Manila Standard - 2018 April 13 - Friday

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RODY’S BOAO VISIT YIELDS P3.8-B CHINA AID

By Vito Barcelo

NEW YORK—Pop superstar Mariah Carey has revealed that she suffers from bipolar disorder and has entered treatment.

The singer, whose sweeping five-octave vocal range helped make her one of the most successful artists of the 1990s, said she decided to go public to help remove stigma over the mental illness.

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CHINA promised to provide at least P3.8 billion in economic and infrastructure assistance as a result of President Rodrigo Duterte’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Boao Forum in Hainan province, a Palace spokesman said Thursday.

Apart from the P3.8-billion economic and infrastructure assistance that was provided by China through various Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 57 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Sereno camp comes up with 9 ‘missing’ SALNs

By Rey E. Requejo

MARIAH CAREY

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AWYERS for Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said Thursday she has recovered nine of her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALNs), the focus of a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court seeking to void her appointment in 2012.

Nestor Mata,veteran journalist, dies at 92 VETERAN journalist Nestor Mata passed away on Thursday at the age of 92 at the Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital.

Famous for being the lone survivor of the 1957 crash that killed President Ramon Magsaysay in Cebu, Mata was also well-known for his reporting on politics and foreign affairs for the Philippines Herald which closed in 1972 due to martial law.

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BALLOT BOXES. A worker repairs and repaints ballot boxes for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections slated for May 14, 2018 at the Comelec warehouse in Tondo, Manila. Elections officials have said candidates in the SK polls would be prohibited to run if he or she has a spouse, parent, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, parents-in-law, siblings-in-law, grandparents-in-law, and grandchildren-in-law that are elected officials. Norman Cruz

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NESTOR MATA

A remedy such as quo warranto should be made available against everybody... even against impeachable officials.

—Retired Associate Justice Antonio Nachura

Poll tribunal chides Robredo, Marcos over gag rule THE Supreme Court, acting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, on Thursday issued a show-cause order against former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Leni Robredo over violations of the rule barring public disclosure of information involving the ongoing recount for the 2016 vice presidential race.

In a resolution, the PET required both camps to explain “why they should not be cited in contempt for violating the

Resolutions dated Feb. 13, 2018 and March 20, 2018.”

The two resolutions had imposed on the parties the sub judice rule pending proceedings in the poll protest, including the ongoing recount of votes in three pilot provinces.

“Despite these stern directives of the tribunal, several news reports have shown that the parties, their counsels and/or representatives, have nonetheless

continued to disclose sensitive information regarding the revision process to the public, in clear violation of the aforementioned resolutions,” the PET said.

The statements from both parties about the recount and the integrity of the process were clearly covered by the sub judice rule, the PET said.

Robredo’s lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, said they were ready to answer the showcause order once they receive it. Next page

In separate messages to TV networks, lawyers Josalee Deinla and Jojo Lacanilao said the chief justice had recovered SALNs she filed in 1985, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997.

These plus two found with the Office of the Ombudsman bring the total to 11, the lawyers said.

During oral arguments on the quo warranto case filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida, Sereno contested allegations that she did not qualify for the position of chief justice because she failed to submit some of her SALNs as required by law when she applied for the post.

Sereno on Thursday went on the offensive, telling lawyers that the quo warranto petition against here was like “the gathering of dark clouds and of evil foreboding” that would destroy the entire judiciary.

In a speech on Wednesday before the members of the Philippine Bar Association, the oldest voluntary national Next page

Narcs swoop down on 2 drug labs, 8 fall

By Francisco Tuyay and Rio N. Araja FOUR Chinese nationals, allegedly members of a group operating out of the notorious Golden Triangle drug area, and four Filipinos were arrested by government anti-narcotics agents on Thursday following raids on two clandestine shabu laboratories in separate areas in Batangas province and Tagaytay City in Cavite.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director Aaron Aquino identified the four Chinese men as Tian Baoquan, Guo Zixing, Hong Dy, and Xie Jiansheng.

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SCORCHING HEAT. Children, making use of the local government’s project, play in portable pools to beat the summer heat, which registered 27 degrees Celsius Thursday, lower than the previous 30s during the month. AFP

Garin: No undue haste in Dengvaxia purchase

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ANTI-DRUG DRIVE. An unidentified drug dealer is arrested during a drug buy-bust operation by police in Manila on Thursday. The operation coincided with the dismissal by the Department of Justice of the illegal drug charges against Cebu-based businessman and presidential kumpare Peter Lim, confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and eight others. AFP

FORMER Health secretary Janette Garin on Thursday denied any undue haste in the purchase of the Dengvaxia vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur or the implementation of the mass anti-dengue immunization program.

In a TV interview, Garin said there had been talks on the need for a dengue vaccine as early as 2010.

“The first meeting was way back in 2010,” she told Dobol B sa News TV. This was followed by several meetings in July, August and September 2011, she said, when Sanofi told the government that clinical trials of

Dengvaxia had been completed and showed them reports from Asia and Latin America.

In September 2014, she said, then Health secretary Enrique Ona announced the availability of a dengue vaccine at a press conference.

“Unfortunately during that time, Sanofi was not cooperating because there still was no price,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Garin said the timeline used by Blue Ribbon committee chairman Senator Richard Gordon did not take these meetings into account, focusing only on the courtesy call on former President BenigNext page no Aquino III in 2014.

Con-Com proposes 4-year term of office THE Subcommittee on the Structure of the Federal Government of the Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution has proposed a four-year term with one reelection for government officials.

Subcommittee chairman Antonio Eduardo Nachura, a former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, on Thursday said the proposal covered the president, vice president, senators and congressmen.

The subcommittee also recommended that the current constitutional provision requiring candidates to simply be Next page

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News

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Poll...

From A1 Despite the PET warning, insiders said Thursday more wet ballot boxes and missing voters’ receipts were found in two other Camarines Sur towns.

Wet ballot boxes were found in clustered precincts in Sagñay town, according to insiders. The ballots were no longer readable so they were set aside.

Insiders said revisors also found more ballot boxes with no voters’ receipts from the town of Balatan— bringing to 17 the number of ballot boxes with no voters’ receipts found so far.

During the first week of recount, several wet ballot boxes were found from Bato and Baao towns as well as Naga City in Camarines Sur. Some unused or excess ballots with shaded votes for Robredo and ballots cut into half were also discovered.

There were also missing audit logs from clustered precincts in Bato town discovered by revisors upon opening of the ballot boxes.

The camp of Marcos claimed that these discoveries were proof of election fraud.

However, Robredo’s lawyer alleged that the former senator was only trying to taint the results of the recount and twisting the developments to favor his protest.

Four of the 40 head revisors resigned from their duties only a day after the start on the recount.

Marcos filed the protest on June 29, 2016, claiming that the camp of Robredo cheated in the automated polls in the May 2016 national polls.

In his protest, Marcos contested the results in a total of 132,446 precincts in 39,221 clustered precincts covering 27 provinces and cities. He sought for a recount in Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental covering a total of 5,418 clustered precincts.

Robredo filed her answer in August 2016 and filed a counter-protest, questioning the results in more than 30,000 polling precincts in several provinces where Marcos won.

She also sought the dismissal of the protest for lack of merit and jurisdiction of PET. Robredo won the vice presidential race in the May 2016 polls with 14,418,817 votes or 263,473 more than Marcos’ 14,155,344 votes. Rey E. Requejo and Rio N. Araja

Garin:...

From A1 She said there was a sense of urgency in dealing with dengue.

She also said they did not conduct a test on who should receive the vaccine because there was no commercially available test in the market that could be effective.

The Duterte administration suspended the P3.5-billion vaccination program after Sanofi reported that if the vaccine were given to those who had not been infected by dengue, they could suffer more severe forms of the disease later on.

Garin said she empathized with the parents of children who were vaccinated with Dengvaxia, saying her own child and relatives were also recipients.

She said “vested interests” were toying with their emotions, but did not say who these were or what their motives would be.

Earlier this week, Gordon said Garin, Aquino, former Budget secretary Florencio Abad, and other officials were primary conspirators and must be held criminally liable and must be prosecuted for all the tragedy, damage, and possible deaths resulting from the Dengvaxia program.

He also said Aquino, Garin, Abad, and other government officials should be investigated and prosecuted for graft and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Senator JV Ejercito, however, said that while Aquino was guilty of negligence for not exercising due diligence, he believed Garin and Abad should be held primarily liable for the Dengvaxia mess.

The chairman of the Senate Health committee said Aquno should have exercised more prudence and oversight instead of allowing Garin and Abad to proceed with the purchase of the vaccine.

“That is a failure of leadership that should hound his conscience and legacy,” said Ejercito whose committee jointly conducted the Senate investigation of the P3.5-billion Dengvaxia vaccination program.

Ejercito said that more than the hasty procurement, the bigger concern was the health and future of the 830,000 children inoculated with the vaccine.

He said Garin was the one who recommended the purchase of the P3.5 billion untested vaccine. He said the purchase was pushed despite the fact that the clinical trials were not yet finished and ignored the warnings by some experts as to its dangers.

Abad, on the other hand, facilitated, recommended, and approved the release of the money without congressional approval in amazing record time, and during a holiday period.

Ejercito also called on the government to help people initiate a class suit against Sanofi.

“We need to do more to provide assistance to the victims. That is why I filed the Dengvaxia Assistance Program Bill so we can monitor and address the needs of those victimized by this scandal. The hearings also revealed the need to provide for an FDA independent of, and autonomous from, the DoH. This is the purpose of Senate Bill No. 1631 which I filed,” he said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said that based on his dealings with the former president, he had difficulty believing that Aquino was capable of graft and corruption in connection with the Dengvaxia mess.

Nestor...

From A1 He was a columnist for the Philippines Daily Express until 1986, then at Manila Standard in 1987. He went over to Malaya where he continued writing a column until recently. He was also editor-in-chief of Lifestyle Asia Magazine.

His five children, Jan, Mike, Joy, Julia and

PH told not to give up terrorial claim vs China

By Vito Barcelo

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HINA has told the Philippine government not to give up its claim to the disputed South China Sea but simply asked it to put some order on how to discuss that claim so the two countries could pursue a joint oil and gas exploration in the area, Malacañang said Thursday.

“They have never asked us to give up our claims. They have simply asked us to put some order in how we will discuss these claims and where we should discuss these claims,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters.

Meanwhile, more than two dozen F/A-18 Hornets roared off the deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt in an ear-splitting display of US military might as the aircraft carrier sailed through the South China Sea. The training exercise Tuesday came ahead of a port call in the Philippines,

which along with several other nations, is embroiled in disputes with Beijing over its claim to the strategic waters.

The demonstration, during a visit by Philippine generals and journalists, was held just days after Beijing flexed its own military muscle with a huge naval drill involving its sole aircraft carrier and dozens of other vessels several hundred kilometers to the north.

“We have seen Chinese ships around us,” carrier strike group commander Rear Admiral Steve Koehler said.

“They’re one of the navies that operate in the

South China Sea but I would tell you that we’ve seen nothing but professional work from the ships that we’ve encountered,” he said.

Cayetano was among the Cabinet officials who accompanied President Rodrigo Duterte who attended the three-day Boao Forum for Asia held in Hainan province in China.

On the sidelines of the Boao meeting, Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping casually agreed to continue with the discussions on joint oil and gas exploration in the disputed areas through bilateral agreements.

“So in the bilateral, we prepare what our side wants and what their side wants,” Cayetano said.

He said Duterte was banking on the words of China that it would honor its commitment not to expand its reclamation on the disputed areas.

“The Chinese have not buit and continue to commit to us that they will not build on uninhabited areas, including Scarborough,” Cayetano said. With AFP

Palace torpedoes Boracay casino plan; new strategy sought

By Vito Barcelo, Macon R. Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

government should hype Boracay’s reopening as a big global event after its six-month closure for rehabilitation.

“Boracay’s closure could be the “one step backward, two steps forward” strategy which would make the “world’s best island better” and whose reopening in October the government should “drumbeat as a global event,” Recto said.

He expressed belief that the government should market the six-month closure as a needed beauty rest and “that after 25 weeks, it will wake up more refreshed and rejuvenated.”

• Rep. Luis Villafuerte on Thursday urged the Tourism department to launch an aggressive campaign to attract visitors to the other

prime tourist spots in the Philippines.

He made the call in the wake of President Duterte’s order to close Boracay for six months to make way for its rehabilitation.

Villafuerte said that, given the right tools, the Tourism department would not find it difficult to sustain the Philippines’ growing number of tourist arrivals even with the closure of Boracay.

He said authoritative and respected online publications such as forbes.com had acknowledged the Philippines as among Asia’s booming tourist locations owing to the improvements in its infrastructure and land, air and sea connectivity.

organization of lawyers, Sereno warned of the damage that a quo warranto against a sitting judge would bring if granted.

A quo warranto is an action that is brought against a government official who is not qualified for his or her position.

Sereno argued that quo warranto does not apply to her because the chief justice is one of the few government officials who can only be removed by impeachment as mandated by the 1987 Constitution.

But retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Nachura said quo warranto proceedings can be instituted even to an impeachable official like Sereno to question the right of a public officer to continue holding public office in case of possible irregularities.

“A remedy such as quo warranto should be made available against everybody... even against impeachable officials,” Nachura said in an interview.

He added that it was incorrect to say the outcome of a quo warranto process is removal from office.

“If a public officer is found to hold an invalid title, he is not to be removed—it is as if there was no valid appointment in the first place,” said Nachura, an acknowledged expert on constitutional law.

Nachura did not comment on the merits of the quo warranto petition filed against Sereno, however.

Sereno’s lawyer Alex Poblador, arguing before the Supreme Court Tuesday, warned that the quo warranto petition, if granted would create a dangerous precedent and be used against any sitting justice.

“If they can do this to the chief justice, they can do this to any of you, to your clients,” Sereno told her audience of lawyers.

“If they succeed to remove an impeachable officer nearly six years after her appointment, then any judge in this land and any sitting justice in the highest court will no longer be independent,” she added.

She also said that any case against the

government would end up in a settlement because the “sword of Damocles” would be poised over the entire judiciary.

“There cannot be a dissenting justice anymore in the Supreme Court where we are hoping that dissents would be the seeds of future reversals so that jurisprudence can be improved,” Sereno said.

“Even your very livelihoods are threatened, there is no safety for any of you…That is how deadly this quo warranto petition is,” she said.

Sereno said if the Supreme Court would cooperate in the move of the executive to oust her via quo warranto proceedings, rather than impeachment trial before the Senate, it would mean the demise of the entire judiciary and the destruction of the constitutional processes.

“I will use directly the words of Chief Justice Davide that it will be judicial harakiri, if not a judicial kamikaze bringing it the destruction of the entire judiciary as well as the entire constitutional framework,” Sereno said.

The beleaguered top magistrate called on the lawyers to raise a howl against the quo warranto proceedings against her, depicting it is an attempt to destroy the judiciary.

“Are we afraid that we will be called names?

Are we afraid that some of our clients might find themselves under harassment as well?

This is not the time to keep your silence. What are you trying to preserve? Do you think that silence will improve the situation?” she asked.

“Do you think that by not speaking when you see evil inflicted in your country, you will be safe? When the gathering clouds are dark and of evil foreboding, there is such gloom that affects the entire country. Even in your air conditioned room, it will reach you. So, where is your future? Our future lies in our courage…We cannot afford to keep quiet now,” Sereno said.

Also on Thursday, Sereno’s camp debunked a report that she is considering running for senator in the midterm elections next year if the impeachment in Congress or the quo warranto petition succeed.

Lacanilao, one of her spokespersons, said Sereno remains optimistic that she will win in the ouster cases against her.

“She is focused on the impeachment and

quo warranto cases for now, which she should both win ultimately based on law and evidence,” he said.

He also rebuffed comparisons between her and the late Chief Justice Renato Corona, saying she was never accused of having hidden wealth.

“One cannot draw parallels between the two chief justices because their cases are entirely different from each other. The difference is monumental,” said Lacanilao.

Lacanilao said that Corona himself admitted he had about P183 million in peso and dollar deposits, which were not reflected in his SALN. In the case of Sereno, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition questioning the validity of her appointment as chief justice in 2012 over alleged lack of integrity when she failed to submit to the Judicial and Bar Council her SALNs while she was law professor at the University of the Philippines.

However, it turned out that nine of Sereno’s U.P. SALNs had already been recovered aside from the 2002 SALN found in her 201 file at the university and her 1998 SALN that is with the Office of the Ombudsman, Lacanilao said.

In the House, a leftist bloc of lawmakers threatened to file a complaint against lawyer Lorenzo Gadon for cursing and raising his middle finger at Sereno supporters in Baguio City.

At a news conference, Representatives Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis Party-list and Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna denounced Gadon’s action.

“We will urge our colleagues, for example, former congressman Teddy Casiño was there in Baguio, probably to file a case against Gadon,” Casilao said.

Gadon, who filed the impeachment complaint against Sereno, went to Baguio City to attend the oral arguments on the quo warranto petition filed against Sereno when he was booed by supporters of the chief justice.

In response, Gadon yelled at the Sereno supporters, calling them stupid.

Casilao said Gadon, as a lawyer, should not have acted that way.

Zarate said Gadon could have resorted to name-calling because he failed to offer any good arguments. With Maricel V. Cruz

Mariah...

From A1

Narcs...

From A1

“Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me,” she told People in the celebrity magazine’s latest cover story.

Carey, who is in her late 40s, said she long presumed that she had a sleeping problem but that her insomnia and irritability turned out to be the lows of bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression.

“I would feel so lonely and sad—even guilty that I wasn’t doing what I needed to be doing for my career,” she said.

Bipolar disorder “does not have to define you and I refuse to allow it to define me or control me,” she told the magazine.

Carey said she has Bipolar II disorder, which is characterized by less severe episodes than Bipolar I. Around 2.8 percent of US adults experience bipolar disorder in a given year, according to the federal National Institute of Mental Health.

Carey has long faced unflattering headlines over perceived diva-like behavior. AFP

Xie was tagged as the organizer of the drug operation and the handler of Tian, Guo and Hong, who were identified as chemists.

Also arrested were Filipinos Eduardo Lorenzo, 59, an electrician; drivers Rosalio Cesar, 49, and Nestor Baguio; and Amancio Gallarde, 40, an errand boy.

Aquino said Tian and Gua were nabbed along with Lorenzo, Cesar, and Gallarde inside the Hingoso Farm in Barangay Sto. Nino, Ibaan, Batangas at about 6 a.m. Thursday.

At another drug lab in Lipa City, PDEA agents arrested Hong and Baguio. An hour after the Ibaan raid, authorities descended on a house in Merry Homes, Barangay Francisco, Tagaytay to apprehend Xie, who yielded 500 grams of shabu worth P2.5 million.

The shabu laboratory in Ibaan, Aquino said, “has the capacity to produce 25 kilos or P125 million worth of shabu in one day.”

That lab yielded large amounts of controlled precursors and essential chemicals used in the manufacture of shabu, such as phenyls, propane, methylamine, acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium acetate, potassium iodate, sodium sulfate, tartaric acid, boric acid, methanol, ethanol, ammonium hydroxide, and safrole, a chemical used in the production of the party drug Ecstasy.

Chinese intelligence reports indicated that the shabu and ecstasy-producing laboratories were organized by a Hong Kong-based drug kingpin, the PDEA chief added.

The discovery of the laboratories followed tips to PDEA from China’s Office of the National Narcotics Control Commission and the

Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, Aquino said.

“A tip-off from ONNCC was first relayed to PDEA International Cooperation and Foreign Affairs Service (ICFAS) that Chinese chemists were flying in and out of the country from September to October 2017,” he said.

“On behalf of the PDEA and the Philippine government, I would like to express our gratitude to our Chinese counterparts for their intelligence support and cooperation as we vowed to protect our nations from the threat of illegal drugs,” Aquino added.

The cooperation and collaboration between Chinese and Philippine drug enforcement authorities was revitalized after the state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to China from Oct. 16 to 21, 2016, he noted.

During the said visit, PDEA and ONNCC signed their Protocol on Cooperation on intelligence sharing and joint anti-drug operations, Aquino added.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives’ committee on dangerous drugs approved the creation of a technical working group to consolidate four bills supporting the national government’s efforts to combat and eradicate illegal drugs.

The committee, chaired by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, is expected to come up with a consolidated version of House Bill 4659, HB 4671, HB 4728 and HB 6984, authored by Reps. Mariano Michael Velarde Jr. of Buhay Party-list, Jose Enrique Garcia III of Bataan, Alfredo Garbin of Ako-Bicol Party-list and Rep. Joseph Bernos of Abra, respectively.

HB 4671 proposes to expedite the disposition of judicial cases involving violations of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

With Maricel V. Cruz

MALACAÑANG on Thursday insisted no casino would be built on Boracay as ordered

by President Rodrigo Duterte, but said it would welcome all investors that would benefit the island’s residents and the government.

“Welcome all investors, but I think the President has already addressed the issue of a new casino in Boracay. There will be no casino in Boracay,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque told reporters.

In other developments: • Senator Ralph Recto said Thursday the

Sereno...

From A1

Francis and grandsons were with him when Mata expired. His wake starts tomorrow at the St. Peter’s Memorial in Commonwealth Avenue.

A Philets graduate at the University of Santo Tomas, Mata later became an associate professor, handling mostly political science subjects, drawing on his masteral studies on foreign affairs and experience covering foreign affairs, especially the Sabah talks and the creation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He taught until 1972.

FB, partners join war on fake news FACEBOOK, in partnership with Rappler IQ and VERA Files, on Thursday announced the launch of its third-party factchecking program aimed at helping to combat false news from spreading on the social networking platform.

These partners have been certified through a non-partisan International Fact-Checking Network and will review news stories on Facebook, check their facts, and rate their accuracy, Facebook said in a statement.

It said the program is in line with a threepart framework to improve the quality and authenticity of stories in the News Feed.

Aside from Facebook’s Community Standards that regulate the content shared on the platform, this program will also reduce the distribution of stories that undermine Facebook’s authenticity and will also provide people with more context on the stories they see.

“We are committed to fighting the spread of false news and misinformation on multiple fronts by employing a variety of tools and tactics. They include disrupting financial incentives, taking action against fake accounts, applying machine learning to help diminish spam, and reducing the posts people see that link to low-quality web pages by providing people with easier access to additional perspectives and information,” said Clair Deevy, Facebook’s director for Community Affairs for APAC. “Partnering with third-party fact-checking organizations is one of the ways we hope to better identify and reduce the reach of false news that people share on our platform.”

Maria A. Ressa, chief executive and and executive editor of Rappler Inc., said “A shared version of reality is critical to any functioning democracy. Exposing lies and the networks which share them is a first step in strengthening civic engagement.

It’s what journalists do, and we’re happy to work with Facebook to help create a safe and sane public space for critical thinking and debate.”

Rody’s...

From A1 signed agreements by the countries’ line agencies, nine Chinese companies also signed letters of intent to explore business opportunities in the Philippines, with an estimated investment value of $9.5 billion, said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.

Roque said that all projects discussed during the meeting were aimed at benefiting the Filipino people.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the Chinese government had expressed its commitment to help with the infrastructure development of the country’s broadcasting system.

“It is a very good indication that China is very committed to helping our government media in the Philippines in improving its services,” Andanar said.

He cited Xi’s remarks on the importance of media exchange not just between the Philippines and China, but also among other Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states.

Andanar also said China would continue to provide scholarships to media members of the Philippine government for the next four years.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, assured the safety of the Xi during his forthcoming visit to the country in November, saying that the Philippines has become much safer under the Duterte administration.

“We have assured the Chinese of not only great hospitality, warm welcome, but also of the necessary security preparations,” Cayetano said.

Roque said the number of Chinese visitors in the Philippines almost doubled in number since President Duterte assumed office, which indicates that the country is seen as a safer place to visit.

Con-Com...

From A1 able to read and write be changed to requiring them to have a college degree.

It also recommended tandem voting for the president and vice president where “a vote for the President will be counted for his or her vice president,” who will be coming from the same political party or ticket.

The vice president’s appointment to the Cabinet is also recommended to be made mandatory.

In case the position of the vice president becomes vacant due to death, resignation or removal, the president shall appoint a replacement from one of his party mates at the Senate or the House of Representatives.

Such appointment will no longer require a confirmation from Congress.

Under the present Constitution, the Senate and the House of Representatives must vote separately on the president’s asnomination.

The subcommittee also proposed blockvoting in which a vote for the president will also be a vote for the vice president.

