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9.8m Pinoys jobless—SWS September poll shows 1 million more lose jobs

Prohibit CPP-NPA for being terror groups—Justice

By Nat Mariano

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice will be “relentless” in its bid for a declaration of over 600 leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), as terrorists. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the government will pursue the proscription against the CPP and NPA before the Manila City regional trial court, particularly after both military and police implicated the communist rebels in the killing of nine farmers in Sagay, Negros Occidental last month. “The President has instructed the DOJ to relentlessly pursue the proscription case against the CPP and the NPA,” Guevarra said. He said President Duterte gave the instruction during the meeting of the executive committee of the National Security Council (EC-NSC) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The Justice secretary said the government considers the massacre in Sagay an “anarchical activity” and a “threat to national security.” The government’s proscription case suffered a setback after Manila RTC Branch 19 Judge Mario Madoza-Malagar declared Satur Ocampo, Rafael Baylosis, Victoria Lucia Tauli-Corpuz, and Melencio Molintas—who were among the 649 individuals listed by the DOJ as leaders and members of CPP and NPA—as non-parties to the case. The case has since not moved for about three months, but Guevarra said it has not been dismissed. “The ruling of the court pertains only to the service of summons. The court

VOL. XXXII • NO. 270 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

VER a million more Filipino adults became jobless in September, the latest Social Weather Stations’ survey revealed even as the Palace assured the public that it “continuously finds ways to improve” the local employment situation.

The September survey found that around 9.8 million Filipinos or 22 percent do not have jobs. This was higher than the previous 8.6 million jobless Filipinos or 19.7 percent record in June this year. Out of the 9.8 million jobless individuals, 4.1 million were retrenched, 3.7 million resigned from their old jobs, and the remaining others were looking for employment for the ﬁrst time. The pollster said adult joblessness includes those who voluntarily left their old employment, those who were retrenched, and ﬁrst-time job seekers. “Adult joblessness stayed the highest in Metro Manila at 26.4 percent from the previous 19.4 percent in June, followed by Balance of Luzon at 22.9 percent from 19.3, Mindanao at 19.7 percent from 21.2 percent, and the Visayas at 19.6 percent from 19 percent,” the SWS said. The SWS also noted that adult joblessness was higher among women at 32.8 percent from 26.1 percent in June, compared to men at 14.3 percent from 15.6 percent in the previous survey. Next page

Red leader’s wife blocks police van, faces charges

Duterte seethes over blackouts in Palawan

By Francisco Tuyay

By Nat Mariano

THE Philippine National Police on Sunday said the arrest of Communist Party of the Philippines Central Committee member Vicente Ladlad was legitimate and said it was considering filing obstruction of justice charges against his wife, Fides Lim-Ladlad. “The confiscation of high-powered firearms and explosives in the possession of Ladlad and two others is a result of a lawful search made by the police witnessed and certified by officials of the homeowners association,” PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said Sunday. At the same time, the PNP has discussed obstruction of justice charges against Mrs. Ladlad who “went wild” as her husband was being taken away in a patrol car following his arrest, and tried to block the car from leaving. Albayalde said what Mrs. Ladlad did was tantamount to obstruction of justice, because it interfered with police procedure. Albayalde said Mrs. Ladlad had made an apology which he accepted it. “I understand her deep concern for the well being of her busband and as a Christian I am inclined to graciously accept her apology,” Albayalde said.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday gave Palawan’s energy cooperative almost a month’s extension to solve the frequent power disruptions in the province. But he warned he would be compelled to expropriate its franchise and get a new electricity operator should officials fail to meet his deadline. Speaking at the first Subaraw Festival in Palawan, Duterte said the six to eight hours of blackouts in parts of Palawan were not acceptable. “You experience blackouts six to eight hours. That is not acceptable to me,” Duterte said in his speech on Saturday night. “I’ll give you [till] the end of the year [to come up with] a new setup so you can provide enough energy,” Duterte indirectly gave the ultimatum to the Palawan Electric Cooperative or Paleco, the distribution franchisee, for its daily blackouts that have been going on for years. He said he would contact a new electricity operator for the province should the officials fail to meet his schedule. “What I would do is look for a wealthy [power operator]. China is very eager to get hold of developments here,” Duterte said. Next page

TOWERING SYMBOL. The Christmas tree is one of the most powerful symbols of the Yuletide season. When decorated and lighted, it is majestic and evokes memories of childhood and represents glad tidings. Firefly LED lights the 71-foot giant Christmas tree decorated with over 40,000 Firefly LED Christmas lights and LED bulbs at SM by the Bay, Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Manny Palmero

Lazada 11.11 shop fest rakes it in By Joyce Pangco Pañares SOUTHEAST Asia’s biggest one-day sale, the 11.11 Shopping Festival, has resulted in 15 days worth of transactions in just 24 hours in the Philippines for online e-commerce platform Lazada. “People visit our app at least 20 times a day during our 11.11 sale. We will do in one day what we normally do in half a month,” said Lazada Philippines chief executive ofﬁcer Juan Pavez in an interview at Lazada’s ﬂagship warehouse in the country in Cabuyao, Laguna. The volume of transactions processed yesterday was no small feat – a prelude, Pavez said, to the 12.12 Christmas sale on Dec. 12. The Philippine e-commerce market is SANTA’S WORKSHOP. Workers in Santa Claus hats rush to pack delivery items expected to grow to $6 billion, a 17 perinside the Lazada warehouse in Cabuyao, Laguna which was Santa’s workshop on its busiest day of the year and in time for the 11.11 online shopping festival, signalling what may well be cent year-on-year increase. The number the start of Filipinos Christmas shopping. Norman Cruz becomes even more mind-boggling if

you divide it by the number of days in a year, and Lazada, which is the number one shopping and selling destination in Southeast Asia, has also cornered the lion’s share of domestic transaction value. “We achieved 60 percent of our daily target by 9 a.m.,” Pavez said. “For many Filipinos, our 11.11 sale is the best time to shop for Christmas, with over 50 million deals, including discounts of as much as 99 percent and even one-peso deals.” The Cabuyao warehouse, which has a storage capacity of up to 5 million items, was transformed into a 54,000 square meter Santa’s factory in preparation for the holiday rush. Setting up warehouses across the country – with two more in Mandaue City in Cebu and in Davao City – as well as 50 distribution centers where products land before the so-called last-mile delivery, Next page

Trump, Putin mark WW 1 Armistice PARIS―World leaders gathered in Paris will lead global commemorations on Sunday to mark 100 years since the end of World War I at a time of growing nationalism and diplomatic tensions. Around 70 leaders including US and Russian Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will mark the centenary of the 1918 Armistice in the French capital. Ceremonies in New Zealand and Australia marked the start of the November 11 memorial events across the world, and huge crowds paid tribute to the more than 80,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives in the Great War. Next page

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Dengvaxia probe reopens, zeroes in on past regime By Rio N. Araja CONGRESS will reopen its joint probe on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21 into the liability of the past administration’s controversial P3.5-billion procurement of Dengvaxia vaccines in 2015. In a Super Radyo interview over dzBB, Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, chairman of the House committee on good government and public accountability, said the two hearings could help them finalize the committee report that was not approved when he replaced Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel as the panel head. “We will reopen the joint inquiry on November 20 and 21,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to tie up the loose ends and get a more complete picture of why and how the government procured the vaccines and rolled out the vaccination program, and if offenses were committed by the officials involved in the process.” Pimentel held previous hearings jointly with the House committee on health led by Quezon Rep. Helen Tan. Romualdo said he had already coordinated with Tan about his plan to reopen the probe. The Department of Health procured P3.5 billion worth of Dengvaxia vaccines and conducted a mass immunization of 830,000 students from public schools and even police officers starting April 2016. French pharmaceutical Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine manufacturer, said in 2017 that the anti-dengue vaccines had potential severe dengue risks among those who had not been diagnosed with the disease before. According to Romualdo, they will invite all former and incumbent government officials who could be behind the registration and procurement of Dengvaxia vaccines and the implementation of the mass vaccination program.

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Timetable set on MRT-3 rehab

HE full rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit-3 will be completed in 2021, an official said Sunday. Transport Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan told dzBB radio they expected the rehabilitation to be ﬁnished by the ﬁrst quarter of that year. “The full rehabilitation will be com-

pleted by 2021, Batan said. He said Friday MRT-3 would be restored to its high-grade infrastructure status, and that part of its rehabilitation would include the commissioning of the Chinese-made Dalian train sets which were now being tested, Batan said. He said due to the long and multiple testing of the new trains, only one Dalian train set with three wagons could operate for now. The other train sets were still being queued for testing. “Ang dahilan kung bakit isang train

set [ng Dalian train] pa lang napapatakbo natin ay dahil tatlong bagon pa lang ang nakakatapos sa mahabang listahan ng testing and commissioning procedures,” Batan said. “Isang buong train set ng Dalian train na binubuo ng tatlong bagon. ‘Yan ay kasalukuyang dumaraan sa gradual deployment at pinapatakbo natin tuwing off peak hours at saka natin titingnan kung pwede natin iakyat during peak hours.” Batan said that the new trains should undergo multiple testing to ensure

their safety. The Transport department on Saturday assured the public that there would be no increase in the fares for the MRT3 even if the railway system was poised to undergo a total rehabilitation. “Ang instruction diyan namin ni [Transport] Secretary [Arthur] Tugade ay hindi pa namin pinag-iisipan yung pagtaas ng pamasahe hanggang sa maramdaman ng mga pasahero natin yung improvement sa serbisyo sa MRT 3,” Batan said.

9.8m Pinoys... From A1

The survey results also showed less optimism in job availability in September compared to June. “Optimism that there will be more jobs fell by 8 points from 47 percent in June 2018 to 39 percent in September 2018, while pessimism that there will be fewer jobs rose by one point from 15 percent to 16 percent,” the SWS added. Net optimism on job availability was at a “high” +24 in September, which was eight points lower and a downgrade from the “very high” +32 in June. The SWS survey was conducted between Sept. 15 and Sept. 23, with face-to-face interviews with 1,500 respondents. Margin of error was plus or minus 6 percent in national figures. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Malacañang “is seriously looking” at the survey results as they “continuously find ways to improve the local employment situation.” The Palace official noted that President Rodrigo Duterte already signed Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Act, hoping it would make the country “more conducive” to investments as it creates more and better jobs for the public. “Indeed, there will be no let-up in our efforts to bring down the unemployment rate and increase labor participation among our youth and women,” Panelo said.

Red leader’s... From A1

“However, I must reiterate we are a nation of laws not of men. And violations of laws have their consequences,” he said. Albayalde rejected critics’ claims that the firearms and ammunition seized from Ladlad during the raid were planted. Earlier, Mrs. Ladlad had claimed the guns were planted and challenged the PNP to test the guns for fingerprints, which she said would show they were planted. Her apology, however, was laced with irony. “I hope General Albayalde will find it in his heart to forgive me when his charming wife, Mrs. Albayalde, will also obstruct justice with her bare hands by blocking a police van because he’s imprisoned inside and she knows not where he will be brought, or what perchance will happen to him because of a state malady called evidencia plantida de pulis,” she said in a statement released by the human rights group Karapatan.

ARMISTICE RITE. Heads of state and government arrive at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on November 11, 2018 to attend a ceremony as part of commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the November 11, 1918 armistice, ending World War I. AFP

Trump, Putin... From A1

“For our tomorrows, they gave their today,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told the people gathered at the Remembrance Day national ceremony in Canberra. The Paris commemorations, centered on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe, are set to feature warnings about the modern-day danger of nationalism. “This day is not just about remembering, but should be about a call to action,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday after visiting the forest clearing in eastern France where the Armistice was signed. Merkel will give the opening address alongside UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at a conference called the Paris Peace Forum, which will take place after a memorial service on the Champs-Elysees on Sunday morning. Conceived by French President Emmanuel Macron, the Forum is intended

Prohibit... From A1

said Ocampo and the three others cannot be summoned because the subjects of the case are groups and not individuals. It had nothing to do with merits of the petition,” Guevarra said. “The DOJ just submitted the names of certain persons identified by our intelligence agencies as having links with the CPP and the NPA, in the hope that these people will answer the petition on behalf of the respondent organizations,” he added. After the RTC ruled that individuals cannot be summoned for the proscription case, the DOJ chief said the prosecutors “will just have to resort to causing the service of summons by publication” as directed in the RTC ruling due to government’s lack of knowledge on the official addresses of the CPP and NPA. The DOJ filed before the Manila RTC last March the petition seeking to declare communist leaders and their armed members terrorists. The department submitted to the court

to highlight the importance of international institutions in helping resolve conflicts, avert wars and spread prosperity. British Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth will attend a separate event in London. Despite the show of unity at the Arc de Triomphe, where school children will read out messages written by soldiers in eight languages, tensions are expected to lurk beneath the surface. US President Donald Trump, whose hard-line nationalism has badly shaken the Western alliance, arrived in Paris on Friday criticizing host Macron for being “insulting.” Trump took umbrage at a recent interview in which Macron talked about the need for a European army and listed the US along with Russia and China as a threat to national security. The “America First” leader, who faced criticism on Saturday for canceling a trip to an American cemetery because of the rainy weather, will snub the Paris Peace Forum. The other attendees of the memoa list of names and aliases of 649 people, including Ocampo, Baylosis, Corpus, Molintas, and CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison, it tagged as terrorists. Also on the list are alleged CPP leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, former peace panel chief Luis Jalandoni, human rights lawyer and former Baguio City councilor Jose Molintas and Cordillerans Joanna Carino, Windel Faragey Bolinget, Sherwin De Vera, Beverly Sakongan Longid and Jeannette Ribaya Cawiding. The petition was filed following the termination of the peace talks between the government and the CPP in November 2017. In its petition, the DOJ cited Republic Act 9372 (The Human Security Act of 2007) in seeking the declaration of the CPP and NPA officials and members as terrorists. The petition accused the CPP-NPA of having an “evil plan of imposing a totalitarian regime.” Guevarra has also tapped the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel probe on the killing of nine farmers in Hacieda Nene in Sagay last Oct.20.

rial service and Forum include Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Canadian premier Justin Trudeau and Israel’s Benyamin Netanyahu, as well as Putin. With far-right nationalist politicians coming to power from Brazil to Italy to Austria, 40-year-old centrist Macron is set to invoke the war to make the case for international cooperation. “We want to make these commemorations a time to reﬂect on the present, not just the past, so that they have a meaning for us today,” an aide to Macron said earlier this week. He will deliver a short speech during Sunday’s ceremony, which organizers have made deliberately international and cross-cultural. The French-born Chinese-American cellist Yo-yo Ma will perform, as will West African singer Angelique Kidjo, and a European youth orchestra with a Russian conductor. Some 10,000 police have been drafted in to ensure maximum security in a city repeatedly targeted by jihadists since 2015. Macron is also set to speak later at UN

Lazada 11.11... From A1

was part of Lazada’s efforts to consolidate its logistics and supply chain. “We want to become a technologydriven platform that enables sellers and satisfies buyers. This is why we have decided to invest in our warehouses and our fleet. We want to control the logistics and the supply chain so we can ensure fast and secure delivery,” Pavez said. “Because we are so confident of our logistics backend platform, we even launched the guaranteed next day delivery because we control the logistics, which is a key factor to overall custom-

Duterte seethes... From A1

“I will expropriate your franchise. I will buy it at a valuation that is a fair and just compensation to end this impasse.” Fearing that the long-term power outages could affect the progress of Palawan and its people, Duterte said he would al-

cultural body UNESCO and at the Peace Forum. The Forum is part of the “fightback” against nationalism worldwide, chief organizer Justin Vaisse told AFP as he played down the significance of Trump’s decision not to attend. “The aim of the forum is to show that there are lots of forces in the international system―states, NGOs, foundations, intellectuals, companies―who believe we need a world of rules, an open world and a multilateral world,” he said. About 70 current-day nations were involved in the conflict that had six empires and colonial powers at its heart: Austria-Hungary, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the Ottoman Empire. Around 10 million soldiers are generally estimated to have been killed during the fighting and more than double that number wounded overall. Between five and 10 million civilians are estimated to have been killed. In Britain, church bells are set to ring out across the country at 11 am, at the same time as a national remembrance service at the Cenotaph in London. AFP er experience,” he added. Pavez said Lazada is eyeing a new facility in Clark to maximize the crossborder flows afforded by Subic and Clark, especially with the anticipated increase in domestic flights operating from the special economic zone. “When we started in the Philippines six years ago, everybody told us we were crazy,” said Pavez, who reported that the online platform now has 27 million Facebook fans in the Philippines and receives 28 million site visits. “But we believe in the market, and that e-commerce is an enabler of business, including small and medium enterprises,” Pavez added. With Nat Mariano and Angelica Villanueva low the major players to operate on the island as a way to improve Palawan’s power situation. “Either you do it or I will do it for you. I will expropriate,” Duterte said. Paleco has blamed the independent power producers for the prolonged power disruptions, saying the IPPs had failed to upgrade their facilities and deliver enough energy.

News

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018

Palawan traders warned: Follow the rules, keep province clean By Nat Mariano

GO FOR IT. President Duterte and Senate President Tito Sotto III raise Christoper Bong Go’s hands to show their support for the former Special Assistant to the President, a way of telling him to go for it. Go, who is seeking a seat in the Senate, has a legislative agenda that includes bills focused on malasakit—with programs aimed to uplift the lives of Filipinos, everywhere.

House takes on impeachment case Duque vows more reforms to bring down drug prices By Macon Ramos Araneta THE Department of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to introduce more reforms with an eye on reducing prices of medicines during the 7th Policy Dialogue on Universal Healthcare (UHC) and Access to Medicines (ATM) in Manila. Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III conducted a no-holds barred discussion with patients and civil socieity groups to tackle issues on medicine access and clarify their concerns related to access to health services and the Universal Health Care agenda under the Duterte administration. “We would like to reiterate that it is the thrust of this current administration to introduce more reforms to reduce prices of medicines and out-of-pocket expenses of the general public while ensuring and maintaining quality and effective medicines and health services,” said Duque. The event is a follow-up on the series of policy dialogues that the DOH has been conducting in the country since 2013. The event , DOH said, intends to promote patient involvement in crafting policy decisions and implementing programs related to their right to health. It also serves as an opportunity for the patients to come face-toface with DOH officials and other concerned agencies, where they can share their views and opinions on the current and future plans of the department, particularly on improving access to healthcare and essential medicines. The one-day event highlighted the DOH strategy of FOURmula One Plus, as well as updated them on the latest directives and strategies on the UHC Bill, Fourmula 1+ Botika ng Bayan F1+ (F1+ BnB), drug pricing and access issues, rational use of medicines, and existing DOH platforms for patient engagement. The Policy Dialogue on UHC and ATM, otherwise known as the Patient Forum, is organized by the DOH, through the collaborative efforts of the Pharmaceutical Division (PD) and the Medicines Transparency Alliance (MeTA) Philippines, in recognition of the valuable contributions of the patients as partners of the government in achieving its goals towards Universal Healthcare.

By Rio Araja

HE 292-strong House of Representatives is poised to affirm a panel recommendation rejecting the consolidated impeachment charges filed against six Supreme Court justices and retired Chief Justice Teresita de Castro when sessions resume today. House committee on justice chairperson, Rep. Paulino Salvador Leachon of Oriental Mindoro, gave the assurance that the plenary would take action on the matter. Leachon, however, said he has yet to ask Camarines Sur Rolando Andaya Jr., House majority leader, when would he include his committee report in the or-

der of business or the plenary agenda. He said the House plenary is expected to affirm the recommendation of his panel to dismisss the impeachment complaint against De Castro, and Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Francis Jardeleza, Noel Tijam, Andres Reyes Jr. and Alexander Gesmundo for insufficiency

in substance. The committee on justice earlier voted 23 against one in dismissing the impeachment case filed by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano. The complainants accused De Castro, Peralta, Bersamin, Reyes, Jardeleza, Tijam and Gesmundo of culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution and betrayal of public trust for taking away the powers of Congress to impeach when they voted in favor of granting the quo warranto petition against dismissed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. Solicitor General Jose Calida initiated the quo warranto case against the ousted chief justice.

