Manila Standard - 2018 October 1 - Monday

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TSUNAMI DEATH TOLL HITS 832; LOOTING SPREADS PALU, Indonesia—The death toll from a powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia leapt to 832 Sunday, as stunned people on the stricken island of Sulawesi struggled to find food and water and looting spread.

The new toll announced by the national disaster agency was almost double the previous figure. Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the final number of dead could be in the “thousands.”

“It feels very tense,” said 35-yearold mother Risa Kusuma, comforting her feverish baby boy at an evacuation center in the gutted coastal city of Palu. “Every minute an ambulance brings in bodies. Clean water is scarce. The mini-markets are looted everywhere.”

Indonesia’s Metro TV on Sunday broadcast footage from a coastal community in Donggala, close to the Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 228 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

HUMAN TOLL. Family members carry the body of a relative to the compound of a police hospital in Palu, Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi on September 30, 2018, following a strong earthquake in the area. The death toll from a powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia leapt to 832 on September 30. AFP

LPG price hiked; oil next Cooking gas costs P2.35 more per kilo; pump price up P1.40

‘Balangiga’ to ring out for PH in Dec.

By Alena Mae S. Flores and Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE PRICE of cooking gas will go up by P2.35 a kilo, adding P25.85 to the cost of an 11-kilo tank to reflect higher contract prices for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the world market for October.

By Nat Mariano AFTER more than a century, the historical Balangiga bells taken by the US Army as war trophies will likely be returned to the country in December, an official from Manila Economic and Cultural Office said Sunday.

MECO Chairman Angelito Banayo said the United States will hand over the bells by Christmas this year.

“The Balangiga bells will be returned to the parish church of Balangiga in Eastern Samar, and directly therefore to the people of Balangiga,” Banayo said in his column in Manila Standard.

“They will ring out for the entire country, as a national treasure, as a relic of the indomitable spirit of our people for freedom and against foreign colonialism,” he added.

The expected return of the bells came after a month when President

“Petron will implement a P2.35/kg increase (VAT inclusive) in LPG prices effective 12:01 a.m., October 1,” the company said in its advisory.

Petron also increased the price of its autoLPG by P1.30 per liter.

“These reflect the international contract price of LPG for the month of October,” it said.

Before the increase, LPG sold

By Rio N. Araja

Dengue watch: 425 more nurses needed to check on victims REP. Johnny Pimentel said Sunday the Department of Health is spending another P213 million next year to deploy 425 more nurses “to keep an eye on the school children who received shots of the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.”

“The nurses will visit public schools to check on the health condition of the vaccinees, while others will be assigned to hospitals to keep close tabs on the admissions of vaccinees,” Pimentel said.

“The extra provision is already factored into the [department’s] proposed budget for 2019, and is on top of the P1.16 billion contained in the supplemental appropriations bill for this year that we already approved to support Dengvaxia vaccinees.”

Pimentel is a former chairman of the House good government and accountability committee that conducted a joint inquiry with the congressional health panel into the government’s controversial anti-dengue Next page immunization program.

Next page

Arroyo vows early okay of disaster-resilience bill

Next page

By Rio N. Araja

for P620 to P840 per 11-kilo tank, depending on the brand, location and market forces.

Gasoline and diesel prices, meanwhile, are also expected to go up sharply on Tuesday.

“Expect fuel prices to go up again next week. Diesel should go up by P1.30 to P1.40 per liter while gasoline should increase by

HONOR THE TEACHERS. A hundred bikers and cycling teachers pedal their way from UP Diliman in Quezon City to Arroceros Forest Park in Manila to push for an increase in teachers’ pay on Sunday. The event is dubbed as “Bike Ride to Honor Our Teachers in celebration of World Teachers Day on Oct. 5. 2018. Ey Acasio

HOUSE Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed to pass a bill creating a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) before Congress goes on a break on Oct. 13.

“We can pass this on third and final reading at the House of Representatives as the committee at the Senate would come up [with its version] when we resume session after the Halloween break,”

she said.

Leyte Rep. Yedda Romualdez, principal author of the bill, said its passage into law could significantly lower the country’s vulnerability to natural hazards, protect many lives and save property.

“We can now look forward to the future with hope, knowing that the government is ready, better equipped and committed to exert its best effort to reduce the Next page

Solon bucks shoe inspection, draws flak

By Rio N. Araja A PARTY-LIST lawmaker drew flak online after a video of him refusing to remove his shoes at the airport screening area went viral.

ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto Bertiz was widely criticized by netizens a week ago after another video of his went viral, too.

At the time, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go had sent Bertiz as his proxy to the mass oath-taking of the licensure examination passers on Sept. 25, during which he told the passers that they would not be given their license if they did not know who Bong Go was.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Air-

port Terminal 2 just last Saturday morning, Bertiz scolded security checker Hamilton Abdul, who had asked him to take off his shoes as part of security measures, Bertiz then shoved his identification card to Abdul and tried to grab his ID card.

His actions were captured by the closedcircuit television cameras inside the airport.

On Sunday, the Transport Department said a thorough investigation into the incident was now being conducted.

“All reports, complaints and actual video footage are now being consolidated and evaluated. Authorities are now studying if VIRAL VIDEO. Party-list Rep. Aniceto Bertiz flashes his ID and scolds security any law or protocol has been violated,” the checker Hamilton Abdul who wants the congressman to take off his pair of shoes durdepartment said.

Next page ing security inspection at the NAIA Terminal 2. Video grab

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Cash gift sought for elderly in their 90s SENIOR Citizen Party-list Rep. Francisco Datol Jr. says he has thought of a way to enable senior citizens aged 90 or nonagenarians to qualify for a cash gift under the Centenarians Act of 2016.

He said Sunday he will push for an P80,000 cash gift for the senior citizens reaching the age of 80 when his bill is tackled in his committee, the special committee on senior citizens where he is vice chairman.

Datol made his statement even as the Health Department in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) concluded on Friday the first “Senior Citizen’s Health Summit” held in Pasay City with 150 participants in attendance from the provinces in the region.

“Growing old is never a hindrance to leading productive lives and making a difference in society,” said Regional Director Eduardo Janairo.

“Our senior citizens still have much to contribute to help the current generation of Filipinos in their efforts to build a better country.”

Datol authored House Bill 7821 seeking to amend Republic Act 10868 (Centenarians Act of 2016) so that senior citizens who reach the age of 90 could receive a cash gift of P90,000, and another P10,000 when they reach 100.

“Sa amendment na isinusulong ko, mas maraming senior citizens ang makikinabang sa benepisyong hatid ng RA 10868 at sana’y suportahan ito ng mga kasamahan ko sa Kongreso,” Datol said.

He said nonagenarians, like centenarians, should be given proper respect and made to feel equally valued by society.

He also said nonagenarians were comparatively stronger than centenarians and could still fully appreciate the value of the benefit provided in the Centenarians law.

In August, Datol wrote President Rodrigo Duterte asking for the modified implementation of the Centenarians Act as follows: P80,000 would be given to senior citizens reaching 80 years old, P10,000 to those reaching 90 years old, and the remaining P10,000, for those being full-pledged centenarians.

Social Welfare Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo was then tasked by Malacañang to look into Datol’s proposal. Macon Ramos-Araneta

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‘EJK admission no smoking gun’ P RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s critics are talking about finding “incriminating evidence” against him for “admitting” he authored the extra-judicial killings of drug users and traffickers, but Senator Richard Gordon said Sunday the supposed admission was not enough to make a case.

He told Super Radyo dzBB that Duterte’s “admission” last Thursday that he could only be faulted for the extra-judicial killings under the campaign against illegal drugs could be used as evidence.

But the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman said the “admission” could only stand as evidence if accompanied by proof.

Gordon made his statement even as Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday again underscored the Philippines’ commitment to the United

Nations’ Declaration on Human Rights.

In his speech at the 73rd UN General Assembly in New York, Cayetano said the Duterte administration was one with the UN in being “uncompromising on the issues of the rule of law and the protection of human rights.”

As a sovereign state, he said, the Philippines was on track in saving the nation from becoming “a narco-state or state held hostage by the rich and powerful who were ignoring the plight of the poor,

powerless and marginalized.

Gordon said Duterte’s statement could be used as evidence, but there must be proof on who he ordered killed, when, where and how.

In an earlier interview on dzBB, former dean of the Ateneo School of Law Antonio La Viña said “When you admit that extra-judicial killings happened because of you, of course that’s a culpable violation of the Constitution.”

La Viña was referring to Duterte’s statement in his speech in Malacañang last week: “Ano kasalanan ko? Nagnakaw ba ako dyan ng piso? Did I prosecute somebody na pinakulong ko? Ang kasalanan ko lang ‘yung mga extra-judicial killing.”

Duterte’s critics claim they have found an incriminating evidence against him that is impeachable and could boost a pending complaint before the International Crimi-

nal Court.

According to La Viña, “Clear naman.

Hindi naman siya [Duterte] nagbibiro when he said that. The demeanor is very clear. Kasi nanggaling sa mouth ng Presidente. Hindi mo na kailangan i-prove pa.

Ang tawag diyan, admission against interest. ‘Yan ang highest and strongest evidence. Because nobody confesses unless they mean it.”

But Gordon said “No person can be a witness against himself. And knowing the President’s atrocious statements in the past, like, ‘I will kill you’ hindi naman siguro yan ang ibig sabihin.”

On the other hand, the National Union of People’s Lawyers on Saturday said it will file a supplemental pleading to boost its complaint against Duterte before the ICC for his alleged crimes against humanity after he made the “admission.” With PNA

Dengue...

From A1

Over 870,000 school children received Dengvaxia shots under the public inoculation program that was launched in April 2016.

Pimentel said President Rodrigo Duterte was expected to sign into law shortly the supplemental appropriations bill allocating P1.16 billion “to provide the necessary health and medical assistance to Dengvaxia vaccinees.”

The House passed the Palace-certified supplemental appropriations bill on third and final reading on May 29.

The Senate approved its version on Sept. 5.

Solon bucks...

From A1

MEDICAL MISSION. Former president and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was joined by former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada during the medical and legal mission in honor of the late Kabayan partylist Rep. Ciriaco “Acoy” Calalang. The medical mission benefited some 1,000 of Rep. Calalang’s neighbors and constituents in Brgy. 513 Zone 51, 4th District, Sampaloc, Manila.

‘Balangiga’...

LPG price...

From A1

From A1

Rodrigo Duterte called on US officials and told them that no further discussions would be held unless the bells were returned.

He stressed the importance of the bells, adding that the memory still haunts locals in Samar as American soldiers took the bells along with the lives of many Filipinos.

The President said that passage of time cannot cure an injustice and the memory will still be there even after a century has passed.

“Those bells are reminders of the gallantry and heroism of our forebears who resisted the American colonizers and sacrificed their lives in the process,” he said during his 2017 State of the Nation Address.

“Give us back those Balangiga bells.

They are ours. They belong to the Philippines. They are part of our national heritage. Give them back. It’s painful for us,” the President said.

He also emphasized that US armed forces reduced the Samar Island into a “howling wilderness.”

On Aug. 11, 2018, the US embassy in Manila announced that the US Defense Department had notified the US Congress of its intention to return the bells to the country.

“We’ve received assurances that the bells will be returned to the Catholic Church and treated with the respect and honor they deserve,” the embassy said in a statement.

No official date had been set as the return of the bells needs congressional concurrence.

The Palace said it was looking forward to working with the US government in paving the way for the return of the bells to the Philippines.

In September, Duterte had a “classified diplomatic meeting” with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Yong Kim. The US envoy said he had discussed shared goals, including defense priorities, an economic partnership with Duterte, and said the alliance between the two countries remained strong.

Duterte, however, was quiet about the meeting.

The country has been asking the US for the return of the bells since 1958 as a Jesuit priest named Horacio de la Costa wrote to American military historian Chip Wards requesting his help for this purpose.

P0.80 to P0.90 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said in its price forecast advisory.

The impending increase would be the seventh in as many weeks.

World oil prices have been reacting to the US sanctions against Iran, which could trigger a tightness in oil supply.

The US is expected to launch its sanctions against Iran starting Nov. 4 and this has caused uncertainties in the global supply of oil.

On Sept. 25, the oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.40 per liter, diesel by P0.20 per liter and kerosene by P0.15 per liter amid tight supply coupled with robust demand from Indonesia and the Persian Gulf on the back of reduced Chinese exports; refinery turnarounds and multiple refinery problems in the US midwest.

Diesel also experienced limited supply as demand continued to rise, especially in Malaysia and Australia, while Japanese refiners saw a decrease in production.

Prices was also influenced by anticipation over the meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-OPEC major oil producers in Algeria next month to discuss scenarios for oil output.

According to data from the Department of Energy, year-to-date total adjustments stand at a net increase of P9.40 per liter for gasoline, P9.35 per liter for diesel and P8.25 per liter for kerosene.

Data also showed that gasoline currently ranges from P51.55 to P65.35 per

Arroyo vows,...

From A1

risks that come with natural disasters, to empower local communities to rise above the different vulnerabilities that surround them and to ensure that in the years to come,” she said.

Camarines Sur Rep. Lray Villafuerte said a new Cabinet-level department would put in place and oversee disaster preparation, risk management and post-disaster relief and rehabilitation operations in lieu of the ad hoc nature of current government efforts, which have now become untenable with climate change.

“The government can better achieve its zero-casualty goals as the wouldbe department could go full-blast on preemptive evacuation, especially of people in coastal and mountainous villages,” he added.

At the same time, Arroyo cited the

liter, diesel sells from P44.30 to P53.55 per liter while kerosene is sold from P48.72 to P58.85 per liter.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian slammed the move of the National Food Authority (NFA) to charge retailers P115,000 to sell its rice, and urged the agency to scrap the high fee.

“This is an ill-conceived move of the NFA. I thought they wanted to increase the number of those selling rice,” said Gatchalian.

He added that if the NFA needed help, it should not charge such a high fee.

The Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (Pagasa), Inc. recently revealed that the NFA is charging retailers who want to sell NFA rice ₱115,000. They are also expected to have a paid-up captial of P10 million.

It was the government which sought the help of Pagasa, Inc. to help flood the market with affordable rice.

“If you are the owner of a supermarket, will you still pay this fee if in the first place you are not required to sell NFA rice?” Gatchalian said.

“This is yet another reason why the NFA should be abolished,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino. “All they are giving Filipinos is a headache.”

Pagasa Inc. had previously agreed to have its members sell NFA rice, based on a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed last week. It has some 200 stores across the country that would have given poor Filipinos better access to the staple food.

The group, however, that the high fee makes it impossible for its members to help solve the rice issue.

importance of having a master plan for flood control during a meeting with officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways about the Pampanga Delta development program.

“I was informed by the DPWH that the feasibility study for the river will be opened Oct. 11,” she said.

“We have to push through with it. Let us see why there are those opposing it.”

The coordination meeting was attended by local officials and representatives of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and Bulacan to develop a master plan for flood control in the three provinces.

The Pampanga River begins at the San Antonio swamps in Nueva Ecija, and goes down to Pampanga and Bulacan.

Arroyo said the second phase of the PDDP will be prioritized as the first phase was completed before the program was cut short in 2002.

The feasibility study for the third phase will begin in 2019.

Tsunami...

From A1

epicenter of the quake, where some waterfront homes appeared crushed but a resident said most people fled to higher ground after the quake struck.

“When it shook really hard, we all ran up into the hills,” a man identified as Iswan told Metro TV. In Palu city on Sunday, aid was trickling in, the Indonesian military had been deployed and search-and-rescue workers were doggedly combing the rubble for survivors—looking for as many as 150 people at one upscale hotel alone.

“We managed to pull out a woman alive from the Hotel Roa-Roa last night,” said Muhammad Syaugi, head of the national search and rescue agency. “We even heard people calling for help there yesterday.”

“What we now desperately need is heavy machinery to clear the rubble. I have my staff on the ground, but it’s impossible just to rely on their strength alone to clear this.”

There were also concerns over the whereabouts of hundreds of people who had been preparing for a beach festival when the 7.5-magnitude quake struck Friday, sparking a tsunami that ripped apart the city’s coastline.

A Facebook page was created by worried relatives who posted pictures of still-missing family members in the hopes of finding them alive.

Amid the leveled trees, overturned cars, concertinaed homes and flotsam tossed up to 50 meters inland, survivors and rescuers struggled to come to grips with the scale of the disaster.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo was expected to travel to the region to see the devastation for himself on Sunday.

Hundreds of desperate people in Palu looted supermarkets and gasoline stations Sunday, as an initial trickle of aid into the devastated area failed to relieve an acute shortage of water, food and fuel.

Hordes of residents on Sulawesi island were seen scrambling over broken glass and through broken-down barricades at a supermarket in the center of Palu.

Men and women made off with plastic bin bags and baskets full of biscuits, crisps, nappies, gas canisters, tissue paper and more.

“There has been no aid, we need to eat.

We don’t have any other choice, we must get food,” shouted one man.

“We are in a crisis,” cried another.

Two small aftershocks hit while looters marauded through the building, prompting screams of “Earthquake, earthquake.”

But undeterred, more and more mopeds arrived, depositing people in front of the store.

“This situation forced us to do this. We need everything, food, water,” said a group of teenagers. “We took anything we could

Bertiz claimed the story behind the video post was twisted.

But he later apologized for the way he acted when he went through the security checkpoint at the NAIA Terminal 2 domestic departure area on Saturday.

“I offer no excuse. I am sincerely sorry for my actions,” Bertiz said in a statement on Sunday.

He said he was just asking Abdul why several “Chinese-looking” people were being accompanied by airport staff to avoid the security check. take. We can’t even cook. So that’s why we looted.”

A handful of vastly outnumbered police officers stood by or looked on from the police station across the road -- unable or unwilling to uphold law and order that has quickly melted away.

There was a similar scene at a local gas station where crowds tried to tap underground storage wells for fuel.

“There is only one petrol station that is still operational,” Ray Pratama, a local photographer -- who was not involved in the looting -- said. “People are desperate.”

They filled up jerrycans, empty soft drink bottles and kitchenware.

“If you sell with reasonable price, that’s okay, but they increase the prices sharply, for basic goods,” said one female looter.

Many Palu residents are still sleeping outside for fear of more aftershocks. Even if they had access to plug sockets, there would be no electricity.

Some aid has started to trickle in to Sulawesi, located in the center of Indonesia’s vast, 17,000-island archipelago.

The government is flying in six field kitchens capable of producing a total of 36,000 rice plates a day and thousands of mattresses, blankets and ready to eat meals.

But it is not coming quick enough for some.

“The shops aren’t open and the markets are empty,” one 33-year-old looter, who only identified himself as Eddy.

“We have to break into all of them one by one.”

On Saturday evening, residents fashioned makeshift bamboo shelters or slept out on dusty playing fields, fearing powerful aftershocks would topple damaged homes and bring yet more carnage.

C-130 military transport aircraft with relief supplies managed to land at the main airport in Palu, which re-opened to humanitarian flights and limited commercial flights, but only to pilots able to land by sight alone.

Satellite imagery provided by regional relief teams showed the severe damage at some of the area’s major sea ports, with large ships tossed on land, quays and bridges trashed and shipping containers thrown around.

Hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of those injured, with many people being treated in the open air. There were widespread power blackouts.

“We all panicked and ran out of the house” when the quake hit, said Anser Bachmid, a 39-year-old Palu resident. “People here need aid -- food, drink, clean water.”

Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp as the tsunami rolled in showed waves bringing down several buildings and inundating a large mosque.

“I just ran when I saw the waves hitting homes on the coastline,” said Palu resident Rusidanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. AFP, Nat Mariano

News SC designates regular members in SET, HRET

By Rey E. Requejo The Supreme Court has designated its new representatives in the Senate electoral Tribunal and the house of Representatives electoral Tribunal—two constitutional bodies tasked to resolve post-election protest in the Senate and congressional polls, respectively.

In Special Order No. 2589 signed by Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, the high Court assigned incumbent senior members to represent the SC in the both electoral tribunals.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has been assigned as chairperson of the SeT, with Justices Lucas Bersamin and estela Perlas-Bernabe as members.

Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta has been designated as chairperson of the hReT, with Associate Justices Mariano Del Castillo and Marvic Leonen as members.

Currently, the SeT is hearing the election protest filed by Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Francis Tolentino against detained Senator Leila De Lima.

Tolentino is contesting the proclamation of De Lima as the 12th elected senator in the May 2016 elections. Tolentino placed 13th in the last elections.

Meanwhile, in Special Order No. 2590, the SC designated Carpio to head the SC en banc raff le Committee, with Bersamin and Peralta as members.

For the Division Raff le of the SC, Peralta has been designated as chairman while Del Castillo and Leonen will sit as members.

46 Sino fugitives arrested for cyber fraud operations

By Vito Barcelo The Bureau of Immigration has arrested 46 Chinese nationals wanted by authorities in Beijing for economic crimes.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the arrested fugitives were also caught in the act of engaging in cyber fraud operations in call centers that they illegally operated while in the country.

Morente said the aliens were arrested in two operations conducted by operatives from the bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit in the cities of Makati and Muntinlupa following a request from the Chinese embassy in Manila.

“We received information from the Chinese authorities that these fugitives are hiding in the Philippines,” said Morente.

“We immediately conducted our investigation upon receipt of information, and discovered that there were more fugitives involved conducting their illegal activities,” he added.

At least 30 of the foreigners were arrested in three different residential condominium buildings in Makati while the remaining 16 were rounded in a followup operation inside a house along Tanuan St., Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa.

Morente said all 46 Chinese nationals are now undergoing deportation proceedings for violating the Philippine Immigration Act. FSU chief Bobby Raquepo said many of those arrested were undocumented aliens as their passports have already been cancelled by the Chinese government.

Raquepo said the aliens were caught in the act of manning their computer workstations when the arresting teams raided their offices.

“Further coordination with the Chinese embassy in Manila later revealed that the arrested nationals are all wanted fugitives in China for involvement in economic crimes. It seems like they attempted to transfer their operations in the country,” Raquepo said.

MoNday, october 1, 2018

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Lifestyle check sought over road scam

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

A

S The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continued its investigation into the P8.7billion road right-of-way (RROW) payment scam, Senator Richard Gordon wanted officials and employees of government agencies involved in RROW payment to undergo lifestyle checks.

Gordon, chairman of the Blue Ribbon committee, said he suspects that officials and employees of concerned government agencies—including the Department of Public Works and highways, Department of environment and Natural Resources, Department of Budget and Management, and Land Registration Authority, among

others—could be involved in the conspiracy to defraud the government. he said the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation should conduct lifestyle checks on current and former officials of the following agencies.

“I am convinced that the road rightof-way payment scam is perpetrated

with the connivance of unscrupulous individuals from different agencies that have a role in RROW payment,” Gordon said.

“That’s why I am calling on the Office of the Ombudsman, the DOJ and the NBI to perform lifestyle checks on some officials, current and former, and some employees of these agencies who have a direct role in the transactions,” he added.

The Right-of-Way Act mandates the government to provide just compensation for landowners whose properties were or will be used or affected by national infrastructure projects, such as the building of roads.

The Blue Ribbon has been investigating the RROW payment scam in General Santos City.

The modus operandi of the syndicate was to claim for just compensation of RROW which is intended for rightful owners who were affected by the national highway construction in General Santos City.

Gordon said the syndicate submitted fake titles and have cost the government P255.55-million for nine parcels of land alone in General Santos City.

“When you can no longer rely on one of the most important pillars of business and property ownership – the title, the Torrens title, if you cannot rely on that then nobody’s going to come in and invest here. Our commercial transactions would all be affected.

People cannot pass on their property by way of sale or by way of inheritance,” Gordon said.

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Opinion

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2018

Inflation: A weapon of mass destruction

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

lock in a mortgage at 5 percent, and then see home prices soar 50 percent, you score a windfall.

Inflation is also a hidden tax. As wages rise to compensate for it, so does tax revenue, making it easier for the government to repay what it borrowed before THROUGHOUT history, high inflation inflation took off. In the process, howhas often led to social upheaval. Hyper- ever, it robs the currency in your wallet of inflation, when prices rise by 50 percent purchasing power.

Another reason inflation is unsettling or more per month, helped bring the Nazis to power in Germany and the com- is that getting it back down is painful. munists in Russia and China, and topple The government may resort, as it usuboth civilian and military governments in ally does, to wage and price controls, or Argentina. These, of course, are extreme other heavy-handed interventions to reforms of the disease. But, far more modest duce inflation. Usually, though, it takes a rates of inflation in the 1970s helped bring recession to cure inflation—and that hurts everyone.

Margaret Thatcher to Inflation’s danpower in Britain in gers should not be 1979 and drive Jimmy overstated. It is hard Carter from the White to find evidence that House.

To avoid steady inflation beWhy is inflation so irreparable low 5 percent does destabilizing? much economic Prices are the damage, the harm.

The trouble is market’s air supply; budget must be that as inflation rises, they signal surpluses balanced at the it gets less predictand shortages, and able. This year 6 pertell businesses and earliest possible cent, next year who consumers when to time. knows? produce more or conMilton Friedman, sume less. Inflation the Nobel econocontaminates the air mist, said “Inflation supply. Suppose you is always and everyare thinking of opening a new hotel and room rates are rising 10 percent. You where a monetary phenomenon.” He and may be thinking that they must be a sign many top economists blame inflation on of strong demand. But, what if the cost too much money chasing too few goods. of land is going up 12 percent, linen by Intuitively, this makes sense. If you dou11 percent, and chambermaid and main- ble the amount of money people spend tenance wages by 13 percent? Your new on stuff, but leave the amount of stuff unhotel may actually lose money. Inflation changed, prices will double.

In its most basic form, this notion is unmakes it hard to interpret price signals.

Inflation also unsettles people because controversial and economists of all stripes it arbitrarily punishes some people while accept it. Historically, this has been one it rewards others. When you buy a gov- of the most consistent relationships in all ernment bond that pays 4 percent, only of economics. In German prisoner-of-war to see inflation jump to 6 percent, your camps, prisoners used cigarettes as curpurchasing power gets clobbered. If you rency, pricing bread, shirts, and chocolates bought a home and were lucky enough to Turn to A5

Common sense in social media

F

ACEBOOK last week said a security breach gave hackers access to 50 million user accounts and the private information stored in them, and also exposed their accounts with other online services such as Instagram, Spotify, Tinder and Airbnb to unauthorized use because they logged into these services using their Facebook accounts.

The breach is a security and privacy nightmare that affected even Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, whose accounts were also compromised.

Over the weekend, the National Privacy Commission said it was still determining how many Filipino users of the social networking site were affected by the massive data breach.

In a statement, NPC Commissioner Raymund Liboro said that Facebook representatives report that the investigation is still in its early stages. “They have not determined yet how many Filipinos are affected and whether misuse of personal information had resulted from this breach,” Liboro said.

If usage patterns are any indications, this will likely run into the millions. Statista, the statistics portal, ranks the Philippines as the sixth

largest user of Facebook (behind India, the United States, Brazil, Indonesia and Mexico), with 70 million users as of July 2018.

Zuckerberg said the company is investigating the extent of harm done when hackers exploited software flaws to steal “access tokens,” the equivalent of digital keys that enable people to automatically log back into the social network.

Zuckerberg said engineers discovered the breach on Tuesday, and patched it on Thursday night.

“We don’t know if any accounts were actually misused,” Zuckerberg said. “This is a serious issue.”

“We’ve fixed the vulnerability and informed law enforcement.”

Facebook reset the 50 million breached accounts, meaning users will need to sign back in using passwords—but none of this is a guarantee against new breaches in

the future.

It is also unclear what the hackers planned to do with the access they obtained to 50 million user accounts.

Social media accounts are hacked for a variety of reasons— to force shares, to force follows or to steal private information that hackers can use to sign into other accounts with banks and online retailers.

The NPC correctly puts some of the responsibility for protecting private information on users themselves.

“To protect themselves, all Facebook users must enable multifactor authentication on all platforms, employ strong passwords, and practice good digital hygiene,” Liboro said.

These are common sense precautions to take when a person decides to put private information that could be misused by malicious third parties onto a shared network.

It would also make sense to limit the amount of personal information we post online, since safeguards against unauthorized access are far from fool-proof. But sadly, common sense isn’t all that common when it comes to social media use.

Christmas bells this rice supply crisis. *** Last Friday, in the midst of rush hour, I went to Mandaluyong City Hall to witness the launch of a new Philippine-Taiwan project: the National Kaohsiung University of Taiwan, along WE START this article with very good with several other centers of learning news—the bells of Balangiga will be with in the southern port city of our closest us by Christmas! neighbor to the north, would collaborate They will be returned to the parish with the city government in bringing high church of Balangiga in Eastern Samar, quality technical learning to the poorest and directly therefore to the people of communities of Mandaluyong.

Balangiga, but they will ring out for the It is a template that hopefully can be entire country, as a national treasure, as recreated in other parts of the country, a relic of the indomitable spirit of our bringing science and technology close to people for freedom and against foreign those who need training most as a means colonialism. to graduate from poverty. *** Former Mayor Benhur Abalos was “It’s inflation, stupid” seems to be what our gracious host in the absence of his presidential spokesman Harry Roque said then-indisposed wife, Mayor Menchie when asked about the drop in President Abalos. He proudly showed us the Duterte’s approval ratings as reported in architectural drawings of what would be the third quarter of Pulse Asia’s Ulat ng the Mandaluyong University of Science Bayan. The field and Technology, research was done and how he in the first week would build of September, it despite the when almost all in cramped territory They will ring out for mainstream media of his city. the entire country as a were reporting Mandaluyong long lines of the City is a prime national treasure. “masa” waiting example of local to buy NFA rice, government which was the service at its best, only affordable where strategic staple grain in the wet markets. location propels higher revenues which in Weeks before, television showed turn are used to uplift the condition of its pictures of “bukbok” infested rice, residents, and more especially, the future and reported a shut-out of the staple in of its children. Both Taiwanese and Zamboanga City, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Filipinos there present were moved by the For months on end, people had been musical presentation of young girls and grappling with the higher costs of living boys with physical disabilities who face highlighted by rice, oil, canned goods, a brighter future because of the caring sugared drinks, even fish, and later with programs of their local government Ompong, vegetables tripling in prices. leadership.

No leader, however popular, could *** not escape being negatively affected by The visit to my friend Benhur’s rising prices. Roque was proven right political domain got me passing through when two days after his comments on the now controversy-laden Estrellathe drop in the President’s ratings, the Pantaleon bridge which links the Rockwell same research outfit came out with the district in Makati to the Barangka area in issues that concerned, rather bedeviled Mandaluyong’s riverside. the people most: inflation. And with it of Indeed it is a puzzlement that a twocourse, the corollary issue of low wages, lane bridge which serves as an alternative to the demand for adjustment of which is a eternally traffic-choked Guadalupe bridge natural consequence of the former. will have to be dismantled to build a four lane But my friend Harry may not be very span. The Makati side can possibly justify accurate in singularly pinning the blame a four-lane bridge, but the Mandaluyong on resigned NFA Administrator Jason side is another thing. The bridge will just Aquino. “It’s complicated” is probably bring vehicles to narrow and winding streets the best description of what brought about Turn to A5

Two massacres BECAUSE of the recent controversial dialogue between former senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, memories of martial law surfaced anew. Alleged atrocities committed by strongman Ferdinand Edralin Marcos were dredged up.

Enrile, former Senate president, presiding judge of the Senate impeachment court that removed Chief Justice Renato Corona, was also the former justice secretary

Let us not forget Mendiola and Mamasapano. and later defense secretary when Marcos declared martial law in September 1972.

He is also known as the architect of Marcos’ martial law.

Enrile drew flak from those who claimed they were victims of warrantless

arrests, detained and even tortured by their military captors. Some of the survivors and their relatives took Enrile to task for saying no one was arrested and killed during martial law. His contention was that those arrested were not for criticizing Marcos and martial law, but was a preemptive strike against those inciting the masses to rebellion and topple duly constituted authority. .

In the outrage over the Enrile statement, these critics forgot that it was JPE’s mutiny against Marcos that triggered the People Power Revolution at EDSA that catapulted Cory Aquino to the presidency.

Yes, Cory Aquino who was not even at Turn to A5

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

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Opinion Supporting the government’s food program IT’S a pity how corrupt public officials have served as the primary obstacle in the government’s effort to eradicate illegal drug trade and use in the country.

Last week at a hearing of the House committee on dangerous drugs and the committee on good government, it was established that there was collusion among unscrupulous officials and employees from at least three government agencies, with the help of the private sector, as they allegedly manipulated and allowed the entry of supposed P6.8 billion shabu shipment into the country.

Ironically, they reportedly came from the agencies supposed to protect us from the menace of illegal drugs the Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Bureau of Customs.

The public hearing showed how the intelligence information on the shipment was leaked to certain individuals.

The two houses of Congress are currently conducting an investigation on the drug shipment containing four magnetic lifters packed with shabu that was able to come out of the BOC’s Manila International Container Port (MICP).

A BOC official who requested anonymity said that drug shipment could enter the country through different ports, not just the MICP, as long as there was connivance among individuals handling the ports.

Unfortunately, this official said that with the collusion of these public officials, men of good character are being subjected to public ridicule.

It is hoped the findings of the House committees and the Senate blue ribbon committee will give justice to those who were not involved in the supposed drug shipment and severely punish those who were responsible for it, as we hope to reinvigorate the government’s effort to lead the country in fighting the evil of illegal drugs. *** With the seeming shortage on rice and other agricultural products, aggravated by the highest inflation in years, a multi-sectoral group is organizing a food summit in support of the government’s food program.

According to Jerry Pelayo, former

Inflation:....

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in cigarettes. When Red Cross shipments arrived, suddenly everyone had more cigarettes to spend—and the prices of everything went up. As the cigarettes wore out or were smoked, prices started dropping again.

Altering the supply of money has the same effect. When the government finances its spending with taxes or by borrowing, the money comes from taxpayers and savers.

But if it finances its spending by printing money, or more precisely, by issuing bonds to the central bank, the money is created out of thin air. With all that extra money chasing the same goods and services, prices rise.

In the extreme, this can produce hyperinflation, when prices rise 50 percent or more per month. In 2008 in Zimbabwe, prices were doubling roughly every day. Annual inflation equaled 89.7 sextillion percent (that’s 897 followed by 20 zeros). During such hyperinflations, people try to hold as little currency as possible. As soon as they’re paid, they spend the money before its value is wiped out. In many cases, people switch to foreign currency instead.

The bottom line: 1. Inflation is an increase in the quantity of money and credit. Its chief consequence

Two...

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EDSA was proclaimed the heroine and consequently President of the Republic.

What about Enrile and former Philippine Constabulary chief Fidel Valdez Ramos, whom Enrile asked to join him at Camp Aguinaldo lest he is arrested by Marcos chief henchman, Gen. Fabian Ver? Enrile gave way to the people’s clamor for the widow of assassinated Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. to assume the presidency.

Not pleased with how President Cory was running the government, he and another opposition leader, Salvador Hidalgo Laurel, broke away from the former housewife who found running the government was not as easy as managing a household.

Having established that footnote in Philippine history, let us not also forget two grim episodes that happened during the reign of mother and son Aquino. These are the Mendiola and the Mamasapano massacres. People’s memories are short and sometimes selective depending on their political leanings.

Let us first recall the Mamasano massacre which is more recent. The bloody incident occurred on January 25, 2015 when a combined force of Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters

mayor of Candaba, Pampanga, one of the lead convenors of the Filipino Sama Ka Dito, the summit is their way of supporting the government in addressing the issue of rice shortage and rising prices of basic commodities.

Sadly, farmers also fall victim to loan sharks.

Pelayo, who was responsible for the radical the 14-year old Farm-Fresh 25, inside the Clark Economic Zone (“25” because the farm produce is sold for 25 percent less than the price outside), which is managed by not by traders but by farmers and duck and poultry raisers, is supported by former Agriculture Secretary William Dar and UP Chancellor Ray Velasco.

Honorio Soriano, Jr., president of Pampanga State Agricultural University, has even opened the campus facilities for the event slated tentatively for the third week of October.

According to the former mayor, they are targeting the participations of all those who have a stake in agriculture and aquaculture including those involved in deep-sea and fresh-water fishing, piggery and poultry raising, vegetable farming, rice and cereal farming, traders and even the academe, particularly the state agricultural colleges.

“There have been summits like this conducted before but the academe has never participated. We need them as we try to address the problems of the farmers and the fisherfolk,” said Pelayo.

While the common problem for farmers are flooding and landslide, the more pressing ones are the availability of machineries and equipment and the lack of funds, thus the tendency for them to fall victim to loan sharks. Some farmers are prone to mortgaging future harvests for extravagant fiesta celebrations and even to fund their vices like cockfighting. These are what Pelayos’ group intends to address by providing farmers with management skills.

It is common knowledge the government, since time immemorial, has been supporting the agricultural sector through subsidies.

The problem however lies in how those funds were managed.

During the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos, the government initiated a program dubbed as Masagana 99, which was then successful in increasing rice production. This however, was not sustained after a change of government occurred in 1986.

The government, whoever is at the helm of power, has supported the sector by subsidizing fertilizer, pesticide and seedlings, and acquiring tractors, harvesters and other equipment for the use of our farmers. But the question remains—what were the results? Why does the country, blessed with the most suitable weather for agriculture, remain dependent on importation?

Additionally, Pelayo said they believe the government should consider the idea of increasing the fund for purchasing palay and increase its buying price for palay to compete with private traders, starting with utilizing the barangays as buying stations.

The Filipino Sama Ka Dito convenor added that the government should also educate farmers and others involved in the agriculture and aquaculture industry on the effects of climate change, tunnel vents and greenhouses effect on hograising, provide facilities for processing and cold storage for hog, poultry and duck raisers, and feedmill support for those in the aquaculture sector.

Here’s hoping for the success of Pelayo’s group and others, especially the government, as we look forward to selfsufficiency food production in the future.

is soaring prices. The term must not be misused to mean the rising prices themselves.

Inflation is caused solely by printing more money. For this, the government’s monetary policies are entirely responsible.

2. The most frequent reason for printing more money is the existence of a budget deficit—the amount of government spending that exceeds government revenue. Budget deficits are caused by extravagant expenditures which the government is unwilling or unable to pay for by raising corresponding tax revenues. The excessive expenditures are mainly the result of government efforts to redistribute wealth and income—in short, to force the productive to support the unproductive. This erodes the working incentives of both the productive and the unproductive.

3. The causes of inflation are not, as so often said, “multiple and complex,” but simply the result of printing too much money. There is no such thing as “costpush” inflation. Without an increase in the supply of money, and wage or other costs are forced up, and producers try to pass these costs along to the consumer by raising their selling prices, most of them will merely sell fewer goods and prices will drop. The result will be reduced output and loss of jobs. Higher costs can only be

passed along in higher selling prices when consumers have more money to pay the higher prices.

4. Price controls cannot stop or slow down inflation. They always do harm.

Price controls simply squeeze or wipe out profit margins, disrupt production, and lead to bottlenecks and shortages.

All government price and wage control, or even “monitoring,” is merely an attempt by the politicians to shift the blame for inflation on to producers and sellers, and other scapegoats, instead of their own monetary policies.

5. Prolonged inflation never “stimulates” the economy. On the contrary, it unbalances, disrupts, and misdirects production and employment. Unemployment is mainly caused by excessive wage rates in some industries, brought about by either extortionate union demands or by minimum wage laws (which keep teenagers and the unskilled out of jobs).

The cure: To avoid irreparable damage, the budget must be balanced at the earliest possible time. Balance must be brought about by slashing reckless spending, and not by increasing a tax burden that is already undermining incentives and production.

waylaid members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.

The PNP/SAF commandos were retreating after an operation that took out terrorist bomb maker Marwan. Left in an open corn field in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, the police commandos were easy targets for the Muslim attackers.

