Manila Standard - 2018 December 31 - Monday

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‘Rody touched maid’ sparks outrage

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte drew outrage Sunday after saying he “touched” his maid when he was a teenager, with women’s groups accusing him of attempted rape and encouraging sexual abuse, while the Palace tried to dismiss the tale as “a laughable anecdote.”

In his latest remarks, Duterte recounted a confession he had with a priest in high school, detailing how he had entered the room of his maid while she was sleeping.

“I went to the room of the maid. I lifted the blanket. I tried to touch what was inside the panty. I was touching it. She woke up, so I left the room,” the teenage Next page Duterte told the priest.

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Floods, landslides kill 51 ‘Usman’ induces heavy rains in Bicol, Visayas

By Ronald O. Reyes

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T LEAST 51 people died after tropical storm “Usman” swept through the central Philippines over the weekend, authorities said Sunday, with rescue operations under way in flood-inundated communities.

CRACKERS CRAZE. Here are some of the noisemakers and potential troublemakers (if left in the wrong hands) with which to greet the New Year. Police and cause oriented groups have launched several campaigns to dissuade people from using firecrackers like (clockwise) Judas Belt, Atomic Triangle, Bin laden, Lolo Thunder, Kabasi, Boga, Piccolo, Goodbye PH, among others.

The death toll rose from four a day after the storm brought heavy rain to the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions, causing massive flooding and landslides, the government’s office of civil defense said.

Many of the deaths were due to landslides and drowning, it added, saying floods had yet to recede even as the weather disturbance weakened into a low pressure area.

“Most of the (affected) areas are underwater. We are sending troops and rubber boats to rescue families. In some areas the floods have reached the roofs of homes,” Claudio Yucot, head of the Bicol region’s office of civil defense, said.

The Philippine National Police said in Bicol region alone, at least 45 people were killed -- 16 in Camarines Sur, 13 in Albay, seven in Masbate, six in Sorsogon, and three in Camarines Norte. In Northern Samar, at least six people died from landslides and drowning.

More than 22,000 people fled their homes ahead of the storm, which destroyed rice and corn crops and left some roads and bridges inaccessible, according to regional disaster officials.

Government forecasters said Sunday that heavy rain would continue over the Next page

Duterte vows to humiliate mayor who terrorized Batocabe’s widow

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he threatened to bring the “ultimate humiliation” to an Albay mayor for allegedly harassing the widow of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, who was assassinated on Dec. 22.

In his speech in Kidapawan City, Cotabato, the President said he would now allow political terrorism to prevail, saying he already warned the mayor for terrorizing the Batocabe family.

“When I was in Albay, I did not name

‘Peppa Pig’ marks Chinese new year BEIJING—China is set to mark the Year of the Pig with a film starring “Peppa Pig,” the popular British cartoon character that fell foul with its censors earlier this year.

A government document listing upcoming movie projects shows a new film in the works titled “Peppa Next page

him, but I said, ‘Mayor, f*** y**. Don’t ever think that you’re the only person who can do that. Do not ever think that only you have the monopoly of evil in this world. There’s a lot of us. If you can think of doing something like that, I can do that too,” Duterte said in his speech during the distribution of certificates of land ownership to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Kidapawan City Saturday evening.

“I told him, ‘Once I hear that you make threats in this place, I will go into your house. I will really tell you that even Next page

No to firecrackers, yes to KTV—Binay

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Nancy Binay on Sunday suggested that the mayors could just sponsor a KTV or street party to prevent injuries in welcoming the new year “It doesn’t have to be grand, and the mayors don’t have to pay for everything. They can go potluck and people can pitch in,” Binay said.

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Aerial view of Bulan town in Sorsogon, which has been reduced to a waterworld after four days of non-stop rain induced by ‘Uman’. Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions are the hardest hit by Usman’s fury. Photo from Sorsogon PDRRMC

Pinoys urged: Emulate Rizal, reflect on his legacy

By Nat Mariano President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday encouraged the public to reflect on the legacy of Jose Rizal and emulate his patriotism on the national hero’s 122nd death anniversary.

“Today marks an auspicious oc-

casion to reflect on the legacy of our national hero. Rizal’s courageous life and inspiring works have been instrumental in awakening our collective consciousness to foster our Filipino identity and take a stand against our oppressors,” Duterte said in a statement.

The Chief Executive said he views Rizal as “a beacon of valor and solidarity” during a time of darkness, injustice, and tyranny.

“Even in death, his example continues to encourage us as we pursue ways to address the social ills that confront us up to Next page this day,” he said.

YEAREND REPORT: THE EVENTS THAT SHAPED 2018

The killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the rescue of 12 young football players trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand and the ‘yellow vest’ protests in France are among the major events that marked 2018.

FROM a spy drama that poisoned ties between Russia and the West to major US turnarounds under President Donald Trump, here are some of the major events that marked 2018: On March 4, Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his adult daughter are discovered unconscious and poisoned by a highly toxic nerve agent, Novichok, on a bench in Salisbury, England. London points the finger at Moscow and in Next page

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It’s still better to give than to receive—SWS

By Nat Mariano MOST adult Filipinos believe it is better to give than to receive this Christmas season, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey released on Sunday.

SWS says seven out of every 10 Filipinos it polled or 74 percent said it was better to give gifts this holiday season while the remaining 22 percent believed it was much better to receive.

But the pollster said the latest figure was seven points below the previous record last year.

“The 74 percent in 2018 who say it is ‘better to give’ rather than to receive Christmas gifts is seven points below the record-high 81 percent in 2017,” SWS said.

“This is a new record-low that surpassed the previous record of 75 percent in 2006, 2014 and 2016.”

SWS said the proportion of those who said it was better to give Christmas gifts was highest in Metro Manila at 84 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 76 percent, Mindanao at 72 percent and the Visayas at 67 percent.

The seven-point decline in the nationwide preference for giving from 2017 to 2018 was due to decreases of 16 points in the Visayas, eight points in Balance Luzon and a point in Metro Manila, combined with a 3-point increase in Mindanao, SWS said.

Meanwhile, the proportion of those who said it was better to give gifts fell by 16 points in the Visayas from the record-high 83 percent in 2017 to a record-low 67 percent in 2018. It also fell by eight points in Balance Luzon, from the record-high 84 percent in 2017 to a record-low 76 percent in 2018.

But the proportion declined by only a point in Metro Manila, from 85 percent to the previous 84 percent. However, it rose by roughly three points in Mindanao, from 69 percent in 2017 to a recordhigh 72 percent in 2018.

In the socio-economic classes, the proportion of “it’s-better-to-give” believers was highest in the class ABC at 77 percent, followed by class D at 75 percent and class E at 72 percent.

The said survey, conducted from Dec. 16 to 19, used face-to-face interviews of 1,440 adults nationwide.

It had margins of error of ±2.6 percent for national percentages and ±5 percent each for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Montejo, 84 ENGINEER Catalino Lasic Montejo of Socorro, Oriental Mindoro, and Bacoor, Cavite, passed away on Saturday (December 29, 2018) following a lingering illness. He was 84.

He is survived by his sons Larry Mel and Francis Jess; daughters-in-law Welcy and Rose; brother Guillermo; sisters Lucila Minay and Sylvia Astrologo; and grandchildren.

His body now lies in state at the Sanctuario Divino in Bacoor, Cavite.

Public viewing is set on January 2, and cremation will be held on January 4.

Relatives and friends request prayers for the eternal repose of his soul.

‘Peppa Pig’...

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DOJ appeals ’floating shabu’ ruling nese were not guilty of the other charge because the hydrogenator seized by the authorities inside the vessel for manufacturing shabu was “non-functional” during the arrest.

“The Honorable Court must know that the law does not require that the laboratory equipment found in the clandestine laboratory must be operational,” says the motion filed by the department’s panel led by Senior Associate Justice Juan Pedro Navera.

“The four accused who were arrested on board and made it appear that the boat was a fishing vessel with legitimate business operations and concealed its actual purpose as a clandestine laboratory should be held liable for conspiring and confederating with one another to manufacture dangerous drugs.”

The prosecutors said the discovery of a hydrogenator inside the vessel was enough to conclude that it was a clandestine laboratory.

They said the hydrogenator was not functioning at the time because a hydrogen gas tank was needed, but there was a power supply where it was located.

They said the presence of any controlled precursor and essential chemicals or laboratory equipment was prima facie proof of the manufacture of illegal drugs.

Usman caused flooding and power outages in many parts of the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas. Many roads became impassible due to floods and fallen trees.

The low-lying barangays of Lagonoy, Nabua, San Jose, Buhi, Garchetorena, San Fernando, Baao, Magarao, Presentacion and Lagonoy, in Camarines Sur; Casiguran, Sorsogon City and Magallanes in Sorsogon; and San Andres and Viga in Catanduanes, were under knee-deep to waist-deep floodwater.

Police Supt. Ma Bella Rentuaya, the regional spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the region, said that as of Dec. 29, at least 4,813 people, 501 vehicles, and seven ships were stranded across Northern Samar.

Reports from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Bicol said as of 1 a.m.

Sunday, there were 1,630 passengers still stranded in the ports of Albay (1,146), Ca-

marines Sur (442) and Catanduanes (42).

The OCD said 6,182 families or 22,301 persons were still housed in 66 evacuation centers in the six provinces of Bicol.

Power outages, meanwhile, were reported in the whole province of Camarines Norte, several towns in Camarines Sur and in the town of Bulan in Sorsogon.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Sunday reported that Usman did an initial P2.73 million in damage to agricultural products.

Damage to palay was recorded at P2.13 million planted on 684 hectares farm land, affecting 195 farmers in Camarines Sur and Samar areas.

Corn crops worth P604,107 were also destroyed.

The DA said it has already positioned seed reserves for rice, corn, high value crops, and needed fertilizers in the affected areas. AFP, PNA

ternational policy.

On June 1, a populist coalition government takes power in Italy formed by the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and far-right, anti-migrant, eurosceptic League. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the League, introduces a hardline immigration policy, largely closing Italy’s borders to migrants.

On June 12, Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet in Singapore, the first-ever meeting between sitting leaders of the two countries. They sign an agreement reaffirming Pyongyang’s commitment to the “complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.” So far however, North Korea has taken few concrete steps to abandon its nuclear weapons, and the two sides have argued over the meaning of the vaguely worded agreement.

On July 9, Horn of Africa neighbours Eritrea and Ethiopia announce the end of their two-decade war. A whirlwind peace process sees embassies and borders reopened, telephone and flight links reestablished and trade ties resumed.

On July 10, the last of 12 young football players and their coach are extracted safe and sound from a flooded cave in northern Thailand, 17 days after they were trapped there.

The fate of the junior football team was followed around the world, with US and British diving experts joining the rescue effort and former Thai navy diver losing his life.

On October 2, dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a contributor to The Washington Post, enters his country’s consulate in Istanbul and is never seen again.

After more than two weeks of denials and contradictory statements, Riyadh admits that he had been killed inside the consulate after what it says was a brawl. On December 13, the US Senate adopts a resolution

holding crown prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible, despite vehement denials from Riyadh.

On October 28, Latin America’s biggest country swerves to the right with the election of former army captain Jair Bolsonaro as Brazil’s president. During a particularly virulent campaign marked by hate speech and outbreaks of violence, Bolsonaro is stabbed in the belly at a rally in September.

On November 17, protests flare across France in opposition to rising fuel taxes and living costs, then swell into a broader movement against the policies of the government of President Emmanuel Macron.

The “yellow vest” protests, named after the fluorescent safety jackets worn by demonstrators, come to a head with rioting and looting in Paris.

On November 19 tycoon Carlos Ghosn, head of the giant Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi auto alliance, is arrested in Japan over allegations of under-reporting his salary for years, which he denies. He is fired as chairman of Nissan and Mitsubishi and formally charged on December 10, when his detention is extended.

On November 25, after 17 months of tough negotiations, the European Union and Britain agree on an accord covering Britain’s exit from the bloc by March 2019. But British Prime Minister Theresa May on December 10 postpones a parliament vote on the deal set for the following day, acknowledging it would be rejected.

She survives an internal party no-confidence vote on December 12.

On December 19, US President Trump orders the withdrawal of some 2,000 American soldiers deployed in northeastern Syria, where they are fighting Islamic State jihadists alongside a Kurdish-dominated force. AFP

By Rey E. Requejo

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HE Justice department has asked the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court to reverse its decision absolving four Chinese nationals arrested in a “floating shabu laboratory” in Subic in 2016 in one of the two drug cases In an 11-page partial motion for reconsideration filed on Friday, the department’s prosecutors appealed the decision of Olongapo City RTC Branch 74.

The court convicted Win Fai Lo, Shu Fook Leung, Kam Wah Kwok and Kwok Tung Chan for possession of 467.8 kilos of shabu but acquitted them of manufacturing illegal drugs.

The department assailed the finding of Judge Roline Jabalde that the four Chi-

Floods...

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next 24 hours in the northern Philippines.

In Legazpi City, a couple and their 3-yearold boy died after a their house was buried in a landslide Saturday. In Sorsogon four people died after they were hit by landslides in Sorsogon City and Bulan town.

In Camarines Sur, a father and son were buried alive when a landslide struck their house in Barangay Guibahoy in Lagonoy town.

Three people were confirmed dead due to landslide in Lope de Vega in Northern Samar. Another from the same town died of drowning.

The Office of the Civil Defense reported that two people also died at Brgy.

Lokilokon in Paranas, Northern Samar, due to drowning.

Yearend...

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September issues arrest warrants against two Russian operatives. Moscow rejects all charges. Angry exchanges between the two capitals bring in other Western nations behind London. Dozens of Western and Russian diplomats are expelled in tit-fortat reprisals, and new sanctions are brought against Russia.

On April 14, the Syrian army declares that all anti-regime forces have been forced out of the Eastern Ghouta area adjoining Damascus after a blistering two-month offensive that leaves more than 1,700 people dead. It is a major victory in the government’s effort to reassert control after the 2011 uprising that pulled the entire country into a devastating conflict. The same day the United States, Britain and France carry out pre-dawn strikes against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in response to a suspected chemical attack on the Eastern Ghouta town of Douma that killed scores of civilians. The regime denies the allegations.

On May 8, President Donald Trump pulls the United States out of the hardwon 2015 accord that limits Iran’s nuclear weapons programme in exchange for an easing of sanctions against the Islamic republic. One of his complaints is the “onesided deal” does not go far enough in preventing Iran from creating a nuclear bomb.

The remaining parties to the accord – Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China – insist Iran has abided by its commitments and vow to keep the deal intact.

On May 14, the United States opens its new embassy in Jerusalem, infuriating the Palestinians – who also claim the holy city as their capital – and flouting years of in-

From A1

Pig celebrates Chinese New Year” to be released in February 2019 during the Lunar New Year holiday.

The film includes Chinese New Year customs such as a dragon parade and fireworks, state-run China Daily reported.

Co-developed by Alibaba Pictures and Canadian media company Entertainment One -- which currently produces Peppa Pig -- the film includes the entire “Peppa Pig” cast and two new characters named Dumpling and Glutinous Rice Ball, two popular Chinese new year delicacies.

The series, introduced in the mid2000s in China, has become extremely popular through episodes dubbed into Mandarin.

This fervour intensified at the end of 2017 among a young adult audience.

Many internet users including stars sported temporary “Peppa Pig” tattoos in selfies, and cups, watches and clothes appeared bearing the image of the heroine Peppa.

A Chinese internet platform in May gave “Peppa Pig” the chop as state media lamented the series had become a “subversive” icon for slackers and antisocial young people.

At least 30,000 clips of the British cartoon were removed from the popular Douyin video-sharing platform, while the #PeppaPig hashtag was banned from the site. AFP

“The fact that a piece of laboratory equipment such as the hydrogenator plus a freezer and a rice cooker coupled by the fact that a finished product or shabu was found inside the boat was unrebutted and was not contradicted by the defense,” the motion says.

The prosecutors also said that the court had no scientific or chemical expertise to ignore or overturn the conclusion of experts from PDEA. “All it had to do was to receive and juxtapose Berango’s chemical expertise with that of other prosecution and defense evidence,” the prosecutors said.

They said they decided to appeal the RTC’s verdict because it could have serious repercussions on drug cases and could be used by other arrested suspects to get away from the law.

‘Rody touched...

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When the priest asked where he went after, Duterte said he went to the bathroom to do the “usual” and went back to the maid’s room.

“I tried to insert my finger, Father.

There was hair. It was wet,” he said.

Asked if the maid woke up, Duterte said: “No, Father. She was closing her eyes. Fast asleep.”

“So, I went to the bathroom again, Father. Twice,” he added.

The priest then told Duterte to recite one Our Father and five Hail Mary’s, so he will not go to hell. Duterte, however, shrugged off the belief of hell and some of the other Catholic teachings.

Women’s rights political party Gabriela denounced Duterte’s “repulsive” comments and called for him to resign, saying he had confessed to attempted rape.

“Rape does not happen only through penile insertion. If it is a finger or an object it is considered rape,” said Joms Salvador, secretary general of Gabriela.

Duterte, 73, made the remarks as he blasted the Catholic Church over allegations of sexually abusing children.

The president, who brands the church the “most hypocritical institution” in the mainly Catholic nation, said Saturday that he and his classmates at school were molested during confession.

It was his latest tirade against bishops and priests who have been critical of his drug war which has left more than 5,000 people dead, according to official figures.

Duterte and his aides often dismiss his controversial statements about women as a “joke” or insist they are taken out of context.

Duterte provoked fury in 2016 when during an election campaign speech he said he had wanted to rape a “beautiful” Australian missionary who had been murdered in a prison riot.

Women’s advocates said Duterte’s latest comments endangered domestic workers.

More than a million Filipinos work abroad as domestic workers, according to the Labor Department.

“Flaunting abusive practices encourages the rape culture and in this case, sexual abuse of domestic workers,” said Jean Enriquez, executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific.

The Palace played down Duterte’s confession of misbehavior as a “laughable anecdote.”

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte purposely “spliced” the story with vulgarity to characterize the behavior of the priest who insisted on hearing more sins during their confessions when there were none. With AFP

Pinoys urged:...

Duterte...

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No to firecrackers,...

“Let this be an opportunity to honor Rizal for shaping our history as a nation. Together, let us embody his patriotism in all our endeavors as we build the society that he envisioned for the Filipino people,” the President added.

Malacañang also echoed Duterte’s message, stressing that the youth should emulate Rizal’s life story and principles that made him the “country’s greatest hero.”

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said that in these challenging and crucial times, the country needs “equally courageous and principled Filipinos” to become modern-day heroes and fight all the ills of society.

“Jose Rizal’s martyrdom should propel us to rise to the challenge of the times and unchain ourselves from our stupor of indifference and race to the finish line of genuine change and prosperity,” he added.

