Manila Standard - 2018 December 3 - Monday

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US-CHINA TRADE WAR: TRUCE AFTER STEAK DINNER

By Sebastian Smith

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping agreed Saturday to suspend any new tariffs in the escalating trade war between the world’s two largest economies, even if huge existing duties will remain in place.

Following more than two hours of dinner talks between the two leaders, the White House said an increase of tariffs from 10 to 25 percent due to kick in on

Jan. 1 would now be put on hold, providing room for intense negotiations.

The agreement, hashed out over steak in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, lowers the temperature in a conflict that has spooked world markets.

The two leaders, who were in Buenos Aires for a summit of the G20 countries, called it “a highly successful meeting,” the White House said.

“The principal agreement has effectively prevented further expansion

of economic friction between the two countries and has opened up new space for win-win cooperation,” said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Under the agreement, Trump is shelving a plan to raise existing tariffs of 10 percent to 25 percent from the start of next year.

Xi avoids further immediate pressure on China’s slowing economy, while Trump—hit by the US Democrats’ Next page

TARIFF TRUCE. US President Donald Trump (right) and China’s President Xi Jinping (left) along with members of their delegations, hold a dinner meeting at the end of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Buenos Aires, on Dec. 1, 2018. AFP VOL. XXXII • NO. 291 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Oil price cuts precede tax hike

SANTA’S PEDICABS. Tourists and visitors flock to the Tabaco City Hall in Albay to witness the opening of Christmas lighting ceremony at the plaza on Dec. 1, 2018 featuring Santa and pedicabs (padyak) . Tabaco is the ‘Padyak’ (Pedicab) capital of the Philippines. Norman Cruz

Wiretapping bill Hefty rollbacks not enough to ease consumers’ burden—solons boosts drug war, By Alena Mae S. Flores and Macon Ramos-Araneta ORE oil companies are expected to cut pump gets House nod prices effective Tuesday by as much as P2.10 per

By Rio N. Araja

CONGRESS has approved on third and final reading a bill authorizing wiretapping in cases involving illegal drug trafficking to back the Duterte administration’s war on drugs and other crimes.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, House committee on dangerous drugs chairperson, said all 216 members have already approved House Bill No. 8378 on third and final reading that would amend Republic Act No. Next page

FIRST PLAYBOY ISSUE SOLD AT AUCTION WORLD B3

PTT said it would roll back the price of diesel by P2.10 a liter and gasoline by P2 a liter effective 6 am, Dec. 4.

Shell and Seaoil announced similar price cuts of P2.10 per liter for diesel, P2 per liter for gasoline and P2 per liter for liter to reflect the movement in world oil prices. kerosene while Chevron, which markets the Caltex brand, cut prices for both fuels PTT Philippines, Pilipinas Shell Pe- by P2 a liter, as Phoenix Petroleum did on Amid the eighth weekly consecutive oil price rollback, economic managers troleum Corp., Chevron Philippines and Saturday. are pushing for an increase in fuel tax, re- Seaoil Philippines issued separate adviWorld oil prices have declined, weighed versing their previous recommendation. sories about the price rollback. down by uncertainty over the US-China

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trade war and signs of increased global crude production, the Department of Energy said in its latest monitoring report.

Expectations that crude exporters would agree to cut output at an upcoming Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting, however, helped to ease the price decline slightly.

The department said market participants looked ahead to a meeting of leaders of the Group of 20 nations (G20), the Next page

Binay vs Binay: Abby enjoys big lead vs Junjun

Four scammers draw jail term after 16 years

MAKATI Mayor Abby Binay continues to enjoy a commanding lead against her brother and political opponent Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay in the May 2019 mayoral race, a survey says.

According to PUBLiCUS Asia’s independent #PahayagNCR findings, 67 percent of the respondents will vote for Mayor Abby while only 20 percent said they will cast their votes for Junjun.

A third candidate, Ricky Yabut, got 2 percent. Nine percent remain undecided, while 2 percent said they did not choose anyone.

For vice mayor, incumbent Monique Lagdameo received 83 percent while Monsour del Rosario got 9 percent. Five percent of the respondents said they were undecided while 4 percent said they did not choose anyone.

“For the first time in almost three decades, a Binay will finally lose the election for mayor of Makati City,” wrote Publicus.

“Abby Binay will likely beat her

By Rey E. Requejo

Next page

XMAS HAM. Excelente Ham in Quiapo is one of the most sought-after brands of ham in Manila. Its store along the busy Carlos Palanca Street gets crowded with buyers as Christmas Eve nears. Lino Santos

Craving ham? DTI option beats high prices AS THE price of ham goes up during the holiday season, consumers should buy cheaper brands, said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

“If it’s expensive, let’s not buy it,” he said in Filipino in an interview on radio dzBB. “Let’s choose the cheaper brand that’s worth it.”

Radio dzBB reported that ham prices have risen by P20 to P40 a kilo in some

markets.

“The expensive brands really go up in price,” Lopez said.

Those who buy premium brands do not care much about price increases, he added, but other brands are aimed at regular consumers.

People who buy these hams would not mind a P1 to P2 increase, he added.

A QUEZON City regional trial court has finally convicted the leaders and members of the syndicate behind an investment scam that duped thousands of police and military officers and deprived them of over P3 billion after 16 years of trial.

In a 47-page decision released last Friday, the Justice department said Quezon City RTC Branch 220 had found principal accused Emilia Sison and three others―Ireneo Sison Jr., Mirasol Aguilar and Marilo Cabalo―guilty beyond reasonable doubt of 23 counts of estafa under the Revised Penal Code during a promulgation on Nov. 20.

Judge Jose Paneda sentenced all four accused to imprisonment of six years to 16 years for each count of estafa.

The lower court also ordered them to return to the batch of victims in these cases at least P7 million in cash investments.

Besides estafa, the RTC also found Next page

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Rights advocates denounce raps vs Castro, Satur JAKARTA―Authorities in the Philippines must immediately drop the trumped-up “kidnapping” and “human trafficking” charges against a sitting congresswoman and 17 other people who were trying to assist the indigenous communities being harassed by a paramilitary group, the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights said Sunday.

Rep. France Castro, a member of APHR, was arrested on Nov. 29 after a convoy she was traveling in was stopped at a military checkpoint outside Talaingod town in Davao del Norte.

The convoy was part of a so-called National Solidarity Mission which had traveled to the region to provide humanitarian aid to a school of children belonging to the indigenous Lumad community.

“These baseless charges against Congresswoman France Castro and 17 other people appear to be purely politically motivated and must be dropped immediately,” said APHR Chairman Charles Santiago, a member of the Malaysian Parliament.

“Instead of targeting those trying to assist beleaguered indigenous communities, the Philippine authorities should do much more to end the abuse by paramilitary groups in Mindanao.”

Castro made his statement even as a Commission on Human Rights official on Sunday said due process in making arrests must be observed and should equally apply to human rights defenders.

Human Rights commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana made the remark in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, referring to the arrest of former lawmaker Satur Ocampo, Castro and 16 others in Davao del Norte recently.

“Dapat yung due process is being observed. Siyempre yung right nila ni Ka Satur at kanyang mga kasama, in terms of yung pagkaka-incarcerate sa kanila, dapat tuparin,” she said.

The camp of Satur Ocampo will file counter charges against the police and military officers involved in their alleged harassment and detention.

Police claim that the members of the NSM were charged and detained because they had illegally transported 14 Lumad students from the school without their parents’ consent.

The NSM, however, says they were attempting to temporarily move the children to a safe shelter, since the school had suffered harassment by a local paramilitary group, that had forcibly closed the school and imposed a blockade on food entering the community. The delegation says teachers and students had felt threatened by the paramilitary group’s presence and asked for their help to leave the area.

Apart from Frances Castro, the 18 people eventually charged on Nov. 30 include Ocampo, four Protestant ministers and teachers from the school.

The 18 have been charged under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act for “kidnapping and failure to return a minor.”

They were released on bail late on Dec. 1 but the investigation against them is ongoing.

Paramilitary groups in the Mindanao region have a track record of human rights abuses. In 2015, Human Rights Watch documented how paramilitary groups in the region committed violence against indigenous communities, including harassing students at tribal schools that they claim indoctrinate students in the communist ideology.

Since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016, his administration has allegedly stepped up judicial harassment of opposition lawmakers.

Two Senators, Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes, have been arrested on alleged trumped-up criminal charges.

Leila de Lima has languished in prison awaiting trial since February 2017, while Antonio Trillanes was released on bail after his brief arrest in September 2018.

Binay vs Binay:...

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brother, ousted mayor Junjun Binay. Abby’s running mate Lagdameo will handily defeat del Rosario for the VM post,” the firm said.

The Makati survey was conducted from Nov. 16 to 20 with 397,587 respondents. The results were posted in the firm’s website, along with the results of the mayoral races in other Metro Manila local governments.

An earlier poll conducted by Pulse Asia in August revealed the same results.

Mayor Abby dominated the polls with 67 percent or two-thirds of the 1,200 voters

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Bishop strikes back at Duterte P RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s latest attacks against the Catholic Church were meant to cover up for the shortcomings of his administration, a bishop said Sunday.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the President was just bringing up “non-issues” so the public would get distracted from the real issues that should be addressed.

Just a week ago, Duterte urged the Catholic faithful to stop going to church to pray, and to just build their own chap-

els at home, calling the Church’s teachings “archaic.”

In his speech during the groundbreaking for a bulk water supply project in Davao City, Duterte again slammed the Catholic Church and said the public should stop going to church and pray instead at their own chapels at home.

“You build a chapel in your own house and pray there. You do not have to go to church to pray for these idiots,” Duterte said.

He asked if there were any bishops present at the event and dismissed their teachings as “archaic.”

“Are there bishops here? I would hit you on the nape of the neck. The Catholic Church, even Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David [are] clinging to a belief which was 3,000 years ago,” Duterte said.

Pabillo told dzMM radio that Duterte was doing what he was doing to hide the incompetence of his administration. He said Duterte’s promises remained prom-

Oil price...

the excise tax on fuel because the prices of basic commodities have remained high, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Sunday.

“It’s quite obvious that prices of goods remain high—the cost of fares did not move,” Gatchalian said in an interview over radio dzBB. He also said the cost of rice and vegetables were just the same despite the decreasing cost of petroleum in the world market.

The chairman of the Senate energy and economic affairs committee said it is only now that people are trying to recoup their losses due to high inflation.

“Also, many of our drivers had loans so they’re still paying their debts so we are asking for more time,” he said.

The country’s economic managers have taken back their earlier recommendation to suspend the implementation of the second round of increases in the excise taxes on fuel, citing the declining world prices for oil.

But Gatchalian said the suspension of the excise tax was meant to help consum-

ers cope with inflation, which remains a problem.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara agreed, saying that most Filipino families have yet to feel the effects of the oil price rollbacks.

“The rollback should not end here.

This should be followed by a rollback in inflation or the price of primary goods,” said Angara, chairman of the Senate ways and means committee.

He said the prices of goods should also go down with the lowering of the prices of petroleum.

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law imposed a P2.50 per liter excise tax on diesel from zero and hiked the levy on gasoline to P7 per liter.

The TRAIN Law also provides that excise taxes for diesel will be hiked by a total of P4.50 and those of gasoline by P9 under the second tranche starting 2019.

The law allows a suspension of these increases, however, if the average price of Dubai crude reaches or exceeds $80 a barrel for three months before the next round of excise tax increases.

From A1

world’s biggest economies, from Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, with the trade war between Washington and Beijing on top of the agenda.

The ongoing supply glut plunged oil prices downwards after the US Energy Information Administration released its weekly petroleum status report last week, showing that US commercial crude inventories increased by 3.6 million barrels, maintaining a total US commercial crude inventory of 450.5 million barrels.

DOE said the crude inventory was now about 7 percent higher than the five-year average for this time of year and has risen for 10 consecutive weeks.

Last week, the oil companies also cut the price of gasoline by P1.10 per liter, kerosene by P2.10 per liter and diesel by P2.30 per liter.

Despite the recent oil price rollbacks, the government should continue with the scheduled suspension of an increase in

From A1

the principal accused guilty in a separate case for violation of the Securities Regulation Act. It sentenced her to another prison term of 10 years and a fine of P2 million.

The accused, through the firm ICS Export Inc., managed to collect almost P3 billion from 4,000 victims, mostly officers of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, in the early 2000s by luring their victims with promises of eight to 15 percent return on their money for a minimum investment of P50,000.

The RTC ruled that the essential elements of estafa were present in these surveyed. The August 2017 polls measured Mayor Abby’s odds against Ricky Yabut, former acting mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña and her brother Junjun. #PahayagNCR is a dedicated poll that looked into the sentiments and insights of National Capital Region respondents on relevant national issues. The survey was conducted among 1,800 registered voters from the 16 cities and 1 municipality in NCR. It chose Metro Manila, being the seat of power in the Philippine archipelago composed of 16 cities and one municipality. The area represents 11.1 percent of 54,363,844 total registered voters of the Philippines as of 2016. NCR also enjoys a sizable budget among all the regions in the Philippines.

US-China...

From A1

cases, but it downgraded the charge from syndicated estafa to simple estafa due to death of the fifth accused in the case and incorporator of ICS, Mimosa Zamudio, during the course of the trial.

“The strategy used by the accused using the corporation is akin to the socalled Ponzi scheme,” the court ruled, referring to the investment scheme in the 1920s where money received from later investors are used to pay returns to early investors.

The court has found that ICS Inc. was formed to engage in trading and exporting goods such as garden decor, agricultural products, leather, fashion accessories and food supplement, but had no authority to solicit investments from the public.

“Evidence shows that the strategy employed by herein accused to induce

the public in investing their money to ICS Inc. is by making a promise of huge monthly interest,” the decision said.

“This is a story of people wanting quick wealth on one side, and people robbing off that wealth, on the other side,” it added.

The RTC said the prosecution led by Senior State Prosecutor Peter Ong was also able to establish the guilt of Emilia Sison in the separate case of violating the securities law.

While the court convicted four accused, it acquitted five other people: former Police Supt. Ricardo Sison, William Sison, Lorna Bosque, Vilma Benitez and Elizabeth Cervera.

It ordered the five’s immediate release after their detention of over 16 years since the trial started in 2002.

congressional win in last month’s midterm elections—can ease damage to agricultural US states that export to China, particularly the key soybean crop.

“This was a rare opportunity for China because [the mid-terms] made Trump a lame president,” said Beijingbased political consultant Hua Po. “So at this time it was acceptable for China to maintain some bottom lines while making some major concessions.”

But Brad Setser, a former Treasury official and now senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, told Bloomberg much remains to be done.

“The hard part is finding the basis for a real deal that settles the broader issues rather than agreeing on a pause,” Setser said.

The truce is only partial.

Some $50 billion worth of Chinese imports already face 25-percent tariffs, while the 10 percent tariffs—which target a massive $200 billion in goods— will also remain in effect.

Meanwhile, China has targeted $110 billion worth of US imports for tariffs.

If there is any further retaliation, Trump has warned, he will slap punitive duties on the remaining $267 billion in Chinese goods coming to the United States.

And Saturday’s truce also contained an ultimatum.

The White House made clear that the 10-percent tariffs would still leap up to 25 percent if China doesn’t meet US demands in 90 days.

These include China stopping a host of trade barriers, intellectual property theft and other actions that Washington say make fair trade impossible.

Tough negotiations lie ahead, but Trump was upbeat.

“This was an amazing and productive meeting with unlimited possibilities for both the United States and China,” he said in a statement.

The meeting—featuring a menu of sirloin steak, caramel rolled pancakes and Argentine wine—went on longer than scheduled.

And while it may have been tacked on to the end of two days of G20 diplomacy, it was in many ways the main event of the weekend.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was also attending the G20, spoke for many when she urged progress.

“We all realize that we are indirectly influenced by the fact that Sino-American economic relations are not running as smoothly as a world order needs,” she said.

On the US side at the dinner, Trump was accompanied by advisers such as Larry Kudlow and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who are widely seen as wanting a deal.

But hawkish advisers like Peter Navarro and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were also present.

Trump, as often in his diplomatic dealings, appears to consider his personal chemistry with Xi the most important factor in the success of the negotiations.

He has prided himself on building a good relationship with the Chinese leader, even though he acknowledges it may have trouble surviving the growing crisis.

At the dinner, Trump said his ties to Xi were “a very primary reason” for considering a deal possible. AFP

Wiretapping...

co-author, assured the public that their right to privacy would also be protected under the law.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, another co-author, said the proposed amendments would extend the coverage of the wiretapping ban to include any electronic, mechanical, digital or analogue phone system or other similar devices.

The present law passed on June 19, 1965 prohibits wiretapping only through the use of dictaphones, dictagraphs, walkie-talkies and tape recorders.

The committee report on HB No. 8378, which substituted eight related measures, was endorsed to the plenary by the Barbers panel.

Wiretapping will be allowed in cases involving drug offenses, coup d’etat or conspiracy and proposal to commit coup d’etat, piracy, robbery in band, highway robbery, graft and corrupt practices, syndicated illegal recruitment and money laundering.

“It’s time that we amend the antiwire-tapping law to keep pace with the advances in communications and telecommunications to protect our privacy and define privileged communication,” Barbers said.

The bill would also bar public telecommunication entities “to retain data for more than one year, except those records of voice and data which are the subject of a pending case.”

DEFIANT. Former lawmaker Satur Ocampo (right) and Rep. France Castro are a picture of defiance following their arrest, along with 15 others, for what the Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights called ‘trumped-up’ charges of kidnapping minors . Manny Palmero

Four scammers...

ises.

“Ang traffic natin mahirap pa rin, ang drugs problem andiyan pa rin, kahirapan andiyan pa rin. Hindi naman niya natutugunan eh. ’yan dapat ang tinutugunan niya.”

Duterte’s latest attack on the church came after he accused a prelate of stealing Church donations and bringing them to his family, claiming he had a video to back his claims.

The President has routinely attacked the Catholic Church since he assumed office, even calling God “stupid” at one point, which drew flak from the Christian community.

From A1

4200 or “An Act To Prohibit And Penalize Wire-Tapping And Other Related Violations Of The Privacy Of Communication, And For Other Purposes.”

The measure seeks to expand the coverage of the anti-wiretapping law to include communications involving other organized and syndicated crimes not previously covered in the prevailing law.

“This is a big boost to the anti-illegal drugs war of President [Rodrigo] Duterte and his campaign to arrest all forms of criminalities,” Barbers said.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, a

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PNP chief vows to double down on anti-crime bid

PROCESSION. Images of Mother Mary are being prepared for the annual Marian Grand Procession while believers gather on Sunday at Intramuros, Manila Norman Cruz

Job fair caters to PWDs—Labor A

T LeAST 1,000 jobs are available in a jobsand-opportunities fair specially set for persons with disability on Dec. 5, Wednesday, the Labor department said.

The job openings are in the fields of BPO, electronics, advertising, hotel, health and wellness, travel, media, logistics, manpower and security services, sales, property management, pharmaceutical, and memorial services, among others.

The day-long fair, a partnership between the Department of Labor and employment and some 30 Rotary Clubs of District 3830, will be held at the covered walk of the Quezon City hall. It is

being held as a special offering of the labor department which celebrates its 85th founding anniversary this week.

This is also Rotary’s contribution in the observance of the International Day for Persons with Disability, and part of the government’s awareness campaign encouraging private sector employers to allocate one percent of their workforce to persons with disability.

Republic Act 10524 mandates agencies of government to employ persons with

disability to comprise at least one percent of their employees, while it provides incentives to private enterprises with more than 100 employees who take in disadvantaged persons into their workforce.

The Rotary Clubs from District 3830 mobilized more than 30 employers from various parts of Metro Manila to the activity, on top of a host of companies invited by DOLe. Aside from jobs, the special event will also provide skills and livelihood opportunities. While DOLe conducts skills profiling of participants, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical education and Skills Development Authority will provide livelihood and skills training for those interested during the event. The other offices collaborating in

the activity are the Public employment Service Offices, the National Council on Disability Affairs and the city government of Quezon City.

All local government units in Metro Manila were invited to participate by sending qualified PWDs from their respective communities to the job fair.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and other labor officials, Quezon City Mayor herbert Bautista, District Governor Alfredo Montecillo of Rotary International District 3830 and the Rotarians from the various Rotary clubs in the district will attend the event.

PWDs may pre-qualify for available positions or employers who wish to participate in the job fair may register at philjobnet.gov.ph. Macon Ramos Araneta

Palace upbeat on Senate plan: Budget first, federalism later MALACAñANG on Sunday expressed optimism that the Senate will eventually support President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal for a shift to a federal form of government.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made this reaction after Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the Senate’s priority is the passage of the 2019 national budget.

“The disposition of the Senate with respect to this proposal should be understood along with its current and tight situation of addressing the 2019 budget with not too ample time to spare,” Panelo said in a statement.

“We thus expect the Senate to support the President’s desire for a federal form of government thereafter and see the wisdom of changing the system of government as part of society’s transformation for the betterment of all the Filipinos,” he added.

Last Thursday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in cooperation with Presidential Communications Operations Office, completed its regional campaign sorties for federalism by holding yet another well-attended convention rally in San Juan City.

From regional level, the DILG is set to hold a federalism roadshow at the provincial, municipal and probably down to barangay level next year, said Gary Olivar of the Center for Federalism and Constitutional Reform.

Olivar said the DILG and the consultative committee have trained local speakers to explain advantages and benefits of the federal form of government at the provincial level. PNA

AIDING THE VICTIMS. The Department of Health and groups like in Aids Healthcare Foundation, Love Yourself, The Red Whistle and the local government of Taguig organize the commemoration of the 30th World Aids Day. The Philippines has confirmed 52, 280 HIV-AIDS cases from 1984 to 2018. Norman Cruz

Grace takes early lead in RMN poll; Imee, 7th SeNATOR Grace Poe has topped the RMN 2019 election survey results for November.

Poe took the top spot at 72 percent, followed by Cynthia Villar at No. 2 (56.2 percent).

A surprising third is former senator and actor Lito Lapid (51.7 percent) followed by Pia Cayetano (50.6 percent) and another incumbent senator in Nancy Binay (46.1 percent).

But even as Poe has the lead nationwide, she only came in with 16.65 percent in the South Luzon region.

Meanwhile, first-time candidates Imee Marcos and Roland “Bato” dela Rosa also made it to the top 10 in the survey.

Marcos, the incumbent Ilocos Norte

governor, is at seventh place (35.8 percent), while Dela Rosa, the former PNP and BuCor chief, is at 10th place (31.9 percent).

Other results showed that DILG Secretary and 2016’s losing presidential candidate Mar Roxas currently at eighth place (34 percent) and former Senator Bong Revilla at ninth (33.3 percent).

Vying for the last two slots in the senate race, the survey showed, are incumbent senators Koko Pimentel, JV ejercito and Bam Aquino and former Senator Serge Osmeña who are statistically tied from #11-14.

Key players in their specific bailiwicks are Marcos, who moved up to #2 in North Luzon, Roxas at No. 6 and Dela Rosa at No. 7 in the Visayas.

Dela Rosa also placed a strong fifth in Mindanao, along with former SAP Bong Go at No. 9 slot, despite his No. 17 ranking nationwide.

A total of 3, 382 randomly selected radio listeners and registered voters nationwide were interviewed from Nov 6 to 17, 2018 for the RMN Networks 2019 election Survey, conducted by the RMN Research Department (Tel. 815-8304) across the RMN Network of stations.

The data gathered were checked and verified by independent research consultants. The margin of error is (+) or (-) 2.5 percent.

The project is part of RMN Networks’ commitment to raise public awareness and voter participation in the 2019 elections.

The slight increase in the number of Filipinos who fell victim to crimes over the past three months can be attributed to the public’s confidence to report these incidents to the police, the Philippine National Police said Sunday.

“The third quarter [Q3] rate of crime victimization serves to remind our people to remain vigilant, and for us in law enforcement to double our efforts,” PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde said in a statement.

“Overall, we take this empirical measure of public perception of experience with crime as an indication of greater feeling of safety from crime and subsequently lesser fear of crime,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde added that this can also be attributed to the holiday season when certain crime types which are “seasonal” in terms of frequency become more prevalent.

The PNP chief was reacting to the results of the Social Weather Stations survey on crime victimization during the third quarter of 2018 which suggest that crime directly affected 6.1 percent of the population, representing 1.4-million Filipinos from July to September this year.

“This number is, in fact, an improvement from the 6.6-percent crime victimization rate posted in the first quarter from January through March 2018 and the double-digit 11.4 percent from April to June 2016,” Albayalde said, adding that the current numbers remain at manageable levels and should not be any cause of concern.

The rate of crime victimization during the first quarter of 2018 was at 6.6 percent of the population, representing 1.5-million persons. The second quarter data dipped further to 5.4 percent with an estimated 1.2-million crime victims, only to rise again to 6.1 percent in the third quarter.

“In our analysis of the national crime environment, 10-month Total Crime Volume decreased 13.06 percent in January thru October 2018 as compared with the Total Crime Volume during the same period in 2017,” the PNP chief explained. PNA

La Union now a ‘hot spot’ , Comelec told The Commission on elections will do well to place La Union under military protection to prevent the spread of violence, following the killings of several politicians. According to Rep. Sandra eriguel who hails from the province.

In a Nov. 20 letter, eriguel urged Comelec chairman Sheriff Abbas to step into the peace and order situation in the municipalities of Agoo, Bauang, Caba and Tubao in District 2, raising concern over the possible eruption of election-related violence even before the 2019 mid-term elections.

The lawmaker’s plea arose from the spate of murder of her husband, former representative eufranio eriguel, and his two bodyguards, who were shot repeatedly on May 12 during a caucus meeting in Barangay Capas, Agoo.

“At the time of my husband’s murder, our police security details, including those of my daughter, Agoo Mayor Stefanie Ann Y. eriguel, were pulled out which left us vulnerable to any attack,” her letter read.

“The death of my husband was not the last of violent incidents that erupted in our province. The recent ambush on Sudipen Mayor Allan Buquing and Balaoan Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion which resulted in their deaths as well as of their police security details, placed La Union again in the headline news.”

The late eriguel survived a bombing attack on April 30, 2016, or barely two weeks from the 2016 national and local elections.

“Apart from these, local leaders were also gunned down, particularly in the towns of Bauang and Tubao but these were not reported in the national media,” she said. eriguel sought assistance from the Philippine Army and Department of National Defense to secure the safety of politicians themselves and the voting public, and ensure clean and honest elections.

She claimed she instructed her chief of staff to file her certificate of candidacy with Comelec in October after receiving death threats.

“To this date, I continue to receive information of ongoing threats to me and my family as well as my allies in politics,” she said. Rio Araja

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Opinion

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2018 MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2018 MONDAY,APRIL APRIL30, 30,2018 2018

The sophisticated hsadgsd Top of the Alpha

Adelle Chua, Editor Adelle Chua, Editor Adelle AdelleChua, Chua,Editor Editor

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL

confounded people of the Philippines. confounded confounded people of the Philippines. confoundedpeople peopleof ofthe thePhilippines.

Philippines.

And clearly, the country will not And clearly, the country And clearly, the country will not And clearly, the country will will not not be any better for this.

We must pay be be any better for this.

We must pay be any any better better for for this. this. We We must must pay pay the wages of all the bickering, and the of North America. the wages of all the bickering, and the wages wages of all all the the bickering, bickering, and and snapping, the intriguing and the snapping, the intriguing and the The venue features a magnifi cent view snapping, the intriguing and snapping, the intriguing and the the scheming that have all but enervated scheming that have all but enervated from every part of the penthouse of the scheming scheming that that have have all all but but enervated enervated our national spirit, and left us divided our spirit, left Alphaland Corporate Tower Makati. our national spirit, and left us divided ournational national spirit,and and leftus usinaaaadivided divided THE President delivers the traditional nation and worse, one that is stubbornly THE nation and worse, one that is stubbornly THE President delivers the traditional has an L-shaped music lounge where nation and worse, one that is stubbornly THE President President delivers delivers the the traditional traditional It nation and worse, one that is stubbornly State of the Nation Address today.

His petulant about this division!

And while State petulant this division!

And State of the Nation Address today.

His petulant about this division!

And while jazz perform on a Stateof ofthe theNation NationAddress Addresstoday. today. His His well-known petulantabout about thisbands division!

Andwhile while supporters will applaud him.

Many will some have proclaimed themselves to supporters will applaud him.

Many will some have proclaimed themselves supporters will applaud him.

Many will some have proclaimed themselves to daily basis, a Tabacalera Cigar Divan supporters will applaud him. Many will some have proclaimed themselves to to heckle him as he makes his way to the be instruments of rapprochement, they heckle makes his way be of they heckle him as he makes his way to the be instruments of rapprochement, they THERE wasas time when fabled interthe country’s finest hand-rolled hecklehim him asahe he makes his wayto tothe the featuring be instruments instruments of rapprochement, rapprochement, they Batasan.

His admirers will hang on his have only soughed through an already Batasan.

His admirers will hang on his have only soughed through an already Batasan.

His admirers will hang on his have soughed an already national and women mystery Batasan.men His admirers will of hang on his cigars and Scotch and have only onlysingle-malt soughed through through an Cognac already every word.

His critics will seize every despondent nation the doleful notes of every every despondent the notes of every word.

His critics will seize every despondent nation the doleful notes of everyword. word.

Hiscritics criticswill willseize seize every pairings, shared noble His attributes.

They embodied despondent nation the doleful doleful notesterof andnation an open-air wraparound opportunity to convince the nation discord and driven the fi ssures even opportunity to convince the nation discord and driven the fi ssures even opportunity to convince nation discord and the even opportunity to taste, convince the nation race discord and driven driven the fifissures ssures even elan, impeccable extremethe discretion for dining and lounging with a specthat his address deeper, for that ssure that address deeper, for fififi that his address deeper, for that ssure that his hismoney address deeper, for that that fissure ssure (regarding as well as sexual con- tacular view of the metropolis.

Itthat also has makes painfully runs deepest that lies makes painfully runs deepest lies makes painfully runs deepest that lies makes painfully runs deepest that lies quests), and general good-natured bonhothree beautifully designed private rooms evident his inability on the other side of evident his inability on the other side of evident his inability on the side of evident his those inability onmonitors the other other sideyou of mie.

To hear who knew them, and featuring large TV where to govern.

Congress a berm of pointless to govern.

Congress a berm of pointless to govern.

Congress a berm of pointless to govern.

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Bobby Ongpin, of music in a plush, sdfsadf its business, while As member of sdfsadf its business, while As aaaa member its business, while As member of sdfsadf its business, while As member of of were captivating private setting. many of the citizens the Consultative many of the citizens the Consultative many of the citizens the Consultative many of the citizens the Consultative one-person shows, The Top of the will persist in their Committee formed by will their Committee formed by will persist in their Committee formed by will persist persist in in their Committee formed by room-holders who, Alpha also boasts cynicism and their an Executive Order cynicism and their an Executive Order cynicism and their an Executive Order cynicism and their an Executive Order Jazz in the sky, when theyBishops had evdistrust.

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The by try.the That ithas hasnever never been triedaccombefore hosting high-class, glitzy vencountry’s bestafter artists CPP-NPA-NDF will patrol the hamlets is no argument at all, after all, we have CPP-NPA-NDF will patrol the hamlets is no argument at all, all, we have CPP-NPA-NDF will patrol the hamlets is no argument at all, after all, we have CPP-NPA-NDF will patrol the hamlets is no argument at all, after all, weband. have ues in the country, with a capacity of 200 panied with a live instrumental and villages at night, threatening, bravely ventured on the untried in the and villages at night, threatening, bravely ventured on the untried in the and villages at night, threatening, bravely ventured on the untried in the and villages at night, threatening, bravely ventured on the untried in the people partying in this intimate club atThe Top features all genres of jazz, extorting, and, paradoxically, also past.

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The military will fan out through order in 1986 and set in place recause.

The military will out through order in 1986 and set in place aaaa recause.

The military will fan out through order in 1986 and set in place recause.

The military will fan out through order in 1986 and set in place redestination situated within the premises Aliw awardee Romy Posadas, versatile, the same area by day, convince the ordered republic through a constitution the same area by day, convince the ordered republic through a constitution the same area by day, convince the ordered republic through aa constitution the same area by day, convince the ordered republic through constitution of the glamorous ficountryside ve-star serviced resimulti-awarded singer craftsmen, Kat Agarrado, peasants of the that they drafted by hand-picked craftsmen, and peasants peasants of the countryside that they drafted by hand-picked and peasants of of the the countryside countryside that that they they drafted draftedby byhand-picked hand-pickedcraftsmen, craftsmen,and andIIII dences, The Alpha Suites, and the exclumean well, and make life miserable for legendary keyboardist Henry Katindig, am convinced it was worth the gamble. mean well, and make life miserable for am convinced it was worth the gamble. mean mean well, well, and and make make life life miserable miserable for for am am convinced convinced itit was was worth worth the the gamble. gamble. sive members-only, The City Club. It of is those marked out as sympathizers of Let us have thorough, no-holds barred those marked jazz bandno-holds Kiss the barred Bride, Let those marked out as sympathizers of Let us have thorough, no-holds barred those marked out out as as sympathizers sympathizers of contemporary Letus ushave haveaaaathorough, thorough, no-holds barred the rebels.

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One faction of economists debate on the merits or demerits of the rebels. rebels.

