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123-YEAR JAIL TERM FOR EX-GENERAL, PARTNER By Maricel V. Cruz

TAMPA, United States—NASA is poised to launch a $337-million washing machine-sized spacecraft that aims to vastly expand mankind’s search for planets beyond our solar system, particularly closer, Earth-sized ones that might harbor life. Next page

THE Sandiganbayan has meted out a maximum 123-year jail term on retired Brig. Gen. Jose Ramiscal Jr., former president of the now-defunct Armed Forces Retirement and Separation Benefits System, and private defendant Nilo Flaviano, for jacking up the acquisition cost of 12 properties in General Santos City in 1997. The anti-graft court’s Seventh Division convicted the two on 12 counts Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 61 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

SURVEY SATELLITE. This undated NASA artist’s illustration released on April 11, 2018 shows NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite set to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Sation in Florida no earlier than April 16, 2018. AFP

Subic sizzles at 39.2 Celsius TEMPERATURES in Subic, Zambales reached 39.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the warmest so far this year, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said. Next page

UNWELCOME GUESTS. In this file photo taken in October last year in Manila, Giacomo Filibeck (encircled) of the Party of European Socialists stands with the visiting seven-person Human Rights mission from the Europe-based Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, a political group in the European Parliament, to urge the Duterte government to take action against killings and stop what it called ‘aggressive efforts to silence critics’ of President Rodrigo Duterte. Norman Cruz

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There are those who are complaining that the chosen police of the truth, so to speak, are sometimes partisan themselves. This is the problem with truth that can be subjective, depending on your political perspective. —Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, saying the Palace is opposed to Facebook’s decision to tap Rappler and Vera Files as third-party fake news checkers

EU party exec deported For engaging in illegal acts —Justice head

SolGen taunts CJ on SALNs: Show proof

By Vito Barcelo

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan SOLICITOR General Jose Calida on Monday insisted that Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno failed to file her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth when she was a law professor at the University of the Philippines. In a statement released Monday, Calida also asked Sereno to “stop deceiving the Filipino people.” “In her 20 years as a UP law professor, Sereno failed to file her SALN 11 times,” Calida said in a statement. “If Sereno indeed filed her SALNs, why can’t she just produce them?” Calida asked, Next page

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HE Philippines has barred entry to an EU party official critical of President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on illegal drugs, in a move denounced by critics Monday as a gag on dissent.

DEADLINE BEATING. Taxpayers flock in a blanket finish to the offices of the Bu-

reau of Internal Revenue to beat the deadline in filing their income tax returns this week in Manila’s Intramuros district. Lino Santos

Palace tags Facebook fact-check partners partisan Ex-senator accused of faking invitation THE Ombudsman has asked the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division to hold former senator Jinggoy Estrada in contempt for allegedly falsifying an invitation to the United States. “Estrada should be required to show cause why he should not be cited in contempt of court for using a falsified invitation letter to buttress his motion,” the Ombudsman’s prosecutors told the antigraft court in an April 13 motion. “With this information, the prosecution is constrained to pray that the Honorable Court hold in abeyance the issuance of the travel authority of accused Estrada since accused appears to have committed material misrepresentations in his motion, thus openly violating one of the terms and conditions of the court in allowing an accused to travel. “Allowing accused Estrada to travel to the United States... despite the falsity of the purported invitation letter may constitute a travesty of justice.” Next page

THE Palace on Monday objected to Facebook’s fact-checking partnership with Rappler and Vera Files to prevent the spread of “fake news,” saying they were guilty of political partisanship. “I commiserate with those who object to the selection of Rappler and Vera files because they know, we know, where they stand on the political spectrum,” Presi-

dential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing. “I would say that the efforts of Facebook to counter fake news is the solution and not legislation. However, there are those who are complaining that the chosen police of the truth, so to speak, are sometimes partisan themselves and of course, this is the problem with truth

that can be subjective depending on your political perspective,” he added. Several Duterte supporters, who have tagged Rappler as “yellow” and reported fake news about the President to taint his reputation, have shifted to Russian-based social media platform VKontakte (VK) after Facebook announced its fact-checking initiative. Next page

Italian Giacomo Filibeck was detained by police upon his arrival at Cebu airport Sunday and deported for engaging in “illegal political activities,” his party said. Filibeck, the deputy secretary-general of the Party of European Socialists, flew to the Philippines at the invitation of opposition party Akbayan to attend a congress. He had been part of a delegation of European politicians who conducted an October 2017 fact-finding mission in the Philippines that denounced the “extrajudicial killings” of thousands of people in Duterte’s anti-drug crackdown. Next page

Du30 warns voters vs narco-pols, orders military to ensure peaceful, clean polls By Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano

SCORCHING HEAT. Workers from an outdoor media advertising firm work on a giant tarpaulin ad along Edsa in Kamuning, Quezon City on Monday, braving 34 degrees Celsius from the blazing summer sun. Manny Palmero

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to assist the Commission on Elections to ensure the peaceful and credible barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections next month. The President issued Memorandum Order No. 21 granting the Comelec request for the deputation of law enforcement agencies and other government instrumentalities, including the AFP, for the synchronized barangay and SK elections on May 14. The barangay and SK elections will be held on the second Monday of May 2018,

after being postponed in October 2017. The President earlier said he would not meddle in the local elections and will leave the decision to voters but warned against the victory of barangay officials linked in the illegal drug trade. “This a democratic country [that] let[s] the people choose their barangay leaders. But be sure those elected are not involved in any illegal activities,” the President said. “I’ll just give you the caveat: Many of the winners are supported by drug money. Now, that’s up to you,” Duterte said. The Comelec, meanwhile, is investigating complaints that aspiring candidates for the upcoming village and youth council polls are being asked to pay for the filing of certificates of candidacy. Next page

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Labor Day EO puts an end to ‘endo’ By Vito Barcelo

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ALACAÑANG on Monday assured the labor sectors that an executive order that would end the contractualization and “endo” employment scheme will be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte before May 1, Labor Day, to benefit both workers and employers.

He said the supposed end game for endo was getting more confused as Duterte was failing to exercise strong leadership on the issue by allowing his underlings at the Labor and Trade departments to shop for last-minute excuses to practically deny the workers’ right to exercise security of tenure under a direct-hiring employment relationship with their principal employers. Various labor groups have reiterated their call on the President to sign the labor-drafted EO that would pave the way for the realization of his campaign promise. “The labor-drafted EO will also send a strong signal to Congress to attune their security-of- tenure measures to the policy of direct hiring as a norm in employment relations,” a labor group said in a statement. Malacañang spokesman Harry Roque said the President would definitely sign

the EO because it was part of his election campaign to the labor sector. “I can only surmise that the final version of the EO has not been agreed upon by labor, management and government,” Roque told reporters. “It’s a tripartite document that has to be agreed upon, so possibly, they don’t have a final version yet. “I know that the President is rather restive about this EO. He has mentioned to me personally that this is a campaign promise that he wants to deliver to the people very soon.” Roque said Duterte would side with the labor force because it was a promise he gave to the labor groups. “The President wants it as soon as possible. We all know that Labor Day is May 1, so I would think that it will come out on or before May 1,” Roque said.

Duterte was supposed to sign the EO on Monday, but the signing was postponed after his scheduled meeting with labor group leaders was canceled. The labor groups have bewailed the delay in the signing of the labor-draft EO, saying this was another strategy of the business sectors to favor their own version of the EO. “Will the signing push through or are we facing another postponement just be-

cause other drafts other than that of labor have been submitted by DOLE before the Office of the President for the same consideration?” Nagkaisa labor coalition Chairman Michael Mendoza said. “By deciding to cancel and opting not to sign the labor version of the said EO, the President is actually pressing the stop button of the anti-endo momentum,” said Partido Manggagawa chairman Renato Magtubo.

New round of oil price hike takes effect today

Ousted FBI chief calls Trump ‘morally unfit’

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE oil companies will raise pump prices today, Tuesday, as a result of the price movements in the international petroleum market. PTT Philippines, Flying V, Phoenix Petroleum and Seaoil said separately that they will adjust the prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene effective six in the morning of April 17. Flying V said it will increase the price of gasoline by P0.35 per liter, biodiesel by P0.55 per liter and kerosene by P0.80 per liter. PTT Philippines, Seoil and Phoenix Petroleum said they will also raise the price of gasoline by P0.35 per liter and diesel by P0.55 per liter. Seoil will increase the price of its kerosene by by P0.80 per liter. In a separate statement, the proconsumer group, Laban Konsyumer Inc. said it had asked the Energy department to provide them access to reasonable prices of petroleum products and electricity. In a letter dated April 16 to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, the group first brought attention to the prices of regular diesel. Using data from the trading areas of Fairview village in Quezon City, LKI expressed the need to unbundle the retail prices of petroleum products so that consumers may be provided the necessary information regarding the fair pricing of petroleum products.

123-year... From A1

each of graft and falsification of public documents. Each graft case is punishable by six years and one month to 10 years in jail while a charge of falsification of public documents bears the penalty of four years and two months to eight years and one day. On top of the imposed jail time, both defendants were fined P5,000 for each count of falsification or a total of P60,000. The criminal charges stemmed from a complaint filed on December 18, 1997 by former South Cotabato Rep. Luwalhati Antonino at the Office of the Ombudsman for Mindanao after she received reports of anomalous real estate transactions involving the Magsaysay Park properties in her district. Trial records showed the transactions involved 12 lots all measuring 999 sq.m. supposedly purchased by the AFP-RSBS from different owners in September 1997 for P10,500 per sq.m. or P10,489,500 each. During trial, however, two sets of documents pertaining to each lot surfaced, but these bore different sale valuations. One set showed a price tag of P10,500 per sq.m. while the other pegged the value at only P3,000 per sq.m.

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The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or TESS, is scheduled to launch Monday at 6:32 p.m. (2232 GMT) atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Its main goal over the next two years is to scan more than 200,000 of the brightest stars for signs of planets circling them and causing a dip in brightness known as a transit. NASA predicts that TESS will discov-

UNITED STATES—Fired former FBI chief James Comey lashed out at Donald Trump in an interview with ABC broadcast Sunday, calling him “morally unfit” to be president and describing him as a serial liar who will “stain everyone around him.” Comey’s remarks are the latest salvo in a war of words with Trump, who excoriated the former FBI director on Twitter earlier in the day, again calling him a “slimeball” and suggesting he should be jailed. The wide-ranging interview with ABC News also came ahead of Tuesday’s release of Comey’s memoir, “A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership,” in which he details his interactions with the Republican president. “I think he’s morally unfit to be president,” Comey said, in his first televised in-

terview since being fired in May last year. The former federal prosecutor pointed to how Trump “talks about and treats women like they’re pieces of meat” and “lies constantly about matters big and small and insists the American people believe it.” “Values matter,” Comey said. “This president does not reflect the values of this country.” Comey also said that serving in Trump’s administration poses a serious ethical dilemma. “The challenge of this president is that he will stain everyone around him,” he told ABC, which aired an edited version of the interview but published a full transcript. “And the question is, how much stain is too much stain and how much stain eventually makes you unable to accom-

But while Comey sharply criticized Trump, he said he hopes the president is not impeached. “I hope not because I think impeaching and removing Donald Trump from office would let the American people off the hook and have something happen indirectly that I believe they’re duty bound to do directly.” In his book, Comey likens Trump to a dishonest, ego-driven mob boss and says he demanded the then FBI chief’s personal pledge of loyalty—a damning account that has infuriated the president at a moment of intensifying legal pressure on other fronts. AFP

EU...

the [immigration bureau] for violation of our immigration laws which prohibit aliens staying in our country from engaging in political activities,” Guevarra said. Manila and the European Union have clashed over the drugs crackdown, with Brussels saying it was a matter of “serious concern,” while Duterte has rejected criticism from the “stupid organization” and denounced it as interference in the country’s domestic affairs. Filibeck’s party denounced his deportation, adding it had informed EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini of the incident. “It is completely unacceptable that a PES political representative... should be treated as a criminal on the orders of the government,” party president Sergei Stanishev said in a statement on its website. “We refuse to be silenced. We will continue to express our solidarity with the democratic opposition to Mr. Duterte’s increasingly authoritarian rule in the Philippines.” EU officials asked the Philippines to clarify the incident. “We are aware of this incident and are seeking immediate and sound clarifications from the Philippine authorities as to why this took place,” said EU

Ambassador Franz Jessen. Guevarra defended the move of immigration authorities. “It is unlawful for aliens staying in our country to engage in partisan political activities, and the government has the right to refuse entry to those who have committed these illegal acts in the past,” Guevarra said in a text message Monday. According to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente, Filibeck was denied entry because he violated the conditions of his stay as a tourist when he came into the country last year and engaged in partisan political activity, which is forbidden under immigration law. “He was not supposed to do that because being a tourist he does not enjoy the rights and privileges of a Philippine citizen, particularly the exercise of political rights which are exclusively reserved for Filipinos,” Morente said. “We cannot allow the entry of foreigners who have shown disrespect to our duly-constituted authorities by meddling and interfering in our internal affairs as a sovereign nation,” he added. BI said that it was not the first time that a foreigner was expelled for engaging in political activities. With Macon Ramos-Araneta and AFP

Deinla said the fact that Calida himself confirmed that he had obtained the SALNs himself proved that the Chief Justice had indeed filed her UP SALNs contrary to solicitor general’s claim in his petition. In a separate statement, Deinla said Sereno remains unfazed by the impeachment case and quo warranto petition against her. “Chief Justice Sereno is determined to fight the impeachment case and the quo warranto petition filed against her with the Supreme Court. This means that all her efforts are focused on the issues at

hand. Any insinuation about her supposed plan in the future is nothing but a distraction to sow intrigue and confuse the public,” Deinla said in a statement. “Let’s keep our eyes on the ball and stay focused on the issues behind the coordinated attempts to oust the chief justice,” she added. Earlier, Sereno sought the dismissal of the case, arguing that the SC has no jurisdiction and authority to remove her from office because the 1987 Constitution provides that she can only be ousted by impeachment in Congress.

that the filing of COCs for the May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls is free and candidates should “not be charged any amount.” “The notarial service being rendered by Comelec field officials is likewise free of charge,” Jimenez said. Jimenez urged the people to report incidents of extortion or any illegal activity to the Comelec through the following numbers: (02) 5270821 and (02) 5259296. “Citizens may also file their incident

reports through the Comelec’s social media accounts—@COMELEC on Twitter, and comelec.ph on Facebook,” he added. The election period opened Saturday with the filing of COCs. As of Sunday, a total of 80,748 individuals had filed their COCs, 54,592 of them are males and 26,156 females. Of the total number, more than 8,000 filed as candidates for Barangay chairman while 52,790 filed as candidates for councilman as of Sunday.

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“I’m not really worried [for myself]. It’s just about jumping back from the plane and going back to Europe. What really worries me is the condition in which you are engaged in politically in the struggle for freedom, dignity, and human rights,” he said in a video message to Akbayan. Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin denounced the move as “a gag order to all and sundry that you cannot look into the human rights situation in the Philippines.” “Actions of the Duterte government... really show that degree of impunity has risen to the level of a dictatorship,” he added. Duterte has launched an unprecedented campaign against illegal drugs since winning elections in mid-2016. Police say they have killed 4,100 drug suspects as part of the campaign, while rights groups claim the toll is around three times the official figure. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Filibeck was refused entry for violating local laws. “Mr. Filibeck has been blacklisted by

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Sereno earlier claimed that Calida’s confirmation that he obtained SALNs himself proved that she indeed filed her SALNs, contrary to the solicitor general’s claim in his quo warranto petition. Lawyer Josalee Deinla, one of Sereno’s spokespersons, said that at least 11 of the 21 missing SALNs had been found by Sereno before Calida submitted these to the Supreme Court on March 27, 2018.

Du30... From A1

Comelec spokesperson James Arthur Jimenez said the commission has been monitoring complaints by citizens about incidences of candidates being charged for filing certificates of candidacy. “Other reports indicate that the charges are allegedly for notarial services,” he said. The Comelec reminded the public er 20,000 exoplanets—or planets outside the solar system—including more than 50 Earth-sized planets and up to 500 planets less than twice the size of Earth. “They are going to be orbiting the nearest, brightest stars,” Elisa Quintana, TESS scientist at NASA’s Goddard Spaceflight Center, told reporters on Sunday. “We might even find planets that orbit stars that we can even see with the naked eye,” she added. “So in the next few years we might even be able to walk outside and point at a star and

know that it has a planet. This is the future.”

Follow-on to Kepler

Just a couple of decades ago, the notion of finding habitable planets—or any planets at all—was a mere fantasy, said Paul Hertz, astrophysics division director at NASA. “Humans have wondered forever whether we were alone in the universe, and until 25 years ago the only planets we knew about were the eight in our own solar system,” he told reporters on the eve of the TESS launch. AFP

plish your goal of protecting the country and serving the country?”

Compromising material?

Subic... From A1

Pagasa weather observer Leni Ruiz said temperatures across the country will rise even more as the state weather bureau declared the start of the dry season last week with the end of the “Amihan” (northeastern) season that is characterized by cool winds. The mercury already rose to 38 degrees Celsius in Subic last Saturday,

Gordon panel misinformed on Dengvaxia, Garin says FORMER Health secretary Janette Garin said Monday she believed Senator Richard Gordon was misled by some politicians who had exaggerated the controversy surrounding the government’s anti-dengue vaccination program. She told reporters the Senate, particularly Gordon’s Blue Ribbon committee, would eventually be able to “decipher facts from fiction” on the government’s controversial P3.5-billion Dengvaxia deal in 2016. Garin made her statement even as Eduardo Janairo, the Health department’s newly appointed regional director for Calabarzon, on Monday reminded the parents of Dengvaxia Vaccine Individuals to strengthen their children’s immune system through proper nutrition and food supplements. “We still have no final conclusion as to the status of the Dengvaxia investigation currently being conducted, which is being linked to the deaths of children who were given the controversial dengue vaccine,” Janairo said. While waiting for results, he said, the parents must do something to boost their children’s immune system by giving them immunity-boosting phytonutrients such as vitamin C, fruits and vegetables and making sure they had adequate sleep. Macon Ramos-Araneta

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They also opposed the fact-checking partnership since Rappler allegedly violated the constitutional restriction on foreign ownership on mass media. Since the partnership was announced, Facebook has started blocking websites that have supposedly been publishing fake news articles defending Duterte from critics. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. executive Jimmy Bondoc, on his official Facebook account, threatened to start a nationwide petition to delete Facebook and move to another social media website. Bondoc’s post has been deleted but screen shots were shared online. “I will personally commence a nationwide petition to delete Facebook. I also assure you that I will be supported strongly,” Bondoc said. Meanwhile, Paula Defensor-Knack, sister of the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, also urged Duterte supporters to move to VK to bring their defense of the President and the Philippines to the international audience. “Do not let yellows censor or factcheck you. Let’s leave them to talk to themselves and get votes. We will tell the world what is truth in another platform—this time, in Europe!” DefensorKnack said. PNA with Vito Barcelo

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The Sandiganbayan on March 26 approved Estrada’s motion to travel to the United States from April 21 to May 31. Estrada, who is out on bail, was scheduled to attend the supposed US Pinoys For Good Governance group as guest speaker during its annual general membership meeting on May 20, which was to be held at the Hibachi Buffet in the city of Sterling Heights, Michigan. Estrada’s defense team cited the letter-invitation dated Feb. 7 of USP4GG president William Dechavez for the former senator to attend the event. But Rodel Rodis, who claims he is the USPGG president, said Dechavez was merely a chapter president of the group in Michigan. “I can confirm that there is no planned USPGG event on May 20 in Michigan” Rodis said in an electronic mail message to reporters. Maricel V. Cruz and Rio N. Araja while the temperature in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan reached 38.4 degrees on Sunday, Pagasa records showed. “We saw that the amihan will no longer return and we will declare the start of summer,” Pagasa meteorologist Aldczar Aurelio previously told radio dzMM. The state weather bureau forecast the northeasterly winds to stop prevailing in Luzon last week, although it still brought cloudy skies and scattered rain showers in the regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Bicol, Ilocos, and Central Luzon.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH worker recovering in Saudi hospital By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan A FILIPINO household worker in Saudi Arabia is in serious condition in a hospital after her woman employer allegedly forced her to drink a household bleach, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported on Monday. In a statement released, the DFA said the Philippines had filed appropriate charges against Agnes Mancilla’s employer who was later arrested by the police authorities. “We would like to assure our kababayans that we are working closely with authorities in Jizan to make sure that justice will be given to Agnes Mancilla,” Consul General Edgar Badajos said. Badajos added the Consulate officials who made representations with authorities in Jizan were monitoring the condition of Mancilla, a household service worker who remains in serious condition but stable at the King Fahad Central Hospital in Jizan, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Mancilla who fell unconscious was rushed by concerned members of the Filipino Community to the Jizan King Fahd Central Hospital on April 2 after her employer allegedly forced her to ingest household bleach. Fighting for her dear life at the hospital, Mancilla underwent laparotomy to flush out the bleach from her stomach. Aside from that, the attending physicians also found out some burn marks on her back.

