Manila Standard - 2018 December 12 - Wednesday

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

S

manilastandard.net

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

VOL. XXXII • NO. 300 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

‘Amazing’ Gray shines amid parol malfunction

By Nickie Wang

STARRY STUNNER.

Catriona Gray, the Philippines’ bet to the Miss Universe 2018 pageant, holds her pose despite a heavy ‘parol’ (Christmas lantern) harness that forms part of her outfit in the national costume segment of the beauty contest on Tuesday in Chonburi, Thailand. AFP

CATRIONA Gray, the Philippines’ Miss Universe 2018 contender, was a vision of a beautiful female warrior in her national costume that pays homage to the diverse culture of the country’s three major group of islands.

But, despite her flawless performance where she showcased the hand gesture of a “babaylan” (priestess), Gray revealed her struggle with the malfunctioning lights of her Christmas lanternstyled outfit before and during the beauty pageant’s national costume competition held in Pattaya, Thailand on Monday night.

In an Instagram live video, the 24-year-old beauty thanked her fans for their “amazing feedback” on her costume and Next page

Alvarez got P5-b pork—Andaya US returns 3 war trophy bells in historic act

Ex-Speaker’s allies top list of ‘insertions’

By Ayee Macaraig

By Maricel V. Cruz

CHURCH bells seized from the Philippines by the US as war trophies over a century ago were returned on Tuesday, in a bid to turn the page on a difficult chapter between the historical allies.

Returning the three so-called Balangiga bells meets a decades-old demand from the former US colony at a time when the two nations’ ties have been rattled by President Rodrigo Duterte’s pivot to China.

An American C-130 Hercules cargo plane delivered the bells to Villamor Air Base, where Philippine and American officials gathered for a symbolic handover ceremony set for later Tuesday.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim led the handover of the bells to De- BELL ON TARMAC. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, Defense Secretary fense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana at Villa- Delfin Lorenzana and Senator Richard Gordon (from left) inspect one of the three Balangiga bells that arrived at the Villamor Air Base in mor Air Base.

Next page Pasay City on Tuesday. Norman Cruz

O

Arroyo, Gordon for ML extension

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to extend martial law in Mindanao.

“If it comes to our chamber, I will recommend that we pass it,” Arroyo said Tuesday of the President’s request that martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao be extended a year, to Dec. 31, 2019.

Arroyo said she would support the President’s call to extend martial law “as long as it is needed.”

Next page

NAIA blind spots, lovers’ hideaway?

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Philippines’ airports could just be the ideal place for lovers seeking a private moment as a result of too many blind spots because of the lack of CCTV cameras, an official said Tuesday.

Next page

Cha-Cha draws overwhelming House response

By Maricel V. Cruz VOTING 224-22-3, the House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a resolution that amends the 1987 Constitution to effect President Duterte’s proposed shift to a federal form of government.

Resolution of Both Houses 15 (RBH 15), or the draft federal charter, was ap-

proved in plenary session with Deputy Speaker and Sorsogon Rep. Evelina Escudero as the presiding speaker.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said the passage of the federal charter was a priority, but Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, who voted against it, said rewriting the Constitution should involve “people’s participation” and said federalism would not solve the country’s

pressing problems but would divide the nation.

The House-approved resolution will be transmitted to the Senate through the House’s Office of the secretary general.

The approved draft resolution includes lifting term limits of legislators and local officials.

Rep. Vicente Veloso of Leyte, chairman Next page

DOST revives plan to activate BNPP

By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Science and Technology and its attached agency―the mothballed Philippine Nuclear Research Institute―want the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant commissioned because of a looming depletion of gas from the Malampaya gas field in Palawan.

Carlo Arcilla, PNRI director, told reporters “all well-lit places in the world” had nuclear power plants.

“There is more radiation when eating BACK ONLINE? A general view shows the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as pictured one banana [because of its potassium] than on Sept. 16, 2016. At the time, a technical tour of experts that attended the International standing in front of the BNPP,” Arcilla Conference on the Prospects of Nuclear Power in the Asia-Pacific Region said the longsaid.

Next page mothballed BNPP could be restarted to help supply the country’s energy needs. AFP

USTED Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and his allies have got the biggest insertions worth billions of pesos for infrastructure projects under the P3.7-trillion national budget for 2019, House leaders said Tuesday.

In a letter addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte, House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya, Jr. said Alvarez, together with former majority leader Rodolfo Fariñas, got the biggest allocations.

“On top of the list with biggest DPWH projects is the district of former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez with P5 billion, while the district of the former Majority Leader, Rodolfo Fariñas, was allocated P3.5 billion, and the district of former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations Karlo Nograles received P4 billion,” Andaya said at a news conference as he read the letter for submission to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Next page

Sandigan gives due course to Imelda petition

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Sandiganbayan has begun forwarding the records in the graft case against Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos to the Supreme Court pending her appeal against her conviction on seven counts of graft.

The anti-graft court’s Fifth Division said the notice of appeal filed by the 89-year-old former first lady would be “given due course.”

The court said the original copies of the records would be the ones to be sent to the high court.

But it granted Marcos’ motion to exhaust all legal means to appeal her conviction at the anti-graft court or bring her case to the high court.

Next page

A2

News

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody’s wish list for Cabinet: Competent, honest people

By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he would hire anyone who wanted to work in his administration even if he or she did not meet eligibility criteria as long as they were honest and competent.

The President issued the statement in a speech in Bulacan on Monday, saying one must only be “competent” and “honest” to apply for a job in the government.

“I am not trying to degrade the qualification, the level of qualification but give me an honest person and not corrupt,” he said.

Duterte, known to have appointed military men in his Cabinet, said he was willing to set aside eligibility rules for government appointments provided that the candidates were competent and honest.

Duterte said he would not brag about being incorruptible but vowed to perform his job properly, as he expected his Cabinet and other government officials to work with honesty and honor.

“If anyone who comes into my mind who I would appoint to the government, I’ll just ask, if you want to work during my term: You are competent and you are honest, period. Wala na eligibility-eligibility,” Duterte said.

The President said if a public servant gets embroiled in corruption or other abuse in power, he would not hesitate to fire the person.

There would be no more ceremony, you just go, he said about the dismissal of erring public servants.

“The problem is along the way, the corruption in government is severe. Down to the local level,” he said.

“I am not trying to get points and say I am incorruptible. I will just work. I resolve to do my job properly and expect everybody who works for me with integrity,” he added.

Cha-Cha...

From A1

of the House committee on constitutional amendments, said the congressmen were unanimous in approving the lifting of term limits.

Under the House’ draft constitution, the president and vice president will be elected with each other to serve four-year terms, subject to one reelection.

The approved resolution also provides that lawmakers, who must be holders of college degrees, will also serve four-year terms.

The proposal states that the first election under the proposed Constitution will be held on the second Monday of May 2022.

The proposal, which calls for a presidential-bicameral-federal system, is different from the draft charter submitted by the Consultative Commission organized by Duterte.

Veloso, a former Court of Appeals associate justice, said the House may file a petition with the Supreme Court to compel the senators to act on the measure if they do not.

Arroyo,...

From A1

The House and the Senate will hold a joint session today (Wednesday) at 10 a.m. to decide on the President’s request for martial law.

Arroyo said her personal experience as president who declared martial law in Magindanao in 2009 was her basis for supporting military rule in Mindanao.

The Palace has asked for the extension by citing the continued terror threat.

Senator Richard J. Gordon, meanwhile, said he will likely support the President’s call for a third extension of martial law in Mindanao following a military briefing on the situation in the south.

Gordon said that aside from wanting to ensure the complete rehabilitation of Marawi City, which was torn apart by the armed conflict, he has received reports that Mindanaoans feel safer with martial law imposed.

He added that there were also no reports of abuses since martial law was imposed in Marawi City after the siege.

“I don’t hear an outcry in Mindanao... In fact, my friends tell me they’re okay with martial law, and that they feel safer with it,” Gordon said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“My position is that the President is more knowledgeable because he has the intel. Is he using it badly? I don’t think so. Martial law is working well,” Gordon added.

Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc disagreed, however, and spoke out against the third extension.

“Martial law has failed in social service delivery. It has failed to secure justice for most Moro. It is a blunt instrument against a civilian population,” Gotoc, an opposition candidate in the 2019 midterm polls, said in a statement.

‘Amazing’ Gray...

From A1

explained that it was meant to light up.

“A lot of you were asking if it was meant to have lights. Yes, it was,” Gray said.

Explaining why the parol had no lights when she hit the stage of the national costume parade, she narrated: “My parol was meant to light up, but for some reason—I don’t know why—before the show. I was trying to turn it on, and it wouldn’t turn on, and then I tried to turn it on again and it did turn on and it turned

Protest vs China incursions—Carpio

By Rey E. Requejo

S

ENIOR Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Tuesday urged the Duterte administration to file new protests against China over its incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

He said the Philippines should file diplomatic protests against China but backed the memorandum of understanding between the two governments for a possible joint oil and gas development in the West Philippine Sea. “I hope they will continue to file protests so that we will be able to show that we never consented impliedly [to the

Chinese incursions in West Philippine Sea],” Carpio said.

“If you don’t protest, you accept. You give up your rights and we don’t wanna do that.”

Carpio said the filing of protests against China was necessary to protect the sovereignty of the Philippines over its exclusive economic zones in the West

Philippine Sea that Chinese ships had already reportedly penetrated.

“We won in The Hague because we filed several, numerous protests, note verbales protesting China’s incursion in the West Philippine Sea. Had we not made those protests against China’s nine-dash line map on time, we would have lost,” Carpio said.

Nonetheless, Carpio reiterated his support to the MOU signed during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping last month.

He commended the Duterte administration for not accepting the draft MOU presented by China and instead pursuing its own version of the MOU,

Justice flip-flops, gets outvoted on PDAF scam

which included the safety provision on service contracting.

Carpio said such provision would “expressly acknowledge that the natural resource belongs to the Philippines” and that “the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights over the gas and oil.”

“On our terms, it means cooperation on oil and gas through service contracts. And there’s no problem about that because in Malampaya, we have a service contractor, which is a foreign company,” Carpio said.

“Should China accept to be a service contractor, then China admits that we have exclusive sovereign rights. That’s the most important thing here.”

NAIA...

From A1

Sandiganbayan’s Third Division.

She admitted to have been the go-between who negotiated the transactions between alleged pork barrel mastermind Janet Lim Napoles and Reyes with regard to Enrile’s for the years 2007 to 2009.

Fernandez took note of Tuason’s statement that she was “in charge of delivering the share of Senator Enrile to Atty. Gigi Reyes”—referring to alleged pork funds kickbacks.

But in the resolution of the special division dated Dec. 7, 2018, Fernandez dissented from the majority opinion of four of his colleagues that Reyes’ motion for reconsideration be denied.

In his dissenting opinion, he acknowledged the testimony of Tuason “is not enough” as

she “could neither recall any of the amounts she allegedly delivered to accused Reyes nor the transactions for which she delivered the same, even considering that these events occurred several years ago.”

Reyes, in her motion for reconsideration, claimed the first resolution was “defective in form and substance” because it did not contain a “complete summary of the evidence against her.”

“In view of the foregoing, this court finds the evidence against accused-movant Reyes to be strong,” the court said in the resolution penned by Presiding Justice and Division Chairperson Amparo CabotajeTang, with the concurrence of Associate Justices Sarah Jane Fernandez, Oscar Herrera and Maryann Corpus-Mañalac.

Senator Grace Poe briefly turned an exasperating situation into a hilarious scene with her remark over the absence of surveillance cameras in some areas in the country’s main gateway.

“I think if you’re looking for a place to go, you can go to the airport. You can go on a date there and you won’t be seen,” Poe said in jest.

During her interpellation of Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito shortly after midnight during the marathon debates on the national budget, Poe inquired about the number of CCTVs in the airports.

“Are we complete now with our CCTV cameras in NAIA and in our major airports? Hindi ba may napatay na mayor na matagal na?” Poe said.

Secretary Benjamin Diokno to a question hour to shed light on billions of pesos in unused funds in the 2016 and 2017 national budgets.

In the question hour, Diokno denied his links to CT Leoncio.

“I’m known for my integrity your honor. I have no relative like that. It’s not my job to allocate resources. To implement projects is not my job. That’s the concern of the line departments,” Diokno responded to House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez.

Suarez had posed several questions to Diokno about Sorsogon Vice Governor Esther Hamor, wife of Casiguran Mayor Edwin Hamor.

Reports have it that Diokno’s daughter, Charlotte Justine, is married to Romeo “Jojo” Sicat Jr., who happens to be the son of Esther Hamor from her first marriage to a certain Gerardo Sicat.

Sources told Manila Standard the Hamors are “very close” to CT Leoncio Construction—owned by Consolacion Leoncio—who, according to Suarez, cornered “trillions” of pesos in projects despite just being a sole proprietorship based in Bulacan.

Diokno admitted the affinity, but claimed the issues being raised by Suarez are not discussed in family gatherings.

Andaya, in a privilege speech Monday, questioned the grant of at least 30 projects worth billions of pesos to CT Leoncio.

Andaya presented a certification from the Securities and Exchange Commission stating that the firm was not a corporation, as well as a contract showing that Leoncio has the sole proprietorship of the company.

He said CT Leoncio managed to bag projects in Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Samar, the National Capital Region, Camarines Sur, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Batangas, Bulacan and Davao City in 2017.

These contracts were not only with the Department of Public Works and Highways, but

also with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Transportation, the Philippine Ports Authority, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority and the Department of Labor and Employment, Andaya said.

Lacson on Tuesday urged the Ombudsman to investigate the possible insertion of pork in the 2019 budget, despite denials by House members and Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

“With exposes on pork in the proposed P3.7-trillion budget for 2019 now coming out left and right, it may be time for new Ombudsman Samuel Martires to step into the picture,” Lacson said.

He also called Andaya an “unlikely ally” for exposing how one contractor bagged 30 flood control projects.

On Dec. 5, Lacson said a congressman got at least P1.9 billion in congressional insertions while a congresswoman—Arroyo—got P2.4 billion.

But Andaya said Lacson was wrong.

“In the 2019 GAB approved by the House of Representatives recently, the Speaker’s district currently ranked 60th and the office if the majority leader ranked 110th in terms of appropriations for the Department of Public Works and Highways [DPWH],” Andaya said in his letter.

Andaya said the Arroyo-led House leadership merely implemented “equal opportunity for growth and the same access to services” to all congressional districts.

“As one who has participated in the budget process from both the executive and the legislative side, the Speaker has instructed us to treat the draft national budget as a rigorously crafted instrument which gives residents in all districts equal opportunity for growth and the same access to services,” Andaya’s letter read.

“However, close scrutiny of the 2019 budget during House deliberation showed huge

funding spikes in other favored districts the provenance of which leadership of the DPWH has reportedly known nothing about. An initial check with the National Economic and Development Authority [NEDA] likewise revealed that many were not recommended by the Regional Development Councils.

“I am certain that if this fine print if the budget was brought to the President’s attention by his Budget officials, he would not have countenanced it as it would violate his oft-repeated promise to the people of equal progress for all.

“What the present House leadership did was in a manner compliant with all laws, to purge the budget of development favoritism and as much as possible apportion next year’s spending to all districts in a fair manner,” the letter read.

Alvarez and Fariñas denied the allegations.

“I do not know with him [Andaya]. I have not attended a single budget hearing. I have not even seen the [National Expenditure Program],” Alvarez said in a text message.

“Congress has nothing to do in the preparation of the NEP. Its solely an executive function,” Alvarez added.

Fariñas said: “I do not know the allocation for my district but everything listed therein was in the NEP submitted by the President.

I left the Majority two days after the SONA [State of the Nation Address] when I joined the Minority, and there is no way I could have added anything to it. I did not attend any budget hearing since then as I was on medical leave starting Sep. 15 when I suffered injuries from Typhoon “Ompong.”

“But I will not be surprised if the amount is accurate since my district has one of the longest national highways in the country from Laoag to the boundary of Cagayan province.

The bridge alone for the Laoag-Bacarra bypass road is about P1 billion [multi-year allocations].” Fariñas added.

“The decision to return the bells clearly reflects our shared values, shared history and our commitment to this relationship, relationship of equals, independence of our nation and mutual respect,” Kim said.

Among those who witnessed the turnover were US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Southeast Asia Joseph Felter and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

The public will be able to view the three bells from Dec. 12 to 13 at the Air Force Museum in Villamor Air Base. The two-day public viewing will be open to all, free of charge.

The bells will then begin the journey home to the local parish of Balangiga in Eastern Samar, where they are expected to arrive by Dec. 15, Defense Department spokesman Aresenio Andolong said.

The bells were said to have signaled a surprise attack by machete-wielding Filipino revolutionaries that killed 48 US troops on Sept.

28, 1901 in the central town of Balangiga.

In reprisal, the US commander Jacob Smith ordered the surrounding island of Samar be turned into a “howling wilderness” and that all Filipino males aged 10 or above be killed.

Thousands of Filipinos were slaughtered, the town was razed and the bells were carted off as trophies. Two had been on display at a US air base in Wyoming

and the other in South Korea.

The return of the bells has been divisive with some US veterans and lawmakers, who see them as a tribute to fallen American troops while the Philippines hails them as a symbol of its struggle for independence.

American officials have emphasized the return is an important step in closing a painful chapter between the two nations, which have close military, cultural and trade ties.

Manila’s push for the bells’ repatriation began in the 1990s and has had backing from Philippine presidents as well as from the Catholic Church and historians.

Duterte, 73, bluntly called on Washington in a 2017 speech to “Give us back those Balangiga bells. They are not yours,” as he rattled his nation’s close alliance with the US. Within months of winning the presidency in mid-2016, he signaled his intention to split from the Philippines’ former colonial master and end a standoff with Beijing over the disputed South China Sea. Duterte’s supporters have claimed his willingness to stand up to American influence was key to the bells’ return, but experts cautioned the process was much more complicated.

“No single president can claim credit to it,” Francis Gealogo, history professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, said. “The credit should be given to the Filipino people who campaigned vigorously and actively.”

A key factor was also major American veterans’ associations, including the largest group Veterans of Foreign Wars, dropping

their opposition to the bells being given back.

“The return of the bells would be ‘the right thing to do’,” said a resolution the group approved in July calling on the US government to return them.

Malacañang described the US government as a “true friend” of the Philippine government for “working tirelessly” for the return of the Balangiga bells to their home in Eastern Samar.

“Stakeholders from both the Philippines and the United States worked tirelessly for the return of the Balangiga bells,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“They will be remembered as true friends of the Philippines and of Filipino heritage,” he added.

“This marks an important milestone in and gives new meaning to the shared history between the Philippines and the United States.”

Panelo said President Duterte will be present during the turnover of the Balangiga bells to town officials in Balangiga, Eastern Samar on Dec. 15.

He earlier said Duterte would no longer attend the handover of the bells on Tuesday in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Senator Risa Hontiveros hailed the bells’ return as an important milestone in PhilippineAmerican relations.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines also welcomed the return of the bells. With Macon Ramos-Araneta, PNA and AFP

on twice in a row, so then I left it. And then just before I went out on stage, I tried to turn it on again, and again it wasn’t working.

“I’m not sure if the wires just got moved during the transport here to Thailand, or what happened… But it just so happened that on the day itself and on the time that I walked out on stage, the lights, they weren’t working,” she added.

Gray did not hide her disappointment over the malfunction, as she would have loved to show the full effect of what her team had done just to synchronize the lights in her costume.

She also expressed her frustration when she struggled to drag the costume because the

wheels were not running smoothly.

“I was initially supposed to carry it, but the weight was just too heavy. It was on my shoulders so we just had to put it on wheels. The wheels that we prepared for is for the flat floor, tiled or wooden floor, just a smooth floor, and I didn’t expect that the floor for the national costume competition would be carpet so when I walked on the carpet, the wheels were not running smoothly, and it’s really hard to pull,” she said.

Gray ended her video by saying that she just wanted to be authentic and to showcase Filipino artistry on global stage.

By Maricel V. Cruz A SANDIGANBAYAN Justice changed his mind on the bail petition of lawyer Jessica Lucila Reyes, the former chief of staff and co-accused of former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam but it was not enough to have Reyes released on bail.

Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez wrote in his ponencia on June 28, 2018 that there was “strong evidence” against Reyes in the PDAF as based on the PDAF scam state witness Ruby Tuason.

Tuason earlier testified against the bail petition of Reyes in his plunder case at the

Alvarez...

From A1

Andaya said the DPWH reportedly knew nothing about these inserted amounts.

Andaya prepared the letter in response to a Palace statement requiring the Office of the Speaker to explain the proposed infrastructure allocation for 2019 for the second district of Pampanga.

At the same time, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday cried foul over allegations that her district has received huge allocations for infrastructure projects under the 2019 national budget.

Responding to questions, Arroyo said she felt maliciously criticized and singled out by Senator Panfilo Lacson, who alleged that her district received the biggest allocation for infrastructure projects at P2.4 billion.

Arroyo pointed out that even some congressmen who were not allied with the majority received a bigger share of infrastructure projects, and noted that 60 to 90 lawmakers got bigger allocations than her district.

She said previous House leaders had bigger allocations.

“If I’m number 90 or number 60 and I am Speaker of the House, I have to explain that?” she added.

“Why would I deprive the people of my district? I am only upper middle-class as far as the allocations are concerned,” Arroyo said, adding that she had no direct hand in preparing the budget for her district.

House leaders earlier moved to subpoena the sole proprietor of CT Leoncio Trading and Construction, which was said to have bagged billions in contracts involving projects of congressmen in 2017.

Andaya made the motion in plenary session in light of the House’s initiative to take Budget

US returns...

From A1

Sandigan...

From A1

Late last month, the anti-graft court allowed Marcos to post bail of P300,000 pending the appeal of her case.

The anti-graft court earlier convicted her on seven counts of graft and sentenced her to a maximum 11 years in prison for each count.

Marcos’ lawyers had asked the anti-graft court to transfer her case records to the Supreme Court, where she planned to file an appeal, but the Sandiganbayan said she should

DOST...

From A1

He also stood firm on the findings of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology that there is no fault beneath the BNPP. He said while 10 percent of the monthly earnings of a median Filipino family went to pay for electricity, its counterpart in the United States was spending less than 1 percent for their monthly power bill.

“The US has at least 100 nuclear power plants,” Arcilla said.

