-m gov’t contracts

Anti-graft court dismisses Degamo case

By Maricel V. Cruz THE governor of Negros Oriental had to dig deep into his pocket to have the graft case filed against him by the Ombudsman junked by the Sandiganbayan.

The anti-graft court dismissed the graft case filed against Gov. Roel Degamo over the alleged anomalous use of P10 million for the intelligence operations of the local government in 2013.

In a 17-page resolution promulgated last Monday, the anti-graft court’s First Division granted the motion to dismiss filed by Degamo in his case for one count of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The Sandiganbayan also released Degamo’s P30,000 bail and recalled the hold departure order against him.

In October 2012, Degamo submitted the province’s proposed 2013 budget to the provincial board.

The proposed budget provided a P10million fund for intelligence expenses.

The budget was approved minus the intelligence fund.

This prompted Degamo to question the non-inclusion of the intelligence fund by issuing a memorandum ordering the release of the P10 million “without further delay.”

The office of Degamo released the fund on April 13, 2013 through a cash advance “for the payment of expenses of intelligence-related operations.”

But the Commission on Audit said the cash advance would have been ‘illegal’ for it was made without an approved ordinance.

In his defense, Degamo said he could not be charged with graft for allegedly giving undue advantage to himself.

He also slammed the Ombudsman for issuing an indictment order without a resolution to his appeal to dismiss the charge.

At the time then Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez ordered the filing of the case against Degamo, the governor was with the United Nationalist Alliance led by then Vice President Jejomar C. Binay. Gutierrez was an appointee of then President BS Aquino III who belonged to the Liberal Party, at that time the chief rival in the 2016 elections of the UNA. The Sandiganbayan agreed with Degamo’s arguments.

“In other words, and as stated in the information itself, the subject amount was admittedly not for the personal benefit of the accused-movant but to defray for the expenses which were incurred for different activities related to intelligence operations.”

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

O

PPOSITION Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday filed a resolution seeking to investigate Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go whose immediate family members got more than P4.5-million contracts from the government.

The senator wants the Senate committee on civil service, government reorganization and professional regulation, which he chairs, to probe the possible conflict of interest arising from government contracts obtained by the kin of government employees and officials.

But the resolution will not automatically go to his committee, as the Senate leadership still has to decide where it will be referred to it or not.

Trillanes cited a report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism stating that the Davao Region was given the most public works funds by the Department of Public Works and High-

ways in 2017, with CLTG Builders and Alfrego Builders and Supplies as the top contractors.

The PCIJ report said the two companies were owned by Go’s father and stepbrother.

In further citing the PCIJ report, the opposition senator said CLTG Builders won a total of P1.85 billion worth of infrastructure projects for Davao Region from 2007 to 2017, and another P2.7 billion in joint ventures with four contractors including Alfrego in 2017 alone.

He said CLTG Builders caught the attention of PCIJ’s research because it failed to complete all of its joint venture

ROMULO DONATION. The family of Carlos P. Romulo recently donated his memorabilia and digitized records to De La Salle University. The collection will be exhibited at the Romulo Room, in The Learning Commons of La Salle’s campus on Taft Avenue, an 84-square-meter space on the 10th floor of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, a modern high rise designed by Leandro V. Locsin and inaugurated in 2011. Included in the picture are Amb. Roberto Romulo, chairman of CPR Foundation; Brother Ray Suplido, president of DLSU; and lawyer Ricardo Romulo, treasurer of CPR Foundation and Senior Partner of Romulo Law Offices.

Ex-NBI exec in Virac drug case ordered detained at Makati jail

By Rey Requejo THE Makati City Regional Trial Court has ordered the transfer of detention of a former official of the National Bureau of Investigation charged with illegal drug cases from Virac, Catanduanes District Jail to the Makati City jail.

The order came after the Supreme Court granted last June 19 the request of former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to transfer the cases against former acting regional director of NBI-Central Mindanao Regional Office Augusto Eric Isidoro from the Virac Region-

projects within the original deadline.

Trillanes also said CLTG also has a B license, which means that it could not carry out a big-ticket project without a partner.

“Coincidentally, CLTG is also the initials of Go whose full name is Christopher Lawrence Tesoro Go,” he said.

Trillanes said government officials were held with higher set of standards and expected at all times to put the interest of the public above their own.

“Hence, there is an urgent need to look into this matter as conflict of interest or undue influence exerted by government officials and employees in the conduct of government transactions threatens the quality of service the public is receiving,” he said.

The senator added the Senate investigation had an end view of coming up with possible remedial legislation to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of such situations in the future.

al Trial Court, Branch 43, to the Makati City RTC. In an order furnished the Department of Justice, Acting Presiding Judge Selma Palacio-Alaras of the Makati City RTC, Branch 63, ordered the transfer of the detainee to Makati City jail.

Isidoro is the owner of the 1,000-square meter lot in Virac where authorities discovered and raided a ‘mega shabu laboratory” in 2016.

The former NBI official is facing a case for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for conspiracy

to manufacture dangerous drugs and/ or controlled precursors and essential chemicals, has been detained at the Virac District Jail since he surrendered early this year.

Aside from Isidro, also named as respondents were Xian Xian Wang, Pido Bonito, Paolo Uy, Jayson Gonzales Uy, Lorenzo Flores Piñera II, Paolo Wee Palisoc, Phung Yuan Estorco, and Sheng Wang.

During the police operation, the authorities seized 22.509 kilos of shabu and 359.75 kilos of ephedrine, as well as other equipment and chemicals used in the manufacture of shabu.

AIR fares are expected to increase following the government’s approval allowing Philippine carriers to reimpose fuel surcharges.

The Civil Aeronautics Board issued a resolution granting the petition of some local airlines, including Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air, to impose a fuel surcharge that was disallowed in 2015.

The local airlines made the petition amid the increasing cost of aviation fuel in the global market.

CAB said the price of aviation fuel in the global market rose to $85.16 per barrel in April.

This was 25.24 percent higher than $63.66 per barrel in the same period last year.

“As airlines are now a primary mover of trade and transport, a matrix of fuel surcharge shall allow them to thrive and be more competitive in the global market,” CAB stated in its resolution.

“Fuel surcharge is not a part of the basic airfare and may be reduced or removed depending on the price of jet fuel in the market, in accordance with prevailing international practice,” the resolution said.

Under the resolution, passengers of one-way domestic flights may be charged from P34 to P769, while those traveling overseas may be charged an additional P163 to as much as P9,860, depending on the destination and the prevailing jet fuel costs.

The fuel surcharge will take effect immediately, and will be the same for all passengers—adults, children, and infants occupying seats.

The resolution, however, stated that infants without seats are exempt from the fuel surcharge.

CAB assured that the approved matrix for fuel surcharge on local and international flights were based on a comparative study with other states.

Constitutionality of levy upheld

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of a provision in Republic Act 9483 that required operators of petroleum tankers and barges to pay a 10-centavo levy per liter for every delivery and transshipments of oil from storage facility to its point of destination.

This is intended to cover damage to property, containment, cleanup, and rehabilitation in case of oil spills.

In an en banc decision written by now retired Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr., the SC reversed and set aside the decision issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court last February 22, 2017 which declared as unconstitutional Section 22 of Republic Act 9483, as well as Section 1, Rule X of its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Section 22 of RA 9483 and Section 1 of Rule X of its IRR basically impose a 10 centavo levy per liter for every delivery and transshipment of oil, which will go to the Oil Pollution Management Fund, which will be used for the Immediate containment, removal and clean-up operations of the Philippine Coast Guard in all pollution cases.

The OPMF funds will also be used in the research, enforcement and monitoring activities of relevant agencies such as the PCG, Maritime Industry Authority and Philippine Ports Authority , and other ports authority of the Department of Transportation, Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Energy.

The case before the QC RTC was filed by petroleum marine transport companies namely the Philippine Petroleum Sea Transport Association, Herma Shipping and Transport Corp., Islas Tankers Sea Transport Corp., MIS Maritime Corp., Petrolift, Inc., Golden Albatross Shipping Corp., Via Marine Corp., and Cargomarine Corp.

108 barangays, 5 towns in Caraga drug-cleared

By Rio N. Araja AT LEAST 108 barangays and five towns in Region 13 or the Caraga Region have been declared drug-cleared, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said on Wednesday.

Director General Aaron Aquino said authorities would still continue to monitor the status of the concerned barangays and municipalities.

“Even if they are drug-cleared, these municipalities and barangays will still be strictly monitored by all stakeholders of the barangay drug-clearing program, especially by their respective barangay anti-drug abuse council [Badac] in order to sustain their drug-cleared status,” he said.

“They will also undergo quarterly valida-

tion as provided for under Paragraph 3, Section 10 of the Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 3, Series of 2017,” he added.

The barangay drugs clearing program is authorized to revoke all drug-cleared certification through official over the failure of a barangay to maintain the requirement for a drug-free barangay.

The municipalities of Veruela, Sta. Josefa, Loreto and Rosario of Agusan del Sur, and Dinagat Island were declared drug-cleared after all their barangays had been given “drugcleared” status during a recent regional oversight committee meeting in Butuan City.

With the latest development, 791 barangays out of the 1,311 or 60 percent of the total number of barangays in the Caraga Region, are now enjoying a drug-cleared status.

Sports

Manila

Standard

TODAY

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

San Beda, CKSC grab early lead S

AN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG joined seven-time defending seniors champion Centro Escolar University on top while its juniors squad is tied for the lead with two-time titlist Chiang Kai Shek College after week two of the 49th WNCAA basketball tournament.

SBCA whipped Assumption College, 73-39, while CEU dealt hapless St. Scholastica’s College a 110-4 beating for 2-0 cards at the SBCA gym over the weekend.

In Junior A, SBCA and CKSC also share 2-0 records after victories over Poveda (38-33) and host St. Paul College Pasig (105-40), respectively.

Sister schools De La Salle Zobel and La Salle College Antipolo are likewise unbeaten in two starts in Junior B. Midgets play kicked off with defending champion Miriam scoring a 59-44 triumph over DLSZ and St. Paul downing SBCA, 51-41.

Over at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, two-time defending seniors champion SBCA streaked to a 2-0 start as it outlasted Assumption, 25-17, 20-25, 25-19, 25-21.

Philippine Women’s University shared the lead after dominating University of Asia & the Pacific, 25-18, 25-13, 25-7.

UTP netters dominate ATF tourney in Malaysia ALEXA Milliam pulled off victories in singles and doubles while John David Velez ruled his side as the Unified Tennis Philippines junior national team stamped its mark the 13th Asian Tennis Federation tournament in Sarawak, Malaysia recently.

Milliam rebounded from a tough second set loss and routed Malaysia’s Lim Lim Zan Ning in the decider, 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, to claim the girls’ 14-and-under crown while Velez notched the boys’ singles title over compatriot Rupert Tortal practically via the same fashion, 6-1, 5-7, 6-1.

Milliam also took the doubles plum with Tortal teaming up with Brent Cortes to nail the boys’ doubles diadem.

The four-title romp came on the heels of the team’s two singles finals appearances in the International Tennis Federation (ITF)-

AGS Junior Tennis championships in Indonesia last month.

“I have always believed that Phl tennis has so much potential—and the way to produce champions is to make the game more inclusive, develop and scout for young Pinoy talents no matter where they may come from. Another key is a solid grassroots program that will hone the skills of the upcoming talents,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and founder of UTP, which includes Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Pawnshop, Babolat, HEAD, Chris’ Sports, Dunlop, Toby’s Sports, Wilson and Decathlon.

Up next in the UTP calendar is the Cebuana Lhuillier Girls’ Tennis Challenge where the champions will represent the country in the WTA Future Stars in Singapore next month.

St. Clare opens Naascu campaign with victory DEFENDING champion St.Clare College-Caloocan opened its campaign for an unprecedented third straight title in style, beating Enderun Colleges, 96-72, at the start of the 18th National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The Saints drew big numbers from rookie Joseph Peñaredondo and Russel Fuentes, who finished with 13 points apiece; and import Mohamed Pare, who added 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds to frustrate the Titans before a wildly-cheering home opening-day crowd.

The Jino Manansala-mentored Saints broke away from a tight contest with several long scoring splurges capped by a crippling 15-2 run that turned a precarious 52-51 lead into a 67-53 lead going into the payoff period.

The Caloocan-based team, which hardly missed the services of to-time MVP Aris Dionisio, even took its biggest lead of 26 points, 96-70, on a three-pointer by

Rojay Santos with 26 seconds left.

Michael Dela Cruz and Valandre Chauca had 15 points apiece for the Titans.

Earlier, New Era University shocked Philippine Christian University 70-64, behind the solid games of Jefferson Comia (24 points) and Adzhar Udjan (12 points, seven rebounds).

Reyl Vasquez paced the Dolphins with 23 points and seven rebounds.

The league formally opened with a colorful opening ceremony highlighted by inspirational remarks by Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go, Bureau of Correction head Gen. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa and Melvin Contapay of Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa.

NAASCU founding president Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem of St. Clare College-Caloocan delivered the welcome remarks, while NAASCU president Dr. Martha Beata Ijiran of PCU made the formal declaration of the opening of the league’s 18th season.

Fil-Chinese 60s veterans advance to semifinals HAT YAI, Thailand—The 60s of the Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association rolled to their second straight win by crushing Hat Yai-B, 73-42, to advance to the semis of the 27th ASEAN Basketball Veterans Tournament Tuesday at the Prince Songkla University gym here.

Former PBA star Elmer Reyes struck hardest for the 60s with 26 points, while ex-La Salle star Kenneth Yap and Danny Ching combined for 24 points.

The Edster Sy-mentored FCVBA will go for a sweep when it battles Miri of Malaysia on Wednesday.

Backed by Rain or Shine’s Terry Que, Freego’s Eduard Tio and Ironcon’s Jimi Lim, the 65s are also bidding for a sweep of their group elims when they take on the Malaysians from Miri.

Also contributing for the 60s were Andrew Ongteco, Aries Franco, Elmer Latonio, Jose Go, and Ramon Mabanta.

The 60s are gunning for a fourth straight title in the annual tournament, while the 65s are eyeing a three-peat.

Republic of the Philippines COMMlSSION ON ELECTIONS Manila SECOND DIVISION IN RE: PETITION OF PAGKAKAISA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA (PALAI) TO REGISTER AS A POLITICAL PARTY PURSUANT TO SECTION 2 (5), SUBDIVISION C OF ARTICLE IX OF THE CONSTITUTION SPP-18-117 (PP) PAGKAKAISA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA (PALAI), Petitioner. x--------------------------------------------x NOTICE 1.

PAGKAKAISA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA (PALAI) Petitioner #25 Building No. 2 F.L. Dy Street, Barangay District 1, Cauayan City, Isabela

6. THAT the names and addresses of the organizers and officers are as follows: NAME POSITION ADDRESS Brgy. District 1, Cauayan 1. Faustino G. Dy III President City, Isabela Ballacayu, San Pablo, 2. Rodolfo T. Albano III Vice President Brgy.

