Manila Standard - 2018 September 18 - Tuesday

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VOL. XXXII • NO. 215 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

DESTRUCTION, CLEARLY. A pathetic view of a damaged rice plantation wiped out by Typhoon Ompong’s ferocious winds in Barangay Lingu in Solana, Cagayan after the powerful cyclone hit land Sunday. The Department of Agriculture has projected at least 1.22 million hectares of rice and corn ravaged by ‘Ompong.’ Greenpeace Photo

‘Ompong’ destroys P14-b crops

Palace vows cash aid to families of typhoon victims

By Nat Mariano, Ben Moses Ebreo and Romeo Dizon PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will release P25,000 financial assistance to the families of those who were killed

by Typhoon “Ompong,” the Palace said Monday.

“The President will first meet with the families of those who perished,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a press briefing in Itogon, Benguet.

Roque said Duterte expresses his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of the victims of the calamity.

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436,000 tons of rice down the drain

CASUALTIES

DAMAGE TO AGRICULTURE

EVACUEES

66 dead P14.2B 138,000 • 54 in Cordillera Autonomous Region • 8 in Cagayan Valley • 2 in Central Luzon • 1 in Ilocos Region • 1 in Metro Manila Source: PNP, NDRRMC

including P8.98B worth of rice Source: Department of Agriculture

displaced persons in 1,200 evacuation centers Source: UN-OCHA

The estimated damage rose as reports from the Cordillera Autonomous Region showed huge losses in rice, corn, highvalue crops and livestock.

Rice contributed to the largest share of

2 Pinoys hurt, 32 others stranded on HK bridge

By Rey E. Requejo PHILIPPINE Consul General to Hong Kong Antonio Morales said on Monday that two Filipinos sustained minor injuries while at least 37 others were rescued as Typhoon “Mangkhut” or “Ompong” pounded the former British colony after devastating the Philippines.

The two Filipinas, who were hurt by falling debris, are now out of danger, Morales said, when interviewed over ANC. Morales also said that 32 Filipino tourists were rescued from a tour bus

Ihulog mo sa hagdan. (Push him off the stairs.)

—President Rodrigo Duterte on what Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos should do to a Commission on Audit official who will insist on disallowing cash advances in the wake of Typhoon ‘Ompong’

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GRICULTURAL damage caused by Typhoon “Ompong” climbed to P14.27 billion, affecting more than half a million hectares of farm land with an estimated production loss of 731,294 metric tons, the Department of Agriculture reported Monday.

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LANDSLIDE VICTIMS. A rescue worker examines body bags containing the

bodies of miners killed after massive landslides caused by Typhoon ‘Ompong’ in Itogon, Benguet on Sunday. The cyclone eventually crashed into Hong Kong before it struck mainland China, injuring scores and sending skyscrapers swaying after killing and leaving at least 49 people in the Philippines. AFP

Palparan, 2 other soldiers get life term calling him a coward, after he was found guilty of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and sentenced to life imprisonment.

RETIRED Army major genPalparan and two others, eral Jovito Palparan shouted Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and at a Malolos judge Monday, Next page Jovito Palparan

By Francisco Tuyay, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon R. Araneta and Rio N. Araja

Oil prices increase for 5th straight week

By Alena Mae S. Flores PUMP prices went up by as much as P0.50 per liter effective Tuesday to reflect the movement of world oil prices.

The oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.50 per liter, kerosene by P0.20 and diesel by P0.15, the fifth weekly consecutive oil price increase.

“Please be advised that Eastern Petroleum will hike the price of diesel by P0.15 per liter and unleaded and premium Next page

losses at 62.82 percent with a loss of P 8.97 billion and 435,997 metric tons of production. The loss was equivalent to 8.64 days of rice consumption for the entire country, Next page the department said.

TIME magazine sold for $190m SAN FRANCISCO—Salesforce. com chief Marc Benioff and his wife Lynne will buy storied US news magazine TIME for $190 million, a company statement Next page said Sunday.

‘Lone Ranger’ of Aussie outback

By Glenda Kwek BEING the only policeman in an area the size of Britain might be daunting for some, but not for Senior Constable Stephan Pursell.

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News

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Solons fret over budget ‘insertions’

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE plenary deliberations on the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019 was marred by a threat to oust Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, the head of the House of Representatives’ appropriations committee.

That came about even as Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will not in any way reduce or slash the Duterte administration’s proposed budget for 2019, according to Majority Leader and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. He said Arroyo would want to ensure that funds were allocated to support the priority programs of President Duterte.

“There is no slash to be talked about,” said Andaya, chairman of the House committee on rules.

Abrogate mining law, Duterte urges Congress IF IT were up to him, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would “close all mining” on the heels of deadly landslides in Benguet during the onslaught of Typhoon “Ompong.”

“If I were to try to do my thing, I will close all mining in the Philippines,” the President said in a situation briefing in La Trinidad Monday evening.

He said Congress should “abrogate” the Mining Law as he apologized to Benguet Gov. Crescencio Pacalso for the high death toll in the province, in particular in the mining town of Itogon.

“Mining has really contributed a lot of heartaches for the Filipino people. It is time for us, particularly the DENR, to take a second look, seriously now, regarding the dangers of open pit mining,” the President said, adding that the sector’s contribution to the economy is outweighed by the environmental damage it causes.

“Never mind the P70 billion [revenues]. But of course the [Department of Finance] people will object,” Duterte added.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu earlier ordered a stop to all small-scale mining in the Cordillera region.

Oil...

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gasoline by P0.50 per liter at 6 am Tuesday,” the company said in an advisory.

Eastern Petroleum aside, Flying V, Seaoil Philippines and PTT Philippines also announced an increase in prices.

World oil prices are being influenced by the US sanctions against Iran, which are likely to affect supplies.

The Energy department said there is enough supply of petroleum in the typhoon-affected areas, with stocks ranging from two to 15 days.

In Cagayan, the department said, the declaration of a state of calamity resulted in a price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene for 15 days.

The department earlier praised the oil firms for helping to ease prices by giving more fuel discounts to consumers.

It said 10 oil companies with a total of 1,317 stations were now offering discounts from P1 to P3 per liter to public utility vehicles. These are Caltex, Filpride, Jetti, Petron, Phoenix, PTT, Seaoil, Shell, Total and Unioil.

2 Pinoys...

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that was stranded on a bridge on its way to the airport where all flights were canceled.

They were brought back to their hotel in the Kowloon area, the Filipino diplomat said, adding that the Filipino tourists are all safe.

Morales also reported that five more Filipina workers were rescued by Hong Kong authorities from a dive resort development.

He called on the 220,000 Filipinos in Hong Kong to avoid going outdoors as clearing operations may still “take some time.”

As this developed, the Hong Kong gov-

Palparan...

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S/Sgt Edgardo Osorio were convicted of kidnapping University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno on June 26, 2006. Both are still missing.

“Duwag ka judge! You’re such a coward!” Palparan shouted as Judge Alexander Tamayo of the Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 15 read the verdict.

When the judge threatened to cite him for contempt, Palparan said it did not matter, since they would go to jail anyway.

“The President’s budget in terms of aggregate amount is intact and the Speaker has no intention to reduce that amount of budget as presented.”

The House in plenary session Monday failed to tackle the budget bill after it was adjourned around 4:45 pm. It opened the session at 10 in the morning for the sponsorship speech and the debates on the proposed General Appropriations Act for 2019, but it was prevented by the intramurals over the chairmanship of the appropriations committee.

But Andaya denied the reports that Nograles would be replaced as chairman of the House committee on appropriations.

“There is no reorganization. Business as usual,” Andaya told reporters.

A House source said the threat to get rid of Nograles came after Andaya discovered a total of a P55-billion fund as alleged ‘insertions’ supposedly for ‘infrastructure’ projects for the respective districts of some 40 congressmen.

In an executive meeting he conducted before the 10 am session, Andaya allegedly engaged Nograles in a shouting match following the discovery of the

‘Ompong‘...

“insertions” in the 2019 national budget.

One source said Andaya would want Nograles to approve a committee report on the 2019 budget measure minus the alleged insertions. But Nograles insisted on not signing a committee report that was not prepared by his committee.

There were two committee reports prepared by the House appropriations committee: One, containing the P55-billion “insertions” prepared by the Nograles panel, and other prepared by the House leadership without the P55 billion reportedly intended to the favored lawmakers.

Apparently trying to help Nograles argue his position, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte and Andaya also engaged in a verbal tussle. The two had some internal political bickering in Camarines Sur. But Nograles, after meeting Monday afternoon with Palace officials led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, said he was ready to sponsor and defend the budget bill.

it’s harvest season in other parts of the country,” he said.

Piñol said a total of 1.5 million farmers and over 100,000 fishing communities were affected by the typhoon.

Oxfam Philippines, meanwhile, said it was giving priority to distributing water and materials for shelter to ensure the immediate safety and dignity of typhoon survivors.

Maria Rosario Felizco, Oxfam country director, added that survivors, especially small fishers and farmers who have lost their source of income, will need support far beyond the first few days of this response.

Senator Grace Poe said the government’s basket of aid for Ompong-hit farmers in Northern Luzon should include seeds for replanting to help them quickly recover from the damage caused by the strongest typhoon that hit the country so far this year.

“First, give them food to help them tide over, then give them the resources to grow food. Although they would welcome relief goods, what they need more is production assistance,” Poe said.

One of them could be in the form of seed subsidy, she said.

“Give a Cagayan Valley farmer a bag of rice, and he can feed his family for a week, but give him rice seeds for planting, and he can feed many people for a long time,” she said.

As Ompong hurtled toward the country over the weekend, those in its firing line had a stark choice: stay or flee. Many chose to remain to protect their most precious possessions—their food and livestock.

Residents of the storm’s ground zero, in Baggao on the eastern flank of Luzon island, knew they would be hit full-force, but losing their livelihoods was a disaster they were willing to risk everything to prevent.

“Our house was blown away. We were flooded,” Diday Llorente, 55, said. “But we did not evacuate because we didn’t want to leave our carabao [water buffalo] and livestock.”

Llorente lives in the coastal farming area of Baggao that is home to some 80,000 people, and which took a direct hit from Ompong when it made landfall there in the pre-dawn darkness on Saturday.

In this key farming region of northern Luzon island, a quarter of the people live in poverty— getting by on less than $2 per day.

Like many in the region Llorente is a smallscale farmer, eking out a fragile existence from the land. The two hectares of corn she farms with

her husband were drowned in flood waters.

For farmers like her, there is no insurance to compensate for a destroyed crop or dead cow, and no rainy-day savings to bridge the gap.

“If we think from their perspective, these are really their greatest assets... whatever little they have is all they have,” Lot Felizco, country director for Oxfam Philippines charity, said.

“It’s really heartbreaking... for people who already live in a very difficult and dangerous situation. What choices do they have?” she asked.

The decision not to evacuate can have horrendous consequences. Many of the 7,350 people killed or missing in the nation’s deadliest storm, Super Typhoon “Yolanda” of 2013, did not heed warnings of a heavy storm surge.

Yet, for those in Baggao the threat of losing their produce, to the violent weather or to thieves, has a powerful influence.

Aida Acopan, 59, evacuated from her home during the last massive storm that struck the area, 2016’s deadly Typhoon Haima. She survived, but at a cost.

“Someone broke into my house and stole half a cavan of rice... so I didn’t want to take any chances this time,” she said.

The loss was roughly 25 kilos of the staple.

Having sufficient supplies of it is a primary concern in rich and poor households alike.

With that roughly $10 loss in mind—worth more than a week’s income for the country’s poorest people— and after days of increasingly urgent warnings from authorities last week, she came to a decision about what to do this time.

“We decided not to evacuate,” she said, standing outside her battered, but still standing home of concrete blocks and wood.

The other problem with evacuating is that it does not come with any guarantees. Shelters are basic affairs, usually just some floor space in a school or gymnasium.

“They [evacuees] lose whatever little control they have over the situation,” said Felizco.

But there are no guarantees either that staying with one’s crops or animals will mean that they survive.

In the case of Ompong, gusting winds topped 255 kilometers per hour and some areas got a month’s worth of rainfall in a matter of hours.

Mary Anne Baril stayed in her home as the typhoon uprooted trees, snapped power poles in half and flooded farm fields, including hers.

“We’re already poor, then this storm happened to us,” she said as she brushed away tears. “We have no other means to live.” Macon RamosAraneta with AFP

“Even though the President is pleased with the disaster preparations and the local governments’ immediate response, we are sympathizing with the inevitable deaths due to Typhoon Ompong,” Roque said.

He added that the Department of Interior and Local Government has recorded a total of 59 deaths in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu ordered a stop to all illegal small-scale mining operations in the region.

He asked for small-scale miners to cooperate and stop all mining activities while his agency waits for the approval and proclamation of their applications.

“The DENR will be sending men from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to effect the stoppage of all mining activities, especially here in Itogon,” Cimatu said.

Authorities in Itogon on Monday resumed the search for dozens of people believed to be trapped in a mine that was buried by landslides due to Ty-

phoon Ompong.

In the Cordilleras, 54 people died mostly due to landslides, 34 of whom were from Itogon, said the regional police director, Chief Supt. Rolando Nana.

Some 36 are still missing, he said.

Benguet Corp. said it had rescued several small-scale miners from the area Sunday.

The mining company, which provided medical assistance to victims, said these small-scale miners have been operating without permission.

Benguet used to mine in the Antamok area in the 1990s until it suspended operations in search for new sustainable technologies to mine low-grade ore. It was during this time that illegal miners frequented the area and started to operate small-scale activities, the company said.

In Nueva Vizcaya, at least 15 barangays in an upland town were still isolated due to landslides from rains brought by Ompong.

Gov. Carlos Padilla said the isolated barangays are in the upland town of Kayapa, neighboring Benguet province.

“Like in the Cordillera region, the 15 barangays of Kayapa are situated in remote upland areas which were likely hammered by strong rains of typhoon Ompong, these rains triggered landslides

on the access roads,” he said.

A family of four was also buried by landslide in the said municipality while the town’s Oyawi Bridge was also damaged by strong waters.

Padilla said he has ordered the immediate consolidation of damage reports from local government units and national agencies concerned.

“We will evaluate and assess the extent of damages so that we can decide if we can declare our province under a state of calamity,” he added.

In Pampanga, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council said about 160 villages remained submerged in flood waters. Six major road and bridges were also not passable to any type of vehicle, said Bobby Manalo, operations officer of the RDRRMC. Provincial and municipal authorities are leading disaster response and relief efforts with the support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development field offices and the Philippine Red Cross.

DSWD has started registration, monitoring and initial assessment of displaced families in evacuation centers. President Rodrigo Duterte visited the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley Region Monday to assess the damage and visit displaced residents in evacuation centers.

ernment began a massive cleanup Monday after Typhoon Mangkhut (Ompong) raked the city, shredding trees and bringing damaging floods, in a trail of destruction that left millions evacuated in Southern China.

The Hong Kong government described the damage as “severe and extensive” with more than 300 people injured in Mangkhut, which triggered the maximum “T10” typhoon alert.

The monumental task of cleaning up the city began as residents, some in suits and ties, struggled to get back to work on roads that remained blocked by felled trees, mud and debris.

Schools were closed, bus services halted, and travel disruption saw commuters piling

onto platforms trying to board infrequent trains after trees fell on overhead lines.

Landslides and severe flooding affected some areas, with over 1,500 residents seeking refuge in temporary shelters overnight.

The storm, with gusts of more than 230 kilometres per hour (142 mph), sent buildings swaying and waters surging into homes and shopping malls in Hong Kong, with some roads waist-deep in water.

Windows in tower blocks and skyscrapers were smashed as people cowered inside.

In the neighborhood of Heng Fa Chuen, thousands of rocks and pebbles from the sea covered parkland along the coastline which had been battered by waves.

Low-lying fishing villages were also badly affected after seawater swept through.

Streets in the seaside village of Lei Yue Mun were covered in debris and glass as residents picked their way through.

The city’s main Victoria Park had become an obstacle course with hundreds of trees down and many completely uprooted.

Emergency teams were sawing apart some of the biggest trees blocking roads and pathways across the city in a cleanup operation that is likely to take days.

In the neighboring gambling enclave of Macau, all 42 casinos shut down for the first time in its history as the storm approached. With AFP

As court personnel tried to pacify him, Palparan went on. “You’re such a fool!” he shouted at the judge.

In the service, Palparan pursued a ruthless campaign against communist insurgents in Mindoro, Samar and Central Luzon, earning him the nickname “The Butcher.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines declined to comment on Palparan’s conviction, but Col. Edgard Arevalo, military spokesman, said the institution respects the decision of the court.

“As it has been and always will be, the position of the AFP is submission to the majesty of the courts and respect for the rule

of law,” Arevalo said.

“We also respect whatever legal recourse are available to… Palparan Jr. et al under the law and the Rules of Court,” he added.

Aside from the life sentence, each of the convicted were ordered to pay P100,000 in civil indemnity and P200,000 in moral damages.

Palparan, Anotado, and Osorio will be detained at the New Bilibid Prison but their lawyers asked that they remain at the custodial center in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig because of another pending case.

Sherlyn’s mother, Erlinda, cried as the

verdict was read, saying the decision was correct and supported by the evidence.

She added that as long as she was alive, she would hope that her daughter is alive.

Palparan was arrested in August 2014, three years after he went into hiding following the issuance of a warrant against him.

A co-accused, Sgt. Rizal Hilario, is still at large.

Palparan was convicted on the strength of testimony from a witness, farmer Raymond Manalo, who testified hat he saw both Cadapan and Empeño in a military cell, where he was also held. With Rey E. Requejo and Orlan L. Mauricio

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The affected area of 397,204 hectares represents 39.91 percent of the total rice standing crops of the CAR, the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.

Most of the affected rice crops were reported to be partially damaged and were in the reproductive stage affecting a total of 212,491 farmers.

Provinces heavily affected include Nueva Ecija in Region III amounting to P2.84 billion, followed by Cagayan in Region II with P2.77 billion.

There was also a vast increase in the production losses reported in corn, which is attributed to the reports from CAR and Cagayan Valley.

Damage and losses now amount to P4.5 billion affecting a total of 148,587 hectares with estimated volume of production loss of 281,039 metric tons.

Most of the affected crops were in their reproductive stage, which were reported as partially damaged.

Losses in high-value crops also increased, amounting to P788.13 million affecting 7,913 hectares in CAR and the provinces of Rizal, Cagayan and Isabela.

The volume of production loss was at 14,258 metric tons, mostly in their reproductive stage.

Livestock losses were reported in CAR, with 20,316 animal heads affected (103 heads in livestock and 20,213 heads in poultry), amounting to P5.51 million or 1.01 percent of the overall damage and losses.

Damage to irrigation facilities amounted to P15.72 million, affecting Small-Water Impounding Projects, Impounding Dams and Spillways in Ilocos Norte.

Ompong (international name Mangkhut) killed about 60 people, leaving dozens buried in a Benguet landslide, and affected about half a million people, officials said.

“Now the rice sector could recover, because we have coordinated with the National Irrigation Administration—especially for the Cagayan Valley region—not to close their irrigation systems,” said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

He also said he would recommend the importation of more corn to make up for the production shortfall as a result of typhoon losses.

Piñol said the damage to rice was worth only “3.6 days of national supply.”

“It would not make a dent right now because

Palace...

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2 police officers relieved over Cotabato blast

By Francisco Tuyay POLICE Chief Oscar Albayalde has ordered the relief of two police officials in Mindanao after a second explosion rocked Midsayap in Cotabato, which followed the blast in General Santos that injured seven people including a threeyear-old child on Sunday.

The military has blamed the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters behind the bombing of a videoke bar in Midsayap on Sunday night.

In a statement released on Monday, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, head of the Army’s Sixth Infantry Division, described the BIFF under Abu Torayfe as “peace spoilers.”

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Monday cited the need to revisit the use of the intelligence budget following the series of bombings in Mindanao.

“The first corner is to see where the intelligence fund is being utilized, and that is why I think it is about time that we activated the committee on intelligence funds,” Drilon said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Sunday asked if Congress’ support for the martial law in Mindanao was worth it.

“With a promise of peace in Mindanao, we burned candles to pass the Bangsamoro Organic Law. That after we supported the extension of martial law,” Lacson said in a tweet on Monday.

The two police officials relieved from their post were Chief Insp. Patrich Elma, Station-2 Commander of the General Santos City Police Office, and Supt. Samuel Cadungon, Chief of Police of Midsayap Cotabato.

Albayalde immediately posted Sr. Insp. Davis Dulawan and Supt. Joan Maganto vice Elma and Cadungon respectively.

Earlier, Albayalde relieved two police officials in Sultan Kudarat after the twin bombings that killed five people and wounded 40 others. With Macon Ramos-Araneta and PNA

TIME...

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“The Benioffs are purchasing TIME personally and the transaction is unrelated to Salesforce.com, where Mr. Benioff is Chairman, co-CEO and founder,” according to a statement from the Meredith Corp., which is selling TIME. The Benioffs will not be involved in operations or journalistic decisions, “which will continue to be led by TIME’s current executive leadership team,” the statement said.

“The power of TIME has always been in its unique storytelling of the people & issues that affect us all & connect us all,” Marc Benioff wrote on Twitter.

“A treasure trove of our history & culture. We have deep respect for their organization & honored to be stewards of this iconic brand,” he added.

“On behalf of the entire TIME team, we are very excited to begin this next chapter in our history,” its editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal said in the statement.

“We can’t imagine better stewards for TIME than Marc and Lynne Benioff. The team is inspired by their commitment to high-quality journalism and by their confidence in the work we have done to transform and expand the brand in new directions,” Felsenthal said.

Meredith announced in March that it was looking for a buyer for four magazines, including Time, Fortune and Sports Illustrated, which were bought less than four months ago.

Meredith has reached a “multi-year” agreement with the Benioffs “to provide services such as consumer marketing, subscription fulfillment, paper purchasing and printing,” it said. AFP

‘Lone...

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The easy-going 53-year-old runs a modest police station in the equally modest town of Birdsville, making him the law across a vast swathe of outback Australia.

In this isolated, arid, ferrous-red-andorange moonscape fringing the Simpson Desert, dust, pesky flies, feral camels, wild dogs and deadly snakes are your main companions.

Pursell acknowledges that his patch— which takes four days to drive across—is “quite big.” But he relishes the challenge.

“This (job) came up and I thought, ‘what an iconic location in Australia’, he said, “so I put an application in.”

He got the gig, and so two years ago hauled himself and his wife Sharon away from Queensland’s gleaming surf, 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) to the east, and into this sandy cauldron.

It is not a place for everyone. Daytime temperatures can soar above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and strong winds can whip up dust storms that blot out the sun and turn the skies dark.

“You’ve got to experience it to enjoy it.

It’s an amazing place,” said Pursell, who became an Internet sensation last year after shots of him frying an egg in the withering heat on the bonnet of his Toyota Land Cruiser went viral. AFP

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cavite province reapportioned to 8 legislative districts

LOW SALES.

Vegetable stall owners at the San Andres public market experience extreme low sales days after Typhoon ‘Ompong’ (Mangkhut) ravaged northern Luzon.

Ey Acasio

‘Du30 to answer CoA in defying circular’

By Nat Mariano

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will answer to the Commission on Audit should the agency find violations on local government’s transactions in providing humanitarian assistance to the public, the Palace said Monday, as it defended Duterte’s remark defying CoA circulars.

