Manila Standard - 2018 July 17 - Tuesday

France sets WC heroes’ welcome MOSCOW, Russia—France celebrated their second World Cup win 20 years after their maiden triumph on Sunday, overcoming a passionate Croatia side 4-2 in one of the most gripping finals in recent history.

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VOL. XXXII • NO. 152 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

CELEBRATING THE CUP. Exultant players from France celebrate as they hold their World Cup trophy during the crown ceremony at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match between France and Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday. AFP

Most Filipinos oppose Charter change—poll Primer on ConCom draft Constitution

By Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino ConCom 2018 Member Q: Section 1 of Article III is completely new. What is its significance?

A: First, the rights enumerated under the article are demandable not only against the State but even against non-State actors. It has been traditional doctrine that the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights are demandable only against the State.

So a curious neighbor who rummages through your belongings for evidence of your addiction would not be violating the guarantee against unreasonable searches and seizures unless your neighbor were a police officer or a law enforcer. Under this new section, however, one can invoke the Bill of Rights against private trespassers of those rights. Second, the Philippines adheres by this section to the concept of “minimum legal standards,” where the minimum is not what domestic law affords but what international human rights standards provide.

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By Nat Mariano, Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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BOUT two in every three Filipinos are against amending the Constitution at this time or shifting to a federal form of government, the latest Pulse Asia survey revealed Monday.

In a survey conducted from June 15 to 21, 67 percent of the 1,800 respondents interviewed nationwide opposed changing the country’s charter immediately, 18 percent expressed support for Charter

change, while the remaining 14 percent were undecided.

A majority of those polled—or 62 percent—were also opposed to switching the present unitary system to a federal

system of government. Only 28 percent approved of a federal system of government, and 10 percent were undecided.

The report also found out that almost seven out of 10 Filipinos had at best a low level of knowledge about the federal system of government that is being proposed by Charter change advocates. Only 31 percent said they had an ample understanding of the issue.

The Palace said the lack of support was a consequence of insufficient information.

“We cannot expect our people to support an initiative of which they know only little about,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said.

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Private armies, hired guns in season, solon warns

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces should form a national task force to crack down on private armed groups and hired assassins, a lawmaker said Monday.

Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento

said private armed groups and hired guns are again “in season,” with less than a year before the 2019 midterm elections, and noted the increase in violent attacks on local government officials.

“These spate of violent incidents involving local politicians is expected to even escalate as we get closer to the filing

of candidacy, which starts on October,” Sarmiento said.

“Obviously, there are still politicians who continue to maintain armed goons and are ready to use violence just to erase potential rivals. This is why, the national police and even the Armed Forces should Next page

PORTRAIT AS PRESENT. Visiting President Rodrigo Duterte gifts Malaysia Prime Minister Sunday in Kuala Lumpur with a portrait as the former’s birthday giveaway to his host, six days after the latter turned 93 on July 10. The two government leaders renewed and reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and Malaysia after they met Sunday, Malacañang announced on Monday.

Cops on their toes vs likely threats to 3rd Du30 Sona

By Maricel V. Cruz, Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta POLICE intelligence experts are looking at a number of possible threats to President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address on July 23, even as his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, has confirmed he again will not attend the annual rite with Congress.

Police Director Gregorio Pimentel of the Philippine National Police Directorate for Intelligence on Monday told newsmen at Camp Crame security forces are doing routine evaluations of possible threats for the occasion.

Apart from the usual street protesters, Next page

Filipino goalie in winning team AS FRANCE celebrates its second football World Cup triumph after 20 years, a Filipino is quietly waving the Philippine flag alongside it.

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A Super Sunday for the ages SPORTS A8

PNP orders hunt for ‘mastermind’ in mayor’s murder

By Francisco Tuyay THE alleged mastermind behind the killing of General Tinio Mayor Ferdinand Bote has been identified as is now the subject of a manhunt, Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde said Monday.

“Operatives of the Special Investigation Task Group [SITG] Bote are now hot on the trail of three... identified suspects. One of them is believed to be the mastermind, Christian M. Saquilabon,” Albayalde said.

Saquilabon was identified as a private contractor based in Nueva Ecija.

Another suspect, a certain Jun Jun Fajardo, was a spotter during the assassination, Albayalde said.

Bote was coming out of the National Irrigation Administration compound on board a Fortuner when he was shot several times by armed men in Cabanatuan City on July 3.

Meanwhile, Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Amador Corpuz said a conflict over a tourism project in the town seems to have triggered the killing.

Earlier, police arrested two gunmen, Florencio Suarez and Robert Gumacay, at a checkpoint in Del Gallego Highway in Camarines Sur last week.

A week after the arrest of Suarez and Gumacay, Arnold Gamboa, the driver of the getaway vehicle, surrendered to the authorities.

Corpuz said Saquilabon reportedly paid the killers P25,000 for Bote’s assassination.

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WEATHER

‘Henry’ exits PAR, induces more rain

Aquino, Abad, Garin face Dengvaxia conspiracy charges

By Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo THE National Bureau of Investigation on Monday filed graft charges against ex-President Benigno Aquino III, former and incumbent government offi-

cials, and private individuals before the Office of the Ombudsman for the P3.5billion procurement of the Dengvaxia vaccine from French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur.

The recommendation came as the family of an 11-year-old boy who died

of dengue after being given Dengvaxia filed a complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against former Health secretary Janette Garin.

In a letter signed by NBI Director Dante Gierran to Ombudsman Conchita Next page

By Rio N. Araja TROPICAL Depression “Henry” will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon to bring rain to Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro, Palawan and Western Visayas, the weather bureau said Monday.

As of 5 pm Henry’s center was estimated 180 kilometers east-southeast of Calayan, Cagayan.

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TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018

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Palace junks SWS survey results on maritime row MALACAÑANG on Monday rejected the latest Social Weather Stations survey showing four out of every five Filipinos disagree with the government’s inaction on China’s militarization of the West Philippine Sea. “Actually, 100 percent of the Filipinos should disagree because we will not really allow that another state will take our territory. There is no such thing as government inaction,” Presidential Spokesman Henry Roque told dzRH radio.

He said President Rodrigo Duterte had repeatedly said he would never give up any of the country’s territories.

“Every time China does something that is against our sovereignty, we air our protest but we do it quietly. It is not true that President Duterte is not doing anything,” Roque said.

Roque was referring to the Bicameral Consultative Mechanism where China and the Philippines tackle contentious issues, including China’s militarization of the West Philippine Sea. “For him [Duterte], the contentious issues which cannot be resolved immediately should be temporarily set aside and instead focus on the non-contentious issues such as economic and trade that we should push through,” Roque said.

Two years ago, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines’ arbitration case, nullifying China’s nine-dash line map that covers almost the entire South China Sea. China rejected the decision, prompting Duterte to temporarily shelve the verdict to give way for friendly negotiations. PNA

Cops...

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Pimentel said the PNP is also watching out for lawless elements and “threats of mass support movements as well as terrorist groups.”

They, however, will not have to look out for former President Aquino, who has declined an invitation to appear at the Sona for the third straight year, the House of Representatives’ Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Special Affairs Bureau said.

Former presidents and national officials are invited to the Sona as a matter of protocol and tradition.

The House bureau, meanwhile, said Vice President Leni Robredo—a Liberal Party mate of Aquino who has been more critical of Duterte of late—confirmed her attendance during the event.

“VP Leni is attending Sona; [former] President Aquino already sent regrets,” the IPRSAB said in a message to reporters.

As of press time, the bureau said former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada, former Senate Presidents Juan Ponce Enrile, Aquilino Pimentel III, and Manny Villar, and former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. would attend the Sona.

Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who preceded Aquino as President, is also expected to attend the event.

As this developed, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri warned that the Sona would be a “mess” and senators might walk out if the event is used to convene Congress into a constituent assembly to propose changes to the 1987 Constitution.

“They might walk out. A lot of the senators might just stand up and walk out. It will be a mess,” Zubiri said in an interview with ANC. With PNA

Aquino...

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Carpio-Morales, the NBI recommended the conduct of a preliminary investigation against Aquino, exBudget secretary Florencio Abad and Garin for conspiracy to introduce the Dengvaxia vaccine by circumventing procurement and other government processes.

Also included in the complaint were Health officials Maria Joyce Ducusin, Philippine Children’s Medical Center director Julius Lecciones, Maria Wilda Silva, Mario Baquilod and Rosalind Vianzon.

The NBI also implicated ex-Health secretary Paulyn Ubial for technical malversation for continuing the dengue vaccine program despite knowing that it was never part of the 2015 or 2016 General Appropriations Act. It urged the Ombudsman to indict Aquino for technical malversation under Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code because “by his authority, [he] declared the use of savings from the FY2015 Mutual Benefit Personnel Fund and use the same to ‘augment’ a non-existent anti-dengue immunization program.”

Duterte, Mahathir take up ISIS threat, joint training T

By Nat Mariano

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the two leaders also considered the threats of the Islamic State to Southeast Asia, particularly to the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“The threat of ISIS is not only against the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia but to the entire Southeast Asia,” Roque said in a radio interview.

Roque said Duterte and Mahathir reaffirmed the friendship between the Philippines and Malaysia after they met in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

He said the event was a testament to the growing collaboration between the two sides in maritime security.

Roque also confirmed that there would also be a joint military training between the two countries.

“I still think it’s going to be about military cooperation, joint training and turnover of military weapons because of the threat of terrorism in the region,” Roque said.

While there is an occurring joint patrols in the Mindanao seas, Roque said, those

patrols could be strengthened by a joint military training.

In a statement sent to reporters after the meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, the Palace expressed gratefulness to the Malaysian government as the two leaders collectively discussed matters of mutual interest.

“President Duterte and Prime Minister Mohamad renewed and reaffirmed the long-standing brotherhood and friendship between the Philippines and Malaysia,” Roque said.

He said Duterte also stressed the need to fight terrorism and violent extremism in the region as well as transnational crimes such as piracy and armed robbery at sea.

“Both leaders stressed the importance of working closely bilaterally and at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to achieve shared aspirations of greater peace, progress and prosperity for the Philippines and Malaysia and greater stability and security in the region,” Roque said. With Vito Barcelo

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Reps. Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu and Rodolfo Albano of Isabela said winning support for the proposed Charter change to effect federalism is a matter of explaining the entire process to the people and explaining how it will help to change their lives for the better.

