Issuu

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

manilastandard.net

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circ@manilastandardtoday.com

GOV’T LOWERS ECONOMIC GROWTH TARGET FOR 2018

Poll bets told: Stick to four pals By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Nat Mariano THE Commission on Elections on Tuesday urged those who want to register to run in next year’s polls not to follow the example of Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go, who violated the four-companion rule when he ﬁled his

certiﬁcate of candidacy. On Monday, Go was accompanied by President Rodrigo Duterte and several Cabinet members when he ﬁled his COC, sparking criticism that the Comelec was giving the senatorial aspirant special treatement. But in an interview over radio dzMM, Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 244 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

More hopefuls join the rush

BUOYANT BETS. (From left) Lakas-CMD Party president Martin Romualdez shows the copy of his certificate of candidacy he filed at the Comelec office in Tacloban City for the post of congressman; beside him is his wife incumbent Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez who will run for Tingog Sinirangan Party-list; Mar Roxas files his COC for senator at the Comelec in Manila; Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos holds her COC for senator after filing it at the Comelec in Manila; and Jinggoy Estrada, also for senator. Ver Noveno, Lino Santos

Tax freeze to curb inflation—DoF Enrile heads cast of 4 ex-senators By Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE suspension of the additional excise tax on fuel under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law will address inflation worries next year, a Finance official said Tuesday. “The economic managers support the suspension of the second tranche of the oil excise to anchor the infla-

Trump

Trump slay plot foiled in Manila —Secret Service WHEN United States President Donald Trump visited the Philippines in November last year, the US Secret Service had to deal with one credible assassination threat against him, the British newspaper The Telegraph said. Quoting a National Geographic documentary titled “United States Secret Service: On The Front Line,” the newspaper said US agents tracked a man who was on his way to the hotel were Trump was staying in Manila in 2017. Next page

Microsoft co-founder passes away at 65 PAUL Allen, who founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in the 1970s and later went on to become an investor, philanthropist and sports team owner, died Monday after his latest battle with cancer at age 65. Next page

tion expectations and intensify government actions against hoarding and proﬁteering,” Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio Lambino II told Palace reporters Tuesday. He said the mechanism included in the TRAIN law suggests that if the index selling price of oil in Dubai reaches at least $80 per barrel on the average of three consecutive months,

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

N INCUMBENT senator and four former members of the Senate filed their certificates of candidacy on Tuesday at the Commission on Elections main office in Intramuros, Manila.

House: Budget okayed before Xmas LEADERS of the House of Representatives on Tuesday assured that the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019 would be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte before the year ends. Compostela Valley Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora, the main plenary sponsor of the national budget, said this after the House

seeking fresh electoral mandate

failed to approve the National Expenditures Program on third and ﬁnal reading before Congress adjourned last week for its month-long Halloween break. As senior vice chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, Zamora said House Bill 8169, or the General Next page

Accompanied by throngs of supporters, Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, and former senators Manuel Roxas II, Pia Cayetano and Jinggoy Estrada all registered their intent to run for the Senate in 2019. Lawyers for former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, 94, also ﬁled his COC Tuesday, making him the oldest senatorial candidate so far. Roxas had run for president in 2016 but lost to President Rodrigo Duterte. Before that, he was Interior and Local Government secretary during the Aquino

administration. He served as senator for one term, from 2004 to 2010. Cayetano served as senator from 2004 to 2016. Aquino, who landed in the magic 12, tied for 10th to 12th spots with 22 percent in the latest SWS survey, sees a tougher race next year. “The race is tougher this time because I am not a part of the administration,” said Aquino, who ran under the then ruling Liberal Party in his ﬁrst term as senator. Next page

Binay Jr. files mayoralty bid in Makati

Senior magistrate new JBC ex-officio chairman

By Joel E. Zurbano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Rey E. Requejo

FORMER Makati City mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. on Tuesday filed his certificate of candidacy to face his elder sister, incumbent Mayor MarLen Abigail Binay, in the 2019 midterm polls. Junjun and his running mate, incumbent Makati City 1st District Rep. Monsour del Rosario, were accompanied by his eldest sister, Senator Nancy Binay, when they, together with other candidates running for councilors, filed their CoCs at the Comelec Makati Office. Citing her own fight, reelectionist Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday said she will not meddle in the infighting between her two siblings who are both running for mayor or campaign for them. She said it would be very difficult on her part to take sides. “At this point I also have a fight, so I first need to focus on this [reelection],” said Nancy, the eldest among the children of former Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is also seeking a congressional seat, and former Makati City Mayor Elena Binay. Next page

TALL TOKEN. Littering guidelines stand high, literally, on Boracay Beach, only days to the reopening to foreign tourists of the resort previously declared by President Rodrigo Duterte as a ‘cesspool.’ Tourism and environment officials have given assurances the authorities will strictly enforce the guidelines, with, among others, only 6,405 tourists per day allowed on the island.

Tourism chief trashes litterbugs in Bora By Maricel V. Cruz TOURISM Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Tuesday scolded people who left their trash on Boracay’s beaches just a day after the government staged a dry run ahead of the world-renowned island’s reopening to foreign tourists on Oct. 26. “Too bad, we just held a dry run, but you still threw your trash around,” Puyat told those who attended the dry run—

and apparently littered on the white sand beaches—in an interview with One News television. “My question is, how come when our tourists go to other countries, they are really scared of littering because they are afraid of getting caught? They’re disciplined [abroad]. But how come when it comes to our own country, they just litter everywhere?” she added in the Next page vernacular.

ASSOCIATE Justice Mariano del Castillo, the only senior magistrate to decline his automatic nomination for the position of chief justice, will act as the ex-officio chairman of the seven member Judicial and Bar Council, which vets judicial appointments. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, an ex-officio member of the JBC, said that as a matter of practice and tradition, the most senior member of the Supreme Court sits as JBC chairman when all other senior magistrates are vying for the post of chief justice. The four other senior justices— acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin and Estela Perlas-Bernabe—all have accepted their automatic nomination for the position. A junior magistrate, Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. also accepted his nomination by retired Sandiganbayan Justice Raoul Victorino for the post-bringing to five the number of candidates for chief justice as of Tuesday. Victorino nominated all 13 incumbent justices of Supreme Court. Next page

News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

North Alliance slams tobacco tax hike C By Maricel V. Cruz

IGARET smokers and the tobacco industry have ﬁnally found an ally in Congress as Solid North Alliance leader and Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson on Tuesday slammed the alleged moves by anti-smoking groups to stampede the legislature into approving another round of tax increases on tobacco products. Another tax increase on tobacco products, Singson warned, would kill an industry supporting the livelihood of millions of Filipinos in three regions in Luzon. “They want the industry that feeds millions destroyed but they offer nothing to help the adversely affected tobacco farmers

DFA chief crafting SCS oil exploration deal with China A PHILIPPINE-CRAFTED draft framework on the joint exploration of the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea is shaping up ahead of the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said Tuesday. “I still have the whole day [on Tuesday] to finish it, but I can say it’s looking good from the legal, moral point of view of protecting territorial rights and economic rights,” Cayetano told reporters. “It’s looking good, the agreement on joint exploration.” Cayetano is expected to resign and file his certificate of candidacy as representative of Taguig City on Wednesday. Replacing Cayetano will be Permanent Representative to the United Nations Teodoro Locsin Jr., who will receive Wang on Oct. 29 during his official visit to Manila. Wang’s trip will be focused on the continuing talks on exploration in the contested waters that are believed to be rich in oil and gas. Manila is keen to pursue the venture to sustain power in the country as Malampaya, which supplies 40 percent of Luzon’s power, is set to close down in 2027 or 2028. “It takes three to seven years to put up these oil rigs, so the time to do it is now,” Cayetano said in a separate interview. Meanwhile, he said any deal would not affect Manila’s rights and claims in the region. “We’re still targeting to have this signed during the state visit,” he said, referring to the coming trip of President Xi Jinping to the Philippines in November. PNA

House:... From A1

Appropriations Bill of 2019, is still being fine-tuned by the congressional small committee tasked to receive and consolidate amendments to the money measure. The House, through a voice voting, approved the budget bill on second reading last week. Zamora said the House is ready to approve the bill on final reading in the plenary when Congress resumes its session on Nov. 12. “Our target is that when Congress resumes after the break, we will be able to approve the budget on third and final reading. After the House approves it, we will send it to the Senate to reconcile our versions,” said Zamora. “Once both houses of Congress agree, then we can finally send the budget to the President for his approval,” she added. The House had to thoroughly examine HB 8169 following the discovery of the alleged P52-billion insertions that were ordered realigned by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to important projects for “equitable and fair distribution of funds.” The alleged insertions that were being questioned were already realigned to the following items when the House convened into a committee of the whole: • P5 billion as additional National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund for the rehabilitation of areas badly hit by Typhoon “Ompong,” especially Cagayan Valley; • P3 billion for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the Department of Health (DOH), which was reduced to P50 million; • P3 billion for the DOH’s Health Human Resources Development “to stave off the mass layoff of 6,000 nurses, and doctors and dentists as well”; • P1.2 billion for the Capital Outlay of State Universities and Colleges; • P3 billion for Technical-Vocational Laboratories under the Department of Education; • P11 billion for roads to decongest traffic in urban areas; • P10 billion for roads for identified tourism areas; • P10 billion for roads to trade areas, economic zones, livelihood centers and markets; and • P5 billion for the Department of Agriculture’s farm-to-market roads (FMRs). For the fiscal year 2019, the education sector will get the lion’s share of the national budget. Of the proposed appropriation of P659.3 billion for the education sector, P528.8 billion will be allocated to DepEd; P65.2 billion will go to State Colleges and Universities; P50.5 billion to Commission on Higher Education; and P14.8 billion to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. The DPWH will receive the second highest allocation with P555.7 billion, an increase of 25.8 percent or P113.9 billion compared to its P441.8 billion budget in 2018. The Department of the Interior and Local Government will receive the third largest appropriation in 2019 with P225.6 billion—30.9 percent or P53.2 billion than its 2018 funding of P172.4 billion. Maricel V. Cruz

and workers survive,” Singson said. Singson, head of the Solid North Alliance composed of lawmakers from Luzon, said the lawmakers representing the organization will strongly oppose the legislative measures that will increase the tobacco excise tax to P90 from P35 per

Tax freeze... From A1

the government can suspend the excise tax on oil. Such a suspension will cap the increase in the price of both gasoline and diesel. He also said capping the increase in the fuel excise tax could stop companies and households from hoarding oil products when they believe prices will go up. Lambino said that while the new round of excise taxes due in January 2019 may be suspended, removing the existing excise tax as some groups have urged would require legislation. On Monday, the Palace said President Rodrigo Duterte will definitely order the temporary suspension of the excise tax on fuel. “Definitely, there is a decision [to suspend excise tax on oil]. It was even the President who made that announcement,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing Monday. “There will be a paper documenting that. We will wait for it,” he said. The TRAIN Law imposed an excise tax of P2.50 per liter of diesel and raised the tax on gasoline from P4.35 a liter to P7 a liter. According to the law, the excise tax on diesel will go up to P4.50 a liter in 2019, while the tax on gasoline will go up to P9 a liter. By 2020, the excise tax on diesel and gasoline will be P6 a liter and P10 a liter, respectively. Senator Grace Poe urged the government to bring prices down, and stop concerning itself with “some highfalutin interpretation of the economy.” Poe, who was among the 17 senators who asked President Duterte to support calls from both Houses of Congress to suspend further increases in the excise taxes on diesel, gasoline, and other petroleum products for 2019 and 2020. She said while the government has been quick to collect the new taxes, it has moved slowly to act on provisions of the TRAIN Law that would provide relief, particularly to the poor. “I feel that we’ve kind of been double crossed,” she said. Poe and the reelectionists Cynthia Villar and JV Ejercito, voted in favor of the TRAIN Law, but said they do not regret it. They said TRAIN has been widely criticized because of the executive branch’s failure to implement the law’s mitigating measures to help the poor. “We agreed to it because there are supposed to be mitigating measures for the poorest households. However, they already collected the money and yet the help for the poor failed to reach them,” Poe said. Villar said the country’s economic managers should have taken into consideration how many business owners supposedly took advantage of the TRAIN Law to increase the prices of basic goods. “The bad practices of the cartels, rice, onion, garlic, should have been considered,” said Villar. Ejercito said the Bicameral Conference Committee should have adopted the Senate’s version of the measure which provided lower rates for fuel taxes and the suspension of fuel taxes once the inflation rate breaches 4 percent, based on government estimates.

Senior magistrate... From A1

Del Castillo earlier declined his nomination for chief justice, citing his retirement in July next year as reason. “I foresee that, as chairperson of the 2018 Bar examinations, my work will extend to the months just prior to my retirement. That will leave me not much time to embark on notable projects that a Chief Justice will normally want to have an imprint on,” he said. The JBC earlier extended the Oct. 15 deadline for nominations for the chief justice post to Oct.26. The Constitution requires the chief justice, just like the associate justices, to be a natural-born citizen, at least 40 years old, with experience as judge or in private law practice for at least 15 years and a person with proven competence, integrity, probity and independence. Duterte is expected to appoint over 10 members of the Supreme Court during his six-year term. He already appointed six justices so far—now Ombudsman Samuel Martires, Noel Tijam, Andres Reyes Jr., Alexander Gesmundo, Jose Reyes Jr. and Ramon Paul Hernando. Meanwhile, the appointment of Hernando to the Supreme Court has triggered a reorganization of the membership of the SC’s Third Division. The Court’s First Division is now composed of Associate Justices Lucas P. Bersamin as acting chairman with Associate Justices Mariano C. del Castillo, Francis H. Jardeleza, Noel G. Tijam and Alexander G. Gesmundo. The Second Division is composed of Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio

pack. “The industry will not be able to take another round of increase. We will not allow these bills to hurt our people,” Singson said. Anti-tobacco groups are lobbying for the passage of the proposed tax increase despite the imposition of excise tax adjustments provided under the much-criticized 2017 Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act. According to Singson, the bills filed by Senators Emmanuel Pacquiao and Joseph Victor Ejercito call for a new round of excise tax hikes on tobacco products that will finally kill the tobacco industry. In the House of Representatives, Albay

Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, the principal author of Republic Act 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN Law, filed House Bill 4575 proposing the restructuring of the excise tax on tobacco products. Singson said tobacco farmers and workers had become mere “collaterals who have to absorb the severe economic effects of the sin tax law.” “While we cooperate in the moves to regulate smoking, we will work to prevent the destruction of the only means of livelihood of our farmers,” Singson said. “These anti-smoking activists will not stop until they have destroyed the tobacco industry.”

More hopefuls... From A1

the two of us to win Senate seats,” said Jinggoy, who said he is not worried that the votes would be divided between two Estradas. Another prominent senatorial aspirant, who also landed in the Magic 12 of senatorial preferenes, is Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos. The governor, accompanied by her brother, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was unapologetic for her father’s martial law record or the human rights violations that were committed at the time. “Why would we admit guilt over something we did not do?” she said. Meanwhile, GMA News Online reported that Enrile confirmed that his lawyers would file his COC. He said he will be running as an independent candidate. Enrile is currently out on bail for the plunder and graft charges over his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam. In a recent interview with Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Enrile drew fire for claiming there were no victims of human rights violations during the martial law years. In Tacloban City, cousins Alfred and Martin Romualdez filed their COCs for positions they vacated when they reached the three-term limit. Alfred is running for Tacloban City mayor to replace his wife, Cristina, who has said she will not run for office. Martin will seek election to the House representing Leyte’s 1st District, a post currently held by his wife Yedda. The Comelec said the number of senatorial bets that have filed their COCs has reached 100. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the poll body is expecting a high turnout of people wanting to become senators on the last day of filing on Wednesday, because the two-day break gave many of them time to decide whether to run or not. Reelectionists, former senators, congressmen, Cabinet members, and other high-ranking government officials dominate the list of senatorial candidates. However, the Comelec said that the big number of candidates will be reduced to more than half once the poll body comes out with the final list of candidates in December this year, as many of them would be considered as nuisance candidates.

“But that is public service. The fight is really difficult,” he said. He finished seventh in the 2013 polls with over 15 million votes, even though he did not appear in pre-elections surveys in October 2012. Roxas has been in political hibernation since his election loss in 2016. He said democracy was very much alive after supporters of another senatorial hopeful, Imee Marcos, greeted him with chants in support of Marcos. “Buhay na buhay ang ating demokrasya,” Roxas said when he heard the chants of the supporters of Marcos. In a Facebook video post, Roxas said he was joining the Senate race. “If you think I can still be of help, I’m ready. I am offering myself again to you. And I am asking for your help because I can’t do it alone,” he said. He said he reached his decision after going through a difficult examination of conscience and discernment. Liberal Party president Senator Francis Pangilinan said Roxas’ entry strengthened the opposition party’s resolve. “For a public servant like Mar, the basic values that bind us—a sense of duty, of not quitting on the country—these basic values will always prevail,” he added. Cayetano is seeking a seat in the Senate again, after serving in the House of Representatives. “My experience in the House has been valuable to me, but the Senate is the platform I am comfortable with,” said Cayetano, who biked from the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park to the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros to file her COC. Estrada, who fares well in election surveys, will run under the Pwersa ng Masa party of his father, former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. The senator, who is out on bail over a plunder case in connection with a pork barrel case, will also slug it out with halfbrother reelectionist Senator JV Ejercito. Ejercito, who bolted their father’s political party, joined the senatorial slate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition. Jinggoy said even though JV has been criticizing him, he’s still his brother. “We’re still related by blood, we have one father. If I had my way, I would want

Tourism... From A1

Garbage disposal is one of the problems the dry run is meant to fix, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said, as he assured that the government is prepared to address all problems that may arise during the 11day dry run that started Monday. Puyat also assured that both the national government and the local government of Malay, Aklan—to which Boracay belongs—will strictly enforce guidelines on littering. The Department of Tourism will also deploy tourist police in the island starting on Oct. 26, she added. Cimatu on Tuesday said the true test of the government policies and interventions implemented to protect Boracay from unsustainable tourism is the current dry run after the island was shuttered to tourists for six months. “The point of the dry run is to ensure that everything will run smoothly during the soft opening on Oct. 26,” said Cimatu, who heads the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force leading the island’s rehabilitation. “We will see the effects and results of all these interventions on the third day after the tourists arrive,” he said. Cimatu said only 6,405 tourists per day will be allowed on the island. Thus, only a total of 1,000 hotel rooms will be available for booking at any time during the day, he added. The task force would not allow the rehabilitation efforts done in the past six months go to waste, Cimatu added, citing the drastic improvement of the water quality in the waters off the island. “As you may have observed, there has been not only a visible improvement in water quality. Tests done by the EMB [Environmental Management Bureau] revealed that the coliform [bacteria] level is now down to 18.1 MPN/100 mL [Most Probable Number of viable cells in100 milliliters] from thousands or even millions in some areas of the island’s waters prior to closing,” Cimatu said. The standard coliform level is 100MPN/100 mL of sample. Meanwhile, Puyat also warned against establishments booking guests even without DOT accreditation. “I’m worried about those who booked at establishments that are not accredited. When they come here, they have no place to stay,” she said. Puyat said she was worried about potential fraud from hotels, resorts and inns who weren’t complying with government orders. “We don’t want tourists to come without a place to stay,” she added. The Tourism department earlier released a list of establishments allowed to operate in Boracay after complying with the requirements and environmental laws imposed by the government.

Poll bets... From A1

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said it would have been difficult to block the President and his Cabinet from entering with Go. Other candidates, however, should not use Monday’s incident as an excuse to break the COC rules, he said. “They are not the President,” he said in Filipino. We have rules and if there was a mistake yesterday, we need not repeat it.” Senate President Vicente Sotto III defended the Comelec from critics who accused them of giving special treatment to Go, saying the poll body could not enforce the four-companion limit because the President was there, and he could not be deprived of his presidential security. “The Comelec could not do anything about this,” he said. “That’s the President. There’s only one of those in the entire Philippines,” he added. “There was nothing they could do.” Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Davao lawyer Charmalou Aldevera was being considered to replace Go as special assistant to the President. Panelo said the President would have to make an official announcement first, however. Duterte said Go is considered “resigned from employment” upon filing his COC. “Bong is not my aide anymore. The moment he signed his certificate of candidacy, he ceased to be a government employee,” the President said. Aside from Go, members of the Duterte Cabinet who are expected to seek national and local posts next year are resigned Foreign secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, resigned presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, and resigned Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr., Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Francis Tolentino, Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones, and Technical Education Skills and Development Authority Director-General Guiling Mamondiong are also expected to seek public office next year.

Trump slay... From A1

The man reportedly posted on his Twitter account: “Gonna be in Manila the same time as Trump… I’ll take one for the team.” The Secret Service likewise swept Luneta Park in Manila after receiving an intelligence report that a known operative of the ISIS terrorist group was meeting with an associate there. In the documentary, Special Agent Chad Ragan could be seen shouting into a phone: “What is going on proactively to track this guy down? I need an update. Now.”

‘Red December‘ plot emerges as new threat on Du30—military By Nat Mariano THE Palace said Tuesday it was not surprised to hear possible destabilization moves against President Rodrigo Duterte as the military again warned that communist rebels were planning another ouster plot by December. “I am not surprised that they have a plot because that is precisely the rationale of the creation of the Communist Party of the Philippines―to oust the government,” said Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters. “So it’s doubtful if they don’t plan an ouster move every day. For 50 years they have been planning, but so far they have failed.” Panelo made his statement even as the police and military said seven alleged terrorists linked to the “Red October” plot to remove Duterte from power this month were arrested on Tuesday. Among those nabbed in separate operations were five high-ranking communist terrorists and two leaders of the Maute Group, the security agencies said in a joint statement. Panelo said the Armed Forces of the Philippines had the resources and the intelligence to validate any information on any ouster plot. Panelo’s remark came after military warned of another destabilization plot against the administration in December after the reported “Red October” plan fizzled out. AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo claimed the communist leadership was planning to proceed with its plan in time for the golden anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26. “We described this destabilization plot as rolling as the communist leadership intends to sustain their anti-government moves this October, November and until their December founding anniversary celebration,” Arevalo said. He said the Red October plan failed after the authorities revealed it to the public and discouraged groups not to join the opposition. But he said the communists’ plan to overthrow the government was still on, adding the military could not afford to relax in the face of the communist threat.

Microsoft...

