Manila Standard - 2018 December 22 - Saturday

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PALACE WANTS PROBE ON ATENEO BULLYING

GOV’T OFFICES, SUCs CLOSED ON DEC. 26

MALACAÑANG on Friday announced the suspension of work on Dec. 26 in state colleges and universities and other agencies under the executive branch.

The Palace earlier suspended government work on Jan. 2, 2019, which falls on a Wednesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) and Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) are regular holidays.

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VOL. XXXII • NO. 310 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Road Board out —Duterte

By Rio N. Araja, Nat Mariano and Julito G. Rada

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has spoken: He does want the Road Board abolished.

On Friday night, the Chief Executive backed the Senate over the proposed abolition of the agency supervising billions of pesos in public funds, which he said was being the “milking cow” of corrupt government officials.

“I side with the Senate, and if it comes to a constitutional controversy, the Executive department will side with the Philippine Senate and its interpretation of the law that the process has been completed; that it has been sent to the Senate for approval and on time it was signed,” he said in Pasay City at the change of command ceremonies of the Philippine Air Force.

“I had a talk with [former] President [and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal] Arroyo, and apparently there was a misunderstanding because all along I really wanted to abolish the road tax, and [House Majority Leader Rolando] Andaya was one of those who said that it should be maintained. No, nagkamali sila doon {they were mistaken],” the President added.

Duterte said he has wanted the Road Board abolished since assuming office in June 2016.

“I’ve always been wary about this office because it has been the milking cow of people who are corrupt in government,” Duterte said, and noted its functions should be returned to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“Ever since, I’ve really questioned the existence of this office. It’s nothing but a depository of money and for corruption,” he added.

The Road Board oversees funds collected from the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC)—which now stands at P45 billion—solely for road maintenance and drainage improvement, the installation of traffic lights and road safety devices, and monitoring air pollution.

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PRESIDENTIAL HUG. President Rodrigo Duterte, who will be spending Christmas in his home city of Davao, embraces an unidentified boy during the Christmas Party with sergeant majors from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command in Malacañang on Thursday while children of WestMinCom personnel (left) pay their respects to the 73-year-old Chief Executive. Malacañang Photo

Arroyo, Diokno downplay ouster plot

By Rio N. Araja and Julito said he, along with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, tried to oust Rada HOUSE Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday shrugged off speculation that the government’s economic managers and some lawmakers were conspiring to oust her.

“You know, reports… those are all rumors, so why spend so much time and emotion on them?” she said during an inspection in Barangay Inararo, Porac, Pampanga.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno also called as “false news” the Manila Standard report on Friday that

Arroyo after she assumed the speakership in July this year.

In a short text message to the Standard, Diokno said the report was “false news. In the spirit of Christmas let’s stop this nonsense! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Manila Standard tried to get the side of Dominguez on the issue but he did not respond.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia also belied the Standard report.

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Comelec trims senatorial bets, party-list groups in ‘19 polls

By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections has disqualified more than 20 senatorial candidates and says more will eventually be disqualified before Dec. 28.

The agency says most of the 152 people who filed their certificates of candidacy for senator in the 2019 elections did not meet the prerequisites, and would not be able to sustain their election campaign.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez declined to name the disqualified

candidates but said the official list of candidates would be released before the end of the year.

He said the number of qualified partylist groups had been trimmed down to at least 100 from 185, and that a number of candidates would be declared nuisance candidates.

“Nuisance candidates are those that filed their COCs to “put the election process in mockery or disrepute; or to cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of the names of the registered candidates; or who, by other acts or

circumstances, clearly have no bona fide intention to run for public office,” the Comelec said.

Jimenez said the Comelec had started the process of disqualifying the nuisance candidates to come out with the official list by December.

“The process is now starting so that we can hit the target before Dec. 21 and we can print the ballots,” he said.

“The printing of the ballots for the 2019 polls will be done by the first week of January, so we can expect the list to be out over the next two weeks.”

Panelo: Few media killings related to work

By Nat Mariano THE Palace on Friday downplayed the latest Southeast Asia Media Freedom Report saying the Philippines is among the worst countries for journalists in the region.

And a report published by the International Federation of Journalists says the Philippines is among seven Southeast Asian countries viewed as the worst places for journalists to work in because of censorship and the threats to their safety.

But Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo claimed that only “one or

two” killings of media workers were related to their profession.

“The worst? Well, for one, the deaths of the journalists in this country appear not to be connected with their job,” Panelo told reporters on Friday.

“From what I gather from those who have been killed, it was related to their personal lives. Nothing to do with journalism. There are one or two cases, but not as a rule.”

On the media impunity scale, the IFJ gave the Philippines a rank of 7.7 out of 10, with 10 being the worst. They even ranked the country’s justice system a 7.5 out of 10.

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Senate gives OSG more power, scope

XMAS FOR ANIMALS. Malabon Zoo founder Manny Tangco celebrates Friday Animal Christmas Party with Pacquiao the Orangutan and two dozen Philippine reindeer with the party theme ‘Christmas is for the Animals too.’ Andrew Rabulan

3 days

THE Senate on Friday approved on third and final reading a bill expanding the powers and capabilities of the Office of the Solicitor General but without abolishing the Presidential Commission on Good Government and Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

Last December, Senator Richard Gordon filed Senate Bill 1626, seeking to consolidate the legal services in the government into one office for efficiency and economy by abolishing PCGG and OGCC and transferring their powers and

functions to the Solicitor General.

Gordon said the reforms are needed if the government is to address and rectify the pace of disposition of cases handled by the OSG. At present, he said the ratio of pending cases per OSG lawyer “is at 1,415 total active cases per lawyer.”

With the bill’s approval, the Senate and House of Representatives have to convene the bicameral conference committee to reconcile the disagreeing provisions.

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Countdown to Christmas 2018 HPG: Ensure fitness for traffic THE Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group reminded motorists to ensure their good physical state before hitting the road and joining the holiday rush.

PNP HPG Director PCSupt. Roberto Fajardo said the volume of vehicles currently plying major roads in Metro Manila has spiked by 26 percent, which makes motorists more prone to accidents.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority encouraged shoppers to go to malls nearest them, and as much as possible refrain from going to malls that require long travel to avoid being stuck in expected heavy traffic during the holidays.

The MMDA said malls are open from 11 a.m. onward, but it is up to the mall management to set what time they prefer to close.

Duterte in Davao for Christmas

Free Grab bus rides until Dec. 24

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will again be spending Christmas Day in his home in Davao City, for the third consecutive year since assuming office in 2016.

“In Davao, every Christmas he does it [even] birthdays, he spends it with his family always. No frills,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a Palace press briefing Friday.

Panelo said the President will pay a visit to sick children in hospitals in Davao, which the Chief Executive started doing during the Christmas Eve two years ago. Nat Mariano

GRAB Philippines on Friday urged the riding public to take advantage of its free bus and jeepney rides until Dec. 24 in high-demand locations in the National Capital Region.

“Grab users can easily avail of the Grab Christmas express bus and jeeps by claiming their Christmas express unlimited pass from the in-app GrabRewards catalogue,” Cindy Toh, country marketing head, said. The ticket can be used multiple times, but is equivalent to one seat only. Rio Araja

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace eyes Ateneo bullying probe

By Nat Mariano

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HE Ateneo de Manila University Junior High School must probe the bullying incident in its premises, Malacañang said Friday as it expressed concern after a video “depicting an evident act of violence” among its students went viral.

In other developments: • The Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on Friday threatened to expel any student found guilty of gave misconduct after a bullying incident involving two grade 11 students went viral on social media.

In a statement, university president Jose Ramon Villarin said the school management would never tolerate bullying inside the school.

• The Department of Education on Friday reminded public and private schools about the enforcement of anti-bullying policies.

In a statement, the department urged kindergarten, elementary and secondary

public and private schools to implement its Child Protection Policy.

• Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday urged officials of Ateneo de Manila University and its parents to address the bullying issue at the school involving junior high school students.

“These things happen everywhere, in private and public schools, in exclusive and non-exclusive schools. The school administration and the parents have the principal responsibility to address this concern,” said Guevarra, an Ateneo alumni and a former law professor at the university.

Senators Francis Pangilinan, Nancy Binay and Bam Aquino on Friday ap-

pealed to the netizens who verbally attacked on social media a teenager caught bullying other high school students.

Pangilinan said bullying should never be tolerated and left unpunished, but the punishment should be child-appropriate and consistent with the anti-bullying law.

Binay said bullying does not end by bullying the bully.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said he was bothered by the video that apparently involved minors and even a young taekwondo practitioner.

“Yeah, I watched that. I was bothered by what I saw. I think they should investigate, first, why there was such a one-sided fight, given the fact that the one who mauled was much smaller,” Panelo told reporters.

“But I said, maybe there was something that triggered [him] because they have been saying that that boy should undergo psychiatric exams. Maybe there was something that triggered his anger.”

After saying he was taken aback that

a small taekwondo practitioner initiated the act of bullying, Panelo added that the school must investigate the matter.

“There must be an investigation. I think we should investigate this. The school should investigate the incident and do something about it. You cannot be allowing bullying inside the classroom and school. Besides, there is a law against that,” Panelo said.

On Thursday, a video of the incident showing a student challenging his schoolmate to a fight inside a comfort room went viral, causing a public uproar on social media after Filipino netizens were quick to react on the matter.

The Philippine Taekwondo Association condemned the bullying incident.

In its statement on Thursday, the group said it “condemns any form of misbehavior that includes harassment, bullying and acts of violence.” With Rio N. Araja, Rey E. Requejo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and PNA

Arroyo,Diokno....

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“Not true at all. Not for us to do that!” Pernia said in a text message.

The former assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte, Christopher Go, also waved aside the rumors.

“I think she enjoys the support of her colleagues in Congress and her working relationship with the President remains strong,” he said.

He added that only Congress can decide who is Speaker and said the President would not meddle in its affairs.

Go and Arroyo met briefly in Clark, Pampanga, where he was attending a Christmas gathering of Aetas.

“I was happy to see Speaker Gloria Arroyo drop by the place, along with [Pampanga] Gov. Lilia Pineda and Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda so they, too, could join the occasion and show their support for me. Their constituents were also there since the event was held in Pampanga,” he said.

“We greeted and exchanged ‘Merry Christmas’ to one another. I am also thankful that they advised me to go on helping people,” he added.

Seaoil rollback Philconsa to SC: BOL will 'destroy country, dismember territories' cuts prices by one peso a liter

By Alena Mae S. Flores SEAOIL Philippines led the new round of oil price rollbacks effective Saturday, cutting as much as P1 per liter.

On Friday, Seaoil announced it will cut the prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene by P1 per liter, respectively effective 6 a.m. Dec. 22.

“This is to reflect movements in the international petroleum market,” the oil firm said.

Last Dec. 18, the oil companies also implemented a price cut of P0.10 to P0.15 per liter for gasoline, P0.25 per liter for kerosene, and P0.25 to P0.35 per liter for diesel.

Prior to Seaoil’s rollback, total year-to-date adjustments for gasoline reached a net decrease of 10 centavos per liter. Diesel posted a net increase of P1.25 per liter, same with kerosene at P0.83 per liter.

According to the Department of Energy, the US Energy Information Administration forecasts world oil prices to average at about $54 to $61 per barrel.

The DOE said the US EIA expects the price drops, coupled with the production cuts of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, will bring next year’s supply and demand numbers into balance.

US oil production is forecasted at an average of 12.06 million barrels per day next year, but the uncertainties in the global economy from the US-China trade war could impact consumption, thus affecting oil prices.

Panelo:....

From A1

The other countries ranked in the impunity scale included Cambodia (6.1), Indonesia (7.4), Malaysia (6.3), Myanmar (7.5), Thailand (N/A) and Timor Leste (4.1).

Cyber attacks, poor wages, censorship and government attacks on the workplace are some of the factors deemed as key threats to journalists’ safety, the IFJ said.

Despite Panelo’s statement, multiple reports identified more than two media killings in the country as being work-related.

The IFJ said 12 journalists had been killed in relation to their work since the beginning of President Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency.

“There are no signs of any government willingness to stop the targeting of journalists and media organizations who believe this official apathy, or even open hostility,” IFJ said in its report. “[It] has fueled a culture of impunity which has emboldened those seeking to silence the press.”

But Panelo again cited the case of Rappler chief executive Maria Ressa who has been charged with tax evasion.

“They have been saying that Ressa was charged, but that has nothing to do with freedom of expression. If you violate a law, you cannot be immune from prosecution. She is given due process and she even posted bail,” Panelo said.

Still, the IFJ has labeled the Philippines as the “deadliest peacetime country for journalists,” with a total of 185 media practitioners killed since the People Power Revolution in 1986.

The IFJ recorded 85 cases of assault on the media from June 2016 to May 2018, which included cases of murder, death threats, online harassment, police surveillance and the revocation of operating licenses.

THE Philippine Constitution Association has warned the Bangsamoro Organic Law will destroy the country and dismember its territories, and asked the Supreme Court to declare the landmark legislation unconstitutional.

Philconsa filed its 37-page petition questioning the passage of Republic Act 11054 or the BOL on Dec. 11, a full copy of which was only made available to the media on Thursday.

In related developments: • Bangsamoro Transition Commission chairperson Ghadzali Jaafar has called on the Commission on Elections and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process to ensure a fraud-free plebiscite for the BOL set next month.

Jaafar made the appeal during the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the Comelec, OPAPP and the BTC for an intensified information drive on what the BOL was and how the BOL referendum would be conducted.

The BOL provides that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be replaced by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region governed by the Bangsamoro Parliament elected by the Bangsamoro Region’s inhabitants.

The BOL also grants the Bangsamoro Region 5 percent of the net national internal revenue collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs as block grant, on top of the at least P5 billion worth of Special Development Fund for the Bangsamoro Region every year for the next 10 years, starting 2019.

• The Commission on Elections said those who would vote in the plebiscite for or against the BOL ratification would not need identification cards to be able to cast their vote.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez

'Talk...

From A1

“Secretary Diokno is just assuming.

This is not the time to second-guess the President. Now is the time for Secretary Diokno to talk to the President and come clean on the issue. He should stop giving alternative facts. He should stop blindsiding the President,” Andaya said.

“Better that Secretary Diokno bring with him a copy of the bill on the socalled ‘Road Board abolition’ personally to the President,” he said.

“Or if he is really up to it, I challenge Secretary Diokno to a debate on the proposed [House] Bill [7436] to see who is telling the truth.”

Earlier, a senior administration lawmaker who declined to be named said a group led by Dominguez, wanted to oust Gloria Arroyo a month after her election as Speaker.

But Andaya said the House has passed all the legislative measures that the economic managers sought from Congress.

“All of these bills have already been submitted by the DoF to the committee on ways and means,” Dominguez said.

“In that letter, it is clear that the DoF just wanted to increase the registration fees of the motorcycles, cars, trucks, jeepneys, sports utility vehicles and all

Senate...

From A1 The House version of the bill, passed in May, still includes the abolition of PCGG and OGCC. Gordon, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, later expressed reservations about integrating the two agencies with the OSG, since questions on conflict of interest were raised.

Instead of abolishing the PCGG, the senator said it should be given sufficient budget and that a committee should be created to monitor its activities.

After a year of deliberations, the Senate voted 16-0 to drop the proposal to abolish the two offices and passed a bill strengthening the OSG by including reforms allowing it to hire more lawyers and boost efforts to make it the government’s principal law office and legal

made the clarification during the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the Comelec, the OPAPP, and the BTC for an intensified information drive on the BOL and how the BOL referendum would be conducted.

• A think tank said Friday land distribution in the Bangsamoro was one of the most “critical issues” local groups and indigenous tribes were considering a month before they cast their votes in a plebiscite that would determine the region’s autonomy.

Under the BOL, the cadastration of land, the allocation of ancestral lands and the designation of public lands will be determined by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority that would be headed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Murad Ebrahim.

“There are certain concerns of indigenous peoples groups about land that is being contested by Maguindanaoan settlers who left during the height of war against the Ilagas in the 1960s and 1970s and they might want to go back to reclaim their land,” Francisco Lara, senior adviser of the peace advocacy group International Alert, told ANC’s Early Edition.

“They have to reassure people, assuage those concerns with the indigenous peoples,” Lara said.

The Philconsa plea “seeks to avert the destruction of the Republic of the Philippines, the dismemberment of its territory, the fragmentation of its people, the despoliation of its natural and human resources, and the wreckage of its tripartite system of government.”

Impleaded were the Senate, represented by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, the House of Representatives, represented

by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and the Office of the President, rep-

resented by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Philconsa is a non-stock, non-profit association founded by former President Sergio Osmeña 57 years ago to “defend, protect and preserve” the Constitution.

Among those who signed the petition were retired Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Manuel Lazaro and lawyer Rodolfo Reyes.

This is the second petition filed against the BOL, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed in July.

In October, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II also filed a petition against the BOL. The group urged the high court to issue a temporary restraining order and a writ of preliminary injunction to prevent the implementation of the BOL. Philconsa argued the 1987 Constitution only recognized one autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao.

“When R.A. 11054 abolished the ARMM and created the BARMM, a new and distinct territorial and political subdivision in lieu thereof, without first amending the Constitution, respondent’s legislative and executive departments violated and/or amended Sec. 1, Art. X of the Constitution, without jurisdiction or authority, with grave abuse of discretion tantamount to lack of and/or in excess of jurisdictions,” it said.