One for faction of economists economists debate on the merits or demerits of will tell that the country now wears federalism, because we need such an will tell that the country now wears private members to indulge in its vibrant federalism, because we need such an songbird Eileen Sison, jazz latin swing will will tell tell that that the the country country now now wears wears federalism, federalism, because because we we need need such such an an the pallor of a nation on the brink of exchange, but let us not allow what the the brink of exchange, but let allow what personality reminiscent of The Brass connoisthe pallor of nation on the brink of exchange, but let us not allow what the pallor pallor of of aaa nation nation on onthe thestyle brinkand of band exchange, but Munkeys, let us us not notjazz allow what its demise; another will tell us that might be salutary conversation for our its another will tell us ititit might be conversation atmosphere clubs from iconic playand Ines Habayeb’s for Music its demise; another will tell us that might be salutary conversation for our its demise; demise;of another willthe tell us that that it seurs mightElian beaaaasalutary salutary conversation forour our cannot be any rosier—and neither side country’s future to degenerate into the cannot be any rosier—and neither side country’s future to degenerate into the grounds of Europe, like the once rarefi ed cannot be any rosier—and neither side and Wine Strictly Jazz nights, and many cannot be any rosier—and neither side country’s country’s future future to to degenerate degenerate into into the the will really be believed by the already will really be believed by the already fi shing village of Saint-Tropez, and in will really be believed by the already Turn to A5 others.

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IKE silverfimaintains sh and other creatures that HE Palace maintains that there was no confl ict of HE that there no HE Palace Palace maintains thatunsavory there was was no confl conflict ict of of scamper for cover whenagency the rockowned underby which interest when security agency owned by Soliciinterest aaa security Soliciinterest when when security agency owned by Solicithey were hiding is lifted, officers and tor-General Jose Calida bagged at least P150 miltor-General Jose bagged at P150 tor-General Jose Calida Calida bagged at least leastmembers P150 milmilof the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity of the University of lion in government contracts. lion in government contracts. lion in government contracts. the Philippines have fallen silent after leaked screenshots In his own defense, Calida said he had (30) days from his assumption of offi ce his defense, Calida had from assumption ofIn their private revealed pattern of of In his own defense, Calida said he had (30) days from his assumption of offi ce In hisown own defense,Facebook Calidasaid saidhe hemessages had (30) (30) days days from his hisa assumption of offi office ce already resigned as chairman and presiand/or divest himself of his shareholdalready resigned as chairman and presiand/or divest himself of his shareholdalready as presihimself of already resigned resigned as chairman chairman and andIslamophobia, presi- and/or and/or divest divest himselfhatred of his his shareholdshareholdmisogyny, homophobia, ethnic and dent of his family-owned Vigilant Invesings or interest within sixty (60) days dent dent of his family-owned Vigilant Invesings or interest within sixty (60) days dentof ofhis hisfamily-owned family-ownedVigilant VigilantInvesInves- ings ings or or interest interest within within sixty sixty (60) (60) days days racism and a fascist outlook. tigative and Security Agency Inc. (Visai) from such assumption.” tigative and Security Agency Inc. (Visai) from such assumption.” tigative and Security Agency Inc. (Visai) from such assumption.” tigative and Security Agency Inc. (Visai) from such assumption.”

before he was appointed solicitor-generbefore before he was appointed solicitor-generbeforehe hewas wasappointed appointedsolicitor-genersolicitor-general on July 1, 2106. al on July 1, 2106. al on 1, 2106. alWhile on July July 1, 2106. a few individual members have His resignation, however, was not acHis resignation, however, not His resignation, however, was not acHisforward resignation, however,was wasprivate notacaccome to condemn the companied by a divestment of his intercompanied by a divestment of his intercompanied by a divestment of his intercompanied bywere a divestment ofthe hisTwitintermessages that leaked on ests in the company. ests in ests in the company. estsaccount inthe thecompany. company. ter of Lonsileaks on Nov. 20, Submissions to the Securities and ExSubmissions to the and Submissions to the Securities and ExSubmissions to theSecurities Securities andExExthe organization itself has remained sichange Commission show that Calida change Commission show that Calida change Commission show that Calida change Commission showoffi that Calida lent, and none of its current cers have maintained a 60 percent interest, while maintained aaa 60 interest, while maintained 60 percent interest, while maintained 60 percent percent interest, while spoken up, either to deny the poststhe orreto his wife and three children owned the rehis wife and three children owned his wife and three children owned the rehis wife and three children owned the redenounce them.

Almost two weeks after maining 40 percent. maining 40 percent. maining 40 percent. maining 40messages percent. triggered an uproar the leaked The Palace and Calida say this is perThe Palace and say is The Palace and Calida say this is perThe Palace andCalida Calida saythis this isperperin the UP community, no internal investifectly legal. fectly legal. fectly legal. fectly to legal. gation identify the guilty members has Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Republic Act Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Republic Act 6713 6713 or or the the Code Code of of been announced.

Conduct and Ethical Standards for PubConduct and Ethical Standards for PubConduct and Ethical Standards for PubConduct and Ethical Standards for PubThe scandal is aEmployees, stain upon says, Upsilon lic Offi cials and Employees, says, in lic cials and lic Offi cials and Employees, says, in lic Offi Offi cials and Employees, says, in in Sigma Phi, one of the oldest fraternities Section 9, the following: Section 9, the following: Section 9, the following: 9, the following: inSection Asia, with a roster of notable members “A public offi cial or employee shall “A offi or shall “A public offi cial or employee shall “Aaspublic public official cial or employee employee shall such theicts late strongman Ferdinand avoid confl icts of interest at all times. avoid confl of interest at all times. avoid confl icts of interest at all times. avoid confl icts of interest at all times.

Marcos, political rival Senator BeWhen confl ict of interest arises, he When aaaa his confl ict of arises, he When confl ict of interest arises, he WhenAquino conflJr., ictSenators of interest interest arises, he nigno Joker Arroyo, shall resign from his position in any shall resign from his position in any shall resign from his position in any shall resign from his position in any private business enterprise within thirty private private business enterprise within thirty private business business enterprise enterprise within within thirty thirty

The conjunction “and/or” in this proThe The conjunction “and/or” in this proTheconjunction conjunction“and/or” “and/or”in inthis thisproprovision, Calida and the Palace say, sugvision, Calida and the Palace say, sugvision, Calida and the Palace say, sugvision, Calida and the Palace say, sugRichard Gordon and is Francis Pangilinan gests that divestment is optional. gests that gests that divestment is optional. gestsformer thatdivestment divestment isoptional. optional. and UP presidents Salvador P. Elsewhere in the code, Section also Elsewhere in code, Elsewhere in the code, Section also Elsewhere inthe thePascual. code,Section Section7777also also Lopez and Alfredo prohibits public offi cials and employees prohibits public offi cials employees prohibits public cials and employees prohibits public offi cials and and employees Reacting todirectly theoffi leaked messages, the from having directly or indirectly, any from having or indirectly, any from having directly or indirectly, any from having directly or indirectly, any UP Women in Law issued a strongly nancial or material interest in any transfififi nancial or material interest in any transnancial or material interest in any transfinancialstatement or material interest inspells any transworded that clearly out action requiring the approval of their ofaction requiring the of their action requiring the approval their ofaction requiring theapproval approval ofkinds theirofofthe dangers of leaving theseof of ce. fififi ce. fice. ce. unchecked. views Calida points out that the Offi ce of Calida out that Offi Calida points out that the Offi ce of Calida points points outverity that the thethese Office ce of of “Regardless of the of mesthe Solicitor General had no role in the Solicitor General had no role in the Solicitor General had no role in the Solicitor General hadreal noevil rolethat in sages, they represent a very approving the contracts granted to his approving the contracts granted to his approving the contracts granted to his approving the in contracts granted to the his thrives not just our college, but in company by any of the agencies incompany any of agencies incompany by of the incompany by by any of the the agencies inuniversity: theany archaic andagencies unfounded volved. volved. volved. volved. mentality that men have claim over Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft Republic Act or the Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft Republic Act 3019 3019 or and the Anti-Graft Anti-Graft women and their bodies, the impliand Corrupt Practices Act, meanwhile, and Practices Act, and Corrupt Practices Act, meanwhile, and Corrupt Corrupt Practices Act, meanwhile, meanwhile, cation thatpublic women arecial restricted to act inaa bars any public offi cial from having bars any offi from having bars any public offi cial from having bars any public offi cial from having adirect certain manner by virtue of their genderaa direct or indirect “fi nancing or pecunior indirect “fi nancing or pecunidirect or indirect “fi nancing or pecunidirect or indirect “fi nancing or pecunialone. ary interest in any business, contract or ary interest in business, contract or ary interest in any business, contract or ary interest in any any business, contract or “We condemn in the strongest terms the transaction in connection with which he transaction in connection with which he transaction in connection with which he transaction in connection with which he intervenes or takes part in his offi cial caintervenes intervenes or takes part in his offi cial caintervenesor ortakes takespart partin inhis hisoffi official cialcaca-

macho feudal mentality and culture that pacity, or in which he is prohibited by pacity, pacity, or in which he is prohibited by pacity,or orin inwhich whichhe heis isprohibited prohibitedby by festers within the University.

We will not the Constitution or by any law from the Constitution or by any law from the Constitution or by any law from the Constitution or by any law from stand idly byinterest.” and allow for the propagahaving any interest.” having having any havingany anyinterest.” interest.” tionAgain, of machismo atand the the expense of our Again, Calida and the Palace say Calida Again, Palace say Again, Calida Calida and and the the Palace Palace say say dignity.

This is a callhas fornot accountability the solicitor-general has not intervened the solicitor-general intervened the solicitor-general has not intervened the solicitor-general has not intervened for institutions who are supposed to upor taken part in his offi cial capacity in or or taken part in his offi cial capacity in ortaken takenpart partin inhis hisoffi official cialcapacity capacityin in hold the virtues of character and integriany of the questioned transactions. any of the questioned transactions. any any of of the the questioned questioned transactions. transactions. ty. The quality of an organization is best These arguments are legalistic, These These arguments are legalistic, These arguments arguments are are legalistic, legalistic, represented by the acts ofno its members. however, and suggest no laws were however, and suggest laws however, and suggest no laws were however, and suggest no laws were were “The University should notthe besolicihome broken—but they do not say the solicibroken—but they do not say broken—but they do not say the solicibroken—but they do not say the solicito an environment where this culture tor general acted ethically. tor tor general acted ethically. torgeneral generalacted actedethically. ethically. of While misogyny remains.

Thethat ‘boys will While it may be true that the soit may be While true the soWhile itit may may be be true true that that the the sosobe boys’ attitude enables men tosay conlicitor general had no offi cial say in licitor general had no offi cial licitor general had no offi cial say in licitor general had no official say in in tinue the the culture of violence and disgranting the government contracts granting government contracts to granting the government contracts to granting the government contracts to to crimination against otherthe genders.

It his company, how can the public be his his company, how can public be his company, company, how how can can the the public public be be encourages harassment andaction abuse was beassured that no unoffi cial action was assured assured that no unoffi cial assured that that no no unoffi unofficial cial action action was was yond their institution and transcends to taken to better his company’s chances? taken to better his company’s chances? taken to better his company’s chances? taken to better his company’s chances? their treatment of women in society.”

The mere knowledge among the govThe mere knowledge among the govThe mere knowledge among the govThe mere knowledge among the govEven more troubling is the fact ernment agencies involved that the ernment ernment agencies involved that the ernment agencies agencies involved involved that that the the that these caveman attitudes not only solicitor-general was a major stocksolicitor-general was a major stocksolicitor-general solicitor-general was was aa major major stockstocksurvive but thrive in theagency dark, hidden holder in the security agency could holder holder in the security could holder in in the the security security agency agency could could from view, among the youth, these soeasily have given his company an uneasily have given his company an easily have given his company an uneasily have given his company anununcalled scholars of this nation. fair advantage over other bidders for fair advantage over other bidders for fair fair advantage advantage over over other other bidders bidders for for In one bigoted exchange, a member the same contracts. the same contracts. the the same same contracts. contracts. posited that women belonged onlymay in Laws set down what person may Laws Laws set down what person Laws set set down down what what aaaa person person may may the kitchen or ethics in the tell bedroom.

The or may not do; ethics tell us what the or may not do; us what the or may not do; ethics tell us what the or may not do; ethics tell us what the truth is, should these poor excuses for human person should do.

The solicitor genperson person do.

The solicitor genperson should should do. do. The The solicitor solicitor gengenbeings belong only in the bathroom, eral, in following the letter of the law, eral, in following the letter of the law, eral, eral, in in following following the the letter letter of of the the law, law, where theybeen can be easily flushed away may have been acting legally, but that may have acting legally, but that may have been acting legally, but may have been acting legally, but that that with thecry fecal matter thatthat fillshe what is a far cry from our ideal that he also is a far from our ideal also is a far cry from our ideal that he also is a far cry from our ideal that he also passes for theirAren’t brains.we act ethically.

Aren’t we supposed to act act ethically. supposed to act ethically. ethically. Aren’t Aren’t we we supposed supposed to to demand this of our public offi cials? demand this of our public offi cials? demand demand this this of of our our public public offi officials? cials?

Bells asdfgsdf Long after that incident, the belief among Overwhelmed by the enormity Overwhelmed by enormity Overwhelmed by the enormity Overwhelmed by the the that enormity many veterans in Wyoming was the US of the drug problem, burdened by of the drug problem, burdened by of drug problem, burdened by of the thewere drug problem, burdened by soldiers the object and of a savage and perfiof dthe incompetence and corruption of the incompetence corruption the incompetence and corruption of the incompetence and corruption of ious attack, that theaaaFilipinos used “bolos” to offi cialdom, and country weighed down offi cialdom, and country weighed down offi cialdom, and country weighed down offi cialdom, and a country weighed down mercilessly hack their soldiers to death.drives, They by internecine and separatist drives, by and by internecine and separatist drives, by internecine internecine andtheseparatist separatist drives, dismissed theto fact that Filipinos only had Duterte had to act on these things fi rst.

Duterte had act on these things fi rst.

Duterte had to act on these things fi rst.

Duterte had to actand on athese things first. bolos for weapons surprise attack was Which is why launching an information Which is why launching an information Which launching information Whichisiswhy why launchingfian an information the only way of effectively ghting soldiers campaign about federalism has yet to be campaign about federalism has yet campaign about federalism has yet to be campaign about federalism has yetto tobe be LAST October 1, we wrote thisundisputed space about armed WHAT comes out as an undisputed with “Krag” riflintensively. es.

WHAT comes out as done offi cially and intensively.

Even the done offi cially and Even the WHAT comes out as an undisputed done offi cially and intensively.

Even the WHAT comes out asinan an undisputed done offi cially and intensively.

Even the the imminentabout return of Balangiga bells in convening observation about the push for federalism The journey ofstudy the Balangiga bells back observation push for convening of study group to synthesize of group to synthesize observation about the push for federalism convening of study group to synthesize observation aboutthe thethe push forfederalism federalism convening ofaaaahas study group to synthesize time for Christmas.

As a people result, Manila Stanis that the Filipino people who will home to Samar been long and arduous. is that the Filipino who will the amendments to the Constitution took the amendments to the Constitution took is that the Filipino people who will the amendments to the Constitution took is that the Filipino people who will the amendments to the Constitution took dard scooped every other paper about the reultimately decide on its fate are, as of It entailed Philippine Catholic church leaders ultimately decide on its fate are, as of the backburner, and was only begun in the backburner, and was only begun in ultimately backburner, and was only begun in ultimately decide decide on on its its fate fate are, are, as as of of the the backburner, and was only begun in turn of the national treasures. today, still largely unaware about it. making representations with the US military today, still largely unaware about it. earnest this year.

Congress itself at the earnest this year.

Congress itself at the today, still largely unaware about it. earnest this Congress itself today, still largely unaware about it. earnest thisofyear. year.

Congress itself at at the the We could not however give out details or Despite attempts by the ruling party, for the return the bells many decades back.

Despite attempts by the ruling party, early stages could not make up its mind stages could not make its Despite early stages could not make up its mind Despite attempts attempts by by the the ruling ruling party, party, early early stages could not makeup upefforts itsmind mind the source of our aspeople our sources in on PDP-Laban, to inform the people about The 1990s saw the first earnest by PDP-Laban, to inform about on whether to convene constituent whether to convene aaaa constituent PDP-Laban, to inform the people about on whether to convene constituent PDP-Laban, toinformation inform the the people about on whether to convene constituent the US preferred anonymity, as they still ado.

It the its merits, federalism has yet to ring a big Philippine government for the return of the its merits, federalism has yet to ring big assembly as a single assemblage voting as assembly as a single assemblage voting as its merits, federalism has yet to ring a big as assemblage voting as its merits, federalism has yet to ring a big assembly assembly asaasingle single assemblage voting as is enough forin them that soonwhere itwhere woulditititbe “mis- bells, bell.

Only in Mindanao, sounds spearheaded byTo then President Fidel V. bell.

Only Mindanao, one or separately.

To break the impasse, one or separately. break the impasse, bell.

Only in Mindanao, where sounds one or separately.

To break the impasse, bell.

Only in Mindanao, where itsounds sounds one or separately.

To break the impasse, sion they have done their Ramos, like clarion call against the perennial who ordered theHouse Philippine Embassy like aaaa clarion against the the Senate and the House decided to the Senate the decided to like clarion call against the perennial the Senate and the House decided to likeaccomplished,” clarion call calland against the perennial perennial the Senate and and the House decided to part in furthering the friendly relation of the our neglect (until the Duterte era) of the in Washington D.C., then headed by Ambasneglect (until the Duterte era) of put the matter to later decision, and put the matter to later decision, and neglect (until the Duterte era) of the put the matter to later decision, and neglect (until the Duterte era) of the put the matter to later decision, and peoples. perennially-touted “land of promise” sador Raul regarding Ch. Rabe perennially-touted discuss substantive issues regarding perennially-touted “land of promise” discuss substantive issues regarding perennially-touted “land “land of of promise” promise” discuss discuss substantive substantiveto issues issues regarding The federalism bells were is federalism mount an active is the amendments the amendments is federalism the is federalism the amendments amendments taken campaign. aaaaccccccccfrom eeeeppppttttthe aaaabbbbchurch lllleeee,,,, rst.

Thus, the fififi rst.

Thus, rst.

Thus, the fi rst.

Thus, the the of San Lorenzo marginally at that. byiiissAmbasmarginally at m m ssssssiiiioooonnnn cccTrips oooom m marginally at that. m m marginally atthat. that.de c m m i Martir in Balangiga, Pulse Asia sador Rabe and other Pulse Asia headed by CJ Must their return headed by Pulse Asia headed by CJ Pulse Asia headed

by CJ CJ Samar Eastern in its mid-June offi cials to Cheyenne, in mid-June Reynato Puno sadfsd Reynato Puno sadfsd in its mid-June Reynato Puno in its its(now mid-June Reynato Puno to Balangiga spell the sadfsd Samar) research said that Wyoming were unresearch said that to esh out the to out the research said that to esh out the researchand saidthence that to flflfl flesh esh outreprethe brought

by US forces end of the story?

67 percent of those dertaken and 67 percent of those substance. substance.

67 percent of those substance.

67 percent of those substance. to their country as asked about charter sentations madebarely with asked about charter It’s been barely It’s been asked about charter It’s been asked about charter It’s beenbarely barely “war booty.” change rejected the local offi cials, busichange rejected the a month since a month since change rejected the aa month change rejected the month since since There are actuidea of amending nessmen, and Filipino idea of the output of that the output of that idea of amending the output of that idea of amending amending the output of that ally bellscharter –-- two the present charter residents of the area. the present study commission study commission the present charter study commission thethree present charter study commission large and a smaller and replacing the Many Fil-Am organizations also joined and replacing the came out.

Now came out.

Now and replacing the came out.

Now and ones replacing the bell. The two large came out.

Now bells ended up inwith Cheyenne, Wyoming, at the the campaign, writing and current system with visiting their local current system the House and the the House and the current system with the House and the current system with the House and the entrance of F.E. Warren Air Force base, while federal set-up. political leaders.

In fact, a draft of a US presiaaaa federal set-up.

Senate are arguing Senate are arguing federal Senate are federal set-up. set-up.

Senate are arguing arguing the smaller bell became a signal bell of the US In its fi rst quarter dential order to be signed by then POTUS Bill In about the manner about manner In its rst quarter about the manner In its its fififirst rst quarter quarter aboutinthe the manner Second Infantry Division which posted Clinton reading, 64 percent opposed. is statistical was already prepared time for the reading, 64 opposed.

ItItIt aaaastatistical of formally amending, to the point where of formally amending, to the point where reading, 64 percent opposed. statistical of formally amending, to the point where reading, 64percent percent opposed.

Itisis isnow statistical of formally amending, to the point where at Camp Red that Cloud inlast South Korea. tie, but note that the last three months was last offi cial visit of Pres.

Ramos to the country tie, but note the three months was two controversial issues have been two controversial issues have been tie, but note that the last three months was controversial tie, but note that the last three months was two two controversial issues issues have have been been The the common belief Commission among Americans when the Consultative Commission was 1999. by when was mouthed by the House: One, that the 2019 mouthed the House: One, that the 2019 when the Consultative Commission was mouthed by the House: One, that the 2019 when the Consultative Consultative Commission was in mouthed by the House: One, that the 2019 particularly ininforming Wyoming isthe thatpublic the three bells elections periodically informing the public through However, Wyoming Sen. Craigso Thomas periodically elections should be postponed so as to should be postponed to periodically through should be postponed so as to periodically informing informing the the public public through through elections elections should be postponed so as asthe to were rung to its signal the attack on September fi media about its proposals. led a bill in the US Congress prohibiting media about proposals. allow the proposed constituent assembly allow the proposed constituent assembly media about its proposals. allow the proposed constituent assembly media about its proposals. allow the proposed constituent assembly 28, Thirty 1901 bypercent Filipinosaid “insurrectos” upon the Thirty percent said they are “open” to ofmake artifacts from US war memorials time to make the needed amendments time to the needed amendments Thirty they are “open” to time to the needed amendments Thirtypercent percentsaid saidthey theyare are“open” “open”to to removal time to make make thecountries neededunless amendments American soldiers of Company C who were charter change, but not yet.

It’s a neitherfor return to foreign with the charter change, but not yet.

It’s a neitherready for a plebiscite.

Indeed, the timeline ready for a plebiscite.

Indeed, the timeline charter aaplebiscite. the timeline charter change, change, but but not not yet. yet. It’s It’s aa neitherneither- ready readyfor for plebiscite.ofIndeed, Indeed, theCongress. timeline then stationed in answer, Balangiga. here-nor-there answer, the typical Pinoy express authorization the US here-nor-there the typical Pinoy is tough.

Forcing through in time for is tough.

Forcing through in time here-nor-there answer, the typical Pinoy is tough.

Forcing through in time for here-nor-there answer, the typical Pinoy is tough. Forcing through in time for for Scholarsto have since learned from oral hisreaction to change, “kumbinsihin mo became law until 2017 when it finally reaction simultaneous elections and ratifi cation by simultaneous elections and ratifi cation by reaction change, “kumbinsihin mo simultaneous elections and ratifi cation by reaction to to change, change, “kumbinsihin “kumbinsihin mo mo This simultaneous elections and ratifi cation by tory andako.” other accounts that only the small bell expired muna ako.” and opened the doors to a renewed muna May of 2019, just ten months from now, May of 2019, just ten months from now, muna ako.”

May muna ako.”

May of of 2019, 2019, just just ten ten months months from from now, now, wasThose rung.

Those who stated their preference for campaign. who stated their preference for iscompletely completely unrealistic. unrealistic.

Those is completely unrealistic.

Those who who stated stated their their preference preference for for is completely unrealistic.

The local priestdropped at the time, a percentage Fr. Donato isThis charter change dropped by percentage time a group of retired US military ofcharter The second, even more controversial, The second, even controversial, charter change by The second, even more controversial, charter change change dropped dropped by by 5555 percentage percentage The second, evenmore more controversial, Guimbaolibot was not present at the time of points, June versus March. fi cials formerly assigned at Clark and to Subic points, June versus March. proposal is to send the issue directly to the proposal is to send the issue directly the points, June versus March. proposal isisto the to the points, June versus March. proposal tosend send theissue issuedirectly directly to the the Sure, attack.

Sure, President Duterte vowed that he inthrough the course of their career took itwhich upon people through a people’s initiative, which people a people’s initiative, Sure, President Duterte vowed that he people through a people’s initiative, which Sure,President PresidentDuterte Dutertevowed vowedthat thathe he bases people through a people’s initiative, which To many Filipinos, the Balangiga Massacre would prefer federalist set-up as against toConstitution continue the effort for the return would the current Constitution has enumerated the current would prefer federalist set-up as against the current Constitution has enumerated wouldprefer preferaaaafederalist federalistset-up set-upas asagainst against themselves the current Constitution has has enumerated enumerated refers to the reprisal infl icted by the American the current unitary system where political of the bells. the current unitary system where political as another means of amendment.

That as another means of amendment. the current unitary system where political as another means of amendment.

That the current unitary system where political as another means of amendment. That That forces which resulted in theis burning down of and economic power is centralized in Then came the State of the Nationtime Address and was attempted during GMA’s time as attempted during GMA’s as and economic power centralized in was attempted during GMA’s time as and economic economic power power is is centralized centralized in in was was attempted during GMA’s time as Balangiga includingdecry its church.

The reprisal of what Bisayans decry as “imperialist President Rodrigo Duterte where he asked what Bisayans as “imperialist before her in FVR’s as well—for naught. before her in FVR’s as well—for naught. what Bisayans decry as “imperialist her as naught. what Bisayans decry as “imperialist before before her in inofFVR’s FVR’s astowell—for well—for naught. was done upon orders of Gen. Jacob Smith Manila.”

He said that even during the for the return the bells our country.

Manila.”

He said that even during the To be fair, the House leadership is right To House leadership is Manila.”

To be fair, the House leadership is right Manila.” He He said said that that even even during during the the Tobe befair, fair,the theto House leadership isright right who exhortedbut histhat menwas to turn Samar into a on campaign, but that was not why people The resistance theirThey returnhave came from campaign, on the paucity of time.

They have 2019 the paucity of time. aaaa2019 campaign, not why people the paucity of time.

They have 2019 campaign, but but that that was was not not why why people people on on the paucity of time.

They have 2019 “howling wilderness” and to kill all males elected him president. abudget small but active group of war veterans in elected budget to tackle, and various non-tooand various non-tooelected him president. budget to tackle, and various non-tooelectedhim himpresident. president. budget to to tackle, tackle, and various non-tooabove ten years of age.

Most chilling wasCity his easy People went for the Davao City But our American friends lobPeople easy legislation on their plate, such as the legislation on their plate, such as the People went for the Davao easy legislation on their plate, such as the People went went for for the the Davao Davao City City Cheyenne. easytolegislation on their plate, of such as the exhortation that “the more youstring kill and burn, mayor because he had string of “can convince fellow veterans thecation need mayor Part Two of TRAIN, the rice tarrifi cation Part Two of the rice mayor because he had of “can Part Two of TRAIN, the rice tarrifi cation mayor because because he he had had aaaa string string of of “can “can bied Part Two ofTRAIN, TRAIN, thereturn ricetarrifi tarrifi cation the more pleased I will be.” do” accomplishments in the southern to “do the right thing” and the bells to do” amendment, the straightening-out of the straightening-out of do” accomplishments in the southern amendment, the straightening-out of do” accomplishments accomplishments in in the the southern southern amendment, amendment, thethey straightening-out of Smith was subsequently court-martialed for metropolis which proved that he would the church to which ought to belong.

The metropolis which proved that he would labor contractualization, all of which labor contractualization, all of which metropolis contractualization, all of which metropolis which which proved proved that that he he would would labor labor contractualization, all of which this, but was merely given a slap onthe the wrist – impact be “will-do” leader of the entire had a good on ring toeconomy, it and theywhich were be impact massively on the economy, which massively be “will-do” leader of entire impact massively on the economy, which be aaaa “will-do” “will-do” leader leader of of the the entire entire appeal impact massively onthe thewho economy, which acountry. dishonorable discharge andthey retirement. country.

Not because they went gajoined by otherbe Americans had tiesif to the Not because went gacould really be “in the doldrums” if not could really “in the doldrums” country.

Not because they went gacould really be “in the doldrums” if not country. Not because they went ga- could really be “in the doldrums” if not not Balangiga also stands out as among the few ga over federalism.

They did not even Philippines. ga over federalism.

They did not even acted upon soon. acted upon soon. ga upon soon. ga over over federalism. federalism. They They did did not not even even acted acted upon soon. military victories exacted by the Filipino side comprehend then.

Until now, few still They lobbied thebegun national organizations comprehend have myself begun to have serious IIII have comprehend then.

Until now, few still have myself to have serious comprehend then. then. Until Until now, now, few few still still have myself myself begun begun to to have have serious serious against US forces during that war.is comprehend what federalism isall allabout. about. comprehend what federalism Turn Turnto toA5 A5 comprehend what federalism is all about.

Turn to A5

comprehend what federalism is all about.

Published PublishedMonday MondaytotoSunday Sundayby byPhilippine PhilippineManila ManilaStandard Standard Published to Sunday Philippine Manila Standard PublishedMonday Monday to Sundayby by Manila Standard Publishing Inc. Universal Re Building, de Publishing Inc.atat6/F 6/F Universal RePhilippine Building,106 106Paseo Paseo de Publishing Inc. at Universal Re 106 Paseo de Publishing Inc. at6/F 6/F Universal ReBuilding, Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Makati City.

Telephone Roxas, corner Perea St., LegaspiVillage, Village, Makati City.

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Telephone Roxas, corner Perea832-5556, St., Legaspi832-5558 Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, (connecting allall numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all P.O. departments), departments),(Editorial) (Editorial)832-5554, 832-5554,(Advertising) (Advertising)832-5550.

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Turn to A5

can canbe beaccessed accessedat: at: can canbe beaccessed accessedat: at: manilastandard.net manilastandard.net manilastandard.net manilastandard.net MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER Philippine PhilippinePress PressInstitute Institute Philippine Press Institute Philippine Press Institute The National Association The National Association The National Association The NationalNewspapers Association of Philippine of Philippine Newspapers of Philippine Newspapers of Philippine Newspapers

PPI PPI PPI

Christmas in the air dfsgasdgsdg PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will PRESIDENT PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will PRESIDENT Rodrigo Rodrigo Duterte Duterte will will deliver his third State of the Nation deliver his third State of the Nation deliver his third State of the Nation deliver his third State of the Nation YOU know Christmas is in the air when Address before joint session of Address before aaaa joint session of Address before joint session of Address before joint session of the shopping malls in the metro area are Congress later today.

For sure, the Congress later today.

For sure, the Congress later today.

For sure, the Congress later today.

For sure, the alit with colorful lights and lanterns.

President will give glowing report of President aaaaglowing report of President will give glowing report of President will willgive give glowing report of Filipinos, this early, arehis doing their accomplishments during his two years accomplishments during two years accomplishments during his two years accomplishments during his two years shopping forof children’s toys and Noche at the helm of government. at at the helm of government. atthe thehelm helm ofgovernment. government.

Buena fare.

Cubao, Pasig or Presidential the Makati Offi cials of the Presidential Offi cials of the Offi of the Officials cials the toPresidential Presidential business district of are trying outdo each Communications Operations Offi ce say Communications Operations Offi ce Communications Operations Offi ce say Communications Operations Offi cesay say other with Christmas lights complete the speech is estimated to last at least the speech is estimated to last at the least the speech speech isis estimated estimated to to last last at at least least with Christmas carols.

30 minutes.

That is, Mr Duterte does 30 30 minutes.

That is, Mr Duterte does 30minutes. minutes.That Thatis, is,ififif ifMr MrDuterte Dutertedoes does not do his usual rambling, ranting and A crowd drawer which brings people not do his usual rambling, ranting not do his usual rambling, ranting and not do his usual rambling, ranting and and raving.

Then expect to be longer. raving.

Then expect ititititto longer. even from nearby provinces Bulacan, raving.

Then expect to be longer. raving.

Then expect tobe belike longer.

The supermajority allies of the The of Laguna, and Cavite is allies the The supermajority allies of the The supermajority supermajority alliesthousands of the the administration and the congressmen’s administration and the congressmen’s of Christmas lights accompanied by administration and the congressmen’s administration and the congressmen’s wives in their fashionable dresses for wives fashionable dresses for music and songs of the season at the wives in their fashionable dresses for wives in in their their fashionable dresses for sure will applaud almost everything the sure will applaud almost everything the Ayala Triangle Park bounded by Paseo sure will applaud almost everything the sure will applaud almost everything the Chief Executive says.

But the truth of Chief Executive But the of Chief Executive says.

But the truth of de Roxas, Makatisays.

Avenue and oftruth course Chief Executive says.

But the truth of the matter is that the State of the Nation the matter is that the State of the Nation the isis that State the Ayala Avenue itselfthe which traditionally the matter matter that the Stateisof of the Nation Nation is far from ideal. is Sona, or Sola—A is ideal. or is far from ideal. is Sona, or Sola—A lit with Christmas lights décor. isfar farfrom from ideal.ItItIt Itis isSona, Sona, orSola—A Sola—A state of lawlessness and anarchy? state state of lawlessness and anarchy? stateof oflawlessness lawlessnessand andanarchy? anarchy?

Former FormerChief ChiefJustice JusticeReynato ReynatoS. S.Puno Puno Former FormerChief ChiefJustice JusticeReynato ReynatoS.S.Puno Puno Anita AnitaF.F.F.Grefal Grefal Anita Grefal Anita F. Grefal Baldwin BaldwinR. R.Felipe Felipe Baldwin BaldwinR. R.Felipe Felipe Edgar EdgarM. M.Valmorida Valmorida Edgar M. Valmorida Edgar M. Valmorida

Board BoardMember Member& &Chief ChiefLegal LegalAdviser Adviser Board BoardMember Member& &Chief ChiefLegal LegalAdviser Adviser Treasury TreasuryManager Manager Treasury Manager Treasury Manager Head—Ad Head—AdSolutions Solutions Head—Ad Head—AdSolutions Solutions Circulation CirculationManager Manager Circulation Manager Circulation Manager

Welcome adsfds adsfds adsfds to the holiday season in the Philippines.

