Manila Standard - 2018 November 22 - Thursday

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VOL. XXXII • NO. 280 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

DFA chief flares up over China oil deal

By Nat Mariano, Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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N AGREEMENT on oil exploration with China in the resource-rich waters of West Philippine Sea should be drafted by the Philippines, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Wednesday, contradicting the remarks of a Palace spokesman.

UNDER THE UMBRELLA.

Chinese President Xi Jinping waves to officials Wednesday as he prepares to take his flight back to Beijing after a two-day state visit when an agreement with China, drafted by the latter, on oil exploration in the West Philippine Sea had come under fire from Manila’s Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin.

LOCSIN

PANELO

“Palace Com doesn’t care if it is a Chinese draft? I fu*k*n* care!” Locsin said in a Twitter post Wednesday morning.

“A framework or architecture for gas and oil in our part of the sea demands that draft be MINE... MIO... FILIPINO,” he said.

Locsin’s tweet was in reaction to Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo’s statement the previous day that “it doesn’t matter” who drafts the joint agreement to explore Next page

‘PH ill-quipped to check on Sino stations’

By Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana admitted that the country is incapable of verifying the presence of three weather stations that China installed in the disputed West Philippine Sea. “We don’t have the capabilities. We don’t have the same aircraft that the United States Navy uses—the Poseidon. Same also with the Australians. What we have

right now is really weak, we don’t really have the equipment,” he told reporters Tuesday, shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at the Palace to begin his two-day state visit.

The Defense chief said the administration was trying to upgrade its military defenses and tapping the resources of other countries such as Japan, Korea and the United States.

He said the country could acquire used submarines for training before buying a

THE HANDSHAKE. Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo meets up Wednesday with visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping where the former lauded China and recalled her presidency, which saw Manila forge closer ties with Beijing.

Arroyo sees China role in PH buildup

brand new one.

Three weeks ago, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang announced that Beijing has started the operations of a maritime observation center, a meteorological observatory, a national environmental and air quality morning station in artificial islands in the South China Sea. “These projects are designed to observe the maritime, hydrological, meteorological conditions and air qualities, and provide Next page

By Maricel V. Cruz FORMER President and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo told visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday that she sees China playing a major role in the Philippines’ infrastructure buildup.

“Infrastructure will be very important for the Philippines in the coming years and there is no country in the world that matches China’s recent track record and capability in this area,” Arroyo said during a courtesy call on Xi at his hotel Wednesday.

Arroyo told Xi that the Philippines “really can learn much from China’s impressive growth during the last 40 years.” She said China has shown the world “that rap-

id economic growth and modernization is possible through a combination of vision, political will, and open and responsible relations with other nations.”

“China has done in 40 years what other countries might take 200 years to do, so we congratulate you for that. It is good for China, it is good for the Philippines, it is good for the world,” Arroyo said.

Arroyo recalled that when she was president, the Philippines forged closer relations with China and signed a joint exploration agreement on the West Philippine Sea. The constitutionality of the agreement, however, was challenged before the Supreme Court, which has yet to rule on issue.

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Senate buying time on budget bill

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

Tan pushes ARMM gov protest LGU B4

ALMOST 80 percent of the voters in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur, and Basilan in the 2016 elections were all fake, according to a motion filed by former Sulu Governor Abdusakur “Sakur” Tan on Monday before the Commission on Elections.

SAKUR TAN

GAS-TO-POWER PROJECT. The offshore platform of Malampaya

Deepwater Gas-to-Power project, stands 80 kms west of northern Palawan, pictured in March 2017. It extracts natural gas under the seabed of West Philippine Sea, which are then supplied to power generating facilities in Batangas through an underwater pipeline. The Philippines and China have agreed to a joint oil exploration in the WPS.

Duterte EO to stop terror financing

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday ordered the adoption of a national strategy on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism in the country .

In Executive Order 68, Duterte ordered his government agencies to adopt the National AML/CFT Strategy 2018-2022.

He said there was a need to “harmonize anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing efforts of relevant government agencies and private stakeholders.”

To ensure the effective implementation of the NACS, Duterte stressed the need to establish a national coordinating committee that would provide “strategic direction.”

The EO will create a National AML/ CFT Coordinating Committee, which will facilitate inter-agency coordination focused on the development of national policies on AML/CFT. The NACC will then provide the policy and strategic direction and oversee the implementation of the NACS, ensure that the roles and responsibilities of relevant government agencies are efficiently and Next page

SENATE Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri said Wednesday the proposed P3.757-trillion budget for 2019 will not be approved before Congress goes on Christmas break if the House of Representatives submits it to the Senate on Monday.

Because of this, Zubiri said, there will be a reenacted budget for two weeks to a month.

In a news conference, Zubiri told re-

porters that if the House sends the budget proposal to them on Monday, the senators would still need time to read it, and the earliest they could begin deliberations would be on Nov. 28.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senator Panfilo Lacson held the same view, and Senate President Vicente Sotto III has already informed House leaders of this limitation.

“Realistically, we only have December 3, 4, and 5, and 10, 11, 12 to be able to Next page

WEATHER ‘Samuel’ weakens, veers toward Iloilo, Palawan

By Rio N. Araja

TROPICAL depression “Samuel” weakened slightly after making five landfalls in the Visayas on Wednesday morning.

The storm is forecast to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday night or Friday morning.

In a 2 pm bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the weather system was estimated 70 kilometers west-southwest of Iloilo City, Iloilo, or 120 kilometers east-

southeast of Cuyo, Palawan.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of 65 kph, it was moving west-southwest at 40 kph.

The following areas were placed under storm signal no. 1: Romblon, the southern part of Oriental Mindoro; the southern part of Occidental Mindoro; Palawan, including Cuyo Island and the Calamian Group of Islands; the northern part of Negros Occidental; Guimaras; Iloilo; Capiz; Aklan and Next page Antique.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Faeldon gets marching orders

By Rey E. Requejo

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USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday gave new Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon three mission orders, including stopping the illegal drugs being brought to the penitentiaries being administered by the bureau.

Guevarra issued the orders to Faeldon after Faeldon took his oath as the successor of retired Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa, who resigned from the bureau to run for senator in May 2019 midterm elections.

The bureau is under the supervision of the Office of the Justice Secretary.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Faeldon’s appointment papers on Monday but those were released to the reporters only on Wednesday.

Justice Undersecretary and spokesman Mark Perete said that, aside from addressing the problem of illegal drug trading, particularly in the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, Guevarra also ordered Faeldon to “prioritize resolving the problem of congestion and security of prisoners,

as well as studying the possibility of transferring some facilities of the bureau to a different locality.”

Then Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II had worked for the deployment of a 300-man Philippine National PoliceSpecial Action Force contingent to secure the NBP’s maximum-security compound to stop the illegal activities there.

The bureau also installed signal jammers to prevent the inmates involved in illegal activities from communicating with their cohorts outside.

Perete said the maximum-security facility housing high-profile inmates, such as those convicted of drug trafficking would stay at the NBP, but others may be transferred.

Two areas had been identified to house the other facilities, but Perete declined to identify those.

The previous leaders at the bureau had pressed for the building of a new facility in Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija, that could eventually replace the NBP as the country’s main prison facility.

But the project has been put on hold due to the legal issues raised by private claimants in both the NBP land in Muntinlupa and the property in Fort Magsaysay.

The Nueva Ecija facility is designed to accommodate 26,880 inmates and has facilities for staff and administrative

the disputed waters for oil and gas.

Earlier, opposition Senators Francis Pangilinan and Antonio Trillanes IV called for President Rodrigo Duterte to make public the draft of the oil and gas exploration agreement with China before officially signing the deal.

They also filed a resolution asking the Senate committee on energy to investigate the details of the agreement, which was drafted in time for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Manila.

On Wednesday, during the exchange ceremony of signed documents witnessed by both Duterte and Xi in Malacañang, Locsin and Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi exchanged the signed agreement entitled “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between the Philippines and China.”

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the MOU was crafted to find ways the country can benefit from the resourcefilled waters in the disputed sea.

Cusi told reporters, however, that the Energy department doesn’t have a copy of the agreement yet.

The Palace issued a statement asking the public to understand that the Department of Foreign Affairs was still preoccupied with Xi’s activities during the second day of his visit, and that it would release “all pertinent information for public consumption” once Xi’s visit ended.

After his meeting with House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Xi departed Manila at about 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Senator Francis Escudero joined other senators in asking that the Palace release details of the agreements signed with China.

“We are appealing that everything signed should be made known to the public,” he said, adding that it was Malacañang’s obligation to release copies of the documents signed.

“It is their obligation to let us know.

They should be proud of what they signed if they have the best interest of the public [in mind] when they made those agreements,” he said.

Senator Grace Poe said transparency and accountability was all-important.

In the case of oil exploration in the West Philippine Sea, this was not just an economic issue, but a matter of sovereignty, she said.

“Let us not forget that we have at our fingertips the legal victory from the international arbitral tribunal. We should use this to our advantage,” he said.

“The government owes it to the

Filipinos to divulge the details of the agreements to see if there are potentials for red flags or if there are elements that would put us at a disadvantage,” she added.

Opposition Senator Leila de Lima demanded not only “full transparency” but “extreme scrutiny” of all the 29 deals recently entered into by the two countries.

“Considering that the interests of China are totally opposed to ours, especially in respect to the West Philippine Sea issue, the government should always follow the principles of transparency and accountability which require that the terms of any deals or loan agreement be subjected to extreme scrutiny to protect our country’s economy and national security,” she said in a statement.

“Alarmingly, Malacañang has not given the Filipino public complete details about its Memorandum of Understanding with China aside from the number of deals signed and [their] title[s],” she added.

The senator noted that President Duterte’s “inclination” to favor Chinese nationals has since “posed serious concerns about his loyalty to serve the country and the Filipino people.”

“As I’ve said before, Duterte’s lack of transparency on his dealings with his Chinese masters raises questions whether or not his loyalty belongs to China or the Philippines,” De Lima said.

Since last year, De Lima has been filing several resolutions seeking a Senate probe into various loans and investment deals that the Duterte administration had entered into with China.

The senator, who is detained while facing illegal drugs charges, chairs the Senate committee on social justice, welfare and rural development.

Another opposition senator, Risa Hontiveros, said the President failed to assert the country’s sovereignty after he signed a framework agreement with China on joint maritime oil and gas exploration.

Hontiveros made the statement after a copy of the agreement was leaked to the media.

If the leaked copy of the agreement is proven authentic, she noted that the President signed a document that did not assert our Constitution and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea against China’s discredited nine-dash line, which lays claim to every shoal, reef and islet in the region.

Hontiveros decried the absence of the 60-40 equity rule in the agreement as required by the 1987 Constitution. She also hit the agreement’s confidentiality clause, which states that any document, information or data concerning the joint exploration shall be kept confidential.

The Senator also pointed to the dispute

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effectively carried out, and promote activities to spread awareness of the NACS, among other things.

The NACC will be headed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as its chairman and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor and AMLC chairman as its vice chairmen.

Secretaries from government departments such as Finance, Foreign Affairs, Interior and Local Government, Justice, National Defense and Trade and Industry are also under the coordinating committee.

The NACC will also have its subcommittees: Financial Intelligence, Law Enforcement and Prosecution SubCommittee; Supervision of Financial Institutions Sub-Committee; Supervision of Designated Non-Financial Business and Professions Sub-Committee, Terrorism Financing and Proliferation Financing Sub-Committee; and the AML/CFT Awareness Sub-Committee.

The EO covers all relevant government agencies and instrumentalities to adopt the strategy in the formulation and implementation of all their plans and programs.

pass it on third and final reading, but it’s too short. Senators who were with us, especially Senators Ping Lacson and Recto said it’s very difficult to be able to discuss intelligently, lengthily, pertinent provisions of the budget at this short period of time. We really can’t do it,” Zubiri said.

The House approved the P3.757-trillion proposed budget on third and final reading on Tuesday.

Zubiri also said they would most likely have marathon sessions on Thursdays and Fridays but in the past, it took the senators four weeks to discuss the budget in the plenary.

Even if the Senate passes the budget on third and final reading by Dec. 12, he said, the bicameral conference committee would still have to be convened to reconcile disagreeing provisions of the House and Senate versions.

After being informed of the senators’ stand regarding the budget, Zubiri said House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was quiet.

“She was quiet. She was still hoping that we could pass it earlier. But the problem, we were not at fault. We waited for so long

RECYCLED. Newly appointed BuCor chief Nicanor Faeldon, who once held the top Customs post, waves to media as he leaves the Department of Justice building at Padre Faura, Manila, on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, after his oath-taking before Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. Norman Cruz buildings and areas for rehabilitation and religious activities.

Aside from the NBP, Faeldon will also have jurisdiction over the Abuyog Penal Colony in Leyte, Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City, Iwahig settlement provision of the agreement, which she said favors so-called friendly consultations instead of arbitration and other multilateral approaches.

Hontiveros called on the executive branch to divulge the full details of the agreement together with 28 other agreements signed by the Philippine government with China during Xi’s visit.

“The people need to scrutinize all these documents. We need to know whether or not these agreements are compatible with our sovereign and territorial interests and in full compliance with our international obligations, particularly the arbitral tribunal ruling on the West Philippine Sea,” Hontiveros said.

“The Senate must lead this initiative given that it has material interest in ensuring that the foreign policy adopted by the executive is in the best interest of Filipino citizens,” she added.

Vice President Leni Robredo also called for transparency, saying the Filipino people deserve to know who will benefit from the agreements signed.

Meanwhile, in his opening statement during the joint call on both Houses of Congress by the Chinese leader, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III emphasized the importance of good diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

Moreover, he said there is much more that binds the Philippines and China together than what may divide the two.

In his response, President Xi said the South China Sea is a sea of friendship and cooperation that creates a bond of friendship for the two nations.

The leftist party-list group Bayan Muna on Wednesday prodded the Supreme Court to resolve its 10-year-old petition assailing the constitutionality of a similar agreement during the administration of former President and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2005.

In a 12-page motion, Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares asked the SC to rule on their petition in 2008 that challenged the constitutionality of the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking signed

by Arroyo with China and Vietnam.

The petitioner stressed the high court should now rule on the case to effectively block the joint exploration agreement on the West Philippine Sea signed by President Duterte with Xi. Bayan Muna alleged that this agreement is “unconstitutional like the JSMU, considering the pronouncements from Malacañang that the government will agree to a 60-40 sharing deal, contrary to the constitutional mandate that ‘the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall be under full control and supervision of the state.” With Rio N. Araja for the deliberation of the budget. The delay came from the House, so we cannot do anything. We cannot cram,” he said.

Arroyo had wanted the Senate to hasten the approval of the budget but the senators stood their ground, saying this would be unrealistic.

The Senate leadership and their counterparts in the House of Representatives met earlier in the day to discuss the budget after a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Lacson had attributed the delay in the approval of the budget to the “pork insertions” by some members of the House.

The House on Wednesday approved a joint resolution extending the validity of this year’s P3.767-trillion national budget until the end of 2019 to enable the national government to use the available funds under Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses as well as the Capital Outlays, particularly the allocations for the ongoing rehabilitation of Marawi City.

Compostela Valley Rep. Carmen Zamora, senior vice chairman of the House committee on appropriations, cited the importance for Congress to pass the joint resolution to ensure the use of unused funds of the 2018 national budget until Dec. 31, 2019.

Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City and the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. With Nat Mariano

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such services as maritime warning and forecast, tsunami alert, weather forecast, air quality forecast, and disaster prevention and relief,” the South China Morning Post quoted the Chinese diplomat as saying.

According to Lu, China aims “to improve civil services and provide public goods and services” to countries in the region.

Asked to comment on the stations, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. told reporters they should fly over the disputed area and verify the presence of the Chinese facilities themselves.

Lorenzana, on the other hand, said until they are verified to be otherwise the government assumes the stations are “just for civilian use.”

The installation and operations of Chinese facilities in the contested waterways came after Duterte’s call for Southeast Asian leaders to practice self-restraint over the disputed waters.

China, according to both Locsin and Lorenzana, has kept mum on the matter.

On Wednesday, Senator Francis Escudero took issue with Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, who said nobody on earth could enforce the arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China.

“Actually, what’s more hurting [is], he is not only a presidential spokesperson. The sad thing [is], he is also the legal counsel, two functions rolled into one. It’s not good to hear those words coming from a presidential legal counsel and presidential spokesperson,” Escudero said.

While the Philippines cannot militarily enforce the arbitral ruling, it is still important that the country hold on to the decision.

He also said a time will come when China could use Panelo’s remarks against the Philippines.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, on the other hand, acknowledged that the arbitral ruling cannot be enforced because no one country or any international body will do it.

“If we look back at history, the best course for the Philippines or any country similarly situated should take is to gather support from other countries to exert international pressure on China or any losing country for that matter,” he said.

“The onslaught of calamities destroyed vital infrastructures and affected the delivery of basic services to the affected communities. There are appropriations that have not been released and allotments issued that have not been obligated,” said Zamora, the sponsor of House Joint Resolution 32.

“These automatically result in the reversion of the said unexpended appropriations to the unappropriated surplus of the general fund of the muchneeded MOEE and capital outlay to fund priority projects, aid and relief as well as for the maintenance, construction, repair, and rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, and other essential facilities of the national government,” Zamora added.

House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya said the Senate leadership agreed to pass the joint resolution.

Meanwhile, the minority bloc in the House wanted Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno to explain the alleged massive underspending of the government amounting to P1.3 trillion in 2017.

House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez , chairman of the House committee on oversight, said Congress will subject Diokno to a

Trillanes asks RTC for permit to travel to US, Europe SENATOR Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday asked the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 150 to allow him to travel to Europe and the United States next month.

He asked the court to allow him to travel from Dec. 11, 2018 to Jan. 12, 2019, and from Jan. 27 to Feb. 10, 2019.

Trillanes’ counsel Reynaldo Robles told the court that the senator had been invited to attend activities in Amsterdam, Barcelona and London from Dec. 11 to Jan. 11 next year.

From Jan. 27 to Feb. 10, 2019, the senator will likewise be meeting with officials of various groups, organizations and institutions in California, Washington, DC and Maryland.

Trillanes attached in his motion a travel order signed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Aside from a warrant of arrest, Makati RTC Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda also earlier issued a hold-departure order against Trillanes.

Trillanes has posted bail for his temporary liberty while the charges of rebellion against him remain pending.

The Makati court’s ruling honoring the invalidation of Trillanes’ amnesty is still a subject of a motion for reconsideration.

PNA

‘Samuel’...

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“Samuel” on Tuesday made landfall in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Daram in Samar, Caibiran in Biliran, Calubian in Leyte, and Barotac Nuevo in Iloilo.

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Arroyo led a delegation of lawmakers that included Senate President Vicente Sotto III on her courtesy call on Xi on the last day of his visit.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. cited the “bonanza” secured by the Philippines, ranging from concessional financing for the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program to joint oil and gas exploration plus stronger cooperation in education and agriculture with China.

Villafuerte made the statement following Xi’s two-day state visit to Manila, saying the agreements “reinforce the revitalized bilateral partnership between the Philippines and China.”

President Duterte and President Xi witnessed in Malacañang the exchange of 29 agreements last Nov. 20. These were a mix of bilateral accords, letters and commercial contracts, including nine on infrastructure development, one on joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea, and another on the follow-up float of the country’s “Panda” or renminbi-denominated bonds in China.

The long list also included memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), cooperation on industrial parks development, infrastructure cooperation, and feasibility study support for major projects; protocol for the export of fresh young coconuts from the Philippines to China; MOU on strengthening agricultural cooperatives; commercial contracts on the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project and the first phase of the Safe Philippines Project; and a cultural exchange agreement, cooperation on basic education and on information technology. question hour to explain the matter.

“We will summon the Budget secretary probably next week,” Suarez said at a news conference.

Suarez, who filed a resolution to call Diokno, said President Rodrigo Duterte may not know the real situation on the ground, suspecting that his economic managers are not telling the whole truth to him, including massive unemployment.

“The President entrusted this job to economic managers, he has his hands full in this fight against drugs, criminality, terrorism which should also be given due priority. There are issues being hidden from the President,” Suarez said in a mix of Filipino and English.

In the same media briefing, CoopNatcco Party-list Rep. Antonio Bravo said underspending is now pegged at P1.3 trillion from 2015 and all the way to 2017.

“For every peso that we do not spend, we deprive our citizens of basic services,” Bravo said as he claimed the DBM does not have any report on the government savings.

“Sad to say while we have unused appropriations which could be used for employing our people… unemployment continues to surge so therefore the government itself is contributing to unemployment,” Bravo said.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

RALLY IN THE RAIN.

Protesters hold cloth banners as they shelter themselves from the rain during a rally in front of the Chinese consulate in Manila on Nov. 21, 2018, held to coincide with the visit of China’s President Xi Jinping to the Philippines.

The first state visit from a Chinese president in 13 years concluded on Nov. 21 after meetings with Philippine lawmakers, including Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a former president with deep China ties. AFP

Poe assures Iloilo folk of effective power supply

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Grace Poe, chairman of the Senate public services committee, on Wednesday assured Iloilo residents of an effective delivery of electricity once a new electric company was given franchise to distribute power supply.

