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US midterm vote a verdict on Trump rule WASHINGTON—United States voters decide Tuesday whether President Donald Trump will keep his Republican majority in Congress or face a hostile Democratic majority after a bitter campaign for midterm

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS. Ayala Avenue, in Makati’s Central Business District, has come even more alive after sundown as the lengthening shadows of twilight time caress the posh city’s skyline with Christmas lights, with lights and sounds at the Ayala Triangle on weekends. Norman Cruz

elections described by both sides as a battle for America’s soul. For almost two years, Trump’s rule-breaking, sometimes chaotic administration has enjoyed Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 265 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Inflation still at 9-year high Wage boards need to be finetuned, says labor bloc By Vito Barcelo THE country’s biggest labor group, the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines called on President Rodrigo Duterte to overhaul the aging and obsolete regional wage boards because they no longer faithfully Next page

Make Internet safe, says inventor LISBON, Portugal—The inventor of the World Wide Web on Monday called for a “contract” to make Internet safe and accessible for everyone as Europe’s largest tech event began in Lisbon amid

Fuel, transpo keep rate at 6.7%—PSA By Julito G. Rada, Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE rate of inflation remained at a nine-year high of 6.7 percent in October on the back of high fuel and transportation costs, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday.

Lakas-CMD enters into alliance with Hugpong, Tingog By Maricel V. Cruz THE Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats is joining forces with the inﬂuential regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago and the Tingog Sinirangan party-list group for next year’s midterm elections. Lakas ofﬁcials led by party president Martin Romualdez, Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt-Romualdez, and their political allies from the countryside will forge the “alliance agreement” with Hugpong and

The October figure matched the 6.7-percent increase in consumer prices in September. This brought the average inflation rate in the first 10 months to 5.13 percent, above the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2018. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., however, said the latest data supported the bank’s view that inflation pressures were finally moderating. “It is a significant deceleration although the headline figure remains elevated. Secondround effects are also muted so far. That augurs Next page

‘Yolanda’ survivors hit slow rehab, lack of services By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—A broad coalition of storm survivors has accused the administration of treading the path of his predecessor, President Benigno Aquino III, in

the reconstruction of areas devastated by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (“Haiyan”) in November 2013. “Desperate to rebuild their lives, most survivors believed the promise of President Duterte and were expecting a

fresh start in a reconstruction that they hoped will be participatory and people-centered…But reconstruction continued to be slow and, in some areas, anomalous,” said Joli Torella of Urban Next page

Chinese national one of Duterte’s advisers—Palace

Spice Girls bare reunion tour LONDON—Say You’ll Be There: Best-selling 90s girl band the Spice Girls promise to give fans what they really, really want on a United Kingdom reunion tour next year. Next page

By Nat Mariano and Rey E. Requejo THE Palace on Tuesday admitted that Davao-based businessman Michael Yang, a Chinese national, is an economic adviser to the President, two weeks after the Chief Executive denied his appointment due to his nationality. “Yeah, [he is] one of the consultants of the President. He consults him every now and then,” Presidential

TARLAC LIGHTS. Some 120 kilometers north of Manila is the ‘Belenismo sa Tarlac,’ an annual tradition started in 2007, to promote both the art of Belen-making and the ‘bayanihan’ spirit among the people of Tarlac, which has three languages: Ilokano, Pangasinense and Pampango. Dr. Isa Suntay, co-founder of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, delivers her remarks during the formal opening Monday at the Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City’s Barangay San Miguel. Lino Santos

Next page Michael Yang

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

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‘Narco-cop’ suspect killed in Zambo By Francisco Tuyay

SENIOR police official accused of involvement in the illegal drug trade in Western Visayas was gunned down by his colleagues in a buy-bust operation in Zamboanga del Norte Monday night.

Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Found on him was a transparent plastic of suspected shabu worth P50,000 and a .45-caliber pistol. Rapiz was formerly assigned in Western Visayas but was transferred to Zamboanga City due to his alleged involvement in illegal drugs. He was included in President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug watchlist and was reportedly the drug protector of Iloilobased drug lord Melvin Odicta, who was killed at the Jetty Port in Caticlan, Aklan, barely days after surrendering to Camp Crame. “Based on our information he is one of the drug protectors of the Odicta drug syndicate when he was assigned in Region 6 and apparently receiving

P700,000 weekly from different drug personalities in Region 6,” said CITF commander Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr. “His name came out as a drug protector when several high-value targets (HVT) were arrested by PDEA. During the police interrogation, his name came out as a drug protector of these arrested HVTs.” Meanwhile, PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said some 1,200 to 1,700 policemen suspected to be involved in illegal drugs were being monitored by the intelligence community. Rapiz brings to nine the number of police officers with suspected links to illegal drugs killed in the continued PNP internal cleansing of erring personnel relating to the government’s drug war and the third killed in Zamboanga City.

Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis Licup, director of the Police Provincial Office in Region 9, identified the police official as Supt. Santiago Ylanan Rapiz, who was assigned to the Logistics Branch of the Zamboanga del Norte police provincial office. Licup said Rapiz was killed after he drew his gun upon sensing he was dealing with a policeman during an illegal drug transaction in front of the Andres

Bonifacio College Gymnasium in Dipolog City around 7:40 pm. Rapiz, in his athletic shorts, had just gone from a basketball game inside the gymnasium and was scheduled to meet someone for a business deal, apparently involving drugs. Rapiz tried to escape but was cornered by arresting officials and a shootout followed. He was taken to the Corazon Aquino

Wage boards...

PNP: Martial law keeps crime rate low in Mindanao

From A1

THE crime rate in Mindanao significantly declined since martial law was implemented last year, the Philippine National Police said. Citing their own data, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said that from the 8.79 percent crime rate in Mindanao in 2017, it went down to 5.92 percent from January to September this year. “We can attribute that basically to the imposition of martial law. Martial law actually just strengthened the peace and order operations like the checkpoints and military operations,” Albayalde said during a press briefing.

The six-month extension of the martial law rule in Mindanao is set to end next month. Mindanao was placed under martial law following the attack of ISIS-inspired armed men in Marawi City in May last year. Albayalde was quick to clarify, however, that Malacañang has not yet asked the PNP if it supports another extension of martial law. “If they ask the opinion of the PNP, if ever that they will ask for the agency’s position, we will support the extension especially with the incoming elections,” he said. Albayalde also expressed doubts that

there would be abuses, saying it did not happen while Mindanao was under martial law the past months. He said most of Mindanao residents are even supportive of the martial law. “As for us, if only we want to maintain the peace and order and if only, they want to have a peaceful plebiscite, martial law is good because it is not the Marcos-time martial law. There is no curtailing of freedom there. We only see massive checkpoints and surrender of firearms. Also, based on the feedbacks of the people, they want martial law,” the PNP chief said. PNA

Inflation...

to taper off slowly going into the year-end. Measures undertaken by the government to address supply chain bottlenecks appear to have found their way to tag prices, alleviating some pressure on food prices but inflation remains sticky given supply constraints,” Mapa said. The government’s economic team said concerted efforts, as prescribed in Administrative Order 13, to tame the prices of goods in the previous months had finally resulted in expected outcomes. “The economic team is mindful that much attention has to be given to food, which remains to be the major contributor to inflation even as its price decelerates. To hasten the decline in consumer prices, the government must continue enforcing mitigating measures, particularly interventions in the food supply, one of which is rice,” it said. “To compensate for the lost harvest in typhoon-affected areas, rice imports should be closely monitored to ensure that their arrival is timely and sufficient,” the economic team said. The government said rice imports, along with the rice inventory of the National Food Authority, continued to improve with the completion of the government-to-government procurement and the first phase of 2018 Minimum Access Volume. “We also call on concerned government agencies, especially the Department of Agriculture, to speed up initiatives to distribute seed buffer stocks for rice, as well as corn and other high-value crops, in disaster-stricken areas in time for the planting season this November to January,” the team said. “Interventions in rice production should be supported by policies that will further ease food supply, which remains crucial as demand for food items is expected to increase with the onset of the holiday season. Congress must pass the long-overdue amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act, which is expected to reduce rice prices by P2 to as much as P7 per kilo,” it said. “Setting our sights on longer horizons, more should be done to ensure price stability of food products. The government needs to pay closer attention to the agriculture and fisheries sector to significantly increase productivity and to be more competitive and resilient to weather-related and manmade shocks,” it said. The Palace, too, put a positive spin on the

6.7-percent inflation rate in October. “Well, the fact that it did not go up, should be a good news,” said Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo. He said the government, recognizing that certain global conditions affect the track of inflation, still hopes the figure will decrease in the next few months. The Palace official said the anti-inflation measures ordered by the President have tempered the increase in prices. “You must remember that we flooded the market with food supply—that’s one. And then the Department of Finance said that they will be reducing the expenditure of the government among others,” he said. “Apparently, the measures undertaken by the government have affected the inflation rates, so we will maintain that,” he added. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said he remained optimistic that the inflation rate would decline soon, with rice and oil prices on the way down and the exchange rate strengthening. “Inflation is expected to decline soon,” said Recto. Although oil prices are volatile, he said it could increase if the United States pressures both China and India and a few other countries to stop importing from Iran. And if that happens, Recto said the exchange rate may weaken once again. He said Congress will pass rice tarrification within the year, which should further bring down inflation. “But we must ensure that all duties collected be used to assist our farmers increase productivity,” said the Senate leader. Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV said the government must work to help Filipinos still suffering from high prices of food and other goods with inflation unchanged. “Prices are still high and the Filipinos are still hurting. Let us give them comfort this coming Christmas,” said Aquino, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. Let us all help to suspend and rollback petroleum taxes. Let us pass in Congress the Bawas Presyo Bill and fix the TRAIN Law,” added Aquino who filed Senate Bill No. 1798 or the Bawas Presyo sa Petrolyo Bill last May. Aquino renewed his call to the government to support his measure, which he believes could help lower prices of petroleum products and the prices of goods in the market.

The band—minus pop star-turnedfashion designer Victoria Beckham— released details of a comeback tour, which will see them play Wembley Stadium, Britain’s biggest venue. In a video shared on the band’s newly

created Twitter account, the four remaining members staged a mock news broadcast to confirm rumors of the tour. Beckham, also known as Posh Spice, later posted a photo of the foursome on social media alongside a statement. “I won’t be joining my girls on stage again but being in the Spice Girls was a hugely important part of my life and I wish my girls so much love and fun as they go

back on tour,” she wrote on Instagram. The pop phenomenon’s announcement sparked celebration from fans on social media, including from British singer Adele who shared a throwback childhood photo of herself posing excitedly in front of magazine posters of the band on her bedroom wall. “This is how I feel right now! I am ready,” she added on Instagram. AFP

“It is just a formality because both parties have already been aligned in principle before. We share the same mission, beliefs, vision and thrusts with Mayor Sara’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago,” said Romualdez, an independent bloc leader of the 16th Congress and a threeterm Leyte congressman. “Mayor Sara will be our guest of honor and keynote speaker together with other HNP-supported senatorial candidates,” added Romualdez, a lawyer and

president of the Philippine Constitution Association. “We are all committed to push President Duterte’s agenda for the nation’s growth and improve the lives of the people in the countryside,” he said. Yedda Romualdez, Martin’s wife and the first nominee of Tingog Sinirangan, said her group shared Lakas-CMD and Mayor Sara’s commitment to always give priority to the Filipinos’ interests over and above everything else.

“We always uphold our mandate to serve the people and acknowledge our commitment to ensure that sustainable economic reforms are implemented and will be felt by ordinary people,” said Romualdez, the chairman of the House Committee on Accounts. The alliance, she added, would further strengthen Tingog’s programs to create jobs, build decent housing, sustain peace and order, fight criminality and eliminate poverty.

take part in the four-day Web Summit, dubbed “the Davos for geeks,” includFrom A1 ing speakers from leading global tech companies, politicians and start-ups a backlash over its role in spreading hoping to attract attention from the “fake news.” over 1,500 investors who are schedSome 70,000 people are expected to uled to attend.

Tech firms now find themselves on the defensive, with critics accusing them of not doing enough to curb the spread of “fake news” which has helped polarise election campaigns around the world and of maximizing profits by harvesting data on consum-

ers’ browsing habits. British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee, who in 1989 invented the World Wide Web as a way to exchange information, said the Internet had deviated from the goals its founders had envisaged. AFP

balance the interest of workers in the equation of labor and capital. In a statement, ALU-TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said a serious and genuine reform of the Regional Tripartite Productivity and Wages Board is needed as evidenced by the P25 wage hike in the National Capital Region, which was not supported by any formula or computations. The Partido ng Manggagawa urged the President to abolish the regional wage boards because they do not serve the millions of minimum wage workers, but only capitalists. PM chairman Wilson Fortaleza said President Duterte should endorse a national minimum wage instead of regional salaries. “In a dialogue with labor groups in 2017, the President denounced what he called ‘provincial wages’ and expressed preference for a nationwide minimum wage. Now is the time for President Duterte to turn mere words into decisive action,” he said. “Since the President expressed disgust at provincial wages, he apparently knows that the policy of wage regionalization started in 1989 has led to the cheapening of labor. An evaluation of the policy performance of wage regionalization will show that it has consistently resulted in measly salary hikes that are below inflation rates and disregard economic growth” Fortaleza said. “Wage differentials vary greatly. For example, the difference between the NCR rate of P512 and the ARMM rate of P280 is a whopping 45 percent. Yet the cost of living is not significantly different across regions, cities and municipalities. What kind of system is this!” the labor group said. With Maricel V. Cruz

Chinese national... From A1

Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in response to questions about Yang. He would not say, however, what particular services Yang provided, but referred to him as an economic adviser. “I think that’s between the President and the economic adviser. You cannot be revealing those things,” he said, referring to Yang. Panelo said Yang, who has been cleared of any links to illegal drugs by the President himself, started from a poor background. “You know Mr. Yang is a wealthy man. He has risen from poor origins to being a wealthy man. And he has a technical know-how how to run a business,” said Panelo. “And because he is Chinese, he knows a lot of people in the Chinese government. He knows the psychology of Chinese. On that aspect, the President needs people like him,” he added. The Palace official also dismissed claims that Yang, owner of Davao City Los Amigos stores in Mindanao, could influence the establishment of national policies.

Lakas-CMD... From A1

Tingog today (Wednesday) at the Tacloban Astrodome. HNP is the regional party of President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio, while Tingog is the Leyte-based party-list group to be bannered by KittilstvedtRomualdez in the May 2019 polls.

Make Internet...

From A1

well for a return to inflation target by 2019,” Espenilla said in a message to reporters. He said the policy-making Monetary Board would take into account the latest inflation number and other incoming data including the gross domestic product growth in the third quarter set to be released this week during the next policy meeting this month “when it determines if there is still need for further policy rate adjustments.” Data from the PSA showed that while the year-on-year headline inflation was steady at 6.7 percent, seasonally adjusted month-onmonth inflation eased further to 0.3 percent. PSA undersecretary and civil registrar general Lisa Grace Bersales said in a news briefing that mixed movements in the annual growths were posted among the commodity groups. She said the higher annual increases were observed in the indices of transport, 8.8 percent; housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, 4.8 percent; health, 4.3 percent; recreation and culture, 3.1 percent; and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services, 4.2 percent. Bersales said the slowdown in the annual increments was seen in the indices of food and non-alcoholic beverages at 9.4 percent and alcoholic beverages and tobacco at 21.6 percent. “The annual rate of the food index decelerated to 9.2 percent in October 2018. Its annual growth in the previous month was 9.7 percent and in October 2017, 3.4 percent,” Bersales said. She said amid the government’s implementation of different measures to tame inflation, the unchanged inflation in October could be attributed in part to the impact of typhoon Ompong that mostly struck provinces in northern Luzon in the middle of September. “We noted the damaged areas reported higher inflation,” Bersales said. Bersales said Typhoon “Rosita’s” impact might be felt in the November inflation rate, if it had any impact at all. Nicholas Mapa, senior economist of ING Bank NV Manila branch, said while price pressures abated somewhat, inflation remained elevated. “The 6.7-percent print validates the earlier expectation that inflation was close to or had peaked for the year and is now expected

Spice Girls... From A1

DFA probing China weather stations in WPS By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with various government agencies and with the Philippine Embassy in Beijing to verify reports that China has established weather observation stations in three reefs within the West Philippine Sea. The agency said it will take appropriate measures once these reports are validated. “The department has monitored news reports quoting officials of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs that weather observation stations have been established on three features in the West Philippine Sea,” the department said in a statement. “The department is coordinating with concerned agencies of the Philippine Government and with the Philippine Embassy in Beijing to verify the reported establishment of these facilities. The Department will take appropriate action should these reports be validated.” Malacañang earlier said the government was looking into the alleged weather observation stations set up by China on the three reefs. Quoting Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang, a Chinese newspaper reported that China installed the weather stations on Kagitingan Reef, Subi Reef and Panganiban Reef in the West Philippine Sea. On Monday, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Philippines would file a protest against China once the report was validated. “These are news reports. We have not validated it. But if they are validated, I’m sure the new secretary of Foreign Affairs will do his job,” Panelo said.

‘Yolanda’... From A1

Poor Associates, a member group of the Community of Yolanda Survivors and Partners. Torella added that many housing areas in the Yolanda corridors “generally lacked basic social services” five years after the typhoon. “The added cost of transportation and lack of access to these social services made life more difficult in the relocation sites,” he said. Lita Bagunas, leader of Uswag EsteKatarungan, said that in Eastern Samar, pending complaints about the poor quality of housing projects were allegedly ignored by the National Housing Authority. She said that housing projects in their province that “continue to be of substandard quality comparable to the ones constructed under the Aquino administration.” “We thought change is coming, but that wasn’t the case,” Bagunas said in a mix of Filipino and English. Housing units in Lawaan and Balangiga towns were substandard, he said. In Tacloban City, the group alleged that the transfer of 3,000 families of survivors to their housing units was sped up “even as the relocation sites still lacked basic services like water, electricity, schools, and difficult access to public transport.” “In St. Francis Village, people are having a hard time because it floods every time it rains,” said Yolanda survivor Vincent Basiano of Barangay 68 in Anibong District, one of the hardest hit coastal villages in Tacloban. With Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

US midterm... From A1

a largely free hand from the twin Republican-controlled chambers, but the midterms could finally see his wings clipped. The entire 435-member House of Representatives and a third of the 100seat Senate are up for grabs. According to nearly all pollsters, the Democrats have a good chance of winning the House, while the Republicans are likely to retain the Senate. But with turnout a key unknown factor and pollsters still unsure about the effect of Trump’s maverick style on voters, both parties admit that they may be in for nasty surprises. After a campaign in which Trump was accused of race-baiting with repeated and unsubstantiated references to an “invasion” of undocumented immigrants bent on rape and murder, left-right divisions in America could not be deeper. Although not on the ballot, Trump made himself the focus of the entire contest, jetting around the country to hold rallies, including in three states on Monday alone. AFP

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace says Duterte did not endorse ‘Ka Freddie’ By Nat Mariano

SMALL CROSSES. A volunteer worker fixes the lines of thousands of crosses at the ‘Yolanda‘ Victims Memorial Circle in Tacoban City in preparation for the 5th Anniversary of the deadly Super Typhoon Yolanda that devastated Leyte in Nov. 8, 2013 killing more than 6,500 people. Ver Noveno

Guererro warns people not to ‘tarnish’ his name By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

EWLY-APPOINTED Customs commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero warned he would use the “full force of the law” against people who would use his name to illegally facilitate the release of contrabands at the bureau’s ports. Guerrero, who vowed to be more transparent in the operations of the bureau, said he would not allow erring personnel to tarnish his good name which he had cultivated for the past three decades. The former Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of staff said his top priority is to cleanse the bureau of corrupt BOC ofﬁcials and personnel that continue to taint the image of the bureau. Guerrero said there will be no military takeover, since Customs ofﬁcials will still run the bureau, contrary to President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that he would put military personnel to replace customs employees to stop corruption. The former Maritime Industry Authority chief is the third Customs chief to be appointed by Duterte. Before Former Commissioner Isidro

Lapeña, former Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon also resigned from his post due to the P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China which also slipped through the country under his watch. Like Lapeña, Faeldon was reassigned to other government posts. Guerrero on Wednesday promised to be on top of the situation to rid the bureau of corruption and avoid the slip of shipments. He also called on the suppprt and cooperation of to keep the dignity and nobility of public service. He said he will “lead by example” and ensure that every transaction in the bureau is “documented, reported and transparent.” In the Senate, opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan that despite the appointment of Guerrero to the top BOC

post, he doubts if Malacanang in serious in chasing big-time drug syndicates, which he claimed were behind fhe smuggling of tons of illegal drugs that slipped through the BOC ports. “I do not see how he cannot succeed,” said Pangilinan, referring to Guerrero. Still, he questioned the seriousness of the Palace in cleansing the BOC of big drug syndicates. “Is Malacanang indeed serious to run after big drug syndicates behind the availability of funds?” he asked. He sees as “serious” Guerrero’s resolve whom he said has the full support of the Palace. Pangilinan was reacting to Guerrero’s warning against BOC personnel not to tarnish his name as he vowed to use full extent of his power in getting rid of corruption in the agency. On the privatization of the BOC, Pangilinan, meanwhile said, the idea is “worth considering” although it may need to be studied further. “It is still an option instead of the military takeover which is clearly contrary to the Constitution.” Senator Sonny Angara expressed his belief that some functions at the Bureau of Customs which are prone to corruption might be better off privatized.