“Surveys come and go... While we take into consideration public opinion, we will focus on our work. We will not base our direction purely on surveys,” Garcia, a deputy speaker, said.

Garcia said people as yet do not realize the benefits of federalism as experienced by other countries.

Albano echoed Garcia’s view, adding that those opposing federalism “do not know anything about it.”

Albano said a massive information drive would help people to realize that a federal system of government does work.

Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting said “for now, it is the job of the Consultative Committee and Congress to frame the issues correctly, to provide avenues for discourse so that the people can make an informed choice. That is why this work has to continue.”

“While we acknowledge that the people would be more interested to see solutions to crime and rising prices, which are perennial concerns, government and its leadership must also be forward looking and attempt to see a broader spectrum of solutions to our nation’s problems. At the end of the day, it is also the people who will decide the issue,” Tambunting said.

But opposition lawmaker and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Tom Villarin said the Pulse Asia survey confirmed the public’s strong opposition to the proposed shift to a federal system.

“The prevailing sentiment among Filipinos against Charter change now is a knock on the head of a stubborn Duterte adminis-

tration. All surveys are consistent that a big majority do not want Charter Change.

Garcia said the House under the stewardship of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez will continue to support federalism.

“The President, when he was still a candidate, had pushed for this shift. This is very much a part of the platform of the President,” she said.

“We are in full support of the advocacy of the President which is why we will continue to push for this shift to a federal system,” Garcia added.

Senator Grace Poe vowed to stop any railroading of Charter change by people driven only by self interest.

Citing the latest survey, she said there is no palpable popular clamor for a new Constitution, and neither there is proof that a brand new one is the magical cureall to the country’s manifold problems.

“As it stands now, the man on the street is perplexed on how Cha-cha can be the answer to the problems he grapples with daily, like the rising prices of food, poor infrastructure, the lack of jobs, pollution and a health system that can barely take care of the sick,” she said.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he will listen to what his colleagues have to say.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said he could be counted as “part of the 67 percent” who oppose Charter change now.

For the ordinary citizen, Senator Francis Pangilinan said Cha-cha and federalism could also be used as a pretext for cancelling elections in 2019.

“We hope they don’t test the patience of the people by forcing Cha-cha, or the administration’s approval rating may fall further and their candidates may taste defeat in the coming elections,” said the Liberal Party president.

HE Philippines may expect joint military training and enhanced defense cooperation with Malaysia as President Rodrigo Duterte and newly-elected Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad had discussed security and defense issues, Malacañang said Monday.

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He acknowledged the administration needed to work harder to spread awareness about Charter change and federalism.

“We will... exert even more effort to inform and educate our citizens about federalism since the approval of the proposed changes in our current Charter ultimately lies in the hands of the Filipino people,” Roque said.

According to the draft federal constitution, the country will be divided into several states, which will have authority over their own affairs.

These states will have the power to enact their own laws, manage their own local and regional government without intervention by the national government.

The national government will have authority over these states on matters of national citizenship, foreign affairs, national defense, currency, and commercial exchanges between the states.

Pulse Asia’s nationwide survey has a + 2 percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level.

The poll was done on June 15 to 21, two weeks before President Rodrigo Duterte’s consultative committee submitted the draft federal constitution to his office. The proposal also had not been made public during the survey period.

Of those who said no, 30 percent said the Charter should not be amended now, but could be changed sometime in the future, while 37 percent said it should not be changed “now or any other time.”

House leaders said the latest survey did not worry them and said they would launch a massive information drive to let people know about the benefits of a federal system of government.

Private...

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also step up efforts to neutralize these armed groups and gun for hire syndicates,” Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento’s remarks come in the wake of killings of local politicians, the latest of which was Romel Luancing, councilor of Barangay Antipolo del Sur in Lipa City, who was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen while talking to his co-councilor in their barangay Sunday night.

Opposition and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Tom Villarin said the Palace might again dismiss Luancing’s killing as a “normal occurrence.”

“Malacañang most likely will dismiss this as just another crime statistic and being normal as Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque would say,” Villarin said.

“This attitude of government is alarming and emboldens anyone with a grudge and a gun, a goon given gold, to take out

Primer...

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Q: What is this new “right to privacy”?

A: It is a not a new right. The right to privacy has long been recognized by Philippine jurisprudence and longer still

by American jurisprudence. But while it was considered a “penumbral right” in the past, it is now a constitutional right.

It is highly significant that where there is any interference whatsoever in personal and domestic relations, judicial relief may now be sought—injunction, prohibition or analogous remedies. Likewise important is the fact that “privacy” covers “data”.

Q: Why was there need to have an express provision on data?

A: Considering the amount of data about oneself floating around in cyberspace, the protection of data has become a matter of constitutional importance, hence this provision. It is a constitutionalization of the Data Privacy Protection Act’s key guarantees.

the life of another just like that,” Villarin added.

In raising his proposal, Sarmiento said the task force can give priority to clearing political hotspots. The Commission on Elections can help identity these areas, he said.

Sarmiento noted Samar province is a known political hotspot because of its long history of politically motivated killings and upon his request, a provincial PNP-AFP task force called Joint Task Force CAGASMAS was created purposely to neutralize armed groups and hired guns in the area.

“We should replicate this on a nationwide scale because political rivalries would surely heat up as we get closer to the election period,” Sarmiento said.

On Wednesday, Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi Vice Mayor Al Rashid Mohammad Alih was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding men as he was leaving a mall in Zamboanga City.

Tanauan, Batangas City Mayor AntoThe improper, unauthorized and exploitative use of data belonging to another can have very serious consequences, identity theft being merely one among these.

Q: How does the draft’s provision on searches and seizures differ from that of the 1987 Constitution?

A: In the realization that some surveillance methods are now so sophisticated that physical searches have become superfluous, the draft has endeavored to keep up with technological development. It now provides that surveillance “through technological, electronic or other means” now require a surveillance warrant. There is however a difference: While no search may take place before the issuance of a warrant (unless falling under any of the established exceptions allowing for warrantless searches), the warrant may issue after the surveillance, with the result that only such matters as are covered by the warrant that have been the object of surveillance may become matters of evidence.

Q: Local governments are now directed to establish freedom parks. Will pub-

PNP...

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“With the new evidence, SITG Bote has established the most probable motive behind the murder and the participation of each of the identified players in the conspiracy, the next step in the criminal justice process will be the formal indictment and presentation of the air tight case in court for successful prosecution,” Albayalde said.

Suarez and Gumacay, Albayalde said, have been charged.

In the murder of Vice Mayor Lubigan of Trece Martirez City, forensic examiners are working to gather more evidence from the recovered getaway vehicle.

“We are confident that with similar classic best practices in criminal investigation, we will be able to crack the murder cases of Mayor Antonio Halili of Batangas and Vice Mayor Ali of TawiTawi,” said Albayalde. lic gatherings and assemblies elsewhere no longer be allowed?

A: They will still be allowed, but for such gatherings a permit will be needed in accordance with established jurisprudence unless the property used is private property.

Even in respect to freedom parks some coordination will be needed so that groups do not simultaneously use the provided space of free expression.

Q: In what does the phrase “and the public expression of fundamental religious belief” have in respect to the free exercise clause?

A: In some jurisdictions, the public display of religious allegiances or sectarian beliefs is forbidden. Under the draft constitution, there shall be no such prohibitions or limits. Every person will be free to display and exhibit symbols or signs of religious affiliation, or also of unbelief and non-religion. We are distancing ourselves from those regimes that prohibit the display of religious symbols. Philippine public space shall be free space insofar as the display or exhibit of fundamental religious (or a-religious) beliefs is concerned.

Pump prices mixed: Petrol up P0.30/liter; diesel dips 15c

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE oil companies raised gasoline prices by P0.30 per liter and rolled back diesel prices by P0.15 per liter effective at 6 am today, Tuesday.

They left kerosene prices untouched.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. announced the changes as well as Seaoil Philippines, Eastern Petroleum, Flying V and PTT Philippines.

The other oil firms were expected to follow suit.

World oil prices eased last week due to a possible supply increase from Russia and other oil players, although prices went up earlier last week amid supply concerns from Libya, Norway and Iraq.

On July 10, the local firms raised raised pump prices by P0.70 per liter of kerosene, P0.40 per liter of gasoline and P0.35 per liter of diesel.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy said Monday it inspected 442 oil suppliers across 30 towns in Batangas last week.

The agency said 198 gas stations violated “Retail Rules” while 156 LPG establishments breached “LPG Industry Rules.”

“The DOE stringently monitors businesses to ensure that our people are not short-changed on the petroleum products they purchase,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said earlier.

Henry...

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The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 60 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph and moving west at 35 kph.

Weathermen raised a tropical cyclone warning signal over Batanes, the northern portion of Cagayan, the Babuyan group of islands, the northern portion of Apayao and the norther portion of Ilocos Norte.

Weather forecaster Samuel Duran said Henry will be leaving the Philippine area of responsibility today, Tuesday, and heading toward China.

Meanwhile, weathermen spotted a low pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility or PAR east of the Visayas.

“However, it is still too far to determine if it will enter PAR,” Duran said.

The low pressure area will be named “Inday” if it develops into a tropical depression and enters PAR, he said.

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The breathless victory under stormy skies at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium means Didier Deschamps’ side—balancing youthful zest and tournament nous—have buried the pain of their defeat in the Euro 2016 final on home soil.

For Croatia, a country of just over four million people, the loss spells bitter pain but their fans celebrated the best run in the nation’s history, which featured a stunning win against Argentina and a semi-final victory against England.

Croatia started the match strongly but an own goal from Mario Mandzukic and a controversial VAR-assisted penalty from Antoine Griezmann following an Ivan Perisic leveler gave France a 2-1 half-time lead.

Further strikes from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe gave France a comfortable cushion before a late consolation from Mandzukic after an error by French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. AFP

Filipino...

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Alphonse Areola, one of the three goalkeepers for “Les Bleus,” was born to full-blooded Filipinos who migrated to France, where he grew up and eventually became part of the team’s road to golden success in the World Cup hosted

by Russia.

The soccer media has noted that the 25-year-old Areola is one of 18 players on the 23-man France team with immigrant or non-French backgrounds.