After the public hearing and technical working group deliberations, Poe said they have recommended to give franchise to Monte Oro Resources and Energy or MORE. “We’ve had already a few hearings and there were many complaints that PECO failed to give good services and their assets did not improve and even the distribution which triggered several brownouts. They have also been exacting high costs which were not appropriate,” related Poe. Poe also noted that the Senate would support the House of Representatives’ approval of giving franchise to MORE to provide electricity in Iloilo.

She also said they found that MORE was very much capable of providing and supplying the electricity needed by the place.

She said they had thoroughly scrutinized the capacity of MORE as a new electric company and found that it had sufficient capital, experience and capabiltiy to be the new power distributor in Iloilo City.

She said they also considered all concerns and even the recommendations of the Iloilo chamber before deciding on endorsing to give MORE congressional franchise.

Ex-Makati mayor Elenita Binay seeks case dismissal FORMER Makati City Mayor Elenita Binay has sought the outright dismissal of her graft case at the Sandiganbayan as she claimed Ombudsman prosecutors allegedly failed to establish her guilt on the allegedly anomalous P45 million worth of purchase of beds and sterilizers for the Ospital ng Makati In filing a motion for leave to file demurrer to evidence at the anti-graft court’s Third Division, Binay said: “Upon the most respectful submission that the Prosecution failed to discharge its burden of overcoming the Constitutional presumption of innocence in that it failed to present evidence that will prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt, herein accused is entitled to file a demurrer to evidence.”

Apart from the graft and malversation of funds case for the alleged anomalous purchase of beds and sterilizers for the Ospital ng Makati, Binay also faces trial at the anti-graft court in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of office partitions and furniture worth P70.06 million in 1999 during her tenure as Makati mayor.

Binay’s husband, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, is facing charges at the anti-graft court over alleged questionable construction of the Makati Science High School and the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Parking Building. Maricel V. Cruz

DOTr warns of sanctions vs groups in ‘truck holiday’

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HE Department of Transportation warned that sanctions for economic sabotage will be imposed against the group of truckers which participated in a ‘‘truck holiday’’ to protest the phaseout of trucks that are more than 15 years old.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office have threatened that sanctions will be imposed on trucks with franchises, and private vehicles that have disrupted the free flow of goods and services going to and from the Port of Manila by preventing the operations of those that did not participate in the protest action.

“We will observe maximum tolerance, but, in no way should there be traffic disruption or congestion. Best interest of public and business must be prioritized and served,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement released to the media late Tuesday.

Tugade warned that efforts to disrupt the operations of trucking groups that

are not involved in the truck holiday is a form of economic sabotage.

Around 40 personnel from the InterAgency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) are currently deployed at the Port Area to ensure that the operations there remain smooth.

Several trucks were reportedly obstructing the entrance to the Port Area on R10 Road in Tondo, Manila.

The DOTr said that various trucking groups, including those that participated in the truck holiday, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the LTFRB and the LTO last May. In the MOA, they committed to secure the requirements for roadworthiness and safety, through the Motor Vehicle Inspection System

(MVIS), to make their trucks legally operational, including those units older than 15 years, during the transition period from June 30, 2017 to June 30, 2020.

A group of truck operators is currently staging a six-day “Truckers Day of Rest” from Nov. 19 to 24 in protest of Department Order 2017-09 that reinforced an earlier order issued in 2002, which mandates a 15-year age limit for public utility bus units or trucks for hire covered by a certificate of public convenience.

The Inland Haulers and Truckers Association said it will push through with the truck holiday unless the government halts the phaseout of old truck units and consider their roadworthiness instead.

They said that the phaseout will result in the loss of livelihood of around 90 percent of small-scale truck operators while benefiting international shipping companies.

The DOTr has earlier said that the truck holiday will only cause minimal impact on port operations as it was not supported by major trucking organizations. PNA

Ombudsman files case vs lawyer for JBC remarks

By Rio N. Araja OMBUDSMAN Samuel Martires has filed charges of violation of Section 36 of the Ombudsman Act and corruption of public officials against lawyer Edna Batacan before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

Batacan earned the ire of Martires when she accused the Office of the Ombudsman of accepting a “parking fee” in exchange for the delayed action of a pending case during the administration of then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

In his complaint-affidavit, Martires said he summoned Batacan to appear before him, shed light into the issue and identify any Ombudsman personnel behind the alleged extortion activity, to no avail.

“Under Art. 212 of the Revised Penal Code, Attorney Batacan should be held liable even if the money was demanded by the officials of the Office of the Ombudsman and Attorney Batacan’s offer was not made voluntarily prior to the demand by the officials,” the complaint read.

Batacan, however, wrote Martires, telling him such remarks were part of a Judicial and Bar Council interview last June 20 when she was then applying for the Ombudsman position, and that the Ombudsman did not have any jurisdiction over her.

She maintained she would stand by her claim of corruption within the Ombudsman.

“The deliberate refusal of Attorney Batacan to cooperate with, and provide sufficient details to this Office impedes the proper exercise of its function to investigate the corruption committed by the officials and employees of the Office of the Ombudsman as she revealed during her JBC interview,” he said.

During the JBC interview, Batacan, a former lawyer of President Rodrigo Duterte when he was then the Davao City mayor, tagged the Office of the Ombudsman as “graft-ridden” office, and that she was asked to give P50,000 thrice to delay the progress of a case.

Martires, a former Supreme Court associate justice; Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Efren dela Cruz; Special Prosecutor Edilberto Sandoval; Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III; Batacan; lawyers Rex Rico, Rey Ifurung, Felito Ramirez and Rainier Madrid, and Judge Carlos Espero II vied for the Ombudsman position to replace Carpio-Morales, who retired on July 26.

House okays DOLE to curb rising number of foreign workers in PH Arroyo bill regulating

By Vito Barcelo Islamic banks THE Department of Labor and Employment will implement stricter measures in the issuance of Alien Employment Permit or AEP following reports on the rising number of foreign workers in the Philippines.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that the granting of employment permits to foreign nationals should not be done in haste as it depends only on the skills on demand.

Meanwhile, various labor groups called on both Senate and the House of Representatives to conduct a probe and come up with measures to curb the rising number of foreigners working in the country without government permits because this has adverse implications on local industries and in the employment

situation of Filipinos.

Under the law, foreigners seeking employment in the Philippines are required to apply for an AEP, Bello said.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said the growing number of foreign workers in the country undermines the job security of Filipino workers as they compete with the already limited jobs generated for the Filipinos.

Silvestre said the department will also conduct inspections at workplace levels to check on the foreign workers and to validate the issuance of work permits to foreign workers.

Other agencies that issue working permit to foreign workers include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for geoscience and mining industry; the Professional Regulation Commission for the

practice of regulated professions; the Department of Justice for nationalized or partially nationalized industries; and the Bureau of Immigration, for the pre-arranged employment visa or 9G. The BI also issues Special Working Permit, allowing foreigners to work for three months and can be extended for another three months or more.

The bureau did not release records on the number of SWPs issued for 2018, raising suspicion that the agency was responsible for the rise in number of foreign workers in the country.

Based on the latest data of the Bureau of Local Employment, there are 115,652 foreign nationals that were issued with AEP, of which 51,980 are Chinese, while 12,177 Japanese and 11,780 Korean for a three-year period from 2015 to 2017.

LABOR PROTEST.

Kilusang Mayo Uno members held a picket-protest in front of the Department of Justice to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including labor rights defenders.

KMU strongly condemns the numerous trumpedup, non-bailable charges that were filed before courts against unionists and labor activists, in order to keep them in indefinite detention.

Norman Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives late Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill that sets the framework for the operation of Islamic banks.

House Bill 8281, titled “An Act Providing for the Regulation and Organization of Islamic Banks,” principally authored by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin Hataman, mandates the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to supervise, license and regulate the operations of Islamic banks. The bill was approved by an overwhelming majority of 221 lawmakers.

The bill defines an Islamic bank as a business whose objectives and operations do not involve interest (riba), which is prohibited by the Shari’ah and which conducts its business transactions in accordance to Shari’ah principles.

“We would like to invite everyone, Muslim and non-Muslims, to take a closer look at Islamic banking as an alternative-financing modality, instrument and facility. This is very good for the economy, considering the enormous potentials of the halal industry.

As we enter the ASEAN integration, we need to attain financial inclusion for the Muslims in the country,” Anak Mindanao Party-list Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan, who succeeded Hataman, said.

Anak Mindanao is being represented this 17th Congress by its second nominee, Rep. Makmod Mending.

Sangcopan said once enacted, the bill shall provide that the Monetary Board (MB) may authorize the establishment of Islamic banks and allows conventional banks to engage in Islamic banking, provided that these banks create a system that will separate their Islamic banking transactions from their regular business.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Sovereignty in question Breaking the duopoly is easier said than done. There had been others that tried, but they soon were absorbed by one or the other.

The question is, will the subscribers of Smart and Globe now go for MislaIT’S still too early to make an assess- tel on the strength of its promises? ment of the two-day state visit of ChiI’m just thinking, given the survey na’s president, Xi Jinping—whether it that Filipinos have low trust of the Chiwas mutually beneficial for both coun- nese, Mislatel may have a difficult time. tries, or only for China. But definitely, *** Xi came, saw and conquered.

One of the biggest factors preventI think at this point there is need for ing any president from getting rid of the Duterte administration to be trans- corruption in government is the fact parent insofar as the deals we suppos- that even a well-intentioned official edly got from China. Are we being could be helpless when he finds there lured into a debt trap? are many corrupt people around him.

Still, President Duterte must realize Then he becomes a “team player.” that many Filipinos have little trust in Or, if he tries to resist, the corChina, and many condemn our gov- rupt people begin a smear campaign ernment’s inaction on territorial dis- against him. putes on the West Philippine Sea. This is exactly what happened when The most siga Duterte appoinnificant issue, to tee tried to clean my mind, that beup the mess in a came a done deal government agenis the joint agreecy. This appoinThere must be ment on the explotee discovered ration of oil, gas transparency in all the that some lawyers and other mineral deals our government assigned to govresources. Here, e r n ment- ow ned entered into. the government and -controlled needs to be really corporations were transparent. getting excessive For one thing, allowances in does this agreement on the joint ex- violation of the law. The rules say the ploration mean co-ownership or some- allowances should not exceed 50 perthing else? If it’s co-ownership, which cent of annual salaries. Thus, when the I recall President Duterte had called it Commission on Audit flagged these at one time, then that is an abdication excessive allowances, the head of agenof sovereignty—unacceptable in any cy considered them bribes. condition. It’s surrendering our soverWhen the appointee refused to pareignty to China. It’s outright treason! ticipate in this scheme, those lawyers This could be unconstitutional and started a “whispering campaign” will certainly be contested before the against him. That campaign reached Supreme Court. This is why there the President who told the official needs to be transparency on the 29 that he was not a team player and that deals signed by Chinese and Filipino he was critical of the administration officials. when he was just expressing his hon*** est opinion.

Mislatel, the Mindanao-based conSoon enough, the appointee was sortium of Davao City’s multi-billion- sacked. The President made things aire Dennis Uy, has been promising a worse when he made all those allowlot of things after the government has ance-receiving lawyers head the agency. accepted it—provisionally—as the third Eradicate corruption in governtelecommunication player to break the ment? Forget it. duopoly of Globe and Smart. It promises *** fast Internet and better services.

With so many being arrested in the All I can say is that it remains to be name of the campaign against illegal Turn to A5 seen.

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Hospitality

I

RATE citizens took to social media to express their frustration and anger at the road rerouting done in connection with the twoday state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

While the Metro Manila Development Authority made a prior advisory on which roads would be closed and when, it appeared there were many unannounced changes that caused traffic mayhem and which led those headed for the airport, for instance, to walk the rest of the way so they would not miss their flights.

Then again, we Filipinos are used to bending over backwards when there are visiting dignitaries. We endure the inconveniences—perhaps even cursing at the visitor like no less than President Duterte did when Pope Francis was here three years ago—and console ourselves with the thought that such hassles are temporary anyway, and we could go back to our routine the following day. Such is the Filipino’s good and hospitable nature.

Unfortunately, the road closures are just a minor test.

One of the highlights of Xi’s visit was the supposed signing of a memorandum of understanding for a joint PH-China exploration of oil, gas and minerals in the West Philippine Sea. The problem, of course, is that this is contested territory, and China’s not-so-subtle incursions into it have angered many Filipinos.

Mr. Duterte’s apparent subservience to the Chinese anger many, even more.

Even some Cabinet officials are feeling the heat. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin was livid when he learned that the draft agreement had not been prepared by the Philippines but by China, and that Malacanang spokesman Salvador Panelo said the author of the agreement was irrelevant because it would be scrutinized anyway.

Locsin himself took to Twitter to express his disgust. “Palace Com doesn’t care if it is a Chinese draft?

I fu*k*n* care!” he said Wednesday morning. “A framework or architecture for gas and oil in our part of the sea demands that draft be MINE...

MIO... FILIPINO.” The issue was worsened by the revelation that neither the Foreign Affairs Department nor the Energy Department had with them signed copies of the agreement.

Lawmakers are correct in demanding transparency, because the issue transcends mere economics.

It strikes at the heart of our assertion of sovereignty, given that there seems to be no effort on the administration’s part to even capitalize on the victory we’ve had from the Permanent Court of Arbitration two years ago.

It is good to relations with our giant neighbor, show goodwill and even enter into partnerships for a mutual good. But how is mutuality defined? Does it cover an agreement that will have benefits to both parties but is skewed toward one more than the other?

When we elected our leaders into office, we conveyed that we trusted them to champion our interests, no one else’s, at all costs. Certainly we did not give them the blanket authority to pervert the virtue of hospitality that Filipinos are known for.

Mislatel security issues Sources say, however, that Mislatel has fully complied with government requirements and promises to provide internet speeds of 27 mbps on its first year of operations and 55 mbps on its second year, on par with that of Singapore.

Should it fail to deliver, the comTHE National Telecommunications Commission last Monday confirmed pany risks a loss of P24 billion in its Mindanao Islamic Telephone Compa- investments.

Now that it has its confirmation orny (Mislatel) as the third telco provider in the country, to compete against der from the government, Mislatel has firmly entrenched local companies 90 days to submit to the NTC more Globe Telecom and Smart Communi- documents and perform acts of compliance such as registering with the cations.

Globe and Smart are said to have a Securities and Exchange Commission.

The consortium also needs to “ob“minimum” of 40 percent of the market share each, according to an NTC tain approval from Philippine Compememorandum on the matter. Their tition Commission, National Economcustomers have complained of slow ic and Development Authority, and internet speeds, dropped calls, hidden National Security Adviser for background check on fees, and other the consortium service issues. members. They Soon after he will also have to took office, Presisubmit their rolldent Rodrigo Sovereignty issues out plan,” said Duterte invited acting Informathe entry of other aside, the government tion and Commucompanies that says Mislatel will be nications Techcould put Philipnology Secretary pine telecommu- required to toe the Eliseo Rio. nications services line when it comes to Critics of the on par with those cybersecurity. scheme see secuof the best in the rity issues with region.

Mislatel. China Mislatel was Telecom is owned adjudged to have complied with NTC bidding require- by the state and is the third-largest moments, while rivals Sear Telecom of bile provider in China and the ninthpolitician Chavit Singson and Philip- biggest telecom company in the world.

China has established bases in the pine Telegraph and Telephone Corp.

(PT&T) were disqualified for incom- West Philippine Sea, declared unsubstantiated rights to certain Philippine plete documents.

Mislatel’s win in the bidding is ac- marine resources, bullied fishermen companied by controversy. The com- in Philippine waters, and otherwise pany is a consortium comprising been flexing its muscles with regard China Telecommunications Corp. and to the Philippines.

Sovereignty issues aside, the Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp. and Chelsea Lo- government asserts that Mislatel will be gistics Holdings. Uy, a close friend of required to toe the line when it comes to Duterte’s, is alleged to have contrib- cybersecurity. The NTC Memorandum uted P35 million to Duterte’s presiden- Circular on the matter says that part of tial campaign.

Turn to A5

SEC used in vengeance against Mindanao pastor?

The said church group is called Kapa-Community Ministry International, apparently with roots from Sarangani province. It is headed by a certain Pastor Joel Apolinario, a low-key but influential spiritual leader in that part IS THE Securities and Exchange of the country.

Commission being used by certain unThe church group’s woes would not scrupulous parties to get back at their have caught attention if the SEC were enemies?

The concern has been expressed in business circles recently in the wake of news items that a Mindanaobased Church group is allegedly The regulatory being harassed by certain powerful body should not be personalities. dragged into fights It appears the head pastor of the said religious organization has such as this one. offended these inf luential persons who have access to key government agencies.

not brought into a reported conflict between the religious leader and influential figures in Mindanao. Based on accounts from media and our own sources, the group’s woes began when Apolinario became the object of extortion attempts. The perpetrators were supposed to have been caught in the act by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The spiritual leader has also reportedly caught the ire of a politician from the south who did not relish the growing influence and following of the church group. It is interesting, observers note, that in the aftermath of these skirmishes with these powerful parties, news items came out citing an SEC advisory against the Kapa-Community.

Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

The people’s purse OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ THE Department of Budget and Management was created in 1987 by virtue of Executive Order No. 292, or the Revised Administrative Code of 1987. Its mandate is to ensure the efficient and sound utilization of government funds for national growth and development.

Public welfare must take precedence and so the agency must uphold integrity and competence in formulating and implementing the national budget.

The House passed the 2019 budget on third reading yesterday and shall transmit the same to the Senate, with the hope of its enactment before the year ends. However, I have some reservations regarding its passage.

Last month, the House uncovered the irregular budget insertions amounting to P5.5 billion which were subsequently realigned to fund different basic services. This led to a big

controversy which the Senate intends to resolve before passing the bill.

There are also questions left unanswered regarding the utilization of the previous annual budget including the undeclared savings and unaccountedfor expenses. However, the Department of Budget and Management remains aloof on the call of Congress to

It may be used for candidates’ personal campaigns since 2019 is an election year.

answer inquiries pursuant to its oversight functions.

This exhibited disinterest by the DBM is disturbing. The DBM, as the line agency of the executive in charge of the national fiscal policies and

programs, should be working closely with Congress in the enactment of the budget. However, instead of being cooperative, it becomes a hindrance to the supposed transparency of the budget and the government.

2019 is an election year. With the unresolved controversies that beset the national budget, the people’s purse might be used for personal campaigns of candidates and reelectionists instead of its true public purpose.

Hence, I call on the DBM to appear before the House to explain and correct the irregularities in the implementation of the 2018 budget and in the proposed 2019 national budget.

By virtue of the oversight powers vested upon Congress, I, along with the members of the Minority, will be vigilant on the performance of agencies, particularly the Executive as the implementing arm of the government.

The country needs a cohesive government that will put forth the public’s welfare. Inter-agency cooperation is greatly needed to accomplish this.

The TV show THE popular TV series Ang Probinsyano has come under attack from the government. First, it was the Chief of the Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde who criticized the TV series saying that it is putting the PNP in a bad light and is demoralizing the rank and file.

This was followed by former PNP Chief and now Senator Ping Lacson agreeing with the observation of the PNP Chief that the TV series is portraying the PNP leadership into something that it is not.

Now, DILG OIC former AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año is now threatening to file charges against the producers of the TV series for causing the morale of the PNP rank and file to plummet. He, however, did not present any empirical proof that the TV series is indeed causing demoralization within the police organization. He also said that conditions might have to be imposed on the way the actors wear and display the police uniform.

The latest on this controversy was that a meeting between the producers and PNP Chief Albayalde will be held to see if both parties can find common ground toward a mutually agreeable solution. On the other side of the issue, former teammates Senators Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero came out with their own statements to the effect that the TV series is simply a work of fiction and that the intelligence of the viewers should not be underestimated to distinguish between truth and fiction.

There is also the issue of freedom of expression.

How exactly should the police be portrayed in movies? Should there be restrictions put on how to present the ugly side of a government agency such as the police? If there is, what are the limits? Also, shouldn’t there be proof presented when someone says that a movie plot is demoralizing the rank

and file of the police? It seems that there are some people who want to make a mountain out of a molehill. It is more likely that the demoralization statement is simply the opinions of important personages in the police organization and not based on fact. Maybe these people feel very uncomfortable of plots that are unpalatable to the image of the PNP. To be fair, I do not think that they want a squeaky clean image of the PNP to be presented; they just want plots that are closer to reality. But here in lies the problem. The job of the writers of the series is to be able to maintain the ratings of the show by presenting interesting plots and counter plots that

The image and standing of the PNP should be determined by how the police performs its duty and not by how it is portrayed in a show.

will keep viewers on their toes. Otherwise, the series will not last very long.

When everything is said and done, those feeling so uncomfortable should remember that the show is simply a work of fiction even if at times, art starts to imitate life. In dealing with this sort of situation, our police leaders must be careful not to overreact. Putting restrictions on the TV series will do more harm than good. As Senator Grace Poe puts it correctly, regardless of the unpleasantness of some plots in the TV series, the whole reason of the Ang Probinsyano is about the dedication to duty of the principal character which should negate the unpalatable plots in the series.