Why were the PNP /SAF commandos left vulnerable? A survivor said their officers radioed for reinforcement and rescue from then President Noynoy Aquino and senior AFP officials who were with him in nearby Zamboanga. Noynoy flew to Zamboanga to wait for the head of Marwan did not give the order to send in more soldiers to reinforce the beleaguered Special Action Force. As a consequence of Noynoy’s criminal neglect, 44 SAF commandoes met their death at the hands of the Muslim band that butchered them even as their hands were raised in surrender. Mamasapano became known as Black Sunday.

This is the grievous sin of the son.

Let us now go to the Mendiola massacre of January 22, 1987. This grim chapter in our nation’s history happened less than a year after the February 1986 People Power Revolution that swept Cory Aquino to power. It is not in our nature to speak ill of the dead but history has to be put in proper perspective.

While no one can claim it was President Cory Aquino who ordered the Capital

Regional Command security forces to fire and kill 12 protesting famers, the Capcom was directly under the Office of the President.

Let us recount the circumstances and events that led to the Mendiola massacre.

The farmers had been camped eight days and seven nights at the then-Ministry of Agrarian Reform to protest the lack of genuine land reform. Realizing their grievances were not being addressed by the Cory government, the famers inflamed by the fiery rhetoric of militant leader Jaime Tadeo, called for a march to Malacanang.

At the Quezon Memorial Circle, the farmers were joined by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), and the League of Filipino Students (LFS). This was the group violently dispersed by a fusillade from the Capcom state security forces who had launched Oplan “God Save the Queen.” The Queen of course meant Cory Aquino whose followers were fancying her for sainthood.

Compare the farmer casualties who were only at the Mendiola bridge to the leftist mob who were already storming the gates of Malacanang where Marcos told the Presidential Security Guards to hold their fire. Which brings us to the question of: Were more people killed during the six-year revolutionary reign of Queen Cory or during the nearly 23-year watch of strongman Ferdinand Marcos

eric.jurado@gmail.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2018

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Probing the high cost of electricity Sector Roadmap is currently in different stages and marked with a number of milestones, all intended to bring down the cost of power and make it truly accessible.

For the generation roadmap, the agency is now conducting performance AMID record-high inflation threatening assessments and audits as well as to derail the country’s economic growth, pursuing the entry of new and emerging independent think tank Stratbase technologies.

For transmission, ADR Institute (ADRi) and consumer there are transmission projects that advocacy group CitizenWatch are undergoing completion even as Philippines recently partnered to hold the agency is working on instituting a forum on a critical aspect of this policies to enable adequate contracted economic story at a critical moment in capacities for reserves. its unfolding: the power situation.

For the distribution roadmap, Entitled “Energy Outlook: Supplying Marasigan said the DOE is crafting Rising Demand at Lower Cost,” the several procedural regulations, event gathered stakeholders from including the Competitive Selection government, industry, civil society, and Process (CSP), direct connection the academe to application assess where the rules, and country’s energy uniform monthly sector is situated electricity bill in the context format.

The One of the ways to of the times and agency is also what directions facilitating protect consumers from it can take. the inclusion blows is to lower the The wide of Indigenous gamut of Peoples as host price of power. speakers and communities participants under the i n c l u d e d household representatives electrification from the r o a d m a p , Senate and House Committees on en route to achieving 100 percent Energy, the Department of Energy, the electrification by 2020.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and For market development, Marasigan Industry, National Power Corporation, said WESM will be introduced in the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Mindanao market soon, in time for Management Corporation, Foundation the commencement of commercial for Economic Freedom, the American operations by the first quarter of 2019. and Vietnamese embassies, SGV, Public consultations on the proposed Meralco, and UP Diliman. amendments in the EPIRA Law are also In his opening remarks, Stratbase being conducted.

ADRi President Dindo Manhit set the Still in the area of policy, economist stage and said the Philippine power Raul Fabella, Energy Policy and sector is “at a critical juncture” as Development Program fellow, called electricity, gas, and fuels are among for reforms geared to improve the the commodities that contributed to the performance of electric cooperatives seemingly runaway inflation, which (EC), which serve 80 percent of the accelerated from 3.8 percent in January country compared to the 20 percent to 6.4 percent in August. served by private distribution utilities “The challenge to ensure affordable, such as Meralco. reliable, and accessible power lies at the The National Electrification heart of balancing price fluctuations, in Administration, he said, should be view of the increasing inflation rates, strengthened to raise the accountability and meeting the economy’s growing of EC boards. Privatizing ECs must demand,” he said. also be removed from NEA’s roles to There is no question that cushioning prevent conflict of interest, he added. the impact of inflation should be a Jose Alejandro, chairman of PCCI’s government priority, and one of the Energy and Infrastructure Committee, ways to protect consumers from echoed the critical need to attract such blows is to “lower the price of investments and cut red tape in the electricity in the economically efficient sector. manner,” he added.

“The Philippines is a small market For his part, Senator Sherwin of 12,000 megawatts, but we are so Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate confused and entangled in different Committee on Energy, said one of the processes and in the effort of bring ways to bring down the cost of energy down costs,” he said. is to promote competition within The government must also consider the industry. He clarified that while subsidizing power because even with the Philippines has one of the most lowered costs, envisioned rates are expensive power rates in the region, still not competitive compared to other it’s one of only two countries that does markets in the region, he said. not subsidize power, which translates to Bantay Konsyumer, Kuyente, consumers paying the true cost.

Kalsada (BK3) convenor Louie “Some 52 percent of our electricity Montemar pointed out the urgency bill is the generation cost, whereas of lowering energy cost and called on other charges include universal charges, regulators to immediately address extra stranded costs, and stranded debts,” he economic factors that are delaying the said. development of more power plants The proposed Energy Virtual One so that competition will drive down Stop Shop Act, he said, is envisioned to costs and expand to underserved drastically reduce red tape in the energy communities. bureaucracy. If enacted, it will not Indeed, for Manhit, the relationship only simplify the gruelling and time- between the power sector and the overall consuming application process—359 health of the economy is clear. The signatures, 74 agencies, 43 contracts power industry is a “key driving force” and licenses over a total of 1,340 for growth and development in that days—it will also result in potential prohibitive rates and unreliable supply savings of P0.35 per KwH. The bill has may prevent an economy from fully already been approved in the senate accelerating, not least when its consumers and is currently on third reading in the cry foul over high electricity bills. lower house.

“Addressing gaps in the sector is As with all policy, however, crucial now more than ever. We are Gatchalian said such reforms will hopeful that this energy forum can be require a lot of political will, and for the a source of solutions which can foster executive and the legislative to work. cooperation among government and The director of DOE’s Electric private sectors toward creating the Power Industry Management Bureau, conditions necessary to ease the burden Mario Marasigan, said the Power of millions of Filipinos.”

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which, unless they tear down properties for road-widening purposes (which in this country’s “democratic” ways will take a lifetime of litigation), those two additional lines of vehicles will just clog a natural chokepoint in the Barangka area.

Some DPWH engineers say that building new bridges across the river, especially in the Makati-Mandaluyong and Taguig-Pasig links, have become urgent in light of the need to repair and rehabilitate the oft-vehicle punished Guadalupe bridge in EDSA. That is understandable, but maybe they need to look elsewhere in Mandaluyong for a better location. *** Speaking of local politics, it seems like the Abalos-Gonzales partnership, which was started in the early 80s when both patriarchs, Neptali Gonzales Sr. and Benjamin Abalos spearheaded the antidictatorship movement in MandaluyongSan Juan, then a single congressional district, endures without viable threats.

Benhur who looks much younger than his 56 years, has been succeeded by his

gracious wife Menchie, while Boyet, son of the late Senate President, has bequeathed his umpteenth congressional hold to his wife Queenie Pahati-Gonzales who hails from my lola’s PaombongMalolos hometown origins.

On the other side of the Pasig, political conflict brews among family members.

Mayor Abby Binay, who succeeded her brother Jun-Jun in the stronghold of former Vice-President Jojo Binay, will be challenged come mid-October by no less than Jun-Jun himself. Mismo!

Unless patriarch Jojo, who is running for congressman in the first district, can put his foot down, and firmly. *** The political pot has began to boil and the certificates of candidacy will be signed, sealed and delivered to Comelec from October 11 to 17. Pre-election fever, which has been submerged by earth-shaking issues like the coup in the House, the rice price crisis and the general inflation surge and even the Trillanes brouhaha, will now take center stage in public attention, briefly interrupted by the bells of Balangiga tolling for the nation and cheering us during the season of grace.

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News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2018

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‘Mocha’ must face House —Andanar

By Nat Mariano

COMMUNICATIONS Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson must attend Congress’ plenary deliberations on the 2019 proposed budget of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Sunday.

“Mocha really needs to be present in the Congress. She must be there, as Congressman Eric Olivarez interpellates, she must explain and answer the questions of the Makabayan bloc,” Andanar told DZBB Sunday morning.

The communications chief said his agency is ready to defend their budget in Congress, saying that they only work not because of politics, but for the improvement of channel distributions in the government.

“We have a scheduled hearing on October 2 or 3 and we are ready. We are only awaiting the return of Mocha,” Andanar said.

Andanar dismissed the claim that Uson has been hiding from the lawmakers, adding that Uson will attend the two hearings if the Congress requires her presence.

According to him, Uson, together with Foreign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, has been attending the United Nations general assembly in New York.

“She has been requested by the Department of Foreign Affairs to attend and help secretary Cayetano disseminate information to our fellow citizens there,” said Andanar, stressing DFA shoulders Uson’s expenses.

High court sets purge of weak drug cases

By Rey E. Requejo

T

O weed out courts’ docket of weak drug cases, the Supreme Court has adopted a mandatory policy for apprehending officers, investigating prosecutors, and courts in the custody and disposition of confiscated, seized or surrendered dangerous drugs in drug-related cases.

In an en banc 18-page decision, the high court through Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta laid down fundamental rules governing the arrest and proper handling of evidence in drug-related cases in order

to ensure conviction and not dismissal on technicality.

The SC stressed that “ to weed out early on from the courts’ already congested docket any orchestrated or poorly built up

drug-related cases,” the following should be enforced as a mandatory policy in connection with arrests and seizures related to illegal drugs 1. In the sworn statements/affidavits, the apprehending/seizing officers must state their compliance with the requirements of Section 21 (1) of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR); 2.

In case of non-observance of the provision, the apprehending/seizing officers must state the justification or explanation therefor as well as the steps they have taken in order to preserve the integrity and eviden-

tiary value of the seized/confiscated items; 3. If there is no justification or explanation expressly declared in the sworn statements/affidavits, the investigating fiscal must not immediately file the case before the court. Instead, he or she must refer the case for further preliminary investigation in order to determine the (non) existence of probable cause; and 4. If the investigating fiscal filed the case despite such absence, the court may exercise its discretion to either refuse to issue a commitment order (or warrant of arrest) or dismiss the case outright for lack of probable cause in accordance with Section 5, Rule 112, Rules of Court.

The high tribunal emphasized the importance of the procedure laid down in Section 21(1) of RA 9165, which mandates the conduct of a physical inventory of the seized items and taking of photos of the same by the apprehending team “in the presence of the accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or seized…with an elected public official and a representative of the National Prosecution Service or the media who shall be required to sign the copies of the inventory and be given a copy thereof.”

Demand for low-cost shelter high, realtors told

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has prodded local and foreign real estate players to help the government come up with affordable and high-quality socialized housing for underprivileged Filipinos.

In a keynote speech he delivered before the members of FIABCIPhilippines during the International Forum and Property & Real Estate Awards Gala Night, Gatchalian recognized the pivotal role of property developers in meeting the housing needs of the country.

Citing Colliers International, however, Gatchalian said that private property developers are much more interested in meeting the demand for high-end or luxury developments “than they are in addressing the even greater need for low-cost housing.”

“The potential of the Philippine real estate sector is sky high… there are opportunities for growth and development all around us. Along with these opportunities, however, come the very real threats of homelessness and inadequate shelter presented by the country’s low-cost housing shortage,” the senator said.

Gatchalian believes that the socialized housing sector presents a great, alternative opportunity for private developers to tap into, given the shortage of low-income homes in the country reported by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

COASTAL CLEANUP. Students and employee join hands in cleaning the coastline near the US embassy in Manila as part of the Manila Bay Coastal Clean-Up Drive 2018. Ey Acasio

Global shipping firm chides local manning agent A global shipping company with operations in the world’s major continents has accused a local manning agency of blackmail following the latter’s termination as the foreign shipping partner in the Philippines.

In a series of complaints before the authorities, Marine Partners Monaco S.A.M. which has a fleet of 120 vessels around the world and 2,500 crew

members, has taken exception to the allegations of discredited manning agency, whose services were terminated by MPM for gross failure in meeting the manning requirements of the principals of MPM. In affidavits submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation , MPM decided to terminate the manning agreement with a certain firm

called Eagle Clarc Shipping Philippines Incorporated due to “very poor performance, disorderly organization, uncertain operational priorities and lacking in professional and moral values,” according to Victor Dumagoso, maritime expert. Oceanus Maritime Crewing Services Incorporated replaced Eagle Clarc at POEA as MPM’s local manning agency.

Apart from the exception of this attempt to malign MPM, Dumagoso said, “our Principal, MPM, would like to reiterate that in the Philippines they are doing business with many valuable and professional government bodies, managers and seafarers. MPM is used to work with them under a long-standing partnership, healthy business, and surely they are welcome to join our family!

PH, Korean gun makers showcase wares at ADAS

SHOOTFEST CHAMP. Lt. JG Marly Martir of the Philippine Navy takes time out for a photo session before she hits the shooters box in one of the stages at the 2018 Far East Asia IPSC Handgun Challenge held in Pattaya, Thailand last September 23. Martir bagged the championship titles for the Lady Classic Division and Lady Shoot Off. For bringing honors to the country, Martir and the other members of the Philippine team will be given recognition by the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. during the opening of the 26thDefense & Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) Part 2 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Nov. 15. The country’s most prestigious gun show will be open until Nov. 19.

KOREA’S largest manufacturer of military rifles, S&T Motiv, partners with United Defense Manufacturing Corporation (UDMC), a Philippine-owned weapons manufacturing company known for its distribution of accurate and dependable rifles in the country.

The partner-companies are exhibitors at the “Asian Defense, Security & Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference 2018” (ADAS 2018), a defense trade show at the World Trade Center.

At the event, the partners will showcase their combined strength in research and development to meet the demands of the military and law enforcement modernization program of the country.

The two companies recently signed a joint venture agreement signifying mutual partnership and cooperation between two countries. Macon Araneta

Sports NU, UP pace UAAP Season 81 badminton DEFENDING champion National University and University of the Philippines logged two victories to stay undefeated over the weekend in the UAAP Season 81 badminton tournament at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

The five-peat seeking Bulldogs edged hard-fighting Adamson University, 3-2, Sunday to follow up last Saturday’s 4-1 conquest of De La Salle to extend their unbeaten run to 38 ties.

The Fighting Maroons prevailed over University of Santo Tomas, 3-2, Saturday and made quick work of University of the East, 5-0, to also complete a weekend sweep.

NU and UP now sport identical 3-0 records, as the last season’s Finals protagonists collide for the solo lead at 8 a.m. Tuesday at the same Malate venue.

Ateneo seized solo third with a 2-1 card with a narrow 3-2 victory over a De La Salle.

In their tie with the Falcons, the Bulldogs were poised for a shutout after taking the first three matches courtesy of former MVP winner Ross Lee Pedrosa and Mike Minuluan in singles, and last season’s MVP Alvin Morada and Alem Palmares in first doubles.

Vastly-improved Adamson University was able to pull off a reversal against NU in the last two matches, as Marf Eden Concha won his singles and doubles with Johnrick Macabenta.

The Falcons and the Green Shuttlers now have 2-2 cards in joint fourth, while the Growling Tigers and the Red Warriors fell at 0-3 and 0-4 slates, respectively.

In the women’s division Saturday, UP outlasted NU, 3-2, to join Ateneo on top at 2-0.

Titleholder De La Salle moved to solo third following a dominant 5-0 victory over Adamson University, while UST entered the win column following a 5-0 romp of UE.

PH Volcanoes join Asia Rugby Sevens Series

By Peter Atencio THE Globe Philippine Volcanoes are now in Korea for the second leg of the 2018 Asia Rugby Sevens Series.

They just returned from a Top 4 finish in Hong Kong two weeks ago.

This time, the Volcanoes are looking forward to climbing higher in the rankings.

Experienced prospects will be reinforcing the team. They are Jonico Ater Hardwick, Ned Plarizan Stephenson, Edlen Cortez Hernandez and Sean Celada Lynch.

“We had a good start to the last tournament. We want to replicate that performance and show consistency,” said team skipper Christopher Bird.

Bird said the team members are confident with how their training has been going in the last week in Manila.

“It’s now time to execute and attain the results we aim for,” said Bird.

The Volcanoes will have a tough challenge as they did in Hong Kong.

The Philippines have drawn Japan (1st seed), China (5th seed) and Malaysia (8th seed) in Pool A of the competition.

The Volcanoes want to beat both China and Malaysia to progress to the final rounds.

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sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Olaivar leads 2018 BWC national finals

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ORMER Philippine titlist Nicco Olaivar shot a 12game series of 2528 pinfalls to pace 33 other male keglers into the second round of the 2018 Bowling World Cup national finals Saturday at Coronado Lanes (Starlanes).

Tied with veteran RJ Bautista on top of the 80-man field after 11 games, Olaivar closed out with a 193-game to emerge leader as Bautista slumped to a low 148 game to finish 45 pins behind with 2483.

Merwin Tan carded 2465 followed by Kenneth Chua (2408) and little-known Maurhic Padawan (2402) to take the next three positions in the event where the champion will earn the right to rep-

resent the Philippines in the 54th BWC international finals set on Nov. 4 to 11 in Sam’s Town Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 29 other bowlers who remained in the race for the national BWC crown and the trip to Las Vegas were: Raoul Miranda, who tallied 2375; Anton Alcazaren (2268), Kevin Cu (2267), Eric Aranez (2263), MJ San Jose (2259), Jeff Carabeo (2252), Paul Sia (2221),

Wilson Sua (2184), Scott Uy (2168), Paul Eluna (2164), Marc Matias (2144), Kayle Abad (2140), Simple Villajin (2121), Don Evangelista (2116), Carl Lim (2115), Federico Rivera (2111), Angel Dilig (2103), Ceasar Perez (2103), Erwin Cabaneros (2076), Ted Convocar (2061), Ren Cremen (2058), Nichole Andrew Jimeno (2057), Don Tungala (2052), July Vargas (2051), Joebert Buenafe (2043), Ramel Franciso (2032), Kevin Atienza (2003), Rene Boy Aranico (2002) and Toti Daval Santos (2000).

With their scores carried over, Olaivar and company will play another 12 games tomorrow at Superbowl to determine the top eight who will compete

on the last day of the national finals on Friday, October 5 at Paeng’s Eastwood Bowl.

Multi-titled Liza de Rosario and Mades Arles led 42 others who opened their bids for the women’s plum yesterday at Coronado Lanes. The top 34 finishers after 10 games will compete anew on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at Superbowl for the vital third-day action.

The ladies’ champion will also carry the Philippine colors in the Las Vegas international event.

Last year’s WBC international women’s titlist Krizziah Tabora of the Philippines was not able to join the national tournament because she’s on medical leave.

Junior Altas rules NCAA chess tourney

Perpetual Help’s juniors chess team members stand beside NCAA president Anthony Tamayo (third from right) Mancom chair Frank Gusi (second from right) and tournament head Melchor Divina (extreme right) after winning a historic first NCAA juniors chess championship over the weekend at the Malayan School of Science Building in Manila.

Robin replaces brother in MMA bout FORMER Muay Thai amateur world champion Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan will locking horns with Japanese submission specialist Hayato Suzuki during ONE: Kingdom of Heroes October 6 at the 11,000-seater Impact Arena in Thailand.

Robin will be stepping in for his older brother Rene, who was forced to pull out of the crucial matchup due to an ankle injury.

