Manila Standard - 2018 June 14 - Friday

TRAIN CASH GRANTS FOR 10-M POOR FAMILIES

By Vito Barcelo MALACAÑANG announced Thursday that a cash grant of P2,400 will be distributed to 10 million poor families in July as part of the government’s unconditional cash transfer program aimed at shielding them from higher

taxes under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the Department of Social Welfare and Development would start distributing the funds, amounting to P10 billion, made available under the TRAIN Law.

Roque said the beneficiaries can withdraw their 2018 cash grants in full amounting to P2,400 starting in July through Land Bank automated teller machines nationwide and through its various conduits.

But at P2,400 for each of the 10 million Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 120 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

PH blasts Chinese CG for ‘fish thievery’

By Vito Barcelo, Rey E. Requejo and Macon RamosAraneta A PALACE spokesman on Thursday described the actions of Chinese coast guards as “fish thievery,” and said the Philippines concedes nothing in terms of fishing rights in the Scarborough or Panatag shoal.

“For lack of a better word, let’s call it pangongotong in Tagalog, which is fish thievery,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said of the habit of Chinese coast guards to board Filipino fishing boats there and take part of their catch.

He also contested the term “barter” used by Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua, who pointed out that the Filipino fishermen were given noodles, cigarets and water in return.

“There’s a possibility given the language barrier that they consider it as a barter but from our point of view it is not,” Roque said.

Reacting to acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio’s warning that the Philippines could be giving up its rights to fish in Panatag Shoal after China declared that Filipino fishermen were allowed to fish there “out of goodwill,” Roque said the country concedes nothing. Next page

Rody scraps talks with Reds Joma to pursue ‘people’s war’

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has scrapped the resumption of formal negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front amid concerns that the rebel group is using the peace talks to regroup and secure its jailed leaders.

CPP founding chairman and NDF chief political consultant Jose Ma. Sison immediately retaliated by calling the official explanation of presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza “bullshit” as he ordered the New People’s Army to “wage a people’s war” against the government.

Dureza said the President’s decision to postpone the peace negotiations will allow the government to engage a “bigger peace table” to include the public and other sectors in government.

“Because the government under Duterte is obviously not interested in serious peace negotiations, the revolutionary forces and the people have no choice but to singlemindedly wage people’s war to achieve the national and social liberation of the Filipino people,” Sison said in a statement released from Utrecht.

Next page JOSE MA. SISON

After Sara, Du30 son takes on Trillanes

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY―The eldest son of President Rodrigo Duterte, Paolo Duterte, is set to file criminal and civil charges against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for “maliciously maligning him” in the case of the P6.4-billion shipment of shabu that was smuggled into the country last year.

In his statement, the presidential son said Trillanes has been destroying his name by implying that he was behind the smuggled shabu in several media inter-

Muslims celebrate PNP told: Dump end of Ramadan COTABATO CITY—The world’s Muslims on Friday ended their monthlong daily fasting in Ramadan which started last May 17.

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Utah star in Manila SPORTS A7

Ronaldo aims at WC glory

bodies of criminals in Pasig River

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered policemen to “dump” criminals in the Pasig River.

“Criminals, drug addicts are not supposed to be in the streets. So my directive is if they continue to stay in street corners, accompany them to [the] Pasig [River],” Duterte said.

“Tie their hands, and then dump them there.”

In other developments: • The Department of the Interior and

‘‘

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I will give you until noon tomorrow—leave (the government housing units) and I will order the Special Action Force to go in. If you resist and you die, that is your problem already.

SPORTS A8

—President Rodrigo Duterte to urban poor group Kadamay

views last year.

“Senator Trillanes manufactured lies and deliberately spread these lies with the obvious intention of destroying my name and maligning my reputation, with a view to impacting negatively against our beloved President,” he said.

“The senator was apparently emboldened by his false reliance on and abuse of his parliamentary immunity. But this immunity does not apply to libelous remarks made during media interviews, clearly as Next page

DESTRUCTIVE RAINS.

A construction wall collapses Thursday during the intermittent downpour, killing two construction personnel identified by the authorities as Hannah Aragon and Patrick Lachica of the FC Laranang Construction Co.—the incessant rains hampering retrieval operations following the month-long bad weather in Baguio City.

Dave Leprozo Jr.

ANTONIO TRILLANES IV

PAOLO DUTERTE

Aussie gets life sentence for child abuse AN AUSTRALIAN man has been sentenced to life in a Philippine prison as part of a notorious child sexual abuse case in which prosecutors say he chained the victims like dogs.

Peter Scully still faces another trial and dozens more charges, including allegations he made child pornography and murdered a young girl.

The Philippines has become a key hub for a billion-dollar, global child cybersex industry, police have warned, with operators helped by

widespread poverty.

Scully was convicted Wednesday of trafficking and rape by a court in the southern Philippines, three years after he was arrested there and accused of sexually abusing and filming girls including an 18-month-old baby.

The Cagayan de Oro court sentenced Scully and his Filipina partner to life in prison without parole and imposed a fine of P5 million ($93,700) for trafficking Filipina Next page

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News

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cops, and not senators, have to deal with killings—Sotto SENATE President Vicente Sotto III on Thursday criticized the proposal that the Senate investigate the killing of priests, saying it would be better if the police took care of the problem.

“I wonder what legislation can be taken up that is not already in the Revised Penal Code,” Sotto said.

“I would prefer that the law enforcers dealt with the problem.”

Sotto made his statement even as Senator Bam Aquino expressed concern over the death of Fr. Richmond Nilo and other priests, saying it underscored the growing culture of impunity and escalating violence in the country.

He said the killings took place in sacred places and in front of many people.

“If we are not scared and worried, I no longer know,” Aquino said as he visited Nilo’s wake in Nueva Ecija.

He said nobody was safe, and that there was violence even inside a church.

As a result, he said, he will file a resolution to investigate the peace-andorder situation in the country in light of the flagrant killing of religious leaders.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday urged the Senate to look into the spate of killings and attempts on the lives of priests, including Marcelito Paez, Mark Ventura and Richmond Nilo in the last six months. Macon RamosAraneta

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poor families, the funds required would reach P24 billion, more than double the P10 billion set aside under the law.

The Manila Standard tried to reach Roque for a clarification but he did not return its calls.

In the briefing, Roque said the DSWD and the Department of Transportation have already put in place some measures to ease the effects of TRAIN, including the creation of new jobs through the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program.

The UCT cash grant is a top-up benefit for Pantawid beneficiaries who are also receiving their regular cash grant and a P600 rice subsidy from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The Palace official urged the public to consider TRAIN’s positive impact on addressing poverty and inequality instead of looking at the short-term increase in prices.

“The TRAIN will not only provide higher take-home pay to wage earners but will also mean more jobs, better infrastructure, and more efficient delivery of services from massive investments in infrastructure and on people,” he said.

“These investments would increase the productive capacity of the economy, thereby creating more and better jobs and result in high-quality education, better health services, and adequate social protection so that everyone, especially the poor, is accorded with equal economic opportunities towards prosperity,” Roque added.

In response to rising prices, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines on Thursday asked the regional wage board to increase the minimum daily wage in Metro Manila from P512 to P832.

They added that the petition is consistent with the House Bill 7805 filed by TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza, which proposes the same P320 increase in the minimum wages in all regions.

“TUCP believes that a regional across-the-board wage increase of P320 is now needed in NCR because the existing P512 daily minimum wage is not enough for a household with at least five members to survive and to live a decent life,” Mendoza said in a statement.

On the other hand, TUCP vice president Manuel Corral said the amount was based on the pronouncement of the government that a family of five needs at least P42,000 a month to live decently.

He added that a family of five roughly needs P1,400 daily income to live decently. With PNA

Aussie...

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girls then aged 10 and 12, the regional prosecutor said.

“This is a big victory for us. This sends a very strong signal to traffickers that this government is serious in pursuing and prosecuting these cases,” Merlynn Uy, officer-in-charge of the regional prosecutor’s office, told AFP. “These girls were lured into his apartment and they said that they were chained on the neck, like dogs on a leash.”

Scully was also found guilty of rape, which carries a minimum of six years behind bars.

Customs seizes 200 vans laden with smuggled rice T HE Bureau of Customs seized 200 container vans of smuggled Thai rice worth more than P250 million at the Manila International Container Port, Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said Thursday.

He said it was the biggest interception made by the bureau since he assumed his post.

He made his statement even as President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday the rice self-sufficiency target may not be achieved before his term ends in 2020 as a result of the growing population and shrinking agricultural land.

“I do not believe that we can be rice sufficient,” Duterte said in his speech during the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Commission on

Higher Education and 112 state universities and colleges and 78 local universities in Malacañang.

Agriculture Secretary Manuel Piñol had earlier projected that the country would achieve rice self-sufficiency in 2020.

“What Piñol said at the years’ end, that was only a story,” Duterte said in jest.

“If you ask me, in the next how many years we will just have to import rice,” he said.

The rice shipment intercepted by Customs was consigned to Sta. Rosa Farm

Rody...

abroad and participate in the resumption of the peace talks as NDF consultants.

A separate source said Tiamzon and Baylosis, in particular, appeared to have already gone underground.

Dureza acknowledged that the suspension of the arrest warrants may be recalled with Duterte’s decision, calling it a “necessary consequence” that will be resolved by the court which approved their bail.

Sison said the suspension of the bail bond for Tiamzon and his colleagues is expected already.

Sison also insisted that the June 21 and June 28 dates that he announced in the media were contained in written agreements signed by government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III and NDF chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili on June 9 and 10.

“It is starkly clear that the government under Duterte is not interested in serious peace negotiations with the NDF. It is interested vainly in obtaining the NDF capitulation under the guise of an indefinite ceasefire agreements,” he added.

Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana, for his part, said the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, have always used the peace talks to strengthen their organization.

“They have always done that―they regroup and recruit whenever we hold peace talks,” he said in a phone interview.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., a former presidential peace adviser, said peace talks must resume “founded on a strong preliminary agreement on ceasefire and a clear agenda.”

“Let us be cautious about it even as we must work fast,” Esperon said.

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“We call the bullshit of Dureza about having the biggest peace table with the public...Duterte just wants me to return to the Philippines and resume the talks there so he can control the peace talks.

Duterte is a control and homicidal maniac,” Sison told Manila Standard in a separate interview.

A well-placed source who was privy to Wednesday evening’s joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police Command Conference in Malacañang said Duterte reached the decision to “reset” the peace talks following Sison’s several pronouncements on the timetable of the negotiations.

“The President reviewed the recent statements of Joma because it was Joma who was announcing that there will be a week-long ‘stand down order’ between the NDF and the government that will begin on June 21 and that the formal peace talks will resume on June 28. Is he the spokesman of the government?

Baka akala niya nanalo na sila sa giyera [Perhaps he thought they already won the war],” the source said.

“How can Joma say there will be a ceasefire effective June 21? Sinong kausap niya? (Who is he talking to?) There are backchannel talks but nothing has been approved by the principal yet. Is he trying to preempt the government?” the source added.

Last week, a Manila regional trial court allowed five jailed communist leaders― CPP chairman Benito Tiamzon, Adelberto Silva, Rafael Baylosis, Randall Echanis and Vicente Ladlad―to travel

PNP...

Local Government said Thursday it supports Duterte’s proposal to arm barangay captains to protect themselves.

Interior Officer in Charge Eduardo Año said arming village chiefs was a viable plan depending on the gravity of the threats to them.

“As they are our first line of defense in the grassroots level, their exposure to various scalawags and criminal elements is high. The need for urgent protection is therefore imperative,” Año said. *Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said he was not in favor of arming barangay captains as suggested by Duterte.

Instead of giving guns to the 42,000 barangay captains, Drilon said, the solution was to enforce the rule of law, strengthen the criminal justice system and hold the Philippine National Police responsible.

He also cited the need to impose the standards on law enforcement that the people deserved.

“We must make criminals pay and restore respect for the law,” Drilon said.

• Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said policemen will soon be cracking down harder on loiterers and lingerers drinking alcohol in public.

He told reporters the police were

continuing to run after lingerers violating local ordinances, particularly those holding drinking sessions on the streets.

Duterte assured the police of his full support as long as they did their duties strictly in accordance with the law.

“Do not be afraid to go after the criminals. You know, the streets and highways, we built them for the lawabiding citizens. Criminals and drug addicts are not supposed to be there,” Duterte said.

“You be strict. Part of confronting people who do not do nothing and are just idling around, they are potential trouble for the public.”

In his speech, Duterte said he wanted the newly promoted officials to embody the highest standards of excellence and selfless leadership at all times and not to settle for anything less.

He also asked the help of the newly promoted officials to realize his campaign promise of eliminating illegal drugs, corruption and criminality.

He said while his administration had accomplished much since it started its journey almost two years ago, more still needed to be done.

“Join me in this quest. I assure you that you have my full support as you contribute to our efforts in advancing the common good and promoting the safety and well-being of our people,” Duterte said. Vito Barcelo, Francisco Tuyay, Macon Ramos-Araneta and PNA

He was arrested in 2015 in Malaybalay, another southern Philippine city, after fleeing from Australia in 2011. He had come to the Philippines to escape fraud charges in his home country.

He then set up a cybersex business, filming teenage girls from impoverished families as he had sex with them or used sex toys, investigators said.

The videos were allegedly sold to customers in Germany, the United States and Brazil.

Most of the people who pay to view these types of sex videos are abroad, with potentially thousands of children being abused, often with their parents’ consent, authorities said.

Scully faces another trial for a second

batch of 60 charges including the rape of an 18-month-old baby girl and the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl.

It is not clear when those proceedings will start.

The social welfare department said Scully’s victims remained in government custody.

“The children have been traumatized.

We provide them therapy to help them prepare for a normal life,” regional social welfare director Nestor Ramos told AFP. Australia’s foreign affairs department told AFP it was providing consular assistance to Scully but declined to comment further citing “privacy obligations.” AFP

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Products Corp., but it did not have the permits from the National Food Authority, Lapeña said.

He said the necessary taxes and duties to import the rice were also unpaid.

The intercepted rice may be auctioned off within five to 10 days with the assistance of the NFA. The seizure of smuggled rice may somehow help improve the stocks of rice in Metro manila.

Meanwhile, Customs also destroyed P22 million worth of smuggled goods including fake cigarettes, office supplies, clothing and shoes apparel.

The smuggled goods came from China, Lapeña said and again warned that the bureau will strictly monitor all shipments to stop smuggling in the country.

Vito Barcelo with PNA

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He added that what is important is that fishermen are again able to enter the area and fish under the Duterte administration.

“We have communicated the fact that we view this to be wrong and the Chinese have said that they are looking into it. Let’s await the results of the investigation,” Roque said of the incidents involving the Chinese coast guards.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, said the Philippines cannot send it Coast Guard to the Panatag Shoal under a “tentative fishing agreement” with China.

Cayetano said that during the previous administration, the country lost control of the shoal and Filipino fishermen were not allowed to enter the area.

“We won’t solve our territorial dispute by positioning our Coast Guard ships there. The tough guy approach just won’t work,” Cayetano told the reporters in an ambush interview.

“Only their ships are inside. If we send a ship to go inside, for us it won’t be an aggressive act, but what will we do if they block us?” Cayetano said.

The row over Panatag Shoal began in April 2012, when China stopped the Philippines from arresting Chinese fishermen who were caught catching turtles and other protected marine life.

The standoff ended when then President Benigno Aquino III pulled out Philippine vessels from the area because of bad weather.

Since the pullout, China has taken control of the shoal, Cayetano said.

Today, because Duterte has reached out to China, Filipino fishermen are allowed into Panatag again, he added.

In a Malacañang press conference on Monday, fisherman Rommel Sihuela confirmed that China has control over Panatag Shoal and said China “allows” them to fish there.

He also added that there are no Philippine Coast Guard vessels patroling in the area.

Roque presented Sihuela and two other fishermen on Monday to describe the real state of Panatag Shoal.

Over the past years, China has claimed some of the features of the disputed South China Sea particularly the Philippine-owned-reefs-turnedislands in the Kalayaan Group of Islands (Spratlys) where Beijing has installed weapon system in the region.

The reclamation in the South China Sea started when a standoff developed between the Philippines and China in 2012.

China’a activities over the disputed sea became more visible when the Philippines filed a case before the Arbitral Tribunal, which eventually ruled in favor of Manila in 2016 and declared Beijing’s 9-dash line claims as excessive and illegal.

China has refused to recognize the jurisdiction of the court and did not participate in any of its hearings.

Earlier, Carpio had warned that the Philippines may lose its legal rights to fish in Panatag Shoal if it accepts China’s assertion that it only allows Filipinos to fish there “out of goodwill.”

Muslims...

From A1 The Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences earlier forecast a 29-day Ramadan in 2018 (1439 in the lunar-based Hijra Calendar) which means fasting days ended Thursday (June 14).

Khalid Saleh Al-Zaaq, a member of the AUASS, had issued the same forecast that June 15 would be the Eid’l Fitr (Feast of End of Ramadan), based on astronomical calculation.

“By the authority vested in me as the Mufti of the Bangsamoro, I do hereby declare tomorrow, Friday, June 15, 2018 as Eidl Fitr Day (of prayers and fete),” Sheikh Abdulrahman Abu Hraira Udasan said in a live

Freedom Fund may level field —Con-Com TO EMPOWER the smaller, lesserknown political parties in the political race, the consultativecommittee tasked

by President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution wants to create a Democracy Fund to serve as a depository of campaign contributions to level the political playing field.

Con-Com Senior Technical Assistant and spokesman Ding Generoso said this proposal will fall under the draft Federal Constitution’s proposed new section under the new article on Suffrage, Political Rights and Political Parties (Article V).

This provision, formulated by ConCom member Julio Teehankee, has been approved in the Con-Com sub-committee on Political Reforms and Leveling the Political Field and will be voted on in the final en banc session, Generoso said.

He made his statement even as Malacañang’s experts’ group, which is putting the finishing touches on a new federal Constitution, faces the challenge of generating broad public support for its proposed political and structural reforms.

The consultative committee is set to finish drafting the new Constitution over the weekend, Generoso said. He said it will begin on Monday a twomonth regional consultation to further fine- tune its proposal.

Part of the challenge is explaining the basic principles of federalism considering that, based on one survey, seven out of 10 Filipinos barely understand this system of government.

Generoso said the Campaign Finance Reform is not only meant to encourage smaller political parties, but also to regulate political contributions and campaign financing, make campaign funding available to all parties and candidates and ensure transparency. ‘‘We have a huge imbalance. There are many parties and candidates who are not as famous and as rich but better than those who are famous but who have no chance of winning because they don’t have enough funds,” Generoso told reporters in Pasay City on Thursday. PNA

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these attacks were done outside the halls of the Senate―and definitely not when these were discharged with the pure intention of destroying me,” Paolo added.

Earlier, Paolo labeled Trillanes’ words as pure lies, based entirely on gossips and as part of his ‘desperate black propaganda’ against him and towards his family.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said that it is now up to her brother to pursue criminal and civil charges against the senator.

Recently, Mayor Duterte and Trillanes again traded barbs when the senator said the mayor would run for president in 2022 to save her father from jail.

Mayor Duterte noted that Trillanes is just making all the noise against her to gather media attention as he seeks another term.

“I will still answer him if he will mention my name again. Like what I have been mentioning, I will be a pain in the ass for him,” she said.

“I guess the best way to tease him is maybe I should run in the 2022 presidential election,” she said.

In December, Paolo Duterte also filed civil charges against Trillanes.

Aside from Paolo, Trillanes also implicated the husband of Mayor Duterte, lawyer Manases Carpio.

Trillanes shrugged off the libel suit.

“That’s another frivolous lawsuit meant to harass or divert my attention,” Trillanes told reporters.

“Clearly, during the Senate inquiry [last year], I was able to present circumstantial evidence of the links of Paolo Duterte to the major players involved in the P6.4-billion shabu shipment to include [Customs fixer] Mark Taguba’s testimony,” Trillanes added.

The opposition senator also said he would not be cowed by the administration, whom he accused of using the justice system against the political opposition. With Macon Ramos-Araneta radio broadcast at about 8:09 p.m. Thursday.

Malacañang has already declared June 15 a non-working holiday to mark Eid’l Fitr celebration, based on Proclamation 514 which the Palace issued on June 6, according to the National Commission on Muslim Affairs.

Dated today (Friday), the Palace also released Thursday the Eid’l Fitr Message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the country’s more than five-million Muslims.

“I join our Muslim brothers and sisters as they end Ramadan and reaffirm their commitment to self-purification and jubilation. We collectively observe this event to praise Allah in thanksgiving for providing our nation the strength to endure the challenges of misguided ideologies, terrorism and violent extremism,” the Chief Executive said. Nash B. Maulana

News Opposition bloc wants Smartmatic out of 2019 polls

By Maricel V. Cruz THE minority bloc at the House of Representatives on Thursday threatened to lobby for the rejection of the budget proposal of the Commission on Elections for 2019 if the poll body continues its services for the midterms elections.