From A1 “My brother was a remarkable individual on every level. While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend,” Allen’s sister Jody said in a statement announcing his death. In recent years, Allen was known as the owner of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, and part owner of the Major League Soccer team the Seattle Sounders, along with a variety of business and charitable ventures. One of the world’s wealthiest billionaires, Allen also founded Stratolaunch Systems, which built the world’s largest plane designed as a colossal rocket-launching aircraft touted as the future of space travel. The craft was on track for its first launch demonstration as early as 2019. Allen died just two weeks after publicly revealing that non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma he fought into remission nine years ago had returned. The incurable cancer affects white blood cells. He never married and had no children. Classmate of Gates Allen was a high school classmate of Gates in Seattle, and later, while working as a computer programmer, persuaded his friend to drop out of Harvard to create Microsoft, which became the world’s most valuable company in the 1990s. A “heartbroken” Gates remembered Allen as “one of my oldest and dearest friends.” “Personal computing would not have existed without him,” Gates added. “He was fond of saying, ‘If it has the potential to do good, then we should do it.’ That’s the kind of person he was.” AFP

Binay Jr....

From A1 Junjun and the actor turned politician are running under the ticket of Una ang Makati, a newly formed local political party in the city, while his sister Abby is seeking a second term under the United Nationalist Alliance, the political party formed by their father when he ran for president in the May 2016 presidential elections. But Abby Binay, who is set to file her CoC today, Wednesday, is contesting the eligibility of her brother as a candidate due to his pending case. She said Junjun must first settle his case before thinking of a comeback in politics. Junjun’s legal counsel and former Commission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr., who also accompanied him in filing his certificate at the local Comelec office, said the case was not a hindrance to his client’s candidacy, adding that it was not final and executory. “Nothing is final. No ground for any disqualification against Junjun,” Brillantes said. Junjun thanked his father for not taking sides between him and Abby. Five months ago, the Court of Appeals signed a resolution reversing the 2015 decision dismissing Junjun and several other city officials and barred them from holding public office in connection with the alleged overpriced construction of Makati City Hall Building II.

News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Arroyo bill reforming real property valuation backed

Trillanes summoned by Pasay court for sedition rap

By Maricel V. Cruz

ENATOR Antonio Trillanes IV faces yet another case after a Pasay court issued a subpoena to the senator to comment on a sedition case ﬁled against him.

THE House of Representatives has backed a measure instituting reforms in real property valuation and assessment in the country, and reorganize the Bureau of Local Government Finance. House Bill 8453, authored by Speaker Gloria.Macapagal Arroyo, was approved on second reading before Congress goes on break last week. The bill, which is expected to hurdle approval on third and final reading when Congress resumes session in November, proposes to institute reforms in real property valuation and assessment in the country, and reorganize the Bureau of Local Government Finance. The bill was sponsored on the floor by Committee on Government Reorganization Chairman Mariano Michael Velarde, Jr. Buhay party-list. Prior to the floor sponsorship, the House Committee on Appropriations, in a hearing presided by Vice Chairperson Ma. Carmen Zamora of Compostela Valley, endorsed the bill without amendment. In her explanatory note of the bill, Arroyo said the bill will allow the country to move toward a more rational administration and management system that fully taps the potential of the real property sector. “In turn, the capacity of the government to generate more revenues is enhanced, without necessarily imposing new tax measures or increasing existing tax rates. The bill will enable the LGUs to achieve a more stable fiscal wherewithal and a strengthened local real property tax base to fund service delivery requirements of the LGUs, thereby achieving good and transparent governance, and increased public performance,” said Arroyo.

Trillanes, who is facing separate cases over two failed military uprisings in 2003 and 2007, after his amnesty was declared void by President Rodrigo Duterte, and a libel case by Duterte’s son Paolo, was summoned in connection with the sedition case ﬁled by lawyer Manuelito Luna.

Luna actually ﬁled the case last year, as he accused Trillanes for allegedly calling on soldiers to kill President Duterte over his supposed ill-gotten wealth, in a privilege speech. “Trillanes used words and language tending to incite the people to cast anger, hatred against the President or the

government. Much worse, he urged the military through the use of words to overthrow the duly constituted authorities against the Duterte administration,” Luna said. “This is a very serious action on his part, very irresponsible at that,” he added. Luna ﬁled the complaint in behalf of complainants led by Labor Undersecretary Jacinto Paras. Trillanes was arrested last month over the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege, but was immediately released after posting bail.

Balikbayan nabbed in BGC yields fake credit, ATM cards AUTHORITIES urged the public anew to report incidents of credit card fraud following the arrest of a balikbayan engaged in making fake credit and ATM cards using stolen private information. National Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crime Division chief, lawyer Victor T. Lorenzo on Tuesday presented the suspect, Gerard Joseph Liwag, who was arrested on Oct. 9 inside a condominium unit in Bonifacio Global City and yielded a number of fake debit, credit and ATM cards. Lorenzo said a number of banks, both local and international, have sought NBI assistance on the proliferation of the fake cards. Also seized during the search were two black matchbox sized devices described by the NBI as “skimmers.” NBI spokesman, lawyer Ferdinand Lavin, said the devices have a card swiping slot which can record the data from legitimate credit cards. The legitimate cards are swiped by co-conspirators in call centers and in establishments where the cards are used. After recovering the devices, the saved data can be retrieved and then placed in other cards for use in other establishments. Lorenzo said the fraudulent cards were then used to purchase premium brand products such as bags and clothing.

THE Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission has clarified that former Bureau of Customs-X-ray Inspection Project chief Ma. Lourdes Mangaoang is not yet being subjected to a lifestyle check. “Just to clarify, BoC Collector V Atty. Maria Lourdes Mangaoang, is not yet being subjected to a lifestyle check by PACC,” the agency said in a statement coming from the office of PACC commissioner lawyer Manuelito Luna. “The unverified letter of a certain complainant will still undergo the usual processing and validation procedure. As of now, the Commission has not taken cognizance of said unverified complaint,” it added. “Besides, Mangaoang is PACC’s resource person in the P6.8 billion alleged shabu smuggling at the BoC and, hence, we should be more cautious

FACING criticism from some sector over its decision to probe erring local government officials, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said on Tuesday they have the authority to conduct their own investigation. DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the agency is investigating at least 37 towns and cities for alleged “irregularities in their disbursement of public funds.” The DILG has tapped the CIDG to conduct the investigation after receiving receiving complaints regarding fixers, scalawag officials, and poor government services through government hotline 8888 and the National Action Center. Malaya said at least 300 local government units were the subject of the complaints. Most of these cases, in turn, are referred to the Ombudsman. “If we see na medyo seryoso, alangan naman po kaming umupo na lang. We have to do something about it. Lahat ng nire-refer namin sa Ombudsman, alam niyo bang libolibong kaso ang nasa Ombudsman at ilan lang ang tao nila,” he said. Malaya said by its mandate, the DILG has control over local government units as stated in Republic Act 6795 or Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990. “Unang-una, walang batas na nagsasabi na ang Ombudsman ang may authority over corruption cases. As a matter of fact, nandiyan din ang Commission on Audit, tumutulong din sa Ombudsman. Nandiyan din ang Civil Service Commission, puwede ka ring mag-file ng kaso sa CSC. Nandiyan ang PNP at DILG. Bakit DILG? Kase kami ang departamento ng mga LGUs at pangalawa, meron kaming batas, ang aming DILG Act, RA 6975. Nandoon ang authority ng DILG, general supervision over local government units,” he explained. A recent report said that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has “commanded” a municipal accountant to appear in their office and produce documents that would prove that the LGU that the accountant represents have complied with government requirements in the disbursement of funds. The CIDG reportedly said that said failure to comply “without adequate cause...shall be deemed an Indirect Contempt of Court,” which is punishable by a fee of up to P5,000 and/or at most one month in prison.

COURTESY CALL. Cleopatra Jones, who won the 2018 Ms. Continental Philippines pageant and will compete in the Reina

Hispano Americana pageant, along with her mother Angelita Pallares, made a courtesy call to Filipino boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao at the Senate. Sonny Espiritu

Drilon slams malversation case filed against him By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday bewailed as “a clear political harassment” the filing before the Office of the Ombudsman of a malversation case against him over the alleged misuse of the Disbursement Acceleration Program funds in 2011. “Complaint is a clear political harassment, and is expected as we commence 2019 election campaign season,” said Drilon in a text message to reporters. Drilon’s partymate in the Liberal Party Senator Francis Pangilinan, branded as “stupidity” the filing last Monday of fhe case by Presidential Anti-Corruption Commissioner Greco Belgica. Drilon is the chairman while Pangilinan

is the president of LP, the ruling party during the previous administration. Also named as respondents are former President Benigno Aquino III, opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and several Cabinet members of the previous administration. Pangilinan believes that the filing of “fabricated” case against the administration’s critics was just another diversion from the real issue of corruption against certain individuals identified with the Duterte administration. Until now, he said no charges have been filed against President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies, who have also been accused of corruption. Instead of pinning down critics, he called on the present administration to address rhe continuing spikes in fhe prices of

goods especially rice and gasoline. Belgica said the filing of the charges was not politically motivated. In a 61-page complaint, Belgica also filed 274 counts of graft against 139 members of the House of Representatives and 21 senators for allegedly receiving the illegal cross-border transfer for the first tranche, and 95 other congressmen and 18 other senators for the second tranche. Among those charged were ex-Budget secretary Florencio Abad, ex-Interior secretary Mar Roxas, ex-Cavite representative Joseph Emilio Abaya, who was then the House appropriations committee chairman; Drilon, who was then the finance committee chairman; Trillanes ;Joseph Emilio Abaya; ex-Budget undersecretary Mario Relampagos and director Yolanda Doblon.

Lifestyle check on BoC exec on hold

By Joel E. Zurbano

DILG defends probe of LGU execs for fund misuse

in accepting complaints meant to discredit her.” PACC also said that even the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Senator Richard Gordon tapped Mangaoang as a wittness. The PACC made the statement after it was asked to place Mangaoang under probe for alleged unexplained wealth, lavish lifestyle, excessive assets, and other accumulated ownership that are grossly disproportionate to her salary as a government employee. In a two-page complaint, Ed Cordevilla, leader of the group calling for public accountability of government ofﬁcials suspected of having amassed unexplained wealth, said that based on the sworn Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of Mangaoang for the years 2012-2017, there is no justiﬁcation on how she could have legally accumulated so much properties had she relied on her salaries alone.

HUMBLE ‘PAN DE SAL.’ People line up as they await their turn to get a free pa de sal at the ruins of the well-known Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. The event is a unique socio-civic and cultural endeavor to highlight the importance of the Philippines’ humble yet popular bread to underscore the importance of all people helping solve the age-old problem of hunger. Manny Palmero

Election to UNHRC a vote for Du30’s drug war—solon THE election of the Philippines to another term in the UN Human Rights Council is an implied vote of confidence by the international community on President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against illegal drugs and criminality, a reelectionist congressman said on Tuesday. Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte of Camarines Sur also said that the Philippines’ election to the UNHCR should prod Malacañang to maintain the anti-illegal drugs campaign. Villafuerte said the Philippines’ reelection to the UNHRC should “mute the political noise generated by his critics who have been bellyaching about human rights non-issues ever since he won the presidency in 2016.” “This incessant bellyaching about supposed human rights concerns has become a lost cause for the political opposition in the face of this virtual stamp of approval from the global community but also the overwhelming support of Filipinos for the President’s anti-drugs campaign as reflected in the results of public opinion polls on his watch,” Villafuerte said. On Oct. 12, the country retained its seat in the 47-member UNHCR and will serve for three more years ending 2021. It received 165 out of the 192 votes cast. Earlier, Villafuerte said local government officials have “an obligation to their constituents to support the President’s relentless war against narco-traffickers and their cohorts in the government and the police.” In 2016, Villafuerte filed a bill seeking to create a drug rehabilitation center in Libmanan, Camarines Sur. He added that barangay officials can also assist the national government in rehabilitating drug users by helping drug dependents who can still be treated as outpatients in their localities. Maricel V. Cruz

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

How can Go win?

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

candidates. I have heard that before. When I was younger, I used to join campaign sorties of administration candidates for the Senate. I knew too well who was footing the bill—the loTHAT unprecedented event at the cal government units. They spent for Comelec where no less than President the “hakot” crowds brought by bus to Rodrigo Duterte accompanied his fa- listen to the candidates’ speeches, and vorite assistant, Christopher “Bong” also for the entertainers. The only thing that the senatorial Go, when the latter filed his certificate of candidacy, raises several questions. candidates spent for were the millions Is Mr. Duterte now staking his cred- of pesos given to their local supporters. ibility and reputation, and is Go now his This is why I say that if you are a senapersonal candidate? If Go makes it—de- torial candidate, you should have your spite what the polls are saying—then well own money. The entry of Mar Roxas and Juan and good. If he does not, what does that mean for the President? Is Mr. Duterte Ponce Enrile, if these could be confirmed, in the Senate race makes the staking his position on just one man? I think the President was ill-advised polls more exciting. Now at least the in accompanying his minion to the opposition has a fighting chance. Aside from Roxas, Senator Bam Aquino and Comelec. A big mistake, indeed! former Rep. Erin It would appear Tanada, the oppothat the President sition lineup is, at wants to control best, so-so. the Senate by havFrom the looks ing somebody loyal President Duterte is of it, here are the to him there. This, staking his name for his possible winwhen the Senate is ners—Grace Poe, an independent and loyal assistant. Cynthia Villar, highly regarded inNancy Binay, stitution. Sonny Angara and Who is Go anyKoko Pimentel. way? The only thing we know about him is that he There is also Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Eshas been the personal assistant of the trada, Lito Lapid and Imee Marcos who, President for two decades. What quali- with Enrile, can carry the solid north. *** fications does he possess? What expeThere is a lot of misinformation on rience in governance and legislation? And then, there is that report of the inflation. I am no economist but I was Philippine Center for Investigative business editor for many years. I know Journalism. Go’s family supposedly that inflation occurs when there is an cornered P2.4 billion worth of public oversupply of money and not much proworks projects. And yet Go says he has duction of goods and services. Thus, when the supply of money outnothing to do with these. President Duterte has said Go was a paces the supply of goods and services, billionaire. Just how he did it is another prices go up. Inflation is not caused by greedy businessmen who hoard rice, or matter altogether. Earlier on, when the face of Bong Go by global developments like the high appeared in billboards, he denied he price of oil in the world market, oor was already campaigning. Go was also TRAIN. While they contribute to high seen distributing relief goods to calam- prices, they do not cause inflation. The oversupply of money is due to ity victims. Go’s candidacy is a test for the Presi- the remittance of OFWs which have indent. If he still wins despite his low poll creased because of the depreciation of ratings and the fact that people don’t the peso, savings and current accounts know anything about him, it will show in banks, and government spending under the Build Build Build infrastructhe people trust the President. ture program of the government. *** Inflation is no mystery at all! Mr. Duterte says government resources will not be used for administration Turn to A5

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Dubious claims to public office

LECTIONS are always a good test of our discernment and collective memory. Which politicians, based on their track record, deserve to be reelected? What did they accomplish and what more can they do if they get back into ofﬁce? Who among the many untested candidates deserve to be given a chance to act on our behalf? Which of them still face criminal charges in court? Sadly, if the past is any indication, we often fail this crucial test. Consider the example of a washedup movie actor and action star who won election to two terms as a senator, ending in 2016. In a candid moment as his second term was drawing to a close, the senator admitted that he felt he was unfit for the Senate. In the interview, he said his lack of a formal education held him back and recalled how he was unable to answer questions during plenary sessions and committee hearings—which he seldom attended. At the time, he said he was done with the Senate, and that he hoped people would support his son, a former governor, instead. These hopes did not materialize, however, and his son failed to win. Now, three years later, the former senator wants a third term—despite his own admission that he was unfit for the job. Will we take him up to the test?

Sadly, recent opinion polls suggest he might just get what he wants, despite his less-than-stellar track record. Also consider the example of a human rights lawyer who left his job as a party-list congressman to be a high-profile member of President Duterte’s Cabinet. In this role, he vigorously defended the President’s bloody war on illegal drugs and his penchant for acting inappropriately toward women. Some of the ethical backflips and cartwheels he performed during this time were formidable indeed. But the President has slapped down his senatorial ambitions and he has decided to part ways. Now, running again for a party-list position in Congress, he declares that he is once again his own man. Perhaps to prove his point, he now says that it was inappropriate for the President to ask for a kiss from a woman that he met during a visit with the Filipino community in

South Korea in June. At the time, he had dismissed the President’s move as “a light gesture” accepted in Filipino culture. Now he says the lips-to-lips kiss was wrong. Did it take him four months to come to the realization? Or was he merely putting his personal convictions on hold in the hopes of hitching his wagon to the President to win a seat in the Senate? Finally, let us consider the example of a man Friday of an important national leader. He has had absolutely no experience in government, and he is best known for taking selfies of himself with his boss and other important people in the background. Are we to take him at his word that he will do his best and vote him into the Senate on the say-so of his boss? Or shall we exercise some intelligence in choosing our leaders? These examples are hardly the only ones with dubious claims to public office. Indeed, there will most likely be a good number of unqualified crackpots who will throw their hats into the ring. The difference is, these nuisance candidates are fairly easy to spot—and discard—and require no discernment on the part of the voter.

Our global warming options These rich RE investors are not after producing environment-friendly electricity but primarily are in the business to make money which money comes from so-called feed-in tariff (FIT). A typical FIT costs P8 per kilowatt-hour. IN 2017, according to the UN’s In- Imagine your Meralco bill being overteragency Panel on Climate Change priced by P8 per kwh, just because (IPCC), which includes at least 95 Meralco uses renewables. The effect countries, including the world’s big- is that you will be poorer before you gest polluters, China and the United could stop global warming. So now, you have three choices—pay States (they account for half of the total global pollution), the world has become extortionate electricity rates and bewarmer—by 1°C since 1850-1900, the come poorer in the process (remember the very poor have no life and someso-called pre-industrial era. This means we have only .5°C (half times, poverty is a situation worse a degree Celsius) before the world hits than death), endure global warming, or drown because of the tipping point rising sea water of global warminduced by global ing, which is warming. 1.5°C. That 1.5°C Back to corals. will be reached May I suggest that Corals are living in just 12 years, creatures, just warns the IPCC Filipinos continue to like sea anemoin its Special Reenjoy their life in their nes and jellyfish. port released on present situation? Corals support Oct. 8, 2018. our marine diBeyond 1.5°C, versity. Globally, according to the IPCC studies, up up to 500 milto 97 percent of lion people are the Philippines’ corals will disappear. dependent on corals—for food, jobs, And up to 97 percent of total electricity and recreation, the equivalent of $375 should be produced by renewable en- billion a year. President Duterte is agog over the ergy (RE)—water from dams, natural gas, solar, wind, biomass, etc. At pre- Philippines’ illegal drugs industry sent, 55 percent of Philippine electric- which is only worth $4 billion a year ity comes from coal, which is cheap and affects at most three million Filipiand is easily available. Remember, the nos. He has publicly staked his life just Philippines has one of the most expen- to reduce if not eradicate illegal drugs. Authorities admit to killing more than sive electricity rates in the world. In a previous column, I said most of 4,000 in Duterte’s vicious anti-illegal Luzon would sink because of global drugs campaign. Some critics place the deaths at 12,000 since Duterte took warming. Currently, renewables are big racket over in July 2016. The IPCC defines global warming as in the Philippines. Because they are expensive to produce, renewables en- an increase in combined surface air and joy from the government feed-in tariff sea surface temperatures averaged over (FIT), or subsidy, and subsidy is tax- the globe and a 30-year period. Warmpayers’ money given to the very rich ing is expressed relative to the period (why are the big tycoons and taipans in 1850-1900. Turn to A5 renewables?)

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

EVERYMAN

Halloween: Belief in the afterlife

By Honor Blanco Cabie HALLOWEEN in the Catholic areas of this Southeast Asian archipelago, its marked variations despite, is among the country’s age-old religious tradition that dates back to the 16th century. In Metro Manila and nearby provinces, residents refer to the celebration as the “undas,” or “araw ng mga patay” called by those in Central Visayas as “kalag-kalag,” or “piesta dagiti natay” among Ilocanos, who also have “sema-

na ti ar-aria” for the week-long bash to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. In the run-up to the two days, by law non-working regular holidays in this predominantly Christian country, which received the Cross in 1521, people who hack out a living in the metropolis but have their roots in the provinces begin a stress-filled exodus back to the countryside—by buses for northerners and boats and aircraft chiefly for southerners. It is an annual trek that has become a

solemn affair—among instances when the living visit the graves of their departed dead in public or manicured private memorial parks. Halloween in these parts is marked differently by the communities—one tradition in a Central Luzon town being the kin of the dead gathering in the graveyard on All Saints’ Day for some prayers, feasting, and merry-making. The merry-making extends to rides in ferris wheels and roller coaster swings Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Jimbo Gulle City Editor Romel J. Mendez Art Director Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018

Parties

Reopening Boracay CROSSROADS

JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ THE world-famous Boracay Island, described by the prestigious travel and leisure magazine Conde Nast Traveler as “this itty-bitty island..as close to a tropical island idyll as you’ll find in Southeast Asia” and voted by its readers as the world’s best island in 2017, will reopen as scheduled on Oct. 26. Boracay was ordered closed for a six month cleanup last May by President Duterte after declaring it a cesspool. The interagency task force—headed by DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu—overseeing the operation has categorically stated it will stick to that time line. But it will not be as completely open as it was before when Boracay was transformed into what many described as a wild wild west type of tourist destination, where cash was king and anything goes as long as the moolah was available, and not even when tell tale signs of environmental and yes, social, degradation were already apparent. In a span of less than a decade, the built-up area in the island more than doubled even as local authorities were told that a good part of the island was porous and standing on a cave system which stretched for miles. Environmental guidelines were routinely ignored as evidenced by buildings on top of wetlands and the beach area almost at the water lines. The island’s sewerage and drainage system was all but left out overwhelmed as it were with the skyrocketing tourist arrivals. All kinds of tourists and interlopers got in and did their thing. Never mind that the island’s ecosystem and carrying capacity can only accommodate so much human activity and intrusion. Not only that. While all kinds of developers were in their buccaneering ways, the island’s original settlers were left to their own devices. This was, of course, unacceptable. That ignoble situation prompted President Duterte’s threat to declare the entire island as a land reform area and give it back to the original inhabitants and their benefactors—the families and friends who tried to keep it as pristine a place as possible—to rehabilitate. That threat has since been tempered upon word that then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo actually delineated the island’s land use in accordance with a Supreme Court decision on a petition lodged by certain property

Our... From A4

According to the IPCC, warming up to the decade 2006-2015 is assessed at 0.87°C. The IPCC blames humans as the main cause of global warming. Meaning if there were no humans, the world would not be warmer—a claim that cannot be verified because such verification would be done by humans. Anyway, since 2000, insists the IPCC, the estimated level of humaninduced warming has been equal to the level of observed warming. Of course, other sources of warming are solar and volcanic activity. Other IPCC findings, in its Special Report: “Warming greater than the global average has already been experienced in many regions and seasons, with average warming over land higher than over the ocean. Most land regions are experiencing greater warming than the global average, while most ocean regions are warming at a slower rate.” “About 20 to 40 percent of the global human population live in regions that, by the decade 2006-2015, had already experienced warming of more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial in at least one season.”