While being sidelined was a disappointing blow for Rene, the older Catalan believes that his younger brother is the perfect person to take his place against a top-level compet-

itor like Suzuki.

“I’m confident that he will give Hayato Suzuki a good challenge, and of course give the fans in Thailand an exciting performance,” said Rene.

For Robin, the 30-year-old Catalan Fighting System Philippines representative, stepping in to face Suzuki is a golden opportunity to follow in his older brother’s footsteps.

The 39-year-old Rene of course, is regarded as one of the top contenders in the talent-rich strawweight division and is currently on fire with a five-match winning streak.

Filipino MMA fighter and former Muay Thai amateur world champion Robin Catalan locks in a heel hook against Adrian Matheis forcing his opponent to yield during their fight. ONE Championship

Yee lifts Tigers past Bulacan Kuyas MARK Yee played like it was business as usual late Saturday night and the Davao Occi Tigers continued their rampage in the MPBL Datu Cup even as Paranaque snapped an alarming skid with a hard-earned triumph at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

Yee’s record of 24 rebounds which he set about a week ago was shattered by JR Taganas of the Bulacan Kuyas, but the veteran forward continued to inspire the Cocolife-backed Tigers in notching their fourth straight via a convincing 82-68 triumph over host team Caloocan Supremos-Longrich.

Yee had a solid output as expected and his another double-double effort of 29 points and 11 rebounds was enough to carry the Tigers to their seventh win in 10 games.

The Supremos, who absorbed their seventh straight loss and fell deeper at the bottom of the standings with a 2-8 record.

Earlier, Paranaque showed poise in the fourth

“I see my brother succeed and it excites me and at the same time it motivates me,” Robin said, “By taking his place against a competitor like Suzuki, it opens up an opportunity for me to also add a big name to my winning streak.”

The Iloilo City native is on a twobout winning streak of his own, with both wins coming by way of spectacular stoppages.

Robin adds that being tapped as a replacement on short notice is no big deal, as he’s always in shape and ready for whenever he gets the call to enter the ring or cage.

quarter to put away Zamboanga, 68-58, and arrested an alarming skid in this fastest growing regional basketball keague in the country put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

The Patriots, backed by F2 Logistics, held their rivals scoreless in the last five and a half minutes then slowly but surely put away the Family’s Brand Sardines-supported Valientes with 10 unanswered points to get back on winning track.

Paranaque improved its win-loss record to 5-5.

Zamboanga absorbed its fifth loss in nine games and suffered its third setback in a row.

The Patriots won despite getting a least productive game from its double-double machine Harold Arboleda.

But Paranaque was able to get double-digit outputs from John Ambuludto, Mac Montilla and Ivan Valenzuela.

Ambuludto finished with 11 points while Montilla and Valenzuela contributed 10 apiece.

PERPETUAL Help downed Lyceum of the Philippines University, 3-1, in the finals to clinch a historic first juniors’ championship in the 94th NCAA chess competition at the Malayan High School of Science Lobby in Otis, Manila over the weekend.

Carl Zirex Sato and Chris Pondoyo downed Jan Darryl Batula and Leonel Escote on boards two and three while Eric Labog, Jr. and John Anastacio drew with Earl Rhay Mantilla and Japeth Aaron Caresosa on boards one and our, respectively, to claim their very first crown.

The Junior Altas finally won it this time after coming close from ending its title drought a season ago when they eventually lost to the Letran Squires in the finals.

The Las Pinas-based woodpushers, who is mentored by FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, however, made sure the title will not slip from their grasp.

It was a feat that was witnessed by no less than NCAA and school president Anthony Tamayo and NCAA Management Committee chair Frank Gusi.

“We dedicate this victory to our school officials, sirs Antonio and Anthony Tamayo, the school, community and all the people who kept the faith,” said Abelgas, who later revealed this will be his last season to coach Perpetual Help.

Galvelo named NCAA Player of the Week LETRAN’S Koy Galvelo-Chooks-to-Go/ NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week It took 13 games until Koy Galvelo got his breakthrough in the NCAA Season 94, but the moment he hit his stride, there was no stopping the rookie marksman.

Scoreless in the first 12 games after being kept on the bench, the sweetshooting combo guard is now beginning to settle down and that has been resulting to success for Letran.

Galvelo’s range and scoring has given the Knights an added dimension, leading to wins for the school as well as an individual plum for himself.

For leading the Knights to twin victories this week, Galvelo was selected as the Chooks-to-Go/NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week.

“Matagal ko na ring iniintay to,” said Galvelo who has turned his season around after spending the first nine games in the bench owing to the “ligang labas” issue he found himself in.

Injury-free Del Potro favored at China Open BEIJING, China - Juan Martin del Potro said Sunday he will go into this week’s China Open enjoying the “best moments” of a career that came perilously close to being destroyed by injury.

The strapping but soft spoken 30-year-old is the favorite in Beijing with reigning champion and world number one Rafael Nadal out injured and Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer also absent.

The man fondly known as “Delpo” is ranked fourth in the world behind that trio and while there has never been any doubt about his ability, his career has been blighted by wrist injuries.

Del Potro, the 2009 US Open winner, was beaten by Djokovic in the final at Flushing Meadows in early September.

But that did nothing to dispel the notion that Del Potro is a man enjoying his tennis again having painstakingly rebuilt his career.

“This could be one of the best seasons of my career,” Del Potro, a popular figure in the locker room, said ahead of his assault on the China Open.

“I won my first Masters 1000, at Indian Wells, I got my highest ranking ever this season (three) and another Grand Slam final after nine years.

“It’s an amazing year for me, but I also want to keep going be-

cause I like to pressurise myself, and I’m excited about that.”

Del Potro, who faces Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas in his Beijing opener, will head to the Shanghai Masters immediately after the China Open and is also chasing a spot at the season-ending ATP Finals.

The Argentine, whose outsized 6ft 6in (1.98m) frame belies his gentle nature, is savouring being largely pain-free after multiple wrist surgeries.

He was unable to defend his US Open title in 2010 and reached a low point in 2015, playing just four ATP matches.

He has previously admitted that he was close to quitting tennis.

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

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2018

Sports

Northport Batang Pier big man Moala Tautuaa (7), a former TNT KaTropa player, powers inside against his former teammates. TNT came from behind a big deficit to ultimately beat NorthPort. PBA Media

TNT KaTropa rallies past NorthPort

By Jeric Lopez

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NT KATROPA erased an 18-point fourth quarter deficit with a stunning endgame uprising to shock the NorthPort Batang Pier, 104-102, for its third straight win in a thrilling contest in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.

Marqus Blakely capped his game-long game on the line. brilliance with a tough go-ahead left-handHe also played a vital part on the other ed lay-up with 6.8 seconds left to give the hand to seal win, deflecting the ball from Tropang Texters a 104-102 edge with the NorthPort to enable his team to complete

its amazing comeback.

Terrence Romeo stepped up for TNT KaTropa, scoring a game-high 25 points with eight assists while Blakely tallied 23 points and 11 rebounds for a doubledouble effort as the twosome powered the Texters to victory.

TNT KaTropa continued its climb up the standings. It improved to 4-4 while the woeful NorthPort remained winless, dropping to 0-6, tying Columbian Dyip at the bottom.

TNT was trailing by double-digits for almost the entire game and was still down by 18, 95-77, with just under nine minutes left in the contest.

The Tropang Texters then mounted a

huge comeback, uncorking a 19-1 run, anchored by Romeo and Blakely, to tie the game at 96 with three minutes remaining after back-to-back triples from the spitfire from Far Eastern University.

TNT eventually built a 102-98 lead in the waning seconds but NorthPort wasn’t about to fold that easily.

After getting fouled from three-point land, Sean Anthony made his first two free throws to make it, 102-100, before missing his last.

Paolo Taha came out of nowhere and elevated over everyone to complete a putback, tying the game at 102 apiece with 15 second left.

UP Maroons upset favored Green Archers

By Peter Atencio Games Wednesday (at the MOA Arena) 2 p.m. La Salle vs UST 4 p.m. NU vs La Salle

ATTACKS from the trio of Akhuetie Bright, Juan Gomez de Liano and Paul Desiderio kept coming and coming.

In the end, the La Salle Green Archers couldn’t shake off the persistent University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who went on to pull off a 67-61 upset yesterday in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Akhuetie Bright made his imposing presence felt underneath with 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Fighting Maroons, who scored their second win in five games.

The 6’8” Bright struck with a layup and a dunk that gave UP the early lead, 6-2, and a jump shot which later kept UP ahead after La Salle tied the count, 8-all.

Gomez de Liano produced 17 points for the Fighting Maroons.

He unloaded eight points off two triples and a drive in the last six minutes of the third to put the UP back in front, 43-37, and after La Salle regained the upper hand.

Desiderio had 12 points, and rattled the La Salle defense after his lone triple in the second period, keeping UP in the thick of the fight.

UP’s first win came after their 68-69 loss to the Adamson Falcons, and this gave La Salle its second loss in four games.

“It was a painful game for us against Adamson. When you lose those games, you lose confidence and the only way to get that back is by winning,” said Fighting Maroons coach Bo Perasol.

The Maroons’ relentless attacks allowed them to post their biggest lead off Diego Dario’s jumper from de Liano’s assist with 7:17 to go.

IN BRIEF FDA issues warning vs herbal products THE Food and Drug Administration issued another warning to the public against medicinal herbal products claiming to heal deadly diseases including cancer.

The FDA issued the warning especially to those that do not have certificates of product registration issued by the agency following reports that a recently raided pharmacy in clinic in Central Luzon was telling its patrons through social media that a recently-conducted raid by the FDA “did not follow due process.”

“This is clearly an attempt to use social media bashing to hide the fact that the supposed health products being sold in that facility are not registered,” FDA director-general Nela Charade Puno said.

“It is the mandate of the FDA and its responsibility to the public to stop the sale of such unregistered products, particularly those that are claimed to have healing properties for diseases such as cancer,” she said.

At a recent operation against the Tarlac-based clinic owned by a certain Farrah Bunch, the FDA regulatory enforcement team led by retired Police Chief Superintendent Allen Bantolo seized over P800,000 worth of unregistered health products being offered for sale in the facility’s pharmacy.

IT-BPO sector to get P25b under ‘Trababo’ AN estimated P25-billion fund will be allocated to the Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing industry under the approved final version of House Bill No. 8083, or the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and Higher Quality Opportunities (Trabaho) bill.

The bill approved by Congress on the third and final reading on September 10, 2018, called for a limited incentives to target industries.

“The beauty of the Trabaho Bill is that it also provides for fiscal assistance to sectors badly needing support like ITBPO. Under the bill, the sector is bound to receive P5 billion annually for five years. This should be utilized to upgrade skills and competency among our ITBPO workers,” said Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo.

The allocation will pay solely for trainings to augment the skills of the ITBPO labor pool and make them more globally competitive. Othel V. Campos

Business Tax reforms to increase power rates in two years

By Alena Mae S. Flores

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he Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines Inc. warned that the staggered implementation of the government’s tax reform program will hike power rates by P0.2422 per kilowatt-hour in the next two years.

IEMOP president Francis Saturnino Juan said in a recent forum the first phase of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law already raised electricity prices by P0.0904 per kWh based on certain assumptions.

He said electricity prices would further climb by P0.1111 per kWh in 2019 and P0.1311 per kWh in 2020 because of the tax reforms.

“This study was done when Train law was just new, [including] incremental tax that will be imposed under that law, and these are the figures based on certain assumptions. We made use of Meralco assumptions of their supply portfolio and their sourcing between bilateral and WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market],” Juan said.

IEMOP now operates WESM, the country’s trading floor of electricity.

“So these are the incremental amount, but of course if the price of fuel itself will increase, then that will add to this incremental increase...

There will be another increase for 2019 and 2020,” he said. “[It] will further increase in 2019 and 2020 because of the staggered increase in the implementation of the law,” Juan said.

Juan said there was a need to increase generating capacities so that prices at

WESM would stabilize.

“There is the better correlation of WESM prices and that is the interplay of supply and demand. If there is a comfortable cushion between the offered capacity and the demand, prices tend to be stable. But every time there is a rise in demand or a reduction in supply, the buffer reduces and there is a corresponding spike or increase in prices,” he said.

Juan said that when the supply and demand gap was reduced to 1,500 megawatts, electricity prices normally started to go up.

“We saw that if there is enough cushion between supply and demand [or] what we call the supply margin, which we derive using the offered capacity less the demand in that trading interval…Once that gap between supply and demand is reduced, say to the level 1,500 to 2000, even if supply is enough, we saw prices kicking up,” he said.

Internet speed in PH improving, says report SPEEDTEST Global Index Report of Ookla for August 2018 reported that the Philippines’ average download speed for mobile broadband improved 89.1 percent from 7.44 Mbps in July 2016 to 14.07 Mbps in August this year.

The average for fixed broadband, meanwhile, improved 122.12 percent from 7.91 Mbps (July 2016) to 17.57 Mbps (August 2018).

For mobile broadband, the country’s monthly averages grew steadily from 7.44 Mbps (July 2016), to 13.37 Mbps (July 2018) and 14.07 Mbps (August 2018).

For fixed broadband, the country’s monthly averages also continue to trend upward from 7.91 Mbps (July 2016 )to 17.32 Mbps (July 2018) and 17.57 Mbps (August 2018).

The government’s call for a third major telecommunications player by the end of this year is expected to improve internet speed and availability further.

EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH. Dr. Myrna Cabotaje (second from right), now the officer-in-charge undersecretary for public health services team of the Department of Health, receives the Zuellig Family Foundation Bridging Leader in Public Health from the foundation’s (from left) vice president Ramon Derige, president Ernesto Garilao and Austere Panadero for improving the health systems in her region when she was the DOH Ilocos regional director. The award was given during the 10th anniversary of the ZFF Health Leadership and Governance Program held on Sept. 25, 2018 at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City.

Pagcor vows to intensify crackdown vs illegal online gaming companies

By Julito G. Rada STATE-RUN Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. vowed to intensify the crackdown against illegal online gaming companies, saying it is keeping a closer watch on offshore gaming operations to make sure the government collects the proper taxes.

Pagcor said it initiated a crackdown against online gaming firms operating without a license or found in violation of the agency’s offshore gaming regulatory manual.

Pagcor chairperson Andrea Domingo said in a statement over the weekend that the agency, in cooperation with various law enforcement agencies, regularly undertook investigations and raids.

She said that since 2017, the law enforcement bodies conducted raids in over 170 establishments certified by

Pagcor to be operating without licenses.

Personalities apprehended for operating without a gaming license will either face charges in court or deported, the agency said.

Domingo said the agency was relentless in its pursuit of illegal operators, adding that gambling, if not properly regulated, would cause undue damage to society and its citizens.

“Word of advice, therefore, legalize your operations or face dire consequences,” Domingo said.

Pagcor earlier signed a mutual cooperation agreement with the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Immigration for a concerted drive against illegal online gambling. The agreement was executed with a representative of the Office of the President exercising oversight on the same.

to the alleged indecent haste and lack of justification for the committee to favor HB 8132 over another measure, HB 6023, which endorses the renewal of Peco’s franchise.

HB 6023 was filed as early as July 22, 2017 by Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, while HB 8132 was filed on Aug, 22 by Paranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting.

Peco said its its workforce, key industry players, stockholders and residents of the firm’s franchise area, were shocked that the Alvarez-led committee moved on on Sept.

17 to approve the MMC measure without giving the other party a chance to voice out their objections during the committee deliberations.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2018

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Grameenphone of Bangladesh eyes third major telco slot in PH

By Darwin G. Amojelar GRAMEENPHONE, a joint venture of Norway’s Telenor and Bangladeshbased Grameen Telecom Corp., is keen in participating in the bidding for the new major player in the Philippine telecommunications industry controlled by the duopoly of Globe Telecom Inc. and PLDT Inc. “Hopefully we will participate,” Shanshil Ahmed Shibly, deputy director regional operations and head of technology division of Grameenphone, said.

When asked for a local partner, Shibly said, “that is a discussion that is going on.”

“I think it’s [the Philippines] a good market. We are already doing very good business in Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar also, where we are close to No. 1. This market also has very good potential and the size [with young customers],” he said.

Grameenpone is the largest mobile phone operator in Bangladesh with over 58 million subscribers and 54-percent subscriber market share.

The company is 55.8-percent owned

by Telenor, while Grameen Telecom, the other main shareholder, holds 34.2 percent as of December 2017.

Gamaliel Cordoba, commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission, earlier said the bid documents could be purchased for P1 million each from the agency starting Oct. 6 this year.

The submission and opening of the bids is set on Nov. 5 this year.

Acting DICT Secretary Eliseo Rio earlier said China Telecom, LG Uplus Corp., Korea Telecom, Vietnam Telecom, AT&T, Telenor [of Norway] and a Japanese telco company expressed interest to join the bidding.

Local telco players that were also keen on joining the selection process included Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Corp., Converge ICT, Transpacific Broadband Group Inc., EasyCall Communications Phils. Inc. and TierOne.

Ayala unit building 800 MW of renewable projects AC Energy, the power generation arm of conglomerate Ayala Corp., plans to develop an additional 800 megawatts of renewable energy projects in the country within five years.

AC Energy said in a report it was looking to build 600 MW of solar and 200 MW of wind capacities. “[They are] primarily greenfield over next five years. Projects are still in early development stage so no project cost at this point,” said AC Energy president and chief executive Eric Francia, when asked to comment.

Francia said AC Energy would determine whether the projects could be undertaken with partners.

AC Energy is also scaling up its international renewable energy platform with investments in Vietnam (1,200 MW of solar and wind capacity), Indonesia (400 MW of wind and geothermal capacity) and Australia (1,700 MW of solar and wind capacity).

Panay Electric taps top lawyer in franchise issue THE lawyer-husband of presidential daughter and Davao City mayor Sara DuterteCarpio has weighed in on the tug-of-war between two companies over the electric distribution franchise in Iloilo City.

Lawyer Manases Carpio, acting as counsel for Panay Electric Co., asked Palawan Rep. Franz Josef Alvarez, chair of the House committee on legislative franchises, to hold the impending approval of House Bill 8132 seeking the grant of an electric distribution franchise to More Minerals Corp.

Carpio, in a letter to Alvarez dated Sept. 24, 2018, said Peco was objecting “in the strongest terms possible”

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

Carpio, citing records of the committee itself, noted that Peco’s franchise renewal bid was based on established track records and experience in power distribution, and “consistent with the ‘prior operator principle’ which gives preference, all other things being equal, to the prior holder of a franchise granted by the government over other applicants.”

The lawyer scored the committee for the alleged rush toward the approval of HB 8132, handing over the franchise to an applicant without any track record in power distribution and which “appears to be a mere shell company with a measly paid-up capital of only P2.5 million.”

The company targets to exceed 5,000 MW of power generation capacity by 2025, which will require equity investments of about $2 billion.

The company now has over 1,200 MW of attributable capacity in operation and under construction across the region. It recently sold some of its coal assets to Aboitiz Power Corp.

AC Energy’s coal or thermal portfolio will decrease to 800 MW from 1,300 MW after the selldown.

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

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

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 a 632-MW 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.

“This transaction enables AC Energy to balance its portfolio and provides capital for our growth initiatives, including our renewable energy projects,” Francia said.

Aboitiz Power will pay AC Energy a one-time lump sum payment at closing for a total consideration of $579.2 million. Alena Mae S. Flores

SMART TRAVEL DEALS.

PLDT Global Corp. teams up with events management company AFTPH Corp. to stage the Smart Travel Sale Fair at the World Trade Center, Pasay City on Oct. 12 to 14, 2018.

The event gathers airlines, travel agencies, hotels, resorts and tour operators to offer some of the biggest travel deals and discounts and special perks and treats for Smart prepaid and postpaid customers booking their local and international getaways.

Shown are (from left) AFTPH managing partner Vincent Bryan Co, marketing director Nicole Go-Cedenio, PLDT and Smart first vice president and group head of international roaming and carrier business Katrina Luna-Abelarde and Smart vice president and head of international roaming and carrier business Alice Ramos.