French Ambassador to the Philippines Nicolas Galey noted as much in a statement, saying: “This triumph… symbolizes the spirit, unity and also the diversity of the French nation, exemplified by athletes such as Alphone Areola, a young French-Filipino football player who is currently a goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain FC.” Driven by his love for football, Areola started his career at seven years old, joining PSG’s “Little Angels” club that played at the foot of the famed Eiffel Tower in Paris. Evalea Casaljay

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

CA upholds ruling on retirement for PAL female flight attendants

By Rey E. Requejo

DENGVAXIA MESS. Relatives and families of children allegedly caused by the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine subscribe to their affidavits before state prosecutors during the continuation of the preliminary hearing on the case at the Department of Justice on Monday. Norman Cruz

22k Pag-IBIG beneficiaries stand to lose homes—CoA

By Rio N. Araja

T LEAST 22,123 housing beneficiaries stand to lose their homes over the failure of the PagIBIG’s Home Mutual Development Fund to call the attention of the developers to convert the members’ contracts-to-sell to real-estate mortgages within the prescribed period pursuant to HDMF Circular No. 259.

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In an audit report, the state auditors said the affected beneficiaries came from Pampanga’s San Fernando with 10,484 accounts, Metro Manila with 7,077 accounts, Cebu with 4,016 accounts and La Union’s with 182 accounts with an aggregate housing loan value of P14.4 billion.

The housing agency’s shortcoming caused the “exposure of borrower’s property ownership at risk, delay and difficulty in the redemption, foreclosure and disposal of the properties, and nonrecovery of the Fund’s investment in housing,” CoA said.

The delay in the real-estate mortgage conversion could be attributed to

account endorsements, review of presigned documents, outsourcing, and the notarization of trust receipts and deeds of undertaking, it added.

“Due to deficiencies noted, titles of the mortgaged properties have not yet been transferred in the name of the buyer-borrowers, hence, annotation of the real-estate mortgages could not be done by the register of deeds,” the report read.

HDMF Circular No. 259 stipulates a housing developer must convert an eligible contract-to-sell account to a real-estate mortgage from 18 months to 36 months from the date of loan release.

Without the real-estate mortgage,

Pag-IBIG’s HDMF could cancel a deal with a developer and even foreclose a member’s property even if loan payments are made.

Moreover, the circular authorizes the Pag-IBIG’s HDMF to adopt remedial measures and impose sanctions against developers for overdue real-estate mortgage conversion through retention fee collections, suspension on the release of transfer certificate of titles and account buy-backs.

CoA also flagged the housing agency for undertaking “voluminous transactions” on real-estate mortgage conversion process and difficulties to obtain records from inactive developers.

“Thus, non-conversion of the accounts from contract-to-sell to real-estate mortgage is contrary to HDMC Circular No. 259 as amended and detrimental to the interest of the updated housing loan borrowers as their ownership over the property is exposed to risk,” its report stated.

“This would also result in the difficulty of foreclosure or disposal of the properties which would delay recovery of Fund’s investment in housing.”

SC admonishes ‘same-sex’ lawyer over improper attire

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has penalized the lawyer who filed a petition seeking for legalization of same-sex marriage in the country over his improper attire.

In a five-page resolution, the SC resolved to cite lawyer Jesus Nicardo Falcis III in contempt for attending the preliminary conference on the case last June 19 wearing cropped jeans, a jacket, and loafers without socks.

“Wherefore, this Court finds Atty.

Jesus Nicardo M. Falcis III guilty of direct contempt of Court. He is hereby admonished to properly conduct himself in court and to be more circumspect of the duties attendant to his being a lawyer,” the resolution stated.

The tribunal has sternly warned Falcis “that any further contemptuous acts shall be dealt with more severely.”

The SC also ordered that the contempt

citation be “included in the personal record” of Falcis and “entered in his file in the Office of the Bar Confidant.”

In issuing the order, the SC cited Canon 11 of the Code of Professional Responsibility for lawyers which requires them to “observe and maintain the respect due to the Courts and to judicial officers and [to] insist on similar conduct by others.”

“This duty encompasses appearances before the court in proper attire,” it said.

“This Court does not insist on sartorial pomposity. It does not prescribe immutable minutiae for physical appearance. Still, professional courtesy demands that persons, especially lawyers, having business before courts, act with discretion and manifest this discretion in their choice of apparel,” the SC ruled.

The high court ruled that preliminary conferences and oral arguments are

“official judicial functions” where all parties present are required “to observe solemnities of these proceedings.”

“Atty. Falcis has miserably failed to accord this Court and this clients’ cause the dignity and respect they deserve,” the high court said.

In the said preliminary conference, which was held in preparation for the oral arguments on same-sex marriage case, Falcis appeared in “a casual jacket, cropped jeans, and loafers without socks.”

When Associate Justice Marvic Leonen questioned him for his attire, the lawyer claimed that he had attended a meeting with advocates in Makati earlier that day.

The SC also questioned Falcis over his failure to rise and manifest his presence when appearances for the parties were called into order. He also failed to rise during the initial round of questioning by the justices.

‘Pacquiao should quit while still on top’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta AT LEAST three senators shared the sentiments of President Rodrigo Duterte that Senator Manny Pacquiao, hailed as the country’s “Pambansang Kamao,” should retire after winning the WBA World Welterweight Title over Lucas Matthysse of Argentina on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Senators JV Ejercito, Panfilo Lacson and Ralph Recto believes that it is about time for Pacquiao to leave the boxing arena as he nothing more to prove.

“As a friend, I share the same sentiments. Manny Pacquiao is already a legend, no doubt one of the best boxers in the world ever. Nothing more to prove,” said Ejercito.

He noted that no other Filipino in the recent decades has given so much glory and honor to the country like Manny Pacquiao.

Lacson said it’s not about having enough money already. “I’d say, my advice to my colleague, seatmate and friend is that it is best to leave the stage while the audience is applauding; not when they have left because nothing is worth watching. “That would be both sad and tragic,” he added.

Recto said it would be better Pacquiao to retire while on top. “Am sure his wife and family would want him to retire to preserve his health,” he said.

He said that Pacquiao has proven time and again that he is a great Filipino champion.

But Senator Sonny Angara said only Pacquiao can decide whether he would resign from boxing or not.

Angara said he believes the President doesn’t want to see Pacquiao fall prey to what many great fighters do—which is fighting one time too many.

“Muhammad Ali should no longer have fought Berbick in 1983. But different fighters have different careers so it is something Manny will have to consider sooner or later,” he said.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Sen. Francis Pangilinan on the other hand, said they do not want to comment on this matter.

BoC places Skyjet under gov’t control

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Customs bureau on Monday placed a Skyjet aircraft under its custody for not paying P90 million in duties and taxes to the government.

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña Jr. ordered the seizure of the P780.8 million worth British-made (BAE 146-100) plane after its operator failed to pay duties and taxes for its importation last year.

The bureau´s district collector at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport ordered the aircraft to be forfeited also for violating Sections 224 (Power to Inspect and Visit), 400 (Goods to be Imported through Customs Office), 401 (Importation Subject to Goods Declaration), and 405 (Liability of Importer for Duties and Taxes) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. ¨The aircraft was first alerted on March 29, 2017 by Collector [Carmelita] Talusan as then district collector of Port of Subic

and requested for a Letter of Authority to demand proof of payment of duties and taxes as no record of any import entry or warehousing entry was filed by the owners,¨ said Lapeña.

The owner and the present management of the 80-seater four-engine jet, Magnum Air (Skyjet), has consistently cooperated and participated in all legal proceedings conducted by the Bureau of Customs.

According to Magnum Air, it purchased the plane from its previous owner without knowledge that it has unsettled tax obligations.

Based on reports, the aircraft operator was a former registered locator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority but was delisted and has ceased operations in 2014.

“Presently, the aircraft is forfeited in favor of the government after finding that its importation was attended with fraud and for being used in commercial flights since its importation without payment of customs duties and taxes,” Lapeña said.

ISLANDS REHAB. Senator Ma. Lourdes Nancy Binay, chairman of the Committee on Tourism (right), fields questions to Assistant Secretary for Tourism Development Roberto Alabado III during the joint committee hearing by the Tourism and Local Government departments on the rehabilitation of Boracay and Palawan. Ey Acasio

THE Court of Appeals has upheld that early retirement of female flight attendants of the country’s carrier, Philippine Airlines, is necessary to ensure the safety of its passengers.

In a 20-page decision, the appellate court through Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez said that the biological difference between male and female and how it would affect the performance of their duty to guarantee the safety of passengers.

The CA said the task of a cabin crew is not limited to serving meals or attending to the whims and caprices of the passengers.

The major task of a flight attendant is to look after the safety of passengers and the evacuation of the aircraft during emergencies, the appellate court pointed out.

“Passenger safety goes to the core of the job of a cabin attendant.

Truly, airlines need cabin attendants who have the necessary strength to open m emergency doors, the agility to attend to passengers in cramped working conditions, and the stamina to withstand grueling flight schedules,” the CA noted.

Besides, the CA said imposing an early retirement for female flight attendants does not place them at great disadvantage compare to their male counterparts Instead, the appellate court said, an early retirement would give them “a great window of opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes and restore a well-balanced life.”

“Here, petitioners-appellees will have more time to spend with their families and friends as well as the opportunity to pursue activities and hobbies that they may not have had the time to do in the past. Early retirement can also potentially improve their physical and mental health, which in turn can help them live a longer and happier life,” it added.

The ruling arose from the petition filed

by Philippine Airlines Inc. seeking the reversal of the decision issued on May 22, 2015 by the Regional Trial Court of Makati City which declared null and void the Section 144 of the 20002005 Collective Bargaining Agreement between PAL-FASAP for being discriminatory.

The said provision imposed a compulsory retirement age of 55 for female flight attendants and 60 for male flight attendants.

The CA granted PAL’s petition and declared that the said provision was valid and binding.

Disregard OSG’s say on shading threshold, Leni asks SC

By Rey E. Requejo THE camp of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Monday asked the Supreme Court, acting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, to disregard the comment of the Office of the Solicitor General on the matter of shading threshold to determine the validity of votes in the ongoing recount on the electoral protest filed by former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. In a 13-page manifestation dated July 13, Robredo said that the OSG comment should be disregarded as it is not privy to the threshold shading issue and that allowing its version of events on the shading threshold issue will “erode the very foundation of our democracy.”