IN A bid to prevent a Boracay-type environmental disaster, President Rodrigo Duterte urged local officials and concerned citizens of Palawan to observe the tourist influx in the island, calling on hotels and business establishments to simply “follow the rules.” Duterte said he would not want to see Palawan suffer the same fate as that of the famed Boracay island. “Just clean it. Do not overload. You will be the guards here. Boracay is a classic case of overloading. It can carry only so many people,” the President said in his speech during the 1st Subaraw Biodiversity Festival in Palawan. “If you fill it up with all the waste, it will tumble down. That’s why it’s [needs to be] controlled. You have to control the number [of tourists here],” he added, reminding local officials to keep a watchful eye on the arrivals of tourists. The President also stressed that owners of hotels and establishments in Palawan need to play a role in preserving the province’s environment. “Do not allow the hotels near the easement. They should stay away. Tell them to really move far,” he said, noting that hotels, as seen in the case of Boracay, throw their toilet wastes directly to the ocean. Stressing that the national government has jurisdiction over the country’s beachfronts, Duterte said it is his administration’s duty to protect it from violators as he decided to place all hotels in the island on “notice.” “So, I’m giving notice to all hotels that are operating near the sea. Do not connect your tubes directly to it. If you want to build a hotel, add another many million to have a water treatment,” Duterte said, maintaining that hotels must have proper toilet management system as he observed how Canada turns its wastes into something useful by turning urine into clean drinking water. “You protect your crown jewel of the Palawan, which is really the beautiful sceneries. And avoid overcrowding,” Duterte said. “For the hotels and the resorts, follow rules. You will not have a problem with me.” “Let us work together in protecting the environment so that the government’s action to close Boracay Island will not be repeated elsewhere in the country,” he added.

Comelec unit to disqualify Osmena

STAR ATTRACTION. Colorful Christmas lanterns in various sizes await buyers along a Quiapo street sidewalk, 43 days before Christmas day. Ey Acasio

NTC lists Mislatel among valid telco franchises THE Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (Mislatel) on Sunday rejected claims that question the validity of its franchise, saying that Mislatel’s franchise is included in the National Telecommunications Commission’s list of valid and subsisting franchises, among other factual bases. NTC itself had issued a list of national telecommunications franchises that were eligible for the selection process for the New Major Player (NMP) for the telecommunications industry, Mislatel’s counsel John Coluso said in a statement. Mislatel said it has no contract with TierOne contrary to claims made by Luis Chavit Singson that his company has an existing and exclusive contract with Mislatel specifically for the selection process for the NMP. “What Mislatel had was a terminated contract with a company called DigiPh-

il that was meant for small projects, like VSAT,” Coluso said“To be very clear, the contract with Digiphil was not intended for the purpose of submitting a bid with the NTC for the NMP for the telecommunications industry. A simple reading of the contract shows that it makes absolutely no reference to the third telco bid,” Coluso pointed out. Moreover, the contract was nevertheless terminated on October 5, 2018, Coluso said. TierOne submitted a failed bid with the NTC although they had a valid franchise (Sear). Their bid was disqualified not because of any act on the part of Mislatel but rather merely because they were unable to secure the required participation security, which was required by the NTC’s Terms of Reference (TOR) and the Instructions to Participants (ITP) for the selection process. Unlike TierOne, Mislatel has complied

with all of the NTC’s requirements and this is why it has been conferred Provisional NMP status. The NTC selection process has been fair and transparent and for failure to even comply with a basic requirement, TierOne has been rightfully disqualified, Coluso said. “Obviously, all these allegations against Mislatel are not only baseless but also utterly malicious. It was meant to cast aspersion not only on the bidding process itself but on the administration’s commitment to provide our people a more efficient and more reliable telco service provider,”Coluso stressed. These claims maligning Mislatel’s superior bid as the country’s third TELCO provider are nothing but an unnecessary distraction on President Duterte’s bid to break the duopoly in the telecom sector and should be therefore ignored, Coluso said.

SENATORIAL candidate Serge Osmeña on Sunday branded as baseless the move of the COMELEC Campaign Finance Office to disqualify him from running in the 2019 national elections. The CFO has claimed Osmeña did not file his Statement of Campaign Expenses (SOCEs) for the 2010 and 2016 national elections. Under Republic Act No. 7166, the failure to file SOCEs for a second time is penalized by perpetual disqualification from holding public office. “I have filed my SOCE for the 2010 national elections. It was a late filing and I paid the administrative fine for it. On that basis alone, there should have been no reason for the CFO to seek my disqualification,” Osmeña said in a press statement. Osmeña, a known fiscalizer in the upper house, complained about the COMELEC’s handling of the issue on the SOCE for the 2016 national elections. “I filed a request with then COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista for an extension of time to file my SOCE. He responded that my request was referred to the COMELEC En Banc. But I never heard from them on my request anymore; but there were similar requests by others that the COMELEC granted,” Osmeña said. He noted similar requests were made by the Liberal Party’s then presidential candidate Mar Roxas and senatorial candidate Franklin Drilon and they were expressly granted time extensions by theComelec. Osmeña said he is looking forward to threshing out the issues in the proceedings at the COMELEC and expressed confidence that the CFO move to disqualify him will fail.

Opinion

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018

An unconstitutional ordinance curses and an exchange of blows. The line of demarcation between freedom of speech and freedom of action is established by the ban on the initiation of physical force. “Sticks and stones can hurt my bones, but words will never harm me.” In fact, according to many scientists, THE Baguio City Council passed an Anti- cursing is actually a sign of higher intelligence. Profanity Ordinance in September, which bans It makes you happier, healthier, and more cursing in places frequented by children and honest. students, including schools and universities, As private citizens, we cannot use computer shops, arcades, and other business physical force or coercion; we cannot censor establishments. or suppress anyone’s views or publications. It bans any expression of profanity, which Unfortunately, only the government, which it says includes “blasphemous or obscene has a monopoly on the use of force, can do so. language; vulgar or irreverent speech or And censorship is a concept that pertains only action; expletive, oath, swearing, swearword, to governmental action. curse, curse word, cuss-profane or obscene Rumor has it that the controversial expression.” parking structure being built in Burnham It prohibits these Park is actually a concentration camp acts whether they are for offenders. Bars directly or indirectly of soap have also spoken to anyone or Cursing is actually used as an expression. been seized by the Holy sh*t! newly-installed a sign of higher Burnham, Kennon, morality police. intelligence. It makes and Hay must be Released offenders turning (and cursing) have been seen you happier, healthier, in their graves. Their walking like zombies and more honest. beloved “summer along Session Road, capital” has been with white mouths chanting, “I will taken over by the not curse, I will not Taliban. A cursing curse.” ban? How un-American. While I agree that people shouldn’t curse, US midterms the important point is the ordinance is clearly A record number of Filipino-Americans unconstitutional and against a basic individual voted in the US midterm election, and right. Republicans and Democrats have heard from The Bill of Rights clearly reads: “No law it a clear message: they’re doing just ﬁne; shall be passed abridging the freedom of don’t change anything. speech, of expression…” “Look at those gains in the Senate!” said In case the mayor and council haven’t President Trump, “Tremendous! People read the constitution, or don’t realize we have clearly want bombastic fear-mongering about one, freedom of speech means freedom from immigrants and lots of arguing with the press. interference, suppression, or punitive action And we’re going to keep giving it to them until by the government—and nothing else. we ride to an even greater victory in 2020.” Freedom of speech includes the freedom “The American people clearly love our not to agree, not to listen, and not to support incoherent yelling at Trump and everyone one’s own antagonists. near him,” Democratic Representative Nancy Some say that the law is needed because Pelosi stated about their win in the House cursing hurts people. Of course it does. But and gains in governorships. “We’re going to come on. No one dies because of it. There do nothing but scream and belittle all Trump is a huge difference between an exchange of Turn to A5

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Jumping to conclusions

E AGREE with the administration when it says that blaming the government for the killing of human rights lawyer Benjamin Ramos is “reckless and irresponsible” and can only “inﬂame the emotions of those outraged by the senseless death.” But the Palace ought to realize, too, that the murder of Ramos, a founding member of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, is all the more suspicious because he had been working with National Federation of Sugar Workers, whose members—four women, two minors and three men—were massacred by as yet unknown assailants last month in a sugar plantation in Sagay, Negro Occidental that they had tried to occupy. Nor did it help when the Palace immediately supported the unlikely theory ﬂoated by the Armed Forces and the police that the nine farmers—all new NFSW recruits-were mercilessly gunned down by their own comrades, communist rebels, simply because they wanted to put the Duterte administra-

tion in a bad light. That suggestion beggars belief. Why would the rebels—whose ranks the government claims time and again have been thinning out—kill nine of their own recruits, which is what the administration says they were? Why would the authorities not focus instead on more obvious suspects, such as armed goons working for the landowners? Why has the government immediately jumped to the conclusion that it was the communist rebels who carried out the massacre? There is, in fact, no need to put the administration in a bad light because its own actions—and inaction—are enough. Their insistence on blaming the communists without proof or evidence—and Ra-

mos’ murder last week-- merely add to the suspicion that they are covering up something. Ramos, 56, was gunned down by motorcycle-riding men as he smoked a cigarette and talked to the owner of a sari-sari store in Roxas Street, in Kabankalan City, also in Negros Occidental. He is the 34th lawyer killed under the Duterte administration. Nobody is saying, at this point, that they are directly responsible for the deaths, but it certainly appears that they have done little to discourage the killings. So the administration should not be surprised that the European Union also denounced Ramos’ killing and called on the Philippine government to immediately bring the perpetrators to justice. And before the President has one of his infamous ﬁts over the EU, there is no rush to judgment in its condemnation of the human rights lawyer’s killing. It is merely a call to action.

Livability paths all over, and children’s playgrounds. Each district has a public swimming pool, and gym facilities that are available at nominal costs, very well-maintained too. Avenues and boulevards are tree-lined, reminiscent of European cities, and kept both clean and manicured like Japanese ONE striking character of Taipei is the city’s gardens, with park benches always in tipconstant efforts at being a highly livable top condition. The rivers and streams are so clean, and city. easement rules so strict that at both sides of Even if you work or reside in the core of the city, there are parks and open a river, there are swaths of green and jogging spaces within a few meters, smaller in paths complete with outdoor children’s play the older districts, more expansive in the equipment. On Saturdays and Sundays, one is new developments. Despite the high-rise entertained by street musicians, mostly buildings, Taipei is a green city. young men and women trying to earn In the 30-to-40-minute ride from the international airport in Taoyuan to the extra income for their academic needs by capital Taipei, a Filipino would be amazed playing the violin, or guitar, or regaling at the hills covered in foliage instead of the crowd with acrobatics and other great Concerts and theater houses and shanties, so unlike what used performances. presentations are plentiful, at affordable to be the beautiful Baguio of our younger ticket prices. years. The other Zoning and land Sunday, the use is seriously National Concert implemented, and Hall featured this is true even Will our country the Taipei in the less dense Philharmonic, ever attain this quality urban centers of along with a Kaohsiung, Tainan, of life? 120-member Taichung, Taitung, chorale, some of Hualien, Taoyuan, whom are Filipinos Hsinchu and New who have resided Taipei City, where quite a while in Taiwan. Next Sunday, the high-rise residential and office buildings abound. Taiwan is a small island, about a world-famous maestro, Zubin Mehta will ninth of the Philippines’ total land area, and conduct the Symphony Orchestra of Bavaria is quite mountainous. Yet, no effort is spared also at the National Concert Hall. Hardly a week passes without a major concert, to enforce proper land use. Once in a conversation with a Taiwan featuring both local artists and foreign official, I gave an admiring comment on imports, all world-class. Except during rush hour, traffic hardly the island’s greenery, and he modestly exists even if motor vehicle density is quite responded that this was because they have plenty of highlands and mountainous high. Traffic rules are strictly enforced, with areas that are not quite livable. I was so radar equipment monitoring vehicle speeds, embarrassed, wondering if the guy had and the driver receiving his traffic violations ever been to Baguio or La Trinidad, even by mail, the automatic fines paid through Antipolo where even steep mountainsides ubiquitous 7-11 stores. And of course, public transport is a are populated by residences, many of them marvel for those of us who have grown and shanties. Except in the old wealthy enclave near lived in Metro Manila. Public buses are Yangminshan mountain, most everyone aplenty, and they get to their bus stops on lives in medium and high-rise apartments time. The MRT service, connecting all main and condominiums, as land costs are quite points of Taipei City and New Taipei City high. Even the wealthiest Taiwanese using the red, green, blue, brown and orange families make do with lot sizes smaller than lines, are frequent and always on time. The Forbes Park or Dasmarinas. You see the main cities of Taichung and Kaohsiung, and wealth in the quality of the art and antiques the cities in between are inter-connected inside their homes even if the “mansions” through a high-speed rail system similar to Japan’s Shinkansen or those of Shanghai are modest by the standards of our rich. But in the rather dense high-rise districts and Pudong. And when a major disaster, such as like where I reside, a public park is so conveniently located just about a hundred or that which happened months back when Turn to A5 two hundred meters away. There are bike

No to parochial politics

THE Manila mayoral contest is between incumbent Joseph Estrada and Fred Lim. But the man the people of Manila are talking about is the one who’s not seeking the post. Lito Atienza, two-term Manila mayor, decided to forego parochial politics in favor of seeking a third term as Buhay Party List representative in the House. Even now Manilans are asking why Atienza left them to the mercy of two old men who are in the sunset of their lives. Estrada is in his late 80s while Lim is in his early 90s. Let it make it clear that I have nothing against old men as I am a senior citizen myself. But I am not running for public ofﬁce and promising voters to exert all

Where does this leave the people of Manila with its problems of uncollected garbage, runaway crime and rampant drug trafﬁcking? my energy to deliver basic services to constituents. As cruel as it may sound, two old men doddering among the people at public events is the most visible condition of their state of health. They could at anytime succumb to cardiac arrest or other ailments

they have not disclosed to the public. Where does that leave the people of Manila with its problems of uncollected garbage, runaway crime and rampant drug trafficking? Manilans somehow feel Atienza abandoned them to Erap and Lim. “I have had my fill of those problems and a heavy dose of parochial politics,” said Atienza, adding that he left Manila financially stable but that the problems he had addressed were back as soon as he exited. Atienza said he wants to stay in Congress because he prefers to serve on a national scale and take part in the discussion of of such issues as charter change, federalism and the return of the death penalty. These issues are visceral to Atienza who plans to oppose all three House proposals. Atienza thinks federalism is dead in the water. Even if passed by the House, federalism will meet strong opposition Turn to A5

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

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Opinion

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018

Let Secretary Rio finish the job WITH the DICT declaration provisionally naming the Mindanao Islamic Telephone (MISLATEL)/Udenna/China Telecoms consortium as the third telecoms provider, there is now a need to complete the process before all kinds of entanglements set in. Already, the two disqualified bidders, Tier One and PTT consortiums, have said they were going to file motions for reconsideration on their disqualification which left the field open to the provisional winner. More importantly, they are poised to submit a number of points questioning the provisional award granted to the MISLATEL/Udenna/China Telecoms consortium on factual and legal grounds. Of course, they have every right to do so. Which is why it is critical that Acting DICT Secretary Eliseo Rio, Jr. who shepherded this latest bidding be allowed to finish the job. Any disruptions within the department at this point may prove to be counter-productive. Worse, it may sink any of our hopes to have a third player to challenge the current telecoms duopoly and improve the services in this critical sector altogether. The acceptance of Senator Gringo Honasan of President Duterte’s offer for him to take over and lead the newly organized Department of Communications and Information technology at this point in time should not be a hindrance. After all, Secretary Rio, who was also instrumental in the then entry of SUN Communications as supposed-to-be the third player some years back, said he needed only a few weeks to decide on the motions for reconsideration and finalize the award. As Rio, a former general and head of the AFP’s Information and Communications Service, himself intimated, the finishing touches on this seminal undertaking is doable within the first week of December. Said Rio: “I serve at the pleasure of the President. But my only hope is that I will be given a few more weeks to finalize the entry of a third telco player which we really worked hard for.” That should not be hard for President Duterte and even Senator Honasan to understand and agree to. I am sure they themselves would not let this critical

CROSSROADS JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ decision on the entry of a third telco further delayed and, worse, may even go to waste. No need to hurry on the change over. We are not suggesting that Senator Honasan’s entry would be disruptive. Far from it. What we are simply concerned about is the fact that his entry may be used by unscrupulous persons and organizations to mount a campaign to discredit the whole bidding process for the third telco by suing for time, for example, for Honasan to “learn the ropes.”

Any disruptions within the department at this point may prove to be counterproductive.

It is also very possible as well that the members of the provisionally declared third telco consortium may be unduly compromised as the ﬁnal decision of those tasked to handle this project gets further dribbled. Or the new ofﬁcials may simply ask for more time to study the matter. In any event, if the maneuvers to stall gets in place before the year ends, then we can truly have a much harder time after to get our third telco in place before the next presidential elections. Now on Boracay and other island destinations. We said it before and will say it again. It will take strong political will to clean up Boracay before it gets to a tipping point of wanton destruction. President Duterte

provided that political will and equally important assigned hardworking and with proven integrity who shared his concern about the island turning into a ‘cesspool’ with passion. Two former AFP Chiefs of Staff-DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu, chair of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force, and DILG Acting Secretary Ed Ano—provided the steady and vigorous push to put order and dedication into the task. Then DoT Secretary Wanda Teo and her successor provided the caring necessary to get all stakeholders to come around and accept the need to finally put a stop to the unwarranted, unplanned and ultimately destructive development which had enveloped Boracay after the Supreme Court ruled that the island paradise except for those areas titled during the American period and thus with vested rights are owned by the State with a little caveat. The State can then decide how to develop Boracay in a planned, constructive, inclusive and responsible manner. Which it did when then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation 1064 which paved the way for the allocation of usage of the state-owned lands. Thus, 60 percent were declared forest land and 40 percent alienable and disposable. Then speculators and buccaneers descended into the island turning it into the cesspool President Duterte described. With universal praise for the recovery which the Duterte administration has done to this gem of an island, it is our hope that the wayward ways which got it into deserved condemnation will now stop and the standards for sustainable development which the Task Force has put in place enforced with passion. Then, with such a model, a platform for island development in place, we should all ensure that the other major island destinations, or for that matter, all other tourist destinations, get to practice the Boracay way. For that matter we should exercise and put in place those standards all over the place, not just the Boracays of this benighted land. It’s never too late to do so and for all of us to do our share.

Whatever suits them THE other day, the social media buzzed with life as the Yellows celebrated a double victory. First, of course, was the conviction of former First Lady, Rep. Imelda Romuladez Marcos, over corruption charges which were filed more than 30 years ago, long before the presiding judge even took his oath as a lawyer. Second was the “endorsement” of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte. The issue involving Mrs. Marcos is subject to appeal, so this piece will deal with the second item: the supposed Duterte endorsement. Even Roxas himself was surprised at the report. “Is it real? I have no personal knowledge,” he said. Vice President in question, Leni Robredo, for her part, was more ecstatic. “That’s good news. It’s good that President Duterte had endorsed Roxas for the Senate. This is an affirmation that he is very much qualified,” Robredo said. But wait. Don’t the Yellows abhor everything Duterte? Don’t they even come close to describing him as the devil incarnate? They even lambast Duterte for endorsing singer Freddie Aguilar’s candidacy for the Senate, questioning the latter’s qualification. Social media posts by personalities identified with the Yellows depict the singer as a clown whose only role in the Senate, if elected, would entertaining the lawmakers with his music. And now, they are claiming that Duterte’s “endorsement” of Roxas affirms the latter is highly qualified? Will they do the same for Aguilar and whoever is endorsed by Duterte? Will the also express approval of Aguilar’s qualification, because he has been endorsed by the President?

Livability From A4

the Puyuma Express train was derailed in Hualien, the railways director-general resigned. No ifs nor buts. A year ago or so, the Minister of Economic Affairs resigned when a four-hour brown-out hit some major cities, shorter in the capital, and the government refunded the public for the vexation caused by the electricity cut-off. You think that would happen in the Philippines? Food is plentiful and reasonably priced, and sanitation standards are strictly enforced. Vegetables and fruits abound, and are cheap considering their high quality. Hardly anyone cooks in their small apartments, where normally both husband and wife work in ofﬁces. They buy “i-pai i-pai” meals which means a hundred-Taiwan-dollar-meal boxes which they bring home to eat after a day’s work.