Halloween:... From A4

in the metropolis—in stark contrast to the different practices in the provinces where surviving kin remember their dead with prayers and, sometimes, five minutes of funeral marches played by the town band around the stone marker or epitaph of the dead relation. In the Christian areas of the Philippines, Halloween can be said to be actually more of an observance than a “celebration” or a day to remember the dead. During the Halloween season, Filipinos go to the cemeteries to visit their dead, clean their tombstones, sometimes repaint them, light candles, and offer flowers and prayers for the dead. Most often, masses are also offered in

owners in early 2000s on the alleged “illegal titling situation” in the area. In any event, the reopening of the island has been classified by the task force as a soft opening. It correctly said that it will probably take another 18 to 24 months before the island can truly be considered as on its way to sustainable development as a worldclass tourist destination. And what would such a sustainable development plan incorporate? Those indicators are what the 10-day dry run starting last Monday, Oct. 15, attempts to highlight and correct if needed. Land use is the first hurdle. A 30-meter easement from the high water line on the beachfront has been strictly imposed to ensure that no build up, whether permanent or temporary, is done. Then, the areas where any and buildings, structures or construction of any kind, should be properly estab-

How do we ensure inclusivity and sustainability on the island?

lished with the appropriate tenurial instruments. Are these privately owned and titled? Leased? Merely accommodated? These are the issues which will have to be resolved to ensure that no structure is illegally in place. Then, the water and sewerage systems. To ensure that Boracay’s water, whether in the beach, the wetlands or the buildings are compliant with the Clean Water Act, all structures must be connected to a sewer line. Owners of commercial establishments must establish their own sewage treatment facility. Next are the road network and transport system to ease the traffic flow and ensure that only accredited transport, land or water, operators, ply the allowed routes. The road network has not only been expanded and rerouted to ease the transport of people and goods. It has been set up to a point that the utilities will be somehow “out of sight” like modern destinations. Then, the wetlands and other environmentally protected areas. The task force had to take over a number of wetlands and protected areas including the famous Puka Beach which were already being built on in the frenzy ac-

The world’s population is 7.4 billion, so 20 percent is 1.48 billion; 40 percent is 2.96 billion. “If all anthropogenic emissions (including aerosol-related) were reduced to zero immediately, any further warming beyond the 1°C already experienced would likely be less than 0.5°C over the next two to three decades, and likely less than 0.5°C on a century timescale, due to the opposing effects of different climate processes and drivers.” “Limiting cumulative emissions requires either reducing net global emissions of long- lived greenhouse gases to zero before the cumulative limit is reached, or net negative global emissions (anthropogenic removals) after the limit is exceeded.” There are two ways to approach global warming—adaptation and mitigation. Per the IPCC, “climate adaptation refers to the actions taken to manage impacts of climate change by reducing vulnerability and exposure to its harmful effects and exploiting any potential benefits.” On the other hand, “ambitious mitigation actions are indispensable to limit warming to 1.5°C while achieving sustainable development and poverty eradication.” Mitigation will make Filipinos poorer and make electricity three times current

the graveyards where the priest, beyond the request of a grieving kin nearby, also prays for those who have been forgotten, their resting places abandoned for years. Some kibitzers have seen whole families camping in cemeteries and sometimes even spending the whole night or two near their dead relative’s tomb. During this time, card games are played, ghost stories are told, and there are eating, drinking, singing, and merriment in commemoration of the departed loved ones. The occasion is more like a family reunion or banquet or family picnic. Halloween also coincides with the day, often on Oct. 31, when relatives clean up the tombstones and graves—repainting the stones or uprooting covering wayward grass, including the “cadena de amor” which is a familiar sight in Philippine cemeteries.

companying the tourist rush a decade or so ago. With the help of NGOs and the private sector, these wetlands and protected areas will be brought back to their original state and serve their roles in a sustainable ecosystem. Then, the communications, protection and health services including disaster preparedness system. Before the clean up, there was a spotty system for such a critical component of a worldclass tourist destination. That is a hurdle which will take some time to work. We hope it will be in place within the 18- to 24-month period which the task force has imposed on itself to make it part of a sustainable environment for residents and tourists.Then, the governance system. Boracay being merely a barangay of Malay was under the administration control of the municipality. Thus, for all intents and purposes, it was managed or should we say mismanaged by local officials. Given the nature of local politics and development in this country, everything was very tactical. Thus, given the very limited view of the island’s development by the administrators, there was clearly a mis-appreciation of the strategic importance of this “itty bitty” island not only to the local economy and the tourism industry but to the country as a whole. In a sense, they treated Boracay as just another barangay albeit bringing in millions of pesos to the local coffers. That will now be reformed as the task force has proposed a Cabinet-level supervisory body to govern its affairs and that, as DILG Secretary Ano said, of other critically important tourist destinations. This effort will now be in sync with the earlier order of Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat to declare these destinations specially the islands as tourism zones subjected to the stringent requirements but given incentives to ensure their sustainability as such destinations. Finally, the most important and critical consideration: How to ensure that Boracay’s development will be inclusive and closely associated with the welfare and aspirations of all the people which make the island a truly livable and world class community— the residents, tourists, original inhabitants, workers and business owners? As the task force intimated what is needed is a change in the culture, the mind set of all those who will, one way or the other, look at and ensure the sustainability of the New Boracay. This early we await with bated breath and loads of good wishes the reopening and sustained development of Boracay—our gem of an island.

prices. Why? Because you will have to remove coal, which is a very cheap source of electricity. Says the IPCC Special Report: “Ill-designed responses could pose challenges especially—but not exclusively—for countries and regions contending with poverty and those requiring significant transformation of their energy systems.” May I suggest that Filipinos continue to enjoy their life in their present situation. Our per capita income is $3,500. We are rich. Ignore global warming. The world can take care of itself. Filipinos hardly contribute to global warming. The total carbon emissions produced by Filipinos amount to just one-third of one percent (0.33 percent) of global emissions. In statistics, a margin of error of two percent (2 percent) is infinitely allowable. So charge our global warming contribution (0.33 percent of global emissions) to error margin. Enjoy life. It’s short. By the time we absorb the full impact of global warming (which is year 2100), we would have been dead or due to die anyway. Remember, the lifespan of the Filipino is just 69 years. And please, oppose feed-in-tariff (FIT) given by the government to the rich. It is a form of extortion. biznewsasia@gmail.com

Some in Cebu, like Mary Anne and her siblings, will be going to Tindog on the northern side of the island province to visit the grave of their mother for prayers before they drive back to Minglanilla town south of the capital city for additional prayers for their father and brother at the town’s graveyard. But in some areas of Negros Oriental, orphaned relatives will visit the graves of their dead kin for an overnight stay—on shifts—at the cemetery for what they call the “kalag-kalag,” which is also practiced by some in Negros Occidental. In some towns in Ilocos Norte, the “piesta dagiti natay”—literally feast of the dead— is marked by nine masses at home or masses arranged to be celebrated in churches, either Aglipayan or Catholic, with the ninth culminating on All Saints’ Day. The practice is replicated in many towns

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ministration party, will field detained former Senator Bong Revilla, plus Dr. Willie Ong, the social media health adviser. I would expect the party to also adopt Imee LITO Marcos as a common candidate. The so-called “opposition” coalition BANAYO led by the once humongous Liberal LATER today, the Comelec will offi- Party, will have re-electionist Sen. Bam cially close the filing period for certifi- Aquino, Chel Diokno, Erin Tanada and cates of candidacy for all the elective po- election lawyer Romy Makalintal. Plus sitions to be voted upon come May 2019. Gary Alejano representing party-list By the end of this week, we should Magdalo and Samira Gutoc Tomawis know how many are running to fill up of Tindig Pilipinas. And surprise! Mar Roxas belatedly 12 senatorial seats, 300 or so congressional seats, a fifth of which will be for threw his hat into the ring after a politiparty-list accommodations, and thou- cal hiatus of more than two years since sands of local government positions his defeat in 2016 presidential elections. That makes seven for the LP, which from governor to city mayor and their “vices,” to municipal mayors, down to three years ago was bursting to the rafters with members. councilors. Another surprise is Juan Ponce EnThe circus, much like Boracay, will have its “soft” opening tomorrow. The rile, who at 94 has declined a guberreal campaign will start in February natorial post offered to him by his 2019 for the national positions, some- Cagayan leaders in favor of another time late March for the local positions. “independent” run for senator. He will Last Oct. 9, I dropped by a PDP be 95 by the time the campaign rolls. So many have indeed taken heart afcaucus for candidates in a particular province, because one of the would-be ter Mahathir’s marvelous comeback as candidates was a friend. That night, prime minister at 92, to lead Malaysia they firmed up the party’s candidates in “bouncing back.” Jinggoy Estrada, accompanied by his for the province. What surprised me, asking around the father the former president now Mayor table where sat some national officers of of Manila, will run under the patrithe party was at that late stage, they had arch’s party, Partido ng Masang Pilipino. I would expect not yet firmed up PMP to likewise the senatorial slate adopt Enrile. of what is touted as With a gaggle “the” administraof parties unable tion political party. Some people believe at this late stage to True enough, complete a twelveeither singly or they can win, even if man slate, don’t in coalition, the they are unknown, you wish, as I do, PDP even as of have no party, and no that we go back to this writing, has the two-party sysyet to firm up it’s national following. tem which was the 12-man slate. And system under the that is “the” ad1935 Constitution? ministration party. Then there was From what I gather, there will be four reelectionists: an administration party and an opposiKoko Pimentel, also the party presi- tion party. They had loyal party memdent, Cynthia Villar of the Nacionalista bers until turncoatism was invented Party, Sonny Angara of the LDP, and during the leadership of then President JV Ejercito, also known as Estrada JV Diosdado Macapagal of the Liberal per his filed COC. Another NP is Pia Party. Senatorial candidates were chosen Cayetano who the PDP will likewise adopt. Maybe Imee Marcos, also an- by way of a party convention, which other Nacionalista, but a week ago that winnowed the political chaff from the qualified grain. was not yet a sure thing. I recall a story told to me by Tito Doy Then there is Bong Go, who filed his COC Monday afternoon with no less Laurel about how he won a slot in the than the President himself accompany- NP party convention which chose the ing him to the Comelec office in the eight-man slate, defeating the veteran Palacio del Governador. And Francis legislator Lorenzo Sumulong of Rizal Tolentino. And Rolando “Bato” de la (Cory Aquino’s uncle). Though not yet 40 at the time, he had to do the rounds Rosa. And Sajid Mangudadatu. of delegate after delegate, presenting That’s a total of ten. Of course, national and international his advocacy of “justice for the poor” singing artist Freddie Aguilar also filed which resulted when he was senator in his COC, claiming to be a member of five laws which reformed our judicial PDP, but Koko Pimentel disavowed his and prosecutorial system. It was tough “mano-mano,” he said, party status. Quien mas? I do not know as of this such that getting nominated by the convention delegates was more difficult writing. The Nationalist People’s Coalition than the national campaign itself. These days, the party leaders do (NPC), I was told by Senate President Tito Sotto, will adopt all the reelection- not choose their senatorial candidates. ists, except Koko Pimentel who is head SWS and Pulse Asia are the service of another party. That was as of Sun- providers in choosing who gets to run. Or “tigas-ulo” coupled with “bilib sa day evening, the 14th of October. So they will have Grace Poe, Nancy sarili.” Some people believe they can Binay, JV Ejercito, Sonny Angara, Cyn- win, even if they are unknown, have no thia Villar and Bam Aquino. Add Pia party, and no national following. A senatorial seat has become a funcCayetano and Imee Marcos. Plus Bato, Bong and Francis. And Lito Lapid, the tion of personal popularity plus a perreturning senator from Pampanga, bet- sonal machinery plus money. What ter known these days as “Romulo Dum- good is the party? Minimal. And all because we have no genuine aguit” of Pulang Araw cum Vendetta of Ang Probinsyano fame. The NPC, by political parties. The Cory Constitution adopting so many known names, will of 1987 provided for a multi-party cum have a complete slate earlier than “the” party-list system, and in the process debased political parties into mere flags administration party. Lakas-NUCD, once a formidable ad- of convenience.

SO I SEE

How... From A4

*** With the soft opening of Boracay Island, the question is whether the government can also do a cleanup of Manila Bay. It has become Metro Manila’s toilet. The government has shown it could get things done in Boracay. Manila Bay should be the next challenge. *** I have been talking to a businessmen who usually funds local and national candidates. He told me that when the elec-

in Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya, especially in the Ilocano-speaking towns of these provinces of the Cagayan Valley, which lie on the side of the Sierra Madre. In the Visayas, as in some towns in Negros Oriental, some distinct Halloween customs and beliefs are observed, including the burning of candles on the family altar from 6 p.m. shortly before Angelus until past 8 p.m. when the Church bells ring. Observers say this is done to welcome the souls of the dead who, given the folk belief, are free to roam about on Halloween night. Some say a quick look at the altar and the number of lit candles there can give the impression how many have passed on from the family. The nine days of prayer for the departed souls in the Ilocos and the Cagayan Valley are believed to help the souls in Purgatory

tion period begins, he will take a vacation abroad. He also told me he had already set aside money for those he thinks will win. There are candidates that do not seem to stand a chance of winning but who get funded anyway—and it’s like they have won the lotto. I am reminded of a former PNP chief who was always running for senator. He always knew he would not win, but he always hoped for contributions anyway. Indeed the election is an opportunity to extort money from friends. www.emiljurado.weebly.com

gain “a seat in heaven and a sight of the Lord.” The nine days of prayer, which end with some food feast and merry-making, are believed by some Catholics and Aglipayans to bring back to life reunions with those who have answered God’s summons. The dead at this time are believed to be visiting their surviving relatives in their ancestral homes—but many say that in fact the living are the ones who enjoy the food festival. While the practices may differ, they point to one axiom: belief in the afterlife. (HBC, a catechist and member of St. Benedict’s Crusade and Workers of Mercy, is a perpetual member of the Catalonia, Spain-based Sodality of the Our Lady of Montserrat.)

News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House approves 778 bills in 31 days under Arroyo By Maricel V. Cruz

N JUST 25 session days since Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took over, the House of Representives tackled 778 measures, or an average of 31 a day.

This means that in only 25 session days, Arroyo was able to accomplish 21 percent of the total 3,707 measures or output of the 17th Congress that opened on July 25, 2016. Most of the measures tackled are on the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte as Arroyo made true her word she would endeavor to push the measures backed by Duterte. Since she took over the House leader-

ship, Arroyo attended committee hearings and plenary sessions to ensure that vital socio-economic measures were deliberated upon and approved on schedule. During the plenary budget deliberations on Oct. 1, the Speaker, along with members of the House, stayed overnight until session was adjourned at 6 o’ clock in the morning the next day. Then at 9 o’ clock in the morning of that day, she attended the hearing of the

Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Rep. Estrellita Suansing of Nueva Ecija which tackled the fiscal regime for the Mining Industry bill. Of the 778 processed measures during the Third Regular Session, 32 were enacted into law, eight of which were of national significance and 24 of local significance. Four days after the opening of the Third Regular Session, the much-awaited Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was signed into law by President Duterte as Republic Act 11054. That law was based on House Bill 6475. Also among those signed by the President was Republic Act 11055, or the

Philippine Identification System Act based on HB 6221, which establishes a single national identification system to promote the seamless delivery of government services, and increase transparency while reducing corruption in the delivery of social services. Meanwhile, 41 more measures are awaiting the President’s signature to become laws. Apart from these landmark measures, the House ratified 10 bicameral reports, nine of which are of national importance and one of local significance. Also during Arroyo’s term, the House approved House Joint Resolution 26, which extends until Dec. 31, 2019 the period of availability of funds intended for victims of human-rights violations during the imposition of martial law by then President Ferdinand Marcos. Meanwhile, the House approved on second reading 16 bills, all of national significance and adopted 24 resolutions – 17 regular resolutions, four concurrent resolutions, two resolutions on inquiries in aid of legislation and one resolution of the Committee of the Whole.

Immigration deports Egyptian

PAG-IBIG Fund’s top executives reported the agency released nearly P52 billion worth of housing loans in the last nine months, breaking records from previous years. The housing loan takeout grew by 14 percent, or P6.4 billion higher, compared with the same period last year, it said in a statement. From January to September this year, Pag-IBIG Fund housing loan releases amounted to P51.76 billion, helping 62,665 families acquire their own homes. Out of all homes financed in the last nine months, 31 percent or 19,189 are socialized housing units with an aggregate value of over P7.44 billion. Pag-IBIG Fund Board chairman Eduardo del Rosario said: “The year is not over yet but Pag-IBIG Fund already breached the P50-billion mark in its housing loan releases. “This is a remarkable achievement because this is the first time that the P50-billion mark was reached in only nine months. “The Fund’s accomplishment contributes greatly to the anti-poverty agenda of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. “Under the BALAI Filipino (Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable, and Inclusive Filipino Communities) program, we are committed to bringing housing opportunities to every Filipino family.” Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy Moti said the Fund was eyeing the release of P73 billion to P75 billion of housing loans, higher by up to P3.5 billion than its P71.5 billion annual target.

SOME P25 million worth of smuggled counterfeit branded cigarettes, food seasoning and beauty products have been destroyed by the Bureau of Customs in Laguna, officials said Tuesday. The BoC-Enforcement and Security Service confiscated the fake products in several warehouses in Quezon City, which include counterfeit Marlboro, Fortune, Mighty and Winston brand cigarettes, Silka products, Knorr Pork and Beef cubes, and Knorr Sinigang Mix, Maggi Magic Sarap, and Golden bihon pasta. The condemnation was conducted at the facility of Tritek Reverse Logistics Corp., in San Pedro, Laguna —the contractor for the condemned forfeited goods. “Under the law, importation and exportation of infringing goods, as defined under the Intellectual Property Code and related laws, are prohibited,” Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said. The condemned goods were among those intercepted during a warehouse raid at Kanlaon St. corner N.S. Amoranto St., and Malaya St., Quezon City last year. Vito Barcelo

1,470 OFWs to be repatriated from S. Arabia

THE Bureau of Immigration deported an Egyptian tagged by the Interpol as a terrorist recruiter and trainer of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) back to his own country to face criminal charges. Deported was Fehmi Lassoued, 33, who boarded a Thai Airways flight to Bangkok en route to his final destination in Cairo where he was later taken into government custody. Lassoued and his Filipino girlfriend were arrested last February this year after the police and military operatives found a gun, several improvised explosives, an ISIS flag, and maps with drawings of the group’s probable operational plans in their rented house. The PNP said Lassoued was a recruiter for ISIS, and was a former negotiator for ISIS for local government officials in Syria and Turkey. He is also believed to be an ISIS commander at the Syria-Turkey border. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said Lassoued was expelled pursuant to a deportation order that was issued against him by the BI Board of Commissioners for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act. He is blacklisted and banned from reentering the country. He added the Egyptian was found guilty of misrepresentation for submitting false information in his application for a working visa, for using an altered Tunisian passport, and for being an undesirable alien due to his alleged terrorist links. Vito Barcelo

Record P52b in Pag-IBIG home loans

Smuggled counterfeit destroyed

By Vito Barcelo AT LEAST 1,470 overseas Filipino workers who were displaced by the lock-out of their employer, Azmeel Contracting and Construction Corporation, will be repatriated from Saudi Arabia, the Department of Labor and Employment said Tuesday. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III led a team of Philippine government officials to Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia to assist the thousands of displaced Filipino workers in going back home after their employer did not pay them their salaries for more than four months. Bello said Azmeel Contracting excluded its employees from their place of work after its assets were frozen by the Saudi government. He said prior to the lockout, the employer failed to pay the workers’ four months salaries, which prompted workers to stage a protest. Earlier, Bello said at least $50,000 had been sent as financial assistance to the affected OFWs. The DoLE chief said he would meet with the officials of the Ministry of Labor of Saudi Arabia to discuss the repatriation of the OFWs and the payment of their back wages.

METRO HOPEFULS. Jejomar Binay Jr. (top photo), former mayor of Makati City and candidate for the same position, files his certificate of candidacy at the Makati City Comelec, accompanied by his sister Senator Nancy Binay (at left), challenging his incumbent mayor sister Abby who filed her COC days earlier. Below, former Parañaque mayor Florencio Bernabe jr. (right) and Jeremy Marquez file their COCs at the Parañaque Comelec for the posts of mayor and vice mayor. Diana Noche and Norman Cruz

CAAP declares 21 key airports as drug-free THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Tuesday declared 21 major airports under its supervision as drug-free facilities. This, after 2,635 CAAP employees from these airports tested negative for methamphetamine hydrochloride and marijuana drug use. The random drug tests, according to Media Communications Office chief and CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio, is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s antidrug campaign nationwide and as part of the Transportation department’s bid for a drug-free government workplace. Apolonio said CAAP’s Office of the Flight Surgeon and Aviation Medicine conducted the random drug testing from February to September this year where 2,635 employees from 21 airports took part out of the 6,056 employees nationwide. “The OFSAM personnel went around the CAAP-operated airports from Luzon to Mindanao in order to ensure that our airports are safe and drug-free,” he added.