All OFWs exempt from terminal fees—CAAP By Joel E. Zurbano THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Tuesday clariﬁed a statement from the Department of Labor and Employment asking the agency to refund the P500-million terminal fees and travel taxes paid by Overseas Filipino Workers. CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said all OFWs registered at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration are exempt from terminal fees. He cited Section 22 of RA 10022 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act) which provides “All laws to the contrary notwithstanding, the migrant workers shall be exempt from the payment of travel tax and airport fee upon proper showing of proof of

entitlement by the POEA.” However, Apolonio said the OFW must personally claim for the refund because the point of sale cannot recognize if the purchaser is an OFW or not. “This is complicated further because it is the airlines that collect terminal fees,” he said. Apolonio added that CAAP collects Terminal Fees only on its seven international airports namely, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Gensan, Zamboanga, Iloilo, Kalibo and Laoag, which are seldom, use by OFWs in leaving for their destination abroad. The CAAP, is an attached agency of the Department of Transportation, just like separate airport authorities like the Manila International Airport Authority,

Clark, Mactan-Cebu and Lalo. “These authorities have their own refund procedures as well,” said Apolonio. Travel taxes are normally included in the ticket fare and are collected by Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, not CAAP, he added. The Manila International Airport Authority ofﬁcials said earlier that OFWs are exempted from paying terminal fee charges by just presenting their Overseas Employment Certiﬁcates issued by the POEA when buying airline tickets. More than P500 million of unclaimed refund for OFWs are still at the general fund of Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Bill to upgrade salary grade of Comelec employees backed EFFORTS to upgrade the salaries of Commission on Elections employees and reorganize the poll body’s offices have been given a push in the Senate. Senate President Vicente Sotto III, last Oct. 23, filed Senate Bill No. 2082 to address the notable disparity in the salary grades of Comelec employees with those in other government agencies despite having similar qualifications or equivalent positions. “It is about time that Congress responds to their call for adequate adjustments in their remuneration,” Sotto said in the explanatory note of his bill titled “An Act Reorganizing the Comelec Offices”. The Comelec Employees’ Union has, for decades now, been continuously asserting their right to substantial and just salary increases and the principle of equal pay for equal work has not been felt by them. “Equal pay for equal work in government service is the goal of the proposed legislation. It can only be realized through reclassification and upgrading of their current plantilla positions, particularly in the Comelec main and field offices. Furthermore, it is believed that an increase in their salary will be an effective deterrent to graft and corrupt practices,” Sotto said. The bill is seen to benefit the constitutional body’s 5,000 employees nationwide. A counterpart measure has also been introduced at the House of Representatives by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Reps. Gary Alejano, Francisco Datol, and Feliciano Belmonte Jr. It also seeks to institute regional and provincial offices and divide the National Capital Region into five administrative districts. “The Comelec may delegate its powers and functions or order the implementation or enforcement of its orders, rulings or decisions through the heads of its field offices,” Sotto said. All remaining rank and file plantilla positions in the Comelec’s main and field offices shall be reclassified and upgraded accordingly, he added. PNA

‘Implement fuel marking under TRAIN’ CITING the shortfall in revenue collection, Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the government to speed up the implementation of the fuel marking scheme under the TRAIN Law (Republic Act No. 10963). “For me, the targets laid down by the Department of Finance is important. If you failed to meet the target, we cannot give the promised programs,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate committee on economic affairs and energy. DOF data shows that the government missed its excise tax target of P69.5 billion by P13.7 billion from January to June 2018, collecting only P55.8 billion. Petroleum excise tax collections reached P20.9 billion, which amounts to only two-thirds of the P30.8 billion target. Gatchalian pointed out that the shortfall in revenue collection could have been prevented if the fuel marking system has been implemented by now.

For this reason, he called on the government to immediately implement a fuel marking system to deter revenue leakages. “We’re not hitting the target and there’s probably some loopholes along the way. We want to emphasize that we need to implement these controls so that smugglers will not operate, and misdeclaration will not happen,” Gatchalian said. “Again, we owe it to our citizens because we raised the taxes and we need to collect that in order to give it back to them in terms of services,” he added. Gatchalian said they recently learned that the control mechanisms like fuel marking have not yet been implemented. “The reason why I ﬁnd it disturbing is that after the successive public hearings on the TRAIN Law, we were all quite wary about the possible incidents of smuggling,” he said.

DANCE MUSICAL. PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer, Andrea Do-

mingo (left) and Cultural Center of the Philippines president Arsenio Lizaso led the launch of the 2nd ‘Dances of the World, Tara Byahe Tayo,’ a dance musical featuring the diverse dances of different countries such as China, Thailand, Argentina, France, Mexico, French Polynesia, USA, Brazil, South Africa and India. The dance musical competition, which will be held on Nov. 9 at the CCP, will be performed by PAGCOR employees to showcase their dancing prowess and to promote their talents in the field of performing arts. Ey Acasio

THE Palace on Tuesday withdrew the public endorsement given by President Rodrigo Duterte to senatorial aspirant Freddie Aguilar weeks after the ruling party PDP-Laban disowned the folk singer’s nomination. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President did not endorse Aguilar’s Senate bid to the public. “He [Duterte] did not tell them to vote for him [Aguilar]. What he said was, the messages of the songs of Freddie Aguilar have social content. And he’s good, brilliant,” he said in a Palace press briefing. Panelo, however, said the President was only vouching for the OPM icon’s capability to run as a senator. “He was just expressing his opinion on the qualification of the person,” said Panelo. Following questions of authenticity of Aguilar’s political party, Panelo said the President did not endorse Aguilar as a candidate under PDP-Laban. He added that the president has the freedom to publicly endorse a candidate as he deems fit. “From what I know, the PDP Laban has not yet released a complete lineup. So given that, the President certainly has the right to endorse someone he feels should be endorsed,” he said. He reiterated that Duterte did not endorse Aguilar’s candidacy in the 2019 midterm elections. “He did not say to vote for him in the elections... He only said to consider,” said Panelo, as he even asked for a transcript of Duterte’s remarks for thorough interpretation. After reading an official transcript given by the Palace reporters, Panelo remained firm that Duterte did not made such endorsement. “He [Duterte] may not be referring to an election. He may be referring to you people to vote for this man as an outstanding man,” said Panelo. On Monday evening, Duterte pleaded to the public to give Aguilar a chance to translate his socially-relevant songs in the Congress. The President even raised the singer’s right hand to vouch for his candidacy in the upcoming elections.

Sandiganbayan acquits mayor of falsificatioin charges By Maricel V. Cruz THE Sandiganbayan has acquitted Sarangani Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. of his falsification case owing his alleged intervention in the preparation of the town’s P10.75-million supplemental budget for 2010. The anti-graft court’s First Division, in a 23-page decision dated Oct. 22, the said Lopez, Maasim, Sarangani mayor, was absolved after the prosecution failed to prove his guilt. “It appears clear that the liability of the accused for the crime charged has not been established with the required quantum of proof. Consequently, their acquittal becomes a matter of course,” the Sandiganbayan said. Lopez’s co-accused, then-municipal treasurer Moises Magallona Jr. and municipal budget officer Reina Perpetua Jamora were also cleared from the case. The three respondents were accused of conspiring together in the issuance of certification that P10.75 million worth of internal revenue allotment adjustment would be utilized as one of the sources of funds intended for the opening of 84 new plantilla positions. The prosecution claimed that Lopez and his co-accused tried to make it appear the IRA adjustment is available even if the funds did exist. Lopez, in his defense, said there is no proof he benefited from the alleged falsification. He cited an ordinance passed by the municipal council and the approval of the Civil Service Commission on the hiring of new employees. In absolving Lopez and his coaccused, the Sandiganbayan said: “It is abundantly clear that the Municipality of Maasim can defray the salaries, wages and benefits of the concerned employees from funds other than the IRA adjustment for the present year.”

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

What caused Marawi rehab delays

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

ate? The President even called Aguilar a “brillant man.” But Mr. President, may I ask what makes Aguilar a brillant man? For one thing, the Senate should be composed of people we respect and PRESIDENT Duterte may not realize it, but I believe he is staking so much admire, not just because one was the —his credibility and even the trust President’s special assistant, much less and acceptance by the people—at the because the President loves Aguilar’s rate he is endorsing candidates for nationalistic songs. The Senate must the Senate who are newcomers and at be composed of people of independent the bottom of the list according to the minds, not lapdogs and not one whose Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia only contribution to society is the ability to sing nationalistic folk songs. surveys. *** First, the President endorsed his President Duterte often likes to say special assistant, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and even accompanied that he appoints former military men to him when he filed his certificate of the Cabinet because of their discipline, candidacy. Now, Santa Banana, Go is action-orientation, and professionalism. But there is one characteristic of seen all over the military men that place soliciting he values—their the endorsements obedience. They of mayors and do what they are governors using They may be told to do. the name of the Along this line, President. obedient to the the President ofWho is Bong President, but they ten calls military Go anyway? What personnel his is his academic should not make short “utility boys” in background? Did cuts because we have contrast to arguhe finish college? mentative civilWhat is his pro- laws and procedures. ians in governfession to qualify ment bureaucracy him for the Senwhom he blamed ate? for slowing down I recall President Duterte calling him a billionaire. the implementation of policies. In this connection, the question pops My gulay,, how did Go become a billionaire? Has this something to do with up: Why did it take the rehabilitation the findings of the Philippine Center of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur over a for Investigative Journalism that Go’s year to start its rehab? Santa Banana, for father and half-brother were able to over 12 months ruins remained ruins! As one press report described it, the corner P2.4 billion worth of road con“sickle moon” of Marawi’s mosques tracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways under the Duterte watched over darkened shells of what administration? In one way or another, were once bright homes and busy thoroughfares. Residents of the so-called all these questions must be answered. Now comes the endorsement of the Most Affected Areas endured the pain President of folk singer Freddie Agui- of uncertainty, not knowing whether lar for the Senate, claiming he is a great they would get their lives backm using fan of Aguilar’s nationalistic songs, es- the words of Marawi City Mayor Uspecially ‘Anak’ which has been trans- man Gandamra. The rehab should have started Oct. lated in several languages. I, too, love 17, which marked the first anniversary Aguilar’s ‘Anak’ and I admire him. But of the city’s liberation. President DuI won’t vote for him in the Senate. What are his qualifications, academ- terte, however, could not make it so it ic experience and background that we was moved to Oct. 31. But only four days before the should vote for him as senator? Is AguTurn to A5 ilar’s ‘Anak’ a sure ticket to the Sen-

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Slow learners

IVE years after Super Typhoon “Yolanda” devastated Tacloban City in 2013, thousands of those who ﬂed for their lives are back in harm’s way, living again in the same coastal areas that the government has declared unsafe. Yolanda struck in the predawn darkness of Nov. 8, 2013 as the then strongest typhoon to ever hit land, leaving more than 7,360 people dead or missing across the central Philippines. The wall of seawater the typhoon sent crashing into densely populated area—known as storm surge— is one of the key reasons it was so deadly. Many people simply did not understand the term and did not evacuate despite official warnings. Now, despite the horrors of the

past, some survivors have returned to the same storm surge-threatened areas where their families lived before Yolanda. It is, as Moustafa Osman, a Britain-based disaster management expert, says, the calculus poor people make in calamity-prone nations in Asia and Africa. “Everywhere the single most difficult thing to do is to move people from their own village or territory and put them in a strange place,” he told the Agence France-Presse. “Unless you have a proper plan and a better alternative they won’t go.” Substandard housing, difficulties in earning a livelihood, no transportation and even conflict with the existing residents of a resettlement area are habitual barriers. In Tacloban, some 15,000 of the poorest families were ordered relocated, yet many have not moved and those who have are struggling. Some of the government-proposed housing in safer areas don’t even have running water and electric-

ity—and are far from areas where they can make a living. The failures of the previous administration to take care of the typhoon survivors have been well documented, despite the release of a glossy report entitled “It Happened: Learning from Typhoon Yolanda.” It is unclear, as of yet, how much better the current administration can do. Maria Rosario Felizco, Oxfam country director for the Philippines, says the need to locate communities in areas less vulnerable to disasters has not been fully met. “That’s the lesson we must learn. We must not wait for... a disaster before we think of that,” she adds. But given the pattern of increasingly destructive storms that visit the country every year, and the lack of a realistic plan to relocate those who have moved back to danger zones, it seems we haven’t really learned all that much from Yolanda. Tragically, in these climate change days, the penalty for slow learners is often death.

Identity crisis of ‘Saint Rodrigo’ Duterte. Not in fear of God but more of the people’s wrath against the administration candidates in the May 13 midterm elections, Palace officials said the ALEJANDRO President was only joking. This usual DEL ROSARIO damage control defense of Duterte HE’S at it again. By “he” we mean supporters is more laughable than the a certain Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who President’s attempt at humor. But mocking Catholics and proit seems, cannot make up his mind whether to be the President of the Re- claiming himself “Saint Rodrigo” is public or a standup comedian. In his not a joke, No one is laughing. If at all, latest outlandish outburst Mr. Duterte Digong’s remark has only strengthmocked Catholics for wasting too ened the faith of Catholics to pray even more for survival against inflation, much time venerating saints. “They should instead pray to Saint spiraling prices of prime commodities Rodrigo,” Mr. Duterte intoned Cath- and the militarization of government olics. Digong’s insensitive remark agencies. Bishop David said the country is came on the occasion of All Saints’ Day when the faithful flocked to the being led by a “very sick man” as he country’s cemeteries to remember the urged Filipinos to pray for the enlightenment of “Saint dead and pray to the saints to keep Rodrigo.” their dearly deI don’t have a parted in the cusp fixation to criticize Duterte. of God’s hands. Remember also Most of the soBut this Presicalled hate opindent by his actua- the 3 R’s of life— ions are of his tions and blasphe- reform, repent and own making. He mous utterances redemption. is his own worst has shown he is enemy. Criticisms not a believer in against the PresiGod. I do not have any quarrel with dent are drawn atheists. Although from his own his they don’t believe in God, atheists do quotable and controversial statements. “The Philippines is being ruled by a not proselytize nor make controversial statements. The President, however, tyrant,” were the parting words of Siscrosses the red line when he makes ter Patricia Fox who left last Sunday those remarks offensive to Catholics. for her home country of Australia. The In previous statements. Duterte cursed Aussie missionary was deported by Pope Francis and called God “stupid.” the Bureau of Immigration allegedly “To be considered a saint, a person for participating in protest rallies and must show repentance,” said Novalich- demonstrations against Duterte. Sister Fox denied the charges and es Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani as reaction to Duterte’s self-proclaimed said she was only in events that sainthood. Filipino saints San Lorenzo called for government assistance to Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod must the poor, hungry and unemployed. be turning in their graves if “Saint According to a recent survey by Rodrigo” joins them in this hallowed Social Weather Stations, 12.2-million circle. Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Filipino households are poor and, David asked for Filipinos to pray for Turn to A5

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Never stop learning, says John Gokongwei transformed the lives of others through a legacy of entrepreneurship and education.” USC officials led by President Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD, and USC Alumni Association Chairman Ronald “LOVE your work. Work hard for it. Po presented the Lifetime AchieveLove your family. Love your coun- ment Award at the first Grand Reunion try. Never stop learning. And always for Alumni Champions of the Univerlook back and be grateful to where you came from.” On Oct. 18, 2018, taipan John Gokongwei Jr. was given by his alma mater, the University of San Carlos in Always look back and Cebu City, a Lifetime Achievement be grateful to where you Award “for a lifetime, fully lived, of invaluable contributions that addressed came from. the needs of local, national, regional and global communities, and for having deeply touched, empowered, and

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

sity of San Carlos on Oct. 18, 2018 at the Summit Galleria Cebu hotel. The award comes 14 years after the University of San Carlos gave an honorary doctorate in Business and Enterprise Development on Gokongwei Jr. Here is John’s acceptance speech: It’s always special to be back here in Cebu, my hometown. And it is extra special to be here at my Alma Mater, University of San Carlos. I flew here this morning on the airline I named after this city I love, Cebu Pacific. I went to school here at the University of San Carlos for my primary school and my high school. I was valedictorian in grade school, and I was number one in my class in high school. Because of Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

GNP

Baiting CROSSROADS

JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ THERE is a lot of baiting going around these days. There’s one on the economy as Malacañang pushes for the second part of its tax reform agenda— TRAIN 2—aimed at rationalizing the tangled and problematic incentives program being implemented through various agencies, the most notorious being those under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. Records show that that in 2015, close to P4 trillion worth of goods were imported through PEZA-registered enterprises, ostensibly for capital equipment, intermediate goods and the like—all with incentives. Sadly, only P1.5 trillion worth of goods were processed and exported. That’s a clear leak of P2.5 trillion worth of imported goods which went directly to the local market to the detriment of our own producers. With such a dismal equation, why should we, the ordinary taxpayers, tolerate the status quo that, for all intents and purposes, benefits only the PEZA companies and their powerful owners? Yet, despite this and other facts pointing to the abuse of our fiscal incentives system staring them in the face, it appears most of our senators do not want to budge from their earlier opposition to the reform effort. Unable to explain their situation, the senators have engaged Malacañang and its economic managers in baiting. First, they blamed the earlier passed TRAIN 1 as the root of our dismal (?) economic situation, pointing out the spike in the prices of some basic goods and the inflationary pressures caused by the rapid increase in the price of gas and related products. Of course, they all know that the price spike and other pressures were not caused by the earlier TRAIN 1, which was passed almost unanimously by the legislature. They have been advised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Department of Finance, and other private research institutes that the gas price increase has less than 1 percent impact on the higher-than-expected inflation rate. They are also aware that given our better economic performance and

the rush to get as many of the “Build, Build, Build” projects off the drawing boards, more money is now in the hands of our people. That increased buying power has since triggered some spike in the prices of certain goods. Add to that the fact that we missed out on our rice supply due to internal wrangling at the National Food Authority, of course, the series of typhoons which visited us in succession over the past three months and voila you have an inflationary environment. The catch is this will not be the situation for long. In fact, there has been an easing in the price of rice and other basic goods as we bring in more rice and other imports into the market. Yet, the senators continue baiting President Duterte and his team into making unwarranted adjustments in the reform plan—a call which, if pushed, can only

These concerns are strong baits which can be very useful as we go to the polls in 2019. add more problems to government’s fiscal position. And this is just one of a number of critical concerns being ping-ponged around through various guises. The main option right now being used as bait to scare the public is the fear of inflation, depressed peso, dollar rate, among others, all of which will not be there for long based on various factors. But these concerns are strong baits which can be very useful as we go to the polls in 2019. Another favorite bait used by antiadministration forces is the South China Sea/West Philipine Sea issue which has remained on top of certain groups’ bait pool. This issue got activated once again as China announced it has constructed and is now going to operate three (3) research and monitoring centers—a maritime observation center, a meteorogical observatory and an environmental and air quality center —in some of the disputed islands being occupied by the Chinese. This development has engendered a paroxysm of

denunciations from the usual suspects to the point of baiting Malacañang into issuing a statement that “it was ready to file a protest” over such a development. That statement, of course, downplayed its impact with Palace spokesman Sal Panelo advising that they will wait for further developments and leave the filing to the better judgment of President Duterte. Which is well and good. After all, we have yet to understand and get more information about these “research and observation centers” which are ostensibly scientific undertakings. Premature, knee-jerk protests may amount to much ado about nothing. If these are open to experts and scientists from other countries specially those belonging to ASEAN as part of a regional or even global effort to monitor developments in our seas and oceans what’s wrong with that? If these will be used to enhance safety in that very busy international commercial route, then all the better for all of us. In fact, we have yet to hear whether the other claimants are preparing to issue their own protests over this development. If not, what’s egging us to issue one? Finally, we need to understand the meaning of the award we got from the UN Tribunal on the disputed islands which, in effect, ceded to occupants of these reefs and outposts control over their use. Unfortunately for us, we were remiss in protecting the gains we had in the ’70s when we managed to occupy our very own Kalayan Island Group. At that time we could have expanded our reach and took control of the other islands. For some reason, we did not until the other claimants. China included, occupied and fortified their part of the pie, so to speak, and warded off the others. So, now we are reduced to being onlookers and will remain so unless we do the next best thing—fortify our occupied islands and move to have the entire area an international zone of peace and amity. Then, connect ours with that of China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan into one scientific, commercial and maritime safety nexus to serve the region and the world. Unless we move in that direction, that area will be a bait for possible live skirmishes which can possibly even result in unwanted limited warfare. We should avoid that from happening at all.