In many TV series not only here but around the world notably the United States, some people in the police or-

ganizations are always being presented in bad light but this is negated by the dedication of the principal characters of the series. Unfortunately, unlike in the United States wherein members of the military and police are always being surveyed to determine their needs and what they think on certain issues, we do not do that here. The leaders of our uniformed services are therefore missing out on an important tool of management: To be in possession of data on which decisions are based.

So, whether the TV series is demoralizing the police or not, the PNP leadership must back its assertions with facts. Maybe next time, the SWS and Pulse Asia should be allowed to do a survey within the PNP to validate this demoralization issue and put to an end once and for all. *** Perhaps what the producers should do is to limit the story to a certain command level. Since the principal character happens to be an SPO3 which is low in the totem pole, the plot should not go beyond the regional command level. A four-star officer in the story would seem to be overblown because in real life, officers that high in rank do not ordinarily get into the details of what an SPO3 is engaged in.

Maybe this was what Senator Lacson meant when he said that a certain plot is being presented that depicts the PNP leadership in a way that does not conform to what happens in real life.

The good senator seems to want art to imitate life, not the other way around.

But this is putting restrictions to the creativity of the screen writers which is something we all want to avoid. If the series producers are made to do away with the liberal use of artistic license and stick to what the PNP leadership wants, my prediction is that the series will not last very long. The best solution is to leave the show alone.

The image and standing of the PNP in Philippine society should be determined by how the police performs its duty and not by how it is portrayed in a show. If an organization is rotten, no matter how it is deodorized, it would still be rotten.

fenses, among others.

In any case, both Globe and Smart are already using Chinese telco technology. In January this year, Smart’s parent company PLDT, Inc. announced Smart’s partnership with China’s Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. The 15-month, $28-million (P1.4 billion) deal is for the improvement of Smart’s “online charging and electronic loading for prepaid subscribers,” said PLDT Group chief corporate services officer Ray Espinosa.

In November 2015, Globe signed a five-year partnership with Huawei for the planning and design of a mobile broadband network and the creation of a mobile innovation center.

Globe said the partnership will “enhance and expand the [telco’s] mobile network to elevate the state of Philippine Internet.” The mobile broadband network will use the “latest state of the art technology trends” while the mobile innovation center will house its “innovative products and solutions that would ensure Globe maintains its

competitive edge.”

This matter is still developing and time will tell if Mislatel will indeed establish and operate its business and deliver on its pledges. Despite receiving government confirmation of its bid, Mislatel will not have a smooth path.

At a press conference last Nov. 14, citing national security and privacy concerns, House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez (Quezon) said “I will go to court and invoke national security to stop China Telecom from participating in the telecoms industry.”

Similarly, Ako Bikol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin said Mislatel will have to be disqualified for possible violation of the legislative franchise granted by Congress. “We have to determine who has controlling interest over the firm, how much was actually transferred of the interest. A congressional inquiry may be forthcoming,” he said.

nicipal jails, I can imagine the deplorable conditions they are in.

There are reportedly over a million From A4 of these individuals, mostly coming drugs, I wonder where they are de- from poor communities. This is the tained. If they are kept in city or mu- reason I want the President to visit jails

in Metro Manila. And then he would see how miserable they are with a food budget of P50 a day, and taking turns sleeping on the floor.

There were plans to relocate the National Bilibid Prison to Laur, Nueva

Mislatel...

From A4

the required roll-out plan is a detailed description showing that the new major telco player’s networks and facilities will not compromise national security and shall abide with the National Cybersecurity Plan formulated by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Under Republic Act No. 10844, the DICT is mandated to ensure and protect the rights and welfare of consumers and business users to privacy, security, and confidentiality in matters relating to ICT, in coordination with agencies concerned, the private sector, and relevant international bodies.

DICT also has the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) as its attached agency. CICC was created upon the approval of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to suppress real-time commission of cybercrime of-

Sovereignty...

Dr. Ortuoste, a writer and researcher, has a PhD in Communication. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

GMA, ABS-CBN ratings: Why people are skeptical out saying that both Nielsen and Kantar are adamant that its system is far better—far more accurate—than the rival system.

With this situation, with GMA and ABS-CBN each commissioning its ABS-CBN and GMA Network Inc. own audience measurement entity, have for decades fiercely fought one how can the Filipino public avoid another for the right to be called the thinking that the contractor-client rePhilippines’ No. 1 television network. lationship produces a not-entirely-obThe Filipino people have become used jective result? Has Kantar or Nielsen to reading press releases declaring ever released results showing its clithat during a certain period GMA or ent losing out in the viewership derABS-CBN—the Kapuso and Kapam- by? And if either survey organization ilya networks, respectively—captured found that its client was indeed losing a higher percentage of the nation’s out, would that finding be released? television viewership than the rival No way. The competition between network. One recent press release had ABS-CBN and GMA is so fierce that ABS-CBN garnering a higher percent- such possibilities are unthinkable.

Yet, the televiewing public in this age—somewhere in the vicinity of 41 percent—of total national TV view- country has an interest in knowing— ership than GMA, and a subsequent maybe even a right to know—which press release proclaimed that GMA of the two networks is achieving a higher viewerhad convincingly beaten ABS-CBN ship in Metro in the viewership Manila, Urban ratings.

Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao How are these The rival networks in the morning, periodic rival should get together in the afternoon claims—mischieand in the evenvous observers and reach agreement ing. And it is incall the survey on a common audience terested to know reports praise re- measurement system. which of the two leases—received networks’ offerby the televisionviewing public? ings are scoring Is the public imhigher viewerpressed? Do TV viewers regard the ship percentages.

TV viewership measurements must survey reports as Gospel truth?

The soundings that I have conduct- become credible and skepticism-free. ed about the viewership surveys indi- The networks have an interest in such cates that Filipino TV viewers are not a change; after all, what is the point prepared to accept the survey results of their paying Kantar and Nielsen so at face value. More to the point, they much money if the televiewing pubic are skeptical about the survey find- is not going to accept their audience ings. They are not ready to believe measurement figures at face value?

I suggest that GMA and ABS-CBN that during one period GMA had a higher viewership than ABS-CBN of their own accord—without prodand that during another period ABS- ding from the regulatory authorities CBN left GMA trailing far behind in —get together and reach agreement on a common audience measurement the viewership tally.

The reason for this skepticism is system, one whose findings will be renot hard to find. Indeed, it is a no- ceived by all parties without question.

I find it difficult to accept that there is brainer.

The reason is that the present rat- no research organization in this couning system for Philippine television try that enjoys universal trust and reviewership lends itself to the charge spect. Needless to say, such industry of being self-serving. Each of the two change will require a large measure of networks has its own rating arrange- statesmanship on the managements of ment. ABS-CBN viewership rating is ABS-CBN and GMA. Until such a change comes about, undertaken by Kantar Media; GMA has Nielsen TV Audience Measure- the Filipino televiewing public will ment, which measures that network’s have to continue periodically receivaudience share with its NUTAM (Na- ing, from both networks, audience tional Urban Television Audience measurement data that it neither Measurement) system. It goes with- minds nor believes.

SEC...

From A4

In the SEC advisory, the regulatory body raised concerns that the church group may be soliciting supposed investments from the public and enticing them with promises of “high returns”. The church group is now reeling under the negative effects of the said advisory.

There are now worries that the SEC may have been fed misleading information.

The spokesperson of the church group has belied the accusations. It was pointed out that what was conveyed to the SEC as “soliciting investments” may have actually been the church group’s ongoing efforts to raise funds for its mission, upkeep and support for its needy members.

The church group deserves the benefit of the doubt since even the biggest religious organizations in the country ask for donations. It is no secret that these giant church groups obtain donations in the hundreds of millions, tax-free. One particular global church may have even channeled such donations to the purchase of stakes in several blue chip companies and hospitals in the country.

Why the SEC should pick on the fund-raising efforts of a grassrootsbased Filipino church group baffles us.

We can only surmise that the whole story behind may have been misrepresented before the SEC. It may not be far-fetched that the misrepresented story could have come from powerful parties whose interests have been adversely affected by the presence and mission of Apolinario’s small-town church.

The public would not have cared for Ecija in that 500-hectare area now occupied by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. There were already three bidders who had pre-qualified, Somehow, though, former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II scuttled it. Why?

the plight of the Kapa-Community. After all, not everyone is a fan of Billy Graham-type bible-quoting, fiery preachers which Apolinario appears to be. However, what worries us is that the SEC may have become the unwitting tool in some people’s bid to get back at the pastor. We would not have worried about this quarrel if not for the fact that an important and respected national agency like the SEC were dragged into it.

There are two things we hope would happen here. First, that the SEC would immediately get down to the bottom of the issue hounding this small-town church group, and that it would give the said group its proverbial “day in court.” It deserves due process and a fair hearing.

Second, that the SEC would be careful not to allow itself to be used by shadowy but influential quarters in the latter’s bid to neutralize perceived enemies.

According to media reports, the KAPA head said the church group has already explained to the SEC that the allegations that it has been soliciting investments with promises of high yield from the public “are misleading and have no basis in fact.”

The group has expressed its confidence that the SEC will “appreciate the truth” and resolve the issues facing the group “with fairness and impartiality.”

Apolinario said the SEC has also been informed that “there are certain persons determined to prevent KAPA from fulfilling its religious mission and calling.”

He said the KMCI is confident that the SEC “will not allow itself to be a tool of those who oppose our mission.”

The SEC has an important role in the country. Its job is too vital and its time too precious for it to be dragged into fights like this one. *** Another 365 Club regular is gone. I refer to former Ifugao Governor and Congressman Bert Lumauig. His remains were flown to Ifugao and will be returned to Manila this Sunday.

News

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MMDA: Don’t worry about Quezon City footbridge THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Wednesday asked the public not to worry about the safety and the structural integrity of the controversial footbridge in Quezon City following the arrest of four construction workers of the bridge in a police anti-drug operation.

“Nothing to worry about the safety of the bridge despite reports that the workers involved [in the construction] were [drug] addicts. We have final inspection prior to acceptance at all government projects,” said MMDA assistant secretary and spokesperson Celine Pialago.

Arrested at the construction site barracks of the bridge were Jan Jan Rasonable, 26; Joseph Baldia, 27; Lolito Lacang, 38, and Jonard Jagon, 23. They are now detained at the Central Police District- \Station 10 pending the filing of criminal charges against them before the Quezon City prosecutors office.

Authorities caught the suspects while having drug pot session at their barracks and recovered sachets of metamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, and drug paraphernalia.

The arrest was made after residents tipped off the police that some construction workers of the bridge were drug dependents and suspected to be engaged in shabu trafficking.

The MMDA was supposed to formally open the steel bridge last Nov. 15 but it came up with a decision to postpone it and redesign or modify the P10-million structure following series of criticism from newspaper columnists and netizens.

Based on the new design, the MMDA will add another landing platform on the footbridge so that pedestrians will not find it too steep.

“Our target opening is Nov. 27 and just in case (sic), before this year ends,” said Pialago.

The 10-meter high structure goes over the Metro Railway Transit Line 3 rails along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, near GMA-Kamuning station.

The cost for the P10-million bridge would have ballooned if it were a tunnel-type structure, Pialago said.

Pictures of the foorbridge dubbed by netizens as “stairway to heaven” also went viral on social media, with some Facebook and Twitter users commenting that the structure could be inaccessible to those pregnant, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Authorities nab at NAIA Taiwanese tourist

By Joel E. Zurbano

LAKBAY ARAL. Tingog Party-List 1st Nominee and Leyte (1st Dist) Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez (3rd right) poses for a souvenir photo Wednesday with barangay officials of 109-A V&G Subdivision, Tacloban City led by Chairman Rodolf Padillo (2nd right) at the plenary hall of the House of Representatives.The officials are in Manila for their Lakbay Aral program. Ver Noveno

Cagayan gang leader, 5 cohorts slain in clash

By Francisco Tuyay

A

NOTORIOUS leader of a private armed group and five of his cohorts were killed in a clash with police who intercepted them minutes after robbing traders along the national highway in Cagayan Valley Tuesday.

Cagayan regional police director Chief Supt Jose Mario Espino identified the slain gang leader as Gener Dunag, leader of the Gener Group and five of his unidentified henchmen involved in highway robbery and guns-for-hire operating in the region.

During the clash, one gang member managed to escape but was eventually arrested in a police dragnet in Brgy. Bangag in Lallo, the site of the bloody encounter.

Espino said that prior to the shootout, the Gener Group had just pulled off a series of highway robberies near Brgy. Bicud along Maharlika Highway among traders—three trucks hauling grains and lumber products

—from whom they looted P296,000 cash, jewelry and mobile phones.

As the robbery was progressing, a passer-by notified officials of Brgy. Logac in Lallo who reported the matter to the Allacapan and Lallo Police Stations.

Espino said one of the victims, a certain Ambot Rabago, was shot in the leg by the suspects before fleeing the scene.

Espino, quoting the victims’ account and identifying the vehicle used by the suspects, said responding policemen from the 203rd Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion set up a checkpoint in Brgy. Bangag where the armed group were heading.

The suspects were on board a white van bearing license plate RCK 364.

Espino said the suspects, instead of stopping, ignored policemen manning the checkpoint and fired several shots, prompting authorities to retaliate.

Police records showed the Gener Group was involved in the series of robbery incidents in Pamplona, Cagayan.

The latest victim of the group was Gloria Bautista, a businesswoman from Brgy. Capalilauan. She was robbed of P70,000 cash last Oct. 26.

The other victims were Ronnie Garcia from Nicolas Agatep, Lasam town, driver of rice trucking; Agustin Inay of Tuquitoc, Sanchez Mira, a coconut trader; and Ambot Rabago, driver of trailer truck loaded with rice and corn owned by Gregory Tallog.

Recovered from the suspects were one KG99 fully automatic machine pistol, three caliber 45 pistols and a 9mm pistol.

Hokkaido’s officials call on PAL’s Bautista to show support HOKKAIDO government officials led

by Vice Governor Hitoshi Kubota on Wednesday called on Philippine Airlines president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista at the PAL Corporate Headquarters in Pasay City as a show of support for the flag carrier’s forthcoming new route in Japan.

PAL had made the decision to postpone the original Sept. 10 launch of its Manila-Sapporo-Manila route to a new date due to the recent 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Hokkaido.

“Tourist spots and destinations in Hokkaido are open for domestic and international tourists. It is business as usual. The region has recovered from the September 6 earthquake,” said Kubota.

The Hokkaido government is in the midst of organizing tourism promotional campaigns to drive travelers to this Japanese Region.

Bautista, for his part, said that PAL’s newest route—Manila-Sapporo-Manila —aimed to serve the growing demand for direct flights to one of Japan’s popular travel destinations, especially Filipino tourists.

“Philippine Airline’s upcoming new

service between Manila and Sapporo— starting December 7, 2018—will further boost the flag carrier’s presence in Japan,” he said.

Flight PR-406 leaves Manila every Monday/ Wednesday / Friday at 1:55 am and arrives in Sapporo at 8:30 am. The returning flight PR-405 departs Sapporo on the same days at 9:45 am and touches down in Manila at 2:15 pm.

PAL corporate communications head and spokesperson Ma. Cielo Villaluna said the legacy carrier was all set for the five-hour and 30 minute maiden journey next month which will utilize the brand new 168-seater Airbus singleaisle A321 NEO aircraft, with 12 fullflat business class seats and 156 economy seats and wider legroom and inseat TV monitors on all seats, Wi-fi connection, reduced noise levels and myPAL e-Suite to access over 300 hours of inflight entertainment selections.

From Manila, PAL currently flies to Fukuoka, Nagoya (Chubu), Osaka (Kansai), and Tokyo (both Narita and Haneda airports); from Cebu, the airline operates flights to Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo, Narita. Joel E. Zurbano

MESH NETS. Some 253 registered fisherfolks receive 20 meters of 28- and 30-millimeter fine mesh nets, commonly used in sakag, a sweeping type of fishing gear with triangular net mounted between two poles. In his speech, Mayor John Rey Tiangco commended all beneficiaries for their dedication to provide for their family and practice responsible fishing. Andrew Rabulan

China to accept more English language teachers—Zubiri

By Macon Ramos-Araneta CHINESE President Xi Jinping has offered to accept more English language teachers, and possibly more nurses, from the Philippines, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Wednesday.

In a media briefing, Zubiri said Xi made the offer when the latter met with the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday at the Shangri-La hotel at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The Chinese president left the Philippines Wednesday after a two-day

state visit.

“We discussed continued trade between China and the Philippines,” said Zubiri, adding the other issues tackled were campaigns against terrorism and illegal-drugs as well as tourism development.

“And President Xi offered to accept more English teachers from the Philippines and even possibly more nurses,” Zubiri added.

Xi, the senator said, also expressed his “full support” to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Zubiri said also present in the meeting were Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

and other House leaders.

Earlier, Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana said China was planning to open opportunities for Filipinos’ legitimate employment as English teachers.

“They expanded their definition of English-speaking countries. Because before, the concentration was native-speaking.

And included therein is any country where English is taught. They said native-speaking countries and countries that were colonized by these English-speaking countries,” Sta Romana said.

Under the expanded definition, he said

the Philippines was included because it was colonized by the United States and English is taught and spoken widely in the country.

The ambassador attributed China’s interest in hiring Filipino teachers to the renewed China-Philippines ties under the Duterte administration.

“They are laying the ground work. As long as you have qualification, meaning college degrees particularly in teaching English, not only in elementary and high school but also in university. You have to have competitive degree,” said Sta. Romana.

AUTHORITIES arrested Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport a Taiwanese tourist who tried to smuggle out 254 pieces of smuggled soft and hard live corals reportedly worth more than P700,000 to Taipei.

NAIA- Customs port collector Carmelita Talusan said her men found the 39 kilos of various live corals inside the two luggages containing the personal belongings of the Taiwanese passenger she did not identify.

During interrogation, the foreigner admitted he purchased the corals for $15,000 or P788,250.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources officials said the “live corals is (sic) subject to further verification and appraisal.”

Talusan said exportation of corals without necessary permits violated provisions of Republic Act 10863 or Customs Modernization and Tatiff Act in relation to RA 10654 or Ban on Coral Exploitation and Exportation.

She added the exploitation endangered the Philippine endemic species of corals or precious and semi-precious corals that only exist in the Philippine marine waters.

Punishment for violators is 10 to 20 years imprisonment “and a fine and forfeiture of the subject coral.”

The Taiwanese arrived in Manila with two luggages but without any personal belongings inside them, except his passports and some cash.

The tourist was under surveillance for 15 days.

Officers of the Office for Transportation Security at the NAIA terminal 3 questioned him about the contents of his luggage where he was later endorsed to the Customs examiners and found out that he was trying to ship out the corals to Taiwan.

Pinoy Aksyon wants cases vs trash importers AN ADVOCACY group has asked the Bureau of Customs and the Environment Management Bureau to conduct a thorough investigation and file strong cases against the importers of trash from Korea.

Pinoy Aksyon on Governance and the Environment (Pinoy Aksyon) said the issue was a litmus test to the Bureau of Customs which has been wracked by controversies.

“Correct actions of the BOC on the Korean trash that ended up in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental could regain people’s trust in the agency,” said Bency Ellorin, chairperon of Pinoy Aksyon.

The same goes for the Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR, he added.

The group is aghast by the ‘palusot’ of Verde Soko, the recipient of the imported trash that they have actually imported raw materials.

“Even grade schoolers would understand that in manufacturing, you only import raw materials that are not available in the domestic market,” Ellorin said.

Shredded, laminated plastics which Verde Soko showed as their imported raw materials to manufacture plastic pellets are abundant in the country.

RA 9003 or the solid waste management law mandates the recycling of these materials usually used as sachets of shampoos and an array of instant drinks.

What makes matters worse is the mixing of other wastes to these plastics, the group said.

“Obviously, the plastic flakes, were just use as front of the blatantly illegal importation of toxic waste which is prohibited by Philippine laws and the Basel Convention,” Ellorin added.

Pinoy Aksyon is urging the BOC and the EMB not to fall to the strong lobby and public relations offensive employing fake NGOs by the importers of the illegal trash and their cohorts.

Congress too should pursue its investigation based on the privilege speech of Iligan City congressman Frederick Siao.

Misamis Oriental 2nd district Rep. Juliet Uy too should take a more prominent role as it happened in her doorsteps.

All government agencies, including the Capitol should stop using kid gloves to once and for all bring to justice the people behind this crime. Lance Baconguis

Sports

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Perpetual Help stuns Japanese in Asian U tilt

Petron guns for PSL sweep of 1st round Games Today (Filoil Flying V Centre) 2:00 p.m. – Cocolife vs Generika-Ayala 4:15 p.m. – Smart vs F2 Logistics 7:00 p.m. – Foton vs Petron

PETRON guns for a sweep of the first round when it clashes with a red-hot Foton side in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Battle starts at 7 p.m. with the Blaze Spikers hunting for their seventh straight win against the tough Tornadoes, who won five of their six matches in this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu, Sogo, Asics, Mikasa, Mueller, UCPB Gen and Bizooku with Genius Sports as technical provider.

Prior to that F2 Logistics will secure the third spot as it faces Smart at 4:15 p.m. while Generika-Ayala tries to forge a tie with idle Cignal when it tackles Cocolife in the 2 p.m. opening match of this battle that also has ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV as broadcast partners.