“He is enjoining and calling on all the government offices, give the people what they need in times of calamities. He will be the one to answer to CoA if there are liabilities,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque in a press briefing with Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, and several local government officials in Itogon, Benguet.

Roque explained that the context of Duterte’s remark was due to the limitations to the local government’s delivery of humanitarian assistance in

times of crisis to the public.

“So, the President said, considering the post-audit of CoA, let us first give the needs of the people before we address the bulk of requirements of CoA,” he said.

“What’s important is to help the public first, and he will take up the matter with the CoA authorities if need be as they do post-audit task, he added, adding that the people who lost their houses due to Typhoon ‘‘Ompong’’ can avail calamity loans in two governmentowned and controlled corporations in Pag-IBIG and Government Service Insurance System.

The Palace official said the public can avail loans amounting to P5,000 to P45,000 up to 80 percent of their contributions in Pag-IBIG, while they can avail P20,000 to P50,000 from the GSIS. “What’s important now is that there will be no bureaucratic red tape in the release of assistance to the people as said by the President. If there are violations in CoA circulars, so be it,” said Roque.

In a post-typhoon briefing in Ilocos Norte

PET hit for failure to inform Leni’s camp on Negros ballots

By Rio N. Araja THE camp of Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday assailed the Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal for its failure to inform parties of the retrieval of ballot boxes from Negros Oriental.

Romulo Macalintal, Robredo’s lawyer, filed a manifestation to question PET, saying PET called both parties to a Sept. 13 meeting to discuss details about the collection and retrieval of ballot boxes from the province.

“However, the meeting was canceled,” he said. Instead, on Sept.

13, Thursday, both camps were merely informed, by e-mail, that the estimated expenses pegged at P8.64 million, which will be deducted from the cash deposit of losing vice presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Macalintal said.

He said the schedule for retrieval—set from Sept. 17 to Sept. 19— was included in the e-mail.

Macalintal, however, clarified they are not opposing the scheduled collection and retrieval of the ballot boxes in Negros Oriental per se, but said “the parties should have been given sufficient lead time to prepare for the PET activity.”

“Sadly, the short notice, compounded by the incoming typhoon, has rendered preparations for the scheduled retrieval doubly difficult,” he said.

80 named to various posts

By Nat Mariano and Alena Mae S. Flores PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed almost 80 people this September to fill up the vacancies in various government agencies.

One of Duterte’s appointees was renewable energy advocate Catherine Paredes Maceda who was tasked to head the Energy Regulatory Commission.

In her appointment papers released by Malacañang on Monday, Duterte named Maceda to her new post on Sept. 11 to be the ERC commissioner for a seven-year term.

Maceda replaced Alfredo Non, who retired as the ERC commissioner on July 10.

Malacañang also appointed Alexis Lumbatan to replace retired commissioner Gloria Vic-

toria Yap-Taruc who completed her term last July 10, 2018.

“Since there are just the two of us, there is no quorum yet and hence, the Commission cannot be convened to act on anything,” ERC chairman Agnes Devanadera said at that time when Lumbatan was appointed.

Elsewhere, the President also appointed Marie Venus as director of the Tourism Promotions Board, replacing Cesar Montano who resigned on May 22 amid the controversy over a P80-million sponsorship deal for the food tourism project ‘‘Buhay Carinderia.’’

“Pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, you are hereby appointed to serve the unexpired term of office that began on 1 July, 2018 and will end on 30 June, 2018,” Tan’s appointment paper stated.

yesterday, Duterte has called on local officials to defy “stupid” COA circulars after Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos complained about various prohibitions that CoA imposes on her local government’s transactions.

“Who’s from CoA here? Push him down the stairs so he won’t be able to file a report anymore,” said the President in Laoag City Sunday afternoon.

Marcos said the local government offices in Ilocos Norte were only allowed to request cash advances only for food of up to P15,000 even in times of calamity, adding the prohibition made

the rehabilitation efforts in the province “even more difficult.”

Duterte then belittled CoA for coming up with circulars.

“Don’t believe in CoA’s circulars. You know, they just do it by circular and they expect everybody to obey. Why would I care about your circular? That’s yours,” said Duterte.

“So this CoA, some guys in the government went to jail based on a circular and other guy went scot-free because of the same circular. It would depend on where the swing of the legal arguments there,” he added.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law reapportioning the province of Cavite into eight legislative districts.

The Republic Act no. 11069, approved by the President on Friday, divided Cavite into eight districts as follows: First District—Cavite City, Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario; Second District—Bacoor City; Third District—Imus City; Fourth District—Dasmariñas City; Fifth District—Carmona, General Mariano Alvarez, and Silang; Sixth District—General Trias City; Seventh District— Trece Martires City, Indang, Tanza and Amadeo and Eighth District—Tagaytay City, Alfonso, General Aguinaldo, Magallanes, Maragondon, Mendez, Naic, and Ternate.

The law says the present representatives of the sixth and seventh legislative districts will still represent their districts until the election of new representatives in May 2019.

The Commission on Elections will then issue the necessary rules and regulations within 30 days upon the law’s approval.

Nat Mariano

A4

Opinion

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

How will Duterte solve our problems?

Trillanes was nothing of the sort. He does not deserve the attention.

Sadly, nobody among the opposition—not Trillanes, not Vice President Leni Robredo—enjoys that credibility I TURNED 91 last Saturday, the same to successfully provide an alternative time Super Typhoon “Ompong” (Man- to President Duterte.

The President also lost the opportunity gkhut) was battering Hong Kong and other parts of China. Was that a coinci- to connect with the nation when he chose to devote much time to talk about an aldence? I don’t know.

I consider myself blessed for reach- leged attempt by the communists, the ing this age. My mind is still very clear Liberal Party, his critics, and Trillanes.

President Duterte may sit comfortably and my memory is as vivid as ever. I have a generally healthy body, except with his very good trust ratings – for now. for the usual aches and pains, and I am In the long run, however, the gut issues still able to pound on my typewriter to of inflation and rice will haunt him and write this column three times a week. undo everything he has done.

History tells us that small events beMeanwhile, others my age are wheelcome the tipping point that decides the chair-bound or bedridden.

I thank God every day for all the bless- fate of the republic.

I have been a journalist for almost ings I have. Indeed, the road never ends! seven decades and I have covered no *** There were three events that stood less than 10 president. I can assure you out last week. First it was Super —yes I have seen things happen.

Santa Banana, there is another probTyphoon Ompong that devastated northern Luzon. The damage could go lem from which President Duterte cannot escape. Super up to the billions Typhoon Ompong of pesos. devastated a large Second, Presiarea and damdent Duterte reaged lives and asvoked the amHe faces many sets. This affected nesty given by challenges on multiple many Filipinos, his predecessor rich and poor to Senator Antofronts. alike. nio Trillanes and With so many 59 other Magdalo rice farms and soldiers who were corn fields deinvolved in standstroyed, the inoffs at the Oakwood and Peninsula Manila hotels dur- flation rate is bound to surge further.

And then, our economic managers have ing the Arroyo administration.

Trillanes has indeed become a thorn decided to import meat, fish and other on the side of the President and his fam- commodities. It’s a matter of supply and ily, with his incessant attacks on them. demand. When the supply of goods and The third event was when President services is outpaced by the flow of monDuterte and his dummy, presidential ey, that’s inflation. Politicians cannot legal counsel Salvador Panelo, had that blame greedy businessmen, foreigners, zarzuela—they called it a tete-a-tete. the tax reform laws and other factors.

This is why President Duterte should This, when the people expected the President would address the nation on address the problem. Inflation is a gut the many ills we were facing. Prices issue. As more people grow hungry, so were soaring and the staple commod- will the discontent.

When the late strongman Ferdinand ity, rice, was hard to come by.

During this conversation, President Marcos proclaimed martial law in Duterte echoed the claim of Solicitor- 1972, he was facing threats from the General Jose Calida that President communists, the Mindanao secessionAquino had not really signed Trillanes’ ists, and civil society.

These days, President Duterte is facamnesty proclamation and simply delegated it to Defense Secretary Voltaire ing more problems. I really don’t know Gazmin. Thus, it had no effect because how he can solve all these.

I am not saying President Duterte only presidents could pardon on grant should declare martial law or a revoluamnesty.

What happened was that with all tionary government. I am just saying that Duterte’s ranting against Trillanes, he he is facing overwhelming challenges. made a martyr of the latter. The Presiwww.emiljurado.weebly.com dent should not have done this because

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

I

Disaster responses

N HIS State of the Nation Address in July, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed the need for the creation of a separate department to handle disaster efforts.

Now, in the aftermath of Typhoon “Ompong,” the people are reminded of how urgent, and how overdue, the measure is.

A bill creating the Department of Disaster Resilience was earlier on filed by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda. It is now pending in Congress.

A new department will address the age-old inadequacies of ad hoc, miscoordinated efforts to help those affected by disasters.

In the past, for instance, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council convened only when there was a disaster in the horizon.

The law that created this body, the Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Act of 2010, sought to introduce four key areas in dealing with disasters. It designated a department in charge of each of the areas—mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery—and emphasized the importance of participation by multiple stakeholders. This means that not only government but the academe and civil society should be involved.

But while it already put some structure into handling disaster efforts, the prior set-up still left much to be desired. Parallel agencies did similar work separately and sometimes applied them to the same locations, while leaving some places unattended to.

There is no question about what needs to be done. All officials, we assume, want to protect their constituents from the perils of natural disasters.

They want to keep loss of lives and damage to assets to a minimum. They also want to enable their people to recover

from disaster and rebuild their lives as soon as possible.

The “how,” however, makes all the difference.

The pending law and the resulting agency should contain improvements over the observed flaws and weaknesses in previous arrangements. It should include valid points made by all stakeholders especially those with firsthand experience at disaster work. Finally it should achieve the feat of smooth, if not seamless, workflow in the event of disaster, with personalities and politics playing a minor role compared to the higher order of saving lives.

Disasters are a reality we must come to terms with. They will not go away, and in fact are only bound to get more intense and more frequent. Old approaches will no longer apply. We cannot prevent disasters from happening, but we can prevent our nation from being hostage to them, and dealing with them, well, disastrously.

Facing disaster better our ‘star cities’ when it comes to disaster management—have raised the bar in camp and evacuation management.

Marikina and Makati put up modular tents, a foldable technology adopted from the Japanese, while Quezon City HERE we are again, facing the after- showcased its own fire-proof and somath of a monster storm, strangely lar-powered pop-up huts. These examnamed “Mangkhut” (its international ples should serve as the gold standard name, coming from the Thai word for other cities to up their ante in the for Mangosteen) and its innocuous- provision of temporary shelters.” sounding Filipino name “Ompong” (a The provinces, cities, and towns Dolphy character if I correctly remem- of Northern Luzon would certainly ber). But the story is the same. Winds, have benefited from the experience of rain, floods, storm surges, and land- Marikina, Makati, and Quezon City. slides wreck havoc Its time to scale and cause loss of up inter-LGU life and damage to (local governproperty. ment unit) coopWe are better eration so best Our efforts now, of course. practices can be Dozens still died continue to be marred emulated. compared to the by bureaucratic A best practhousands when squabbling and largely tice, ProfesYolanda devasted sor Berse and I the Visayas and isolated activities. point to is the Pablo and Sendong shift towards hit Mindanao. But nature-based sowe cannot rest on lutions to manour laurels. age flooding and In a recent article I co-wrote with other disasters. Multi-billion megaDr. Kristoffer Berse from the National flood control projects can only do so College of Public Administration and much; we need to harness nature so it Governance of the University Philip- can take back what it gives. pines, we pointed out that no disasters While some local governments are the same, but there are common have improved their capacity to themes of what constitute a good re- address disasters, Professor Berse sponse. We pointed out that: “A well- and I propose that we cannot rest on established early warning system the laurels of these star LGUs. As ensured timely evacuation, while the we have done for five years now, we operation centers of most cities were strongly support the creation of a in full gear as torrential rains pound- national agency that could dedicate ed the metropolis intermittently. But its full resources in ensuring that what created significant buzz among the good practice of some LGUs netizens is in how cities like Marikina, become standard practice throughout Makati, and Quezon City—certainly Turn to A5

Ruby rush brings ‘hell’, not riches, to Mozambique village

By Joaquim Nhamirre NEARLY a decade after rubies were first found in northern Mozambique, the discovery has proven a poisoned chalice, says traditional local ruler Cristina Joaquim.

Instead of riches and reward, what could have been a windfall has brought harassment, violence and even a local ban on farming.

The village of Nthoro sitting atop the ruby deposits has been targeted by gangs—allegedly backed by police— who have burnt homes and smashed belongings in an apparent attempt to force residents to move.

On the road to the village of around

12,000, dozens of signs warn villagers: “You’re in the mining concession area of MRM. It is forbidden to farm, cultivate, build homes or do any mining.”

Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM), a subsidiary of London-based Gemfields, won the mining rights to 36,000 hectares (89,000 acres) of ruby-rich land in the former Portuguese colony in 2011.

Discovery of the precious red gemstone by a local woodcutter just nine years ago sparked a “ruby rush” in Mozambique, which now accounts for 80 percent of the world’s production.

From 2014 to June 2017, MRM held eight auctions of rubies from Mozambique, raising more than $280 million (240 million euros), according to gov-

ernment data.

“In this village we had a good life, but when our land became a mining concession area, everything changed,” Queen Cristina, dressed in a traditional “capulana” skirt and headwrap, told AFP. “Because they say they are going to resettle us, they don’t allow us to do farming, build new houses.

“Many people have fled because of police torture, famine, burning houses.

Only few people remained—those who resist.”

Fenced off Conditions in Nthoro are a far cry from the lifestyle enjoyed by those able to pay more than $21,000 for a ruby Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

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Opinion

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

Teachers’ month FORMATION GARY OLIVAR TYPHOON “Ompong” roared into northern Luzon over the weekend, wreaking the usual wide swathe of damage across the mountainous regions of Ilocandia.

But I honestly think that a lot more damage was averted by the heavenly appeals of millions of Filipino prayer warriors—not to mention the high level of preparation mounted by Duterte’s Cabinet, who reminded me a lot of how PGMA responded to “Ondoy” in 2009, and contrasted sharply with the miserable response to “Yolanda” in 2013 under PNoy. *** All that uninvited water from “Ompong” should remind us that the Philippines ought to be the last country in danger of a water shortage.

But this is precisely the danger we’re facing now. Speaking at a recent session of the Arangkada Forum, former MWSS chairman Ramon Alikpala said that the lack of water supply and sanitation projects in the government’s Build Build Build program makes the country’s position on water security a cause of concern.

Foreign business chambers replied that we need to designate a Cabinetrank “water czar” to immediately address the impending water crisis. Over the long term, however, the recommended solution was the passage of a new law to create an independent Water Regulatory Commission to govern water service provision nationwide.

A Philippine Water Summit is being planned for November. That ought to be a good time to launch long-postponed initiatives to capture and store all that seasonal typhoon rainwater especially for the populous Greater Manila regions; plan creative approaches to different types of water resources and service areas; and ensure that the entire sector is properly priced, planned, coordinated, and regulated. *** At last Friday’s Nanka media forum in Quezon City—which went ahead rain or shine—our guest was the disconcertingly young Karl Kendrick Chua, a former World Bank country specialist for the Philippines whose main job now as an undersecretary at the Finance Department is crafting Duterte’s comprehensive tax reforms and shepherding them through Congress.

The first tax reform, TRAIN-1, went into effect last January and drew a lot of criticism for higher prices caused by the law’s new or higher excise taxes.

But Karl assured us that those taxes are only a small reason for inflation (the bigger ones are higher oil prices abroad, higher food costs and peso depreciation at home); the excise taxes will soon be offset by higher disposable incomes among wage-earners due

Facing...

From A4

the country. We observed: “Scaling up of good practices cannot be done more effectively and efficiently in the current setup wherein the Office of Civil Defense, the Secretariat of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), could not even directly receive funds for Capital Outlay to finance the creation DRRM training institutes nationwide, as mandated by law.

It does not help that the OCD, as an attached agency, has to compete with the bureaucratic priorities of its host agency, the Department of National Defense (DND).”

We believe that all of our local successes will be in vain if there is no authoritative and accountable agency that could effectively harmonize these efforts for a coherent whole-of-society and whole-of-government endeavor.

Unfortunately, our efforts continue to be marred by bureaucratic squabbling and largely isolated activities, with LGUs on the receiving end of competing, if not conflicting, information and instructions from various national agencies. Take for instance what we did with a good thing like Project Noah.

Fortunately, President Duterte in his last SONA is supporting the creation of a standalone executive department. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, one of the most experienced and innovative on disaster issues when he was governor of his province, has filed a bill creating of a Department of Disaster Resilience. Professor Berse and I suggest that we go further and create a Department of Disaster Resilence

to lower personal income tax rates also under the new law; and in any case, the inflationary effect is only one-off.

The second package, TRAIN-2 renamed the “TRABAHO Bill” (Filipinos do love their acronyms), proposes to lower corporate income taxes (from 30 to 20 percent) as well as rationalize investor incentives. The foreign chambers, which include a lot of export zone locators, are already hollering, “Leave PEZA alone!” To which Karl’s calm response is that nobody’s incentives are being withdrawn. They are simply being reevaluated and will be reissued under an omnibus investment code, provided they meet the perfectly reasonable standards of transparency, locator performance measurement, sunset dates, and compliance with a broader strategic investment plan.

TRABAHO has already been approved by the Lower House—thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of Speaker GMA, who thinks nothing

Public school teachers today in fact receive more compensation in salary, allowances and benefits compared to those in private schools, enough to prompt a reverse migration of faculty.

ian courts can simply be revived. *** I was asked to write something about the ongoing celebration of National Teachers’ Month (NTM), which started last Sept. 5 and will culminate with National Teachers’ Day on Oct. 5.

This is something close to my heart, my mother having received a doctorate in education and taught all her life (at PCU and then UP).

Following a precedent set by UNESCO in 1993, the local month-long celebration of NTM started in 2008 upon the initiative of soon-to-be Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro together with Metrobank Foundation president Chito Sobrepeña. It aims to “engage the public in appreciating the contributions of Filipino teachers and the nobility of the teaching profession,” under the leadership of a multi-sectoral NTM Council.

Since its inception, and with the support of R.A. 10743 and President Aquino’s Proclamation 242, the NTM has managed to roll out a total of 532 initiatives just for the years 2012-2014; book significant tri-media mileage costing over P600-M from 2012-2015; reach over 720,000 Facebook followers in 2015 alone; and increase the number of participating organizations every year since 2008.

We’ve all heard stories about the unpaid teacher-volunteers who man the precincts every election, or about heroes and heroines in impoverished rural areas who regularly dig into their meagre salaries to pay for needed classroom supplies.

Fortunately, things have slowly been getting better. Public school teachers today in fact receive more compensation in salary, allowances and benefits compared to those in private schools, enough to prompt a reverse migration of faculty. And they may yet see their salaries double under Duterte—the same as what he delivered to soldiers and policemen—subject of course to vetting by DBM’s Ben Diokno, whose thankless job is to be the grinch, the scrooge, the party-spoiler when everybody else just wants to party.

Unfortunately, mindless partying always ends you up the same place: buried in debt. Which is what happened to too many of our public school teachers, forcing the GSIS to intervene to refinance and consolidate—most likely at huge discounts—the debts they’ve incurred from salary loans and other sources, both formal and informal.

But refinancing can only be the first step. If GSIS wants to get its money back, it will have to reeducate our educators in the fundamentals of financial literacy. To my mind, this should include two essential learnings: numeracy, of course, and—just as important—values formation. We trust that Education Secretary Liling Briones, a former National Treasurer herself, will continue to do the right thing for her millions of charges.

of calling meetings on Sundays—but will face rougher sailing among the inflated egos in the Senate, especially with campaign season around the corner for the reelectionists. We can only wish USec Karl good luck in those trenches. *** Talking about inflated Senatorial egos…we came across the following online claims about the “true facts” in the case of Senator Trillanes: His alleged Certificate of Amnesty was signed by former Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, not by former President Aquino. Nor was the document authenticated.

What is on record is only a proforma Amnesty Application, with no “Received” copy and again not authenticated.

Records of the Makati RTC show that the Trillanes mutiny case was not dismissed but only suspended.

What’s on record is a video clip of his general admission of guilt, not a written admission of specific guilt which also requires official date and signature.

Because of all the above, Trillanes’ amnesty is claimed to be “void ab initio.” This means he remains subject to a military court-martial, even as the Readers can write me at gbolisuspended cases against him in civil- var1952@yahoo.com.

and Climate Change, with the Climate Change Commission and its powers and functions absorbed into the new department.

The Salceda bill, of course, is not yet perfect in its current form. Congress should not start from scratch. It should consider the findings and recommendations of the nationwide consultations with various groups involved in NDRRMC operations that took place in 2015-2016, an effort led by NDRRMC Executive Director and Defense Undersecretary Alexander Pama to prepare for the formal “sunset review” of Republic Act 10121.

Professor Berse and I propose the following considerations in creating a new department.

First, Congress must be strategic in deciding which existing agencies should be integrated into the new department. For example, we must thoroughly discuss the pros and cons of transferring Pagasa and the Mining and GeoSciences Bureau (MGB) to the new department. We do not want the unintended consequence of having the mandate of these agencies, which goes beyond disaster resilience, affected by such a move. Are there other options short of removing them respectively from the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)? Top officials and rank and file from the affected agencies must certainly by consulted so all bases are covered.

Second, the amalgamation of the NDRRMC and CCC, as the highest policymaking and advisory body, is also necessary. These institutions have been managed separately, undertaking activities that should have been integrated from the beginning. Now is

the perfect time to make this institutional convergence happen officially and for good. For as the saying goes, too many cooks could spoil the broth.

But similar to Pagasa and MGB, the top officials and rank and file of CCC should be consulted, among others to also identify mandates that might be affected by this change. Mitigation regulatory responsibilities should now be completely returned mainly to the DENR but with the Departments of Energy, Transportation, and Agriculture as playing important roles.

The negotiation mandate of the CCC should now be returned mainly with the Department of Foreign Affairs working with all agencies but with the Secretary of the new department as the minister in charge for purposes of official meetings.

Third, the new department must have one clear one line Cabinet secretary that will now be in charge of both disasters and climate change. It was not effective to have the President, who is very busy, to chair the NDRMRMC and CCC. He still of course will have control over the new department as head of the executive branch.

Fourth, on the financial side, the People’s Survival Fund should be included in discussion on funding resilience. By finally integrating disaster risk reduction planning and climate change adaptation, new sources of funding could be identified for resilience projects. This includes the Green Climate Fund where money is available for both mitigation and adaptation.

In sum, we can face disasters better.

But we must be united in our efforts, not distracted by our toxic politics.

How to do that will be the topic of my next column.

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TRAIN is neither reformist nor inclusive an option.

Yes, that—foregoing revenue—is what TRAIN has done. In what apRUDY pears to have been an attempt to make ROMERO its excise-taxes component acceptable, TRAIN has exempted individuTHE Tax Reform and Inclusive als earning annually P250,000 or less (TRAIN) law is the centerpiece of the from having to file income tax returns.

Duterte administration’s fiscal pro- Why should the DOF (Department of gram. The only part of that law’s name Finance) want to forego revenue when that is true is the word “tax”; it is a the professed aim of TRAIN is to raise tax measure. But the rest of it is not revenue sufficient to finance the Dutrue; TRAIN is neither reformist nor terte administration’s P8.757 billion, inclusive.