Isabela Secretary - Brgy. Luquilu, Cabagan, 3.Antonio T. Albano General Isabela Brgy. Samonte, Quezon, 4.Eduardo R. Cabantac Treasurer Isabela Party Brgy. Sta Barbara, City of 5.Noel Manuel R. Lopez Organizer Ilagan, Isabela Party Brgy. San Fermin, Cauayan 6. Rodrigo T. Sawit Organizer City, Isabela Party Brgy. Calamagui 2nd, City 7. Robert V. Plata Organizer of Ilagan, Isabela Party Brgy. San Fermin, Cauayan 8. Francis James E. Meer Organizer City, Isabela 9. Jessie James P. Party Brgy. Alibagu, City of Geronimo Organizer Ilagan, Isabela Party Brgy. Alibagu, City of 10. Ruben D. Pagayatan Organizer Ilagan, Isabela Party Brgy. District 1, Cauayan 11. Reuben C. Turingan Organizer City, Isabela Party Brgy. Alibagu, City of 12. Angel T. Luga, Jr. Organizer Ilagan, Isabela 7. THAT the extent or PALAI’s constituency covers the entire Province of Isabela; 8. That the Program of Government of PALAI as stated in Section 3 Article II of its Constitution and By-Laws is constituted as follows:

GREETINGS:

a. GOOD, TRANSPARENT, AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE PALAI stands for a government founded on transparency and accountability. It is committed to sustain Isabela’s model performance in good governance.

Attached is a copy of the ORDER of the Commission (SECOND DIVISION) in the above entitled case dated 07 September 2018.

Given this 10th day of September 2018, City of Manila, Philippines.

b. PROTECTION FOR MARGINALlZED AND VULNERABLE SECTORS PALAI believes that those who have less in life should have more in law.lt shall champion the cause of juslice and equality and stamp out injustice and discrimination.

FOR THE DIVISION:

ABIGAIL JUSTINE M. CUARESMA-LILAGAN Acting Clerk of the Commission

c. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION, AND SAFEGUARDING THE ENVIRONMENT PALAI is for enhancing preparedness 24/7. It is for strengthening systems to mitigate climate change impacts and ensure environmental sustainability. d. SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND ORDER PALAI safeguards the right of the citizens to a peaceful and orderly life. It shall endeavor to keep Isabeleños free from disturbances, damage and disorder, lawlessness and violence.

Republic of the Philippines COMMlSSION ON ELECTIONS Intramuros, Manila

e. A STRONGER AGRlCULTURE PALAI believes in optimizing lsabela’s agricultural prowess.

It will continue to empower farmcrs and strengthen the agricultural sector.

SECOND DIVISION

IN RE: PETITION OF PAGKAKAISA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA (PALAI) TO REGISTER AS A POLITICAL PARTY PURSUANT TO SECTION 2 (5), SUBDIVISION C OF ARTICLE IX OF THE CONSTITUTION

f.

SPP NO.-18-117 (PP)

g. COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PALAI is determined to ensure that coastal residents will have quicker access to basic services and development opportunities available in the mainstream lsabela. This is the proof of developmcnt

PAGKAKAISA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA (PALAI), Petitioner. x--------------------------------------------x

h. EMPOWERING COOPERATIVES PALAI commits to building the capacity of cooperative to create opportunities for Isabeleños. This increases people participation and cncouragcs self-help and initiative.

ORDER Acting on the PETITION filed by “PAGKAKAISA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA (PALAI)” on May 30, 2018, for the registration as a political party with constituency in the entire Province of Isabela, the Commission (Second Division) hereby sets the hearing of this case on September 18, 2018, at 2:00 o`clock in the afternoon, Comelec Session Hall, 8th Floor, Palacio del Gobernador, Intramuros, Manila.

To simplify the proceedings, the petitioner is required to appear before the Acting Clerk of Court of the Commission prior to the scheduled hearing to affirm their judicial affidavits, and submit the following: 1. The names of two (2) witnesses who shall be the Chairperson or President and. Secretary General of the party, organization or coalition; 2. Judicial affidavits of the witnesses; and 3. Proof of publication In the meantime, all evidence on file with the records of the Commission and to be presented by petitioner shall be pre-marked including evidence to prove compliance wilh the jurisdictional requirements before the Clerk of the Commission on September 14,2018, 9:00 a.m. Counsel shall manifest during the making of exhibits his / her appearance and the same be entered in the minutes. In no case shall representatives of parties, other than counsel, for purposes of marking be allowed. Further, counsel is requested to prepare his/her summary of exhibits as a guide during the marking/s thereof.

The Commission requires the petitioner to publish at its own expense in three (3) national newspapers of general circulation the following: 1.

2.

The petition; and The instant Order of the Commission requiring the publication with the date of the scheduled hearing.

SO ORDERED. Given this 7th day of September 2018, at Manila, Philippines.

FOR THE DIVISION:

A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY PROVINCE PALAI prides in Isabela’s first- rate human capital and a climate ripe for business. We commit to sustain our LGU’s PCCI - recognized and multi-awarded business competitiveness.

i.

BUILDING A CULTURE OF VOLUNTEERISM PALAI believes in honing the civic duly of every Isabeleño.

We must promote a sense of responsibility and an obligation to extend a helping hand to those in need.

9. THAT PALAI is not a religious sect or denomination; 10: THAT PALAI should not pursue its goals through violence or other unlawful means; 11. THAT PALAI shall uphold and adhere to the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and shall obey all laws and legal orders promulgated by duly constituted authorities; 12. THAT PALAI is not supported by, nor does it accept financial contribution from any foreign government or their agencies; 13. THAT PALAI has been in existence since 2016 and it possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications for registration as a political party in the Province of Isabela; 14. THAT PALAI, thru the undersigned, hereby manifest its desire to be registered as a political party and files this petition to seek regis tration as . a political party pursuant to Section 2 (5).

Subdivision C of Article IX of the Constitution; and reselVes the right to present additional evidence to further substantiate the foregoing statements or as may be required by the Honorable Commission; PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that PAGKAKAISA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA with the acronym PALAI be registered as a political pa rty pursuant to Section 2 (5), Subdivision C of Article IX of the Cons titution.

May 29, 2018 FAUSTINO G. DY III Petitioner

SOCORRO B. INTING Commisioner VERIFICATION Republic of the Philippines COMMlSSION ON ELECTIONS Manila IN RE: PETITION OF PAGKAKAISA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA (PALAI) TO REGISTER AS A POLITICAL PARTY PURSUANT TO SECTION 2 (5), SUBDIVISION C OF ARTICLE IX OF THE CONSTITUTION

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) PROVINCE OF ISABELA ) S.S. City of Ilagan ) We, Faustino G. Dy III and Antonio T. Albano, both of legal age, Filipino Citizen, both married, and residents of #25 F. L. DY St., Barangay District 1 Cauayan City, Isabela and Barangay Luquilu, Cabagan, Isabela, respectively, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law do hereby depose and say:

SPP-18-117 (PP)

SPP NO.______________________ P.L.M.

1.

That we are the President and Secretary-General, respectively, of PAGKAKAISA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA (PALAI);

2.

That we arc authorized to file a petition before this office in behalf of the aforementioned Political Organization;

3.

That we have caused the preparation of this petition;

4.

That the statements in the said petition are true and correct, of our own knowledge, and are based on authentic records;

5.

That the digitized form or electronic equivalent of the verified petition and its annexes/attachments stored in the Compact Disc (CD) and submitted to the Commission together with this petition, is a faithful reproduction of said petition.

x-----------------------------------------------------x PETITION COMES NOW, the undersigned, FAUSTINO G. DY III, of legal age, Filipino Citizen, a resident of #25 F. L. Dy St, Barangay District I, Cauayan City, lsabela, President of Pagkakaisa ng Lalawigan ng lsabela (PALAI), respectfully states: 1. THAT the full name of the Political Organization is PAGKAKAISA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA and its registered acronym is PALAI; 2. THAT for purposes of election, notices and other communications, the principal address, headquarters and post office address of PAGKAKAlSA NG LALAWIGAN NG ISABELA (PALAI) is #25 Building No. 2, F.L. Dy St. Barangay District 1, Cauayan City, Isabela; 3. THAT PALAI was organized on April 22, 2016 in the City of Ilagan, Isabela and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with herein attached Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws (ANNEXED A);

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto affixed my signature this May 29, 2018 at City of Ilagan, Isabela.

FAUSTINO G. DY III Affiant

SUBSCRIBE AND SWORN to before me this _29___day of __MAY_______, 2018 at City of Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines, affiants exhibiting their valid IDs with ID Nos. PGI ID No. 0001 and PGI ID No. 0002, respectively.

4. THAT PALAI is governed by its Constitution and By-Laws, hereto attached as ANNEX B, and the actions of its officers and members are guided by a Political Creed and a Platform of Governance, hereto are attached as ANNEXES C and D respectively; 5. THAT the initial set of officers of the party were elected by the organizers from among themselves who shall elect permanent officers every 2nd Monday of January of every year thereafter through secret balloting;

ANTONIO T. ALBANO Affiant

(MS-SEPT. 13, 2018)

Sports

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

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Batang Pinoy resets opener to avoid storm PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez today announced that the Batang Pinoy National Championships, scheduled September 15 to 21 in Baguio City and Benguet Province will push through, but that they will forego the opening ceremony and games start on the 17th.

This decision was reached after two days of monitoring and consultations between PSC and the host city’s Mayor, Atty. Mauricio Domogan.

In a joint statement, both officials assured the public that all measures to secure and support delegations are being taken.

Domogan, after consultations with the city’s risk reduction and management team and the PSC secretariat group, decided to cancel the opening ceremonies, but promised a “grand closing celebration.”

Domogan said that “this adjustment will allow teams to let the storm pass and be in Baguio by Sept. 16.”

Ramirez, gathering the Crisis Management Team of the PSC, supported the decision of the host city and instructed his team to accommodate all delegations who need a “safe house” on the way to Baguio.

The historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City are both prepared to house delegations who need shelter while the storm blows over.

Batang Pinoy Program Director and PSC Deputy Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy is constantly monitoring the developments.

“Chairman Ramirez explicitly instructed us to give support to delegations every way we can,” he said.

Ramirez said “we received information that there are some delegations considering to pull out because of the storm. We understand their concern.” He added that the agency is studying the scheduling of major sports events in the country, like the PSC’s Philippine National Games and the Palarong Pambansa of the Department of Education “not to be held within the storm-months of July to October.”

San Miguel Beer’s Christian Standhardinger, shown here against players from Ginebra in the Philippine Basketball Association, will be leading the Philippine national team against Iran in the Fiba World Cup qualifiers.

Saso, golfers donate P13-m prize to NGAP

By Peter Atencio

A

SIAN Games gold medalists Yuka Saso and members of the national women’s golf team are donating all of their P13-million incentive to the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

That’s because under amateur rules, Saso and her teammates Bianca Kaye Pangdanan and Lois Kaye Go are forbidden from receiving cash incentives.

“Bawal po sa amin mag-receive ng pera. I-donate na lang po namin sa NGAP para masuportahan ang ibang mga bata,” said the 17-year-old Saso, after she and national team members, who won medals in the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, were honored by President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang on Wednesday.

Saso said this as she shared her thoughts after medallists in the recent Asiad received a total bonanza of of P24

million for their efforts.

Saso was guaranteed a P9-million windfall for winning the gold in the women’s individual play and as part of the three-member team that also claimed the team gold.

Her incentive includes the P2 million each that came from the PSC and the Philippine Olympic Committee, the P1 million from the Siklab Sports Foundation under Dennis Uy, P1 million from Philippine ambassador to Indonesia in Cesar Lee Hiong Tan Wee and an additional P1 million bonus from the PSC as instructed by President Duterte.

Skateboarder Margie Didal, who got

P7 million each with fellow gold medalist weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, had fun during the awarding ceremony by asking President Duterte to make the “Dab” move with her, along with several other officials.

President Duterte obliged in doing the move, in which a person drops the head into the bent crook of a slanted arm, typically while raising the opposite arm in a parallel direction but out straight, with both arms pointed to the side and at an upward angle.

The president then playfully gave Didal a karate chop on the side of her head when he was done with the “Dab” move.

“Palabiro po si President Digong. Nagrequest ako na kung puwede ipagawa sa kanya ito,” said Didal.

The Philippines won a total of four golds, two silvers and 15 bronze medals in the Asiad.

Boxer Rogen Ladon and judoka Kiyomi Watanabe bagged silvers for the Philippines.

Spain will miss Nadal in match against France LILLE, France—France Davis Cup captain Yannick Noah says world number one Rafael Nadal’s absence from Spain’s team in this weekend’s semifinal “changes everything”.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion has helped Spain capture the annual trophy four times, in 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2011, but was ruled out of facing Noah’s titleholders in Lille with a knee injury.

The long-standing problem flared up again at the US Open when Nadal had to retire trailing two sets to love in his semi-final against Juan Del Potro last week.

“As a tennis fan I’m disappointed that he won’t be there,” Noah told a press conference at Lille’s Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Tuesday.

“As a captain, it changes everything for the match. The set-up is totally different, especially in terms of preparation.

“When Nadal plays, it’s almost (a certain) two points for Spain.

PINOY FIGHTER GUNS FOR CROWN.

Filipino MMA fighter Joshua Pacio eludes his opponent inside the cage.

Pacio will gun for the ONE Championship World Strawweight crown against Yoshitaka Naito on September 22 in Jakarta, Indonesia. ONE Championship

“Now, that changes and we have to adapt to it.”

With world number 55 Albert RamosVinolas stepping in to replace the Spanish star Noah accepts that “of course we’ve got more chance”.

But he cautioned: “On paper the Spanish team are still better than ours.”

Joining Ramos for Spain are Pablo Carreno Busta (21st in the world), Roberto Bautista Agut (26), Feliciano Lopez (74) and Marcel Granollers (101).

Representing France are Lucas Pouille (19), Richard Gasquet (24), Benoit Paire (54), Nicolas Mahut (150) and Julien Benneteau (57).

Spain skipper Sergi Bruguera agree with Noah that Nadal’s absence has a massive bearing on the complexion of the Lille semi-final.

“It changes a lot, it changes everything, but it is like it is, and we have a very good team all the same.

“We’ll fight and see what happens,” Bruguera said. AFP

Rafael Nadal of Spain retires with an injury against Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina during their Men’s Singles Semi-Finals match at the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 7. AFP

Standhardinger joins national team to Iran Asian qualifier FIL-GERMAN big man Christian Standhardinger will be Team Pilipinas’ naturalized player when the national squad squares off against Iran in their first game in the second round of the World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Standhardinger was chosen by Yeng Guiao over Stanley Pringle, who is now being reserved for coming games.

The team, which is now in Tehran, Iran wants to hand the home team its first defeat. A victory will improve the country’s 4-2 win-loss card in the qualifiers.

Scottie Thompson was named in the final cut in the list that was released yesterday. Alex Cabagnot and Ian Sangalang make their debut as national players.

Marcio Lassiter is returning. He joins the likes of Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, Asi Taulava, JP Erram and Allein Maliksi.

On the other hand, an injured Greg Slaughter will sit out the game.

“SBP is pleased with the roster that will play in Iran. We are praying that Coach Yeng’s final 12 will be able to compete and beat the strong Iranian team. It is unfortunate that Greg Slaughter’s injury has not fully healed yet. There is still swelling and contusion on his left ankle. We are very cautious not to rush his comeback as we don’t want to further aggravate his condition. We expect a more complete roster in our future tournaments when June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter are ready to serve and play together for flag and country,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio in a statement.

The announcement came a few hours after Chot Reyes confirmed that he is stepping down as head coach.

In taking on Iran, Guiao plans to keep the game close and steal a win in the end.

Guiao does not believe that the team can build a big lead over Iran before hostile fans during their Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifier on Thursday.

“I just want it to be tight toward the end against a home crowd, playing in their home court. Mahirap mag-ambisyon na we get a good lead towards the end against Iran in their home court,” said Guiao in an interview. Peter Atencio

League-leading Lyceum Pirates battle EAC Generals LYCEUM of the Philippines University tries to inch closer to sweeping its way straight to the finals as it faces off with Emilio Aguinaldo College today in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The Pirates booked their 11th win in row at the expense of a game Jose Rizal Bombers, 82-76, Friday and will try to push the right buttons to extend it to a 12th victory in their 2 pm encounter, which will send them six away from duplicating their feat last season when they swept all 18 elimination round games to advance to the finals.