Dela Rosa: No regrets; Albayalde takes over By Francisco Tuyay and Joel Zurbano RETIRING PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa expressed no regrets in his 20 months as the steward of the estimated 190,000 strong police force and remained upbeat as he face the next challenges in his life. Dela Rosa will be shedding his police uniform on Thursday as his three months extension in the police service expires after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 years old last January. The top cop will pass on the next baton to the next ranking officer National Capital Region Police Office director Oscar Albayalde, becoming the 20th PNP chief since the establishment of the PNP in 1990, during turnover rites in Camp Crame which will be attended by President Rodrigo Duterte. During the flag ceremony in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, Albayalde thanked the National Capital Region Police Office and acknowledged that almost half of the accomplishment of the Philippine National Police came from the NCRPO. He said those accomplishments were some of the reasons that brought him to the next higher rank. Albayalde also thanked the command ground and key personnel of the NCRPO for handling well challenges they underwent. “I am encouraging you to maintain the camaraderie as Team NCRPO and continue to be the show window of the PNP,” he said. In his last press briefing in Camp Crame, Dela Rosa conveyed sadness over the high expectations by the public on him, citing he had done everything, capitalizing purely on his “heart and mind” to be able to accomplish the mandated task bestowed upon him. “I have no regrets. I’d done everything utilizing my heart and mind. As I have said if I fell short of the expectation of the public, sorry, that’s the only thing I can do being a chief PNP who is a ‘probinsyano,’’’ the emotional Dela Rosa said. Bato said his stewardship in the PNP had its lowest and highest points ranging from attending to the serious problems affecting the credibility and integrity of the institution blamed on the behavioral defects of some policemen particularly linked to illegal drugs and other forms of unlawful acts, which he dreamt to crush.

PALARO BEGINS. Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go strikes President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature pose Sunday with Philippine Sports Commission Commissioners Ramon Fernandez and Charles Maxey as well as other PSC officials on the sidelines of the Palarong Pambansa 2018 opening ceremony at the Elpidio Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. Malacañang Photo

Con-Com raises CHR status to independent commission

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HE consultative committee tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution on Monday voted to raise the Commission on Human Rights to the status of an independent constitutional commission sans prosecutorial powers. Sixteen Con-Com members voted in favor of raising the proposal with only one member, lawyer and retired general Ferdinand Bocobo, voting against. Former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. abstained because he has a relative who is a member of the CHR. The voting came after the Con-Com proposed to expand the coverage of the CHR’s mandate and jurisdiction to include not just state actors but also nonstate or private actors. In a statement sent to the media, the Con-Com said that raising the CHR to the level of a constitutional body would involve strengthening its investigative powers and expanding membership to include representatives from the marginalized sector, indigenous peoples, and environmental advocates, among others. Former Chief Justice and Con-Com chairperson Reynato Puno said this move

was consistent with the body’s desire to expand its coverage to include the environmental and socioeconomic rights, which are to be enshrined in the Bill of Rights, and to include non-state actors as well in its jurisdiction. This development is also intended to enhance the CHR’s fiscal autonomy. However, it does not include the grant of prosecutorial powers, which the CHR is not keen on having. Last April 3, CHR Chairman Chito Gascon, in his presentation before the Con Com body, explained that giving the CHR prosecutorial powers might create complication as the CHR was not an executive body. Prosecution is one of the primordial executive functions. “To give the CHR that function may create a complication because if it were to serve as a watchdog on the state duty

with respect to human rights and it is given powers to prosecute human rights violations, then the question is who will watch the watchdog,” Gascon was quoted as saying. Gascon, however, said the CHR was “supportive of any measure that will ensure that the CHR has a mandate to also look into the violations made by non-state actors.” In a radio interview last April 7, Puno said the expansion of the mandate of the CHR was expected to correct the misconception that only state actors violate human rights. Puno explained the mandate of the CHR was not limited to human-rights violations by agencies or elements of the state or government but should extend to those by non-state actors as well. The former chief justice said although the CHR’s main objective was to protect citizens’ rights from abuses by the state, it eventually evolved into something greater. “It’s true that in the beginning, its objective was to go after the government because the thought is to protect against government interference. But when you look at the evolution, it’s not only the government that violates political and civil rights—even non-state actors do,” Puno explained. PNA

Poe to Grab taxis: Don’t grab more profits By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Grace Poe, chairman of the Senate public services committee, reminded Grab taxi operators “not to grab” more profits as the transport network company officially takes over its competitor, Uber. In a statement, Poe said there should be no room for predatory pricing by a firm allowed to engage in public service. “Being the surviving entity does not authorize Grab to grab more profits,” said Poe as she called on the regulatory agencies to see to it that the riding public was protected while ensuring that Grab drivers would earn a fair income

for their hard work. The senator said she was hopeful that through dialogue and open channels of communication all the stakeholders could strike a balance that would not hurt the pocket of Grab’s riders but would not leave Grab’s drivers emptyhanded either. “Let us look for our Goldilocks moment...” Poe said. Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to closely monitor the cost structure of the ride-hailing services, and for the Philippine Competition Commission to ensure that Grab’s acquisition of

Uber would not result in anti-competitive practices. “They should also establish benchmarks that are internationally accepted to detect potential abuses of a monopoly,” Gatchalian said in a separate statement. He also cited the need for the LTFRB to review all the fees and charges to be imposed on commuters. “And do not allow them to impose higher charges than [those in] other countries,” said Gatchalian. He added the LTRFB should also mandate Grab to issue a breakdown in their receipts to ensure transparency in the fare they exacted from commuters.

DENGVAXIA CONTROVERSY. Dr. Janette Garin, former secretary of the Department of Health, unreels her side Monday on the anti-dengue controversy at The Aristocrat, Roxas Blvd. where she discusses the implementation and procurement of the controversial vaccine and answers accusations hurled against her on the issue. Norman Cruz

House panel Oks ‘mandatory headlights’ By Maricel V. Cruz A PANEL in the House of Representatives has backed a measure mandating motorcycle drivers and operators to automatically turn on their headlights as soon as they start their motorcycle engines, and to maintain their headlights on while their motorcycles are running on all roads at all hours of the day and night. House Bill 1318 or the proposed “Mandatory Automatic Headlights On for Motorcycles Act,” authored by Buhay party-list Rep. Mariano Michael Velarde, Jr., will be soon referred for approval in plenary following its passage at the House committee on transportation. According to the panel chairman, Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, said the bill’s passage was necessary as it would enforce a low-cost method to reduce road crashes and prevent day-time and night-time head-on, front-corner, and other forms of collision by increasing motorcycle conspicuousness and visibility. In filing the bill, Velarde acknowledged the policy of the State to secure and safeguard passengers, drivers and operators of motorcycles from vehicular accidents. Towards this end, the State shall pursue a more proactive and preventive approach for their safety. The bill requires motorcycle drivers and operators to automatically turn on their headlights as soon as they start their motorcycle engines and to maintain their headlights on at all hours of the day and night while their motorcycles are running on all roads.

Joint body rushes BBL bill passage THE House of Representatives’ joint committees on local government and on Muslim affairs and the Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity have rushed the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. This, after its members adopted Monday the version of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez which calls for the creation of the Bangsamoro Transition Committee. A lawmaker who requested anonymity said the three panels voted 2-1 to carry the omnibus motion of deputy speaker and Maguindanao Rep. Bai Sandra Sema that called for the approval of Alvarez’s House Bill 6475. “The omnibus motion of Deputy Speaker Sema was approved and carried,” said the lawmaker who voted in the executive session. He added the joint panel would resume meeting on May 15, when Congress resumes session, to approve the committee report for BBL’s deliberation by the chamber in plenary session. The joint panel approved the version of the BBL which pushes for the retention of the central government’s power and control over defense and external security, thus rejecting the working draft of BBL version which was the product of nationwide consultations. Maricel V. Cruz

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Opinion

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018

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Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

A new approach to peace By Miroslav Lajčák WHEN the United Nations was created, its founders envisioned a different kind of world. A world in which disputes were resolved in meeting rooms and not battlefields. A world in which wars were stopped before they broke out. A world that didn’t wait for lives to be lost before springing into action. But violent conflicts are on the rise in many parts of the world today. They’re becoming more drawn out, complex and deadly. Civilians are no longer killed in cross-fire; they are now the targets of direct attacks. We are also seeing an unprecedented number of people leaving their homes, out of fear and desperation. And that is why the UN needs a new approach to peace. I will convene a High-Level Meeting on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace in New York on 24 and 25 April. It will bring world leaders together to focus on conflict prevention, mediation, dialogue and diplomacy. This is part of a wider effort by UN Member States to help our organization do better at fostering peace. And when I say peace, I’m talking about the kind of peace that can be taken for granted. The kind of peace that won’t disappear at the next election cycle. The kind of peace that is measured not in months or years, but in generations. This is what we call “Sustaining Peace.” And this is what we should be working for—rather than scrambling for solutions, once conflict has broken out. Some might say that true lasting peace is impossible in certain parts of the world. But it is not. I have seen this firsthand. When Montenegro split from Serbia, peace was not a given. In fact, some people were predicting serious violence. But through intense diplomatic efforts, and real political will, peace persevered. And it has lasted—with no signs that it will waver in the future. Last month, I travelled to western Colombia and was inspired to see indigenous communities working with the UN to build peace through strengthening social bonds. I was inspired to see villagers, some of whom had suffered through more than 50 years of war, excited about their futures. One woman told me about her people’s determination not to slide back into conflict. These are the examples of Sustaining Peace, which are taking place now—all around the world. We may have the bulk of our discussions in New York. But they should be led by experience from the ground. We need to highlight what the real peacebuilders are doing—from those running women’s peace huts in Liberia, to those organizing mediation workshops in Kyrgyzstan. That’s why the High-Level Meeting will pool actors from across different countries, sectors and societies, and allow them to share their insights. Of course, it won’t matter that everyone buys into Sustaining Peace if there are no funds to make it happen. We need more investment in prevention. When conflict causes societies to collapse, social fabric tears. Buildings are destroyed, and no one fixes them. Salaries stop getting paid. Water stops flowing out of taps. So then we spend money on rebuilding—but so much more than what we’d spend on preventing conflict in the first place. Aside from the suffering that we’re failing to avert, that just doesn’t make financial sense. Increasing investment in even a handful of countries can result in billions of dollars of savings for the international community. At the end of the day, what we can’t forget is that the UN was founded for peace. That’s what its flag should stand for. Its success in preventing conflict should be the norm—not the exception. It must be the world’s broker for peace. *** Miroslav Lajčák is the President of the United Nations General Assembly.

Ending an era

W

HO will object to the news of the signing of an executive order doing away with the age-old practice of “endo”— employing contractual workers for only as long as they will not be eligible for benefits mandated by the law? Certainly not workers themselves, who have been suffering this oppressive condition for long, forced to bite the bullet for lack of better options. It is after all marginally better to find oneself out of work every five months or so than be always looking for a job. Not politicians, who want

to appear as champions of labor. They will certainly want to be seen as a force for good, whether or not their intentions are genuine. Not businesses, too, at least outwardly. The more conscientious of them want to show that they are responsible corporate citizens, committed to fairness and social equity. So when Malacanang assures the labor sector that such an executive order will be signed by May 1, Labor Day, we should hold off celebrating. Already, labor groups are accusing the administration of delaying the signing so it could accommodate the version offered by the business sector. A contentious provision is workers’ right to exercise security of tenure under

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

a direct-hiring employment relationship with the principal employers. It is perhaps unreasonable to expect that a government would completely adopt any one version – that would defeat the intent of a consultation. Whatever is eventually signed by the President would be better than the status quo, which is an absent order, more importantly an absent legislation. Then again, any official act will have no meaning whatsoever if the practice continues under some creative scheme. Ultimately, the test is whether the order will achieve the ends it seeks. If not, then it would be just like any token move, meant to pacify and earn goodwill, and nothing more.

Lacking rectitude

SENATOR Manny Pacquiao has been called an ingrate for dumping his longtime trainor, Freddie Roach. They trained together for 16 years. Worse, Pacquiao did not personally inform Roach of his decision. We Filipinos are known to hold sacred what we call “utang na loob” or debt of gratitude. Thus, it could be said that Pacquiao committed the greatest sin of all—ingratitude for the many years Roach trained him. He should have at least talked to his coach on why he was dumping him. I can attest to how sad ingratitude can be. I was a victim of it many times over, when I helped relatives who all of a sudden now no longer remember me. For example, I sought the help of then-President Fidel Ramos to have a distant relative appointed to the Supreme Court despite the fact that there were some unfavorable accusations hurled against him. When the appointment came, my relative attributed it to a senator. When the justice retired, he did not even invite me to the occasion. That is gratitude for you! I do not expect them to repay me in kind. The fact that helped others was good enough for me. *** The camp of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno cavalierly claims that the Sereno case cannot com-

The chief justice does not have moral integrity to lead the judiciary.

Duterte should fire Bello HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

THE recent ouster of Vitaliano Aguirre II as Justice secretary confirms that President Rodrigo Duterte will not tolerate misfits in his cabinet. Aguirre’s dismissal, however, is not enough. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III should be fired next. Public interest demands it. Bello has been the secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment for the past two

years. His performance has month, likewise during Bello’s been lackluster and utterly dis- watch, Joanna Demafelis, another appointing. Filipina working also as a housemaid in Kuwait, was murdered by her two employers. Her body was left in a freezer. More revolting is the fact that it took Bello and his DoLE simpleHis performance tons in Kuwait a whole year before has been lackluster and learning about the death of Deutterly disappointing. mafelis. That is a glaring indication that Bello’s DoLE personnel in Kuwait do not even bother to constantly monitor the safety and It was during Bello’s watch as whereabouts of Filipino domestic labor secretary when a Filipina workers in that awful country in housemaid working in Kuwait Turn to A5 was reportedly raped there. Last

pare with the impeachment case against the late Chief Justice Renato Corona. He was convicted by the Senate and ousted from his post for not including his dollar and peso accounts in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, and for amassing ill-gotten wealth. The Sereno camp insists that she is not accused of graft and corruption. But they get it wrong. What Sereno is being accused of in the impeachment complaint at the House and the quo warranto proceedings at the Supreme Court is not her failure to file the correct SALN. It was the fact that while she was a professor at the UP College of Law, she failed to submit all her SALN! As such, the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida said that she was not qualified to be appointed chief justice, and thus the Supreme Court must oust her since she is a usurper. The quo warranto case is totally different from the impeachment case since the former questions Sereno’s right to become chief justice in the first place. Whether or not the Sereno and Corona cases are comparable is not the point. The point is whether or not Sereno committed betrayal of public trust, of the grounds of impeachment. Sereno should be aware of the constitutional provision on the accountability of public officers. “A public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the Turn to A5

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Opinion From A4

connect Boracay to Aklan, it was an example of thinking out of the box. I wish Cabinet members could have that.

*** What makes GMA-7 different from the Lopez-owned ABS-CBN is not only ratings, even as the former outranks the latter in the latest Nielsen survey. GMA-7 recently brought home medals and certificates from the New York festival’s “World’s Best *** TV and Films” competition. President Duterte described BoraI congratulate GMA-7 chairman cay as a cesspool. If the secretaries and chief executive officer Felipe of the Departments of Environment Gozon and his staf. and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, and Tourism *** really knew their jobs, they should I cannot end this column without also look at other tourist destina- commiserating with the family of tions—and other cesspools like the my good friend, veteran journalist Pasig River and Manila Bay. Nestor Mata. Alas, Tourism Secretary Wanda He was ahead of me at the PhilTeo thinks they should only attend ippines Herald, but Nestor gave me to Boracay. This shows how nar- tips on how to cover the president row-minded some government of- and the foreign affairs office. ficials are. He was the lone survivor of the My gulay, when San Miguel top Magsaysay plane crash. Good night, honcho Ramon Ang suggested the Nestor. May angels sing you to your building of a bridge that should rest!

Duterte... From A4

the Middle East. Yes, that awful country is Kuwait. It is notorious for its rich but uncivilized and perverted employers who abuse, rape and even kill Filipino domestic helpers. Those domestic helpers are recruited by uncaring employment agencies in the Philippines, and are left by those agencies and those lazy DoLE officials in Kuwait to fend for themselves in that awful desert. During Bello’s watch as DoLE Secretary, more than a hundred Filipino domestic workers died or were killed in Kuwait. Fortunately, when President Duterte learned about the murder of Demafelis in Kuwait last month, he immediately ordered a total ban against the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait. After making known to the public his disapproval of the way Filipino workers have been systematically maltreated in Kuwait, Duterte announced that the deployment ban will be lifted only if Kuwait agrees to sign a bilateral agreement which will guaranty the safety and the proper treatment of Filipino workers there. Among the specific demands of President Duterte is that Kuwaiti employers should abandon their practice of taking away the passport of Filipino workers. He also demanded that Filipino workers be given sufficient time for rest. Surprisingly, Bello tried to dilute the impact of the President’s statement by allowing an attempt to negotiate a deal with the Kuwaitis, with a view towards having the deployment ban lifted, and lifted quickly. Someone in the corridors of power asked Bello to explain his unusual interest in getting the Kuwaiti deal signed. “What’s your hurry?” Bello was reportedly asked. Indeed, what’s your hurry, Mr. Secretary? Last month, a Kuwaiti trial court tried the two employers of Demafelis in absentia, found them guilty, and sentenced them to death—all in a span of just several days. The extraordinarily unusual haste in the disposition of the case surprised many veterans in the diplomatic community because past court cases involving abused foreign domestic workers in Kuwait always took several years to resolve. Observers attribute the haste of the Kuwait trial court to the desperate need of those abusive Kuwaitis for domestic helpers. It was obviously an attempt by the Kuwaiti government to pacify an angry President Duterte, and to get him to reconsider his total ban against the deployment of domestic workers to that awful country. Actually, the Kuwaiti court judgment is a hollow victory because the death sentence cannot be enforced outside Kuwait, and the convicted employers are no longer in Kuwait—one is now in

A5

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The future of our Constitution

Lacking... people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.” The Constitution also says that “a public officer shall, upon assumption of office and as often thereafter as may be required by law, submit a declaration under oath of his assets, liabilities and net worth. However way you look at it, Sereno lacks the rectitude or moral integrity to become chief justice.