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Business

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Muted trading expected this week

By Jenniffer B. Austria

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RADING at the Philippine Stock Exchange will remain muted this week as investors await the release of the September inflation rate, which is expected to accelerate on higher oil and food prices.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Department of Economic Research last week gave a September inflation forecast of 6.8 percent, with a range of 6.3 percent and 7.1 percent.

Analysts expect the overall sentiments to remain bearish on persistent inflation concerns. BDO Unibank Inc. chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said the bearish mood was making it hard for the index to rally despite oversold levels.

“Despite the sharp drop these past weeks, the market is quite oversold and is ripe for a technical rebound to retry the 7,500/7,800 levels. It seems that the bearish sentiment is still evident and the market is having much difficulty in sustaining any rally above 7,350 levels. Near-term risk lies at the 7,000/7,200 levels,” Ravelas said.

Investors, meanwhile, are expected position ahead of the release of the third-quarter earnings, which will start to trick-

le in over the next couple of weeks.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index last week declined 1.4 percent to close at 7,276.82, while the broader All Shares Index slipped 0.94 percent to 4,464.92 on continued foreign selling.

Except for the holding firms index which gained 0.7 percent, all other counters were in the red led by industrial which fell 4.3 percent; property which dropped 2.4 percent; financial which decreased 1.7 percent; and services which lost 0.7 percent.

Foreign investors were net sellers by P1.79 billion, while average daily value traded stood at P4.8 billion, down from the previous week’s average of P6.4 billion.

Weekly top price gainers were Bloomberry Resorts Corp., which rose 9.9 percent to P8.77; Robinsons Land Corp., which advanced 8.1 percent to P20.30; and Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., which climbed 4.5 percent to P49.

Weekly top price losers were Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc., which lost 13.1 percent to P2.38; Aboitiz Power Corp., which dropped 8.6 percent to P33.45; and PLDT Inc., which fell 6.1 percent to P1,350.

Wall Street, meanwhile, had a muted session, with the broad-based S&P 500 finishing little changed.

But Tesla shares plunged nearly 14 percent after the US Securities and Exchange Commission charged chief

executive Elon Musk with securities fraud, alleging he misled investors last month in tweets about taking the company private.

The SEC is also seeking to bar Musk from serving as a director of a publically listed company.

Analyst notes said the SEC’s move would likely increase the costs for Tesla to raise capital and could bolster private litigation against Tesla over Musk’s claims on going private, while the prospect of Musk’s complete removal was also worrisome.

“We believe it is important for the confidence of investors that Mr. Musk remain involved,” said a note from JPMorgan Chase.

“We believe that the perceived ‘magic’ and ‘mystique’ of Elon Musk on the part of a large contingent of investors is a key reason the stock has commanded the lofty valuation multiples it has in recent years,” the note added.

Tesla was not the only tech giant in the hot seat. Facebook dropped 2.6 percent after disclosing that up to 50 million accounts were breached by hackers, dealing a blow to the social network’s effort to convince users to trust it with their data.

Meanwhile, benchmark crude oil, Brent North Sea, extended gains amid predictions that it could again hit $100 per barrel. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW STOCKS

SEPTEMBER 24-28, 2018 Close Volume Value

SEPTEMBER 17-21, 2018 Close Volume Value

Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources China Bank Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Ferronoux Holding I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

59.2 119.80 83.30 2.57 1.58 28.85 7.79 16.2 12.64 4.3 1.62 849.00 0.510 67 0.93 11.5 20.45 43.00 84 125 188.5 25.3 154 1815.00 67.00 1.23

278,500 7,613,600 11,401,790 77,000 82,000 527,600 400 24,900 2,260,300 2,265,000 1,073,000 1,200 853,000 12,218,990 3,382,000 62,600 1,000 230,200 5,670 13,080 2,840 439,600 4,267,420 1,165 93,370 1,000

FINANCIAL 16,457,134.50 897,069,832.00 950,687,703.00 190,380.00 122,080.00 15,473,760.00 3,116.00 404,186.00 28,830,584.00 10,279,490.00 1,844,010.00 1,005,290.00 601,250.00 827,357,166.00 3,184,520.00 712,762.00 20,515.00 9,981,635.00 476,655.00 1,559,749.00 537,119.00 11,276,015.00 690,145,495.00 2,151,430.00 6,276,566.50 1,230.00

59 120.60 83.90 2.43 1.51 29.8 7.65 16.26 12.86 4.24 1.6 835.00 0.520 68 0.97 11.52

106,430 12,049,970 15,336,780 167,000 257,000 837,600 400 43,600 3,569,000 836,000 285,000 140 1,487,000 18,226,780 2,694,000 37,000

6,289,816.00 1,381,511,887.00 1,250,638,020.50 399,590.00 380,370.00 25,049,185.00 3,060.00 708,616.00 45,416,120.00 3,508,590.00 436,340.00 115,570.00 777,410.00 1,206,659,219.50 2,688,740.00 426,252.00

43.50 84.05 108 188.9 24.85 168.5 1822.00 66.60 1.19

1,393,300 100 770 3,600 1,368,700 4,760,280 485 179,170 52,000

62,162,835.00 8,405.00 83,497.00 683,319.00 34,855,360.00 815,337,519.00 882,420.00 12,010,394.50 61,640.00

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Basic Energy Corp.

C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Eagle Cement EEI Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) Euro-Med Lab First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

LMG Chemicals Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide MG Holdings Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Pilipinas Shell Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings SFA Semicon Shakeys Pizza SMC Food and Beverage SPC Power Corp.

Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

33.45 18.16 1.03 1.3 27.2 0.240 17.60 2.38 14.2 194 33.5 67.45 38.5 1.71 4.5 7.45 9.850 15.48 8.50 7.04 7.08 1.58 16.76 64.5 29.00 6.92 12.24 1.860 257.00 4.84 13.00 24.5 11.7 15.5 0.185 340.00 6.39 1.8 4.17 8.69 4.9 9.00 1.00 10.72 52.75 5.75 4.85 2.68 3 1.58 12 96.9 5.72 0.124 1.00 144.5 2.5 2.05 19.00 1.98

8,465,200 4,933,100 37,330,000 6,369,000 2,634,300 2,120,000 48,200 20,169,000 1,012,000 70 3,660,700 1,490 1,470,500 536,000 3,000 29,400 18,530,000 5,129,200 2,163,700 13,610,600 29,593,600 10,000 4,302,600 230,390 199,800 368,600 2,923,200 3,532,000 1,979,700 344,400 6,500 6,773,100 434,600 10,363,600 370,000 1,609,110 8,800 420,000 751,000 6,215,800 980,600 202,900 6,272,000 592,900 1,091,510 144,200 13,020,000 18,767,000 50,000 312,000 740,400 1,800,380 1,216,200 1,160,000 964,000 3,811,580 51,000 16,338,000 1,000 90,152,000

INDUSTRIAL 297,685,620.00 88,660,640.00 39,747,160.00 8,015,480.00 73,739,580.00 456,480.00 865,594.00 49,702,600.00 14,689,876.00 13,580.00 127,570,155.00 100,677.50 55,897,975.00 919,510.00 13,500.00 217,281.00 185,090,685.00 79,219,364.00 18,441,796.00 96,023,147.00 208,945,588.00 15,800.00 72,470,074.00 14,807,378.00 5,623,170.00 2,552,254.00 35,375,840.00 6,701,450.00 519,986,708.00 1,686,636.00 90,000.00 163,080,140.00 5,106,860.00 162,308,722.00 66,290.00 555,003,520.00 54,712.00 762,430.00 3,151,900.00 55,334,662.00 4,893,251.00 1,786,844.00 6,208,320.00 6,219,660.00 58,089,343.00 836,380.00 62,785,870.00 52,673,030.00 148,170.00 481,350.00 8,935,784.00 173,372,664.50 6,835,705.00 143,970.00 953,180.00 562,765,183.00 127,500.00 33,992,730.00 19,000.00 188,374,100.00

36.6 18 1.07 1.19 29.05 0.227 18.00 2.74 14 193.3 38 70.95 40 1.73 4.5 7.5 10.280 15.2 8.48 7.05 7.05 1.6 17 63.05 28.00 6.98 12.04 1.910 272.00 5.1 13.36 24.25 11.44 16 0.186 365.00 5.85 1.66 4.02 9.15 5.16 8.75 1.01 10.96 52.25 5.8 4.80 2.69 2.91 1.6 12.2 95.5 5.66 0.125 1.03 151 2.44 2.07 19.02 2.22

8,240,300 8,799,700 150,573,000 2,572,000 3,028,100 6,420,000 15,900 20,448,000 16,813,600 30 7,680,900 220 440,500 436,000 5,200 96,600 47,766,300 1,399,400 1,580,700 20,052,500 15,064,200 303,000 5,057,200 11,014,560 244,000 733,900 6,425,600 3,691,000 2,459,060 286,100 900 5,816,100 1,082,800 5,738,300 700,000 1,137,800 107,300 2,600,000 581,000 3,695,400 537,900 674,300 3,366,000 252,800 2,051,930 310,000 6,397,000 5,009,000 141,000 2,408,000 802,800 2,642,110 250,800 590,000 718,000 5,362,430 71,000 15,454,000 200 108,162,000

296,773,830.00 156,999,052.00 178,967,570.00 2,999,890.00 99,928,670.00 1,394,070.00 284,704.00 59,347,190.00 231,352,276.00 5,799.00 272,570,210.00 15,048.00 17,881,140.00 755,890.00 25,500.00 677,913.00 478,474,262.00 21,392,698.00 14,085,804.00 141,311,320.00 106,302,223.00 484,800.00 85,470,780.00 705,127,259.00 6,899,825.00 5,168,277.00 75,486,114.00 7,281,110.00 660,840,712.00 1,386,570.00 12,024.00 140,899,790.00 12,583,258.00 95,274,438.00 126,560.00 412,201,560.00 656,628.00 4,744,800.00 2,390,100.00 44,801,184.00 2,764,292.00 5,753,529.00 3,395,390.00 2,743,888.00 109,240,012.50 1,800,910.00 30,714,140.00 12,989,050.00 408,010.00 3,622,510.00 8,818,888.00 250,068,399.00 1,430,816.00 74,050.00 721,090.00 783,808,082.00 173,050.00 31,737,720.00 3,804.00 250,746,500.00

Abacus Cons. `A’ Abacus Cons. `B’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Lopez Holdings Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

MJCI Investments Inc. Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Transgrid Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.430 0.4250 49.00 12.48 0.94 5.95 1.290 1.280 928 5.8 11.38 5.74 7.11 0.205 820 5.77 53.95 5.06 0.57 4.43 14.4 0.600 4.75 3.32 0.0400 1.190 2.450 2.58 169.50 2.55 904.00 1.40 0.81 280.000 348.00 0.2700 0.200

176,530,000 8,790,000 10,975,520 8,899,000 17,000 117,900 161,091,000 30,018,000 1,325,490 7,527,600 14,795,900 9,500 141,500 680,000 512,270 16,400 5,524,190 1,900 1,308,000 6,877,000 25,891,400 7,177,000 165,955,000 3,000 40,600,000 222,000 3,379,900 111,000 1,459,840 3,000 1,541,210 1,736,000 150,000 10,310 20 16,960,000 1,220,000

HOLDING FIRMS 78,475,150.00 3,727,200.00 549,078,337.50 111,797,958.00 15,360.00 685,746.00 190,131,210.00 35,563,040.00 1,233,428,195.00 44,572,144.00 171,184,078.00 54,530.00 1,016,251.00 138,310.00 423,485,705.00 95,776.00 303,130,835.00 10,441.00 700,140.00 31,401,130.00 382,718,954.00 4,229,390.00 786,028,690.00 9,960.00 1,576,100.00 269,710.00 10,909,260.00 299,050.00 246,788,534.00 7,650.00 1,360,722,420.00 2,371,630.00 121,400.00 2,885,056.00 6,960.00 4,677,350.00 231,780.00

0.405

68,830,000

27,024,400.00

46.90 13.00 0.93 6.00 1.220 1.240 898 5.86 12.14

45,223,100 17,063,600 30,000 13,300 47,140,000 6,852,000 1,754,290 40,551,000 16,822,900

2,115,275,925.00 213,906,112.00 27,320.00 79,879.00 59,665,620.00 8,842,850.00 1,577,401,590.00 237,406,036.00 205,606,250.00

7.20 0.203 838 5.70 54.00 5.06 0.56 4.71 15 0.620 4.92 3.35 0.0390 1.200 2.510 2.74 168.00 2.58 892.00 1.35 0.81 280.000 348.00 0.2700 0.200

3,792,200 380,000 437,460 23,900 8,277,020 400 1,923,000 23,790,000 12,692,800 12,478,000 150,655,400 13,000 417,000,000 907,000 3,769,000 5,000 1,457,340 18,000 1,925,890 471,000 27,000 27,370 390 47,010,000 110,000

26,936,332.00 78,410.00 363,076,055.00 136,244.00 440,219,749.50 2,024.00 1,082,230.00 113,200,640.00 193,203,442.00 7,617,090.00 759,697,015.00 43,550.00 17,432,700.00 1,090,820.00 9,669,720.00 13,700.00 244,423,324.00 46,490.00 1,716,459,525.00 643,440.00 20,310.00 7,622,414.00 136,990.00 13,513,650.00 22,080.00

1,001,000 9,546,000 14,000 148,000 3,067,000 30,896,200 6,306,000 1,717,000 31,200 38,020,000 718,000 59,667,000 14,520,000 620,000 1,855,700 4,165,100 534,000 40,000 13,284,000 3,738,000 119,341,000 3,000 62,251,000 701,173,000 4,470,000 1,550,000 500 23,715,000

PROPERTY 7,295,849.00 8,147,540.00 159,528.00 305,240.00 1,985,340.00 1,249,012,135.00 16,228,050.00 7,547,200.00 166,410.00 17,103,350.00 666,640.00 55,094,920.00 3,284,350.00 245,100.00 15,727,524.00 83,379,367.00 296,180.00 4,530.00 19,019,800.00 4,149,040.00 267,166,690.00 12,270.00 273,479,870.00 483,534,530.00 2,005,900.00 673,950.00 16,675.00 101,684,660.00

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Anchor Land Holdings Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ CEB Landmasters Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

DM Wenceslao Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Filinvest Land,Inc. Global-Estate Interport `A’ Keppel Properties Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp.

7.280 0.87 11.04 2.050 0.650 40.050 2.42 4.42 5.37 0.445 0.97 0.920 0.233 0.390 8.340 19.5 0.560 0.117 1.43 1.15 2.30 4.09 4.4 0.620 0.4450 0.435 33.35 3.99

7.370 0.85 11.06 2.110 0.680 41.750 2.59 4.31 5.25 0.440 0.90 0.950 0.226 0.395 8.080 21.05 0.550 0.110 1.46 1.10 2.30 4.09 4.42 0.760 0.4550 0.440 33.00 4.21

5,862,200 31,323,000 91,300 438,000 3,965,000 43,726,900 25,012,000 4,261,000 95,700 27,730,000 30,000 34,087,000 20,180,000 3,260,000 1,975,500 14,662,400 1,587,000 2,690,000 11,662,000 12,613,000 129,718,000 3,000 92,825,000 682,078,000 8,980,000 10,670,000 2,300 8,155,000

43,103,574.00 27,265,010.00 1,127,728.00 886,530.00 2,756,880.00 1,777,540,440.00 67,124,670.00 18,515,200.00 510,293.00 12,121,050.00 27,000.00 31,219,850.00 4,576,160.00 1,288,950.00 16,902,301.00 311,059,005.00 889,870.00 312,250.00 16,700,050.00 14,173,460.00 301,733,800.00 12,270.00 390,707,070.00 493,688,980.00 3,980,300.00 4,645,050.00 77,970.00 33,545,080.00

STOCKS

SEPTEMBER 24-28, 2018 Close Volume Value

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

20.30 1.92 3.17 36.15 1.18 6.57 0.750 6.090

9,626,300 688,000 88,000 37,658,200 1,641,000 767,700 436,000 17,747,600

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Chelsea DFNN Inc. Discovery World Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail MetroAlliance A MetroAlliance B NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Wilcon Depot

11.3 21.3 1.4 0.475 0.043 1.92 8.77 0.0600 70 8.12 5.5 8.61 2.23 22.40 900 2200 5.37 314.00 11.32 2.72 94.1 2.00 12.06 7.75 0.116 2.8300 3.53 14.2 3.61 0.96 16.00 16.36 0.420 5.79 7.05 2.45 1.56 1.49 7.310 10.9 8.25 3.37 101.80 4.39 1350.00 0.390 0.870 45.00 79.70 7.80 2.22 0.890 0.56 5.2 0.670 10.300

111,800 456,800 24,000 13,390,000 34,200,000 26,722,000 51,333,500 44,570,000 648,610 166,200 6,555,100 541,900 6,000 495,600 160 284,715 483,300 15,840 14,400 17,959,000 3,266,410 57,000 6,000 32,000 7,670,000 30,773,000 85,000 24,700 5,098,000 2,392,000 6,313,100 600 200,000 1,164,900 33,228,900 1,375,000 852,000 353,000 6,853,300 155,500 14,600 498,000 295,210 1,248,000 554,730 16,050,000 8,592,000 5,909,700 3,836,880 226,900 33,187,000 146,033,000 152,263,000 3,724,400 9,284,000 9,365,200

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Benguet Corp `A’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Phinma Petro Semirara Corp.