Although the OSG is representing the Commission on Elections in the case, Solicitor General Jose Calida last week backed the 50 percent shading threshold favored by the side of Marcos, invoking the “tribune of the people” doctrine.

Calida also urged the PET to stand by its April 10 decision that the 25 percent shading threshold in determining the validity of votes in the ongoing recount has no basis.

The Comelec has yet to formally submit its comment to the PET on the issue though it has applied the 25 percent shading threshold in the Random Manual Audit.

But Robredo said the OSG has no personal knowledge to conclude that the application of the 50 percent shading threshold will not disfranchise voters.

A4

Opinion

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Doubts on charter change and federalism

EDITORIAL

tice Antonio Carpio and Justices Presbitero Velasco, Teresita Leonardo de Castro, Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin.

Under the rules of the Judicial and Bar Council, those nominated for chief justice have to formally accept the PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and the nomination. The JBC also requires the consultative commission tasked to pro- consent of an automatic nominee. The pose changes to the 1987 Constitution, President has until September 16 to apmuch less the allies of the President in point the Chief Justice.

But while Carpio has announced his Congress, cannot be too sure about the decision to decline the nomination, ratification of the charter.

For one thing, many Filipinos are there are jurists like former Chief Justurned off at the rate some members of tice Hilario Davide who say that the Congress—in both Houses—are talking JBC can always relax its rules.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarabout a no-el scenario, or a term extenra himself said that delicadeza cannot sion for the President and lawmakers.

Most Filipinos also do not under- anymore be invoked by Carpio since stand what a federal system of govern- the ouster of Sereno had become final. Delicadeza was Carpio’s reason ment is, much less its benefits.

The Pulse Asia survey bears this for declining the nomination. While out—most Filipinos are against charter he voted with the minority, Carpio change and a shift to a federal form of was clear that Sereno should have government. This is because there has been impeached instead.

Carpio had been bypassed twice never been a massive information camdespite the seniority rule. He remains paign on the need for this. the most senior Personally, I am among the justicfor charter change. es. He deserves I believe we need to to be chief jusamend many provitice, and if only sions of the 1987 The government for public interConstitution. This est, he should acwas framed by Cory has to conduct an cept the nominaAquino-chosen del- information campaign. tion. egates as a reaction to the Marcos dicta*** torship.

The Social If the Duterte allies keep talking about a no-election Weather Stations’ recent survey said scenario, more people will be turned that eight in 10 Filipinos are disappointed at the way President Duterte off. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano are handling the dis*** Santa Banana, in a news report on pute with China. China is not only the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and occupying disputed territory; it is Net Worth of members of Congress, militarizing it!

People believe that we should imPacman part-list Rep. Richard Romero is the richest congressman with a prove our defense. Seventy-four of net worth of P7.29 billion, followed those polled said it would be right to

by Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar of pursue diplomatic negotiations with DIWA party-list. She is the wife of China. Some 68 percent said that we should seek the intervention of a thirdPublic Works Secretary Mark Villar.

They do not really represent margin- party country.

I have long believed that the foreign alized sectors of society as intended by policy of the Duterte administration is the 1987 Constitution.

Party-list representation is a big joke, misdirected. But is the President even an anomaly. Most, if not all, party-list listening?

Filipinos’ frustration is best shown representatives are members of the elite. This is an anomaly that is not cor- by that banner that said the Philippines is a province of China. rected in the proposed constitution.

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

*** Reports have it that not one of the five senior associate justices have so far signified interest in the chief justice post, after Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno was ousted with finality through quo warranto proceedings.

The five justices are Acting Chief Jus-

Adelle Chua, Editor

J

Opinion by affiliation

UST 18 percent of Filipinos are in favor of changing the Constitution and 28 percent agree with proposals to change the system of government, a Pulse Asia survey said.

Nearly seven in 10 said they were hardly aware of the proposed federal system.

The poll was conducted between June 15 and June 21, when the consultative committee was deliberating on its proposal which it submitted to President Duterte on June 9.

The Palace said that the survey has highlighted the need for an information campaign among the people, who may not realize the benefits of the proposed change.

Where people may need enlightenment too is on the need to evaluate issues for

what they are, instead of reducing them to an us-orthem question.

For example, it is highly probable that people said they did not approve of changes in the Constitution or in the form of government, not because they did not know enough about it, or because they do not approve of the way lawmakers could have a hand in it, but because they associate it with the Duterte administration.

The convenient but idiotic argument could be that if you like President Duterte, you would agree to his positions and policies without

reservation.

Conversely, if you did not agree with an initiative of the Duterte administration, then you must be a member of the Yellow horde.

The binary approach discourages any opportunity for critical thinking or substantive discussion, and consigns Filipinos to a shallow appreciation of the issues that should affect them for much longer than anybody’s term in office.

The habit goes beyond the conversation on charter change. If Filipinos are not able to look beyond political color and talk about inherent benefits and costs of the issues they face, then we would not be able to have a legitimate voice in the national discourse.

*** Boxing icon, Senator Manny Pacquiao won last Sunday in Kuala Lumpur —but the excitement just was not there.

He should retire now. He has nothing more to prove. www.emiljurado.weebly.com

Imperial Manila dominates in Puno proposal never be able to satisfy this governance necessity.

Let me also say outright that, since the time I realized what martial law under Marcos was really like (dictatorial, oppressive) and what it was for (a THE proposed draft of the federal con- power grab to perpetuate himself in stitution, drafted and submitted by the power), I have been totally against the Consultative Committee chaired by presidential system as it has evolved in former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, the Philippines. The latter is a system establishes a presidential federal form established by the colonial masters of of government for the Philippines. At Spain and the United States to plunder its core, in its form of government pro- the Philippine and oppress our peoples. posal, the Puno Constitutional Draft No matter how good a president we provides for a delineation of the pow- elect, the flawed nature of our presiers of two entities, namely: the federal dency will always likely result in bad government and the federated regions. governance.

In the Puno proposal, the Federal ReIt however retains the independence and separation of powers between the public, consists of one federal governbranches of government—the execu- ment which is the national government tive, legislative, and judiciary—and and sixteen (16) federated regions (the current adminisin spite of some trative regions I rebalancing in assume) plus the favor of judicial Bangsamoro and independence, the the federated reWill it lead to a supremacy of the gion of the Corpresidency is once better and more dilleras. The latagain asserted. ter two will have At the outset, participatory an asymmetrical let me clear that I democracy? relationship with have been for fedthe Federal Goveralism as early ernment, meanas the late 1970s ing they can have when I first became aware of the root causes of the their own unique charters and assume conflict in Mindanao. It is not just de- more powers than the other regions, for centralization of administration (which example adopt their own family and is what local autonomy is all about) but marriage laws and establish their own decentralization of power that is need- judicial system such as the Shariah sysed. A unitary form of government will tem for the Bangsamoro.

Turn to A5

Muslims in China’s ‘Little Mecca’ fear eradication of Islam

By Becky Davis GREEN-DOMED mosques still dominate the skyline of China’s “Little Mecca”, but they have undergone a profound change—no longer do boys flit through their stone courtyards en route to classes and prayers.

In what locals told AFP they fear is a deliberate move to eradicate Islam, the atheist ruling Communist Party has banned minors under 16 from religious activity or study in Linxia, a deeply Islamic region in western China that had offered a haven of comparative religious freedom for the ethnic Hui Muslims there.

China governs Xinjiang, another majority Muslim region in its far west, with an iron fist to weed out what it calls “religious extremism” and “separatism” in the wake of deadly unrest, throw-

ing ethnic Uighurs into shadowy re-education camps without due process for minor infractions such as owning a Koran or even growing a beard.

Now, Hui Muslims fear similar surveillance and repression.

“The winds have shifted” in the past year, explained a senior imam who requested anonymity, adding: “Frankly, I’m very afraid they’re going to implement the Xinjiang model here.”

Local authorities have severely curtailed the number of students over 16 officially allowed to study in each mosque and limited certification processes for new imams.

They have also instructed mosques to display national flags and stop sounding the call to prayer to reduce “noise pollution”—with loudspeakers removed entirely from all 355 mosques in a neighboring county.

“They want to secularize Muslims, to cut off Islam at the roots,” the imam said, shaking with barely restrained emotion. “These days, children are not allowed to believe in religion: only in Communism and the party.”

‘Scared, very scared’ More than 1,000 boys used to attend his midsized mosque to study Koranic basics during summer and winter school holidays but now they are banned from even entering the premises.

His classrooms are still full of huge Arabic books from Saudi Arabia, browned with age and bound in heavy leather. But only 20 officially registered pupils over the age of 16 are now allowed to use them.

Parents were told the ban on extracurricular Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018

Knockdowns FORMATION GARY OLIVAR THE President’s ringside presence at the 7th round knock-out victory of Manny Pacquiao in Kuala Lumpur must have capped what was a generally good week for Duterte.

Aside from the ring triumph of the aging senator-boxer, he gained another DDS advocate in the person no less of nonagenarian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who flashed the signature Duterte fist-pump in front of a global media audience.

Mahathir is an irascible elder statesman who doesn’t mince words.

He can be counted on to talk tough with the Chinese—as he already has—and say the things they need to hear though not from Duterte, whose country is less militarily ready than Malaysia but much closer to Chinese missile range. *** For their part, the Malaysians must be happy over the impending passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, capping a decades-long peace process which they helped shepherd as an ostensibly impartial broker.

Duterte himself had to step in towards the end of the bicameral conference to lend his weight on two thorny issues holding up the process: how to define the coastal waters within the Bangsamoro region, and how to admit any more Muslimdominated towns (such as those in Cotabato and Lanao del Norte) that might later want to become part of Bangsamoro.

The MILF, through its vice-chairman Ghazali Jaafar, has already pledged to accept the bicameral version of the BBL that Duterte will sign on SONA day, July 23. It’s certainly a signal achievement for Bangsamoro, who alone among all the contemplated federal regions will be allowed to have its own “organic act” in the form of the BBL. *** Speaking of federalism, we’re bemused by some of the increasingly frantic criticisms being leveled at the new federal constitution drafted by Duterte’s 22-man consultative committee (Con-com).

Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, who earlier likened charter change to a “descent into hell,” ob-

jected to the proposed regulation of political parties, tandem voting for president and vice-president, even the college degree requirement for candidates for political office, as anti-poor, anti-Filipino, and portents of an “elitist democracy.” And here we were thinking all the while that getting a college degree is always a good thing.