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018

Lebanon and the other one is in Syria. There are no indications if the convicted felons will be extradited to Kuwait anytime soon. Bello, however, praised the court decision the very day it came out. For him, the court decision is the Kuwaiti government’s resolve to improve the treatment of Filipino workers in that awful country. That’s not all. Just last week, Bello’s minions at the DoLE predicted that the bilateral agreement demanded by President Duterte from Kuwait will be signed by May 2018. Thereafter, Bello’s camp happily announced that the deployment ban against Kuwait will be lifted very soon. Be that as it may, Bello must answer several questions. Republic Act No. 8042 (the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995), as amended by Republic Act No. 9422 and Republic Act No. 10022, prohibits, among others, the deployment of Filipino workers to a country which has no law or a bilateral agreement with the Philippines which assures the safety and security of the Filipino domestic helpers working in that awful country. As the labor secretary, ex-secretary of justice, and a lawyer, Bello is supposed to be aware of Philippine laws. Why then did he allow the mass deployment of Filipino domestic helpers to Kuwait when that awful country has no bilateral agreement with the Philippines (regarding the safety and security of Filipino domestic helpers working there) in the first place? From all indications, Bello has demonstrated unusual interest in getting the deployment ban against Kuwait lifted quickly, even if it means pre-empting President Duterte. Why? A recruitment agency in the Philippines that deploys Filipino housemaids to Kuwait usually earns about US$1500 for each housemaid it deploys. On the average, a recruitment agency gets to deploy around 200 housemaids to Kuwait every three months. That translates to a yearly net profit of around P50-million. Multiply that by the number of recruitment agencies deploying housemaids to Kuwait. To entrepreneurs interested only in profit, P50 million is enough reason to ignore the countless harm and indignities Kuwaiti employers inflict on their Filipino housemaids. Obviously, a total ban against the deployment of Filipino housemaids to Kuwait is bad news for any recruitment agency that makes an annual net profit of P50 million just by sending housemaids to that awful country. That recruitment agency, and others similarly situated, will have millions of reasons to have that total ban lifted, and lifted quickly. More details will be discussed next week.

that will be affected and its reach over time to the future and not just the present. In my view, even if the Court states that their decision on the quo warranto does not create precedent, it will in fact radically overturn our constitutional system not just of accountability but also of conON MONDAY, 16 April, at the Univer- stitutional interpretation. sity of the Philippines College of Law, professor Dante Gatmaytan delivered the Estelito Mendoza professorial Chair lecture. Entitled “The Role of the Judiciary in Constitutional Deconsecration,” GatAll the justices are maytan shared his thoughts about the quo aware of the sacred warranto petition filed by Solicitor Generoath they avowed to al Jose Calida against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes that is currently pending before uphold when they first the Supreme Court. As a constitutional became lawyers. law professor, Gatmaytan did not dwell so much on the pros and cons of granting or denying the petition but focused on the likely impact of a decision granting the petition on constitutional rule, on the judiciary itself, and on the teaching of The first rule that is at stake is the basic constitutional law in our country. principle on political questions. It is still One interesting idea that Gatmaytan a good rule to say that political decisions raised but ultimately rejected is that this should be left to the political bodies and quo warranto case can be interpreted as the judiciary should not preempt those unique only to the circumstances of Chief bodies. In the Sereno case—the Congress Justice Sereno. The Court, however it de- through the impeachment process is the cides this, can make it clear that its deci- proper body to decide to remove all imsion and its rationale applies only to the peachable officials. The Supreme Court, Sereno case and is not legal precedent for whether it says this or now, will reject future cases. this rule if it removes Sereno through Supreme Court spokesperson Ted Te, the quo warranto procedure. All other who is also a constitutional expert, once impeachable officials can then be rewrote an article explaining this concept of moved in this manner or other ways we “pro hac vice’ (for the occasion) decisions. do not know of yet—the Justices of the In a 2011 Newsbreak article, he pointed out Supreme Court, Ombudsman, Chairs in that “when the Court speaks, it speaks and Commissioners of the independwith authority and its rulings are intended ent constitutional commissions, and the to be precedents that will bind not only other Vice-President and President. courts but also parties and future litigants.” The second rule that will be set aside in He observed: “The authoritativeness of the a successful quo warranto petition is the Court’s pronouncements provide the basis prescription of periods during which such for what lawyers call stare decisis, simply a petition can be filed. There has always translated as “follow past precedents and do been clarity on then quo warranto pronot disturb what has been settled.” ceedings have to be instituted—one year, Only the Supreme Court that has the as the Supreme Court rules of procedure power to create precedent, Te contin- itself states, and for good reason—the ues. “Thus, when the Supreme Court need for stability requires that questions rules on rights which are “legally de- of qualifications be settled quickly rather mandable and enforceable,” its rulings than in a protracted way. become or remain precedents which Even more dangerous than disregardbind not only the immediate parties but ing the one year rule on quo warranto all other future litigants and all other petitions is the distorting and extending courts. Considering its nature, it should the time frame that can be considered be rare for the Court to speak not to in determining integrity questions. Jusbind but simply to settle a dispute “for tice Benjamin Caguioa, in the oral arguthat occasion” or “pro hac vice.” ments, pointed out how this makes all ofYet, as Te points out, “it has done so, ficials vulnerable. usually in allowing petitions or other reIn the case of Chief Justice Sereno, sorts to the Court that would have been the central allegation is that she did disallowed because of non-compliance not file, at least in some years, the rewith technical rules of procedure.” The quired ‘Statement of Assets, Liabilities, general justification given by the Court in and Net Worth,” commonly known as these pro hac vice occasions would be the SALNs, during the time she was a UP general interests of justice. By underscor- Law professor. There is a factual issue ing its pronouncement as pro hac vice, here as she has been able to recover the Court is saying that these instances many of the SALNs originally reported constitute the exception not the rule, the missing. This is why the Senate trial is isolated instance not the precedent.” the best forum for the Sereno case so The question is whether the quo war- the facts can be determined with accuranto case can be properly decided pro racy. Nevertheless, even at this stage, hac vice or by its nature its impact will be one must raise the wisdom of such an far reaching both in terms of the officials approach that can make all officials li-

able for everything they did or did not do even earlier in their career. Already, there is a spike in SALN cases in the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan, an unfortunate outcome of its deification in the Corona impeachment. If the quo warranto petition succeeds, we can reasonably expect similar cases to be filed against other officials, including the sitting Justices. Justice Leonen is right that the SALN is not the be-all and end-all integrity document. The third and most important impact of a quo warranto decision is that it puts the legitimacy of the Court in question, in particular whether it can be trusted to be the last word in interpreting the law and the Constitution. As an officer of the court and as a constitutional law professor, I would study closely the quo warranto decision whatever it may be but I would be hard pressed to defend it if on its face it violated the Constitution. It is also likely that, when political winds change, there would be those who would seek accountability from everyone responsible. As always, any decision by the Court can either favor the complainant with the grant of the petition or the respondent with its dismissal. Although each member of the Court is called upon to judge the case based on his or her impartial and unbiased interpretation of the law and appreciation of the evidence, it cannot be denied that sometimes magistrates sitting as a judge, human as they are, can be swayed by factors extraneous to the case and their judgment tainted by their personal circumstances in relation to any of the parties to a case. Insofar as this case is concerned, it would have been ideal had all the members of the Court been disinterested parties but unfortunately, some made pronouncements and did some acts that may be seen prejudicial to the case of the respondent, prompting the latter to move for their recusal. All the justices are aware of the sacred oath they avowed to uphold when they first became lawyers, to “support the Constitution and obey the laws as well as the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities therein; to do no falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court; to not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit, or give aid nor consent to the same.” The Court will hopefully dbe faithful to this oath on deciding the quo warranto petition. The original title of Gatmaytan’s lecture was more provocative: “The Role of the Judiciary in Constitutional Collapse. When I asked him why he changed it, my brilliant colleague said that collapse was too strong a word as we are not yet there. I agree and I hope that the good justices will help us all step back from this constitutional brinkmanship and allow the constitutional process of impeachment to take its natural course. Their wisdom and courage will determine the future of our Constitution. Facebook: Antonio La Vina or tonylavs2 Twitter: tonylavs

‘Drug flats’ blight the heart of Spanish cities tests by locals. ish, then they saw that there was also a Some have taken to hanging red flags demand for cocaine and sometimes even A DECADE after Spain's property bub- from their windows to draw attention to heroin." The opioid epidemic in the United ble burst, dozens of vacant apartments in the problem. States has revived bad memories in Spain Madrid and Barcelona city centers have Evictions of its own devastating heroin crisis of the turned into "drug flats," to the dismay Figures on how many empty flats have 1980s. of local residents who complain of abanbeen taken over by drug dealers are hard "In my generation, everyone has lost doned syringes and frequent brawls. friends because of heroin, and we do not "You don't live anymore. You are more to come by. The interior ministry does not have want it to start again," said Manolo Osuafraid at home than outside," said Begona Sebastian, a 51-year-old accountant whose national statistics on drug flats and refers na, 54, a postman in Lavapies. In Barcelona, Carlos, a spokesman for building was one of the first in Lavapies, any questions to local authorities. In the Madrid region, national police a neighborhood association in El Raval a district in the centre of Madrid, to have a "narcopiso," or drug flat, where people say they have dismantled 105 "narco who declined to give his last name beflats" in 2017, and made 314 arrests. cause he fears the drug traffickers, said come to buy and consume drugs. Catalan police said that by early this the "streets are full of people who look For three years, dealers sold hashish and cocaine in the apartment below her month 17 flats had been searched so far like zombies". "The stairs are soiled by blood, feces, own, which had been seized by a bank this year in connection with drug trafficking and 34 people arrested. urine, they leave behind syringes," said from a heavily indebted family. The authorities blame the rise in drug Carlos, who lived next to a building, In mid-2016, she managed to have the squatters evicted and the door of the flat flats on the sharp economic downturn which until October was a key drug sales walled up to avoid it from being illegally that followed the collapse of a decade- point in Barcelona. long building boom in 2008 causing tens occupied again by drug dealers. Shift The building was infested with bed- of thousands of families to be evicted Police and social workers say drug trafbugs, and the constant coming and going from their homes. The empty flats they left behind of- ficking is moving from marginal areas on of drug buyers, combined with the fear that the squatters could trigger an explo- ten belong to banks or investment funds, the outskirts of cities where the authorision with the gas cylinders they used for which can not sell them without making a ties have increased anti-drug operations, huge loss, so they leave them empty while to city centers. heating, caused her to lose sleep. "Depending on where police pressure "You end up crying," said Sebastian, a waiting for property values to rise. "El Raval is one of the areas most af- is, traffic is moving," said Josep Rovira, brunette with a round face, as she passed by another drug flat that has since sprung fected by speculation, with buildings in the spokesman for the Catalan Federation up in Lavapies, an old district of steep and a deplorable state of conservation, which of Drug Addiction. Barcelona city hall, led by a leftist fornarrow streets that has a high immigrant facilitates occupations," said Gala Pin, the local Barcelona city councilwoman. mer housing activist, tries to convince the population. owners of empty flats to rent them. She knows by heart the addresses of 'Zombies' Madrid's left-wing city hall has boosteach drug flat and has learned how to "Mafias occupy the apartments, then ed the number of municipal police to fight recognise them from the outside due to their broken doors and windows boarded they sell drugs there, or they install peo- the problem and said it will install secuple who sell for them," a police source rity cameras on streets with drug flats. up with cardboard. Associations that work with drug adOther neighborhoods in Spanish cit- told AFP. Traffickers take advantage of the fact dicts have called for the government to do ies, such as the working class Puente de Vallecas district in southern Madrid and that it is only possible to evict squatters more to care for drug addicts and reduce El Raval in the centre of Barcelona, have with a court order, which can take months the risk that they will suffer an overdose. "It's a reality that will always exist," seen an explosion in the number of drug to obtain, the source added. "They started by selling a lot of hashsaid Rovira. AFP flats in recent years, sparking street pro-

By Adrien Vicente

News

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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CebuPac seeks probe of reported pilferage By Joel E. Zurbano THE Cebu Pacific Air is looking into the reported pilferage involving a female passenger who claimed that she had lost computer laptop and other belongings upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport over the weekend. Airline officials refused to reveal the name of the passenger but said that “we are investigating the baggage incident involving a passenger who flew via Cebu Pacific Flight 5J113 (Hong KongManila) last April 14, 2018.” Reports showed that the passenger flew via another airline from London to Hong Kong, where she retrieved her luggage prior to checking in for Flight 5J 113. “As such, we are coordinating with ground handlers at the Hong Kong International Airport to trace the handling of the passenger’s baggage from the time she arrived in Hong Kong,” the Cebu Pacific Air said in a statement. The airline said that after checking in for Flight 5J113 in Hong Kong, the passenger’s baggage was placed inside a Unit Load Device or baggage container and secured aboard the aircraft. “CCTV security footage showed that the ULD arrived Manila intact, with the passenger’s baggage inside. CCTV footage further showed ground personnel loading the baggage on the carousel with the lock still in place,” it stated. The incident went viral with more than 70,000 shares on social media. The government recently appealed to air travelers to report first to the proper authorities when problem arises at the airport before posting their complaint to social media to avoid false accusations from the public and put the government and the country in a bad light. It also asked the passengers to be more mindful and make sure about circumstances surrounding the loss of personal belongings inside the four terminals of the airport. “Posting one’s experience in social media even before seeking help will not solve the problem, especially if the complaint pertains to tampered bags or belonging. The issue must be reported right away to the airline and there should be no reason for the airline not to act on it,” said MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal. He said the MIAA also has security and police desks in the terminals that people can approach for assistance.

Infra scheme to reduce traffic —DPWH chief WITH the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program’s big-ticket projects now under way, the public can expect the traffic in Metro Manila to decongest every year, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways. In a Palace press briefing, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said all systems are going for the implementation of major infrastructure projects particularly roads and bridges, not only in the National Capital Region, but throughout the country. “Every year, there will be improvement, that we can guarantee and it’s really our goal by the end of the term of our President is to decongest Metro Manila,” Villar said. A 10-minute video presentation highlighted the DPWH’s bid for 18 more expressway networks to be constructed throughout the country and 12 bridges along Pasig and Marikina rivers. Villar said by-pass roads such as the Metro Manila Skyway and the North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway connector are expected to reduce traffic along congested Edsa once completed in 2022. “Our objective is to reduce the clogged arteries not only in Metro Manila but in all major urban centers of our country by the end of the term of our President [Rodrigo Duterte],” he said. Aside from reducing travel time, the “Build, Build, Build” program aims to improve the road quality and safety by widening roads and bridges. The massive infrastructure program also aims to protect homes and properties from natural disasters by building at least 49 flood control projects. Villar said over 100,000 jobs have been created in just the first year of the implementation of the “Build, Build, Build” program by the Duterte administration. The program also pushed government spending and infrastructure and other capital outlays to a high 25.2 percent yearon-year, reaching a total of P43.3 billion for January. PNA

MISDECLARED. The Bureau of Customs, led by Commissioner Isidro Lapeña (middle), Manila International Container Port District Collector Maritess Martin (left) and X-ray Chief Atty. Zsae de Guzman, show the P18.5 million worth of cigarettes that were intercepted at the MICP in Port Area, Manila. The branded cigarettes arrived in a 40-foot container misdeclared as industrial artificial fur from China. Norman Cruz

700 indigenous people vow to defend ancestral domain D By F. Pearl A. Gajunera

AVAO CITY—Almost 700 indigenous people in Davao Oriental vowed to defend their ancestral domain against the New People’s Army.

The IPs made the commitment during the Peace Volunteer program of the 67th Infantry Battalion, which conducted training and seminars in different areas in Davao Oriental to strengthen the community's defense against terrorist groups who will attempt to enter the IPs ancestral domain. Lt. Col. Jake Obligado, 67th IB commander, said that they have been conducting trainings and seminars in Davao Oriental to help the IPs secure their place and strengthen the Indigenous Political structures.

Obligado said that the peace volunteers will protect their ancestral domain but the army will not arm them. “These are all in accordance with the Indigenous People’s Rights Act and agreed by the tribal council, since we started this activity in April 2017, there is an 80 percent reduction of NPA members because of this,” Obligado said. “The immediate effect of this is the reduction of the NPA, from February last year we have accounted 290+ members of NPA here in Davao Oriental but

just this March they have reduced to 93,” he added. Aside from the reduction of the NPA, Obligado said the Army is now close to 100 percent in clearing the barangays. The military also recorded zero atrocities since July due to the peace volunteers. “We have recorded zero atrocities since July last year and the number of surrenders has increased. Other barangays have also asked for peace volunteers training and seminar to also strengthen their community,” Obligado said. The peace volunteers underwent five days of training in livelihood, government in action together with local and national agencies, people empowerment or the training as the first responders in times of disasters, and responsibility awareness.

LABOR ISSUE. Labor

groups troop to the Department of Labor and Employment office in Manila to call for the signing of Executive Order to end contractualization on Monday, April 16, 2018. Norman Cruz

NFA to sell cheaper rice in Metro

By Rio N. Araja

AMID reports of depleted rice supply in the market, the National Food Authority on Monday assured consumers in the National Capital Region of an alternative source of good quality rice at P39 per kilo. In a joint project of the Office of the President, the NFA, Confederation of Grains Retailers Association of the Philippines Inc. and the Philippine Confederation of Grains Association, the government yesterday opened pilot service outlets dubbed “Tulong sa Bayan” to sell low-priced commercial rice in some markets Baclaran, Parañaque City and Quezon City. The other markets in Metro Manila will start selling the same variety and price of rice on April 18. James Magbanua, Grecon national president, said his members, who are also NFA-accredited retailers, may also sell direct to the consumers. He, however, said they might limit the sale of the rice to only three kilos per customer per day to enable them stretch the rice suply to serve as many consumers as possible. He vowed to back the government and help stabilize the prices of rice until NFA rice becomes available in the market. Rice supply from Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya will be delivered direct to the retailers or through the NFA warehouses and storage facilities in the metro, he said. According to Rebecca Olarte of the NFA public affairs department, about 10 trailer trucks from Nueva Ecija were delivered yesterday to NFA warehouses in the Visayas for distribution to accredited retailers, while some five to eight other trucks will deliver direct to designated market destinations.