75-major-projects Build Build Build The ideal tax system is one that is infrastructure program? The inescapfair. To fulfill this criterion, a tax sys- able conclusion is that DOF intends tem must be based on capacity to pay, the program to be financed by the prowith individuals receiving high in- ceeds of the slew of excise-tax meascomes made subject to higher income- ures imposed by TRAIN. tax rates than individuals receiving Regressive taxes are the opposite low incomes. This kind of tax system of progressive taxes, and excise taxes is termed progressive because the are regressive taxes of the worst kind. government’s tax revenue progresses Since it will be financed by excise upward as individuals’ incomes pro- taxes, Build Build Build will in effect gress upward. A tax system is fair if it be financed not by Filipinos with high derives more revenue from an individ- incomes but by Filipinos with low inual who earns P2,000,000 during the comes. same time frame.

Today’s deA tax system veloped counmust be not only tries—the North fair; it must also American and Build Build Build will be sound. ConEuropean countributing support in effect be financed not tries as well as to government by Filipinos with high the non-commuoperations is one nist countries of of the principal incomes but by Filipinos the Asia-Pacific duties of a citi- with low incomes. region—achieved zen, and fulfilltheir First World ing his tax oblistatus on the bagation honestly is sis of efficient the best way that income tax-based a citizen can support the government fiscal structures. They didn’t get there of his country. Since a government’s through tax systems based on taxes financial needs are forever growing, weighted heavily against the poor. its fiscal authorities have to constantly Excise taxes, like all regressive taxes, look for schemes and strategies that are blind: they cannot differentiate behave the potential for increasing the tween wealth and poverty. Thus, for government’s take in a fair and sound the same food item, Henry Sy pays as manner. much as Juan de la Cruz. At this rate, Reconfiguring the schedule of in- the poor will be further excluded from come tax rates to introduce greater prosperity. fairness while enhancing collection The Philippines has a tax effort ratio prospects is the strategy that is usu- of around 14 percent, i.e., the ratio of ally chosen by fiscal authorities that total tax revenue to GDP (gross domesare oriented towards reform. While tic product). This compares badly with concern for fairness towards taxpay- the tax efforts of Singapore and Thaiers is an abiding concern, maximum land. And the tax efforts of those countax collection—economists call this tries—and of the Western countries— a country’s tax effort—is always the have not been based on excise taxes. principal objective.

Sadly, the policy decision to exempt Allowing deserving citizens to le- from income tax individuals earning gally pay less taxes is therefore, a part annually P250,000 or less amounts of the typical tax reform agenda; free- to an admission by DOF that in this ing them from the obligation to pay country collecting income taxes is a taxes is not, given their government’s near-impossibility. need to obtain financing for an everTRAIN should be changed to expanding economic-social spending TNAEX for Tax Non-Reform and program. Foregoing tax revenue is not Exclusion.

BUSINESS CLASS

Ruby...

From A4

engagement ring by fabled luxury jeweller Faberge, which has been acquired by Gemfields.

Located in the Montepuez district of Cabo Delgado province, Nthoro has no piped water or electricity and its houses are built of wooden stakes and dried grass.

A security fence surrounds the village, with only one gate overseen by guards.

Nthoro, a clearing cut from thick forest, is planted with mango, coconut and papaya trees, and chickens scratch in the dirt.

The only sign of public services is a police station, which is staffed by a special military police unit rather than civilian officers.

Cristina accuses the authorities of wanting to drive villagers off the land to avoid having to resettle them elsewhere.

“I urge the company to resettle us so we can move away from this hell. We always refer these issues to the government, but the government never answers,” she said.

Legal action MRM is 75-percent owned by Gemfields and the rest by Mwiriti Limitada, a Mozambican company co-owned by army General Raimundo Pachinuapa—a senior member of the ruling Frelimo party.

Just 10 minutes away from Nthoro, the mining company’s main camp has power, running water, restaurants and even a health clinic.

Nthoro’s residents are among thousands of people living within MRM’s vast concession area who are facing relocation under Mozambican law.

“We no longer have any place for farming. The mining company forbids us. We can’t move freely because in certain areas the company forbids it,” Joao Carimo, another community leader, told AFP as other locals cheered him on.

“Those who burned our houses are police officers and security guards at the mine,” he alleged.

Police deny any wrongdoing.

Determined to fight back, about 100 Mozambicans have joined a lawsuit in Britain alleging serious human rights abuses.

London-based law firm Leigh Day issued proceedings at the High Court against Gemfields in April.

The claimants allege that they have been shot at, beaten and unlawfully detained, with four families saying their sons were shot dead by security forces at the mine.

New settlement delays Gemfields told AFP it could not comment on the claims because of the court proceedings but said it took “allegations of this nature extremely seriously and denounce(d) any form of violence or abuse.”

It added that 105 families would be resettled from Nthoro under a $10-million project to establish a new settlement nearby with water, power, a school, market, mosque and church.

“Defining which village families are to be relocated... was carried out by a third-party consultant in a lengthy and thorough process,” Gemfields said in an email.

Gemfields said the new settlement’s foundation stone was laid in April and the relocation was scheduled to take two years.

The local government said it was applying pressure over apparent delays to the construction.

“They should have started homes this year so we are worried,” district government official Fabiao Namiva told A FP. “But we also value things the company is doing—paying taxes and organizing mobile clinics and employment training. The communities are benefiting from it. The only issue is the resettlement.”

For one villager, Jeronimo Amade, 45, the rubies have brought only a desire to leave the area and start a new life.

“I just want to be compensated and get out of here,” he said. “I have seen people killed, many houses burned down. All because of the resources discovered in our land.” AFP

A6

News

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Binay says Mocha video ‘uncivil’

THE last video of Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson at Drew Olivar is not funny, according to Senator Nancy Binay who described it as “disrespectful” to the deaf/ mute community who already struggle in airing their concerns and aspirations.

As author and co-sponsor of the Filipino Sign Language Bill that intends to recognize and support the implementation of sign language in all transactions and in the education of the deaf community that was just passed in the Senate, Binay raised alarm over such ridicule.

She noted that such discriminatory actions set back our efforts to make our society more inclusive by providing a more conducive environment for deaf Filipinos to exercise their right to expression without prejudice.

“I wish to remind Asec. Mocha that as a public official, it is paramount that she refrain from mocking the people she serves,” she said.

“And just so the others also become more aware, making fun of persons with disabilities is in violation of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.”

Again, she said sign language should never be made an amusement piece.

As this developed, Senator Paolo Aquino said deaf Filipinos would soon be empowered with their own national language after the Senate passed on third and final reading the Filipino Sign Language Act. The Senate approved Senate Bill No. 1455 on third and final reading via 20 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and no abstention.

15,000 nurses, health experts may lose jobs due to budget cut

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HOUSANDS of government nurses and other health personnel deployed in the country’s far-flung barangays from Batanes to Jolo may lose their jobs due to the Department of Budget and Management’s move to cut the budget of the Department of Health, according to Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon.

“If we will just follow the proposed lose their jobs,” Drilon said after grilling ofbudget of the Department of Health, about ficials during the Senate hearing on the pro15,000 nurses and health professionals will posed P71-billion budget of the DoH.

“This is a very serious concern. I have not seen in my 20 years in the Senate that a budget is slashed this much and the budget of the DoH at that,” Drilon said.

“This is injustice and I will not allow the budget to be passed unless this injustice is addressed,” Drilon added.

At the hearing, Drilon grilled a representative from the Department of Budget and Management for cutting the budget of the DoH by P36.2 billion from P107.3 billion in 2018 to P71 billion in 2019, particularly for health human resources deployment which was decreased from P9.59 billion in 2018 to P1.17 billion next year.

Director Jane Abella, a representative from DBM, argued the budget was just transferred to Miscellaneous and Personnel Benefit Fund pending a review by the department and the Civil Service Commission.

“15,000 nurses and health professionals will be on the streets while we are evaluating. Can you imagine the effect of this on our 15,000 workers and their performance? What kind of planning is this?” Drilon asked.

Drilon said it was not correct to transfer the funds of active government health personnel to MPBF, fearing it would not be released “without Malacañang’s clearance.”

BI orders deportation of 2 nabbed Koreans

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration ordered the deportation of two Koreans who were arrested in separate operations in Pampanga and Cagayan.

Arrested were Nam Sangmin and Ha Que Back who were both wanted by Korean authorities for fraud and tax evasion amounting to more than 4 billion Korean won.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said Nam was nabbed in Pampanga while Ha was cornered in Cagayan.

The Korean Embassy has canceled their passports, according to Morente, adding that both would be deported for being undesirable and undocumented aliens.

“They will likewise be placed in our blacklist and banned from reentering the Philippines,” he added.

BI Intelligence Officer and FSU Chief Bobby Raquepo said that the two Koreans are on the Interpol’s red notice list due to outstanding arrest warrants issued against them by Korean courts.

Nam is wanted for defrauding several victims of nearly 26 million won ($23,000) which he collected by hacking into someone’s instant messenger account.

Ha, on the other hand, is wanted for violating Korea’s Tax Evaders Act for allegedly submitting false sales tax invoices worth 4.4 billion won ($4 million) which he issued to 31 companies without delivering the corresponding goods or services.

PLASTIC WASTES. Greenpeace volunteers collect pastic wastes from the meandering Pasig River a day after Typhoon ‘Ompong’ left the country on Monday. The group conducted a campaign to collect and determine the amount of branded plastic wastes from companies which contribute to the plastic pollution in the Philippines. Norman Cruz

Pag-IBIG Fund H1 net income grows 20% to P16.09b Bautista PAG-IBIG Fund reported a net income of P16.09 billion for the first half of 2018, up by 20 percent from same period last year, the agency said in a press statement Monday.

The six month revenue breached PagIBIG’s half-year target, boosted by its good home lending performance, it added.

Over P32.71 billion worth of housing loans were released in the first half of

2018, a 13 percent or almost P4-billion increase compared to similar period in 2017.

This translates to 40,094 families served

by Pag-IBIG Fund from January to June 2018, 11 percent more than the 36,139 families served in the 1st half of 2017.

Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chairperson Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario said “Pag-IBIG

Fund is on track, not only in carrying out their mandate to provide shelter financing for our Filipino workers, but also in following President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to provide for the unserved and underserved sectors.

“I am happy to know that 32 percent of the number of units that Pag-IBIG Fund has financed in the first half of the year are under the socialized housing program.”

CoA gives PSG leeway to buy security dogs

By Rio N. Araja

BACK TO TRAFFIC. Vehicular flow in Metro Manila’s EDSA—the main avenue that runs from north to south in the metropolis—is back to what

observers call normal, on the heels of Typhoon Ompong during whose fury during the weekend had EDSA nearly empty of wheels. Manny Palmero

THE Commission on Audit is giving the Presidential Security Group the leeway to buy K-9 dogs to secure the safety of President Rodrigo Duterte and his guests.

Under its proposal, funding allocations should be automatically included in the PSG’s annual budget to anticipate the need to acquire new K-9 dogs rather than request funds only when the need would arise.

In a 2017 audit of the General Headquarters-Armed Forces of the Philippines, the PSG notified CoA that it was only keeping 23 military working dogs listed as “effective” as of July 2017 and 18 new ones for procurement under the 2018 budget.

At least 11 of the new dogs were originally requested in 2017, but were funded only under the 2018 capital outlay.

appointment welcomed

HEALTH advocacy group Anakalusugan welcomes the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to appoint Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista to head the National Food Authority.

Bautista, who will retire from military service on Oct. 15, will replace former NFA chief Jason Aquino who earlier asked to be relieved.

“We welcome the appointment of Gen. Bautista as the new NFA head once he retires next month. With Gen. Bautista at the helm, Anakalusugan looks forward to better NFA services to our kababayan, especially in ensuring ample supply of cheap but quality rice,” Anakalusugan media officer Florante Solmerin said.

“There can be no repeat of the bukbok rice controversy that hounded the past leadership of the NFA. While government officials have insisted that it is safe to eat weevil-infested rice, the fact that poor Filipinos were left without choice but to buy and eat bukbok rice from NFA is adding insult to injury. Filipinos deserve better than this. We all deserve to eat healthy food,” Solmerin added.

Last weekend, Duterte described Bautista as somebody he could trust to fix the rice shortage problem, which has driven prices of the grain up.

Prior to Aquino’s resignation, at least 330,000 sacks of rice imported from Thailand and Vietnam, which the NFA failed to unload because of the heavy rains in August, have become infested with weevil.

Sports Cobra irons up for ace in Highlands Ladies Cup A BRAND new set of Cobra F-7 irons will be staked as hole-in-one prize on No. 12 when the Highlands Ladies Cup holds its 13th staging on Sept. 29 featuring a full-packed field at Tagaytay Midlands Golf and Country Club.

The Cobra set in a Puma bag prize thus covers all par-3s of the rolling par-72 up-and-down layout with the third hole offering two round-trip tickets to Kuala Lumpur with four days/three nights accommodation courtesy of Regent Travel Corp. A two-night accommodation in Coron with breakfast and airport transfers for two from Baron Travel Corp. and a four-night cruise to Singapore-Port Klang (KL)-Phuket (or Penang)Singapore for two courtesy of Royal Caribbean International will also be offered for aces on Nos. 5 and 17, respectively.

In case no one scores an ace, all hole in one prizes will be raffled off during awards rites, according to the organizing Tagaytay Highlands Ladies Chapter.

That should make the event, backed

by Diamond sponsors Auto Nation Group, Inc., Pacific Online and W Group, doubly interesting with a merry mix of participants from various sectors gearing up for a spirited but friendly competition.

Play will be under the System 36 scoring format with big prizes also at stake in various categories of the annual event supported by Powerball Gaming, San Miguel Corp. and Security Bank as Platinum sponsors, Kaiser Health Group and Royal Caribbean Int’l as Gold backers and ComWorks Inc., Fitness First, HBC, Huawei Philippines, Leisure and Resort World Corp., Lucerne, New Golden City Builders, PLDT-SME, Regent Travel Corp. and SM Retail as Silver sponsors.

Other supporters are bronze sponsors Baron Travel Corp., Burlington Socks, Caraderm, CLC Marketing Ventures, Cobra, Concrete Masters, Dickies, First Life Financial Co. Inc., Focus Global, H&E Mfg., Honda Cavite, Marie France, Orocan, Parola Maritime Corp., Peerless Products, Philippine Airlines, Puma, RCW Construction Dev’t Corp., Santi’s, SL Agritech Corp., SM Hotels, Studio337 Salon & Spa, Unilever and URC and donors Green Cross, Red Ribbon, Splendido Golf and Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort.

As part of its social commitment, the THLC has also allocated part of the proceeds for its favorite beneficiary the Sisters of Mary boys and girls town complex in Silang, Cavite.

Mercedes...

From A8

“We’re hitting the nail on the head with the balance of the car and really just eking out each little bit and each weekend we’ve got incredible communications,” said Englishman who is gunning for his fifth Formula One drivers’ world championship.

“I give quite long debriefs nowadays and we work to the point that we leave no stone unturned -- there’s not a single stone unturned each weekend that we arrive and so it’s a real collective.

“It’s just the strongest the team has ever been.”

Wolff warned they had to keep up the intensity to win both drivers’ and constructors’ championships this season, starting with the Russian Grand Prix in two weeks.

“From our side, we can be pleased with a very solid weekend,” he added. “We have leads in both championships, but they change nothing in the mindset of this team.

“We have six weekends to go and we know how quickly the situation can swing back against us. We will take it weekend by weekend, feet on the ground and determined to maximise our potential every time.”

A7

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Osaka blames tears on nerves T

OKYO—Naomi Osaka has put her US Open tears down to shredded nerves and her natural awkwardness, rather than the tantrum thrown by Serena Williams that overshadowed a historic Japanese win.

The 20-year-old melted hearts when she burst into sobs as boos rang out following her emphatic 6-2, 6-4 thrashing of Williams in a controversial New York final a little over a week ago.

But Osaka has refused to blame her childhood idol, who called chair umpire Carlos Ramos a “thief” in an astonishing rant triggered by a code violation for coaching that culminated in a docked game.

“I feel like there was just a lot of emotions,” Osaka said in Tokyo on Monday.

“I couldn’t really pinpoint it at the time, I just felt very overwhelmed.”

The row that erupted between Wil-

liams and Ramos polarised opinion and sparked a debate about sexism in tennis after the American fumed that the umpire would not have treated a male player in the same fashion.

Osaka has stayed above the fray since becoming Japan’s first Grand Slam singles champion but her tears at the trophy presentation provoked an outpouring of sympathy.

“I’m grateful that people care or sympathise but I don’t really think there was anything to be sad about,” said Osaka, who has risen from 19th to seventh in the new world rankings.

“I don’t feel like I would’ve liked to

savour the moment more -- I think I do things my own way and everyone is different in their own way so I don’t really have any regrets.”

Osaka, the daughter of a Haitian father and Japanese mother who was raised in the United States, apologised to Williams for dashing her hopes of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles crown before almost dropping the trophy.

However, Osaka pointed to her nervous demeanour after winning her maiden WTA title at Indian Wells in March, where she blurted out: “Hi, I’m Naomi ... this is probably going to be the worst acceptance speech of all time.”

Speaking before this week’s Pan Pacific Open, she grinned: “I’m kind of notorious -- I’m not that great at trophy ceremonies. Even in Indian Wells it was

a little bit different I guess from everyone else.”

Osaka’s stardust is set to boost ticket sales for the Pan Pacific tournament, where top seed Caroline Wozniacki is chasing a hat-trick of titles -the Dane also beat Osaka in the 2016 Tokyo final.

But Osaka, who has shone a light on mixed-race athletes in Japan with her fairytale New York triumph, warned that she is now a completely different player.

“I’ve played a lot more matches between then and now,” she said.

“I’m a little bit more mature now so of course having that experience helps -- and being more confident in yourself too,” Osaka added.

“I’ve played here for many years and got to the final once, so this tournament is very special to me.”

MediCard Sprint tilt at Fontana on Nov. 25

US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan speaks during a press conference for the Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament in Tokyo. AFP

SMART jins bag 15 medals in Penang CARRYING the colors of SMART/ MVP Sports Foundation, the Philippine taekwondo squad produced a spectacular performance in the recent Asia Pacific Masters Games Championships in Penang, Malaysia by bagging 15 medals -- topped by seven kyorugi (free sparring) and poomsae (forms) golds.

Roderick Rivera and Ian Joseph Hernandez produced the kyorugi golds while Eulogio Rodriguez, June Ninobla, Ernesto Guzman Jr., Alileah Dulce Amor Perez and the pair of Galilee Tibaya/Vina Marie IgnacioRivera collected golds in poomsae.

The Filipinos came home with eight other silver and five bronze medals in the prestigious event which served as preparation for the World Masters Games Championships in Japan.

Joseph Gadiana and Renan Desaluna took silvers in kyorugi. while Joel Lacsamana, Vina Marie Ignacio-Rivera and the pair of June Ninobla/Alileah Dulce Amor Perez also grabbed silvers in poomsae.

The Filipino bronze winners were Arnold Valenzuela in kyorugi and Galilee Tinaya and Jeffry Ysmael in poomsae.

The Filipinos, who were supported in their trip by PLDT, Meralco, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Milo, outshone tough performers from 15 other countries.

Tea, head Raul Samson (left, standing) is shown with the Filipino medal winners. They are, kneeling, from left: Roderick Rivera, Vina Marie Ignacio-Rivera, June Ninobla, Alileah Dulce Amor Perez and Joseph Gadiana. Standing, second from left to right: Galilee Tinaya, Arnold Valenzuela, Eulogio Rodriguez, Renan Desaluna and Ian Joseph Hernandez. Winners not shown are Ernesto Guzman Jr., Joel Lacsamana and Jeffry Ysmael.

EDSA. Onsite registration is also available an hour before the race categories.

Interested runners may also call tel. nos.

09186002411 (Smart), 09953248315 (Globe) and landline 9759584 for more details.

Backed by PTT Lubricants, Cafe Amazon, Wish 107.5, Chris Sports, Milcu, Leslie’s Corp., ChloRelief, Lubie, CocaCola, La Filipina, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Maynilad, Herbalife, Vegemore, Science in Sport, Medicard Foundation, Ripples Daily, Gold Seas, Maynilad, Business Mirror and Business Mirror Health and Fitness Magazine, Village Connect, Philippine School of Business Administration, Mariano Marcos High School Batch ‘91 and St. Dominic College, the run will have a Gadgets Galore Raffle, where runners have a chance to win smartphones, home camera, head-

REGISTRATION is ongoing for the MediCard Sprint Triathlon at Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga on Nov. 25, Sunday.

The #MediCardSprintTri is a beginner-friendly triathlon consisting of a 600-meter swim – 20-km bike – 5-km run.

Organized by Bike King in partnership with leading HMO, MediCard, the triathlon takes participants through several laps in the Olympicsized pool of the Fontana water park to a 1-loop bike course around the Clark grounds, and to a 1-loop run on the rolling paths of the resort.

At stake in the event supported by official timekeeper TAG Heuer, Standard Insurance, Vittoria, Gardenia and partner hotels The Villages at Global Clark, Fontana and Royce Hotel and Casino, are specially designed trophies and gift items for the age-group winners, Team Competition, and relay category winners.

Registration for the #MediCardSprintTri is ongoing until Oct. 31 on http://www.bikekingphilippines.com.

Entry fees are P4,200 for the Sprint Distance and P10,500 for the relay category.

MediCard’s Corporate clients can take advantage of a discount during registration. Also available is a 12+1 registration promo for teams: one free registration for every 12 individual registrations from a team. Interested teams and MediCard corporate clients can email registration@bikekingphilippines.com regarding the mechanics.

MediCard is a leading health maintenance organization dedicated to building a culture of health awareness and behavior. Medicard’s extensive connections with outpatient clinics, partners and affiliate doctors nationwide allow us to offer an array of total healthcare services to suit the needs of corporations, SMEs, individuals, and families. Visit www.medicardphils. com or call (02) 884-9999 for your healthcare needs.

Kenyan runner hit by car in marathon MEDELLIN, Colombia—Kenyan athlete Joseph Kiprono was knocked down by a car Sunday as he was leading a half-marathon in Colombia in which another competitor collapsed and died, the organizers said.

Kiprono—a previous winner of the

PTT Run for Clean Energy reset to Saturday DUE to the aftermath of Typhoon Ompong, the PTT Run for Clean Energy Year 2 scheduled last Sunday has been reset to Saturday at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Grounds.

With the CCP grounds a total mess due to trees, leaves and branches scattered over portions of route, some of which were flooded, organizers made the decision to do the reset for the safety of the runners.

“We would have continued with it, rain or shine, but the route was quite dangerous for participants,” said Subterranean Ideas project manager Matt Ardina, who added that there was no longer an available Sunday schedule for the next four weeks, hence the choice of Saturday.

Registration for the run is ongoing until Sept. 20 at Chris Sports Outlets at SM Manila, SM Mall of Asia and SM North

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

phones, bluetooth speakers, watches and many more.

A mini concert will be provided by the Lester Llansang-fronted Cahlio band and up-and-coming Dotty Chan and Yela, who will also play a couple of songs at the Wish Bus situated near the stage.