Rizal, a celebrated Filipino author, doctor, and patriot, was executed by firing squad before the break of dawn in Luneta on Dec. 30, 1896, after a kangaroo court convicted him on all three charges of rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy.

Rizal’s place of death, Luneta, has been even turned into a people’s park to mark his patriotism and heroism.

Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Luneta Park in Manila.

“In these times when ruthless practicality is foisted on us as virtue, and when respect for individual dignity is maligned as weakness, Rizal stands as a reminder that true freedom goes hand in hand with kindness and integrity,” she said.

Also on Sunday, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara urged Filipinos to follow Rizal’s teachings on education and human dignity as the country continues to struggle against poverty and ignorance.

More than 120 years since Rizal was executed in Bagumbayan, Angara said unifying the country remains an uphill battle because many Filipinos still experience extreme poverty and suffer from lack of education. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

though I don’t want to, I will slap you in front of your wife and children. I will give you the ultimate humiliation,” Duterte said.

He said he would shame the local chief executive if he continues to intimidate the congressman’s widow and family.

“Now, you want a shootout? Then fine. Okay. It will be just the two of us in your room,” Duterte said.

“I told him, ‘F*** y**. Do not threaten the widow.”

The President said he urged Getrudes Duran-Batocabe, the widow of the slain lawmaker, to take his place as candidate for mayor in Daraga, Albay for the 2019 midterm elections.

On Thursday evening, Batocabe’s widow said that no less than the President asked her to run so as not to let her husband’s death go in vain.

“I have been told that I can. But my main focus right now is to bury him with dignity and honor in accordance with how he lived his life. And after this is justice. We will not allow that there would be no justice,” she said.

Batocabe, 52, was distributing Christmas gifts in his hometown in Daraga, Albay when he and his police escort were gunned down by still unidentified assailants after claiming that his rivals were using armed groups to meddle in the polls.

The slain politician was eyeing Daraga’s mayoral seat in the upcoming elections, pitting him against incumbent Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo and Vice Mayor Victor Perete.

Reacting to speculations that he was the mastermind behind Batocabe’s death, Baldo took to Facebook to deny any involvement in the crime.

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She also urged local government units, particularly the villages, to organize activities that would foster a deeper sense of community among the residents.

She said it would be best for everyone to keep safety at the forefront of the New Year’s Eve celebration. She called on the public to employ more creative ways to usher in the New Year instead of resorting to fireworks and firecrackers.

She also urged authorities to strictly monitor the vendors selling illegal firecrackers to protect the public.

“It’s right to be creative in welcoming the New Year. I welcome limiting the use of firecrackers to protect the children,” Binay said.

She said the increase in the prices of basic goods due to inflation could nevertheless dissuade families from buying firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Binay has filed a bill aiming to “reduce the number of injuries sustained by children by prohibiting the selling, giving or in any way sharing of firecrackers.”

She said the police should exhaust all means to reduce the number of fireworks-related injuries this year.

The Health department says the number of fireworks-related injuries as of 6 am on Dec. 30 was 46.

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Arroyo urges Pinoys to unite and forgive

LAND AWARD.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte hands over a land title to one of the agrarian reform beneficiaries during the ceremonial distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) at the Cotabato Provincial Gymnasium, Capitol Compound in Kidapawan Cit on December 29, 2018.

Presidential Photo

By Rio Araja

Security threats kept at bay—Esperon

By N. Mariano and F. Tuyay

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ATIONAL Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Sunday, expressed optimism for a more stable and secure nation in 2019 even as he admitted that the proliferation of illegal drugs had become a national security threat along with communists and terrorist groups.

According to Esperon, the NSC and the country’s security sector have succeeded in “adequately managing national security in the face of numerous issues and concerns that continue to challenge the security of the nation.”

In his statement, Esperon said that President Rodrigo Duterte’s creation of the National Security Strategy and the establishment of a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict were “instrumental” in integrat-

Pinoy TNS caters to Makati commuters OWTO, a transport network company, provided hundreds of commuters around the busy streets of Ayala, Makati a quick, comfortable and safe means of transportation recently.

More than a hundred active drivers went to Owto’s newly installed booth in SM Makati to pick up passengers and safely brought them to their respective destinations during the Dec. 15 opening.

“We are so glad to accommodate a lot of passengers in just a span of two hours after our opening here in SM Makati. And by the end of the year, we are expecting the public to choose OWTO as their favorite means of transportation,” said Joanne Reyes Gayod, OWTO board member.

With the Holiday rush, OWTO is expecting more than 10,000 active professional drivers to answer the needs of the daily commuters and as part of their commitment to provide superior service before the end of the year not only in Makati City but around Metro Manila.

“As what we have been saying to our passengers, OWTO is fair, safe and Filipino. I’m proud to say OWTO is the first Filipino owned TNS and ride-haling app,” added Gayod, noting that the OWTO app will be available early next year in IOS. “The more drivers who will drive for us, the better for the thousands of commuters who need us especially during the holiday rush.”

With the newest ride haling app in the country, these everyday problems will now become a thing of the past. OWTO CEO and founder Joey Gayod says “we are here to serve the riding public and to give a better transport option.

We are also here to do our best to provide for our drivers’ needs.”

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ing the country’s major security policies and coordination of all concerned agencies to effectively address security threats, issues, and concerns both within and outside the country.

“In the external environment, the West Philippine Sea issue remained to be contentious due to overlapping territorial claims and maritime domain concerns among the various claimants,” Esperon said in his statement.

“Amid this renewed global interest

on Asia, the Duterte Adaddressed through the ministration adopted a strong collaborative mech“middle ground” position anisms within the ASEAN signifying that the Philframework,” Esperon said. ippines is a friend to all “The campaign against and an enemy to none,” he illegal drugs has become added. a primary mission and Esperon noted that Duthe campaign will even terte’s foreign independbe more intensified to ent policy has enabled the eradicate the menace,” he country to forge partnerstressed. ships with China and Rus- NSA Hermogenes Esperon He then underscored sia while maintaining its that the operations against ties with the United States. communist rebels, terrorHe, however, maintained that the ist groups, and other extremists will be country continues to use the “diplomat- “relentless” as they continue to threatic engagements” with China and other en the lives of the public and hamper claimant states of the resource-filled the country’s potential economic gains. waters without compromising PhilipEsperon said that despite keeping pine national interest. other threat groups at bay, military op“Trans-boundary issues such as ter- erations against the Abu Sayyaf Group rorism, drug trafficking, piracy, smug- and the renegade Bangsamoro Islamic gling, and human trafficking are being Freedom Fighters would be relentless.

HOUSE Speaker Gloria Arroyo on Sunday called on the people to forgive those who have hurt them as the nation bids farewell to 2018 and greets 2019 with hope for peace and prosperity.

“Sow forgiveness, not hate; unity, not division,” she said in her New Year’s message.

“Let us greet the new year with gratitude to God for all His blessings and hope for a peaceful and prosperous Philippines,” she added.

“Let us not build fences but spread kindness and compassion. Let us not sow division but unity, not hate but forgiveness.”

She wished that 2019 would bring “endless opportunities to fulfill our dreams and be a true blessing to others.”

With Arroyo at the helm, the House processed at least 1,300 bills.

Her former election lawyer, meanwhile, lauded the Pasay City lower court for the dismissal of the election sabotage case against her.

“The dismissal will surely benefit all political parties and their candidates in the 2019 elections, especially in the senatorial race,” said Romulo Macalintal, who is running for a senatorial seat in the 2019 mid-term election.

“Arroyo’s case was based solely on her alleged statement to the public to vote straight for her senatorial bets in the 2007 polls,” he added.

Macalintal was then the lawyer of Arroyo in the 2004 presidential poll.

The Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 112 ruled in her favor “for failure of the prosecution to prove the guilt of accused beyond reasonable doubt and moral certainty despite ample opportunity and even without evidence in favor of said accused, the demurrer to evidence is granted and the charge of electoral sabotage against accused is hereby ordered dismissed.”

Solon upbeat on law against hospital deposit PARAÑAQUE City Rep. Gustavo Tambunting welcomed a Supreme Court’s decision upholding the validity and constitutionality of the antihospital deposit law.

“I am proud our Supreme Court has ruled that this law has not violated the rights of our hospitals. Clearly, there was no real basis for this case to have been filed in the first place,” he said.

Tambunting is one of the principal authors of the Republic Act 10932.

“No Filipino must be deprived of basic emergency care due to poverty.

We ask our hospitals to be our partner in achieving this goal,” he said.

“If the Court were to invalidate the questioned law on the basis of conjectures and suppositions, then it would be unduly treading questions of policy and wisdom not only of the legislature that passed it, but also of the executive which approved it,” the ruling read.

The law increased the penalties against hospitals who require deposits before accepting patients in emergency or serious cases.

The coverage of the law now includes pregnant women in active labor as one of the emergency cases which hospitals cannot refuse. Rio Araja

SAFETY DRIVE. Boy Scouts join the campaign dubbed ‘Iwas Paputoxic’ initiated by Eco Waste coalition for a safe and non-harmful way of ushering in the new year. Norman Cruz

Digital farming: Technology key to agri growth, expert says THE farm sector should transform into adapting digital agriculture and disruptive breeding technologies in order to catch up with predicted food scarcity and raise agriculture contribution to jobs and GDP. The farm sector in Southeast Asia is the least digitized sector of the economy with only $4.6 billion invested for agriculture technology in 2016 according to AgFunder.

On the contrary, the needed investment for agriculture technology in the region totals to $265 billion per year according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Southeast Asian agriculture expert Dr. Paul S. Teng said in a consultation organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study & Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) that technology adoption will be a key determinant of farm growth.

Teng stressed digital agriculture,

which primarily refers to Internet of Things (IoT) enables knowledge intensity in agriculture. For one, agriculture production depends highly on weather stability, and IoT provides higher accuracy of information on data-enabled agriculture through more accurate weather forecasting.

IoT—mobile computing data sensors, satellite and imagery—contributes to information on irrigation, soil condition, and topography which are critical in farming.

Technologies in financing (fintech) will also be pivotal in farm development—providing time-sensitive small loans to farmers.

“Given that time-sensitive small loans are the biggest challenge that farmers face, it’ll be interesting to see solutions such as record-keeping platforms that enable small and marginal farmers to keep records, track their farming activity and build a credit profile,” said Teng

Smart phones are instrumental in collaboration between fintech startups and traditional farm financing entities.

“This would help farmers in effectively building a knowledge base that will help them get access to favourable loan terms that correlate with their farming activities,” said Teng in the SEARCA-organized “Reshaping Agriculture & Development in SE Asia.”

New biology will also help raise food production “Gene-Editing biotechnologies (CRISPR, TALENs, Zinc Finger Nucleases) provide capability—the ability to edit native crop genes coding for important traits and generating non-transgenic plants. Genome-edited (important) crops include, soybean, maize, wheat, rice, potato, tomato, and peanuts.”

These are among the technologies that should be invested in, according to AgFunder 2018: • Farm Management Software, Sensing

& IoT—Ag data capturing devices, decision support software, big data analytics • Robotics, Mechanisation & Equipment—On-farm machinery, automation, drone manufacturers, grow equipment • Novel Farming Systems—Indoor farms, aquaculture, insect, algae & microbe production (excludes consumer home grow kits) • Novel seeds—Biotech seeds • Bioenergy & Biomaterials—Onfarm agriculture waste processing, biomaterials production, anaerobic digesters (excludes supply chain companies) • Agribusiness Marketplaces—Commodities trading platforms, online input procurement, equipment leasing used by farmers • Farm-to-Consumer eGrocery – Online platforms for farmers to sell and deliver their produce direct to consumers • Miscellaneous – Land management tech, financial services for farmers.

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Opinion

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018

New Year’s resolutions

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

it three times a week.

Is this a laughable act of self-delusion?

Hardly. If it were, then how would anyone ever achieve anything in life? In fact, to make a New Year’s resolution is to recognize the undeniable reality that successful goalpursuit is possible—the reality that everyone at one time or another has set and achieved EVERY New Year’s Eve, millions of people long-range goals, and profited from doing make New Year’s resolutions. Whether the so. Indeed, not only is it possible to achieve resolution is to get out of debt, to spend long-range goals, it is necessary for success more time with loved ones, or to quit in life. To make a New Year’s resolution smoking, these resolutions have one thing is also to recognize the undeniable reality in common: they are goals to make our lives that rewarding careers and romances do not just happen automatically—that to get what better.

Unfortunately, this ritual commitment we want in our lives, we must consciously to self-improvement is widely viewed choose and achieve the right goals. We must as something of a joke—in part because be goal-directed.

Unfortunately, a goal-directed New Year’s resolutions go so notoriously unmet. After years of watching others—or orientation is missing to a large extent in themselves—excitedly commit to a new too many lives. It is all too easy to live life goal, only to abandon the quest by March, passively, acting without carefully deciding what one is doing many come to with one’s life and conclude that New why. How many Year’s resolutions people do you are an exercise know who are in in futility that The passive approach the career they fell should not be taken to happiness is the into out of school, seriously. “The silly even if it is not season is upon us,” reason that so many very satisfying—or wrote a columnist go through life without who have children for an international at a certain age newspaper, ever getting—or even because that’s what “when people knowing—what they is expected, even if feel compelled to it’s not what they remake themselves really want. really want—or with new year’s who spend endless resolutions.” hours of “free But such a time” in front of cynical attitude their mobile device, is false and selfdestructive. Making New Year’s resolutions since that’s the most readily available form does not have to be futile—and to make of relaxation—or who follow a life routine them is not silly; done seriously, it is an that they never really chose and don’t truly act of profound moral significance that enjoy, but which has the force of habit?

Too often, the goal-directedness embodies the essence of a life well-lived.

Consider what we do when we make a embodied by New Year’s resolutions is New Year’s resolution: we look at where the exception in lives ruled by passively we are in some area of life, think about accepted forces—unexamined routine, where we want to be, and then set ourselves short-range desires, or alleged duties. It a goal to get there. We are tired of feeling is the passive approach to happiness that chubby and lethargic, say, and want the makes so many resolutions peter out, lost improved appearance and greater energy in the shuffle of life or abandoned due to level that comes with greater fitness. So we lost motivation. More broadly than its resolve to take up a fun athletic activity— impact on New Year’s resolutions, the like tennis or a martial art—and plan to do Turn to A5

I

Gangsters in power

N AN inexcusable example of abuse of power, the mayor of an Iloilo town and his son—a congressman—mauled a policeman that they had disarmed and shackled, simply because he would not do their bidding.

Reports say Guimbal Mayor Oscar Garin Sr. and his son, Iloilo 1st District Rep. Richard Garin had summoned PO3 Federico Macaya Jr. to the town plaza at 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 26. He was disarmed by his own police chief then handcuffed by Garin. The congressman then ordered a bodyguard to turn off the CCTVs in the area.

As the shackled Macaya squatted, the congressman berated and kicked him, while the mayor fired into the air and spat on his face. He later pointed the gun at the helpless police officer and berated him as the beating continued for 45 minutes.

What brought on this savage treatment?

The congressman alleged that Macaya had persuaded a young man not to file a complaint against the son of a councilor over an altercation in the town plaza on Dec. 22, and ignored the policeman’s explanation that the young man decided not to file a complaint for fear that it would alarm his

mother who was working abroad.

Congressman Garin later issued an apology that sounded far from contrite.

He said his actions were aimed not at the Philippine National Police as an institution, but at one erring policeman.

“My actions were merely a display of extreme frustration towards one, single PNP personnel, which to my judgment committed a great disservice to the people of Guimbal,” he said.

The police have acknowledged the apology, but said they still intend to file charges of physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault against an agent of person in authority, and grave coercion against the two Garins.

Reacting to the incident, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered his Interior and Local Government secretary to file charges against the mayor and the congressman, who belong to his

own PDP-Laban party.

“Even if the policeman was at fault, it’s not a reason, especially [for] a police officer, to be mauled,” he said.

We agree with the President 100 percent. There is no reason for our elected officials to abuse their power and act like gangster—whether they be mayor of a small town in Iloilo n 2018 or a metropolitan city such as Davao in 2011. That was the year that the President’s daughter, then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, captured for posterity on online video, assaulted a court sheriff who was bent on demolishing houses despite her request for a 24-hour deferment.

Mr. Duterte—at the time vice mayor—justified his daughter’s actions and said he would tell her to do the same thing over again.

A little consistency, perhaps, would be better. After all, shouldn’t laws and simple rules of civility be applied to all? In the Davao incident, for whatever reason, the sheriff eventually decided against filing charges against the mayor.

We trust this will not happen again in Guimbal town.

The link between child abuse and bullying at Stopabusecampaign.org wrote in June this year: “There is abundant evidence that children who are being abused physically or emotionally (or both) are likely to bully their peers or develop anxiety and suicidal thoughts as well as drug or alcohol-related A MAN tied his four-year-old son upside problems.

“According to a study conducted by down to the window bars of their house and, researchers from both the University taking video all the while, hit at yelled at the of Washington and Indiana University, child several times.

This took place in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. children who are exposed to any form of While many of us were on vacation, violence at home often lack common coping wrapping presents, or buying ingredients for mechanisms and engage in higher levels of the Noche Buena meal, a toddler was being physical and relational bullying than those tortured by his own father—all to force his who grow up in a stable, loving home.”

Child abuse in this country is so mother to return to their home. widespread and common that 8 out of The couple had a misunderstanding on Dec. 13 which led the wife’s going to her 10 Filipino children have experienced it, family’s home in Iloilo. The husband sent according to the Council for the Welfare of Children and the United Nations Children’s the video to his wife Fund’s National on Christmas Day. Baseline Study on In the video he can Violence against be heard asking the Children, the first boy if he was happy The consequences national study on with his mother’s violence against departure, hitting of childhood trauma children in the him when he would are clear: it retards the Philippines. not respond.

The study’s This is one of child’s development findings, released the worst instances and could cause them in April this year, of child abuse I showed that have heard about. to become abusers “thousands of It is horribly similar themselves, because children are robbed to the videos of the of their childhood Ateneo bullying, they perceive the use and suffer lifelong where the 14-yearof violence to handle developmental old bully also took challenges as a videos of himself situations and crises result of violence.” beating up fellow as being normal.

Any form of students. violence, the study From whence said, could result comes this wave in trauma, and start of violence? and perpetuate a Researchers say that people who abuse children were often vicious cycle stemming from the mentality themselves abused when they were young, that using physical force is normal.

“Experiencing childhood or familial sexual leading to a cycle of hurt and pain that only stops when mindfulness and the will to violence and experiencing or being exposed to violence in the home increases the risk that break the cycle are exerted.