This is Christmas in the Philippines which draws many of ourto balikbayans this Expect the President to speak lengthily Expect the President speak lengthily Expect the President to speak lengthily Expect the President to speak lengthily time ofhis the year.

They are “snowbirds” about his relentless war on illegal drugs about relentless war on illegal drugs about his war on illegal drugs aboutwant his relentless relentless war onwinter illegalin drugs who to flee theagainst fierce the and his campaign against government and his campaign government and his campaign against government and his campaign against government US Midwest and East Coast. corruption.

But the reality on the ground corruption.

But reality on ground corruption.

But the reality on the ground corruption.

Butthe the reality onthe the ground Ithat too, enjoy and won’t exchange is that the crime rate is still high contrary is is the crime rate is still high contrary isthat thatthe thecrime crimerate rateis isstill stillhigh highcontrary contrary Christmas in Philippine the Philippines with Police other to what the Philippine National Police to to what the National to what what the the Philippine Philippine National National Police Police claim that has gone done.

Just listen Yuletide celebrations indone. other Just countries. claim itititit has claim that has gone done.

Just listen claim that that has gone gone done.

Just listen listen to the morning and evening newscast But there was a time when I enjoyed to the morning and evening newscast to to the the morning morning and and evening evening newscast newscast of all the major TV networks.

Killings of TV Killings Christmas in a foreign land. Posted as of all the major TV networks.

Killings of all all the the major major TV networks. networks.

Killings particularly of priests, local offi cials plus particularly of priests, local offi cials plus ambassador in Poland,local I could not get a particularly offi plus particularly of of priests, priests, local officials cials plus the daily reports of ambushes by hired the of hired fl ightdaily fromreports Warsaw to Manila by because the daily reports of ambushes by hired the daily reports of ambushes ambushes by hired killers riding in tandem on motorcycles killers riding in motorcycles of Filipino booked killers riding in tandem on motorcycles killers ridingbalikbayans in tandem tandem on onwho motorcycles is common occurrences.

While Duterte is common occurrences.

While isis common occurrences. in advance. my wifeWhile and Duterte IDuterte spent common Thus occurrences.

While Duterte can be credited for fi ring government can be credited for fi ring government can be credited for fi ring government itcan in abeforeign country.

Our choice was credited for firing government offi cials with just “whiff of corruption,” offi just aaaa“whiff of offi cials with just “whiff of corruption,” Strasbourg, of The European officials cialswith withthe justseat “whiff ofcorruption,” corruption,” malfeasance in his administration malfeasance his malfeasance in his administration Parliament and in the straddles the malfeasance in city histhatadministration administration apparently is more than a scent.

To wit: apparently is more than a scent. apparently is more than a To wit: apparently is more than a scent. scent.To To wit: wit: Ramonchito RamonchitoL. L.Tomeldan Tomeldan Ramonchito RamonchitoL.L.Tomeldan Tomeldan Chin ChinWong/Ray Wong/RayS. S.Eñano Eñano Chin Wong/Ray Chin Wong/RayS. S.Eñano Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Joyce Pangco Pañares Joyce JoycePangco PangcoPañares Pañares Adelle Chua Adelle Chua Adelle AdelleChua Chua

border of France and Germany.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo Tourism Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo Tourism Secretary Secretary Wanda Wanda Tulfo Tulfo Teo Teo Strasbourg was an excellent alternative was fi red for allowing a multi-million was fi red for allowing a multi-million was fi red for allowing a multi-million was fired for allowing a multi-million DOT advertising contract to radiodestination.

From contract Warsaw we a DOT radioDOT advertising contract to radioDOT advertising advertising contract to to aaaatook radioTV program hosted by her brother Ben TV program hosted by her brother Ben fl ight to Cologne and then took the train to TV TV program program hosted hosted by by her her brother brother Ben Ben Tulfo.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre Tulfo.

Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre Strasbourg.

The train station was near the Tulfo.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre Tulfo.Justice Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre has also been replaced.

Labor Secretary has also replaced.

Labor city where our median-priced hotel has also been replaced.

Labor Secretary hascenter also been been replaced.

Labor Secretary Secretary Silvestre Bello III is being accused of Silvestre Bello III accused was centrally We immediately Silvestre Bello III is being accused of Silvestre Bellolocated.

III is is being being accused of of alleged extortion by a labor recruitment alleged extortion by a labor recruitment alleged extortion by a labor recruitment went out to explore the city and had an alleged extortion by a labor recruitment agency.

The Commission on Audit is agency.

The Commission is agency.

The Commission on Audit is early dinner a resto-bar.on city of agency.

The in Commission onAAudit Audit is questioning missing funds from the questioning missing funds from the questioning missing funds from the several plazas,missing where each competed in questioning funds from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Offi ce.

Philippine Sweepstakes Offi ce.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Offi ce. their lights Charity and Christmas décor,we Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Offispent ce.

There is a time-tested saying that There is a time-tested saying that aa time-tested saying that There time-tested saying that the There eveningisisand late night just walking “if it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it.”

Why did “if it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it.”

Why did “if it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it.”

Why “if it ain’t broke, fixsavoir it.” Why did around to get a filldon’t of the fare did of the Consultative Committee (ConCom) the Consultative Committee (ConCom) the Consultative Committee (ConCom) the Consultative Committee (ConCom) what the city has to offer. allow total overhaul of the charter allow aaa total overhaul of allow total overhaul of the charter allow total overhaul of the the acharter charter The anext day was spent on river instead of just amending certain sections instead of just amending certain sections instead of just amending certain sections insteadwith of just amending certain sections cruise the tour guide telling tourists like banning political dynasties and like banning political dynasties and like banning political dynasties and likevisitors banning political dynasties and and about theeconomic various landmarks, ending prohibitive economic provisions ending prohibitive provisions ending prohibitive economic provisions ending prohibitive economic provisions including the European parliament.

Since that discourage foreign investors from that discourage foreign investors from that discourage foreign investors from thatwere discourage foreign investors from we not much for shopping, my wife coming into the country?

Singapore, coming into the country?

Singapore, coming into the Singapore, coming intoa tour the country? country?

Singapore, opted to take inside the European Taiwan and South Korea with their liberal Taiwan South with their Taiwan and South Korea with their liberal Taiwanand andwhich SouthIKorea Korea withmust theirliberal liberal Parliament imagined sound investment laws are more economically investment investment laws are more economically investment laws laws are are more more economically economically like a cacophony of voices of different progressive. progressive. progressive. progressive. languages course after by the We are hoping the President after his We hoping President his We are hoping the President after his We are are translated hoping the theof President after his SONA speech does not convene the joint offi cial interpreters.

Whether French, SONA speech does not convene the joint SONA SONA speech speech does does not not convene convene the the joint joint session of Congress into Constitutional session Congress aaaa Constitutional German, orinto Spanish, all these session of Congress into Constitutional session of ofEnglish Congress into Constitutional Assembly or ConAss to railroad the draft Assembly or ConAss to railroad draft Assembly or ConAss to railroad the draft Assembly or ConAss to railroad the the draft Turn Turnto toA5 A5 Turn TurntotoA5 A5

Rolando RolandoG. G.Estabillo EstabilloPublisher Publisher Rolando RolandoG. G.Estabillo EstabilloPublisher Publisher Honor Managing HonorBlanco BlancoCabie Cabie Night NightEditor Editor ManagingEditor Editor Honor Managing HonorBlanco BlancoCabie Cabie Night NightEditor Editor ManagingEditor Editor Jimbo City Associate JimboGulle Gulle CityEditor Editor AssociateEditors Editors Jimbo Gulle City Editor Associate Editors Jimbo Gulle City Editor Associate Editors Romel Art News RomelJ.J.J.Mendez Mendez ArtDirector Director NewsEditor Editor Romel Art News Romel J.Mendez Mendez ArtDirector Director NewsEditor Editor Roberto Chief Opinion RobertoCabrera Cabrera ChiefPhotographer Photographer OpinionEditor Editor Roberto Cabrera Chief Opinion Editor Roberto Cabrera ChiefPhotographer Photographer Opinion Editor

Emil EmilP. P.Jurado Jurado Chairman ChairmanEmeritus, Emeritus,Editorial EditorialBoard Board Emil EmilP. P.Jurado Jurado Chairman ChairmanEmeritus, Emeritus,Editorial EditorialBoard Board

sdfsd

By Beatrice Tulagan ON THE day of the barangay elections in May, at a tin-roofed roadside shack 142 kilometers north of Manila, the women of Barangay Lamao in Limay, Bataan gathered to await the results of the votes. Some of their colleagues from the Coal-Free Bataan Movement have sought positions at the last minute, and together they hummed thethis radio as the they prepared It is welltothat year Philippines By Beatrice Tulagan ahosted feast of pancit and menudo for their the 6th Ministerial Forum of supporters andofSeas families.

ONEast THEAsian day the barangay the Congresselections (EASC) It was humid morning filled in May, atby aatin-roofed roadside organized the Partnerships in shack Enviwith tension and the chatter of their 142 kilometers northforofthe Manila, ronmental Management Seas of children who insisted on tagging the women of Barangay Lamao in East Asia (PEMSEA). With one of the along. have strung been getting Limay,Already Bataan they gathered to await the world’s longest coastline along reports that thethe competition resultsislands, of the votes.

Someallegedly ofis their 7247 Philippines parhas people outside of the colleagues from the Coal-Free Bataan ticularly situated to host and precincts serve as handing voters, positions but Movement some sortpay-offs of ahave livingtosought laboratory on they how kept spirits with goodand, food at secure thetheir lastthe minute, and they to healthupof ourtogether seas of and good “Panggulo lang hummed tocompany. theand radio as they prepared course, peoples their communities. naman they teased their a feast ofkayo!” pancit and menudo for three their The EASC which meets every candidates.

“Pero okay yan ha, disrupt supporters and families. years rounds up in one setting governthe Itsystem!” was a humid morning filled ments, national and local, as well as Politics never an option for with tensionwas andorganizations the chatter of their non-government them, butwho they insisted had to on explore children and international networks in atagging bidall to avenues to resist upon the murder along.

Already they have been getting enhance partnerships in the continuing of a to 57-year-old grandmother, their reports that the sustainable competition allegedly effort develop solutions to comrade, Gloria Capitan, has people outsideCapitan. of theparticularly precincts coastal management issues who actively handing toopposed voters, an but open they in the had Eastpay-offs Asian region. coal stockpile in the area for its effect kept their spirits up with good food The Congress’ theme: “East Asian on health of the was andthe good company.

“Panggulo lang Region Moving As community, One to Secure gunned by still unidentifi men naman down kayo!” they teased their Healthy Oceans, People and ed Econoone night in“Pero her family’s karaoke bar. candidates. okaycant yan ha,itdisrupt mies” is specially signifi as comes “It’s a death march yet again,” Derec the system!” at a time when Asian, not just East Cabe, coordinator of seas the Politics was never an movement, optionbeen for Asian, countries and have has beenbut saying for years. them, had to explorec orall pinpointed bythey a number of scientifi For the fithe rst source few weeks avenues toasresist uponof the ganizations mostmurder ofafter the Capitan’s death, the organization of a 57-year-old world’s plastic wastegrandmother, which has puttheir the actively campaigned for theand police to comrade, Gloria Capitan.

Capitan, world’s oceans, its resources influinvestigate the threats some who had actively open enced communities atopposed risk.

It members isandoubly had receiving.

Suspicious coal also stockpile the areayears for its signifi cantbeen that in in its 25 of effect exison the health of the community, was gunned down by still unidentified men one night in her family’s karaoke bar.

“It’s a death march yet again,” Derec Cabe, coordinator of the movement, has been saying for years.

WITHFor the exception 2016 weeks losing presithe fiTulagan rstof few after

By Beatrice dential candidate Mar Roxas, it seems all Capitan’s death, the organization other candidates of the Liberal Party inelections the 2019to campaigned for the police ONactively THE day of barangay mid-term elections headed for defeat. investigate theare threats some members in May, at a tin-roofed roadside shack This, ifalso the results of the of survey conducted had beennorth receiving.

Suspicious 142 kilometers Manila, the by The Center is to be believed. women of Barangay Lamao in Limay, In its survey conducted from the Nov.results 12-18, Bataan gathered to await 2018, 1,200 with a of theculled votes.from Some ofrespondents their colleagues confidence level of 98 percent a margin from the Coal-Free Bataanand Movement of error of +3.5 percent, The Center bared that have sought positions at the last minute, four of the seven incumbent senators who are and together they hummed to the radio running reelection inathefeast next elections are as theyforprepared of pancit By Beatrice Tulagan certain of getting reelected if the elections are and menudo for their supporters and held today. families.

ON THE day to of the barangay elections According Edmorning Malay, fiExecutive It wasata ahumid lledshack with in May, tin-roofed roadside Director of The Center, of thetheir fourchildren shoo-in tension and the chatter 142 kilometers north of Manila, the winners will most likely be joined in the who insisted on tagging along.

Already women of Barangay Lamao in Limay, Senate when been the 18th Congress opensthat on they have getting reports Bataan gathered to await theSenators results July 23, 2019 by six other former the competition allegedly people of the votes.

Some theirhas colleagues and most probably by of a former Philippine outside of the precincts handing payfrom the Coal-Free Bataan Movement National Policebut Director General and the offs to voters, they kept their spirits have sought positions at the last minute, former Chairman of the Metro Manila up goodthey foodhummed and goodtocompany. andwith together the radio Development Authority.

“Panggulo lang naman kayo!” they asInthey prepared a feast of pancit itstheir list candidates. of senatorial“Pero aspirants teased okay who yan and menudo for their supporters emerged as the the system!” most likely to make itand to ha, disrupt families. the winner’s circle if the elections were Politics never an option for It held was today a was humid morning filled with to be are: Grace Poe-Llamanthem, but theychatter had to their explore all tension and the of children zares whotoposted 61upon percentthe andmurder is in a avenues resist who insisted on tagging along.

Already statistical tie with Senator Cynthia Villar of 57-year-old grandmother, theyaregistered have been getting reports their that who 59.8 percent. comrade, Gloriaallegedly Capitan.hasCapitan, theIn competition people thirdactively place isopposed Former an Senator and who had open paycoal outside of the precinctswith handing Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano 56 percent stockpile in the area for its effect on the offs toSen. voters, but theyiskept theirwith spirits while Nancy Binay in fourth 49 health of the community, was gunned up withFormer good food and good company. percent.

Senate President Koko Pidown by still unidentifi ed men they one “Panggulo kayo!” mentel is fiher fthlang with 45naman percent. night in family’s karaoke bar. “It’s teased their candidates.

“Pero okay yan Tied inmarch 6thto 7thplaces areDerec formerCabe, Senaha, death yet again,” disrupt the system!” ators Lito Lapid 41.5 percent and coordinator of thewith movement, has been Politics waswith never an option for Serge Osmeña 40 percent.

Another saying for years. them, but they had to explore all former Estrada is inafter 8th For Senator the fiJinggoy rst few weeks avenues to resist upon the murder with 36.8 percent former Metro MaCapitan’s death,andgrandmother, the organization of aDevelopment 57-year-old their nila Authority actively campaigned for the Chairman police to comrade, Gloria Capitan.

Capitan, Francis Tolentino climbs some up to ninth posiinvestigate the threats members who had actively opposed an open coal tion with 31 percent, edging former PNP stockpile in the area for its effect on the health of the community, was gunned down by still unidentified men one night in her family’s karaoke bar. “It’s From A4 march yet again,” Derec Cabe, a death coordinator of and the an movement, been of US veterans American has businessFrom A4 for years. saying man undertook a lobby in the US Congress to For thethe first few weekslawafter prevent revival of the “Thomas” and Capitan’s death, the organization insert instead a provision in the US Defense misgivings about federalism, which to I actively campaigned Appropriations Actspace, givingfor thethe USpolice Defense supported in this and which even investigate the threats some members Secretary the power to return the “artifacts” to during Cory Aquino’s time, I proposed foreign countries. along with then Vice-President Salvador hasand been writtenEnrique about thisZobel, group as of H. Much Laurel tycoon principled Americans and those who preceded secretary-general of the Unlad Movement them and there is no needwith to mention their they founded together Sen. Juan names here.

Ponce Enrile.

All to be that we Filipinos In that thisneeds space, I said haveis questioned the are grateful themthe forcountry their help infederal getting From A4 to to penchant divide into back the Bellsstates of Balangiga. component along ethno-linguistic Must the return of the bells Balangiga lines, the main reason beingto these are spell the end ofabout their story? misgivings federalism, which not, and do not have the capability withinI The two bellsinhave treasures, supported thisbecome space, national and even even generations fromwhich now, to and thereCory are voices saying theyI should be during Aquino’s time, proposed become economically independent with celebrated for along withtothen Salvador federalism.

Icommemorate thusVice-President proposedourinstruggle this space independence against the American invaders.

H. Laurel and tycoon Enrique Zobel, as a more economically-balanced division: There those whoUnlad feel that return secretary-general of the Movement one for are allalso provinces north oftheMetro of the founded bells should closure part they together with to Sen. Juan Manila, another forspell all provinces ofthat Luzon Ponce Enrile. south of it, a third for the entire Visayas, a In this space, I have questioned the fourth for all of Mindanao, a fifth for the penchant to divide the country into federal Bangsa Moro, and a special autonomous component states along ethno-linguistic region to cover Metro Manila.

From lines, the main reason these the are I A4also proposed in being this space not, and do not have the capability within need for a longer transition period, Unfortunately, Saint-Tropez acts even twobecause generations now, to precisely it is notfrom easy now to effect as a bellwether of what’s been lost.

In become economically independent with this kind of systemic change. Thus, the most clubs around the world, it’sspace now federalism.

I thus proposed in this a more economically-balanced division: all about liquor-brand-and-celebrityone for all provinces north of Metro endorsed private parties, pop-up clubs Manila, another forspectacle, all provinces of whirlLuzon and techno-Gaga and southchoppers of it, a third for the Visayas, ing hitting theentire beaches of thea fourth for all of Mindanao, a fi fth for Riviera and Boracay with the subtletythe of Moro, a special autonomous aBangsa Michael Bay and blood and bombs movie. region toshorts, cover Metro Manila.

Baggy t-shirts, and backward I also proposed in spaceworn the ball caps are the uniform this of choice need for a longer transition period, precisely because it is not easy to effect this kind of systemic change. Thus, the

CROSSROADS JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ

Opinion Opinion

There is also a problem in having a supply of coal plants beyond baseload needs, which forces some plants to serve mid-merit requirements.

Baseload refers to plants running 24 hours to serve the continuous and constant demand. Mid-merit, on the other hand, comes online when the demand picks up and shut down when the demand drops off. According to the study, mid-merit plants are better suited forisChina sources other in than coal, There also a“imported” problem having year alone almost 47a which will be eventually phased out supply of coaltons plants baseload million metric of beyond recyclable waste by theirwhich inability to compete with needs, forces some of single use soda bottles, food plants wrapnewer, cleaner and andrequirements. eventually, to and serve mid-merit pers plastic bags. cheaper Baseload plants running 24 But in technology. a refers recent to report published in the In China the fiMorning ght for climate justice, hours to serve thePost, continuous and South as of July this campaigners environmental constant Mid-merit, year Chinademand. finallyand imposed a ban on on the 24 supporters most ofplastics, their time otherofhand, comes online whenscrap the types solidspend waste including either planning totextiles stopshut new fossil fuel demand picks up and down paper and discarded as calls forwhen more projects from operating, pushing for the better demand off. According to and cleandrops up arrangements in many legislation that will mounted. institutionalize thethestudy, mid-merit plants are better of host communities This has asuited cleaner forother all, or seeking sources than coal, left manyforoffuture the “waste exporting” counliability compensation of which be eventually phased out tries suchwill as and Japan, South Korea, Australia historical polluters through the by yes, theirtheinability to compete and biggest “exporter of all” –with the growing trend climate litigation. newer,States cleaner and United – in aofand tizzy to the eventually, point that in But whattechnology. happens forWorld thoseTrade in Orthe cheaper the October meeting of the in-between, to countries people who In the these fight for climate justice, ganizations gangedhave up, innoa choice butontoChina live with coal projects campaigners and real sense, for thisenvironmental sudden policy in their very backyards, statistics supporters spend most with of their time shift.

To no avail. that imply too may be part of either planning to stop fossil The ban that staysthey and thenew search forfuel lothe growing of victims?

What is projects operating, pushing for cations forfrom thelist wastes, mainly plastics, the version of climate justice for the legislation willNoted institutionalize has become that a frenzy. the Post’s here and now? a cleaner future all, orAdvances seeking report: “The journalforScience Thesethat are we must liability and compensation of advised inquestions research done by ask the ourselves advocates and weimport must historical as through the University ofpolluters Georgia, China’s answer them quickly.

Social change growing trend ofmillion climate litigation. ban will leave 111 metric tons of tends totrash be slow, and merely accepting But what happens forby those in the plastic displaced 2030...Since that some communities will just have in-between, to people whoaround have no the ban, recycling businesses the to be have collateral damage in the fight choice but to live with coal projects world been thrown into turmoil, towards progress anything but in their very backyards, with with recyclable wasteispiling upstatistics at waste justice. that implysites.” that they too may be part of treatment onelistofof the movement’s theOnly growing victims?

What is offi wonofa climate seat in justice the barangay theTocers version for the be continued here and now?

These are questions we must ask ourselves as advocates and we must answer them quickly. Social change tends to be slow, and merely accepting that some communities will just have rile percent. to bewith damage in the fight this iscollateral an14.8 inevitability.

This is pretty forinthehaving Liberal towards is anything but a There progress is also alarming a problem Party which managed to lord it over in the justice. supply of coal plants beyond baseload senatorial race in 2010, 2013 and 2016 Only which one of the some movement’s needs, forces plants to elections, thriving mainly on the politics of offi cersmid-merit won a seat in the barangay serve requirements.

Baseload blame – blame the past refers and to hate plants running 24administrahours to tion for people’s woes and egg the people to serve the continuous and constant hate everything that is not yellow.

And this demand.

Mid-merit, on the other hand, strategy has been effective for the picks LP in up all comes online when the demand the past three senatorial elections although and shut down when the demand drops questions have been raised in themid-merit results of off. According to the study, the 2016 senatorial derbyforfollowing Presiplants are better suited sources other this is an inevitability. dent Rodrigo Duterte’s overwhelming victhanThere coal,is which will be eventually also a problem inaccuse havingthea tory, prompting some sectors to phased out by their inability to baseload compete supply of coal plants beyond LP ofnewer, massive cheating. with cleaner andsome and eventually, needs, which forces plants to And thetechnology.

LPs appear to be very much aware cheaper serve mid-merit requirements.

Baseload of their they try to use alljustice, possible In predicament the fight asrunning for climate refers toreinvigorate plants 24 hours to venues to their strategy of blame campaigners and environmental serve the continuous and constant and hate, evenspend using themost UAAP supporters offinals theirbetween time demand.

Mid-merit, on the other hand, Ateneo and the University of the Philippines. either planning to stop new fossil fuel comes online when the demand picks up Trying tofrom use the issue to their advantage, projects operating, pushing for and shut down when the demand drops LP and its supporters started flooding the so-a legislation that towill institutionalize off.media According the study, mid-merit cial with posts like, “The last time UP cleaner future forsuited all, orfor seeking liability plants are better sources other became UAAP champions, we ousted a dictaand compensation of historical polluters than coal, which will be eventually tor.

Could Ateneo sacrificetrend this time?” through thebygrowing of compete climate phased out their inability The post insinuates that sincetofor theythose have litigation.

But what and happens with newer, cleaner and eventually, ousted Marcos when UP emerged champion in the in-between, to people who have cheaper technology. in Ateneo could do the supreme sacrifice no1986, choice but to live with coal projects In the fi ght for climate justice, of losing to UP as it might end up in the ouster in their very backyards, with statistics campaigners and environmental of another president, this time Duterte. that imply that theymost too may be part of supporters spend of their time Hello!

Check facts please.

The last the growing listyou of victims?

What is fuel the either planning to stop new fossil time UP emerged champion, country was version offrom climate justicethefor the here projectsinto operating, pushing for plunged darkness as the president then and now? that will institutionalize a legislation wasThese Cory Aquino who junked Bataan are for questions we the must ask cleanerPower future all, or seeking liability Nuclear Plant without setting up an alourselves as advocates and we must and compensation of historical polluters ternative except toquickly. coddle anSocial energy secretary answer them change through the growing trend climate whose business was selling powerof generators. tends to beBut slow, andhappens merely accepting litigation. what for those The Yellows are so desperate now they that some communities will just have to in the in-between, to people who have will recourse to anything just to salvage their be collateral damage inwith the ficoal ght towards no choice but to live projects dying breed.

Unfortunately for them, they progress is anything but justice. in theirprevent very backyards, with statistics cannot the inevitable.

It would just Only onethat of the movement’s offi cers that imply they too may be part of be a mater of time before they are catapulted won a seat in the barangayWhat elections, the growing list of victims? is the to oblivion. version of climate justice for the here and now?

These are questions we must ask ourselves as advocates and we must education, training and research, and answer them quickly.

Socialdoors change their universities are opening to tends to be slow, and merely accepting ness. For while we wereMECO having ananticipates investment Filipino students. thatgrowing some communities will just have to of big Taiwaneseof businessmen in the asummit number undergraduate be collateral damage in theuniversities fightnight towards Taipei Le Meridien on Wednesday last scholarships from Taiwan to progress is anything but justice. week, SBMA Chairfor Amy Eisma calledschool to ask become available Filipino high Only one of the movement’s cers if MECO Director Rommel Sytin wasoffi around. graduates, aside from post-graduate work. won a seat inyoung thetobarangay elections, Rommel decided leave for home earWe want our graduates to look lier afterscience our Joint Conference towards andEconomic applied math courses, that day, it was while he sciences, was on board more thanand law or the social and a PAL plane for Manila Eisma called Taiwan, so near at that, when is helping out. to break tragic news older brothWhentheclasses open that thishis August at the education, training and and er, my friend Dominic Sytin was dastardly PSHS, Mandarin classes willresearch, be offered as their universities arewent opening doors to and fatally shot as he out 10 of astudents, hotel in an elective course for Grade Filipino students.

MECO anticipates SBMA. with 160 hours of Basic Mandarin before a Dominic, growing the eldest ofofthe undergraduate Sytin brothers proceeding tonumber intermediate Mandarin in scholarships from Taiwan universities to whosucceeding pioneered their fledgling used equipthe year.

By their 12thyear, become available forcountry’s Filipino high school ment venture intoAdvanced the largest truck they will go into Mandarin. graduates, aside from post-graduate work. and heavy auction house, United At the equipment end of each school year, the We want our young graduates to Auctioneers, was a man of grit and imaginabest-performing students will be givenlook the towards and applied math courses, tion who science bucked adversity and triopportunity to go economic on a two-week immersion/ more thanprogram law or to theany social sciences, and umphed. exposure agency, company Taiwan, so near at that, is helping out.

Our profound condolences to the bereaved or research facility in Taiwan specializing When at the family and classes the entireopen Sytinthis clan.August on technological innovation, agriculture, PSHS, Mandarin classes will be offered as fisheries, engineering, robotics/artificial an elective course for Grade studies 10 students, intelligence, environmental and with 160 hours of Basic Mandarin renewable energy.

This would help before Grade proceeding to intermediate Mandarin in 10 students determine and better identify the succeeding year. By their the field of specialization they12thyear, would they will go country’s into Advanced adopt as the futureMandarin. scientists and At the end of each school year, not the Forgive the tasteless, they know applied math experts. for best-performing will be learn given the what they do. students Additionally, they would to opportunity immersion/ be proficientto go in on thea two-week second most useful exposure to any The Topprogram of the Alpha byagency, Louie Ycompany is at the or research in Taiwan specializing 34th Floor, facility Alphaland Corporate Tower, on technological innovation, agriculture, 7232 Ayala Avenue Ext., Makati City. fisheries, engineering, robotics/artificial For inquiries and reservations, contact intelligence, environmental studies and +63.917.109.7449 or would +63.2.901.2758 renewable energy. This help Grade from 12 noondetermine to 10 pm.and Email unwind@ 10 students better identify topofthealpha.com. the field of specialization they would eric.jurado@gmail.com adopt as the country’s future scientists and applied math experts.

Additionally, they would learn to be proficient in the second most useful

Healthy oceans, healthy sdfsd people (Part 1) men had loitered around Capitan’s residence and family bar before the murder, and similar activity had been reported by other activists near their houses. Their complaints, they felt, CROSSROADS were never really taken seriously CROSSROADS - the case was recently dismissed for lack of suspects.

The stockpile JONATHAN JONATHAN started operatingDE again not long LA DE LA CRUZ CRUZ after an environment secretary was dismissed. tence, PEMSEA, which hosted by Capitan’s second deathisanniversary men had loitered around Capitan’s our very own Department of Environwas recently at the residence and commemorated family bar before the ment andand Natural Resources (DENR) Commission on Human Rights last murder, similar activity had been has managed tosongs, collect, analyze and July 1 with spoken reported by other activists nearword their structure a veritable hoard of data and, and short-skit performancesthey on felt, the houses.

Their complaints, perhaps more importantly, to dangers of coal plants tostrategies the health were never really taken seriously secure “healthy oceans” for “healthy of families and their role in climate - the case was recently dismissed peoples change.

Since her death, for lackand ofeconomies.” suspects.

The however, stockpile Such strategic hoard will come in long hanPresident Rodrigo Duterte has started operating again notgraced dy at this time as it coincides with China’s the of more coal plants afterinauguration an environment secretary was ban on thethe import of plastic waste ofthe all all over country, cementing dismissed. shapes and kinds this year.

As everybody country’s continued reliance on this Capitan’s second death anniversary knows, plastic has turned outattothe be deadly fossil waste fuel. was recently commemorated the most problematic of all wastes which According onto Human a paper entitled Commission Rights last have world’s oceansEnergy inword the Navigating a songs, trilemma: July invaded 1 withthe spoken past quarter century.

More and more nonsecurity, equity, and sustainability in and short-skit performances on the biodegradable plastics got churned out to the Philippines’ low-carbon transition dangers of coal plants to the health serve the needs of an ever-growing global authored by and Antonio La Vina the of families their role in and climate population.

Ateneo School of Government, the change. Since her death, however, Monitoring the route of most ofgraced these country’s overdependence one President Rodrigo Duterte hason plastic wastes has shown that for deimported resource is problematic the inauguration of more coal plants cades almost half of the world’s plastic as it highlights the cementing exposure the of all over the country, trash has been sent to China where electricity prices toreliance international country’s continued onthese this were to create plastic market fluctuations.

Withmore 70 percent deadlyrecycled fossil fuel. products for domestic and industrial of coal in the country coming from According to a paper entitled use.

The latest show that last Indonesia, thisastatistics is an inevitability.

Navigating trilemma: Energy security, equity, and sustainability in the Philippines’ low-carbon transition authored by Antonio La Vina and the Ateneo School of Government, the country’s overdependence on one imported resource is problematic as it highlights the exposure of electricity prices to international market fluctuations. With 70 percent of coal in the country coming from Indonesia, this is an inevitability.

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had alsoGeneral been receiving.

Suspicious Director Bato dela Rosa who is men had position loiteredinaround Capitan’s in a strong 10th place with 28 residence andRoxas familyis bar the percent while in abefore precarious murder, andwith similar had Senabeen 11thposition 26.7 activity percent with reported otherrounding activists their tor Sonny by Angara upnear the Magic houses. Their complaints, they felt, were never really taken seriously the case was recently dismissed for lack of suspects. The stockpile started operating not are longsoafter an The again Yellows environment secretary was dismissed. desperate now they will second death anniversary hadCapitan’s also been receiving.

Suspicious recourse to anything was recently commemorated at the men had loitered around Capitan’s Commission on Human Rights last residence and family bar before the just to salvage their July 1 with and murder, and songs, similar spoken activity word had been dying performances breed. short-skit on the dangers reported by other activists near their of coal plants the health ofthey families houses.

Theirtocomplaints, felt, and role really in climate change.

Sinceweretheir never taken seriously her however, President Rodrigo the death, case was recently dismissed for Duterte has graced the inauguration of 12 with 24 percent. lack of suspects. The stockpile started more coalSenator plants all thewho country, Former Revilla is still operating againBong notover long after an cementing continued languishing inthe jail country’s is in 13th 14thplace environment secretary was to dismissed. reliance this deadly fossil fuel.Norte with 22.8on percent in a tie with Ilocos Capitan’s second death anniversary towhoa posted paper Gov. Imee Marcoscommemorated 22.5entitled percent. wasAccording recently at the Navigating aon Assistant trilemma: Former Special to theEnergy PresiCommission Human Rights last security, equity, andspoken sustainability in dent Go songs, has steadily climbed the July Bong 1 with wordupand the Philippines’ low-carbon transition rankings and is now in 15th 16th place short-skit performances ontothe dangers authored

by Antonio La and the with 19 percent and is inhealth a tieVina with Senator of coal plants to the of families Ateneo of percent.

Government, the JV within18.7 andEjercito theirSchool role climate change. Since country’s overdependence on one The only however, other LP candidate manher death, Presidentwho Rodrigo imported resource istheproblematic it aged to get agraced relatively decent rating,asalDuterte has inauguration of highlights the exposure of electricity beit out of the winning circle is Senator more coal plants all over the country, prices to the international market Bam Aquino who registered 15 percent cementing country’s continued flreliance uctuations.