Part of the proceeds of the run will be donated for the environmental programs of the PTT Philippines Foundation, which for years have leading the efforts to preserve and conserve the environment through its CSR programs Sibol, Re-Greening the Marikina Watershed, Gas Up for a Tree and Bakajuan, among others.

Race categories are 10k (P520), 5k (P420) and 3k (P320), all inclusive of race shirt, race bib and giveaways. Top three male and female runners of the 10k and 5k will get cash prizes and medals.

event—was leading the 21 kilometer (13 mile) race in second-city Medellin when he was struck by a car that authorities said had “violated a road closure.”

After being treated by medics on the spot, he was taken to hospital with cuts

and bruises and later reported by doctors to be in good condition.

Organizers said a 38-year-old runner had collapsed during the race with heart problems and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital. AFP

Champs not interested in Trump visit WASHINGTON—Women’s NBA champion Seattle Storm has no interest in making a White House visit if US President Donald Trump does invite them, veteran point guard Sue Bird said.

Bird sparked the Storm to their third title in her 16 seasons with the club, sweeping Washington in the best-of-five final, but says her squad would skip the once-traditional White House visit if an invitation did come their way.

“It has come up,” Bird told the Seattle Times. “At this point, it doesn’t even really need to be discussed.”

Trump famously withdrew an invitation to NBA champion Golden State last year after criticism from Stephen Curry while Curry, team-

mate Kevin Durant and then-Cleveland star LeBron James said even before the NBA Finals ended that the winner wouldn’t want to go to the White House.

Trump canceled a White House visit by the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles after several players criticized him and vowed to stay away.

The Minnesota Lynx didn’t receive an invitation from Trump after winning last year’s WNBA crown.

“We paid attention to what happened with Minnesota not getting invited. Everyone knew when everything happened with Steph Curry and LeBron on social media, all that stuff,” Bird said. “We all pay attention and we watch.” AFP

Sports

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

A8

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

Cavaliers, Kamao win in UNTV Cup Games Sunday 2 p.m. – NHA vs PhilHealth 3:30 p.m. – GSIS vs Senate 5 p.m. – PITC vs PNP

Alvin Vitug scores to lead NHA to a huge win over Judiciary, 73-68, in the UNTV Cup held Sunday at the Pasig City Sports Center.

Camarines Sur bet wins 1st gold in Batang Pinoy BAGUIO CITY—Camarines Sur bet Mary Grace Joson raised the curtain of the 2018 Batang Pinoy National Championships yesterday by winning the first gold in the Baguio City National High School track and field here.

Joson, a 15-year-old Grade 9 student of Camsur Sports Academy, bested her rivals in the girls’ discus throw after posting 26.87m on her second attempt.

“Masaya po ako sa panalo ko,” said Joson, who qualified after finishing third in the Luzon leg held in Vigan, Ilocos Sur late last year.

Janine Ledina of Zambales Province heaved 26.64m to settle for silver, while Althea Guadalupe of General Santos took home the bronze in 26.54m.

In swimming, four tankers made their presence felt after each scooping two gold medals on the first day of action.

Roz Ciaralene Encarnacion of Laguna Province captured the girls’ 12-under 200-meter individual medley in 2 minutes and 40.97 seconds and then went back to rule the girls’ 12-under 50m breaststroke in 37.33sec.

Encarnacion, a 13-year-old student from Alaminos Integrated National High School, guns for her third gold when she competes in the 200m breast. She still has two events tomorrow in 200m free and 100m breast.

Lucena City’s Markus Johannees De Kam dominated the boys’ 12-under 100m freestyle (59.11sec) and the 50m backstroke (32.27sec), while teammate Mervien Jules Mirandilla won in the boys’ 13-15 100m free (58.38sec) and 100m butterfly (59.92sec).

Althea Michel Baluyot of Quezon City also took centerstage by prevailing in the girls’ 13-15 100m free (1:01.16) and 100m fly (1:06.98).

PH paddlers crowned ICF world champions G

AINESVILLE, Georgia, United States—The Philippines crowned itself overall champion in the 2018 ICF World Dragon Boat Championships after collecting five gold medals.

The national paddlers from the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation capped their scintillating performance with a victory in the 10-seater senior men’s 200-meter race to surpass the country’s best finish six years ago.

Slicing through water with super fast strokes, the Filipinos rushed to the line in 47.39 seconds, leaving Italy (49.58) and Hungary (49.87) by almost a full boat in their final race of the four-day tournament at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park here.

Those five gold medals and two silvers shadowed the five-gold, one-silver collection that the Philippines achieved in the 2012 edition of the worlds in Milan, Italy. ``I was a part of that team that did it in Italy,’’ said coach Diomedes Manalo in Filipino. ``I knew these kids are special, so I’m not surprised when they beat the previous record.’’

Veterans Mark Jhon Frias, Hermie Macaranas and Ojay Fuentes were consistently quick from the get-go along with John Lester Delos Santos, Oliver Manaig, Reymart Nevado, Lee Robin Santos, Jordan De Guia, Roger Masbate and John Paul Selencio.

With less than 50 meters left, drummer Patricia Bustamante and steersman Maribeth Caranto then signaled them to pour it all as they surged to the finish past the Italians.

All of them were teary eyed when the Philippine flag was raised and the national anthem played for the fifth and final time during the awarding ceremony. ``All the hard work paid off. This is for our country,’’ said headcoach Len Escollante, who expressed her gratitude to Go For Gold for funding the women’s team.

The presence of the lady paddlers were vital since four of the five gold medals they had won were mixed team races. ``I’m proud to say that the Philippines is the world champion in dragonboat racing,’’ said PCKDF president Jonne Go, who also thanked Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Apart from winning the 10-seater and 20-seater senior mixed 200m races, the Filipinos also struck gold in the small boat and big boat of the senior mixed 500m.

They settled for silver medals in the big boat senior mixed 2000m and small boat men’s 500m.

Winners of the 10-seater senior men’s 200m race celebrate.

Chavit calls for unity in PH Sports PHILIPPINE National Shooting Association president Gov. Luis “‘Chavit” Singson is leading the call for solidarity in the Philippine Olympic Committee for the sake of national athletes.

“Let us unite now. I’m calling the attention of the POC leadership and the national sports associations to join hands in saving the sad state of Philippine sports in the international scene. Our athletes need full support in aspects of resources and modern facilities in order for them to catch up with the fast-paced development of other countries. Divided we will fail, united we will succeed,” said the former Ilocos Sur Governor during last Sunday’s press conference in his yacht at the Manila Yacht Club in Malate, Manila.

Singson stressed that he is willing to have a dialogue with POC president Ricky Vargas of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines to tackle legitimate issues of alleged factionism, divisiveness, discrimination, lack of programs, the selection of best athletes to represent the country, among others.

A well-known sports/patron and public servant, Singson is willing to lend a hand of all-out support to save the state of Philippine Sports as he wished to start it after meetings with the stakeholders for the success of Filipino athletes in international competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.

He is optimistic that in this noble cause, sports leaders can sacrifice their personal interests for the love of country.

TWO-TIME champion Armed Forces of the Philippines, MalacañangPhilippine Sports Commission and National Housing Authority jumpstarted their title bids in contrasting fashions in the 7th UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Pasig City Sports in Pasig City.

The AFP Cavaliers drew 26 points from former Letran star Boyet Bautista and waylaid the Department of Justice Boosters, 10987, while the Malacañang Kamao got double digits from six players to dump the Ombudsman Graft Busters, 101-72.

The NHA Builders, on the other hand, needed a decisive run midway in the payoff period to surprise the Judiciary Magis of Supreme Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, 73-68, in the tournament offering P4 million to the charity of the champion team.

AFP’s win put the Cavaliers on level with opening-day winner and defending champion Senate, while Malacañang and NHA tied Department of Agriculture of Sec. Manny Piñol for the early Group B lead.

With Bautista and former amateur standout Eugene Tan presiding over AFP’s attack, the Cavaliers roared to a 32-16 lead, which they wisely protected en route on an auspicious start in the annual tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon.

A member of the Philippine training pool to the 2007 Thailand SEA Games, Erick dela Cuesta and Visnu Das Javier scored 14 points to lead the team’s wellbalanced attack.

While AFP and Malacañang scored similar breezy wins, the Builders needed the heroics of Marvin Mercado and Alvin Vitug to beat the Magis.

Thompson, Cabagnot sign new pacts

By Jeric Lopez

SCOTTIE Thompson and Alex Cabagnot’s hard work certainly paid off.

The San Miguel Corporation group showed their trust in the Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer spitfires by repaying them with separate multi-year deals with their respective teams.

This move was timely as well, with both Thompson and Cabagnot currently making their presence felt in their stints with the national team, aside from constantly giving their teams a lift in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Both had already signed their fresh deals with their teams.

Thompson, one of the rising stars of the league, was signed to a three-year deal after proving his worth by winning the Finals Most Valuable Player last conference and leading the Gin Kings to the Commissioner’s Cup championship.

He was likewise vital to the team’s previous conquests in the past two Governors’ Cup. On the other hand, Cabagnot, a critical part of San Miguel’s dynasty core, was renewed for two years.

Like Thompson, he won the exact same award last season.

With these key guards extended for the long haul, Ginebra and San Miguel expect continuity in terms of their championship runs.

PH lady booters Nepal-bound for Asian qualifiers Mercedes still cautious despite F1 win

By Peter Atencio THE Philippine women’s national football feam is heading for Nepal for the first phase of the Asian Football Confederation Under-16 women’s Championship 2019 qualifiers.

This meet will also be a qualifier for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, and the national team takes pride in having trained in the Philippine Football Federation artificial turf pitch in San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona Cavite, Coached by Joyce Landagan, the Filipinas are bracketed in a four-team single-round-robin group with the hosts, Malaysia and Myanmar.

They will start off their campaign

against Nepal on Sept. 19, then tackle Malaysia two days later.

On Sunday, they will meet Myanmar, with the group winner qualifying for the next stage of qualification in Thailand next February.

Striker Maria Lazo from La Salle-Zobel will be among the holdovers, along with midfielder Traci Lim from Immaculate Conception Academy, MJ Villacin from Bacolod, Bela Hoskings, a Fil-Brit from Thailand, Abigail Taylor, a homegrown Filipina-British booter from British School Manila, her schoolmate Izzy Ong, and Swiss-raised Filipina goalie Isabel Mapanao.

Other Palembang vets include Kylie Panagan from La Trinidad, Benguet,

Bianca Sy from Dipolog, and Jean Templaza from Compostela Valley.

There new additions the team, including midfielder Jianna Simons from Hong Kong and Dallas-raised Keane Alamo, who just moved to Clark Field, Pampanga.

Two girls from Olongapo are goalie Odeza Yap, who will share Mapanao for the starting slot, and Lyka Cuenco, a center back, who will help fill the void from Bocalan’s absence.

Davaoeña Jelli Diamante is another new face, the youngest of the footballing Diamante siblings that include former U19 NT player Gelo, Gio, and Jed. All the boys played for DLSU in the UAAP.

SINGAPORE—Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said it was special to conquer “bogey track” Singapore but cautioned the F1 title race wasn’t over yet after Lewis Hamilton’s “stardust” propelled him to a potentially decisive 40-point lead over Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

Hamilton raced to a stunning pole position which he converted into a dominant victory -- his fourth in five races -- to leave Ferrari, who seem to have the faster car, again scratching their heads with just six grands prix to go.

Team principal Wolff said there was no mystery to Mercedes’ form, it was all down to sheer hard work back at the factory and the track.

“Singapore has been our bogey track for several years, so it is a special feeling

to come here and win this race on pace,” Wolf told reporters after Hamilton’s poleto-flag win and team-mate Valtteri Bottas’s fourth place gave them a 25-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship.

“The entire team has worked so hard to understand the car and take steps forward, especially since our defeat in Spa, and this result is an indication that our work is paying off.”

“It was a weekend of many parts: a stardust lap from Lewis in qualifying, a chess game of tyre management this evening, and some nervous moments with traffic and backmarkers during the race,” Wolff added.

Hamilton also paid tribute to “the guys back at the factory” when he spoke to reporters.

Turn to A7

IN BRIEF

Royal Air to start 5 flights via Clark

ROYAL Air Charter Service Inc., a Philippine-registered air carrier, said it will start daily flights to Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Caticlan, Tagbilaran and San Vicente (Palawan) from Clark International Airport on Nov. 12 this year.

Royal Air said it would mount daily direct flights from Clark to these new destinations after being given the authority to operate as a commercial scheduled airline with both domestic and international flights by the Civil Aeronautics Board on July 26.

“These new destinations promoting tourist attractions in the southern Philippines will definitely draw in more foreigners wanting to visit the country via Clark,” Alex Cauguiran, president of Clark International Airport Corp., said.

Royal Air has been serving the Clark to Cagayan North (Lal-lo) route with weekly chartered flights since April 29, Cauguiran said.

The air carrier will be using the British Aerospace (BAe) AVRO 146-100 aircraft, a four-engine 97-seater regional airliner, for its daily service.

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

B1

PH to strengthen relations with Fujian TRADE Secretary Ramon Lopez said Monday the Philippines aims to strengthen economic relations with Fujian, one of China’s key provinces.

“We have strong historical ties with Fujian Province and its people. Our proximity with each other has attracted so many Fujian investors to do business in the country and partner with other Filipino business groups. Some of the known Filipino-Chinese taipans trace their origins from Fujian. And now that we have renewed our relationship with China, we can push further our collaboration in enhancing trade and investment relations that would have mutual benefits for both parties,” Lopez said.

He encouraged Fujian businesses to locate and expand their operations in the Philippines. He said the Philippines could be a critical entry point to over 600 million people in the Asean market and a natural gateway to the East-Asian economies.

He underscored preferential trade agreements with different trading partner countries such as Asean, Japan, China, Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. He also highlighted the country’s participation in United States’ Generalized System of Preferences, European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus and the free trade agreement signed by the country with the European Free Trade Association. Othel V. Campos

Economic managers to brief finance sector THE government’s economic managers led

by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III will update economists and members of the regional financial community this week on the Philippines’ economic performance, developments in the fiscal sector and the status of the infrastructure program.

The event will be held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tuesday and will include updates on New Clark City, which is being developed by the government as the country’s next big metropolis and agro-industrial hub.

Joining Dominguez are Bangko Sentral Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., SEeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar and Bases Conversion and Development Authority president Vivence Dizon.

Diokno will present the fiscal strategy and reforms in the budgeting system that the executive branch wants implemented to ensure prudent spending and prompt disbursement of public funds.

Espenilla, will discuss the BSP’s fiscal reforms and developments in the monetary and financial sector, while updates on the New Clark City project will be presented

by Dizon.

Tugade and Villar will separately brief the participants about the status of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program. Julito G. Rada

SUPPORT FOR RELIEF OPERATIONS. The PDRF Emergency Operations Center deploys ten UPS and NLEX trucks to deliver family food packs and other relief items from the Department of Social Welfare and Development for communities heavily affected by Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut). PDRF also works with member companies and partners to help restore critical lifelines like telecommunications, water, and power. Shown are team members of PDRF EOC as they welcome members of the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management and Peace Winds from Japan. PDRF is co-convener of APAD Philippines along with Citizens’ Disaster Response Center.

AgriNurture clinches deal to import 40m bags of rice

By Othel V. Campos

A

GRINURTURE Inc. said Monday it signed a $1-billion deal with Vietnam Southern Food Corp. - Vinafood II for the importation of 2 million metric tons or 40 million bags of rice to stabilize supply in the Philippines.

AgriNurture, a listed food and beverage company led by Antonio Tiu, said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that the Vietnamese company agreed to exclusively export rice to the Philippines via the Bulacan-based firm.

Vinafood is a state-owned corporation duly designated and assigned by Vietnam’s government to export rice and to help achieve food security in Southeast Asia.

Under the memorandum of agreement signed by Tiu, who serves as president and chief executive of AgriNurture and

Vinafood general director Nguyen Ngoc Nam, Vinafood would exclusively supply AgriNurture up to 2 million metric tons of long grain rice per year for importation to the Philippines.

“The terms and conditions of the exclusive supply agreement shall be finalized in accordance with applicable Philippine laws, including but not limited to, the proposed rice tariffication bill,” Agrinurture said in a statement.

The National Food Authority earlier granted an ‘original proponent status’ to AgriNurture for its unsolicited joint venture proposal to finance and purchase imported rice to beef up local stocks.

Under the proposed joint venture agreement, AgriNurture would finance the supply of NFA rice with no cash out on the part of government while both parties would determine the origin, suppliers, delivery and arrival periods, packing and loading and discharging ports.

The NFA, on the other hand, will specify the variety and quantity of the rice to be imported.

The importation will follow the exist-

Govt to approve more transport network providers

NGCP expects to restore power lines in Luzon

By Darwin G. Amojelar

By Alena Mae S. Flores GRID operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines said it expects to complete the restoration of transmission facilities affected by typhoon Ompong soon.

“NGCP deployed 22 line gangs and augmentation teams composed of around 200 engineers and support personnel from all over Luzon to expedite the restoration of the remaining four transmission lines affected

by Typhoon Ompong,” the transmission network operator said.

NGCP said it also sent out two choppers to assist in the hauling and restoration activities.

The company expects the remaining 23kV line in Benguet to be energized on Sept. 17.

Based on NGCP data, transmission services became normal in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Abra, Kalinga, Ifugao and Mountain Province.

Restoration efforts were ongoing in Cagayan, Apayao and Benguet.

NGCP said the loss of power might have been caused by affected transmission facilities of NGCP or distribution facilities of electric cooperatives.

“NGCP has mobilized its line crews and is currently conducting aerial and ground patrols to inspect and assess the impact of the typhoon to its operations and facilities,” the company said.

ing rules on rice importation and will be subject to the measures of the proposed rice tarrification bill.

The bill was passed on third reading at the House of Representatives and is expected to get approval from the Senate this month.

The bill seeks to convert the quantitative restrictions on rice into tariffs to put in control the current runway inflation rate and stabilize the prices of available rice in the market.

Malacañang ordered the importation of two million sacks of rice which is expected to arrive within this months, 5 million sacks in October and another 5 million sacks in early 2019.

The NFA said rice consumption in 2018 may hit 14.4 million MT, against an estimated rice production of 12.6 million MT. The balance of 1.8 million MT will be sourced through importation from neighboring rice producing countries such as Vietnam and Thailand.

The government wanted to relax importation rules on important food items like rice, meat, fish, sugar and vegetables to allow consumers greater access to nutrition and partly tame inflation rate.

VAPERS RIGHTS. Malaysia-based free market think tank Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs and Philippines-based Minimal Government Thinkers bring together various stakeholders from the Southeast Asian region to discuss how to regulate alternative tobacco products and how consumers can contribute to the creation of proper policy. Shown during a press briefing at Holiday Inn & Suites in Makati City are (from left) Dr. Satriya Wibawa Suhardjo of Universitas Padjajaran, Indonesia; Ali Salman, chief executive of Ideas; Peter Paul Dator, president of The Vapers Philippines; Asa Saligupta of End Cigarette Smoke Thailand; and Dimasz Jeremia of the Indonesian Vapers Association.

BSP considers strong monetary action THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is not looking at any off-cycle move amid the higher inflation environment, but another strong monetary action remains on the table, Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said Monday.

“We will follow the regular cycle… with strong monetary action,” Espenilla said at the sidelines of the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the expansion of the Negosyo Center Financing Ecosystem between BSP and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Asked on the possibility of another 50-basis-point hike in interest rates in the next policy meeting on Sept. 27, Espenilla said: “We’ll see.”

He said it was too early to tell the impact to the economy and consumer prices of the damage brought about

by Typhoon Ompong that hit northern parts of Luzon, which is the biggest rice-producing area in the country.

“Historically, typhoons cause disruptions in supply. But the impact tends to be localized and transitory,” he said.

Latest report from the government said the agricultural damage caused by the typhoon already hit P12 billion, and Espenilla said the board would continue to look closely at this number in relation to their policy decision later this month.

“Also, we have to consider other factors such as compensating imports if any. In any case, we always update our inflation forecast in preparation for each policy review. The updated forecast is an important basis for policy decision,” Espenilla said.

Espenilla the Monetary Board was looking at other measures on the regulatory side to try to curb speculative activities in foreign exchange trading.

“We are studying it… because we want to study better how to do it,” he said.

Julito G. Rada

THE Department of Transportation said Monday it is processing more applications for transport network vehicle service franchises, as it denied claims there is a supply crisis in the sector.

“Grab seems to confuse drivers with TNVS in determining supply. LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board] issues franchises or provisional authority to TNVS for them to legally get bookings and accept passengers. Hence, if a TNVS with a PA or franchise cannot run because it does not have driver, it can find a replacement driver,” the department said.

Grab sent its members/drivers an email blaming the government for what they call a “supply crisis.”

The ride sharing company said the crisis stemmed from the “masterlist” of vehicles allowed to service passengers and the “supply cap” of 65,000. According to Grab, only 35,000 were on the road on a daily basis due to coding, part-time drivers and other reasons.

“The so-called ‘masterlist’ was determined in consultation with the accredited TNCs at the time namely Grab, Uber and U-Hop, to which Grab conceded. The masterlist included transportation network company accredited TNVS that have been operating without valid franchises or provisional authority, otherwise described are colorum vehicles,” the DOTr said.

It said that in order not to disrupt the service, colorum TNVs were allowed to continue to get bookings in the meantime and accept passengers through the Grab system, but their inclusion in the masterlist gave them ‘temporary legitimacy,’ while they were provided time to apply for a franchise.

Remittances rebounded 5.2% in July

By Julito G. Rada MONEY sent home by Filipinos working overseas rebounded with a 5.2-percent growth in July, following a 4.5-percent decline in June, as workers took advantage of the stronger value of the US dollar.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that remittances hit $2.401 billion in July, up from $2.283 billion a year ago. This was supported by sustained growth in remittances both from sea-based and land-based workers.

The peso averaged 53.43 against the US dollar in July, up from 53 per greenback in June and 50.64 a year earlier.

Cash remittances from land-based workers grew 4.5 percent to $1.9 billion, while those from sea-based workers jumped 7.8 percent to $511 million. The primary contributors to the growth in cash remittances in July were the Unite States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany.

This brought cash remittances in the first seven months to $16.58 billion, up 3 percent from $16.095 billion in the same period last year.

Cash remittances from land-based and sea-based workers totaled $13.1 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively.

More than 79 percent of the cash remittances in January to July came from the US, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, the UK, Qatar, Canada, Germany and Hong Kong.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, grew 4.5 percent in July to $2.675 billion from $2.559 billion a year ago. This put personal remittances in the first seven months at $18.462 billion, or 3 percent higher than $17.923 billion a year earlier.

British lender Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. said remittances would likely recover in the coming months, after the government lifted the deployment ban to some countries in the Middle East.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered the repatriation of thousands of OFWs from Kuwait where they were allegedly maltreated. Duterte appealed to OFWs in Kuwait to return to the country after Kuwait expelled the Philippine ambassador for launching rescue missions for Filipinos abused by their employers in the Gulf state.