A victory by the Blaze Spikers over the Tornadoes will give them the top spot and a chance to be in Pool A together with the third, sixth and eighth-seeded teams for another round of action in the second half of the preliminaries.

On the other hand, either Foton or F2 Logistics will take the second spot and join the fourth, fifth and seventhranked squads in the next round, making this explosive triple-header very crucial and exciting for local volleyball aficionados.

Reigning champion Petron is definitely the team-to-beat.

In fact, it won all but one set in its first six matches, sparking speculations that it is on track to sweep the tournament similar to what it did in 2015 when the core of Rachel Anne Daquis, Dindin Manabat and Aby Marano won 13 straight matches en route to the title.

Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos, however, said it’s still a long way to go.

“We’re really happy with what we have right now, but I always tell my players not to be complacent or contented,” said Delos Santos following their impressive 25-9, 25-12, 25-6 win over struggling Sta. Lucia late Tuesday.

Alvin Tai Lian, FESSAP Chairman of the Board, makes the ceremonial toss opening the 10th Asian University Basketball Championship at the PCU gym in Manila.

Green lifts Raptors past Magic; Blazers grab lead W

ASHINGTON—Danny Green sank a jump shot with half a second remaining Tuesday to lift the Toronto Raptors over the Orlando Magic 93-91 and into the Eastern Conference lead.

Winning the dramatic Florida matchup improved the Raptors to 14-4 overall, a league-best 7-2 on the road and one game ahead of Milwaukee atop the East.

Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 18 points while Pascal Siakam added 15, Spain’s Serge Ibaka added 14 and Green finished with 13.

An Ibaka jumper put Toronto ahead 91-89 but the Magic equalized on a dunk with 2.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter by Evan Fournier, who led Orlando with 27 points.

But that only set the stage for Green’s last-second heroics.

“I just got a good look and got the shot up. Luckily it went in,” Green said.

“We wanted to show some character and maturity and somehow find a way to execute. We did that.”

The Portland Trail Blazers seized the lead in the Western Conference with a 118-114 victory at New York, improv-

PBA’S MARKETING AGENCY. Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Willie Marcial (right) shakes hands with Experiential Communications Integrating Trade and Events Chairman Angelo Serrano after inking a pact making EXCITE as the league’s Official Marketing Agency. At center is PBA Legal Counsel Atty. Melvin Mendoza.

ing to 12-5, one game ahead of Memphis and defending champion Golden State.

C.J. McCollum scored 31 points and Damian Lillard added 29 points and eight assists to lead the Trail Blazers while Tim Hardaway Jr. had a gamehigh 32 points for the Knicks, who lost their sixth game in a row.

At Miami, Brooklyn’s D’Angelo Russell scored 20 points to lead six Nets scorers in double figures in a 104-92 victory over the Heat.

Hassan Whiteside had game highs of 21 points and 23 rebounds in a losing cause.

Wizards beat Clippers The Washington Wizards, playing without injured center Dwight Howard, rallied from a 24-point first-half deficit with a stunning second-half revival to defeat the visiting Los Angeles Clippers 125-118.

Washington closed the game with a 28-13 run over the final 7:28 to shock

the Clippers, Wizards star John Wall shrugging off reports he might be on the trade block to score 30 points with eight assists, two steals and two blocked shots while backcourt partner Bradley Beal added 27.

“It’s amazing. All the heart and effort and drive I’ve had for this team, to hear I might be traded, to hear all those things is kind of funny and frustrating all at the same time,” Wall said.

“I just try to stay above all that, doing everything I can to pull it together. It’s just about effort. In the second half we played with effort and heart. In the first half we didn’t play with any urgency.”

Down 20 points in the third quarter, the Wizards saw Jeff Green score 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, including back-to-back 3-pointers and a slam dunk in the crucial closing run.

“We just played harder than them in the second half,” Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. “We showed mental toughness and resiliency and just kept after it. They have to do a better job of finding it in them.”

Tobias Harris led the Clippers with 29 points. AFP

Tennis exec vows strong NCAA volley opener airs at S+A SEAG team THE Arellano University Lady Chiefs open their title defense as the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 94 Women’s Volleyball Tournament gets underway on ABS-CBN S+A this Friday live from the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The opening ceremony beams live at 11 a.m. on S+A and S+A HD before curtains open with the Lady Chiefs’ initial test against the Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers at 12 noon.

NCAA Season 93 runner-up San Beda University Lady Red Spikers, meanwhile, take on this season’s host, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Lady Altas.

The Lady Chiefs will now play without their leader Jovelyn Prado, who has used up all her years, and Andrea Marzan, leaving Season 93 Best Opposite Spiker and Finals MVP Regine Arocha to lead a new batch of Lady Chiefs against the Lady Bombers headed by Season 93 Best Outside Spiker Dolly Versoza and Karen Montojo.

SBU, meanwhile, heads into Season

94 as loaded as they can get in school history with the Viray twins, Jiezela and Nieza, back in harness with star Cesca Racracquin and dependable support player Satrianni Espiritu. They are in for a tough fight to prove that they are more than the hype against the Lady Altas, bannered by Maria Tripoli, Necelle Gual, and Cindy Imbo.

Other players to watch out for from the other teams include Letran’s Marie Simborio; Lyceum of the Philippines University’s Cherilyn Sindayen and Bien Juanillo; San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos’ Joyce Sta. Rita; Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Jaylene Lumbo; Mapua’s Angeline Mangundayao; and College of Saint Benilde’s Jan Daguil, Rachel Austero, and Maritess Pablo.

Apart from the live broadcast of the opening matches, highlights of the games will be featured on ABS-CBN S+A’s “The Score,” while the semifinals and finals will also be aired live. Elimination games, on the other hand, will be livestreamed on sports.abs-cbn.com and the ABS-CBN Sports Youtube.

Honda Big Bike Caravan travels in Malaysia PENANG—The Honda Group of Companies in the Asia and Oceania region recently kicked off the “Honda Asian Journey 2018,” a Honda big bike caravan cruised down Peninsular Malaysia from Nov. 2 to 4, and ending up at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix event.

Over 60 riders comprised of customers, journalists, Honda dealers and associates from six countries, namely Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and India, experienced the fun and joy of riding Honda big bikes all the way to the destination, the Sepang International Circuit.

The 490-kilometer journey started at Stadium Batu Kawan in Penang, a northwest state of Malaysia, where all riders gathered for safe-riding training

and to warm up on over 60 Honda big bikes for the journey, such as the new Goldwing, Africa Twin, CB1000R, and CB1100.

The caravan traveled to Cameron Highlands, where a scenic landscape awaited the riders, before heading to the Sepang International Circuit for the MotoGP race.

Hosting the Honda Asian Journey 2018 are Boon Siew Honda Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia); PT Astra Honda Motor (Indonesia); A.P. Honda Co., Ltd. (Thailand); Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Vietnam);—Honda Philippines Inc. (Philippines); Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt., Ltd. (India) and Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., regional headquarters for the Honda Asia and Oceania region.

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help Jonelta System-Binan shocked Nippon Sport Science University of Japan, 83-74, to launch its title campaign in the 10th Asian University Basketball Championship at the PCU gym in Manila.

The Saints relied on John Angelo Rosale and Sean Dillon Laban to pull the rug from under the Japanese in this six-team tournament organized by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines, in cooperation with the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association and the Basketball Association of the Philippines and supported by the City of Manila, headed by Mayor Joseph Estrada and Manila Sports Council Chairman Philip Cesar.

Rosale, a 6’3” forward, scattered 22 points, while Laban added 16 points for the Binan City-based team of owner Dr. Antonio Laperal Tamayo and coach Vic Escudero.

“The boys played well even against this highly-rated team from Japan.

Ayaw talaga patalo kahit magaling din ang mga kalaban,” said Escudero, whose team topped the Laguna leg of the four-stage competitions in the 1st Philippine University Basketball League-Pacquiao Youth Champs.

In other games, Amur State University-Russia defeated Farmco Knight Club of Malaysia, 91-59, and Ningbo University of China overpowered Technological University of the Philippines, 103-62.

FESSAP Chairman Alvin Tai Lian, with TUP President Jesus Rodrigo Torres and BAP president Robert Milton Calo, made the ceremonial toss, along with FESSAP State College Affairs Allan Soria, BAP-NCR Commissioner Nestor Macatuno and FESSAP Regional Director Leonardo Andres Sr. Prof. Robert Milton Calo welcomed the foreign participants during a brief opening ceremony.

Games in the prestigious, weeklong competition will now be played at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

Six teams, including four foreign entries, are taking part in the five-day, round-robin competitions hosted by the Philippines.

Riders of the Honda big bike caravan are shown during their 490-kilometer journey.

NOTWITHSTANDING the issues hounding the association, tennis chief Atty. Antonio Cablitas is keen on forming a competitive national team for next year’s 30th Southeast Asian Games.

“We will have a competitive team for the SEA Games because I intend our players to undergo intensive training overseas beginning January to countries such as China and South Korea,” the Philippine Tennis Association president said yesterday during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Tapa King branch in Cubao, Quezon City.

“We want our players in Asian countries where they will be up against strong opponents for 11 months so they will be ready to face our regional rivals like Thailand,” Cablitas stressed.

Accompanying Cablitas to the session supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and San Miguel were PHILTA secretary general Romy Magat and training director Martin Misa, who said that former age group sensation Alberto Lim Jr. had already begun training for the SEA Games.

Also being eyed for the SEA Games buildup are Jeson Patromboon, Francis Casey Alcantara, Jurenz Mendoza for the men and Marian Jade Capadoccia and Clarice Patrimonio for the women, he said.

Misa, however, said he was not ruling Filipino-Americans Richard Gonzales Huey in joining the national squad for the SEA Games “because the door is always open for them to compete for our country, especially since we are hosting the event.”

Cablitas bared that he has tapped veteran non-playing Davis Cup team captain Chris Cuarto to be the competition manager for the SEAG tennis tournament.

The PHILTA chief also took the occasion in announcing the country’s hosting of the Asian Tennis Federation general assembly meeting that will be held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati.

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

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

Sports

Vera: I would rather die than lose in the PH

By Paul Gelario

Brandon Vera announces his readiness to defend his ONE heavyweight crown against Italian Mauro Cellini. Paul Gelario

Super seniors premiere in 69th Fil-Am BAGUIO CITY—A third division in the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament is in the offing when it is held at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay on Nov. 28 to Dec. 15.

The senior and regular tournaments are expected to see the top amateur players in the four round of action. It will also see the debut of the super senior division that will join the seniors and regular F and G flights during the first round on Nov. 28 until Dec. 6.

“That is why there is no Flight H in the regular divisions,” said rules’ committee member Roanne Galicia of co-host Baguio Country Club.

The “elderlies” will be part of the more than 1,200 golfers seeing action in the two week tournament.

In 2004, the Fil-Am introduced the seniors’ division (55 years old and above) of the Fil-Am golf during the 55th edition.

One of the first entries was Tommy Manotoc, winner of several Fil-championship titles, but has then given way to younger players, among them Jay Bayron and Juvic Pagunsan, who led the Nike team to the Fil Championship crown in 2004 and 2005.

“It is their time, so I’d rather coach them and just play in the seniors’ side,” Manotoc said during an interview in 2004.

BCC has also introduced a cart path in its par-61 golf course to help out the senior golfers, although half will be completed when tee time starts.

“We are still finalizing the entries since many are seeking for slots and we cannot accommodate them,” said Andrew Pinero of the executive committee and Fil-Am spokesman.

“It just shows that we live by its hype that we are the oldest and biggest golf tournament in the world,” added the former television anchor of a local cable TV. Practice rounds for said flights are slated from Nov. 28 until 30, with the captains’ meeting scheduled on the 28th and the ceremonial tee on the 30th at both courses.

Games for said flights will start on Dec. 1 until 6.

The regular Championship to flight E starts on Dec. 7 with the practice rounds until the 9th. Games start on Dec. 10 until the 15th.

Tamaraws oust Archers, take on Eagles in semis

By Peter Atencio

F

AR Eastern University may have lost big man Prince Orizu in the last five minutes to five fouls, but the gutsy plays of Jasper Parker, Ken Tuffin and Arvin Tolentino in the remaining time propelled the Tamaraws to a pulsating 71-70 triumph over the La Salle Green Archers yesterday in the playoff for the fourth Final Four slot at the Araneta Coliseum.

Tolentino’s triple in the last 3.1 seconds finally decided it all for FEU as it earned its sixth straight Final Four appearance – the longest active streak in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

“Baka sabihin nila, we won because of my shot. My shot is as big as any basket na ginawa namin this game,” said Tolentino.

Orizu, who fouled out with 4:30 left, was on his knees praying when Tolentino got a pass from a tightly guarded Parker and unleashed the game-winning triple from the top of the arc.

The win put the Tamaraws into a semifinal clash with defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles, the no. 1 seeded squad.

Tolentino finished with 15 points and five rebounds. After Joaquin Manuel

missed a triple for La Salle in the last 18 seconds, FEU’s Wendell Comboy secured the rebound, with the Archers up, 70-68.

“I love how these guys battled through adversity the whole year. They never gave up. Kahit doon sa 4-game losing streak namin, sila ang nagbigay sa akin ng kumpiyansa,” said Tams’ coach Olsen Racela.

The Green Archers, who won’t be in the Final Four for the first time in three seasons, were led by Leonardo Santillan with 20 points, They were behind by three at the end of the third period and forced a 60-all deadlock after Santillan scored two freebies off Orizu, who fouled out in the process.

They made things more challenging for FEU when Aljun Melecio and Santillan handed La Salle a 68-64

Game Saturday (Final Four at the MOA Arena) 3:30 p.m. Adamson vs UP

edge with 1:28 left.

As Santillan turned the ball over in the last 50 seconds, Tuffin put FEU closer, 7068, with his jumper in the final 38 seconds.

La Salle took charge at halftime behind Jollo Go’s trey, 38-36.

Prior to this, the Tams got hot and outgunned the Green Archers from the threepoint arc in the first period, scoring seven of 15 attempts to lead slightly, 21-20.

FEU went on to outrebound La Salle, 54-41, with their offensive rebounds of 27 beyond their season average of 13.6.

The Scores: FEU 71—Tolentino 15, Ebona 12, Tuffin 11, Escoto 10, Comboy 8, Parker 7, Inigo 5, Cani 2, Orizu 1, Stockton 0, Gonzales 0, Bienes 0.

LA SALLE 70—Santillan 20, Melecio 9, Caracut 9, Montalbo 7, Baltazar 6, Manuel 5, Samuel 4, Dyke 3, Go 3, Bates 2, Serrano 2.

QUARTER SCORES: 22-21, 36-38, 54-51, 71-70

Pacman, Roach still at loggerheads LOS ANGELES—Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao said Tuesday he hopes to be reunited with long-time trainer Freddie Roach for his January bout against Adrien Broner but admitted he had not spoken to the veteran cornerman about renewing their partnership.

Pacquiao ended a 16-year association with Roach ahead of his victory over Lucas Matthyse in Kuala Lumpur in July, breaking up one of boxing’s most famous double-acts.

However the 39-year-old raised eyebrows during a press conference in New York on Monday when he said Roach would be back in his corner for his January 19 fight against Broner in Las Vegas.

Roach though expressed bemusement about Pacquiao’s announcement in remarks to Sports Illustrated, saying he had not been in contact with his former protege.

“I still have never directly spoken to Manny (since 2017),” Roach said.

“I’m not going to make a move until Manny calls me. I’ve been like a father to Manny for 15 years. If he can’t call me, there will be no deal.”

When asked to clarify the situation by AFP on Tuesday, Pacquiao said he hoped Roach would work as a “supervisor”,

with long-time associate Buboy Fernandez taking a lead role in training.

“I don’t have any problem with Freddie Roach,” Pacquiao said at a media roundtable. “All I say is that I think the other work in training should be assigned or designated to Buboy.

“Freddie can supervise or instruct Buboy, this is what we’re going to do.”

When pressed on whether he had spoken to Roach however, Pacquiao admitted that there had been no contact.

“We have scheduled to talk today,” he said. “My idea is to let Buboy handle the mitts, and (Freddie) should just supervise and correct the training situation, or techniques, or anything like that.”

Pacquiao said he plans to divide his training camp into two parts, with the first half taking place in the Philippines and the final part in the United States.

‘A long time ago’ He said Roach would play no part in the Philippines leg of his training camp.

“He can just wait here,” he said. “I’ll be here next month in December.”

If Pacquiao and Roach are reunited, it will come after a striking and pronounced divorce.

Despite the father-son like bond they had shared for over a decade, Pacquiao said he could not remember the last time he spoke to Roach, blaming demands of his role as a Senator in the Philippines for the rupture. AFP

Riders test KTM’s racing DNA KTM bike owners were able to feel the full power and performance of the bikes during the KTM Track Day held at Batangas Racing Circuit.

KTM Philippines recently treated motorcycle riders of varying stripes—novice, advanced, and experienced—to KTM track day that allowed them to experience the ready-to-race DNA of the iconic Austrian bikes.

Held at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas, a whole line of KTM demo bikes were made available to participants for a test ride, including the 390 Duke, the 690 Duke, the 790 Duke, and the 1290 Super Duke GT. Participants were able to feel the full power and performance of the bikes in a safe and controlled environment.

Aside from the test rides, Joey Rivero, a former Philippine Superbike Championship Factor Racer, shared his biking knowhow and riding skills, participants. Rivero conducts precision riding training classes for every type of motorcycle rider —on the track, on tour or on the street.

KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing, Inc. (KAMMI), the proud local manufacturer of KTM motorcycles in the country, is a joint-venture partnership between Adventure Cycle Philippines and KTM AG of Austria.

DEFENDING One Fighting Championship Filipino heavyweight champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera told reporters he is ready to give his all, even his life when he fights Italian challenger Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli in the ONE: Conquest of Warriors at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday.

“I would rather die than lose in the Philippines,” the 41-year-old Vera said during the ONE presser at the City of Dreams on Tuesday.

Despite a two-year vacancy, Vera is confident that he can defend his ONE heavyweight crown against Cerilli, drawing a roaring cheer from the crowd.

“Am I ready after spending two years away from the cage? Hell yes,” he said.

But Cerilli was unfazed of the cheers of the crowd at the fullpacked venue.

“I know Brandon (Vera) is the local hero and I have all the respect for him, but I will do my best to win the title,” Cerilli said.

In other weight categories, Baguio-raised Eduard “Landslide” Folayang will clash with Singaporean Amir Khan for the vacant ONE lightweight title.

Folayang said that even after his loss last year, he believed that there is always a chance of coming back.

“Even if you fall, there’s 100% chance we can come back,” Folayang said. “Last year, things didn’t go as expected. I lost the title. But this year is a new chapter.”

Khan claimed that he is 100 percent confident of claiming the crown himself.

“I have all due respect for (Eduard) Folayang, he is a great martial artist. I am coming for the title. I am 100 percent confident of becoming world champion,” Khan said.

With two weight categories clashing for glory, ONE group CFO and Chairman of Greater China, Hua Fung Teh believes this is the biggest fight in Manila’s history.

“I will say this. We never had an event both competing titles at the same time. This is the biggest championship card in Manila ever,” Teh said.

The press conference was also attended by CMO of Zilingo, Marita Abraham, and City of Dreams’ Director of Marketing Operations, Nathan Sorenson.

De Vega, 9 others make Hall of Fame IN recognition of their historic sports feats, 10 of their generation’s most outstanding athletes will be honored by the Philippine Sports Commission in the third enshrinement of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame today at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Asia’s fastest Woman Lydia de Vega of athletics shares the spotlight with bemedalled bowlers Paeng Nepomuceno, Bong Coo and Lita dela Rosa, Filomeno “Boy” Codiñera of baseball and softball, golfer Benjamin Arda, Loreto Carbonell and Ambrocio Padilla of basketball, Josephine dela Viña also of athletics and Erbito Salavarria of boxing.

PSC Chairman William Ramirez will lead the awarding rites as the selection committees’s chairman.

PSC Commissioners Arnold Agustin, Ramon Fernandez, Celia Kiram and Charles Maxey will also be on hand.

Representatives of late sports icons Arda, Codiñera, Carbonell, Dela Rosa, Padilla and Dela Viña are also invited to receive their respective awards.

“This is one of the best opportunities that we have, to pay tribute to our great athletes. Sa dami ng karalangan na ibinigay nila sa ating bayan, they deserve this recognition,” said Ramirez. “We also hope that they would be able to inspire our youth, be a role model to the children.”

The elected hall of famers will receive an incentive worth P100,000 and a trophy to commemorate their enshrinement.

This is the third time the PSC leads the said activity in honoring Filipino sports legends.

IN BRIEF

PH ranks third in inclusive finance

THE Philippines retained its high rankings in Asia and the world in the latest global financial inclusion list, according to the 2018 Microscope, a cross-country study which assessed the enabling environment for financial inclusion in 55 jurisdictions.

The Philippines ranked fourth in the world and first in Asia, together with India, in terms of having a conducive environment for financial inclusion. The first three spots belong to Latin American countries, namely Peru, Colombia and Uruguay.