A LIFE WELL LIVED. The University of San Carlos, led by president Fr. Dionisio Miranda SVD (extreme right) and USC Alumni

Association chairman Ronald Po (extreme left), and Outstanding Carolinian Alumnus Awardee Jesus Alcordo (second from right) presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to JG Summit Holdings founder and chairman emeritus, John L. Gokongwei Jr. With Big John are: (From left) Augusto Go, Elizabeth Gan-Go, Edward Go, wife Elizabeth Gokongwei, Lily Ngo Chua, Judy Gaisano, Jack Gaisano, Edmund Gaisano Sr., and Antonio Go. Photo courtesy JG Summit Holdings

Never... From A4

that, I received free tuition at school. I remember Fr. Gries who taught us English Literature, and Mr. Quibilan, the principal. I especially remember Fr. Smith, who was the disciplinarian, because one day he caught me running in front of his office, and I had to stand in the corner for one hour. When I was 13 years old, my father died, leaving me to take care of my mother, my four brothers, and my sister. At the time, my youngest brother, James, was only nine months old. I took care of them all. Because the family has always been my priority. It was here in Cebu that I first earned my

What caused... From A4

ceremony, Malacañang told organizers Duterte could not make it so they scrambled to hold the ceremony a day earlier on Oct. 30. But why did it take the national government more than a year to begin reconstruction? A report found that government agencies’ ill-founded insistence on using a Joint Venture Agreement model to lock down a developer was the biggest factor that led to unnecessary delays. Along this line, recall that Eduardo del Rosario, a former military general who is chariman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and also the chairman of the National Housing Authority, was named “rehab czar.” To make the story short, JVA was considered by Malacañang as a way to legally shorten the requirements that government must bid out projects to qualified contrac-

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

first few pesos. I used to wake up way before dawn to ride my bicycle to the public market many kilometers away. I set up a little table at the market to sell spools of thread, bars of soap, and candles. I earned about P20 a day by working longer and harder than everybody else. But it didn’t matter since I really loved my work. I loved being an ENTREPRENEUR. And so all through the years, I stayed as an entrepreneur, loving what I did and working hard. And always learning from the school of life. Years later, when I was married to my lovely wife Bia, and had six children of my own, I finally had the means to go back to school. I went to De La Salle University to get my MBA. It took me four years since I was a working student. When I got my di-

ploma it was one of the proudest moments of my life. Then I went to Harvard in 1972 for 14 weeks to take the advance management program. Today, I am 92 years old. I still wake up early and I still love to do what I’m doing. I still know everything that is going on in my company. I still love to learn and am always reading books, and now, online stories in this new digital age. I always tell my children, my grandchildren, and my colleagues: Love your work. Work hard for it. Love your family. Love your country. Never stop learning. And always look back and be grateful to where you came from. Thank you, University of San Carlos, for being a large part of who I am today. Thank you for this lifetime achievement award.

tors—a process that in Del Rosario’s view would take too long. Duterte also publicly expressed his aversion to public bidding because the process would lead to corruption. But public bidding is required by Philippine procurement laws, save for special instances when government wants to carry out a project but lacks the capability to do it. This is entirely different from a JVA, which was the preferred mode for Marawi’s rehab by Malacañang and Task Force Bangon Marawi. On Jan. 27, the President was quoted to have said that “henceforth, all projects in the Philippines would be something like a Swiss challenge... I am telling everybody—I am telling Congress, COA, and the Supreme Court that the policy of lowest bid dragged us into corruption.” Afterwards, the President signed Executive Order No. 49 exempting the NHA from JVA guidelines set by the National Economic Development Authority in 2005. Del Rosario even said in compliance with the

President’s pronouncement that the Swiss challenge is “an inherent process in JVA” which in effect makes NHA the signing agency in contracts for the Marawi rehab. This led to months of discussions with 5 Chinese companies and 4 Filipino firms. On May 15, NHA board members met to discuss the JVA plan of Malacañang and Del Rosario. During the meeting, former Corporate Counsel Rudolf Jurado told the board that a JVA model cannot be used for Marawi rehab since the project is not a commercial venture meant to generate profits. During the meeting, sources said under a JVA, the government would partner with a private entity that would then shell out the funds, and that government would only pay the private entity upon completion of the project. Obviously, Del Rosario had a mistaken belief of what a JVA was, since everybody knows that two parties having a JVA must spend equally for the project at the start, 5050. That is a former military general for you. Del Rosario was quoted to have said:

We used to be in downtown Changchun road with our offices located in the 11th and 12th floors of an old building serviced by only two elevators, inconveniencing not only MECOLITO serviced clients but other building ocBANAYO cupants as well because of the heavy elevator traffic. Last June, we also inaugurated a newly LAST weekend, we were in Taichung for the opening of the Taichung World re-modelled one-stop shop office in KaFlora Exposition which will showcase ohsiung, and last October, a similar one horticultural products not only of Tai- in Taichung. Transacting with MECO wan but some fifty other participating and its labor attaches and OWWA officers is now a lot more convenient. countries throughout the world. *** The Expo, which will run for six One other major change is the overmonths until April 24 next year, is spread across several venues in Tai- hauling of the MECO website. Realchung City in central Taiwan. The dip- izing the potential of the “2nd screen” lomatic community in Taiwan attended in information dissemination, we came the opening ceremonies and was given up with a mobile app to promote our a brief tour in one of the venues, the services and reach out to more people both in Taiwan and the Philippines, or Houli Horse Ranch and Forest Park. Mayor Chia-Lung Lin in his opening for that matter, anywhere in the world. From the old “static” website, we remarks gave a redefinition of GNP, which we all know to be gross national have a new interactive one, with links product, a measurement of a country’s to MECO’s social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram with highly economic activity. Mayor Lin on this occasion redefined informative sections dedicated to relGNP to stand for Green, Nature and evant news and major announcements. Its main page is heavy on visuals, out People, or more appropriately, Green Productivity, Nature Sustainability and to get interest from users even with the People Empowerment. The intention shortest attention span, with three tabs is to create and propagate green urban on the top most portion connecting uslifestyles that would protect nature, ers to our most vital services. The improveand engage peoments didn’t end ple in supporting there though. We the new, Mother also developed a Earth protective mobile app, which lifestyle. Mayor Lin redeﬁned is basically a con*** cise version of the The Manila GNP to stand for Green, website, an innoEconomic and Nature and People, or vation I believe is Cultural Office in first among repTaiwan launched more appropriately, resentative offices several projects Green Productivity, or even among forthis year. Nature Sustainability eign posts. First is the Since most Filitransfer of offices and People pino workers in under its aegis to Empowerment. Taiwan do not bigger and better have immediate locations for the access to computconvenience of ers or laptops, but our OFWs who now need to go to only one office for almost everyone has a mobile phone all their needs. MECO maintains of- which they use to communicate with fices in the capital, Taipei, as well as their loved ones back home, we deemed Taichung in the center of the island, and that the mobile app is the next most efficient way to reach out to them. Kaohsiung in its southern part. A major feature of the mobile app is We are the only ASEAN country that maintains three offices here—the bet- its ability to send notifications to its uster to serve our numerous OFWs. In ers, which may be very useful in times 2016, at the start of the Duterte admin- of disasters and emergencies wherein istration, our OFWs numbered 135,000, MECO needs to reach out to more than about 85 percent of whom work in Tai- 157,000 Filipinos in Taiwan. *** wan’s manufacturing industries. As of Whatever the Comelec’s legal or June 30, 2018, two years after, we now have 157,000 OFWs, with 87 percent technical reasons are for disqualifying Serge Osmeña from the 2019 race working in factories. Ours is the third largest foreign work ought to pale in comparison to what he force in Taiwan, the largest being Indo- can contribute to legislation and good governance advocacy in our country. nesia and the second being Vietnam. I have worked with Senator Serge In 2016, OFWs had to shuttle from the overseas labor office under DOLE mostly in running campaigns before and where they likewise transact with have learned a lot from the man. Very SSS, Pag-IBIG and OWWA to the methodical and research-driven, OsMECO office for their consular and mena’s inability to win in the 2016 elecpassport renewal needs. Seeing how tions has been a great loss to the quality inconvenient it was for our OFWs, we of Senate investigations and committee initiated a transfer to Taipei’s Neihu hearings in the last three years. Regardless of whether or not he is enDistrict. This took effect on Feb. 2018, so now all MECO-supervised dorsed by President Duterte, who holds offices, including trade and tourism, Serge in high regard for his keen intelare housed in the entire second floor lect, I will vote for the guy, and would of a new building, with a dedicated encourage friends and kin to do so as well. escalator.

SO I SEE

Identity... From A4

with the high cost of living, are having difficulty putting food to the table. The Finance and Trade departments assured the people that the 6.7-percent inflation rate and high prices of prime commodities will taper off by the end of the year. Like millions of Filipinos, I hope the Duterte administration will deliver on its word. If not, the voters will express their suffering through the ballot in the midterm elections on May 13 next year. For sure, this will have a bearing in the SWS survey on whether Digong still “Why do you want another modality? In a joint venture agreement, the developer provides the funds and we pay them at the end of the process using a buy-out option.” My gulay, how wrong could Del Rosario get! Jurado told the board that if they pushed through with the JVA, they could be charged for violating the procurement law. But Del Rosario and his assistant insisted on their mode, insisting that JVA is legal according to EO 49. The President reportedly wanted to fire Jurado, which he did later on. According to reports, from May to August this year, Del Rosario and the Task Force Bangon Marawi fought hard for a JVA. That further delayed the rehab. Jurado’s opinion to follow the law eventually led to the opinion he gave on the APEC franchise that did not sit well with the President. Del Rosario, ever the obedient former military general, noted that projects that were not income-generating could be awarded through either negotiated procurement or a build-operate-transfer arrangement.

enjoys the people’s support. More than an election of senators, district representatives in the House and local officials, next May’s elections is also a vote of confidence or no-confidence on one Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Does Mr. Duterte care or not what the voters say? Will he just shrug it off if they reject his PDP-Laban Party candidates? I won’t be surprised if he, true to form, says “damn those stupid voters and their stupid God.” To “Saint Rodrigo” we say it’s not enough to Build, Build, Build like the Romans did before the downfall of Rome. Remember also the 3 R’s of life—reform, repent and redemption, Amen. But under the Government Procurement Act, negotiated contracts where the procuring entity directly negotiates with a supplier does not involve a Swiss challenge. Aside from this, the method can only be used “under extraordinary circumstances” which Del Rosario insisted could be invoked. This again led to delays. During the Oct. 30 groundbreaking ceremony, Del Rosario came up again with a new concept which would open the rehab plans to Mindanao firms. The big question now is: Would the Marawi rehab have been done quickly had the President not assigned Del Rosario, a former military general? The answer to that question is maybe yes, or maybe no. It depends. All I am saying is that military people are not the best people for a job in government. They may be obedient to the President, but they should not make short cuts because we have laws and procedures. They may be cumbersome and cause delays, but the law is the law.

News

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Solon rejects Camp Crame’s argument By Maricel V. Cruz

CLIMATE CHANGE. Environment Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, representative of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu; Rep. Estrellita Suansing, chairperson; House Committee on Ways and Means, lawyer Dilbert Quetulio, Committee Secretary, House of Representatives, Committee on Ecology, receives a token of appreciation as a keynote speaker, from Dr. Jacob Tio, president, Philippine Center for Environment, Climate Change Studies and Sustainable Development Inc. (3rd from left) at the opening Tuesday of the National Convention on Enviromental Impact Assessment dubbed “EIA@40 National Convention” at the Manila Hotel. Ey Acasio

SSS extends monthly contribution deadline STATE-RUN Social Security System on Tuesday said it extended the payment deadline for contribution payments for January to December 2018 for SSS members except overseas Filipino workers-members. SSS president and chief executive officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said in a statement the Social Security Commission, the policy-making body of the pension fund, through SSC Resolution 728.s-2018 dated Sept. 12, revised the deadline for the payment of contributions for 2018. “We have decided to adjust the payment deadline for our employers and individual members to accommodate those who are willing to pay their monthly premiums to SSS but were slightly affected by the birth pains of the pilot implementation of the RealTime Processing of Contributions program, which requires them to update their information with SSS and generate a unique payment reference number before paying their premiums,” Dooc said. Dooc clarified, however, that the new payment deadline does not apply to OFW-members, who can pay their January to December contributions any time within the same year and their contributions for the last quarter until Jan. 31 of the following year. Based on SSS Circular 2018-022, the deadline of payment of contributions for regular employers is revised from the current schedule, which is based on the 10th digit of the 13-digit SSS number of the employer, to the end of the month following the applicable month. For example, an employer must pay the contributions of its employees for the month of October 2018 by the end of November 2018. On the other hand, household employers and individual members have until the end of the year to pay their monthly contributions. Since the last day of December 2018 is a non-working holiday, the payment deadline will be on Jan. 2, 2019. Further, contributions for the fourth quarter of 2018 may also be paid on or before Jan. 31, 2019.

Experts to check extent, gravity of Phoenix leak E

NVIRONMENTAL Management Bureau experts will check the extent and gravity of the volatile organic compound (VOC) emission from the fuel leak reported last week at a Phoenix Petroleum gasoline station in Makati City.

“We’ll check the level of the VOC emission there and in the immediate vicinity,” EMB senior environmental management specialist, Benny Murillo, said in an interview Monday.

Murillo said readings of EMB’s instruments would show if the VOC emission level was already harmful to health or pollute the environment as these substances mix with air. He advised people to stay away from the gasoline station and its vicinity in the meantime as a precaution. Murillo also urged people residing near the area to remain inside their houses as much as possible while authorities and Phoenix were dealing with the leak. The National Institutes of Health said VOCs could enter the body when people either inhaled them or touched fuel, solvents and other

products that contained and released these substances. It said exposure to VOCs might cause eye, nose or throat problems, and headaches, as well as damage to the liver, kidney or central nervous system, while long exposure might cause cancer. When VOCs combine with nitrogen oxides in the air, they form smog that pollutes the air, making it difficult for some people to breathe, the NIH said. Earlier, the Makati City government said siphoning stored fuel was among the interventions done after the leak’s discovery. PNA

NEW P2P ROUTE. The Century City Estate Association, together with officials from RRCG Transport, one of the major P2P bus operators in Metro Manila, launched on Tuesday the new service route from Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City to Century City Mall in Makati. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Jose Marco Antonio, chief operating officer of Century Properties Group (2nd from left0; lawyer Aileen Lizada, board member of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (4th from left); Rafael G. Yaptinchay, director at CPG (6th from left); and Roberto S. Torres, RRCG chairman (8th from left). Also present during the ceremony were (from left): Joel Yaptinchay, Century City Estate Chairman; Godofredo Custodio, Purchasing Head of Metro Express; Joseph Bryan Celestina, Century City general manager; Garrie David, P2P Alliance chairman; Dr. Reynaldo Torres, RRCG director; and Gerry Mina, Century City Estate president.

Macalintal: 70 age for retirement IF ELECTED, senatorial aspirant Romulo Macalintal on Tuesday said he would bat for the passage of a mandatory retirement age at 70 both in the government and private sector. At the Quezon City’s Real News forum, Macalintal said most senior citizens are forced to retire at 60. “The problem [with the law] is that they are compelled to retire even if they are still capable to work,” he told reporters. While justices and judges retire when reaching 70, other government employees and officials have to give up their jobs earlier, he said. “Look at the police and the military, they retire at 56. Why is it that there is such [age] discrimination?” he asked. “In [the United States of] America, there is no age limitation for as long as you can still work,” he said. “Let it be voluntary if one wants to retire. For me, 70 is okay as the retirement age,” he added. Rio N. Araja

A LEGISLATOR on Tuesday rejected as “unfair” the argument of the Philippine National Police against the hiring of a greater number of female officers. “Our sense is, it is not fair to discourage the recruitment of more young women as police officers simply on account of the prospect of motherhood and pregnancy,” Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said. “We should not penalize young women and deprive them of the opportunity to serve just because we are concerned that some of them may have to go on a 105-day maternity leave,” Pimentel said. Pimentel said a 105-day maternity leave made no difference in the context of 20 or 30 years of reliable and productive service. “We do not have a quarrel with Camp Crame. This is merely a disagreement over future strategies and policies,” Pimentel said. “We all want the PNP to succeed in its mission to enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security with the active support of the community,” Pimentel said. Pimentel earlier called for the doubling of the number of female officers in the PNP to 20 percent of all new recruits. “Our proposal is to increase the number of women in the PNP to 15 percent of all new recruits over the next five years, and then to 20 percent over the five years thereafter,” Pimentel said. At present, a 20-year-old law requires the PNP to allot to women at least 10 percent of its annual slots for new recruits. Congress first mandated the minimum 10 percent requirement as well as the establishment of Women and Children Protection Desks in every police station in 1998, primarily to improve the “gender sensitivity” of the force. At that time, there were too few women in the PNP that male officers ended up administering to women and children who were victims of rape and other forms of sexual abuse.

QC approves fare increase By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista has approved a fare increase for 24,700 public tricycles. City Ordinance 2575 gave way for the tricycles from P8 to P9 per person for a regular trips and from P16 to P18, and an additional P1 for every kilometer thereafter for a special trip. He approved the increase in response to fluctuation in fuel prices. The measure cited the excise tax imposed on gasoline under Republic Act No. 10963 or Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law for the increase. “Seven years had passed and despite the increase in fuel commodities since 2011, particularly in December 2016 when the average price for gasoline was listed at P46.30 based on the Department of Energy oil monitor, and the swelling demand for its services, fare in tricycles for hire have not been increased,” it read. The last tricycle fare increase was in 2016 under Ordinance 2466-2016 setting the minimum fare at P8 for a regular trip and P16 for a special trip. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students who enjoy a 20 percent discount rate will be charged P7.20 every regular trip, plus .50 centavos for every kilometer thereafter in regular trips. Meanwhile, Bautista on Tuesday spearheaded this year’s C40 Asian Adaptation Forum at Novotel Manila in Cubao. The three-day forum that started yesterday includes sessions on policy formulation and dialogue as well as a workshop for city officials on urban flooding, one of the main climate hazards affecting the region.

FLAG files complaint vs Usec RJ Jacinto THE Filipino League of Advocates for Good Governance has filed a complaint against Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs and Information Technology Ramon “RJ” Jacinto for alleged conflict of interest and for “illegally pushing for a duopoly in the tower construction of an estimated 50,000 cell towers to serve around 113 million telco subscribers in the country.” FLAG founder Ed Cordevilla filed the complaint on Monday, saying the proposal of Jacinto to limit the number of registered common tower companies in the country to just two runs counter to the spirit of Republic Act 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act. Previously, Jacinto said opening up cell

tower construction to other companies apart from the existing telecommunications companies “would be chaos.” “I was put in charge of common towers by the President [Rodrigo Duterte] and I am flexible to reasonable suggestions, but not this one,” he said. In August, the President gave Jacinto a special mandate to oversee government initiatives that would achieve speedy online connectivity of government agencies, including the implementation of a common-tower policy through the National Telecommunications Commission. However, Cordevilla said retaining the current duopoly system violates Section 14 of RA 10667, which states that agreements “which

have the object or effect of substantially preventing, restricting or lessening competition shall [also] be prohibited.” FLAG also alleged that Jacinto, who has a Cabinet rank of undersecretary, is violating RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Cordevilla specifically pointed to Section 7a, which states that public officials and employees “shall not, directly or indirectly, have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their office.” FLAG’s complaint noted that Jacinto’s family was into the steel manufacturing business “and that tower construction is 100 percent steel-based project.”

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Sports

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Arcilla beats Anasta, grabs PPS crown JOHNNY ARCILLA added another PPS -PEPP O pen crow n to his g rowi ng trophy collection, beating Vicente Anasta with a hot start and a late charge in the second set, 6-4, 6-4, to nail the Pintaflores Festival title in San Carlos, Negros Occidental last Monday. Arcilla broke Anasta right in the first game and kept the edge by trading serves, clinching the set in love fashion before a big crowd at the San Carlos Sports Center. The multi-titled Davis Cupper then surged ahead with a break in the seventh game in the second frame to complete the title romp worth P40,000 in the week-long event presented by Dunlop and backed by TJ’s Clear Art. On the road to the finals, the top seeded Arcilla, who topped this event in 2016 to cap a sweep of the four Open titles on the annual PPS-PEPP calendar, trounced Athan Arejola, 6-0, 6-3, scored a 6-2, 2-1(ret.) win over Mari Altiche, crushed Rodolfo Barquin, 6-1, 6-2, and dominated the fourth-ranked Fritz Verdad, 6-2, 6-3, in the semifinals of the event held as part of the host city’s Pintaflores Festival celebrations and organized by Criston Carmona. “Arcilla has time and again proved that discipline is key to victory, which our young players should emulate. By staying fit and in shape all year-long, he continues to dominate the Open tournaments,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Anasta, on the other hand, survived Bryan Saarenas, 3-6, 6-4, 10-6, held off Joseph Arcilla, 6-4, 6-2, rapped Leander Lazaro, 6-2, 6-4, and dethroned last year’s winner Bryan Otico, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(8). He settled for P20,000. But Anasta bounced back in doubles play, teaming up with Mark Alcoseba to turn back Saarenas and Alberto Villamor, 2-6, 7-5, 10-6, and nail the crown in the event sponsored by Mayor Gerardo Valmayor, Vice Mayor Renato Gustilo, Vice Gov. Eugenio Lacson and Julio Ledesma.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Warriors maul Memphis Grizzlies

OS ANGELES—Klay Thompson scored 27 points as the Golden State Warriors stretched their winning streak to eight games with a 117-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. Thompson was one of five Warriors players in double-digits as the NBA champions overcame a sluggish start to wrap up a comfortable victory at Oracle Arena. After an evenly contested first half finished at 58-58, the Warriors produced a breathless burst of scoring in the third quarter to pull clear. They outscored the Grizzlies by 34 points to 15 in the third, effectively killing off the game going into the fourth. The victory leaves the Warriors on top of the Western Conference with a 10-1 record. Kevin Durant had 22 points for the Warriors while Stephen Curry had 19.