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile worried that federalism would duplicate the bureaucracy of the national government and burden the people with too much taxes.

That really shouldn’t be the case if what will happen is simply shifting the reporting lines of the regional offices of national government agencies from Malacanang to their respective Regional Governors.

Senator Panfilo Lacson claimed

Touch that rail only at the risk of getting fried.

*** People are still talking about Duterte’s spectacular ratings in the second-quarter survey regularly conducted by Pulse Asia. The survey was conducted June 15-21, after the release of higher inflation numbers, a second hike in interest rates by the central bank, and the start of his campaign against street loiterers or “tambay.”

Despite these inauspicious events, his gross approval rating rose by 8 percent over the previous quarter to 88% (or +85 net), the highest ever for him. His gross trust rating rose by 9 percent to 87% (also +85 net), his second-highest ever.

What may puzzle people is the big difference between these findings and the results of the earlier-reported second-quarter survey by SWS. There, Duterte’s net satisfaction rating dropped by eleven points from the previous quarter to +45, dropping him from the “very good” to the merely “good” category.

The answer may lie in the fact that the SWS poll was conducted from June 27-30, after the president’s Davao speech on June 23—which Pulse Asia missed—where he called God “stupid”.

This seems to be the only variable that would account for a complete reversal of trends in just two weeks.

If true, this would only corroborate the common wisdom that religion is the proverbial “third rail” in this country. Touch that rail only at the risk of getting fried.

Later, after meeting with evangelist Eddie Villanueva, Duterte had to apologize on video, “Sorry, God…If God is taken in a generic term by everybody listening, that’s well and good.” Nonetheless, in his version of a Manny Pacquiao retreating counter-punch, he still reminded his religious critics “never to use the name of God to attack government.”

Just last Sunday, a lengthy pastoral letter from the CBCP was read from all Catholic church pulpits. The bishops pulled no punches in reiterating their usual criticisms of Duterte’s politics and style. Nonetheless, they disclaimed any intentions of destabilizing government, and advised their flock mainly—though not exclusively—to seek peace through prayer and in their lives.

Evidently the bishops are still feeling their oats. They must have come to the same conclusion as ours about why the two surveys were different.

The third rail is still live, and it still packs a Pacquiao punch.

we don’t need to change the constitution to achieve devolution and decentralization; we just need to implement faithfully the 1991 Local Government Code. The first person he should try to convince of this is former Senate President Nene Pimentel, the principal author of that 1991 law and yet a leading proponent of federalism to this day.

Some 80 professors and scholars, mostly from UP, Ateneo, and De la Salle, have started a signature campaign against the idea of Congress writing a new charter, saying that the risk of regulatory capture by dynasties and vested interests is too great. In sports, that’s called forfeiting the game without putting up a fight—something that, luckily for the country, Senator Pacquiao has never done.

Former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban alone made sense when he worried in his regular column about the “utter lack of time” for Congress to properly ratify a new charter in time for a referendum next May. It’s a real risk, though still manageable with enough Presidential prodding of the congressmen. And at least Panganiban isn’t throwing in the towel while still in Readers can write me at the locker room, unlike all those gbolivar1952@yahoo.com. learned scholars above.

Imperial...

From A4

The Bangsamoro shall be governed by the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which shall be appended to the Constitution. The Bangsamoro Parliament can enact such laws and policies granted to it under the BBL. In the case of the federated regions of the Cordilleras, there shall be an Organic Act under which they enjoy all benefits and privileges granted to federated regions. It is to be headed by a regional governor with a regional assembly as its legislature.

The federal government is composed of a bicameral legislature namely: the Senate and the House of Representatives, the executive headed by the president with a vice-president and the judiciary consisting of a federal supreme court, federal constitutional court, federal administrative court, federal electoral court and other courts which may be established.

The government of the federal region is composed of the regional legislature, the regional executive and the regional judiciary.

The regional assembly, the legislative making body of the region, shall be composed of duly elected members half of whom shall come from each province, highly urbanized city, and chartered city and the other half coming from political parties through proportional representation.

The regional executive shall be vested in the regional governor with a deputy regional governor both of whom shall be elected as a team by regional assembly from among its members. They shall exercise general supervision over all local government units and execute federal law as may be applicable, and regional law, among others.

The regional judiciary comprises the regional supreme court, regional appellate court and regional trial courts.

As provided, the federated government and federated regions have distinct and delineated powers. Thus, the federal government has exclusive powers over national defense and security, foreign affairs, international trade, customs and tariffs, citizenship among others. The

federated regions shall exercise exclusive powers over socio-economic development planning, creation of sources of revenue, financial administration and management, among others. However, powers not given as exclusive are shared powers. Powers not exclusive or shared are reserved powers by the federal government.

The federal government and the federate regions both exercise taxing powers with the latter granted specific taxes and revenue to levy. However, federated regions are entitled to not less than 50 percent of all revenue generated which shall be equally divided among them and automatically released. Likewise, the net revenue in the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources the federated regions shall get a share of 50 percent.

Acknowledging the uneven economic status of the regions, the Puno proposal creates an equalization fund to support the poorer regions, which should be not less than 3 percent of the national budget.

Having summarized the features of the Puno proposal of a Federal design, I propose that we ask the following questions now: Is this a good design for a system of government? Are the bureaucratic structures being proposed practical, efficient, and workable? I have serious doubts. I find too many redundancies in the proposal. I expect a massive bloating of bureaucracy as we are creating a new regional superstructure without serious diminution of the powers of the centralized government and without a clear vision of the role of local governments. It is unfortunate that the long and vast experience, positive and negative, we have had of local autonomy is not reflected in the Puno draft.

Will it lead to a better and more participatory democracy? If the anti-dynasty provision proposed by the Puno draft, which is self-executory, and the other political reforms that supports the development of political parties are adopted, then we would have a more vibrant democracy. Otherwise, without such reforms, federalism would be a gift to the political

dynasties and will retard national development for decades.

Chief Justice Puno is right and I will hold him to his word on his commitment not to endorse federalism without an antidynasty provision.

Does the economics add up and will all regions, especially the poorest ones, be better off under this federal set-up or will this be more a net negative for most regions? I am not an economist but it is clear to me that the proposed fiscal and revenue allocation system is not equitable and will seriously disadvantage poor regions while benefiting the richer regions.

In any case, I call on our best economists to run the numbers and think through scenarios for both geographic regions and particular economic sectors.

How will the transition and change management for such a massive transformation effected? In my talks, especially to audiences from the education sector who went through the K-12 transition, I compare the transition to federalism as 100,000 times or even more complex than what we had to do to make K-12 work. There will be immense resistance by both the national government agencies as well as the local government units. There is also a question of capacity or lack of it.

For example, in my own profession (law) I cannot imagine where the 48 Justices of the highest courts and the larger number of regional supreme courts will come from. We won’t have a dearth of applicants, but many will not be qualified.

To deal with this challenge, the Puno proposal creates a Federal Transition Commission led by the current President that is given enormous powers to reorganize the government to make sure the new system is in place by 2022. That is so ironic that federalism, justified by the need to decentralize power, actually results in more power for the center.

In sum, under the proposed design of a Federal Philippines, with the retention especially of the institution of the presidency and the creation of a Federal Transition Commission, imperial Manila not only survives but will dominate.

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A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Did BSP warn DOF of TRAIN’s inflation? statement by a high-ranking BSP official. “(H)igh inflation is a serious concern but we have been expecting that all along so RUDY this should not be a surprise.” This stateROMERO ment suggests two things: (1) the BSP has, with regard to TRAIN, been operating in concert with the DOF and NEDA THE Joint Central Bank of the Phil- and (2) the BSP expected that the onset of ippines-International Monetary Fund high inflation could result from TRAIN’s Commission (CBP-IMF) on Banking implementation. Both suggestions are not Sector Reform of 1970-1971 enacted good for the image and reputation of the amendments to the Central Bank Act national monetary authority. Indeed BSP and the General Banking Act that were clearly appears now to be alarmed—alintended to make the CBP an effec- though its officialdom tries very hard to tive and independent institution. The convey an attitude of high confidence changes were carried over into the —by the continuing surge in prices. charter of the BSP that was established The surge is likely to continue, albeit at a slower pace, for as long as TRAIN rein place of the CBP. The first amendment related to the tains its present configuration.

Considering that the BSP’s overarchprincipal function of the national monetary authority. Whereas Republic Act ing mandate is the maintenance of doNo. 49—better known as the charter of mestic and external monetary stability, the CBP—made the national monetary and in the face of the quoted BSP offiauthority responsible, additionally, cial’s admission of the possibility of an inflationary surge, for the “maintenance of income, did the Monetary employment and Board, through the Governor, growth,” the Fiwarn the DOF and nal Report of the I am uncomfortable NEDA of the dire Joint Commission monetary-stability made the CBP re- about the role that the implications of sponsible only for BSP has been playing in TRAIN’s excise the maintenance the current inflationary taxes, especially of “domestic and on fuel? Either it external mon- surge. did or it didn’t. If it etary stability.” did issue the warnThe Commission ing, it would have argued that the complied with its job of creating “income, employment and growth” be- statutory mandate. If it didn’t, the queslonged to the Cabinet-level line depart- tion bears asking, why not? Certainly, ments of the government. Monetary the Filipino people didn’t get to hear and development policies could be— about a cautionary position taken by and had on numerous occasions proven the BSP on the TRAIN excise taxes.

I hope I’m proven wrong, but my to be—antithetical to one another.

The other major amendment enacted feeling is that BSP functioned in BSPby the Joint Commission was intended on-part-of-the-government-economicto make the CBP a truly independent team and went along accommodatingly institution. Whereas the government with the DOF on the TRAIN package. previously had a built-in majority in the My feeling is based on the fact that not seven-member Monetary Board—the once did I hear the Governor of the BSP Governor of the Bank was considered a on any of his high-rank colleagues isgovernment representative—the Com- sue warnings about TRAIN’s negative mission removed the Secretary of Trade implications for domestic prices and and Industry and the NEDA (National the value of the peso. As it tends to do Economic and Development Authority) when the Governor is not a towering Director-General and retained only the figure, the Monetary Board deferred Secretary of Finance. The national mon- to the lone government representative etary authority would not be able to func- on the Monetary Board, the Secretary tion effectively if a majority of the Mon- of Finance. If the members of the CBPetary Board was pushing the agenda of IMF Joint Commission—one of its members, representing the private secthe incumbent administration.