The World Health Organization children will use or experience violence against “distinguishes four types of child partners, peers and family members,” the study maltreatment: physical abuse, sexual stated.

The consequences of childhood trauma abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, and neglect… [while] ‘exposure to family are clear: it retards the child’s development violence’ is typically considered a form of and could cause them to become abusers emotional and psychological abuse” (Steven themselves, because they perceive the use of violence to handle situations and crises as Roche, in a 2017 paper).

Family and child psychologist Dr Honey being normal.

This could be the reason why this father Carandang, speaking about bullying in a recent television interview, said that “Most dealt with his son in such horrific fashion, of the time, it starts in the family… maybe objectifying his own child and using him as they [parents] say certain things…. that are a tool to force his wife to do what he wants. hurting the children and they are not aware Aggressive behavior does not exist in a vacuum. May pinagmulan, as we say—there they are doing it most of the time.”

Turn to A5 On the cyclical nature of abuse, “Jackie”

Clearing out CHRISTMAS was, as always, a time to accumulate.

We stuffed ourselves silly with food, presents, new clothes, perhaps new gadgets or other acquisitions. It follows: The season brings with it a semblance of prosperity, and it seems natural to treat ourselves and our families to a little more extra than what we are used to for the rest of the year.

But the New Year should be all about shedding.

The contrarian opinion says New Year’s resolutions are frivolous because we can always resolve to change whenever we want to, at any time of the year. Still, there is something symbolic about crossing over from one year to the next, and flipping the calendar to the next page—even as digital

Beginnings are always happy because they hold such promise. calendars are more common these days.

So what should we shed as we usher in 2019? Everyone can draw up a list—but here’s mine: Apathy. So much is happening to our country and the world that it could be depressing just to read or listen to the news. It is also convenient to focus on our everyday struggles—God knows they are overwhelming by themselves. But we do not exist for ourselves or our inner circles alone.

We are part of a bigger community, a nation.

In 2018 we saw many things that are

cause for concern, even outrage. The killings continue, with impunity at that. Corruption continues. Selective justice and double talk continue. Will we continue not to care?

Defeatism. It is tempting to be overwhelmed by what is wrong. Is it really easier to accept that even with our best intentions and efforts, the system will remain bigger and more powerful. After all, many have tried and failed to change it— what makes us think we can?

But we will always have the power to determine the course of our nation’s life. For example, there is always more responsible behavior in gathering and sharing information, communicating opinions, and electing our next set of leaders.

Fixation with archetypes and personalities.

This is what has brought us trouble all these years. We are always looking for saviors, like an anointed being who would descend upon our country (or town or city or province) and make all our troubles go away.

The truth is that politicians are just Turn to A5

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

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Opinion

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018

‘Toward a recovery of gratitude’ WHILE going over the texts and mails which have been pouring like rain with good wishes and prayers from family, friends and acquaintances, I cannot help but be reminded of the remarks of the iconic Mr William Buckley, Jr., before an audience gathered together at the thirty fifth anniversary dinner of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C. on November 29, 1988.

Entitled “Toward a Recovery of Gratitude,” Buckley’s remarks served as a counterpoint to the anniversary’s theme “Sources of Renewal: The Permanent Things and the Recovery of Man,” as he reminisced about the founding of the Institute invoking in the process the need for gratitude as an integral part of man’s renewal—a point he precisely advised when he noted in this wise “in reflecting on the theme of recovery, I thought to point to the recovery of a faculty conspicuous for its torpor.”

I thought it proper to excerpt in this yeaend column nuggets of Buckley wisdom as we bid goodbye to 2018 - a year which has seen the country go through a number of challenges, natural disasters and human failures, which has in a real sense sapped some of the vitality and vigor which we evoked as a people in 2017 as we embraced the first full year of governance of the Duterte administration—and help us navigate 2019, the midpoint of Duterte’s term. We note that in this passing year, as the issues and concerns which have bedeviled our country for ages became even harder to resolve and put to rest and as new ones kept cropping up, it is as if the national recovery, call it renewal, which all of us had hoped would be carried over more extensively as President Duterte went about executing his program and delivering on his campaign promises was in a state of “torpor” as Buckley would have it. It has truly been a tough year for the administration and for the country even as Malacañang, of course, raved over the President’s last quarter’s “very good” survey rating.

No doubt even as President Duterte worked doubly hard to deliver his very success became his own handicap as he bruited about in his own unique ways

CROSSROADS JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ hammering at many institutions, the Catholic Church in particular, as if it has become the main obstacle to our moving forward. A lot of other institutions, other practices even were in the President’s gun sight and he did not mince words to pound at them.

But, in the same token, he also spared a number of other institutions and practices, people even, and was therefore pinned down for such. He was considered too cautious in resolving the rice crisis, for example, and

There is no better way to end this year than to count our blessings.

even the smuggling of high-value items like the twice repeated shabu-magnetic-lifter caper. Indeed, if one were to go over the anti-Duterte chatter in social media circles this administration is on its way to being marginalized. Well, that is not likely to happen anytime soon.

But, as Mr. Buckley noted, even as we have a lot to be discouraged about we have much, much more to be grateful for. There is need, he said, to cultivate the faculty for gratitude. And so, I excerpt the more quotable notes from that invocation 30 years ago: “A country —a civilization that gives us such gifts as we dispose of cannot be repaid in kind. There is no way in which we can give to the United States a present of a bill of rights in exchange for having given us the Bill of Rights.

One offense, however,—the near universal offense, remarked by Ortega y Gassett as the fingerprint of the masses in revolt—is that of the Westerner, rich or poor, learned or ignorant, who accepts without any thought the patrimony we all enjoy, those of us who live in the Free World. We are left with the numbing, benumbing thought that we owe nothing to Plato or Aristotle, nothing to the prophets who wrote the Bible, nothing to the generations who fought the freedoms activated in the Bill of Rights. We are basket cases of ingratitude, so many of us.

We cannot hope to repay in kind what Socrates gave us, but to live without any sense of obligation to those who made lives as tolerable as ours, within the frame of the human predicament that God imposed on us—without any sense of gratitude to our parents, who suffered to raise us, to our teachers, who laboured to teach us, to the scientists, who prolonged the lives of our children whose disease struck them down — is spiritually athropying.

We cannot repay in kind the gift of the Beatitueds—with their eternal, searing meaning—Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. But our ongoing failure to recognize that we owe a huge debt that can be requited only by gratitude—defined here as appreciation, however rendered, of the best that we have, and a determined effort to protect and cherish it—our failure here marks us as the masses in revolt, to revolt against our benefactors, our civilization against God himself.

We need a rebirth of gratitude for those who have cared for us, living or dead, mostly dead. The high moments of our way of life are their gifts to us. We must remember them in our thoughts and in our prayers and in our deeds.”

Truly, as we bid goodbye to 2018 there is no better way to embrace the New Year than to count our blessings and even our failures as we endeavor to make our lives and that of our people better in eternal gratitude to the Almighty and to those who have, one way or the other, showered us with unrequited gifts of trust, love and wisdom.

A blessed New Year to all.

Apology in order

SHE might have just been a pawn in Noynoy Aquino’s personal war against his perceived enemies but she was nonetheless his most vicious attack dog. And a brutal attack dog she was as she readily and rabidly pounced on anyone as if no law ever existed, just to please her equally-salivating master.

On November 15, 2011, Senator Leila de Lima, in her capacity as the Justice Secretary, stopped former President, now Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from leaving to seek medical treatment for a rare bone disease in another country.

Despite not being physically present to stop the former President from entering the airport premises that time, De Lima admitted she had ordered the Bureau of Immigration and requested then Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas to direct the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the NAIA management and personnel to enforce the watch list order. The Supreme Court had already issued a temporary restraining order against this.

The very reason for preventing the former President from leaving the country, de Lima said, was because a non-bailable case was being prepared against her, thus the need to ensure she would never ever leave the country.

Aware she was treading on thin ice— there was no pending case against the former President that time, nor was a hold departure order issued against her by any competent court—De Lima hurriedly prepared a case against Arroyo, conferred with the then officials of the Commission on Elections, had a resolution for the filing of an electoral sabotage case against Arroyo in relation to alleged tampering of the 2007 senatorial

elections and had it filed just a day after preventing the Arroyos from leaving.

Sources even claim that de Lima had former Comelec chair sign the resolution even as he was then confined at a hospital.

What an efficient attack dog De Lima was.

Filing the case just a day after holding the Arroyos at the airport, having it raffled merely 15 minutes after filing and securing an arrest warrant against Arroyo just a couple of hours after.

De Lima stood her ground, continued

Now the tables have turned against De Lima.

to defy the SC and refused to allow Arroyo to leave the country for medical purposes, disregarding the fact that even the rush the filing of of the Joint DOJ-Comelec panel of an information for poll sabotage should not automatically result in barring the Arroyos’ departure because: (a) The Supreme Court has still to decide on the petition challenging the validity of the formation of the said panel; (b) The resolution finding probable cause is subject to a motion for reconsideration and subsequent appeal before the higher courts; (c) A hold departure order (HDO) has to be issued by the proper court after due notice and hearing, which issuance is likewise subject to a motion for reconsideration and appeal; and (d) An HDO can only be issued based on the three grounds prescribed by the Constitution justifying the impairment of the right to travel.

Nevertheless, the case, which was simply

borne out of De Lima’s blind subservience to her master, was so weak that Arroyo’s counsel, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, described it as, “as thin as the soup made from boiling the shadow of a chicken that has been starved to death.”

Even opposition senatorial candidate, lawyer Romy Macalintal, who at that time refused to make any comment on the charges against Arroyo, had this to say after Pasay City RTC Juge Jesus Mupas finally dismissed the case against the former President: “From the very first time that I was informed of the filing of the said electoral sabotage case I knew it will not succeed if tried by an impartial tribunal.”

He even congratulated Arroyo for a “much-deserved victory on the dismissal of the apparently baseless and politically motivated electoral sabotage case against her.”

And De Lima should be aware of that.

She was after all, an election lawyer before Arroyo plucked her out and gave her a break as chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights.

But with the backing of her master, De Lima violated and misinterpreted the law and put Arroyo in hospital arrest for the next 13 months—five at St. Luke’s and eight at Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

After being granted bail after having spent more than a year in hospital detention, the Aquino government again manufactured a non-bailable case against Arroyo based on more misinterpretation of the law.

But now, the tables have turned against them, particularly against De Lima. All cases against Arroyo have been dismissed, the latest was the electoral sabotage case, the very first case which sent her into detention. On the other hand, we now have De Lima in jail.

The justices and the judges have spoken.

There was no truth to the trumped up charges against the former President, now Speaker Arroyo. Her colleague had already admitted the cases were politically-motivated.

Maybe it’s about time De Lima admitted her part in the persecution against Arroyo and apologized to her personally.

MAIL MATTERS

Jose Rizal in the time of social media PHILIPPINE National Hero Jose P. Rizal Day is commemorated every 30th of December in the Philippines.

In our nation’s history, his name can never be removed as he was one of the greatest Filipino heroes who fought hard for freedom from the hands of Spanish colonizers back in late 1800’s.

I am rooting for the youth of today to uphold on the value he imparted on our race, to love our nation. With the advancement of technology, our young generation of today are becoming more empowered than ever before through the presence of social media. Anyone can now voice out his/her thoughts with just a tap or click on their

Clearing out From A4

like any other person—with good points and bad points. We can only hope that the good outweighs the bad, and the desire to genuinely serve takes precedence over their personal interests. The sooner we embrace this reality, the less we will romanticize our candidates and the more effectively we will

screens.

But this power greatly comes with a responsibility to analyze and think first before posting. Social media is a diverse virtual world consisting of people from all ages, from all walks of life. I am urge the people to use social media to advocate for peace instead of just merely ranting and post negative matters on the web.

This way, we can have a social media that is more positive, more encouraging, and more peaceful. Jose Rizal may not have social media during his time but he knew how to use his pen and brain to free us. The same goes with us all today. We have to learn to embrace the fact that we are what

we say. If all we say is negative—either to our neighbors, friends, or the government— we become no better than the terrorists and rebels who just exist to be antagonists of progress in this country.

After all, the last thing that our heroes in past would want is for us to forget about the concept of unity and peace. They fought for it. And we must sustain. Sustain the love.

Sustain the peace. Sustain the nationalism.

We do not have to destroy one another.

Instead, we have to do our own ways in nation-building—that we, too, can become heroes on our own.

be able to choose the next batch of leaders, because our decisions will be based on logic and reason.

Bad habits. Getting rid of bad habits does not mean just stopping them; we also need to begin new, healthier ones in their place.

This is perhaps the most difficult especially if these habits have been with us for ages.

However, it all begins with a desire to change, and success is determined by how intense this desire is.

Material things we don’t need. These days it is easy to judge ourselves—and feel inadequate—by the standards of others.

Social media condition our minds that we have to be in possession of certain things at specific points in our lives. Otherwise, we are deemed failures.

The order of the day is determining what we really need and what are truly important to us. Often, intangible things speak more than tangible ones. Experiences are more valuable

Chissan Rae Balderas

A5

Politics, policy, economy and elections liberalizing key sectors such as banking, telecommunications, transport, and the power sector, among others.

To be fair, steps are currently being undertaken to address bottlenecks in government services. These include automating processes, establishing online services, and THE year 2018 hit us with shock and awe, improving the public’s transactional interface with so many things that challenged the stress with government. Reducing the cost of doing threshold levels of many Filipinos, especially business in this manner will of course translate breadwinners like me. As we look forward to a to a more competitive and productive business new year with, as always, new hope, I choose environment and workforce.

When the country was given investment to reflect on the interplay of economics and grade years ago, it announced the bright politics.

To pluck from the enlightening keynote economic prospects for the Philippines.

Even so, the economic environment speech of BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo in the Pilipinas Conference globally is becoming more and more organized by Stratbase ADR Institute, the dizzyingly complex. For instance, the Fourth interplay of economics and politics had Industrial Revolution has brought with it historically found their common ground in once unimaginable innovations in financial policy. During the most recent global financial technology such as digital currencies and crisis, for instance, the lesson became clear that distributed ledger technologies. While possibly useful for political issues can central banking, exert a great influence their broader on policymaking and impact on monetary produce unintended and other public effects. On the flip policies are much side, economic The prevailing less predictable. policies, if not uncertainty felt globally The global managed adequately, order has changed. can lead to popular has been attributed Economies are discontent and thus more to political increasingly adverse political interconnected and outcomes, which developments rather open, the normal in turn impact the than the conventional dynamics of economy even demand and supply further. interplay between of goods and The current supply and demand in services no longer e c o n o m i c hold dominion over environment seems to the markets. price and financial be an exemplary case stability.

Nonof such interaction. economic factors, The prevailing such as policy and uncertainty felt globally has been attributed more to political technology, are also at play.

Price stability is even more crucial in the developments rather than the conventional interplay between supply and demand in the context of an emerging economy like the Philippines, where the poorest segments of markets.

The repercussions are not to be scoffed at. society should have access to the market. The Economic developments that further dampen failure of monetary policy to rein in inflation, stability are in many ways the result of the for instance, exerts a heavier burden on the interaction between economics and politics. poor. Monetary policy thus directly impacts Rising popular sentiments had given rise to the people’s welfare.

Put this way, it is clear how a comprehensive populist strongmen, and major economies like the UK and the US have taken steps to approach to policy takes into account factors increasingly abandon their integration to beyond the economic and necessitates a bigger global and regional markets. In particular, the perspective, because good policymaking is US and China had been involved in a trade war about good economics, good politics, and their of mammoth proportions, potentially affecting interaction.

As Congress resumes session this month, billions of goods.

The root cause of these events is political there will only be two weeks left to pass the rather than economic and yet they have a 2019 National Budget and all unfinished severe impact on the latter. First, such shocks business before all politicians become can lead to momentary capital flow volatility preoccupied with the mid-term elections. The shocking news of the senseless assassination and moments of financial market turbulence.

Economic experts have warned our policy of Congressman Rodel Batocabe warns of leaders many times that protectionist policies, the escalating political violence even before which had been the battle cry of populist campaign period starts.

As we start thinking of the right leaders figures, can negatively impact trade and growth. The International Monetary Fund to elect into power, the following quote from predicts that if the trade war escalates further, it Stratbase ADRi President Dindo Manhit could take off 0.8 percentage points—almost 1 should serve as valuable reminder for all percent—of global growth numbers by 2020. voters: “Governments, as the pinnacle of power Taken together, all these factors can complicate the conduct of economic policy, in society, do not operate in a social vacuum. in particular those in emerging economies like As such, in order to operate and deliver the Philippines. On the other hand, political services to the general population, a two-tiered factors are even more difficult to predict and participation is imperative—for the people to can exacerbate the volatility of the operating engage in political and economic activities and for the people to guard their leaders. environment, furthering the cycle.

“In turn, the elected leaders should be held Concomitantly, the interaction between economics and politics can also be positive, responsible and accountable for all actions. and good economic policy can contribute to As rightful rulers, more so, their leadership strengthened politics. In the Philippines, the and actions should not presuppose a blanket fundamental economic story for the last 25 authority that is accountable to ‘nobody.’ They years has been the quest toward strengthening directly answer to the people and institutions our institutions. These include expanding they represent and to existing supranational the role of market forces in the economy by political entities.”

New Year’s...

From A4

passive approach to happiness is the reason that so many go through life without ever getting—or even knowing—what they really want.

It is a sad irony that those who write off New Year’s resolutions because so many fail reinforces the passive approach to life that causes so many resolutions—and so many other dreams—to fail. The solution to failed New Year’s resolutions is not to abandon the practice, but to supplement it with a broader resolution—a commitment

The link....

From A4

is a root cause.

Eight out of ten children abused in the Philippines. One child harmed is one too many. This means that almost everyone you know, probably including yourself, has experienced some form of child abuse. I have.

But some of us were fortunate enough to have broken the cycle of violence through conscious effort, by mindfully going over our past hurts, finding out the causes, moving on and forgiving, and resolving than possessions; long-term security is more important than having the latest item we would only later on discard.

Finally, old hurts and baggages. It never pays to hold grudges against people who wrong us—they are who they are. If we can tolerate them, we allow them to remain, but if they are too much for us, we wish them well but simply cut off and move on. Life is too short to spend on anyone who gives us less love and joy than we deserve.

to a goal-directed life.

This New Year’s, let’s resolve to think about how to make our lives better, not just once a year, but every day. Resolve to set goals, not just in one or two aspects of our lives, but in every important aspect and in our lives as a whole. Resolve to pursue the goals that will make us successful and happy, not as the exception in a life of passivity, but as the rule that becomes second-nature.

If we do this, we will be resolving to do the most important thing of all: to take our happiness seriously.