In Denver, the Nuggets maintained their hot streak with Jamal Murray scoring 48 points in a 115-107 win over the Boston Celtics. Point guard Murray drained five threepointers in his points haul while laying on four assists and hauling down five rebounds. The victory saw Denver improve to 9-1 to keep pace with the Warriors in the West. Boston’s scoring was led by Kyrie Irving with 31 points while Jaylen Brow n a n d Jayson Ta t u m

chipped in with 15 points apiece. Irving meanwhile was incensed by Murray’s late attempt at a three-pointer as the clock ran out in the fourth quarter, grabbing the ball and hurling it into the stands in disgust at the 21-year-old’s perceived lack of respect. “The ball deserves to go in the crowd after a move like that,” Irving said. “So I threw it in the crowd.” The Toronto Raptors maintained their grip on the Eastern Conference standings with a 115-107 win over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry was the standout performer for the visitors with 17 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. Toronto star Kawhi Leonard did not play after failing to recover fully from a foot injury. The Oklahoma City Thunder meanwhile notched their fifth consecutive win at home with a victory over

the New Orleans Pelicans but suffered an injury scare to star Russell Westbrook. Westbrook needed to be helped off court after spraining ankle in the Thunder’s 122-116 victory. The 2017 NBA MVP grimaced in pain after rolling over on his ankle as he landed on Pelicans player Anthony Davis’s foot after going up for a rebound in the third quarter. Westbrook attempted to get up and hobble off on his own but eventually needed assistance as he limped straight to the locker room. The Thunder later said Westbrook appeared to have suffered a sprained left ankle. Westbrook has only recently returned to action after missing the first two games of the season following knee surgery. The 29-year-old, who has averaged a triple-double for the past two seasons, had scored 17 points when he left the game, with seven rebounds and nine assists. AFP

QC Capitals trip Caloocan QUEZON CITY and Muntinlupa survived their respective rivals in a pair of thrilling matches late Monday night. The Black Mamba Energy Drinkbacked Capitals edged host team Caloocan Supremos-Longrich, 81-79, to stop the bleeding here at the Caloocan Sports Complex. It was the first win by the Capitals in this venue after three tries and head coach Vis Valencia of Quezon City could only heave a sigh of relief. “Finally, nanalo rin kami rito,” said Valencia, whose troops now improved to 3-7 in the northern division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former league MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner. “We haven’t won here since last season, kasi nga parating Batangas natatapat sa amin. But this win is huge for us.” Earlier, Muntinlupa survived a game General Santos City squad, 61-60, as the more experienced Angelis Resort-supported Cagers turned to veteran guard Allan Mangahas, who made the gamewinning floater that put his team back on winning track. The Capitals rode on the heroics of Andoy Estrella, who knocked in eight of his team’s last nine points, including a tough in your face jumper over Joseph Nalos in the last 14.6 seconds that gave the Capitals an 80-76 lead. Caloocan responded quickly with a Vosotros putback to move within striking distance, 80-78, before a commotion temporarily halted the match. Estrella and Vosotros got involved in a heated exchange after the former reacted after the latter decked Hesed Gabo following a hard foul. Both Estrella and Vosotros were called for a technical each, but the Capitals, who were previously called for a warning due to bench decorum, was whistled for a technical.

Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (with ball) tries to dribble past a Memphis Grizzlies defender. AFP

De La Salle Green Archers chase seat in UAAP Final Four By Peter Atencio

Games Today

THE La Salle Green Archers try to clinch the third Final Four Semifinals slot when they battle the National University Bulldogs 4 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament. The Green Archers will also try to extend their win streak if they hur-

(at the Araneta Coliseum) 2 p.m. UST vs Adamson 4 p.m. NU vs La Salle

dle the Bulldogs in their featured encounter in the 81st University Athletic Association . The Green Archers got closer to the semifinals following their 110-69 blasting of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.

Republika ng Pilipinas

Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Website:

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 www.region3.nia.gov.ph

Email Address: Telefax No. TIN No.

tire game. Pinu-push ko lang sa kanila na they have to be consistent and keep on improving,” La Salle’s Aljun Melecio finished with 22 points during their last game. Earlier in the day, the UST Growling Tigers will try bounce back when take on the Adamson University Soaring Falcons at 2 p.m. The Falcons have an 8-3 slate at no. 2, and are already assured of a seat in the Final Four.

Republika ng Pilipinas

National Irrigation Administration (PambansangPangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No.III

Coach Louie Gonzalez said he is pushing for the Green Archers to be more consistent. The La Salle victory pushed the Growling Tigers down to sixth place at 5-6 in a three-way fight for the last Final Four seat with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who both share the same 6-6 card in fourth. “Siguro yung consistency for the en-

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National Irrigation Administration niar03@yahoo.com (044) 766-2467 000-979-570-000

Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Website:

Invitation to Bid Construction of Irrigation Facilities of BULO SRIP ITB No. NIAR3-2019-BULO SRIP-3 1.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, hereby invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered contractors to bid for the project, through the General Appropriations Act of CY 2019, intends to apply the sum of Forty-Three Million Five Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty-Five Pesos and 47/100 (P 43,566,965.47) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the contract for NIAR3-2019-BULO SRIP-3. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

(PambansangPangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No.III

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 www.region3.nia.gov.ph

Email Address: Telefax No. TIN No.

National Irrigation Administration niar03@yahoo.com (044) 766-2467 000-979-570-000

Invitation to Bid Construction of Diversion Works and Canal System of Camiling River Irrigation System ITB No. NIAR3-2019-TAR-CAMRIS-1

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from IMO Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Non compliance will be a ground for disqualification.

Only those who submitted Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS including updated company profile by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for Construction of Irrigation Facilities of BULO SRIP located in San Miguel, Bulacan. Completion of the Works is required within Three Thirty Hundred (330) calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from IMO Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Non compliance will be a ground for disqualification.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, hereby invites all interested PhilGEPS registered contractors to bid for the project, through theGeneral Appropriations Act of CY 2019, intends to apply the sum of Fifty One Million Three Hundred Eighty Eight Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Two Pesos and 74/100(P 51,388,692.74) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)for the contract for NIAR3-2019-TAR-CAMRIS-1. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Only who submitted Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS including updated company profile by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from IMO Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Non-compliance will be a ground for disqualification.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for Improvement of Various Irrigation Facilities of Porac Gumain RIS located in Lubao, Guagua and Floridablanca, Pampanga. Completion of the Works is required within Three Hundred (300) calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

Only those who submitted Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS including updated company profile by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for Construction of Diversion Works and Canal System of Camiling River Irrigation System, located inCamiling, Mayantoc, Sta. Ignacia& San Clemente, Tarlac. Completion of the Works is required within Three Hundred (300) calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on November 6, 2018 to November 27, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m., Monday to Friday, and November 28, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., except holidays from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Forty-Three Thousand Pesos (P 43,000.00).

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 fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on November 06, 2018 to November 27, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m., Monday to Friday, and November 28, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., except holidays from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Thirty Six Thousand Pesos (P 36,000.00).

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 15, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:30 a.m. (PST) of November 28, 2018 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on 10:00 a.m. (PST) of November 28, 2018 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. 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.

10. All particulars relative to the eligibility screening, bid security, performance security, pre-bid conference/s, evaluation of bids, post qualification and award of contracts shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its revised IRR. 11.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

12. For further information, please refer to:

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on November 6, 2018 to November 26, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, except and holidays and November 27, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P 50,000.00) 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 fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 14, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan, which shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:30 a.m. (PST) of November 27, 2018 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on 10:00a.m. (PST) of November 27, 2018 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. 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.

12. For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608

(SGD) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC – Chairman

(SGD) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC – Chairman Noted by:

Noted by:

(SGD) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager

(MS-NOV. 7, 2018)

Bid opening shall be on 10:00 a.m. (PST) of November 28, 2018 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. 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.

BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608

niar03@yahoo.com (044) 766-2467 000-979-570-000

Email Address: Telefax No. TIN No.

Invitation to Bid The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, hereby invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered contractors to bid for the project, through the General Appropriations Act of CY 2019, intends to apply the sum of Thirty Six Million One Hundred Eighty Five Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Eight Pesos and 56/100 (P 36,185,258.56) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the contract for NIAR3-2019-PAM-PGRIS-4. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 www.region3.nia.gov.ph

Improvement of Various Irrigation Facilities of Porac Gumain RIS ITB No. NIAR3-2019-PAM-PGRIS-4 1.

Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Website:

(PambansangPangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No.III

(SGD) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC – Chairperson Noted by:

(MS-NOV. 7, 2018)

(SGD) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager

(MS-NOV. 7, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

Perez sits while Red Lions beat LPU Pirates By Peter Atencio

Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok import Romeo Travis elevates to try to score on a breakaway dunk against the Blackwater Elite. PBA Media

PSC, DepEd kick off planning workshop DAVAO CITY—The Department of Education (Deped) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) kicked off their two-day joint national sports planning workshop at The Pinnacle Hotel and Suites here yesterday, ushering in a brighter direction for a unified grassroots sports development program in the country. Echoing PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez’s opinion, PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey said that these efforts to establish a more solid and widerreaching grassroots sports program will also benefit the national sports associations. “Elite sports will benefit from this since this becomes a feeder system for NSAs’ source of talents. And since our mandate is both grassroots and elite, through this, we are serving both objectives,” Maxey said. Meanwhile, PSC consultant Prof. Henry Daut, talking about Grassroots Sports Pathway, likened grassroots sports development to farming, which he termed “sports farming”. Daut said, “Sa pagtatanim, kailangan ng magandang binhi, ganun din sa sports. Kailangan ang talent selection. But we can’t rely on pure talent of an athlete to be a champion, kailangan ng fertilizers... ito yung mga experts na tutulong sa athlete na maging the best, maging excellent.” He also said that the country’s dream of an Olympics gold medal remains elusive with the current system in acquiring the services of naturalized Filipino athletes to represent the country in various international competitions. Daut added that it’s time to invest “on our own development”, identifying homegrown talents who will make the Philippines proud. He cited tertiary schools for starting the development of elite athletes for product markets such as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Asian Games and the Olympics. DepEd Region 1 regional director Malcolm S. Garma, on the other hand, thanked the PSC for providing an opportunity of convergence, in building up stakeholders not only for DepEd but particularly for the youth.

Hotshots spill Elite to advance to semis By Jeric Lopez

AGNOLIA is the first team through to the semifinals. The No. 4 ranked Pambangsang Manok Hotshots pulled through in the final two minutes to eliminate pesky Blackwater Elite, 103-99, in the Quarterfinals of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Paul Lee led the Hotshots with a double-double with 22 points and 12 assists while Romeo Travis and Ian Sangalang added 18 apiece. Down by a point heading to the twilight zone, Magnolia racked up five straight points to go ahead and steal the game. A three-point play by Sangalang followed by a Jio Jalalon lay-up gave the Hotshots a 100-96 lead with 1:23 remaining. The Elite tried to hold on for dear life and managed to fight back, inching to within two, 99-101, as they headed into the final 10 seconds with ball in hand. But Nard Pinto missed a potential game-winning trey in the dying seconds, enabling Magnolia to escape and move on to the next round.

The Hotshots will face the winner in the series between top seed Barangay Ginebra and No. 8 NLEX, who are going at it as of this report. The Gin Kings, holding a win-once edge, are trying as well to get themselves booked in the semis as they look to eliminate the Road Warriors. The Hotshots fired from all cylinders fight away, taking a sizeable 32-19 advantage late in the opening quarter to set the tone. They still carried a reduced 55-47 lead at the half. However, the Elite started the second half with on a 9-2 blitz to get back in the game, trailing by only a single point, 56-57, early in the third canto to make it anyone’s game from that point forward.

Angels, Lady Warriors start drive to playoffs PETROGAZ and Pocari-Air Force tangle today, Wednesday in a key duel of teams fighting it out for the last semifinal berth even as Creamline tries to recover lost grounds against a skidding Tacloban in the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Open Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan. The Angels bucked a long layoff and blasted the Iriga-Navy Lady Oragons in three last Saturday to firm up their hold of the No. 4 spot at 5-3. But they gear up for a fierce showdown with the Lady Warriors, who are out not to only to snap a two-game skid but stay in the semis hunt heading to the last stretch of the double-round elims. Gametime is at 4 p.m. Relegated to fifth at 4-5, the Lady Warriors need to hurdle the Angels again to keep their Final Four hopes alive in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Mikasa and Asics.

Tight finish seen at Riviera MVPSF Am tilt THE country’s leading amateurs and rising stars set out for another fierce battle for golf supremacy as they slug it out in the Riviera MVPSF Amateur Championship which gets going Friday, Nov. 9 at Riviera’s Langer course in Silang, Cavite. Aidric Chan and Sean Ramos banner the men’s Championship division that also features the likes of Leandro Bagtas, Aldo Barro, Paolo Barro, Carl Corpus, Dan Cruz, Josh Jorge, Miguel Olivarez-Ilas, Rald Sarmiento, Paolo Uy and Paolo Wong. Sofia Legaspi, meanwhile, gears up for a repeat of her title feat last year but expects a tough outing against last year’s runner-up Kayla Nocum and a slew of talented players out to stamp their mark in the 54-hole tournament presented by the MVP Sports Founda-

tion and held as part of PLDT Group National Amateur Tour. Also tipped to contend for the women’s crown are Sofia Chabon, Sunshine Baraquiel, Nicole Abelar, Laia Barro, Sam Dizon, Laurea Duque, Kristine Fleetwood, Bernice Olivarez-Ilas, Rafaela Singson, Kristine Torralba and young Eagle Ace Superal in one of the strongest casts in a local amateur championship. Koreans Lee Sang Min (men’s), and Gi Soon Choi and Kang Da Yun (women’s) also go all out to spoil the locals’ title drive in the event conducted and organized by the National Golf Association of the Philippines. Listup is ongoing with deadline set tomorrow, Thursday at 12 noon. For details, call NGAP at (02) 706-5926 or email ngap2009handicap@yahoo.

com or at Riviera at (02) 888-9089 or 0956-8821149. Other titles to be disputed are the Mid-Amateur and Seniors to be disputed over 36 holes. Also on tap is the Special Division for boys’ and girls’ 12 years old and below as part of NGAP’s grassroots program, also to be played over 36 holes. Fees are pegged at P2,500 (local) and P3,500 (foreign) for elite amateur division, P2,000 (local) and P3,000 (foreign) for mid-am and seniors divisions and P1,000 for Riviera members. Leading the Mid-Am cast are Erik Escalona, Jeff Razon, Don Padilla, Raymond Co and Eric Gozo while Butch Bakunawa and Mike Besa head the Seniors division field that includes Alex Escalona, Bobby Iñigo and Jose Alvarez Jr.

Eriksson promises to stay longer than Butcher AZKALS’ freshly named head coach, ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, said he plans to stick around longer than his predecessor Terry Butcher, who quit before taking charge of a single game. The Azkals, who are gearing up for their first Asian Cup berth, announced Eriksson’s appointment last week after the surprise departure of Three Lions great Butcher in August. “I don’t know why he left in such a short time,” Eriksson said in his first press conference in charge. “I am going to stay much longer than he did, that’s for sure.” Butcher was named coach in June but lasted less than 50 days, saying he was not “able to make this work”. Eriksson, who coached England to successive World Cup quarter-finals, said he will be at the helm for this month’s AFF Suzuki Cup and the Asian Cup in January. But what would happen after that was unclear,

with Azkals’ manager Dan Palami saying Eriksson will initially handle the squad for the key tournaments and “a little bit after, maybe about six months”. “But we are looking at different areas where he can be part of the Philippine football scene even in a different capacity,” Palami said, adding that talks are ongoing. Eriksson, a Swede, became in 2001 the first foreigner to head England’s football team, and has since also coached Mexico and the Ivory Coast as well as league clubs in Sweden, Portugal, Italy and China. He takes charge as the Philippine team enjoys unprecedented success, having jumped as high as 111 in the FIFA rankings in May 2018. Eriksson said he took the Philippines job with an open mind: “I thought why not, why not do something a little bit different from what I’ve done before.” Sven-Göran Eriksson (left), the Philippine’s new national football The new coach began training with the Azkals, a team coach, speaks with the team’s manager Dan Palami during slang term for stray dogs, on Sunday. AFP a press conference. AFP

FOUR key players led by Javee Mocon took charge as the San Beda Red Lions moved closer to their 22nd men’s basketball crown in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Mall of Asia Arena. With the Pirates feeling the absence of key player CJ Perez, Red Lions Mocon, Robert Bolick, Clint Doliguez and Donald Tankoua put in double digit outputs as the Red Lions demolished Lyceum, 73-60, to win Game 1 of their championship. Mocon fired a game-high 14 points and hauled down 10 rebounds for the Red Lions, who took control of the tempo of the game right from the start. San Beda limited the Pirates to just nine points in the first 10 minutes of the games. Meanwhile, high school MVP Joel Cagulangan led with 16 points for the defending champion La Salle Greenhills, who weathered a late rally to repulse the Malayan High School Reb Robins, 74-69, in Game 1 of the junior finals. The 18-year-old Cagulangan, who didn’t expect to get a citation, rose to the occasion with two other teammates in the final minute. His triple late in the game gave the Greenies a 73-65 edge. The Pirates, who lost Perez after he was suspended for a game for his failure to inform the NCAA management committee of his intention to join the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association rookie draft, could only make 13 points in the second period. Doliguez knocked in eight of 11 points in the second canto as the Red Lions held down the Pirates to 13 points, and coasted to a 43-22 halftime spread. Bolick shot 12 points and had a rebound, and nine assists for the Red Lions, who went on to grab a 27-point edge 66-39, with 7:53 to go in the fourth. Tankoua banged in 10 for the Red Lions. Mike Nzeusseu had 16 for the Pirates, who came back to within 10 points in the final minute.

Judiciary outlasts PhilHealth Games Tomorrow

(JCSGO gym, Cubao) 2 p.m. – Ombudsman vs NHA 3:30p.m. – Malacañang-PSC vs Agriculture 5p.m. – Senate vs AFP

TWO-TIME champion Judiciary got an explosive game from former Ginebra player Chester Tolomia and outlasted PhilHealth, 98-93, to advance to the second of the elims in the 7th UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Pasig City Sports Center. Showing he’s still got fire in his belly, Tolomia sizzled with 31 points in his exciting shootout with former Letran star Jonathan Aldave in leading the Magis to their second straight win after dropping their first three games. The Magis and the PhilHealth Plus finished with similar 2-3 marks but the former took the fourth spot in Group B due to the winner over the other rule in the event organized by UNTV president Daniel Razon for all public servants. In other games, Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission forged a three-way tie for Group B lead with idle Department of Agriculture with a thrilling 63-62 win over erstwhile unbeaten National Housing Authority while Philippine National Police finished Group A elims with a 3-2 card following an 89-77 win over Department of Justice. Malacañang, NHA and DA have similar 3-1 records. Ably backing up Tolomia was another PBA player Warren Ybanez who put on another solid all-around performance with 23 points, seven steals, six rebounds and four assists. Aldave, on the other hand, paced PhilHealth with 33 points in the event offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion team. Joseph Besa starred for Malacañang’s win as he scattered 19 points, including three in the crunch to help hand NHA its first loss. He also had four rebounds and two assists while Erick dela Cuesta had 12 points and 11 rebounds. Also putting up a double-double effort was PNP’s top gun Olan Omiping with 26 points and 12 rebounds.

IN BRIEF

PMFTC inaugurates Batangas solar plant TANAUAN CITY, Batangas—PMFTC Inc. inaugurated Tuesday its $3.1-million, 2.5-megawatt solar power plant inside its 25-hectare manufacturing facility at the First Philippine Industrial Park here that will help reduce the company’s carbon footprint. PMFTC became the third affiliate of Philip Morris International in Asia to have its own solar power plant, next to Pakistan and Indonesia. “This is an example of the way that we want our future to approach our sustainability commitment. We are committed to have a sustainable investment in the environment and this the first project of this scale of investment of $3 million in a solar photovoltaic plant. The idea is to help us reduce our carbon emissions,” PMI manager for environment Carlos Sanchez said. The solar project, built in partnership with Spectrum, Manila Electric Co.’s affiliate company, converts electricity using photovoltaic modules that do not produce any carbon emissions. It covers around 10 percent of PMFTC’s power demand in the factory. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

SEC approves merger of 2 Cebu Ayala firms THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the merger of Cebu Holdings Inc. and Cebu Property Ventures Development Corp., two Cebu-based real estate companies owned by Ayala Land Inc. CHI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the SEC approved and made effective the merger of both parties on November 6, 2018 under the terms and conditions in which CHI would be the surviving entity. “The merger will consolidate the company’s portfolio under one listed entity, creating a unified portfolio for its investments and is expected to result in operational synergies, efficient funds management and simplified reporting to government agencies as a result of the merger,” CHI said. CPVDC requested for a trading suspension of its shares Tuesday with the approval of the merger. CHI will swap 1.06 common shares for every one share of CPVDC Class A common shares or Class B common shares, totaling to the issuance of anadditional 996,771 million CHI common shares. Jenniffer B. Austria

5G NETWORK IN CLARK. PLDT Inc. and Smart launch the country’s first 5G network in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga province. At the launching are (from left) Ericsson market area head Nunzio Mirtillo, PLDT first vice president and Smart enterprise head Jovy Hernandez, PLDT chief technology and information advisor Joachim Horn, PLDT chief revenue officer Eric Alberto, Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and chief executive Vivencio Dizon, Clark Development Corp. vice president for business development Evangeline Tejada and CDC president and chief executive Noel Manankil.