LPU coach Topex Robinson isn’t looking that far ahead yet.

“We’ll just try to focus on what we

Games Today

(Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan) 10 a.m.- LPU vs EAC (jrs) 12 nn.- JRU vs MU (jrs) 2 p.m.- LPU vs EAC (srs) 4 p.m.- JRU vs MU (srs)

need to do each game and try to improve in whatever we do,” said Robinson. “If it comes, it comes.”

Robinson is more concerned about his team’s consistency, which was tested in a close 82-76 win over the upset-conscious Jose Rizal University Bombers Friday.

It was a game where LPU trailed, 6368, early in the fourth quarter before rediscovering its rhythm in time to turn things around in its favor.

EAC (2-8) also gave LPU a scare before the latter dominated the fourth canto to hack out a 106-97 win in the first round on July 13.

“Every game is a learning experience. It’s part of the process for us to reach our goal, which is position ourselves to winning a championship,” said Robinson.

CJ Perez will again be the focal point of LPU’s attack as the reigning league MVP has averaged 21.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3.6 steals a game, putting him on course to snaring his second straight MVP plum.

Meanwhile, Jose Rizal (2-9) and Mapua (2-8) try to breathe some life into their dying Final Four hopes as they collide at 4 pm.

IN BRIEF JFC asks Congress to retain Peza perks THE Joint Foreign Chambers on Wednesday asked legislators to exempt the Philippine Economic Zone Authority from the proposed rationalization of fiscal incentives under the second package of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law.

The foreign chambers said in a news briefing during the Arangkada Forum 2018 in Pasay City that the Philippine government should “leave Peza alone.”

“Please don’t touch Peza,” the seven member groups of JFC said in a joint statement.

JFC also pushed for the reduction of corporate income tax to 20 percent within five years, instead of 10 to 15 years as proposed under the second package of Train law.

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines asked the government to expedite the planned rate of tax reduction to compensate for incentives to be lost under Train 2 or the so-called “Trabaho” bill.

“The government should lower the CIT sooner. Why? Because we’re forced to cut incentives in 2019. So why don’t they cut it faster,” Amcham president Ebb Hinchcliffe said in a separate interview.

He said that as the Philippine government wanted to reduce CIT in 10 to 15 years, it would remain the country in Southeast Asia imposing the highest CIT rate even after six years.

“It is not fast enough to attract investors right now. We need to create jobs now, not later,” he said.

Hinchcliffe said the JFC recognized that the government needed money to finance the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program, “an initiative that we all support.” Othel V. Campos

DOTr readies fines on car plate supplier THE Department of Transportation said Wednesday it will impose penalties on Power Plates Development Concepts Inc. and J. Knieriem BV Power Plates for the late delivery of vehicle plates.

“LTO [Land Transportation Office] is now computing the penalties for late deliveries in the past,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

Under the contract, PPI-JKG is required to supply 15 million new plates within a five-year period. Of the 15 million plates, only four million were distributed, resulting in a backlog of 11 million.

Tugade said the P3.6-billion contract of PPI-KPG under the Motor Vehicle License Plate Standardization Program would remain unchanged.

“There will be no reduction in the contract price. It will remain the same. The savings generated due to change order [from finished plates to blank plates] will be used for the additional delivery of blank plates and RFID stickers,” he said.

The DOTr said in a statement “there is no legal basis to cancel the contract. “ “In January 2018, the Supreme Court lifted its temporary restraining order and dismissed the petition questioning the constitutionality of the procurement, while the Commission on Audit lifted its notice of disallowance on the advance payment for the deal last July, effectively clearing the contract of irregularities,” the agency said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Crypto-trading platform approved THE Philippine Digital Asset Exchange, the country’s first crypto-trading platform, obtained the approval of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to facilitate the exchange of Philippine peso with cryptocurrencies, tokens and other forms of virtual currency.

The BSP granted PDAX the license to operate virtual currency transactions, after the latter complied with the guidelines set under BSP Circular No. 944, Series of 2017.

“This is an exciting time not just for seasoned cryptocurrency traders, but also for everyone who believes that the future of investing is digital. With the approval granted to us by the BSP, we hope to make financial markets more accessible to everyone,” said PDAX chief executive Nichel Gaba.

The guidelines under Circular 944 require virtual currency exchanges to prevent money laundering and protect customers from illegal financial activities.

The prescribed measures also include registering with the Anti-Money Laundering Council, having adequate risk management and security control systems, adhering to the BSP’s transaction requirements and paying registration and service fees. Othel V. Campos

San Miguel plans to venture into rice importation

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said it plans to venture into rice trading, once the proposed Rice Tariffication Law is approved in a bid to help the government achieve food security.

San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said in an interview at the sidelines of San Miguel Food and Beverage’s special stockholders meeting the company was planning to engage in rice importation using the existing grains terminals to handle the shipments.

“If there is a law allowing us to venture into this business, we can get into that and quickly we can do it,” Ang said.

Ang said the company could put up an extra silo or storage in existing grains facilities in Bataan and Batangas for rice imports. He said the company could also use its feed mill and other food facilities in Davao, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Pangasinan and Quezon.

“We can easily help in stabilizing the price of rice in the country,” Ang said.

Ang said the Rice Tariffication bill could help local farmers, as proceeds from the tariff collection could be plowed back to improve the competitiveness of the sector and raise farmers’ incomes.

The proposed bill aims to amend Republic Act No. 8178, or the Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996 to replace the quantitative restrictions on rice imports with tariff.

Rice importation, which is currently being controlled by state-run National Food Authority, will then be opened up to private traders.

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

B1

CENTURY-LEECHIU PARTNERSHIP. Century Properties Group through Century City Development II Corp. signs an exclusive leasing agency agreement with Leechiu Property Consultants to market the leasable spaces of the Peza-accredited and Leed-compliant Century Diamond Tower at Century City, Makati. At the signing of the agreement are (from left) Masahiro Nagaoka, deputy general manager of Mitsubishi Corp.; Marco Antonio, chief operating officer of Century Properties Group; Rafael Yaptinchay, co-managing director of Century Properties Group; David Leechiu, chief executive of Leechiu Property Consultants; Phillip Anonuevo, executive director of Leechiu for commercial leasing; and Ponce Carreon, chief financial officer of Century Properties Group.

Ang says SMC has enough money for Bulacan airport

By Darwin G. Amojelar

S

AN Miguel Corp. said it has the financial capacity and track record to build the P735billion New Manila International Airport project in Bulacan province.

“We believe our years of experience in building and operating major infrastructure projects are a key advantage when it comes to executing on this vital, ambitious project,” San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said.

“SMC has already undertaken a lot of major projects and have delivered on a number of them so the expertise, knowhow and innovativeness are there. We also work with the best experts and contractors, so when the time comes to start construction on the airport, we expect to hit the ground running,” he said.

Ang’s statement came after Finance

Secretary Carlos Dominguez questioned the capacity of San Miguel Holdings Corp., the infrastructure arm of San Miguel, to finance the planned Bulacan airport.

SMHC manages the country’s largest infrastructure network. Among the major projects SMC built and made operational are Naia Expressway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway and Boracay Airport runway extension project.

Ongoing projects include the MRT7 project, Skyway Stage 3, South East Metro Manila Expressway and SLExTR 4 projects. It also operates the Skyway system, the South Luzon Expressway and the Star Tollway.

Ang said that in terms of financial capability, the parent company SMC was fully backing SMHC for the airport project. He said the company concurred with the Department of Finance’s position that both companies―SMC and SMHC―should sign a joint liability agreement.

“The historical performance of the company reflects that we are more than

capable of handling the project: strong balance sheet, consistent profitability and sustained growth and liquidity. All these support our expansion and acquisition activities,” Ang said.

The project, estimated at $5 billion or P735 billion, will be undertaken over a period of five to seven years to full completion. On average, spending spread is about P100 billion a year, which is at the level of the company’s cash from operating activities, on a simple annualized basis.

The company said it had a substantial debt space to supplement cash requirements for SMC’s priority projects and those of various business units. Its net debt to Ebitda ratio is also below the company’s debt covenant of 5.5x.

“With four parallel runways, expandable up to six, and modern, world-class facilities, this airport will be a gamechanger for the Philippines. Its impact to the national economy, even to the local economy of Bulacan and nearby cities and provinces, will be significant,” Ang said.

PNOC to build ‘iconic tower’ in Taguig energy complex

By Alena Mae S. Flores

STATE-RUN Philippine National Oil Co. and the Energy Department will jointly come up with a masterplan for the construction of an “iconic tower” and other real estate projects inside the five-hectare energy complex in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

“Currently, we are already doing joint meetings with potential advisors for the iconic tower project and we intend to make a joint masterplan for the entire complex,” PNOC senior vice president for legal, administrative and estate management services Graciela Barleta told reporters.

“It will be very difficult if we do not have a minimum performance specification standards for both DoE and PNOC,” Barleta said.

She said while PNOC received previous offers for the development of the iconic tower and mixed-use complex in the five-hectare property, these were returned to the proponents.

“We received previous offers from interested parties and TWG [technical working group] with the concurrence of DOE. [We] already returned these proposals since they are also not compliant with the requirements of either the proposed [project] under BoT [build, operate and transfer] or Neda [National Economic Development Authority] joint venture guidelines,” she said.

She said three companies, including a foreign firm, submitted offers, “but there are certain requirements that they were not also able to comply with.”

Barleta said PNOC and DoE were in talks with the Bases Conversion Devel-

opment Authority for the requirements in putting up the iconic tower.

She said they were also talking to other consultants to formulate the master plan.

“Target given to us by DoE is it should be within the term of the current administration. If so, we need to start the project by next year,” Barleta said, when asked about the timeline.

She said the property would house the commercial, residential and corporate offices of PNOC, DoE and other energy companies that would like to locate within the energy center.

The two agencies jointly own the real estate property which is estimated to cost P50 billion.

PNOC president Reuben Lista earlier said the planned energy center was considered a prime site for viable mixed-use development.

Peso plummets to 13-year low of 54.13 vs dollar

By Julito G. Rada THE peso breached the 54-per-dollar level for the first time in nearly 13 years amid reports of widening trade deficit and worsening global trade war between the United States and China.

The peso lost P0.19 to close at 54.13 against the greenbackWednesday, down from 53.94 Tuesday. It was the local currency’s weakest finish in nearly 13 years, or since it settled at 54.155 a dollar on Dec. 2, 2005. Volume turnover reached $772.5 million Wednesday, up from $434.1 million Tuesday.

The peso opened Wednesday’s trading at 53.90, but touched 54.14 before settling at 54.13.

Guian Dumalagan, economist of Land Bank of the Philippines, said the financial market volatility was mostly due to the “renewed trade tension as China lodged permission with the World Trade Organization to levy tariff on the US.” “China told the WTO on Tuesday it wanted to impose $7 billion a year in sanctions on the US,” Dumalagan said.

Dumalagan said other contributors to the weak peso were the developments in Europe after France cut its economic growth estimate for this year and next to 1.7 percent from 2 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively.

The widening trade gap also contributed to the weakness of the peso that was battered by the surging dollar in the past few months.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported Tuesday that the country’s balance of trade-in-goods’ deficit widened by 171 percent in July to $3.55 billion from a shortfall of $1.31 billion a year ago, as imports jumped 31.6 percent while exports barely grew 0.3 percent.

This brought the trade deficit in the first seven months to $22.49 billion, significantly higher than $13.055 billion registered in the same period last year.

Total imports surged 31.6 percent to $9.40 billion in July from $7.14 billion a year earlier. Exports grew 0.3 percent to $5.85 billion from $5.83 billion.

Five firms bid for 105-MW Zamboanga plant FIVE global construction and engineering companies submitted bids for the engineering, procurement and construction contract of the 105-megawatt San Ramon Power Inc. coal-fired power plant in Talisayan, Zamboanga City.

SRPI project manager Archimedes Donato said he was satisfied that five reputable firms with extensive international experience submitted proposals for the plant.

“The people of Zamboanga City and nearby areas can look forward to a stateof-the-art baseload power plant right here in the city to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity,” Donato said in a statement.

The prospective EPC contractors of Alsons Power’s latest coal project included Dongfang Electric International Corp. headquartered in Chengdu, China; Singapore-based Jurong Engineering Ltd.; Northeast No.1 Electric Power Construction CO. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group; Shandong Electric Power Construction Company, a subsidiary of Power Con-

struction Corporation of China; and Pune, India-based ThyssenKrupp Industries India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Germany’s Thyssenkrupp AG. The plant will provide baseload power to Zamboanga City and nearby areas.

Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2019 while commercial operations are expected by 2022. Once operational, the plant will play a crucial role in stabilizing power supply in the Zamboanga peninsula.

“These bid submissions are a testimony to the keen interest the SRPI project has generated and are a vote of confidence to the future of Zamboanga City,” Alsons Power vice president for project development Joseph Nocos said.

Alsons currently operates four power facilities in Mindanao generating a combined capacity of 363 MW serving more than eight million people in 13 cities across eight provinces including key urban centers such as Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Iligan and Zamboanga City. Alena Mae S. Flores

TOKEN NEWS OPENS OFFICE. The Token News Philippines, a branch of Token News Hong Kong, opens a new office at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. TokenNews wants to contribute through leveraging new technologies in the Philippines. Shown are (from left) Shogo Ishida, marketing director of Quanta; Thomas Ng, finance managing director of Acute Angle Cloud; Yuki Takarabe, chief executive of Token News Phils.; Oya Koc, chief executive and founder of Unaity; Jack Nguyen, project director of Infinito Wallet; Yoshihiro Kanemitsu, chief executive and founder of Makers Farm Pte. Ltd. ( Coincome); Matsuo Kan, chief operating officer of Mining Data Lab Inc.; and Yuji Honma, chief executive of Mining Data Lab.

B2

Business

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks slump for 6th straight day T

Century set to finish four buildings in next 3 years

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 68.81 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,449.20 on a value turnover of P5.7 billion. Losers beat gainers, 101 to 83, with 56 issues unchanged.

BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, fell 3.4 percent to P114, while Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., which is into power generation and distribution, banking, food shipbuilding and infrastructure, dropped 6.7 percent to P47.60.

Universal Robina Corp., the largest snack food maker, tumbled 6 percent to P140, while parent JG Summit Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE stock market slumped for the sixth straight day Wednesday on fears the US-China trade dispute may worsen.

slumped 5.5 percent to P51.60.

The sell-off on the rest of Asian markets, meanwhile, extended into Wednesday with investors fearing an escalation in the US-China trade row after Beijing said it planned to impose anti-dumping sanctions worth billions on Washington.

The news adds to a sense of pessimism across trading floors in recent weeks as the world’s top two economic powers stand on the cusp of an all-out trade war that observers fear could batter the global economy.

It also comes as dealers struggle to deal with a brewing emerging-market financial crisis and overshadows hopeful noises from Canada that a revised Nafta deal is “imminently possible.”

Hong Kong was again among the worst performers, having fallen into a bear market Tuesday—marking a 20 percent fall from its record high touched in January.

The Hang Seng Index was down 0.4 percent while Shanghai dropped 0.3 percent to finish around levels last seen at the very beginning of 2016.

Tokyo ended 0.3 percent lower and Sydney fell 0.1 percent while Wellington and Taipei were each 0.3 percent off.

Bangkok was also lower while Seoul and Singapore were flat.

“We are concerned that trade tensions are adding to the downside risks to growth,” Sneha Sanghvi, head of Asian financial markets at Westpac, told Bloomberg TV. “We are seeing heightened volatility and risk aversion in financial markets— that trend is likely to continue for the next few weeks.”