Happy New Year! eric.jurado@gmail.com to relate to others from a place of love and understanding rather than anger and hostility.

Others are not as privileged, and children keep on being harmed, and the cycle of abuse continues. May this video be a wakeup call that mindless violence is not the solution to problems, and that children need and deserve to be raised in a loving, and stable environment where they are free to fully develop and flourish in happiness and confidence. *** Dr. Ortuoste advocates zero tolerance against domestic and institutional violence.

FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO Getting rid of these negatives will give us room for many new things: new experiences, new lessons, and new surprises which will be far greater than what we can wish for or imagine.

Happy New Year! Beginnings are always happy because they hold such promise—of what, we don’t know, and isn’t that part of the magic? adellechua@gmail.com

News

A6

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Federalism efforts must include BOL

By Nash Maulana MOVES to shift to a federal form of government should carry the administration’s fiscal commitments to the Moro region under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, United Nations Development Program peace adviser on the Moro political transition Naguib Sinarimbo said.

Sinarimbo, who is also the secretarygeneral of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, said the advocacy for a shift to federal form of government should guarantee the constitutional recognition of the peace agreements covering wealth-sharing and block grants provisions as embodied in the BOL. The Bangsamoro Organic Law seeks to create a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with expanded self-governing powers in the place of the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Sinarimbo said a principle in federalism holds that only proceeds from locally-collected taxes or locally -generated revenues could constitute fiscal shares that pertain to the state or region of origin in the allocation of national resources to state or regional governments.

But the BOL provides for a wealthsharing scheme through a five-percent resource allocation from the net national collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and five percent of the net collection of the Bureau of Customs.

Sinarimbo said this and other BOL provisions on wealth-sharing should be carried and sustained under any new Charter.

He said having gone through a long history of conflict and underdevelopment, it is important to the Bangsamoro people to secure assurance from the national government through a “special fiscal arrangement” that all the wealth-sharing and block grant provisions of the BOL shall be upheld.

Sinarimbo said the national government should sustain its BOL commitments in all level of efforts to rewrite the Constitution to make the Bangsamoro region at par with other regions of the country in terms of development.

Gatchalian: Form task force vs profiteers

FOR GOOD LUCK. Shoppers queue at fruit stalls along R. Hidalgo St. in Quiapo, Manila a day before New Year's Media Noche. Ey Acasio

NCRPO arrests 600,000 since June, mostly smokers M

ORE THAN 600,000 violators of various ordinances in Metro Manila have been nabbed since June, National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said Sunday.

Based on NCRPO records, a total of 624,361 violators were nabbed, with violators of the smoking ban topping the list.

Police rounded up a total of 160,739 violators of the smoking ban during the close to six months period, accounting for 25.74 percent of all the arrests.

Minors violating curfew hours had

the next biggest number, although with a much lower number of 38,168, or 6.11 percent of all those arrested all over Metro Manila during the said period.

Those nabbed for not wearing shirts in public were 36,461 or 5.84 percent of the total arrests.

Those drinking in public places came next, with 29,312 rounded up,

accounting for 4.69 percent of the total number of violators across the board.

The rest, 359,681 people, or 57.61 percent of the total arrests were nabbed for other violations.

The Quezon City Police District still had the biggest number of arrests – 373,883 violators – or more than half of all those arrested across Metro Manila.

Based on NCRPO data, 122,531 of the arrested violators have been fined, while 89,747 were charged and two remain under the custody of the Southern Police District. PNA

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday urged the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Energy to activate a task force that will guard against premature price increases and profiteering in the wake of the implementation of a new round of increases in the excise tax on fuel in January.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier have his approval for the imposition of an additional levy worth P2 per liter on fuel products under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. The lawmaker said DTI and DOE should work hand-in-hand in monitoring possible incidents of profiteering as a result of the implementation of the second tranche of fuel tax hike.

He said the estimated rate impact on pump price due to the second round of excise tax hikes would be around P2 to P3 per liter, while the estimate rate impact of the second tranche of the excise tax on coal is around P0.048 per kWh for 100 percent coal-contracted power distribution utilities.

Before oil companies are allowed to impose fuel price hikes, Gatchalian urged the DOE to scrutinize inventories of petroleum crude oil and products.

He said there are unscrupulous oil retailers who will take advantage of the latest round of fuel tax hikes by increasing the price of fuel products that were imported prior to the implementation of the latest tax regime.

“These are the times when we should be very vigilant. We don’t want unscrupulous oil retailers taking advantage of the latest fuel tax hike by selling their old inventory products at a much higher price, even if they purchased it at a lower price,” the lawmaker said.

He also urged the government’s economic managers not to commit the same mistake of failing to take into account the indirect effects of the second tranche of fuel tax hike.

The lawmaker recalled that during one of the Senate committee hearings on inflation, the country’s economic managers admitted underestimating the impact of the TRAIN Law.

UNCERTAIN HOMECOMING. Anxiety is etched on the faces of stranded passengers bound for Southern Tagalog and Eastern Visayas provinces as they wait to catch a ride to their respective hometowns before New Year's Eve. Ey Acasio

Ejercito wants P30b HFEP fund restored

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

CONCEPCION, Tarlac—Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito is pressing for the restoration of the Department of Health’s P30-billion budget for its Health Facilities Enhancement Program as he visited two hospitals which he warned would turn into “white elephant projects” without the said funding.

“I’m really fighting for the restoration of the budget. Last year, the HFEP budget was P30 billion,” said Ejericto, chair of the Senate committee on health and demography.

Ejercito said he saw how HFEP can help provinces, especially in the expansion and upgrade of health facilities.

Although provincial and local government units can provide funding for these health facilities, Ejercito said these would not be enough.

“They are largely dependent on HFEP funds from the DOH to improve their health facilites,” he said.

HFEP funds, the senator said, becomes more necessary as President Rodrigo Duterte is about to sign into the Universal Health Care measure which seels to enroll all Filipinos under a state-backed health insurance program both as paying and nonpaying members.

“We have to prepare for that. I’m very concerned about the first year of UHC implementation because there’s no budget HFEP for 2019,” he said.

Ejercito said he is open to significantly reducing the funding, noting that the government can settle for half of the budget or at least P16 billion to finish the construction of pending health facilites.

“We have to focus first on these structures so they can already be used th personnel and patients,” he said.

“If there were people who were remiss in the implementation of HFEP, if the absorptive capacity was slow, our people should not be allowed to suffer. If there’s no HFEP budget for 2019, this would still be the situation— you will still have people in hospital corridors across the country.

But if these facilities would be finished, all patients will be inside hospital rooms,” Ejercito added.

Duterte ‘very satisfied’ with PCSO leadership PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is very satisfied with the leadership of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, said Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy.

The President is amazed at how PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan is running the agency.

It is unprecedented,” said Badoy.

From one of the known corrupt agencies in the country, PCSO has transformed into a more transparent agency that is charity- and service-oriented.

“Balutan may be facing intrigues, but such is ex-

pected if you are transforming an agency and want to clean up a system,” she said.

Last year, Balutan reported a gross sale of P51.9 billion from the P39.5 billion in revenues in 2016, a 33.93 percent boost in sales.

This year, Balutan set the agency’s target sales at P55 million, but the figure has already been surpassed.

As of January to November, the overall revenues of PCSO registered a whopping P56.9 billion, Product Development and Marketing Sector Assistant General Manager Arnel Casas said.

“We already surpassed the P55-billion initial target this year, but we adjusted it to P60 billion due to the roll out of STL. We also strengthened Lotto products nationwide. The P56 billion is really thanks to the hard work of our employees, Lotto agents, Small Town Lottery agents specially their caboes, cobradores, and organic employees,” Balutan.said.

Of the P56 billion gross sales, P29.92 billion came from Lotto and digit games, STL at P21.97 billion, Keno at P4.14 billion, and Instant Sweepstakes at P958.36 million.

Sports

A7

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Djokovic dreaming of Federer’s ‘Slam’ record

ABU DHABI—Novak Djokovic admitted he’d be “lying” if overhauling Roger Federer’s mark of 20 Grand Slam titles was not on his mind but insisted Saturday it will be a great challenge to get there, especially with the sport’s widelyhyped young generation stepping up.

Djokovic, who sent out an early warning ahead of the official kick-off of his 2019 season with a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Kevin Anderson to win the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, took his Grand Slam tally to 14 by picking up the Wimbledon and US Open titles within the span of the last five months.

The 31-year-old Serb is currently six majors behind Federer and three adrift of Rafael Nadal, but is likely to keep up the pressure on his rivals this upcoming season considering how he recaptured his dominating form in the second half of 2018.

Asked if there is a record he dreams of capturing before the end of his career, Djokovic said: “I would lie if I say I didn’t want to get to as high as Grand Slam wins number possible. That’s definitely the objective, the desire, the goal.

“Those are probably the tournaments where I want to do my best for the rest of my career, however long that’s going to be, and of course trying to also fight for No. 1 with everyone else.”

Djokovic has lost just three times in the last six months, but all three defeats came against players aged 22 and under (Stefanos Tsitsipas in Toronto, Karen Khachanov in Paris, and Alexander Zverev in London at the World Tour Finals).

On Thursday, the world number one conceded that “the face of tennis is changing” due to the influx of new young talent and he believes the ‘Next Gen’ will make it harder for him to stay on top. AFP

Season-ending surgery for Wall LOS ANGELES—Washington Wizards star John Wall will undergo season-ending surgery to repair bone spurs in his foot, the NBA team announced Saturday.

Coach Scott Brooks made the announcement during the Wizards 130126 win over the Charlotte Hornets.

The 28-year-old Wall is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months because of surgery on the left heel and then rehab, the team said.

Doctors determined the procedure is necessary for Wall to fix a problem that has bothered him for more than a year.

On Saturday, Wall met with specialist Dr. Robert Anderson, who recommended the surgery.

Deciding to have the operation now should allow Wall to return healthy for the start of next season.

“I’ve been with him for almost three years,” coach Scott Brooks said of Wall.

“He’s as tough as they come. He never complained.

“He wanted to compete for his team, but it got to a point where he had to make some tough decisions. And that’s why he met with a specialist.”

Wall is averaging 20.7 points and 8.7 assists per game. AFP

Forest Cover, Obra Maestra favored in stakes race

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against the New York Knicks at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AFP

Giannis triple-double carries Bucks past Nets L

OS ANGELES—Giannis Antetokounmpo posted his third triple double of the season as the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks won their third straight game with a 129-115 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Antetokounmpo finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Bucks, who improved to 25-10 on the season.

“He was phenomenal in the last five minutes,” Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer said.

Khris Middleton played through the pain of a quad injury to score 29 points and Brook Lopez added 24 points on sevenof-15 shooting from beyond the arc.

Lopez drained five of nine from the arc in the first half to help open up a 19-point halftime lead for the Bucks, who have won seven of eight contests.

The Bucks compiled a 15-point lead with just over three minutes left in the fourth with the help of six consecutive baskets by Antetokounmpo.

“That’s what a superstar does. When it’s crunch time, when it’s time to close a game out -- he did it,” Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said of Antetokounmpo.

Brooklyn, who were already missing six players because of injuries, lost forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson with a groin injury in the first half.

Meanwhile, James Harden recorded his third straight 40 point game to power the Houston Rockets to a 108-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.

Harden finished with 41 points and six assists to become the first player since Oscar Robertson to post at least 35 points and five assists in seven straight games. Robertson did it twice in 1965 and 1967.

Harden scored 17 points in the first quar-

ter and made all 14 of his free throws during the game. He drained seven of 16 shots from beyond the arc.

Harden scored 26 points in the first half as Houston took a 53-50 lead into the locker room.

Pelicans star Anthony Davis struggled after scoring a season-high 48 points in a victory over Dallas, taking only five shots in the first half. Julius Randle led the Pelicans with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Davis finished with 22.

Houston led 77-76 after three and scored the first seven points of the fourth period. The Rockets extended their lead to 101-86 with just under six minutes left, but the Pelicans went on a 13-2 run to cut the deficit to 103-99.

PJ Tucker made two free throws with 12 seconds remaining in the fourth to seal the win.

Harden will get a chance to score 40 in four straight when the Rockets host Memphis on Monday. AFP

Ronaldo brace seals new mark for Juventus

WORLD TITLE FIGHT. Japan’s Kazuto Ioka (right) and the Philippines’ Donnie Nietes pose for photographs during the weigh-in for the ‘Lifetime Boxing Fights 1’ in Macau. Nietes and Ioka will battle for the vacant World Boxing Organization Superflyweight title.

Nietes is coming from a draw with Aston Palicte, while the Japanese fighter won his last fight with Williams Arroyo. AFP

MILAN—Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Juventus closed out 2018 on a high with a 2-1 win over Sampdoria to set a new points record in Serie A before the winter break on Saturday.

Not to be outdone, however, Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik also bagged a brace with a 3-2 home win against Bologna to keep the pressure on the champions.

Ronaldo-powered Juventus have achieved a record number of points before the three-week winter break with 53 from 19 games.

Napoli are nine points behind in second, with Inter Milan a further five adrift in third, days after their clash at the San Siro was overshadowed by the death of a supporter with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly targetted by racist chanting.

Koulibaly was suspended for Saturday’s game but fans showed their support in his San Paolo stadium by wearing masks with the defender’s face and holding up banners saying: “We are all Koulibaly”. AFP

ALL eyes will be on Obra Maestra and Forest Cover when the Philippine Racing Commission concludes the season with the holding of the 2018 Juvenile Championships Monday at the Saddle and Clubs Leisure Park in Naic, Cavite.

Led by these two, the cast features 12 of the country’s best twoyear-old horses fighting for bragging rights in the P2.5-million stakes races offering a whopping P1.5 million to the champion.

Runner-up pockets P562,500, while the third and fourth placers get P312,500 and P125,000, respectively, with the winning horse’s breeder taking P75,000.

Obra Maestra was a dominant force this year in the P2-million 2018 Philracom Juvenile Fillies Stakes only last month as she continued to reign as one of the youngsters to watch out for. The Sandy Javier-owned Obra Maestra, ridden by jockey JB Guce, made their move in the last 100 meters to win the P1,200,000 purse in the fillies stakes race.

Meanwhile, Forest Cover had his most memorable campaign in the 2nd leg of the Philracom Juvenile Colts Stakes Race at the Saddle and Leisure Park in Naic, Cavite last October. The Aristeo G. Puyat-owned filly engaged Mona’s Mark and Electrify in a neck-to-neck battle down to the finish, before winning by a head in the 1,300-meter race, with Jockey O’Neal P. Cortez in the reins.

Standing in the way of Obra Maestra and Forest Cover are 10 other fast-rising juveniles fighting over the distance of 1,600 meters.

They are Full of Grace (jockey MA Alvarez, owner Alfredo R. Santos); Gatighan Island-(JP A Guce, Wilbert T.Tan); Lady Mischief (KB Abobo, SC Stockfarm); Mona’s Mark (DH Borbe Jr., Raymund B. Puyat), Mood Swing (JA Guce, SC Stockfarm); My Jopay (CP Henson, Moises B. Villasenor), Oktubre Katorse (VM Camanero Jr., Bonapart P. Atianzar); Royal Bell (JB Hernandez, Bell Racing Stable); Serafina (MB Pilapil, Peter I. Aguila; and Toy For the Bigboy (JB Cordova, Alfredo R. Santos).

Philracom races are being conducted in accordance with the Philracom’s Rating-Based Handicapping System, which is a result of the commission’s affiliation with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, whose mission is to promote good regulation and best practices on international matters pertaining to the sport.

Escalante, Tomacruz top PPS doubles HENRY Escalante and Jacky Tomacruz held sway and outlasted Lito Gallenito and Aldrin Geluz, 8-5, to capture the 40s crown in the PPS-PEPP Gov. Cherry Umali Legends men’s doubles tournament at the Nueva Ecija Tennis Association courts in Cabanatuan City over the weekend.

On their way to the finals, the Escalante-Tomacruz tandem dominated Rizalino Cruz and James de Leon and the second seeded Sid Beley and Lawrenz Escuadro via a pair of 8-0 routs then repulsed Gallenito and Geluz, who also eased out top seed Nitoy Norte and Laude Ladignon, 8-3, in the semis.

Escalante later teamed up with Mario Villasan as they shared top honors with Jacky and Jimmy Tomacruz in the 50s division of the event capping the season-long Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala tennis circuit presented by Dunlop.

Ed Gata and Danny Gardon, on the other hand, edged Beley and Hermi Mangundayao, 8-6, to snare the 60s diadem worth P5,000 and trophies for the winning duo.

Meanwhile, Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro said a 70-leg circuit has been lined up for the 2019 tour with the Actifit Sports Complex in Valenzuela City hosting the kickoff leg on Jan. 21-27. For details, call PPS-PEPP Sports Program Development director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Sports

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

A8

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018

US boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. speaks to the media during a press conference at a Tokyo hotel. Mayweather will fight Japanese kickboxer Tenshin “Ninja Boy” Nasukawa in Saitama on Dec. 31. AFP

Floyd: That’s entertainment T

OKYO—US boxing legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather said Saturday his focus was on entertaining the fans during his New Year’s Eve fight with Japanese kickboxing prodigy Tenshin Nasukawa near Tokyo.

The 41-year-old unbeaten champion has been tempted out of retirement -again -- for a one-off “exhibition” in Saitama, north of Tokyo, against “Ninja Boy” Nasukawa, a fighter more than half his age at 20.

“It is all about entertainment. I don’t worry about anything,” Mayweather told reporters in a news conference devoid of the hyped-up rhetoric that usually accompanies pre-fight events.

Monday’s bout will be held under boxing rules over three three-minute rounds, which the veteran Mayweather said he could complete “in his sleep.”

The exhibition will not have an official winner or loser if it goes the distance, meaning both men can keep their treasured unbeaten records in the absence of a knock-out.

Mayweather has also said there will be no official judges and the bout will not count on the official record of either athlete.

However, the relaxed American said he would not even be concerned if he were to be floored by his Japanese opponent.

“Me getting knocked out or me getting knocked down ... I don’t worry about it at all. If that does happen, I mean that’s

entertainment. That’s all we need to see,” said Mayweather.

For his part, Nasukawa said he did not feel the rules of the bout were “unfair,” even though he will be deprived of his kicking skills.

“All I have to do is to give 100 percent ... Since Mayweather is expected to dodge my offense, I really want to hit him,” said the 20-year-old.

The fight was first announced in early November but Mayweather then abruptly called it off following what was later described as a “misunderstanding” over the rules of the fight, according to mixed martial arts promoter RIZIN. RIZIN boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara flew to Los Angeles for talks with the American boxer and won him round, finally agreeing the terms for the three-round contest.