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monday, September 17, 2018

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

54.0110

Japan

Yen

0.008927

0.4822

UK

Pound

1.307400

70.6140

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127458

6.8841

Switzerland

Franc

1.033592

55.8253

Canada

Dollar

0.767048

41.4290

Singapore

Dollar

0.728067

39.3236

Australia

Dollar

0.715300

38.6341

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

143.2729

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266624

14.4006

Brunei

Dollar

0.725426

39.1810

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000068

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.030731

1.6598

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

14.7057 62.7878

Euro

Euro

1.162500

Korea

Won

0.000892

0.0482

China

Yuan

0.145603

7.8642

India

Rupee

0.013914

0.7515

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.241721

13.0556

New Zealand

Dollar

0.655700

35.4150

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032513

1.7561

B2

Business

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market closes flat; Alliance Select up

S

TOCKS barely moved amid thin trading Monday, as the government assessed the extent of damage left

by Typhoon Ompong on vast agriculture areas in Luzon and its impact on food prices.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, closed nearly flat at 7,413.56, as four of the six sub-sectors declined.

The heavier index, representing all shares, fell 5 points, or 0.1 percent, to settle at 4,550.00, on a value turnover of P3.9 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 99 to 95, while 44 issues were unchanged.

Dozens of people were missing in a mountainside village in Benguet province, while thousands of hectares of rice farms were inundated when this year’s strongest typhoon hit Luzon on its way to South China Sea over the weekend.

The country is suffering from high inflation, at a nine-year high of 6.4 percent in August, caused mainly by a tight supply of rice and other food items. Analysts were worried that a larger-than-expected typhoon damage would further lift consumer prices, something that could affect household demand and spending.

Ten of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Alliance Select Foods International Inc. which surged 15.2 percent to P1.29. Food manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. gained 2.8 percent to P145.30, while developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. rose 1.6 percent to P37.

Meanwhile, Asian markets sank Monday following reports that Donald Trump was planning to hit China with another round of tariffs, dealing a blow to hopes for talks between the two economic giants.

Traders sent regional equities surging on Thursday and Friday as it emerged that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had offered to meet officials from Bei-

jing to avert an all-out trade war.

However, The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal said the president had decided to impose 10 percent levies on $200 billion of Chinese imports and could make an announcement in the coming days.

That would come on top of the $50 billion already announced over the summer and would account for about half of China’s exports to the United States. Beijing has threatened to retaliate against any measures.

“Whether this is little more than the president using this leverage as a negotiating tactic, China officials will continue to be frustrated,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at Oanda.

“This good cop bad cop routine continues to undermine Mr Mnuchin’s efforts as it’s still not clear if anyone other the Trump himself is commissioned to cut a deal. And not too unexpectedly, and quite ominously, China could cancel the meeting.”

Hong Kong led losses Monday, dropping 1.3 percent in the afternoon while

Shanghai ended 1.1 percent off. Seoul and Singapore each lost 0.7 percent, while Taipei, Jakarta and Mumbai also saw deep losses. Sydney edged 0.3 percent higher.

Tokyo was closed for a public holiday.

In early European trade London fell 0.4 percent, Frankfurt shed 0.6 percent and Paris was 0.3 percent off.

But while investors were in a selling mood, some positives could be taken from reports that Trump was considering 10 percent tariffs instead of the feared 25 percent, said JP Morgan Asset Management global market strategist Kerry Craig.

“No more tariffs would still be the best outcome for the markets but with the US administration seemingly wanting to pursue its longer term strategic agenda against China, that’s unlikely to be the case, especially as there is little in the way of pain being felt by the US economy or equity market,” he said.

With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.9 1,210 85.65 616,830 2.38 105,000 115 2,000,540 1.53 16,000 30.25 220,300 16.2 1,800 12.7 300,200 4.27 93,000 8.59 600 1.57 8,000 802 10 0.55 81,000 68.9 753,860 1.03 542,000 44.4 688,200 190 160 110 270 26.8 96,700 176 294,510 67.5 9,860

72,481 52,804,725 252,130 228,677,455 24,480 6,641,805 29,184 3,813,532 387,790 5,154 12,650 8,020 44,440 51,909,854 553,260 31,273,530 30,400 29,683 2,597,640 52,715,029 673,385

-581 -41,298,745 -57,287,084 -945,335 -27,540 801,424 -7,307,815.50 222,000 -2,339,245 -27,487,962 -526,493

36.5 17.3 1.11 1.22 0.215 3.03 13.18 32.1 17.2 44 1.73 5 7.36 10 15.4 9 7.11 7.06 16.66 64.75 28.2 7.04 11.96 2.01 269 4.85 13.36 23.5 11.86 16.6 368 0.179 6.5 1.8 4.09 8.89 5.1 8.28 1.01 10.78 53.2 6 4.81 2.4 1.56 12.2 94 5.68 1.01 140.1 2 2.15

INDUSTRIAL 37 860,100 17.74 2,502,500 1.29 52,560,000 1.22 6,000 0.22 740,000 3.08 1,432,000 13.2 459,500 32.5 2,008,800 18.26 4,900 44 2,800 1.73 130,000 5 4,200 7.36 3,600 10 14,206,400 15.8 190,400 9.1 26,900 7.15 184,900 7.06 3,042,200 16.72 975,200 65 19,200 28.3 85,900 7.07 126,800 11.98 290,400 2.02 592,000 275 167,450 4.85 15,000 13.36 900 23.55 430,600 11.94 182,200 16.8 2,133,300 369 82,850 0.188 130,000 6.5 37,900 1.9 1,120,000 4.09 1,000 8.93 381,500 5.2 114,100 8.5 78,600 1.01 650,000 11.34 31,000 53.35 550,140 6 2,000 4.85 204,000 2.4 90,000 1.56 495,000 12.5 65,900 95.8 484,420 5.68 17,600 1.02 105,000 145.3 603,800 2.04 2,224,000 2.28 14,797,000

31,467,125 43,949,796 64,520,960 7,320 164,750 4,381,990 6,065,278 65,306,220 85,066 123,200 226,800 21,000 26,499 142,238,886 3,002,582 248,145 1,333,228 21,481,392 16,303,288 1,243,858.50 2,441,220 896,386 3,496,514 1,215,490 45,614,736 72,750 12,024 10,201,260 2,175,086 35,865,798 30,586,734 23,880 246,355 2,125,440 4,090 3,399,950 586,917 666,205 659,260 343,094 29,401,536 12,000 986,880 216,000 782,800 807,310 46,178,353.50 100,488 107,620 86,400,186 4,509,800 33,331,850

15,419,625 3,856,346 -283,690 537,860 -1,632,840 -88,000 -70,040 -7,304,682 1,889,958 -172,050 -280,393 -21,290,029 3,416,508 482,757 1,840,768 -296,020 15,377,862 -4,799,060 -1,710,404 -6,829,844 2,522,248 -30,820 -410,925 4,761 -83,070 170,292 -942,756 -536,850 -177,660 -18,403,807.50 -9,012 -31,271,395 -29,750 -773,580.00

0.41 49.3 12.84 0.94 1.36 1.35 913 5.72 12.3 7.2 0.208 839 52.3 5.06 0.61 4.95 16.2 0.63 5.3 3.35 0.046 1.23 2.67 170.4 2.58 940 0.81 1.41 290 0.325

0.385 47 12.4 0.89 1.33 1.33 900.5 5.66 12.06 7.15 0.208 815 51.55 5.06 0.58 4.75 15.48 0.62 5.24 3.35 0.04 1.18 2.48 167.5 2.58 921 0.75 1.4 275 0.31

HOLDING FIRMS 0.39 25,270,000 47 1,446,000 12.44 3,735,600 0.94 10,000 1.34 1,470,000 1.34 97,000 905.5 216,700 5.7 6,906,700 12.2 1,419,900 7.2 31,100 0.208 200,000 822 54,460 52.3 775,820 5.06 400 0.6 133,000 4.82 788,000 15.66 975,100 0.63 2,883,000 5.29 18,787,000 3.35 13,000 0.042 280,600,000 1.21 268,000 2.6 2,339,000 170 135,750 2.58 10,000 922 169,890 0.81 27,000 1.4 107,000 275 10,170 0.315 4,870,000

9,907,800 68,920,775 46,681,684 9,060 1,971,350 129,550 196,285,925 39,362,276 17,331,774 223,866 41,600 45,140,530 40,289,640.50 2,024 77,710 3,813,010 15,281,456 1,789,410 99,277,544 43,550 12,129,400 322,990 6,023,270 22,963,044 25,800 157,768,845 20,310 149,820 2,833,504 1,517,700

4,100 -10,537,765 -1,154,108 -25,825,360 -24,558,479 -2,887,166 -21,055,225 -2,774,988 -1,229,520 431,888 12,400 31,862,934 393,500 331,470 -2,466,665 -44,039,880 -3,200

7.49 0.95 2.12 0.72 41.95 2.92 4.48 5.42 0.45 0.9 0.92 0.219 8.84 23.15 0.57 0.118 1.47 1.18 2.47 4.38 0.68 0.455 0.465 4.32 20.8 1.99 37.3 1.17 7.18 0.8 6.3

7.25 0.91 2.08 0.7 41 2.89 4.39 5.42 0.435 0.9 0.92 0.218 8.7 22.65 0.55 0.118 1.44 1.17 2.25 4.21 0.66 0.44 0.455 4.02 19.82 1.92 36.4 1.15 7.05 0.76 6.23

11,533,989 3,665,550 161,750 539,570 165,992,770 4,325,580 1,052,840 88,888 2,347,050 14,400 9,200 117,750 1,953,170 2,087,610 545,050 88,500 1,959,740 528,390 85,683,290 35,781,230 22,148,460 264,400 326,200 12,748,950 36,614,655 186,560 202,760,155 528,420 1,107,377 6,120 20,501,514

-1,498,000 -2,988,250 -4,173,860 -673,000 -531,530 -423,890 -6,786,900 -21,897,240 52,050 -117,940 -15,238,572 5,820 -32,663,360 -32,757 -13,507,098

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

60 86.3 2.42 117 1.53 31 16.44 12.88 4.2 8.59 1.6 802 0.55 69 1.01 44.8 190 109.9 27 183 70.05

60 86.3 2.43 117.2 1.53 31 16.44 12.88 4.35 8.59 1.6 802 0.56 69 1.04 45.9 190 110 27 186.5 70.05

58.1 85.3 2.36 113 1.53 30 16.2 12.56 4.13 8.59 1.57 802 0.54 68.5 1 44.4 190 109.9 26.8 176 67.5

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR ENERGY DEVT FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LMG CHEMICALS 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 SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VULCAN INDL

36.65 17.32 1.13 1.22 0.215 3.05 13.26 33.3 18.5 44 1.75 5 7.37 10.06 15.7 9 7.24 7.07 16.68 65 28.7 7.08 12.24 2.06 269 4.85 13.36 23.8 11.86 16.6 368 0.18 6.51 1.9 4.09 9 5.2 8.3 1.02 10.78 53.2 6 4.83 2.4 1.61 12.2 96 5.77 1.02 141.3 2.05 2.16

37 17.74 1.3 1.22 0.229 3.08 13.26 33.5 18.5 44 1.76 5 7.37 10.1 15.8 9.25 7.25 7.07 16.74 65 28.8 7.09 12.24 2.1 275 4.85 13.36 24 12 17.2 372.8 0.192 6.51 2 4.09 9 5.29 9 1.03 11.36 53.5 6 4.85 2.4 1.62 12.5 97 5.77 1.05 145.3 2.07 2.28

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

0.41 49.3 12.72 0.91 1.34 1.33 905 5.72 12.3 7.15 0.208 820 51.9 5.06 0.61 4.95 16.2 0.62 5.28 3.35 0.04 1.18 2.6 169.1 2.58 935 0.75 1.41 285 0.32

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 DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE IRC PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

7.45 0.94 2.1 0.7 41 2.92 4.48 5.42 0.45 0.9 0.92 0.218 8.7 22.75 0.57 0.118 1.47 1.17 2.38 4.37 0.68 0.45 0.465 4.18 20.8 1.99 36.4 1.17 7.18 0.8 6.29

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

13,600 79,900 182,000 2,630,000 114,700,000 3,456,000 11,731,700 18,200,000 54,280 1,100 576,800 2,100 47,500 10 77,465 117,900 690 1,619,000 41,000 468,850 12,500 630,000 967,000 200 1,854,000 183,000 239,700 944,700 9,672,300 35,000 128,000 4,000 1,094,500 13,653,800 1,000 1,000 26,540 183,000 28,440 20,540,000 5,400,000 57,900 107,130 18,700 4,082,000 6,617,000 7,346,000 157,200 931,000 2,952,800

166,794 1,676,090 270,270 1,266,100 5,245,300 6,825,000 100,005,089 1,110,970 3,899,217.50 8,250 3,467,751 17,535 957,545 9,480 171,718,940 639,398 217,020 4,274,690 85,130 43,939,012 97,625 72,960 2,763,640 2,996 6,874,440 173,930 4,102,534 5,684,752 67,791,839 92,260 222,580 7,000 8,225,304 150,191,048 8,785 3,490 2,733,546 876,570 40,077,835 19,068,360 2,269,250 2,590,980 8,591,939.50 147,857 9,265,330 4,518,490 4,136,040 818,439 701,750 31,349,552

-39,620 4,700 32,070 -34,208,019 -24,400 -2,042,223 3,750 143,001,200 77,080 2,515,352 -152,100 -1,260,630 292,608.00 -4,026,680 -47,607,290 -2,650 14,269 884,716 -114,850 7,742,930 -510,810 37,800 -29,345 -4,540,430.50 -17,304 -2,137,510 -1,509,180.00 -205,110.00 -81,932 -21,865,704

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA 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

12.5 21 1.45 0.49 0.044 2 8.92 0.061 71.05 7.5 5.99 8.35 21 948 2,192 5.44 310 2.68 2.05 94.15 7.81 0.115 2.91 14.98 3.76 0.92 17.06 6 6.99 2.7 1.72 1.75 7.55 10.5 8.55 3.49 103 4.84 1,415 0.88 0.42 45 79 8.29 2.3 0.69 0.58 5.22 0.77 10.64

12.5 21.35 1.5 0.49 0.048 2.05 8.92 0.062 72.9 7.5 6.06 8.35 21 948 2,226 5.5 315 2.72 2.21 94.15 7.81 0.118 2.91 14.98 3.77 0.96 17.5 6.22 7.04 2.7 1.79 1.75 7.68 11 8.9 3.49 103 4.84 1,418 0.96 0.425 45 81 8.29 2.3 0.71 0.58 5.25 0.77 10.78

12.2 20.65 1.4 0.48 0.044 1.9 8.43 0.061 71 7.5 5.86 8.35 20.05 948 2,188 5.4 310 2.51 2.02 92.5 7.81 0.115 2.83 14.98 3.66 0.92 17.04 5.98 6.97 2.6 1.65 1.75 7.46 10.5 8.55 3.49 102 4.76 1,401 0.87 0.415 44.1 78.8 7.78 2.25 0.66 0.56 5.15 0.74 10.52

SERVICES 12.2 20.65 1.49 0.48 0.045 2.03 8.5 0.061 72 7.5 6.03 8.35 20.05 948 2,220 5.4 315 2.64 2.18 93.9 7.81 0.117 2.86 14.98 3.7 0.95 17.1 6 7.02 2.65 1.72 1.75 7.46 11 8.9 3.49 102.1 4.76 1,410 0.92 0.42 45 80.5 8.24 2.25 0.67 0.56 5.16 0.74 10.78

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

0.0025 1.57 3.2 18.6 1.21 1.96 0.3 7.35 1.94 0.208 0.121 0.122 0.0077 0.0076 1.3 4.62 1.15 0.65 1.33 0.013 0.012 0.011 4.05 3.97 15.6 29 0.0072

0.0025 1.57 3.27 20.4 1.21 1.96 0.3 7.39 1.95 0.217 0.121 0.125 0.0077 0.0076 1.36 4.65 1.15 0.72 1.42 0.013 0.012 0.012 4.5 3.97 15.98 29.35 0.0072

0.0024 1.54 3.2 18 1.2 1.94 0.295 7.15 1.93 0.208 0.12 0.121 0.0075 0.0074 1.3 4.45 1.06 0.65 1.33 0.012 0.012 0.011 4.03 3.79 15.4 28.5 0.007

MINING & OIL 0.0025 39,000,000 1.55 674,000 3.27 96,000 18.82 60,000 1.2 17,000 1.94 302,000 0.295 1,900,000 7.35 32,000 1.94 796,000 0.21 1,960,000 0.121 740,000 0.121 1,280,000 0.0075 14,000,000 0.0074 5,000,000 1.3 320,000 4.6 446,000 1.12 205,000 0.7 5,950,000 1.38 8,836,000 0.013 20,500,000 0.012 1,300,000 0.011 5,400,000 4.42 489,000 3.85 1,045,000 15.92 3,257,400 28.6 481,100 0.007 25,000,000

96,900 1,044,470 307,270 1,109,768 20,440 586,480 569,700 230,396 1,539,180 410,710 89,380 156,330 106,200 37,500 417,070 2,044,060 220,080 4,129,400 12,229,130 246,600 15,600 62,100 2,113,190 4,073,790 50,968,726 13,833,465 178,000

-16,070 -6,120 -97,000 21,480 1,373,760 -112,000 -263,710 -1,258,820 1,333,504 -3,805,085 -

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

20.4 490 502 99 100.6 500 498 5.22 967 99 1.04 101 102 986 77.45 79.5 75 76 75.85 75.5 76.5

20.4 495 502 99 100.7 500 498 5.22 985 100 1.04 101.3 102 1,000 77.45 79.5 75.1 76 75.9 75.5 76.5

19.5 480.4 495.2 99 100.5 500 490 5.2 950 95 1.04 101 102 985 77 79.5 75 75.8 75.85 74.25 76

PREFERRED 19.6 161,900 495 7,620 500 630 99 14,210 100.6 3,090 500 3,000 490 10,220 5.2 107,400 985 3,720 100 66,030 1.04 10,000 101.3 27,500 102 10 1,000 2,650 77.45 230 79.5 10,020 75.05 25,720 75.8 28,000 75.9 40,350 75.5 275,350 76 30

3,241,921 3,734,254 314,972 1,406,790 310,830 1,500,000 5,035,800 559,180 3,554,520 6,410,864 10,400 2,782,375 1,020 2,619,300 17,800 796,590 1,929,750 2,127,600 3,062,515 20,467,110 2,285

-3,130,105.00 -1,406,790 -559,180 975,000 -796,590 -1,179,000 -1,744,941 -

LR WARRANT

2.47

2.47

2.38

WARRANTS 2.41 266,000

638,540

-

37,392,022 3,180,350

-452,272 -66,580

1,796,817

-

120,960 18,380

-

MS

PROPERTY 7.49 0.93 2.11 0.7 41.6 2.9 4.39 5.42 0.44 0.9 0.92 0.218 8.79 22.65 0.56 0.118 1.44 1.17 2.43 4.26 0.66 0.45 0.465 4.02 20.5 1.99 37 1.17 7.09 0.76 6.3

1,557,900 3,948,000 77,000 762,000 3,996,500 1,491,000 239,000 16,400 5,290,000 16,000 10,000 540,000 221,100 91,700 973,000 750,000 1,356,000 451,000 36,259,000 8,351,000 33,340,000 590,000 710,000 3,097,000 1,806,200 94,000 5,486,800 456,000 156,300 8,000 3,263,500

ITALPINAS XURPAS

7.2 2.42

7.64 2.45

7.01 2.24

FIRST METRO ETF

111.5

111.7

111.3

USD DMPL A1 USD TECH B2

10.08 1

10.08 1

10.08 1

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES 7,359,752

INDUSTRIAL

105,808,868

HOLDING FIRMS

354,716,705

PROPERTY

121,029,589

SERVICES

232,947,694

MINING & OIL

139,844.550

GRAND TOTAL

968,132,171

7.55 2.24

SME

5,033,300 1,374,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 111.4 16,130 DDS 10.08 1

12,000 18,380

VALUE 1,649.22 (down) 18.07 656,313,854.85 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,071.53 (up) 122.59 783,421,880.22 HOLDING FIRMS 7,204.48 (down) 47.43 920,183,316.108 PROPERTY 3,727.37 (up) 32.97 1,516.74 (down) 0.77 647,692,061.535 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,557.27 (down) 159.97 792,193,739.57 PSEI 7,413.56 (up) 0.41 96,852,439.842 All Shares Index 4,550.00 (down) 5.30 3,939,035,334.13 Gainers: 95; Losers: 99; Unchanged: 44; Total: 238

EDC gets nod to extend tender offer period for another 20 days

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Securities and Exchange Commission extended the tender offer period of geothermal power producer Energy Development Corp. by another 20 days.

EDC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday that it received a letter from the SEC dated Sept. 11 approving the company’s request for exemptive relief from complying with the 60-business day rule.

EDC said the SEC allowed the company to extend the tender offer period for an additional 20 business days from Oct. 22, 2018, if an extension would be necessary or desirable in order to complete the tender offer.

The tender offer period is targeted to commence from Sept. 25 to Oct. 22 and is subject to a minimum of 1.162 billion common shares being tendered and eligible for acceptance by EDC through the tender offer.

The tender offer will reduce the percentage of shares held by the public to less than 5 percent from 10.9 percent and in turn, allow a voluntary delisting of the company, subject to PSE approval.

The SEC said that “under this situation, extending the tender offer period is for the benefit of the company’s shareholders.”

“Thus granting the extension request is consistent with public interest and protection of investors,” EDC said.

The board of EDC approved last month the company’s plan to voluntarily delist its common shares from the PSE, as public ownership was expected to fall below 5 percent after the scheduled tender offer.

The voluntary delisting, which will provide greater corporate flexibility, is in accordance with the PSE’s delisting regulations, to conduct a tender offer for all of its common shares held by the public at a price of P7.25 per common share.

“The intention to eventually delist EDC was shared with the market last year and the tender offer that our board has approved today presents a meaningful opportunity for our minority shareholders to realize their investment prior to the delisting of the company, at a significant premium to the current share price,” EDC president and chief operating officer Richard Tantoco said earlier.

Upon the completion of the tender offer and subject to approval of the voluntary delisting, EDC is expected to be delisted from the PSE.

Globe, PLDT restore services in Cagayan and Northern Luzon

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE country’s two largest telecom companies said they restored their services in the northern parts of Luzon a day after Typhoon Ompong struck the region.

Globe said its cell sites in Apayao, Ilocos Norteand Cagayan, except for the town of Baggao, were fully restored, providing customers critical telecommunications services during the period of recovery.

Globe said it expected to restore network coverage in Baggao town in Cagayan, once fallen trees and toppled electric posts were cleared out. Baggao suffered the most damage from Typhoon Ompong, according to the Department of Defense.

Widespread commercial power outages and multiple fiber cuts following strong winds brought about by Typhoon Ompong caused service disruptions in Cagayan, Apayao, Abra and Ilocos Norte.

“We want to assure our customers that Globe is exerting all means possible to immediately restore telecommunications services in areas adversely affected by Typhoon Ompong,” Peter Tan, head of operations, network technical group at Globe said.

“We are expecting full restoration of services in affected areas within the day depending on the availability of commercial power,” he said.

PLDT said its service availability in Northern and Central Luzon were restored to over 90 percent.

The company’s fixed and wireless network restoration efforts are mostly focused on the hardest hit areas of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Benguet and Mountain Province where transport conditions remained difficult because of landslides, damaged roadways and bridges and widespread power outages.