It added: “The legislative and the executive departments, creations of the Constitution, must observe and stand beside the Constitution and not act above, defy or supplant it.”

According to the group, the creation of a Bangsamoro political entity is contrary to the Constitution which created only provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays, and autonomous regions in Mus-

other motor vehicles. Not a single word was ever mentioned to abolish the Road Board,” he said.

He said Diokno was “all over town telling our people that the President wanted the abolition of the Road Board.”

Meanwhile, Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo declined to comment that he was among the 41 lawmakers who asked for Road Board funds for several infrastructure projects in 2017 and 2018.

“Thanks. But I won’t comment,” he told the Manila Standard in a text message.

Cibac party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna said “we are still collating documents.

As of now, I don’t remember if I have referred or asked. I cannot comment,” he told the Manila Standard.

On the other hand, LPGMA party-list Arnel Ty said nothing has been released yet for each representative that has applied.

“We have been doing that even before.

We just propose and if they [Road Board] entertain [our requests], they endorse them to the [proposed] General Appropriations Act,” he said.

Manila Standard tried to reach other lawmakers, such as PBA party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles and Surigao del Norte Robert Ace Barbers, to comment on their requests, but received no responses from them.

The Palace, meanwhile, said the President might sign the bill abolishing the Road Board even without Arroyo’s signature, saying that lawmakers would have to court to challenge Duterte’s move to get rid of the corruption-laden agency.

Panelo said Malacañang has already received a copy of the bill signed by the Senate President, but not the Speaker.

Panelo said there could be a court battle if the Senate transmits the bill to the President even without Arroyo’s signature.

Andaya previously said that Congress could not transmit an enrolled copy of the bill because it could not contain Arroyo’s signature, but Malacañang viewed the Speaker’s signature as only “ministerial.”

To resolve the legal question, Panelo said that “somebody will have to go to the courts.”

“Maybe if the President really wants to end this, he will sign it and then they will go to the Court. Those from the House, they may question it,” he said.

Panelo agreed with Senate President Vicente Sotto III that the House could no longer recall the measure since it was already adopted and passed by the Senate.

Both the Senate and the House passed a bill abolishing the Road Board during the speakership of Davao del Norte Rep.

defender.

Gordon said the approved Senate Bill No. 1823 will primarily amend Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code and Republic Act No. 9417.

It would introduce provisions that directly address the most important challenges faced by the OSG such as the hiring of new lawyers, skills training and specialization, and modernization of equipment, among others.

“The Office of the Solicitor General is in dire need of competent, dedicated and honest lawyers to perform its mandate of being the People’s Tribune and the legal defender of the Republic of the Philippines. We need to aid the OSG to take on this formidable task,” he said.

The bill expands the powers of the OSG to “conciliate, mediate, administratively settle, or adjudicate all disputes, claims, and controversies involving mixed questions of fact and law, or

questions of fact only, solely between or among the departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the national government, including constitutional offices or agencies.”

The bill also mandates competitive retirement perks and other benefits for OSG members to help recruit new lawyers and make them stay in the agency, and to address the problem of too few OSG lawyers who are overloaded with cases.

Among the new perks to attract lawyers to the OSG were retirement benefits equivalent to those received by the National Prosecution Service, lump sum gratuities, and death benefits for the Solicitor General, Assistant Solicitors General, and State Solicitors, “provided that they will not represent interests adverse to those of the public.”

The bill also calls for the institutionalization of intensive training of OSG

lim Mindanao and the Cordilleras, calling BAR an “interloper” or a “stranger.”

The group also called out the grant of legislative powers to the Bangsamoro parliament, such as the power to grant tax exemptions and incentives, to create government-owned and controlled corporations, and to declare nature reserves, aquatic parks, forests, watershed reservations and other protected areas—powers which are reserved to Congress.

The group also questioned a BOL provision giving the Bangsamoro parliament the power to enact laws governing commercial and other civil actions not provided under the Code of Muslim Personal Law, as well as criminal jurisdiction over minor offenses.

It noted that the Constitution only gives special courts like the Shariah court jurisdiction over personal, family and property laws.

Philconsa also objected to the grant of powers to the Bangsamoro parliament to enter into trade relations with foreign countries and to contract foreign loans.

Under the Constitution, the group said, these powers belonged solely to the President.

Philconsa also said the BOL violated the equal protection clause for its provision allowing national taxes like documentary stamp, donor’s and estate taxes to go straight to the Bangsamoro government, putting it at an “unjustified advantage” over other regions.

It also found an issue with the creation of a Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council, which it said was contrary to a constitutional provision declaring NEDA as the independent planning agency of the government.

Pantaleon Alvarez.

However, three months after Arroyo assumed leadership following the ouster of Alvarez, the lower chamber adopted a bill voiding the previous House Bill No. 7436’s approval on third reading.

The Palace has said Duterte wants to abolish the Road Board amid allegations that some lawmakers want to use the road user’s tax for the 2019 elections.

The President himself has said he wants the Road Board abolished.

“I will abolish one to three agencies.

That Road Board, they have to go,” Duterte said at the time.

A senior lawmaker, who requested anonymity, said it was hubris on the part of the economic managers to accuse members of the House of Representatives of “unparliamentary behavior” when they themselves conspired with some members of Congress to oust Arroyo shortly after she assumed the speakership in July.

He said Dominguez and Diokno marched into Arroyo’s office more than a month after she was elected Speaker and demanded that the 2019 national budget not be slashed or altered, saying it was “the President’s budget.”

When House leaders refused, the economic managers tried to instigate moves to oust Arroyo as Speaker, the lawmaker said.

personnel, including the provision of a legal internship program for law students, to develop capacity and “ensure those who are trained cascade what they learn and stay in the OSG.” “More and better-trained OSG lawyers means lower caseload for each lawyer. A lighter caseload would mean lesser postponements of hearings, pleadings would be filed on time. Ultimately, this would help in the faster disposition of cases,” Gordon said.

The measure will also allow the OSG to hire foreign counsel based on who, in the OSG’s opinion, could best represent the interests of the Republic.

The bill will increase the share of the OSG in proceeds from litigations so it could fund training of employees, modernize office and equipment, that may lead to better performance of OSG lawyers and helping improve court dockets.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

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IN BRIEF 109 returning OFWs to get financial aid from OWWA

BIRTHDAY BASH.

Philippine Constitution Association President and Lakas-CMD Party President Martin Romualdez (right) greets a Happy 76th Birthday House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez during a celebration Thursday night at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City, while (inset) Tingog Party List 1st Nominee and Leyte (1st District) Rep.Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (right) with son Andrew Romualdez (2nd right) shares a light moment with Senator Cynthia Villar (left) and Senator Nancy Binay (2nd left) during the occasion.

Ver Noveno

‘Continue combat operations vs. NPA’

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HE military will not stop combat operations against the New People’s Army, even though the rebels have taken 12 militiamen and two soldiers hostage in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur and said they would not be released until attacks against them have ceased.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday they would not allow the rebels to use the captured troops as leverage.

He said the militiamen and soldiers knew they were at war with the rebels and that if they were being held hostage, that was part of the job.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said that a Board of Inquiry has been formed to investigate the rebel raid in Sibagat last Dec. 19.

He said troops were pursuing the rebels, who also carted away automatic rifles,

Du30: Nurture compassion, kindness this Christmas PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called on the public to nurture the ideas of compassion, kindness, and reconciliation as he wished the country a happy and meaningful Christmas.

“Once again, it is the time of the year where we honor, gather our families and friends to celebrate the nativity of Jesus, share life’s many blessings and demonstrate our love and gratitude for each other,” he said in his Christmas message.

“As we take part in this joyous occasion, may we contemplate on the worth of the lessons that we can learn from the narrative of Christ’s birth,” he added, urging the Filipino people to embrace the spirit of shared humanity.

“Together let us bring hope and peace in our nation this Yuletide season as we welcome the coming year with much hope and optimism,” he said.

On Friday, the Palace said that Duterte will again be spending Christmas in his home in Davao City.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo also said the President will visit sick children in Davao hospitals, a practice he started two years ago.

Duterte has spent Christmas in his hometown for three consecutive years.

“That has always been the style of the President--to visit the handicapped. He’ll be there. You know the President is very soft-hearted to the handicaps, special children, and cancer patients,” he said.

“There you will see his compassion, he shed tears every time.”

In a speech during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Palace grounds, Duterte emphasized the importance of observing Christmas.

“During this time of the year, few more sights evoke more feelings of cheer and goodwill and the bright lights of our Christmas tree. Gathering around this iconic symbol that gives us a chance to reflect on the lessons of the past year, and makes us hopeful for the new year ahead,” he said. Nat Mariano

DoTr: Angkas continues to defy SC order to stop its operations

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Transportation on Thursday said that motorcycle ride-hailing firm Angkas continues to defy the order of the Supreme Court to stop its operations.

This, even as the department urged the ride-hailing firm to have a dialogue to discuss issues related to its operations as a public transportation service.

“The DOTr, LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board), and LTO (Land Transportation Office) respectfully complied with the order of the lower court.

Angkas, on the other hand, continues to brazenly defy the order of the Supreme Court.

Let’s thresh it out,” the DOTr said in its statement on Thursday.

“The issue is not about the perpetual prohibition of motorcycles from serving as public transport. This is not about depriving the commuting public of an alternative mode

of transportation. Instead, this is a matter of following the order of the Supreme Court, the same kind of obedience demonstrated by the government to the preliminary injunction of the lower court even if that order was not favorable to it,” it added.

The Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order earlier this month against the decision of the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court to interfere with Angkas’ operations.

It prevented the implementation of the writ of preliminary injunction issued by Judge Carlos Valenzuela of Mandaluyong RTC Branch 213 last August in favor of Angkas, which prohibited the DOTr and LTFRB from apprehending Angkas bikers, who had been engaging in their trade or profession based on its mobile application, from performing any act that will impede or obstruct the petitioner’s pursuit of its lawful business or trade as owner and operator of the Angkas mobile application.

ammunition, a radio and other supplies.

Lorenzana also said the military would need more naval and aerial assets so it can perform its mandate and end threats to the country’s internal security.

“We need more ships, we need more helicopters,” Lorenzana said when asked about his priorities for the Armed Forces of the Philippines during a press briefing Thursday.

He said more equipment would boost the capability of government forces, especially in neutralizing Abu Sayyaf terrorists and communist insurgents.

“If we can reduce the problem ar-

eas to just a law enforcement problem which could be handled by the police, we can devote military to some other activities like organizing more engineering brigades so that we can also help in the development of the countryside,” he said.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order No. 70 directing the creation of a national task force to end the armed conflict with the communists, as well as the adoption of a national peace framework that will contain policies addressing the root causes of the insurgency. PNA

MANILA BAY INSPECTION.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources officials inspect the water on Manila Bay. The agency said that it has exceeded its year-end targets for environmental programs on solid waste management, clean air and clean water, and rehabilitation plans on Manila Bay which comprised the top priorities of Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.

Lino Santos

Free toll use offered at South tollways MOTORISTS using the tollways to and from south of Metro Manila may pass through the NAIA Expressway (NAIAx), Skyway System, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Star Tollway for free on the eves of Christmas and New Year.

Toll fees will not be collected from 10 p.m. of December 24, 2018 up to 6 a.m. the following day; and from 10 p.m. on December 31, 2018 up to 6 a.m. of January 1, 2019.

Skyway O&M Corp. (SOMCO), Manila Toll Expressway Systems, Inc. (MATES), and Star Tollway Corp. (STC), the respective operators of NAIAX/the Skyway System, SLEX and the Star Tollway, extend this toll-free privilege to the south tollway-using motorists in appreciation for their patronage. It is also their

way of wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

To avoid delays and unnecessary inconvenience, the South Tollways operators advise the increased number of motorists traveling in and out of south Metro Manila during the Christmas holidays to properly plan their trip, keep their vehicles in excellent running condition, to be alert when driving and to strictly follow traffic and safety rules inside the tollways. At the Skyway, NAIAx, SLEX and Star Tollway, traffic is expected to further peak as early as December 21 (Friday) for Christmas and December 28 (Friday) for the New Year celebration; and on January 2, 2019 (Wednesday) for return trip to and from Metro Manila.

Villar debunks Piñol claim on NFA rice

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Cynthia A. Villar, chairman of the Senate agriculture and food committee, on Friday debunked Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol’s claim that the NFA will no longer sell cheap rice to the public since it can no longer import rice under the new law.

She said that President Rodrigo Duterte himself had said that even with rice tariffication and liberalization of the rice industry, the NFA shall continue to provide the public

particularly the less fortunate with rice that is affordable and safe.

“Once the law is passed, the NFA will be directed to buy palay from our local farmers.

Together with Department of Agriculture, it will focus on developing cost- efficient system that will help reduce the production cost of locally-produced rice and stabilize rice prices,” said Villar.

In addition, she said the rice subsidy of the DSWD amounting to P28 billion should be bought from the local farmers.

AT LEAST 109 distressed overseas Filipino workers who were repatriated from Saudi Arabia will receive P20,000 financial aid from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The repatriated OFWs will be able to celebrate Christmas with their families following their repatriation from the KSA who returned home this week on two batches, Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said.

“These were the directives from Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. We hope that this can help them cope with the daily expenditures,” Cacdac said.

Cacdac said that aside from the financial aid, the repatriated OFWs can also apply for livelihood assistance should they choose to stay in the country for good.

“Our repatriated OFWs also have the opportunity to apply for a livelihood assistance. A seminar will be arranged for them and they will be required to submit their respective business plans. We will teach them how to do it,” the OWWA chief said.

Airport assistance were also provided to the distressed OFWs which includes temporary shelter for those who await their flights back to their respective provinces, and transportation assistance for those who reside in the Luzon area. Vito Barcelo

Ex-LRA exec’s estafa, graft conviction upheld THE Sandiganbayan has upheld the conviction for estafa and graft of a former executive of the Land Registration Authority (LRA) over an alleged illegal land deal in 2010.

The Sandiganbayan First Division, in a decision dated Dec. 20, 2018, affirmed the joint decision dated Nov. 10, 2017 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 85, which found former LRA Records Officer Maybel Umpa guilty of estafa and for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act”.

For the estafa and graft cases, the Quezon City RTC sentenced Umpa to a total of 16 years imprisonment.

The court also ordered Umpa to pay private complainant Lory Malibiran P620,000 in actual damages.

Court records showed that on July 2, 2013, the Office of the Ombudsman filed an estafa case against Umpa and her co-accused Carlito Castillo, a former Administrative Assistant III at LRA, for conspiring on Oct. 15, 2010 and facilitated the approved plan, tax declaration and the titling of the real estate property of Fernando Mamaril consisting of 7.2 hectares located in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Malibiran, together with other financers, bought the parcel of land for P620,000 cash.

Castillo was arraigned on Aug. 29, 2013 while Umpa was arraigned only on Aug. 11, 2015 in both cases, during which they separately entered a “not guilty” plea. PNA

Road traffic deaths continue to rise in PH—WHO report THE World Health Organizatin said that deaths due to road traffic continues to rise in the Philippines.

WHO said that according to its data, 2,690 deaths were recorded in 2016 in the country, half of which involved vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.

The WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018 said thousands of road users also get injured and disabled from road crashes.

To address road safety issues, the Philippines developed the Philippines Road Safety Action Plan 2017-2022, adopting a vision of zero road traffic death, an official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

The WHO report identified road traffic injuries as the leading killer of children and young people aged 5 to 29 around the world.

Meanwhile, Alberto Suansing, secretary general of the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership said that parents should also look after their children as most accidents happen when kids are playing along streets.

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Opinion

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

Gratitude for promises kept TOMORROW, we celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent. On this day the fourth and last candle of the Advent Wreath is lighted to usher in the coming of Christmas. On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. It is a day of rejoicing for on this day the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us to show to all mankind that we do not live by ourselves alone to chart our own eternal destiny but that there is a loving God who guides us through the Holy Spirit and leads us to his eternal kingdom of happiness and bliss.

We often are afflicted with this arrogance and conceit in the false belief that we can properly exist without God and become independent of him.

The Gospel for this Sunday is taken from the Gospel of Luke which recounts the visit of Mary to St. Elizabeth. Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant. She carries Christ Jesus in her womb just as the Ark of the Covenant of the Old Testament carried the two tablets of the Ten Commandments. Through Mary, God has made a new covenant with his people, Jews and Gentiles alike, and be close to us in every way, to a point that he sent his only begotten Son to live amongst us and

die for our sins.

In the Gospel Elizabeth says to Mary, “Who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?” She tells how the babe in her womb (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb as she became filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary remains three months with her kinswoman before returning to her home.

In the light of today’s Gospel reading, we focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary, the perfect paragon of every Godly virtue. She is the model of charity by letting the love of God be the decisive factor in everything that she does and decides. She visits her kinsman Elizabeth out of generosity as she knows of her pregnant state although she herself is expecting a child.

Imbued with profound humility, Mary is born unsullied by original sin unlike the rest of humanity. Among all the multitude of women, she is singled out to bear in her womb the God-child and wholeheartedly accepted the responsibilities of her mission. She patiently accepts all the pains and sufferings that accompany the role of being the Mother of God, most specially in seeing her son suffer an ignominious death on the cross. Mary obeys God’s will blindly without counting the cost. She radiates joy and peace to everyone she touches in her earthly life. She totally surrenders her whole self to God, without any tint of reservation.