With 70 percent of coal is locked on in athis tie at 17thto 18thplace with deadly fossil fuel. in the country coming former Senate President Juan Indonesia, Ponce EnAccording to a from paper entitled Navigating a trilemma: Energy security, equity, and sustainability in the Philippines’ low-carbon transition transitory provisions authored by Antonio in La the Vinaproposed and the new constitution would be critical. the A Ateneo School of Government, of ourframe historydefi when time nedFilipinos as shortandasAmericans between country’s overdependence on one were enemies each other. ratifi cation toat war Juneagainst 30,problematic 2022 wouldasbeit imported resource is Maybe weand should set up in impractical discombobulating both toa highlights the exposure of Balangiga electricity memorial to Philippine-American friendship. the economy and the body politic. prices to international market Ominously odds?

There isatno shame70 in back-tracking for fluctuations.

With percent of coal been done earlier in Baler, now onhas a campaign promise.

As IQuezon stated inThis the country coming from Indonesia, whereearlier, the last valiant were here people didSpanish not votesoldiers for Duterte maroonedthey insidewant a church but stoodAnd in defi because federalism. theance, and has nowshown commemorates historical President that he isthe capable of ties between Philippines and Spain. changing histhe position on major issues. transitory provisions in to thewhether proposed A time out is resorted in new constitution would critical.

A *** sports or in life itself.

A wisebecoach knows time frame defi ned as short as between Let me congratulate in this column my good when to call for it. And that, I submit, is ratification toLocsin June 30,the 2022 would be friend Teodoro Jr., “Teddy Boy” as he what we ought to do in meantime. impractical and discombobulating both to is often called, for his swift confi as our Debate and discuss the rmation amendment the economy and the body politic.

Foreign Affairs Secretary. has been said proposals more with anMuch engaged public, There noopen shame in back-tracking for in praise the man during the As confipolitics, rmation and withofisan mind. nowIlife on aitself campaign promise.

As I stated and shall not is addsubject more totothe encomiums, reasoned and here earlier, people did notsothem. vote Duterte other than tocompromise, say he deserves reasonable too for must such because they want federalism.

And the an earth-shaking change be an exercise in President has shown that he is capable of full information and*** open discussion. changing his Iposition on issues.

But I regret have to*end this piece with sad* *major A time out is resorted to whether in On the educational front, we are sports ortoinannounce life itself. that A wise coachAugust, knows pleased starting when toincall for it. And that, submit, is MECO partnership with theIPhilippine what we ought to do in the meantime.

Science High School (main campus) will Debate and discuss the amendment launch a Mandarin Language Teaching proposals tailored more with public, Program for an theengaged needs of our and with an open mind.

As politics, now by the new players, even at oncescience and math senior high students. andTaiwan life itselfhas is subject to reasoned chic seaside spots like Club 55 and and La achieved remarkable reasonable compromise, so too must such strides in science and technology Voile Rouge. anYou earth-shaking an exercise in won’t findchange those atbeThe Top of the full information anddestination open discussion.

Alpha.

This is the where the * * * wealthy and country’s and the world’s On the educational front, we are powerful, where the sophisticated and pleased to announce that starting August, those taste, where MECOwith in partnership withtrue the gentlemen Philippine and ladies gather in this barn to experiScience High School (main campus) will ence the lascivious rhythms of the Manila launch a Mandarin Language Teaching nightlife.

Program tailored for the needs of our science and math senior high students.

Taiwan has achieved remarkable strides in science and technology

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MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2018 A5 The proposed National Integrated

APRIL 30, 2 MONDAY, DECEMBER 3,MONDAY, 2018

Cancer Control Bill—Senate Bill 1850—satisfies this.

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by Senate Committee on Health Chairman JV Ejercito, there is broad support for the important piece of AS THE Duterte presidency marks its legislation in the upper house by way second year, the country is anticipating of 15 senators: Loren Legarda, Nancy the third State of the Nation Address Binay, Sonny Angara, Frank Drilon, and how the President will present how Migz Zubiri, Ralph Recto, Francis Pangilinan, Richard Gordon, Grace this administration has performed, and, reaching consequences. programs areTrillanes, concerned.

Sonny Win Gatchalian, we hope, give us a sense of the top Poe, “This negative impact employThe proposed Nationalon Integrated Risa Hontiveros, Cynthia Villar, Joel priorities of government. ment would be magnifi ed in Cancer Control Bill—Senate Bill Less frequently reported but no less Villanueva, and Panfilo Lacson.the long 1850—satisfi es this.

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by Senate Committee on Health (and easier to manage) ma- the tr chairman of the Committee on Health, outcomes are concerned. President cheaper State of the Nation Address tod Chairman Ejercito, there is broad andJVlabor-saving technology, Rep. Helen Tan, had also Duterte last week certified as priority chines supporters willapproved applaud support for the important piece of him. M the consolidated version of as theand Cancer as automation, robots, artia bill that mandates “universal” access such heckle him he makes legislation in Originally the upper house

by Rep. way his w AShealth THE Duterte presidency marks its fi AMONG the many major issues that Control Bill. fiHis led admirers by to care.

The Universal Health cial intelligence, for labor inputs,” Batasan. will han of 15 senators: Loren Legarda, Nancy second year, the country is anticipating Alfred Vargas, every the bill hasHis likewise Coverage bill campaign was passed carried—and by the Lower he the Duterte said. word. critics will sei Binay, Sonny Frank Drilon, the third State the Nation Address broadAngara, support, with almost House last year;of a counterpart remains which brought the long-time Davao garnered In particular, the most severe imopportunity to convince the Migz Zubiri, Ralph Recto, Francis and howatthe President will present how 200 sponsors. It has been referred to the pending City mayorthe to Senate. the highest office inand, the pact would be felt thatby “poor his Filipinos address Pangilinan, Richard Gordon, Grace thisUnder administration has performed, Committees on Appropriations, chaired thethe much-anticipated measure, with land—was contractualizamakes painfully low human capitalWin and perceived Poe,Rep. Sonny Trillanes, Gatchalian, we hope, give end us Health atosense of the top by Karlo Nograles and then the the Philippine Insurance evident histoVillar, inability tion or “ENDO”, short for “End of Risa be less productive due poor creHontiveros, Cynthia Joel priorities of government.

Committee on Ways and Means chaired Corporation will be reconstituted to to govern.

Congress Contract” of contractual workers.

Villanueva, Panfi lo Lacson. no Job less dentials.” by Rep. Daxand Cua. intoLess thefrequently Philippinereported HealthbutSecurity will then go about security and wages consistently fi gIn the House Representatives, the important areand headways as far Instead ofthe anyof rash and widespread Outside halls of government, Corporation will serve as as thehealth state its business, while chairman of the Committee on Health, sdf ured in opinion polls as among Filipioutcomes are concerned.

President changes, Pacqueo patient said the governgroups, purchaser of many ofalso the citizens Rep. and Helen Tan, had approved Duterte last week certifiand ed as priority nos’ topmost concerns, it is little ment policymakers should focus medical societies, health services, will persist in their the consolidated version of the a billwhich that mandates “universal” wonder that the for the access presi- on securing thecynicism and a host other to all clamor well-being ofofCancer these and their Control Bill. filedadvocates

by Rep. to health care.

The Health workers health dent to deliver on his Universal promise persists citizens have and, Originally more importantly, cawill Alfred Vargas, distrust. the have bill Bishops has likewise Coverage long been access. to this day.bill was passed by the Lower pacitate them so they may be better lambasting dfgadsfasdgsdgsa support, withforalmost House year; a counterpart remains garnered broad continue pushing the The last move Two years hence, it has become equipped in dealing with emerging the ruthlessness 200 sponsors.

It has been referred tobill. the pending at the Senate. passage of the is certainly a clear that the there is no magic wand that trends with which murders and disruptive labor-replacing Committees on Appropriations, chaired Under much-anticipated measure, These include the step in the right can the practice of contractuare committed and innovations.

by Rep. Karlo Nograles and then the the make Philippine Health Insurance technologies Cancer Coalition direction.

It with and the seeming alization vanish a single execuPacqueo also noted that “bureauCommittee on Ways and Means Corporation will be reconstituted Philippines,chaired a acknowledges lukewarmness with tive ick, although there were some cratic

by Rep. Dax Cua. management of the labor marinto flthe Philippine Health Security broad national the obligation which the perpetrators attempts toward thatserve end.asThe De- kets” Outside halls of ofgovernment, Corporation and the state and thethe imposition “one-sizecancer of the state to will are alliance pursued,of groups, while patient purchaser of partment of Labor and Employment fi ts-all rules” is susceptible to abuse patient support secure the health supporters of the medical societies, health released Departo r g a n i z a t i o n as s, and corruption of its services, people, Administration will and a host of other to which all ment No. medical societies, that it Order is more it bestows broad lambast the advocates bishops health citizens have and health than a set private 175 that more discretionary powby digging up stories have long been access. advocates.

For and ch and domestic stringent paramers upon one perdfgadsfasdgsdgsa of molestation by clerics pushing for the The move a son holistic, integrated concern.

But the medicalThe landscape is the group, onlyavarice proposed eters for employand and agency. scandalous passage of address the bill. opulen iscomplex certainly a one disease appears approach to cancer control can aers one, and who contract CPP-NPA-NDF willthe patrol the “The include Philippine amendment These step in the right thethe complexity ofand the phenomenon, from to betheir more misunderstood and neglected to villages at night, thre out services, and international Cancer Coalition direction.

It and diagnosis, all than others: cancer. labor code andprevention, the detection, extorting, and,bureauparadoxicall and himhistory of Philippines, a a c This k nDuterte ow l e d g e s the way to treatment, survivorship, and is strange, considering howbill the can to national win sympathy Trabaho bring endeavoring self broadfailures the issued obligation cratic arisdisease is nowExthe third leading cause palliative care. cause.

The military will fan out alliance of excescancer ecutive of death the Order state to Philippines. ing more harm A good national policy onfrom cancer will of in No. the Latestthan the same area by day, conv patient support secure the health 51, sought mean that peasants no sive patientofgovernment will be left data which from the Department of medium Health’s also in the and the countryside t o r glaw a n iguarantees zinto a t i o nthe s, of its people, to protect the Cancer Facts and behind. The proposed (DOH) Philippine intrusion mean well, and make life mise medical societies, that itto issecurity more reveals short what it had identifi right Estimates even an term. alarming this by addressing organization and those marked outhealth asedsympath and thantenure a inprivate cancer treatment increase cancer of for all incidence, up to 11 as major gaps inthethe management of of eco rebels.

One faction advocates.

For and cases domestic the that glaring need new and laid seven deaths every hour ecosystem, foremost workers as enterprises should will tell the country now the group, only a holistic, integrated concern.

But the medical landscape is oncologists, for in adult and 11 new cases for more pathologists, out the cancers constithe teach pallor us of a address nation lesson on the approach to cancer control can a complex one, and one disease appears oncology-trained nurses, and cancer and eight deaths per day for childhood tution. its demise; another will tell u to be wary of government micromanthe complexity of the phenomenon, from to be more misunderstood and neglected centers. cancer.

This translates to some 110,000 cannot be any rosier—and nei DOLE said thousands have been agement of labor markets,” he said. prevention, detection, and diagnosis, all than others: cancer.

In response,will thereally key beprovisions new cancer cases and over 66,000 believed by the regularized since, but labor groups theItthe way to survivorship, doesbill nottreatment, help thatthe thecreation second packThisdeaths is strange, how the of include ofand a cancer everyconsidering year, excluding the are adamant with what they see as palliative care. disease is now of the government’s banner tax reNational Cancer Assistance Fund, unreported cases.the third leading cause age national policy on cancer will of But death in reneging the the Philippines.

Latest the president on an importhe so-called Trabaho withA program, expanded availability and beyond numbers and form also is mean noessential patient will be left data campaign fromasthe ofhasHealth’s tant promise.

Feeling like accessibility medicines, seenthat tooffurther aggravate indusstatistics, anyDepartment family who had to Bill, behind.

The proposed law guarantees (DOH) Facts and anything less thanillness aCancer complete ban on try. the establishment oftoa lower national cancer deal withPhilippine serious would attest While it seeks corporate this by addressing what it had identifi ed Estimates reveals alarming registry and from surveillance and to, the emotional toll that an comes all forms ofeven contractualization iswith un- income tax 30 to 20system, percent, it as major gaps in the cancer treatment increase in cancer incidence, up to 11 support for persons with cancer and caring for a sick family member rivals acceptable, these groups clearly feel also rationalizes the current set of tax ecosystem, foremost the need new the cases and seven deaths every with hour cancer survivors similar to glaring that afforded only financial stress associated betrayed. incentives given by various investfor more pathologists, oncologists, for adult cancers and 11 new cases to persons with disabilities. theBut high of privateis medical care in ment thecost labor more complex promotion industries. and This cancer sends oncology-trained and Philippines. eight deathsissue per daycan forfichildhood With President nurses, Duterte’s expressed the What nancially than that.

This appears to be the cona wrong signal to prospective investors centers. cancer.

This translates to some 110,000 upset a middle-class household is prioritization of the universal health sensus at the recently heldover roundtable well existing expanIncanresponse, the key provisions newoutright cancer 66,000 coverage bill,jeopardize it appears the government an ficases nancialand catastrophe for and discussion on the subject organized of the billbyinclude theimportance creation of ofa cancer deaths every year, excluding the sion plans some the companies. does understand the poor, from which they may never Assistance Fund, by independent unreported cases. think tank Stratbase aNational As it is,Cancer investment approvals by holistic and national approach to recover. withPhilippine expanded availability and But beyond the numbers and the ADR Institute where labor Zoneurgent Auhealthcare.

As aEconomic special and A study

by Dr.(ADRI), Hilton Lam, Director comes out by as an un accessibility ofWHAT essential medicines, statistics, as any family hasHealth had to thority experts, industry, and who an employers phenomenon, cancer deserves a similarly of UP Manila’s Institute of (PEZA) already declined observation about the push for fe the establishment of a national cancer deal with serious illness would attest careful and specialized attention, group warned that further tightening Policy and Development Studies, points 44.9 percent year-on-year in thewhich first is that the Filipino people w registry and surveillance system, and to, the emotional toll that comes with only a national integrated cancer control out a number of factors that aggravate labor regulations, while the intention half of 2018. Any major disruptions in ultimately decide its fate a support for persons with canceronand caring for a sick family member rivals act can provide. the situation.

A can typical Filipino sounds good, have dire patient, consethe tax incentive regimes for PEZAtoday, still largely unaware cancer survivors similar to that afforded only the fi nancial stress associated with Cancer is such a diffi cult and the studyon said, iseconomy diagnosed their registered firms will definitely hit the abou quences the andwhen thecare labor by the ruli to persons issue with disabilities. the high cost of private medical in sensitive toDespite talk attempts about. For cancer has progressed to a later state— market. viability of their operations putting to PDP-Laban, to inform With President Duterte’s expressed the Philippines.

What can fi nancially when the cost of care hastorisen and decades it has not received the levelthe peop Proposed amendments the Laitsthe merits, federalism has yet to r thousandsofof quality jobs. prioritization universal health upset a of middle-class household is risk of institutionalized support despite the the odds survival have narrowed. bor Code,this which are currently pendbell.

Only ingovernment Mindanao, coverage bill, itHence appears the This can have serious consequences an outright financial catastrophe for alarming data. a critical mass of where Multiply experience a thousand like a clarion call ing in Congress, are likely to “make does understand the importance of the p the poor, from which they may never not only to the 1.39 million Filipinos of fold—one out every 1,800 Filipinos is stakeholders representing millionsagainst neglect (until the Duterte era a holistic and national approach to recover. labor markets inflexible, uncerbenefi t from investments Filipinos directly andsuch indirectly affected diagnosed eachmore year—and the need for who perennially-touted “land of healthcare.

As a special and urgent A study by Dr. Hilton Lam, Director tain, and ineffi cient,” Dr.becomes Vicente but by cancer appealing ourwho legislators to the are potential others might a national policy on said cancer is be federalism phenomenon, cancer deserves similarly of UP Manila’s Institute of for Health Pacqueo, Philippine Institute De- fi to pass what inside would one ofa the most indubitable. nd work export-processing a c c e pattention, t a b l e which , of carefulcant and specialized Policy Studies, points zones signifi landmark legislation To and its Development credit, DOH, velopment Studiesthe fellow andthrough ADRI in the future, according to both marginally at that. only a national integrated cancer control out Administrative a numberfellow. of factors aggravate Congress for health. its Orderthat 89-A series the non-resident Japanese Chamber of Commerce Pulse Asia actAmong can provide. the situation.

A typical Filipino patient, the many interests that are of 1990, has shown the state’s In its attempt to strengthen job secu- andCancer Industryisandin theitsEuropean Chamsuch a mid-June difficult and sad the study said, to is diagnosed when their competing for President Duterte’s commitment controlling cancer rity for has employees, thetoproposed mea- ber of Commerce Philippines. that For sensitive issue research toin the talksaid about. cancer progressed a later state— capital, making the National incidence among Filipinos, the study political sure might not bode well for industry Combined, the proposed 67 percent those decades it has not received the alevel when Among the costitsofrecommendations care has risen and bill top said. is Integrated Cancer Controlofamendment and in factof“reduce employment and legislative asked about charter labor priority code and the Trabaho of the institutionalized support despite the the the odds survival havethenarrowed. will benefi t bill the for DOH to transform AO into to change rejected the production levels in the short run to alarming data.

Hence a critical mass of Multiply this experience a thousand can bring more harm than good in the whole spectrum of Philippine society. a proposed legislation that will increase idea term, of amending stakeholders representing millions of remain competitive profi table.”and fold—one out every 1,800 Filipinos is medium andNational short despite the Pass the Integrated Cancer the consistency of and prioritization the present charter Filipinos directly and indirectly affected diagnosed each year—and the need for The bill, Pacqueo said, will “further by compromising the Controlintentions, bill into law! budgeting as far as its cancer-related noble and replacing the by cancercompetitiveness are appealing our a national becomes restrict the policy abilityonofcancer enterprises to country’s in legislators attracting current system with to pass what would be one of the most indubitable. opportunely and efficiently adjust the much-needed capital. a federallegislation set-up. of signifi cant landmark To its credit, the DOH, through level and composition of their work as Invice the broader context of an economy mate of In its running first quarter for health. its Administrative Order series Congresspresidential force in accordance with89-A changing long pronounced to be on the verge of It is a Senator Ferdinand Marcos, reading, 64 percent opposed.

Among the many interests that are of 1990, has shown the state’s former market conditions.”

This will make take-off, any similar legislation would Jr. Bongbong, if he wins his vice tie, but note that the last commitment controlling cancer competing for President Duterte’sthree mo From A4 prone totovolatility them market, election protest against be seen ascapital, essentially anti-growth andCommis when the Consultative political making the National incidence among Filipinos,inthe study presidential which in turn endangers the plight of Leni Robredo.

As the viceDuterte president, periodically informing the public anti-poor—despite, for Integrated Cancer Control bill a adtop said. Among its recommendations is VP charter and federalism for passage. to consolidate their employers. about its proposals. legislativeis expected priority will benefi t his the ministration, themedia appeal of fulfi lling an for the DOH to transform the AO The into Bongbng opportunity islegislation there.the But can President do power theoftransitional period Thirty percent saidfor they are “ As it stands, regulatory enviwhole during spectrum Philippine society. a proposed thatthewill increase important campaign promise. that? either aseconomy president orbut prime change, notei-yet. It’s a Pass the National Integrated Cancer the consistency of prioritization and election ronment in the Philippines is already Managing thecharter is not an There the are and cons depending on Mr. Duterte’s answer, Controlproposition; bill intohere-nor-there law!industry’s budgeting as of farcourse as “restrictive its pros cancer-related among most and minister ther-or intereststhe typic for the shift to federalism. But the best own short-term plan. reaction to change, “kumbins costly” in the region, Pacqueo said, notDigong be misaligned with laargument against federalism is the need Will step down to that handofover muna ako.” compared to countries likeentail.

Singapore, bor. Thetomajor challenge for the Duterte enormous cost it would Next power Marcos, Jr.? He had stated Those who stated their prefe China, national and evenbudget Vietnam.

Any major as vicethatpresidential running mate of by 5 pe administration now is how it can meet year’s is estimated at earlier he would not relinquish the charter change dropped former Ferdinand Marcos, disruptions could the country its growthSenator targets while at theversus same time P3.7 trillion. A shift make to federalism is like presidency to an “incompetent” Vice points, June March.

Jr. Bongbong, ifSure, he will winslead histo vice even attractive for to foreign inves- President starting a government a new nation. ensure that this growth the vowe Robredo.

President Duterte From A4less presidential election protest against tors, which can far- creation Yet,hethesaid, congressmen wanthave to totally It doesofnot take a rocket scientist nor an set-up a more sustainable jobs. would prefer a federalist VP Leni Robredo.

As vice president, change the 1987 Constitution for their accomplished accountant tounitary estimate the where the current system charter and federalism for to passage.

The enormous Bongbng cost is expected to consolidate own selfi sh end.

A switch federalism, ofand switching to federalism. economic powerhisis centra opportunity there.

But Speaker can the President do power thewhat transitional for as proposedisby House Pantaleon The during Supreme CourtBisayans aloneperiod will be as “im decry that? election either as president or prime Alvarez, seeks to shelve the 2019 mid- increased to four sub-courts.

Manila.”

He saidUnder that even du are of pros minister depending on Mr. termThere elections forcourse local offi cialsand andcons the the federal system there will be four campaign, but Duterte’s that was not wh for the to federalism.

But the best branches own short-term incumbent and congressmen. of theplan.

Supreme Court—the From A4 shiftsenators elected him president. argumentandagainst federalism is they the regional Will Digong stepPeople down to handcourt, overthe Dav Alvarez his ilk would benefit as administrative, a federal went for enormous costspend it would entail.

Next to Marcos, Jr.?

He had stated won’t have to campaign money to apower constitutional court, an electoral mayor because he had a string year’s national budgetinto is one estimated at court earlier that the hemost would not relinquish thein the the season’s celebration occasion, thoughts are harnessed unifying run for re-election. and main Supreme Court. do” accomplishments P3.7 AEU shiftlegislative to federalism is like Subdividing presidency istothe an “incompetent” Vice Christmas really the coming together law totrillion. form an measure.

Alvarez, according to voters polled Supreme Court metropolis whichwould proved that h starting aBritain government for new nation.

President Robredo. of family and friends a renewal of ties of th With exiting European in Davao, is facing anathe uphill battle mean additional expenses. be afor“will-do” leader Yet, there thepresidential congressmen want to totally Itspecial does not take a number rocket scientist nor an they w against and andIncreasing relationships.

Union, are concernsdaughter whether Brexit thecountry. of senators Not because change Mayor thea 1987 for longtheir from accomplished accountant to estimate the Davao SaraConstitution Duterte.in The 30 and congressmen from In 24a to homily during the Mass would be major factor European gathe over federalism.

They did own selfi end.

Aaccording switch to to federalism, enormous cost of400 switching tochurch, federalism. range plan, political its present 290 to their component celebrated at the Donand Bosco the now, unity –game orsh just a kink in the Union. comprehend then. Until as What proposed House Speaker The Supreme Court alone will be observers, isbyfor Inday Sara toPantaleon run and for staff is going toabout add toAdvent the cost of running comprehend what is a priest spoke and afederalism new I will miss most in Europe Alvarez, seeks to shelve and the 2019 mid- aincreased to four sub-courts.

Under the House Speakership ultimately government.

America are the changing of the seasons, Liturgical Year. Its observance prepares term elections for local officials and the the federal system there will be four from the verdant foliage summer to our hearts to celebrate the wonder of incumbent senators and of congressmen. branches of the Supreme Court—the the birth of Christ celebrated the canvas of red, yellow and brown Alvarez and his ilk would benefit as they Christmas, regional administrative, a federal court, by Christians all over the world and to leaves of autumn and then the fi rst drop won’t have to spend campaign money to a constitutionalPublished court, an electoral Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Stand of snow which augurs the advent dwell coming each newCourt. year Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de runwinter’s for re-election. court on andthethe main of Supreme Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telep of Christmas. as a time for a future with hope and Alvarez, according to voters polled Subdividing thenumbers Supreme Court would 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting a But what is the real meaning of serenity for all.

(Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-55 in Davao, is facing an uphill battle mean additionaldepartments), expenses.

Box 2933, CentralChristmas Office, Manila. Website: w Christmas?

More than thedaughter white snowand or We wish one the and all aManila Merry against presidential Increasing number of Postsenators manilastandard.net the changing leaves that prosperous New Year!

Davao Mayorcolor SaraofDuterte.

The herald long- this fromearly 24 toand 30aand the congressmen from range game plan, according to political its present 290 to 400 and their component observers, is for Inday Sara to run for staff is going to add to the cost of running the House Speakership and ultimately a government.

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A6

News

moNday, december 3, 2018 mo

Vatican’s call vs illegal drugs boosts ‘tokhang’

RECYCLED ART.

Inmates at the Manila City Jail create Christmas decorations made of plastic bottles to while the time away.

Norman Cruz

Higher cigarette excise tax pushed A

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

NTI-TOBACCO advocates and other civil society organizations have warned that the benefits of the proposed Universal health Care measure would not be realized if Congress succumbs to pressures from the tobacco industry into approving a watered-down bill increasing cigarette excise tax.

New Vois Association of the Philippines president emer Rojas said it would be difficult for the government to fully implement and achieve the targets of UhC if there would not be enough funds.

While Congress’ approval of the UhC is a step forward, Rojas said the

victory was short-lived after the house of Representative’s Ways and Means Committee approved a measly P2.50 increase in tobacco tax per year. earlier, health Secretary Francisco Duque said the lack of funding for its implementation is one of the challenges

that the UhC measure could face.

The bill, which is awaiting the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte to become a law, seeks to enroll all Filipinos under a state-backed health insurance program both as paying and nonpaying members.

For its first year of implementation, Duque said UhC would need a funding requirement of P257 billion, but was appropriated only with P217 billion under the proposed national budget for 2019.

Duque said the funding gap of P40 billion would mean that not all hospitals or health centers as envisioned under the bill would be constructed.

“The UhC is not a silver bullet. It is not a panacea. We have to manage

our expectations. everything is not for free,” he said. “We know that we don’t have infinite resources that is why we have to start from the ground up.” he said construction of barangay health units in fourth to sixth class municipalities would be prioritized so that patients would not have to troop to hospitals for minor ailments.

“Only 50 percent of our barangays have functional barangay health units.

Under the UhC, we would have one barangay health unit for every 3,000 to 4,000 patients and one city or rural health unit for every 20,000 patients. We would have health services at the lower level so that there would be congestion in hospitals,” the health chief said.

‘No more time to enact Traffic Crisis measure’

By Rio N. Araja The house of Representatives may pass on third and final reading the proposed Traffic and Congestion Crisis Act to address the worsening traffic woes in Metro Manila and other urban cities before its adjournment.

In an interview over dzBB, Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento said house Bill No. 6425 may be approved on its third and final reading even as he warned that it may not be enacted into a law. he said the Senate is now preoccupied with the deliberation of the 2019 proposed P3.757-trillion national budget even as the campaign season for the 2019 midterm polls is fast approaching.

“That is the limitation—lack of material time—that we see on the part of the Senate,” he said.

“The Senate will have insufficient time to consider the Traffic Crisis Act. Not to mention, by next year [they are already on] campaign mode,” he added.

In observance of Malaria Awareness Month malaria chmpions from the Department of Health Dr. Raffy Deray (left) with Pilipnas Shell Foundation Inc. executive director Edgar Veron Cruz (center) and program manager Marvi Trudeau share the Philippines’ journey in bringing down malaria cases from a high of 78,000 in the late 1990s down to less than 5,000 today. Lino Santos

From hotbed to malaria-free: PH on track in eradicating disease BACk in the ’90s, the Philippines used to be a hotbed of Malaria cases. Two decades in, the country is close to becoming totally Malaria-free. health officials and health advocates, however, believe that there is still much to accomplish to completely rid the country of this dreaded disease.

In the kapihan sa Manila hotel held last week, Department of health national malaria coordinator Dr. Raffy Deray stressed that the country is definitely on its way to being malaria-free, thanks to efforts of private-sector health advocates who have worked hand-in-hand with the government to curb the dreaded disease.

Deray revealed that the number of malaria cases in the country has dropped significantly in recent years.

“Contrary to popular belief, the malaria situation in the country is much better now than our neighboring countries in the ASeAN and even in the Asian region,” Deray said.

Probably the most successful antimalaria program initiated in the country is the program initated by Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. in Palawan in 1999.

Initially referred to as the kilusan Ligtas Malaria, the program got off the ground with a P36-million grant from Shell Philippines exploration B.V., with

the province of Palawan as its pilot area.

“When we saw that the biggest problem of Palawan was its Malaria situation, we in PSFI decided to address this issue and started kLM immediately,” said edgar Veron Cruz, PSFI executive director.

Right from the start, PSFI’s kLM had to contend with 78,000 malaria cases in the province with an average of 100 deaths per year.

The project’s components included early diagnosis and prompt treatment, vector control, social mobilization and advocacy, and an information drive and communications for behavioral change.

By 2006, malaria cases in Palawan had dropped to about 12,000, with 21 deaths. Impressed, the Swiss-based global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria, decided to support the program, which was then renamed Movement Against Malaria.

The number of malaria cases has since continued to decline steadily, and what was just an initiative in Palawan became a nationwide anti-malaria program.

In 2011, largely because of the success in Palawan, the Philippines achieved the United Nations’ Millennium Development goal of halting and reversing malaria ahead of its 2015 deadline.

MALACAñANg on Sunday welcomed the recent call of Pope Francis for unity in combatting drug trade worldwide, saying it was a boost to the country’s own war on drugs.

“The remarks of Pope Francis are not only relevant but also timely when it comes to our country’s present situation...

We consider Vatican’s remarks as a boost in our campaign as we battle the twin evils of crimes and drugs,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

“Pope Francis urged governments to combat drug addiction and courageously undertake the fight against those who, in the Pontiff’s words, ‘deal in death.’ This is precisely the rationale behind the President’s war on illegal drugs in the Philippines: To save the young and future generations of Filipinos from the drug scourge,” Panelo added.

During the Vatican conference held from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, with the theme “Drugs and Addictions: An Obstacle to Integral human Development.”

Pope Francis said it is the duty of governments to lead the fight against drug producers and traffickers.

“All of us are called to combat the production, processing and distribution of drugs worldwide...It is the duty and responsibility of governments to courageously undertake this fight against those who deal in death,” the Pope said.

Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte will remain resolute in implementing the war on drugs even as his critics continue to criticize efforts to arrest or neutralize drug lords and runners.

“Laudable developments have been achieved by the current administration in this regard, notwithstanding the noise coming from the loud minority composed of his detractors and critics here and abroad,” Panelo said.

Group lauds revocation of BIR memo The health advocacy group Anakalusugan has welcomed the decision of the Bureau of Internal Revenue to revoke its controversial order imposing tax on health insurance premiums of workers, saying this will make Christmas merrier for at least six-million Filipino employees affected by the now rescinded memo.

Anakalusugan has launched an online petition seeking to rescind Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 50-2018, which states that health card premiums are included in the computation of the P90,000 tax-free privilege on benefits and bonuses of employees.

“We would like to thank everyone who joined us in our collective effort to petition the BIR to scrap the provision of RMC 50-2018 taxing hMO benefits. hMOs are used by over six million of our working countrymen to augment Philhealth in cases of sickness and medical emergencies. They should not be made to suffer and pay taxes for a benefit they will avail of in such extreme circumstances,” the party-list group said.

“The ‘de minimis’ benefits with a threshold of P90,000 aim to alleviate our working and productive countrymen and adding hMO benefits will downscale whatever comfort they will receive for the work they provide,” added Anakalusugan.

The memorandum was earlier assailed by Senator Juan edgardo Angara, chairperson of the Senate committee on ways and means, who insisted that the health insurance premiums paid by employers for their workers should remain tax-free.

BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay acknowledged that health insurance premiums are not affected by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. “The implementation of the pertinent provisions under RMC No. 50-2018 relative to the group health insurance premiums and director’s fees, which were not affected by the provisions of the TRAIN Law, are hereby deleted from RMC 50-2018,” Dulay said.

“We thank the senators led by Senator Sonny Angara in articulating the sentiments of our working people affected by this order. We congratulate the BIR and Commissioner Caesar Dulay in heeding the call of our people and correcting this oversight,” Anakalusugan said.

“To all those who signed and joined us and to all those benefitted, taking the hMO benefits from the P90,000threshold will truly make our Christmas a merry one,” the group added.

Sports

A7

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Gilas adds three new players to lineup

Woods falters as three share lead in Hero Challenge

By Peter Atencio THERE will be three new faces when Team Pilipinas gets back on the floor to take on Iran today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The changes were made after Gilas bowed to Kazakhstan, 88-92, last Friday.

Arwind Santos, Troy Rosario, and Jayson Castro will now see action when the Philippines faces Iran in their next game in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The three replaced Greg Slaughter, Alex Cabagnot and JP Erram.

Gilas will try to bounce back after the Iranians won over the Filipinos last September.

Naturalized player Christian Standhardinger and four-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo will head the new 12man roster.

Barangay Ginebra players Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio, and Scottie Thompson are also back.

“There’s more pressure on us now to win against Iran. Kailangan tayo manalo sa Iran on Monday. That’s part of the process that we have to undertake,” said Gilas coach Guiao Also joining them are Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood, Marcio Lassiter and Matthew Wright.

