Manila Standard - 2018 September 28 - Friday

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THIS TIME, ADDICTS BLAMED FOR RICE CRISIS

By Nat Mariano and Othel V. Campos

bilitation centers were to blame for the country’s rice crisis.

“Now, many are in the rehabilitation [centers] that’s why we have rice PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on crisis. These deranged people started Thursday said the growing popula- eating [rice],” Duterte said in a jest in a tion of drug addicts confined in reha- speech in Malacañang.

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Bangko Sentral ups borrowing rates 50 points BUSINESS B1

VOL. XXXII • NO. 225 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

NUCLEARCAPABLE BOMBERS.

Washington’s B-52 bombers participated Wednesday in transit operations in the disputed South China Sea and East China Sea amid heightened tensions with Beijing over trade tariffs, with the United States rejecting at the same time China’s territorial claims in the strategic waterway.

NZ fur seal slaps kayaker

PH top concern: Taming inflation A

SIZABLE majority of Filipinos want the Duterte administration to immediately address the soaring prices of commodities, an independent pollster said Thursday.

The latest Pulse Asia survey, conducted from Sept. 1 to 7, showed that controlling inflation was the top concern of 63 percent of the respondents.

The concern about the increasing prices in basic goods was highest in Balance Luzon at 66 percent, followed by the

W E L L I N G TO N — A remarkable footage of the moment a New Zealand fur seal slaps a stunned kayaker in the face with an octopus has gone viral.

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National Capital Region and Mindanao both at 65 percent, while it was 53 percent in the Visayas.

“The issue on inflation is the predominant opinion in all geographic areas and socio-economic classes. Meanwhile, half of Filipinos consider the need to increase the pay of workers as an urgent national concern–a sentiment expressed by majorities in Metro Manila (55 percent), the Visayas (59 percent), and Class ABC (52 percent), Pulse Asia said.

The Palace on Thursday assured the

‘‘

—President Rodrigo Duterte

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PDEA’s No. 2 man sacked over shabu

By Rio N. Araja, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has axed deputy director general for administration Ismael Fajardo Jr. for his alleged involvement in the smuggling of P6.8

Anong kasalanan ko? Nagnakaw ba ako ni piso? Ang kasalanan ko lang ’yung extrajudicial killings.

(What is my sin?

Did I steal even just one peso?

My only sin is the extrajudicial killings.)

public that President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration has taken necessary measures to curb the rising prices of basic goods.

“We recognize that price increases [are] a problem, but we assure the people that our President is not sleeping. This government is a bold and concerned government,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a Palace press briefing Thursday.

Roque reiterated that the issuance of four orders would curb the rising prices by removing administrative constraints and non-tariff barriers in the importation of agricultural products and ensuring efficient delivery of agricultural goods and price stability.

“We are confident that the effects of

billion worth of shabu.

Derrick Carreon, chief of the PDEA public information office, confirmed Fajardo’s relief Thursday, saying the order had come down on Sept. 13.

Carreon said Fajardo attended a hearing Thursday at the House of Representatives about the P6.8-billion shipment of shabu.

“Right now, director Fajardo is in a hearing in his personal capacity [for] having certain knowledge on the case. He is not there to speak for PDEA,” he said.

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SolGen threatens to sue Trillanes over amnesty

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta SOLICITOR General Jose Calida on Thursday threatened to file a libel complaint against Senator Antonio Trillanes, for accusing him of stealing his amnesty application to justify the revocation of the amnesty granted him by the Aquino administration in 2011.

The chief state lawyer said it was record custodian Lt. Col. Thea Joan N. Andrade, chief of the discipline, Law and Order Division of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (J1) who issued a certification that there was no available copy of Trillanes’ application for amnesty in the records.

Calida said Trillanes’ accusation has no basis because he never entered the offices of the J1 or the Personnel Division of the AFP at Next page Camp Aguinaldo.

US bombers fly over South China Sea WA S H I N G TON―US B-52 bombers have recently conducted transit operations in the South China Sea and East China Sea, the Pentagon said Wednesday, amid the soaring tensions with Beijing over trade tariffs.

Late Tuesday the heavy bombers

“participated in a regularly scheduled, combined operation in the East China Sea,” Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said.

A defense official said the nuclearcapable aircraft were escorted by Japanese fighters and the flight was part of the Pentagon’s “continuous bomber presence” in the region.

Earlier in the week, B-52s flew through “international airspace over

the South China Sea,” Eastburn said.

China has claimed large swaths of the strategic waterway and built up a series of islands and maritime features, turning them into military facilities.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims to the region, and an international maritime tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s claims have no legal basis.

SOUTH CHINA SEA

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FM Jr. opposes use of damaged ballots in poll protest THE camp of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Thursday it would oppose the Presidential Electoral Tribunal’s use of decrypted ballot images and the tribunal’s insistence on reverting to electronically generated election returns in the ongoing election protest over the alleged massive cheating in the 2016 vice presidential polls in Camarines.

In a message to the Philippine News Agency, Marcos’ spokesman, lawyer Victor Rodriguez, said the decrypted ballot images represented a significant number of ballots that had been damaged and were clearly compromised and could not reflect the true outcome of the polls.

Rodriguez said the returns should not be used because “it is a product of the automated election system the product of which is precisely what we are questioning.”

He added they would welcome any move by the PET, motu proprio (on its Next page

WEATHER

Storm brewing over Mindanao

By Rio N. Araja ANOTHER low-pressure area could become a tropical cyclone and enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday or Tuesday, the weather bureau said Thursday.

Gener Quitlong, a forecaster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Next page

A2

News

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Abu Sayyaf regrouping, but gov‘t vows to crush them THE Duterte administration is ready to face the threats of kidnapping for ransom by the Abu Sayyaf Group, the Palace said Thursday, following reports members have been regrouping to conduct cross-border kidnappings in Mindanao.

After nearly two years of being on the run, the ASG steps again its business of kidnapping for ransom as some of the group’s sub-commanders have regrouped. The Star, a Malaysian newspaper, reported the group posed fresh threats in the east coast of Sabah.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the government was prepared to meet the possible trouble brought by the known kidnap-for-ransom group.

“Well, I can only say that we are ready to face the threat of the Abu Sayyaf.

They need to regroup because we already have pulverized them,” Roque told a Palace press briefing Thursday.

“And you can expect that even if they do all sorts of recruitment, our government can easily crush them,” he said.

The report said the sub-commanders Indang Susukan and Hatib Sawadjan, still alive, were plotting to conduct a cross-border kidnapping, claiming they have received finances from political figures in Mindanao who oppose the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Nat Mariano

Military info to expose ‘Red October’ plotters M

By Nat Mariano

ALACAÑANG said Thursday it expects the military to share intelligence information with the National Bureau of Investigation as the agency has started probing the alleged “Red October” plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.

“If the military has intel information [about the plot], we hope that they share it with the NBI for us to know who needs to be punished,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque told reporters.

Ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Thursday rejected an allegation by the military that her supporters were part of a “broad” coalition eyeing Duterte’s removal from office next month through a plot dubbed “Red October.”

Military officials over the weekend claimed that communist rebels were

leading a coalition that would urge workers’ unions to mount strikes and paralyze the manufacturing industry.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines will never participate in political actions aimed against duly-constituted authorities, its spokesman said Thursday.

“We will never allow ourselves in the ranks of the active service to take direct or indirect participation in any political action against the duly-constituted authorities,” Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army has always

been trying to topple the government since 1968, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said when asked to comment on the CPP-NPA claims that the “Red October” ouster plot was only a fiction invented by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Their plot to oust the President is true. They are now denying it because it has been revealed,” Lorenzana said on Wednesday.

“Our troops captured documents in November 2016 after their plenum in Northern Mindanao. The peace talks with them was ongoing during this period but the CPP-NPA were not confident it would last.

They started to fully implement the plan called OUST DUTERTE in February 2017 after the President canceled the peace talks.”

President Duterte on Wednesday said he was unsure if the peace talks with the CPP-NPA would resume any time soon, admitting that he was “not ready” to talk to them yet. With PNA

SIX SUSPECTS.

National Bureau of Investigation Deputy Directors Vicente de Guzman and Ferdinand Lavin present the firearms and explosives seized in a farm in Teresa, Rizal. NBI agents arrested six individuals—Lily Ong, Bi LIan Ke, Sam Jany, Brandy Solinap, Victor dela Cruz and Diosdado Caberte.

Norman Cruz

‘Ompong’ deaths in the Cordilleras climb to 110; 25 still missing THE death toll in the Cordilleras, lashed this month by powerful Typhoon ‘‘Ompong,’’ has climbed up to 110, with 25 people still missing, according to the Cordillera Risk Reduction and Management Council on Thursday.

The confirmation coincided with the announcement by the Office of Civil Defense that it was already impossible to retrieve lives from underneath the rubble of a landslide that struck Barangay Ucab in Itogon, Benguet.

Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Secretary Francis Tolentino agreed and called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development to step in.

In Ucab, the number of confirmed dead reached 64 while 16 people remained missing.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday called on the Department of Education to prioritize their repair of 7,000 schools destroyed by Ompong.

He issued the call after the DepEd revealed some 7,007 schools in regions affected by Ompong, including the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Metro Manila, sustained damage totaling at least P2.65 billion. Macon Ramos-Araneta

This time,...

From A1

The presidential quip came a day after his spokesman, Harry Roque, blamed outgoing National Food Authority chief Jason Aquino for “singlehandedly” aggravating inflation with the rice crisis during his stewardship of the agency.

“Maybe next time, when there’s another crisis, you distribute shabu [to them] for the others to eat, so we can save rice for the others, especially the innocent and the good ones,” said Duterte, receiving laughs from government workers and officials.

He then said the drug addicts, caught under the administration’s crackdown on drugs, were thin as most of them did not eat.

“They’re thin, most of them are thin.

You can see them on TV. Shabu is the only thing they eat, nothing else,” said Duterte.

“You know why they’re thin? Because they do not eat. And they keep on grinding their teeth just like when someone’s in a dream. So, when your son does that, it’s a red flag,” Duterte said, mimicking the mannerism of drug users.

The President made the remarks as he administered the oath-taking of the new Career Executive Service Officers, the conferment ceremony of the 2017 Gawad Career Executive Services, and the 2018 Outstanding Government Workers Awards rites.

PH...

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these measures will be felt in the markets,” said Roque.

“You can see that the entire economic team is active with the Department of Agriculture and other departments to solve this price increases,” said Roque.

“Right now, the foremost priority of the administration is fighting inflation. So, everything is sidelined now.”

The Palace also welcomed the results of the same survey indicating the government’s high approval ratings in fighting criminality (83 percent), protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (75 percent), responding to the needs of areas hit by calamities (74 percent), fighting graft and corruption (71 percent), enforcing the law on everyone (69 percent), and ensuring peace in the

PDEA‘s No. 2 man...

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Fajardo was a former PDEA chief for the National Capital Region.

During Thursday’s House hearing, PDEA chief Aaron Aquino said he had relieved Fajardo and ordered a lifestyle check on him for his suspected involvement in the smuggling of shabu.

On Aug. 11, PDEA agents seized four magnetic lifters in a warehouse in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite. Aquino said the empty magnetic lifters could have contained a ton of shabu worth P6.8 billion that had already made its way to the streets. He said K9 dogs detected the traces of shabu, but Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña maintained the absence of illegal drugs.

At Thursday’s joint hearing of the committees on dangerous drugs and good government, resigned intelligence officer Jimmy Guban of the Bureau of Customs was cited for contempt for failing to give truthful statements before the panel.

The committees, headed by Representatives Robert Ace Barbers of Surigano del Norte and Jesus Romualdo of Camiguin, said Guban will be held at the House of Representatives after he has served his time in the Senate, where he was detained for disrespecting the senators.

Guban earlier said he and Fajardo have known each other for a long time, as they were classmates at the Philippine College of Criminology and worked together in drug bust operations.

The former BoC intelligence officer has been implicated in the smuggling of a shabu shipment after he admitted to receiving money from dismissed policeman Eduardo Acierto.

Acierto allegedly directed Guban to find a consignee for the shabu shipment.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, member of the House dangerous drugs

country (69 percent).

Pulse Asia interviewed 1,800 registered voters . The survey has a + 2 percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level. Subnational estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following error margins at 95 percent confidence level: +6 percent for Metro Manila, +3 percent for Balance Luzon, and +5 percent for each of Visayas and Mindanao.

The country’s biggest workers’ organization, Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines criticized Duterte’s Cabinet officials for failing to control prices and increase the pay of workers.

ALU-TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay said it was clear that the people are not satisfied with the Cabinet officials performance as shown in the survey released

by Pulse Asia..

“Cabinet officials are not making any

committee, moved to cite Guban in contempt for “not telling the truth in his testimony.”

Barbers said his panel decided to hold Guban in contempt Guban for being disrespectful to members of the committees and for failing to answer questions properly.

“Because of your non-cooperation in these two committee, having uttered conflicting statements, we will ask you to stay in the room prepared by the House of Representatives for resource persons who are cited in contempt after your extended stay in the Senate,” Barbers told Guban.

Barbers said Guban was inconsistent in his answers just like he was at the Senate investigation held earlier.

Earlier, the Senate Blue Ribbon committee cited Guban in contempt for failing to give truthful statements during the panel’s own investigation into the shabu smuggling incident.

“If the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee releases Mr. Guban, he will have an extended stay in the confines of the House of Representatives and he will enjoy as well the contempt being issued by these committees,” Barbers added.

Blue Ribbon committee chairman Senator Richard J. Gordon on Thursday called on the Bureau of Customs to fortify its arsenal as the war on drug smuggling has entered a new level.

Gordon’s committee resumed its investigation into the P4.3 billion worth of shabu from two magnetic lifters inside an abandoned container van at the Manila International Container Port and the suspected P6.8 billion of shabu removed from four similar lifters in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite.

The senator said they were able to establish that the empty magnetic lifters delivered to the CRS Compound warehouse in Cavite contained illegal drugs.

Gordon also said the war on drugs has taken a different tone, not only here but throughout the whole world.

significant impact in the lives of workers and their families towards genuine change that President Duterte promised to us. Cabinet officials need to level up and perform better than the usual… if they want the Duterte administration to succeed in the hearts and minds of the people,” he said.

Tanjusay said the average buying power of minimum wage workers fell to only P200 a day due to insignificant wage adjustments by the regional wage boards and incredible increases in the prices of commodities and services.

“Cabinet officials lacked preparedness in addressing problems created by the implementation of comprehensive tax reform package under TRAIN 1 [Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion]. There is no government safety net to mitigate the impact of rising inflation especially to the working poor,” Tanjusay said.

FM Jr...

From A1

own), to clarify its earlier resolution on the controversy over its recent resolution on the threshold controversy.

“As far as we are concerned, it is the body of the resolution in its entirety, which should be controlling and not one mere phrase,” Rodriguez said.

He noted the PET had clearly set out why it adopted the 50-percent shading threshold after the Commission on Elections only belatedly informed the PET that as a policy they counted votes with as at least 25-percent shading.

He also criticized the preemptive acts of opposing counsel in claiming the resolution was in their favor.

In a 21-page decision dated Sept.

18, the PET, through Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, partially granted the motion filed by the camp of Vice President Leni Robredo asking to set aside its earlier decision upholding the 50-percent threshold over the 25-percent threshold, which she said was used by the Comelec during the 2016 elections. PNA

SolGen...

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“Unless Mr. Trillanes expresses his sincere apology for calling me a thief, I shall be constrained to file a criminal case for libel plus damages against him,” Calida said in a statement.

Trillanes said he would not apologize to Calida.

“He is in no position to demand anything. He knows the truth, the whole Philippines knows at this point the truth. Whatever he plans to do, I expect the worse out of him so he can do whatever he wants,” Trillanes said.

Earlier, Trillanes earlier claimed that Calida “stole” his amnesty application, citing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s statement to the media that Calida had requested the document.

On Thursday, Calida again pointed out that the revocation of the senator’s amnesty was based on his failure to comply with the two minimum requirements: A formal application for amnesty and an admission of guilt for the crimes he committed.

“If we follow the convoluted logic of Mr. Trillanes, he’s saying that he did not commit the crimes that were covered by the amnesty. If that is what he really means, then he has no need for amnesty because when one applies for amnesty he must expressly admit his guilt to the crimes he committed,” Calida said.

Trillanes earlier asked the military why it allowed Calida to take his documents from their custody.

“I am calling on the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense, particularly AFP’s J1. They knew that I applied. They knew that I have the documents. Why did they allow Mr. Calida to take it and lose it?” the senator said.

Trillanes on Thursday met with some members of the Magdalo group that had staged two attempts to oust then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, GMA News reported. No details of the meeting were available, however.

US bombers...

From A1

Eastburn said the flights were part of “regularly scheduled operations.”

The United States rejects China’s territorial claims and routinely says the military will “continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows at times and places of our choosing.”

Washington this week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports.

China has reacted angrily, and this week scrapped a US warship’s planned port visit to Hong Kong and canceled a meeting between the head of the Chinese navy and his American counterpart.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he was not concerned the US transit flights would increase tensions with China.

“If it was 20 years ago and they have not militarized those features there, it would have just been another bomber on its way to Diego Garcia or whatever,” he told Pentagon reporters, referring to the US military base in the Indian Ocean.

“So there’s nothing out of the ordinary about it, nor about our ships sailing through there.”

The Pentagon chief went on to say there is no “fundamental shift in anything.”

“We’re just going through one of those periodic points where we’ve got to learn to manage our differences,” he said. AFP

NZ fur...

From A1

Kyle Mulinder was paddling off the South Island town of Kaikoura over the weekend when he inadvertently became entangled in a battle between a bull seal and the octopus it wanted for lunch.

As the seal tried to finish off the unfortunate cephalopod, shaking its jaws vigorously, Mulinder copped an eightlegged slap in the kisser.

Mulinder’s companion Taiyo Masuda was testing out a new GoPro camera at the time and captured the entire incident.

“One seal swims right next to us, having an octopus in his mouth, pops right up of the surface next to us, then tries to chew up the leg but ended up slapping our face,” Masuda told AFP. AFP

Storm...

From A1

Administration, said the LPA was spotted 3,225 kilometers east of Mindanao or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

“It is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone to enter the country by Monday or Tuesday,” he told the Manila Standard.

Once it enters the PAR it will be named “Queenie,” Quitlong said.

But he said the LPA was still too far to make a forecast necessary.

Meanwhile, typhoon “Paeng” remained quasi-stationary while maintaining its strength.

Quitlong said Paeng would not make landfall and would exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday.

News

A3

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace backs Sotto bill on minimum age of liability

34 Chinese illegally working in Pasay nabbed IMMIGRATION authorities arrested 34 Chinese nationals who were illegally working in a construction site in Pasay City.

The arrest of foreign workers is part of the continuing drive of the bureau against undocumented and illegal aliens in the country who have been staying and working in the country without proper documents and working permit.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente has repeatedly warned immigrants to apply for needed documents to legalize their stay in the country.

The 34 Chinese were caught working in a construction that was being built at the SM Mall of Asia complex.

Vito Barcelo

By Nat Mariano THE Palace on Thursday said it backs the proposal of Senate President Vicente Sotto III to lower the minimum age of criminal liability to 13 years old.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Sotto’s bill is consistent with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to lower the minimum age to help curb criminality in the country.

“The President stands firm that the Pangilinan Act is wrong. The age of criminal responsibility must be lowered down,” Roque said in a radio interview.

Roque explained that minor offenders will be taken under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for detention in youth care facilities.

“So, the reformation of the youth continues, they will not be jailed.

But that’s because they will be under the custody of the people who can take care of them better,” said Roque, pointing out that it’s the parents’ fault for not guiding their children properly.

“If they are only being cared for properly by their parents, then they [minors] will not commit crimes,” said Roque.

On Monday, Sotto filed Senate Bill 2026, seeking to lower the age of criminal liability from the current 15 years old to 13.

“This bill will finally give clarity to the true intention of the law. The amendment to the law will institutionalize the criminal liability of teenagers who committed a serious criminal offense,” he said in a statement.

Sotto presented viral videos of minors committing crimes as he filed the said bill.

Blogger Olivar in trouble over suicide video DREW Olivar’s controversial videos once again landed him in hot water after mental health advocates slammed the Pro-Duterte blogger for encouraging student-activists to commit suicide.

Youth for Mental Health Coalition chairman Dr. Raymond John Naguit called out Olivar’s old vlog for encouraging student-activists of the University of the Philippines to just “hang themselves” from the school’s symbolic Oblation statue.

On Tuesday, Naguit took to social media, saying Oliver’s remarks “leaves a bad taste in the mouth” for those who lost friends and loved ones due to suicide and depression.

The Y4MH chairman noted that mental health advocacy groups put efforts to fight the stigma and promote responsible means of reporting cases of mental health.

“It is just to demand that we give the topics suicide and self-harm the appropriate seriousness and society that they deserve,” he said.

Naguit mentioned Olivar’s involvement in a series of controversies including the lewd federalism dance video, an illegal bomb scare post, and a video mocking the persons with disabilities and sign language.

Even with a public apology, the Philippine National Police said Olivar still faces a complaint for inciting a possible bombing incident in the country.

The Department of Justice, however, did not accept the National Capital Region Police Office’s complaint due to lack of evidence. Nat Mariano

Probe ordered vs recruiter of NAIA building workers JAPANESE DESTROYER. Japan Maritime Self Defense Force vessel Murasame-class destroyer JS Akebono (DD-108), arrived

on Thursday at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila for a three-day goodwill visit to the Philippines. The Japanese delegation is headed by the commander of JMSDF’s escort division 5, Capt. Josuke Nakamura. DD-108 has about 200 officers and crew onboard and two embarked SH-60K patrol helicopters. Norman Cruz

Okada asks PSE to probe Asiabest Group’s disclosures

By Rey E. Requejo

C

ASINO mogul Kazuo Okada on Thursday asked the Philippine Stock Exchange to thoroughly investigate Asiabest Group International Inc. for its misleading disclosures, in connection with the share purchase agreement that it entered into with Tiger Resort Asia Ltd. In a letter to the PSE dated Sept. 21, 2018, Okada told the stock exchange that ABG’s supposed comprehensive corporate disclosures was “suspect and outright evasive” as it failed to bring up the tycoon’s pending intra-corporate lawsuit against Tiger Asia as part of his efforts to regain his interest in the company “Listed firms, like ABG, are mandated to fully disclose the details surrounding share purchase transactions,” said Okada lawyers, Attys. Ramon S. Esguerra, Carlos Paulo M. Villaruz and Vivian S. Tan-Dela Cruz.

The lawyers said the inclusion of Okada’s complaint in the disclosure would have an effect on the trading/ market value of ABG’s securities. Also, the lawyers insisted that pending cases

should be included in stock exchange’s disclosures to warn the public about the possibility that the agreement could be nullified.

On Aug. 29, 2018, Okada filed an intra-corporate lawsuit at the Parañaque Regional Trial Court against Tiger Asia, owner of Tiger Resort Leisure & Entertainment, Inc., and their respective directors and officers.

In his lawsuit, Okada asked the court to nullify his illegal removal in June 2017 as a shareholder and director of TRLEI and immediately reinstate him to his old post.

Okada also questioned the authority of Tiger Asia to enter into such an agreement. Okada said that he would never agree to such share purchase

transaction, as it would be disadvantageous to Tiger Asia.

Under the share purchase scheme, ABG will sell 200-million shares to Tiger Asia, worth P646.6 million in a special block sale that may happen this coming November.

PSE is primarily responsible for conducting investigations involving suspected violations of the securities law and its rules.

Okada, the driving force behind the construction of the multi-billion peso Okada Manila, an integrated hotel/resort/casino, has been thrown to the public eye last year when he was illegally removed as a director of Okada Holdings Ltd. Okada Holdings controls 68 percent of Universal Entertainment Corp., which in turn owns 99.99 percent of Tiger Asia. Recently, Okada successfully regained control of Okada Holdings Ltd. Okada’s lawyers also disclosed that they have information that the true owner of ABG is a Filipino-Chinese businessman, considered one of the top 10 wealthiest people in the country. Okada said he will unmask the businessman in due time and in the proper forum.

House okays GMA bill on VMMC charter

By Maricel V. Cruz A PANEL in the House of Representatives has approved a substituted bill authored by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, which provides the Veterans Memorial Medical Center with “a juridical or corporate personality.”

The House committee on ways and means approved the substituted bill to House Bill 1240, as Arroyo calls for the immediate enactment of the bill for the welfare of not only Filipino veterans and military retirees who served the country, but also their dependents.

“Recognizing the invaluable sacrifices and services of our veterans and military retirees, it is only imperative that a medical facility dedicated to serve their and their dependents’ medical needs must be stable, viable, and provided with ample resources to ensure that they receive quality medical

and health services,” Arroyo said in the bill’s explanatory notes.

The bill proposes to establish the VMMC as a prime state hospital and to preserve the hospital’s viability and existence.

In the explanatory note, Arroyo also acknowledged that the VMMC has played a key role in history, like no other hospital in the country.

“The VMMC is one of the landmark institutions dedicated to honor the bravery and nationalism of Filipino soldiers. It is one of the historical institutions that remind us of the patriotism of our soldiers, [who are] ready to fight and defend our sovereignty,” Speaker Arroyo said.

Arroyo also said that the hospital’s service for several notable political leaders, including former presidents Sergio Osmeña and Carlos P. Garcia. The late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. was also admitted and confined at the VMMC when he went ino a hunger strike

during the martial law regime.

She also cited what she described as “outstanding” services provided by the VMMC. “The Veterans Hospital has emerged as one of the leading state hospitals in the Philippines, equipped with excellent facilities and competent staffing.”

Under the measure, the VMMC shall be treated in a manner consistent with its institutional mission to serve the veterans and shall be autonomous in the exercise of its jurisdiction to be able to execute more flexible operations.