Now that we are about to receive the Savior, Emmanuel, it also pays to remember the great role of Mary played in the whole scheme of the divine plan.

For the salvation of men, she gave birth to God who is like us in all respects but sin. He is a God who wills to share our poverty and to pray and suffer with us; He assumes our guilt. Our minds cannot and will not fully grasp the plans of God, for he thinks and plans unlike men. For as the Scripture says, the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Oftentimes, we tend to be arrogant of our little achievements, yet we often forget that it is God, the God of all creation, who bestows upon us te ability

EDITORIAL

Bullies

A

VIDEO of several students of Ateneo Junior High School has become viral, and Filipinos’ reactions online and offline are as telling as the bullying incident that the video reveals.

There are varying suggestions on how to deal with the bully in the video, who confronted another boy and punched him in the nose. It’s a universal opinion that Ateneo, an institution so critical of the administration’s perceived human rights abuses, should discipline the student—to what degree depends on the results of an investigation— to send the message that there are no sacred cows especially in that environment of privilege.

The parents, many believe, should be held accountable for the acts of their minor child. Already several other videos of the same boy bullying yet other children have emerged, establishing that this was not a one-time judgment lapse.

The voices have been loud and

virtiolic over the Internet. No less than Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin says the boy “should be beaten senseless” to straighten him out. Imagine all the other hateful things being said about the boy, all along the lines of putting him in his place and disabusing him of any notion of power and entitlement at such a young age. Many have also criticized the school for the “lame” response to the incident.

At the other end of the spectrum, there are those who call for sobriety, reminding the others that the boy is still a child, that his own rights should be protected, and that the hatred spurred by the bullying video itself approximates the hatred that the bully had for his classmate.

Unfortunately, these very strong reactions are bound to come and go, much like the events that caught our attention and fired up our sentiments, only to be forgotten when the next big sensation comes along.

While we are at it, it is best to focus on those who have kept silent all along—the bullied.

For instance, the boy who was punched in the video was reported

to have received medical attention belatedly, because he only told his parents the truth when the video surfaced.

Bullying is a common occurrence in schools, and those who fall prey to bullies often feel that they must work it out on their own because admitting to it would invite more abuse or make them appear weak.

Some children—and even adults —withdraw into their own worlds, perform poorly in school, and even take their own lives because of the experience.

That recorded incident is not the only instance of bullying in Ateneo, or anywhere. In countless environments, with children and adults alike, there are always those who feel they must look, sound and act strong all the time by flaunting their power over others. By all means, they should not be tolerated.

The bullied should be empowered to stand up to their oppressors.

It is in the home that children first get educated on how to protect and assert themselves. It’s a tough world out there. The good news is, we don’t need be as low and as coarse and as dirty to survive. We only have to be decent—and firm.

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Dealing with bullies THERE is an ongoing debate on social media about a video showing an Ateneo de Manila high school student bullying another student. It appears like the bully, who represents the school in Tae Kwon Do competitions, was directing the videotaping of the incident as he seemed to speak with the one taking the video. There are also allegations that the same student has bullied other students in similar manner, and videos of these incidents also exist.

As expected, netizens are up in arms and are demanding that the bully be severely punished by the school, some calling for expulsion. There are even those who want the student to be subjected to the same abuse he inflicted on others. “Dapat makahanap ng katapat para tumigil,” said one.

People want blood.

The Ateneo Junior High School Principal has since issued a statement that was immediately considered by many as too lame, and too safe. The statement called the bullying incident as depicting a fight among students even as the video clearly showed that the one being bullied was not fighting back.

The statement also said that school authorities are investigating the incident and has called for a stop to the indiscriminate posting of the video because of privacy issues. Unfortunately, the statement made no mention of a standing policy in preventing and addressing bullying. As a leading private school, Ateneo should have such a policy because this is required by law.

Passed in 2013, Republic Act. No. 10627 or the “An Act Requiring All Elementary and Secondary Schools to Adopt Policies to Prevent and Address the Acts of Bullying in their Institutions” defines Acts of Bullying as “any severe or repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property; creating a hostile environment at school for the other student; infringing on the rights of the other students at school; or materially and substantially disrupting the education process or he orderly operation of a school; such as, but not limited to, the following: Any unwanted physical contact between the bully and the victim like punching, pushing, shoving, kicking, slapping, tick-

ling, headlocks, inflicting school pranks, teasing, fighting, and the use of available objects as weapons; Any act that causes damage to a victim’s psyche and/or emotional well-being; Any slanderous statement or accusation that causes the victim undue emotional distress like directing foul language or profanity at the target, name-calling, tormenting and commenting negatively on victim’s looks, clothes, and body; and Cyber-bullying or any bullying done through the use of technology or any electronic means.”

The abovementioned incident definitely falls under bullying and must be squarely and justly addressed by the school.

The law requires all elementary and secondary schools to adopt anti-bullying policies that prohibit bullying in school premises, areas adjacent to school, at school-sponsored-or-related activities even if done outside of the campus, or even in

I wish someone in Malacañang has learned this most important lesson.

non-school-related activities and through the use of technology or electronic devise “if the act or acts in question create a hostile environment at school for the victim, infringe on the rights of the victim at school, or materially or substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of a school”.

Such policies, the law says, should include educating students, parents, and guardians about the dynamics of bullying so the latter can provide support for and reinforce the policies. Moreover, these antibullying policies should be made known to all students, parents and guardians and should form part of the student and/or employee handbook.

Further, the law includes sanctions against schools for noncompliance. Erring private schools shall suffer the penalty of suspension of their permits to operate.

Thus, it is interesting to know if the Ateneo has the required policy and if said policy is operational.

Make no mistake, I am angered by what this bully has done. However, I am also concerned that calling for blood may not Turn to A5

Gatekeeper at Japan’s ‘Suicide Forest’ hopes music can save lives

By Shingo Ito FROM his hut on the edge of Japan’s “Suicide Forest”, Kyochi Watanabe blasts John Lennon’s “Imagine” into the night—hoping that music can lift people from their despair before it’s too late.

The 60-year-old musician has been waging an eight-year battle to banish the vast forest’s morbid reputation by reaching out to those who come to end their lives.

But now he fears his work is being undone.

The forest, known as Aokigahara, made global headlines last year when YouTube star Logan Paul filmed an episode of his online series there, showing a suicide victim at the site.

The footage sparked outrage and infuriated Watanabe, who was born nearby and has spent most of his life in and around the forest.

“It’s a forest of nature. It’s a forest of religion. It’s not that kind of place,” he said.

“Do people want to make this forest a hell?” he said, calling it “so painful” to see the woods depicted in such a grim fashion.

Watanabe now lives in a hut on the edge of Aokigahara, which means “a field of blue trees”.

As night falls, he flips on speakers outside his secluded home and blasts rock and hip-hop into the darkness, breaking the thick silence of the ocean of trees.

He believes music is a way to reach

people engulfed in inner turmoil, and describes seeing people turn around and leave the forest when they hear the blasting tunes.

Sometimes he plays guitar and sings his favorite songs into a microphone to break the silence.

He has even intervened directly, convincing one man who had traveled from the western city of Osaka to go home.

“He returned home, and he still sends me messages on Facebook,” he said.

Highest suicide rate in the G7 Aokigahara’s long history dates back to the middle of the ninth century, when Mount Fuji erupted and lava covered wide areas that have since transformed

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Opinion A stern warning THE investigation into the deaths of Richard Santillan and a woman companion may yet open a can of worms as gruesome as their “double murder” in the hands of policemen.

Former congressman Glenn Chong says the case can prove the truth behind the massive cheating in the automated national elections orchestrated by the Commission on Elections and Smartmatic.

The proof of widespread election irregularities are exactly the damaging truth that the murder brains wanted to keep concealed, according to Chong.

Santillan, who was Chong’s aide, was gunned down along with the woman while riding a Toyota Fortuner in an alleged “encounter” with members of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group and local policemen in Cainta City last December 10.

The election reform lawyer and former Biliran congressman strongly belied police claims that Santillan was engaged in highway robbery, gunrunning and illegal drugs trafficking.

Police reports say the PNP-HPG men and the Cainta policemen were conducting a spot-operations in the area when they spotted the “unregistered vehicle.”

Instead of stopping the vehicle, police say Santillan sped off and a “firefight” ensued.

Chong refutes the “scripted police encounter story” which identified the two victims as members of “Highway Boys”–a criminal gang operating in Region 4A. Chong described as “fake news” the purveyed by PNP Region 4A, under Chief Supt. Edward Carranza, and the PNP-HPG, under Chief Supt. Roberto Fajardo, saying the matrix presented to the media was easy to make.

“Kahit sinong college student puwedeng gumawa ng matrix na ganyan,” said Chong.

Chong said he believes he was the real target instead of Santillan in the wake of his expose on the massive cheating the in 2016 elections by some officials of the Comelec and the Smartmatic to favor certain candidates of the Liberal Party (LP), particularly Leni Robredo.

In my one-on-one interview with Chong (which will be aired Saturday afternoon on Facebook and YouTube), he said it would’ve been too obvious if they killed him following his election fraud expose before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Based on the autopsy conducted by the forensic team of the Public Attorney’s Office on the cadaver, it appears that Santillan was tortured before he was “executed” as shown by wounds and missing toenails.

Chong says the murder of his aide is a death threat against him coming from those affected by his expose wanting him to keep his mouth shut once and for all.

The former solon also links the “yellows” to the death of Santillan because the two ranking PNP officials in Region 4A and the HPG have close ties to the Aquino administration.

In a recent Rotary Club gathering, former PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa divulged that Carranza used to work under General Marcelo Garbo. Garbo was implicated by President Duterte in his narco-list last year.

Garbo is a trusted aide of former DILG secretary Mar Roxas. Aside from being a loyal subordinate to Gen. Garbo, Carranza is a classmate of PNP Chief DirectorGeneral Oscar Albayalde in the Philippine Military Academy.

HPG chief Fajardo was the chief of police of Naga City, Camarines Sur when deceased DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo was still the mayor of that city, according to Chong.

Gen. Fajardo was the chief of the Northern Police District (NPD) when Kian delos Santos was summarily executed by three Caloocan City policemen in a staged drug raid.

I agree with Atty. Chong that his aide was brutally murdered by those who benefitted during the last election.

Also, can we still count on our police whose sworn duty is “to protect and to serve” the populace?

A just transition into a clean energy future

By Beatrice Tulagan AS THE climate negotiations in Katowice, Poland conclude with a Just Transition Declaration stressing that a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs are integral to the fulfillment of the goals of the Paris Agreement, we are once again left with a reminder that anything we’re agreeing to in high-level political talks means significant changes on the ground for real people.

At the end of the day, much as we disagree with their practices, the tight grip of the fossil fuel industry on our economies means thousands of people rely on them not just for power but for jobs that put food on dinner tables and send generations of children to schools.

Ultimately, calling for a transition to a clean energy future means securing these sources of livelihood and ensuring the integration of workers’ rights in a new system powered by clean energy for all.

As advocates, we must be conscious of the ramifications of the systemic change we are calling for on the most vulnerable sectors—sectors who, by the cruel joke of inequity due to capitalism, bear the anxiety of job loss because of widespread economic changes and impacts as conglomerate owners get tax breaks and profits.

In the Philippines, Ben* (not his real name), for example, has worked in a

Gratitude...

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to realize even the most insignificant and inconsequential of things.

We often are afflicted with this arrogance and conceit in the false belief that we can properly exist without God and become independent of him. Yet it is precisely this false belief that we destroy and undo the great creation of God, resulting in misery, despair, emptiness, sadness and loneliness, pain, suffering and ultimately death. “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.

Gatekeeper...

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into a 30 square-kilometer (12 squaremile) forest.

Local people have long worshipped the woods and its surroundings as a sacred place that reputedly enshrines a dragon.

It is a foreboding place, thickly planted with tall trees that block out the sun, and carpeted with moss and gnarled roots.

That led in the 1970s to it being increasingly depicted in popular novels, movies and television dramas as the fictional setting for suicides.

The association eventually became strong enough that suicidal people began traveling to the forest to die.

Authorities no longer give official figures for suicides in the forest, but at one time dozens of people were dying there each year.

A sign at the entrance reads: “Life is a precious thing given by your parents.

Think again calmly about your parents, siblings and children. Do not worry

coal-fired power plant in Bataan for 10 years. He values his above-minimumwage salary as an operator and the regular status of company employees.

“I recognize that coal plants have a bad effect on the environment and health,” he said in a phone interview. “But it is a good job that allowed me to have a school service business on the side to escape poverty.”

Ben is also part of a workers’ union that unseated an erring general manager in the past, but describes his relationship with the management now as harmonious. “If coal plants do retire soon, I hope to find a job in a renewable energy plant.”

So what is the extent of the state’s responsibility to make sure workers are ready with the technical skills needed in an energy transition? Here, we have the Green Jobs Act of 2016 that seeks to “identify needed skills, develop training programs, and train and certify workers for jobs in a range of industries that produce goods and render services for the benefit of the environment, conserve natural resources for the future generation, and ensure the sustainable development of the country and its transition into a green economy.” This sounds promising, but on the ground, we have a long way to go in protecting workers rights as local renewable energy players start and expand operations.

A source who does not want to be

identified has informed us that one of the biggest solar panel companies in the country that just scored a major government contract is also deterring its workers from organizing themselves to assure fair wages and safe workplace conditions. This is similar to a situation in Tesla in the United States, where efforts to unionize to appeal for higher wages are being shut down by the management with threats of dismissal. This is concerning for a sector that claims to be for sustainable development for all.

As advocates, we must ensure that our calls always reflect the needs and circumstances of marginalized sectors and the most vulnerable groups -- those who probably will never see the insides of negotiation halls. Frontline communities include not just those who are first impacted by climate change but also those who will be impacted by the systemic shift to a clean energy future. It is our duty to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for generations of abuse not just against the environment but against its people, and equally important, we must hold new players in the renewable energy sector to the same standard of ensuring the rights and welfare of workers and their families.

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain,” the Scripture says.

The great God is with us. He has come, not to destroy the sinful world, as He once destroyed Sodom and Gomorrha, but to redeem it from its sins.

This redemption is to be accomplished at the cost of great personal sacrifice to Him. And this great plan of salvation is made possible through Mary who unquestionably accepted God’s plan on her and on the whole humanity. As the great televangelist Fulton Sheen said: “She existed in the Divine Mind as an Eternal Thought before there were any mothers. She is the Mother of moth-

ers—she is the world’s first love.” “As the mother knows the needs better than the babe, so the Blessed Mother understands our cries and worries and knows them better than we know ourselves,” Sheen adds.

This Christmas we not only express our gratitude to Christ, the fullest expression of God’s love for us, but also to Mary who shows us perfect obedience to God’s will and to be a willing instrument to his plans for us. And to the Father, we can only have our hearts gripped with gratitude for keeping His promises to us.

alone. First talk to us” and gives a hotline number to call.

Japan has the highest suicide rate of any Group of Seven industrialized nation, with more than 20,000 people taking their own lives annually.

And the suicide rate in Yamanashi prefecture, where the forest is located, was the worst in Japan for eight years until 2014.

Nearly half of those who killed themselves in the region were from elsewhere, suggesting they had expressly traveled to the area to commit suicide.

In recent years, local residents say, the number of victims appeared to be on the decline, with some hoping the forest might finally shed its malign image.

But that hope was shattered when Paul uploaded his controversial film showing the body of a man who had committed suicide. The video attracted six million views before it was deleted.

He has since apologized for the film.

It’s my duty’ “The first wave of notoriety was created by mass media decades ago and now we are facing a second wave created by social media,” Watanabe said.

“Now that it’s recognized globally,

people are coming from all over the world... to see something unusual.”

Paul’s footage was not the only factor—a steady stream of sometimes sensationalist news reports, and a 2015 film about two men coming to the forest to kill themselves—have cemented the place’s morbid reputation in recent years.

But Watanabe said Paul’s film appeared to have attracted visitors seeking the macabre.

“Some foreign visitors have even asked me where they can see dead men.”

Despite its reputation, the forest does still attract regular sightseers.

Lisa Bishop, a 33-year-old tourist from Canada, said she was there “to come and see from our perspective what exactly we feel when we walk in here.”

She rejected footage like Paul’s: “It’s absolutely wrong. It’s people’s privacy.”

Watanabe knows he faces an uphill struggle, but says he is committed to his campaign.

“Because I was born here, I have to protect this place,” he says.

“I’m a gatekeeper. I feel it’s like my duty.” AFP

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

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

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Ambivalent opposition to the joint oil exploration the guise of placing the Offices, Agencies and Corporations attached to it under the Administrative Supervision of the Office of the President. This effectively abrogated P.D. No. 1206.