The report noted that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas “has been ahead of the curve in identifying opportunities and setting guidelines for financial inclusion.”

It recognized that the BSP’s focus on “creating a digital finance ecosystem has led to the introduction of a sound payments infrastructure that helps various financial sector players to reduce their costs and further their outreach.”

According to the report, the top-performing countries demonstrate strong government support and commitment to financial inclusion as evidenced by a national strategy which facilitates coordination among various stakeholders.

Julito G. Rada

Total to double stations to 1,000

OIL retailer Total Philippines Corp. plans to double its retail network to 1,000 stations around the country in the next five years from 500 stations this year.

Total Philippines managing director Laurent Stouffe said the company already put up 50 company-owned and dealer-owned stations across the country this year.

“Our target is 1,000 service stations in Philippines over five years, by building flagship stations. Two years ago, size of Total’s network is roughly 200 stations,” he said.

He did not disclose investments for the five-year network expansion program.

Total Philippines, with a 20-year presence in the country, is a growing player in the Philippine downstream petroleum industry.

It is engaged in the importation, distribution and marketing of refined petroleum products and operates an expanding network of service stations throughout Luzon and the Visayas while adhering to strict international safety standards in all aspects of its operations.

Total Philippines is the local subsidiary of French oil giant Total SA. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

Mislatel to offer faster broadband at lower prices MISLATEL Consortium of Davaobased businessman Dennis Uy and China Telecommunications Corp. vowed to provide high-speed broadband service at a much lower price, once it starts its operation as the third major telecom player.

“We have to be disruptive and so we have to offer lower prices, we have to [offer faster internet service],” said Mislatel Consortium spokesman Adel Tamano.

“We have to be the better alternative or else consumers will not go to us,” he said.

Mislatel, in its submitted highest committed level of service bid that won them the NMP title, committed to deliver 27 megabits per second of minimum average broadband speed in its first year before upgrading to 55 Mbps in the next four years.

Mislatel took the first step to make their promises work after one of its partners, China Telecom and DICT signed a joint letter of intent on Nov. 20 for a feasibility study in using the government’s cable landing stations and connect it to the former’s submarine cable.

The international submarine broadband infrastructure will connect the country to Hong Kong and the United States which offer cheaper rates.

Department of Information and Communications Technology acting Secretary Eliseo Rio said the facility would also be available to other telcos.

Mislatel Consortium said it would spend P257 billion in infrastructure and service rollout during the five-year period. Darwin G. Amojelar

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

B1

Apo Cement closes major plants A pany to lay off 30 percent of its workforce and cut the services of 40 percent its contractors.

PO Cement Corp., a of The cement company, controlled by subsidiary of Cemex Mexico’s Cemex Holdings, earlier complained of high production expenses and Philippines, said escalating cost of raw materials that imWednesday it is shutting pacted on its operations despite the implementation of additional measures to down its Davao cement look for new sources of raw materials. terminal and suspending Company officials said the continued indefinitely the operation of suspension of the quarry operations of Apo one of its two kilns in Cebu Land & Quarry Corp., a principal raw material provider of Apo Cement, was the decidprovince, following the ing factor for the closure of the facilities. suspension of its quarrying The Environment Department earlier suspended quarrying activities in Central operations.

Visayas after dozens of people died from a The closure would also force the com- landslide in September in Naga City, Cebu

By Othel V.Campos

where Apo Land had mining rights.

For a cement company, the kiln is the heart of cement manufacturing process because it is the main equipment used to produce clinker, the primary component for cement.

The Davao terminal holds and dispatches 25,000 bags on a daily basis.

Apo Cement said that while it was committed to support the government’s massive infrastructure program, it had no choice but to also indefinitely suspend the operation of one of its kilns in Cebu.

It said it was also constrained to engage with its suppliers in Cebu and neighboring provinces and is required to take actions in order to further reduce cost and extend payment terms.

Apo Cement said with the anticipated

depressed output of the plant, it would “implement a reduced workweek to decrease its fixed costs and expenses”.

This is in addition to the temporary suspensions earlier announced, affecting at least 30 percent of its workforce and reducing around 40 percent of its contractors.

Apo Cement said that to partially recover the increase in its production costs, it would implement price increase of its cement products by P20/bag.

The company acknowledged the need to take “remedial measures to reduce the adverse impact of the current situation in this period of uncertainty brought about by the disruption in Apo Cement’s source of raw materials and to pursue the best interest of the organization’s various stakeholders.”

PXP prepared to resume oil exploration in Recto Bank

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ICTSI wins fifth straight ESG tilt

PORT operator International Container Terminal Services Inc.was once again honored as among the elite Asian companies that have shown all-round excellence in environmental, social and corporate governance by Hong Kong-based financial magazine The Asset.

ICTSI won the highest Platinum ESG citation for the fifth consecutive year. It was also lauded as the Best Initiative in Innovation for the Automated Entry Gates at its flagship, the Manila International Container Terminal. ICTSI Foundation’s Water System for Aeta Community was recognized as Highly-Commended Initiative in Social Responsibility.

“We are very delighted and proud to receive these citations from The Asset, highly reflective of ICTSI’s commitment towards corporate stewardship of our people, customers, corporate resources and the environment in the last 30 years and beyond,” said ICTSI global corporate head Christian Gonzalez said.

“This achievement reflects that while good governance is core to our company’s performance, contributions to the broader society and environmental responsibility are also critical, as is transparency with investors and other stakeholders, he said.

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

GENDER EQUALITY. SGV& Co. is presented with the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality Assess-level certification, making it the first professional services firm in the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region to receive an Edge certification.

Shown are (from left) SGV learning and development head Clair Mangangey, assurance head Vivian Ruiz, brand, marketing and communications head Marlu Balmaceda, Investing in Women chief executive Dr. Julia Newton-Howes, Australian Embassy counsellor Nardia Simpson, SGV chairman and managing partner Itos Cruz, PhilWen chairperson and Philippine Business Coalition for Women’s Empowerment co-chairperson Boots Garcia and Karol Villaluna and Duane Sabado of SGV Edge core team.

PH, China sign Ayala Land launches 526-hectare P14.38b worth of development in Misamis Oriental rail consultancy

By Jenniffer B. Austria

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Philippines and China signed a P14.38-billion contract for the project management consultancy of the 639-kilometer Philippine National Railways South Long-Haul Project.

China Railway Design Corp. and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Co. Ltd. Consortium of China won the bidding for the P14.38billion management consultancy of PNR Bicol.

“I am very happy with our partnership with the Chinese Consortium, as this is our first contract with China for our railways sector. I am hoping that we continue this arrangement for more projects, including our Clark to Subic Railway project that I am hoping to be signed before the end of the year,” said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

The contract was exchanged between Tugade and CRDC chairman of the board Liu Weiqun on Tuesday at Malacañang Palace, and was witnessed by President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The National Economic and Development Authority board earlier approved the financing of the PNR Bicol Project through an official development assistance from China.

The PNR Bicol Project is one of the flagship projects of the Duterte administration under the “Build, Build, Build” program. Upon completion, the PNR Bicol Project will connect Metro Manila, Region IV-A (Calabarzon) and Region V (Bicol), reducing travel time from Manila to Legazpi City from 13 hours to under 6 hours.

“The contract marks a milestone for the PNR South Long-Haul Project.

Hereby, I commit that the CRDC and WACC Consortium will fully dedicate to the project, allocate the best resources, and do our best to perform the PMC services according to the contract stipulations and the requirements of the DOTr and PNR,” Liu said.

“We will contribute to make this important government-to-government cooperation project a high-quality elaborated project,” he said.

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. launched integrated estate Habini Bay, a 526-hectare master-planned development in Misamis Oriental province, to take advantage of the growth of Northern Mindanao.

Habini Bay is being positioned as a new center of trade and commerce in Northern Mindanao, Ayala Land said in a statement posted on its website.

The estate is a joint venture project of Ayala Land and parent company Ayala Corp. which acquired the property in the 1960s and eventually donated 183 hectares to form part of the airport.

The property developer said Habini Bay’s masterplan would be anchored by an industrial park to be managed by Laguna Technopark Inc. The property developer said the municipal government of Laguindingan would also relocate and build a new municipal government center within the estate.

Other projects include a provincial bus terminal which will provide convenient access to and from neighboring towns and cities and a technical school that supports the push for quality education in the region.

Ayala Land said a 30-meter-wide road along the coastline of the property connecting to the airport would allow easy access to Habini Bay’s industrial and mixed-use commercial sites, a sea port and other transport facilities.

Habini Bay will have pedestrian and bike-friendly roads to encourage a healthy modern lifestyle in an integrated and sustainable estate.

“Over the years, Ayala Land has been committed to enriching the way we live and to enhancing land nationwide,” said Ayala Land Visayas-Mindanao group vice president and chief operating officer Jun Bisnar said.

“We focus on inclusive growth, sharing our expertise as a full-line property developer to communities around the country. We remain a committed partner in nation-building and in improving the quality of life of our fellow Filipinos in the various regions where we invest,” he said.

Ayala Land said it planned to bring to Misamis Oriental its experience and track record in building sustainable mixed-use estates.

Ayala Land’s presence in Mindanao started about a decade ago through Abreeza estate in Davao and Alegria Hills in Cagayan de Oro.

PXP Energy Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan said Wednesday the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippines and China on cooperation on oil and gas development will boost the local oil and liquefied natural gas industries.

“The signing of MOU with China is a small but significant step, [in terms of the] the impact [it will] have on the LNG sector and our goal of achieving energy security from domestic resources in the country today,” Pangilinan said in a speech during the Meralco Technology and Innovation Summit.

The Philippines and China agreed to cooperate on oil and gas development during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the MOU was crafted to find ways for the country to benefit from the resource-filled waters in the West Philippine Sea. Xi said that they would continue to manage “contentious issues and promote maritime cooperation through friendly consultation” in the disputed waterways.

“I do hope that this could lead to some positive steps that we can take in respect of the work program that the group presented to the previous government in respect of the exploration and development work,” Pangilinan said.

PXP Energy, which through 79-percent controlled Forum Energy Ltd., controls Service Contract 72 (Recto Bank) and SC 75 (Northwest Palawan).

Both service contracts are under force majeure because of the territorial dispute with China.

“The impact on downstream activities, on the planned gas terminal, possibly LNG gas plants and Meralco [Manila Electric Co.] itself, I think in the medium term, is quite significant.

I congratulate the president and [Foreign Affairs] Secretary Ted Locsin for the small but significant step,” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan said he was hoping that a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and China would be signed soon and pave the way for oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea.

DIGITAL CONTENT PARTNERSHIP.

Local cloud services pioneer IPC, an ePLDT company, teams up with Conversant Solutions, a Singapore-based digital media solutions provider to offer Philippine enterprises the country’s first local content delivery network service. Sealing the partnership are (from left) IPC director for marketing and digital innovation Niño Valmonte, IPC chief operating officer Dave De Leon, Conversant chief executive Cheong Kong Wai and Pagecom president and chief executive RJ Pangilinan.

B2

Business

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market snaps five-day rally T HE stock market declined Wednesday on profit taking to snap a five-day rally, with some speculative issues leading the retreat.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 37.49 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,265.45 on a value turnover of P7.1 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 127 to 64, with 48 issues unchanged.

ISM Communications Corp., a member of the group declared by the government as the country’s third major telecommunications firm, slumped 18.6 percent to P6.30, while MacroAsia Corp., which provides aviation-related services, tumbled 11.6 percent to P12.20.

Globe Telecom Inc., the biggest telecom company, dropped 4.3 percent to P1,920, while conglomerate SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy fell 2.1 percent to P920.

Energy companies, meanwhile, suffered further losses on Wednesday following a collapse in oil prices while most Asian markets fell, but with the sharp losses witnessed in the morning being tempered.

Tokyo fell 0.4 percent, Sydney dropped 0.5 percent and Seoul slipped 0.3 percent with Wellington, Taipei and Jakarta also in the red.

However, Hong Kong edged up 0.3 percent and Shanghai added 0.2 percent.

Nissan recovered marginally after France and Japan sought to reassure on the future of its tie-up with Renault following the arrest of head Carlos Ghosn on Monday, although Mitsubishi extended its drop.

While investors in all sectors are essentially in selling mode of late, firms linked to the oil industry are among the worst hit as the price of crude continues to plunge on concerns about demand and high production.

The commodity took another battering on Tuesday, with both main contracts down more than six percent following another Wall Street selloff and as traders fret that Saudi Arabia might not deliver on planned production cuts.

Donald Trump’s support for Riyadh in the case of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has been taken by some observers as a move to prevent them from lowering output at the December meeting of Opec and non-Opec members.

“At the heart of the matter is the lack of market respect for Opec rhetoric regarding deep production cuts, (which)

have been ignored as the market now questions if the projected reduction would be entirely sufficient to rebalance markets given the expected glut in the first quarter,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. Adding to the dour mood is the ChinaUS trade war―which shows no signs of easing just a week before Trump and China’s Xi Jinping are due to meet―as well as US waivers on buying Iranian oil and a slowing global economy.

Crude prices have plunged almost 30 percent from their four-year highs touched at the start of October.

Brent and WTI rose Wednesday but regional energy shares fell. Hong Kong-listed CNOOC lost more than three percent, while PetroChina and Sinopec were more than one percent off.

Inpex dived 3.3 percent in Tokyo and Woodside Petroleum lost 2.1 percent in Sydney. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2018

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58.05 90.5 2.3 126.6 1.5 27.9 15.5 10.7 3.75 1.52 790 0.47 71.2 0.74 11.22 39.7 182.5 105 74.9 28.7 151.8 1,811 65.85 1.14

59.1 91.4 2.35 128.9 1.5 27.9 15.6 10.74 3.99 1.57 790 0.47 72 0.76 11.22 39.7 182.5 105 74.9 28.7 151.8 1,811 65.9 1.14

58.05 88.1 2.29 126 1.48 27.35 15.5 10.58 3.75 1.52 785 0.47 70.9 0.73 11.04 39.65 173 104.3 74.9 28.5 149.4 1,811 65.8 1.14

FINANCIALS 59.1 2,890 91.4 1,203,870 2.35 42,000 127 1,573,840 1.49 67,000 27.35 48,100 15.5 2,200 10.7 221,100 3.85 122,000 1.56 86,000 785 120 0.47 10,000 71.95 6,412,560 0.76 169,000 11.04 17,600 39.65 29,300 173 2,640 105 370 74.9 10 28.5 57,900 151 640,760 1,811 25 65.9 3,280 1.14 12,000

169,460 108,369,079.50 98,200 200,091,437 100,290 1,331,050 34,300 2,358,814 469,330 134,060 94,260 4,700 459,158,583 124,760 195,956 1,163,010 462,395 38,808 749 1,650,300 96,673,236 45,275 215,862 13,680

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

32.75 17.64 1.06 1.23 0.25 1.94 14.12 36.4 17.48 36.8 66 1.35 5 6.9 10.78 15.3 8.87 6.95 1.69 17.3 64.1 23 1.64 6.39 7.61 1.48 279 58.9 4.65 8.62 25.2 9.68 17.06 382 6.04 1.43 4 7.77 4.48 7.83 0.93 11 48.55 4.7 1.91 2.81 1.19 9.98 83.8 5.41 0.122 0.87 130 2.32 1.53 1.46

32.9 17.8 1.11 1.24 0.25 1.95 14.3 37.4 17.5 37 66.8 1.39 5.88 7 10.78 15.3 8.87 7 1.69 17.3 64.5 23.3 1.67 6.53 8.14 1.6 282 58.9 4.65 8.89 25.3 9.68 17.34 388.8 6.1 1.43 4 7.84 4.63 8.65 0.94 11 48.75 4.7 2.02 2.81 1.22 10 83.8 5.41 0.122 0.88 131.9 2.32 1.55 1.48

31.55 17.56 1.03 1.23 0.24 1.9 14.02 36.4 17.48 36.8 66 1.35 5 6.9 10.38 15.12 8.52 6.94 1.5 17 62 22.5 1.58 6.38 7.48 1.47 277.4 58.9 4.65 8.62 25 9.5 16.86 381 6.04 1.36 3.93 7.7 4.43 7.83 0.93 10.6 48.3 4.7 1.9 2.81 1.16 9.97 83.4 5.1 0.122 0.86 129 2.32 1.46 1.44

INDUSTRIAL 32.6 844,500 17.58 1,261,600 1.08 16,049,000 1.24 86,000 0.248 6,080,000 1.9 6,988,000 14.3 818,900 36.7 33,400 17.5 2,100 36.9 5,100 66.8 230 1.35 108,000 5.6 395,100 7 200 10.4 1,764,000 15.3 75,200 8.52 20,200 6.95 33,200 1.5 3,000 17.1 2,150,000 63.3 46,600 23.1 44,200 1.64 15,952,000 6.53 45,500 7.51 7,386,600 1.48 614,000 282 437,010 58.9 10 4.65 173,000 8.89 13,500 25 119,100 9.5 636,300 16.9 385,400 388.8 312,500 6.1 200,000 1.36 1,078,000 3.93 5,000 7.7 566,600 4.62 159,000 8.65 200 0.94 140,000 10.8 6,081,300 48.3 1,058,800 4.7 27,000 2 35,000 2.81 6,000 1.21 390,000 9.97 28,400 83.6 2,584,840 5.25 1,360,500 0.122 850,000 0.86 4,000 131 701,210 2.32 150,000 1.48 9,459,000 1.46 3,470,000

27,466,375 22,330,694 17,096,660 105,880 1,499,260 13,322,290 11,490,680 1,229,935 36,738 188,090 15,301.50 146,790 2,224,885 1,390 18,509,476 1,149,406 172,742 230,745 4,880 36,744,694 2,945,141.50 1,018,750 25,909,010 292,768 57,532,181 936,010 122,325,906 589 804,450 118,330 2,983,660 6,072,608 6,537,280(1, 120,618,832 1,214,810 1,498,190 19,720 4,380,054 717,110 1,648 131,370 65,668,538 51,291,925 126,900 67,120 16,860 463,770 283,571 216,170,476 7,083,832 103,700 3,480 91,642,587 348,000 14,130,310 5,072,080

6,541,280 1,050,612 -453,330 509,000 -775,210 624,476 -147,610 -3,970.00 2,875 -133,398 -77,876 118,428 -23,617 -11,418,164 -1,930,245 894,410 5,076,030 -3,210 1,336,074 -8,297,828 2,198,785 104,500 847,224.0002) 81,264,016 -796,760 -1,944,790 -43,578 -15,188,740 -54,835 29,005,417.50 1,173,056 348,000.00 159,540 199,890

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV MJC INVESTMENTS PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.49 47.95 10.86 0.84 6.3 19.36 1.41 1.46 932 7.32 12.6 7.6 2.91 0.23 885 5.9 46.8 0.52 3.88 16.38 0.52 4.65 3 0.034 1.15 2.45 173.4 2.28 928 1.27 459 271.2 0.225 0.192

0.55 49.5 10.88 0.84 6.32 19.88 1.45 1.46 932 7.32 12.8 8.1 4.6 0.23 898 5.9 47.1 0.53 3.94 16.48 0.55 4.66 3 0.035 1.15 2.45 173.4 2.28 930 1.36 495 281 0.235 0.192

0.47 46.4 10.6 0.84 6.3 19.2 1.35 1.4 916.5 6.95 12.22 7.6 2.91 0.21 862 5.88 46 0.495 3.75 16.26 0.52 4.52 3 0.034 1.15 2.3 170.9 2.28 912 1.27 440.2 270.6 0.215 0.192

HOLDING FIRMS 0.55 62,240,000 49.5 1,762,100 10.74 5,810,600 0.84 1,000 6.32 24,300 19.2 21,600 1.38 11,602,000 1.41 2,641,000 921 231,910 7 1,965,300 12.8 4,560,300 8.1 10,440,900 4.6 17,800 0.21 20,000 885 261,250 5.88 18,600 47 924,700 0.52 1,607,000 3.76 706,000 16.44 3,144,100 0.54 782,000 4.61 30,747,000 3 100,000 0.034 11,400,000 1.15 219,000 2.36 1,075,000 172.4 434,710 2.28 11,000 920 222,210 1.36 27,000 495 100 281 2,400 0.23 4,040,000 0.192 50,000

32,345,250 86,207,005 62,495,040 840 153,539 417,290 16,284,690 3,774,130 213,603,845 13,854,880 57,458,528 83,300,558 57,420 4,400 232,853,990 109,428 43,370,880 804,705 2,672,020 51,475,544 419,630 141,231,070 300,000 389,700 251,850 2,527,440 74,891,083 25,080 204,818,285 34,830 45,614 671,638 900,630 9,600

-92,750 -8,410,800 -27,373,528 84,680 -426,270 -24,043,060 50,395 -36,040,992 17,938,586 -73,727,905 -16,674,425 -2,288,130 21,127,870 -49,314,940 -97,060 62,252,768 -29,580,545 27,804 13,310 9,600

8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE IRC PROP MEGAWORLD

7.45 0.76 10.98 0.52 40.05 2.2 3.84 6 0.405 0.85 0.212 0.325 7.57 18.3 0.52 1.47 1 2.44 4.75