The Philippines dropped to a share of third place with Japan in Group F, with identical 5-4 records after the team lost to Kazakhstan.

The Japanese have won four straight games and could overtake the Filipinos for solo third if they repeat over Kazakhstan in their coming game, also on Monday.

Only the top three teams from Groups E and F will advance to the World Cup. Australia is the number 1 team with its 8-1 win-loss record. They tallied the record after the Boomers beat Iran, 84-67. They are slated to meet Qatar in Melbourne, Australia.

The Iranians are second at 6-3.

Dasmariñas, Parañaque set showdown in NBL Finals PARAÑAQUE and Dasmariñas arranged a title showdown in the National Basketball League (NBL) after beating separate rivals in the Semifinals on Saturday at the San Dionisio Gym in Parañaque City.

The second-seed Parañaque Aces defeated the Laguna Pistons, 104-96, and the fifth-seed Dasmariñas Ballers edged the top-ranked Bulacan Makabayan, 96-93, in the knockout Semifinals to move into the best-ofthree championship series.

Game One will be played on Wednesday, 5:45 p.m. at the San Dionisio Gym in Parañaque City with the Aces holding homecourt advantage against the Ballers in the finals series of the league for homegrown talents aired on Basketball TV and Solar Sports.

JR Galit had 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Noy Bermudes had 18 points including crucial baskets late in the game for the Harold Sta. Cruzcoached Aces to clinch a finals berth after losing their twice-tobeat advantage in the semifinals last Wednesday in a loss to Laguna.

John Cantimbuhan had 22 points and six assists, while Junard Caparida had 15 markers off the bench for the Azli Guromentored Ballers, who completed the upset of the top-seed Makabayan in the semifinal round on Saturday.

The best-of-three finals series will be aired live on Basketball TV, NBL Philippines Facebook Page, Net25 Facebook page, and Eagle News online.

Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) pours water on teammate Blake Griffin after the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. AFP

Pistons defeat Warriors to post fifth straight win L OS ANGELES, United States—Blake Griffin scored 26 points as the Detroit Pistons spoiled the return of Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry by beating the two-time defending NBA champions, 111-102, on Saturday.

Andre Drummond finished with 16 points and 19 rebounds for Detroit as the Pistons stretched their winning streak to five games.

“That’s obviously a great win,” Griffin said. “You could tell by the crowd and the atmosphere tonight that we were facing a big team, and we protected our home floor.”

Curry missed 11 games with a groin problem. He shot 10 of 21 and drained three of nine from beyond the arc to finish with 27 points. But he started out rusty, missing his first three shots, all three-point attempts.

Curry said it might take some time to get back into the flow of the Warriors offense.

“I just didn’t have the right timing, wasn’t seeing the rim that well. The second half was better and I am sure that

will carry over each game,” Curry said.

Kevin Durant scored 28 points and Klay Thompson added 21 in the losing effort for Golden State.

The Warriors couldn’t overcome Detroit’s dominance on the offensive boards, with just eight offensive rebounds compared to 14 for Detroit.

A half dozen Pistons finished in double figures. Detroit have now won two consecutive games over Golden State – after losing 12 or their previous 13.

The Pistons built an 11-point lead in the second quarter and led 54-46 at the half.

- Best start ever In Cleveland, Raptors star Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points as Toronto overcame the absence of all-star guard Kyle Lowry and beat the struggling Cavaliers, 106-95.

“I feel great. The coaching staff has done a good job of making me feel comfortable out there,” said Leonard, who joined the Raptors this season via a trade from the San Antonio Spurs.

“It is great just to be able to play basketball again and do something that I enjoy, added Leonard, who only played nine games last season for the Spurs due to a quadriceps injury.

Lowry, who leads the NBA in assists, was a late scratch, missing his first game of the season with a back injury.

The Raptors did not provide any details about his condition.

Fred VanVleet also scored 15 points for Toronto, who won their eighth consecutive contest and improved to a league best 20-4 record. They are 10-2 on the road.

The Raptors have reached the 20-win mark quicker than any other team in franchise history.

VanVleet, who started in place of Lowry, drained consecutive clutch three-pointers with just over two minutes left in the fourth to pad the Raptors lead to 10 points. AFP

NASSAU, Bahamas—Henrik Stenson, Jon Rahm and Tony Finau are tied for the lead on 13-under par heading into the final round of the Hero World Challenge.

Sweden’s Stenson and Spain’s Rahm, who shared the overnight lead, couldn’t be separated at the close of day three in signing for three-under par 69s while American Finau birdied both the 15th and 16th holes in a round of 67 to join his European Ryder Cup-winning rivals.

“I played nicely birding four of the par-fives, and on this golf course, we have five of them,” said Finau who is making his debut in the $3 million event hosted by Tiger Woods on the Albany Club course.

“That’s what you have to do to play well, so I was able to do that today.

“This is a golf course I’m not very familiar with, I played it once before we played. When I’m playing well, I feel like I can score on any golf course, especially a course that has five par-fives.

“We play a lot of golf courses on the PGA Tour there’s only two or three, so to be able to have those couple extra par-fives you just know you’re going to have some opportunities to score and I’ve been able to take advantage of those opportunities,” added Finau, who is nine-under on 15 par-fives through three rounds.

The 29-year old Salt Lake City golfer said he had also benefitted from a small adjustment to his putter as he seeks to make amends after losing out in a play-off in last month’s WGC – HSBC Champions.

“I added two degrees of loft in my putter after Thursday and then went out and shot 64 yesterday with it and so I decided to keep it,” he said.

AFP

Tiger Woods

UP male tracksters end 36-year title drought UNIVERSITY of the Philippines needed a strong showing in the past two days to end a 36-year title drought in the men’s division of the UAAP Season 81 athletics championships Sunday at the Philsports oval.

Trailing by 39 points entering the midway point of the five-day competition, the Fighting Maroons banked on a 1-2-3 finish in the 400-meter hurdles, a podium sweep in the 800-meter run, and gold medals in the 4x100meter relay and in the discus throw to seize the upperhand Saturday and never looked back.

With 426 points, UP ended Far Eastern University’s eight-year reign. The Morayta-based squad had 262 points in second place, while University of the East finished third with 185 points.

The Maroons thus claimed their 19th championship overall—and the first since the 1981-82 season.

In his fourth year with UP, coach Rio dela Cruz fulfilled the school’s mission to become the kings of track and field once more.

“Well, bago ako pumasok, yung

pagpili ng head coach, eh isa ito sa ibinigay kong goal sa kanila. Na after siguro three to four years, yung inaachieve namin, gusto namin maging champion,” said dela Cruz, who is instrumental in reviving the once-dor-

mant Maroons’ athletics program.

“We are very happy na natupad namin. Hindi ko ma-explain yung pakiramdam. Talagang iba itong achievement na ito,” he said.

University of Santo Tomas ruled the

women’s division for the fifth straight year with 338 points to defeat FEU by only 11 points in a hotly-contested duel for the crown. UP tallied 203 points in third spot.

University of the East’s young long distance specialist James Darrel Orduna, who won golds in the 10,000-meter run, 3,000-meter steeplechase and 5,000-meter run to go with a 1,500-run bronze, was the men’s rookie-MVP. UST’s Louielyn Palmatian claimed the women’s MVP honors for the third straight season after emerging victorious in the 800-meter and 400-meter run and in the 4×400-meter relay. She bagged silver medals in 200-meter and 5,000-meter runs.

In the juniors division, UE completed another championship double.

UE had 383 points to achieve a sixpeat in the boys side, besting UST and Adamson University in the process.

Edgar Carrado of the Baby Falcons, who took the boys MVP plum after winning four golds and a silver.

5th Raise and Run to be held next year

By Ram Christian Agustin IN PARTNERSHIP with ABSCBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. - Bantay Bata 163, AG New World Manila Bay Hotel and New World Makati Hotel will hold the fifth iteration of Run and Raise next year on January 20, 2019.

“New World Manila Bay and New World Makati are joining forces to do a greater good. It started with New World Makati and we’ve been a supporter ever since. This is very important for us. Being part of the community and we’d love to do this every year,” said New World Manila Bay Hotel General Manager Mark John Heywood.

Since it started in 2015, the charity fun run which meets an increasing number of participants and supporters aims to raise educational funds for nine scholars from various parts of the country.

“Education is one of the core pillars of our social responsibility position. Education is a fundamental and essential foundation for everyone’s livelihood,” said Heywood.

“There are many less fortunate people in our society and it is important for the company to be able to extend our support wherever we can.”

The race will be moved from its past Rajah Sulayman route to Liwasang Ulalim CCP Complex grounds, a well-known terrain for enthusiasts

and seasoned runners in the metro and registration fees are priced at PHP 550 (3k), PHP 650 (5k), PHP 800 (10k), and PHP 950 (16k).

Race kits are inclusive of a singlet, race bib, finisher’s medal while the 16k runners will also receive a finisher’s shirt and the winners of each category will receive exclusive gifts from AG New World Manila Bay Hotel and New World Makati Hotel.

Interested participants can register online at www.goorahna.com or sign up at Garmin branches: SM Megamall, SM North EDSA - The Annex, Glorietta 5, and Uptown Mall BGC 3rd level. Registration will be open until January 10 2019.

New World Manila Bay Hotel General Manager Mark Heywood (left), ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. representative Angelita A. Lara, and New World Makati Hotel General Manager Farid Schoucair hold up the Memorandum of Agreement for Run and Raise 5.

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

A8

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018

Sports

Tyson Fury taunts Deontay Wilder in the ninth round during the WBC Heavyweight Championship at Staples Center on December 1, 2018. The two fought to a draw allowing Wilder to retain his boxing crown. AFP

Maroons vow better fight in Game Two

By Peter Atencio THE University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons will be a better team in Game 2.

Fighting Maroons coach Bo Perasol said this after the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles showed poise, focus and composure all throughout to repulse the Diliman-based cagers, 8879, last Saturday before a sellout crowd in Game 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“I’m very positive about our chances. We need to do our preparations which we did not have in the last few days. I’m quite sure we will be better on Wednesday,” said Fighting Maroons coach Bo Perasol.

The Fighting Maroons showed their fighting heart and were able to withstand many rallies that the Blue Eagles came up against them. But they lost big man Akhuetie Bright to a knee injury in the third period and eventually lost in the end.

How the Fighting Maroons played in Game 1 made Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin more cautious.

The Maroons are a threat because of the chemistry developed among members of the Fighting Maroons as the season went on.

That’s after UP won four straight knockout games and reached their first finals stint in 32 years.

“Much more determined, much more cohesive,” said Baldwin who noted the changes that the Fighting Maroons displayed since the Blue Eagles faced them in the eliminations.

Wilder retains heavyweight crown L

OS ANGELES, United State—Deontay Wilder retained his WBC heavyweight crown here Saturday after battling to a split decision draw against Britain’s Tyson Fury in a pulsating 12-round battle.

Wilder had Fury on the canvas twice, including a spectacular final round knockdown, but was unable to get the knockout victory he had promised to deliver at the Staples Center.

The three judges were divided on the outcome, with one scoring it 115-111 for Wilder, another 114-112 for Fury and the third 113-113.

“I think with the two knockdowns I definitely won the fight,” said Wilder

afterwards. “We poured our hearts out tonight. We’re both warriors, but with those two drops I think I won the fight.”

Wilder, who remains unbeaten after 41 fights, immediately called for a rematch.

“I would love for it to be my next fight,” Wilder said. “Let’s give the fans what they want to see. It was a great fight and let’s do it again.”

Fury meanwhile insisted he had done

enough to win.

“We’re on away soil, I got knocked down twice, but I still believe I won that fight,” Fury said.

“That man is a fearsome puncher and I was able to avoid that. The world knows I won the fight.”

Fury also said he hopes to arrange a rematch.

“One hundred percent we’ll do the rematch,” Fury said. “We are two great champions. Me and this man are the two best heavyweights on the planet.”

Until a sensational final round knockdown from Wilder, Fury appeared to be heading towards what would have been a remarkable upset.

The 30-year-old “Gypsy King”,

two fighters early on, quickly moved into an early lead.

But Fury gradually grew in confidence, regularly taunting Wilder by throwing his arms up in the air or behind his back.

Wilder responded with increasingly desperate flurries of big punches, very few of which found their mark.

As several former heavyweights had predicted beforehand, the longer the fight went on, the more Fury looked in control.

- Fury goes down However in the ninth round, Wilder finally made his mark, dropping Fury with a short hook that had the fans on their feet. AFP

SEA Games officials inspect New Clark City sports venues

Spikers’ Turf Final Four under way MEN’S volleyball action shifts into high gear today, Monday as top seed Sta. Elena faces No. 4 Cignal and No. 2 PLDT collides with third ranked Air Force in the Final Four of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Blue Eagle gym in QC. The Cignal HD Spikers actually clipped the Sta. Elena Ball Hammers in four sets in their lone elims face-off last Oct. 19 but the latter has since recovered and went on to claim the top spot into the semis.

Gametime is at 1 p.m. with Sta. Elena coach Dante Alinsunurin hoping to draw the best from the likes of Bryan Bagunas, Nicolas Almendras, James Natividad, Kim Malabunga and skipper Francis Saura as they try to get back at their tormentors and gain the head start in their best-ofthree series.

But Ysrael Marasigan, Wendel Miguel, Fauzi Ismail, Rex Intal and Peter Torres will be going all out to re-assert their mastery of the Ball Hammers and fuel their own drive to the finals of the third season of the league organized by Sports Vision.

The 3 p.m. clash between PLDT and Air Force also promises to be a toss-up although the former swept the latter in their elims matchup last Oct. 11. But the Agilas are raring to put one over the Home Power Hitters behind Alnakran Abdilla, Howard Mojica, Edwin Tolentino and Jeffrey Malabanan.

PLDT, meanwhile, will pin its hopes on Joeven dela Vega, Mark Alfafara, Rex Intal and John Vic De Guzman in what is expected to be another explosive duel of power and net defense.

who returned to boxing this year after missing more than two years through depression, drink and drug problems, had boxed cleverly to evade the heavyhitting threat of Wilder for most of the fight.

The American champion struggled to connect cleanly with Fury throughout an absorbing contest, all too often sending huge arcing haymakers whistling past Fury’s head.

Wilder landed just 71 of 430 punches thrown, or 17 percent.

Fury by contrast cleverly picked his moments, finding Wilder with greater accuracy and causing a nasty swelling over the American’s left eye.

Wilder, the more aggressive of the

WORKING UP A SWEAT. Filipino boxing icon Senator Manny Pacquiao is hard at work preparing for his upcoming fight against Adrien Broner on January 19, 2019 in Las Vegas.

Sonny Espiritu

EXCITEMENT is picking up on the choice of New Clark City as one of the venues of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Makati Representative Monsour del Rosario, who is the chef de mission of the Philippine team to the Games, said this after officials of member nations joined an ocular inspection of the different venues that will used during the biennial meet.

“Nakangiti ang mga mukha nila nung dinala namin sa Clark. Nagustuhan nila ang Clark. Sanay na kasi sila sa Manila,” said del Rosario, who is also the secretary general of the Philippine Taekwondo Association.

The chefs de mission of 11 member nations were in the country last week to see how preparations are being done on the venues, and for the one-year countdown to the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Bayanihan Park in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Organizers unveiled an improved logo design and the theme “We Win As One” during the start of the one-year countdown to the 30th Southeast Asian

Games.

There were less rings and the circles were fatter when the logo sculpture was finally revealed and the digital clock was lit up at the Bayanihan Park here Friday night.

The rings now numbered around 11, and they represent the 11 members nations from Southeast Asia.

A mascot, with family as the inspiration, was also launched.

It was named “Pami,” which represents the eFilipino word “pamilya,” and is a smiling sponge ball-type figure, Chefs de mission from the 11 member nations and national athletes from various sports disciplines joined Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano in turning on the switch of the countdown clock.

The guests of honor of the launch were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, PSC Chairman William Ramirez, POC President Ricky Vargas and Athletes’ Commission representative Nikko Huelgas. Peter Atencio

Thai ace targets no. 3 at ICTSI Pradera YUPAPORN KAWINPAKORN seeks to cap a sterling 2018 campaign on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour as she shoots for a third victory in the ICTSI Pradera Verde Ladies Classic beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 4 in Lubao, Pampanga.

Kawinpakorn, who won the Philippine Ladies Amateur Open crown at The Country Club in 2007, is back as spearhead of a big 19-player Thai delegation raring to slug it out with the country’s best players in the P1 million event put up by ICTSI. The veteran campaigner posted a pair of three-stroke victories at the Beverly Place and Summit Point stops of this year’s LPGT, anchoring an imposing six-victory romp by the country’s

perennial regional rivals in the recently concluded 11-stage 2018 LPGT season.

But she and the rest of the Thais will be in for a tough challenge with LPGA Tour-bound Dottie Ardina anchoring the locals’ bid in what promises to be a wild, fierce battle for top honors right from the start of the 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. at the relative flat but challenging layout.

Ardina, gearing up for the world’s premier ladies circuit, is thrilled over playing again on the home front, eager to flaunt the form that netted her the overall No. 2 spot from a number of runner-up finishes in the Symetra Tour for an outright LPGA Tour berth.

She will be backstopped by former

three-time LPGT OOM winner Cyna Rodriguez, former LPGT leg winner Chihiro Ikeda, Daniella Uy, Marvi Monsalve, Alex Etter and Gretchen Villacencio and newly crowned LPGT OOM champion Princess Superal, who is also eyeing a third win this year after back-to-back feats at Riviera and Midlands.

But Kawinpakorn remains confident of adding another championship to her growing trophy room with Onkanok Soisuwan and Wannasiri Sirirampant also hopeful of scoring a second win on the country’s local pro circuit, backed by Custom Clubmakers, BDO, Meralco, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Champion, Summit Mineral Water and K&G Golf.

Yupaporn Kawinpakorn is favored to win the ICTSI Pradera Verde Ladies Classic which begins tomorrow Dec. 4 in Lubao, Pampanga.

IN BRIEF

LRMC taps Commsec for upgrade of CCTV LIGHT Rail Manila Corp., a joint venture between Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., said it tapped Commsec Inc. for the P100-million upgrade of the CCTV system across the Light Rail Transit–Line 1 system.

“Commsec will install almost 500 high resolution surveillance cameras with increased storage capacity to ensure the safety and security of passengers and employees in and around LRT-1’s passenger stations, depot and other facilities,” LRMC president and chief executive Juan Alfonso said.

Alfonso added train drivers would benefit from a monitor plugged into multiple cameras pointed at each train door to ensure that doors safely close before the train leaves a station.

The CCTV system will also feature enhanced software that could count the number of passengers waiting for a train, check the entry of trespassers to unauthorized areas of the system, and help alert LRMC to suspicious objects lying unattended in a station.

“With the upgrade, which is estimated to take two years to complete, crowd monitoring will be more effective,” Alfonso said.

Darwin G Amojelar

Govt warns vs fake products sold online THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines conceded that the growth of online selling platforms is threat to efforts to stop the proliferation of fake and counterfeit items.

IPOPHL director general Josephine Santiago said the agency recognized the government’s direction to help e-commerce take off, but cited a need to regulate operations of the online selling shops.

“While the government is urging enterprises to go online, most of the platforms fail to check the authenticity of the product they sell, especially branded products. This is a big threat to IPOPHL,” she said, noting the job of the agency to rid the country of illegal products would be compromised.

She added the agency does not want to be “an obstacle” to the government’s promotion of e-commerce.

IPOPHL has asked the platforms to screen the products offered on their sites, but not even one took time to review its policies and commit to work together with the government to avoid selling counterfeit products on their sites. IPOPHLOthel V. Campos

Business Finance sees November inflation easing to 6.3% T

By Julito G. Rada

he Finance Department said it expects the inflation rate to slow down to 6.3 percent in November from a nine-year high of 6.7 percent in October.

Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran, also the department’s chief economist, said in a news briefing that rice and vegetable prices declined, although that of meat was increasing.

“We expect inflation for the month-onmonth, it will go down to 0.07 percent, so that year-on-year it should be about 6.3 percent... from 6.7 percent,” Beltran said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said while the impact of the Rice Tariffication bill would be felt next year, the administrative measures that President Rodrido Duterte ordered in the third week of September were in effect already.

Beltran also said he did not expect inflation to be faster than 6.3 percent in De-

cember.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said inflation in November likely slowed to as low as 5.8 percent from 6.7 percent in October amid the down trend in oil prices and as the supply of rice and other agricultural products stabilized.

The BSP Department of Economic Research said the November 2018 inflation likely settled within a range of 5.8 percent to 6.6 percent.

“The deceleration of inflation for the month could be attributed to the sharp decline in petroleum prices, the normalization of supply conditions in rice and other agricultural commodities, and the peso appreciation,” the BSP said.

The peso has been hovering slightly above the 52-per-dollar level in the past few weeks, stronger than 53 per dollar in the middle of the year.

“These could be offset in part by the adjustments in jeepney and bus fares as well as higher electricity rates in Meralcoserviced areas,” the BSP said.

“Moving forward, the BSP will remain watchful of economic and financial developments to ensure the achievement of its primary mandate of price stability conducive to balanced and sustainable economic growth,” it said.

Inflation in October stayed at 6.7 percent, or the same rate a month ago. This brought inflation in the first 10 months to 5.1 percent, above the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year.

The Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Nov. 15 raised for the fifth time this year the benchmark interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent to temper the high inflation rate.

Energy World defers LNG hub completion ENERGY World Corp. has pushed back the operation of its liquefied natural gas hub at Barangay Ibabang Polo, Pagbilao Grande Island, Quezon in 2019 to 2020, subject to the completion of the tie-in connection to National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ Tayabas-Naga transmission line.

“While we anticipate the facility will be completed by March 2020, it must be noted that this process is outside of our control,” EWC said in a company presentation submitted to the Australian Securities Exchange.

EWC said transmission operator NGCP granted access to the adjacent 230-kilovolt line, which would provide up to 200 MW of power, on a temporary basis.

It said NGCP committed connection for the full 600-MW plant capacity when the Pagbilao substation is completed.

EWC noted financing arrangements were being done with Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, while the project received “strong political support.” Alena Mae S. Flores

PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR. SM Prime Holding Inc. president Jeffrey Lim (left) receives the Personality of the Year award during Lumadi’s ‘The Oulook Property Awards Night 2018’ at Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City. As head of SM Prime, Lim is recognized for urbanizing large settlements, creating more jobs and placing the Philippines on the map as an investment destination.

Lim receives the award from Lamudi Philippines chief executive Bhavna Suresh.

Commercial banks pay P6-b penalty instead of lending to farmers, fishers

By Julito G. Rada BANKS paid around P6 billion worth of penalties in the past two years, instead of lending to farmers and fishers as required under the Agri-Agra Law, data form the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

Monetary Board member Bruce Tolentino said in a news briefing “many of the banks prefer to pay the penalty rather than actually lend to farmers.”

“I think over the last two years, it has been something like P6 billion in penalties alone,” Tolentino said.

Under the Agri-Agra Law or AgriAgra Reform Credit Act of 2009, government and private banks should allot 25 percent of their total loanable funds to the agriculture and fisheries sector. Ten percent of the amount should be lent to agrarian reform beneficiaries and the remaining 15 percent to the farmers.

Tolentino said the Bangko Sentral im-

posed penalties on all banks that failed to reach the 15-percent agriculture loans and 10-percent agrarian reform loans to beneficiaries.

“Many of the banks prefer to pay the penalty rather than actually lend to farmers because farmers are poor credit risks, so they pay,” he said.

“I doubt if there is any legislature that will take away the Agri-Agra law even though it has been proven that it doesn’t work,” Tolentino said.

The Bangko Sentral has been promoting agricultural financing as one of the keys to strengthen the agricultural sector which, for the past several years, posted modest contribution to economic growth.

BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said during the Agriculture Value Chain Financing forum that agriculture still held considerable potential and prospects and could be an engine of growth and broad-based development.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018

B

PT&T expects Supreme Court to consider its third telco bid

By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE Telegraph and Telephone Corp. said it is optimistic the Supreme Court will order the National Telecommunications Commission to reconsider its bid for the new major telecom player.

“PT&T is hopeful that it will be considered by the highest court in due time or hopefully soonest,” PT&T said in a statement.

PT&T filed a petition for certiorari on Nov. 16 with the Supreme Court assailing the acts of the NTC and the New Major Player Selection Committee during the selection process.

PT&T alleged that the NMP Selection Committee acted with “grave abuse of discretion and beyond its jurisdiction” when it revised the terms of reference in regard to technical capability by applying only to foreign telcos the rule that having a regional scale of telecommunications operations for the last 10 years qualifies as operations on a national scale.

Under the terms of reference, that rule applies, without distinction or discrimination, to both local and foreign telcos, which thus would qualify PT&T, the same having operated from Region IV-A as an offshoot of the regionalization mandated by President Fidel Ramos in the 1990s, the company said.

“The NMP Selection Committee has no legal authority to change the terms of reference which were earlier issued by the NTC En Banc with the help of the Oversight Committee and the Philippine Competition Commission,” PT&T said.

“That unauthorized revision is void for such lack of legal authority and also because it violated the provision in the Constitution on the equal protection of the laws by unfairly discriminating against local telcos while favoring foreign ones. It is also void for being violative of Republic Act No. 3019 [AntiGraft Law], causing as it does injury to local telcos while giving unwarranted advantage and preference to foreign telcos thru manifest partiality and evident bad faith,” PT&T said.

Aboitiz challenges Meralco bid for Baguio ecozone

By Alena Mae S. Flores ABOITIZ Power Corp. submitted an offer to challenge Manila Electric Co.’s proposal to operate, maintain and manage Baguio City Economic Zone’s power distribution system for 25 years.

“We submitted an offer to service the requirements of Baguio Export Processing Zone. We have no news yet of the decision,” Aboitiz Power chief operating officer Emmanuel Rubio said.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority earlier called for a competitive proposal to operate, maintain and manage BCEZ’s power distribution system for 25 years.

“It’s a good opportunity to grow our distribution business albeit small. It allows us to expand to other ecozones,” Rubio said.

Meralco senior vice president and head of customer retail services and corporate communication Al Panlilio said he was

hoping that the company’s offer would be “more competitive” than Aboitiz Power’s.

Meralco is the country’s biggest power distributor with over six million customers in its franchise area.

Aboitiz Power is currently one of the largest electricity distributors in the Philippines with ownership interests in seven distribution utilities including Visayan Electric Co. and Davao Light and Power Co., the country’s second and third largest, respectively.

Both companies also offered bids to become the joint venture partner of staterun Bases Conversion and Development Authority for the development of electric power distribution in New Clark City.

Meanwhile, Peza said the offer of Aboitiz Power was a more “superior proposal” to the offer of state-run National Transmission Corp. and partner Benguet Electric Cooperative.

Peza earlier said the joint counterpro-

posal of Transco with Beneco challenging the offer of Meralco “failed to pass the evaluation.”

Peza also cited the financial reports of Beneco, TransCo’s outstanding debts and the proposed distribution rates for the decision.

TransCo president Melvin Matibag, in a letter to Peza, noted “the lack of transparent process, guidelines, terms of reference, very short transaction schedule and evaluation criteria.”

He said these could not be the reason of Peza for rejecting their proposal.

“We also find Peza’s procedures quite inconsistent with government’s thrust for complete transparency, competitiveness, simplicity and accountability. Thus, a third-party observer might entertain a reasonable conclusion that the transaction might be giving unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference to a private entity,” Matibag said.

Iloilo’s local government officials reject More ILOILO CITY―Local government officials of Iloilo City have not exactly welcomed the entry of Monte Oro Resources and Energy Inc. with open arms and blamed the company for seeking to take over the city’s power distribution franchise from Panay Electric Co. Inc. More executives presented to the city council last week their plans to modernize power distribution and reduce prices for consumers, but the local officials were not impressed, saying the plans bordered on the improbable, if not impossible.

Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon said he was not convinced by the company he called a “carpetbagger,” adding that he was particularly incensed by More’s application for a business permit in Iloilo long before the House of Representatives had approved its franchise application.

Ganzon cited a legal doctrine that states “Priority in time, priority in rights” to justify his stand that Peco deserved to continue being Iloilo’s sole power dis-

tributor.

More received its franchise from Congress under allegedly “anomalous” conditions, according to the vice mayor, who is also a Protestant minister.

One of the city’s youngest councilors, Lady Grace ‘LoveLove’ Baronda, said More’s business plan was long on grand vision but short on detail.

Assistant floor leader of the city council Baronda said More’s presentation of its plans left her with more questions than answers. More’s plans, she said, appeared to be “super ambitious,” with a promise to deliver miraculous results “in a span if six months.”

Such plans, she said, were “not doable.”

More officials were evasive when asked such basic questions as to where it would source the supply that would be distributed to Iloilo. “How can you lower prices when you don’t even know where you will get the power?” she asked.

She also found More’s breach of protocol disturbing.

“Why just now?” she asked More officials during

INCLUSIVE GROWTH. Investors, business owners and government leaders come together for the first National Harampang (open forum) entitled ‘From the Tree to Your Tray: A Market-led Approach towards Inclusive and Sustainable Rural Development’, an investment platform and partnership building event at the Marco Polo Hotel on Nov. 14, 2018.The event is part of the Enhancing Sustainable Income in the Philippines project, a five-year intervention funded by Swiss Solidarity and jointly implemented by development organization Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and People in Need.

Shown are the ESIP team, stakeholders and the representatives of agricultural micro-enterprises.

B2

Business

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Traders see ‘Santa Claus rally’

By Jenniffer B. Austria

S

HARE prices at the Philippine Stock Exchange is expected to trade sideways this week with an upward momentum that could pave the way for a possible “Santa Claus rally” during the last trading month of the year.

“We’re still looking at a range between 7,350 and 7,480 for now. While the temporary breach last Friday gets us hopeful for an eventual breakout, a reversal isn’t certain yet until we close above said level,” Arbee Lu, head of marketing and business development of Papa Securities, said.

Online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia. com said the continued decline in world crude prices as well as the arrival of imported rice would support a tamer inflation rate for the month of November.

“If this trend is sustained, that would aid December’s seasonal consumer

spending uptick, apart from influx of remittances,” 2TradeAsia.com said It said the index must break past the 7,500-point level to support the market’s ascent to the 7,600 to 7,700 level.

“There may be pressure ahead as this zone is traversed, given supply overhang to those locked at 7,850. For now solid support seems in place at 7,300. Continue to trade within range and go selective shopping,” it added.

Justino Calaycay, research head from Philstocks Inc., said the Santa Claus rally was possible based on numbers.

A Santa Claus rally is a rise in stock

prices in the month of December, usually during the last trading days of December and the first trading days of January.

The PSEi last week rose 0.4 percent week-on-week to 7,367.85 as funds started to position on oversold stocks during the four-day trading week.

The MSCI rebalancing, dovish comments from the US Federal Reserve chief and month-end window dressing boosted the stock market’s trading last week.

The PSEi year-to-date is still down more than 14 percent, while foreign investors were net sellers by more than P58 billion.

Wall Street, meanwhile, finished a banner week on a positive note on Friday, borne higher by optimism about US-China trade talks while Microsoft overtook Apple in market value.

After treading water much of the morning, US stocks pushed higher after US President Donald Trump spoke somewhat

hopefully about talks scheduled for Saturday night with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires.

“There’s some good signs. We’ll see what happens,” Trump said in Buenos Aires.

“If we could make a deal, that would be good. I think they want to and I think we’d like to.”

FTN Financial’s Chris Low was encouraged by the signing of a North American trade agreement earlier Friday by Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto but said analysts were skeptical of a breakthrough on China.

“It was reassuring to see the... signing of the (NAFTA) agreement and Trump hinting that some kind of deal was likely to be worked out with China, although all the commentaries I read say, ‘Don’t believe it,’” Low said. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW STOCKS

NOVEMBER 26-29, 2018 Close Volume Value

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

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

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

59.7 130.20 94.00 2.30 1.60 27.65 15.5 11.52 4.14 8.00 0.67 1.41 830.00 0.450 74.6 0.8 10.9 41.20 71.25 117 171.1 29 161 1825.00 67.70 1.14

61,820 15,662,340 8,808,990 8,000 4,102,000 428,800 21,300 4,649,900 810,000 100 203,000 68,000 100 1,000,000 91,132,250 949,000 189,400 1,349,000 28,800 1,520 10,430 419,500 3,264,970 460 7,692,800 171,000

FINANCIAL 3,668,996.00 2,030,890,636.00 502,297,320.50 18,520.00 6,118,720.00 11,848,280.00 328,562.00 53,100,726.00 3,199,840.00 800.00 136,010.00 96,420.00 83,000.00 450,200.00 6,841,505,038.50 741,970.00 2,048,794.00 55,154,775.00 2,041,457.50 177,850.00 1,802,423.00 12,053,980.00 525,352,726.00 835,635.00 507,104,806.00 194,940.00

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Basic Energy Corp.

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

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

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

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petroenergy Res. Corp.