Joel Zurbano

MMDA starts preparations for orderly ‘Undas’ THE Metro Manila Development Authority announced on Tuesday it had started its preparations to ensure an orderly observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively. This early, members of agency’s Task Force Special Operations are now clearing roads leading to cem-

eteries of obstructions while Metro Parkway Clearing Group personnel are sprucing up the vicinity of major cemeteries within Metro Manila. “We leave the responsibility of cleaning inside cemeteries to local government units. We are also calling on the public to keep cemeteries clean and tidy,” said MMDA general man-

ager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. during a press briefing on Tuesday. He said once “Oplan Undas 2018” is activated on Oct. 27, more than 2,000 traffic personnel will be deployed on critical areas from morning until evening to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on major thoroughfares and identified traffic-prone areas in the metropolis. Joel Zurbano

Sports Quezon City cage league gets positive reception THERE is still a room for one more league in this hoop-crazy nation. Officials of the soon-to-be launched Quezon City Basketball League are confident about getting positive reception for the tournament despite the heavy-load of cage meets being held in and out of the metropolis. “I believe hindi mawawalan ng players at hindi magsasawa sa kakalaro ang mga Pilipino,” said QCBL Executive Director BJ Manalo, the former PBA player out of De La Salle, at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Tapa King Restaurant in Farmers Plaza, Cubao on Tuesday. “We’re not really competing against other leagues. In fact, we want to work with them para ma-develop pa yung mga future na manlalaro ng basketball, and at the same time, opportunity for us na makakita ng future coaches at future basketball players.” The new league is set for launch on Nov. 10 at the JCR gym at FEU-NRMF in Fairview. Oliver Bunyi, also a former La Salle player, who previously worked together with Manalo at Globalport in the PBA, was also in the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation will kick off with the Corporate Cup, where three divisions are on tap, namely Open, Cadet, and Starter. “Pero ang eventual na magiging main league nito is ‘yung NBA na barangaystyle na home-and-away. Doon kami excited,” added Manalo. “Nai-imagine namin ‘yung excitement na dadalhin mo ‘yung isang organized basketball sa isang maliit na lugar. At least ibang market naman para ma-tap ‘yung mga taong nandun.” According to Bunyi, who also acts as basketball operations head, the meet will be using FIBA rules while the pool of referees of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is the ones which will officiate the games. In addition, Bunyi mentioned the league will not only concentrate on 5-on5 tournaments, but also on 3x3 contest. “That’s what we’re looking at na umpisahan sa barangay level,” he said, “In the whole world, nag-go-grow na siya (3x3). And even sa 2020 Olympics nandoon na rin ‘yun.”

PSC celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Month

WITH October being the National Indigenous Peoples Month, the Philippine Sports Commission will conduct the 4th leg of the Indigenous Peoples Games to coincide with the celebration. The upcoming leg will be held at the Municipality of Kapangan in the Province of Benguet from Oct. 27 to 29. PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey led preparations, initiated as early as August, in close coordination with Benguet Provincial Sports Coordinator Denmark Monang. Karlo Pates, Executive Assistant of Commissioner Maxey, said that “we are expecting around 500 participants in this edition.” One more leg is scheduled in Bukidnon this November to round up the agency’s IP activities for this year. Three legs have been held previously this year in Davao del Norte, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and Ifugao.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17

Dubs expect slow NBA start O

AKLAND—Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is prepared for his team to make a slow start to the season as they open the defense of their NBA crown against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

They tip-off their 2018-2019 season at Oracle Arena with the traditional banner raising ceremony to salute their third NBA Finals crown in four seasons. The Warriors will be chasing a rare hattrick of NBA titles this year when they aim to become the ﬁrst franchise since the 20002002 Los Angeles Lakers to win three consecutive championships. Kerr, however, does not expect the Warriors to hit the ground running, noting that injuries and inconsistent defensive displays in pre-season showed that there was still plenty of work to be done. The Warriors have conﬁrmed that veteran guard Shaun Livingston will be questionable

for Tuesday’s opener with a foot injury while Draymond Green is short of game-time. “We’re not in perfect shape,” Kerr told reporters on Monday. “Shaun is questionable. Draymond only played one and a half games I think and needs more conditioning. So we’ve got some young guys we’re going to count on.” Kerr said while he was satisﬁed with the team’s training camp, a patchy pre-season indicated the Warriors needed to tighten up on defense. The Western Conference favorites won only one of ﬁve pre-season games, and closed with back-to-back losses to the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Camp was great, but we had a let-up last week defensively,” Kerr said. “We’re trying to address those mistakes that we made and we’ll see where we are tomorrow night. “I don’t anticipate that we’re going to be in high gear right away. We’re not going to be nearly as good tomorrow as we will be down the road.” Kerr, meanwhile, admitted that the banner-raising game was always a personal highlight of the season. “It’s a huge night, an emotional night,” he said. “It’s a night to celebrate and a night for our fans to enjoy. Then you have to tip it up right afterwards and that’s the challenge, KERR

Greenies, Red Robins nail Final 4 seedings By Peter Atencio A GRIEVING Joel Cagulangan scored his second highest output this season of 36 points for the defending champion La Salle Greenhills Greenies as they outplayed the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers in the fourth period, 86-71, yesterday at the Arena in San Juan. The 5’8” Cagulangan, dedicating his game to an uncle who died last Saturday in his home province of Butuan, made 17 points in the ﬁnal period as the Greenies went on to earn their 15th win in 17 games in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association junior basketball tournament. Cagulangan, last season’s ﬁnals MVP,

previously had an explosive performance of a season record 8 points when they defeated the Arellano Braves, 91-77, last month. “He is undergoing something difficult. His close uncle passed away. At first, we were hesitant to let him play, to give him time to recover. But Mai (Cagulangan), he’s a young professional. He did his responsibility,” said Greenies coach Marvin Bienvenida. The Greenies, getting 15 and 12 points from Joshua David and RC Calimag, stretched their winning streak to five and secured the no. 1 seeding in the Final Four semifinals. Thomas Vasquez tallied a game-high 16 points for the Light Bombers, who took the no. 4 seeding with their 11-7 slate. But Vasquez was scoreless in the fourth

period as the Greenies big men, Inand Fornilos and Mark Sangco took control of the boards, and forced the Light Bombers to numerous turnovers. The Greenies held JRU to 11 points in the last 10 minutes, and they refused to let the Light Bombers score halfway in the fourh quarter. “Sabi ni coach, ilaro ko ito para sa tito ko,” said Cagulangan, referring to his uncle, George Lim, who had a cardiac arrest. Later, the Mapua Red Robins, drawing 21 points from Dan Arches, held off the Arellano Braves, 86-76, to clinch the no. 2 seeding at 14-4 and deny the San Red Cubs (11-5) a chance to catch up and challenge their position.

INCENTIVES. Asian Games gold medalists Margielyn Didal of stakeboarding (third from left) and Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting (fourth from left) received a cash incentive of P100,000 each from Go For Gold and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Also shown in photo are (from left to right) Go For Gold top executive and Powerball Marketing and Logistics Corporation vice president Jeremy Go, PCSO chair Anselmo Simeon Pinili, NGAP secretary general Bones Floro, PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan and Powerball Marketing and Logistics Corporation president Roger Go. NGAP also received P100,000 for its grassroots development program after golfer Yuka Saso and the women’s team won two gold medals in the Asian Games.

Specialized gears up for SM MOA store launch SPECIALIZED– a bicycle brand made for riders, by riders – gears up for its store’s grand opening today (Wednesday) at the SM by the Bay at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Considered to be a biker’s haven, SM by the Bay is the perfect location for the ﬁrst of three Specialized concept stores to open, with Pasig and Maginhawa St. in Quezon City completing the new stores for 2018. “We want to serve the riders where they are, and at the same time make it convenient for them to get that one-stop bike

shop experience,” said Ritchie Santayana, Customer Development director of Gruppo Innovare Corp., referring to the choice of locations for the three stores. All three are known to be bike-friendly areas in the metropolis, and more stores are set to come throughout the country over the next few years. Gruppo Innovare Corp. is the authorized distributor of Specialized Bicycle Components in the country. Since 1974, the brand has striven to make the best bikes for riders. The store is set to offer a comprehensive range of

technically advanced products, such as the Stumpjumper, the brand’s most versatile trail bike, the Turbo Levo and Kenevo, a pair of e-mountain bikes built to give riders the power to ride more trails, the Venge, the fastest road bike, and the Tarmac, the lightest race bike ever made by the brand. The 2019 Shiv Disc is also set to take center stage during opening day. The allnew triathlon specific bike promises unprecedented aero design, storage for fuel and hydration to last the whole race, and the most flexible fit. It is the most complete triathlon bike ever made.

Senate, AFP stay ahead in UNTV Cup Games Sunday (Pasig City Sports Center) 2 p.m. – GSIS vs PITC 3:30 p.m. – Agriculture vs Judiciary 5 p.m. – PNP vs Senate

Group A: Senate (3-0), AFP (3-0), DOJ (1-1), PNP (1-2), GSIS (1-2), PITC (0-3). Group B: NHA (3-0), MalacañangPSC (2-1), DA (2-1), PhilHealth (2-2), Judiciary (0-2), Ombudsman (0-3). DEFENDING champion Senate and Armed Forces of the Philippines kept their share on the Group A lead by downing their respective rivals, even as PhilHealth stunned Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission in the 7th UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Pasig City Sports Center. The Senate Defenders rode on a big second quarter show to beat the Justice Boosters, 87-72, while the AFP Cavaliers downed the PITC Global Traders, 78-68, for their third

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

straight win in as many games. Kenneth Emata buried a buzzerbeating three as the PhilHealth Plus defeated the Kamao, 90-87, in the tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon. Emata finished with 9 points, while former Letran star Jonathan Aldave exploded for a game-high 36 points, aside from grabbing seven boards in the tournament offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion team. PhilHealth’s win was its second straight since dropping its first two games, while the Palace absorbed its first loss in three games. Senate held DOJ to just two points in the second quarter after the latter fell into a maze of errors in the face of the Defenders’ air-tight defense, giving them a 44-23 halftime lead. Former PBA player Jeff Sanders led the Mike Fermin-mentored Senate with 23 points and 20 boards, while Garry Sevilla and Sen. Joel Villanueva added 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Kenneth Emata (left) celebrates with Jonathan Aldave after burying a buzzer-beating three that lifted PhilHealth to a 90-87 win over Malacañang-PSC in the UNTV Cup.

from celebrating to competing just like that. “Fortunately we’ve been through it a couple of times and hopefully we’ll adapt and get into the ﬂow of the game. “They’re just really fun and exciting occasions. The best part is watching the banner go up, because that’s what we’re trying to do. Every year we’re trying to raise the banner for the franchise, for each other and for the fans. “It’s a proud moment. The (championships) rings are great and obscenely beautiful -- but the moment the banner goes up is the best for me.”

Cocolife Tigers recover from 20 points to edge Laguna DAVAO Occidental-Cocolife is on a roll. The Tigers from Mindanao overcame a huge 20-point deficit in he first half before preserving their endgame brilliance to snatch a 72-66 victory over Laguna in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup elimination round at Marist School Gym in Marikina City over the weekend, The Cocolife Tigers extended their winning streak to six and tightened their grip on second place in South Division team standings. Laguna’s go-to guy, ex-pro Denok Miranda, along with Michel Mabulac, started like a house on fire to gain control in the early goings and maintain a double-digit spread at the half, 45-29. But Leo Najorda and Ilonggo superstar Billy Robles stepped up for the Davao Cocolife team owned by Claudine Bautista of Davao Occidental LGU and backed by Cocolife president Elmo Mobleza, FVP Joseph Ronquillo and AVP Rowena Asnan as they slowly trimmed Laguna’s lead. A jumper from veteran Bonbon Custodio with two minutes left in third canto pushed the Tigers to within a single digit deficit off the lead of Laguna, which only scored a measly seven in the penultimate quarter. The first deadlock came after Najorda’s triple on the final 2:51 of the game, followed by a go-ahead basket by Custodio after Miranda’s turnover as the Tigers completed the come-from-behind victory for an impressive 8-3 win-loss record in the league organized by Senator Manny Pacquiao.

S + A to air NBA games

EXPECT the same intense basketball action as new lineups debut in the opening week of the most popular basketball league on the planet on ABS-CBN and S+A. “NBA On ABS-CBN” blasts off on free-to-air television this Wednesday live on S+A at 8 a.m. as Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers take on a rejuvenated Boston Celtics squad that is welcoming back All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, who has fully recovered from suffering a freak ankle injury in last season’s opener. Meanwhile, Filipino fans of the Los Angeles Lakers are teeming with excitement as they get to witness 2018’s biggest offseason signing suit up for the Purple and Gold: LeBron James. The King, along with youngsters Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Kyle Kuzma look to deliver on all the offseason hype as they go up against the Portland Trailblazers bannered by crack guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum on Friday (Oct. 19) live at 10:30 a.m. The Boston Celtics return on ABSCBN and S+A over the weekend as they take on the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks, respectively. Irving’s crew will get a taste of how the Raptors play with new superstar in the six, Kawhi Leonard, on Saturday (Oct. 20) at 8:30 a.m. on “NBA SabaDos” on ABS-CBN. The Celtics then travel to the Mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden, to face the rebuilding Knicks and see if ninth overall pick Kevin Knox is the real deal the following day (Oct. 21), live at 7:30 a.m. on S+A.

Sports

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17

Forest Cover (5) edges Mona’s Mark (8) by a head in winning the 2nd leg of the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) Juvenile Fillies and Colts Stakes Race at the Saddle and Leisure Park in Naic, Cavite on Sunday. Third place went to Electrify (1).

Archers face Warriors, seek 5th triumph By Peter Atencio Games Today (MOA Arena) 2 p.m. La Salle vs UE 4 p.m. NU vs Adamson

THE La Salle Green Archers seek to shoot better when they face the University of the East Warriors at 2 p.m. today in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena. The last time around, the Green Archers shot 45 percent from the field, while making 41 free throws, when they put away the Adamson Falcons, 79-78. And doing better with their accuracy will help La Salle claim their fifth win in eight games at the start of the second round. After dealing the Falcons their second straight setback this season, the Green Archers were able to climb to fourth. “At least nasa upper half kami ng standing at may chance sa Final Four. Second round, dito makikita kung gaano katatag ‘yung players at system mo,” said Green Archers’ coach Louie Gonzalez. The Falcons, who are on a twogame skid, clash with National University at 4 p.m. Gonzalez said the Green Archers’ shooting percentage is finally picking up following their loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles a few weeks back. “Bumalik ‘yung scoring na na nawala nu’ng Ateneo game. Even though we only dished out 11 assists,” added Gonzalez. In their game with the Falcons, Aljun Melecio, a third-year guard, finished with 22 points, four rebounds, and two steals. The Warriors (1-6) are seeking to bounce back from losses to the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers and the Bulldogs.

Aces take on Dyip, try to bounce back By Jeric Lopez

LASKA wants to bounce back, while three teams in the bottom half of the standings all look to get a much-needed win in the homestretch of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup elimination round. Games Today (Cuneta Astrodome) 4:30 p.m. Alaska vs Columbian Dyip 7 p.m. NorthPort vs Rain or Shine

After stumbling in their last outing, the Aces (5-2) will try to get back on track as they are heavily favored in their 4:30 p.m. encounter over dreadful Columbian Dyip (0-8) at the Cuneta Astro-

dome in Pasay City. Succeeding this will be a critical headon collision between NorthPort (2-6) and Rain or Shine (1-4) at 7 p.m. More importantly for Alaska, it wants to move a step closer to securing a berth in the quarterﬁnals. The Aces suffered a 73-83 setback at the hands of league-leader Magnolia just last Sunday. On the other hand, the Dyip still can’t

get any luck as it is still winless and riding an eight-game losing streak. Both the Batang Pier and the Elasto Painters, currently in 10th and 11th places, respectively, need a win to stay in the hunt for a spot in the top eight. Meanwhile, Magnolia playmaker Jio Jalalon was named the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week in the 2018 Governors’ Cup for the period of Oct. 8 to 14. Despite playing in a guard-heavy backcourt, Jalalon has learned to ﬁnd ways to shine as he averaged 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.5 steals this past week to beat teammates Paul Lee and Mark Barroca, NorthPort’s Sean Anthony and Stanley Pringle, San Miguel’s Christian Standhanrdinger and Marcio Lassiter, along with Rain or Shine big man Jewel Ponferada for the weekly citation.

Mondilla breaks slump with record 64 TARLAC—Ailing Clyde Mondilla outslugged Peter Stojanovski in a virtual shootout of aces out to end a long slump on the Philippine Golf Tour, ramming in eight birdies for a bogey-free eight-64 and a onestroke lead over the Macedonian and Jay Bayron at the start of the rich ICTSI Luisita Invitational here yesterday. Paired with PGT Del Monte leg winner Nicolas Paez in one of the early groups, Mondilla and Stojanovski matched four birdies in calm condition at the turn with the Filipino ace sustaining his charge with three birdies in the ﬁrst four holes at the back then capping his opening romp with a birdie for a pair of 32s. “Honestly, I’m really surprised with my game. Imagine, I have a slight ﬂu and nursing tonsillitis but still played a perfect game. Everything’s in place – irons, short game and putting,” said Mondilla, whose 64 bettered the previous best of

65 set by Aussie David Gleeson in ruling the PGT Asia’s ICTSI Luisita Championship here last April. Stojanovski hit just one birdie and fell by two after No. 14 but regained his touch and birdied the next two, missing joining Mondilla at the helm with a ﬂubbed birdie putt on the last hole for a 65 at the Luisita Golf and Country Club which took a beating from the men of the tour with 27 players breaking par in the absence of the wind. That included Bayron, who bucked a late start with seven birdies in the ﬁrst 15 holes to threaten Mondilla. But the PGT Asia winner at Southwoods lost his momentum and bogeyed the par-5 16th before recovering the stroke with a closing birdie to tie Stojanoski at second with a 33-32. “I played a solid round, had no problem and it’s really fantastic,” said Stojanovski, still in search for a breakthrough win in three years on the local circuit.

FOREST Cover paced itself until the last 300 meters before edging out both Mona’s Mark and Electrify to rule the 2nd leg of the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) Juvenile Fillies and Colts Stakes Race at the Saddle and Leisure Park in Naic, Cavite on Sunday. It was a neck-to-neck battle down to the finish line for the threehorse party of Forest Cover, Mona’s Mark and Electrify, but it was the Aristeo G. Puyat-owned filly, who managed to steal the lead and won by a head in the 1,300-meter race. Winning Jockey O’Neal P. Cortez shared their game plan and how they managed to squeeze past the opposition and collect his first victory with Forest Cover. Kinuha muna namin kung saan siya (Forest Cover) kampanteng puwesto, bago kami nagbakbakan noong rekta,” said Cortez in the post-race interview. “Noong nadikitan naman kami ni Mona’s Mark, nag-respond na ‘yung kabayo ko,” added Cortez, jockey of Victorious Colt, which won the last leg of the Philracom Triple Crown Series last July. Forest Cover won P600,000 for owner Puyat, with CM Vicente earning the Breeder’s Purse of P30,000. Vicente also received the winner’s trophy on the owner’s behalf. Mona’s Mark settled for the runner-up purse of P225,000, while Electrify took home P125,000 and Barayong pocketed P50,000 for the third and fourth-place finishes, respectively. Earlier that day, Caloocan Girl and rider Ryan Garcia whipped up a spectacular showing in front of the horse racing community with a triumphant run on the KDJM Juvenile Fillies Stakes Race. Girl secured P300,000 from the win. It was also Garcia’s biggest win yet in his young career as a jockey. Other winners of the 12-race Philippine Racing Club Inc. Sunday schedule were Cojuangco Cup champion Hitting Spree (Race 1), Summer Cruise (Race 2), Ace Up (Race 4), Kingship (Race 5), Shadow Of The Sun (Race 7), Pride Of Laguna (Race 8), Lakambini Stakes winner Disyembreasais (Race 9), Silver Glow (Race 10), Shoo In (Race 11) and Minotaur (Race 12). Meanwhile, one last big stakes race is coming in October – the Sampaguita Stakes Race set Oct. 28. This will be followed by the Ambassador Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr. Cup, MARHO Racing Event and 1st Leg of 3YO Open Challenge Series on Nov. 4, and the 3rd Legs of the Juvenile Fillies Stakes Race and Juvenile Colts Stakes Race on Nov. 18.

No medal for PH archer

Clyde Mondilla breaks into a smile after gunning down another birdie on No. 10

Velez, Milliam post 3-title tennis feats

JOHN David Velez and Alexa Milliam proved to be a cut above the rest over their peers and older rivals, scoring a pair of three-title romps in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Buglasan Festival national age-group tennis tournament at the Praxevilla Tennis Courts in Dumaguete City last Monday. Both 14-year-olds, the PPSPEPP Mac Crankit players topped their age group category then went to rule the 16- and 18-and-under divisions without John David Velez (left) and Alexa Milliam (right) hold their trophies as they pose with PPS-PEPP area manager Ronabelle Sanchez after dominating the dropping a set and share the PPS-PEPP Buglasan Festival. MVP honors in the Group 2

Forest Cover nd wins 2 leg of Juvenile Fillies/Colts

event presented by Dunlop and sponsored by Gov. Roel Degamo which served as part of the Buglasan Festival. Velez lived up to his top billing in the boys’ side, routing Khenz Justiniani, 6-0, 6-2, for the 14-U crown then toppled Sebastien Lhuillier, 6-2, 6-4, in the 16-U ﬁnals. The young Davao City star capped his feat with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Gauilian Bandoquillo. Milliam, from Pontevedra, Negros, matched her fellow TENX-backed player’s threetitle feat in impressive fashion, beating Jufe Ann Cocoy, 6-3,

6-3, as No. 2 seed in 14-U ﬁnals, crushing Sydney Enriquez, 6-3, 6-1, to claim the 16-U diadem as No. 4, then snaring the 18-U plum as unranked player via a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Enriquez. “Coming off victories in an ATF (Asian Tennis Federation) event in Malaysia, they were expected to dominate but to sweep their three events is another thing. They should serve as inspiration to the other young players,” said Bobby Castro, president/CEO of Palawan Pawnshop, which sponsors the year-long, nationwide junior circuit.