7.45 0.77 11 0.54 40.05 2.2 3.9 6 0.405 0.85 0.219 0.35 7.6 18.3 0.52 1.47 1.01 2.59 4.75

7.28 0.75 10.98 0.51 39.5 2.18 3.72 5.98 0.395 0.85 0.212 0.32 7.57 18.1 0.49 1.43 0.99 2.4 4.65

1,214,863 267,800 139,680 106,080 315,007,940 1,177,170 4,394,400 313,787 1,565,800 59,500 192,680 80,350 1,181,676 5,580,572 517,560 3,996,060 1,700,140 62,943,230 56,389,430

-7,600 -436,335 -744,680 -171,600 98,870 -36,036 -165,000 -804,700 -6,111,200 38,739,590

115,366.50 31,124,745 -20,552,522 -162,300 -389,692 78,500 116,422,140 -1,155,080 -62,810 47,063,252 -45,275 -54,651 -

NAME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS VISTA LAND

0.35 0.44 0.36 3.63 20.55 1.95 3.12 33.2 1.15 4.07 5.2

0.355 0.465 0.36 3.66 20.7 1.95 3.12 33.4 1.16 4.09 5.2

0.34 0.435 0.35 3.57 20.15 1.92 3.12 32.95 1.12 3.91 5.16

0.35 0.465 0.35 3.6 20.55 1.94 3.12 33.3 1.15 3.94 5.2

30,230,000 2,450,000 460,000 1,760,000 863,500 63,000 2,000 8,195,200 430,000 411,000 912,800

10,508,450 1,105,000 162,900 6,337,320 17,722,495 122,300 6,240 272,055,665 485,120 1,646,460 4,738,940

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

9.76 19.9 1.26 0.35 0.038 1.72 7.6 66.1 8.5 7.56 2.1 4.45 1,954 5.26 315 3.29 1.79 94.2 0.091 7.5 3.44 13.82 2.74 0.64 13.9 5.49 7.13 2.01 1.25 1.4 14.3 2.99 10 104.1 3.02 1,230 0.66 0.31 42.55 74 6.76 2.71 0.61 0.36 5.22 0.485 12.2

10 19.9 1.26 0.36 0.039 1.72 7.63 68.2 8.5 7.56 2.1 5 1,990 5.27 320 3.32 1.8 94.2 0.098 7.53 3.44 13.82 2.88 0.65 13.9 5.49 7.14 2.03 1.54 1.49 14.3 3.1 10 107.8 3.07 1,230 0.66 0.32 42.6 76 6.76 2.71 0.61 0.37 5.22 0.49 12.2

9.74 19.5 1.26 0.345 0.038 1.65 7.51 66 7.35 7.56 2.02 4.35 1,888 5.24 315 3.23 1.79 93 0.091 6.06 3.44 13.82 2.74 0.64 11.8 5.25 7.13 1.99 1.11 1.36 14.3 2.92 9.56 104 2.86 1,190 0.64 0.305 42.15 73.7 6.76 2.45 0.6 0.355 5.2 0.48 11.76

SERVICES 9.9 19.5 1.26 0.35 0.038 1.66 7.59 66 7.81 7.56 2.02 5 1,920 5.25 320 3.26 1.8 93.9 0.098 6.3 3.44 13.82 2.83 0.65 12.2 5.47 7.13 1.99 1.39 1.4 14.3 2.97 9.56 107.8 2.98 1,225 0.64 0.32 42.5 73.9 6.76 2.49 0.6 0.365 5.22 0.485 11.8

8,000 34,000 8,000 1,040,000 1,900,000 1,487,000 3,259,100 275,280 15,004,500 2,600 13,000 78,000 74,805 70,000 260 1,902,000 10,000 1,185,520 950,000 118,557,200 1,000 300 1,501,000 44,000 8,389,900 28,200 12,550,700 1,178,000 616,000 88,000 100 4,082,000 11,300 56,250 949,000 89,150 4,431,000 630,000 635,100 736,030 2,000 17,063,000 1,348,000 23,660,000 1,522,700 1,270,000 4,582,900

78,383 667,174 10,080 364,800 72,400 2,480,550 24,723,460 18,294,084 117,792,451 19,656 26,620 363,790 143,677,985 368,003 82,612 6,233,910 17,960 111,210,312.50 87,160 791,421,555 3,440 4,146 4,187,760(1, 28,420 103,148,178 148,226 89,523,686 2,368,530 864,440 126,570 1,430 12,272,590 112,912 6,007,161 2,822,260 107,620,735 2,899,770 194,900 26,975,455 54,607,029.5 ( 13,520 43,551,780 816,360 8,531,050 7,934,944 613,550 54,773,896 12,400 52,381,310 82,600 156,860 509,880 55,100 7,841 495,780 6,030 553,880 4,900 6,500 99,150 4,810,860 29,820 820,370 1,811,000 26,000 345,600 649,490 2,977,860 456,266,764 77,497,785 11,800

6,300 6,380,950 -4,720 5,170 147,810 33,630 -26,000 -820,640 1,093,612 23,981,825 -3,306,230 22,500 93,962 6,132 -

MS

PROPERTY 7.3 0.77 11 0.54 40 2.18 3.9 5.99 0.4 0.85 0.219 0.35 7.6 18.1 0.49 1.43 1 2.51 4.74

165,300 351,000 12,700 207,000 7,884,800 539,000 1,137,000 52,400 3,930,000 70,000 900,000 250,000 155,600 307,400 1,049,000 2,774,000 1,701,000 25,134,000 11,972,000

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

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

0.002 1.81 2.36 13.52 1.91 0.29 7.02 1.68 0.199 0.098 0.099 0.0065 1.11 1.99 1.02 0.89 0.013 0.013 0.012 3.9 2.7 18.14 26 0.0059

0.0021 1.84 2.36 15 1.91 0.29 7.29 1.71 0.203 0.098 0.1 0.0065 1.11 1.99 1.02 0.89 0.013 0.013 0.012 3.9 2.7 18.3 26 0.0059

0.002 1.62 2.36 13.1 1.9 0.29 7 1.67 0.199 0.092 0.096 0.0065 1.1 1.92 0.99 0.82 0.012 0.013 0.012 3.78 2.65 13.88 24.75 0.0059

MINING & OIL 0.0021 6,000,000 1.66 30,695,000 2.36 35,000 15 11,900 1.9 268,000 0.29 190,000 7.01 1,100 1.71 292,000 0.201 30,000 0.094 5,860,000 0.098 50,000 0.0065 1,000,000 1.1 90,000 1.94 2,475,000 1.01 30,000 0.88 960,000 0.012 150,700,000 0.013 2,000,000 0.012 28,800,000 3.84 169,000 2.66 1,114,000 14.66 28,673,100 25 3,076,300 0.0059 2,000,000

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2I

19.2 451 97.9 102.5 5.24 895 96 1.03 99.5 990 1,000 102.2 102 75.95 76.2 73 74.3 73.7 73

19.2 489 97.95 102.5 5.24 925 96 1.03 99.5 990 1,000 102.2 102 75.95 76.2 73 74.3 73.7 73.5

19 450 97.9 102.5 5.19 895 96 1.03 99.5 990 999 102.2 102 75.2 76.15 71.3 74.3 73.65 73

PREFERRED 19 181,000 489 2,940 97.95 10,150 102.5 250 5.19 18,000 925 20 96 340 1.03 14,000 99.5 10,200 990 10 999 30 102.2 60 102 50 75.2 2,350 76.15 100 72.8 36,150 74.3 400,000 73.65 12,300 73.5 21,140

3,450,650 1,397,150 994,117 25,625 93,962 18,200 32,640 14,420 1,014,900 9,900 29,990 6,132 5,100 176,982.50 7,617.50 2,584,326 29,720,000 906,310 1,553,785

LR WARRANT

1.65

1.7

1.57

WARRANTS 1.7 158,000

257,900

ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

4.07 2.95 1.27

4.15 2.95 1.27

3.95 2.72 1.05

FIRST METRO ETF

108.7

108.7

107.5

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

13,590,019

INDUSTRIAL

92,537,660

HOLDING FIRMS

157,770,230

PROPERTY

109,469,313

SERVICES

247,596,145

MINING & OIL

264,939,937

GRAND TOTAL

902,678,398

4.06 2.72 1.05

SME

451,000 11,000 16,308,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 108.3 2,200

1,820,040 30,400 17,860,590 237,148

693,700 7,000 -205,160 -132,870 42,680 -18,383,505 235,600 -2,461,781 -5,880 -20,310 -13,153,349 465,309.50 11,888,233 13,800.00 -29,269,500 138,510 15,239,252.50 -2,195,981 -4,146 390,129.9999) -14,814,200 -47,960,340 -26,150.00 209,920 9,517 8,436,840 -839,520 785,565 29,071,441.5) 2,418,690 -171,590 2,297,250 -2,396,615 4,985,912

137,280 -113,770 -

VALUE 1,704.82 (down) 6.01 1,119,774,497.02 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,665.83 (up) 28.72 1,071,742,926.06 HOLDING FIRMS 7,153.65 (down) 71.32 1,385,193,356.86 PROPERTY 3,493.10 (down) 18.83 1,391.49 (down) 11.35 939,638,951.165 SERVICES MINING & OIL 8,242.48 (down) 437.16 1,921,543,169.215 PSEI 7,265.45 (down) 37.49 599,654,366.535 All Shares Index 4,343.78 (down) 26.70 7,057,505,406.57 Gainers: 64; Losers: 127; Unchanged: 48; Total: 239

POPI unit invests P1b in Laguna warehouse

By Jenniffer B. Austria LAGUNA Technopark Inc., a joint venture between Prime Orion Philippines Inc. and Mitsubishi Corp., has earmarked P1 billion to build a logistics and warehouse facility in Binan City, Laguna province.

POPI in a disclosure to the stock exchange LTI launched its latest standard building facility aimed at accommodating small and medium businesses, as well as clients with growing warehousing and storage needs.

The new facility will have 40 units measuring 1,200 to 1,500 square meters each, and a total leasable area of 60,000 sqm when completed by October 2020.

Located within the 11-hectare Laguna Technopark, the facility will be LTI’s biggest investment so far. It will also be dedicated to serving non-Peza (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) locators.

The building will be available for lease to interested parties in May 2019.

LTI is a prime developer of industrial parks in the Philippines. It owns and manages the 460-hectare Laguna Technopark, which spans portions of the cities of Santa Rosa and Biñan in the province and the 118-hectare Cavite Technopark in the municipality of Naic, Cavite.

Located in the Calabarzon area, LTI’s industrial parks have served as preferred locations of local and foreign manufacturing, processing logistics and distribution companies in the Philippines.

To boost the logistics business, POPI maximized the value of its 14-hectare Lepanto property in Calamba, Laguna by shifting Lepanto Ceramics’ focus from tile manufacturing to real estate warehouse operations.

The company upgraded the common areas of its Lepanto Industrial Complex, initiated a phased rehabilitation program, and converted formerly nonleasable areas into leasable spaces.

POPI also plans to launch a 100-hectare industrial park in Cagayan de Oro and acquire at least another 100-hectare property in Central Luzon to be developed as an industrial park.

Torre Lorenzo invests P7.4b in four projects

By Othel V. Campos LUXURY property developer Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. has invested P7.4 billion in four ongoing projects in partnership with the Dusit Thani Group, including Dusit Princess Lipa Hotel in Batangas.

Torre president and chief executive officer Tomas Lorenzo said Wednesday the hotel component of the P2.4billion, three-tower development was a 152-room hotel that would rise within the Tierra Lorenzo Lipa. It will be the first urban lifestyle center in Lipa City, on top of the two residential condominium towers each fitted with 163 units.

“We want to be the first to put an internationally-branded hotel in Batangas that will cater not only to foreign tourists but for locales to have a really good place to stay when visiting the province as well as for balikbayans visiting their homeland,” he said.

The company signed Wednesday a professional management agreement with the Dusit Thani group to manage the hotel development in Lipa, City, known as Dusit Princess Lipa.

The biggest portion of the investment in the partnership with Dusit involves three projects in Davao City— the Dusit Thani Residence, dusitD2 and the Lubi Plantation Beach Club with an estimated development cost of P6 billion.

Torre chief finance officer Noel Rapadas said the real estate company was also keen on listing its shares the local bourse before the end of 2021 or early 2022.

“In fact, we had set our sights to pursue local listing earlier than the new timeline. But economic circumstances made it a bit difficult for us to gamble or risk our gains,” he said.

With a portfolio of 17 projects, Torre has so far completed six project—the Toree Lorenzo 1, 2 Torre Lorenzo, Torre Sur, Torre Central, Cuidades Business Park and Lubi Plantation Beach Club.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY extrastory2000@gmail.com

Business/World

B3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Interpol picks Korean over his Russian rival

PROTEST. Thais march during a demonstration urging a stop to the violence against women and children in Narathiwat on November 21. AFP

SEC straightens out hitch in Medical City INVESTMENTS are always welcomed in the Philippines as long as they are done aboveboard and transparent. But if they are concealed and manipulative to the detriment of another shareholder, the investment is a fraud and plainly illegal.

The Securities and Exchange Commission in a recent ruling found out that corporate laws were violated in the ongoing boardroom row at The Medical City. A group of investors identified with a Singaporean conglomerate, according to the corporate watchdog, committed violations of the Securities Regulation Code that resulted in a hostile takeover of the hospital facility.

The SEC resolution highlighted the method of a Singaporean investor claiming to have acquired a majority stake in Medical City, in partnership with entities identified with the erstwhile treasurer of the beleaguered institution.

The SEC has found the Singaporean investment firm Viva Holdings Inc. and its local partner, Jose Xavier Gonzales and his firms, in violation of at least three major provisions of the Securities Regulation Code.

The schemes used by the Singaporean firm and Gonzales, says the SEC, “were concealed” from the board of directors and shareholders of Medical City.

“Through such concealment, the respondents misrepresented their independence from one another” to acquire the majority stake. The SEC noted that the act prejudiced “the unsuspecting shareholders whose share value and voting power have declined” as a result of the scheme.

The SEC said the Viva-Gonzales group violated provisions of the Code which expressly prohibited “fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative act or practices in connection with any tender offer.”

At the heart of the SEC probe of the The Medical City mess are two agreements signed by Viva Holdings and Gonzales’ local firms. These are the shareholder covenant that ties the two groups tightly together, and a questionable $38-million loan agreement, the proceeds of which were supposedly used by the Gonzales group to acquire majority shares of Professional Services Inc., which owns and operates The Medical City.

The SEC is currently looking into the terms of the loan to determine if Viva Holdings is actually the so-called ultimate “beneficial owner” of the shares. The agency in particular is reviewing if laws established by the Securities Regulation Code to protect minority shareholders were violated in the acquisition of a majority stake of corporation.

Were “fraudulent, deceptive and manipulative acts” indeed used by the Viva and Gonzales partnership,as concluded by the SEC, in their bid to gain control of a revered institution like the Medical City?

The SEC gave the Viva-Gonzales’ group a deadline to answer why they should not be held liable for the violations they committed. The group said it would in time prove the SEC wrong.

Healthcare demand The SEC’s role has become crucial at this time when the country’s hospital industry is looking for major growth and expansion. Huge capital investments are needed to modernize the country’s hospital sector.

Philippine private hospitals are moving fast to help the national government cope with the demand for more hospital beds. The World Health Organization is calling for an infrastructure in health services that provides two hospital beds for every 1,000 population. The current ratio in the Philippines is 0.8 hospital bed for every 1,000 Filipinos.

Meeting the WHO standards is not being shouldered by the government alone. If that were so, it will take 30 years more before the Philippines can get any closer to the ideal ratio. But local and foreign investors have started bridging the deficit in the healthcare sector.

Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, formerly known as the Government Investment Corporation of Singapore, is one aggressive investor in the healthcare sector with over $100 billion in investible funds.

GIC poured in some $84 million of those funds into the country’s hospital industry through Metro Pacific Investment Corp.’s healthcare unit, Neptuna Stroika Holdings Inc. The investment led to the expansion of well-known top hospital brands, including Makati Medical Center and Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

The two hospitals join Medical City and St. Luke’s hospitals in an exclusive list of medical institutions accredited by JCI, an international rating organization, with the highest standards of excellence.

GIC’s entry is evidence that investors that come into the country with good intentions and in accordance with established rules can contribute well to the growth of the hospital industry.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or business@manilastandard.net or extrastory2000@gmail.com

DUBAI―Interpol announced Wednesday that Kim Jong-yang of South Korea had been chosen as its new president, beating a Russian official whose candidacy had unnerved Western nations.

The US-backed Kim, acting president of the global police body, was picked at a meeting of delegates from member nations in Dubai to replace Meng Hongwei, who went missing in his native China in September.

Beijing later said Meng resigned after being charged with accepting bribes.

There had been growing calls within Western nations for Interpol to reject Russian candidate Alexander Prokopchuk—a Russian interior ministry official and current Interpol vice president — over fears Moscow could abuse the role to target political opponents.

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threw his weight behind Kim, who will

serve out Meng’s term until 2020.

“We encourage all nations and organiations that are part of Interpol and that respect the rule of law to choose a leader with integrity. We believe Mr. Kim will be just that,” Pompeo told reporters.

Critics have raised concerns over Russia’s previous applications for Interpol “Red Notices”, or international arrest warrants, to target those who have fallen foul of the Kremlin.

Interpol’s president heads its General Assembly while day-today operations are handled by the organization’s Secretary general Juergen Stock.

In an open letter this week, a bipartisan group of US senators said choosing Prokopchuk would be like “putting a fox in charge of a henhouse”.

“Russia routinely abuses Interpol for the purpose of settling scores and harassing political opponents, dissidents and journalists,” they wrote. AFP

US sticks by ally Saudi Arabia W ASHINGTON― President Donald Trump vowed Tuesday to stick by ally Saudi Arabia even while admitting that de facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may have been behind the brutal murder of a dissident journalist.

“It could very well be that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event –- maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!” Trump said in a statement.

“We may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr Jamal Khashoggi. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said. “The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner.”

The gruesome murder of Khashoggi, who vanished after being lured into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, has hugely embarrassed Washington.

The killing torpedoed a PR campaign led by the crown prince to show that the conservative Islamic state has embarked on a new reformist path.

It also threw into question the White House strategy to make MBS, as the royal is widely known, its main partner in the tinderbox region.

Trump has for weeks resisted accepting mounting evidence of Saudi government involvement in the Khashoggi killing -- and accusations that MBS ordered the hit.

However, with The New York Times re- state-ordered murder will only make it more porting that the CIA has definitively conclud- so,” the Post’s publisher and CEO Fred Ryan ed that Prince Mohammed was involved, the said in a statement. AFP focus turned to whether Trump would punish his Saudi partner or find a way to let it slide.

In his statement, released by the White House press office, Trump took the latter N OTICE option, saying that the US-Saudi relationNotice is hereby given that AMANALAND CORPORATION with office address at 2F, ship was more important than the possible Centromall Cabuyao, Barangay Pulo, Cabuyao, involvement of Crown Prince Mohammed Laguna, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as an expanding developer in the crime. of economic housing project (Brooklyn Heights He noted that Saudi King Salman and the Phase 3) with a capacity of 572 house and lot units crown prince “vigorously deny any knowlon a non-pioneer status with project site located Brgy. Panginay, Guiguinto, Bulacan. edge of the planning or execution of the murder of Mr Khashoggi.”

Any person with valid objections on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in Saudi Arabia, he said, provides crucial writing, under oath, with the B0I within three (3) help in the US struggle to contain Iranian days from the date of this publication. ambitions, as well as having committed to $450 billion in US weapons contracts and (SGD) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Officer-in-Charge other investments.

Infrastructure and Services Industries Service In addition, the Saudis have helped in keeping oil prices low, Trump said.

“The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region,” the president added.

N OTICE Trump acknowledged a push in Congress Notice is hereby given that EASTBAY for the United States to sanction MBS and RESORTS, INC. with office and site address at take other action against the Saudi leaderBrgy. Bilibiran, Binangonan, Rizal, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as ship. an Expanding Operator of Tourist Accommodation “I will consider whatever ideas are preFacility (Thunderbird Resorts and Casino) with a capacity of 72 rooms under the Special Laws sented to me, but only if they are consis- Tourism under the 2017 IPP on a Non-Pioneer tent with the absolute security and safety of status.

America,” he said.

Any person with valid objection/s on the The Washington Post responded that above-mentioned project may file his/her objection Trump had placed “personal relationships in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. and commercial interests above American interests in his desire to continue to do busi(SGD) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT ness as usual.”

Officer-in-Charge “Trump is correct in saying the world is a Infrastructure and Services Industries Service very dangerous place. His surrender to this

US border town worries about military fencing

ORIE NTA L MINDORO E LEC TRIC COOPE R ATIV E , INC. (O R M E C O) Simaron, Calapan Cit y INVITATION TO BID All interested bidders are invited to participate in the actual bidding for these one (1) LOT detailed as follows: LOT-I

Supply of Pole Line Materials, Wood Poles (Australian Hardwood), Steel Poles, Recloser, Conductors, Lineman’s Equipments and Tools and Service Dropping Materials.

Approved Budget Cost: Php51,832,480.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: 5% Reinvestment Fund Mode of Payment: Staggered Payment Upon the Availability of Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT GENERAL GUIDELINES

1.