The 1987 Constitution provides the vice president “may be appointed as a member of the Cabinet. Such appointment requires no confirmation.”

The subcommittee also recommended that senators be elected by region.

It has not yet been decided how many federated regions will be created but the number of senators per region may be between two and four.

It was also recommended that members of the House of Representatives be elected by legislative district and by proportional representation.

News DoJ indicts Sycip’s son, other execs for estafa

By Rey E. Requejo WASHINGTON Sycip and Alliance Select Food International Inc. officials indicted for Estafa by DoJ The Department of Justice has approved the criminal indictment of trader George Sycip, son of the late tycoon Washington Sycip, and officials of tuna canning firm, Alliance Select Food International Incorporated for estafa.

In a 22-page resolution signed by DoJ Undersecretary Deo L. Marco, the DoJ has found probable cause for the crime of estafa against Alliance Inc. chairman of the board George Sycip, along with board of directors Jonathan Y. Dee, Alvin Y. Dee, Joanna Y. Dee-Laurel, Teresita S. Ladanga, Grace S. Dogillo and Arak Ratborihan.

“This Office finds probable cause to charge respondents in 01028, for the crime of Estafa under Article 315 2(a) of the Revised Penal Code against the respondents,” the resolution stated.

The case arose from the complaint filed by Alliance’s foreign shareholders namely Harvest All Investment Limited, Victory Fund Limited, Bondeast Private Limited and Hedy S.C. Yap Chua.

With the finding of probable cause, the DoJ ordered the City Prosecutor of Manila “to file the necessary Information for estafa against the named respondents and to report the action taken within 10 days from receipt hereof.”

The complainants accused the respondents of improper used their investments in the company to engage in supposedly illegal activities and transactions.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Comelec to enforce policy on anti-dynasty in SK polls

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE Commission on Elections will implement a policy against political dynasty in the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Republic Act 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act stated that SK candidates must not be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official, in the locality where he or she seeks to be elected.

Elections officials said candidates in the SK polls would be prohibited to run for office if he or she has a spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, parents-in-law, siblingsin-law, grandparents-in-law, and grandchildren-in-law that are elected officials.

The Comelec urged the people to be vigilant and help the government ensure that no members of political dynasties will be able to run in the youth council polls.

“If anybody knows that they have

relatives or family members elected, there is no stopping them from questioning the eligibility of a candidate. I think it would be better if anyone knew of any ineligibility to bring it to life,” said Comelec spokesperson James Arthur Jimenez.

He said filing a petition against a particular candidate as soon as possible would be the best way to prevent more political dynasties.

On Saturday, aspiring candidates and reelectionists would start filing their certificates of candidacy for the May 14 Barangay and SK elections.

The elections will mark the first time that the SK Reform Act of 2015 will be implemented.

“We have no choice but to accept the COCs. But that will be the best time for people to contest it immediately, instead of still delaying it,” said Jimenez.

He said voter vigilance is necessary

since the Comelec will be unable to check all SK candidates and if they are part of any political dynasties.

“Considering that there are 42,000 barangays, can you imagine the kind of checking you need to do? You’re looking at one SK chairman and seven SK kagawads per barangay. How many hours will you need to check? It’s not practical,” said Jimenez.

Those who will file COCs will have to declare it under oath the assurance “that aspirant is not related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official, in the locality where he or she seeks to be elected.”

“That’s what gives us jurisdiction in case a complaint is filed,” said Jimenez.

Aside from being disqualified as an SK bet, Jimenez said they may also face perjury as well as an election offense for submitting a false or spurious COC. The government’s consultative committee recently voted in favor of inclusion to the propose Federal System of government a self-executing anti-dynasty provision that will cover politicians’ relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity.

Peter Lim wants reinvestigation on illegal drug raps stopped CEBU-BASED businessman Peter Lim asked the Department of Justice to stop the reinvestigation on the drug charges against him, which were already dismissed by the Department of Justice earlier.

During the reopening of the preliminary investigation on the case on Thursday, Lim’s lawyers led by Majilyn Loja sought a reconsideration of the order of resigned Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II last month that vacated the December 2017 resolution dismissing the complaint of Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group against him, confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and eight others.

Loja asked newly appointed Secretary Menardo Guevarra to reverse the decision of Aguirre and reinstated the previous resolution that junked the charges for sale, administration, dispensation, trading, delivery and transportation of illegal drugs under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Lim’s lawyer argued that the reopening of the case already dismissed by the previous panel of prosecutors is violating the constitutional rights of Lim, including his right to speedy disposition of case and due process of law. Rey E. Requejo

SWAT DRILL. A simulated action scene as part of an anti-terrorist drill conducted by QCPD -SWAT Team was held at the Araneta Center in Cubao Quezon City on Thursday in preparation for a possible terrorist attack. Manny Palmero

MIAA reshuffles terminal and airport personnel THE Manila International Airport Authority has implemented a reshuffle covering terminal managers and airport personnel.

The move, initiated by MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal, came a few days before the scheduled ban in connection with the upcoming village and youth council elections which prohibit the transfer of all government employees.

Monreal assigned Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 2 manager Irene Montalbo to replace Terminal 1 manager Dante Basanta, who was transferred to Terminal 3.

Joycelyn Mapanao, of the MIAA Property Management Division, was appointed as Terminal 2 manager.

Monreal also reassigned Terminal 2 Airport Police Department chief Supt.

William Dolot to Terminal 1. He was replaced by Supt. Adrian Tecson.

Supt. Luis Cometa was transferred to Terminal 3 while Supt. Teotimo Cruz retain his post as Terminal 4 APD chief.

The Commission on Elections prohibits the transferring, appointment and hiring of government officers and employees to any national or local government office or agency in connection with the May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

Monreal said the reorganization is part of the agency’s reform program and improve public service.

The MIAA has instituted numerous reforms and improvements to better serve the passengers and airports users of the four terminals of the country’s premier airport.

Among the reforms initiated was the reactivation of the Airport Security Center in close coordination with the National Police-Aviation Security Group.

ASC, under the supervision of the MIAA general manager, is tasked to protect the security regularity and efficiency of the Naia by developing and implementing the necessary procedures in compliance with the provisions of the National Civil Aviation Security Program for safeguarding persons, terminals, air navigations, aircraft and equipment against acts of unlawful interference.

Monreal also created a central desk connecting all agencies designed to provide immediate response to passenger complaints and concerns.

Joel E. Zurbano

Scalded OFW in Saudi Arabia back in PH today THE Filipina domestic helper in Saudi Arabia who accused her employer’s mother of scalding her with boiling water four years ago will be reunited with her loved ones in the Philippines on Friday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The DFA said Pahima Alagasi would depart for Manila last night after the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh was able to secure the assistance of Saudi authorities in clearing the way for her return to the country.

“Finally, after four long years, Pahima will be able to again embrace her children who she left behind in Mindanao more than four years ago,” Ambassador to Riyadh Adnan Alonto said in a statement.

The 30-year-old Alagasi left the Philippines in March 2014 and served as a household service worker in Riyadh, but sought refuge at the Embassy two months later after she was hospitalized with serious burns she claimed she sustained after the mother of her employer poured

boiling water on her back.

The Philippine Embassy helped Alagasi, a separated mother of two from Pikit, North Cotabato, in filing a case of maltreatment against the mother of her employer but this was dismissed after she failed to prove her accusation.

Alagasi has been staying at the Embassy’s Bahay Kalinga shelter since then and could not return to the Philippines because her employer filed a counter case against her.

Ambassador Alonto cited the intercession made by Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif who approved her final exit from the Kingdom after a protracted four-year legal battle with her employer.

“Pahima’s return would not have been possible without the help of Prince Abdulaziz and we would like to express our profound gratitude to him for his magnanimous gesture,” said Ambassador Alonto, who will be accompanying Alagasi on her flight to Manila.

Rey E. Requejo

Koko seeks lower costs for political ads SENATE President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III filed a proposed measure which seeks to lower the costs of political advertisements.

In his Senate Bill No. 1777 he filed April 4, Pimentel recommended that political ads for television should be 50 percent lower.

He also said political ads for radio and print ads should be reduced by 30 percent and 20 percent respectively, compared to the average rates charged to their most favored advertisers during the first three quarters of the two calendar years preceding the elections.

“Article II, Section 26 of our Constitution provides that the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service,” he said.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

2 Australian Navy ships now in Subic TWO Australian Navy vessels consisting of a frigate and an oiler ship berthed at the former United States Navy homeport in Subic Bay in Olongapo Thursday upon arriving in the country.

Capt Lued Lincuna, Philippine Navy public affairs office head, said the two Australian vessels—Her Majesty’s Australian Anzac, a Long Range Guided Missile Frigate and HMAS Success, an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment arrived in the country for a goodwill visit until Sunday.

Lincuna said the visiting Australian navy was accorded a welcome ceremony and subsequently provided a port briefing relating to health and security aboard HMAS Success by Philippine Navy delegates headed by the representative of the Flag Officer-In-Command, Cmdr. Judith Palamos, the Assistant Chief of Education and Training Staff for Personnel and Reservist Affairs of the Naval Education and Training Command.

Meanwhile, Japanese destroyer JS Akizuki (DD-115), will be docking at the Alava Wharf, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Olongapo City for a goodwill visit starting Friday until Monday.

A welcome ceremony and port briefing will be conducted upon arrival of the JMSDF vessel at Alava Wharf after a customary meeting procedure with BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) at the vicinity of Morong, Bataan.

The ship is equipped with one SH60J patrol helicopter. Francisco Tuyay With PNA

4 BIFF fighters surrender to govt troops FOUR fighters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered to the Mechanized troops in Ampatuan municipality, Maguindanao on April 10.

The four were presented to Major General Arnel Delavega, commander of the Joint Task Force Zampelan and to Maguindanao Gov. Ismael “Toto” Mangudadatu, in a simple rites at the 1st Mech Battalion headquarters in Ampatuan yesterday Wednesday.

The surrenderees turned over their crew high powered firearms which include a rocket propelled grenade, an M16 rifle, a Squad Automatic Weapon and a Garrand rifle.

“The surrenderees felt that it is time for them to return to the fold of law after seeing that the President is serious about his campaign to attain peace in Mindanao,” said MGen Arnel Delavega.

“We encourage other members of the BIFF to also surrender as this is a rare chance,” he added. “I am positive that the others will also soon follow.”

Francisco Tuyay

SC to release bar exams results on April 26

ESTERO CLEANUP. MMDA Chairman Danny Lim inspects the cleanup operation at the Estero in Binondo Manila on Thursday, April 12, 2018 as the city brace for the rainy season. Norman Cruz

THE long wait is coming to an end for aspiring lawyers as the Supreme Court is set to release the result of the 2017 Bar examinations on April 26.

SC Public Information Office chief Theodore Te said the 15-member bench will hold a special en banc session to deliberate on the results, which will be officially announced afterwards by Associate Justice Lucas P. Bersamin, chairman of the 2017 Bar Exams Committee.

“The Court will meet in a special en banc session to deliberate on the results.

After which, the 2017 Bar Exams Committee chairman Justice Lucas P. Bersamin will officially announce the results,” Te said, in an advisory.

Names of successful examinees will be flashed on screen at the SC quadrangle and also posted to the SC website. Rey E. Requejo

A4

Opinion

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO

Locked in China’s embrace UNWITTINGLY by charting a socalled independent foreign policy, President Rodrigo Duterte has locked the country into China’s tight embrace. While there are upsides to the Philippines-China bilateral ties such as the global fight against terrorism and huge largesse of funds for infrastructure projects, the Philippines is now too dependent on Chinese assistance.

After attending the Boao, Hainan economic forum, Duterte announced more Chinese investments to the Philippines. This is as if there’s not enough money controlled by local Chinese taipans in the country. New Chinese external loans and investment funds can only bury us deeper in indebtedness to the Chinese. Not surprisingly the local taipans like the Tans, Sys,Tys and Gokongweis are silent on this brewing trade war between the US and China. Why should they when they can continue amassing wealth amid the uneasy international trade climate? How will the United States and the rest of the Western economic bloc look at our dependence on the Chinese when the US and its allies are looking to impose heavier tariffs on Chinese products? The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Finance must give this matter more serious study lest the Philippines get isolated from the rest of the world . As it is, we could be limiting our options in the economic horizon. Having a diversified world market is certainly a better course to follow for a developing country like the Philippines.

Another area of security concern is the possible entry of China in the lo-

B

Runaway tourism

ORACAY Island, like other tourism paradise in Asia, has overdeveloped at the expense of the environment. President Rodrigo Duterte aptly described it as a cesspool that would soon ruin its pristine beaches and the marine eco-systems thriving around the island.

Boracay’s environmental neglect is not an isolated case in Asia. Equally famous beach destinations in Thailand and Indonesia are suffering the same fate after unchecked tourism resulted in environmental degradation, most notably water pollution caused by untreated waste water being discharged by commercial establishments into the open sea.

Thai authorities are shutting down Maya Bay on the western island of Koh Phi Phi Ley in Thailand from June to September this year in an attempt to save its severely damaged coral reefs. The Thai resort area is overwhelmed

daily by about 4,000 tourists, cramped along a short beach stretch.

Indonesian authorities, meanwhile, declared in 2017 a “garbage emergency” covering a six-kilometer coast along the world-famous Bali Island.

Coastal pollution in Bali is severe, with plastic bags and trash floating just a few kilometers from the beach area.

Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro province and Coron Bay in Palawan are similarly reeling from water pollution after decades of unbridled tourism. The Department of Environment and

PENSEES

Natural Resources as early as 2016 designated Sabang Bay in Puerto Galera and the Coron Bay as water quality management areas to protect the bustling biodiversity within the two water bodies from the unwanted effects of tourism activities. Sabang Bay and Coron Bay are world-class diving sites with great visibility and masses of underwater life, making them favorite destinations for tourists and diving enthusiasts.

The development of famous tourism destinations like Boracay, Puerto Galera and Coron must be strictly regulated by environment officials to make the tourism industry sustainable. Authorities must see to it that preservation of the marine environment and the coastal areas take priority over commercial establishments and tourism earnings.

Turn to A5

Much ado about quo warranto IT REALLY surprises me that people who should know better do not seem to know better.

I am not saying that CJ Meilou Serreno should be ousted by quo warranto.

I am not saying that her appointment was infirm. I am raising and addressing a point of law.

There is an ongoing debate now about whether or not an impeachable official may be the respondent in quo warranto proceedings with the end of unseating such an official.

Here is a very simple example: The Constitution requires that the Commission on Elections chair, an impeachable official, be a Member of the Bar. If the appointee faked his membership, or faked his credentials and was nevertheless appointed, is it not obvious that quo warranto would lie to declare that his appointment was wrongful and that therefore he would have no right to occupy office?

“Can be removed from office only by impeachment”...where did that come from? In fact the phraseology of Article XI makes nothing exclusive:

If so many brilliant people say that a Chief Justice is not susceptible to quo warranto proceedings, then I must be damn stupid!

The Philippines is now too dependent on Chinese assistance. cal telecommunications industry. In November last year, President Duterte in a bid to break the duopoly of Smart and Globe offered China the privilege to participate in the bidding process.

The deadline for the submission of bids is set in the third quarter of this year. Washington has accused Beijing of hacking into its sensitive files in the Pentagon. Our top officials apparently trust the Chinese “good faith” in dealing with such a sensitive security concern. Questions about Chinese intrusion into our telecommunications system could raise the hackles of President Duterte who has been on a firing binge of his Cabinet members.

Malacañang stated it is not taking sides in a looming trade war between China and the United States. US President Donald Trump has been reported to be considering to raise import tariffs against Chinese exports. Beijing said it will respond in a manner to match Washington’s tough tariff duties.

China’s building of artificial islands in the disputed parts of the South China Sea poses an impediment to the free flow of commercial cargo in international sea lanes. The US concern is shared by other nations whose commercial vessels ply the South China Sea lanes.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt patrolled and sailed by the Reed (Recto) Bank before docking in a port of call in Manila. The nuclearpowered carrier obviously wanted to make its presence to the Chinese and to test the waters on whether Beijing will order the “intruder” to move away. The Chinese apparently are not capably ready to confront and challenge US naval power.

Chinese President Xi Jinping for whom President Duterte has publicly professed “his love” will visit Manila in November as further affirmation of close bilateral ties between the two countries.

The South China Sea territorial dispute is not the only flashpoint in the world. Elsewhere the use of chemical agents in the rebel-held parts of Syria has drawn the US concern which

FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO

EVERYMAN

By Eric Jurado “FREE trade consists simply in letting people buy and sell as they want to buy and sell. Protective tariffs are as much an application of force as are blocking squadrons, and their objective is the same—to prevent trade. The difference between the two is that blocking squadrons are a means whereby nations seek to prevent their enemies from trading; protective tariffs are a means whereby nations attempt to prevent their own people from trading.” —Henry George, 19th century political economist What would life be like without exchange or trade?

Recently, a man decided to make a sandwich from scratch. He grew the vegetables, gathered salt from seawater, milked a cow, turned the milk into cheese, pickled a cucumber in a jar, ground his own flour from wheat to make the bread, collected his own honey, and personally killed a chicken

The $1,500 sandwich for its meat. He published the results of his endeavor in an enlightening video: Making a sandwich entirely by himself cost him six months of his life and set him back $1,500 or P78,000 (It should be noted that he used air transportation

something as humble as a sandwich by oneself, without the benefits of market exchange, is simply mind-boggling.

There was a time when everyone grew their own food and made their own clothes. It was a time of unimaginable poverty and labor without rest.

The greater the number of people involved in exchange, the more beneficial the process becomes. As I write this, thanks to international The greater the trade, I am drinking coffee grown in number of people Latin America, viewing a computer involved in exchange, screen with eyeglasses made in Europe, and typing this article on a keyboard the more beneficial the made in Asia. Fortunately, freedom to process becomes. trade internationally has improved, on average, around the world. Increased trade has helped raise living standards and decrease global poverty.

However, the United States’ trade to get to the ocean to gather salt. If he had taken it upon himself to learn to war with China and its effect on the build and fly a plane, then his endeavor rest of the world is less positive. If trade would have proved impossible). protectionist politicians, like Bernie Turn to A5 The inefficiency of making even

SECTION 2. The President, the Vice President, the Members of the Supreme Court, the Members of the Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman may be removed from office, on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust. All other public officers and employees may be removed from office as provided by law, but not by impeachment.

Impeachment would be the way out if he or she did hold office LEGALLY. If the holding of office was, ab initio, tainted with a fatal infirmity, then such a person could never have really been duly appointed, and quo warranto would be proper to make him or her vacate the position.

More importantly, however, the Rules of the Supreme Court as Presidential Electoral Tribunal provide for quo warranto proceedings against the President and the Vice President, both IMPEACHABLE officials who, under the Constitution, may be removed from office only by impeachment.

Rule 12. Jurisdiction.—The Tribunal shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President or VicePresident of the Philippines. (R12) Rule 13. How initiated.—An election contest is initiated by the filing of an election protest or a petition for quo warranto against the President or Vice President. An election protest shall not include a petition for quo warranto. A petition for quo warranto shall not include an election protest. (R13a) In other words, against the President and the Vice President—both impeachable officials of whom the Constitution ordains that they may be removed from office only by impeachment, quo warranto will lie.

Why should a Chief Justice be subject to better treatment—outside the ambit of quo warranto proceedings?

What textual support is there in the Constitution for this argument that a Chief Justice cannot be the subject of quo warranto proceedings?

I really do not see the point—and if so many brilliant people say that a Chief Justice is not susceptible to quo warranto proceedings, then I must be damn stupid! rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@outlook.com

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

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Opinion

THE ADB’s Asian Development Out- credit to businesses increased by 18.1 look 2018 report, released April 11, percent in the same month.

The government is improving the 2018, projects 6.8 percent gross domestic product growth for 2018, faster investment climate by streamlining than the 6.7 percent rate in 2017. The procedures for doing business in naeconomy will grow further, by 6.9 tional and local agencies alike, including for business registration and applipercent, in 2019.

Strengthening domestic demand cations for permits.

In December 2017, Fitch Ratings upwill underpin growth in 2018 and 2019. Investment will be supported graded the Philippine rating for longby large public infrastructure projects term foreign currency credit to BBB such as national and provincial roads, from BBB–,which should reinforce railways, airports, and the Philippines’ market confidence.

A business outlook survey conductfirst mass transit subway.

Export growth will likely moderate ed by the central bank in first quarter from last year’s rebound. Low unem- of 2018 found sentiment upbeat in reployment and steady remittances will sponse to strong domestic demand and continue to support private consump- the expected increase in public infrastructure spending. tion, says the Manila-based ADB. By sector, services will continue to “Along with domestic demand, the government’s infrastructure invest- provide much of GDP growth as broad ments will fuel the country’s growth expansion continues. The purchasin the next few years, supported by ing managers’ index in January 2018 a sound economic policy setting. We reached its highest since May 2016 expect this growth to further lift wage with improving readings for services, employment numbers, add to house- trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing will continue to exhold incomes, and benefit more poor families across the archipelago,” said pand on robust domestic demand and Kelly Bird, ADB’s new country direc- exports. The manufacturing production index rose by 21.9 percent year on tor for the Philippines.

Bird gushed the Philippines was year in January 2018 on strong growth in food and bevernow on its “golden ages, construction age” as economic materials, and growth has been some export-oriachieved for more ented products. than 50 years.

An ADB official said ConstrucHe said, ecotion will benefit nomic expansion the Philippines was now largely from pubwould be sustained on its ‘golden age’ as lic infrastructure in 2018 and 2019 economic growth has projects, but it as “reforms are in is notable that place to support been achieved for more building permits the government’s than 50 years. for privately coninfrastructure structed commerplan,” referring cial and office to the massive buildings expand“Build, Build, Build” program. Here is ADB’s out- ed by 23.2 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2017. look report on PH: As growth strengthens, inflation is An accommodative fiscal policy is likely to continue this year and next. projected to pick up to 4 percent in The 2018 budget raises expenditure by 2018, using a consumer price index 12.4 percent over last year, with two- series based on 2006. Inflation in the thirds allocated to regions outside of first two months of this year accelerated to 4.2 percent using that series Metro Manila.

Allocations for the provinces are 25 but slowed to 3.7 percent using a new percent higher than in 2017 and are series rebased on 2012.

Inflation largely reflected a rise in earmarked for rural development and job creation toward improving rural global oil and food prices and peso incomes. The budget for infrastruc- depreciation. Higher excises on fuel, ture is a quarter higher, equal to 6.1 sugar-sweetened beverages, and cigapercent of GDP, up from 5.4 percent rettes since January 2018 could contribute to inflation, but mitigation in 2017.

The government recently approved measures are under way.

The government is moving away free tuition in all state universities and colleges under the Universal Access to from restrictions on the volume of rice Quality Tertiary Education Act, 2017 imports toward tariffs on rice imports and free irrigation for smallholder to help augment domestic supply and farmers under the Free Irrigation Ser- contain domestic rice prices. Inflation is forecast at 3.9 percent in 2019, with vice Act, 2018.

The government is mobilizing more upward adjustment to monetary policy revenue to allow for higher investment rates anticipated in line with tightenin infrastructure and social services ing monetary policy globally.

Import growth is expected to outwhile keeping the fiscal deficit within 3 percent of GDP in the medium term. pace export growth in light of robust It thus targets the ratio of revenue to domestic demand.

The expected widening of the merGDP in the 2018 budget to rise to 16.3 chandise trade deficit this year and percent from 15.7 percent last year.

Early progress toward achieving the next should mean a wider but still revenue target was made in December modest current account deficit, con2017 with the approval of the Tax Re- tained by a further rise in remittances form for Acceleration and Inclusion and service exports, notably in busilaw, the first phase of government’s ness process outsourcing and tourism.

Improving business sentiment comprehensive tax reform program.

The law is projected to yield P90 points to a continued uptrend in forbillion in additional revenue in 2018 eign direct investment.

External risks to the outlook would and P144 billion in 2019. Further augmentation of tax revenue is anticipated be heightened volatility in international as the government pursues succeeding financial markets or a revival of protectionist trade policies around the world. phases of comprehensive tax reform.

However, a strong external payStrong household consumption is seen continuing this year and next. ments position appears to make the Remittances from overseas Filipinos Philippines resilient under any foreare expected to continue to support seeable external shock.

External debt trended down to the household consumption. From the fiscal side, a cut in the personal income equivalent of 23.3 percent of GDP in tax should boost disposable income 2017. National government debt has and consumption among taxpayers, moderated to 42.1 percent of GDP and but an increase in excise taxes on pe- is denominated mostly in local currency.