The losses came despite a positive lead from Wall Street, where energy firms were boosted by a more than two percent rally in oil and technology firms were supported by bargain-buying.

However, energy firms were broadly higher as oil prices benefited from a sharp drop in US inventories, looming sanctions on Iran and Hurricane Florence’s imminent impact on the Carolinas.

China said Tuesday it would ask the World Trade Organization next week for permission to impose more than $7 billion in sanctions annually on the United States over anti-dumping practices. The WTO will discuss the issue on September 21.

The case dates back to December 2013, when China took issue with the way Washington assesses whether exports have been “dumped” at unfairly low prices onto the US market.

Beijing’s call comes after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on all goods coming from China, which he says is using unfair trade practices that are harming American jobs. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59.5 86.6 2.47 118 1.65 30.7 7.8 16.3 13.5 4 8.65 1.69 815 0.53 69 0.99 11.62 45.5 197 104.6 83.9 27.25 189.6 73.05 1.24

59.8 86.6 2.58 118.7 1.68 30.7 7.8 16.3 13.5 4.11 8.65 1.72 815 0.55 70.15 1 11.8 46 197 109.9 83.9 27.25 192.8 73.05 1.24

59.1 85.85 2.46 114 1.65 30.55 7.8 16.3 13.3 4 8.64 1.63 815 0.53 68.95 0.98 11.6 45.3 190 104.6 83.9 26.95 189.1 70.3 1.24

FINANCIALS 59.8 2,110 85.85 3,159,440 2.58 9,000 114 2,636,230 1.65 23,000 30.6 176,400 7.8 500 16.3 36,000 13.4 487,000 4.11 551,000 8.64 5,400 1.69 206,000 815 190 0.53 1,085,000 70 3,095,650 0.98 553,000 11.6 8,100 45.3 100,000 190 1,610 104.6 530 83.9 10 27 167,200 189.9 663,850 70.5 59,600 1.24 1,000

125,843 271,837,540.50 22,290 306,089,441 38,040 5,398,690 3,900 586,800 6,518,462 2,257,690 46,661 343,800 154,850 577,360 216,205,555 546,360 94,470 4,547,820 307,007 55,862 839 4,518,595 125,988,032 4,291,611 1,240

119,300 -134,335,683.50 -164,019,409 -4,495,490 -539,530 -945,808 -50,509,237 -98,040 842,325 19,100 -3,836,950 18,752,184 -1,971,980.50 -

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 LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHIL H2O PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

36 17.08 1.14 1.2 0.217 3.08 13.8 34.2 19.1 44 1.78 7.5 10.2 15.62 9.45 7.27 7.05 16.16 64.95 30.05 7.13 12.16 2.12 276 50 4.86 3.15 12.26 24.1 11.9 17.3 378 0.183 6.68 2.04 3.95 9 5.45 8 1.01 11.2 53.85 5.9 4.8 2.45 3.01 1.7 12.48 94 5.7 0.13 1.02 149.5 2.45 2.27 2.11

37 17.08 1.19 1.22 0.227 3.09 13.82 34.5 19.1 44 1.8 7.5 10.38 15.82 9.45 7.3 7.07 16.4 65 30.2 7.2 12.36 2.12 279.6 50 4.86 3.15 13.4 24.1 12.1 17.3 385 0.191 6.68 2.04 3.95 9.05 5.54 8.2 1.03 11.2 53.95 5.95 4.8 2.45 3.1 1.7 12.48 96.65 5.7 0.13 1.07 149.5 2.45 2.3 2.25

36 16.78 1.1 1.19 0.217 3 13.74 32.9 17.4 41.7 1.75 7.36 10.16 15.48 9.1 7.24 7.05 16.16 64.65 29.85 7.13 12.08 2.05 269 46 4.85 3.15 12.26 23.95 11.9 16.9 377 0.171 6.54 1.92 3.9 8.99 5.33 8 1 11 53.25 5.9 4.75 2.4 3.01 1.67 12.4 94 5.6 0.13 1.01 140 2.45 2.14 2.06

INDUSTRIAL 37 1,866,200 17 1,513,800 1.15 24,663,000 1.2 500,000 0.227 360,000 3.06 2,180,000 13.8 600,600 34 1,710,600 17.5 11,900 41.75 32,000 1.75 393,000 7.36 800 10.18 1,857,600 15.6 857,600 9.1 189,700 7.27 14,043,200 7.06 2,164,900 16.34 758,200 64.75 276,230 29.95 178,600 7.17 66,900 12.1 1,832,400 2.06 1,360,000 269 572,730 49.95 1,990 4.85 50,000 3.15 3,000 13.4 300 24 223,500 11.94 362,400 16.9 4,156,000 385 304,060 0.188 1,440,000 6.68 18,500 1.93 488,000 3.9 13,000 9.03 588,600 5.39 72,100 8.2 31,200 1.01 1,040,000 11 79,400 53.5 1,297,580 5.95 31,800 4.75 1,001,000 2.42 106,000 3.1 16,000 1.67 361,000 12.4 427,200 95.5 459,500 5.61 168,900 0.13 10,000 1.05 141,000 140 1,066,390 2.45 10,000 2.14 14,547,000 2.23 30,191,000

67,902,905 25,594,780 28,215,870 600,000 79,220 6,672,710 8,275,778 57,747,770 212,696 1,385,320 691,250 5,957 18,930,002 13,377,278 1,758,549 101,939,931 15,284,256 12,384,272 17,946,024 5,361,435 479,043 22,538,376 2,811,710 155,450,270 98,695.50 242,600 9,450 3,906 5,362,195 4,335,532 70,718,742 116,146,410 253,300 123,036 963,550 51,080 5,308,398 392,178 254,300 1,053,210 874,544 69,384,227 187,635 4,804,750 255,240 49,420 603,180 5,298,216 43,858,476 947,005 1,300 146,070 153,819,242 24,500 32,070,150 65,704,560

18,526,320.00 5,426,114.00 483,350 -194,650 -2,609,552 67,950 284,480 -39,600 -3,735 13,658,698 3,493,802 -1,504,853 -9,371,692 -1,249,513 -2,041,802 -2,663,632 18,684,650 181,600 -45,986,166 -145,500 -2,911,480 -1,294,718 -52,212,072 5,335,734 -767,420 -1,956,677 -229,470 -44,678,347.50 -187,635 -4,800,000 -137,000 4,974,832 -10,224,683 14,730 -2,513,493 24,500 -4,029,990 -451,300

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

0.42 51.2 12.84 0.9 1.31 1.33 902 5.95 12.22 7.18 4.11 875 55 0.65 5.03 16.26 0.62 5.13 0.038 1.16 2.62 174 2.58 950 0.79 1.4 378 284.8 0.31

0.42 51.2 13.22 0.92 1.36 1.39 929.5 5.99 12.34 7.18 5.79 884.5 55.05 0.65 5.03 16.7 0.68 5.24 0.038 1.27 2.7 176.6 2.58 950 0.8 1.46 378 294 0.315

0.41 47.6 12.74 0.89 1.29 1.32 902 5.85 11.8 7.05 4.11 861.5 51.6 0.6 4.92 16.26 0.62 5.1 0.037 1.16 2.62 173.6 2.58 932.5 0.79 1.4 378 280 0.305

HOLDING FIRMS 0.42 19,780,000 47.6 5,480,900 12.74 8,250,200 0.92 108,000 1.33 9,525,000 1.33 3,544,000 920 256,900 5.89 972,600 12.18 3,604,800 7.18 55,700 5.79 500 861.5 103,860 51.6 1,750,320 0.62 2,153,000 4.92 470,000 16.56 3,970,500 0.66 12,380,000 5.1 19,409,800 0.037 19,500,000 1.22 1,101,000 2.68 181,000 175 497,760 2.58 42,000 942 124,780 0.8 108,000 1.43 143,000 378 4,960 294 3,220 0.315 5,910,000

8,221,150 265,476,536 106,691,864 96,490 12,713,290 4,728,810 235,640,115 5,727,482 43,478,246 399,653 2,401 90,274,570 91,931,991.50 1,331,060 2,334,150 65,745,272 8,234,260 100,120,529 722,000 1,354,770 479,680 87,163,749 108,360 117,539,615 86,120 205,920 1,874,880 917,250 1,828,100

32,950 -56,071,878.50 -21,328,642 152,200.00 -25,904,615 -293,710 -20,219,088 -31,396,895 -18,738,342 -226,970 -881,660 15,038,178 -10,725,840 -21,440 -8,047,212 -13,878,675 -862,944 18,600

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

7.59 0.94 2.08 0.72 41.6 3.02 4.45 5.36 0.44 0.93 0.91 0.221 0.41 8.75 23.75 0.57 1.46 1.18 2.34 4.33 0.67 0.46 0.48 4.19 20.95

7.59 0.95 2.1 0.72 42 3.02 4.49 5.62 0.47 0.97 0.94 0.222 0.42 8.82 24.2 0.57 1.47 1.19 2.73 4.38 0.72 0.465 0.48 4.44 20.95

7.35 0.94 2.05 0.7 41.6 2.93 4.33 5.36 0.435 0.9 0.91 0.218 0.41 8.75 23.65 0.57 1.45 1.17 2.26 4.3 0.66 0.455 0.47 4.14 19.82

2,379,493 1,114,630 163,610 583,060 281,468,675 1,912,680 7,554,770 109,816 20,529,150 211,450 637,100 809,310 138,500 443,891 6,516,425 119,130 1,357,990 1,793,740 193,669,480 67,998,860 145,097,010 1,037,800 235,550 22,029,890 49,210,317

-1,103,250 26,270 -145,255,735 -1,252,960 -2,015,910 -3,192,950 47,316 -3,676,015 -119,130 -202,480 1,042,250.00 -26,089,200 -356,350 9,250 -54,010 -20,516,021

NAME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

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

1.97 3.21 36 1.16 7.21 0.78 6.29

2 3.22 37 1.16 7.25 0.78 6.3

1.96 3.2 36 1.11 7.04 0.76 6.21

2 3.2 36.5 1.15 7.12 0.76 6.3

145,000 1,399,000 5,539,800 719,000 408,400 120,000 492,300

286,000 4,477,470 203,017,830 805,540 2,917,133 91,960 3,088,485

3,017,600 -98,687,770 -185,860 -1,780,606

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES 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

13.18 22.5 1.39 0.48 0.045 2.32 8.99 0.064 72.1 5.98 8.65 2.26 20.9 2,120 5.44 315 2.77 90.5 7.81 0.12 2.85 3.43 3.86 1.03 18.3 0.435 5.3 6.95 2.75 1.67 1.77 7.38 11 8.8 3.46 106 4.92 1,395 0.89 0.4 45 80.95 7.88 2.25 0.76 0.56 5.08 0.78 10.8

13.18 22.5 1.39 0.48 0.045 2.44 9.11 0.064 72.95 6.07 8.65 2.26 21.6 2,206 5.44 315 2.95 93 7.81 0.121 3.05 3.69 3.9 1.03 18.5 0.435 5.71 6.98 2.75 1.74 1.94 7.89 11 8.8 3.55 107.8 4.92 1,428 0.91 0.41 45 80.95 7.88 2.3 0.78 0.59 5.18 0.78 10.82

12.3 21.8 1.37 0.475 0.044 2.13 8.92 0.062 71.9 5.98 8.3 2.26 20.05 2,120 5.4 304.2 2.77 90 7.81 0.119 2.85 3.43 3.82 0.91 17.98 0.435 5.2 6.95 2.67 1.55 1.77 7.3 10.5 8.52 3.22 100 4.85 1,395 0.89 0.395 44.3 79.8 7.76 2.2 0.75 0.56 5.08 0.76 10.66

SERVICES 12.3 21.9 1.37 0.48 0.045 2.2 9 0.062 72 6.04 8.6 2.26 20.8 2,180 5.41 315 2.91 90.05 7.81 0.119 2.93 3.68 3.86 0.96 18.02 0.435 5.71 6.96 2.72 1.6 1.94 7.89 10.52 8.79 3.5 100 4.9 1,428 0.91 0.405 45 80 7.76 2.28 0.76 0.58 5.18 0.77 10.68

54,400 290,000 5,000 4,210,000 13,300,000 8,607,000 6,417,600 39,020,000 204,130 372,800 37,300 18,000 137,500 131,915 111,100 2,970 5,633,000 703,590 12,500 6,460,000 7,599,000 25,000 955,000 1,716,000 704,400 50,000 1,080,600 4,476,000 80,000 574,000 3,000 8,479,000 15,300 22,100 373,000 13,770 402,000 101,740 3,363,000 3,980,000 657,500 762,760 225,700 3,851,000 4,442,000 29,354,000 2,256,100 2,161,000 6,385,400

680,958 6,361,475 6,910 2,012,000 590,800 19,308,200 57,799,963 2,444,850 14,696,498 2,250,569 314,955 40,680 2,862,775 287,044,770 600,799 931,990 16,073,680 63,888,979.50 97,625 772,760 22,548,010 89,300 3,667,310 1,648,800 12,749,482 21,750 6,011,793 31,128,657 215,610 923,840 5,480 65,182,178 162,302 190,049 1,227,060 1,402,246 1,964,820 143,887,710 3,037,170 1,591,050 29,574,360 61,017,172 1,763,047 8,721,440 3,380,230 16,916,400 11,624,555 1,654,820 68,473,882

-176,000 -9,580 -13,131,290 12,600 -8,741,201.50 -111,540 17,150 252,000 207,294,880 552,590 14,768,625 -1,594,740 -991,150 -5,350,628 -21,688 -5,743,617 -5,420 -831,537 -1,031,350 -143,368 -79,980 -43,663,730 -69,330 -21,921,290 -387,475 -461,350 -1,193,980 35,010 -5,270,532.00 -56,374,836

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

0.0025 1.5 3.35 18.3 1.91 0.305 7.29 1.95 0.25 0.121 0.129 0.0078 1.31 4.5 1.17 0.66 1.3 0.013 0.012 0.013 4.31 4.03 13.62 29.2 0.0075

0.0026 1.56 3.36 20.1 1.95 0.305 7.38 1.95 0.255 0.122 0.129 0.0078 1.32 4.58 1.17 0.66 1.37 0.014 0.014 0.013 4.57 4.04 15.18 29.4 0.0079

0.0024 1.5 3.2 18.3 1.91 0.3 7.28 1.9 0.241 0.121 0.129 0.0078 1.28 4.41 1.1 0.63 1.27 0.013 0.012 0.011 4.01 3.99 13.6 29.2 0.0075

MINING & OIL 0.0025 91,000,000 1.53 1,361,000 3.2 64,000 20.1 25,200 1.93 562,000 0.3 170,000 7.38 3,000 1.95 2,655,000 0.25 2,140,000 0.122 160,000 0.129 50,000 0.0078 20,000,000 1.32 153,000 4.43 1,913,000 1.12 199,000 0.66 2,423,000 1.34 6,616,000 0.014 186,300,000 0.013 600,000 0.012 21,500,000 4.14 865,000 3.99 1,126,000 15.02 3,107,200 29.3 732,000 0.0077 17,000,000

227,500 2,076,310 209,430 491,320 1,090,270 51,750 21,932 5,135,760 534,550 19,510 6,450 156,000 198,060 8,532,250 220,880 1,572,720 8,754,990 2,582,500 7,700 249,100 3,599,220 4,518,390 45,124,812 21,443,790 130,800

-12,820 -234,410 -19,300 -1,256,570 11,000 -162,200 -11,160.00 -1,973,960 6,553,662.00 12,327,980 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PNX PREF 3A SFI PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