BUENOS AIRES—Archer Nicole Tagle closed out the country’s stint in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games without any medal to show on Monday along with golfers Yuka Saso and Carl Janno Corpus. The pair of Corpus and Saso assembled together a score of eight-over 148 on the final day, finding themselves out of the medal race after three rounds in the mixed team event at the Hurlingham Club here. They were still in contention during the opening day at four-under, but bombed out on the next 18 holes with a five-over that left them chasing leaders Atthaya Thitikul and Vanchai Luangnitikul of Thailand and the United States duo of Lucy Li and Akshay Bhatia, who were already up by a wide margin. Thitikul and Luangnitikul eventually grabbed the gold medal, while Li and Bhatia settled for the silver. Tagle, the Southeast Asian Games silver medalist, was ahead after three sets, 4-2, before Alyssia Tromans-Ansell of Great Brittain mounted a rally in the last two frames for a 6-4 victory that propelled her to the quarterfinals. `Ì did my best and gave everything I had,’’ said Tagle after her round of 16 exit at the Parque Sarmiento archery range. The Philippines placed 69th out of 206 countries after kiteboarder Christian Tio clinched a silver medal on Sunday, sharing the spot with Algeria, Ireland, Saint Lucia, Chinese Taipei, United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong. ``For me, this is a huge success for Team Philippines. We almost had two medals here,’’ said PH chief of mission Jonne Go.

IN BRIEF Silk Road summit bucks protectionism ZHANGJIAJIE, China—The 2018 Silk Road Business Summit unfolded with the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce calling for cooperation on world trade issues. SRCIC chairman Lu Jianzhong said in his speech the chamber is opposed to the zero-sub mentality that had become quite a norm in a competitive global economy. “We need to pursue peaceful cooperation, mutual cooperation, beneﬁcial development. We need to carry forward this entrepreneurship and pursue this international cooperation platform of BRI to integrate the pursuit of happiness of all people around the world so that we can conduct a pragmatic cooperation and pursue win-win result,” he said. The Philippines is a member of the SRCIC through the Philippine Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce. Another is the issue of economic hegemony and trade bullying when global economic governance should be the involvement of all countries, Jianzhong noted. He said the group should oppose unilateralism and trade protectionism, adding global interconnection was the guarantee for trade development. Othel V. Campos

Business

DoubleDragon ties up with MyHealth Clinics DOUBLEDRAGON Properties Corp. signed a strategic partnership with MyHealth to roll out multi-specialty medical clinics in CityMalls. The company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange DoubleDragon’s community mall chain CityMalls under the partnership agreement would house MyHealth Clinics across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, The ﬁrst batch of clinics will be built during the next 12 months in 12 CityMall locations across the country. CityMall is a 66:34 joint venture partnership between DoubleDragon and SM Investments Corp. MyHealth Clinic is one of the country’s largest network of full-service ambulatory clinics offering extensive and comprehensive outpatient healthcare products and services. “With the addition of state-of-the-art medical and dental clinics in CityMalls, we will now have the best modern retail brands, the strongest fast-food brands, the leading entertainment cinemas and the foremost medical clinic provider all in one roof,” said DoubleDragon chairman Edgar Sia II. Jenniffer B. Austria

ABS-CBN Corp. said Tuesday it will discontinue its mobile phone services by the end of November after ending a ﬁve-year mobile network services agreement with Globe Telecom Inc. The entertainment multimedia company, controlled by the Lopez Group, said all ABS-CBN mobile prepaid, postpaid and SkyMobi subscribers would enjoy text, call, and data services only until Nov. 30. “ABS-CBN Convergence expresses its gratitude to its loyal subscribers and will provide them with updates on their plans and subscriptions,” ABS-CBN said. The company said while the mobile network sharing was about to end, ABSCBN and Globe continued to bank on competencies and focus on new syn-

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi (seated, center) along with Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade (seated, left) and Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año (seated, right) display the signed memorandum of agreement, marking the donation of 200 energy efficient electric tricycles to Boracay Island. Witnessing the signing ceremony are Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force members (from left) Environment Undersecretary Sherwin Rigor, Energy Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III, Tourism Assistant Secretary Mark Richmund de Leon, Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. and Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores.

Govt reduces economic growth target for 2018 T By Julito G. Rada

HE interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee on Tuesday lowered the 2018 gross domestic product growth target to a range of 6.5 percent to 6.9 percent from the previous estimate of 7 percent to 8 percent, amid the global economic challenges, high oil prices and faster inﬂation rate.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in a news brieﬁng after the DBCC meeting at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that the 2019 GDP growth target of

percent 7 to 8 percent was untouched. The DBCC is composed of the secretaries of the departments of Finance, Budget, National Economic and Development Authority and Bangko Sentral. The economy grew 6.3 percent in the first half, below the original target range of 7 percent to 8 percent, pulled down by sluggish agricultural output, faster inflation, trade imbalance and the closure of the resort island of Boracay and some mining companies. Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the government remained optimistic on the growth prospects for the economy. “We remain optimistic but with temper optimism and prudence. Maybe we can still achieve 6.9 percent growth this year with lots of prayers,” Pernia, who is also the director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority, said. “We grew by 6.3 percent in the first six months… we still have another six

ergies to serve their customers better, such as the promotional bundling of ABS-CBN TVplus boxes with Globe At Home prepaid WiFi and making ABSCBN TVplus’ KBO (Kapamilya Box Office) and iWantv over-the- top services available to all Globe subscribers. The company said all ABS-CBN mobile and SKYmobi promo offers would no longer be offered to subscribers effective Oct. 25, 2018. ABS-CBN said earlier it terminated its network sharing agreement with Globe because of the venture’s “financially unsustainable” mobile business model. ABS-CBN Convergence teamed up with Globe in 2013 for a five-year network sharing agreement to deliver content and telecommunications services on mobile devices through its ABS-

CBN mobile brand. Under the agreement signed in May 2013, Globe would provide the capacity and coverage on existing cellular mobile telephony network to ABS-CBN Convergence Inc. on a nationwide basis. The parties also shared assets such as servers, towers and switches. The network sharing agreement was scheduled to expire this year. ABS-CBN reported a net income of P741 million in January to June, down from P1.25 billion in the same period last year. The company generated consolidated revenues of P18.9 billion from advertising and consumer sales, down by 2.1 percent year-on-year. Advertising revenues dropped 3.1 percent to P9.57 billion from last year’s P9.87 billion because of fewer advertising placements in the ﬁrst half.

months’ balance to attain that,” Pernia said. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said “we are living in a different world now”, as he cited the heating trade war between the US and China, increasing oil prices and the expected continuous policy normalization in the US. “I think our latest estimates reﬂect these things,” Dominguez said. “We are conﬁdent the Philippine economy will weather these storms but we can’t be complacent. We are taking deliberate actions to address the issues we are facing,” he said. Dominguez said despite the external and domestic headwinds, the economy was fortunate because it remained resilient enough, with strong banking sector and enough foreign reserves. The DBCC also adjusted the peso exchange rate assumption this year to a range of 52.50 to 53 per US dollar from 50 to 53 per greenback earlier.

Under level 0, the price of jet fuel is P21 per liter and below; level 1, more than P21 to less than P24 per liter; level 3, P27 to less than P33; level 5, P33 to less than P36; level 6, P35 to less than P39; and level 7, P39 to less than P42. “Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge for the same period must ﬁle their application with this ofﬁce on or before the beginning of the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the stated level,” the aviation regulator said. The CAB said airline fuel surcharge is an optional fee, imposed and collected by airlines to recover fuel costs and stem losses caused by an upward spike in fuel cost. The agency said fuel surcharge is not a part of the basic airfare and may be reduced or removed depending on the price of jet fuel in the market, in accordance with prevailing international practice. Darwin G. Amojelar

The Energy Department donated 200 electric tricycles to residents of Boracay to support the tourism development in the country’s top resort island following its six-month rehabilitation. The agency signed a memorandum of agreement with the Transportation Department and local government unit of Malay town in Aklan for the donation of 200 energy-efficient e-trikes. “The e-trikes is our contribution to Boracay as we embark on a more sustainable tourism development for the island,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said in a statement Monday. “We have partnered with DOTr and the Malay, Aklan LGU in order to improve the public transport system for the tourists and most specially for the Boracaynons as a form of livelihood,” Cusi said. The DoE e-trike project, through the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force, aims to provide a more sustainable and efficient mode of transportation for the public and offer livelihood opportunities through alternative transport system. One of the major beneficiaries of the e-trike project is the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. A total of 10 e-trikes will be given to Bato, which were intended for their livelihood. The Interior and Local Government Department and the DOTr will assist the DoE in the shipment of the e-trike units to Malay, Aklan. Cusi said electric vehicles would reduce the vulnerability of the country on the volatility of international oil price movements and other economic impacts. “We have to offer a new perspective for the Boracay transport system through alternative energy technologies. The e-trikes is a concrete example of this and the government’s promise of building back Boracay better,” he said. The government’s e-trike project is funded by a loan from the Asian Development Bank amounting to P1.73 billion for the Market Transformation Through the Introduction of Energy Efficient Vehicles (E-trike) Project which was extended until May 2019.

ING expects Bangko Sentral to raise interest rate to 4.75% ING Bank Manila said Tuesday it expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to increase the benchmark interest rate again before the end of the year. “With inflation showing some signs of tapering off and if it has indeed peaked, this lowers the probability that the BSP will need to enact another round of rate hikes at its next meeting although we continue to price-in a 25-bp [basis point] rate hike in 2018,” ING Bank said in a report. The Dutch bank said the timing of the rate hike, which would be carried out to anchor inflation expectations going into 2019, would likely rest on the October inflation print and on whether further petitions for wage hikes or transport adjustments would be granted. The Monetary Board, the policymaking body of Bangko Sentral, already

raised the overnight borrowing rate by a total of 150 basis points since May 2018 in a bid to temper the rising prices. Inflation in September climbed to 6.7 percent from 6.4 percent in August. The Monetary Board also raised the inflation forecast for 2018 to 5.2 percent from an earlier estimate of 4.9 percent. The forecast for 2019 was raised to 4.3 percent from 3.7 percent, while the forecast for 2020 was retained at 3.2 percent. The Bangko Sentral maintained its hawkish bias for now, with Deputy Governor Guinigundo, as officer-in-charge, indicating that non-monetary measures had begun to take root but also vowed to “remain vigilant with a strong tightening bias until such time that inflation could be sustained within target.” Julito G. Rada

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Airlines allowed to collect higher surcharge THE Civil Aeronautics Board allowed airlines to collect up to P411 for domestic flights and P5,189 for international flights to recover from high jet fuel prices. The regulator said the price of fuel surcharge reached “level 4” for the month of November and December this year, based on jet fuel prices and foreign exchange rate in the previous months. “For August to September this year, the price of jet fuel averaged to $90.51 per barrel, with the US dollar exchange rate of P53.61 for the same period. This is equivalent to P30.52 per liter, which corresponds to level 4 in the passenger fuel surcharge matrix for domestic and international flights,” the CAB said. Under level 4, the fuel surcharge for passengers of one-way domestic flights would range between P108 and P411, while those flying overseas would be charged P543 to P5,189.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Globe, ABS-CBN to terminate mobile partnership in November By Darwin G. Amojelar

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

DoE donates 200 e-trikes to Boracay

Rio Norte, Isabela okay hydro project RIO Norte Hydro Corp. signed an agreement with Isabela province and the municipality of Echague to develop a 19.7-megawatt run-of-river hydropower project in Barangay San Miguel, Echague along the Ilaguen River. Rio Norte is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Citicore Power Inc., one of the leading renewable energy companies in the country. Citicore has a total capacity of 163 megawatts from eight solar farms in Bataan, Bulacan, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Pampanga and South Cotabato provinces. Rio Norte vice president for legal and government affairs Clarence Jandoc said run-of-river power was considered one of the most environment-friendly energy methods available as it harnesses the natural flow of water to generate electricity. Jandoc said hydro plants “produces nearly no greenhouse emissions” and that Rio Norte’s project was expected to supply 85 million kilowatts of energy a year to the cities of Cauayan and Santiago and the municipalities of Alicia, Angadanan, Cabatuan, Cordon, Echague, Jones, Luna, Ramon, Reina Mercedes, San Agustin, San Guillermo, San Isidro and San Mateo. Alena Mae S. Flores

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

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

TAIWAN EXHIBITORS.

Taiwan Excellence, an organization that reviews and recognizes all Taiwanese products and grants awards to products that are found to be exceptionally superior, is all set to take part in Philconstruct Expo at the SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center in Pasay City on Nov. 8 to 11, 2018. Twentyone forward-thinking Taiwanese brand innovators in the construction industry will represent Taiwan Excellence during Philconstruct. Taiwan Excellence will also be hosting a seminar discussing the strengths and benefits of their featured brands on Nov. 8 at Meeting Rooms 5 and 6 of the SMX Convention Center.

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

54.1300

Japan

Yen

0.008948

0.4844

Pound

1.315500

71.2080

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127637

6.9090

Switzerland

Franc

1.013377

54.8541

Canada

Dollar

0.769823

41.6705

Singapore

Dollar

0.726480

39.3244

Australia

Dollar

0.713000

38.5947

Bahrain

Dinar

2.654069

143.6648

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266489

14.4250

Brunei

Dollar

0.723851

39.1821

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000066

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030544

1.6533

UAE

Dirham

0.272294

14.7393

Euro

1.158100

62.6880

Korea

Won

0.000884

0.0479

China

Yuan

0.144540

7.8240

India

Rupee

0.013557

0.7338

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240732

13.0308

New Zealand

Dollar

0.654900

35.4497

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032381

1.7528

Source: PDS Bridge

Business

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks climb on bargain-hunting T HE stock market rose Tuesday on bargainhunting, with many investors still cautious and monitoring developments overseas and the choppy trading in Wall Street.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 60.51 points, or 0.9 percent, 6,987.02 on a value turnover of P4.7 billion. Gainers beat losers, 100 to 83, with 51 issues unchanged. Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of ofﬁce spaces, rallied 5 percent to P4.41, while Universal Robina Corp., the largest snack food maker, advanced 3.9 percent to P137.50. Major property developer Ayala land Inc. climbed 2.6 percent to P40.20, while Security Bank Corp.,

the sixth-biggest lender, added 2 percent to P146. The rest of Asian and European shares struggled for clear direction Tuesday following another volatile session on Wall Street, as cautious traders faced a slew of potential headwinds buffeting the global economy. While Japanese stocks powered higher as investors snapped up bargains following steep losses the day before, other markets in Asia drifted lower as a waitand-see mood prevailed. And European equities were also taking a breather after last week’s extreme volatility, with London, Paris and Frankfurt not straying too far from Monday’s closing levels. Tokyo was the star performer, with the benchmark Nikkei-225 up 1.25 percent on what traders called a “technical rebound” after a sharp fall on Monday. Shares in China, South Korea and Hong Kong were lower, with the Chinese benchmark Shanghai Composite,

which has suffered more than most markets in the recent rout, losing almost one percent in late Asian trade. Traders in China were unsettled by inflation data, which rose for the fourth straight month, hitting the highest level since February, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. “Investors are worried that slow economic growth and higher commodity prices could lead to stagflation,” said Shen Zhengyang, an analyst with Northeast Securities. Global markets have been rocked in recent days by fears over spiking oil prices, rising US long-term interest rates and an attack by US President Donald Trump on his own central bank and its policies. Investors have now entered a “stalemate period to rethink the plethora of looming market uncertainties, ambiguities and flat out worries”, said Stephen Innes from OANDA trading. “But this relative calm belies the

building storm clouds on the horizon.” After a see-saw session on Wall Street, the Dow Jones closed down 0.4 percent and the broader S&P 500 was down just more—at 0.6 percent. In commodities trading, the oil price continued to climb amid ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Saudi Arabia, with accusations that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in the Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul. Trump sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to ﬁnd out “ﬁrst-hand what happened, what they know, what’s going on.” The oil price fell back in early European trading. Margaret Yang Yan, market analyst at CMC Markets Singapore said: “Against the backdrop of the softening dollar and rising political tensions between the US and Saudi due to the disappearance of (Khashoggi), crude oil prices stopped bleeding and started to rebound.” With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.4 45,520 81 524,040 2.3 83,000 112 2,086,750 1.43 1,000 28.6 316,900 15.8 1,000 11.52 488,100 4.19 5,000 7.81 18,900 1.62 1,000 829.5 170 65.6 1,258,330 0.83 520,000 20 1,900 40.15 78,000 185 390 74.5 280 28 40,600 146 724,610 1,825 45 65.9 18,810

2,688,315.50 42,413,604 191,480 232,672,556 1,430 9,105,520 15,760 5,654,628 20,780 139,835 1,620 135,545 82,444,584 440,940 37,964 3,147,030 72,170 20,940 1,139,345 105,436,730 82,125 1,239,277

2,071,179.50 3,274,698.50 3,116,791 371,375 -4,484,822 8,295 -19,367,083 -8,300 -2,996,430 -53,660 3,750 -616,070 -36,140,419 -1,222,143

33.6 18.02 0.9 1.26 0.21 2.08 13.1 35 16.8 35.9 1.65 6.61 10.5 15 7.75 6.99 7.09 1.53 15.22 63.3 25.95 5.99 11.6 1.69 248 55 4.8 3.07 25.4 10.8 16.2 347 0.179 5.55 1.61 4.01 8.25 4.25 8.95 0.95 10.34 51.5 5.61 4.8 2.22 2.81 1.48 11 84.5 5.19 0.122 0.88 132.3 1.71 2.27

INDUSTRIAL 34.5 540,300 18.22 1,615,800 0.92 2,574,000 1.3 227,000 0.214 150,000 2.13 5,450,000 13.1 2,010,000 36 620,100 17.62 1,500 35.9 100 1.65 35,000 7.06 2,200 10.54 10,735,100 15 13,700 7.95 528,400 7 195,600 7.11 489,900 1.53 5,000 15.22 804,700 63.3 8,940 25.95 200 6 34,500 11.6 134,900 1.7 709,000 254.2 864,680 55 200 4.8 6,000 3.38 5,000 25.7 1,253,200 10.82 162,600 16.2 7,625,800 359 169,960 0.18 1,030,000 6.2 4,300 1.61 1,478,000 4.01 23,000 8.28 390,300 4.48 6,000 8.97 45,900 0.96 159,000 10.82 22,000 51.5 353,940 5.61 1,000 4.89 7,000 2.32 417,000 2.81 32,000 1.5 44,000 11.1 20,000 85 2,213,330 5.19 241,200 0.122 70,000 0.93 145,000 137.5 570,070 1.71 902,000 2.6 52,567,000

18,424,500 29,366,068 8 2,339,370 292,700 32,280 11,577,740 26,912,700 22,216,160 26,172 3,590 57,750 14,587 113,219,604 205,530 4,187,425 1,369,216 3,483,604 7,650 12,514,676 566,524 5,190 206,909 1,574,432 1,204,520 218,098,116 11,595 28,800 15,660 32,106,240 1,771,680 127,091,960 60,019,638 184,530 24,095 2,472,390 92,250 3,243,325 26,160 411,705 153,020 233,156 18,366,468.50 5,610 34,140 966,010 90,380 66,030 221,018 189,379,761.5 ( 1,255,285 8,540 132,730 78,070,395 1,550,780 127,712,930

1,561,965 ,334,029.9997 34,070 -2,338,370 21,649,872 -133,650 -13,881 523,174 2,002,481 -450,788 442,270 -1,051,382 -305,897 159,936 -903,000 -11,856,646 481,755 -566,142 -1,365,974 24,085,284 100,340 -2,435,090 -1,577,016 -9,324,419 4,800 -47,888 79,176,818.5) 27,040 -846,275 1,710 -1,534,330

0.42 45.1 11.48 0.8 6.13 25.25 1.17 1.17 886 6.02 11.68 7.17 705 45.85 0.52 4.31 13.02 0.51 4.82 0.036 1.17 2.3 163.3 841 0.76 1.37 274 0.235 0.181

HOLDING FIRMS 0.425 5,150,000 45.65 2,488,500 11.68 5,334,200 0.8 10,000 6.14 22,200 25.5 25,500 1.18 6,123,000 1.19 3,140,000 900.5 189,040 6.09 1,956,400 12 2,948,600 7.17 599,300 711 73,420 47 1,909,800 0.55 54,000 4.32 82,000 13.2 4,975,100 0.52 304,000 4.84 9,944,000 0.038 21,100,000 1.17 66,000 2.34 84,000 163.3 87,050 850 320,190 0.76 41,000 1.37 33,000 277.8 1,190 0.248 2,610,000 0.2 130,000

2,229,750 113,758,445 61,871,488(39 8,000 136,243 654,735 7,304,350 3,718,770 168,931,035 11,850,520 35,114,718 4,302,764 52,190,595 88,472,815 29,110 356,060 65,470,398 158,750 48,131,860 763,100 77,300 193,510 14,351,436 271,055,745 31,510 45,460 330,310 632,440 24,730

-3,327,125 ,041,229.9996) 131,945 -7,785 779,980 32,044,600 -381,396 -3,993,256 -2,445,215 9,000,720 -212,130 17,439,146 -2,757,100 3,600.00 -115,000 -8,726,504 -8,141,345 119,000 -2,000

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

58.9 80.95 2.4 110.1 1.43 29 15.6 11.74 4.1 7 1.62 796 65.5 0.87 19.98 40.7 185.2 75 28.45 143.1 1,825 65.9

59.4 82 2.4 112.4 1.43 29 15.8 11.78 4.2 8.1 1.62 829.5 66.5 0.87 20 40.75 185.2 75 28.45 146.5 1,825 65.9

57.05 80.6 2.25 109.4 1.43 28.55 15.6 11.5 4.1 7 1.62 795 65 0.83 19.98 40.05 185 74.5 28 143.1 1,825 65.85

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

33.6 18.08 0.93 1.27 0.214 2.18 13.44 35.8 17.7 35.9 1.65 6.61 10.64 15 7.81 7 7.1 1.53 15.78 64.5 25.95 5.99 11.64 1.72 252 60.95 4.8 3.07 25.4 10.8 16.5 348 0.182 5.55 1.75 4.01 8.5 4.25 8.95 0.97 10.68 53.8 5.61 4.8 2.35 2.9 1.5 11.28 90.9 5.21 0.122 0.88 132.3 1.75 2.35

34.5 18.24 0.93 1.3 0.217 2.18 13.48 36 17.7 35.9 1.65 7.06 10.66 15.1 8.04 7.02 7.15 1.53 15.78 64.5 25.95 6 11.8 1.72 254.8 60.95 4.8 3.38 25.75 11.3 17 359 0.182 6.2 1.75 4.02 8.5 4.48 8.98 0.98 10.82 53.8 5.61 4.89 2.35 2.9 1.54 11.28 90.9 5.24 0.122 0.93 137.5 1.75 2.6

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

0.44 46 11.62 0.8 6.14 26.3 1.17 1.18 898 6.04 12 7.18 719 46 0.55 4.44 13.4 0.53 4.87 0.037 1.18 2.3 166 850.5 0.85 1.38 275 0.248 0.196