He said they saw the need to revive the BNPP because the production from the Malampaya gas field was only good for another five years.

“The cost of electricity would significantly go down if we could only rely on nuclear power,” Arcilla said.

Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña joined Arcilla during the conference.

Arcilla, a University of the Philippines professor, said while he supported the use of coal-powered energy and wind energy to produce more electricity, the revival of the BNPP, which could produce 700 megwatts “at most,” and the construction of more nuclear plants were still necessary.

The Philippines would face a power shortfall of over 10,000 megawatts “in the near future,” he said, adding the country needed power to be produced by coal, wind and nuclear plants. first exhaust all remedies before doing so.

If her motion for reconsideration before the Sandiganbayan was denied, she could then appeal to the Supreme Court to question the legal basis of her conviction.

“The rules allow an accused to continue enjoying provisional liberty during the pendency of an appeal or a motion for reconsideration,” the court said after granting Mrs. Marcos’ motion to leave to avail herself of post-conviction remedies. “[Mrs. Marcos] was also required to post a cash bond double the amount of her original bond,” the statement said.

News IN BRIEF Ressa pays CTA cash bond for four cases THE Court of Tax Appeals on Tuesday accepted and ‘approved’ the bail bond of P204,000 paid by Rappler Holdings president Maria Ressa before the CTA could issue a warrant of arrest against her.

“In view of the voluntary surrender of the accused Maria A. Ressa before the Court, the Cash bond in the amount of P60,000 posted for her provisional liberty is hereby accepted and approved,” the CTA said in a resolution penned by Presiding Justice Roman del Rosario.

Ressa herself went to the CTA First Division, where all her cases were filed, to pay the cash bond.

The CTA issued three other resolutions, one for each tax charges against Ressa and Rappler.

The bail recommended for Ressa amounts to P60,000 for each count of violation of Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code for incorrect and inaccurate information on income tax return for 2015, and value-added tax returns for the third and fourth quarters of 2015.

Ressa also paid a cash bond worth P24,000 for one count of violation of Section 254 of the NIRC, also known as tax evasion.

Ressa will be arraigned on January 23, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. as per the CTA ruling.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

A3

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NPA threatens DepEd execs—AFP T HE MILITARY is not discounting the possibility that some Department of Education officials and personnel were threatened by the New People’s Army to allow the operation of Salugpungan schools in the Davao Region.

This was stated by Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato in a message to the Philippine News Agency Monday.

“We are not discounting that angle.

The enemies of [the] state particularly the CPP-NPA [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army] has a way of using threat and intimidation to attain their objective,” Detoyato added.

He added that they have requested the DepEd to conduct an investigation on the matter.

“The AFP will just bring up the matter to the DepEd and it’s the department call to act on the matter,” he said.

Salugpungan schools came to light after they were discovered as being used to recruit minor members of Indigenous People to fill up the NPA ranks.

With this development, IP leaders urged government agencies to close the above-mentioned facilities.

Detoyato said that they are monitoring the Salugpungan schools in the wake of this development.

“We are monitoring them and we are banking on the actions to be taken by the DepEd to resolve this matter,” he added.

Earlier, Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders chairman Lipatuan Joel Unad said the NPA targets

communities, where settlers are particularly uneducated.

“Pinipili nila [ang] mga ignoranteng tribo, doon sa mga ‘di marunong magbasa, doon sa mga parents na walang alam kundi magtanim ng kamote, maghanap ng usa at baboy ramo, iyon ang pinupuntahan nila (They choose those ignorant tribes. Those who don’t know who to read, whose parents’ only livelihood is to plant sweet potatoes, to hunt for deer and wild boars. That’s their target),” he said.

Showing parts of the MIPCEL Resolution No. 20, Series of 2018, Unad, who personally submitted the document at the Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City, urged the body and other groups to start a probe over alleged human rights violation against IPs in the region.

Unad said the 52 IP signatories to the resolution represent 18 major tribes in Mindanao.

“Yong nag-attend ng emergency

meeting almost 51. Ang context doon, icondemn ang ginawa ni Satur Ocampo.

Pangalawa, declaration na kailangan ipasara na ng DepEd ang Salugpungan, kung hindi nila maipasara, ang IP mismo ang magpapasara (Those who attended the emergency meeting reached almost 51. Its context is to condemn the actions of Satur Ocampo. Second, a declaration that the DepEd must close Salupungan. If it can’t close it down, the IPs would close it for them),” he said.

Unad and Datu Jomar Bucales submitted the MIPCEL resolution before the CHR office on Thursday.

The resolution surfaced right after former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo and 17 others were arrested over alleged trafficking and kidnapping of 14 minors, who were students of the Salugpungan Ta’Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center Inc. in Talaningod, Compostela Valley. PNA

Trillanes lawyers to appeal case at SC DEFENSE lawyers of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV have formally informed the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 that it will appeal its case to the Supreme Court (SC).

In a seven-page motion and notice of appeal dated Dec. 10, Trillanes' counsel Reynaldo Robles told the Makati court that they will be taking the case directly to the high court, where a pending suit filed by Trillanes is also pending.

"Please take notice of the intention of former accused Trillanes to appeal the order and the joint order of the court finding that Proclamation No. 572 series of 2018, was legal and / or constitutional, on purely legal issues and/ or questions of law directly to the Honorable Supreme Court particularly in relation to GR 241494, which is currently pending before the Supreme Court en banc," the motion said.

In its joint resolution, Makati RTC Branch 148 Judge Andres Soriano turned down the motions for partial reconsideration filed by the government and Trillanes.

The lawmaker’s counsels had asked to declare President Rodrigo Duterte's Proclamation 572, which invalidated his amnesty as “illegal and/or unconstitutional” after Soriano upheld the legality of the presidential directive last month. PNA

BOL RALLY. Tens of thousands Moro Islamic Liberation Front supporters gather in Cotabato City as they rally for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, releasing white doves to symbolize peace as MILF officials lead a rally in Cotabato city on Dec. 10, 2018 that would give Muslims full control of an Autonomous Region. Mark Navales

DOJ wants to use Kerwin aide as state witness

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has asked a Manila City court to allow a former aide of Kerwin Espinosa to become state witness in the drug trade conspiracy filed case against the self-confessed drug trader.

In a motion, DOJ prosecutors said that the testimony of accused Marcelo Adorco is "absolutely necessary as there is no other direct evidence available for the prosecution of the offense committed."

"The testimony of the said accused can be substantially corroborated in its material points," the motion said, in seeking to discharge Adorco as an accused to become a state witness.

Like Espinosa, Adorco is accused of violating Section 26(b) in relation to Section 5 (conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading) of the Com-

prehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51.

Aside from Espinosa and Adorco, the other accused in this case are convicted drug lord Peter Co, alleged drug supplier Lovely Impal, and Ruel Malindangan, who is at large. Alleged drug lord Peter Lim, also at large, is among their coaccused in separate court cases in Makati and Manila.

The Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure provide that the prosecution can move for the discharge as state witness of one or more persons accused of an offense after the presentation of supporting evidence.

The DOJ prosecutors told the Manila City court that Adorco has consented to become a state witness against his former boss.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the ad interim appointment of RAMIRO MANUEL A. REY, to the rank of Major General, Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions in thirty two (32) copies on the above appointment to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 551-7532, 831-0893, 831-1824, 8342706, 831-1566 and 834-2713.

10 December 2018.

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary (MS-DEC. 11, 2018)

* This announcement should have been published on D e c e m b e r 11, 2 018 . O u r a p o l o g i e s .

Imee urges gov’t to increase ethanol blend in fuel

By Rey E. Requejo ILOCOS Norte Gov. Imee Marcos has called on government to increase the country’s ethanol blend to keep fuel prices low amid the looming implementation of the second tranche of excise tax on fuel under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Marcos, who is running for senator in the 2019 midterm elections, said increasing the country’s ethanol blend from 10 percent to 20 percent will result in lower gasoline prices by as much as P5 per liter.

“Given that ethanol is presently

cheaper than gasoline, increasing the ethanol blend will result in cheaper ethanol-blended gasoline. Better still, this can be done without the need for additional legislation,” she added.

Marcos said the price of ethanol is lower than the price of gasoline prior to ethanol blending by at least P20 per liter. Imported ethanol is likewise cheaper than domestic ethanol by approximately P20 per liter.

At present, ethanol is used for blending is 55 percent imported, which means the domestic industry can only support 45 percent of overall ethanol demand.

Poe ‘ecstatic’ over the signing of First 1,000 Days Law

ALTERNATIVE NOISEMAKERS.

2018 Miss Philippines Earth, Air, Fire winners, DOH, BFP, PNP officials and students from Jose Rizal Elementary School in Tondo Manila show off alternative noisemakers in an event initiated by the EcoWaste Coalition to rally the young children and their families to welcome the New Year in safe and non-toxic way without firecrackers. Norman Cruz

Binay said PH in grave danger if Paolo Du30 intel is true

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Nancy Binay said on Tuesday that the Philippines is already in great danger if Jollibee, McDonald's and the “mutants” are already part of a destabilization plot against the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“If the ethanol blend is increased from 10 percent to 20 percent, then the key implication is that the domestic industry can only support less than 25 percent of the resulting ethanol demand, thus pushing the importation level to 75 percent even without amending or repealing the biofuel law. A shift to E20 would lower overall cost by almost P5.00,” Marcos said.

Marcos likewise renewed her call for the suspension of the expanded value added tax on basic commodities, including fuel and electricity, for a year to ease inflationary pressures.

Binay said she also pity the intelligence agency that gave the intel report to resigned Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte.

“I believe we should help them to improve the level of intel capabilities,” said Binay in a statement.

If Jollibee, McDonald’s and the mutants

are already part of a destabilization plot she warned that this should be a cause for alarm because it means that the country is already in “grave danger.”

According to Binay, she will ask fellow senators to increase the budget given to state spy agencies to reduce their handicap on intelligence gathering.

SENATOR Grace Poe was very happy to see her pet legislation—the First 1000 Days, finally became a law which seeks to scale up nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life.

Also known as the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, Republic Act 11148 was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on November 29.

The senator said that RA 11148 will provide proper maternal and child health care to prevent stunted growth of children.

“Sa wakas, batas na ang ating pet legislation, ang First 1000 Days! Para ito sa lahat ng ina at bata, ngayon at sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Thank you, Lord, at sa lahat ng nakipagtulungan para matupad ang pangarap nating ito para sa ating mga kababaihan at kabataan,” said Poe in her official Facebook page.

Under the First 1,000 Days Law, the government is mandated to prioritize the nutrition of pre-pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, infants and young children.

It will also provide a comprehensive strategy to address health and nutrition of children and institutionalize and scale up investment plans for health and nutrition in the regional and local development units. Macon Ramos-Araneta

A4

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Amnesty for a P1.5-billion tax case ment has been investigating top officers of Lotte Chilsung for tax evasion and some other serious charges.

It may just be strange coincidence but the parallelism concerning the troubles of Pepsi Cola in the Philippines and in South Korea is rather striking.

LAST month, the Senate and the House In October 2016, for instance, Lotte of Representatives passed a tax amnesty Chairman Shin Dong-bin and several relameasure that could become a law in time tives were indicted among others for alfor the tax filing period in April next year. leged tax evasion amounting to $76 million.

The measure aims to grant general am- Based on the December 2017 exchange rate nesty to those with unpaid internal revenue of P52.70, this comes up to a whopping P4 taxes for 2017 and previous years. It also billion plus. includes estate taxes, tax delinquencies and Prosecutors also interrogated Shin’s certain cases of tax evasion.

95-year-old father and Lotte founder Shin My gulay, there are certain misgivings Kyuk ho on suspicion of evading up to on how the amnesty would treat cases that P600 billion Korean won in taxes through are currently in litigation or for where for- questionable transfers of assets to his wife mal complaints have been filed. and his daughter.

Last Nov. 26, for instance, the Manila Although acquitted in December 2017 Standard carried a news item about alleg- on the tax evasion case, the father was senedly unpaid taxes of almost P1.5 billion that tenced to four years on embezzlement and the Bureau of Internal Revenue had been breach of trust. He however was allowed trying to collect from to remain free due to poor health and Pepsi Cola Philipadvanced age. The pines since 2015. son got a 20-month The BIR assessed Pepsi for unpaid prison term—but If the case of Pepsi taxes from July 2009 the sentence was to December 2010, is included, will this suspended for two totaling more than also mean the same for years.

P1.498 million. This In February this Maria Ressa? includes deficiencies year, another Seoul in income tax, withcourt sentenced holding tax on comthe Lotte chairman to three months pensation, valueimprisonment on added tax, expanded withholding tax and documentary stamp charges of bribery for giving $6.5 million tax. to a friend and adviser of then South KoBut Pepsi ran to the Court of Tax Ap- rean President Park Geun-hye in exchange peals for succor. It filed a petition for re- for favors. view claiming that the assessments were Last month, a Korean appeals court upnull and void for having been issued be- held the sentence. yond the three-year period allowed by law.

It may be pure speculation, but some are It also contended that the assessments had wondering whether the tax issues involvno factual and legal basis. The tax court is ing Lotte’s top officials are somehow constill hearing the case. nected to the tax problems of the local firm.

The amnesty law is supposed to cover In this regard, perhaps we can also ask cases in 2017 and prior years. So will this if the alleged tax offenses of Rappler CEO include Pepsi’s alleged tax deficiencies in Maria Ressa would be included in the am2009 and 2010? If yes, how much does the nesty.

BIR hope to recover from Pepsi’s purported *** tax deficiency?

If you look at history during the SpanPepsi Cola is a multi-brand manufacturer ish colonial days, you would see that the of softdrinks, beverages, juices and energy Spaniards did not also like the Chinese. drinks. It is co-owned by Lotte Chisung, They discriminated against them. The reaone of the biggest beverage firms in South son was that Chinese businessmen had corKorea and a Pepsi bottler in that country. nered retail businesses.

It is the biggest single stockholder of Pepsi This drove the Spaniards to round off Philippines, which used to be controlled by all the Chinese in Manila to confine them the Lorenzo family. at the Parian Gate at Intramuros. Soon Turn to A5 Obviously, the South Korean govern-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

“I

A cautionary tale CAN’T breathe.”

These were the final words uttered

by Washington Post jounalist Jamal Khashoggi after he was set upon by a Saudi Arabian hit squad inside the country’s consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, 2018, reports now say.

The gruesome details of Khashoggi’s murder surfaced after a transcript of an audio recording of his painful last moments was released by Turkish intelligence. A source briefed on the investigation who read the transcript of the audio recording and talked to CNN said Khashoggi almost immediately realized that all was not well when he recognized a former Saudi diplomat and intelligence official working for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He asks the man what he is doing there.

“You are coming back,” the man says.

“You can’t do that,” Khashoggi replies. “People are waiting outside.”

Without any further dialogue, the source said, the transcript indicates that several people set upon Khashoggi.

Noises follow, and very quickly Khashoggi is fighting for air.

As the transcript continues, it is clear Khashoggi is not yet dead.

The transcript notes the noises that can be heard on the tape..

“Scream.”

“Scream.”

“Gasping.”

After uttering his last words, Khashoggi falls silent. Then, the transcript notes the sounds of Khashoggi’s body being dismembered by a saw.

“Saw.” “Cutting.”

The perpetrators are then advised to listen to music to block out the sound.

The transcript indicates that a series of phone calls are then made, suggesting a senior official in Riyadh was being briefed on the progress.

The latest revelations seem to dovetail with the CIA conclusion that the crown prince had personally ordered

Khashoggi, who has been critical of him, killed. They also seem to contradict the official Saudi line that the murder was a rogue operation gone wrong.

To a less extreme extent, the Duterte administration has also exhibited an unhealthy tendency to silence its critics, whether they be the political opposition, journalists that are critical of President Duterte, or “troublesome” 71-year-old nuns who are too outspoken for their own good. The notion that a healthy debate allows the best ideas to surface and is essential to democracy does not seem to figure in the current political equation.

Tying up the political opposition and critical news organizations in lawsuits seem to be de rigueur these days, while deportation seems rather effective against missionaries and other foreign critics.

As for the pesky Catholic bishops, the President made clear that he believes they should be killed because these “fools are good for nothing” except criticizing the government. Will he provide a saw as well, we wonder.

A world in turmoil

EUROPE with two of its leading countries—France and Great Britain—is in turmoil.

Paris, the city of lights, has been darkened and rocked by massive street protests not seen since the turbulence of 1968.

French President Emmanuel Macron who is only on the first year and a half of his term is facing calls to resign by demonstrators protesting the tax hike on fuel.

French police are fighting the violence by firing teargas into the rowdy crowd who defied truncheons and sporadic gunfire.

Macron was to talk to labor unions, student groups and other leaders at the forefront of these protests which could bring down the government.

In Britain, Prime Minister Teresa May is also facing a challenge to her leadership on the issue of Britain’s exit from the European Union. A vote by Parliament on the issue has been delayed and MPs opposing Brexit and the Prime Minister have grown in number and making May’s own political future uncertain.

It has begun to appear that Brexit poses serious hardships for the Brits. They cannot avail of the EU benefits without paying for them. This includes British security under the mantle of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Entry of British products into the EU market including Ireland will be met with stiff tariff barriers.

There is also the prospect of Scotland which is part of the United Kingdom disengaging from the UK. The Brexit fever has also caught up in Italy where the Italians are grappling with the budget and encountering financial issues with the Brusselsbased EU. Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump’s legal problems has reached a level where critics and the Democrats are using the “I” word for the first time. Talk of impeachment and possible jail time are now circulating in the US capital. Washington is abuzz after former Attorney General

Robert Mueller and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey issued statements that Trump and his campaign team associates lied about Russia’s role in the 2016 political campaign by providing derogatory information on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Trump is also under fire for being soft on Middle East ally Saudi Arabia which is being condemned worldwide for the killing of critic journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Adding to Trump’s mounting problems is the revolving door turnover of his appointed officials with very few takers for their replacement.

Democrats and Trump critics are now using the ‘I’ word.

Trump’s America First policy has also dragged the US into an undeclared trade war with a rising China which some global analysts fear could lead to a military confrontation. The flashpoint in this looming clash between the two military powers is the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea which the US is trying to protect from the aggressive Chinese which is militarizing the area.

The US also has its hands full dealing with the nuclear weapon ambitions of Iran and North Korea. Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un but the latter’s pledge to dismantle his missile and nuclear arsenal appear to be just an empty promise.

Satellite surveillance showed that Pyongyang is hiding these weapons from inspection by the UN monitoring agency.

In eastern Europe, there is a crisis in the Crimean peninsula where Russia detained a Ukrainian ship and its men after a clash off Stavasnopol, the strategic naval base taken over by the Russians. Moscow has warned Kiev that an all-out war could erupt Turn to A5

RSA and SMC SAN Miguel Corp.’s strategy is to help people enjoy and make progress in their lives through the many products and services San Miguel offers.

In brief, San Miguel aims to make the world better. “We are enabling people by investing in industries that will make the biggest difference in their lives,” says its website.

Ramon S. Ang is vice chairman, president and chief operating officer of SMC. At the helm since 2002, he has drastically recast San Miguel’s mission and vision to create a greater impact on the lives of Filipinos, in particular, and on the future of the Philippines in general.

Before 2002, RSA was chief adviser to Danding Cojuangco, the SMC chairman and CEO. “Our new vision very clearly reflects how we see ourselves in the context of our coun-

try’s development,” SMC Chief Financial Officer Ferdinand Constantino pointed out at the annual stockholders meeting on June 14, 2018. “It puts emphasis on us having a strong sense of social, environmental, and economic responsibility, and declares our commitment to deliver on our nation’s goals,” he said.

FKC elaborated: • Within the next three years, complete the largest capacity expansion in the history of our food and beverage businesses, to meet growing demand for our products and maintain cost affordability.

• Construct a new brewery in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao.

• Expand the capacity of our bottling plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

• Put up additional breweries in Luzon, where demand is growing.

• Build a total of 17 facilities for our food business.

In 2018, SMC completed and inaugurated its new hotdog manufacturing facility in Cavite, effectively doubling capacity.

SMC also completed a feedmill in Marive-

les, Bataan, and is completing another one in Bulacan province.

“This expansion seeks to address the rising demand by consumers of quality products at affordable prices. At the same time, such expansion will provide thousands of new jobs and spark growth in local economies in various regions nationwide,” gushed CFO Constantino.

He added: “The impact of this unprecedented expansion of our food and beverage businesses becomes even more compelling in light of our decision to consolidate San Miguel Brewery, San Miguel Pure Foods, and Ginebra San Miguel, into one powerhouse company: San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. “We are the biggest consumer company in the Philippines. By doing this, we will be able to extract significant synergies and use their combined strengths to great advantage,” Constantino said.

San Miguel Foods and Beverage Inc. did an IPO in a bearish 2018 market. It quickly became the darling of the market. SMFB became more valuable than the mother company, SMC. Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

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

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

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

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

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

Disruptions

We are not alone CROSSROADS JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ THOSE who have been haranguing the Duterte administration for the country’s slower-than-earlier-predicted growth rate of just above 6 percent for 2018 which has somehow affected the consumer and business outlook in the fourth quarter should probably calm down and start counting our blessings.

We are not alone. As a matter of fact, we may be one of a dozen or so countries in the Asia-Pacific region, actually make that globally, which will register such growth rate this year in the midst of a highly volatile economic environment.

In the Asean, for example, only Vietnam will probably register a similar if not only a slightly higher growth rate than the Philippines. The rest will most probably be stuck within the 2-5 percent bandwidth, if at all. The two fastest growing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, possibly the world, and the most populous as well (whew) —China and India—are expected to slow down to the 6-6.5 percent levels after registering higher growth rates for the fast five years or so.

In the case of China, this will be the third year it did not register a double-digit growth rate in the last decade. Which is expected given the uncertainties related to its ongoing “trade war” with the United States initiated by the Trump administration in the runup to the that country’s just-concluded midterm elections.

That huge break in otherwise cozy USChina trade relations, however, has somehow eased and is expected to remain so at least within the first quarter of the coming year after Presidents Trump and Xi Jiping

had a “good conversation” at the recent G-20 Summit in Buenos Aires, the threat of a big, this time irreparable, break which can really bring the global markets to a huge tailspin remains. Already, China’s manufacturing output has registered a slowdown.

Its imports of iron ore, one of the critical indicators of the state of its economy, has also fallen for the second month in a row.