E.O. No. 55, issued on Oct. 1, 1986 mothballed the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) and guaranteed full payment of Part II JUSTICE Antonio Carpio is citing an ob- our obligation to an almost ready to operate scure Treaty of Washington purporting that plant. That decision effectively flushed to Spain relinquished to the United States “all the toilet $2.1 billion in taxpayers’ money. titles and claims of titles, which may have Many suspect it was purposely done to at that time of the conclusion of the Treaty sustain the expected increase in the numof Paris, to any and all islands belonging to ber of power generation plants. In fact, the the Philippine Archipelago, lying outside mothballing of BNPP forced Cory Aquino the lines of the Treaty of Paris.” He, howev- to issue E.O. No. 215 on July 10, 1987 to er, failed to state that the alleged treaty did allow private companies to generate their not mention any island referred to as “lying own power, and sell their generated power directly to public utilities even if operated outside the lines.”

Such is an attempt to becloud the impor- by them, amending P.D. No. 40.

E.O. No. 131, signed on Jan. 30, 1987, retant Treaty of San Francisco signed much later on Sept. 8, 1951 by 48 countries led by organized the Ministry of Natural Resourcthe US ordering Japan to return Paracel and es and renamed it Department of EnvironSpratly group of islands to China. This was ment, Energy and Natural Resources. This reiterated by the Treaty of Taipei on April in effect restored the “concession system” 2, 1952 containing almost the same provi- to grant permit and authority to private and sion, except that it ordered Japan to return foreign oil companies to explore and extract the islands to Taipei to prevent China from oil and gas in lieu of the discarded “service contract system.” having prior right E.O. No. 137 over the islands. watered down the Carpio is clearly functions of The Oil bent on confusing Price Stabilization historical facts to It is clear that Fund (OPSF) by validate his misMrs. Aquino took introducing amendplaced assertion. ments to include 1) Likewise, peadvantage of her the reimbursement titioners former dictatorial powers to oil companies Bayan Muna repfor cost increases resentatives Neri under the aegis of in crude oil and imColmenares, Teddy her so-called Freedom ported petroleum Casiño, and Satur products resulting Ocampo; the late Constitution. from exchange rate Anakpawis repreadjustment and/or sentative Crispin increase in world Beltran; former market prices of Gabriela representcrude oil; 2) to reatives Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan; former Quezon congressman Erin Tañada imburse the oil companies for possible cost and former Senator Teofisto “TG” Guin- underrecovery incurred as a result of the gona III failed to take into account that the reduction of domestic prices of petroleum Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality products.

E.O. No. 171, signed on May 8, 1987, of the VFA and the EDCA not on the issue of the US bases per se, but on technicality amended certain provisions of P. D. No. that an executive agreement is valid even 334 creating the Philippine National Oil if not ratified by the US Senate, although Company. This reduced the PNOC as the our Senate went through the rigmarole of lead government agency in the exploration, exploitation and development of oil, petroratifying them.

The JMSU and the Memorandum of Un- leum and other energy resources secondderstanding signed by Secretary Teodoro ary to private oil companies engaged in the Locsin, Jr. and China’s Foreign Minister same undertaking. This is now amplified Wang Yi, on the other hand, have nothing by the consortium of four oil companies, to do with the stationing of military bases, namely Shell, Chevron, EDC and PNOC at which is specifically prohibited by the Con- Malampaya oil well.

E.O. No. 279 signed on July 25, 1987 stitution. Rather, their ulterior motive is to find a way to declare the JMSU agreement authorized the Secretary of Environment unconstitutional to decapitate altogether and Natural Resources to negotiate and conclude joint venture, co-production or the MOU with China.

Re-examining the actions taken by the production sharing agreements for the Cory administration, it is clear that Mrs. exploration and development and utiAquino took advantage of her dictato- lization of mineral resources. Former rial powers under the aegis of her so-called Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque “Freedom Constitution” to issue edicts to was correct in citing Section 2, 4th par., allow foreign oil companies to explore, op- Article XII, to erase doubts, to quote: erate and extract oil. Her government prac- “The President may enter into agreetically restored the discredited concession ments, with foreign-owned corporations system which Marcos substituted in favor involving either technical or financial assistance for large-scale exploration, of service contract system.

Many opposed the concession system be- development, and utilization of minerals, cause once private oil companies are granted petroleum, and other mineral oils accordpermit, the role of the government would be ing to the general terms and conditions limited just to receiving a paltry amount of provided by law, based on real contriburoyalty fee similar to mining concession plus tions to the economic growth and general tax based on the amount or volume extracted welfare of the country.”

This is now the grey area because many which is often padded and for which numerous tax exemptions are granted that often put of these Filipino-owned corporations engaged in the exploration and utilization of the government at the losing end.

This impelled the Marcos administration oil and gas are partners to foreign-owned through the suggestion of Geronimo Ve- corporations, making it difficult to deterlasco to replace the concession system with mine the exact 60-40 sharing provided in the “service contract system”. This also the constitution because of the modificaexplains why the implanted former Shell tion and amendment introduced by P.D. oil executive, Cesar Buenaventura, was ap- Nos.87 and 443.

E.O. No. 280, signed on July 25, 1987, pointed to replace Velasco as Secretary of Energy. His first act was to suggest the abo- expanded the incentive features of Letters lition of the Department, thereby wrecking of Instruction (LOI) No. 1352 dated Sept. the country’s energy development program 8, 1983 to encourage oil exports processing with some now fearful could be used by the activities in the country by including thereopposition to spoil the MOU signed with in immediate production for feedstocks and authorizing the swap or exchange of petroChina.

Cory issued Executive Orders that had leum products, thereby amending LOI No. clear markings of political pressures pro- 1352. This has failed because foreign oil moted to advance the business interest refineries built pursuant to this E.O. have groups led by the Lopezes, the Ayalas and been closed due to lower cost in imports than in processing crude oil. the Aboitizes.

E.O. No. 20, signed on June 19, 1986 abolished the Department of Energy under rpkapunan@gmail.com

Dealing...

From A4

be the answer. The students involved are all minors, thus, the concern for privacy is real. For me, it is wise to not mention the names of those involved and I agree with the school that indiscriminate sharing of the video should stop.

Firstly, the video may continue to haunt the bullying victim in the future. The internet never sleeps and it is possible that some future acquaintances may taunt and torment the victim, and victimize him all over again. Just the thought of the video’s existence may actually cause trauma and stress to the victim way beyond his high school days. We do not want this to happen.

As far as the bully or bullies go, yes, discipline them strongly. The major bully should no longer be allowed by the school to represent it in Tae Kwon Do competitions. He should be subjected to severe disciplinary actions so he learns that abusing others has serious consequences. However, because he is a minor, I still believe that he

should be given the chance to reform himself. He can change and turn into a better person still.

Here, the school and his family should play key roles. Hopefully, his family will not condone his abuses. His parents should learn practicing tough love for the sake of their son. The school, on the other hand, should follow the law and institute procedures and mechanisms to effectively prevent and address bullying. The school has the responsibility to create a safe and secure environment conducive to learning.

No one should be abused and violated. Parents and students have the right to demand this of schools.

This bullying incident should wake us all up. We should not tolerate bullying but we must educate our young that abusing others is very wrong and has serious consequences. This way, bullying inside and outside schools, by both the young and the old may be lessened.

How I wish someone in Malacañang has learned this most important lesson. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Manila

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TODAY

IN BRIEF

Hyundai’s sales rose by 3.5% in November

HYUNDAI Asia Resources Inc., the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, said Friday sales in November rose 3.5 percent to 3,426 units from 3,309 units year-on-year.

The November figure brought sales in the first 11 months to 32,444 units, just down 4.6 percent on year.

“As economic headwinds begin to slow down, Hyundai is in its best position to take advantage of what is left of 2018. Backed by a strong Hyundai community in the country, we have proven time and again that our products and services remain relevant in the country’s automotive industry,” said Hari president and chief executive Ma. Fe PerezAgudo.

Passenger cars remain the volume driver, accounting for 56.7 percent of the total sales.

But sales fell 20.6 percent to 18,389 units in the 11-month period from 23,167 units on year.

The recent introduction of the new Accent, however, is expected to boost passenger sales in 2019.

“Hyundai is in a strong position to take advantage of the last month of the year and finish 2018 on a high note,” Agudo said. Othel V. Campos

Business

Globe Telecom bags 2 international awards

GLOBE Telecom Inc. was named the 2018 Data Service Provider of the Year and 2018 Cloud Infrastructure Service Provider of the Year by global business and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan for implementing business strategies that have been helping boost customer satisfaction.

“These awards are a huge encouragement to the team as we strive to make business and home connectivity easier for every company and individual.

We do this by ensuring our clients are equipped with a wide array of infrastructure services that address their varying needs,” said Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu. The Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards have identified and honored best-in-class companies that have demonstrated excellence in their respective industries. Its analysts have conducted in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify the cream-of-the-crop companies in each field.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

B1

By Darwin G. Amojelar

HELP FOR MSMES. Globe myBusiness, the MSME arm of Globe Telecom Inc., and the Department of Trade and Industry sign an agreement that aims to empower micro, small and medium enterprises through technological solutions. Signing the agreement are Globe myBusiness vice president for marketing Debbie Obias (left) and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, with Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Cuison Maglaya (right, standing) and Globe myBusiness marketing services head Mary Gaile Guevarra as witnesses.

World Bank sees lower growth on budget delay T

By Julito G. Rada

HE World Bank on Friday slightly trimmed its growth forecasts for the Philippines this year and in 2019, taking into account the impact of the looming reenacted national budget to investment growth and weak exports due to sluggish global trade.

The multilateral lender revised downward the growth projection for 2018 to 6.4 percent from the previous estimate of 6.5 percent, and 6.5 percent from 6.7 percent for 2019.

“As part of its forecasting exercise, the World Bank has updated its growth projections for the Philippines to 6.4 percent in 2018 and 6.5 percent in 2019,

to reflect recent economic trends,” World Bank senior economist Rong Qian said.

He said the new forecast numbers were slight revisions of the World Bank’s growth projections of 6.5 percent for 2018 and 6.7 percent for 2019, released through the Philippines Economic Update in October this year.

Qian said although the economy faced a robust outlook, he said “investment growth however maybe be tempered in the first half of 2019 due to the possible reenactment of the first-quarter 2019 budget following a delay in the budget approval process. Moreover, global trade is expected to remain weak, thus dampening exports.”

But Qian said a strong, consistent delivery of the infrastructure investment agenda while sustaining improvements in health, education and social protection would be key to maintaining the robust and inclusive growth outlook of the Philippines.

He said while persistent high inflation might temper private consumption

growth in the fourth quarter of 2018, a moderation in inflation in following quarters would be expected to boost consumer confidence and raise private consumption in 2019.

He also said the mid-term election in May was expected to strengthen consumption by temporarily raising employment and disposable incomes in early 2019.

“Nonetheless, the Philippines remains one of the fast-growing economies in the East Asia and the Pacific Region,” Qian said.

The economy grew at an average of 6.3 percent in the first three quarters, slower than 6.8 percent in the same period last year. The slowdown was largely due to a bigger drag from net exports rather than softer domestic demand.

The expansion in the first three quarters was lower than the revised target range of 6.5 to 6.9 percent this year.

The interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee kept the previous growth projection of 7 percent to 8 percent for 2019.

APEA AWARDEE.

Architect Carmelo Casas (middle), founder and chief executive of Casas+Architects Inc., is recognized as Outstanding for Professional and Business Services by the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards on December 6, 2018 at the Manila Marriott Hotel. APEA is a regional awards program which aims to recognize Asia’s outstanding entrepreneurs and enterprises for demonstrating sustainable growth, responsible leadership and operational excellence. With Casas are Dato William Ng (left), president of Enterprise Asia, and Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Cuison Maglaya.

GSIS extends condonation of housing debt STATE-RUN pension fund Government Service Insurance System extended its housing account condonation program until Dec. 31, 2019 to give prospective applicants more time to pay their housing accounts.

GSIS general manager Jesus Clint Aranas said in a statement the agency decided to extend the condonation program following the appeal of GSIS members who were struggling to keep their homes.

“The program’s cutoff date was moved to December 2019 to help them finally own their house,” Aranas said.

The housing condonation program seeks to lighten the burden of prospective applicants in settling their housing account obligations, as it prevents penalty charges from accruing on their unpaid amortizations.

Active and former GSIS members, as well as nonmembers, with deeds of conditional sale or real estate loan accounts that are in arrears or in default may avail of the program.

Also qualified to apply for penalty condonation are buyers whose deeds of conditional sale have been cancelled but not yet uploaded as investment property, as well as real estate loan borrowers with foreclosed accounts but the titles of which have not yet been consolidated in the name of GSIS. Buyers of rights and legal heirs of deceased buyers or borrowers may also apply.

Aranas encouraged interested buyers or borrowers to apply for condonation as soon as possible to avoid incurring further penalties and surcharges of at least one percent a month.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

BCDA awards deal to operate Clark airport to Filinvest group

NTC exceeds yearly collection target again

THE National Telecommunications Commission exceeded its collection by P1.7 billion as of December 15, 2018.

The agency said target collection for 2018 was pegged at P4.6 billion, while actual collection amounted to P6.2 billion.

The target was set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee.

“Exceeding our target for the past three years is the NTC’s way of showing its full support to the national government and the public service programs pushed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said.

The achievement came from the NTC’s concerted efforts to strictly enforce stakeholders’ compliance in remitting spectrum users’ fees, supervision and regulation fees and penalties.

Stakeholders regulated by the NTC include cable and commercial television operators, broadcast radio stations, telecommunications companies and 2-way radio operators.

This was the third straight year under the Duterte administration that the NTC exceeded its collection target.

Darwin G. Amojelar

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

Drilon, Legarda praise Dominguez for debt management THE government’s debt management is currently in good hands under Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Friday.

Drilon expressed confidence in the capability of Dominguez and the rest of the economic team to ensure the sound and efficient management of the country’s debt in helping fund the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure modernization program.

Drilon, who heads the minority bloc in the Senate, said he wanted it to be put on the legislative record “the fact that we have limited our total debt within manageable levels.”

“I have complete confidence in Secretary Sonny Dominguez that he will not mismanage our debt structure,” Drilon said during the plenary debates on the pro-

posed 2019 General Appropriations Bill.

House Bill 8169 proposed a P3.7-trillion national budget for fiscal year 2019.

It was approved by the Lower House in November and is now pending consideration by the Senate.

Drilon noted that for 2015, the Philippines’ total debt was 44.7 percent of the gross domestic product. The ratio dropped to 42.1 percent in 2016 and 2017 and stood at 42.3 percent as of September 2018, “which is well within the acceptable standards of 60 percent of GDP as a limit of our foreign borrowings.”

Sen. Loren Legarda, who defended the proposed 2019 national budget as chairperson of the Senate finance committee, echoed Drilon’s assessment, saying the Duterte administration’s economic team has crafted a “medium-term debt management strategy... that is fis-

cally sound, necessary and sustainable.”

“Let me just put into the record that debt-to-GDP ratio is the right metric rather than the absolute level of public debt. (At the) end of 2017, it was at a low of 42.1 percent (in relation to GDP) and the projection by 2022 is that it will decline by 38.6 percent. I believe the rule of thumb of a country is to have a debt-to-GDP ratio below 60 percent, and that is covered by the present state of our debt-to-GDP ratio,” said Legarda.

As for the concerns raised by Drilon over the possibility of a “Chinese debt trap” owing to the financing support secured by the economic team from China, Legarda assured him several safeguards were put in place to ensure that Beijingfunded projects were economically sound and the debts attached to them would not be mismanaged. Julito G. Rada

THE North Luzon Airport Consortium secured a 25-year contract from the government to operate and maintain the Clark International Airport.

The government gave the notice of award to NLAC, comprising of Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc., Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. and Changi Airport Philippines (I) Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Changi Airports International.

The contract was dubbed a hybrid Public Private Partnership project by the Bases Conversion Development Authority.

“We are thankful for this opportunity.

The consortium envisions to create a new identity for Clark Airport as the Northern and Central Luzon’s gateway that will provide fast, efficient, and hassle-free travel experience,” said Josephine GotianunYap, president and chief executive of FDC, the lead consortium member.

The improved Clark International Airport will facilitate and enhance connectivity between Central and North Luzon, and the rest of the Philippines and the world.

The project includes the operations and maintenance of the existing terminal and the new terminal.

The consortium is also set to develop the commercial assets, operate and maintain project facilities and fit out the new terminal.

“We are confident that with the vast experience of each member of the consortium in terms of property development, air transportation and airport operations, NLAC will be able to reinvent Clark International Airport to a world-class airport, meet the continued growth of international and domestic air travel, and deliver its commitment to the government and the public,” Gotianun-Yap added.

NLAC plans to establish a new reputation for Philippine international gateway airports to ensure ease and seamless travel in the Philippine airports with the consortium’s technical partner, Changi Airport Philippines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Changi Airports International, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Changi Airport Group, the operator of the most awarded airport in the world, Singapore Changi Airport.

First Gen seeks permit to proceed with LNG project

By Alena Mae S. Flores FGEN LNG Corp., a wholly-owned unit of First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group, on Friday filed with the Department of Energy a notice to proceed with the construction of its proposed Batangas liquefied natural gas terminal project in the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas City.

“The FGEN Batangas LNG Terminal Project is intended to serve the natural gas requirements of existing and future gas-fired power plants of third parties and FGEN LNG affiliates,” First Gen said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

First Gen is one of the biggest independent power producers in the country and the leading gas power generation company in the Philippines with approximately 2,000 megawatts in operating gas assets.