Sakakibara has stressed that

Monday’s bout will be far from a sparring match, adding: “They will fight aiming to knock out.”

“Money” Mayweather came out of a two-year retirement in 2017 and knocked out mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in the 10th round of a super-hyped boxing match.

There are also rumours Mayweather could take on reigning UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who said last month any match-up would be “twice as interesting” as the McGregor fight.

Nasukawa is considered something of a prodigy in Japanese fighting circles and began learning karate at the age of five.

Like Mayweather, he is unbeaten, boasting a 28-0 record as a professional kickboxer with 21 wins by knockout.

He has four wins from four matches in mixed martial arts. AFP

PBA holds Media Day on Jan. 10 at Solaire THE Philippine Basketball Association holds a special media day apart from its annual press conference ahead of the opening of PBA Season 44 on Jan. 13 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The league launches the coming season in the annual gab on Jan. 8 at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City then mounts the media availability event on Jan. 10 over at the Solaire Tent.

“The commissioner and members of the PBA management committee as well as coaches and the key players of all 12 teams will be there to answer the queries of the sports media,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

“PBA personalities will be made available for photo shoots, on-cam TV interviews, live or taped radio interviews or interviews on whatever media form. We will give this opportunities for our media friends to convey talks, messages, greetings to the fans,” Marcial added.

On the annual press conference, the PBA is to hand out the official lineups of the 12 competing teams and the conducts of the three conferences in the coming season.

The commissioner and 12 PBA governors, headed by league chairman Ricky Vargas, will also be available for a question-and-answer session.

The coaches and the players can be scrutinized deeper on the media day.

“It’s the first time that the PBA conducts this event, and we hope this could be of help to our media friends and partners on their stories and shows,” said Marcial.

GOLF WINNERS. Asian Games bronze medalist Bianca Pagdanganan (second from left) and former Junior World champion Jed Dy (second from right) hold their trophies as they pose with National Golf Association of the Philippines sec-gen Bones Floro (left) and NGAP director and tournament director co-chair Caloy Coscolluela after winning the 2018 National Doubles Amateur Golf Championship at the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club in QC over the weekend.

Murray, Rafa shooting for Brisbane rebound after injury-hit ‘18 BRISBANE—Andy Murray aims to kick-start his stalled career in Brisbane this week after an injury-plagued 2018, with Spanish great Rafael Nadal also playing as he tests his troubled knee ahead of the Australian Open.

The season-opening tournament boasts a stellar field with Kei Nishikori and Grigor Dimitrov also in contention as they prepare for the first Grand Slam of the year at Melbourne Park.

It also marks the return of temperamental Nick Kyrgios, the defending champion who has been talking to psychologists and “trying to get on top” of his mental health after another rollercoaster year.

His preparations took a blow when he was bitten by spider over Christmas, which needed medical attention, but he is expected to be ready.

The women’s field includes seven of the world’s top 10 -- defending champion Elina Svitolina, US Open winner Naomi Osaka, Sloane Stephens, Petra Kvitova, Karolina Pliskova, Kiki Bertens, and Daria Kasatkina.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray only played six tournaments last season and arrived in Australia early to acclimatise and prepare as he continues his recovery from hip surgery.

- ‘A better place’ The Scot, who won the Brisbane title in 2012 and 2013, said he had been training hard to work himself back to the sort of fitness levels that saw him capture nine titles in a stellar 2016 campaign and reach the number one ranking.

“There are still things that I want to achieve,” he said. “Whether I am capable of that I don’t really know.”

The 31-year-old had intended to play Brisbane at the beginning of 2018, but was forced to withdraw on the eve of the tournament and pull out of the Australian Open with the hip problem.

He said he still had some pain, but “I’m in a better place than I was a few months ago”.

The former world number one spent the off-season training in the heat of Miami to prepare for what can be gruelling conditions in Brisbane and then Melbourne.

He hasn’t played since pulling out of the China Open in September, with his ranking plunging to 256.

World number two Nadal also battled injury worries throughout 2018 but enjoyed success as well.

He won a record-extending 11th French Open in June and reached the semi-finals both at Wimbledon and the US Open.

But in November he announced he needed an operation on his right ankle and only resumed training two weeks ago.

- Forward step He made his comeback at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on Friday, but withdrew from his third-place play-off match to ensure he didn’t push his body too far too soon.

“Being honest, I’m satisfied the way I was playing tennis. I am more or less satisfied with how the body held,” he said.

“It’s not the moment for me to take a step back, it’s the moment to make a step forward. The match (in Abu Dhabi) is a step forward for me, that’s the main thing.”

He told CNN last week that the decision to have surgery had been vindicated.

“It was a little bit of risk that we don’t make it into the beginning of the season, but here we are, practising more or less hard and we are excited to start the new season,” he said.

On the women’s side, Osaka has become hot property after a breakthrough 2018 in which she captured her maiden WTA title in Indian Wells then won the US Open at the expense of Serena Williams, who had a meltdown in the final. AFP

Eustaquio looks to put closure on rivalry with Moraes

Geje Eustaquio

NOW tied at one win apiece, Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio is looking to put an end on his rivalry with Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes by having his hand raised in their highly-anticipated rubber match.

Both men are slated to collide for the ONE Flyweight World Title in the main event of ONE: Hero’s Ascent, which takes place at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on Jan. 25.

Eustaquio and Moraes stood opposite each other for the first time at ONE: Rise of the Kingdom in September 2014 when the two collided for the inaugural ONE Flyweight World Championship.

Moraes derailed Eustaquio’s championship aspirations as he found a way to counteract his opponent’s striking

prowess in the second round and then forced the Team Lakay representative to wave the white flag with a guillotine choke.

Eustaquio admitted that it was a tough defeat to digest, but he pointed out that he took a lot away from it by viewing it as a learning curve.

“That loss has taught me a lot. Ever since then, I have worked extensively in improving in all areas,” he said.

“I have worked extremely hard to get to this point because deep inside, I knew we would meet again.”

Eustaquio settled the score in their rematch at ONE: Pinnacle of Power last June, defeating Moraes by way of razor-thin split decision to become the be crowned as the ONE Flyweight World Champion.

“In our rematch last June, I was able to execute my game plan properly and defended his grappling effectively. I was also able to score some takedowns on my own, which I know surprised him and confused him,” he stated.

“I learned a lot from my previous wars and that brought me to victory.”

Now, “Gravity” has the chance to close his saga with Moraes, and a victory over his Brazilian arch-nemesis would solidify his case as the best flyweight in the world.

“It is the biggest of my career, no doubt. I am treating this bout as the most significant of my time as a professional mixed martial artist, but because of my hard work and preparations, all that is left is to give the performance of a lifetime,” Eustaquio declared.

IN BRIEF

Business

Clark airport deal done in record time THE success of the bidding for the Clark International Airport operations and maintenance contract shows the seriousness of the Duterte administration to implement the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program, according to North Luzon Airport Consortium.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority in partnership with the Department of Transportation recently awarded the O&M contract to the NLAC, which includes Changi Airport Group, the operator of the number one airport in the world, Singapore Changi Airport.

NLAC said the successful selection process proved that the government was committed to providing its citizens with world-class, efficient and comfortable infrastructure, as envisioned under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program.

The Clark airport expansion project was done in record time, within the first two years of President Duterte’s term—a major accomplishment considering that development plans for the airport were neglected for years, the group said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Landport operator asked to improve traffic system T

By Darwin G. Amojelar

he Department of Transportation asked MWM Terminals Inc., the concessionaire of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, to comply with its concession agreement and implement improvements for a more efficient operation of the country’s first “landport”.

More professionals eyed in power bidding THE Department of Energy issued an advisory to address concerns over the possible lack of professionals that will constitute the third-party bids and awards committee for the competitive selection process involving power supply agreements of distribution utilities.

The agency issued a memorandum adopting and prescribing the policy for the competitive selection process in the procurement by the distribution utilities of power supply agreement for the captive market.

It said the order was issued in recognition of the fact that some franchise areas may not have enough qualified professionals. The department said registered captive customers preferably with experience in accounting, economics, law and engineering and a registered captive customer with experience in competitive public bidding could join the TPBAC. “This will ensure that the possible nonavailability of the specified professionals shall not hamper the conduct of a CSP for the procurement of power supply. This is especially true with respect to off-grid areas in the country,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said in the memorandum. Alena Mae S. Flores

Transportation Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark de Leon, in a letter dated Dec. 18 to MWM Terminals president Manuel Louie Ferrer, noted several operational issues inside PITX and recommended courses of action to ensure the concessionaire’s compliance with the CA for the benefit and convenience of the commuting public.

These include the submission of a revised traffic plan to improve vehicular flow inside the terminal and the installation of conspicuous directional signage

to improve passenger circulation.

The concessionaire was asked to adjust the loading time at departure bays, as provincial bus operators pointed out in an earlier dialog with the DOTr that the 15-minute loading time was short and insufficient during off-peak hours.

De Leon also cited the need to decongest the public utility jeepney loading and unloading areas and the lack of ventilation to reduce the passengers’ exposure to health risks from vehicular smoke.

The DOTr also advised MWM Terminals to coordinate with the Land

Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to install bigger reflectorized stickers on buses to easily and effectively distinguish city buses from provincial buses.

The agency said the provincial buses should be tagged with “PITX Only” reflectorized stickers to promptly inform commuters that said buses would terminate routes at the PITX and to avoid overcharging of fares.

It said to familiarize bus drivers and conductors with the PITX dispatching system, MWM Terminals should prepare informational materials explaining the dispatching and scheduling system to drivers and conductors.

The DOTr also recommended the improvement of the existing centralized announcement system to include departure announcements per boarding gate, similar to airports, to easily notify passengers of bus bay activities such as arrival and departure of buses.

Foreign currency loans increase 2.7% FOREIGN currency-denominated loans granted by banks grew 2.7 percent in the third quarter from the second quarter, as disbursements outpaced repayments, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said over the weekend.

Espenilla said that as of end-September 2018, outstanding loans granted by foreign currency deposit units of banks stood at $16.1 billion, higher by $419 million from the endJune 2018 level of $15.7 billion. “Year-on-year, a growth in the portfolio of $1.1 billion [from the end-September 2017 level of $15 billion] was noted as disbursements outpaced repayments,” Espenilla said in a statement. “The maturity mix of the loan portfolio remained biased towards medium- to long-term debt [or those payable over a term of more than one year], which represented 76.7 percent of total, higher than the previous year’s 75.3 percent,” he said.

The bulk of outstanding loans went to different resident industries, such as towing, tanker, trucking and forwarding (24.5 percent); merchandise and service exporters (19.6 percent); public utility firms (9.5 percent); and producers/manufacturers, including oil companies (3.7 percent). Julito G. Rada

DBP SUPPORTS NEW CLARK CITY. Development Bank of the Philippines chairman Alberto Romulo (fourth from left) shakes hands with AlloyMTD Holdings chairman Isaac David at the signing of a P9.5-billion loan agreement to partially finance the requirements of the latter’s joint venture agreement with the Bases Conversion Development Authority for the construction and development of Phase 1A of the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City. Witnessing the signing at the DBP Head Office are (from left) BCDA president and chief executive Vivencio Dizon, AlloyMTD Holdings president Patrick Nicholas David, DBP president and chief executive Cecilia Borromeo, DBP executive vice president Anthony Robles and DBP senior vice president Lilia Baun.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018

B1

Govt wants Ikea to tap local products

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippines is working on a plan to penetrate the world’s biggest home retailing network Ikea and supply some of the materials for the products the Swedish company sells.

Senen Perlada, the Trade Department’s director for export and promotions, said the agency proposed to Ikano Group, owner of the Ikea franchise in Manila, to source some of the materials, if not the products, to create the designs for the Swedish firm.

“If we could just supply 1 item and I suggested we can deal with the numbers if we start in the Asean. We know that what the company needs is a systemwide supply, but starting with Asean isn’t bad,” Perlada said.

The Ikano Group, which was originally part of Ikea board, holds the franchise for Ikea Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

Ikea is set to build its largest Asean store in Manila.

Perlada said one limitation Ikea has is that product designs should come from Sweden.

“They do not allow designs to come from other sources. Everything else, the designs in particular are very Swedishcentric. But with the supply of materials, that’s where we come in,” he said.

Perlada said the Philippines could start with something as simple as a kitchen implement, something made of wood or bamboo like a chopping board or perhaps, a pillow case, or something organic like food.

He said the Philippines has a treasure throve of good and quality home furnishings and knick-knacks that are all export-quality.

Perlada said one should only look at the product line-up of “Go Lokal”, a marketing program of the department, to find out how good Philippine-made products such as food, clothes and health items are.

He said with Ikea, the price should be competitive enough as all Ikea products adopt the global pricing.

“They’ll do the selling for us. It has to be competitive since they have this thing on global pricing. This is a challenge for us—to do well with export, get the volume we need and the proper pricing for our products. But I think Ikea is good company to work with,” he said.

Govt expects inflation to ease from peak NEA asks Palawan electric co-op to cooperate

By Julito G. Rada

FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III assured the public that “the cycle of elevated inflation has peaked” and will subside over the next few months following the measures that the government put in place to address the supply problems on rice and other food items.

“We responded decisively to the challenge posed by elevated inflation rates,” Dominguez said. As a result, the government expects inflation to further slowdown in 2019.

Inflation peaked in October at a nineyear high of 6.7 percent before easing to 6 percent in November. Latest estimate from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed inflation eased further to 5.2 percent in December.

Dominguez said government estimates showed that the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion contributed only 0.4 to 0.7 percentage points to the total inflation rate in 2018 even with the impact

of the fuel excise tax adjustments, the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and the increased excise tax on tobacco products.

Inflation rose in the third quarter of the 2018 as a result mainly of food supply pressures induced by seasonal and adverse weather conditions, the strong US dollar and the surge in global oil prices.

President Rodrigo Duterte issued Administrative Order 13, which removed administrative restrictions on the importation of agricultural products.

Duterte also issued Memorandum Order 26 directing the Agriculture and the Trade departments to implement measures to reduce the gap between the farmgate and retail prices of agricultural products.

MO 27, meanwhile, ordered the DA, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to “adopt measures to ensure the efficient and seamless delivery” of imported agricultural and fishery products from ports to markets.

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE National Electrification Administration asked the Palawan Electric Cooperative to allow the state-run agency to resolve the power situation in Palawan province.

NEA administrator Edgardo Masongsong made the statement after Paleco expressed concern over the agency’s move to appoint an acting general manager to oversee the power utility’s operations.

“Despite its status as an electric cooperative registered with the Cooperative Development Authority, the NEA will not stand idly by. We will exercise the agency’s inherent jurisdiction over Paleco as it has the technical capability to turn things around in Palawan and for Palawan member-consumer-owners,” Masongsong said.

Masongsong designated Engr. Nelson Lalas as project supervisor and acting general manager of Paleco on Dec, 10.

Lalas was tasked to manage the day-today operations of Paleco and to ensure the efficient delivery of electric service to its member-consumer-owners.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier expressed his disappointment over the worsening power supply problem in Palawan, and warned Paleco of government takeover if frequent service interruptions in the province were not solved by the end of the year.

Paleco, for its part, outlined a range of issues in providing reliable electricity service to its MCOs, which included the delay in the approval of its capital expenditure plan by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Paleco put on hold its planned upgrading of distribution lines pending approval of its capex application.

Paleco also proposed to install substations in strategic places in Puerto Princesa City and in the southern part of Palawan and put up a Supervisory Control and

Data Acquisition system to improve the power supply reliability in the province.

The electric cooperative said it filed its application for capex program in March 2017 but has yet to receive its approval from the ERC. “We all know that electric industry is a regulated business controlled by the government, particularly the ERC. We cannot implement the said major projects without the approval of the ERC,” Paleco said in its position paper.

Pending ERC approval, the Paleco board passed a resolution requesting the ERC to allow the EC to implement some of the projects as emergency capex included in the application, such as the purchase of the SCADA system and the installation of two substations in Puerto Princesa.

Another concern of Paleco was the construction of transmission lines of the National Power Corp. and upgrading of its substations to augment its existing capacities.

Housing prices continue to increase—BSP survey

By Julito G. Rada RESIDENTIAL real estate prices rose 4.4 percent in the third quarter from a year ago, driven by increases in the prices of townhouses, condominiums and single-detached housing units, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said in a report over the weekend.

The residential real estate price index climbed to 116.5 in the third quarter from 111.6 in the same period last year. Data showed that year-on-year prices of townhouses, condominium units and single detached housing units grew 18.3 percent, 5.8 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively.

Similarly, prices of duplex units (which account for only 0.76 per-

cent of total new housing units reported) jumped 30.7 percent year-on-year. However, quarteron-quarter, the price index edged lower by 0.6 percent.

RREPI measures the average change in prices of various types of housing units comprising of single detached house, duplex, townhouse, and condominium unit based on data from housing loans granted by universal, commercial and thrift banks.

The average residential property prices in both the National Capital Region and areas outside the metropolis went up by 6.8 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively, compared to year-ago prices.

“In NCR, price increases were observed across all types of hous-

ing units. Meanwhile, the growth in prices of townhouses, duplex housing units, and condominium units outweighed the slight decline in prices of single detached houses in AONCR,” the BSP said.

For third quarter of 2018, seven in 10 (71 percent) of residential real estate loans were for the acquisition of new housing units. By type of housing units, 53.2 percent of residential property loans were for the purchase of condominium units, followed by single detached units (38.3 percent), and townhouses (7.6 percent).

By area, majority of the loans granted in the NCR were for the purchase of condominium units, while loans granted in the provinces were for single detached houses.

CEBUPAC-CUROTEK PARTNERSHIP. Curo Teknika Inc., a subsidiary of ePLDT and the country’s preferred managed IT services and contact center partner of market-leading enterprises, signs a partnership agreement with Cebu Pacific to provide managed omni channel contact center services to Cebu Pacific’s lifestyle rewards program GetGo. The GetGo rewards program allows customers to earn and convert points from their flights and the company’s lifestyle partners. Shown during the signing ceremony are (from left) Jojo Uligan, former chief operating officer of CuroTek; Aaron Delapaz, operations manager of Cebu Pacific Getgo Loyalty Rewards; Nik Laming, general manager of Cebu Pacific’s GetGo Lifestyle Rewards Program; Nerisse Ramos, senior vice president and chief operating officer of ePLDT Group and president of CuroTek; and Jett Tinio, current chief operating officer of CuroTek.

B2

Business

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Prolonged US govt shutdown threatens to unsettle economy WASHINGTON, United States—The paralysis triggered by the US government shutdown could have unexpected consequences, such as muddying economic statistics just as the markets are extremely reactive to any whiff of uncertainty.

More than a week into the game of chicken between President Donald Trump and Democrats in Congress, the publication and recording of statistical indicators are being delayed.