The VMMC’s objectives include undertaking scientific research for public dissemination on the various aspects of health disorders and abnormalities, promoting trainings for hospital employees on practical and scientific conduct, implementation and delivery of health services, and extending medical outreach programs to the general public.

STL sales bolster PCSO’s charity fund PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Alexander Balutan on Thursday said that revenues from the Small Town Lottery have registered the highest in August in monthly collections so far totaling P2.5 billion.

Balutan said that at present, the PCSO has 85 operational Authorized STL Agents nationwide.

“Of the P2.5-billion STL sales, P58,647,466 came from ASAs at the National Capital Region [NCR]; P909,906,154.95 from the Northern and Central Luzon; P540,144,261.75 from Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region; P547,376,618.22 from Visayas; and P484,198,299.48 from Mindanao,” branch operations sector assistant general manager Remeliza Gabuyo said.

STL is a regular game by PCSO au-

thorized by the national government through Section 1 of Republic Act 1169.

Balutan said the ASAs are corporations or cooperatives duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or with the Cooperative Development Authority, respectively, that applied, been duly qualified and expressly authorized by the PCSO to conduct STL in a particular area.

For the first semester of 2018, PCSO has approved 13 more STL agents. The list of newly awarded Authorized Agent Corporations include the Mountain View Games of Chance Corporation both for Provinces of Kalinga and Apayao; Red Carpet Gaming Corporation of Province of Siquijor; Zamboanga Amusement and Recreational Incorporated of Province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

AUTHORITIES are investigating the case of some 200 building attendants of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport who lost P740,000 to a recruiter who duped them by promising high-paying jobs in New Zealand.

The employees sought the help of the Manila International Airport Authority, the operator of the country’s main gateway, hoping that they would recover their money which they deposited to Medz Remittance Services.

In their complaint, they claimed that each of them paid P3,700 for passport processing and medical expenses to a certain Mayan Louise, who promised them good jobs in New Zealand.

Joel E. Zurbano

New law divides Isabela into six legislative districts PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law reapportioning the province of Isabela into six legislative districts.

The Republic Act. No. 11080, approved by the President on Thursday, divided Isabela into six districts to “commence in the next national and local elections” after the Act’s effectivity. The divided six districts are the following: First Legislative District—Ilagan City, Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Divilacan, Maconacon, Tumauini, Sta. Maria, and Sto. Tomas.

Second Legislative District—Benito Soliven, Palanan, Naguilian, Reina Mercedes, San Mariano, and Gamu Third Legislative District—Alicia, Cabanatuan, San Mateo, Ramon, and Angadanan Fourth Legislative District—Santiago City, Cordon, Dinapigue, San Agustin, and Jones Fifth Legislative District Aurora, Burgos, Luna, Mallig, Quezon, Quirino, Roxas, and San Manuel; and Sixth Legislative District—Cauayan City, Echague, San Guillermo, and San Isidro Nat Mariano

Lawmaker hails Du30’s abolition of state firm PDA A PALACE ally on Thursday lauded Malacañang for stepping up its drive to stamp out official corruption and save on multibillion-peso subsidies squandered on nonperforming assets with its abolition of deadwood state firms like the Partido Development Administration.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte praised President Duterte for displaying anew the strong political will in getting rid of the PDA, in the same way that he had fired an increasing number of top government executives who have been implicated in anomalies in their respective agencies or state-run corporations.

“Malacañang should go ahead in abolishing or merging other non-performing assets in the government so that the billions of pesos in public funds that go to these government-owned and -controlled corporations [GOCCs] every year could be better spent on priority programs like President Duterte’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ initiative,” Villafuerte, vice chairman of the House committee on local government, and appropriations, said.

DOLE revokes deployment ban in Micronesia

PROBING DPWH. Senator Manny Pacquiao and Senator Richard Gordon are seen examining some documents before fielding questions to former DPWH secretary Rogelio Singson (left) during a Senate inquiry with regards to the faults in the system in the DPWH, if any, resulting to the misuse of government funds for its road rightof -way project covered by alleged spurious land titles in General Santos City in the hearing held at the Senate Session Hall. Sonny Espiritu

THE Department of Labor and Employment on Thursday lifted the ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to the Federated States of Micronesia, but deployment ban to Libya remains.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that the governing board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration is set to approve a resolution imposing a total deployment ban to Libya.

Bello said POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 5-A, series of 2018 lifted the deployment ban in Micronesia upon the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Vito Barcelo

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Opinion

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rice and forecasts

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

The case of rice should be instructive. Being our basic staple, it has CROSSROADS figured in many of the causes of any administration’s fall from grace for as JONATHAN long as one can remember. Previously, DE LA CRUZ lack of supply due to slower agricultural production was the main culprit.

THAT the Asian Development Bank When the National Food Authority has lowered its growth forecast for (NFA) was created by then President the Philippines for the next two years Marcos in the 1970s, it became emcame as no surprise. We were half ex- broiled in the problem. Originally pecting that not only from the ADB established to assure the country of but from some other institutions which buffer stock and ensure availability of in recent weeks have been busy catch- rice at survival prices, the actions of ing up with the rise and fall of the the NFA have been embedded with the price and supply of our basic staple annual debates on rice and food secu—rice—and the Bangko Sentral’s ad- rity up to this day. It has also become justments to ensure that the exchange the barometer for the public standing rate of the peso versus the dollar stays of any administration. In fact, this agency has had a number of predeceswithin bounds.

In its 2018 Update Report, Kelly sors and have had to change names Bird, ADB’s Country Director for every so often to set it apart from the the Philippines, blamed “slower ag- sins of the past.

In 1960, thenricultural output, candidate Dioslower net exdado Macapagal ports as imports lambasted the surge and higher incumbent Presiinflation”as conThis staple dent Carlos Garcia spiring to downhas become the for the scandals grade the counabounding at the try’s growth in the barometer for the then NAMARface of a volatile public standing of any CO which was global economic administration. charged with isenvironment. By suing permits and its reckoning, financing for rice ADB said that the and corn trading. country will grow by only 6.4 percent for 2018 lower He won. Then, in the 1965 elections, than its earlier forecast of 6.8 percent. then-candidate Ferdinand Marcos did By 2019, the rate would hover around the same thing to the sitting President 6.7 percent against an earlier projec- Macapagal with his National Grains Authority (NGA) and went on to win. tion of 6.9 percent.

To be fair, Bird noted that despite He even got re-elected. Then, due to this downgrade, the country’s eco- the problems at the rice and corn tradnomic fundamentals remain strong ing agency, immediately after the dechighlighted by an increase in invest- laration of martial law, the NFA was ments and public spending with the established with a vaster and more imroll out of the administration’s Build, proved mandate. And so we are back Build, Build centerpiece development to the same problem of rice and its availability with the same results—a platform.

Of course, what Bird did not say black eye on the administration.

Then President Cory Aquino lost was the breakdown of the higher inflation rate. Contrary to the voodoo her goodwill not only because she economics of the opposition and their was the “Queen of Darkness”—due allies, the spike in inflation can be at- to the brownouts caused by the untributed primarily to higher prices of due haste with which she dismantled rice, gasoline and other basic necessi- the country’s energy program and its ties such as fish and vegetables as well infrastructure and ceded the same to as power and water. Rice accounts for the private sector at the expense of roughly 30 percent of the consumer consumers—but also because of the price index while gasoline and trans- agrarian reform, agricultural producport should register 10-15 percent. The tivity and food security issues essenprices of these items are more likely to tially centered on rice.

Cory’s successor, Fidel Ramos, was be on the upswing unless government steadies up its own counter measures no better. Under FVR, people had to Turn to A5 to keep things within bounds.

T

Major inflation driver

HE National Food Authority clearly failed to live up to its mandate. For that, its chief should be held accountable for surging rice prices and the spike in the overall inflation rate.

The late President Ferdinand Marcos created the NFA (then known as the National Grains Authority) on Sept. 26, 1972 as the agency responsible for ensuring the food security of the Philippines and the stability of supply and price of rice, the country’s staple grain. The NFA, in just two years of the Duterte administration, did the opposite.

Malacañang the other day blamed outgoing NFA administrator Jason Aquino for “singlehandedly” aggravating inflation with the rice crisis during his watch, which in turn led to the decline in President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval and trust ratings.

The NFA is tasked with managing the country’s rice

inventory and stabilizing food prices, especially rice.

It should have the feel of the market, know when to buy or import rice from other countries, and anticipate a surplus or a deficit in supply based on farm output from the preceding quarters and weather conditions.

The NFA and its chief executive obviously did not do their job. The NFA warehouses were virtually empty in recent months, resulting in the surge in rice prices. The agency was also slow to respond to the situation—it did not immediately issue a call for imports.

The shortage in rice supply was the main reason for the inflation rate surging to a nineyear high of 6.4 percent in Au-

gust. Lower rice production and the decreased output of the overall agriculture sector, meanwhile, are making a dent on the economy.

The Asian Development Bank just downgraded its economic growth outlook for the Philippines this year and next amid the slower agricultural output, higher inflation and global monetary tightening.

The ADB now sees the Philippine economy expanding 6.4 percent this year, down from an earlier estimate of 6.8 percent, and 6.7 percent in 2019 from the previous projection of 6.9 percent.

The agriculture sector is now the weakest link in the economy. That is ironic, considering that the Philippines is still an agriculture-based economy, with 26 percent of the population depending on it for livelihood.

Investing in PH much higher than the 21.3 percent average share of investments to GDP for the past 16 semesters.

Of the major components of investments, fixed capital, which mainly consists of construction and durable equipFINANCE Secretary Carlos ment, grew by 14.8 percent compared Dominguez says despite the restrained to 10.4 percent in the same period in growth performance during the second 2017. This is a substantial increase quarter (when economic growth dived from the 12.4-percent average growth to just 6 percent), the Philippine econo- for the last 16 semesters. my remains one of the fastest-growing Foreign direct investments soared by in Asia.

142.9 percent in May this year, rising to “This growth $1.6 billion from is increasingly $677 million in fueled by investthe same month ments,” points out in 2017. From We still have muchthe leader of PresJanuary to May ident Duterte’s untapped potential this year, foreign economic team. in terms of economic direct investment The team has net inflows grew growth. been under fire by 49 percent lately for apparent to $4.8 billion failure to contain compared to the inflation and the $3.3 billion posted runaway rise in prices of rice, corn, for the same period last year. sugar, meat, vegetables, and gasoline.

Per NEDA data, total net Foreign DiThe 10-year high August 2018 infla- rect Investments in 2016 was $8.3 biltion of 6.4 percent is seen as a failure of lion, rising to $10 billion in 2017, and economic governance despite Duterte’s $5.8 billion in the first half of 2018. vaunted political will. Not coincidenEconomic Planning Secretary Ertally, amid the decade-high inflation, nesto Pernia says the Philippines still the President’s job approval ratings has much-untapped potential in terms have fallen by double digits. of economic growth.

As a share of Gross Domestic Prod“Our economy has been on a strong uct (GDP), capital formation, a com- footing, growing by an average of prehensive measure of investment, rose 6.4 percent in the last eight years, the to 27.4 percent during the first half of strongest since the mid-1970s.

2018 compared to the 25.4 percent durIn 2017, real GDP grew by 6.7 ing the same period in 2017. This is Turn to A5

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

The end of plastic: Eco-fashion becomes catwalk reality

By Olga Nedbaeva and Fiachra Gibbons IT MAY have been a long time coming, but eco-fashion is no longer a hippie pipe dream.

Biker jackets made from pineapple leaves and leather tanned with olive extract rather than hugely polluting chemicals are now within reach, experts say.

Everyone from young avant garde designers to the big-name brands are

racing to hop on the bandwagon, with trainers with soles made from recycled plastic bottles already selling by the million.

Last year alone Adidas sold one million of its Parley trainers—made from plastic fished from the ocean—and the German sportswear giant is ramping up production of a range of similarly recycled styles.

And on Wednesday Yolanda Zobel, the new designer at the futuristic French brand Courreges, did the “un-

thinkable” and declared that she was doing away with the space-age vinyl that has been the label’s stock and trade since the 1960s.

After a final numbered capsule collection called “Fin de Plastique” (The End of Plastic) that will count down its stocks of vinyl, the German will try to source sustainable or recycled versions of the shiny fabric.

“There’s no better world coming if we don’t take actions today,” Zobel said.

Turn to A5

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Opinion

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

South Korea’s quiet #MeToo trailblazer embraces tough fight

By Jung Hawon THE woman who started South Korea’s #MeToo movement has a shy demeanor and a whispery voice, but Seo Ji-hyun’s actions have had a resounding impact on the lives of her countrywomen.

A prosecutor in Seoul, Seo was repeatedly groped by a senior colleague at the funeral of another co-worker’s father. After she complained, she suffered years of career setbacks in an institution that is traditionalist even by the South’s conservative standards.

Finally she went public with a tearful live television interview in January, her voice trembling as she defied convention to detail her experiences.

An unprecedented move in a society where patriarchal values remain deeply ingrained despite economic and technological advances, Seo’s courage opened the floodgates.

Countless South Korean women have since come forward to accuse powerful figures in the arts, education, politics and religion of rape and other sexual misconduct.

The disgraced figures include a former presidential contender, a top film director who has swept awards worldwide, actors well known across Asia and a widely respected poet regularly nominated for the Nobel Prize for literature.

Her professional role had made her situation even more humiliating, Seo, 45, told AFP in a rare foreign media interview.

“It felt so shameful that as a prosecutor whose job is to seek justice, I could not even speak out about this criminal act,” she said.

“I couldn’t bear it any more. When I decided to speak out on TV—which amounts to social suicide—I was ready to resign and become a recluse for the rest of my life.”

‘Society’s fault’ Seo’s story exemplifies the plight of many South Korean women—well-educated and hardworking yet discriminated against and mistreated by their employers—as well as their frustration at the slow pace of social change.

Investing...

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percent, from the previous year’s 6.9 percent.

“Such performance was within our growth targets of 6 percent-7 percent for 2016 and 6.5 percent-7.5 percent for 2017,” Pernia says.

For the first half of 2018, the economy grew at a respectable 6.3 percent, slower than the 6.6 percent in the first half of the previous year. “This is due to prudent and judicious policy decisions for the environment, made by the government for long term, sustainable, and resilient development,” explains Pernia.

Compared with its neighbors in Asia, the Philippines followed India (8 percent), Vietnam (7.1 percent) and China (6.8 percent), and was ahead of Indonesia (5.2 percent), Thailand (4.8 percent), Malaysia (4.9 percent), and Singapore (4.2 percent).

Pernia says “the economy is also undergoing structural transformation.

Growth is increasingly being driven by investments vis-à-vis consumption on the demand side, and by the industry sector—manufacturing, in particular —relative to the service sector on the supply side. In other words, the sources of economic growth have broadened and diversified.”

Moreover, the economy’s total factor

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Attitudes to eco-fashion have “totally changed in the last few years,” said Marina Coutelan, who helps run Premiere Vision, a hugely influential twice-yearly trade fair in Paris where the movers and shakers of the fashion industry flock in search of new materials and ideas.

Millennials driving change With the millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000) now beginning to call the shots in the fashion industry, “we are seeing lots of trendy products from sustainable materials because they have grown up with the idea that we need to be eco-responsible,” Coutelan told AFP. A case in point are rising stars Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh, the

Even though South Korean women generally outscore men at school and in the entry-level job market, the country consistently ranks at the bottom of OECD surveys on gender pay gaps or female presence in senior positions.

Many women have experienced workplace sexual harassment, but those who speak out are often castigated for “causing a stir,” marginalized, and sometimes fired.

Seo’s case showed that even an elite prosecutor was no exception.

She regularly faced verbal or physical harassment by bosses or male colleagues after joining the prosecution agency in 2004, she said.

After the groping at the funeral, Seo consulted senior prosecutors who promised to persuade the man she accused, Ahn Tae-geun, to apologize personally.

The apology never came. Instead, Seo was reprimanded and reassigned to a relatively junior position in distant Tongyeong, a small town on the country’s south coast, despite having previously received ministerial awards for her performance.

Suspecting Ahn might be behind the move, she lodged a series of formal complaints, only to be scolded for rattling the agency, a deeply hierarchical organization where loyalty is highly valued.

Women account for 30 percent of prosecutors but occupy only eight percent of senior positions at the agency, and a government survey this year showed 70 percent of female prosecutors had reported experiencing sexual harassment or abuse.

Most stayed silent because they feared professional setbacks.

More widely, a survey by the Korea Women Workers’ Association showed nearly 65 percent of women who complained about workplace harassment suffered damage to their careers.

It took Seo—who is married with one son—eight years to muster the bravery to go public.

Afterwards, she said, “many women thanked me, saying they took courage from my move because my case made

them realize that it was not their fault that they could not dare to speak out after being abused—it was society’s fault.”

‘Hefty price’ Seo’s television interview triggered an outpouring of support for her as well as a deluge of accusations by other women.

Ahn—who was separately fired for corruption last year—could not be charged with sex abuse because the one-year statute of limitations had expired. However he was indicted for abuse of power, accused of using his position to pressure senior prosecutors to reassign Seo to a junior position in revenge.

He denies the sexual abuse accusations, maintaining he was too drunk to remember what happened at the 2010 funeral, and a verdict in his closely watched trial is expected later this year.

But some of those who followed in Seo’s wake have faced a legal backlash, their alleged abusers countering with lawsuits in a country where libel is a criminal offense and the truth not necessarily a defense.

In other cases, victims have been shamed for coming forward and subjected to vicious personal attacks.

Former presidential contender Ahn Hee-jung was acquitted last month of repeatedly raping a female aide with the court saying she had not shown “victim-like” behavior because she had not quit the job.

One of the politician’s male aides was recently caught posting more than 1,000 anonymous online diatribes against the woman.

Seo has not been exempt from paying what she describes as “a hefty price for speaking out.”

She has been on sick leave since the television interview and does not expect ever to return to the prosecutor’s office.

“But I don’t regret what I did,” she said. “The long history of blaming, shaming and muzzling victims of sex abuse—instead of perpetrators— should stop here, now.” AFP

productivity (TFP) has risen sharply, close to 3 percent, now the highest in Asean.

Pernia explains these three points, namely—consistently high growth, structural transformation, and high TFP—suggest that economic development is sustainable and capable of creating quality or more gainful jobs.

“Investment spending or capital formation accelerated by 16.4 percent in the first semester of 2018—a silver lining amid above-target inflation over the last few months,” Pernia says.

Manufacturing resurgence is likely to continue as foreign investors are recognizing the potential of the Philippines as a manufacturing hub.

More than a third (35.5 percent) of actual foreign net equity investments in 2017, and almost half in the first five months of 2018 went to manufacturing, from only 13 percent in 2016.

The International Monetary Fund projects the Philippines to remain one of the best-performing economies in the region in 2018 and 2019. The IMF projects the economy to grow by 6.7 percent in 2018, next to India projected to grow by 7.3 percent. ADB has lowered 2018 Philippine GDP growth to 6.4 percent, down from 6.8 percent previously forecast.

Global sentiment also remains upbeat relative to 2017. In its July 2018 out-

look update, the IMF forecasts global growth to pick up to 3.9 percent in 2018 and 2019, from 3.7 percent in 2017.

The Philippines has one of the youngest populations in Asia with a median age of 24.1 in 2015, well below the world’s (29.6), Asian (30.3), and Southeast Asian (28.5) (median age based on the UN report on World Population Prospects 2017).

Compared with its Asian peers, the Philippines has yet to enter its demographic dividend window. In terms of dependency, the Philippines had the highest ratio in Southeast Asia in 2015 at 58.2 percent. However, the ratio is expected to decline in the next few years as the working age population steadily grows, and will be lower than Singapore and Thailand by 2035.

The Philippines is expected to be the last major Asian economy to benefit from the demographic dividend window between the years 2025 to 2070.

If not properly addressed, Pernia says we would need to wait until at least 2050 to benefit from the demographic dividend, or possibly even miss it altogether. For this reason, we need to fully implement the RPRH Law that includes the family planning program and investment in the youth’s human capital.

Dutch pair who have just been headhunted to take over the Nina Ricci Paris fashion house.

“Sustainable fashion was always talked about,” said 28-year-old Herrebrugh. “Now it is something we can see.”

Their own Botter brand makes hats, scarves and jackets from recycled plastic bags and bottles often found in the sea—a cause dear to Botter, who was born on the Caribbean island of Curacao.

High street chains may still be obsessed with fast, throwaway fashion, but luxury brands are leading the way in trying to rethink the business, said Coutelan.

She points to the French giant Kering, which owns Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen among others, as one of the pioneers of

sustainability.

Second biggest polluter “It has reduced its environmental impact by a quarter and hopes to cut it by 40 percent by 2025,” she said.

Even so, fashion is still by some measures the second most polluting industry the world.

Kering until recently owned a 50-percent stake in Stella McCartney, the label that has pushed the ethical and environmental envelope the furthest, refusing to use fur, leather or feathers.

The British designer uses recycled wool and polyester made from plastic water bottles, and intends to stop using “virgin” nylon entirely within two years and new polyester by 2025.

Invitations for her Paris fashion week show on Monday proclaim that “Green is the new black” and feature a new cartoon where she stars with Minnie The

biznewasia@gmail.com

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The currency reflects economic character needs outside investors to develop its technology, a country often lacks the savings to exploit its investment opportunities. Foreigners lend it money ERIC JURADO or purchase shares in its companies so it can build roads, bridges, railroads, AS I write this, the Philippine peso has subways, or erect factories. The investfallen to P54.25 against the US dollar. ments make the country wealthier, genWhat’s driving the lower exchange erating wages and profits to repay the foreign investor. If a country’s assets rate?

Pesos, dollars, euros, and yen swing are in big demand, its currency will about with all the purpose and excite- remain strong, preventing the current ment of a toddler in a toy store. Yet account deficit from correcting itself.

If its assets are not in big demand, its there is a method to their madness.

In the long term, the most important currency will fall.

While inflation, productivity, and driver of the exchange rate is inflation.

A country that persistently runs higher savings behavior determine a curreninflation than its trading partners will cy’s behavior in the long term, lots of see its currency fall as its purchasing things push it around in the short term.

First are interest rates. Countries power declines. As far as I can remember, Philippine inflation has always with higher interest rates attract foreign been higher than the US’, and so, it investors who buy its bonds hoping to should be no surprise that the peso de- earn those higher rates, creating declines against the dollar. In the 1970s mand for the currency. Lower rates do and 1980s, Britain’s inflation was high- the opposite. This doesn’t work though er than Germany’s, and so the British if interest rates are higher only because pound declined against the deutsche of inflation. It’s the real interest rate mark, the currency Germany used until (the nominal interest rate minus inflation) that matters. it adopted the euro Second are ecoin 2002. nomic prospects.

Now, suppose When a country’s Britain and GerGreed and fear, economic outlook many both export improves, its insimilar cars, but among others, affect vestment opportheir prices rise the exchange rate. tunities look more five percent a year attractive and its in Britain because central bank raisof higher inflation es interest rates to and just two perstave off inflation. cent in Germany.

Customers will buy fewer British and Both those things attract foreign invesmore German cars. Demand will de- tors, bolstering the currency.

And third is greed and fear. Currencline for the British pound and rise for the deutsche mark. Eventually, the cies are a real time indicator of how the pound will fall enough to make British world feels about a country, and those feelings can change quite suddenly, cars as cheap as German cars again.

A related driver of currencies is from overconfidence to panic. When productivity. Suppose Filipino work- the country or the world looks like a ers and managers find a way to make more dangerous place, because of a more “widgets” with the same number president’s behavior, war, or financial of workers. They would soon be able to meltdown, the political and economic sell them more cheaply than their for- stability of countries such as the US eign competitors. Filipino exporters’ and Switzerland are particularly apsales would rise, earning them more pealing and their currencies become dollars, euros, yen, and whatever. As safe havens. A country with a rockthey exchange those currencies for pe- solid currency can see it plummet if sos to pay their workers and sharehold- foreign investors suddenly lose confiers, the peso would rise. Eventually, its dence in it.

There are a lot of great theories beincrease would cancel out the cost advantages those exporters had achieved hind currency movements, but economists who study them have found that through higher productivity.

These examples show that between in the short term, the average person, two countries, the one with the higher economist, and political leader are betproductivity growth and lower infla- ter off flipping coins. People persist in tion should have the stronger currency. trying, though: The foreign exchange Another related driver of currencies market is the biggest and deepest on the is savings. As of June 2018, the Philip- planet and the only one that truly trades pines recorded a current account deficit around the clock.

The bottom line: In the long term, of $824 million. This means that the inflation, productivity, and savings are country paid foreigners more for imports, interest, and dividends than it the main drivers of a currency. In the received from them. To finance such short term, interest rates, economic as deficit, a country has to either bor- growth, and greed and fear dominate. row or sell some assets, such as stocks, A stable monetary policy is essential bonds, companies, buildings, or land for the control of inflation, efficient to foreigners, with the result that the allocation of investment, and achievecountry’s foreign debt mounts. There’s ment of economic stability. nothing wrong with a current account eric.jurado@gmail.com deficit. Just as a start-up company FROM WHERE I STAND

Rice...

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line up for their daily rice buy, if available at ‘survival’ prices and with a three-kilo limit. The problem was the running battles between and among the Department of Agriculture (DA), NFA and the private sector. Then as now, the DA under Secretary Roberto Sebastian wanted to import just 300,000 metric tons while the NFA Council wanted to import 700,000 tons. The same happened during the Estrada, MacapagalArroyo and Noynoy administrations.

Minx in a story extolling the virtues of regenerated cashmere.

McCartney told AFP that she would like to go faster but “the technology we need to reach this point is not yet available in a sustainable and circular way.”

Campaigners say there are multiple ways to make sustainable clothes. The highly rated young French designer Marine Serre is an often brilliant upcycler—turning old bed covers into evening gowns in her latest Paris fashion week show Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Marie-Eve Lecavalier has made a name for herself with leather knitwear made from leftover ends rejected by luxury brands.