Interested bidders may secure BID DOCUMENTS and obtain further INFORMATIONS from the ORMECO, Inc. Bids and Award Committee (BAC)/ Procurement Section, ORMECO, Inc., Simaron, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. A non-refundable fee in the amount of Php50,000.00 shall be collected as payment for BID DOCUMENTS.

2.

Interested bidders must be accredited as supplier/contractor before joining the bidding conference and submission of accreditation requirements will start on November 26, 2018 at 8:00am until 1:00p.m. of November 28, 2018. You can call at telephone numbers 043-2882349/043-2869375 or send an email at ormeco_ coop@yahoo.com.

3.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at ORMECO, Inc. Board Room, Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro at 2:00 p.m. of November 29, 2018.

4.

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received at 2:00 p.m. of December 12, 2018, immediately after which, the said proposals will be opened during the actual bidding in the presence of the attending bidders.

5.

ALL BIDS must be accompanied by a BID BOND payable to ORMECO, Inc. in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT issued by a reputable bank equivalent to TWO PERCENT (2%) of the Approved Budget Cost (ABC). No Bid Bond in the form of Surety Bond shall be accepted. The bidder with the lowest calculated bid will be considered the winning bidder.

6.

The winning bidder shall issue FIVE PERCENT (5%) in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT from a reputable bank, representing the PERFORMANCE BOND.

7.

If the bidder who submitted the best offer refuses to push through with his / her proposed BID during and after the bidding, his / her Bid Bond shall be forfeited, and failure of bidding shall be declared.

8.

ORMECO, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any Bids, declare failure of bidding and not to award the contract without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. ORMECO, Inc. also has no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnity bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids.

(MS-NOV. 22, 2018)

(MS-NOV. 22, 2018)

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LAREDO―Pete Saenz, the mayor of the southwestern Texan city of Laredo, looks at the military fencing that now hems his bustling border town and is uneasy with what he sees.

“It’s a surprise to some of us, a shock We’re N Ofrankly.

TIC E not used to concertina wire,” the mayor Notice tells AFP. is hereby given that AMANALAND Laredo, whose population of about 260,000 is more than 95 CORPORATION with office address at per2F, Centromall Cabuyao, Barangay Pulo, Cabuyao, cent Latino, is one of theLaguna, areas being “hardened” by the US military is applying for registration with the Board under orders from President Donald Trump. of Investments (BOI) as an expanding developer of economic housing (Brooklyn As part of the contentious mission thatproject has seen aboutHeights 5,900 Phase 3) with a capacity of 572 house and lot units active-duty troops sent to border, the Army strung shiny on the a non-pioneer status withhas project site a located Brgy. Panginay, Guiguinto,wire Bulacan. metal fence made of barbed and concertina along Laredo’s grassy riverbanks.

Any person with valid objections on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in Locals are starting to worry economic consequences a city writing, of under oath, with the B0I within for three (3) days from the date of this publication. that relies heavily on cross-border trade.

In an interview at his City Hall office this week, where the MexiANN E. RAGANIT can tricolor stands alongside the Texas(SGD) flag,MARY the black-mustached Officer-in-Charge Saenz says he understands the federal government’s desireService to proInfrastructure and Services Industries tect the border.

But he is concerned the military presence might cause a drop in legal foot traffic between Laredo and its sister city of Nuevo Laredo, across the Rio Grande River in Mexico.

“Aesthetically, it doesn’t look good. Obviously, if we could have our way as a city, I think we would N object wire,” O to T the I Cconcertina E Saenz says, noting the city has had some initial discussions about Notice is hereby given that EASTBAY challenging the federal government’s fence.

RESORTS, INC. with office and site address at Brgy.

Binangonan, Rizal, isof applying for Mexican shoppers account Bilibiran, for about 40-50 percent Laredo’s registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as retail trade, much of which is centered on a of vast “outlet mall” that an Expanding Operator Tourist Accommodation Facility (Thunderbird Resorts and Casino) with provides better prices and selections than anything in Nuevo Lara capacity of 72 rooms under the Special Laws edo.

- Tourism under the 2017 IPP on a Non-Pioneer Mexican residents of status.

Nuevo Laredo are allowed into Laredo to shop and work, providedAny theyperson have with special andonsome validpermits, objection/s the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection 17,000 people shuffle daily back and forth across a busy bridge. in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) Even a small drop in foot c could a big impact on the days traffi from the date ofhave this publication. local economy, and similar concerns are being echoed up and down the border.

(SGD) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Officer-in-Charge In Nogales, Arizona, for Infrastructure instance, foot traffi c from Mexico has and Services Industries Service slowed dramatically and retailers are feeling the pinch with several stores at risk. AFP

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ORMECO, INC. (SND) RONIE T. MORALES BAC CHAIRPERSON (MS-NAR. 22, 2018)

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

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thursday, november 22, 2018

LocaL government units

Use e-commerce, Belmonte tells QC micro-businesses

By Rio N. Araja QUeZoN City vice Mayor Joy Belmonte has urged micro-entrepreneurs to utilize electronic commerce platforms to reap more profits. “e-commerce promotes itself because, as the traffic worsens and as people become busier, it becomes a hassle already to go to the malls for working people,” she said. “this is why we are encouraging and training the city’s micro-entrepreneurs to sell online so that they can earn more,” Belmonte added. the city government has partnered with the Lazada e-commerce site to teach small business owners on how to sell their products online, the vice mayor said.

“Some of our micro-entrepreneurs are solo parents, spouses of drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation, and persons with disabilities, so additional profit through online sales will really be a big boost for them and their families,” she said.

Mandaluyong kids get free hearing test the key to good education is to be able to learn, and to be able to learn entails being able to hear and understand what is being taught. this is why Canadian hearing aid company earaccess Inc.—founded by its current Chief executive officer audra Renyi—its local partner FINe Nutrition trading International, and the city government of Mandaluyong entered into a partnership called “Project access: Save and hear” to conduct hearing screening on children living in the city. targets of the hearing screening are Mandaluyong daycare center children, plus Kindergarten up to Grade 4 students. out of the total 6,700 children in daycare centers in the city, 2,800 kids have already been screened, in addition to 5,000 children aged 5 to 17.

Next to be screened will be the Kindergarten up to Grade 4 pupils in the next 6 weeks, hoping to end before Christmas. “early intervention and identification for children with hearing loss is really important, which is why we are doing this so that they can be identified, and intervention be conducted before they enter the school system,” said esther Jamieson, Project Manager for earaccess Inc. “We don’t want these kids to lose the chance to learn to speak or not have access to education because of that,” she added during the recent MoU signing at the Mandaluyong City hall.

Jamieson said the kids tested with hearing problems will be referred to ear, Nose and throat (eNt) specialists in the city.

“With FINe representing us, our first operational clinic in Manila will open shortly to provide follow ups for children. there they will be given the opportunity to purchase the highquality, totally affordable hearing aids from earaccess for their hearing needs,” she added. alberto Gonzalez, Director of Sales and Business Development at earaccess, said the project is complex given the large number of very young children.

WONDROUS VIEW. A young girl gets a better view of the bright lights thanks to her dad as the Mandaluyong City Government headed by Mayor Menchie Abalos turned on the Christmas lights around the city hall building, with the theme ‘Paskuhan sa Tiger City’ on Wednesday. Manny Palmero

Tan pushes ARMM gov protest

a

LMoSt 80 percent of the voters in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur, and Basilan in the 2016 elections were all fake, according to a motion filed by former Sulu governor abdusakur “Sakur” tan on Monday before the Commission on elections.

tan moved to have the results of the May elections two years ago in the autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao dismissed as based on a forensic examination, the thumbprints of the registered voters didn’t match the actual voters in the three provinces covered by aRMM. In a statement, tan said it was “unfair” for citizens of aRMM to be led by a “fake governor.” tan has a pending

protest before the Comelec against incumbent governor Mujiv hataman.

Former Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes, who is tan’s lawyer in the poll case, stressed that `voters in the region in 2016 were not all registered voters or the so-called “substitute voters” that often occurs in Mindanao.

From the 67,000 thumbprints that they examined, 40,000 were proven

fake, the former poll chief added. “that’s why the equivalent votes counted in aRMM should be declared null and void,” Brillantes said. “even before, the [previous] aquino administration has planned to cheat us out of the election, and we were warned several times by former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo not to run against hataman,” tan said in his statement.

In a meeting with former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and military, police and Department of Defense officials, former President Noynoy aquino threatened tan that he would personally go to Sulu to “eliminate” tan’s whole family if he would not withdraw his

Cynthia lauds Caloocan’s SGLG win under Oca

Navoteño fisherfolk get new ‘sakag’

By Jun David SeNatoR Cynthia villar congratulated the City Government of Caloocan led by Mayor oscar “oca” Malapitan for being a four-peat Seal of Good Local Governance awardee, emphasizing that Caloocan is now a progressive city.

“Caloocan has received different awards, the last being the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ng Seal of Good Local Governance for four consecutive years. Mayor oca has really improved Caloocan,” villar said during the Monday flag-raising ceremony at the New Caloocan City hall.

Citing stricter guidelines set by the DILG this year, the senator said SGLG is the highest award given by the DILG to give distinction to remarkable good local governance across the country. “that is really a big achievement and deserves admiration and praise. Caloocan is on the right track as far as keeping the momentum of change going. I’m looking forward to keep hearing good news about your city,” villar said.

Mayor oca thanked villar for visiting Caloocan City. he also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to vice Mayor Maca assistio, Rep. along Malapitan, Rep. egay erice, the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, all city department heads and employees for their hard work in helping him serve their constituents. the Mayor said he dedicates the fourth SGLG award “to the true heroes who inspire him to work harder—the Caloocan residents.”

candidacy against hataman, tan said. “hindi lalaki kausap si Noynoy at walang isang salita [Noynoy doesn’t have a man’s word],” he added. aquino even sent some officials of West Mincom (the armed Forces Western Mindanao Command) and told tan’s child, “Masyadong matigas ang ulo ng tatay mo, baka madamay ka [Your father’s too stubborn, you might get involved],” the former governor said.

Because of this threat, tan said he confronted the army officials and uttered: “Kahit i-firing squad ni’yo ako, hindi ako magwi-wiwithdraw (even if I face a firing squad, I won’t withdraw).”

LAGUNA BET. Senator Cynthia Villar raises the hand of Sta. Maria town Mayor Tony Carolino, who is running for congressman of Laguna’s 4th District in the 2019 elections under the Nacionalista Party. Carolino is on the last term of his mayoralty and was ‘pushed’ as a candidate by his fellow mayors in the district. Roy Tomandao

Navoteño fisherfolks got an early Christmas gift from the Navotas City Government.

Some 253 registered fisherfolks received 20 meters of 28and 30-millimetre fine mesh nets which is commonly used in “sakag,” a sweeping type of fishing gear with a triangular net mounted between two poles.

In his speech, Mayor John Rey tiangco commended all beneficiaries for their dedication to provide for their family and, at the same time, practice responsible fishing. “as fisherfolks, your earnings greatly depend on the season and your daily catch. oftentimes, several hours of hard labor do not even yield enough to feed your family. But you still abide by the laws and follow the rules of sustainable fishing, showing values that are true to Navoteños,” said tiangco. the mayor also told beneficiaries that qualified Navoteño fisherfolks will soon be given their own solo piston boats under the NavoBangka program. the construction and assembly of these boats are already on its finishing stages. Jun David

BDO Foundation aids ‘Rosita’ victims

MEDICAL-DENTAL MISSION. The Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc., owner and operator of

the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, in cooperation with the Filipino Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Inc., recently conducted a medical and dental mission in Old Balara, Quezon City. Hundreds of residents there benefited from free consultation, medicines, tooth extraction and reading eyeglasses. The project, requested

by Quezon City 3rd District Councilor Kate Coseteng, was made possible by PCCAI chairman Dr. Benito Goyokpin and PCCAI president Dr. James G. Dy, also Chairman Emeritus of FCGCCI and Governor of the Philippine Red Cross. In photo are (from left) CGHMC deputy administrator Cheche Javier, Ms. Gloria Yang, Councilor Coseteng, PCCAI director Robert Yang, and Mr. Dy.

FoLLoWING their relief work in the wake of several tropical storms in the past three months, officers and staff of BDo continued to extend a helping hand to disaster-stricken Filipinos in the province of Isabela. volunteers of the unibank recently mounted relief operations for victims of typhoon “Rosita” as part of efforts organized by BDo Foundation. the volunteers distributed 3,700 packs containing food, rice and water in the municipality of Roxas to help residents cope with the calamity. the humanitarian mission, led by BDo Isabela-Roxas branch head Boyet Ballad, also saw other volunteers not from the bank in action.

BDo employees provide aid to victims of natural or man-made disasters all over the country in keeping with the disaster response advocacy of BDo Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDo Unibank. as a follow-up to its relief efforts, the foundation pursues long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction programs in provinces hit by calamities. the 18th to make landfall in the country this year, “Rosita” battered Isabela, forcing thousands of residents in several towns to evacuate.

Storm Signal No. 3 was raised in the province and other parts of Luzon as heavy rains, massive f looding and landslides threatened to destroy homes and infrastructure.

Life household

bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @mstandardLIFe thursday, november 22, 2018

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N SANTA rosa, Laguna, a mall offers families fun indoor and outdoor activities to celebrate the Yuletide season.

Ayala Malls Solenad boasts a magical combination of both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing families and friends to experience holiday traditions in a fresh way.

Its cool climate—being near Tagaytay—and landscaped activity areas make its an ideal place to rediscover the magic of play and traditional games. Families can marvel at playgrounds transformed with enchanting holiday décor and giant installations while shopping for gifts, then dine al-fresco at Solenad’s many restaurants to feel the great ‘ber months weather—all the while experiencing a holiday calendar full of the cheeriest and merriest of surprises.

As part of its Awaken Amazing Holiday Campaign, Solenad recently staged the Awit at Laro mall show at the Activity Center. Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, co-creator of the project, along with Gab Valenciano, Yeng Constantino, Hannah Pangilinan, Lara Maigue, and STEPS Dance Studio, enthralled the audience with performances that captured the youthful energy of play.

Awit at Laro, which draws inspiration from Filipino children’s games, aims to raise funds for UNICEF, Tukod Foundation, and the Shining Light Foundation. It intends to reintroduce traditional games to a new generation of youth through music and the arts. It is cocreated by Valenciano and Bambi MañosaTanjutco with the help of over 100 artists.

Awit at Laro will continue to be brought to life through the Larong Pinoy installation. Until Nov. 24, Solenad will be full of colorful, larger-than-life displays of favorite Filipino games like kites, tumbang preso, piko, and more.

December will be filled with vibrant performances. Families can sing along

RediscoveRing the magic of outdoors

cHRisTMAs is MeRRY WiTH THe FAMiLY. Santa Rosa, Laguna-based Ayala Malls’ Solenad invites families to celebrate the holiday season reminiscing beloved Filipino childhood games.

to their favorite Christmas songs at the Christmas Cantata happening on Dec. 1, 4:30 p.m. and Dec. 22-23, 6:00 p.m. at the Solenad Activity Park, or rock out to December Avenue as they perform live in Solenad on Dec. 2, 7:00 p.m.

Solenad also invites foodies to awaken their taste buds with delicacies from the CALABArZON area at the Department of Tourism’s Kain Na! Food Fair on Dec. 7-9. Meanwhile, shoppers can make Christmas merry for those who deserve it the most and awaken the spirit of giving with Laruang Aguinaldo—Ayala Malls’ holiday toy drive for the benefit of UNICEF and Kids 4 Kids. Families can drop by red Tag by rustans and Toys r Us from today until Dec. 16 and give kids more time to play, beyond Christmas.

And with the great outdoors as its canvas, Solenad’s Christmas celebration has become even more dazzling with bigger outdoor spectacles. This season marks the launch of all-new, with 3D projection, mapping shows, created in partnership with Panasonic and inspired by the Filipino tradition of Simbang Gabi, happening on Dec. 14-16 at the Solenad Activity Park.

Solenad’s cool climate and landscaped activity areas make it an ideal place to awaken senses during the holiday season.

Families in Marawi receive early Christmas gifts A YEAr after the liberation of Marawi, The SM Store continues to assist families affected by the siege through its Donate-A-Book, Give the Gift of wellness, and Share Your Extras campaigns.

In a series of ceremonial turnovers held recently at SM CDO Uptown, boxes of clothes, slippers, books, notebooks, school supplies, Safeguard soaps, and hygiene packs from SM Shoppers were officially turned over to the Department of Social welfare and Development region 12 for the benefit of the Marawi community.

“Marawi was chosen as the beneficiary of all our CSr donations this year because of the devastation the city went through,” said Ma. Cecilia Abreu, The

SM Store vice president for operations and CSr head.

Abreu added, “Through the donations coming from our customers, we hope that somehow SM can help Marawi residents in their everyday lives and communicate to them that there are a lot of fellow Filipinos who care for them so much.”

During the onsite distribution of donations in Marawi City, families were all smiles, filled with hope and excitement as they received the donations.

For Donate-A-Book, 3,650 boxes of books, notebooks, and school supplies were turned over to the kids of Marawi community.

Give the Gift of wellness, on the other hand, distributed over 16,000 bundles of

IKEA will open its world’s largest store in SM Mall of Asia complex in 2020.

Gift of Wellness distributes Safeguard soaps and hygiene kits to families who were affected by the Marawi siege.

Kids and their parents are all smiles after receiving school supplies donated through Donate-A-Book.

Safeguard soaps; while the Share Your Extras campaign had 295 boxes filled with assorted wares, slippers, and hygiene packs to help Marawi families in their everyday sanitary needs.

The Marawi siege [was] very destructive to the Maranao people especially [when] much of their livelihood was lost,” said Noraidah Busran, DSwD regional project coordinator.

“The SM Store was a big help to a lot of people especially in Sarimanok evacuation area. The smile and happiness of the people are priceless.”

IKEA to open world’s largest store in the Philippines SwEDISH furniture-maker IKEA is coming to the Philippines in a big way, by opening its world’s largest store in 2020.

IKEA Philippines will occupy a total of 65,000 square meters, or about the size of 150 basketball courts, in SM Mall of Asia complex. The current largest IKEA store, which spans a total of 59,000 square meters, is in South Korea.

The 5-story store will bring 9,000 “well-designed functional home fur-

nishing” products into the country, and will include a warehouse, an ecommerce facility, and an integrated call center.

Prior to the opening, its website www.IKEA.ph has been launched to offer design inspiration and boost awareness.

IKEA Southeast Asia said it will invest an initial P7 billion for the store and will employ 500 Filipinos on top of spin off jobs and other business opportunities.

Life

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thursday, november 22, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Dining on fine European porcelain

Marketplace and Rustan’s Supermarket allow shoppers to take home Kahla fine porcelain dinnerware whenever they shop.

M

ArKETPLACE and rustan’s Supermarket elevate the filipino dining experience at home with the awardwinning European porcelain brand Kahla.

Known as the “Porcelain for the senses,” Kahla has been producing contemporary and innovative fine porcelain products since 1884. Their

Each collection is made in Germany with the highest quality porcelain and glaze, with state-of-the-art technology and enduring expertise.

Through the supermarkets’ Stick N expertly crafted and timeless items Collect App (available on Google Play match a variety of lifestyle, bringing and App Store), shoppers can bring style and pleasure to dinner tables in home Kahla dinnerware sets by colover 60 countries worldwide. lecting the required number of stickers

to get each set for free, or add a cash amount to the minimum amount of stickers to fast track purchases.

Sets available include Kahla’s classic Dinner Plates, Side Plates, and Soup Plates.

There’s also Salad Bowls, Cereal Bowls, 2-piece Mugs, and 3-Piece Children’s Set. Every P300 single receipt purchase entitles shoppers to one sticker. Each

Collector’s card entitles the customer to one promo set only. Collector’s card must be surrendered to customer service area upon claiming of promo item, whether through fast track or free track.

Shoppers can earn stickers until Nov. 30.

Go to www.rustansfresh.com for more information.

Elevate your dining with Kahla’s fine mugs, salad bowls, and soup plates, among others.

iPhoto

Foundation sponsors mass wedding for employees IT WAS a momentous occasion for 29 couples from 14 SM branches, including SM Hypermarket and Sanford Marketing Corp., as they exchanged vows during the fifth mass organized and sponsored by the felicidad T. Sy foundation, Inc. The Eucharistic Celebration was held at the National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels in San Miguel, Manila. It was presided byrev. fr. reynaldo reyes, SSP with rev. fr. Genaro Diwa as mass co-presider. fTSfI chairman of the board felicidad Te. Sy attended the event, together with Imelda I. Elido, who spearheaded the event; friends of the fTSfI; and families of the couples.

The mass wedding is an annual activity of the foundation in pursuit of its religious advocacy.

As cool as citrus If SENATor Sonny Angara were a scent, he would be a cool and fresh scent with citrusy notes.

With his charismatic smile, pleasing personality, and a compassionate heart for women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, he always smells literally and figuratively cool and fresh.

But his scent does not only translate in his political persona. outside the world of politics, he is just as cool a father and husband.