0.44 46.2 11.8 0.8 6.14 26.3 1.22 1.21 901 6.1 12.02 7.18 719 47 0.56 4.5 13.4 0.54 4.89 0.038 1.2 2.37 167 857.5 0.85 1.38 277.8 0.249 0.2

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

7.09 0.75 11.98 1.92 0.6 39.4 2.3 4.36 5.1 0.42 0.91 0.89 0.207 7.67 18.1 0.53 1.42 1.05 2.35 4.2 0.59 0.415 0.41 3.68 19.94

7.09 0.75 11.98 1.92 0.61 40.2 2.44 4.36 5.4 0.425 0.91 0.92 0.222 7.69 18.56 0.53 1.44 1.06 2.38 4.41 0.62 0.415 0.415 3.68 20.25

7.03 0.74 11.84 1.92 0.58 39.2 2.3 4.35 5.1 0.41 0.91 0.89 0.207 7.63 18.02 0.53 1.41 1.03 2.3 4.13 0.59 0.415 0.41 3.53 19.52

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

1.91 3.13 33.7 1.14 6.08 5.65

1.91 3.16 34 1.14 6.09 5.69

1.91 3.08 33.2 1.13 6 5.51

1.91 3.08 33.5 1.13 6.02 5.55

8,000 83,000 9,745,800 105,000 129,700 5,277,100

15,280 257,270 325,327,125 118,700 780,863 29,324,124

-9,480 -106,313,560 -24,265,774

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE ISLAND INFO ISM COMM LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY MELCO RESORTS METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS PHIL RACING PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

9.62 20.8 1.43 0.43 0.039 13.48 1.72 8.68 68.45 4.9 8.78 15.1 890 2,010 5.13 309.8 2.58 2 93.25 11.62 0.11 2.88 14.8 3.52 0.9 17.12 0.41 5.4 6.99 2.15 1.41 5.58 11 8.3 3.14 8.5 111 3.7 1,370 0.85 0.355 42.8 75.1 7.4 2.6 0.81 0.51 5.39 0.62 10.94

10 21.3 1.43 0.465 0.039 13.48 1.8 8.71 68.95 4.9 8.78 16 899 2,036 5.13 310 2.6 2 93.6 11.62 0.112 2.94 14.8 3.52 0.92 17.38 0.41 5.4 7 2.22 1.44 5.84 11 8.4 3.14 8.5 111 3.74 1,400 0.86 0.355 42.9 78.55 7.45 2.7 0.81 0.52 5.4 0.62 11

9.62 20.75 1.43 0.43 0.037 13 1.71 8.4 66 4.7 8.78 15.1 890 1,992 5.07 299.4 2.48 2 93.05 11.6 0.108 2.81 14.02 3.42 0.86 17 0.41 5.27 6.99 2.14 1.41 5.36 10.58 8.3 3.14 8.5 110 3.5 1,360 0.83 0.34 41 75.1 6.6 2.59 0.77 0.495 5.3 0.58 10.9

SERVICES 10 21.25 1.43 0.44 0.039 13.48 1.76 8.5 66 4.73 8.78 15.64 899 2,020 5.07 310 2.49 2 93.5 11.6 0.112 2.89 14.02 3.45 0.86 17.38 0.41 5.27 6.99 2.15 1.44 5.63 10.98 8.3 3.14 8.5 110 3.69 1,400 0.85 0.345 41 75.9 7.45 2.7 0.79 0.495 5.3 0.61 10.94

18,200 37,400 10,000 3,240,000 1,500,000 3,100 5,478,000 2,068,200 76,210 989,000 200 98,200 60 43,980 73,000 3,070 2,412,000 4,000 5,655,920 4,600 770,000 3,608,000 600 365,000 182,000 893,100 10,000 38,500 1,768,500 636,000 19,000 10,265,000 26,100 8,000 1,000 2,000 92,070 232,000 37,240 974,000 590,000 596,400 1,300,760 183,100 17,483,000 11,123,000 15,509,000 310,300 849,000 2,946,000

179,673 787,790 14,300 1,455,000 57,400 40,530 9,604,690 17,625,374 5,064,186 4,695,060 1,756 1,539,042 53,490 88,590,070 372,626 942,944 6,052,880 8,000 528,757,391.50 53,376 83,870 10,383,490 8,490 1,259,660 157,120 15,262,498 4,100 203,822 12,362,630 1,376,100 26,890 57,085,656 284,578 66,705 3,140 17,000 10,127,740 846,740 51,614,775 816,550 204,300 25,235,850 98,742,629 1,325,198 46,809,160 8,771,500 7,760,275 1,656,603 505,540 32,205,854

10,400 8,800 6,162,470 -3,077,353.50 119,614 19,424,655 -30,250 -4,754,910 -17,360 -3,392,188 -2,665,208 4,210 405,642 1,098 3,140 108,940 -154,775 64,290 1,578,760 -3,935,473.50 -118,190 458,070 -4,599,550 87,500 -105,307 1,379,164

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

0.0024 1.47 2.67 16 1.2 0.9 1.95 7.05 1.83 0.204 0.113 0.11 0.0072 1.28 4.46 1.06 0.62 1 0.013 0.013 3.62 3.2 15.34 26.75

0.0024 1.52 2.67 16.36 1.3 1.3 1.95 7.3 1.83 0.206 0.113 0.113 0.0075 1.3 4.48 1.08 0.62 1.04 0.013 0.013 3.71 3.22 16.06 26.75

0.0023 1.45 2.6 16 1.02 0.9 1.95 7.05 1.82 0.203 0.111 0.11 0.0072 1.28 4.4 1.06 0.61 1 0.013 0.013 3.62 3.2 15.2 25.7

MINING & OIL 0.0024 42,000,000 1.51 2,746,000 2.6 659,000 16 2,700 1.09 69,000 1.3 85,000 1.95 136,000 7.12 1,400 1.82 105,000 0.204 40,000 0.111 1,100,000 0.113 80,000 0.0074 11,000,000 1.3 160,000 4.4 1,028,000 1.07 15,000 0.62 250,000 1.04 517,000 0.013 7,100,000 0.013 2,400,000 3.71 48,000 3.2 609,000 16 2,212,000 26.1 672,400

100,300 4,089,950 1,743,900 43,236 87,440 105,340 265,200 9,978 191,170 8,170 123,300 8,830 80,900 207,670 4,540,100 15,950 154,780 523,580 92,300 31,200 176,320 1,955,090 34,912,734 17,596,920

-805,440 -1,173,800 -2,720 -7,280 -7,700 -5,160 -401,410 -1,080 -576,310 514,364 9,430,040

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A MWIDE PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

20.6 467 498 98 101 5 910.5 100.1 999 75.1 77 74.8 75 74.5 74.95 73.65

21.95 467 498 98.5 101 5 963.5 100.1 1,000 76 77 74.85 75.2 75 74.95 74.7

20 465 498 98 101 5 880 100.1 999 75.1 77 74.8 75 74.5 74.95 73.6

PREFERRED 21.75 118,400 465 5,320 498 190 98 15,150 101 5,190 5 33,000 963.5 2,660 100.1 10 1,000 500 76 820 77 7,270 74.8 18,200 75.2 7,430 75 1,000 74.95 500 74.7 14,800

2,454,680 2,474,000 94,620 1,484,705 524,190 165,000 2,344,760 1,001 499,565 61,717 559,790 1,361,722.50 557,284 74,750 37,475 1,094,585

332,775 0 -559,790 73,600

LR WARRANT

2.36

2.4

2.33

WARRANTS 2.4 209,000

496,610

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

4.82 2.3 2.02

5.2 2.3 2.03

4.65 2.3 1.9

5.12 2.3 1.92

976,000 4,000 787,000

4,871,090 9,200 1,529,650

-93,250 -102,090

FIRST METRO ETF

105.2

104.1

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 105 25,010

2,622,347

5,210

10,100 199,396

NAME

PROPERTY 7.09 0.75 11.84 1.92 0.6 40.2 2.3 4.35 5.35 0.42 0.91 0.89 0.222 7.66 18.46 0.53 1.42 1.03 2.31 4.41 0.6 0.415 0.41 3.65 20.25

101,400 468,000 300 70,000 674,000 7,399,000 210,000 238,000 7,400 1,660,000 100,000 7,000 210,000 233,100 470,900 1,000 8,188,000 127,000 6,757,000 20,581,000 14,426,000 60,000 370,000 438,000 2,744,000

714,950 350,040 3,580 134,400 401,020 295,174,645 491,750 1,035,800 38,280 684,500 91,000 6,320 43,620 1,785,904 8,648,852 530 11,683,690 132,010 15,724,930 88,315,890 8,694,290 24,900 152,000 1,568,130 55,110,422

-96,000 56,726,290 -345,730 870,320 -3,210 -166,000 -91,000 -2,289 139,640 -1,062,440 -4,120 48,840 17,895,680 -1,730 -73,800 14,120 -8,403,182

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10 9.9

10 10

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES 6,514,710

INDUSTRIAL

97,744,344

HOLDING FIRMS

69,946,753

PROPERTY

83,529,778

SERVICES

92,978,485

MINING & OIL

73,037,439

GRAND TOTAL

425,546,574

10 9.9

10 10

SME

DDS

1,010 20,000

VALUE 1,558.70 (up) 13.90 530,068,969.20 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,547.31 (up) 153.23 1,126,027,955.39 HOLDING FIRMS 6,742.34 (up) 8.25 1,012,703,305.09 PROPERTY 3,498.91 (up) 37.98 1,477.71 (up) 5.87 946,136,581.16 SERVICES MINING & OIL 8,888.05 (up) 91.40 1,054,262,013.19 PSEI 6,987.02 (up) 60.51 67,072,361.90 All Shares Index 4,289.71 (up) 13.13 4,745,318,750.68 Gainers: 100; Losers: 83; Unchanged: 51; Total: 234

Megaworld building 4th Belmont Hotel in Iloilo City By Jenniffer B. Austria MEGAWORLD Corp. will build its fourth Belmont Hotel in the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park township in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 12-story Belmonte Hotel would have 405 rooms composed of a mix of twin, queen, junior, executive and specially-abled suites for persons with disabilities. “We have seen the huge potential of Iloilo as a tourism destination. With the Iloilo Convention Center as a main facility for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE), there is no doubt that Iloilo City needs another world-class hotel. And we are bringing another Megaworld homegrown hotel brand, which has gained popularity among business travelers since Belmont Hotel Manila opened in 2015,” Megawworld Iloilo vice president for sales and marketing Jennifer Palmares-Fong said. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2023. Belmonte Hotel Iloilo, the third hotel to be rise within the township development, will be located along the the 1.1-kilometer long Festive Walk Parade, just walking distance to the iconic Iloilo Convention Center and the Festive Walk Mall. It will have its own swimming pool with in-pool lounge, landscaped deck with pool bar and outdoor lounge, fitness center with sauna, function room and an all-day dining restaurant. Megaworld opened its third Richmonde Hotel in 2014 in the Iloilo Business Park, while sister company Travelers International Hotels Group Inc., owner and operator of Resorts World Manila, launched the Courtyard by Marriott early this year. Citing data from Iloilo City Tourism Office, Megaworld said tourist arrivals in the city had remarkably increased during the past five years. Around 1.08 million local and foreign tourists visited Iloilo City in 2017. Most foreign visitors came from South Korea, US, Canada, Mexico and Australia. Tourism receipts, meanwhile, reached P19.8 billion in 2017 as registration for tourism-related establishments such as hotels rose by 55 percent to 1,605 last year from 2013. “Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park itself is a tourist destination. Visitors come to the township to visit the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art, shop and dine in Festive Walk Mall, chill in Festive Walk Parade, attend events in the Iloilo Convention Center, or stay in our world-class hotels. We expect more tourists to come to our township as more establishments and attractions open in the coming months,”

PSBank OKs stock rights offer to raise P8b in fresh capital By Julito G. Rada PHILIPPINE Savings Bank, the consumer banking arm of the Metrobank Group, plans to raise P8 billion in fresh capital through a stock rights offering early next year to support growth. PSBank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday its board approved the planned stock rights issuance in a meeting held Oct. 15, 2018. PSBank said the issuance would involve a maximum of 184,749,509 common shares equivalent to the remaining unissued shares from its authorized capital stock “or approximately P8 billion in fresh capital.” “Timing and size of the transaction are subject to other details such as the offer price and are subject to receipt of regulatory approvals as well as market and other conditions,” PSBank said. The target issuance dates is in the first quarter of 2019. “This stock rights issuance is aimed in supporting the expected growth of the bank,” it said. The board also cleared First Metro Investment Corp. as issue manager and underwriter, Picazo Buyco Tan Fider and Santos Law Offices as legal counsel, and Metrobank Trust Banking Group as stock transfer agent. PSBank’s net income in the first six months of 2018 rose 14.7 percent to P1.35 billion from P1.18 billion year-on-year on the sustained strength of core businesses. The bank credited the robust revenues driven by net interest income and service fees to the strong performance. Net interest income improved to P5.85 billion, up 8.8 percent from P5.38 billion a year earlier. PSBank’s total loan portfolio in the first half of the year showed a double-digit growth of 10.7 percent to P151.62 billion from P137.01 billion in 2017.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

World

Standard

TODAY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

4. 5.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT FIRST JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 57 SAN CARLOS CITY, PANGASINAN 6.

ARLENE PERRERAS FLORES, Plaintiff, -versus-

CIVIL CASE NO. SCC-4441

LAWRENCE BARREDO FLORES, Defendant, x-------------------------------------------x ORDER

Arlene Perreras Flores prays that her marriage with the defendant Lawrence Barredo Flores be declared null and void ab initio. It appears that the parties got married on September 19, 2006 (Annex B) but are now separated for 7 years. They begot one (1) child now aged 11. (Annex C).

WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY. Egyptian

president Abdel Fattah elSisi attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexandrovsky Garden, near the Kremlin wall in Moscow, on October 16, 2018. AFP

Pompeo in Saudi for crisis talks on missing journalist R IYADH―Top US diplomat Mike Pompeo was in Saudi Arabia for urgent talks with King Salman Tuesday seeking answers on the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, amid US media reports the kingdom may be mulling an admission he died during a botched interrogation.

in Istanbul on October 2 to sort out marriage paperwork, US President Donald Trump said after telephone talks with the king. Trump dispatched Pompeo to Riyadh for what the State Department described as “face to face meetings with the Saudi leadership”. Turkish police on Monday searched the consulate for the ﬁrst time since Khashoggi, a Saudi national and US resident who became increasingly critical of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, went missing. Turkish ofﬁcials have said they believe he was killed―a claim Saudi Arabia has denied―with the controversy dealing a huge blow to the kingdom’s image and efforts by “Rogue killers” could be to blame for the its youthful crown prince to showcase a redisappearance of Khashoggi, who has not been form drive. seen since he walked into the Saudi consulate But US media reported on Monday that

IN BRIEF Cost of food spikes in China BEIJING―A spike in the price of fruit and vegetables pushed up China’s inflation rate in September, official figures showed Tuesday. For the fourth straight month, the consumer price index―an important barometer of retail inflation―rose, hitting its highest level since February, at 2.5 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics said. Extreme typhoon weather lashed southern China last month, bringing strong winds and heavy rain, and badly affecting agricultural production, it added. The world’s biggest pork producer is also scrambling to contain an outbreak of African swine fever that has spread through pig farms, with pork prices rising significantly from August. Adding to the strain on consumers, the cost of diesel and gas jumped more than 20 percent on last year. AFP

Rembrandt masterpiece to be restored AMSTERDAM―Amsterdam’s famous Rijksmuseum is to restore the Rembrandt masterpiece “The Night Watch” under the full gaze of the public, as well as live streaming it online, the museum said on Tuesday. The unique project starting in July 2019 will let art lovers see behind the normally secretive process as one of the world’s best loved paintings is brought back to its full glory. The multi-million-euro restoration starting in July 2019 will be open to the two million people a year who come to the gallery in the capital of the Netherlands to see the Dutch master’s 1642 tableau. But the painstaking work on the

piece, which hangs in the gallery ing with a knife. of honor in the museum, will also Since then experts have noticed be carried online so people around a white haze appear on parts of the world can see it being restored “The Night Watch”, especially in inch by inch. the area around the knife damage, “The Night Watch by Rem- where it is bleaching out the figure brandt is one of the most famous of a small dog. paintings in the world and we feel Rembrandt Van Rijn was comwe have to preserve it for future missioned in 1642 by the mayor generations,” Rijksmuseum Gen- and leader of the civic guard of eral Director Taco Dibbits told Amsterdam, Frans Banninck AFP. Cocq, to paint the picture of the REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES “Over two million people a year TRIAL officers and other members of the REGIONAL COURT REGION come to see The NightFIRST Watch,JUDICIAL it’s militia heading out on The Night BRANCH 57 a painting that everybody loves, Watch. SAN CARLOS CITY, PANGASINAN and we feel that the world has the Dibbits said it was special beright to see what we will do with cause it is the first painting of its it.”ARLENE PERRERAS FLORES, kind to show such a group in moPlaintiff, The last restoration work was tion, rather than in static poses, carried out 40 years ago after a and that the restoration would -versusCIVIL CASE NO. SCC-4441 mentally ill man slashed the paint- show this to full effect. AFP LAWRENCE BARREDO FLORES, Defendant, x-------------------------------------------x ORDER

AT REST.

Believing that the defendant is suffering from psychic defect which is grave, incurable and existing even before the marriage that renders him incapacitated to comply with his essential obligations both as a husband and father, plaintiff invokes the provision of Article 36 of the Family Code in finding this case. Summons was issued against the defendant but attempt to serve the same failed (Return dated July 11, 2018). Thus, on motion, plaintiff was granted leave to cause the service by summons by publication (Order dated August 13, 2018). WHEREFORE, let this order be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines at the expense of the plaintiff. In addition thereto, let a copy hereof, including the complaint and annexes, be served by registered mail upon the defendant at his last known address, also at the expense of the plaintiff.

SO ORDERED. San Carlos City, Pangasinan, August 28, 2018

JAIME L. DOJILLO JR. Acting Presiding Judge

(MS-O

(MS-OCT. 10 & 17, 2018)

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street Manila 1004

InvItatIon to BId for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of Furniture/Fixtures/Workstations for the Department of Finance Offices, 8th Floor EDPC Building 1.

The DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, through the Government of the Philippines under the General Appropriations Act of 2018 intends to apply the sum of NINETEEN MILLION ONE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY- SEVEN PESOS AND 29/100 (P19,110,567.29) being the Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of Furniture/Fixtures/Workstations for the Department of Finance Offices, 8th Floor EDPC Building and Revenue Office Counter. Bids received in excess of the ABC for each lot shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The DOF now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of the Goods is required within Sixty days (60) days upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (Revised - IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders starting on October 17, 2018 up to November 7, 2018 at the BAC Secretariat Office, 7th Floor, EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. St. cor. Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila and upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of Twenty Thousand Pesos Only (P20,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Department of Finance will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on October 25, 2018 10:00 a.m. at the Central Administration Office Conference Room, 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Roxas Boulevard Manila which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received at the address below by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before November 7, 2018 at 9:45 a.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.. BAC Secretariat, Procurement Management Division 7th Floor, EDPC Building, Pablo Ocampo Sr. St. Cor. Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila

taken on

Bid opening shall be on November 7, 2018, 10:00 AM at CAO Conference Room, 7th Floor, EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. Schedule of Activities

It appears that the parties got married on September 19, 2006 October (Annex B) but are now separated for 7 years. They begot one 15, (1) 2018, child now aged 11. (Annex C). in Saint-

ACTIVITY

PhilbertPlaintiff claimed that during her cohabitation with defendants, she suffered untold pain and miseries due to her husband’s sur-Risle, abusive northern conduct, extreme anger, cruelty, disrespect and indifference. She, too, France, alleged that the defendant had abandoned them and he is now living shows a with his paramour with whom he sired a child. (Annex D & series).

SCHEDULE

1. Advertisement and Posting of Invitation to Bid

October 17, 2018

2. Availability of Bid Documents

October 17, 2018

3. Pre-bid Conference

Vanessa

Believing that the defendant is suffering from psychic defect which Atalanta is grave, incurable and existing even before the marriage thatbutterfl rendersy him incapacitated to comply with his essential obligations bothonasa a husband and father, plaintiff invokes the provision of Article 36 of the flower. Family Code in finding this case. Summons was issued against the defendant but attempt to serve the same failed (Return dated July 11, 2018). Thus, on motion, plaintiff was granted leave to cause the service by summons by publication (Order dated August 13, 2018).

October 28, 2018 (by email)

5. Issuance of Bid Bulletin

October 31, 2018

6. Submission and Receipt of Bids

‘A year of extremes’ for shrinking Swiss glaciers GENEVA―Despite an exceptionally snow-ﬁlled winter, Swiss glaciers have lost 2.5 percent of their volume this year, according to a report Tuesday that dubbed 2018 “a year of extremes”. This year’s record-breaking temperatures have greatly contributed to the loss of “a ﬁfth of [the glaciers’] volume over the past decade”, according to the annual study on the state of the glaciers, published by the Swiss

piles of snow that fell during the matched by soaring temperatures The defendant is directed to file his Answer within 30 days from 2017-18 winter season, the last publication of thisfollowOrder. and little to no precipitation after ing three consecutive years of March. little snow in the Alpine country. According to the Swiss OfSO ORDERED. Snow acts like a protective ﬁce of Meteorology, the period San Carlos City, Pangasinan, 28, 2018 covering that prevents glaciers August between June and August ranked from melting. among the hottest on record after “Up until the end of March, 2003 and 2015. there was still more than twice And the period from April JAIME L. DOJILLO JR.to as much snow as usual above an September wasPresiding “by far the hotActing Judge altitude of 6,560 feet,” the report test ever recorded” in Switzerauthors said. land, the report said. AFP (MS-OCT. 10 & 17, 2018)

7. Opening of Bids

October 25, 2018, 10:00 a.m. CAO Conference Room, 7th Floor EDPC Building BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street cor. Roxas Blvd, Manila

4. Clarification

AFP

WHEREFORE, let this order be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines at the expense of the plaintiff. In addition thereto, let a copy hereof, including the complaint and annexes, be served by registered of mail upon the defendant at But his last address, also at Academies Science. theknown exceptional snowthe of the the plaintiff. Andexpense this despite piles and fall at the start of the year was

The defendant is directed to file his Answer within 30 days from the last publication of this Order.