With the lack of an agreement on Trump’s much-promised wall on the border with Mexico, thousands of government workers are forced to stay home or work without pay due to budget shortages that are also hampering the publication of certain government indicators.

“There will be no lockups for Census or BEA [Bureau of Economic Analysis] and no posting of lockup data from either of those organizations because of the government shutdown affecting those agencies,” said Labor Department spokeswoman Suzanne Bohnert, whose agency oversees the release of those indicators under embargo.

The release of data on new home sales is so far the only indicator to have been delayed.

But if the shutdown is still in effect after January 1, it could impact the

release of figures on construction expenses, such as industrial orders, and on trade – due January 8—which is critical for markets just as the Trump administration is involved in a full-fledged trade war with some US allies.

The closely watched employment figures for November, usually published the first Friday of the month, are set to be released on January 4 on schedule because the Labor Department still has funds to keep running its operations.

In addition to the publication of data, the very process of collecting this information is also beginning to be compromised.

“Odds are that it’ll continue into January,” Grant Thornton chief economist Diane Swonk said in a tweet.

“The impasse is already cutting into the supply of something that is essential to just about every market out there: federal economic data. That could have an impact on markets going forward and also what the Federal Reserve decides to do with interest rates in 2019.”

With financial markets already extremely volatile and amid worries over tariffs with China and the Fed’s monetary policy, the shutdown could add yet another layer of uncertainty.

The partial paralysis of administrative services will likely only have a

mildly negative impact on economic growth, even though it’s more tangible in the US capital, where affected government workers won’t get paid.

“Thousands of federal workers would either be furloughed or work without pay for the duration of the shutdown,” Oxford Economics said.

“While the economic impact of twoweek partial shutdown would be minimal—less than 0.1 percent of GDP

growth—it would add political uncertainty at an inopportune time.

“Among other things, a shutdown would affect the release of economic indicators and disrupt the start of the 2019 tax filing season.”

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser urged Trump to find a solution to end the stalemate, noting the capital’s 170,000 federal workers “pay the highest price.”

These furloughs also have unexpected

consequences for the private sector.

On Friday, the National Association of Realtors expressed concern about the shutdown’s impact on home sales.

“Very disappointingly, flood insurance has not been available during the government shutdown... which means that roughly 40,000 homes may not get transacted because it requires flood insurance in order to get a mortgage,” NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun said. AFP

Stock index seen rising to 8,300 in 2019 S

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HARE prices are expected to move sideways at the start of the trading week of 2019, but the outlook for the coming year hinges on easing inflation and interest rates.

BDO Nomura said in a report that the slumping crude oil prices should result in a host of benefits, including lower import bill, reduced current account deficit, lessened pressure on the Philippine peso, dampened inflation and a possible moderation in

Bangko Sentral’s policy action which could also impact Philippine stocks.

“Declining oil prices should help dampen headline inflation, which remained elevated into October.

Beyond a possible moderation in the BSP’s monetary policy stance,

slower inflation should reduce margin pressure on inflation-sensitive stocks. We see inflation as less of a risk for equity investors versus this time last year, and we turn more positive on consumer stocks,” BDO Nomura said.

The bank said while foreign funds were flowing back to developed markets, the risk of a Philippine exchange rate crisis was low and that the country might actually benefit from escalating US-China trade tensions.

BDO Nomura expects the Philippine Stock Exchange index to hit 8,300 in

2019, although this was still below the all-time high of 9,059 registered in January 2018.

“We believe a significant market re-rating remains dependent on major domestic catalysts such as progress on tax reform and a successful infrastructure rollout,” BDO Nomura said.

The PSEi, the 30-company bellwether, closed at 7,466.02 on 2018’s last trading day, down 12.8 percent year-onyear.

All sectoral indices also finished lower, led by mining and oil index

which was down the most at 28.7 percent in 2018. Total value turnover for the year was P1.74 trillion, with an average trading turnover of P7.15 billion per day.

Total market capitalization dropped 8.17 percent in 2018 to P16.15 trillion from P17.58 trillion in 2017.

“It is human nature to want a perfect ending to a story. Looking at the stock market’s performance this 2018, it may not be as good as what most hoped for but it is also not as bad as some feared,” PSE chairman Jose Pardo said.

MSMEs to lift co-working space market

French start-up offers ‘dark web’ compass, but not for everyone

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LYON, France—For years criminal websites shrouded in secrecy have thrived beyond the reach of traditional search engines, but a group of French engineers has found a way to navigate this dark web—a tool they don’t want to fall into the wrong hands.

“We insist on this ability to say ‘no’,” Nicolas Hernandez, co-founder and CEO of Aleph Networks, says at the company’s offices near Lyon, in the heart of France’s Beaujolais wine country.

He said Aleph refused 30 to 40 percent of licensing requests for its “Google of the dark web,” based on reviews by its ethics committee and input from its government clients.

Most web users never venture beyond the bounds of sites easily found and accessed with casual web surfing.

But people and sites seeking anonymity can hide behind layers of secrecy using easily available software like Tor or I2P. These sites can’t be found by searching: instead, users have to type in the exact URL string of often random characters.

In an authoritarian regime, a protest movement could use the secrecy to organise itself or connect with the outside world without fear of discovery.

But the dark web is also ideal for drug and weapon sales, people-smuggling and encrypted chat-room communications by terrorists.

When Aleph’s co-founder Celine Haeri uses her software to search for “Glock”, the Austrian pistol maker, several sites offering covert gun sales instantly pop up.

A search for Caesium 137, a radioactive element that could be used to create a “dirty” nuclear bomb, reveals 87 dark web sites, while another page explains how to make explosives or a homemade bazooka.

“Some even advertise the stars they’ve gotten for customer satisfaction,” Hernandez said.

Over the past five years Aleph has indexed 1.4 billion links and 450 million documents across some 140,000 dark web sites.

As of December its software had also found 3.9 million stolen credit card numbers. AFP

REAL estate services provider Colliers International Philippines expects Metro Manila’s co-working space market to continue to expand over the next three years amid the strong demand from micro, small, and medium enterprises and outsourcing firms looking for plug-and-play offices.

Colliers Philippines said it was expecting the flexible workspace to be a fundamental part of the real estate sector as supply would likely expand by at least 10 percent a year from 2019 and 2021.

It said that in the third quarter of 2018, flexible workspace supply was recorded at 339,000 square meters, up 14 percent from298,000 sqm in 2017.

This accounted for about 3.2 percent of the total Metro Manila office supply.

Colliers Philippines this percentage would reach 3.5 percent by end2021.

“Colliers believes that operators should cash in on the rising demand for flexible workspaces by partnering with developers to carve out co-working space within malls, residential condominiums, hotels, and worker dormitories that will be built within Metro Manila,” said Maricris Sarino-Joson, Colliers International Philippines director for office services.

Serviced office providers, which are the pioneers of flexible workspace and provide the most fundamental services, currently covers 71,000 sqm or 21 percent of the total flexible workspace supply in Metro Manila. Major operators include Regus, Compass, Servcorp and CEO Suite.

“We see these providers capturing new multinational companies (MNCs) that are expanding and conducting due diligence on the Metro Manila market,” Colliers Philippines said.

“The government’s plan to relax foreign ownership restrictions on the construction and retail sectors should also encourage more foreign firms to set up office in the country. These companies are likely to start operating in the country through global serviced office providers,” it said.

Filipino Inventors Society Producers Cooperative president Francisco Pagayon explains to former assistant secretary Mocha Uson how electronic firecrackers work.

Inventor names new e-firecracker after Mocha FILIPINO Francisco Pagayon named a new model of his electronic firecrackers after former assistant secretary Mocha Uson.

Pagayon, the president of Filipino Inventors Society Producers Cooperative, said he named the new version of his safe but loud e-firecrackers after Uson, after the latter challenged him to come up with something that suits her personality.

Pagayon’s e-firecrackers include “Digong” which was named after President Rodrigo Duterte, “Bato” after former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa, “Trump” after US president Donald Trump and “Boy” for Science and Technology

Secretary Fortunato dela Pena who is supportive of the Filipino inventorentrepreneurs.

Pagayon said what makes “Mocha” e-fire different is the control pad which needs to be shaken to speed up the cadence of the loud blasts.

He said the new model also gives off a wailing whistle, similar to the traditional “whistle bomb” firecracker.

Pagayon promotes the use of cannon-type electric firecrackers on New Year’s Eve, after the president signed Executive Order No. 28 in June 2017 limiting the use of traditional firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Pagayon said e-firecrackers are safer and can be used indoors. They are made up of electronics that load electricity to produce loud sounds, similar to the explosion of piccolo firecrackers but much louder.

He said e-firecrackers do not emit black smoke unlike the traditional firecrackers. He said they could also be stored after the New Year celebration for use in the next festivities.

The “Mocha” and the four other models of e-firecrackers are available at the FISPC OneStore Hub at the ground floor of Delta Building along Quezon Ave. corner West Ave. in Quezon City.

World

B3

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Afghans expect 2019 to be deadlier K

ABUL―After a year of record bloodshed, Afghans are bracing for an even deadlier 2019 with the threat of a US drawdown and a looming presidential vote likely to fuel violence.

President Donald Trump’s plan to year.

Ordinary Afghans, who have long slash the number of US soldiers in Afghanistan before negotiators have struck borne the brunt of the relentless fighting, a peace deal with the Taliban has crushed told AFP they felt increasingly desponhopes among many Afghans for an end dent about the future as the Taliban and the Islamic State group adapt to ramped to the 17-year conflict.

The news, which the White House has up security to carry out almost daily atnot confirmed, capped an annus horribi- tacks on civilians and security forces.

“It is getting worse every day,” said lis for the war-weary country which by some estimates has overtaken Syria as electrical engineering student Mohammad Hussain in Kabul, one of the deadthe world’s conflYELLOW ict zone this CYANdeadliest MAGENTA BLACK

liest places in the country for civilians.

“The security we had four or five years back was better than now. Even when we don’t have attacks in Kabul, we are waiting for something to happen.”

Zabihullah Shirzad, who owns a garbage collecting company in the Afghan capital, said he could not remember a bloodier year than 2018 and predicted 2019 would be even deadlier.

“We will see more killing and bloodshed,” the 42 year old said.

“I am not optimistic about the peace talks.”

Their gloomy comments reflect the findings of a Gallup poll published in

October, which showed an unprecedented level of pessimism among Afghans.

And an Asia Foundation study in December suggested more than 60 percent of Afghans thought the country was moving in the wrong direction -- unchanged from a year earlier.

Several key indicators show Afghan security locked in a downward spiral, underscoring their negativity.

Civilian deaths hit a record high in the first half of the year, while the Taliban are slaughtering Afghan forces in greater numbers than ever before.

This year was also marked by some of the deadliest suicide attacks since the start of the war in 2001, including

Standard Manila

without having been deposited by the plaintiff; REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES the Plaintiff NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION 6. When the loan became due, TODAY demanded payment from Defendant or for him METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT to execute the dacion en pago as he verbally BRANCH 97, MANDALUYONG CITY committed to the plaintiff;

In Moscow, metro sheds Soviet look in stations

MOSCOW-Moscow’s metro system is famed for its Stalin-era stations with glittering chandeliers and mosaics, but architects are taking a radical new approach as the network undergoes a massive expansion.

While the original stations were conceived as “palaces for the people”, the new designs are less formal with light boxes for seats and laser-printed glass patterns.

In a major break with tradition, the Moscow city government has allowed outside architects to submit designs for several new stations in competitions that included a public vote on a phone app.

It has paved the way for “truly interesting and original stations that are outside any tradition,” says architecture journalist Nina Frolova.

The first of these to open is in the high-rise suburb of Solntsevo, once notorious for its local mafia.

Moscow’s Nefa Architects won with a design inspired by the sun, the Russian word for which forms the root of the suburb’s name.

“We wanted to let the sun inside,” said Nefa’s lead architect Dmitry Ovcharov, surveying the newly opened station on a recent afternoon.

They punched holes in the walls of the station entrances to “create light and shadow”, he said.

Down on the platform, cylindrical white light boxes serve as seats that Ovcharov promises are sturdy enough to withstand passengers’ weight. AFP

an ambulance bomb blast that targeted a crowded street in Kabul in January, killing more than 100 people and wounding hundreds more.

The bloodshed was exacerbated by Trump’s more aggressive strategy for Afghanistan, which he reluctantly announced in August 2017, putting thousands more US boots on the ground and giving its air units greater leeway to go after the Taliban and IS. One estimate puts the number of conflictrelated deaths at more than 40,000 this year -- almost equal to the combined total for Syria and Yemen -- according to data compiled by the US-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. AFP

FE D. VALDEZ, Plaintiff/s, -versus-

M-MND-17-04217-CV For: Sum of Money

RENATO BARCELONA, Defendant/s. x---------------------------------------------------x

ORDER Before this Court is an Ex-Parte Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication filed by the plaintiff through counsel, Atty. Xerxes E. Cortel on 17 September 2018.

Finding merit in the reasons cited therein, the same is hereby GRANTED. Accordingly, let an Alias Summon issue and let such Alias Summons and a copy of the Complaint be published once every week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation chosen after a raffle conducted by the Executive Branch of the Regional Trial Court pursuant to Section 10 of A.M. No. 01-1-07-SC. Furnish the plaintiff, its counsel and the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court a copy of this Order.

SO ORDERED. 18 September 2018, Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) DOLLY ROSE R. BOLANTE-PRADO Presiding Judge

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT BRANCH 97, MANDALUYONG CITY FE D. VALDEZ, Plaintiff/s, -versus-

AT THE BORDER. Shoppers walk towards the San Ysidro Port of Entry after making purchases in the outlet malls along the US/Mexico border on Saturday, December 29, 2018, in San Ysidro, California. President Donald Trump has threatened to shut down the border if he doesn’t get over $5 Billion for a border wall. AFP

Prolonged US shutdown threatens economy WASHINGTON―The paralysis triggered by the US government shutdown could have unexpected consequences, such as muddying economic statistics just as the markets are extremely reactive to any whiff of uncertainty.

More than a week into the game of chicken between President Donald Trump and Democrats in Congress, the publication and recording of statistical indicators are being delayed.

With the lack of an agreement on Trump’s much-promised wall on the border with Mexico, thousands of government workers

are forced to stay home or work without pay due to budget shortages that are also hampering the publication of certain government indicators.

“There will be no lockups for Census or BEA (Bureau of Economic Analysis) and no posting of lockup data from either of those organizations because of the government shutdown affecting those agencies,” said Labor Department spokeswoman Suzanne Bohnert, whose agency oversees the release of those indicators under embargo.

The release of data on new home sales is so far the only indi-

cator to have been delayed.

But if the shutdown is still in effect after January 1, it could impact the release of figures on construction expenses, such as industrial orders, and on trade -- due January 8 -- which is critical for markets just as the Trump administration is involved in a full-fledged trade war with some US allies.

The closely watched employment figures for November, usually published the first Friday of the month, are set to be released on January 4 on schedule because the Labor Department still has funds to keep running its operations. AFP

Kim promises more summits with S. Korea

READY FOR THE PARADE. Sarah Bender puts the finishing touches on a crab for a float to be included in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena that will take place before the Rose Bowl collegiate football game between Ohio State University and the University of Washington on New Years Day in Los Angeles, California, on December 29, 2018. This year’s 105th Rose Parade will be seen by hundreds of thousands of spectators on the parade route and broadcast to millions of fans in over 100 countries. AFP

SEOUL―North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to meet the South’s President Moon Jae-in “frequently” next year to discuss denuclearization of the peninsula in a rare letter sent to Seoul, Moon’s office said Sunday.

The leader of the isolated North met with Moon three times this year—twice at the border truce village of Panmunjom and once in the North’s capital Pyongyang—as a reconciliatory push gathered pace.

During Moon’s visit to Pyongyang in September, Kim promised to pay a return visit to the South’s capital Seoul “at an earliest date,” sparking speculation he may visit by the end of this year.

But the much-anticipated trip has not yet materialized, which left the young ruler feeling “much regret,” according to Kim’s letter sent to mark the end of the year, Moon’s spokesman said.

The North’s leader “expressed a strong determination to visit Seoul while watching future situation,” Kim Euikyeom told reporters. AFP

7. Notwithstanding several demands made by the plaintiff, the defendant unjustifiably refused and failed and continues to refuse and fail to pay his obligation to the Plaintiff or comply with his verbal undertaking. Copy of the demand letter sent by the plaintiff by Plaintiff’s counsel is hereto attached as Annex “C”.

8. Due to the default in the payment by the defendants, the plaintiff was constrained to hire the services of the undersigned counsel in the amount of P20,000.00 as acceptance fee plus 25% contingent fee upon collection and P3,000.00 per appearance;

PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is prayed that this Honorable Court.

1. After trial on the merits, render judgment in favor of the plaintiff and ordering the defendant, to pay the plaintiff the sum of: a. Php350,000.00 representing the unpaid obligation by the Defendant to the Plaintiff plus legal interest; or b. In the alternative, Plaintiff be ordered to cause the execution of Dacion en Pago or such document transferring ownership of the property covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 072-2011004382 in favor of the Plaintiff as payment for the outstanding loan.

2. In either case, the defendant be ordered to pay: a. 25% of the sum due by way of attorney’s fees; and b. The cost of suit.

Plaintiff prays for other relief just and equitable in the premises.

Makati City for Mandaluyong City, July 10, 2018.

CORTEL LAW OFFICE Counsel for Plaintiff Suite 1015, 10F Cityland Condominium 10 Tower 1, Ayala Ave., corner H.V. dela Costa Street, Makati City Telephone: 813-0103/813-9092 Email: cortellawoffice.recovery@gmail.com

By: M-MND-18-04217-CV For: Sum of Money

RENATO BARCELONA, Defendant/s. x---------------------------------------------------x

ALIAS SUMMONS TO: RENATO BARCELONA Naga St., Napocor Village, Tandang Sora, Quezon City GREETINGS: You are hereby required, within fifteen (15) days after service of this summons upon you, to file with this Court and serve on the plaintiff your answer to the complaint, copy of which is attached, together with the annexes and Civil Case Information Statement. If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the plaintiff will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied for in the complaint.

Moreover, pursuant to the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy guidelines, dated March 12, 2002, you are expected not to file a Motion to Dismiss but instead, you are requested to allege the grounds of such motion as defenses in your answer. Likewise, you are expected to utilize the deposition-discovery measures under Rules 23, 25, 26, 27 & 28 of the 1998 Rules of Civil Procedure. Failure to resort to deposition by written interrogatories under Rule 25 and the request for admission of facts under Rule 27 may be prejudicial to your interest.