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

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

Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

31.7 17.8 1.05 1.28 0.250 100 17.00 1.7 15.74 190 32.5 78.05 36.4 1.56 5.5 6.85 10.200 15.5 8.64 6.98 1.5 17.72 62.05 25.00 2.1000 5.80 9.18 1.640 278.40 4.62 3.34 8.46 26.95 9.98 18.2 0.179 384.20 6.00 1.35 3.90 8.20 4.87 8.78 0.90 11.02 47.4 5.2 4.75 1.91 2.8 1.36 10.7 82.85 5.4 0.123 0.84 128 2.4 1.74 15.20 1.70

8,195,000 2,935,800 84,500,000 956,000 26,120,000 600 12,300 39,586,000 7,271,400 1,300 304,300 200 863,300 451,000 258,600 51,000 10,563,600 5,615,800 1,630,200 636,000 2,000 12,082,900 4,926,340 146,700 107,186,000 1,326,500 22,625,500 3,264,000 3,796,370 66,000 32,000 64,100 2,299,000 1,001,100 42,031,200 810,000 2,510,910 40,700 928,000 145,000 4,923,300 507,000 21,000 1,891,000 732,700 12,602,000 493,400 82,000 464,000 30,000 1,484,000 426,300 9,945,310 4,294,700 690,000 353,000 5,151,280 8,000 75,442,000 200 78,511,000

INDUSTRIAL 267,619,400.00 51,545,428.00 92,501,290.00 1,188,330.00 6,541,230.00 59,466.00 200,728.00 67,528,810.00 105,989,184.00 259,088.00 10,272,550.00 15,610.00 31,600,615.00 656,960.00 1,412,017.00 354,085.00 109,243,404.00 87,884,920.00 14,213,694.00 4,427,244.00 3,000.00 211,931,176.00 305,349,483.00 3,502,125.00 219,920,350.00 7,811,573.00 201,317,659.00 5,405,590.00 1,064,240,426.00 306,040.00 106,110.00 542,675.00 59,976,075.00 10,109,042.00 743,887,374.00 142,390.00 967,970,730.00 243,853.00 1,258,730.00 568,470.00 40,117,444.00 2,401,910.00 179,693.00 1,695,660.00 8,101,092.00 601,854,255.00 2,522,728.00 388,810.00 865,630.00 84,260.00 1,943,900.00 4,547,752.00 827,097,990.50 23,291,554.00 84,520.00 285,620.00 672,282,193.00 18,880.00 120,909,150.00 3,040.00 138,040,610.00

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

Forum Pacific GT Capital JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Keppel Holdings `B’ Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Lopez Holdings Corp.

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

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

0.580 52.20 11.42 0.90 6.42 19.9 1.510 1.510 951 7.06 12.34 5.09 9.30 0.198 888 48.20 4.41 3.6 4.43 0.53 4.08 15.98 0.620 4.7 0.0360 1.240 2.280 2.69 174.70 908.50 1.35 0.78 280.000 475.80 0.2450 0.215

212,796,000 18,629,570 57,092,600 15,000 117,400 5,698,200 63,402,000 17,429,000 1,671,890 3,455,600 33,886,100 19,000 28,717,000 720,000 734,140 11,621,700 3,000 2,000 2,000 169,000 62,781,000 13,315,800 5,422,000 156,108,000 66,700,000 164,000 1,678,000 28,000 882,040 1,890,460 366,000 126,000 520,780 620 10,250,000 160,000

HOLDING FIRMS 123,070,410.00 989,863,829.50 647,087,702.00 13,400.00 747,535.00 113,335,989.00 94,643,980.00 26,090,670.00 1,585,395,985.00 24,793,211.00 436,270,716.00 71,155.00 256,375,698.00 170,130.00 646,452,090.00 565,388,890.00 13,910.00 7,200.00 8,860.00 85,430.00 249,584,410.00 207,702,098.00 3,292,030.00 723,939,500.00 2,396,200.00 197,880.00 3,888,590.00 74,420.00 152,870,005.00 1,734,811,145.00 465,800.00 97,670.00 145,288,716.00 279,814.00 2,415,840.00 34,410.00

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

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

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

7.550 0.77 10.60 1.850 0.570 41.650 2.22 4.08 5.98 0.410 0.84 0.870 0.217 0.340 7.850 18.2 0.490 0.108 1.45 1.03 2.69 4.51 0.380

6,646,000 9,088,000 23,200 93,000 3,821,000 53,913,200 6,477,000 2,530,000 26,100 21,450,000 19,000 96,000 6,130,000 2,210,000 828,200 907,100 541,000 2,050,000 15,515,000 11,642,000 40,645,000 103,983,000 193,740,000

PROPERTY 50,184,650.00 7,141,610.00 245,542.00 164,890.00 2,153,790.00 2,229,399,565.00 14,288,870.00 10,371,730.00 149,245.00 8,690,350.00 15,870.00 82,520.00 1,309,480.00 760,800.00 6,363,797.00 16,444,350.00 270,095.00 242,560.00 22,535,470.00 11,713,570.00 107,493,060.00 488,819,300.00 75,737,650.00

NOVEMBER 19-23, 2018 Close Volume Value 59.7 128.00 94.50 2.35 1.58 27.55 15.5 11.12 3.78

89,470 8,088,480 8,443,270 246,000 3,826,000 491,200 6,900 3,280,700 259,000

5,304,055.00 328,215,930,183.00 768,426,242.00 568,270.00 6,065,980.00 13,542,195.00 106,972.00 35,137,600.00 983,490.00

1.53 835.00 0.440 72.1 0.79 11.1 40.40 74.75 105.1 173 28.75 162.8 1849.00 65.90 1.14

158,000 160 1,390,000 27,526,700 4,495,000 152,600 317,700 6,260 970 24,620 375,900 5,492,740 30 63,110 358,000

243,840.00 127,660.00 623,200.00 1,983,566,360.50 3,385,300.00 1,696,394.00 12,712,905.00 451,844.00 101,809.00 4,279,176.00 10,585,870.00 835,980,934.00 54,520.00 4,157,532.00 408,120.00

32.75 17.8 1.05 1.25 0.249

5,693,100 3,129,700 46,007,000 1,670,000 34,500,000

184,098,015.00 55,201,012.00 49,010,860.00 2,061,750.00 8,356,210.00

15.50 1.65 14.6

15,800 43,622,000 3,584,000

249,746.00 78,029,460.00 50,407,148.00

36.3

386,000

14,360,325.00

36.9 1.36 5.25 7 10.400 15.66 8.46 6.96 1.5 17.22 62.35 23.50 1.9000 6.00 8.55 1.550 283.00 4.65 3.36 9.88 25.25 10 16.84 0.165 390.00 5.84 1.3 4.10 8.00 4.59 8.50 0.91 11.30 48 5.1 4.75 1.77 2.8 1.26 10.22 83.6 5.2 0.121 0.82 135.3 2.32 1.51 17.00 1.66

647,200 717,000 444,700 15,000 4,095,800 3,804,700 285,300 4,807,800 3,000 9,233,600 1,238,310 177,800 101,395,000 783,500 37,015,500 2,011,000 2,349,980 10,003,000 21,000 16,200 1,943,300 2,800,300 15,244,500 1,450,000 1,135,820 206,300 3,449,000 118,000 8,384,800 1,414,000 42,700 1,659,000 7,035,800 5,065,200 1,797,900 150,000 1,172,000 67,000 1,394,000 284,000 9,590,780 4,712,400 1,080,000 695,000 3,685,930 1,025,000 34,703,000 43,700 65,039,000

22,663,110.00 976,780.00 2,493,736.00 103,750.00 43,058,950.00 58,184,816.00 2,460,542.00 33,324,582.00 4,880.00 159,671,389.00 78,075,838.00 4,090,775.00 173,628,660.00 4,788,836.00 293,077,922.00 3,027,680.00 661,803,644.00 46,041,820.00 69,130.00 143,558.00 48,887,710.00 27,303,998.00 263,715,296.00 243,970.00 439,343,794.00 1,253,156.00 4,670,510.00 469,080.00 65,726,008.00 6,391,700.00 361,534.00 1,516,570.00 76,403,548.00 244,810,055.00 9,357,476.00 703,480.00 2,124,800.00 187,850.00 1,688,440.00 2,864,852.00 1,013,557,068.00 24,766,014.00 132,370.00 570,400.00 485,673,669.00 2,378,600.00 51,748,810.00 744,500.00 104,661,970.00

0.540 48.15 11.14 0.84 6.30 19.82 1.400 1.420 939 7 13.08 5.19 8.95 0.197 877 47.40

185,228,000 4,509,500 62,342,400 7,000 139,800 7,805,800 35,765,000 5,191,000 921,140 10,467,000 18,434,300 29,800 29,652,300 610,000 1,268,470 7,961,700

97,661,770.00 216,768,410.00 677,749,660.00 5,920.00 879,544.00 154,375,798.00 50,537,920.00 7,461,890.00 857,308,650.00 75,172,618.00 236,883,186.00 122,830.00 244,094,170.00 142,350.00 1,120,977,565.00 372,994,665.00

3.54

2,000

7,080.00

0.51 3.79 15.48 0.580 4.69 0.0340 1.150 2.300 2.68 172.00 914.00 1.31 0.72 280.000 429.00 0.2340 0.192

2,160,000 51,256,000 15,841,700 7,492,000 157,245,000 28,400,000 590,000 3,603,000 10,000 1,834,670 1,420,330 574,000 118,000 456,350 2,170 19,030,000 90,000

1,081,925.00 192,766,890.00 255,951,206.00 4,215,970.00 726,717,310.00 968,300.00 679,880.00 8,628,400.00 26,800.00 316,104,518.00 1,308,951,565.00 731,560.00 86,190.00 124,300,406.00 1,040,520.00 4,420,930.00 17,280.00

7.570 0.76 11.00 1.850 0.580 41.500 2.18 4.05 5.98 0.405 0.86 0.850 0.218 0.345 7.560 17.84 0.485

21,124,800 3,881,000 27,600 88,000 6,384,000 46,965,500 7,031,000 4,752,000 75,100 13,910,000 552,000 669,000 7,530,000 820,000 1,411,700 1,993,200 1,486,000

157,478,285.00 2,932,000.00 303,526.00 156,720.00 3,554,300.00 1,885,261,900.00 15,523,970.00 18,419,610.00 443,520.00 5,619,550.00 465,740.00 569,300.00 1,617,260.00 274,300.00 10,701,551.00 36,558,044.00 731,360.00

1.42 1.00 2.55 4.85 0.365

17,882,000 10,792,000 57,330,000 64,417,000 182,040,000

26,078,350.00 10,803,130.00 143,021,160.00 303,077,320.00 65,811,400.00

STOCKS

NOVEMBER 26-29, 2018 Close Volume Value

NOVEMBER 19-23, 2018 Close Volume Value

Phil Infradev Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Primex Corp.

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

2.4500 0.4700 0.390 3.6 20.45 1.95 3.12 34.70 1.18 5.12 0.740 5.300

24,310,000 4,920,000 4,590,000 2,180,000 11,201,600 462,000 122,000 47,824,000 2,662,000 22,686,400 574,000 15,333,100

59,601,510.00 2,291,650.00 1,718,850.00 7,829,000.00 235,445,310.00 897,900.00 379,260.00 1,652,915,090.00 3,117,110.00 138,017,741.00 419,250.00 81,291,752.00

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

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

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

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

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

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

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Wilcon Depot

9.96 19.86 1.44 0.380 0.038 13.02 2.35 8.34 74.15 7.97 7.17 8.00 2.36 18.20 892 1970 5.25 325.00 3.43 93.5 1.71 10.8 7.20 0.104 6.4100 3.44 14 3.30 0.78 14.50 15.50 0.350 5.5 7.25 2.20 1.94 1.85 3.450 10.4 8.00 3.09 112.00 2.97 1158.00 0.330 0.640 42.55 76.40 7.49 2.32 0.610 0.385 5.3 0.610 12.060

66,600 286,700 20,000 9,760,000 7,900,000 3,500 38,421,000 49,910,100 1,196,740 121,400 26,054,500 34,400 13,000 13,553,200 820 215,180 303,200 13,080 8,217,000 19,122,870 12,000 17,400 33,500 83,060,000 189,746,300 52,000 8,700 22,232,000 457,000 5,728,100 4,400 920,000 149,500 4,636,100 16,145,000 13,648,000 1,013,000 47,335,000 18,000 12,000 170,000 32,790 3,334,000 648,940 1,400,000 103,541,000 10,001,500 4,738,360 192,700 43,102,000 29,288,000 208,407,000 3,260,200 16,127,000 26,812,000

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

United Paragon

0.0018 1.57 2.64 13.92 1.1100 1.9 0.290 7.00 1.700 0.202 0.097 0.100 0.007 0.0070 1.11 2.22 1.03 0.5300 0.8800 0.0130 0.0120 2.56 14.42 0.0120 3.2100 26.20 0.0060

MINING & OIL 1,331,271,000 3,061,300.00 18,842,000 30,841,530.00 174,000 429,230.00 70,700 974,182.00 2,000 2,220.00 601,000 1,146,210.00 890,000 257,450.00 13,600 95,504.00 1,798,000 3,030,450.00 260,000 52,030.00 21,820,000 2,000,260.00 2,230,000 221,570.00 74,000,000 532,400.00 2,000,000 14,000.00 133,000 136,160.00 89,037,000 197,651,460.00 94,000 94,160.00 578,000 199,140.00 1,570,000 1,417,490.00 134,160,000 1,744,500.00 9,800,000 117,600.00 7,028,000 18,247,390.00 11,471,700 170,099,734.00 38,700,000 476,700.00 434,000 1,420,270.00 4,750,400 124,901,050.00 15,000,000 97,300.00

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

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

19.1 460 489 97.9 102.5 480 475 5.06 95 1.03 989.5 1010 102 102 998 75.95 76.55 71.4 74.95 75 75 74 73.5

20,400 6,640 300 43,620 10,160 200 30 32,600 2,650 4,000 350 1,220 30 6,120 2,320 10,360 440,390 78,860 35,560 1,066,590 20,130 28,700 13,170

LR Warrant

1.960

WARRANTS & BONDS 4,002,000 7,709,240.00

SERVICES 662,688.00 5,651,312.00 27,740.00 3,722,100.00 294,400.00 45,774.00 83,617,730.00 410,612,640.00 86,809,631.50 946,906.00 183,294,073.00 259,314.00 30,270.00 269,335,754.00 773,350.00 428,840,745.00 1,601,119.00 4,193,190.00 28,541,440.00 1,836,930,582.50 21,220.00 178,810.00 241,200.00 9,231,470.00 1,015,468,689.00 301,270.00 122,680.00 71,687,130.00 346,890.00 80,802,438.00 78,766.00 324,900.00 807,399.00 33,000,158.00 33,896,080.00 26,737,440.00 2,049,750.00 177,020,770.00 187,514.00 96,229.00 548,910.00 3,547,158.00 10,000,050.00 762,110,570.00 465,200.00 66,687,960.00 429,809,500.00 356,093,521.00 1,358,912.00 104,128,810.00 18,393,330.00 109,425,400.00 17,172,090.00 9,287,420.00 325,211,422.00

PREFERRED 391,640.00 3,056,800.00 146,140.00 4,180,068.00 1,029,850.00 96,000.00 14,250.00 165,537.00 251,750.00 4,120.00 339,450.00 1,181,905.00 3,060.00 624,680.00 2,265,320.00 780,088.00 33,539,682.50 5,662,197.00 2,599,963.00 79,811,141.50 1,473,890.00 2,075,083.50 967,212.50

SME 7,960,260.00 44,532,010.00

0.4550 0.360 3.62 21.35 1.95 3.12 33.60 1.16 4.6 0.700 5.370

10,270,000 2,320,000 5,287,000 6,637,800 306,000 192,000 47,316,100 1,714,000 1,907,000 137,000 20,496,000

4,655,950.00 824,000.00 19,023,050.00 137,574,285.00 590,140.00 598,460.00 1,570,176,575.00 1,951,790.00 8,188,880.00 98,200.00 108,580,094.00

9.89 19.42 1.46 0.360 0.039 13 1.9 8.02 68 7.89 7.79 7.55 2.02 7.87

111,600 286,300 25,000 4,220,000 42,000,000 5,700 13,424,000 32,535,000 745,680 5,600 53,797,300 79,400 23,000 2,257,500

1,092,394.00 5,575,072.00 32,060.00 1,501,200.00 1,563,900.00 74,502.00 23,657,280.00 250,497,867.00 49,815,513.50 43,980.00 450,735,968.00 604,468.00 49,170.00 14,556,203.00

1975 5.20 320.00 3.41 94.45 1.80 10.12 7.20 0.100 6.6500 3.42 14 2.79 0.78 13.66 17.90 0.345 5.49 7.16 1.99 2.02 2.09 3.160 10.28 7.70 3.5 108.00 2.92 1200.00 0.320 0.640 43.05 72.05 6.73 2.57 0.630 0.365 5.29 0.510 12.120

188,840 535,000 3,040 7,848,000 7,640,690 31,000 15,700 12,400 17,380,000 319,886,500 16,000 4,900 3,300,000 1,032,000 16,644,000 3,200 510,000 101,600 25,447,200 10,320,000 8,712,000 834,000 25,709,000 41,200 82,900 24,000 285,930 2,418,000 272,330 4,320,000 25,928,000 6,839,600 2,020,260 119,700 41,388,000 13,546,000 125,250,000 16,680,800 6,010,000 16,984,400

373,860,940.00 2,799,323.00 969,658.00 25,975,780.00 725,093,384.50 55,470.00 160,526.00 89,150.00 1,637,040.00 2,307,346,234.00 53,030.00 68,966.00 9,222,210.00 738,460.00 213,801,116.00 51,966.00 178,300.00 542,913.00 181,634,962.00 20,775,390.00 16,396,430.00 1,598,050.00 77,855,170.00 419,612.00 637,905.00 83,260.00 30,793,197.00 7,216,690.00 285,944,080.00 1,357,400.00 17,029,600.00 292,327,255.00 149,578,117.00 805,924.00 107,225,680.00 8,415,350.00 45,499,650.00 86,961,143.00 2,902,600.00 206,093,046.00

0.0020 1.70 2.36 13.44

896,000,000 91,778,000 122,000 117,900

1,789,600.00 163,972,970.00 287,210.00 1,656,070.00

1.92 0.290 7.11 1.720 0.202 0.092 0.101 0.007 0.0060 1.1 2.03 1.02 0.5200 0.9100 0.0130 0.0120 2.58 14.58 0.0120 3.4000 25.60 0.0063

2,932,000 310,000 70,500 3,231,000 890,000 9,320,000 210,000 3,400,000 1,000,000 237,000 56,145,000 153,000 167,000 2,377,000 184,700,000 101,200,000 9,773,000 85,209,700 282,000,000 623,000 7,016,700 21,200,000

5,573,910.00 90,450.00 496,245.00 5,477,130.00 179,460.00 887,480.00 21,070.00 164,900.00 6,000.00 264,900.00 112,352,600.00 152,940.00 86,450.00 2,078,110.00 2,227,400.00 1,305,500.00 25,655,240.00 1,425,031,596.00 3,511,600.00 2,356,800.00 179,330,140.00 139,200.00

19.5 462 489 97.4 102.5 480 480 5.17 95 1 990 999 102.2 102 999.5 75.2 76.6 73 74.95 74.9 73 74 73.5

181,200 370 17,510 25,730 8,750 100 400 159,000 1,630 2,029,000 90 290 1,160 390 9,200 81,810 17,320 1,438,380 90 526,300 417,970 507,400 725,430

3,454,550.00 171,500.00 8,470,550.00 2,495,537.00 896,875.00 48,000.00 192,000.00 810,344.00 155,302.00 2,036,550.00 89,100.00 290,140.00 115,227.00 40,152.00 8,929,475.00 6,145,319.50 1,326,131.50 104,947,116.00 6,745.50 39,080,030.00 30,770,780.00 37,460,431.00 53,318,460.00

1.720

889,000

1,479,270.00

4.24 1.1

1,720,000 32,299,000

6,993,360.00 36,106,540.00

Italpinas Xurpas

4.44 1.32

1,789,000 36,427,000

First Metro ETF

110.5

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 22,890 2,526,491.00

109.5

25,540

2,765,810.00

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.2 10.2

DOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. 5,900 60,180.00 11,600 117,865.00

10.1

17,610

179,152.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Abra Mining Abacus Cons. `A’ Transpacific Broadcast MRC Allied Ind. ISM Communications Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Oriental Pet. `A’ Greenergy Megaworld Premium Leisure

VOLUME 1,331,271,000 212,796,000 208,407,000 193,740,000 189,746,300 156,108,000 134,160,000 107,186,000 103,983,000 103,541,000

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

ISM Communications Aboitiz Equity

VALUE 6,841,505,038.50 2,229,399,565.00 2,030,890,636.00 1,836,930,582.50 1,734,811,145.00 1,652,915,090.00 1,585,395,985.00 1,064,240,426.00 1,015,468,689.00 989,863,829.50

D&L set to invest P8b to triple production

By Jenniffer B. Austria D&L INDUSTRIES Inc., a listed company engaged in the production of food ingredients, plastics and chemicals, said it will spend up to P8 billion to triple production.

D&L president Alvin Lao said the company started the construction of its expansion facility on a 26-hectare property in First Industrial Township–Special Economic Zone in Tanauan, Batangas province.

The company is building two new plants—one for food ingredients under D&L Premium Foods Corp. and an integrated facility to manufacture oleochemicals and downstream packaging under Natura Aeropack Corp.

The expansion of the food ingredients facility will address the growing export business for food.

Meanwhile, the expansion of Natura Aeropack’s facilities will be dedicated for the manufacture of coconut oil fractions, coconut-based surfactants, and downstream packaging for consumer products that are sustainable, naturally-derived, mild and non-irritant. Product applications extend to health care, personal care, home care as well as baby care.

Lao said the first phase of the construction was underway, mostly involveing building storage tanks. More than 50 tanks, which can be as large as 2,000 cubic meters, will be built for the two plants.

The P8-billion programmed capital expenditures will mainly cover the construction of the plant-specific buildings, machineries and equipment.

The company plans to finance the project through a combination of debt (70 percent) and internally generated cash (30 percent).

The borrowing will take place gradually over the next two years as the need for funding arises for the construction.

Lao said the company had enough room to borrow because of low debt levels.

In continuation of D&L’s asset light model, the property company of the Lao family will finance and own the land and site infrastructure, including buildings for generic purposes. These, in turn, will be leased to D&L at an arm’s length basis.

BPI starts construction of new HQ building

By Julito G. Rada BANK of the Philippine Islands, the third-largest lender in terms of assets, plans to start constructing its new headquarters along Ayala Avenue in Makati City by the second quarter of next year.

BPI executive vice president, treasurer and global markets head Antonio Paner said the bank would be “tearing down” its current head office built four decades ago in the first quarter next year.

“The old building will be torn down in the first quarter next year and subsequently start the construction of a new one in the second quarter,” Paner said.

Paner said BPI might be building two towers on its present site, with one intended for mixed-use purposes. He said 60 percent of the old building’s occupants had already transferred to other locations to give way for the demolition come 2019.

“I think the new buildings would be completed in more or less four years,” Paner said, adding the structures could be as high as the Enterprise on the other side of Paseo de Roxas.

He did not give rough estimates on the construction cost of the two towers, saying the “specs are not yet known.”

The current BPI head office along Ayala Avenue near the corner of Paseo de Roxas in Makati City was built in 1979 and designed to cater to senior officers of the bank.

Net income of the bank in the third quarter 2018 rose 12 percent to P5.98 billion from P5.36 billion a year ago, on the back of a 21-percent expansion in net interest income.

Net income in the first nine months was flat at P17.01 billion on lower trading gains. Comprehensive income was P15.30 billion.

Total revenues increased 7.3 percent to P56.89 billion, on the back of a 15.1-percent growth in net interest income to P40.88 billion.

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Business/World

B3

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Nations urged to act at UN climate talks in Poland

NEW DEVELOPMENTS. A general view shows new housing developments in Dansui, a suburb north of Taipei on December 2, 2018. AFP

Obrador is sworn in as new president of Mexico MEXICO CITY―Anti-establishment leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed a “deep and radical” change in Mexico as he assumed the country’s presidency Saturday, five months after winning a landslide election victory.

The leader, widely known by his initials as “AMLO,” took the oath of office and donned the presidential sash before Congress—where the coalition led by the upstart party he founded four years ago, Morena, now has strong majorities in both houses.

Ending 89 years of government by the same two parties, Lopez Obrador surged to victory in the July 1 elections promising a new approach to issues fueling widespread outrage: crime, poverty and corruption.

But not everyone is persuaded: critics say the sharp-tongued, silverhaired leader has a radical and authoritarian streak. And despite his promises of business-friendly policies, Mexican stocks and the peso have plunged in recent weeks.

That did not stop Lopez Obrador, 65, from doubling down on his promise of a sweeping “transformation” as he started his six-year term.

“It might seem pretentious or exaggerated to say it, but today is not just the start of a new government. It is the start of a political regime change,” he said, the presidential sash newly draped over his dark suit and burgundy tie.

“We will carry out a peaceful and orderly but also deep and radical transformation.”

After the traditional swearing-in ceremony, Lopez Obrador climbed in his white Volkswagen Jetta—his car of choice—and headed to Mexico City’s central square, the Zocalo, for a colorful second ceremony of his own design. AFP

FR. BENJAMIN “DIDOY” MOLINA JR.

GREEN LIGHT

Flags at half-staff as US mourns George H.W. Bush

C

OLLEGE STATION―Flags flew at half-staff across the United States on Saturday as Americans prepared for a week of solemn tributes to George H.W. Bush, in his home state of Texas and in the US Capitol, a day after the former president died aged 94.

Tributes poured in from world leaders in memory of the 41st US president, who guided America through the end of the Cold War and launched the international campaign to drive Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait.

Many of those same leaders are ex-

pected to attend Bush’s state funeral next week, alongside President Donald Trump and his wife Melania. Trump was notably absent from the funerals of the statesman’s late wife Barbara, and of veteran fellow Republican John McCain.

Although the two Republican presidents were in many ways polar opposites—the soft-spoken, patrician Bush reportedly once dismissed the blustering New Yorker as a “blowhard” and even voted for his rival Hillary Clinton —Trump paid the late leader a gracious tribute, saying he had “inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service.”

“His accomplishments were great from beginning to end,” Trump tweeted.

Declaring a national day of mourning for December 5—when the federal government and New York Stock Exchange will close in Bush’s honor—Trump also signaled his respect by calling off a press conference planned at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires.

The days-long national farewell to Bush will begin Monday with a commemoration in Houston, where the Bushes lived for years and where he died on Friday surrounded by friends and family.

From there, Bush’s casket will travel to Washington on board Trump’s presidential aircraft—in what the US leader called “a special tribute that he deserves very much.”

The former president will lie in state in the US Capitol between Monday and Wednesday ahead of a state funeral at the towering National Cathedral, expected to draw dozens of dignitaries from around the world.

Bush’s remains will travel back to Texas late Wednesday, where he will lie in repose at St Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston with a funeral service the next day preceding his internment at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station. He will make his final journey aboard a funeral train. AFP

How they’re straightening Leaning Tower of Pisa PISA―”It’s still straightening,” said engineer Roberto Cela, gazing at the Leaning Tower of Pisa gleaming in the autumn sunshine of northern Italy. “And many years will have to pass before it stops.”

The gravitationally-challenged landmark is leaning less after years of ambitious engineering work. Fortunately for the millions of tourists who come here every year, the 186-foot tower remains beautifully askance.

The medieval bell tower, a symbol of the power of the maritime republic of Pisa in the Middle Ages, has leaned to one side ever since building started in 1173 on ground that proved a little

too soft.

The tower was closed to the public in January 1990 for 11 years over safety fears, as its tilt reached 15 feet from the vertical, threatening to turn it into a pile of rubble.

“We installed a number of tubes underground, on the side that the Tower leans away from,” said Cela, technical director at the OPA, which looks after Pisa’s main monuments.

“We removed soil by drilling very carefully. Thanks to this system, we recovered half a degree of lean,” he said.

Michele Jamiolkowski, an engineer of Polish origin who adopted Italian nationality, coordinated an international

committee to rescue the landmark between 1993 and 2001.

Engineering lecturer Nunziante Squeglia of Pisa University, who works with the Surveillance Group that was set up after the rescue work, has been studying and measuring the tower for 25 years.

He says that the tower straightened by 16 inches until 2001, and another four centimetres since then.

To understand how the 14,500-tonbuilding is moving, measurements are made as often as once an hour, some automatically using pendulums, some manually using a surveyor’s optical level. AFP

KATOWICE, Poland―With the direst warnings yet of impending environmental disaster still ringing in their ears, representatives from nearly 200 nations gather Sunday in Poland to firm up their plan to prevent catastrophic climate change.

The UN climate summit comes at a crucial juncture in mankind’s response to planetary warming. The smaller, poorer nations that will bare its devastating brunt are pushing for richer states to make good on the promises they made in the 2015 Paris agreement.

In Paris three years ago, countries committed to limit global temperature rises to well below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and to the safer cap of 1.5C if at all possible.

But with only a single degree Celsius of warming so far, the world has already seen a crescendo of deadly wildfires, heat waves and hurricanes made more destructive by rising seas.

Johan Rockstrom, designated director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said the talks in the Silesian mining city of Katowice were crucial in nailing down how the Paris promises will work in practice. AFP

IN BRIEF First Playboy issue sold at auction LOS ANGELES―Playboy founder Hugh Hefner embraced a hedonistic lifestyle of smoking jackets, multiple “girlfriends” and lavish parties at his legendary mansion. Now, hundreds of fans have paid big bucks for a piece of the myth.

Items from the late publisher’s personal collection—from his typewriter to the first issue of his iconic magazine featuring Marilyn Monroe—went under the hammer in Los Angeles in a two-day sale that ended Saturday.

The typewriter, which Hefner used at university and to write copy for the 1953 debut issue of Playboy, sold for $162,500.

His personal copy of that issue went for $31,250, according to Julien’s Auctions, which organized the sale.

Lucky collectors will soon be able to lounge like the Hef: one of his bespoke red silk smoking jackets sold for $41,600, and his “Viagra Ring”—a 14-karat gold and onyx ring concealing the little blue pill—was snapped up for $22,400. AFP

Trump hopes to meet Kim Jong Un soon WASHINGTON―US President Donald Trump said Saturday he hoped to organize a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in early 2019, perhaps as soon as January or February.

Trump told reporters traveling home to Washington with him aboard Air Force One from Argentina that “three sites” were in consideration for the meeting, a follow-up to their historic summit in Singapore in June.

When asked about a future meeting, Trump said: “I think we’re going to do one fairly [soon]—into January, February, I think.”

Trump had been in Buenos Aires for the Group of 20 summit. AFP

Depression and how our parishes can help

When you try your best but you don’t suc- seen as socially unacceptable conditions.

How can our parishes help ease the pain? As a ceed When you get what you want but not what you church, as a parish community, and as family of need When you feel so tired but you can’t sleep believers, we need to confront these heartbreaking Stuck in reverse realities. Depression is real. Depression can kill.

We need to help make our parishes and families When the tears come streaming down your face ‘Cause you lose something you can’t re- be places, sanctuaries, of understanding, compasplace When you love someone but it goes to waste sion and healing.

A parish is blessed, indeed, when there are profesWhat could it be worse? sional counsellors and therapists willing to do vol(Coldplay) unteer work in shepherding the lost and the lonely, The incomparable heartbreaking experiences I the wounded and the depressed. If you are into this have as a priest were those times I had to preside in fu- professional line of work and you feel God is calling neral masses of parishioners who committed suicide. you to this particular kind of ministry, please consider No matter if it’s for a girl barely in her teens, a boy committing your time and talent in the parish setting. who had just transitioned to adulthood, or a mother If there are people we cannot help for there are who left crying kids behind, the experience is just too many situations beyond our capabilities, we should painful for the priest, any priest, and so much more recommend them to seek professional help. We hope for the family and the parish community. The experi- to continue journeying with them, praying always ences leave wounds that would take a long time to for the grace to reach out, for our hearts to be open heal, questions that may take forever to be answered. to all especially the different, the misunderstood.

Depression and suicide is a stark reality in our soWe need not be professionals, though, to attend ciety. Many have avoided talking about what they are to those who are seeking wholeness for there are going through and have stopped seeking much need- many practical ways we can be of help. We can ed help because they feel misunderstood. Our cultural help by acknowledging that there are many among biases have led people dealing with troubling mental us who are deeply hurting and in need of healing. health issues, debilitating depression and devastating We can help by making our parishes offer life-givsuicidal tendencies to bury their feelings for these are ing friendly and inclusive encounters. Maybe, just

maybe, the person we greeted is fighting a great and lonely battle and is so close to giving up and our kindly gesture may just have given that person a renewed hope in humanity, a fighting chance at life. We can help by making our Masses become truly meaningful celebrations and offer inspiring experiences of God. Maybe, just maybe, someone who has stumbled to church, looking for a saving sign from God, may have found just that through us all because we went the extra mile in making our liturgies truly life-giving and life-saving.

Isn’t it what Christ’s compassion is all about? To walk in other peoples’ shoes and break bread with them, to enter the chaos of their lives and trust that God will be there to calm the storm? The last thing we need to be as a church is to make others feel uninvited, unwelcome and unloved.

And for those who are hurting, when depression is bringing you down, when thoughts of suicide are tearing you apart, please call a trusted friend, please seek professional help if needed. Please do what you feel is best so you would not ever think that you are all alone. Go to a priest, a nun. Visit your parish. Priests, nuns and parish servant leaders are not be the superheroes people perceive us to be. We might even be glaringly inadequate to professionally attend to your needs but we will journey with you towards the Good Shepherd who

will truly look out for you. Our parishes may not be fully equipped, but we assure you we will try our best to share the familiar feel of home and love, that familiar tugging in your heart where you know God is waiting for you with loving arms, ready to embrace and to heal. You are not alone.

Fr. Didoy Molina is a Doctor of Business Administration student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. He took up philosophy studies in San Carlos Seminary and finished his theology studies in Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila; and seminary formation in San Jose Seminary. He finished his MBA at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. He is currently the parish priest of Manila Christ the King Parish in Notice of Publication Standard Pamplona Uno, Las Piñas TODAY Notice is hereby given City. He maintains a blog that an “Affidavit of at https://relentlessseeker.