It operates four gas-fired power plants, namely the 1,000-MW Santa Rita Power Plant, the 500 -MW San Lorenzo Power Plant, the 414-MW San Gabriel Power Plant and the 97-MW Avion Power Plant, which all rely on Malampaya gas.

First Gen on Dec. 5 announced it signed a joint development agreement with Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd. (Tokyo Gas) to pursue the FGEN Batangas LNG Terminal Project.

“Tokyo Gas will take a 20 percent participating interest in the FGEN LNG Project and provide support in development work to achieve a final investment decision . Upon reaching FID under the JDA, the parties will enter into a definitive agreement to proceed with the construction of the FGEN Batangas LNG Terminal Project,” the company said.

B2

Business

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market slumps; Semirara, BPI fall T HE stock market tumbled Friday after a steep loss in Wall Street overnight as a global slump sparked by unease over Fed policy showed no signs of easing.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slumped 83.70 points, or 1.1 percent, to 7,479.71 on a value turnover of P7.1 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 123 to 59, with 47 issues unchanged.

Bank of the Philippine Islands, the third-biggest lender in terms of assets, lost 3.4 percent to P90.70, while Semirara Mining and Power Corp. of the Consunji Group, dropped 4.3 percent to P22.50.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of retail ty-

coon Henry Sy Sr. fell 2.5 percent to P35, but JG Summit Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei rose 3.7 percent to P56.10.

Fresh political turbulence in Washington and renewed fears over US-China relations, meanwhile, pushed Asian markets lower Friday.

The resignation of US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis—seen as a moderating force on an often impulsive president— and the looming threat of a federal government shutdown alarmed investors as concern grows over weakening global growth.

Japanese stocks again bore the brunt of Asian losses Friday, with the Nikkei falling further into bear market territory to hit a fresh 15-month low and regional shares on course for the worst week since October.

Nissan slipped 2.04 percent after its former chairman Carlos Ghosn faced a fresh criminal allegation that could keep

him in jail well into 2019.

Shanghai retreated, capping a difficult year for Chinese equities, with nearly $3 trillion wiped off the value of the country’s stock market since the end of January.

Sydney also lost ground while Hong Kong was flat in afternoon trade.

US stocks endured a torrid session, the latest losses in a bruising December that has set up Wall Street for its worst year since the 2007 financial crisis, with the Nasdaq now almost 20 percent off its peak this year.

Shares turned sharply lower after President Donald Trump hardened his demand Congress fund a US-Mexico border wall, plunging Washington into chaos and leaving the US government on the verge of a Christmas shutdown with less than 24 hours before a midnight Friday deadline to reach agreement.

Rising tension between the world’s

two largest economies also unnerved markets, with China hitting back at the US after the Justice Department indicted two alleged Chinese hackers accused of having ties to Beijing’s security services.

US officials said the indictment showed President Xi Jinping had not fulfilled his pledge to stop cybercrime, but it drew a furious response from Beijing, which accused Washington of “fabricating facts.”

The row erupted as the two sides prepare for talks next month to resolve their trade conflict.

“A potential US government shutdown and US accusations of Chinese hacking fueled existing market concerns about economic growth,” said Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets and Stockbroking.

Crude added to anxiety on financial markets, with both WTI and Brent paring gains earlier Friday. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59 93.5 2.18 129.5 1.51 27.7 15.9 12.4 4.91 1.4 0.485 81.95 0.87 42.9 178 64 28.05 157.1 1,800 63.7

59 93.85 2.19 129.5 1.54 27.7 15.9 12.4 5.4 1.4 0.49 81.95 0.91 43.4 180 64 28.5 159 1,800 63.7

59 90.7 2.18 127.8 1.49 27.4 15.9 11.7 4.91 1.4 0.475 79.95 0.87 42.3 178 63.8 28.05 154 1,800 63.7

FINANCIALS 59 10 90.7 2,655,620 2.19 5,000 129 4,962,600 1.49 527,000 27.45 24,900 15.9 400 11.7 1,510,900 5.1 3,690,000 1.4 52,000 0.485 150,000 81.1 3,774,870 0.91 1,245,000 42.3 89,200 179 1,030 63.85 10,800 28.5 74,600 154.5 421,240 1,800 80 63.7 1,440

590 242,364,293.50 10,940 640,090,895 787,740 685,910 6,360 18,066,056 19,003,640 72,800 72,250 305,028,745 1,107,370 3,797,715 183,890 689,246 2,110,270 65,121,623 144,000 91,728

590 -65,061,435 -57,368,039 193,700 -235,085 -9,807,132 18,920 117,387,962.50 -80,930 -2,825,920 3,200 -177,015 -12,949,642 -64,974

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

34.2 17.4 1.03 1.26 0.248 93.55 1.75 15.7 175 32.55 15.8 37.2 1.78 7.16 6.6 10.44 15.18 8 7.18 20 64.8 25.05 2 5.9 10.7 1.88 303 45 4.3 9.89 26.8 10.46 18.08 390 5.86 1.39 3.95 8.11 5.7 8.78 1.18 10.66 47 5.75 4.8 2.06 2.73 1.42 11.4 82 5.27 0.125 0.84 128.8 1.95 16.88 1.71

35 17.78 1.03 1.26 0.248 93.55 1.79 15.96 175 33 16.8 37.2 1.78 7.9 6.6 10.58 15.3 8.3 7.2 20.3 65.1 25.05 2.04 5.9 10.7 1.88 303 45 4.39 9.89 27 10.46 18.38 391 5.86 1.44 3.97 8.12 5.7 9.02 1.23 10.66 47.05 5.75 4.8 2.06 2.73 1.45 11.76 82 5.42 0.128 0.86 128.8 1.99 16.88 1.71

33.5 17.08 1.01 1.26 0.235 93 1.71 14.6 170 31 15.8 37.2 1.7 6.99 6.6 10.36 15.1 8 7 19.54 64.35 25.05 1.97 5.76 10.4 1.84 298.6 45 4.3 9.89 26.5 10.2 17.98 385.4 5.8 1.37 3.9 7.77 5.3 8.78 1.17 10.52 46.7 5.75 4.72 1.96 2.68 1.35 11.36 80 5.22 0.125 0.83 128.2 1.82 16.88 1.66

INDUSTRIAL 35 3,219,800 17.28 1,073,600 1.03 1,323,000 1.26 54,000 0.235 2,990,000 93.5 260 1.73 10,934,000 14.6 1,354,100 170 3,510 32 502,600 16.8 4,700 37.2 200 1.71 38,000 6.99 3,172,200 6.6 6,200 10.52 2,305,700 15.3 450,800 8.19 67,900 7 1,538,200 19.54 2,137,400 64.35 368,520 25.05 14,000 1.99 7,053,000 5.8 34,200 10.52 2,480,300 1.85 443,000 302.4 715,510 45 1,000 4.39 163,000 9.89 4,000 26.5 3,211,700 10.34 245,000 18 2,155,300 390 313,870 5.8 6,000 1.4 3,922,000 3.9 55,000 7.77 4,655,900 5.39 245,400 9.02 53,500 1.19 29,429,000 10.64 64,700 46.7 290,600 5.75 186,400 4.75 47,000 1.96 244,000 2.68 26,000 1.44 180,000 11.46 435,500 81.7 97,680 5.4 788,300 0.128 70,000 0.86 116,000 128.5 1,516,080 1.88 15,658,000 16.88 200 1.68 2,951,000

111,035,935 18,562,136 1,351,130 68,040 705,940 24,238.50 19,180,650 19,937,256 603,880 15,943,805 78,460 7,440 66,060 23,717,905 40,920 24,225,008 6,882,950 556,560 10,785,283 42,645,418 23,874,524.50 350,700 14,046,010 198,961 26,017,202 822,330 215,698,614 45,000 701,170 39,560 85,285,235 2,544,556 38,796,754 122,237,010 34,842 5,515,650 216,550 36,742,704 1,327,566 472,450 35,177,520 685,300 13,614,815 1,071,800 223,450 483,620 70,220 249,150 5,002,022 7,945,359 4,217,284 8,930 96,890 194,895,557 29,651,610 3,376 4,969,420

-5,411,750 4,800,600 -2,040 378,400 -900,320 3,271,600 -255,760 26,600 -813,018 -4,651,584 197,539 -2,445,113 14,343,771 7,072,068 1,330,320 -160,775 15,878,846 29,600 46,042,862 -10,801,355 37,468 -25,600,938.00 21,513,872 -3,824,200 -11,260,964 -61,455 -13,273,130 -2,578,330 -130,525 -199,850 59,460 -3,175,036 -4,394,480.50 388,509 -41,370,687 317,660 258,410

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 GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.63 56.8 12.4 0.9 6.5 26.5 1.36 1.38 918 6.8 12.9 12.92 975 5.81 53.9 0.58 4.11 16.8 0.61 4.6 0.037 1.25 2.56 145 918 1.31 481 258 0.25 0.223

0.63 56.9 12.4 0.93 6.5 27 1.39 1.39 919.5 6.84 12.9 13.8 993 5.87 56.1 0.58 4.19 16.9 0.62 4.64 0.039 1.25 2.57 147 921 1.31 481 269.8 0.25 0.223

0.59 55 12.22 0.9 6.5 25.05 1.35 1.37 910 6.65 12.54 11.8 969.5 5.81 53.55 0.57 4.01 16.5 0.6 4.6 0.036 1.17 2.46 145 906 1.31 480 250 0.243 0.206

HOLDING FIRMS 0.59 19,105,000 56 1,820,520 12.3 7,213,500 0.9 26,000 6.5 2,000 26 112,200 1.37 3,212,000 1.39 1,059,000 914 404,820 6.65 1,496,700 12.7 5,085,900 11.92 2,263,700 991.5 137,330 5.83 1,600 56.1 3,234,430 0.57 2,000 4.08 4,472,000 16.6 2,160,900 0.62 858,000 4.62 21,140,000 0.036 14,400,000 1.25 40,000 2.5 820,000 145 628,120 910 558,390 1.31 9,000 480 60 250.2 2,180 0.247 2,220,000 0.206 20,000

11,587,310 101,920,526 88,772,972 23,650 13,000 2,868,880 4,405,620 1,462,900 370,060,230 10,081,687 64,692,728 27,855,802 135,600,685 9,378 179,078,401.50 1,150 18,489,270 36,073,892 522,400 97,690,300 539,800 48,290 2,064,890 91,268,095 508,087,570 11,790 28,840 552,696 546,890 4,290

-362,780 51,172,086 -20,625,704 7,150 53,355 214,820.00 -22,393,865 -5,620,551 1,890,158 2,646,978.00 56,444,440 40,862,170.50 -5,480,580 -5,778,606 12,000 19,160,190 -51,200 -16,762,435 -149,129,695 -122,918 -

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

7.86 0.84 11.24 1.69 0.9 42.05 2.24 4 6.2 0.425 0.88 0.248 0.4 7.9 18.38 0.485 0.124 1.43 1.05 4.8 0.43

8.03 0.84 11.88 1.7 0.92 42.7 2.25 4 6.47 0.425 0.88 0.25 0.4 7.9 18.5 0.49 0.124 1.45 1.07 4.81 0.435

7.74 0.82 11.24 1.69 0.82 41.1 2.19 3.93 6.2 0.415 0.88 0.248 0.38 7.82 18.02 0.485 0.124 1.41 1.05 4.75 0.42

NAME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

2.27 0.43 3.55 21 2 3.1 35.5 1.25 5.92 0.7 5.25

2.31 0.44 3.57 21.2 2.01 3.1 35.8 1.26 5.92 0.7 5.28

2.25 0.42 3.54 20.55 1.99 3.08 34.8 1.22 5.8 0.7 5.23

2.28 0.44 3.57 20.55 2 3.08 35 1.25 5.87 0.7 5.25

3,240,000 830,000 380,000 2,301,000 73,000 18,000 15,584,900 264,000 318,800 17,000 4,038,000

7,381,030 351,200 1,347,560 47,681,325 145,480 55,560 546,543,330 328,240 1,862,156 11,900 21,194,330

11,430 -110,040 -6,217,455 -18,600 -63,403,150 58,998 -9,707,871

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES MACROASIA METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A 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

14.16 19.98 1.5 0.41 0.042 13.5 3.97 9.83 72 7.8 6.45 7.67 16.3 890 1,951 5.46 324.8 3.06 1.88 101.7 11 7.2 0.124 5.87 14.5 3.55 16.56 2.5 2.05 17.4 3.4 10.42 8.3 3.39 110.9 3.1 1,169 0.83 0.32 43 79.75 7.55 2.45 0.75 0.44 5.25 0.68 12.4

14.16 20.05 1.5 0.42 0.043 13.5 4.02 9.83 73.2 7.8 6.59 7.67 16.3 890 1,960 5.54 325 3.17 1.9 103 11.2 7.2 0.127 6.13 14.5 3.62 16.56 2.5 2.07 17.4 3.43 10.42 8.3 3.5 112 3.16 1,169 0.84 0.33 43 81.25 7.55 2.45 0.75 0.47 5.29 0.69 12.4

13.68 19.94 1.36 0.41 0.041 13.5 3.89 9.68 72 7.8 6.42 7.67 15.66 890 1,900 5.46 316.6 3 1.88 100 11 7.2 0.122 5.8 14.5 3.4 16.1 2.48 2 17.4 3.32 10 8.3 3.11 110.9 3 1,139 0.82 0.32 42.2 78.6 7.54 2.38 0.73 0.435 5.25 0.67 12.18

SERVICES 13.7 20 1.36 0.42 0.041 13.5 3.9 9.78 72 7.8 6.46 7.67 15.9 890 1,900 5.5 325 3.07 1.9 103 11.2 7.2 0.123 6.02 14.5 3.5 16.46 2.48 2.06 17.4 3.38 10 8.3 3.11 112 3.05 1,149 0.84 0.32 42.2 80 7.54 2.39 0.73 0.46 5.29 0.69 12.38

336,800 147,100 436,000 170,000 10,900,000 100 8,104,000 19,499,400 251,440 1,000 1,220,100 70,100 59,200 50 48,150 297,300 480 653,000 5,000 1,297,890 200 7,100 10,030,000 11,429,200 3,700 1,473,000 517,700 724,000 139,000 2,100 1,012,000 11,800 1,900 181,000 186,250 1,797,000 150,175 2,718,000 950,000 1,450,500 648,220 24,000 1,857,000 3,748,000 92,710,000 488,000 1,446,000 1,441,100

4,683,702 2,940,280 606,270 70,000 456,700 1,350 31,669,160 190,843,287 18,151,765 7,800 7,923,335 537,667 933,504 44,500 92,120,115 1,637,238 155,128 1,987,430 9,480 132,387,802 2,220 51,120 1,237,540 68,626,795 53,650 5,177,100 8,508,800 1,798,450 280,540 36,540 3,416,280 122,200 15,770 629,640 20,670,487 5,460,580 172,276,760 2,255,600 306,900 61,573,055 51,997,725.50 181,040 4,450,390 2,759,430 42,228,300 2,572,746 980,580 17,764,408

41,100 105,380 -1,350 -46,590 -13,751,426 -11,375,047 -109,536 9,480 -22,987,825 4,930 29,754,952 46,740 -1,426,549 -651,360 976,946 -59,540 -73,890 -109,800 -2,596,430 -73,848,900 101,390 -23,019,930 6,627,085.50 -865,540 703,090 102,400 -68,690 2,682,144

115,300 4,470,760 2,800 2,527,240 64,900 76,417 477,800 952,120 31,360 13,900 2,739,990 9,483,090 224,640 119,400 200,070 3,800 132,600 421,400 436,750 3,550,050 10,035,486 94,860,600 375,600

10,000 -36,630.00 -35,207 -190,520 31,360 2,416,660 -2,910 -2,600 26,000 -10,920 -1,579,246 -32,576,870 5,700

MS

PROPERTY 8.01 0.83 11.24 1.7 0.83 41.3 2.19 3.99 6.47 0.425 0.88 0.249 0.395 7.9 18.02 0.49 0.124 1.43 1.06 4.8 0.43

2,071,800 1,121,000 2,300 214,000 10,014,000 14,895,700 5,643,000 82,000 7,700 2,680,000 3,000 1,100,000 730,000 140,400 499,400 50,000 10,000 4,172,000 1,450,000 20,015,000 16,310,000

16,508,360 930,060 25,916 363,700 8,701,430 615,636,860 12,447,780 326,210 48,415 1,131,450 2,640 273,430 282,500 1,109,067 9,096,288 24,400 1,240 5,968,440 1,540,630 96,066,200 6,961,400

59,549 451,990 -57,704,345 -11,073,250 -107,560 127,500 119,040 561,632 -3,687,320 -889,760 0 -20,730,340 -8,500

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

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

0.0021 1.61 1.35 1.99 0.295 7.06 1.69 0.109 0.112 0.0069 1.42 2.15 1.08 0.6 0.97 0.012 0.013 0.013 3.36 2.73 14.5 23.5 0.0059

0.0021 1.68 1.45 2.04 0.295 7.31 1.69 0.112 0.112 0.007 1.42 2.21 1.08 0.6 0.97 0.013 0.013 0.013 3.4 2.75 14.68 23.75 0.0059

0.002 1.61 1.35 1.99 0.295 7.04 1.68 0.104 0.112 0.0069 1.31 2.15 1.02 0.6 0.95 0.012 0.013 0.012 3.36 2.65 14.5 22.5 0.0056

