Manila Standard - 2018 July 13 - Friday

MOCKING BANNER MARKS 2ND YEAR OF U.N. RULING ON WPS

By Bianca Grajo, Nat Mariano and Joel E. Zurbano

BURLESQUE BANNER. Humor, if ridicule, jabs the eye of any spectator Thursday in several parts of the metropolis, ironically on the second anniversary of the ruling by the Haguebased International Arbitral Tribunal favoring the Philippines in a landmark case against China. A Pulse Asia poll from June 15 to 21 this year revealed 73 percent of Filipinos believe President Rodrigo Duterte should assert Manila’s rights to the West Philippine Sea, the country’s exclusive economic zone within the contested waters. Facebook photo by Shawn Sioson

BANNERS that declared that the Philippines was a province of China went up on several footbridges in Metro Manila, mocking the government on the second anniversary of the UN tribunal decision that favored the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea. The red banners, bearing the words “Welcome to the Philippines, Province of China” both in English and Chinese characters, were hanging from several pedestrian overpasses in Quezon City and Makati and near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

In a conference to commemorate the Arbitral Tribunal’s decision, acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio said the banners were an exercise of free speech.

“In our experience, in previous administrations, it’s when the people begin to be like that—jovial and joking about the administration—that signals a loss of support and respect,” Carpio said at the forum.

Jay Bitangcol, director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, agreed with Carpio, saying the banners were a form of protest.

Next page

Palace rejects no-el scenario

By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta MALACANANG on Thursday assured the public that the 2019 local elections will push through, after House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez pushed for their postponement to make time for the proposed shift to a federal form of government.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the President would not buy Alvarez’s idea and is opposed to a “no-election” scenario.

He said it was the President’s commitment to offer people the most honest and credible elections in 2019. “The elections in 2019 will proceed,” Roque said.

The Palace spokesman added that elections can only be moved if the Constitution is amended before May 2019.

He also said that Alvarez’s statement did not have the blessings of President Duterte and that it was just the opinion of the House Speaker.

Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 148 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Pinoys want Rody to assert sea claim

By Bianca Grajo, Dexter Tilo, Vito Barcelo, Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

OME 73 percent of Filipinos believe the Duterte administration should exercise sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, the latest Pulse Asia survey shows.

CRUSHED CONTAINERS. Customs personnel destroy Wednesday two 20-footer containers of cheese powder and used clothing at Tritek Reverse Logistics Corp. in San Pedro, Laguna, abandoned at the Port of Manila in 2009 and 2011 after the two consignees failed to file an entry on the goods. Lisa Marie David

Du30 wants to speed up federal shift, says Senate chief

By Macon Ramos-Araneta PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his proposal to hasten the process for a shift to a federal form of government so that he could be replaced, Senate President Vicente Sotto said Thursday.

Sotto also told a media briefing after Constitutional Commission chairman, former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, turned over to him the draft of the Federal Constitution.

President Rodrigo Duterte wants a new transitory President Next page with the upcoming shift.

EO on localized peace gab out soon

By Francisco Tuyay and Macon Ramos Araneta

Next page

NEW YORK—Aged just 20 and the youngest member of the extended reality-TV Kardashian clan, Kylie Jenner is on track to become America’s youngest “self-made” billionaire, Forbes revealed Wednesday.

Next page

Croatia sets up duel with France SPORTS A8

Next page

Bote’s murder brains known

PHILIPPINE National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said they have identified the mastermind in the murder of Gen.Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote while politics are being considered as motives behind the latest killing of Vice Mayor in Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi.

The killings have been described by Senator Grace Poe, chairman of the

This was down from 84 percent in December 2016, two years after a United Nations tribunal ruled in the Philippines’ favor by finding China’s claims over the West Philippine Sea to be excessive.

“A plurality of Filipinos are of opinion that the Philippines should file a diplomatic protest in relation to the continuous militarization of the Chinese in our territories in the West Philippine Sea,” said Pulse Asia Phils. president Ronald D. Holmes in a forum Thursday.

The survey also showed that the US, Japan, and Australia, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United Nations are trusted by a plurality to a significant majority of Filipinos.

But Filipinos ranked concerns over defense of the country’s territorial integrity against foreigners only 11th out of 15 national concerns.

At the same forum, acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio said educating Filipinos that they have sovereign rights in the

Jenner youngest billionaire—Forbes

By Nat Mariano

RELIABLE GUN.

PNP chief Oscar Albayalde inspects Thursday a light machine gun during the 26th AFAD Defense and Sporting Arms Show at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Manny Palmero

MALACAÑANG said Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte will issue an executive order to spell out the seven guiding frameworks to engage armed rebels in localized peace talks.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque confirmed in a press briefing that Cabinet members and m mbers of the Bangsamoro Transition Council agreed on the matter during the special cluster Next page

Sri Lanka drug war to replicate PH gain COLOMBO—Sri Lanka announced Wednesday it would start hanging drug criminals, ending a near-half century moratorium on capital punishment as officials promised to “replicate the success” of the Philippine drug war.

Next page

A2

News

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Robredo told: PH economy fast growing

By Vito Barcelo MALACAÑANG on Thursday told Vice President Leni Robredo that the country’s economy was experiencing robust growth and defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks describing her as incompetent.

In response to Robredo’s statement that the President should focus on the economy instead of insulting her, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque told Robredo that there was no problem with the Philippine economy and boasted it was the “second fastest-growing” in the world.

“The assessment of the President is an assessment of one who has served almost 30 years in an elective position, in addition to his 10 years being a public prosecutor,” Roque told reporters. “So it’s the assessment of a person who [has] served the government for about 40 years.

“Maybe we should look into the merits of what he said, especially since we are aware of the experience of the vice president is three years as a Congresswoman and two years as a vice president.”

Roque said Robredo might have been hurt by the President’s “honest and objective” assessment of her capability to run the country.

Judges endorse Marquez for SC

By Rey E. Requejo THE country’s association of judges has asked President Rodrigo Duterte to appoint Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez as associate justice of the Supreme Court as a successor to Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. who is retiring next month.

In a July 9, 2018 letter to the President, the Philippine Judges Association, through its president Judge Felix Reyes of the Regional Trial Court of Marikina City, asked Duterte to consider Marquez for Velasco’s position considering his “integrity and competence.”

“We believe that Court Administrator Marquez possesses the necessary qualifications and experience, having been in the service of the Supreme Court for almost three decades in various positions,” the PJA said.

“We also stand and affirm his integrity and competence, and his appointment as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court would greatly benefit our beloved institution.”

The group manifested its support for Marquez’s appointment to the post that will be vacated by Velasco on Aug. 8 in a resolution signed by 30 judges and officials.

The judges earlier sent their endorsement of Marquez in a letter to the Judicial and Bar Council.

Du30...

From A1 At this juncture, Sotto asked the President, “are you abandoning us.”

“He did not answer me,” Sotto told reporters, adding the first step for them after receiving the draft of the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution was to go for a constitutent assembly.

In related developments: • Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said the draft federal charter’s provision for the creation of a transition commission was crafted to allow Duterte to be the first president of the envisioned federal government.

He slammed the transition commission provision in the proposed federal charter crafted by “Duterte’s Consultative Committee” tasked to review the 1987 Charter to give way to a federal form of government.

“The creation of a Federal transition commission is a devious innovation by Duterte’s consultative committee to assure the transition of President Rodrigo Duterte as the first Federal President since he is not prohibited from running in the first elections set on the second Monday of May 2022,” Lagman said in a statement.

• Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, head of the ConCom said he would not endorse federalism if it lacked an anti-political dynasty provision.

Bote’ s...

From A1 Senate committee on public order, as “unsettling and terrifying”—at the same time as Senator Francis Escudero called on the police to do their job and secure the safety not only of elected officials but of ordinary citizens as well.

Albayalde said the architect in Bote’s slaying had been established based on the confession of two of the arrested suspects—Florencio Suarez and Roberto Gumacay—who were intercepted at a checkpoint in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur on Wednesday.

The top cop, however, declined to disclose the identity of the mastermind in Bote’s liquidation as the person was still being chased down.

Poe noted that one unsolved killing

Budget seeks review of ruling on LGU share B

UDGET Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Wednesday the national government will appeal a recent Supreme Court decision on the Internal Revenue Allotment of local government units.

In a July 4 ruling, the high court said the 40-percent IRA allotment of local government units should be sourced from all national taxes and not only from the Bureau of Internal Revenue taxes.

“As of now, we have not received the decision. We asked the Solicitor General to appeal to reverse the decision,” Diokno said in an open forum at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

He made his statement even as a proadministration lawmaker on Thursday

urged the Budget department to abide by the high court decision.

Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, vice chairman of the House committee on local governments, also asked the department to work out a plan on how to give out the full IRA due the LGUs since 1992 based on the landmark high court ruling.

“We commend the Supreme Court for this landmark ruling as this would be of immense help in boosting the economy of LGUs once we commence the shift to a federal system of govern-

ment,” Villafuerte said.

Voting 10-3, the high court interpreted the basis for the ‘just share’ of the LGUs “as being based on all national taxes and not only on the National Internal Revenue Taxes as provided in Section 284 of the Local Government Code.”

Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas, the lead petitioner in the case, has called for an urgent implementation of the high court ruling.

Under the 2018 General Appropriations, the LGUs will receive a P522.7billion IRA share while for 2019 they will get P575.5 billion or 15.3 percent of the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget approved in the recent Cabinet meeting. PNA with Maricel V. Cruz

CoA sees conflict of interest in Tourism ad contract

By Rio N. Araja FORMER tourism secretary Wanda Teo could be held liable for a “possible conflict of interest” for awarding a contract for a television campaign to a company owned by her brother, according to the Commission on Audit.

“Considering that the Department of Tourism secretary and the producer of Kilos Pronto are siblings, there is a possible conflict of interest which may be a violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” the agency said in a report.

At least P89.9 million of the P120-million budget was allotted to Kilos Pronto, a

Pinoys...

From A1 area is the first step in rallying the international community to establish a rule-based system in the West Philippine Sea. He added that the next step is to enter a conversation with the rest of the world to comply with the ruling.

China has refused to recognize the authority of the UN tribunal, however, and does not accept its verdict.

The Pulse Asia survey was conducted from June 15 to 25, and queried 1,800 participants.

About 46 percent of the participants strongly agreed and 27 percent somewhat agreed that the administration must assert the ruling that invalidated China’s claim in the West Philippine Sea. Only 17 percent are in the middle while 4 percent somewhat disagree and 3 percent strongly disagree with enforcing the decision.

Two percent admitted that they did not have enough knowledge to give an opinion.

The same survey showed that 34 percent of Filipinos believe the Philippines should file a diplomatic protest against the militarization of the West Philippine Sea. Some 22 percent believe the Philippines must strengthen its military alliances with the US, Japan, Australia, and other countries and 16 percent want the Philippines to strengthen its own military capabilities.

Only 21 percent want to continue the government’s program to befriend China.

Filipinos still have a high amount of trust in the United States (74 percent), Japan (45 percent), and Australia (32 percent) in comparison to China (17 percent), the Pulse Asia survey said.

On the second year of the Hague ruling invalidating China’s claim, the government said it will continue to assert the country’s rights over the West Philippine Sea. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque assured the public that the Duterte administration will not give up the country’s rights in the WPS.

Jenner...

From A1 The young mother, who gave birth to daughter Stormi in February, set up Kylie Cosmetics two years ago and the company has already sold more than $630 million worth of makeup, the magazine said.

Forbes conservatively valued her company at $800 million and raised her overall would beget another, adding if there were no arrests, there would be no deterrence.

In the Philippines, which will hold mid-term polls in May next year, she noted killings were happening before the elections.

“Why, how much is being paid to a hitman, let’s say P100,000. That’s on the high side,” she asked.

She also quesioned how much one would spend in an election if the political opponent was a political popular and strong candidate.

And the sad thing, according to Poe, was that she thought the war on drugs was being used as a smokescreen for political killings.

This means, “they will say that the person killed was included in the drug list.”

“So if I am the opponent, and my rival is in the drug list, if the latter got killed, people would say ‘it’s because of drugs,’ but the truth was it’s politics.”

show produced by Bitag Media Unlimited belonging to television host Ben Tulfo.

State auditors have found irregularities in over P2 billion worth of transactions under Teo’s stint.

In a 104-page audit report, the commission said Teo traveled to Berlin, Bangkok, Istanbul, Singapore and South Korea in 2017 and got a total daily subsistence allowance of P857,961.95.

Despite the lack of guidelines from the Tourism department’s main office, Teo and 93 other officials incurred traveling allowances of P19.29 million, “thus exposing the government to risks of incurring expenditures for excessive and ex-

travagant travels abroad.

The commission said the Tourism department failed to come up with the guidelines for foreign trips.

On Jan. 10, the department issued an order in compliance with the commission’s recommendation.

State auditors called the department’s attention on its P271.7-million disbursement for the “Experience Philippines” campaign with McCann Worldgroup Philippines Inc., and its inconsistencies in payments for its branding campaign.

Such represented 42 percent of the P649-million contract cost of the department with McCann.

“It is the second anniversary of our win in the arbitration before the Permanent Court of Arbitration and we assure the public that on the second year... anniversary, we will continue to assert what is ours while we move on with our bilateral relations with China,” Roque said at a press briefing.

Roque added that confronting the world’s second largest economy would be “suicide.”

Reacting to a statement by former solicitor-general Florin Hilbay that a group may go to the Supreme Court to compel the government to show what it has done to stop Chinese militarization of the West Philippine Sea, Roque said the record is clear.

“The President has publicly protested in some instances and I know of formal protests filed directly with the embassy upon the express direction of the President. So we have said all this; we are not hiding what we have been doing to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights in the disputed areas of the West Philippine Sea,” Roque said.

Administration ally and Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting said the government was already asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. But opposition and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Tom Villarin said the survey proves “Filipinos believe that our sovereignty is non-negotiable and cannot be traded to China nor our country’s rights be tied to loans and gifts from China.”

“The Pulse Asia survey result is an indictment against the Duterte administration for its appeasement policy towards China while doing nothing to assert the Philippine government’s victory in a historic Hague ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration,” Villarin said.

Hillbay on Thursday said they are planning to bring the issue before the Supreme Court.

“We are thinking of filing a case before the Supreme Court to compel the Department of Foreign Affairs [DFA] to prove that it has indeed filed any protest against China and pushed for the implementation of the arbitral ruling,” said Hillbay, a member of government’s legal team that won the arbitration case against China before the Per-

manent Court of Arbitration two years ago.

“The foreign affairs secretary claimed that he has filed many protests against China, but he hasn’t really shown us any specific document where he raised and invoked the decision.

So we’re faced with the possibility that the secretary of foreign affairs is lying just to justify the failure to invoke the decision,” he said.

Hilbay also said failure to defend the country’s territory could be seen as a violation of the Constitution.

“The President himself—the highest official of the land—refuses to invoke the decision. The easiest thing to do is just to file a piece of paper, make it public and invoke the decision, but they have never done that. I’d say that’s a culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust,” he said.

But Hilbay admitted that an impeachment case against President Duterte would be “politically difficult” because the administration controls a majority in the House of Representatives.

Senator Leila de Lima, meanwhile, said Filipinos should not forget the country’s victory over China before the Arbitral Tribunal.

“It became the tangible proof of the honor of Filipinos, and their commitment to wage a principled and peaceful struggle against the might and force of a superpower,” De Lima said.

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros’ challenged the DFA to show its “50-100” diplomatic protests against China, and filed a resolution calling on the Senate to conduct a “foreign policy audit” to review the administration’s response to Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea. “Transparency makes for good foreign policy. On the contrary, total silence raises suspicion and discourages public confidence,” Hontiveros said. “Considering that the Philippine Senate has been granted by the Constitution the power to ratify treaties and in line with its check and balance powers, it has material interest in ensuring that the foreign policy adopted by the Executive is in the best interest of Filipino citizens.” With Maricel V. Cruz

worth to $900 million by throwing in earnings from television programs, endorsements and after-tax dividends.

Jenner owns 100 percent of the company, which started out with a $29 “lip kit”— matching set of lipstick and lip liner that traded on her trademark pout.

She’s already the youngest person on Forbes’ list of richest self-made US women and another year of growth would make her the youngest self-made billionaire ever,

beating Mark Zuckerberg, who crossed the threshold at the age of 23.

“Thank you @Forbes for this article and the recognition. I’m so blessed to do what I love everyday,” she tweeted next to a photograph of the cover story.

Her success has been attributed to her fame and ability to leverage social media.

She has more than 110-million followers on Instagram, 25.6 million on Twitter and 16.4 million follow her company directly. AFP

EO...

From A1 meeting between Security, Justice, and Peace committees.

The meeting was attended by members of the Cabinet, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, and few members of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, including Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano and Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

Following the terms set by the President to Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison, Roque said that should Sison refuse to discuss the issues in the country, the government will give local government officials the authority to engage the rebels in localized peace talks.

Roque then cited seven guiding frameworks as agreed upon during the meeting held Wednesday night.

“One, it is nationally orchestrated, centrally directed, and locally supervised and implemented. Two, the constitutional integrity and sovereignty will not be compromised. Three, complete and genuine resolution of the local armed conflict, it shall cover the New Peoples’ Army, organs of political power and Militia ng Bayan,” he said.

“Four, if there is a ceasefire, the constitutional mandate of the state to protect public safety, civilian welfare, critical infrastructure and private properties and the guarantee of rule of law and order will not be compromised at all times.

Five, government goodwill, full amnesty package based on disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration to the mainstream of society.

Mocking...

From A1 But Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque dismissed the actions as absurd.

“I’m sure it’s the enemies of our government behind it. So to them, try again, you need a better gimmick than that,” he said.

Asked whether there was some truth to what the banners imply, Roque said, “Certainly none. We continue to assert our sovereignty and sovereign rights. But we are decided to move on issues which are noncontroversial because we know that the final resolution, particularly on the issues of sovereignty on the disputed islands, will take many, many, many years to resolve since this was not a subject of the arbitral ruling that we won two years ago.”

Roque emphasized that the tarpaulins were meant to be provocative.

“They are obviously propagating a lie that we have given up on our national territory. It’s farthest from the truth. The President has said, again and again, that we will stand for what is right until the issue is resolved, let us move forward with our relations with China on things that we can potentially move forward with especially in the economy,” Roque said.

Former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario, however, said the government continues to be “a willing victim” of China.

According to Del Rosario, the government is abetting Beijing as it fails to enforce The Hague ruling two years after the country won the landmark case. (Full text of Del Rosario speech on B4) Roque dismissed Del Rosario’s statement as obsolete.

“That is his view. I don’t know what makes him an authority to give that view and I’m not sure what they mean by enforcing an arbitral decision, because an arbitral decision is binding on parties thereto,” Roque said. “It clearly underscores the fact that some individuals including the former secretary of Foreign Affairs do not fully comprehend the nature of arbitration.”

The Quezon City government ordered the removal of the tarpaulins.

The Metro Manila Development Authority, meanwhile, formed a team to investigate and identify the people responsible in posting the tarpaulins.

The banners were seen hung on the footbridges located along Quezon Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, España Street near Welcome Rotunda in Manila, Circumferential Road 5 (C-5 Road)—Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City, and Airport Road near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.

The tarpaulins were posted in time for the second anniversary of the Philippines’ victory over China on a case decided by the international arbitration court. The message was written in both English and Mandarin and had a similar design and also bore the Chinese flag. With Rio N. Araja

Palace...

From A1 Roque said the only way elections would not be held is if the new charter is ratified, in which case the 1987 Constitution would cease to have legal effect.

Senator Grace Poe on Thursday said the Senate would not approve such a move.

Poe said any move to shortcut the proposed shift to a federal form of government will not be accepted by the public.

“The Constitution specifically states when we are going to have the elections and 2019 is certainly an election year. You can probably amend the Constitution but even if you do, you need the Senate vote,” Poe said.

Senator Francis Escudero said he saw no reason to scrap the 2019 elections.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri said the only way elections would not be held was if the Constitution were amended.

“Right now, I’m sorry to tell the Speaker, we still don’t have the numbers because to amend the Constitution, you’ll need three-fourths vote, which is 18 votes. The majority is only 17. Who from the opposition will join us? “ Zubiri said.

Sri Lanka...

From A1 Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal war on drugs since coming to power in 2016 has left thousands of people dead and prompted allegations of crimes against humanity.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told the cabinet he “was ready to sign the death warrants” of repeat drug offenders and deploy the military to tackle drug crime, a government spokesman said Wednesday.

“From now on, we will hang drug offenders without commuting their death sentences,” Rajitha Senaratne said.

“We were told that the Philippines has been successful in deploying the army and dealing with this problem. We will try to replicate their success,” he said.

Sri Lanka has commuted death sentences for serious crimes to life in prison since 1976, when the last execution took place.

Senaratne said there were 19 drug offenders whose death sentences had been commuted to life. It was not clear if they would be hanged under the government’s policy shift.

Amnesty International responded swiftly urging Colombo not to press ahead.

“Sri Lanka must pull back from any plans to implement the death penalty and preserve its longstanding positive record on shunning this cruel and irreversible punishment,” the London-based rights group said in a statement. AFP

News

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

A3

Albayalde remarks on priests’ killings hit

By Maricel V. Cruz

M

ILITANT lawmakers Representatives Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna and Ariel Casilao of Anak Pawis on Tuesday assailed the Philippine National Police for downplaying the spate of killings of priests.

National Police chief, director general Oscar Albayalde was earlier quoted as saying that the killing of priests was “isolated” and should not be a cause for concern.

“This is really inexcusable, even revolting, coming no less from the PNP chief who, in the same breath also said that there are around 1,000 rogue cops who

are armed and dangerous,” Zarate said.

Nilo was about to celebrate Mass in the chapel of Brgy.

Mayamot, Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija when he was shot dead around 5 pm Sunday by still unidentified assailants who fled from the scene in a getaway car.

The murder of Nilo, the Par-

ish Priest of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Zaragoza and financial administrator of the Diocese of Cabanatuan, was reported to be the third killing of a priest in the country in six months, following the killing of Fr. Mark Ventura in Gattaran, Cagayan on April 29 and Fr. Marcelito Paez in Jaen, Nueva Ecija on Dec. 4 last year.

On June 6, Fr. Rey Urmeneta of the St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Calamba was wounded after being shot by unidenfied suspects.

While he said that the killings were only “isolated cases,” Albayalde said the police is still duty-bound to look into these case.

Marawi City ‘ground zero’ rebuilding hits snag THE groundbreaking for the most affected area of war-torn Marawi City will not push through as scheduled this July due to the unsuccessful negotiation with Bangon Marawi Consortium, Task Force Bangon Marawi said on Thursday.

TFBM chairperson and housing czar Eduardo del Rosario said the groundbreaking would instead be held most likely towards the end of August.

“Unfortunately, we could not meet the indicative timeline because we had an unsuccessful negotiation with the Bangon Marawi Consortium,” Del Rosario said during the Bangon Marawi press briefing in Malacañang.

He said the BMC, the first proponent, failed to comply with some requirements particularly on technical, financial and legal capacity.

“We would like the first developer, the Bangon Marawi Consortium. Unfortunately, it did not materialize,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario said the Selection Board Committee is now talking with the second proponent Power Construction Corp. of China or Power China as possible developer of the 250-hectare most affected area comprising 24 barangays of Marawi City.

He said the rebuilding will not be solely undertaken by Power China, a wholly stateowned company established in 2011.

“We do not know the local companies that will be tapped by Power China to meet that 75-25 qualification. So definitely, it will not be solely undertaken by Power China,” the TFBM head said.

TFBM secretary-general Falconi Millar said Power China has requested for more time to come up with an “intelligent proposal” with regard to technical submissions. PNA

Ping wants no more hazing with new law SENATOR Panfilo Lacson has expressed hope that there would be no more repeat of the hazing death of Horacio “Atio” Castillo III in September 2017 after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11053, which imposes penalties such as reclusion perpetua and up to P3 million in fines against those who engage in hazing.

The measure was sponsored

by Lacson to prevent hazing deaths with harsher penalties being imposed.

The heavier punishments stemmed following the hearings conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chaired

by Lacson. Macon RamosAraneta

BoC seizes P66m worth of smuggled goods at MICP DRAFT COPY. Senate President Vicente Sotto III receives from former chief Justice and consultative committee chairman Reynato Puno the draft copy of the proposed Federal Constitution on Thursday, July 12, 2018. Also in photo is former Senate president Aquilino Pimentel Jr. Ey Acasio

MILF hopes solons won’t pass ‘watered down’ BBL bicam draft

By Maricel V. Cruz A LEADER of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Thursday hoped Congress would not approve a ‘watered-down’ version of the Bicameral Conference Committee’s draft of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. MILF vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar said he believed Congress would pass a BBL version that would address the perceived flaws of the existing Autonomous

Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We do not consider [the BBL being tackled by the bicameral conference committee] as a watered-down BBL. The fact is that the BBL now as we see it, unless it is changed drastically, is no longer ARMM-minus.

It is ARMM-plus plus plus,” Jaafar, BTC chairman, said at the sidelines of the bicameral conference committee meeting on the BBL. The proposed creation of the Bangsamoro region will

abolish the ARMM. Jaafar said he was ‘’satisfied’’ with the results of the bicameral conference committee meetings while hoping legislators would retain provisions in the measure that gives the Bangsamoro the same rights that the ARMM has enjoyed.

Jaafar’s assessment came with President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision on ‘’territorial changes,’’ which he said was in accordance with the Constitution.

Congressmen favored the double-majority vote inclusion, while senators and the BTC preferred the single-vote method on the inclusion of six towns of Lanao del Norte and 39 barangays of North Cotabato in the proposed Bangsamoro region.

The 39 barangays and six towns are currently part of ARMM. The BTC had wanted to scrap the mother units’ approval to make it easier for the six Lanao del Norte towns

and 39 North Cotabato barangays to join the Bangsamoro.

Jaafar said they understood Duterte’s decision, which was guided by the constitutionality of getting the approval of a mother unit when it came to territorial changes.

Jaafar said Duterte had committed to support the other requests of the BTC, including giving powers to the Bangsamoro chief minister to appoint the regional police director as well as jurisdiction over Bangsamoro waters.

Grace Poe ‘not sure’ of running in next year’s senatorial elections

By Macon RamosAraneta SINCE her husband, Neil Llamanzares, was traumatized with what happened to her in the May 2016 elections, Senator Grace Poe on Thursday said that she was not even sure of running in the coming midterm elections next year.

DoLE to use state powers vs PLDT

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Labor and Employment warned it may use state powers to enforce a ruling compelling the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. to regularize more than 7,000 workers supplied by 35 of its contractors found to be engaged in illegal contracting practices.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III issued a fresh order warning the telecom giant from circumventing the enforcement of the labor department’s Jan. 10 decision for the regularization of the workers who have been performing the functions of regular employees.

“The government is not powerless against the most powerful,” Bello told the PLDT workers in a mandatory conference called to clarify the January decision. PLDT management did not attend the meeting.

In a statement, Bello said PLDT’s actions in circumventing the DoLE decision were tantamount to contempt.

“Any act or condition imposed that frustrates or tends to frustrate the order to regularize is contumacious and shall be dealt with in accordance with law,” the order read.

However, Poe, who ran for president in the last election, did not elaborate on the trauma suffered by her husband during a television interview.

“I’m running in 2019—if I run in 2019. I’m not even sure at this point. It’s a personal reason for me, I have to talk to my husband about this,” said Poe who has been leading the senatorial race based on sur-

veys conducted by Pulse Asia and SWS surveys on voters’ preference.

Seeking a second term in the coming polls, Poe said that her running for another term is something that she needs to discuss with her husband.

“I have to talk to my husband about this. But my point is—no election e di hindi kami napagod ’di ba, pero that’s not

the point. What’s the long-term effect of this?” said Poe. Pressed further, Poe said “it’s really the reason put forth by my husband.”

“I think that he— more than us—I think he’s traumatized by what happened during the last elections and he’s thinking, if your landmark or your pet bills were already put forward then… already approved, my feeding

program for example, for the lunch program, and I thank also my colleagues in the Senate who helped me, and especially well, of course, the President for signing, Poe said.

Poe’s husband was a former member of the United States Air Force who renounced his American citizenship after the senator decided to run for president.

INC EVENT. Metro Manila Development Authority general manager JoJo Garcia and MTPB head Dennis Alcoreza shows a map for alternative routes and road closures for the upcoming Iglesia ni Cristo World Wide Aid to Fight Poverty event on July 14 and 15 2018 at the Quirino Grandstand during a press conference at Metro Manila Development Authority headquarters in Makati. Norman Cruz

THE Bureau of Customs intercepted more than P66 million worth of smuggled goods at the Manila International Container Port.