“It takes a lot of work but the result is great. In North America people waste so much. We have to find another way,” she told AFP. With tanning one of the world’s dirti-

In the latter’s case, while they were able to hold off a lot of scare as they flooded the markets with imported rice, the last straw was when security forces shot at people calling for the opening of the NFA warehouse in Kidapawan City so they could get their daily buy. People were killed and the administration got hammered for incompetence and insensitivity.

Given the impact and sensitivity of the rice issue it will be unfortunate if President Duterte and his crew fail to respond to the cries of the masses for rice, not unli, but sufficient and reasonably priced. est trades, leather alternatives like Pinatex, which is made from the fibres of pineapple leaves but is equally supple and strong, are gaining ground.

Hugo Boss has already made trainers and Lancel bags from the material, which is being marketed by the British firm Ananas Anam that works with farmers’ cooperatives in the Philippines.

The German group Wet Green has developed a potentially revolutionary line called Olivenleder, biodegradable leathers tanned with an agent made from olive fibers. It is so safe “you can even eat it,” joked spokesman Thomas Lamparter.

For Chantal Malingrey, of Premiere Vision, wholly sustainable fashion “is not yet the norm”. But such is the pace of innovation, she insisted, that the trend is “irreversible.” AFP

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Sec. 2. Where to File case the local government unit petitioned for inclusion is a barangay or a ,city or a municipality” the initiating petitioner shall file the petition with the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) where such petitioner is a registered voter. In the case ,of a province, the initiating petitioner shall file the petition with the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor (OPES) of the province having jurisdiction over the city or municipality where such petitioner is a registered voter. ‘ “

Reoublic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTION Manila RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CONDUCT OF THE PLEBISCITE TO RATIFY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11054 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “ORGANIC LAW FOR THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO x--------------------------------------x

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

Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner

RESOLUTION NO. The Commission on Elections (Comelec), by virtue of the powers vested in it by the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, the Omnibus Election Code, Republic Acts No:- - 6646, 10756, 11054, and other election laws, RESOLVED to promulgate, as it hereby promulgates, the following “Rules and Regulations Governing the Conduct of the Plebiscite to Ratify Republic Act No. 11054 Otherwise Known As the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao”.

Article I GENERAL PROVISIONS Section 1. Title. - These Rules shall be known and cited as the “Rules and Regulations Governing the Conduct of the Plebiscite to Ratify Republic Act No. 11054 Otherwise Known As the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao”.

Upon receipt of the petition, the Election Officer (EO) concerned shall immediately submit a report to the committee on Bangsamoro Plebiscite (CBOP) established under Comelec Minute Resolution , No. 18-0625 dated August 01, 2018, through the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Operations (ODEDO), stating the name of the initiating petitioner, the local government unit, being petitioned for inclusion, the local government unit claimed to be contiguous to and the number of active registered voters in the barangay or city or municipality, or province as the case, may be.

Section 18, paragraph 2, Article X of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, provides:

a) b)

the name, address, age, gender and signature, of the initiating petitioner. In case the initiating petitioner is an illiterate, a thulmbmark will suffice, provided that the fact of illiteracy appears in petitioner’s registration records; the name, address, age, gender and signature of each supporting petitioners. in case the supporting petitionter is an illiterate, a thumbmark will suffice, provided that the fact of illiteracy appears in petitioners`

c) The barangay, municipality, city, legislative district and province to which the initiating and supporting petitioners belong;

That, based on the result of the latest Election Registration Board (ERB) hearing in the local government unit petitioned for inclusion, the initiating and supporting petitioners constitute at least ten (10%) percent of the registered voters thereat;

Sec. 2. Decoration of policy. - The plebiscite to ratify the “Organic Law for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao” is a non-partisan political activity.

f)

That the initiating ‘and supporting petitioners’ registration records are all on active status as of the date of the filing of the petition;

Sec. 3. Territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. - The territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autnomous Region, subject to the plebiscite shall be composed of:

g)

That the initiating petitioner commits that the supporting petitioners will, during the confirmation and affirmation period provided herein, appear before the Office of the Election Officer concerned to confirm their signatures, or thumbmarks in the case of illiterate voters, and to affirm that the initiating petitioner explained to them the purpose of the petition, and that they have read and understood the petition;

h)

That the initiating petitioner explained to the supporting petitioners the purpose of the petition before the supporting petitioners signed the petition, or imprinted their thumbmarks in the case of illiterate voters;

The political entity established under the “Bangsamora Organic Law” known as the “Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao” shall be referred to as the “Bangsamoro Autonomous Regian”.

(a) The present geographical area known as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao created under Republic Act No. 6734, as amended by Republic Act No. 9054; (b) The municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte;

4) 5) 6)

(d) The City of Cotabato; (e) The City of Isabela in the province of Basilan; and (f)

Subject to the approval of Comelec, all other contiguous areas where: (a) the loca l government unit thereof, by way of a resolution, asked for inclusion in the plebiscite; or (b) at least ten percent (10) of the registered voters in the local government unit, by way of a petition, asked for inclusion in the plebiscite.

Sec. 4. Date and places covered by the plebiscite. - The plebiscite shall be held on January 21, 2019, in the following places: a)

The present geographical area of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao;

b)

Isabela City in the province of Basilan;

c)

Cotabato City;

d)

The province of Lanao del Norte, except lIigan City;

e)

The municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit, and Pigkawayan in the Province of North Cotabato; and

f)

Subject to the approval of Comelec, all other areas contiguous to any of the areas described mentioned in Items a), b, c), d) and e) hereof, where: (a) the local government of such area, by way of a resolution, asked for inclusion in the plebiscite; or (b) at least ten percent (10) of the registered voters in a local government unit, by way of a petition, asked for inClusion in the plebiscite.

Sec. 5. Plebiscite and campaign periods. - The plebiscite period shall commence on December 07, 2018, and end on February 05, 2019.

The campaign period shall commence on December 07, 2018, and end at midnight of January 19, 2019.

Campaign shall not be allowed on the eve of plebiscite day (January 20, 2019), and on plebiscite day (January 21, 2019).

ARTICLE II PEIITION BY A LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT FOR VOLUNTARY INCLUSION IN THE JANUARY 21, 2019 PLEBISCITE Sec. 1. Who may file. - Any local government that is contiguous to any of the area described in Section 2, (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e), of Article III, of the “Bangsamoro Organic Law”, may file a petition for voluntary inclusion in the January 21, 2019 plebiscite to ratify said law.

Sec. 2. Form and content. - The petition must be in the form of a Sangguniang Resolution issued by the petitioning local government unit, approved by at least a majority of the Members thereof, bears the official seal of said local government unit, and prepared in nine (9) legible copies.

The petition shall state, among others: (1) the specific area(s) described in Section 2, (a), (b), (c) (d) and (e), Article III, of the “Bangsamaro Organic Law” to which the petitioning local government unit claims to be contiguous to; (2) the reason(s) for such claim; and (3) that there is no pending boundary dispute involving the petitioning local government unit; Sec. 3. Documents to Support the petition. - In addition to the petition, the following documents shall be submitted: a) Original or certified true copy of a map showing the territorial boundaries of the petitioning local government unit, and the local government unit to which it is contiguous to; and b)

c)

Original or certified true copy of a Certification from the Sangguniang Bayan/ Sangguniang Panlungsod of the petitioning local government unit, that there is no pending boundary dispute involving the petitioning local government unit; and Original or certified true copy of a Certification from the appropriate Sangguniang Panlalawigan that there is no boundary dispute involving the petitioning local government unit.

Sec. 4. When to file. - The petition shall be filed not later than one (1) month from the effectivity of this Resolution Sec. 5. Where to file. - The petition shall be filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Comelec.

Sec. 6. How to file. - fhe petitioning local government unit through its Head or through a representative duly authorized for the purpose by an Ordinance of the Sanggunian of the petitioning local government unit shall personally file the petition.

Petitions filed through mail and/or not in accordance with these rules shall not be accepted or docketed. However, the Resolution/ Petition may be re-filed in accordance with these Rules on or before the lapse of the period provided in Section 4 of this Article.

The Clerk of the Comelec shall docket the case as EM (PLB) immediately upon determination of sufficiency of payment of filing fees and compliance with the jurisdictional requirements.

Sec. 7. Filing fee. - A filing of fee of Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00) and a legal research fee of One Hundred Pesos (Phpl00.00) shall be charged for the filing of the Petition. The filing fees shall be in the form of cash or postal money order and tendered to the Cash Division, Commission on Elections, Manila.

No petition shall be given due course by the Comelec unless the required filing fee have been paid.

Sec. 8. Notice of hearing. - Upon the filing of the petition, the Comelec en banc shall immediately set it for hearing and shall send notices to the petitioning local government unit. Notices shall also be sent to,: (1) the local government unit identified by the petitioning local government unit as contiguous to it; (2) the local government unit that has jurisdiction over the petitioning local government unit; (2) the local government units that issued the certifications mentioned in Section 3, Items (b) and (c) of this Article; Sec. 9. Publication of petition and notice of hearing. - On the day following the receipt of the Notice of Hearing, the petitioning local government unit shall cause the publication of the petition, together with the notice of hearing, in a newspaper of general circulation in the petitioning local government unit, the local government units that issued the certifications mentioned in Section 2, Items (b) and (c) hereof, as well as in the local government unit identified by the petitioning !ocal government unit as contiguous to it; Sec. 10. Opposition; time to file - Any interested party may file a verified petition to the petition on or before the date of the hearing.

Sec. 11. Summary proceedings. - The petition shall be heard summarily.

Sec. 12. Decision. - The Comelec shall decide the petition within fifteen (15) days from the time it was submitted for resolution, but not later than the last working day of October 2018.

ARTICLE III PETITION BY AT LEAST TEN PERCENT (10%) OF THE REGISTERED VOTERS IN A LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT FOR VOLUNTARY INCLUSION IN THE JANUARY 21, 2019 PLEBISCITE Sec. 1. Who may initiate. - Any registered voter of a local government unit that is contiguous to any of the area described in Section 1 (a), (b), (c) (d) and (e). Article III, of the “Bangsamoro Organic Law”, may initiate the filing of a petition for the voluntary inclusion of the local government unit where such voter is registered, in the manner provided herein. Provided, that the petition is supported by at least ten (10%) percent of the registered voters in that local government unit.

The registered voter mentioned in this Section shall be referred to as the “initiating

“Section 18. x x x.

“The creation of the autonomous region shall be effective when approved by majority of the votes cast by the constituent units in a plebiscite called for the purpose provided that only provinces, cities, and geographic areas voting favorably in such plebiscite shall be included in the autonomous region.”

Section 3, Article XV, of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, states: “Sec. 3. Results of the Plebiscite. -

e)

2) 3)

ARTICLE VI PLEBISCITE QUESTIONS

Sec, 4. Form of the petition and contents. - The petition shall be in writing and under oath, prepared in nine (9) legible copies, and contain the following:

For brevity, the - “Organic Low for the Bongsamoro Autanomaus Regian in Muslim Mindanao” shall be referred to as the “Bangsamaro Organic Law”.

Dunguan, Lower Mingading, and Tapodoc in the municipality of Aleosan (3); Manarapan and Nasapian in the municipality of Carmen (2); Nanga-an, Simbuhay, and Sanggadong in the municipality of Kabacan (3); Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kapinpilan, Kudarangan, Central Labas, Malingao, Mudseng, Nabalawag, Olandang, Sambulawan, and Tugal in the municipality of Midsayap (12); Lower Bagaer, Balacayon, Buricain, Datu Binasing, Kadingilan, Matilac, Patot, and Lower Pangangkalan in the municipality of Pigkawayanl (8); Bagoinged, Balatican, S. Balong, S. Balongis, Batulawan, Buliok, Gokotan, Kabasalan, Lagunde, Macabual, and Macasendeg in the munipality of Pikit (11).

Sec. 2. How to file. - The group, association or organization mentioned in Section 1 hereof may file a petition for accreditation pursuant to the Comelec Rules of Procedure.

Sec. 1. Guides in the formulation of the questions to be asked of the voters during the plebiscite. - The plebiscite questions in the succeeding Sections were formulated taking into consideration the provisions of Section 18, paragraph 2, Article X, of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines as well as Section 3, Article XV of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

That the initiating and supporting petitioner(s) are registered voters of the local government unit petitioned for inclusion in the January 21, 2019 plebiscite;

1)

Sec. 1. Who may be accredited as citizens’ arms. - Any bona-fide non-partisan group, association or organization from the civic, youth, professional, eductional, business or labors sectors with identified leadership, membership and structure, and with demonstrated capacity to promote public interest and assist the Comelec in the performance of its functions and activities as mandated by the Constitution and by law, may be accredited as citizens’ arms of the Comelec.

Sec. 3 How to File, The initiating petitioner shall personally file the petition, and sign the petition before the EO concerned in case the local government unit petitioned for inclusion is a city or municipality. In case the local government unit petitoned for inclusion is a province, the initiating petitioner shall file and, petition, and sign the petition before the Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) concerned.

d)

(c) The following thirty-nine (39) barangays in the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan, and Pikit in the province of North Cotabato:

ARTICLE V ACCREDITATION OF CITIZENS’ ARMS OF THE COMELEC FOR THE PLEBISCITE

The names, addresses, ages, genders and signatures or thumbmarks of the supporting petitioners shall be indicated on signature sheets in the form prescribed by the Comelec, arrange by barangay, city or municipality. Each page of the signature sheet shall also indicate the name of the local government unit petitioned to be included in the January 21, 2019 plebiscite, a brief narration of the reasons and justifications for the filing of the petition, and the barangay, municipality or city, and legislative district to which each of the petitioners belong.

Sec. 5. Authority to administer oath. - The EO or PES concerned is hereby authorized to administer the oath of the initiating petitioner, free of charge.

Sec. 6. Filing Fee. - A filing of fee of Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00), and a legal research fee of One Hundred Pesos (Php100.00) shall be charged for the filing of the petition. The filing fee shall be tendered to the EO or PES concerned payable to the Cash Division, Comelec on Elections, Manila, in the form of manager’s check or postal money order. The EO or PES concerned shall immediately remit the same to the Cash Division.

No petition shall be given due course by the Comelec unless the required filing fee has been paid.

Sec. 7. Documents to support the petition. - In addition to the petition, the following documents shall be submitted: a)

Original or certified true copy of a map showing the territorial boundaries of the local government unit being petitioned, and the local government unit to which it is contiguous to; and

b)

Original or certified true copy of a Certification from the Sangguniang Bayan/ Sangguniang Panlungsod of the local government unit being petitioned, that tlhere is no pending boundary dispute involving the said local government unit; and

c)

Original or certified true copy of a Certification from the appropriate Sangguniang Panlalawigan that there is no boundary dispute involving the local government unit being petitioned for inclusion.

(a) The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be established and all the provinces and cities of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao created under Republic Act No. 6734, as amended by Republic Act No. 9054, shall form part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region if the majority of the votes cast in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao shall be in favor of the approval of this Organic Law: Provided, That the provinces and cities of the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao shall vote as one geographical area; (b) Any of the municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the Province of Lanao del Norte that votes favorably for its inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall form part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region: Provided, That the majority of the votes cast in the province of Lanao del Norte shall be in favor of the inclusion of the municipality in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; (c) Any of the barangays in the municipalities of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigcawayan, Pikit, and Midsayap as enumerated in paragraph (c),Section 1 of this Article that votes favorably for its inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region: Provided, That the majority of the votes cast in the municipality to which the barangay belongs shall be in favor of the inclusion of the barangay in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; (d) The City of Cotobato shall form part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region if the majority of the votes cast in the city shall be in favor of its inclusion; (e) The City of Isabela in the Province of Basilan shall form part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region if the majority of the votes cast in the city shall be in favor of the inclusion of the City of Isabela in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region: Provided, That the majority of the votes cast in the Province of Basilan shall be in favor of the inclusion of the City of Isabela in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. (f)

Any other contiguous area where there is a resolution of the local government unit of a petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the registered voters in the local government unit asking for its inclusion at least two (2) months prior to the conduct of the ratification of this Organic Law shall form part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region if the majority of the votes cast in the political units directly affected shall be in favor of the inclusion of the petitioning local government unit in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.”

Sec. 2. Plebiscite question for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, except Basilan Province. - The plebiscite question for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is: ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE APPROVAL OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11054 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ‘ORGANIC LAW FOR THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO’?

Sec. 3. Plebiscite questions for the municipalities of Basilan. - The plebiscite questions for any of the municipalities of Basilan Province are: 1.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE APPROVAL OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11054 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “ORGANIC LAW FOR THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION”?

2.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF ISABELA CITY, BASILAN, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

Sec. 8. Notice of schedule of confirmation and affirmation - Within three (3) days from receipt of the petition, the EO shall determine the schedule of the confirmation and affirmation period, and issue the Notice of the schedule, have the copy of the Notice personally served to the initiating petitioner, and posted on the bulletin board of the OEO and of the city hall or municipal hall.

Sec. 4. Plebiscite question for Isabela City, Basilan. - The plebiscite question for Isabela City in Basilan is:

In case the local government unit being petitioned is a province, the PES shall, within three (3) days from receipt of the petition, and in consultation with the EOs concerned, determine the schedule of the confirmation and affirmation period, and issue the Notice of the schedule, Upon determination of the schedule, have the copy of the Notice personally served to the initiating petitioner, and posted on the bulletin board of the OPES and of the provincial capitol, and direct all EOs in the province to post the Notice of Confirmation and Affirmation Schedule on the bulletin boards of their respective offices and ofthe city or municipal hall.

Sec. 5. Plebiscite questions for each municipality in Lanao del Norte. - Six questions will be asked of the voters in each municipality in Lanao del Norte. These are:

In all cases, the period for the confirmation and affirmation shall be scheduled not earlier than three (3) days from issuance of notice, and shall be conducted for a period not exceeding five (5) days.

Sec. 9. Procedure for confirmation and affirmation. - The confirmation and affirmation shall be done at the OEO concerned, during regular office hours.

The supporting petitioner shall appear before the EO to confirm his signature in the petition, and affirm that the initiating petitioner explained to him the purpose of the petition and that he has read and understood the said petition.

The EO shall establish the identity of the person presenting to be a supporting petitioner through the supporting petitioner’s photograph, signature contained in the Voter Registration System of the municipality or city, then proceed to determine whether the supporting petitioner is a registered voter of the city or municipality, and if so, determine the voter registration status of the supporting petitioner.

If the EO is satisfied that the person presenting himself is really the supporting petitioner, and a registered voter in the city or municipality with an active registration status, the EO shall ask the supporting petitioner to confirm his signature in the petition, and affirm that the initiating petitioner explained to him the purpose of the petition and that he has read and understood the said petition, and then sign in the appropriate space provided in the signature sheet indicating the date and time of confirmation and affirmation. The EO shall ratify the fact of confirmation and affirmation by signing in the appropriate space in the signature sheet indicating the date and time of ratification.

The same procedure shall be followed in the case of the other supporting petitioners.

At the end of the confirmation and affirmation period, or when all supporting petitioners have appeared before the EO, whichever comes first, the EO shall terminate the confirmation and affirmation, and proceed to count the total number of petitioners registered in the city/municipality with active registration records that confirmed having signed the petition and affirmed that the initiating petitioner explained to them the purpose of the petition, and that they have read and understood the petition, then determine whether the total number of supporting petitioners that confirmed and affirmed the petition constitutes at least ten percent (10%) of the registered voter in the city or municipality.

Sec. 10. Certification that petitioners constitute at least ten (10%) percent of the registered voters of the local government unit being petitioned for inclusion. - Within two (2) days from the termination of the confirmation and affirmation, the EO shall issue a Certification as to whether or not the total number of petitioners registered in the city/ municipality with active registration records that confirmed having signed the petition and affirmed that the initiating petitioner explained the purpose of the petition and that they have read and understood the petition, constitutes at least ten (10%) percent of the registered voters of the local government unit being petitioned.

The EO shall submit the Certification, together with the eight (8) copies of the petition and the signature sheets, to the Clerk of the Comelec, within two (2) days from issuance of the Certification.

In case the local government unit being petitioned for inclusion is a province, the EO shall, within two (2) days from termination of the confirmation and affirmation, submit the Certification to the PES concerned. In turn the PES shall, within two (2) days from receipt of the Certifications coming from all EOs under his supervision, issue a Certification as whether or not the total number of petitioners registered in the province with active registration records that confirmed having signed the petition and affirmed that the initiating petitioner explained the purpose of the petition and that they have read and understood the petition, constitutes at least ten percent (10%) of the registered voters of the province.

The PES shall submit his Certification, and that of the Certifications submitted by the EOs under his jurisdiction, together with eight (8) copies of the petition and signature sheets, to the Clerk of the Comelec

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF ISABELA CITY IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

1.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BALO-I, LANAO DEL NORTE, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

2.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MUNAI, LANAO DEL NORTE, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

3.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF NUNUNGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

4.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF PANTAR, LANAO DEL NORTE, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

5.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF MUNICIPALITY OF TAGOLOAN, LANAO DEL NORTE, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

6.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF TANGKAL. LANAO DEL NORTE, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

Sec. 6. Plebiscite questions for the six (6) municipalities of North Cotabato. - (a) For any of the barangays of Aleosan, North Cotabato: 1.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY DUNGUAN, ALEOSAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

2. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY LOWER MINGADING, ALEOSAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? 3.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY TAPODOC, ALEOSAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

(b) For any of the barangays of Carmen, North Cotabato: 1.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY MANARAPAN, CARMEN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

2.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY NASAPIAN, CARMEN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

(c) For any of the barangays of Kabacan, North Cotabato: 1.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY NANGA-AN, KABACAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

2.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY SIMBUHAY, KABACAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

3.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY SANGGADONG, KABACAN, NORTH COTABATO:, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

(d) For any of the barangays of Midsayap, North Cotabato: 1.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY DAMATULAN, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

2.

Sec. 11. Notice of hearing. - Upon the filing of the petition, the Comelec en banc shall immediately set it for hearing and shall send notices to the initiating petitioner.

Notices shall also be sent to: (1) the local government unit being petitioned for inclusion; (2) the local government unit that has jurisdiction over the local government unit being petitioned; and (3) the local government units that issued the certifications mentioned in Section 7, Items (b) and (c) of this Article;

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY KADIGASAN, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

3.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY KADINGILAN, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

Sec. 12. Opposition time to file - Any interested party may file a verified petition to the petition on or before the date ofthe hearing;

4. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY KAPINPILAN, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

Sec. 13. Summary proceedings. - The petition shall be heard summarily.

Sec. 14. Decision. - The Comelec shall decide the petition within fifteen (15) days from the date it was submitted for resolution, but not later than the last working day of October 2018.

ARTICLE IV SPECIAL REGISTRATION OF VOTERS Sec. 1. On-going registration of voters. - The on-going registration of voters in the areas covered by the plebiscite, except Marawi City, shall continue until September 29, 2018. For purposes of the plebiscite, however, the ERB hearings in the said areas are hearby reset to October 09, 2018. Consequently, the last day for the EOs concerned to post the notice of ERB hearings and the list of applicants, is hereby moved to October 03, 2018, and the last day to file opposition to the applications is moved to October 09,2018.

Sec. 2. Special registration teams, - In addition to the on-going registration activities, special registration teams im selected areas covered by the plebsicite shall conduct special registration thereat on dates. and in the manner under Comelec Minute Resolution No. 18-0707 dated August 29, 2018.

Sec. 3. Special registration of voters in Marawi City. - A special registration of voters in Marawi City shall be conducted from October 1-15, 2018. For the purpose, the ERB of Marawi City, shall hear the applications filed during the October 1-15, 2018 special registration, on October 25, 2018. Consequently, the last day for the EO of Marawi City to post the notice of hearing, and the list of applicants, is set on October 18, 2018, and the last day to file opposition to the applications is set on October 22, 2018.

5. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY KUDARANGAN, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? 6. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY CENTRAL LABAS, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? 7. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY MALINGAO, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? 8. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY MUDSENG, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? 9. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY NABALAWAG, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? 10. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY OLANDANG, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? 11. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY SAMBULAWAN, MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? 12. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY TUGAL. MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK (e) For any of the barangays of Pigkawayan, North Cotabato: 1.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF LOWER BAGUER, PIGKAWAYAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

2.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY BALACAYON, PIGKAWAYAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

3.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY BURICAIN, PIGKAWAYAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

4.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY DATU BINASING, PIGKAWAYAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

5.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY KADINGILAN, PIGKAWAYAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

6. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY MATI LAC, PIGKAWAYAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? 7.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY PATOT, PIGKAWAYAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

8.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY LOWER PAN GANG KALAN, PIGKAWAYAN, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

(g) For any of the barangays of Pikit, North Cotabato: 1.

2.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY BAGOINGED, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY BALATICAN, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

3.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY S. BALONG, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

4.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY S. BALONGIS, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

5.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY BATULAWAN, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

6.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY BULlOK, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

7.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY GOKOTAN, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

8.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY S. KABASALAN, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

9.

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY S. LAGUNDE, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION?

10. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY MACABUAL, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? 11. ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF BARANGAY MACASENDEG, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO, IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? Sec. 7. Plebiscite question for Cotoboto City. - The plebiscite question for Cotabato City is: ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE INCLUSION OF COTABATO CITY IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION? Sec. 8. Plebiscite question(s) for local government unit(s) included in the plebiscite pursuant to Articles 11 and 111 of these Rules. - The plebiscite question (s) for local government unit (s) included in the plebiscite shall follow the same concept used in the formulation of the questions enumerated above.