Self-Adjudication” has been executed wordpress.com and can be

by Myrna G. Estrada reached at benjamin_moas sole heir of the late Frank E. Estrada linajr@dlsu.edu.ph. The under Doc. No. 69; views expressed above Page No.15; Book No. are the author’s and do not IX; Series of 2018, executed before Atty. necessarily reflect the ofRogelio J. Bolivar, ficial position of DLSU, Notary for Quezon its faculty, and its adminCity. istrators.

(MS- NOV. 19,26 & DEC. 3, 2018)

LGUs

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

B4

Lanao Sur TWG to review local policies, fight extremist ideas

LocaL government units

monday, december 3, 2018

By Nash B. Maulana

LAGUNA LAKE PACT. Laguna Lake Development Authority General Manager Jaime C. Medina (seated, second from right) signs an agreement for an integrated watershed management program for the Pagsanjan sub-watershed water quality management area. Joining him are Pagsanjan Mayor Girlie J. Ejercito (third from right) Lumban Mayor Rolando Ubatay, Kalayaan Mayor Leni Adao, Magdalena Mayor David Aventurado, Lucban Mayor Celso O. Dator, and representatives from the towns of Majayjay, Cavinti and Luisiana. Inset shows Pagsanjan Municipal Administrator Florante Salvador and former Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito turning over a symbolic key of the municipality for the same purpose last Wednesday. Roy Tomandao

2 fake cigarette factories fall

By Orlan L. Mauricio

Muntinlupa trains doctors for drug dependents tack TO IMPLEMENT a holistic recovery and rehabilitation program for drug dependents in the city, the local government of Muntinlupa has conducted a training workshop for its doctors, medical personnel, and social workers.

Muntinlupa City Health Office acting chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi said the local health office, in cooperation with the Local Council for the Protection of Children, launched a four-day training initially attended by 12 doctors, six nurses, two midwife practitioners, four social workers, and two members of the Muntinlupa Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Office.

Bunyi said the four-day training workshop equipped the participants with a DOH provisional accreditation to perform assessment, screening, and referral of treatment of drug dependents who will surrender to local authorities.

Trained doctors will be authorized to recommend the type of treatment that the drug dependents need to undergo such as in-house treatment, referral to rehabilitation facilities, or through a local community-based program.

He added that Muntinlupa City is the first LGU to organize the basic course for accreditation of medical personnel in NCR. “The accreditation of medical personnel is one of the various strategies that we are implementing to improve the local antiillegal drugs campaign. It is our goal that drug dependents who will surrender to the government will eventually be fully integrated back to society,” Bunyi noted.

Muntinlupa City Government forefronts in giving alternative programs for the rehabilitation of drug dependent surrenderers through MAPALAD, a local recovery approach for drug-users.

L

IGHTNING raids on a multibillion-peso factory of fake cigarettes in the towns of Bugallon and Mangaldan in Pangasinan over the weekend have officials of the Department of Finance, the Bureau of Customs, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue scrambling to intensify their crackdown on clandestine cigarette factories and smugglers of machines used in its operations.

Arrested during the raids were five Chinese nationals holding tourist visas and 23 other laborers, all recruited from Mindanao, highly placed sources told Manila Standard.

Based on the warrants served by joint elements of National Bureau of Investigation in Dagupan City, BoC and BIR Excise Tax special task force headed by Sonny Advincula, the registered owners of the factory were a certain Dong Calugay and several John Does who owned the vast factory, using a piggery as a front for its business operations.

Seized were millions worth of counterfeit BIR tax stamps, bales of filters,

three units of packing machines, 24 filter rods, 134 sacks of cut fillers, packs of foil, packs of cigarettes paper, and packs of tipping paper.

The mission order, signed by BIR deputy commissioner Arnel Guballa, was issued against Calugay, the man who applied for a barangay permit to operate a piggery needed for the issuance of a compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Pangasinan PNP intelligence sources said Calugay is a former Police Officer 1 who resigned from the service last month after filing his certificate of

candidacy as mayor of Sual town. He is reputedly a hatchet man and the most trusted frontman of a former governor, the same sources said.

Calugay was not in the premises when the raid was conducted in the cigarette factory located at Barangay Portic, Bugallon where 28 workers, including the five Chinese, were arrested while the clandestine factory was on full blast.

Glenn Ricarte, chief of the NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division, estimated that the factory produces about 20,000 sticks of cigarettes a day, or 1,000 packs a day. The fake cigarettes are then sold in Regions 1, 3 and Metro Manila at 30 to 35 percent cheaper than the original prices of legitimate cigarette brands.

Calugay and his backers were also not in the premises when the government agents raided the warehouse farm in Barangay Malabago, Mangaldan, where hundreds of sacks of raw tobacco leaves were stored due to the limited space in the Bugallon factory.

BOUNTIFUL SHOW. ‘Chicky’

the giant chicken dazzles motorists and pedestrians crossing EDSA along Timog Avenue on Thursday with a spectacular Christmas light show, a first of its kind in billboards in the Philippines.

The unique display of lights reminds Filipino that the holidays are here and a bountiful feast fresh from local farms is just around the corner. Norman Cruz

COTABATO CITY—The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur has created a technical working group (TWG) to help review and improve on local security policies “as tools to fight extremists ideology and maintain peace and order in the province.”

Vice Governor Bombit Adiong Jr. said Lanao del Sur “has been a target of series of organized violent extremism campaign by local extremist groups whose ideology has been actively advocated to many phases of the community.”

Jennie Alonto Tamano, head of the provincial information office, said the formation of the TWG has been launched in Cagayan de Oro late last week in partnership with the Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG), a policy think-tank.

The project, dubbed “Preventing Violent Extremism (CTVE)” is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Australian Government for the development of preventive security mechanism by involving both the local government and the people to help quell extremism at its fledgling roots level.

Local leaders have admitted having been literally caught f lat-footed by the offensives on Butig, Piagapo, and Marawi City launched by the Isis-inspired Maute band of extremists.

Maguindanao dad bats for bill on kid discipline BULUAN, Maguindanao—The Provincial Board will adopt the “Positive Discipline on Children” bill pending at the national legislation level and urged Congress to pass the measure to help shape the country’s future for the children, a young member of the local lawmaking body said.

Maguindanao Board Member King Jhazzer Mangudadatu also led petition of support to Senate Bill No. 1477 which had been apparently pending at Conference Committee level as of Wednesday, November 28—following the approval of its counterpart House Bills 516 and 6955 in the Committee on the Welfare of Children, under Rep. Divina Grace Yu of Zamboanga del Sur. Mangudadatu, son of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, said the provincial legislative body will adopt a local version of the measure. Pending in the Upper Chamber is Senate Bill No. 1477, filed by Senators Grace Poe, Pia Hontiveros, and Nancy Binay.

“I am pushing for a local legislation [in the Provincial Board], while we’re waiting for the passage in Congress of the measure. But we are also looking at adding some aspects or application of the local culture,” the young Mangudadatu said over dxMS, a Catholicrun radio station.

Tacloban bazaar to showcase local products, Christmas fashion

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—Locally made products and Christmas fashion will take center stage in a bazaar at Robinsons North in Abucay from Dec. 2 to 8.

The “Shopaholic Christmas Fashion and Food Bazaar” is a brainchild of Tacloban’s rising entrepreneurs “Happy Lane Events.”

“Tacloban City is Eastern Visayas’

gateway. It’s where the local scene of music, food and business continues to thrive that makes Leyteños proud of its resiliency as a region,” said Apple Anido Alagon, co-organizer and president of Rotary Club of Ormoc Bay. “Because of this, Shopaholic’s Christmas Fashion and Food Bazaar will be showcasing Leyte’s carefully curated artisans, home cooks, homegrown entrepreneurs, local talents, culture and

arts, small and medium enterprise to bring the festivities and the renewed spirit of its people this holiday season to the new booming mall in Tacloban,” Alagon said.

According to Alagon, the bazaar already has 20 group of exhibitors who will “bring the festivities and the renewed spirit of the people this holiday season.”

“As shopaholic ourselves, we careful-

ly selected the exhibitors for the bazaar to ensure everyone’s taste for something different is met and a wide variety of options are available to entice a bigger and eager market,” said Alagon, who also owns of JO’s Milagrina restaurant.

Coke Young Go, co-organizer and proprietress of Tacloban trendy Chew Love restaurant, said the bazaar is about turning their passion into advocacy and business.

KSK batch 186 in Bohol sees 80 grads BALILIHAN, Bohol—SM Foundation recently brought its Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Rural Farmers’ Training Program to this town, with batch 186 successfully completing the dual technology training here.

A festive atmosphere prevailed at the demo farm in Brgy. Sal-ing, Balilihan, where the traditional harvest festival was held.

It was attended by Regional High Value Crops Development Program Coordinator Susan Kintanar, Brgy. Sal-ing Capt. Joel S. Baquero and his barangay councilors, Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 7 officers, DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program representatives, and Senior PR Manager of SM Supermalls Viz-Min RJ Leduna.

Eighty participants completed the training and were presented by Leonard Mirador of Harbest AgriBusiness Corp. in ceremonies held at Villa

Unabia, Brgy. Cabad, Balilihan.

Also in attendance at the graduation rite were Municipal Mayor Maria Puresa Chatto, Vice Mayor Adonis Roy Olano, and Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Agriculture Chair Councilor Abel Llorente.

Previously, in Tiaong, Quezon, Batch 180 of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan recently held their Harvest Festival in Brgy. Ayusan 1.

The KSK trainees proudly presented their harvests to Tiaong Mayor Ramon Preza, who graced the occasion and encouraged them to share what the learned to the other farmers.

His sentiment was shared by SM City San Pablo Assistant Mall Manager Daniel Felix Belen who attended the harvest festival with officials from Some of the 80 participants who completed their training in KSK Batch 186 show off their produce at Villa Unabia in SaveMore Tiaong, and SM Supermarket San Pablo. Brgy. Cabad, Balilihan, Bohol.

Life

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

food

@mStandardLIFe monday, december 3, 2018

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An Italian

holiday feast A GASTRONOMIC TRIP TO ITALY. Rustan’s Makati opens L’Opera Caffe, a pop-up restaurant on the 5th level serving authentic Italian cuisine.

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asTe buds travel to Italy this holiday season as Rustan’s brings forth its pop-up restaurant offering authentic Italian cuisine.

True to its word of “enchanting the Holidays,” Rustan’s L’Opera Caffe on the 5th level of Rustan’s Makati is decked with Yuletide garlands, Italian green walls, and elegant holiday decorations—making the magic of Natale come alive.

L’Opera serves lunch and dinner buffet every weekend at P1,200 nett per head. To ensure the authenticity of dishes, Italian executive chef Luciano

Panna cotta with a variety of toppings

“Paolo” Nesi whips up classic Christmas dishes of his homeland such as lasagna salmon, cannelloni filled with cheese and spinach, and panna cotta with a selection of toppings.

Diners can also choose from a scrumptious ala carte or set menu on weekdays, from appetizing cold cuts and vegetable salads to savory main courses and pleasing desserts that promise to leave them in holiday mood for days on end. appetizers include assorted salami and parma ham, gravlax with assorted crostini, Caesar’s salad; soups are Italian minestrone and

From left: Assorted Salami; Caprese Salad; Fruit Salad

mushroom soup; pasta dishes are homemade ravioli with spinach and ricotta cheese, maccheroni with meat sauce, and linguini in salmon and caviar sauce.

Main dishes include grilled Us angus beef tenderloin in truffle sauce, deboned spring chicken with aromatic herbs, salmon in Prosecco wine sauce; and dessert items are tiramisu, panna cotta, and fruit salad.

Diners can take home some Natale spirit through iconic delicacies Pandoro, an eight-pointed star-shaped golden bread; and Pannetone, a sweet bread loaf filled with nuts and raisins symbolizing fertility for the coming year.

Linguini in Salmon and Caviar Sauce; Ravioli Maremmana

RECIPE FILES: COCKTAILS

How to enjoy single malt whisky FOR the uninitiated, single malts are oftentimes perceived as a snobbish liquor that only experts should dare touch, taste, and enjoy.

The singleton of Dufftown rejects this notion, and promotes enjoyment neat, on-the-rocks, in a cocktail.

Meant to be enjoyed without the pressure of rules, the awardwinning whisky is perfect for those just beginning their single

malt journey. The singleton of Dufftown is an approachable single malt resulting from the careful selection and perfect combination of european oak ex-sherry casks and american ex-bourbon casks, which gives the liquid its rich fruity and nutty flavor.

Perfect for casual get-togethers, after-work drinks, and even impromptu catch-up sessions, this Christmas, The singleton of Duff-

town encourages whisky newbies to discover the world of single malts at their own pace and in their own way. singleton of Dufftown brings to Manila its Global scotch Whisky ambassador ervin Trykowski to teach us how to up our Christmas drink-making game with The singleton of Dufftown 12, 15, and 18 year old.

The Singleton of Dufftown 12 Year Old This rich amber liquid is a smooth single malt that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and crunchiness, with hints of brown sugar and espresso coffee. Try it with a splash of water to bring out its subtly sweet and fruity flavors.

Try it with the recipe below to create your very own fruity Christmas cocktail:

The Singleton of Dufftown 15 Year Old Best paired with milk chocolate to bring out its sweetness, or with praline to complement its elegant woody finish, this slightly spicysmelling single malt delivers a warming taste of toffee apples and hints of honeycomb balanced by linseed oil and hints of the sea.

Flex your cocktailmaking muscle with this slightly more complicated mix, and surely you’ll be serving a unique concoction for your get-togethers:

The Singleton of Dufftown 18 Year Old With a smell reminiscent of sweet, stewed fruits; ripe autumn apples and rich berries, this finely structured, rich whisky opens with nuts, dark toffee, gentle mint, and rhubarb and apple juices, before drying with a rich, silky cocoa bitterness before introducing a longer, drying oakiness with a touch of black pepper.

Best enjoyed on its own or over ice, there’s nothing quite like the nutty and spicy dryness of the singleton of Dufftown 18.

Christmas usually means sweet treats, so it’s nice to give your palate a bittersweet break:

The Singleton Re-Fashioned Ingredients: 50ml The singleton of Dufftown 12 Year Old 10ml raw raspberry syrup 1 dash angostura Bitters Procedure: Fill a rocks glass with a large piece of ice. Pour in The singleton of Dufftown 12 and raspberry syrup, add a dash of bitters, and stir.

Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Crucible Sour Ingredients: 50ml The singleton of Dufftown 15 Year Old 25ml super scotch sour mix 10ml Oloroso sherry Procedure: add the first two ingredients in a shaker, dry shake, add ice and shake again. Double strain into a coupette, add a small ice block and float sherry.

Singleton Cold Brew & Coconut Ingredients: 50ml The singleton of Dufftown 18 Year Old 25ml cold brew coffee 100ml chilled coconut water Procedure: Fill a high ball glass with ice, add The singleton of Dufftown 18 Year Old and cold brew coffee, then stir. add more ice and top with the chilled coconut water.

The Singleton of Dufftown 12, 15, and 18 Year Old are available at all leading stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Life

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monday, december 3, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Feasts for different kinds

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of cravings

He chefs at Diamond Hotel are doing a magic in the kitchen for a well-curated holiday feasts from buffets, set meals, to extraordinary culinary selections in the hotel’s restaurant.

Savor a smorgasbord of appetizers, meats, seafood, pasta, salads and desserts set in a divine spread of deliciousness at the Corniche buffet restaurant. Lunch buffets are available for P2,980 nett person with a side of entertainment by a pianist on Dec. 24, and a trio instrumentalist and a magician on Dec. 25. Further, Christmas eve is made more exciting with a dinner buffet at P3,380 nett per person with entertainment by a trio instrumentalist and a magician.

Those craving Japanese cuisine can have a merry and bright Christmas at the Yurakuen Japanese Restaurant. On Dec. 24 and 25, diners can have an incredible get-together with family or friends with a Japanese lunch or dinner set menu at P7,980 nett for four persons and P10,880 nett for six persons.

at the Lobby Lounge, have an unforgettable celebration in a relaxed setting and enjoy a delightful respite in between Christmas shopping. Have a hearty fill of a satisfying lunch or dinner set menu for P1,680 nett per person on Dec. 24 and 25.

Finally the Bar 27, located up high at the hotel’s 27th floor, is the ideal place to chill with a cold bottle of beer or a refreshing cocktail while gazing at Cheese Board and Wine at Bar 27 the fantastic view of the glimmering city. Party in style on Christmas eve and on Christmas Day with its consumable holiday treat for only P1,100 nett per person. enjoy a night full of singing and dancing with the bar’s special live entertainment during the season.

Call (02) 528-3000 ext. 1121 for inquiries and reservations.

Assorted Sushi, Grilled Salmon and Hotate Teppan-Style at Yurakuen

Mont Blanc, Baked Cheesecake, Mango Hazelnut Cake and The Tree at the Lobby Lounge

Hola-day for the holidays

THe holidays just got more muy delicioso as gringo, along with his amigos noel and Feliz, has just released his allnew offerings for the holidays: the aptly named Hola-day Boards. each board features a super special dish from gringo and his closest amigos.

The Classic Board has gringo’s worldfamous juicy, tangy, lemony, roasted chicken and fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs drenched in home-style BBQ sauce.

Feliz’s Board features her signature Seafood Skillet loaded with shrimp, cream dory, potatoes, tomatoes and, to give it a bit of kick, bell peppers and a special blend of spices.

Finally, noel’s Board has his unbelievably savory premium USDa steak— made extra special with sautéed bell peppers with a hint of sour cream—as its centerpiece.

The Noel’s Board features premium USDA steak. all boards are good for four to six muy hungry amigos and come with a along with his freshly blended house- and heavenly holiday exclusive Coffee host of the favorites on gringo’s menu, brewed iced tea and the all-new sweet mango de Crema.

The Feliz’s Board includes the signature Seafood Skillet loaded with shrimp, cream dory, potatoes, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

The Hola-day Boards will only be available for a limited time at Gringo’s branches in SM North Edsa, The Fort BGC, Palanca St. Makati, SM Megamall, MAAX MOA Arena, UP Town Center, SM Sucat, Ayala Malls the 30th, SM CDO Downtown, O Square 2, Greenhills, SM Marilao, Festival Mall, SM Manila, SM Legazpi, SM Santa Rosa, and Ayala Malls Feliz.

Quest Plus opens all-day dining buffet PamPanga-based Quest Plus Clark has finally opened its all-day dining buffet mequeni Live.

During the launch, Chroma Hospitality and Filinvest Hospitality’s top brass welcomed guests to a magical evening of

gastronomic food and experiences, as they enjoyed authentic Kapampangan fare such as pork sisig and pancit palabok carefully crafted to satisfy everyone’s taste. mequeni Live is not the ordinary buffet spread. It is a feast for all senses. It serves

Mequeni Live serves a wide range of food items.

fresh sashimi and seafood, dim sum, barbecue, handmade pizza, and the most popular gelato flavors, among others.

Call (045) 599-8000 or go to www. questhotelsandresorts.com/clark for inquiries and reservations.

Quest Clark opens its all-day dining buffet restaurant Mequeni Live.

Cafe 1228 serves European specialties such as honey-glazed ham for the holiday season.

Hearty meals

with a side of Hong Kong trip new world makati Hotel prepares an exciting feast to celebrate the holidays plus a chance to win a Hong Kong getaway.

Diners coming in a group of four to indulge in Café 1228’s famous lunch or dinner buffet spread or those who feast on Jasmine’s holiday set menu good for six persons will get a chance to win a two-night accommodation with Club access at new world millennium Hong Kong Hotel and two roundtrip business class tickets from Philippine airlines.

Throughout the month of December, Café 1228’s international buffet will be brimming with traditional Christmas favorites from around the world.

Delight in classic european specialties like honey-glazed ham and prime rib at the carving stations, alongside Filipino favorites like whole native lechon, and a host of scrumptious and beautifully presented seasonal desserts.

Lunch is priced at P2,299 per person on weekdays and P2,599 on weekends.

Dinner is at P2,699 per person. Toast to Christmas with free-flowing local beer, wine, and soft drinks for an additional P699 per person.

Christmas eve and new Year’s eve dinner entitles diners to one round of sparkling wine and standard drinks for P2,999 per person. Christmas Day and new Year’s Day lunch are priced at P2,599 per person.

Have a hearty holiday at Jasmine and indulge in authentic Cantonese feast featuring executive Chinese

chef wong Kam On’s specialties.

New World Makati’s festive spread.

Jasmine serves authentic Cantonese feast.

Choose from three festive set menus good for sharing, starting at P9,888 for six persons.

Or treat the whole family to a mouthwatering all-you-can-eat dim sum served Yum Cha style exquisitely handcrafted by Chef wong Sing To for P1,388 net every lunch on weekends of December, and P1,688 every lunch on Dec. 22-25 and Dec. 30 to Jan 1.

Call (02) 811-6888 ext. 3387 for inquiries and reservations.

Entertainment

VICE leads

MOMMY D

headlines Palawan Express free gig at Araneta

opening of makeup line’s flagship store

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Mommy D treats her fans today at the Big Dome with a free concert

V HOST and comedian Vice Ganda welcomed his fans, members of the press and online influencers to the opening of Vice Cosmetics flagship store on the ground floor of Market!

Market! in Taguig City.

The jam-packed opening saw throngs of fans lining up just have a glimpse of Vice Ganda and to try out new products unveiled during the event. Some of them were already at the venue a few hours before the store opening just to show their support for their idol.

Upon seeing his fans lined up at the store entrance, the comedian and TV host said in jest, “I don’t have any business here, gusto lang nila makita ang mukha ko, gusto lang nilang matawa pag makikita ako. Ewan ko ba, feeling ko kasi ang mga tao akala nila, cartoon character ako, kapag nakikita nila ang mukha ko natatawa sila, natutuwa sila. Yung presence ko, comedy.”

It was only last year when Vice’s makeup line was launched and became available in kiosks at all Watsons branches. And due growing demand, Vice is planning to distribute the product internationally.

“I wanted Pinoys to experience using the product first, after that I plan to introduce the Vice Cosmetics as an international brand. Actually, we’re already working on it,” Vice shared.

Vice Ganda plans to introduce his makeup line Vice Cosmetics to the international market

During the opening of the flagship store on Nov. 15, Vice was excited to unveil new products under his makeup line, “We have new line for the cheek – blush, contour and highligthers. Maganda ang feedback, ‘yung mga online influencers, tina-try nila, kasi light lang kaya nagustuhan.”

Vice Cosmetics is endorsed by millennial ambassadors Maymay Entrata and Kisses Delavin who were chosen

by Vice Ganda himself.

“We were looking for young people – millennials – who will represent Vice Cosmetics apart from myself. I thought of Maymay and Kisses because they are the faces of the youth of today. Si Maymay, nanggaling sa payak na pamilya. Si Kisses naman ‘yung isa nakakaluwag-luwag. Yung isa, batang morena at isang maputi. Kaya silang dalawa talaga ‘yung perfect na mag-endorse ng Vice Cosmetics, sila ‘yung target namin,” Vice explained.

Meanwhile, fans and members of the showbiz press observed that Vice

Pinoy pride TIMES TWO

ARIAS ALWIN IGNACIO FIL-AM Model Jeff Langan is currently in Gold Coast, Australia, he represented the Philippines at the Man Hunt International competition held last night Langan is articulate, confident, with a lean and mean, male super model body and yes, he is easy on the eyes too.

His basic stats, towers at 6 foot 1, 30inch waistline, tight abdominal muscles, shirt size varies from medium to large, with an eleven inch shoe size.

Pinoy food that he digs, beef and shrimp sinigang.

I had the chance to interview the FilAm mutt prior to his flight to the Land Down Under. My first query: When did he realize his good looks? He chuckles then answers sweetly, “I think when I was 4 years old, It came from the friends of my grandma, they said I look like Richard Gomez.”

No pulling your leg here, in my humble opinion, he looks better than Goma.

And with his chest hairs, doing a peeka-boo from his under garment, (sadly they are waxed to achieve that smooth and clean body look), this young man is smoking, smoldering even.

His edge as a Man Hunt contender,

Fil-Am model Jeff Langan

Miss International 2018 1st runner-up Ahtisa Manalo

“It’s my modeling experience. Ever since I was a baby, I was already modeling.

Also, the fact that I am Filipino is definitely an ace.”

“What I love about being Filipino is our cultural heritage, the warmth, smile and sincerity that we all have,” professes Langan. “I am going to highlight that part of us. When it comes to answering questions, it will never be sugar coated, the answers will always be truthful. “ His admission, “I will not deny that I am a little nervous, but it is that good kind of nervousness, you know. When that feeling of happy kind of nervousness sets in, I am more motivated to give my best.

I know Man Hunt is a competition, but I

am also there to enjoy the whole experience, meet new friends and maybe, even open more doors of opportunities.”

When it comes to the subject matter of being objectified, Langan’s reaction, “Well, I am cool with the attention. With regard to me being treated like a sex object or part of somebody else’s fantasy, as a model, people always look at you all sorts of way. I I don’t take it against them. “ Another Pinoy pride, Miss International first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, is truly a world class beauty. Poised, speaks her mind with the choices set of words, so feminine sounding and her most attention getting physical statistic, her 24-inch

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, October 27, 2018

ACROSS 1 Charitable donations 5 WWW addresses 9 Place of safety 14 Kind of miss 15 Eggnog time 16 Writer — Zola 17 Labels 18 Surfeit 19 Curio 20 Dogma 21 Molds and mildews 22 Go furtively 23 Seats with a back 25 Spurred on 27 House feature 29 Shakespearean prince 30 Tar’s reply 33 Stodgy one 36 Calm 39 Forearm bone 40 Lag behind 41 Strong — — ox 42 Drowsed 44 Island greeting 45 Airline to Stockholm 46 Flower adornment 47 Electric swimmers 49 Boxer’s right 51 Snuck a look

55 Cantata performers 58 Sponsorship 60 Before marriage 61 Weaker, as an excuse 62 Carpentry item 63 Frond bearer 64 Weight unit 65 Thus 66 Cafe au — 67 Carried on a trade 68 Doe’s mate 69 Ovid works DOWN 1 Prank 2 Pet shop buy 3 Volcano output 4 Almost grads 5 Not fair 6 Chestnut or bay 7 Shelf 8 “Jingle Bells” activity (2 wds.)

9 Actress’s cameo role, maybe 10 Make better 11 Horrid-tasting 12 Mr. Kazan 13 Blouse part 21 Noisy fight 24 Girder (hyph.)

26 It had three parts 28 Typhoons

looked “blooming and inspired” when he graced the store opening. They asked the TV host if it was basketball player Calvin Abueva, who gives him the noticeable glow.

“Calvin is the only guy who is proud to be friends with me,” Vice told reporters, “I am very happy right now, kaming dalawa masaya ako na kasama siya, masaya kami at natutuwa ako na may mga taong sumasaya especially for me.

‘Yung support online may mga nababasa ako.”

Vice said he appreciates Calvin and their newfound friendship. Not only that the basketball player now holds a special place is his heart, he’s also proud that the latter was very open and didn’t mind being associated with him “To be honest, I’m always a proud friend. It’s just that sometimes, they are not comfortable being seen in public with me. And I totally respect that. If you don’t want that, then it’s fine with me,” he explained.

30 As well as 31 Slangy affirmative 32 — St. Vincent Millay 33 Minor argument 34 Mexican pot 35 Lions’ quarry 37 Dundee refusal 38 Quiz answer 40 Adolescent 43 Smeared 44 Tavern brews 48 Final words 49 Fragment

50 Artichoke morsel 52 Work dough 53 A bit creepy 54 Fender mishaps 55 Hoof-on-pavement sound 56 Tow 57 Former Atlanta stadium 59 Beyond mega63 Sitcom waitress

MOMMY Dionisia Pacquiao, celebrity mother of world boxing champion Manny Pacquaio Pacquaio, belts out her next hitmaker in a free entertainment event billed as Palawan at the Big Dome today at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The three-hour extravaganza also showcases top stars like Allan K, upcoming ABS-CBN star love team Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber, Benjie and Andre Paras, Daryl Ong, Kyline Alcantara and former Rivermaya frontman, Jason Fernandez.

The star-studded night also honors 10 outstanding domestic helps in “Kasambahay, Kasambuhay Pilipinas Awards 2018,” which is an annual search for model domestic helpers conducted by Junior Chamber International Senate Philippines (JCISP) and sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala.

The 10 most outstanding ”kasambahays” for this year will each receive an exclusively designed stained glass trophy and P75,000 in cash.

It will be recalled that TV show Gandang Gabi Vice fortuitously launched Mommy Dionisia’s singing career in April 2014 when the world boxing champ’s mother belted her still-popular Visayan-accented “Wrecking Ball” hit song number which got over five-million likes-hits in YouTube. But no follow-up song has been released thus far. Apparently, it has taken Mommy D more than four years of rehearsals to launch her the next big hit at the Palawan at the Big Dome event.

Free tickets are available at all Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala branches in Metro Manila on first come, first served, basis. waist line.

Manalo does not deny she felt some pangs of pain when she did bring home the title, “I will not deny that I did feel sad but it was easily overtaken by happiness because I received so much during the pageant. For three weeks, l was by my lonesome. My family arrived the day before the coronation night. You know, it was my support system, fans, friends and yes, a lot of gay men who, on a daily basis, sent me messages of encouragement and love. “ What was going through her hand during pageant night? She answers, “How do I project the best way I can. How do I walk properly so that I will not trip. How do I maintain my composure, contain my feelings with a smile. You know, when you are in the competition, you become so conscious of the reality that you are not in the pageant because you can, but you are part of it because you are representing your country.”

Apart from her modeling assignments, what will she do next? “I still have several activities that will happen in Japan. I’ll be back there in February.

My most immediate plan, since I have a finance background, I want to start my own business.”

She adds, in conclusion, “I hope we have a news program wherein I can present business or finance news. I want people to have more knowledge about financial matters.”

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Simply...

From C4

A gourmet’s stop in Parañaque Traveling down south is one scenic adventure, but the problem is finding a place to stop when the stomach starts craving for food. Not just food, but food that can be part of the unforgettable journey one is making.

Recently, we stumbled into a small restaurant in BF Homes in Parañaque. Not really stumbled, because a friend suggested we stopped by instead of going to the barbecue joint another friend recommended.

So, we did, settled down, perused the menu, and decided on three small plates: Chorizo Pasta, Cuban pulled pork sandwich and a cake for dessert.

The place has a rather jejune sound to its name, Tito Chef and Everything Culinary.

But who cared, we were hungry.

And then while waiting for our orders to be put on our table, I became curious who this Tito Chef is? Could he be a chef whose nickname is Tito or an uncle in a family that is a chef?

I asked the supervisor who Tito Chef was, and he said, he was in the kitchen busy with something as there was a small party at the upper level of the restaurant. But the waiter could have told the chef someone was interested to meet him. In a couple of minutes he was there at our table.

Tito Chef is Menoy Gimenez, an Ilonggo, who said he is happy with his restaurant in the subdivision south of Manila so he hasn’t thought of expanding north or east of where he is right now.

“I am very hands on,” he said, “ and I don’t want to compromise the quality of my food.”

Well, he said it with a determination of someone who has made his reputation in the neighborhood and whose restaurant seems to have made quite a reputation residents north and south of BF Homes have been flocking to the restaurant on weekends.

So, our verdict on the dishes we ordered ….EXCELLENT! We promise to have a second, third or more visit to Tito Chef and have a taste of the other dishes the menu offered. Soon, I promise. *** Magical and Dreamy Christmas Tree Diamond Hotel Philippines officially marked the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year by lighting up its magical and dreamy Christmas Tree.

Hotel guests, corporate clients, partners and media friends joined the tree lighting event and expressed their admiration for the spectacular Christmas Tree decked out in festive decorations accentuated by blush, red and golden hues.

The holiday celebration was made more meaningful with the presence of honored guests namely Director Danilo Intong of Tourism Standards and Regulation, Department of Tourism; Arnold Gonzales, Deputy Chief Overlooking Officer for Marketing & Promotions, Tourism Promotions Board; Miss Earth 2018 Phuong Khanh Nguyen; Miss Earth Fire Melissa Flores; Miss Earth Water Valeria Ayos Ayos; Miss Earth Air Melanie Mader Mader; Reverend Nante Tolentino, Parish Administrator and Shrine Rector of Immaculate Conception Parish and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage; Carmela Ang, Diamond Hotel Philippines; and Vanessa Suatengco, General Manager of Diamond Hotel Philippines. Altogether, they lit the mesmerizing Christmas Tree and offered a toast to bring good tidings this season.

Among the highlights of the event were the remarkable performances of Bayanihan, The National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines, the harmonious musical regale of the Pansol Choir, and of course, the gift of joy of Santa Claus. Kids from the Remedios Training Center also joined the merriment and were amazed by the joyful holiday experience.

As part of the annual tradition of giving back to the community, the hotel has chosen Kanlungan ni Maria to be its official charity beneficiary. Kanlungan ni Maria is a nonstock, non-profit organization with a mission to provide adequate and sufficient home care, basic and medical needs for the abandoned, sick, and homeless elderly.

Entertainment

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

C4

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018

AXN channel now on SKY Select SKY subscribers looking for a wide array of entertainment-from talent searches, to action, and thrillersfrom one channel can now add AXN Channel to their plan via SKY Select.

Among the talent shows, subscribers will enjoy Asia’s Got Talent, shown every Monday 9:45 p.m.. The show that has featured the best of Asian entertainment acts. International pop sensation Jay Park joins the judges’ table along with David Foster and Anggun.