United Paragon

0.0023 1.48 3.01 18.40 1.0000 1.0400 1.92 0.295 7.16 1.860 0.208 0.111 0.111 0.007 0.0070 1.22 4.38 1.15 0.6500 1.1400 0.0120 0.0140 3.34 15.50 0.0120 3.6000 26.70 0.0068

658,800,000 4,718,000 282,000 25,900 112,000 27,000 1,714,000 240,000 53,300 5,768,000 1,930,000 8,100,000 3,200,000 81,000,000 37,200,000 498,000 1,986,000 237,000 21,391,000 7,685,000 373,500,000 9,400,000 5,471,000 7,642,300 80,200,000 356,000 3,782,000 23,200,000

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Alco Preferred B Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ DD PREF First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B House Preferred Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I Swift Pref

19.2 100 485 495 99.5 103 490 5.17 973 945 95.2 1.04 104 1000 1047 99.6 103 1000 76.45 78.1 75 75.7 75 75 75 75 1.85

761,700 500 6,230 6,070 136,560 68,980 18,530 391,300 170 1,320 9,330 4,000 41,310 2,400 30 19,830 20,000 12,820 111,090 25,850 502,400 300 157,720 195,690 124,390 536,060 2,000

LR Warrant

2.360

786,000

SEPTEMBER 17-21, 2018 Close Volume Value

189,102,501.00 1,331,890.00 279,830.00 1,369,648,915.00 1,889,950.00 4,994,521.00 329,030.00 107,352,510.00

18.78 1.97 332 37.00 1.16 6.27 0.770 5.970

17,038,500 1,853,000 2,317,000 42,070,500 1,970,000 2,784,900 279,000 31,456,900

332,200,875.00 3,553,950.00 7,402,120.00 1,547,734,160.00 2,257,420.00 18,456,528.00 213,780.00 191,526,975.00

SERVICES 1,278,174.00 9,588,560.00 33,870.00 6,373,900.00 1,481,700.00 53,438,430.00 440,634,550.00 2,699,250.00 46,426,936.50 1,331,580.00 36,557,974.00 4,856,035.00 13,380.00 11,161,000.00 144,325.00 621,260,230.00 2,601,292.00 4,892,162.00 163,008.00 50,771,980.00 303,551,261.50 114,000.00 68,562.00 248,000.00 885,630.00 92,096,980.00 290,540.00 350,820.00 18,578,100.00 2,327,800.00 101,206,368.00 9,816.00 84,400.00 6,633,788.00 232,788,350.00 3,412,240.00 1,249,610.00 524,310.00 51,848,150.00 1,709,546.00 123,383.00 1,530,350.00 30,348,187.00 5,409,990.00 746,234,470.00 6,189,100.00 7,555,170.00 265,252,560.00 304,136,822.50 1,762,221.00 74,034,160.00 126,960,480.00 81,976,020.00 19,282,983.00 5,664,940.00 95,108,175.00

11.62 20.9 1.43 0.475 0.045 1.9 7.98 0.0600 72.8 7.98 5.9 8.99 2.23 20.90 919 2170 5.49 314.00 11.32 2.53 92.95 2.00 12.02 7.70 0.115 2.9100 3.54 14.7 3.68 0.94 16.10 16.36 0.430 5.9 7 2.49 1.48 1.49 7.440 11 8.50 3.17 101.90 4.48 1438.00 0.410 0.890 44.80 79.00 7.77 2.20 0.700 0.54 5.17 0.670 10.120

136,400 635,500 260,000 16,640,000 250,800,000 36,299,000 47,368,500 74,860,000 563,690 1,800 5,703,100 509,300 32,000 191,800 1,190 412,480 652,200 5,130 400 15,316,000 4,828,390 55,000 53,200 46,000 6,570,000 13,843,000 55,000 15,200 5,745,000 1,181,000 4,577,200 200 250,000 2,128,400 66,370,800 2,519,000 1,058,000 230,000 10,642,100 13,696,200 6,700 109,000 373,850 1,900,000 481,350 52,180,000 76,668,000 4,098,700 4,928,760 195,900 59,631,000 129,056,000 162,346,000 3,039,400 15,243,900 25,386,600

1,635,094.00 13,206,705.00 382,340.00 7,905,950.00 11,425,300.00 72,659,060.00 389,886,744.00 3,538,770.00 40,255,800.00 13,793.00 34,692,653.00 4,442,821.00 73,290.00 3,794,991.00 1,090,750.00 903,204,300.00 3,517,979.00 1,602,082.00 4,528.00 37,745,750.00 448,291,647.50 113,430.00 695,048.00 357,654.00 747,950.00 39,685,320.00 188,930.00 218,798.00 21,072,920.00 1,096,820.00 75,569,680.00 3,272.00 107,500.00 12,716,490.00 465,529,325.00 6,301,790.00 1,665,420.00 347,320.00 77,555,506.00 150,657,426.00 58,684.00 353,510.00 38,406,561.00 8,687,040.00 681,170,705.00 21,903,550.00 70,606,060.00 183,370,705.00 389,530,953.50 1,521,963.00 130,749,660.00 70,316,300.00 84,855,380.00 15,627,771.00 15,038,080.00 261,940,857.00

MINING & OIL 1,923,200.00 6,997,350.00 867,450.00 466,668.00 112,000.00 27,480.00 3,291,160.00 70,850.00 382,905.00 10,733,110.00 394,330.00 893,180.00 367,860.00 571,300.00 274,800.00 637,690.00 8,747,910.00 260,480.00 14,652,170.00 8,710,530.00 4,486,400.00 121,300.00 18,491,580.00 121,049,228.00 913,300.00 1,276,810.00 102,428,830.00 468,600.00

0.0024 1.50 3.10 17.20 0.9800 1.2000 1.93 0.300 7.30 1.890 0.207 0.111 0.122 0.007 0.0073 1.24 4.32 1.07 0.7700 1.1200 0.0120 0.0130 3.38 15.28 0.0120 3.8400 27.15 0.0078

243,000,000 6,691,000 671,000 130,300 56,000 321,000 2,424,000 2,060,000 167,000 15,865,000 6,370,000 14,920,000 3,640,000 79,000,000 14,000,000 774,000 3,143,000 806,000 33,667,000 37,304,000 85,500,000 3,500,000 11,007,000 9,077,000 338,300,000 1,655,500 7,864,500 104,000,000

587,400.00 10,124,090.00 2,104,280.00 2,304,980.00 61,760.00 314,440.00 4,670,370.00 617,450.00 1,213,404.00 30,237,640.00 1,313,040.00 1,729,100.00 442,210.00 569,100.00 103,900.00 987,770.00 13,905,080.00 847,260.00 24,464,080.00 46,581,190.00 1,073,100.00 42,700.00 39,269,980.00 142,063,676.00 3,840,900.00 7,115,380.00 215,728,840.00 755,200.00

PREFERRED 14,865,396.00 50,000.00 3,021,570.00 2,984,910.00 13,633,281.00 6,969,267.00 9,079,700.00 2,027,934.00 160,870.00 1,248,880.00 893,765.50 4,160.00 4,132,090.00 2,402,000.00 30,670.00 1,979,279.50 2,076,910.00 12,730,735.00 8,336,417.50 2,020,825.00 37,679,597.50 22,475.00 11,821,514.00 14,726,182.00 9,306,392.50 40,190,425.00 3,700.00

19.9 99 485 495.4 100.2 101 495 5.2 974 985 96 1.04 100.2 1010 1010 100.2 104 1000 75.2 78.2 75.85 75.7 75.1 75.2 75.2 75 1.85

445,800 14,310 30,050 7,880 44,820 100,000 20,700 132,900 8,880 3,930 140,390 51,000 48,500 2,520 20 480 20,500 9,350 207,690 47,810 90,520 13,160 321,080 203,000 347,050 253,330 14,000

8,904,789.00 1,416,690.00 14,622,804.00 3,903,998.00 4,501,314.00 10,100,000.00 10,223,370.00 691,380.00 8,524,940.00 3,754,370.00 13,487,191.50 52,010.00 4,903,215.00 2,545,700.00 20,210.00 48,322.00 2,132,000.00 9,273,300.00 15,586,498.50 3,748,416.00 6,787,175.00 996,112.00 24,163,720.50 15,314,330.00 25,858,950.00 18,999,785.00 26,620.00

2.440

1,101,000

2,604,830.00

5.7 2.08

38,614,200 5,629,000

254,517,784.00 12,146,120.00

WARRANTS & BONDS 1,909,160.00 SME 46,277,160.00 42,353,150.00

Italpinas Xurpas

5.24 2.18

8,403,800 18,292,000

First Metro ETF

109.2

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 36,620 4,023,898.00

110.7

122,280

13,380,671.00

10.1 10.26 1

DOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. 26,000 268,815.00 5,500 56,150.00 95,800 95,790.00

10.08 10.26 0.8

30,110 5,790 28,480

303,460.80 59,405.40 26,480.00

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS MRC Allied Ind. Abra Mining Oriental Pet. `A’ Abacus Cons. `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

ATN Holdings A Transpacific Broadcast STI Holdings Interport `A’ Vulcan Ind’l.

VOLUME 701,173,000 658,800,000 373,500,000 176,530,000 165,955,000 161,091,000 152,263,000 146,033,000 119,341,000 90,152,000

STOCKS SM Prime Holdings SM Investments Inc. Ayala Land `B’ Ayala Corp `A’ Bank of PI Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Metrobank Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

PLDT Common Security Bank

VALUE 1,369,648,915.00 1,360,722,420.00 1,249,012,135.00 1,233,428,195.00 950,687,703.00 897,069,832.00 827,357,166.00 786,028,690.00 746,234,470.00 690,145,495.00

Dennis Uy building second resort project in 2nd half of 2019 BUSINESSMAN Dennis Uy is set to start constructing his second integrated resort and casino complex in Clark, Pampanga by the first half of 2019.

Uy said in an interview at the sidelines of the stockholders’ meeting of ISM Communcations Friday the company planned to break ground on Clark Resort in the first half of next year. The resort and casino complex is expected to be completed by 2022.

Upon completion, Clark Resort will offer approximately 600 electronic gaming machines, 100 gaming tables, several hotels with about 400 rooms, and a retail and restaurant complex.

Clark Resort, which is located on a four-hectare property within the 177 hectare Clark Global City, is being developed by Clark Grand Leisure Corp., one of the subsidiaries of Uy’s PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc. CGLC obtained a provisional license from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to establish Clark Resort in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga on August 2018.

Clark Global City is a 177-hectare master planned mixed-use commercial and business center. It offers an ideal blend of prime real estate and facilities.

Uy in July started developing his first integrated resort and casino, The Emerald, in Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu province.

The first phase is expected to start operating by the third quarter of 2020 and will approximately 7,585 square meters of aggregate gaming floor area, with approximately 1,186 electronic gaming machines, 146 gaming tables, a five-star hotel with about 834 rooms, including five villas, a retail complex covering an approximate area of 8,000 square meters, a convention center, and 18 restaurants.

The two integrated resort developments will be integrated in Philippine H2O Ventures Corp., which will soon be renamed PH Resorts Group Holdings.

Philippine H20 in August filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission an application to sell up to 2.054 billion in common shares with an indicative price of up to P9 apiece to raise as much as P18.48 billion in proceeds. Jenniffer B. Austria

SEC approves Alsons’ plan to sell P2.5-b CPs THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the application of Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc.of the Alcantara Group to issue up to P2.5 billion worth of commercial papers under a shelf registration program.

Alsons will issue P1.5 billion worth of commercial papers with tenors of 90 days, 180 days and 360 days with a discount rate of 4.86 percent, 5.54 percent and 6.38 percent, respectively, for the first tranche.

The commercial papers will be listed with Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

The company hired Multinational Investment Bancorporation as lead issue manager and lead underwriter of the offering.

Alsons will will use the net proceeds from the fund-raising activity to finance the construction of a run-of-river hydroelectric power plant at the Siguil River basin in Maasim, Sarangani province, and other hydro projects.

It will also use a portion of the proceeds to settle short-term obligations.

The debt notes earlier this year received a PRS A plus (corp.) issuer credit rating from Philippine Rating Services Corp.

The rating means the company has an above average capacity to meet financial commitments relative to other companies.

Among the factors cited by PhilRatings as basis for the rating were “the positive growth prospects for Mindanao which will bring about an increasing demand for power,” and Alsons’ “ability to establish joint ventures with strong partners for particular projects.”

Alsons, Mindanao’s first independent power producer, operates four power plants in the island, generating a combined capacity of 363megawatts and serving over eight million people in 13 cities and eight provinces. Jenniffer B. Austria

Standard Standard TODAY

TODAY

IN BRIEF Trump says he and Kim are ‘in love’ WASHINGTON―US President Donald Trump said he and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un have fallen “in love”―their romance fueled by the “beautiful letters” he received from the leader of the nuclear-armed state.

Trump on Saturday elevated his recent praise of Kim to new heights, at a West Virginia rally in support of local candidates for his Republican Party.

“And then we fell in love―OK? No really. He wrote me beautiful letters and they’re great letters. We fell in love,” Trump told the crowd.

On Monday at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump praised the North Korean strongman―who is accused by the UN and others of widespread human rights abuses―as “terrific”, one year after Trump eviscerated Kim from the same platform.

Trump followed those comments by saying Wednesday he had received an “extraordinary letter” from Kim, and sounded optimistic about prospects for a second summit between the two leaders “fairly quickly.” AFP

CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

World

Manila Manila

B3

On the path of Typhoon Trami

K

AGOSHIMA―A powerful typhoon hurtled toward Japan’s mainland Sunday after injuring dozens on southern islands, as weather officials warned that fierce winds and torrential rain could trigger landslides and floods.

Typhoon Trami has already disrupted travel in the world’s third-biggest economy, with bullet train services in the west of Japan suspended, more than 1,000 flights canceled due to the closure of a key airport and Tokyo’s evening train services scrapped.

The storm is forecast to smash into the mainland near the city of Osaka shortly after 6pm (0900 GMT) and churn across the Japanese archipelago, likely hitting areas still recovering from extreme weather that has battered Japan in recent months.

Trami tore through the southern island of Okinawa on Saturday, bringing winds strong enough to flip over cars. Several houses were flooded or damaged and 46 people on the island sustained minor injuries but no one was feared dead, local officials said.

Nationwide, authorities have issued non-compulsory evacuation advisories to 1.5 million residents, according to public broadcaster NHK. Nearly 500,000 households in Kyushu and Okinawa have lost power, local utilities said.

As the typhoon barreled east, rail au-

thorities took the highly unusual step of canceling evening train services in Tokyo, one of the world’s busiest networks, urging passengers to shelter indoors when the storm hits.

The typhoon is not expected to hit the capital head-on but strong winds and heavy rain are still feared from later Sunday. Some businesses were already putting up shutters and hunkering down.

Trami is the latest in a string of extreme natural events in Japan, which has suffered typhoons, flooding, earthquakes and heat waves in recent months, claiming scores of lives and causing extensive damage.

Packing maximum gusts of 216 kilometers per hour, Trami was expected to travel over most of the archipelago, weakening slightly but causing extreme weather into Monday, forecasters said.

Still classed as a “very strong” ty-

Macedonians vote on name

Nearly a ton of pangoin scales seized HANOI―Vietnam has seized around a ton of pangolin scales and ivory hidden inside dozens of boxes on a flight from Nigeria, state media reported, a haul highlighting the illegal wildlife trade routes connecting Africa and Southeast Asia.

Both the ivory and pangolin trade have been banned in Vietnam. But weak law enforcement in the communist state has allowed a black market to flourish and feed into a global multi-billion dollar industry in animal parts and exotic pets.

Southeast Asian countries have become a busy thoroughfare for tusks trafficked from Africa and destined for other parts of Asia, mainly China. Pangolins are treasured in Vietnam and the region for their meat and alleged medicinal properties of their scales.

Authorities at Hanoi’s airport found 805 kilograms of pangolin scales as well as 193 kilograms of ivory and ivoryderived products in two dozen boxes on Friday, said a report in the official newspaper of the customs department. AFP

Moon receives dogs from Pyongyang SEOUL―South Korean President Moon Jae-in received a pair of North Korean indigenous hunting dogs from Pyongyang, his office said Sunday, the latest token of the rapidly blossoming friendship on the peninsula.

“Cheong Wa Dae (the presidential office) was offered a pair of Pungsan dogs from the North as a gift at the NorthSouth summit and received them Thursday,” the South’s presidential office said in a statement.

The canines, both aged around one, were handed over via the truce village of Panmunjom with three kilograms of dog food to “help with their adaptation”, it added.

Known for its loyalty and cleverness, the Pungsan breed-a hunting dog with thick, creamy white coat, pointy ears and hazel eyes-is one of the National Treasures of North Korea.

The canine gifts come after a September meeting between Moon and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, at which Kim agreed plans to shutter a missile-testing site and visit Seoul. AFP

MASS IN SHANGHAI. A Catholic worshipper walks toward the altar as people attend a mass at the government-sanctioned St. Ignatius Catholic Cathedral in Shanghai on September 30, 2018. AFP

Catalans deeply divided one year after referendum SANT JULIA DE RAMIS, Spain―For Jaume Casamitjana, last year’s banned independence referendum in Catalonia marked a watershed in his feelings about Spain, while for Alexandra Lopez-Liz, it pushed her to take a stand against the separatist movement.

A year after the contested October 1, 2017 referendum, the disagreements over separatism have deepened in the wealthy northwestern region of Spain, which is home to some 7.5 million people and has its own distinct language.

Far from uniting the community, it has polarized opinion, leaving deep divisions over the region’s fate.

The tiny village of Sant Julia de Ra-

mis―which was prevented from participating in the referendum after dozens of riot police smashed their way into its polling station to seize voting material just before it opened―plans to mark the anniversary of the vote on Monday.

“For many, it was a point of no return regarding Spain,” said Casamitjana, who lives in this town of 3,500 people in the province of Girona, where support for independence runs highest.

“They wanted to scare us but it backfired. Before this town was very divided, now it is more united and convinced than ever,” the 58-year-old said.

A civil servant, Casamitjana was in charge of the polling station at a sports

Ariel Winter attends American Humane’s 2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 29, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California.

AFP

SKOPJE, Macedonia―Macedonians went to the polls Sunday to vote on whether to re-name their country North Macedonia in a bid to settle a longrunning row with Greece and unlock its path to NATO and EU membership.

Macedonia has struggled for recognition of its name since its birth in 1991 when the landlocked country declared independence from Yugoslavia.

Athens protested immediately, accusing Skopje of stealing the name of its own northern province that is also called Macedonia.

The dispute stretches back nearly three decades, with both countries claiming links to Alexander the Great’s ancient empire of Macedon, which spanned the territories.

A grandiose “antiquization” project under Macedonia’s former government that plastered Skopje with neo-classical facades and statues of Alexander the Great added fuel to the fire.

But in June Macedonia’s new premier Zoran Zaev and his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras reached a landmark compromise under which Greece would drop its objections to Macedonia joining the EU and NATO in return for the name change.

Polls opened at 7am (0500 GMT) and are to close at 7pm in the referendum on whether to accept or reject the deal.

Only a trickle of voters showed up at a polling station set up in the high school Josip Broz Tito in downtown Skopje in the first hour of polling.

“I hope that the result will be positive.

This referendum will change something if it opens the door for Europe and NATO,” 74-year old retired nurse Olivera Argirovska told AFP after casting her ballot. AFP

centre on the village square, where one of the referendum ballot boxes now stands inside a glass cabinet, like a trophy.

Ahead of the anniversary, he is working with other villagers to decorate the square―which has been renamed “October 1 Plaza”-with red, yellow and blue Catalan separatist flags, as well as banners and portraits of separatist REPUBLIC REPUBLIC OF OF THE THE PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES REGIONAL leaders on trial over the secession REGIONAL TRIAL TRIAL COURT COURT NATIONAL attempt.

NATIONAL CAPITAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL JUDICIAL REGION REGION BRANCH BRANCH 98, 98, QUEZON QUEZON CITY CITY There were many people working at the polling station on that day, IN IN RE: RE: PETITION PETITION FOR FOR RECOGNITION RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN FOREIGN DIVORCE, DIVORCE, and when the riot police turned up, OF MARY SUE ANNE ROLANE OOTANI, OOTANI, they hid ballot boxes or shielded MARY SUE ANNE ROLANE Petitioner, Petitioner, them with their bodies. AFP -versusR-QZN-18-06638

For For fast fast ad ad results, results, please please call call

HERO DOG AWARDS.

phoon, Trami pounded Kagoshima on the western tip of Japan early Sunday, causing 10 minor injuries-such as cuts from broken windows and people knocked over by gusts.

“We are strongly urging our residents to stay indoors because it is extremely dangerous to be outside now,” Masaaki Tamaki, an official of Kagoshima’s disaster management section, told AFP. The Japanese meteorological agency warned the typhoon would bring strong winds and downpours, which could trigger landslides and floods as well as lightning strikes and tornadoes across the nation.

Violent gusts swept away roof tiles on some houses in the western city of Kochi.

“There was a big ‘bang, bang’. That woke me up,” an elderly man in Kochi told national broadcaster NHK. AFP

Advertising Advertising Department Department 832-5547 832-5547

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF LAMIDO E-SERVICES OF PHILPPINES, LAMIDO E-SERVICES INC. PHILPPINES, INC. Notice is hereby given that NoticeBoard is hereby given and that the of Directors the Board of ofDirectors and Stockholders LAMIDO Stockholders PHILIPPINES, of LAMIDO E-SERVICES INC. E-SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. (the “Corporation”), in a meeting (the on “Corporation”), in a meeting held 15 December 2017, formally held on 15toDecember 2017,close formally resolved dissolve and the resolved to dissolve and the Corporation effective as ofclose 15 May Corporation effective as of 15 May 2017, subject to the Securities and 2017, subject to the Securities Exchange Commission’s grantand of Exchange Commission’s of its application to amend itsgrant Articles its application to amend its Articles of Incorporation to shorten its of Incorporation to shorten its corporate term. corporate term.

All persons having claims against All persons having against the Corporation areclaims requested to the Corporation are atrequested to present the same 21stst Floor, present the same8767 at 21 Floor, Philamlife Tower, Paseo De Philamlife Tower, PaseoAtty.

De Roxas, Makati City;8767 Attention: Roxas, Makati City; Attention: Atty.

Jose Just T. Santos, for immediate Jose Just T. Santos, for immediate settlement. settlement.