Sec. 9. Translation of the plebiscite questions to Pilipino or Arabic. - The above plebiscite questions shall be translated in Pilipino. The plebiscite questions as translated in Pilipino shall be submitted to the Comelec en banc for approval, and upon approval, printed in the official ballot, and in such other plebiscite forms requiring printing ofthe questions.

In areas where Arabic is of general use, the plebsicite questions in Pilipino shall be translated in Arabic. The Arabic translation shall be printed in the official ballot in addition to and immediately below the Pilipino version.

ARTICLE VII INFORMATION CAMPAIGN Sec. 1. Supervision by the Comelec. - The Education and Information Department (EID) of the Connelec shall supervise the conduct of information campaigns on the plebiscite, including sectoral campaigns for indigenous communities, women, youth, religious, professionals and public and private sector employees, in every barangay, municipality, city and province where the plebiscite is to be conducted.

Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Resolution, the EID shall submit to the Comelec its information campaign plan taking into consideration the provisions of Section 10, Article XV ofthe Bangsamoro Organic Law. In the meantime, the EID shall conduct information dissemination campaigns regarding the special registration of voters, and these Rules.

The information dissemination campaigns provided in this Section shall be without prejudice to the information dissemination and public advocacy initiatives by the other government or non-governmental groups or individuals.

Pursuant to Section 10, Artcile XV of the Bangsamaro Organic Law, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) shall assist in the information dissemination campaign. Such campaign is without prejudice to other information dissemination and public advocacy initiatives by the other government or non-governmental groups or individuals.

Sec. 2. Assembly meeting or “pulong-pulong”. - (a) Every barangay within the plebiscite areas shall hold at least one assembly meeting or “pulong-pulong” during the campaign period, to enlighten the voters about the Organic Act. The EO shall supervise the assembly meeting or “pulong-pulong” If one meeting will not be sufficient, the barangay officials may hold as many meetings or “pulong-pulong” as may be adequate for the purpose herein stated.

In each assembly or “pulong-pulong”, the EO shall explain the procedures for the conduct of the plebiscite.

All PES shall see to it that this provision is complied with, within their respective areas of supervision .

at the COMELEC EID, the Offices of the Regional Election Directors and Provincial Election Supervisors of ARMM, Regions X and XI I. They may also be downloaded from the COMELEC website (http://www.comelec.qov.ph).

Sec. 5. Documentory requirements.- The application shall be supported by the following documents: a) b) c)

Duly accomplished application form for accreditation; Two (2) recently taken 2”x 2” colored photographs of th e applicant; If foreigner or foreign group, organization, committee or association organization, endorsement issued by the ambassador or consul of the applicant’s home country; and Terms of Reference or similar document, explaining the purposes of the elections observation mission .

Act as presiding officer or moderator during the meeting;

2.

See to it that the di scussions and debates are free and constructive and that speakers for both the affirmative and negative sides of the questions are given equal opportunity and time to expound on their views;

3.

Invite the spea’kers and resource persons from both private and public sectors, who are knowledgeable on the plebiscite issues for the enlightenment of the registered voters in the barangay. Any barangay member shall be free to ask questions and voice his opinion on any side ofthe plebiscite question; and

4. Certify in writing that a “pulong-pulong” in the barangay has been held. It shall state the date and place of the meeting, the number of persons who attended and the names of resource speakers, if any, and submit said certification to the EO. Within three (3) days after the campaign period, the EO shall submit a report on the number of assemblys or pulong-pulongs held in every barangay within his jurisdiction.

The EO shall subit the report to the EID. Sec. 3. Right of government officials and employees to express opinion for or against the ratification. - All government officials and employees, as well as those in governmentowned or controlled corporations with original charters, may publicly express their opinion on any of the issues related to the plebiScite during the campaign period.

Sec. 4. Prahibition on comelec officials, employees and its deputies. - In order to maintain the independent and non-partisan status of the Comelec, its Chairman, Commissioners, official employees and deputies are prohibited from publicly expressing their views and opinion on, and from campaigning for or against, the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

b)

Domestic group, organization, committee or association refers to any group of individuals organized under the laws of the Philippines.

c)

Foreigner or Foreign national refers to any person whose nationality is other than Filipino, whether or not a resident of the Philippines.

d)

Foreign group, organization, committee or association refers to any group of individuals organized under the laws other than that of the Philippines.

Sec. 8. Grounds for opposition. - The opposition shall be filed on any of the following grounds:

Online publications which are communications outreach or advocacy publications of non-governmental organizations do not qualify for media accreditation.]

a) b)

the applicant has a previous derogatory record; or any of the submitted documentary requirements is not authentic, falsified or contains any information which is false.

The Director IV of EID or the Regional Election Director (RED) concerned shall resolve the opposition within three (3) days from receipt thereof.

For this purpose, the EID; ORED ARMM; ORED X and ORED XII shall post an updated list of Applicants at the Bulletin Boards in their respective offices.

Sec. 9. Identification Cards. - Upon approval of the application, the EID, OREDs of ARMM, Regions X and XII shall issue identification cards to the accredited observers / monitors.

Sec. 10. Privileges. - Duly accredited domestic or foreign observers / monitors shall have the following privileges: a)

Unimpeded access to all stages of the electoral processes;

b)

Unimpeded access to all persons concerned with electoral processes, including: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Electoral officials at all levels, upon reasonable requests; Members of legislative bodies and government and security officials whose functions are relevant to organizing democratic electoral exercises; All of the organizations or persons that have sought to take affirmative or negative positions on the issue/s in the plebiscite; News media personnel; and All organizations, persons that are interested in achieving genuine democratic electoral exer€ises in the country.

Sec. 11. Code of Conduct. - In order to provide an impartial and accurate assessment of the nature ofthe electoral processes, all duly accredited observers / monitors shall be bound by the Code of Conduct for International Elections Observers/ Monitors. Furthermore, an accredited domestic, foreigner, foreign group, organization, committee, or association shall:

Sec. 5. Application forms. - Application forms for accreditation shall be available at the COMELEC Education and Information Department (EID), and in the Offices of the Regional Election Directors, Provincial Election Supervisors and Election Officers of ARMM, Region X and XII which areas of jurisdiction are participating in the conduct of the plebiscite. Application forms may also be downloaded from the COMELEC website (http://www.comelec.gov.ph) Sec. 6. Period for filing application for accreditation. - The period ·for the filing of application for accreditation sha ll be from the effectivity of this resolution up to December 7, 2018. This period shall be non-extendable and applications filed after the December 7, 2018 will not be entertained.

Sec. 7. Personal filing of applications for accreditation; where to file. - Filing of applications for accreditation shall be done personally at the following offices: a)

EID - for national and foreign media - for other media, both domestic and foreign, such as novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, and those involved in the production of feature films and documentaries

b)

Offices ofthe concerned Provincial Election Supervisor (OPES) in ARMM, Region X and Region XII for local media

Sec. 8. Approval of applications for accreditation. - Approval of applications for accreditation shall be delegated by the Chairman to the: and

a) Director IV of the COMELEC-EID- for national, foreign media and other media;

Sec. 9. Report on actions taken on applications for accreditation. - Within five (5) days from December 7, 2018, the PES sha ll furnish the EID, via facsimile or e-mail.alist of all applications received, indicating the statu s, whether approved or denied.

Sec. 10. Media card. - Upon approval of the application, the EID and PES shall issue media cards to all accredited media practitioners. Media cards must be personally claimed from the EID, for national, foreign and other media; and from the concerned OPES, in case of local media.

The COMELEC media card is strictly non-transferable and is valid only for the purpose for which it was issued. It shall be worn prominently whenever the media practitioners are covering or observing COMELEC or electora l events.

Improper use of the media card, or use thereof not in accordance with these guidelines, shall be considered abuse in the use thereof and carries the penalty of revocation.

Sec. 11. Access. - Duly accredited media practitioners shall be allowed maximum access to all stages of the electoral process, subject to the conditions as essential for the protection of COMELEC personnel, property, and privileged information.

Sec. 12. Rules of Conduct. - All media practitioners shall observe the following ru les of conduct: a) b) c)

Sec. 12. Summary Revocation of Accreditation.- The accreditation of any observer/ monitor may be summarily revoked by the Plebiscite Committee by confiscating the Identification Card, and removing him/her or the group from the polling station and, due to any of the following grounds: • Any violation of the Code of Conduct.

• Any disruptive behavior by anyone in the group.

• Misconduct which may include but not limited to:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The accreditation of the organizations may also be revoked if it refuses to promptly remove an observer found to be in breach of this Code from their list of nominated individual d) The power of the Plebiscite Committee to remove observers/monitors for misconduct is in addition to their general power to keep order at the relevant electoral proceeding.

Sec. 13. Period of validity of accreditation. - Accreditation of domestic or foreign election observers/monitors shall be valid from the date of approval of the application until the end of plebiscite period or until February 15, 2019.

Sec. 14. Prohibited Acts.- It shall be unlawful for any domestic, foreigner, domestic or foreign group, organization, committee or association to: a)

Aid any person or group of persons in whatever manner, directly or indirectly, relative· to the conduct of the plebiscite (Secs. 81 & 89, OEC); b) Take part or influence in any manner in the conduct of the plebiscite Secs. 81 &261 (j), OEC); c) Engage in partisan political activities which refer to acts designed to affect the results ofthe plebiscite (Sec. 79 (b), OEC); d) Contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any plebiscite campaign or partisan political activity (Secs. 81 & 261 (j), OEC); e) Enter any polling place without consent of the chairman of the Electoral Board concerned (Sec. 192, OEC); f) Mingle and talk with voters inside any polling place, or otherwise disrupt the proceedings in the polling place (Sec. 19 shall not 2, OEC); g) Threaten, intimidate, or actually causes, inflicts or produces any violence, injury, punishment, damage, loss or disadvantage upon any person (sec. 261 (e) DEC) ; and h) Propagate false and alarming reports or information, transmit or circulate false orders, directives or messages relating to the conduct of the plebiscite (Sec. 261 (z.11), OEC).

Sec. 14. Penalty for violation. - Any violation of the immediately preceding Section shall be punishable as an election offense which, if found gu ilty, may be penalized by an imprisonment of not less than one (1) but not more than six (6) years and shall not be subject to probation. In addition, if the guilty party is a Filipino, the offender shall be sentenced to suffer disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of right of suffrage. On the other hand, if the guily party is a foreigner, he shall be sentenced to deportation, which shall be enforced after the prison term has been served (Section 264, DEC).

ARTICLE IX MASS MEDIA ACCREDITATION FOR THE JANUARY 21,2019 PLEBISCITE Sec. 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the COMELEC to ensure accurate reporting on the conduct and results of the plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law by providing maximum access to all stages ofthe process of this electoral exercise to accredited media practitioners, subject only to conditions essential for the protection of COMELEC personnel, property and privileged information.

a)

Foreign Media refers to those who are engaged in news reporting for and on behalf of a foreign media corporation or entity, regardless of their nationality;

b)

Local Media refers to those who are engaged in news reporting on a local sca le, including correspondents of, and freelancers on assignment for, regional, provincial, city or municipal publications or broadcast entities; except that local media who operate in the National Capital Region (NCR) shall be considered as National Media as defined below;

c) Media practitioner refers to a person or group of persons actively engaged in the pursuit of information gathering and reporting or distribution, in any manner or form, including, but not limited to, the following: Blogger Documentary Maker Feature Film Maker Novelist e) Online Journalist Photo Journalist Playwright Print Journalist Professional photographer

j) Professional Videographer k) Public Relations Contractor I) Radio Journalist m) Screenwriter n) Television Journalist o) Television Production

d) National Media lefers to those who are engaged in news reporting on a nationwide sca le, including provincial correspondents of, and freelancers on assignment for national publications or broadcast entities; and e) Other Media refers to those engaged in other forms of journalism, including, but not limited to, opinion writers, public relations practitioners, creative writers, bloggers, f eature f ilm and documentary film makers, and the like.

Freelancer refers to those who do not work full time for a media company but is hired by different media companies for certain assignments.

Sec. 3. General requirernents for accreditation. - Media practitioners applying for accreditation shall submit the following:

Sec. 2. Qualifications for accreditation.- Applicants must have a bono fide intention to participate in the conduct of the plebi scite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law exclusively as observers or monitors of the electoral process, must be free from any political, economic or other conflicts of interests that would interfere with conducting observations / monitoring accurately and impartially and/or drawing conclusions about the cha racter of the electoral process accurately and must comply with the provisions under Sections 6 and 10 hereof. Applicants are required to disclose th eir intention for involvement in the conduct of the plebiscite as domestic or foreign observers or monitors.

a) A fully accomplished application form for accreditation; b) Two (2) recently taken 2”x 2”colored photographs; and where applicable, an endorsement from the publisher, editor-in-chief, assignment editor, station manager, or similar officer of the newspaper, television station, radio station, or online publication employing the applicant; c) An endorsement from the appropriate officer of the broadcast entity or film distributor which has committed to air/distribute the work; and d) In the case of freelancers a valid assignment letter from the bona fide media organization for which the freelancer is on assignment.

Sec. 3. Application for accreditation - Filipino or Foreign nationals, whether as individuals or in group s, whether representing governmental or private interests, who are interested to observe or monitor the conduct of the plebiscite for the ratifi cation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, shall file personally an Application for Accreditation at the COMELEC Education and Information Department (EID) or the Offices of the Regional Election Directors of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Region X and Region XII (OREDs ARMM, X and XII).

Endorsements from any person other than those mentioned above shall not be honored; provided, that the application of freelancers whose previous accomplishments are highly visible, respected and widely recogn ized need not be endorsed.

The revocation shall be noted in the Minutes of Voting and Counting, stating therein the reasons therefore; ARTICLE X PRECINCTS AND VOTING CENTERS

Sec. 1. Precincts and voting centers. - Except for Marawi City, the established precincts after the October 09, 2018 hearing of the Election Registration Board (ERB) in the areas covered by the plebiscite, shall be used for purposes of the January 21, 2019 plebiscite.

In the case of Marawi City, the established precincts after the October 25, 2018 hearing ofthe Marawi City ERB, shall be used for purposes ofthe plebiscite.

The established precincts shall, insofar as applicable, be clustered in accordance with the clustering procedures used in the May 14, 2018 8arangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections but disregarding the clustering procedures for the Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Except for Marawi City; the voting center designated by the Comelec in the May 14, 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections shall be used for purposes of the plebiscite, unless otherwise ordered by the Comelec.

In the case of Marawi City, the polling places designated by the Comelec for the September 22, 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in said city, shall be used for purposes of the plebiscite, unless otherwise ordered by Comelec.

Sec. 2. Transfer of voting center. - The location of a voting center designated in the May 14, 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, shall not be changed, except upon written petition of the majority of the voters of the precinct or agreement of all the political parties or by a resolution ofthe Comelec upon prior notice and hearing.

No location of voting center shall be changed starting December 22, 2018, except when it is destroyed or it cannot be used.

ARTICLE XI QUALIFIED VOTERS AND LISTS OF VOTERS Sec. 1. Qualified voters. - All registred voters in the provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays mentioned in Section 4, Article I of these Rules, as of the last ERB hearings before the plebiscite, are qualified to vote in the plebiscite, provided they are at least eighteen (18) years old on or before January 21, 2019: Sec. 2. List of voters. - The Information Technology Department (ITD) of the Comelec shall cause the printing of three (3) copies of the Posted Computerized Voters List (PCVL) and one (1) copy of the Election Day Computerized Voters List (EDCVL).

Both lists shall be certified by the concerned ERB at least five (5) days before the scheduled date for the posting of the PCVL.

(a) One copy for posting at the office of the Election Officer; and (b) One copy for posting at the bulletin board of the municipal hall.

The Plebiscite Committee shall post one (1) copy of the PCVL Report at the polling place on plebiscite day before the opening of the polls.

Sec. 3. Date of posting of the PCVL. - The EO shall post the PCVL not later than the date provided in the approriate resolution to be issued by the Comelec in connection with the plebiscite.

ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Sec. 1. Rules on constitution, appointment, designation of the plebiscite committee, voting, counting of votes, canvassing of votes and proclamation of results of the plebiscite. - Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of these Rules, the CBOP shall submit to Comelec en banc the proposed rules on the constitution, appointment, designation of the plebiscite committee, voting, counting of votes, canvassing of votes, and proclamation of the results of the plebiscite.

Sec. 2. Applicability of the Omnibus Election Code, other election laws and resolutions. - The pertinent provisions of the Omnibus Election Code, Republic Acts No. 6646, 10756, 11054 and resolutions of the Comelec not inconsistent with these Rules shall, as far as practicable, apply to the January 21, 2019 plebiscite.

Sec. 3. Publication and dissemination. - The EID shall cause the publication of this Resolution in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines, and give it widest dissemination.

Sec. 4. Effectivity. - This Rules shall take effect on the seventh (7th) day after its publication in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

SO ORDERED.

A freelancer shall be accredited only if he or she qualifies under either of the following: a) Must be on assignment for a professionally recognized organization, provided, that the request for accreditation shall be made by the organization he or she (MS-SEPT. 28, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Any behavior deemed disruptive of the conduct of voting, counting, or canvassing, such as, but not limited to, conducting interviews in side the polling place or canvassing center; Engaging in partisan political activities, which refer to acts designed to promote tile affirmative or negative vote of the electorate; Any behavior intended to unduly influence the choice of voters; Distributing campaign materials; and Any behavior deemed unlawful.

One (1) copy ofthe PCVL shall be given to the Plebiscite Committee (PlebCom) for use on plebiscite day. The other two (2) copies of the PCVL shall be distributed as follows:

Sec. 2. Definitions. - As used in this Rules :

a) b) c) d) f) g) h) i)

Not more than three (3) media practitioners sha ll be allowed inside the polling place at anyone time; Upon entry into the polling places, media practitioners shall immediately identify themselves before the Plebiscite Committee by presenting their media ca rds; and Unprofessional activit ies shall not be tolerated. The accred itation of any media practitioner found to have engaged in any unprofessional activity shall be summarily revoked by the Plebi scite Committee where the activity complained of is committed, by confiscating the media card of the offender.

Unprofessional activities shall include:

a) breaching or atternpting to breach the secrecy of the ballot; b) knowingly obstructing electoral proceedings; c) asking electors about their voting preference while observing at polling station.

International-domestic monitoring body - the body created by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panels mentioned in Section 6, Article XV, of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Sec. 4. Application forms.- Application forms for accreditation shall be available

Sec. 4. Specific requirements for occreditatian af foreign media.- In addition to the requirements mentioned in the immediately preceding section, all foreign media requesting for accreditation - including reporters, correspondents and stringers, cameramen, photographers and other members of the news/editorial staff of foreign wire agencies, regardless of nationality, shall submit individual endorsements from the embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the foreign, media entity or organization they are representing or are on assignment for.

b) concerned PES in ARMM, Regions X and XII - for local media a) Respect the sovereignty of the country, as well as, the fundamental rights and fundamental freedoms of its people; b) Respect the laws of the country and the authority of the COMELEC; c) Respect and protect the integrity of the Domestic Observation groups or International Election Observation mission; d) Maintain strict political impartiality at all times, including leisure time in the country; e) Not obstruct any stage of the election proceedings on Plebiscite Day (i.e. voting, counting and tabulation and proclamation of results) including preplebiscite and post-plebiscite processes; f) Display the identification card provided by COMELEC; g) Ensure that all of their observations or monitoring reports are accurate and comprehensive, noting the positive from negative and significant from insignificant factors, and identifying patterns that could have an impact on the integrity of the electora l process and/or the results of the plebiscite; h) Refrain from making any personal comments about their observations or conclusions to the members of the media or the public before the election observation mission makes a statement; i) Be aware of other Election Observation Missions, both international and domestic, and cooperate with them as instructed by the leadership of the Election Observation Mission; j) Maintain proper personal behavior and respect others, including exhibiting sensitivity to the country’s cultures and customs, exercise sound judgment in personal interactions and observe the highest level of profession al conduct at all times, including leisure times; and k) In case of concern about the vio lation of any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct by the observer / monitor, the Election Observation Mission/ Monitoring Body shall conduct an inqu iry into the matter.

f) e)

In addition, media practitioners engaged in blogging and online publications shall be subject to the following requirements:

Sec. 7. Opposition to the application for accreditation.- Any opposition to applications for accreditation shall be filed within five (5) days from filing of the application being contested . The opposition for accreditation shall be filed with the Office where the application being contested was filed .

Sec. 1. Definition of terms.- As used in this Article: Domestic observer or monitor refers to any Filipino, whether or not a resident of the Philippines, doing observation or monitoring the conduct of the plebiscite.

The application for accreditation of a freelancer need not be endorsed, but the application must be made by the organization he or she is representing.

Sec. 6. Period for filing application for accreditatian.- The period for filing applications for accreditation shall be from the effectivity ofthis Rules until December 14, 2018. This period shall be non-extendible, and applications filed after the last day of filing shall not be entertained

ARTICLE VIII ACCREDITATION OF DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS FOR THE JANUARY 21, 2019 PLEBISCITE

a)

TODAY

b) Must have previous accomplishments which are highly visible, respected and widely recognized.

a) Submit the URL of the online publication or blog showing the applicant’s name or listing the applicant as part of the reporting team for that site; b) Submit a copy of regular online articles or blogs related to the topic of politics, elections,. governance or other related topics, by-lined or published on the applicant’s or similar online sites or blogs in the last six months; c) The website or online publication should be updated at least once per week with contents which are original, dated and extend beyond links and forums; d) No personal websites, fan sites, forums, and sites contain ing personal diaries will be eligible for accreditation. Only website editors and writers shall qualify for accreditation; and e) Blogs must be well established, updated at least once every two weeks, contain content on politics, elections, or related topics, and show an acceptable level of readership. Commercial or company blogs are not eligible for accreditation.

d)

(b) The punong barangay or his duly authorized representative shall: 1.

Manila

Standard

is representing; or

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

A8

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Kamao eye share of UNTV Cup cage lead Games Sunday

(Pasig City Sports Center) 2 p.m. – DOJ vs GSIS 3:30 p.m. – Ombudsman vs Agriculture 5 p.m. – Judiciary vs Malacañang-PSC

MALACAÑANG-Philippine Sports Commission hopes to gain a share of early Group B lead when it battles Judiciary on Sunday at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The featured match is set at 5 p.m., with the Kamao out to follow up their 101-72 thumping of the Ombudsman Graft Busters two weeks ago in the annual event for public servants.

While the Kamao are looking to tie the National Housing Authority Builders for the lead, the Judiciary Magis are going for redemption after absorbing a shock 73-68 loss to the Builders.

The Magis are hoping that former PBA player Don Camaso will be fit enough so he can provide the team the needed firepower.

Without Camaso, the scoring responsibilities were left in the hands of Chester Tolomia and Warren Ybanez, who responded well early before fatigue caught them up.

Also going for a 2-0 start is Department of Agriculture which collides with Ombudsman at 3:30 p.m., while the GSIS Furies try to improve their 1-1 mark when they clash with the Ombudsman Graft Buster in the lone Group A match at 2 p.m.

Lyceum Pirates bounce back LYCEUM of the Philippines University bounced back big from its heartbreaker of a loss to Perpetual Help last time as it routed Arellano University, 113-79, yesterday to seal at least a playoff for a Final Four slot in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The Pirates had six players scoring in double digits with Jaycee Marcelino leading the way with 21 points, while reigning MVP Jaymar Perez flirted with a triple-double before he ended up with 10 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Pirates nailed their 13th win in 14 outings.

MJ Ayaay, Spencer Pretta, Raymar Caduyac and Jeff Santos joined the shooting parade by scattering 16, 15, 13 and 11 points, respectively.

One more win and they will secure a place in the Final Four.

It also somehow eased the pain of its 81-83 defeat to Prince Eze and the Perpetual Help Altas last week that dashed their hopes of sweeping the elimination round for the second straight season.

It helped that the Pirates soothed their frustration by doing charity work involving children with down syndrome over the weekend.

“After that game, we went to charity. Something that being with those kids and parents, they need our support, more than crying and losing to Perpetual,” said LPU coach Topex Robinson.

It worked for the Pirates as they broke a lot of statistical records like most points scored (113), most three-pointers made (14), most assists (27), most fast break points (34) and most bench points (81).

Sports

Warren Ybanez hopes to lead the Judiciary Magis to victory over Malacañang-PSC on Sunday in the UNTV Cup.

House allots P7.5b for PH SEAG hosting

By Peter Atencio

A

BUDGET of P7.5-billion from the government is almost ready for the hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Reports reaching the Philippine Olympic Committee said the Lower House of the Philippine Congress has earmarked this amount for the games to get the venues ready.

POC President Ricky Vargas said that with enough available funds once it is approved in the Senate, preparations are expected to go into high gear next month.

“We have been meeting weekly with the organizing committee. This budget was approved when it was presented during the hearings from Sept. 8 to 12,” said Vargas during yesterday’s POC general

assembly at the Meralco Gym in Ortigas.

The funding support from the government side will take care of the infrastructures that will be used for the games and some of the personnel that will be acquired for the hosting.

Because of this, focus has now shifted to the inclusion of additional events and the selection process of Filipino athletes, who will be competing.

Vargas said funds from sponsors will help athletes prepare better and boost the efforts of the national sports association in their planning as hosts.

Additional events will be known by Sept. 30 as the SEA Games Federation Council meets this week to discuss this.

POC Chairman Abraham Tolentino is flying to Bangkok with a four-man delegation that includes deputy secretary general Karen Tanchangco, auditor Jonee Go and ex-POC president Cito Dayrit.

They will be in a meeting hosted by Thailand National Olympic Committee secretary general Charouk Arirachakaran.

Among the sports proposed to be included in the final list are e-sports, netball, obstacle course, sambo, skateboarding, shuttlecock, surfing, water skiing, sports rock climbing and aero sports.

Malaysia is proposing the inclusion of tennis, ice skating and martial arts, which were featured in the previous edition.