“If the Comelec insist on the services of the Smartmatic, we will move for the rejection of the Comelec budget for 2019,” House minority leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said at a news forum Thursday.

Suarez took note of the “glaring” lapses of Smartmatic in handling the automated elections in the past years.

For his part, Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said the Comelec must consider tapping the services of a local provider to handle next year’s elections.

He said the lapses committed by the Smartmatic have resulted in the ongoing vote recount at the Supreme Court, sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, involving Vice President Leni Robredo and her opponent, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “The election protest involving Vice President Leni Robredo and former senator Marcos at the Presidential Electoral Tribunal should be sufficient basis for getting a local provider of our computerized system [of elections],” Atienza said.

Atienza said the country does not need a foreign entity to handle the vote counting.

Suarez said that the new technology provider should be chosen through a bidding.

“Electoral reforms are necessary if we are to strengthen democracy,” Atienza said.

JBC grills competence of six nominated SC aspirants

By Rey E. Requejo THE Judicial and Bar Council on Thursday grilled six of 12 candidates who were nominated for the position in the Supreme Court to be vacated by Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. when he retires on August.

During the interviews, Court of Appeals Justices Ramon Garcia, Oscar Badelles, Manuel Barrios and Amy Lazaro-Javier; Judge Carlos Espero RTC Davao City; and former Ateneo College of Law Dean Cesar Villanueva were asked by JBC members on various issues.

The seven-member council vetted the SC aspirants by testing their opinions on various pressing issues including the ouster of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, the conflict with China in the West Philippine Sea, and the proposed legalization of divorce and samesex marriage in the country.

Badelles was asked for his opinion on the WPS conflict, and he sees no active role of the judiciary on this issue.

“Historically judiciary awaits cases to be filed. But basically the pursuit on West Philippine Sea

should be done by the executive branch. Judiciary does not have an active role on that,” he opined.

Badelles was also quizzed on moves to allow same-sex marriage in the country, which the SC will hear in oral arguments on June 19.

He said it cannot be allowed under the 1987 Constitution.

“Freedom of religion is given preferred status over civil political rights, so if it’s between freedom of religion and freedom against discrimination, freedom of religion has higher preference under the Constitution,” he said.

According to him, gay couples may be discriminated if marriage is prohibited, but explained that this is because “one right is superior than the other.”

Barrios, for his part, was asked about Sereno’s ouster via quo warranto case and gave a more academic answer.

“What is quo warranto and when it is applicable? It is a legal remedy to question the fitness and qualification or lack of qualification of a certain person to a government position or a government officer who reached the limit of his term but refuses to vacate office,” he stressed.

Morales a hypocrite—ex-VP spokesman JOEY Salgado, the spokesman of former vice president Jejomar Binay on Thursday slammed Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales, whom he accused of “no longer hiding her hypocrisy and double standard.”

This was after the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday said its field identification office recommended graft charges against Binay after completing its probe of the P600-million sale of the property owned by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines on Malugay Street, Makati City during Binay’s tenure as BSP president.

In a statement, Salgado said that only a few days ago, Morales had said that she would no longer pursue the cases against highprofile allies and personalities of the previous administration who benefited from the PDAF scam.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Salgado added COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS that the Ombudsman justified this ANNOUNCEMENT President Ro dr igo Roa D uter te has submit ted to the C ommis sion by citing the alon A ppointment s (C. A .) for c onf ir mation the ad inter im appointment s leged absence of of the following senior of f ic ials in the D epar tment of Foreign A f fair s: evidence and lack M s . M a r i a A n d r e li t a Sac r a m en to Au st r i a – as C hief of M iss ion, C lass I; M r. L e sli e Juni o Ba j a – as C hief of of time, even if an M iss ion, C lass I; M r. Fr a n k Revil Ci m a f r a n c a – as Chief of M is sion, Clas s I; M s . M a . Th e r e sa D i zo n D e Ve g a - as affidavit has been C hief of M iss ion, C lass I; M s . C e li a A nn a M a ll a r i Fe r i a – as C hief of M iss ion, C lass I; M r. Raul Sa l ava r i a H e r n a n d e z signed by Janet – as C hief of M iss ion, C lass I; M r. M eyn a rd o Lo s Ba ño s M o n t eal e g r e – as C hief of M iss ion, C lass I; M s . I r en e Napoles naming Su sa n Ba r r ei ro N a t i vi d a d – as Chief of M is sion, Clas s I; M s . M a r i a Fe Ta n a b e Pa n gilin a n – as Chief of M is sion, these high-profile Clas s I; M r. M a r sh a ll Lo ui s M ac a b a l e A l f e r e z – as C hief of M iss ion, C lass I I; M r. Ed g a r Ba r r a i ro Ba d a jo s – as Chief allies and personof M is sion, Clas s II; M r. Ro b e sp i e r r e Li vel o Bo li va r – as Chief of M is sion, Clas s II; M r. Jo se V i c to r V ill a r ino Ch a n alities.

G o n z ag a – as Chief of M is sion, Clas s II; M r. Pa t r i c k A n g Chu a soto – as Chief of M is sion, Clas s II; M r. N eil Fr a n k But Salgado R i ve r a Fe r r e r – as C hief of M iss ion, C lass I I; M r. En r ic o Tr ini d a d Fo s – as Chief of M is sion, Clas s II; M r. Pa t r i c k noted that MoJo hn Uy t i e p o Hil a d o – as Chief of M is sion, Clas s II; M s . rales still found A nn e Jal a n d o - o n Lo ui s – as Chief of M is sion, Clas s II; M r.

M a rd o m el C el o D o min g o M eli c o r – as Chief of M is sion, time to pursue the Clas s II; M r. G i ova nni En d en c i a Pa l e c – as Chief of M is sion, Clas s II; M r. Z a l d y Baya nin Pa t ro n – as Chief case against the of M is sion, Clas s II; M r. G e r mini a V. Ag uil a r- Usu d a n – as Career M inister ; M r. M a r fo rd M o p e r a A n g e l e s – as former vice presiCareer M inister ; M r. Ch r i sto p h e r Pa t r i c k To p ac i o A ro – as Career M inister ; M r. Ed g a r To m a s Q uilino Au xili a n dent, even if the – as Career M inister ; M s. I n d hi r a Co n si g n a Ba ñ a r e s – as C ar eer M inis ter ; M r. Ro b e r to Teyl a n B e r n a rd o – as complaint lacked Career M inister ; M r. Fe lip e Fa b i a n Ca r iño I I I – as Career M inister ; M s . M a r i a A nn a Lili a Lu ag u e D e Ve r a – as basis in fact.

C ar eer M inis ter ; M r. Ren a to N e r D u eñ a s, Jr. – as C ar eer M inis ter ; M r. G in e s Ja i m e R i c a rd o Dac a n ay G a ll ag a – as “Clearly, the Car eer M inis ter ; M r. J e su s En r i q u e G u a n zo n G a rc i a I I – as C ar eer M inis ter ; M r. M e l c ho r Pe r e z L a luni o, Jr. – as Ombudsman inC ar eer M inis ter ; M s. Ed n a M ay G r e c i a L a z a ro – as C ar eer M inis ter ; M s . A r l en e Tulli d M ag no – as Career M inister ; tends to spend M r. A n t ho ny Ac hill e s L a r in M a n d a p – as Career M inister ; M r. M e r so l e Ja l a M e ll e jo r – as Career M inister ; M r. her last days in M a r l owe Ag uil a r M i r a n d a – as Career M inister ; M r. N o e l office pursuing M a n g aoa n g Novi c i o – as Career M inister ; M s. K r i st in e L e il a ni Ro d r i g u e z a Sa ll e – as Career M inister ; and M r. her personal and G un t h e r E mil M ayo Sa l e s – as Career M inister. political agenda T he public may submit any infor mation, w r it ten repor t, or swor n / not ar ized c omplaint s or oppositions in thir t y t wo (32) c opies on the against former above appointment s to the CA Sec ret ar iat, 6 Flo or, PN B Financ ial C enter, D. M ac apagal B lvd., Pasay Cit y, M et ro M anila.

VP Binay while For the sc hedule of the public hear ings and any other inquir y, being a true-blue c ont ac t the CA Sec ret ar iat through telephone number s 8 3 4 -2713, 8 311824, 8 31- 0 527, 8 32- 9 8 3 0, 8 3 4 -270 6 and 5 51-19 8 9.

Yellow protector 14 J une 2018 . to the end. It’s selective justice, H ECTO R A . V I LL ACO RTA S e c r et a r y pure and simple,” said Salgado. th

(MS-JUNE 15, 2018)

A3

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SolGen to SC: Affirm ouster of CJ Sereno T

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Office of the Solicitor General has asked the Supreme Court to sustain its decision last month removing Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno from the top judicial post.

In a 75-page comment, Solicitor General Jose Calida sought the dismissal of the motion for reconsideration filed by Sereno for lack of merit.

The chief state lawyer said that Sereno’s appeal should be denied for her failure to raise any new argument that would warrant reversal of the high court’s ruling, which disqualified her from the chief justice post and invalidated her appointment in 2012.

Calida argued that the arguments raised by the ousted chief justice in her 205-page MR filed last May 30 were all rehashed of issues already resolved by the Court in its May 11 decision.

“These issues had been resolved by the Court in its decision dated May 11, 2018. The scholarly concurring and dissenting opinions of the members of the Court show that beyond doubt,” Calida said, referring to Sereno’s claims on lack of jurisdiction and authority of the high court to remove her, violation of the one-year prescription period on quo warranto cases and lack of evidence on her lack of proven integrity.

Calida described Sereno’s appeal as “pro forma” or a resurrection of issues previously raised by parties and were already resolved by the Court, which has “no other purpose than to delay or impede the smooth administration of justice.”

Calida, who filed the quo warranto petition last March, said the SC ruling was

correct, contrary to the assertion of Sereno that she could only be removed through an impeachment process in Congress and that the SC overstepped its powers and violated the separation of powers as supported by the draft Senate resolution reportedly signed by 14 senators to support this position.

“A dispassionate look at the present impeachment provision, Section 2 of Article XI, shows that it does not preclude the removal of impeachable officers through a quo warranto proceeding. Both the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions used the words shall and only; on the other hand, the 1987 Constitution uses the word may to qualify the modes of removal of such impeachable officials. The use of the term “may” in the provision is contours as permissive and operating to confer discretion.

It cannot be construes as having a mandatory effect,” the Solicitor General said.

He insisted that the quo warranto proceedings is “separate and distinct from impeachment.”

Calida pointed out that the SC was correct in ruling that Sereno does not possess the eligibility of proven integrity to occupy the chief justice post through her failure to file her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth.

“The Honorable Court correctly ruled that compliance with the Constitutional and statutory requirement of filing of SALN intimately relates to a person’s integrity.

The Honorable Court correctly found that

respondent repeatedly failed to file her SALNs,” added the comment.

The Solicitor General also disputed Sereno’s claim that the Court violated her constitutional right to due process.

“The Court observed the right of the respondent to due process. Due process is satisfied when a person is notified of the charge against him and given an opportunity to explain or defend himself,” he said.

Calida also defended the refusal of the six justices accused by Sereno of biases—Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Francis Jardeleza, Noel Tijam and Samuel Martires—to inhibit from the case.

“There is no basis for the six members of the Court to voluntarily inhibit themselves. Mere imputation of bias and partiality is not enough.

A voluntary inhibition must rest on arbitrary or prejudicial conduct,” he argued.

“Respondent’s claim that she was not heard by an impartial tribunal is therefore based merely on speculation and surmise. She has no clear and convincing evidence to show bias on the part of some members of the Court,” he said.

Lastly, Calida said the SC ruled correctly in exempting the government—particularly his office—from the one-year prescription period on quo warranto cases under Section 11, Rule 66 of the Rules of Court.

With the submission of the OSG’s comment, the high court is expected to now decide on Sereno’s appeal and decide on the case with finality.

Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio recently revealed that they intend to resolve the case within this month. An insider revealed that the justices have set their deliberations on Sereno’s appeal in their session on Tuesday next week, June 19.

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Opinion

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The diabolical

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

we demolish each other’s proposals, instead of rejoicing in the gift that each of us can be, and discerning the wisdom that lies hidden for as long as we look FR. RANHILIO only with jaundiced eyes.

CALLANGAN We are deeply wounded, and hating AQUINO will not bring us any closer to healing.

If anything at all, it will only cause the WHAT I really fear is that, as a nation, wounds to fester, the injury to become we are POSSESSED—truly possessed putrid. We all too frequently protest —by the devil of hatred. It is alarming that we hate the offense and not the ofto me that HATRED is what propels fender—but the truth is that insofar as much of what we do. Disagreement can our hates go, the offense is the offender, be a catalyst but hatred is always de- and our rejection of the misdeed is also structive. our shunning of the person.

• President Dingong hates drug pushJust as the people we adulate are alers, peddlers, users and those who op- ways good no matter how dumb they pose him. can sometimes be, the people we hate • Opponents of President Digong are always wrong, no matter how noble hate him and use every means possible they can be. The truth is that no one to make their hatred known and shared is ever perfectly noble, and no one is by others. completely ignoble.

• Supporters of President Digong Social media is one site where hate hate Abp. Socrates and other bishops abounds. There, you will find its difand priests of the Catholic Church. ferent, ugly manifestations: From • Regrettably, words of hate and many church hateful words, to leaders join deminsulting caricaonstrations, post tures all the way The truth is that no statements, and down to unconissue pronounce- one is ever perfectly cealed cursing and ments dripping insulting. noble, and no one is with hatred for But it is also DU30 and his sup- completely ignoble. found in those porters. who should know • Supporters of better, those who Leni hate Bongare consecrated to bong, and antiforgive, those who Marcos opponents hate both Ferdinand are anointed to embrace and never to Marcos and all his progeny down to reject. The President has not hidden his the generation of Bongbong’s sons and aversion for us priests, and that is sad, Imee’s children. because we could be his allies in what • Supporters of the Marcoses hate I do not doubt is his sincere desire to Leni, and hate all those who hate the rebuild the country. But do we upon Marcoses. whom hands were laid to preach a Gos• Votaries of the communist move- pel of forgiveness find it in our hearts ment hate capitalists and all those they to forgive him, let alone to love him? call exploiters of the people.

And will hating him as much as he • But there are as many Filipinos who hates us make anything better for the hate the NPAs for all the trouble they country and for us and the consecrated have caused, the lives they have taken, lives we are supposed to live? and the property destroyed.

It was hatred that cut down the WHAT HAS BECOME OF US? priests who were just murdered— That which we condemn in others whatever the stories, tragic or sordid, stares back at us from within ourselves. may lie behind their murders. How Why have we allowed ourselves to be does healing even begin if all that taken captive by this evil spirit of ha- reigns in our hearts as we grieve over tred? Can we not all together decide to their lifeless bodies is hatred, and ask the Lord to exorcise us, and we can worse, if we pin the hatred on someall start by taking the Beatitudes more one who does not deserve it at all? seriously...starting with me!

For its part, how can a leader rally The reign of hatred has enervated his people to a common cause if cuss our souls and rendered arid our spirit words, hateful speech and indictment as a people. We tear at each other, and Turn to A5

PENSEES

S

Beleaguered peso

EVERAL domestic and foreign factors are eroding the value of the peso against the US currency and they may further weigh down on the peso toward the end of the year.

The peso on Wednesday dropped below 53 against the US dollar, the local currency’s lowest level in nearly 12 years. The peso has lost about 6 percent of its value against the US dollar, or more than the full-year depreciation of 5.4 percent and 4.7 percent in 2016 and 2015 respectively, making it the weakest currency in Asia, excluding Japan.

Analysts are quick to point out that the ballooning trade deficit is greatly weakening the value of the peso. The trend has prompted DBS Bank of Singapore to predict that the peso may depreciate further to 54 per US dollar by the end of the year.

The trade deficit widened to a cumulative $12.2 billion in the first four months of 2018 after

imports rose 10.5 percent while exports fell 6.2 percent. This implies that more dollars are being spent overseas by importers compared with the foreign exchange earnings of exporters, resulting in the reduced supply of the US currency in the local financial market. More imports are coming in because of the demand in the local economy, partly triggered by the capital equipment requirements of the government’s massive infrastructure program.

Foreign fund managers, meanwhile, are avoiding emerging markets like the Philippines in favor of US dollar-based investment instruments. Higher interest rates in the US have made the American currency more attractive in terms of investment

returns, weakening the value of the peso in the process.

Currency speculation may also be undermining the value of the peso. Philippine companies could already be hedging or buying dollars for their future requirements at a higher cost in anticipation of a further weakening of the peso. The same may be true with Filipinos working overseas, who could be delaying their remittances to the Philippines for a better exchange rate.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas could stem the tide and “defend” the peso through another increase in interest rates. Higher local interest rates may slow down the peso depreciation—which is inflationary—but they will raise the cost of borrowing and dampen the expansion plan of companies. It is a delicate balancing act that the Bangko Sentral must perform.

The Summit in Singapore That however , is a long way down the road. A pledge and a commitment of denuclearization and dismantling of all North Korea’s missile arsenal has to be ALEJANDRO verified by an independent body like the DEL ROSARIO United Nations and its relevant agency, the Vienna-based International Atomic AFTER all the hype and focus of the Energy Agency. The IAEA is tasked world press on the Summit in Singa- with overseeing the compliance with pore between US President Donald non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

John Trump and North Korean leader If at all, the best quote in this summit Kim Jong-un, what is there really to was from Kim who said “ this meeting expect from this historical and unprec- sets aside all the prejudices of the past edented meeting? and should be seen as a prelude to I’m not going to dash the hopes of peace.” This was from someone whom people yearning for peace in the Asia- Trump called “the little rocket man.”

Pacific region. Some observers called The words may not have been Kim’s the Summit a success. International an- own original version but it showed he alysts, however, said the Trump- Kim had a better set of speechwriters than meeting should the American not be compared president. to the landmark While credit ice-breaking of the must be accorded Cold War between Trump for being It may be too much President Richard the first American Nixon and Mao to hope for but who president to travel Zedong. that far to Singaknows?

That Trump and pore , he left the Kim who are diaGroup of 7 leadmetrically opposed ers meeting in ideologues met at Canada in disarall is indeed something to be sanguine ray. He arrived late for the G-7 and left about . No US president has ever met early without signing nor endorsing the with a North Korean leader starting Group’s joint communiqué. It was total from its first “supreme leader” Kim Il disregard of military and economic alSung who ascended into power in 1948. lies to meet with a former enemy he had He passed on the title to his son Kim been trading threats of nuclear strike.

Jong Il . The current leader is the son Trump, in his post-summit stateof Jong Il and the grandson of Il Sung. ment, trumpeted the great progress This continues the longest bloodline of made in his meeting with Kim. From family succession barring the rule of the viewpoint of world analysts, howthe English royals. ever, Kim got more out of this meeting The pledge of Kim Jong-un, the third in Singapore. He stands to gain from generation of the Kim dynasty, that he the economic ties with the US when will undertake his country’s denucleari- Trump declared he would lift sanczation certainly will ease tension in the tions against Pyongyang. So on second region and in the Korean peninsula. If he thought, the pudgy little man with the does, scarce funds can instead be fun- bad haircut may be smarter than most neled to improve the lives of his people.

Turn to A5

BACK CHANNEL

SMC redefines its vision, mission VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ IN JANUARY this year, San Miguel Corp. drastically recast its vision and mission statements.

The new SMC vision says: “We are San Miguel.”

“Guided by a strong sense of social, environmental, and economic responsibility, our businesses will lead efforts to deliver on national goals, setting the pace of progress in the Philippines.”

Right away, the 128-year old business behemoth declares that it takes on purposefully the three major responsibilities

any company worth its salt should have —social responsibility, environmental responsibility, and economic responsibility.

In 2003, SMC defined its vision as: “San Miguel will be among the largest food, beverage and packag-

The company is undertaking the largest expansion ever in its 128-year history, at a cost of P745 billion.

ing companies in the Asia-Pacific. We will carry into new markets our over a century-old tradition of quality and integrity. Consumers will take pleasure in reaching for our products and services because they are the best value for money. Our food and beverage brands will be in every household and every retail outlet. We will meet our consumers’ everyday needs, delighting their every taste. Through our products and services, every occasion to drink and eat will bring enjoyment—a celebration.”

The 2003 vision statement imbued the dream SMC Vice Chairman and President Ramon S. Ang has always had for the company. He took over as SMC president in 2002.

Turn to A5

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Opinion

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

How to be a dictator: The political rules

The sky is not falling CROSSROADS

JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ IT’S not as bad as the headlines are painting it to be. The country is not in tatters. Despite a spate of killings including that of Fr. Richmond Nilo, people are still walking freely on our streets. Unlike in Venezuela or Nicaragua, violent street protests have not erupted to levels wished for by antigovernment groups. Despite the spike in prices of some goods and services, the malls and other favored destinations are still crowded with people. Traffic gridlock remains a way of life specially in Metro Manila and other urban areas like Cebu. With the advent of the rains, flooded areas continue to hog the evening news. President Duterte continues to spew his favorite words and opposition leaders keep on bashing him for the slightest of reasons. We just had a muted celebration of Independence Day highlighted yet again by divisive, even incendiary, rhetoric. But no visible signs of active protest and desperation are in the air.