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the seized contrabands include ukay-ukay, beauty products, fake branded watches, perfume, animal medicines and other highly taxable items.

He said that two of the seven containers belongs to Skadi Trading that imported cosmetic products from South Korea. The consignee cannot present the necessary certificate of product registration from FDA. Two more containers from China, consigned to Hepomlan Trading, were seized for misdeclaration, lack of import permits, lack of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance, and for violating Intellectual Property Act of the Philippines. Vito Barcelo

Grab has 15 days to appeal P10-m fine LTFRB order GRAB Philippines has 15 days to appeal an Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board decision ordering it to pay a P10-million fine for overcharging its passengers.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III said if Grab Philippines files an appeal within the next 15 days, the agency is open for reconsideration.

Delgra said Grab has to file for an MR 15 days upon receipt of the order.

“If they will file motion for reconsideration, kailangan nila mag-file within the 15-day period,” the LTFRB chairman said in a radio interview.

LTFRB issued the order against Grab on July 9. It also instructed Grab to reimburse, by way of rebate, all passengers affected by the P2 per minute travel charge from June 5, 2017 to April 10, 2018.

Gov’t to replace old Tagbilaran airport

By Joel E. Zurbano and Nat Mariano

THE government is hurrying the construction of the new Panglao Airport which will replace the old Tagbilaran Airport to accommodate more passengers going to and from the province of Bohol.

The new airport is in the final phase of construction and is now more than 90-percent complete.

The facility, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, is designed to be the country’s first eco-airport and dubbed as the “Green Gateway to the World”. Solar panels will be installed on the Passen-

ger Terminal Building’s roof to cover around 1/3 of the airport’s energy requirement.

The airport can accommodate two-million passengers in its opening year, alone from 800,000 passengers currently being accommodated by the Tagbilaran airport. It is expected to start commercial operations this month of August.

Taglibaran Airport, especially its runway, was recently placed under preventive maintenance, repair, and patching works due to degradation caused by continuous rains recently. Heavy rains resulted in water to infiltrate under the runway and causing potholes and cracks.

A4

Opinion

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

I believe that I may understand gests something similar: Dialogue between the secular society and the person of faith can proceed only on FR. RANHILIO condition that faith-statements are not CALLANGAN a priori dismissed as irrational. In a sense, it is a protest against the capAQUINO ture of the concept of “phenomenon” FAITH, it is commonly maintained, by empiricism or any of its permutatakes over from belief. Praestet fides tions. But Marion is not of course the supplementum sensuum defectui…. first to maintain this position, although What our senses fail to fathom, let us he could very well be the first to fuse grasp through faith’s consent. The his openness to the rationality of belief “faith and reason” debate has raged with Husserl’s phenomenology.

To be sure, Augustine, very early long and furiously down the centuries.

And convictions have swung as wildly in the Church’s life, maintained that from one extreme to the other: At one belief actually aided understanding. time, faith held the ultimate, reliable Credo ut intelligam…I believe that I answers. Reason, enfeebled by man’s might understand, he is reported to fallen state, was not to be trusted. have said. Faith is not the capitulaThe Enlightenment and the rationalist tion of reason. It is reason going its phase of human history dawned, and, full length, and when faith falters, it with it, the derision of faith as super- is not so much that some supernatural energy is lacking stition and the that enables the option for the irwalk of faith to rational. Religion move farther. It was no different rather is that reafrom superstition, Faith also keeps its son loses faith its and what did not moorings in reason. own capacities. pass the criteria of Reason must be science was not to bold and must be entertained by not, at the very the learned and the honorable who knew how to value outset, determine its limits. In fact, their time and their intellectual energy! protesting that something is beyond Descartes set off attempting to give the limits of reason hardly makes any his Catholic (Jesuit, actually) convic- sense, because it presupposes that tions a firmer foundation than the rick- one can transcend reason—or stand ety brand of Scholasticism in which he above it—to be able to say how far it had been schooled. But the result of his will and can go. Heidegger had a very arduous method that included applying useful metaphor for this—holzwege, doubt as a purgative was the apparently he called them: trails that led into the charming Cogito, ergo sum that how- forest that went as far as one wanted ever got philosophers into even more them to go, that pushed on, rather than trouble. That which Descartes’ method trod an already beaten path. Reason left him certain of was a self-enclosed, pushes on, as revelation makes availperfectly immanent “ego” completely able phenomena (saturated phenomdetached from anything else, gener- ena, Mario calls them) that challenge, ating the whole slew of problems that allure, entice but also beguile. Only would be vex thinkers till Kant and confident reason can go on; reason, Hegel. And then, drawing inspiration uncertain of itself, stops dead in rafrom Brentano, Edmund Husserl—ani- tionalist tracks. The posture of reason mated by what to me is undoubtedly a should not be “thus far, and thou shalt Cartesian spirit—discovered the power not pass,” but rather: “Let’s see how of the “phenomenon,” that which pre- far this takes us,” which makes of reasents itself and thought that it would son more adventurous, more exciting, be good to bracket “natural attitudes” more faith-ful!

As the adventure of reason, faith also and pay closer attention to the phenomenon, rather than be held captive by the keeps its moorings in reason so that the pseudo problem of how the mind could irrationality and the destructiveness that are only too evident in some forms ever reach, let alone touch, matter.

Marion came along and asked why of fanaticism and militant fundamenthat which reveals itself to the believ- talism do not ruin the promise of faith, er—whatever it might be—should a nor quell its other dimension: fides priori be expunged from the realm of quaerens intellectum…Faith seeking phenomena. Following his logic then understanding. the acceptance of phenomena offered rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph by revelation results in a expansion of rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph the horizon of consciousness. From a rannie_aquino@yahoo.com discourse perspective, Habermas sug-

PENSEES

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

An ‘unappreciated agency’

T

HE Energy Regulatory Commission is currently mired in controversy. With four of its commissioners suspended for allegations of graft and “neglect of duty,” the ERC board is unable to discharge its critical role of setting fair electricity prices and giving the go-signal on generation companies to pursue the construction of more power plants in the country.

Former President and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who signed into law the Electric Power Industry Reform Act during her term, noted during the agency’s 17th-anniversary celebration last week that the ERC had not received its rightful recognition as an agent of change in the power sector despite its achievements.

Mrs. Arroyo enumerated the progressive developments in the energy sector, including the establishment of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market starting in Luzon, then

in the Visayas and in Mindanao later this year. The creation of the WESM, the country’s trading floor for electricity, led to the interconnection of the Luzon and Visayas grids to the Mindanao grid, the 91-percent electrification of households, the implementation of prepaid electricity and net metering for consumers with solar panels.

The ERC, as mandated by the Epira, should promote market forces to determine the cost of electricity in a competitive regime and advance the interest of consumers by

giving them their choice of electricity supplier.

The Epira law is not perfect, says Arroyo, but “it is better to have an imperfect symphony that is being performed than a perfect symphony that is never played.”

The suspension of the four commissioners and the ERC board’s inability to gather a quorum to rule on pending petitions on power matters have already alarmed economists and generating companies. The Philippine economy, for one, will need more power plants to address the rising electricity demand from factories and households as well.

Postponing the construction of power plants will be disastrous to the economy.

Malacañang should be reminded that keeping the vacuum longer in the ERC board would derail the country’s growth momentum.

So, who’s incompetent? on the previous Aquino administration.

Mr. Duterte, however, insists he does not give a damn about surveys.

The recent poll survey Social WeathALEJANDRO er Stations blamed rising prices of fuel DEL ROSARIO and prime commodities, and the recent PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he killings of priests and local officials won’t step down before his term ends like Tanauan, Batangas Mayor Antobecause he does not want to hand over nio Halili, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija power to Vice President Leni Roberedo. Mayor Ferdiand Bote, and Trece MarHe says she is incompetent. The tires, Cavite Vice Mayor Alexander President, in his usual confrontational Lubigan. The killings, some say, could style, used the word incompetent be part of the violence in the run-up to without specifying the basis for his the 2019 mid-term elections. allegation.

On the same This of course page as Gutierrez drew a retort from was independent Ibarra Gutierrez Senator Panfilo III, legal adviser Lacson who gave Duterte can of the Office of an au contraire no longer blame the Vice Presiview to President his problems dent.

Duterte’s “in“ V e h i c u l a r on the previous competent” tag traffic is getting administration. on Vice President worse. There is Robredo . no efficient public “I think she transport system. is a potentially Prices of basic good leader of commodities continue to rise. China our country,” said Lacson, who added continues its encroachment in the West that her performance cannot be measPhilippine Sea depriving our fisherfolk ured because she was removed from of their livelihood. Crime, particularly her Cabinet post as secretary of houskillings of priests and local officials, re- ing and development. Lacson also cited mains unabated. Look who’s talking.” as good foundation Robredo’s apparent These are Barry’s words, not mine. genuine concern for the less fortunate The questions raised are valid since it in our society. has been two and a half years that DuAlthough from a different political terte has been running the government. party, Robredo was elected vice He can no longer blame these problems Turn to A5

BACK CHANNEL

Economic doldrums amid so much cash in a speech at the National Information and Communications 2018 Summit at SMX Convention Center in Davao on June 22, 2018.

Two Fridays later, on July 6, the President again picked up the issue of slowPRESIDENT Duterte says the economy moving projects. This time, Duterte is in the doldrums. He is right. was more specific. He gave his cabinet Duterte said on June 22 that the situation in the provinces had become a problem. Projects were barely progressing. This shows how bad is red tape in Is red tape to the government. blame—or is there a “Interest rates are picking up, are problem more serious? getting high so it destroys the existing [economic gains] … You raise your [interest rate], our [peso value] goes down, theoretically,” the President said

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

secretaries a warning.

“I would like to call the attention of the secretaries, especially Secretary [Mark] Villar, that if there is any slippage of any work of any kind by the national government. If you delay or if I see tomorrow, beginning tomorrow…

Kaya sinasabi ko sa inyo… Yang project mo pagka pumalpak, I will hold the Secretary responsible,” he said.

It seems the Department of Public Works and Highways has more money than it could handle and more projects than it could manage to complete. My friend, Boo Chanco, quotes the Commission on Audit which noted that DPWH implemented only a third of Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

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

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

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

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

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion Can of worms at the Export Development Council CROSSROADS

JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ TRADE and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez better get a certified auditor fast before the next congressional hearing on the questionable P1000/year lease of the agency’s five-hectare property along Roxas Boulevard.

Entered into in 1996 with Philexport, a private exporters association, parts of the leased property have since been used by the association, the DTI and an attached agency, Export Development Council (EDC), for export promotion and development activities. The bigger portion was sublet—or was it injected?—into a joint venture operation with the ICCP Group owned by businessman Guilly Luchengco.

Up to now, the manner by which this property was eventually developed remains a mystery. That trace back will now have to be explained by Secretary Lopez and his certified auditor as the government auditing agency, COA, has red-flagged many of the transactions on this property since it was first turned over to Philexport and its partner, ICCP group.

Records culled from the first congressional hearing show that the property was originally turned over to Philexport which in turn entered into a venture with the ICCP Group to develop the property. How much did they value the property and what was the planned development—these are questions Secretary Lopez has to explain specially since he has been quoted as having said that the original terms of the agreement have been followed.

“The original intent is in order, backed up and legal by law..”

That said, Secretary Lopez will now have to produce the original agreement and what terms and conditions were actually followed. Is he talking about the one thousand a year lease which translates into a total of P22,000 from the time this was turned over in

Economic...

From A4

its P663-billion budget for farm roads, school buildings, flood control projects.

The problem is not new. DPWH utilized only P185.12 billion of its P542.23-billion budget in 2016 and P148.23 billion of its P435.58 billion outlay in 2015 under the BS Aquino administration.

“Management was not able to effectively manage the increasing amount of funds entrusted to the agency due to low physical delivery of target projects and activities,” CoA reported. The agency noted that Villar failed to rescind or terminate contracts even after the contractors have exceeded the 10-percent allotted period to finish the projects.

CoA said mismanagement starts at the preliminary engineering stage where managers and consultants failed to consider key factors affecting the viability of the DPWH projects such as right-ofway issues, lack of coordination with uncooperative local government units, lack of permits and basically inept contractors. CoA said management should have resolved these problems before bidding out the projects.

Meanwhile, as I wrote a year ago, it still takes at least two months to get an appointment to apply for a passport.

You apply today, you get an appointment in August or September. You still cannot get your plastic driver’s license and the overpriced medical eye exam remains a sham. You still cannot get your metal car plate. You still cannot get to your place of work in less than two hours of commute, one way.

True, the economy expanded by 6.9 percent in 2016, and 6.7 percent in 2017. These are among the high-

So,...

From A4

president by the people together with President Duterte. They should be working together for the country’s welfare, according to Lacson.

Representatives Tom Villarin of Akbayan Party-List and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said the drop in President Duterte’s satisfaction ratings can be at-

1996 to the present. If that is the case he should be told that the private sector partners, Philexport and ICCP group, has really brought the government to the cleaners. He should be reminded that at the time of the lease the minimum per square meter selling price of land within the same area was already no less than P15,000.

In fact, some of my friends in the real estate business tell me that had they know the property was turned over and possibly injected into a venture corporation with Philexport and ICCP they should have bid themselves and gave government better terms.

But of course Secretary Lopez has another way of computing the returns on this government property. He claims that just over the past 19 years government actually got P300-million contributions from the agency’s

The manner by which this property was eventually developed remains a mystery.

private partners for export promotion and development. That figure will still have to be validated as well. That is after Secretary Lopez explains the byzantine manner by which Philexport and ICCP group got hold of the property and made all kinds of revenue generating developments in the area.

One need not be a rocket scientist to know that this P300 million worth of contribution is such a ridiculous amount for a five-hectare prime property in that area. But if you allow yourself to contribute the said property with a ridiculous lease payment of P1000/year then you better be prepared to explain why. Secretary Lopez says the original agreement is proper and above board resulting in such payment

after 19 years so he better sharpen his pencil and get his auditor roasted.

Even if he tries to cover his tracks with the proposition that anyway the private partners had put in millions of pesos as well into developments in the area.

One such development, according to Secretary Lopez, is the World Trade Center exhibition halls. Again, the provenance of this venture needs proper explanation. Per Secretary Lopez, this structure owned by WTC which has been raking in millions of pesos a year in lease payments since its establishment is jointly owned by Philexport/ ICCP Group and the National Development Corp. (NDC) presumably with the ridiculously priced five hectare leased property as government contribution.

If this is an arrangement that Secretary Lopez is comfortable with then he better explain himself as well. Just a cursory read of the venture documents show that government was clearly “cleaned up” by Philexport and the ICCP Group on this venture.

But just to show that Secretary Lopez himself is not thoroughly convinced that the whole 1996 lease agreement was so lopsided and not really that advantageous to government he issued a kind of ‘excuse note’ saying that ANYWAY there is now another group—the Platinum Group—which submitted, in his mind, a better deal for part of the property. “Moving forward,“ Lopez said, “a new project with a new partner will be undertaken involving a hotel and an office tower which will generate more income for government..”

That’s well and good, if true. The question is: where’s the new terms and conditions of this new deal? How is it different from the Philexport/ICCP deal? These and other questions on top of the unanswered ones from the 1996 deal will have to be answered properly and responsibly when the hearing resumes. The can of worms from this mysterious and decidedly disadvantageous arrangement has just been opened for further investigation.

Abangan.

est growth rates in Asia. But this robust growth is a credit primarily to the economy’s intrinsic strength and strong fundamentals.

It is not for lack of money that the government cannot institute drastic reforms and alleviate poverty. This government and this country are awash with cash. The economy is awash with cash.

Where is that money? To start with, the savings rate is 30 percent of the value of output of goods and services or GDP. GDP is P16 trillion. So 30 percent of that is P4.8 trillion. With that, we can finance the entire government’s operations for one year and still have P1.1-trillion of excess money.

We have $27 billion in annual OFW remittances. That’s P1.43 trillion. It can finance the entire government infrastructure program in 2019. The P1.43 trillion is twice the infra budget of 717 billion for 2018.

This P1.43 trillion is orphan money because nobody marshals it for productive purposes. The P1.43 trillion thus is marooned inside elegant malls and in forests of condos where a square meter is overpriced at least five times the land’s real value.

In addition, we earn $25 billion from our call centers and business process outsourcing (BPO). That’s another P1.325 trillion.

Right at the central bank, private banks have parked P3 trillion of private deposits—money the banks are too lazy or too afraid to lend (because the BSP is a much better borrower and you talk to only one guy). If the banks were to lend out the P3 trillion, they would have to employ entire bureaucracies—processing loan applications, interviewing loan applicants, visiting or assessing properties used as collat-

eral, and holding so many meetings to approve the loans.

To release P3-trillion loans to individuals, the banks will have employ one million additional loan officers. Why bother then. Go to the BSP, which is also too lazy or too afraid to pressure the banks to release the loans to the public. Besides, there are no more than 5,000 Filipinos who make P5-million income a year and are thus qualified to borrow big-ticket loans. And the banking system is owned by only five people. That is what you call financial inclusion—for the very rich only.

Additionally, the Philippines has $79.2 billion in foreign reserves— money that can pay for importations for a year. That’s another P4.197-trillion money.

The Philippines is capital-surplus.

In fact, the country has been exporting capital, rather than importing, in the past 10 consecutive years.

Amid so much cash, how can you explain the fact that in Asean, with the possible exception of Indonesia, the Philippines has the highest inflation rate, the highest interest rates, the highest unemployment, the highest poverty incidence, and the lowest foreign investment inflow and the lowest ranking in Asean in Human Development Index or a measure of people’s well-being.

How come out of 1,500 towns, at least 600 towns do not have a bank branch?

How come more than 80 million Filipinos do not have a bank account?

Amid so much liquidity (the techspeak for so much cash), how come 22 million Filipinos wallow in abject poverty? Is red tape to blame—or is there a problem more serious?

tributed to misgovernance and lack of fundamentals in handling the economy.

But more than this, it was Duterte’s “God is stupid” remark that proved his downfall from a previously high rating.

President Duterte, according to Brother Eddie Villanueva, leader of the Jesus Is Lord movement, apologized to God during their meeting at Malacañang.

Duterte had offended many Catholic and Christian groups because of his blasphemous statement against God.

His belated apology seemed more like a gesture to recoup political capital and not a sincere expression of remorse and regret.

Uncertainties about the sweeping effects of the proposed federal form of government under the new Constitution are adding to the people’s concern. The draft of the new Constitution has been submitted to the President by the consultative committee.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez was quick

biznewsasia@gmail.com

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The shortsightedness of excessive government spending plays into the hands of well-organized interest groups and encourages government spending to gain rich patronage benefits for a few at the expense ERIC JURADO of the many. Each representative has a strong incentive to fight hard for exWHEN a government’s spending ex- penditures beneficial to his or her conceeds its revenues, a budget deficit stituents and has little incentive to opresults. Governments generally issue pose spending by others. In contrast, interest-earning bonds to finance their there is little incentive for a legislabudget deficits. These bonds comprise tor to be a spending “watchdog.” The the national debt. A budget deficit in- watchdog will incur the wrath of colcreases the size of the national debt by leagues who will find it more difficult the amount of the deficit. In contrast, a to deliver special programs for their budget surplus allows the government districts and retaliate by providing litto pay off bondholders and thereby tle or no support for spending in the reduce the size of the national debt. watchdog’s district. More importantly, Basically, the national debt represents the benefits of spending cuts and defithe cumulative effect of all the prior cit reductions that the watchdog is trying to attain (for example, lower taxes budget deficits and surpluses.

Prior to 1960, almost everyone and lower interest rates) will be spread thought that the government should so thinly among all voters that the legbalance its budget. The Keynesian islator’s constituents will reap only a revolution changed all of this. Keynes- small part of these benefits.

The following illustration will help ians—those accepting the views of English economist John Maynard explain why it is so difficult for 297 Keynes—believed that changes in congressmen and 24 senators to bring government spending and budget defi- spending and the budget deficit under cits could help promote a more stable control. Suppose these 321 individuals economy. They argued that, rather go out to dinner knowing that after the meal each will than balancing the receive a bill for budget, the gov1/321 of the cost. ernment should No one feels comrun budget defiWhat will happen if pelled to order cits during periless because his ods of recession the government does or her restraint and shift toward not bring its finances will exert little a budget surplus impact on the towhen there was under control? tal bill. Why not concern about inorder shrimp for flation. In short, an appetizer, enthe Keynesian revolution released political decision trees of steak and lobster, and a large makers from the discipline imposed piece of cheesecake for dessert? After by a balanced budget. Freed from this all, the extra spending will add only constraint, politicians consistently a few pesos to each person’s share of spent more than they were willing to the total bill. For example, if one member of the dinner party orders expentax.

The Philippines recorded a budget sive items that push up the total bill deficit equal to 2.2 percent of the by P1000, his share of the cost will be country’s Gross Domestic Product P3. What a bargain! Of course, he will (GDP) in 2017. The deficit averaged have to pay extra for the extravagant 2.1 percent of GDP from 1988 until orders of the other 320 diners. But 2017, reaching an all-time surplus high that’s true no matter what he orders. of 1 percent of GDP in 1994 and a re- The result is everyone ends up ordercord low deficit of 5.3 percent of GDP ing extravagantly and paying more for in 2002. As of May 2018, the deficit extras that provide little value relative widened to P148.8 billion from P63.6 to cost.

What will happen if the government billion in the same period of 2017. The government has programmed deficits does not bring its finances under conof P523.6 billion in 2018 and P624.4 trol? As a nation’s debt gets larger and billion in 2019, both about 3 percent of larger relative to the size of the econoGDP, and up from the P350.6-billion my, there will be repercussions in the credit markets. Extensions of loans to deficit recorded in 2017.

Deficits push the national debt up- the government of a country with a ward. Government debt to GDP av- large debt to GDP ratio is risky. As a eraged 56.3 percent from 1990 until result, the highly indebted government 2017, reaching an all-time high of 74.9 will have to pay higher interest rates. percent in 1993 and a record low of In turn, the higher interest costs will 42.1 percent in 2016. As of April 2018, make it even more difficult to control the debt stood at P6.88 trillion, or 42.6 spending and keep taxes at reasonable percent of GDP, and up from 42.1 per- levels.

If the debt continues to rise relative cent in 2017.

The political attractiveness of to income, investors will become more spending compared to taxation is not and more reluctant to buy the bonds surprising. It reflects what economists issued by the Philippine Treasury. call the shortsightedness effect: the Eventually, it will lead to a financial tendency of elected political officials crisis—either outright default by the to favor projects that generate imme- government or finance of the debt by diate, highly visible benefits at the money creation and inflation. In either expense of costs that can be cast into case, there will be a destructive impact the future and are difficult to identify. on the economy. This has occurred in Legislators have a strong incentive to other countries that have failed to conspend money on programs that benefit trol government finances.

It is vitally important for the govvoters and special interest groups that will help them win reelection. They do ernment to control its spending and not like to tax, since taxes impose a borrowing in the years ahead. This is visible cost on voters. Debt is an al- unlikely to happen without a change in ternative to current taxes; it pushes the constitutional rules to make it more the visible cost of government into the difficult for politicians to spend more future. Budget deficits and borrowing than they are willing to tax. Such rule allow politicians to supply voters with changes would strengthen the governimmediate benefits without having to ment’s budget constraint and force impose a parallel visible cost in the legislators to consider more carefully form of higher taxes. Thus, deficits the costs of government programs. An are a natural outgrowth of democratic improvement in government’s costpolitics unrestrained by a commitment effectiveness would result. to a balanced budget. eric.jurado@gmail.com The unconstrained political process FROM WHERE I STAND

to point out that the proposed constitutional changes are not binding and that they will have to be submitted to the people for approval in a plebiscite.

Opposition Senators Paulo “Bam” Aquino and Antonio Trillanes IV said said the myth of Digong is gone and his crass language no longer a novelty.

They claimed that many of of those who supported Duterte before are beginning to see the man for what he really is.

But the last straw, many agree, was his

“God is stupid” remark that turned off many Catholics and Christians.

There are questions why Mr. Duterte took on the Catholic church but not the vote-rich Iglesia ni Cristo, and the El Shaddai flock of Brother Mike Velarde.

Some say this is selective religious persecution that must be seen for what it really is.

Does it have anything to do with what Digong claimed that he was fondled by a priest when he was a young man?

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

iii.

TODAY REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. Nos. (02) 928-4501 to 09 Fax No.: (02) 926-7631 http://www.pca.da.gov.ph

b) c)

ii. iii. b.)

ARTICLE I – PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS c.)

a)

b)

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms – For the purpose of these Rules and Regulations, the following terms and phrases shall mean: a)

Coconut Seedling – refers to the germinated coconut used as planting material.

c)

Replanting Program – refers to the program of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) or other accredited organizations, institutions, or the local government to promote production or replenish the coconut trees permitted to be cut by the PCA.

d)

Permit to Cut (PTC) – refers to the prescribed written license or authorization of the PCA issued after compliance with the requirements and conditions for valid cutting of coconut trees as provided by the Act and its Rules and Regulations.

e)

Permit to Cut fees – refers to all fees collected related to the issuance of a permit to cut i.e. filing fee, cutting permit fee and replacement fee.

f)

Application for cutting coconut trees which by nature of infestation should be subjected to quarantine and may not be allowed for processing, sale, transport or transshipment shall be exempt from payment of permit to cut, replacement and processing fees. Diseased coconut trees thirty years (30) of age and below which may not be processed into lumber shall similarly be exempt from such fees and similarly quarantined.

Applications for land use conversion into residential, commercial or industrial uses shall comply strictly with the requirements and procedures of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Administrative Order No. 01, Series of 2002 entitled “2002 Comprehensive Rules on Land Use Conversion” which includes Department of Agriculture (DA) Certificate of Eligibility for Reclassification of Agricultural Lands as per DA Administrative Order No. 01, Series of 2017 entitled “ Guidelines on the Issuance of Certification for Land Use Reclassification”. In such applications, the PCA shall conduct its own inspection of the area sought to be converted in order to determine the condition of the coconut trees therein and shall thereafter submit its certification to the DA. In order to defray the administrative expenses of PCA in rendering said inspection services, the applicant shall pay to PCA the following on a per land title basis:

(1) (2)

Transport Permit (TP) – refers to a permit issued by the Authority to allow transport of the coconut logs or lumber processed by virtue of a valid Permit to Cut from the place of origin to any province of consignment or destination.

e)

Likewise, the applicant shall undergo the usual process of securing Permit to Cut Trees from PCA once a conversion order had been issued by proper authorities.

g)

Illegal Cutting of Coconut Tree – refers to the cutting of coconut tree without a valid Permit to Cut issued by the authority and shall include any form of circumvention such as uprooting or felling, poisoning, severe pruning, burning and the like, which led to its eventual destruction or death.

f)

Lands applied for conversion where cutting of coconut trees were perpetrated before approval of conversion shall be assessed five times of the PTC fees or three (3) times the inspection fee, whichever is higher.

Economically unproductive farm – refers to a coconut area where the cost of farm production and maintenance is greater than the generated proceeds or income for a period of at least three (3) years.

g)

h)

The foregoing shall be without prejudice to the filing of criminal case for violations of RA 8048, as amended, and RA 8435.

k)

Pest Infested Tree – refers to a coconut tree severely damaged by rhino beetle, coconut scale insect, rodents, spike moth, caterpillar, and other destructive insects and animals and beyond rehabilitation.

l)

m) n)

Sawmill – refers to a wood processing plant or implement operated manually or mechanically, whether fixed or mobile where coconut wood, log or timber is cut, treated, sawn or ripped to lumber, slabs and other wood products of any size or form such as poles, piles, wall wood, board pulp, or other finished coconut wood products.

Lumber dealer – refers to a person or entity engaged in the buying and selling, consolidating and or transporting of coconut logs or coconut lumber.

Lumber Processor – refers to a person or entity engaged in the buying and processing of coconut trees or logs into lumber, slabs and other wood products of any size or form such as poles, piles, wall wood, board pulp, or other finished coconut wood products

SECTION 5. Interpretation – These Rules and Regulations shall be strictly interpreted to preserve productive coconut trees from unabated and indiscriminate cutting. Nothing in these Rules shall be applied, construed or interpreted to circumvent, or defeat the security of tenure or the rights and benefits of farmers, tenants, farm-lessees, tillers and regular farm workers prescribed by the agrarian reform laws.

SECTION 12. Hazard to Life and Property (a)

The coconut trees are situated such that they pose immediate threat, danger or obstruction to: i. existing houses, animal dwellings, business establishments and buildings ii. plazas, playgrounds, promenades and public places frequented by people; iii. public roads and highways, right of way, ports, dams, transmission lines, irrigation and waterways; iv. electric and telephone communication lines or installation; v.

Other properties of greater value than the coconut tree.