I have brought these historical facts tor, was the late CB Governor Jose B. to the fore at this time because I am Fernandez Jr.—they would have told uncomfortable about the role that the Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. and BSP has been playing in the current in- his Monetary Board colleagues that it is flationary surge. Has the national mon- not the BSP’s primary function to help etary authority been performing, in the provide financing for the Duterte adcurrent TRAIN-dominated scenario, in ministration’s infrastructure program.

For not having its job of issuing a warnline with the functional and structural changes laid down by CBP-IMF Joint ing against the adverse impact on monCommission four and a half decades etary stability of a program like TRAIN, ago, i.e., independence and focus on the BSP if now being blamed along with the DOF for the ongoing inflationary monetary stability?

I’m not so sure. Consider the following surge. That’s only right, I think.

BUSINESS CLASS

Muslims...

From A4

Koranic study was for their children’s own good, so they could rest and focus on secular coursework.

But most are utterly panicked.

“We’re scared, very scared. If it goes on like this, after a generation or two, our traditions will be gone,” said Ma Lan, a 45-year-old caretaker, tears dripping quietly into her uneaten bowl of beef noodle soup.

Inspectors checked her local mosque every few days during the last school holiday to ensure none of the 70 or so village boys were present.

Their imam initially tried holding lessons in secret before sunrise but soon gave up, fearing repercussions.

Instead of studying five hours a day at the mosque, her 10-year-old son stayed home watching television. He dreams of being an imam, but his schoolteachers have encouraged him to make money and become a Communist cadre, she said.

Fear for the future The Hui number nearly 10 million, half of the country’s Muslim population, according to 2012 government statistics.

In Linxia, they have historically been well integrated with the ethnic Han majority, able to openly express their devotion and centre their lives around their faith.

Women in headscarves dish out boiled lamb in mirror-paneled halal eateries while streams of white-hatted men meander into mosques for afternoon prayers, passing shops hawking rugs, incense and “eight treasure tea,” a local speciality including dates and dried chrysanthemum buds.

But in January, local officials signed a decree—obtained by AFP—pledging to ensure that no individual or organization would “support, permit, organize or guide minors towards entering mosques for Koranic study or religious activities”, or push them towards religious beliefs.

Imams there were all asked to comply in writing, and just one refused, earning fury from officials and embarrassment from colleagues, who have since shunned him.

“I cannot act contrary to my beliefs. Islam requires education from cradle to grave. As soon as children are able to speak we should

begin to teach them our truths,” he explained to AFP. “It feels like we are slowly moving back towards the repression of the Cultural Revolution,” a nationwide purge from 1966 until 1976 when local mosques were dismantled or turned into donkey sheds, he said.

Other imams complained authorities were issuing fewer certificates required to practice or teach and now only to graduates of statesanctioned institutions.

“For now, there are enough of us, but I fear for the future. Even if there are still students, there won’t be anyone of quality to teach them,” said one imam.

Local authorities failed to answer repeated calls from AFP seeking comment but Linxia’s youth ban comes as China rolls out its newly revised Religious Affairs Regulations.

The rules have intensified punishments for unsanctioned religious activities across all faiths and regions.

Bweijing is targeting minors “as a way to ensure that faith traditions die out while also maintaining the government’s control over ideological affairs,” charged William Nee, China researcher at Amnesty International.

Violent and bloodthirsty Another imam said the tense situation in Xinjiang was at the root of changes in Linxia.

The government believes that “religious piety fosters fanaticism, which spawns extremism, which leads to terrorist acts—so they want to secularize us,” he explained.

But many Hui are quick to distinguish themselves from Uighurs.

“They believe in Islam too, but they’re violent and bloodthirsty. We’re nothing like that,” said Muslim hairdresser Ma Jiancai, 40, drawing on common stereotypes.

Sitting under the elegant eaves of a Sufi shrine complex, a young scholar from Xinjiang explained that his family had sent him alone aged five to Linxia to study the Koran with a freedom not possible in his hometown.

“Things are very different here,” he said with knitted brows. “I hope to stay.” AFP

News

A6

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

MIAA gets P13m from 6 airlines in airport fees

IN BRIEF ‘Parojinog may be deported next month’ FUGITIVE Ozamiz City Councilor Ricardo Parojinog, arrested in May in Taiwan for illegal entry, could be deported to the Philippines by next month, the Philippine National Police said on Monday.

No exact time frame was mentioned.

Director Gregorio Pimentel of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence said police were still coordinating with authorities from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office regarding the immediate deportation of Parojinog.

“He was given three months to serve but he is given due notice that he can be granted earlier deportation upon his request,” Pimentel told a news briefing in Camp Crame.

Parojinog was arrested in May in Taiwan for illegal entry after months of hiding.

He was not in his house in Ozamiz when authorities conducted a raid in July last year that resulted in the deaths of his brother, Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and 15 others.

Police, however, seized shabu and drug paraphernalia, a shotgun, three rocket propelled-grenade launchers, two hand grenades, and M79 ammunition from the councilor’s house.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier offered a P5-million bounty for the councilor’s capture.

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Manila International Airport Authority received more than P13 million from six airlines who followed the lead of Cebu Pacific Air and its sister airline Cebgo in remitting terminal fees they have collected for unused tickets of international passengers.

MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal expressed elation over the decision of the six airline companies to follow the lead of Cebu Pacific and Cebgo officials who were the first to remit to his agency the amount of P245.6-million terminal fee it collected during the period of Feb. 1, 2015 to April 30, 2018 (international flights) and from August 2012 to April 30, 2018 (domestic flights).

Monreal said Singapore Airlines remitted P4,301,550 covering the period of February 2015 to March 2016; Kuwait Airways (P1,942,600 for the period February 2015 to December 2016); KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (P1,081,850 covering February 2016 to June 2017); Ethiopian Airlines (P92,400 covering June 2015 and April 2016); Qatar Airways (P1,308,450 for the period February 2015 to December 2015); and Cathay Pacific (P5,017,650).

As of July 13, 2018, the MIAA got a total P259,355,329 collection from the eight airlines.

The collection will be kept in a special escrow account and can be refunded by passengers either personally or by representative.

“We appreciate this gesture of our airline partners. I can say that this is the essence of a consultative and participative working relationship.

No issue cannot be resolved if everyone is engaged and sincerely dealing with each other,” Monreal said in a statement.

MIAA media affairs division officials said passengers of the eight airlines with unused tickets and whose departure dates fall on the dates specified above may claim their refund at the Collection Office at the ground floor of MIAA administration Building along MIA Road, Pasay City.

They added the business hours are from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.

ROMPING IN THE RAIN. Manila children get soaked by sea water as they play Monday against giant waves crashing on the seawall in Baseco, Tondo. Tropical Depression ‘Henry’ has triggered rain showers in some areas in Luzon, the country’s major island, including Metro Manila. Classes in some areas in Luzon have also been suspended due to the heavy rains. Lisa Marie David

Maute group bomber slain in fierce fight

By Francisco Tuyay

A

N IDENTIFIED terrorist expert bomber who fought security forces but fled at the height of fierce fighting between security forces and Islamic State-inspired Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf Group in the Marawi City siege was killed after he resisted arrest Monday, the military said.

Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command, identified the slain terrorist as Najib Calimba Pundog, alias Najib Hussein, a hard core member of the Maute group.

Balagtey said Pundog was killed after he resisted arrest while a warrant of arrest was being served on him by policemen and army troops at Zone 3, Block 5, Barangay Fatima, General Santos at about 2:15 am.

An interagency group composed of personnel from the Joint Task Force GenSan and Regional Mobile Force and

PNP-12 was serving a warrant issued

by Judicial Branch 11 in Malabang, Lanao del Sur for serious detention and kidnapping when Pundog resisted, prompting authorities to fight back, killing the terrorist on the spot.

During the armed scuffle, a member of the RMF was wounded and was rushed to a hospital in General Santos City.

The arresting team recovered a Glock pistol and a hand grenade from the slain man.

Reports said Pundog was a bomb expert who engaged security forces

PCSO welcomes CoA report on Keno games

during the five months battle for the liberation of Marawi City after a thousand terrorists laid siege in the Islamic City in May 2017.

Marawi City was freed from the terrorists after ground troops made a final push at the last bastion of the terrorist led by then ASG chieftain and ISIS Emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon and his counter part, Abdullah Maute, the leader of the Maute group.

At break of dawn, the same lawmen arrested a fugitive wife of the new Maute leader Abu Dar at her safehouse in General Santos City.

Balagtey identified the wife of Abu Adar as Nafisa Pundog, a fugitive who escaped from Marawi City Jail in 2016.

Pundog had a standing warrant for illegal possession of blasting cap/incendiary device at her hideout in Purok Maunlad, Barangay Apopong, General Santos City.

PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office welcomed on Monday the report of the Commission on Audit regarding possible depletion of funds due to online Keno operations.

“We welcome CoA audit report regarding our transactions, but we would like to assure you that we are not violating any law and we are cognizant of our obligations and responsibilities,” said PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan in a press statement.

This is in response to CoA’s warning against the agency over “questionable” transactions worth more than P10.17 billion intended for charity and programs and medical assistance and of fund depletion because of the online Keno gaming operations, which incurred deficit in its prize fund from 2006 to 2017, accumulating P4.283 billion as of Dec. 31, 2017.

From January to June this year, the overall PCSO revenue already hit the P25billion mark, P25,833,181,304.10 to be exact, an increase of 27.25 percent compared with the same period last year, where Lotto and digit games are still at the forefront with P12.5 billion sales; while Instant Sweepstakes with P727 million sales.

Paulate loses round at Sandiganbayan

In Loving Memory of

Arlyne Romero Villanueva

Arlyne Romero Villanueva of Manila and Roxas City, wife of Journal Group of Publications Editor-inChief Augusto B. Villanueva, passed away yesterday after a lingering illness.

She was 78 years old.

She is survived by her husband Augusto, son Dr. Armando Villanueva and wife Dra. Ma. Roella Villanueva, daughter Antonette Rodriguez and husband Edward Anthony Rodriguez, grandchildren Brigitte Danielle Rodriguez Tacuboy and husband Alvin Tacuboy and Engr. Edward Brian Rodriguez.