21.5 500 496 5.25 951 1.03 100 99.5 1.91 986 76.3 79.5 75 75.1 75.6 77 76

21.5 500 499 5.25 951 1.03 100 100 1.91 1,000 77.45 80.2 75 75.1 75.6 77 76

20.7 500 496 5.25 950 1.03 100 99.5 1.91 986 76.3 79.5 75 74 75.6 77 76

PREFERRED 20.9 104,500 500 650 498 5,110 5.25 72,400 950 400 1.03 83,000 100 140 100 27,840 1.91 1,000 1,000 450 77.45 434,270 79.5 13,080 75 4,000 74 6,730 75.6 46,500 77 64,500 76 720

2,207,185 325,000 2,544,590 380,100 380,300 85,490 14,000 2,783,950 1,910 446,500 33,182,097 1,042,985 300,000 504,895 3,515,400 4,966,500 54,720

-1,479,065 -354,375 28,500 -

LR WARRANT

2.6

2.6

2.39

WARRANTS 2.46 284,000

687,520

ITALPINAS XURPAS

6.29 2.46

6.68 2.48

6.29 2.33

6.55 2.34

FIRST METRO ETF

112.6

113

112.2

MS

PROPERTY 7.55 0.94 2.05 0.71 41.75 2.93 4.46 5.62 0.46 0.9 0.91 0.219 0.42 8.75 23.85 0.57 1.46 1.17 2.62 4.33 0.69 0.455 0.475 4.3 20.5

317,600 1,180,000 78,000 825,000 6,741,000 644,000 1,716,000 20,300 45,080,000 221,000 698,000 3,700,000 330,000 50,600 273,100 209,000 932,000 1,522,000 75,364,000 15,679,000 209,007,000 2,270,000 500,000 5,095,000 2,421,900

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.1 10.26 1.01

TRADING SUMMARY

10.1 10.26 1.01

SHARES

FINANCIAL

13,595,252

INDUSTRIAL

116,762,321

HOLDING FIRMS

120,084,178

PROPERTY

383,780,656

SERVICES

170,763,688

MINING & OIL

360,774,279

GRAND TOTAL

1,169,842,133

10.1 10.26 1.01

SME

1,999,800 2,074,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 112.2 6,200 DDS

10.1 10.26 1.01

8,930 2,500 19,700

12,984,266 4,917,040

67,540 37,350

697,584

-

90,193 25,650 19,897

-

VALUE 1,668.84 (down) 24.08 989,683,988.78 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,031.23 (down) 196.76 1,159,611,487.25 HOLDING FIRMS 7,314.30 (down) 82.11 1,363,384,389.27 PROPERTY 3,722.62 (down) 6.28 1,514.93 (up) 4.61 1,021,906,118.86 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,584.99 (up) 137.53 1,007,068,600.915 PSEI 7,449.20 (down) 68.81 106,997,590.59 All Shares Index 4,577.16 (down) 20.12 5,667,257,186.36 Gainers: 83; Losers: 101; Unchanged: 56; Total: 240

CENTURY Properties Group Inc. is scheduled to complete two office buildings and two hotel towers over the next three years in line with a target to reach P1.5 billion in leasing revenues by 2020.

Century Properties chief operating officer and managing director Marco Antonio said in an interview Wednesday the company was slated to open Asian Century Center, an office tower project in Bonifacio Global City with joint-venture partner Asian Carmakers.

By next year, the property developer will complete the 35-story Century Diamond Tower in Makati City in partnership with Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp.

The office project, formerly called Forbes Media Tower, was recently renamed Century Diamond Tower along with the company’s thrust to strengthen the Century brand name.

Asian Century Center will have 25,000 square meters of office space while Century Diamond Tower will offer 58,618 sqm of leasable space.

Century Properties is also set to complete next year Novotel Suites Manila, a 150-room condotel project in Mandaluyong.

The company in 2020 is also scheduled to open Century Spire, a mixed-use residential and office development in Makati.

Antonio said Century Properties will have a total of 300,000 sqm of leasable space with the completion of four projects from 134,00 sqm. as of end 2017.

“So we are going to have office, hotel and retail feeding our retail portfolio,” Antonio said.

Century Properties has been diversifying its portfolio from being concentrated in high-rise condominium projects to other segments, such as affordable horizontal housing, leisure and tourism developments and forlease properties to expand its portfolio into a solid, four-platform business.

Meanwhile, Century Properties on Wednesday appointed real estate brokerage services firm Leechiu Property Consultants as the exclusive agent to market the leasable spaces of Century Diamond Tower.

Jollibee to open outlets in Macau, UK, Manhattan JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. is set to open its first outlets in three different milestone locations—UK, Manhattan, and Macau—as part of the company’s expansion plans.

The aggressive store expansion overseas aims to even the share of domestic and international sales.

The first Jollibee store in UK will have its grand opening on October 20, and a few weeks before, the Macau branch will do its grand opening on September 28. The Manhattan, New York store will open within a few months.

Jollibee is bringing the company’s well-loved brand to Filipinos abroad to give them a “taste of home.” On top of serving Filipinos overseas, the fast-food chain has seen the success of Jollibee in catering to local markets.

In Vietnam and Brunei, all of its customers are locals. Jollibee is already the fastest growing chain in Vietnam. In Brunei, it is one of the top chains of the country.

In Hong Kong and Singapore where it has added more stores, more than half of its customers are locals. Jollibee envisions to continue replicating its success in the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Hong Kong and Singapore in other markets soon.

Jollibee in 2013, became the number one restaurant company in Asia in terms of market capitalization and is now the world’s largest Asian restaurant company. The fast-food giant is now aiming to be among the Top 5 largest restaurant companies in the world in terms of market capitalization.

JFC is also focusing on the two largest economies in the world, namely China and United States, and expansion in other parts of the world, while sustaining business growth in the Philippines. Jenniffer B. Austria

Manila

Standard

TODAY

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Business/World

Guarantees urged for N. Korea

Nuts removed over rage COLOMBO―Sri Lanka’s national airline said Wednesday it has stopped serving cashews after the country’s president flew into a rage over the nuts served to him on a flight to Colombo.

“Returning from Kathmandu, I was served some cashews on board a SriLankan flight, but it was so bad even a dog wouldn’t eat it,” Maithripala Sirisena said on Monday.

“I want to know who authorized the purchase of these nuts,” the president told a meeting of farmers.

An airline spokesman said it has responded by clearing its stock of cashews―only served in business class―and would change its Dubai-based supplier.

This is not the first time that airline nuts have prompted outrage.

In 2014 a South Korean heiress famously ordered a Korean Air plane back to its gate to eject a cabin crew member after she was served nuts still in their packet.

Last month Colombo renewed its search for an equity investor in the loss-making and heavily indebted SriLankan after the International Monetary Fund warned that the airline was dragging the country’s economy down. AFP

B3

Death toll in Afghanistan suicide attack soars to 68

IN BRIEF VLADIVOSTOK―Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said North Korea must be given security guarantees in exchange for steps towards denuclearization.

“North Korea, in return for its denuclearization, was after all promised security guarantees.

Clearly it is waiting for some sort of signal in response,” Putin told an economic forum in the far eastern city of Vladivostok.

“It seems to me counterproductive if we demand everything from the North Korean side and in response they are given nothing,” he said at an event with China’s Xi Jinping and Japan’s Shinzo Abe. He said international guarantees would be “appropriate” along with US offers, following a summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June.

Then, Trump and Kim signed a vaguely worded agreement on denuclearization but little progress has been made since then.

The latest round of diplomatic efforts to curb the North Korean nuclear program has been high on the agenda in Vladivostok.

On Monday, Japan’s Prime Minister Abe said he was ready to provide financial aid to Pyongyang on condition that it resolves the issues of its nuclear and missile tests and abducted Japanese nationals. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

GENERAL AUDIENCE. Pope Francis waves at the public as he arrives to lead his weekly general audience at the Saint Peter’s square, in the Vatican, on September 12, 2018. Tiziana FABI, AFP

US beach town braces for hurricane’s arrival

W

RIGHTSVILLE BEACH―Wooden planks boarding up windows, sandbags lining the edge of the placid-for-now ocean: locals of one seaside resort in North Carolina are maintaining relative calm as they gird for Hurricane Florence―an attitude somewhat masking their anxiety, as the potentially catastrophic storm closes in on them.

As skies fluctuated Tuesday between heavy showers and occasional bright spots, a certain sunny outlook swaddled Wrightsville Beach, despite the looming arrival of Florence’s heavy winds and inundating rain that has prompted widespread evacuations along the southeastern US coast.

Kevin Goricki, who came to visit the normally idyllic area―known as the backdrop for the hit 2000s-era series “Dawson’s Creek”―still intends to enjoy the beach with his family.

The 29-year-old said he already went through 2011’s Hurricane Irene, and cited flooding as the worst threat. He doesn’t fear for his family’s safety, though, saying they will hunker down at his sister’s third-floor home.

“I must confess I like the atmosphere around it,” he said, looking out over the Atlantic.

But others are more wary: Mexican restaurant Tower Seven has closed and barricaded its doors to customers since Tuesday, hanging a sign on the door warning people to “be safe.”

Jim Wenning, a regular there, arrived at the scene to help the boss try “to avoid additional damage.”

“We haven’t see a storm like this since the 1950s,” said the construction worker, drill in hand.

“It could be chaotic around here for a week or so.”

He lives a bit further inland, and has yet to decide whether he will evacuate.

“I’ll leave if the winds are still above 130 mph, because my house hasn’t been built to resist more,” he said. “I’ll make a last minute decision.”

But Greg Cook and his girlfriend, who have called Wrightsville Beach home for seven years, chose to move everything―mattresses, lamps, dressers, a grill―before Florence’s arrival.

“We’ve already been flooded three times, but it should be a completely different story this time around,” he said. “People usually say ‘it’s ok, the hurricane will turn North, we’ll be fine.’”

“But this time everybody thinks it will really happen -- and that it will be bad.”

Those intending to leave face a race against the clock to flee the island town just east of the port city Wilmington, as drawbridge access to it will be raised Wednesday evening.

Water and electricity will also be cut―but even that’s not enough to deter some from staying at all costs.

“Our neighbor thinks he’s safe on the first floor,” Cook said. “We are leaving him our generator, but I don’t think it’s particularly smart of him.” AFP

JALALABAD, Afghanistan―The death toll from a suicide attack on Afghan protesters has soared to 68, officials said Wednesday, as violence flares across the country ahead of elections and a key Islamic holy day.

The bombing on Tuesday in the eastern province of Nangarhar was the latest in a wave of deadly insurgent attacks which has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians and security forces across Afghanistan.

The blast wounded another 165 people, provincial governor spokesman Ataullah Khogyani said.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the massacre, but the Islamic State group, which has carried out most of the recent suicide bombings in Afghanistan, is active in the province.

The Nangarhar health department confirmed the toll.

Scores of demonstrators had blocked the highway between the provincial capital of Jalalabad and a major Pakistan border crossing in protest over the appointment of a local police chief when the suicide bomber blew himself up.

The dead and wounded were rushed to several hospitals in the back of pickup trucks and ambulances, overwhelming doctors and nurses as they struggled to cope with the huge number of casualties.

Zar Khan, one of the injured, told AFP he saw a young man get out of a car and run towards the protesters shouting “Allahu akbar” (God is greatest).

Notice to the “Then the explosion happened and I found Public myself surrounded by blood and flesh,” Khan said from his hospital bed.

Notice is hereby given It was the deadliest attack since an ambu- that the estate of the Linda Esmena and lance packed with explosives detonated in a late Alexander Esmena has crowded street in the heart of Kabul in Janu- been duly adjudicated ary, killing more than 100 people, mostly to Judith Esmena as heir as per Doc. civilians. That bombing was claimed by the sole 76 No. 74-A; Book No. Taliban.

17; Series of 2017; Violence across the country has intensi- before Atty. Benjamin Alfonso, Notary fied in recent weeks as the Taliban make F. Public F Alfonso, gains on the battlefield and IS launches Notary Public. deadly urban attacks. AFP (MS-SEPT. 6,13 & 20, 2018)

PUBLIC INFORMATION SHEET FOR DIRECT USE AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING PROPOSAL FOR DIRECT USE AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING OF TC1507 MAIZE 1.

2.

MW baseload coal-fired power plant of unit San Ramon Power Inc. in Zamboanga City.

Sarangani Energy’s Section 2 baseload coal-fired plant in Sarangani province is expected to begin commercial operations in the first half of 2019. The construction is over 80 percent complete and will add to the first 105-MW section, which began operating in April 2016. The initial phase of the project delivers electricity to over three million people in the General Santos-Sarangani area and other parts of Mindanao.

The output of the second section, meanwhile, is expected to benefit an additional three million residents of South Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Cagayan de Oro City and other key areas of the island.

Renewable energy The15.1-MW Siguil River Hydro project also in Sarangani province is expected to begin commercial operations in 2021 and will provide power to Sarangani, General Santos City and key municipalities of South Cotabato. The hydro project marks the entry of the Alcantara Group, through listed Alcantara Consolidated Resources Inc., into the renewable energy sphere.

ACR recently issued commercial papers worth P1.5 billion to partially fund the development of the P4.25billion run-of-river hydroelectric power project at the Siguil River basin, and other hydro power projects.

Alsons Power also plans to pursue additional run-of-river hydroelectric

Applicants’ Addresses 8/F iSquare Building 15 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center Pasig City, 1605 Philippines Dow AgroSciences Philippines 23rd F., 6750 Bldg., Ayala Ave. Makati City 1226, Philippines

3.

Telephone & Facsimile Nos./E-Mail Addresses of the Applicants Tel.: (02) 637-1234; Fax: (02) 687-5114 Email Address: arun.mittal@pioneer.com; tony.alfonso@pioneer.com Tel: +63 2 8191986; Fax +63 2 8402352 Email address: BGErmita@dow.com

4.

Names of Responsible Officer/Authorized Representatives Arun Mittal/Antonio Alfonso Bella Victoria Ermita

5.

Description of the Regulated Article for Direct Use TC1507 maize, also referred to as maize line TC1507 or Herculex I maize (OECD unique identifier: DAS-Ø15Ø7-1),was genetically modified to develop a type of maize that is resistant to Asian Corn Borer (ACB, OstriniafurnacalisGuenee).

It contains the bacterial gene cry1Fderived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai which expresses an insect-specific protein toxin, Cry1F. It also contains the pat gene derived from the soil bacterium Streptomyces viridochromogenes which expresses the enzyme phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT), conferring tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium herbicides and was used as a marker to select transformed maize in laboratory.

Both cry1F and patgenes were present in a DNA fragment that was delivered into maize by microprojectile bombardment.

6.

If to be imported, Country (ies) of Origin of the Regulated Article TC1507 maizewill be imported from countries that haveauthorized this event for commercial cultivation such as the United States and Canada.

7.

Brief Summary of Potential Effects on Human and Animal Health and the Environment TC1507 maize is not expected to cause adverse effects when used as food and feed. It has been approved for use for food and/or feed and granted certificates of environmental safety in 23countries worldwide.The potential for allergenicity and toxicity of TC1507 maize was evaluated by examining Cry1Fand PAT proteins expressed in TC1507 maize using bioinformatics,in vitro digestibility, glycosylation analyses, acute oral toxicity, and heat labilityanalyses. These assessments demonstrated that TC1507 maizeas well as Cry1Fand PAT proteins, are unlikely to be allergens or toxins.A compositional equivalence assessment demonstrated that the nutrient composition of TC1507 maizegrain and forage is comparable to that of non-GM maize with a similar genetic background, indicating that TC1507 maizeis as safe and nutritious as non-GM maize for use in food and feed.