This Arlene Perreras Flores prays that her marriage with the defendant Lawrence Barredo Flores be declared null and void ab initio. picture

North Korea slams US sanctions push SEOUL―North Korea’s state media on Tuesday slammed the United States for an “evil” attempt to maintain sanctions against Pyongyang, accusing President Donald Trump of blocking progress in inter-Korean relations. The declaration threatens to upset the negotiations between Washington and the nuclear-armed North, in which Trump is expected to hold a second summit soon with Pyongyang’s leader Kim Jong Un. At their ﬁrst meeting in Singapore in June they signed a vaguely-worded pledge on denuclearization, but little progress has been made since then with the two sides sparring over the meaning of the text. Pyongyang has not made any explicit public promise to give up its existing arsenal but has repeatedly called for UN Security Council sanctions imposed over its weapons programs to be loosened, citing a freeze in its nuclear and missile tests. AFP

the kingdom is considering an admission that Khashoggi died after an interrogation that went wrong during an intended abduction. Until Monday, Riyadh had not allowed Turkish investigators to search the consulate―ofﬁcially Saudi territory―with reports both sides were at odds over the conditions. The investigators, who arrived in a motorcade of six cars late Monday, left the premises in the early hours of Tuesday after an an eight-hour search, an AFP correspondent reported. They took samples with them, including soil from the consulate garden that was loaded into vans, one ofﬁcial at the scene said. A Saudi delegation had entered the consulate one hour before the Turkish police arrived and appeared still to be inside as the search was conducted. AFP

Plaintiff claimed that during her cohabitation with defendants, she suffered untold pain and miseries due to her husband’s abusive conduct, extreme anger, cruelty, disrespect and indifference. She, too, alleged that the defendant had abandoned them and he is now living with his paramour with whom he sired a child. (Annex D & series).

November 7, 2018, 9:45 a.m. BAC Secretariat Procurement Management Division 7th Floor, EDPC Building BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street cor. Roxas Blvd. Malate Manila November 7, 2018, 10:00 a.m. CAO Conference Room, 7th Floor, EDPC Building BSP Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street cor. Roxas Blvd, Manila

The DOF reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its Revised IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: BAC SECRETARIAT Department of Finance 7th Floor EDPC Building, BSP Complex Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street cor. Roxas Boulevard Malate, Manila Telephone No. 526-4786 Email address: bac@dof.gov.ph (SGD) GIL. S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and BAC Chairperson

(MS-OCT. 17, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

By Maricel V. Cruz

LocaL government units

wednesday, october 17, 2018

LIBERALS LAPPED?

Cayetanos affirm bids for mayor, solon of Taguig

Reelectionist Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza laments the demise of the Liberal Party and the sad state of Manila’s political leadership at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel hosted by the Association of Philippine JournalistsSamahang Plaridel. Atienza said he is no longer running for mayor of Manila, opting for a third term in Congress instead.

By Joel E. Zurbano TaGuIG City Mayor Laarni Cayetano is running for the city’s second congressional district in the midterm elections next year, while her brother-in-law, film and television director Lino Edgardo Cayetano, is making a political comeback in a bid to replace her. Laarni, who is on her third consecutive and final term as mayor, filed her certificate of candidacy for congressman on Tuesday under the banner of the nacionalista Party. “We are happy to see that there will be continuity in our programs [through Lino],” said Mayor Cayetano. Lino Edgardo filed his CoC last Monday, accompanied by Lani, his wife—volleyball star Fille CaingletCayetano—and the entire 16-man team of candidates for councilors in the first and second districts. “It is so inspiring to see you follow your call to service,” Fille said of Lino in a social media post. The director is teaming up with incumbent Vice Mayor ricardo “ading” Cruz with a campaign slogan “Bida Tayo” (We Lead). They are running against the team of incumbent TaguigPateros rep. arnel Cerafica, who filed his CoC for mayor alongside eight city council candidates last Thursday. The young Cayetano said he wants to improve all the programs and projects initiated by his sister-in-law as city mayor. Laarni is the wife of outgoing Foreign affairs Secretary alan Peter Cayetano, who earlier said he is running for congressman of Taguig-Pateros and seeking a leadership role in the House of representatives if elected. alan Peter, the running mate of eventual President rodrigo Duterte in the May 2016 presidential elections, bid farewell to all DFa personnel last Monday. He will be replaced by Philippines ambassador to the united nations Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. The secretary said President Duterte agreed that it would be better if he serves as House Speaker to help the administration achieve its goals. “We had a heart-to-heart talk, and we both agreed that a role in Congress and a leadership position in Congress would be good in terms of pursuing that vision. With all humility, I will seek another term in my hometown, Taguig-Pateros, the district of Taguig and Pateros, and then let’s see where it goes from there,” he said. The other Cayetano, incumbent Taguig 2nd district rep. Pia Cayetano, hopes to return to the Senate via the midterm polls. She and her brother alan Peter both served the upper chamber during the 14th Congress. Their father, the late renato Luna Cayetano, also served as senator from 1998 to 2003. Taguig is described as a 1st class highly urbanized city located in the south-eastern portion of Metro Manila.

QC erects special anti-drug school for young ‘users’

Padaca runs for ‘vice’, backs Pol Dy in Isabela

By Abe Almirol

LaGan, Isabela—The persistent rumor that Grace Padaca would team up with a faction of Isabela’s biggest political clan was proven true Monday when she filed her candidacy for vice governor at the Commission on Elections office here. In a press conference Tuesday, Padaca —Isabela’s governor from 2004 to 2010 and Comelec commissioner until 2012— explained her decision to be the running mate of District 3 rep. napoleon “Pol” Dy, who already filed his candidacy as governor last Thursday (oct. 11). The Pol Dy-Padaca tandem is out to challenge the tandem of 1st District rep. rodito albano and incumbent Governor Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, who will slide down to vice governor to accommodate the lawmaker. a polio survivor, Padaca made her first foray into politics in 2001 against

Bojie Dy, losing to him for the House of representatives seat in the province’s third district. She contested the result but still lost by 48 votes, as most of the members of the House Electoral Tribunal refused to count ballots with “Grace” written on them in her favor. The Dys and albanos have dominated Isabela politics for more than 30 years. In a statement, Padaca detailed how a group fighting against alleged “corruption” in the provincial government convinced her to run. “If you can influence that branch of the [Dy] dynasty toward good govern-

ance, yes, why not? That’s using power for the good of the people,” she quoted a supporter whom she consulted. In Pampanga, like Padaca, Governor Lilia Pineda is sliding down – but practically swapping seats with her son, Vice Governor Dennis, as they both filed their certificates of candidacy on Friday. The Pinedas, of the local political party Kambilan, are running unopposed in the midterm elections. This was after 4th District rep. rimpy Bondoc, who was touted to run for governor against the younger Pineda, decided to run for congressman instead, likewise unopposed. nicknamed “Delta,” Pineda said he will focus on the basic services such as health, education, food security, environment protection and disaster resilient province. Pampanga folk can easily access his office just like his mother did, he added. With Romeo Dizon

DOH-Calabarzon shows gratitude to Laguna seniors By Macon Ramos-Araneta

Most of the 700 technical-vocational scholars of SM Foundation wave their arms and brave the morning heat as they gathered outside the Center Stage cinema of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Saturday.

SM Foundation holds general assembly of 700 tech-voc scholars THE pricking early morning heat last Saturday was not enough to dampen the resolve of some 700 technical-vocational (techvoc) scholars of the SM Foundation to attend the general assembly arranged for them by the Foundation at the Center Stage cinema of the Mall of asia. They came from all over the country and from the different participating schools

In a bid to educate the youth on the impact of illegal drug use and addiction, the Quezon City council led by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte has announced plans to put up a Quezon City Special anti-Illegal Drug Education Center to serve as the primary educational institution in the city for drug abuse prevention. “What we want for all our children is for them to have a bright future. Through the right education, counseling, and values formation, we can help them have the strength to resist illegal drugs,” Belmonte said. Belmonte’s statement came as the Philippine Drug Enforcement agency Director-General aaron aquino said current methods to teach young people about illegal drugs are “inadequate and outdated.” “This is something we want to help with at the local government level,” Belmonte said. The first of its kind in the country, she said the youth-focused anti-drug education center will be responsible for the development of teaching modules and materials in coordination with the Department of Education and for the dissemination of these materials to elementary, secondary, and tertiary public and private schools. The center will also undertake upto-date information campaigns and other drug prevention activities for out-of-school youth, street children, and informal sectors, she added. Based on Quezon City’s drug code, the proposed focus areas of the education program will be concerned with adverse effects of the abuse and misuse of dangerous drugs, preventive measures against drug abuse, services available for intervention, treatment and rehabilitation, and misconceptions about the use of dangerous drugs. Belmonte cited that she had already put up several Special Drug Education Centers (SDECs) in the city to cater to street children and out-of-school youth. Each SDEC provides values formation education, skills training, and counseling services for youth atrisk and their families. But Belmonte stressed the need for a centralized office to coordinate the city’s education efforts to combat drug use and abuse. The Special anti-Illegal Drug Education Center will be under the supervision of the Quezon City anti-Drug abuse advisory Council, of which Belmonte is presently the chairperson.

in the 11-year-old techvoc program of SM Foundation; listened to the speeches of Jose Sio, chairman of SM Investment Corp and president of SM Foundation Inc. and Harley Sy, Executive Director of SMIC together with Debbie Pe-Sy, the Executive Director of SM Foundation. Before the program, they formed a giant human logo of SM as they danced

and sang to the official jingle of SM at the driveway area fronting Moa and the words thank you SM. Four of the scholars gave tearful testimonies of how the SM Foundation scholarship have saved them from hopelessness because of poverty and other obstacles and how the scholarship has greatly improved them in terms of skills and moral values—a vital

component of their techvoc curriculum. They were Faith Garcia of nasugbu, Batangas taking up hotel restaurant resorts services; anthony andales, also from Laguna taking up mechatronics from Dualtech, Leimahr de Leon of Sisters of Mary Boystown and a video testimony from Gaddie accedillo from Don Bosco TVET Center in Makati.

DA foots P20-m NV irrigation work By Ben Moses Ebreo

HELPING HANDS. 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero (second from left) joins fellow Rep. Eric Pineda (3rd) and 3rd nominee Marlon Bautista Revilla as they file their certificates of candidacy for the 2019 elections. ‘We want to continue help our fellow countrymen, specially the poor. We will always be here for them,’ said Rep. Romero. Lino Santos

BaMBanG, nueva Vizcaya—The Department of agriculture in Cagayan Valley recently turned over an irrigation project to boost agricultural production of farmers in this town. Engineer avelino Moreno of the Da regional office, Governor Carlos Padilla, Mayor Flaviano Balgos and former Governor ruth Padilla handed over the P20-million Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) to the West Dullao Farmers association Incorporated in barangay Dullao here. Padilla said the SWIP was requested to the Da in 2015 when he was still a

congressman of the province. Moreno said the SWIP will benefit more than 85 farmers of Dullao, including adjacent barangays of San antonio South and San antonio north. The SWIP can provide irrigation water to more than 100 hectares of farmland, he added. “This is one the department’s intervention to ensure rice sufficiency since most of the farmers in the area are relying on rain fed water to irrigate their farmlands,” Moreno added. officials of the Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic resources also said that the SWIP provides livelihood among the WDFaI members.

To unDErSCorE their contribution to society, the Department of Health-Calabarzon regional office recently held a medical and dental mission for the elderly at the Lumban auditorium in Laguna. Through this activity, DoH-Calabarzon regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said they want to express gratitude to seniors for their lifelong dedication and commitment in serving the society. “The fact that you now live longer today than ever is already considered a big success because this means you are in good health and can still serve as an important part of the community,” he said. “It does not mean that if we are already senior citizens, we should stop contributing to society. We can always find something meaningful to do, something passionate that you want to do like tutor children, volunteer, work for the community, etc.,” Janairo added. around 700 seniors aged 60 to more than 85 years old participated in the program. among the free health care services provided were pneumococcal immunization, preventive dentistry, blood testing (glucose, uric acid (ua), cholesterol), general health care assessment and provision of vitamin supplements and maintenance medicines. Seniors were also introduced to various traditional complementary and alternative modalities to monitor and assess their over-all health, such as the Live Blood analysis (LBa), Disease Prevention analyzer (DPa), Hypotential Therapy and Electric acupuncture machines which was employed in partnership with aHon (association of Health oriented neighbors). Janairo encouraged seniors to stay active. “Do anything to keep fit, something you enjoy that maintains strength, balance and flexibility and promotes cardiovascular health.

Life

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

fashion and beauty

wEdnESday, octoBEr 17, 2018

Filipina jewelry designer at New York Fashion Week R

eNoWNed Filipina jewelry designer, three-time Katha award winner, and 2016’s Best designer award recipient at the New York Now Winter show, ann ong continues to make her mark on the global stage with her first runway show at New York Fashion Week. ong’s showcase at the prestigious fashion event, held recently on Sept. 6-14, was extra special as she collaborated with her fashion designer son, John Paras, who created the clothes that complemented her jewelry and accessories. In her first runway show at NYFW, the self-taught jewelry designer featured her divas of Nature collection and the Geometric line collection inspired by the Louvre museum. Known for her elegant minaudierés and dramatic necklaces in natural shapes, ong captured the imagination of stylephiles and delighted the fashion elite with her intricately gilded pieces

Ann Ong’s geometric choker and poodle chic bag

that merge the organic with the opulent. the audience members were treated to her ornate neck pieces and earrings, beautifully crafted rings and bracelets, and standout minaudierés. the impressive and intricately designed creations ong presented at her NYFW show exhibited her keen eye for detail and proud Filipina roots as she used humble materials such as banig, bamboo, and even salvaged wood, juxtaposed with fine gold and precious stones. ann ong continues to shine in the international scene. earlier this year, she held a four-day exhibit at the New York Now at Javits Center.

Layered necklaces, gold miniaudiere, and geometric earrings.

Filipina jewelry designer Ann Ong walks the runway with her muse, Susan Krsysiewicz, at her first New York Fashion Week show.

Geometric choker from the Louvre-inspired collection and organic cuff from the Divas of Nature collection.

How to cop a flawless makeup look Conceal imperfections with The Body Shop’s 100 percent vegan, tea tree-enriched Matte Clay Concealer and Matte Clay Foundation.

Matte makeup products are often the best items to use to effectively conceal skin imperfections and achieve a flawless look. Hence, the Body Shop has launched a matte makeup range made to conceal skin imperfections throughout the day while letting the skin breathe. Conceal blemishes with the Body Shop’s 100 percent vegan Matte Clay Concealer, which leaves a breathable, yet full coverage matte finish. top it off with Matte Clay Foundation for a lasting flawless look, and finish it off with Matte Clay Powder for an even finish. the Matte Clay Concealer and Matte Clay Powder are both enriched with ghassoul clay and Community trade tea tree oil from Kenya. Both are ultra-lightweight and long-lasting. after concealing blemishes, illuminate the face and cop that sun-kissed glow using Shimmer Waves, also from the

Body Shop. these clever compacts can be used in a number of ways for gorgeous looks: swirl all the colors together for a shimmering blush or use the shades separately to highlight and contour cheekbones. For adding a little shimmer on eyes, pick a shade and sweep it all over the eyelids or dust the color on the inner corners of the eyes for a lovely glistening glow. Finally, finish off that flawless look with the moisturizing Color Crush Lipsticks. available in 15 new shades, these lipsticks can make a vividly vampy statement while keeping lips smooth and moisturized for up to four hours, thanks to sweet cherry seed oil, Community trade beeswax from Cameroon, and Community trade marula oil from Namibia. These makeup products are available at The Body Shop stores nationwide.

Color Crush lipstick keeps lips moisturized for up to four hours.

Enriched with Community Trade tea tree oil, Matte Clay Powder provides a high coverage matte finish for a clearer looking complexion.

The Shimmer Waves palette, available in three shades, can be used in different ways to achieve that perfect glow.

Life

wednesday, october 17, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Le défilé L’oréal paris features models from different backgrounds walking on a 60-meter customdesigned runway.

Heart evangelista

heart evangelista participates in celebrating beauty and fashion in paris.

spoTTed aT paris show

uring the recently concluded Paris Fashion Week, L’Oréal Paris made a bold statement for inclusivity and beauty for all ages and origins when it hosted a runway show on the river Seine.

heart evangelista spotted in paris to watch L’oreal paris’ show on the river seine.

A wide audience, including Heart Evangelista, watched Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris on the Seine’s riverbanks. Evangelista took part in celebrating beauty and fashion, where spokespersons and models from different backgrounds walked on a 60-meter runway, custom-designed to float on water. L’Oréal Paris global makeup artist Val garland and global hair artist Stéphane Lancien directed the beauty team in creating 70 hair and makeup looks. The 12 fashion designer partners, from Balmain, Poiret, Jacquemus to isabel Marant, Elie Saab, and many more, showed pieces from collections in stores now, each inspired by la Parisienne, with jewelry showcased in an exclusive partnership with renowned maison Chopard. Traffic along the Seine was halted for the show’s duration, bringing Paris’ symbolic heart to a temporary stop for a celebration of fashion and beauty creativity on which the city thrives.

Designed to bring fashion and beauty to an ever-wider audience from the heart of the French capital, Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris was also livestreamed to 30 countries. “Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris is our opportunity to share during Paris Fashion Week an extraordinary experience with everyone!” enthused L’Oréal Paris global brand president Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou. “We are delighted to invite thousands of members of the public to a celebration of every element of our brand’s DnA—Paris, beauty, creativity, fashion, and diversity—with the river Seine as our majestic backdrop. Our goal, as ever, is to lead the way in making fashion and beauty trends for all.” Prior to the show, the exclusive L’Oréal Paris x isabel Marant collaboration was launched internationally on Sept. 27. This limited makeup line brings the most influential French female designer’s inimitable Paris girlcool to accessible makeup.

Hollywood stars’ new ‘beauty staple’ A BEAuTy product is currently sweeping the Hollywood-land by storm, with many A-list stars seen carrying it around. This new beauty staple is brk, the ultrastylish cult-favorite glass water bottle. Since introducing itself as a beauty brand in 2011, bkr has been described as disruptive. Setting hydration as its prime focus, the brand dives deep and nips problems in the bud by crafting masterfully made bottles that will actually inspire individuals to drink eight glasses a day. The result is clearer, healthier complexion, on which skin care and makeup products can truly shine. Each bkr water bottle is made of recyclable, non-toxic materials sans nasty metallic taste in the mix. Despite the glass, it can be safely brought anywhere as it has silicone sleeves, which are fashion statements on their own.

Patterned after hot-right-now colors and runway trends, these sleeves not only keep the glass within them protected, but complement outfits and serve up a little color accent here and there. With a little something for everyone, bkr’s Core Collection features pared-back neutrals, dainty pastels, and punchy hues––all available in Basic and Spiked styles. Seamlessly stitching the worlds of wellness, beauty, and style together, bkr has amassed a loyal following among young adults, fashion folk, and even celebrities. This cultfavorite glass water bottle has been spotted in the hands of Alessandra Ambrosio, Charlize Theron, Dakota Fanning, gisele Bündchen, Kristen Bell, Miley Cyrus, and Zoe Saldana, among many others.

Propose with the perfect ring THE engagement ring symbolizes true commitment. it is a message of love and devotion to that one person, made known to the world. undoubtedly a substantial purchase, it is important to make the right choice when selecting an engagement ring. My Diamond, known as one of the country’s top trusted jewellers, offers helpful tips in choosing the perfect ring.

Set a budget

Deciding on a budget early can allow an individual to fully explore all their options when it comes to the center stone’s characteristics and ring design. Prior to going through all the choices, it’s important to determine first the maximum amount one is willing to spend on an engagement ring.

Know your soon-to-be fiancée’s style

Consider her personality and taste in jewelry. What suits her best: classic, simple, or a more intricate engagement ring?

Get the right fit

no one wants to ruin a propos-

al with a ring that does not fit. Know her ring finger size. How to do it without blowing the surprise? Borrow one of her older rings through a family member or friend.

Take note of the 4Cs

The cut, carat, clarity, and color refer to the sparkle, weight, imperfections, and shade of the diamond or stone in the ring. When a diamond has greater brilliance, it weighs more, has less visible flaws, and lacks color— the more value it holds. Striking a balance between these characteristics can help a person get the best diamond for the engagement ring. My Diamond offers engagement rings delicately made by internationally trained craftsmen using diamonds of top-tier cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. MyDiamond concept stores are at Ayala Center Cebu, Festival Supermall, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Lanang Premier Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM Aura Premier.

Skin clinic celebrates anniversary with discounts

bkr is now available at Beauty Bar, Rustan’s, and BeautyMNL.

Jamie Chung

Gisele Bündchen

Take note of the 4Cs—cut, carat, clarity, and color when buying a diamond engagement ring.

dakota Fanning

TWEnTy-TWO years since its launch, facility, that is gMP-certified (good Diana Stalder continues to deliver its Manufacturing Practice), and complipromise of unveiling the better version ant to the Asean Harmonization for of its clients. Cosmetic regulations standards. it From its core also distributes philosophy the same prodof providing ucts to internatrusted and aftional markets, fordable skin which includes care brand to the uSA, the Filipinos, DiuK, Europe, ana Stalder has and Asia. t ransfor med Diana Stinto a one-stop alder’s café, clinic, which on the other combines face, hand, serves body, and nuas a health and t r it io n — p r o beauty hub ofviding holistic fering healthy approach to meals, snacks, skin care. and beverit offers a ages suited in celebration of its 22nd anniversary, diana variety of skinfor weight and stalder’s products and services worth p500 and care treatments above are offered at 22 percent off until oct. 31. waist watchers. that addresses in celebration the needs of of its 22nd annieven the most delicate skin type, versary, products and services worth complemented by highly skilled ther- P500 and above are offered at 22 perapists, to ensure delivery of desired cent off until Oct. 31. Select products will be sold at P22 on Oct. 18-21. treatment results. Diana Stalder clinics are located at For its products, the company sources the distinct premium formu- Gateway Mall (351-0299), SM Megalations from Stalder Laboratories, an mall (984-8188), SM Calamba (306FDA-approved quality manufacturing 0602), and SM Bacolod (431-4376).

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018

nickie.standard@gmail.com

ENCHONG’S

extreme adventures in Hong Kong T

ODAY, action entertainment channel KIX premieres the brand-new reality series Extreme Ends, to give audiences a glimpse of extreme opposite sides of the vibrant city of Hong Kong.