The Philippine government has emtroleum products and a few other commodities could be a counterweight re- barked on a massive infrastructure program worth $160 billion–$180 bilstraining household consumption.

Several signs point to strengthen- lion from 2017 to 2022, called “Build, ing private investment. Imports of Build, Build.” capital goods rose by 16.9 percent year biznewsasia@gmail.com on year in January 2018, while bank

Locked...

From A4

suspects the Russians are behind it to prop up the Bashir al-Assad regime.

The United Nations Convention Against the Use of Chemical Warfare has yet to express its concern over this latest Russian provocation.

The Russians are known for the de-

velopment of chemical weapons. The recent nerve agent attack on a former Soviet spy and his daughter in England resulted in the expulsion of more than a dozen Russian diplomats from its embassy in London. Moscow has yet to respond in a tit-for-tat manner but international observers see a return to the Cold War because of this brazen incident against a Russian who sought sanctuary in Britain.

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Friday the 13th

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

Economy still dependent on people’s spending

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

FORMATION GARY OLIVAR AS THE Supreme Court winds up today its first week of hearings in Baguio on the quo warranto petition filed against its chief, the beleaguered Ms. Sereno must be feeling the full weight of a Friday the 13th, a day traditionally regarded as unlucky.

It couldn’t have helped her equanimity to hear the President come out openly against her at the start of the hearings. Before leaving to attend the Boao Forum in China last Monday, Duterte declared that Sereno is “bad” for the country, adding that “I am putting on notice that you are now my enemy…I already told you I did not meddle. [But] if you are insisting, count me in.”

Normally I would have counseled a little more presidential patience. But the man has his limits like everyone else, and Sereno alone is to blame for continually goading Duterte to admit that he was the unseen hand behind her alleged persecution.

It might appear that way to some, true, but mere appearances don’t count as evidence. Contrast Duterte’s earlier circumspection with the behavior of PNoy, who famously turned his back on a handshake from the late CJ Corona at a public event, egged on the impeachment witch hunt every chance he could get, and finished off Corona by arranging for the payment of P50 million in PDAF funds to each of the senators save three.

Likewise contrast the dignified comportment of Corona throughout his ordeal with the public behavior of Sereno, who can’t seem to decide if she will play the pitiable victim of persecution, the vengeful defender of feminism, or the legal statesman aloof from it all.

Whatever her persona of the moment may be, one thing is sure: Her mouth is rarely closed.

This is why it was laughable for PNoy’s solicitor general Florin Hilbay to describe Duterte’s outburst as “executive overreach.” It’s like the pot calling the kettle black—or, in this case, the toilet bowl calling the urinal yellow. *** Also feeling unlucky must be the

large developers whose mega-projects planned for Boracay have now been put on hold—perhaps permanently—by Duterte’s decision to close down the island for six months of “preventive maintenance.”

Both Duterte and his DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu have put the kibosh on a $500-million integrated casino-hotel planned by Leisure & Resorts World with Chinese co-investors, which had already received a provisional license from Pagcor.

But there are other projects that may also be affected, such as Double Dragon’s 1,001-room beachfront hotel, the country’s biggest; Andrew Tan’s 559room casino-hotel; and the BoracayCaticlan bridge proposed by Ramon Ang, who already operates the Caticlan airport and is now planning to build a resort complex in Nabas, Aklan.

Under this can-do presidency, anything can happen.

PNP head already opened up several new fronts: • Agreed to comply with the Supreme Court’s order to disclose information about the PNP’s drug war—There’s no way you can get away with defying the SC (unless you’re a PNoy preventing GMA from seeking medical treatment abroad). Albayalde showed that he respects our court system.

• Recommended drug tests for candidates in the upcoming barangay and SK elections—These may have to be done voluntarily, since the SC has already ruled that such mandatory tests are unconstitutional. But the new chief clearly isn’t afraid of pushing the envelope.

• Will adapt the SAF training program for the entire PNP—His intent isn’t to convert every cop into trained commandos, but rather to instill better discipline. The PNP clearly needs this in order to avoid the temptations raised by its frequent brushes with the criminal underworld.

• Promised to help the PCSO fight illegal gambling—Illegal gambling goes together with illegal drugs like peas in an evil pod. Perhaps the PNP and PCSO could form a joint initiative that could be dubbed “Task Force Ipitin ang Jueteng.”

The marching orders to Albayalde from DILG’s Secretary Ed Año, himself a former AFP chief of staff, are “to go after PNP personnel who are a disgrace to their uniform, especially those who are AWOL, sleeping, non-performing, and drinking on the job. All of them should be dismissed.”

These are tough new military-grade standards indeed. All those rogues and scalawags in police uniform must be feeling pretty unlucky these days. *** Luckily for Año and Albayalde, the new “double-A team” has the wind at their backs.

Online database Numbeo reports that five Philippine cities—Valenzuela, Davao, Makati, Baguio and Cebu— rank among the 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia, according to netizens who visited their website. “Double-A” performance could mean doubling that number from five to 10.

Doable? Under this can-do presidency, anything can happen.

At the same time, Duterte has been making noises about placing the island under land reform and agricultural development. Prior land claims will now be subjected to audit, while government decides whether giving the island over to farming is both legally and technically feasible at this point.

What’s missing so far is a grand new vision for Boracay—one that decides once and for all if the island will go large or go small. If large, let’s bring in those mega-projects and build all the support infrastructure to make sure they operate cleanly. If small, let’s scrap the bridge to Caticlan and look to make up the foregone tourism revenues from elsewhere. *** We’re most encouraged by the statements coming from incoming PNP chief P/SD Oscar Albayalde, who seems to be already running even before hitting the ground. Just a week after announcement of his promotion, before he Readers can write me at gbolieven had the chance to warm his new seat, the redoubtable Metro Manila var1952@yahoo.com.

Lawyers behaving badly “HE STRIKES me as a very arrogant person. He thinks he can say anything.”

This is a quote from Mary Cheh that popped up when I searched for “the arrogance of lawyers,”which has become such a cliché that there are countless examples on the Internet.

Why are some lawyers so arrogant in their attitude that they say anything they like, no matter how hurtful or vulgar or rude? Even if spoken in the heat of the moment, did think they think can get away with it? Take a look at the latest capers of these two counsels, Frederick “Spocky” Farolan and Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon.

Farolan was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to the University of the Philippines Board of Regents.

Gadon, a failed senatorial candidate and once a spokesman for former President Gloria Arroyo, filed impeachment complaints against Supreme Court Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno.

Farolan drew the ire of many Filipinos for his haughty replies to insistent queries about the release of the results of University of the Philippines College Admission Test.

Instead of explaining the reasons for the delay to the public (which he did afterward), Farolan issued a series of diatribes on social media, saying the complainers should make sure they passed the UPCAT, otherwise he would “mock/insult you including the core of your soul.”

He bragged about his UP pedigree, saying he would “make them taste the pure mockery of one who truly passed the UPCAT” and “finished not only [his] undergraduate degree but also

The $1,500...

From A4

Sanders on the left and Donald Trump on the right, continue to have their way, then the freedom to trade internationally may deteriorate further. They put down trade by claiming that it harms the economy and destroys jobs. Yet, there is a widespread agreement among economists that free trade is key to prosperity.

[his] law degree in UP.” He issued a threat of sorts, saying that if they passed, “I will make sure that we meet and you will know the meaning of the phrase ‘consequences of your actions.’ Make sure you can stand by your complaints.”

Not only that, Farolan larded that post with these hashtags: “#MgaP unyetangIngratoPuroReklamo”and #WalangPumipilitNaMagUPKayo.”

In response to Farolan’s meltdown, party-list lawmaker Carlos Roman Uybarreta called for his resignation last Monday, saying that “The honorable exit for you is to become a private

These episodes are exhausting and embarrassing to watch, and reflect badly on the profession and its community.

credit of the legal profession.”

The photo is often accompanied by the hashtag #DisbarGadon, along with the email address of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

This is not the first of Gadon’s such antics. In a GMA TV interview on March 2016, he issued hateful remarks against Muslims, saying “I will kneel before the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to beg them not to launch attacks. I will cry stones and blood, and on the 11th time and they still refuse, I will attack them and bring the entire Philippine Army there and kill them all. I will burn their houses and eradicate their clans, even if my soul burns in hell later.”

In response to this, lawyers Algamar Latiph and Musa Malayang filed a disbarment case against Gadon for improper conduct.

Lawyers are supposed to hold themselves to lofty standards. To be a lawyer one must be intelligent; but one must also have a heart and soul for others.

To pass four years of law school and the grueling Bar exam are accomplishments that will make anyone proud; but “pride cometh before a fall.”

These shenanigans of “conduct unbecoming” are exhausting and embarrassing to watch, and reflect badly on the profession and its community.

To the young lawyers and law students, please don’t grow up to be arrogant. ‘Wag tularan ito. Practice selfcontrol and self-awareness. Comport yourself with dignity and integrity. Uphold the spirit and letter of the law without fear or favor. Be, as Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. said, “great lawyers.”

And great lawyers don’t rant on Facebook, nor do they flip the bird in public.

citizen. It seems like you need a respite from the strenuous requirements of public service.”

Meanwhile, a photo of Gadon giving the dirty finger to pro-CJ Sereno supporters in Baguio is being shared widely on social media. He also yelled at them “Mga bobo! Mga bobo!”

On the photo being shared are the words “Code of Professional Responsibility, Rule 7.03: A lawyer shall not engage in conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law, nor shall Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and commuhe whether in public or private life be- nication consultant. FB and Twitter: @ have in a scandalous manner to the dis- DrJennyO

This morning, as you drink your coffee, take a moment to consider where it comes from. You probably would not be drinking it right now if it were not for trade. The sandwich-from-scratch video elegantly draws attention to the myriad ways in which the exchange of goods and services across national borders touches lives and helps raise living standards. Almost everything you use is the product of a complex web of human cooperation, often extending beyond your country. Even something as simple

as a bag of groceries or a pencil is the end result of a “symphony of human activity that spans the globe.”

Countries that impose obstacles to exchange—either domestic or international—reduce the ability of their citizens to achieve gains from trade and to live more prosperous lives.

Eric Jurado writes about the values of personal and economic freedom, and their importance in advancing peace, prosperity, and human progress.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

News

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 A6 Standard TODAY Manila

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cagayan mayor faces graft raps

IN BRIEF NHA files breach of contract vs some beneficiaries THE National Housing Authority has filed charges of breach of contract against some housing beneficiaries and a buyer in Zamboanga City before a lower court.

General manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. ordered the filing of the charges against original unit beneficiaries Armin Joe Pakkal and Sarip Juaad Ismail, as well as buyer Ali Akbal Mohammad Kahal before the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court.

The charges emerged when a duplex in Barangay Tulungatung in Zamboanga City collapsed mid-February.

Escalada said the respondents disregarded the NHA policies, rules and regulations on housing loan agreement.

Upon learning of the crashing incident, he directed the strict imposition of the terms and conditions of contracts between the beneficiaries and the agency.

“Review the contracts, impose the terms and conditions of contracts,” he said.

He issued a stern warning to other NHA beneficiaries not to engage in such activity, saying they would face stricter penalties.

“File a case against the awardee(s) for selling it and the buyer for destroying the property of the NHA. That will send a strong signal to all living in that particular place,” he said. Rio N. Araja

Ejercito renews call to hasten shelters building SENATOR JV Ejercito renewed his call to the National Housing Authority to hasten the building of shelters to ensure the safety of the typhoon victims as priority beneficiaries of the project.

During Thursday’s visit in Tacloban City, he conducted an inspection at the government housing projects intended for the victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” which hit and devastated the province in 2013.

Ejercito, who chairs the Senate Committee on Urban Planning Housing and Resettlement, is personally assessing the structural stability of the permanent shelters that were already built after receiving numerous complaints regarding the use of sub-standard materials in building the houses.

Previous reports in the media also revealed that mediocre structures were found in the designated resettlement areas.

The senator is also conducting consultations with stakeholders, especially those staying in various areas that continuously pose threat to the lives of the people.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Rio N. Araja

SCHOLARS LAUDED. Leyte (1st District) Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (right) congratulates more than 400 graduates under her scholarship program during the Thanksgiving and Recognition of YKR Scholars for 2017-2018 at the RTR Gym in Tacloban City. From their ranks, 34 were graduated Cum Laude, one Magna Cum Laude—from Eastern Visayas State University (Tanauan Campus), EVSU Main Campus in Tacloban, Leyte Normal University, Asian Development College, Leyte Colleges and St. Paul School of Professional Studies. Ver Noveno

‘Ligtas Tigdas’ launched to check measles spread

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

A

MID the filing of charges over the anti-dengue Dengvaxia vaccine that led to the filing of charges against former and incumbent health officials, the Department of Health on Thursday launched the “Ligtas Tigdas,” a strategy to curb the spread of measles through the provision of free vaccination among infants and children 6-59 months.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III assured the public that measles vaccine was safe.

He said adverse reactions following vaccination were generally mild and transient.

Slight pain, tenderness mild swelling and redness at the injection site, mild fever and local adenopathy might occur.

Severe and systemic reactions following vaccination are rare.

“In the event of a serious adverse events following immunization, we advise parents to immediately bring their child to any DoH hospital, local government hospital for proper treatment and management,” Duque said.

“Rest assured that your DoH is deeply committed to protect our children

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

against serious and often fatal vaccine-preventable diseases like measles through provision of vaccination,” the health chief said.

He noted that vaccination has been proven to be the most effective public health intervention.

“In fact, since the last measles mass immunization campaign in 2014, this resulted to (sic) a significant reduction in measles transmission. However, measles cases have again begun to spread in the last quarter of 2017 leading to some significant outbreaks,” said the DoH. This year, outbreaks were declared in Taguig City as well as Zamboanga and Davao.

In the current measles outbreak, data

from the Epidemiology Bureau showed that there were 4,168 measles cases reported nationwide from Jan. 1 to March 26, 2018.

Out of the 4,168 reported cases, 723 were laboratory-confirmed measles with a total of 13 deaths.

Most of the confirmed cases came from regions XI (27.73 percent), ARMM (21.59 percent), IX (14.32 percent), XII (10.45 percent), and X (10 percent).

Outbreak Response Immunization is being implemented in affected provinces, however, the measles virus transmission continues to date.

To address the upsurge of measles transmission, a National Measles Supplemental Immunization Activity will be conducted from April 25-May 25, 2018 in NCR and on May 9-June 8, 2018 in Mindanao regions.

This will involve the administration of measles containing vaccine to infants and children aged 6-59 months.

Health workers are instructed to practice standard immunization safety to prevent AEFIs and transmission of blood-borne infections.

They are also advised not to use vials with any sign of contamination or breakage.

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

A MAYOR from Cagayan province is facing a graft case before the Office of the Ombudsman for the questionable sale of a beachfront two years ago.

In a six-page complaint, Consuelo Orteza filed a case of violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Alcala Mayor Criselda Antonio-Pua for allegedly taking advantage of a grieving family who sold a 12,000-square meter beachfront property in 2016.

Included in the charge sheet were Ofelia Permentier and one Jarl.

Orteza claimed the respondents duped her and her family over Permentier’s failure to settle her balance of P8.35 million for the acquisition of family’s beach cove property in Sta. Ana municipality.

In 2016, Permentier signified her intention to buy Orteza’s 12,000 square meters out of the 16,208-sq.m. lot belonging to Orteza.

Orteza and her children inherited the property when her husband, Jesus, passed away.

The complainant told the Ombudsman the family sold the beachfront property to enable them to pay the P2-million debt left behind by Jesus due to his hospitalization and death.

Orteza agreed to sell the property to Permentier and Jarl at P10.8 million, and that Permentier gave her P1 million to pay the capital gains, documentary stamp taxes, transfer fees, estate taxes, real property taxes and other expenses so that the transaction could push through.

Permentier asked Orteza to sign an “agreement,” a “deed of sale,” so that the buyer could settle her balance of P9.8 million.

Upon signing the deed of sale, Orteza said Permentier told her that the balance would only be settled once the land title was changed and placed her name.

On Nov. 8, 2016, however, Permentier allegedly told the complainant that she could ask for the balance of the amount due from Antonio-Pua, who reduced the remaining balance to P6.75 million after deductions for the real estate agent’s commission in January 2017.

On Feb. 3, 2017, Antonio-Pua issued a promissory note promising to pay the grieving family P8.35 million to make up for her lapses.

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF THE PORTS OF PIO DURAN, CASTILLA, BULAN, VIRAC, TABACO AND JOSE PANGANIBAN, BICOL REGION

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF SURIGAO AND MASAO PORTS, NORTHERN MINDANAO

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF DAPITAN, ILIGAN AND CAGAYAN DE ORO PORTS, NORTHERN MINDANAO

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2018, intends to apply the sum of P 125,126,313.35 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of the Ports of Pio Duran, Castilla, Bulan, Virac, Tabaco and Jose Panganiban, Bicol Region (LFP BCL No. 006-2018). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2018, intends to apply the sum of P 65,000,854.38 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Surigao and Masao Ports, Northern Mindanao (LFP NOMIN No. 007-2018). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2018, intends to apply the sum of P 81,981,666.52 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Dapitan, Iligan and Cagayan de Oro Ports, Northern Mindanao (LFP NOMIN No. 008-2018). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along berths and maneuvering areas of the Ports to a designed depth below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), as follows: 5.00m. for the Ports of Pio Duran, Castilla and Bulan; 6.50m. for Virac Port; 11.00m. for Tabaco Port and 5.50m. for Jose Panganiban Port B. Total Volume to be dredged = 242,000 cu.m. of loose to medium dense clayish, soil, mud, silt and sand with possible compacted/hard materials. (20,000 cu.m. for Pio Duran; 50,000 cu.m. for Castilla; 40,000 cu.m. for Bulan; 21,500 cu.m. for Virac; 62,500 cu.m. for Tabaco and 48,000 cu.m. for Jose Panganiban C. Disposal of dredged soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 345 calendar days.

Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 13 April 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

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

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 23 April 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 08 May 2018. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 08 May 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium B – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

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

For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539 PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along berths and maneuvering areas of the Ports to a designed depth below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), as follows: 8.00 and 10.00m. for Surigao Port and 7.00 and 8.00m. for Masao Port B. Total Volume to be dredged = 120,000 cu.m.

(50,000 cu.m. for Surigao Port and 70,000 cu.m. for Masao Port) of loose to medium dense clayish, soil, mud, silt and sand with possible compacted/hard materials. C. Disposal of dredged soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 187 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 13 April 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

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

Standard – Apr. 13, 2018

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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 13 April 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

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

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 23 April 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 23 April 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 1:00 p.m. of 08 May 2018. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 09 May 2018. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 08 May 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bid opening shall be on 09 May 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

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

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

For further information, please refer to:

For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along berths and maneuvering areas of the Ports to a designed depth below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), as follows: 6.00 and 8.00m. for Dapitan Port; 5.50, 8.00 and 11.00m. for Iligan Port and 11.00 and 13.00m. for Cagayan de Oro Port B. Total Volume to be dredged = 155,000 cu.m. (45,000 cu.m., 40,000 cu.m. and 70,000 cu.m., respectively) of loose to medium dense clayish, soil, mud, silt and sand with possible compacted/hard materials C. Disposal of dredged soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 230 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) Standard – Apr. 13, 2018

Standard – Apr. 13, 2018

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

Manila

Standard

TODAY

A7

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Cebu bets lead winners of Lhuillier net tourney BETS from Cebu and its neighboring islands led the winners in the recent Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Championship Series leg in Talibon, Bohol as they took four of the nine individual titles at stake.

Tiffany Claire Nocos from Lapu-Lapu City won two, while multi-titled Marc Nicole Suson and Aaron Kevin Tabura won one crown each.

Nocos ruled both the girls’ 14-under and 16-under age groups in the well-attended leg that drew 111 entries, beating Corazon Lambunao from Ormoc, Leyte, 6-2, 6-0, in the finals of the 14-under and followed it up with a three-set victory, 6-2, 6-7, 10-7 over Cebu’s Ashley McKenzie in the 16-under championship match.

Nocos also teamed up with Kimberley McKenzie and edged out Shedel Gica and Ellaine Rose Bahonsua, 8-7, in the finals of the girls’ 18-under doubles.

Suson made it back to back following his triumph in the Coron leg earlier as he beat Dipolog City bet Stephen Zion

EXHIBITION GAME. Team Pilipinas San Beda U-13 is shown after its exhibition game against Binan Youth selection at Alonte Sports Center over the weekend. Binan City Vice Mayor Gel Alonte [far right] hosted the event, highlighted by the opening of VMGA Binan Inter-Barangay Basketall Tournament 2018. In photo are organizer Ray Alao [far left], head coach Manu Inigo [beside VM], assistants Andy Mejos, VL Sandalo, team consultant Dennis Villa Ignacio [center] and players team captain Prince Alao, Lanze Ronquillo, Nathan Manarang, Yco Protacio, Tonchie Conde, Jomel Yap, Dexter Alapar, Jabez Lirazan, Redrick Caidic, Cole Bathan, Gelo Alonte, Deandre Largueza, Marlon Alcera, Marcus Espiritu, Elbert Lopez and Jharmaine Lecciones.

Team Pilipinas SBC U-13, which will participate in the 2018 NCAA Pacific Rim Basketball Championship this month in Bangkok, Thailand, outscored Binan, 72-69.

Compulsory retirement age of race jockeys lowered to 55 THE Social Security System has reduced the compulsory retirement age for professional racehorse jockeys, from 60 years old to 55 years old, in compliance with Republic Act 10789 or the Racehorse Jockeys Retirement Act. Based on RA 10789, the reduced age is to protect racehorse jockeys from the “inherent dangers of their profession which causes life-threatening injuries, permanent disability or even death.”

“Considering the danger the racehorse jockeys encounter, the new policy will allow them to enjoy their retirement benefit five years earlier than other SSS members,” said SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc.

In the Department of Labor and Employment Order No. 169, the new compulsory retirement age covers those who have been employed and certified as a racehorse jockey by an employer licensed by the Philippine Racing Commission.

In addition, they must have also worked as a racehorse jockey for at least five years, either continuous or intermittent, prior to the semester of retirement which actual date falls not earlier than May 24, 2016, the effectivity date of the Racehorse Jockeys Retirement Act. However, the DOLE order emphasized that the compulsory retirement age of 55 is applicable only in the absence of an approved retirement plan by the employer.

Aside from the requirements given by DOLE, a racehorse-jockey SSS member must have paid at least 120 contributions to qualify for monthly retirement benefits under the SSS otherwise, the member will only receive a lump sum benefit. The member, however, has the option not to file the SSS retirement benefit claim application and instead continue to contribute to complete the required 120 contributions to qualify for a monthly pension.

Guia, 6-2, 6-0, in the boys’ 18-under, while Aaron Kevin Tabura set the tone for Cebu by ruling the 10-under unisex group, where he prevailed over Daveaine Therese Gauran from Negros Oriental, 4-0, 4-2 in the finals of the event also supported by Dunlop as the official ball.

“Cebu has been a long-time power in sports in the Visayas and right now, the province is showing the way in tennis in the region,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President/ CEO of the sponsoring Cebuana Lhuillier Group that has been bank-rolling this grassroots tennis program for the last 12 years.

Boholanos shared in the glory as the duo of John Kenneth Jumamoy from Inabanga and Chryshyll Mykk Lungay from Ubay won their respective age groups, with Jumamoy emerging champion in the boys’ 12-under where he took the measure of another local bet Carl Kenneth Miasco, 7-6, 6-2, in the finals.

Lungay did the same to Miasco, 7-6, 6-0, in the championship match of the boys’ 14-under.

CEZA hosts national motocross

S

TA ANA, Cagayan—A world-class Cagayan Economic Zone Authority track that meets Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme international and Asian standards hosts the 2nd round of this year’s Philippine championship series of the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association, the sporting authority for motorcycle sports in the Philippines.

Also dubbed as the 2018 CEZA-Eastern Hawaii National Motocross Championship, the motocross extravaganza set April 14 and 15 and held under the auspices of the NAMSSA is one of the many firsts introduced to promote CEZA as an investment hub, a tourism destination and

a motorsports venue in Northern Luzon.

“The circuit is 95% complete and meets FIM international safety standards. It will be fully operational in a few days, made out of sandy loam, which is weatherproof and the deep sand will be good rider training for race bike con-

trol like in Europe, the first of its kind in the Philippines,” said NAMSSA president Stephan Macky Carapiet, who was also recently elected as president of the FIM Asia.