MINING & OIL 0.002 56,000,000 1.65 2,714,000 1.45 2,000 2.04 1,254,000 0.295 220,000 7.27 10,800 1.68 284,000 0.11 8,790,000 0.112 280,000 0.007 2,000,000 1.31 2,048,000 2.2 4,320,000 1.07 220,000 0.6 199,000 0.95 209,000 0.013 300,000 0.013 10,200,000 0.012 34,000,000 3.39 129,000 2.7 1,311,000 14.54 690,100 22.5 4,152,600 0.0056 66,000,000

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR HOUSE PREF A LR PREF PCOR PREF 2A PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H

19.1 456 499 98.9 103 5.37 97 1.02 1,005 105 75.9 76.2 72.55 73.25

19.1 456 499 98.9 103 5.37 97 1.02 1,007 105 75.9 76.2 72.55 73.25

18.7 456 499 98.9 103 5.3 97 1.02 1,005 105 75.2 76.15 72.5 73.25

PREFERRED 18.8 20,400 456 40 499 10 98.9 10 103 250 5.3 89,000 97 150 1.02 5,000 1,007 30 105 100 75.2 320 76.15 440 72.5 2,600 73.25 4,240

387,062 18,240 4,990 989 25,750 472,330 14,550 5,100 30,190 10,500 24,204 33,521.50 188,593 310,580

-383,262 -

LR WARRANT

2.08

2.09

1.92

WARRANTS 2.05 336,000

673,950

20,400

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.54 1.54

4.6 1.65

4.44 1.49

4.5 1.59

FIRST METRO ETF

112.5

112.5

111.5

50,500

USD DMPL A2

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

20,291,386

INDUSTRIAL

110,238,381

HOLDING FIRMS

93,428,859

PROPERTY

108,320,868

SERVICES

180,638,234

MINING & OIL

195,651,761

GRAND TOTAL

724,217,426

10.1

SME

212,000 15,427,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 111.8 6,480 10.1

DDS

10.1

-

950,690 24,485,100

-2,060,380

724,636 10.1

5,000

VALUE 1,756.28 (down) 23.32 1,431,126,205.75 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,010.54 (down) 51.15 1,219,757,138.40 HOLDING FIRMS 7,368.92 (down) 53.27 1,854,310,005.23 PROPERTY 3,620.82 (down) 71.24 1,450.55 (down) 9.26 1,404,427,356.90 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,479.71 (down) 83.70 1,028,137,235.63 PSEI 7,479.71 (down) 83.70 131,325,489.088 All Shares Index 4,501.58 (down) 42.55 7,095,248,905.29 Gainers: 59; Losers: 123; Unchanged: 47; Total: 229

Meralco group proposes lower power rate in New Clark City

By Othel V. Campos

MANILA Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, has teamed up with Japan’s Marubeni Corp. to bring the lowest power distribution rate in the country to New Clark City.

The Meralco-Marubeni consortium composed of Meralco, Marubeni, Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc., and Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc. submitted a lower tariff bid of P0.6188 per kilowatt hour, besting the P0.9888/kwh proposal of the Aboitiz-Kepco partnership comprising of Olongapo Energy Corp. and Kepco Philippines Holdings Inc. The bids were determined during the opening of technical and financial proposals held at the BCDA Corporate Center in Taguig City Tuesday.

Witnessing the event were representatives from the Asian Development Bank, BCDA’s transaction advisor for the project.

New Clark City is envisioned to be the first smart, green and sustainable metropolis in the country where locators and residents will enjoy low utility rates.

The BCDA earlier set the tariff ceiling for power distribution at P1.25/ kwh.

BCDA senior vice president and chief finance officer Nena Radoc, also the chairperson of the joint venture selection committee, said the proposal of Meralco-Marubeni Consortium would undergo post-qualification process as part of due diligence before the awarding of the contract.

BCDA plans to sign the joint venture agreement with the winning partner by early next year.

New Clark City will have the first completely smart power grid in the country. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities comparable with other smart cities throughout the world, the New Clark City smart grid also has better reliability standards.

Locators can also enjoy access to real-time information from the distribution utility, allowing them to manage their electricity consumption more effectively.

SEC approves P1.44-b IPO bid of ACE Medical

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the P1.44-billion initial public offering of healthcare provider Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Iloilo.

Documents filed with the SEC showed ACE Medical would sell up to 36 million in primary shares for P25,000 to P40,000 per share.

ACE Medical plans to use the net proceeds from the fund-raising activity to finance the construction, development and operations of the hospital, as well as acquisition of medical equipment.

ACE Medical Center-Iloilo is currently constructing a 200-bed secondary hospital in Jaro, Iloilo City. The nine-story building with a total floor area of over 25,000 square meters will be a world-class medical facility manned by medical specialists.

The hospital building as of end November is 75 percent completed and is expected to be inaugurated by September 2019.

Formed in 2014, ACE Medical is the third hospital company to file for an initial public offering with the SEC. The company plans to set up a tertiary healthcare facility, offering the best medical services to clients and stakeholders.

The SEC earlier approved the application for registration and public offering of Diliman Doctors Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City.

The SEC in 20176 required companies planning to sell securities in the form of shares of stock in hospitals currently under construction to file a registration statement with the corporate regulator before they are offered to the public.

The SEC said the shares of stock being offered were within the definition of “securities” as defined in the Securities Regulation Code. The shares are also required to be registered with the SEC under a simplified format before being offered or sold to the general public.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

extrastory2000@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Americans have gotten fatter, shorter WASHINGTON―Americans have got fatter over the past two decades, adding girth to their bellies and even growing fractionally shorter on average, according to federal health data released Thursday.

The report gave no specific reasons for the trends, which come as no surprise as the nation battles with an ongoing obesity epidemic and a record 40 percent of Americans are considered obese.

Average weight, waist circumference, and body mass index in adults have increased over the past 18 years, said the report by the National Center for Health Statistics.

“A significant linear increase in body weight was seen over time for both men and women,” said the report, based on data from physical exams on more than 47,000 people nationwide over the age of 20.

The average American man weighs 197.9 pounds, according to the most recent year for which data is available, 2015-2016.

That’s up eight pounds from 19992000, when the average male body weight was 189.

Women have packed on the pounds too, going from an average of 164 lbs in 1999 to 171 lbs in 18 years.

Men’s average waist size has crept from 39 to 40 inches, while women’s waists grew three inches—36 to 39 inches—in that time span.

American men today are slightly shorter: five foot 9.2 inches in 1999, and five foot 9.1 inches by 2015. AFP

B3

World

TODAY

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US defense chief Mattis resigns W ASHINGTON― US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigned Thursday, leading a chorus of protests at home and abroad after President Donald Trump ordered a complete troop pullout from Syria and a significant withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Trump steadfastly defended his sudden push for retrenchment, vowing that the United States would no longer be the “policeman of the Middle East” and saying the 2,000-strong US force in Syria was no longer needed as the Islamic State group had been defeated.

Mattis, a battle-hardened retired fourstar general seen as a moderating force

on the often impulsive president, made little attempt to hide his disagreements with Trump.

“Because you have the right to have a secretary of defense whose views are better aligned with yours,” Mattis said in a letter to Trump, “I believe it is right for me to step down from my position.”

Mattis hailed the coalition to defeat Islamic State as well as NATO, the nearly 70-year-old alliance between North America and Europe whose costeffectiveness has been questioned by the businessman turned president.

“My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in these issues,” Mattis wrote.

One day after the surprise announcement on Syria, a US official told AFP that Trump had also decided on a “significant withdrawal” in a much larger

US operation—Afghanistan.

Some 14,000 troops are fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan as part of the longest-ever US war, launched in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. The Wall Street Journal reported that more than half would be returning.

Trump has surrounded himself with former military men and shown an uncharacteristic public deference toward Mattis, a bookish 68-year-old who has disagreed with the president behind the scenes on issues from Russia to Iran to accepting transgender soldiers.

He hinted at Mattis’s departure as far back as October, telling CBS: “It could be that he is (leaving). I think he’s sort of a Democrat, if you want to know the truth... He may leave. I mean, at some point, everybody leaves.”

On Twitter Thursday, however, Trump had only praise for his defense secretary, who will serve until the end of February, crediting him with achieving “tremen-

US government heading for a Christmas shutdown WASHINGTON―Donald Trump and congressional Democrats stood at stark odds Thursday as the president balked at a spending stopgap that contains no border wall funding, leaving the US government on the verge of a Christmastime shutdown.

The unpredictable leader’s rejection of a measure that unanimously passed the Senate and was under consideration in the House plunged Washington into political chaos barely 24 hours before a midnight Friday deadline for funding to expire for key agencies.

Trump appeared to harden his demand for $5 billion in funding for the wall on the US-Mexico border, something he has fought for since he began campaigning for president in 2015.

Republican leaders had planned to pass a so-called continuing resolution (CR) that would fully fund the government until February 8 to allow time for debate about issues including border security.

But with ultra-conservative lawmakers and media personalities effectively demanding that the president stick to his campaign promises, Trump doubled down.

“I’ve made my position very clear. Any measure that funds the government has to include border security,” he said at a White House event.

“Walls work, whether we like it or not,” he added. “They work better than anything.”

Democrats have refused to budge, saying they will not support a spending measure that funds Trump’s wall.

“That’s a non-starter,” said top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi. “I think they know that.”

Republicans nevertheless soldiered on, crafting a new measure that would appease the president’s demands. It includes $5.7 billion in border wall funding, and $7.8 billion in disaster relief.

The bill passed the House, but with no Democratic support.

“Thank you to our GREAT Republican Members of Congress for your VOTE to fund Border Security and the Wall,” Trump tweeted Thursday night.

“The final numbers were 217-185 and many have said that the enthusiasm was greater than they have ever seen before. So proud of you all. Now on to the Senate!”

But the bill will be dead on arrival in the 100-member Senate, where bills need 60 votes to advance and Republicans control 51 seats. AFP

Fact-checking lying politicians works SYDNEY―Researchers in Australia say that fact checking can reverse the views of even the most dyed-in-the-wool partisans, and over time could cause voters to shun an often-lying candidate.

Scientists from the University of Western Australia, the United States and Britain found that Aussies did change their minds about false statements— even from politicians they support— when corrected.

In findings that offer hope that “posttruth” politicians and a rash of disinformation from state-actors like Russia can be checked, the authors found voters from across the political spectrum would change their minds when presented with facts, and were turned off by persistent lies.

“This study’s findings are encouraging regarding both the potential effectiveness of fact checking and the importance of veracity to voters,” they said.

The study presented 370 Australians with a series of false and true claims from conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Bill Shorten and a fact check for each claim.

Unlike earlier studies, the false claims outnumbered the true, allowing researchers to measures whether a pattern of debunked false claims had a longerterm impact on the politician’s appeal.

The authors found that, while rightwing voters were slightly more likely to believe false claims as a whole, left wing participants were more likely to believe their own side. AFP

dous progress.”

US lawmakers across the political spectrum voiced concern over a rebirth of the Islamic State group in Syria and sounded an alarm as Mattis unmoors from the unpredictable administration.

Senator Marco Rubio, a member of Trump’s Republican Party, said Mattis in his letter “makes it abundantly clear that we are headed towards a series of grave policy errors which will endanger our nation, damage our alliances and empower our adversaries.”

Democratic Senator Mark Warner called Mattis “an island of stability amidst the chaos of the Trump administration” and voiced fears of policy driven by “the president’s erratic whims.”

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was unusually pointed, calling for the US to “maintain a clear-eyed understanding of our friends and foes, and recognize that nations like Russia are among the latter.” AFP

THREE YEARS AGO. Mexican actress Kate del Castillo hugs her sister Veronica during a press conference in Mexico City on December 20, 2018.

Del Castillo was called by the Attorney General to give information after meeting with US actor Sean Penn and Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin Guzman Loera a.k.a. “Chapo Guzman” in October 2015. AFP

In The Name Of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

In The Name Of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN

BIDS AND AWARDSCOMMITTEE

BIDS AND AWARDSCOMMITTEE

Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300

Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300

InvItatIon to BId

InvItatIon to BId

PROCUREMENT OF CIVIL WORKS FOR DESIGN AND BUILD OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ONE UNIT RUBBER PROCESSING PLANT FACILITIES AT BASAK BARANGAY, SUMISIP MUNICIPALITY, BASILAN PROVINCE UndEr BaC PUBLICatIon 12-23-2018

PROCUREMENT OF CIVIL WORKS FOR PROCUREMENT OF CIVIL WORKS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT/CONCRETE PAVING OF TUMAHUBONG-PANSUL BASI ROAD, SUMISIP, BASILAN UndEr BaC PUBLICatIon 12-23-2018

for

for

1.

2.

The Provincial government of Basilan, through the Funds augmented by ARMM HELPS PROGRAM under MOA executed between Regional Government ARMM and Provincial Government of Basilan 2018 intends to apply the sum of FORTY FIVE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THIRTEEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY SIX PESOS AND 33/100 (P 45,413,396.33) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Procurement of Civil Works for Design and Build of Establishment of One Unit Rubber Processing Plant Facilities at Basak Barangay, Sumisip Municipality, Basilan Province. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

The Provincial government of Basilan, through the 20% Development Fund 2019 intends to apply the sum of Twenty Five Million Pesos (P 25,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Procurement of Civil Works for the Improvement/ Concrete Paving of Tumahubong-PansulBasi Road, Sumisip, Basilan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The Provincial government of Basilan now invites bids for; Item No. SPL-2 SPL-1 102(2)b 103(6) 104(1)b 105a 202 311 500(3) 505(5) 506

The Provincial government of Basilan now invites bids for; Item No. I II III IV

Description Site Development and Building Plumbing Works Machineries and Weighing Equipments Electrical Works

Unit lot lot lot lot

Quantity 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

Completion of the Works is required (180 c.d.). Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Provincial Government of Basilan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidders on December 18, 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (P 25,000.00) and One Thousand Pesos (P 1,000.00) for the letter of intent.

Unit days days cu.m. cu.m. cu.m. sq.m. cu.m. sq.m. ln.m. cu.m. cu.m.

Quantity 74.000 2.000 8,046.810 216.000 876.260 18,200.000 3,048.000 7,320.000 54.000 60.000 209.450

Completion of the Works is required (76 c.d.). Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Error! Reference source not found..

3.

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

4.

Description Constrcution Health & Safety Program Mobilization/Demolization Surplus Common Excavation Pipe Culvert & Drain Excavation Embankment (from excation) Sub-grade Preparation Crushed Aggregate Base Coarse Portland Cement Concrete Pavement RCCP 910 mm Ø Grouted Riprap, class A Stone Masonry

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Provincial Government of Basilan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidders on December 07, 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (P 25,000.00) and One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) for the letter of intent.

It may also be downloadedfree of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

It may also be downloadedfree of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

1

6.

The Provincial Government of Basilanwill hold a Pre-Bid Conference1 on 10:00 am December 27, 2018 at Hostel Building, PEO Compound, Eastside Barangay, Isabela City, Basilan Province, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

6.

The Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 2:00 pm December 14, 2018 at Hostel Building, PEO Compound, Eastside Barangay, Isabela City, Basilan Province, which shall beopen to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00 am January 9, 2019. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00 am December 27, 2018. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18 Bid opening shall be on 10:00 am December 27, 2018 at Hostel Building, PEO Compound, Eastside Barangay, Isabela City, Basilan Province. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bid opening shall be on 10:00 am January 9, 2019 at Hostel Building, PEO Compound, Eastside Barangay, Isabela City, Basilan Province. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

The Provincial Government of Basilan reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9.

For further information, please refer to: The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat Hostel Building, PEO Compound, Eastside Barangay, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417 E-mail Add: tigerlily_diamond@yahoo.com

(MS-DEC. 22, 2018)

8.

The Provincial Government of Basilanreserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9.

For further information, please refer to: The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat Hostel Building, PEO Compound, Eastside Barangay, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417 E-mail Add: tigerlily_diamond@yahoo.com (SGD) INTAN GORDANA A. ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Bids and Award Committee

(SGD) INTAN GORDANA A. ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Bids and Award Committee (MS-DEC. 22, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Hard work, sacrifice pay off for Petron

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

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

Sports

Members of the Petron Blaze Spikers celebrate their title conquest.

Tekken, 4 others make SEAG Salahug, Petil headline National Doubles’ cast DON Petil taps a new partner in JR Salahug, hoping to make it two-in-row against a souped-up field in the National Doubles Amateur Golf Championship slated Dec. 27-29 at the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club in QC. Fourteen squads lead the early roster of teams vying in the eighth staging of the annual event also held to keep the country’s leading and rising players in shape during the holidays as they hone up for the Philippine Amateur Golf Championship early January.

Petil and then teammate Paolo Wong pounced on Gab Manotoc and Lester Lagman’s shaky start and roared to a five-stroke triumph in last year’s staging of the event which features the four-ball (best ball), aggregate and foursomes (alternate shot) formats.

Sean Ramos, winner of two individual tournaments this year, hopes to cap an impressive season with a doubles victory as he teams up with Gabby Macalaguim while Josh Jorge, Leandro Bagtas and Masaichi Otake link up with Jet Hernandez, Francis Lanuza and Rald Sarmiento, respectively, in the season-ending event of the National Golf Association of the Philippines which also serves as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour.