Reports indicate that iron ore imports were down 2.4 percent in November. For the past 11 months the iron ore imports of the world’s leading steel manufacturer (iron ore

Calm down and count your blessings.

is a key input in steel production) was down slightly from 991 million tons last year to only 971 million tons this year.

India’s economy is in similar straits.

Manufacturing is down, consumer spending is also slowing down. The trade in gold which is a key indicator of the health of the Indian economy has reportedly slowed down as well. Even the much-awaited construction boom announced early this year

by Prime Minister Modi has not materialized as promised.

Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, is also in the same situation. Latest data culled from the otherwise buoyant manufacturing sector have been less than sunny.

Business confidence of the big manufacturers showed that confidence of a sustained economic recovery after years of deflation is ebbing. A Reuters report that uncertain-

ties fueled by the yet-to-be-resolved USChina trade war has fueled pessimism on the outlook for growth in the global economy. The Reuters report indicated that business confidence is seen worsening in the coming quarter amidst a fall in household spending and a drop in real wages adding to concerns about the strength of the Japanese economy. Worse, there are now rumors of another round of devastating deflation which has hounded Japan for years and which has produced a bevy of short lived governments in the process.

So, it’s not as if reports about Philippine companies being less optimistic with regard to expansion and hiring of new workers for the first quarter of 2019 is confined and limited and, worse, a failing of the Duterte administration. It is a global phenomenon and even if the factors may differ from one country to the other, there is every reason to believe that everybody is somehow caught up in a growing business pessimism amid a turbulent environment worldwide. Even the continued decline in the price of crude oil, although most welcome, remains a supposition which has yet to translate into a higher level of confidence. That said, it behooves on those who continue to ascribe to the administration the gloom that is setting to start rethinking their spiels.

Things may not be as bright as we would like it to be but it is not as gloomy as these guys are hoping it should be. While we are navigating through these tricky times it is not wise or even proper to start contributing to the gloom by spreading fear and wishing the country an even worse 2019. The public is not easy to be taken by such gestures and will remember those who have nothing but negative things to say at a time when all of us should come around and do the best we all can to ensure that we don’t suffer the fate of those in other countries who have gone through worse times

EVERYMAN

Coal in, activists (kept) out at Katowice climate talks

By Beatrice Tulagan ALL progress made during the first week of climate negotiations in Katowice, Poland was overshadowed by the deportation of at least 12 civil society representatives and the no-holds-barred promotion of the coal industry at the official conference venue.

This seems not only ironic and distasteful but a violation of the principles of climate justice, human rights and transparency for a conference supposedly bringing the world together to further climate action.

Hours before the climate march, a peaceful non-violent action organized by civil society representatives, organizations like 350.org received disturbing messages from colleagues informing them of being held by authorities at the airport. “People are detained for long periods in ill-fitted rooms, searched and interrogated. Then they are deported,” says Svitlana Romanko, regional coordinator of 350 in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia.

The representatives, deemed as “threats to national security,” are now safe and demanding accountability from both Polish leaders, as host of the COP, and world leaders, as they supposedly also represent interests of non-party stakeholders, such as observer organizations.

Nugzar Kokhreidze, whose passport was taken away at passport control upon his arrival at the Katowice International Airport last week, says that one of the key values of the UN democratic process is participation. “Climate change is a challenge for all.

That’s why participation of all sectors into the negotiation process is important and must be provided by the UN and the country where the conferences happen.” As of this writing, Kokhreidze is still at the Ka-

A world...

From A4 if Ukraine does not desist from its aggressive moves in the area.

Stavasnopol is vital to the Russian fleet in

RSA...

From A4 SMFB’s market cap reached P496.37 billion, compared with SMC’s market cap of P404.11 billion. SMFB is the largest and most diversified food company in the Philippines.

San Miguel has invested $10 billion to modernize Petron Corp., the Philippines’ biggest petroleum refining and marketing company.

It has a significant presence in Malaysia, with more than 600 retail stations. In the Philippines, it has more than 3,000 retail stations.

San Miguel’s power generating capacity reached 4,293 megawatts.

SMC is completing its 89.2-km TarlacPangasinan-La Union Expressway is nearly complete. It plans to extend TPLEX to be near Baguio.

Its 14.82-km Skyway Stage 3 (from Makati to Balintawak, connecting the South and North Expressways), 22-km MRT-7 (from Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan), Boracay Airport expansion, and Bulacan Bulk Water Supply projects, are all on track.

towice airport, demanding an explanation from the Polish government on why he is deemed a threat to safety.

Maria Kolesnikova, on the other hand, was stopped at Warsaw International Airport and told the official reason for this was also public safety. She was pressured to sign a document in Polish and threatened that refusing would mean a permanent mark in her visa history. “If the world stays silent and doesn’t condemn Polish authorities, it can

This is irresponsible and absurd.

definitely embolden future host countries to do the same with activists,” she said.

Meanwhile, aside from being allowed to bankroll the negotiations through corporate sponsorships, the coal industry was allowed to figure prominently in the conference exhibit areas. The official booth of the city of Katowice displayed coal behind glass panes as well as other materials made from coal, such as earrings and soap bars.

Representatives of United States President Donald Trump himself also made a presentation about the benefits of coal, natural gas and nuclear power. As icing on the cake, it was also extremely disappointing to hear how the US, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Russia, furthered their antiscience agenda by blocking nearly 200 nations in “welcoming” the IPCC 1.5 report— the Black Sea. It can be likened to the importance of Subic Bay to the United States Seventh Fleet in Asia and the Pacific. Subic with its natural cove protects US warships from turbulent typhoons that often visit the Philippines.

Observers view the departure of the Its newest infrastructure projects—the 58.09-km South East Metro Manila Expressway, or Skyway 4 (from FTI to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan); and the 56.86-km SLEXTR4 (from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena) are in the early stages of development.

San Miguel is also modernizing the 52-ha.

Manila North Harbor.

An absolute game changer is San Miguel’s plan to build a $15-billion brand new airport on 2,500 hectares in Bulacan, 17 minutes by Skyway from Manila. It will have four runways with plans for another two later; passenger terminals to serve 100 million, scalable to 200 million. It will also have a modern air cargo complex.

San Miguel is more than a manufacturing.

It is an even bigger infrastructure company.

Its infra portfolio is the largest in the country.

With 24 percent of the company, RSA increased the value of his holdings from $748 million in 2016 to $1.79 billion this November, a huge $1.042 billion or 139-percent jump.

Add the value of RSA’s 87 percent ownership of newly listed Eagle Cement Corp. (which had market capitalization P75 billion), and RSA is easily worth $3 billion, making

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

which highlights the urgency of the climate crisis by concluding we have more or less 12 years to keep warming at 1.5—by suggesting the conference merely take “note” of its conclusions.

How all this wasn’t termed a threat to national security, considering the wealth of scientific literature confirming the fossil fuel industry’s contributions not just to climate change but to the decline of health in surrounding communities, remains a question.

As the greatest challenge of our generation, it will take bold ideas and bottomup organizing amplified by political will to shape the future in the era of climate change. The solutions involve everyone and not just those with resources to spring for side events or conference exhibits. Indeed, there is no one way to go about solving this crisis—but it is clear what we must not do. Intimidating and silencing activists and rubbing elbows with the industry responsible for the loss of lives and livelihoods of thousands every year is the height of regression, and we simply must do better.

Hijacking the negotiations to put one industry or one country’s interests before the world’s is irresponsible and absurd considering climate change is a global problem that requires a global approach. The full participation of civil society as observers who keep our leaders in check in these multilateral processes is as much of a nonnegotiable as shunning those who put power and profit before a just, sustainable world.

Beatrice Tulagan is the founder of media non-profit Climate Stories. She is also the East Asia Regional Field Organizer of 350. org.

Americans from Subic and Clark Air base to have emboldened China to pursue its aggressive moves in Southeast Asia. At stake under the South China Sea is the vast potential of oil, gas and mineral resources China needs to replace the US as the bigger superpower.

him the seventh richest Filipino.

Tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. recruited RSA to SMC in January 1999. The con-

JUST as Christmas is a few days away, and the bells of Balangiga have arrived and will soon toll in historic Samar as it presages Simbang Gabi throughout the nation, several disruptions are happening, not only in the country, but around the world.

In Britain, the Brexit debate which should have gone to a vote yesterday in parliament was tactically withdrawn by Theresa May, as it faced defeat. It puts the Conservative government in a bind.

Having spent months and months of crossing the English Channel to the various capitals of Europe and to Brussels to forge a “smooth” disengagement from the EU, May now finds her efforts going, going, and unless she and the Tories still behind her can help it, gone.

Brussels has staunchly declared that it will not renegotiate a new deal, but Labor and many in the British Parliament are adamant in questioning the terms of the exit deal.

Brexit was a disruption that shook Europe and the world when it narrowly won in a referendum on June 2016. Two and a half years after, the terms of disengaging the British economy from the European Union are facing rejection by her peers.

If Theresa May’s delaying tactic does not work in her favor, the disruption that Brexit was would be discombobulating for her, her government, the British pound and the economy. *** Across the Channel, Emmanuel Macron, just a year and a half ago the acclaimed poster boy of European strength as he triumphed from left field in a historic French election, finds his economic reforms disrupted by a leaderless cri de coeur from disenchanted people wearing Gilets Jaune (yellow vests).

The violent protests in the French capital and elsewhere against increased fuel taxes has forced Macron to retreat from his former hardline stance in favor of reforming the economy of a country that has been used to the perks of a quasi-socialist populism.

Whether the Gilets Jaune movement could discombobulate the French president who styles himself as a modern-day Napoleon but has suffered an awesome drop in popularity within a year of his political ascendancy remains to be seen. *** Across the Atlantic, the irascible Donald Trump is facing more and more challenges to his leadership.

His stance vis-à-vis the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince who is clearly involved in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey has caused rebellion within the Republican Party itself. With his thin victory in the Senate in the last elections, and the Democratic Party’s reclaim of the House of Representatives, the crisis bodes ill for his stay in power.

Amnesty...

From A4

enough, the Chinese captives were sent to Laguna where they were massacred.

The Sinophobia persisted.

Many Filipinos became envious of the prosperity of the Chinese. The discrimination continued for decades such that the Chinese were confined to the Binondo District.

Still the Chinese prospered, because of their hard work, patience and perseverance.

Compared to the Chinese, we Filipinos are generally lazy. We also like saying “bahala na.” For them, however, there is no substitute for hard work. Soon enough, they were able to send their children to Ivy League schools in the US. Now these Chinese families are billionaires.

Don Albino Sycip, the father of Washington Sycip, who was then chairman

glomerate had lost its moorings. In 2002, RSA took active and aggressive management of SMC as its vice chairman, president and chief operating officer. Cojuangco told him to manage the behemoth as he deemed best.

“Ramon was a diamond in the raw,” says Danding with evident pride of his prized catch. The CEO says now he could not have found a better man to manage the company.

And the rest is history.

More seriously, the Russian connection during his quest for the White House which has implicated more than a dozen of his closest aides and tacticians is closing in, as Robert Mueller peels off one confession after another, one revelation after another.

It has become so bad for Trump, despite his much-touted early successes on turning around the American economy, that he has had a difficult time looking for a replacement for the White House Chief of Staff.

No president has experienced the embarrassment of offering such a high and sensitive position to many yet be politely refused. It is a clear sign that the American president is increasingly getting isolated.

Just yesterday, 44 former senators of the Union wrote a letter to the Washington Post warning about the crisis of the time, and appealed to present senators to always stand for the Constitution and for country, as if expecting an impeachment trial would soon reach the Senate.

These are interesting times, indeed.

Disruptive from the start, which could have been a good thing for a lethargic American economy, Trump is finding himself politically discombobulated instead. *** And across the Pacific Ocean, here at home, approval of the budget is being disrupted by the discovery of not interstices, but slabs and slabs of pork hidden in “favored” districts of the lower House. Not a few millions here and there, but billions in a few districts.

The perennial nemesis of pork, Senator Panfilo Lacson, is gung-ho about uncovering the sleight-of-hand that some congressmen were able to insert into the general appropriations bill that the President wants the Senate to pass, pronto. Else we are saddled by a reenacted budget that could create mayhem to the government’s spending priorities for 2019.

But Lacson is not one who would relent from disruption, because this has been his career-long crusade, and in a government that vows to stop corruption, his disruption ought to be for good.

But it could also be politically discombobulating. Not that Lacson would mind that at all. *** Disruption is good, if through it, change for the better happens. But when it discombobulates May, or Macron, or Trump, or our Congress, it can devastate political careers.

How the disruptors and the disrupted comport themselves amid these challenges will determine whether they would fall, or wither, or rise to greater heights.

Interesting times, these.

of China Bank, was my good friend. He would tell me stories about the Chinese and why they prospered. There was an unwritten code that Chinese should help each other in times of need.

Another friend, the lawyer Leonardo Siguion Reyna, told me that when he was counsel of a big Chinese bank he had to quit as member of the executive committee that approved loans. The committee said yes to loans without collaterals in violation of central bank rules and regulations.

I am not at all surprised why descendants of Chinese immigrants now control the economy. *** If there is one thing newspapers can do to stop widening the gap between the rich and the poor, it is to stop the display of conspicuous consumption.

Society pages contain almost the same people getting together for some fancy celebration. www.emiljurado.weebly.com Ramon Ang has transformed San Miguel in ways no one could have imagined or have done better. No Philippine company or conglomerate has transformed itself so dramatically and radically in the last decade as has San Miguel.

Even while growing and strengthening its traditional core businesses like beer, foods, and packaging, SMC went into petroleum refining and marketing, power generation, infrastructure, airports, mining, mass transit, and airline.

RSA disrupted the business of utilities, power generation, and infrastructure. SMC moved into these businesses far ahead of the others.

The sea change was so revolutionary and seamlessly successful it changed or disrupted the way business is done in the Philippines and in the region. It also gave San Miguel size, scale and sustainability that will make it extremely difficult for its rivals to catch up.

Between 1998 and 2017, the impact of San Miguel’s acquisitions and investments was spectacular. biznewsasia@gmail.com

News

A6

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Drilon urges restoration of DOH budget

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

MEDIA DARLING. Committee on Accounts Chairperson and Tingog 1st Nominee, Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (7th from left) joins the House media Tuesday in blowing the cake’s candle during the month of November and December birthday celebrators at the Social Hall of Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s office at the House of Representatives. Ver Noveno

Swift approval of 2019 budget for VP office at plenary THE Senate has approved a higher budget for the Office of the Vice President, reinstating some P100 million to help in its work against poverty.

The upper chamber swiftly gave its nod to the P547.6-million allocation for the OVP., Robredo’s office said in a press statement.

This was in response to Vice President Leni Robredo’s appeal for the 2019 budget to meet the P543-million allocation that her office worked with in 2018, which was able to fund projects for several communities through the Angat Buhay program.

Robredo herself was present during the hearing on Monday, Dec. 10, when the budget was approved in less than a minute.

The Department of Budget and Management recommended a budget of P447.68 million for the OVP in 2019, slashing about P100 million from the office’s allocation for the incoming year.

This proposed amount was considered before Congress, and was approved by the House of Representatives.

However, members of the Senate, led

by Finance committee chairman Loren Legarda, agreed to restore the higher amount.

While Angat Buhay counts primarily on the help of the private sector, the Vice President has underscored that the current budget that the office is working with has been a “great help” to the local governments and communities that the program is assisting.

US-listed firm to hire 100,000 PH teachers

By Jimbo Gulle

F

ILIPINOS who can teach English online, especially to Chinese children, will be in demand very soon. This, after US-listed firm 51Talk announced Tuesday it wanted to hire 100,000 Filipino teachers of English over the next five years, and planned to build 20 teacher training bases in the country over the next five to 10 years.

Saying it wanted to “enhance the friendship” between the Philippines and China, the online education group presented its plans for cooperation with the PH government, academe, and the business community over the short term in a press conference in Taguig City.

With the theme “Road to 100k Online Filipino Teachers,” the presscon also presented 51Talk’s current status and development in the Philippines, and its future strategic planning to core mainstream media from the Philippines and China.

The firm—whose name is pronounced “five-one talk” and not “fifty-one talk”— also discussed its plans on spurring and supporting the development of the English as a Second Language industry in the Philippines through in-depth alliances and cooperation with local stakeholders.

About 16,000 Filipinos already work as English teachers for 51Talk, but the firm said in a statement it “aims to jointly promote the Filipino teachers’ influence in China. It also hopes to make Filipino foreign teachers a new trademark of the internationalization of the Philippines.”

Crucially, Chinese children tend to get along well with Filipino teachers, whom they often see as easygoing and passionate, 51Talk said.

It also helps that Filipino English teachers and Chinese children share some cultur-

al common ground and the same time zone, making online classes more comfortable and convenient to schedule, it added.

According to Jack Huang, the founder and CEO of 51Talk, there is a strong demand for online English lessons for children and teenagers in China, since the household investment in education and English requirements for students have been on the rise.

Based on its experience working with Filipino teachers, 51Talk said the Philippines ranked among the best English-speaking countries in Asia.

“The Philippines has maintained its top two ranking in the IELTS English test in Asia over the years. It has also been rated as the country with the highest level of business English in the world,” the firm said in a statement.

Given all that, 51Talk has deployed a leading curriculum development team in the Philippines to provide a quality learning experience to Chinese children.

Those who are hired undergo training in these centers before embarking as homebased teachers.

Applicants should have a college degree and can speak English well, and should have the capability to do home-based teaching by having a reliable Internet connection and a good computer setup.

51Talk’s Philippines lead Sue Ting ob-

served that the company has been cultivating its operations in the country for seven years, building up seven centers in Manila, Davao, and other places and employing a team of 1,000 people. Its selection processes are stringent, however, ultimately passing only the top 3 percent of Filipino teachers.

Now, 51Talk employs over 16,000 Filipino teachers in total, and 10 million registered learners taking 3 million one-on-one classes every month.

51Talk touts itself as a leading brand of online English education with the greatest number of foreign English teachers from the Philippines.

Established in China seven years ago, 51Talk began its Philippine operations in 2012, and now provides lessons to more than 10 million learners in China.

A report from Chinese Academy of Social Sciences shows that China has a large English consumer group of 300 million people. The English training market in China is as large as 500 billion yuan ($72 billion).

The number of online English learners has reached 19.689 million in China, but vacancies for online foreign teachers has exceeded 500,000, the firm said.

51Talk was established in 2011 and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in June 2016 with COE as its stock code. It is currently the No.1 brand for online English education in China and is the first Chinese online education company listed in the United States.

51Talk is headquartered in Beijing and has branches in seven cities: Shanghai, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Jinan, and Suzhou in China, and Manila, Baguio, and Davao in the Philippines. At present, the company has over 4,000 employees worldwide.

Leyte project to mitigate floods

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Public Works and Highways will construct the P2-billion Tacloban-Palo Diversion Road Project aimed at mitigating flooding during heavy rains and decongesting traffic in Tacloban City and Palo in Leyte.

Tacloban City and Palo were among the areas in the Visayas severely devastated by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” as floods inundated most part of the province.

Public Works Director Nerie Bueno said the proposed 2.87-kiometer, four-lane road would start from San Jose-Candahug Road in Tacloban City to Maharlika Highway in Barangay Campetic, Palo, Leyte, and would travel along the village of Pawing.

The project is designed to decongest vehicular traffic at Maharlika Highway and alleviate flooding problem in the area, he said.

“We hope to commence the road project soon as it is among our priority projects that will serve as an alternate route to relieve traffic congestion at the Junction of Maharlika Highway, Tacloban-Baybay South Road, and Government Center Road,” Bueno said.

He said the project would also protect lives and properties of residents living in flood-prone barangays of Palo and Tacloban City with its flood-control component composed of a 6-meter wide drainage and a double barrel cross drainage in every 50 meters.

“Bigger drainage will mitigate flooding in the Barangays of Candahug, Pawing, and Campetic in Palo, Leyte; and Barangays Caibaan, San Jose, Marasbaras, Manlurip, as well as V&G Subdivision and Imelda Subdivision in Tacloban City which normally turn into swamp lands during rainy and typhoon season and take weeks for floodwaters to subside,” he said.

FIRE DEBRIS. Ruins of a plastic factory gutted down Tuesday by fire in Barangay Rincon in Valenzuela City. No initial estimates of damage were available immediately.

Andrew Rabulan

Duterte approves promotion of SPD’s Cruz to chief supt rank

By Joel E. Zurbano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has approved the recommendation to promote Southern Police District director Senior Supt. Eliseo Cruz to the next police rank of chief superintendent.

Metro Manila police chief Guillermo Eleazar said Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año received the signed document from Malacañang promoting Cruz to a one-star general rank last Monday.

Last September, then SPD district director Chief Supt. Tomas Apolinario Jr. turned over to Cruz the SPD leadership.

Apolinario’s transfer to Southern Tagalog Region 4-B came after Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde approved the recommendations of the PNP Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board to

give new assignments to some key officers.

The movement, according to the PNP, was part of its “continuing commitment to ensure that we put the right people on the right job.”

Cruz also served as commander of the Cabanatuan City police force before he was assigned to the Northern Police District as deputy district director for administration.

Under his watch, the Cabanatuan Police station received the following awards: Best City Police Station in Police Community Relations in Region 3 for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; Most Citizen-Friendly Police Station for year 2008; Country’s Outstanding Policeman in-Service (COPS) in 2009, with the award presented by then President and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The city’s police station also received the awards for Best City Police Station in Central Luzon Region in 2008 and 2011.

SENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has urged the Senate Finance Committee to restore at least P16.8 billion out of the P28 billion that had been cut from the Department of Health’s budget.

During his interpellation on the P79billion budget of the Health department on Monday, Drilon lamented how an agency that is at the forefront of the government’s social protection program would have its budget slashed by about P28 billion.

The large cut in the budget, around P16.8 billion, largely affects the Health Facilities Enhancement Program, Drilon said.

Drilon said if the budget cut was not restored, several health facilities which have either been wholly or partially completed would remain unutilized to the detriment of the poor and the vulnerable.

He cited, for instance, that there are 900 health facilities with 100 percent completed infrastructure and existing human resource but need equipment for licensing and/or PhilHealth accreditation.

The budget for which, amounting P7.4 billion, however, was part of the P16.8 billion that was cut from the DOH’s budget.