FEU athletes rule PTT Run A PAIR of elite runners from the Far Eastern University stamped their class in the PTT Run for Clean Energy Year 2 last Saturday at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Grounds.

Evelou Abutas and Joneza Mie Sustituedo ruled the 10K divisions of the advocacy run aimed at promoting the call for clean energy in our streets, work and homes.

The 21-year-old Abutas, a silver medalist in the 3k steeplechase and bronze winner of the 5,000-meters in the University Athletic Association, quashed the challenge of running circuit veterans Jujet de Asis (33:40) and Carlito Fantiliaga (33:44) with his winning time of 33:34.

On the other hand, the 19-year-old Sustituedo, who burst into the athletic scene six years ago as a barefoot runner in the Palarong Pambansa and has won numerous running tournaments since then, won the distaff side with a time of 35:30 in beating Mitch Manila (35:40) and Matet Borin (35:46).

The 10k winners received cash prizes, medals, PTT jackets and gift packs from the sponsors.

“We are elated no end that you have joined us in this advocacy promoting clean energy,” PTT

FEU’s Joneza Mie Sustituedo (third from left) displays her gold medal as she receives her prize from PTT Marketing Director Thitiroj Rergsumran (second from left) for winning the 10K Female Division of the PTT Run for Clean Energy Year 2 at the CCP Grounds. They are joined by Vittaya Viboonterawud (left), Director for Commercial Fuel and Lubricants, PTT; Charge D’affaires Urawadee Sriphiromya (fourth from left), Royal Thai Embassy Manila; and Paul Senador (right), president, PTT Foundation Inc.

Marketing Director Thitiroj Rergsumran told the energetic crowd that was entertained no end by the mini-concert put up by Yela, Dottie’s World and the Cahlio Band of Probinsiyano actor Lester Llansang, courtesy of the Wish 107.5 Bus that was situated near the stage.

The second year of the PTT Run, which drew a total of 3,120 registered runners, was backed by PTT Lubricants, Cafe Amazon, Wish 107.5, Chris Sports, Milcu, Leslie’s Corp., ChloRelief, Lubie, Coca-Cola, 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, PH Dragon Boat Paddlers and St. Dominic College.

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.

Filinvest hosts Hello Kitty Run 2018 EXPERIENCE a kawaii-filled fun run with everyone’s favorite feline Hello Kitty when Filinvest City, the premier lifestyle destination in the Metro South, hosts the second Hello Kitty Run in Manila on Sept. 30.

Themed Sweets Wonderland, the fun and colorful five-kilometer race around Filinvest City is open to families, friends, couples, buddies and Hello Kitty lovers of all ages. Exciting activities and Sanrio merchandise await participants.

“As we continuously promote a healthy, active lifestyle, we have positioned Filinvest City as the haven for outdoor activities in the metro,” said Filinvest City head Don Ubaldo.

“We support fun and exciting activities such as the Hello Kitty Run Manila and we are happy to host this year’s run. This will once

again showcase Filinvest City as a green and lively community that brings families and friends together.”

A masterplanned urban center, Filinvest City seeks to strike a balance and provide city dwellers a more progressive work-live-play environment. As businesses in its eco-friendly township grows, it continues to enhance its public parks and green spaces to further attract various outdoor events—from festive music fests to fun runs and intense marathons.

Enjoy the Hello Kitty day with families and friends and experience the scenic views and tree-canopied roads at Filinvest City.

To know more about Filinvest City’s events, visit https://www.facebook.com/FilinvestCi- Enjoy Filinvest City’s lush, scenic views as you run with families and friends at the Hello Kitty Run Manila 2018. tyOFFICIAL/.

Tanduay volleyball on Sunday THE 2nd PVF - Tanduay Athletics Under- 18 Girls’ Indoor Volleyball Championship goes underway this Sunday at the multi-courts of the Tanduay TAN Athletics Center (Cantada Sports Center)—permanent home of Tanduay Athletics Volleyball and soon, Philippine volleyball.

Twelve teams are participating in this one-day event, including schools and clubs from Infanta, Balanga, Muntinlupa, Bacoor, Sapang Palay (San Jose del Monte), GMA, Caloocan, Molino, Parañaque and Quezon City.

PVF accredited international /national referees are officiating.

In line with its long-standing policy, there are no entry fees and participants, officials and invited guests are treated to complimentary meals and unlimited drinks the whole day.

Young volleyball players from all walks of life are given equal opportunities and treatment in this very unique volleyball event generously supported by young tycoon, Lucio “Bong” Tan, Jr. This is a firm commitment of the Cantada family, led by PVF president, “Tito Boy” Cantada.

Ong, Chan share Pres Cup golf honors JERBIE Ong shot 42 points to capture the overall crown while Lance Chan topped Class A with 41 points as they led the winners in the President’s Cup at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club’s West course last weekend.

Paul Gruba ruled Class B with 43 points, edging Jason N, who turned in 42 points in the 18-hole members-only tournament organized and staged by new Wack Wack president Lawrence Tan. As overall champ, Ong received the club’s version of the British Open’s Claret Jug. The tournament drew 288 members and around 60 guests and sponsors, making the event’s 18th edition one the most attended President’s Cups in years.

Co-presented by Aureo La Union, San Miguel and Transview, the event staked a Toyota Fortuner (Toyota Otis), Mitsubishi Xpander (Union Motors), Peugeot 3008 (Peugeot Lipa), Mazda CX-5 (Mazda), Harley Davidson motorcycle (ANC Group), Inada massage chair (Inada) and Yamaha golf cart (Kart Plaza) as holes-inone prizes.

Twelve-year-old Celine Abalos took the Ladies-A crown while Sofia Araneta and Evelyn Sy copped the Ladies-B and C titles, respectively, while Samuel Gaerlan ruled the guest division of the event supported by premier sponsors Stradcom, Steel Asia, K&G, Eva Air, 1st Sunday Group, Security Bank, Powerball Corp., DDT Konstrakt, Century Canning, Champion/Hana, Yakult, UniOil, and Lucerne/wrist_pod while other backers were Pagcor, MAA Insurance, Motolite, Larry Villareal, Kenny Rogers, SM Prince, Seattle’s Best, Ortigas & Co., Landers, NC88, Cebuana Roasts, Fortune Tobacco, VMJ Evergreen, TCM, W Group, Cherrylume, Nickel Asia, Mikey Arroyo, and Dunn Edward Paints.

IN BRIEF

Govt eyes Lloyd’s to insure properties

THE government plans to engage the services of Lloyd’s of London and the World Bank for an appropriate insurance protection structure to protect the government’s assets and properties.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, during the Philippine delegation’s visit in London this week, discussed with officials of Lloyd’s of London and the World Bank the possible insurance structures that could be applied to cover the Philippines’ expanding roster of government assets and properties.

Dominguez said he took the opportunity to meet with executives of Lloyd’s, the world’s leading insurance and reinsurance market, to learn about global best practices and ways of strengthening the Philippines’ fiscal resilience to varied risks in the event of disasters and climate-change related incidents.

“We are embarking on a large infrastructure program and we expect to spend somewhere $150 billion and $170 billion in improving our physical infrastructure.

Leaving it and building it without thinking about risk management is irresponsible,” Dominguez told Lloyd’s officials during the meeting.

Dominguez said the government’s growing list of assets would include underground rails, long-span bridges, light rail and additional railways, airports and seaports under President Duterte’s centerpiece program ‘Build, Build, Build’.

Julito G. Rada

Business

Agencies commit to speed up reforms

THE government is committed to speeding up key economic reforms to further improve productivity in all sectors, the National Economic and Development Authority said Thursday.

Neda said the reforms would include the full implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Law, liberalization of foreign investments and promotion of innovation.

“From the very beginning, liberalizing the economy and promoting science, technology and innovation have always been part of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s 0 to 10-point socioeconomic agenda. We thank our partner World Bank for affirming that our development agenda is geared towards higher productivity,” Neda Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan said in response to the report released by the World Bank titled ‘Growth and Productivity in the Philippines: Winning the Future’.

The World Bank recognized government efforts to reach the country’s long-term vision―the AmBisyon 2040―and helped identify critical reform areas to achieve development goals.

Tungpalan said the Philippines experienced gains with the economy’s total factor productivity growing 3 percent, now the highest in Southeast Asia.

POWER SUPPLY DEAL. Global Business Power Corp. through retail energy arm, Global Energy Supply Corp., signs a power supply agreement with Robinsons Land Corp. under the retail competition and open access scheme. The agreement renews GBP and RLC’s retail supply contract and expands the supply agreement to 26 megawatts from the previous 22 MW. At the signing ceremony are (from left) GBP assistant vice president for sales Sherie Anne Jimenez, GBP executive vice president Dominador Camu Jr., GBP president Jaime Azurin, RLC president and chief executive Frederick Go and JG Summit general manager for corporate energy division Cesar Camaongay.

BSP raises borrowing rate by 50 bps to 4.5% T

By Julito G. Rada

HE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Thursday raised the overnight borrowing rate by another 50 basis points to 4.5 percent amid the persistent threat of rising inflation.

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said in a news briefing the interest rates on the overnight lending and deposit facilities were also increased accordingly. The rate hike will be effective today.

“The Monetary Board recognized that a further tightening of monetary policy was warranted by persistent signs of sustained and broadening price pressures,” Fonacier said. Fonacier is the officer in charge of

the BSP as Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. is on leave while Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo is in London as a part of the Philippine delegation’s visit to the United Kingdom this week.

The 50-basis-point hike on Thursday was the fourth upward adjustment this year, bringing the total rate hikes to 150 bps since May 2018. In May and June, the board raised the rates by 25 bps each, followed by 50 bps on Aug. 9, 2018.

The Monetary Board also raised the 2018 inflation forecast to 5.2 percent from an earlier estimate of 4.9 percent. The forecast for 2019 was also adjusted to 4.3 percent from 3.7 percent. Meanwhile, the forecast for 2020 was retained at 3.2 percent.

BSP assistant governor Francisco Dakila said the upward revision in 2018 inflation forecasts considered the higher-than-expected 6.4 percent inflation in August, a nine-year peak that brought the average inflation in the first eight months to 4.7 percent, above the official target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

Another factor considered was the expected peak of inflation in the third quarter, as predicted by the Bangko Sen-

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

Dollar

1.000000

54.2690

Japan

Yen

0.008872

0.4815

UK

Pound

1.317200

71.4831

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127998

6.9463

Switzerland

Franc

1.035518

56.1965

Canada

Dollar

0.768226

41.6909

Singapore

Dollar

0.732386

39.7459

Australia

Dollar

0.725600

39.3776

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653998

144.0298

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

14.4709

Brunei

Dollar

0.729714

39.6008

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030836

1.6734

UAE

Dirham

0.272294

14.7771

Euro

Euro

1.174200

63.7227

Korea

Won

0.000897

0.0487

China

Yuan

0.145368

7.8890

India

Rupee

0.013776

0.7476

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.241604

13.1116

New Zealand

Dollar

0.665400

36.1106

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032610

1.7697

Source: PDS Bridge

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FUEL PARTNERSHIP. Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. sign a memorandum of agreement to strengthen their relationship as Hyundai officially recommends Shell as its fuel of choice. Shown during the signing of the agreement at Hyundai Alabang are (from left) Pilipinas Shell vice president for retail Anthony Lawrence Yam, president and chief executive Cesar Romero, Hari president and chief executive Maria Fe Perez-Agudo and senior vice president for trade operations and development Cluster Numeriano Cortez Jr.

Govt to prohibit existing telcos from building own towers

By Darwin G. Amojelar GOVERNMENT regulators issued a draft circular, prohibiting existing telecom players from building their own cellular towers.

Under the draft joint memorandum circular issued by Department of Information and Communications Technology and National Telecommunications Commission on common and shared infrastructure in the public telecommunications market, future deployment of all towers should be performed only by the tower companies registered with the NTC. The only exception is when the mo-

tral and private sector economists.

Fonacier said latest baseline forecasts shifted higher for both 2018 and 2019, with risks to the outlook still leaning toward the upside.

“With supply-side forces expected to continue to drive inflation in the coming months, inflation expectations have remained elevated amid indications of second-round effects. Meanwhile, domestic demand conditions have generally held firm, even as the previous monetary policy responses continue to work their way through the economy,” Fonacier said.

She said the decision to raise the policy rate anew would anchor inflation expectations and safeguard the inflation target over the policy horizon.

Fonacier said the board believed that a tighter monetary policy stance would help steer inflation toward a target-consistent path over the medium-term by reducing further risks to the inflation outlook, including those emanating from exchange rate volatility given the continued uncertainty in the external environment amid geopolitical tensions and the normalization of monetary policy in advanced economies.

Bioethanol sector asks SRA to clear molasses imports

Thursday, September 27, 2018

United States

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

B1

By Alena Mae S. Flores

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Currency

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Aboitiz Power buys Ayala’s coal projects for $579.2m

PH, Australia expand air services agreement

THE Philippines expanded its air services agreement with Australia to boost tourism and trade between the two countries.

The Philippines, through the Department of Transportation, and Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, signed a memorandum of understanding for better air connectivity during the two-day air consultation talks held on Sept. 25 and 26.

Under the deal, designated airlines will now offer up to 10,700 seats each way per week from the Philippines to key cities in Australia such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

This is an improvement from the current 9,300 weekly seating capacity.

Airlines from both countries can also now operate unlimited services to regional airports with unrestricted capacity, frequency and aircraft type.

Both countries also agreed to increase the new limit to 10,700 seats per week by the end of March 2019.

“This agreement aims to further boost the economy and tourism industry of both countries,” the DOTr said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

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

bile network operator demonstrates that the tower company is “unable, despite request and a lapse of 30 days from request, to provide the necessary facility to the MNO, in which case the MNO itself can build its own towers.”

Globe Telecom head of corporate and legal services group Froilan Castelo, during the public consultation, opposed the proposal of DICT and NTC to prohibit them from building their own towers in the future.

“We do not see how an independent tower company can alleviate or ease out the problems that we are fixing. They are private companies, the same as us and they are going to face the same

problems. We do not see any reason how this will help us. If we are going to make this exclusive, we do not know and we do not see how this will speed up the rollout,” Castelo said.

“Preventing us from doing that is a violation of our contract and with the constitution. What we right now need is the easing out of bureaucracy in the government,” he said.

Presidential adviser on economic affairs and ICT Ramon Jacinto said “Globe and Smart have lost their moral ascendancy to start building towers.”

“That’s the very reason why you cannot provide the service to the public and now you say you can,” Jacinto said.

AN UMBRELLA organization of distillers and bioethanol producers asked the government to allow the importation of molasses as feedstock to enable the industry to meet the annual demand of 500 million liters of bioethanol.

Center for Alcohol Research and Development chairman and Absolut Distillers Inc. chief operating officer Gerardo Tee said the importation, if allowed, would only be temporary while the industry was trying to improve its agricultural production.

Tee said the government’s support, such as allowing the importation of molasses, would help ensure the continued growth of the P30-billion bioethanol industry.

“The more efficient the farms will be, the more molasses we will have and the more sugarcane. And importing ethanol is not a good idea. [It is] better to import molasses because it will convert to manufacturing and more labor,” Tee said.

The industry needs the approval of the Sugar Regulatory Administration, which is under the Department of Agriculture, for the molasses importation.

The bioethanol industry supplies only about 60 percent of local demand because of feedstock constraint.

“The limitation is more on the feedstock rather on capacity. We have more than enough capacity. It’s an evolution of the law. The law does not allow us to import the feedstock, so that’s the main bottleneck of growth. There is not enough feedstock,” said George Cheung, Card director and senior vice president of Roxas Holdings Inc.

ABOITIZ Power Corp. acquired a 49-percent voting interest and 60-percent economic stake in AA Thermal Inc., Ayala Group’s thermal or coal asset platform in the country, for $579.2 million (P31.4 billion), the two companies said Friday.

The sale involves around 500 megawatts of coal capacity out of AC Energy Inc.’s total 1,300-MW coal platform.

Aboitiz Power and Arlington Mariveles Netherlands Holding B.V., an affiliate of AC Energy, the power unit of Ayala Corp., signed a share purchase agreement on Sept. 26.

“Aboitiz Power is committed to addressing the country’s energy trilemma of adequate supply, cost of power and protection of the environment. This is part of our strategy to reach our 4,000MW net attributable capacity by 2020 through our balanced mix strategy. We are happy to be partners with the Ayala Group as we both seek to fulfill the energy needs of the country,” Aboitiz Power chief operating officer Emmanuel Rubio said.

The parties expect to close the acquisition shortly after obtaining clearance/approval from the Philippine Competition Commission.

The AA Thermal platform will initially consist of AC Energy’s limited partnership interests in GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd. Co., the owner and operator of an operating 632-megawatt coal plant in Mariveles, Bataan, and in GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., the developer and owner of a 1,336-MW supercritical coal plant project in Dinginin, Bataan, which is currently under construction.

Once completed, the acquisition will increase Aboitiz Power’s ownership in the Mariveles coal plant to 78.325 percent and in the Dinginin coal plant project to 70 percent. The Mariveles coal plant has been operating since 2013, while the first unit of the Dinginin coal plant project is scheduled to go online in 2019.

Local firms raise P286b to sustain expansion—BDO BUSINESSES in the Philippines continue to expand despite the volatility in the financial markets, according to BDO Capital and Investment Corp., the investment banking arm of BDO Unibank Inc. BDO Capital president Ed Francisco said in a statement Thursday the business sector continued to expand this year, as 14 banks and corporates raised P120 billion in bonds and longterm deposits from the debt market while another 10 companies obtained P166 billion in capital through the equity market via public offers as of end-August.

Francisco said such optimism continued to present opportunities for issuer and investor clients alike to access the capital markets for fundraising and investment prospects.

“For potential issuers, there is a need to engage them continuously on a realtime basis so that they can be given timely guidance as clients embark on a capital-raising program such as an initial securities offering,” he said.

Francisco said there were typically three phases involved in a public offer. First is the housekeeping stage which prepares a company to go public and involves determining which businesses to include in the IPO, getting financial reporting systems in order, and setting up good corporate governance policies and the corresponding infrastructure to implement these policies.

Next is the regulatory application stage or the filing with, and presenting the company to, the market regulators for deal approval so that they can access public funds. Finally, the public offering.

“The most difficult part would be the first phase since the company must be committed to changing its business culture from a family owned or informally run operations to a company that has clear growth plans, and is committed to transparency and good governance,” Francisco said.

Julito G. Rada

B2

Business

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks rebound; MPIC, Globe gain T HE stock market rose Thursday in a technical rebound and ahead of the policy meeting of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, with select blue chips leading the gainers.

The Bangko Sentral later in the day raised its interest rates by 50 basis points in line with market expectations.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 52.38 points, or 0.7 percent, to 7,320.59 on a value turnover of just over P5 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 101 to 85, with 45 issues unchanged.

Globe Telecom Inc., the secondbiggest telecommunications firm, rallied 6.5 percent to P2,200, while

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water and electricity generation, power generation and hospitals, climbed 2.8 percent to P4.78.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the largest fastfood chain, rose 2.7 percent to P259, while SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy. Sr. gained 2.9 percent to P899.

Most Asian markets, meanwhile, fell Thursday as investors considered the prospect of more US interest rate hikes and Donald Trump’s latest broadside in his trade war with China.

And Hong Kong property firms took a hit after two of the city’s biggest banks raised their own rates for the first time in 12 years as a result of the Fed’s move.

Tokyo led losses, ending down one percent, while Sydney lost 0.2 percent, Mumbai eased 0.2 percent and Wellington shed 0.7 percent. Bangkok was also off but Singapore, Taipei and

Seoul rose.

Hong Kong reversed early gains to sit 0.4 percent lower while Shanghai shed 0.5 percent, Taipei gained 0.3 percent and Sydney was flat.

The US central bank moved for the third time this year, as expected, citing an increasingly strong economy and jobs market, with governor Jerome Powell saying he saw no vulnerabilities in the financial system.

The post-meeting statement removed mention of being “accommodative,” which was seen as symbolically important as observers said it indicated the bank is moving away from the days of lower rates.

While Powell said this did not mean the Fed would tighten policy more quickly the bank is widely expected to lift rates again in December, while analysts are betting on another three in 2019.

Powell also said there remained risks from trade tensions, which could lift inflation, but added it was too soon to tell what impact it would have.

After the meeting, Wall Street’s three main indexes fell and the dollar edged up on the prospect of higher rates through the year.

Trump ramped up his criticism of China on Wednesday, accusing it of trying to sway November’s mid-term elections against his Republican party because of the trade row and admitting his relationship with President Xi Jinping may have been permanently damaged.

His comments will do little to ease concerns about an all-out trade war between the two economic giants, which have exchanged tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods, with no sign of a let-up in hostilities.

With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58.1 81.35 2.6 116.1 1.47 29.5 16.18 12.66 4.5 1.65 845 0.55 67.4 0.93 43.15 190 100.6 25.35 156.1 1,865 67.95

59.25 82.45 2.6 116.8 1.47 29.5 16.18 12.84 4.59 1.78 845 0.55 67.4 0.95 43.25 190 110 26 158 1,865 69.4

58.1 79.75 2.36 114 1.47 29.05 16.18 12.62 4.35 1.63 840 0.52 66 0.93 43.05 189 100.6 25.35 152.5 1,855 67.6

FINANCIALS 59.25 27,230 79.75 2,535,750 2.4 45,000 115.7 1,048,680 1.47 1,000 29.1 100,400 16.18 200 12.64 295,900 4.35 322,000 1.66 715,000 840 340 0.53 110,000 67.4 2,726,110 0.94 160,000 43.1 69,900 189 80 110 80 25.7 31,600 155.3 891,150 1,855 270 68 11,470

1,607,520 204,125,926.50 108,270 120,798,424 1,470 2,935,020 3,236 3,747,446 1,434,370 1,246,730 286,550 59,030 181,715,633 150,330 3,013,565 15,180 8,612 811,985 138,678,517 501,975 789,092.50

1,337,810 -132,810,831.50 -3,911,853 1,470 -1,090,960 -6,884 -92,060 -76,436,141 0 -1,362,590 9,500 -280,100 -61,486,877 -93,977

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

17.8 1.04 1.27 0.218 2.43 13.98 33.8 19 40 1.71 7.5 10 15.56 8.65 7.05 7.07 16.88 64 27.8 6.78 12 1.87 266 4.9 24 11.66 15.8 353 0.178 1.78 4.22 8.81 5 8.7 1 10.78 53.25 5.8 4.84 2.77 3.14 1.56 11.92 96.4 5.76 1 148 2.06 1.96

18.08 1.04 1.29 0.218 2.45 14.4 33.95 19 40 1.71 7.5 10.14 15.7 8.68 7.05 7.07 16.88 64.75 29.8 6.91 12.16 1.9 266.4 4.9 24.3 11.7 16 353 0.185 1.86 4.23 8.9 5.01 8.93 1 10.78 53.8 5.9 4.84 2.94 3.14 1.58 11.92 96.4 5.76 1 148 2.1 2.04

17.74 1.01 1.26 0.218 2.29 13.98 33.05 17.62 38 1.71 7.5 9.98 15.2 8.45 7.03 7.05 16.7 64 27.8 6.78 12 1.85 259 4.89 24 11.66 15.46 336 0.178 1.78 4.13 8.76 4.84 8.7 0.98 10.26 53 5.8 4.83 2.77 2.99 1.52 11.9 95.5 5.5 1 144.6 2.03 1.82

INDUSTRIAL 18 1,116,200 1.03 7,536,000 1.28 470,000 0.218 20,000 2.3 4,996,000 14.34 256,000 33.8 286,200 17.98 23,200 38 1,370,100 1.71 20,000 7.5 300 10.08 6,223,600 15.4 3,451,100 8.45 47,900 7.03 85,000 7.06 15,442,500 16.76 1,300,800 64.5 22,690 27.95 39,900 6.84 39,100 12.1 129,300 1.9 804,000 259 804,170 4.9 120,000 24.05 1,061,700 11.68 148,800 15.46 2,948,200 346 596,960 0.179 360,000 1.79 108,000 4.23 260,000 8.8 1,852,500 5 317,800 8.92 57,700 0.98 4,882,000 10.5 101,900 53.5 130,900 5.8 140,700 4.84 11,000 2.94 9,156,000 2.99 11,000 1.55 11,000 11.9 12,400 96 241,670 5.51 473,500 1 21,000 147.4 1,097,160 2.04 3,328,000 2.04 24,530,000

20,035,794 7,723,840 594,440 4,360 11,750,870 3,672,784 9,630,455 416,594 52,064,000 34,200 2,250 62,254,080 53,478,052 410,081 597,606 109,025,026 21,856,850 1,463,247 1,150,190 267,991 1,558,938 1,499,390 209,555,208 587,750 25,637,965 1,738,384 45,939,168 203,146,810 64,440 194,730 1,095,530 16,304,614 1,561,719 510,820 4,818,660 1,065,440 6,995,735.50 816,180 53,230 26,413,410 33,190 17,070 147,798 23,160,798.50 2,621,003 21,000 160,705,698 6,867,920 47,700,920

1,794,882 61,130 -5,931,150 529,770 -46,748 -764,000 117,228 6,477,400 -220,931 -59,766 -107,333,888 -9,944,282 501,175 1,050,432 -258,400 333,566 1,166,885 -1,412,578 -9,932,528 -42,135,726 21,360 -133,900 -12,625,279 -4,242,220 8,208 809,303 -203,000 -48,400 8,015,434.50 -2,569,004 54,386,850 214,040 -605,070

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV MJC INVESTMENTS PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.42 50 12.6 6.1 29.4 1.16 1.16 939 5.83 11.82 806 55 0.58 4.52 15.14 0.58 4.69 3.32 0.038 1.2 2.49 2.61 169.7 2.55 885 0.8 1.41 0.28 0.2