BoC seizes P18.5-m imported cigarettes

Probe attempted rice smuggling—LP senators By Macon Ramos-Araneta PARTIDO Liberal members on Monday called on the government to investigate the attempted smuggling of rice worth P67.9 million off Zamboanga Sibugay recently. Senator Bam Aquino said the smugglers, who continues to enrich themselves at the expense of poor Filiponos, should be held liable and an investigation conducted to determine those involved in rice smuggling. “Posibleng pare-pareho ang mga sindikatong nagpapasok ng droga at iba pang illegal goods sa bansa,” added Aquino. Senator Francis Pangilinan, for his part, lauded the Naval Forces Western Mindanao for intercepting the rice shipment off Olutanga Island in Zamboanga Sibugay on Saturday night. According to reports, Naval Task Force 61 intercepted M/V Diamond 8, which was found to be carrying 27,180 sacks or around 1,359 metric tons of Vietnam rice. “We laud the Navy for doing its job of protecting our territorial waters from bad

elements and from those who are trying to make quick money out of our countrymen,” said Pangilinan. Former lawmaker Erin Tañada, now Partido Liberal’s vice president for external affairs, said the government must identify and punish those responsible for the smuggling attempt. “Baka matulad na naman ito sa isyu ng P6.4 billion na shabu smuggling na hindi napapanagot ang mga pangunahing sangkot,” said Tanada. Meanwhile, the National Food Authority said it may sell at a cheaper price the seized smuggled rice. In a press conference, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said it was the Department of Agriculture which suggested to sell the smuggled rice as NFA rice. “Kung hindi nga lang po bigas iyan, that should be up for destruction din. Pero dahil makakain naman ng taumbayan, ang sinabi sa akin ng Department of Agriculture ay pupuwede po iyang ibenta as NFA rice, iyong cheap rice para ma-increase iyong

stockpile ng NFA,” The NFA has admitted its rice stock was wiped, and expects 250,000 metric tons of imported rice to arrive in the country in May to replenish its reserve. The Naval Forces Western Mindanao, earlier apprehended a Mongolian-registered ship loaded with the smuggled rice. Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Navforwem commander, said the illegal shipment was intercepted 15 nautical miles southwest off Olutanga Island at around 10 p.m. Saturday. Medina said M/V Diamond 8 was manned by a 15-man crew consisting of 11 Bangladeshis and four Chinese. The ship is skippered by Lin Yang Lin, a Chinese national. Medina said initial investigation showed the ship was loaded with some 27,180 sacks of Vietnam rice with an estimated market value of P67.9 million. But Medina said about 8,000 sacks of rice had already been unloaded and transported to the shore by two local ships—M/V Yssa Maine and M/V Yousra. With PNA

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Customs seized illegally imported cigarettes worth P18.5 million at the Manila International Container Port. “Confiscated were 914 cartons of cigarette brands Jackpot, Fortune, John, Marvels and U2 which were declared as industrial fur texture,” Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said. The shipment came from China which arrived at the MICP on April 4, Lapeña said. “The cargoes were discovered by the X-ray Inspection Project [XIP] team prompting to place it under alert order,” he said. He said the shipment was consigned to Marid Industrial Marketing located at 2090 Batangas Line, Paco, Manila. “It will undergo forfeiture proceedings for violation of Section 1400 or the Misdeclaration, Misclassification, and Undervaluation in Goods Declaration of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act [CMTA],” Lapeña added. The BoC chief said the accreditation of the importer and customs broker would be revoked or suspended because of the misdeclaration of the shipment.

Sports Calabarzon star begins bid with a record show

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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Pacers halt James’ playoff streak N

EW YORK—Forget LeBron James making his eighth consecutive trip to the NBA finals—the Cleveland Cavaliers star might have trouble just getting out of the opening round of the playoffs.

By Peter Atencio BANTAY, Ilocos Sur—Multi-titled sprinter Veruel Verdadero of Calabarzon began his quest for dominance on a bright note as he topped the 100-meter heats in record-breaking fashion Monday in the opening events of the 2018 Palarong Pambansa here. As the 16-year-old Verdadero dominated the heats in 10.65 seconds, barefooted middle distance runner Lheslie de Lima of the Bicol Region took home the first gold medal at stake for the day in the 3,000-meters at the Quirino Stadium here. Verdadero, who won five gold medals in the secondary boys’ action last year, finished ahead of Region II’s David Granadoso, with his hand-timed clocking surpassing the 10-.74 performance of Socsargen bet Feberoy Kasi two years ago. He opened his quest for glory on a day the National Capital Region and Cagayan Valley scooped up two gold medals each and took the early lead. “Nahirapan ako, kasi tumaba ako. Nahirapan ako kasi masikip ang damit ko. Pinasok ko na lang time ko,” said Verdadero, a 10th grader from Emilio Aguinaldo College in Dasmarinas, Cavite. He qualified for the finals, with Granadoso coming in second in their heat in 10.94 seconds. Another rival, Vince Buhayan of Region 2 clocked 10.81 seconds in a separate heat. More podium finishes are at stake for Verdadero as he is also entered in the 200-meter dash, 400-meter run, the 100-meter and 200-meter relays. The13-year-old De Lima, who won her first crown in the secondary girls’ division, chose to run on her bare feet and crossed the finish line ahead of Northern Mindanao’s Camila Tubiano in 10 minutes and 6.54 seconds. Both never stopped for another 400 meters until they were told that the final bell had already sounded. “Hindi ko narinig ang bell. Umikot pa ako. Kasi nakikita ko pa siya,” said De Lima, an eighth grader from Baao National High School. Tubiano took the silver after ending up eight seconds behind De Lima. Sakya High School student Christian Ampong gave NCR its first gold in the secondary boys’ javelin throw in 58.51 meters, with Region IV-B’s John Paul Sarmiento taking the silver in 53.87 meters. Adrian Samudio snared the Big City athletes’ second gold, this time after he topped the elementary boys’ triple jump in 11.46 meters, with Gerevil Gacita of Region VI in second.

NATIONAL MOTOCROSS. Reigning Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres of Kawasaki JBS Team crosses the finish line as he ruled the MX 1 division of the 2018 CEZA-Eastern Hawaii National Motocross Championships at the world-class racetrack of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority in Sta. Ana, Cagayan on Sunday. It was the first-ever National Motocross championship at the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, in partnership with the Eastern Hawaii Leisure Company Limited and the Local Government Unit. JOSEPH MUEGO

Philippine Racing Commission execs form Race Track Condition Commitee IN AN effort to add to the measures ensuring the safety of jockeys and horses during races, the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) is creating a Race Track Condition Committee that will immediately review the condition of the track after an accident. The decision came about in an emergency meeting at the Philracom office after race officials, commission veterinarians, race track managers and jockeys and trainers concerned during the Race 4 accident involving horse Madrid last March 31, 2018 reviewed the conditions leading to the freak mishap at the San Lazaro Leisure Park. “The Race Track Condition Committee will immediately respond after a race accident and review the conditions that led to such. They will take photos of both the track and the injuries sustained by the horse/s or jockey/s if there are any and will make a report and recommenda-

Local aces upbeat as Golf Patrombon, Tour Asia starts Capadocia bag TARLAC—The Philippine Golf Tour Asia kicks off its second season today (Tuesday, April 17) with a promise of a shootout among a crack international cast right at the start of the $100,000 ICTSI Luisita Championship at the Luisita Golf and Country Club here. While majority of the foreign cast, led by those who earned their Tour cards in last weekend’s Q-School, hope to sustain their form, the local top guns will be coming into the event fresh from a long break, making them hungry and eager to slug it out with the best of the best. “It’s been a while since we last played in the Philippine Open. So I think we have a chance here, everybody is raring to go,” said multi-titled Tony Lascuña. “I, for one, am keen on winning again.” The Solaire Philippine Open at The Country Club last March served as the final leg of the inaugural PGT Asia with Miguel Tabuena edging Thai Prom Meesawat in the playoff to rule the Centennial staging of Asia’s oldest National Open. Tabuena has begged off to lead the Filipinos’ bid at one of his favorite courses but the likes of Lascuña, Clyde Mondilla and Jhonnel Ababa are more than ready to fill in the slack and take the cudgels for the locals out to extend their domination of the region’s newest circuit sponsored by ICTSI. Tabuena and Ababa won two legs each while Mondilla, Lascuña, Rene Menor and Justin Quiban accounted for the four other titles in the first season of the circuit put up to raise the level of the Filipino golfers’ games and at the same time make the country a major golfing destination. But this year’s foreign contingent from at least 17 countries looks formidable with Q-School topnotcher Sattaya Supupramai also tipped to re-display the form that netted him the winning 14-under 274 total at the quaint Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed layout.

tion to the Philracom of what needs to be done,” said Philracom Chairman Andrew A. Sanchez. The committee will be composed of representatives of the race club (track), jockey, trainer, horseowner and the Philracom (veterinarian). In attendance during the probe and review of the Madrid mishap were Chairman Sanchez, his commissioners Atty. Don Bagatsing, Bienvenido Niles Jr., Jose Santillan, Victor Tantoco, Lydon Guce and Wilfredo Ungria and executive director Andrew Rovie Buencamino, Manila Jockey Club Racing Manager Jose Ramon Magboo and his assistant J-Fel Cuevas and Madrid jockey MM Gonzales, plus jockeys, trainers and stewards concerned during the accident. The four-horse accident happened after Madrid tripped on its own and fractured the proximal third of its cannon bone near the finish. This caused a pile-up, bringing down

Baywatch and its jockey JPA Guce, Strategem and jockey JA Guce, and Sunny Side and jockey EP Nahilat. The track veterinarians immediately euthanized the severely injured Madrid. No significant injuries were found on the other three racehorses. Among the four unseated jockeys, only MM Gonzales was declared fit to compete. The rest had minor injuries and were rushed to the nearest hospital. “There was no physical problem with the horse prior to the race as confirmed by jockey Gonzales and its trainer, nor was there any hole in the track where the accident happened. The horse tripped on its own when the jockey urged it to make a stronger run,” said Sanchez. “Still, a committee that will immediately respond to accidents like this one is a must so that we are adding to the measures that will keep jockeys and horses alike safe during the races.”

Jeson Patrombon (left) and Marian Capadocia hold their trophies after ruling their respective divisions in the PPS-PEPP Brookside Open.

Henares wins gold in shootfest DANBY Henares dominated the 2018 Quarter Benchrest Rifle Championship recently with a gold and silver medal in as many events at the Marine Range in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. Henares, the assistant team manager of San Miguel Beer, posted a leading score of 720 points to grab the gold medal in the Philippine National Shooting Association competition. “I always worry when a lot of shooters

sign up. But I was very fortunate to lead after the first shooting card,” said Henares, noting that Benchrest rifle shooters are renowned for their accuracy. Henares bested second placer Jun Bernardo (713.18) and third placer Gene Manalastas (708.18). Henares, who was the winningest shooter in the Benchrest rifle competition, also added a silver medal in the light Varmint class after scoring 720.22 points.

Cocolife, Foton gun for semis berths in Superliga COCOLIFE and Foton gun for the remaining semifinal berths when they battle separate foes in the quarterfinals of the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Bannered by new import Marta Drpa, the Asset Managers will face Cignal at 4:15 p.m., while the Tornadoes parade two new players when they clash with Sta. Lucia Realty in the 7 pm featured encounter of this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu and UCPB Gen with ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

Paras bound for PBA? By Jeric Lopez

Brookside titles

JESON Patrombon missed slugging it out with fellow Davis Cup mainstay Johnny Arcilla but got the job done just the same, overwhelming Vicente Anasta, 6-0, 6-3. In the men’s singles finals while Marian Capadocia snared the women’s crown in the PPS-PEPP Brookside Hills Open Tennis Championships in Cainta, Rizal last Sunday. Patrombon, 25, kept the momentum of his 6-1, 6-1 romp over Fritz Verdad in the semifinals, shutting out doubles partner Anasta in the first set then yielding just three games on his way to nailing the crown and pocketing the top purse of P50,000 in the week-long event put up by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala headed by president/CEO Bobby Castro and backed by Asiatraders Corp., distributor of Slazenger/Dunlop as official ball. Anasta stood in the way of the projected Patrombon-Arcilla title face-off as the No. 3 bet upended the top-ranked veteran in the Final Four, fashioning out a 6-4, 6-2 victory to earn a crack at the championship. The 22-year-old Capadocia, on the other hand, needed to toughen up to hold off Clarice Patrimonio, 6-4, 6-4, in their side of the finals of the event sponsored by Rep. Jack Duavit, Mayor Keith Nieto, Vitoria Cons truction, Pasture to Plate, Feeds Edition, Rublou Mall and Allan del Castillo and supported by Greenrose, St. Louis Realty Corp., board member Gongora, East Electric Construction and Ortigas Hospital.

Victor Oladipo scored a game-high 32 points to power the Indiana Pacers over the host Cavaliers 98-80 on Sunday in the opening game of their first-round NBA playoff series. “Stay calm, stay composed, play the game I have all year long,” Oladipo said of the key to his overwhelming day. “This was a great team win.” James had won 21 first-round playoff games in a row until the rout, having never before lost the opener in a firstround NBA post-season series. James, seeking his ninth career trip to the NBA finals and fourth league title, had not dropped a first-round playoff game since the New York Knicks beat Miami in the fourth game of the 2012 opening round, a minor setback on the Heat’s title run, a career first for James. James said falling behind in a series just motivates him to step up his game. “I’m down 0-1 in the first round. I was down 3-1 in the finals. So I’m the last guy to ask about what I’m gonna be like the next couple days,” James said. In the late game, league MVP candidate James Harden exploded for 44 points as the Houston Rockets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-101. The Boston Celtics nearly fell victim to another Eastern Conference opening upset bid before edging visiting Milwaukee 113-107 in overtime. The Pacers jumped ahead 33-14 after the first quarter and led by as much as 23 in holding off the Cavs, who came no closer than seven points the rest of the way. “You can’t ease into the playoffs,” said Cavs coach Tyronn Lue. “I thought (Indiana) came in and they attacked us.” James had a triple double in a losing cause with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. The rest of Cleveland’s starters only managed 25 points, Kevin Love with 17 rebounds but only nine points. J.R. Smith had 15 points off the Cavaliers’ bench while Myles Turner had 16 points and Bojan Bogdanovic added 15 for Indiana. The Cavaliers had their lowest-scoring first period of the season and only five baskets with six turnovers in the opening quarter, drawing boos as they walked off at half-time trailing 59-38. AFP

Games Today (Filoil Flying V Centre) 4:15 pm – Cocolife vs Cignal 7:00 pm – Foton vs Sta. Lucia

Prior to that, this league that also has Senoh, Mikasa, Asics, LGR and Grand Sport as technical sponsors will pay a special tribute to Gyselle Silva, who is set to leave Manila later in the day. Silva, the power-hitting Cuban reinforcement of Smart, will be honored with a plaque and a special jersey for erupting for a league-record 56 points during Smart’s five-set loss to Cocolife last Apr. 7 at the

Batangas City Sports Center. The 26-year old former national team member put the league in world volleyball map as her incredible feat emerged third in world scoring record behind the 58 points of Polina Rahimova of Azerbaijan in 2015 and 57 points of Madison Kingdon of United States and Elitsa Vasileva of Bulgaria in 2017 and 2013, respectively. The Giga Hitters, unfortunately, bombed out of the tourney after failing to come up with a single win in 10 matches in the classifications before losing to reigning champion F2 Logistics in straight sets in the quarterfinals.

EVER since he announced that he is turning pro instead of playing college ball in the United States, many have wondered what the next move of young sensation Kobe Paras. The athletic 6-foot-6 swingman arrived back home in the country yesterday and immediately attended a press conference backed by Gilas Pilipinas backer Chooks To Go in Crowne Plaza, Ortigas. There, he gave an explanation as to why he suddenly decided to go back home and leave Cal State Northridge to pursue his basketball career elsewhere. “I decided to go pro because my Coach Reggie (Theus) at Cal State got fired. It was shocking and I was ready to play there,” shared Paras. “Since that happened, I had to make a decision myself. I’m glad I’m here now.” Now that he’s pro bound in the near future, does that mean he is setting his sights on the Philippine Basketball Association? According to the son of PBA legend Benjie Paras, that’s just one of many possibilities. “The PBA is a professional league, that’s all I’m going to say,” said Paras, expressing a certain possibility of a jump to the PBA. “When I said I’m going pro, there are a lot of leagues out there to take a look at.” Despite this development, Paras remained glad that he got the chance to learn and evolve as a player while in the US. “It was an eye-opening experience for me. The US has all the tools to create a good player. When I was there, I got trained like I never got trained before. It made me mature a lot as a player.”

LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

IN BRIEF

WB: Quality jobs key to sustaining growth THE World Bank said Monday the main challenge facing the Philippines today is not unemployment, but rather the poor quality of jobs in the labor market. The bank said in a report investments in infrastructure and education, skills, and health, were not only key to sustaining high growth but would also ensure that poor and vulnerable families have access to better job opportunities. The World Bank’s Philippines Economic Update released Monday said the Philippines in 2017 was among the top three growth performers in the region. “The Philippine economy will remain strong, projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.7 percent in both 2018 and 2019. The economy is currently growing at its potential, making productive investment in physical and human capital essential so that the economy can continue to grow along its current trajectory,” it said. Julito G. Rada

Business

China’s ‘Hawaii’ open horse racing, lotteries BEIJING—China is encouraging its southern island of Hainan to develop horse racing and introduce a raft of reforms as Beijing pushes the tropical tourism destination as a beacon of openness. The province will be urged to explore opening new types of lotteries connected to sports and international competitions, according to the guiding opinion jointly issued by the Communist Party Central Committee and State Council which was published Saturday by state news agency Xinhua. It marks a change of tack for the Communist government which has long banned most forms of gambling in mainland China and comes against the backdrop of its massive campaign against corruption. The plan aims to make Hainan, an island off China’s southern coast, a “trial free trade zone” to try out the reforms Beijing has pledged to bring to the mainland for years with few tangible successes. AFP

BDO Leasing posts P570-m net income BDO Leasing and Finance Inc. posted a net income of P570 million in 2017, marking a steady performance versus year-ago. BDO Leasing vice chairman and president Roberto Lapid reported during the annual stockholders’ meeting Friday that gross revenues rose 11 per cent to P3.2 billion, with gross lease and loan portfolio up by nine percent to P34.5 billion. Higher funding and operating costs, however, tempered the bottom line performance. BDO Leasing plans to leverage on the parent company’s extensive market reach, strengthen its provincial presence to penetrate untapped markets and support the growth sectors in the economy. The company paid cash dividends of P0.10 per share, or a total of P216.2 million, to stockholders on March 27, 2018. BDO Leasing is the leasing and financing unit of BDO Unibank Inc.

JAPANESE trading giant Mitsubishi Corp. said it remains open to teaming up with Ayala Corp. after it unloaded 8.5 million shares or equivalent to a 1.36-percent stake in the Philippine conglomerate for nearly P8 billion last month. Mitsubishi senior vice president and general managerYoshinori Katayama said in a letter to the Philippine Stock Exchange the sale of shares in Ayala in March was a part of the group’s portfolio management and rebalancing of assets. “MC highly values its 40+ years of

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018

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By Julito G. Rada

ACER GOES TO MINDANAO. Technology company Acer Philippines expands its presence in the Philippines with the inauguration of its first satellite office in Davao City to serve the entire Mindanao region. At the inauguration are (from left) Acer Philippines product and operations director Dio Vasquez, general manager Manuel Wong and national service operations manager Ricky Boragay.

PLDT divesting P10.5-b stake in Rocket Internet P By Darwin G. Amojelar

LDT Inc. said Monday it is selling a portion of its 6.1-percent stake in German technology company Rocket Internet for about P10.5 billion.

PLDT said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that indirect subsidiary PLDT Online Investments Pte. Ltd. agreed to accept the public share purchase offer of Rocket Internet SE for at least 6.8 million shares, or about 67.4 percent of the total number of Rocket shares directly held by PLDT Online. The total transaction for the divestment of 6.8 million shares is worth P10.5 billion. Rocket is a Berlin-based internet company that builds online startups and owns shareholdings

in various models of internet retail businesses. It has stakes in major e-commerce platforms and startups in Southeast Asia, including Zalora, Lamudi, Carmudi, Traveloka and Foodpanda. It sold its stake in Lazada in 2017. Rocket earlier announced the buyback of up to 15,472,912 Rocket shares through a public share purchase offer against payment of an offer price in the amount of 24 euros per share. PLDT, through PLDT Online, currently has a 6.1-percent ownership stake in Rocket. The final number of PLDT Online tendered shares accepted by Rocket will be determined after the end of the offer period on May 2 this year. “ If greater than 15,472,912 Rocket shares are tendered, the Rocket shares to be sold by PLDT Online will be reduced proportionally,” PLDT said. PLDT bought a 10-percent stake in

Mitsubishi unloads P8-b shares in Ayala Corp. By Jenniffer B. Austria

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Remittances increased by 4.5% to $2.3b in February

3 DOTr bodies remit remit P11.3 b to DoF THREE agencies of the Department of Transportation remitted P11.33 billion worth of dividends to the government covering 2017. The Manila International Airport Authority turned over to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III P2.01 billion, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, P6.22 billion, and the Philippine Ports Authority, P3.1 billion, in checks. The three handed over the dividends on the sidelines of Friday’s regional press launch in Clark, Pampanga of the Philippines’ hosting of the 51stAnnual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank. DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade led officials of the three GOCCs in delivering the checks to Dominguez. “I commend the MIAA, CAAP and PPA under the stewardship of Secretary Tugade for setting a good example to other GOCCs in terms of practicing fiscal discipline,” Dominguez said. Julito G. Rada

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

partnership with Ayala and continues to put great importance on this relationship,” Mitsubishi said. “Our collaboration is seen in the sectors of real estate, power, automotive, etc. and MC is open to considering future opportunities to seek further collaboration with Ayala while taking advantage of the sustained growth of the Philippine economy,” it said. Mitsubishi said that after the sale of 8.5 million Ayala shares, it still owned 54.57 million shares in the conglomerate, equivalent to 8.78-percent stake. It also owns 32.64 million voting preferred shares.