There are also 328 health facilities, which are at least 80 to 90 percent complete, but are in danger of being left unfinished due to the budget cut.

“This will have very adverse effects on our health program. Maraming matetenggang rural health units at district hospitals,” said Drilon, emphasizing the budget that was slashed is supposed to fund the health infrastructure requirement for Universal Health Care.

“These funds are necessary in order to enable the health facilities to deliver better services,” he added.

Drilon said the move was not consistent with the President’s budget message where he vowed to increase investment on social protection.

“We have taken the position that the massive cuts in the population related positions, including the Department of Health, National Housing Authority, are not consistent with the President’s budget message,” he added.

58 share P3.4-b Lotto jackpots PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Alexander Balutan reported on Tuesday that Lotto had produced 58 millionaires who shared P3,424,842,197 jackpot prize in just 10 months.

Of the 58, 21 millionaires came from Lotto 6/42 who shared P445,081,546; 15 from Mega Lotto 6/45 who shared P502,811,651; nine from Super Lotto 6/49 who shared P519,383,205; eight from Grand Lotto 6/55 who shared P395,471,823; and five from Ultra Lotto 6/58 who shared P1,562,093,972, he said in a press statement.

“The accumulated sales of the agency for Lotto alone is P17,039,845,780.

Napakalaking tulong ito sa ating Charity Fund. Kaya I encourage everyone to continue patronizing our products,” said Balutan.

PCSO charter mandates that 55 percent of its revenues should be allocated for prizes, 15 percent for operational expenses, and 30 percent for its charity fund.

Meanwhile, PCSO reiterated the clarification that ‘peryahan ng bayan’ is illegal, adding “Don’t be deceived. Don’t be duped.”

Balutan made the warning regarding the continued illegal operations of the “peryahan ng bayan” by Globaltech Mobile Online Corp.

Balutan stood firm that the peryahan was no longer recognized or authorized by PCSO and thus it was operating illegally.

“We respect the resolution of the Department of Justice on the case filed by the National Bureau of Investigation against the arrested tellers of Globaltech, but we have stood our ground that the peryahan being operated by Globaltech is illegal. It’s a front of illegal numbers game jueteng,” Balutan said.

BoL last chance to peace, says Murad COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BoL), which Congress passed in July, provides the last opportunity to achieve lasting peace in Muslim Mindanao, Hadji Murad Ibramim, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said.

He was addressing thousands of residents and peace supporters gathered in a huge assembly here on Monday.

Schools and local authorities had suspended classes at all levels to anticipate huge influx of vehicles and people for the kick-off assembly here of the 45-day campaign period for the BoL ratification in all five-province and two-cities core territory of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Murad said the BoL was “the last chance to attaining lasting peace”

which all sectors—apart from the government and the MILF—are “bound by their common commitment to help achieve peace for our people.”

Under the BoL which enacted by Congress as Republic Act 11054 on July 23 to 24, BARMM will replace the current ARMM once the law is ratified with a majority “yes” vote in a plebiscite set for Jan. 27.

A second plebiscite will also be held on Feb. 5, 2019 for local government units outside the core ARMM territory but which may opt to join or have petitioned to become part of an expanded BARMM territory.

He said the non-Muslims would not have to worry about being left out in BARMM governance.

“For, we saw to it that there are specific offices to look after the wel-

fare of the Lumad, the Indigenous Peoples Tribes, as well as the Christian settlers,” he said.

Murad said he did not want to be named head of BARMM, but that it was the collective decision of the MILF Central Committee that he would be holding the top post of the proposed Parliament, during the transition period from 2019 to 2022, as provided under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed in 2014.

“This is not about leadership as I am contented with being MILF chairman. But I have to abide by the decision of the Central Committee to lead the Parliament. But after the transition period, you would be free to choose by electing your leaders,” Murad said.

Nash Maulana

Sports

A7

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Alaska Football getting bigger

Alaska Football Club participants go one-on-one in this piece of action at the Alabang Country Club.

LIKE a kid growing up, the Alaska Football Cup is creating more opportunities for improvement.

The Alaska Football Cup recently held its 23rd edition at the Alabang Country Club, participated in by nearly 4,000 players from 260 teams nationwide.

Accompanied by their parents, thousands of children athletes aged 3 to 16 years old showed their skills and had fun in one of the biggest football tournaments in the country.

Tournament director Tomas Lozano, a former Real Madrid football athlete, felt the Alaska Football Cup is ready to scale greater heights— by adding international color to it.

“Football will not be stopping anymore. It will grow and grow and grow. It is only we have to provide where are we going, and the kids will follow “said Lozano. “Now we are reaching the maximum 280 to 300 teams and improve the quality of facilities. Invite the best team we can invite, invite maybe a few foreign teams.”

The program Alaska Football Club aims to inspire children to develop their winning habits by encouraging them to live healthy and to have an active lifestyle and develop good values.

“Alaska’s role is to really encourage them to play an active lifestyle and we also give the proper nutrition by encouraging them to drink their milk and just eat healthy,” said Diane Guarte, Alaska associate brand manager. “We also thank the parents for allowing their kids to play and have fun with the sport. Alaska’s role is to really encourage young kids to live a healthy lifestyle by getting the right nutrition.”

Cheering on at the sidelines but upfront with their encouragement are the ever-supportive parents, especially mothers like Jen Lozano.

“I do go every time they have games, I’m there to support the team, not just my kid. It is also important that you feed them well, give them milk and give them nutritious food and it helps. That’s how I show my support for my kid, also for the team,” said Jen. The Alaska Football Cup was born in 1995 when Alaska Milk Corporation tapped Lozano in leading the growth of grassroots football in the country.

From then on, nutrition and active play have become vital parts of the Alaska brand’s advocacy.

PH wushu bets focus on SEA Games

Top juniors vie in PPS Mandaue tilt CLOSE to 200 players from all over step up their drive for top honors and ranking points in the PPS-PEPP Mandaue national age group tennis tournament which starts tomorrow (Dec. 13) at the Mandaue Sports Center in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Cebuanas Bless Coderos and Ashley McKenzie banner the girls’ 16- and 18-and-under cast while Cedrix Bravo from Ormoc shoots for podium finishes and ranking points in the boys’ top two divisions in the second-to-last tournament capping another banner season put up by the country’s leading remittance center and presented by Dunlop.

Meanwhile, coach Patricia Puzon will conduct the three-day Mac’s Crankit Foundation Global Coaches and Training Conference starting today (Wednesday) in San Carlos City.

The seminar comes on the heels of another successful nationwide program put up by the PPS-PEPP in cooperation with the Mac’s Crankit Tennis Academy of Australia aimed at providing a high quality experience to every coaches and athletes alike.

For details, call PPS-PEPP Program Development director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Others tipped to contend for this week’s crown in the event sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines are Hans Cabellon, also from Cebu, in the boys’ 16-U, Ormoc’s Corazon Lambonao and Mia Gemida in the girls’ 12-U, Gerald Gemida, Gio Manito, Mitch Largo and Chad Cuizon in the boys’ 12- and 14-U sides, and Dumaguete’s Shara Paliwag and Juvels Velos in the 10-unisex category.

Also on tap is the juniors age group in Naga, Cebu on Dec. 17-22 which will also feature the Legends men’s doubles 40s, 50s and 60s while another Legends men’s doubles 40s, 50s and 60s tilt will be played in Cabanatuan City on Dec. 28-30.

T

HE Philippine wushu team hopes to translate in next year’s Southeast Asian Games its recent success in the international stage.

Veterans Agatha Wong and Daniel Parantac recently came home victorious in the 1st Asian Traditional Wushu Championship by bagging three of the seven gold medals the country won in the Nov. 26 to Dec. 1 tournament in Nanjing, China Both are looking at duplicating their acts when the country hosts the SEA Games from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 of 2019 despite the expected pressure weighing on the team to deliver.

“Mas focused kami sa SEA Games dahil this is a major event since dito ito gagawin,” said Parantac, adding majority of the team’s concentration for next year will definitely be on the biennial meet.

“I’m going to compete as much as I can to give pride and honor to the country,” added the 20-year-old Wong, who continues to represent the Philippines in international meet despite having to make do with a tendinitis and grade 2 slipped disc.

The two joined their national teammates Johnzenth Gajo, Jones Llabre, Sandrex Gainzan, and Dave Degala during the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Tapa King Restaurant at Farmers Plaza in Cubao.

Wong won the two golds in taijijian and taijiquan, while Parantac won one in Taijijian along with Llabare and Thornton Quieney Lou Sayan, with Gajo accounting for two more in changquan

and daoshu. Degala and Gainzan each won a bronze medal.

Although all of them welcome the presence of crowd support in the SEA Games, Wong and Parantac said it could also add pressure on the team’s bid to make up for the one gold medal the Filipinos won in the 2017 edition of the meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“The factor of support system is good, pero during performance, I try to set aside it and focus on my form,” said Wong, who accounted for a bronze medal in the last Asian Games in Indonesia, during the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

“I tried not to think about it. It’s good din naman to have a support system, but sometimes that support system can distract you. So it depends on how you adjust to it,” Wong said.

Lao: MPBL, D-League prepared me for PBA

HE may have taken the road less travelled, but Kyles Lao has no regrets with the path he took in his basketball career.

Opting to forego his final playing year in the UAAP, the former Xavier standout missed on a chance to be a part of the UP Fighting Maroons, which reached the Finals of the recent Season 81 cage wars and finished runner-up to defending champion Ateneo.

But rather than look on what could have been, all he feels is pride with what his alma mater was able to accomplish.

“A part of me is happy and proud na UP overcame the culture of losing and became a finalist this season,” Lao said as the Fighting Maroons reached the championship round for the first time since 1986.

It doesn’t mean that Lao drew the short end of the stick, too.

The UAAP Season 76 Rookie of the Year has made the most of his time away from Diliman, suiting up for AMA Online Education in the PBA D-League and Manila

Stars in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. And now, he will be making the biggest gamble of his career as he enters the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft.

“Instead of going back to UP, I’ve joined a lot of commercial leagues, MPBL and D-League which I’ve learned a lot from.

My teammates and coaches imparted a lot of knowledge on me, on how I prepare myself and how I approach the game,” said Lao at the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation at the Tapa King in Cubao on Tuesday.

“I’m not saying na hindi ko siya makukuha sa UP, but it’s not a bad path that I took. I have no regrets because this is where I am now,” he said.

Lao is one of the 48 hopefuls, who are set to infuse new blood to the 44-year-old professional league through the annual rookie draft proceedings, set on Sunday at Robinson’s Midtown in Ermita, Manila.

Kyles Lao

PRUride PH listup now open; 2,500 cyclists expected BRITISH life insurer Pru Life UK has launched PRUride PH 2019, the country’s largest cycling festival, following the success of the 2016 and 2018 events.

PRUride PH 2019 promises to be bigger and exciting as the festival is once again set to gather the strongest and most competitive cyclists from the Philippines and across Asia.

More than 2,500 cyclists are expected to participate in 17 challenging categories of all expertise levels in the bikefest to be held in

Allan Tumbaga

Filinvest City, Alabang in April and Subic, Zambales in May. Kicking off the excitement on April 7, 2019 are the high-octane races of the PRUride Criterium, which will be held at the Filinvest City in Alabang. In this event, local talents will compete in different categories, including fixed gear, road bike, mountain bike, and folding bike races, among others.

The second leg of the festivities will be held at the Subic Freeport Zone from May 24 to 26, 2019.

Highlights of the weekend will be the PRUride UCI 2.2. Stage Race, a three-day stage race which will see 20 top teams from the country and across Asia compete for individual, team, and stage honors. Recognized with a 2.2-accreditation by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)—the world’s governing body for cycling—PRUride PH 2019 is included in the UCI World Calendar and will allow the pros to chalk up UCI points required for entry into the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Amateur cyclists will also have the chance to join in the fun with the new masters single stage race as well as the non-competitive Gran Fondo in 30, 60 or 100 kilometers.

Register now until Jan. 15, 2019 at www.pruride.ph to enjoy the early-bird discount rate and get limited-edition freebies. All participants will receive a PRUride PH 2019 jersey and all finishers will take home a finisher medal.

More than P2 million worth of cash prizes will be up for grabs.

Sepfourteen bags PCSO Gold Cup; Metro Turf to continue operations THE HOARSE WHISPERER JENNY ORTUOSTE A PLUCKY chestnut colt ran his heart out and gave his ecstatic owner their stable’s first Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Presidential Gold Cup win last Dec. 9.

The 2,000-meter race was held at the Manila Jockey Club, Inc.’s San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite, with eight runners in contention.

Sepfourteen broke well and took the lead, followed closely by stablemate and coupled entry Radioactive. The field passed the grandstand for the first time in a tight bunch, with Salt and Pepper running in third and Electric Truth in fourth.

At the far turn, Pangalusian Island took second position behind Sepfourteen followed

by Radioactive and a rallying Electric Truth.

At the wire, it was Sepfourteen by two lengths over Pangalusian Island, with Electric Truth third and Radioactive fourth.

Time: 2:08.4 (25.4-24.4-26.4-25.6-26.6).

Sepfourteen (Consolidator (USA) x Regal Boom (Aus) by Thunder Gulch (USA)) is owned and was bred by Santa Clara Stockfarm Inc. of the Velasquez family. The 4YO champion was ridden by John Alvin Guce and is trained by Tomasito “Chito” Santos.

Thoroughbred breeding expert Manny Viray received the custom-made PCSO Presidential Gold Cup trophy in behalf of the owner.

PCSO provided prize money of P3 million for the winner, P1 million for the second placer, P500,000 for third, P300,000 for fourth, and a breeder’s purse of P200,000. The Philippine Racing Commission contributed an additional P1 million distributed from first to fourth place.

On hand at the awarding ceremony, witnessed live and on cable TV by thousands of delighted sports fans, were PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan; Philracom Chairman Andrew Sanchez; MJCI President and CEO Atty. King Reyno; and other offi-

cials of the three organizations.

The event was attended by no less than Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Koji Haneda; Indian Embassy representative M. S. Patiyal; Emirates Airlines Philippines country manager Satish Sethi; other dignitaries from the diplomatic community; and other guests from the private sector and national and local government. *** Last week I mentioned that Metro Manila Turf Club, Inc. had decided to suspend operations in the first quarter of 2019 in the face of revenue losses caused in part by deleterious effects of the TRAIN law.

However, in a bit of good news for the club, its fans and employees, and the industry as a whole, MMTCI, “after careful evaluation of the situation,” has decided to “continue with its racing operations.”

In a letter dated Dec. 10 and addressed to Philracom, MMTCI said that “in consultation with various stakeholders and wellintentioned business associates and friends in the horseracing industry” the club recon-

sidered its earlier decision to temporarily suspend racing at their Malvar, Batangas, racecourse from January to March 2019. *** Congratulations to the latest batch of apprentice jockeys!

Philracom granted Apprentice Jockey licenses to Elvin A. Abrea, Pablito M. Cabalejo, Rodito S. Calubiran, Jomer M. Estorque, Marlon P. La Loma, Joel L. Siego, and Ryan Jay C. Tabor. They took their oaths in front of Commissioners Atty.

Totoy Santillan and Lyndon Guce last Dec. 11 at the Philracom office in Makati City.

The seven “bug boys” (so-called after the bug-like asterisks that mark the names of apprentice jockeys on the racing program) are allowed to carry lighter handicap weights than journeymen jockeys. For that reason they are attractive to horseowners and trainers who wish to take advantage of the weight allowance.

Expect to see a lot of these new riders on the tracks in the months to come! *** Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and researcher. FB: Gogirl Racing, Twitter: @drhoarsewhsprr

National U stuns champ Thai tossers THE Philippines, represented by reigning UAAP men’s champion National University, stunned titleholder Thailand, 30-28, 25-23, 25-19, in the curtainraiser of the 19th ASEAN University Games volleyball tournament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.

The shock Pool A win virtually sealed the Filipinos’ spot in the semifinals of the five-day event.

The Philippines will play Malaysia in the final day of pool action Wednesday, with the Filipinos eyeing to clinch the No. 1 ranking in their group.

The Thais ended up with an even 1-1 record following a 25-14, 25-12, 25-21 conquest of the Malaysians Tuesday.

The six teams were divided into two pools in the round-robin preliminaries.

Only top two teams from each group in the preliminaries will advance to cross semis, with Pool A winners taking on Pool B second placers and No. 1 team in Pool B facing Pool A runners-ups.

Pool B comprises of Singapore, Indonesia and host Myanmar. The Burmese swept the Indonesians, 25-18, 25-16, 2519, in their opener.

The semifinals is set Thursday, while the medal matches will be played on Friday.

Volleyball is one of the 17 sports disciplines being contested in the ASEAN University Games which will last until Friday.

Two years ago in Singapore, Ateneo’s women’s and men’s volleyball teams clinched bronze medals.

Bersamina...

From A8

while Antonio surrendered to GM S. Sethuraman of India.

Dimakiling dropped his match against GM Ni Hua of China, Young lost to another Chinese GM in GM Zhongyi Tan of China, Garcia was defeated by GM Lu Shanglei, also of China, Nava bowed to Alireza Firouzja of Iran.

Also losing their opening-round matches were Fide Masters Alekhine Nouri and Stephen Rome Pangilinan, NM Jacutina John Merill, Jerad Docena, Daniel Quizon, Edsel Montoya, Michael Concio Jr. and Rogelio Orio.

In women’s play, the country’s lone Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna settled for a tr uce with Sivanesa Nithyalakshmi of Malaysia.

Meanwhile, US chess master Jose “Jojo” Aquino beat Woman Fide Master Antonella Berthe Racasa for the early lead in the Challenger Section.

The tournament opened with the traditional ceremonial moves led by National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Deputy Speaker Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and top seed Grandmaster Wang Hao of China.

They were joined by Asian Chess Federation Executive Director Casto Abundo, former Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Asia’s First GM Eugene Torre, tournament director GM Jayson Gonzales, chief arbiter IA James Infiesto, Judge Gonzalo “Boyet” Mapili and Martin “Binky” Gaticales.

An outright GM title and norms will be given to the champion on top of the cash prize of $10,000 for men, and $6,000 for women.

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

A8

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

Sports

UST spikers book ticket to Collegiate PSL finals Games Tomorrow (Muntinlupa Sports Center): 12 noon -- UE vs CSA-Biñan 2 pm -- UST vs DLSU-Dasmariñas

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas overcame a rusty start to clobber University of the East, 27-25, 1925, 25-14, 25-20, and book a ticket to the finals of the Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam Tuesday at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

The troika of Eya Laure, Milena Alessandrini and Tin Francisco were at its best, powering the Tigresses to an impressive win that sent them to the finals against University of the East’s Mariella Gabarda and Laizah Bendong foil UST’s Milena Alessandrini in the Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam Tuesday at the Muntinlupa University of the Philippines.

Sports Center.

The winner-take-all finals duel is set on Dec. 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Rookie sensation Laure uncorked 15 points built on 13 kills, while skipper Francisco had 14 hits for the Tigresses, who inched closer to sweeping the elimination round.

By Jeric Lopez Alessandrini chipped in 13 points on top of 13 digs, while EVITALIZE or equalize?

Dimdim Pacres stepped up with seven hits, including the setThat’s the question to be answered by clinching kill in the third and Magnolia and Alaska as they resume their sa ganitong system ng Giuco Piano,” said fourth sets.YELLOW BLACK

By Arman Armero CYAN MAGENTA best-of-seven championship showdown in the 2018 Bersamina, the board 1 player of National Despite arranging a finals duel Manila University.

Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. PAULO Bersamina, one of the country’s with collegiate rival UP, UST Standard Pascua, who is eyeing a GM norm in the youngestTODAY international masters, kicked off coach Kungfu Reyes believes that With momentum on their side, the Aces are looking to even the the country’s campaign with an impressive tournament organized by the National Chess a lot of work needs to be done. series up, while the Hotshots, on the other hand, will look to move win over a higher-rated opponent in the open- Federation of the Philippines said: “Okey na For one, the Tigresses commitcloser to the title as they do battle once again in Game 4 at 7 p.m. at ing round of the 17th Asian Continental Chess rin ako sa draw kahit quality up ako kasi hindi ted most of their 27 unforced erthe Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Championships-2nd Manny Pacquiao Cup- ko alam na after 40 moves. rors in the first two sets that led to After lackluster performances in the Finals’ opening two games, “Puwede pa kasing pilitin na manalo, pero later Monday night at the Tiara Oriental Hotel a sluggish start.

Alaska was finally able to get over the hump in Game 3 last Sunday, okey na rin sa draw.” in Makati.

“Our offensive transition still putting up its best game of the conference to blow out Magnolia, Pascua needs to raise his Elo rating to 2442 Bersamina, who boasts of an Elo rating needs to improve,” said Reyes 100-77, and get itself back in the series. of 2444, upended Vietnamese Grandmaster to 2500 to complete his GM title status. following their crucial win that Still, the Hotshots remain in the driver’s seat with its 2-1 lead.

Other top Filipino contenders, however, Le Quang Liem (Elo 2714) after 36 tensionwas completed in one hour and 54 Magnolia coach Chito Victolero is positive that his team can filled pushes of a Giuco Piano Opening, as he were not as lucky. minutes of play. bounce back strong after a poor Game 3 showing.

Grandmasters John Paul Gomez, Darwin kicked start his own bid for a GM norm in the “We had a lot of errors that we “We did not play our best in that game and we hope to recover nine-round Swiss System tournament jointly Laylo and Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. all could have converted. We still and get back to what we were doing right in the first two games,” sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commis- dropped their matches, while IMs Oliver have to polish our game,” Reyes said Victolero.

Dimakiling, Angelo Young, Jan Emmanuel sion and Senator Manny Pacquiao. added.

On the contrary, Alaska coach Alex Compton hopes his Meanwhile, fellow IM Haridas Pascua (Elo Garcia, Roderick Nava, John Marvin Miteam can sustain its groove as it has an opportunity to square Judith Abil shone with 15 points 2442) forced a standoff against pre-tourna- ciano, Chito Garma and Ricardo de Guzthe series. for the Lady Red Warriors, who ment favorite Grandmaster Vidit Santosh man also failed to score a point against their “We showed great defensive effort and amazing shots. We didn’t dropped their second straight Gujrathi of India (2701) after 36 moves of a respective opponents. commit much turnovers and we played defense with great intensity Gomez bowed to GM Wei Yi of China, game sliding to a 1-3 record.