But wait again. Did the President really endorse Roxas? As reported in a national daily, Duterte, in his speech in Aklan, reportedly told his Ilonggo audience to “vote for Roxas so we would know if he can do something

Yellows have a propensity for twisting everything to their advantage.

against illegal drugs.” “Vote for Roxas, he is an Ilonggo. Vote for him, there’s no problem with that. He is running again. Go ahead, why don’t you try so you can see for yourselves. You can only measure a man’s stamina for doing a particular activity for his fellowmen,” Duterte said. If one read between the lines, one would see that the statement was more of a challenge than an endorsement. Duterte obviously did not want to offend his Ilonggo audience by hitting their fellow Ilonggo, Roxas. So, he dared them instead: Go ahead and vote for Roxas for them to determine for themselves if their kababayan could really do something good for the people. And this could be validated by the

The lunch box has a main dish of meat or chicken or fish, with two vegetable sidings, some tofu, and rice. The “carinderia” from where these are bought are very clean. Even the street food, which offer filling snacks of delicious Taiwanese fare which are quite popular with tourists, maintain strict sanitation standards. For those who can afford finer options, there are Michelin-rated restaurants offering European, Japanese or Chinese cuisine and mid-priced eateries that can compare with the best in Asia and elsewhere. It is hardly a wonder that Filipinos and other expatriates who work in Taiwan find it such a livable place, where cultures blend with such ease, and personal safety and security are a world-class premium. Health facilities, as we have discussed in a previous article, are excellent, and with national health insurance, extremely affordable. No wonder our factory workers keep renewing their work contracts which normally expire after three years. But last

take-off point of the President when he supposedly endorsed Roxas. Duterte mentioned Roxas’ name while he was criticizing former Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy director general Marcelo Garbo, Jr. “This Garbo, I don’t know where he is, that idiot. You know Garbo was the police aide, senior aide of Roxas. This Garbo, he’s handling drugs in Visayas. That’s the police you will see near Roxas there,” Duterte told his audience. It doesn’t take a genius to decipher the President’s message. At the minimum, he was talking of Roxas’ incompetence in the campaign against illegal drugs as it was no less his aide who was suspected of handling the illegal drug trade in the Visayas, or at the maximum, was even implicating the former Interior and Local Government Secretary himself. Thus the dare: “Go ahead, why don’t you try so you can see for yourselves?” The problem with the Yellows is that they have this propensity to twist everything, especially the news for whatever purpose it would suit and serve them. Discrediting Duterte’s endorsement of Aguilar and then twisting his statement to make it appear he is endorsing Roxas, claiming that it is tantamount to saying that Roxas is very much qualified? Which is which? Now, let’s paint a scenario. The Palace clarifies once and for all that it is not endorsing Roxas and instead releases a list of candidates it would be officially endorsing for the 2019 senatorial race. All those in the list win. Will the Yellows backtrack from their statement that the President’s endorsement is an affirmation of Roxas’ fitness for the job? Nah, that won’t ever happen. They will just look for ways to twist something again.

year, legislation allowed foreign workers to work continuously for 12 years without having to renew their stay every three years, provided the original employer wants to maintain their services. For as long as they are prudent with their lifestyles and do not fall prey to vices and scams, our Taiwan OFWs are able to save even as they regularly send money to their loved ones back home. Will our country ever attain this livability, this quality of life? Two generations ago, before martial law in the Philippines, we were better off in many respects. In the ﬁfties and early sixties, Taiwanese envied Filipinos, and looked up to Manila. With hard work, nationalism and discipline, forged under authoritarianism which expired just about a generation ago, and now a working democracy, we look at Taiwan with envy. South Korea was in the same boat before. Look where it is now. It will take a lot of doing, but we can do it as well. We must.

ASEAN stability needs a rules-based order Tomorrow, the 33rd ASEAN summit will reconvene in Singapore. The region is still challenged by South China Sea issues punctuated by China’s persistent moves to dominate the region. High on the agenda is the long-delayed Code of Conduct critical for maritime stability. So far, ASEAN and China have only ANOTHER incident in the South China Sea took place around a month ago when agreed on a single text and “key modalities” the US Navy destroyer USS Decatur had to further negotiate the COC in the South a “close encounter of the unsafe kind” China Sea. Geopolitical experts see that as with the Chinese destroyer Lanzhou. The China succeeds in again delaying a legally US warship was doing the customary binding COC, another year will be gained freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) for their “creeping” expansion strategy. The ASEAN must therefore put aside in the area of Gaven Reef in the Spratlys. Meanwhile experts had blamed the Chinese protectionism and focus on maintaining warship’s “unprofessional” maneuver for its centrality by asserting its influence as the near-collision that could have sparked a an international community. Only a rulesbased order in the ASEAN region will very complicated situation. Following the incident, US Vice preserve the peace and security vital to President Mike Pence reportedly minced the continuing growth of the developing no words in condemning what he described economies of its member states. For our part, we have yet another as the “reckless harassment” shown by the Chinese warship. The US, he said, while not opportunity to reassert the legitimacy of our victory in the keen on disturbing Permanent Court the delicate peace of Arbitration in the region, which effectively “will not be invalidates the We have yet another intimidated.” sweeping claims of Less than opportunity to reassert China that violated a month later, the legitimacy of our our sovereign Beijing announced the operation victory in the Permanent rights to marine resources within of a weather Court of Arbitration. the country’s observation 370-kilometer stations on Fiery exclusive economic Cross, Subi, and zone in the SCS. Mischief Reefs We should strongly support the swift in the disputed Spratly Islands. The same group of islands had seen unceasing conclusion in the protracted negotiations militarization over the past years that even of the Framework for the Code of Conduct the Philippines’ victory before the arbitral and push for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties court in 2016 failed to stop or slow down. The installation of the weather station, in the South China Sea. China’s moves to according to Beijing, is for the good of the change the rules-based order must be loudly region, with services that include maritime opposed. The United Nations Convention on the warning and forecast, tsunami alert, weather forecast, and disaster prevention and relief, Law of the Sea must be strengthened as the legal framework that will effectively among others. China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman strengthen the ASEAN by upholding the Lu Kang said, “The projects kicked off this importance of peace, stability, freedom time will provide more public services to of aviation and navigation. It establishes countries in the region and more effectively the basis for settling disputes peacefully safeguard the security of navigation in and creates a conducive environment for the South China Sea and the production regional cooperation in maritime affairs and and life of the people of littoral countries. thereby creating conditions for fishermen to As a responsible major country, China operate legally, safely and sustainably. For Beijing’s part, Chinese Foreign will continue to fulfill its obligations and commitments with concrete actions and Minister Wang Yi, during a state visit to make due contributions to the security of Davao City, had expressed his confidence the South China Sea and for the benefits of on the Code of Conduct’s impact on regional stability. people in this region.” “China is ready to work with the However, analysts are quick to point out that weather stations are also critical in Philippines and the countries in the region to enhance cooperation, overcome external executing military operations. Looking at Beijing’s track record. China disruptions and intervention and conclude had ignored the ruling of The Hague and COC discussions at another date so that the seized three Philippine-claimed maritime COC could truly serve as a stabilizer for the features and had long converted them into South China Sea,” he said. As an observer, I can’t help but be a bit militarized artificial islands. Experts have long attributed China’s behavior to the skeptical. The long-delayed COC plays well strategic location and maritime value of the South China Sea in relation to Southeast with what analysts have described as a creeping strategy of slowly building its Asia and the rest of the Indo-Pacific. Notably, this news comes two weeks military influence in the SCS with small before the high-profile visit of Chinese but aggressive moves carefully executed to President Xi Jinping and the broader context avoid a military confrontation. China will have to do more than just of the Duterte administration’s professed charming tactics. warmer ties with the Asian power.

No... From A4

in the Senate which insists on separate voting from the lower chamber. The cost alone is enormous to reorganize the whole government into 18 regions and increasing the members of parliament if the unicameral form is approved. There will also be more associate justices in a proposed three high courts. Funding for a federal form of government would be like starting a new nation. But the people will be spared the ﬁnancial burden if they reject federalism in

An unconstitutional... From A4

supporters until Trump is gone in 2020.” When the losses were pointed out to the two parties, they each had easy explanations. “Some candidates just didn’t spend enough time talking about how great I am and how I’m right about everything,” President Trump explained. “Rookie mistake. Probably cost us the House. Sad.” Democrats think voting data showed them where things went wrong. “We determined it’s Filipino Trump supporters and white women that are the problem now,” said Democratic consultant Marvin Mullins. “So obviously the path to an even greater victory is to scream at them and tell them we hate them.” Both parties are now very excited for the next election, as presumably are Filipino-Americans, illegal Filipinos in America, and Filipinos elsewhere who like to comment on US politics but aren’t US citizens anyway. KENDI Plan Last Halloween, trick-or-treaters ﬂooded streets, gated communities, and malls across Metro Manila in a beloved and borrowed American tradition. Children joyously knocked on doors and received candy at most of the houses in their neighborhood—most

the required plebiscite. Under Lito Atienza’s “Buhayin Ang Maynila Urban Redevelopment Program,” he put up or refurbished such places and monuments as Raja Solayman, Plaza Moriones, Plaza Lawton, etc.He also streamlined the city ‘s tax collection service by adding more windows for payment and an air-conditioned waiting lounge. If at all. Atienza will be well remembered for ﬁxing the Manila city hall clock which used to show four different times on each of the four sides. Visiting foreign tourists thought the four different times indicate the time in Tokyo, New York, London and Moscow. of the houses, that is, except for those of politicians. Politicians cheerily opened their doors each time children knocked and cried out “Trick or treat!” and greeted them, commented on their costumes, and wished them a happy Halloween. Then, they pulled out their large bowls of candy, reached out their hands, and took from the children who had a lot of candy, and placed the children’s “donations” into their bowls for later redistribution to the less fortunate. “What a nice Ironman costume you have!” a senator said to one boy. “Although I’m always a little disturbed by the large selection of costumes made possible by corporate greed, US imperialism, and the evils of capitalism, I still appreciate your spirit. Now hand over the candies, hijo.” The senator then dug into the kid’s bag and pulled out over 40 percent of the kid’s haul, lecturing the boy on the need to be generous. Of course, the senator doesn’t provide his redistribution services for free: he takes a “small tax” out of his collection before carefully redistributing the candy based on his fair and equitable KENDI Plan, which he draws up every year. The senator still can’t ﬁgure out why kids kept avoiding his house altogether. eric.jurado@gmail.com

News

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Teachers lament measly P3k anniversary bonus

HE Alliance of Concerned Teachers on Sunday downplayed the announcement of the Department of Education on the release of the P3,000 anniversary bonus for public school teachers and DepEd staff.

ACT national chairperson Joselyn Martinez said the beneﬁt is not regular and the amount is too measly. “It will have little impact to teachers who have been gruelling with unabated price increases since the start of the year. What we need is substantial salary

increase now,” Martinez said. “DepEd sure took their own sweet time in releasing the said bonus, while teachers have been calling for immediate relief as the value of their salaries dip by the month,” she added. Martinez said public school teachers had to repeatedly ask Deped to release the anniversary bonus. “Now, they talk as if this is urgently being dealt with,” she said. Martinez said the severe effects of inﬂation have forced many public school teachers to “pawn” as early as August the regular bonuses which they are scheduled to receive this

month, such as the 13th month pay and P5,000 cash gift. For her part, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said it took a while for the funds to be released because of the sheer volume of DepEd personnel, which is about 800,000 in total, including part-time employees. “And while this will cost us only P3,000 per personnel, because of the huge army we have in DepEd, that will be a total of P2.8 billion,” she said. Briones said this was the reason for the delay in the release of the bonus, noting that cascading the order to all personnel took time.

1,737 kilos of double dead meat seized

CAVITE—Authorities seized around 1,737 kilos of “double dead” meat worth P300,000 while conducting an inspection among meat vendors at the city public market over the weekend. George Garcia of the National Meat Inspection Service along with Cavite City chief veterinarian Anna Teresa Baleda and the city police mobile patrol team were conducting joint inspections at the meat section of the city public market in Barangay 27 when they spotted the double dead meat, more popularly known as “botcha.” The team conﬁscated some 1,737 kilos of assorted double dead meat that include pork, chicken and beef. These were allegedly peddled by meat vendors identiﬁed as Rosauro Estacio, Renato Melitante, Soledad Joyes, Salvador Bangalisan and Merson Marasigan. The NMIS office said it issued summons and warnings to the involved meat vendors instead of bringing them to the police station. “Double dead” fail to pass an NMIS examination and are cheaper than regularly priced meat. Authorities cautioned consumers not to buy tainted meat as this may cause food poisoning, among other diseases. PNA

Lower House vows ‘19 budget passage in two weeks’time By Rio N. Araja THE small committee of Congress tasked to resolve the amendments on the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019 aims to finish its work this week, and vote on third and final reading approval by the third week of the month, Compostela Valley Rep. Maria Carment Zamora on Sunday said. Zamora, the main plenary sponsor of the national budget and a senior vice chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, said the House of Representatives cannot pass the national budget this week. “Unfortunately, we are still quite in the thick of the amendments. Due to the volume of the amendments requested and agreed upon during the debates over HB No. 8169 alone, combined with the different agencies’ concerns, we’re still going through items. We’re targeting finishing this week, and then the budget will be readied for printing,” she said. “By the third week of November, we can have the third and final reading approval” she added.

EVERYBODY LOVES ST. NICK. A vibrant carnival party was held at SM City San Mateo to officially welcome the Christmas season. Close to 100 kids dressed in costumes of red and gold joined the program. Manny Palmero

Group seek passage of positive discipline bill By Rio N. Araja A organization of teachers and school ofﬁcials is urging the House of Representatives to pass the legislation of the positive and non-violent discipline bill. Teachers belonging to the Positive Discipline Advocates of the Philippines

called for an end to physical and humiliating punishment against children. The group was joined by Save the Children Philippines and Philippine Educational Theater Association. The bill, entitled Promoting Positive and Non-Violent Ways to Discipline Filipino Children, is now on its third and ﬁnal reading at the Sen-

ate and on its second reading at the House of Representatives. “PDAP believes that as ‘second parents,’ teachers and educators play an important role in fulﬁlling the right of children to protection, speciﬁcally, in ensuring that they are disciplined in a positive manner,” the group said.

MODERN LANDPORT.

Passengers queue for a ticket for Southern Tagalog- bound buses inside the newlybuilt Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange. Ey Acasio

Disallowance on license plate program lifted By Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Audit has lifted the 2015 disallowance on the motor vehicle license plate standardization program of the Department of Transportation. COA chairperson Michael Aguinaldo, along with Commissioners Jose Fabia and Roland Pondoc, ruled to grant the petitions for review filed by former Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya and the agency’s bids and awards committee officials based on a Supreme Court ruling on the program. The SC in 2015 mooted all challenges to the validity of the contract, including allegations that there was inadequate funding when it was awarded in 2013 to the joint venture of J. Knieriem B.V Goes Philippines Inc. and Power Plates Development Concepts Inc. COA, however, said its ruling only covered the lifting of the disallowance on the P477.901-million advance payment to the contractor, but it did not exempt former officials of the DOTr and the Land Transportation Office for violation of the procurement law. The amount of P477.901 million, representing the required 15 percent advance payment to the contractor, was released in two tranches – the first amounting to P340.75 million on June 30, 2014 and the second in the sum of P137.151 million on July 14, 2014.

Sports

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Celebrities join Sun Life Cycle PH tilt PIOLO Pascual and Matteo Guidicelli along with Kisses Delavin head the roster of celebrities joining the Sun Life Cycle PH, a novel ride for beginners and bike enthusiasts on Saturday at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Around 1,200 bikers aged two and above are setting out for the friendly ride in three categories – the Kids Ride, Short Ride (20K) and Long Ride (40K) around Taguig, Makati, Manila and Pasay. The event is also aimed at promoting family bonding and encouraging people to live healthier lives. Participants will also get the rare chance to ride with three-time Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen. The entire family will also be kept entertained during the weekend with a wide range of fun activities lined up in the cycling and lifestyle expo in the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. The event also serves as part of the SunPIOLOgy, which incidentally will go regional as it brings its run leg to four Asian cities while holding three other sports to highlight its milestone 10th year. After the Sun Life Cycle PH comes the Manila edition of the Sun Life Resolution Run with the SunPIOLOgy Tr10 to be capped by the Sun vs Stars duel pitting Sun Life employees with the Star Magic artists in badminton, volleyball and basketball on Jan. 26, 2019 at Camp Aguinaldo in QC. Listup for the Sun Life Cycle PH is ongoing. For details, log on to www. sunlife.cycleph.com while those who would like to join the Sun Life Resolution Run, organized by Metro Ad Sports, may register at www.sunpiology.com or at the SM Aura, MOA, SM North The Block and Glorietta 2 branches of Toby’s. Meanwhile, the Sun Life Resolution Run expects to attract more than 3,000 participants in its five divisions – the 500m dash for kids, 500m walk for adults and senior citizens and the 3k, 5k and 10k distances at Camp Aguinaldo. The run event aims to raise funds for Hebreo Foundation, Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines and the Star Magic scholars. Aside from its Manila staging, the Sun Life Resolution Run will also be held in Malaysia (Jan. 13), Indonesia (Jan. 20), Hong Kong (Jan. 27) and Vietnam (Jan. 27).

PSC grassroots’ coaching seminar underway in Tagum TAGUM CITY—The five-day Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Sports Institute Grassroots Coaching Certification Program gets underway today at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex here. PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said that coaches’ education is vital in upgrading the standards and raising the level of efficiency of coaches and competitiveness of athletes in the grassroots level. “If the coaches improve, the athletes will also improve,” he said during a recent press conference at the sidelines of the joint Department of Education-PSC National Sports Planning Workshop in Davao City. PSC consultant Prof. Henry Daut, who will tackle Sport/Coaching Philosophy & Sport Pedagogy, said the Grassroots Coaching Certification Program is a multi-level (Levels I, II, III) course for elementary, secondary and tertiary coaches. The five-day program, according to him, consists of two days theoretical and three-day sports specific training that would require to pass written examination and practical skills demonstration. Lecturers of the theoretical courses are experts in sports science and related fields, among others, while the sports specific training will be conducted by national coaches. “Davnor will host the pilot run of the program with 70 elementary and high school coaches from public and private schools. It is designed to provide coaches the foundation for successful coaching by enhancing their knowledge and competencies to improve the quality of sports in the schools,” said Daut.

Cocolife Tigers stretch win streak to 8 in MPBL

PLARIDEL CUP WINNERS. Eleven media practitioners and their friends were awarded trophies at the 4th Plaridel Golf Cup held Nov. 9 at Villamor Air Base Golf Club. Photo shows some of the winners showing their trophies. They are (from left) Col. Vince Batac (Class C runner-up); Capt. Willy Rigor (Most Accurate Drive); Jomz Gomez (Loss Gross Champion); Rey Bancod (Class B champion); Alex Magno (Class A runner-up); Conrad Banal (Class B runner-up); and Nilo Paurom (Class C champion). Other winners are Ding Marcelo, Jet Villacorta, and Gen. Conrad Capa. The Plaridel Golf Cup is an annual golf tournament of the Association of Philippine Journalists – Samahang Plaridel Foundation, Inc.

Eagles rout Archers, clinch Final 4 top spot T By Peter Atencio

HIRDY Ravena made 14 points to lead the Ateneo Blue Eagles past the La Salle Green Archers, 71-62, and the top seeding in the Final Four of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. Games Wednesday (MOA Arena) 2 p.m. Ateneo vs UST 4 p.m. UP vs La Salle By Peter Atencio

Angelo Kouame had 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Blue Eagles, who notched their 11th triumph in 13 outings. Justine Baltazar shot 12 points for the Green Archers, who fell to 8-5 in third place, putting them in a three-way fight for the last

Final Four slot with Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines (7-6). Timely baskets by Kouame in the remaining 4:59 put Ateneo out of harm’s way, 63-56. Meanwhile, Arvin Tolentino and Ken Tuffin took turns in leading the FEU Tamaraws to a 79-74 repulsing of the National University Bulldogs. Tolentino shot 16 points and knocked in two of four triples in the second period, which allowed the Tamaraws to take a commanding halftime lead and post their

seventh win in 13 games. Tuffin struck with 15 points, including a dunk with 5:13 that handed the Tams a 13-point cushion, 78-65. The Tams hit 12 of 39 three-point attempts throughout the game, with Tolentino, Tuffin and Wendell Comboy combining for four in the second period, to lift FEU past a 21-22 deficit and to a 44-28 halftime spread. John Lloyd Clemente made a seasonhigh 38 points that went down the drain with the NU loss. He put the Bulldogs to within five on what it stood in the end following a late 11-1 uprising in the closing minute, but time was not on their side. “We are still in the hunt. Wala pa kami sa Final Four. We still need one more win. Hopefully, nakakakuha na kami ng momentum. We need one more,” said Tams’ coach Olsen Racela after they moved to a share of fourth with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at 7-6.