0.425 50.8 12.72 6.1 31 1.17 1.16 950 5.88 11.98 815 55.5 0.58 4.52 15.28 0.61 4.8 3.32 0.039 1.2 2.49 2.61 169.7 2.55 899 0.8 1.41 0.28 0.2

0.405 47.95 12.34 6.08 26.7 1.09 1.12 926 5.8 11.2 795 54.1 0.55 4.4 14.96 0.56 4.61 3.32 0.038 1.19 2.45 2.58 167.9 2.55 866 0.8 1.4 0.265 0.2

HOLDING FIRMS 0.425 7,350,000 49.95 2,809,640 12.4 2,656,800 6.1 75,000 27.9 347,300 1.14 12,866,000 1.13 2,187,000 950 222,790 5.83 803,000 11.4 5,939,600 812 145,330 55.5 1,922,120 0.57 6,000 4.47 1,021,000 15 1,852,300 0.61 2,628,000 4.78 32,536,000 3.32 3,000 0.039 2,100,000 1.19 16,000 2.46 331,000 2.58 28,000 169.5 490,780 2.55 3,000 899 225,810 0.8 10,000 1.41 11,000 0.27 1,770,000 0.2 100,000

3,055,700 138,652,078.50 33,102,390 457,200 10,106,810 14,421,950 2,487,570 209,540,770 4,679,764 68,177,334 116,993,915 106,150,035 3,370 4,567,130 27,787,944 1,528,630 153,003,770 9,960 80,000 19,080 813,730 72,910 82,876,803 7,650 200,066,095 8,000 15,450 474,150 20,000

975,633.50 -9,141,502 445,000 -47,365 -78,860.00 69,518,140 -1,747,337 -38,737,236 -9,586,190 -2,936,689.50 1,285,140 -4,290,984 59,360 -45,183,550 132,800 2,956,517 60,074,970 -16,200 -

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

7.3 0.84 12 2.04 0.67 40.05 2.64 4.33 5.37 0.45 0.95 0.93 0.227 0.415 8.53 19.62 0.56 1.43 1.11 2.21 4.4 0.64 0.45 0.435 3.98 19.64 1.92 36.25 1.13

7.31 0.88 12 2.05 0.67 41.3 2.64 4.36 5.37 0.45 0.97 0.93 0.227 0.415 8.53 20.2 0.56 1.45 1.11 2.37 4.43 0.66 0.45 0.435 4.1 20.3 1.97 37.25 1.18

7.21 0.84 12 2.04 0.64 39.95 2.46 4.29 5.35 0.435 0.93 0.92 0.218 0.395 8.33 18.6 0.55 1.41 1.11 2 4.35 0.64 0.44 0.42 3.83 19.28 1.92 36.25 1.13

NAME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

STARMALLS VISTA LAND

6.41 6.09

6.75 6.09

6.41 6

6.52 6.05

96,000 1,937,200

627,386 11,717,417

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 GRAND PLAZA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY MELCO RESORTS METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG 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

11.64 20.9 1.4 0.48 0.043 1.97 8.7 0.062 72.2 7.9 5.55 8.66 22.95 900 2,070 5.38 308 11.32 2.72 2 90.5 12.02 7.75 0.117 2.85 3.33 3.6 0.93 16.08 0.42 5.6 7.01 2.49 1.43 1.38 7.3 10.8 8.21 102 4.35 1,365 0.88 0.375 44.8 79.6 7.76 2.25 0.87 0.53 5.2 0.68 10

11.64 21 1.4 0.48 0.044 1.98 8.9 0.062 72.75 7.9 5.66 8.98 24 900 2,200 5.39 314 11.32 2.8 2 95.3 12.06 7.75 0.117 2.94 3.55 3.7 0.97 16.3 0.42 5.8 7.02 2.51 1.5 1.39 7.47 11 8.3 102.9 4.44 1,372 0.89 0.395 45.7 82 7.97 2.29 0.89 0.54 5.2 0.69 10.28

11 20.85 1.4 0.475 0.042 1.91 8.69 0.06 72.1 7.9 5.52 8.5 22 900 2,070 5.37 308 11.32 2.67 2 90.5 12.02 7.75 0.114 2.78 3.33 3.57 0.93 15.86 0.42 5.6 7 2.47 1.4 1.38 7.3 10.8 8.21 101.9 4.2 1,270 0.87 0.365 44.8 77.55 7.73 2.21 0.86 0.51 5.15 0.67 10

SERVICES 11.48 20.9 1.4 0.475 0.043 1.91 8.76 0.061 72.6 7.9 5.6 8.98 22.5 900 2,200 5.39 314 11.32 2.72 2 94 12.06 7.75 0.114 2.93 3.5 3.61 0.97 16.04 0.42 5.6 7.01 2.47 1.5 1.39 7.39 10.98 8.21 102 4.39 1,300 0.88 0.385 45.7 82 7.73 2.22 0.88 0.54 5.18 0.68 10.1

19,400 23,000 5,000 1,330,000 11,000,000 2,306,000 11,593,400 4,810,000 129,360 200 778,600 79,300 128,700 50 62,860 52,000 1,090 14,400 1,034,000 1,000 775,260 4,400 8,000 2,670,000 2,809,000 19,000 722,000 71,000 1,008,900 120,000 111,300 4,594,900 116,000 111,000 18,000 702,800 25,700 2,700 61,550 433,000 204,330 321,000 4,450,000 927,800 172,090 36,000 3,098,000 7,547,000 17,823,000 117,100 620,000 2,720,800

220,916 480,590 7,000 632,500 471,800 4,453,540 101,231,221 293,320 9,350,393 1,580 4,326,992 681,508 2,969,545 45,000 136,535,980 279,877 337,454 163,008 2,817,040 2,000 72,790,900.50 52,962 62,000 306,450 8,050,720 64,690 2,616,290 66,650 16,150,510 50,400 628,910 32,201,900 288,350 160,240 24,970 5,174,975 282,520 22,185 6,299,674 1,846,330 265,016,485 280,890 1,644,400 42,191,645 13,570,281.50 279,328 6,894,770 6,612,630 9,415,500 605,512 417,790 27,476,226

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

0.0023 1.48 3.02 18.4 1 1.92 0.295 7.21 1.85 0.203 0.11 0.113 1.3 4.4 1.14 0.65 1.17 0.012 0.013 0.012 3.69 3.38 15.58 27

0.0024 1.5 3.02 18.4 1 1.95 0.295 7.21 1.86 0.207 0.11 0.113 1.3 4.4 1.16 0.67 1.18 0.013 0.014 0.012 3.69 3.45 15.86 27.1

0.0023 1.46 3.01 18.3 1 1.92 0.295 7.16 1.83 0.203 0.109 0.11 1.3 4.3 1.14 0.61 1.11 0.012 0.013 0.011 3.44 3.33 15.5 26.85

MINING & OIL 0.0024 106,000,000 1.47 1,607,000 3.01 44,000 18.4 3,200 1 43,000 1.95 217,000 0.295 20,000 7.16 7,400 1.86 394,000 0.203 110,000 0.109 1,280,000 0.113 1,190,000 1.3 100,000 4.4 301,000 1.16 16,000 0.65 2,951,000 1.14 2,134,000 0.012 94,000,000 0.014 1,800,000 0.011 1,600,000 3.64 85,000 3.33 1,224,000 15.7 758,600 27 1,461,300

246,100 2,356,620 132,450 58,830 43,000 416,670 5,900 53,016 729,080 22,370 140,760 134,440 130,000 1,309,890 18,280 1,896,670 2,450,080 1,128,200 24,900 17,700 296,620 4,128,870 11,914,558 39,453,190

-146,000 -3,010 115,200 11,040 -302,390 15,960.00 -1,214,930 -345,046 -20,816,365

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B 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

19.5 495 100 102.5 490 5.17 945 96 104.5 1,000 1,047 100 103 1,000 75.15 78.2 75 75 74.65 74.5 74.5

19.8 495 100 102.5 490 5.17 945 96.1 104.5 1,000 1,047 100 103 1,000 75.15 78.2 75 75 75.5 75 75

19.42 490 99.5 102.5 490 5.17 945 96 104 1,000 1,047 99.6 103 982 75 78.15 75 75 74.6 74 74.5

PREFERRED 19.42 24,900 495 2,090 99.6 57,010 102.5 100 490 200 5.17 40,000 945 650 96.1 6,390 104 60 1,000 2,000 1,047 5 99.6 14,500 103 3,090 1,000 365 75 31,020 78.15 11,670 75 500,000 75 8,200 75.5 25,990 75 19,240 75 28,000

484,516 1,025,910 5,700,304 10,250 98,000 206,800 614,250 613,479 6,255 2,000,000 5,235 1,446,204.50 318,270 364,910 2,328,331.50 912,588 37,500,000 615,000 1,941,570 1,431,110 2,096,200

-476,734 -206,800 -2,328,331.50 -825,010 225,745 -

LR WARRANT

2.43

2.44

2.35

WARRANTS 2.37 95,000

225,490

-118,300

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.34 2.42

5.4 2.42

5.13 2.19

5.25 2.23

6,643,974 7,872,030

517,096 -357,510

FIRST METRO ETF

108.6

109

108.4

776,709

21,750

MS

PROPERTY 7.28 0.88 12 2.05 0.64 41.3 2.47 4.36 5.35 0.44 0.93 0.92 0.226 0.395 8.33 19 0.56 1.45 1.11 2.36 4.43 0.64 0.44 0.435 3.96 20.3 1.93 37.25 1.18

392,300 4,059,000 400 31,000 306,000 3,588,400 1,102,000 366,000 900 2,760,000 199,000 112,000 1,470,000 120,000 205,700 1,032,500 416,000 2,158,000 507,000 51,731,000 6,177,000 66,441,000 1,840,000 230,000 3,855,000 1,326,000 234,000 4,948,500 212,000

2,857,255 3,508,040 4,800 63,350 198,060 146,772,565 2,828,610 1,574,010 4,831 1,212,150 189,120 103,660 325,650 49,000 1,732,931 19,789,280 230,460 3,094,620 562,770 111,526,020 27,220,460 43,032,020 814,700 97,250 15,129,630 26,663,510 452,710 182,177,710 246,340

634,080 16,928,215 -1,129,050 -74,850 -289,651 -7,947,386 -92,960 59,900 1,608,940 7,886,400 -145,440 29,700 -26,790 -5,184,320 -77,120 -5,622,905 -

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

9,375,724

INDUSTRIAL

97,349,009

HOLDING FIRMS

85,108,763

PROPERTY SERVICES

167,498,958 86,037,369

MINING & OIL

217,356,943

GRAND TOTAL

667,517,776

SME

1,272,600 3,510,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 109 7,150

-1,653,213 25,800.00 -25,406,382.00 553,164.50 -73,976 2,215 64,403,730 -152,480 2,000 37,440,080.50 -3,550 -270,270 3,156,078 -546,950 -21,839,712 -7,420 133,020 -6,140 -122,994,885 -29,780 125,700 -11,563,155 -6,455,119.50 1,177,480 -2,535,480 -227,350 20,680 -71,270 -15,173,118

VALUE 1,589.76 (down) 0.64 685,376,081.43 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,780.89 (down) 64.04 1,278,387,045.42 HOLDING FIRMS 7,220.00 (up) 84.97 1,443,856,743.28 PROPERTY 3,708.57 (up) 48.35 SERVICES 1,485.13 (up) 4.26 682,866,871.26 MINING & OIL 9,043.22 (down) 0.28 874,513,819.51 PSEI 7,320.59 (up) 52.38 67,123,510.37 All Shares Index 4,483.81 (up) 23.34 5,047,420,093.67 Gainers: 85; Losers: 101; Unchanged: 45; Total: 231

Jollibee forms joint venture with America’s Panda Express

By Jenniffer B. Austria FAST-FOOD giant Jollibee Foods Corp. has formed a joint venture with Panda Restaurant Group Inc., America’s largest family-owned and -operated Chinese American restaurant concept, to bring the Panda Express chain of restaurants to the Philippines.

Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 50:50 ownership split, with a starting capital of $5 million, would initially develop five Panda Express restaurants in Metro Manila.

“We feel fortunate to be partnering with a company that has a history of growing and adding significant value to its new businesses,” said Andrew Cherng, co-founder and co-chief executive of Panda Express, said.

“We look forward to tapping into JFC’s market expertise to grow the Panda Express brand into a household name in the Philippines and, more importantly, actioning our shared value of inspiring people to better their lives.”

Jollbee chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said Panda Express was “very much in line with JFC brand portfolio.”

“We are thrilled about this relationship between Panda and JFC. Starting from a single restaurant in a California mall to becoming a restaurant chain of over 2,100 stores, Panda Express is a strong brand with a growing global footprint. Very much in line with JFC’s brand portfolio, it has excellent tasting dishes at reasonable price points,” Tan Caktiong said.

“Long-term, Panda Express has a high potential for broad acceptance across the country,” he added.

The joint venture company will have its own management team ith Jollibee providing support.

Jollibee operates the largest food service network in the Philippines, with 2,988 domestic restaurant outlets and 1,336 stores overseas.

It also has a 48-percent interest in joint venture 12 Hotpot (China) with 16 stores and an 85-percent stake in Smashburger with 374 outlets, mostly in the United States.

Wenceslao’s 3rd building gets Peza incentive PROPERTY developer D.M. Wenceslao & Associates Inc. said Thursday its third commercial office building received an accreditation from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority as an information technology center.

DM Wenceslao said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Presidential Proclamation No. 592 declared the 15-story Aseana Three a special economic zone for information technology.

Asean Three’s accreditation entitles Peza-registered businesses located in the building to certain fiscal and non-fiscal incentives that include an income tax holiday for a certain number of years, which translates into a 100-percent exemption from corporate income tax, duty and tax-free importation of equipment and parts, exemption from wharfage dues on shipments of equipment imports and expanded withholding tax, and simplified import and export procedures.

“Aseana Three benefits from its proximity to major transportation links, tourism, and recreational and retail concepts in the Manila Bay,” DM Wenceslao chief executive Delfin Angelo Wenceslao said.

“With demand on the rise, we are complementing the speed of development with office construction in the area. The Peza accreditation is consistent with our strategy to provide value to our tenants through fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. It also allows us to accommodate a wider group of tenants and provide us with flexibility in meeting the needs of our growing business,” he added.

The 15-story building, fully leased out as of the end of 2017, has a total leasable floor area of 30,914 square meters. It offers large floor plates of 2,500 sq.m. and a high efficiency ratio of 90 percent based on the ratio of usable floor area to the gross floor area. Jenniffer B. Austria

World

B3

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Demand for free speech stops Ibsen play in China

THE VIEW AT THE TOP. Tourists take photos on Victoria Peak showing residential and commercial buildings in Hong Kong on September 27, 2018. Two of Hong Kong’s biggest banks raised their lending rates for the first time in 12 years, ending an age of cheap cash that could hit the city’s property market. AFP

Chaos is the new normal in Donald Trump’s world W ASHINGTON―Will President Donald Trump tell his most politically sensitive justice department official: “You’re fired!” Will Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court nominee Trump calls “unblemished,” save himself from mounting allegations of sexual assault?

In the wild West Wing of Trump’s White House, no one knows―and those are just this week’s questions.

Again and again since his surprise 2016 election, the Republican businessman and former reality TV star has proved capable of upping the shock factor, sowing what pundits and White House insiders alike describe as chaos through Washington.

This week is proving particularly unhinged.

On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee meets for the politically explosive hearing over the sex assault allegations against Kavanaugh.

At around the same time, Trump had been expected to receive his deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, for a chat

on his job future―not a good future, it seems, following a newspaper report that Rosenstein once secretly discussed wearing a wire to record Trump.

Now it appears that the dramatic meeting might not happen after all, as Trump said he doesn’t want “to do anything that gets in the way” of the Kavanaugh crisis, and a Rosenstein meeting did not appear on the president’s Thursday schedule.

Not that this will make the Rosenstein issue disappear.

The number two justice department official is reported to have been considering gathering recordings to campaign for Trump’s removal under the constitutional provision for incompetent presidents.

He strenuously denies that. But

IN BRIEF Court rules adultery no longer a crime NEW DELHI―India’s top court Thursday ruled that adultery is no longer a crime, declaring a colonial-era law that punished the offense with jail time unconstitutional and discriminatory against women.

The more than century-old law prescribed that any man who slept with a married woman without her husband’s permission had committed adultery, a crime carrying a five-year prison term.

“Thinking of adultery from a point of view of criminality is a retrograde step,” unanimously declared the five-judge bench of the Supreme Court.

Women could not file a complaint under the archaic law nor be held liable for adultery themselves, making it solely the realm of men.

The court said the law deprived women of dignity and individual choice, and treated them as the property of men.

It also said that adultery, while a valid ground for divorce, was a private matter.

The court upheld the legality of the crime in 1954, arguing that in adultery “it is commonly accepted that it is the man who is the seducer, and not the women”.

A petitioner had challenged the law earlier this year, describing it as discriminatory. AFP

Vietnam bids final farewell to president HANOI―Vietnam held an emotional memorial for president Tran Dai Quang in Hanoi Thursday before his body was carried through the city with weeping residents and police lining the streets to bid him a final farewell.

Quang died on Friday at age 61 after a long illness that officials described only as a “rare virus”.

A long-serving communist stalwart and former national police chief, Quang was celebrated for his dedication to the country that he spent much of his career serving.

“The leader with many contributions to the country bid farewell to us... a great loss for the family and the nation,” Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong said at a ceremony Thursday.

Quang’s family, dressed in black with white headbands, stood near his coffin draped in the national flag and beneath a portrait of the leader and a framed collection of his medals.

“My father’s wish was to spend his whole life contributing to the nation and revolutionary cause,” Quang’s son Tran Quan told the funeral home packed with uniformed police and officials wearing black armbands.

Quang’s red coffin―emblazoned with Vietnam’s national logo in gold―later began a procession through Hanoi on a cannon carriage followed by trucks of uniformed soldiers with the country’s top leaders walking behind for a few minutes. AFP

Trump already mistrusts him: Rosenstein oversees the investigation into whether the president colluded with Russia during his election.

“Chaos,” said Michael Geno-

vese, a politics professor at Loyola Marymount University in California, “is the norm for the president. That’s his operating style.” AFP

PARIS―Chinese officials pulled a tour by the German theater star Thomas Ostermeier when audience members in Beijing shouted slogans demanding free speech, the director told AFP. Ostermeier, one of Europe’s hottest theater makers, said the Chinese tour of Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People”―in which a local doctor fights political corruption―was abruptly cut short by the authorities “because of technical problems”.

His acclaimed version of the 19th-century classic by the Norwegian playwright, which played at the Opera House of the National Center for the Performing Arts near Tiananmen Square, includes a scene where the actors and audience interact.

“When the authorities realized [after the first of three planned performances in the Chinese capital] that it included an interaction, they did everything they could so there would be no scandal,” Ostermeier told AFP. “But the news had spread like wildfire on social media,” the director of Berlin’s famed Schaubuhne Theater added.

The authorities moved quickly to censor all mention of the scene, “erasing everything that had been said on social media”, said Ostermeier, who is in Paris to premiere his new staging of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at the Comedie Francaise.

State control of the Internet has been drastically increased in China under President Xi Jinping, with the web regularly purged of criticism of the authorities or content judged politically sensitive.

Ostermeier said he was told to cut the scene but instead replaced it with a announcement saying that “we would have liked to have a discussion with you, but the actor who was to do it has lost his voice. Has that ever happened to you?

“Then the whole troupe came on stage and there was two minutes of silence. The audience understood immediately,” Ostermeier said of the performance earlier this month.

“Some started shouting out their support of free speech and individual liberty,” he added.

The German, who has toured China with his company many times before, said he had been told by fellow directors that it “wouldn’t be possible” to stage “An Enemy of the People” in the country.

The play tells the story of a provincial doctor who discovers that the waters of a spa are contaminated. But when he reveals the scandal he is forced out of his home after being accused of trying to ruin the village.

Ostermeier said he thought that by inviting him to stage the play in China, the authorities wanted to show their openness.

It was only later that “we realized that they had not seen the play in advance, and that from their point of view, there had been an error”, he said.

Further performances in Nanjing were canceled “because of technical problems”.

The left-wing director has shown his adaptation in some 40 countries after it was the hit of the Avignon festival in France in 2012. AFP

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

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friday, september 28, 2018

LGUs

In BrIef entrepreneur voted Lions club leader

LocaL government units

ARMM builds 1,599 km of roads in 6 years

By Lance Baconguis CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has completed 1,599 kilometers of roads from 2012 to 2018, the Regional Government’s Bureau of Public Information said Wednesday.

Data from the region’s Public Works department also showed 508.685 km or 22.075 percent of the target, are still ongoing as of Sept. 14 this year. Another 183.382 km or 7.958 percent are yet to be started.

The province of Lanao del Sur received the most number of road projects in the region as it registered a total of 335, followed by Maguindanao with 306, Sulu with 277, and Basilan and Tawi-Tawi with 247 and 173, respectively.

“These initiatives will make the communities, especially in areas with security problems, feel the presence of the government,” ARMM Gov. Mujiv S. Hataman said.

The ARMM’s infrastructure program, the governor said, directly promotes peace and development.

The region’s constituents will now have easy access to government’s services on transportation, health, trade and industry, agriculture and fishery, tourism, all considered vital in boosting the region’s economy, Hataman added.

ARMM has allocated over P35 billion for the implementation of these road projects during the last six years.

Many of the road projects are located in conflict-affected and far-flung communities.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Bae Bajora Soraya Adiong said their “dream roads” projects are now nearing completion.

“We are working hard in making these roads and other infrastructure projects a reality,” Adiong said.

TURNOVER. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte turns over the keys to 250

new transport vehicles (inset) to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology chief Jail Director Deogracias C Tapayan (right) as Interior Secretary Eduardo Año witnesses the turnover at Camp General Vicente Lim in Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna, last Sept. 20. The vehicles are for the different district, city and municipal jails across the country. Roy Tomandao

QC builds P58-m women’s dorm to decongest jail

By Rio N. Araja

Q

UEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista on Thursday announced the construction of a P58-million female dormitory for “persons deprived with liberty” inside the Quezon City Police District headquarters in Camp Karingal to relieve the crowded women’s dormitory.

The new dormitory is a four-story building that could accommodate at least 620 female detainees, Bautista said. It will also house a multipurpose hall, a clinic, an administration office and a separate facility for pregnant women, he added.

According to Supt. Marie Rose Laguyo of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the old dormitory is designed for only 90 inmates, but currently houses 982.

Meanwhile, the QCPD lauded the Quezon City government for helping

Republic of the Philippines NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Cabanatuan City 044-463-0226 www.neust.edu.ph

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE & DEVELOPMENT ORG Compound, Cotabato City IN VITATION TO BID FOR 2018 SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT –ARMM 1.

The DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT –ARMM, through SARO No. BMB-D-1800014448 intends to apply the sum of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO PESOS (p172,544,562.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for 2018 SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING PROGRAM in the following lots: Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Description MAGUINDANAO LANAO SUR A LANAO SUR B MARAWI CITY BASILAN SULU TAWI-TAWI

ABC 67,067,838.00 24,755,706.00 22,501,386.00 4,277,754.00 12,176,964.00 20,850,642.00 20,914,272.00

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development – ARMM now invites bids for the Supply delivery of rice and viands intended for one hundred twenty (12) feeding days of 94,909 Day Care Children in the 2,246 Child Development Centers in the 116 municipalities and 2 cities in the Autonomous Region.

Deliveries of goods shall be made weekly based on the approved schedule and prepared menu for the whole duration of the 120 feeding days. Goods shall be directly delivered to the Child Development Centers in every municipality.

Bidders should have completed, within two (2) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The Description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

3.

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

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

5.

A complete set of Electronic Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on September 24, 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of: Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Description MAGUINDANAO LANAO SUR A LANAO SUR B MARAWI CITY BASILAN SULU TAWI-TAWI

ABC 40,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00

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 free for the Bidding Documents not later than the submissions of their bids.

6.

7.

8.

9.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will hold a Pre-bid Conference on October 1, 2018 at 09:30 am at ORS Conference, DSWD-ARMM, ORG Compound, Cotabato City, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before October 15, 2018 at 10:00 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 October 15, 2018 at 10:00 am at DSWD-ARMM Regional Office, ORG Compound, Cotabato City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

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

10. For further information, please refer to: FAIDA M. ENSANAH BAC Secretariat Head Department of Social Welfare and Development – ARMM ORG Compound, Cotabato City Cellphone No. 0915-2923934 (SGD) HJA. POMBAEN KARON-KADER, MPS Chairman (MS-SEPT. 28, 2018)

authorities deter crime.

At least 200 MiGuard security alarm system introduced by Green Energy have been installed in strategic areas to monitor traffic, fire, floods, emergency situations and incidence of criminality.

QCPD director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr. reminded businesses to comply with City Ordinance No. SP2139 requiring the installation of closed circuit television system.

“Let us invest in the security of our business establishments by taking ad-

vantage of the benefits from the advance technology,” he said.

The CCTVs shall be monitored at all times in order to immediately report crime incidents to the nearest police station or barangay, he added.

In another development, the city council has authorized Bautista to grant P2,948,040 in financial assistance to fund the projects and activities of the Quezon City Ladies Foundation Inc. City Resolution 7545-2018, introduced by Councilor Raquel Malangen, states that the grant shall allow the Ladies Foundation to carry out its health, education, livelihood, and human rights projects further that address the needs of women and children.

“In order to fulfill its mandate and operate, there is a need to fund the administrative and activity expenses,” the resolution reads.