The Sta. Ana track, courtesy of Mayor Darwin Tobias, was designed and built under the supervision of NAMSSA, in accordance with the technical and safety standards of the FIM, the world governing body for motorcycle sports, of which the NAMSSA is the sole Philippine member.

NAMSSA is also affiliated with the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Tobias said the Municipality of Sta. Ana is providing all the necessary support

‘Not Plastic’ campaign at Nat Geo Run

By Peter Atencio WITH awareness for the environment in mind, the Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2018 is set to take off on April 22 at the Mall of Asia grounds.

This time around, plastic cups will not be allowed for use by runners to hydrate themselves during the run.

That’s because race organizers are officially launching the #NotPlastic campaign.

The campaign will deal the country’s issue on single-use plastics that pollute oceans and threaten marine biodiversity.

“We will introduce Plastic Free. We will not be serving water on plastic cups. So, everyone upon registration, will get a water bottle for the run,” said race director Rio de la Cruz of RunRio. De la Cruz discussed the

race during its launch yesterday at the Maxim Hotel in Pasay City with Jude Turcuato, Fox Networks Group Asia general manager for the Philippines.

He said elite runners will be invited to join, but most of them do not hydrate and drink water while racing.

For the sixth time, the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines will partner again with organizers on their advocacy for the race.

Organizers are looking for to 15,000 runners seeing action the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K categories.

Unfortunately, De la Cruz said this will be the last time that they will be having Roxas Blvd. as the route of the race.

The Metro Manila Development Authority is

Magnaye, Morada win grand slam PETER Gabriel Magnaye and Alvin Morada scored their third straight men’s doubles title in the 11th Prima Pasta Badminton Championship recently, while women’s counterpart Alyssa Ysabel Leonardo and Thea Marie Pomar captured also their third consecutive crown at the Powersmash badminton court in Makati City.

Magnaye and Morada crushed Christian Bernardo and Paul John Pantig, 24-19, 1921, 21-9, to take home the men’s doubles open title of the annual competition sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association and affiliated with the Philippine National Ranking System.

Leonardo and Pomar blasted fellow national players Airah Mae Nicole Albo and Sarah Joy Barredo, 24-22, 21-15, to win the women’s open crown of the tournament participated by hundreds doubles participants in different levels.

The tourney was supported by Babolat, SMART Communications, Boysen Paints, Morning Star Milling Corporation., Mabz Builders, ILO Construction, Monocrete Construction, Pioneer Insurance, Promax International, Regent Foods Corp., RFM Corp and Del Monte Phils.

Allem Palmares and Gregg Paz, meanwhile, bested Bernardo and Pantig, 21-18, 21-19, to win the men’s doubles’ A crown, while Andrei Babad and Michael Adrian Clemente beat Joffre Arollado and Emilio Mangubat, 21-9, 11-5 (retired) to take home the men’s doubles’ B crown.

The other men’s doubles champions in different categories were Rafael Dionisio and Nepthali Pineda (C); Vetrimar Concepcion and Johan Art Rivas (D); Jon Barrizo and Jeff Monton (E); Jay Luna and Ryan Marfa (F); Teody Bautista and Richard Joshua (G).

The women’s doubles champions in different classes were Patricia Barredo

disallowing any more road races along Roxas Blvd., according to de la Cruz.

“We are helping the Earth and the environment. And we have done this in the past with the help of the WWF,” said Turcuato.

De la Cruz added that elite runners registered in the 21K category can join a series of running clinics.

Here, experts will share warm-up and cool-down lessons, hydration and post-run exercises that will help runners prepare for the race.

The running clinics will take place on March 5 and 7 and April 9 and 11 at Track 30th at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Interested participants can log onto the Nat Geo Earth Day Run website (http://www.natgeoearthdayrun.com/).

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 217 – QUEZON CITY

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF QUEZON CITY, THE ADMINISTRATOR AND CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (formerly NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE) AND ALL OTHER PERSONS WHO HAVE OR CLAIM ANY INTEREST IN THE INSTANT PETITION, Respondents. x-----------------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER

Alvin Morada (left) and Peter Gabriel Magnaye winners of men’s double open title

and Lea Hermosilla (B); Andrea Abalos and Dennise Silva (C); Stephanie Grace Mortera and Maridaine Pena (D); Anthea Marie Gonzalez and Rachel Claire Tanada (E); Anna Inlayo and Liza Inlayo (F).

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE SALE OF VARIOUS SUB-TRANSMISSION LINES/ASSETS OF THE NATIONAL TRANSMISSION CORPORATION (TRANSCO) TO CEBU II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (CEBECO II), AS COVERED BY A CONTRACT TO SELL DATED 19 DECEMBER 2014

This is a verified petition for correction of entry in the Certificate of Live Birth of Joshua Agao filed by petitioner himself.

The petition alleges that petitioner Joshua Agao was born on December 29, 1999 at East Avenue Medical Center, East Avenue, Quezon City to his unmarried parents Divina Fe P. Agao and Joel Herrera; that the Certificate of Live Birth of petitioner issued by the Office of the Civil Registrar General reflected an erroneous entry on Entry No. 3: Date of Birth as August 29, 1998 instead of December 29, 1999; that the correct date of birth of petitioner is December 29, 1999 as evidenced by his Certificate of Baptism issued by Members of Church of God International, NBI Clearance and Police Clearance; that petitioner could not obtain additional pieces of evidence due to the fact that he has no supporting school records; that the instant petition was filed in order to avoid possible and unnecessary dilemma in the future and to correct the erroneous entry in his certificate of live birth.

Wherefore, the petition is hereby set for hearing on May 11, 2018 at 8:30 in the morning before this Court located at Room 238, Second Floor, Hall of Justice, Diliman, Quezon City at which place and on which date and time, all interested persons must appear and file their opposition/s to the petition.

Let a copy of this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in the Manila Standard, a newspaper of general circulation throughout the Philippines.

Further, let a copy of the petition, and of this Order be served upon the Office of the Solicitor General, Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City and the Philippine Statistics Authority who may file their opposition thereto within fifteen (15) days from notice of this petition.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Philippines, February 20, 2018.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 05 October 2015, the applicants National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) and Cebu II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CEBECO II) filed a Joint Application for the approval of the sale of various sub-transmission assets covered by a contract to sell dated 19 December 2014.

Applicants TRANSCO and CEBECO II alleged the following in their Joint Application: Applicants, National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) and Cebu II Electric Cooperative (CEBECO II), through their respective counsels, and to this Honorable Commission respectfully aver that: 1.

TRANSCO is a government-owned and controlled corporation created and existing by virtue of R.A. No. 9136, otherwise known as a the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), with principal office address at the TRANSCO Main Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

2.

CEBECO II is an electric cooperative (EC) duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address in Malingin, Bogo City, Cebu, Philippines.

3.

By virtue of Section 8 of the EPIRA, TRANSCO assumed the electrical transmission functions of the National Power Corporation, and the responsibility of the latter for the planning, construction and centralized operation and maintenance of high voltage transmission facilities, including grid interconnections and ancillary services.

4.

Section 8 of the EPIRA and Rule 6, Section 8E of the EPIRA’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) also mandate the segregation of the transmission and Sub-transmission functions and assets for transparency and disposal, and authorize TRANSCO to negotiate for, and to transfer such sub-transmission assets (STAs) and facilities to qualified distribution utilities (DUs).

5.

Pursuant thereto, the Honorable Commission promulgated the “Guidelines on the Sale and Transfer of the TRANSCO’s Sub-transmission Assets and the Franchising of Qualified Consortium” (ERC Guideline) dated 17 October 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 3, Series of 2005 dated 17 March 2005 which set forth among others, the standards to distinguish TRANSCO’s transmission assets from its subtransmission and establish the approval process prior to the final sale and transfer of STAs to DUs.

6.

Consistent with the ERC Guidelines, TRANSCO adopted its own Guidelines on the Sale of Subtransmission Assets (‘TRANSCO Guidelines”) [Annex “A’] as approved by TRANSCO Board Resolution No. TC-2003-067 dated 28 November 2003 [Annex A-1”], as further amended by TRANSCO Board Resolution No. TC-2004-009 dated 16 March 2004 [Annex “A-2”].

7.

On 16 July 2011, this Honorable Commission issued Resolution No. 15, Series of 2011 entitles “A Resolution Adopting the Amended Rules for the Approval of the Sale and Transfer of TRANSCO’s Subtransmissfon Assets and the Acquisition by Qualified Consortiums.”

8.

In accordance with the aforesaid ERC Guidelines, and based on a thorough evaluation conducted by TRANSCO, it was determined that the Lugo Load-end Substation Equipment, 5 MVA is a sub-transmission asset.

Copies of the Report regarding the nature of the asset, List of STAs for sale to CEBECO II and the Single line diagram are attached as Annexes “B”,”C” and “D,” respectively.

9.

TRANSCO has clearly established that CEBECO II meets the financial capability criteria under Article IV of the ERC Guidelines in acquiring, operating, maintaining, upgrading and expanding the said STA. Attached are copies of the Financial Qualification Evaluation [Annex “E”] and Audited Financial Statements of CEBECO II as of 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2013 [Annex “F”].

10.

TRANSCO has likewise established that CEBECO II meets the minimum technical qualification of an EC as set forth under the ERC and TRANSCO Guidelines. Attached is a copy of CEBECO II’s Technical Qualification Evaluation [Annex “G’].

11.

CEBECO II is the only qualified EC that is directly connected to the Lugo Load-end Substation Equipment, 5 MVA, as evidenced by the attached List of Connected Distribution Utilities and Directly Connected Entities [Annex “H”].

12.

On 25 October 2014, the CEBECO II Board of Directors issued Resolution No. 111, Series of. 2014 [Annex “I“] relative to the desired acquisition.

13.

On 19 December 2014, TRANSCO and CEBECO II concluded a Contract to Sell [Annex “J”] covering the subject Sub-transmission asset amounting to FIVE MILLION THREE HUNDRED NINETY SIX THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE and EIGHTY SIX CENTAVOS, Philippine Currency (PhP5,396,425.86), plus interest, plus twelve percent value-added tax (12% VAT) thereon which is equivalent to SIX HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SEVENTY ONE PESOS and TEN CENTAVOS (PhP647,571.10) which CEBECO II shall pay in cash or through manager’s check.

14.

The subject STA is valued in reference to the Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) valuation pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 01, Series of 2009, as amended. An excerpt from the SKM report for the third regulatory period is attached as Annex “K’.

15.

Finally, applicants also respectfully submit the following documents in compliance with the Honorable Commission’s requirements: a. b.

Draft of the Deed of Absolute Sale [Annex “L”]; and, Franchise Description [Annex “M”].

16.

The proposed sale has satisfied all of the requirements and criteria set by the EPIRA and its IRR, as well as the ERC and TRANSCO’s Guidelines on the Sale of Subtransmission Assets.

17.

The approval by this Honorable Commission of the instant Joint Application shall pave the way for the attainment of a reformed electricity industry under the EPIRA, which would ultimately best serve the interest of the consuming public.

PRAYER

WHEREFORE, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission that the instant application for the approval of the sale of TRANSCO’s sub-transmission assets in favour of Cebu II Electric Cooperative, Inc. under the terms provided in the Contract to Sell dated 19 December 2014, be APPROVED. Applicants also pray for other just and equitable relief.

The Commission has set the Joint Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 02, May 2018 at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.), at CEBECO II’s Main Office, Malingin, Bogo City, Cebu.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1) 2) 3)

The petitioner’s name and address; The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicants rest their case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1) 2) 3)

The name and address of such person; A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Joint Application may request from Applicants that they be furnished with the same prior, to the date of the initial hearing. Applicants are hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Joint Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Joint Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO AGNES VST DEVANADERA and the Honorable commissioners ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 23rd day of March 2018 in Pasig City.

FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION:

(Sgd.) SANTIAGO M. ARENAS Judge

CC: PUBLIC ATTORNEY’S OFFICE Atty. Maureen Kascha L. Osoteo Counsel for the petitioner DOJ Building, Quezon City Office of the Solicitor General Quezon City

ERC CASE NO. 2015-174 RC

NATIONAL TRANSMISSION CORPORATION (TRANSCO) AND CEBU II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (CEBECO II), Applicants. x-----------------------------------------------------------------------------x

IN THE MATTER OF THE CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE OF JOSHUA AGAO, JOSHUA AGAO, Petitioner, -versusSP CASE NO. R-QZN-18-00968-SP

to ensure the success of the event, adding that his townmates as well as the entire province of Cagayan are excited to watch the world-class races.

The first-ever motocross championship to be staged here has lured elite riders from regional affiliates of NAMSSA Clubs such as Manila, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Laguna, Taytay, Laoag, Vigan, Isabela, Baguio, Montalban, Tugegarao and national and Asian campaigners, headed

by Motocross Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres and up-and-coming Moy-Moy Flores and Gabriel “Bilog” Macaso, to name a few.

Philippine Statistic Office Quezon City

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal

Divina Fe P. Agao B13 L9 SVH, Sta. Maria, Bulacan Joel Herrera (MS-Apr. 6, 13 & 20, 2018)

(MS-APR. 13 & 20, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

A8

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Alaska has high hopes on new import Campbell

By Jeric Lopez ANTONIO Campbell might be a new name in terms of incoming imports for the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, but Alaska is high on him.

The Aces believe that Campbell can be a force to reckon with as they hope he can lead them back to glory after constant mediocrity the past several campaigns.

The 23-year-old Campbell made his impact felt right away by impressing in his first scrimmages and tune-up games in Alaska’s lead-up to the second conference.

Alaska coach Alex Compton hopes that Campbell can continue what he started come tournament time.

“He (Campbell) is showing a lot of promise so far,” said Compton. “We are positive that he can help us in a big way in the coming conference. We’re excited to have him.”

Campbell has some serious backing behind him and his play as he was recommended by legendary Alaska import Sean Chambers, who is still very much part of the Aces, being a consultant from a distance.

Obviously, Alaska hopes that Campbell can turn out like Chambers, who was one of the premier imports in the 90s.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer is will be banking on a Triple Tower Threat with the entry of 6’9” import Troy Gillenwater, who will take the place of former Best Import awardee Charles Rhodes, now playing playing in the Korea Basketball League.

Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves rebounds the ball against Gary Harris and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of their teams’ game at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets, 112-106. AFP

Batang Gilas members join 2018 Palaro MEMBERS of the Batang Gilas national under-16 basketball are expected to make their presence felt in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa set April 15 to 21 at the Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. Team members Terrence Fortea and Joshua Lazaro will be playing for separate teams when the secondary basketball action starts on Monday.

The National Capital Region squad, the defending champion, will field in Fortea in an effort to retain the crown it won last year.

NCR pulled off an 75-48 smothering of host Western Visayas entry, Sta. Clarita International School of Iloilo when it was held in Antique.

They will be coached again by Goldwin Monteverde, who is now National University’s head coach in the junior division of the UAAP. On the other hand, Lazaro, who is playing for the San Beda University Red Cubs, will among the new faces that will grace Team Calabarzon, which missed the finals last year.

In last year’s finals, NCR finished its stint with a seven-game sweep.

NCR’s efforts in secondary basketball allowed it to cap its campaign with an overall medal haul of 98 golds, 66 silvers and 45 silvers.

Region IV-A (Southern Tagalog) was second overall with their 47-57-57 gold-silver-bronze haul, with Region VI (Western Visayas) in third (38-29-40).

NCR got most of its medals in the secondary division with a 66-45-26 tally. Peter Atencio

big men Timberwolves snap PBA in spotlight NBA playoff drought

L

OS ANGELES—Jimmy Butler scored 31 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 26 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves ended the NBA’s longest-running playoff drought, beating the Denver Nuggets 112-106 in overtime.

“We brought the city back to where it needs to be,” Butler said of the Timberwolves, who earned their first playoff berth in 14 years. “We believed in ourselves. We’ve got some guys who want to win.”

Niloa Jokic tallied 35 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets but he missed six of his last eight shots as Denver’s late rally fell short.

Wednesday’s game was the first time since 1997 that two teams played on the regular season’s final day with the winner advancing to the playoffs and the loser being ousted.

The Timberwolves advance to play Harden’s Rockets in the first round.

“I’ll probably fall asleep tonight and wake up in the middle of the night and start crying,” said Towns. “It’ll hit me, what happened.”

The Nuggets became the third team since 2009 to miss the playoff with 46 victories, highlighting how deep the talent is in the Western Conference this season.

Elsewhere, Markelle Fultz registered his first career triple-double as the Philadelphia 76ers won their 16th straight game and locked up

the third seed in the playoffs with a 13095 rout of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Justin Anderson scored a team-high 25 points and Dario Saric delivered 24 for the red-hot Sixers in one of 12 games on Wednesday marking the end of the 2017-18 NBA regular season.

The Sixers have won a franchise record 16 straight which also sets a league record for the best winning streak to end a season.

Fultz became the youngest player in NBA history with a triple-double with 13 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds.

“It was just a matter of going out there and enjoying myself and playing confident,” Fultz said.

There was plenty to decide on the final day of the regular season but not the scoring title. Houston Rockets James Harden already had that one locked up, becoming the first player to win back-to-back scoring titles since Kevin Durant won three straight between 2010-2012.

Philadelphia will open the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the sixth-seeded Miami Heat while Milwaukee will face the second seeded Boston Celtics. AFP

Cignal’s Bosnian import Sonja Milanovic crashes with a right ankle sprain at the half of the first set, a big blow that allowed Generika-Ayala to win. Roman Prospero

Lady Falcons, PH Youth share softball honors THE Philippine Youth team and Adamson U shared the women’s Open division crown as heavy rains halted the championship match in the Summer Grand Slam 12 softball tournament, forcing officials to declare them as co-champions last Wednesday.

The downpour rendered the Sto. Niño ball park unplayable with the Youth squad leading, 3-2, at the top of the third inning of the event presented

by Cebuana Lhuillier and sanctioned by the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (AsaPhil).

In other finals matches, Rizal Technological University edged Tanauan, 7-5, to claim the women’s Club trophy while the Phl Blu Boys downed Philippine Army, 5-3, to nail the men’s Open diadem.

Cabuyao, on the other hand, dominated the Quezon Nationals, 9-0, in the men’s Club finals.

“Our participants again exceeded my expectations as they showed grit, determination and hard work in each of their games. I am glad that on our 12th year, the Summer Grand Slam continues to become a venue for our local talents and even international softball players to show and test their mettle,” said AsaPhil president and Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, who also reiterated AsaPhil’s continued support.

AdU Alumni and Chikara-Brunei placed third and fourth, respectively, in the women’s Open section while Rizal Province finished third and Polytechnic University of the Philippines ended up fourth in the women’s Club division.

Philippine Air Force wound up third in the men’s Open category with PUP finishing fourth while Marikina City ended up third and RTU placed fourth in the men’s Club division.

Generika-Ayala clinches 7th spot in quarterfinals GENERIKA-AYALA pounced hard on a crippled Cignal squad to essay a masterful 25-22, 25-20, 25-20 victory in the penultimate day of the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Imports Darlene Ramdin and Symone Hayden carried the fight for the Lifesavers, who went on to seal the seventh spot in the quarterfinals of this prestigious club tourney backed by Isuzu and UCPB Gen with ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

With that, Generika-Ayala has to beat Petron twice in the next round to advance to the best-of-three semifinals of this battle that also has Mikasa, Asics, Senoh, LGR

Games Tomorrow:

(Gen. Trias Sports Center) 4 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Smart 6 p.m. – Petron vs Generika-Ayala

and Grand Sport as technical partners.

Meanwhile, top seed F2 Logistics will clash with eighth seed Smart; third seed Cocolife will tackle sixth seed Cignal; and fourth seed Foton will face fifth seed Sta. Lucia Realty armed with a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals starting tomorrow at the Gen. Trias Sports Center in Gen. Trias City in Cavite.

A member of the Trinidad and Tobago national team, Ramdin delivered

16 of her team-high 17 points from kills while Hayden chipped in 13 attacks and a block to finish with 14 points for the Lifesavers, who took advantage of the HD Spikers’ erratic attacks after Bosnian import Sonja Milanovic crashed with a right ankle sprain at the half of the first set.

“Her absence was a major blow for Cignal,” said Generika-Ayala head coach Sherwin Meneses shortly after closing their classification round campaign with a 3-7 win-loss card.

“Sonja is legitimate scorer and their top option on offense. Her absence limited their offensive options and gave us good opportunities defensively.”

FRONTCOURT players take their turn to test their mettle in the Obstacle Challenge in one of the highlights of the 2018 PBA All-Star Spectacle slated May 23-27 with stops in Davao del Sur, Batangas City and Iloilo.

Former MVP winner Asi Taulava leads the big men, who will race against time, while showing their skills in dribbling, passing and shooting in one of the featured individual events in this year’s All-Star extravaganza, where Phoenix Fuels with Phoenix Pulse Technology is major sponsor.

Also in the provisional list of Obstacle Challenge participants are Alaska Milk’s Sonny Thoss, Ginebra’s Raymond Aguilar, Blackwater’s JP Erram, GlobalPort’s Kelly Nabong, Columbian Dyip’s Russell Escoto, Meralco’s Ken Bono, Phoenix Fuel’s Doug Kramer, Magnolia’s Aldrech Ramos, Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga, San Miguel’s Yancy de Ocampo and TNT KaTropa’s Yousef Taha.

Meanwhile, titleholder Allein Maliksi and former champs Terrence Romeo and James Yap banner the cast of top guns vying for the Three-Point Shootout crown.

Completing the provisional list for this event are Alaska Milk’s Jvee Casio, Ginebra’s LA Tenorio, GlobalPort’s Stanley Pringle, Columbian Dyip’s Ronald Tubid, Meralco’s Garvo Lanete, NLEX’s Larry Fonacier, Phoenix’s Matthew Wright, Magnolia’s Paul Lee and San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter.

Romeo was on course to become the second PBA player to win the three-point shootout three in a row last year in Lucena, but was foiled by Maliksi.

Siargao lures international, local anglers THE annual Siargao International Gamefishing Tournament, now on its 11th year, kicked off Wednesday with Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Matugas once again spearheading the internationallyrenowned competition.

Rep. Matugas said both local and international anglers will vie for the championship this year in the gamefishing tourney hosted by the municipality of Pilar from April 11 to 16.

“Gamefishing is a big thing in the bountiful seas of Siargao,” the Surigao del Norte said. “With species such as marlin, tuna, grouper, dorado and billfish, avid anglers won’t be disappointed with their bounty.”

Present during the opening of the competition were former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was present in the first tournament, Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo and Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres Gomez and actor-turned Mayor Richard Gomez.

Rep. Matugas said this year’s edition will be the biggest so far in terms of prizes, participation and attendance by national government officials.

The previous year, Filipino anglers showed their skill in game fishing in their home waters as they almost shut out the rest of the competition.

IN BRIEF

AMLC to review country compliance

THE Philippines will undergo the third round of mutual evaluations this year to gauge its compliance with international anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism standards, the Anti-Money Laundering Council said Thursday.

The Executive Secretary designated AMLC, the country’s financial intelligence unit, as the lead agency for the 2018 mutual evaluation and asked all departments, bureaus, offices and agencies of the executive branch, including government financial institutions and government-owned or -controlled corporations to actively participate and extend necessary assistance.

AMLC also led the second National Risk Assessment Report last year, covering the years 2015 and 2016. Participants included stakeholders from government and law enforcement agencies and private sector institutions.

The second NRA evaluated the overall threat and effectiveness of the country’s AML/ CFT mechanisms and the report will be one of the instruments to be assessed during the mutual evaluation process.

The process consists of two phases―the technical compliance assessment and the effectiveness assessment. The first phase involves submission of the report of technical compliance to check whether existing laws, regulations, legal issuances and enforceable means comply with the Financial Action Task Force 2 standards and criteria. Julito G. Rada

Business

Negros Oriental rejects coal power

NEGROS Oriental governor Roel Degamo issued an order declaring the local government unit as an environment-friendly and cleanenergy province.

Under the order, the province will “adopt a policy that all offices and local government instrumentalities in the province of Negros Oriental shall not issue any permit, authorization, endorsement or any expression of support to the development of coal-fired power plants in the province.”

Negros Oriental joined Guimaras, Sorsogon and Ilocos Norte as pioneers in the movement for a clean-energy Philippines.

Negros Oriental also opted to utilize clean and renewable energy in its 19 municipalities and six cities to support economic growth and to deviate from activities harmful to the environment.