Share price of Ayala fell 1.05 percent Monday to close at P946. The Ayala group earmarked P249 billion in capital expenditures for 2018 to support the growth of core units Ayala Land, Globe Telecom and Manila Water. The conglomerate budgeted P51.8 billion at the parent level to fund its subscription to Bank of the Philippines’ stock rights offering and investments in AC Energy, AC Industrials, AC Education and AC Health. The conglomerate registered a 16-percent growth in net income to P30.3 billion from P26 billion.

EASTERN’S LOYALTY PROGRAM.

Eastern Communications launches The Eastern Link VIP Platinum Club at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig to thank long term clients continued loyalty to the company. Shown are (second from second) Eastern Communications customer focus and excellence division head Bernard Bernardino, product innovation head Edsel Paglinawan and marketing division head

Rocket Internet for 333 million euro or $445 million in 2014. Rocket share prices closed at 21.125 euros as of end-2017, before it fell to 16.03 euros as of end March. PLDT chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said proceeds from the Rocket sale would be used to partly finance the company’s P58-billion capital expenditures this year to further expand its fixed and mobile broadband networks. The company set a P40-billion capex last year, representing 26 percent of consolidated service revenues. PLDT earlier reported a 33-percent drop in net income to P13.4 billion last year from P20.16 billion in 2016. The company said in the fourth quarter alone, it incurred a net loss of P8.51 billion. PLDT said revenues fell 3 percent in 2017 to P159.93 billion from P165.26 billion in 2016.

PAL expects to own 100 aircraft by 2020 to be 5-star airline PHILIPPINE Airlines said it expects to own 100 aircraft by 2020, up from the current 85 to achieve its goal to become a 5-star airline. “We are aiming for 100 aircraft by 2020, which places us in the category of a major carrier. But we are not merely adding more planes, we are constantly upgrading the cabins, seats, amenities, inflight entertainment and technology. We aspire to ultimately become a 5-star global airline, to be a source of pride for all Filipinos,” PAL president Jaime Bautista said. The PAL fleet buildup will continue until year 2024, providing valuable support to the airline’s ascent to the ultimate goal of 5-star rating by Skytrax, the global airline rating organization. “Our current fleet of 85 aircraft is already the largest in the Philippines,” Bautista said. The airline led by billionaire Lucio Tan said it would introduce new routes and increase flight frequencies with the delivery of five additional Next-Generation Bombardier Q400s and six new Airbus A321neos starting May 2018, along with four Airbus A350-900 trans-oceanic aircraft in June 2018. It also expects to receive two more Next-Generation Q400s, two A350s and two A321neos in 2019. “Our new aircraft and our new hubs are a winning combination that will help expand our market reach both domestically and worldwide. This is imperative for a global airline, and we must sustain and build on our hardwon 4-star rating,” Bautista said. Darwin G. Amojelar

MONEY sent home by Filipinos working overseas increased 4.5 percent in February to $2.267 billion from $2.169 billion a year ago, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said Monday. The figure brought cash remittances in the first two months to $4.6 billion, up 7.1 percent from $4.3 billion recorded in the same period last year. “This was supported by the cash remittances both from land-based [$3.7 billion] and sea-based [$1 billion] workers which increased by 6.4 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively,” Espenilla said in a statement. The United States, United Arab Emirates, Germany and Malaysia were the major contributors to the growth in remittances in February. Remittances from the US and UAE each contributed 1.2 percentage points to the 4.5-percent overall growth. Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, also grew 5.4 percent in February to $2.528 billion from $2.397 billion a earlier. This brought the first two months’ personal remittances to $5.182 billion, up by 8.1 percent from $4.794 billion in the same period in 2017. Remittance growth in February decelerated from the 9.7-percent expansion in January, which was the fastest in 10 months. Remittances together with business process outsourcing receipts account for around $50 billion in annual inflows, supporting the country’s external payments position. Money sent home by overseas Filipinos reached a record $28.06 billion in 2017, up 4.3 percent from $26.90 billion in 2016 and exceeded the Bangko Sentral’s conservative 4-percent growth target for the year.

URC spending P8b to expand food business FOOD manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. said it will spend P8 billion in 2018 to fund the expansion of its branded food group. URC said in a filing with the stock exchange that out of the P80-billion capital spending and maintenance capital expenditures plan, P5.5 billion would be used to expand capacities and improvement of handling, distribution, quality control and operational efficiencies throughout the branded food group. Another P1.5 billion will be allotted for the commodity foods group for flour mill and pasta manufacturing equipment, sugar business expansion and maintenance capital expenditures. It said the remaining P1 billion for agro-industrial group would be for sow level expansion, new commissary and processed meat plant, feedmill capacity expansion, farm improvement and handling facilities for feeds division. This year’s capital expenditure is slightly lower than the P8.13 billion the company spend it 2017 which was primarily used for site development and building constructions and rehabilitation/upgrade of beverage and snacks facilities in the Philippines; construction of glucose plant and coffee manufacturing facilities in Vietnam, new warehouse and improvement in biscuit and wafer lines in Thailand and warehouse construction and biscuit line installation in Myanmar. URC’s net income declined 15.4 percent in 2017 to P10.8 billion from P12.8 billion in 2016 as costs and expenses grew faster than revenues. Consolidated net revenues climbed 11 percent to P125 billion. Jenniffer B. Austria

B2

Business

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market slips on Syrian crisis

S

TOCKS declined further Monday along with most Asian markets, after a US-led strike on Syrian targets fueled fresh concerns over the tinderbox Middle East, though analysts said investors were hopeful the crisis would not escalate.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 29.73 points, or 0.4 percent, to 7,870.25 on a value turnover of P4.8 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 130 to 68, with 49 issues unchanged. Conglomerate Metro Pacific investments Corp. slumped 4.1 percent to P4.73, while Wilcon Depot Inc., a major retailer of construction materials, lost 3.2 percent to P10.90. Ayala Corp., which is into banking,

telecommunications, property development, shopping malls and water distribution, slipped 1 percent to P946, while Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, dropped 1.4 percent to P143. The US, Britain and France carried out attacks at the weekend on alleged chemical weapons facilities, in response to what they say was a toxic gas attack by the Russia-backed Assad regime a week before. While there was broad support for the mission, Moscow condemned it as illegal and warned it would provoke “chaos” in international relations. “The markets are taking the surgical strike at the heart of Syria’s chemical weapon program in their stride as traders had priced in this outcome with a high degree of probability,” Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA, said in a note.

The Syria crisis, which has seen the West’s relationship with Russia grow increasingly frosty, has encompassed other regional players including Iran, Saudi Arabia and Israel, and led to talk of a military standoff. It also comes against the backdrop of a trade dispute between the United States and China. Many fear this could hammer the global economy if the two sides push through threatened tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of goods. Most markets were down on Monday but the losses were limited. Hong Kong fell 1.7 percent in the afternoon, while Shanghai had slipped 1.5 percent at the close, with traders there awaiting the release Tuesday of firstquarter Chinese growth data. Singapore fell 0.2 percent, while Wellington and Taipei also declined. However, Tokyo ended in positive

territory, up 0.3 percent, while Sydney edged up 0.2 percent and Seoul 0.1 percent. Property firms in Hong Kong took a hit on fears of an end to the era of low interest rates as the city’s de facto central bank is forced to support the local dollar, which is at the lowest end of its band with the greenback. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has spent more than US$1 billion boosting the currency, which has been hit by a flow of cash out of the city to the United States in search of higher interest rates. Chang Liu, China economist at Capital Economics, warned there was a concern that the HKMA’s move would raise interest rates in the city, which could hammer the property market—among the world’s most expensive—and have a knock-on effect for the economy. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59 12,620 106.2 435,000 3 194,000 137.9 1,142,460 1.56 376,000 35.1 127,400 16.6 63,200 18.4 1,393,400 3.47 1,000 1.55 4,000 860 100 0.59 2,034,000 83.55 2,473,730 1.14 1,178,000 12.7 29,200 23.9 5,300 55.6 325,320 228 1,190 109 840 87.9 20 44 6,800 225 226,320 90.5 6,320 1.22 17,000

740,798 46,168,286 585,220 157,928,982 567,090 4,488,915 1,045,406 25,596,716 3,470 6,200 86,000 1,184,550 206,742,747 1,354,540 356,516 127,030 18,033,232 271,300 91,228 1,758 299,250 50,907,068 569,499 20,740

26,452 1,523,208 9,000 -2,470,857 15,000 201,245.00 583,964 2,795,094 86,000 -53,100 41,086,242.50 121,520 3,518,611 4,400 -15,613,570 181,070.50 -

37.45 13.78 0.56 1.26 19.46 0.226 3.52 16.32 250 47.1 26.75 61.9 77 78.9 1.91 10.44 10.78 14.94 11.52 7.26 5.38 1.67 16.32 65 25.5 9.4 16.5 2.27 287.8 5.08 3.3 27 15.2 21.6 322 0.19 8.02 2.4 4.9 9.01 5.2 7.86 1.52 12.04 52.75 6.15 4.6 2 3.65 2.1 14.82 66.5 5.38 0.134 1.02 141.6 2.58 2.65 0.86

INDUSTRIAL 37.45 1,842,500 13.84 566,100 0.57 3,424,000 1.28 169,000 20.55 49,500 0.226 3,930,000 3.53 2,114,000 16.42 369,300 252 80 50.2 603,000 28.7 130,200 61.95 210 77 2,050 78.9 120 1.94 576,000 10.44 1,100 10.86 402,000 14.94 74,100 11.8 930,800 7.4 457,900 5.4 233,500 1.67 7,000 16.32 856,100 65 94,470 25.9 24,300 9.4 103,500 16.62 780,600 2.27 1,827,000 291.6 478,570 5.43 1,981,700 3.33 4,000 27 3,000 15.2 135,400 22.4 4,771,200 325 270,970 0.19 870,000 8.06 34,300 2.43 1,058,000 4.9 281,000 9.21 3,467,200 5.2 71,800 7.99 92,600 1.55 746,000 12.54 5,700 52.8 1,145,440 6.25 16,800 4.6 1,300,000 2 184,000 3.72 18,000 2.1 2,097,000 14.84 82,000 66.7 185,790 5.38 140,600 0.134 320,000 1.02 35,000 143 704,460 2.58 1,000 2.65 99,633,000 0.87 15,543,000

69,745,995 7,827,994 1,948,860 214,840 993,031 894,580 7,473,780 6,058,868 20,068 30,267,080 3,671,760 13,002.50 160,517 9,468 1,117,240 11,488 4,353,482 1,110,896 10,903,504 3,378,020 1,261,829 11,690 14,277,806 6,148,816 625,590 978,723 12,982,872 4,183,460 139,018,598 10,594,336 13,230 81,020 2,070,658 106,746,780 88,012,856 165,400 282,839 2,590,170 1,381,800 31,732,814 375,582 730,996 1,143,550 71,236 60,653,781.50 104,150 5,980,550 370,540 66,010 4,435,210 1,218,392 12,479,525.50 758,610 42,880 35,710 100,786,845 2,580 284,014,100 13,755,380

-29,355,275 2,236,166 22,400 -3,118,020 -891,810 -2,405,235 -20,650 15,440 -2,550,442 848,520 148,350 -1,648,903 -545,820 -1,913,030 2,080,957.50 -691,385 -6,701,400 -44,040 11,640,444 -60,800 59,400 23,876 20,642,440 23,196,328 19,100 -218,750 -3,308,472 -79,900 321,820 -4,954 -13,318,738 -1,380,550 21,000 -36,500 -14,910 -298,286 -3,405,341.50 -350,520 -22,097,743 25,750,650 123,580

0.3 68.1 14.02 0.9 6.38 0.64 0.66 938.5 6.98 12.14 7.42 1,085 6.88 62.3 5.75 0.65 4.75 18.72 0.58 4.73 3.64 0.043 1.17 3.34 2.54 140.8 928 0.8 1.68 561 259 0.236 0.2

HOLDING FIRMS 0.3 410,000 68.2 702,030 14.16 2,001,300 0.92 147,000 6.48 19,000 0.65 3,918,000 0.67 2,861,000 946 200,020 7 1,540,500 12.14 4,538,500 7.58 20,600 1,095 60,400 6.88 16,000 63.5 2,352,650 5.75 3,200 0.67 123,000 4.85 475,000 19.3 1,212,700 0.6 17,664,000 4.73 33,161,000 3.64 5,000 0.045 7,700,000 1.2 1,992,000 3.5 17,928,000 2.54 9,000 141.3 184,740 934 150,650 0.84 176,000 1.69 553,000 561 1,830 264.6 3,610 0.236 1,030,000 0.2 460,000

123,150 47,889,809 ( 28,359,100 132,320 122,524 2,523,490 1,916,740 188,684,575 10,817,101 55,805,586 152,948 66,200,830 110,080 148,062,156.50 18,400 80,410 2,293,300 23,230,044 11,308,050 159,607,380 18,200 338,400 2,402,070 62,463,020 22,860 26,156,024 140,517,065 143,320 935,060 1,051,960 944,790 244,050 92,100

14,198,836.5) 1,132,342 736,850 47,746,215 -6,054,970 11,053,124 -13,711,015 12,639,084 622,070 2,785,248 1,975,560 -13,629,760 -4,800 -709,510 -2,944,659 -23,782,670 -1,660 -435,400 -

3,866,548 4,424,500 186,056 4,300 4,741,430 1 226,473,550 416,870 9,342,280 278,836 7,464 39,102,825 122,460 169,230 3,183,150 22,900 8,780,255 146,250 1,982,200 6,152,790 12,211,150 14,370 47,778,690

-107,043 -84,270 44,266 ,027,459.9999 44,537,175 -73,320 -23,030 204,553 -6,421,300 -70,000 -40,230 265,880 -154,000 282,630 -13,962,600

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

57.8 106 3.18 139 1.51 35.45 16.46 18.7 3.47 1.55 860 0.55 83.6 1.19 11.98 24.4 55.65 228 108.1 87.9 44.25 225 90.1 1.22

59 107 3.18 139 1.58 35.45 16.6 18.7 3.47 1.55 860 0.6 83.75 1.19 12.7 24.4 55.65 229 109 87.9 44.25 226.6 90.95 1.22

57.6 106 3 137.3 1.46 35.1 16.46 18.24 3.47 1.55 860 0.54 83.2 1.14 11.98 23.8 55.3 227 108 87.9 44 224.6 90.1 1.22

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

37.75 13.9 0.58 1.27 19.98 0.235 3.55 16.64 250.2 49.6 26.75 61.95 79 78.9 1.96 10.46 10.96 15 11.7 7.45 5.42 1.67 16.92 65.4 26.55 9.45 17 2.31 295 5.08 3.3 27 15.8 21.6 323 0.19 8.43 2.5 5.08 9.14 5.21 7.86 1.56 12.5 52.8 6.15 4.75 2.1 3.65 2.15 14.92 68.85 5.47 0.134 1.02 144.5 2.58 2.76 0.91

38.5 13.9 0.59 1.29 20.95 0.235 3.58 16.64 252 52 29.5 61.95 80 78.9 1.99 10.46 11 15.02 11.8 7.45 5.43 1.67 16.92 65.45 26.55 9.65 17 2.35 295 5.5 3.33 27.2 15.8 22.8 326.8 0.191 8.43 2.51 5.08 9.28 5.45 8 1.57 12.54 53.5 6.25 4.75 2.11 3.72 2.15 14.92 69.05 5.47 0.134 1.03 145 2.58 3.05 0.91

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 REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG WELLEX INDUS

0.305 68.3 14.18 0.9 6.4 0.65 0.67 955 7.12 12.38 7.58 1,119 6.88 63.9 5.75 0.67 4.95 19 0.72 5 3.64 0.046 1.22 3.44 2.54 142.9 949 0.8 1.73 604 262 0.245 0.201

0.305 68.55 14.38 0.92 6.48 0.65 0.68 957.5 7.12 12.38 7.58 1,119 6.88 63.9 5.75 0.67 4.95 19.3 0.72 5 3.64 0.046 1.24 3.56 2.54 142.9 949 0.85 1.73 604 269.8 0.245 0.201

8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CEBU PROP A CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE IRC PROP KEPPEL PROP MEGAWORLD

6.68 0.98 15.1 2.19 0.87 40.05 3.46 4.69 6.18 6.22 0.52 1.07 1 0.275 0.455 31.45 0.7 1.75 1.36 1.14 4.79 4.65

6.85 1 15.78 2.19 0.87 40.3 3.58 4.69 6.18 6.22 0.53 1.07 1.02 0.28 0.47 31.45 0.7 1.77 1.38 1.15 4.79 4.69

6.62 0.96 15.1 2.11 0.82 39.9 3.46 4.5 6.13 6.22 0.49 1.05 0.99 0.265 0.455 30.75 0.66 1.75 1.35 1.05 4.79 4.55

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.62 0.4 0.56 4.34 19.38 1.95 3.18 34 1.03 13 0.86 6.8

0.63 0.41 0.57 4.69 19.4 1.97 3.18 34 1.04 13.1 0.86 6.8

0.58 0.4 0.55 4.3 19.06 1.95 3.17 33.85 1.03 11 0.86 6.65

0.6 0.405 0.56 4.69 19.1 1.97 3.18 34 1.03 11 0.86 6.8

95,053,000 1,540,000 3,525,000 7,585,000 5,503,900 177,000 18,000 2,494,000 603,000 1,310,600 18,000 19,539,100

57,326,830 626,450 1,972,950 34,781,220 105,849,278 346,340 57,100 84,709,830 624,220 15,382,766 15,480 131,447,849

89,040 -1,553,080 -7,909,880 82,200 -516,390 8,334 -10,257,151

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA GRAND PLAZA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA JOCKEY MELCO RESORTS METRO RETAIL 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

17.6 28.9 1.35 0.53 0.048 12.52 12.94 0.059 93.9 8.9 7.39 7.5 2.48 26.75 1,577 6.39 314 13.06 5.1 98 8.3 0.118 1.43 3.31 14.82 5 1.05 28.75 5.25 7.77 3.4 19 8.49 11.68 9.8 2.85 124 6.32 1,470 1.04 0.425 51.75 86.5 7.42 2.63 1.47 0.43 4.78 0.91 11.5

18.1 29 1.35 0.55 0.049 12.52 13.28 0.059 93.9 8.9 7.44 7.55 2.49 26.75 1,590 6.44 314 13.06 5.1 99.4 8.3 0.12 1.44 3.35 14.82 5 1.11 29.4 5.36 7.85 3.4 19.8 8.49 11.8 9.9 2.85 124 6.32 1,475 1.04 0.43 53 86.5 7.5 2.72 1.49 0.435 4.99 0.91 11.64