Sure, prices of basic commodities have been rising. The peso has hit an all time 14-year low whichhas, not too surprisingly, somehow sparked a surge in foreign direct investments. While merchandise exports have leveled off, imports of capital goods continue to rise.

Apparently, manufacturers specially of items needed for the administration’s much-touted Build, Build, Build program are bracing for brisk sales ahead.

Maybe, they have been issued purchase orders last year which now have to be delivered. Not to be outdone, Budget Secretary Ben Diokno has actually warned government officials and their contractors and suppliers to go ahead full blast with their funded projects— otherwise, they may not get any kind of increase in this year’s budget round.

Worse, they may even get a cut and their unspent monies by the end of the first semester may be impounded. Indeed, despite all the testy give and take, including exaggerated, even faked, accounts of the most depressing or worrisome developments in this benighted land, life goes on.

The sky is not falling this side of the Pacific. The South China/West Philippine Sea remains open to international shipping despite continued Chinese expansion of their occupied islands. Our fishermen can still fish in Panatag albeit under the shadow of Chinese Coast Guard vessels and a flotilla of Chinese fishermen. Is it not possible for us to

SMC...

From A4

In the 2003 vision, RSA declared that San Miguel must grow, grow big, and grow bigger. By expanding existing businesses and making them even more profitable and relevant to the Filipino consumer. And by diversifying into new businesses and making San Miguel itself even more vital and strategic to the long-term growth of the country.

In the 2018 vision, San Miguel must still grow and frenetically at that, but not at the expense of harming the Filipino social fabric, harming the environment, and harming its old culture of profit with honor. San Miguel must make profits, and it does so in a grand way, but not excessively as to harm the Filipino consumer.

This brings San Miguel to one core value that San Miguel takes seriously —“malasakit”—the Filipino word for caring, concern and empathy. This is inspired by SMC chairman and CEO Eduardo S. Cojuangco.

Malasakit is manifested in many ways and San Miguel tells us how: “We do what is right” “We believe in doing our best” “We take accountability for our decisions” “We think innovation” “We help our people succeed” “We are a good neighbor” We advocate sustainable development.”

Sum up SMC chairman ECJ and president RSA: “Our goal is no longer just to make

The Summit...

From A4

of us gave him credit for. Kim trumped Trump in the art of the deal which the latter touts himself as the master.

Trump and Kim, after their meeting, agreed to visit each other’s countries. This exchange of visits could lead to the opening of diplomatic relations between Washington and Pyongyang.

As it is,the People’s Republic of Korea would probably gain more because diplomatic ties would end its isolation

have our own Coast Guard vessel stay within the area and guard our folks?

If not, can we at least organize weekly minimum of 30 to 50 banca fishing expeditions to Panatag so that we cannot be bullied by the Chinese at all? Or, at the very least have the US Navy or other allies do pass by drills near the disputed areas to restrain the Chinese from any bullying? Indeed, instead of crying and blabbering about Chinese incursions in the disputed areas and doing nothing to reinforce and fortify our own occupied isles in the open seas, why don’t we come out with more creative ways to secure our piece of the action? That way we maintain a modicum of peace no matter how uneasy and stability in those areas.

And, as has been our wont for years on end without any serious repercussions, be content with what we have.

But precisely this state of affairs, of life appearing to be just fine in most parts of the archipelago, is what’s driv-

There are no visible signs of active protest and desperation. ing certain sectors and individuals who should know better to paroxysm of angst bordering on incredulity.

They better get used to these things.

The way I look at it, majority of our people have seen even worse things happening before yet managed to stand up and move on. There is virtue in knowing what you can and cannot do under certain circumstances, riding the wave, so to speak, and coping with what is dealt us. There is a unique Filipino trait which, as an international survey firm once noted, can best describe our smiles and happy disposition as compared with other races going through similar trying circumstances—resiliency. Making do with what we have and working hard to make things better is a trait we should internalize as we move on united in the hope that there is a better future ahead of us as a nation. Focusing on the negative no matter how insignificant, fueling divisive tendencies and openly calling for this administration’s downfall if one cannot get his way can only expose those practicing it as insensitive and un-Filipino. Maybe even inhuman, un-Christian and, yes, coming from another planet.

Tsk..tsk..tsk.. *** PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde and his boys better work

double time to get to the killers not only of the three priests, the Davao Norte journalist and the CamSur judge but all the other killings of civilians which have spiked over the first month of his administration.

Our people will understand the spate of killings related to the ongoing and intensified war on drugs despite the charge of some sectors of overkill. Drug trafficking and usage should really be eradicated to the barest minimum. But civilian killings? That is another matter. What makes these killings truly condemnable is the seeming ease with which the killers have done their worst.

It is as if having guns and doing away with murder can be done at will. Citizen vigilance and active involvement in keeping the peace and, perhaps more importantly, police visibility which were the hallmarks of the first year of this administration have all but vanished into thin air. What seems to be the problem?

In any event, there is no reason for the police not to be able to respond responsibly and calm the waters, so to speak. They have in their arsenal all the possible weapons to combat this percolating danger in our midst—from information and education campaigns to community mobilization to rigorous intelligence work and calculated decimation of the killing nexus, if we may call it such.

For one, they must have a listing of all hot spots, notorious killing groups and other killing data in their files.

They must also have a listing of protectors and/or associates of these killers in which case they can trace their roots, so to speak, down to the littlest details.

That should give them enough ammunition to make things happen, calm the waters and restore public confidence in their ability to keep the peace. *** Our prayers for the repose of the soul of our colleague, Congressman Roilo ‘Roy’ Golez, and sincerest condolences to the family he left behind. A true-blue soldier and public servant he died with his boots on having made available his knowledge of geopolitics and governance to the public and to those still in the service to the very end. He will be sorely missed.

Our prayers and condolences as well to the family of the late Laoag City Mayor Michael Farinas who made Ilocos Norte’s capital one of the most livable cities in the country. Clean and peaceful, vibrant with spanking new roads, new malls and housing developments, Laoag City under him and his wife, Chevyl, the current mayor was on its way to notching yet another level of achievement when he died. Sayang.

everyday life a celebration, but to do what we can to make a better world.”

That world is mainly the Philippines and the region where the country belongs Asia. (After Prime Minister Mahathir’s election, RSA immediately flew to Malaysia to look for business opportunities. Mahathir wants to cut down Malaysia’s crippling debts, which means the government will be unloading some precious assets and undertake efficiency-inducing projects.)

SMC’s new vision and mission statement “takes into account our responsibility and role in nation- building. Similarly, we’ve taken the very same values that have guided us for so long and recast them in the context of the big issues of the day. Our new vision, mission, and values reflect who we are as a company and what we stand for,” explain ECJ and RSA, adding: “Today, no job is more important for us than to build a company that can deliver on our nation’s goals. In much the same way we were bullish about anchoring our future growth on our country’s potential just 10 short years ago, so too are we determined today to play a critical role in propelling the Philippines to developed economy status.”

Reading its new vision, mission and values, we ask then what San Miguel has been doing lately. The company is undertaking the largest expansion ever in its 128-year history, at a cost of P745 billion.

Additionally, San Miguel plans to spend another P735 billion to build Asia’s most modern airport, with four runways (plus space for two more), that can handle 100-million passengers initially (expand-

able to 200 million later) and can park at the same time, 200 planes, in Bulacan, 20 mins from Edsa. The present Naia can park at most 40 planes.

The new airport and the expansion of its other businesses will not harm San Miguel’s capacity for debt—which is six times its earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation. The Ebitda gearing ratio, according to Ang, will increase to 2.9x, from 2.0 at present.

San Miguel is currently building 18 major facilities or factories under the Food and Beverage cluster alone.

SMC is planning or building five new breweries, six new feeds mills, an export-oriented spam plant (under the Hormel brand) and a bottling plant.

Say ECJ and RSA: “The impact of the expansion of our food and beverage businesses becomes even more compelling in light of our decision to consolidate San Miguel Brewery Inc., San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc., and Ginebra San Miguel Inc., into one powerhouse consumer company: San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc. “With this, we are creating the biggest consumer company in the Philippines. What’s truly exciting is, that by bringing together three outstanding organizations, we are going to be able to extract significant synergies from their operations and use their combined strengths to the greatest advantage. We will be able to leverage on each company’s unique consumer insight, market knowledge, and extensive distribution and logistics network.”

from the rest of the world. But what is to trade between North Korea and the US? Known as the hermit kingdom, North Korea’s economy is entirely dependent on its neighbor and ally China.

Then, what can North Korean consumers afford that the US will export to that cash-strapped nation? Certainly not American-made cars. Motor vehicles from Japan and South Korea are more affordable, considering the lower freight cost of shipping from the two nearby countries.

If the North Korean leader opens his nation’s doors to South Korea’s exports,

it could also open the door to a new era North-South relationship. The prospect of families separated by the Korean War to be reunited now looms large in the horizon.

It may be too much to hope for, but who knows? Beyond the Summit in Singapore may lie the possibility of reunification of the two Koreas. East and West Germany did it and look where that nation is right now—an economic power house not only in Europe but in the world.

Indeed, there are lessons to be learned from history.

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their sources of money and privilege drying up. Circumstances were ripe to prompt these politically crucial but fickle friends to seek someone better ERIC able to ensure their wealth and prestige.

JURADO Faced with such a risk, Louis needed to make changes, or else risk losing his THE following are excerpts and les- monarchy. sons from various manuals of dictatorLouis’ specific circumstances called ship and power: for altering the group of people who The logic of politics is not complex. had the possibility of becoming memIn fact, it is surprisingly easy to grasp bers of his inner circle—that is, the most of what goes on in the political group whose support guaranteed his world as long as we are ready to adjust continued dignity as king. He moved our thinking ever so modestly. To quickly to expand the opportunities understand politics properly, we must (and for a few, the actual power) of new modify one assumption in particular: aristocrats, called the noblesse de robe. we must stop thinking that leaders can Together with his chancellor, Michel Le lead unilaterally.

Tellier, he acted to create a professionNo leader is monolithic. If we are to al, relatively meretricious army. In a make any sense of how power works, radical departure from the practice obwe must stop thinking that North Ko- served by just about all of his neighborrea’s Kim Jong-un can do whatever he ing monarchs, Louis opened the doors wants. We must stop believing that Ad- to officer ranks—even at the highest olf Hitler or Joseph Stalin or Genghis levels—to make room for many more Khan or anyone else is in sole control than the traditional old-guard military of their respective nation. We must give aristocrats, the noblesse d’épée. In so up the notion that Enron’s Kenneth Lay doing, Louis was converting his army or British Petroleum’s (BP) Tony Hay- into a more accessible, politically and ward knew about everything that was militarily competitive organization. going on in their companies before they Meanwhile, Louis had to do somecrashed, or that they could have made thing about the old aristocracy. He was all the big decisions. All of these no- deeply aware of their earlier disloyalty tions are flat-out wrong because no em- as instigators and backers of the antiperor, no king, no sheikh, no tyrant, no monarchy Fronde (a mix of revolution chief executive officer, no family head, and civil war) at the time of his regency. no leader whatsoever can govern alone. To neutralize the old aristocracy’s poC o n s i d e r tential threat, he France’s Louis attached them— XIV (1638–1715). literally—to his Known as the court, compelling Sun King, Louis them to be physiNo leader, no matter reigned as moncally present in arch for over 70 how august or how Versailles much years, presiding of the time. This over the expan- revered, no matter how meant that their sion of France and cruel or vindictive, ever prospects of inthe creation of the come from the modern political stands alone. crown depended state. Under Louon how well fais, France became vored they were the dominant by the king. That, power in Contiof course, dependnental Europe and a major competitor ed on how well they served him. in the colonization of the Americas. He By elevating so many newcomers, and his inner circle invented a code of Louis had created a new class of peolaw that helped shape the Napoleonic ple who were beholden to him. In the code and that forms the basis of French process, he was centralizing his own law to this day. He modernized the mil- authority more fully and enhancing his itary, forming a professional standing ability to enforce his views at the cost army that became a role model for the of many of the court’s old aristocrats. rest of Europe and, indeed, the world. Thus he erected a system of “absolute” He was certainly one of the preeminent control whose success depended on the rulers of his or any time. But he didn’t loyalty of the military, the new aristodo it alone. crats, and on tying the hands of the old The etymology of monarchy may aristocrats so that their welfare transbe “rule by one,” but such rule does lated directly into his welfare. not, has not, and cannot exist. Louis is The French populace in general did thought famously (and probably falsely) not figure much into Louis’s calculato have proclaimed, L’etat, c’est moi: the tions of who needed to be paid off— state, it is me. This declaration is often they did not represent an imminent used to describe political life for sup- threat to him. Even so, it’s clear that his posedly absolute monarchs like Louis, absolutism was not absolute at all. He likewise for tyrannical dictators. The needed supporters and he understood declaration of absolutism, however, is how to maintain their loyalty. They never true. No leader, no matter how would be loyal to him only so long as august or how revered, no matter how being so was more profitable for them cruel or vindictive, ever stands alone. than supporting someone else.

Indeed, Louis XIV, ostensibly an absoLouis’s strategy was to replace the lute monarch, is a wonderful example “winning coalition” of essential supof just how false this idea of monolithic porters that he inherited with people leadership is. he could more readily count on. In After the death of his father, Louis place of the old guard he brought up XIII (1601–1643), Louis rose to the and into the inner circle members of throne when he was but four years the noblesse de robe and even, in the old. During the early years actual bureaucracy and especially in the milipower resided in the hands of a tary, some commoners. By expanding regent—his mother. Her inner circle the pool of people who could be in the helped themselves to France’s wealth, inner circle, he made political survival stripping the cupboard bare. By the for those already in that role more comtime Louis assumed actual control over petitive. Those who were privileged to the government in 1661, at the age of be in his winning coalition knew that 23, the state over which he reigned was under the enlarged pool of candidates nearly bankrupt. for such positions, any one of them While most of us think of a state’s could easily be replaced if they did not bankruptcy as a financial crisis, looking prove sufficiently trustworthy and loythrough the prism of political survival al to the king. That, in turn, meant they makes evident that it really amounts to could lose their opportunity for wealth, a political crisis. When debt exceeds the power, and privilege. Few were foolish ability to pay, the problem for a leader enough to take such a risk. is not so much that good public works Like all leaders, Louis forged a symmust be cut back, but rather that the biotic relationship with his inner circle. incumbent doesn’t have the resources He could not hope to thrive in power necessary to purchase political loyalty without their help, and they could not from key backers. Bad economic times hope to reap the benefits of their posiin a democracy mean too little money tions without remaining loyal to him. to fund pork-barrel projects that buy Loyal they were. Louis XIV survived political popularity. For kleptocrats it in office for 72 years until he died quimeans passing up vast sums of money, etly of old age in 1715. and maybe even watching their secret Louis XIV’s experience exemplifies bank accounts dwindle along with the the most fundamental fact of political loyalty of their underpaid henchmen. life. No one rules alone; no one has abThe prospect of bankruptcy put solute authority. All that varies is how Louis’ hold on power at risk because many backs have to be scratched and the old-guard aristocrats, including the how big the supply of backs available generals and officers of the army, saw for scratching.

FROM WHERE I STAND

The diabolical From A4

drive wedges even deeper between those who rally to him, and those who rally against him?

It was like that with the world, and that is why when the Cross was raised above the world, it summed up all the hatred and the ugliness of which the world is capable. But upon it was hanged to die a man so full of love that none of the hatred that sent him to his

death could turn his heart to hatred in turn.

Forgive them…words from the cross; words from the summation of hatred.

But they were and will forever be the only words that can save us. Only forgiveness and love so divine can save us.

If we do not believe this, and if we lack the courage to live it, then all is truly lost for us. rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@outlook.com

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Add’l e-Payment for passport application to generate P600,000 per day—DFA

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Department of Foreign Affairs will impose an additional P50 e-Payment for passport application and renewal, a move that is expected to generate additional revenues of at least P600,000 a day.

In a press conference, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the e-Payment Portal was intended to help increase its capacity to receive and process passport applications.

“Not only will this new payment system be convenient since applicants can pay the fees anywhere, anytime; it will also help us maximize the capacity of our consular offices,” Cayetano said.

DFA Undersecretary Jose Luis Montales said the e-Payment Portal required passport applicants to prepay the processing fees though selected payment centers and, eventually, through debit and credit cards and over-the-counter cash transactions in select banks.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE InvItatIon to BId for the Procurement of hePatItIs B surface antIgen raPId dIagnostIc test (re-BId) IB no. 2018-030-a The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2018 intends to apply the sum of Thirty Million Philippine Pesos(PhP30,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (Re-Bid) under IB No. 2018-030-A. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

2.

The DOH now invites bids for the procurement of the above-captioned project.Delivery of the Goods is required within the period specified under SECTION VI. Schedule of Requirements.

Bidders should have completed, within two (2) yearsfrom the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least twenty five percent (25%)of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

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

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the COBAC Secretariat, G/F, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 15 June – 06 July 2018from the address above and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP25,000.00).

Meanwhile, Cayetano on Thursday announced the opening of 100,000 appointment slots for passport application and renewal to address the increasing backlog.

Of the total slots, 50,000 were opened at noon with the remaining 50,000 to be made available at 9 pm. Cayetano also said that 10,000 slots will be opened from Monday to Saturday, except for holidays.

The 10,000 are on top of the 336,743 appointment slots for June 1 to Sept. 30, 2018, that have already been opened and taken up.

Upon checking the passport.gov. ph website at around 2 pm, the earliest available appointment for DFA-Aseana is on June 25.

The DFA reminded all applicants to refresh the website.

In a press conference, Cayetano reported the DFA had increased its capacity from 10,500 daily passport appointments in 2017 to 19,000 this year.

Citizen Emilou Pastor said a P50 additional fee was expensive, adding she was

not paying any fee when she paid her electricity and water bills in any Bayad Center.

Cayetano noted that e-Payment tests at DFA Aseana in Parañaque City posted a show-up rate of 94-97 percent compared to the current 60-65 percent.

“With near 100 percent show-up rates and quicker turnaround of applicants at our consular offices, the DFA through ePayment will be able to serve more applicants daily, particularly those who need it the most,” Cayetano said. With PNA

Duterte warns Kadamay group occupied an idle NHA housing site intended for soldiers in Pandi, Bulacan.

But the President allowed the Kadamay members to stay in their occupied units.

Roque gave assurances this incident would not be repeated, saying “this would be the first and the last.”

The President would no longer allow a repeat of Bulacan incident as he issued a stern warning that they would have to deal with the full extent of the law.

“The role of the President is to implement the law, he will implement the law,” he said.

By Vito Barcelo

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte warned all members of Kadamay from taking over vacant government housing projects or risked facing the full extent of the law, according to Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.

Roque also said the President had The directive was made following the directed the Philippine National Police foiled attempt by Kadamay members to to stop members of the urban poor group occupy another housing project intended from occupying the socialized housing for police and military in Rizal province. units of the National Housing Authority.

Last year, members of Kadamay forcibly

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

The DOH will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 22 June 2018, 10:00 A.M. at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, Sta. Cruz, Manila, which shall beopen to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the COBAC-C Secretariat at the address below on or before 06 July 2018, 9:00 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.

6.

7.

Bid opening shall be on06 July 2018, 9:00 A.M. at the COBAC Conference Room, Ground Floor, Bldg. 6, Department of Health, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

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

9.

For further information, please refer to: COBAC-C Secretariat Department of Health San Lazaro Compound Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. Nos. 651-7800 local 1625 to 1627; 1650 to 52 Facsimile No.: 741-9775; 740-6830 (SGD) ROLANDO ENRIQUE D. DOMINGO, MD, DPBO Undersecretary of Health COBAC – C Chairperson

(MS-JUNE 15, 2018)

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL GOVERNOR ARMM Complex, Cotabato City InvItatIon to BId Procurement of Various Goods for the People’s Day for the Five (5) Provinces of ARMM ITB No: HEART-06-2018-001 1. The Office of the Regional Governor – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ORG-ARMM), through the General Appropriations Act of 2018intends to apply the sum of FIFTY FOUR MILLION ONE HUNDRED FORTY NINE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (PhP54,149,500.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Procurement of Various Goods for the People’s Day for the Five (5) Provinces of ARMM. Bids received in excess of the ABC per Lot shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. This activity is divided into the following lots: Approved Budget Lot Particulars for the Contract of Assorted Medicines and 1 Procurement PhP36,977,500.00 Medical Supplies for People’s Day of Pajamas and Slippers for 2 Procurement PhP17,452,000.00 People’s Day 2.