DAVAO OCCIDENTAL—The Cocolife Tigers continued to roar as they extended their winning streak to eight after stopping the Navotas Clutch, 7259, in the elimination round of the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League South Division of the Datu Cup Saturday night at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City. PBA veteran Leo Najorda led all scorers, showing off his offensive might throughout the game and pouring in 17 points to go with 6 rebounds and 2 assists to help the Mindanao team of Claudine Bautista of Davao Occidental LGU, backed by Cocolife president Elmo Nobleza, FVP Joseph Ronquillo and AVP Rowena Asnan, stay on top of South Division with a 9-3 record. Ilonggo superstar Billy Robles and journeyman Bonbon Custodio added 10 apiece for the Tigers for their eighth consecutive win since absorbing three straight setbacks after an opening victory in the league organized Senator Manny Pacquiao. With their fluid offense, Davao Cocolife Tigers’ coach Don Dulay unveiled the team’s sticky defensive clamp, led by ex-pro Mark Yee to stop the Clutch’s rally in the third as they stretched their streak in dominating fashion. “Defense made the big difference. We limited them (the Clutch) to only 30% field goal shooting. We also out rebounded them, 49-36, while got more points inside the paint,” Tigers’ coach Dulay said. Navotas fell deeper to 7th to 8th place with a 5-8 record to show. The Davao-Cocolife Tigers will next face the Zamboanga Valientes (5-7) on Nov. 20 at the Valenzuela Astrodome. Meanwhile, the MPBL has decided to open a one-week trading period for teams still wanting to tinker with their respective lineups in time for the playoffs. This was approved following a meeting presided by league founder Senator Manny Pacquiao and MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes. Starting today until next Sunday, teams can now make trade transactions.

Marquez-Sabalo pair wins DanceSport national crown MICHAEL Angelo Marquez and Stephanie Sabalo captured the Grade A Latin title of the 22nd DanceSports Council of the Philippines Inc. National DanceSports Championships recently at the Valle Verde Country Club, Ballroom Hall, Pasig City. Marquez and Sabalo, both from Manila, bested the Cebu pair of second placer Andrew Ysla and Noelyn Mie Pedrano and third placer Elmar Dizon and Rachael Sun of Visayas in the competition organized by DSCPI President Becky Garcia. In Grade A Standard, Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla defeated Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen and Tristan John Ducay and Aileen Patrice De Lara to take The winners of the recent DSCPI national championship are shown here. They are first placers home the crown. The competition was supported Michael Angelo Marquez and Stephanie Sabalo, second placers Andrew Ysla and Noelyn Mie Pedrano, third placers Elmar Dizon and Rachael Sun, fourth placers Jed Villaruel and Rose Jean by the Philippine Sports CommisMarquez, fifth placers John Paul Mocorro and Mary Joy Dumosmog, sixth placers Anselmo sion, Philippine Olympic Committee, Estillore Jr. and Carrie Samson, seventh placers Darren and Danica De Guzman, with DSCPI Philippine Amusement and Gaming Directors Marvie Yulo, Gloria Alcala, Flawless Marketing Officer Ira Go, DSCPI Chairman Noel Corporation, Flawless, Muebles ItalLaman and President Becky Garcia.

iano, Like-FM 105.9, Studio AK, The Greenery Bulacan, Ballare Events Studio and M Catering. Other winners were Joemari Rios and Israela Joana Aliermo (Grade B Standard), Shaquille Jay Hanz Basan and Cindy Jaz Basan (Grade B Latin), Malvin Jamali and Charlene Mernilo (Grade C Standard) and Roderick Pascua and Christine Jane Tabirao (Grade C Latin). Also winners were Malvin Jamali and Charlene Mernilo (Grade D Standard), Ruden Estillore and Krisia De Jesus (Grade D Latin), Nigel John Angel and Shadelle Niña Hernandez (Juvenile 2A Standard) and Kharl Michael Miñoza and Sofia Isabella Maree Quilaton (Juvenile 2A Latin). DSCPI, meanwhile, is now preparing for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in November to be hosted by the Philippines in Clark, Pampanga. For inquiries, call the DSCPI Secretariat at 637-2314.

STR8, Milwaukee’s Antetokounmpo inspire young Filipinos to ‘Go for Great’ STR8 Brand, the famous Fragrance & Toiletries line for young men and iface Inc., an established distributor of some of the fastest growing brands in the beauty and wellness industry, announced their longterm partnership for the first time launch of the STR8 brand in the Philippine market. The brand will be exclusively available at Watsons Retail Chain and The SM Stores. STR8 is a popular men’s fragrance line presenting high brand awareness and leading market shares in Central-eastern & South-eastern Europe. The Brand urges young men to “Go for Great”. To get out there and without any fear or hesitation aim high and “go and get” what they really want in life, in order to experience the great feeling of success, just like their hero, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the brand’s Global ambassador of the Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association.

Starting his journey as an amateur player within Greece, Antetokounmpo dared to go after his dream working his way up, marking continuous successes in the US and blossomed into an all– round basketball superstar of the NBA, breaking one record after another. His passion, commitment, hard work and integrity are the virtues that helped him grow into one of the best NBA players. STR8 and Giannis are a perfect match as they stand for the same values. STR8 belongs to Sarantis Group portfolio of own brands. The Group is one of the leading fast moving consumer goods company in Europe and has a very strong international presence, operating subsidiaries in 12 European countries through an extensive distribution network and exporting to more than 40 countries worldwide. STR8 and Giannis -- a perfect match

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

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018

Sports

Magnolia eyes repeat win over Ginebra By Jeric Lopez

immy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves, shown here warming up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal which will see three players head the other way, ESPN reported on Nov. 10. AFP

MAGNOLIA looks to put top seed Barangay Ginebra on the ropes as their best-of-five semifinal showdown continues in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. After taking Game 1 last Sunday, the Hotshots now look forward to double-up on the Gin Kings in Game 2 at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Behind the hot hands of Romeo Travis and top gun Paul Lee, Magnolia was able to neutralize Ginebra’s strengths to come away with a 106-98 triumph and a 1-0 series lead. Travis exploded for 37 points and 16 rebounds in Game 1 as he outplayed the Gin Kings’s Justin Brownlee, while Lee added 27 markers of his own. The former Best Import stated that it is important for his team to keep its hunger going into Game 2, provided that Ginebra is well-tested. “That (Ginebra) is such a tough team. We got them where we want them to be and we need to continue pushing hard,” said Travis. “We know them. We know they’ll bounce back so we have to prepared.” The Gin Kings actually started out hot in Game 1, taking several 12-point leads in the opening quarter but the composed Hotshots battled their way back the rest of the way and emerged victorious.

Butler traded to Philadelphia L

OS ANGELES—The Minnesota Timberwolves will trade unsettled star Jimmy Butler to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal which will see three players head the other way, the US media reported Saturday. Butler, 29, has been agitating for a move away from the Timberwolves since the start of the season, handing a transfer request in September. He has since played in 10 games, averaging just over 21 points, but has cut an unhappy figure in the Wolves 4-9 start to the 2018-2019 campaign. ESPN reported that the Timberwolves will receive Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless and a second-round

pick in exchange for Butler. The 76ers will also receive Justin Patton as part of the deal which gives Philadelphia a formidable looking Big Three of Butler, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. “He said he just wants to win,” Simmons said before Saturday’s 112-106 overtime loss to Memphis. “I think that’s the mindset we all have here. We’re excited to get Jimmy in here.” The Sixers were left shorthanded Satur-

day night because the players involved in the trade did not play against Memphis. News of Butler’s imminent arrival in Philadelphia prompted Las Vegas bookmakers to slice the Sixers odds of challenging for the NBA Championship. The Westgate Las Vegas Superbook installed the Sixers as 16-1 shots for the crown, down from 30-1. The 76ers are currently third in the Eastern Conference standings with eight wins and five defeats. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant scored 28 points and unheralded Quinn Cook delivered 27 as the defending champion Golden State Warriors rallied without injured star Stephen Curry to beat the

Tan, Sy bow out of 5th Bowling World Cup finals LAS VEGAS -- The Philippines’ bid for honors in the 54th Bowling World Cup international finals ended yesterday when national titlists Merwin Tan and Marie Alexis Sy failed to advance to the quarterfinals at Sam’s Town Center here. Tan, 19-year-old Marist School student, finished only 11th in the men’s division with a total score of 6721 pinfalls in 32 games, while Sy landed in 19th spot in the women’s competition with 6321 also in 32 games. Only the top eight finishers out of 24 qualifiers in each division remained in the race for the prestigious individual event. Five Filipino bowlers -- Paeng Nepomuceno, the late Lita dela Rosa, Bong Coo, C.J. Suarez and Krizziah Tabora -- have so far won the crown. Nepomuceno carries the distinction of being the only four-time men’s champion while Tabora was last year’s women’s titlist. American Kyle Troup shot a perfect 300 game yesterday as he posted 7519 in 32 games for a 208-pin lead over Finland’s Osku Palermaa. Indonesia’s Nadia Pramanik Nurma;ina tallied 6719 to overtake Malaysian Li Jane Sin as the women’s frontrunner with 6719 for a 5-pin lead. The remaining contenders are: Women -- Maria Rodriguez, Colombia (6650), Karen Marcano, Venezuela (6637), Nadine Geissler, Germany (6634), Diana Zavjalova, Latvia (6606), Shannon O’Keefe, USA (6593) and Daphne Tan, Singapore (266). Men -- Ryan Reid, Canada (7175), Sam Cooley, Australia (7161), Yannaphon Larpapapharat, Thailand (7041), Andres Gomez, Colombia (6982), Ryan Leonard Lalisang, Indonesia (6935) and Marcelo Suartz, Brazil (6916).

Brooklyn Nets 116-100. Quinn’s total was a season-high as he dressed in place of Curry, who missed the game after suffering a groin injury on Thursday in a loss to Milwaukee. “I was trying the pick and roll, making great reads and trying to set great screens,” Durant said. Curry “doesn’t feel entitled or like he has to play. When his number is called he is able to go out there and produce.” The Warriors were also without Draymond Green, but nine time all-star Durant carried the club on his back as they snapped Brooklyn’s three-game winning streak. Durant had 13 points in the first quar-

ter, scored the final six of the second as the Warriors stretched their lead to 20 in the third. Cook made 18 starts a year ago while Curry was injured. He nailed his first seven shots Saturday and matched Durant with 19 points in the first half. Cook described Durant is a special talent. “I want to be like him some day -- a Hall of Famer.” - Lakers beat Kings Elsewhere, LeBron James scored 25 points and Tyson Chandler grabbed 12 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers clawed their way to a .500 record with a 101-86 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

Chan, Bernice crowned Riviera MVPSF amateur golf champs

Aidric Chan blasts the opposition with a closing 70 for a four-shot triumph.

SILANG, Cavite—Aidric Chan battled back from four shots down to snare the men’s crown with a 70 while Bernice Olivarez-Ilas held sway and clinched the women’s diadem despite a 78 in the Riviera MVPSF Amateur Championship at the wind-swept Riviera’s Langer course here yesterday. Chan finally put together a game expected from the very player who won backto-back low amateur honors in the recently concluded local pro circuit, gunning down five birdies against four bogeys and turning a four-stroke deficit into a four-shot triumph over Miguel Olivarez-Ilas with a 226 total. “So happy to turn in my best game in three days. My tempo and short game were great and I played practically relaxed,” said Chan, who shot just three birdies in severe conditions in the first two days that saw him start at joint fourth (77) and fall to a share of fifth (79) Saturday. But the 17-year-old Grade 12 student from Ateneo toughened up in the final 18 holes, hit three birdies against a bogey at the front to wrest control then birdied the first two holes at the back to pull away and won by four despite bogeys on Nos. 14 and 17.

While Chan saved his best for last, Ilas lost his touch and composure, failing to recover from an opening 39 and ending up with a 78. He settled for second at 230 after storming into the lead in the second round of the event presented by the MVP Sports Foundation and sponsored by Cignal and Metro Pacific Investments, Kristoffer Arevalo also hobbled with a 78 and finished third at 232 while Lanz Uy placed fourth at 234 after a 79 followed by Koreans Jung Jae Hyung and Kim Tae Soo, who pooled 235s after a 78 and 79, respectively, in the tournament which served as part of the PLDT National Amateur Tour. Sean Ramos, winner of the recent Cangolf Am Open and NGAP Northern Luzon Regional, failed to check his skid and struggled with an 80 for seventh at 236 followed by Carl Corpus (77-237), Josh Jorge (84-238) and Jacob Rolida (83-240). Like Chan, Bernice turned what was expected to be a tight battle for the women’s crown into a runaway victory despite closing out with a seven-over 78 and a 225, six strokes better than Junia Gabasa, who skied to a 45 start and limped with a wind-blown 83 for a 231.

PH team joins World Poomsae tourney THE Philippine taekwondo team makes another bid for international honors when it competes in the 2018 World Poomsae Championships on Nov. 15-18 in Taipei City, Chinese Taipei. Forty-one Filipino athletes -- 24 male and 17 female -- will carry the colors of PLDT Home Ultera/MVP Sports Foundation in the prestigious event which will also feature tough competitors from 79 other countries like Korea, China, France, Spain, Iran, Turkey, Germany, Chinese Taipei and the United States. The Philippine campaigners are: Male (Seniors) -- Jean Pierre Sabido, Ernesto Guzman Jr., Glenn Lava, Dustin Jacob Mella, Raphael Enrico

Mella, Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Jeordan Dominguez, McAvynger Alob, Jerel Anthony Dalida, Mark Lorenz Balcita, Patrick King Perez, June Ninobla, Eulogio Rodriguez and Joel Lacsamana; (Juniors) -- Justin Kobe Macario, Johann Abelard Concepcion, Dennis Francis Arquero, Joaquin Dominic Tuzon, Darius Venerable and Ricco Jame Teraytay; (Cadet) -- Zeick Andrei Tacay, Ian Matthew Corton, Joaquin Miguel Cerillo and King Nash Alcairo. Female (Seniors) -- Rinna Babanto, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Jocel Lyn Ninobla, Angelica Joyce Gaw, Janna Dominique Oliva, Clare Therese Gacon and Alileah Dulce Amor Perez;

(Juniors) -- Laeia Simoune Soria, Maria Aljana Erece, Aidaine Krisha Laxa, Chelsea Xen Tacay and Cindy Joy Diasnes; (Cadet) -- Allyssa Lou Llenes, Jamiehannah Agaloos, Maira Nicole Ann Labayne, Aesja Kiara Oglayon and Khia Mae Cortez. Six officials will accompany the Philippine squad. They are Tom Igor Mella (team head), Lee Minhaeng (foreign coach), Rani Ann Ortega, Edrick Jhaney Galing, Galilee Tinaya (coaches) and Glen Buenafe (team delegate) Poomsae is performed by following a systematic time of movement in consecutive sequences against an imaginary opponent/s.

Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Rinna Babanto and Jana Dominique Oliva (from left) show their skills in poomsae.

IN BRIEF

Business

BSP shuts down Quezon City bank THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, closed another ﬁnancially-ailing rural bank in Quezon City, bringing to 12 the number of closed banks this year. The board prohibited San Francisco Del Monte Rural Bank Inc. from doing business in the Philippines. It issued a resolution on Nov. 8 directing the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. as receiver to proceed with the takeover and liquidation of the bank. PDIC took over the bank the following day. San Francisco Del Monte Rural Bank is a single-unit rural bank located at Del Monte Ave. corner San Pedro Bautista St., in Barangay Damayan, 1st District, Quezon City. Latest available records showed that as of June 30, the bank had 2,043 deposit accounts with total deposit liabilities of P284.03 million. Total insured deposits amounted to P281.58 million, or equivalent to 99.14 percent of total deposits. Julito G. Rada

ABS-CBN brings TVplus to Batangas ABS-CBN Corp. said it launched ABSCBN TVplus in Batangas as a part of a plan to expand its digital services. Batangas is the 16th signal coverage area of ABS-CBN TVplus, accelerating further the network’s mission to lead the country’s migration from analog to digital before the mandated deadline for all broadcast companies to switch to digital by 2023. ABS-CBN sold 6.2 million TVPlus as of end October. The network said that since its launch in 2015, ABS-CBN TVplus drove the digital penetration in non-cabled homes in Metro Manila and in the suburbs. It said with the ABS-CBN TVplus box, residents in Batangas could now enjoy clear picture, crisp sound, exclusive channels, and an affordable pay-per-view service with no monthly fees. The box also has an emergency warning broadcast system (that provides the public with useful information during typhoons and earthquakes. ABS-CBN is the ﬁrst media and entertainment company in the country to make the historic switch from analog to digital terrestrial television to transform the TV viewing experience of Filipinos when it launched ABS-CBN TVplus in 2015. Darwin G. Amojelar

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018

Eagle Cement profit hits P3.48b in nine months By Jenniffer B. Austria

Continental Temic taps EDC for power GLOBAL automotive parts company Continental Temic Electronics Philippines signed an agreement with geothermal power producer Energy Development Corp. for the supply of clean and reliable power for its facilities in Calamba, Laguna. Under the agreement, EDC will supply Continental Temic with 2.7 megawatts of geothermal power from EDC’s BacMan geothermal project starting Dec. 26, 2018 over a two-year period. “We chose EDC for its 100-percent renewable energy and for its sustainability programs, which are aligned with our company values,” said Continental Temic general manager Glenn Everett. Continental Temic develops and manufactures components, modules and systems for the automotive industry. Its corporate strategy is focused on climate protection and energy efﬁciency. “We ﬁrmly believe that Filipinos should have more clean energy options. We are encouraged that clean and sustainable energy is gaining traction in the Philippines,” EDC president Richard Tantoco said earlier. Alena Mae S. Flores

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

LAZADA SUPPORTS ENTREPRENEURS. Lazada Group pledges to support 8 million e-commerce entrepreneurs and smallmedium enterprises in Southeast Asia to grow and thrive by 2030. The company also commits to create an inclusive and sustainable e-commerce ecosystem in the region and champion opportunities in technology and logistics infrastructure to benefit its ecosystem of sellers, consumers and local communities. Shown during a panel discussion are (from left) Simon Baptist, global chief economist and managing director, Economic Intelligence Unit in Asia; Department of Trade and Industry’s e-commerce director Ma. Lourdes Yaptinchay; Lazada Philippines chief executive Ray Alimurung, Unicef special advocate Daphne Osena-Paez and L’Oreal’s country managing director Thibault de Saint Victor.

PT&T appeals telco bid By Darwin G. Amojelar

HILIPPINE Telegraph and Telephone Corp. ﬁled a motion for reconsideration before the National Telecommunications Commission to overturn a decision made by the agency’s selection committee to reject its bid for a new major telecom player. “PT&T believes that it deserves the chance for their bid to be opened as it met all the requirements set by the NTC based on the original qualiﬁcations under Memorandum Circular 0909-2018 or the terms of reference for the selection of new major player,” the company said. Under the TOR dated Sept. 20, 2018

the term “national scale” should refer to the provisioning, delivery and operation of telecommunications services for a country, or particular regions thereof, as geographically designated by the telecommunications authority of that country.” The selection committee, however issued Bid Bulletin No. 1 dated Oct. 11 and Bid Bulletin No. 5 dated Oct. 29 stating that the term “regional operations” should only apply in favor of foreign telcos. “The implication of this interpretation is that a local company should have an operation in the entire Philippines for the last 10 years for it to be able to participate whereas a foreign company’s ‘regional operations’ in its own country is enough for them to qualify,” PT&T said. “The interpretation is erroneous because there is no distinction between foreign and local company in the TOR insofar as the applicability of the term ‘regional operations’ is concerned. This is clearly discriminatory against Filipino telco companies,” it said.

PT&T said that the TOR issued by the NTC had the “force and effect of a law “ and it could not be amended by a “mere clarificatory bid bulletin issued by a selection committee. “ “The interpretation had the effect of amending the TOR or the Memorandum Circular which makes the said interpretation void,” the company said. The selection committee disqualified PT&T for failure to submit a certification of technical capability from the NTC, which the company requested from the agency on Oct. 18, 2018 or more than two weeks prior to the submission and opening of bids on Nov. 7. “If we have been given a certificate, we would have complied 100 percent. We have complied with all the requirements, including the P700 million participation security and the P10 billion paid-in capital,” PT&T president James Velasquez said. “We believe that a thorough and transparent review of the selection documents submitted by the Udenna Consortium will be conducted by the NTC,” he said.