“Consistent with this direction, the province of Negros Oriental shall, on the other hand, strive to develop and utilize clean and renewable energy to support economic growth, and on the other hand, veer away from activities that are destructive to the environment and harmful of the Negrenses’ health and livelihood such as the operation of coal-fired power plants,” the order stated.

The order aims to support the national government in meeting its commitments in line with the Instrument of Accession to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which was signed by the president. Alena Mae S. Flores

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

B1

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ALSONS’ LISTING ANNIVERSARY. Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc., which trades under the stock symbol ‘ACR,’ celebrates its 25th listing anniversary at the Philippine Stock Exchange with a special bell ringing ceremony. At the ceremony are (from left) ACR director and executive vice president Tirso Santillan Jr., ACR director Conrado Alcantara, ACR chairman and president Tomas Alcantara, PSE chairman Jose Pardo, PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon, PSE director Alejandro Yu and PSE chief operating officer Roel Refran.

Neda wants state-run firms stripped of subsidies, perks

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE National Economic and Development Authority is pushing for major reforms among state-owned enterprises to enhance market competition and promote consumer welfare and public interest.

Neda officer-in-charge Rosemarie Edillon said Thursday the reforms aimed to boost market performance and correct the dual regulatory and proprietary functions of some state entities.

“If a state entity is an enterprise or operates as a business, then it must compete on equal terms with the private sector and must not have undue advantage.

State support in the form of subsidies, tax incentives and immunity from certain regulations must be reserved only for government-owned and –controlled corporations that operate in non-profitable or non-commercially viable mar-

kets avoided by private firms,” Edillon said in a statement.

Edillon said regulatory functions and commercial operations should not mix because of inherent conflict of interest.

She said this principle was clearly stated in Section 2 (g) of Republic Act No. 10149, otherwise known as the GOCC Governance Act of 2011.

“A business aims to earn profit while a regulator sets rules to protect the consumer and the public interest in general, which may negatively affect profits. So if a state entity is a regulator, then it must not be involved in business operations in the sector or market it regulates. If it is a business, then it must not have regulatory powers or influence,” Edillon said.

“Ultimately, we would like to see more and more high-quality goods and services being made available and affordable to as many consumers as possible. Market competition and effective regulation can make this happen,” Edillon said.

The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 calls for a review of the mandate, quality of services and specific markets of GOCCs to ensure that their

Boracay airport workers to keep receiving salary

proprietary activities do not conflict with their regulatory functions and that procedures are streamlined.

The Governance Commission for GOCCs, the oversight body for GOCCs, already conducted initial steps to review the profiles of GOCCs. Neda said to integrate these reforms, the agency with assistance from the Philippine Competition Commission would formulate a National Competition Policy this year. It said that guided by key pillars of competition, the policy would flesh out competition strategies in the country’s economic blueprint.

These pillars are pro-competitive laws and regulations and government interventions, competitive neutrality, and enforcement of the Philippine Competition Act and other competition-related laws and issuances.

“While the enactment of the PCA and the good work done by the PCC on implementing the law are steps in the right direction, we believe there is still a lot that needs to be done to deliver a level playing field for businesses and higher bargaining powers for consumers,” Edillon said.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company announces the results of its P60-billion stock rights offer after the offering period closed on Apr 4, 2018. The offer to eligible shareholders of 799,842,250 common shares was priced at P75 per share. Shown during the bell-ringing ceremony are (from left) Metrobank president Fabian Dee, Metrobank director and GT Capital Holdings co-vice chairman Alfred Ty, Metrobank vice chairman Francis Sebastian and Metrobank chairman Arthur Ty.

By Darwin G. Amojelar SAN Miguel Corp. said Thursday all workers and regular employees of Boracay Airport will keep receiving full pay throughout the closure of Boracay island for six months.

“We will retain all of them to make sure they have steady source of income during the closure,” San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said.

Ang said the company would offer workers a chance to make worthwhile the use of their time by helping in the government’s cleanup program.

Ang said to facilitate and hasten rehabilitation efforts in Boracay, the company also volunteered for use by the government the company’s dredging equipment, backhoes and barges.

San Miguel, through unit Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., holds the concession to operate Boracay Airport.

“The airport won’t be requiring full manpower while Boracay is totally closed to tourists so we are looking to encourage all our workers to help the government during the lull,” Ang said.

“I think all airport workers, especially the locals, know what’s at stake here, and they are more than willing to do what they can to help preserve Boracay,” Ang said.

“We all understand that sacrifices have to be made to ensure that the island is sustainable for generations to come. This is how we and the airport workers can contribute,” he said.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Luzon power supply declared on yellow alert

Prime Orion to add two industrial parks

PROPERTY developer Prime Orion Philippines Inc., now led by Ayala Land Inc., plans to add two more industrial parks under its portfolio by the first quarter of 2019 as it aims to become the country’s leading industrial park and real estate logistics developer.

POPI president Rowena Tomeldan said in an interview following the company’s annual stockholders meeting the company would launch a 100-hectare industrial park in Cagayan de Oro City this year and planned to acquire at least 100 hectares in Central Luzon.

Tomeldan said the company aimed to strengthen its position as a real estate logistics and industrial park developer, as the country continued to attract foreign and local investments in the manufacturing sector.

“We plan to expand our industrial parks in the Calabarzon region and to develop a strong presence in Central Luzon and VisMin regions as well,” Tomeldan said POPI is venturing into logistics and industrial park development after it recently acquired a majority stake in Laguna Technopark Inc., a prime developer of real estate logistics and industrial parks in the Philippines. LTI manages the 460-hectare Laguna Technopark in Santa Rosa and Biñan and the 135-hectare Cavite Technopark in Naic, Cavite.

Jenniffer B. Austria

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

Metrobank raises P60b from the offering of stock rights METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest lender in terms of assets, said Thursday it successfully completed a P60-billion stock rights offering.

Metrobank said in a statement the offer period closed on April 4. The offer to eligible shareholders of 799,842,250 common shares was priced at P75 per share. The new capital was listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange Thursday.

“The offer was taken up entirely by the bank’s existing shareholders, with broad support seen across the shareholder base resulting in a substantial oversubscription,” it said.

“The bank believes that the success of the offer represents a strong vote of confidence from investors in the bank and its strategy. The bank believes that the robust growth of the Philippines will continue to support loan expansion

across the various segments of the economy,” Metrobank said.

Metrobank said it sought to capitalize on the growth opportunities of large cap corporates and especially in its core franchise, the middle market and small to medium enterprises segments.

“Rising per capita levels also bode well for the potential in the growing consumer space, specifically in credit cards, auto loans and home mortgage,” it said.

It said the capital-raising exercise was expected to enable it to pursue business prospects to sustain the loan growth momentum, leveraging on the bank’s sales and distribution network that rapidly expanded in preceding years.

It said a portion of the proceeds would be used for the acquisition of a 40-percent equity stake in Metrobank Card

Corp., the final tranche of which was to be completed by the third quarter of 2018.

The additional capital from the offer is expected to further enhance the bank’s capital ratios, keeping it above the Philippine Basel III requirements, it said.

“Pro forma for the offer, the bank had a total capital adequacy ratio of 18.1 percent, and common equity tier 1 of 15.6 percent as of Dec. 31, 2017, both ratios above the BSP requirements, inclusive of the D-SIB [domestic systemically important bank] buffer,” it said.

The offer was led by UBS as joint global coordinator, joint bookrunner and international underwriter and First Metro Investment Corp. as joint global coordinator, joint bookrunner, issue manager and domestic lead underwriter.

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines placed Luzon on yellow alert Thursday because of thin power reserves amid high demand as temperature peaked this year.

“Luzon grid on yellow alert from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Luzon grid is on yellow alert due to the unexpected shutdown and limited generation of power plants,” NGCP said in an advisory.

Luzon’s available capacity was placed at 10,740 megawatts, versus peak demand of 9,654 MW. Among the plants that went on forced outage were Makban unit 5 (55 MW) SLPGC Unit 1 (135 MW), SLPGC Unit 2 (150 MW), San Gabriel (420 MW), Malaya unit 2 (320 MW), Ilijan Block A (600 MW) and Makban 1 (60 MW).

Three plants―Makban unit 5, SLPGC unit 1 and SLPGC unit 2―went on emergency shutdown because of turbine vibration.

The San Gabriel plant suffered excitation problem while Malaya 2 reported boiler tube leak.

The Ilijan Block A and Makban unit 2 are expected to remain offline until April 30 and May 4, respectively.

Power plants that are scheduled to go on planned outage include Angat M unit 3 (50 MW), San Roque unit 3 (145 MW), Magat unit 1 and 2 (180 MW) and Pagbilao unit 1 (382 MW).

Power retailer Manila Electric Co. advised interruptible load participants about the yellow alert.

Meralco received commitment from 68 accounts equivalent to deloading capacity of around 110 MW to use their generating sets and free up capacity from the grid, if necessary.

The yellow alert, was lifted at 3:08 pm and the grid is now under normal operations.

Energy stakeholders warned of high demand during the dry months which could affect supply and power rates.

Summit Media shuts down all print magazines

By Jenniffer B. Austria SUMMIT Media of the Gokongwei Group said Thursday it is shutting down the print editions of its magazines to go fully digital.

Summit Media, the country’s leading magazine publisher, said in a statement posted on its website it would close the six remaining print editions of Cosmopolitan, Preview, YES!, Top Gear, FHM and Town & Country to complete its digital transformation.

“As we embark on our new journey towards a wholly digital future, we look back at the values that made us successful, and one thing that stands out is our respect for our audiences,” Summit Media president Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng said.

The company did not specify the number of magazine workers that would be affected by the digital transformation.

“Our brands, each with its own strong voice and well-defined identity, have resonated with our audiences because they stand for something, which is why for 23 years, Summit published the most successful and well-loved magazines in the country’s history,” GokongweiCheng said.

“Today, we embrace the way our highly connected audiences now prefer to consume content. As we follow them from print to digital, we will continue our relentless pursuit and delivery of quality, up-to-the minute content and a dynamic and engaging editorial experience―this time, aided by data, which now pervades and informs many of our editorial decisions,” she said.

Summit Media, formed in 1995, first published Preview. Since then, the company transformed into a publishing conglomerate managing 15 websites and social media platforms.

“Summit Media was born auspiciously in an era of pulp and ink. We will always owe a debt of gratitude to the medium, to the brilliant teams whose dedication and efforts created magazines that excelled in that landscape, to the generations of loyal readers who not only supported their favorite brands but even imbibed their tenets and values, and to our advertisers, without whose partnership with and belief in us we would not have succeeded,” Gokongwei-Cheng said.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks surge; Bloomberry rallies T HE stock market advanced Thursday on better economic prospects after the Asian Development Bank said the Philippine economy may grow faster this year and next after expanding 6.7 percent in 2017.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index surged 99.14 points, or 1.2 percent, to 8,043.07 on a value turnover of P5.9 billion. Gainers beat losers, 108 to 94, with 45 issues unchanged.

The ADB in a 2018 report outlook Wednesday said strong domestic demand would underpin growth in 2018 and 2019, adding investment would be supported “by large public infrastructure projects such as national and provincial

roads, railways, airports, and the Philippines’ first mass transit subway.”

Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. rallied 7 percent to P12.84, while Bank of the Philippine Islands, the third-biggest lender in terms of assets, climbed 5 percent to P109.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. rose 3.4 percent to P34.45, while PLDT Inc., the largest telecommunications company, gained 2.8 percent to P1,490.

The rest of Asia markets fell on Thursday as fears about a high-stakes US-Russia stand-off over Syria arrested a rally fueled by Xi Jinping’s conciliatory trade message earlier in the week.

Having enjoyed a semblance of stability this week after the Chinese president’s comments soothed trade war talk, traders are now turning their attention to the Middle East.

Nervousness mixed with profit-taking in Asia as traders cashed in recent gains.

Tokyo lost 0.1 percent, Hong Kong eased 0.8 percent and Shanghai slipped 0.9 percent. Sydney fell 0.2 percent and Singapore shed 0.3 percent, while Seoul, Wellington, Taipei and Jakarta were also lower.

With Western leaders trying to decide how to respond to an alleged chemical attack on a Damascus district, Donald Trump on Wednesday tweeted that “missiles will be coming”, defying Russian warnings against a military strike.

Trump blames Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and Moscow for the deadly assault that killed dozens in Douma, while his press secretary added that with regards to military action “all options are on the table.”

Russia’s ambassador to Beirut warned any US missiles would be shot down

“as well as the sources they were fired from.”

Adding to the geopolitical crisis was news that Saudi Arabia had shot down ballistic missiles fired from rebel-held Yemen at Riyadh.

The latest developments hit US markets, with all three main indexes ending sharply down, while oil prices shot up on fears about supplies in the crude-rich region, hitting levels not seen since late 2014 and boosting energy firms.

“The oil markets are very much linked to geopolitical tensions, especially if they’re in the Middle East, the heart of global oil exports,” Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, told Bloomberg Television.

“If tensions continue, they will continue to have an impact on the oil market and prices. Definitely, this will be a reason to push the prices up.” With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59 92,730 109 1,637,370 3.18 3,000 139 1,605,900 1.62 239,000 35.35 86,500 16.2 18,000 18.98 1,762,900 3.4 12,000 1.55 10,000 0.55 170,000 81.8 3,681,210 1.19 920,000 12.58 100 23.9 10,100 55.65 115,200 228 5,710 110 30 44.5 46,500 224.8 589,920 1,950 10 90.1 1,460 1.22 2,000

5,452,795.50 174,450,837 9,540 222,396,503 386,570 3,063,960 292,312 33,504,162 40,370 15,500 92,160 300,902,336.50 1,100,300 1,258 238,505 6,415,347.50 1,304,046 3,300 2,068,925 132,612,098 19,500 131,828.50 2,440

1,519,936 49,592,322 48,657,500 -57,605 56,700 4,197,664.00 -59,692,359 -513,270 2,042,470 936,594 535,085 -60,031,588 21,261 -

37.5 13.8 0.6 1.27 19.22 0.23 3.55 16.78 290 50.25 25.2 60.05 76.55 89.5 1.99 5.35 10.1 10.72 15.16 11.52 7.27 5.43 1.7 16.88 64.3 25.4 9.4 16.64 2.3 289.4 4.9 3.2 27 15.76 21.15 324 0.19 8.22 2.6 4.81 9.07 5.24 7.96 1.55 12 52.8 6 4.75 2.07 3.6 2.15 14.8 68.2 5.39 0.135 1.01 145 2.27 0.93

INDUSTRIAL 37.5 1,076,600 14 688,800 0.62 2,419,000 1.28 309,000 19.5 25,700 0.237 2,910,000 3.57 4,621,000 16.8 1,592,500 290 250 50.95 445,470 26.7 34,800 60.05 110 80 2,150 89.5 380 1.99 373,000 5.66 11,300 10.38 700 10.9 980,700 15.18 667,200 11.52 345,600 7.38 92,200 5.53 557,400 1.7 139,000 17 442,700 65.6 57,400 26.65 75,300 9.45 137,800 16.64 181,300 2.33 1,908,000 300 268,920 4.98 162,000 3.2 5,000 27.2 168,900 15.78 69,100 21.15 3,604,400 325 228,230 0.19 530,000 8.28 492,900 2.61 1,525,000 4.89 82,000 9.15 424,500 5.41 13,500 7.96 2,000 1.56 2,398,000 12.58 39,400 53 1,393,070 6.1 98,600 4.8 8,054,000 2.1 300,000 3.6 10,000 2.16 654,000 14.86 98,100 69.9 445,660 5.47 65,300 0.135 230,000 1.05 59,000 146 697,430 2.38 18,442,000 0.93 7,322,000

40,784,515 9,586,544 1,477,330 394,140 496,012 682,160 16,495,380 26,874,848 74,100 22,652,516 904,315 6,800.50 169,778 34,195 745,680 62,278 7,098 10,618,966 10,134,526 4,027,396 677,880 3,070,190 236,300 7,503,864 3,746,213.50 1,964,430 1,302,766 3,032,220 4,455,550 79,073,328 799,340 16,100 4,613,130 1,092,908 77,648,750 74,162,656 101,080 4,110,869 4,146,040 400,070 3,874,841 71,161 15,920 3,737,130 479,748 73,756,419.50 599,650 38,652,600 630,220 36,000 1,421,760 1,457,634 31,022,527 353,705 31,050 59,630 101,864,839 43,719,480 6,878,450

19,831,245 -89,284 17,360 3,844 -13,071,910 1,532,936 -4,276,415.50 -4,421,186 7,914,858 50,784 -54,373 -1,134,939 236,300 2,092,684 1,060,575.50 52,250 198,964 11,381,326 -645,155 -181,694 21,136,190 -23,190,196 19,100 -57,940 92,340 22,412 1,105,150 -32,561,057 475,650 -60,000 316,526 12,646,724 54,700 -14,852,316 10,095,440 397,430

0.305 67.9 13.86 0.92 6.4 0.64 0.64 953 1,600 7.08 12.3 7.42 0.2 1,107 6.88 62.8 0.65 4.78 19.32 0.69 5.12 0.043 1.12 3.19 140 980 0.85 1.71 613 264 0.237 0.201 0.195

HOLDING FIRMS 0.305 60,000 68.95 801,480 14.2 10,857,700 0.93 38,000 6.5 18,300 0.64 6,313,000 0.64 395,000 978 302,760 1,700 55 7.1 535,900 12.8 3,163,900 7.42 85,400 0.2 150,000 1,123 83,160 6.88 290,100 64 2,089,830 0.67 345,000 4.8 421,000 19.4 5,043,400 0.72 5,736,000 5.15 19,615,500 0.044 17,000,000 1.17 940,000 3.19 1,085,000 142.4 71,560 988 206,990 0.85 152,000 1.73 127,000 626 220 270 680 0.237 180,000 0.201 260,000 0.195 20,000

18,300 55,101,597.50 153,991,082 35,070 117,590 4,080,460 261,060 291,651,160 91,780 3,805,544 39,667,004 633,831 30,000 92,954,925 1,995,908 133,381,740 228,930 2,038,370 97,754,840 4,052,370 101,274,037 732,900 1,095,560 3,474,790 10,164,667 204,550,230 129,200 218,330 137,040 179,750 43,140 52,260 3,900

-2,787,353 6,921,640 67,028,090 -137,012 -1,845,734 -23,882,210 21,905,896 44,430 -8,746,538 -39,932,396 -5,650.00 -902,670 508,102 -29,356,300 8,550 -

3,709,022 808,940 177,158 4,240 788,180 284,330,560 2,345,340 5,217,610 86,654 37,208,550 1,396,580 6,112,800 13,450 19,014,115 216,870 3,660 3,147,890 3,246,920 3,929,290 58,123,990 30,582,760 539,550 1,665,010 13,286,580

-46,185 53,470 -45,237,740 -186,650 -110,880 -195,400 -1,340,740 145,400 3,525,450.00 1,482,570 345,800.00 802,900 13,906,360.00 -1,257,650 -42,000 -1,218,890

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59 105.2 3.18 138 1.65 35.4 16.26 19.08 3.39 1.55 0.54 82.3 1.22 12.58 22.8 55.6 230 110 44.4 226 1,950 90 1.22

59 109 3.18 139 1.65 35.45 16.26 19.1 3.4 1.55 0.56 82.3 1.23 12.58 23.9 55.95 230 110 44.7 226 1,950 90.95 1.22

57.9 104 3.18 137.4 1.58 35.35 16.2 18.96 3.32 1.55 0.53 81 1.18 12.58 22.8 55.5 228 110 44.4 224.2 1,950 90 1.22

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

37.6 13.98 0.61 1.28 19.96 0.232 3.6 16.88 298 50.35 26.7 62 76.55 90 2 5.35 10.1 10.8 15.24 11.8 7.36 5.5 1.7 16.9 65 26.1 9.56 16.94 2.4 289.8 4.94 3.3 27.1 15.86 21.65 328 0.192 8.37 2.75 4.95 9.17 5.49 7.96 1.56 12.18 52.8 6 4.75 2.18 3.6 2.17 14.86 68.4 5.4 0.135 1.01 145.4 2.31 0.93

38.2 14 0.62 1.28 19.96 0.237 3.6 16.92 298 52 27 62 80 90 2.01 5.66 10.38 10.9 15.24 12 7.38 5.53 1.7 17 65.8 26.65 9.66 16.98 2.4 300 4.98 3.3 27.45 15.9 21.8 328 0.195 8.48 2.75 4.95 9.17 5.49 7.96 1.58 12.58 53.1 6.2 4.82 2.18 3.6 2.23 14.9 70.8 5.47 0.135 1.05 147 2.4 0.97

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

0.305 68 13.98 0.93 6.4 0.66 0.66 966 1,602 7.12 12.4 7.59 0.2 1,120 6.89 64.05 0.68 4.78 19.4 0.69 5.18 0.044 1.14 3.26 142.8 985 0.85 1.73 613 265 0.24 0.201 0.195

0.305 68.95 14.3 0.93 6.5 0.66 0.67 978 1,800 7.12 12.8 7.59 0.2 1,125 6.89 64.5 0.68 4.99 19.64 0.72 5.25 0.044 1.19 3.26 142.8 995 0.85 1.74 627 270 0.24 0.201 0.195

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

6.5 1 15.14 2.12 0.86 40.5 3.58 4.7 6.18 0.47 0.97 0.265 0.44 33.1 0.67 0.122 1.78 1.39 1.17 4.6 0.64 0.415 0.55 4.49

6.75 1 15.16 2.12 0.87 40.9 3.58 4.7 6.19 0.475 0.99 0.275 0.465 33.1 0.69 0.122 1.78 1.4 1.17 4.7 0.65 0.425 0.56 4.5

6.4 0.98 15.14 2.12 0.85 40.25 3.5 4.6 6.11 0.46 0.96 0.265 0.44 31.45 0.67 0.122 1.75 1.38 1.13 4.6 0.62 0.415 0.54 4.21

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

33 19 1.95 3.23 33.55 1.01 14.5 0.84 6.86

33 19.12 1.98 3.23 34.45 1.04 14.98 0.87 7.01

33 18.82 1.95 3.23 33.35 1.01 13.5 0.84 6.84

33 19 1.98 3.23 34.45 1.03 13.7 0.85 6.95

100 2,567,300 62,000 2,000 6,760,700 1,199,000 1,862,200 37,000 13,117,500

3,300 48,823,514 121,800 6,460 230,176,300 1,236,170 26,019,134 31,750 91,207,614

-22,642,942 27,560 108,954,320 95,922 31,972,661

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

18.3 28.85 1.42 0.57 0.049 5.01 12.36 0.061 91.3 7.6 7.3 2.22 27.3 1,580 6.39 312 13.02 5.08 2.45 99 13.26 8.25 0.12 1.47 3.26 15.1 5.01 1.05 29 0.45 5.18 7.71 3.41 16.36 8.97 11.38 9.5 123 6.6 1,454 1.05 0.435 52.2 87.45 7.08 2.62 1.55 0.44 4.69 0.9 10.82

18.3 29.15 1.58 0.58 0.05 5.05 12.84 0.062 94.95 7.6 7.45 2.22 28.1 1,599 6.41 348.6 14.5 5.15 2.5 99.25 13.3 8.3 0.121 1.47 3.4 15.1 5.11 1.06 29.5 0.45 5.2 7.82 3.48 18.1 9.07 11.38 9.8 123 6.6 1,490 1.05 0.44 53 87.5 7.65 2.62 1.55 0.44 4.69 0.96 11.2

17.42 28.85 1.42 0.53 0.048 4.96 12.24 0.061 91.3 7.55 7.2 2.18 26.1 1,580 6.39 306 13.02 5 2.45 97 12.76 8.25 0.115 1.44 3.26 14.8 4.8 1.03 28.8 0.45 5.1 7.7 3.38 16.32 8.65 11.38 9.5 120 6.3 1,454 1.01 0.425 51.95 84.6 7.02 2.55 1.51 0.43 4.53 0.9 10.7

SERVICES 17.9 28.95 1.51 0.54 0.05 4.96 12.84 0.062 93.05 7.55 7.45 2.18 26.85 1,591 6.39 318.8 13.06 5.05 2.5 99.1 12.76 8.3 0.12 1.44 3.26 15 5.03 1.05 29 0.45 5.1 7.8 3.38 18 8.94 11.38 9.53 122 6.4 1,490 1.02 0.43 53 84.6 7.44 2.58 1.52 0.435 4.62 0.91 10.98