Alsons hits gold mine in power generation THE Alcantara Group has gone a long way mainly from an agribusiness and forestry concern in the mid 50’s to transportation, property development and construction-related industries.

It has since joined the oil exploration bandwagon in the early 70’s but it finally hit pay dirt in the early 90’s when it joined the lucrative power generation business.

The Alcantara Group, founded by the late pioneering entrepreneur Conrado Alcantara, has kept its mission to tap Mindanao’s vast and undeveloped resources on its way to becoming become one of the largest and most diversified Filipino-owned conglomerates in the country.

Alsons Power Holdings Corp. is keeping the Alcantara Group’s vision to develop Mindanao with a solid lineup of power generating plants. Three flagship projects of Alsons Power are all on track for completion starting early next year until 2022. Their completion is timely in light of the government’s current infrastructure and investment initiatives in the island. The additional output is on top of the company’s four power facilities in the island with a total generating capacity of 363 MW serving key cities such as Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iligan, General Santos and Zamboanga.

The new key projects include the second 105-megawatt section of the baseload coal-fired power plant of unit Sarangani Energy Corp. in Maasim, Sarangani province, the 15.1 MW runof-river hydroelectric power plant at the Siguil River basin also in Maasim, Sarangani province, and another 105-

Applicants’ Names Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines, Inc. Dow AgroSciences Philippines

Overall, the safety assessment of TC1507 maizehas demonstrated that the introduced proteins (Cry1Fand PAT)arenot expected to cause adverse effects and that TC1507 maizedoes not pose a greater risk than non-GM maize varieties in food and feed.

power projects in Negros Occidental, Sarangani, Davao Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte, the two Agusan provinces, and Surigao del Sur. The projects have a total hydro capacity potential totaling more than 145 megawatts.

Another coal-fired power plant in Zamboanga City, operated by unit San Ramon Power Inc., is set to start commercial operations in 2022. Five global construction and engineering companies have submitted bid proposals for the engineering, procurement and construction of the power plant in Talisayan, Zamboanga City. The plant will provide baseload power to Zamboanga City and nearby areas.

The construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2019 while commercial operations are set to start in 2022. Once operational, the plant will play a crucial role in stabilizing power supply in the Zamboanga peninsula.

Alsons Power vice president for project development Joseph Nocos cited Alsons Power’s commitment to bring the project to completion. “These bid submissions are a testimony to the keen interest the SRPI project has generated and are a vote of confidence to the future of Zamboanga City,” he said.

The genetic modification in TC1507 maize did not change its agronomic characteristics other than providing resistance to the Asian Corn Borer. The TC1507 maize does not exhibit characteristics that increase its fitness compared to conventional maize. Studies conducted on Cry1Fand PATproteins showed low risk to non-target arthropods, aquatic organisms, soil invertebrates, and mammals.

8.

Brief Summary of Potential Benefits Pioneer Hi-Bred and Dow AgroSciences have co-developed TC1507 maize to provide protection against the lepidopteran pest Asian Corn Borer. This protection is conferred by insertion of the cry1Fgene isolated from the common soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai. In countries where ACB causes significant reductions in maize yield, TC1507 maizeoffers farmers with an economical and effective means to control this destructive pest.

9.

Countries Where Approvals Have Been Granted Country Argentina Australia / New Zealand Brazil Canada China Colombia European Union Honduras Indonesia Japan Korea Malaysia Mexico Paraguay Philippines Russia Singapore South Africa Switzerland Taiwan United States Uruguay Vietnam

Environment 2005 2008 2002 2007 2009 2005 2012 2013 2012 2001 2011 2016

Type of Authorization Food and/or Feed 2005 2003 2008 2002 2004 2006 (Food), 2006 (Feed) 2006 (Food), 2006 (Feed) 2015 (Food) 2002 (Food), 2003 (Feed) 2002 (Food), 2004 (Feed) 2013 2003 2003 2017 (Food) 2011 2002 2014 (Feed) 2003 (Food), 2017 (Feed) 2001 2011 2016

The public is hereby invited to submit their comments to the BPI Director (within 60 days from date of publication) on the Proposal for the Importation of TC1507 maizefor direct use as food and feed, or for processing.

Director Bureau of Plant Industry San Andres, Malate, Manila Telephone Number:404-0409 loc. 202/203 E-mail:bpibiotechsecretariat@gmail.com

Approved for Publication

GEORGE Y. CULASTE Director Bureau of Plant and Industry Date:

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or business@manilastandard.net or extrastory2000@gmail.com (MS-SEPT. 13, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

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LocaL goveRnment units

thursday, september 13, 2018

Tacloban City’s colorful display won for it the Best Booth award at the recent 29th Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Tacloban Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez congratulated the City Tourism Office (inset), headed by Malu Tabao, with his team composed of booth designer Daniel Guarino, Nick Guarino, Angela Perez, Billie Cinco, Bardot Atillo and tourism consultant Norma Morantte, as they receive the award at the expo.

‘Bistek’ as QC vice mayor?

Telemedicine now offered in Calabarzon

By Macon Ramos-Araneta noTWITHSTanDInG its “challenges and trials,” Department of Health calabarzon Regional Director Eduardo c. Janairo said Wednesday the office continues its mandate to develop health innovations and assure quality health care for all.

To further improve and advance its service delivery network in the country, DoH-calabarzon launched a “telemedicine” program that will provide a broad range of clinical services in various specialty areas, as well as continuing medical education and preventive healthcare to remote health facilities in the region.

“Telemedicine is technology in service delivery network. We will utilize telecommunication and information technology to provide clinical care from a distance,” Janairo said.

He said the program will overcome geographic barriers in health care delivery and will significantly improve access to medical services that are not often consistently available in remote rural communities of the region.

The first telemedicine program was initiated by Janairo in Mimaropa and was instituted at the Dr. Damian Reyes Memorial Hospital in boac, Marinduque.

It is currently linked with the national children’s Hospital, East avenue Medical center, and batangas Medical center.

The telemedicine program was organized in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, aMD Global Telemedicine, Inc., KonsultaMD Global Telehealth, Inc. and Globe Telecom, Inc. Janairo said the new telemedicine network setup includes a rural diagnostics center, physicians office, and a doctor on call 24/7 who is equipped with mobile device like tablet, laptop or smartphone.

By Rio N. Araja

Q

UEZon city Mayor Herbert bautista is considering a run for vice mayor in the 2019 mid-term elections.

city hall sources told Manila Standard bautista is still studying his options, after previously being touted to run for a seat in the House of Representatives. asked if he would run for the position he’s held twice before, bautista said: “I don’t know. The election is too far [to project things]. I [really] don’t know.”

“What’s the problem?” added “bistek,” who was vice mayor under then-Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” belmonte from 2001 to 2010, and also from 1995 to 1998 under Mayor Ismael Mathay Jr. bautista, sources said, planned to seek a congressional seat against threeterm District 3 councilor allan ben-

edict Reyes. but the mayor “is now toying with the idea” of becoming vice mayor anew when the powerful belmonte clan chose Reyes, not him, to join their slate for next year’s elections, one of the sources told the Standard.

The same source said Mike Defensor ―the former congressman, QC councilor and presidential spokesperson― might replace bautista against Reyes for the District 3 House seat.

“I, along with Tito [Senate President Vicente Sotto], belong to the nationalist People’s coalition. I [really] don’t know. any [position] the party would tell [me to seek],” he told the Standard.

“It could be congress. I have been a vice mayor. I have never experienced congress. Either or... all I know is Tito and I are a team,” bautista told reporters.

Sotto’s son, three-term District 3 councilor Gian carlo Sotto, is the running mate of Vice Mayor Joy belmonte, who will try to succeed bautista, in the 2019 elections.

Meanwhile, bautista and Joy belmonte have been recognized as outstanding education partners for their commitment to increase the quality education through local government efforts.

During the recent city’s 1st International Education Summit held at the novotel Manila, araneta center, bautista said: “To a large extent, Quezon city, our local government, has stepped in to lessen the burden of education on families especially among the poor, who have the most to gain from quality education to uplift their status in life.”

MORE STREETLIGHTS. To keep city residents safe at night, Manila Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada leads another ceremonial switching-on of brand new LED lampposts along Augusto Francisco St., from Tejeron Street to Perlita St. in San Andres Bukid, District 5, on Tuesday.

Estrada said he wants everyone to be safe during nighttime, hence the street lights. Also in photo are 5th District councilors Laris Borromeo, Boy Isip Jr., and Robert Ortega with his wife Charry.

Tacloban wins best booth plum at Travel Mart

By Robbie Pangilinan Tacloban city is the place to be, as proven at the recent 29th Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX convention center, Mall of asia complex, Pasay city.

Tacloban won the best booth award at the expo, as it showcased the best of the city, including its tourist destination sites, food delicacies, local indigenous products and the beautiful hospitable ladies of the city.

“The Philippine Travel Mart is the perfect venue to show the country that vibrant Tacloban has indeed recovered from the 2013 devastation,” said city Mayor cristina G. Romualdez, referring to Typhoon “Yolanda” that hit the city and claimed thousands of lives and destroyed millions of pesos in property.

Romualdez, who is very supportive of tourism-related endeavors, invited everyone to visit Tacloban, especially its beaches.

The mayor congratulated the city Tourism office, headed by Malu Tabao, with his team, composed of booth designer Daniel Guarino, nick Guarino, angela Perez, billie cinco, bardot atillo and tourism consultant norma Morantte, for bringing home the award together with Samar province. organized by the Philippine Tour operators association Inc. and the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Travel Mart is a travel trade exhibition that promotes tourist destination sites in the country and markets them for domestic inbound tourism.

Sara cancels Davao kids’ trip to Baguio DaVao cITY—Mayor Sara Z. Duterte has canceled the trip of the 301 Davao city delegates to baguio city to compete in the “batang Pinoy” sports competition due to Typhoon ompong, which entered the Philippine area of Responsibility Wednesday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we cancel the trip of the 301 Davao city delegates to baguio city for the batang Pinoy sports competition,” the mayor said in a statement.

The city delegates were supposed to leave on Thursday for the youth games.

“This is to ensure the delegates will not be caught stranded in bad weather.

We cannot compromise the safety of the children, coaches, and support staff,” she said.

The mayor said she is concerned that “ompong” would cause flooding and travel disruptions. and if heavy rains continue for several hours, landslides would likely occur, Mayor Sara said, adding that if athletes and coaches would insist on attending the competition, they may do so at their own risk.

The national youth games is the government’s annual multi-sports meet for school children and out-ofschool youth aged 15 and below.

It is organized by the Philippine Sports commission and will be hosted by baguio city and benguet province on Sept. 15 to 21.

The batang Pinoy features a total of 28 events with more than 3,000 youth athletes. PNA

Nueva Vizcaya power co-op gives health services to poor villagers

By Ben Moses Ebreo baYoMbonG, nueva Vizcaya— More than 1,000 poor villagers here recently received free health services from the nueva Vizcaya Electric cooperative (nuvelco). lopito lloyd Valdez, nuvelco chairman, said the health services composed of medical and dental components,

which benefited villagers of barangay Masoc here.

He said the services given were medical and pediatric consultations, dental checkup, tooth extraction and blood donation, including free medicines and vaccines.

“This activity was made in line with our corporate Social Responsibility, which focused on health and wellness of poor villagers within our service areas,”

Smart boosts Palawan vendors’ sales SToRE owners and small business proprietors in Palawan have reported a boost in their livelihood, thanks to additional income streams brought about by sales of Smart communications prepaid products, specifically, load credits.

For Glecy de lima, owner of a sari-sari (small grocery) store at a fishing community in Roxas, being a Smart retailer has given her another source of income. “I get an additional amount of at least P500 a week from selling Smart load, which I use as additional investment for my business,” said De lima. load retailers are part of Smart’s Ka-Partner loyalty and rewards program, which gives incentives to help them grow their businesses and enhance their livelihood, while enabling communities to stay connected.

Ka-Partners or load retailers are usually found at our neighborhood sari-sari or grocery stores.

Sometimes, they can also be our friend or relative from whom we can buy load, wherever they may be.

De lima, who has been a Smart load retailer for three years now, said most of her load buyers are students and fishermen. “They are Smart users because the signal here is strong,” De lima said.

Ryan abadilla, customer development manager, sees more opportunities for Smart Ka-Partner retailers in Palawan, considered one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world.

“With improved connectivity, tourists can upload photos, update their social media, and keep in touch with their families via messaging apps faster,” abadilla said.

Valdez said.

He added that the yearly medical and dental services are also given to adopted barangays to strengthen nuvelco’s quality service for its consumers and members.

The cooperative is also committed to rehabilitate the service lines and other innovative services as part of its advocacy efforts to spread the wellness and competence for the health benefits of its

member-consumers, Valdez said.

He also acknowledged the support, participation and involvement of the following medical professionals and other support agencies.

They include the medical team headed

by Dr. aurora T. agustin, 4 dentists headed by Dr. Manuel Viloria, the coop’s dentist, and eight other nurses who offered their services to the villagers.

REHAB CENTER. Key

government officials formally open the first local governmentoperated outpatient Drug Rehabilitation Center, Balay Silangan, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Satellite Office in Agoo, La Union on Wednesday, in support of the centerpiece anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Shown during the ceremonial rites are (from left) Usec. Jimmy Manabat of the Presidential AntiOrganized Crime Commission; Rep. Sandra Eriguel of the 2nd District of La Union; Gov. Pacoy Ortega; Agoo Mayor Stefanie Eriguel; and Ismael G. Fajardo Jr., Deputy Director General for Administration of PDEA.

Life

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

household

@mstandardLIFe thursday, september 13, 2018

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Paving the way for a better future A TRIBUTE TO TEACHERS. Michelle Don Rubio, Master Teacher II at Calao Elementary School is one of the 12 finalists in The Many Faces of the Teacher, an advocacy campaign that honors Filipino educators who contribute to nation-building.

t

hey say teaching is the noblest profession of all. they play a huge role in shaping the mind, the character, and the future of every individual they teach.

In celebration of the National teacher’s Month, Diwa Learning Systems, Inc. and Bato Balani Foundation, Inc present 12 new inspiring stories of teachers that show how educators uplift the students under their care, and help entire communities overcome obstacles, fight adversities, beat hard times, and conquer challenges. the 12 educators are the finalists in “the Many Faces of the teacher,” an advocacy campaign that searches for Filipino educators who represent the various ways that teachers contribute to nation-building.

Leading paths out of hardships

one of the more familiar impediment to learning is poverty. teachers roy Biñas Basa, PhD, a Master teacher 1 at Negros occidental high School; Noemi tanguilan Cabaddu, Instructor III of St. Paul University, Philippines-tuguegarao City Campus;

From left: Lodema Dela Cruz Doroteo of Paadelan E Denomagat, Dominic Rover Ocampo of Benito R. Villar Memorial School, Ruel Eballar Janamjam of Upian Elementary School, Junmerth Cretecio Jorta Kèupiyanan Tè Balugo, and Sherlaine Tubat of Badjao Floating Elementary School.

around the streets of Minalin, Pampanga to encourage out-of-school youths, young parents, blue collar workers, and even the elderly to continue pursuing education. he holds his classes under the shade of trees, inside chapels, in nipa huts, makeshift tents, and even in jails. he doesn’t mind the poor, cramped, and even horrible smelling study stations. he goes up to the farthest corners, even to the swamps, to bring education to people like him, who had once been

and arithmetic. this gave them the opportunity to enter trade in the city and establish livelihood projects that can augment their household income.

Janamjam, on the other hand, uses his influence as a teacher to help uplift the lives of the Matigsalug tribe of Sitio Upian in Davao City.