“As a father, I’m caring and playful— I like to play with my kids. I’m not much of a disciplinarian. I let them make their own mistakes because it is all part of growing up,” he shares. “And as a husband, I try to be supportive as much as I can and I try to be interested in what she’s doing.”

A family man through and through, he makes sure that his days off are spent with them. “My days,” he says, “are hectic and structured, so I prefer my weekends to be very relaxed.

Sometimes we just stay home and order food or sometimes we go to the mall. Nothing too hectic!”

Basketball is his preferred form of destressing. Luckily, he gets to incorporate his love for the sport with his work. He is the chair of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and vice chair of the Senate sports committee.

“It’s (basketball) a chance to get to see my friends and build camaraderie with my co-workers,” he enthuses.

Aside from basketball as an exercise, getting a haircut and wearing a great scent are also his forms of self-care. “I like a nice scent. I prefer light, fresh

Sen. Sonny Angara and Tootsy Angara

scents that are a bit citrusy like Blackwater Aqua and Blackwater Sports 4.”

While he may have already achieved so much in his career, having sponsored and authored more than 80 laws throughout his 14 years as a legislator, he still has big dreams for himself and his family.

“I want my family to succeed. I wish for my wife to continue to succeed in

her professional life. I want my son to get into a good school and I hope he keeps up with his sports activities. My daughter is thinking of a career in the arts. Whatever she wants to pursue, I will support her.”

Blackwater is the grooming line of the country’s leading cosmetics brand Ever Bilena. Go to blackwater.com.ph to know more.

Entertainment DIGITAL MEDIA

iWant hits

1M downloads, tops apps charts

This year's Miss Scuba Internation winners with Miss Philippines (right) joining Miss United Kingdom Daisy Whetlor's court.

Davaoeña

wins 3rd at Miss Scuba Int’l

By Eton Concepcion MISS Scuba Philippines Noelle UyTuazon finished second runner-up at the recent Miss Scuba International 2018 pageant held in Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia participated by 21 representatives from around the world.

Crowned winner was Miss United Kingdom Daisy Whetlor, a 21-year-old advanced open water and specialty diver while Miss Chinese-Taipei Huang YuWen was named first runner up.

Winner of special titles were Miss Germany Joahanna Acs (Miss Photogenic), Miss Australia Zofia Marta Majka (Miss Talented), Miss Mexico Christian Anaid Salas-Martos (Miss Congeniality) and Miss ChineseTaipei Yu-Wen (Miss National Costume).

The other participating countries were Belize, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Latvia, Macau, Malaysia, Netherland, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Thailand and the United States.

Tuazon, a 26-year-old licensed Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) open water diver, lived in Guam as a child where she got her US citizenship. She earned a scholarship and graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Anthropology minor in Geography (with a focus on biological anthropology and emphasis on Forensic Anthropology) at the Texas State University, Texas, USA. She completed extensive volunteer work at the UP-PGH College of Medicine.

Tuazon first joined Miss World Philippines 2017 finishing as Top 15 semi-finalist, followed by Miss Earth Philippines 2018 in May where she was named among the Top 18. She went back to Guam in August to vie at the Miss Guam Universe 2018 pageant where she finished in the Top 5. She thought of quitting the pageants and concentrate on her profession but the Miss Scuba Philippines in October changed her plans.

Miss Scuba International, now on its 8th year, is a unique pageant that focuses on marine and ocean conservation and the promotion of safe scuba diving practices. Billed “Saving Oceans through Beauty,” it was founded by Robert Lo, a strong believer in sustainable development within the realms of our marine environment. The Philippines’ Cindy Pacia Madduma brought home the crown in 2015.

ABS-CBN’S new streaming service iWant is currently the most in-demand app for Filipino iOS and Android users as it reached more than one million mobile app downloads on the first day of its official launch on Saturday (Nov. 17), as users scrambled to experience the all-new iWant, its original films and series, and its diverse library of content.

The new iWant app immediately soared to the number one spot on both the App Store and Google Play’s free apps, and is also the most downloaded entertainment app on Google Play.

The streaming service, which can also be accessed via web on iwant.ph, boasts an exciting line-up of free original content, including the much hyped film Glorious, teen-fantasy series Spirits Reawaken, the star-studded and feel-good anthology series Ano, gore-horror film Ma, lifestyle Alamat ng Ano show Laureen on a Budget, and entertainment talk show I Know Right!? (IKR).

Netizens also took to social media to praise the new iWant and its diverse offerings, including ABS-CBN shows, films, restored movie classics, fastcut versions of currently airing Kapamilya teleseryes, and Asianovelas. The new teleseryes iWant also offers free access to thousands of songs, One Music’s live digital concerts, and the livestreaming of Pinoy Big Brother Otso and Camp Star Hunt.

Camp Star Hunt, also an iWant original, is starting to gain a following among PBB fans. The show provides an exclusive and unedited look of the lives of Star Dreamers inside Camp Star Hunt, wherein they will go through a series of challenges to prove they are worthy of becoming a PBB housemate.

The first Star Dreamer to ever come out of Camp Star Hunt was 14-year-old Criza, the C who was voted by the public to become an official housemate after PBB Otso evicted its first housemate Josh on Nov. 18.

IN-DEMAND. The new iWant app,

which released eight original titles on its debut, immediately soared to the number one spot on both the App Store and Google Play’s free apps.

DOWN 1 Holds up a bank 2 Yikes! (hyph.)

3 Zhivago’s beloved 4 Geologic time divisions 5 Navigator’s aid 6 Maglie or Mineo 7 Give a crew cut 8 Bauxite giant 9 Collections of implements 10 Lobster or shrimp 11 Large artery 12 Sly tactics 13 Garment flaw 21 In time gone by 23 Pot top 25 Feeling strong resentment

nickie.standard@gmail.com

GMA Network triumphs

at 40th Catholic Mass Media Awards

F

OR promoting good values through television and radio, GMA Network’s various programs and specials were honored at the 40th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) held at Star Theater last Nov. 14.

Once again, the country’s most awarded news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho was accorded the Best News Magazine citation. Hosted by GMA News pillar Jessica Soho, it consistently reigns as the most-watched Kapuso program nationwide.

Meanwhile, the “Holy Land Coverage”—Unang Hirit’s special coverage of the Lenten season, won the Best Special Event Coverage award. A first for Unang Hirit, the “Holy Land Coverage” featured host Rhea Santos anchoring a live coverage from various pilgrim sites in Israel connected to the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

GMA News and Public Affairs’ The Atom Araullo Specials was recognized as the Best Adult Educational/ Cultural Program, while the Best Children and Youth Program award was given to the top-rating infotainment program Aha! Beating other entries in the Best Comedy Program category is the well-loved comedy anthology Dear Uge bannered by Eugene Domingo. On the other hand, drama anthology Stories for the Soul, hosted by Sen. Manny Pacquiao, received the award for Best Religious Program.

Leading local news channel GMA News TV’s flagship newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho won the award for Best News Program.

Taking home another accolade for GMA News TV is multi-awarded drama anthology program Wagas which took home the Best Drama Series/Program citation.

Winning as well was GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB’s Dobol A sa Dobol B, hosted by Arnold Clavio and Ali Sotto, which was named as the Best News Commentary.

GMA Network’s station ID, “Buong Puso Para sa Kapuso” brought home the award for Best Station ID. Produced by the Network’s Program Support Department as a tribute to its beloved viewers, the station ID highlighted the Network’s colorful history and journey towards becoming the country’s most respected, most trusted, and recognized media network.

Rounding off the list of winners was GMA Regional TV’s Balitang Bisdak, which earned a special citation as Best News Program for the comprehensive coverage of the burial of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

The prestigious Catholic Mass Media Awards recognizes students, professionals, and organizations that uphold Christian values among Filipinos through mass communication.

STATIONS of a Nation, an on-going exhibition of commissioned artworks centered on the journey of nation building, has recently added three films presenting the country’s current national issues.

Featured are the works of visual and video artist Manny Montelibano, the Director of the Institute of the Moving Montelibano Image at the University of St. La Salle Bacolod, who has closely collaborated with the student-artists of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) for the Stations Nation, which are on view all throughout the College’s of a Nation School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus.

Backplates of Pasay Road is a single-channel video taken from the top of a hotel in Arnaiz Street in Makati City. It shows a group of construction workers busy fixing the drainage system in the middle of the street while they remain nonchalant to the passing passersby and roaming vehicles.

The video depicts the country’s current urban setting with its issues on security, survival, and economic development.

Backplates of Pasay Road showcases events as the subject of discourse in contrast with the continuous movements in the background.

Damnation, another single-channel video that uses an audio layer to reflect the status quo in Philippine society, illustrates an inverted and precarious view of the Manila cityscape where inhabitants continuously fall as black spermlike figures infiltrate the surroundings. While the artwork’s visuals interpret the strangeness and disarray of the local

Thursday, November 22, 2018

ing 54 Closet freshener 56 Porous gems 61 Door 62 Put one’s foot —— 64 Normal 65 Formality 66 Grab a cookie 67 Brainy club 68 Jam or pickle 69 Dingy 70 Not polite

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Unang Hirit’s Holy Land Coverage, where Rhea Santos anchored a live coverage from various pilgrim sites in Israel, won the Best Special Event Coverage award.

Exhibition on social issues unveils three new films

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Decrees 6 “Beat it!”

10 Golfer’s ride 14 Midwest airport 15 Guthrie of folk music 16 Libertine 17 Common cleanser 18 Bonkers 19 Pliny’s bear 20 Cascade Range volcano 22 Opinion gatherer 24 Famous Khan 26 Stiff-coated dogs 27 Beirut locale 31 Mountain overlooking Troy 32 Insurance worker 33 Thin gold layer 36 Tijuana abode 40 Electrical unit 41 Ocean fliers 42 On any occasion 43 Italian wine city 44 Chatty pet 45 Kiwi language 46 What, in Seville 48 Dazed 50 Feels sorrow 53 Feminine end-

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

27 Molten rock 28 “I” problems 29 Sing loudly and energetically 30 Make obsolete 34 Hotel 35 Renter’s document 37 River in England 38 Like autumn leaves 39 Waterless 41 Editor’s job 45 Mummy locales 47 Large vase 49 Salt meas.

50 Spunk 51 Skips past 52 Hombre’s title 54 Salon offering 55 Climb out of bed 57 Aboard ship 58 Jogs 59 Glasgow girl 60 Wow with wit 63 Your, old-style

community as it tries to recover from its devastated past, the audio echoes Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s homily-like speech where he called God stupid, explaining the creation of Adam and Eve and why He created the snake to seduce Eve to sin.

The short scenes featured in the channels of Exhaustion – Termperatura, a five-channel video housed in SDA’s five elevators, encapsulate the living conditions in the city that when summed up may lead to a problematic society. Maali Alone in the City narrates the sad story of the elephant who was born, raised, and is currently the sole living elephant in Manila. Today, Maali is stuck at the Manila Zoo trying to survive by entertaining the spectators.

Under the LRT, taken in Baclaran, depicts a road in Manila where the market scene continues to congest the pathways and afflict mobility in the city.

Manila 24hr fire records the tragic fire at the Manila Pavilion Hotel and shows how even an army cannot stop the fire within hours. Palaspas (Palm Sunday) showcases how Filipino Catholics use their faith as an event to bond with their family and loved-ones in the midst of urbanity. Our Hero illustrates how the historical monument of the national hero Jose Rizal may be guarded but not totally protected as a residential building rises in the background.

“The country is in danger,” Montelibano noted. “That’s how I see it,” he added.

Inspired by the traditional Catholic Stations of the Cross,

the collaborative exhibition, produced through Benilde’s Center for Campus Art (CCA) headed by its Director Architect Gerry Torres, has now revealed its 11 installations, and will feature a total of 14 engaging artworks of different mediums by January 2019.

The first four art installations Bahala na si Batman, Sala, Train, and Felipe, which launched Stations of a Nation, were unveiled early this year during the Holy Week, while the second wave, composed of P****ina* (Pilipinas), Patintero, and Blinds, were inaugurated in the middle of the year.

Stations of a Nation can be viewed at the College’s School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo (Vito Cruz) Street, Malate, Manila.

Damnation -- Singlechannel video – 9 mins 30 sec, 2018 Manny Montelibano

Entertainment

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

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

BUBBLE GANG

YUGEL LOSORATA

Tickling your funny bones for more than two decades now

The cast of the Philippines' longest-running gag show during a recent press conference where cast members announced what people can expect from the program's 23rd anniversary.

P

EOPLE can’t go wrong with comedy, particularly if it’s a clean joke—something that will not get you in trouble.

At the anniversary press conference of Bubble Gang held recently, I wondered how this gag show (now the country’s longest-running comedy program on TV) is able to keep itself afloat. Twentythree years is no joke. And every Friday evening, amid being on air for such a long time, it is still able to give its audience genuine laugh.

After hearing the show’s cast members talk about how they enjoy doing the program and how they make conscious effort to make the show even more relevant, then I understood what set Bubble Gang apart -- it connects with its audience to produce an authentic experience.

“Through the years we’ve seen the evolution of humor through Bubble Gang, but we have to admit that it’s harder to make people laugh these days.

They are now more critical especially that we already social media -- more people have become sensitive and there are so many restrictions now. But the show evolves depending on people’s sensitivity,” a cast member said.

Being the country’s longest-running and multi-awarded gag show, GMA Network’s Bubble Gang continues to

VERY WANG NICKIE WANG deliver world-class and extraordinary entertainment to Filipino viewers for more than two decades now.

The Kapuso program is still the Filipinos’ favorite comedy program because of its unique, amusing and one-of-a-kind parodies, sketches and gags about television commercials, famous personalities and current events.

As it celebrates its 23rd anniversary, Bubble Gang will present a narrative uniquely intertwining the show’s popular segment forms --talk, interview, musical parody, sketches, commercial spoof and gag dubbed as ‘Bente Tres Oras.’

This year’s TV special tells the adventures of Bea Bangenge (Michael V.) and Toto Batoto (Antonio Aquitania) as they embark on a journey to find a WIFI connection for Bea. On their trip, they will meet famous Bubble Gang characters such as Antonietta, Don Cantoni, Mr.Assimo, Tata Lino, the Balitang Ina hosts, Lebrown James and many more.

For Kapuso comedy genius Michael V., Bubble Gang’s loyal viewers have always been their inspiration in creating new and latest gags and sketches.

Immersive experience with live music

'Bubble Gang' senior lead cast member and creative director, Michael V

“The change in Bubble Gang is constant because of the continuous change in the audience profile. But it’s a good change, as always. I learn new things from them. For me, that is always a challenge and it’s also a good thing kasi nakakadagdag ito sa kaalaman ko bilang isang comedian,” he said.

Together with Michael V., catch the cast Antonio Aquitania, Paolo Contis, Betong Sumaya, Sef Cadayona, Boy 2 Quizon, Mikoy Morales, Jak Roberto, Archie Alemania, Juancho Trivino, James Macasero, Roadfill, Diego Llorico, Chariz Solomon, Kim Domingo, Andrea Torres, Valeen Montenegro, Jackie Rice, Denise Barbacena, Lovely Abella, Analyn Barro, Arra San Agustin, Arny Ross and Myka in this year’s anniversary special.

Under the helm of director Bert de Leon, head writer Caesar Cosme, Bubble Gang’s telemovie airs tomorrow, Nov. 23 after Pamilya Roces on GMA Telebabad.

A musical tribute to the original Macho Gwapito Snoop Dogg is honored with a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame early this week.

Rapper Snoop thanks himself after getting Hollywood star RAP great Snoop Dogg thanked himself on Monday as he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame just days before the 25th anniversary of his debut album Doggystyle.

“I want to thank me for believing in me,” the 16-time Grammy nominee said after the star was unveiled on the famed walk.

“I want to thank me for doing all this hard work. I want to thank me for having no days off. I want to thank me for never quitting. I want to thank me for always being a giver, and trying to give more than I receive. I want to thank me for trying to do more right than wrong. I want to thank me for just being me at all times,” the West Coast hip-hop legend known for his wry sense of humor added.

Snoop—real name Calvin Broadus—rose to fame in 1992 when

he was featured on Dr Dre’s solo debut album The Chronic. He has since sold over 35 million albums worldwide.

He also is a regular star of films, from Scary Movie 5 (2013), to Starsky and Hutch (2004) and Training Day (2001). His television appearances include many chats with his friend Martha Stewart.

Doggystyle, released on Nov. 23, 1993, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold more than 11 million copies worldwide through November 2015.

His other well known works include “Gin & Juice,” “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?),” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot.” Attending the ceremony on Monday were talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, record producer Quincy Jones and fellow rapper Dr Dre. AFP

THE sudden passing of OPM legend Rico J. Puno came as a major shock to many, and mourned his demise.

Puno, regarded as one of the prime movers of OPM, wowed and left us with a line up of popular national anthems such as his unique version of Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” “Kapalaran,” “Buhat,” “Macho Gwapito,” “Lupa,” “May Bukas Pa,” “Ang Tao’y Marupok,” “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi” and “You and I.” When singer Tosca Puno was asked about the concert of his father on Nov. 23 at the Theatre at Solaire, she said, “I know my Papa will say - the show must go on.”

It was announced recently that Music and Laughter: Sana Tatlo Ang Puso Ko with Giselle Sanchez and Marissa Sanchez, will push through to pay tribute to the Total Entertainer.

Joining the show are Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuniga, Nanette Inventor and Eric Nicolas, with the special participation of Tosca Puno and Rox Puno.

Giselle reminisces, “I just love how the audience laugh and fall off their seats from our jokes. Only Rico and I can pull something that naughty and still appear respectable after the show. I am so happy that so many stars have agreed to join this musicale because this is exactly how Rico imagined it to be.”

“He had so many ideas and was so excited about our concert and he told us this will be our biggest concert in 2018.

Rico, we promise not to let you down. This will still be our biggest concert in 2018 and you are the biggest part of it. We love

you Corics,” she adds.

Marissa promises, “the show is going to be filled with the spirit of Kuya Rico J as if he is (still) alive. it will definitely be a happy and enjoyable show like how he wants it. I will miss his uniqueness; his brand of green comedy is something that he gets away sweetly without being grossly offensive.”

From Gerry Matias, Rico’s long-time musical director, “We expect that all who will participate in the tribute show will deliver a very nice interpretation of Rico’s songs. I will surely miss his performance as a total entertainer and his jokes.”

Eric Nicolas says in conclusion, “He is a good adviser. His green jokes will be truly missed.”

Music and Laughter: A Tribute Show for Rico J. Puno is presented by Grand Leisure Corporation and StartUp Village, in cooperation with Solaire Resort & Casino.

For tickets, please call 891-9999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

THERE’S something about live music that polished studio recordings can’t outdo. That is why I personally prefer the released live versions of Fra Lippo Lippi’s “Everytime I See You” and America’s “You Can Do Magic” over their proper recordings. Or it’s now difficult to dissociate the melody lines from the counterpoint in Freestyle’s take of “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang” with Pops Fernandez.

The intrinsic quality of live performances has bewitched Filipino music lovers that the concert scene is always alive.

In music clubs, food and drinks go well with live bands. Some acts developed fan bases not necessarily because of radio hits or truly worthlistening recorded songs. They’re simply good playing live and spectators come back to re-experience organically loud and lively shows.

According to a posted research claim, “attending live concerts affects your body on a chemical level.” In fact, a British study concluded that its participants were found to have “reduced levels of stress hormones after listening to live music.”

Perhaps the thrill of seeing musicians deliver the goods warts and all right in front of you makes it a privilege delightfully embracing. That was partly the reason why The Beatles, at some point after doing a series of studio tricks-powered psychedelic albums, wanted to get back to their roots as live performers.

It is also perceived that “seeing music performed live can transform a familiar environment, or help you discover the beauty of a new one.”

The latter perception is what GTV Unplugged is doing to the City of Dreams Manila’s new attraction called The Garage, a VR zone and food park situated in a 2,714-square meter and air-conditioned space located at the upper ground floor and boasting modern industrial interiors catering to a 563-seating capacity.

At no cover charge, GTV Unplugged, the weekend link between good food and cool virtual reality entertainment, features select local artists Blue Jean Junkies, Meleena, and Pancake 80’s every Friday and Saturday, from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight.

As City Of Dreams Manila public relations director Mina Gervacio put it, it is a come-on for people “looking to unwind and chill out in a modern hangout place for laidback luxury and value-for-money dining and entertainment experience with family and friends.”

The three acts mentioned are legit live spectacles, with Blue Jean Junkies, a rock ‘n roll band formed in 1999, already frequenting several hotels as well as major local and international events. The group will go on stage The Garage on Saturday (Nov. 24).

Meleena is known for her playful yet soul-touching and intricate vocal techniques while the Pancake 80’s, scheduled to perform tomorrow (Nov. 23) and next Friday (Nov. 30), serenades the crowd with songs from different genres rendered in unique flair.

Complementing The Garage’s GTV Unplugged are VR Zone activities allowing guests “to delve into the immersive, entertaining experience of virtual reality.”

Talking about music being real and in-your-face. (For inquiries, call 8008080 or e-mailguestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Blue Jean Junkies performing at the opening of GTV Unplugged at The Garage.