171,500 18,200 4,397,000 15,938,000 14,200,000 19,000 42,867,900 13,540,000 587,690 760,300 201,600 14,000 84,400 26,725 811,700 140,560 600 2,114,500 3,000 645,960 5,600 10,500 2,440,000 52,000 15,000 2,000 27,491,900 1,237,000 2,447,600 2,000 234,700 674,300 1,367,000 14,500 9,623,500 5,000 2,700 2,090 737,300 97,045 2,615,000 5,530,000 1,331,290 476,510 580,100 697,000 7,166,000 5,590,000 3,067,000 9,723,000 2,690,500

3,033,142 528,945 6,606,630 8,713,450 698,700 94,932 540,023,410 829,000 54,688,132 5,753,347 1,485,025 30,860 2,285,435 42,509,125 5,191,995 46,154,074 7,976 10,663,104 7,450 63,996,563 74,098 86,650 289,420 75,420 49,040 29,990 135,985,739 1,292,690 71,648,470 900 1,206,067 5,253,012 4,657,110 248,134 85,804,509 56,900 25,970 253,429 4,720,639 144,053,880 2,681,440 2,401,850 69,554,202.50 40,532,049.50 4,325,733 1,795,520 10,907,500 2,430,350 14,123,470 9,028,890 29,624,234

-189,124 -25,360 -9,540 -32,923,156 37,190 43,866,759 181,678 125,135 -5,390,550 171,066 272,352.00 -46,143,396.50 242,985 73,130 19,423,540 -41,276 -1,381,749 2,641,010 -395,227 161,833 -1,944 55,888,675 -431,140 21,716,388 -10,997,256 -135,880 -1,696,730 221,750 -5,421,570 57,930 -6,092

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

0.0027 1.79 4.6 19 1.62 1.61 0.32 8.11 2.48 0.214 0.148 0.155 0.0091 0.0093 1.46 5.99 1.2 0.61 0.86 0.013 0.013 0.013 5.95 16.46 30.35

0.0028 1.84 4.6 19 1.62 1.62 0.325 8.39 2.48 0.214 0.149 0.155 0.0091 0.0093 1.46 6.09 1.2 0.63 0.88 0.014 0.013 0.013 6.01 16.9 31.6

0.0027 1.79 4.58 19 1.6 1.61 0.32 7.8 2.39 0.205 0.146 0.155 0.0091 0.0093 1.43 5.98 1.18 0.61 0.85 0.012 0.013 0.013 5.94 16.3 30.35

MINING & OIL 0.0027 456,000,000 1.83 11,285,000 4.58 103,000 19 5,000 1.6 84,000 1.62 306,000 0.32 140,000 8.15 18,400 2.4 2,768,000 0.209 130,000 0.148 6,100,000 0.155 500,000 0.0091 10,000,000 0.0093 1,000,000 1.44 223,000 6.02 512,400 1.18 9,000 0.62 488,000 0.88 146,000 0.013 328,500,000 0.013 1,800,000 0.013 2,000,000 5.95 1,367,600 16.72 10,956,000 31.6 1,361,400

1,234,600 20,519,880 473,640 95,000 134,660 494,180 45,300 150,215 6,694,140 27,010 901,320 77,500 91,000 9,300 323,060 3,086,251 10,650 301,730 125,020 4,053,800 23,400 26,000 8,183,587 181,971,894 41,855,670

6,509,920 -27,480 -2,455 -102,020 -1,248,729 -3,824,469 10,110,480 14,715,645

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

28 511 100 109.2 6.3 991 100.3 1.04 980 75.8 79 77.9 76.8 75.5 75.75

28 511 101.1 109.2 6.3 991 100.3 1.06 981 76 79.15 78 76.8 76.45 75.75

27.85 500 100 109.2 6.23 988 100.3 1.04 980 75.8 79 77.9 76.8 75 75.6

PREFERRED 27.95 112,300 500 8,010 101.1 21,650 109.2 200 6.23 129,300 988 3,000 100.3 500 1.06 54,000 980 2,880 76 860 79.15 15,720 78 9,260 76.8 1,100 75.5 47,310 75.75 42,770

3,142,600 4,048,240 2,175,212 21,840 810,392 2,965,160 50,150 56,700 2,822,410 65,226 1,244,172 721,380 84,480 3,567,772 3,238,327.50

-1,953,600 -349,650 15,160 60,600

LR WARRANT

3.16

3.25

3.05

WARRANTS 3.19 1,843,000

5,812,100

-

SME ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

5.6 3.26 3.46

5.87 3.4 3.52

5.51 3.2 3.43

5.8 3.37 3.49

8,466,445 705,040 3,867,650

61,559 -27,590

FIRST METRO ETF

121.9

122.4

121.9

366,668

-

25,250 36,870 25,500

11,220.00 -

MS

PROPERTY 6.7 1 15.14 2.12 0.87 40.8 3.53 4.6 6.19 0.475 0.99 0.27 0.465 31.5 0.69 0.122 1.77 1.38 1.16 4.7 0.63 0.42 0.56 4.35

561,000 819,000 11,700 2,000 916,000 7,016,400 664,000 1,130,000 14,100 80,830,000 1,439,000 22,890,000 30,000 592,600 321,000 30,000 1,782,000 2,349,000 3,416,000 12,460,000 47,960,000 1,290,000 3,026,000 3,049,000

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.1 10.2 1.02

10.1 10.26 1.02

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

11,010,411

INDUSTRIAL

81,296,935

HOLDING FIRMS

120,337,472

PROPERTY

218,263,840

SERVICES

184,652,349

MINING & OIL

835,847,071

GRAND TOTAL

1,454,224,441

10.1 10.2 1.02

1,479,300 217,000 1,112,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 122.3 3,000 DDS

10.1 10.26 1.02

2,500 3,600 25,000

VALUE 2,033.84 (up) 31.15 884,527,962.10 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,351.64 (up) 93.42 828,680,054.32 HOLDING FIRMS 8,142.13 (up) 51.55 1,620,059,607.74 PROPERTY 3,668.13 (up) 60.64 1,649.57 (up) 22.98 875,882,581.78 SERVICES MINING & OIL 11,244.95 (up) 354.41 1,446,376,807.00 PSEI 8,043.07 (up) 99.14 270,918,694.107 All Shares Index 4,858.82 (up) 45.11 5,939,868,715.99 Gainers: 108; Losers: 94; Unchanged: 45; Total: 247

LBC Express reviving plan to sell shares valued at P1b

By Jenniffer B. Austria LBC EXPRESS Holdings Inc. of the Araneta Group will revive a plan to sell up to 69.1 million shares to raise funds and finance expansion.

LBC Express said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board in a meeting held April 12 approved the re-filing of the application with the Securities and Exchange Commission to sell 69.1 million common shares, consisting of 10 million primary shares and 59.1 million secondary shares.

The sale of 69.1 million shares based on LBC Express’ closing price of P15 Thursday will raise as much as P1.036 billion in proceeds for the company.

Abacus Capital and Investment Corp. was tapped as lead underwriter and issue manager for the follow-on offering.

“The company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes and working capital, including the expansion of retail and corporate business, information technology development, and other corporate purposes,” LBC Express said.

The follow-on offering is subject to the approvals of the SEC and the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The SEC in April 2017 rejected the planned share sale of LBC Express due to a non-disclosure of the material information in the prospectus, including the legal proceedings involving its major shareholders.

The SEC said LBC Express did not include in its registration statement filed with the corporate regulator the pending cases filed by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation against the controlling persons of the company.

LBC Express at that time intended to raise P1.2 billion from sale of 69.1 million shares at an indicative price of P17 apiece.

LBC Express last month reported it was acquiring two logistics firms in bid to strengthen its position as the country’s leading payments, remittance, courier products, mail, parcels and cargo logistics company.

It has also ben consolidating its operations by acquiring four affiliate cargo and remittance companies operating in California, New Jersey, Saipan and Hawaii for $8.55 million.

LBC Express provides logistics services through a network of 1,000 branches located nationwide. It has set up branches in several locations in North America, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe and Oceania.

Sale of TV Plus sets on target, says ABS-CBN

By Darwin G. Amojelar ABS-CBN Corp. said it is on track to meet its target to sell six million digital terrestrial television set-top box devices, more popularly known as TVPlus.

“We’re bullish in our market. We think that we can still hit the six million target for DTT this year,” ABS-CBN chief financial officer Aldrin Cerrado said.

ABS-CBN has sold 4.3 million TVPlus as of end-December last year.

ABS-CBN TVplus’ signal coverage is available in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Rizal, Laguna, Pampanga, Tarlac, Benguet, Cavite, Metro Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, Bacolod and Davao.

The ABS-CBN TVplus box is offered at a one-time payment of P1,499.

ABS-CBN Corp. earlier reported a net income of P3.16 billion in 2017, down 10 percent from P3.53 billion in 2016 in the absence of election-related advertisements.

The company generated consolidated revenues of P40.7 billion from advertising and consumer sales last year, representing a 2.3-percent year-on-year decline from 2016.

Advertising revenues decreased 10.8 percent because of high election-related advertising placements in the first half of 2016.

Excluding election related placements, advertising revenues in 2017 fell only 0.3 percent, it said.

Consumer sales increased P1.62 billion mainly resulting from the sale of ABS-CBN TVPlus and higher revenues from Sky Cable’s broadband and directto-home business.

Standard

TODAY

extrastory2000@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Polar bear Inuka may be put down SINGAPORE―An elderly polar bear at the Singapore zoo, one of the site’s most beloved animals, may be put down after its health deteriorated markedly, the zoo operator said Thursday.

Inuka, the first polar bear born in the tropics, has reached the grand old age of 27―well into his 70s in human years and two years older than the average lifespan of the creatures in captivity.

Zoo operator Wildlife Reserves Singapore said an April 3 examination revealed that the health of Inuka, who has been receiving treatment for arthritis for some time, had declined markedly.

The bear’s activity levels have fallen over the past three months and he now prefers resting over interacting with his keepers, a statement said.

Inuka―who was born at the zoo, and whose name means “Silent Stalker” in Inuit―is popular with visitors due to his playful antics in his pool enclosure.

But he has now cut back on swimming, his walking is stiffer, and he is less interested in his daily playing sessions involving traffic cones, balls and ice blocks embedded with his favorite food, the zoo said.

Veterinarians have ramped up the bear’s daily care regimen and are administering medication, and a second health check will take place in late April.

“If the results indicate that Inuka’s welfare is not improving with these intensive treatments, his care team may have to make the very difficult decision not to allow him to recover from anesthesia on humane and welfare grounds,” said the statement.

Inuka’s annual birthday celebration is one of the high points for visitors in the zoo’s calendar, and last year he marked it with a special jelly and salmon cake. AFP

Muslim activist ‘kicked out of US’ SYDNEY―A high-profile Australian author and Muslim activist was refused entry to the United States Thursday and put on a plane home after arriving for a speaking engagement, sparking calls for a re-think by border officials.

Yassmin Abdel-Magied, an advocate for youth, women and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, said she was stopped at immigration and ordered out of the country.

“Roughly three hours since touch down in Minneapolis, I’m on a plane back,” she tweeted.

“Well, guess that tightening of immigration laws business is working, despite my Australian passport. We’re taking off now.”

A statement by US Customs and Border Protection, cited by Australian media, said she did not have the right visa.

Abdel-Magied was due to appear in New York to discuss online hate against Muslims and the difficulties of being a young Muslim woman in Western countries at a forum organized by PEN International, a freedom of expression organization.

PEN America chief Suzanne Nossel said she was dismayed by the decision and understood it was the same type of visa used previously for similar trips without issue.

She said the purpose of the PEN World Voices Festival, founded after the 9/11 attacks, was to sustain links between the US and the wider world.

AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

World

Manila

World powers warned over Syria W

ASHINGTON―The United Nations warned the world powers against letting the crisis over an alleged chemical attack against civilians in Syria from “spiraling out of control” after US President Donald Trump said “missiles will be coming.”

IN MEMORIAM. People stop and stand in silence on a street in Tel Aviv on April 12, 2017, as sirens wailed across Israel for two minutes marking the annual day of remembrance for the six million Jewish victims of the Nazi genocide. AFP

Night owls risk dying younger than the ‘larks’ PARIS―People who stay up late and have to drag themselves out of bed are likelier to die younger than those who rise and set with the Sun, researchers said Thursday.

A survey of more than 430,000 people in Britain found that night owls had a 10-percent higher risk of dying in the 6.5-year study period than “larks”.

“This is a public health issue that can no longer be ignored,” said study co-author Malcolm van Schantz of the University of Surrey―and argued that “night types” should be allowed to start and finish work later in the day.

“Night owls trying to live in a morning-lark world may [suffer] health consequences,” said fellow

author Kristen Knutson of the Northwestern University in Chicago.

The duo gathered information on nearly half-a-million people aged 38-73 from a public database.

The participants had defined themselves as either “definitely a morning person” (27 percent), “more a morning person than evening person” (35 percent), “more an evening than a morning person” (28 percent), or “definitely an evening person” (nine percent).

They also listed their weight, smoking habits, and socioeconomic status.

Deaths in the group―just over 10,500 in total―were documented for six-and-a-half years.

The night owl group, the team found, had a 10-percent higher risk

of dying than those in the extreme early-morning group.

People in the late-night group were more likely to suffer from psychological disorders, diabetes, and stomach and breathing troubles, and slept fewer hours per night.

They were also more likely to smoke, drink alcohol and coffee, and use illegal drugs.

The higher risk may be because “people who are up late have an internal biological clock that doesn’t match their external environment,” Knutson said.

“It could be psychological stress, eating at the wrong time for the body, not exercising enough, not sleeping enough, being awake at night by yourself, maybe drug or alcohol use.” AFP

257 dead as military plane crashes in Algeria

As the tensions mounted over a face-off with Damascus-ally Russia, opponents of unilateral US action called an emergency closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council for Thursday. Britain also scheduled an emergency cabinet meeting.

With punitive US military action seemingly imminent, Russia scrambled to deflect the blame from Syria’s Bashar al-Assad and, according to a monitor group, regime forces evacuated key defense buildings in Damascus.

Trump’s bellicose tweets came in response to a warning from Russia’s ambassador to Beirut, who took to a television network run by the armed group Hezbollah to declare that any US missiles would be shot down “as well as the sources they were fired from.”

If the US action follows the pattern of a previous punitive strike on Syria last year, it will begin with a salvo of cruise missiles fired from American warships in the Mediterranean, as Trump implied when he tweeted they would be “nice, new and ‘smart.’”

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis as well as CIA director Mike Pompeo met at the White House on Wednesday to discuss options, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

With the UN Security Council failing thus far to find a diplomatic solution, Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that time was running out.

“Today, I called the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the Security Council to reiterate my deep concern about the risks of the current impasse and stressed the need to avoid the situation spiraling out of control,” he said, referring to the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain.

Moscow and Washington have so far vetoed each other’s motions to set up an international investigation into chemical weapons use.

Meanwhile, the Russian defense ministry said the Syrian regime flag was flying in Douma―the target of Saturday’s attack―which it said indicated government forces have taken full control over the formerly rebel-held district of Eastern Ghouta.

“The raising of a regime flag over a building in the town of Douma signified control over this town and consequently over Eastern Ghouta as a whole,” Major General Yury Yevtushenko was quoted as saying Thursday by the Interfax news agency. AFP

BOUFARIK, Algeria―Algeria suf- mentioning any survivors. Most of The Ilyushin IL-76 transport plane fered its deadliest ever air catas- those on board were army members was bound for Tindouf in southwest trophe Wednesday when a military and their families, it said.

Algeria near the borders with Moplane crashed after takeoff, killing There was no immediate word on rocco and Western Sahara.

257 people on board, mostly army the cause of the crash. Deputy Defense The Tindouf repersonnel and their family members. Minister General Ahmed Gaid Salah gion is home to refuAn AFP photographer at the scene visited the site and ordered an investi- gees from Western saw the charred wreckage of the gation, the defense ministry said.

Sahara and houses plane after it caught fire in a field Algerian President Abdelaziz the administrative of2 Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan near the Boufarik airbase, 30 kilo- Bouteflika declared three days of na- fices of the Sahrawi Tel. No. (075) 632-7840 Website@biddingandawards.pangasinan gov.ph, E-mail address: bacpangasinan@yahoo.com meters south of Algiers. tional mourning over the crash start- Arab Democratic Hundreds of ambulances and doz- ing Wednesday.

Republic declared in INVITATION TO BID for Construction of GSO Warehouse Building and Three (3) storey Multi-Purpose ens of fire trucks with sirens wailing The veteran leader also ordered 1976 by the AlgiersBuilding (Phase I) Solicitation No. PANG-2018-0535 rushed to the scene of the crash, in an that a special prayer be said for the backed Polisario 1. The Province of Pangasinan, through the Repair of Schools and Community uninhabited area where one person victims after weekly Muslim prayers Front which seeks Projects - 20181 intends to apply the sum of Forty Million Seven Hundred was injured on the ground by debris. on Friday, a decree published by independence for the Thousand Pesos (P40,700,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the following projects: Firefighters extinguished the blaze state press agency APS said. disputed region. AFP a. Construction of G.S.O. Warehouse (Phase I) at Capitol Compound, and security forces set up Lingayen, Pangasinan NOTICE OF DISOLUTION a cordon to prevent jourApproved Budget Cost (ABC) – P23,700,000.00 b. Construction of Three (3) Storey Multi-Purpose Building (Phase I) at nalists and onlookers from Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of GLOVE CONSULTANTS, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan INC. (hereinafter referred to as the “CORPORATION”) in a Meeting of the Board approaching.

Approved Budget Cost (ABC) – P17,000,000.00 of Directors held on 27 November 2013, approved shortening of the term of the Witnesses who had been Corporation for which the Corporation is to exist to a period up to 30 June 2014, Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. resolution was duly ratified by the affirmative vote of the stockholders owning working in nearby fields which 2. The Province of Pangasinan now invites bids for Construction of Warehouse and representing at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock of the and Three (3) Storey Building.2 Completion of the Works is required Three told AFP that the plane had CORPORATION at the stockholders’ meeting held on the same day.

Hundred Fifteen (315) Calendar Days for Project a and Six Hundred Eighteen (618) Calendar Days for Project b. Bidders should have completed, within ten burst into flames before it By: The Board of Directors (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the (SGD.) THOMAS GLUCKMAN (SGD.) ANDREW GLUCKMAN (SGD) LORNA U. TAN hit the ground.

Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, (SGD.) MARITONI Z. LIWANAG (SGD.) ARNIDA VELASQUEZ particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

The defense ministry OF THE PHILIPPINES) 3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using said in a statement that REPUBLIC Quezon City) S.S. non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and 247 passengers and 10 Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the DIRECTORS’ CERTIFICATE “Government Procurement Reform Act”. crew were killed without WE, the undersigned members of the Board of Directors and the Corporate nd

Secretary of GLOVE CONSULTANTS, INC. a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines and currently under the process of dissolution, with registered address at 9-A Strata 100 Bldg., Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, do hereby certify:

F IL IPINO F UND, INC. N o t i c e o f A nn u a l M e e t in g o f St o c k h o ld e rs NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Filipino Fund, Inc. (“FFI”) will be held at the Taipan Room, Tower Club, Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 2:00 in the afternoon with the following agenda: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Calling of meeting to order Certification of notice Determination and declaration of quorum Reading and approval of the minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on May 9, 2017 5. Presentation and approval of the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 6. Approval and confirmation of all acts, proceedings and resolutions of the Board of Directors, Officers, and the Fund Manager during the past year 7. Appointment of External Auditors for calendar year 2018 8. Election of the Board of Directors 9. Other Business 10. Adjournment Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 12, 2018, the record date and time fixed by the Board of Directors, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, said meeting.

Admission to the meeting will be by Stockholder’s Identification Card only. If you are a stockholder of record and plan to attend, please bring the Stockholder’s Identification Card, attached to the Proxy Form/Voting Ticket, which will admit you to the meeting. If you are a stockholder whose shares are held through an intermediary such as a bank or a broker and you plan to attend, you may request a Stockholder’s Identification Card by writing to the Office of the Secretary, Units 1009-1011, Tower One & Exchange Plaza, Ayala Triangle, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Evidence/certification of your ownership, which you can obtain from your bank, broker, etc., must accompany your letter.

In order that your stock may be represented at the meeting in case you are not personally present, please complete, sign and date the enclosed Proxy Form/Voting Ticket and return it promptly using the accompanying addressed envelope on or before April 27, 2018.

1. The attached Articles of Incorporation is a true and correct copy of the Articles of Incorporation of GLOVE CONSULTANTS, INC. as amended by at least a majority vote of its Board of Directors at a Meeting held on 27 November 2013 at 9-A Strata 100 Bldg., Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, and duly ratified by the affirmative vote of the stockholders of the Corporation owning and representing at least 2/3 of the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation at the Special Stockholders’ Meeting held on the same day at 9-A Strata 100 Bldg., Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila.

2. The Fourth Article of the Articles of Incorporation was amended in order to shorten the term for which the Corporation is to exist to a period up to 30 June 2014, as follows: “FOURTH: That the term for which the Corporation is to exist is for a period ending on 30 June 2014.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this 23rd day of November 2017, at Quezon City, Philippines.

(SGD) THOMAS GLUCKMAN (SGD) ANDREW GLUCKMAN Director & Chairman of the Board President/ Director TIN 121-064-682 TIN: 435-666-208 (SGD.) LORNA U. TAN (SGD) MARITONI Z. LIWANAG Director Director TIN 107-762-256 TIN: 150-919-125 (SGD.) ARNIDA VELASQUEZ Treasurer/ Director TIN: 125-716-835 SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 23rd day of November 2017 affiants exhibiting to me the following: Name Andrew Gluckman

Competent Evidence of Identity Passport No. 561588041, issued on April 19, 2017, New York, USA Thomas Gluckman Passport No. 505451148,issued on March 4, 2014, New York USA Lorna U. Tan Passport No. EC0169851, issued on 30 January 2014, Manila SSS#04-0575776-7 Arnida Velasquez CTC No. 19309197 issued on 06 April 2017, Marikina/ SSS #03 3328875-1 Maritoni Z. Liwanag CTC No. 26398945 Issued on 11 January 2017, Pasig City/ SSS#03-966054-78 Doc. No. 319 Page No.64 Book No.12A Series of 2017

Cebu City, Philippines, April 12, 2018.

For the Board of Directors, (SGD) ATTY. VINCENT E. TOMANENG Corporate Secretary (MS-APR. 13, 2018)

B3

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

(MS-APR. 13,20 & 27, 2018)

(SGD.) ATTY. BENJAMIN F. ALFONSO NOTARY PUBLIC Until December 31, 2017 PTR No. 3805840- 1/16/2017 Quezon City IBP No. 1038379 – 11/24/2016 Quezon City ADM. MATTER NO. NP-046 (2017-2018) Roll No. 13296 TIN NO. 177-967-619-000 ADD., NO. 34 ASSETS ST., GSIS VILL. PROJ. 8, Q.C. MCLE NO. II-0020276 – 29 OCTOBER 2011

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

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Province of Pangasinan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from April 5, 2018 – April 26, 2018; 8:00am to 5:00pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidders on April 5, 2018 – April 26, 2018; 8:00am to 5:00pm at the BAC Office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty-Four Thousand Pesos (P24,000.00) for Project a and Seventeen Thousand Pesos (P17,000.00) for Project b.

6.

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

7.

The Province of Pangasinan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 13, 2018; 10:00am at BAC office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan, which shall be open to all interested parties.

8.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before April 26, 2018; 10:00am. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bids opening shall be on April 26, 2018; 10:00am at Conference Room 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

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

10. For further information, please refer to: HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman Provincial Budget Office Finance Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pnagsinan 075 5426574 EDWIN B. MENDOZA Supervising Admin. Officer BAC Secretariat BAC Office 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan 075 6327840 (SGD.) HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman 1. In the case of National Government Agencies, the General Appropriations Act and/or continuing appropriations; in the case of GOCCs, GFIs, and SUCs, the Corporate Budget for the contract approved by the governing Boards; in the case of LGUs, the Budget for the contract approved by the respective Sanggunian.

(Section 5(a), R.A. 9184) 2. A brief description of the scope of Works should be provided, including quantities, location of project, and other information necessary to enable potential bidders to decide whether or not to respond to the invitation.

(MS-APR. 13, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Cavitex extension proposed NOVELETA, Cavite—People of this coastal town and nearby Cavite City are happy to hear that the Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. has proposed a 14-kilometer extension of the Cavitex tollway for its Segment 5 project.

A subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., the CIC is set to propose to the Toll Regulatory Board the Segment 5 toll project of Cavitex covering Marulas and Kawit to Rosario, traversing thru Noveleta within this year, after passing the feasibility study for the project.

Segment 5 would include a 9.5-km toll road that will connect Kawit to Noveleta and up to Rosario in Cavite, with an estimated cost of P22.5 billion Noveleta Mayor Dino Reyes Chua is optimistic the proposed expressway will boost the economy of the municipality and other neighboring towns and cities.

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

ARMY VEGGIES. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Tarlac Heritage Foundation director Dr. Isa Cojuanco Suntay, and Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolly Bautista (from left) lead the ceremonial harvesting of different vegetables for distribution to 50 families during the ‘Hardin ng Lunas’ Festival at the Philippine Army Kamayan in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The vegetables were planted at the vacant area inside the Army camp. Lino Santos

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Intramuros, Manila PARREÑO, A.A. Acting Commissioner GUIA, L.T.F., Commissioner GUANZON, M.R.A.V., Commissioner ABAS, S.M., Commissioner

GUIDELINES FOR ACCREDITATION OF FOREIGN OBSERVERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MAY 14, 2018 BARANGAY AND SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN (SK) ELECTIONS, x-------------------------------------------------x

Promulgated: April 11, 2018

RESOLUTION NO. ___________ WHEREAS, foreign nationals, whether as individuals or in groups, whether representing governmental or private interests, are expected to arrive in the Philippines to observe the conduct of the May 14, 2018 Barangay & Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections; WHEREAS, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), as the sole government agency charged with the conduct of honest, orderly, and peaceful elections, has a substantial interest in maintaining the orderliness and credibility of elections; WHEREAS, international election observation plays an important role in providing accurate and impartial assessments about the nature of the electoral processes and has the potential to enhance the integrity of election processes; WHEREAS, there is a necessity to regulate the activities of foreign observers in the elections; NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in it by the Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code, Republic Act Nos. 93401 106562, 109233, 109524 and other election laws, the COMELEC has RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to promulgate the following guidelines: SECTION 1. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Resolution: 1.

2.

Foreigner or Foreign national refers to any person whose nationality is other than Filipino, whether or not a resident of the Philippines; Foreign group, organization, committee or association refers to any group of individuals organized under the laws other than that of the Philippines;

SECTION 2. Application for Accreditation. - Foreign nationals, whether as individuals or in groups, whether representing governmental or private interests, who are interested to observe the conduct of the May 14,2018 Barangay & SK Elections, shall file personally an application for accreditation at the COMELEC Education and Information Department (EID).

SECTION 3. Qualifications for Accreditation.- Applicants must have a bona fide intention to participate in the Philippine elections exclusively as observers of the electoral process, must be free from any political, economic or other conflicts of interests that would interfere with conducting observations accurately and impartially and/ or drawing conclusions about the character of the election process accurately and must comply with the provisions under Sections 6 and 10 hereof.

Applicants are required to disclose their intention for involvement in the Philippine elections as foreign observers.

SECTION 4. Period for Filing Application for Accreditation. - The period for filing applications for accreditation shall be from the effectivity of this resolution to April 30, 2018. This period shall be nonextendable and applications filed after the last day of filing shall not be entertained.

SECTION 5. Opposition to the Application for Accreditation. - Any opposition to applications for accreditation of any foreigner, foreign group, organization, committee or association shall be filed at the EID within five (5) days from the filing date of the contested application.

SECTION 6. Documentary Requirements. - The application shall be supported by the following documents: a. duly accomplished application form for accreditation; b. two (2) recently taken 2/1x 2/1 colored photographs of the applicant; c. endorsement issued by the ambassador or consul of the applicant’s home country; and d. terms of reference or similar document, explaining the purposes of the international election observation mission.

Probe on illegal logging in Catanduanes sought V

By Manilyn B. Ugalde

IRAC, Catanduanes—This province may be the only one left in the Bicol region with a virgin forest, but that distinction could end soon.

Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento has filed a bill asking Congress to investigate alleged rampant tree cutting in the province, which he said becomes obvious whenever logs float down to its rivers and shores after the frequent storms that hit the tiny island.

House Resolution 1798, filed by Sarmiento last March, seeks to probe the alleged illegal logging operations in the province of 12 towns and the smuggling of first-class wood products to the Bicol mainland.

In his resolution, Sarmiento asked the House of Representatives to direct the concerned committees to inquire on the status of pending illegal logging cases in the province.

“Catanduanes residents are seeing and

hearing of many apprehensions without a ‘big fish’ being charged or prosecuted,” he said in introducing the measure.

The lawmaker lamented that apprehensions of forest products by police and personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources merely result in the punishment of “small-time delivery men.”

He pointed out the lack of effective surveillance, monitoring, and investigation to pin down the ringleaders of the illegal logging operations and their conspirators in the government.

Sarmiento cited the recent apprehension of two persons, Marvin Soria and Elmer Morauda, a truck driver and helper, who were

hauling a truckload of close to 3,000 board feet of first-class lumber such as narra and lawan coming from Bagamanoc town near Virac on March 14.

The suspects, who could not present any document for their cargo, were charged by the police in court, but they simply pleaded guilty with the assistance of their counsel, prompting Regional Trial Court Branch 42 Judge Lelu Contreras to sentence them to a mere 20 months in prison.

The light punishment makes Soria and Morauda eligible for probation soon, Sarmiento noted.

He also said that when Typhoon “Sisang” hit the country in 1989, Bato River, the biggest in Catanduanes, was found filled with logs down to the shoreline.

Sarmiento also recalled that during an inspection in the island by Defense officials accompanied by a senator a day after the typhoon, the lawmaker was quoted as saying: ”My God, Sisang must be the only typhoon carrying a chainsaw!”

SECTION 7. Application Forms.- Application forms for accreditation shall be available at the COMELEC EID. Application forms may also be downloaded from the COMELEC website (http:// www.comelec.gov.ph).

ARMM execs invited to US study tour

SECTION 8. Identification Cards. - Upon approval of the application, the EID shall issue identification cards to the accredited foreign observers.

SECTION 9. Privileges. - Duly accredited foreign observers shall have the following privileges: • Unimpeded access to all stages of the electoral processes and all election tecnologies; • Unimpeded access to all persons concerned with election processes, including: 1.

2.

Electoral officials at all levels, upon reasonable requests; Members of legislative bodies and government and security officials whose functions are relevant to organizing democratic elections; All of the political parties, organizations, persons that have sought to compete in the elections (including those that are qualified, disqualified and those that withdrew from participating), News media personnel, and All organizations, persons that are interested in achieving genuine democratic elections in the country.

3.

4.

5.

By Nash B. Maulana

SECTION 10. Code of Conduct. - In order to provide an impartial and accurate assessment of the nature of the electoral processes must follow the Code of Conduct for International Election Observers. Duly accredited foreigner, foreign group, organization, committee, or association shall : 1.

Respect the sovereignty of the country, as well as the fundamental rights and fundamental freedoms of its people; Respect the laws of the country and the authority of the COMELEC; Respect and protect the integrity of the international election observation mission; Maintain strict political impartiality at all times, including leisure time in the country; Not obstruct any element of the election process, including pre-election processes, voting, counting and tabulation of results and processes transpiring after election day; 6. Display the identification card provided by COMELEC; 7. Ensure that all of their observations are accurate and must be comprehensive, noting positive as well as negative factors,distinguishing between significant and insignificant factors and identifying patterns that could have an impact on the integrity of the electoral process; 8. Refrain from making any personal conunents about their observations or conclusions to the news media or members of the public before the election observation mission makes a statement unless specifically instructed otherwise by the observation mission’s leadership; 9. Be aware of other election observation missions, both international and domestic, and cooperate with them as instructed by the leadership of the election observation mission; 10. Maintain proper personal behavior and respect others, including exhibiting sensitivity to the country’s cultures and customs, exercise sound personal judgment in personal interactions and observe the highest level of professional conduct at all times, including leisure times;and 11. In case of concern about the violation of this code, the election observation mission shall conduct an inquiry into the matter.

2.

3.

4.

5.

SECTION 11. Term of the Accreditation. Accreditation of foreign election observers shall be valid until the end of election period or until May 21, 2018.

SECTION 12. Prohibited Acts. - It shall be unlawful for any foreigner, foreign group, organization, committee or association to: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Aid any candidate directly or indirectly; Take part or influence in any manner in the conduct of the elections; Engage in partisan political activities, which refer to acts designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates to public office; Contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any election campaign or partisan political activity; Enter any polling place without consent of the chairman of the BET concerned; and Mingle and talk with voters inside any polling place, or otherwise disrupt the proceedings in the polling place.

SECTION 13. Penalty of Violation. - Any violation of the immediately preceding Section shall be punishable with one (1) to six (6) years of imprisomnent and deportation which shall be enforced after the prison term has been served, pursuant to Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code and other related laws.

SECTION 14. Effectivity. - This resolution shall take effect immediately after its publication in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

SECTION 15. Dissemination. - The EID shall implement this Resolution, cause its publication and furnish copies thereof to all Regional Election Directors, Provincial Election Supervisors, Election Officers, all candidates, the Philippine Information Agency, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, which shall cause dissemination thereof to its foreign service establishments and to representatives of foreign countries in the Philippines, for their information and guidance.

SO ORDERED.

AL A. PARREÑO Acting Chairman

LUIE TITO F. GUIA Commissioner

MA. ROWENA AMELIA V. GUANZON Commissioner

SHERIFF M. ABAS Commissioner

1 2

3

4

An Act Amending Republic Act No. 9 164, Resett ing the Barangay and Sangguni ang Kabataan Elections, and fo r other Purposes An Act Pos tponing the Sanggun iang Kabataan Elections to the last Monelay of October 20 16, Amending for the purpose Re public Act No. 9164, as amended, ent itl ed “An Act Prov iding for Synchro nized Barangay and Sangguni ang Kabataan Elections. amending Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, Olilerwise known as lile “ Local Government Code of 199 1”, and For otller Purposes An Act Postponing the October 2016 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Amending fo r the Purpose Republic Act No. 9 164, as amended by Republic Act No. 9340 and Republic Act No. 10656. Prescribing Additional Rules Governing the Conduct of Barangay and Sangguni ang Kabataan Elections and for Other Purposes An Act Postponing the October 20 17 Barangay an d Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9 164, as amended by Repub lic Act No. 9340, Republic Act No. 10632, Republ ic Act No. 10656, and Republ ic A ct No. 10923 and for Other Purposes (MS-APR. 13, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LED LIGHTS. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada leads the ceremonial switching of brand-new LED street lights along Leveriza Street, from San Andres Street to M. Adriatico Street in Malate, on Tuesday. The lights would discourage crimes in the area and throughout the city, Estrada said.

Solano-Bayombong tricycle dispute resolved

By Abe Almirol BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya —Officials of this town and neighboring Solano have agreed to declare a “free zone” for tricycles for hire at their highway boundary, Solano councilor Rudie Bueno said Thursday.

“Both the leadership of the LGUs of Bayombong and Solano towns finally agreed to declare a free zone for tricycles-for-hire to avert a tension that was building-up noontime on Wednesday at the highway boundary here,” Bueno said.

During the impasse, Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Carlos Padilla mobilized provincial government trucks and buses and even hired vans to transport stranded

commuters.

After a negotiation, traffic enforcers from both Bayombong and Solano were given clear instructions to allow tricycles to pick up passengers when going back to their places of origin.

Legitimate trikes with a Solano franchise can now shuttle passengers to Bayombong. On their way back to Solano, they can pick up passengers starting from Botika Venturina, Bueno said.

Students of Nueva Vizcaya State University, which is in Bayombong, going to Solano could also be picked up at Dumlao Boulevard.

When in Solano, Bayombong franchised trikes can pick up passengers going to Bayombong starting from Mang Inasal,

Bueno added.

The dispute loomed after traffic enforcers of both towns started apprehending Solano trikes who pick up passengers in Bayombong and vice versa, citing established ordinances.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte through Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered the relief of the entire personnel of the Bayombong District Office and the Aritao Extension Office of the Land Transportation Office over allegations of extortion at the Aritao weighing bridge.

A well-placed source, who asked not to be named, told Manila Standard that LTO Region 2 is expected to release the result of its investigation this Friday.

NINE elective local government officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have been invited to the United States as part of that country’s International Visitors Leadership Program, the US Embassy in Manila said Thursday.

The IVLP “creates opportunities for business, professional, and academic collaboration, and offers direct exposure to American systems and values” as it introduces “current and emerging foreign leaders to their professional counterparts in US communities,” a statement from the embassy said.

In his invitation, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim said the project “shall introduce (the ARMM officials) to best practices of community engagement to address crime, drug abuse, extremism, and other social concerns,” Jennie Alonto Tamano, head of the Lanao Sur Provincial Information Office, disclosed.

The participating officials include ARMM Regional Vice Governor Haroun Alonto Lucman, Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., and Mayor Majul Gandamra of Marawi City.

Also on the list are Maguindanao mayors Ibrahim Ibay of Parang and Abdulkarin Langkuno of Paglat, and Lanao del Sur mayors Dimnatang Pansar of Butig, Nashiba Gandamra-Sumagayan of Taraka, Ali Sumandar of Piagapo, and Shariefullah Tanog of Pualas.

Molly Koscina, a staff member of the Philippine Embassy’s Manila Information Office, said the IVLP is the premier professional exchange program” of the US Department of State, which provides “firsthand knowledge about the US society, culture, and politics, while cultivating professional relationships.”

Official sources, including the US Embassy’s Manila Information Office, provided no specific itinerary of travel, but by the landmarks shown in photographs some of them posted on social media, would indicate they were in Washington D.C. on their first day of travel on Monday (Tuesday in Manila).

Life culture and media

Bernadette lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardlifE

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friday, april 13, 2018

CAMARADERIE IN ART. The Saturday Group members participate in an interaction painting during the opening of the 'Saturday Group Gold: Celebrating 50 Years in Art' exhibition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Tracing the history of the Saturday Group

A

chAnce meeting one sunny Saturday afternoon in 1968 at the now defunct Taza de Oro (literally translated “Golden cup”) along Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard) in Malate, as the story goes, has led to 2,500 Saturdays more of friendship and camaraderie in art for what we know today as the country’s premier group of artists, the Saturday Group.

This enduring bond is honored in a special commemorative exhibit, entitled “Saturday Group Gold: celebrating 50 Years in Art,” which features 112 artworks by more than 100 artists, including those from the group’s 31 current members, at the Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery) of the cultural center of the Philippines. exhibition curator Ricky Francisco, through the support of the ccP Visual Arts and Museum Division and Filipino heritage Festival, Inc., also brought in 40 pieces from the ccP visual arts collection, including “rarely seen” works of eight Saturday Group members who became national Artists for La Mesa (1979), oil on canvas by Ang Kiukok Painting or Visual Arts.

These include founding leaders hernando R. Ocampo and The old did mix with the new when Roces reminisced on cesar F. Legaspi, Vicente S. Manansala, Arturo R. Luz, Ang the group’s early days.

Kiukok, Jose T. Joya, Benedicto R. cabrera, and Federico Agui“We did not have a formal structure. We had no officers. evelar Alcuaz. The work of its ninth national Artist member, carlos ryone was equal. everyone was welcome, non-artists included.

“Botong” Francisco, came from a private collection.

After all, Attorney Tony Quintos and businessman enrique VeMore than 250 accomplished artists and art lovers became lasquez, both original founders, were not artists. Gallery ownpart of the Saturday Group over the past five decades, lending ers, writers, art patrons, students, ‘osiosos,’ plus an old lady prestige to the group for having “the largest number of estab- peddling art supplies were all part of the group. The rule was, lished and respected artists in its roster,” according to Francisco. if you showed up twice at the Taza de Oro gathering, you were “In the exhibition, the artists are considered a member.” grouped according to who was the he also congratulated the group “for leader during their membership, which carrying the torch that extra mile forbegins from the founding members unward” and thanked the ccP “on behalf der the group’s first recognized leader, of the original members for giving the h.R. Ocampo,” the curator explained.

Saturday Group a place in the nation’s Succeeding heads were cesar Legart biography.” aspi, Onib Olmedo, Mauro Malang SanViewing the exhibition, Roces was tos, cris cruz, Buds convocar, Anna de left awed by the “bountifully overLeon, Migs Villanueva, and Omi Reyes. whelming” activity of contemporary ccP Visual Arts and Museum Diart in the country. vision officer-in-charge Rica estrada “Reuniting with the works of old said visitors to the exhibition will be friends and seeing new expressions of given the opportunity to learn about the contemporary Saturday Group, I the Saturday Group’s history and nuam touched by nostalgia and joy,” he merous accomplishments through arsaid. “Once again, I glimpse the familchival materials, including photos of iar artwork and styles of old companget-togethers, projects, exhibits, and ions, some now in that glorious studio news clippings about its activities. in the sky, and I greet them as of old— The exhibition opened with nude nanding Ocampo, cesar Legaspi, Joe sketching session led by Australia-based Joya, Onib Olmedo, Galo Ocampo, Alfredo “Ding” Roces, one of the group’s and so many others.” four founders, and interaction painting Hernando Ocampo's Homage to Diego Silang The Saturday Group was eventu(artworks made by two or more artists) ally formalized when it was officially (1976), acrylic on canvas of both past and current members—two registered at the Security and extraditions that the group introduced to the change commission in 2017. Its own country’s art scene in 1968 and 1971, respectively. gallery at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong city also nine artists participated in the nude sketching session in- opened middle of last year. side the main gallery: hermes Alegre, Dante castillo, Allan Reyes said the group continues to help young artists cosio, Ivi cosio, Gig de Pio, carlos Gabuco, Roel Obemio, through its scholarship program, collaborate with entities and Franklin caña Valencia. like Gawad Kalinga for its social projects, and raise funds for Saturday Group president Omi Reyes said the exhibition served various institutions such as the University of the Philippinesas a big reunion of sorts of former and present members whose Philippine General hospital and cid Reyes Foundation. sense of camaraderie was sealed primarily by doing art together.

Present members include former presidents Buds convocar, “We aren’t just an organization, we are a family,” he Anna de Leon, and Migs Villanueva, Roel Obemio, Salvador said, as members were reunited at the exhibition “just like ching, Aner Sebastian, Francis nacion, Jaime Gubaton, Gera family reunion.” rico Blanco, carlo Ongchangco, eman Santos, Anthony Palo, Danny Pangan, Robert Deniega, Ronnie Bercero, Joy Rojas, Lydia Velasco, Franklin caña, hermes Alegre, Ding hidalgo, Rudy Roma Lunod, Inna naanep Vitasa, Tessie Picaña, Rose Gisbert, nida cranbourne, Sheila Tiangco, Joseph Villamar, Ysa Gernale, Daisy carlos and helena Alegre.

Today’s Saturday Group looks back with gratitude as it drinks from the “golden cup” prepared by its founders and former members over the years, and looks forward to more Saturdays—always on Saturdays—that contribute to a flourishing contemporary art scene in the country.

“Saturday Group Gold: Celebrating 50 Years in Art” is on view until May 6, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division at (02) 832-1125 local 1504 or 1505, 832-3702, 0917-6033809, or send an email to ccp.exhibits@gmail.com for inquiries and Games for Three (1972), oil on wood by Cesar Legaspi more information.

Ecology Interaction, an interaction painting by Lucresia Kasilag, Cesar Legaspi, Rodolfo ParasPerez, Ivi Avellana-Cosio, and Allan Cosio

Day Off sa London (1979), charcoal and pastel on paper, by Benedicto Cabrera

Contemporary

meets artisanal crafts PhILIPPIneS’ premier lifestyle and design trade event Manila FAMe will once again showcase the best creative local products on April 19 to 21 at the World Trade center in Pasay city. now on its 67th edition, the show will feature versatile artisanal products attuned for the modern setting from the country’s top home, fashion, holiday, and gifts designers and manufacturers.

Manila FAMe organizer, center for International Trade exhibitions and Mission aims to increase the number of new products in its April 2018 staging through multiple product development programs.

“Working together with some of the country’s best designers and other government agencies, we provide support to our micro, small, and medium enterprises to stand in the international market through incorporating local traditional materials and techniques with contemporary design aesthetics,” said Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran, deputy executive director of cITeM. A number of exhibitions from the 66th edition of Manila FAMe will return to the April 2018 show, including the highly praised Design commune: Patterns and Palettes and the GReAT Women Project 2.

Design commune will continue to explore design and market trends for its second installation, working with some of the best and emerging designers and manufactures from across the country. Following the themes ethnic nomad Autumn and Spring, neutral Metals, neutral Blues, and Tints of Green, the setting will deliver a versatile collection to match a variety of material requirements, techniques, and price points set by the international market.

GReAT Women Project 2, an effort by the Philippine commission on Women and the DTI Project Management Team, will present artisanal products from local women-led enterprises in support of women empowerment and businesses.

Showcasing contemporary furniture, home decors, and fashion pieces, the Artisans Village, a staple of Manila FAMe, will continue to stand as a platform for MSMes to introduce their products to global audiences.

Meanwhile, Manila Wear will collocate the Philippines’ top and most promising designers. The special setting aims to promote the country as an advocate of individualized and personal style of fashion.

Multi-awarded and internationally acclaimed designer Tony Gonzales will serve as the creative director of the show.

The Artisans Village showcases home and fashion products by MSMEs

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018 Nickie Wang, Issue Editor

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Is being a ‘GOOD SON’ enough to prove someone’s innocence?

Star-studded 11th Gabay Guro in Butuan WE WERE at the Father Saturnino Urios University Main Gym in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on April 7 for the first leg of Gabay Guro Teachers’ Tribute in Mindanao.

I hosted the event and with me were volunteer celebrities like Marian RiveraDantes, Gabby Concepcion, Mark Bautista, Jona, Jason Dy, Jong Cuenco, the hilarious tandem of Ate Gay and Regina, and Christian Bautista.

They made the teachers of the province very happy and let them experience the love and care of PLDTSmart Foundation’s Gabay Guro, which is celebrating its 11th year this 2018.

Teachers’ Tribute is among the pillars (others are scholarships, livelihood programs, housing and educational facilities, broadband and computerization) of the advocacy program founded by PLDT’s top honcho Manny V. Pangilinan and is being chaired by Madam Chaye Cabal-Revilla, with their companies’ executives as volunteer members and core team officials.

During the event, teachers were treated to an entertainment show, a culminating program after some hours of attending free seminar and lectures that day.

Simply, the Teachers’ Tribute allows the teachers to have “fun” time with their favorite celebrities via singing and dancing and by trying their luck to games and raffle draws sponsored

by Smart-PLDT’s sub-companies like TNT and Home Fiber.

No less than Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica AmanteMatba welcomed us warmly and made us feel like a native of her province. She made us feel secure and safe.

Gov. Matba was so sporty when we teased her about President Duterte’s confession in the news programs before that she was his dream girl, the one who dumped him. Her very sweet smile and her simple pat on our back made us conclude that we can never blame Pres. Digong if he still mentions her up to this day.

She is by the way happily married now to Tawi-Tawi Governor Rashidin Matba, who gladly invited Gabay Guro to go to his province next time. *** Among the most applauded numbers in the event was that of Ate Gay and Regina tandem doing impersonation and comic act that made teachers behave like pupils in a classroom full of surprises.

Meanwhile, Marian showed her being the GMA’s prized talent as she did a song and dance number that the audience loved. Her message to the teachers was so touching saying she was once a Super Ma’am in a TV series.

Jason Dy, The Voice Philippines season 2 winner related that he felt like having his welcome and thanksgiving concert as he was warmly welcomed by his kababayans in Butuan City. Many young teachers were swooning like fan-girls especially when he showed his sexy moves.

For his turn, Mark Bautista’s rendition of an old song brought back memories to a many old timer-

Jason Dy entertains the crowd during Gabay Guro Teachers’ Tribute event in Butuan City.

teachers. When his second number came, a quite new and fast number, everybody was stomping on their feet.

Such high energy was still present and active when Christian Bautista serenaded the audience with his “crooner” sound. He even gave away stems of red roses to every shrieking female teacher that gathered around him on stage.

Equally received well was Jona who sang teleserye theme songs. She was the one who introduced Gabay Guro’s theme song via a video with no less than the original songbird Regine Velasquez-Alacasid, addressing and singing it for the teachers.

The final number came from Gabby Concepcion, who was accompanied by known flutist Jong Cuenco.

It was indeed another successful Gabay Guro event, that left each of the teacher in his/her inspired mood.