Two telecom bidders go to court vs govt agencies By Darwin G. Amojelar

HILIPPINE Telegraph and Telephone Corp. said Tuesday it asked the Makati Regional Trial Court to compel the government to accept its bid amid what it described as “discriminatory” requirement set by the National Telecommunications Commission for the selection of a new major telecom player. “PT&T is not asking the court to stop or restrain the third telco bidding. PT&T is requesting for the court to correctly interpret the term ‘national scale’ and in the meantime, compel the NTC to accept the NMP [new major player] bid that PT&T will submit without the required certiﬁca-

tion, until such time that the case is finally settled,” PT&T president and chief executive James Velasquez said. “While PT&T has managed to secure all requirements in the TOR, the NTC has not been able to issue the company a certification that it has been in operations on a national scale for the last 10 years,” he said. “We believe that the NTC’s refusal to issue the said certification is without basis since it is premised on a restrictive interpretation of the term ‘national scale’ as it heavily favors foreign telecommunications companies who want to participate in the third telco bidding, “ Velasquez said. “We do not see any valid reason why a distinction should be made between foreign and local telecommunications companies insofar as the interpretation and application of the term ‘national scale’ applies,” Velasquez said. “We believe that NTC should adopt an interpretation that would level the playing field between foreign and local telecommunications companies,” he said.

Finance plans to sell P13.5-b retail bonds for Marawi rehab By Julito G. Rada THE Finance Department plans to issue P13.5 billion (about $241 million) worth of retail bonds in the domestic market to help raise funds for the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts of Marawi City. The Bureau of Treasury said in a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III that the initial bond issue would match the P10-billion allotted this year under the national budget for the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program and another P3.5 billion for 2019. Deputy treasurer Erwin Sta. Ana said during a recent DoF executive committee meeting the agency would use the online retail treasury bond format for the ﬁrst tranche of the domestic bond issue,

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

Globe’s profit climbed 13% to P14.6b in nine months

Manufacturing rose for 9th straight month THE manufacturing sector recovered in September, registering growths both in volume and value compared with the decreases year-on-year, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday. The results showed the indices were on positive territory for nine consecutive months. Data showed the Volume of Production Index registered a positive growth rate of 4.0 percent in September compared with the 5.7-percent decline on year. The increase was due to the improvement in 11 major industries, with six industry groups registering two-digit increases in VoPI as follows: textiles (44.7 percent), petroleum products(26.7percent), machinery except electrical (20.1 percent), miscellaneous manufactures (16.5 percent), transport equipment (16.2 percent) and non-metallic mineral products (13.3 percent). The Value of Production Index for manufacturing rose 3.7 percent in September compared with the 6.2-percent decline in the same month of the previous year, based from the preliminary results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries. Julito G. Rada

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

dubbed by Dominguez as the “Marawi Bonds Series 1.” “As we need money later on, we will issue more bonds,” Dominguez said. The tenor of the Marawi bonds would depend on market conditions, according to Dominguez. He said the bonds would appeal to patriotic citizens who would like to help rebuild the lives of their fellow Filipinos in the war-torn city. The proposed financing for specific projects identified under the Bangon Marawi program included $100 million (P5.44 billion) from the Asian Development Bank in the form of an emergency assistance loan, $200 million (P10 billion) from the national budget this year and $241 million (P13.5 billion) from the sale of the first tranche of the Marawi bonds for a total of $541 million.

Japan and the Philippines’ other development partners also committed to provide funding support to help implement the BMCRRP. The DoF’s International Finance Group said the funding gap of $64 million (P3.45 billion) would be raised through a pledging session with development partners in November. The World Bank also plans to pool contributions, in the form of grants, from the Philippines’ development partners under a proposed Bangon Marawi Multi-Donor Trust Fund to assist in the implementation of BMCRRP. The government also requested the World Bank to establish a project monitoring unit under the Task Force Bangon Marawi to monitor the implementation status of all programs, projects and activities identiﬁed in the BMCRRP.

Meanwhile, Mel Velarde Inc. – which used to own a controlling stake in Altimax Broadcasting Co. Inc. – labelled Department of Information and Communications Technology Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio’s recent media statements as “reckless.” Rio was quoted as saying that Altimax applied for a franchise with the intention of selling its frequencies to Bethlehem Holdings Inc., subsidiary of Globe Telecommunications Inc. Velarde who also heads Now Telecom Inc. said contrary to Rio’s statement, Altimax exerted all possible efforts to renew its provisional authority, retain its frequencies, and even opposed efforts by the NTC to withdraw and reallocate frequency bands earlier issued to the company. “It is beyond doubt that Altimax has availed of every measure to protect its franchise as it had every intention to make use of the same, as evidenced by Altimax’s efforts to have its PA extended,” Velarde said in a letter addressed to Rio.

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Tuesday net income rose 13 percent in the first nine months, led by strong broadband revenues. The telecom unit of Ayala Corp. earned P14.6 billion in January to September, up from P13 billion in the same period last year. “Overall, I am pleased with our third-quarter results, and we are optimistic that we can sustain this momentum moving forward,” Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said. Globe’s operating revenues increased 10 percent in the nine-month period to P110.78 billion from last year’s P100.45 billion. Mobile revenues improved 8 percent to P79.13 billion, while home broadband revenues rose 15 percent to P13.5 billion. Globe said the sustained double-digit growth of home broadband resulted from the combined effects of subscribers expansion and continued high demand for fast and reliable home internet. The company allocated P32.5 billion or $618 million for capital expenditures in the first nine months to support the growing subscriber base and address its rapidly changing and rising demand for data. The massive investment accounted for nearly 32 percent of top line revenues, among the highest in the region, as the company continued to reinvest in its network to improve the quality and experience of its subscribers. About 78 percent of the total expenditures in the period was for data-related services. Globe said it was on course to fulfill its commitment to deploy LTE services to 95 percent of cities and municipalities nationwide by the end of 2018 and upgrade its network to support the pilot 5G deployment in 2019. Globe has a total of 40,522 base stations, with close to 27,000 for 4G to support the service requirements of its customers. “We are happy that more and more Filipinos will enjoy faster and reliable internet connection as we draw clover to achieving 95 percent LT nationwide coverage. We will remain aggressive wit our next work investments, which is now nearly 32 percent of our revenues to be able to support the growing demand for bandwidth-intensive applications and content,” Cu said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Fitch Ratings expects PH to remain one of the fastest growing economies GLOBAL debt watcher Fitch Ratings expects the Philippine economy to grow 6.7 percent annually in 2019 and 2020, making it one of the fastest growing in the Asia-Pacific region. Fitch managing director and chief operating officer Tony Stringer who took part in the recent Philippine economic briefing said the country would sustain its strong growth despite the higher inflation environment. Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority on Tuesday showed that inflation was unchanged at 6.7 percent in October from the September figure. Stringer said the spike in inflation might prove to be temporary. “Headline inflation increased to 4.3 percent yearon-year in the first half of 2018 from

2.9 percent in 2017, and we expect consumer price inflation to average around 4.4 percent percent in 2018, above the BSP’s official band of 2 percent to 4 percent, due in large part to higher commodity prices and a recent increase in excise taxes associated with the tax reform package passed at the end of last year,” said Stringer. “However, the one-off impact of the tax hikes is likely to dissipate in 2019, and therefore we expect average inflation to fall to around 3.8 percent in 2019. We think the BSP’s cumulative rate hikes of 150 basis points so far this year should help to keep further inflationary pressures from building up,” he said. Julito G. Rada

Petron’s income increases 3% to P12.1b By Alena Mae S. Flores OIL reﬁner and distributor Petron Corp. said Tuesday consolidated net income rose 3 percent in the ﬁrst nine months to P12.1 billion from P11.8 billion it booked in the same period last year despite the industry-wide decline in fuel demand amid high pump prices. “Despite a challenging environment that brought pump prices to new highs and resulted in weaker demand, Petron continued to thrive and delivered above expectations,” Petron chairman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. said in a statement. Petron attributed the modest growth to the robust performance of its Malaysian operations, sustained volumes growth in its home country and contributions from its petrochemical business. Total consolidated volumes in Malaysia and the Philippines reached another

record with combined sales of 81.4 million barrels for the nine-month period, up 1.2 million barrels from last year. Petron Malaysia continued to gain ground fueled by a 10-percent jump in retail sales, backed by innovative and premium product offerings such as Blaze 100 and Turbo Diesel Euro 5, substantial membership increase in loyalty card program P-Miles and the increase in its retail network now numbering 630 stations. Philippine volumes slightly increased 1 percent to 47.2 million barrels in the ﬁrst three quarters despite high local pump prices. Petron’s 180,000-barrel-per-day reﬁnery in Bataan continued to run at 95 percent capacity over the period to support local sales and produce high-value petrochemicals. Petrochemical volumes went up 3 percent while polypropylene sales surged 20 percent.

AIRASIA FLIES TO LAGUINDINGAN. AirAsia’s brand new Airbus A320 fitted with sharklets gets the traditional water canon salute upon arrival at the Laguindingan International Airport in Cagayan De Oro City on Oct. 28 to celebrate the airline’s newest flight from Cagayan de Oro to Manila, Clark, Cebu and Iloilo. AirAsia Philippines has been officially registered as an International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit-registered operator, following the completion of the IOSA audit. It is the fourth airline within AirAsia Group to achieve IOSA certification, after AirAsia X Malaysia in 2014, AirAsia Indonesia in August 2018 and AirAsia Malaysia in September 2018.

Business

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks retreat: LT Group climbs T HE stock market declined Tuesday on proﬁt-taking and lingering concerns on inﬂation despite indications prices may have peaked in October.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 33.33 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,180.11 on a value turnover of P6.8 billion. Losers beat gainers, 103 to 82, with 52 issues unchanged. The inﬂation rate in October stayed at a nine-year high of 6.7 percent on higher costs of fuel and transport, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday. The October ﬁgure matched the 6.7-percent increase in consumer prices in September. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipi-

nas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said the latest data supported the bank’s view that inflation pressures were finally moderating. Major property developer Ayala land Inc. dropped 5 percent to P38, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. lost 1.9 percent to P33. PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications company, fell 1.3 percent to P1,400 but LT Group Inc. of airline and tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan rose 2 percent to P15.10. The rest of Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday as focus turned to the US midterm elections, which could impact Donald Trump’s presidency, while Apple suppliers suffered on reports the tech titan had cancelled plans to ramp up output of its new iPhone. The US goes to the polls in the first major electoral test for Trump since he took the White House and embarked on

an “America First” agenda that has split opinion across the country and globally. While his tax cuts and deregulation have helped fire the economy and push stock markets to multiple record highs earlier this year, there is a growing concern that his long-running trade row with China is beginning to bite. The vote has the added twist of an investigation that is looking at whether his campaign colluded with Moscow to win the 2016 election. If the Democrats win both houses of congress, they could push harder for impeachment, fueling uncertainty. “These midterm elections carry a sizeable legal risk for the (Republicans) which could dent investor confidence as we will likely hear much more from (Russia probe lead counsel) Robert Mueller sooner rather than later,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA.

Hong Kong added 0.7 percent, having lost more than two percent on Monday, while Tokyo was up more than one percent thanks to a weaker yen. Sydney gained one percent and Seoul added 0.6 percent. Wellington rose 0.4 percent and Jakarta climbed 0.1 percent. However, Shanghai ended down 0.2 percent and Taipei lost 0.7 percent. Hopes that China and the US can resolve their tariff row were given a boost by comments from Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan that he felt the two sides would reach an agreement. “Both China and the US would love to see greater trade and economic cooperation,” he told the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore. “The Chinese side is ready to have discussions with the US on issues of mutual concern and work for a solution on trade acceptable to both sides.” With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.5 11,530 82.65 2,300,250 2.31 5,000 121.6 1,170,550 1.4 40,000 28 93,400 15.5 100 11.26 906,400 4 7,000 1.53 2,000 830 670 0.47 40,000 66.25 3,869,590 0.86 538,000 10.86 9,300 19 300 39.4 146,500 188 320 105.7 960 72.3 1,180 28 148,700 145.9 321,360 65.9 4,040

687,178.50 190,385,655.50 11,540 143,497,831 56,000 2,618,640 1,550 10,257,322 27,100 3,060 556,000 18,100 256,435,235 458,370 100,998 5,700 5,795,545 60,060 101,422 85,285 4,167,590 46,940,796 266,241

595,421.50 20,609,852.50 31,887,090 56,000 84,300 -2,228,278 -123,131,576 0 5,430 -3,656,775 20,680 56,000 12,383,225.00 -65,900

33.45 17.8 0.99 1.26 0.21 2.1 13.2 36.9 16.1 36 61.35 1.54 6.8 11.06 14.78 8.8 6.94 15.78 63.7 23.6 1.45 6.29 10.26 1.65 276.8 49.95 4.78 25.4 10.5 18.18 365 0.173 1.62 4.03 8.12 4.3 8.9 0.98 10.88 49.5 4.79 2.12 3.25 1.49 10.32 83 5.2 0.9 132.2 2.36 1.52

INDUSTRIAL 34 1,667,900 17.9 488,900 1.03 12,987,000 1.26 170,000 0.22 1,200,000 2.12 5,053,000 13.2 68,900 37 209,500 16.1 27,700 36 30,300 61.35 20 1.56 323,000 6.8 1,900 11.18 2,034,400 14.78 3,600 8.8 2,481,600 6.95 118,600 16.2 1,233,900 64.45 37,630 25 13,000 1.48 34,670,000 6.3 6,000 10.3 553,400 1.66 142,000 278.6 646,700 53 1,030 4.78 75,000 25.85 660,700 10.66 270,300 18.28 4,645,300 365.2 102,370 0.175 560,000 1.62 93,000 4.05 7,000 8.18 1,303,500 4.65 111,000 9.02 6,000 0.98 293,000 11 24,500 49.5 337,800 4.79 32,000 2.13 260,000 3.25 50,000 1.58 39,000 10.32 44,300 84.85 589,530 5.2 1,111,700 0.95 6,000 134 898,710 2.36 9,000 1.52 8,369,000

56,764,520 8,762,326 13,347,890 215,120 256,300 10,685,500 910,300 7,863,020 445,970 1,096,070 1,227 500,690 12,930 22,745,674 53,208 21,911,060 824,321 19,833,464 2,413,476 311,880 52,831,440 37,750 5,745,092 237,150 180,519,952 53,008.50 358,850 16,997,035 2,886,764 86,259,748 37,534,772 97,960 151,380 28,310 10,672,202 501,930 53,520 287,140 269,352 16,820,575 153,280 561,380 162,500 58,780 460,230 49,897,786 5,799,350 5,450 120,709,089 21,240 13,273,560

-11,033,580 1,321,774 -301,280 -2,458,270 -85,848 356,145 -1,096,070 4,612,118 1,409,801 -73,664 -1,964,448 1,901,584.00 31,420 32,710 290,080 -965,966 8,306,720 -633,352 -1,083,170 19,867,710 1,790 -60,290 -2,151,223.00 9,140 166,600 10,900 -2,797,425 -93,500 -6,005,536.50 1,147,800 -8,967,757 1,524,740

0.47 47.9 12.02 0.87 6.21 25.5 1.41 1.41 942.5 7.1 13.04 7.28 5.7 0.225 785 49.3 0.53 4.22 15.2 0.55 5.03 0.037 1.2 2.35 2.65 168 925 0.77 1.35 288.2 279.6 0.247 0.218

0.45 45.95 11.52 0.85 6.2 24.5 1.35 1.35 925 6.9 12.8 7.23 5.7 0.225 740 48.3 0.5 4.18 14.66 0.52 4.81 0.036 1.17 2.29 2.56 166 910 0.76 1.35 288.2 279.6 0.231 0.218

HOLDING FIRMS 0.47 17,050,000 47.4 561,900 11.64 5,203,900 0.87 6,000 6.21 110,700 24.75 9,800 1.37 26,821,000 1.37 5,865,000 940 230,010 7.08 2,248,200 13.04 6,144,200 7.28 98,300 5.7 3,000 0.225 250,000 758 161,160 48.9 1,500,700 0.53 86,000 4.19 1,104,000 15.1 11,299,600 0.54 1,245,000 4.9 14,551,000 0.036 10,100,000 1.17 127,000 2.32 621,000 2.65 4,000 167.9 149,980 920 173,090 0.76 50,000 1.35 130,000 288.2 20 279.6 160 0.238 3,030,000 0.218 180,000

7,883,350 26,632,615 61,323,914 5,120 686,389 244,655 37,052,320 8,132,430 215,505,195 15,779,208 79,672,064 712,663 17,100 56,250 122,472,235 73,350,125 43,740 4,617,020 170,667,646 671,590 71,767,470 371,700 149,010 1,445,550 10,510 25,084,910 158,872,715 38,120 175,500 5,764 44,736 725,230 39,240

26,550 16,909,105 -22,399,128 655,960 -40,095 -221,820 7,865,965 6,075,480 12,010,304 -23,008,780 35,883,545 -29,350 -21,636,942 -37,909,430 -92,900.00 5,112,790 -11,598,670 44,736 2,380 -

7.38 0.79 11.28 1.95 0.6 40.1 2.41 4.42 6.27 0.415 0.89 0.217 0.385 8 19.98 0.52 0.104 1.46 1.05 2.61 4.5 0.57 0.435 0.42 3.64

7.18 0.75 11.28 1.95 0.58 38 2.37 4.29 5.9 0.405 0.88 0.21 0.36 7.84 19.34 0.51 0.104 1.43 1.01 2.36 4.44 0.42 0.42 0.41 3.53

7,226,374 883,280 56,400 15,600 19,480 570,995,270 1,944,350 1,173,470 1,080,276 467,750 152,510 653,030 323,800 970,070 1,931,478 99,320 2,080 6,686,530 2,155,250 49,472,590 43,450,740 221,578,230 1,658,750 541,000 3,727,110

-34,545 -77,983,980 -1,270,980 463,154 4,150 118,800 893,566 2,957,900 -1,072,980 -2,632,410.00 3,887,060 931,310 -163,800 -598,500

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

59.7 82.55 2.31 122.3 1.4 28 15.5 11.3 3.85 1.53 825 0.45 65.95 0.87 10.86 19 39.55 190 105.6 72.3 28.05 146.2 66

59.7 83.35 2.31 124 1.4 28.1 15.5 11.5 4 1.53 830 0.47 67.9 0.89 10.86 19 39.7 190 105.7 72.3 28.4 149 66

57.85 82.55 2.3 120.5 1.4 27.95 15.5 11.26 3.85 1.53 825 0.44 65.85 0.85 10.86 19 39.4 186 105.6 72 28 145.3 65.9

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

34.3 17.94 1 1.27 0.222 2.13 13.24 38.25 16.1 37.5 61.35 1.55 6.8 11.24 14.78 8.91 6.96 15.8 64.1 24.7 1.55 6.29 10.5 1.69 280 54 4.79 25.4 10.7 18.34 367.6 0.174 1.68 4.03 8.12 4.57 8.9 0.98 11 50 4.79 2.12 3.25 1.52 10.4 84.95 5.2 0.9 134 2.36 1.59

34.35 18 1.05 1.29 0.222 2.16 13.24 38.5 16.1 37.5 61.35 1.56 6.9 11.4 14.78 9 6.98 16.2 64.45 25 1.63 6.3 10.88 1.71 282 54 4.79 25.95 10.9 18.8 369 0.179 1.68 4.05 8.25 4.65 9.02 0.98 11 50 4.79 2.27 3.25 1.58 10.44 84.95 5.58 0.95 138 2.36 1.63

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 FJ PRINCE A FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.455 46.8 11.7 0.85 6.2 25.4 1.36 1.37 935 6.9 12.8 7.23 5.7 0.225 759 48.6 0.53 4.2 14.82 0.52 4.95 0.037 1.17 2.3 2.56 167.2 910 0.77 1.35 288.2 279.6 0.238 0.218

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

7.2 0.77 11.28 1.95 0.59 40 2.41 4.35 6 0.415 0.89 0.217 0.375 7.89 19.34 0.52 0.104 1.46 1.03 2.6 4.45 0.56 0.425 0.42 3.59

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

20.8 1.94 3.19 33.65 1.16 5.06 0.68 5.27

21.3 1.94 3.19 33.95 1.16 5.06 0.68 5.28

20.8 1.93 3.19 33 1.13 4.81 0.68 5.15

21.2 1.94 3.19 33 1.16 4.85 0.68 5.26

2,636,900 33,000 7,000 13,985,200 395,000 790,600 149,000 3,182,700

55,928,270 63,870 22,330 468,014,105 453,050 3,903,493 101,320 16,708,288

-24,426,180 21,290 -127,468,765 4,830 -7,747,795.00

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

11.3 21.5 0.43 13.48 1.7 8.28 68.15 6.4 7.31 2.19 8.5 2,108 5.23 306.2 8 2.82 1.85 93.8 11.24 7.8 0.104 3.28 3.05 13.76 3.36 0.8 17.04 0.4 5.43 7.11 2.2 1.39 1.48 4 10.7 8.29 3.36 107.4 3.5 1,419 0.77 0.34 41.9 76 6.73 2.78 0.69 0.51 5.16 0.58 11.4