LOT 2 - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 25,423,000.00 Contract Duration: 90DAYS |Fund Source: INCOME | Bid Documents:25,000.00 ITEM DESCRIPTION: 1 UNIT REFRIGERATION CYLCE 1 UNIT AIR CONDITIONING TRAINER 1 UNIT ICE MAKER TRAINER 1 UNIT RANKLINE CYCLE STEAM TURBINE, with DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM 1 UNIT PROJECTOR WITH MOTORIZED SCREEN 1 UNIT WET BENCHES 1 UNIT ELECTRICALLY ADJUSTED COMPUTER DESK (FOR TEACHER DESK) 1 UNIT INDUSTRIAL COMPUTER TABLE FOR TEACHER MOVE AROUND DESK 1 UNIT TOOL HOLDER BENCHES 1 UNIT TROLLEY WITH TRAYS 6 UNITS MULTIPURPOSE WORKSTATION FOR STUDENTS 6 UNITS BENCH WITH A SHELF 1 UNITS STANDARD BENCH FOR EQUIPMENT LOT 3 – CIVIL ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 13,977,000.00 Contract Duration: 90DAYS |Fund Source: INCOME | Bid Documents:25,000.00 ITEM DESCRIPTION: 1 Unit Universal Testing Machine 1 Unit Understanding Structural Behavior 1 Unit Energy Loses in Pipes with Portable Pressure Meter 1 Unit Flow Channel 1 Unit Osborne Reynolds Demonstration 1 Unit Energy Losses in Bends 1 Unit Electronic Digital Theodolite 1 Unit Electronic Total Station Primless

(ITB-09=18-4A) The [Department of Education, Region IV-A (Calabarzon)], through the [FY 2018 GAA] intends to apply the sum of [One Hundred Three Million Two Hundred Three Thousand pesos (PhP 103,200,000.00)] being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE PRELIMINARY AND DETAILED ENGINEERING (PDE) FOR SCHOOL BUILDING SUBSURFACE SOIL EXPLORATION WORKS /[ITB-09-18-4A]. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of the financial proposals.

The [Department of Education, Region 4-A (Calabarzon)] now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for the CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE PRELIMINARY AND DETAILED ENGINEERING (PDE) FOR SCHOOL BUILDING SUBSURFACE SOIL EXPLORATION WORKS. Lot Nos.

October 05, 2018 5:00 PM OCTOBER 08,2018 9:00 AM OCTOBER 24,2018 UNTIL 5:00 PM OCTOBER 25,2018 09:00 AM OCTOBER 26,2018 9:00 AM

a.) The specifications for the project will be provided by the end user and shall be discussed during the Pre-Bid Conference. b.) The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the Eligibility Check /Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids. The BAC will conduct post qualification of the lowest calculated bid. c.) All particulars to the Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). d.) The BAC will issue to prospective bidders Eligibility Forms at the Office of the BAC Chairman, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), Cabanatuan City upon their submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology. Prospective bidders shall submit the Eligibility Requirements to the BAC at the said address. They may also obtain the results of the Eligibility Check by the BAC at the same address. e.) The BAC will issue Bidding Documents only to bidders declared by the BAC to be eligible for the bidding upon payment of non-refundable amount to the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) Cashier Office. f.) The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid to annul the bidding process, and to reject all Bids at any time prior to contract award, whether thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

SGD. ENGR. HONORATO P. PANAHON,Ph.D., Ll. B. Chairman Bids and Awards Committee for Goods and Services, E-Mail: neustmain@yahoo.com

87 sites

Lot 2 (2nd, 3rd & 4th District of Batangas

101 sites

Lot 3 (Cavite, Bacoor City, Cav. City, Dasmariñas City & Imus City) Lot 4 ( Laguna, Biñan City, Cabuyao City, Calamba, Sta. Rosa & San Pablo City

84 sites

60 sites

Lot 5 (1st Dist. of Quezon)

77 sites

Lot 6 (2nd Dist. of Quezon, Lucena & Tayabas City)

59 sites

Lot 7 (3rd Dist. of Quezon

84 sites

Lot 8 (4th Dist. of Quezon

97 sites

Lot 9 (Rizal & Antipolo City)

39 sites

Total

688 sites

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) 13,050,000.00 15,150,000.00 9,000,000.00 12,600,000.00 11,550,000.00 8,850,000.00 12,600,000.00 14,550,000.00 5,850,000.00 103,200,000.00

Interested consultants may submit their written Letter of Intent (LOI) or Application for Eligibility and Short listing to the BAC addressed to the BAC Secretariat at DepEd RO IV-A (Calabarzon), Gate 2-Karangalan Drive, Cainta, Riza!. The BAC may only issue the list of eligibility requirements to those who have submitted the LOI or Application for Eligibility and Short listing.

Interested consultants must submit their eligibility documents on or before September 28, 2018 at 10:00 AM @ DepEd RO IV-A (Calabarzon), Gate 2-Karangalan Drive, Cainta, Rizal. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

The opening of eligibility documents is scheduled on September 28. 2018 @ 1:30 PM. The BAC shall draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted eligibility documents/Expression of Interest and have been determined as eligible in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Govemment Procurement Reform Act”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The short list shall consist of eligible prospective bidders who will be entitled to submit bids. The criteria and rating system for short listing are: a.

Applicable experience of the consultant and members in case of joint ventures, considering both overall experiences of the company or the individual experiences of the principal and key staff (40 pts. Max).

b.

Qualification of personnel who may be assigned to the job vis-a-vis extent and complexity of the undertaking; (40 pts. Max); and

c.

Current workload relative to capacity (20 pts. Max).

The BAC shall inform the short listed consultants and the bidding documents will be made available only to the short listed consultants. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired at DepEd RO IV-A (Calabarzon), Gate 2-Karangalan Drive, Cainta, Rizal upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Php 10,000.00 for Clusters 3, 6 & 9 and Php 20,000.00 for Clusters 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 & 8.

The BAC shall hold a Pre-Bid Conference to discuss the terms and conditions under the Contract on October 9, 2018. 10:00 AM at DepEd RO IV-A (Calabarzon). Gate 2-Karangalan Drive. Cainfa. Rizal.

The submission and opening of bids will be conducted on October 22, 2018 at 1:3O PM, through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the IRR of RA 9184.

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.

The Procuring Entity shall evaluate bids using the Quality Cost Based Evaluation/Selection (QCBEIQCBS) procedure (Technical: 70% and Financial: 30%). The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of bids shall be provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

The contract duration for Undertaking the Subsurface Soil Exploration Activities shall be One Hundred Fifty Calendar Days 150 Calendar Days)and the consultants shall commence work after the receipt of Notice to Proceed(NTP).

The DepEd RO IV-A (Calabarzon) 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: Geleen Grace DG. Mateo BAC Secretariat DepEd RO IV-A (Calabarzon) Telephone no. 682-5773 loc 103 (SGD) DR. CARLITO M. ROCAFORT BAC - Chairperson 2

(MS-SEPT. 28., 2018

Item/ Description Soil Exploration Soil Exploration Soil Exploration Soil Exploration Soil Exploration Soil Exploration Soil Exploration Soil Exploration Soil Exploration

Qty

Lot 1 (1st Dist. of Batangas, Batangas City, Lipa City & Tanauan City

Schedule of Activities: Deadline of Submission of Letter of Intent LOI : Pre-Bid Conference : Submission of Bids : Opening of Bid : Post Qualification :

DINALUPIHAN, Bataan―The Department of Agrarian Reform has delivered approved certificate of land ownership awards (CLOAs) to farmers here.

“Our farmers are busy cultivating their lands, so we ourselves at DAR Bataan bring to them the approved CLOA documents,” said Engineer Eric San Luis, Provincial Agrarian Reform officer for Bataan and Zambales.

San Luis personally delivered the CLOA documents to beneficiaries in towns of Dinalupihan and Orani.

“One time we arrived at the house of a beneficiary, he was still in his farm and was fetched, and was extremely happy to see the approved CLOA we brought him,” he narrated.

“This is service to the public especially to farmers. We are doing the program in the entire province,” San Luis added. Butch Gunio

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE PRELIMINARY AND DETAILED ENGINEERING (PDE) FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS SUBSURFACE SOIL EXPLORATION WORKS

The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), Invites entities to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder project:

Contract Duration: 90DAYS|Fund Source: INCOME | Bid Documents:25,000.00 ITEM DESCRIPTION: 1 UNIT LATHE MACHINE 1 UNIT CNC LATHE MACHINE 1 UNIT CNC MILLING MACHINE 1 UNIT HYDRAULIC SHEET METAL BENDER 1 UNIT PIPE BENDER 1 UNIT SHEARING MACHINE 1 UNIT TIG WELDING MACHINE

Dar-Bataan delivers cLoas to farmers

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education REGION IV-A CALABARZON Gate 2, Karangalan Village, Cainta, Rizal

INVITATION TO BID

LOT 1 - METAL INNOVATION EQUIPMENT Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 21,537,561.00

Z E NA I DA Chingkiat, a successful entrepreneur and club treasurer for five years, was recently elected president of the Pasay City (Host) Lions Zenaida Chingkiat Club, District 301-A2 for 2018-2019.

Married to PCHLC past president Winston Chingkiat, Mrs. Chingkiat will be formally inducted into office along with the 2018-2019 officers on Sept. 29 at the Casa Ibarra, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Among her notable projects, in addition to her duties as treasurer where she was actively involved either as project chairperson or committee member, were the peace poster contest and sports program.

Recently, under her leadership, the Club donated a wheelchair, groceries, clothes and toys for an eight-year-old disabled child, and distributed food, rice, fruits and raincoats to 120 children living inside the Sgt. Mariano public cemetery in Pasay City.

Mrs. Chingkiat runs a costume boutique based in a shopping mall.

May be deleted in case the ABC is less than One Million Pesos (PhP1,000,000.00) where the Procuring Entity may not hold a Pre-Bid Conference.

(MS-SEPT. 28, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

culture and media

friday, september 28, 2018

c1

Looking for Mang Larry Larry Alcala’s legacy in visual arts crosses the lines

By chong ardivilla

L

AURO Zarate “Mang Larry” Alcala (1926-2002) has made a ritual of obscuring himself. A generation of Filipinos grew up in the 1980s and 90s searching for Mang Larry in his Slice of Life cartoons. One has to trawl through the inked lines and cross hatches of his cartoonified modern-day landscapes of Filipino society and spot his profile.

Mang Larry did several cartoons, comic strips that tickled Filipinos, but more importantly lent to the articulation of Filipino culture.

His comic strips helped define the second half of the 20th century art form in the Philippines.

Asiong Aksaya drew on the dizzying consumption of the common man amidst economic shifts in a changing Filipino modern nation state. His Mang Ambo is his version of the Juan dela Cruz figure caught in between the idyllic simple rural life and the encroaching changes of society. Kalabog and Bosyo are the duo which became one of the longest running comic strips in the Philippines. Siopawman, a hilarious parody of the superhero genre featuring a clunky portly fellow (in the shape of a siopao or pork bun) trying to be heroic.

Mang Larry drew numerous more cartoons and did commercial illustration and animation as well.

But it was his Slice of Life cartoons that prove to be his most enduring and his most critical of the Philippine society. One metapanel hosts minute narratives of a particular theme: it could be a beauty pageant, an election, a town fiesta, or whatever event a Filipino is wont to participate in, Mang Larry drew them.

His works differ from the traditional political cartoons with castigating bent, delivering accessible punchlines instead of recalcitrant slogans. Viewers and readers of his cartoons giggle and guffaw at his works with the punchlines, the facial expressions, the contortions of the bodies. But if one reads deeper and in between the lines, Mang Larry has a thing or two, or more, to say about society’s foibles and failures.

Arguably, his Slice of Life is an act of cultural geography in which he drew overlapping territories of punchlines exposing power structures, and power struggles packaged in accessible cartoons.

In his varied arrays of landscapes of Filipino culture, Mang Larry exposed, through his humorous style, the many issue we dealt with, and in some cases, are still dealing with, which goes to show the longevity and endurance of his works.

Speaking of endurance, it takes a lot of focus and determination to produce

and to thrive in an art form maligned and diminished by many people in the academe and in the realm of the traditional parameters of the “fine arts.” Yet, that did not stop him from producing reams and reams of cartoons that made generations laugh.

In his Slice of Life cartoons, your eye has to course through different directions to look for the punchlines as well as the subtle jabs.

And of course, as an ultimate reward, the ritual of looking for his profile he would hide in the details of his cartoons.

That profile of his—with his chin sticking out and a bewildered look— was inspired by the film director Alfred Hitchcock who would “insert himself” in his cameos in his films. The insertion may be, literally, an inside joke, but both Hitchcock and Alcala force you to pay close attention to the details and on how they tell a story.

One of the greatest crimes of Hollywood is that Hitchcock never received an Oscar award. Some say it was because he was “merely” a suspense and horror filmmaker that would be less than worthy compared to those directors that dealt with the vast epics of humanity and inhumanity. This being ignored, cast aside, has some resonance with Larry Alcala in his life and works.

His former students and colleagues mention the Herculean tasks of Mang Larry to “elevate” cartooning and illustration as not just valid but vital art forms in modern society. At one point, he was given recognition as an artist in residence by the University of the Philippines and, at that time, many grumbled that he was not an artist, but a cartoonist; ergo, not belonging to the traditional notions of what art should be.

But, Mang Larry, in his own quiet way challenged these restrictions and myopic notions by reshaping the notion of what else fine arts can offer.

He has spearheaded for the traditional, purist academy to integrate both commercial art and media studies in what later formed to be the Visual Communication major.

Mang Larry also saw to it that cartoonists and illustrators elevated their own art forms in the organization of groups that would cater to the advancement, exposure of these allied arts.

Larry Alcala. bit in honor of hi ex an ts en es SKP pr

It was under his supervision and lead leadership that the Samahan ng Kartunista was formed, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. He saw generations of cartoonists bloom, bluster, and cause raucous in our nation’s newspapers and beyond. Mang Larry was also integral in the formation of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK), with his support and direction which saw decades of children’s book illustrators grow with the burgeoning local publication of titles that have provided our stories, our visions to the Filipinos.

If you are looking for Mang Larry, one just has to cast his or her eyes to the leaps and bounds from the late 1970s to the current developments of the UP College of Fine Arts Department of

FINDING LARRY. Larry Alcala's Slice of Life, in which he hides his profile in the details, offers a glimpse into the Filipino culture.

Visual Communication. You can see Mang Larry’s legacy have crossed the lines of visual communication to its allied arts and industries.

His legacy is present in the generations of students he taught, some of them turned out to be formidable professors themselves and helped usher in students and graduates that strive to not just be stalwarts of the industry but credible communicators serving Filipinos in whatever capacity they choose.

You can see Mang Larry in the various artworks in this exhibit that celebrates his works and vision—and note that he is not relegated to a time frame in the past, but is still applicable and vital, and can be recast to the present.

He was one of the proponents of a major

that saw the rise of many industry leaders in advertising, publishing, filmmaking, media, and communication.

Mang Larry is not to be obscured anymore. We have Mang Larry inside all of us. * * * The Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts and Ilustrador ng Kabataan, will open “Tribute to Larry Alcala” exhibit on Sept. 29 at the new Arts & Design West Wing of the UPCFA. The show will feature new works by more than 70 artists in recognition of Alcala, who has been nominated as National Artist for Visual Arts.

Three stories of empathy

THe first Nespresso Vertical Shorts featured stories by a new generation of filmmakers that champion one of Filipinos’ core values: malasakit or empathy.

Premiered during the Cinemalaya Film Festival Season on Aug. 3-12, the three winning three-minute vertical videos, namely “SLN,” “Braveheart,” and “AKÒ” highlighted empathy in their stories—whether for a loved one, for nature, or even for the dead.

“These films, like a great cup of coffee, has become an all-sensory experience that allows you to reflect, think deep, and encourage others to do something different and amazing,” enthused Patrick Pesengco, managing director of NovateurCoffee Concepts Inc. The winning entry, “SLN,” short for “Sumalangit Nawa,” is created by wedding videographer Brian Spencer Reyes.

It tells the story of Mila, a graveyard caretaker who stumbles upon a dead man’s framed photograph left lying on the ground not far from where he’s buried. She then begins to tend his grave and starts to talk to the picture, expressing her concern and empathy for the dead.

Reyes said being part of the Nespresso Vertical Shorts 2018 and win-

ning Best Film was quite an experience. “I thought it was just going to be online, I didn’t expect there would be an actual screening, and at the Cinemalaya Film Festival at that. I’m really, really happy.”

Kevin Tuason bagged first runnerup for his three-minute film “Braveheart.” His entry, which easily tugs at the heart, is inspired by a friend’s love for her mother. It uses stop-motion technique featuring LeGO pieces to show love and death in the perspective of a little kid.

“Honestly, for me, it was never about the competition,” says Tuason. “It has always been about sharing the story.

Because more than filmmaking, my passion in life is to share the beautiful stories of people.”

Filmed by a group of nature lovers and advocates for the preservation and protection of the environment, second runner-up winner “Akὸ,” draws attention to man’s deep connection to earth and other life forms that live on it, encouraging empathy and concern toward them.

The title is meant to be interpreted in two ways: “Ako” as in “me” and “akὸ” as in “taking the responsibility.”

Nespresso Vertical Shorts 2018 winners (from left) 'SLN' by Brian Spencer Reyes, 'Braveheart' by Kevin Tuason, and 'AKÒ' by Jonel Revistual.

Inspiration hit Jonel Revistual and his team when they read an article about a forest in North America which has been granted the same legal rights as humans. It got the wheels turning and they found themselves filming the video at the La Mesa eco Park.

“For us, it’s important that you believe in the message you’re trying to get across,” said Revistual. “It’s how you’re able to give your heart 100 percent to whatever project you’re working on.”

Following the successful outing, Nespresso hopes to go further with its initia-

tive to foster Filipino talent in filmmaking and continue to run the Nespresso Vertical Shorts in the coming years.

Go to www.nespresso.ph/verticalshorts/ winners to watch the winning films and the other finalists.

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Entertainment

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor

A UNIQUE CONCERT

at Kia Theatre U

Ystilo Salon’s pioneers Sheryl, Shaina, Sheila and Vina

Vina Morales and her sisters mark Ystilo’s 20 years

TWO decades ago on Aug. 8, sisters Vina Morales and Sheila Magdayao put up Ystilo Salon. Today with the rest of the Magdayao sisters, Ystilo has branched out to other parts of the country.

Four sisters—Vina, Sheryl, Shaina, and Sheila—are marking the country with Ystilo branches, the latest of which will open in Sta. Lucia and Marquee malls.

The secret: quality service reasonably priced products (mostly imported) and top-notch customer service.

The 20 branches (some are franchised since Ystilo was opened for franchising) are spread out across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao—SM Mall of Asia, Shoppesville in Greenhills, SM City San Lazaro, Festival Mall, Nepo Mall Dagupan City, Tanuan City Batangas, SM City Tarlac, SM City Calamba, Robinson’s Place,Lipa City, Abreeza Mall Davao, Iba Zambales, Angeles Pampanga, SM City Sta. Rosa, Limketkai Cagayan de Oro City, One Magnolia Placce Balanga Bataan, SM City GenSan, Waltermart San Fernando in Pampanga, Citymall Koronadal, One Legazpi Place Tuguegarao, Island Citymall Bohol, and Manaoag in Pangasinan.

Vina and Sheila own the salon with equal shares, while Shaina and Sheryl are franchisees. Members of Ystilo’s staff have been with the Magdayao’s since its inception and first operation. The In its 20 years in the salon business, not one customer complained about the salon’s service, pricing, or anything that would ruin its standing in the business.

“Oo nga, thank God walang mga ganu’n kalaking problema. Of course lahat naman ng business mayroong mga problema or mga pinagdadaanan and thankful kami na hindi umaabot sa mga big issues when it comes to services. At saka pag mayroong maliliit na problems naayos kaagad. Ang gumagawa no’n ‘yung (tao) sa Ystilo Office,” Vina explained.

What have been the problems Ystilo would usually encounter?

“Siyempre hindi maiiwasang magkaroon ng allergies, even though tatanungin mo kung may alleriges (clients), sasabihin nila wala kasi hindi rin nila alam kung ano ba talaga. I think maybe on that day, medyo sensitive ‘yung scalp nila (pag nagpapakulay), ganu’n lang talaga, small problems naayos kaagad. Thankful talaga kami kasi marami kaming clients na pabalik-balik talaga,”she said.

Every anniversary month, the salon offers 30 percent off in color and rebond standard and premium services. This year, the offer lasts till Oct. 30 for hair color and rebond, and 20 percent off until Nov. 30 for hair treatment.

“Kaya talagang magi-ikot ako sa lahat branches namin bilang pasasalamat na rin aa lahat ng clients namin,” Vina said.

Vina knows how to apply makeup not only on herself but also on others. Some clients request if she could do their makeup.

“Yes, marunong talaga ako. Ako I do my own make-up, minsan may nandito ako (salon) tapos may client kami, nireretouch ko, natutuwa naman sila. Pero gumagawa talaga ako. I do my own hair, I do my own make-up, marunong din akong mag gupit. Hindi ako nag-aral I think natutunan ko na. Si ate Sheila ang marunong talaga.

“Pinadadala naming ang mga senior stylist namin sa ibang bansa para mag aral.

Or then kung anuman ‘yung brand na hawak namin sila ‘yung nagpapadala (ibang bansa) to train the seniors,” she related.

The Music Museum celebrates 3 decades The Music Museum, the unique theater concept that chanteuse Kuh Ledesma introduced to the entertainment scene on Aug. 8, 1988, celebrated its 30th anniversary on the Music Museum stage.

Staff led by Music Museum Group President Precy M. Florentino marked the milestone with Mass and a company

lunch with employees, some of whom have been with the company since its very early days. Celebrities like Mitch Valdes, Nanette Inventor, Carlo Orosa, Zsazsa Padilla, Ryan Cayabyab, John Nite and Kuh Ledesma sent in video messages.

The original purpose of the longtime concert place in Greenhills San Juan was to provide performing artists with a readily accessible venue that would showcase their talents, unhampered by stiff requirements dictated by hotels, the performance venues at the time. Performers of various genres welcomed its arrival in 1988, warmly and enthusiastically.

Through the years a wealth of Filipino talent in music and the performing arts performed on the Music Museum stage.

Lani Misalucha, Side A, Jose Mari Chan, Sarah Geronimo, Agot Isidro, Keno, the Neocolors, Julie Ann San Jose, Glaiza De Castro, Loisa Andalio, Maja Salvador, Baihana, KZ Tandingan, Mateo Guidicelli and Michael Pangilinan, Enchong Dee all had their debut concerts and first big concerts at the Music Museum.

The Music Museum experience was and still is unique because it is like being in a cozy home where artists entertain guests in a big living room. It’s the only theater in town where guests can order food and drinks during a performance so they can dine, drink and feel right at home while being entertained. In 1989 Kuh sold the Music Museum to her friend Precy Florentino.

Music Museum celebrations of its milestones were often marked by concerts that would last till dawn. When it turned 10 in 1998, a 10-band concert rocked the Greenhills Car Park, while artists like the APO, Nanette Inventor, Kuh Ledesma, Ogie Alcasid, Geneva Cruz, Randy Santiago, Lani Misalucha, Nina, Dessa and Leah Navarro performed on the Music Museum stage.

When it turned 20 in 2008, the Music Museum looked forward by recognizing young talents—Charice Pempengco (now Jake Zyrus), then 16, and Charlie Green, the Britain’s Got Talent winner, then 11—as future stars. It partnered with The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab to discover musically talented kids via musical tilts Musmusikwela and MusiKabataan that awarded them musical scholarships.

The 20th year was marked by a grand concert at the Araneta Coliseum called Divas 4 Divas, featuring four of the country’s best female singers—Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez and Regine Velasquez.

When it turned 25, the Music Museum celebrated with an all-music-genres private concert, supported various artistic endeavors and launched its commemorative coffee table book.

On its 30th year, Precy Florentino said the prevailing spirit is gratitude. “The Music Museum looks back at the past 30 years with a celebratory attitude, Thank you to the fans and concert goers who have inspired us through the years and continue to inspire us to come out with the very best entertainment. To the artists who performed at one time or another at the Music Museum, you are its life and soul. You fill us with so much gratitude,” said Florentino.

The Music Museum is now a dining, shopping and entertainment complex called the Music Museum Group and includes Shoppesville Plus (a hobbyist’s and aficionado’s haven),Theater Mall (a hive of cinemas, shops, dining and coffee places), The Promenade (a level-up shopping place with lifestyle services, more dining places, and the most modern cinemas) and Teatrino (a favorite events place for launches, parties, and cozy performances).

NIQUE Salonga, Philippine pop music’s hottest young star, is kicking off his Grandma, The Album Tour with a solo show at the Kia Theater at Araneta Center tomorrow night.

Produced by Viva Live and O/C Records, the music event will be the showcase for the songs contained in the young musician’s first solo album titled Grandma, which is now available in all digital platforms.

The album is made up of Unique’s latest original compositions rendered in his distinctive pop rock style.

Leading the line-up is Unique’s first solo hit, the psychedelic-inspired “Midnight Sky.” Also included are the energetic new single “Sino,” plus “M,” “Cha-Ching!,” “Ozone (Itulak Ang Pinto),” “Jules; I’ll Break Your Little Heart,” “Paalala,” “Goodnight Prayer,” “We Know,” “My Old Friend,” and the fastrising, much-talked about ballad “Apoy Ng Kandila.” All of which will be performed by the 18-year-old musician during the show.

Adding excitement to the concert are the featured artists like fast-rising acts Earl Generao, Bita & the Botflies and Rice Lucido.

Ticket prices to Unique The Grandma Tour are as follows: VVIP which is inclusive of a photo op with Unique and an autographed CD copy of the Grandma album, P3922; VIP P2650; Orchestra P2120; Loge P1272; and Balcony P848. Call Ticketnet 911-5555 for tickets and more details.

PROLIFIC MUSICIAN.

Just months after Unique departed from indie band IV of Spades, the musician is already holding his first solo concert.

‘Adventure Time’ revolves around the surreal and magical journey of a 12-year-old boy and his best friend, wise 28-year-old dog with magical powers.