(b)

Cutting of coconut trees due to the exercise of the power of eminent domain/ expropriation or police power shall be governed by the appropriate laws, regulations and ordinances ARTICLE IV – APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO CUT

(a)

An application fee of One Hundred Pesos (PhP 100.00) for every tree applied for cutting shall be collected and paid by the applicant upon filing of the application.

(c)

A filing/processing fee shall be paid by the applicant in accordance with the following rates:

SECTION 7. Exception – Coconut trees may be cut only if the following requisites exist: There exists a valid ground as enunciated in Section 4 of the Act: When the tree is senescent;

ii.

When the tree is no longer economically productive;

iii.

When the tree is severely disease-infected and/or pest-infested and beyond rehabilitation;

iv.

When the tree is severely damaged by typhoon or lightning;

v.

When the agricultural land devoted to coconut production shall have been converted in accordance with law into residential, commercial or industrial areas;

vi.

When the land devoted to coconut production shall be converted into other agricultural uses or other agricultural-related activities pursuant to a conversion duly applied for by the owner and approved by the proper authorities; Provided, that no conversion shall be allowed by the PCA until after it shall have been verified and certified that for a period of at least three (3) years the majority of the coconut trees have become senescent and economically unproductive or where the coconut is not adaptable to sound management practices on account of geographical location, topography, drainage and other conditions rendering the farm economically unproductive; and

vii.

(d)

(e)

b.)

Applications failing to comply strictly with the requirements in the preceding article shall not be processed and shall be returned to the applicant with the corresponding notice stating the reason/s thereto

SECTION 19. Verification – Upon compliance with preceding sections, the PCA Agriculturist shall: a)

Verify the accuracy of the information contained in the application and supporting documents and conduct the necessary field and ocular inspection or investigation, as well as the consultations hereinafter required.

b)

In compliance with Section 7 of the Act, inform the applicant, tenant/s, representative/s of the organization in the area and the Barangay Chairman of the date and time set for inspection and invite them to attend as witnesses.

Their non-appearance after due notice shall be deemed as a waiver to witness the inspection.

c)

Conduct an inspection and verification of the existence or non-existence of the causes or circumstances to warrant the issuance or non-issuance of a permit.

The Agriculturist shall issue a certification that the trees to be cut are properly identified and marked. Marking should be on the ground most base of the tree using red or white paint.

SECTION 20. Consultations – Before the Agriculturist make the final recommendation, he shall further satisfactorily show that: a)

Consultations have been made with: i.

The owners, farmer-tenants, tillers, regular worker and other lawful occupants occupying or working on the subject farm;

ii.

The Barangay Chairman;

iii.

The Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO)/ Barangay Agrarian Reform Committee (BARC) Chairman. In case, there is no MARO/ BARC Chairman in the area where the trees are situated, Barangay Chairman shall state the fact and include in its Certification as required above;

iv.

At least one (1) Coconut Farmers Organization (CFO) or Local Coconut Industry Development Council (LCIDC) or other PCA recognized/ accredited organization or non-government organization, whichever exists in the locality, representing or promoting the interests of the coconut farmers.

Proofs of actual consultation shall be in the form of Certification to be issued by the person or organization’s representative mentioned in the preceding paragraph SECTION 21. Evaluation of Application for PTC a.)

After verification, field inspection/investigation and consultation as provided herein, the PCA Agriculturist shall prepare and submit to the Division Chief his recommendation on whether the application should be granted or not, along with the reasons thereof and shall be posted in the Barangay Hall.

In the case of NCR, it shall be the Coconut Production and Regulation Officer who shall perform the duties of the Agriculturist and shall submit his recommendation for the approval by the Regional Manager.

b.)

The affected applicant, tenant/tiller/regular farm workers shall be furnished a copy of the evaluation report and recommendation.

SECTION 22. Protest from report of PCA Agriculturist – An applicant, owner, coowner, co-heir, tenant, tiller, regular farm worker or the farmers or non-government organization acting for and in their behalf, adversely affected by the findings and report of the PCA Agriculturist may file with the Division Chief, while in NCR, the findings and report of the Coconut Production and Regulation Officer, may file with the Regional Manager within five (5) days from receipt of such findings, report and posting in the barangay. The filing of the protest shall suspend the issuance of the PTC. Provided that the protest may be filed within five (5) days from issuance and posting of the evaluation report.

SECTION 23. Grounds for Protest – Protest may be made on any of the following grounds: a.)

Where the findings and the recommendation are not in accordance with the Act or these Rules and Regulations;

b.)

Where the findings and recommendations are attended by fraud, threat or coercion;

c.)

Misrepresentation or serious mistakes in the appreciation of facts;

d.)

Grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Agriculturist; and

e.)

Where the implementation of the recommendation will cause excessive injury and unreasonable damage to the protesting party.

Number of Trees

Processing fee

1 to 5

PhP 100.00

6 to 50 51 to 100

PhP 200.00 PhP 500.00

101 to 500

PhP 1,000.00

501 to 1,000

PhP 2,000.00

In excess of 1,000

PhP 2,000.00 + PhP 200.00 for every 50 trees thereafter

Application for PTC coconut trees pursuant to Section 4 (f) of the Act shall not be approved by the PCA unless it is accompanied by a final Conversion Order issued by the DAR.

SECTION 24. Hearing/Resolution a.)

The Division Chief or Regional Manager for NCR shall have fifteen (15) days from the receipt of the protest to immediately notify the parties, hear the protest and resolve the same. The whole proceedings shall not be bound by technical rules of procedures and evidence.

b.)

The contending parties shall submit their respective sworn statements and other documentary evidence in support of or in reply to the protest, which shall be the basis for the resolution.

SECTION 25. Appeal – Any party affected by the Resolution shall, within ten (10) days from receipt of the Resolution of the Division Chief or Regional Manager for NCR, may appeal the same to the Regional Manager or Office of the Administrator for NCR who shall in turn resolve the appeal within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof. The resolution of the Office of the Regional Manager or Administrator for NCR shall be final and executory for the purposes of the issuance or non-issuance of permit to cut under these Rules and Regulations SECTION 26. Reports – All records and documents of protests, appeals, actions and resolutions by the Regional Manager shall be transmitted to the PCA Administrator within fifteen (15) days from its conclusion.

Filing of the application for PTC for the same ground/purpose in the same land/ title shall only be allowed once within 30 day period.

ARTICLE VI – ISSUANCE OF PERMIT TO CUT

(f)

Notwithstanding the issuance of the final Conversion Order by the Department of Agrarian Reform, the cutting of coconut trees in the land approved for conversion or exemption shall at all times be covered by a PTC duly applied for by its owner and approved by the PCA.

SECTION 27. Recommending and Approving Authority – The PTC may be issued after the review of the recommendations of the recommending authority that may be adopted or modified by the approving and issuing authorities hereinafter provided:

(g)

Prior to the release of the PTC, the concerned PCA employee and/or official shall ensure that the permit is properly marked with the dry seal of the issuing office to avoid the use of tampered permit.

Provided that for applications in the NCR, the recommending authority is the Coconut Production and Regulation Officer and approving Authority is the Regional Manager.

(h)

Under no circumstances shall the cutting of coconut tree(s) in excess of what is stated in the approved PTC, be allowed. Any violation thereof should be reported immediately by the concerned PCA Agriculturist/project personnel and the Division Chief to his/her respective Regional Manager for the filing of appropriate charges in court.

(i)

When the tree would cause hazard to life and property.

No other causes other than those above mentioned shall be considered as valid ground for cutting.

Application for a PTC coconut tree(s) shall be made in accordance with the PCA prescribed form, stating the specific causes and circumstances therefor.

No application for PTC shall be processed and approved unless all documents required are submitted, properly filled-up and complied with by the applicant(s).

(b)

SECTION 6. General Rule – Consistent with the guiding policies, the cutting of coconut trees is hereby prohibited.

i.

The PCA Agriculturist shall determine the completeness of the application on its face and supporting documents.

SECTION 13. Filing of Application

ARTICLE II – PROHIBITION

(a)

a.)

(1) Twenty Thousand Pesos (PhP 20,000) per land title with an area less than or equal to five (5) hectares; (2) Thirty Thousand Pesos (PhP 30,000) per land title with an area more than five (5) hectares

The payment of P1,000.00 per Certificate of Inspection and Verification (CIV) shall apply to applications involving re-issuance of CIV, as per DA Administrative Order No. 01, series of 2017 with validity period of only six (6) months.

Disease/Infected Tree – refers to a severely impaired coconut tree due to bacteria, fungus, virus, viroid and other similar microorganisms, and the chances of survival and capacity to bear fruits are nil

SECTION 18. Completeness of Application

ii. Inspection Fee

d)

j)

The actual expenses incurred for the posting shall be borne by the applicant. A copy of the certificate shall be given to a representative of the PCA accredited farmers organization in the area.

One thousand pesos (PhP 1,000) per land title with an area less than or equal to five (5) hectares; or Two thousand pesos (PhP 2,000) per land title with an area larger than five (5) hectares

The payment of filing fee and inspection fee shall also apply to applications involving conversion of land, whether devoted or not to coconut production.

Senescent coconut trees – are coconut trees that are not productive and low yielding by reason of old age which generally for tall is 60 years and above and 40 years for dwarf.

ARTICLE V – PROCESSING OF APPLICATION SECTION 17. Notice and Posting Requirements – The PCA Agriculturist or the Coconut Production and Regulation Officer for NCR shall cause the posting of the application in the barangay hall and in the site/area subject of application for seven (7) days and he shall thereafter issue a certificate of posting indicating the time and place of posting. The Certificate of Posting shall form part of the application.

Quarantined trees shall be disposed of thru burying or other environmentallysound acceptable means of disposal.

c)

i)

Rules and Regulations.

i. Filing Fee

Coconut Tree – scientific name: Cocos nucifera, refers to a pinnate-leaved palm that produces an edible fruit called coconut, whether or not bearing fruits, including the newly planted, or replanted young trees at least three (3) years old.

b)

He has verified and confirmed that the tree applied for cutting is severely diseased or infested with pest; The diseased/infested trees are no longer capable of rehabilitation thru preventive measures such as application of chemicals or nutrient support; and The infestation is such that it will spread to other trees or farms.

SECTION 11. Conversion into Residential, Commercial or Industrial Areas and Agri-Support Services and Facilities

SECTION 3. Declaration of Policy – The State recognizes the role of the coconut industry in the economy, it being one of the principal industries and one of the largest income earners for the country, benefits from which should meaningfully be felt by farmers. Thus, it becomes mandatory for the Government to step in and to regulate the unabated and indiscriminate cutting of the coconut trees.

For reason of national interest, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to provide for the regulation of the cutting of coconut trees as well as to promote the growth of the coconut industry by embarking on a sustainable and efficient replanting program.

Disease or pest infestation in coconut trees shall be a ground for cutting only upon certification by the PCA Agriculturist that: i.

REVISED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8048, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT 10593

SECTION 2. Purpose – These Revised Rules and Regulations are hereby promulgated to prescribe procedures and guidelines for the effective implementation of RA 8048, as amended, facilitate compliance and achieve the objectives thereof.

If the final product is husked nuts, the cost items (i) to (ii) plus the cost of husking shall be deducted.

SECTION 10. Disease or Pest Infestation a.)

SECTION 1. Title – These Rules and Regulations shall be cited as the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 8048, otherwise known as the “Coconut Preservation Act of 1995”, as amended by Republic Act 10593 “An Act Amending Certain Sections of RA 8048”.

If the final product is “buko” or green nuts, only cost items (i) and (ii) above shall be deducted.

This Section shall not apply to intercrops.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 03 Series of 2018

Pursuant to Section 7 of Republic Act 8048, otherwise known as the “Coconut Preservation Act of 1995”, and Section 8 of Republic Act 10593 “An Act Amending Certain Sections of RA 8048” this Administrative Order is being issued for guidance and compliance of all concerned.

cost of processing, which includes husking, splitting, scooping, and drying.

No application and processing fees shall be collected from typhoon, lightning and other natural calamity damaged coconut trees (felled/crownless) not exceeding five (5) and not intended for sale, provided that the application shall be filed within thirty (30) days from the occurrence.

SECTION 14. Who May Apply – The following may apply for permit to cut:

Number of Trees

Recommending

Approving

1 to 1,000

Agriculturist

Division Chief

1,001 to 2,500

Division Chief

Regional Manager

2,501 or more

Regional Manager

Adminstrator

In areas where PCA has a Satellite Office, the Regional Manager concerned shall appoint/identify an Officer-In-Charge to take responsibility in behalf of the Division Chief.

SECTION 28. Form, Validity and Distribution of PTC – The PTC shall be in serialized form in four original copies (white, blue, pink and yellow) containing the name of the grantee, grounds for its issuance, the number of trees to be cut, the date of cutting, the area or locality, the validity period and such other information as may be required.

(b)

A valid application has been filed and the corresponding application fee and non-refundable processing fees have been paid upon filing and acceptance of the application.

a.)

Landowner or his authorized representative who shall submit the notarized written consent or authorization letter of the owner with an attached machine copy of any valid ID with three specimen signatures thereon;

(c)

The applicant has already planted the required equivalent number of seedlings prior to the application, as certified in a Certificate of Field Planting by the Barangay Chairman and verified and attested to by the PCA Agriculturist or project personnel, for applications not involving land use conversion. The specific location of the planting site shall be stated in the Certificate of Field Planting issued for this purpose.

b.)

The controlling majority of the co-owners who shall submit the duly notarized approved resolution;

c.)

Any authorized representative of corporation who shall submit the duly approved board resolution;

Number of Trees

Validity

d.)

Tenant, worker, tiller or farmer who shall submit the notarized written consent or authorization letter of the owner with an attached machine copy of any valid ID with three specimen signatures thereon to the application;

1 to 20

2 days

21-50

3 days

Barangay Captain or owner of land/property that is endangered by coconut trees planted in adjacent land who shall submit the Sangguniang Barangay Resolution on the said endangerment.

51-100

5 days

In case of drought and typhoon the applicant shall pay to PCA Fifty pesos (PhP 50.00) for every tree applied for cutting, in lieu of replanting. The said amount, which is the equivalent of five (5) seed nuts, shall be used by the PCA in its replanting program. (d)

(e)

When the ground for cutting is conversion of the area into residential, commercial or industrial sites and change to other crops in accordance with law, the applicant shall pay a replacement fee of PhP 100.00 for every tree applied for cutting A valid Permit to Cut has been issued by the Division Chief or Regional Manager or the Administrator.

ARTICLE III – STANDARDS

SECTION 8. Economically Unproductive (a) i.

ii.

e.)

SECTION 15. Where to Apply – The application shall be filed with the Division Chief or Agriculturist in the PCA Provincial Offices having responsibility over the area where the trees are situated. Provided that for applications from National Capital Region (NCR), shall be filed with the Coconut Production and Regulation Officer of PCA I-IVB regional office.

SECTION 16. Supporting Documents – The application shall be accompanied with the following supporting documents: a.)

Any document that sufficiently identifies the applicant (i.e. Voters IDs, Driver’s License, Barangay I.D/Certificate or any valid government issued identification card);

b.)

Proof of ownership or legal possession of affected land (TCTs, OCTs, Tax Declaration, Tenancy/Leasehold Agreement, Transfer Certificate from DAR or CLOA, FAAS, CADT, CADC, Certificate of Stewardship and DENR clearance, notarized Deeds of Conveyance or Mortgage, Certification from the Municipal Assessor and supported by a Barangay Certificate that the applicant is owner/ possessor of the land unregistered lands or areas with known problems in land registry);

c.)

For undivided co-owned properties (pro indiviso), unsettled estates of deceased persons, and estates under court proceedings (en custodia legis), proof that the applicant is a co-owner or co-heir and the appropriate special power/letter of consent of co-owners, or letters of administration and authorization from the court where the proper probate or intestacy proceedings are pending.

Coconut trees are deemed no longer productive if: They have reached the age or condition of senescence and that for the last preceding three (3) years, there has been no substantial improvement or increase in their nut bearing capacity above 18 nuts/tree per year.

Due to non-suitability of the land or area on account of geographical location, topography, drainage and other conditions e.g. severely affected by drought or El Niño as declared by PAG-ASA, the yield of the tree is eighteen (18) nuts or less per year despite adoption of sound management practices.

(b) For change to other crops, it shall be the duty of the authorized PCA Agriculturist to examine, evaluate and verify whether for the period of three (3) calendar years immediately preceding the application, the majority of the trees in the land are senescent and economically unproductive as described in paragraph (a) (i) and (ii) of this Section. Application involving change to other crop shall seek a certification from the Department of Agriculture (DA) that the proposed crop is more suitable and had higher income than coconut.

d.)

SECTION 9. Farm Productivity – To determine economic gain as a measure of productivity of coconut farm, the following shall be deducted from the total annual gross sales of the farm from its coconut trees: a)

If the final product is copra: i. cost of harvesting which includes picking and piling; ii. cost of loading and hauling; and

e)

Affidavit of No Existing Encumbrance, Lis Pendens, Third Party Claimant, Mortgage and Other Similar Circumstances. For a property covered by any of the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (d) above, the applicant shall submit the duly notarized letter of consent to the application from the mortgagee or person concerned.

For government projects, the applicant shall submit copy of the Program of Works or Notice to Proceed from the implementing agency.

The validity of the PTC issued to the applicants shall be based on the following:

Additional one (1) day validity shall be given for every 100 trees in excess.

The specific effectivity date that corresponds to the number of coconut trees approved for cutting is without any extension, and should be clearly specified in the approved PTC of the applicant. In case of unused or partially used but expired PTC, the applicant may apply for a replacement PTC upon payment of the applicable filing/processing fee in Section 13(c) only, subject to the usual process of inspection and posting.

SECTION 29. Copy Furnished Persons/Groups – Once the PTC is released to the applicant, the issuing officer shall furnish the duplicate originals (blue and yellow) to the region and Central office, respectively and certified true copies of the permit to the following: a.) b.) c.) d.) e.)

Barangay Chairman CFO/LCIDC Municipal Treasurer MARO Tenant, if applicable

SECTION 30. Date and Time of Cutting – The recipient of the PTC shall inform the Division Chief or PCA Agriculturist/Project Personnel or Coconut Production and Regulation Officer in the case of Region I-IVB of the date and time of cutting and the latter shall do the necessary spot-checking of the actual cutting.

SECTION 31. Delegation of Authority to Grant Permits a.)

The authority to grant permit to cut under these Rules may be delegated to the City or Municipal Mayor pursuant to the guideline to be issued by the Authority. i.

upon the request of the City or Municipal Mayor; or upon the endorsement of PCA accredited farmer or non-government organization.

ii.

at the discretion of the PCA Governing Board

Other supporting documents/certificates as may be required hereinafter under these

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

PNP, Ombudsman try to seal UNTV finals tiff

T

OP seed Philippine National Police and second-ranked Ombudsman try to arrange a best-of-three title series when they go up against their respective semis rivals on Sunday in the 2nd UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The PNP Responders clash with No. 4 failed to defend their title in the reguSenate Sentinels at 3 p.m., while the Om- lar UNTV Cup, which was won by the budsman Graft Busters collide with the Senate Defenders.

Judiciary Magis at 4:30 p.m.

The noble event offers P1 million Both PNP and Ombudsman are armed to the chosen charity of the champion with twice-to-beat privileges for finish- team with the runner-up’s charity geting 1-2, thus needing only a win to set up ting P500,000. The charities of the a title showdown in the 8-team tourna- third and fourth placers shall receive ment organized by UNTV President and P300,000 and P200,000, respectively.

CEO Daniel Razon for public servants.

Led by Joel De Mesa and Anthony The Responders are out make Padua, the Responders swept the sinamendsCYAN after their junior counterparts gle-round elims capped by a 97-90 win MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK ARTICLE VII – COLLECTION AND REMITTANCE

a.)

b.) c.)

d.)

(b)

All fees herein collected by the Division Chief/cashier shall be deposited immediately with the nearest Land Bank of the Philippines branch or other government depository bank in their area of responsibility. The same shall be remitted to the PCA Regional Office for proper accounting thereof in accordance with existing COA rules and regulations.

The assigned PCA personnel in the area where the application of cutting was approved shall conduct random inspection or spot checking of the actual cutting operation and shall submit proper documentation such as: i. ii. iii.

b.)

c.)

d.)

Field evaluation report Pictures showing the actual cutting of coconut trees Certificate of appearance from the barangay captain that the concerned PCA staff was present in the area during cutting

The regional/provincial offices concerned shall conduct a regular monitoring of the replanting made by the applicants to ensure that the cut coconut trees were replaced. Likewise, a monthly visit to the replanted coconut trees shall also be undertaken to guarantee that newly planted coconut seedlings are being taken care of in accordance with the recommended principles and practices of good agricultural practices.

All PTC and transport permit issued under these rules shall be subject to a post evaluation, review and audit to be conducted by the National and Regional Committees on RA 8048, to determine and ensure compliance with the Act and its IRR. Hence, copies of all RA 8048 approved applications and supporting documents shall be submitted to the Central Office through the National Committee on RA 8048 to likewise effect proper monitoring. All Regional Managers/Division Chiefs shall submit an inventory report on all complaints, received and/or filed relative to violation of RA 8048 and illegal conversion of coconut lands committed within their jurisdiction and the actions taken every quarter.

To strengthen coordination with the LGUs and other Government Agencies and NGOs, the Regional Managers, Division Chiefs and Agriculturists shall conduct or attend meetings with the Barangay, Municipal, Provincial and Regional Development Council; to disseminate information regarding the local coconut industry situation particularly the PCA’s campaign for the strict implementation of RA 8048, as amended.

The Regional Managers, Division Chiefs and Agriculturists shall coordinate regularly with the law enforcement agencies, such as the PNP, PCG, AFP, and the LGUs in their respective area of jurisdiction for the proper implementation of the law.

SECTION 35. Report of Violations – The PCA Agriculturist or any member of Coconut Farmers Organizations (CFOs)/LCIDC and other PCA-accredited farmers/ non-government organizations, shall inquire into all incidents of perceived violations of the Act and these Rules, by conducting spot-investigations or verifications thereof.

The Barangay Chairman, City or Municipal Mayor or law enforcement agents shall be immediately informed of such incident/s for their appropriate preventive action. The PCA Agriculturist shall submit a complete report of all such incidents to the concerned Division Chief, copy furnished the Regional Manager.

SECTION 36. Filing of the Complaint – Any criminal complaint for violations of Sec. 5 of RA 8048 may be initiated by the PCA Agriculturist or other authorized employee, member of the PNP or any person who has personal knowledge of the facts constituting the violation of R.A 8048, as amended, and its IRR. It shall be commenced by filing a formal sworn complaint before the Office of the Provincial or City Prosecutor having jurisdiction of the place where the violation was committed. All private complainants shall avail of the assistance of the PCA employees and the PNP Station of the place where the violation was committed, in the preparation and filing of the necessary complaint for violation of this Act. SECTION 37. Transport Permit (TP) a)

Any person and entity which intends to transport cut coconut logs/lumber shall secure TP from the PCA Provincial Office who issued the PTC. The TP shall indicate the validity period, origin/destination, mode of transport to be used, licensed plate number or vessel name and registration number, the volume of the log/lumbers, and fees paid to be computed at 30 centavos per board foot (bdft), exact address/s of the destination, PCA Registration Number of the Consignee if the consignee will sell the said lumber.

The TP shall at all times be accompanied by the original copy of the PTC.

b)

Any excess in volume stated in the PTC shall be imposed a penalty in accordance with Section 44 (c) hereof.

c)

The transport permit that shall be issued shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Quantity/Volume of Coconut lumber issued by PCA using prescribed pro forma guide.

d)

The maximum volume of cocolumber in bd.ft to be loaded according to the type of vehicle are as follows:

TYPE OF VEHICLE

MAXIMUM LOAD (in bd.ft)

FILIPINO Michael Eala and Chui Kei Leung of Hong Kong gained the top billings in the CPSP-Philippine Tennis Association International Junior Tennis Championship that kicks off at the Philippine Columbian Association covered courts on July 17 to 22.

Eala, who reached the finals of the recent Indonesia AGS Junior Tennis, will be top seed in the boys’ 18-under division, with his current International Tennis Federation ranking of No. 548.

Chui is favored in the girls’ 18-under age group, with her ranking of No. 531 in the ITF netfest sponsored by Technifibre X-one tennis balls, Globe Telecoms and Philta president Atty. Antonio Cablitas.

Tournament director Chris Cuarto announced that the qualifying round is set on July 15 and 16, with Malaysia’s ITF White Badge Razmee Rawi as referee.

Notable local players entered in the main draw of the ITF Junior event

to

Over PhP 5,000,000.00

(c)

2,000.00

500.00

6,000.00

1,500.00

Forward

PhP 40,000.00

Ten-Wheeler Truck

PhP 100,000.00

Prime Mover (12 wheeler and above)

PhP 150,000.00

10,000.00

2,500.00

For purposes of these Rules and Regulations only, sawmills and lumberyards, as well as coconut wood dealers and other persons or entities dealing in the processing or sawing of coconut trees, shall register annually with the PCA Provincial Office where they operate or conduct business. Those operating in NCR shall register with the PCA Region I-IVB Regional Office in Quezon City.

a.)

All power saws and or chainsaws intended for the cutting of coconut trees shall be accepted for registration with any PCA Provincial Office, only if, same had registration with the DENR under Republic Act No. 9175 (Chainsaw Act)., and to be renewed by December of each year.

b.)

Registration fees: i Original registration and renewal fee – PhP 1,000.00 ii Late registration shall incur a surcharge of 50% of the current year’s rate.

c.)

The Division Chief shall record the serial number of each power saw/chainsaw registered and issue the corresponding registration receipts and sticker that shall be attached to the registered unit.

d.)

Any power saw/chainsaw which is registered with DENR but is not registered with PCA which is used in the cutting and ripping of coconut trees covered by a valid PTC shall be confiscated and shall only be released to the owner upon proper registration and payment of PhP15,000 for the first offense/instance. Provided, however, that for the second offense/instance, the powersaw/chainsaw shall be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the government in accordance with Section 7 of RA 10593.

Regardless of registration with PCA and/or DENR, all power saws/chainsaws used in the illegal cutting of coconut trees shall be confiscated in favor of the government pursuant to Section 7 of the Act and Article 45 of the Revised Penal Code.

ARTICLE X – ENFORCEMENT

Investigate suspected violations of this Act;

b.)

Arrest and apprehend any person actually committing or attempting to commit an offense under this Act;

c.)

Arrest and apprehend possessor of coconut lumber without the necessary permit as required under this Act;

d.)

Search and seize a moving vehicle with illegally cut, gathered, collected or removed coconut lumber: Provided, that probable cause for the search is established

e.)

Stop the transport and/or shipment of coconut lumber without authority or without legal documents in accordance with pertinent laws, regulations or policies on the matter;

f.)

Confiscate and forfeit in favor of the government the illegally cut, gathered, collected, removed, possessed or abandoned coconut lumber, as well as the machinery, equipment, implements and tools illegally used in the commission of the offense and to dispose of the same in accordance with pertinent laws, rules, regulations or policies on the matter; and

Seek the assistance of the police, local government officials and other law enforcement agencies for the efficient and effective implementation of this Act. SECTION 41. Funds for enforcement – The Regional Office shall maintain a revolving fund of not exceeding 30% of the total annual collection per year as Enforcement Fund to defray extraordinary expenses including litigation expenses incurred in the enforcement of RA 8048 and this IRR subject to existing laws and usual accounting and auditing rules.

The fund shall be sourced and replenished from fines and proceeds from the auction of lumber and implements abandoned, confiscated and/or duly forfeited in favor of the Authority or the Government, provided that it may also be replenished from collections for Filling fees, Permit to Cut Fees and Inspection fees.

SECTION 42. Deputation of Members of the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs, and other law enforcement agencies – All members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) – Environmental Crime Division, Bureau of Customs (BOC), and other law enforcement and investigation agencies nationwide are hereby deputized to assist in the enforcement of the Act and these Rules and Regulations by investigating, apprehending and causing the prosecution of violators thereof. By this deputation, they may spot-check the cutting, transportation and stockpiling of coconut trees, logs or lumber to ascertain compliance with this Act and its IRR. SECTION 43. Deputation of Coconut Farmers Organizations (CFOs) and Other PCA-Recognized/Accredited Farmers or Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)

18,000

NO. OF TREES

MAXIMUM VALIDITY

Within the Municipality

1 day

Within the Province

2 days

Within the Region

g)

5-7 Days

An extension of the validity of the Transport Permit may be allowed for a valid reason duly supported with a Barangay Certification.

ARTICLE IX – REGISTRATION

SECTION 38. Applicability of PCA Administrative Orders No. 01, Series of 1982, 2003 and 2009, as Amended by PCA Administrative Order No. 01-A Series of 2009. (a)

a.)