WITNESS THE HONORABLE DOLLY ROSE BOLANTE-PRADO, Presiding Judge of this Court, this 18th day of September, 2018 at Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

(Sgd.) CHRISTINE T. MISTICA Branch Clerk of Court

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT Mandaluyong City, Branch 97 FE D. VALDEZ, Plaintiff/s, -versusM-MND-18-04217-CV

XERXES E. CORTEL Roll No. 40927 PTR No. 6615532; 01-03-18; Makati City IBP No. 019713; 01-03-18; Nueva Ecija MCLE Compliance No. V-0010755 Valid Until 04-14-19

(Sgd.) MAGNOLIA M. MASANGCAY

Roll No. 69481 PTR No. 6744512; 03-05-18; Makati City IBP No. 1065697; 01-05-18; Batangas Chapter MCLE VI Complaint – Waiting for Certification/ Compliance No.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES } MAKATI CITY } S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF MERIT AND CERTIFICATION I. FE D. VALDEZ, Filipino, of legal age and with office address at 494 Barangka Drive, Barangay Malamig, Mandaluyong City, after being sworn in accordance with the law, hereby depose and state that: 1. I am a plaintiff in the above-stated case; 2. I caused the preparation of the foregoing complaint; 3. I have read the contents thereof and the facts stated therein are true and correct of my personal knowledge and/or on the basis of copies of documents and records in my possession; 4. I have not commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency; 5. To the best of my knowledge and belief, no such action or proceeding is pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency; 6. If I should thereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency, I undertake to report that fact within five (5) days therefrom to this Honorable Court.

(Sgd.) FE D. VALDEZ Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me on the date and place above-stated, affiant exhibiting to me her Social Security System (SSS) No. 050294176-4.

RENATO BARCELONA, Defendant/s. x---------------------------------------------------x

COMPLAINT PLAINTIFF, through counsel, respectfully alleges THAT: 1. Plaintiff is of legal age, Filipino citizen and with residence at 494 Barangka Drive, Barangay Malamig, Mandaluyong City while Defendant is of legal age, Filipino citizen and with residence at No. Naga St., Napocor Village, Tandang Sora, Quezon City, where they may be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable Court; 2. Sometime in February 12, 2012, Defendant borrowed from the Plaintiff cash in the amount of THREE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (Php350,000.00) payable on or before May 2012. As security for the said loan, Defendant gave the Plaintiff Transfer Certificate of Title No. 072-2011004382 covering a parcel of land located at Brgy. Latag, Lipa City with an area of ONE HUNDRED FORTY ONE (141) SQUARE METERS. Copy of the said Transfer Certificate of Title No. 072-2011004382 is hereto attached and made integral part thereof as Annex “A”; 3. Defendant undertook to sell the subject property to the plaintiff by way of dacion en pago in the event he fails to pay his obligation.

However, defendant did not execute any document to express this undertaking and merely assured the plaintiff thereof verbally and by delivering the owner’s duplicate of title to her; 4. As additional security thereof, Defendant issued Chinabank Check No. TRI A1019402 in the amount of THREE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (Php 350,000.00) in favor of the Plaintiff. Copy of the said check is hereto attached and made integral part thereof as Annex “B”; 5. The defendant requested the plaintiff to just hold on to the check and not deposit the same as he will pay the plaintiff when his obligation becomes due. Hence, the check became stale

Doc. No. 47 Page No. II Book No. 42 Series of 2018.

ANNEX “A”

ANNEX “A-2”

ANNEX “A-1”

ANNEX “B”

ANNEX “C”

(MStandard-Dec. 17,24 & 31, 2018)

898 firecracker zones marked across C. Luzon

By Romeo Dizon

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga—Authorities in Central Luzon have designated 898 firecracker and fireworks zones in the region for the safety of the people and protection of the environment.

Chief Supt. Joel Napoleon Colonel, regional director of the Police Regional Office 3 in Central Luzon, said Bulacan has 351 firecracker zones, followed

by Bataan, 195; Zambales, 165; Nueva Ecija, 93; Pampanga, 30; Tarlac, 29; Aurora, 23 and Angeles City, 14.

Colonel said this was in compliance to the directive of Philippine National Police Director General Oscar D. Albayalde, who ordered all his regional directors to coordinate with local government units to identify their respective communities’ exhibition areas.

Albayalde personally conducted a final inspection of all firecrackers and fireworks factories and stores, stall and warehouses in Central Luzon, a few days before the nation celebrates the coming New Year.

Accompanied by his general staff, colonels, and provincial directors, Albayalde said the inspection aims to determine if the producers, manufacturers, and traders comply with the provisions of Republic Act. 7183, Especially along the highways of Bocaue in Bulacan and Pampanga where fireworks are sold.

The final inspection was not only to determine the final compliance to the law, but also to seal the remaining loopholes in the police campaign against illegal use and production of pyrotechnics in the country, Albayalde said.

LGUs

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

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018

ICRC, MILF app launched

By Nash B. Maulana

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OTABATO CITY—Parties in conflict in the Philippines should recognize and uphold the rights and welfare of people displaced by hostilities, communications representatives of the International Committee on the Red Cross said over the weekend.

In a dialogue with the Manila Standard, Dr. Ameur Zemmali, the FrenchEthiopian international communication coordinator of the ICRC, said the humanitarian organization’s continuing dialogue with parties in conflict has been fruitful with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has designated people knowledgeable of the sharia or Islamic law on armed conflict to help educate their own ranks.

As ICRC forum adviser at the 2002

Convention on “Humanitarian Law and Islam,” Zemmali concurred into “Universal Islam’s doctrines that predate IHL (International Humanitarian Law),” presented by the Syrian scholar, Dr. Wahbeh Al-Zuhili, who is considered an authority on Islamic law.

For its part, the Geneva Call Campaign has established its office in Cotabato City to better engage parties to armed conflict for the protection of civilians under the IHL—women and

children, particularly— in armed skirmishes.

A set of “Geneva Call Apps” are now downloadable from the internet onto cellular phones in English (and local dialects) in easy to understand illustrated comic plates and dialogues.

Architect Edward Guerra, in charge of MILF Foreign Relations, says the Front upholds provisions of the Geneva Conventions applicable in the local setting, and that it has developed its own manual of compliance in accordance with Islamic Sharia and International Laws on Conflict.

Guerra says the MILF has shunned recruitment of minor into its ranks of combatants even in past incidents of armed conflict between the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces as non-state actor, and state forces.

“In the past, it was thought that age of

Munti enforces ban on fireworks, open mufflers

Agusan nabs top NPA man THE most wanted New People’s Army officer in Agusan Del Norte was captured by authorities on Sunday morning.

Joaquin Madrianon alias “Alto” or “Junjun” was also the second most-wanted criminal in the province, and was caught in his hideout in Purok Spring, Barangay Tagcatong, Carmen town, police said.

Marianon was wanted for murder and linked to the killing of lumads in the province, said Major Ronald Putol, civil military operations officer of the Philippine Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade.

Concerned citizens tipped the authorities about his whereabouts, where his warrant of arrest was served, Putol added.

The communist rebel was brought to the Carmen Municipal Police Station for further investigation and proper custody.

Meanwhile, in Cagayan De Oro City, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 58th Infantry Battalion spent their Christmas holiday with the evacuees from Sitio Kamansi, Lagonglong town, Misamis Oriental, and three formers rebels who surrendered during Christmas Eve. The battalion unit said it went to the evacuees at their temporary relocation site in Old Kibanban, Barangay Kibanban, in Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental province on Dec. 27.

Members of the 58IB gave gifts to some 28 families and joined some parlor games for the children and adults.

This was also supported by the local government of Lagonglong.

puberty in Islam was the same as age of maturity and age of responsibility and capability. Well, it was not, because one’s responsibility in the military service needs a special kind of training for one to be able to deliver well and to become capable of handling the service required of the person,” Guerra said.

The University of the Philippines-Institute of Islamic Studies (UP-IIS) was helping ICRC in the Philippines develop educational modules from applicable provisions of the Geneva Conventions Humanitarian Welfare, which are harmonized with Sharia on the rights and protection of people displaced by armed conflict.

Lany de la Cruz, ICRC communication officer, said booklets of the module will be printed in selected Moro dialects, mainly Taosug, Maguindanao, Maranao, and Yakan.

BDO Foundation recently rehabilitated rural health units in Western Samar, Iloilo, Davao City and Pangasinan, in line with its advocacy to help improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged Filipinos.

BDO arm improves Hinabangan rural health center HINABANGAN, Western Samar— When Dr. Stephanie Asence, municipal health officer of the rural health unit in this town, learned about BDO Foundation’s health centers rehabilitation program, she seized the opportunity and sent a letter-request along with the required documents, hoping their health facility would be chosen as a beneficiary.

Her hopes were fulfilled when the foundation selected her health center for its rehabilitation program. After less than three months, Hinabangan Rural Health Unit is now completely renovated—a center for health and wellness ready to deliver improved services to Hinabangnons.

“I was amazed at the transformation of our facility,” Dr. Asence said. “Our rural health unit was not a very suitable place for patients and health workers. Anyone who has seen the rural health unit before the rehabilitation knows the remarkable improvements BDO Foundation has made. We’re so happy with how this renovation turned out.”

The health facility in Hinabangan is one of close to 70 rural health units already rehabilitated by BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, in line with its ongoing efforts to help improve the healthcare delivery system in the country.

The foundation also recently renovat-

ed the San Rafael Rural Health Unit and Birthing Facility in Iloilo, Toril Health Center in Davao City, and Mangatarem Rural Health Unit II in Pangasinan.

The renovations include various rooms and spaces for mothers and infants, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and all other patients. New furniture and fixtures were installed.

The foundation also built play areas for children complete with books and toys, waiting areas for the comfortable use of senior citizens, and breastfeeding stations for nursing mothers. These improvements enable health workers to provide their services more effectively to their constituents.

THE local government of Muntinlupa has warned the public that enforcement of the total ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices during the holiday season in the city is still in effect.

Motorists driving a motor vehicle with an open muffler will also be apprehended.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said the local Peace and Order Council, in coordination with Muntinlupa Police, will put up checkpoints and conduct monitoring surveillance on thoroughfares and marketplaces to apprehend violators.

Fresnedi noted that the City Council passed Ordinance No. 14-092, which prohibits the display and distribution of firecrackers in Muntinlupa as part of its efforts to reduce cases of casualties and harmful effects of pyrotechnic devices to health and the environment.

Violators will be fined P1,000 up to P5,000. Commercial establishments selling firecrackers will be apprehended and have their permits and licenses to operate revoked pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.

However, owners of malls or similar establishments may sponsor fireworks displays in designated areas upon securing a permit from Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police.

Upon the implementation of the firecracker ban, the City Health Office recorded a significant decrease in casualties from 13 firecracker-related cases in 2016 to six cases in 2017.

Muntinlupa City Health Office acting chief Dr. Teresa Tuliao said the Ospital ng Muntinlupa and other local hospitals are on alert for any firecracker-related injuries or casualties.

GIFTS FOR ELDERLY. Jude Acidre (third from right), the second nominee of Tingog Sinirangan party-list and former seminarian from

Sacred Heart Seminary’s Syzygos-Amadeus Batch 1999, leads his classmates in the gift-giving program for the sick and abandoned elderly people (inset) and orphans at Pope Francis Center for the Poor in Palo, Leyte on Friday. They also received a free haircut, manicure, and pedicure from the group. The gift-giving event was supported by Tingog Sinirangan, Leyte First District Rep. Yedda Romualdez, and Cristina Learn and Earn Program (CLEP) of Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez. Ronald O. Reyes

Cheaper Noche Buena treats via DTI Diskwento Caravan

By Ben Moses Ebreo

ORPHANS’ JOY. SM volunteers from Baliwag and Pulilan give the gift of happiness to

almost 100 orphaned children of the Bethlehem House of Bread in Baliuag, Bulacan. They received SM Bears of Joy as well as toys, school supplies, footwear, and cleaning materials, among other presents. Jun David

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with several business establishments here recently conducted Diskwento Caravan to provide consumers quality and discounted Noche Buena products.

Henry Conel Jr. DTI provincial director said the two-day Diskwento Caravan was recently held within the Heroes Park of Solano town.

He said the activity registered 352 buy-

ers and generated total sales amounting to more than P132,000.00 from salad products such as various brands of fruit cocktails, cheese, pasta, macaroni, sauces, creamer and several basic necessities and prime commodities.

“Some of the buyers commented that visiting the Noche Buena Diskwento Caravan gave them less time in market and save more with the discounted products sold,” Conel said.

He added that the consumers and buyers also spent their great time visiting the area which was also decorated with

Christmas lights and umbrellas, among others.

Conel further said that during the twoday activity, DTI also offered its business counseling program and distributed information materials on various business models, among others.

The Diskwento Caravan activity was participated by the DTI’s business partners such as Son Miguel Supermart, Laiza Supermart, Tiongson’s Bibingkahan, Rhya Fruit Stand, Project Eat, DB’s Sisig Stand, J & C Shawarma & Fresh Buko Shake and Abdul’s Dry Goods.

Life

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

FOOD

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018

Global food trip at Okada Manila A

GASTRONOMIC adventure around the world awaits diners at Okada Manila. The integrated resort offers international flavors in its dining destinations—a global food trip without passport.

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Medley Buffet

Destination: When you can’t decide where to go A buffet is always a great choice when there are many preferences to consider. Medley offers a variety of picks including Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Italian cuisines. For the holidays, hungry diners can load up on roasted turkey, prime rib carving, foie gras, lechon, and seafood, among a couple more others.

Red Spice

Destination: Kowloon, Hong Kong

Yu Lei

Japanese Kappou Imamura

Goryeo Korean Dining

Enjoy fresh deep-fried king prawns wrapped in kataifi with avocado cream sauce, roasted peking duck, pan-fried wagyu fillet, and foie gras with specially made truffle sauce in the comforts of the city—a treat specially created for discerning palates.

Savor the authentic taste of a masterful kaiseki meal with Michelin-starred chef Hirofumi Imamura’s flash-smoked seasonal fish salad, sakesimmered live lobster in seasonal vegetable thick sauce, and charcoal-grilled seasonal fish soup in ichiban dashi.

Goryeo offers a challenge to all samgyeopsal lovers with the Ultimate 8 Samgyeopsal, a set of eight samgyeopsal flavors suitable for three to five persons. The set includes kimchi mandu, jeongol (spicy dumpling soup), and gyeran jjim (Korean steamed egg).

Destination: Shanghai, China

Destination: Shinjuku, Japan

Indulge in Chef Chung Wai Lau’s traditional Cantonese recipes for the holidays: crispy noodles with mixed seafood, stir-fried pork belly with bell pepper in honey sauce, and steamed egg with assorted seafood and crab roe.

Destination: Seoul, Korea

La Piazza Ristorante Italiano Destination: Naples, Italy

Get a taste of la dolce vita this New Year’s Eve with La Piazza’s three-course holiday dinners and free-flowing wine. La Piazza offers roasted cod fillet with tomato, pancetta concasse, pumpkin mush, and red wine sauce for tonight’s dinner. Of course, no Italian meal is complete without proper wine—top off the merriments with Prosecco, Chardonnay, and Nero d’Avola.

Ginza Nagaoka

Destination: Tokyo, Japan

Destination: Manila, Philippines

Kiapo

Destination: Shibuya, Japan

Enbu

Lobby Lounge and The Pastry Shop

Traditional Filipino food is perfect for balikbayans. Treat visiting loved ones to the classics they’ve been longing for: crispy pata, grilled tuna belly with manggang hilaw, pata humba, pakbet, inihaw na baboy, ginataang halo-halo, and a choice of jasmine, java, garlic, or bagoong rice, depending on the set.

Until Jan. 5, Enbu offers a variety of festive platters for four persons. The Grilled Platter set features the freshest Australian wagyu, squid, chicken teriyaki, and salmon foil-yaki. The Sashimi and Sushi Platter is filled with tuna, toro, salmon, Japanese salmon, tanigue, white fish, and spicy tuna roll, while the signature Tempura Platter comes with prawns and vegetable tempura.

Taste buds travel to Europe through Lobby Lounge’s New Year’s Eve platters of either jamon iberico with manchego or a selection of cheese platters, paired with local beer, wine, cocktails, or mocktails. For those potluck parties, pick up a cake or log at the Pastry Shop.

Destination: Europe

Sushi lovers will enjoy the talent of Chef Junji Nagaoka, a full-fledged fugu chef, who is bringing delectable hand-pressed sushi and sashimi to this 10-seat sushi bar. Diners can also enjoy an authentic omakase topped off with authentic sake.

Editor’s note: The Joyce of Eating will return next year.

‘Paluto all-you-can’

at Cebu’s Seafood City CEBU’S famous seafood restaurant Isla Sugbu Seafood City brings its “paluto all-you-can” concept to Manila with the opening of its branch at Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City.

Seafood City’s concept allows diners to choose from its wide array of fresh and live seafood, and have them cooked to their preference—grilled, fried, stewed.

As part of its opening promotions, the restaurant’s weekday lunch rate is at P848, while dinner rate is at P888.

Regular rate per head is P1,300.

Isla Sugbu Seafood City boasts fresh ambiance and excellent customer service. Its wharf-like interiors make diners feel like they’re on a cruise ship— and on that ship are servers willing to peel the shrimp and crack the crabs for them.

Isla Sugbu Seafood City is operated and managed by Kuya J Group.

Go to www.seafoodcity.ph or follow @islasugbuseafoodcity on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Isla Sugbu Seafood City brings its ‘paluto all-you-can’ concept as well as its wide selection of fresh and live seafood to Manila with the opening of its Venice Grand Canal Mall, Taguig City branch.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Life

It’s a merry British holiday as Marks & Spencer offers sweet and savory gourmet delights that are great as gifts or as a well-deserved treat.

Gourmet treats for the holidays

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ARKS & Spencer sure knows how to make the holidays better with its delectable selection of sweet and savory delights that are great as gifts or a well-deserved treat.

For sumptuous treats that carry the true Christmas vibe, there are Golden Snowflake Christmas cake, a six-month matured all-butter fruit cake; Fruity Christmas Pudding, a 12-month intensely matured pudding enriched with brandy, cognac, port and stout; Classic Christmas Pudding, a sixmonth matured pudding, delicately spiced and packed full of plump, juicy vine fruits with lashing of cider, rum, and sherry; and Classic Recipe Puff Pastry Mince Pies.

Marks & Spencer has a beautiful selection of cookies and biscuits that includes All-Butter Petticoat Tails Shortbread in Robin Tin, Salted Caramel Shortbread Gift Box, All Butter Shortbread Assortment in a Snowy Design Stag Tin, Merry Percymas Biscuit Tin, Butterscotch Crunch Biscuits in Round Woodland Tin, and Iced Reindeer Biscuits.