The ORG-ARMM now invites bids for assorted medicines and medical supplies, and pajamas and slippers.Delivery of the Goods is required within thirty (30)calendar days. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

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

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from ORG-ARMM and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 9:00AM to 5:00PM, Mondays to Fridays.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on June 15, 2018 to July 10, 2018 (9:59AM) from the address below and uponpayment of the required non-refundable fee, which pertains to the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, in accordance with the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB.

Lot 1 2

Particulars

Approved Budget for the Contract

Procurement of Assorted Medicines and Medical PhP36,977,500.00 Supplies for People’s Day Procurement of Pajamas and PhP17,452,000.00 Slippers for People’s Day

Amount of Bidding Documents PhP25,000.00 PhP25,000.00

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

7. The ORG-ARMM will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 27, 2018 at 2:00PM at Bajau Hall, 2F Office of the Regional Governor-ARMM, Office of the Bangsamoro People, Gov. Gutierrez Ave., Cotabato City, which shall beopen to prospective bidders.

8. Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or beforeJuly 10,2018, 9:59AM. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on July 10, 2018 at 10:00AM at Bajau Hall, 2F Office of the Regional Governor-ARMM, Office of the Bangsamoro People, Gov. Gutierrez Ave., Cotabato City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

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

10. For further information, please refer to: The Bids and Awards Committee Secretariat C/o Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, ORG-ARMM 2F Office of the Bangsamoro People Gov. Gutierrez Ave., Cotabato City Tel. Nos. (064) 552-1053

(MS-JUNE 15, 2018)

(Sgd) ATTY. SAHARA ALIA J. SILONGAN Chairperson BAC, ORG-ARMM

PRESIDENTIAL CONDOLENCE. President Rodrigo Duterte visits the wake of the former Parañaque First District Representative and former National Security Adviser Roilo Golez at the Heritage Park in Taguig City at dawn Thursday, three days after he succumbed to a heart attack, only hours after granting a broadcast interview. Malacañang Photo

Affordable units for farmer-beneficiaries CAB launches Aeronet system

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Agrarian Reform on Thursday said two model units donated by Future Home Co. Ltd. would be used as display houses to show the living space and features of affordable houses to be constructed for agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Secretary John Castriciones said the housing program was expected to greatly improve the living conditions of the farmerbeneficiaries.

“Most of our farmers and farm workers are poor and do not own the house they live in. And even if they own it, most of their houses are dilapidated and needs repair. Why? Because the farmers would rather use their money for farming and family expenses than use it for house repairs,” he said.

“Through this housing project, we expect to achieve inclusive growth by uplifting the quality of lives of farmers and their families.

And also through livelihood and educational

support programs that we will provide under our support services office,” he added.

He thanked the FHCL represented by chairman Ramil Joselito Tamayo for its kindness and generous donation.

The donation consisted of two house units with two bedrooms, a duplex type, covering 37 square meters, and one greenhouse for lettuce hydroponics garden with an area of 24 square meters.

Both are inside the DAR compound on Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

According to Undersecretary for Support Services Emily Padilla, the FHCL would also donate two other model houses to be located in Nueva Vizcaya State University compound and another in San Leonardo municipal hall compound in Nueva Ecija.

The housing program is “demanddriven” and the beneficiareis are free to choose their house design from among the model houses, including model houses from other donors.

2 nabbed for illegal detention

By Joel E. Zurbano LAWMEN arrested two Chinese nationals for alleged illegal detention of a fellow Chinese inside a popular hotel and casino in Parañaque City, police said Thursday.

Southern Police District director Tomas Apolinario Jr. identified the suspects as Xiong Tao, 31, and Liao Yifei, 28, arrested in room 1612 Sky Tower Hotel of Solaire resort and Casino at 1 Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

Apolinario said two cohorts of the suspects remained at large and now the subject of a police manhunt operation.

Prior to the arrest, the Parañaque City police station received a call from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office reporting an alleged case of illegal de-

tention involving Chou Yin-Chin, 37, a Chinese tourist who arrived in Manila only last Monday.

Initial investigation showed that YinChin owed the suspects P300,000 loan after he played at a casino. It stated that the suspects demanded Yin-Chin’s relatives in Taipei to pay the loan in exchange for his release.

“The relatives sought the help of Teco for police assistance leading to the suspects’ arrest,” said Apolinario.

The suspects are now detained at the Parañaque City Police Station and will be charged with illegal detention before the city prosecutor’s office.

Apolinario said the Bureau of Immigration would be furnished a copy of the incident report to determine if the suspects and the victims are legally staying in the country.

THE Civil Aeronautics Board has launched a new system to gather data from airlines, accept online complaints, allow airlines to file online applications for approval of flight schedules and send to air travelers real-time flight updates.

Aeronet, which features 24/7 approval of flight applications and make transactions faster than usual, also synced with the implementation of the Air Passenger Bill of Rights and inform passengers if a flight delay is already compensable or not.

The system was developed by CAB’s contact center provider—Dynamic Outsource Solution Inc. (DOS-I) and powered by Electronic Document Management System (EDMS).

The project is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s objective to ease business transactions in government, as well as promote people empowerment.

Upon the directive of the President, CAB instituted reforms to streamline and simplify business processes.

For example, the requirements in applying for a permit to operate transport services is now down to six, from a maximum of 36.

The 24 requirements for renewal of application have been cut to just three basic requirements.

CAB also created Passenger Right Assistance Desks nationwide following reports of baggage theft incidents and other irregularities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other commercial airport facilities in the country.

CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla said since the implementation of the Air Passenger Bill of Rights in 2012, the Board has been very active in implementing measures to ensure passenger rights protection and awareness.

Air Passenger Rights includes right to compensation for damaged or lost luggage, but with limited insurance coverage, depending on their airline ticket.

Joel E. Zurbano

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Thai ace grabs lead with 70, but PH’s Monsalve, Go lurk L

IPA City—Yupaporn Kawinpakorn pounced on fellow Thais Saraporn Chamchoi and Onkanok Soisuwan’s early struggle and Marvi Monsalve’s par-game to wrest control with a bogey-free two-under 70 for a two-stroke lead after two rounds of The Women’s Championship at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club here yesterday.

adidas brings Utah star to Manila

While majority fumbled in the windy day at the Robert Trent Jones II-designed layout which features holes inspired by some of the world’s bestknown courses, Kawinpakorn kept her poise and gunned down two birdies for a 35-35 card that shoved her past erstwhile leader Chamchoi to the top of the heap at five-under 139.

Chamchoi, who impressed the 40-player field with a 68 Wednesday, hardly recovered from a poor 41 start, finishing with a 39 for an 80 and tumbling

to joint 10th with four others at 148, now nine shots off the pace.

But Monsalve stayed in the hunt for a maiden crown with a gutsy 72, joining local amateur LK Go and a charging Chonlada Chayanun, also of Thailand, at 141, while Soisuwan, winner of the last Ladies Philippine Golf Tour leg at Mt. Malarayat, hobbled with a 38 start and finished with a 73 to slip to fifth at 142 heading to the final 18 holes of the P1.5 million championship sponsored by ICTSI. “I had a good feel of the course today

(yesterday),” said Kawinpakorn, winner of the LPGT Beverly Place leg last January and fresh from her China LPGA Tour leg win in Guangdong last week. “The wind as about the same when I was in China last week and it made me think a little of club selection and watch the wind direction. But everything was fine.”

The veteran campaigner, however, did away with the usual post-round visit at the range and putting green, and instead headed straight to her hotel room for the much needed rest following a string of six tournaments in the region.

“I’m a bit exhausted and I need to take some time off,” she said.

Just two behind, Go hopes to cash in on the rare crack at a pro victory with the 19-year-old Cebuana ace playing out of University of South Carolina hoping to sneak into the spotlight in the end with a strong finish tomorrow (today).

PICKING UP TRASH.

UTAH Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, who is in the running for the NBA 2018 Rookie of The Year, is coming to the Philippines for the first time this June 17.

The 21-year-old Mitchell— also known by his fans as “Spida”— leads all rookies in scoring with an average of 20.5 points per game. His quick Manila visit will give his Filipino fans a glimpse into his life and how he uses creativity in the challenges he faces as a rookie.

“From claiming the 2018 Slam Dunk Champ title to leading in the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year race, Donovan Mitchell has really inspired our basketball-crazy country and we can’t wait to welcome him to the Philippines,” said Jen Dacasin, Brand Communications and Sports Marketing Manager for adidas Philippines.

For the latest news about his visit, follow adidas Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Filipino boxing legend Senator Manny Pacquiao momentarily stopped his training at the Acharon Track and Field Oval in General Santos City to pick up trash inside the sports center.

Pacquiao is deep in training for his July 15 bout in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia against Argentine world champion Lucas Martin Matthysse.

Sonny Espiritu

Iranians interested in PH Arnis IRAN is showing big interest in the country’s national sport of Arnis, that they now have a federation to hasten the sport’s development in their country.

Accompanied by Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation Secretary General Rene Tingson, Ronyll Mendoza, PEKAF Executive Director and Patty Caballero, Samuel Dulay, Gerald Canete, Felipe Abello, Jr., Efren Adresto and Mario Palazuelo (PEKAF Board), Hossein Ezzati, President of Arnis Commission of Iran, visited the Philippine Sports Com-

mission on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

As part of his effort to spread Arnis in Iran and its neighboring countries, Grand Master Ezzati asked PEKAF to give them guidance on the rules and regulations of our national sport.

“We are very much willing to help and we appreciate your coming to the Philippines”, said Canete.

The PEKAF will accompany GM Ezzati in Arnis competitions during their 10-day stay here.

Depleted Batangas edges QC five A DEPLETED Batangas City AthleticsTanduay showed up on Wednesday night to battle the Quezon City Capitals-Black Mamba, but the inaugural staging champ proved they still have enough gas left in the tank.

The Athletics bucked the absence of key players Val Acuña, Jhaymo Eguilos and Mon Rogado and turned to Bong Galanza and the rest of the cast to pull off a 95-90 win in the MPBL Datu Cup at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

Galanza, picked up by the Athletics in the off season after he was released by his

former team Kia in the PBA, scattered 28 points. He had a prolific 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc and his shooting spree allowed the Batangas City to weather repeated rallies of Quezon City.

In the main game, the Caloocan Supremos-Longrich finally snapped a five-game skid dating back last season’s Rajah Cup. The Supremos unleashed a late-game surge to turn back the Pasig Pirates-Gameville, 9181, and snap a five-game losing skid bridging from last season. It was Caloocan’s first home win and only the second in franchise history.

Sultan Kudarat netfest lures huge cast CLOSE to 200 entries from various provinces in the Soccsksargen region and nearby cities gear up for a fierce showdown for top honors and ranking points in the PPS-PEPP Sultan Kudarat regional age-group tennis tournament starting today (Friday, June 15) at the Isulan Capitol Tennis Courts.

Klyde Lagarde from Gen. Santos City, local bets Ramon Bentillo and Minette Bentillo, and Jazelle Madis from Mlang banner the cast in the centerpiece 18-and-under division of the Group 2 tournament put up by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala and presented by Dunlop.

The tournament, hosted and sponsored by Gov. Pax Mangudadatu, also features the rising and leading players from Mlang, Pikit, Kabacan, Kidapawan, Digos, Gen. Santos City, Koronadal, Davao, Malita and Salug, Zamboanga del Norte.

Karl Palo and Jay Balaoing, on the other hand, lead the boys’ field in the 16-U play while Minette Bentillo along with Angelica Novis, Jalia Elumba and Ezra Enriquez are tipped to slug it out for the girls’ 16-U crown in the four-day tournament backed by Asiatraders Corp. and sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines, made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg. The boys’ 12- and 14-U sections and the 10-unisex bracket all drew 32-player draws, underscoring the wide base of talents in the region.

“We thank Gov. Mangudadatu for hosting this annual leg of the PPSPEPP circuit, giving the youth of the region a ranking tournament to showcase their talent and skills,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Other age-groupers are also being held elsewhere in the PPS-PEPP’s continuing effort to boost the development of the sport and at the same time help in the talent-search.

LOTTO RESULTS

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

Republic of the Philippines MUNICIPALITY OF CABUGAO Ilocos Sur Office of the Bids & Awards Committee

Republic of the Philippines MUNICIPALITY OF CABUGAO Ilocos Sur Office of the Bids & Awards Committee

Republic of the Philippines MUNICIPALITY OF CABUGAO Ilocos Sur Office of the Bids & Awards Committee

Invitation to Bid for the Purchase & Distribution of Farm Equipment & Machineries (Hand Tractor or Kuliglig, Farm Tractor, Combines Rice/Corn Harvester, Rice Transplanter and Farm Cultivator) of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur

Invitation to Bid for the Purchase & Distribution of Farm Implements (Brushcutter, Sprayer, Plastic Drum, Diesel/Gasoline/Electric Engine Water Pump, Irrigation Hoses & Rice Thresher) of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur

Invitation to Bid for the Supply & Delivery for the Purchase and Distribution of Farm Inputs (Fertilizers) of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur

1. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, through the R.A.7171, NADAI No. 01-101252 & 01-102252 intends to apply the sum of Forty-Nine Million, Six Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php. 49,600,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of the projects to payments under the contract for Contract No. 18-06003. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, through the R.A.7171, NADAI No. 01-101252 & 01-102252 intends to apply the sum of Forty Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php. 40,900,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of the projects to payments under the contract for Contract No. 18-06004. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur now invites bids for Supply & Delivery of Farm Equipment & Machineries. Duration of the project is required for 90 calendar Days. Bidders should have completed at least 50% of the approved budget which is similar to the project to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

2. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur now invites bids for Supply & Delivery of Farm Implements. Duration of the project is required for 90 calendar Days. Bidders should have completed at least 50% of the approved budget which is similar to the project to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

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

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

4. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on June 14, 2018 – July 10, 2018 until 10:00 a.m from the Office of the BAC and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Fifty Thousand Pesos Only (Php. 50,000.00).

4. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on June 14, 2018 – July 10, 2018 until 10:00 a.m from the Office of the BAC and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos Only (Php. 25,000.00).

5. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 22, 2018 @ Office of the BAC which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

5. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 22, 2018 @ Office of the BAC which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before July 10, 2018 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.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before July 10, 2018 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.

7. Bid opening shall be on July 10, 2018 at 02:00 P.M. at Brgy. Hall, Brgy. 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 be accepted.

7. Bid opening shall be on July 10, 2018 at 02:00 P.M. at Brgy. Hall, Brgy. 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 be accepted.

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.

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.

SGD. ENGR. HERMES A. ASIT SGD. CRESCENCIO MARCOS C. FORMOSO LGU- BAC- Secretariat BAC-Chairman CP No. 0995-9487762

SGD. ENGR. HERMES A. ASIT LGU- BAC- Secretariat CP No. 0995-9487762

(MS-JUNE 15, 2018)

SGD. CRESCENCIO MARCOS C. FORMOSO BAC-Chairman

(MS-JUNE 15, 2018)

1. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, through the R.A.7171, NADAI No. 01-101252 & 01-102252 intends to apply the sum of Thirty-Five Million Pesos (Php. 35,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of the projects to payments under the contract for Contract No. 18-06-002. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur now invites bids for Supply & Delivery of Farm Inputs (Fertilizers). Duration of the project is required for 60 calendar Days. Bidders should have completed at least 50% of the approved budget which is similar to the project to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

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

4. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on June 14, 2018 – July 10, 2018 until 10:00 a.m from the Office of the BAC and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos Only (Php. 25,000.00).

5. The Local Government Unit of Cabugao will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 22, 2018 @ Office of the BAC which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before July 10, 2018 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.

7. Bid opening shall be on July 10, 2018 at 02:00 P.M. at Brgy. Hall, Brgy. 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 be accepted.

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.

SGD. ENGR. HERMES A. ASIT SGD. CRESCENCIO MARCOS C. FORMOSO LGU- BAC- Secretariat BAC-Chairman CP No. 0995-9487762

(MS-JUNE 15, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

A8

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

Alaska battles NLEX

By Jeric Lopez ALREADY the league’s hottest team, the Alaska Aces have no plans of cooling down as they try to formalize their entry into the quarterfinals at the resumption of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. Winners of six straight, the Aces (6-1) can enter the quarters outright should they notch a seventh straight victory when they face the hapless NLEX Road Warriors (2-6) in their 7 p.m. encounter at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City tonight.

In the opener, the Meralco Bolts (5-2) look to move closer to a berth in the quarters as well when they go up against already ousted Blackwater Elite (1-8) at 4:30 p.m.

Alaska can also regain a share of first place with another win as it can tie Rain or Shine.

With Vic Manuel continuing to wax hot in his stunning resurgence, the Aces have been riding him and he has led them to six wins in a row.

The last time out, Manuel set a new career-high by dropping 35 points in Alaska’s 103-99 win over Magnolia last Sunday.

“Vic (Manuel) has just been playing exceptional for us. He’s been carrying us all conference long,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.

Manuel’s surge is big for Alaska as it will continue to miss the services of two key players in Calvin Abueva (indefinite team suspension) and Jeron Teng (recovering from injury).

On the other hand, the Road Warriors would have to upset the Aces if they want to keep their sagging chances of making the top eight alive.

NLEX basically has to sweep its remaining assignments to hopefully forge a playoff for a spot in the quarters.

Alaska Aces point guard Chris Banchero (4) dribbles past NLEX Road Warriors defender Larry Fonacier.

IOC, POC establish closer relationship

By Peter Atencio

T

HE Philippines is renewing its close relationships and collaborative efforts with the International Olympic Committee.

Top officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee made this possible after POC president Ricky Vargas and secretary-general Pato Gregorio went on a two-day visit to the International Olympic Committee’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Accompanied by IOC representative to the Philippines Mikee CojuangcoJaworski, Vargas and Gregorio had a 45-minute audience with IOC president Thomas Bach at his office in downtown Lausanne last Wednesday.

They also met with lawyer Je-

rome Polvey, who is the Head of Institutional Relations and Governance and National Olympic Committee Relations.

Joining them were Olivier Niamkey (Head of Athletes Unit and Relations with OCA and Asian NOCs) and Director General Pere Miro.

The IOC Sports Department briefed the delegation on the Athletes Commission, Athletes Entourage Commission, Games Management Dept. and Sports and Active Society Commission.

After that, they were also taken on a tour of the Olympic Museum,

according to POC spokesman Ed Picson.

“He (Bach) gave me a lot of pointers, foremost of which was to enjoy my job.

He also talked of the values of collaboration, getting engaged, friendship and building relations,” on the warm welcome they received from Bach.

Vargas and Gregorio also mentioned the Philippines’ aspirations for its first Olympic gold medal to which the IOC head stressed that “the Philippines is a vital partner in the Olympic movement.”

On the other hand, Gregorio said they had very informative discussions with the other IOC officials, notably with Polvey who showed deep knowledge of the developments in POC and oriented them on “responsible autonomy, NOC governance and the national players rule.”

Age is just a number, says old man Jadambaa THERE is simply no stopping Mongolian brute Narantungalag Jadambaa.

At an age when athletes decide to call it a day, former ONE Featherweight World Champion Narantungalag “Tungaa” Jadambaa is still aiming to reach the peak form of his professional career.

If anyone thinks that his best days are in the rearview mirror, the 42-year-old Mongolian veteran begs to disagree.

“Age is just a number. Anything is possible if you work for it,” Jadambaa said.

Jadambaa, a grappler known for his immense one-punch knockout power, will return to action for the first time since losing to arch-nemesis Marat “Cobra” Gafurov in their November 2016 featherweight title rematch.

“After competing against Marat Gafurov, I thought that I needed to improve my wrestling and grappling skills, and my physical strength. Now, I think that I have improved myself even more than before,” he said.

For his long-awaited return, Jadambaa is scheduled to take on Filipino hard-hitter Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly at ONE: Pinnacle of Power, which takes place at the Studio City Event Center in Macau,

China on June 23.

Jadambaa promises to display the new and improved skills that he has developed and do something special inside the fiverope ONE Championship ring.

“I have been ready to fight anytime,” he said. “I am in good shape, and I am happy to fight again. My heart is driven to fight. I have been preparing new techniques, and I will show something new in my next fight. You can believe it.”

Although getting back into world title contention is often at the back of every competitor’s mind, Jadambaa pointed out that he is taking one bout at a time for now.

According to Jadambaa, the only thing occupying his thoughts at the moment is his upcoming three-round clash with Kelly, who has ascended up the ranks of ONE Championship’s featherweight division.

“I am only thinking about the fight with Edward Kelly now,” he stated. “If I beat him, I think it would be right to continue to fight, and it will motivate me to train more as a result.”

Entering the marquee featherweight contest as the older man, Jadambaa believes that age will not be an issue.

Former ONE Featherweight World Champion Narantungalag Jadambaa acknowledges the cheers of the fans after he is introduced before a fight. ONE Championship

“I always think that I am ten years younger than my actual age, so age will not play a factor at all,” he said.

According to Jadambaa, his age means he has less time to accomplish his goal than the younger lions in the organization, but he plans to make up for it by utilizing his vast wealth of knowledge.