Any felled coconut tree or lumber found to be without the required PTC from the PCA is hereby deemed illegally cut.

b.)

All newly cut coconut logs/lumbers transported, with a duly issued PTC but with no TP, shall be confiscated pursuant to Section 7 of RA 10593 and deposited to the nearest barangay hall or police outpost.

c.)

All excess logs shall be assessed and penalized according to PTC and transport permit fees. Every 150 bdft will be equivalent to one tree cut and shall be charged treble the application fee of PhP100.00/tree. Every excess volume shall be charged PhP3.00/bdft for transport fee, otherwise the excess lumber shall be confiscated.

Vehicles impounded for the first time pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall be released by the PCA to their owners after they have sufficiently shown and executed an affidavit that they had no complicity in the illegal cutting of coconut trees, logs or lumber confiscated and payment of fine in accordance with the following schedule.

TYPE OF VEHICLE

3 days

Outside the Region/ Inter Island

Pursuant to Section 7 of the Act, the registration of persons and entities

f.)

Smaller than jeep

PENALTIES PhP 1,000.00 + Affidavit

Jeep

PhP 3,000.00 + Affidavit

Elf or Six-Wheeler Truck

PhP 10,000.00 + Affidavit

Forward

PhP 20,000.00 + Affidavit

Ten-Wheeler Truck

PhP 50,000.00 + Affidavit

Prime Mover (12 wheeler and above)

PhP 70,000.00 + Affidavit

All vehicles shall be impounded at the nearest Police station or nearest PCA

Any power saw/chainsaw which is not registered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and PCA which is used in the cutting and ripping of coconut trees whether or not covered by a valid PTC shall be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the government.

The Forfeiture Order undertaken pursuant to this section shall be duly recommended by the Division Chief or Coconut Production and Regulation Officer in the case of Region I-IVB for NCR and approved by the Regional Manager copy of which shall be furnished the owner.

The foregoing shall be, without prejudice to the liability of the owner or user under the Chainsaw Act and Article 45 of the Revised Penal Code.

SECTION 45. Custodial Disposition a.)

The confiscated logs/lumbers covered with a PTC, without a valid TP and the vehicle used in transporting the same shall be impounded and shall not be released until a valid TP is secured with the PCA Provincial Office having jurisdiction over the point of origin of the coconut logs or lumber. A corresponding fine equivalent to double the amount of the applicable TP fee shall be imposed as penalty for failure of the transporter/owner to secure a valid TP prior to transporting the logs/lumber.

Failure of the transporter/owner to secure a valid TP after a lapse of fifteen (15) days from the confiscation shall cause the PCA to dispose and sell the logs/ lumbers through public auction. The proceeds thereof, less cost of auction shall be applied to the TP fee and penalty/ies. Any balance remaining, if any, will be returned to the transporter/owner. The vehicle/s used in the transport shall only be released in accordance with Section 44 (d) of this rule.

b.)

The confiscated logs or lumber, instruments, tools and vehicles shall be recorded, inventoried and duly receipted for by the proper police officer or the authorized barangay or municipal official. The report of such confiscation and custodial disposition shall be immediately made to the Division Chief of the nearest PCA Provincial Office and to the PNP Station Commander in case the apprehending person is a PNP officer. The illegally cut coconut trees, logs or lumber shall be turned over by the PNP to the PCA Regional or Provincial Office for proper accounting and disposal, unless the PCA authorized official concerned shall decide otherwise on account of distance and/or lack of storage facilities.

c.)

To prevent wastage caused by deterioration or rotting, the Division Chief or Regional Manager, in the case of NCR shall, after a lapse of fifteen days (15) days but not more than 30 days from confiscation or receipt in custody of the confiscated lumbers, ascertain and certify as to the condition of the same, and if merchantable conduct a public auction to sell and dispose of the illegally cut coconut trees, logs or lumber. In case the lumber is subject of complaint/ case, the Division Chief/Regional Manager shall ask written permission from the court prior to the conduct of a public auction.

SECTION 40. Police Powers – The PCA Administrator, Chairperson of Task Force RA 8048, Regional Managers, Division Chiefs, Coconut Production and Regulation Officer, Senior Agriculturists and Agriculturists shall be vested with the authority to exercise duly delegated police powers for the proper performance of their functions and duties concurrent and coextensive with their respective jurisdictions, to wit: a.)

PhP 5,000.00

If a case has been filed in court, he shall additionally file a petition for the purpose.

SECTION 39. Annual Registration of Power saws/ Chainsaws with the PCA

d.)

PENALTIES PhP 7,000.00

Prime Mover (12 wheeler and above)

The validity of Transport permit shall be determined accordance with the following:

TYPE OF VEHICLE

PhP 20,000.00

SECTION 44. Confiscation and Imposition of Administrative Fees

f)

Provided that if no complaint is filed in court, the vehicle may only be released upon payment of the corresponding administrative fine herewith

Elf or Six-Wheeler Truck

7,000

For lumber consolidators, they shall submit the original PTC and the original transport permit issued by the PCA to the original owner of the coconut lumber.

They shall apply for a new transport permit indicating the consolidated volume and pay an application fee of PhP500.00 only regardless of volume. In case the lumber is not covered by approved transport permits, the consolidator shall apply for a new transport permit and shall pay an application fee of PhP1,000.00 and fee of P0.30/bdft of lumber.

TODAY

A vehicle found to have been used to transport illegally cut coconut trees, logs or lumber prior to the current apprehension or impounding, shall remain impounded regardless of whether the owner or operator shall have sufficiently proven non-involvement in the illegal cutting of coconut trees.

Jeep

12,000

e)

e.)

Smaller than jeep

Ten-Wheeler Truck

3,500

Elf or Six-Wheeler Truck

Manila

Standard

Renewal

4,000

Jeep

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

New

Forward

2,000

LOTTO RESULTS

Registration Fee (PhP)

Upon their application duly endorsed by the Division Chief, members of CFOs and/or other PCA recognized/accredited farmers or non-government organizations may be deputized by the PCA Administrator to assist in the enforcement of the act and these Rules and Regulations, particularly in the monitoring, apprehension, confiscation and prosecution aspects of RA 8048 implementation.

Smaller than jeep

supported by San Miguel Food Inc.vand Abs-Cbn are Jose Antonio Tria, Manuel Balce III, Mathew Garcia, Justin Suarez, Bea Acena, Melanie Faye Dizon and Rafaella Villanueva.

office.

For purposes of these Rules and Regulations only, the rates of registration fee based on authorized capitalization provided for in PCA Administrative Order No. 01, Series of 2009,as amended, are hereby amended as follows:

Over PhP 1,000,000.00 5,000,000.00

ARTICLE VIII – PROGRAM MONITORING

a.)

over Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission last Sunday.

Out to lead the Sentinels are Senators Joel Villanueva and Sonny Angara and Warren Tan. Villanueva is looking for a mighty return after missing in the team’s 6961 defeat to the Magis the last time.

Meantime, Joey Yabut and while Supreme Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez hope to sustain their stellar showing after scoring 30 and 14 points, respectively, the last time.

Less than PhP 1,000,000.00

Within three (3) months from receipt of remittances, the Division Chief shall prepare the voucher in favor of the Municipal Treasurer of the local government unit for remittance of their share in the fees. The voucher and the check shall be approved and signed by the Regional Manager.

SECTION 34. Responsibility of PCA, LGUs, and Farmer’s Organizations

Games Sunday

(Pasig City Sports Center) 3 p.m. – PNP vs Senate 4:30 p.m. – Ombudsman vs Judiciary

Authorized Capitals

The Regional Office shall hold in trust the share of fees accruing in favor of the beneficiaries and for the purposes authorized in Section 5 of the Act.

The Regional Offices shall likewise submit a quarterly consolidated report to the Administrator, indicating the status of collection of fees therein.

Eala, Chui favored in Philta junior tennis tourney at PCA

dealing with coconut products in accordance with PCA Administrative Orders No. 01, series 2009 as amended, shall, except as hereinafter provided, be applicable to operators of sawmills, lumberyards, processors and dealers of coconut wood products and warehouses used in storing coco lumber. Provided, however, that registration under this section shall not be issued to sawmills and lumber processors whose licenses have been withdrawn or cancelled by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR).

SECTION 32. Payment of Fees – Payment of fees authorized under these rules shall be made by the applicant by either paying in cash or managers cheque payable to PCA to the Division Chief or cashier or depositing it in the nearest bank in the area, copy of the receipt or proof of payment shall thereafter be furnished to the Division Chief/cashier concerned who shall issue the corresponding official receipt.

SECTION 33. Remittance

A7

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Lumber dealers duly registered with the PCA Provincial Office, the barangay captain and municipal mayor concerned shall be notified of the place and time of the auction within ten (10) days before the date of said auction. Written notices shall likewise be posted in three (3) conspicuous public places where the sale is to take place. The coco lumbers or logs shall be awarded to the highest bidder on as is where is basis.

The proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in trust with the nearest Land Bank of the Philippines branch for disposition of PCA, after final resolution or judgment in the case. In the event that the offender is found guilty, the proceeds of the sale shall be forfeited in favor of the government.

ARTICLE XI – PENAL PROVISIONS, FORFEITURE AND DISPOSITION SECTION 46. Penalties – The provision on Penalties under Section 9 of Republic Act 10593 is hereby adopted entoto and declared an integral part of these Rules and Regulations as follows: “Sec. 9 Penalties. – Those found guilty of violating this Act or any rules and regulations issued pursuant hereto shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than six (6) years, or a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court.”

“If the offender is a corporation or a juridical entity, the official who ordered or allowed the commission of the offense shall be punished with the same penalty.

“If the offender is in the government service, he shall, in addition be dismissed from office.

“Upon verification by the PCA that no replanting was done, the barangay captain who issued the certification shall, upon conviction, be penalized with imprisonment of not less than three (3) years but not more than seven (7) years and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00). Furthermore, the barangay captain concerned shall be perpetually disqualified from holding any other public office.”

Accordingly, any PCA officer and employee or Barangay officials, who after investigation, are found to have connived or participated in the act violating any provisions of the Law and its IRR shall be charged either administratively and/or criminally, and shall be meted with appropriate penalty. Likewise, remission of duty or negligence on the part of the PCA officer and employee in strictly implementing RA 8048, as amended and its IRR shall be properly dealt with in accordance with the Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

SECTION 47. Forfeiture – Pursuant to Article 45 of the Revised Penal Code, the penalties of imprisonment and fine under Section 8 of the Act shall carry with them the forfeiture in favor of the Government of the illegally cut coconut trees, logs or lumber or proceeds of the action thereof, and the instruments or tools employed in their cutting unless they be the property of a third person not liable for the offense.

SECTION 48. Final Disposition – The illegally cut coconut trees, logs or lumber forfeited in favor of the Government and which have not been auctioned shall be disposed of in accordance with the prioritization set forth in Memorandum Order No. 162, series of 1993 as amended by Memorandum Order No. 284 of the President dated June 5, 1995.

ARTICLE XII – REPEALING CLAUSE All Administrative Orders, Memoranda, Circulars and other issuances inconsistent with these Rules and Regulations are hereby modified and repealed accordingly.

ARTICLE XIII – EFFECTIVITY These Revised Rules and Regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Issued this 1st day of June, 2017 at Quezon City, Philippines.

ROMULO J. DE LA ROSA Administrator

APPROVED AND CONFIRMED by the PCA Governing Board in its Resolution No. 038-2018.

(MS-JULY 13, 2018)

Sports

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

A8

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

Cardinals defuse Bombers, 72 to 60 Games Today (The Arena in San Juan) 8 a.m. EAC-ICA vs Lyceum (jrs) 10 a.m. LSGH vs San Sebastian (jrs) 12 nn EAC vs Lyceum(srs) 2 p.m. CSB vs San Sebastian (srs) 4 p.m. UPHSD vs Letran (srs) 6 p.m. UPHSD vs Letran (jrs)

By Peter Atencio VETERAN cager Laurenz Victoria joined hands with rookies Warren Bonifacio and Eric Jabel as the Mapua Cardinals routed the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 72-60, yesterday at the latter’s own home turf—the JRU gymnasium in Mandaluyong.

Victoria, a three-year veteran of the team, knocked in 11 points and had seven rebounds for the Cardinals, who posted their first win in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

The 6’5” Bonifacio, one of the Cardinals’ six key newcomers who came from their talented high school squad, banged 10 points. He then helped Victoria control the boards with nine rebounds, while Jabel, another former Red Robin, shot nine points and had five rebounds.

The performance of the Cardinals impressed coach Atoy Co, who took the pains of rebuilding the core of the team with members of their junior squad and with the help of the coaching staff.

“Overall, I’m happy we were able to do what we practiced. JRU pressed, they kept on scoring. Nabigla kami sa halfcourt nila. Pero na-overcome namin,” said Co as the Cardinals joined the defending champion San Beda Red Lions and the Lyceum Pirates in the early lead.

Veteran Cedric Pelayo made eight points with Justin Serrano and Exequiel Biteng.

Pelayo scored two of three charities in the last 7:19 of the third to help hand the Cards a 60-53 lead. His presence and driving shots in the remaining 5:16 later allowed the Cards to keep their seven-point cushion intact, 65-58.

Jabel’s trey with 1:45 left in the third gave the Cardinals a chance to widen their edge, 70-60.

RJ David shot 12 points for the Heavy Bombers while Jed Mendoza added 11.

Meanwhile, the Jose Rizal Light Bombers caught the Malayan High School of Science Red Robins on a bad day and pulled off an 80-70 upset in junior action.

Six-foot Marvin Dionisio showed the way with 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Light Bombers, who joined the San Sebastian Staglets and the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas in the early lead.

Romeo: No need to make fuss of fight THE group of Talk ‘N text and Gilas basketball star Terrence Romeo figured in a fistfight in a restaurant in Quezon City on Thursday at 4 am, but the pro player was quick to dismiss the incident, saying “there was no need to make a fuss.”

Romeo, who was taken after the incident to the Quezon City Police District’s Station 10 where declined to be interviewed, defended himself in a Twitter post.

“Im in my house right now. Im not held up in any prison or station. No need to make a fuss. Watch the cctv i believe its somewhere in social media right now.

I didnt do anything. Let the video speak for itself. Anyway both camps are okay naman na. Goodnight,” said Romeo, who settled the incident amicably with a certain Darwin Pilena, a 26-year-old balikbayan.

The fight started when a fan wanted to take a picture with Romeo inside the Gilly’s Bar on Tomas Morato Avenue in Barangay South Triangle.

The wife of one of the victims— Clarissa Cabrera—said in a radio interview over dzMM that they were about to leave for home when they saw Romeo and requested to have a picture-taking with him. Cabrera said they were shocked when someone from Romeo’s entourage punched one of their companions. Rio N. Araja

Croatia’s defender Sime Vrsaljko celebrates past England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (right) at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. AFP

Tired Croatia sets up WC duel with France

M

OSCOW—Croatia began preparations for the first World Cup final in their history on Thursday after they came from behind to crush England’s hopes in an enthralling contest.

The Balkan nation of just four million people will play France on Sunday after Mario Mandzukic’s extra-time winner in Wednesday’s semi-final prolonged England’s 52-year wait to reach a second World Cup final.

England roared into the lead in just the fifth minute through Kieran Trippier’s superb free-kick, but Croatia hit back through Ivan Perisic and Mandzukic to win 2-1 in front of 78,000 spectators in the Luzhniki Stadium.

In beating Gareth Southgate’s young team, Croatia have surpassed the achievements of the heroes of 1998, when they reached the semi-finals in France in their first World Cup as an independent nation.

Their players celebrated wildly in the Russian capital while in the Croatian capital Zagreb, tens of thousands of fans

poured onto the streets and squares, singing, letting off flares and waving redwhite-and-blue flags.

Coach Zlatko Dalic’s side were clearly exhausted but they battled through extratime once again.

“This is fantastic,” Dalic said. “Two players played with half-a-leg, but it didn’t show. In extra-time nobody wanted to be substituted.

“This shows character and is what makes me proud. Nobody gave up,” said Dalic.

Croatia must recover quickly for Sunday’s showpiece—no easy feat after being taken to extra-time for a third consecutive match, meaning they have played the equivalent of one match more than France.

“We prepared to get to the final and we want to play it. Going to extra-time might be a problem along with the fact France

have had an extra day to recover but there will be no excuses,” Dalic said.

‘It hurts a lot’ England’s players slumped onto the turf at the final whistle, barely able to believe that their hopes had been dashed after reaching a first semi-final since 1990.

“We’re gutted,” said Harry Kane, whose golden touch deserted him on Wednesday but who is still on course to finish as the tournament’s top goalscorer with six goals.

“It hurts, it hurts a lot. It’s going to hurt for a while of course. We can hold our heads up high. It’s been a fantastic journey. We got further than anyone else could thought we would have.”

Having led for over an hour, the defeat will be difficult for England to digest, but their young team have won many admirers in Russia.

“I can’t ask for more from the players,” said Southgate. “I think knockout football is about fine margins and when you have good spells against fine sides you need to take your chances. AFP

Matthysse vows to keep his WBA belt KUALA LUMPUR—World welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse saluted Manny Pacquiao on Thursday but vowed to beat the Filipino boxing legend when they square off on Sunday.

“He is a great champion but he still hasn’t faced ‘The Machine’,” Argentina’s Matthysse told reporters at a packed press conference in Kuala Lumpur ahead of their WBA title clash.

“If he decides to retire after I beat him then that is his decision, I am here to defend my title.”

Veteran Pacquiao, who is chasing a 60th win of his long career, will turn 40 in December and has not fought since losing his WBO welterweight belt to Australia’s Jeff Horn in Brisbane a year ago.

Knock-out specialist Matthysse has finished 36 of his 39 wins inside the distance and won the vacant WBA belt after an eighth-round stoppage of Thailand’s Teerachai Sithmorseng in January.

His action-packed style, said Pacquiao, was one of the reasons the fight attracted him.

“When I saw his fight against Teerachai it was a

Senator Manny Pacquiao and WBA welterweight champion Argentine Lucas Martin Matthysse during their final press conference at the Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia before their July 15 clash. Sonny Espiritu

good fight,” said the Filipino, who has won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions in more than 20 years as a professional fighter.

“I believe we can create good action in the ring so the fans will be happy.”

Pacquiao was thrown out of kilter by Horn’s rough-house tactics a year ago and the Filipino’s conditioning coach, Justin Fortune, said they had prepared for similar from the aggressive Argentine. AFP

Eagle-spiked 66 nets Kim 4-shot lead

Kim Joo Hyung

ANTIPOLO—Kim Joo Hyung moved on top again behind another fiery start and a solid iron game that helped produce an eagle-2, shooting a five-under 66 and wresting control by four halfway through Philippine Golf Tour Asia’s ICTSI Forest Hills Championship at the Nicklaus course here yesterday.

Kim, who charged into early contention on a late 65 output Wednesday, drilled in four birdies and banged in an eagle off a superb 9-iron shot from 145 yards on the par-4 No. 9 to highlight another scorching round that put the rising 16-year-old star on top at 11-under 131 and on course for a second straight victory after a record win in the ICTSI Pueble De Oro stop of the PGT last week.

“My game in the first two days has been stress-free, not making much of mistakes,” said Kim, who has dominated the national amateur scene the past two years before joining the pro ranks with a strong joint second finish in the PGT Asia Q-School at Luisita last April.

“Hopefully, I’ll be able to do this in the next couple of days.”

He could’ve actually pulled away but flubbed a couple of birdie chances on the first two par-5s and fumbled with an unlikely bogey on the last par-5 at No. 16, which he birdied in the first round.

Still, his 32-34 effort gave the young Korean a big cushion heading to the last 36 holes of the $100,000 event sponsored by ICTSI as overnight leader Josh Salah lost his momentum after a superb bogey-free 63 start and bogeyed the last two holes for a 73, a host of erstwhile contenders failed to match Kim’s blistering pace and fell farther back and two local top guns stumbled and fumbled to make it to through the halfway cut.

South African Mathiam Keyser did recover from a double-bogey mishap on No. 6 with a cluster of birdies—six in an eight-hole stretch from No. 9—and turned in a 67 as he joined amateur Judson Eustaquio at second at 135, four strokes off Kim.

Philracom increases prizes in face of Train Law IN an effort to attract bettors in the face of increased taxes on prizes brought about by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) is making the necessary steps by increasing its prizes in the class races.

In a board resolution penned by the Philracom, headed by its Chairman Andrew A. Sanchez, the commission has added P20,000 to the horse-owner only in the condition race, with P12,000, P6,000 and P2,000 added from the first to the third placers, respectively.

Additional prizes are also in store in the rating-based class races, with a group of five getting a minimum P30,000 and a group of four receiving a minimum of P50,000. Groups of three to one take home a minimum of P70,000, P90,000 and P110,000, respectively.

“The board acted on the approval of these increases in the prizes to somehow soften the impact of the TRAIN Law on the horse-owners and the betting public,” said Sanchez. “We don’t want the gains made the commission the past year of arresting horseracing’s three-year decline in sales, go down the drain just like that.”

The Philracom also announced that the case filed by the Anti-Trapo Movement against the commission for allowing “online sabong” to operate at horse-racing Off Track Betting stations was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman.

“The grant of authority to establish, operate and maintain a cockpit arena, including a cockfighting broadcast studio by the Manila Cockers Club Inc., was issued by the Municipality of Carmona.

Conversely, the business permits issued to OTBs for horse-racing and cockfighting came from the Office of the Mayor of Quezon City. In both instances, Philracom had no participation. On the other hand, the regulation and supervision of the betting aspects and operation of e-sabong are within the jurisdiction of the Games and Amusements Board-Anti-Illegal Gambling Unit, and the Philracom,” wrote Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer III Myla Teona N Teologio, as approved

by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.

In 2017, the Philracom reaped the benefits of its innovations and membership in the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) as it did the almost impossible goal of arresting the decline of horseracing from 2014 to 2016.

Revenues amounting to P7.3 billion in 2017 has netted the government P1.2 billion in taxes, an increase of P88 million or 7.56 percent from the previous year.

“The Philracom is very proud of this accomplishment as the commission not only arrested the dwindling horse-racing sales for the past three years, it also bettered last year’s revenues,” said Sanchez.

Capital flight rose to $516m in June due to US rate hike

By Julito G. Rada REGISTERED foreign portfolio investments or “hot money” in June posted a net outflow of $516 million, more than twice the $206-million net outflow a month ago, pulled down mainly by the recent interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said in a statement Thursday the other reasons for fund managers’ withdrawals of their investments in the domestic financial markets were their concerns on rising inflation, further depreciation of the peso and the trade war between the US and China.

The net outflow in June was also a turnaround from the $72.56-million net inflow in the same month last year.

Gross inflow for the month reached $910.78 million, significantly down from $2.016 billion a year ago, while total outflow hit $1.426 billion, lower than $1.943 billion on year.

“Outflows for the month of $1.4 billion closely reflected last month’s level of investors’ reaction to the continuing trade war between the US and China coupled with sustained net foreign selling of PSE-listed securities since February this year,” the Bangko Sentral said.

The inflation rate in June further accelerated to a more than five-year high of 5.2 percent from 4.6 percent in May and surpassed the government forecast for the month, triggered mainly by faster increases in the prices of some food and beverage products.

The June inflation, based on the 2012 price index, was also significantly faster than 2.5 percent a year ago, bringing the average inflation rate in the first half to 4.3 percent, more than the upper limit of the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2018.

The peso, meanwhile, ended the month of June at 53.34 per dollar. Its weakest this year was 53.515 on June 28.

IN BRIEF

LRT-1 operator eyes fare increase of P5

LIGHT Rail Manila Corp., the private sector operator of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), is pushing for a P5 increase in fare to assure the construction of the extension stage to Bacoor in Cavite.

LRMC president Juan Alfonso said the fare increase would give banks the confidence to lend to the company the funds for the Cavite extension.

Alfonso said the P30-billion Cavite extension project would allow travel from Baclaran to Sucat in only 15 minutes; to Las Pinas, 20 minutes; and to Bacoor, 30 minutes.

“We can virtually guarantee these travel times because we are traffic-free. And we are investing P5 for every P1 revenue to ensure that LRT-1 is efficient, trouble free, and also clean. Today, trains come every 3.5 minutes, down from 5 minutes when LRMC took over operations and maintenance in 2015,” he said.

The average fare is proposed to increase to P25, or just about the same as a bus fare, and much lower than taxi and transport network company fares, “without traffic,” Alfonso said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

SSS invests P3b in 3 domestic mutual funds

STATE-RUN Social Security System on Thursday said it invested P3 billion of its investment reserve fund in three domestic mutual funds in the Philippines, the first time in the history of the pension fund.

SSS president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Dooc said the pension fund invested P1 billion each in PhilEquity Fund Inc. as managed by Philequity Management Inc.; Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund Inc. as managed by Sunlife Asset Management Company Inc.; and Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. as managed by BPI Investment Management Inc starting June 27.

“This is the first time in 61 years that the pension fund invested in mutual funds. The deployment of P3 billion in domestic mutual funds, although modest in size relative to SSS’ size of about P500 billion, is a significant first step in partnering with top local managers and has a lot of potential benefits,” Dooc said.

“This is a big step for the SSS. This is a part of broadening its market-intelligence sources, discovering best practices and learning new investing styles that may be highly suitable to SSS,” he said.

Phoenix expands fuel services to Cebu Pacific

PHOENIX Petroleum Philippines is expanding its services to Cebu Pacific Air to 17 domestic airports.

Cebu Pacific recently granted Phoenix the contract to provide into-plane services in Bacolod, Dumaguete, and soon in Mactan airports, aside from the fuel storage and bridging services Phoenix currently provides.

“We thank Cebu Pacific for their continued trust in Phoenix Petroleum, and are proud to be their partner in helping fuel their passengers’ journeys one flight at a time,” said Phoenix Petroleum chief operating officer Henry Albert Fadullon in a statement Thursday.

Into-plane service covers refueling of aircrafts at the airport.

“We look forward to serving Cebu Pacific in more destinations as we aspire to be the Filipinos’ indispensable partner in their journeys,” he said.

Phoenix also started serving Cebu Pacific in Roxas Airport in Capiz and in San Jose airport in Occidental Mindoro, the first airport it is serving in Luzon. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

B1

Transpacific seeks foreign funding

By Darwin G. Amojelar

P

UBLICLY-LISTED Transpacific Broadband Group International Inc. is seeking to raise money from foreign investors for its planned participation in a consortium bidding to become the third major telecommunications player in the country.

TGBI said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange its board approved the fund raising, equivalent to a 40-percent equity to foreign investors, through a private placement.

TGBI is headed by businessman Arsenio Ng, who also owns ATN Holdings Inc., formerly Jabpract Mining and

Industrial Corp.

TGBI said it would use the proceeds from the private placement to participate in various opportunities in the telecommunication market brought about by the directive of the government to have a third telco in the Philippines.

TGBI said it would participate in a consortium of third telco investors and in a consortium of “Common Tower Investment Corp.” to establish 50,000 tower sites nationwide.

The company will also establish a representative office in China with coordination and cooperation with a China consortium involved with telecoms and technology, the aim of which is to bring in Artificial Intelligence Initiative, Block Chain Technology, Asset-backed Initial Coin Offering and Internet of Things technology.

TBGI generates revenues mainly from internet, intranet and local loop services subscriptions of schools, corporate private sector and government agencies.

The company sells data services to subscriber schools for internet connectivity and virtual private network connectivity, and video uplink services to local and foreign TV channels. Data and video services are delivered from the TBGI earth station in Clark, Pampanga and transmitted via Apstar-6 satellite to receiving customer premises equipment units of clients.

It has service experience with local Channels 4, 9, and 13, and international cable television program providers, including an Egyptian channel and a Korea-based TV shopping network.

TBGI also owns and operates satellite facilities having separate buildings for transmitter and power generators at

the 1.1-hectare area of former US Air Force Satellite Communication facility in Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga.

TBGI’s integral facility, the Clark Development Corp. Broadcast Operations Center, houses 20 studios for media production, post-production and playback services.

Most groups seeking to become the country’s third major telecommunications player opposed the auction of frequencies as proposed by the Finance Department.

The Department of Information and Communications said earlier an informal survey among 15 potential players that participated in the public hearing last Friday found that 75 percent preferred the highest committed level of service or HCLoS for the selection of the new major telco player.

EDC in talks with 4 banks to secure loans worth P11.5b

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ABOITIZ AWARDS. The Aboitiz Group wins a record 12 awards at the 16th Philippine Quill Awards, including the Company of the Year—2nd Runner Up and the Top Division Award in Communication Management for “Let’s drive change for a better world: The Aboitiz No Impact Challenge.” Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. is recognized as among the country’s most outstanding organizations in communication management for its employee-driven “carbon cleanse” competition at the 16th Philippine Quill Awards, in addition to winning eleven additional awards for various communication campaigns across the Aboitiz Group.