11.4 21.9 0.435 13.48 1.7 8.37 69.4 6.65 7.31 2.19 9.59 2,120 5.34 320 8 2.91 1.85 94.9 11.98 7.8 0.104 4.35 3.21 14.4 3.48 0.8 17.26 0.4 5.44 7.14 2.23 1.52 1.53 4.01 10.98 8.29 3.41 108.5 3.7 1,420 0.77 0.345 41.95 77 7.2 2.78 0.69 0.54 5.19 0.59 11.4

11.1 21.5 0.43 13.48 1.64 8.07 68 6.4 7.31 2.19 8.2 2,066 5.2 305.4 8 2.82 1.82 91.4 11.24 7.8 0.103 3.28 3.05 13.76 3.33 0.78 17.04 0.4 5.25 7.1 2.2 1.3 1.48 3.1 10.66 7.6 3.36 104 3.42 1,375 0.74 0.34 41.1 76 6.73 2.7 0.65 0.5 5.16 0.56 11.3

SERVICES 11.2 21.7 0.435 13.48 1.68 8.2 69.15 6.61 7.31 2.19 8.4 2,108 5.33 320 8 2.9 1.85 91.4 11.98 7.8 0.103 4.11 3.21 14.38 3.41 0.78 17.2 0.4 5.33 7.11 2.2 1.3 1.53 3.28 10.66 7.63 3.41 104 3.7 1,400 0.74 0.34 41.8 77 6.81 2.73 0.66 0.5 5.19 0.56 11.4

20,100 64,000 3,150,000 500 1,503,000 4,466,300 372,580 4,811,200 10,000 50,000 280,400 31,235 131,400 7,400 1,000 2,390,000 50,000 422,320 8,600 12,500 1,610,000 83,964,000 4,000 2,400 756,000 113,000 870,800 20,000 149,900 49,237,500 1,989,000 226,000 75,000 10,575,000 22,700 13,100 3,000 90,430 663,000 84,730 1,004,000 400,000 251,900 125,420 76,400 9,734,000 12,133,000 38,843,000 259,900 2,816,000 1,263,500

225,450 1,394,645 1,357,950 6,740 2,501,050 36,738,093 25,710,428.50 31,611,804 73,100 109,500 2,431,288 65,652,470 695,833 2,356,646 8,000 6,882,570 91,810 39,229,772.50 96,778 97,500 166,650 326,831,850 12,360 33,460 2,545,380 89,260 14,972,510 8,000 798,739 350,089,760 4,376,080 319,980 112,750 38,133,980 247,542 100,832 10,130 9,651,541 2,380,240 119,066,520 752,080 136,500 10,525,600 9,650,266 542,931 26,563,800 8,064,020 20,218,140 1,342,453 1,591,350 14,379,110

1,120 61,780 -3,937,195 4,044,735.50 -4,361,956 11,657,230 700,800 8,560 -6,999,787.50 -30,900 -15,391,520 -20,640 -71,320 381,356 -344,502,109 -13,210 -28,770 -311,060 148,471 -110,400 -49,820,950 169,760 -1,423,010 -2,933,848 -177,910 15,277,340 -4,331,260 -267,050 -515,150 -7,395,310

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

0.0023 1.8 2.7 14.48 1.9 0.3 6.98 1.8 0.205 0.106 0.0066 1.15 2.59 0.99 0.62 0.92 0.012 0.013 4 3.31 17.8 29.1 0.0061

0.0024 1.87 2.7 15 1.94 0.3 7.15 1.83 0.209 0.108 0.0071 1.17 2.62 1.03 0.62 0.96 0.013 0.013 4.19 3.46 18.96 29.3 0.0061

0.0023 1.8 2.7 14.4 1.89 0.295 6.8 1.77 0.201 0.106 0.0066 1.15 2.56 0.98 0.61 0.91 0.012 0.013 3.98 3.3 17.72 28.75 0.0061

MINING & OIL 0.0023 43,000,000 1.84 11,179,000 2.7 6,000 14.8 22,700 1.94 568,000 0.3 630,000 6.8 31,300 1.79 1,316,000 0.205 700,000 0.106 430,000 0.0067 4,000,000 1.15 135,000 2.57 1,534,000 1 305,000 0.61 2,000 0.91 1,001,000 0.013 15,800,000 0.013 2,700,000 4.18 111,000 3.39 1,486,000 18.86 7,308,600 29 1,014,800 0.0061 3,000,000

99,100 20,627,770 16,200 335,682 1,089,320 188,950 217,354 2,349,480 142,010 45,670 27,100 155,350 3,972,310 300,110 1,230 924,100 200,000 35,100 454,900 5,058,990 135,571,126 29,403,105 18,300

-183,130 -2,980 41,800 -64,100 878,550 -1,030 -14,880 41,620 -2,424,720 -401,084 1,879,310 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR HOUSE PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H

21.45 465 492 100 96 102 485 5.42 98.8 101.9 1,006 105 75.9 76.6 75 75 74.8

21.5 465 492 100 97 102 485 5.49 98.8 101.9 1,006 105 75.9 76.6 75 75 74.85

21.4 463 492 100 96 102 485 5.36 98.8 100.1 1,006 105 75.9 76.5 75 75 74.8

PREFERRED 21.4 16,900 465 190 492 30 100 30,000 96 73,980 102 15,100 485 70 5.44 203,200 98.8 510 100.1 3,030 1,006 1,600 105 1,010 75.9 80 76.6 1,630 75 1,050 75 300 74.85 20,300

362,665 88,310 14,760 3,000,000 7,102,099 1,540,200 33,950 1,103,620 50,388 303,357 1,609,600 106,050 6,072 124,708 78,750 22,500 1,518,490

-29,970 -9,260 24,960 1,103,620 -

LR WARRANT

2.27

2.2

WARRANTS 2.22 660,000

1,468,440

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.52 1.6

4.59 1.6

4.35 1.46

4.38 1.53

1,470,510 11,903,040

31,740 -3,991,520

FIRST METRO ETF

108

108.9

108

600,740

10,825

USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10 1

70,000 20

PROPERTY 7.35 0.78 11.28 1.95 0.59 38 2.37 4.42 6.08 0.41 0.88 0.215 0.385 7.85 19.48 0.52 0.104 1.45 1.01 2.43 4.47 0.425 0.435 0.41 3.63

987,100 1,135,000 5,000 8,000 33,000 14,767,300 815,000 269,000 175,500 1,140,000 173,000 3,100,000 880,000 123,000 98,900 192,000 20,000 4,618,000 2,100,000 19,889,000 9,713,000 467,195,000 3,840,000 1,300,000 1,040,000

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS

16,151,070 87,414,818 151,971,076

PROPERTY

556,725,199

SERVICES

237,539,079

MINING & OIL

96,725,678

GRAND TOTAL

1,154,667,378

SME

331,000 7,799,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 108 5,530 10 1

DDS

7,000 20

VALUE 1,609.68 (down) 1.56 1,113,859,308.00 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,756.54 (down) 12.75 1,021,798,481.15 HOLDING FIRMS 7,139.80 (up) 55.40 1,577,185,301.19 PROPERTY 3,416.65 (down) 94.15 1,474.74 (down0 11.72 1,533,108,483.59 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,830.24 (up) 140.74 1,302,375,493.07 PSEI 7,180.11 (down) 33.33 201,256,844.30 All Shares Index 4,372.08 (down) 19.37 6,763,574,885.86 Gainers: 82; Losers: 103; Unchanged: 52; Total: 237

RLC’s net profit jumped 43% to P6.6b in 9 months By Jenniffer B. Austria ROBINSONS Land Corp., the property unit of the Gokongwei Group, said net income in the first nine months of 2018 jumped 43 percent to P6.55 billion, boosted by strong residential sales. Robinsons Land said in a financial report filed with the Philippine Stock Exchange real estate revenues increased 33 percent to P20.36 billion against last year’s P15.26 billion, while hotel revenues grew eight percent to P1.48 billion. The group’s commercial centers division, which accounted for 40 percent of total revenues, climbed 13 percent to P8.8 billion due to same mall rental revenue growth and contribution from newly-opened malls. The residential division contributed 30 percent or P6.52 billion to the company’s revenues, up 29 percent year-onyear. Revenues from office buildings division rose 17 percent to P2.78 billion from last year’s P2.38 billion, while those from hotels and resorts division registered an 8-percent increase to P1.48 billion. Robinsons Land’s fifth division, infrastructure and integrated developments, division contributed 10 percent to total revenues at P2.24 billion. Real estate costs increased 29 percent to P8.55 billion, while hotel expenses rose 17 percent to P1.16 billion due to the expenses of the new hotels. Robinsons Land posted a net income of P3.22 billion in the third quarter alone, up 95 percent from P1.65 billion in the same quarter last year. Third-quarter revenues rose 59.6 percent to P8.24 billion from P5.16 billion in 2017. Robinsons Land this year finalized two joint venture agreements, one with Shang Properties Inc. and the other with Hong Kong Land Group. The joint venture with Shang Properties involves the development of a 9,118-square-meter property situated at McKinley Parkway corner 5th Avenue and 21st Drive at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. The project is intended to be a mixeduse development and may include residential condominium units, serviced apartments and commercial retail outlets.

EDC completes tender offer before market delisting By Alena Mae S. Flores ENERGY Development Corp., the biggest steam energy producer, successfully concluded a tender offer to shareholders that will pave the way for the voluntary delisting of the company’s shares in the stock market. “All shareholders who tendered their shares crossed (Monday) via block sale. This is in effect the conclusion of the tender offer (settlement) which is a needed to effect the voluntary delisting of EDC,” EDC vice president for corporate finance Erwin Avante said Tuesday when asked for comment. The tender offer started on September 24, 2018 and ended on October 22, 2018. EDC disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange that following the close of the tender offer period, over 2 billion common shares, representing approximately 10.72 percent of the company’s outstanding voting shares, were crossed through a block sale on November 5. The shares were purchased at the tender offer price of P7.25 for a total of P14.57 billion “The PSE will have to approve the eventual delisting of EDC from the exchange,” Avante said. EDC previously earlier the tender offer would reduce the percentage of shares held by the public to less than 5 percent from 10.9 percent and prompt a voluntary delisting of the company, subject to PSE approval. The board of EDC approved the company’s plan to voluntarily delist its common shares from the PSE as public ownership was expected to fall below five percent after the tender offer. The voluntary delisting, which will provide greater corporate flexibility, is in line with the PSE’s delisting regulations.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

World

TODAY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Migrant caravan regroups in Mexico

IN BRIEF Turkey: US sanctions on Iran dangerous TOKYO―Turkey has warned Washington against its new sanctions on Iran, saying isolating the Islamic Republic is “dangerous”, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Tuesday. Washington this week imposed a second set of sanctions on Iran that aim to isolate the country’s banking sector and slash its oil exports. Eight countries including Turkey have received a US waiver to continue importing Iranian oil. “While we were asking [for] an exemption from the United States, we have also been very frank with them that cornering Iran is not wise. Isolating Iran is dangerous and punishing the Iranian people is not fair,” he said at a press conference during a trip to Japan. “Turkey is against sanctions, we don’t believe any results can be achieved through the sanctions,” he added. “I think instead of sanctions, meaningful dialogue and engagement is much more useful.” Washington has imposed two sets of sanctions this year after pulling out of a nuclear pact agreed between world powers and Iran that President Donald Trump slammed as “defective”. The latest round went into effect on Monday. Washington has granted eight countries, including Turkey and Japan, waivers to allow them to continue importing Iranian oil without facing diplomatic consequences.AFP

China rights record in the spotlight

GENEVA―China’s mass detainment of ethnic Uighurs and its crackdown on civil liberties will likely ﬁgure high on the agenda Tuesday when countries meet at the UN in Geneva to review Beijing’s rights record. As many as one million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities are being kept in extra-judicial detention in China’s fractious far western Xinjiang region, according to the estimates cited recently by an independent UN panel. The centers where they are thought to be detained have come under increasing scrutiny this year, with rights activists describing them as political re-education camps. They say members of China’s Muslim minorities are held involuntarily for transgressions such as wearing long beards and face veils. Countries at the UN Tuesday “must send an unequivocal message to the Chinese government that their campaign of systematic repression in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, including the arbitrary detention of up to one million people, must end,” Patrick Poon, China researcher at Amnesty International, said in a statement. The so-called Universal Periodic Review―which all 193 UN countries must undergo approximately every four years― will start with China presenting a report on its rights situation and the changes made since it was last in the spotlight in 2013. During the half-day session, diplomats from around the world will have the chance to raise concerns, ask questions and make recommendations for changes. AFP

CRASH SITE. Family members of the victims of the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT 610 visit the site of the crash in the Java Sea on

an Indonesian Navy vessel off the coast of Karawang in West Java on November 6, 2018. -The Indonesian Lion Air jet that plunged into the Java Sea on October 29, killing all 189 on board, had an air speed indicator problem on its fatal flight and on three previous journeys, the country’s transportation watchdog said on November 6. AFP

115 accounts blocked on eve of US elections S AN FRANCISCO― Facebook said Monday it blocked some 30 accounts on its platform and 85 more on Instagram after police warned they may be linked to “foreign entities” trying to interfere in the US midterm election.

The announcement came shortly after US law enforcement and intelligence agencies said Americans should be wary of Russian attempts to spread fake news. The election is Tuesday. A study published last week found that misinformation on social media was spreading at a greater rate than during the run-up to the 2016 presidential vote, which Russia is accused of manipulating through a vast propaganda campaign in favor of Donald Trump, the eventual winner. “On Sunday evening, US law enforcement contacted us about online activity that they recently discovered and which they believe may be linked to foreign entities,” Facebook head of cybersecurity policy Nathaniel Gleicher said in a blog post. “We immediately blocked these ac-

(PambansangPangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No.III

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 www.region3.nia.gov.ph

Email Address: Telefax No. TIN No.

counts and are now investigating them in more detail.” The investigation so far identified around 30 Facebook accounts and 85 Instagram accounts that appeared to be engaged in “coordinated inauthentic behavior,” Gleicher said. He added that all the Facebook pages associated with the accounts appeared to be in French or Russian. The Instagram accounts were mostly in English, with some “focused on celebrities, others political debate.” “Typically, we would be further along with our analysis before announcing anything publicly,” Gleicher said. “But given that we are only one day away from important elections in the US, we wanted to let people know about the action we’ve taken and the facts as we know them today.” Despite an aggressive crackdown by social media firms, so-called “junk news” is spreading at a greater rate than in 2016 on social media ahead of Tuesday’s US congressional election, Oxford Internet Institute researchers said in a study published Thursday. Twitter said Saturday it deleted a “series of accounts” that attempted to share disinformation. It gave no number. Facebook last month said it took down accounts linked to an Iranian effort to influence US and British politics with messages about charged topics

such as immigration and race relations. The social network identified 82 pages, groups and accounts that originated in Iran and violated policy on coordinated “inauthentic” behavior. Gleicher said at the time there was overlap with accounts taken down earlier this year and linked to Iranian state media, but the identity of the culprits has yet to be determined. Posts on the accounts or pages, which included some hosted by Facebookowned Instagram, focused mostly on “sowing discord” via strongly divisive issues rather than on particular candidates or campaigns. Sample posts shared included inflammatory commentary about US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May and the controversy around freshly appointed US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Major online social platforms have been under intense pressure to avoid being used by “bad actors” out to sway outcomes by publishing misinformation and enraging voters. Facebook weeks ago opened a “war room” at its Menlo Park headquarters in California to be a nerve center for the fight against misinformation and manipulation of the largest social network by foreign actors trying to influence elections in the United States and elsewhere. AFP

Republika ng Pilipinas

National Irrigation Administration

National Irrigation Administration Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Website:

MEXICO CITY―A caravan of Central American migrants that has drawn frequent Twitter tirades from President Donald Trump ahead of the US midterm elections rested and regrouped Monday at a stadium-turned-shelter in Mexico City before pressing on. With their sights set on reaching the United States, some 5,000 migrants, mainly from violence-plagued Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, are expected to converge on Mexico City in the coming days and then continue their northward trek, authorities said. The ﬁrst 470 arrived Sunday in Mexico City and spent the night at a stadium on the capital’s east side, where authorities have set up a large camp to host them and provide food and water. By Monday evening, some 4,000 people had arrived at the camp. Another 1,000 are expected to arrive by Wednesday, as the fragmented caravan regroups after dispersing across central and eastern Mexico, according to the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH). Often traveling in families or with young children, the migrants are sleeping in tents, on the ground or on the cement bleachers of the stadium, in frigid nighttime temperatures of around 12 degrees Celsius (54 Fahrenheit) in the high altitude of Mexico City. Many were nursing colds or mangled feet after a trek of more than 1,600 kilometers (some 1,000 miles) that began on October 13 in the city of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. “I couldn’t sleep. I was cold and coughing all night,” said Honduran Karla Membreno, 23, who is making the trek with her husband and sister-in-law. But “we have to be strong. God gives us strength to carry on,” she told AFP. Medical staff were attending to migrants and giving ﬂu shots at impromptu clinics at the stadium. Other migrants were busy digging through large piles of donated clothing looking for coats, gloves or anything to fend off the cold. Two other large groups of Central Americans comprising between 3,000 and 4,000 migrants in all are currently making their way across the southern Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, the CNDH said. Another 3,230 Central Americans who were traveling by caravan have requested asylum in Mexico, according to the interior ministry. Trump has made immigration a central issue ahead of Tuesday’s key midterm vote, seen as a referendum on his presidency so far. AFP

niar03@yahoo.com (044) 766-2467 000-979-570-000

Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Website:

Invitation to Bid

(PambansangPangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No.III

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 www.region3.nia.gov.ph

Email Address: Telefax No. TIN No.

National Irrigation Administration niar03@yahoo.com (044) 766-2467 000-979-570-000

Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Website:

Invitation to Bid

(AMRIS) Improvement of Lateral J-5-A, J-5-A EXTENSION, M, M-A, K AND L-1, ITB No. NIAR3-2019-BUL-AMRIS-6

(PambansangPangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No.III

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 www.region3.nia.gov.ph

Email Address: Telefax No. TIN No.

niar03@yahoo.com (044) 766-2467 000-979-570-000

Invitation to Bid

(AMRIS) Improvement of North Side Lateral C, C-1, D-1-F and E-2 and Improvement of South Side Lateral C, J and J-4 ITB No. NIAR3-2019-BUL-AMRIS-7

(AMRIS) Improvement of Lateral A, A-1, A-4 and B-1 North Side and Canals at Pantubig Main Canal ITB No. NIAR3-2019-BUL-AMRIS-8

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, hereby invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered contractors to bid for the project, through the General Appropriations Act of CY 2019, intends to apply the sum of Forty-Seven Million Five Hundred Sixty Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty-Four Pesos and 74/100 (P 47,560,964.74) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the contract for NIAR3-2019-BUL-AMRIS-6. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, hereby invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered contractors to bid for the project, through the General Appropriations Act of CY 2019, intends to apply the sum of Fifty Million Four Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Ninety Pesos and 07/100 (P 50,484,090.07) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the contract for NIAR3-2019-BUL-AMRIS-7. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, hereby invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered contractors to bid for the project, through the General Appropriations Act of CY 2019, intends to apply the sum of Forty Million One Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty Pesos (P 40,139,780.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the contract for NIAR3-2019-BUL-AMRIS-8. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from IMO Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Non compliance will be a ground for disqualification.

Only those who submitted Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS including updated company profile by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for (AMRIS) Improvement of Lateral J-5-A, J-5-A EXTENSION, M, M-A, K AND L-1 located in Bulacan, Calumpit and Malolos, Bulacan. Completion of the Works is required within Three Hundred (300) calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for (AMRIS) Improvement of North Side Lateral C, C-1, D-1-F and E-2 and Improvement of South Side Lateral C, J and J-4 located in Baliuag, Bustos and Guiguinto, Bulacan. Completion of the Works is required within Three Hundred Thirty (330) calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

Only those who submitted Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS including updated company profile by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for (AMRIS) Improvement of Lateral A, A-1, A-4 and B-1 North Side and Canals at Pantubig Main Canal located in San Rafael, Bulacan. Completion of the Works is required within Three Hundred (300) calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy-five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. 6.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on November 06, 2018 to November 28, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m., Monday to Friday, and November 29, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., except holidays from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Forty-Seven Thousand Pesos (P 47,000.00).

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 16, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:30 a.m. (PST) of November 29, 2018 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on 10:00 a.m. (PST) of November 29, 2018 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. 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.

BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608

12. For further information, please refer to:

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 16, 2018, 10:00 pam. at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

12. For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608 (SGD) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC – Chairman

(SGD) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC – Chairman

(SGD) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC – Chairman Noted by:

Noted by:

(SGD) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager

(MS-NOV. 7, 2018)

Bid opening shall be on 10:00 a.m. (PST) of November 29, 2018 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. 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.

BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608

12. For further information, please refer to:

Noted by:

(MS-NOV. 7, 2018)

(SGD) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager

(MS-NOV. 7, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY

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

wednesday, november 7, 2018

‘Rosita’ leaves over P114m in damage to NV agri sector

LGUs

By Ben Moses Ebreo BaYOMBOnG, nueva Vizcaya— Typhoon “Rosita” left more than P114 million in damages to the province’s agricultural sector, particularly its rice crop. Provincial agriculturist alexander Domingo, in a damage assessment report, said the typhoon’s damage to rice crops reached more than P92 million based on farm-gate prices, with close to 116 million metric tons of crops as total production loss. “The damaged rice crops were already on their maturing, vegetative and reproductive stages when they were hit by the typhoon,” he said. Domingo also said the affected towns were Dupax del Sur, Dupax del norte, Kasibu, Kayapa, Quezon, Solano, Sta. Fe, Villaverde, alfonso Castaneda, ambaguio, aritao, Bagabag, Bambang, Bayombong and Diadi. High value commercial crops such as fruits and vegetables in the province also suffered, with losses reaching over P31 million across the 15 municipalities of nueva Vizcaya. For other crops such as white and yellow corn, Domingo noted P32 million worth of losses in the affected towns of Bagabag, Kasibu, Solano, Bayombong, Quezon, Villaverde, Dupax del norte. “We are now validating these damages directly from the affected farmers so that we can submit our report to the provincial and national government for the needed assistance to our agricultural sector,” he added.

LocaL government units

STARTING EARLY. A boy helps his mother display ‘parol’ or Christmas lanterns at their stall in Central Market in Manila as Filipinos prepare for the Christmas season. Norman Cruz

Mauler ordered arrested M

anila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Tuesday ordered the arrest of a barangay chairman and some of his kagawads for mauling a 16-year-old student who erroneously called the suspect “kagawad” or just a councilor.

Estrada also urged the victim’s family to file criminal charges against the suspect, identified as barangay captain Felipe Falcon, Jr, of Barangay 350 in Tondo so that he would be removed from his position. The Manila chief executive likewise instructed the City legal Office to extend legal assistance to the Grade 9 student, who sustained injuries after Falcon and some of his councilors mauled the victim when he addressed him as “kagawad” instead of “kapitan.” Falcon, who was reportedly drunk, hit the young victim with a steel bar with the help of his councilors, according to the police report. The mayor has directed Manila Police District Director Chief Supt.

Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City

OLONGAPO CITY―Twenty teams participated in the 3rd artCycle, an environmental, educational, recycling art competition organized by Redondo Peninsula Energy inc. at SM Olongapo Riverwalk on Friday. The teams were composed of students with their respective advisers from the different elementary and high schools in Olon-

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST The National Housing Authority (NHA), through the NHA-Board Approved Corporate Budget for the year 2018, intends to apply the sum equivalent to the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments for the hereunder projects: Projects

ABC/ Duration(c.d.) Mode of Source of Procurement Funds (P) 5,477,920.00 Please refer Public Bidding / to the TOR for Corporate the detail Receipts

2018 Consultancy Services -11- for Structural, Electrical, 298 Auxiliary and Fire Protection Design Works of the Various Building and Community Facilities for NHA Projects 2018 C o n s o l i d a t i o n / 2,048,674.93 -11- Subdivision, Structural Corporate 299 Survey and Individual Lot Receipts Titling of Package XIV (Tangos Phase II-A, III-B: Libis Espina,& Phase VII, Area 7, Northville 2-B, Bagumbong, Phase III F-1, Phase III-D, Ususan) Caloocan City Dagat Dagatan Development Project

207

Republika ng Pilipinas

Public Bidding Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Website:

Qualification of personnel who may be assigned to the job vis-à-vis extent and complexity of the undertaking; and

Current workload relative to job capacity.

The NHA shall evaluate the bids using theQuality-Cost Based Evaluation/Selection (QCBE/QCBS)procedure.Only eligible bidders who passed the 70% rating shall make up the shortlist. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Pre-Bidding Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184,otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, and its 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The schedule of activities is as follows: 1. 2. 3.

Submission and Opening of Eligibility Requirements

Schedule Until November 13, 2018 November 6-13, 2018 November 13, 2018 (9:00 A.M.) Region 4 Conference Room, NHA Main Building, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City

Eligibility Documents will be available to the prospective bidders upon submission of a letter ofIntentaddressed to the BAC2 Chairperson with valid I.D. of the authorized representative and payment of a non-refundable fee of P1,000.00 to the Treasury Department, NHA Main Building, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. The NHAreserves the right to reject any and all proposals, annul the bidding process, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

(PambansangPangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No.III

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 www.region3.nia.gov.ph

Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Website:

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 www.region3.nia.gov.ph

Invitation to Bid

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, hereby invites all interested PhilGEPS registered contractors to bid for the project, through theGeneral Appropriations Act of CY 2019, intends to apply the sum of Forty One Million One Hundred Ninety Six Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Seven Pesos and 26/100(P 41,196,387.26) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)for the contract for NIAR3-2019-TAR-TASMORIS-2. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from IMO Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Non-compliance will be a ground for disqualification.

Only those who submitted Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS including updated company profile by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for Improvement of Canal System of TASMORIS, located in Tarlac City, Tarlac. Completion of the Works is required within Three Hundred (300) calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, hereby invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered contractors to bid for the project, through theGeneral Appropriations Act of CY 2019, intends to apply the sum of Forty Two Million Three Hundred Fifty Seven Thousand One Hundred Three Pesos and 95/100(P 42,357,103.95) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)for the contract for NIAR3-2019-PAM-PDRIS-5. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from IMO Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Non-compliance will be a ground for disqualification.

Only those who submitted Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS including updated company profile by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for Pampanga Delta RIS (Imprv’t of M.C.-LapazTuruArama / M.C.- Gatiawen Pump / Lat. A1 (LAPURISIMA IA)), located in Arayat, Pampanga. Completion of the Works is required within Three Hundred (300) calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on November 6, 2018 to November 27, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, except and holidays and November 28, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Forty Two Thousand Pesos (P 42,000.00) 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 fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

Bid opening shall be on 10:00a.m. (PST) of November 27, 2018 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. 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.

Bid opening shall be on 10:00a.m. (PST) of November 28, 2018 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. 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.

11.

12. For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608

BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608 (SGD) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC – Chairperson Noted by:

(MS-NOV. 7, 2018)

(PambansangPangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No.III

Pampanga Delta RIS (Imprv’t of M.C.-LapazTuruArama / M.C.- Gatiawen Pump / Lat. A1 (LAPURISIMA IA)) ITB No. NIAR3-2019-PAM-PDRIS-5

For inquiries, interested parties may contact the BAC2 Secretariat at Telefax No. 928-8272 or nha_bac2@yahoo.com. (SGD) AR. SUSANA V. NONATO Chairperson, BAC2

school division. “Besides teaching them how to upcycle, we are teaching kids how to be problem solvers. With the right amount of support, and a healthy dose of competition, they can make a difference,” said Jason Gavina, Corporate Social Responsibility head of RP Energy. Butch Gunio Republika ng Pilipinas

Improvement of CanalSystem of TASMORIS ITB No. NIAR3-2019-TAR-TASMORIS-2

Applicable experience of the consultant and associates, considering both the overall experiences of the firm and the individual experiences of the principal and key staff including the times when employed by other consultants;

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga― Pensioners of the state-run social insurance program, specially those who were affected by calamities, can now avail of loans for their early recovery and start anew. Those regular pensioners whose areas were declared under the state of calamity areas after Typhoon “Ompong” can now inquire with the Social Security System office in their localities. in Tarlac, the state-run social insurance is now entertain applicants for the affected pensioners including overseas Filipino workers in the 17 municipalities and one component city. Giancaria Uy, SSS branch service representative in the province, said they started lending to members under the Calamity loan assistance Program. Romeo Dizon

National Irrigation Administration

Invitation to Bid

The NHA,through its Bids and Awards Committee 2 (BAC 2) now invites consultants to apply for the submission ofEligibility and short-listing and if found eligible and short-listed, to bid for the above-cited projects. List of requirements is indicated in the Eligibility Data Sheet. Eligibility of prospective bidders shall be checked using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion. The short list shall consist of a maximum of five (5) eligible consultants/bidders for each project who will be entitled to submit bids. The criteria and rating system for short listing are:

Activities Submission of Expression of Interest Issuance of Eligibility Documents

gapo City, Castillejos, and Subic, Zambales. This year’s winning team in high school division is nagyantok High School with their Collage Portrait of Mother Earth made with different recyclable pieces. The entry of Sta. Rita Elementary School Recyclable Can Stove with Blower and Paper Charcoal won first place in the grade

National Irrigation Administration

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of the financial proposals.

The barangay captain then asked if the victim knew him, which the latter answered “no.” Falcon then told him to get back inside. There, the official allegedly slapped the victim on the left side of his face with a cellphone and hit the right side of his right face with a dry sealer. The victim punched back at Falcon to defend himself, but afterward said people inside the barangay hall ganged up on him. The teenager said Falcon then wore a four-finger metal knuckle and struck it on his head. When he saw that no one was at the door, the young man tried to escape but failed. He said this made Falcon angrier, whipping him with a belt until its buckle broke. The victim said he appealed to the barangay captain to stop hitting him. Moments later, his father arrived and brought him to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

RP Energy holds 3rd ‘ArtCycle’ for students

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

Ref. No.

Rolando anduyan to go after Falcon to force the village chief and the councilors to answer the charges against them. according to the police, the victim’s father has already filed a complaint at MPD headquarters right after the incident. Estrada assured that justice would be given to the victim, as he warned local officials not to abuse their position and instead extend help to their respective constituents. The victim claimed that Falcon smelled of alcohol upon approaching him outside the barangay hall office to ask what was he doing there. The teenager said he only dropped by to give the cellphone of another detained friend.

Calamity loans now available to SSS pensioners

(SGD) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager

(SGD) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC – Chairperson Noted by:

(MS-NOV. 7, 2018)

(SGD) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager

(MS-NOV. 7, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Life

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

fashion and beauty

@MStandardLIFE wEdnESday, novEMBEr 7, 2018

Form and function

MerICAN footwear retailer Payless launches its latest collection featuring styles designed in collaboration with 32-year-old designer Christian Siriano. The fall 2018 line consists of slingbacks, power pumps, comfy flats, and trusty sneakers—all made to deliver both form and function, providing wearers a perfect fit and style as they step into the holiday season.

THe PeRfeCT fIT. Step into the holiday season in comfortable and chic shoes from Payless’ latest collection which features on-trend and classic styles.

The sophisticated slingbacks

A style that is equal parts elegant and confident, the slingback is a shoe designed to turn heads. It’s equipped with all the best parts of a sandal––the towering heel and the polished appeal to complete even the simplest of outfits–– only made more comfortable with a strap across the back of the ankle. How to wear them: Keep with the trends and sport your slingbacks with a coordinated skirt suit, or keep it classic with a pair of cropped straight-leg jeans.

The power pumps

Those on the hunt for a power shoe, this silhouette is the answer to their pursuit. With a pointed toe and a high heel, the power pump has the ability to lengthen the leg and provide an extra height boost. It’s the kind of shoe women ought to be wearing while conquering the world. How to wear them: Turn the classic silhouette into something unexpected by opting for pumps with modern cutouts, cross strap designs, or a glittery finish, like the styles Siriano designed for the season.

The fool-proof flats

When the going gets tough, the tough reaches for their most comfortable shoes. This season, Payless pushes a balance between form and function with a selection of stylish flats. Those whose style persona falls on the dainty side of the spectrum, may opt for a pair of ballet flats to complete their look.

Trendy sneakers for adults and bedazzled kicks for kids this holiday season.

Sneakers and flats provide style without compromising comfort.

How to wear them: With a minimalist design, these shoes can match any outfit––feminine or masculine, skirt or pants, perfectly pared-down or decidedly flashy.

The lifestyle sneakers

A closet staple all year round, the lifestyle sneaker is omnipresent in both the men’s and women’s collections. Athletic and oh so trendy, these shoes can go from being one’s gym buddy to being

the cherry on top of their skate cultureinspired ensembles. How to wear them: Get in on the street style wave and sport them with high socks and ripped denims.

The lace-up brogues

has the potential to complement a diverse array of outfits. How to wear them: Choose a pair crafted out of canvas to finish off an everyday look. Feeling dressy? elevate a button-down and smart trousers with tasteful leather brogues.

princess costume parties, colorful sandals for trips to the beach, and bedazzled sneakers and boots for their first taste of city gal style. Naturally, the boys get just as much fun. expect to see easy-to-wear rubber-soled shoes in sleek, neutral shades, slip-ons for casual days out, and sporty sneakers that even grown-ups would covet.

A definite must-have in the modern gentleman’s wardrobe, the lace-up Kicks for kids brogue provides the wearer with the This season, the little ones get a say in best of both worlds. Straddling the line the footwear game, too. Payless presents These shoes are available at any of Paybetween casual and formal, this shoe little girls with metallic Mary Janes for less’ 70 branches across the country.

InsPIRed by faMILy The comfort, security, and intimacy of a family inspired the latest collection of Brazilian footwear brand Melissa. This is brought out by the use of classic staples, highlighted by contemporary touches and colors. every pair is developed using Melflex, the brand’s patented technology. In addition, the collection showcases pieces designed by prominent names in fashion such as Jason Wu and Vivienne Westwood. “We talk about family but we want to secure

Melissa Style Maven Janeena Chan

the essence of Melissa’s DNA inspired by three moods: Nostalgia, Crew and Cool, and the diverse ‘90s,” says brand manager Joy CortezDauz. “Through this collection, Melissa Philippines hopes customers experience and establish this connection with our new releases.” Pieces from the collection include:

have for cool girls across the country. This balanced ballet flat is ideal for daily activities and complements bi-color combinations that make the pair standout.

Melissa Papete + Rider

Sportiness and comfort are the main features of this classic and stylish sandal. This Melissa Lance piece brings together two unique designs that Inspired by the playfulness of classic danc- can take any girl from the city to the beach. ing shoes, the Melissa Lance is the new mustTurn to C2

Guests try out the latest pieces from the Brazilian footwear brand.

Marj Sia stands chic in Melissa flats.

wednesday, november 7, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Life vanity Corner Flawless all day

From left: Hoseki corporate affairs director Zabeth Co, Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International 2017 Ilene de Vera, Remedios Atayde Alcain, Hoseki founder Fai Co, and Ditas Posadas

Local jewelry salon

celebrates 22nd anniversary S

INCE its launch in 1996, homegrown jewelry salon Hoseki has been creating wearable art—pieces that showcase world-class craftsmanship and design.

Long-wearing makeup products are all the rage today as proven by the well-received launch of Maybelline New York’s Superstay 24H Liquid Foundation. The brand has been labeled as USA’s No. 1 liquid foundation launch this year. Beauty junkies attest to its genius formulation which, despite its thick consistency, feels light on the skin. Its super saturated pigmentation gives high-impact full coverage, hiding any unwanted blemishes and red marks. It boasts a formula that’s easy to apply and blends in smoothly using either fingers, a foundation brush, or a beauty sponge.

Its bottle comes with a pump. Today, Filipinas can experience the all-day coverage promise of Superstay 24H Liquid Foundation. It comes in six wearable shades, namely Natural Ivory (112), Classic Ivory (120), Warm Nude (128), Buff Beige (130), Natural Beige (220), and Sun Beige (310). The Superstay 24H Liquid Foundation is available at Maybelline counters nationwide for P499 each.

Maybelline Superstay24H Liquid Foundation

Fall for pumpkin Get into the spirit of the autumn season by slathering on the indulgently fragrant Vanilla Pumpkin range from The Body Shop. This special edition line is composed of the creamy and caring trio of shower gel, body butter, and hand cream. Each is infused with sweet, handpicked vanilla from Madagascar, the addictive autumnal aroma of roasted pumpkin seeds, and the warm notes of tonka bean, hazelnut, and maple syrup.

Lather up and smell sweet all season with the thick and creamy soap-free Vanilla Pumpkin Shower Gel. After bath, moisturize with the indulgently rich, nourishing, and fabulously fragrant Vanilla Pumpkin Body Butter. Lastly, protect those hands during cold months with the super lightweight and 100 percent vegan Vanilla Pumpkin Hand Cream. This autumn-inspired line is available at all The Body Shop stores nationwide.

Chiefly a design house headed by internationally recognized jewelry designer, founder Fai Co, alongside corporate affairs director Zabeth Co, chief operating officer Harold Co, chief executive officer Grace Co, and partner and chief creative officer Knoi Esmane, Hoseki has become a powerhouse in the Philippine jewelry industry. In celebration of its 22nd anniversary, the premier jewelry salon staged an exhibit featuring a variety of its stunning pieces. The event, held in its showroom at The Podium Ayna Ong and Hoseki chief executive officer Grace Co beside the Jade Mariposa Collection. in Mandaluyong City, was attended by Manila’s most avid jewelry enthusiasts. latest state-of-the-art technology in international standards. Hoseki is popThe brand’s craftsmen are mostly jewelry manufacturing thus creating ular for its diamond jewelry and other foreign trained and exposed to the masterpieces that are at par with the precious stones.

The Body Shop’s Vanilla Pumpkin range

Some of the beauty items to score at Lazada’s 11.11 sale BEAUTY junkies will have a field day on Nov. 11 as Lazada will feature a number of cosmetics and skin care products on sale during its 11.11 Shopping Festival. Here are some beauty items at discounted price: Vice Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick for P119

From left: Fatima Rabago, Liz Lanuzo, and Camille Prats talk about feeling beautiful and confident at the Body Love Revolution Congress organized by She Talks Asia.

When do you feel beautiful DESPITE what the media or social media try to claim as beautiful, there’s still no universal definition for the term—it remains subjective and varies from one person to another. But when it comes to feeling beautiful, women’s definitions appear to be much more aligned. In a research conducted by global health technology Philips, majority or 82 percent of women said they feel more beautiful when they feel healthy. In addition, 77 percent of those surveyed rated being healthy as the number one contributor to their confidence level. These statistics reflect the changes in women’s beauty routines worldwide. Women today see their beauty regimens as more than makeup and skin care. They supplement these with health and well-being elements which deliver the overall confidence boost they desire to feel more beautiful. It’s therefore no surprise that 71 percent of women also stated that they feel more beautiful when they have the time to devote to these activities— highlighting the need for more effective product solutions which are personalized to their needs. Hence, Philips has launched the Discover Your Beauty campaign in the Philippines at the Body Love Revolution Congress organized by She Talks Asia. Driven by the mission of sparking global conversation, She Talks Asia

sought to shed light on the topic of self-love. Bringing together key opinion leaders, the congress provided a platform for conversations on beauty and wellness, with topics tackling the importance of self-love to controlling mind and body. Among the key opinion leaders who joined the discussions were Camille Prats, Fatima Rabago, and Liz Lanuzo. They were asked about the challenges they face under the spotlight and their personal tips for feeling confident. Rabago shared, “With my swimwear line and love for the beach, I really enjoy using Philips Satinel Essential Compact Epilator. It saves me time and money versus going to the salon, and I get to look my best whatever I wear so I feel beautiful.” Meanwhile, Lanuzo said she feels confident when her clothes are finely pressed. “With Philips garment steamer this has never been easier. To those who are still discovering their beauty, confidence is a vital factor in achieving this.” For Prats, having more time to take care of herself, with the help of Philips products, has helped her feel confident and beautiful. “I feel beautiful every day and encourage those who might not feel their best to just remember that when you feel beautiful, others will feel that wonderful energy that you radiate,” she said.

NYX Professional Makeup MLS10 Matte Lipstick for P117

Namu Life Snail White Whipp Soap for P289

Reveal Age Defying Formula for P799

Hello Gorgeous Unicorn Elixir for P297

Log on to www.lazada.com.ph or download the Lazada Mobile app via App Store or Google Play to score these discounted items and more.

Inspired... From C1 Melissa Panapana ii

A highly-treasured pair among aficionados, the Melissa Panapana II combines style, comfort, and practicality. The Panapana II is available in four colors and can take anyone from dayto-night with elegance and ease.

Melissa Slim Sandal

The Slim Sandal is a flat that combines comfort and freshness with sensuality and romanticism. Easy to slip

on and off at any time during the day, the Melissa Slim Sandal is topped with a bow that brings the perfect hint of delicacy.

Melissa Ugly Sneaker

Melissa’s answer to one of the most beloved sneakers in the world, the Ugly Sneaker is a testament to the enduring power of the ‘90s. Edgy, energetic, and simplistic in design and approach, the Ugly Sneakers go with just about anything, and is perfect for any situation.

Wu, the Melissa Kate is a ballerina flat that made its debut at New York Fashion Week. The Melissa Kate is designed for warm weather.

Melissa Hailey + Jason Wu

The simplicity of this design showcases the key principles of Melissa’s Jason Wu line: straight lines, simplicity, and reference to the texture of fabrics in plastic. The Melissa Hailey is a light sandal that imbibes simplicity and elegance.

The new pieces from the Melissa Family collection will soon be Melissa Kate + Jason Wu available in all Melissa Shoes outlet Designed by fashion designer, Jason stores nationwide.