Agusan del Norte’s local government, the Department of Education officials and other local officials kept on thanking the Gabay Guro team and Madam Chaye Cabal-Revilla, who gave back her thanks and acknowledged her core team members and the Gabay Guro production team who contributed to the success of the event.

And once again, on behalf of the group that trooped to Agusan del Norte on April 7, this writer who hosted the event is sincerely thanking everyone, too! *** On another side of the story, we had a chat with Gabby and his statement on his aborted movie reunion project withSharon Cuneta.

“To clarify lang ha, wala talaga sa akin ang problema. Ever since talks (about it) started, I have been very open and cooperative. It’s just that our producer has laid out some items na nung sinang-ayunan ko ay hindi pala daw gusto niSharon,” he revealed.

Another report said that the “billing” item which the megastar allegedly did not approve of as it will put her in a second lead bill to Gabby. Some insiders added that the megastar felt and believed that she is still the one carrying their love team up to this time.

Then Gabby mentioned about the legacy he wanted to give their supporters and most especially to their daughter KC. Part of this legacy that Gabby talked about has something to do with him wanting to propose a “conjugal earning” which they can share with their daughter KC, if ever the movie project earns big.

More juicy items next ish, folks!

For your comments and reactions, kindly follow me on Instagram @ ambetnabus, Twitter @ambetnabus, and Facebook: ambet rivera nabus.

Please watch Chismax with my partner Gretchen Fullido, on DZMM Teleradyo every Sunday, 7 to 8 p.m., available on Skycable channel 26, Destiny Cable channel 25 and TV Plus’ channel 6.

From left: Judy Amante, Gabay Guro chairperson Chaye Cabal-Revilla, the author, and Gov. Angel Matba.

‘The Good Son’ lead cast (from left) Nash Aguas, Jerome Ponce, Joshua Garcia and McCoy de Leon

T

HE mystery and the unending mind games will finally be solved as viewers will now find out who among Joseph (Joshua Garcia), Calvin (Nash Aguas), Obet (McCoy De Leon), and Enzo (Jerome Ponce) is the culprit behind the murder of their father in the much-anticipated finale of The Good Son. In the top rating series, which won the best TV series and the best ensemble acting for teleserye awards at the recent Gawad Tanglaw, the four sons’ battle for justice and vengeance took an unexpected and vicious turn when they resorted to extreme measures after Enzo

threatened Joseph’s life with a gun. The same thing happened between Calvin and Obet, when the latter pointed a pistol at the youngest Buenavidez with the intent of avenging the death of his mother Racquel (Mylene Dizon).

These events have so far convinced

the investigators that the murderer might be one of the brothers, whose violent tendencies could establish that they have the capacity to kill someone to fulfill an intense desire for revenge.

However, just like his dad, Joseph gets poisoned during his birthday bash —a shocking incident that puts him on the brink of death and bring everyone closer to the identity of the crime’s mastermind.

Don’t miss the finale of The Good Son on Primetime Bida on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (Sky Cable ch 167).

Past episodes are available on iWant TV and skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

QCinema 2018 grantees revealed THIS year, the QCinema International Film Festival (QCinema) carries on with its mission to feature the best of new and seasoned homegrown storytellers.

Running from Oct. 21 to 30 in different cinemas, the festival is set to premiere new independent feature and documentary films whose narratives speak about the intricacies of life, love, and history.

Circle Competition Samantha Lee’s Billie and Emma looks into the depths of a young female friendship. City girl Billie meets provincianalass Emma, together, they go through the experience of first love and they explore what it means to be a family.

Dog Days: Pinoy Hoop Dreams by Timmy Harn shows halfblack half-Filipino wannabe basketball star Michael Jordan Ulili chase his hoop dreams. The rookie player believes he has special God-given powers to have what it takes.

In Dan Villegas’ Hintayan ng Langit, a woman in limbo comes to grips with her past. A new list of eligibles will soon be released and her name is finally being considered, but there’s a shortage of rooms in purgatory and she would have to share a room with a man from her past.

In Masla A Papanok, Gutierrez Mangansakan II goes back to 1892 when a giant bird mysteriously appears in Maguindanao foretelling the fall and rise of colonial empires.

Set in the idyllic city of Naga in the Bicol region, Jordan Dela Cruz’s Panata sa Bundok Gulsuk explores a dark coming-of-age story. A naive teenage

boy journeys towards the peak of the mythical Mount Gulsuk to search for a cure for the mysterious, incurable disease that afflicted his pregnant high school girlfriend.

Giancarlo Abrahan’s SilaSila follows the story of a gay man, who, while at a high school reunion, tries to avoid confrontations with people from his past, especially his drunk exboyfriend. And so he escapes through his gay-dating app, meeting “strangers” in the vaguely familiar campus.

DocQC entries In All Grown Up, Wena Sanchez tells a story about what it means to help the people you love the most. After

years of nurturing and protecting her younger brother, a filmmaker is forced to question her ability to help the people she loves when her own daughter begins to have troubles of her own.

Hiyas Baldemor Bagabaldo’s Pagukit sa Paniniwala shows the journey of a third-generation mastercarver in transforming blocks of wood into a gigantic Jesus crucified on a 12 feet cross. This life passage is juxtaposed to a procession of images including that of a 500-year-old Dead Christ.

Meanwhile, Shallah Montero looks into the Philippine drug war through the eyes of women in her documentary film, Luzviminda.

Circle Competition selection committee members: (from left) Jade Castro, Kristine Kintana, Ed Lejano, Manet Dayrit, Menchu Sarmiento, Quark Henares, Mario Cornejo, Gyana Barata and Teddy Co.

Sky’s half-off deal FAMILIES that enjoy watching TV and binge-watching online shows are in for a great deal with SKY’s 50 percent off promo on its cable TV and fiber-powered broadband bundle plans, One SKY. Until April 30, families in all One SKY covered areas can enjoy 50 percent off on their basic monthly service fee for the first three months, as well as a low initial cash-out since they will not be charged an advance payment. With these, they can immediately access the best of entertainment on any screen.

Bundles are a great hack that allow families to save a few bucks of their hard-earned money as

compared to subscribing to individual plans. What is also best about bundle plans is the variety of options they offer.

They can choose from three kinds of One SKY plans depending on their lifestyle: One SKY Premium (unlimited internet and HD cable TV), One SKY Lite (internet with usage allowance and HD cable TV), and One SKY Broadband + VOD (fiberpowered broadband with free access to video-on-demand).

With One SKY’s fiber-powered connection, internet speed is faster, making online surfing seamless for users. On the other hand, data cannot travel quickly in a DSL internet connection that

is offered by other service providers in the country.

Besides slashing off 50 percent on the first three months, SKY will also shower those who avail of a One SKY Premium or Lite plan with a free 15-day access to all SKYcable channels.

Meanwhile, those who choose a One SKY Broadband + VOD plan will get to experience a free twomonth access to the channel pack of SKY On Demand, an online streaming platform that lets subscribers watch cable TV shows and movies on the go.

Visit mysky.com.ph/switch or drop by any SKYzone business center for more details.

Motoring

Gazon Next

Gazelle Next

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

C3

Sadko 4x4

Gazelle Next Minibus

Gazelle Next dropsidetruck

It’s showtime with GAZ Group

Russia-made vehicles take MIAS’ center stage

T

HE Russians have invaded Manila. At the biggest auto show in the Philippines held recently at the World Trade Center, Russian vehicles shared center stage and stood wheel-to-wheel with their competitors.

Bannered by the GAZ GROUP, a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Russia, the newest kid on the block presented a wide range of commercial vehicles at the Manila International Auto Show . The company brought three new models: GAZelle NEXT chassis, GAZon NEXT and Sadko 4×4 medium-duty trucks.

Already available in the market, GAZelle vehicles such as Next Citiline framed bus and Ural NEXT 6×6 heavyduty trucks, shift bus and dumper, have been presented at GAZ Group booths.

All vehicles correspond to the Euro 4 ecostandard and are available in the Euro 5 standard.

The Manila International Auto Show took place from April 5-8, 2018 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila exhibition center.

GAZ Group participated in the exhibition together with its local partners - Gazelle Motors Corp. a distributor of light commercial vehicles, and ConEquip Philippines Inc., a distributor of Ural vehicles.

“These units affirm GAZ Group’s commitment and interest to the Philippine market by initially introducing these vehicles out of its numerous line through Gazelle Motors,” said Dr. Fernando L. Martinez, Gazelle Motors Chairman and Chief Executive.

“These units demonstrate the versatility and flexibility of the vehicles produced by GAZ Group, as these vehicles could be configured to meet the different fleet requirements of local companies and

industries as well as the comfortable and luxurious design preferences of individual customers.”

The GAZelle NEXT vehicles comprise a line of light commercial vehicles combining excellent functionality and modern technical solutions. GAZelle NEXT vehicles are equipped with Cummins ISF 2.8L diesel engines. Engine displacement: 2.8 l, power: 150 hp, Maximum torque: 330 Nm. GAZelle NEXT chassis is presented in a standard configuration with single-row cab. The NEXT base chassis allows to place over 300 special add-ons depending on business tasks. External parts of GAZelle NEXT cab are fully galvanized and treated with anticorrosion materials.

Plastic side panels are installed on the vehicle. All joints and welds are protected with anticorrosion coatings and special sealants.

GAZelle NEXT minibuses can be effectively operated both as public transport (up to 17 passengers) and as corporate or tourist transport. The minibus design allows the transporting of passengers in comfort even if there are no vacant seats and passengers have to stand. Minibuses can be used to design various types of specialty vehicles, e.g.: public passenger transport, buses for transportation of disabled people, school buses, executive buses, airport shuttle buses.

GAZelle NEXT Citiline framed buses are noted for their shorter length and larger body width. Despite their small size, these buses can carry up to 19 passengers.

Buses are equipped with comfortable pas-

senger seats and handrails allowing passengers to move easily and safely along the interior. GAZelle NEXT Citiline buses have a large glass area.

In the hot summer months climate control systems with a dual-zone air conditioning and separate front and rear cooler control units, installed in GAZelle NEXT and GAZelle NEXT Citiline buses, provide a cool temperature inside the vehicles. Sliding windows and a hatch located on the roof ensure effective ventilation inside the passenger compartment.

GAZon NEXT is a new-generation medium-duty truck intended to transport cargoes both within the city and between cities. Vehicle load capacity is 5 tons, and gross weight is 8.7 tons. The vehicle is equipped with an efficient pneumatic brake system with disk brakes for front and rear wheels. Integral steering provides for high information capacity and good control upon the application of little effort on the steering wheel.

The front suspension is equipped with extended springs, hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar, thus providing a smooth and stable ride when driving at high speed. The cabin is made of galvanized steel, which has undergone double priming, while splashers and wheel arches are made of heavyduty plastic, which provides a high level of protection against corrosion.

Simplicity of installing add-ons allows the creating of various modifications of special vehicles on the GAZon NEXT chassis, for example, dump trucks, multipurpose road maintenance vehicles, food and fuel storage tanks, repair cars and reach stackers. The vehicle is produced with two cabin versions: standard (3 seat) and double-row (seating for up to 7 passengers) as well as with two versions of the wheelbase – standard and extended.

The vehicle is equipped with a YMZ536 engine with 150 hp capacity and a 5-speed gearbox produced by the Yaroslavl Engine Plant.

HD Megatrucks opens QC showroom

At the showroom’s grand opening are (from left) Cao Zhen, Philippine Manager, Shacman Motors Inc., exclusive distributor of Shacman trucks and automobiles in the Philippines; Aimee Dagdag; Daniel Dagdag, President and CEO, HD Megatrucks; Tian Chao and Li Jian, General Manager and Asia Department Manager, respectively, of Shacman Motors Inc.

Truck and equipment distributor HD Megatrucks and Equipment, Inc. celebrated recently the grand opening of its first-ever showroom located at 511 A. Bonifacio Avenue, Balintawak, Quezon City. The showroom was built to showcase to customers why they should invest in long-term and heavyduty machineries and equipment for their businesses. It will also provide HD Megatrucks the ability to strengthen its focus on after-sales service and support, with its deep experience in parts distribution. HD Megatrucks and Equipment, Inc. is a distributor of Class A brand quality trucks and equipment for various industries under infrastructure, construction, mining, rental supplies, warehousing, and trucking and logistics. The company also trades and imports goods like automotive parts, accessories, equipment and heavy-duty trucks.

Ford Philippines officially launches the all-new aluminum-alloy body Expedition at this year’s Manila International Auto Show. Leading the launch are (from left) Ford Philippines managing director Bert Lessard, VP for Marketing and Sales Rodel Gallega, and AVP for Marketing Prudz Castillo.

When big is better: New Expedition rolls out ADHERING to its built-ford-tough billing, Ford Philippines has launched the all-new Expedition full-size SUV featuring what the US carmaker calls “ bold and robust new design, improved performance, and a collection of best-in-class luxury features. “ The new Expedition comes equipped with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and innovative changes in its transmission, fuel consumption, frame, body, and driverassist technologies.

“The all-new Expedition delivers an even more luxurious drive, with a suite of new features and power that will provide our customers with more control, while ensuring their families are safe on the road,” said Rodel Gallega, vice president, Marketing and Sales, Ford Philippines.

Powering the Expedition is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft torque at 3,500 rpm. The all-new Expedition achieves greater fuel efficiency and vehicle tailpipe emissions during city driving through its Auto Start-Stop Technology. This programs the engine to switch off while keeping the air-conditioning, audio system, and exterior lighting functioning as the vehicle comes to a stop when in traffic.

The engine is mated with a 10-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission that offers quicker shift times, and a wide ratio span that optimizes gear spacing for better responses. On the Rotary Gear Shift Dial, pressing “M,” engages SelectShift manual mode, enabling driver-controlled shifting in an instant.

Greater maneuverability and handling is delivered through the Driver-Selectable Terrain Management System (TMS), a new intuitive system designed to help the vehicles adapt to different road conditions and driving dynamics. This system features four pre-set modes for all models – Normal, Sport, tow/Haul, and EcoSelect.

The 4WD variants feature seven driverselectable TMS modes – Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, EcoSelect, Grass/Gravel/ Snow, Sand, and Mud/Rut. The all-new Expedition is bolstered by a redesigned, fully boxed high strength steel frame and all-aluminum-alloy body.

This has been engineered with advanced materials that help the Expedition weigh up to 300lbs less, giving customers a

more fuel-efficient driving experience.

The all-new Expedition also boasts of various driver-assist technologies which includes Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with trailer coverage and crosstraffic alert, Forward Sensing System, Reverse Sensing System, and Traction Control, among others.

The all-new Expedition strikes a new design with all-around changes resulting in a bolder, luxurious look. It comes with a raised power dome hood, which adds to the daring stance of the vehicle, followed by a body colored front bumper with fog lamps.

Behind, the Expedition features an accent trim indicating “Expedition,” followed by new LED tail lamps. It is finished off with large diameter, bright exhaust tip, which justly reflects its performance capability.

While on the road, drivers can use natural light for more scenic drives through its panoramic vista roof, which brightens the vehicle interior and gives front and second row passengers their own personal skylight.

The all-new Expedition is flexible and adaptable as ever, allowing customers to utilize space for passengers and cargo. It supports a spacious cabin with room for up to eight passengers and their gear, with second-row seats that tip and slide forward for easy third row access when needed.

With its advanced Cargo Management System, users are enabled to stow items inside their vehicles securely. The all-new Expedition also comes with a hands-free, foot-activated lift gate, which can be programmed to avoid contact with overhead obstacles such as a low garage door opening.

The lift gate also has rear flip glass function.

Boosting convenience when driving the all-new Expedition is a collection of intuitive features. It includes SYNC 3 with built-in navigation. This allows ease of access to the Expedition’s entertainment system, climate controls, connected mobile devices through simple voice commands.

Furthermore, the all-new Ford Expedition introduces more options to charge devices with power outlets on every row and a wireless charging system compatible with select mobile phones. It also features a B&O Play premium audio system with 12 speakers with HD radio technology.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

C4

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Motoring

Text and photos

by Diana B. Noche

W

E can’t blame the big wheels at the Isuzu Philippines Corp., a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors of Japan, if they seem flushed with pride after unveiling an admirable display of five new lines of trucks during the three-day Truck Fest held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

HEAVY DUTY.

ISUZU PHILIPPINES SHOWCASES ITS LINE OF HEAVY DUTY HAULERS INCLUDING THE D-MAX (BELOW)

High five with Isuzu

Isuzu bigwigs offer a toast to the crowd to cap the opening day of the IsuzuTruck Fest.

Light-duty trucks --- NLR77 Flexitruck, NLR85 Refrigerated Van, NMR85 Aluminum Van, NQR75 Dropside, NKR71 N-Cool Ref Van, and Fruehauf Ref Body Cut-away --pack a GVW from 4,490 kg to 8,500 kg with a rear body length from 10ft to18ft. They run on Euro IV Compliant Blue Power Diesel engine that delivers maximum power output with high fuel efficiency and emission, and has a reinforced chassis frame, an all-new cab design, improved aerodynamics cab, spacious leg room, power door locks with vertical door handling for uncomplicated ingress and egress, power windows, and high visibility meters.

The F-Series Medium-Duty trucks --FVR34 Cab and Chassis, FVR34 Dropside with crane, FSR34 Flatbed, and FVM34 Fruehauf Wing van --- come with Euro 10 Compliant BluePower engine. Their GVW, from 10,600 kg to 26,000kg and rear body length of 20ft to 32ft can easily take on a

The first-day hype sparked a surge of interest within the truck world turf which wanted to scour for a more diverse range of trucking options: neck-steady strength to meet maximum payload conditions for long stretches of miles, style, the latest safety technology, dependability and comfort during those punishing long hours of rough driving. The new Isuzu trucks --- NSeries Light-Duty trucks, F-Series Medium-Duty trucks, the C&E-Series HeavyDuty trucks, QKR Light trucks, and the D-Max Pick-up trucks (soon to roll out of IPC’s Laguna plant—from what first-day visitors saw, might just galvanize a stampede to IPC distributors nationwide.

The latest lines of Isuzu trucks boast a high IQ resulting from a totally reengineered and redesigned hauling machines equipped with the most advanced technology expected from a powerful truck. Consider these breakthroughs. The N-Series

TRAIN slows auto output, bucks Asean trend

ASEAN AUTOMOTIVE FEDERATION

Year-to-date sales in February 2018 was more than twice the rate of production in the whole of ASEAN wherein all six manufacturing countries shared in the combined 714,058 units produce in January and February 2018.

ASEAN vehicle production during two months was 9.6 percent higher compared to 2017’s 651,285 units in the same months.

Among ASEAN members, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore reported slower sales.

Singapore posted the biggest drop in sales of 27.5 percent.

The Philippines growth was tempered by the effect of the tax reform program that increased the excise tax imposed on certain vehicle models.

It was the only country among six man-

ufacturing countries that posted slower production.

Meanwhile, data also showed that sales of motorcycles and scooters also dropped by 12.9 percent to 1.29 million from 1.48 million while production was also behind by 27.4 percent.

Based on the Federation’s data, production was down to 434,448 units in January to February 2018 from 598,627 units in the same months in 2017, since the Philippines has not yet submitted its motorcycle and scooter sales and production data to the group.

The ASEAN Automotive Federation aims to promote automotive market integration and growth, cooperation and investments in the ASEAN region. Othel V. Campos

ASEAN AUTOMOTIVE FEDERATION

SALES : FEBRUARY 2018

PRODUCTION : FEBRUARY 2018

1. MOTOR VEHICLES Country Brunei

IF figures don’t lie, then the Philippine government’s tax reform program has indeed backfired on automakers and importers.

Philippines’ auto sales and production haveslowed down since the tax reform law (TRAIN) took effect in January this year, according to data from the Asean Automotive Federation.

Car output declined by 39.9 percent while flat sales were recorded.

The downtrend in the Philippines showed a marked contrast from that among other Asean car -producing members.

Vehicles sold within the ASEAN increased by 4.3 percent to 529,176 units during the first two months of 2018 from 507,504 units in the same months in 2017.

heavy payload and still look good on the road. Aside from a reinforced chassis frame, the F-Series trucks have a new front grille design, high-axle capacity, plus all the other N-Series feature, and engines so installed for easy access during maintenance.

The C&E Series Heavy-duty trucks should have IPC competitors biting their fingernails up to their cuticles. One of the splendors of the Truck Fest, the C&E Series --- CYZ52 Dump truck, EXR52 Tractor head with fuel tank trailer, and EXZ52 Truck head --- is definitely the capstone of the exhibit, the reason for the big commotion and second looks, the jumbo-hearted Isuzu trucks equipped with the same ecofriendly diesel technology, with a GVW starting from 32,000 kg to 41,000 kg.

These muscle trucks feature anti-lock braking system, an easy coupler attachment, electronic tilting cab, quick-access front panel, air condition, air suspension seats specially tailored to not give the driver a sore backside, audio, full-coverage wipers on an expansive windshield to let the driver read the road in whichever way he may be heading, and multi-leaf suspension among other upgrades.

Also on display were the QKR Lighttruck Series and the D-Max Pick-up trucks.

It used to be that trucks merely hauled and carried things --- cement bags, sacks of rice, goods, motorcycles and cars.

Now, truckers are more confident that their shipments will arrive on time, on the exact day as promised and in perfect shape. The new Isuzu trucks may not transform the trucking world but we expect them to be a revitalized segment in the truck market

Indonesia

Malaysia

Myanmar

Philippines

Singapore

Thailand

Vietnam

TOTAL

Month 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y

1. MOTOR VEHICLES

Jan

Feb

895 882 1.5% 95,975 86,262 11.3% 44,575 44,667 -0.2% 891 405 120.0% 31,645 30,425 4.0% 6,196 8,895 -30.3% 66,545 57,254 16.2% 26,037 19,614 32.7% 272,759 248,404 9.8%

781 920 -15.1% 94,261 95,163 -0.9% 40,578 42,455 -4.4% 1,079 436 147.5% 26,176 27,040 -3.2% 5,682 7,491 -24.1% 75,466 68,435 10.3% 12,394 17,160 -27.8% 256,417 259,100 -1.0%

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

YTD Feb 1,676 1,802 -7.0% 190,236 181,425 4.9% 85,153 87,122 -2.3% 1,970 841 134.2% 57,821 57,465 0.6% 11,878 16,386 -27.5% 142,011 125,689 13.0% 38,431 36,774 4.5% 529,176 507,504 4.3%

2. MOTORCYCLES & SCOOTERS Country Indonesia

Malaysia

Philippines

Singapore

Thailand

TOTAL

Month 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y

Jan 482,537 473,879 1.8% 38,501 34,707 10.9% 0 96,391 -100.0% 520 643 -19.1% 155,088 147,224 5.3% 676,646 752,844 -10.1%

Feb 439,586 453,763 -3.1% 32,335 36,584 -11.6% 0 91,000 -100.0% 394 760 -48.2% 145,429 150,525 -3.4% 617,744 732,632 -15.7%

Country Indonesia

Malaysia

Myanmar

Philippines

Thailand

Vietnam

TOTAL

Month 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y

Jan 116,037 98,694 17.6% 68,002 45,532 49.3% 610 114 435.1% 7,447 10,966 -32.1% 166,196 152,261 9.2% 20,541 13,446 52.8% 378,833 321,013 18.0%

Feb 100,429 106,441 -5.6% 38,416 43,127 -10.9% 777 167 365.3% 6,175 11,685 -47.2% 178,237 154,496 15.4% 11,191 14,356 -22.0% 335,225 330,272 1.5%

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

YTD Feb 216,466 205,135 5.5% 106,418 88,659 20.0% 1,387 281 393.6% 13,622 22,651 -39.9% 344,433 306,757 12.3% 31,732 27,802 14.1% 714,058 651,285 9.6%

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

YTD Feb 69,317 70,708 -2.0% 0 200,997 -100.0% 365,131 326,922 11.7% 434,448 598,627 -27.4%

2. MOTORCYCLES & SCOOTERS Mar

Apr

May

Jun

YTD Feb 922,123 927,642 -0.6% 70,836 71,291 -0.6% 0 187,391 -100.0% 914 1,403 -34.9% 300,517 297,749 0.9% 1,294,390 1,485,476 -12.9%

Country Malaysia

Philippines

Thailand

TOTAL

Month 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y 2018 2017 Y-O-Y

Jan 38,582 36,211 6.5% 0 102,343 -100.0% 182,221 170,634 6.8% 220,803 309,188 -28.6%

Feb 30,735 34,497 -10.9% 0 98,654 -100.0% 182,910 156,288 17.0% 213,645 289,439 -26.2%