EAGLE Cement Corp., a company led by San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang, said net income rose 5.7 percent in the first nine months to P3.48 billion from a year ago, on sustained growth in sales volume. Eagle Cement said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net sales grew 8.57 percent in the first three quarters to P12.2 billion despite a slight decline in average selling price during the period. The cost of goods sold was up 12.67 percent to P6.6 billion from P5.87 billion on the back of higher fuel prices and cost of imported raw materials following the depreciation of the peso against the US dollar. Gross profit margin ended at 46 percent. “We remain aggressive and committed in growing our company organically as we are leveraging on the rising cement demand in the country on the back of the infrastructure push of the government and optimism on the private sector,” Eagle Cement president and chief executive Paul Ang said. “In 2019, we will start building additional grinding capacity in Bulacan that will add 1.5 million metric tons, bringing our plant’s total annual cement capacity to 8.6 million metric tons,” he said. The company said net income in the third quarter grew 8.4 percent to P1.16 billion from P1.07 billion in the same period last year. Net sales climbed 5.4 percent to P3.9 billion from P3.7 billion. Eagle said it allocated P2.94 billion in capital expenditures in the first nine months, of which 67 percent was spent for construction of a third production line in Bulacan and 23 percent on plant machinery and equipment. Eagle Cement, which has a production capacity of 5.1 million metric tons, is currently the fourth largest cement player in the country based on sales volume. It said that with the ongoing expansion in Bulacan and Cebu, it was poised to become as one of the leaders in the cement industry. The company’s total assets stood at P44 billion as of end September.

Taiwan construction firms eye PH projects By Othel V. Campos TAIWAN’S construction companies expressed interest to help the Philippines modernize its transportation sector and declog Metro Manila of traffic. Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in the Philippines economic counsellor Alfred Wang said the agency continued to look for opportunities in the Philippine construction sector. “It is still difficult for us to find the right project. I don’t know if it has to do with concerns about political issue or the One China policy but

I still think that economy is still economy, politics is politics,” he said at the sidelines of the 29th PhilConstruct Expo. He said there was no conﬂict with China in terms of the many projects it signed with the Philippines. He said Taiwan is also equally competent because of the advanced technology it employs in construction. Wang said the agency was aware of the required protocol on bidding, but “somehow the lead time for preparation has always been a little too short for us.” Taiwan, he said, has very

good construction companies with international track record in building huge subways and highways in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and other countries. Taiwan is known for its clean, modern and beautiful cities built on technological advantages. Wang said Taiwan also has a very good banking system that can support its own companies’ projects overseas. “We also have the best architects and architectural designs especially for modern buildings, roads and highways, subways and interchanges,” he said.

Meralco’s solar energy unit plans to install 20-MW rooftop projects By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co.’s renewable energy subsidiary Spectrum is targeting to install 20 megawatts of solar rooftop projects next year, after successfully completing 10 MW of projects this year. Spectrum is also rolling out the micro-grid systems in Meralco’s franchise area in Cagbalete island in Mauban, Quezon and Isla Verde in Batangas. “We’re still working on that because it would require local government approval. The intention is really requested by DoE to see if we can provide energization for all, for all unserved areas, aside from being able to meet the increasing energy requirements of those in the core urban areas and these are areas such as Cagbalete and Isla Verde,” Meralco president Oscar Reyes said. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi asked all distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to

make sure that unserved and unenergized areas in their franchise had electricity. Cusi said the companies’ failure to do so could lead to these areas “carved out” from their franchise and given to others. Reyes said Meralco was committed to pursue the micro-grid development of the two areas under Meralco’s franchise area. “We still have to size up the opportunity... People establish businesses, resorts, when you are there…That’s the beauty of power and water, development follows,” the executive said. Spectrum president Jose Rainier Reyes said the company was conducting studies on present and future power demand of the said islands. “Based on demand of islanders, what we do is we go to a community, we survey the community, as well as the livelihood, the source of income of the community and ask them really how we can help power their current requirements and their future requirements ,” he said.

ABOITIZ IN MARAWI. Aboitiz Equity Ventures turns over one of the three bakeries complete with equipment and supplies inside the Sagonsongan Transitory Shelter in Marawi City to beneficiaries. Shown are four of the beneficiaries together with Task Force Bangon Marawi lead convenor Penpen Libres, Task Force Bangon Marawi chairperson Ed del Rosario, AEV chief operating officer Sabin Aboitiz and Republic Cement president Nabil Francis.

Tobacco production drops 29% following higher excise tax By Julito G. Rada A GROUP of more than 50,000 tobacco farmers urged the government to reconsider its plan to increase again the excise tax on cigarettes, saying the move would further harm the industry. The PhilTobacco Growers Association Inc. said in a letter to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Oct. 30 that they were already feeling the adverse impact of the lower demand for tobacco caused by higher excise taxes on tobacco products. The letter was also sent to Senate ways and means committee chairman Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, and House ways and means committee chairman Rep.

Estrellita Suansing. The farmers said that from P2.72 per pack in 2012 for the cheaper cigarette, the excise tax now reached P35 per pack. Latest data from the National Tobacco Administration showed that tobacco production signiﬁcantly declined to 48 million kilograms in 2017 from 68 million kilograms in 2013 following the successive excise tax increases in tobacco products. “We were surprised that aside from the tax increase in tobacco in 2013 under RA 10351, it was again increased in 2017 under RA 10963,” the farmers said. “And now the government is again planning to increase the tax on cigarettes,” they said.

The farmers said the proposal of Senator JV Ejercito to impose an excise tax of P90 per pack with a 9-percent increase annually would more than double the current tax of P35 per pack. “We don’t really know what direction the government wants for the industry that beneﬁts more than three million Filipino families. PTGA members and their families for decades have been depending on tobacco for their livelihood,” the farmers said. The farmers said they were supporting the goal of President Rodrigo Duterte to further spur the economy, and tobacco farmers also belong to millions of Filipinos whom Duterte wanted to extricate from poverty.

Business

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market likely to trade sideways S By Jenniffer B. Austria

TOCKS are expected to move sideways this week ahead of the Monetary Board meeting on Thursday, analysts said over the weekend.

BDO Unibank Inc. chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said the recent macroeconomic developments could make the Monetary Board hold off another interest rate increase. The board is the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. “The continued slowdown in the economy in third quarter of 2018 and signs inﬂation may soon peak, along with the recovering peso and retreat in oil prices, builds a strong case for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to pause in its tightening cycle

for the rest of the year,” Ravelas said. Philstocks research head Justino Calaycay said the benchmark index should be able to hit 7,270 points over the near-term to end the year on a strong note toward the 7,880 level. “This conviction should manifest in stronger value flows,” Calaycay said. The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company bellwether, declined 2.4 percent last week to close at 6,968.82 on Nov. 9, while the broader allshare index also dropped 2.3 percent to 4,269.88. The gross domestic product grew 6.1 percent year-on-year in third quarter, slower than 6.2 percent in the second quarter. All counters ended in the red led by services which declined 5.4 percent, followed by mining and oil which went down 4.7 percent. The property index shed 3 percent while financials, holding firms and industrial posted declines of 2.2 percent, 1.28 percent, and 0.67 percent, respectively.

Foreign investors were net buyers last week by P30.77 billion, thanks to the recently completed share sale of San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. Top gainers last week were ISM Communications Corp. and Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp., after the group of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy was named the provisional winner for third telecom operator in the country. Share price of ISM, a company led by Uy, jumped 112.5 percent to P6.80, while that of CLC advanced 24.6 percent to P7.80. Heavy losers included Globe Telecom Inc. which fell 17.3 percent to P1,728 and PLDT Inc. which dipped 12.2 percent to P1,220. The PSEi was down 18.6 percent since the start of the year, making the Philippine stock market one of the weakest performers in the region. Economists linked this to the depreciation of the peso which shed more than 6 percent this year, as investors trooped back to the US market.

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW STOCKS

NOVEMBER 5-9, 2018 Close Volume

Value

Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources China Bank Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Ferronoux Holding Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp. PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

58.1 118.00 80.00 2.53 1.42 27.85 7.6 15.68 10.56 4 7.81 0.6 1.5 830.00 0.450 65.05 0.8 10.8 20.00 39.30 75 104.9 180 28 145 1830.00 66.00 1.15

70,500 13,575,480 8,220,660 206,000 373,000 671,200 400 3,100 4,308,500 255,000 1,900 1,000 108,000 1,150 2,780,000 14,346,690 2,517,000 41,700 3,300 490,900 1,510 3,290 14,500 358,000 2,470,960 150 21,300 1,340,000

FINANCIAL 4,161,249.50 1,657,240,814.00 675,853,017.00 496,870.00 503,000.00 18,784,235.00 2,712.00 48,396.00 47,437,308.00 994,990.00 14,729.00 600.00 161,810.00 952,850.00 1,269,950.00 945,038,121.00 2,070,290.00 453,404.00 62,650.00 19,385,835.00 109,937.50 348,097.00 2,633,112.00 10,008,115.00 355,446,097.00 274,500.00 1,409,385.50 1,550,790.00

Aboitiz Power Corp. Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons. Basic Energy Corp. Bogo Medelin C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Conc. Aggr. ‘B’ Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Eagle Cement EEI Emperador First Gen Corp. First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp. Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide MG Holdings Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petroenergy Res. Corp. Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Pilipinas Shell Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings Salcon Power Corp. SFA Semicon Shakeys Pizza SMC Food and Beverage SPC Power Corp. Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp. Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vulcan Ind’l.

32.5 17.5 0.98 1.26 0.215 93 15.80 2.04 13.3 171.6 36 60.75 78.1 33.45 1.57 5.4 7 10.960 14.78 8.33 6.97 16.4 63.85 24.50 1.6000 6.26 9 1.600 278.00 52.00 4.7 3.3 13.00 25.5 10.42 18.3 0.173 380.80 6.00 1.57 4.00 8.12 4.34 9.00 1.00 10.98 49.45 5.59 4.80 2.12 2.8 4.79 1.44 10.2 84.95 5.2 0.126 0.89 125 2.34 1.41 1.61

7,292,000 3,236,400 47,616,000 2,271,000 11,000,000 930 63,300 54,788,000 2,963,900 500 2,001,400 5,030 260 952,700 1,528,000 51,300 69,700 8,497,100 177,300 7,220,900 1,881,500 5,422,300 220,260 58,000 300,085,000 204,100 12,408,400 4,601,000 4,053,990 12,160 390,000 22,000 1,000 1,678,200 996,700 24,500,900 5,510,000 965,710 8,100 1,638,000 300,000 6,643,100 831,000 21,900 4,913,000 400,700 2,306,400 11,100 137,000 1,577,000 164,000 16,000 1,459,000 5,705,900 4,217,900 2,530,300 2,450,000 927,000 4,041,540 81,000 30,529,000 363,439,000

INDUSTRIAL 244,542,905.00 57,597,612.00 46,973,890.00 2,823,840.00 2,293,050.00 84,894.50 991,572.00 51,550,490.00 39,091,750.00 87,232.00 74,619,150.00 306,791.50 20,316.00 35,740,135.00 2,330,400.00 225,398.00 468,375.00 93,313,750.00 2,627,440.00 63,602,762.00 13,095,154.00 88,004,042.00 14,109,702.00 1,402,035.00 456,891,040.00 1,266,906.00 121,503,793.00 7,181,470.00 1,128,275,466.00 610,368.00 1,850,380.00 71,840.00 12,994.00 43,001,230.00 10,448,364.00 445,831,232.00 921,870.00 356,725,096.00 48,502.00 2,642,070.00 1,186,630.00 54,051,012.00 3,544,050.00 197,469.00 4,898,470.00 4,322,918.00 113,741,810.00 59,831.00 654,360.00 3,287,690.00 491,660.00 76,640.00 2,102,730.00 57,903,598.00 352,785,933.50 13,175,398.00 297,660.00 814,940.00 534,111,624.00 190,300.00 45,526,460.00 610,678,320.00

Abacus Cons. À’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor À’ Asiabest Group ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp À’ BHI Holdings Inc. Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp. Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Keppel Holdings À’ Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. Lopez Holdings Corp. LT Group Mabuhay Holdings À’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. Pacifica À’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp À’ Seafront À’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Transgrid Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.425 47.00 11.12 0.87 6.20 24.95 1.360 1.360 902 1005.00 7.05 12.50 5.59 7.32 0.217 728 5.75 46.45 3.46 0.51 4.1 15.1 0.540 4.75 0.0350 1.120 2.260 2.56 171.50 2.26 888.00 1.43 0.76 279.600 290.20 0.2100 0.217

HOLDING FIRMS 136,740,000 59,722,250.00 9,429,900 177,052,890.00 33,761,500 388,895,652.00 10,000 8,580.00 729,100 4,521,568.00 298,800 7,077,275.00 123,213,000 160,631,390.00 23,441,000 30,510,090.00 1,234,500 1,142,407,450.00 45 45,125.00 10,640,500 74,658,669.00 32,399,000 413,220,840.00 3,600 20,295.00 540,200 3,934,378.00 1,155,000 275,510.00 630,560 466,700,920.00 34,500 200,499.00 8,433,200 405,399,415.00 9,900 34,284.00 1,085,000 535,050.00 2,915,000 12,141,190.00 52,211,000 785,014,558.00 11,600,000 6,001,930.00 112,769,000 544,556,870.00 62,200,000 2,158,600.00 681,000 774,540.00 3,186,000 7,238,230.00 13,000 33,550.00 1,953,070 331,617,417.00 16,000 35,950.00 1,331,450 1,198,079,915.00 629,000 874,960.00 122,000 92,840.00 20,910 5,840,580.00 50 14,470.00 21,400,000 4,688,400.00 200,000 43,580.00

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Anchor Land Holdings Inc. Araneta Prop À’ Arthaland Corp. Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. À’ CEB Landmasters Cebu Holdings Cebu Prop. À’ Cebu Prop. `B’ Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. À’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp. DM Wenceslao Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Filinvest Land,Inc. Global-Estate Interport À’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp. Phil. Realty À’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry

7.340 0.74 11.00 1.820 0.570 38.000 2.28 4.38 6.06 6.8 7 0.405 0.90 0.880 0.207 0.385 7.790 18.52 0.510 0.104 1.42 1.01 2.35 4.5 0.360 0.4100 0.370 29.05

2,253,400 9,116,000 19,100 580,000 5,528,000 66,538,500 8,240,000 2,728,000 658,300 100 100 45,640,000 215,000 394,000 30,600,000 1,780,000 1,111,600 1,256,800 651,000 900,000 14,739,000 10,184,000 146,679,000 52,164,000 1,163,371,000 9,430,000 7,500,000 1,000

PROPERTY 16,388,024.00 6,645,200.00 214,980.00 1,094,300.00 3,180,120.00 2,575,570,935.00 19,334,990.00 11,771,200.00 3,827,476.00 680.00 700.00 18,071,250.00 195,490.00 345,080.00 6,385,350.00 658,000.00 8,723,455.00 23,563,632.00 331,110.00 93,600.00 21,206,290.00 10,273,600.00 342,248,660.00 231,513,090.00 474,622,110.00 3,984,200.00 2,740,700.00 29,085.00

OCTOBER 29-31, 2018 Close Volume Value 59.5 122.40 82.15 2.45 1.34 28 7 15.7 11.32 4

80,280 5,635,950 5,004,890 16,000 95,000 191,300 1,800 37,900 1,334,900 467,000

4,748,866.00 684,430,303.00 403,265,036.00 39,240.00 127,760.00 5,378,140.00 13,579.00 583,370.00 15,164,060.00 1,827,050.00

1.53 810.00 0.480 65.55 0.91

128,000 150 280,000 7,192,810 140,000

196,000.00 121,500.00 133,000.00 465,317,687.50 128,260.00

39.60 77.95 122.9 185 29 144.4 1830.00 66.85

256,200 580 2,860 860 76,500 2,321,890 380 8,060

10,253,410.00 45,226.50 338,132.00 161,090.00 2,222,820.00 330,197,668.00 695,725.00 538,780.00

33.7 17.8 0.95 1.29 0.219

7,724,900 952,000 4,907,000 544,000 680,000

252,620,730.00 17,046,450.00 4,602,190.00 680,460.00 146,250.00

16.10 2.12 13.36

11,300 8,250,000 2,131,800

182,126.00 17,400,260.00 28,154,302.00

39 61.1

1,148,900 240

43,282,685.00 14,669.00

38 1.56 5.34 6.8 11.400 15.2 8.88 6.96 15.62 63.7 25.00

1,700 663,000 47,500 5,300 15,962,000 448,270 3,207,300 2,618,500 1,101,200 580,980 44,600

64,600.00 1,037,380.00 243,840.00 36,270.00 176,104,996.00 6,782,080.00 28,433,147.00 18,237,886.00 17,330,826.00 37,185,608.50 1,093,950.00

6.44 10.76 1.630 276.00 55.00 4.81

21,300 4,443,900 486,000 2,655,570 210 356,000

137,300.00 47,995,604.00 793,890.00 715,142,790.00 11,160.00 1,710,220.00

25 10.76 17.94 0.175 367.80 6.15 1.65 4.05 8.10 4.55 9.06 0.96 11.00 48.55 5.7 4.79 2.19 2.84

3,049,000 325,200 16,601,300 500,000 704,610 7,800 918,000 79,000 953,500 161,000 46,900 552,000 84,500 1,387,000 1,517,200 14,000 186,000 4,000

49,185,420.00 3,546,228.00 296,034,006.00 87,500.00 254,898,232.00 48,121.00 1,543,260.00 321,050.00 7,778,547.00 713,260.00 422,828.00 529,220.00 917,212.00 67,170,150.00 8,314,844.00 67,060.00 408,550.00 11,380.00

1.58 10.38 85 5.2 0.126 0.99 130

69,000 302,600 2,749,920 464,600 20,000 574,000 2,542,420

105,870.00 3,164,422.00 232,892,747.00 2,416,947.00 2,480.00 536,960.00 332,598,927.00

1.61 2.49

8,956,000 47,652,000

14,117,980.00 123,020,860.00

0.455 47.00 11.36 0.78 6.21 25.35 1.250 1.280 920

46,620,000 3,334,000 14,653,100 8,000 198,900 64,200 24,624,000 5,379,000 690,340

21,721,400.00 152,459,505.00 167,046,186.00 6,720.00 1,233,290.00 1,626,215.00 31,203,150.00 6,855,180.00 632,038,805.00

6.77 12.84

4,767,700 19,664,700

33,215,913.00 246,144,392.00

7.23 0.224 760 5.83 47.30

28,300 1,650,000 293,080 10,500 3,221,600

203,659.00 341,090.00 224,214,340.00 61,915.00 153,857,765.00

0.53 4.23 14.5 0.540 4.8 0.0370 1.200 2.280 2.70 171.00

550,000 3,926,000 2,687,100 2,782,000 66,205,000 4,500,000 247,000 528,000 407,000 1,679,640

280,760.00 16,801,900.00 39,196,948.00 1,511,320.00 317,340,390.00 166,900.00 285,460.00 1,209,250.00 1,098,830.00 283,168,240.00

900.00 1.35 0.77 280.000 409.80 0.2350 0.217

617,950 204,000 15,000 11,660 50 3,890,000 310,000

554,379,445.00 275,620.00 11,550.00 3,223,184.00 21,246.00 904,920.00 67,200.00

7.070 0.76 11.26 1.950 0.580 39.650 2.36 4.3 5.35

611,100 2,224,000 14,200 40,000 5,856,000 28,426,100 4,672,000 204,000 800

4,293,619.00 1,698,280.00 159,908.00 77,790.00 3,455,700.00 1,104,888,020.00 11,164,630.00 882,540.00 4,199.00

0.415 0.91 0.910 0.218 0.385 7.900 19.2 0.520 0.103 1.40 1.05 2.51 4.41 0.570 0.3950 0.430 29.10

4,140,000 5,000 11,000 4,600,000 150,000 1,245,700 864,000 792,000 470,000 9,385,000 12,327,000 81,616,000 17,925,000 99,970,000 2,300,000 620,000 500

1,704,450.00 4,550.00 9,910.00 972,780.00 56,450.00 9,882,433.00 16,647,396.00 406,090.00 49,050.00 13,311,890.00 13,225,000.00 219,806,900.00 78,732,450.00 58,309,670.00 921,450.00 259,700.00 14,550.00

STOCKS

NOVEMBER 5-9, 2018 Close Volume

OCTOBER 29-31, 2018 Close Volume Value

Value

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

3.73 20.35 1.94 3.16 32.70 1.14 4.22 0.680 5.200

6,452,000 11,648,600 711,000 178,000 60,953,900 2,203,000 8,266,500 748,000 43,262,500

23,269,530.00 243,854,530.00 1,357,190.00 559,810.00 2,024,230,360.00 2,457,280.00 38,341,296.00 413,680.00 224,121,149.00

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ. Chelsea DFNN Inc. Discovery World Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. À’ IPeople Inc. À’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp. Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail MetroAlliance A MetroAlliance B NOW Corp. Pacific Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp. SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils. Wilcon Depot