“We continue to work with local governments and disaster response agencies to gain access to these areas,” PLDT said.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

B3

Works blend the happiness and melancholy of Picasso

AFTER THE STORM. A woman cycles through flooded streets a day after Super Typhoon Mangkhut slammed into Yangjiang,

in Guangdong province, on September 17, 2018. Typhoon Mangkhut slammed into mainland China after leaving a trail of destruction in Hong Kong and Macau after killing at least 59 people in the northern Philippines. AFP

IN BRIEF Paul McCartney scores US No. 1 NEW YORK―Paul McCartney is back on the top of the charts, on Sunday earning his first solo number-one album in the United States in 36 years.

“Egypt Station”―a confident 16-track album in which McCartney experiments with a younger rock feel in addition to his classic Beatles sound―marked the first time that he has ever debuted as a solo artist on top of the benchmark US Billboard chart.

The English legend―who at 76 retains a hectic touring schedule―spared no promotional effort for the album, appearing on US late-night shows and livestreaming an invite-only concert inside New York’s Grand Central Station.

Surprisingly, McCartney did not replicate the feat in his native Britain, where “Egypt Station” debuted at number three, with veteran US rapper Eminem’s surprise album “Kamikaze” reigning for a second week.

“Egypt Station” sold the equivalent of 153,000 copies in the United States in the week since its release on September 7, tracking service Nielsen Music said.

Unusually for a chart-topping album in recent years, virtually all of the sales were traditional purchases rather than through streaming or individually downloaded tracks.

McCartney, who last topped the chart as a solo artist in 1982 with “Tug of War,” achieved the second largest gap between number-one albums for any artist.

Johnny Cash holds the record with a break that was seven months longer than McCartney’s when the country great posthumously hit number one in 2006.

Since “Tug of War,” McCartney has also reached number one four times in the United States with Beatles anthologies. AFP

PARIS―More than 300 works from two key periods in Pablo Picasso’s early years go on display in Paris on Tuesday, the first time they have been brought together in the city where the Spanish master took his first steps toward revolutionary new territories of modern art.

“Picasso: Blue and Rose” delves into the formative days from 1900 to 1906 when the young artist was living the Bohemian life in a Montmartre studio, at times burning his works to ward off the cold.

“The strongest walls would open before me,” he would proudly write while absorbing the influence of Manet, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh.

The exhibition at the Musee d’Orsay was conceived with the Picasso and Orangerie museums in Paris as well as the Beyeler Foundation in Basel, Switzerland, which will also show the works early next year.

Curators managed to secure exceptional loans of works from the Picasso Museum in Barcelona and institutions in the US, Switzerland and Russia as well as from private collections rarely open to the public.

The works include some 80 paintings and 150 drawings by the artist in his early 20s as he absorbed what would become his adopted country, and several sculptures alongside portrayals of

Fearing attacks from above, Syrians move underground

K

AFR AIN, Syria― The grotto in northwestern Syria has already saved his children’s lives once.

Fearing more air attacks, Abdulmonem is expanding the makeshift bomb shelter in case they need to take refuge there again.

Residents of Idlib province and surrounding areas have been bracing themselves for a Russian-backed government offensive on the country’s largest remaining rebel-held zone.

Some three million people live in the area and the United Nations has warned that a full-scale regime assault could

spark the century’s worst humanitarian catastrophe.

Residents’ fears have been heightened by Russian and Syrian air strikes, artillery fire and barrel bombs that have killed more than 30 civilians across the province in the past month, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Sat outside the craggy cave opening in his hometown of Kafr Ain, in Idlib’s south, Abdulmonem Sheikh Jassem explains how he is trying to keep his family safe.

“About 10 days ago, we started digging out, expanding, and equipping the cave in case there’s new bombing,” says Jassem, a 55-year-old former truck driver.

Citing a bad back and knee problems, he has hired a laborer to transform the grotto into a full shelter.

Working by the dim light filtering in

through the mouth of the cave, the elderly worker chips away at the rock face with a pickaxe to widen the cramped space.

The builder’s two scrawny children, covered in a thick layer of dust, move rocks torn loose from the wall to a wheelbarrow outside, which they periodically dump in the nearby hills.

“We’re expanding it out, then we’ll paint it and put stairs at the entrance so you can go up and down easily,” says Jassem, who has four daughters and two sons of his own.

Two years ago, Jassem and his family rushed to the very same cave to hide from an incoming regime helicopter.

“Our house was demolished but we were in the cave, thank God, so no one was wounded or hurt,” he says, his coarse salt-and-pepper hair tapering down into stubble on his tanned, wrinkled face.

“I’m the most scared for my children,” he says. “Fear is normal for those who have a family.”

Syria’s conflict erupted in 2011. Within four years, rebels and hard-line jihadists had overrun swathes of territory, including Idlib province.

But since then, government troops have made a fierce comeback and recaptured nearly two-thirds of the country, bolstered by Syrian and Russian warplanes.

The regime’s use of air raids across Syria has sent residents fleeing to basements or caves, even forcing hospitals, community centres and schools to move underground.

Medics in rural parts of Idlib have done the same.

On September 8, an underground hospital on the outskirts of Hass in the south of the province was damaged by an air strike, according to the Observatory. AFP Manila

ZOMBIE WALK.

Notice is hereby given of Standard the lost of Stock Certificate

People dressed as zombies take part in the Zombie Walk event on September 15, 2018 in the eastern French city of Strasbourg, within the framework of the 11th edition of the European Fantastic Film festival, which runs from September 14 to 23. AFP

TODAY M1088 covering (1)

No. membership share issued

by Sta Elena Golf Club, Inc. to Rodolfo W. Antonino as the Registered owner of the said membership share, and in that a new stock certificate is in the process of being issued.

Any party in interest may give notice at Sta Elena Golf Club, Inc. Bo. Malitlit, Sta Rosa, Laguna. You may call 049-559-9801 or Manila Office at 02-8866179.

(MS-SEPT. 11,18 & 25, 2018)

Notice is hereby given of the lost of Stock Certificate No. 2961 covering (1) membership share issued

by The Palms Country Club, Inc. to Rodolfo W. Antonino as the Registered owner of the said membership share, and in that a new stock certificate is in the process of being issued. Any party in interest may give notice at The Palms Country Club, Inc. 1410 Laguna Heights Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. no. 02771-7171.

(MS-SEPT. 11,18 & 25, 2018)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

Over 28% of Japanese population are old TOKYO―More than 28 percent of Japan’s population is now officially classified as elderly, according to government data, the highest rate in the world as the first wave of postwar baby boomers enter old age.

Those aged 65 or older now make up a record 35.6 million, or 28.1 percent of the total population, the government said Sunday.

The proportion is the highest by far in the world, ahead of 23.3 percent in Italy, 21.9 percent in Portugal and 21.7 percent in Germany, according to UN data for those countries.

The government also said those aged 70 or older accounted for 20.7 percent of the population, surpassing 20 percent for the first time.

The figures show the nation’s postwar baby boomers are now entering old age, it said.

The demographic shift is due to a combination of a low birthrate and long life expectancy.

Japan’s rapidly graying population poses a major headache for policymakers who are faced with trying to ensure an ever-dwindling pool of workers can pay for the growing number of pensioners. AFP

Picasso by other artists.

“It’s the first show in France to consider a period overlooked by art historians, allowing a chance to re-evaluate the early Picasso,” said Laurence des Cars, the Orsay’s director.

The museum was chosen because it is where the 18-year-old artist arrived when it was still a train station, to represent Spain at the Universal Exposition in October 1900.

“It could only be here,” des Cars said.

“We’re going to discover Picasso at 18 to 25 years old, before cubism. It’s all taking shape,” said Stephanie Molins, a curator of the show.

“He’s not only the unrivaled master of the 20th century but also a child of the 19th century,” she said.

The show begins with the Blue period, marked by the artist’s frequent travels between Paris and Barcelona, discovering the possibilities of avantgarde expressionisms while still under the more classic influences of his father, an art teacher.

An early work includes “Yo Picasso” (I Picasso), a vivid self-portrait showing him confident at his easel.

But just a few months later the paintings take on a markedly sombre tone, following the death of his fellow painter and close friend Carles Casagemas, who shot himself in the head at a Montmartre cafe following a soured love affair. AFP

1.

2.

‘Predator’ slays competition in US LOS ANGELES―”The Predator”―the latest installment in the long-running sci-fi action series―chewed up its rivals to debut atop the North American box office this weekend, industry data showed Sunday.

But the Fox reboot, which cost $88 million to make, will look to earn back some money in international markets, as its estimated $24 million haul did not meet expectations.

The movie, which comes more than 30 years after the franchise’s original film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, courted controversy before its release when the studio cut a scene featuring an actor who was a registered sex offender.

Star Olivia Munn had requested the change, saying she was unaware of the actor’s past when the scene was filmed. Director Shane Black initially said he hired the actor because he was a friend, but later issued a strong apology.

Dropping to second place was last week’s top draw, horror movie “The Nun”―the latest fright fest in the popular “Conjuring” series. It earned an estimated $18.2 million in its second week,

box office tracker Exhibitor Relations said.

“Nun” stars Taissa Farmiga―whose sister Vera headlined two “Conjuring” films―in a story about a young nun, an exorcist and a guide stumbling onto a dark secret deep in Dracula country: the Romania of 1952―Transylvania, no less.

Opening in the third spot was “A Simple Favor,” a tale about a mommy blogger (Anna Kendrick) investigating the disappearance of her friend (Blake Lively). The Lionsgate film raked in $16.1 million on the back of positive reviews.

Matthew McConaughey’s new film “White Boy Rick” opened in fourth place with $8.8 million. The movie, based on a true story, stars the Oscar winner as the father of a teenage boy who became an informant for the FBI in the 1980s.

Glitzy rom-com “Crazy Rich Asians,” another Warner Bros product along with “The Nun,” fell to fifth place. The film, with a nearly allAsian cast led by Henry Golding and Constance Wu, took in $8.7 million, building on a crazygood run. AFP

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INVITATION TO BID FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF LOPINAVIR 200MG + RITONAVIR 50MG TABLET IB NO. 2018-295 The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2018 intends to apply the sum of Twelve Million Three Hundred Five Thousand Four Hundred Seventy Five Philippine Pesos (PhP12,305,475.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of Lopinavir 200mg + Ritonavir 50mg Tablet under IB No. 2018-295. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The DOH now invites bids for the procurement of the above-captioned project.Delivery of the Goods is required within the period specified under SECTION VI. Schedule of Requirements.

Bidders should have completed, within two (2) yearsfrom the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least twenty five percent (25%) of the ABC as required above. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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

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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the COBAC Secretariat, G/F, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 17 September – 09 October 2018 from the address above and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP25,000.00).

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

The DOH will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 25 September 2018, 10:00 AM at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, Sta. Cruz, Manila, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the COBAC-A Secretariat at the address below on or before 09 October 2018, 9:00 AM All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on 09 October 2018, 9:00 AM at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

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

For further information, please refer to: COBAC-A Secretariat Department of Health San Lazaro Compound Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. Nos. 651-7800 local 1625 to 1627; 1650 to 52 Facsimile No.: 741-9775; 740-6830

(MS-SEPT. 18, 2018)

(SGD) NESTOR F. SANTIAGO, JR., MD, MPHC, MHSA, CESO III Assistant Secretary of Health COBAC-A Chairperson

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

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LocaL government units

tuesday, september 18, 2018

Baguio won’t declare state of calamity

QC councilors pass landmark anti-drug code QUEZON City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday said the 37-member city council has pioneered an anti-drug code to become the benchmark for other local government units to replicate.

“This will be the first drug code in the country, and we are happy to work with different national government agencies and the Quezon City Police District on this. We want to make sure that this drug code is consistent with the national laws and policies,” she said.

As the presiding officer of the city council and chairperson of the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council, Belmonte expressed her pride in the comprehensive approach the council and the city have taken in the war against drugs.

The code consolidates the programs and procedures already in place to implement communitybased efforts to rid the city of drugs.

This includes the comprehensive program to rehabilitate drug offenders who have surrendered, educate young people through schools, and enact sustainable partnerships with the police force, the church, non-government sector, and private sector, she said.

“This is such a huge success for us. So now we would like to move our accomplishments further by creating a local ordinance which contains all of the programs, the policies that we already developed,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Herbert M. Bautista has signed an ordinance reinforcing the organizational structure of the QC Protection Center to provide a more comprehensive service to the victims or survivors of gender-based violence and abuse.

City Ordinance 2701-2018, introduced by Councilors Irene Belmonte, Lena Marie Juico, Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla, and Diorella Maria Sotto, amends City Ordinance 2191-2012 that created the QC Protection Center for Victim-Survivors of Genderbased Violence and Abuse.

In the amendment, the QC Committee on Gender-based Violence is created to oversee the management of the protection center and to ensure that the ordinance is effectively implemented.

“To better adhere to the QC Protection Center’s objectives, there is a need to reinforce its organizational structure to further provide comprehensive service to the victim-survivors of gender-based violence,” the ordinance read. Rio N. Araja

BULACAN RELIEF. Despite the expected onslaught of Super Typhoon

‘Ompong,’ Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday pushed through with the distribution of relief goods to around 1,000 families in Marilao, Bulacan (inset). Joining the relief operations were Bulacan 1st District Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, Marilao Mayor Juanito Santiago, Marilao Vice Mayor Henry Lutao, Meycauayan Mayor Henry Villarica (who is the husband of Deputy Speaker Linabelle Ruth Villarica), local officials of Marilao, and representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Quezon City conducts building structure audit

By Rio N. Araja

Q

UEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista has ordered a structural integrity audit on all buildings within the locality.

He signed City Ordinance 2724, mandating the Engineering Department, Department of Building Official and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to inspect all buildings, private or government-owned, and especially structures that are 30 years and older and those lying along a fault line or danger zones.

“The Quezon City government mandates the promotion and development of an earthquake risk reduction and management program in order to mitigate if not to eliminate the effects of major natural and man-made disasters as well as to protect the health, safety and general

welfare of the Quezon City residents,” the ordinance read.

Bautista tasked Joselito Cabungcal, Engineering Department chief, to conduct the structural integrity audit of buildings owned by the local and national government agencies, and Isagani Verzosa, Department of Building Official chief to look on privately owned buildings’ structural integrity.

Karl Michael Marasigan, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, shall be responsible for identifying whether the site is located along the West Valley Fault and any danger zones.

“The city government desires to strengthen the city’s resiliency against human induced or natural disaster by recognizing the vision, policy framework and strategies capitalized on disaster risk reduction and management in Quezon City,” the measure cited.

Meanwhile, Bautista approved City Ordinance 2721, requiring the installation of motion sensor alarms in pawnshops pursuant to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Circular 91 of 1995.

The safety measure is in addition to the existing alarm system in the vaults of all pawnshops in Quezon City, a mandatory requirement.

City Ordinance 2721 was passed after the rise in cases of break-in robberies where the vaults of banks and even pawnshops were penetrated by digging a hole underground to gain access to the vaults.

HEALTH CARE.

Senator JV Ejercito (left) talks to patients at the JP District Hospital in Calamba City, Laguna during a visit to learn about overcapacity in government hospitals. Ejercito, who chairs the Senate committee on health, is pushing for the passage of the Universal Health Care Bill this month.

Roy Tomandao

Lubao poor gain P1.21-m aid via DoLE sustainable livelihood funds

By Romeo Dizon LUBAO, Pampanga—The marginalized sector of this coastal town received P1.21 million in financial assistance for their sustainable livelihood projects on Monday.

Acting Mayor Robertito “Tito” Diaz said the assistance was given by the provincial office of the Department of La-

bor and Employment through its DoLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program or DILEEP. The money will be used to purchase 35 “negokarts” for ambulant vendors, 10 motorboats for the 33 members of a fisherman’s association in Sta. Teresa 2nd, five sari-sari stores for people with disabilities and one rice reaper for a group of 10 farmers.

Diaz said the local government counterpart fund, amounting to P303,500, will be used for start-ups as capital, entrepreneurial development training, and other expenses.

The mayor received the financial assistance from Arlene Tolentino, head of DoLE in Pampanga, during a recent ceremony. Diaz thanked DoLE for helping the marginalized sector of the town.

Tolentino said DILEEP is a program seeking to contribute to poverty reduction by means of emergency and promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises.

It has two components, namely DoLE the Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) and Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers Emergency Employment Program, Tolentino said.

Vice gov puts education first

FARMER HELPERS. Veterinarian Dr. Jun Romo, general manager of Cargill Provimi

Philippines, and Maxime Hilbert, Regional Strategic Marketing and Technology Director of Cargill Provimi Southeast Asia, flash their thumbs up during the recent launch of the firm’s Advanced Animal Nutrition in the Philippines to help animal feed producers and livestock farmers improve their performance and increase farm productivity. Manny Palmero

BALANGA CITY, Bataan—Vice Gov. Cris Garcia is putting a premium on education, as manifested in resolutions adopted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through her leadership.

The SP recently adopted two resolutions authorizing Gov. Abet Garcia to enter into an agreement with the Bataan Peninsula State University for the “Gurong Iskolar ng Bataan” and Post Graduate Scholarship programs.

Last year, the SP passed a resolution granting financial assistance to poor and deserving graduates who are residents of the province for

their review of board and bar examinations.

Before becoming vice governor, Garcia was the original coordinator of the Iskolar ng Bataan and Gurong Iskolar ng Bataan. She now serves as adviser of the program.

Representing Gov. Abet Garcia, she regularly attends important activities of the Iskolar ng Bataan, and recently welcomed the 5,654 new beneficiaries of the program.

Two weeks ago, the vice governor distributed checks to 30 Tesda recipients also under the program.

Butch Gunio

BAGUIO CITY—The city government is not bent on declaring Baguio under a state of calamity despite being hit by Typhoon “Ompong,” Mayor Mauricio Domogan said late Sunday.

“We will not declare a state of calamity in Baguio because we do not qualify,” Domogan said in a press briefing Sunday evening.

For a local government to be declared under a state of calamity, Domogan said that at least 20 percent of its population is affected, 40 percent of the livelihood of the residents are affected, the destruction of food crop is at least 40 percent, majors roads are impassable and there is disruption in the supply of electricity.

The mayor said that aside from Naguilian Road, which connects Baguio to Bauang, La Union being open to all types of vehicles, the Marcos Highway was also opened to all types of vehicles Sunday evening. Kennon Road remains closed since June.

The Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) has also reinstated power in 63.57 percent of the city. The power in Barangay Irisan, the city’s biggest barangay, was back as of 2 a.m. Monday.

As of 6:30 p.m. Sunday, authorities said Baguio City has recorded nine confirmed deaths and five persons missing.

The national championship of Batang Pinoy Games, hosted by both Baguio and La Trinidad, Benguet, will also start today (September 17), with a number of the delegates from the different provinces in the country already in the city as of Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Benguet province remains in a state of calamity after its declaration on September 3 due to damages brought about by typhoons “Karding” and “Luis”.

Benguet Governor Crescencio Pacalso said that the province’s state of calamity declaration, which was supposed to be lifted in November, will be extended due to the effects of “Ompong.” PNA

Davao shutters 4 more resorts in Malabog area

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY—Four additional resorts in Malabog area here were shut down by the city government after they were found operating without business permits.

Assistant City Administrator for Operation Lawrence Bantiding said the closure of the resorts only means the city is serious in its campaign of shutting down establishments that do not comply with the law.

One of the consequences of not complying with business permits is that the area where the establishment is located might endanger the public, he added.

“There is a need for us to regulate these resorts in order for us to have a sustainable tourism without compromising our environment,” Bantiding said.

Once an investor complies with the business permit requirement, he or she can easily find out if the area is suitable for development or not.

“Everyone who wishes to put up an establishment should go through the process. One of this is to go to the City Planning and Development Office to ensure that the area is under the allowable use of the city,” Bantiding said.

The City Planning and Development Office is currently validating if the area where the resorts are located are under the allowable use of the city.

Bantiding said the aim of the city is to have a tourism establishment that is safe and will last because they have complied with the requirements of the city.

He vowed that Davao will continue to close establishments that do not have business permits.

Life

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

health and environment

@mstandardLIFe tuesday, september 18, 2018

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PamPered by naTure

NATURALLY REJUVENATING. The Glow Spa of Club Paradise Palawan only uses 100 percent natural coconut oil in its

T

rejuvenating treatment services to ensure clients’ skin are naturally moisturized.

hERE are a few things, if there’s any at all, that beat the soothing and gentle care that nature-based products bring. Not only are they beneficial for the body but for the environment as well.

Clients at Glow Spa are pampered using all-natural products.

One of the most popular natural beauty products is coconut oil. For centuries, coconut oil has been the beauty and skin secret—a true jewel of nature—used

by Asians with its proven benefits and nourishing quali-ties. In recent years, the West has also discovered the outstanding benefits it brings: as a restorative, healing, and antiinflammatory oil.

Coconut oil has many uses, too. It can be used as a hair conditioner, a face cleanser, a body scrub, a detox bath, and an over-all moisturizer that can penetrate the skin better than synthetic products.

At a spa in Coron, Palawan, 100 percent natural coconut oil is used in many of its treatment services.

The Glow Spa of Club Paradise Palawan, an oasis of serenity in a tropical island, guests can enjoy natural pampering while protecting the environment as only 100 percent natural coconut oil is used in its rejuvenating treatment selections, instead of synthetic scented oils that can harm the environment or

Coconut oil is an effective over-all moisturizer that penetrates skin better than synthetic products.

even irritate the skin.

Coconut oil comes in different infusions, including lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, and local herbs for an even more potent, invigorating, and luxuriating experience.

Pure oil is extracted from the coconut by carefully cooking it for at least three hours. The coconut is sourced from women of Barangay Cheey in Coron, Palawan, who rely on coconut for their livelihood and additional income. The arrangement also helps their community.

Other spa treatments at Glow Spa also

use organic ingredients like yogurt, carrots, cucumber, papaya, oatmeal, fresh milk, and honey. Some of the produce is grown at Club Paradise’s own Taranuman Farm and are completely pesticide and chemical-free.

Among the treatments available include Body Massage, Body Scrub and natural Body Scrub, natural Scrub, luxurious Indulgence, and Tropical hot Pack with holistic Massage.

Visit www.clubparadisepalawan. com/recreation/coron-spa for more information.

Eco-friendly post-typhoon cleanup FOllOWInG the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong (international name: Mangkhut), which according to the national Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, affected more than half a million people, a waste and pollution watch group shares ecological and precautionary tips that can help families clean up the damage caused by the recent natural disaster.

“Cleaning up after a storm has passed is no easy task,” said EcoWaste Coalition zero waste campaigner Daniel Alejandre. “Depending on the extent of Ompong’s impact on your home, cleaning chores can be daunting and dangerous, too.”

The group encourages families to clean up in a way that will not exacerbate the garbage disposal problem in affected communities. EcoWaste Coalition, Alejandre said, has gathered some tips, which, if carried out, will cut waste and toxic exposure, protect human health, as well as conserve resources.

“Consciously avoiding the generation of more garbage during cleanup efforts will reduce the volume of rubbish sent to disposal sites such as

dumps and landfills, which sadly are often located in environmentally critical areas, including watershed,” emphasized community leader noli Abinales.

Abinales is adviser to Buklod Tao, a community organization based in disaster-prone San Mateo, Rizal and a board member of the EcoWaste Coalition.

The following 13 eco-tips, the EcoWaste Coalition stressed, is not an exhaustive list as the group urged Ompong-impacted families to observe other safety precautions as they tidy up the mess left by the typhoon.