Entertainment Acclaimed director Lav Diaz (rightmost) with cast and crew of his film, 'Ang Panahon ng Halimaw' (Season of the Devil), which is one of the Philippine films included in the Official Selection at Singapore International Film Festival.

Philippines is ‘Country of Focus’ at Singapore Media Festival 2018

FTER its successful Philippine participation in Busan International Film Festival at Busan, South Korea, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) leads the country again as Country of Focus at the Singapore Media Festival, celebrating two important milestones in its history— the 100 Years of Philippine Cinema and the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Singapore for the following year. The Singapore Media Festival (SMF), hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) one of Asia’s leading international media events, where the industry meets to discover the latest trends, talents and content in Asia for Film, TV and digital media. It brings together Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) and ScreenSingapore and SMF Ignite. FDCP will be the lead agency in the Philippine participation to the SMF, and will bring thirty companies composed of ﬁlm and content producers, buyers, distributors,

animation companies, and service providers who will join SMF-established events such as the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) and ScreenSingapore and SMF Ignite. “We are incredibly honored to once again have the support of an international Festival, this time from Singapore and the IMDA which we have had close ties with especially in terms of our film programs and partnerships. This time, we focus on the industry side of Cinema for SMF especially by bringing content producers and filmmakers who are geared and ready to buy, sell, and develop titles not just for local, but foreign content,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Mary Liza Diño. The Asia Television Forum is Asia’s leading entertainment content market which lets delegates tap into the growth potential of Asia’s entertainment content industry for buyers and sellers. ATF also gives valuable market insights from some of the industry’s most illustrious experts and open doors to potential business opportunities through a dedicated series of both intimate networking sessions to large-scaled ones. FDCP is hosting a Philippine booth at the ATF and bringing producers and filmmakers to develop, buy, and sell content and films. Moreover, Filipino executives like TV5 and Cignal TV will be participating in the ATF Leaders’ Summit on a panel that puts spotlight on the Philippines and its landscape as it adapts to the digital revolution. Meanwhile, ScreenSingapore is a marketplace for filmmakers, producers, distributors, financiers and film buyers to explore co-production opportunities, seek financing, make deals and learn about the changing film landscape. This year, it will host again the Southeast Asian Film Financing (SAFF) Project Market in partnership with the Southeast Asian Audio-Visual Association (SAAVA)

and Ties That Bind: Asia/Europe Producers Workshop (TTB) to connect promising filmmakers and producers from Southeast Asia and Europe with international coproducing partners, festival programmers, distributors, commissioners, and financiers. SAFF will feature five projects from the Philippines including Kristine Zuniga’s Ani (The Harvest), Jessel Monteverde’s Bangsa Dadjao, Gino M. Santos’s Comfort, Mel Allego’s Filipino, and Arden Rod C’s John Denver Trending. On the other hand, for Ties That Bind whose first workshop took place in the Udine Far East Film Festival, will be holding its second workshop during SAFF. Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet) Producer of the Year Awardee Bianca Balbuena is one of the mentors of the program. Among the ten projects included in the slate is Return of the Owl by Martika Ramirez Escobar and Monster Jimenez. The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is also celebrating Filipino films as it brings together emerging filmmakers from Asia and Southeast Asia while paying tribute to acclaimed cinema legend. There are four short films in competition, three official selection and a world premiere from the Philippines this year. For the Southeast Asian Short Film Competition: Manila is Full of Men Named Boy by Andrew Stephen Lee; The Imminent Immanent by Carlo Francisco Manatad; Please Stop Talking by Josef Gacutan; and Judgement by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez. The films included in the Official Selection are: The Ashes and Ghosts of Tayug 1931 by Christopher Gozum; Season of the Devil by Lav Diaz; and Nervous Translation by Shireen Seno.

HOLLYWOOD

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ rocks box office PROVING again that audiences matter more than critics, Fox’s Freddy Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody dominated North American box ofﬁces this weekend with a solid $50 million take, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday. The ﬁlm’s unexpectedly strong launch put it well ahead of Disney’s new The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, at $20 million, and Paramount’s Nobody’s Fool, with $14 million in estimated ticket sales for the three-day weekend. Rhapsody, with Egyptian-American actor Rami Malek starring as the charismatic Mercury, thus logged one of the best openings ever for a music biopic. The movie has received decidedly mixed reviews, however. Vox.com dismissed it “a crashingly dull movie about ... one of the least drab humans who ever lived,” while the Washington Post called it a “bad movie that works, even when it shouldn’t.” But

Malek, a Primetime Emmy winner for his role in TV’s Mr. Robot, has won mostly high praise. While Fox essentially paid the $50 million production cost of Rhapsody with the film’s opening-weekend take, Disney was not faring as well with Nutcracker, which cost $125 million to make. The studio hopes the classic Christmas tale will hold on through the holidays, Variety said. But like Rhapsody, the Keira Knightley film got some less-than-glowing reviews. “Tchaikovsky,” said Rolling Stone, “is rolling in his grave.” Nor did Nobody’s Fool, Tyler Perry’s first R-rated comedy, do much better on the critic’s couch, with HollywoodReporter.com deploring its “clumsy, misshapen script.” It stars the popular Tiffany Haddish as a newly paroled woman who tries to help her sister get revenge on a man who deceived her.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, November 7, 2018

ACROSS 1 Hearth tool 6 Not naked 10 Sprees 14 Sprightly 15 Watermelon part 16 Urban map 17 Curie daughter 18 Fail to include 19 Wordless actor 20 Changes 22 Tenet 23 Tie’s place 24 Perpetual 26 Spot’s pal 29 Tease in fun 31 Archaeological site 32 Tour grp. 33 Talking bird 34 Rascals 38 Stallone role 40 Band’s booking 42 Set up a fund 43 Balls of yarn 45 Thunder 47 Old French coin 48 Hwys. 49 Up till now 50 Virus 51 Big kerchief 55 Bubbly drink 57 Give spiritual instruction 58 Flooded 63 Cleanse 64 In — (as found)

65 A la — 66 Pointed arch 67 Dangerous March date 68 Mall for Plato 69 Proceed 70 Genuine nuisance 71 Less DOWN 1 Two of a kind 2 Hideous monster 3 Ukraine’s capital 4 Weather warmer (2 wds.) 5 Singer Della — 6 Bending 7 Sketch 8 Pastis flavor 9 Insect killer 10 U.S. Steel founder (2 wds.) 11 Adjust the tires 12 Third Greek letter 13 Creep forth 21 Gooey 22 Airport fluid 25 Six-pointers 26 Chinchilla and mink 27 Authur Denisen 28 Mosque topper 30 Milk producer

33 Weekday 35 Consumer gds. 36 Destitute 37 Done pool laps 39 Sunflower seeds, e.g. (2 wds.) 41 Is ruined financially (2 wds.) 44 Worker’s no. 46 Scintilla 50 Car repair place 51 Look out —! 52 “Haste makes waste,” e.g.

53 British actor David — 54 In reserve 56 Kind of coffee 59 Sporty trucks 60 Snowball 61 Be, to Henri 62 Treasured 64 Drink slowly

Rami Malek shines as Freddie Mercury in 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

In fourth place, Warner Bros.’s A Star Is Born earned a solid $11.1 million in its fifth week out. Bradley Cooper, in his directorial debut, plays a hard-drinking musician who has a star-crossed love affair with a talented young singer (Lady Gaga). Not far behind in fifth was Universal’s Halloween, at $11 million. The low-budget horror film has Laurie Strode (played again by Jamie Lee Curtis) in a final confrontation with a masked homicidal maniac decades after she survived his first killing spree. AFP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Annual Cinematografo Int’l Filmfest returns ABS-CBN is proud to announce the complete lineup of the 2018 Cinematografo International Film Festival. Events will return to San Francisco on Nov. 8 to 11 at the AMC Kabuki 8 in Japantown. The second edition of the festival will kick off renowned Filipino auteur Chito Roño Roño’s Signal Rock, the official submission from The Philippines for Best Foreign Language Film at the upcoming Academy Awards®. The film tells the story of Intoy ((Christian Bables) who is left to care for his parents when his sister moved out to work overseas. He calls the remote island of Biri his home, wherein the only way he could contact his sister and the outside world is by taking his cellular phone and going up the strange rock formation known as “signal rock.” Cinematografo is also launching the 18th anniversary screening of The Debut, the first known Filipino American Debut feature drama produced in the U.S., as the Centerpiece presentation. The Gene Cajayon’s seminal film tells the story of teenager Ben Mercado ((Dante Basco Basco) who rejects his Filipino heritage. His contentious relationship with his immigrant father Roland comes to a head at his sister Rose’s 18th birthday party. In the span of one night, he comes to terms with his identity, heritage and what being a Filipino-American is all about. Cajayon and the cast are expected to attend. Preceding the program is a bonus screening of The Little That Could, a short documentary shot in 2001 that tracked the life of The Debut as it toured on-the-road

around the US. The film was opening night presentation at both CAAMFest (known as SF International Asian American Film Festival) and Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 18 years ago. Moreover, true to their theme of “Breaking down Walls,” Cinematografo, is breaking down its programming walls to expand its reach beyond the borders of the Philippines and the U.S. As the second edition of the festival comes to a close, the festival will close with A Land Imagined, winner of the top prize at the 2018 Locarno International Film Festival. The Singaporean drama examines the plight of migrant workers in a foreign land. After a construction accident, a lonely worker from China goes missing at a Singapore land reclamation site. An insomniac police investigator tracks down the mystery of the missing migrant only to uncover more than he bargained for. A Land Imagined is preceded by the new documentary from New Zealand Obrero by Norman Zafra. The festival is named after ‘Cinematografo’ — the first movie theater in the Philippines, that opened in August of 1897. From this grand establishment was born a rich heritage of celebrating films and the venue introduced Filipinos to the custom of going to the movies. The new film festival in San Francisco aims to continue this tradition wherever Filipinos may be, and intends to draw in a wider audience of Asian American and independent cinephiles and movie lovers across the San Francisco Bay Area and internationally.

Chito Roño’s 'Signal Rock,' starring Christian Bables kicks off the second edition of Cinematografo International Film Festival.

Simply... From C4

International and local LGBTQ+ films GAYS, lesbians, bisexuals, trannies, GAYS queers and other members of the local LGBTQ+ have every reason to celebrate as the oldest film festival for the LGBTQ+ community, the Quezon City International Pink Film Festival (QCIPFF), returns on Nov. 14 to 25 in three cinemas – Gateway Cinema, (UP) Cine Adarna, and Cinema Centenario, with over 60 titles of international and local films from shorts, feature, documentaries, and animation. After a three-year hiatus, the Pink Film Festival is back. This year’s edition commemorates the 79th founding anniversary of Quezon City and the centennial of Philippine cinema. 50 Years of Fabulous”(2018), a documentary by Jethro Patalinghug on the world’s oldest surviving LGBTQ+ charity organization, San Francisco’s Imperial Council will screen on Nov. 14, 8:30 p.m., at the Gateway Cinema Complex in Gateway Mall, Quezon City, as the inaugural opening film. Featured in the festival are a total of 64 international and local feature and short films. Filmmakers and actors from the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, Tonga, Spain, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Syria, Turkey, and the United Kingdom will participate in this year’s celebration.

Featured in the Pink Film Festival 2018 international lineup are ﬁlms celebrating gay pride and sexuality such as Brazil’s Liquid Truth, Japan’s Boys for Sale, and Turkey’s Mr. Gay Syria, Tonga’s Leitis in Waiting, and Thailand’s The Driver.” While the Philippine lineup highlights PJ Raval’s documentary on the tragic life of transgender Jennifer Laude titled, Call Her ‘Ganda’ (Call her ‘Beautiful’). Also happening in this year’s Pink Film Festival are seminars and programs from festival partners like Amnesty International Philippines’ talk about the current health and human rights situation concerning the LGBTQ+ community on Nov. 21, 2 p.m. at the UP Cine Adarna, Diliman, Quezon City. Project Red Ribbon Care Foundation will also conduct HIV awareness program and testing. The celebration of the LGBTQ+ community ﬁlms, as well as a constant reminder of health and human rights in the Philippines, the Quezon City International Pink Film Festival starts screening on Nov.14-17 at the Gateway Cinema Complex in Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao; Nov.19-21 at University of the Philippines Cine Adarna in Diliman; and Nov. 22-25 at Cinema Centenario in Maginhawa St., Diliman. *** More stories of these kinds at www.isah. red. Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred and Instagran (@ isahvred. ΙŘ

Entertainment

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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018

‘KUNG PAANO SIYA NAWALA’

ISAH V. RED

Ballet icon

celebrates her 60th birthday

An urban love story of letting go By Darwin Pesco

Rhian Ramos and JM de Guzman star in a film described by its director Joel Ruiz as a contemporary urban love story about letting go.

HIAN Ramos and JM De Guzman will leave a mark in your mind — with their ﬁrst team-up in a tale of how people win notwithstanding a lot of challenges that love entails—in a new romantic ﬁlm, Kung Paano Siya Nawala.

Rhian flanked by co-star JM and director Joel Ruiz during the film's media conference.

Brought by TBA Studios, the outfit behind the films I’m Drunk, I Love You and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral presents a movie that tells the story of Lio (De Guzman), a shy and inclusive young guy who finds it difficult to connect with other people for he has face blindness, a cognitive disorder characterized by an inability to recognize faces, then he falls in love with Shana (Ramos), a beautiful free spirit who has a skeleton in the closet. “I still feel nervous up until now,” JM said of his movie comeback after taking a hiatus from showbiz in 2015—his last big-screen appearance was in the 2015 drama Tandem and the 2014 romanticcomedy That Thing Called Tadhana. JM promised to never disappear again in the spotlight, and he is thankful to many opportunities for him despite his stumble. “’Pag ‘di ko ina-appreciate, mabilis akong bumagsak dahil wala akong pinapahalagahang bagay,” JM discerned about the cause of his past pitfall. Asked what is unforgettable about Rhian, the actor said none is forgettable because their developed friendship and experience is one he would always treasure. “JM is the guy version of me,” Rhian said, and for her, it is how the actor treated her during their scenes that she would never forget. “He is very humble, after what the challenging times he was in, never mo mararamdaman sa kanya na may tinatago siya. He’s just himself,” Rhian praised the actor whom she also admires and commended his authenticity and passion for their every scene. “Sa eksena wala siyang vanity, he just gives what the scenes require him to do,” Ramos added.

Rhian and JM had no problem with their chemistry on and off the screen as they also served as producers for the movie. It is a testament of how much they believe in the quality and the message of the movie. “Ever since I read the script, I’ve long been dreaming of making this movie. It was a dream come true. Everything happened in the best way possible. We really became a team and a family, and pulled towards the same goal in the end,” Rhian said. Joel Ruiz, the movie’s director and co-writer, described Kung Paano Siya Nawala as a contemporary urban love story about letting go. This is the featurelength commercial debut of the young filmmaker—he is also well known for directing commercials, including one of the viral #KwentongJollibee mini-films. “I met few people who claimed they were experiencing face blindness,” Ruiz said, and he used the creative license in using the mental health condition in the movie. Also, the actors also revealed the moments when they also did not recognize faces and experiences. “Kapag bad experience wala talaga akong maalala,” Ramos shared. Ruiz is thankful to JM and Rhian for being part of the film, not just as the actors but as the producers as well. Soon, both JM and Rhian are seeing themselves producing movies again. Apart from the unique love story, music is the movie’s asset to the fans. The film’s main soundtrack features an unreleased song from the popular indie band Up Dharma Down (UDD), entitled “Anino.” Kung Paano Siya Nawala, which also stars Agot Isidro, Barbara Ruaro, and Ricky Davao, opens in cinemas nationwide on Nov. 14.

‘Goin’ Bulilit’ alums lead cast of ‘Class of 2018’

FORMER Goin’ Bulilit kids Nash Aguas, Sharlene San Pedro, CJ Aguas Navato, Kristel Fulgar, and Kiray Navato Celis topbill the teen horror-thriller Class of 2018, which opens in cinemas nationwide today, Nov. 7. The film written by Jericho Aguado and Charliebebs Gohetia and directed by the latter is the “backfrom-sem-break” offering of T-Rex Entertainment—the studio that brought us the celebrated Deadma Walking and Boys, among many other hit Bakwit Boys movies. When Nash, Sharlene, CJ, Kristel, and Kiray were little kids, they were mainstays of the popular Goin’ Bulilit comedy show of ABS-CBN. Together with other child performers, they cheered up weekend nights with their wit, charm and impeccable comedic timing. Since then, these five have become multitalented stars. Sharlene is now a MYX VJ and recording artist and favorite teen actress of Maalaala Mo Kaya. Nash, an awardwinning actor, has gotten raves for his role in the television series, The Good Son. Kristel and CJ are social media Son stars whose song covers on YouTube have garnered millions of views. Kiray, meanwhile, has starred in box-office hits like Shake, Rattle, and Roll XV and Crazy Beautiful You alongside leading love team, KathNiel. They give life to distinct and memorable characters in Class of 2018—Sharlene is Ada, a loner who 2018 gets bullied. Nash is RJ, a “cool kid” who is a part of the popular rich boy posse. CJ is Migs, a geek obsessed with conspiracy theories. Kristel is Princess, a reformed mean girl who is doing her best to befriend the class, while Kiray is Venus, the school’s reigning queen bee who leads a popular clique. Class of 2018 is about Section Zamora, which is a class of underachievers, repeaters, and delinquents. When Section Zamora goes on an out-of-town field trip, a classmate contracts a mysterious virus, which prompts the military to quarantine them in an abandoned military facility. Ada, RJ, Princess, Migs, Venus, and the rest of Section Zamora fight for survival while dealing with the dangers of the infectious virus and politics among

BULILIT NO MORE. Former child stars Sharlene San Pedro and Nash Aguas are launched as a love team in the horror-thriller 'Class of 2018.' untrustworthy classmates. When the project was offered to the actors, they responded with instant enthusiasm. Sharlene says she found the premise very intriguing, “When I read the summary, I told myself, this is different, Kakaiba. Shinare ko sa mommy at daddy ko at nag-agree sila na kakaiba nga.” The energy on the set was undeniable; just like the mysterious virus, it was hard to contain. Gohetia reveals that his cast was a noisy but incredible bunch. “They’re rowdy, pero kapag take naman, ginagawa nila kung ano ang instructions ko.” So whether it was doing a complicated ﬁght scene, running endlessly in hallways, moving the audience with a heartfelt dialogue, or uttering a hilarious line, the cast of Class of 2018 were always spot-on perfect. Gohetia says that their experience plus rapport made for a terriﬁc movie. “Nag-gel lahat. Magagaling sila,” he says of his cast. Class of 2018 also features a stellar ensemble composed of Yayo Aguila, Adrian Alandy, Dido dela Paz, Alex Medina, Sherry Lara, Michelle Vito, Ethan Salvador, Jomari Angeles, Kelvin Miranda, Nikki Gonzales, Lara Fortuna, Aga Arceo, Shara Dizon, Hanna Francisco, Renshi de Guzman, Dylan Ray Talon, Micah Jackson, Jude Matthew Servilla, John Vic De Guzman, Yvette Sanchez, Jerom Canlas, and Noubikko Ray. For updates, follow @ prodsthatmatter on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

NOT many ballerinas remain in public life when the spotlight is no longer trained on them, living mostly a quiet life away from the hustle bustle of the society much less the dance arena. Not Shirley Halili-Cruz who turned 60 on Oct. 20. Her children, Anna Katharina and Francis Frederic, welcomed her mother to a new phase in her famed life with a grand celebration at the Meralco Theater followed by a lavish reception at the Marquis Events Place at the BGC in Taguig City. At the Meralco Theater that was packed, some 10 dance companies from across the archipelago danced a tribute to Shirley as a way of thanking her for inspiring many young people to dance. Some of those running the companies were tutored at the Halili School of Ballet on Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. They were: Sinukwan Kapampangan Center for the Arts in Pampanga, the UP Dance Company, Annie Divinagracia Sartorio School of Performing Arts in Iloilo, J.Crisis, St. Louis University Dance Troupe in Baguio, UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, LPU Lahing Batangan Dance Troup in Batangas, PNU Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, Melengas Dance Ensembe in Pagadian, and Bayanihan, the national folk dance company of the Philippines. It was an almost two-hour dance concert with the Halili School of Ballet opening and closing the program participated in by the students, teachers and staff, making Shirley watching with the rest of the audience teary eyed. Every dance was met with a thunderous applause, as each dance company showed off the best dance steps in folk, modern ballet and popular dance forms. At the Marquis Events Place later, Shirley was met with the young students of

Shirley Halili-Cruz at her grand birthday celebration at the Meralco Theater

HSB dancing to the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical The Sound of Music. Again, Shirley controlled her tears and enjoyed every bit of the performance that the school’s student population prepared for her. The food and drinks were overﬂowing, as was Shirley’s gratitude to her children, staff, faculty and students of HSB for being with her in this milestone in her life. She also thanked the support of her husband Eric Cruz for always being her no. 1 fan and encouraging her to do what she could for dance. Shirley is chairman of the National Committee on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) committee on dance. While she may not be able to execute a grand jeté or do an arabesque, she certainly knows how to teach those and many other ballet steps like échappé, penché or temps levé to the school’s growing population of students properly. Continued on C3