Jadambaa revealed that he is concentrating heavily on his cardiovascular regimen to ensure that he can physically match anyone else in the division.

“The focus has to be on endurance and cardio. I do long distance running a few times a week. I mix that with 100-meter sprints,” he said.

Alvarez-Golovkin rematch back on for September LOS ANGELES—Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin will square off in their highly-anticipated rematch in September in Las Vegas, boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya said on Wednesday.

De La Hoya announced the tentative deal for a mid-September showdown at TMobile Arena after weeks of on-again and off-again bargaining by the two fighters’ camps.

“I’m happy to inform that we have a fight September 15!!!!,” De La Hoya tweeted.

Said Golovkin’s promoter Tom Loeff ler, “Rematch is on! @GGGBoxing will be even more dominant on Sept 15 for all that #nonsense! Biggest Fight of the Year!”

There was no word on Wednesday about the details of the agreement or even if a contract has been signed.

The two fighters had been due to fight

each other in Las Vegas on May 5 before the middleweight bout was cancelled after Alvarez failed two drug tests.

So unified middleweight world champion Golovkin instead fought Vanes Martirosyan on May 5 in a one-sided fight that ended in less than two rounds. Martirosyan, who hadn’t fought in nearly two years, barely landed a punch on Golovkin, who scored a vicious knockout at StubHub Center in Los Angeles.

Golovkin (38-0-1, 34 KOs) and Alvarez fought to a controversial draw in their first meeting in September in a fight that generated 1.3 million pay-per-view buys and a $27 million gate—the third largest in boxing history. Many thought Golovkin won the fight but one judge scored it even and the other two were split between giving it to Golovkin and Alvarez.

With Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) free to

fight once his six-month suspension ends in August, the two rivals had been expected to fight again in September.

But talks stalled because Alvarez’s camp were reportedly not happy with middleweight world champion Golovkin’s insistence on receiving a 50/50 split in revenues.

Wednesday’s announcement comes a week after De La Hoya said that the talks for a rematch had ended and that Alvarez would likely fight Daniel Jacobs instead.

Mexico’s Alvarez, 27, resumed training recently for what will be his first fight in almost exactly a year.

Loeffler told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday that he believes a rematch will generate more interest than the first fight.

“It’s a much bigger fight with all the controversy that has gone on and no love lost between the guys,” Loeffler said. AFP

Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo dribbles the football across the pitch. AFP

Ronaldo takes shot at World Cup glory SOCHI, Russia—Cristiano Ronaldo will launch his latest and probably last attempt to crown his career with a World Cup winners medal when European champions Portugal face neighbors Spain in their opening World Cup game here on Friday.

The 33-year-old will lock horns with six of his Real Madrid teammates as the Spaniards attempt to shrug off the shock sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui following the announcement that he will take over at the Bernabeu next month.

It is worth wondering what Ronaldo might have known of Lopetegui’s imminent appointment at Real, given the relationship both have with Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes, at a time when the forward’s own club future remains the source of speculation.

But now, amid all that, Ronaldo’s focus is on the World Cup, the one major honor still missing from his CV. It is a stretch to make Portugal one of the favorites to win the trophy, even with Ronaldo, but they are nevertheless in Russia as the reigning European champions after surprising France on home soil two years ago.

Ronaldo is 33 now, still in fantastic physical condition and the reigning Ballon d’Or winner. He can probably play on for as long as he wants, but it is hard to imagine him returning for a fifth World Cup in Qatar in 2022. AFP

Greenies, Baby Falcons beat foes THE La Salle Greenhills Greenies and the Adamson Baby Falcons repulsed separate foes to stay on top of the junior division standings of the ongoing 24th Fr. Martin Cup summer tournament at the St. Placid gymnasium of the San Beda University-Manila campus in Mendiola.

Ladis Lepalam and John Natividad banged in 12 and 11 points for the Greenies as they demolished Paco Citizens Academy Foundation, 88-64, for their third straight win in this cagefest which is supported by Cocolife.

Andray Doria shot 19 points for the Baby Falcons in their 80-79 beating of the defending

champion San Sebastian College Staglets.

His brother Adam Doria tallied 11 points in helping the Baby Falcons earn their first triumph in two games.

In the women’s action, Grace Irebu topscored for 27 points as the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses prevailed over Enderun College, 70-63.

The Tigresses improved to 2-2, while dealing Enderun its first setback in four outings.

In other junior games, St. Patrick School won over San Beda-Rizal B, 102-43, while First City Providential School toppled Hope Christian School, 108-97. Peter Atencio

CA upholds pro-Maynilad ruling B2

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

B1

SMC unveils biggest expansion program to reduce logistics cost.

For the food business, San Miguel is building new feed mills, poultry processing plants, proONGLOMERATE San Miguel cessed meat facilities, dairy plants, flour mills and Corp. has embarked on its largest factories producing ready-to-eat products. expansion program in history with San Miguel early this year inaugurated a new the construction of 18 manufacturing hotdog manufacturing facility in General Trias, Cavite province that will double the current capacfacilities across the food and beer ity. It also completed two feed mills in Bataan and businesses.

San Miguel said the 18 new facilities slated for Bulacan provinces.

Ang said the group would start manufacturing completion over the next three years formed part of the group’s P742-billion capital expenditure plan Spam in the Philippines for export to Southeast Asia and the domestic market. from 2017 to 2020.

The expansion plans will enable the company to meet the increased demand from growing customer base.

“Easily this is the largest capacity expansion we’ve undertaken in our company’s history,” San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said Thursday in a stockholders’ meeting.

San Miguel last year started the construction of a brewery plant in Misamis Oriental province with an initial capacity of 1 million hectoliters. It is also expanding the capacity of its bottling business in Sta. Rosa, Laguna province.

The conglomerate is constructing five to six new brewery facilities across the country

By Jenniffer B. Austria

C

IN BRIEF

Peso falls to 53.27:$1; stocks plummet again

THE peso on Thursday further weakened against the US dollar, posting a fresh 12-year low after the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates again, the second time this year.

The peso lost P0.04 to close at 53.27 from 53.23 on Wednesday. It was its weakest level since the 53.55 on June 29, 2006. Volume turnover reached $796.45 million, higher than $773 million Wednesday.

The stock market also declined Thursday along with the rest of Asia after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates and signaled a more hawkish tone for future moves, while US President Donald Trump stoked trade war fears by suggesting he will hit China with fresh tariffs.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 73.44 points, or 1 percent, to 7,529.54 on a value turnover of P12.3 billion. Losers beat gainers, 110 to 76, with 57 issues unchanged.

The peso opened trading weaker at 53.30 and at one point touched 53.37, the low for the day.

Astro del Castillo, president and managing director of First Grade Finance Inc., said the Fed’s latest move made dollar assets more attractive and buoyed the greenback against other currencies. Julito G. Rada

Car sales down 14% in May—industry data

PHILIPPINE automotive sales declined 13.7 percent in May to 30,620 units from 35,469 units year-on-year.

Month-on-month sales, however, increased 19.7 percent from 25,583 units in April.

Consolidated data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association showed sales rebounded from a 9.3-percent decline month-on-month in April.

Except for the passenger car sales that dropped 5.1 percent on month, all other segments registered a healthy performance.

Sales of commercial vehicles posted a hefty increase of 35.4 percent to 21,219 units from the April sales of 15,673 units.

Light commercial vehicles posted the biggest growth of 36.7 percent to 15,095 units from 11,045 units.

Sales of Asian utility vehicles jumped 33.9 percent to 4,606 units, followed by light trucks which rose 31 percent to 760 units. Sales of the trucks and buses category IV gained 2.3 percent to 485 units, while those of trucks and buses category V surged 57.8 percent to 273 units. Othel V. Campos

NGCP welcomes broadband project

GRID operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines on Thursday expressed firm commitment to help improve internet speed and exploit its partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to roll out the country’s national broadband program.

“We welcome this opportunity to take part in the National Broadband Program of the government to address the longstanding issue of internet connection quality in the Philippines,” NGCP said in a statement.

NGCP, which manages the country’s transmission assets through its concession agreement with the government, said it would closely work with the government to improve internet speed and access.

“We are eager to experience not only the improvement of internet speed but also free Wi-Fi access in public areas,” it said.

NGCP allowed the free use of the dark fiber in the transmission lines to the government. “We hope for the successful implementation of the National Broadband Program in the next months,” the company said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Japan tobacco bares big solar rooftop facility

JAPAN Tobacco International, one of the biggest tobacco companies in the world, formally unveiled a new manufacturing plant in Batangas powered by a 4.77-megawatt solar rooftop, one of the largest projects worldwide.

Solenergy Systems Inc. installed the solar rooftop system which JTI is running at the peak energy generation of 4.77 MW. Kira Lok of Solenergy marketing and business development team said JTI expects to save around 6,500,000 kilowatt hours of energy every year. He declined to give the figure on cost savings due to confidentiality issues.

JTI’s rooftop solar PV system is the largest in Southeast Asia and one of the biggest in the world.

“The manufacturing plant’s solar PV system has a 4.77-MW peak capacity power generation. To date, among self-consumption solar power systems within Southeast Asia, no other system is of this scale,” Lok said. Alena Mae S. Flores

He said unit San Miguel Pure Foods had a license agreement with Hormel to produce Spam for export to the region.

Ang said the expansion plans would support the growth of the domestic economy and create jobs across the country.

The massive expansion of the food and beer businesses augurs well with the conglomerate’s move to consolidate the units under San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. The group’s packaging business is further expanding operations in the region with the acquisition of three companies in Australia, namely Por-

tavin Holdings Pty Ltd., Barossa Bottling Services Pty. Ltd. and Best Bottlers Pty. Ltd. The conglomerate over the last 10 years implemented a major diversification plan that enabled it to invest in high-growth areas like power generation, infrastructure and oil refinery but never lost sight of its older business as source of growth.

“Over the years, we’ve worked to continuously strengthen not just our leadership in the markets we’re in but also our capability to meet the changing needs of a growing customer base. Our ability to meet the demand for our products is key to our long term competitiveness,” Ang said.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

CA upholds pro-Maynilad ruling T

By Jenniffer B. Austria

he Court of Appeals upheld the ruling of a lower court giving the final award to Maynilad Water Services Inc. over a tariff dispute with Metropolitan Waterworks and Services Inc.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., the parent of Maynilad, said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the second division of the CA affirmed the decisions of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on August 30, 2017 and November 23, 2017 favoring the water utility unit.

The appellate court also denied MWSS’s petition for review for lack of merit.

Metro Pacific said the final award

upheld Maynilad’s entitlement to the inclusion of the corporate income tax in the tariff increase, and the 13.41 percent rebasing adjustment that Maynilad proposed for the fourth rate rebasing period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017.

MWSS may still appeal to the Supreme Court the CA decision affirming the RTC recision and order but Metro Pacific said the move appeal should not block the immediate implementation of the final award.

“This decision reinvigorates investor confidence in the public-private partnership program of the government, and strengthens confidence in the mechanisms for enforcement of arbitral awards. This also ensures the continued implementation of Maynilad’s capital expenditure projects that are intended to benefit further our customers,” Maynilad president Ramoncito

for the west zone of Metro Manila, which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite province.

Maynilad earlier said it was earmarking over P9 billion in capital expenditures this year for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

“Our record investments have contributed significantly to the government’s job generation efforts while also improving water services for our over 9 million customers. We will continue on this track so we can sustain service level improvements in the West Zone,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said.

Maynilad earlier said the final award would translate into an average increase of P3.41 per cubic meter on the 2017 average basic charge of P34.51 per cubic meter.

For households with a monthly water consumption of 10 cubic meters or less, the decision would translate into an increase of P11.56 in their monthly bill from P118.61 to P130.18.

The Philippine government also has a pending appeal over a decision to award Maynilad P3.4 billion as payment for alleged losses following the rate dispute.

An arbitration panel in Singapore in July last year ruled that the government should pay Maynilad over losses incurred by the company due to the refusal of MWSS to implement the rate adjustments.

Maynilad is the water concessionaire

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58.5 10,400 95.85 4,345,920 2.9 3,000 136 4,928,760 1.57 114,000 34.4 71,300 16.6 87,700 15.1 1,092,800 3.58 6,000 9.49 1,800 0.67 5,000 0.58 10,416,000 74.75 12,263,470 1.23 9,234,000 12 37,100 49.8 1,686,790 204.8 3,870 30.45 160,200 206 1,003,360 1,955 45 88.9 23,060 1.18 11,000

608,912.50 417,424,977.50 8,700 670,447,319 179,540 2,453,880 1,452,240 16,190,260 21,220 16,922 3,350 5,939,160 922,214,076.50 11,374,670 445,212 86,432,293 793,158 4,957,675 205,544,367 87,975 2,051,038 12,980

59,000 -125,965,712 -100,364,233 4,770 -20,705 179,002.00 6,327,196 -486,765,467.50 -727,180 -2,209,320 20,450 -3,152,625 101,129,637 -31,115 -

INDUSTRIAL 38.7 2,270,500 14.72 782,200 0.6 1,215,000 1.26 422,000 23.1 239,600 0.232 6,300,000 3.11 4,051,000 16.5 285,700 49.95 402,300 23.8 24,800 59.95 10 61.1 300 1.92 383,000 5.1 2,100 8.99 8,900 10.62 2,840,200 16 658,500 11.38 27,000 7.25 4,557,100 5.25 3,498,100 1.7 5,000 15 879,500 64 60,280 21.6 49,500 8.57 42,900 15.1 1,108,300 2.45 6,736,000 279.2 1,393,440 5.03 132,900 27.4 4,503,900 11.86 142,000 22 1,159,200 345 1,348,830 0.183 370,000 6.75 19,400 2.28 64,000 4.3 80,000 9.19 1,172,600 5.94 350,500 7.75 1,700 1.33 535,000 12.4 13,600 51 762,000 5.95 107,000 4.6 22,000 2.44 295,000 2 423,000 13.22 93,200 63.8 569,440 5.03 129,700 0.132 20,000 121.6 3,576,390 2.6 20,000 3.02 7,938,000 1.62 130,072,000

86,718,570 11,496,322 716,870 526,320 5,507,655 1,471,410 12,618,530 4,714,050 20,089,985 588,415 599.5 18,330 733,210 10,710 80,320 30,173,544 10,488,818 308,174 32,860,862 18,367,378 8,500 13,149,478 3,790,839.50 1,062,040 367,974 16,745,934 16,047,570 388,622,722 668,526 123,020,720 1,681,412 25,560,875 461,485,976 68,120 130,835 146,340 344,280 10,700,841 2,047,308 13,175 709,650 168,568 38,357,860 640,010 100,320 714,660 823,280 1,230,912 36,771,794.50 657,905 2,640 438,328,594 52,000 24,054,300 197,983,130

-30,279,460 2,722,304 141,700 -774,980 16,500 19,300 -9,051,590 7,234,546 -19,251,777 -4,377,080 -3,021,504 214,761.50 -1,100 -6,580,092 -48,990 -68,324,866 -7,005,350 593,764 -930,865 223,779,806 -34,590.00 858,479 1,190 -24,920 488,025 -300,292 812,374 -18,564,477 28,709 -159,913,825 -743,270 -5,150,000

3,439,550 243,720,095.50 239,401,332 1,917,180 43,315 3,525,320 1,357,500 538,620,060 17,908,579 260,278,466 454,993 384,025,155 427,690 234,290,701.50 11,340 86,730 38,653,110 99,189,381 1,081,120 325,860,870 3,360 197,800 2,639,760 2,248,400 20,857,220 33,190 649,264,830 24,300 50,460 153,945 919,272 336,190 29,540

-20,057,517.50 -61,624,400 1,148,910.00 -69,817,755 -396,387 -10,172,598 183,850 -8,319,305 -49,363,384.50 -5,700 -20,135,290 -21,842,138 -30,504,660 -33,300 21,320 8,760 -449,036 -20,400 -83,653,700 -

52,579,723 2,364,880 205,390 156,150 1,042,480 1,126,920,695 480,330 824,460 32,700 2,146,250 117,750 146,760 2,060,860 243,300 24,453,885 581,170 9,599,360 953,870 4,156,170 231,328,350 18,163,730 409,250 667,980 36,987,670 8,700

-17,190,336 13,130 -444,573,890 363,180 191,700.00 16,620 -1,047,500 2,180 -3,469,230 -412,300 -2,083,800 -110,027,060 -11,700 173,240 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58.25 96.5 2.9 134 1.59 34.5 16.56 14.74 3.45 9.29 0.67 0.52 77.05 1.18 12.1 50.8 205.2 32 201 1,955 88.9 1.18

59 98.75 2.9 137.8 1.67 34.5 16.6 15.1 3.65 9.49 0.67 0.59 77.1 1.27 12.1 52 205.2 32 206 1,955 88.95 1.18

58.25 95.2 2.9 133 1.55 34.4 16.5 14.64 3.45 9.29 0.67 0.52 74.75 1.17 12 49.8 204 30.4 198 1,955 88.9 1.18

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

37.5 14.58 0.59 1.25 21.35 0.234 3.14 16.5 49.95 23.75 59.95 61.1 1.92 5.1 9.11 10.7 16 11.38 7.18 5.25 1.7 15.36 63.4 21.85 8.6 15.08 2.23 278.4 5.02 27.2 11.9 21.9 334 0.195 6.75 2.3 4.31 9.08 6.11 7.75 1.36 12.04 49.55 5.96 4.6 2.46 1.91 13.28 66 5.14 0.132 126 2.6 2.99 1.35

38.7 14.78 0.6 1.26 24 0.237 3.18 16.5 50 24.15 59.95 61.1 1.97 5.1 9.11 10.72 16 11.6 7.25 5.28 1.7 15.36 64 21.85 8.6 15.42 2.48 280.2 5.15 27.5 11.9 22.35 345 0.195 6.76 2.3 4.4 9.19 6.11 7.75 1.36 12.48 51 6.01 4.6 2.57 2 13.3 66 5.14 0.132 126 2.6 3.1 1.66

37.35 14.58 0.59 1.24 21.35 0.229 3.1 16.5 49.6 23.25 59.95 61.1 1.91 5.1 8.8 10.48 15.82 11.2 7.15 5.25 1.7 14.7 61.8 20.75 8.57 15.02 2.19 276.6 5.01 26.95 11.76 21.75 331.2 0.183 6.74 2.22 4.29 8.91 5.71 7.75 1.31 12.04 49.55 5.95 4.55 2.37 1.9 13.18 63.8 5.02 0.132 121.6 2.6 2.91 1.34

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

0.28 61.15 12.82 0.94 6.1 0.68 0.7 937 6.4 10.7 7.39 1,000 6.5 58.55 5.67 0.57 3.9 20.05 0.57 4.9 3.36 0.037 1.28 2.92 139.8 2.56 895 0.81 1.62 579.5 261 0.22 0.211

0.285 63.75 12.82 1.04 6.11 0.68 0.7 952.5 6.41 10.9 7.4 1,007 6.5 58.55 5.67 0.59 3.93 20.05 0.58 5.09 3.36 0.037 1.3 2.92 140 2.56 907.5 0.81 1.63 580 261 0.22 0.211

0.265 60.8 12.5 0.92 6.1 0.66 0.69 933 6.35 10.4 7.35 980 6.45 56 5.67 0.57 3.56 19.22 0.56 4.83 3.36 0.036 1.22 2.87 138.1 2.55 888 0.81 1.62 550 257.4 0.218 0.211

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 DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE IRC PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP PTFC REDEV CORP

7.4 1.01 15.02 2.08 0.79 40.2 3.32 4.82 6 0.455 1.01 0.96 0.225 0.42 27 0.62 1.63 1.27 1.1 4.65 0.63 0.44 0.51 2.58 29

7.57 1.02 15.2 2.09 0.81 40.25 3.38 4.82 6 0.455 1.08 0.97 0.229 0.42 27.55 0.64 1.63 1.28 1.1 4.75 0.66 0.44 0.52 2.8 29

7.29 1 14.94 2.04 0.79 39.15 3.32 4.76 5.94 0.445 1.01 0.95 0.22 0.415 26.95 0.61 1.58 1.27 1.04 4.56 0.62 0.435 0.5 2.55 29

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

19.92 2.04 3.25 35.8 1.1 9.93 0.79 6.83

19.92 2.1 3.3 35.8 1.11 10.2 0.79 6.86

19.56 2.04 3.25 34.75 1.09 8.95 0.79 6.71

19.56 2.04 3.3 34.75 1.1 8.95 0.79 6.8

4,086,500 581,000 22,000 33,632,800 51,000 3,885,000 1,000 7,613,500

80,114,596 1,188,320 71,550 1,176,283,305 55,920 36,145,097 790 51,763,713

-10,550,334 -3,300 -496,395,730 391,665 -24,257,583

2GO GROUP ABS CBN APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER 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 MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