10 20.8 1.3 0.360 0.038 13.06 1.43 8.12 65.65 7.8 7.8 7.98 2.26 5.68 902 1728 5.20 319.00 9.02 3.35 92.15 1.80 11.04 7.80 0.093 6.8000 3.4 13.74 2.96 0.71 16.40 9.11 0.400 5.7 7.12 2.06 1.10 1.38 3.050 10.96 8.00 3.5 8 101.30 3.36 1220.00 0.335 0.650 43.00 76.80 6.83 2.84 0.590 0.355 5.15 0.490 11.620

330,000 243,500 226,000 32,410,000 44,600,000 5,300 12,959,000 37,481,500 890,520 14,600 139,163,800 99,600 140,000 2,392,800 1,230 556,970 706,300 44,380 2,400 28,055,000 11,246,210 248,000 42,600 30,000 20,480,000 693,360,900 329,000 3,100 4,459,000 1,336,000 4,374,200 2,500 420,000 424,000 68,757,000 6,120,000 1,180,000 124,000 125,042,000 59,600 34,000 69,000 26,800 125,020 4,069,000 640,080 9,860,000 22,532,000 8,811,800 1,460,630 437,200 62,482,000 48,384,000 342,895,000 6,892,000 18,492,000 8,740,900

SERVICES 3,326,831.00 5,194,630.00 285,520.00 12,654,350.00 1,718,800.00 70,360.00 19,576,390.00 305,002,816.00 60,198,946.50 113,882.00 1,162,857,684.00 727,426.00 303,000.00 14,069,888.00 1,107,520.00 1,045,246,660.00 3,694,479.00 13,937,024.00 20,637.00 87,139,340.00 1,042,266,010.00 451,440.00 478,002.00 232,125.00 1,934,190.00 3,985,408,057.00 1,006,730.00 43,078.00 14,023,470.00 989,790.00 72,648,588.00 36,243.00 167,900.00 2,262,613.00 488,931,711.00 13,156,860.00 1,329,570.00 174,760.00 348,659,180.00 647,252.00 264,856.00 235,010.00 216,928.00 13,273,077.00 13,481,570.00 846,610,075.00 3,177,100.00 15,844,770.00 373,858,260.00 110,997,632.00 2,989,826.00 172,787,800.00 30,661,330.00 135,046,535.00 35,516,471.00 9,439,465.00 99,784,684.00

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

0.0023 1.78 2.55 12.62 1.2900 1.2900 1.9 0.290 7.10 1.760 0.200 0.100 0.103 0.004 0.0068 1.12 2.59 1.02 0.5200 0.8800 0.0130 0.0130 3.20 18.30 0.0120 3.9000 25.50 0.0060

822,000,000 54,815,000 252,000 110,700 2,000 126,000 4,296,000 2,710,000 34,600 7,792,000 2,210,000 10,220,000 3,190,000 46,000,000 16,000,000 519,000 10,498,000 561,000 1,463,000 8,556,000 216,600,000 245,700,000 14,723,000 33,442,300 46,900,000 848,000 9,845,900 51,000,000

MINING & OIL 1,816,000.00 96,885,910.00 664,240.00 1,513,300.00 2,590.00 154,050.00 8,178,160.00 808,150.00 240,335.00 13,634,100.00 442,820.00 1,037,770.00 328,760.00 302,400.00 108,800.00 592,330.00 27,262,360.00 552,230.00 798,730.00 7,355,860.00 2,777,900.00 3,191,600.00 48,479,600.00 610,642,268.00 563,300.00 3,321,300.00 269,864,670.00 302,900.00

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

20.6 100 465 491 96.5 102 480 485 5.42 948.5 944 97 1.03 101 990 1006 102.5 103.1 998.5 76.1 76.6 74.4 75 75 75 74 74

532,300 55,000 850 330 143,870 76,900 100 90 219,700 3,090 8,500 5,530 82,000 11,610 50 1,625 30 1,450 3,280 32,290 162,430 55,450 39,410 8,690 41,100 64,400 12,130

LR Warrant

1.890

WARRANTS & BONDS 3,614,000 7,208,200.00

PREFERRED 11,380,815.00 5,505,000.00 394,310.00 161,640.00 13,808,228.00 7,844,150.00 48,000.00 43,650.00 1,189,707.00 2,595,295.00 7,593,265.00 538,528.00 83,570.00 1,170,027.00 49,500.00 1,635,100.00 3,076.00 151,390.00 3,220,050.00 2,422,800.50 12,376,793.00 4,119,443.00 2,885,966.00 651,190.00 3,082,684.00 4,735,757.00 899,830.50

SME 41,800.00 24,665,440.00 54,237,840.00

3.45 20.95 1.92 3.17 33.80 1.14 6.35 0.700 5.280

2,197,000 8,200,000 1,038,000 153,000 37,813,600 578,000 1,470,600 207,000 13,017,000

7,442,200.00 166,413,385.00 2,023,400.00 482,090.00 1,282,872,605.00 648,610.00 9,543,007.00 145,760.00 67,913,175.00

10.94 21.5 1.31 0.435 0.041 13.4 1.69 8.40 64 7.8 6.26 7.42 2.1 9.43 890 2090 5.10 319.40

35,900 47,000 5,000 2,640,000 13,100,000 5,200 3,426,000 41,983,800 255,080 25,300 7,042,400 1,100 3,000 459,000 270 120,670 158,900 10,480

384,812.00 1,007,305.00 6,580.00 1,178,200.00 523,400.00 69,522.00 5,717,940.00 344,207,403.00 16,897,721.50 197,665.00 43,981,394.00 8,159.00 6,340.00 4,577,357.00 240,700.00 249,023,210.00 810,558.00 3,306,442.00

2.84 90.5 2.02 11.24 7.80 0.105 3.2000 3.24 14.4 3.40 0.80 17.20

3,223,000 10,185,240 4,000 8,600 32,500 1,400,000 29,001,000 68,000 2,400 752,000 778,000 2,300,800

9,179,910.00 916,224,430.50 7,940.00 96,268.00 250,675.00 147,680.00 95,074,880.00 211,670.00 34,318.00 2,549,530.00 612,500.00 39,873,344.00

0.400 5.4 7.15 2.22 1.23

220,000 164,300 16,539,600 1,453,000 63,000

89,600.00 875,688.00 117,385,310.00 3,232,670.00 78,560.00

4.350 10.9 8.40 3.25

7,307,000 16,500 2,100 18,000

32,749,260.00 179,366.00 16,920.00 56,310.00

105.00 3.50 1390.00 0.345 0.740 40.55 75.80 7.00 2.70 0.680 0.51 5.2 0.580 11.300

51,120 1,389,000 225,510 1,000,000 7,028,000 1,172,900 2,662,850 11,900 50,320,000 32,060,000 45,857,000 10,902,300 4,714,000 5,567,300

5,266,276.00 4,825,470.00 310,767,155.00 345,850.00 5,004,600.00 47,662,115.00 207,378,077.00 82,990.00 134,730,870.00 22,354,470.00 23,293,470.00 56,434,833.00 2,671,960.00 63,205,152.00

0.0023 1.82 2.90 14.00

128,000,000 46,572,000 9,000 143,500

294,200.00 83,657,470.00 25,180.00 2,054,286.00

1.92

1,994,000

3,792,370.00

7.19 1.820 0.211 0.107

8,000 1,852,000 1,370,000 490,000

57,707.00 3,359,340.00 283,710.00 52,490.00

0.007

33,000,000

222,300.00

1.2 2.54 1.03 0.6000 0.9600 0.0130

421,000 16,787,000 79,000 173,000 1,298,000 57,700,000

514,700.00 43,614,430.00 78,790.00 102,200.00 1,232,080.00 748,000.00

3.48 17.84 0.0120 4.1000 27.95 0.0061

6,816,400 23,271,000 104,700,000 332,000 1,086,400 6,000,000

29,011,500.00 413,891,140.00 1,256,400.00 1,368,920.00 29,998,230.00 36,000.00

21.45 100 465 492 96 102

500 17,000 760 590 43,340 134,340

10,650.00 1,700,000.00 350,550.00 288,660.00 4,155,066.00 13,702,680.00

460

3,280

1,531,600.00

949 944 98 1.02 101.9 1000

30 10 690 14,000 10,610 305

27,890.00 9,440.00 67,016.50 14,260.00 1,061,209.00 305,000.00

100 105 1000 75.05 76.05 74.35 74.9 75 75 74.9 74.9

500 1,560 5,815 21,860 15,740 520,930 15,040 679,660 60,750 130,950 54,520

50,000.00 163,766.00 5,800,830.00 1,641,675.00 1,197,646.00 38,725,131.50 1,126,496.00 50,950,965.00 4,520,800.00 9,677,481.00 4,059,360.00

2.280

353,000

815,180.00

3 4.45 1.54

2,000 486,000 68,404,000

6,000.00 2,200,100.00 107,591,440.00

Makati Fin. Corp. Italpinas Xurpas

3 3.58 1.28

15,000 6,599,000 37,790,000

First Metro ETF

105.5

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 75,990 8,097,777.00

107.5

24,810

2,635,117.00

10.16 10 1

DOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. 3,970 40,335.20 8,000 80,000.00 10,620 10,620.00

10 1.01

8,490 4,920

84,900.00 4,969.20

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS MRC Allied Ind. Abra Mining ISM Communications Vulcan Ind’l. Transpacific Broadcast Greenergy Oriental Pet. `B’ Oriental Pet. À’ Interport À’ Chelsea

VOLUME 1,163,371,000 822,000,000 693,360,900 363,439,000 342,895,000 300,085,000 245,700,000 216,600,000 146,679,000 139,163,800

STOCKS ISM Communications Ayala Land `B’ SM Prime Holdings Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. SM Investments Inc. Chelsea Ayala Corp `A’ Jollibee Foods Corp. Globe Telecom I.C.T.S.I.

VALUE 3,985,408,057.00 2,575,570,935.00 2,024,230,360.00 1,657,240,814.00 1,198,079,915.00 1,162,857,684.00 1,142,407,450.00 1,128,275,466.00 1,045,246,660.00 1,042,266,010.00

PAL Holdings incurred P3.29-b loss in 9 months By Darwin G. Amojelar PAL Holdings Inc., the operator of Philippine Airlines, saw a 42.2-percent increase in net loss in the first nine months from a year ago, on higher operating expenses. PAL Holdings said its net loss widened to P3.29 billion in January to September from P2.31 billion in the same period last year. PAL said it incurred a net loss of P2.84 billion in the third quarter, or 39.9 percent higher than last year’s P2.03 billion. Total revenues in January to September reached P112.07 billion, up 16 percent from P96.58 billion in the same period last year. Thirdquarter revenues also increased 22 percent to P36.94 billion from P30.27 billion a year earlier. “The increase was brought about mainly by higher passenger and cargo revenues generated during the current period as a result of the increase in number of passengers and flights operated,” PAL Holdings said. Expenses increased 17 percent to P115.30 billion from last year’s P98.56 billion, led by higher jet fuel prices, aircraft lease charges, and flight frequencies. “The increase was partly offset by lower maintenance and repairs expenses,” PAL Holdings said. Flying operations expenses increased 26.9 percent to P63.26 billion from P49.84 billion a year ago. The company said jet fuel expenses climbed 36.1 percent in the nine-month period as the average price per barrel of aviation fuel soared from $73.92 in 2017 to $92.80 in 2018.

Tiger Resort Asia starts tender offer for Asiabest shares TIGER Resort Asia Ltd., the operator of integrated resort and casino Okada Manila, launched a tender offer to acquire the remaining shares in Asiabest Group International Inc. Tiger Resort said in a tender offer ﬁled with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it planned to acquire the remaining 100 million common shares in Asiasbest held by minority investors at an offer price of P3.2325 apiece in line with its planned backdoor listing. The tender offer price is 87 percent lower than Asiabest’s closing price of P24.95 on Nov. 9. The mandatory tender offer is being conducted after Tiger Resort signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 200 million shares in Asiabest, or equivalent to 67-percent stake in the company for P646 million. The tender offer period will be from Nov. 12 to Dec. 14. Under the plan, Tiger Resort’s fully owned subsidiary Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment Inc.will be folded into the company. Okada Manila is the third integrated resort and casino to open in Pagcor Entertainment City, after Bloomberry Resort’s Solaire Resort & Casino and Melco Crown’s City of Dreams. Tiger Resorts’ parent company Universal Entertainment Corp. of Japan reported that Okada Manila posted net sales of 33,828 billion yen or P15.77 billion and an operating loss of 4,758 billion yen or P2.22 billion in the ﬁrst nine months of 2018. “At Okada Manila, we will continue to expand attractions and amenities with the highest priority. In the fourth quarter, additional hotel rooms are expected to open. This will help support continued growth in the casino business as well as better position the resort to host large group events and foreign tour groups,” Universal Entertainment said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Manila

Manila Standard TODAY

TODAY

extrastory2000@gmail.com

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Business/World

Death toll from California fire rises to 23 P ARADISE―The death toll from the destructive ﬁres hitting California rose to 23 Saturday as rescue workers recovered more bodies of the people killed by the lateseason infernos.

Firefighters battled raging fires at both ends of the state―in Butte County, a scenic area in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains north of Sacramento, and in the Los Angeles area, where two deaths possibly related to a fire were

reported. There is little hope of containing the flames anytime soon, as the National Weather Service said strong winds and dry conditions were expected through the weekend. “Today, 14 additional bodies were located, which brings our total number to 23,” Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said at a late Saturday news conference as he discussed a blaze known as the “Camp Fire.” Acrid smoke from the fire covered the sky for miles, the sun barely visible. On the ground, cars caught in the flames were reduced to metal carcasses, while power lines were gnawed by the flames. Mandatory evacuation orders were is-

sued for more than 52,000 people in the area. In the town of Paradise more than 6,700 buildings―including a hospital, a gas station, and several restaurants― have been consumed by the ﬁre. Rescuers removed human remains over several hours in Paradise and placed them in a black hearse. Charred body parts were transported by bucket, while intact remains were carried in body bags. At the Holly Hills Mobile Estate the mobile homes had been reduced to smoldering piles of debris. Yellow police tape marked spots that were tagged “Doe C” and “Doe D,” suggesting that bodies were found there.

Locals fled the danger, but police told AFP some farmers returned to check on their cattle. Fanned by strong winds, the blaze has so far scorched 100,000 acres (40,500 hectares) and is 20 percent contained, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said. So far, three of the more than 3,200 firefighters deployed have been injured. They estimate they will need three weeks to fully contain the blaze. Local power authorities told state officials that an outage occurred near the spot where the fire erupted, The Sacramento Bee reported, but there is no official cause of the Camp Fire blaze. President Donald Trump, traveling in

France for World War I commemorations, drew criticism for his unsympathetic reaction to the devastation. “There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest ﬁres in California except that forest management is so poor,” Trump tweeted. “Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!” Brian Rice, the head of the California Professional Fireﬁghters, slammed Trump’s tweet as “ill-informed, illtimed and demeaning to those who are suffering as well as the men and women on the front lines.” AFP

Terror attacker was ‘inspired by Islamic State’ SYDNEY―A Somali-born Australian who went on a deadly knife rampage in the country’s second-largest city of Melbourne was inspired by Islamic State but did not have a direct link to the jihadist group, the government said Sunday. Hassan Khalif Shire Ali stabbed to death well-known local cafe coowner Sisto Malaspina and injured two other men in Bourke Street in the heart of Melbourne on Friday afternoon before he was shot and killed by police. The 30-year-old had gone to the bustling city in a utility vehicle ﬁlled

with gas cylinders before setting it alight. Islamic State said via its propaganda arm that Shire Ali was an “Islamic State ﬁghter and carried out the operation”, but provided no evidence to back its claim. “In relation to his connections with ISIL (another name for IS) or with any terrorist group... there’s not, as I’m advised, a membership of an organization or a deﬁnite link to ISIL,” Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton told reporters in Brisbane. “The working theory is at the moment a case where this person has

been downloading information or receiving messages in his own mind about what he should be doing. It’s inspired as opposed to afﬁliation or membership.” Shire Ali, known to the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), had his passport revoked in 2015 on fears he was trying to travel to Syria to join IS. But he was also assessed by authorities as not being a domestic threat. Dutton defended the actions of ASIO, saying they had more than 400 investigations and people of interest to monitor. AFP

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY. An officer puts flags next to a tombstone during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony at Delhi War Cemetery in New Delhi on November 11, 2018. India, Australia and New Zealand paused on the centenary of the end of World War I to remember the more than 150,000 of their countrymen who died fighting on the other side of the world. AFP

Poland risks controversy on independence centenary WARSAW―Poles mark a century of independence on Sunday amid tensions in the deeply polarized country over the prominent role that marginal far-right groups gained in shaping the main state parade. Chaos engulfed plans for the state military parade in Warsaw just days ahead of the centenary, as far-right groups vowed to use the same route and timing for their controversial annual independence day march. Last year’s edition of that march drew global outrage when some participants displayed racist and anti-immigrant banners and slogans. Its organizers include the National Radical Camp (ONR), a group with roots stretching back to an anti-Semitic pre-World War II movement. Groups of this nature are marginal in Poland. In a bid to avoid a similar debacle on the

centenary, the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) government and allied President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday announced the state military parade, insisting that it had legal priority. But the far-right groups refused to back down after a Warsaw court overruled a separate ban imposed by the capital’s mayor citing the risk of violence and hate speech. The PiS government spent Friday in a tug of war with far-right groups over the scheduling of the two events. The sides conﬁrmed late Friday that they would coincide. PiS Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has vowed that authorities would act “decisively” against any public display of fascist symbols or slogans, something that is banned by law in Poland. “There is a clear red line between patriotic

behavior and nationalistic or chauvinistic [behavior], or neo-Nazis,” he told the foreign press corps on Thursday. Underscoring Poland’s growing isolation in the European Union since the PiS took ofﬁce in 2015, no senior delegations from fellow EU states are due to show up for the centenary coinciding with the Armistice that ended World War I. The government has put Poland on a collision course with the EU by introducing a string NOTICE NOTICE IS IS HEREBY HEREBY GIVEN THAT THAT THE THE of controversial judi- GIVEN ESTATE ESTATE OF OF THE THE cial reforms that Brus- LATE VIRGINIA LATE VIRGINIA A G S A R I sels has warned pose a M M A G S A R I L L II WAS AGUIRRE WAS threat to judicial inde- AGUIRRE EXTRAJUDICIALLY EXTRAJUDICIALLY pendence, the rule of SETTLED SETTLED BY BY HEIRS HEIRS PER DOC. law and ultimately to AS AS PER DOC. NO. 220; PAGE NO. 220; PAGE democracy. AFP 44; BOOK NO. 84;

Who cares for our country’s creatives?

44; BOOK NO. 84; SERIES SERIES OF OF 2017 2017 BEFORE NOTARY BEFORE NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. JOHN PUBLIC ATTY. JOHN DOMINGO DOMINGO A. A. PONCE, PONCE, JR. JR. OF OF MAKATI MAKATI CITY. CITY.