Neo-Gruenfeld. in Game 3,” said Compton. “We’re still down 1-2 so we need to keep “Medyo magulo ‘yung laro namin ni GM Laylo lost to GM Baskaran Adhiban of India, doing all those things to get one more.”

Le Quang Liem, pero buti na lang sanay ako Turn to A7

Hotshots seek 3-1 PBA lead Bersamina stuns Vietnamese GM

R

AFP Cavaliers advance to semis Games Sunday (Meralco Gym)

Last Day of Lazada’s 12.12 Grand Year End Sale Today!

As the Yuletide season draws nearer, frantic Christmas shoppers happily hustle to find the perfect gift for loved ones. Although shopping for presents can be absolutely exciting, the reality of a limited budget might not be as fun. But don’t worry- in the spirit of spreading holiday cheer, Lazada will be holding a Grand Year End Sale happening on December 10-12!

The Grand Year End Sale offers the finest deals from top brands for up to 90% off. The perfect gifts await at Lazada! Looking for the perfect fashion steal for the stylista sister? Checking out affordable but sleeker home appliance for the parents? Or how about cutting edge gadgets for the bro? With amazing deals and discounts, the Grand Year End Sale gives shoppers a wider array of items to choose from. What’s more, there’s no need to beat the Christmas traffic as Lazada lets shoppers accomplish their Christmas wish list in the comforts of their own home.

Nothing says “happy holidays” like giving your loved ones meaningful, well thought of presents. Fulfill their wish lists now and get a chance to grab all these bargains with even more discounts and promotion vouchers via the Lazada games “Shake It” and “Slash It”!

To top it off, Lazada Christams shoppers can also get a chance to win an Avida condo when they pay with Gcash. Up for grabs is a brand new Toyota Rush for those who use Paymaya. Two round trip tickets to New York are also being raffled from Philippine Airlines. BPI, Citibank, RCBC Bankcard and Savings, and JCB credit card users also have special discounts at the check out counter. Additional cash backs also await those who load up their Lazada wallet in preparation for their 12.12 shopping carts. As if it couldn’t get any better, MVP Rewards is also giving away twelve Samsung Galaxy 9 phones!

For more information, stay tuned to Lazada Philippines official social media accounts, on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPH, and Instagram: @ Lazada_PH. You could also log on to www.lazada.com.ph/ or download the Lazada Mobile app via App Store or Google Play.

Get those shopping carts ready and keep that Christmas checklist on hand because this year’s Grand Year End Sale is going to be a blast!

3 p.m. – Senate vs Judiciary 4:30 p.m. – Malacañang-PSC vs PNP

TWO-TIME champion Armed Forces of the Philippines clinched the first outright semis berth with a 79-73 win over Department of Agriculture in the 7th UNTV Cup held recently at the JCSGO gym in Cubao.

With Darwin Cordero firing on all cylinders, the AFP Cavaliers outscored the DA Food Masters, 31-10, in the first quarter on the way to posting their seventh win in 8 games, assuring themselves of a semis berth even if they drop their last game.

Cordero was almost unstoppable, finishing with 24 points spiked by three triples on an impressive 10-of-14 shooting from the field.

He also had three rebounds and two assists DA’s defeat was its fifth straight since going 3-1 in the first round, thus missing the chance to play in the playoffs of the tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon for public servants.

In other games, Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission likewise boosted its own outright bid by downing PITC, 69-64, while defending champion Senate nipped National Housing Authority, 98-97, in overtime.

Reynaldo Malaga struck hardest, scoring six points in the extra period as the Senate Defenders improved to 5-3. He was ably supported by Marlon Legaspi, who tallied 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two

Reynaldo Malaga scored six points in overtime to help Senate beat NHA, 98-97, in the 7th UNTV Cup held recently at the JCSGO gym in Cubao.

boards in the event offering P4 million to the chosen charity of the champion.

In posting their 6th win in seven games, the Malacañang-PSC Kamao went to Marvin Antonio and Michael Ignacio in the crunch to pull through.

Antonio had 16 points, while Ignacio added 15—most of them came in the third enabled the Kamao to complete their comeback from a 25-12 deficit in the first quarter.

PSTC construction begins in July

By Peter Atencio CONSTRUCTION of the Philippine Sports Training Center that will be built in Rosales, Pangasinan is expected to begin by July next year.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez said this following talks with the province of Tarlac on sharing responsibility in the development of the center.

“We will put a lot of sports facilities there. Athletes from the regular sports will be able to train there,” said Ramirez.

The facilities will be built in a 20-hectare land located

in the border of Pangasinan and Tarlac.

Finding the right place to build the center was made possible with the help of Cong. Conrado Estrella III, who is a member of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development.

Two weeks ago, the Senate bicameral conference committee approved Senate Bill No. 1716, or the Philippine Amateur Sports Training Center Act. The bill was sponsored and authored by Senator Manny Pacquiao, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, and was co-sponsored by Senator

Sonny Angara.

The PSTC is expected to help boost the country’s performance in the Olympics and other international sports events, because it will be an additional venue for the training of national athletes.

Bidding for the construction of the facilities is expected to happen within the next six months of 2019.

Ramirez said this will boost the PSC’s effort to also have a venue for their grassroots sports development program.

The programs will be done with the support of the Department of Education and the local government units.

IN BRIEF

Demand for fiber broadband increases

PLDT Inc. said it expects a strong growth of fiber-powered broadband services in the country with changing consumer habits, particularly the accelerating shift of people to online video viewing.

“Throughout the country, the demand is for fiber-powered Home broadband that can provide quality viewing of online video,” said PLDT and Smart senior vice president and head of consumer business market development Oscar Enrico Reyes Jr. “People’s growing appetite for online video has helped raise the broadband penetration of PLDT Home to an all-time high of just under two million customers in the first nine months of 2018, an increase of 8 percent year-on-year in unique data service subscribers. This has boosted Home revenues by 12 percent in the third quarter of 2018 to P27.3 billion,” he said.

Reyes said more and more Filipinos were shifting from traditional broadcast television to online services because video on demand services allowed them to watch the programs they wanted anytime.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

Subic port expects surge in cargo volume

SUBIC Bay International Terminal Corp. said it is ready to accommodate the surge in imports and exports this holiday season as it expects a significant increase cargo volume handling.

“The country’s appetite for imported goods is typically highlighted during the Christmas holiday up until Chinese New Year. With a healthy GDP [gross domestic product] outlook, we can expect this trend to remain a key driver in container volume growth in the months to come,” SBITC said.

SBITC, the container port operator of Subic Freeport Area, cargo volume posted continuous growth for 13 straight months since 2017.

“Recently, we have confirmed further investments in port equipment and systems to continuously outpace market growth. This allows the terminal to remain healthy from a utilization standpoint which we continue to deliver to our customers both at the quay and our gates,” the company said.

Goods that pass through Subic Freeport include shipments of agricultural equipment, grains and fertilizers, electronic parts and general department store merchandise for North and Central Luzon businesses, particularly in Pampanga and Bulacan. Darwin G. Amojelar

TALENT SOLUTIONS PLATFORM. Workbank, the newest player in the job matching industry, sets its sights on the growing Filipino workforce by launching a platform that provides an enjoyable job search experience with exclusive perks and free trainings to help talents land jobs quicker. Shown are Workbank country head Reggie Fernandes (left) and Workbank co-founder and chairman Jaison Francis at their newly inaugurated headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City with high hopes of providing more employment solutions to the Filipino community.

October imports hit $10b, push deficit to new record

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE country’s trade deficit continued to widen, as the monthly imports topped the $10-billion mark for the first time in October, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show.

The trade deficit hit a record $4.21 billion in October, up from $2.59 billion a year ago, as imports’ growth continued to outpace that of exports. This was also bigger than the $3.7-billion shortfall registered in September.

Data showed that merchandise exports grew 3.3 percent in October to $6.11 billion from $5.91 billion in the same month last year. It was also up

from $6 billion in September.

Imports jumped 21.4 percent in October to $10.32 billion from $8.50 billion in October 2017. This was the first time that merchandise imports reached the $10-billion mark and exceeded the previous record of $9.75 billion in September this year.

Nicholas Mapa, senior economist of ING Bank, said the October trade balance was the widest in history. He said the trade deficit in October indicated that the current account would likely remain in the red for the fourth quarter of the year.

“Capital imports and raw material growth are not expected to slow down in the near term as imports feed the burgeoning economy. Raw materials used for construction continue to post healthy growth although we do see some hope on the horizon with raw materials used for electronic exports posting a rebound of 28.9 percent for October,” Mapa said.

Shell confirms interest in buying crude from Cebu oilfield

By Alena Mae S. Flores OIL refiner Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. confirmed its interest to buy crude oil from the Alegria oil and gas onshore discovery in Cebu for use in its Batangas refinery, a top executive said.

“We are always evaluating whatever may be feasible. What is tricky is if it is compatible to our refinery and is the pricing sufficient for us to make margins but we are open minded,” Pilipinas Shell president Cesar Romero said.

Sources from China International Mining Petroleum Co. Ltd., which owns the service contract for the Algeria oil and gas discovery, said they were hoping to supply up to 10,000 barrels to Shell by early next year.

Tests are ongoing in Hong Kong for

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

B1

FDI net inflows climbed 24.2% to $8b in 3 quarters

Machine manufacturer taps power from EDC

CITIZEN Machinery Philippines Inc., a company based in Tanauan, Batangas that manufactures and assembles automatic lathe machines, tapped geothermal energy producer Energy Development Corp. for the supply of clean and reliable power.

“As a manufacturing company, Citizen Machinery Philippines desires to be supplied by stable and low-cost electricity, especially since our foundry consumes much power,” Citizen Machinery Philippines president Akihide Kanaya said in a statement.

EDC will supply CMP with 2.5 megawatts of geothermal power from EDC’s BacMan Geothermal Project over a twoyear period starting Dec. 26, 2018.

“EDC’s BacMan Geothermal Project meets these criteria. At the same time, we remain committed to give our customers the highest level of satisfaction as possible. This includes making sustainable contributions to society through innovative manufacturing solutions, while recognizing our impact to the environment.

Choosing to be powered by 100-percent renewable energy strongly supports this commitment,” Kanaya said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

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

the compatibility of the Alegria crude to Shell’s 110,000-barrel- per-day refinery.

“We are actually interested on that, provided it’s economically feasible in terms of compatibility…There is no negative bias for local source but it is only a question of pricing, yield and when we need it at a particular time,” Romero said.

He said the type of crude of Alegria “must be matched with the demand profile and capability of the refinery”.

Shell previously submitted a letter of intent to purchase the Alegria crude.

The letter stated that initial analysis of the quality of the crude oil produced

by CIMP found it to be acceptable as a feedstock to Shell’s refinery, “but it is subject to further detailed analysis”.

The letter also set out that the price

of the crude oil produced by CIMP and additional contractual terms and clauses will be subject to negotiations. A formal sales and purchase agreement will be negotiated and executed once negotiations are finalized.

CIMP holds Petroleum Service Contract No. 49 which covers the Alegria oilfield, an onshore site in the fourthclass town of Alegria in the southern part of Cebu province.

CIMP acquired an 80-percent stake in the participating interest of the SC 49 project and became its operator in July 2009. The contract covers a 25-year production period.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier said the Alegria oil field could power up to 60 megawatts of natural gas-fired power plant and produce up to 360 barrels of oil per day.

The October print brought the tenmonth trade deficit to $33.9 billion, up 14.2 percent from the deficit of $29.71 billion in the same ten-month period of 2017.

“Robust import growth is yet another sign that the Philippines has moved into a new chapter in its growth story, requiring a shift in the country’s import dietary requirement. In the past, import growth was driven largely by fuel and consumer goods with only sporadic flows of capital goods and raw materials outside those used for electronic exports,” Mapa said.

He said the current account would likely remain deep in the red with the peso looking to structural flows such as remittances ahead of the holiday season and the capital and financial account for support. He said over the medium term, protracted current account deficits would likely keep pressure on the local currency in 2019.

NET inflows of foreign direct investments climbed 24.2 percent in the first three quarters to $8 billion from $6.5 billion a year ago, as investors considered the Philippines as one of the best places to invest in this year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.

“Investment inflows continued, buoyed by investor confidence in the Philippine economy on the back of strong macroeconomic fundamentals and high growth prospects,” the BSP said in a statement.

Investments in debt instruments reached $5.5 billion, up by 19.6 percent from $4.6 billion recorded in the same period in 2017.

Net equity capital investments jumped 52.1 percent to $1.9 billion from $1.2 billion a year ago. Bulk of the equity capital placements during the period came from Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States, Japan and China.

These investments were channeled largely to manufacturing, financial and insurance, real estate, arts, entertainment and recreation and electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply activities.

Reinvestment of earnings amounted to $614 million during the period.

Data showed that net inflows of FDIs reached $569 million in September, lower than $807 million in the same month last year. This developed as equity capital withdrawals of $187 million exceeded equity capital placements amounting to $69 million.

Equity capital infusions in September came mostly from the United States, Japan, Macau, Hong Kong and China. These went to real estate, manufacturing and electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply activities.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III earlier said President Rodrigo Duterte had made the country a safer place for investors, with his campaign against corruption and criminality leading to a decrease in crime volume by 21.86 percent since the start of his administration.

Dominguez said the increasing volume of FDIs supported the Duterte administration’s efforts to shift the economy from consumption- to investments-led growth, which would then help create decent, well-paying jobs for the country’s young, well-trained Filipinos entering the workforce in the coming years. Foreign businessmen also brought a record $10 billion in 2017, up 21.5 percent from 2016. This year, the government expects net FDIs to hit $9.2 billion. Julito G. Rada

Insurance premium reaches P218.9b as penetration rate improves to 1.76% TOTAL premium of the insurance industry grew 18 percent to P218.91 billion as of the end of third quarter from P185.51 billion a year ago, as the insurance penetration rate improved to 1.76 percent, the highest in five years.

Insurance commissioner Dennis Funa said in a statement Tuesday that all sectors of the insurance industry―life insurance, non-life insurance and mutual benefit organizations― registered positive growth in terms of premiums collected.

The life insurance sector reported P174.15 billion in total premiums which accounted for 79.55 percent of the premiums collected by the industry.

Broken down, the life insurance sector collected P130.14 billion in premiums from variable life insurance products and P44.02 billion from traditional life insurance products.

Funa noted the significant increase in all premium types of variable life insurance products.

“First year, single and renewal premiums of variable life insurance products posted double-digit increase of 20.72 percent, 21.27 percent and 29.52 percent, respectively,” he said.

The net premiums written of the nonlife insurance sector increased 7.34 percent from P34.31 billion as of end September 2017 to P36.83 billion during the same period this year.

Consistent with the trend in the past reporting periods, motor car insurance business comprised more than half of the total net premiums written with 51.39 percent, followed by fire insurance business with 13 percent and accident insurance business with 9.87-percent share.

Julito G. Rada

BoI approves Seaoil’s P287-m Davao depot

By Othel V. Campos THE Board of Investments approved the registration of Seaoil Philippines’ 4 StorageTank Oil Depot in Davao del Sur with a combined capacity of 36.9 million liters to contain both gasoline and diesel fuels.

“This combined capacity is actually more than enough to accommodate the average daily requirement of 73 million liters of fuel nationwide. The additional storage capacity of fuel may allow the company to efficiently manage its inventory levels and avoid external shocks that could lead to oil price hikes or at the very least mitigate its price increase in several parts of Mindanao,” Trade Undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said.

The P287-million project qualified for Bulk Marketing of Petroleum Products under the Investment Priorities Plan - Special Laws list under Republic Act No. 8479 or the Downstream Oil Deregulation Act of 1994.

RA 8479 liberalizes and deregulates the downstream oil industry in order to ensure a truly competitive market under a regime of fair prices, adequate and continuous supply of environmentallyclean and high-quality petroleum products by encouraging the participation of new oil industry players through the provision of incentives.

Seaoil Philippines, a company owned by businessman Francis Yu with Caltex Australia as minority partner, is considered the largest independent fuel company in the country. The company said it was committed to provide quality, environment-friendly and affordable products to the Filipinos.

The approved activity which already started operations in September 2018 provides an additional 36.9 million liters of gasoline and diesel to its existing 41.050 million liters of storage in the southern part of Mindanao which translates into a total of 78.150 million liters of fuel capacity.

HARVARD ALUMNI. Mega Global Corp., the leading manufacturer and distributor of sardines and canned goods in the Philippines, hosts the prestigious Harvard Business School Owner/President Management (OPM) roundtable at Prime Hotel in Quezon City. Shown are top Filipino leaders across various industries led by Mega Global president and chief executive William Tiu Lim, (eighth from right) a seasoned businessman in the fishery industry who developed the company to become one of the biggest and most advanced canning facilities in Asia. Organized by top Filipino leaders who are Harvard alumni, the Harvard OPM roundtable is a series of discussions that aim to set standards in and empower Philippine businesses.

B2

Business

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rebounds; ISM tops gainers

S

TOCKS rebounded Tuesday to end a fourday slump, as investors looked for bargains and after the government released positive data on investments and exports.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, climbed 102 points, or 1.4 percent, to close at 7,451.08, as four of the six major sectors advanced.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also rose 37 points, or 0.8 percent, to settle at 4,478.73, on a value turnover of P4.7 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 106 to 75, while 53 issues were unchanged.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that merchandise exports increased 3.3 percent in October.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also

reported that foreign direct investments hit $8 billion in the first three quarters.

Thirteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by ISM Communications Corp. which jumped 8.4 percent to P6.22 and developer Ayala Land Inc. which gained 4.2 percent to P42.

Meanwhile, Asian equities were mixed Tuesday as investor attempts to track gains in New York are weighed by a perfect storm of issues that have hammered global markets, while the pound remained stuck around 20-month lows on Brexit uncertainty.

Bargain-buyers tried to step in after the latest sell-off but were unable to gain traction, with fears about the outlook for the global economy keeping sentiment beaten down.

The China-US trade row, signs of softness in both countries’ economies, the Huawei arrest, Brexit, demonstrations in France and tanking oil prices are among the problems facing investors, and analysts warned of more volatility to come.

Adding to those problems is upheaval in India—another crucial economy— where the head of the central Reserve Bank of India has resigned following a row with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration over alleged government interference.

Monday’s development sent the rupee, which was already Asia’s worstperforming currency, tumbling more than one percent Tuesday, with speculation the RBI had intervened to pare the losses.

The Mumbai stock market initially fell a similar amount before bouncing back.

Global risk sentiment “is facing a towering wall of worry as virtually every major economy in the world is slowing, suggesting the synchronised global slowdown is accelerating at a much faster pace than thought,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. In Asian trade Hong Kong rose 0.2 percent and Shanghai gained 0.4 percent but Tokyo shed 0.3 percent.

Singapore slipped 0.3 percent, Seoul was marginally lower and Sydney rose 0.4 percent. Bangkok and Jakarta slipped, while Wellington, Manila and Taipei were up.

On currency markets the pound was stuck around levels last seen in April 2017, having dived 1.6 percent Monday in reaction to Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision to delay Tuesday’s parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal.

May recognised the agreement would be voted down and promised to get clarity from Brussels on the key issue of Northern Ireland, but the decision ramped up uncertainty and fuelled fresh questions about her political future.

Adding to the problems, the PM did not provide a timetable for a new vote.