15.5 26.35 0.495 0.044 5.4 11.1 0.054 87.65 8.8 8.49 7.45 2.15 18.5 950 1,628 5.58 305.2 3.7 2.19 86 8.21 0.114 1.73 4.39 15.04 4.35 1.03 25.2 0.455 4.3 6.12 2.95 3.8 3.8 17.22 10.2 11.48 9.15 3.1 124 5.22 1,288 0.95 0.35 48.85 86 9.6 2.1 1.23 0.435 4.9 0.84 12

15.5 26.35 0.495 0.046 5.4 11.46 0.055 87.65 8.8 8.49 7.45 2.29 19.16 950 1,680 5.64 311 3.72 2.19 86.5 8.22 0.114 1.87 4.43 15.04 4.42 1.06 25.5 0.49 4.3 6.27 2.95 4.05 3.97 19.46 10.36 11.48 9.15 3.1 124 5.48 1,310 0.96 0.36 48.85 86 9.62 2.1 1.23 0.46 4.94 0.84 12

15.3 25.9 0.475 0.044 5.4 10.92 0.054 84 8.8 8.01 7.3 2.15 18.1 950 1,581 5.58 303.4 3.66 2.16 85 8.21 0.114 1.68 4.27 15.04 4.14 1.03 25.1 0.455 4.01 5.94 2.93 3.7 3.71 17.22 9.9 11.44 9.05 3.1 122 5.18 1,272 0.92 0.35 47.2 83.85 9.12 2.06 1.21 0.425 4.81 0.82 11.92

SERVICES 15.3 26.2 0.485 0.046 5.4 11.44 0.054 84.5 8.8 8.1 7.3 2.29 18.7 950 1,680 5.63 311 3.68 2.16 86.05 8.22 0.114 1.87 4.42 15.04 4.36 1.04 25.15 0.455 4.26 6 2.93 3.8 3.8 19.46 10.08 11.44 9.1 3.1 123 5.38 1,297 0.92 0.36 48 84 9.32 2.08 1.22 0.45 4.9 0.84 11.94

25,600 56,200 3,510,000 3,900,000 2,000 8,880,500 4,220,000 173,800 5,000 5,943,700 7,200 16,000 99,300 10 59,680 34,400 6,230 957,000 35,000 2,108,460 15,500 760,000 8,068,000 226,000 9,600 1,022,000 773,000 213,500 40,000 39,000 5,732,700 382,000 11,216,000 453,000 600 20,075,600 2,300 7,400 9,000 1,400 2,599,100 172,195 9,186,000 260,000 755,300 615,110 629,900 3,536,000 1,217,000 44,190,000 4,731,000 3,209,000 460,900

393,812 1,465,945 1,687,300 175,800 10,800 100,610,458 228,470 14,787,392.50 44,000 48,480,660 53,610 36,500 1,862,526 9,500 98,899,265 192,789 1,920,072 3,523,740 76,180 181,177,560.50 127,305 86,640 14,691,600 989,680 144,384 4,339,780 805,770 5,369,920 18,550 165,250 34,752,713 1,122,540 43,305,660 1,746,640 10,724 203,327,970 26,356 67,440 27,900 171,820 13,919,123 223,144,190 8,595,570 93,000 36,325,235 51,867,853.50 5,849,554 7,357,860 1,482,380 19,840,900 23,010,100 2,641,240 5,501,730

-7,570 20,137,442 -7,983,454.50 -113,500 32,060 15,406,315 -129,010 -29,987,887 -341,120 7,520 -905,020 1,050 1,395,635 -71,650 4,979,009 -55,790 -165,300 -1,779,227 -32,240 -80,829.00 -19,139,030 -662,000 20,084,825 -35,578,815 -8,385.00 -82,700 -122,000 -136,500 -8,868,810 988,642

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

0.0027 1.54 4.43 29.4 1.65 1.56 1.7 0.3 7.3 2.28 0.205 0.133 0.133 0.0081 1.53 4.95 1.12 0.52 0.93 0.013 0.011 2.05 5.18 12 30.75 0.0062

0.0028 1.58 4.44 29.9 1.65 1.6 1.73 0.3 7.75 2.31 0.205 0.133 0.133 0.0081 1.54 5.02 1.12 0.52 0.93 0.013 0.012 2.05 5.25 12.6 30.95 0.0062

0.0027 1.54 4.26 26.7 1.65 1.56 1.69 0.3 7.3 2.26 0.18 0.133 0.133 0.0081 1.51 4.95 1.08 0.52 0.88 0.012 0.011 1.97 4.92 11.88 30.4 0.0061

MINING & OIL 0.0028 92,000,000 1.56 1,827,000 4.43 23,000 26.7 296,200 1.65 51,000 1.6 30,000 1.73 1,444,000 0.3 220,000 7.7 35,200 2.3 1,329,000 0.199 730,000 0.133 630,000 0.133 40,000 0.0081 4,000,000 1.53 218,000 5.01 1,003,000 1.11 9,000 0.52 31,000 0.93 39,000 0.013 1,000,000 0.012 23,000,000 2.01 43,000 4.92 899,200 12.5 1,708,700 30.65 3,915,900 0.0061 8,000,000

253,400 2,845,140 101,750 8,417,635 84,150 47,400 2,472,880 66,000 261,656 3,050,110 136,730 83,790 5,320 32,400 332,680 5,024,090 9,830 16,120 34,560 12,500 265,400 85,270 4,520,933 20,844,868 120,230,185 49,000

-513,740 -84,000 583,420 -1,777,292 -136,500 -34,656,200 -

FGEN PREF F GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

107 510 5.41 980 100 1.07 103 1,021 975 77 79.9 78.4 76.6 76 76.1

107 510 5.41 980 100 1.07 103 1,021 978 77 79.9 78.4 76.6 76 76.15

107 510 5.37 980 99 1.05 103 1,021 975 75.2 79.8 78.4 76.6 76 76

PREFERRED 107 40 510 10 5.38 70,700 980 2,950 100 5,600 1.05 12,000 103 30 1,021 500 978 10,870 76 60,500 79.8 7,290 78.4 2,000 76.6 2,010 76 13,400 76 20,400

4,280 5,100 381,388 2,891,000 555,000 12,820 3,090 510,500 10,605,120 4,593,224 582,384.50 156,800 153,966 1,018,400 1,551,360

-359,775 -495,000 -3,787,724 63,840 -

LR WARRANT

2.69

2.74

2.59

WARRANTS 2.61 694,000

1,845,850

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.24 3.25

5.43 3.26

5.11 3.23

5.29 3.24

970,000 379,000

5,166,038 1,227,420

70,320 -38,880

FIRST METRO ETF

113.9

113.9

112.3

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 112.3 26,840

3,026,699

66,392

50,500 4,000

-

MS

HOLDING FIRMS 0.27 12,650,000 62.6 3,899,210 12.78 18,896,100 0.95 1,935,000 6.11 7,100 0.68 5,264,000 0.7 1,966,000 950.5 567,350 6.4 2,799,600 10.74 24,212,700 7.39 61,800 1,007 384,765 6.5 65,800 57.1 4,099,700 5.67 2,000 0.58 152,000 3.56 10,622,000 19.38 5,109,900 0.57 1,906,000 4.99 65,181,000 3.36 1,000 0.037 5,400,000 1.23 2,119,000 2.89 780,000 140 149,240 2.55 13,000 902.5 720,040 0.81 30,000 1.63 31,000 579 270 260 3,550 0.22 1,530,000 0.211 140,000 PROPERTY 7.54 1 15 2.04 0.81 39.15 3.38 4.76 6 0.45 1.08 0.96 0.22 0.415 27.1 0.61 1.6 1.27 1.1 4.56 0.63 0.435 0.52 2.75 29

7,016,400 2,357,000 13,700 76,000 1,305,000 28,545,300 143,000 172,000 5,500 4,810,000 110,000 153,000 9,300,000 580,000 901,400 932,000 6,015,000 749,000 3,861,000 50,217,000 28,319,000 940,000 1,314,000 13,623,000 300

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.1 10

TRADING SUMMARY

10.1 10

SHARES

FINANCIAL

45,703,741

INDUSTRIAL

192,871,215

HOLDING FIRMS

186,258,521

PROPERTY

219,503,126

SERVICES

151,613,672

MINING & OIL

143,036,609

GRAND TOTAL

940,362,845

10.1 10

10.1 10

SME

DDS

5,000 400

VALUE 1,882.44 (DOWN) 21.22 2,375,123,631.05 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,725.69 (DOWN) 30.27 2,143,368,236.41 HOLDING FIRMS 7,514.66 (UP) 8.34 3,299,166,775.75 PROPERTY 3,596.05 (DOWN) 115.59 1,493.43 (DOWN) 1.54 3,145,563,354.58 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,130.77 (DOWN) 19.61 1,168,930,881.70 PSEI 7,529.54 (DOWN) 73.44 169,305,700.40 All Shares Index 4,593.18 (DOWN) 36.17 12,310,879,136.59 Gainers: 76; Losers: 110; Unchanged: 57; Total: 243

BPI raising $2b to fund operations, expansion

By Julito G. Rada BANK of the Philippine Islands, the third largest lender in terms of assets, is putting up a medium-term note program amounting up to $2 billion or its equivalent in other currencies to fund future expansion and operations.

BPI, a member of conglomerate Ayala Corp., said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday the fund-raising initiative was approved by its board of directors in a meeting on June 13, 2018.

“The program is part of the bank’s initiatives to maximize flexibility in accessing funding expediently,” BPI said.

“The issuance of notes under the program shall be subject to market conditions and shall be determined by requirements of the bank’s business,” it said.

The bank is intensifying its long-term digitalization efforts to support rapid growth and at the same time back up the government’s campaign for a wider financial inclusion.

Bank president and chief executive Cezar Consing said the ultimate objective was to elevate the bank’s digital infrastructure, bring innovative services to existing and future clients and support the initiative of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to develop a National Retail Payment System, which involves policies and standards for a “cash-lite” economy.

“It’s about shaping and creating a whole new experience for our customers through digitalization, offering them a better, safer, more convenient way to bank with us. A cash-lite economy will bring significant benefits to our country,” Consing said in a statement.

“This long-term digitalization journey will enhance our extensive network of ATMs, CAMs (Cash Acceptance Machines), online facility, and mobile app, to enable us to offer convenient, selfservice banking,” he said.

BPI Enterprise Services head Ramon Jocson said the process of digitalization would eventually lead to exceptional customer experience as more and more people gain more confidence in doing online and mobile transactions.

Capital flight reached $206m in May—BSP REGISTERED foreign portfolio investments, or “hot money,” posted a net outflow of $206.35 million in May, higher than the $24.35-million net outflow a year ago, due mainly to investors’ reaction to renewed geopolitical tension between the United States and China, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday.

The central bank in a statement said other reasons for the net outflow was the net foreign selling of listed securities with the Philippine Stock Exchange since February this year, higher US treasury yields, weaker peso and rising oil prices which may affect inflation.

The May outflow was also a reversal of the $279-million net inflow a month ago. Including the first week of June, portfolio investments since the start of the year stood at a net inflow $797.19 million, a sharp turnaround from the $543.79-million net outflow a year ago.

Total inflows in May reached $1.212 billion, down from $1.484 billion a year ago, while gross outflows hit $1.418 billion, lower than $1.509 billion in the same month last year.

“This may be attributed to higher United States treasury yields and investor concerns on a weaker peso and rising oil prices which may affect inflation,” the Bangko Sentral said.

The UK, US, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong were the top five investor countries for the month, with a combined share to total at 74.8 percent.

About 80.2 percent of investments during the month were in securities listed in the PSE pertaining to banks, holding firms, property companies, food, beverage and tobacco firms and transportation services companies.

The balance went to peso government securities. Net inflows of $74 million were noted for peso government securities while net outflows were recorded for PSE-listed securities and other peso debt instruments.

Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral is optional under the liberalized rules on foreign exchange transactions.

Julito G. Rada

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

B3

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Yemeni forces launch assault on rebel-held port city

IN BRIEF Oldest first-time president turns 72 WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump turned 72 on Thursday, having returned to the fray of Washington politics after his grueling trip to Singapore for the summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump in 2016 was the oldest person to assume the US presidency—he was 70 then—although Ronald Reagan was 73 when he was re-elected in 1984.

Trump’s health, both physical and mental, have been the subject of keen interest in America.

He underwent an official physical in January and then White House physician Ronny Jackson described his health as “excellent.”

When Trump was still a presidential candidate, his then personal doctor Harold Bornstein released a letter on Trump’s behalf in December 2015 in which he described the businessman’s health in grand hyperbole.

It depicted Trump’s blood pressure and laboratory results as “astonishingly excellent,” his physical strength and stamina as “extraordinary,” and said he would be “the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.”

Last month Bornstein told CNN that Trump had personally dictated the letter. AFP

AL JAH, Yemen―Yemeni forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive to retake the rebel-held port city of Hodeida, a key aid hub, sparking calls from the international community for restraint.

Pro-government troops began the assault Wednesday despite mounting international fears about the humanitarian

fallout, pressing toward Hodeida airport south of the city after receiving a “green light” from the coalition.

The UN Security Council will meet on Thursday for urgent talks on the offensive, diplomats said, after a request from Britain. The closed-door meeting will be the second this week on the Yemen crisis.

By Wednesday night, the offensive remained on the outskirts of the rebel-held airport.

The Red Sea port, controlled by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels who hail from northern Yemen, serves as the entry point for 70 percent of the impoverished country’s imports as it teeters on the brink of famine.

Abe-Kim meeting being arranged T OKYO―Japan is working to arrange a meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim Jong Un after the North Korean leader said he was open to talks, local media reported Thursday.

Trump downplays Kim Jong Un’s abuses WASHINGTON—US President Donald Trump downplayed the abuses

by Kim Jong Un’s regime in an interview following his summit with the North Korean leader, saying other countries had also done “bad things.”

“A lot of other people [have] done some really bad things. I mean, I could go through a lot of nations where a lotta bad things were done,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.

He praised Kim as “a very smart guy” and “a great negotiator,” saying that “I think we understand each other.”

According to Trump’s own State Department, Kim’s regime holds between 80,000 and 120,000 political prisoners in forced labor camps, facing torture and forced starvation.

As well as abuses at home, Kim is also suspected of ordering the assassination of his brother at a Malaysian airport last year.

Trump and Kim met in Singapore on Tuesday—an unprecedented encounter that saw the leader of the world’s most powerful democracy shake hands with the third generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship, standing as equals in front of their nations’ flags. AFP

VICTIMS’ FAMILIES. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meets the family members of victims abducted to North Korea at Abe’s official residence in Tokyo on June 14, 2018. AFP

‘Forced’ sterilization of Brazilian woman sparks uproar RIO DE JANEIRO―Claims that a drugaddicted Brazilian woman was subjected to forced sterilization are sparking accusations of a nightmarish “dystopia” in a country where a leading presidential candidate has stirred controversy with his own birth control proposals.

The facts of the case not under dispute are that Janaina Aparecida Quirino, an addict with numerous children, had her tubes tied after a ruling by a judge in Mococa, near Sao Paulo.

But according to a report in Folha de S.Paulo newspaper, the woman was homeless and the procedure was performed without her consent.

By the time the judge’s ruling came to appeal at a higher court, “the mutilation had already occurred,” wrote the author of the report, the constitutional law professor Oscar Vilhena Vieira.

In The Name Of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN BIDS AND AWARDSCOMMITTEE Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300

The Provincial Government of Basilan , now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of Construction Materials for the Rehabilitation of Bulan Bulan-Tangellaran road section, Bulan -Bulan and Kalugusan brgy., Lantawan, Basilan .

Delivery of the Goods is required [within the required delivery date or expected contract duration]. Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

7.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. (i) Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

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

(InvItatIon to BId)

for

for

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 10 UNITS HEAVY EQUIPMENT , I UNIT GEOMETRIC CONTROL (SURVEYING INSTRUMENT) AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FOR ROAD REHABILITATION, CONSTRUCTION/IMPLEMENTATION OF MOA PROJECTS AND OTHER PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. Under BaC PUBLICatIon 06-010-2018

Under BaC PUBLICatIon 06-009-2018 1.

The Provincial Government of Basilan, incoordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways through a Memorandum of Agreement 4intends to apply the sum of Seventy Million Seven Hundred Thirty Five Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy Eight 100/63 Pesos (P70,735,978.63 ) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR THE CONCRETING OF TUMAHUBONG-MAHATALLANG ROAD, SUMISIP, CONSTRUCTION OF BOHE MANGAL BRIDGE, SUMISIP (TRANSCENTRAL ROAD) SUMISIP, CONSTRUCTION OF BOX CULVERT (DOUBLE) BOX CULVERT AT PUNO DAHINGAN 1, PUNO DAHINGAN 2 AND PUNO DAHINGAN 3 , ALL SUMISIP BASILAN PROVINCE Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Name of Contract 1) Supply and Delivery of Constructions Materials for the Concreting of Tumahubong-Mahatallang road, Sumisip a ) PR No E-147-2018 dated June 7, 2018 b) PR No E-148-2018 dated June 7, 2018 2) Supply and Delivery of Constructions Materials for the Construction of Bohe Mangal Bridge, Sumisip (Transcentral road) Sumisip a) PR No E-134-2018 dated June 7, 2018 b) PR No E-132-2018 dated June 7, 2018 c) PR No E-133-2018 dated June 7, 2018 3) Construction of Box Culvert(Double)Box Culvert, Puno Dahingan 1, Sumisip a) PR No E-146-2018 dated June 7, 2018 4) Construction of Box Culvert(Double)Box Culvert, Puno Dahingan 1, Sumisip a) PR No E-136-2018 dated June 7, 2018 5) Construction of Box Culvert(Double)Box Culvert, Puno Dahingan 1, Sumisip a)PR No E-144-2018 dated June 7, 2018 TOTAL ABC

1.

Approved Budget for the Contract

P31,828,820.00 10,888,684.43 P13,030,666.20 9,393,024.00 1,510,127.00

1.

2.

1,359,460.00 1,367,743.00 1,357,454.00 70,735,978.63

2.

2.

The Provincial Government of Basilan , now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of Construction Materials for the FOR THE CONCRETING OF TUMAHUBONG-MAHATALLANG ROAD, SUMISIP, CONSTRUCTION OF BOHE MANGAL BRIDGE, SUMISIP (TRANSCENTRAL ROAD) SUMISIP, CONSTRUCTION OF BOX CULVERT (DOUBLE) BOX CULVERT AT PUNO DAHINGAN 1, PUNO DAHINGAN 2 AND PUNO DAHINGAN 3, ALL SUMISIP BASILAN PROVINCE 5Delivery of the Goods is required [within the required delivery date or expected contract duration]. Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on June 15, 2018 to July 9, 2018 from the address below on the amount of Five thousand Pesos (P5,000,00) and another One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) for the letter of intent It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

3.

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

The Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 10:00 am, June 25, 2018 at BAC Office, Provincial Capitol, Isabela City Basilan, which shall beopen to prospective bidders.

4.

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

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on June 15, 2018 to July 9, 2018 from the address below on the amount of Fifty thousand Pesos (P50,000,00) and another One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) for the letter of intent It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

The Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 10:00 am, June 25, 2018 at BAC Office, Provincial Capitol, Isabela City Basilan, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

6.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00am, July9, 2018. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Claused .opening shall be on 10:00 am, July 9, 2018 at BAC Office, Provincial Capitol, Isabela City, Basilan province. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

7.

8.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representative who choose to attend at the address below. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

8.

9.

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

9.

10.

For further information, please refer to:

10.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00am,July 9, 2018. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Claused .opening shall be on 10:00 am, July 9, 2018 atBAC Office, Provincial Capitol, Isabela City, Basilan province. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representative who choose to attend at the address below. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

9.

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

10. For further information, please refer to:

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat Ground Floor, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417

The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat Ground Floor, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417 (MS-JUNE 15, 2018)

(i)

(SGD) INTAN GORDANA A. ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Bids and Award Committee

(SGD) INTAN GORDANA A. ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Bids and Award Committee (MS-JUNE 15, 2018)

The Sankei Shimbun said Kim discussed the possibility during historic talks Tuesday with US President Donald Trump.

“During the summit with Trump, Kim told Trump ‘I can meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’,” the Sankei reported.

Japan wants the talks to push the emotive issue of citizens abducted by the North decades ago, which has seen little movement despite a whirlwind of diplomacy in recent months.

Abe on Thursday repeated a pledge to push for dialogue with Pyongyang on the issue as he met the families of abductees.

“I will face [North Korea] directly and work toward resolving the abduction issue,” he told the families.

“Japan has to take the initiative to resolve the issue,” he said, adding that the summit would be “meaningless if it yields no progress on the abduction issue.”

Government officials are weighing several scenarios, including Abe visiting Pyongyang in August, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

Another scenario would see Abe meet Kim on the sidelines of a conference in Russia in September, the daily said.

Several Japanese media outlets said Kim had expressed a readiness to meet Abe when he held a summit with Trump.

And Abe has already said publicly that he would be willing to meet Kim in order to resolve the abduction issue.