In weekly meetings with the community elders and parents, Janamjam dicusses how they can improve their crop yield. he also helps them deal with issues on mining and land disposal by

From left: Roy Biñas Basa, PhD, of Negros Occidental High School, Noemi Tanguilan Cabaddu of St. Paul University-Tuguegarao City, and Allan Delos Reyes of Minalin Elementary School.

and Allan Mendoza Delos reyes, Alternative Learning System teacher under Minalin elementary School are no strangers to sufferings.

Drawing lessons from their own life experiences, they made it their life mission to help kids experiencing similar struggles they had.

Dr. Basa teaches at the Night Class Department, where he mentors working students. he also helps them find jobs so they can continue going to school. he also offers scholarships for them, which covers their miscellaneous fees upon enrollment. he also formed an outreach group called Ballpen Incorporated, which has since provided scholarship grants and school supplies to deserving countryside learners.

Cabaddu is Instructor III head of the Community extension Services at her school. At an early age, she felt that social work is her vocation. Since then, she has been devoting her time to her advocacies. the cause closest to her heart is child protection. one of the programs she spearheads is the Child Protect program in Apayao under Child Fund. the program provides children access to basic education and quality early full care development. Part of this is working with the community to create safe environments for children.

Meanwhile, Delos reyes, as an Alternative Learning teacher, goes

constrained by poverty. he does not stop there. he conceptualized the 3es program, which stands for education, entrepreneurship, and employment. Under the 3es, he teaches his students technical skills and look for opportunities for employment for them.

Steering communities to overcome challenges

For some teachers, their responsibilities extend to the community around them. this is the situation where Lodema Dela Cruz Doroteo, community teacher at Paadelan e Denomagat–Paaralan Dumagat of tanay, rizal; Dominic rover ocampo, Master teacher II, serving as mobile teacher at Benito r. Villar Memorial School of oriental Mindoro; ruel eballar Janamjam, teacher II at Upian elementary School; Junmerth Cretecio Jorta, teacher I at Kèupiyanan tè Balugo of Bukidnon; and Sherlaine tubat, Master teacher I at Badjao Floating elementary School of Isabela City, Basilan find themselves in.

Doroteo is the first in her Dumagat community in tanay, rizal to finish college. Instead of pursuing a better life outside her community, she went back and established Paadelan e Denomagat, a one-of-a-kind school that gives importance to preserving the Dumagat culture. her determination to help her community extends to teaching the Dumagat elders the basics of reading, writing,

educating them about their rights. his most valuable contribution to the community is the establishment of an extension school for grades 7 and 8 students. this encouraged more students to enroll and finish their studies. today, plans are underway for an independent high school which will be built in a twohectare land given to him by the tribal council for the future Upian National high School.

Jorta did not only brave the trails to teach the Matigsalug of Bukidnon, he also helped them address the most basic concern of everyone—food sufficiency. he saw the reality that most of his students go to school with empty stomachs. this urged him to establish the feeding program “Balugo Pagkaon Sakto,” which is running for three years now. the program, which has gained the support of non-governmental organizations, as well as the local government and the municipal office of the Department of Agriculture, has helped him encourage more students to enroll and curb absenteeism and dropout.

Aside from the feeding program, Jorta also led the efforts to acquire resources for other school facilities.

Meanwhile, ocampo brings light to the MangTurn to C2

Cheska Kramer on Kendra’s transition Mother of three Cheska Garcia Kramer shares the challenges and delights of kid-to-tweenhood transition of her eldest daughter, Kendra.

Cheska recalled how Kendra, who recently celebrated her 9th birthday, was a loud baby.

She was called “Kendra Superstar” because “everywhere she went, she had everybody’s attention,” shared Cheska.

She remembered how Kendra would “tap you and once she has your attention, she would give the prettiest and warmest smile.” this all gradually changed, however, when she became older. the once bibo, kikay, and extroverted Kendra is now more reserved, simple, and shy.

“She doesn’t like wearing makeup and high heels anymore. She likes wearing rubber shoes now,” her mom admitted.

Despite the changes that come naturally in life, three things have remained consistent with Kendra throughout her childhood.

First is how she has a sweet tooth, especially for ice cream and chocolates. these sugary and s w e e t delights,

however, can cause tooth decay that can even lead to tooth loss.

Second, even though Kendra has a sweet tooth, her oral health has never been affected and has always remained in tip top shape.

“Similar to how she changed, her toothpaste as well shifted from hapee Kiddie to hapee Buddy,” said Cheska.

Cheska shared the change in her daughter’s toothpaste did not alter how much she loves brushing her teeth since the design, the smell, and the flavor are consistently great and kid-friendly.

Shifting to hapee Buddy was an easy transition for Kendra since she enjoys its Kiwi flavor, while having the right protection against tooth decay due to it having the right amount of fluoride level recommended for pre-teens. the third and most important thing in Kendra’s life that has remained ever present is her family.

“We make it a point for our family to do everything together,” shared Cheska. “even if they are not little babies anymore, we still all sleep in the same room so we all brush our teeth at the same time. Before we go to bed, we all say ‘let’s go together to the bathroom, let’s all brush our teeth’,” shared the celebrity mother.

Mother and daughter Cheska and Kendra Kramer

Life

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thursday, september 13, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Digital home design source Homebase.ph features home design pegs which users can use to help them decorate their spaces.

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N A bid to help individuals design their home even without help from experts, sisters Lui, a home enthusiast, and Berns Castañeda, a licensed architect, founded Homebase.ph.

Homebase.ph, is the first online platform in the Philippines that makes home decorating easier by providing home design pegs and helping users find and buy them locally.

Users can explore the website’s expertly curated home design inspirations and find where to buy specific items by simply hovering over them—the website provides relevant information, including the brand, item name, price, store location, contact details, and more.

Homebase.ph also allows users to create their own profile, mark favorite items, do product comparisons, and create home pegs.

Users can explore the website’s expertly curated home design inspirations and find where to buy specific items.

MARILYN AYSON, from Culiat, Quezon City, received one of the 12 grand prizes in the second edition of MoneyGram Idol Awards.

Winning the raffle entitled her to treat a loved one working abroad to an all-expense paid holiday to Manila.

Ayson chose to bring her daughter, Jocelyn Sato, who left to work in Japan almost 20 years ago, to the country.

Sato decided to become an OFW to provide for the needs of her family. Her story is one of many similar stories of Filipino children who want to give back for their parents’ sacrifice.

“When my daughter decided to be an OFW, I allowed her even though it was painful for me to see her leave. I knew she would take care of us when we get older,” shared Basilio Ayson, Sr., Sato’s father.

Sato has not forgotten that promise as she continues to contribute to her parents’ household, even now that she’s married.

“She is a very generous child. I am very thankful because she helps us make ends meet. She sends us money through MoneyGram because we are both retired. Jocelyn’s help is vital as it provides financial support for regular household expenses and medications of

Honoring a daughter’s sacrifices Real estate portal celebrates 5 years

in views, and we have had the privilege of working with more than 6,000 property sellers throughout the Philippines,” shared Bautista.

Taking part in the momentous occasion were some of its partner clients and top real estate developers including Greenfield Development Corporation, BPI Buena Mano, Regus, Eastwood Property Holdings, DMCI Holdings Inc., Filinvest Land Inc., and Taylormade Construction and Development.

OLX Philippines general manager Raffy Montemayor and Greenfield Development Corporation HR and sales head Manuel Diloy

Property24 head of sales Shine Resurreccion and OLX Philippines head of real estate Tina Bautista

Marilyn Ayson receives one of the grand prizes in the second MoneyGram Idol Awards.

her father,” shared Ayson.

Through these years, MoneyGram has been a reliable service provider to their family. “MoneyGram’s fast remit-

Paving...

tance service has always made things easier for us. As soon as my daughter sends the money, we can pick it up in minutes,” said Ayson.

His dream is for his research laboratory to eventually become a research institute.

Rubio, on the other hand, teaches her students how to read by reinventing the teaching and learning environment.

With “Resort for Learning,” Rubio created a learning environment that keeps her students focused and interested. The reading program started in 2014, when she decided to use the school garden as an extension of her classroom.

Little by little, the garden was developed into what it is today, an outdoor “mini resort” intended for learning.

Because of its success, public elementary schools in Prieto-Diaz and Gubat, both in Sorsogon, have already adopted the same project in their schools.

From C1

yans of Mindoro literally and figuratively. His Backpack Alitaptap project gives light to Mangyan communities in two ways. First, he ensures they will have a chance to get a brighter future by providing them with basic and functional literacy skills. Second, he provides the community with solar lanterns and panels that serve as their light source during classes at night—the only time the Mangyans get to study since they work in the day.

Tubat serves the Sama Dilaut community, more popularly known to as the Badjao.

Her passion in helping the Badjaos, which may be considered as among the most marginalized ethnic group in the country, prompted her to strive for the development of their own Indigenous Peoples Education Framework. She was part of the team that documented their history, practices, livelihood, political system, faith, food, characters, and other information about how they live.

She also led the building of a Badjao replica house in her school to showcase the tribe’s rich culture.

PROPERTY24 Philippines, the premier real estate portal of OLX Philippines, recently celebrated its 5th anniversary with an exclusive dinner for partners, top agents, realtors, and developers.

During the event, OLX Philippines general manager Raffy Montemayor, together with head of real estate Tina Bautista, welcomed guests and partners.

“For five years, we have managed to generate 2.8 million unique leads, we have grown more than 2.7 times

UP Diliman associate professor Bryan Pajarito

with problems. But Bryan Buñing Pajarito, D.Eng., associate professor and research laboratory head at University of the Philippines-Diliman; and Michelle Don Rubio, Master Teacher II at Calao Elementary School initiated efforts to provide better avenues of learning for their students.

To train and transform students into the scientists of the future, Dr. Pajarito established Polymer Research Laboratory. His Guiding ascends to peaks laboratory pioneers cutting-edge research of learning on polymers, creating solutions to a vaIt is common knowledge that the riety of industry problems, while getting country’s education system is plagued recognitions along the way.

History is a collection of experiences, and a bit of that is what his students get in his class. He makes his discussions more interesting by bringing relics, old photographs, newspapers, and historical memorabilia to animate the past.

Dr. Yñiguez is one of the country’s very few experts on Biological Oceanography.

She is at the forefront of the understanding of Harmful Algal Blooms, more widely known as red tide. She and her team of scientists and students are figuring out the triggers for the red tide and the potentials for predicting it.

Their work benefits the fisheries sector, particularly the shellfish industry, by preventing major economic threats and harmful effects on human health.

Currently, she is collaborating with UP’s National Institute of Physics to develop low-cost sensors that can provide real-time data affecting the formation and decline of the harmful algal blooms.

Of the 12 finalists, four honorees who exemplify how teachers pave the way for better lives will be chosen from this list. They will be announced on Oct. 5 during “A Tribute to Teachers.”

Putting learning on the right track

Ricardo Jose, PhD, director of Third World Studies Centre and professor at UP Diliman; and Aletta Tiangco Yñiguez, PhD, Associate Professor 7 at the Marine Science Institute of UP Diliman, use information they derived from their own studies to make learning come alive in their classrooms.

Dr. Jose is the country’s pre-eminent scholar on World War II in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific. He is considered the leading expert on World War II, as well as in Military History, Diplomatic History, and Japanese History.

For Dr. Jose, history is not simply an anthology of names, dates, and places.

UP Diliman professor Ricardo Jose, PhD and UP Marine Institute associate professor Aletta Tiangco Yñiguez, PhD.

Entertainment

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

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DIGITAL MEDIA

Break time is YouTube time for Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto

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'FQ: The nth Intelligence' author, also known as FQ Mom Rose Fres Fausto

Author and finance expert pens money relationship guide BESTSELLING author and finance expert Rose Fres Fausto challenges readers to develop financial intelligence quotient or FQ -the ability to make sound decisions and actions in money matters- in her new book FQ: The nth Intelligence published by ABS-CBN Publishing.

“My dream is for the book to help create a healthy mindset about money for everyone,” shared the author, who used to be an investment banker before becoming a full-time mom to her three sons. She is behind the parenting site, FQMom.com.

FQ: The nth Intelligence contains tips in rebooting one’s relationship with money and identifies the basic rules of handling it. The easy-to-read manual also gives a closer look at managing debts and debunks myths that prevent people from achieving their designed financial well-being.

In her book, Rose shared that FQ is something most adults hardly grasp.

“Today, there are so many people approaching retirement years with very little or no nest egg. . . . These are regular, even industrious people who used to be gainfully employed,” the financial literacy writer said.

Another insight the money-savvy mom highlighted is that financial literacy should be introduced to children as early as possible, discrediting the belief that exposing kids to money early will make them materialistic.

She said, “FQ is an important aspect in raising our children because no matter how successful they will be in the other aspects of their lives, if their financial affairs are in a mess, they will lead stressful lives and can never be truly happy.”

Rose, a columnist of The Philippine Star, is also a behavioral economist and strengths coach certified by international management and consulting firm, Gallup, Inc.. She wrote the bestselling books Raising Pinoy Boys and The Retelling of The Richest Man in Babylon. Rose graduated with honors from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Economics.

The FQ book launching was attended by the author’s fellow financial literacy advocates, such as Ayala Corporation’s chief operating officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Wealth Securities and Philequity Fund founder Wilson Sy, COL Financial Group chairman Edward Lee, and other special guests. Joining them were ABS-CBN Publishing president Ernie Lopez, ABS-CBN Lifestyle Ecosystem head Paolo Pineda, and ABS-CBN Publishing print publication and digital operations head Mark Yambot.

ITH their undeniable chemistry and serious acting chops well beyond their years, real and reel-life couple Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto are just on a roll when it comes to dominating both the big screen and television, effortlessly winning fans all over the country and making their mark in the industry.

But amid their busy schedules, Joshua and Julia, known best by their moniker JoshLia, are just like any other people their age who consider video apps like YouTube as a go-to pastime. Between grueling hours on set, JoshLia squeeze in “YouTube breaks” to perk themselves up, unwind just a little, or—when a major scene calls for it—get in character.

“In between takes, I usually play music videos of my favorite artists on YouTube.

It’s amazing how a song can totally change your mood in a snap—and with video, it’s just so much more intense and heartfelt,” said 21-year old Julia, who once got caught on cam shedding tears while watching Moira Dela Torre’s music video for “Tagpuan.”

“Aside from music videos, I also check YouTube for other stuff—from makeup tutorials, travel vlogs, and of course, funny viral clips.”

“Break time is easily YouTube time for us,” declared 20-year old Joshua. “YouTube has a lot of great content for everyone, but like Julia, I find myself playing music videos, and streaming guitar lessons because I play the instrument. I am also into games, so there are moments when I check gaming clips and walkthroughs. There are

MOVIE buffs get the chance to rev up to the beat of hit music of the ‘70s and ‘80s while enjoying three iconic films that have been digitally restored and are featured by the Quezon City International Film Festival (QCinema).

The “Digitally Remastered Series” saves a special section for restored iconic pictures, All That Jazz, Footloose and Saturday Night Fever.

QCinema showcases the section from Oct. 21 to 30 at Gateway Mall (Cineplex 10); Robinsons Galleria (Robinsons Movieworld); SM City North Edsa; SM Megamall; SM Manila; SM Mall of Asia; and Ayala Malls Cinema in Trinoma and U.P. Town Center.

All That Jazz is a 1979 American film directed by Bob Fosse and written by Robert Alan Aurthur. The story is a semi-autobiographical novel based on aspects of the life of Fosse as a dancer, choreographer, and director.