Also in the roster is the all-new season of MacGyver, join Macgyver (Lucas Till) and his team to recover a stolen vial containing a deadly virus that could cause a global pandemic.

Catch this spy series premiered on Friday (Nov. 30).

Followers of the American remake of Hawaii Five-O will get to catch its next chapter after the show’s finale last season, where McGarrett finally joined Junior and his SEAL Team in their mission to capture the person who is holding his mentor, Joe White (Terry O’Quinn), hostage. Catch the show every Saturday at 9:45 p.m..

The thrilling adventures of the Winchester Brothers continues in the newest season of Supernatural, which is shown every Wednesdays at 10:45 p.m. .Catch it first, exclusively, and within one week of its U.S. telecast, only on AXN. Other shows not to be missed are the new season of SEAL Team (Tuesdays at 9:45pm) and NCIS: Los Angeles (Thursdays at 9:45 pm).

SKYcable subscribers can choose to add AXN channel in standard or high definition for only P20 for a 30day access by visiting mysky.com.ph/ getaxn or by calling 4180000 or local SKY office. By adding this channel, cable subscribers can also stream AXN wherever they are via SKY On Demand - available for download on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

SKYdirect subscribers can also add this channel to their plan. For SKYdirect prepaid subscribers, they can simply text SELECT AXN <BOX ID> to 23667 while postpaid subscribers can text SKY to 23668 to order.

AXN channel features exclusive top-rated drama series, blockbuster features, reality programs, and groundbreaking original productions, catering to viewers looking for shows that are smart, intriguing and unexpected, and all delivered close to U.S telecasts.

For more information about AXN and other channels via SKY Select, just call 418 0000 or your local SKY office.

American actor Lucas Till, lead star of 'MacGyver'

The entrance of Century Properties Group's Live mural paintings on site welcome attendees of the Batulao Artscapes in Nasugbu Batangas, a vibrant, grand launch artistic, and the first 'tourism-oriented development' of the award-winning developer.

Artist rendition of Batulao Artscapes, Century's first horizontal development under its leisure and tourism portfolio. The community sits on a 142-hectare land near the foothills of Mount Batulao.

Mr. Olympia 2018 SHAWN RODEN coming to Manila Mr. Olympia 2018 Shawn Rhoden

Hale's Champ Lui-Pio performs at the launch of Batulao Artscapes

Live music, street art, good food mark launch

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of Century’s Batulao Artscapes

MAGINE yourself living in a community inspired by creative minds that put premium on educational and recreational activities, and on creative and visual arts. What about living in a curated village with houses designed by Kenneth Cobonpue or the famous David Salle? What would be your lifestyle like if you were living in the “world’s first livable art park?”

All roads led to Batulao Artscapes on Nov. 24 as Century Properties Group (CPG:PM), through its leisure, tourism and hospitality business unit, celebrates the festive attractions of this 142-hectare property with #RoadTripToBatulao – a weekend of local food, arts and music.

The event is CPG’s follow up to the successful Batulao Bike Trails event last May 2018, which highlighted the property’s active components, including a 7-kilometer bike trail that gathered more than 200 bike enthusiasts. This time, CPG is giving visitors a preview of Batulao Artscapes’ creative and festive components as the World’s First Livable Art Park and artventure community.

“The whole concept here is inspired by many types or forms of arts -- from architectural perspective to product perspective. We are really looking at

VERY WANG NICKIE WANG creating a community which is based on inspirations,” Tim Hallet, head of CPG’s leisure, tourism and hospitality division, told Manila Standard.

“We are gong to amenities here related to creative arts, visual arts. We are going to have a museum here. What we are trying to do is to create a destination inspired by people who want to have fun and obviously invest in property,” the executive added.

The whole day artventure affair was highlighted by performances from musical acts Funky Brew, Vee, The Storyteller Project and the award-winning local band Hale.

Meanwhile, Sip & Gogh treated weekend groups to painting sessions. Guests witnessed live mural painting by local artists on site and got to bring home calligraphy souvenirs.

Attendees were able to enjoy great meals from local food trucks and carts as well as craft beer makers.

“Batulao Artscapes is a unique celebration of active, meditative, creative and festive attractions. It is a development like no other - grounded in natural beauty, shaped by the arts and informed by design. For the first time, you can own a home in an art park, in what would otherwise only be a weekend getaway someplace else,” said Hallett.

In October, CPG announced that it has pre-sold 477 vacation homes worth P2.94 billion within the first 36 hectares of the development, which in total will offer approximately 2,247 homes.

With art as the driving force behind the entire project, Batulao Artscapes

features designer homes by Revolution Precrafted with notable Filipino and international names like Ed Calma, Kenneth Cobonpue, Budji Layug and Royal Pineda, Daphne Guiness, and Studio Libeskind Design.

Completing the livable art park concept are vacation amenities. The Active component includes bike and jogging trails, a man-made beach, a sports park and wellness hotel. The Meditative component features a man-made lake for paddle boarding, clubhouse for yoga, spa and other wellness facilities. Festive includes a Flavor Park with fresh food and beverage concepts, and a floating chapel for weddings. The Creative component includes the Art Park with pavilions and a maze, plus four Revolution Museums

by Pritzker Prize-winning architects (museums for performing arts, visual arts, art and technology, and design and architecture).

Construction of the first phase is in full swing with the first batch of homes targeted for completion in early 2019.

Hedera homes by Kenneth Cobonpue are currently under construction while Polygonal Successions by Ed Calma will start in December.

With only a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Makati, Batulao Artscapes is easily accessible via four points—through Daang Hari Road towards the scenic Nasugbu-Kaybiang Tunnel, the Star Tollway to Tanauan Exit, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX).

When the 49-kilometer CaviteTagaytay-Batangas Expressway (CTBEX) is completed in mid-2022, travel time to nearby Tagaytay City will only take less than an hour.

MR. OLYMPIA 2018 Shawn Rhoden is coming to the Philippines to give bodybuilding enthusiats a chance to compete professionally in the hopes of kick starting their journey to Mr. Olympia.

The Shawn Rhoden Classic Philippines is the biggest, most prestigious bodybuilding event in the country, happening on Dec. 8 at the Theatre at Solaire.

In the realm of bodybuilding, Mr. Olympia is the most coveted title there is. However, the journey to get there is tough. Athletes would need to compete in a series of amateur competitions sanctioned by National Physique Committee (NPC), a recognized International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) organization to accommodate amateur athletes competitions, in order to meet the requirements needed to earn the IFBB Pro Card.

This year will be the first year that the Shawn Rhoden Classic will be an IFBB Pro Qualifier and will be flying in 5 IFBB judges for the historic event. This means that the competitors will have a chance at winning one of the IFBB Pro Cards in 6 different categories: Men’s Bodybuilding, Men’s Physique, Classic Physique, Women’s Physique, Women’s Figure, Women’s Bikini.

Furthermore, winners of the IFBB Pro Cards will have the opportunity to compete professionally for their first time that same night.

Get your guns ready and sign up for Shawn Rhoden Classic 2018 by visiting https://www.shawnrhodenclassic.com/ registration.

You may also purchase tickets in order to watch the world’s best bodybuilders compete by heading over to https://bit. ly/2qWu6Zj. For updates, follow Shawn Rhoden Classic Philippines on Facebook and @shawnrhodenclassicph on Instagram. #RoadToSRC2018 #ShawnRhodenClassic2018

Do you want to collect steampunk art?

I’VE heard about steampunk art many years ago and dismissed it as something faddish or something that new and artist wannabes would like to dabble into for drama and attention, perhaps.

But a couple of weeks ago, Rein Escaño, a friend, hauled me to an art gallery on Ortigas Ave., for the opening of an exhibition of steampunk art.

So, there we were at Secret Fresh Gallery in Ronac Art Center on an early Sunday evening with members of the Steampunk Artists of the Philippines. The exhibit they called Steamtrooper Unleashed ran for two weeks at the posh art gallery with a café and an honesty store up front. It was an exhibit that marked the group’s third year in steampunk art.

I thought, it was just something those guys do when they are bored or passing the time away.

But talking to one aficionado, a dentist, who said his dental office in Quezon City has been decorated with punk art since the time he encountered the art ISAH V. RED movement in the Philippines, it dawned upon me how it has crashed onto the mainstream of visual arts scene in the Philippines.

I asked around how much a painting would cost and I was bowled to know that it could fetch more than a million pesos…and there are buyers.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao, I was told, picked up a chess set from one of the artists.

The pieces in the exhibit were eye popping; a combination of industrial, neo-classic, and photorealistic visual style. The inspiration of each of the piece I looked at seemed straight out of a science fiction novel or futuristic sci-fi films fused with Victorian era style.

Members of the Steampunk Artists of the Philippines pose for a photo at Ronac Art Center

So, what really is steampunk art?

Says one art writer, “the term itself comes from science fiction novels and coined by author Kevin Jeter. It’s all about fusing the usability of modern technology with design aesthetic of the Victorian age.”

Says young fiction author Caitlin Kittredge, “It’s

sort of Victorian-industrial, but with more whimsy and fewer orphans.”

Steampunk art has grown to be a big movement now in the Philippines extending its reach even to interior design. Go to Ronac Art Center in Greenhills and ask where you can find members of Steampunk Artists of the Philippines. Continued on C3

The Season of Giving s t e g b i e f t h

d in love pe The long hours we spent sitting in traffic, the day we walked around the mall and got the worst leg pain ever, and the snaking queues at the check-out lines we endured suddenly feel worth it.

While the tradition of giftgiving on Christmas day traces its roots back to several centuries past, the pleasure and excitement of giving and receiving gifts is ever-present. We love to give them and we love to receive them.

We Filipinos are innately generous, even the late world-renowned chef and host Anthony Bourdain attested to it. “Filipinos are, for reasons I have yet to figure out, probably the most giving of all people on the planet,” he said in an episode of Parts Unknown.

We fly abroad to work just so we can make money and improve the lives of our families. We deal with homesickness and we just bite our lip and carry on, because that’s nothing compared to the good life we could give to the people we love. And come Christmas, these OFWs fill huge balikbayan boxes to the brim with imported canned goods, chocolates, toys, and shoes for their loved ones back home.

We always share our blessings, especially when there’s a little extra; we share our food with our neighbors and we give pasalubong to people close to us.

And yes, we go the extra mile on Christmas.

You see, it’s not what’s inside the box that matters—it does, of course, but it’s only a part of it—it’s the thought and love that’s been put into the gift.

Tradition aside, what makes holiday gift-giving more special is because people during this merry season are kinder and more generous.

So to help those looking for presents to give to their parents, siblings, cousins, friends, and colleagues, we present, in the last of our two-part holiday supplement series, a gift guide featuring a wide range of items and where to find them.

Want to give your boss or a favorite aunt something special? Read our short list of sweet treats, from cakes to chocolates, that you can give to them or, better yet, enjoy for yourself.

Also, learn how to handle an awkward gift-giving situation, a.k.a. when you receive something you already have or don’t need or gave to the person who’s giving it back to you (unknowingly or otherwise). And give your friends the gift of a fun Christmas party by learning how to throw one.

Finally, on behalf of Manila Standard, we would like to thank those who helped us unwrap this year’s Christmas supplements.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

–Bernadette Lunas

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HeRe is nothing like seeing the eyes of our loved ones light up when they open a gift from us. From the moment they excitedly receive the package, read the note and remove the wrapper, to the second they take out the item you so carefully picked—the entire duration, which usually unfolds in a minute or less, is priceless.

re wrap sa

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The Season of Giving It’S partY tIMe!

How to throw the best holiday bash By paola Navarette

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ETTING ready for the festive season—blocking off dates in the calendar and picking outfits to wear—is a big part of the holiday fun. But it can be quite challenging for those planning the party.

party at home or rent a space. Celebrations at home are more costeffective and ideal for 35-40 guests or less, while renting a space is ideal for a large group of people.

To ensure maximum attendance, it is important to note where most people will be traveling back to at the end of the night.

Finally, make sure that your budget and venue can handle the number of people you plan to host.

they have prepared a unique look for the occasion.

Here are a few themes that could elevate the mood in your party space: a Christmas masquerade ball, a chocolate factory themed party, or a hat party.

student, has always been the quiet and Organize a few intimate ones at home.

Christmas games “Small dinners with my immediate While small talk can be fun, there is family are sort of a breath of fresh air. only so much to As mundane as they are, the intimate be said before parties at home are the conversa conversaMark the date some of the tion runs dry.

For Rochelle Salvador, a 4th year colbest since To breathe lege student, what made their holiday they have some life to the party last year special was that she and never once party as well her high school friends were able to find required as encourage time to bond despite their busy schedules. me to be interaction “It was a simple gathering—we had anything but among guests, a boodle fight and we rented a videoke myself,” she play a game machine. It was the first time that we said. of White were able to open up [about] our own Gumapos Elephant or struggles and problems to each other. added, “When at least have And I think that’s what made our you think of some type friendship even stronger,” she recalled. Christmas, of activ activSince Christmas is the busiest time of especially here ity planned. the year for many people when it comes in the PhilipThe trick is to social events, be sure that you have pines, you alto choose consulted with your guests on which ways think big. the right date they are available and identified It always have games which night of the week they prefer to to be a feast based on is year. attend the party. with delicious ristmas party th your theme Ch ed em th llade ba You should also request the guests food and all that.

Host a masquer and group to provide information on any special So many people dynamic. dietary requirements or allergies that put focus on havAnother game that suits large groups you’ll need to consider when selecting an extravagant Make it a themed party is Family Feud, in which players are ing menus.

Christmas that they tend to forget that Having everyone come in costume broken into teams answering questions what matters most is that you’re with or at least a particular color makes all from the list of holiday-themed survey Choose a venue your family.” the difference between an ordinary responses. Each team will be given an The best Christmas parties for Before choosing a venue, decide party and an amazing one. Everyone allotted time to answer and the host Pearl Gumapos, also a 4th year college whether you want to throw your is just a lot more pumped up when reveals if their guesses were on the list Celebrate a memorable Christmas by putting scented candles on your front door, recycling décor, and following these eight idea starters to pull off an exceptional party without a hitch.

and the value of their answers.

You can also organize teams and get them to answer questions about different Christmas traditions and holiday trivia. You can also give everyone the chance to show off their talents through a mini talent show.

Ask them to take their performance a notch higher and skip the usual songand-dance numbers and instead do a short comedy skit.

Set up a DIY photo booth Pictures will always be a proof of valuable memories that occurred in a gathering. Make memorable moments captured instantly by preparing a photo booth.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can make your own booth by setting up a camera on a tripod and several festive cloths to serve as a backdrop. Gather props such as colorful wigs, oversized glasses, santa hats, faux fur scarves, and toy crowns, among others.

Serve a dinner featuring everyone’s favorite food Aside from bonding with friends and families, another thing guests look forward to the most in these parties is the food.

Now is the time to whip out those recipes you’ve spent the entire year pinning. Make sure everyone is satisfied with the festive feast by preparing a menu composed of classic dishes such as paella and crackling pork bagnet; and desserts such as decadent cakes and chocolate barks.

You can also include a do-it-yourself tacos, shawarma, and burritos to foster Turn to D3

The Season of Giving

Sweet treats for the holidays

By Maan D’Asis Pamaran

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eIGHT-watchers, look out—the holiday season is here and with it comes heavenly desserts that are a welcome addition to any noche buena table. even the Sugarplum Fairy will not be able to resist these goodies that are also great gifts for friends and family with a sweet-tooth.

Marriott Hotel Manila’s Café Bakery offers the traditional holiday gingerbread in different iterations, ranging from 60-gram Gingerbread Men, hand-decorated Gingerbread Chalets, and Gingerbread Carabaos (handglazed spiced cookies with iced Belgian nutty dark chocolate). For orders and inquiries, call (02) 988-9999 or visit www.manilamarriott.com.

Honey Glaze Cakes by popular wedding cake baker Chef Aileen Conde is also offering a special Mudpie creation for Christmas. It’s made of a layer of chocolate cake, a layer of chocolate mousse, and a layer of cream cheese.

Order through the Honey Glaze Facebook page or call (02) 703-2414, 3467336, 0922-8279848, or 0920-9525166.

Marco Polo Cebu’s Festive ensaimada combines the best of the classic fruit cake with Café Marco’s signature ensaimada to give you a nutty-fruity taste filled with cashews, raisins, and dried fruits with an overload of cheese on a soft, doughy base. It will be available at the Lobby Lounge starting December 16. For orders and inquiries, call (032) 253-1111 or email mpplaza@ marcopolohotels.com.

The Grand Hyatt Manila lets you tailor the contents of its Christmas hamper with goodies by Pastry Chef Saban Cavlak for a minimum of P2,100. Among the choices are gingerbread houses, chocolate yule logs, Florentine cookies, and homemade stollen, to name a few. To order, call (02) 838-1234 or email manila.grand@ hyatt.com.

New World Makati Hotel’s The Shop has a colorful Macaron Croquembouche that will make an impressive centerpiece at any Christmas party. What’s more, its gingerbread houses come in Traditional, Filipino, and Chinese designs. Visit its official Facebook page or @newworldmakati on Instagram for more information.

Fleur de Lys by Chef Jackie Ang Po offers its Japanese Caramel Cream Roll for Christmas. It’s a soft roll filled with cream and covered with caramel dulce icing. For orders, visit the official Fleur de Lys Facebook page or order through the Honestbee app.

Cara Mia brings out its Classic Ube Cake just in time for the holidays.

It’s made of layers and layers of light ube chiffon with ube halaya filling and topped with beautifully whipped cream for an authentic Filipino treat.

Visit the official Cara Mia Facebook page for a list of its branches.

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How to...

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family-style sharing and encourage guests’ interaction.

For instant Christmas ambiance, use green table cloth to line the buffet. Add evergreen leaves or fresh pine to the table. Arrange a couple of potted red poinsettias to make a table centerpiece.

Scatter green and red apples on the buffet table, and mix in contrasting textures and colors of fruits, such as small mandarin oranges, red cherries, or ripe guavas.

Set up a movie corner Another way of bonding with guests is setting up a corner where they can watch heartwarming and hilarious holiday films such as Home Alone or The Santa Clause. This will amp up the festive vibes for your Christmas party and keep your guests entertained.

Before the guests arrive, prepare the projector, spread bean bags and soft pillows around, and transfer finger foods such as chips, fish crackers, and peanuts into small bowls. This will keep the guests busy and delighted while you’re cleaning up or setting the dinner table.

Bust out the karaoke From belting out the joyful holiday hits of Michael Bublé to singing whistle notes like Mariah Carey, your guests will surely have a laugh-filled night jamming to good ‘ol hits.

Rent a karaoke machine and get your guests together for a holiday song throwdown after the program has ended. After all, for Filipinos, any occasion is a perfect time to bring out the karaoke.

Supply the guests with a range of snacks such as mini sandwiches, fresh skewered watermelon or pineapple cubes, and individually-wrapped chocolate crinkles.

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Manila Standard’s

Holiday Gift Guide JOA Smocking Back Ruffled Crop Top This lovely hot pink crop top is perfect for your stylish cousin.

Available at Rustan’s Tamagochi Connection Virtual Pet Toy Surprise Egg Surprise your godchildren with a new pet they can bring anywhere. Available at Lazada

Montblanc Heritage Spider Fountain Pen Score plus points from your boss with this fountain pen. Bonus: They will always remember you whenever they’re taking notes or signing important documents.

Available at Rustan’s

Alber Elbaz x LeSportSac Small Manon Tote Love Me Kiss Me For that friend who’s outfit is always on point and chic, this bag will most likely be their new favorite. Available at Rustan’s and Greenbelt 3

Pedro del Hiero Short Sleeves Polo Shirt Dad will surely appreciate this marine blue shirt, which he can wear on casual Fridays in the office. Available at Rustan’s

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum Give the gift of smooth and nourished skin with this bestselling lightweight serum from one of Korea’s top beauty and skincare brand. Available at Innisfree in SM Mall of Asia

SM, BDO to bring their biggest, most joyful Christmas celebration for Overseas Filipinos & families Bringing together the country’s most in-demand artists of today, SM and BDO are set to stage its biggest, most joyful Christmas celebration for the Overseas Filipinos and their familiesvia Pamaskong Handog 2018. The event, now on its 7th year, will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on December 15, 2018, featuring actors PioloPascual and Sam Milby; singer Moira Dela Torre; love team Inigo Pascual and Maris Racal and; “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids” finalist TNT boys.

Like a musical variety show, Pamaskong Handog will also feature performances from comedian and singer Donita Nose;“Tawag ng Tanghalan” finalists Anton Antenorcruz and Jennie Gabriel. More fun and humor are expected in the show as it will be hosted by comedians MC and Lassie.

This is indeed an entire day full of joy and entertainment as Pamaskong Handog will hold various raffle games, wherewinners will receiveexciting prizes from BDO, SM and its affiliates including Taal Vista, SM Cinema, Toy Kingdom, SM Appliance, Sky Ranch, Storyland, and SM by the Bay amusement park. Prizes also include Jollibee gift certificates and Vice Ganda Cosmetics.As early as now, BDO also has an ongoing raffle promo where all remittances from abroad to BDO Kabayan Savings will earn a raffle entry to get a chance to win any of the following prizes – Pangkabuhayan Showcase;thousands worth of shopping spree at The SM Store and SM Supermarket or Savemore and an overnight Stay at any of the following SM affiliated hotels: Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Radisson Blu, Pico Sands Hotel, Taal Vista Hotel, Conrad Manila andPark Inn by Radisson Clark and a lot more! To get more chances of winning, Filipinos overseas just have to keep sending money to BDO Kabayan Savings via BDO Remit, its remittance partners WorldRemit, MoneyGram and Xoom or any BDO Remit partner abroad. For more details on the remittance raffle promo, check: bit.ly/BDOPamaskongHandog “As Christmas is the most important time of the year for Filipinos, we take this opportunity to make a memorable homecoming for Overseas Filipinos.

It is not every year that they get a chance to celebrate Christmas the Filipino way, and through Pamaskong Handog, we make this happen. The day is full of entertainment, fun, humor, and prizes.

They just have to enjoy the day, while we make it special for them,” said Joaquin San Agustin, SVP for Marketing of SM Supermalls “Through the years, Pamaskong Handog has become our commitment to our kababayans as a way of giving back and thanking them for their hard work and sacrifice. It is our major event that

we look forward to every year because it is our chance to make Overseas Filipinos feel honored and appreciated. It is a day of recognition, gratitude and honor, especially dedicated to our kababayans.

Pamaskong Handog is also in line with all the other efforts of the bank for the Overseas Filipino market – from the easy opening of BDO Kabayan Savings, its long term benefits such as free life and accident insurance – to being present at Overseas Filipino events in order to reach out to them to our kababayansand communicate that BDO is their bank whether they’re here or abroad,” said Genie Gloria, senior vice president and head of BDO Remittance.

To be able to watch and join the fun at the Pamaskong Handog event, Overseas Filipinos and beneficiaries just need to present their BDO Kabayan Savings ATM card or passbook or SM Global Pinoy card.

They are also entitled to bring one (1) companion to the event. ForOverseas Filipinos and beneficiaries who have no BDO Kabayan Savings or SM Global Pinoy card yet, they may simply approach the BDO and SM booths at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on December 15, 2108 as early as 10:00 a.m.

BDO is also setting up booths at various SM Supermalls for those interested in BDO Kabayan Savings. For inquiries, clients may simply visit the BDO booths at the following SM Supermalls – SM City San Lazaro, SM City Bacoor, SM City Olongapo, SM City Dasmarinas, SM City Marilao, SM City Clark, SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, SM City Davao and SM City Cagayan de Oro (Uptown).

For more details on Pamaskong Handog event, go to bit.ly/PamaskongHandogEvent or follow BDO Kabayan Facebook page. Even if away from home, Filipinos overseas may also watch the Pamaskong Handog event by checking the BDO Kabayan FB page live streaming on December 15, 2PM (Manila time).

About SM Global Pinoy The SM Global Pinoy is program of SM Prime Holdings Inc. that celebrates Overseas Filipinos and their families by providing them exclusive services to stay connected, as well as for them to spend quality time together in SM malls.

Promoting the welfare of Overseas Filipinos and their loved ones, SM Global Pinoy Centers are located in select SM malls nationwide that offers exclusive services to its members, as well as hosts free educational seminars and activities.

For more info, please visit www.smglobalpinoy. com, follow @SMGPC on Facebook, or email info@smglobalpinoy.com.

About BDO Kabayan Savings BDO Remit’s flagship service - Credit to BDO Kabayan Savings - is the heart of bank’s service to the Overseas Filipinos and their families. Through this service, customers receive remittances in a fast, safe and convenient manner, and at the same time, are entitled to unique and long-term benefits that aim to protect their future such as free life and accident insurance. Going beyond just sending money, BDO nurtures a lasting relationship with Filipino migrants and their families through BDO Kabayan Savings, other BDO products and services tailor fit to meet the Overseas Filipino market’s needs, as well as events aimed at reaching out and giving honor to the Filipinos abroad.

For more details, please visit www.bdo.com.ph. or BDO Kabayan FB page.

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The Season of Giving

‘tis the season of awkward

gift-giving situations

By Paola Navarette

a more delicate and indirect approach.

For instance, you may suggest that you want to receive baked treats instead of presents or you may suggest that your relatives start a new gift-giving tradition.

You can also try dropping subtle hints about your Christmas wish list. say something like, “Boy, I’ve got a closet full of sweaters. It’d be nice to get a pair of cat-eye sunglasses next year.”

According to etiquette expert Daniel sen-

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t’s not the holidays until your grandma gave you the bulkiest sweater you’ve ever seen, your friend got you a CD of a band you detest, your colleague got you another coffee mug, and your aunt gave you a green polka dotted shirt.

It’s true that while gift-giving can be a thoughtful and heartwarming experience, it can also put you in a predicament if you receive a gift from someone you don’t expect, if the gift doesn’t fit your personality, or if a gift is something that you already have.

Almost everyone will receive an unpleasant gift, but that doesn’t mean you have to make the gift giver feel bad, too. so here are five easy ways to deal with awkward gift-giving moments:

Keep your cool Whether we like it or not, we will receive a gift once and a while that we don’t like, or that we already own. At the very least, try to keep your composure while your great aunt gives you a unicorn-themed gift that she’s been giving you for the past 18 years.

Maintaining eye contact, while engaged in a conversation with the gift giver, is also helpful while you’re in the middle of a gift-giving “disaster.”

“It’s only awkward if you make it a big deal,” said life coach stephanie Jones in an article published on chicagotribune.com.

Practice gratitude Acknowledgment of a gift is a matter of grace. It is gracious to understand the intent behind a gift and express happiness upon receiving it. think about why they gave you the gift and thank them for that reason. Even if the gift giver made a wrong choice, they probably had

In terms of gifts, you will never be disappointed if you don’t have any expectations.

at least one good reason for it.

Focus instead on acknowledging their thoughtfulness and generosity. simply say, “You must have remembered that I love music. thanks for the CD! I’m always looking forward to expanding my music collection.”

In terms of gifts, remember that you will never be disappointed if you don’t have any expectations. sincere gift-giving, after all, is someone’s way of expressing gratitude or appreciation, and an expression of social ties that brings individuals together.

Ask a few questions If things get a little more awkward, consider asking the gift giver about the present and how they thought of it. this is a good distraction from discussing whether or not you’ll use it. Ask them if they’ve got one themselves, ask where they bought it, or ask how best to use it, if applicable. say something like: “I don’t think I

have seen such colorful socks like these; where did you get them? Do you have a pair for yourself?”

Provide gift suggestions For some, having a prior conversation about presents they want to receive with family or friends feels like a violation of etiquette. But it is not. It is best to have a list of ideas to share when gift suggestions are asked by a friend or a relative.

Remember to be sensitive to the dynamics of each relationship. In some relationships, open and direct conversation is welcome and encouraged. Other relationships, however, may require for

ning in an article published on Forbes. com, “It’s natural for traditions to evolve, but it’s nice to get everybody on board ahead of time. so, whenever you’re dealing with a change in tradition, it’s best to talk to everyone involved as soon as possible to explain why you want to make the change.”

Consider re-gifting Be honest, we’ve all done it. Whether you’ve got the same present twice or the gift doesn’t really suit your personality, you can always give it to someone who needs it or who would love it.

A number of sub-rules, however, have sprung up around re-gifting to make it more socially acceptable. First, be absolutely sure that the original gift giver won’t accidentally find out you’re regifting it. For example, a gift from a second-cousin can be re-gifted to a former colleague. this should prevent a gift from finding its way back to the original giver like a fruitcake. second, make sure the person to whom you’re passing it along will appreciate it greatly. You don’t want to give the recipient a coffee-maker if you know she only drinks tea. And, finally, always rewrap the gift. Removing the old wrapper gives you a chance to check if there’s a personal note written for you.

Etiquette expert Blais Comeau said in an interview with cbc.ca to make sure the original gift giver won’t find out and take offense. “Don’t do it if it’s a family heirloom, don’t do it if it’s handmade or personalized in any way for you. Make sure to freshen up the package and that the original wrapping is still there,” she said.

Christmas treats that come in pairs

By MJ Blancaflor Ah, Christmas is just around the corner and we would never let this jovial time pass. No wonder many of us are on diet in January. the birth of our savior is a feast, so this merrymaking season calls for parties and titillating food.

An interesting part of Pinoy Christmas menu is some of these tasty meals come in pairs.

1. Puto bumbong and bibingka. Made of sweet rice, puto bumbong is a purple-colored dessert cooked in hollow bamboo tubes placed on a special steamer-cooker.

It is served with margarine, sugar, and coconut.

Its partner, bibingka, is made of rice flour and coconut milk. It is baked Ferino’s puto in layers and topped bumbong and bibingka with butter and sugar.

the latter is a velvety custard made from egg yolks steamed in a small baking pan and has a rich caramelized topping perfect for the festive mood.

Pork lechon with rice

4. Rice and any viand. As a rice-loving country, Filipinos will never miss serving rice on the dining table—whatever the occasion might be. And yes! this goes well with any viand available on hand.

THE SEASON OF GiviNG Bernadette Lunas Editor Paola Navarette Maan D’Asis Pamaran MJ Blancaflor Writers

Diamond Hotel’s ham

2. Ham and bread. Filipinos are fond of sweet-tasting food. that’s why our Christmas hams are either encrusted with brown sugar or blanketed with a syrupy glaze. It tastes good with white bread bought from our favorite bakery or supermarket.

3. Ube halaya and leche flan. sweeten up the Christmas Eve with these two delightful desserts. Ube halaya is made of boiled and mashed purple yam.

Goldilocks’ ube halaya and leche flan

Rex Perzeus Sardinia Layout and design Baldwin Felipe Advertising Solutions Head Paula Reynoso Advertising Solutions Manager Eric Jutic Advertising Deskman Bessie Good Babes Good Merce Pascual Ron Tamayo Albert Legaspi Advertising Account Executives

The Season of Giving Manila

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TODAY

monday, december 3, 2018

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Manila Standard’s

Holiday Gift Guide Plush and Play Toys Young kids will love these colorful plushies. By buying these stuffed toys, you will also be supporting the women in Gawad Kalinga communities who created them.

Available at BPI Sinag ng Pasko Bazaar (Dec. 5-6) and Plush and Play on Facebook

Naturehike Waterproof Multifunction Travel Wallet Help your officemate who’s ready to file their vacation leaves next year keep their travel documents in one place with this waterproof wallet.

Available at Lazada

Mad Style Grooming Keychain Your uncle who will never get caught with untrimmed fingernails will appreciate this nifty keychain. Available at Rustan’s

Christian Louboutin Drama Sling Spoil your sister who graduated from college or landed her first job with this lovely pair of designer flats. Available at Rustan’s

Easy Life Vintage Santa Red Cappuccino Cup and Saucer Forget generic mugs, give your coffee-loving officemate a merry cup they can use to enjoy their java on this holiday season and beyond. Available at Rustan’s

Italian Gold Bracelet This lovely two-tone 14-karat bracelet will look good on your grandma’s wrist. Available at F&C Jewelry

Umber Colorblock Wingtip Derby Dress up the special man in your life with this oh-so-stylish pair of brogues in blue multicolor. Available at Rustan’s

Brighten the Holidays

LIGHTEN DARK SPOTS

Night of Noel Tea Set For that friend who prefers tea over coffee, this black tea blended with wild forest berries, tender caramel, and silver needles will surely bring them joy and good tidings. Available at TWG Tea

Jenga Blocks Make Jenga a part of your family game night. Available at Lazada

These days, with Christmas fast approaching, things are starting to brighten. Lights are a-blazing; fashion is glittering; everything is sparkling. No wonder, even skin is lightening. The countdown to a spot-less complexion begins—in just 8 weeks-- with Pynocare!

Pynocare is an oral capsule that’s dermatologist-tested to help minimize melasma or “dark spots” commonly found on the forehead, cheeks, nose bridge, shoulders as well as in other parts of the body. Dark spots are triggered by the overproduction of melanin levels in the skin that is caused by many factors such as overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, hormonal imbalance and harsh cosmetics. Pynocare contains MSCC (Melasma Skin Clear Complexion) Complex, a patented combination of powerful antioxidants such as Procyanidin and Vitamins A, C and E that work together effectively by acting deep within the layers of your skin to help normalize its melanin levels, resulting in light, spot-less and radiant skin in just 8 weeks! For the best results, just take the recommended dosage of 1 capsule twice daily after meals for 2 months, for a light-on-the pocket price of only P 67.75 per capsule.

Experience the joys of the season when you give yourself the gift of spot-less skin from Pynocare. Get it at Mercury Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, South Star Drug, St. Joseph Pharmacy and all leading drugstores nationwide.