17.46 28.75 1.31 0.495 0.047 12.5 12.8 0.057 90 8.9 7.3 7.5 2.3 24.1 1,575 6.35 305 13.06 4.81 97.25 8.2 0.117 1.43 3.31 14.82 4.61 1.04 28.7 5.2 7.37 3.28 18 8.04 11.52 9.8 2.85 120 6.17 1,429 1 0.42 51.5 82.6 7.1 2.58 1.46 0.41 4.65 0.9 10.76

SERVICES 17.62 28.75 1.31 0.5 0.049 12.5 12.9 0.057 90.8 8.9 7.3 7.55 2.3 24.8 1,576 6.35 313 13.06 4.81 98 8.2 0.12 1.44 3.35 14.82 4.64 1.08 28.8 5.2 7.38 3.28 19.48 8.1 11.52 9.8 2.85 120.1 6.2 1,440 1 0.425 51.95 84 7.2 2.58 1.49 0.41 4.76 0.9 10.9

99,800 57,600 406,000 13,899,000 18,400,000 38,600 12,715,800 20,250,000 584,160 1,000 1,230,900 13,700 35,000 106,600 39,245 916,000 21,020 25,100 7,979,900 226,150 27,000 1,370,000 63,000 2,000 400 10,125,000 997,000 705,600 177,100 3,008,000 1,085,000 1,300 4,378,600 262,500 4,300 2,000 51,660 652,000 31,660 1,137,000 2,180,000 1,664,310 311,410 122,100 1,284,000 781,000 11,280,000 5,713,000 4,691,000 10,566,400

1,758,920 1,658,575 537,580 7,070,670 879,900 482,520 164,654,806 1,175,400 53,279,028 8,900 9,043,930 103,281 83,650 2,656,710 61,849,995 5,843,855 6,510,626 327,806 39,166,142 22,176,942.50 222,500 161,360 90,680 6,660 5,928 48,432,736 1,061,620 20,389,725 925,385 22,599,737 3,574,920 25,062 35,790,212 3,068,328 42,210 5,700 6,332,115 4,048,762 45,597,785 1,148,590 928,950 86,521,688 26,092,779.50 893,729 3,371,390 1,151,130 4,723,100 27,600,160 4,234,730 117,749,264

3,560 93,566,434 28,996,055.50 19,103 -38,415 21,715,655 251,212.00 511,255 3,329,803 72,494.00 8,826,935 -14,445.00 -2,706,850 1,324,360 -1,869,900 90,842 -13,224,350 -176,280 -2,205,709.50 1,535,278 -335,450 41,440 388,150 6,280,750 -2,730 18,464,150

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

0.003 1.85 19 1.53 1.63 0.31 7.81 2.47 0.21 0.145 1.48 5.98 1.24 0.62 0.86 0.012 0.014 0.012 2.26 5.98 15.96 31.4 0.0065

0.0031 2 19 1.53 1.64 0.31 8.19 2.49 0.213 0.148 1.48 6.05 1.24 0.62 0.87 0.013 0.014 0.013 2.47 5.98 15.98 31.4 0.0065

0.0029 1.85 17 1.5 1.63 0.31 7.35 2.42 0.199 0.145 1.4 5.97 1.2 0.55 0.85 0.012 0.013 0.012 2.26 5.96 15 30.8 0.0065

MINING & OIL 0.0029 595,000,000 1.95 56,929,000 18.88 13,200 1.5 42,000 1.63 378,000 0.31 2,150,000 7.79 69,700 2.48 2,469,000 0.211 680,000 0.148 1,540,000 1.46 908,000 5.99 845,200 1.23 4,000 0.57 775,000 0.87 239,000 0.013 243,100,000 0.014 8,400,000 0.013 31,900,000 2.35 59,000 5.97 430,900 15.22 4,136,500 31.15 641,400 0.0065 13,000,000

1,780,300 110,593,390 235,534 63,450 617,190 666,500 521,809 6,109,540 138,460 223,850 1,273,410 5,062,353 4,870 441,740 206,280 3,158,900 115,500 383,200 137,070 2,573,089 63,615,864 19,900,350 84,500

-60,000 5,642,790 -89,020 1,400 -3,931,099 -1,964,423 149,902 -4,804,730 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF F FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF PNX PREF 3A SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

28 508 511 103 104 111.5 6.22 980 100.3 1.05 104.8 980 77 79 75.2 78 76.8 76.45 75.75

28 508 520 103 104 111.5 6.27 980 100.3 1.06 104.8 980 77 79 75.2 78 76.8 76.45 75.75

27.75 508 503 101 104 111.5 6.18 980 100.3 1.04 104.8 980 77 79 75.2 77.1 76.8 75.5 75.75

PREFERRED 27.75 53,200 508 30 520 19,540 101 100,020 104 11,270 111.5 4,470 6.24 201,500 980 5,000 100.3 78,700 1.06 34,000 104.8 90 980 1,530 77 140 79 10,000 75.2 3,010 77.1 21,720 76.8 3,240 75.5 39,880 75.75 2,000

1,488,590 15,240 10,010,940 10,102,060 1,172,080 498,405 1,249,955 4,900,000 7,893,610 35,440 9,432 1,499,400 10,780 790,000 226,352 1,674,990 248,832 3,020,440 151,500

-113,815 -10,100,000 157,166 -

LR WARRANT

3.1

3.1

2.88

WARRANTS 2.9 3,391,000

10,055,960

124,600

6,215,385 224,050 34,899,620

-135,843 -14,324,680

489,816

16,935

MS

PROPERTY 6.7 1 15.78 2.11 0.85 40 3.48 4.64 6.18 6.22 0.49 1.05 1.01 0.27 0.47 30.9 0.67 1.76 1.36 1.09 4.79 4.63

571,300 4,497,000 12,200 2,000 5,679,000 5,661,700 119,000 2,044,000 45,200 1,200 76,667,000 116,000 169,000 11,760,000 50,000 283,600 217,000 1,129,000 4,536,000 11,241,000 3,000 10,318,000

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

5.7 3.21 3.5

5.7 3.35 3.71

5.25 3.2 3.43

FIRST METRO ETF

122

122

120.5

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

11,118,360

INDUSTRIAL

155,273,803

HOLDING FIRMS

116,818,723

PROPERTY

272,695,642

SERVICES

147,479,855

MINING & OIL GRAND TOTAL

964,553,413 1,678,860,510

5.29 3.33 3.52

SME

1,155,100 69,000 9,690,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 120.6 4,050

VALUE 2,021.09 (down) 7.54 640,082,770.33 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,208.38 (down) 48.20 1,063,620,366.95 HOLDING FIRMS 7,867.22 (down) 41.61 1,074,446,542.44 PROPERTY 3,614.96 (up) 10.03 SERVICES 1,617.88 (down) 17.78 820,638,237.015 MINING & OIL 11,096.06 (down) 72.75 910,732,723.30 PSEI 7,870.25 (down) 29.73 217,926,305.90 All Shares Index 4,771.28 (down) 23.37 4,769,286,045.85 Gainers: 68; Losers: 130; Unchanged: 49; Total: 247

Puregold registers net profit of P5.84b By Jenniffer B. Austria GROCERY chain operator Puregold Price Club, Inc. said net income in 2017 rose 5.7 percent to P5.84 billion from P5.53 billion in 2016 on double-digit growth in sales. Puregold said in a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated net sales increased 10.6 percent to P124.5 billion in 2017, slightly exceeding the target of between 8 percent and 10 percent. Puregold attributed the increase in strong net sales growth to strong consumer demand from outlets, S&R membership warehouse clubs and S&R New York Style Pizza stores. Same store sales rose 4.4 percent for Puregold outlets and 6.5 percent for S&R stores, driven by the strong consumer demand and the sustained economic growth of the country. Consolidated net margins in 2017 stood at 4.7 percent, while income from operations reached P8.65 billion, up by 6.9 percent from P8.1 billion a year ago; Puregold ended 2017 with 372 stores nationwide. These include 309 Puregold stores, 14 S&R membership shopping warehouses, 32 S&R New York Style stores, nine NE Bodega Supermarkets and eight Budgetlane Supermarkets. Puregold acquired last year acquired five B&W stores in Roxas City, Capiz, a move that would bolster its presence in the western Visayas region. It also obtained the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission to merge with three grocery chains it recently acquired. The three grocery chains, Daily Commodities, First Lane Super Traders and Goldtempo Company, operates a combined 17 stores in the provinces of Rizal, Bulacan and Aurora, and Cabanatuan City. The supermarket operator plans to continue with store network expansion with the opening of 25 new Puregold stores and two new S&R warehouse outlets this year. It will also pursue acquisitions and expand into new geographic locations. Puregold currently has over 1,500 suppliers and trade partners, and serves over 300,000 sari-sari stores and small businesses as well as over 1 million Puregold Perks members.

PNB Savings’ income climbs 51% to P459m By Julito G. Rada PNB Savings Bank, the thrift bank arm of the Philippine National Bank, posted a net income of P459 million in 2017, up 51 percent from P305 million in 2016. The bank said in a statement Monday the core business sustained the profitability with net interest income rising 43 percent to P2 billion, driven by the 42-percent growth in total loan portfolio to P43.6 billion on strong consumer lending business. Consumer loans accounted for 83 percent of total loans as PNB Savings Bank performed well its role as the consumer lending arm of PNB. Total resources expanded to P51.6 billion at the end of 2017, up 39 percent from P37.0 billion registered a year ago, funded mainly by growth in deposits. Total deposits reached P37.3 billion, up 54 percent from a year ago. “Our CASA (current accounts and savings account)and time deposit products continue to attract new customers and fresh funds given its competitive pricing compared to the equivalent product lines of our peer banks, not to mention the unique value-added benefits that come with our products,” PNB Savings Bank president Jovencio Hernandez said. “An example would be our Power Saver Account product, a tiered, high interest earning savings account that is bundled with free telemedicine services and life and accidental death insurance. The additional services are available for Power Saver accounts with a minimum average daily balance of P25,000,” he said. He said the free telemedicine services gave customers instant access to Philippine-based licensed doctors for consultations, diagnosis and treatment of non-emergency related concerns. The free life and accidental death insurance offers up to 5 times the account’s previous month’s average daily balance.

extrastory2000@gmail.com

World

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018

Chemical weapons inspectors start Syria probe after attacks D AMASCUS―The world’s chemical weapons watchdog is set to convene Monday to discuss the suspected toxic gas assault in Syria that prompted an unprecedented wave of Western strikes, as its inspectors probe the attack near Damascus.

As the on-the-ground investigation gets under way, the fallout from the USled response continued to reverberate, with French President Emmanuel Macron claiming to have persuaded President Donald Trump to keep his troops in Syria. And in London, British Prime Minister Theresa May was to face an emergency parliamentary debate Monday over her country’s part in the operation. The US-led strikes were the biggest international attack on President Bashar al-Assad’s regime since the start of Syria’s seven-year war. They have risked a confrontation with Moscow, the Syrian regime’s top ally, with President Vladimir Putin warning

that fresh attacks would spark “chaos”, while Washington vowed economic sanctions against Russia rather than further military action. US, French and British missiles destroyed sites suspected of hosting chemical weapons development and storage facilities Saturday, in a move lauded by President Donald Trump as “perfectly executed”—although the buildings were mostly empty and both Damascus and Syria’s opposition rubbished its impact. The Western trio swiftly reverted to diplomatic efforts, with leaders facing flak at home over the punitive attack. But their unified stance appeared to be shaken Sunday when Washington knocked back French President Em-

manuel Macron’s claim that Paris had convinced Trump to stay engaged in Syria “for the long-term”. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the US mission “has not changed” and Trump wanted troops home “as quickly as possible”. Saturday’s strikes came just hours before a team of experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons arrived in Damascus. They have been tasked with investigating the site of the alleged April 7 chemical attack in the town of Douma, in the formerly rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta, which Western powers said involved chlorine and sarin, and killed dozens. The OPCW is set to meet in the Hague on Monday over the attack, although there have been no signs yet that the investigators have traveled to Douma to begin their fieldwork. The inspectors will face a difficult task, with all key players having preempted their findings, including West-

ern powers, which justified the strikes by claiming they already had proof such weapons were used. The team will also have to deal with the risk that evidence may have been removed from the site, which lies in an area that has been controlled by Russian military police and Syrian forces over the past week. “That possibility always has to be taken into account, and investigators will look for evidence that shows whether the incident site has been tampered with,” Ralf Trapp, a consultant and member of a previous OPCW mission to Syria, told AFP. The OPCW declared that the Syrian government’s chemical weapons stockpile had been removed in 2014, only to confirm later that sarin was used in a 2017 attack in the northern town of Khan Sheikhun. “We will ensure they can work professionally, objectively, impartially and free of any pressure,” Assistant Foreign Minister Ayman Soussan told AFP. AFP

Detained American pastor on trial in Turkey ALIAGA, Turkey―An American pastor Monday went on trial in Turkey on terror-related charges after spending the last one-and-a-half years behind bars, in a case that has increased the friction between Ankara and Washington. Andrew Brunson, who ran a protestant church in the western city of Izmir, was detained by Turkish authorities in October 2016 and then remanded in custody. If convicted, he risks up to 35 years in jail. Brunson, wearing a white shirt and a black suit, was present in court in the town of Aliaga north of Izmir for the hearing, an AFP correspondent said. In an indication of the importance of the case for Washington, also in court were Sam Brownback, the US ambassador at large for religious freedoms, and Senator Thom Tillis. Turkish prosecutors have charged Brunson with engaging in activities on behalf of the group led by Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara says is behind the failed 2016 coup, and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Both are banned by Turkey as terror groups. Brunson is also accused of espionage for political or military purposes. If convicted, he faces two separate terms of 15 years and 20 years in prison, his lawyer Cem Halavurt told AFP. However the charges appear lighter than those outlined in the original indictment published on March 13, in which Brunson was accused of being a member of Gulen’s group and risked life imprisonment if convicted. The latest indictment explicitly states he is not charged with being a member of Gulen’s group or the PKK. “He is both nervous but also excited because it is the first time he will appear before a judge. He has expectations and a hope,” Halavurt told AFP ahead of the hearing. AFP

IN BRIEF Murder accused dies in jail in Hong kong HONG KONG—A South Korean man charged with murdering his wife and young son at the luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel in Hong Kong earlier this year has died in custody, police said Monday. Kim Min-ho, 42, was found unconscious at the maximum security Lai Chi Kok detention center Monday morning and was later declared dead in hospital, a police spokeswoman told AFP. Police gave no detail on how Kim died but local Hong Kong media reported he had committed suicide. Kim, who stated on his Facebook page that he was CEO in South Korea of the USbased Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory retail chain, was arrested in January and charged with double murder after the bloody discovery at the hotel room. Police had rushed to the harbor-front hotel after receiving a report that a man and woman were fighting. Kim’s wife and six-year-old son were found dead at the scene, his wife with multiple cuts to her neck and his six-yearold son with a throat wound. Kim was believed to have consumed alcohol and appeared unconscious in the hotel suite with minor wounds to his hand and face, police assistant district commander Chan Tsz-Leung said at the time. Police retrieved a five-inch-long knife from the room and Kim was arrested. AFP

Website launched to report foreign spies

PARADE. Revelers march at the Ole & Nu Style Fellas 20th anniversary second line parade in the historic Treme neighborhood on April 15, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Traditional second line parades are put on by social aid and pleasure clubs organized by AfricanAmerican communities and are held most Sundays in New Orleans. The parades represent a history of solidarity, empowerment and cultural pride within the African-American enclaves of the city. New Orleans, originally founded by the French in 1718, is marking its 300th anniversary this year. The city became part of the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. AFP

Macron: France convinced Trump to stay in Syria PARIS―French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday that Paris had convinced Donald Trump to stay engaged in Syria “for the long-term”―but just hours later the White House responded by saying it wanted US forces there “to come home as quickly as possible”. A day after France joined the United States and Britain in launching unprecedented strikes against regime targets, Macron insisted the intervention was legitimate and urged international powers to push for a diplomatic solution to the brutal seven-year war. “We have not declared war on the regime of Bashar al-Assad,” the 40-yearold centrist said in a combative TV interview. But Macron again argued his first major military intervention as president was necessary to send a signal that the

use of chemical weapons against civilians would not go unpunished. Saturday’s strikes targeted three alleged chemical weapons facilities in response to what the West says was a gas attack on the town of Douma that killed dozens of people. “We have full international legitimacy in intervening in this case,” Macron said. He said the US, France and Britain targeted “extremely precise sites of chemical weapons use” in an operation that went off “perfectly”. While this operation was not sanctioned by the United Nations, Syria was supposed to destroy its chemical weapons arsenal under a 2013 UN resolution, he said. As for his allies, Macron suggested France had helped change Trump’s

mind on the need to stay involved in the conflict. “Ten days ago, President Trump was saying the United States of America had a duty to disengage from Syria,” Macron said. “I assure you, we have convinced him that it is necessary to stay for the long-term,” he told his interviewers. Shortly after the interview aired, the White House said the US mission in Syria “has not changed”. “The President has been clear that he wants US forces to come home as quickly as possible,” spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. She added that Washington was “determined to completely crush” the Islamic State group in the country “and create the conditions that will prevent its return.” AFP

People need reassurance on inflationary trend WHAT happens to consumer prices merits the highest priority in economic policymaking. After all, consumption spending accounts for approximately two-thirds of this country’s GDP (gross domestic product). Of late the Filipino consumer has had plenty of reason to feel concern. Consumer prices are on the rise. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) have reported that the inflation rate in March—4.3 percent—was the highest since August 2014 when the inflation rate was 5 percent. Inflation is the invisible taxman: every one percent rise in the inflation rate means a one percent decrease in the purchasing power of a consumer’s income. To the upper strata of society a 4.5 percent inflation rate is not at all

B3

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

alarming, but to the lower strata – especially to the D and E income classes—it is a big deal. People who live at or close to subsistence level certainly don’t want a decline in their pesos’ purchasing power. The makers of this country’s monetary policies and the authors of analyses of the price situation may sincerely believe that the ongoing inflationary movement does not provide cause for worry, but they cannot afford to be complacent. If they put their ears to the ground—as they should—they will be able to hear the increasingly audible grumblings. Economic policymakers generally react to reports of upward inflationrate movements in one of three ways. The reactions usually come quickly because of the political implications of inflation. The first and most obvious way is to deny the existence of an upward inflation-rate movement. This way will not be successful if the changes in

the price data are significant. The way in which economic policymakers react to reports of an inflationary trend is to acknowledge its existence but minimize its impact. They trot out figures purporting to show that new price data, though significant, are highly manageable. This will be followed by a statement that the economic managers have the situation well under control. The third route that economic policymakers usually take when confronted by reports of an upward inflation-rate movement is to acknowledge that prices are trending upward but that the upward inflationrate movement is attributable to forces of an abnormal or “beyond our control” character. Such forces include adverse weather or surges in the prices of key imported commodities, e.g. oil or rice. Whichever way the economic authorities – especially the BSP – reacts to reports of upward inflation-

rate movements, the Filipino people must be reassured that price-related things are under control and inflation is not going to stage a resurgence. Truth to tell, the people of this country do not appear to be feeling reassured. For one thing, the TRAIN-decreed excise tax increases are still working their way through the economic system. For another, world oil prices lately have been displaying renewed vigor. Additionally, there is the instability of the rice market occasioned by the confusion in government rice policymaking. The economic authorities are trying very hard to convey the impression that inflation is under control and that consumer prices will not gallop away. Thus far they do not appear to have succeeded. The authorities will have to try harder. E-mail: gmail.com

romero.business.class@

BEIJING—China has stepped up its campaign against foreign espionage with a website in Mandarin and English encouraging people to report national security threats such as bids to “overthrow the socialist system”. The website, www.12339.gov.cn, launched by the Ministry of National Security on Sunday, also urges anyone to report attempts by Chinese nationals or foreigners to bribe state or military officials, instigate armed riots or incite ethnic separatism. Potential problematic behavior also includes foreigners meeting “any person within China who has conducted activities endangering state security or is strongly suspected of doing so” -- raising concerns that any interaction with dissidents would be frowned upon. Informants will be rewarded for discovering espionage equipment or for tip-offs on anyone suspected of buying or selling state secrets, according to the website, which allows users to lodge complaints in both Chinese and English. The website did not offer details on the rewards. The Beijing City National Security Bureau was offering 10,000 to 500,000 yuan ($1,500 to $73,000) for information on spies, the official Beijing Daily reported last April. AFP