(MS-NOV.12, (MS-NOV.12, 19 19 & & 26, 26, 2018) 2018) (MS-NOV.12, 19 & 26, 2018)

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Notice is hereby given that Stock Certificate No. 1515 of UNIVERSAL MOTORS CORPORATION issued in the name of Mr. Wilson T. Lee for Eight Hundred Seven (807) common shares of stock has been reported lost and the holder of the said shares have applied to the Company to issue duplicate share certificates. Any person who has a claim in respect of said shares should lodge the claims or inform the Company at its registered address within one (1) year from the last publication of this notice. If no claims/ objections are received during this period, the Company shall be free to issue duplicate share certificate. (MS-OCT. (MS-OCT. 29,NOV. 29,NOV. 555 & & 12, 12, 2018) 2018) (MS-OCT. 29,NOV. & 12, 2018)

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Notice is hereby given that Stock Certificate No. 1516 of UNIVERSAL MOTORS CORPORATION issued in the name of Ms. Jane T. Lee for Eight Hundred Six (806) common shares of stock has been reported lost and the holder of the said shares have applied to the Company to issue duplicate share certificates. Any person who has a claim in respect of said shares should lodge the claims or inform the Company at its registered address within one (1) year from the last publication of this notice. If no claims/ objections are received during this period, the Company shall be free to issue duplicate share certificate. (MS-OCT. (MS-OCT. 29,NOV. 29,NOV. 555 & & 12, 12, 2018) 2018) (MS-OCT. 29,NOV. & 12, 2018)

creatives feeling unprepared for IN THE past few years, the Philwork in their chosen industry. ippine creative economy has conRegularly offering these prosistently shown promise, as indiGLORIFE SAMODIO fessional learning courses and cated by the modest increases in mentorships through formal and the gross domestic product gennon-formal modes in higher eduerated by creative and cultural cational institutions, local govindustries. Various government agencies craft policies and programs to support these, ernments, other creative-based organizations, and even with the intent of building up the country’s competitive- online, will be of great value, especially to the young ness in the field. However, with the present work condi- creatives across socio-economic classes in different retions of our creatives and artists, can it be said that they gions. Academe-industry linkages through job placeare truly cared for as part of the enablers and assets of the ments and internships will also be beneficial to new entrants in the field. Philippine economy? There’s still room for improvement on the benefits and From a recent study I conducted, the present employment and income situation of the Filipino creative protection for creatives, particularly on creating more workforce shows both promise and cause for concern. awareness for the groundbreaking Artist Welfare ProOn the positive side, the creatives’ high levels of com- tection and Information Act of 2015. This bill promises mitment exhibit much potential in the sector. There’s an to provide creative workers with social security, an artist increasing involvement of the youth and well-educated village, medical/dental assistance, provision of secondindividuals in the creative industries. These suggest the ary/alternative careers, audience development, culture potential for the new breed of creatives to infuse new and art education of the market, employment in local ideas and increase the sector’s productivity, and for well- communities, taxation assistance, and possible discounts educated creatives to supply the need for various forms for those earning below minimum wage. Passing this bill into a law is critical because our creof education to the young creatives. The work situation in the creative industry has shown stability with hints of atives’ and artists’ welfare are not yet given much prigrowth since the past year, particularly in terms of job ority by employers or clients, mainly due to the nature opportunities, supply of skilled manpower, and income. of precarious work. Experts say that compliance grows Unfortunately, the existence of precarious work in the weaker with the lack of workers’ awareness of these laws, creative industries, characterized by multiple job hold- fueled by the labor market’s vulnerability and challenges ing, periods of underemployment or unemployment, in policy enforcement such as identifying non-compliant short-term contracts, high mobility, part-time employ- businesses in the multi-job setting. On the side of creative entrepreneurs, their main conment, and inadequate access to benefits and protection cern in terms of stability and protection is their cash flow are also present here, much like in other countries. This issue might already be difficult to confront as the and liquidity in maintaining their businesses, an area practice has become inherent in the industry. “Bound- where the government may be of assistance. These are only a few issues that need be resolved witharied work” in creative MSMEs cannot be helped since they still have apprehensions about investing in full- in the creative sector. The creative workforce serves as time employees. With the stricter implementation of the valuable assets to our communities and the country, with Labor Code regarding contractualization, discussions their ingenious vision, spirit, imagination and economic among industry players should commence soon to fully contribution. A collective responsibility from employers, assess the implications of the law on the entire creative clients, government, audiences, and the creative themsector, considering the uniqueness of the industry and selves, is needed to ensure that they are provided a conducive environment where they can peacefully thrive, the systems currently in place. Creative workers also realize that in order to improve together with their creations, as lasting reminders of our their careers, they should engage in learning experienc- humanity. es, keep up with industry trends, and expand their skill Glorife Samodio is a Doctor of Business sets and networks. However, due to the current practice of freelance work, the burden of career development lies Administration student in De La Salle University, where on each creative worker. Thus, training and education she also serves as a director at the Culture and Arts has taken a backseat among the Filipino creatives. For Office. She recently presented her paper, “Assessing the those who have undergone additional training, it appears Needs of the Creative Economy Workforce” at the 2018 those related to artistic development and culture/art/heri- International Conference on Cultural Statistics and tage pedagogies are already being provided by academic Creative Economy”. For comments or reactions, she may institutions, arts organizations and government agencies be reached at glorife_samodio@dlsu.edu.ph. The views (via formal and non-formal education); but training relat- expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily ed to managing creative businesses or finances and other reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty and its technological know-how seem uncommon, leaving most administrators.

GREEN LIGHT

(MS-OCT. (MS-OCT. 29, 29, 2018) 2018) (MS-OCT. 29, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

monday, november 12, 2018

Caloocan wins SGLG award for 4th year in row By Jun David

LocaL government units

For the fourth time in a row, Caloocan City under Mayor oscar “oca” Malapitan has received the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of Interior and Local Government. Joining Mayor oca in the event held at the Manila Hotel were Vice Mayor Maca Asistio, rep. Along Malapitan, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and various city department heads led by Secretary to the Mayor Betsie Luakian and City Administrator oliver Hernandez. “This award is a collective effort of the Local Government of Caloocan and the people of Caloocan,” said Malapitan, who received the SGLG award from the newly-sworn DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. In a statement, the mayor expressed his gratitude to rep. Malapitan, rep. Egay Erice, Vice Mayor Asistio, and the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for their unwavering support to his administration. He also thanked all city department heads and employees for their hard work in helping him serve his constituents. Malapitan dedicated the fourth SGLG award to the people of Caloocan, saying: “They are the true heroes who support and inspire all of us to work earnestly and transform Caloocan into the progressive city that it is now.”

Party-list aims to boost BHS system By Romeo Dizon CLArK FrEEPorT, Pampanga— The strengthening of the 42,041 Barangay Health Station (BHS) care system, the expansion of Philhealth coverage and a bigger appropriation for the health sector were among the top legislative agenda of the new party-list Anakalusugan in the coming midterm elections of 2019. Mike Defensor, one of the three nominees of the party list said that they want to focus on health to serve as the “physician aide” looking after the overall health need of the 110 million Filipinos. Defensor said that out of the total 42,041 villages in the country as of first quarter of 2018, only 50 percent have health stations. In 2015, 12 villages were added, ten from Ifugao and two from oriental Mindoro bringing it to 42,041. During a media forum here, Defensor also introduced the other nominees of the party-list, former Philippines National railways (PNr) General Manager ower Andal and former Batangas Mayor League president Adorlito Ginete of Sta. Teresita. Ginete is the 1st nominee followed by Defensor and Andal. Defensor who is also the former housing czar said that Anakalusugan wants to bring its advocacy to Congress with the same zeal of excellence by pushing for health focused legislation to better serve the health needs of the people specially the marginalized sectors. According to Defensor they will strengthen every barangay health station by increasing their funding from the local government units from their internal revenue allotments (IrA). “We will also see to it that these village health stations exist and are fully equipped to support the health needs of every resident in the locality”, Defensor said. The multi-billion village health program had serious problem and its continuation depends on the finding of Commission on Audit (CoA) fraud audit. In a recent interview, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that the project is good because it serves the need of the people in the far flung areas in the country. But its continuation depends on the finding of the CoA. The government agency found irregularities in the implementation of the BHS project alongside the misunderstanding between the health and education departments. Ginete, on the other hand said they will also initiate the expansion of the Philhealth to cover medical checkup and maintenance medicine specially among the senior citizens which is one of their complaints because of limited financial capability. “Let us include diagnostic coverage under the Philhealth even once a year only” Ginete said.

Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan (center) shows off the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance trophy the city received at the Manila Hotel, With the mayor (from left) are Aurora Ciego, planning department head, city secretary Betsy Luakian, City Administrator Oliver Hernandez, and Marco A.G. Cabuenos Jr. DILG officer for Caloocan. Inset shows Cavite Rep. Strike Revilla receiving the SGLG on behalf of his hometown, Bacoor City. Jun David

Parañaque pays off debt

HE P1-billion loan used to finance the construction of the Parañaque City Hall Annex, which was left unfinished by the previous administration in 2013, will be fully paid in January next year. City Treasurer Dr. Anthony L. Pulmano also disclosed Sunday that P2.786 billion debts of the administration of former Mayor Florencio Bernabe to several government contractors and city hall suppliers were settled early last year. During his incumbency, Bernabe secured a stand-by loan agreement amounting P2 billion from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for funding several projects of the city govern-

ment, including the construction of the city hall. However, Bernabe’s administration failed to pay the bank loans and other borrowings when incumbent Mayor Edwin olvarez in the 2013 elections defeated his son, Florencio III. Citing Commission on Audit (CoA) findings, Pulmano said the city government had been plagued by budget deficits from city obligations and massive debts to LBP since 2011.

He explained that the loans resulted in movement of funds from trust to general funds, which is contrary to law. “The city coffers went empty when olivarez first assumed office on the afternoon of July 2013 with total cash in bank at only P37 million, which is only enough for salaries and wages city hall employees,” the city treasurer said. Pulmano said Paranaque had a cash deficit of P2.786 billion from contractors and suppliers, employees’ benefit, national and local personnel allowances, real property tax shares in addition to another P2 billion that it owed the LBP. During the city development council session last August, the treasurer said the city now has total cash in bank of

FOUR TIMES THE FUN.

The singing sisters of 4th Impact, UK’s ‘The X Factor’ top 5 finalist, debut at the SM City Marilao’s Christmas launch. Their first appearance in the province of Bulacan drew an ecstatic crowd to the mall, as they performed popular renditions of Christmas songs and jingles. Jun David

Joy vows to help women put up micro-businesses in Quezon City By Rio N. Araja QUEZoN City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday vowed to support the involvement of women in micro businesses. Belmonte recently spearheaded the participation of women microSen. Cynthia Villar (right) promotes the 8th OFW and Family Summit starting Wednesday, Nov. 21, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Beside her is Toots Ople of the Ople Center, who is among the resource persons featured in the summit with the theme ‘OFW: Perang Pinaghirapan, Palaguin.’

entrepreneurs from impoverished communities in Quezon City to join indigenous craft producers at the Kabuhayan national livelihood trade fair organized by the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc. The female micro-entrepreneurs, many of whom came from the poorest

barangays in Quezon City, were beneficiaries under the Lipad Pinay program, led by the vice mayor. “We have always been supportive of the ventures of the women from our city. These micro-businesses are their way of earning extra income, expressing their talent and creativity, and em-

powering themselves,” she said. “Many people don’t realize that, in Quezon City, majority of those taking micro-credit loans to start their business are women. They’re an unseen force of growth in our city that we have to keep cultivating,” Belmonte added.

P2.7 billion ending in June this year. Pulmano credited the city’s current financial standing to several tax revenue measures the olivarez administration implemented, together with all income-generating offices boosting their tax collections and a strict adherence to prudent spending. Pulmano also reported that the city is now planning to open short-terms time deposit accounts to earn higher interest, compared with regular savings accounts the city has currently. He also said the Entertainment City situated along Coastal road is a “big prospect” that will result in massive development and contribute huge revenues for the city, as well as employment to residents.

Miner’s literacy program gains national award By Ben Moses Ebreo QUEZoN, Nueva Vizcaya—A literacy program of FCF Minerals Corporation here recently bagged third place in this year’s National Literacy Awards. The firm’s literacy program dubbed “Handog Aral sa Ikauunlad ng Buhay” received the award for outstanding literacy program during the National Literacy Conference and Awards in September in Baguio City. The mining firm’s literacy program’s components include education, employment, livelihood, clean and green program and school of living traditions. Ian Moller, officer-In-Charge of FCF General Manager operations, said the program proved to be effective in uplifting the lives of the beneficiaries from poverty. “our program has been awarded for the fourth time as outstanding literacy program in Cagayan Valley region and in the whole country,” he added. The National Literacy Awards has been institutionalized by the Literacy Coordinating Council of the Department of Education in partnership with other national government agencies, among others. FCF Minerals operates the gold-molybdenum project in barangay runruno in this town.

Summit for financially-smart OFWs staged THE yearly summit that became the go-to event for trainings and discussions designed to address the needs of the overseas Filipino workers and their dependents will be having its eighth edition this month. Sen. Cynthia Villar in her capacity as director of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), has announced that the 8th oFW and Family Summit will be held on November 21 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The one-day summit with the theme “oFW: Perang Pinaghirapan, Palaguin,” will be focusing on topics that will guide oFWs and their families how to make their money grow. “We all know a story about an oFW who, after years of toiling abroad, comes home with little or no savings. We want these tragic stories to end and want happier endings for all our oFWs,” Villar said.

“This summit will provide the tools that will make our oFWs financially-smart. We have lined up experts to teach financial literacy and to share pointers on investment and starting a business. Lack of financial literacy is one of the reasons why Filipinos, including many oFW households, cannot escape poverty. We want to help address this problem,” she added. Villar also encouraged government agencies as well as private organizations to “make it their mission to increase financial literacy among our people.” The summit is open for all oFWs or their beneficiaries such as spouse, children, parents or siblings. registration is free upon presentation of a photocopy of passport, proof of remittance, sea man’s book, job contract and proof of kinship to oFW such as marriage certificate or birth certificate. online registration can also be done through http://ofwsummit2017.villarsipag.org.

Life

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

food

monday, november 12, 2018

OLLOWInG the warm welcome Cebu’s “Best Lechon” received on its Manila debut, Rico’s Lechon opened its third and largest branch in Metro Manila.

Located on the first level of Food Village Building B of Tiendesitas in Ortigas East, Ugong, Pasig, the newest branch of Rico’s Lechon boasts a whopping 733-square-meter space which can sit up to 300 diners. Further, the newest establishment houses seven VIP rooms which are named after a variety of districts within Cebu. The Pasig branch features eye-catching tropical interiors with an infusion of wooden furnishings and touches. Meanwhile, the Roasting Pit—an anticipated attraction for visitors of the vicinity—in Rico’s Lechon Tiendesitas is much bigger, which can hold up to 20 full-size lechons. Likewise, the Chopping area is bigger than its other Manila branches. a separate counter for takeout orders is available in this branch as well. Rico’s third branch offers mouthwatering regular and spicy lechon in quarter-kilo, half-kilo, and one full kilo, as well as its best-selling dishes such as Adobong Kangkong, Baked Scallops, Bulalo, Lechon Paksiw, and Kamote Balls; thirst-quenching Calamansi Soda and Green Mango Juice; and delectable desserts Oreo Mango Float and Pandan Tapioca.

Rico’s goes to Pasig CEBU’S BEST LECHON IN PASIG. Rico’s Lechon opens its third and largest branch in Metro Manila to date at Tiendesitas in Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City. In addition to its known dishes, new items will only be available in Rico’s Lechon Tiendesitas for a time being, before they are rolled out in the other restaurant locations. new

menu includes Lechon Kare-Kare, Beef Tripe Kare-Kare, Tokwa at Lechon Baboy, Ginataang Laing, Gising Gising, Chicken Binakol, Lechon Lumpiang Shanghai, Sisig Fried

Rice, Chorizo Fried Rice, Buchi with Caramel Sauce, Maja Kalabasa, and Leche Flan. Cebu’s food gem is further expanding in Metro Manila as it prepares to open

its fourth and fifth branches at ayala Malls Cloverleaf and UP Town Center in Quezon City. Rico’s Lechon is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Aside from its best-selling regular and spicy lechon, Rico’s Lechon also serves other mouthwatering dishes, namely (clockwise from top left) Beef Tripe Kare-Kare, Bulalo, Calamares Prito, Eggplant Salad with Salted Egg, Grilled Pork Liempo, Lechon Sisig, Fried Rice Trio, and Gising Gising.

It takes a community (to raise a foodie) In a quiet spot along Metropoli Drive in Quezon City, a stone’s throw away from the bustling Eastwood scene, a newly opened restaurant offers some peace and quiet, and homey good French and Italian food. The Community Kitchen invites guests to sit languorously and have passionate discussions on topics ranging from inflationary pressures on food and attempts to raid a neighbor’s herb garden to the government’s war on drugs and next year’s midterm polls. and while the dishes are Instagram-worthy, it seems diners choose to focus more on conversations they are having with the people they are breaking bread with. The restaurant had its soft opening in September, and a month later they already have several return customers—the ladies who lunch, families who live within the Metropoli community, even those who prefer to eat

alone and unhurried—much like the long lunches in Spain that precedes the infamous siesta. “We make everything from scratch, except for linguine,” said Tin Santos, co-owner and manager of the restaurant. This is, perhaps, a matter of pride for their executive chef, Bernadette Olivares, who graduated from Les Roches Switzerland and took culinary lessons in Paris.

“We offer fresh, good food. The dishes may be European, but they are familiar to the Pinoy palate,” she added. There’s shrimp scampi and clams Vongole, and the delectable beef shank ragu for pasta lovers. For pizza, the Margherita—simple, basic, and one of two “true” pizzas according to purists, the other one being marinara—is a standout, with the sourdough that they use adding texture and flavor. There’s pepperoni, white clams, and Italian sausage pizzas, but if you ask nicely, you can order an off-themenu seafood pizza that boasts fresh produce from a sustainable seafood farm in Bacolod. The main dishes include the French classic beef Bourguignon, lamb stew with Lyonnaise potatoes, salmon with rosemary, steak frites (Wagyu Grade 8/9), braised brisket, and coq au vin (red wine braised chicken). The coq au vin, in particular, was a recent entry.

Shrimp Remoulade with dill mayonnaise and alfalfa

Clams Vongole with chopped almonds

“We used to offer fried chicken, but there are two Jollibee branches near us—one at the entrance of Metropoli drive and the other just across the road,” Santos said, chuckling at the memory of the fried chicken that had to bid their

Seafood Pizza, an off-menu item

“We use carabao milk for our gelato, so it’s creamier,” said Perez, whose creative juices have pushed the boundaries on what is possible for ice cream—from seasonal fruits such as lychee and tamarind, to the classic ube quezo and the kids’ favorite bubblegum. The restaurant also has an elevated al fresco area where one can sip coffee in peace while munching on the French pastry Kouign-amman, which takes eight hours to bake—a truly indulgent buttery treat. So if you are in the area and would Pizza Margherita like to veer off your usual Eastwood menu goodbye. This is the Philippines, haunts for a while, drop by The Comafter all, and in terms of deep-fried munity Kitchen and enjoy the moment and the good food, and hopefully with chicken, Jollibee still reigns supreme. For dessert, The Community Kitchen good company. carries the Papa Diddi’s brand of gelato I’m at joyce.panares@gmail.com. courtesy of restaurant co-owner Paul Perez.

Life

monday, november 12, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

well-blended

Banana Berry

days

Strawberry Wild

Jamba Juice celebrates its 7th year in the Philippines with seven promotions for seven days.

Nov. 13 is Booky Twosday, those who can avail of the buy-one-take-one 12oz. By joining any of the #7DaysofMOOThIe company Jamba Juice celebrates its 7th use the Booky app to order can get two smoothie promo. Jamba in-store promos, customers get anniversary in the Philippines with seven exciting offers for 12oz. smoothies—from seven all-time head into the weekend on a good a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy seven days. favorite Jamba Juice blends—for P177. note as a 12oz. Classic Smoothie can Watch. every time a person avails of

The #7DaysofJamba started on Nov. 11 and runs until Nov. 17. On the first day, customers who purchased a 22oz smoothie or larger got

a free reusable straw. Today, everyone who orders a 22oz. smoothie will automatically get a free Boost, so they can start their week fully charged.

Beat the midweek slump with Wednesday Rewards Day on Nov. 14, during which an order of 12oz. smoothie will cost only P50 plus 50 Globe Rewards points. On Thirsty Thursday, customers

be had for P7 when paid via GCash QR during the GCash Friyay. Finally, on Saturday, two 12oz. cups of the new holiday Dreamin’ Smoothies are available for P200.

a promo, their name is automatically added to the raffle draw one time. Those who don’t wish to avail of any promo can still enter by ordering any 30oz smoothie.

Indulge in ‘unli’ USDA prime rib in Tagaytay

FM - Glorietta 3 relaunch

FamilyMart Glorietta 3 reopens with new look The first Philippine branch of Japanese convenience store FamilyMart has recently reopened with new store design and upgraded food selection. The newly reopened store in Glorietta 3 features an upgraded and modern design, as well as a bigger and café-inspired dining space. Customers enjoy bright and airy ambience as they shop for everyday essentials, then sit back and take in the comfortable space and friendly service when they grab their meals. In addition to Filipino breakfast favorites, merienda treats, fully loaded meals, and classic Japanese treat, the new store offers some yummy delights:

Japan’s best-selling Fami Chicky, a freshly fried, thick and crispy chicken fillet; and hotdawgs—warm, fullyloaded hotdog sandwiches available in six different flavors. Their staff uniforms were also upgraded to match the brand new look and feel of the store. The new uniforms were designed by renowned Filipino fashion stalwart Rajo Laurel. “With this new and improved branch, we’re making sure that FamilyMart stays at the top of its game, giving young professionals exactly what they want and need,” said FamilyMart general manager Roald Yap.