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, July 12, 2018

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

53.5160

Japan

Yen

0.008929

0.4778

UK

Pound

1.320800

70.6839

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127410

6.8185

Switzerland

Franc

1.004218

53.7417

Canada

Dollar

0.757346

40.5301

Singapore

Dollar

0.733192

39.2375

Australia

Dollar

0.736500

39.4145

Bahrain

Dinar

2.638453

141.1995

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

14.2706

Brunei

Dollar

0.730514

39.0942

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.030039

1.6076

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

14.5709

Euro

Euro

1.167600

62.4853

Korea

Won

0.000887

0.0475

China

Yuan

0.149813

8.0174

India

Rupee

0.014551

0.7787

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.247709

13.2564

New Zealand

Dollar

0.675700

36.1608

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032629

1.7462

Source: PDS Bridge

New Kinpo Group of Taiwan eyes PH as main hub in Southeast Asia

By Jenniffer B. Austria TAIWAN’S technology giant New Kinpo Group, the parent company of CalComp Technology (Philippines) Inc., plans to make the Philippines its main manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.

NKG chief executive Simon Shen said in a statement the group decided to increase the production capacity of the Philippine operations as the group shifts the focus of its activities in China.

The capacity expansion will be funded by the P6.77-billion planned initial public offering of Cal-Comp Technology.

“China will move towards higher level R&D, so its manufacturing component will slowly be transitioned to the Philippines. This IPO will allow us to raise the funds needed to support the said transition and help the Philippines enhance its manufacturing and R&D strengths,” Shen said.

Cal-Comp Technology plans to spend P1.88 billion from the IPO proceeds in building and expanding its First Philip-

pine Industrial Park Inc. manufacturing complex in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, where unit Kinpo Electronics (Philippines) Inc. operates. The expansion will add approximately 48,000 square meters of space for manufacturing.

Cal-Comp also plans to build additional facilities inside the Lima Technology Center site in Lipa, Batangas.

Cal-Comp Technology is earmarking P1.26 billion to lease an additional 300,000 square meters of land within FPIP to increase its manufacturing capacity.

The facility expansion will require the acquisition of P844 million worth of new assembly equipment and machinery, as well as the upgrade of existing equipment that will increase production capacity. The acquisitions will include surface mount technology and assembly lines for storage, home appliance and calculator products.

Cal-Comp Technology is also investing approximately P800 million on research and development to introduce new products that are expected to come out in the next four to five years.

ENERGY Development Corp. on Thursday secured an approval from its board to obtain three-year loans with several local banks amounting to a maximum of P11.5 billion.

EDC said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange it would use proceeds from the loan to refinance an $80-million club loan and fund a portion of its capital expenditure program and other general corporate purposes.

“We’re looking within this third quarter. We’re talking to three to four banks right now but haven’t closed yet,” EDC vice president for finance Erwin Avante said.

Avante said EDC earlier obtained the club loan with two foreign banks which he did not disclose.

“We paid it last June but EDC paid for it in the meantime with the intention of refinancing/replacing it with a portion of this loan,” he said.

EDC, the country’s largest geothermal and wind energy company, programmed a capital spending of about P6.1 billion this year, the same level as last year’s, officials said earlier.

“We’re looking at around P6.1 billion for this year. Around range-bound, around the same as the previous years.

In the prior years we had some growth projects... but since then, it’s all on existing operations,” Avante said earlier.

He said the bulk of the capital expenditure or over P1 billion would be spent for geothermal drilling this year.

The company will also continue to invest in the reliability and resiliency of power plants.

EDC recorded a net income of P1.5 billion in the first three months of 2018, down 54 percent from P3.26 billion in 2017.

EDC’s consolidated recurring net income attributable to equity holders of the parent for the period stood at P1.81 billion, down 44 percent from P3.25 billion year-on-year.

Inclusive of non-recurring items, consolidated net income attributable to equity holders of the parent stood at P1.34 billion, lower than P3.09 billion in the first quarter of 2017.

Nograles seeks funding for 2 new laws TWO House bills recently signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte, both principally authored by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Karlo Nograles of the first district of Davao City, will need some creative planning for funds to be made available to them.

Republic Act 11037 and Republic Act 11039, or the “Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act,” and the Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Act, respectively, are both key components of the administration’s program to develop rural areas and alleviate poverty.

Nograles said he did not want the two new laws to be bogged down by a lack of funding, which has happened multiple times in the past. He and committee members have promised to work doubly hard to make sure funds are allotted for both.

RA 11037 in 2018 will be funded by P5.3 billion allotted to the Department of Education, along with another P3.4 billion for the supplemental feeding program of the Department of Social

Welfare and Development.

For RA 11039, an initial budget of P750 million has been allotted this year.

Nograles noted typhoons and other natural calamities like earthquakes could often cause severe damage to power lines. Unless power is restored soonest, local economies can be seriously battered. Moreover, the health of residents of areas without electricity for extended periods can be negatively affected.

As for the feeding program, many past administrations had their own versions of the pro-poor program, but almost all petered out after a while because they were not sustainable. Under Nograles’s program, the problem of sustainability is addressed with an additional component, where school grounds are turned into vegetable gardens called “Gulayan sa Paaralan.”

The Davao lawmaker is driven in making sure that the two new laws do not end up as white elephants.

Nograles said he was aware that he faced real challenges in finding funds for the two laws.

RCBC SAVINGS PROMO. Lucky winners of RCBC Savings Bank’s Save Up and Fly promo will soon fly to their dream travel destinations this year. At the awarding ceremony are (from left) Francis Vincent Berdan, RSB Retail Banking Group head; Arcelie Watiwat and Arlyn Watiwat, trip to Hong Kong winners; Mela Cojuangco, representative of trip to Europe winners; Maria Lourdes Rivera, trip to Singapore winner; Rommel Latinazo, RSB president and chief executive officer; Jerry Arconado, representative of trip to Europe winners; Maria Vilma Garganera, representative of trip to Malaysia winners; and Guilberto Benedicto, RSB Product Sales and Support Division head.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks gain; Megaworld climbs

T

HE stock market extended its gains Thursday, buoyed by buying on select issues and on the back of expectations the US is better prepared to deal with a trade war with China.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 16.85 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,350.58 on a value turnover of P5.5 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 106 to 84, with 46 issues unchanged.

Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, advanced 4 percent to P4.65, while Security Bank Corp., the sixth-largest lender in terms of assets, gained 2.4 percent to P207.40.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. climbed 3 percent to P966, while Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest bank, added 1.7 percent to P70.30.

The rest of Asian markets on Thurs-

day recovered from the previous day’s hammering, oil prices bounced and the dollar extended a rally.

While investors remain on edge about a damaging standoff between the world’s two economic superpowers, there are hopes the two sides will avoid an escalation despite Donald Trump threatening tariffs on a further $200 billion of Chinese goods.

The optimism helped bargain buying Thursday, with Tokyo ending more than one percent higher and Hong Kong adding 0.8 percent.

Shanghai jumped 2.2 percent as the Chinese central bank set the struggling yuan’s US dollar fix at a strong level in a bid to soothe concerns about its recent sell-off, while the official Xinhua news agency in a commentary said the country’s equity market fluctuations were controllable. The remarks suggested

Japan’s Nikkei has been given an extra nudge by a weaker yen, which helps exporters.

Despite the currency’s popularity as a safe have in times of turmoil, the yen is at a six-month low against the dollar, which is getting support from the robust US economy.

While most other countries are seeing improvement, data show the US is surging as jobs creation picks up and wages rise. News that producer price inflation hit a more than six-year high in June added to expectations the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates again soon, in turn strengthening the dollar.

The strong readings coming out of Washington suggest the US is in a much stronger position to fight a trade war with China, which is battling slowing growth and a crippling debt mountain among other things. With AFP

leaders were ready to step in if needed, analysts said.

Sydney, Singapore, Seoul and Taipei were also deep in positive territory.

However, Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at OANDA, warned “we are little more than a headline away from another risk-off episode” and added that markets would likely remain volatile for some time.

“The prospects of another round of US tariffs directed at China have resurrected fears that the trade skirmish between Washington and Beijing could escalate with some investors now fearing a full-blown global trade war could be a reality,” he said.

“But the most damning signal is that dialogue... is pretty much non-existent and with a diplomatic solution appearing more unlikely as the days go by markets will remain on the defensive.”

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

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59.4 94.2 2.84 130 1.5 33.35 7.5 16.5 14.82 3.55 1.5 0.53 69.35 1.06 11.98 19.7 46.85 195 117 85 28.3 201.4 85.85

59.5 97.3 2.84 130.3 1.5 33.35 7.5 16.6 14.84 3.55 1.5 0.53 70.9 1.08 12 19.7 46.85 195 118 85 28.7 208 85.85

59 93.15 2.76 128 1.47 33.1 7.5 16.5 14.7 3.55 1.5 0.52 69.35 1.05 11.9 19.7 46.6 191.6 110 85 28.3 201.4 85.5

FINANCIALS 59.4 26,900 96 2,890,500 2.76 9,000 129 938,310 1.47 9,000 33.2 35,100 7.5 200 16.54 2,500 14.72 51,100 3.55 1,000 1.5 5,000 0.53 382,000 70.3 8,042,180 1.08 383,000 11.9 11,400 19.7 200 46.6 63,700 191.6 200 118 210 85 30 28.3 50,800 207.4 615,370 85.8 15,800

1,596,349.50 276,034,997 25,160 121,044,218 13,410 1,165,320 1,500 41,362 755,494 3,550 7,500 201,840 564,993,552.50 405,150 135,708 3,940 2,972,865 38,664 23,880 2,550 1,450,370 127,195,208 1,353,903.50

1,388,852 86,204,418 -43,954,698 3,320 4,962 208,536 -93628235.5 -9,450 -2,045,315 3,834 -525,580 12,169,254 -106,200

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA 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 MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG 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 SPC POWER TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VULCAN INDL

35.6 16 0.61 1.16 0.27 3.04 15.8 43.2 21.3 52.5 65 1.8 7.68 10.04 15.54 10.7 7.3 5.2 1.62 14.76 61.2 23.5 7.2 14.02 2.47 249 5.06 27 11.08 19.5 357 0.179 2.25 4.05 8.7 5.9 7.7 1.25 11.8 54.5 5.7 4.7 2.08 3.2 1.82 12.8 5.4 0.89 123.7 2.62 1.38

36.5 16 0.66 1.19 0.28 3.12 16.46 44.25 21.8 53.95 65 1.82 7.75 10.12 15.92 10.96 7.38 5.25 1.62 14.92 61.35 23.5 7.3 14.26 2.57 251.4 5.07 27.35 11.14 19.5 357 0.18 2.25 4.06 8.8 5.9 7.7 1.26 12 56.7 5.92 4.7 2.12 3.25 1.85 12.8 5.4 0.89 125.1 2.62 1.43

35.45 15.78 0.61 1.15 0.25 3 15.8 42.5 21 52.5 63.45 1.8 7.68 10.04 15.54 10.7 7.23 5.17 1.62 14.72 61 22.55 7.16 13.98 2.4 247.6 5.06 27 11 19.36 355 0.179 2.22 4.01 8.69 5.5 7.7 1.23 11.8 54.45 5.7 4.7 2.08 3.2 1.82 12.52 5.35 0.89 121.5 2.48 1.35

INDUSTRIAL 36.2 2,793,100 16 358,600 0.66 12,506,000 1.17 220,000 0.26 25,850,000 3.12 1,472,000 16.46 2,200 43.5 511,500 21.8 29,600 53.95 10,040 63.45 4,440 1.82 494,000 7.75 16,800 10.08 189,400 15.92 208,400 10.92 2,400 7.33 1,128,600 5.24 2,283,100 1.62 1,000 14.84 1,131,800 61 9,170 23 49,900 7.2 100,700 14 1,535,900 2.51 3,520,000 249.8 1,783,980 5.06 22,000 27.35 33,100 11.08 196,600 19.4 1,459,400 355.6 92,980 0.18 200,000 2.25 1,208,000 4.03 114,000 8.8 904,700 5.54 1,598,100 7.7 12,800 1.24 84,000 12 21,800 56.7 605,620 5.92 85,700 4.7 1,000 2.1 594,000 3.25 43,000 1.82 109,000 12.8 513,500 5.35 69,000 0.89 80,000 123 446,690 2.51 8,249,000 1.39 6,653,000

101,028,660 5,707,730 8,056,340 256,370 6,870,200 4,487,550 36,146 22,268,345 629,910 527,158 282,888.50 889,810 129,113 1,910,822 3,312,684 25,874 8,272,163 11,954,361 1,620 16,794,690 560,385 1,141,425 725,533 21,532,832 8,750,030 447,212,688 111,330 894,935 2,175,384 28,407,724 33,076,894 35,850 2,717,720 460,120 7,918,391 9,032,791 98,560 104,330 259,940 33,972,029.50 501,426 4,700 1,246,990 139,600 199,690 6,519,688 370,213 71,200 54,957,914 20,879,250 9,272,590

3,079,925 1,173,924 -63,650 2,147,620 -2,125 -525,000 -39,880 -1,550 -466,818.00 3,168 -2,218,084 -114,541 1,522,718 8,177.50 -30,050 -4,334,156 7,620 -63,964,536 -721,705 8,956 -13,107,378 7,353,504 330,530 -282,230 -330,948.00 16,420 7,482,816.50 239,883 -22,990 4,641,966 40,452 16,088,906 -3,094,830 59,710.00

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A 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 WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.27 53 11.6 0.92 6 31.4 0.68 0.68 938 6.03 11 7.1 4.31 0.206 920 5.99 51.3 0.67 3.6 18.18 0.68 4.65 0.038 1.3 2.67 137.7 914.5 0.74 1.61 475 260 0.37 0.21

0.27 54.25 11.66 0.98 6 34.45 0.74 0.73 966 6.11 11 7.1 4.59 0.213 957.5 6 51.75 0.71 3.6 18.18 0.68 4.66 0.039 1.33 2.83 137.7 916.5 0.74 1.61 490 260 0.4 0.225

0.25 52.8 11.6 0.91 6 30.8 0.66 0.68 923 6 10.78 7.1 4.31 0.202 917 5.98 50.1 0.61 3.57 17.82 0.63 4.5 0.037 1.2 2.66 136.7 900 0.74 1.61 470 259.2 0.35 0.21

HOLDING FIRMS 0.26 3,360,000 53.55 694,220 11.6 3,496,100 0.97 89,000 6 30,300 32.3 784,300 0.72 49,610,000 0.73 6,876,000 966 309,830 6.07 45,600 11 1,452,500 7.1 400 4.59 18,000 0.213 520,000 952 103,840 6 41,100 51 1,591,640 0.63 5,478,000 3.58 785,000 18 331,300 0.64 8,084,000 4.5 36,236,000 0.038 9,700,000 1.28 6,744,000 2.82 2,429,000 137 86,490 909 251,600 0.74 31,000 1.61 1,000 490 160 260 10,400 0.355 152,830,000 0.216 860,000

866,000 37,279,173 40,631,960 81,710 181,800 25,895,455 35,329,040 4,915,850 294,909,995 276,616 15,913,290 2,840 80,380 106,080 97,413,980 246,494 81,462,144 3,634,750 2,814,340 5,970,794 5,242,230 165,751,310 364,000 8,264,810 6,738,010 11,855,005 228,893,055 22,940 1,610 75,600 2,702,972 56,961,050 188,230

-13,722,316 -17,551,592 136,800 1,130,550 508,900 51,387,385 216,682.00 1,722,510 2,415,470 5,782,537.50 943,750 -1,999,490 1,484,100 -127,324,040 -9,850 50,760 -712,545 91,206,710 111,400 83,760

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

7.4 0.98 15 1.85 0.74 37.05 3.17 4.64 5.65 0.435 0.97 0.91 0.229 0.39 8.75 25.5 0.61 0.117 1.48 1.2 1.45 4.48 0.58 0.455

7.4 0.98 15 1.85 0.74 38.25 3.17 4.67 5.92 0.44 0.97 0.91 0.229 0.39 9.1 25.7 0.61 0.117 1.5 1.21 1.5 4.65 0.59 0.465

7.2 0.96 14.3 1.85 0.7 37.05 3.14 4.56 5.63 0.43 0.9 0.85 0.22 0.39 8.73 25.05 0.6 0.117 1.47 1.18 1.38 4.47 0.57 0.435

1,611,883 1,552,540 159,860 75,850 1,578,160 296,228,025 227,500 1,970,160 22,577 597,350 122,430 741,960 2,883,660 81,900 25,727,968 29,175,065 35,010 17,550 4,173,530 1,073,750 41,141,120 61,269,340 8,310,230 5,742,000

91,230 127,260 27,136,110 -9,460 -785,140.00 -8,900 22,100 -10,558,744 -3,720,570 -460,770 -2,971,140 -988,850 32,210.00 145,200

NAME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

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

0.52 3.6 19.74 2.03 3.27 36.95 1.03 7.35 0.78 6.03

0.54 3.62 19.74 2.05 3.27 37.05 1.05 7.6 0.8 6.1

0.5 3.35 19.2 2 3.23 35.2 1.03 7.13 0.76 6.01

0.52 3.6 19.2 2 3.27 36.4 1.05 7.24 0.8 6.1

8,107,000 4,530,000 1,570,500 43,000 12,000 2,763,100 122,000 874,300 471,000 1,014,200

4,208,760 15,800,480 30,580,444 86,520 39,120 100,705,265 127,400 6,369,071 366,280 6,158,179

2,101,800 5,874,298.00 30,000 -1,199,545 1,000,900 91,440 -3,773,016

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

14.8 23.75 1.33 0.47 0.045 15.02 9.44 0.054 69 8.99 6.95 7.25 2.08 23.1 1,634 5.39 276 3.41 2.07 79.5 12.98 7.99 0.137 2.79 3.5 15 4.07 1.02 25.1 0.455 4.24 5.21 2.63 2.24 2.28 9.19 10.98 8.4 3.11 121.5 5.15 1,341 0.87 0.335 46 83.9 8.01 1.84 1.14 0.445 4.91 0.8 12.08

14.8 23.75 1.33 0.47 0.045 15.96 9.75 0.054 71.55 8.99 7 7.4 2.08 24.3 1,661 5.39 282.8 3.41 2.1 80.15 12.98 8 0.149 2.88 3.63 15 4.13 1.04 25.55 0.47 4.43 5.46 2.63 2.35 2.45 9.28 10.98 8.4 3.2 121.5 5.2 1,356 0.87 0.34 46 83.9 8.1 1.85 1.14 0.64 5.02 0.8 12.08

14.7 23.5 1.33 0.465 0.044 15 9.44 0.052 68.7 8.99 6.85 7.25 2.08 22.3 1,631 5.37 273.2 3.33 2.07 79.1 12.98 7.99 0.137 2.65 3.42 15 4.05 1.01 25.1 0.455 4.2 5.21 2.62 2.01 2.11 8.98 10.98 8.4 3.11 120.5 5.13 1,332 0.85 0.335 45 82 8 1.82 1.13 0.445 4.9 0.76 12

SERVICES 14.7 23.75 1.33 0.47 0.045 15.8 9.73 0.053 70.4 8.99 6.86 7.4 2.08 23.45 1,640 5.37 282 3.33 2.1 79.4 12.98 8 0.142 2.7 3.55 15 4.05 1.02 25.3 0.465 4.43 5.39 2.62 2.05 2.26 9.03 10.98 8.4 3.2 120.5 5.15 1,350 0.85 0.34 45.7 82.8 8.1 1.83 1.13 0.62 5.02 0.77 12.04

6,600 49,400 188,000 2,740,000 7,800,000 3,500 4,819,200 5,860,000 233,410 100 1,046,600 14,500 24,000 326,400 8,110 79,100 3,230 680,000 25,000 1,279,750 800 12,000 79,140,000 6,353,000 310,000 8,100 366,000 1,331,000 176,300 40,000 149,000 3,809,700 469,000 1,124,000 78,000 3,735,400 5,000 3,500 6,000 680 460,900 106,555 1,767,000 40,000 1,716,500 107,280 72,700 824,000 3,277,000 715,020,000 6,070,000 3,909,000 2,848,700

97,372 1,167,770 250,040 1,286,350 347,500 52,700 46,708,175 310,370 16,416,888 899 7,210,049 106,463 49,920 7,594,980 13,315,325 425,142 903,318 2,287,660 52,470 101,957,981.50 10,384 95,950 11,375,900 17,353,200 1,080,700 121,500 1,490,480 1,358,140 4,462,505 18,600 646,100 20,456,526 1,233,050 2,392,660 177,340 33,851,857 54,900 29,400 18,750 82,213 2,375,853 143,676,950 1,508,360 13,450 78,272,625 8,881,381.50 582,194 1,507,810 3,708,110 412,181,500 30,156,010 3,022,010 34,274,622

47,000 -9,000 -25,319,696 106,000 -5,142,037.50 -54,530 32,370 3,900,045 441,930 3,621,407.50 -60,730 107,200 105,000 612,250 152,480 1,242,045 -15,020 4,733,261 -23,640 114,000.00 192,889.00 18,615,275 -352,590 -54,295,010 -4,623,338.50 -309,600 -82,920 -502,830 -6,362,700 -11,257,200 -432,240 -17,289,732

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

0.0025 1.44 3.95 22.6 1.5 1.48 1.68 0.3 8.42 2.16 0.228 0.123 0.129 1.51 4.3 1.54 0.5 1.44 0.012 0.012 0.012 2.97 4.38 10.3 31.95 0.0059

0.0026 1.45 3.95 22.8 1.5 1.48 1.71 0.3 8.45 2.16 0.27 0.128 0.13 1.51 4.42 1.55 0.5 1.47 0.013 0.012 0.013 2.97 4.4 10.38 31.95 0.0059

0.0025 1.43 3.94 20.5 1.5 1.48 1.68 0.295 7.35 2.11 0.223 0.123 0.129 1.48 4.3 1.29 0.5 1.22 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.83 4.37 10.18 31.45 0.0059

MINING & OIL 0.0026 84,000,000 1.44 564,000 3.94 35,000 21.1 101,800 1.5 30,000 1.48 25,000 1.7 504,000 0.3 530,000 7.8 40,800 2.14 2,538,000 0.235 16,210,000 0.125 2,090,000 0.13 260,000 1.49 413,000 4.39 2,416,000 1.34 8,350,000 0.5 10,000 1.24 17,220,000 0.012 502,600,000 0.012 100,000 0.011 101,700,000 2.86 235,000 4.37 92,000 10.24 424,300 31.5 909,700 0.0059 3,000,000

213,100 811,000 137,960 2,172,070 45,000 37,000 856,730 158,900 325,070 5,422,940 3,990,680 261,540 33,780 617,370 10,592,850 11,660,220 5,000 22,836,510 6,032,300 1,200 1,187,600 674,490 403,140 4,344,858 28,682,220 17,700

26,000 148,820 -11,820 52,250 -60,000 -6,360 4,429,090 261,270 546,590 1,200 -1,300 275,600 -182,210 -

ABS HLDG PDR FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B LR PREF PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

20.7 107 5.23 970 1.03 106 76.2 75.3 77.5 75.3 76 75.4

20.7 107 5.24 970 1.03 106 76.2 75.3 77.5 75.4 76 75.4

20.5 107 5.23 970 1.03 106 75.4 75.3 77.5 75.3 75.4 75.4

PREFERRED 20.55 459,800 107 3,030 5.24 27,200 970 10 1.03 100,000 106 200 75.4 316,160 75.3 96,720 77.5 20 75.3 71,170 75.4 26,930 75.4 13,400

9,437,105 324,210 142,513 9,700 103,000 21,200 23,838,795.50 7,283,016 1,550 5,360,812 2,031,930 1,010,360

-3,621,305 -

LR WARRANT

2.38

2.38

2.3

WARRANTS 2.3 140,000

324,350

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.1 3.14

5.19 3.17

5.03 3.09

5.11 3.12

1,066,555 6,168,050

46,411 327,790

FIRST METRO ETF

108.9

109.9

108.5

798,992

-

MS

PROPERTY 7.35 0.97 14.3 1.85 0.73 37.5 3.16 4.56 5.92 0.43 0.94 0.88 0.22 0.39 8.99 25.05 0.61 0.117 1.5 1.21 1.39 4.65 0.57 0.44

221,900 1,598,000 11,100 41,000 2,213,000 7,831,000 72,000 426,000 4,000 1,370,000 132,000 848,000 13,010,000 210,000 2,891,500 1,159,000 58,000 150,000 2,815,000 898,000 28,796,000 13,332,000 14,457,000 12,900,000

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

13,534,150

INDUSTRIAL

79,828,187

HOLDING FIRMS

303,967,467

PROPERTY

124,979,522

SERVICES

860,148,926

MINING & OIL

745,516,336

GRAND TOTAL

2,130,168,395

SME

209,100 1,977,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 109.8 7,300

VALUE 1,824.08 (up) 17.57 1,099,491,799.63 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,390.30 (up) 76.89 936,388,800.60 HOLDING FIRMS 7,248.80 (up) 24.42 1,709,799,550.50 PROPERTY 3,582.08 (down) 19.19 1,432.98 (up) 0.55 649,036,761.625 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,681.06 (down) 27.17 1,027,522,358.94 PSEI 7,350.58 (up) 16.85 101,547,865.382 All Shares Index 4,455.20 (up) 7.19 5,531,824,193.32 Gainers: 84; Losers: 106; Unchanged: 46; Total: 236

China Bank raises P10.25b from long-term time deposits

By Julito G. Rada CHINA Banking Corp., the seventhlargest lender in terms of assets, successfully raised P10.25 billion through a public offering of peso-denominated long-term negotiable certificates of time deposits.

The bank said Thursday the offering was the first tranche of its planned P20-billion LTNCDs earlier approved by regulators. The bank increased the offer from the initial size of P5 billion to P10.25 billion following an oversubscription, with an interest rate of 4.55 percent per annum.

This is the largest LTNCD issuance in the banking industry so far this year and the biggest tranche of LTNCD done in China Bank’s history.

The bank plans to use proceeds from the fund-raising activity to support strategic initiatives and expansion programs.

China Bank chief operating officer Romeo Uyan Jr. led the ringing of the bell on Thursday to herald the listing and the start of trading of China Bank LTNCD due 2024 on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. platform.

“This LTNCD issuance will make long-term funding available for our lending activities and development plans. We thank our depositors and clients for their strong support, which is a clear recognition of China Bank’s bright prospects ahead,” Uyan said.

It was the China Bank’s third LTNCD listing on PDEx, following the P6.34billion LTNCD issue in 2017 and the P9.59-billion LTNCD issue in 2016.

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. Ltd. was the sole arranger and acted as selling agent, along with China Bank and China Bank Capital Corp.

China Bank is one of the largest private universal banks in the Philippines providing a full range of banking products and services to corporate, commercial, and retail customers through 604 branches to date, including the 160 branches of its retail bank arm China Bank Savings.

It offers a wide range of allied financial services through its subsidiaries China Bank Capital Corp., China Bank Securities Corp., China Bank Insurance Brokers Inc., and affiliate Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corp.

SEC introduces ‘fast lane’ kiosks to trim backlog

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission has put up a “Fast Lane” online kiosks in several parts of the country to facilitate the online registration of new companies amid the increasing backlog of new applicants.

The SEC said in a statement the Fast Lane kiosks, which stand for Facilitating Automated System Transition Lane, are located at its head office in the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, as well as its satellite offices in Metro Manila and its extension offices in key cities of the country.

The lanes, which are open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., will be manned by Fast Action Service Teams who will provide advisory assistance to new registrants of corporations, partnerships and associations with priority given to those applications filed in June and earlier.

“The Fast Lane online kiosks were put in place to assist new registrants and to show them how easy it is to use the online registration system as they can replicate the process in the convenience of their own homes or offices. All they need is a stable internet service, and, of course, the information they will be inputting into the system”, said SEC chairman Emilio Aquino said, The online registration system is one of the mechanisms established by the SEC management to make services more efficient and easily accessible to the public.

The SEC last year launched its company registration system, an online system intended to ensure faster registration processes with data capturing features to expedite company certification services. Both deliverables are intended to benefit the transacting public.