Adventure Time’s epic finale ADVENTURE Time, one of Cartoon Network’s most popular shows over the past 8 years, is staging an epic September for fans in the Philippines.

Not only is the series finale scheduled today at 7:15 p.m., Cartoon Network invited Finn, Jake, Marceline, Princess Bubblegum, and Ice King to “aslammacow” day filled with fun and bursting with color. In partnership with Color Manila, everyone enjoyed a “shmowzow” experience at the Adventure Time Run held last Sunday, Sept. 23 at the McKinley West Festival Grounds, Taguig City.

Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time has saved the best journey yet as Finn, Jake and the rest of the squad embark on The Ultimate Adventure with “Come Along With Me,” a fourpart special today.

Get ready to say “Oh my glob!” as your favorite characters take off on an unforgettable, Oooshaking quest that will determine the fate of the Land of Ooo. Brace yourselves as the Great Gum War between Princess Bubblegum’s Candy Kingdom and the kingdom of Gumbaldia prompts Finn, Jake, and the gang to unite and defend their land against their enemies. It’s going to be an adventure like no other and the fun will never end.

Stay tuned to Finn and Jake’s ultimate adventure. Visit Cartoon Network’s website www.cartoonnetworkasia.com and www. facebook.com/CartoonNetworkAsia for more updates about their upcoming events and other Cartoon Network news. Cartoon Network is available on Cignal Digital TV Channel 220 (HD), Sky Direct Channel 15 (HD), SkyCable Channel 178 (HD), and Destiny Cable Channel 178 (HD Digital).

ToFarm top films get extended screening

Tanabata’s Wife, ToFarm Film Festival’s most decorated entry, is having an extended commercial screening along with three other top films.

AFTER its successful run this month, the 2018 ToFarm Film Festival is extending the screening of the top four films by giving them another week at select cinemas at Gateway, Greenbelt 1 and Trinoma.

Due to encouraging feedback and demand from the audiences, the festival announced that Tanabata’s Wife, Alimuom, Sol Searching and Mga Anak ng Kamote will be available in the aforementioned cinemas until Oct. 2. They started their extended run on Sept. 26, more than week after the festival concluded.

During the film festival’s warding ceremonies, Tanabata’s Wife won 9 of the 14 awards including Best Picture, Best Director (Charlson Ong, Lito Casaje and Choy Padilla), Best Actor (Miyuki Kamimura), Best Actress (Mai Fanglayan), Best Screenplay (Charlson Ong, Choy Pangilinan, Mao Portus, and Juan Carlo Tarobal), Best Cinematography (Nap Jamir), Best Production Design (Martin Asadao), Best Musical Score (Kurt Ayeo-eo Lumbag Alalag, May-I Guia Padilla, and Marc Tan), and Best Editing (May-I Padilla).

Alimuom, a futuristic film directed by Keith Sicat, won third Best Picture. Sol Searching directed by Roman Perez, Jr., was adjudged People’s Choice. While Mga Anak ng Kamote directed by Carlo Catu, won Best Sound for Immanuel Verona.

For further details and screening schedule, check out ToFarm Film Festival’s Facebook page.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Motoring

Manila

Standard

TODAY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

C3

ISUZU ECO CHALLENGE REDUX • Search is on for the most fuel efficient driver of 2018

D

O YOU think you have what it takes to squeeze out the most mileage from the Isuzu mu-X SUV or D-MAX pickup? If you do, then head on over to your nearest Isuzu dealership and pit your fuel efficiency skills against other drivers in Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s “2018 Isuzu Fuel Eco Challenge.” You might just win for yourself valuable fuel vouchers, or an all-expensepaid trip to Thailand for you and your companion.

Doesn’t that sound tempting enough? The “2018 Isuzu Fuel Eco Challenge” is open to all existing and potential Isuzu vehicle owners. All you have to do is go to any participating Isuzu dealership nationwide from September 17 to December 31, 2018, and test drive the new Isuzu mu-X RZ4E or D-MAX RZ4E model.

For just that alone, you automatically get a Shell fuel voucher worth P200.

Your attending Isuzu Sales Executive (SE) will then accompany you as you test drive your chosen vehicle along a pre-determined 5-km route near or around the dealer vicinity. Afterwards, the fuel efficiency result (as indicated by how many kilometers per liter has been displayed in the test drive vehicle’s Multi-Infor-

mation Display) will be recorded by your SE. Should you eventually purchase an Isuzu mu-X or DMAX, you will automatically get an additional P5,000 worth of Shell fuel vouchers, and if you showed the best fuel efficiency rating during your test drive, you automatically qualify for the national level/championship stage of the “2018 Isuzu Fuel Eco Challenge”.

The national level/championship stage of the “2018 Isuzu Fuel Eco Challenge” will be held on January 26, 2019 on a pre-set 10-km route near or around the IPC headquarters in Binan, Laguna. The final competition will be divided into two categories: the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E and Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E. The three best fuel efficiency readings from each category will be awarded an all-expense-

paid trip (airfare and hotel) for two to Thailand.

The “2018 Isuzu Fuel Eco Challenge” is IPC’s way of promoting and advocating fuel-efficient driving among existing Isuzu vehicle owners and eventual Isuzu vehicle buyers, as well as highlighting the unparalleled efficiency, power, ride comfort, and durability of the new Isuzu mu-X RZ4E SUV and the D-MAX RZ4E pick-up -- both powered by Isuzu’s latest innovation in diesel engine engineering under the Blue Power emissions technology.

If you want to know more about the Isuzu mu-X and D-MAX powered by the RZ4E Blue Power engine, and the competition mechanics, log on to www.isuzuphil.com.

Nissan launches Note e-POWER SMO S in Japan YOKOHAMA—The Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO S goes on sale in Japan today, offering buyers of the car even more power and sportiness.

With a maximum power of 100 kilowatts and 320 Nm of torque, the model is a higherspec version of the Nissan Note e-POWER NISMO, released in December 2016. Sharing the same custom structural enhancements and custom suspension, the Note e-POWER NISMO S adds custom tuning for its inverter and vehicle control module, increased electrical output and an improved reduction drive. The result is 25% greater power and torque compared with the Note ePOWER NISMO. The car’s NISMO tuning creates an advanced driving sensation that takes full advantage of its e-POWER drive system. Popular with customers for its exciting acceleration and quietness, the innovative e-POWER system helped make the Nissan Note the bestselling registered car in Japan in the first six months of 2018, excluding minivehicles.

Also offered on the Nissan Serena minivan, the e-POWER system is a key part of Nissan’s electrification strategy. The company has a global target to sell 1 million electrified vehicles annually by fiscal year 2022, including fully electric cars and e-POWER models.

The Note e-POWER NISMO S offers a number of driving modes that allow for different driving styles, whether the driver is seeking outstanding performance for sports, or excellent fuel efficiency.

Nissan introduced the NISMO brand to its mainstream model lineup in 2013. Featuring performance and styling developed through NISMO’s motorsports activities, the cars offer a sporty driving experience combined with Nissan’s quality, reliability and durability.

NISMO road cars introduced so far include the GT-R, 370Z, Juke, Note, March, Sentra, Patrol, Serena and Nissan Leaf.

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

Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner

Promulgated: September 27, 2018 RESOLUTION NO. 10427

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that CEBU AIR, INC. doing business under the names and styles of Cebu Pacific and Cebu Pacific Air [Formerly: CEBU AIR, INC.], with office address at Cebu Pacific Building, Domestic Road, Barangay 191, Zone 20, Pasig City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Operator of Air Transport Services (A321CEO #6 with CAB Registration No. RP-C4116 and Serial No. MSN8549) on a non-pioneer status, with project site at Airline Operations Center, Domestic Road, pasay City.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Officer-In-Charge Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-SEPT. 28, 2018)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 109, PASAY CITY IN RE: PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF ZIGGY TIMOTHY UNO CHICO FIEL (Pursuant to Article 183 in Relation to Articles 185, 188 and 189 of the Family Code of the Philippines (E.O. No. 209 & Rule 99 of the Rules of Court SP. PROC. NO. R-PSY-17-27164-CV ERIK GORDON WEHNER, Petitioner. x---------------------------------------x

ORDER This verified petition for adoption was filed by petitioner through counsel alleging inter alia, that he is a Canadian citizen, 30 years old, married to Evelyn N. Chico, a Filipino, with postal at Unit 716 Balagtas Royale Mansion, Balagtas St., Pasay City; that Evelyn N. Chico had had a relationship with one Alley Patrick Fitz de Leon Fiel that gave birth to Ziggy Timothy Uno Chico Fiel on May 31, 2011; that after the birth of herein minor, Alley Patrick Fitz de Leon never communicated neither he gave support to herein minor and Evelyn N. Chico; that petitioner and Evelyn N. Chico were married on 24 September 2016 in Imus, Cavite; that from the time petitioner and Evelyn N. Chico got married, herein petitioner has live with them continuously up to the present thereby treating herein minor as his own child; that the petitioner is employed at the Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada; that Evelyn N. Chico has executed an affidavit of consent; that the petitioner has all the qualifications and none of the disqualification to adopt.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, notice is hereby given that the hearing of the petition is set on November 23, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. sitting at Room 302 Hall of Justice Building, F.B. Harrison St., Pasay City. All persons interested and may have opposition may appear and show cause why the said petition should not be granted.

Let copy of this Order be published in the newspaper of general circulation once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioner to be chosen by raffle. Likewise, let copy of the this order be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Pasay City for their comment and/or objection, the Local Civil Registrar of Las Piñas City and the court social worker. The latter is hereby directed to conduct social case study on the petitioner, the minor subject of adoption and the biological parents of the adoptee and submit the same on or before the scheduled hearing.

Meanwhile, the petitioners are further directed to appear on November 16, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. for the pre-trial and preliminary conference for the marking of exhibits on November 2, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.

EDUCATION AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT COMELEC ADVISORY ON LAST DAY OF FILING OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION FOR THE 2019 SYNCHRONIZED NATIONAL, LOCAL, AND ARMM REGIONAL ELECTIONS:

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Manila RESETTING THE SCHEDULE OF THEELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD HEARINGS IN PLEBISCITE AREAS COVERED

BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11054 ENTITLED ORGANIC LAW FOR THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO. x---------------------------------x

ERRATUM In the RTC-Quezon City, Notice of Extrajudicial Sale of Real Property under Act 3135 (As amended) re: BDO UNIBANK, INC. Mortgagee/s vs. SPS. ARNOLD B. HERNANDEZ and MAILI A. HERNANDEZ, Mortgagor/s published on July 10, 17 & 24, 2018 the TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE should have read as: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE N-313511; N-313512; N-313513; N-319323 and not as published.

WHEREAS, the Commission on Elections (Commission for brevity), in Resolution No. 10392 dated June 19, 2018, has resolved to conduct the resumption of the system of continuing registration of voters for the May 13, 2019 National and Local Elections (NLE) from July 2, 2018 to September 29, 2018 and scheduled the Election Registration Board Hearings on October 15,2018, except in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; WHEREAS, Republic No. 11054 entitled "Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao" was signed into law last July 27,2018; WHEREAS, Article XV, Section 2 of R.A. No. 11054 mandated the Commission to conduct the plebiscite not earlier than ninety (90) days nor later than one hundred fifty (150) days after the effectivity of the said law; WHEREAS, in order to conduct successfully the Bangsamoro Plebiscite, the Commission needs sufficient time for the pre-plebiscite preparation of all accountable and non-accountable forms and supplies including the preparation of the Projects of Precincts and the printing of official ballots.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in it by the Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code and Republic Act No. 8189 and other related election laws, the Commission RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, as follows: SECTION 1. Coverage Areas - The approval/ disapproval of all applications for registration, transfer /transfer with reactivation, reactivation, change/correction of entries and inclusion/reinstatement in the list of voters by the Election Registration Boards in areas of: a. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, including Cotabato City and Isabela City, Basilan; b. Province of Lanao del Norte except Iligan City; c. Municipalities of Pigkawayan, Kabacan, Carmen, Midsayap, Aleosan and Pikit in the Province of North Cotobato. shall be reset and rescheduled on the following dates, as follows: Last day to post Notice of Hearing with List of Applicants

Last day to file opposition to applications

Hearing and Approval/ Disapproval of applications

October 3, 2018 (WED)

October 6, 2018 (SAT)

October 9, 2018 (TUES)

If the last day to post notice, file opposition and hearing for approval/disapproval falls on a holiday or a non-working day, the same shall be done on the next working day. Further, ERB hearing shall not exceed three (3) days.

Sec. 3. Offsite Verification of Project of Precincts - To ensure accurate and timely submission of the Projects of Precincts (POPs), SNPDAT and Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) by the concerned Election Officers (EOs), the Election and Barangay affairs Department (EBAD) and Information Technology Department (lTD) shall deploy personnel (one [1] team per province) to conduct offsite verification in the concerned Office of the Provincial Election Supervisors (OPESs) starting October 22,2018 (MON) to October 27,2018 (SAT) and submit the final reports to the Commission En Banc not later than October 29, 2018 (MON).

For this purpose, the EOs shall bring the required reports (POPs & QPRs) and CPU (Hard Drive) to their respective OPES for the conduct of verification and correction of POP, QPRs and SNPDAT. Sec. 4. Offsite Budgetary Requirements - The Finance Services Department (FSD) shall provide and facilitate the immediate release of the necessary budget to defray the expenses of EBAD and lTD personnel for the conduct of offsite verification of POPs as well as the reasonable travelling expenses of the concerned EOs, subject to the Commission on Audit (COA) rules and regulations.

1. SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 (SAT), (8 AM - 5 PM) - LOCAL VOTERS 2. SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 (SUN), (8 AM - 5 PM) - OVERSEAS FILIPINO VOTERS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, VISIT www. comelec.gov.ph (COMELEC WEBSITE) OR CALL 527-0821/525-9294 (COMELEC HOTLINES) OR 521-2952/522-2257 (COMELEC OFOV HOTLlNES).

COMELEC ADVISORY: RECYCLED ELECTION FORMS WILL BE USED DURING THE BARANGAY AND SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN ELECTIONS (BSKE) IN MARAWI CITY ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2018. THESE FORMS WERE USED DURING THE 2010 BSKE, 2015 SK ELECTIONS, 2017 BSKE, OCTOBER 23, 2017 AND 2018 BSKE.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF QUEZON CITY PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, Mortgagee, -versusGUIDO M. ESTORCO Mortgagor. x-------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER ACT 3135 (AS AMENDED) UPON extra-judicial petition under ACT 3135, as amended

by ACT 4118 and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Deed of Real Estate Mortgage executed on JUNE 28, 2018

by GUIDO M. ESTORCO, - Blk. 5, Lot 6, Sunville 5, Ampid 1, San Mateo Rizal, Mortgagor in favor of PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK., Mortgagee to satisfy the mortgage debt in the amount of Php 1,392,558.59 as of AUGUST 15, 2018, outstanding balance, plus accruing interest, penalty and expenses and other charges, together with all the lawful fees and expenses of foreclosure sale, the Office of the Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City and/or his duly authorized Deputy Sheriff, hereby announces that on OCTOBER 24, 2018 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Office of the Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, will sell thru public auction to the highest bidder for cash, in Philippine Currency, the following described real property/ies with all the improvements existing thereon, to wit: CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 004-2018005743 Registry of Deeds-Quezon City SUN RESIDENCES TOWER 2 FLOOR LEVEL: UNIT: DESCRIPTION: UNIT AREA: VIEW (MARKETING):

Copy furnished: Atty. Jaymark S.J. Cruz Counsel for the Petitioner Sison Madrona Law Offices 5/F Chemphil Bldg., 851 Arnaiz Ave., Legaspi Village Makati City The Solicitor General OSG Bldg., 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City

SACP Ju-haree DC Tolentino G/F Hall of Justice Bldg., F.B. Harrison St., Pasay City Erik Gordon Wehner Evelyn N. Chico Unit 1716 Balagtas Royale Mansion Balagtas St., Pasay City The Local Civil Registrar Civil Registry Office Las Piñas City, MM.

(MStandard-Sep. 28, Oct. 5 & 12, 2018)

21ST FLOOR 2127 STUDIO TYPE UNIT 20.00SQ.M. FACING QUEZON CITY

Sec. 5. Role of the Regional Election Directors (REDs) and Assistant Regional Election Directors (AREDs) and Provincial Election Supervisors (PESs). - The REDs, AREDs and PESs shall monitor and ensure the EOs timely submission of the POPs in their respective areas of responsibility. Non- compliance shall be dealt with administratively in accordance with the existing policy of the Commission.

In the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE N-332801; N-332802; N-332803; N-332811; N-332805; N-332804; N-332792; 2010005992 which embraces and describes the land located at ESPAÑA BOULEVARD CORNER MAYON ST., QUEZON CITY with an area of (265.40, 121.10, 512, 274.00, 239.50, 3,080, 2,665, 4,163.20) Square Meter. xxx xxx

Sec. 6 . Effectivity. - This Resolution shall take effect immediately after its publication in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned at the aforesaid office on the above stated date and time.

Let the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Operations, Election and Barangay Affairs Department, Information Technology Department, Education and Information Department, Finance Services Department, Regional Election Directors in ARMM and Regions X & XII, ARMM, Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato Provincial Election Supervisors and Election Officers implement this Resolution.

Interested parties are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title to the said property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

SO ORDERED.

In the event that public auction should not take place on said date due to fortuitous event or if the same be declared a nonworking holiday, it shall be held on OCTOBER 31, 2018 at the same time and place without further notice.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, September 13, 2018.

SO ORDRED. Pasay City, 17 August 2018.

(Sgd.) PAULINO Q. GALLEGOS Acting Presiding Judge

FRE NO. 12389

(Sgd.) RANDY C. BERNARDO Sheriff IV (Sgd.) GREGORIO C. TALLUD Clerk of Court VII and Ex-Officio Sheriff WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface, or destroy this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or before the date of the auction sale under penalty of the law.

COPY FURNISHED: ATTY. NICEFORO L. AVILA, JR. GUIDO M. ESTORCO, 4th Floor PSBank Center Blk. 5, Lot 6, Sunville 5, Ampid 1, 777 Paseo de Roxas, corner San Mateo 1850 Rizal Sedeño St., 1226 Makati City (MStandard-Sep. 21, 28 & Oct. 5, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

A

FTER years watching Tesla’s electric cars speed ahead while they have been on the defensive over an industry-wide diesel emissions scandal, German high-end manufacturers have finally unveiled their first challengers to the Californian upstart.

Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen’s Audi and Porsche subsidiaries between them control some 80 percent of the worldwide premium car market.

But until recently they offered little battery-powered, zero-emission competition to Tesla and its bombastic chief executive Elon Musk.

That changed this month, with all three groups unveiling their first all-electric SUVs slated for release over the next two years.

Audi rolled out its “E-Tron”, BMW its “iNext” and Mercedes its “EQC”, while Porsche presented an electric coupe, the “Mission E”.

In total, German carmakers have vowed a total of almost 40 billion euros ($46.7 billion) of investment in batterypowered vehicles in the coming three years, industry association VDA says.

With a market share of around eight percent in Germany -- compared with Tesla’s 0.1 percent -- Audi hopes electric cars will account for around one in three sales by 2025.

“Finally, it’s getting started!” auto industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer told AFP. Time is pressing, as sales of engines powered by automakers’ longtime growth driver diesel have plummeted in the face of plans by many large cities to ban them to bring down air pollution.

Wild ride for Tesla The entrance of the three German behemoths into the electric race is far more consequential for Tesla than smaller fish like Britain’s Jaguar, whose “I-PACE” is already on sale in the UK. And the US tech firm faces major hur-

Motoring German carmakers join race vs Tesla

The Tesla Model 3 gets ‘perfect safety’ rating from th e the US National HIghway Traffic Safety Administration.

dles of its own, struggling to stem losses that have been going on for years while trying to reassure investors and customers of its chief executive’s mental health.

Musk was filmed drinking whisky and smoking cannabis (which is legal in California) with radio host Joe Rogan earlier this month, and in August revealed he was suffering from intense stress and fatigue in an interview with the New York Times.

On Tuesday, Tesla confirmed that the US Department of Justice was investigating the company over Musk’s tweet announcing a plan to remove its shares from the stock market.

Also on Twitter, the South African entrepreneur admitted Tuesday that after

months spent overcoming “production hell” on the firm’s mass-market Model 3, it was now in “delivery logistics hell” struggling to get cars to buyers -- while promising “rapid progress”.

For expert Dudenhoeffer, “Tesla is the market leader and has great strength in innovation, but the coming six to nine months will be a decisive test” for its chief executive.

“If he doesn’t manage to stabilise the Model 3 and make the firm profitable, it will get very complicated for him, including with regard to his investors.”

Battery gamble The German government hopes to see one million fully electric and hybrid vehicles on the road by 2022, up from few-

er than 100,000 at the start of this year.

But the spread of the technology is constrained by a number of factors, including a limited range of models for sale, slow expansion of charging infrastructure and limited capacity for building new batteries.

A government commission on electric mobility recently found Germany would need to increase the number of charging points available more than five-fold to serve a million drivers.

And while they are perfecting electric motors and other electric-drive components, German carmakers have so far balked at direct investment in costly battery production, aware that they would have to catch up on a head start enjoyed

Shell, Hyundai firm up marketing alliance TWO global brands brought together by their passion for innovation and sustainability strengthened their relationship as Hyundai officially recommends Shell as its fuel of choice.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation and Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. officials led the signing of the memorandum of agreement held recently at Hyundai Alabang. In attendance were Pilipinas Shell President and CEO Cesar Romero, Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Retail Anthony Lawrence Yam, HARI President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, and HARI Senior Vice President for Trade Operations and Development Cluster Numeriano Cortez Jr. Romero shared how Shell feels honored that, for the past eight years, the two global brands have been collaborating with each other under the same vision to empower progress through more and cleaner energy solutions and smart technologies in vehicles.

“We are very happy that we are able to extend the global partnership with the authorized Philippine distributor of the top Korean automotive company Hyundai,” Romero said.

For her part, Perez-Agudo added that she is confident that, through

From left: Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Retail Anthony Lawrence Yam, Pilipinas Shell President and CEO Cesar Romero, HARI President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, and HARI Senior Vice President for Trade Operations and Development Cluster Numeriano Cortez Jr.

Shell, they will be able to enrich the journeys of their customers. “We are advocates of sustainability. Our marketing partnership is only the beginning of a much stronger advocacy, as we harness the synergy that will raise the quality of life of Filipinos.”

In addition to the signing ceremony, Shell and Hyundai’s alliance is solidified through various initiatives. A brand-new Hyundai Accent CRDi GL 7AT-DCT (DSL) was awarded to Martin Carlo Parcutela, one of the winners of the recently concluded Shell

Ferrari drop-top at 2018 Paris Motor Show

The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2

Win Every Time, All the Time Raffle promo.

Hyundai will also be featuring their newest subcompact SUV, the Kona, in selected Shell stations nationwide.

Alongside it will be the allnew Santa Fe, the Veloster, and the Ioniq Hybrid which is the precursor for a fully electric vehicle line-up of Hyundai.

Shell will be supporting Hyundai’s goal of enhancing customer experiences by providing a Shell Welcome Kit with every vehicle purchase.

The kit comes with a Shell Motorist Guidebook as well as Shell Fuels and Shell Select and Deli2go gift vouchers to help jumpstart their journeys.

The recently launched Shell V-Power continues to be recommended by Hyundai as the best fuels for their engines.

Powered by DYNAFLEX technology, the fuels line is designed to equip motorists with high-quality performance and efficiency to help their drives go well.

by Asian industry leaders and unwilling to gamble on an adventure in the unfamiliar territory of cell chemistry.

European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said recently that the EU should be open to state aid for a long-hoped-for “Airbus of batteries”, while business daily Handelsblatt reported the German economy ministry is cobbling together a consortium of companies and research institutes.

For now the most conspicuous progress comes from China’s CATL. The challenger for global battery leadership against the alliance of Japanese Panasonic and Tesla announced in July a mammoth new factory in central Germany to supply European customers.

Toyota

plays catch-up with androids UST a week after Google revealed its partnership with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance to create intelligent infotainment systems using Android, Toyota has reportedly agreed to use Android Auto.

According to a Bloomberg source, Toyota Motor Corp. agreed to put the Android infotainment system directly into their cars, an agreement taking place not long after the company’s decision to make their vehicles compatible with Apple’s CarPlay earlier this year. All sources chose to remain anonymous since the news has not yet been officially released to the public.

The new level of connectivity being introduced to Toyota products is likely to bring in new customers who may have previously avoided the brand due to the compatibility delay with the Google software, especially since more than 80% of smartphones use this OS. A second source claims that the announcement could come as early as next month.

This would bring Toyota up to speed regarding the implementation of a connected system in their vehicles, a transition they cannot afford to delay. Previously, the brand refused this type of connectivity directly into their infotainment systems due to safety and driver privacy concerns. Agence France Presse

WHILE the rest of the Fiat Chrysler (FCA) group will not be attending this year’s Paris Motor Show, which opens Thursday, October 4, Ferrari will be heading to the French capital with some interesting new models.

Ferrari is bringing the surprising new Monza SP1 and SP2 roadsters to Paris, inspired by the brand’s emblematic “barchetta” racers, such as the 1948 166MM or the 1954 750 Monza. The SP1 is a single-seater while the SP2 has room for a passenger. Both have an 810-horsepower V12 engine, a new record for a Ferrari production model! Both can reach 300km/h

and promise 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds.

These two limited-edition models are the first cars in a new “Icona” series, inspired by the legendary Ferraris of the 1950s.

Visitors to the Paris show will also be able to see the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider, which was revealed in August at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. This model is the 50th droptop Ferrari and is based on the Ferrari 488 Pista, with which it shares a 720-horsepower V8 twin-turbo engine. With this on board, the Spider promised 0-100 km/h in 2.85 seconds and a top speed of 340 km/h. AFP