STeaK lovers planning a trip to breezy Tagaytay can indulge in unlimited USDa Prime Rib with unlimited sides and deserts for only P1,800 nett. Discovery Suites flagship restaurant and acclaimed steakhouse, 22 Prime, is bringing its popular 1800-PRIMe to Discovery Country Suites’ Restaurant Verbena on Nov. 17 and Dec. 1. My Discovery elite members are entitled to a 5 percent discount. as with the previous staging of 1800-PRIMe, part of the proceeds from sales will be used to buy water filters for Discovery Country Suites and Discovery Suites’ selected corporate social responsibility project beneficiary, the aeta community in Sitio Yangka, Capas, Tarlac. Visit www.discoverycountrysuites. com/1800-prime-goes-to-tagaytay or call (02) 529-8172 for more information.

Indulge in unlimited USDA Prime Rib at Restaurant Verbena on Nov. 17 and Dec. 1.

BITES

Carrot cake cravings Dessert lovers who are in search for a healthier treat can have their cake and eat it, too, with Café Romançon’s Classic Carrot Cake. This moist confection is made of flavorful coated carrots in streusels, blended with the mouthwatering bed of homemade cream cheese frosting, and topped with a delightful assortment of candied carrots, pistachios, cherries, and raisins. Café Romançon is located at Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle, Malate, Manila.

Classic Carrot Cake

Ube pie is back

Customers grab a serving of FamilyMart’s new Twirl-All-You-Can flavor, Kesong Puti Sansrival.

Jollibee’s Ube Pie FamilyMart Glorietta 3 boasts a new and spacious store design, with bigger and cafeinspired dining space.

The hit dessert that made waves online and offline is back this November. Jollibee once again serves Ube Pie for a limited time only. The dessert treat is pop popular for its crispy golden crust and sweet and real ube filling. “When we launched the Jollibee Ube Pie last May, the sales and the demand was so great. It was so well loved that we knew we just cushad to bring it back for our cus Joltomers,” said Kay Segismundo, Jol comlibee senior marketing manager for com plementary products. Ube Pie is now available in all Jollibee stores nationwide for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, or delivery for P29 for a Solo Pack and P82 for a Trio Pack.

Entertainment

GMA Network beats rival in nationwide TV ratings anew

MA Network remains as the nationwide television ratings frontrunner based on the latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider.

For the whole month of October (with Oct. 28 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA once again proved that it is the viewers’ preferred channel, posting an average total day people audience share of 41.1 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM). It won over rival network ABSCBN, which only managed to register 37.2 percent. The Kapuso Network consistently reigned across all dayparts including the evening primetime block. In the morning block, GMA registered 39.9 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 32.0 percent. Meanwhile, in the afternoon block, GMA tallied 41.7 percent people audience share, winning over ABS-CBN’s

37.4 percent. GMA further bested competition in the evening block with 41.3 percent people audience share as against ABS-CBN’s 39.3 percent. The Kapuso Network likewise dominated the viewer-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country. GMA posted an average total day people audience share of 46.9 percent in Urban Luzon versus ABS-CBN’s 30.9 percent. Similarly in Mega Manila (with ofﬁcial data from October 1 to 27), the Network posted an average total day people audience share of 49.1 percent, while the rival network only got 28.1 percent. GMA also kept its advantage in NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho still reigning as the most watched Kapuso program nationwide and followed by Daddy’s Gurl, which features the phenomenal f a t h e rdaughter tandem of Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza. Consis-

tent ratings drivers for the month were Pepito Manaloto, 24 Oras, Studio 7, Onanay, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Magpakailanman, Victor Magtanggol, Amazing Earth, Inday Will Always Love You, 24 Oras Weekend, Wowowin, Pamilya Roces, Eat Bulaga, Imbestigador, and Asawa Ko Karibal Ko. Kapuso programs also took the lion’s share in the list of top programs in both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, respectively taking 22 and 24 spots out of the top 30. Nielsen data is gathered through a greater number of sampled homes nationwide in comparison to Kantar Media. With approximately 900 more homes surveyed in Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar, Nielsen data is statistically considered more representative of the total TV population. In 2018, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement’s client pool covers a total of 34 clients/subscribers consisting of 8 local TV networks including ABSCBN, TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, and Viva Communications Inc., among others; 3 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; and 21 agencies (17 media agencies, 3 consulting agencies, 1 digital agency).

Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza starrer 'Daddy's Gurl' is one of the toprating programs of GMA 7 in October.

‘E! Live From The Red Carpet’ livestreams on Twitter E! ASIA— ASIA—the pop culture powerhouse of NBCUniversal International Networks –announced its ﬁrst-ever signature E! Live From The Red Carpet to be live streamed across Asia on Twitter at @eonlineasia. E! Live From The Red Carpet: The E! People’s Choice Awards airs in conjunction with the broadcast coverage of the signature E! event from Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California today starting at 8:00 a.m. (PHT). Through this unique streaming experience, pop culture fans will be able to follow every red carpet moment as it unfolds and react to The E! People’s Choice Awards celebrity arrivals, fashion-forward moments and candid interviews with the stars in real time. “ We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Twitter to live stream the most memorable moments on the red carpet of the inaugural The E! People’s Choice Awards Awards,” said Christine Fellowes lowes, Managing Director, NBCUniversal International Networks, Asia Paciﬁc.” “As the only award show for the people, by the people, our partnership with Twitter presents a unique opportunity for fans to share that experience and puts them right in the middle of all the Red Carpet glamour and excitement that only E! can deliver,” Fellowes further said. “ Twitter and entertainment are two inseparable entities. The platform’s live nature allows people to see what’s happening in real time, and entertainment has been one of the key conversation drivers on Twitter,” said Carl Cheng, Head of Entertainment Partnerships, Southeast Asia at Twitter. “ That’s why we couldn’t be more excited to team up with E! Asia to bring the live experience of E! Live From The Red Carpet: The E! People’s Choice Awards’ event. This collaboration will Awards enhance the fan experience and excitement around the event for fans in Southeast Asia,” Cheng added. Follow @eonlineasia and stay tuned to get the latest updates on The E! People’s Choice Awards red carpet moments real time.

Nick Joaquin’s classics reinterpreted through parody IN CELEBRATION of the birth centenary of multiawarded Filipino writer, historian, journalist, and National Artist of the Philippines for Literature Nick Joaquin, A Portrait of The Artist as a Filipino—one of his classic works and one of the most remarkable Filipino plays – will be presented in a different light through a parody written and directed by the artistic and stage director and Philstage Gawad Buhay Life Achievement Awardee Nonon Padilla. Entitled Larawan ng Pilipino Bilang Artist(a), Padilla’s comedic sequel of the national artist’s masterpiece, will be produced and staged by De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)’s pioneering Theater Arts Batch 115 students on Nov. 21 to 24, Nov. 28 to 29, and Dec. 1 at the School of Design and Arts Theater. The play, which won a Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature in 1988, will be starred by distinguished theater actors Stella Mendoza, Sherry Lara, Bembol Roco, Jaime Yambao, Mosang, Alan Bautista, together with the pioneering acting track apprentices Christian Cusi, Karina Valdez, Kyle Confesor, Herc Ang, and Doori Chin. Larawan ng Pilipino Bilang Artist(a) will bring

Joaquin’s renowned characters to Forbes Park in the ‘70s. In Padilla’s parody, the famous Marasigan sisters Candida and Paula, who ﬂew to New York to escape the Japanese attack in World War II, returned to the Philippines after living abroad for 30 years. Despite being set in a different place, from Calle Real in Intramuros, Manila to an exclusive village in Makati City, and a change in lifestyle, the past will slowly unfold and bring back its horrors, aligned with the horrible realities of the present. The production will be made possible in collaboration with fellow student-artists from various programs, to include production design, music production, and digital ﬁlmmaking. Larawan ng Pilipino Bilang Artist(a) will have two shows – matinee at 1:00 p.m. and evening at 7:00 p.m.. The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts Theater is located at Pablo Ocampo (Vito Cruz) Street, Malate, Manila. Tickets range from P600 (Orchestra), P400 (Loge), and P250 (Balcony). For ticket reservations, contact Kyle Confesor at +63915 938 3797 or email tapbenildemarketing@gmail. comtapbenildemarketing@gmail.com.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Monday, November 12, 2018

ACROSS 1 Show of hands 5 Sacked out 9 Gemstones 14 Harmful 15 Go steady 16 Heirloom 17 Fictional sub commander 18 Big name in Western novels 19 Acting class 20 Descents 22 Dream 24 Arrive at 27 Favorite — 28 Speaker’s platform 30 Did the polka 35 Debtor’s note 36 Kind of beaver 38 Depart 39 Pour forth 41 Contradict 43 Oil cartel 44 Gawked at 46 Fixed up 48 Rub the wrong way 49 Makes a poem 51 Most uncanny 53 NBA official 55 Refute 56 Straight up 61 Get lost! 64 Trojan War story

65 Go for a field goal 68 Reclined 69 Not skimpy 70 Old barge canal 71 Places to sleep 72 Comes in last 73 Faculty head 74 Indulge, plus DOWN 1 Hawk 2 Above 3 In a fearful manner 4 Weds secretly 5 Sharp tool 6 Pasture sound 7 Sicilian spouter 8 Views as 9 Type of number 10 Chipper 11 Jai — 12 Airport vehicle, briefly 13 Read hurriedly 21 Cloy 23 Iron pumper’s pride 25 Seafood entree 26 More gigantic 28 Scratchy 29 Brawl 31 Prefix for classic 32 March swallow destination 33 Turn inside out

34 Patio cousin 35 Composer — Stravinsky 37 Cabbie’s fare 40 Dress part 42 Blarney Stone site 45 Mocks or knocks 47 Claims 50 Just a —! 52 Father of geometry 54 Counterfeit 56 Small container 57 St. —’s fire

58 Jags 59 Fable 60 Former Italian coins 62 — it the truth! 63 Consumer gds. 66 Government org. 67 Actor — Howard

‘Larawan ng Pilipino Bilang Artist(a)‘ will bring Joaquin’s renowned characters to Forbes Park in the ‘70s.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Simply... From C4

Hard work and a weave of magic pay off for millennial condo dweller There’s no feeling more magical as the moment you have reached your life’s aspirations like getting your dream home. It’s the same feeling, 28-year-old Alvher Luna experienced the first time he set foot in his family’s two-bedroom condominium unit at DMCI Homes’ Levina Place in Pasig City in July last year. Though he has a regular job, Luna did shows as professional magician on the side to save and help his mother finance their dream of moving to a place of their own since they have been staying in his grandparents’ house in Barangay Kalawaan, Pasig since he was born. And just like in the world of magic, anything is possible when one is armed with hard work and determination. Encouraged by his wife Mary Joy, Luna looked for opportunities in kiddie parties, corporate events and mall shows on weekends. “Noong bata ako hilig ko na talaga yung pagma-magic. So noon pa lang panahon pagma nila David Copperfield, nanonood na ako sa kanila. Then noong 12 ako, nag-try mag-perform as a clown,” shared akong mag Luna who has mastered an array of tricks of the classic disappearing coin. “Sumasama ako sa mga friends ko. Nagka-clown ako and then noong 17 Nagka years old na ako doon ako sumabak ng pagma-magician. Masaya ako kasi ngayon pagma kumikita ako ng maganda, kahit paano natutulungan ko na yung mother ko,” he continued. Up to now, Luna still could not believe they already have their own home and more importantly in one community made by a developer he only used to dream of before. “Sabi ko sa sarili ko noon mahirap magkaroon ng bahay diyan… Sabi ko imposibleng maabot… Hindi ko talaga inakala na makakabili kami rito sa Levina Place,” said Luna, recounting the days he would see a billboard of DMCI Homes. Composed of just three six-story buildings – Selene, Callista, and Amalthea, the 1.4-hectare condo community in Barangay Rosario, Pasig City offers low-density condominium living that encourages closed family ties and healthy community relations. “Tahimik at very relaxing yung ambiance parang probinsya. Noong nakita namin sabi ko nga kahit saan ako lumingon maganda sa mata kaya hindi kami nag-dalawang isip na dito namin tumira,” said Luna. gustong tumira, The property’s Asian Boutique design concept and resort-inspired amenities, on the other hand, provide residents a nurturing environment for their multifaceted development. “Pagkalipat namin dito gusto namin agad mag-swimming kasama ang pamangkin. Basketball, gym mga pamangkin napakalahat nandiyan. Kumpleto na, napaka convenient,” Luna beamed in reference to Levina Place’s wide range of amenities that also include a picnic area, game area, audio-visual room, lounge area, function hall and clubhouse. Coupled with the property’s strategic proximity to key places of interest in the city, the property presents an ideal setting that constantly reinvents itself as a family haven that is a worthy venture for both end-users and investors. “Malaki yung unit. Sulit sa pera and at the same time, quality siya. Malapit pa sa work ko kaya worth it talaga,” he enthused. To learn more about Levina Place and other DMCI Homes projects, visit www. dmcihomes.comwww.dmcihomes.com or call (632) 324-8888. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. *** More stories of these kinds at www.isah. redwww.isah.red. Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred and Instagran (@isahvred. ΙŘ

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

Entertainment

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018

ISAH V. RED

Travel is the best way to know companion’s character From left: Ayra Mariano, Manolo Pedrosa, Sanya Lopez, RunRio Managing Partner Andrew Neri, Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Paul Salas, and Marika Sasaki

Dingdong and Marian lead the ‘Happiest 5k on the planet’ By Nickie Wang

T THE press launch of The Color Run Hero Tour, everybody was curious if pregnant Marian Rivera is joining her husband Dingdong Dantes who is spearheading the event happening this weekend. “If he wouldn’t allow me to run, then I will just walk with my daughter,” she said in vernacular, “You see, people should participate in this kind of event because it is intended to help spread awareness and there’s a meaningful cause behind it.” The Color Run Hero Tour is happening on Nov. 18 at McKinley West in Taguig with various Kapuso stars. Known as the “Happiest 5k on the planet,” The Color Run, presented by GMA Network and organized by Runrio Events Inc, is set to paint Metro Manila with burst of colors and exciting activities for you to enjoy with your family and friends. “The Color Run is an international franchise and it is celebrated throughout the world. Here in the Philippines, Run Rio is the head organizer of this fun run,” Dingdon said. “What makes it different, apart from being fun, this is not timed. This year’s theme is ‘Hero Tour’ and it so happens that Yes Pinoy Foundation’s theme is ‘I am Superhero,’ so everything just falls into proper places,’’ he added. The Color Run, a world-renowned franchise that exists in over 36 countries, will be participated in by celebrity ambassadors Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino, Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali, Kyline Alcantara, Sanya Lopez, Betong Sumaya, Rodjun Cruz, Joyce Pring, and Juancho Trivino. Also joining them are Ashley Ortega, Ayra Mariano, Hannah

Precillas, Marika Sasaki, Paul Salas, Ralph Noriega, Thia Thomalia, JBK members Joshua Bulot, Bryan Del Rosario, Kim Ordonio, One Up boys Dave Bornea, Karlo Duterte, Kevin Sagra, Nikki Co, Prince Clemente, Ralf King, Yasser Marta, and Jay Arcilla. “Personally, I’m very glad because of the overwhelming support of these young stars. Definitely it’s not mandatory, you have to believe in something before you do it. This project is for the young people, why not encourage young people to lead the campaign,” Dingdong said regarding the support the project is getting from young Kapuso stars. This year, the run is unleashing the hero in each and everyone of us as proceeds of the event will be donated to support the I am Super campaign of the YesPinoy Foundation, Inc. (YPF). I am Super is a disaster preparedness initiative designed to equip young people from vulnerable schools and communities with knowledge, skills, and tools such as Go Bags or emergency kits, which are developed by Typhoon Yolanda survivors. YPF, on the other hand, is a non-profit organization founded in 2009 by Dantes to help empower children and youth on the fields of environment, education, and responsible citizenship. To join and learn more about The Color Run Hero Tour, visit https://thecolorrun.com.ph or visit Olympic Village in Glorietta 2, Fisher Mall, Market! Market!, Alabang Town Center, and Sports House-Mall of Asia.

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes spearhead The Color Run Hero Tour, a global franchise otherwise known as the 'Happiest 5K on the planet.'

ABS-CBN’S TV Studio Experience bags an Asia Pacific Quill Award

ABS-CBN PR Manager Christelle Belmonte, a delegate at the IABC Asia Pacific Fusion conference, accepted ABS-CBN's award in Melbourne, Australia

ABS-CBN’s “Wow at Saya” TV studio experience program, which gives guests a red carpet treatment when they watch Kapamilya shows live in the TV studios, bagged a Silver Quill Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Asia Paciﬁc in Melbourne, Australia. The journey of studio audience members begin online when they book slots via Kapamilya Tickets (ktx.abs-cbn.comktx.abs-cbn.com). Once guests secure slots and arrive on their preferred schedule, they are welcomed warmly by Studio Tour guides who put into practice the gWow at Saya h principles to make the experience of guests fun and memorable. This is the second international award of ABS-CBN’s “Wow at Saya” after it won a Gold Quill Award of Excellence in June at the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards in Montreal, Canada. In 2017, “Wow at Saya” also won in the customer relations category at the Philippine Quill Awards that recognized the best work in business communications in the country.

Carlo Aquino joins ‘Playhouse’ MORNINGS will be filled with more love and kilig as Kapamilya actor Carlo Aquino joins the cast of ABS-CBN morning series PlayHouse. Carlo plays Harold, a doctor who first encountered Patty (Angelica Panganiban) when he saw her crying in the rain after her breakup with Marlon (Zanjoe Marudo). Harold and Patty’s second meeting, however, was not as pleasant as the first one as he mistakenly entered the room where she, who was only wearing a hospital gown, was set to have a check-up with an obstetrician-gynecologist. However, the unintentional mistake will bolster Harold’s interest in Patty and will compel him to go out of his way to know her even more. While a new man has entered her life, Patty’s relationship with Marlon might get another chance because of the possibility that she is pregnant with his child. It will be a grand celebration for their loved ones, who have been wishing for them to finally get back together. Will Patty’s possible pregnancy finally lead to her reconciliation with Marlon? What role will Harold play in their lives? PlayHouse on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). For updates, follow @ abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www. a b s c b n p r. comwww. abscbnpr. com.

IN THE upcoming film from Viva Films, Jen (Alessandra de Rossi) and Ben (Paolo Contis) have been friends since they were kids and decide they take their friendship seriously. Before they make any sweeping decision, like getting married, Ben agreed to accompany Jen to Iceland, her dream travel destination. What happens in Iceland does not remain in Iceland, for it did, there won’t be Through Night and Day, the movie about Ben and Jen’s Iceland holiday. At the presscon, the two stars that play the lead roles in the film recounted their experiences, along with the film’s director (Veronica B. Velasco), while shooting in severe weather conditions in the country. While all three agreed they had fun

Paolo Contis and Alessandra de Rossi in a scene from their movie

during the shoot, there were times in which the director would have second thoughts whether to shoot or not as the weather condition was almost always unpredictable. “There were days when we would experience all four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall – all in one day,” she said. “So, it was compulsory that we should be ready at all time,” Alessandra interjected. “There was a time when I nearly passed out due to hypothermia (low body temperature) and I got everyone in panic mode,” she giggled. “Yeah, that would have gotten me in trouble,” added Veronica, “if Alex’s body temperature didn’t normalize.” Exactly the kind of situations Ben and Jen go through during their holiday in Iceland. “It tells of the ups and downs of friends when they are in another country, but of course how they’d take care of each other,” related Paolo. “There’s bickering over simple things, but they are able to get over them the soonest, and they discover how they care for each other,” Alessandra added. Through Day and Night is the Filipino film shot in Iceland. The team took the RingRoad and went around the country by car in seven days. Veronica also directed Tuhog and My Other Self. Paolo Contis, former child actor, hasn’t made a movie for some time. This is his first after a long absence from the big screen. Known for playing funny roles on TV, this is his first film as a romantic lead. Alessandra has always dreamed on traveling to Iceland. She wrote the story for the film and set it in the freezing conditions of the country. She said she feels Iceland is her second home (Italy is her native country), thanks to Björk’s music with which she can relate very much, like her biggest hit “It’s Oh So Quiet”. Paolo is also an Italian Filipino (his father was Italian). They have been friends (just like in the film) and had worked together in several shows both on and off TV. This is their first film together. The romantic drama also stars Joey Marquez and Cheska Iñigo. It features “I Will Be Here,” a cover of the Steven Curtis Chapman song performed by its lead stars. It is scheduled to premiere on Nov. 14. Continued on C3