Viewing of her cremated remains will be held today (July 17) until Thursday (July 19) at St. John Bosco Parish, Faith Chapel, Arnaiz Ave., Makati City.

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Sandiganbayan has junked the plea of Quezon City Councilor Roderick Paulate to dismiss the graft and falsification charges filed against him by the Ombudsman.

Paulate, a movie and television personality, is facing the charges in connection with his alleged hiring of 30 ghost employees.

The antigraft court’s Seventh Division dismissed the urgent omnibus motion to quash of Paulate for “lack of merit.”

He was accused of ordering his chief of staff to prepare questionable Personal Data Sheets and falsified job orders of 30 contractual employees from July 1 to Nov. 15, 2010.

In addition, Paulate allegedly issued certifications stating that these “employees” worked for 40 hours a week and authorized his driver and liaison officer, Vicente Esquilon Bajamunde, to collect their salaries

in the sum of P1.1 million.

In his motion to dismiss, Paulate said his right to a speedy disposition of cases was violated when the Ombudsman took seven years, including the preliminary investigation that lasted four years, before the complaint was filed against him at the anti-graft court.

The court, however, said said that the elapsed time of the preliminary investigation of the case actually took five years and 11 months but that length of time was reasonable “considering the complexity of the case.”

“The protection under the right to a speedy disposition of cases should not operate to deprive the government of its inherent prerogative in prosecuting criminal cases.

This Court finds that there was no violation of accused-movants’ right to speedy disposition of the case against him,” the Sandiganbayan added.

PH, Aussie navies to hold security activity PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan— Two Australian navy patrol boats arrived here Monday to participate in a Maritime Security Activity to enhance training, interoperability, and cooperation against terrorism and kidnapping within Palawan’s water lanes.

Capt. Cherryl Tindog, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Western Command, said the Royal Australian Navy patrol boats would participate in the combined MSA with the Naval Forces West, Philippine Navy (Navforwest, PN) until July 25.

The activity aims to enrich the two navies’ interoperability and cooperation in dealing with terrorism and kidnapping activities in water lanes that are of common interest to Australia and the Philippines.

The RAN ships—Her Majesty Australian Ship Ararat and Wollongong Armidale-class patrol boats—will perform side-by-side activities with BRP Simeon Castro (PC 374), BRP Carlos Albert (PC 375), and BRP Fort San Felipe (AGS 700).

“There will be aboard ship training activities, maritime patrols, discussions on threats relating to maritime security, and

others relevant to keeping areas of common interest safe,” Tindog said.

She said the continuing activities such as the MSA with other navies has helped the country in preventing kidnappings and terrorism in the maritime domain.

She said there was nothing for Palaweños to worry about even with the mention of terrorism and kidnapping that the joint maritime security activity aims to address.

“The public has nothing to worry about because they are what are usually discussed in MSA, so that when we get to the situation, our navy knows what to do,” she said.

This year’s PN-RAN MSA will hold interoperability exercises on Naval Communication System, planning, individual shipboard training, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue. The PN-RAN MSA 2018 is the 4th iteration of the said bilateral activity.

The activity kicked off with an opening ceremony at the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon Covered Court with Capt. Carlos Sabarre, deputy commander of the Navforwest, as guest of honor. PNA

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

Manila

Standard

TODAY

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018

A7

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Asian Games athletes told: Train like Manny

F

ILIPINO athletes can produce better results in major international competitions if only they train and fight like boxing great Manny Pacquiao.

This was underscored yesterday by Rep. Mikee Romero (1Pacman Partylist) after witnessing how the fighting senator from Gen. Santos City summoned his once feared strength and dazzling speed to destroy Argentine Lucas Matthysse in their world welterweight showdown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on “Super Sunday.”

“Our athletes in the coming Asian Games in Indonesia should know the true meaning of focus, sacrifice and discipline because these were ingredients used by Senator Pacquiao to make a big comeback,” said Romero.

Romero, who was at ringside along with AirAsia big boss Tony Fernandes

during the fight, said Pacquiao’s seventhround stoppage win should serve as an inspiration not only for the Asian Games-bounds athletes, but also for those who are dreaming to make it big in their respective sports.

“Our Asian Games-bound athletes still have one month to prepare like Senator Pacquiao did. They should be inspired and motivated to fight like him,” said Romero. “Despite his hectic sked as a public servant, Sen. Pacquiao was fully focused on the task at hand.”

The vice chairman of the House Committee on Sports and whose net worth of P7.291 billion for 2017 enabled him to keep his title as the richest solon for the

Responders, Graft Busters clash for UNTV cage crown TOP seed Philippine National Police and second-ranked Ombudsman arranged a title clash in the UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off by downing their respective rivals over the weekend at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The PNP Responders leaned on the explosive duo of Anthony Padua and Joey De Mesa to subdue the Senate Sentinels, 78-61, while the Ombudsman Graft Busters outlasted the Judiciary Magis, 76-73, in overtime.

The winner-take-all match is set on July 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the chosen charity of the champion team getting P1 million.

The charity of the losing finalist in the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon for public servants receive P500,000.

Armed with the twice-to-beat advantage for topping the elims, the Responders used a big second-quarter attack to take the initiative before stepping further on the gas to finally take the fight out of the Sentinels.

Padua and De Meda scored 21 and 14 points, respectively, for the Responders who are out to

raise the Executive division trophy after Armed Forces of the Philippines won the inaugural event last year.

Sen. Joel Villanueva showed up for the Sentinels after resting the last time, but the Responders were simply too hot handle. Villanueva finished with 16 points.

The Graft Busters overcame a so-so showing in the third to force an extra period.

Rep. Mikee Romero (2nd from right) and AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes (2nd from left) flank Senator Manny Pacquiao during the victory party Sunday. With them are Rep. Erick Pineda and promoter Arnold Vegafria.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan MUNICIPALITY OF LIMAY

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan MUNICIPALITY OF LIMAY

InvItatIon to BId

InvItatIon to BId

The Bids and Awards Committee of the Municipality of Limay invites registered contractors to apply for eligibility to bid of the following projects/contracts;

The Bids and Awards Committee of the Municipality of Limay invites registered contractors to apply for eligibility to bid of the following projects/contracts;

Name of Project/ Contract

Location

Construction and Drilling of Two(2) Units, 250 Meters Deepwell with Pumphouse at St. Francis Elem School and Limay National High School

St. Francis 2 & Brgy.

Duale, Limay, Bataan

Sources of FUNDS

Special Education Fund

Approved Budget Cost(ABC)

Duration

150 Days

37,026,452.00

Cost of Bid Doc’s.

50,000.00

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

Bidders should have completed, within Ten(10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the bidding documents, particularly, in section II, Instruction to Bidders.

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Cost of Bidding Documents.

The venue of bidding shall be at the Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Limay Municipal Hall, National Road, Barangay Townsite,Limay, Bataan. Schedule of Activities are as follows: Activity

Assistant Special Prosecutor III Atty. Jorge Espinal starred for Ombudsman after producing 22 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists.

Lions, Cards eye share of lead SAN Beda University and Mapua gun for a share of lead with Lyceum, even as Perpetual Help tries to prove that its first pair of strong games were no fluke as the 94th NCAA basketball tournament resumes today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The Lions, who turned the back the Altas, 67-65, in the opener on July 7 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City, will clash with the Jose Rizal Bombers at 4 p.m., while the Cardinals, who walloped the Jose Rizal Bombers, 72-60, Thursday at the JRU Gym in Mandaluyong, tackle the Letran Knights at 2 p.m. each hoping for a lead-clinching win.

The Pirates zoomed to the top early after hurdling their first two assignments including a gutsy 106-97 triumph over Cameroonian Hamadou Laminou and the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals Friday.

San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez said they are focused on executing their game plan and making their shots after a forget-

third straight year also challenged national team members to compete with lots of passion and fire whenever they are competing for country’s flag and honor.

Training, the former head of shooting association said, is just one factor for one’s success, the other and perhaps the most important is discipline.

“If you don’t have the discipline like what Sen. Pacquiao showed during his training, one is bound to fail,” said Romero noting that Pacquiao usually reported for training earlier than scheduled.

“He and his team did lots of sacrifices for this fight,” added Romero. “Truly admirable is Sen. Pacquiao’s discipline.”

In the coming Asian Games, Romero is hoping to see the bravery displayed

by Pacquiao when the national athletes —each one determined to gain sporting glory— plunge into action.

Games today

(Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan) 8 a.m.- UPHSD vs AU (jrs) 10 a.m.- CSJL vs MU (jrs) 12 noon- UPHSD vs AU (srs) 2 p.m.- CSJL vs MU (srs) 4 p.m.- SBU vs JRU (srs) 6 p.m.- SBU vs JRU (jrs)

table 21-of-58 clip from the field and 22-of-32 from the foul line against Perpetual Help that almost cost them the game.

So downtrodden were the Lions’ shooting that Robert Bolick, their leader, struggled by making just three of 14 attempts but still finished with a team-best 15 points after going a perfect eightof-eight from the charity area.

“We just devoted the last week more on shooting and execution,” said Fernandez.

For the Cardinals, coach Atoy Co is expecting more from rookies Warren Bonifacio and Eric Jabel, a product of Mapua’s high school program as they fired 10 and nine points, respectively, in their very first college game.

What‘s...

Schedule

Purchase of Bid Documents

July 17 – August 9, 2018

Pre-bid Conference

July 25, 2018, 2:00 P.M.

Submission of Bids

August 9, 2018, 1:00 P.M.

Opening of Bids

August 9, 2018, 2:00 P.M.

All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference, however, only those who have purchased the bidding documents may participate in the discussion at said conference. Bids will be opened on the scheduled date/time at the venue specified above in the presence of the Bidders or their representatives who choose to attend the bidding. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Municipality of Limay reserves the right to accept the most advantageous to the government or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder/Bidders.

Pacquiao’s former training partner under Freddie Roach has also been thrown into the fray as a “potential opponent.”

Vasyl Lomachenko is also a viable opponent especially with the comments from Top Rank promoter Bob Arum that he is eyeing Pacquiao as the next option for the current lightweight champion when the Ukrainian returns after a shoulder surgery.