(MS-SEPT. 24-OCT. 1 & 8, 2018) (MS-SEPT. 24-OCT. 1 & 8, 2018)

-versusR-QZN-18-06638 YUUYA OOTANI and the PHILIPPINE YUUYA OOTANI and the PHILIPPINE STATISTICS STATISTICS AUTHORITY. AUTHORITY. Respondents.

Respondents. x-------------------------------------------------x x-------------------------------------------------x ORDER ORDER (Notice (Notice of of Hearing) Hearing)

Before Before this this Court Court is is a a verified verified Petition Petition (Judicial (Judicial Recognition Recognition of of Foreign Foreign Divorce) Divorce) filed filed by by petitioner petitioner MARY MARY SUE SUE ANNE ANNE ROLANE ROLANE OOTANI, OOTANI, praying praying that that after after due due process process and and hearing, hearing, judgment judgment be be rendered rendered as as follows: follows: 1.The 1.The foreign foreign divorce divorce between between herein herein petitioner petitioner and and respondent respondent Yuuya Yuuya Ootani Ootani be be judicially judicially recognized, recognized, and and that it be annotated in the Report of Marriage No. 2015that it be annotated in the Report of Marriage No. 20153920507 registered in the Philippine Statistics Authority.

3920507 registered in the Philippine Statistics Authority.

WHEREFORE, WHEREFORE, notice notice is is hereby hereby given given that that the the aboveaboveentitled petition entitled petition be be heard heard before before this this Court Court located located at at the the nd 2 nd Floor, Rooms 207-208, Hall of Justice Building, 2 Floor, Rooms 207-208, Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City Hall Complex, Diliman, Quezon City Quezon City Hall Complex, Diliman, Quezon City on on December December 7, 7, 2018 2018 at at 8:30 8:30 o’clock o’clock in in the the morning. morning.

The The Branch Branch Clerk Clerk of of Court Court is is ordered ordered to to cause cause the the service service of of copies copies of of this this order order on on the the Local Local Civil Civil Registrar Registrar of of Quezon Quezon City, City, Philippine Philippine Statistics Statistics Authority, Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon Authority, Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City City and and Office Office of of the the Solicitor Solicitor General General for for their their comment/report. comment/report.

Further, Further, the the petitioner petitioner is is hereby hereby directed directed to to coordinate coordinate with with the the Sheriff Sheriff of of this this court court for for the the service service of of a a copy copy of of the the petition petition to to the the Department Department of of Foreign Foreign Affairs Affairs and and the the petitioner is likewise directed to have this Order published petitioner is likewise directed to have this Order published in in a a newspaper newspaper of of general general circulation circulation to to be be chosen chosen by by raffle, raffle, once once a a week week for for three three (3) (3) consecutive consecutive weeks weeks at at least two (2) weeks before the date of the hearing. least two (2) weeks before the date of the hearing.

In In the the event event that that hearing hearing should should not not take take place place on on the the said said date date due due to to fortuitous fortuitous event event or or ifif the the aforesaid aforesaid scheduled scheduled date date is is declared declared a a non-working non-working holiday, holiday, the the hearing hearing shall shall be be held held on on December December 14, 14, 2018 2018 at at the the same same time time and and place place without without further further notice. notice.

SO SO ORDERED. ORDERED. Quezon Quezon City, City, Metro Metro Manila, Manila, June June 27, 27, 2018.

2018.

(Sgd.) MARILOU D. RUNES-TAMANG, (Sgd.) MARILOU D. RUNES-TAMANG, MNSA MNSA Presiding Copy furnished: Presiding Judge Judge

Copy furnished: Atty. Floyd P. Lalwet Atty. Floyd Lalwet Counsel forP.the Petitioner Counsel for the Petitioner Rm. 305 The Episcopal Church Center Rm. 305 The Episcopal Church 275 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., 1102Center Quezon City 275 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., 1102 Quezon City Yuuya Ootani Yuuya Ootani Kita-ku, Naka, Jujo 1-4-6, Japan Kita-ku, Naka, Jujo 1-4-6, Japan Mary Sue Anne Rolani Ootani Mary St. Suecor.

Anne Rolani 26KJ K7 St., EastOotani Kamias, Quezon City 26KJ St. cor. K7 St., East Kamias, Quezon City Local Civil Registry, Quezon City Local Civil Registry, Quezon City Philippine Statistics Authority Philippine Statistics PSA Compound, East Authority Avenue, Quezon City PSA Compound, East Avenue, Quezon City Office of the City Prosecutor Office of the City Prosecutor Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City Office of the Solicitor General Office of the Solicitor General 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City Department of Foreign Affairs, Legal Affairs Office, Department of Foreign Affairs, No. 2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay CityLegal Affairs Office, No. 2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City(MStandard-Sep. 17, 24 & Oct. 1, 2018)

(MStandard-Sep. 17, 24 & Oct. 1, 2018)

CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK

LGUs LocaL government units

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

B4

monday, october 1, 2018

Wyndham to build Subic Bay’s first five-star hotel

By Butch Gunio

S

UBIC BAY FREEPORT—Wyndham Hotel Group, one of the biggest hotel chains in the world, will be establishing a five-star hotel here, committing P5 billion for a leisure complex near Subic’s popular seafront event venue, Boardwalk Park.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Administration Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said this marks the first time that a five-star hotel will be set up in Subic, 26 years after the former military base was converted into a special economic and free port zone.

Eisma said the Wyndham Group is set to construct, develop, manage and operate the Citic Hotels and Leisures Corp. here, taking a 10,517-square meter seafront location at Subic’s Central Business District.

“I am sure that this branded hotel project will raise the bar for the Subic Bay Freeport and put it among the best tourist destinations in the Southeast Asian region,” she added.

Wyndham Hotel, reputedly the world’s largest and most diverse hotel company, has approximately 8,000 hotels with more than 600,000 rooms in 66 countries under 15 hotel brands.

In the Philippines, the hotel group operates the Days Hotel and Microtel chains across the country, as well as the Ramada and TRYP hotels in Manila.

DEBT SETTLED. Manila Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada hands over a facsimile check for P200-million to Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar ‘Billy’ Dulay to finally settle the city government’s 2007 tax liabilities left unpaid by former city administrations at City Hall on Thursday.

Davao picks winners in fiesta photo contest

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY―The City Government has chosen the top winners in the “Hulagway sa Kadayawan” 2018 photo contest.

Three judges selected the standouts out of more than 500 entries bases on the contest’s criteria: Composition (30 percent), Originality (30%), Creativity (30%) and Relevance to the Theme (10%).

The photo contest had six categories: Pag-abli (photos taken during the Pag-abli, Subang Sinugdanan, Panagtagbo and Pananam events), Tribo (Hiyas sa Kadayawan, Dula Kadayawan, Kadayawan Village and Bantawan Cultural Presentation), Indak-indak (Indak-indak and Kosplay Kadayawan), Pamulak (Pamulak and Pitik Kadayawan), Tunog ug Sayaw (Sayaw Kadayawan and Tunog Kadayawan), and Kasikas (Kadayawan Famers Market, Kadayawan Dragon Boat, Mugna Kadayawan, Habi Kadayawan and Pahalipay).

Dexter Arcenas’ entry, which showed the re-enactment of the convergence of the different tribes of Davao, emerged as the top winner of the photo contest.

PARTNERSHIP. Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Company

(UNAHCO) president and COO Ricardo Alba (right) and Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development, Inc. president Antonio Roces (center) share a light moment during their contact signing for the annual Agrilink, Foodlink, and Aqualink event on October 4 to 6 at the World Trade Center in Manila. For 20 years, UNAHCO Inc., the leading manufacturer and distributor of the country’s most popular animal nutrition and healthcare products, has been actively supporting FRLD in mounting the annual expo.

Life

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

food

monday, october 1, 2018

C1

The aroma of a merry Christmas I

truly believe that the aroma of certain food can trigger visceral memories.

I always associate the smell of sizzling beef steak, with just the right amount of fat and with a hint of calamansi, with my mother cooking breakfast for me every day. the scent of ripe mangoes—the ones I peel and eat with both hands, the juice dripping down my chin and sometimes down my shirt as well, to the great grief of my mom – evokes carefree childhood memories. the distinct odor of deep-fried fish balls, squid balls and kikiam, on the other hand, reminds me of my college years when, on days that my baon was not enough, I make do with 10 pieces of fish balls (P5 at 50 centavo per piece) paired with P3 rice— extra gravy, Manang, please. the same rush of food memories happened to me during the first-ever annual Christmas cake-mixing festivity of Grand Hyatt Manila.

Members of the media were invited to join the 17th-century tradition that signals the start of the merriest of seasons, ushering in good tidings for the holiday that is still almost three months away. there were big pans filled with figs, walnuts, sultanas, grapes, pistachios, cashew nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, dates, dried apricots, and glazed fruits. When pastry chef Saban Cavlak generously poured rum over the mix, the delicious scents came together and transported me to merry Christmases past. there was the five-foot tall green Christmas tree near the sofa at the sala area of our old house in Pasig City (which we have since sold, no thanks to typhoon Ondoy, but that is another story). It was adorned with red and gold decors, although there were years when mom would feel the urge to redecorate and fill the tree with blue and white ornaments. there would be several gift boxes at the foot of the Christmas tree, all bearing the logo of Sta. lucia Mall which was nearest to us back then.

Perhaps Chef Cavlak experienced the same, for he started talking about his

MAKE A CHRISTMAS CAKE. The Grand Hyatt

Manila brings to the Philippines the 17th-century tradition of cake mixing using ingredients such as figs, walnuts, sultanas, grapes, pistachios, cashew nuts, and glazed fruits, among others.

mother—the original pastry chef in his family and a famous one in the community in turkey where he grew up.

“My mother was also a pastry chef. We would prepare fruitcakes for winter time, and everything was mixed by hand,” he said.

“In europe, the mixing of the fruits and nuts is traditionally done in September, which is the harvest season. the mix is placed in a cold part of the house or in a cellar, and it would be laced with alcohol every week,” added Chef Cavlak.

As for the fruitcakes of Grand Hyatt Manila, these will be available in November at Florentine, the luxury hotel’s premium pastry and retail shop.

General Manager Gottfried Bogensperger and the media during the cake-mixing festivity

I’m at joyce.panares@gmail.com.

A delicious kind of golden yuMMy snacks do come in small packages, like the salted egg yolk crisps of Singaporean food label the Golden Duck. each pack of the Golden Duck Salted egg Crisps is made of the finest ingredients and is expertly prepared under the masterful eyes of artisan chefs.

It comes in Potato Chips and Fish Skin variants.

The Golden Duck Salted Egg Crisps are available at UP Town Center, Greenhills Promenade, The Podium, Power Plant Mall, Alabang Town Center, Newport Mall, Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Magnolia, and S&R branches nationwide.

Booze and feast on Oktoberfest Anya Resort Tagaytay serves German and local beer for its month-long Oktoberfest promotion.

tHe infectious positive energy of Oktoberfest has made the event travel far and beyond its German roots, with people lining up to munch their way through thousands of grilled sausages, chickens and giant pretzels… and drink beer, of course, in different parts of the globe.

With a number of events marking the celebration, there’s no need to fly to Germany to participate in its beerdrinking contests and experience the amazing food.

In tagaytay, Anya resort has prepared a month-long German-themed menu for everyone to enjoy. the chic hotel serves free-flowing Savor on a platter of German sausages German beer and traditional Bavarian with roasted pork knuckle, served with food, such as sausages, pretzels, and roasted potato schnitzels, among others, prepared by its executive chef, Jonathan Bouthiaux. ported beer you may pair with the food “We have a wide range of local and im- options on our menu for the whole month

of October. With roasted pork knuckle, a selection of veal bratwurst and Frankfurt sausages on the list, everyone is sure to leave with big smiles on their faces,” says Chef Jonathan. the special Oktoberfest menu is available starting today until Oct. 31. to keep guests cozy and warm during this Ber month, Anya has also prepared special suite rates. Special weekday overnight rates are offered until the end of the month, for P6,600++, inclusive of an overnight stay at a Junior Suite (single/ double occupancy), breakfast for two, complimentary drinks and snacks at Amra Deli Bar, two happy hour coupons, special turndown treats, and a free Anya umbrella.

Call (02) 657-1640 or 0998-5779999, or email resv.tagaytay@anyaresorts. com for inquiries.

Each pack of The Golden Duck Salted Egg Crisps is made of the finest ingredients.

Life

C2

monday, october 1, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

8065 Bagnet

Fresh catch all year round J

Fresh catch makes the most succulent sashimi.

apanese restaurant Kitsho in October celebrates its second year of offering Japanese fare in the metro.

Kitsho takes pride on serving the freshest Japanese fare. executive chef Mizumoto “Hiro” Masahiro makes sure diners only get to taste the best concoctions made from the freshest ingredients as he personally goes to the market every day. every sashimi slice, every sushi roll, or the crunch of an ebi tempura and the sealed-in juiciness of a grilled salmon all attest to the freshness of the proffered seafood. The lean meats, especially the beef cuts, all spell tenderness that can only come from the most select sources. The farm produce, delectable in its crunch and crispiness, shows how it came to the diners’ tables straight from the farms.

For its anniversary this month, the buffet spread will be done away with and instead, diners get to enjoy all their favorites a la carte.

every four diners enjoying their a la carte dishes get to enjoy 15 percent off their tab, while any group of five diners gets to bring in another one for free. Lunch a la carte (buffet) is at p1,232 while dinner per cover is at p1,400, both VaT inclusive.

Meanwhile, for restaurateurs and/ or food establishment operators who wish to have an entire Japanese section in their respective menus, or those who want to include Japanese food items into their list of options can consult with Chef Hiro via his email masahiro1964mizumoto@live.jp.

Kitsho Japanese Restaurant is located on the ground floor of Hotel Jen Manila, right across the sprawling CCP Complex along Roxas Boulevard. Call (02) 994-3623 or 795-8888 local 2332 for reservations.

Sentro 1771’s Sinigang na Corned Beef

Grab a Filipino food feast FOOd is an essential part of every Filipino’s life. a culinary spread is often an important element, if not the center, of many celebrations.

Grab’s newest food ordering service GrabFood offers an opportunity for local and homegrown food to take center stage, whenever and whatever the occasion.

“We’re delighted to keep coming up with new chances to bring people closer to things that matter to them,” says Grab country marketing head Cindy Toh. The on-demand food delivery service, launched in June, presents the Grab. snap. Win! promo featuring local culinary staples from a roster of participating food establishments. participating food brands include

sari Chicken Lechon, Ferino’s Bibingka, adobo Connection, aysee, pares Retiro, Rufo’s Famous Tapa, 8065 Bagnet, Goodah!!!, sentro 1771, pansit Malabon, and empanada nation. a total of p5,000 worth of local eats is at stake for five lucky winners weekly chosen from all who successfully ordered food from #eatsLokal restaurants via the app and posted a photo or video of their meal on their Instagram page. The post has to include #eatsLokal and #GrabFoodpH hashtags, and the user must follow and like the official GrabFood pH Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Winners are randomly selected every week. The promo runs until Oct. 10.

Kani sticks and cabbage cutlets pair well for the most delectable spring rolls.

Sari Chicken Lechon Chef Hiro whips up the freshest ingredients to create the sumptuous dishes on the Kitsho menu.

Salmon yakimono

The snack that gives back BeInG able to eat healthy food is something that many often take for granted because for them it’s not big a deal.

But for many Filipino children and their families, access to nutritious meals is a constant struggle. satisfying hunger is one thing; ensuring that the food is nourishing is another challenge altogether. This nutrition gap can lead to deficiencies that deprive a growing child’s body of proper nutrients needed for growth and brain development. according to data from UnICeF, two of the main micronutrient deficiencies are iron and iodine. Iodine is vital for normal growth and tissue development. Lack of iodine can contribute to brain damage that is otherwise preventable.

Iron helps carry oxygen around the body, and is especially vital for the brain and blood.

Iron deficiency is the “most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world.”

Rebisco marketing director Rey G. de los Reyes

anemia, which occurs when red blood cells do not have enough iron-rich protein known as hemoglobin, can be detrimental to a child’s physical and cognitive development. It can also affect their productivity as adults.

Recognizing this need, local snack manufacturer Rebisco is pitching in to help make a difference in the lives of young Filipinos.

For every purchase of a Rebisco Cracker 200g handy pack aptly dubbed pasobra pack, Rebisco allocates a portion of the proceeds for the production of specially fortified biscuits. These “nutribiscuits” are formulated with muchneeded micronutrients—particularly iron and iodine—that help equip school-age children to be physically healthy and mentally active.

For every purchase of a Pasobra Pack, Rebisco allocates a portion of the proceeds for the production of specially fortified biscuits for schoolchildren.

Rebisco has teamed up with the department of science and Technology-Food nutrition Research Institute to develop these nutritious biscuits.

“Rebisco products are meant to be shared,” said Rebisco president Jonathan C. ng. “as Filipinos, our culture of sharing goes beyond our immediate families and circle of friends.

We want to tap into this giving spirit and enjoin our consumers to make something as simple as snacking count for something that makes an impact on the lives of Filipino children.”

Rebisco recently unveiled this advocacy program via the department of education Caloocan division’s Oplan Kalusugan program. The first batch of specially fortified biscuits was turned over during the launch event held at Bagong silang in Caloocan, where Rebisco also set up a sampling booth for residents and students.

For the current academic year, Rebisco is providing nutribiscuits, supplemented by main meals from deped, to a total of 871 students from Grades 1 to 3 in three Caloocan-based public schools: Bagong silang elementary school, Gabriela silang elementary school, and sto. nino elementary school.

Entertainment

Celebrities

The inspirational celebrities showed up in the launch of the “Active Joint Critical Protect”, which was unveiled with an entertaining aura at the Century City Mall in Makati.

Philam Life, the country’s premier life insurance company, chose the three as the brand ambassadors for being an inspiration and being in line with the program’s main principle – living healthy.

With Raymond’s “fitspiring” story and Solenn and Nico’s health goals, the company is confident choosing them as the face of the well-meaning campaign. .

Asked whom they need to take care of, Raymond without a doubt chose his twin brother, Richard.

“We were born together, we grew up together, it would be nice to grow old together,” he said.

Solenn prioritizes her mother as she emphasized the Filipino tradition of loving the elderlies, while for Nico, with his humor-filled causerie, it is his wife.

Another highlight was the company’s AVP featuring Raymond, which shows the result of his optimism and being motivated to achieve his health goal.

Active Joint Critical Project is a 2-in-1 health and life insurance, which allows people to jointly safeguard themselves and a loved one – whether spouse, parent, sibling or child – against critical illnesses such as heart diseases,

stroke, and cancer or untoward events.

Incentives are the salient feature of the new program. People can get rewards by simply knowing the state of their health.

As the first innovative product yet and first in the market, the product brings protection to the twin concern of health and protection.

“Philam Life as a company made a commitment that we will focus on protection,” Philam Life Chief Marketing Officer Leo Tan said.

With 90 percent of Filipinos concern about the expense of getting sick, people being physically, mentally, and financially well is the vow of the insurance.

Tan added, “We at Philam Life always put our customers first and strive to innovate with products that address their needs. With a product that jointly addresses the twin concern of health and protection, we are empowering Filipinos to feel secure about their and their loved ones’ future, helping them love worryfree and healthier, longer and better lives.”

Philam Life aims to close the gap with the live better campaign and through the product, Filipinos can protect themselves and their loved ones at the same time.

Protection equals life insurance is the equation of the company.

To find out more about Joint Critical Protect, visit Philam Life’s website at philamlife.com, Facebook page, or contact them through email at philamlife@aia.com.

Spotify’s playlist starter packs for your listening pleasure WHETHER it’s a carefully-curated set of gems for the selective music geek or a spontaneous mix of familiar bops anyone can jam to, a good playlist can spell the difference between a boring commute and a fun one, an awkward gathering and a memorable party.

While constructing your own one-of-a-kind musical collage can be fun, the sheer range of choices on everyone’s favorite streaming platform can make it difficult to know where to start. Here are a few tips to set you off: On the road. Trips to the beach or Tagaytay often take us through charming scenic routes and long, open highways. Roll down your windows, let the breeze in, and remember that getting there is always half the fun.