“The market is concerned that the postponement uses up valuable time before the 29th March exit date, and the risk of a no-deal scenario is growing” said National Australia Bank economist David de Garis. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59 13,380 93.7 1,552,260 130 996,800 1.53 66,000 27.3 148,200 15.8 206,300 11.66 122,500 3.99 19,000 0.42 220,000 79.8 2,982,260 0.92 1,029,000 11.22 110,600 42.5 177,900 177.1 330 72.5 200 28.3 460,200 160.2 493,760 65.4 108,660 1.21 1,000

789,126 145,572,696.50 129,791,130 99,070 4,058,970 3,206,486 1,431,706 73,080 94,500 237,326,560.50 930,800 1,264,156 7,553,695 58,624 14,442 13,023,510 79,014,620 7,138,950.50 1,210

737,250 -37,090,001 -15,536,921 1,490 -612,740 -792,514 90,800,954 -61,090 313,820 -1,780 -1,415,000 -45,084,194 -6,900,482.50 -

32.2 17.08 1.02 1.24 0.25 1.63 14.7 30.5 37 78.1 1.61 6.3 6.5 10.06 14.56 8.05 6.96 1.5 18.32 64 24.6 2.01 6.05 8.7 1.66 288.2 42.5 4.28 3.32 26.75 10 18.08 369 0.172 6 1.31 3.9 8.23 5.2 8.29 0.9 10.84 47.5 5.2 4.7 1.77 1.37 10.38 84 5.19 0.85 128 2.5 1.65 1.81

INDUSTRIAL 32.75 488,800 17.24 493,800 1.05 7,032,000 1.28 70,000 0.255 4,380,000 1.65 7,148,000 14.7 20,600 32 180,100 37 1,300 78.1 4,970 1.76 100,000 6.7 106,100 6.51 26,300 10.1 3,778,500 14.62 129,900 8.08 151,400 7 4,600,900 1.5 5,000 18.6 1,262,900 64.3 95,080 24.6 9,300 2.15 16,996,000 6.1 122,100 8.89 659,800 1.73 293,000 297 602,960 42.5 1,400 4.31 62,000 3.32 1,000 26.8 93,600 10 850,400 18.38 2,732,000 377 346,680 0.172 10,000 6 24,200 1.31 553,000 3.9 27,000 8.28 1,354,000 5.48 398,700 8.29 2,500 0.9 4,704,000 11 113,300 47.65 126,100 5.2 69,200 4.8 31,000 1.81 899,000 1.43 55,000 10.4 23,300 84 2,042,180 5.25 312,500 0.85 93,000 129 409,310 2.5 1,000 1.71 11,321,000 1.85 16,874,000

15,993,835 8,497,906 7,369,920 87,800 1,104,450 11,769,520 303,174 5,595,185 48,100 388,157 170,120 698,334 171,167 38,227,758 1,906,140 1,223,445 32,232,937 7,500 23,518,654 6,107,913 230,710 35,436,120 749,712 5,864,028 492,980 176,993,358 66,515 266,580 3,320 2,509,580 8,539,650 50,139,670 129,813,934 1,720 145,215 727,720 105,380 11,207,594 2,167,472 20,725 4,255,630 1,245,432 6,018,240 360,920 147,050 1,622,370 76,040 242,808 171,562,624.50 1,626,552 79,220 52,717,754 2,500 19,229,130 31,298,610

2,984,640 -1,040,044 199,270 -137,700 -3,347,630 -91,206 -1,026,900 48,100 -388,157 78,800 -48,922 -3,925,296.00 -510,026 -1,115,266 -4,933,389 3,273,586 347,551.50 1,203,120.00 1,998,452 10,293,042 -1,192,870 3,998,274 6,838,852 26,502,304 -489,770 -545,608 -3,749,910 -1,149,500 -1,772,610 -89,460 -220,870 112,820,880 -25,890,923 -419,860 689,610

0.56 50.9 11.64 0.81 6.44 24.1 1.34 1.35 911 6.94 12.42 9.66 6 894 49.05 0.55 4.02 16.72 0.64 4.68 0.037 1.17 2.36 2.6 155 906.5 0.74 1.32 457 280 0.248 0.227

HOLDING FIRMS 0.6 41,550,000 51.6 461,550 11.82 7,284,000 0.85 5,000 6.5 60,200 26 636,400 1.35 3,585,000 1.36 742,000 938 253,250 7.01 4,373,900 12.6 3,779,700 9.9 1,325,700 6 11,000 925 78,580 50 571,500 0.55 45,000 4.15 530,000 16.92 1,835,900 0.64 2,870,000 4.77 23,348,000 0.037 10,100,000 1.25 173,000 2.37 170,000 2.6 5,000 155 920,720 920.5 230,410 0.74 11,000 1.32 38,000 465 60 280 91,320 0.25 6,030,000 0.227 10,000

24,606,080 23,678,102 85,787,356 4,170 390,792 16,162,555 4,869,620 1,004,500 234,341,680 30,596,423 47,262,550 13,104,148 77,000 72,068,395 28,395,275 25,510 2,155,110 31,110,214 1,855,930 110,935,300 374,300 214,780 403,380 13,000 144,380,070 211,464,225 8,140 50,160 27,800 25,569,600 1,508,370 2,270

427,360.00 -13,535,031 7,869,982 246,450 -3,211,125 136,500 -6,809,080 -20,461,115 -1,821,190 -911,100 -3,525,260 -13,403,860 757,370 1,630,582.00 -321,000 -44,254,490 77,700 -59,500 -91,573,852 -7,514,105 -18,480 669,200 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58.95 93.5 129.5 1.55 27.75 15.78 11.6 3.84 0.45 79.4 0.91 11.4 42.2 178 72 28.3 158.2 66 1.21

59 94.25 130.7 1.55 27.75 15.8 11.8 3.99 0.46 79.8 0.93 11.5 42.55 178 72.5 28.35 161.5 66 1.21

58.95 93.3 129.5 1.49 27.3 15.3 11.6 3.83 0.42 78.7 0.87 11.22 42.2 177.1 72 28.25 158.2 65.4 1.21

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

32.5 17.32 1.03 1.24 0.25 1.69 14.76 30.65 37 78.1 1.76 6.7 6.64 10.14 14.9 8.2 6.97 1.5 18.64 64.6 25.9 2.08 6.15 8.7 1.74 290 60 4.29 3.32 27.1 10.02 18.3 373 0.172 6.15 1.36 3.9 8.27 5.2 8.29 0.9 10.84 47.5 5.23 4.8 1.82 1.38 10.4 84.05 5.2 0.85 128 2.5 1.75 1.83

32.95 17.32 1.07 1.28 0.255 1.7 14.76 32 37 78.1 1.76 6.8 6.64 10.24 14.9 8.2 7.03 1.5 18.94 64.8 25.9 2.16 6.18 8.96 1.74 297 60 4.31 3.32 27.1 10.38 18.5 378.4 0.172 6.15 1.36 3.98 8.32 5.55 8.29 0.91 11 48.1 5.23 4.8 1.82 1.45 10.5 84.1 5.25 0.86 129.8 2.5 1.75 1.89

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

0.59 51 11.66 0.81 6.44 25.05 1.36 1.37 916 7.2 12.8 9.8 7.1 894 49.15 0.57 4.17 17.4 0.64 4.76 0.038 1.17 2.39 2.6 157.1 915 0.74 1.32 467 280 0.255 0.227

0.62 51.85 11.92 0.85 6.52 27 1.39 1.37 938 7.2 12.8 9.95 7.1 925 50.2 0.58 4.17 17.4 0.66 4.78 0.038 1.26 2.39 2.6 161 925 0.74 1.32 467 280 0.26 0.227

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

7.62 0.74 10.58 1.75 0.56 40.55 2.48 4.03 5.75 0.4 0.9 0.88 0.255 0.33 8.05 17.5 0.48 1.45 1.06 4.75 0.4 0.465 2.33 0.38 3.74

7.74 0.76 10.58 1.87 0.58 42 2.55 4.09 6 0.41 0.9 0.88 0.255 0.345 8.05 17.72 0.48 1.47 1.09 4.84 0.405 0.465 2.46 0.39 3.74

7.62 0.74 10.58 1.75 0.55 40.55 2.43 3.92 5.75 0.4 0.9 0.88 0.243 0.33 7.99 17.5 0.48 1.45 1.06 4.73 0.39 0.465 2.25 0.38 3.6

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

30.2 20.6 2.02 3.12 35.45 1.25 5.41 0.73 5.18

30.2 21.25 2.03 3.12 35.75 1.27 5.47 0.73 5.24

29.2 20.6 1.98 3.07 35 1.24 5.31 0.73 5.16

29.2 20.95 2.01 3.08 35.5 1.26 5.36 0.73 5.18

200 763,800 18,000 28,000 9,670,000 895,000 190,400 50,000 5,275,900

5,940 16,016,590 36,190 86,930 342,532,890 1,120,400 1,022,054 36,500 27,371,369

-6,446,235 -24,650 -98,902,145 177,860 -7,542,449

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

10.6 19.68 1.32 0.405 0.039 2.74 7.85 71.8 7.6 6.5 2.4 20.5 2,080 5.25 325 3.06 1.97 94.5 11.58 7.2 0.106 5.9 3.43 14.26 3.55 0.79 14.2 5.5 2.17 2.1 1.89 16.22 3.38 10 8.25 3.39 115.8 2.96 1,165 0.83 0.315 42.65 73.2 7.05 2.4 0.62 0.405 5.27 0.65 11.84

11.1 19.68 1.57 0.435 0.039 2.98 8.05 74.2 7.9 6.85 2.4 21.35 2,100 5.3 325 3.12 1.97 95.95 11.58 7.2 0.111 6.26 3.43 14.28 3.6 0.79 14.5 5.5 2.19 2.19 2.24 16.22 3.51 10 8.25 3.4 115.9 3.07 1,170 0.89 0.315 42.65 76 7.7 2.45 0.62 0.42 5.28 0.67 11.9

10.6 19.4 1.26 0.405 0.039 2.7 7.84 71.8 7.6 6.5 2.4 19.44 2,012 5.22 316.2 3 1.97 93.7 11.58 7.2 0.105 5.8 3.14 14.26 3.41 0.75 14.14 5.48 2.15 2.08 1.89 16.22 3.28 10 8.25 3.38 110.5 2.95 1,140 0.83 0.315 42.25 73.05 6.95 2.38 0.6 0.39 5.24 0.64 11.82

SERVICES 11.1 19.5 1.46 0.425 0.039 2.97 7.99 72.85 7.9 6.62 2.4 19.44 2,012 5.26 325 3.04 1.97 94.4 11.58 7.2 0.106 6.22 3.39 14.28 3.42 0.75 14.22 5.48 2.18 2.15 2.24 16.22 3.4 10 8.25 3.4 114.4 3.07 1,140 0.85 0.315 42.5 76 7.5 2.4 0.61 0.41 5.27 0.64 11.82

22,000 40,700 3,846,000 3,300,000 1,000,000 10,933,000 5,918,000 55,880 106,400 3,535,800 4,000 692,800 29,270 34,800 3,090 1,730,000 11,000 1,217,830 100 12,500 3,180,000 31,707,300 8,000 8,100 562,000 4,000 194,000 17,600 790,000 736,000 12,000 100 3,128,000 5,000 1,600 79,000 166,430 273,000 98,690 13,716,000 60,000 1,303,700 391,990 524,800 1,450,000 17,921,000 52,870,000 583,200 2,317,000 540,100

242,440 795,634 4,957,190 1,402,550 39,000 30,974,570 47,215,280 4,086,034 809,540 23,588,472 9,600 13,864,235 59,587,610 182,519 1,003,984 5,312,390 21,670 115,572,170 1,158 90,000 340,160 193,018,974 26,010 115,628 1,960,270 3,040 2,770,688 96,614 1,712,500 1,563,630 26,000 1,622 10,498,030 50,000 13,200 268,410 18,509,540 819,270 113,631,235 11,826,610 18,900 55,396,510 29,111,116.50 3,688,565 3,477,530 10,857,740 21,433,350 3,070,248 1,501,570 6,387,456

-39,360 -10,250,607 971,622 -11,360,077 44,099 -11,885,370 16,250 -3,040 3,940 28,531,086.50 24,380 -5,248,848 214,030 -8,594 -39,050 -304,740 -150,224 115,050 -50,643,705 88,160 -20,028,410 6,168,933 -775,280 -6,484,030 -7,587,600 -1,183,449 -3,550,080

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

0.002 1.6 2.51 16.7 1.13 1.91 0.29 7.2 1.69 0.202 0.099 0.108 2.1 1.11 0.55 0.99 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.41 2.74 15.4 24.7

0.002 1.62 2.52 16.7 1.2 1.93 0.29 7.2 1.69 0.203 0.1 0.109 2.17 1.11 0.6 0.99 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.41 2.75 15.8 24.7

0.002 1.59 2.51 15.8 1.13 1.91 0.29 7.01 1.64 0.202 0.098 0.108 2.1 1.08 0.55 0.96 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.41 2.66 15.38 24.2

MINING & OIL 0.002 10,000,000 1.62 1,143,000 2.52 163,000 16.68 5,700 1.2 23,000 1.93 500,000 0.29 10,000 7.01 6,500 1.69 1,364,000 0.203 50,000 0.1 790,000 0.109 60,000 2.15 3,064,000 1.08 2,000 0.6 126,000 0.97 789,000 0.012 25,800,000 0.012 200,000 0.012 3,800,000 3.41 13,000 2.7 1,271,000 15.4 1,007,600 24.5 2,117,500

20,000 1,839,480 410,020 90,452 27,390 962,000 2,900 45,614 2,281,580 10,110 78,740 6,490 6,561,230 2,190 75,510 763,980 309,600 2,400 45,600 44,330 3,431,610 15,643,880 51,734,335

-20,120 2,900 9,500 -2,711,820 2,910 -3,178,374 -15,571,915

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2I

18.58 460 490 101.7 461.2 852.5 1.02 101.4 1,000 75.9 76.4 72.05 74.65 74.5 74.8

18.7 460 490 101.7 461.2 935 1.02 101.5 1,000 75.9 76.4 74 75 74.5 74.8

18.5 455 476 101 460 852.5 1.02 99 1,000 75.3 76.35 72.05 74.5 74.5 74.8

PREFERRED 18.5 79,500 455 4,000 490 560 101 8,000 460 3,500 935 600 1.02 6,000 99 10,700 1,000 10 75.3 1,410 76.35 16,260 74 280,500 75 7,650 74.5 10,000 74.8 10

1,473,730 1,824,280 267,400 808,220 1,612,304 552,750 6,120 1,060,590 10,000 106,738 1,241,999 20,211,000 570,325 745,000 748

-1,074,660.00 -808,220 49,550 745,000 -

LR WARRANT

2.06

2.15

2

WARRANTS 2 132,000

268,730

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.35 1.2

4.5 1.25

4.35 1.2

4.37 1.23

576,700 2,295,110

-26,360 -489,000

FIRST METRO ETF

110.3

111.1

110.3

501,127

3,330

9,090 49,300

-

MS

PROPERTY 7.74 0.76 10.58 1.87 0.57 42 2.43 4.02 6 0.41 0.9 0.88 0.25 0.33 8 17.56 0.48 1.46 1.07 4.8 0.4 0.465 2.43 0.39 3.6

65,500 234,000 200 170,000 311,000 6,822,000 1,909,000 301,000 6,000 1,120,000 3,000 102,000 11,590,000 2,270,000 150,600 65,100 20,000 10,313,000 1,455,000 14,057,000 24,700,000 430,000 17,836,000 40,000 758,000

502,446 176,480 2,116 308,100 174,550 282,062,985 4,708,950 1,212,170 34,525 449,650 2,700 89,760 2,881,830 749,900 1,204,887 1,145,186 9,600 15,026,770 1,546,450 67,373,860 9,849,800 199,950 42,739,700 15,300 2,737,460

-91,630 20 18,182,625 -2,816,020 -772,310 72,050 1,929,850 -644,150 4,025 -68,620.00 -5,817,860 -18,327,580 -16,000 -18,808,640.00 439,200

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.1 10

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS

10.1 10

SHARES 8,971,032

93,592,345 112,776,076

PROPERTY

116,165,090

SERVICES

165,803,299

MINING & OIL

52,309,758

GRAND TOTAL

551,634,117

10.1 10

SME

131,000 1,878,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 110.5 4,530 10.1 10

DDS

900 4,930

VALUE 1,775.66 (up) 8.67 652,113,806.75 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,826.11 (up) 106.78 900,270,201.02 HOLDING FIRMS 7,275.80 (up) 139.83 1,159,869,257.89 PROPERTY 3,667.62 (up) 67.22 SERVICES 1,401.07 (down) 6.60 1,005,547,872.845 MINING & OIL 8,311.16 (down) 6.44 914,742,042.145 PSEI 7,451.08 (up) 102.87 84,403,776.99 All Shares Index 4,478.73 (up) 37.59 4,720,331,331.34 Gainers: 106; Losers: 75; Unchanged: 53; Total: 234

PSE suspends Melco trading after public float fell below 10%

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Philippine Stock Exchange suspended the trading of Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corp.’s shares after its public float fell below the required 10 percent.

The PSE said in a notice it implemented the trading suspension following the completion of the tender offer conducted by Melco Resort’s major shareholder MCO (Philippines) Investments Ltd. which reduced Melco Resorts’ public ownership to 3.9 percent.

It said that if Melco Resorts remained non-compliant with the minimum public ownership requirement, the company would be automatically delisted from the official registry of the exchange after six months.

Under the PSE’s amended rule on minimum public ownership, listed companies are required to meet a minimum public float of not less than 10 percent of the outstanding capital stock.

“The exchange will apprise the trading participants and the investing public of further developments on the matter,” the PSE said.

MCO Investments on Monday completed the tender offer. It crossed 1.33 million common shares that were tendered by minority shareholders of Melco Resorts.

After the crossing of the tendered shares, MCO Investments acquired, directly and indirectly, a total of 5.462 billion common shares, representing 96.1 percent of the total outstanding capital stock of Melco Resorts, with the remaining 3.9 percent shareholding interest held by the public.

MCO Investments originally intended to voluntarily delist Melco Resorts from the PSE in September, citing its inability to raise funds through the local bourse despite efforts to maintain its listed status.

After receiving strong opposition from minority shareholders, MCO Investments withdrew its petition for voluntary delisting.

It also changed the purpose of the tender offer from delisting to increasing its stake in the gaming firm.

Melco Resorts was listed in the PSE through backdoor listing when it acquired Manchester International Holdings Unlimited Corp. in 2012.

It operates City of Dreams Manila, an integrated casino resort located in a 6.32-hectare property at Entertainment City in Paranaque City.

RCBC appoints veteran banker as deputy CEO

By Julito G. Rada THE board of directors of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., the tenth-largest lender in terms of assets, appointed veteran banker Eugene Acevedo as deputy chief executive effective Jan. 2 next year.

RCBC said in a statement Tuesday Acevedo’s appointment would be preparatory to the retirement of incumbent RCBC president and chief executive Gil Buenaventura whose three-year contract with the bank would end on June 30, 2019.

Acevedo brings with him over 30 years of solid banking experience gained from local and multinational banks including Union Bank of the Philippines, Philippine National Bank, Citigroup, Citibank N.A. Philippines, Citibank N.A. Singapore and Citibank N.A. Hong Kong.

He has expertise in strategy formulation, business development, origination, relationship building, cost reduction and risk control. His exposure focused on corporate banking, retail banking, treasury, trust, consumer finance, marketing, credit and remittance.

Buenaventura joined RCBC at the height of the Bangladesh cyber heist issue with a mandate to stabilize and improve its operations, strengthen its internal systems and procedures and meet regulatory requirements that would allow the bank to provide more competitive products and services.

Buenaventura was able to maintain the bank’s profitability despite the challenges in the market and regulatory environment. The bank also raised additional capital from a successful P15billion stock rights offering, making it better capitalized and well positioned to sustain its growth.

Prior to RCBC, Buenaventura was president of the Development Bank of the Philippines and was senior executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Bank of the Philippine Islands.

CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK Manila Manila

World

Standard Standard TODAY

TODAY

B3

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A race to dramatize water shortage HONG KONG―From ankle-deep mud in Central Asia to the scorching heat of Australia, Mina Guli is running 100 marathons in 100 days to highlight a looming global water shortage.

The 48-year-old Australian is galloping across the planet, 42 kilometers at a time, with barely a moment to adjust her watch before it’s on to the next stop.

Her unorthodox world tour began in New York on November 4 and has so far taken in France, the Vatican, India and Hong Kong.

Guli, a former lawyer, will race through dozens more places―including in Jordan, Kenya and Mexico-before she gets back to New York on February 11 for a triumphant final marathon.

“Running is not my favorite thing in the world to do by any stretch of the imagination,” Guli said.

But it has opened her a path to adventure―like in Uzbekistan where city streets were closed for her, she had a police escort and the mayor joined her for a jog.

“When you see all the traffic banked up

For fast ad results, please call Advertising Department 832-5547

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given that the legal heirs of the late ANTONIO C. JAO (the “Decedent”), who died intestate on January 13, 2018 at San Juan City, have executed a DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS dated June 5, 2018. The legal heirs, being all of legal age, hereby adjudicate unto themselves the properties left by the Decedent. As per Doc No. 212; Page No. 44, Book No. 23; Series of 2018; under Notary Public of Atty.

Joel E. Paner.

The public is hereby notified that AVC a PHILIPPINES INC. (“Corporation”), corporation organized and existing under Philippine laws, with registered address at 2/F Fortune Bldg., 144 Pasig Blvd., Brgy. Bagong Ilog, Pasig City, Philippines, will be DISSOLVED through the shortening of its corporate term in accordance with Section 120 of the Corporation Code. Corporation’s dissolution will take effect upon approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the amendment made on Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation to shorten its corporate term. or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

001558

US sanctions top three officials of Kim Jong Un IN BRIEF US senators warn of threats to democracy WASHINGTON―Forty-four former US Senators from both major US parties warned Monday of threats to US democracy under President Donald Trump, and a “constitutional crisis” for America.

They said the convergence of events― as special counsel Robert Mueller probes whether Trump’s campaign colluded with Russia to tilt the 2016 election in his favor, and a soon-to-be Democrat-led House starts launching related investigations―made for highly precarious political waters.

The 44 include Democrats such as Bill Bradley and John Kerry and Republicans such as Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Richard Lugar, and they paint the situation ominously as a constitutional crisis.

“It is our shared view that we are entering a dangerous period, and we feel an obligation to speak up about serious challenges to the rule of law, the Constitution, our governing institutions and our national security,” the ex-lawmakers wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece Monday. AFP

Macron speech called ‘charade’ LE BOULOU, France—Groups of “yellow vest” protesters across France responded scathingly to the “crumbs” offered by President Emmanuel Macron in a speech intended to defuse their revolt, but others acknowledged his efforts.

“Nonsense,” “a charade”, “a bluff” and “a drop in the ocean” were among the immediate reactions that greeted the head of state’s televised speech Monday evening announcing an increase in the minimum wage and a range of other financial measures.

At a roundabout in the southern town of Le Boulou, some 150 “yellow vests” gathered around a loudspeaker listened carefully to the president’s words before starting to shout in chorus.

“He is trying to do a pirouette to land back on his feet but we can see that he isn’t sincere, that it’s all smoke and mirrors,” said Jean-Marc, a car mechanic.

“It’s just window dressing, for the media, some trivial measures, it almost seems like a provocation,” said Thierry, 55, a bicycle mechanic who donned the yellow vest a fortnight ago.

“All this is cinema, it doesn’t tackle the problems of substance,” he told AFP before taking part in blocking the Boulou turnpike on the French-Spanish border.

“We’re really wound up, we’re going back to battle,” he said.

Less than an hour after the presidential address, the A9 toll booth from Spain was completely paralyzed, an AFP photographer said. AFP

W

ASHINGTON―The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime’s human rights record among the world’s worst, in an abrupt shift from President Donald Trump’s efforts to woo the regime.

In actions required by Congress, the Trump administration said it would seize any US assets of Choe Ryong Hae, described as the righthand man of leader Kim Jong Un, and two others over their roles in suppression of freedom of speech.

“Standing up for such rights and freedoms is a foreign policy priority that represents the best traditions of the United States,” State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said.

“Human rights abuses in North Korea remain among the worst in the world and include extra-judicial killings, forced labor, torture, prolonged arbitrary detention, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence,” he said.

The State Department is required by a 2016 law to produce a report on North Korean human rights for Congress twice a year.

But its submission on Monday―International Human Rights Day―was the first since October 2017 as Trump championed diplomacy with North Korea that focused squarely on its nuclear program.

“The United States has consistently condemned the North Korean regime for its flagrant and

egregious abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and this administration will continue to take action against human rights abusers around the globe,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement announcing the sanctions.

Trump, however, has openly played down human rights concerns when preserving relationships with allies, notably Saudi Arabia.

The sanctions will seize any assets of the three officials in the United States and ban any USbased financial transactions with them.

Such restrictions may have little impact on the officials in one of the world’s most closed countries, but will have a clear symbolic force as North Korea seeks greater acceptance by the United States.