Japanese foreign ministry officials plan to hold talks with North Korean officials at an international security conference in Mongolia this week as they try to firm up plans, local media said.

“If [Abe’s] visit to Pyongyang in August proves difficult,” he could hold talks with Kim on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia’s Vladivostok in September, the Yomiuri said.

Top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga on Thursday said only that “nothing has been decided at the moment.” AFP

In The Name Of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN BIDS AND AWARDSCOMMITTEE Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR THE REHABILITATION OF BULAN BULAN –TANGELLARAN ROAD SECTION, BULAN BULAN AND KALUGUSAN BRGY. LANTAWAN, BASILAN PROVINCE.

2.

6.

In The Name Of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN BIDS AND AWARDSCOMMITTEE Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 (InvItatIon to BId)

The Provincial Government of Basilan , through the 20% Development Fund of the provinceintends to apply the sum of Three Million Three n Hundred Fifty Seven Thousand One Hundred Eighty Seven 100/75 Pesos Only (P3,357,187.75) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery of Construction Materials for the Rehabilitation of Bulan BulanTangellaran road section, Bulan -Bulan and Kalugusan brgy., Lantawan, Basilan.

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

5.

According to Gomes, the woman “fully expressed consciousness and agreement with the sterilization.”

Crucial details of the case, even the dates, remain unclear. The judge’s order was dated October 2017, but the sterilization operation had to wait until the woman had given birth a last time.

Prosecutors say she did agree to the operation and some Brazilian media have published a redacted copy of what they say is a consent form signed back in 2015.

However, officials said that a psychologist’s report in which Quirino again gave the green light is under seal and cannot now be verified. In addition, the woman reportedly did not have a lawyer, which, if true, would raise doubts over the validity of anything she signed. AFP

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR THE CONCRETING OF TUMAHUBONGMAHATALLANG ROAD, SUMISIP , CONSTRUCTION OF BOHE MANGAL BRIDGE, SUMISIP (TRANSCENTRAL ROAD) SUIMISIP , CONSTRUCTION OF BOX CULVERT (DOUBLE) BOX CULVERT AT PUNO DAHINGAN 1, PUNO DAHINGAN 2 AND PUNO DAHINGAN 3, ALL SUMISIP BASILAN PROVINCE.

1.

4.

One advocacy group, the Institute of Penal Guarantees, said “Janaina K. woke under the custody of people she didn’t know, named in a judicial case that she was not informed about.”

“It evoked Kafka’s ‘The Trial,’” the institute said, referring to the hallucinatory novel about a man prosecuted without even being told what he is accused of having done.

The judge, Djalma Moreira Gomes, pushed back after Vieira’s article came out last weekend, insisting that Quirino, who had seven children, with one more on the way, wanted to be sterilized.

“The family set-up was characterized by the parents’ drug dependencies..., physical violence against the children by the current partner, and financial difficulties,” the judge said in a statement, also denying that she was ever homeless.

(InvItatIon to BId)

Under BaC PUBLICatIon 06-008-2018

3.

The official United Arab Emirates news agency WAM confirmed that the operation was ongoing “with the participation and the support, through land and sea and air, of the Emirati armed forces”.

It added that the attacking forces managed to “liberate areas... in the surroundings of the airport” and captured and killed “dozens of Huthi” rebels. AFP

3.

4.

5.

The Provincial Government of Basilan, through the Approved Loan proceeds from Landbank of the Philippines 1intends to apply the sum of Forty Million Four Hundred Seventy Thousand pesos (P40,470,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 10 UNITS HEAVY EQUIPMENT, I UNIT GEOMETRIC CONTROL (SURVEYING INSTRUMENT) AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FOR ROAD REHABILITATION, CONSTRUCTION/IMPLEMENTATION OF MOA PROJECTS AND OTHER PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Name of Contract Approved Budget for the Contract Supply and Delivery of 10 Units Equipment for Road Rehabilitation, Construction/Implementation of MOA Projects and other Provincial Development Projects a ) PR No E-149-2018 dated June 11, 2018 P39,000,000.00 Supply and Delivery of 1 Unit Geometric Control (Surveying Instrument) and other Construction Equipment for Road Rehabilitation, Construction/ Implementation of MOA Projects and other Provincial Development Projects a) PR No E-150-2018 dated June 11, 2018 1,470,000.000 TOTAL ABC P40,470,000.00 The Provincial Government of Basilan, now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of Construction Materials for the SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF 10 UNITS HEAVY EQUIPMENT, I UNIT GEOMETRIC CONTROL (SURVEYING INSTRUMENT) AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FOR ROAD REHABILITATION, CONSTRUCTION/IMPLEMENTATION OF MOA PROJECTS AND OTHER PROVINCIAL PROJECTS. Delivery of the Goods is required [within the required delivery date or expected contract duration]. Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. (i) Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on June 15, 2018 to July 9, 2018 from the address below on the amount of Twenty Five thousand Pesos (P25,000,00) and another One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) for the letter of intent It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 10:00 am, June 25, 2018 at BAC Office, Provincial Capitol, Isabela City Basilan, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00 am, July 9, 2018. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Claused .opening shall be on 10:00 am, July 3, 2018 at BAC Office, Provincial Capitol, Isabela City, Basilan province. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representative who choose to attend at the address below. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

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

For further information, please refer to: The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat Ground Floor, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417

(MS-JUNE 15, 2018)

(SGD) INTAN GORDANA A. ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Bids and Award Committee

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

B4

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Global support vs online child trafficking cited

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—The support of international authorities has helped local law enforcers entrap suspects of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) cases in Eastern Visayas, the International Justice Mission said here.

“Collaboration between local law enforcement and international law enforcement is crucial to ensuring that the victims of online sexual exploitation receive justice,” said Atty. John Tanagho, Cebu City field office director of IJM, a global organization that protects the poor from violence.

A senior investigator from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Internet Child Exploitation Division came all the way from Canada to testify at the Regional Trial Court Branch 10 in Abuyog, Leyte, against a suspected online trafficker who was arrested in the neighboring municipality of McArthur late last year, Tanagho revealed.

“We’re grateful for the support of the RCMP in this prosecution. That they traveled all the way to Leyte shows their deep commitment and professionalism,” he added.

IJM reported that on May 31, 2018, Corporal Jared Clarke, accompanied

by RCMP liaison officer Jay Schooley, arrived in the province “to authenticate the referral letter RCMP sent to the Philippine National Police.”

This referral led to a local police investigation and entrapment operation where a suspect named “Lorna” (real name withheld because one of the victims is her daughter) was arrested on November 10, 2017, by the PNP Women and Children Protection Center-Visayas Field Unit.

The operation also saw the rescue of nine children aged 2 to 9 years old from online sexual exploitation.

YEDDA’S AID. Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (center) holds the children of Leni Cinco (right) who are all suffering from muscular dystrophy, a genetic disease that causes the weakening of skeletal muscles over time. Romualdez donated sacks of rice, groceries and school uniforms to the family who are living at the UN-Habitat housing project in Tacloban City. Ver Noveno

Cotabato City marks 59th year

By Ayunan Gunting Al-Hadj

F

ANFARE and pageantry will mark the 59th founding anniversary of Cotabato City, the center of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with activities running until the end of June.

The 2018 celebration kicked off during the Philippine Independence Day with daily cultural presentations, organized by the Department of Education, at the City Plaza that run through June 19. The Cotabato Toy Fair at the City Mall will run from June 14 to 17.

Sports competitions in taekwondo, table tennis, jiujitsu, super fights and lawn

tennis will be held on June 15 in different venues. On June 16, Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi’s Culinary Competition will be held at the People’s Palace, while the Sayaw, Cotabato dance workshop and dance competition will be staged at the CCSPC Gym. On June 17, the Padyak Takbo Para sa Turismo at the People’s Palace and a

boxing tournament at City Mall are slated.

Between those events are entertainment numbers such as the Cosplay Competition at City Mall and PaBingo sa Plaza at the City Plaza.

A city celebration is incomplete without a beauty and brains pageant, such as the Mutya ng Cotabato Talent Competition at Southseas Mall, in a preliminary event ahead of the finals.

On June 18, a whole-day boat race, Pagkuya ng Awang, is slated at the Tamontaka River, and a Tinig Cotabato Choral Competition will be at the City Mall.

Free legal services will be offered at the People’s Palace on June 19. A two-

Herbert OKs day care program

By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista is backing an ordinance enhancing the barangay day-care center program.

He approved City Ordinance 268 or the Barangay Day Care Center Enhancement Program of Quezon City to ensure children four years old and younger would be ready to enter the formal learning system that begins at kindergarten.

Under the measure, the city government would provide the pupils with school and physical education uniforms, workbooks and textbooks, school bags and school supplies, school shoes, rain coats and boots, and rewritable pads.

Bautista said hygiene kits, education-

al toy box, manuals and other miscellaneous needs shall also be given to the children.

The city shall promote and maintain equality of access to education and the basic educational materials given to the barangay day-care students to help the child’s learning capacity, personal and social interaction to grow and develop when they reach five.

“While parents have the primary responsibility to provide for their children’s physical, emotional, psychological, mental and social needs, barangay day-care service aims to supplement the inability of some parents to provide their children with the proper care and home environment,” District 4 Councilor Raquel Malangen said.

Davao lists 562 dengue cases this year

Celyn Gabol shows off her wares—eco-bags and recycled products made by her group BESA and bolos made by her brother Roland Bongtiwon—at the recent Agri-Trade Fair in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. Ben Moses Ebreo

Eco-bag maker profits from selling bolos

By Ben Moses Ebreo BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Celyn Gabol, 51, is an eco-bag sewer and seller from barangay San Nicolas Extension here. However, she has recently turned to selling bolos—which have now edged out her usual products.

During the recent Agri-Trade Fair within the provincial capitol grounds as part of the Grand Ammungan celebration, Gabol—who once served as president of the Bayombong Eco-Sewers Association—now also offers locally made blades in various sizes.

BESA is in the recyclables business, turning used clothes into eco-bags and other products, but the bolo—the large, single-edged knife common in the country—has taken the spotlight and raked in the profits for Gabol.

“We sold more than 100 pieces last year in just three weeks’ time in this similar trade fair. That is why we are doing

it here again,” she said.

Gabol’s quality native bolos, knives, and even katanas, are made by her brother Roland Bongtiwon, 46, who now manages his Farm Hand Tools Manufacturing in barangay Duit in nearby Kiangan town in Ifugao province.

Bongtiwon, like Gabol, was assisted financially by the Department of Trade and Industry in their respective provinces.

Gabol now prides on her brother’s business, as it received an award from the DTI since it started last year.

The bolos sell at prices ranging from P1,000 to P3,500, depending on the blades’ sizes and designs.

She said his brother uses car wheel springs, known locally as “molye,” that he turns into quality bolos, knives, and Japanese swords in various shapes and sizes. Bongtiwon also gets raw materials from junk shops and auto supply outlets in Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, and Santiago City in Isabela.

DAVAO CITY—The Davao City Health Office has recorded 562 confirmed dengue cases from January up to the second week of June this year.

The figure remains lower compared to the same period in the past two years, based on CHO records, as the city posted 977 cases in 2017 and 1,890 cases in 2016.

However, CHO Tropical Disease Division head Elizabeth Banzon on Thursday said this year’s recorded cases could still increase with the onset of the rainy season.

RIZAL’S HEROES.

The country’s national heroes come to life as portrayed by local students and performers at SM City San Mateo in time for the celebration of the 117th Araw ng Lalawigan ng Rizal on Thursday. They also performed a drama, recounting scenes from Philippine history. Manny Palmero

She said the top five districts that have the most number of dengue cases are Agdao with 78 followed by Talomo North (75), Buhangin (65), Talomo South (46) and Poblacion A with 39. Of the total cases, Banzon said four died due to complications and dehydration.

The first two deaths this year happened last February, with one in May and another this month.

Banzon urged the public, especially barangay officials, to take action in preventing the propagation of dengue-carrying mosquitoes by cleaning their surroundings.

day competition of the best flowerhorn fish, titled Clash of the Kings, will also be shown at the City Mall. The 2018 Mutya ng Cotabato Pageant will be the climax of the festival at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.

The founding day celebration on June 20 will begin with a military parade in the morning and the formal launch of Sayaw Cotabato, the annual indigenous dance festival showcasing the diversity of the city’s ethno-linguistic groups as well as modern influences.

The Davao-based DayBreak Band will perform at the City Plaza along with a Halal Industry Development Forum at the Alnor Convention Center.

QC dads unite vs fly-by-night LPG retailers

IN THE interest of public safety and consumer protection, the 37-member Quezon City council led by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte as presiding officer has vowed to go after fly-by-night dealers and refillers of liquified petroleum gas.

Belmonte said Ordinance No. 2677 has drawn tighter guidelines in the operation of LPG outlets in the city, targeting unscrupulous refillers and retailers that blatantly violate safety regulations and short-change consumers.

The operation of unsafe and substandard LPG retail outlets exposes the consuming public to fire, health, and environmental risks, the council said. Dishonest sellers, meanwhile, cheat on consumers with the distribution of a cylinder tank with lighter gas content.

“We at the city council see the urgent need to enact an ordinance that would curb, if not totally eliminate, the nefarious practices of LPG sellers to protect local consumers from all forms of danger and fraud,” the vice mayor said. Rio N. Araja

Life

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

Culture and media

friday, june 15, 2018

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CRAFTSWOMAN AND ENTREPRENEUR. Elizabeth Agarao shares her talent as an artisan with other women in her community.

Stitching

The side panel of Manilacaba features the embroidery of the women embroiderers from Lumban, Laguna.

a community together

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erseVeraNCe, innovation, and diligence all go hand in hand for elizabeth agarao. Beth, as she is called, is overseeing a cottage industry of beautiful embroidery.

Little did she know that her community would eventually be adorning a world-renowned designer’s collection of bags.

Beth is currently the president and head designer of her own embroidery business. she’s also mentor to other women in her community in Lumban, Laguna.

But her journey in the embroidery business did not start easily.

Despite growing up in a place where embroidery is the major industry and everyone learns the craft at a young age, she did not. Beth’s mother disapproved of the low earnings, so she had to learn the craft secretly.

Beth wanted to become a teacher after she finished her schooling. since only contractual positions were available, she took a job as a secretary in an embroidery company until she resigned after getting married.

Challenges in life came when her husband was laid off from his job. Using the capital from her husband’s last salary, they purchased textiles to embroi-

Manilacaba, from the limited edition Treasure Totes

by Christian Louboutin, celebrates the vibrant culture of Manila.

der and sell in Manila. she also intended to showcase her expertise for the purpose of accepting orders for traditional barongs and wedding gowns.

Drawing from her exposure to the business of embroidery while working as a secretary, Beth successfully expanded her business; she first had six employees who would embroider and sew her wares.

Further work such as beading textiles was also outsourced to other women who worked from home. Her flourishing business allowed her to take out a loan from a microfinance group to improve not only the business but her family’s economic situation as well.

Beth was introduced to Jeannie Javelosa, the social entrepreneur behind GreaT Women.

Jevelosa worked with Beth to translate her art drawings into embroidered jusi tops. soon, Beth’s role expanded

into product design and development, as the bridge between client and producers. No longer was she embroidering the same style her town has been doing over and over again for decades. Her days were filled meeting with artists and designers who she collaborated with for more contemporary designs and updated looks and ultimately fresh products. These were all novel experiences for her, especially as GreaT Women brought her closer to partnerships with designers such as alumni of slim’s Fashion school. she now aims to expand her skills with new textiles, motifs, and designs for new retail platforms.

The GreaT Women Brand also encouraged Beth to mentor other women who depended on their craft for their livelihood. It also gave Beth and other embroiderers in Lumban, Laguna an arena to stretch their creative powers.

Just recently, the creation from Beth’s community made its way to the luxury fashion scene as French fashion designer Christian Louboutin released Manilacaba, a collaboration with GreaT Women that celebrates Manila’s vibrant lifestyle and culture while highlighting

Beth (rightmost) with Angie Ilul of the Yakan trip, GREAT Women co-founder Jeannie Javelosa, French designer Christian Louboutin, and B'laan indigenous weaver Felipa Manangka

techniques from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. On the bag’s right side panel, one will find Christian Louboutin’s name embroidered by the women from

Lumban. Not only is this a source of pride for community, but also for the Philippines whose craftsmanship is recognized on a global stage.

Philippine textile on display in Spain

Guests attend the launch of 'PiñaSeda' traveling exhibition in Spain.

(Inset) From left: National Museum assistant director Ana Labrador, National Museum director Jeremy Barns, Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier, and Real Fabrica de Tapices director general Alexander Klecker de Elizalde

OUr very own traditional textile, piñaseda, is currently on display at the historic real Fabrica de Tapices in Madrid, spain for a month-long exhibition, dubbed “Piña-seda: Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Travelling exhibition, Lecture series, Weaving, and embroidery Demonstrations and Workshops.”

The traveling exhibition, ongoing until June 21, was launched by the Philippine embassy in Madrid and the real Fabrica de Tapices, through the efforts of the National Museum of the Philippines, the Office of senator Loren Legarda, and the local governments of Kalibo, aklan and Lumban, Laguna.

The exhibit and its related activities aim to increase public awareness and interest in Filipino traditional textiles. It also aims to deepen appreciation of local weaving traditions and provide venues for the promotion of intangible heritage related to processing and weaving textiles, and knowledge exchanges.

In his welcome remarks during the launch of the exhibition, real Fabrica de Tapices director general alejandro Klecker de elizalde expressed satisfaction over the exhibit and its programs, and noted the forthcoming 500th anniversary of Magellan’s arrival in the archipelago and the long, interlinked history of spain and the Philippines which led to cultural exchanges such as the country’s embroidery tradition.

The exhibit’s weaving demonstrations, embroidery workshops, and lecture series focused on the Philippines’ weaving traditions, and the history, social significance, and artistry of the piña-seda, arguably the country’s most famous indigenous textile. around 100 people from spain’s cultural institutions, including the Museo Naval director general, representatives from other museums, textile researchers, members of the academe, and the Filipino community witnessed the launch and took the guided tour of the piña-seda exhibit led by National Museum of the Philippines officials.

Former President and Pampanga 2nd District representative Gloria Macapagal-arroyo, also visited the exhibit’s second day and witnessed a weaving and embroidery demonstration. aside from putting a spotlight on Philippine textiles and weaving tradition, the exhibit also seeks to highlight the skills, knowledge, and efforts of local weavers in preserving and upholding Filipino traditional weaving heritage.

Philippine ambassador to spain Philippe Jones Lhuillier underscored the contribution of the weavers and embroiders in the preservation of the piña-seda and called them “underrated artisans” deserving of further acknowledgment.

He also thanked the real Fabrica de Tapices for choosing to work with the Philippine embassy in bringing the exhibit to Madrid, and the National Museum and Office of senator Legarda for the initiative to shine a spotlight on Philippine textiles.

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Entertainment

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor

#JustLoveArawAraw

caravan goes to Middle East, Europe Award-winning student films compete in California

By Seymour Barros Sanchez FOUR student films from Far Eastern University will vie for the Best Short Film at FACINE 25: The 25th Annual Filipino International Cine Festival, considered the largest and longestrunning festival of its kind in North America.

Boyet Loves You and Caterwaul, both directed by Josel Fajardo, Pua Iyam by Juan Pablo Pineda III and Touch Move by Frances Louise Giner made it as finalists in the event organized by the Filipino Arts and Cinema International in San Francisco, California. Fajardo, Pineda and Giner are all alumni of the FEU Film Society.

The silver anniversary of the film festival will open with the short film competition on Oct. 18 at the San Francisco Main Library and the SF Philippine Consulate while the main competition will be held from Oct. 19 to 21 at the historic Roxie Theater.

In Boyet Loves You, which is also a short film finalist in the CineFilipino Film Festival 2018 Open category, Gab (Sari Estrada) wants to introduce her best friend Mari (Kat Galang) to Boyet. The problem is, only she can see Boyet. The comedy-horror flick bagged the Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Sound and Best Performance awards at Sinepiyu 2017’s Golden Reel category.

Caterwaul is a film where painful secrets are revealed at two girls’ sleepover. While watching an R-rated movie, a girl (Andrei Eunice Osano) shares her first sexual experience and re-enacts it to a friend (Quennie Abuyuan), who does not know that she’s in for a dark revelation. The sevenminute drama won the Gold Prize in the Viddsee Juree Philippines Awards.

In Pua Iyam (Coming Out), a young Filipino-Chinese student (Rowi Du) comes out to his childhood friend (Raphael Cruz).

The short film brought home Best Screenplay and Best Actor in a Lead Role at the 9th Largabista Film Festival in Tacloban City, Leyte; a special citation on gender sensitivity from the first Palawan International Film Festival; Best Film, Best Director, Best Performance and Best Poster at Sinepiyu 2017’s Black Reel category; Gold Award for Best Picture, Outstanding Direction, Design Excellence and Technical Excellence awards at CineSB 7: The

Main Installment’s Sibol category; Best Cinematography and another special citation from Piling Obrang Vidyo XIV; and Cardinal Bronze Film Award, Best Film Editing and Best Cinematography at CineMapúa 2018’s intercollegiate category.