Ecological post-typhoon cleanup tips: 1. Wear protective gloves and boots while cleaning as protection against animal bites, bruises, cuts, and waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis.

2. Use “free” water such as rainwater and grey water from laundry tubs, washing machines, showers, and sinks to remove silt left behind after the flooding. Scrub with soap and water, and then rinse thoroughly.

residents of barangay Maddarulug, Solana, Cagayan return to their homes to fix the damages caused by strong winds of typhoon Ompong.

(Photos from Greenpeace)

Individuals retrieve plastic bottles and other recyclable discards washed ashore Manila bay.

(Photos from EcoWaste Coalition)

3. Use natural cleaning products such as vin vinegar and water solution to remove dirt and grime from floors, walls, kitchen, and toilet.

4. Wipe glass windows using a damp newspaper (considered a “brown composting material”), which can be shredded after use for composting. If needed, create a homemade non-toxic glass cleaner made out of vinegar and water.

5. Clean furniture and other stuff that have been submerged in floodwater with hot soapy water and let them dry under the sun.

6. Fix and reuse flood-soaked furnishings and other typhoon-affected items including blown-off roofing materials.

7. Create non-toxic disinfectant for things contaminated by floodwater by mixing equal amounts of white vinegar and water. The mixture can be put in a spray bottle for easy application.

8. Wash flood-drenched clothes and linens separately from uncontaminated ones.

9. Reduce the volume of post-typhoon discards requiring disposal by safely repairing, reusing, repurposing, and recycling them as much as possible; clean and use salvaged and reclaimed materials.

10. Refrain from burning or dumping fallen leaves and twigs and other biodegradable debris; compost them instead.

11. Do not mix mercury-containing busted lamps and other hazardous items, including broken TVs and other e-wastes, with regular household discards as such wastes require special handling and disposal due to their toxic content.

12. Remove all trash that can collect and hold water where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

13. If so required, give damaged parts of your home a fresh coat of certified lead-safe paint.

Life

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tuesday, september 18, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

HEALTH BULLETIN

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How are dementia and Alzheimer’s disease related

apses in memory may occur in a normal old person, but contrary to popular belief, dementia is not an inevitable part of aging.

a specialist from Makati Medical Center sets the record straight on dementia and alzheimer’s disease. according to Darwin a. Dasig, MD, chairperson of MakatiMed’s Neurological sciences Department, dementia is not synonymous to alzheimer’s disease.

“Dementia is an acquired condition causing intellectual decline in an awake person that is sustained and severe enough to cause impairment in occupational or social function,” explained.

Dr. Dasig.

Dr. Dasig said there are many disorders that cause dementia. The most common cause is alzheimer’s disease.

But there are other causes, which include Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and Frontotemporal Dementia.

On the other hand, alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Dasig said, is believed to be due to the accumulation of an abnormal protein in the brain called beta amyloid.

This brings about several other processes and mechanisms that result in progressive death and loss of brain cells.

5 tips to avoid diseases during rainy season

The earliest symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is impairment of short term memory.

Because this starts in an area of the brain necessary for the consolidation of memory, the earliest symptom of alzheimer’s disease is impairment of short term memory. But with continuous loss of cells in other parts of the

Dr. Darwin Dasig said dementia is not synonymous to Alzheimer’s diseases, but rather the former is an acquired condition that can be caused by the latter.

brain, patients eventually experience impairment in language, orientation with surroundings, problem solving, and behavior.

During the most advanced stage, patients with alzheimer’s disease may be completely mute, unable to move, and become bedridden, according to Dr. Dasig. alzheimer’s diseases is prevalent and should be treated as a major public health issue. The 2015 World alzheimer Report estimates one new case every three seconds worldwide, with the highest prevalence in asia. Unfortunately, it is estimated that only one out of three patients are diagnosed properly, and a smaller number of patients receive proper treatment. “early diagnosis is of utmost importance for health care to be initiated earlier,” averred Dr. Dasig. “There are available effective medical and nonpharmacological treatment strategies to maintain and maximize existing functions and prevent further progression of impairment in persons with alzheimer’s disease.”

Contact MakatiMed On-Call at (02) 8888-999, email mmc@makatimed.net. ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph for more information.

IN MeTRO Manila and other parts tection against waterborne diseases of the country, floods are not unusual that are present during floods. whenever there’s torrential rain. and Wash hands frequently when there’s flood, unfortunately, the Bacteria and viruses can be found risk of getting leptospirosis increases.

Leptospirosis can be acquired almost anywhere, which means one through direct contact with infected can easily get infected just by crossing animals and urine of rodents. The dis- the street, riding a public utility vehiease is contracted through cuts and cle, or holding onto an infected railing. open wounds that are exposed to con- To lower the risk of acquiring diseases, experts recom recomtaminants such as flood water. If conmend frequent tracted, lephand washing. tospirosis can lead to headDisinfect all ache, muscle pain, chills, surface Bacteria and and even orviruses cancan gan failure and not be easily death. detected, thus Here are five d i si n fe c t io n simple ways is a must to to prevent leper keep every everytospirosis and hing helps low as w nd ha nt Freque diseases. ng iri qu one protected. other diseases ac of k the ris To help with common during this, New the rainy season: Marketlink pharmaceutical Corporation Manage waste properly introduces Hygiene pRO, a disinfectant Garbage must be kept away properly with coating technology that can protect to prevent contamination. proper seg- nearly any surface for one week up to regation ensures that waste is kept in a months. It’s easy and safe to use on peosafe and efficient manner. It is best to ple, things, animals, and plants. put trash in designated bins and avoid leaving them out in the open to mainpractice proper hygiene tain the environment’s cleanliness. as always, the best way to prevent leptospirosis and other diseases durWear protective clothes ing the rainy season is by observing Individuals who commute or are proper personal hygiene. Hygiene 24, usually outside are the most likely to a hand sanitizer with coating technolbe exposed to pathogens and viruses, ogy equivalent to 10 hand washes in making them susceptible to various just one application, offers additional diseases. protective clothes such as layer of protection. It also remains for boots, jackets, and gloves provide pro- 24 hours.

Protective clothes such as boots provide protection against waterborne diseases common during floods.

iphoto

LrT-1 operator LrMc has mobilized volunteers to clean up Liwasang Bonifacio.

LRMC revitalizes Liwasang Bonifacio IN CeLeBRaTION of its third anniversary as LRT-1 operator, the Light Rail Manila Corporation mobilized hundreds of volunteers to clean and revitalize one of Manila’s historical landmarks, Liwasang Bonifacio.

The cleanup initiative is in line with LRMC’s ikotMNL project, which promotes tourist destinations near the LRT1 stations. Through ikotMNL, local and foreign tourists can rediscover more of Intramuros, Binondo, or Quiapo, since they can take the train and have more time to explore Manila’s food, shopping, museums, and parks.

Liwasang Bonifacio is a 700-squaremeter park in the heart of Manila. It is adjacent to the historical philippine post Office, 300 meters from LRT-1’s Central station.

“LRT-1 has become indispensable to the everyday commute across Metro Manila; in giving thanks, we want to give back,” said LRMC president and chief executive Juan alfonso. “We want our anniversary to mean something to us as LRMC and also to cities and communities where we operate.”

Volunteers are composed of representatives from LRMC, Depart-

ment of environment and Natural Resources, Metropolitan Manila Development authority, Department of public Works and Highways, Department of Health, and the local government units of Manila, pasay, and parañaque.

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro pacific Light Rail Corporation, ayala Corporation’s aC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, and philippine Investment alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (philippines) pTe Ltd.

Medicine brand receives marketing excellence award Generic medicine brand rhea Generics received the excellence in Marketing innovation category recognition at the 2018 PAnAta Awards, the country’s premier annual recognition program for effective and excellent marketing and brand-strengthening practices organized by the Philippine Association of national Advertisers. rhea Generics bagged a bronze recognition for its “iBA ang rHeA Generics” campaign, an across-the-board drive that seeks to bring world-class quality healthcare to the Philippines. receiving the award were PHiLUSA corporation national sales manager Manny Baylosis, rhea Generics brand manager Gie Sison, president and general manager neogin evangelista, head of marketing Maya Leander, regional sales manager Lance cabaron, and rhea Topicals brand manager raffy romana.

Entertainment

McJim shorts compete in 22 int’l film fests T RUE to its enduring values of quality, style, and elegance, leather goods brand McJim Classic Leather is unstoppable as it continues to gain international recognition for its troika of masterfully produced short films under its “Get Reel” online campaign.

Pitaka (The Wallet), Sinturon (Belt), and Bag have been selected to complete in a total of 22 prestigious film festivals—as of this writing—in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Australia, Mexico, and Venezuela, a record-breaking feat for a commercial brand.

Pitaka, the first of the three short films, was recently chosen as finalist in the 2018 Wales International Film Festival and received nomination for an award on Oct. 4.

Chris Cahilig, the director and executive producer of the three short films, said that the successive recognitions that the McJim viral videos have been getting abroad is proof that even branded shorts can be at par with the quality of commercially produced films.

“With its advocacy of delivering superior quality to its consumers, McJim is able to prove that it can produce not only world-class leather goods but also world-class films that are able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the international market. This is because the brand has always faithfully adhered to its timeless philosophy of style, quality, and elegance,” says Cahilig.

“It remains committed to bring out the best of the Filipino before the world. The numerous recognitions that its short films are getting are proof that the brand has been successful in carrying out this goal,” he notes.

Apart from the Wales International Film Fest, Pitaka was earlier selected to participate in international film festivals in Italy and the US, namely San Mauro Torinese International Film Festival 2018; Cefalu Film Festival in Palermo; Diwa Filipino Film Showcase of Seattle 2018; Culture of Life Film Festival 2018 in Memphis City; 2019 Dramatic Shorts Film Festival in Denver; and Los Angeles CineFest 2019.

The short film depicts fraternal love and the Filipino elders’ sense of responsibility as exemplified by Kuya, portrayed in the film by Karl Medina, who sets aside his personal dreams to provide for his younger brother, a character played by 1:43’s Art Artienda.

Following in the wake of Pitaka is the quirkier and more daring Sinturon, which tackles marital fidelity and features Mercedes Cabral and Kiko Matos. Sinturon made it to three international film fests, namely Nebrody Film Fest and Corti A Sud-Polla In Corto in Italy, and Love Shorts Film Festival 2019 in the US. The LGBT-themed Bag, the last of the three short films, snagged 12 official selections in international film festivals for its honest portrayal of a gay-straight friendship. It follows the story of an openly gay young professional Paolo

Five...

From C4

2. How much will Trump weigh on gala?

With SNL stars Colin Jost and Michael Che hosting the Emmys, and Alec Baldwin once again nominated for his portrayal of President Donald Trump, this year’s gala is once again likely to be a political one.

Jost told Vanity Fair that he and Che hope to make the show “less political than normal,” but if recent awards shows are any indication, that might be difficult in resolutely Democratic Tinseltown.

At the Tonys in June, Robert De Niro got a standing ovation for using an expletive to condemn Trump. At the Oscars in

'Bag' starring Ross Pesigan and Wayne Avellano earns praises for its honest and straightforward portrayal of gay-straight friendships.

'Sinturon' starring Kiko Matos and Mercedes Cabral makes it to three international film fests in Italy and the US.

Karl Medina and Art Artienda breathe life into Pitaka’s strong and relatable narrative, which extols Filipino family values of sacrifice and perseverance.

(Ross Pesigan), who, after a series of bad breakups, finds comfort and refuge in his straight best friend Carlo (Wayne Avellano).

“The brand shows its modern and mature view of gender issues through a gay-themed and stereotype-breaking content like Bag. What makes these short films a cut above the rest is how it tackles values and attitudes that build our society as a better and more progressive one,” says Cahilig.

The bold move has definitely paid off as Bag is poised to join the following film fests: the First International LGBTQ Coming of Age Short Films Festival, which will be held simultaneously in Paris, France, and San Francisco in September this year; the Los Angeles CineFest 2019; the 2018 LGBTQ Shorts Film Festival; the International Shorts Film Festival (Australia) 2018; Outflix Film Festival 2018 in Memphis; QUEER-Streifen Regensburg 2018 in Germany; Shorts Mexico 2018, the largest international shorts film fest in Latin America; Five Continents International Film Festival 2018 in Venezuela; OutReels Cincinnati 2018; London International Motion Pictures Awards 2019, Queerbee LGBT Film Festival 2018 in London; and 2019 Dramatic Shorts Film Festival in Denver.

Behind Pitaka’s visually poetic direction of photography is Cesca Lee, known for the films T.P.O., Purgatoryo, and Otso. Sinturon and Bag, meanwhile, were shot by cinematographer Patrick Ferrer. Archie del Mundo wrote the screenplay and was also line producer for the three short films.

Director and PR entrepreneur Chris Cahilig attributes the success of McJim’s short films to the brand’s adherence to its timeless philosophy of quality, style, and elegance.

February, Mexican director Guillermo del Toro made a plea for immigrants.

3. Will Netflix break through?

In July, the streaming giant finally wrested the top spot from premium cable network HBO in terms of most nominations—112 to 108. But will that translate into more actual trophies?

Last year, HBO took home 29 Emmys, to Netflix’s 20. After the Creative Arts Emmys—the technical awards handed out ahead of the main event—HBO had a slim lead, 17 to 16.

HBO has Game of Thrones and Westworld in its stable, while Netflix heads into battle with The Crown, Stranger Things and 1980s women’s wrestling comedy GLOW. 4. Can stars of ‘The Americans’ win?

Critical darling The Americans, a

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

52 Budgie’s abode 57 In good order 58 Aquarius’ tote 60 Knight’s suit 61 Volt or watt 62 Upstream spawner 63 Acquire knowledge 64 Sicilian spouter 65 Tyke 66 Joyful shout DOWN 1 Hopscotch, e.g.

2 Actor — Alda 3 Hit some ice 4 Thin fog 5 Two couples 6 Lodging place 7 Salad green 8 Pickle or jam 9 Traveler’s stop 10 Highly unconventional 11 Electric plug part 13 Wishes for 14 Type of appeal 20 — out (relax) 22 Pilot’s test 24 Raw cotton 26 Home of the Bruins 27 Not e’en once 28 Blackthorn 29 Arm bones 30 Turns toward

31 Trades 33 Serpent Hercules fought 34 Larger than life 35 This, in Havana 36 Eggnog time 38 Grittiest 41 Bronze coin 42 Warm-weather shoe 44 Part of mph 45 Sports locale 46 Model’s need 47 Railroad cars 49 Encircle

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

Loisa not affected by rumored Ronnie-Vice Ganda affair

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Bad cut 5 Cry of mild disgust 8 Bargain-hunt 12 Ease 14 Boys 15 Serve tea 16 Indian corn 17 Now, to Caesar 18 Comic strip dog 19 Attempt 21 Toward the rudder 23 Yank’s foe 24 Buddy, briefly 25 Arm opposite 26 Forgotten 30 Tricks 32 Spreadsheet elements 33 Fall fete 37 Spinks of the ring 38 Repetitive pattern 39 Lhasa — 40 Phone zones (2 wds.)

42 Ill will 43 Singes 44 Computer language 45 Tank 48 Hunter’s org.

49 Pentagon VIP 50 Herons

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

51 Wonder Woman’s friend 52 Trounce 53 Gang of workers 54 Asian nanny 55 Horror film feature 56 Flying piscivore 59 Journalist’s question

Actor Alec Baldwin—shown here at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month—is up for another Emmy for his portrayal of Donald Trump in 'Saturday Night Live.'

LOISA Andalio cries foul over the malicious rumor that boyfriend Ronnie Alonte allegedly has an ongoing secret affair with popular comedian-host Vice Ganda.

The two are together in the daily variety musical show It’s Showtime.

“Ronnie and Ate Vice already cleared that issue numerous times. People should not put color into their closeness. It’s good that I’m already numb to such gossip,” says Loisa who adds that she’s no longer affected by the rumor.

“Whatever they [rumormongers] say, I don’t believe them. Of course, I would believe Ronnie. One thing more, I’m friends with Ate Vice. He’s like a mother to me. I don’t understand why some people are so good in inventing stories. Now I believe that no matter how good your intentions are, people will always have something not pleasant to say about you.”

Loisa shared that Ronnie and Vice Ganda are really good friends. The latter treats Ronnie like a kid brother.

“They can joke about anything. They’re a riot when they’re together.”

While Vice and Ronnie are together in It’s Showtime, she and Vice are co-stars in the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Fantastica: The Princesses, The Prince and the Perya.

“That’s where I got to know Ate Vice better. I became close to him. He’s so sweet. If I have a scene, he sees to it that I look good because my role in the movie is a princess.

He helps in glamourizing me before I face the cameras. He is a very kind person that you won’t have any bad thought about him.”

Loisa is simply saddened by how people give malice to something.

“Actually, I pity those people. They don’t have something productive to do. Instead of doing things for the improvement of their lives, they choose to ruin other people.

What a pity really,” she avers.

How does Ronnie’s family take such scandalous rumor?

“Actually, they’re just laughing it off.

They know the truth so they’re not alarmed whatsoever.”

For the cute gal, all these trials just strengthen her relationship with Ronnie.

“Oh yes! With what we’ve gone through, we’re stronger and happier. Our romantic state is so much better at this point!”

Loisa is grateful to her and Ronnie’s fans who stood by their side at the height of said gossip.

“Yes…I’m thankful to them for supporting us during the times that we needed it most. They’re like family to us already.

Their unconditional love is simply amazing.

The time when we’re down, they were there to back us up. We’ll forever be grateful to them,” she ends. *** Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos re-

assures her support to the film industry during her recent meeting with the entertainment press.

“It’s no secret that my family is a long-standing fan of Philippine movies,”

she states.

“Remember that there was a potboiler about my father back in the ‘60s called Iginuhit ng Tadhana. My mother, as you all know, is a staunch patroness of the arts.

Then, as for me, I got involved with television through the kiddie shows Kaluskos Musmos and Kulit Bulilit as part of Kabataaang Barangay which I spearheaded then.

So, our family’s support to the industry continues!”

The well-loved politician believes that the local ‘biz is not a sunset industry yet.

“It’s not dying for sure. As we all know, our recent releases like Sarah Geronimo’s Ms. Granny and KathNiel’s The Hows of Us made a big killing at the tills. I’m still optimistic that we can reclaim our position as one of the largest filmmakers in the world like in the early ‘80s. We used to be second to India in that department.”

Imee knows what’s beleaguering the showbiz field at this point.

“Actually, it’s the distribution aspect.

Mainstream movies are the only ones which get widely distributed. As you can see, almost everyone can produce films these days but their materials don’t get properly distributed, especially the new blood. That’s where the challenge lies.

There is piracy as well. We really need to find a way to fight it in order to protect our artists!”

Interestingly, who does she have in mind to play herself and the leading man as well for her film bio?

“To be honest, I don’t have any idea. Definitely, the actress should not be a mestiza to resemble me. As for the leading men, I’ll pick my three handsome sons Borgy, Michael and Matthew.”

The cheerful Ilocos Norte Governor’s faith in the Filipino talent remains strong.

“I’m happy that these days, there are lots of breakthrough films where the enormous talents of our artists are highlighted. I’m sure we’ll reach a second Golden Age of Philippine Movies,” says Imee.

Lovebirds Ronnie Alonte and Loisa Andalio

sweeping saga about sleeper Soviet agents in America, has earned 18 nominations over its six-season run, but only two wins—both for guest actress Margo Martindale.

Series stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys are both nominated for the third time this year for their work in the acclaimed drama.

Can one—or both—of them finally take home a final hurrah Emmy, as Jon Hamm did for “Mad Men”?

Awards prediction site Gold Derby currently has Rhys as the odds-on favorite, but Russell is only in 4th place, lagging behind last year’s winner Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale), Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) and Claire Foy (The Crown).

5. Another big night for Donald Glover?

On the comedy side of the Emmys, the field is wide-open, with perennial winner Veep out of the picture. Can Atlanta— Donald Glover’s funny take on the rap scene in the Georgia capital—take top honors?

Last year, Glover won twin statuettes for acting and directing, after capturing two Golden Globes. It’s been another big year for the multi-talented 34-yearold, who raps under the name Childish Gambino and took home a Grammy in January for best traditional R&B performance.

He lit the internet ablaze in the spring with his controversial single This Is America and its wacky video. A few more Emmys, including the best comedy prize, could be the icing on the cake of a ferocious 2018. AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

An immersive fan experience at

ABS-CBN STUDIO XP Five things to watch for on Emmys night HOLLYWOOD’S A-listers will don their black-tie best today (Monday night in the US) for the 70th Emmy Awards, which honor the best in television.

After a year off, HBO’s wildly popular fantasy epic Game of Thrones, which earned a whopping 22 nominations, is expected to make a big comeback. It already won seven Emmys in technical categories.

But evergreen NBC sketch show Saturday Night Live is close behind with 21 nominations, and it too scooped up seven awards ahead of the main ceremony.

And The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu’s flagship drama based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel of the same name and last year’s best drama winner, is certainly in the hunt for more statuettes, with 20 nominations and three awards so far.

Here are five things to watch for on Emmys night: 1. How will #MeToo be handled?

The #MeToo movement erupted after last year’s Primetime Emmys, meaning it is likely to hover over this year’s event.

Female-driven programs like “The Handmaid’s Tale”—star Elisabeth Moss is shown here —are among the top Primetime Emmy nomination getters this year, but a new study shows 70 percent of the non-acting nominations went to men The departure from CBS of its powerful CEO Les Moonves under a cloud of sexual misconduct allegations will not go unnoticed at Monday’s gala.

But earlier this month, the Women’s Media Center released a report showing that 70 percent of the nonacting nominations went to men—and only six percent of the nominated directors were women, down from 10 percent in 2017. Continued on C3

O

N THE 4th level of the VERY Ayala Malls TriNoma WANG in Quezon, a sprawling NICKIE 1,400 sqm-studio city is now open WANG to welcome fans and guests who want to experience being a Pinoy Big Brother housemate, audition for The Voice, or try the Fast Talk questions in Tonight With Boy Abunda.

Kyle Echarri, Ylona Garcia, Elha Nympha, and Jeremy Glinoga at the ABSCBN Studio XP media launch

The ARX attraction inside Studio XP's Fantasy Studio

Last Thursday, ABS-CBN let members of the entertainment press have a first glimpse of the immersive studio city before its grand launch on Sunday, Sept.

16. Scribes had the chance to experience what it is like to be in the network’s favorite TV programs.

According to ABS-CBN Themed Experiences Inc. head Cookie Bartolome, the new Studio XP is divided into three parts—Reality, Fantasy, and Retail Studios—with 15 attractions and full scale set reconstructions crafted to present a jam-packed ABS-CBN experience in a one-stop site.

“We took inspiration from Kapamilya fans who are curious and eager to feel what it’s like to be inside the network’s studios.

The vision was really to bring ABS-CBN closer to the people,” Bartolome shared.

Inside the Reality Studio, visitors get to be a participant in various Kapamilya shows such as a housemate doing tasks in “Pinoy Big Brother Breakout” under

Kuya’s guidance, and a contestant beating the time at “Minute To Win It: The Experience” to become the “Last Man Standing.”

More delight awaits visitors at the “The Voice Open Mic” where they can find out who among the virtual coaches—Bamboo, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, and Sharon Cuneta—will turn as blind auditionees sing their hearts out.