Song Suggestions: Tears for Fears’ classic hit “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Carly Rae Jepsen’s saxophoneladen pop confection “Run Away With Me,” and Chance the Rapper’s jubilant rap hit “No Problem.”

The Dad Jams. Admit it—we all steal from our dads’ playlists sometimes. With a sizeable collection of old records and greatest hits albums to dive into, you (and dad) will have no shortage of groovy tunes to sing along to.

Song Suggestions: Earth, Wind & Fire’s “That’s the Way of the World” has a seriously addictive rhythm, while The O’Jays’ “Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love)” is one of those songs everyone has heard at one point and loves instantly.

Guilty pleasures. you may be a tad

embarrassed (just a tad!) to reveal these songs as part of your playlist, but they’re there, and you know every single word to each.

Song Suggestions: Bop to Britney Spears’ instantly recognizable “Toxic,” and channel your inner karaoke queen/king with classics like The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame” and Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together.”

Hangout and chill. Order a pizza, pair with your favorite beverage, and unwind with your friends with a playlist that sets the night’s relaxed, easy tone.

Song Suggestions: SZA’s beautifullylayered R&B record “The Weekend,” Daniel Caesar’s sweet, slow “Get you,” and pop rock sensation UnIQUE’s fresh and catchy “OZONE (Itulak ang Pinto).”

Work it out. Pair your workout sessions with a playlist that goes hard. Catchy, energizing tracks help set your pace and push you to finish strong.

Song Suggestions: That beat on Kendrick Lamar’s “HuMBLE” just makes you want to lift three times your body weight. Migos’ “Stir Fry” and Kanye West’s aptly titled “The New Workout Plan” will have you spinning or running the treadmill.

Debit Mastercard has come up with these starter packs. Go over these mini-playlists and add your own to create the ideal mix. you can use your Debit Mastercard to avail a Spotify Premium 60-day Free Trial, and enjoy its adfree, offline listening features from now until Nov. 15.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Monday, October 1, 2018

ACROSS 1 Off-white 6 Endorse a check 10 Scraped by 14 Embankment 15 The younger Guthrie 16 Fiddling despot 17 Hull parts 18 Purposes 19 Soup containers 20 Most nimble 22 Lingerie item 24 Fragrant compound 26 Completely obliterated 27 Cold drinks 30 Prior to 31 Tried for office 32 Sequel’s sequel 33 Tackles’ neighbors 35 Kiosk 39 Building additions 41 Fix up 43 Leave out 44 Protest song singer 46 Put on the market 47 Place to sleep 48 Spirit 50 Tenn. neighbor 51 Crawling insects

52 Llama cousin 55 Extinct birds 57 Intrude (2 wds.)

59 Louis L’Amour genre 63 Comics dog 64 Fourth dimension 66 Marie or Pierre 67 Antler wearer 68 Hairy animals 69 Molecule parts 70 Dust devil 71 Small world, — it?

72 Turn back the odometer DOWN 1 Sorts 2 Prez’s stand-in 3 Completed 4 Depends on 5 Oui and da 6 White wines 7 D.C. tax org.

8 Campbell of country music 9 More meddlesome 10 Delights 11 English poet 12 Kermit’s colleague 13 Gave medicine 21 Cowboy’s charge 23 Mardi —

25 Carrot-top 27 Like the Piper 28 Slick 29 Disagreeable person 34 Most pale 36 Related 37 Fluff 38 Hosp. workers 40 Barbarism 42 Knife part 45 Delightful 49 Rum drink (2 wds.)

51 Not born yesterday

52 Residence 53 Put cargo on board 54 Got nosy 56 Wilde or de la Renta 58 Playful bites 60 Psyche’s beloved 61 Frost 62 Aerie 65 Fellows

nickie.standard@gmail.com

From C4

By Darwin Pesco

R

C3

Simply...

support health and financial campaign

AYMOnD Gutierrez, Solenn Heussaff and nico Bolzico are the life partners in promoting healthy and financially secured life for Filipinos through a new insurance package.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2018

Philam Life celebrity ambassadors (from left) Raymond Gutierrez, Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico

Two generations of powerhouse divas IF yOu heard Lani Misalucha perform the “Queen of the Night” aria from The Magic Flute opera, instantaneously, you would say goodbye to your affection to Regine Velasquez.

One forgets the clean and emotionally committed song interpretations of Lea Salonga. When the aria reaches its crescendo, all that you can do is to stand, clap and hear yourself shout “Bravo!” filled with so much adulation for this diva of the highest order.

Together with the rest of the audience that packed the Theatre at Solaire, I did just that, a standing ovation for Misalucha.

The aria was one of the musical highlights in the A Lani Morisette Musical Journey, which had two-night sold out shows.

Prior to singing the vocally challenging musical number, the Asia’s Nightingale, sang “Ave Maria,” the first song, which happens to be the first song that her papa dearest taught her.

In all honesty, the two chanteuses gave their absolute best during their concert.

What was most evident, this dynamic duo of singers mutually admired and respected each other’s artistry and talent.

When they sing their individual ditties, it was sublime. When they do their duets, the experience was aurally pleasurable.

For me, what transpired on stage was a real life Lavinia Arguelles and Dorina Pineda moment, the iconic characters in Bituin Walang Ningning given life by Cherie Gil and Sharon Cuneta sans the “you are nothing but a second rate, trying hard, copycat” episode.

The entire concert was more of a passing of the torch where the heiress apparent was being introduced. One sees a young miss, all agog with the opportunity that she was on stage, with her biggest and most loved idol.

Stage direction by Carlo Orosa and musical direction by the relatively young maestro Louie Ocampo, the well-chosen repertoire was most apparent, the script showcased the similarities that Misalucha and Amon—from their early and humble beginnings, the physical afflictions they experienced and survived and

AriAs

the many doors that continuously opens for them every time they Alwin were on the verge of ignAcio giving up. Each life changing event had a special song which they conducted with gravitas, nuance and emotional commitment in telling the story of every line and word they were singing.

Some of the most memorable numbers in their musical journey were the karaoke duet, Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now.” Misalucha interpreted “Emotions”

by Mariah Carey, the most requested song in Amon’s musical arsenal as an aria.

Mori sang “Lovin you” by Minnie Riperton, a Lani concert staple. In all fairness to Amon, she did hit the high notes of Minnie.

Together, they made the Theatre audiences groove with the Aretha Franklin tribute part, “Respect” and “Freeway of Love.”And yes, most noteworthy to mention the anti-birit encore that made the audiences laughing out loud because the two had to sing these songs without the usual vocal powers Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” and “I Will Always Love you,” “Narito Ako”, Aegis’ “Halik,” “My Heart Will Go On,” “Climb Every Mountain” from the Sound of Music, and the encore ended with a rapturous rendition of “And I Am Telling you” from Dream Girls.

What more can we give to these world class singing ladies but a standing ovation and shouts of “Brava, Lani! Brava, Morisette!” *** Another musical event that we must all not miss is Pinoy Playlist 2018.

Definitely watching The Torch Songs of Vincent De Jesus (Oct. 13). One of my most favorite singers, Floyd Tena is part of this program and in case he gets to sing “Ako Lang Ang Nagmahal,” not sure if I can cope with him singing it. Another must see is Ang Trip ni Bentot (Oct. 19), Reuben Laurente. He is undoubtedly one of the better balladeers who tells the stories of the song he interprets.

The Pinoy Playlist 2018 is all set to wow everyone at the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, BGC Arts Performing Center in Taguig City.

In Cebu, Alexander Lee and Marucci did not disappoint the crowd who waited for them at Ayala Center. Showing their singing prowess as well were Clashers Esterlina Olmedo, Golden Cañedo, and Danielle Ozaraga.

On Aug. 20, Contessa lead stars Glaiza de Castro and Lauren Young with Ruru Madrid were featured in a Kapuso Mall Show in SM City Lucena, Quezon.

After Davao, Alden Richards went to Robinsons Place Pangasinan for another Kapuso Mall Show on Aug. 21. With him were Pancho Magno, Lindsay Johnston, and Dion Ignacio.

In Iloilo City, Gabby Concepcion entertained senior citizens during the city’s Senior Citizen Day on Aug. 22 at Plaza Libertad.

Another Victor Magtanggol star, Kristoffer Martin, joined Ika-5 Utos’ Jeric Gonzales and Inah de Belen, and Kapag Nahati ang Puso’s David Licauco in Tacloban in a Kapuso Mall Show in Robinsons North Tacloban on Aug. 23.

Jason Abalos and Donita Nose were also in Iloilo in a Kapuso Meet and Greet at Plaza Libertad on Aug. 24 and 25, respectively, as part of the Iloilo Charter Day celebration.

Onanay’s Wendell Ramos and Rochelle Pangilinan, together with Alexander Lee and Marucci, were in Pangasinan in a Kapuso Mall Show in CSI The City Mall Dagupan on Aug. 25.

Tom Rodriguez also graced the Miss Cagayan De Oro Coronation Night on Aug. 25.

Meanwhile, celebrating this year’s Higalaay Festival were Jason Abalos, Mika de la Cruz, and David Licauco who all went to Cagayan de Oro on Aug. 30 for a Kapuso Mall Show in Centrio Mall.

In Bacolod the following day, Alden Richards and other Victor Magtanggol stars Andrea Torres, Janine Gutierrez, Pancho Magno, and Dion Ignacio were in Robinsons Place to personally thank fans.

On top of the successful mall shows all over the country, GMA Regional TV made history again by pioneering the Hiligaynon news program One Western Visayas on Aug. 27. The Kapuso newscast is anchored by Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna with Bacolod co-anchor and correspondent Adrian Prietos, and Iloilo co-anchor Kaitlene Rivilla.

GMA RTV also launched #SpreadKindness—an advocacy and public service campaign in the regions which aims to recognize and celebrate random acts of kindness made by ordinary people. Alden Richards awarded the unsung heroes when he went to Davao, Pangasinan, and Bacolod.

To cater to netizens who want the latest news and updates on all the regional events, GMA RTV also unveiled its official website, www.gmaregionaltv.com.

“August has been an exciting month for GMA Regional TV,” says GMA’s Vice President and Head of Regional TV Oliver Amoroso. “And we are not stopping as we continue to do our best in producing quality programs and mounting events for our viewers—our true boss,” he adds.

Spotify’s special introductory prices for students How does P65 for your first three months on Spotify sound?

Spotify is letting more students enjoy their favorite music at anytime, anywhere with its new Student Intro Offer!

Credit card users can soundtrack their study with Spotify Premium for only P65 for the first three months, and pay P65/ month for the following months. If you pay via prepaid load, you will only have to pay P75 for the first three months, and pay P75/month for the following months.

This offer runs until Oct. 22 only. For more information, visit https://www. spotify.com/ph/student/.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2018

Miss Intercontinental VERONICA VALLEJO in Manila Jason Abalos, Thea Tolentino, and Gabby Concepcion celebrated the Kapuso Fiesta in the Municipality of Compostela Valley.

ISAH V. RED

GMA Regional TV’s

AWESOME month

FROM mall shows to celebrating festivals, unveiling a local newscast and website, and launching a campaign—August was both busy and productive for GMA Regional TV. Kapuso stars Gabby Concepcion, Thea Tolentino, and Jason Abalos kicked off the series of treats on the first day of August at the Kapuso Fiesta of the Municipality of Compostela Valley.

In Cagayan de Oro, Ashley Ortega had a “Kapuso Meet and Greet” on Aug. 3 with a performance at the newly opened ice-skating rink in SM CDO Downtown Premiere.

Kapuso oppa Alexander Lee and Marucci, meanwhile, made waves in Davao at a Kapuso Mall Show in Abreeza Mall the following day.

On Aug. 16, real and reel couple Mikael Daez and Megan Young (stars of The Stepdaughters) was at SM Center Lemery, Batangas for the Lemery Town Fiesta costars Sef Cadayona, Joyce Ching, Donita Nose, Emmanuelle Vera, and Karenina Haniel.

Bea Binene, David Licauco, and Benjamin Alves (of Kapag Nahati ang Puso) were also in the same Kapuso Mall Show.

Up north, the cast of Ika-5 Utos — Klea Pineda, Migo Adecer, and Jeric Gonzales — were in a Kapuso Mall Show at Robinsons Place Pangasinan on Aug.17.

Asia’s Pop Balladeer and The Clash judge Christian Bautista, meanwhile, serenaded the Kapusong Pangasinense together with Clashers Garret Bolden, Anthony Rosaldo, and Psalms David.

In Mindanao, Ika-5 Utos’ Jake Vargas and Inah de Belen entertained mallers at Robinsons Place Iligan with Clashers Josh Madaliday, Melbelline Caluag, and Josh Adornado.

Davao’s Kadayawan Festival was starstudded on Aug. 18 with Onanay’s Jo Berry, Mikee Quintos, Kate Valdez, Rochelle Pangilinan, Vaness Del Moral, and Enrico Cuenca in a Kapuso Mall Show at Gaisano Grand Mall Toril. The following day, Kapuso Prime Actor and Victor Magtanggol star Alden Richards rode the Kapuso float in the Pamulak sa Kadayawan along with Pancho Magno, Kristoffer Martin, and Dion Ignacio. Co-star Andrea Torres later joined them at the Kapuso Mall Show in SM City Davao. Mallers also witnessed a mini-concert from Asian Nightingale and The Clash judge Lani Misalucha with Clashers Charline Fiel, Lyra Micolob, and Chemp Raña.

The stars of the recently concluded primetime series Kambal, Karibal— Bianca Umali, Kyline Alcantara, and Miguel Tanfelix—were in Iloilo that day to meet fans in Vista Mall Iloilo. With them in a Kapuso Mall Show were Clashers Kyryll Ugdiman, Mika Gorospe, and Jasmine Fitzgerald. Tom Rodriguez, on the other hand, was in Robinsons Place Iloilo in a Kapuso Mall Show with Thea Tolentino. Continued on C3

Yassi Pressman, Shy Carlos, Louise Delos Reyes, Marco Gumabao and Sam Concepcion give life to the colorful characters in 'Para Sa Broken Hearted.'

Viva adapts popular

‘HUGOT’NOVEL into millennial romantic film

REIGNING Miss Intercontinental Veronica Salas Vallejo of Mexico and Miss Intercontinental Chief Executive Officer Detlef Tursies are arriving in Manila on Wednesday, Oct. 3 to grace the official launching of the Miss Intercontinental 2018 beauty pageant which will be staged in the country.

Hosted by Miss Intercontinental Japan, the Manila staging of the pageant marks the beauty tilt’s 47th anniversary. The first pageant was held in Aruba in 1971.

For many years, Aruba was the default host of the pageant until it moved to Nigeria, Germany, Colombia, and other countries such as China, Seychelles, Bahamas, Spain and Belarus.

It has a long national and worldwide tradition with redefined new goals and vision for the world of the New Millennium.

It has a rich history of bringing together some of the most impressive, beautiful and interesting women and models from so many cultures and then helping them achieve their goals.

That is the heritage unique to Miss Intercontinental--the evolution and expansion of the organization and the pageant. Thus, the choice of Manila, as the staging venue for the 47th edition, as it is a city that shares such vision.

Vallejo will be crowning her successor on the finale slated on Jan. 26. About 80 delegates are expected be competing for the most expensive crown in pageant history.

Last year, Filipina model Katarina Rodriguez finished first runner-up.

By Nickie Wang

H

OW long does it take you to get over your previous relationship?

Perhaps there’s no definitive answer to this question. But if you’re wondering how much time it’ll take you to get over your ex, there are widely accepted ways to figure it out—just move on, make yourself busy and preoccupied, and or look for a substitute (for love).

It’s true that it’s easy to be said than done but most of the time, the next thing you know it, you’re already okay and ready to love again.

This exact premise was the main theme of conversation during the press launch of Para sa Broken Hearted, a romantic film that is ready to stir everyone’s emotions.

The movie is an adaptation of the best-selling book by renowned young “hugot” novelist” Marcelo Santos III. To be released nationwide on Wednesday, Oct. 3, by Viva Films and Sari Sari Films, the film stars Yassi Pressman, Shy Carlos, Louise Delos Reyes, Marco Gumabao and Sam Concepcion who give life to the characters Shalee, Jackie, Kath, Dan, Alex and RJ. Shalee (Yassy) is a bubbly photograohy enthusiast who is battling with a heart ailment She has had feelings for Alex (Sam) since their younger days.

Alex is into arts. His favorite subject to draw is that of monsters. Everybody treats him like he’s invisible, but Shalee’s attention and affection changes his view about life.

Jackie (Shy) is an absolute go-getter believing in girl power as she was

raised by her mother and grandmother.

She falls for RJ (Marco), and does everything just to get close to him.

RJ is a varsity player and a smoothtalker which is a solid combo to attract girls. He is used to girls falling for him.

He promises Jackie that he would never do anything to hurt her.

Kath (Louise) is an adventurous gal who is tough on the outside but soft on the inside. She meets Dan during a time when she’s mending a broken heart.

Dan (also played by Sam) is a good conversationalist, lending his ears to Kath who is a complete stranger. But there’s a mysterious vibe around him since he doesn’t say much about himself.

As their stories unfold, see how the characters go from being blissfully in love to failing miserably in keeping their happiness last. Discover the connection of their lives through their broken hearts, and how it will pave the way to acceptance and moving on.

Marcelo Santos III expressed his approval on the actors’ portrayal of their characters. He was present during the film’s shooting, and he’s happy that the vision of director Digo Ricio is aligned with how he saw his book to be interpreted on screen.

Giving more feels to the movie is the theme song entitled “Ang Awit Natin”, sung by Janine Teñoso, composed by Jazz Nicolas and Wally Acolola, the winning tandem behind the hit song “Di Na Muli.”

SNAPSHOT

Multi-awarded UP Singing Ambassadors comes home

THE University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors, one of the country’s foremost choral groups, who won the Grand Prize and 17 other awards in the 66th Concorso Polifonico Internazionale “Guido d’Arrezzo”arrived at the Naia terminal 1 on board Etihad Airways flight EY424 on Sept. 26.

During the competition held from Aug. 25 to 27 in Arezzo, Italy, the group was also able to bag the top prize in four categories including Category A, Section 1 (Mixed Choirs), Monographic Category XXX, Secular Music Category, and Sacred Music Category.

The singing ambassadors was out of the country for the last three months competing in choir competition all over Europe where they gathered several top awards including: Grand Prize at1st Sing! Berlin International Choir Competition (July 5 to 8, Berlin, Germany); 1st Prize in two categories at 64th Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia (July 23 to 27, Torrevieja, Spain); 1st Prize in five categories, two Best Performance awards, and Best Conductor for Dr. Edgardo Manguiat at Andrea del Verrochio International Choral Competition (Aug. 5 to 8, Florence, Italy). Text and photo by Eric B. Apolonio

Veronica Salas Vallejo

Korean Film Fest 2018 takes on a time travel theme THE annual Korean Film Festival recently unreeled at the SM Megamall Cinema, giving mallgoers a glimpse of Korean history and culture through its very carefully selected movies.

No less than Lee Seok-hoon, director of the festival’s opening film The Pirates, flew in from Korea to attend the launch, and to give a special talk highlighting the Korean Film Industry.

A joint project of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), and SM, this year’s festival theme is “Time Travel.” With that, viewers can travel back in time with five historical and classic films.

Each film tells a story from the past which in turn inspires a deeper understanding of Korea’s cultural diversity.

Through the festival, Filipino audiences will see the masterful storytelling, acting, and technological advancement in Korea’s thriving film industry in the festival’s five featured films. These include The Pirates, Assassination, Warriors of the Dawn, Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet, and The Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time.

The festival was also featured at SM Cinemas in key cities around the Philippines – at SM City Baguio, SM Lanang Premier in Davao, SM City Iloilo, and SM City Cebu.

The Korean Film Festival is one of the many exciting cross-cultural events at SM Cinema.

'Warriors of the Dawn' follows Prince Gwanghae’s story about leading the court and opposing the enemies during the war, as seen by his guard.