The online system has undergone teething problems, especially in the filling up of corporate information, unstable internet connectivity, storage and other system readjustments. This resulted in the backlog of new companies applying for registration.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

b)

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. Nos. (02) 928-4501 to 09 Fax No.: (02) 926-7631 http://www.pca.da.gov.ph

c)

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. _02___ Series of 2018

d) REVISED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ACCREDITATION OF OIL PALM NURSERIES THEREBY AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 03, e) SERIES OF 2004 WHEREAS, integral to the state policy enunciated in Presidential Decree No. 1468 is to promote the rapid integrated development and growth of the coconut and other f) palm oil industry in all its aspects and to ensure that the coconut farmers become direct participants and beneficiaries of such development and growth;

WHEREAS, in the implementation of the declared national policy, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is mandated by law to formulate and adopt a general program of development for the coconut and other palm oil industries in all its aspects;

A.

has been found through verification that the nursery operator The Division Chief I shall acknowledge the filing and has misrepresented any data or information, or has not receipt of the application and ensure that same is otherwise complied with the requirements or conditions in the fully accomplished with all the supporting documents Certificate or Nursery Inspection Agreement. attached thereto, and immediately endorse the same to the Regional Manager of the Regional Office.

Cancellation of certificates under this paragraph shall be subject to the following implementation procedures: The Regional Manager, upon receipt of the provincial endorsement shall immediately notify the applicant for a) Notice of violation shall be sent to the applicant within the execution of the Nursery Inspection Agreement. seven (7) days from receipt of inspection report; The applicant shall pay a non-refundable registration b) A non-complying operator shall be given thirty (30) fee of Twenty-five thousand pesos (P25,000.00) to the days within which to comply with the requirements Philippine Coconut Authority. indicated in the inspection report; and The Regional Manager shall order the PCA Inspection c) After the lapse of thirty (30) days from the receipt of and Accreditation Team, to visit and inspect the proposed notice by the operator without having complied with the or existing nursery within three (3) days from the signing of the Nursery Inspection Agreement. aforesaid requirements, shall cause the issuance of notice of cancellation of the Certificate of Accreditation, The Certificate of Accreditation shall be issued, or action which shall be effective upon receipt by the operator. thereon shall be taken by the Regional Manager, with due notice to the applicant within twenty four (24) hours Provided, however, that operators with cancelled Certificates from receipt of the report and recommendation/s of the of Accreditation under this section shall be meted with the PCA Inspection and Accreditation Team. sanctions stipulated in the Nursery Inspection Agreement including confiscation and destruction of inferior planting SECTION 4.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PCA materials.

ACCREDITATION New Nursery Operator-Applicant

WHEREAS, the PCA, in consultation with the stakeholders, has formulated a national complementary development program for the palm oil industry, which includes PLANTING A.1 A new applicant shall submit the following documents and REPLANTING PROJECTS, and its monitoring and to the PCA Provincial Office having jurisdiction over the development, to increase local oil palm hectarage and location of the proposed nursery: production with high quality planting materials to attain selfsufficiency in the supply of palm oil product; i. DTI Certificate (Business Name), Articles of Partnership or Incorporation, and By-laws; WHEREAS, to attain the foregoing activities, there is a need for the accreditation of suppliers of planting materials ii. City or Municipal Business Permit issued by the Mayor; to ensure that only the best quality and productive seedlings/ planting materials may be used for the development projects; iii. Business Plan or Project Feasibility Study; WHEREAS, to maintain the good quality of oil palm planting materials, there is a need to conduct regular periodic monitoring/ocular inspection on all the existing registered oil palm nurseries, and provide guidelines, such as submission of quarterly inventory and status reports of their nurseries; WHEREFORE, premises considered, the Governing Board of the Philippine Coconut Authority hereby adopts and promulgates the following rules and regulations: SECTION 1. DEFINITION OF TERMS a)

b)

Oil Palm Nursery is any establishment engaged in the propagation of oil palm seedlings obtained through importation either in the form of seeds or pregerminated seeds, which is intended for sale or other forms of disposal.

d)

e)

f)

g)

h)

i)

v. Location map of the proposed nursery site which should be located within an oil palm plantation, or in area reasonably near an oil palm plantation either existing or to be developed; vi. Name/s and address/es of the supplier/s, the variety and source of the oil palm germinated seeds whether of local or foreign origin; vii. Certificate issued by the Philippine Palm Oil Development Council, Inc. (PPDCI) certifying that the personnel of the nursery or to be employed thereat have been trained in oil palm nursery operations and management.

Accredited nursery is a nursery that is certified by PCA to have established the capability and capacity to A.2 An Accreditation Certificate, duly approved and signed by propagate high quality planting materials and for the the Regional Manager, may be issued after satisfaction of purpose of supplying the same by sale or other forms the following requirements or conditions: conveyance as planting materials for the planting and replanting projects under these rules and regulations. i. The proposed nursery site was duly inspected by the PCA Inspection and Accreditation Team; Nursery Inspection Agreement is a written agreement between the PCA and the nursery applicant ii. The proposed nursery project is located within an oil whereby the latter or the nursery operator shall allow palm plantation or in an area reasonably near an oil the PCA inspection team to enter the nursery premises palm plantation either existing or to be developed as to inspect and verify compliance with the requirements indicated in the submitted location map; or prescribed guidelines in the production and propagation of high quality planting materials.

c)

iv. Rated capacity, by month and year, of the proposed nursery in terms of number of seedlings or planting materials grown and hectarage allocation;

iii. There are qualified and trained personnel employed in the nursery as shown by the training certificates issued

by PPDCI.

Accreditation is a recognition certified by and granted by the accreditation body of the PCA to a registered nursery operator who meets the requirements and qualifications of an accredited nursery as defined in B. Existing Nursery Operators Section 1a paragraph 2 of this rules.

Within six months from the publication of this Order in newspapers of general circulation, individuals or entities PCA Inspection and Accreditation Team – composed that have existing oil palm nurseries shall register with of the oil palm Regional and Provincial Focal Persons, the PCA under these rules. Nurseries intending to and the PCA Agriculturist assigned in the Municipality supply planting materials for the planting and replanting where the proposed nursery is or will be established.

They will be ordered to inspect the proposed or programs shall further be accredited under these rules existing nursery and will provide inspection report prior to distribution of planting materials or participation and recommendations to the Division Chief I for the in the oil palm planting and replanting program. approval/disapproval of the Accreditation.

SECTION 5.

VALIDITY OF ACCREDITATION Philippine Palm Oil Development Council, Inc. CERTIFICATES AND RENEWAL (PPDCI) - recognized by the PCA as a private association representing the general stakeholders of The Certificate of Accreditation shall be valid only for one the palm oil industry. year of the calendar period from January 1 to December 31, provided, however, that applications are allowed to be filed not F1 planting materials are those that grow from seeds later than January 15 of the current year. taken from the mother palms which have been pollinated by artificial means using pollens from desirable male Applications for renewal of accreditation may be filed by palms, which bear the desirable characteristics of the the nursery operator upon payment of the Registration Fee parent materials. of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (P25,000.00). The PCA shall reserve its right to conduct the inspection as provided in High quality planting materials refer to those oil palm Section 3e of these rules. seedlings that are healthy, without any appearance of abnormalities, and are free from signs and symptoms SECTION 6. REGULAR MONITORING AND INSPECTION of pest and chemical damage. These seedlings are also strong and stand uprightly at 90 degrees position.

To ensure the maintenance of good quality planting materials and adherence to good management practices by Lethal Yellowing Disease is a disease of coconut the accredited oil palm nurseries, the following regulations are and oil palm, which is caused by a transmissible herewith prescribed: phytoplasma that kills the coconut, or oil palm. a) The PCA Regional Offices shall conduct quarterly monitoring Oil Palm Seedling Abnormalities are any of the and ocular inspection of all accredited oil palm nurseries. common deformities present in different stages of oil palm seedlings. These abnormalities may appear on b) All accredited oil palm nurseries shall submit quarterly status reports and inventories to the PCA Regional Offices the pre-nursery up to the main nursery stages. Yield indicating the following, on a per batch basis: loss ranges from 41%-100%. (Refer to Annex 2.)

SECTION 2.

ACCREDITATION

APPLICATION

FOR

PCA

The following may apply for accreditation: Individuals or Sole Proprietors whose business names are duly registered with the Department of Trade and Industry;

b)

Partnerships or Corporations duly registered with the c) The PCA Regional Offices shall ensure that all the accredited Securities and Exchange Commission; nurseries are following the Good Agricultural Practices for Oil Palm, including, but not limited to: selection of suitable Cooperatives duly registered with the Cooperatives nursery site, continuous water source or availability of Development Authority; and irrigation system, proper handling of germinated seeds, use of suitable polybag type and size, proper planting of Associations registered with the Bureau of Rural germinated seeds, mulching, fertilization, weeding, culling, Workers / Department of Labor and Employment. and appropriate management of pests and diseases.

d)

SECTION 3. FILING OF APPLICATIONS FOR ACCREDITATION a)

a) Imported oil palm seeds/pre-germinated seeds are prohibited from being diverted to any place other than the designated nurseries specified in the import permit or other shipment documents. Importers or brokers who will receive the oil palm seeds/pre-germinated seeds shall provide a written proof showing their agreement with the PCA-Accredited oil palm nurseries where the planting materials will be delivered to. b) Propagation and distribution of oil palm planting materials for commercial production coming from seeds other than F1 planting materials are prohibited and subject to the sanctions under these rules. c) To protect the coconut and oil palm industry, the PCA and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) shall not allow importation of oil palm planting materials from countries where Lethal Yellowing or other pests are known to exist. Representatives from PCA Albay Research Center (PCA-ARC) and Davao Research Center (PCA-DRC) shall be allowed to observe, monitor, and take samples from the Post Entry Quarantine in Los Baños, Laguna after six (6) months for the testing of symptoms of “Cadang Cadang”, and other pests and diseases. d) Only oil palm nursery operators accredited by PCA shall be allowed to propagate and sell seedlings to prospective oil palm planters for commercial planting.

These nursery operators shall display their PCA Accreditation Certificates in a conspicuous place in their nursery sites. They shall also put up signboards in their nurseries indicating the:  Name of oil palm nursery operator;  Source of oil palm seeds/seedlings;  Area of the nursery and rated seedling production capacity; and  Variety of oil palm seedlings. e) In the Nursery Inspection Agreement, the following shall be agreed and stipulated, among others: 1) Culling rate of not less than 15% 2) Free access to and out of nursery premises by PCA and other agencies 3) Summary confiscation of inferior planting materials SECTION 9. ENFORCEMENT AND MONITORING The PCA shall coordinate the efforts and initiatives of the national and local government agencies or units, the PPDCI, and the oil palm planter/farmer sectors to ensure the strict implementation of this Order. The PCA may also call on any Department, Bureau, Attached Agency, or law enforcement units or agents of government for assistance in the enforcement of any provision of this Order, or in the discharge of its functions under these rules.

SECTION 10. SANCTIONS Any person or entity found to have violated any of the provisions of these Rules and Regulations shall after due notice and hearing, be subject to the following administrative sanctions: 1. Cancellation or suspension of the Certificates of Accreditation; and, or 2. Fine of not more than P 20,000.00 and / or imprisonment of not more than five (5) years in accordance with the penal provisions of P.D, 1468.

PCA officers or personnel found to have violated any provision of these Rules and Regulations shall be subject to sanctions provided by the Civil Service laws, rules, and regulations.

SECTION 11. REPEALING CAUSE

All orders, circulars, rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Administrative Order are hereby i. Source Country/ies of Pre Germinated Seeds and amended, modified or repealed accordingly.

Specific Varietal Cross SECTION 12. EFFECTIVITY ii. Number of Imported Pre Germinated Seeds Received iii. Number of Imported Pre Germinated Sown This Order shall take effect after fifteen (15) days iv. Number of Existing Seedlings immediately from date of publication in two (2) newspapers v. Number of Seedlings Culled of general circulation. vi. Number of Seedlings Sold vii. List of Seedling Buyers and their Addresses ISSUED this May 31, 2018 at Diliman, Quezon City. viii. Number of Seedlings Available in the Nursery

a)

c)

SECTION 8. GENERAL PROVISIONS

ROMULO J. DE LA ROSA Administrator

Adopted and confirmed by the PCA SECTION 7. CANCELLATION OF ACCREDITATION Governing Board pursuant to Resolution CERTIFICATE No. ___026-2018____.

The application for accreditation, in such form The PCA shall suspend or cancel the Certificate of prescribed by the PCA, shall be filed with the PCA Accreditation when upon investigation conducted by the PCA, Provincial Office, which has jurisdiction over the place the nursery operator or his representative has been found to where the proposed or existing nursery is located. have violated any provision of these rules and regulations, or

(MS-JULY 13, 2018

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

Standard

TODAY

B4

beg that specific queries be carefully considered which may lead us to calling a spade, a spade. We then have three questions.

First question: What should we call one that uses muscle to deprive others of their rights?

Answer: A BULLY Second question: What should we call one that unlawfully takes a significant property of others?

Answer: A GRAND LARCENIST Third question: What should we call one that refuses the rule of international law?

Answer: AN INTERNATIONAL OUTLAW Let us turn now to our own country. The outcome of our arbitration was not only beneficial to the Phillawful expansion agenda, and its outcome

By Amb. Albert del Rosario ippines, nor only to the countries is now an integral part of international law. that rely on the Law of the Sea, but Chair of ADR Institute The ruling upheld the need for a rulesto all states determined to maintain Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Philip- based order over the waters in the South peaceful relations by committing to pine Ambassador to the United States China Sea. It espoused that any claim not international law. anchored on and supported by the UN ConThe Philippines has had two vention on the Law of the Sea should be years to take advantage of its posiIT IS my honor to welcome you as denied. tion to develop and obtain the supwe mark the second anniversary of the However, our hope that the ruling’s clarport of many countries whose prinUnclos Arbitral Tribunal’s decision on the ity on maritime rights would usher in conciples are aligned with our own and Philippines’ case against China in the West structive areas of cooperation was instead with whom our own voice could be Philippine Sea. arrogantly ignored by China which continmagnified. Sadly, however, this was The tribunal’s decision was of great im- ues to strongly flex its muscles against its not made to happen. portance to our country and to all peace- smaller neighboring states.

In this light, we must as well conloving people who believe in a shared viCONTINUING UNLAWFUL sider our own country’s character sion of regional prosperity, peace, and the ACTIVITIES since we have once been a relirule of law.

We are all familiar with China’s able advocate for international law.

As we celebrate the second anniversary continuing unlawful activities. These Should we ask how we now see of our victory, we should take this oppor- include preventing our fishermen from ourselves and how others see us? tunity to reexamine what has transpired in pursuing their livelihood in our exclusive For a balanced view, we need to do our maritime commons and leading us to economic zone, blocking the Philippine that. Again, we ask three questions. where we are today. We also would wish development of our natural resources, First question: What may we call to characterize, not only China’s behaviour, destroying elements of the marine one that acquiesces to the abuses but also our own country’s actions. environment, erecting military facilities, against it?

HIJACKING AN ENTIRE SEA and directly confronting our President with Answer: A WILLING VICTIM China’s plans to dominate the South Chi- the threat of war.

Second question: What may we na Sea began in 1947. Its objective was, and It is therefore of utmost importance that, call one that defends an aggressor still is, to secure the South China Sea as a today, the Philippines call attention once at every opportunity? sovereign territory and harness its resourc- more to the favorable rulings decided on Answer: AN ABETTOR es to feed its population, fuel its economy by the Arbitral Tribunal, whose chief gift Third question: What may we and become the new regional super power. to the whole of our region and to the comcall ONE THAT GAMBLES THE With a pencil, China’s planners looked at munity of law-abiding nations was the inRIGHTFUL PATRIMONY OF ITS a map and drew nine-dash lines to mark a validation of the nine-dash line.

FUTURE GENERATIONS for unvague perimeter around the South China The landmark international decision likely gains in the present?

Sea. Previously it was said to have begun should encourage Filipinos to stand with Answer: Sorry, I cannot help you. with eleven dashes, then it became nine, even greater confidence in a principled poThat is for each of you to ponder. then 10, then back to nine again. sition on the West Philippine Sea. MOVING FORWARD Clearly, accuracy was not important to To the deep dismay of our people, howWhere do we go from here? What the goal of unlawfully dominating about ever, our government has persisted in alshould we now do as a willing victim 3.5 million square kilometers of one of the lowing China to deprive our citizens of and an abettor that has fully embraced world’s most important sea lanes and South what is ours by continuing to shelve the our big northern neighbor who is clearEast Asia’s most critical marine resource tribunal outcome. We are still succumbing ly acting as a bully, a grand larcenist, where millions depend on for their food to threats of force including a threat of war. and an international outlaw? and livelihood.

Surprising as it may sound, according to We must believe that there is still With nine little lines, the South China Professor Amitav Acharya of the American time for our country to do what is Sea became China’s claim for “indisput- University, war is not even a good option right for our people. While we have able sovereignty”, underpinning one of for China. Its economy is heavily reliant allowed more than a few occasions China’s most potent modern fiction: That on global trade, including its fuel supply, to pass, there are opportunities one nation could hijack and own an entire which needs open shipping lanes such as yet for the Philippines to lead in sea and all that lies beneath. the Malacca Strait and the Indian Ocean promoting the rule of law. Whether INVALIDATING CHINA’S NINEwhich are dominated by US naval power. through multilateralism at the DASH CLAIM It may not be necessary therefore to UN, or with Asean, or through The Philippines challenged China’s base- shrink to China’s threats of war. our bilateral engagements with less claim through diplomacy to no avail.

REPUTATIONAL COSTS FOR other states, or an all-out effort in As a last resort, we turned to the sensible CHINA AND THE PHILIPPINES pursuing all of the aforementioned, path of arbitration. Before an international On the matter of a country’s character the path to gaining the support panel of neutral experts, we presented the in international affairs, we may say that of the community of responsible facts and our prayer for the rule of law. both the Philippines’ and China’s current nations remains. For the sake of our Our overwhelming victory in the Arbitral positions are less than acceptable. For children and our grandchildren, this tribunal is a vindication against China’s unChina, continuing on its is the path we must take. current course presents To close, we reiterate our posiRepublic of the Philippines high reputational risks tion that coercive diplomacy has no MUNICIPALITY OF CABUGAO to the history of its good Ilocos Sur place in a rules-based international people. order. Our common goal is peace Invitation to Bid for the Supply & Delivery for the Purchase and It may be helpful if we Distribution of Certified Seeds and prosperity with(Rice, Corn & Vegetables) of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur out sacrificing our 1. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, through the R.A. 7171, sovereignty and our NADAI Nos. 01-101252 & 01-102252 under Appropriation Ordinance No. 2018-03 intends to apply the sum of Twenty Two Million Pesos (Php. sovereign rights.

22,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of the How we choose projects to payments under the contract for Contract No. 18-08-026. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. to assert our rights N OTICE and dignity as a naNotice is hereby given that OBI’S TRADING 2. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur now invites bids for ROOM INC., is applying for registration with the Delivery of Rice, Corn & Vegetables. Duration of the project is required tion today will be Board of Investments (BOI) as New Producer for 90 calendar Days. Bidders should have completed at least 50% of the the legacy the next of Seaweed Based Animal Feed Ingredient/ approved budget which is similar to the project to be bid. The description of an Additive at a capacity of 3,600 MTPY on Pioneer eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. generations of our Status, with project site located at Brgy. Bantigue, Instruction to Bidders. country will have to Bantayan, Cebu.

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures live with. using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Any person with valid objection/s on the Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as As Filipinos we above-mentioned project may file his/her objection the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) must voice our days from the date of this posting.

4. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested sentiments to our Bidders on July 11, 2018 – August 7, 2018 until 10:00 a.m from the address government and exbelow and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in (SGD.) NESTOR P. ARCANSALIN the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos Only (Php. 25,000.00). ercise our right to Director It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Resource-Based Industries Service raise our indignaGovernment Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the tion against China.

Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

Finally, we need 5. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on ALL of our friends July 24, 2018 @ Office of the BAC, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

NOTICE OF LOSS in the community of nations who believe 6. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before August 7, 2018 The Public is hereby notified that in the rule of law to until 10:00 a.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Proprietary Membership Certificate No. 2396 of the Manila Polo Club representing help us. But before 7. Bid opening shall be on August 7, 2018 at 02:00 P.M. at Brgy. Hall, Brgy. one (1) share therein registered in the we can hope for Rizal, Cabugao Ilocos Sur. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not name of Benjamin T. Romualdez has been help, we must first be accepted. declared missing and cannot be located demonstrate that we as per Doc. No. 357; Page No. 73; Book are worth helping.

The complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows:

World

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CHINA’S GRAND LARCENY Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR AN INDIVIDUALIZED DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM LOSS CAP, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY COTABATO LIGHT COMPANY (CLPC),

AND

ERC CASE NO. 2018-053 RC

POWER

Applicant. x-------------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 4 June 2018, an Application dated 18 May 2018 was filed by applicant Cotabato Light and Power Company (CLPC), seeking the Commission’s approval for an individualized distribution of its system loss cap, with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.

CLPC alleged the following in its Application: 1. CLPC is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with office address at Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City. It is a grantee of a legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 10637 to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain a distribution system for the conveyance of electricpower in Cotabato City and portions of the Municipalities of Sultan Kudarat and Datu Odin Sinsuat, Province of Maguindanao.

2. CLPC may be served with notices and other processes of this Honorable Commission through their undersigned counsel at the address indicated below.

3. On 8 December 2008, this Honorable Commission issued Resolution No. 17, Series of 2008, entitled “A Resolution Adopting a New System Loss Cap for Distribution Utilities”. Under this Resolution, a DSL Cap of 8.5% for private utilities and 13% for electric cooperatives were imposed.

4. CLPC sought the deferment of the implementation of the 8.5% Distribution System Loss (“DSL”) Cap. In a case filed by CLPC on 8 December 2009 entitled In the Matter of the Petition to Defer Implementation of the New System Loss Cap under ERC Resolution No. 17, Series of 2008 (“2009 Application”),1 CLPC explained that it had been struggling to meet the then existing 9.5% DSL Cap “due to changes in market conditions and the overall peace and order situation in Cotabato.”2 CLPC’s case remains pending before this Honorable Commission.

5. Since the 2009 Application, CLPC has made considerable efforts to reduce its technical and non-technical loss by upgrading its existing small conductors in its primary and secondary lines, installing capacitor banks to improve its feeder power factors, installing elevated metering centers, and correcting overloaded distribution transformers. Despite these efforts, however, it has been unable to lower the amount to meet the current 8.5% DSL Cap. 6. On 5 December 2017, this Honorable Commission promulgated Resolution No. 20, Series of 2017, which adopted the Rules for Setting the Distribution System Loss Cap and Establishing Performance Incentive Scheme for Distribution Efficiency (“DSL Rules”).

7. Under Resolution No. 20, Series of 2017, Private Distribution Utilities (“PDUs”) are required to implement a DSL Cap of 6.5% by the May 2018 billing period, 2% lower than the current 8.5% DSL Cap. The Honorable Commission subsequently issued Resolution No. 10, Series of 2018 entitled A Resolution Clarifying the System Loss Calculation and Providing Effectivity of the Rules for Setting the Distribution System Loss which made the effectivity of the DSL Rules immediate upon its publication. Resolution No. 10 Series of 2018 was published on 7 May 2018.

8. As of March 2018, CLPC’s system loss was at 9.25% which is higher than the current 8.5% DSL Cap. 9. On 9 March 2018, CLPC wrote this Honorable Commission seeking exemption from the 6.5% DSL Cap whilst it prepares its Application for an Individualized DSL Cap. 10. Further to its letter dated 9 March 2018, CLPC is filing the instant Application to reiterate its request for exemption from the 6.5% DSL Cap and to seek approval of an Individualized DSL Cap until December 2021 or until such time that CLPC is able to complete the works needed to reduce its technical and non-technical loss.

11. In accordance to Section 4.1.1 of the DSL Rules, DUs “may elect to use an alternative method for determining an Individualized DSL Cap that shall be applied to it.” Section 4.1.2 of the DSL Rules imposes two components in an application for an Individualized DSL Cap - the Technical. Loss Component and the Non- Technical Loss Component. CLPC respectfully seeks for the following Individualized DSL Cap:

Component Technical Loss Component Non- Technical Loss Component

Individualized DSL Cap 7.48% 1.77%

12. To determine the Technical Loss Component, CLPC conducted simulations in compliance with Section 4.2 of the DSL Rules. CLPC respectfully submits the following documents in compliance thereof:

Annex A B B-1 B-2 C

. Document Technical Loss Summary Subtransmission and Substation Data DSL Feeder Technical Loss DSL Data Annual Summary Data Distribution Load Forecast

13. To determine the Non-Technical Loss Component, CLPC made the computations required in Section 4.3 of the DSL Rules. CLPC respectfully submits the following documents in compliance thereof:

Annex D E F

Document Non-Technical Loss Summary Non-Technical Cost Curve Non-Technical Reduction Curve

14. Further, CLPC respectfully requests that it be exempted from the 6.50% Cap pending the filing and approval of CLPC’s application for an Individualized DSL Cap. In accordance with Section 4.1.3 of the Rules, CLPC hereby seeks approval to use the current 8.5% cap until such time that an Individualized DSL Cap is approved.

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 15. Applicant repleads all the foregoing statements.

16. Resolution No. 10, Series of 2018 was published on 7 May 2018.

Considering that in the said Resolution the DSL Rules shall become effective immediately upon the next billing cycle after the DSL Rules’ publication, it is now urgently necessary that CLPC be granted reprieve from the 6.5% DSL Cap imposition at the earliest opportunity. Thus, the request for the issuance of a Provisional Authority.

17. In support of this Application and the prayer for issuance of a Provisional Authority, the Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Judy C. Sanchez, Assistant Vice President and General Manager of CLPC is attached as ANNEX “G”.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, CLPC respectfully prays that this Honorable Commission: 1.

Pursuant to Section 4.1.3 of the Rules, ALLOW CLPC to continue use of the existing 8.5% DSL Cap pending the grant of provisional authority or approval of the instant Application for an Individualized DSL Cap;

2.

Issue an Order GRANTING PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY to authorize the proposed individualized DSL Cap of 7.48% in Technical Loss and 1.77% in Non-Technical Loss beginning the next billing cycle following the effectivity of the DSL Rules; and

3.

After hearing on the merits, a Decision be rendered APPROVING the proposed individualized DSL Cap of 7.48% in Technical Loss and 1.77% in Non-Technical Loss beginning the next billing cycle after the effectivity of the DSL Rules until December 2021 or until such time that CLPC is able to complete the works needed to reduce its technical and non-technical loss.

Other relief just and equitable under the circumstances are likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 2 August 2018 at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.), at ERC Mindanao Field Office, Mintrade Bldg., Monteverde Avenue corner Sales St., Davao City 8000.

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 Applicant rests its 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.

(MS-JULY 13, 2018)

Issuance of Bid Documents Pre-Bid Conference Opening of Bids

July 11, 2018 - August 7, 2018 until 10:00 a.m July 24, 2018 @ 10:00 a.m. @ Brgy. Hall, Brgy. Rizal August 7, 2018 @ 02:00 p.m @ Brgy. Hall, Brgy. Rizal, Cabugao, I. Sur August 9, 2018 August 10, 2018 August 13, 2018 August 14, 2018 August 15, 2018

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

Bid Evaluation Post Qualification Notice of Award Signing of Contract Notice to Proceed

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 28th day of June 2018 in Pasig City.

8. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal

1 2

Docketed as ERC Case No. 2009-017 RM. Application dated 8 December 2009. p. 2 .

(MS-JULY 13 & 20, 2018)

SGD. ENGR. HERMES A. ASIT LGU- BAC- Secretariat Tel No. 077-728-5128, Fax No. 077-728-5565

SGD. CRESCENCIO MARCOS C. FORMOSO BAC-Chairman

(MS-JULY 13, 2018)

No. I; Series of 2018; before Atty. LINA G. FERNANDEZ, Notary Public, Mandaluyong City, Philippines. After the expiration of one (1) year from the date of last publication of this notice on July 20, 2018, if no contest has been presented to Manila Polo Club regarding said certificate, the right to make such contest shall be barred and the Club shall cancel in its books the certificate of stock which has been lost, stolen or destroyed and issue in lieu thereof new certificate of stock unless the registered owner files a bond or other security in lieu thereof running for a period of one year, in which case a new certificate may be issued even before the expiration of the one (1) year period.

(MS-JULY 6,13 & 20, 2018)

Ambassador del Rosario delivered the opening remarks at the ADR Institute Forum “The South China Sea Arbitration Award 12 July 2016: Promoting a Rules-Based International System” held on July 12, 2018 at Manila Polo Club, Makati.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Life Culture and media

Bernadette lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardlifE friday, july 13, 2018

'Adbokasiya/ Advocacy' by Minette de Joya, who recently showcased her works in a joint exhibit with her mother, Cecilia de Joya, at Sunshine Place.

C1

'Takip Silim'

by Conchitina Bernardo, who mounted her first exhibit at Sunshine Place in January 2018.

'Strength in Adversity (Lakas sa gitna ng pagsubok)' by Meliza Gonzales, the first acrylic painting student to hold a solo exhibit at the senior center in 2017.