Fosse was nominated for his film

Thursday, September 13, 2018

54 Chalet feature 55 Dye-yielding plant 56 Hydrox rival 57 Poet Elinor — 58 Russo or Magritte 59 Fr. ladies 60 Kim of “Picnic” 61 Revise text 62 Chatters away 63 Brown birds DOWN 1 Ms. Bernhardt 2 Opposite of supine 3 Freezer name 4 Girl from Baja 5 JAMA readers 6 Unable to flee (2 wds.)

7 Tart-tasting 8 About-face 9 Touchdowns 10 Slot-machine fruits 11 Video game pioneer 12 Swelters 13 Enjoy a puddle 21 Furry friend 22 Be different 24 Weathervane dir.

27 Leaves the cockpit

easier and more affordable for customers to enjoy their favorite online activities with our budget-friendly data promos.

Our collaboration with YouTube allows us to further reinforce our brand essence, this time as an enabler for Filipinos to enjoy a wide range of content on the world’s largest video-sharing platform.

We are also working towards bringing other video platforms into the mix to give our customers a full range of options,” said Carlo Endaya, VP for Prepaid Marketing.

TNT’s Free YouTube Every Day promo is valid until Oct. 31, 2018.

TNT customers can enjoy Free YouTube Every Day on the back of Smart’s LTE network, the country’s fastest LTE network as recognized by industry experts Ookla and OpenSignal.

Check out https://www.tntph.com/ FREEYOUTUBE for more details on how to enjoy Free YouTube Every Day. To find out more about JoshLia’s favorite break time activities, also follow TNT on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ TNTph) and Instagram (https://www. instagram.com/tntph).

JoshLia’s passion for mobile content is one of many reasons this young couple is thrilled to be part of the TNT family as its new endorsers, headlining the mobile brand’s groundbreaking Free YouTube Every Day promo.

Digitally remastered films dancing their way to QCinema 2018

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Cramp 6 Film terrier 10 Big black dogs 14 Pistol-packing 15 Globetrot 16 Etc. relative (2 wds.)

17 Reddish horses 18 Prickly husk 19 Warm-water shark 20 Livy’s year 21 Eagles and lynxes 23 Rumor 25 Leave no trace 26 Is, to Fritz 27 Wall Street animals?

29 Enjoy the rink 32 In good time 33 Vitamin amt.

36 — Khan 37 Puccini pieces 38 Felt boots 39 “Nature” channel 40 Having a good physique 41 Rabbit’s home 42 Specks of dust 43 Standard 44 Unpigmented 47 Jalopy 51 Any old way (hyph.)

also the usual trending videos and viral clips that keep us abreast with what people are talking about online.”

JoshLia’s passion for mobile content is one of many reasons this young couple is thrilled to be part of the TNT family as its new endorsers, headlining the mobile brand’s groundbreaking Free YouTube Every Day promo.

Even better, TNT has now made free YouTube even more accessible by expanding its list of prepaid promos that instantly come with 1 hour of Free YouTube Every Day, such as Supercombo 20, GigaSurf 50, Panalo Data 30, and Panalo Combo 30. With Free YouTube Every Day, TNT customers can make the most of their break time by streaming their favorite videos in one sitting or in several sessions throughout the day. They can watch funny vlogs, stream music videos, catch eyeopening documentaries, and learn from instructional clips, and so much more.

“As a brand, TNT has been known for making it

28 QED part 29 Gullible person 30 Frequent 007 foe 31 Happy sighs 32 A Great Lake 33 Squeal on 34 L x XIV 35 Pale gray 37 Independence 38 Supplier 40 More than lean 41 Yes, in Yokohama 42 Parakeet treat

43 Labor at 44 Not in a fog 45 Like notebook paper 46 Deli crepes 47 Dental aid 48 Faucet 49 Perrier rival 50 Is malodorous 52 “— La Douce” 53 Chive relative 57 Opposite of ESE

at the Cannes Film Festival in 1980 and won the Palm d’Or award, widely considered as the highest award in the film industry. It was selected to be preserved at the National Film Registry in the United States in 2001.

The classic Footloose, directed by Herbert Ross, follows the story of

Bob Fosse 'All That Jazz' film dance scene.

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Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon), an upbeat teen who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned In Saturday Night Fever, director John Badham takes dancing to a whole level featuring disco songs by the Bee Gees. The Saturday Night Fever soundtrack is regarded as one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.

It features the story of Tony Manero (John Travolta), a working-class young man who spends his weekends drinking and dancing all night at the local Brooklyn club.

John Travolta got the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Musical or Comedy and the Academy Award for Best Actor.

QCinema welcomes block screenings for group bookings for film or school organizations. Email festival@ qcinema.ph for more details.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/ QCinemaPH/ for more details.

AVIA’s Coalition Against Piracy supports Globe #PlayItRight campaign THE Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), an initiative of the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) which is a collective of Asian and international entertainment companies and distribution platforms, expressed its support for #PlayItRight, an award-winning anti-piracy advocacy campaign of Globe Telecom in the Philippines.

AVIA through CAP joined the global fight against content theft with a specific focus on illicit streaming devices (ISDs) and apps, which facilitate the massive piracy of movies, sports, TV series and other creative video content. CAP, who warn against the risks consumers face when accessing piracy websites and applications.

Neil Gane, CAP General Manager, said the coalition recognizes the efforts being undertaken by Globe against websites that illegally distribute copy-righted content online.

“The damage that content theft does to the creative industries is without dispute. However, the damage done to consumers themselves, because of the nexus between content piracy and malware, is only beginning to be recognized,” Gane said.

Ernest L. Cu, Globe President and CEO, said that the support of international groups like CAP reinforces its stronger stance against illegal sites including online piracy.

“This advocacy helps protect our customers from malware and the dangers of illegal content online. In partnership with the CAP, we will be able to acquire technical and regulatory know-how in combating piracy in line with other developed countries.”

Gane said CAP will collaborate with Globe by sharing relevant data and information that can strengthen the information campaign against illegal online distribution of copyrighted content in the Philippines.

Louis Boswell, the CEO of AVIA, said, “The illicit streaming device (ISD) ecosystem is impacting all businesses involved in the production and distribution of legitimate content.

That is why content producers, distributors and content platforms have come together to form CAP and combat this threat to their industry.”

CAP members include leading video content creators and distributors in Asia such as beIN Sports, Casbaa, Discovery, The Walt Disney Company, Fox Networks Group, HBO Asia, NBCUniversal, Premier League, Turner AsiaPacific, A&E Networks, Astro, BBC Worldwide, CANAL+, Cignal, La Liga, Media Partners Asia, National Basketball Association, PCCW Media, Singtel, Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia, TVB, True Visions, TV5MONDE, and Viacom International Media Networks.

In 2017, the Globe launched the #PlayItRight advocacy to help the entertainment industry curb piracy and protect intellectual property rights.

The company earlier announced that it has blocked nearly 2,500 illegal sites that carried child pornography.

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

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Entertainment

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Mariner’s daughter rocking Hollywood AS THEY say, a father’s dream to give his children the best life is the best achievement for his years of hard work—bonus when they became renowned in their chosen path.

A Ship Captain’s sacrifices in battling the rough seas during his stint as an able seafarer has paid off, especially right now when her daughter is soaring high in her chosen craft— the Performing Arts. Take note, not here in the Philippines, but in the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood.

Tinig ng Marino contributor and Master Mariner Demy Ferrer at first was not comfortable of what his daughter Ranella Ferrer was engaging during her teenage years.

For him entertainment is a “shallow” vocation and not a lucrative one—a perception of a loving but strict father back then.

But as Ranella started making waves in the music industry in Hollywood, Capt. Ferrer has learned to the fact that his daughter was a born entertainer. He could only be more proud as Ranella proved herself to be one of the brightest Filipino-American emerging stars in the US. Ranella has earned the moniker the “Thrilla from Manila,” in Hollywood. She has remained a powerhouse in the Filipino-American entertainment industry since she was only 13 years old.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Ranella’s strong-will character and dedication led her to move to America and landed in Cerritos, California to pursue her career as a professional singer. Her professional background includes Grammy produced songs, commercial pop singles, and multiple appearances in live performances, tour collaborations, and TV and Radio shows, making her one of the mostwanted Fil-Am vocalists in the America.

Ranella sang the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 and has sung for former President of the Philippines Fidel Ramos. In

Where the gorgeous ‘BICOL IT GIRLS’ are

PRETTY WOMEN. Meg Imperial, Nathalie Hart, Cristine Reyes, Kylie Versoza and Roxanne Barcelo star in Viva Films' latest sexy comedy flick, 'Abay Babes.'

V

IVA Films’ Abay Babes VERY undeniably has the most beautiful WANG set of cast members. And every NICKIE frame of the sexy comedy flick is a feast WANG for the eyes as it brings together gorgeous beauties such as Cristine Reyes, Kylie Verzosa, Nathalie Hart, Meg Imperial, and Roxanne Barcelo.

Do I still have to mention that everyone is really in for a treat as along with the visual treat is a story that has a right mix of fun and intrigue ready to captivate the audience?

For the cast of Abay Babes, doing the film was both fun and challenging with a few bumpy roads in between. Roxanne, at the grand launch of the movie last week, put it succinctly, “We had to talk…then after that, everyone became so professional until we became really close friends.”

According to the film’s director, Don Cuaresma, these ladies had a few misunderstandings which they were able to resolve among themselves. And it was a key element why their chemistry became so palpable onscreen.

You see, gorgeous girls need to have a fight first.

Cristine, Kylie and Meg strike a pose before the Kidding aside, Cristine, Kylie, Nathalie, their film's grand media launch.

Meg, and Roxanne could now only laugh at what had happened on the set.

“In [all] fairness we’re now okay. Before we started, we had a workshop with Sweet John Lapus and then, we had a serious talk na very, very light and eventually, we all became walang kiyeme, mamatey, mategi man, naging magkaibigan kami after,” Roxanne said in jest.

Mariner's daughter Ranella Ferrer is making waves in Hollywood.

that part of the world, she is known as the Asian Queen of Soul fronting for shows headlined by Keysha Cole, Stevie Wonder, Tyrese, B2K, and NEYO, to name a few.

In addition, Celebrity Chronicles named Ranella as “Best Female Vocalist” for her song on the soundtrack for the Wayan’s Bros movie, The Dance Flick.

After a 3-year hiatus and a long road of finding her way back to the spotlight, Ranella was cast to join the Season 1 of Revenge Body by Khloe Kardashian on the E! Network. The show premiered on Jan. 12 last year.

Announced on Dec. 16, 2015, the six-episode series features two people in each episode who get a makeover using assistance of personal trainers and stylists leading to a “major transformation inside and out.” And Ranella was included in the pilot episode, which was totally transformed from a “big lady” to a voluptuous singer now.

Ranella’s transformation was not only the show’s biggest success stories, but it has motivated her to continue to pursue her music career.

Since the show, she has been traveling across the country singing national anthems for professional sports teams as well as major events such as The 5th Annual Binibining Pilipinas USA and Binibining Teen USA 2017 Coronation Night. She has been performing many times in the NBA and the American Football and Softball Games, with her own rendition of American National anthem.

Not only that, a recent citation was also handedover to Ranella by the Filipino community in the US, hailing her as the Most Outstanding Singer/ Performer of the Year 2018 during the recently concluded 17th Annual Gawad America Awards in Los Angeles, California.

The comeback artist and former reality TV star, is on a mission to reclaim her spot in the entertainment industry, while inspiring others to embrace fitness by becoming the better versions of themselves.

Meanwhile, for Capt. Demy, he bragged that he knew that it was him who contributed to the singing prowess of his daughter.

And for him, no one is more proud than a father who sees his daughter soar while feeling happy and content in her chosen field.

In the film, Roxanne plays Goldie, the class clown. Goldie is given the moniker, “Abaca” (fiber, in English), because she is the toughest of them all.

Nathalie is Emerald. Her alias is “Bicol Express” because, according to her, she is the hottest among her friends. She works as a commercial model.

Ruby, the class topnotcher back in high school and is now a doctor, is played by Cristine. She is called “Pili Nuts” because, ultimately, guys would choose her beauty over all others.

Perla, who is called “Mt. Mayon” because of its perfect shape, just like her figure, is played

by Kylie. While Jade, a videographer who documents the girls’ road trip to a wedding venue, is played by Meg. Many years after high school, Emerald, Ruby, Perla, and Goldie (considered the Bicol “It Girls” of their batch) are reunited for the latter’s upcoming wedding. Joining them is Jade, Goldie’s friend from America. Everyone is excited about this get-together, but somehow, Goldie’s friends are finding it hard to believe that she is going to be the first to fulfill their dream of getting married, considering that she is the least attractive among them.

Emerald, Ruby and Perla secretly tease Goldie that she’s just making this all up. And when they can’t see any videos or pictures of the groom, Zack, the three start to take their joke seriously. As if their skepticism is not enough, their past issues against one another are also reopened.

From Viva Films, Abay Babes hits the cinemas on Sept. 19. Also part of the cast are Tom Rodriguez, Marco Gumabao, Mark Bautista,, and Candy Pangilinan.

Bautista Pangilinan

Nathalie Hart

Listening and tinkering IN TODAY’S world of digitized technology, having a sharp ear and the grit YUGEL to turn a knob aren’t LOSORATA enough for one to fully deliver the best quality of sound from a high tech equipment. One needs to know how to use a product with technical efficiency as needed.

The gadgets are simply no more basic, so is the required level of know-how. Therefore, attending product clinics and getting updated can’t be a boring lot to someone wanting to attain such higher form of expertise.

“Digitalization is the future. We want industry professionals to take a look at our products and understand how to apply them to their needs,” expressed Jose Mari Yupangco, president of Yupangco Electronics Corporation (YEC) that distributes in the country the household Yamaha brand.

The future has long begun and kept moving.

YEC, along with the Yamaha Corportion Japan (YCJ), recently conducted a product discussion to support the launching of Yamaha Rivage PM7 during a two-day trade show held at World Trade Center in Pasay City. The stateof-the-art digital mixing system expands mixing options available for an even “broader range of applications.” It is also described as a “worthy heir to the PM name that brings true innovation to the developing live sound scene.”

This is best understood if you sat through the whole morning or afternoon session listening to the minute details that make up the said product and turn it into a really userfriendly tool. In other words, there is no other way to really appreciate a book than by immersing into its content. Thus, it proved useful that during the demonstration, there were key representatives from YCJ led by Takao Suzuki (sales development manager), along with the likes of Lou Garcia (senior technical support) from Yamaha Music Asia.

Yupangco stated, “This is a perfect opportunity for us to showcase and highlight our newest line of PM series, as well as our mixers and speakers. We are very happy to be part of Musik Manila.”

Participants included experts from the field of broadcasting and system integrators and institutions like schools, museums, corporate offices, houses of worships, among others.

It’s a big plus that the millennial generation is generally engaged to and keeping up with the fast-paced advanced technology fueling the business of sound production.

Safe to say too that even a big chunk of Gen-Xers are well-adapting to the technical progress of the art of sound mixing.

Yupangco added, “As exclusive distributor of Yamaha professional, commercial audio in the Philippines, we make sure we are properly marketing and distributing the brand in line with its principle of sharing passion and performance.”

Additional thrill comes through discount packages like the current YEC Soundfest II Promo offered to buyers up to Oct. 15. As always you get ahead to familiarizing the workings of a toy if you have one in your room.

At the end of the day, capturing the best sound possible that the present time can provide is really the major challenge for sound engineers, regardless of preferences and generational gap. It’s a feat achievable beyond just stopping, looking, and listening.

Takao Suzuki, Manager Sales Development Department Consumer Products Sales Division from Yamaha Corporation Japan (YCJ), Jose Mari L. Yupangco , President of YupangcoElectronics Corporation, the author, and Levi Jone Serdon, Sales Manager of Yupangco Electronics Corporation