Listup is ongoing with deadline set on Dec. 26 at 12 noon. For registration and other details, call NGAP at telefax (02) 706-5926 or Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club at (02) 913-2750 or email ngap2009handicap@yahoo.com or visit www.ngaponline.net or www.facebook.com/ ngap.circle. Entry fee is P2,500 (locals) and P3,500 (foreigners).

Other early entries in the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, are the tandems of Santino Laurel-Kristine Torralba, Tomi Arejola-Nicole Abelar, David GuangkoAnnika Guangko, Ivan MonsalveAldo Barro, Jeff Jung-Paqo Barro, Arnie Taguines-Samantha Dizon, Diana Araneta-Sam Martirez and Demy Saclot-Perry Bucay.

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HE Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee and RazerTM, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, on Friday announced that they have shortlisted five games to be considered for the inaugural esports tournament at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, namely Dota2 and StarCraft II (personal computer); Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Arena of Valor (smartphones) and Tekken on gaming consoles.

The sixth and final console game is undergoing evaluation and will be shortlisted in the coming weeks. The final medal count will include two medal events for PC games, two medal events for mobile games, and two medal events for console games. The games are gender inclusive and will be open to teams of both men and women to participate.

Upon confirmation, all six games will be featured as competition events at SEA Games 2019, where esports will be contested as a medal event for the first time

in sporting history alongside traditional sports like athletics and aquatics.

“In the three weeks since we announced esports as a medal event at SEA Games 2019, we’ve seen a phenomenal level of interest from all segments of the industry, most of all game publishers.

The shortlisting of six games in such a short time is evidence that the notion of esports as a legitimate sporting event is no longer a fad. We look forward to having more partners come on board and join us in defining a new generation of

sporting heroes for the youth and millennials,” said Razer co-founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan. A key selection criterion for the shortlisted games is the diversity of titles. A range of top publishers, genres, and gaming platforms were evaluated for inclusion to make sure the most popular and competitive games are represented.

The strategy and teamwork demanded by the games were also considered, ensuring that competing teams deploy multifaceted tactics to clinch victory.

Lastly, the shortlisted games take into account the physical and mental intensity needed to persevere through marathon matches.

On Nov. 27, Razer and PHISGOC announced that esports will be a medal event at SEA Games 2019, with Razer as the official esports partner. The event will be the first of its kind for an international sporting event of this scale.

National U crowned Rain or Shine Cup champ NATIONAL University lived up to its growing reputation by ruling 7th Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship ‘Rain or Shine Cup’ with an anti-climatic win over La Salle Greenhills on Thursday at the SGS gym in Quezon City.

In winning their first title in the event dubbed as “Battle of the Champions”, the NU Bulldpups used an explosive third quarter to overwhelm the many-time NCAA champions, 107-87.

Batang Gilas veteran Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea and Kevin Quiambao starred in NU’s 34-point rampage, while helping limit the Greenies to just 20 points in the third that enabled them to pull away for good.

Fortea and Abadiano shared the Final MVP honors after delivering 28 and 27 points, respectively while Quiambao, who finished with 21 points and 19 rebounds, emerged as the tournament MVP. Meantime, deposed champion San Beda University salvaged some measure of pride by edging Far Eastern University, 78-76, in the also bankrolled by Poly Gloss, Freego, Dickies Underwear, Hapee Toothepaste, IronCon Builders, MEC Networks, Blackwater Sports, and Che’Lu Bar and Grill.

League chairman Terry Que of Rain or Shine and vice chairman Eduard Tio of Freego hailed NU’s victory and so were the 11 other schools who took part in the five-day tournament.

“NU showed why it is leading in

Players, coaches and supporters pose after National University won the PSSBC-ROS Cup on Thursday at the SGS gym in Quezon City. The Bullpups beat the La Salle Greenies, 107-87.

the UAAP standings right now. They (Bullpups) have great talent,” said Que, who co-owns the ROS team in the PBA with Raymond Yu. “We had another successful tournament so I’m hoping we can help more high school teams in the future.”

The game was extra tight in the first two quarters until Abadiano and Fortea found their range and led the team to several offensive spurts.

The title was the fifth for the Goldwin Monteverde-mentored Bullpups, having ruled the PCABL, Palarong Pambansa, ASEAN School and the NBTC National Final—the last also against the Greenies.

Quiambao led the Mythical Selection

that included NU teammate Cyril Gonzales, San Beda’s Anfernee etacio, FEU’s RJ Abarrientos and La Salle’s Inand Fornillos.

With the title win—worth P50,000— NU joined the elite list of champions— Hope Christian High School, San Sebastian College, Chiang Kai Shek College, San Beda, and Adamson.

This year’s edition saw the return of Xavier School and the participation of two provincial teams—University of Cebu and University of Luzon-Dagupan City.

The event was also backed by Molten, by Masumax Food Supplement, Cherrylume, SUMO GI Sheets, Molten and Choi Garden.

THERE was no sweep, but it’s still a mission accomplished for Petron after clinching the crown of the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference late Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Blaze Spikers creamed bitter rival F2 Logistics, 25-22, 26-24, 25-23, in Game 3 to wrap up their best-of-three finals series and defend their title in this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu, Mikasa, Senoh, Asics, Mueller, UCPB Gen and Bizooku with Genius Sports as technical sponsor.

Playmaker Rhea Dimaculangan emerged as Most Valuable Player while Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Bernadeth Pons delivered the firepower with 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Blaze Spikers, whose bid to duplicate a sweep of the conference was foiled by a four-set loss in Game 2.

For coach Shaq Delos Santos, however, coming up with a sweep is just a bonus because their main objective is to win the title.

“This is a great Christmas blessing,” said Delos Santos, whose wards won all but one conference this season.

“Honestly, we really never thought of completing a sweep. We know how tough the competition is and winning all of our games will be very impossible. So instead of eyeing a sweep, what we did was to prepare hard everyday, give our best and respect our opponents.”

Delos Santos said their journey in this battle that also has ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV may look easy, but it took a lot of hard work and sacrif ices before reaching the top, especially in the finals where the Cargo Movers pushed them to a do-or-die affair.

In Game 2, in fact, with the pressure of sweeping the conference mounting on their shoulders, the Blaze Spikers crashed and burned in the second and third sets en route to a 25-21, 19-25, 20-25, 17-25 defeat.

But instead of fading completely, the Blaze Spikers trooped back to the drawing board to map out a battleplan that aims to corner the crown.

PTA probes student bully OFFICIALS of the Philippine Taekwondo Association are investigating the case of an Ateneo junior high school student, a taekwondo athlete, involved in bullying.

In a video which has gone viral, the kid, who was later on identified as Joaquin Montes, appeared to have initially verbally taunted a fellow student inside the bathroom of the school, before using his taekwondo skills to bloody the nose of the latter.

The PTA has condemned the violent incident, saying the association will not tolerate such acts.

Montes has allegedly been involved in many bullying incidents around the school and school officials have yet to take action on his case.

So far, the school has requested the viral video be removed from Youtube, according to sources.

PTA president Robert Aventajado said in a statement that they condemn any form of misbehavior which includes harassment, bullying and acts of violence.

“This is not what taekwondo instills to its practitioners and is a serious matter that we as an association stand against,” the statement said.

Aventajado urged school officials of Ateneo de Manila to investigate the incident further.

“The PTA will respect the school’s disciplinary action with respect to the implicated students,” said Aventajado, whose association will also investigate the incident. Peter Atencio

Sta. Maria posts back-to-back softball triumphs STA. MARIA, Bulacan posted backto-back victories to jump-start its bid in the single round-robin semifinals of the 2018 Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine Junior Women’s (18-under) Softball Championship on Friday at the Sto. Niño Softball Field in Marikina City Sta. Maria, which finished at second place in Group B with a 7-1 record during the elims, routed San Miguel (Bulacan), 11-1, before scoring a masterful 9-2 payback win against early favorite Rizal.

Rizal breezed past the elimination round unscathed in eight games in Group B, including a 4-0 shutout win over Sta. Maria.

Rizal continued its dominance at the start of the semis by outlasting defending champion Tanauan, 8-4, in a battle of unbeaten teams, but succumbed to Sta. Maria’s defense later in the day.

Tanauan, meanwhile, topped Group A with an 8-0 card.

After bowing to Rizal in the semis, the defending champs bounced back with an 8-1 triumph over San Miguel in the semis.

The organizing Amateur Softballl Association of the Philippines is using this tournament as basis for selecting the members of the Philippine junior women’s (19-under) softball team (Blu Girls) for the next edition of the World Women’s Junior Championship.

“I understand and take pride in the fact that our Blu Girls have just moved up in the world rankings because of their overall performance this year, including Tanauan’s title victory in the 2018 Senior League Softball World Series,” said ASAPHIL president Jean Henri Lhuillier. “This makes conducting this kind of tournament even more important to Philippine softball. ASA-

PHIL is committed to doing that.”

In today’s page system final round, the number one team at the end of the semis takes on the number two team with the winner advancing to the championship game.

The number three and four teams will also collide with the loser automatically settling to fourth place. The winner of this match will take on the loser of the other game for the second berth in the championship game.

A total of 18 teams participated in this Cebuana Lhuillier-backed tournament.

The other teams are Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology of Cebu, Dasmarinas, Makati, Los Banos, Naga, Talavera and Tacloban in Group A and Miriam College, Manila, Pasig, Quezon City, San Ildefonso, Tuguegarao and Woodrose in Group B.

COMMITTED TO TOKYO 2020. ASAPHIL President Jean Henri Lhuillier is determined to realize Philippine softball’s Olympic dreams by continuously providing support and guidance to the rising women’s team, PH Blu Girls. The team, recently moved up to 13th in the world rankings among women’s teams due to its impressive performances in international competitions. Photo shows Lhuillier with the team in one of the team’s courtesy call to the National Sports Association head.

Life

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

YOUNG LIFE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

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Last-minute holiday gift guide:

For Millennials and Gen Z

S

TUMPED on gift ideas for your Millennial and Gen Z friends this Christmas? It might be late but you’ve still got time to make a mad dash to the mall and finish your holiday shopping. We’re here to help you finally check off your list with these gift ideas for the young and sort-of-young people in your life.

Pink Panther-inspired make up products: poreless pressed powder, extreme volume mascara and eyeshadow and blush palette for that beauty junkie-Pink-Panther-loving friend. Available at Miniso

“Salt in the air, sand in my hair.” Give her these mesmerizing mermaid pouches. Available at SM Stationery

Invigorate your friend’s spirit with the elegant and exquisite scent of Flipped Perfume.

Available at Miniso Let your friend speak their mind using these light boxes.

Available at SM Stationery

Help your friend achieve a flawless makeup look with Romantic Ice Cream Brushes.

Available at Miniso

Who says easel stands are only for kids?

Let your cousin’s creativity shine with this Scribbler Portable Easel Stand.

Available at SM Stationery

For that friend who makes you believe that magic and unicorns real, get them these whimsical unicorn notebooks and accessories. Available at SM Stationery

These feline-themed journals, key rings, and mobile ring stands are purr-fect gifts for your cat parent friend. Available at SM Stationery

These diamond stud earrings are perfect for a young classy lady. Available at My Diamond stores

Your musicloving cousin can always share his music to more people using these iCute portable speakers.

Available at SM Stationery

Keep your little sister always cool with these cute and colorful fancy rechargeable mini fans. Available at SM Stationery

Impromptu shopping is a breeze for shopaholic moms with these foldable tote bags.

Available at SM Stationery

A laptop and table in one, Lenovo’s IdeaPad D330 is suited for professionals in today’s modern workplace, as well as young adults with light productivity and study needs. Its keyboard is detachable, turning the device into a tablet that boasts a convenient trackpad, Dolby Audio Premium, and a 10-inch screen with HD display. It comes in mineral gray and bronze models. Available in major electronic stores Life is good when there’s a box of chocolates.

Make someone happy with a box of assorted Villa del Conte available in pralines, neopolitans, 100-gram bars, and dark chocolatecovered treats like almond, coffee beans, and bretzels.

Available at Villa del Conte stores

Perfect for teens or young women who love to accessorize, a 14K white gold charm bangle is a piece she will truly cherish.

Available at My Diamond stores

Make someone merry with these bear-y earphones.

Available at SM Stationery

These cute sneakers with pompoms exude a unique style perfect for women who love to accessorize from head to toe.

Available at Keds stores nationwide

Life

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saturday, december 22, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

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HErE’S only a few things more stressful than frantically rushing to finish shopping for gifts and other things needed for holiday parties.

Every last-minute holiday shopper has to contend with traffic jam, long queues at check-out lanes, and madding crowds.

So here’s a list of tips, courtesy of Ariel, Axa Philippines, and Argomall.com to help them shop wisely.

Go to one-stop shops

With the traffic situation getting worse as Christmas nears, snaking in and out of city streets is the last thing you want to do. Plan your errands and shopping so that you can do them all in one place to save time, gas, and parking or commuter fees.

stick to it. If they have an online store, even better.

Check out bazaars and thrift stores

Creative shopping tips for a stress-free holidays

Bazaars can be a great place to find gifts as they usually offer a wide range of products such as clothes, socks, scarves, caps, shoes, accessories, and more. There are a lot of bazaar set-ups lining up in malls during the holiday season. Thrift stores or ukay-ukays, on the other hand, are ideal for finding unique items as well as branded pieces.

When buying from ukay-ukay, it’s important to make sure that the items you bought are clean and fresh before giving them away. A little bit of laundry washing can go a long way. Detergent brand Ariel helps effectively wash away stains—even those pesky invisible kulob stains.

Shop online

Head to malls with a plan

With prices dropping up to 50 percent off and buy-one take-one deals popping everywhere, malls remain the go-to for holiday shoppers. However, you have to be wise in managing your time if you choose to deal with the Christmas mall crowd. Prepare a list of items you want to buy, or names of people you want to shop for to save your time.

Buy from local small-scale businesses

Avoid the jam-packed malls and think of a friend, relative, or the shop down the street that sells homemade or artisanal stuff. Not only would your gifts or décor be unique, you may also be able to get them at relatively cheaper prices.

Even then, shop smart; make a list and Last-minute holiday shopppers who want to avoid traffic jam and mall crowd may opt to shop online.

Search for the product you want to buy, and have it delivered straight to your doorstep.

Argomall.com strongly advises buying items from authentic and credible websites. For instance, if you’re looking for electronic gadgets, the best place to look for the best deals is an online hub that sells authentic smartphones from brand manufacturers and official distributors. An important note to remember regarding authenticity is the products should also come in sealed boxes together with warranty, online invoice, and official receipt.

When it comes to payment, look for online shops offering various payment options such as cash-on-delivery, online banking, credit cards, PayPal, G-Cash, Home Credit, and Dragon Pay, among many others.

Maximize time when shopping at the malls by having a list of items to buy. To save more time, it’s best to go to one-stop shops like department stores.

Enduring Filipino Christmas traditions Our country has several well-loved Exchange gifts Christmas traditions that we have obThis sharing of blessings often served for years and are treasured by comes in the form of Aguinaldo (usugenerations of families. ally from godparents), small funny items (monito monita), and of course, Simbang Gabi the much-awaited exchanging of gifts Many Filipinos believe that complet- with the family on Christmas Eve. ing the nine-day novena masses will make Christmas wishes come true.

Noche Buena On Christmas Eve, families get toCaroling gether at 12 midnight to partake of a Filipinos sure love to sing and dur- lavish banquet. The Yuletide table is ing the holiday season, this fondness filled with all kinds of dishes including for music is manifested through caro- King Sue’s Chinese Bone-in Ham and ling. Neighborhood kids sing with other premium meat products. Its Pear hand-crafted tambourines while adult Shape, Piña and Sweet Hams, bacon, carolers have ventured into more high- sausages, cold cuts, and chorizos, are tech versions, with microphones, mo- also favorite ingredients in some recibile speakers, and even lights as they pes, including lasagna, paella, pasta, render their song and dance numbers. tacos, sandwiches, and salads.

King Sue’s Chinese Bone-in Ham

PAL celebrates the spirit of togetherness in its online video, entitled ‘Regalo,’ featuring OFW parents being reunited with their kids.

PAL celebrates the spirit of togetherness

MANY Filipinos deem that better opportunities are found overseas. In fact, a 2017 record published by Philippine Statistics Authority showed there are 2.3 million overseas Filipino workers spread out across the world, 11 million including immigrants.

It is impossible to articulate the immensity of missed occasions, birthdays, and graduations, as well as nights spent alone. That’s why finally being able to hug and breathe in the person who was away for a very long time is truly a cherished moment.

The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, in an online video entitled “regalo,” captures those priceless moments of reunions and togetherness.

“We wanted to honor the sacrifices of our OFWs and their families longing to spend the holidays with them in the Philippines. We hope that through this simple video, we are able to give back and celebrate the true essence of Christmas—the spirit of togetherness,” said ria Domingo, PAL vice president for marketing.

During the season where love, laugh-

Finally being able to hug a person who was away for a long time is truly a cherished moment.

ter, carols, and giving gifts are widely displayed and present, the inability of some OFWs to spend Christmas with their loved ones has always been a scene too cinematic and familiar.

Kids of OFW parents may have branded shoes, latest gadgets, and imported treats but these material things would never equate to the warm hugs from their moms and dads.