Senior artists recognized A

in art competition

rt is, indeed, ageless as three students of a senior recreation the final round is proof that art can “providing the venue and the wonder- to socialize and to ref lect; a place come from anywhere, regardless of age ful opportunity to exercise these God- of happiness and wellness for one’s hub made it to the top 25 and top 50 of the prestigious mind, body, and soul. or social status,” says Sarmiento. given talents.”

2018 GSIS Art Competition.

Acrylic Painting Classes at SunHe encourages Sunshine Place memLastly, Gonzales says that through

Out of 928 entries, Meliza Gonzales was named one of the top 25 under the non-representational category; while Conchitina Bernardo and Minette de Joya made it to the top 50 under the non-representational and the representational categories, respectively. they all attend the acrylic painting classes at Sunshine

Place in Makati under the mentorship of Art Association of the Philippines president Fidel Sarmiento.

Sarmiento expressed his delight at the fact that with senior citizens joining the competition side by side art professionals, “art is fully alive in the country.” “the fact that they were able to reach

bers and all artists to pursue developing their talent, and continue to sculpt the soul of the country.

Bernardo is thankful to Sarmiento for “squeezing” out her talent that enables her to reach the lengths of her journey as an artist. De Joya is likewise grateful to their art mentor for “being a part of her re-entry into the art scene” and to Sunshine Place for

Sarmiento’s classes, she was able to “discover herself as she started from zero to a top finalist.”

Sunshine Place, a senior recreation center under the Felicidad tan Sy Foundation, is a venue for adults to live actively, through engaging in recreational classes and age-appropriate physical training programs. It aims to be a venue to be entertained,

shine Place are held every wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for beginners and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for intermediate/advanced students.

Sunshine Place is at #56 Jupiter St., BelAir, Makati City. Call (02) 856-4144 and (0917) 515-5656 or email seniorhubjupiter@gmail.com for more information.

20 semi-finalists in Banaue-inspired music contest named

By Paola navarette twenty composer-fellows made it to the semi-finals of the first-ever Banaue International Music Composition Competition (BIMCC) after being selected from 84 entries submitted by local and international composers.

In a bid to raise awareness and fund the restoration of Banaue rice terraces, the Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI), in cooperation with Banaue local government, organized the BIMCC in november 2017 which called for Banaue-inspired symphonic compositions. “we were overwhelmed by the response to our call for entries. this proves the fact that music is, indeed, a perfect medium to promote awareness and advocacy for our beloved rice terraces which has been declared a UneSCO heritage site,” said Dr. Milagros O. How, president and chief executive of UHI and toFarm.

Of the 20 semi-finalists, three composer-fellows are from the Philippines. the semi-finalists are: Joshua Ansale (Philippines), Bracha Bdil (Israel), theodore Broutzakis (Greece), Jan neland Cabuguas (Philippines), Jimuel Dave Dagta (Philippines), Caterina Di Cecca (Italy), Avner Finberg (Israel), Leon First (Slovenia), Stefano Giannotti (Italy), eteri Kourbanov (Israel), Lee Jinjun (Singapore), Michele Masin (Italy), Charlie McCaron (USA), Mario Oyanadel (Chile), Alessandra Salvati (Italy), eduardo Soutullo (Spain), Jem talaroc (Philippines), Jonathan Shaw (United Kingdom), raquel Sanchez (Spain), and Miran tsalikian (Greece).

Universal Harvester Inc. president and chief executive Dr. Milgaros O. How. Lisa Marie David

to showcase the Ifugao culture and bring the issues closer to the composers for their deeper understanding and appreciation, they were invited to take part on a two-week Banaue immersion program from July 9 to 20. During this period, they will tour major sites in the area and attend interactive workshops so that they may further enhance their entries before the semi-final competition on July 20, which will trim the finalists to 10 composer-fellows.

“Communing with the terrace is an important and necessary aspect of the competition. this is the only way by

which the composer can resonate his or her music with the subject,” pointed out Banaue Mayor Jerry Dalipog. the panel of judges for the semifinals is composed of Dr. Kee yong Chong, one of Malaysia’s leading contemporary music composers; and Dr. Verne de la Peña, the current dean of the University of the Philippines College of Music. For the finals, judges are professor-composer ricardo Lorenz of Michigan State University; Isao Matsushita, president of Japan Federation of Composers; senior composer Chinary Ung of the University of San Diego-California; and national Artist for Music ramon Santos. the 10 winning compositions will be performed in the finals night on July 25 at the tanghalang nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines. the US$24,000 prize money will be divided into one major prize and two consolation prizes. the grand prize winner will take home US$12,000 while the two runners-up will each receive US$6,000. “we want the world to know that the Philippines is home to great wonders that inspire artists from all over the world to pursue their craft, be it in music, poetry, or cinema. with the support of our friends from the media, we will be able to take the first step towards bringing back the glory bestowed upon the Banaue rice terraces as the eighth wonder of the world,” said How. Proceeds from the event will be used for the benefit of the projects to rehabilitate and restore 628 hectares of damaged sections of the rice terraces, starting at the Barangay View The 20 semi-finalists in the Banaue International Music Competition Point in Banaue.

C2

Entertainment

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor

W

ILL Julie Anne San Jose’s character in My Guitar Princess finally get her heart’s desire or will she lose the people she loves?

That’s the question we need to find out as the series airs its final episode today where Celina (Julie Anne) finds herself fighting not only for her dream to become a singer, but also for her loved ones.

It seems that everything is in place for Celina. Elvis (Kier Legaspi) now knows that he is her father and has reconciled with her mother Adele (Sheryl Cruz). Adele finally gives in and supports her daughter’s dream of becoming a singer.

But Taylor (Isabelle de Leon) and Mariah (Mickey Ferriols) will stop at nothing to make Celina’s life miserable. Their evil plan is to make Celina lose her voice. However, their strategy backfires after Britney (Jazz Ocampo) drank the poison intended for Celina.

Taylor and Mariah are determined to ruin BEAUTIFUL TRIO. ‘My Guitar Princess’ lead star Julie Anne San Jose (center) with her leading men Kiko Estrada (left) Celina’s life and career even if it means hurt- and Gil Cuerva.

‘MY GUITAR PRINCESS’ sings its swan song

Manila

Standard Republic of the Philippines TODAY

ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

IFf

=

Inflation factor for fixed O&M fee

IFv

= = =

0.21731+0.78269 x (PCPIm/PCPIb) Inflation factor for Energy Fee 0.06897 + 0.10982 X (PCPIm/ PCPIb) + 0.13370 X (PUXm/PUXb) x (UCPIm/UCPIb) + 0.22917 X (PEXm/ PEXb) x (ECPIm/ ECPIb) + 0.45834 x (PYXm/ PYXb) x (JCPIm/ JCPlb)

San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE NON-FIRM ENERGY SUPPLY AGREEMENT BETWEEN DAVAO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, INC. AND THERMA MARINE, INC., WITH MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY AND MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION ERC CASE NO. 2018-041 RC DAVAO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, INC. (DLPC) AND THERMA MARINE, INC. (TMI), Applicants. x - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 7 May 2018, an Application dated 7 March 2018 was filed by applicants Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC) and Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI), seeking the Commission’s approval of their Non-firm Energy Supply Agreement, with motion for provisional authority and motion for confidential treatment of information.

DLPC and TMI alleged the following in their Application: The Applicants

Where: PCPIm PCPlb UCPIm UCPIb ECPIm ECPlb JCPIm JCPlb PUXm PUXb PEXm PEXb PYXm PYXb

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =

“Q”

Philippine CPI of the current billing month Philippine CPI of 126.4 as of June 2011 US CPI of the current billing month US CPI of 225.722 as of June 2011 EURO CPI of the current billing month EURO CPI of 96.050 as of June 2011 [2015 = 100] Japan CPI of the current billing month Japan CPI of 96.4 as of June 2011 [2015 = 100] Peso to US Dollar exchange rate at the end of the current billing month Peso to US Dollar exchange rate of 44.8210 PHP/USD as of 17 May 2010 Peso to EURO exchange rate at the end of the current billing month Peso to EURO exchange rate of 55.4032 PHP/EUR as of 17 May 2010 Peso to Yen exchange rate at the end of the current billing month Peso to Yen exchange rate of 0.4851 PHP/JPY as of 17 May 2010

Notes: a. If the CPI of current billing month is not published and available within two days from the end of the Billing Period, the most recent available published index shall be used. b. If the source of any the foregoing indices is no longer available or is not been published or available for a prolonged period, the replacement index shall be selected by Supplier. c. If any of the foregoing indices are re-based during the duration of this Agreement, Supplier has the option to apply a corresponding adjustment to the inflation formula to conform with the re-basing of the subject indices.

1.

DLPC is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with office address at C. Bangoy Sr. St., Davao City. It is a grantee of a legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 8960 to maintain and operate an electric light and power system for the purpose of distributing electric light, heat and power in Davao City and Panabo City, and the Municipalities of Carmen, Sto. Tomas and Braulio Dujali, Province of Davao del Norte.

2.

TMI is a generation company duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with principal office address at Mobile 2 Lawis, Sta. Ana, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte 8602. TMI is the owner and operator of two (2) 100 MW power barges located in San Roque, Maco, Compostela Valley (“M1”) and Sta. Ana, Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte (“M2”), (M1 and M2, collectively, the “Power Plant”).

4.

Among the declared State policy of Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2008 (EPIRA) as enumerated in Section 2 thereof, is ensuring the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power.

DLPC shares in the realization of this State Policy.

5.

As part of its thrust to provide a more resilient sourcing of the power needs of its customers, DLPC deemed it prudent to have an alternative source of power from suppliers that are willing and capable of supplying power to DLPC on an as-needed, or non-firm, basis.

6. Thus, DLPC sought competitive offers for the non-firm supply of up to 60 MW of capacity from prospective suppliers. After the second round of the competitive selection process, two winning bidders emerged and DLPC awarded and signed two non-firm supply contracts with the winning bidders, one of which is TMI. 7. Section 45 (b) of Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, provides that distribution utilities may enter into bilateral power supply contracts subject to review by the Honorable Commission. In connection with this, ERC Resolution No. 2, Series of 2015 provides that the distribution utilities and generation companies jointly file with the Honorable Commission their respective power supply agreements.

8. Thus, this instant Joint Application for the approval of the non-firm Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) between TMI and DLPC.

Where: INSy INS1

= =

actual insurance cost for the two power barges for the current year Php 43,035,782.00 for the two barges, representing insurance cost included in the FOM Total billing capacity for all energy supply agreements and ancillary service procurement agreements entered into by Supplier for the two power barges which have achieved effectivity date, and for the duration of such effectivity, as such terms and conditions are defined under the respective agreements.

Fuel and lube oil rate and other fuel related cost in Php/kWh HFR + LOR + related actual fuel cost Heavy fuel oil rate in Php/kWh HFCRx PHFO Lube oil rate in Php/kWh LOCR X PLube Heavy fuel oil consumption rate of 0.23580 liters/kWh Lube oil consumption rate of 0.00240 liters/kWh the monthly actual cost per liter of heavy fuel oil (HFO), calculated based on “first in, first out” procedure using the data of the actual monthly invoices of deliveries, inventories and consumption. the monthly actual cost per liter of lube oil, calculated based on “first in, first out” procedure using the data of actual monthly invoices of deliveries, inventories and consumption.

The Sum of the hourly volumes of Contract Energy for the Billing Period primarily d with calendar month m (for example December 26 - January 25 is associated with January)(and adjusted for transmission losses, if any, imputed by the transmission service provider if measured at a meter other than the Generator Metering Point), in kWh

Total BC =

FLR

HFCR LOCR PHFO

= = = = = = = = =

PLube

=

EDm

=

SSC

=

S

= total number of start-ups for the current billing month based on customers’ dispatch instructions. = 200 liters per engine per start-up/ shutdown cycle. = 10 liters per engine per start-up/ shutdown cycle. = the monthly actual cost per liter of heavy fuel oil (HFO), calculated based on “first in, first out” procedure using the data of actual monthly invoices of deliveries, inventories and consumption. = the monthly actual cost per liter of lube oil, calculated based on “first in, first out” procedure using the data of actual monthly invoices of deliveries, inventories and consumption.

HFR LOR

start-up fees, in kWh, for the current billing period

Salient Terms of the ESA 9. Contract Period. The ESA provides for a Contract Period of three (3) years from Operations Effective Date as defined in the ESA. The ESA also stipulates that at any time during the Contract Period, the Parties may enter into good faith negotiations to extend the Contract Period under the same terms and conditions of the ESA. 10. Maximum Contract Demand and Supply of Energy. The Maximum Contract Demand refers to the maximum quantity (in kilowatts) that DLPC may nominate and draw per Interval. Beginning Operations Effective Date, TMI shall deliver, on an as-available basis and as needed by DLPC, the quantities nominated by DLPC up to 45,000 kW (whether from the capacity of the power plants owned and operated by TMI, any of its affiliates, or any third-party supplier) to DLPC at the Delivery Point.

VHFO VLube PHFO

11. Adjustments to Maximum Contract Demand. At any time during the Contract Period, DLPC may send a written request to increase the Maximum Contract Demand no later than sixty (60) Days prior to the date of effectivity of such proposed increase, which shall be without prejudice to the right of TMI to waive the sixty (60) Day notice period. TMI may, at its sole option, approve the request to increase the Maximum Contract Demand, and the energy quantities attributable to the additional Maximum Contract Demand shall be paid for by DLPC at the Contract Price. Customer may also request for an adjustment to the Maximum Contract Demand with respect of a particular Billing Period by delivery of a written notice thereof at least thirty (30) Days before the date on which such adjustment is proposed to take effect, which shall be without prejudice to the right of TMI to waive the thirty (30) Day notice period, setting out the reasons therefore and providing all documents necessary to support the request. Any such request shall be subject to approval by TMI in its sole discretion (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and the energy quantities attributable to the additional Maximum Contract Demand shall be paid for by DLPC at the Contract Price.

PLube

12. Monthly Payments. TMI shall deliver to DLPC a Billing Statement setting out the Electricity Fees due on account of Contract energy delivered during each Billing Period on or before the seventh (7th) Day of the Payment Month. If Supplier sourced any capacity and/ or energy from another supplier during any particular Billing Period, the Billing Statement(s) shall (a) set out the quantities of capacity and/ or energy sourced from such other suppliers and the amount due thereon, (b) identify the account or accounts to which amounts payable to it may be paid, (c) identify value-added taxes due on all capacity and/ or energy sourced and delivered, if any, and (d) have attached thereto copies of invoices, statements, or other acceptable substitutes issued by the relevant supplier in respect of any capacity and/ or energy sourced and delivered by such supplier.

13. Penalties. If DLPC fails to pay the Electricity Fee or any other amounts payable by it under the ESA in full on the due date, it shall pay a penalty of one percent (1%) per month (a fraction of a month to be considered one month) based on the amount due, from the date when such payment is due until the date such amount is received in full

by TMI. In the event that any charges due from TMI is not credited or paid in accordance with Section 8.1.1 of the ESA, TMI shall be liable to pay interest of one percent (1%) per month (a fraction of a month to be considered one month) based on the unpaid charges, from the date when such amount is due until the date it is received in full by DLPC. 14. Taxes, Fees and Costs. Save as otherwise provided in the ESA, each Party shall be liable for such taxes, fees, costs and expenses that each may incur on account of the performance of its obligations hereunder, including legal and professional fees, if any. DLPC shall be liable for payment of the Universal Charge, it being understood that the imposition of the Universal Charge pursuant to the provision of the EPIRA shall not be an event of Force Majeure.

15. Electricity Fees. Electricity Fees refers to the total amount of charges due from DLPC in respect to all energy supplied during a Billing Period, computed in accordance with Schedule 7.2 of the ESA. Schedule 7.2 of the ESA is provided below.

The term “Customer” refers to DLPC while “Supplier” refers to TMI. Schedule 7.2 Rate Schedule a.

Electricity Fees

The Electricity Fees are exclusive of applicable Value Added Tax (“VAT”), which shall be for the account of Customer and shall be reflected in the Invoice to be issued to Customer. For the avoidance of doubt, the value-added tax that shall be remitted by Customer to Supplier is the amount as actually collected by Customer from its customers.

b. Non-Delivery Charge (Section 7.4) Non-Delivery Charge = PhP0.40/kWh x Confirmed Quantity x 100% c. Non-Utilization Charge (Section 7.4)* Non-Utilization Charge = Fixed Fees x Confirmed Quantity x 100% * For the avoidance of doubt, this shall be considered equivalent to, and shall not be in addition to, the fixed fees computed based on the tariff structure.

16.

Estimated Generation Charge* (year 2018, PhP/kWh) Without TMI

With TMI

Impact

5.1681

5.2349

0.0668

Electricity Fee = A + B

CF

=

Capacity Fee

Annex “A” “A-1” “B” “B-1” “C” “C-1”

Documents/Information DLPC’s Articles of Incorporation (AOI) DLPC’s By-Laws DLPC’s General Information Sheet (GIS) DLPC’s Ownership Structure Map TMI’s Articles of Incorporation (AOI) TMI’s By-Laws

“D”

TMI’s General Information Sheet (GIS)

“E”

TMI’s Ownership Structure Map

“F” & “F-1”

TMI’s Certificates of Registration with the BOI Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by the DENR Certificates of Compliance issued by the ERC

TMI’s latest Audited Financial Statements (AFS), Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows

“T”

TMI’s Plant Performance Test Report (Confidential)

“U”

Write-up on Other Documentary Requirements

“V”

Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Mark A. Valencia of DLPC MOTIONS FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY AND CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION Allegations in Support of the Motion for Provisional Authority

19. As earlier intimated, the non-firm ESA is a mode proposed by DLPC to provide a more resilient sourcing of the power needs of its customers.

20. In the event that there is a sudden need for DLPC to source power for its customers for reasons such as short term demand growth or temporary unavailability of supply from other suppliers to meet demand, DLPC may call on the non-firm supply from TMI under the ESA. 21. The grant of a provisional authority will allow DLPC to immediately draw power under the ESA when needed by DLPC’s customers. Thus, the immediate approval of the ESA will ultimately redound to the benefit of DLPC’s customers in terms of continuous, reliable, efficient and affordable power supply. Attached as Annex “V” hereof is the Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Mark A. Valencia in support of the motion for provisional approval.

22. Section 1, Rule 4, of the Honorable Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure provides that a party to any proceeding before the Commission may request that information about that party in the Commission’s possession not be disclosed.

23. In line with this, TMI prays for the confidential treatment of the information contained in the following annexes, and not disclose the same except to the officers and staff of the Honorable Commission: Annex

Documents and/or Information

“Q-1”

TMI’s Sources of Funds/ Financial Plans

“Q-2”

TMI’s Pricing Model

“R”

Fuel and Lube Procurement Process

“T”

TMI’s Plant Performance Test Report

24. The foregoing documents contain information and data involving TMI’s operation, financial trade secrets, formula and pricing structures used in arriving at TMI’s tariff. These information are not generally available to the public. As such, the information and data contained in these documents are privileged and confidential in nature. In the case of the Air Philippines Corporation v. Pennswell, (G.R. No. 172835, December 13, 2007), the Supreme Court explained that: “Trade secret is defined as a plan or process, tool, mechanism or compound known only to its owner and those of his employees to whom it is necessary to confide it. The definition also extends to a secret formula or process not patented, but known only to certain individuals using it in compounding some article of trade having a commercial value. A trade secret may consist of any formula. pattern. device. or compilation of information that: (1) is used in one’s business; and (2) gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not possess the information. Generally, a trade secret is a process or device intended for continuous use in the operation of the business, for example, a machine or formula, but can be a price list or catalogue or specialized customer list. It is indubitable that trade secrets constitute proprietary rights. The inventor, discoverer, or possessor of a trade secret or similar innovation has rights therein which may be treated as property, and ordinarily an injunction will be granted to prevent the disclosure of the trade secret by one who obtained the information “in confidence” or through a “confidential relationship.” (Emphasis supplied.)

25. The foregoing documents constitute a compilation of information on the operations of the plant that have actual and valuable proprietary interest, which TMI must protect against competitors. This information must be protected since if this matter is known by the public, especially TMI’s competitors, the data can be used by a competitor as an input or variable in the determination of the competitor’s tariff. Thus, a competitor knowing this information will gain a competitive leverage against TMI. As explained in this Honorable Commission’s Decision in the ERC Case No. 2015-111 RC: “In the case of PNOC RC, the documents sought to be protected from disclosure contains formula and pricing structures used in arriving at their proposed tariff. The prices cited in the documents were components of the proposed tariff. In fact, all three (3) documents were used by the Commission in evaluating the reasonableness ofthe proposed rate. In electric power industry where prices is a major consideration in selecting one’s supplier, it is apparent that the assumption used in arriving at one’s proposed tariff is considered a competitive leverage by one player against its competitors.

Thus, the Commission resolved to treat the said documents confidential and may not be publicly disclosed.”

(See Decision dated 30 May 2017, In the Matter of the Application for the Approval of the Power Supply Agreement Between Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative, Inc. - Area 2 (NEECO II - Area 2) and PNOC Renewables Corporation (PNOC RC) with Prayer for Provisional Authority, ERC Case No. 2015- 111 RC, p. 26. Emphasis and underscoring supplied.)

26. In view of the foregoing and pursuant to Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, TMI respectfully requests that the foregoing documents attached as Annexes “Q-1”, “Q-2”, “R” and “T”, and the information contained therein as confidential and privileged, and not be disclosed to persons other than the necessary officers and staff of this Honorable Commission.

a. ISSUE an Order treating Annexes “Q-1”, “Q-2”, “R” and “T”, and the information contained therein as confidential, directing their non-disclosure to persons other than officers and staff of the Honorable Commission, as necessary, pursuant to Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, and prescribing guidelines for the protections thereof; b. Pending trial on the merits PROVISIONALLY APPROVE, the ESA, including all the rates, fees and charges set out therein; and c. After trial on the merits, APPROVE with FINALITY the ESA, including all the rates, fees and charges set out therein.

Other relief just and equitable are likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 1 August 2018 at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.), at ERC Mindanao Field Office, Mintrade Bldg., Monteverde Avenue corner Sales St., Davao City 8000.

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) The petitioner’s name and address;

Demand Side Management (DSM) Programs of DLPC

2) 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

“J”

PSALM Certification

3) A statement of the relief desired.

“K”

DLPC’s Supply and Demand Scenario and Average Daily Load Curves

“L”

DLPC’s Distribution Development Plan Summaries Invitations to Submit Proposal for the Supply of Power and Bidding Terms of Reference, published on 4 March 2017 and 17 March 2017

“M-2” TO “M-6”

Letter Proposals from Bidders

“M-7” & “M-8”

DLPC BAC Evaluation Reports dated 15 March 2017 and 29 March 2017

“M-9”

DLPC’s Board Resolution confirming approval of Evaluation Report

Php/ kW/month

“M-10”

DLPC Notice of Award to TMI dated 3 April 2017

268.00

“M-11”

Matrix of Competitive Selection Process

2018

250.00

“M-12”

Certification (Conduct of Competitive Selection Process)

2019 onwards

231.00

“N”

Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) between TMI and DLPC

Fixed O&M fee of Php 314/kW /month capacity in kW nominated per interval h number of hours for the current Billing Period Energy Fee PhP0.15245/kWh

Fuel and Lube Procurement Process (Confidential)

“S”

“I”

2017

= = = =

TMI’s Sample Bill reflecting power rates and other charges

“R”

WHEREFORE, premises considered, respectfully pray that the Honorable Commission:

Contract Year

FOM BC BPH EF

Estimated Impact ofTMI Non-firm ESA

“Q-4”

18. Copies of the foregoing documents and/ or information are attached to this Joint Application as annexes hereof:

“M” & “M-1”

Where:

TMI’s Pricing Model (Confidential)

“Q-3”

27. TMI hereby submits one (1) copy each of Annexes “Q-1”, “Q-2”, “R” and “T” in a sealed envelope with the envelope and each page of the document stamped with the word “Confidential.”

PRAYER

“G”

TARIFF STRUCTURE

TMI’s Sources of Funds/ Financial Plans (Confidential)

“Q-2”

* Assumptions: TMI and WMPC is projected to enter in August 2018 Power Cost used is based on ERC approved rate per supplier TMI will cater the forecasted demand growth and shortfall of PSALM in 2018 and thereafter

“H” & “H-1”

*indicative rate and subject to adjustments based on the Tariff Structure

The Electricity Fees will be on a per kWh basis.

17. Estimated Rate Impact. The indicative rate impact on DLPC’s overall generation rate with and without supply from TMI under the ESA are as follows:

HEADLINE RATE Indicative rate = PhP 5.3550* /kWh

Executive Summary of the ESA

“Q-1”

Allegations in Support of the Motion for Confidential Treatment of Information

3.

Applicants may be served notices, orders and other processes of the Honorable Commission through their respective counsel at their addresses indicated below.

Statement of Facts

ing innocent people in the process. Can Celina protect her loved ones and ultimately stop Taylor and Mariah’s wicked schemes?

First aired in May, the musical rom-com series My Guitar Princess also features heartthrobs Gil Cuerva and Kiko Estrada as Elton and Justin, respectively.

Celina found herself caught between these two guys who fell in love with her and viewers must watch out who will Celina choose: her childhood friend Elton who became a famous pop singer but still went after her or Justin who helped her in becoming the Guitar Princess and will do anything for his love for her.

The on-screen chemistry of Julie Anne with her leading men Gil and Kiko has left viewers divided between #TeamElton (for Gil) and #TeamJustin (for Kiko).

Playing important roles as well are Marc Abaya as Elton’s manager, Frank Garcia as George Garcia, Maey Bautista as Yaya Dolly, Marika Sasaki as Celina’s BFF Britney, Ralf King as Justin’s friend Adam, Rob Sy as Michael, and senior actress Lui Manansala as Manang Barbra.

The final episode of My Guitar Princess airs before Eat Bulaga on GMA-7.

Kapuso viewers abroad can also catch My Guitar Princess on GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

“O” and “O-1” “P”

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 its 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) The name and address of such person; 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 3) The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicants that it 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 Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the 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 28th day of June 2018 in Pasig City.

TMI’s Transmission Service Agreement and Metering Service Agreement DLPC’s Transmission Service Agreement with NGCP

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal (MS-JULY 13 & 20, 2018)

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

RS Francisco reprises Song Liling in new staging of ‘M Butterfly’

S

O, RS Francisco is at it again, playing the role that made him famous in the ‘90s when he played Song Liling in the wildly acclaimed Broadway play by Asian American playwright David Henry Wang.

I remember, when my editor Chit Lijauco at the then S (the Sunday supplement of Manila Standard) asked me to interview RS Francisco, I thought I’d just brush through a subject, at that time he was a student at the UP, who was fiddling with a dream of becoming an actor.

I never thought that he would be serious and become a professional actor.

Today, RS Francisco is bankrolling the restaging of M Butterfly along with his partner New York-based Jhett Tolentino at Maybank Performing Arts Theater at BGC Arts Center in Bonifcio Global City premiering on Sept. 13 with weekend performances until the end of September.

RA, prior to deciding to reprise the Song Liling role that introduced him to the world of stage plays has had a veritable experience in acting both on stage and in the movies and television.

Sharpless in M. Butterfly.

Playing the role of both Suzuki and Comrade Chin is master of Theater Arts and master of Communication Rebecca Chuaunsu. Her previous acting experience in theater as seen in The Joy Luck Club and in films like Mano Po 7 Chinoy has prepared this Filipino-Chinese performer to portray her two roles in M. Butterfly with full authenticity. She recently produced Binondo—A Tsinoy Musical.

This re-staging of M. Butterfly will be 100 percent non-profit. Net proceeds from each performance will be dedicated to one particular charitable institutions: Hope for Change - funds the full education (from elementary to college) of children in Tondo; Love Yourself Foundation - cultivates HIV awareness; Teach for the Philippines - develops leaders for education equity by enlisting some of the country’s most promising young leaders to teach in public schools throughout the Philippines.

For tickets, call Ticketworld at 8919999. *** When Karen Reyes auditioned for Pinoy Big Brother six years ago, no one thought she’ll be sharing the spotlight with other wellknown local celebrities. A proven risk-taker at such a young age, she admitted that her mom has no knowledge she’d be joining the reality show.

Her attitude, having no fear to try new things,

Recently he won an award for his roles in Bhoy Intsik and Bwaya, though playing mostly gay roles. He however, is looking forward to playing a straight man in the future.

In the meantime, he is busy rehearsing for M Butterfly, this time under the direction of Kanakan Balaintagos. His character Song Liling, is a Chinese opera singer, Gallimard’s object of affection.

In May 1990, the late Behn Cervantes played Gallimard, this time the production has signed a real Frenchman to essay the role.