Featuring four celebrities from four Southeast Asian countries, popular actor and swimmer Enchong Dee represents the Philippines, taking on this adventure with his good celebrity friend, Ria Atayde. These two friends are adventurous travelers well-suited to the exciting contrasts selected for Extreme Ends, where each episode features a different celebrity and their special guests facing a different ‘extreme’ theme such as Day & Night and High & Low. In this way, viewers will see Hong Kong in a new light as each episode highlights extreme opposites to showcase the fascinating contrasts, nonstop intensity and distinctively trendy attributes of Hong Kong. We’re very pleased to be working with Hong Kong Tourism Board once more, and excited to give audiences a different perspective, showing them the contrasts and duality of Hong Kong. With each of the celebrities and their guests going through speciallyselected activities, viewers also get to see a different side of their personality,

revealing the relationships they share this is a wonderful formula that invites viewers to travel with them on every adventure,” said Betty Tsui, Vice President, Programming – KIX and Thrill, Celestial Tiger Entertainment. We are glad to partner Celestial Tiger Entertainment again, given the success of The Ultimate BROcation. Hong Kong remains as Southeast Asians’ destination of choice for its diversiﬁed dining options, shopping experiences, nightlife and events; as well as thrilling adventures overseeing breathtaking natural sceneries. The celebrities from the different Southeast Asian countries in the series will deﬁnitely bring new insights and inspire the audience to create their very own authentic experiences when they visit Hong Kong, and discover Hong Kong like a local,” said Raymond Chan, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board. Sharing his experience, Enchong said, “I was not expecting KIX’s Extreme Ends to take me on such an experience. Starring in this adventure

KBP partners with Coca-Cola in support of OPM

All out support for OPM with Coke and KBP partnership New series 'Extreme Ends' stars celebrities from across Southeast Asia with actor and athlete Enchong Dee representing the Philippines.

reality show really gave me a chance to try new and exciting things. From playing my ﬁrst virtual reality game to zip lining in Hong Kong, it really blew my expectations away. Going on this adventure with Ria and hearing about her own experiences after was amazing. We did end up comparing whose trip was better though. Naturally it was mine.” Extreme Ends premieres on KIX later tonight at 9:30. KIX is available on Cablelink Ch. 31, Cignal TV Ch. 264, Destiny Cable Ch. 10, Gsat Ch. 117, and SKYcable SD Ch. 63 and HD Ch. 242.

A special section for world films in QCinema SHOWCASING a special selection of cinematic gems, these five films from across the globe which have garnered its share of international awards also take the spotlight for this year’s edition. As part of its goal to feature classic to recent titles from China, Austria, France, and Denmark, and Japan, Qcinema will present films in its “Special Screening” section An Elephant Sitting Still, Tomcat, The Prayer, Ala Changso and Come On, Irene from Oct. 21 to 30. An Elephant Sitting Still captures the story of four residents of a northern Chinese town in one single suspenseful day from dawn to dusk. The protagonists become obsessed in trying escaping from their problematic life when the train to Manzhouli is set to depart. This electrifying directorial debut from Hu Bo is a four-hour portrait of a society of egoists. An Elephant Sitting Still gained critical acclaim and was the Forum FIPRESCI Prize winner at the 2018 Berlin International Film Festival. An Elephant Sitting Still propelled the popularity of Hu but tragically, after completing his first feature, the director ended his life at the age of 29. In Tomcat, Andreas (Phillip Hochmair) and Stefan (Lukas Turtur) lead a happy life with their beloved tomcat, Moses. An unexpected and inexplicable outburst of violence suddenly shakes up the relationship and calls everything into question. The Austrian drama directed by Klaus Händl won the Teddy Award as the best LGBT-related feature film at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival. Cédric Kahn’s The Prayer is about the story of a drug addict named Thomas (Anthony Bajon) who joins a community of former addicts who live isolated in the mountains and use prayer as a way to cure themselves. Bajon won the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 2018 Berlin International Film Festival. Japanese filmmaker Keisuke Yoshida shows the

unconventional life a married man in Come On, Irene, a liveaction ﬁlm based on the manga Irene of Love from Hideki Arai. The story is about Iwao Shishido (Ken Yasuda) who ﬁnds a wife after paying three million yen for a bridal tour to the Philippines. He comes back home and is confronted by Tsuru (Hana Kino) - Iwao’s freshly widowed mother, who’s infuriated her loser son has married a woman she’s never met. Director Yoshia held auditions in the Philippines for the role of Irene, the main actress, in which Cebuana Natiliegh Sitoy was eventually cast. Sonthar Gyal’s psychological drama Ala Changso explores a fractured family who undertakes the grueling trek to the holy city of Lhasa on foot. Ala Changso won the Jury Grand Prize and Best Screenplay Award at the 21st Shanghai International Film Festival 2018 The “Special Screening” section of QCinema will be shown at Gateway Mall (Cineplex 10); Robinsons Galleria (Robinsons Movieworld); and Ayala Malls Cinema in Trinoma and U.P. Town Center. Block screenings are welcome. Email festival@qcinema. ph or visit https://www.facebook.com/QCinemaPH/ for more details.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, October 17, 2018

ACROSS 1 Very little 5 Cutlass kin 10 Cartoon bear 14 Sandwich cookie 15 Swap 16 Poet’s black 17 Trucker’s haul 18 Ran a fever 19 Main role 20 Have guests 22 In a devious manner 23 “Skip to My —” 24 Noon on a sundial 25 Threw around 29 Ear parts 33 Jugs 34 Cloudburst 36 Spunk 37 Sushi fish 38 Derek & The Dominos hit tune 39 Summer in Quebec 40 Vacation jaunt 42 Service ender 43 Hidden supply 45 Car dealers’ extras 47 Pop 49 Fiesta shout 50 To date 51 Large antelope 54 Of small stature

(hyph.) 60 Limping along 61 Ms. Bernhardt 62 Nerve network 63 Play charades 64 Texas tourist site 65 Sea eagle 66 Bouquet 67 Nubby fabric 68 Grease cutter DOWN 1 Decorated tinware 2 Golf club item 3 Orderly and clean condition 4 Alpine vocalist 5 Museum piece 6 Moffo solo 7 Exotic island 8 Early garden? 9 Valentine color 10 Shouting 11 Toe the line 12 Target 13 — 500 21 Crop units 22 Knight’s address 24 Lucy Lawless role 25 Take care of (2 wds.) 26 Flake 27 Ignited again 28 Ounce fractions

29 Drying ovens 30 Put up 31 Flexible 32 Longhorn 35 Yes, in Edinburgh 38 Rustic road 41 Frontier settler 43 Prompts 44 Gets dressed 46 Having aged many years 48 Boa 51 Tar’s patron saint 52 What the hen

did 53 Weaponry, briefly 54 Sanskrit dialect 55 Mideast power 56 Entry form ID 57 Not any 58 Volcano in Sicily 59 Like a bass 61 Mr. Mineo

'An Elephant Sitting Still' is a landmark four-hour Chinese drama which story centers on a society of egoists.

COLA, through its ﬂagship music marketing platform, Coke Studio, supports Original Pinoy Music (OPM) by bringing together some of the best Filipino musicians to collaborate and produce homegrown songs. “We brought Coke Studio to the Philippines with the goal of putting Original Pinoy Music back in the spotlight where it belongs. The overwhelming response during the ﬁrst season of Coke Studio PH really inspired us to work harder this second season and explore ways to take it further,” said Stephan Czypionka, CocaCola Philippines vice president for Marketing. On its second year, Coke Studio partners with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) to reignite the nation’s’ interest towards OPM. With the Coke Studio and KBP partnership, all Coke Studio songs will become

Simply...

part of all radio stations’ OPM playlists—following the KBP mandate of playing four OPM songs per hour in support of local artists and the rich Filipino music culture. The KBP Board was represented by KBP Chairman and Manila Broadcasting Company President Ruperto Nicdao Jr., KBP ViceChairman and Radio Mindanao Network Consultant Butch S. Canoy, and KBP President and Bombo Radyo Philippines Vice President and Chief Operating Ofﬁcer – AM Division Herman Z. Basbaño. Together, Coke Studio Season 2 and KBP will be bringing into the airwaves some of the freshest Original Pinoy Music made by some of the biggest Filipino musicians such as Moira dela Torre, Shantidope, IV of Spades, Ben&Ben, and KZ Tandingan, among others.

and two of the country’s pop and R&B main men, Daryl Ong and Michael Pangilinan—made hearts melt, while From C4 newcomers Carmela Ariola, Kimberly Baluzo, Ace Bartolome, Louie Ann Bugoy Drilon’s musical Culala, and Princess Sevillena showed journey a success Bugoy Drilon, one of the Philippines that they have what it takes to impress a top OPM acts, marked his 10th year in the crowd. Film Showing marks Teachers’ music industry with a star-studded concert Day in Parañaque City titled One Day, One Decade held at Kia To celebrate World Teachers’ Day, Theatre on Sept. 25. Drilon, who rose to fame from being a the Movie and Television Review and top contender in the second season of Pinoy Classification Board (MTRCB) together Dream Academy and his performance of with the Department of Education, the Matisyahu’s “One Day”, shared the story Local School Board and with support from of his life through a collection of diverse, the Local Government of Parañaque, held lively, and emotional songs during the a film showing dedicated to the esteemed educators of the city of Parañaque on Oct. three-hour show. The concert was highlighted by a mix 12 at SM Sucat. Leading the opening ceremony at SM of both stimulating and evocative songs handpicked from a broad range of genres Sucat Cinema 4 was MTRCB Chairman from different eras—ballad, reggae, Rachel Arenas, together with 1st rock, and pop—all of which represent District Congressman, Eric Olivarez, a significant juncture in Drilon’s life. and Parañaque City Mayor, Edwin Aside from powerful covers and duets, Olivarez. MTRCB Board Members the evening was punctuated with several were also present to conduct “Matalino memorable notes—Drilon’s performance at Responsableng Panonood” seminars of his original tracks, “Muli,” “Paano Na in the other cinemas before the film Kaya,” and “Namo,” and his raw and showing. The ongoing partnership of the MTRCB stirring take on “Angels Brought Me and the Government of Paranaque has led Here.” A talented cast of Filipino artists joined to this second annual film showing for the Drilon on this major project: Yeng hard-working teachers of Parañaque. The Constantino, KZ Tandingan, Erik film shown for this year was Mga Munting Santos, Klarisse de Guzman, and Pinoy Tinig, an award-winning film directed by Dream Academy alumni Cris Pastor, the late Gil Portes and starred Alessandra Hansen Nichols, Miguel Mendoza and de Rossi. The film itself is dedicated Liezel Garcia all wowed the crowd with to teachers, and it portrays the genuine commitment of these everyday heroes to their vocal skills. BuDaKhel—a trio composed of Bugoy improve the well-being of their pupils.

Entertainment

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018

ISAH V. RED

MARK WAHLBERG

in another suspenseful thriller MILE 22, is the fourth film collaboration between director Peter Berg and twotime Academy award nominee Mark Wahlberg after Patriots Day, Deepwater Horizon and the Oscar-nominated Lone Survivor, all box-office hits. As the Ground Branch risks life and limb in Southeast Asia, with the city’s military, police, and even street gangs closing in on them to reclaim the asset, its counterpart called “Overwatch” is tasked to aid them from thousands of miles away. Overwatch has mad hacking skills, monitoring the Ground Branch agents involved in the operation and communicating with them in real time to help keep them alive, in motion and on mission, as the action unfolds and the city quickly becomes a battleground. Mark Wahlberg portrays James “Jimmy” Silva, the brilliant senior officer and leader of this small but lethal group. His brain is like a shark, always moving, always working, and seemingly incapable of slowing down; he is incapable of separating himself from his work. When asked what drives Jimmy Silva, Wahlberg answers, “His upbringing, his youth…He has no family, no ties to anybody. (For him) the mission comes first, last, and in between. So, it’s a very unique kind of skill set that these guys have that are requirements for the job.” Ronda Rousey (Furious 7, The Expendables 3) plays Samantha “Sam” Snow, a member of Silva’s group. This former UFC women’s bantamweight champion fighter excited shares, “They put the script in my lap and it was a completely fresh and different role for me, and I absolutely loved it. My role was not so dependent on being physical and fighting; it was like completely the opposite.” In this film, Rousey’s character exhibits extreme loyalty to her friends. Playing the foreign intelligence asset named Li Noor is Indonesian actor and martial arts master Iko Uwais, best known for his starring roles in the acclaimed action film series The Raid: Redemption and The Raid 2. Mile 22 marks Uwais’ American film debut. According to Peter Berg, “Iko is a big reason for me wanting to do this movie; he’s probably what started it.” The director reveals that he was mesmerized by Iko after watching The Raid. Iko has been referred to as “the next Bruce Lee”, and Berg began formulating plans for an action film to bring Uwais to a worldwide audience. That film became Mile 22. Although Mile 22 is a work of fiction, it’s standard practice for Berg to engage a group of consultants with real world experience—from Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, to CIA officers and computer experts—to assist the cast and crew. This intense and explosive film screens in cinemas now. The film is released by VIVAInternational Pictures & MVP Entertainment. Continued on C3

REGINE

VELASQUEZ

Kapuso star Rodjun Cruz renews his ties with his home studio.

joins ABS-CBN stars in Sydney

After welcoming Rayver to GMA, Rodjun renews ties with network

By Nickie Wang

OW it can be said, Regine Velasquez is a Kapuso no more.

Songbird Regine Velasquez joins 32 other Kapamilya stars in 'ASAP Line in Sydney,' the biggest Filipino musical spectacle ever to be held in the Land Down Under.

The songbird who had GMA Network as her home studio for 20 years already said her goodbyes on Saturday during the anniversary episode of cooking talk show Sarap Diva. Regine is believed to be transferring to ABS-CBN, though she has not made any ofﬁcial announcements regarding her departure. Prior to the airing of Sarap Diva episode, ABS-CBN Australia announced that on top of the already conﬁrmed starstudded cast, ASAP Live in Sydney (a concert happening on Saturday, Oct. 20) is leveling up with the addition of Erique Gil and Liza Soberano and the Asia’s Songbird, who they dubbed as the current best-selling OPM artist of all time. The statement further said that Regine will join husband and ASAP mainstay Ogie Alcasid and the rest of the ASAP team as a special guest in the biggest Filipino musical spectacle ever to be held in Australia. “The entire community here is excited

and at the same time ready to represent at ASAP Live in Sydney,”said ABS-CBN Australia Country Manager Jay Santos. “It is going to be an amazing time and experience for us in Australia, particularly in the state of New South Wales where most of the Filipinos in the country live. With ASAP Live in Sydney, Filipinos are celebrating their presence and injecting their unique, delightful cultural ﬂavors that add to Sydney becoming a must-visit destination city at this time of the year.” Regine, together with 32 other stars including Angeline Quinto, Bamboo, Daniel Padilla, Darren Espanto, Gary Valenciano, Moira Dela Torre, and Piolo Pascual, to name a few, will be performing at the ICC Sydney Theatre in the heart of Darling Harbour, a splendid waterside location in Sydney which ticks off all the destination boxes: marvelous aquarium and zoo, great dining options, funky nightclubs, wine bars, bistros, shopping centers, ferries

and cruises, the world’s largest cinema screen, laser skirmish and tenpin bowling, museums and parks, among a rich buffet of attractions. Moreover, the ICC Sydney Theatre is the latest among the world-class venues that ASAP Live is performing, after soldout shows in Singapore, Dubai, Los Angeles, London, New York, Toronto, and Honolulu. It is part of the new $1.5-billion International Convention Centre Sydney complex, Australia’s ﬁrst and largest fully integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment center. For the event day schedule, to check updates and to buy tickets now to ASAP Live in Sydney download the TFC Live App from the App Store or Google Play and register. You may also visit https:// www.iccsydney.com.au/visit-icc-sydney/ whats-on/ASAP-Sydneyhttps://www. iccsydney.com.au/visit-icc-sydney/whatson/ASAP-Sydney.

‘It’s Showtime’ celebrates 9 years, launches 3 new digital shows IN CELEBRATION of its ninth anniversary, It’s Showtime is launching three new digital shows on YouTube featuring the Hashtags, “Miss Q & A” grand winner Juliana Parizcova Segovia, and “Funny One” grand winner Donna Cariaga. The three new digital shows that will entertain and engage the ‘madlang peopole’ will be housed under “Showtime Online Universe,” a new online hangout platform that will continue to bring good vibes to the fans of the country’s leading noontime show. Juliana engages viewers in a battle of wits in her own show And I Thank You every Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.. The members of Hashtags, meanwhile, are also making a splash as travel, food, and lifestyle hosts in Hashtag Roadtrip, which streams every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m..In Donna What To Do, Donna pokes fun at love and relationships with her timely and relatable “hugot” jokes every Thursday at 5:00 p.m.. These shows are exclusively available on www.youtube.com/ShowtimeOnlineUni-

Hashtags members Maru and Zeus

versewww.youtube.com/ShowtimeOnlineUniverse. It is one of the digital initiatives of ABSCBN, the Philippines' leading media and entertainment company, which is rapidly transitioning into an agile digital company with the biggest online presence among all media companies, and a growing list of digital properties. Meanwhile, the noontime show’s hosts

TNT Boys in Singapore for record-breaking charity ball INTERNATIONAL sensation TNT Boys continue to bring pride to the country as they recently performed for the president of Singapore, Halimah Yacob, the third head of state they have sung for after Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and Papua New Guinea prime minister Peter O’ Neill. The trio’s latest gig happened Sunday evening (Oct. 14) at the President’s Star Charity, organized by Singaporean media conglomerate Mediacorp under the President’s Challenge, an annual campaign that aims to raise funds for the less fortunate and the charities selected by the president of Singapore. Broadcast live on Singaporean TV, the event raised a record-breaking S$8.3 million, the highest amount raised for the annual event to date. At the charity ball, the TNT Boys sang “The Greatest Love of All” together with the students of Lorna Whiston Schools, and belted out the iconic hit “Listen.” They joined a starstudded line-up of world-class artists, including Hong Kong star Eason Chan, Malaysian Dayang Nurfaizah, Taiwanse ukulele

The TNT Boys with the president of Singapore, Halimah Yacob

prodigy Feng E, Singaporean actress Zoe Tay, and French juggler Mickael Bellemene. Photos and videos of the TNT Boys and Pres. Yacob are also circulating online as the head of state went backstage to personally meet the trio. In a social media post, the boys also thanked Mediacorp CEO Tham Loke Kheng for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at the historic event. The boys’ performances at the President’s Star Charity come just before they are set to ﬂy this week to the US for an international talent competition. The TNT Boys are also busy preparing for their highly anticipated ﬁrst-ever major concert at the Araneta Coliseum, called Listen: The Big Shot Concert on Nov. 30.

are busy preparing for their performances for this year’s Magpasikat Week that runs from Oct. 15 to 20. Expect jaw-dropping and never-beforeseen acts from the teams of Anne Curtis and Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla with Jameson, Ryle, Tom, Kid, Sammie, and Kamille; Jugs and Teddy with Zeus, Vito, Maru, Mica, and Joana; Karylle and Jhong Hilario with Ronnie, Jimboy, Rayt, Chienna, and Jessica; Vhong Navarro and Ryan Bang with Nikko, CK, Paulo, Dawn, and Maika; and Vice Ganda and Amy Perez with McCoy, Luke, Wilbert, Krissha, and Mikee. Last year, Team Vhong was named the champion for their moving mirror dance act. Whose team will win this year? Don't miss the fun and good vibes in It's Showtime, on ABS-CBN and ABSCBN HD (Sky Cable ch 167). For the program's past episode, login to iWant TV or onskyondemand.com.phskyondemand. com.ph for Sky subscribers.

ACTOR and performer Rodjun Cruz is looking forward to more years as a Kapuso after renewing his management contract with GMA Artist Center on Oct. 9. He is grateful to the network’s immense support as he embarks on a new chapter in his career and acknowledged the challenging projects that GMA has been giving him. “I’m thankful to GMA for their trust. I was able to explore my abilities as an actor and performer with their guidance. I feel more inspired to work because it allows me to make more people happy through my projects.” He counts his roles in My Husband’s Lover and Encantadia as his most memorable. “First role na ginawa ko sa GMA ay si Martin sa My Husband’s Lover. Of course, favorite role ko rin si Paopao sa Encantadia, and I consider every character I portray challenging,” said Rodjun. He also appeared in several GMA shows such as Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real, Legally Blind, and Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka. The Kapuso heartthrob also hopes to work with his younger brother, Rayver, on a television series. “Hopefully, Rayver and I could work in one project. We enjoyed our guesting in Tonight with Arnold Clavio dahil parang hindi trabaho. We danced and sang together. I hope next time we get to have an acting project.” Present in the contract signing to show support to the actor were GMA Entertainment Group Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer, Senior Talent Manager Vic del Rosario and Leo Dominguez, Rodjun’s co-manager. “We know that he’s a multitalented artist. Not only can he act, he can also dance. We will have him on Studio 7. People should look forward to that because he may appear alongside Rayver,” Rasonable said.

INTERNATIONAL

‘Teletubbies’ creator in new go-to-sleep kids show ANDREW Davenport, the genius behind Teletubbies, has come up with a new show “guaranteed to stop children climbing the walls,” BBC bosses claimed Sunday. Davenport, an actor and puppeteer known as the “J.K. Rowling of the under-fives,” also wrote and made the worldwide hit In the Night Garden. The British public broadcaster believes that his new series called Moon and Me will transport the next generation of toddlers to the Land of Nod. It got its world premiere Sunday at the MIPJunior children’s entertainment market in Cannes, France. Davenport introduced the show by video link from Atlanta, Georgia, where he is rushing to finish the first series for the BBC’s pre-school CBeebies channel. Commissioning editor Michael Towner called Davenport a “genius” and said the show’s calming combination of story and song is “guaranteed to stop children climbing the walls”. “If any of you didn’t have a lump in your throat towards the end of that, you are not human and you shouldn’t be working with children,” he added, after the

ﬁrst work-in-progress episode was shown. A mix of puppetry and stopmotion animation, Moon and Me turns on a doll called Peppianna who lives in a toy house with her ﬁve friends including Mr Onions—who begins every sentence by saying “onions”—Collywobble, Lilyplant and Lambkin. AFP

The adorable Teletubbies whose creator Andrew Davenport is considered a legend in pre-school television.