“Through the eyes of a child, we

wanted to express that the best present is one’s presence, and our modernday heroes can count on PAL to bring them home safely especially during this season. For indeed, we know that at the very heart of every Filipino Christmas is our loved ones coming home,” added Domingo.

Go to PAL’s official Facebook or YouTube pages to watch the video.

Entertainment

Orange is the new black AND Jessy Mendiola is wearing something in that color in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry The Girl in the Orange Dress.

Jay Abello, director of the film, admits he is still nursing a hangover from the 1999 British film Notting Hill (Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant) about a Hollywood star meeting accidentally and falling for a bookstore overseer somewhere north of Kensington in West London.

Not surprising that the Roger Mitchell oeuvre inspires up to this day filmmakers wannabes, and guess what, the Filipino director crafted one with Anna Scott and Will Thacker in his subconscious.

Quantum Films, MJM Productions and Star Cinema combined their resources to get this thing rolling with actos Jericho Rosales and Jessy Mendiola on board.

Mendiola plays the mysterious girl in the orange girl when denizens of the social media caught her on camera with Rosales.

Do you know that the name of the character Mendiola plays in the film is Anna? That’s it, and if doesn’t give you a clue of where it comes from, you have to review your film history from the 1990s, probably.

Jericho, meanwhile, is Rye, a showbiz superstar and a certified girl magnet. This is some sort of characters switch, while Anna in Notting Hill is the Hollywood celebrity, to make this film its “original’” hint.

Like Anna in Mitchell’s mushy romance, Rye is also the object of many girls fantasy, including Anna’s friends in The Girl in the Orange Dress. Anna is a happy go-luckygirl who always throws caution to the wind.

And like Will and Anna, Rye and Anna meet and they also end up in bed, turning everything upside down. That encounter adds color to their lives. Their picture together goes viral and becomes a hot topic on television while the public remains clueless about the girl in the orange dress.

It’s Mendiola’s comeback to the big screen and considers the work a big help in regaining her self-worth and confidence after months of evading the public for making some terrible slip-ups, especially with fans of other female stars that have been associated with her current off-screen beau Luis Manzano. And he, like a true and gallant knight in shining armor, professes his full support. Let’s see how Mendiola stands up to the role that many observers say would have been played rather convincingly by other actors, like Anne Curtis.

For Jericho Rosales, the role of showbiz superstar is a walk in the park. He is it, and perhaps as he himself said just added some nuances so as not to reveal his off-screen persona too much.

This is Mendiola’s first film as an entry to the annual MMFF. She is nervous but excited to do her first daring role and she is doubly excited to the challenges, more so because she has Rosales for a leading man.

One of the highlights of the movie is Rye and Anna’s tango dance. Manzano, Derek Ramsay and Jennylyn Mercado make special appearances in support of Atty. Joji Alonso. The actor have appeared in some of Quantum Films more important films in the past.

The film also stars Sheena Halili, Hannah Ledesma, Ria Atayde, Nico Antonio, Cai Cortez, Via Antonio, Juan

Miguel Severo, among many. *** Parade of Stars on Sunday in Parañaque The annual MMFF Parade of Stars will happen tomorrow, Sunday, in Parañaque, host city of this year’s filmfest.

This is an after-lunch event that stars at Shopwise on Soreen St. the goes on along Dr. A. Santos Ave., Kabihasnan, Quirino Ave., MIA/NAIA Road, Macapagal Blvd, and then on Bradco Avenue.

The parade will be anchored by Phoemela Baranda, Kim Molina, and Shalala for the TV coverage on the government-run PTV4 and also Viva and ABS-CBN. The floats that will have stars on board include Fantastica, Otlum, Aurora, Rainbow’s Sunset, Mary, Marry Me, The Girl In The Orange Dress, Jack Em Popoy, and One Great Love.

Meanwhile, the MMFF Gabi Ng Parangal will be held on Dec. 27 at The Theater Solaire. *** Christmas in I-Bilib This holiday season, learning about science is fun while you watch I-Bilib featuring Street Genius.

This Sunday, join the cool experiments with award-winning host Chris Tiu, the wacky duo of James & Rodfil of Moymoy Palaboy, Kapuso singers from The Clash and Mika de la Cruz.

What will happen if you put cornstarch and water on top of a speaker booming with music?

What will happen if you fill a drum with hot steam and pour cold water over it?

Discover the amazing answers with the help of street genius in the Ooblek & Speaker Experiment and Steam-Filled Drum Experiment.

Can you make a wheel spin like a yoyo? Learn how in the Maxwell’s Wheel Experiment.

In the Christmas Candle Experiment, learn how to make a Christmas décor in a glass with the help of science.

Join James and Roadfill as they try to build a Bilibabol Book Tower with the singers from The Clash.”

For Huling Hirit, Mika shows us a how to make festive and delicious Christmas Coconut Goodies!!

Remember, make your Sunday mornings more exciting and educational with I-Bilib. ** * More stories of these kinds at www.isah. red. Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred) and Instagran (@isahvred). ΙŘ

To join, just purchase any product from the participating sponsors and simply write down your name, age, address, contact number, and signature on a piece of paper and enclose it together with the required proof-of-purchase in a white envelope. At the back of the envelope, participants must write “RADIO GMA PERA SORPRESA”, week number, POP/brand attached, and RGMA Station that they listen to.

Participants can drop their entries in designated drop boxes located in selected Petron outlets, RGMA Stations, or via registered mail to RGMA Stations. Entries will be accepted until Feb. 8, 2019.

Deadline of dropping of entries for each weekly draw will be at 12:00 noon every Wednesday of the playing week while weekly draws will be held every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in all RGMA stations nationwide.

For additional details, tune in to Barangay FM and Super Radyo AM stations nationwide, like the promo’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ PeraSorpresaNationwidePromo, watch the Pera Sorpresa mechanics plug, or see posters and visit www. gmanetwork.com/radio.

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

Bato wants Binoy in his biopic PEOPLE

By Nickie Wang

A

BIOGRAPHICAL movie revolving around the story of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rolando “Bato” dela Rosa is in the offing. The film will be directed by the awardwinning filmmaker and screenwriter Adolf Alix, Jr.

Jessy Mendiola plays the titular role in the MMFF 2018 entry, ‘The Girl in the Orange Dress.’

Weekly prizes await new RGMA ‘Pera Sorpresa’ winners THIS Christmas season, Radio GMA’s nationwide proof-ofpurchase (POP) promo “RGMA Pera Sorpresa” is back with a new and exciting season with bigger and more prizes to be given away weekly.

For eight weeks (starting Nove.

26), Pera Sorpresa is drawing sixteen weekly winners to receive P1,500 from each of the 15 RGMA areas (Manila, Tuguegarao, Dagupan, Baguio, Lucena, Naga, Legazpi, Palawan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Kalibo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos).

Additionally, there will be fifteen bonus prize winners of P10,000 and six more winners of P5,000 which will all be drawn randomly during the eight-week period.

During the grand draw, all nonwinning entries will get a chance to become the lucky winner of P1 million. Five winners from South Luzon, North Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and Mega Manila will also get to win P25,000 each. All prizes are tax-free.

Participating sponsors this season are Petron, Bear Brand, Nescafé, Rexona, Carbocistene Solmux, MultiVitamins Minerals Plus Amino Acids Revicon Forte, King Cup Sardines and Nature’s Spring.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

IN ACTION. Former PNP chief Gen. Rolando “Bato” dela Rosa (top) wants Robin Padilla to play himself in a movie that revolves around his life story.

In an intimate lunch with the entertainment press held recently, Gen. Dela Rosa revealed the stars that he wanted to be part of the film. He said he’s choosing action star Robin Padilla and Sharon Cuneta to play the role of himself and his wife. He also wanted Anne Curtis to be in the film to play the young Sharon.

“I’m a fan of Robin and my wife is huge fan of Sharon,” he started.

“I want to the movie to inspire people especially the youth... na kahit galing ka sa mahirap, you could be somebody,” Gen. Bato added.

Instead of focusing on their love story, the former PNP chief wanted the plot to put emphasis on his hardships and challenges before he became the person he is today.

During our conversation with the bemedaled former PNP chief, he said he was born in Barangay Bato, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur and described his family as “dirt poor” as his father earned little money working as a tricycle driver.

When he was young, he worked as a fish market porter and bus conductor.

He also did his classmates’ homework in exchange for lunch and used to walk eight kilometers daily from school to home.

“That’s what I like the film to highlight so the story can serve as an inspiration to many,” he said in Tagalog.

Dela Rosa studied at Bato Elementary School and Sta. Cruz National High School before attending Mindanao State University (MSU) to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration. In 1982, he left MSU to join the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and graduated in 1986 as part of PMA Sinagtala class.

Dela Rosa was nicknamed “Bato” during his first assignment in Davao, when his upperclassmen likened his body to a rock.

“But it’s actually inspired by the place where I was born,” he shared.

Sources said that the film will be released before the campaign period starts in February. Gen. Dela Rosa is running for senator in the midterm elections under President Rodrigo Duterte’s political party.

In the event that he is elected to the Senate, the 52-year-old Dela Rosa said he would push for the reinstatement of death penalty for drug-related offenses.

Dela Rosa retired from the PNP in April after nearly two years at the forefront of the government’s war on drugs.

Thai Youtuber faces legal woes after Miss Universe dress comments A THAI YouTube personality is facing defamation charges after making comments about dresses worn by Thailand’s Miss Universe candidate, one of which was designed by a daughter of the country’s king.

The monarchy is considered sacred in Thai society and few dare to criticize the institution for fear of running afoul of strict royal insult laws, which are supposed to only cover the king, queen, heir-apparent and regent.

But criticism of other members of the royal family is still considered off-limits for members of the Thai public.

The fashion fracas started on Monday after Wanchaleom Jamneanphol, a YouTube personality who goes by the nickname “Mixy Bigmouth”, made unflattering Facebook comments about a blue dress worn by the Thai Miss Universe contestant and designed by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.

Jamneanphol’s comments went viral and Kitjanut Chaiyosburana, an aspiring politician contesting next year’s national election, told AFP on Wednesday he filed defamation charges against her.

“I think internet idols are like an actor or actress with many followers... so if they commit wrongdoing online it should not end up with just apologies,” Kitjanut said Wednesday.

Under local law, any Thai citizen is permitted to file defamation charges on behalf of another person, and convictions can carry prison sentences of up to two years.

A Thai police spokesman confirmed that the the woman was under investigation but she has yet to be formally charged.

Wanchaleom—who did not immediately respond to a request for

comment—removed her original viral post and apologised for her comments on Monday night.

“To Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, I had no intention to insult the monarchy,” she wrote. “I feel remorse and regret for this incident.”

She also promised to exercise “wisdom and prudence” for future social media postings. AFP

The fashion fracas started on Monday after a YouTube personality made unflattering Facebook comments about a dress worn by the Thai Miss Universe contestant

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

INNOVATION WINS THE DAY FOR IDC. Miramonti Green Residences by Italpinas Development Corporation recently came up tops as the Best Innovation Project in a survey conducted by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), the Lorcatecture corporation, and Lamudi. Atty. Jose D. Leviste III, President of Italpinas Development Corporation received the award, which was presented by (from left) Felipe Calderon, AIM professor and head of the Washington Sycip graduate school of business; Rey John Lorca, chief executive officer of Lorcatecture corporation; Anthony Rainelli, head of operations of Lamudi; and Aileen Caravana-Gallinero, head of people and culture of Lamudi. Winners were selected through a survey answered by 10,000 real estate aficionados to select the winners for each category. Known figures in the real estate industry screened the list of nominees prior to voting. These included Atty. Lloyd Christopher Lao, CEO of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), Cathy Saldana, President of Arco Group, and Ivy Almario, founder of Atelier Almario.

BRANCHING OUT. From left to right, 8990 Holdings, Inc. chairman Mariano Martinez; president and chief executive officer Willie J. Uy, and 8990 Leisure and Resorts president Lowell Yu

8990 Holdings draws bead on leisure business

LOW cost housing developer 8990 Holdings, Inc. is entering the hospitality industry, and its first salvo is a P5 billion investment to build a diverse line of hotels, resorts and luxury establishments, with a total of 3,000 rooms by 2023.

“The Philippine leisure and hospitality industry is on an upswing with the current administration focusing on tourism development,” Willie J. Uy, president and CEO of 8990 Holdings Inc, told the Manila Standard.

Perfect timing He noted that the recent launch of 8990 Leisure and Resorts “comes at a perfect time.” The initiative, he explained, is driven by the success of the group’s two full-service hotel properties under the Azalea brand in Baguio and Boracay, each with a room inventory of 99 and 272 units, respectively.

8990 Leisure and Resorts is a subsidiary of publicly listed housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. Its success, which has seen the company acquiring a record-high net income of P3.4 billion in the first three quarters of 2018, promises a bright future for the company’s foray into the leisure industry.

Various brands in pipeline Offering world-class accommoda-

tion services and amenities to professionals or vacationers, various brands in the pipeline include the five-star luxury family resort Adama, luxury hotel Kura and resident urban hotel Argo.

“Urban Hotel Argo is really for the explorers—those that want a comfortable room, but doesn’t want to splurge on amenities. They are there to explore the locality,” explained Lowell Yu, president of 8990 Leisure and Resorts.

Kura targets those who want the finer things and comfort on a hotel setup, while Adama is designed as a luxurious type of resort, according to him.

“But the difference of Adama compared to the rest of the resorts is all of its activities are toward a family interaction activities,” he said.

These exclusive hotels and resorts will open in different parts of the country: Cebu, Makati, Davao, Palawan, Boracay, Siquijor, Alabang, Manila, Iloilo, Legazpi, Clark, Lapu-Lapu, Siargao and Baguio.

Yu said that a number of these projects, particularly in Cebu, Siquijor and Alabang, will break ground in the first quarter of next year. “We plan to complete all these projects in 14 locations over the next five years”, he said.

WATERPROOF YOUR ROOF DECK RIGHT. Roof decks, verandas, and balconies give multi-storey dwellings a vantage point from which to look out on a nice garden or stunning cityscape—or simply a place to chill and enjoy an evening under the stars with your family. But these are parts of the house are vulnerable to damage caused by constant movement and exposure to water and moisture. Enter Optimum Flex, a sturdy and flexible cement-based waterproofing solution from Jardine Distribution, Inc.’s (JDI). Optimum Flex seeps into, and permanently bonds with concrete to seal off pores and spaces where water may enter, while its optimum flexibility keeps concrete surfaces sealed against moisture despite frequent movements and tremors. The product allows the surface to breathe, prevents the buildup of vapor pressure, and does not trap moisture, which is the cause of leaks. Optimum Flex is manufactured by construction supplier, BASF.

Holiday celebrations at Chardonnay by Astoria

THE holidays are here, and with the usual slew of corporate parties and family gatherings, Chardonnay by Astoria is a great option to pull off these celebrations, especially for those looking for venues that can fit between 70 to 500 people. Beyond the décor and centerpieces, this establishment provides events planning and coordination to round out their full service offerings. Located along Captain Javier Street, near Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Chardonnay by Astoria is conveniently placed and easy to access. Multi-day activities can even avail of special accommodation arrangements with nearby Astoria Plaza. This comes, naturally, with the requisite parking and shuttle services that such events would need. Part of the strength of Chardonnay by Astoria lies in its versatility. It can be a venue for elaborate setups required for social events like weddings and debuts. It can also fit the requirements of more serious conferences and corporate events.

For more information about the event packages available for this holiday season, visit www.chardonnaybyastoria.com.

‘SHOWER FOR GOOD’ KICKS OFF THIS WEEK IN FOUR ASIAN COUNTRIES. India, Indonesia, Philippines

and Thailand are mounting a simultaneous benefit sale of American Standard genie hand showers with 100 percent of proceeds to be donated to the LIXIL-UNICEF ‘Make A Splash’ program. Fittingly named ‘Shower For Good’, consumers who buy a Genie hand shower will be able to enjoy a great shower experience and at the same time help children live healthier lives through access to basic sanitation. Water technology manufacturer, LIXIL, recently teamed up with UNICEF to improve access to clean water, basic toilets and good hygiene practices in 100 countries. Through ‘Make a splash’, the two organizations aim to promote local sanitation markets, by creating demand for sanitation products like toilets, improving supply of such products, and supporting opportunities for affordable finance. In the Philippines, ‘Shower for good’ opened last week at the Eastwood Mall Central Park Open in Libis, Quezon City.

WISE INVESTMENT IN QC. There are a lot of emerging residential areas being developed in Metro Manila, but only a few specially handpicked properties can provide an ideal environment for raising a family. Location is important when scouting for a new home. It has to be accessible and situated in a clean, safe, and peaceful community, strategically located near ones office, school, mall, and park, not to mention a supermarket. Features and amenities guarantee a worthwhile and relaxing stay. These usually include recreational areas like an infinity pool, a fitness gym, and even a garden. Finally, tree-lined streets, lush greenery with wide open spaces, not only relieve stress and anxiety, but also provides children with the best environment. Primehomes is one property developer that has taken to heart its commitment to build sustainable urban communities. One of these is Larossa garden row in Capitol Hills, Quezon City.. Made up of three 10-storey buildings Camia, which is already available for occupancy— and Sampaguita and Magnolia, both nearing completion. Interested buyers can choose from one-bedroom units, studio types, and studio premiere units, which comes complete with modern features and amenities.