Kim and Trump held a first-of-akind summit in June in Singapore as North Korea seeks a historic declaration of the end of the 195053 Korean War. Trump, who saw the summit as a highlight in his foreign affairs record, has said that he and Kim are “in love” and as recently as this month voiced respect for the North Korean leader. AFP

Nuns stole school funds for gambling LOS ANGELES―Two Catholic school nuns in California have admitted to embezzling about $500,000, and using the funds over the years for travel and gambling in Las Vegas, their order said on Monday.

Sisters Mary Margaret Kreuper and Lana Chang, who are said to be best friends, took the money from tuition, fees and donations at St. James Catholic School in Torrance, south of Los Angeles.

“We do know that they had a pattern of going on trips. We do know they had a pattern of going to casinos, and the reality is, they used the account as their personal account,” an attorney for the school told parents and alumni at a recent meeting, the Press-Telegram reported.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles said the missing money was discovered during a routine audit and it is believed the nuns operated their scheme over at least a decade.

Kreuper was principal at the school for 29 years until her retirement earlier this year. Chang was a teacher for 20 years and she also retired this year.

“Our community is concerned and saddened by this situation and regret any injury to our long relationship with the families of the school,” the Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the nuns’ order, said in a statement sent to AFP. “The Sisters of St. Joseph both desire and intend to make complete restitution to St. James School.”

Parents were informed about the nuns’ misdeeds in a November 28 letter from the school’s pastor, Monsignor Michael Meyers.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, states that Kreuper and Chang had taken a “substantial” amount of school funds for their personal use and the matter was uncovered during an audit conducted after Kreuper’s retirement. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF SHIRLEY HUI SHI to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. x------------------ x

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is SHIRLEY HUI SHI, but I have also been known since childhood as SHIRLEY or I have been judicially SHI, BAOXUAN . authorized to use the alias name(s) 2. My present place of residence is 88 MARCOS HIGHWAY, BRGY. MAYAMOT City/Municipality of ANTIPOLO CITY Province of RIZAL and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 1995 - 2014 731 ELCANO ST., BINONDO, MANILA 2014-PRESENT 88 MARCOS HIGHWAY, BRGY. MAYAMOT, ANTIPOLO 3. I was born on FEBRUARY 7, 1995, in MANILA, Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of CHINA. 4. My father's name is SHI, JIN LANG and he was born on NOVEMBER 26, 1959, in CHINA. He is a citizen or subject of CHINA. My mother's name is HUI, SAU YEE and she was born on JUNE 17, 1960 in HONG KONG. She is a citizen or subject of PHILIPPINES. 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which I derive an average annual income of N/A , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances.

My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A .

(Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained:BS ARCHITECTURE, (2) name of school: UP DILIMAN and (3) years graduated: 2018] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is SINGLE, I was married on N/A in N/A. My wife's/husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on in N/A. She/he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A. 8. I have N/A child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name N/A

Date of Birth N/A

Place of Birth N/A

Residence

PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE

Place of Dates of Highest Grade School Study Completed QUEZONCITY 2002 to 2008 PRIMARY

OF QUEZON CITY U.P. DILIMAN

QUEZONCITY 2008 to 2012 QUEZONCITY 2012-2018

SECONDARY COLLEGE GRADUATE

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: TAGALOG 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of Child N/A

Name and Place of School N/A

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to CHINA of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

14. My character witnesses are BERNADETTE TAN ONG and DANIEL CHEN RATILLA both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 17 BALER ST., SFDM, QUEZON CITY and 69 KITANLAD ST., BRGY. DOÑA JOSEFA, Q.C. respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box): [ / ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ / ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ / ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ / ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ / ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years 16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: NBI, BARANGAY, POLICE CLEARANCES OFFICE OF THE CITY PROSECUTOR, RTC, MTC COURT CLEARANCES JOINT AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT OF PARENTS, WITH BANK CERTIFICATES, CERTIFICATE OF EMPLYMENT AND ANNUAL TAX RETURN OF PARENTS PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 22 day of OCTOBER, 2018.

N/A

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of School

(MS-NOV. 28, DEC. 5 & 12, 2018)

(MS-DEC. 5,12 & 19, 2018)

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

WORLD PREMIERE. Alison Eastwood (L) and Graylen Eastwood attend Warner Bros. Pictures’ World Premiere of ‘The Mule’ at the Regency Village Theater on December 10, 2018, in Westwood, California. David Livingston/Getty Images/AFP

at the traffic lights for you, you just think ‘wow, I need to be running faster or something’,” she said.

Despite an itinerary that would be the envy of many a seasoned traveler, Guli and her six-strong support team have no time for tourism.

Often they bed down in tents and try each day to meet people either bearing the brunt of drought or working to save water.

Guli is chief executive of Hong Kongbased not-for-profit organization Thirst, which works to highlight the pressures on the global water supply.

“We forget that water goes into everything we buy and consume every day,” she says, including not just the food we eat, but all the clothes we wear.

And, say experts, as the planet’s population increases, this precious resource will become ever-more scarce.

The UN estimates that, by 2030, demand for water will outstrip supply by 40 percent.

That thought, says Guli, is what keeps her going through the longest―and most difficult―slog of her life. AFP

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen

SHIRLEY HUI SHI Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: 88 MARCOS HIGHWAY, BRGY. MAYAMOT, ANTIPOLO CITY Telephone Number: 647-3494/ 682-2095

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF QUEZON CITY) S.S. I, SHIRLEY HUI SHI of legal age and a resident of 88 MARCOS HIGHWAY, ANTIPOLO CITY after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

SHIRLEY HUI SHI Name and Signature of Petitioner

SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at MAKATI CITY, this 22 day of OCTOBER 2018.

(MS-NOV. 28,DEC. 5 & 12, 2012)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

B4

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Dads ask for relief fund

By Rio N. Araja

C

OUNCILORS in Quezon City are urging Mayor Herbert Bautista to grant city employees their 14th month pay as personnel emergency relief allowance (PERA).

The 37-member council passed City Resolution 7651, appealing to Bautista to find means to provide regular, contractual and consultant employees with such benefit as assistance.

“In 2016, Quezon City collected more than its target of P17 billion, and last year, the State Auditor reported that QC exceeded its target 12 percent from 17.72 billion to 18.370 billion or P650.313 million,” the resolution read.

PERA is subject to an automatic yearly adjustment equivalent to any increase of

the annual inflation rate amid high commodities prices, the councilors noted.

“With the sound of financial management of the city, it is high time that the salaries of employees must be taken into consideration,” the resolution stated.

Meanwhile, Bautista is set to sign a proposed ordinance granting business tax amnesty in 2019.

District 1 Councilor Victor Ferrer Jr. is optimistic the mayor would not veto the measure.

“I have already transmitted the copy of

the proposed ordinance to the Office of the Mayor,” he told the Manila Standard.

“I know for sure the mayor will support anything good for the people,” he said.

According to Ferrer, the city council recently passed on third and final reading the grant of business tax amnesty for 2016, 2017 and 2018.

“All business owners and operators in Quezon City, whether single or individual, partnership or corporation, who are subject to the declaration of their previous year’s gross sales or receipts covering the period of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018, will be paying their local business taxes for the year 2019 only with 30 percent higher than that of their previous year’s local business tax payment,” the measure read.

Ferrer said even city treasurer Ruby Guevarra and Business Permit and Licensing Office chief Garry Domingo did

not oppose the tax amnesty grant.

“Assuming only 20 percent of those concerned taxpayers would avail of the tax amnesty, the tax collection is still that big,” he said.

Those to avail of the amnesty shall be exempted from submission or presentation, inspection and examination of their business records, books of accounts, audited financial statements and other pertinent documents.

In another development, the mayor spearheaded the inauguration of a fourlevel parking building for taxpayers and transacting public.

“We want the whole city hall compound a walkable place, and that there would be electronic jeepneys,” Bautista said.

The parking building is open from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

QC gains nod as Mabini LGU for PWD work THE Quezon City government is the 2017 Apolinario Mabini Local Government of the Year for persons with disabilities awarded by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Inc., Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said on Tuesday.

The foundation lauded Mayor Herbert Bautista and the vice mayor for working together in implementing measures that looked after the rights and needs of the PWDs. While Bautista approved an ordinance mandating a one-percent budget allocation for projects intended for differently abled as well as for senior citizens, Belmonte established a special care facility for children with disabilities called Kabahagi Resource Center for Children with Disabilities.

“As a public servant and as a mother, I have observed that we lack programs in Quezon City that help children with disabilities.

This is why we are providing more services that they need,” she said.

The Kabahagi Center offers free intervention programs for disabled children, free trainings for parents, and referrals as well for those who have special needs. Rio N. Araja

SBMA okays Grab operation in Subic Freeport

By Butch Gunio SUBIC BAY FREEPORT―The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has given the green light to Grab Philippines, allowing the operation in this freeport of Southeast Asia’s leading Internet-based ride-hailing and booking company.

Grab will initially field 120 taxi units for commuters in the freeport.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed the launch of Grab operations here on Tuesday, pointing out that the service would provide a safe and cost-effective transportation system for commuters in the freeport.

She said the riding public in Subic wants ease and convenience, as well as competitive rates, while the SBMA opts for a top-of-the-line digital platform to put Subic’s transport system at par with those in other global growth centers.

“This is an opportunity for everybody to step up and improve their services,” Eisma stressed. “There is really a need to modernize the transport system here and normalize taxi fares so that there will be no more unnecessary negotiation for how much passengers should pay.”

Aside from standardizing fare rates in the freeport, Grab operations are expected to help provide interconnectivity with nearby communities that are being encouraged by SBMA to open up tourism attractions for visitors who arrive in Subic.

According to SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business Kenneth Rementilla, tourists, business locators and employees are the primary customers for Grab.

He said the Subic Bay Freeport Zone logged in more than 8.6 million sameday visitor arrivals in Subic last year, up by 10 percent over the previous year’s figure.

On the other hand, more than 1.6 million tourist arrivals were recorded last year, a slight growth over the 2017 tally.

“As more and more visitors arrive in Subic and more of them spill over to sites in Olongapo City, Zambales, Bataan and Pampanga, we expect Grab to play a bigger role in providing accessibility,” Rementilla said.

He added that aside from giving passengers comfort, safety and convenience, Grab can actually help boost local tourism and play a significant part in increasing local income.

Rementilla said that to avail of Grab services in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, commuters would simply have to download an application from the App Store or get it on Google play.

With the application, commuters can easily book a ride by setting their pick up and drop off point; find the nearest available driver, and track and find out details about him and his location; or even let family and friends track the progress of their trip.

Grab, which originated in Singapore under the MyTeksi brand, is now active in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, and in the Philippines where it is operational in major urban centers like Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Angeles City, and Balanga, Bataan.

HAPPY FISHERMEN. Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Rep. Toby Tiangco (at right) stand in the midst of about 80 local fishermen who received fiberglass boats and gill nets for free from the local government on Monday. The donation, witnessed by Pierre Velasco of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was earmarked for the ‘poorest of the poor’ and qualified beneficiaries under the NavoBangka-buhayan Program. Andrew Rabulan

Makati fire burns down 300 houses, P10m worth of property

By Joel E. Zurbano AT LEAST 300 houses and P10 million worth of property were destroyed when a fire of still unknown origin struck a residential barangay in Makati City early Tuesday morning.

Makati City Fire Marshal Supt. Roy Quisto said the fire originated from the room of a certain Angelica Padilla, a tenant of a residential apartment with ad-

dress at 4050 Laperal Compound in Barangay Guadalupe Viejo.

Three persons were reported hurt.

They were identified as Rodido Villafrana (laceration on right wrist), Manuel Mojaica (swelling of left eye), and Miguela Burce (laceration on left and right knee). They were immediately given first aid by responding ambulance personnel.

Quisto said the fire started around 1:14, reached the Task Force Bravo alarm and

was declared under control at 4:20 am.

He added the fire out was declared at exactly 5:26 am.

Mayor Abigail Binay ordered officials of the Makati Social Welfare Department to provide prompt assistance to the affected 450 households consisting of 1,677 individuals.

The affected residents have been temporarily sheltered at the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church in the said barangay.

Hot meals were immediately provided for them by the barangay and the Emergency Assistance Section of the MSWD. The MSWD is currently preparing food packs for each of the families affected, which will include rice, instant noodles, canned goods, coffee, sugar, and powdered milk, among others. It will also distribute non-food items, such as blankets, mats, towels, hangers, basins, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, and dippers.

Giant Lantern Fest to draw 100k visitors

By Romeo Dizon

SANTA’S PETS. A performer dressed as Santa Claus takes a group selfie with owners of rescued dogs and cats during the PAWS Carnival at SM City Masinag in Morong, Rizal on Sunday. The carnival also recognized the MBY Pet Rescue Sanctuary in Morong, a struggling non-profit home for stray dogs and cats. Manny Palmero

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—An estimated 100,000 people is expected to watch the 110-year-old Giant Lantern Festival that kicks off this Saturday here, with 11 barangays competing in the annual competition.

Also called “Ligligan Parol,” the annual festival started in 1904. The City of San Fernando has been called the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” since 1990 and the festival remains a source of community pride.

The city’s craftsmen, with their talents and creativity, have mastered the art of making giant lanterns, a skill handed down from generation to generation.

This year, the festival of light and color will be held at its regular venue, the Rob-

insons Starmills Mall, as 11 of the total 35 barangays of this 1st class city are joining the annual event.

Alex F. Patio, chairman of the 2018 Giant Lantern Festival committee said the participating villages are Telebastagan, Sindalan, San Jose, Del Carmen, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Nino, San Nicola’s, Del Pilar, San Juan, Calulut, and San Pedro Cutud.

This year’s festival is unique with the inclusion of the first woman lanternmaker, Maryann Torres, a 36-year-old descendant of one of the pioneers in the industry, representing San Jose.

Barangay Dolores, a grand slam winner, did not join this year’s festival, Patio added.

The main rule of the competition is that all entries must be at least 20 feet high and must be fitted with at least 10,000 colorful light bulbs.

N. Vizcaya fetes eco-friendly towns, villages BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—The provincial government here recently recognized and awarded various barangays and municipalities that continue to advocate eco-friendly practices in their respective communities.

The awards and recognitions were offered through the conduct of the 2018 Search for “Makakalikasang Barangay at Munisipio.”

Forester Tito Tanguilig, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer, said the awarding highlighted the yearly celebration of Environmental Awareness Month in the province which was institutionalized through a provincial ordinance in 2014.

The awardees were Sta. Fe town as 2018 Makakalikasang Municipio Grand Winner with P700,000 cash prize, Kasibu at second Place with P300,000, and Diadi at third with P200,000 in the upland municipalities category.

For lowland towns, the winners were Aritao with P500,000 prize, Solano at 2nd with P300,000 and Dupax del Sur at 3rd with P200,000 cash prize.

Barangay Sto. Domingo Proper in Bambang town was the Makakalikasang Barangay Grand Winner with P250,000, Barangay Imugan of Sta. Fe with P200,000, and Barangay Kongkong of Kasibu with P150,000. Ben Moses Ebreo

‘MUNTIPRENEURS’. Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi leads the distribution of

zero-interest loan grants to budding entrepreneurs in the city, dubbed as ‘Muntipreneurs,’ at the City Hall Quadrangle last Friday. The grants amounting to P4.2 million went to 1,500 beneficiaries of the Joint Resource Financing-Tulong Negosyo Program. The city was recently hailed as the Most Business-Friendly LGU by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also in photo are City Councilors Louie Arciaga and Lester Baes, Barangay Poblacion Kagawad Alexson Diaz and Paty Katy Boncayao, and former councilor Raul R. Corro.

Life

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

fashion and beauty

wEdnESday, dEcEMBEr 12, 2018

C1

Enchanting Christmas U

at Rustan’s

PSCALE department store Rustan’s sure knows how to make the holiday season even more special. Because Christmas is all about finding joy in everything, Rustan’s presents exciting activities, gifts, and irresistible offers for everyone.

Kicking off its “Enchant the Holidays” season was the unveiling of the magical Christmas windows, which display the best things Rustan’s loyal clients look forward to every year.

Shopping for loved ones whose discerning taste might pose a challenge is easy as the department store carries a wide array of premium brands.

Men are spoiled for choice with pieces from Ascot Chang, Bagutta, Domenico Tagliente, Knowledge Cotton Apparel, Matteucci, Pedro del Hierro, Ricardo Preto, Serge Blanco, and Umber. Rustan’s does not run out of choices as well for the ladies with brands like Aidan Mattox, American Vintage, Criselda Lontok, Gianvito Rossi, Majorica jewelry, and Schutz, among others.

Meanwhile, those looking for unique Christmas décor can check out the Christmas Shop at Rustan’s and get in-

spired by the most impressive array of holiday displays.

Gastronomes are in for an italian treat as L’Opera features the Christmas Caffe menu featuring Executive Chef Luciano “Paolo” Nesi’s sumptuous creations. The authentic italian fare at the pop-up café is available this holiday season in set menus and weekend buffets.

Enchanting musical performances are also happening at different Rustan’s department stores. Shoppers and gourmands who want to take a break from all the walking and munching can relive wonderful memories while AKAi Choir, Castillo Chorale, pianist Elnora Halili, and Minstrels of Hope Choir serenade them. These musical ensembles are performing on all weekends of December at Rustan’s Makati, Gateway, Alabang Town Center, and Shangri-La. Kids can get their lists ready as they

meet Santa at Rustan’s every weekend of the holiday season. Santa will be making his list, checking it twice, and dropping by Rustan’s Makati, Gateway, Alabang Town Center, and Shangri-La to listen to wishes this month.

Aside from meeting Santa, children can also put together their wish lists at Rustan’s Christmas Registry.

A fun activity for everyone in the family, Rustan’s allows everyone to create their ultimate wish lists and unwrap their prized favorites under the tree on Christmas Eve. Customers will find Filipino delicacies at Rustan’s Filipiniana Our Very Own while getting inspiration from holiday-inspired workshops courtesy of Delonghi, Breville, Gaggia, Kitchen Aid, Cuisinart, Russell Hobbs, Philips, Gorenje and Nemox.

Finally, shoppers who spend a minimum single-receipt purchase of P20,000 will bring home a colorful Bluetooth Speaker Night Light, while customers with a single-receipt purchase of P10,000 can enjoy up to six months of 0 percent installment.

Go to rustans.com.ph for more information.

FINE CHOICE. Women with discerning taste are spoiled for choice at Rustan’s as it carries a wide array of premium labels including this drape jumpsuit from American Vintage and jewelry from Majorica.

Rustan’s department stores offer a number of fashionable pieces for men and women.

Beauty picks at Lazada’s 12.12 year-end sale

Learn how to be the best gift-giver by knowing how to give a gift that is meaningful and useful.

iT’S the season to be pretty, that’s why it’s the perfect time to buy beauty items.

Here are some of the discounted skin care and cosmetic products available during Lazada’s 12.12 sale happening today.

St. Ives Refresh and Revive Pear Nectar and Soy Body Lotion for P162

Nivea Bath Green Tea & Cucumber Soap for P19

How to find the best holiday gifts

CHRiSTMAS is filled with moments of love, laughter, and good memories. it is also filled with heartwarming presents.

Whether it’s a gift for a secret Santa or a loved one, it is important to get something that will make them feel appreciated; it should be meaningful and/ or useful. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect holiday gifts.

Make a gift guide

with a wide selection of merchandise like SM Supermalls.

Keep an eye out

Look through the prospective recipients’ social media accounts and pay attention to their posts. They might be dropping hints about what they want for Christmas. Scroll through to find at least one that says “NEED.”

A list of names and gift suggestions Be creative makes shopping a lot easier. Put a lot of Before buying a present, think thought into what to give to whom to hard if they will appreciate the gift. come up with the perfect idea.

Whether grand or simple, what matters is the love and effort that’s been Plan your shopping trip put into the present. After all, giftDecide on what stores to visit. Save giving is about sharing a little piece time and effort by shopping in places of oneself with others.

Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick for P150

L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss Lip and Cheek Tint for P199

Olay Night Ritual (with free pouch) for P105

Go to lazada.com.ph or download the Lazada Mobile app via App Store or Google Play to shop these items and more.

Life

C2

wednesday, december 12, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Liza Soberano

Liza Soberano wears the new Sea Lady from TechnoMarine’s Cruise collection.

and the Sea Lady A

ctress Liza soberano is the face of today’s modern beauty. Much like her appeal to today’s generation, technoMarine’s newest release from its iconic cruise collection promises to be a hit.

A contemporary interpretation of elegance, the sea Lady is defined by feminine elements in its design and color, and is built for any adventure on land or sea. the timepiece is dainty with petite modern lines and it features swiss movement, octagon-shaped stainless steel case, tritnite luminous hands, and a unique and sleek 17mm silicone strap. It comes in

eight dazzling color designs, some with a mother of pearl dial.

The Sea Lady is available at TechnoMarine stores in Greenbelt 3, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, TriNoma, and Uptown Mall.

Look ‘on point’ like Jennylyn Mercado The first Tiffany & Co. Christmas tree stands elegantly at Rustan’s Shangri-La Department Store.

Merry Tiffany Christmas MArkIng the opening of luxury jewelry brand tiffany & co.’s newly renovated boutique in rustan’s shangri-La was the unveiling of the first tiffany christmas tree in the Philippines. the six-meter tree is decorated with tiffany boxes, snow globes, tiffany Blue satin and matte silver balls, faceted and inverted drops, and capped off with elf decors. It will be stationed by the entrance of the second floor of rustan’s shangri-La Department store until Jan. 15.

several celebrities and personalities attended the christmas tree unveiling, which was led by rustan’s executives. the renovated shangri-La branch is fresh and sophisticated with cerused walnut-paneled walls matched with a perfect combination of porcelain and natural stone amazonite floors, and complemented by a soft color palette for the fixtures. the façade showcases designs that are inspired by the new York flagship boutique—brushed stainless steel and blue glass carved with a wheat-leaf design.

thIs Yuletide season, Max Factor ambassador and multi-hyphenate Jennylyn Mercado is all about celebrating with family and friends. Whether it’s a grand family gathering or an intimate affair with friends, she makes sure she imbibes the spirit of the season with a radiant holiday look.

“My favorite memory and tradition of christmas is singing carols with my mom,” shares Mercado. And when it comes to the holiday parties, she says, “I usually cook at home and invite everyone to eat and sing videoke with us.

I also make sure that Jazz, my son, is happy and full from the noche buena that I prepare.”

With the christmas season now in full swing, Mercado is heading off to a slew of parties and reuniting with friends and family, thus she says it’s important she always looks polished and put together—using Max Factor.