Then of course, there are chocolates. Choose among Salted Caramel Pinecones, Sparkling Caramels, Box of Belgian Chocolates, Brandy Snaps Collection, Italian Luxury Assortment, Luxury Swiss Truffle Assortment, Italian Dessert Chocolate Assortment, 1kg Belgian Collection Biscuit Tin, Belgian Milk Chocolate Tree, and the Swiss Chocolate Selection.

For those who don’t particularly have a sweet tooth, this savory selection will not disappoint: Classic Recipe Puff Pastry Mince Pies, Port & Long Clawson Stilton Handcooked Crisps, Fizz & Sparkle Winter Berries and Prosecco Handcooked Crisps, Goats Cheese and Rosemary Bites, and Cheddar Cheese & Roasted Onion Bites.

This holiday collection of treats are available at Marks & Spencer makes the holiday season a lot more delicious with its (clockwise) Creamy Macaroni Cheese, Christmas chocolates, Rich Round Fruit Cake, and Port & Stilton Marks & Spencer outlets nationwide.

Red and While Handcooked Crisps.

Mang Inasal serves molo soup World-class chocolate spreads that don’t break the bank THE country’s leading Pinoy quick service restaurant Mang Inasal heats up the cold season with its version of Iloilo’s molo soup.

Made of chicken broth with molo dumplings, misua, minced garlic, and spring onion, the Mang Inasal Molo Soup not only complements the cool Christmas weather, but also goes perfectly with the chain’s popular chicken inasal.

“Our Molo Soup is simply ‘bagay sa Chicken Inasal’ (goes well with Chicken Inasal), as it caps the meal with a hearty soup. We hope to further complete our customers’ dining experience with the introduction of this well-loved Pinoy comfort food,” said brand manager Mimi Mendoza.

It can be taken as a side dish to any of the Mang Inasal value meals or as a stand-alone dish.

Mang Inasal’s Molo Soup Mang Inasal’s Molo Soup is now available at Mang Inasal stores in be available in other regions in the first Mega Manila and South Luzon, and will quarter of 2019.

BEING a smart shopper is part of the Pinoy consumer’s DNA. Yes, we love good food, but if there is one thing that the rising prices of goods have taught us, it is how to be discerning of what we put in our grocery baskets.

Resourceful as we are, we always find ways to get the best—and thanks to brands like Goya, it has become easier for us to get access to quality treats without breaking the bank.

The local brand has built a reputation for creating chocolate products that are affordable, yet can match up with international sweets. Its latest product, the Double Hazelnut spread, promises to provide double the enjoyment for those who love indulgent hazelnut spreads.

The Goya Double Hazelnut Spread, which only retails for P154 for a 350g is a whopping half the price of other popular spread brand in the market. It’s also available in 750g for only P297.

Other Goya chocolate spread variants are Choco Hazelnut, Choco Hazelnut and Milk, and Rich Choco which are available in 400g at P139.

These chocolate spreads are available at supermarket and convenience stores nationwide.

Goya Double Hazelnut Spread is rich in taste but budgetfriendly.

Entertainment ARIAS ALWIN IGNACIO

Newbies unite

IN SHOWBIZ, we do have our seasoned veterans, however, what makes Philippine showbiz throb and sizzle are the newbies, up starters and young bloods who become sources of inspiration or subjects of infamy.

My dear followers and readers of Arias, let me introduce the 10 newbies who are sure to make a big splash and reign in 2019.

Shido Roxas—he was part of the most awarded MMFF 2018 film Rainbow’s Sunset, with 11 trophies that included Best Picture, and Best Director for Joel Lamangan. Shido plays the young Eddie Garcia in the much-loved motion picture. Brawny, brainy, with an arresting screen presence and is more than willing to be daring if his role calls for it. There is more to Shido than being a beefcake.

Ali Forbes—Sexy. Comely and brazen are just some of the adjectives associated with this lady. She will play lead in a costume and historical drama that will surely be controversial as it presents the life and many loves of a prostitute during the Spanish illustrado era.

Vance Larena—the eldest brother in the critically acclaimed and sleeper hit Bakwit Boys. Vance brought home the Best Actor in a Featured Role from the ALIW Awards. This young man has a solid theater background and reportedly has no qualms in giving life to edgy and out of the box characters.

Michelle Vito—to say that she is beautiful is an understatement. When you see Michelle in person, you know that apart from being an actress of note, beauty queen and supermodel are territories she can excel in. In Otlum, her director Joven Tan teased that she was just playing her “maarte” self. To this, Michelle’s reaction was a guffaw.

Enrico Cuenca—he is Oliver in Onanay and yes, every inch of him screams matinee idol. He has puppy dog eyes, a sensitivity that is potent, and portraying an affluent young man is second skin to him. You cannot take your eyes off him because he is not just only promising, but a superb sampling of a fine young gentleman.

Golden Cañedo—forget the uncanny resemblance to Pop Star Royalty Sarah Geronimo since this singing sweetheart has a melodious voice that pulls the heartstrings. She knows how to bring out the story of every and it does help that the young miss is a princess that charms.

Gab Lagman—he is a model, basketball player, thus you no longer wonder why his body is lean and mean. Add the fact that he has full, sensuous lips and a face that can calm any doubting mother, He possesses the requisite heat needed by any heartthrob.

Jane de Leon—With doe eyes that can convey all sorts of emotions and a face that refreshes, she definitely makes her presence and acting felt in a primetime drama series wherein she needs to be at par with the Amy Austria and Jericho, who portrays as her mother and brother respectively JC Alcantara—first noticed in a pancit canton commercial, this very Filipino looking young man, with the most gentle face, is a welcome breather to the predominantly mestizo men that populate the entertainment industry. In Halik where he portrays Bogs, every time he smiles and looks at Maggie (Jane), you cannot help but wish you were Maggie so you could tell him, “Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy.”

EJ Salamante—he has the biggest chance to be proclaimed as the Reyna ng Banga in “Backlash” singing competition, one of Eat Bulaga’s most watched segment. Kooky, with a fierce sense of fashion and a singing voice that soars and wows. EJ now regularly performs in EB production numbers with his other co-Bakclashers.

To all, Happy New Year and may the Force be with us all, always.

Simply...

Despite her hectic schedule, the Brazilian actress, model, and TV host volunteered to feed the children at From C4 the center, in a Christmas Giving Party organized by JCI. Her Wonderwoman Wonder Di spreads love this costume was perfect for her and the 7 Christmas Donning a Wonderwoman outfit, to 13-year-old boys considered her and with “Superman” no less, Daiana her friend who was wearing a Superman Menezes spread the Christmas cheer to costume, true superheroes.

“I am blessed to be here to entertain 73 boys at the Haven for Children.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Monday, December 31, 2018

ACROSS 1 Musical symbols 6 Milky Way part 10 Measure of land 14 Math term 15 Cuzco locale 16 Pawn taker 17 Servants 19 Sulk 20 Vicious 21 Psyche parts 22 Lathered 24 Great dog?

26 Unearth 27 Hanging on the line 30 Menu option (3 wds.)

34 Use the oven 35 Protective layer 36 Fleming of 007 novels 37 That hurts!

38 History test answers 39 Quilt stuffing 40 Ultimate degree 41 Oui and si 42 More fetching 43 Appreciative of beauty (var.)

45 Earnings 46 All-purpose vehicles 47 Chime

48 Nuclear 51 Crackpot 52 Away from the wind 56 Salmon variety 57 Exact copy 60 Sierra Club founder 61 Gutter site 62 Persian Gulf craft 63 Mythical archer 64 Uses henna 65 Check endorser DOWN 1 Overstuff 2 Tardy 3 Jazzy — James 4 Diabolically wicked 5 Daughter’s brother 6 Digging tool 7 Sawbucks 8 Creative work 9 Muscovites 10 Naval force 11 Pen 12 Lasso 13 Barely managed 18 Slight flaw 23 A single time 25 Crumb toter 26 Icebergs 27 Talk in a monotone

28 Defeats 29 Racing vessel 30 Montezuma’s empire 31 Saddle extra 32 Spud 33 Posting 35 Caravan halt 38 Spotted 39 Black Sea country 41 Sasquatch kin 42 Is able to 44 Goes along with 45 Is idle

47 Viking letters 48 Pinnacle 49 Guided trip 50 17th state 51 Pew locale 53 Type of pad 54 Pentathlon event 55 To be, to Zola 58 Light beam 59 Tracy or Toody

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2018

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Young singer to donate album proceeds to Bantay Bata 163

M

IGUELA, the 17-year old founder of the social enterprise Migmarks and Arts, has released her self-titled debut album under Star Music, now available on digital stores with sales proceeds to benefit Bantay Bata 163.

The new eight-track collection consists of different love songs—music on falling in love, love of country, and love of a mother and child. Five of these tracks are in English, with music and lyrics by Miguela herself.

Three tracks are written in Tagalog— “Subalit Bakit” and “Wika Ko” both written by Himig Handog PPop Love Song 2014 grand winner Edwin Marollano; and “Ma Intindi” written Marollano

by Edwin and Miguela.

The young artist—who dabbles into painting, playing the guitar and keyboard—founded Migmarks and Arts, a fundraising platform to support several charities such as Lingkod-ER Foundation, ABS-CBN DZMM TLC ( Teaching, Learning Caring) Public Service on Wheels, and Pag-asa ng Pamilya Scholarship Foundation.

The net proceeds of the Miguela album sale will go to Bantay Bata 163, the children’s welfare program of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc.

Up-and-coming recording artist Miguela

The singer-songwriter has been acoustic twist to upbeat songs. composing her own music since the Go download Miguela’s album on age of 14. She enjoys creating her own Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon Music. The renditions of songs she covers, putting an album is also accessible via a QR code.

Inspiring kids through art MORE than 1,000 students from Dela Paz Elementary School in Pasig City have received special notebooks as part of a Cartoon Network initiative.

The covers were designed by talented Pinoy students who entered the Cartoon Network ImagiNATION Building Notebook Design Contest.

The contest was designed to encourage kids to create original artwork and to provide them with a platform to unleash their full potential and creativity.

“At Cartoon Network, we want to inspire kids to be creative leaders, one notebook at a time. Through the contest, kids were not only able to express themselves but could also act as role models, encouraging other kids to also hone their skills,” said Jia Salindong-Du, Country Manager of Turner Philippines, the company behind Cartoon Network.

At a recent event at the school to announce the winners, the students said that they were really inspired by the designs. They were also excited

them, talk to them, hear their Christmas wishes, and feed them. In real life, we are all superheroes, trying our best to help,” says “Brazilipina” Daiana, who is also a graduate of the New York Film Academy.

Daina also donated clothes and toys, while JCI donated beds, Toys, clothes, food, rice, sugar, and milk.

“The boys need someone to look up to. And in these times of all bad news,

to receive their notebooks from Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear from the show We Bare Bears, who made a special appearance.

For more information about the

event and other Cartoon Networkrelated news and updates, log on towww.cartoonnetworkasia.com or follow Facebook.com/CartoonNetworkAsia.

Cartoon Network's ImagiNATION Building Notebook Design Competition attracts amazing talents like this kid.

they certainly need a ray of hope that Ms. Di brought today,” says social welfare worker Syra Huiso.

The Haven for Children was founded in 2004 to provide healing and empowerment to former street children 13 years old and below who are exposed and recovering from substance abuse.

Aside from volunteering at Haven, Daiana’s big heart also takes her to

other child centers, orphanages, and public schools, to spread love and the Christmas spirit around. Daiana is also an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and education. ** * More stories of these kinds at www. isah.red. Follow me on Facebook (@ isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred) and Instagram (@isahvred). ΙŘ

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

C4

Entertainment ALDEN RICHARDS

leads GMA Network’s 2019 countdown S

AY hello to a brighter year ahead as GMA Network welcomes 2019 with its musicalvariety themed New Year Countdown special at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Seaside Boulevard tonight.

Watch your favorite Kapuso stars in a night full of music, happiness, and festivity as they close 2018 with amazing treats and spectacular performances.

The yearend bash is hosted by the Network’s biggest and brightest stars led by Kris Bernal, Andrea Torres, Betong Sumaya, Joyce Pring, Arra San Agustin, and Pambansang Bae Alden Richards.

The countdown special begins on air at 10:30 p.m. with performances from Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose, and Pop Heartthrob Mark Bautista together with stars Glaiza de Castro, Yasmien Kurdi, Katrina Halili, Rocco Nacino, Derrick Monasterio, Ken Chan, Sanya Lopez, Kyline Alcantara, Thea Tolentino, Jeric Gonzales and Jak Roberto.

Showering the celebration with non-stop entertainment are comedians Super Tekla and Donita Nose aka DonEkla.

Don’t miss the world-class performances of The Clash grand champion Golden Cañedo and finalists Jong Madaliday, Garrett Bolden and Josh Adornado. Joining them are Nar Cabico, Kapuso boy band One Up, and The Clash graduates Kyryll Ugdiman, Anthony Rosaldo, Mika Gorospe, Esterlina Olmedo, Melbelline Caluag, Danielle Ozaraga, Muriel Lomadilla, Lyra Micolob, Psalms David, RJ Buena, JL Toreliza and Lowell Jumalon.

On its 11th year of partnership with GMA Network, SM Mall of Asia is all set to light up the sky with a world-class and brilliant fireworks display that will surely leave the audience in awe. And to make sure that the event remains safe and secure, the network also cooperates with National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and Pasay City Police.

Visit www.gmanetwork.com for the full list of event’s security policies.

For this year, GMA Network joins forces with Solaire Resort & Casino for live updates as they also showcase a spectacular set of fireworks display.

Start the year right with GMA’s Countdown to 2019.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Pambansang Bae Alden Richards joins other Kapuso stars in the biggest New Year countdown

Arra San Agustin

Andrea Torres

Betong Sumaya

The year that was

TFC relives the holidays for the OFs via ‘Kapamilya Reunion’ KEEPING true to the theme of ABSCBN’s Christmas station ID ”family is love,” The Filipino Channel in partnership with Remitly will bridge the distance between overseas Filipinos and their families here in the Philippines via Kapamilya Reunion 2019.

Reliving the Noche Buena feels for the overseas Filipinos who were not able to come home for the holidays, TFC through Kapamilya Reunion 2019 will be treating them and their families to a post-holiday virtual celebration where their families in the Philippines will get to enjoy great Filipino food, meet some Kapamilya stars, and bring home surprise freebies.

Want your family in the Philippines to be part of this virtual celebration?

Just complete this sentence: I’d like to nominate my family in the Philippines for a virtual salu-salo from TFC because…” and send it to TFC’s official

Kris Bernal

Facebook page applicable in your area.

The entries will be reviewed by a committee from ABS-CBN Global Ltd. from Jan. 3 to 6. Winners will be contacted by a TFC representative and will also be posted on The Filipino Channel’s social media accounts starting Jan. 7 to Jan. 9.

The families in the Philippines of the selected overseas Filipinos will attend the Kapamilya Reunion 2019 event which will happen on Jan. 13, 9:00 a.m. at the Restaurant 9501 inside the ABSCBN Compound.

Don’t miss this chance to have a unique post-holiday celebration with your loved ones in the Philippines, send your entries now for Kapamilya Reunion. Deadline for submission of entries will be on January 3, 2019.

For more details, visit TFC’s official Facebook page applicable in your area.

Here are some of the families who were part of the Kapamilya Reunion in 2016

IT HAS been a great year for most person Jo Berry to play the title role in people, and for those who felt it sucked, the series Onanay. However, unlike Peter poor them, they don’t know what great Dinklage of the Game of Thrones fame, really is. I am referring to those who Berry’s fame could be shortlived unless chose to nitpick instead of looking at GMA 7 can find the appropriate material ISAH V. RED the positive side of things; those who to make her a mainstream star in its are colorblind and can only see gray and ephemeral cosmos of star wannabes. nothing else, or those who always feel they are carrying the ABS-CBN has been solidifying its online platform with weight of the world. the relaunch of iwantTV now known a iwant.ph, which In show business, although the color has not been one of many observers say can be its back up (or one of them) rainbow, there has been hints of bright hues amid the blur. in case Congress (in deference to the President who has The Kapuso network (GMA 7) for one has been at the been at odds with the network) won’t renew its franchise forefront of several causes and the series that the network to operate the network. After all it has SKYCable and had aired (or still airing) touching on those have contributed may operate something similar to Netflix or Prime Video to the awareness of certain issues as an alternative. In fact it has e.g. Onanay (on little people), My tested the audience’s reaction to Special Tatay (on intellectually its iwant.ph site with the launch challenged individuals; Karibal of Glorious (Dreamscape Digital) Ko Asawa Ko (on transgender with Angel Aquino and Tony individuals), though these Labrusca and so far the movieprograms don’t necessarily tackle made-for-the-web seems to have the problems themselves. been embraced by the Kapamilya The Kapamilya network (ABSfollowers.

CBN) remained unwavering in In music, not much has made broadcasting high quality programs an explosive impact among that are charming visually and the pop music fans as the allowed for innovation contextually material that had come out of like the series Halik, Ngayon at the recording studios are neither Kailanman, Los Bastardos, while brilliant nor utterly dreadful, but continually adapting foreign merely passable to the average formats to suit the Filipino taste audience. in viewing with shows like PBB Perhaps the most delightful Otso. The network also holds news was the triumph of Catriona to shows that continue to make Gray at the 67th Miss Universe it soar in the ratings game, like pageant in Bangkok, Thailand on the three-year long FPJ’s Ang Dec. 18. She is the fourth Filipino Probinsyano that will definitely woman to win the international extend till perhaps the middles of beauty pageant crown after Gloria 2019 or even beyond.

Diaz in 1969, Margie Moran in Both networks have made 1973, and Pia Wurtzbach in wonders with stars to make 2015. them the shining stars of 2017, Also ringing bells for many like Yam Concepcion and Yen Filipinos, especially for those Santos, now household 2018 is the definitely the year of 'Glorious' star in Balangiga, Eastern Samar, names (thanks to their daring Tony Labrusca are the bells that have been in scenes with their leading men Sam the possession of the American Milby and Jericho Rosales), of the Army since they were taken from online trending Halik. the town in 1901. The bells were returned to the Philippines The Kapuso also did wonders for the previously on Dec. 11 and are now in Balangiga. unnoticed Kyline Alcantara who the network cast as So, a new year unfolds tomorrow. And we will see what the villainess in the rather absurd series on twins Kambal 2019 will have in store for us observing Philippine show Karibal. In 2019, the network is launching her as the lead business from where we are in the city. star of a new soap. Also, the Kapuso network found another HAPPY NEW YEAR! ammo to keep its rival at bay with the launch of the little Continued on C3