Years after hanging, Saddam mystery lives on AL-AWJAH, Iraq—In his native village of Al-Awjah, the mausoleum of Iraq’s executed dictator Saddam Hussein has been reduced to broken concrete and tangled barbed wire, showing no trace of his remains. The man who ruled Iraq with an iron fist for a quarter of a century was hanged at dawn on December 30, 2006, delighting many of the country’s long-oppressed majority Shiites and symbolizing the humiliation of Saddam’s fellow Sunnis. US president George W. Bush then personally authorized the immediate transfer of the dictator’s body on an American military helicopter from Baghdad to the northern city of Tikrit, near Al-Awjah. But today, mystery and doubt hang over the final resting place of a man whose very name for decades filled Iraqis with dread. Is his body still in Al-Awjah or was it exhumed, and, if so, where to? Sheikh Manaf Ali al-Nida, a leader of the Albu Nasser tribe to which Saddam’s clan belongs, has held on to a letter his family signed when they received the body, agreeing that Saddam be buried without delay. Saddam, 69, was laid to rest before dawn in the mausoleum he had commissioned years earlier.AFP Manila

Standard

TODAY N OTICE

Notice is hereby given that CEBU AIR, INC. doing business under the names and styles of Cebu Pacific and Cebu Pacific Air (Formerly: CEBU AIR, INC.) with office address at Cebu Pacific Building, Domestic Road, Barangay 191, Zone 20, Pasig City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Operator of Air Transport Services (A321CEO#4 with CAB Registration No. RP-C4114 and Serial No. MSN8269) on a non-pioneer status, with project site at Airline Operations Center, Domestic Road, Pasay City. Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Officer in Charge Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-APR. 17, 2018)

LGUs

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

B4

tuesday, aPRIL 17, 2018

LocaL goVErNmENt uNits

Cabie, Baldomir, Pagdilao lead 9 Outstanding Piniliños 2018 PInILI, Ilocos norte—nine Piniliños, including three women, were recognized recently by the Local Government Unit as Outstanding Residents for their efforts in their chosen fields of endeavor and their activities “relative to community development.” the awards, in glittering ceremonies during the Balikbayan night of the five-day town fiesta dubbed “Abel and Bawang Festival” on April 10, highlighted the coronation by the guest of honor of Ms. Balik-Pinili 2018 Queen Rosemarie Madarang, who returned for the crown from her job in Germany. the awardees were: Prof. Honor Blanco Cabie (journalism); Dr. Avelina Baldomir (education); Rolando Bueno (agriculture); Atty. Amador tolentino Jr. (legal services); Senior Inspector Jefferson Antalan (police services); Al Joseph Rubio (sports); retired Col. Samuel S. Pagdilao Sr. (government service); Mrs. Leriza Fernandez (non-government organization representative); and Magdalena Gamayo (culture and the arts). the 93-year-old Gamayo, among Ilocandia’s pride, received her award while seated in her wheelchair, is a master inabel (loom) weaver who was awarded the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan or national Living treasure by then President Benigno Aquino III at Malacanang in november 2012. Manlilikha ng Bayan, the highest honor given to artisan, craftsman or folk artist, is a title in the same order with national Artist and national Scientist.

Estrada inspires Manila summer student workers MAnILA Mayor Joseph estrada on Monday congratulated 1,000 college and high school students who qualified to work 20 days in summer jobs with the city government during the orientation and opening ceremony of the Special Program for employment of Students 2018 at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate. the program allows students, ages 14 to 24, to work in different city departments, defending on what they are studying. Half of their salaries will be paid by the Department of Labor and employment, and half from the City of Manila. According to estrada, the SPeS 2018 is under the supervision of the city’s Youth Development & Welfare Bureau in coordination with the Public employment Service Office. He said thousands of students from the different public schools in the city applied for the program, but only those who were deemed “special” qualified, saying: “You truly are special.” It will give the students the opportunity to learn how the different city departments work and contribute to the city’s progress, estrada said. He advised the students on the importance of unity and cooperation in the workplace. “What I want you to understand as you work is the value of unity,” the mayor said.

SUMMER RELIEF. Leyte 1st District Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (left) hands out grocery packs to more than 3,000 poor families

during the Barangay Week at the gymnasium in Babatngon, Leyte. Romualdez also turned over a completed barangay hall and road projects for the municipality. Ver Noveno

Ilocos Norte churches turn to solar for energy By Leilanie Adriano, PNA

L

AOAG CItY—the Diocese of Laoag is set to embark on a solar energy project that aims to help reduce the country’s carbon footprint.

In response to the urgent call of Pope Francis to stop climate change, Bishop Renato Mayugba of the Diocese of Laoag said they have invited WeGen Philippines, a next-generation energy business, to install solar panels that automatically convert solar energy into electricity for the 28 parishes of the Diocese of Laoag. “As Pope Francis tells us to care for the environment, we need to look at other alternatives to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Mayugba. He said the province of Ilocos norte is lucky to have wind and solar power farms, generating clean and renewable

energy for the people. In 2015, the Pope signed an encyclical on climate change, underscoring that environment and caring for the earth are key global issues. that encyclical, titled “Laudato Si,” is considered both a searing indictment of the world’s failure to protect the environment and a call to action. the pope proposed that caring for the environment shall be added to the traditional Christian works of mercy such as feeding the hungry and visiting the sick. On April 13, the Diocese of Laoag represented by Mayugba and Jun Cruz, managing director of WeGenPH signed a

memorandum of understanding to commence Phase 1 of the solar project. “With this new technology which is becoming more feasible and viable in Ilocos norte, the Diocese would also like to get involved in solar energy,” Mayugba added. Cruz said the idea is to begin the transitioning of renewable energy to the diocese and become a model to the faithful and then to the community. “Our energy technology company is helping the churches in transitioning to solar—we generate our own power so that we are able to help people save on energy and to possibly sell and share it to others,” Cruz said. He explained that the solar technology will still be connected to the distribution utility, with an automatic system that can reduce energy utility bills by up to 70 percent during daytime.

opened recently in Pandan, Antique, as residents and tourists alike welcomed the one-stop dining and entertainment venue. Pandan Mayor Jonathan Tan (left) and JTEN Ventures Inc. president Elmer Ngo, owner-developer of the establishment, graced the inaugurals. Tan said that with the growing popularity of food and entertainment centers in the country, residents of Pandan will have the chance to experience the 360-seat leisure venue.

By Romeo Dizon CAMP OLIvAS, Pampanga—the time-honored virtue of honesty is still being practiced among the young policemen here. two policemen were commended by their commander for their moral upbringing after they returned a handbag owned by a retired United States army doctor containing important valuables and P40,000 in cash in Sitio Labasan, Barangay Sabang, Baler, Aurora on Monday. Chief Supt. Amador Corpus, regional director of the Police Regional Office III, identified the policemen as SPO1 venancio Asuncion and SPO1 Juan Carlo estacio Querijeri, both assigned to the municipal police station of Baler. Corpus said Asuncion and Querijeri were patrolling and directing traffic at barangay Sabang in line with the local police’s summer vacation program when they saw the handbag unattended. the policemen inspected the handbag of Dr. villamor Parillia, the retired US army doctor who lives in Bagong Sikap, talavera, nueva ecija, Corpus said. Besides the money, the bag also contained a gold-plated Rolex watch, six pieces of diamonds, four cheque books, and AtM cards. the handbag was returned to Parillia, who also commended the policemen for their good deed, Corpus said.

In BrIef Ex-druggies finish ‘Bidahan’ course Seventeen former drug users have been given a new lease on life after graduating from Bidahan, the community-based treatment and rehabilitation program of the navotas City Government. Bidahan participants initially underwent a three-day retreat where they learned about the effects of drugs in their body and ways to avoid getting hooked into substance abuse. they were also taught proper grooming, healthy lifestyle, and how to value themselves and their loved ones. they then engaged in twice-a-week counselling sessions for six months. Bidas, as the participants were called, were given random drug testing to check their faithfulness to the program. “through the Bidahan, we aim to help our Bidas stop substance abuse and learn to value life,” said Mayor John Rey tiangco, head of the navotas Anti-Drug Abuse Council. Jun David

Water Forum set in Bambang BAMBAnG, nueva vizcaya—A Water Forum will be conducted here on tuesday as part of this town’s festival celebration. the Water Forum, sponsored by the PhilHydro company, will also offer lectures on Basic Frisbee, Gameplay, Frisbee Match, Water Warrior Oath, and Frisbee Gift. Miles Salindong, PhilHydro advocacy officer, said the daylong event also offers lectures on Water and Sustainable Development, Appreciating Water, Workshop, Water, Health and Sanitation, Water and the environment and presentation of the Water nature’s Precious Gift Module. Bambang town is celebrating its Panggayjaya Festival, the yearly town fiesta celebration. Ben Moses Ebreo

RENOVATED OPD. Patients line up inside the outpatient department of the

Cavite Naval Hospital, recently renovated by SM Foundation Inc. It is the 135th health and wellness center refurbished by the mall giant’s foundation to date, and the 24th military health facility it has renovated across the country.

QC Public Library launches back-to-reading campaign

ANTIQUE FOOD PARK. The Highway Food Park and Entertainment Center formally

Young cops find, return bag with P40k, diamonds to US Army doc

tHe Quezon City Public Library is encouraging children to read “real” books as it launched its new campaign: “Back-toReading.” QCPL stresses the importance of reading, especially to children who spend most of their time online or playing with electronic gadgets and devices. According to Marlyn Bautista, QCPL Children’s Section head, the campaign aims to promote reading among children to diminish the time spent in surfing in the internet or playing digital games. “Nakakalimutan na ng mga bata ‘yung pagbabasa kasi na-hook na sa Internet at mga gadgets. Kaya binuo ‘tong programa na ito para i-promote ang reading sa mga bata,” Bautista said. A three-day mob dance has been held

where parents and children from the Liband-Rary book club joined the said dance in the Public Library lobby, QC Hall lobby and Quezon Memorial Circle, and in the QCPL rooftop. the Lib-and-Rary book club was formed in 2015 to bring back interest in reading among children. With an initial membership of five, the book club now has 447 members to date. “Noong nag-conduct kami ng puppet show sa mga anak ng city hall vendors, nakita namin ‘yung hunger ng mga batang matuto. So ang ginawa namin, bumuo kami ng book club para ma-gather silang lahat at maibahagi sa kanila ‘yung mga gawain natin sa library tulad ng back-to-reading campaign,” Bautista added.

‘Bakery sa Park’ unwraps in NV BAYOMBOnG, nueva vizcaya— Members and officers of the Kapisanan ng mga may Kapansanan sa nueva vizcaya Inc. recently opened their new Bakery sa Park project at the provincial capitol grounds here. the project was funded with P700,000 from the Department of Labor and employment to improve the income of KKnvI members, who are mostly persons with disabilities. Liberato estilong, KKnvI president, said the project will provide more assistance to their members in terms of employment and wages for their families. the Bakery sa Park is one of the livelihood projects of the KKnvI in partnership with the provincial government and DoLe. “this is just a small bakery, but I believe that this could be developed and can become a medium-scale enterprise if you work together and manage your livelihood well,” Gov. Carlos Padilla said during the recent project inauguration. Ben Moses Ebreo

Life

Bernadette lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife

health and environment

@MstandardliFe tuesday, april 17, 2018

C1

Kaffea:

Delicious and healthy coffee Professional lecturer at the College of Human Kinetics in the University of the Philippines Dr. Alberto Magpily pores over his morning newspaper while enjoying a hot cup of Kaffea

Enjoy a view of the metropolis while sweating it out at the Fitness Center

Achieving fitness goals at a hotel TURNING fat into fit is not always easy, especially with time and budget constraints in the way. And when talking about exercising, a hotel is not usually the first place that comes into mind. But Eastwood Richmonde Hotel wants to change that as it offers the “All-in Exclusive Membership Deal” that gives exclusive Fitness Center membership at discounted rates, with no monthly dues. For an equivalent monthly rate of P2,000, members get an all-inclusive membership with unlimited use of the hotel›s gym, outdoor swimming pool, sauna room, and locker facilities for a year. Eastwood Richmonde›s team of professional fitness trainers is on hand to assist members with personalized programs at no additional cost.

Options for Semi-annual, Quarterly, and Monthly Membership rates are also available at equivalent monthly rates of only P2,200, P2,400, and P2,600 per month, respectively. Squeezing in a daily, weekly, or monthly routine is not a problem with Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s convenient location, easily accessible from Quezon City, Pasig City, and Taguig areas. Gym members also get to enjoy a breathtaking view of the metropolis each time they use any of the Fitness Center gym’s facilities on the 39th floor. The exclusive “All-in Membership Deal” is valid until June 30 only. For more details about the membership programs available, call (02) 570-777.

Take a dip in Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s outdoor swimming pool

Kaffea is made from all natural ingredients rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

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VERYBODY loves coffee, but unfortunately, not everyone can drink it. Those with hypertension, heart condition or diabetes can’t have it. Luckily, for coffee lovers there is a sweet, delicious, creamy, and aromatic ready-to-drink coffee blend in the market.

Kaffea is that coffee, and more. It has balanced acidity, is sweetened by coconut sugar, and is so healthy even diabetics can drink it. Associate professor and professorial lecturer at College of Human Ki-

netics in the University of the Philippines Dr. Alberto T. Magpily swears by Kaffea which regulates blood sugar level of all ages. “Generally anybody can drink Kaffea coffee. Those who have problems with diabetes can also take it. It has also shown that the coffee itself is not harmful to the body. It will actually diminish the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases,” said Dr. Magpily. Kaffea is made from all natural ingredients rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins, and minerals that promote digestive health. It helps regulate blood sugar level, restrain uncontrolled cholesterol, and help in weight management. Dr. Magpily is highly qualified to speak about the beneficial aspects of

Kaffea. He was trained and has worked in Germany, Middle East, and China. At present he teaches Exercise Physiology at the College of Human Kinetics, is the UP Varsity Physician, and in charge of the UP College of Human Kinetics Sports Therapy Clinic. “I highly recommend Kaffea to everybody. It will give them health benefits,” said Dr. Magpily. Kaffea is a blend of delicious coffee which contains 10 essential elements and minerals including the best and healthiest sweetener: coconut sugar mixed with coconut cream. The interaction of the 10 essential ingredients of Kaffea produces a beneficial effect which ensures health and wellness while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. These special ingredients, especially coconut sugar, also help in weight management and prevent obesity. Coconut sugar helps regulate blood sugar level and weight management because it has the lowest Glycemic Index among all types of sugar, according to a study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute. Coconut sugar makes every taste of Kaffea a sweet experience to be savored. It’s the right kind of sweet to keep your senses awake and your body healthy.

Life

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tuesday, apri apriL 17, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Dove partners with ‘Steven Universe’ to educate young people on body confidence through the cartoon’s themes of inclusivity and empowerment

‘Steven Universe’

Sports facility for athletes

promotes self-esteem D

among girls

OVE has recently announced a two-year global partnership with Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe to educate young people on body confidence through the cartoon’s themes of inclusivity and empowerment, world and characters. This pioneering collaboration is part of the Dove Self-Esteem Project which has been helping young people build self-esteem and body confidence through educational programmes since 2004. The project is based on the knowledge that over half of girls worldwide do not have high body confidence, leading them to avoid spending time with friends and family, put their health at risk, and opt-out of important life events. The Dove Self-Esteem Project, which exists in 140 countries around the world, is committed to reaching 40 million young people by 2020 through its existing educational programs; and with the help of Steven Universe, will now reach 20 million more. Using a public health intervention model, the Dove Self-Esteem Project expands beyond structured workshops delivered by adults to taking educational content directly to young people on a scale never-seen before. And in the case of the project’s partnership with Cartoon Network, this will be Steven Universe’s young viewers. The partnership will come to life in a series of six short animated films directed by Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar, the first of which premiered on April 5. Working with

the Dove Self-Esteem Project, all content has been carefully co-created and grounded in scientific evidence by body image expert, Dr. Phillippa Diedrichs of the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England. Later this year, an original song featuring the cast of the show, an accompanying music video, and an educational eBook will also be launched as part of the Dove Self-Esteem Project’s commitment to create a media landscape for young people that is inclusive by acknowledging every person’s uniqueness and representing true diversity. “Since 2004, through the Dove SelfEsteem Project, we have been providing young people with the tools and resources they need to develop body confidence and self-esteem so they can fully participate in life and reach their full potential,” said Sophie Galvani, Dove global vice president. She continued, “We are passionate about evolving the types of messages the next generation are receiving through media, which is why we are working side by side with partners to take the program to the next level. We are introducing new tools to enable us to reach even more young people with content that not only educates but also

entertains. By partnering with Cartoon Network and Rebecca Sugar we are able to create new ways to make a real impact towards our mission of helping young people build positive body confidence and self-esteem.” Research shows that children’s media can be a powerful source of influence on young viewers’ body image and emotional intelligence. Carefully designed inclusive content helps create more positive attitudes and behaviors towards the audience’s health and others. “Appearance ideals and stereotypes are widespread in children’s media. Studies show that this trend occurs more frequently on screen than in books. Therefore, it is vital to have new content that encourages children to have a positive relationship with the way they look and showcases a diverse and inclusive range of appearances” stated Dr. Diedrichs. The body image expert added, “The partnership creates content that tackles topics identified in scientific research as key influences on young people’s body confidence, and delivers it in an engaging and fun way.” Critically acclaimed, Steven Universe is the first animated series on Cartoon Network created by a woman. A global pop culture phenomenon recognized for its overall themes of inclusivity, empathy, and relatability, the show is inspired by Rebecca’s friendship and close relationship with her younger brother Steven.