During family reunions and intimate gatherings with her inner circle, Mercado says she likes to keep a fresh face.

“I just wear the Lash crown mascara, the creme Puff Powder, and blush or bronzer, and the light pink shade from my Lipfinity Palette in nudes,” she says.

But when she wants to make her look a bit more festive for the holiday season, “I wear red lipstick—either the first or second shade in the Max Factor Lipfinity Palette in reds, or even blend both.” the Lipfinity Lip Palette is the ultimate makeup must-have for those obsessed with lipsticks as it brings together all that is needed to create the perfect pout. the multi-purpose palette, which comes in three varieties, offers expert

tools and step-by-step guidance to create masterful lip looks. each palette includes a hydrating primer; highly-pigmented, long-wearing shades; and three different top coat options—glossy, matte, and metallic.

For a foundation that can live up to Mercado’s hectic holiday schedule while keeping her natural and youthful glow, she uses Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation. this lightweight foundation offers full and all-day coverage that doesn’t cake over time.

Along with the foundation, to create more depth, the actress relies on the Miracle contouring Palette. Available in eight versatile shades, Filipino women are guaranteed to find the perfect one that suits their skin tone.

Mercado says she loves to play up her eyes, and thus makes them more expressive by using beautiful hues.

When it comes to eye shadows, her go-to is the new Max Factor Masterpiece nude Palettes, a set of three universally flattering eye palettes. With eight shades per palette, the Max Factor Masterpiece nude Palettes give women the shades to contour and define the eyes.

“I even use some of the shades as highlighter on my cheeks, cupid’s bow, and the middle of my nose. sometimes I use the darker shades for contouring,” she shares. to further add drama to her sultry gaze, she defines her eyes using the Masterpiece high Precision Liquid eyeliner and the Lash crown Mascara.

Mercado’s favorite makeup products are available at Max Factor in leading department stores nationwide.

Lipfinity Palette

Miracle Contouring Palette

Creme Puff Powder

Lasting Performance Foundation

Denise Laurel

Angel Yeo

Creme Puff Blush

Lash Crown Mascara

Entertainment Simply...

From C4

Gary shares love to fellow Albayanos Gary Valenciano visited Camalig, his hometown in Albay on Nov. 29 to give back to his fellow Camaligueños through a series of medical, dental, optical missions, and wheelchair distribution. It was made possible through the partnership between CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, and Shining Light Foundation, Inc. Valenciano went up close and personal to the beneficiaries by visiting them as they had their doctor’s checkups. He also led the distribution of school supplies to the students of Camalig North Central School.

“It has always been my heart’s desire to meet with beneficiaries face-to-face.

It fuels me to continue in entertaining and blessing people,” Valenciano shared.

After the students watched an episode of CBN Asia’s children’s animated series, Superbook, Valenciano treated the residents of Camalig in a mini concert. He did not only entertain the audience but also encouraged them by sharing his personal battle against sickness.

Valenciano, who has been a partner of Operation Blessing for over 20 years expressed how grateful he is for the opportunity he had been given to bless others. “This is the perfect organization to be a part of. When you talk about Operation Blessing, you are talking about an organization that would not be around for that long if they are not doing things the right way,” he added. He shared how amazed he is to see a network of doctors and volunteers coming together to have a huge impact in a community.

For Valenciano, giving back to his hometown is his way of serving God. “I do not really need to do this, but I’m driven to do it. If I can go out of my way to go to far-off places, to speak, touch, and reach out to people, then I would gladly do it,” he said. *** More stories of these kinds at www. isah.redwww.isah.red. Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred) and Instagram (@isahvred). ΙŘ

Star-studded...

From C4

Introduced last September at the MOA Arena grand gathering, Innovation Pillar will have initiatives that will equip teachers, school leaders, school staff and other stakeholders with an empowering innovation mindset meant to connect schools, industry and communities.

Soon, Innovation Pillar will be trumpeted by the launch of the Gabay Guro app where teachers, parents and students can benefit tremendously. The interactive app can help the teacher access lesson plans, educational materials, upload grades, etc. which will also be accessible to the parent and the student.

Gabay Guro is now running on its 11th year, carrying with it a history littered with awards and citations. Among these are the Gawad Tanglaw award, Anvil Awards and from the Phil. Association of National Advertisers (PANA) and the Philippine Quill Awards.

Revilla and her team of dedicated volunteers work behind the scenes tirelessly and for free each time.

Manny V. Pangilinan says, “we believe in what Gabay Guro stands for. We give our all to make our teachers feel special but at the end of the day, we are the ones who feel so much more blessed. The gratitude they show is priceless. It makes everything worth it,” she said.

For more information please visit the Gabay Guro official website www. gabayguro.comwww.gabayguro.com, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @ PLDTGabayGuro.

DOWN 1 Andean capital 2 Prayer ending 3 Cabbage cousin 4 They often clash 5 Resort condos, sometimes 6 Eddie Murphy movie 7 Watchdog breed 8 Sanskrit dialect 9 Vision-testing display (2 wds.)

10 Junta 11 — my word!

12 Gull’s cousin 13 Meets, in poker 21 Get a move on 25 Hawaiian guitar 26 Storm tracks 27 Bowie’s last stand 28 Severity

‘Ralph’ wrecks it again DISNEY’S Ralph Breaks the Internet has again topped North American box offices, taking in an estimated $16.1 million for the weekend to narrowly edge out another family-oriented animation, Universal’s The Grinch, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations said Sunday.

On a last quiet weekend before the coming crush of holiday films, the order of the top five films on this three-day weekend was, remarkably, exactly the same as last weekend.

Ralph, a family-friendly sequel to 2012’s Wreck It Ralph with the title character voiced by John C. Reilly, came in just ahead of Grinch, which sold $15.7 million in tickets. Benedict Cumberbatch voices the grouchy Seuss-inspired title character in that film.

In third spot again was MGM’s boxing drama Creed II, at $10.3 million. This latest in the long-running Rocky series stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed as he—coached by the aging Rocky Balboa ((Sylvester Stallone)— takes on the son of the boxer who killed his father.

Fourth place went to Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald from Warner Bros., with a take of $6.8 million. The Harry Potter prequel stars Eddie Redmayne Redmayne, Jude Law and Johnny Depp.

Depp And in fifth was Fox’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Rhapsody at $6 million. Rami Malek has drawn rave reviews for his portrayal of rock group Queen’s talented singer Freddie Mercury.

Mercury AFP

Star Magic artists grace the reopening of Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

P

The children, aged three to 16, were all smiles as they arrived at the 2.5 hectare property, which was first opened in 2003 as a temporary shelter for abused, exploited, abandoned, and neglected children rescued by Bantay Bata 163.

The opening of Children’s Village coincided with Star Magic Gives Back, the annual yearend activity of the country’s premier talent agency, where Star Magic artists and staff visit different institutions to bring early Christmas cheer.

Joining Piolo, JM, Maymay, and Edward at Children’s Village were Ysabel Ortega and Sharlene San Pedro, who along with JM serenaded the children with song numbers, numbers,Vivoree Esclito and Heaven Peralejo Peralejo, who led the children in fun games, and other artists including Eric Nicolas Nicolas, Enzo Pineda, Luke Alford Alford, John Bermundo, Yasmyne Suarez Suarez, Gerard Acao, Karl Gabriel, Luis Hontiveros Hontiveros, and Mark Rivera.

Meanwhile, other Kapamilya stars visited the Good Samaritan Home for the Elderly in Marikina, the Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines in Manila, and Sta. Maria de Mattias in Marikina.

Piolo, the most senior among the stars that participated in the welcome, said it means a lot to him to be part of ABS-CBN’s advocacy against child abuse. “I see this opportunity as a gift. It is important to use our influence to lead the way for young ones to follow.” He added, “By simply giving the children a warm welcome, I think that will make a big difference in their lives because you make them feel that they are not alone in life and that they have a family.”

Meanwhile, Maymay shared that she empathizes with the kids.

“We all have different experiences, but I know what it feels like to lose hope and feel lost,” she said. “I am honored to do

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 53 Garden veggies 59 Como — usted?

60 Removed 61 Recital piece 62 Pair of mules 63 Salad veggie 64 Open-air lobbies 65 Novelist — Ferber 66 Listen carefully 67 Is too fond

HOLLYWOOD

reopens in time for Christmas

IOLO Pascual, JM De Guzman, Maymay Entrata, and Edward Barber led the Star Magic artists that came to support the relaunch of the Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Village lon Dec. 1 in Norzagaray, Bulacan where they welcomed the first batch of residents of the newly-renovated halfway home.

29 Stockholm carrier 30 Not close 31 Crack in the earth 32 Mom’s brother 33 Gathered leaves 35 Home tel.

38 Surpass 39 Corp. execs.

40 However 42 Pricing word 43 Blond 45 Grand — Island 46 Like golf shoes

47 Delt neighbor 49 Tend the furnace 50 Solar plexus 51 Drew on 52 Getz or Mikita 54 Libertine 55 — von Bismarck 56 Russell or Vonnegut 57 Adams or McClurg 58 Wave makers

my part bringing the children some fun at least for a day as they begin their road to recovery.” Maymay and her loveteam partner Edward also volunteered to become Bantay Bata 163 champions.

Earlier this year, over 300 Kapamilya artists came together to support the relaunching of the Children’s Village through raising awareness on the issue of child abuse and pledging donations at the ABS-CBN Ball 2018. Bantay Bata 163 also received support from other donors including the Quezon City local government led by Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Bantay Bata 163 program director Jing Castaneda-Velasco once again expressed her appreciation to the stars for taking time from their busy schedules to support their advocacy.

“Star Magic is no stranger to making dreams come true, as it has nurtured its talents into the brightest and most recognizable faces in the industry today. We are truly grateful to have them with us as we rebuild lives and fuel the dreams of future generations,” she said.

The Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Village provides

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Bantay Bata Children’s Village

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 NBA hoopster 6 Headland 10 Muddy tracks 14 Mind’s picture 15 Word of assent 16 Rapier’s kin 17 Honeydew 18 Denver’s altitude 19 Horror flick staple 20 Surgery need 22 Rural stopovers 23 Verdi opus 24 Drone 26 Green garnish 30 Imitation mink or mohair (2 wds.)

34 Wanted-poster word 35 Steakhouse order 36 Compilation 37 Price tickets 38 Out in the open 40 Resist obstinately 41 Med. plan 42 Newborn canines 43 Gauzy fabric 44 Frozen desserts 46 Located 48 Body part 49 Eject lava 50 Go headlong

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

holistic healing for children at risk through physical and psycho-social means, and a structured, therapeutic, family-like environment. It serves as a place where every child can recover, thrive, and develop before being reintegrated with their families and molded into productive members of society. The first batch of new residents include children previously under the protection of the Quezon City Social Services Development Department’s Reception and Action Center (RAC) and the Microgeo Network in Filinvest.

Those who would like to donate, volunteer, or participate in Bantay Bata 163 activities may call the 1-6-3 hotline.

Donations can also be coursed online on www.abs-cbnfoundation.comwww. abs-cbnfoundation.com or through the Bantay Bata 163 cans placed in establishments.

Now on its 21st year, Bantay Bata 163, a program under the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. endeavors to find new ways of combating abuse while remaining at the forefront of child welfare and protection in the country. Through capacitybuilding programs aimed at educating community leaders on abuse and the intrinsic rights of a child both online and in the real world, it empowers citizens to b e c o m e g a m e changers in the fight for c h i l d r e n ’s rights.

Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber add smile on the faces of the children in the Bantay Bata village.

'Detective Conan' is an ongoing Japanese detective manga series written and illustrated by Gosho Aoyama.

‘Detective Conan’ returns to GMA Network THE smartest and smallest detective is back on Philippine Television. Detective Conan, which premiered on Monday Conan (Dec. 10), returns with more perplexing puzzles to solve on GMA Network’s weekday morning block.

The animé series follows the mysterious adventures of Shinichi Kudo, a 17-year-old detective known for his extraordinary ability to solve cases that even professional detectives could hardly unravel.

However, things changed for him when members of a crime syndicate fed him a poison drug. Instead of killing him as planned, the drug only transformed him to the size of a fourth grader.

He disguises himself as Conan Edogawa and lives with his childhood friend, Ran Mauri. While looking for a cure to his condition and tracking down the men who poisoned him, Conan secretly helps Ran’s detective father, Kogoro, in solving all sorts of cases.

How long will Shinichi live as the young boy Conan? Will he ever be normal again?

Catch the highly-anticipated return of Detective Conan at 8:00 a.m..

Entertainment

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

C4

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

After nearly 2 decades…

John Melo is back with Christmas ditty ISAH V. RED

PEOPLE

By Nickie Wang

Breaking barriers T

HERE are so many opportunities in the multibillion business in Hollywood but if you don’t fit the mold of a leading man, you are relegated to support roles, maybe speaking characters with oneliners. And if you’re an Asian, or an ambiguous “halfie,” the chances of you getting that big break is really slim, unless of course you’re the guy who starred in the mammoth hit, Crazy Rich Asians.

'90s OPM artist John Melo

IF YOU’RE a radio buff, you must have heard the song “Malapit Na Ang Pasko” as it has become one of the Christmas songs played on the radio, AM or FM band, this holiday season.

And guess who sang and recorded the song? John Melo!

John Melo who?

If the name doesn’t ring a bell, it means you were either out of the country in the late 80s, or you weren’t born yet.

But, John Melo is one of those who made waves in the late 80s and in 1992 his name nearly became synonymous to OPM with the tune “Ikaw Pala ang Minamahal” that gave him an Awit award for Best New Male Performance.

Showbiz was not his priority, he recalled at a brief meeting last week. He said, at the time when his contemporaries were really passionate and motivated to make a name in the music industry, like Ariel Rivera and Chad Borja, he was focused on finishing dentistry (which he did). Eventually, he would migrate first to Canada and then the United States with his young family.

(He is married to a dentist, Precilyn Silvestre, and they had one child then.

Now, they have three children, two are teenaged and one is just eight.)

Showbiz folk in the Philippines believe that once you’ve stepped into the entertainment door, you could step out but your heart remains inside. And that exactly what happened to John.

While engaged in another profession (real estate and dental management), his mind intermittently has been snowed under, as the saying goes, with thoughts of doing something showbizzy.

His friends egged him continually and even suggested he met with songwriter and fellow émigré Jimmy Borja (which he did) to ask him to write a Christmas tune for him.

The result is “Malapit Na Ang Pasko” and he uploaded it onto his Facebook page after recording it last year in San Francisco. To date, it has over three million views, and his friends in the US have tagged him as the OFW Prince of Christmas Song.

Motivated by the response of fellow Filipinos overseas to his Christmas ditty, he decided to fly back to Manila and promote it in the Philippines. Thus far, he has been elated that there are still people in the industry that remembers me.

Long-time fan magazine writer now radio commentator Christy Fermin interviewed John in her program on TV5 radio. He also made a guest appearance in Wowowin with host Willy Revillame.

“Alay ko talaga ang kantang ito sa mga gaya kong OFWs. Alam ko ang pinagdadaanan ng mga kababayan natin at dinanas ko na rin yan,” John said.

His 1992 album Hanap-Hanap Kita from where the hit single “Ikaw Pala ang Minamahal” was taken, was certified Gold. Vehnee Saturno wrote the tune for Ivory Records.

In1994, John also recorded another album, Magtiwala Ka with the carier single “Basta’t Mahal Kita” that Saturno also penned.

While the number of viewsof John’s Christmas song continues to grow, comparisons with “Sana Ngayong Pasko” byAriel RIvera and “Pasko na Sinta ko” by Gary V are becoming inevitable. But, for John Melo, his only dream now is to be on the same tracks as Jose Mari Chan who is known to many Filipinos as the “Father of Christmas,” thanks to his Christmas ditty that has become Philippines’ national Christmas anthem. Continued on C3

African-American who gets shot 13 times by a Filipino police officer suffering from PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). Aside from producing it, Angelo will be writing the movie’s script and playing the part of the Filipino police officer.

“The great thing about starting as an actor, and then being part of the team behind the camera, you’d understand where the director is coming from. I’d like to call myself as an actor-director,” Angelo related.

He added that he has always wanted to create films that would carry a message—human-impact stories based on real events. But apart from films with social commentaries, he explained why he makes short films.

“The first step is, I write the whole concept, the script and then I present it to investors.”

But according to Angelo, most investors don’t know anything about films so he came up with the idea to develop short film screeners that could give investors enough idea on what they could do.

“If it doesn’t work with the investors then I’d put it in a film fest. So, it’s a win-win situation. If it wins in the festival, I’d get better opportunity to show it to investors since the film has now an audience,” he explained.

The Filipino-Italian actor-writerdirector also wishes to make a name for himself in the international film festival circuit.

Angelo is credited for diluting and producing Groomed a film about human trafficking that was honored at the Westfield International Film Festival in September 2018.

Based on the life of sex trafficking victim-turned-advocate Tanya Gould, Groomed is about a young girl named Maria who gets entangled in the dark world of human trafficking.

Fil-Italian actordirector Angelo Reyes has done theater and acted in film and television

Then again, films like the one directed by Jon M. Chu come only once in two decades. Bottom line is, the struggle is real.

In an article published by CNN, it says that Asian actors also want to play the lead, the romantic character, the hero, just like everyone else, but they are always cast as “ninjas, monks, nerds, the third, fourth, fifth best friend who is a nerd, killers, doctors and for women, the sexy Asian woman who’s dating a white guy.”

This lack of better roles to play was what inspired Filipino Italian actor-director Angelo Reyes to venture into filmmaking.

“When I started in LA it was very difficult for me to get a specific part. I wasn’t quite Filipino enough or Italian enough. Their version of a Filipino is really Asian like Japanese or Chinese,” Angelo told Manila Standard in an exclusive interview.

“I couldn’t fit in. I was like that for a few years trying to figure out what’s going on...and then one day I said you know what Filipinos are not the typical Asian because of their Hispanic background, not by choice though. Then my career went up and

Filipino roots

I was getting nothing but Hispanic roles.

I played the game for a few years after that,” he added.

Although acting is his first love, he wanted to create a movement—invested in film projects because he wanted to develop stories that star Filipino actors playing Filipino characters.

“It’s tough for me to voice that opinion

BEHIND THE CAMERA. Although Angelo's first love is acting, he has ventured into

filmmaking because he wanted to develop stories that star Filipino actors playing Filipino characters.

because they don’t even know what Filipinos look like,” he shared. “You’d be amazed, even on TV shows now or on Netflix, Filipino actors, they don’t play Filipinos. They’d either get Chinese or Vietnamese characters. I wanted to break that barrier, that’s why I took that route of producing short films.”

Angelo has always been drawn to subjects that touch on the human condition.

He wants to take on such topics as rape, murder, torture, discrimination, racial profiling—the harsh and dark realities that are too common but are rarely talked about.

He hopes to work with material that stir emotions and inspire awareness.

In fact he is currently working on a project in Norfolk, Virginia that tackles social injustice.

Angelo is passionate about it as it will be a story about a young

Before moving to Virginia Beach, USA, which he now calls home, Angelo lived in Naples, Italy where he grew up in the care of an Italian mother and a Filipino father from Angono, Rizal.

“I was raised till I was 10 in Italy, I was always around Filipino neighborhood especially when we moved to Virginia.

We basically have everything there— Filipino food, grocery stores to Filipino films,” he noted.

Living in a biracial household has taught him to speak three different languages. The good-looking fellow is adept in Italian, Spanish, and English.

“I know a little of Filipino,” he said with a laugh, “I can’t speak it, but I can catch a few words here and there whenever I hear people around me speak in Filipino. I’m still learning it.

But it wouldn’t be too hard because when I was growing up, I would hear my father speak the language.”

Angelo is in town scouting for opportunities. He said he wanted to try acting or whatever local show business would present him. He’s also working on a story set in Mindanao.

“I’ve been trying to get here for a while. I was waiting for the right time, I’m developing my portfolio back home,” he revealed.

Angelo knows that independent filmmaking is big in the country that’s why he also wanted to test the waters.

“The crime story I’m working on right now is an indie. I know indies are big in the Philippines he said. “I want to get started, I would want to produce it hereHopefully, I can do that next year.

I want to do films one after another.”

Angelo is a polyglot, knows Filipino Martial Arts (Perkiti Tersia), plays basketball and football, and he's also into graphic design.

Star-studded Gabay Guro teacherfest goes to Navotas AFTER witnessing the continuous positive impact of PLDT Gabay Guro’s programs and what it does to the betterment of the plight of the Filipino teacher, PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan last year expressed his desire to expand the reach of Gabay Guro by bringing it to the different provinces in the country.

In no time, Gabay Guro Foundation’s kind-hearted Chairman Chaye CabalRevilla has mobilized the team of dedicated volunteers and the wheels of Gabay Guro’s pillars have since been grinding non-stop.

This year alone, Gabay Guro has

been to the provinces of Agusan, Bulacan and Bataan conducting trainings and workshops, and bringing the much-awaited teacherfestright to their doorsteps.

And to cap a very fruitful 2018, Chairman Revilla led her team last Thursday (Dec. 6) to hold Gabay Guro’s teacherfest in Navotas to spread early holiday cheers to the teachers there.

“We partnered with the LGU for this event. We want Navotas to experience this firsthand because we know that it is in these events where teachers get to experience the tribute they deserve,” says Revilla.

The star-studded event was

held at the Navotas Sports Complex where an estimated 4,000 teachers gathered for a day full of fun, prizes, and world-class entertainment led by the country’s biggest performers—Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Gabby Concepcion, Jona, Julie Anne San Jose, Renz Verano, Jason Dy, and Randy Santiago, along with comedians Ate Gay and Regina.

Revilla and the Gabay Guro team of visionaries advocate that, “our nation’s children depend on our nation’s teachers to lead them to the future.” Gabay Guro is propelled by these Pillars of Learnings—

Scholarships (2,000 scholars in 52 state colleges and universities nationwide; 500 LET passers, and 800 graduates, 234 are honor graduates); Livelihood Programs; Housing and Educational Facilities (49 classrooms constructed and donated in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Capiz); Broadband and Computerization (47 partner schools received computer donations and broadband connection); Teachers Training (trained over 40,000 teachers in over eight training programs); Teachers’ Tribute, and the latest addition, Innovation.

Continued on C3

Couple Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid onstage at the Gabay Guro teacherfest in Navotas