“Star Lab” visitors take the spotlight as they dabble in singing duets and perform dramatic scenes with Kapamilya artists, throw punchlines with the cast of Goin’ Bulilit, and take the hot seat in Tonight With Boy Abunda’s Fast Talk.

Others can try behind-the-scenes Studio XP challenges, such as the role of a TV crew member in “It’s Showtime Director’s Booth” where they get to orchestrate a variety show, with all the excitement, tension, and drama of live production.

Rockin’ 60s at Sunshine Place anniversary celebration

Rockin’ 60s Band, (from left to right) Boy Najarro, Dero Pedero, Cathy Castaneda, Weng Eraña, Titus Santiago, will have a miniconcert at Sunshine Place: Senior Recreation Center.

The 70th Emmy Awards take place today at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles

Guests can also enjoy the intimate 80-seater Kapamilya Theater where they get to watch 4D movies, live shows, and other events, or compete in a multiplayer game with “Misyon: Ang Probinsyano” (a patintero-based game) or the “Ang Propesiya: La Luna Sangre” (an agawan base game). They can also watch the country’s first and only 4D production—“ASAP 4D”— an exclusive offering of the Kapamilya Theater.

During random times, Kapamilyas may also receive a surprise, live video call from an ABS-CBN star through the “Celebrity Calling” booth.

The Fantasy Studio, meanwhile, provides more thrilling attractions for the adventure-seeker, such as the Action Academy, an obstacle course offering stunt trainees a chance to compete in speed and strength ala Cardo Dalisay or Darna.

The ARX—an augmented reality game—allows group of participants to beat out virtual monsters together in an exciting match, while guests 12 years old and below will enjoy the expansive Superheroes Playground, along with other select Studio XP attractions.

Visitors are all welcomed at the Walk of Fame leading to the Heritage Hall where they get to see vintage memorabilia and broadcasting equipment, including the Millennium Transmitter, one of the network’s most recognized symbol.

Keepsakes are abundant inside as aside from the #Starsnaps photo booth, where guests can have pictures with their favorite celebs, and the Star Catcher, a claw machine containing autographed items from Kapamilya stars, they can also avail of unique finds at the Retail Studio featuring the hottest ABS-CBN Store merchandise.

To cap the whole Kapamilya experience, visitors should gobble on the new Heroes Burger offerings. The organic burger joint has Pinoy Komiks-themed food products, featuring the well-loved characters of Darna, Captain Barbell, and Lastikman.

Guests can enjoy Studio XP at affordable rates, with XPass Prime tickets priced at P375 for first-timers and at P350 for returning guests with access to all attractions except #Starsnaps and Star Catcher. There is also the XPass Lite option at P300 for first-timers and at P275 for returning visitors which excludes access to the Kapamilya Theater, #Starsnaps and Star Catcher. Be prepared to spend about two and a half hours in a shift to take full advantage of the fun inside.

Visit studioexperience.abs-cbn.com to check the shift schedule and avail tickets online.

TO CELEBRATE its 4th anniversary, apart from having its own annual, private celebration on Sept. 15 with instructors, students and special guest performances, Sunshine Place decided to stage a special mini-concert from Rockin’ 60s Band on Sept.

22 at the Happy Garden Café.

The band, which started with its hunger and nostalgia for the glory days of classic rock and roll, jukebox music, and swinging and dancing, is a well-known performer in hotels, bars and huge events in the country. Today, Rockin’ 60s Band is known for taking its audience down memory lane with popular and hard-to-find and not-so-heard songs from yesteryears. The band even won an Aliw Award for Best Group Performer in Hotels, Bars and Lounges for three consecutive years (2014 to 2016). Consequently, the band was elevated to the Aliw Hall of Fame in December 2017.

For the Sunshine Place Anniversary, its vocalists will perform minus-accompaniment of great song selections from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s as the band also celebrates its 8th anniversary this month.

Band members include Titus Santiago, a corporate executive turned entrepreneur, leader and manager of the band. He also happens to be the “Ricky Nelson of the Philippines.” Weng Eraña is a culinary school graduate who caters parties. Weng is a popular singer who has sung with RJ and the Hi-Jacks and MOBB, among other popular bands. Dero Pedero conducts life seminars and is a singing coach to famous personalities.

However, he is more popularly known as a grand prizewinning composer, advertising jingle producer and book author. His most popular compositions among others, are “Narito Ako,” “Isang Mundo, IsangAwit”, and the famous SM jingle, “We’ve got it all for you.” Cathy Castaneda has been a member of various bands over four decades and is currently with Tonyboy Cojuangco’s Glass Onion Band. She has also done backup vocals as session musician for different artists, both local and international, including Julia Fordham, David Pomeranz, and Kenny Rankin. The newest member of the band, Boy Najarro is a versatile and veteran singer.

For ticket reservations, please contact T. (632) 856-4144 / 856-4162, M. (0917) 515-5656, or E. seniorhubjupiter@gmail.com

ABS-CBN Studio Experience located on the 4F of Ayala Malls TriNoma is a sprawling studio city that features 15 attractions and full-scale set reconstructions crafted to present a jam-packed ABS-CBN experience in a one-stop site.

KathNiel reclaims box office royalty title ABS-CBN Star Magic artists Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla have once again proven that they are the country’s phenomenal and premier love team as their film The Hows of Us is set to become the highest grossing local film to date.

Kathryn and Daniel broke their personal box office record as The Hows of Us (THOU) has earned P538 million worth of nationwide box office sales and $1 million (P53 million) worldwide, thereby totaling to P591 million as of Sept. 12.

No doubt KathNiel would be receiving another Box Office King and Queen title this year, after bagging their first one last year for Barcelona: A Love Untold, which earned P321 million in local and international ticket sales.

THOU is KathNiel’s sixth romancethemed film which topped off their highest grossing 2015 film Crazy Beautiful You that raked in P322 million.

THOU also had a strong opening day box office sales amounting to almost P36 million, the biggest first day record of the tandem, thereby topping off their 2017 film Can’t Help Falling In Love with a record of P33 million opening day receipt.

The film then earned P70 million on Aug. 30, just a day after it opened and easily breached the P100 million mark after three days as it earned P116.9 million by Sept. 1.

The film then made it big on its first weekend as sold-out cinemas and full house block screenings took front and center, which eventually caused THOU’s ticket sales to balloon to P279.5 million.

Created by director Cathy GarciaMolina, THOU is KathNiel’s most mature film to date as it broke down the beginning and the end of the sevenyear romance of aspiring doctor George (Kathryn) and musician wannabe Primo (Daniel).

Apart from the moviegoers and netizens, celebrities and artists also praised how much KathNiel have grown as actors, as their artistry and depth elevated on the film. Their performance would definitely earn Daniel and Kathryn another Best Actor and Actress recognition.

The Hows of Us starring Kathryn and Daniel together with Ria Atayde, Juan Miguel Severo and Darren Espanto is currently screening in Papua New Guinea, Brunei, Middle East, Malaysia, Saipan, US, Canada, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and UK, as well as in Denmark, Spain, Malta and Italy. The film has also started screening in Singapore, Finland, Taiwan, Norway, Austria, Florence and Greece.

Phenomenal box office love team Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 advertise@manilastandard.net

LWUA Spearheads

Water Department

By Peter Paul Duran

T

HE Philippines is a country abundant with water. It is surrounded by oceans and seas with a multitude of bodies of water in between the more than seven thousand islands, along the rivers that flow from the vast mountain ranges, and the sources of water from down under we have yet to tap.

Truly, the country is blessed with nature’s prime resource.

The question now is, why haven’t we made the great leap forward in this aspect?

For Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) administrator Jeci Lapus, the water system in the Philippines is fragmented.

The solution?

A lone governing body to address all water-related issues.

In a talk with Manila Standard, the former congressman shared his plans and updates on putting up a Department of Water which has now gained traction in the lower house, while giving insights on how the Philippines, a country rich with the blessing of water, can still provide sources of safe, sufficient, and affordable drinking water to a growing population amid an infrastructure-intensive thrust from the government.

Can you talk us through your proposal to put up a department of water and the main reason for this initiative?

Admin Jeci Lapus: Well, we have now a pending bill in congress filed by the speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and this is for the creation of a department of water, irrigation, sanitation, sewage and resources. So this will unify all the agencies. The department of water will surely make it possible na meron tayong containment of rain water. We are the only country I think that does not have a department of water because after air, what is the next important thing?Water.

What is the status of the endorsed bill (Department of Water)?

It has been referred to the committee already and at the budget hearing maybe we can tackle it right after. And with the speaker being the sponsor. Well, I would surmise that the congressmen will be cooperative.

Is this bill being backed up by the President?

Wala po tayong (backing up mula) sa Malacañang, but again this is a basic necessity of every household. So there is really a need for this bill to push through.

You just imagine that LWUA is only catering to 22 Million. We are only catering to 22 million Filipinos, which mean 22% of the population. So our plan is to double the connectivities in the next five years.

Of course, we need the support of the national government, the congress and the senate.

What about the challenges? What are the challenges or hurdles in providing safe water for everyone?

The challenges, number one is the source of water. We are now dependent on rivers and the deep well[s], but my thinking is what is under your feet is yours. We should yet tap what is under.

We should tap the surface water but because of the climate change, the rivers are now polluted. So, we can still cope-up with all the challenges but again, what is important is the funding.

What are the other pressing issues on this matter?

Turn to C2

PRIME RESOURCE. The Philippines is abundant with bodies of water as well as fresh water resources.

LWUA administrator Jeci Lapus (pictured below) bats for a Department of Water to facilitate all water-related services in the country.

LWUA, (with their mascot “Tap” on the left) celebrates its 45th anniversary today, Sept. 18, 2018.

Jesi Lapus Photo by Peter Paul Duran

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 advertise@manilastandard.net

HISTORY By virtue of Presidential Decree 198 or “The Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973” by the late President Ferdinand Marcos, the Local Water Utilities Administration was created on May 25, 1973.

More commonly referred to as LWUA, it is a government-owned and controlled corporation with a specialized lending function mandated to promote and oversee the development of water supply in cities and municipalities outside Metro Manila. As the law stipulates, this is to be accomplished by the creation of and partnerships with Water Districts scattered nationwide.

LWUA began its early operation by temporarily holding office at the Infrastructure Operations Center at Camp Aguinaldo. After five months, it was transferred to the fifth floor of the now-demolished Philcomcen Building along Ortigas Avenue.

As the staff grew bigger, LWUA moved its headquarters to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) along Edsa, along with other satellite offices in nearby Greenhills and San Juan. It was not until seven years later, or in 1980, that LWUA was given a permanent home at the MWSS Compound in Old Balara, Quezon City.

The LWUA logo symbolizes a drop of water partitioned by three colors of the Philippine flag: blue, red and white. This corresponds to the three main islands of the archipelago since the agency services the whole country.

SANTIAGO WATER DISTRICT INAUGURATION. LWUA Administrator Jeci Lapus leads the opening of the pipeline during Santiago Water District’s inauguration.

current water-related issues agencies face?

It is, will be near impossible to unify everyone because we are forty, there is really an urgent need. The DA has a small water impounding, the DENR is river basin, there’s LLDA and there is the Pasig River, there is the flood control which is very important because it catches all the rains that we have.

Now we contain it. And just to compare ourselves with Singapore, Singapore is exporting 30% of water from Malaysia, 40% is coming from desalination, and 30% is recycled. So we are composed of 7,600 islands, there’s much water around us. So all we have to do is try to make the best use that we can do for the water and how to conserve, preserve, contain.

What are the roles of the private sector in this proposed plan of actions?

The private sector can practically say that we have the rainwater catchment. They can use the rainwater for the water closet they really use. But again, at least rain is better than the river.They can use for washing, for their bathrooms and everything. So it will minimize now the use of filtered water, purified water, this is, treated water. So it is lesser on the cost. Now, of course, what the public can do is try not to contaminate the rivers they consider it their esteros. Let us not contaminate.

For private establishments naman, well, ang gagawin lang diyan just like in Boracay area, they should have their own septage treatment. So ‘yung wastewater that is derived from the septage should be treated para maging good water when it goes down to the aquifer. Or they recycle their, like the casinos and hotels, they can recycle their septage treatment now, raise water and do it for their water cooler and for the flushing of the toilets.

Actually, the people, you don’t have to tell them to use it because they can save a lot. They will be saving millions of pesos of flushing and water cooler and everything.

What other plans do you have in mind to improve utility services in the Philippines not only water services but as a whole?

The Department of Water will be the solution to all our problems regarding water. Right now, if I say irrigation, then we have to talk about irrigation and the power component of irrigation Industrial Pump Trading & Services with the DOE and then we have to talk to the # 187 Brgy. Dampol, Plaridel, Bulacan farmers for their canal. We have to talk to so many if we don’t have a department. Well, if you have a department on head of the agenWater Well Drilling, cy, there’s only one you have to talk to, at least Submersible Pump and one head to roll, ‘di ba?

Everybody, please help us in the preservaElectromechanical Services tion of our environment especially our rivers. Of course, the aquifer under us will not last long, evTel. No.: 09176815361 Mobile No.: +63917 6232 574 / +63919 3226 024 erybody’s going down. For the better future of Fax No.: (044) 791 4606 Email Address: chris_ngcindustrial@yahoo.com the children, we should have clean water other than clean air.

Ang pressing issues diyan ay number one, ‘yung quality ng water, number two the source of water. You know, we have about 520 water districts and 60% of them are below 3,000 connections and they need more funds to expand.

In this connection, if the Department of Water will be put up, will the particular issue on funding be eliminated?

We do funding (to the local water districts, yes), but again our money is coming from the national government. Or we borrow right now I have a loan with ADB which amounts to P3 billion, but that is just tip of the iceberg because we need 30 billion a year for the next five years to double the connectivities. It will not be totally resolved because no agency has enough money but at least we will have a big elbowroom to work.

Water amid the Build, Build, Build BUILD, BUILD, BUILD, it can be construed as a total concept.

When you say BUILD, BUILD, BUILD siguro for the government, it’s building the road, build the bridge but then again all the other amenities should be there. Especially water and light utilities. Only thing is that we are separate that’s why we cannot precisely unify our activities. They are more focused on the infrastructure. Medyo nakakalimutan kami. Also, we have other agencies that cater to water distribution, which is the DILG. DILG has what you call the ‘Salin-Tubig’ which caters also to the distribution of water. And it’s the local government who institutes and manages. So sometimes there are two authentic water districts, water utilities in a town or in the province. One managed by the LGU and one managed by the water district. So, I had a meeting with Secretary Eduardo Año, he believes, too, that the LGUs should not manage the water utility and soon we will enter an agreement that all water utilities serving level 3 to the household shall be turned over to the water district.

Under your proposed plan, one department will be able to control and manage water, irrigation, sewerage and sanitation for that matter. What main and abrupt solutions do

Industrial Pump Trading & Services # 187 Brgy. Dampol, Plaridel, Bulacan

Water Well Drilling, Submersible Pump and Electromechanical Services Tel. No.: 09176815361 Fax No.: (044) 791 4606

Mobile No.: +63917 6232 574 / +63919 3226 024 Email Address: chris_ngcindustrial@yahoo.com

Tarlac-Sta Rosa Road, Maliwalo, 2300 Tarlac

Tarlac City Water District

Legazpi City Water District

Bitano, Legazpi City 4500, Philippines

ASIN WATER D Mayor Asin Pangasi

ASINGAN Tarlac-Sta Rosa Road, WATER DISTRICT Maliwalo, 2300 Tarlac Mayor`s Blvd.

Asingan, Pangasinan2439 Unit 705 Page 1 Building, Acacia Avenue, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City 4023, Philippines

Legazpi City Water District

Bitano, Legazpi City 4500, Philippines

J. Z. Mercado Ave., Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental 9014

New Public Market Bldg. Brgy. Lalig Tiaong, Quezon 4325

Pampang Road, Bgy. Lourdes North West, Angeles City, Philippines

TERESA WATER DISTRICT Omega Subd., San Gabriel,Pampang Road, Teresa, Rizal Bgy. Lourdes North West, (02)502-3624 Angeles City, Philippines 0917-861-1706 terwd@yahoo.com

TERESA WAT Omega Subd., Teresa (02)502 0917-86 terwd@ya

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 advertise@manilastandard.net LWUA-WD FORUM & AWARDS 2018

WATER DISTRICT AWARDEES OUTSTANDING REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER 1 Baguio PIONEERS IN SEPTAGE (Water Treatment Plants) 1 Baliwag 2 Dumaguete City 3 Isabela City DOH-ACCREDITED LABORATORIES

MESSAGE Greetings!

Our common interest in accelerating the provision and promotion of access to clean, safe, and reliable water supply to every household and establishment in the country is what holds us together.

Over the years, much has been done to achieve this common interest … but a lot more remains to be accomplished. With a steadily growing population and the challenges posed by climate change, pollution, urbanization, and waste management, stakeholders must be able to cope and pool resources to meet the demands head-on.

As the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) celebrates its 45th founding anniversary, we are reminded of our mandate. LWUA shall never cease to promote, develop and finance local water utilities or water districts which are outside the forefront of water and sanitation development in the countryside since its creation in 1973.

Celebrating a significant milestone is indeed an opportunity to be reminded of our Mission. Let us pursue the National Government’s goal of universal access to safe water and sanitation including septage and sewerage in the countryside. We will create more developments in the water districts and other local water utilitiesthat they become well-improved institutions through financial, technical and institutional assistance and regulation. We will strengthen our partnership with other government agencies and institutions. LWUA shall become a more viable, effective and world-class agency.

We speed up our efforts towards water sustainability and efficiency in implementing and overseeing the development of water and sanitation infrastructure in the country today and the succeeding years to come.

We will gear our endeavors with expanded coverage and reliable water service at affordable rates, adequate sanitation, reliable and economically viable WDs, institutionalized good governance in WDs, financial viability and sustainability of LWUA operations, competent delivery of financial, technical and institutional development assistance; and a competent and efficient workforce of dedicated civil servants.

Today, we sail on towards adequate and sustainable safe water and sanitation services in the Philippines. Happy 45th anniversary!

Rogelio B. Luy Chairman, Board of Trustees, LWUA

MESSAGE I feel both honored and humbled to be a part of this milestone in the Local Water Utilities Administration’s long history of public service.

From providing safe water to a few thousand Filipinos almost half a century ago, LWUA now caters to over twenty million of our countrymen in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The journey has been long and fruitful – but the road that lies ahead stretches even longer and poses far more challenges.

The need for reliable, clean water grows everyday – given our ever growing population and its corollary environmental degradation, pollution, and deforestation.

That is why we have to keep up – and even stay ahead of the game. We must continuously improve, upgrade our technical know-how in coming up with water of the highest quality. We must constantly streamline our system and processes in order to deliver on our mandate in the most efficient way possible.

By taking stock in what we have accomplished, let us look to the future with optimism – being guided by our core values of transparency, accountability, and performance.

With this in mind – and with the help of the Almighty – we can do no less than live up to the expectations of millions of households that still await our crucial services.

I extend my sincerest congratulations to the men and women of LWUA -- and my utmost appreciation to all those who have been our partners, both in the public and private sector.

Particularly to the more than five hundred water districts who are our steadfast allies in giving access to potable water to communities all over the country. They are truly deserving of the recognition we are giving them this year with our Most Outstanding Water Districts Awards as we celebrate our landmark anniversary.

We would not be where we are -- and accomplish what we have -- if it hadn’t been for your unflagging trust and support all these years.

May we continue our journey to provide safe, potable and affordable water supply to as many Filipinos in the years to come.

JECI A. LAPUS Acting Administrator

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Metropolitan Tuguegarao Cauayan City Santiago Dagupan Baguio Calamba Angeles City Dasmariñas Metro Lipa Batangas City Bacolod City

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Metropolitan Naga Quezon Metro Metropolitan Cebu Dumaguete City Leyte Metro Butuan City San Francisco Surigao Metro Davao City General Santos City Tagum

23 Metro Kidapawan BIG BROTHER LUZON 1 Metropolitan Tuguegarao 2 Cauayan 3 Metro Bangued 4 Binmaley 5 Dagupan City 6 Mabalacat City 7 Baliwag

8 Balanga 9 Angeles City 10 Sta. Rosa 11 Peñaranda 12 Norzagaray 13 Metro Lipa 14 General Mariano Alvarez 15 Morong (Rizal) 16 Calamba 17 San Pablo City 18 Metro Vigan Turn to D4

D4

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 advertise@manilastandard.net

BICOL- VISAYAS 1 Pili 2 Baao 3 Virac 4 Metropolitan Naga

5 Legazpi City 6 Metro Roxas 7 Silay City 8 La Carlota City 9 Metropolitan Cebu

10 Borongan 11 Catbalogan 12 Calbayog City 13 Carcar 14 Bayawan

3 Manolo Fortich 4 Tandag City 5 Valencia City 6 Surigao Metro 7 Gingoog City

MINDANAO 1 Butuan City 2 San Francisco (Agusan del Sur)

Bundok Drilling Services Corporation is the only Philippine based specialist manufacturer of water well drilling equipment. We manufacture a variety of drilling rigs to suit your requirements and have a broad customer base ranging from Government Departments, Mining Companies and Private Drilling Contractors. All our rigs are built with industry leading components and manufactured to precise standards.

We also stock Mud Pumps, Compressors, Drill Rods, Drill Bits and various other consumables.

8 General Santos City 9 Davao City 10 Surallah 11 Mati 12 Digos

13 Sultan Kudarat 14 Zamboanga City 15 Isabela City 16 Wao 17 Polanco

18 Pagadian City 19 Metro Kidapawan

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE Lowest NRW Highest Collection Efficiency Highest Current Ratio Lowest Operating Ratio

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Kabacan Pres. M.A. Roxas (Zamboanga del Norte) Placer Carmona

LUZON Baliwag Norzagaray Ramos Claveria (Cagayan)

BICOL/VISAYAS Pili & Carcar Victorias City Bacacay

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Butuan City Pili & Carcar Ramos Claveria (Cagayan)

OUTSTANDING WATER DISTRICTS Per Category: Category A Category B Category C Category D National: Category A Category B Category C Category D

OVER-ALL MOST OUTSTANDING WATER DISTRICT:

Ramos

Staff Box Rolando Estabillo Publisher Anita Grefal OIC-Operations and Sales Baldwin Felipe Advertising Solutions Head and Supplement Proponent Paula Marie Reynoso Supplements Head

DW400Tr

DW100T

A deep hole/large diameter water well drilling rig suitable for water wells up to 20” diameter and 400m deep. The rig can be mounted on a choice of truck or crawler track carriers.

A trailer mounted drilling rig fitted with numerous options not normally available on such a compact machine.This rig is suitable for 6 ½” drill holes to 100m or larger diameter to a shallower depth.

BUNDOK DRILLING SERVICES CORPORATION 175 Visayas Avenue, Brgy. Gavino Maderan, Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Cavite 4117, Philippines T: +63-46-972-2001 │ M: +63-917-512-7998 │ E: annabel.villanueva@bundokdrilling.com W: www.bundokdrilling.com

Riera Mallari Editor Peter Paul Duran Writer Advertising Support Group Sheila Suarez Joan Velasco Eric Jutic Edelyn Elamparo Romel J. Mendez Design

Acknowledgement Jeci A. Lapus LWUA Acting Administrator LWUA Public Affairs Department LWUA Water District Development Department LWUA-WD Forum & Awards Committee 2018

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

MINDANAO Butuan City Dipolog City Kabacan Surallah