Vermosa Hub’s opens the country’s first nine-lane track oval built in accordance with the IAAF standards

AThLETES as well as sports buffs and fitness junkies who aim to reach the top of their game have a new place where they can train. Ayala Land, Inc.’s Vermosa Sports hub, the country’s first premier and professionally managed sports facility, opens its doors to the public. Vermosa Sports hub is equipped with training facilities designed for international sports competitions. Groundbreaking features at the sports facility include an Olympic-size swimming pool equipped with the latest timing system by Omega and the Anti Wave Starting Blocks; and the Philippines’ first ninelane track oval built in accordance with the International Association of Athletics Federations standards. Four hours in the 50-meter lap pool cost P220 per person, while a six-hour session on the track oval is P90. For football and field sports enthusiasts, there’s also a standard-size football field with natural grass and a sand sub-base. The Vermosa Sports hub will also soon unveil bike lanes, jogging paths, and other outdoor sports facilities. To complete the development is a training and fitness club equipped with

a sports science laboratory especially suited for athletes who want to take the next step to reach peak performance. To be managed and operated by Sante health & Fitness, Inc., known as one of the fastest growing global providers of organic health and wellness products and services, the Sante Fitness Lab is a one-stop shop that will include a strength and conditioning fitness facility, sports rehab areas, a dance studio, a spinning class area, bike shop and services, a nutrition and fitness café, VO2 max/lactate testing by using a machine that can test an individual’s level of oxygen while training, and conference and lecture rooms. To ensure that Vermosa Sports hub is accessible to the growing market of sports enthusiasts, competitive rate packages and period-based membership passes are being offered by the company. Rate for Annual VIP Pass is P5,600, 3-Month Unlimited Pool Pass is P5,600, and 1-Month Unlimited Pool Pass is P2,250. Those who avail their passes until April can enjoy a 20 percent discount. Vermosa Sports Hub is located at Vermosa, Daang Hari Road cor. Vermosa Blvd., Imus, 4103 Cavite.

iphoto

Generika bags 4 Anvils at the 53rd Anvil Awards

The 2-year partnership will come to life in a series of six short animated films directed by ‘Steven Universe’ creator Rebecca Sugar

Generika Drugstore officials, namely (from left) financial controller Jim Bravo, chief operating officer Jay Ferrer, and national operations director Peewee de Vera receive three Silver Anvils and one Gold Anvil for the company›s PR programs Gabay Generika (Generika›s rebranding campaign), Gabay Kalusugan (nationwide advocacy wellness campaign), #AkoAngGabay (internal culture change campaign), and the Generika Ayala Lifesavers Women›s Volleyball Team during the 53rd Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.    

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

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MARK

INGER-SONGWRITER Mark Carpio is unstoppable. After the success of his debut song and album “Hiling,” the property-specialistturned-musician scored another instant hit with his catchy new single titled “Bukod-Tangi (Ang Natural Mong Pag-ibig).”

Carpio’s new single easily captured the hearts and musical tastes of Filipinos because of the way it speaks of a natural and unconditional love that people from all walks of life can easily connect with. Carpio, an Awit Award nominee for best new male and best balladeer for 2017, attributes “Bukod Tangi’s” early success and overwhelming social media buzz to the song’s encompassing message. “Bukod-Tangi is something that everyone can relate to because it dwells on the different facets of natural, universal love,” says Carpio, who discloses that he loves mapping out different stages and kinds of love through his songs.

Ian Veneracion: No reason to leave Kapamilya ACCORDING to Ian Veneracion, there’s no truth to the circulating rumor that he’ll leave ABSCBN and transfer to GMA soon. “That’s crazy!” he avers. Speculation started when talent manager Perry Lansigan (who’s closely associated with the Kapuso network) recently posted in his social media account a photo in which he was having dinner with him and GMA executive Ms. LilybethRasonable. “The reason is that we’re neighbors in our subdivision so he invited me and I obliged. But that’s just it, no more, no less,” he clarifies. The actor is very much secured with his current home studio. “I’m happy with ABSCBN. I’m getting meaty roles. They’ve been supportive of me so there’s no reason for me to even think of leaving. In fact, I have an upcoming movie under Star Cinema. It’s in the planning stage already. As I’ve mentioned earlier, I’m very much okay being a Kapamilya. I’m grateful for their kindness,” he adds. Apart from acting, Ian is also busy with his singing career. He has a forthcoming concert at the Grand Pacific Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu on April 21, Ian in 3 Acts. “That’s right! This is the reason why I kind of lied low on acting of late. I want to be prepared. Of course, it required my full concentration.” The good-looking star is leaving no stones unturned just to ensure that his concert will be greatly appreciated by the public. “I don’t want to shortchange them with a mediocre performance. I told myself that if I would do this, it has to be right. I ought to find the band that would complement my singing. And since it would be staged live, I have to polish each number. I want the show to be unforgettable to the audience,” states Ian. *** Anne Curtis reacts to the rumor that she will play the main antagonist

Valentina in the latest Darna silver screen reboot top-billed by Liza Soberano. “Honestly, I’ve been hearing that rumor but I haven’t received any offer yet. Let’s just wait and see in the coming days,” she says. Is it just okay with her to play a ‘contravida’ to Liza considering her leading lady status and the fact that she also headlined another Mars Ravelo classic which is Dyesebel? “Why not? Given the opportunity, I will do it. It’s challenging. Actually, Darna has lots of interesting nemesis that’s exciting to portray apart from the snake woman Valentina. Like Elektra, the leader of the planet women. I think it’s also a colorful character to breathe life to.” Meanwhile, when asked about her baby plans with husband Erwann Heussaff, the lovely It’s Showtime host states that she doesn’t want to be under pressure with the thought. “It will come in God’s time. And when that moment comes, I’ll be very happy because a baby is a blessing,” ends Anne. *** Ogie Alcasid is glad to still be part of the new season of Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids. “Yes! We started taping recently and it was so much fun. Billy (Crawford) is still hosting while I’m one of the judges along with Gary (Valenciano) and Sharon (Cuneta). They’re always a joy to work with. No dull moments,” he says. How about the youngsters who are participating this season? “Oh, they’re superb! I just won’t pinpoint but I’m certain viewers will love them!” Meanwhile, when asked about wife Regine Velasquez, the singer-TV host-comedian reveals they’re fine and still get to do shows together. “That’s right! Despite the fact that we belong to rival networks, we have the chance to perform together in corporate shows which is cool,” says Ogie.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, April 17, 2018

ACROSS 1 Legend 5 Dance moves 10 Latin 101 word 14 Bullfight shouts 15 Column order 16 Gray wolf 17 Herbal concoctions 18 Circular 19 Not busy 20 Planned on 22 Break the speed limit 24 Before marriage 25 Sub seller 26 Hot — wine 29 Hook up 33 Conducts (a war) 34 Four-star review 36 Pigeon talk 37 House addition 38 Prepared fish 39 Straight line 40 Want-ad letters 41 Time periods 42 Licorice flavoring 44 Snag 47 Gave the slip 48 Pink 49 Pianist at Rick’s 50 Charge

53 Equanimity 58 Laura — of “Rambling Rose” 59 Corporate concern 61 Rampage 62 Norwegian name 63 Pigeonhole 64 Quit flying 65 Peace offerings 66 Shine 67 Swedish actress — Olin DOWN 1 Shopper’s bag 2 Mr. Trebek 3 Spring 4 Perfume 5 Weighed, as evidence 6 Enameled metal 7 Camelot lady 8 Dessert pastry 9 Blocked from view 10 Draw out 11 Went by horseback 12 Experienced 13 Nailed obliquely 21 Average grades 23 Sweater sizes 25 Cheap nightspots

CARPIO’s new hit song

“Whether you are in a romantic relationship or not, ‘Bukod-Tangi’ speaks to you on so many levels,” the songwriter stresses. “The song, in fact, does not put one kind of love above or below another, but celebrates all of them. Whether you are a nurturing mother or supportive father to your children, a loving wife or husband to your spouse, or practically anyone who loves and is loved, ‘Bukod-Tangi’ is your song.” “Bukod-Tangi” is inspired by ASCOF Lagundi for Kids, a natural cough remedy chosen by caring moms for their families. For many years now, ASCOF Lagundi has always been mommies’ trusted

26 Do the floor 27 Less tanned 28 Domed residence 30 Caustic 31 Not tight 32 Bellowed 34 Spacious 35 Fay’s role in “King Kong” 38 Gardener’s risk (2 wds.) 42 Kyrgyzstan mountains 43 Digit 45 Rims

46 — cit. (footnote abbr.) 47 Honor 50 “Et tu” time 51 Rex Stout’s — Wolfe 52 Trickle down 53 Gait 54 Turkish official 55 Shade of green 56 Invent, as a phrase 57 “Butch Cassidy” role 60 Wire gauge

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Mark Carpio

partner not only in relieving the cough of their children, but also in showing their tender loving care for them. As of this writing, “Bukod-Tangi” has been played 47,902 times on Spotify, while its official music video—which was shot at Camella Tierra Nevada in General Trias, Cavite—has generated over 1.1 million views in various social media platforms. The song has also landed on the iTunes Top 200 Tracks in

the Philippines, both in the Pop and All Genre charts. Netizens gush about how they instantly got hooked on “Bukod-Tangi,” which some claim tend to trigger a spell of Last Song Syndrome (LSS). Because one can never have enough of a good thing, “Bukod-Tangi” can be streamed in various digital platforms like Spotify worldwide, and is currently enjoying favorable airplay on leading

FM radio stations nationwide. Carpio rose to fame following the success of his two most popular songs, “Hiling” and “Kay Tagal,” which were used as theme songs for Pinoy Big Brother Season 7. “Hiling” has been streamed over 27 million times on Spotify, while “Kay Tagal” was featured in the ALDUB movie Imagine You and Me. Carpio has over 900,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Journos, celebs in ‘Pinoy Media Congress Year 12’ CELEBRATED media practitioners took turns in playing mentors to young mass communicators at the “Pinoy Media Congress Year 12” recently held by ABS-CBN and the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE) at the College of the Holy Spirit Manila (CHSM). Journalists led by ABS-CBN Integrated News head Ging Reyes, Jeff Canoy, and Christian Esguerra, media personalities Bianca GonzalezIntal and Bela Padilla, creative heads Rondel Lindayag and Vanessa Valdez, and digital experts Ben Ravina and Dennis Lim bannered the speakers in the event participated in by over 1,200 students and teachers from all over the Philippines. With the theme “Beyond Hits and Hashtags: Harnessing Digital to Help Build a Better World,” this year’s PMC tackled the most pressing issues in news media today, such as the proliferation of fake news on social media that was discussed in a session with “Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo” head Rowena Paraan, ABS-CBN head for Futures, Standards, and Ethics Chi Almario-Gonzales, journalist Inday Varona, and UP professor Clarissa David, and the evolving newsroom and journalists of media organizations, as told by Ging and Manila Bulletin executive editor Pinky Colmenares. It also touched on how digital technology is being used in producing new experiences for Kapamilya viewers like in the case of Bagani, which according to ABS-CBN creative manager Ays De Guzman will soon have an online extension, as well as in restoring classic Filipino films, just like what is being done by Leo Katigbak and the ABS-CBN Film Restoration. Pia Bacungan-Laurel of ABS-CBN International Sales & Distribution also shared how the company’s goal of putting Philippine artistry in the map is taking shape with more and more Filipino programs and artists already

Luis Manzano hosts an 'I Can See Your Voice' edition featuring students from the College of the Holy Spirit Manila.

making waves abroad. Subject matter experts Prof. Yvonne Chua of VERA Files and Comm. Raymund Liboro of the National Privacy Commission, meanwhile, oriented students on Digital Safety and the Data Privacy Law, respectively. Some of the speakers expressed on social media their joy in being able to share what they know and what they have learned in their careers to students. Bianca posted on Twitter, “It was such an honor to speak about Social Media For Good at the Pinoy Media Congress! Thank you to all the students who were so engaged and nodding their heads haha. #PMC2018.” Bela, who said it was her first time to speak in front of a large crowd, also said, “I had so much fun speaking in front of students today in Mendiola for the Media Congress and also to the students from Cebu via satellite! I hope I imparted a piece of my experiences that you can use and that will move you to do something progressive soon!” Jeff, meanwhile, said it was inspiring

to see the students so invested in journalism. “They had killer, incisive questions about the industry. I know there’s a lot of worry about the future of the craft and all. But from what I saw today, I think we’re gonna be okay. Puso!,” he said. For the second year, the two-day event held an interactive live broadcast in Visayas, where hundreds of students were able to watch the sessions and ask questions live via satellite from the Cebu Technological University. A first this year is the staging of a special edition of I Can See Your Voice, complete with host Luis Manzano and sing-vestigators Andrew E., Bayani Agbayani, Wacky Kiray, and Jona, while CHSM students served as contestants. Other Kapamilya stars also dropped by to entertain the crowd led by McCoy De Leon, Elisse Joson, and Alexa Ilacad of The Good Son, Darren Espanto, and Niel Murillo, Ford Valencia, Tristan Ramirez, Russell Reyes, andJoao Constancia of BoybandPH. ABS-CBN and PACE also awarded the winners of the 1st Class Project Mini-Documentary Competition, which was ruled by a group of students from De La Salle University – Dasmarinas. Their winning piece Lupang Pangako: Mga Rizalista ng Ronggot aired on April 6 on Knowledge Channel’s “Class Project Winners Festival” that features the winning documentaries of the contest. As a special treat to the delegates, ABS-CBN also prepared educational activities for the delegates that were held in ABS-CBN. There was a Ricky Lee Scriptwriting workshop, a BMPM Citizen Journalism and Media Literacy seminar, film screening of restored classics, and studio tours. Now on its 12th year, the PMC aims to help prepare the next generation of mass communicators for the field they are about to enter by providing a venue where seasoned practitioners and subject matter experts can share their wisdom and knowledge with them.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018

A COMEDY

that stays away from politics Bayani Agbayani plays the padre de familia in 'Funny Ka, Pare Ko.'

The sitcom's new cast member Dennis Padilla plays a villain named Don Jovi, a corrupt real estate tycoon.

By Nickie Wang

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OME shows jump out of the gate as good, while others take time to catch on with an audience.

For Funny Ka, Pare Ko, the country’s first sitcom to air on digital free TV, feedback was overwhelming on its first season. It was warmly received that’s why from an experimental project that members of the cast thought would only run for a limited time, it is now on its fifth season. “We are glad that the show is renewed for another season,” lead cast member Bayani Agbayani told Manila Standardduring a recent set visit. He attributes the show’s being relevant and innovative as few of the factors that contribute to its strong performance. Additionally, the comedian said that they

try to avoid injecting any political issues in their script, rather, they focus on family values and relationship building. “I think that’s what makes the sitcom relevant. We try to speak the language of the millennials, we introduce new cast members, and we showcase nothing but good vibes,” Bayani said in vernacular. During the set visit, we were introduced to Dennis Padilla, It’s Showtime’s “Funny One” winner Donna Cariaga and cofinalists Anthony Andres and James Caraan as new members of the cast. In the sitcom that will premiere on April 29 on CineMo, Donna plays Carla’s (Karla Estrada) ‘hugotera’ cousin from

the province. Her co-finalist Anthony, on the other hand, makes his debut as a dubious notary public, managing a mobile loading microbusiness on the side. Dennis is playing the corrupt real estate tycoon Don Jovi that will shake Carla and Bigboy’s (Bayani) world. Don Jovi aspires to buy the land of their barangay where their successful Delyon Eatery stands to build a shopping mall. But Carla and Bigboy refuse to sell their eatery, forcing Don Jovi to use illegal means to acquire the property. The conflict leads to a clash between the Delyons and Don Jovi as they attempt to save their business. Another challenge that Carla and Bigboy will face in the new season is becoming foster parents to kid named Niknok (Carlo Mendoza) whom they met at an orphanage during one of their charity events. Niknok will add color and laughter to the lives of Carla and Bigboy whose kid Jay-Ar (Igi Boy Flores) is now a chef in a popular hotel. Since the show is all about maintaining a positive and happy disposition despite life’s struggles, Bigboy continues to champion the training of future komikeros in their eatery’s Tawa ng Tanghalan every night. Meanwhike, part of the fresh faces that the audience will also see on the fifth season are Grae Fernandez (Grae), Kira Balinger (Princess), Komikeros NongNong and Diego Castro, Jayson Gainza (DongDong), Alora Sasam (Pags),It’s Showtime’s “Miss Q and A” first hall of famer Juliana Parizcova Segovia (Meatring), Alex Calleja (Kap Al), and It’s Showtime’s GirlTrends member, Erin Ocampo (Gretchin). “We are a growing family, you see. We are glad that a set of new faces will add more color to our already fun and colorful show,” Bayani ended. Funny Ka, Pare Ko will air from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on CineMo only available on ABS-CBN TVplus.

Experience cinematic history with ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

Cosplayers add zest to the opening of The Avengers Hall.

THE long wait is over as SM Cinema brings you Marvel’s grandest superhero crossover movie, Avengers: Infinity War. Set two years after the Avengers were torn apart from the events of Captain America: Civil War, Earth’s mightiest heroes has to assemble once more, and band together with the Guardians of the Galaxy to stop Thanos from amassing the infinity stones and destroying half of the entire universe. Dubbed as the most ambitious crossover event and the first Hollywood film shot entirely with IMAX cameras,Avengers: Infinity War spans the entire ten-year run of the Marvel cinematic universe (MCU). SM Cinema is proud to bring you the ultimate Avengers: Infinity War experience and see the movies come to life. Step into The Avengers Hall, stand side by side with life-sized Marvel character figures and see Thanos’ greatest boon, the six Infinity Stones at SM City North EDSA The Block Atrium until today, SM City Bicutan Event Area on April 22 to 28, SM Southmall Concourse Area on April 23 to 30, SM Mall of Asia Atrium on

May 7 to 14, SM City Telabastagan SM Cinema Lobby on May 14 to 27 and, SM City Manila Event Area on May 20 to 31. Dedicated comic book geeks and MCU buffs assembled at SM Megamall on April 15 for the #AvengersPH Fan Event, the biggest gathering of Marvel Fans in the Philippines where they sent questions and greetings to the whole cast, played games, and got a chance to win exclusive movie merchandise. SM Cinema also gave latest updates to the red carpet-style fan event that happened yesterday at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore with appearances from Nebula (Karen Gillan), Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and, Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). Catch Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War in IMAX, Director’s Club and SM Cinema branches nationwide starting April 25. Book your tickets now through the new website, www.smcinema.com or for an even more convenient experience, get the SM Cinema app, now with an augmented reality feature where users can be part of the Avengers: Infinity War action.

Snapshot

New series ‘Karibal Ko Ang Aking Ina’ 'Bridges of Love' cast members Jericho Rosales, Maja Salvador and Paulo Avelino, and 'Pusong Ligaw' stars Bianca King and Beauty Gonzales.

Reliving unforgettable scenes of revenge and passion REVEL in tales of romance and redemption this summer as Jeepney TV airs two of ABS-CBN’s wellloved drama series--Pusong Ligaw and Bridges of Love--starting this month. Follow the story of friendship, betrayal, and revenge in Pusong Ligaw, starring Beauty Gonzales and Bianca King as best friends Tessa and Marga. The breakthrough afternoon toprater during its original airing on ABS-CBN now makes it way to primetime on Jeepney TV. Completing the series’ fresh ensemble are Joem Bascon, Raymond Bagatsing,Diego Loyzaga, Enzo

Pineda, and Sofia Andres. Marga betrays Tessa and tries to steal her boyfriend out of jealousy. Brokenhearted, Marga goes to Manila to start a new life with her baby Rafael who will get stolen from her. Years later, the former best friends meet again and uncover the secrets from their past. Meanwhile, Jericho Rosales, Maja Salvador, and Paulo Avelino lead the intense scenes in Bridges of Love, the PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Primetime Drama Series in 2015. The series also gave Maja the highly coveted Star Awards for TV Best Drama Actress nod.

Two brothers, Gael (Jericho) and Carlos (Paulo), get separated due to an unexpected tragedy. Years later, they will be bridged together by love for the same lady, Mia (Maja), who is Gael’s greatest love, and the woman who completes Carlos’ broken heart. Catch the revelations in Bridges of Love, weeknights at 7:00 p.m., and A Love To Last, also weeknights at 9:00 p.m. starting April 23 (Monday). Jeepney TV is available on SKYcable channel 9, Destiny Cable Analog 41 and Digital 9. For updates, like the Jeepney TV page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ JeepneyTV) or visit www.jeepneytv.ph.

CAMERAS started rolling for GMA-7’s newest series Karibal Ko Ang Aking Ina. The network’s latest offering features an ensemble cast led by Bea Binene, Benjamin Alves and David Licauco with Sunshine Cruz, Zoren Legaspi, andBing Loyzaga. At the recently held storycon, director Gil Tejada, Jr. said that their goal is to provide another series that viewers can easily relate to.