With characters as chess pieces, Touch Move depicts the difficulty of moving on. The film won Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Sound and Second Prize at Sinepiyu 2017’s Black Reel Category. It also garnered different awards from the Ateneo Video Open, Pelikultura: The CALABARZON Film Festival and 9th Largabista Film Festival.

The short film finalists, which were selected out of 125 submissions to the competition, have a wide range of format, genre, style and subject, all 45 minutes and less in length, both student and professional works, including works by non-Filipino filmmakers with Filipinos as subject.

The best short film will be awarded a $100 cash prize and Certificate of Recognition. Special citations will also be awarded in any category upon the discretion of the Jury.

Meanwhile, FACINE relaunches its main competition section with nine full-length films vying for awards in different categories.

The finalists are 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten written by Jason Paul Laxamana and directed

by Petersen Vargas, Bomba (The Bomb) by Ralston Jover, Kita Kita (I See You) by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Meet Me in St. Gallen by Irene Emma Villamor, Melodrama/Random/ Melbourne by Matthew Victor Pastor, Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha (The Family That Never Weeps) by Mes de Guzman, Pauwi Na (Pedicab) by Paolo Villaluna, Tale of the Lost Boys by Joselito Altarejos,, and Tu Pug Imatuy (Right to Kill) written by Arnel Mardoquio and directed by Arbi Barbarona.

FACINE is a nonprofit media arts organization that aims to promote and develop Filipino cinema as a social document of cultural heritage, and as medium of artistic expression.

Dedicated to empowering artists and audiences on films that speak about Filipino communities globally, FACINE has organized the festival for the past 25 years and it also hosts filmrelated events in the SF Bay Area.

Maja Salvador (left) and Pooh in London

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ROM a successful run in Australia, ABS-CBN’s summer entertainment caravan #JustLoveArawAraw crosses over to more parts of the world as premier network The Filipino Channel (TFC) brings the stars and celebrations to the Middle East and Europe.

A scene from ‘In Pua Iyam’ (Coming Out), a film that revolves around a young FilipinoChinese student who comes out to his childhood friend.

BUDDING playwrights, artistic directors, and stage actors, were recognized for their outstanding participation and performances at the recent 15th Crossroads Benildean Theater Festival.

After a successful season, the annual fest culminated recently with an Awards Night held at the School of Design and Arts (SDA) Theater.

Organized by Dulaang Filipino, the resident theater company of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB)’s Office of Culture and Arts (OCA), the festival featured original one-act plays written and directed by Benildean and Lasallian students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

This year’s season highlighted the spirit of ontogenesis, the anatomical and behavioral development of an individual organism as part of the entire metamorphosis of the world. In addition to incorporating the theme of the Colleges’ values, the four finalists likewise brought social and political relevance unto the stage.

B’yaheng Gen X, Gen Y, atbp. by

Young diva Morissette Amon joins in the Independence Day celebration in Bahrain.

The cast and crew of ‘B’yaheng Gen X., Gen Y., Atbp.’ poses as their production is awarded Crossroads 15’s Best Play.

Digital Filmmaking alumnus Jose Bryan Nonay was declared as Best Play, Best Graphic Design, and the Box Office Award.

Maria Cacao and the Pirate Princess by Master of Fine Arts and Creative Writing student Joey Alvarado was hailed as

the Second Best Play, Best Ensemble, Best Sound Design, and Best Technical Direction.

Halgambilang by Multimedia Arts undergrad Jade Abendan was proclaimed as Best Lighting Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Set Design.

Individuals who excelled in their respective roles were also honored during the event were Jose Bryan Nonay as Best Playwright for B’yaheng Gen X, Gen Y, atbp., and Jade Abendan as Best Director for Halgambilang.

Elijah Castillo was declared as Best Actor for Ang Mansyon ni Mayor, while Kiara Vicente was recognized as Best Actress for Halgambilang.

Meanwhile, Beatrice Ramos was cited as Best Actress in a Supporting Role for B’yaheng Gen X, Gen Y, atbp., and Luis Sumera was Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Maria Cacao and the Pirate Princess.

Sabrina Manansala won Best Stage Manager for Maria Cacao and the Pirate Princess, and Kristeen Lee as Best Production Manager for Ang Mansyon ni Mayor.

This year’s shows were carefully screened and conscientiously deliberated by the top notch Panels of Jurors composed of renowned artistic directors Riki Benedicto, Joey Ting, and Glenn Mas.

The media and entertainment network kicked off the Philippines’s summer season in April with the theme #JustLoveArawAraw. The theme speaks of how Filipinos show their compassion for families, friends and countrymen in many ways despite the challenges they face.

Since May, TFC has been bringing the celebrations to various parts of the world starting in Australia last May 3 and 5 and was mounted simultaneously on June 10 in Taiwan, Hong Kong and the UK. For the UK entertainment caravan, Maja Salvador had a back-toback showdown with comedian Pooh at Hammersmith Town Hall in London.

The show also featured Brapanese hottie Daniel Matsunaga.

Today, TFC together with Filipino community partners are bringing the summer festivities to United Arab Emirates for the event dubbed Kalayaan: 120th Philippine Independence Day Celebration at the Dubai World Trade Center Zabeel 1 happening from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m..

Meantime, Filipinos in the Middle East are expected to come together to celebrate love through music, laughter and festivities via the TFC Hour in these upcoming events in Bahrain: Search for Munting Prinsipe at Prinsesa 2018: A Philippine Independence Day Celebration (tomorrow, June 16) at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Likhang Pinoy: 120th Philippine Independence Day Celebration, featuring Morissette Amon, at Al Falaj Hotel on June 22 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..

Filipinos in Europe can catch the TFC booth that will be set up at the summer festivities happening at the cities of Madrid, Newcastle, Austria, Manchester, and Paris. Visit the TFC booth for a chance to win exclusive TFC merchandise or Just Love Araw Araw shirts by simply registering to TFC Online (www.TFC.tv) for FREE. Subscribe, renew or upgrade your TFC subscription and automatically bring home your very own Just Love Araw Araw shirt.

For more information on these events, visit mytfc.com, emea. kapamilya.com, facebook.com/ TFCEurope and facebook.com/ TFCMiddleEast.

Motoring

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

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Finding the

Right Fit

N

othing beats the feeling of driving out of the auto dealership in your brand-new car. The smell, the look and especially, the driving experience are something that you may not be able to replicate as the years and the kilometers pile up.

The distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, Columbian Autocar Corporation, wants to help keep its fans’ and customers’ cars running as smoothly as the day they got their keys. Kia’s Genuine Parts campaign helps educate Kia owners on the importance of using only genuine parts for their Kia. By posting information on the different parts on your vehicles that could need replacement over time due to wear and tear, CAC hopes to educate Kia owners on the use of these parts, why and when you need to have them replaced, and why you should only use Kia Genuine Parts.

The Genuine Article Kia Genuine Parts are engineered to precise and exact standards by Kia to the original specification of each vehicle.

These parts that are the very same ones that are originally fitted to the vehicles at the factory are produced of durable and high-quality materials, keeping your car running longer and more efficiently.

Each time you visit a Kia dealership’s service bay, a Kia technician uses the latest diagnostic equipment to inspect your car and the condition of its various parts. These technicians are knowledgeable with the proper Kia Genuine Parts

installation processes so you will get the correct replacement parts fitted properly.

This ensures that your vehicle will be performing at its optimum level once it leaves the workshop. Kia Genuine Parts are available at competitive prices at any Kia dealer.

Finding the Right Filters Your car uses several different filters to keep its internals clear of dust particles and other contaminants from reaching the vital parts of your vehicle. Each genuine Kia filter uses the latest technology to protect your car from any unwanted intruders.

Engines work by burning a mixture of air and fuel. The Air Filter’s purpose is to ensure the quality of the air in this mix to provide optimum performance. Counterfeit air filters wear-out up to three times faster while also jeopardizing safety and driving performance. These need to be replaced after every 15,000kms (Gas) /5,000kms (Diesel).

The Cabin Air Filter on the other hand is also designed to also filter dust and other airborne materials, but instead of the engine, it filters the air entering the ventilation and air-conditioning systems keeping the air you breathe nice and clean. These

need to be replaced after every 7,500kms (Gas)/ 5,000kms (Diesel).

The Fuel Filter is clearly different. It serves the same general purpose of preventing unwanted materials from harming your vehicle, but instead of air, it filters the fuel, contributing to the ideal mix of air and fuel for optimum combustion. Fuel Filters need replacement every 60,000kms (Gas) / 20,000kms (Diesel).

Belts that Fit Modern vehicles have a couple of different belts in the engine bay whose purpose is to synchronize the movement of several components. Kia Genuine belts have undergone rigorous testing to provide you trouble free driving for several years.

Timing Belts keep your engine running smoothly by controlling the opening and closing of its valves. Timing belts have a definite fatigue life of 60,000kms.

Serpentine Belts can be differentiated from timing belts by its length. Its job is to provide power to several components in the engine including the alternator, power steering pump and the fan for the air-conditioning. Since it powers several parts, it’s ideal to have it checked and replaced regularly.

Ford has 7 ways to celebrate Father’s Day ALL over the world, kids will often catch themselves frantically searching for the perfect idea to celebrate Father’s Day to send their dads that special message of love and affection. We fuss over recommendations from friends, our moms and siblings, and even those from the ‘Net to pin down the best way to spend the day with him and what activities he will enjoy.

Here are seven ways you can make him feel appreciated on his special day: Go bowling A trip to the bowling alley is a fun yet

timeless activity to bond with the family this Father’s Day. Apart from witnessing your dad unleash his inner champ over a friendly competition, this becomes even more enjoyable when there are more people involved, plus the good food you’ll share with everybody while you wait for your turn to throw the ball. It’s fun to hear an arrogant scream from your dad when he fires up a strike!

Take him to a man-pering session Nothing says man-pering better than a trip to a classy barbershop. With the prevalence of vintage-esque barbershops

Seven perfect ideas to show love and affection to your father on his special day.

in the metro, getting a classic cut over a restored leather barber chair, followed by a cold rinse and shave, capped by a head and shoulder massage, is a great way to make your dad look and feel good.

Explore the outdoors Time and time again, biking makes for a classic father-son, father-daughter, and family bonding activity. A biking trip that can be both challenging or relaxing depending on the trail is a great way to spend time with dad while enjoying the outdoor sceneries at the same time.

Discover indoor activities

If your dad prefers indoor activities, you might want to bring him and the rest of the family to various indoor activities such as wall climbing, archery, fitness classes, live escape rooms, laser tag and laser maze, or even do museum-hopping for your dose of history and culture appreciation.

Plan a movie night at home Planning a movie night at home with dad is a simple yet fun way to spend Father’s Day. There are numerous movie streaming services available, just pop in some popcorn, serve dad his favorite beer, snuggle up and get your space in the living room, and you’re all good to go.

Make sure Dad’s movie choice is what gets streamed first.

Drive to a road trip to the beach Drive away, or even far, far away out of town to cut-off from the stresses of work and the city life. From the warm sand, cool breeze, to the refreshing embrace of the blue ocean, a trip the beach is a textbook-worthy activity to unwind with dad and the family this Father’s Day. Take a food tour Food parks have come aplenty these days, they’re basically in every nook and cranny in the city. Take advantage of these food parks as they offer various cuisines that fit every palate, including Dad’s. Some food parks offer a wide array of offerings that include appetizers, healthy meals, main dishes, and even drinks and desserts. Bonding over food will always hit the spot.

Remember that the best way to spend Father’s Day with your main man is to cherish the special moments no matter where you’ll take him. At the end of the day, making memories from all those extraordinary adventures is what matters.

That’s why you need an established, reliable, and power-packed SUV to take you to any family bonding destination without the hassle.

Brake Pads that Don’t Break One of the most important wear items on your vehicle are the Brake Pads. Using Kia Genuine brake pads make sure you get consistent braking performance no matter the weather condition. Using proprietary Compound Materials with a medium to high friction coefficient, Genuine Kia brake pads stop your vehicle smoothly and safely every time. Replacing upon the recommendation from your maintenance service will help you maintain your car’s dependable performance.

Don’t compromise on your safety.

Counterfeit parts wear faster and provide uneven braking and may ultimately fail prematurely and damage your car’s other components.

Beware the Pretenders When you use non-genuine parts, you not only compromise the performance of your whole car but you invalidate your warranty as well. You will also be facing risks by having a mechanic that doesn’t have the expertise of a Kia technician work on your car using lesser-quality equipment. These non-genuine parts can also be sometimes less reliable and lead to more equipment failure resulting in higher labor costs.

The benefits of driving DRIVING in Metro Manila is commonly equated to road rage; long hours spent in a traffic jam, made even worse by unruly motorists sharing the road. However, studies have shown that hopping behind a wheel and driving around can be quite pleasurable, even therapeutic.

Getting behind the wheel of a car is enough to get anyone’s adrenaline racing and endorphins surging. Once muscle memory takes over and there’s nothing but clear open road ahead, driving serves as a means of personal meditation and reverie, giving a person the perfect avenue to vent out their anxieties, frustration, and stress.

If you happen to be worried about gas expense while driving for leisure, RCBC Bankard is the credit card that’s got you covered.

RCBC Bankard’s newest partnership with Phoenix Petroleum is the perfect solution to those with wanderlust just itching to get behind the wheel.

The bank’s latest innovation allows its cardholders a 5% rebate at participating Phoenix gas stations and a 5% discount on diesel and gasoline engine oils.

New-to-bank clients who apply for the Phoenix RCBC Bankard Mastercard will receive a P500 fuel welcome gift on the first P2,000 spent at any participating Phoenix gas station as well as a P1,500 Uniqlo Gift Card when they spend Php 20,000 anywhere within the first two months from their card open date.

So if the day-to-day doldrums are getting you down, jump in your car and get your pulse racing and your mind clear by driving around with your RCBC Bankard Phoenix Mastercard.

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4 FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018

By Jimbo Gulle

F

or electricity to flow, connections are needed. No wonder the local electric vehicle or EV industry is looking for more connections – in this case, partnerships – to “electrify” public and private transport in the country.

That’s the goal of the 6th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit on July 10 to 11 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, as industry stalwarts see the local market is ripe for not just electric public transport such as e-jeeps or e-tricycles, but for private electric cars and hybrid vehicles as well.

But to see the EV industry take off, more partnerships and connections must be made to “start the conversation,” according to Rommel Juan, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), which is co-organizing the summit with the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the Partnership for Clean Air. “It is our belief that by stepping up partnerships, we can electrify public and private transport much faster. Since we started our advocacy 10 years ago by building our first e-jeepney and establishing the EVAP, we feel that everything is falling into place now,” Juan said in a press conference to launch the summit on Thursday in Makati City.

The 6th PEVS will be held in partnership with the Department of Transportation, Department of Trade, Department of Energy, Nissan Philippines Inc., and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. – with the two carmakers planning to unveil the Leaf and the i-MiEV, respectively, for the local market during the event.

But while the support of three government departments and the Board of Investments is encouraging for the local electric automakers, EVAP chairman Ferdinand Raquelsantos said it is high time that the Senate helps enact the EV bill, versions of which have been shelved in the chamber for over five years.

“We are pushing for the passage of the EV bill, along with the incentives for the industry,” Raquelsantos said. “The worldwide secret for EV is government support in terms of exemptions from duties. We’re already exempted from the excise tax, but we can start more conversations along this line.”

The latest such bill filed in the 17th Congress is Senate Bill No. 1540, titled “Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Including Charging Stations Promotions Act Of 2017.” It was filed in August last year by Senator Francis Pangilinan.

Senators Ralph Recto, Bam Aquino and Sonny Trillanes have also filed versions of the EV bill. Raquelsantos told the Standard Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has been championing the measure in the chamber, but again lawmakers are running out of time to approve it before the elections next year.

Both Juan and Raquelsantos said EV is inevitable as the whole world goes electric and seeks a more fuel-efficient means

Nissan Motor’s LEAF

EV industry in search of right ‘connections’ of transportation. It’s especially fitting for the Philippines given its dependence on – and the rising prices of -- foreign oil, they added.

EVAP is also encouraged by a recent Frost and Sullivan regional survey, commissioned by Nissan, which says 46 percent of Filipinos are considering an electric vehicle as their next car, higher than the Southeast Asian average of 37 percent.

Government and business interest in electric transport is growing rapidly, as costs associated with EVs begin to drop and charging infrastructure start to expand, Juan noted.

“Even automotive giants such as Nissan and Mitsubishi are making a push in bringing their EV models to the Philippine market,” he added.

To boost the conversation EVAP de-

The ‘king of the road’ gets an electric upgrade.

sires, the group has invited to the event senior government officials and industry stakeholders across the value chain, including vehicle OEMs, infrastructure providers, battery suppliers, transport companies, and even public transport groups.

Adoption of electric cars in the Philippines for own use and for private commercial transport use such as taxis is inevitable, but the government and the private sector need to collaborate “to put in place a clear policy, timeframe and infrastructure to grow the sector,” he added.

With the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement establishing the ASEAN Federation of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Association by the EV Associations of the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore last year, an active and intensified partnership among industry players in ASEAN region exists to promote and accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles, the group added.

Meanwhile, this year’s PEVS will feature the following: • Keynote message≠≠s by senior government officials from the Senate of the Philippines, DoTr, DTI, DoE, and DENR on their initiatives to promote sustainable transport; • Nissan and Mitsubishi’s EV Technology presentations, showcasing their commitment to delivering smarter, safer, sustainable mobility solutions for the future; • A discussion by Frost and Sullivan on the status and future of e-mobility in the Philippines with a broad spectrum of

policymakers and industry stakeholders as panel reactors; • Information exchange from leading EV organizations in Asia on their most recent learnings on EV and EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) deployments in their jurisdictions; • The soft launching by the DoTr of their project entitled “Promotion of Low Carbon Urban Transport Systems in the Philippines,” which aims to create an enabling environment for the commercialization of low carbon urban transport systems and EVs in the Philippines.

• Updates on the DOTr’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program covering financing programs, PUVMP standards development; route rationalization; and presentation of PUVMP prototypes for the benefit of the transport corporations and cooperatives; • A free exhibit featuring the latest in electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure that are currently sweeping the ASEAN market; and • A raffle of electric bicycles at the end of every session day.

With Juan and Raquelsantos at the launch event were Dax Avenido, Assistant General Manager for PR and Communications of Nissan Philippines; Raymond Ravelo, vice president and head strategy and business development office of Meralco; Dante Santos, Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Planning of Mitsubishi Philippines; and Renato Lampano, Vice President for Business Planning and Public Relations, Mitsubi-

Hino breaks ground for first Negros Occidental dealership NEGROS Occidental– Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the country, continues to strengthen its foothold in the Philippines with the groundbreaking of Hino’s first dealership in Negros Occidental. Offering HMP’s full service and product line, the soon-to-rise dealership based in Talisay City, Metro Bacolod is expected to provide efficient trucking solutions that will meet the growing logistics demand of the province.

The new outlet brings to 19 the total number Hino dealerships in the country. Strategically located along the main automotive road across the premier Ayala North District, the dealership is easily accessible to trade zones which allows for the assistance and accommodation of more customers.

The expansion in key growth areas such as Negros Occidental is part of the company’s objective to increase its presence nationwide.

“We at Hino Motors Philippines are always looking for opportunities to better serve the Philippine market by providing high quality trucks, buses and automated services while also strengthening our stronghold in the country. By opening more dealerships outside Metro Manila, we are able to bring efficient, durable, safe and eco-friendly trucks and buses to more Filipinos, especially in the Negros region where major industries require medium and heavy-duty trucks,” shared HMP Chairman Vicente T. Mills, Jr.

Negros Occidental, known as the Sugar Bowl and Renewable Energy Capital of the Philippines, leads the country’s sugar and bioethanol fuel production, making the province the 3rd richest in the Philippines and the 2nd richest in Visayas region.

With invaluable resources such as sugar and fuel as trade assets, Negros Occidental continues to attract big business investors from both inside and outside the country, which elevates the province’s economic potential.

“Hino is committed to providing total support in key growth areas, particularly in regions with strong players from the trading industry. By opening a new dealership here in Negros Occidental, HMP will be able to address the high demand for quality trucks and buses of the province’s agri-business sector,” shared HMP President Hiroshi Aoki.

The new dealership is owned by Truckmax Sales and Services, Inc., under the direct management of its President, Aylwin Y. Yap. Categorized as a 3S dealership, the new outlet will operate as a one-stop-shop offering sales, spare parts and services for drivers around the area.

HMP has been engaged in the assembly and exclusive distribution of quality Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines for more than 40 years.

HMP addresses the transport needs of businesses ranging from small and medium enterprises to big corporations by providing safe, durable and reliable trucks.

Hino and Truckmax Sales and Services executives take part in the groundbreaking ceremony.