French actor Olivier Borten plays Rene Gallimard, a former French diplomat, who relates the story of his passionate, disastrous affair with Song Liling from his cell in a Paris prison, where he is serving a long sentence for treason.

Pinky Amador returns to the play as Gallimard’s wife—Helga.

After 25 years of stage acting experience in the United Kingdom, Scottish Norm Mcleod steps on the Philippine stage as Manuel Toulon, the French Ambassador to China who also happens to be the dominant and strong-willed superior of Gallimard at the embassy in Beijing.

Trilingual American actor Lee O’Brian will personify Marc, the sexually unapologetic best friend of Gallimard. He will also briefly portray

made her reach the title Second Big Placer of Pinoy Big Brother and from there, the bright future ahead her continuously placed her to where she is today.

Growing up in Oriental Mindoro, it is no surprise that Karen maintains a low-key image and remains approachable and full of happy thoughts. You hear nothing but all out fun from her. She answers questions with a smile. May it be about work, love, or life in general, an exchange of conversation with her is like a best friend chit-chat. She is very open, honest, and playful.

When going places, she opts to do it just by herself but would love it even more when she gets to spend time traveling with her boyfriend.

Karen normally goes to different local places at least once a month. Just to mention her recent travels, she went to Mt. Pinatubo with the TravelBook.ph team and was able to enjoy the bumpy 4 X 4 ride and strenuous hike. Amidst all the dirt, humid, and 2-hour long trek, Karen remained cheerful and lively. “Mas adventurer ako, kesa traveler,” she said.

As for Karen’s dream travel destinations, she looks forward to visiting Batanes, Albay, and Palawan. Unlike other travelers who would excessively pack during trips, her essentials only include clothes, a wallet, her mobile phone, a lip tint, and speakers.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE NON-FIRM ENERGY SUPPLY AGREEMENT BETWEEN DAVAO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, INC. AND WESTERN MINDANAO POWER CORPORATION, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

Schedule 7.2 Rates Schedule

of the ESA.

a. Electricity Fees

25. Basis for PSA Tariff. An explanation on the derivation and basis for the tariff under the PSA (“Tariff Explanation”), and its attached supporting financial models (collectively, “Financial Models”) are attached as Annex “L” hereof. As discussed hereunder, the Tariff Explanation and the Financial Models are subject of a motion for confidential treatment.

The Electricity Fees are exclusive of applicable Value Added Tax (“VAT”), which shall be for the account of Customer and shall be reflected in the Invoice to be issued to Customer. For the avoidance of doubt, the value-added tax that shall be remitted by Customer to supplier is the amount as actually collected by Customer from its customers.

ERC CASE NO. 2018-046 RC

DAVAO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, INC. (DLPC) AND WESTERN MINDANAO POWER CORPORATION (WMPC), Applicants. x--------------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

26. Rate Implication. An analysis was conducted to determine the impact of the implementation of the ESA on DLPC’s generation costs, a copy of which is attached as Annex “M” hereof. The following table shows the indicative rate impact:

PAYMENTS TO THE SELLER The Buyer shall make the following payments to the Seller in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement: I.

Estimated Generation Charge* (Year 2018. PhP/kWh) Without WMPC 5.1681

Monthly Payments

The Monthly Payments shall be paid to the Seller on a monthly basis in accordance with the following formula:

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

DLPC and WMPC alleged the following In their Joint Application: The Applicants 1. DLPC is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with office address at C. Bangoy Sr. St. , Davao City. It is a grantee of a legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 8960 to maintain and operate an electric light and power system for the purpose of distributing electric light, heat and power for sale, in Davao City and Panabo City, and the Municipalities of Carmen, Sto. Tomas and Braulio Dujali, Province of Davao del Norte.

Where: CRF

= Capital Recovery Fees

FOMF

= Fixed Operation and Maintenance Fee

VOMF

= Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee

AFC

= Actual Fuel Cost

SC

= Start - Up Costs

Taxes 1.1.

3. Applicants may be served notices, orders and other processes of the Honorable Commission through their respective undersigned counsel.

= Value - Added Tax, other applicable taxes and government impositions, if any

CRF = CRFR X ED Where: CRF

= Capital Recovery Fee, in Pesos

UF

= Utilization Factor of 0.41 based on the 2016 plant’s utilization, in % = Total kWh delivered during the Billing Month

1.2.

Statement of Facts 5. Among the declared State policies of Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2008 (“EPIRA”) as enumerated in Section 2 thereof, is ensuring the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power. DLPC shares in the realization of this State policy.

Fixed Operation & Maintenance Fee (FOMF)

The Fixed Operation & Maintenance Fee (FOMF) covers the operating and maintenance costs of the WMPC Power Station. It shall be computed according to the following formula :

6. As part of its thrust to provide a more resilient sourcing of the power needs of its customers, DLPC deemed it prudent to have an alternative source of power from suppliers that are willing and capable of supplying power to DLPC on an as needed, or non-firm, basis.

7. Thus, DLPC sought competitive offers for the non-firm supply of up to 60 MW of capacity from prospective suppliers. After the second round of the competitive selection process, two winning bidders emerged, and DLPC awarded and signed two non-firm supply contracts with the winning bidders, one of which is WMPC. 8. Thus, this instant Joint Application for the approval of the non-firm Energy Supply Agreement (“ESA”) between WMPC and DLPC. Overview of the 100 MW1 WMPC Power Station 9. The Generation Facilities. WMPC shall supply power under the ESA from its 100 MW bunker C-fired diesel power generating plant located in Barangay Sangali, Zamboanga City (the “Power Station”).

A description of the technical and economic characteristics of the Power Station is attached hereto as Annex “A”.

10. The specific fuel oil consumption (“SFOC”) rate of the Power Station shall not be greater than 0.2464 kg/kWh at site condition of 32 deg. C ambient temperature. The SFOC is based on a bunker C fuel oil density of 0.9855 kilogram/ liter.

A copy of a certification on the Power Station’s SFOC rate is attached hereto as Annex “B”.

MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION Where: FOMF

= Fixed O&M Fee, in Pesos

FOMR

=

UF

= Utilization Factor of 0.41 based on the 2016 plant’s utilization, in %

ED

= kWh delivered during the Billing Month

CPIn

= Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

CPIo

= Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for December 31, 2013 at 128.6

WPCn

= Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

WPCo

= Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/ NSO as of December 31, 2013 at 672.9

PHP 219.00 UF

29. The Tariff Explanation and Financial Models disclose the basis for the tariff under the PSA. They include all the formulas and calculations as well as the assumptions and values considered therein.

/ total no. of hours in the billing month

EUn

= Euro - Peso Exchange Rate for the period of price determination as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

EUo

= Euro - Peso Exchange Rate as of December 31, 2013 as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at 60.56

12. Debt Equity Ratio. The project was funded through loans and equity, with a debt equity ratio of 62:38.

FPPIn

= Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing for the period price determination as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF

13. Computation of Weighted Average Cost of Capital (“WACC”), Annual Interest.

The nominal pre-tax WACC of the project is 13.49%. WMPC’s interest cost is 7% p.a.

FPPIo

= Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing as of December 31, 2013 as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF at 105.7

A copy of the computation of the WACC is attached hereto as Annex “E.” A copy of the indicative term sheet reflecting the interest rate is attached hereto as Annex “F.”

1.3.

30. In accordance with Section 1, Rule 4 of this Honorable Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“ERC Rules”), Applicant WMPC respectfully moves that the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models be treated as confidential information for the following reasons: 30.1 The Tariff Explanation and Financial Models qualify as a “trade secret” as contemplated under existing jurisprudence.

30.2 In the case Air Philippines Corporation vs.

Pennswell Inc,2 the Supreme Court defined “trade secret” as follows: “A trade secret is defined as a plan or process, tool, mechanism or compound known only to its owner and those of his employees to whom it is necessary to confide it. The definition also extends to a secret formula or process not patented, but known only to certain individuals using it in compounding some article of trade having commercial value. A trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device, or compilation of information that (1) is used in one’s business; and (2) gives the employer an opportunity to obtain advantage over competitors who do not possess the information.

Generally, a trade secret is a process or device intended for continuous operation of the business, for example, a machine or formula, but can be a price list or catalogue or specialized customer list. It is indubitable that trade secrets constitute proprietary rights.”

31. Also, the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models were prepared and developed for the exclusive use of WMPC, and are designed for the specific use of the company in its power generation business. Consequently, should the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models be disclosed to the public, they could easily be copied or used by WMPC’s competitors or other entities engaged in the power business for their own benefit, and to the prejudice of WMPC. Thus, the commercial value of the said explanation and model will be diminished significantly.

Variable Operation & Maintenance Fee (VOMF)

The Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee (VOMF) covers the cost of the use of, among other items, chemicals, lubricants and spare parts, that are directly related to the generation of the WMPC Power Station. It shall be computed according to the following formula:

32. Given the foregoing, the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models qualify as “confidential information” as defined under Section 2 , Rule 4 of the ERC Rules.

33. In accordance with Section 1 (b), Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, electronic copies of the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models are contained in one compact disc and submitted in a sealed envelope marked with the word “Confidential.”

A discussion of the fuel procurement process and a copy of the fuel supply agreement are attached hereto as Annexes “G” and “H,” respectively.

15. Environmental Compliance Certificate (“ECC”). The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued the necessary ECC covering the Power Station.

A copy of the ECC is attached hereto as Annex “I.” 16. DOE Accreditation. The Department of Energy has issued the necessary endorsement showing that the Power Station is a Block Power Production Facility under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order No. 215.

A copy of the said certification is attached hereto as Annex “K”.

VOMF

=

VOMFR =

19. Maximum Contract Demand and Supply of Energy. The Maximum Contract Demand refers to the maximum quantity (in kilowatts) that DLPC may nominate and draw per Interval as defined in the ESA. Beginning on Operations Effective Date, WMPC shall deliver, on an as-available basis and as-needed by DLPC, the quantities nominated by DLPC up to 60,000 kW (whether from the capacity of the power plants owned or operated

by WMPC, any of its Affiliates or any third - party supplier) to DLPC at the Delivery Point.

20. Adjustments to Maximum Contract Demand. At any time during the Contract Period, DLPC may send a written request to increase the maximum Contract Demand no later than sixty (60) Days prior to the date of effectivity of such proposed increase, which shall be without prejudice to the right of WMPC to waive the sixty (60) Day notice period.

WMPC, may, at its sole option, approve the request to increase the Maximum Contract Demand, and the energy quantities attributable to the additional Maximum Contract Demand shall be paid for by DLPC at the Contract Price. DLPC may also request an adjustment to the Maximum Contract Demand in respect of a particular Billing Period by delivery of written notice thereof at least (30) Days before the date on which such adjustment is proposed to take effect, which shall be without prejudice to the right WMPC to waive the thirty (30) Day notice period, setting out the reasons therefore and providing all documents necessary to support the request. Any such request shall be subject to approval by WMPC in its sole discretion (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and the energy quantities attributable to the additional Maximum Contract Demand shall be paid for by DLPC at the Contract Price.

21. Monthly Payments. WMPC shall deliver to DLPC a Billing Statement setting out the Electricity Fees due on account of Contract Energy delivered during each Billing Period on or before the seventh (7th) Day of the Payment Month. If WMPC sourced any capacity and/ or energy from another supplier during any particular Billing period, the Billing Statement(s) shall (a) set out the quantities of capacity and/ or energy sourced from such other suppliers and the amount due thereon, (b) identify the account or accounts to which amounts payable to it may be paid, (c) identify value-added taxes due on all capacity and/ or energy sourced and delivered, if any, and (d) have attached thereto copies of invoices, statements, or other acceptable substitutes issued by the relevant supplier in respect of any capacity and/ or energy sourced and delivered by such supplier.

22. Penalties. If DLPC fails to pay the Electricity Fee or any other amounts payable by it under the ESA in full on the due date, it shall pay a penalty of one percent (1%) per month (a fraction of a month to be considered one month) based on the amount due, from the date when such payment is due until the date such amount is received in full by WMPC. In the event that any charges due from WMPC are not credited or paid in accordance with Section 8.1.1 of the ESA, WMPC shall be liable to pay interest one percent (1%) per month (a fraction of a month to be considered one month) based on the unpaid charges, from the date when such amount is due until the date it is received in full by DLPC. 23. Taxes, Fees and Costs. Save as otherwise provided in the ESA, each party shall be liable for such taxes, fees, costs and expenses that each may incur on account of the performance of its obligations hereunder, including legal and professional fees, if any. DLPC shall be liable for payment of the Universal Charge, it being understood that the imposition of the Universal Charge pursuant to the provisions of EPlRA shall not be an event of Force Majeure.

24. Electricity Fees. Electricity Fees refers to the amount of charges due from DLPC in respect of all energy supplied during a Billing Period, computed in accordance with Schedule 7.2 of the ESA. Schedule 7.2 of the ESA is provided below. The term “Customer” refers to DLPC while “Supplier” refers to WMPC.

Variable O&M Fee, in Pesos

ED

=

kWh delivered during the Billing Month

CPIn

=

Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

CPIo

=

Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for December 31, 2013 at 128.6

WPCn

=

Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

WPCo

=

Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO as of December 31, 2013 at 672.9

EUn

=

Euro - Peso Exchange Rate for the period of price determination as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

EUo

=

Euro - Peso Exchange Rate as of December 31, 2013 as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at 60.56

FPPIn

=

Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing for the period of price determination as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF

FPPIo

=

Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing as of December 31, 2013 as published in the International Financial Statistics ofIMF at 105.7

1.4.

Actual Fuel Cost (AFC)

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

The Actual Fuel Cost (AFC) is the fee paid to the Seller as payment for the procurement and delivery of the fuel oil (Diesel) used in the operation of the WMPC Power Station. The Actual Fuel Cost shall be computed as follows: AFC = FC x EC x ED Where: AFC = Actual Fuel Cost, in Pesos FC

= Fuel Cost, The average MOPS of Bunker C Fuel Oil/Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) deliveries during the period of price determination in Peso/ liter

EC

= Efficiency Cap;

ED

= kWh delivered during the Billing Month

1.5.

35. In accordance with Sections 3 and 4, Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, Applicant WMPC reserves the right to use the tariff explanation and the financial model and its contents as evidence, and respectfully moves for the issuance of a Protective Order.

Variable O&M Fee Rate of Php 0.18/kWh

Salient Terms and Conditions of the ESA 18. Contract Period. The ESA provides for a Contract Period of three (3) years from Operations Effective Date as defined in the ESA. The ESA also stipulates that any time during the Contract Period, the Parties may enter into good faith negotiations to extend the Contract Period under the same terms and conditions of the ESA.

34. Further, all parties furnished copies of the present Application are not furnished copies of the documents subject the present motion.

Where:

A copy of the said accreditation is attached hereto as Annex “J.” 17. Certificate of Compliance. This Honorable Commission has issued the necessary Certificate of Compliance for the Power Station.

WMPC will cater the forecasted demand growth and shortfall of PSALM in 2018 and thereafter

28. As mentioned above, the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models attached as Annex “L” is hereby submitted under a motion to treat information confidential (“Motion”).

11. Project Cost and Operating Expenses. A summary of the costs of the project is attached hereto as Annex “C”. A detailed breakdown of the projected operating and maintenance expenses is attached hereto as Annex “D.”

14. Fuel Supply. In order to ensure the supply of fuel for the operations of the WMPC Power Station, WMPC solicited offers from reputable suppliers in the area, and has contracted with the supplier which offered the best terms.

Power Cost used is based on ERC approved rate per supplier

-

Document DLPC’s Articles of Incorporation (AOI) DLPC’s By-Laws DLPC’s General Information Sheet (GIS) and Ownership Structure Map Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of WMPC Securities and Exchange Commission Certificate of Registration of WMPC General Information Sheet of WMPC WMPC’s Audited Financial Statements Diagram showing WMPC’s affiliates and/ or subsidiaries DLPC’s Demand Side Management Programs PSALM Certification DLPC’s Supply and Demand Scenario and Average Daily Load Curves DLPC’s Distribution Development Plan Summaries Invitations to Submit Proposal for the Supply of Power and Bidding Terms of Z and Z-1 Reference, published on 4 March 2017 and 17 March 2017 AA to AA-4 Letter proposals from bidders BB and BB-1 DLPC BAC Evaluation Reports dated 15 March 2017 and 29 March 2017 CC DLPC Board Resolution confirming BAC Evaluation Report DD DLPC Notice of Award to WMPC dated 3 April 2018 EE and FF Matrix of Competitive Selection Process GG Certification of the Conduct of CSP HH Energy Supply Agreement II DLPC’s Transmission Service Agreement JJ Write-up on Other Documentary Requirements KK Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Mark A. Valencia

CRF shall be computed as follows:

ED

WMPC is projected to enter in August 2018

-

Annex N O P and P-1 Q R S T U V W X Y

Nature of the Joint Application 4. Section 45(b) of Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, provides that the distribution utilities may enter into bilateral power supply contracts subject to review by the Honorable Commission. In connection with this, ERC Resolution No.2, Series of 2015 provides that the distribution utilities and generation companies jointly file with the Honorable Commission their respective power supply agreements.

-

27. The following documents are attached as annexes hereof, to support the instant application:

Capital Recovery Fee (CRF)

2. WMPC is a generation company duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at 4th Floor, Alphaland Southgate Tower, 2258 Pasong Tamo Extension corner EDSA, Makati City.

Impact 0.1078

* Assumptions:

Monthly Payments = CRF + FOMF + VOMF + AFC + SC + Taxes

Notice is hereby given that on 18 May 2018, a Joint Application for Approval of Non-firm Energy Supply Agreement dated 12 April 2018 was filed by applicants Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC) and Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC), with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.

With WMPC 5.2759

36. As earlier intimated, the non-firm ESA is a mode proposed by DLPC to provide a more resilient sourcing of the power needs of its customers.

37. In the event that there is a sudden need for DLPC to source power for its customers for reasons such as short term demand growth or temporary unavailability of supply from other suppliers to meet demand, DLPC may call on the non-firm supply from WMPC under the ESA. 38. The grant of a provisional authority will allow DLPC to immediately draw power under the ESA when needed by DLPC’s customers. Thus, the immediate approval of the ESA will ultimately redound to the benefit of DLPC’s customers in terms of continuous, reliable, efficient and affordable power supply. Attached as Annex “KK” hereof is the Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Mark A. Valencia in support of the motion for provisional approval.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, in view of all the foregoing, it is most respectfully prayed that this Honorable Commission: 1. ISSUE an Order declaring the Tariff Explanation and the Financial Models attached hereto as Annex “L” as confidential information within the purview of Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, as well as directing that the same be treated with confidentiality and be protected from public disclosure; 2 . ISSUE the corresponding Protective Order in accordance with Section 2 and 4 of the said Rule 4; 3. Pending trial on the merits, PROVISIONALLY APPROVE, the PSA, including all the rates, fees and charges set out therein; and 4. After trial on the merits, APPROVE with FINALITY the PSA, including all the rates, fees and charges set out therein.

Other reliefs just and equitable are likewise prayed for.

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 2 August 2018 at ten o ‘clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.), at ERC Mindanao Field Office, Mintrade Bldg., Monteverde Avenue corner Sales St. , Davao City 8000.

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 ofthe case and stating the following: 1) The petitioner’s name and address; 2) 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 3) A statement of the relief desired.

0.2464kg/kwh 0.9855 kg/liter

Start-Up Costs (SC) The Buyer, on a pro rata basis of the capacity of the WMPC Power Station allocated to the Buyer, shall pay the Seller Start - Up Costs for the cost of starting up the WMPC Power Station after a period of shutdown due to any reason attributable to all the buyers of the Seller. The Start-Up Costs shall be computed based on the prevailing price of diesel fuel at the time of the Start Up and paid in accordance with the following:

SC = (No. of Cold Start ups x 600 liters x price of Diesel per liter) + (No. of Warm Start ups x 300 liters x price of Diesel per liter) Type of Start - Up Cold Start - up (more than 10 hours of shutdown) Warm Start - up (less than 10 hours of shutdown)

Liters of Diesel Fuel 600 300

1.6. Value Added Tax The relative Value Added Taxes (“VAT”) of the above fee payments 12% shall be computed as follows:

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 its 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) The name and address of such person; 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 3) The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Joint Application may request from Applicants that it 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 28th day of June 2018 in Pasig City.

VAT = (CRF + FOMF + VOMF + AFC + SC) x 0.12 For reference, a sample computation of the monthly payment is contained in Schedule 7.2

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal 1

Net dependable capacity 2 G.R. No. 172835, 13 December 2007

(MS-JULY 13 & 20, 2018)

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4 FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

Motoring

Asian F3

championship gets underway

S

EPANG, Malaysia—The new F3 Asian Championship Certified by FIA will usher in a new era of Formula 3 as it gets underway this week at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit.

The championship is the first to adopt the FIA’s global vision for the formula, where a single-chassis, single-engine concept will ensure the continued development of a category which has produced the greatest names in motorsport.

Commented Top Speed General Manager Davide De Gobbi: “The F3 Asian Championship Certified by FIA is proud to open the new age of the formula. We have a superb team of expert partners and an international line-up of some of the best single seater teams and drivers in the world. We are looking forward to a season which will be ground-breaking for F3, and one which will place Asian motorsport firmly in the spotlight.”

With the motorsport world watching closely as the most radical development in junior single seater racing for decades

begins, the new championship unveils a sensational line-up for its inaugural season.

UK team Hitech Dragon GP adds GP3 driver Jake Hughes to its previously announced line-up of South African Raoul Hyman and Charles Leong of Macau.

Hughes finished fifth in the FIA F3 Championship last year and currently lies ninth in the 2018 GP3 Series. The 24-year-old Briton has an impressive career, having won the 2014 BRDC F4 Championship title and finishing sixth in the 2016 Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix.

Respected Japanese outfit B-Max Racing Team has confirmed its entry with team principal DRAGON (Ryuji Kumita). Japanese Formula 3 National Class Champion last year, DRAGON contested the F3 Macau Grand Prix – FIA F3 World Cup in 2017.

Pan-American-British-Chinese outfit Chase Owen Racing enters 25-year-old Texan-born team owner Chase Owen and 17-year-old Chinese driver James Yu, fifth in the 2016 Formula Masters China Series at the age of just 15. Also from China comes 16-year-old Shanghainese driver Daniel Cao, the 2017/18 F4 Southeast Asia Champion, racing with Pinnacle Motorsport.

SVC Asia has entered Kenyan Jeremy Wahome, while Super License enters Japanese duo Takashi Hata and Tomoki Takahashi, and M-Sport Asia fields Indian Akash Gowda.

At ZEN Motorsport, China’s Yin Hai Tao is joined by fellow countryman and 2017 F4 China runner-up Zheng Jianian.

Meanwhile, Absolute Racing has announced Malaysian talent Akash Nandy will race alongside American Jaden Conwright. Joining Louis Prette at BlackArts Racing is Thomas Luedi.

Hino unveils Euro 4 fleet in Visayas CEBU CITY—Hino Motors Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the country, has launched its fleet of Euro 4 trucks and buses in Cebu, the Queen City of the South.

The rollout of the Euro 4 vehicle lineup, which followed the groundbreaking ceremony of a new dealership in Negros Occidental, demonstrates Hino’s commitment to growing its market in the Visayas. It likewise reaffirms the company’s efforts to provide Total Support to more Filipinos, particularly those outside Metro Manilas.

HMP hopes to address the different transportation and logistics needs in the region with high-quality premium Japanese-brand products and services that Hino carry.

“With Hino’s more than 40 years of providing safe, durable and reliable trucks and buses in the Philippines, we have become more aggressive in seizing opportunities to better serve the Filipino people nationwide in the most efficient way possible,” HMP President Hiroshi Aoki said.

The Euro 4-compliant fleet includes all buses and trucks from the 300, 500 and

The Queen City of the South plays host to the rollout of Hino Motor’s Euro 4 vehicles.

700 series. It also includes the newest tractor heads in the 700 series. Built to deliver maximum performance with less carbon footprint, the Euro 4 products boast better engine durability and greater cost efficiency.

“It is our pleasure to share Hino Euro 4 trucks and buses to our partners here in the Visayan region. We are very much excited to level up the Hino experience, something all of our customers deserve.

We do not stop in providing the right

truck or bus to meet the requirement of our partners: We ensure that from assembly to aftersales, our mantra of Total Support is being reflected. This is our lasting promise to every customer who puts their trust in the Hino brand,” said HMP Chairman Vicente T. Mills, Jr. Hino dealerships in the Visayas include Hino Cebu, Hino, Hino Mandaue, Hino Iloilo, Hino Tacloban and Hino Negros Occidental.

Mega Expo showcases transport/logistics CONSIDERED catalysts of economic growth in the Philippines, the transport and logistics sectors stand to benefit greatly from the government’s Build, Build, Build program. In fact, the Department of Finance (DOF) has urged corporate giants in the logistics industry to help local enterprises take advantage of the benefits of state-ofthe-art distribution network set to be produced by various infrastructure projects being lined up by the government. On August 16 to 18, some of the industry’s leading suppliers will showcase their latest offerings at the sixth edition of Transport and Logistics Philippines, the country’s only trade event specifically dedicated to these sectors. The event will happen at World Trade Center Metro Manila.

Interested parties may register online at www.globallinkmp.com/transportandlogistics before August 15 for free passes.

“One of the greatest challenges in addressing our market demands is not only looking for efficient distribution channels but supporting your business with cost effective solutions and technologies,” shared Patrick-Lawrence Tan, CEO of Global-Link MP Events International Inc., organizers of the event. “That’s what Transport and Logistics Philippines is for. This show serves as a platform for introducing up-to-date solutions in the sector. Through the Transport and Logistics Philippines, every consumer, every business will have the chance to source efficient and economically possible technologies that can help them grow.”

Transport/logistics forum Aside from the expo, the show will once again feature the Transport and Logistics Forum, a one-day activity that seeks to bring together private and public sector stakeholders to discuss policies, trends, and best practices that are set to shape the future of the industry. This year’s forum will focus on the relevance of the Build, Build, Build program to the sector, covering topics such as BBB towards a strong transport & logistics industry, Paving way for an Efficient Logistics Sector, National Logistics Master Plan in Action, Regulatory reform initiatives of PPA, and more. Those interested to attend can email regine. aragon@globallinkmp.com to request for more info. The Transport and Logistics Forum is co-organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

This is the sixth year that Transport and Logistics Philippines will bring together hundreds of manufacturers and distributors of commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, and supply chain technologies in a single venue. There will also be several international pavilions that are focused on the aftermarket industry for auto, trucks, motorcycle parts and accessories. “This is a complete industry showcase. I highly encourage companies to visit

the show,” Tan Added.

Participating brands include Chevron Philippines Inc., Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., JVF Commercial And Project Development Support And Services, MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation – Fuso, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum, Sobida Motors Corporation, All Prime International, Auto Global Inc. (JMC), Autokid, BSB Junrose Autoparts, Cheska Freight, Dennis International Merchandising, G-Tecnica Equipment Corporation, Hino Motors Philippines, Honda Logistics Philippines, Inteluck, JAC Automobile, Japan Venture, Monark Equipment, Prime Quest Transport, United Asia Automotive Group (Foton), ZL Machinery Philippines, and many more.

Held alongside with the Transport and Logistics Philippines is the Automechanic Philippines, a showcase of auto aftermarket parts and accessories where the leading international manufacturers will be coming in and showcase their latest products in one comprehensive pavilion. To get your visitor pass, register online at www. globallinkmp.com/transportandlogistics or www.globallinkmp.com/automechanicphilippines or keep posted through Facebook: @TransportandLogisticsPH / @AutomechanicPH. Aftermarket exhibit Industry key payers are set to gather in officially opening the 6th Transport and Logistics Philippines event occupying a bigger venue - the World Trade Center Metro Manila on August 16 to 18, 2018. Featuring a showcase of innovative delivery vehicles, trucks, transport system, material handling, warehousing, logistics, and supply chain equipment. The show is held alongside related industry segment – Automechanic Philippines, an exhibit of auto aftermarket parts and accessories. Source the best products and update your database of suppliers. Interested visitors can register online via www.globallinkmp. com/transportandlogistics or call (02) 893-7973 for more info.

Now on its 2nd year, the Transport and Logistics Forum gathers public and private sector stakeholders to discuss new policies, trends, and best practices that will shape the industry.

This 1-day forum will be held alongside the expo on August 16 and will cover topics such as Build, Build, Build towards a strong transport & logistics industry, Paving way for an Efficient Logistics Sector, Transport & Logistics: The role in PH’s Economic Development, Assessing the Competitiveness of Philippine’s Logistics Industry, The National Logistics Master Plan in Action, Regulatory reform initiatives of PPA, Improving Philippines’ Connectivity and Efficiency in Supply Chain, Understanding an addressing the challenges and in the sector.