But with the resurgence of the Pacman, an inkling in all of us suggests a “second one” with Floyd Mayweather, Jr., is the best option.

That is if Money comes out of retirement once more to face a shoulderinjury-free Manny.

And as Manny chal00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ lenged: “I have the belt, so it’s up to him.” Your call, Floyd.

00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M But whichever fight Pacuiao takes, it should be DIGITS 0-0-0-0 a bout that takes him another step to any boxer’s ultimate goal: Retire with DIGITS 0-0-0 his pride and body intact.

For now, okay, don’t EZ2 0-0 lower the curtain just yet.

LOTTO RESULTS 6/55 6/45 4 3 2

Construction and Drilling of One(1) Unit, 250 Meters Deepwell with Pumphouse at Sitio Mamala

Brgy. Saint Francis 1 Limay, Bataan

Duration

Approved Budget Cost(ABC)

Cost of Bid Doc’s.

150 Days

18,513,226.00

20,000.00

Sources of FUNDS

General Fund

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

Bidders should have completed, within Ten(10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the bidding documents, particularly, in section II, Instruction to Bidders.

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Cost of Bidding Documents.

The venue of bidding shall be at the Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Limay Municipal Hall, National Road, Barangay Townsite,Limay, Bataan. Schedule of Activities are as follows: Activity

Schedule

Purchase of Bid Documents

July 17 – August 9, 2018

Pre-bid Conference

July 25, 2018, 10: A.M.

Submission of Bids Opening of Bids

August 9, 2018, 9:00 A.M. August 9, 2018, 10:00 A.M.

All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference, however, only those who have purchased the bidding documents may participate in the discussion at said conference. Bids will be opened on the scheduled date/time at the venue specified above in the presence of the Bidders or their representatives who choose to attend the bidding. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Municipality of Limay reserves the right to accept the most advantageous to the government or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder/Bidders.

For further information, please refer to: Rolando Gomez Procurement Office, Ground Floor, Limay Municipal Building, National Road, Brgy. Townsite Limay, Bataan (047)6138026

For further information, please refer to: Rolando Gomez Procurement Office, Ground Floor, Limay Municipal Building, National Road, Brgy. Townsite Limay, Bataan (047)6138026

(SGD) ROMARIO C. PANANGUI BAC Chairman

(SGD)ROMARIO C. PANANGUI BAC Chairman (MS-JULY 17, 2018)

(MS-JULY 17, 2018)

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan MUNICIPALITY OF LIMAY

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan MUNICIPALITY OF LIMAY

InvItatIon to BId

InvItatIon to BId

The Bids and Awards Committee of the Municipality of Limay invites registered contractors to apply for eligibility to bid of the following projects/contracts;

The Bids and Awards Committee of the Municipality of Limay invites registered contractors to apply for eligibility to bid of the following projects/contracts;

Name of Project/ Contract

Location

Construction and Drilling of One(1) Unit 250 Meters Deepwell with Pump House at Limay Public Market

Brgy.

Reformista, Limay, Bataan

Sources of Duration FUNDS

General Fund

150 Days

Approved Budget Cost of Cost(ABC) Bid Doc’s.

18,513,226.00

20,000.00

Name of Project/Contract

Location

Sources of FUNDS

Duration

Approved Budget Cost(ABC)

Cost of Bid Doc’s.

Construction and Drilling of Two(2) Units, 250 Meters Deepwell with Pumphouse at Lamao Elementary School and Lamao National High School

Brgy.

Lamao, Limay, Bataan

Special Education Fund

150 Days

37,026,452.00

50,000.00

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

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

Bidders should have completed, within Ten(10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the bidding documents, particularly, in section II, Instruction to Bidders.

Bidders should have completed, within Ten(10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the bidding documents, particularly, in section II, Instruction to Bidders.

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Cost of Bidding Documents.

The venue of bidding shall be at the Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Limay Municipal Hall, National Road, Barangay Townsite,Limay, Bataan. Schedule of Activities are as follows:

From A8

Name of Project/ Location Contract

Activity

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Cost of Bidding Documents.

The venue of bidding shall be at the Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Limay Municipal Hall, National Road, Barangay Townsite,Limay, Bataan. Schedule of Activities are as follows: Activity

Schedule

Schedule

Purchase of Bid Documents

July 17 – August 9, 2018

Purchase of Bid Documents

July 17 – August 9, 2018

Pre-bid Conference

July 25, 2018, 11:00 A.M.

Pre-bid Conference

July 25, 2018, 3: P.M.

Submission of Bids

August 9, 2018, 10:00 A.M.

Submission of Bids

August 9, 2018, 11:00 A.M.

August 9, 2018, 2:00 P.M.

Opening of Bids

Opening of Bids

August 9, 2018, 3:00 P.M.

All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference, however, only those who have purchased the bidding documents may participate in the discussion at said confe rence. Bids will be opened on the scheduled date/time at the venue specified above in the presence of the Bidders or their representatives who choose to attend the bidding. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Municipality of Limay reserves the right to accept the most advantageous to the government or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder/Bidders.

All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference, however, only those who have purchased the bidding documents may participate in the discussion at said conference. Bids will be opened on the scheduled date/time at the venue specified above in the presence of the Bidders or their representatives who choose to attend the bidding. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The Municipality of Limay reserves the right to accept the most advantageous to the government or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder/Bidders.

For further information, please refer to: For further information, please refer to:

Rolando Gomez Procurement Office, Ground Floor, Limay Municipal Building, National Road, Brgy. Townsite Limay, Bataan (047)6138026

Rolando Gomez Procurement Office, Ground Floor, Limay Municipal Building, National Road, Brgy. Townsite Limay, Bataan (047)6138026 (SGD) ROMARIO C. PANANGUI BAC Chairman

(SGD) ROMARIO C. PANANGUI BAC Chairman (MS-JULY 17, 2018)

(MS-JULY 17, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

A8

Sports

TUESDAY, JULY 17. 2018

sports@thestandard.com.ph; sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

July 15, 2018 proved to be a Super Sunday to remember as three great sporting events from around the world kept fans glued to their seats all day long. First of the list was Manny Pacquiao’s TKO win over Argentine Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the Filipino ring icon was crowned lord of the ring once again, followed by the dominant Wimbledon triumph of Novak Djokovic over Kevin Anderson in London, before France matched its 1998 heroes following a 4-2 championship win over a tough Croatian team in the 2018 Fifa World Cup Finals in Russia. AFP

A Super Sunday for the ages What’s next, Manny?

By Peter Paul Duran MANNY Pacquiao quashed all doubts he’s ready to hang up his gloves for good after providing a masterclass in the fistic arts as proven by his a 7thround stoppage of Lucas Matthyse, his first TKO win since 2009, to claim the WBA World Welterweight belt.

Although the fighting pride of the Philippines answered with vigor some lingering questions about his waning form, humorously, the win provided more queries now more than ever.

Another fight for this year is already in the pipeline, but Pacquiao and his camp “have not decided yet,” on exactly when and who to throw the gauntlet to.

Right now, his focus is “to go back to my country” to perform his duties as a legislator and, “of course, to relax” after the match.

A rematch with Jeff Horn would be the viable next step as the controversial bout in Brisbane last year requires a much-needed closure to curb obvious doubts on how the match ended in favor of the hometown boy.

Pacquiao relinquished his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt to then-undefeated Horn which the Aussie then lost last month via TKO in the 9th round to American Terence Crawford, coincidentally the next man that comes in mind.

The Pacman could have the opportunity to retain the belt but the unblemished current WBO champ Crawford (33-0-0, 24 KOs) stands in his way, a wager the Pacquiao camp should consider high stakes at this point.

According to sports pundits, Pacquiao could also face likes of Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, or Errol Spence, Jr. The name Amir Khan,

O

N A day when headlines screamed of the biggest sporting events in the world, it was a great time to be a sports fan.

One of the most memorable ‘Sports Super Sundays’ in history had all the drama and surprises.

In this rarest of occasions, not one but three great events left sports fans glued to their seats all day long.

First, it was Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao, who rejuvenated his mythical form of yore to score his first stoppage win in nearly a decade to snatch Lucas Matthysse’s World Boxing Association welterweight belt in Kuala Lumpur.

The fighting Senator, who came from a one-year layoff away from the squared circle, finally broke down “The Machine” after flooring him thrice in a match which ended at 2:43 in the 7th round, with Matthysse spitting out his mouthpiece in figurative surrender.

Pacquiao, 39, put the lid on doubts about his dipping performance inside the ring after this masterful win which we last saw back in 2009, when he made mincemeat of Miguel Cotto in a 12thround TKO victory.

After the fight, Pacquiao said another

one for 2018 is in the offing, although there are no official names yet. With this resounding win though, don’t expect him to retire anytime soon, even if President Duterte advised him to.

Then, time came for everyone to revert their attention to London.

Later in the evening, Novak Djokovic sealed his 13th Grand Slam title and fourth Wimbledon Men’s Final trophy, following a crushing 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (3) win over Kevin Anderson, who came short yet again in a Grand Slam final.

It was an emphatic return to the grass court for the Serbian ace following a nagging elbow injury last year, which forced him to sit out the remainder of 2017 and miss the US Open for the first time since 2004.

Anderson, whose serve was pivotal all tournament long, faltered when it mattered as Djokovic broke his serve four times. This was Anderson’s second Grand Slam final defeat in

GSM 3-ON-3 CHAMP. Team

Davao poses with Scottie Thompson of the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings after beating Team Nueva Ecija, 18-16, for the Ginebra San Miguel 3-on-3 Tapang ng Tatluhan title recently at the Araneta Coliseum.

Team Davao’s Mark John Luceño, Jayven Perdido, Alexzan Pamugas and Junnel Perdido, who was also named Most Valuable Player, were awarded with medals and P50,000 cash prize. From a total of 256 teams in the regional qualifying tournaments, 16 regional winners hurdled the National Finals, while the top two teams moved on to the 3-on-3 Championship. With the inclusion of 3-on-3 basketball in the 2020 Olympics, Ginebra San Miguel hopes to provide opportunities to aspiring athletes through its grassroots basketball initiatives.

Now on its third year, the GSM 3-on-3 tournament is in partnership with the Philippine Basketball Association.

Turn to A7

F2, Sta. Lucia shoot for semis seat

IMUS CITY—The battle for survival kicks off as F2 Logistics and Sta. Lucia Realty shoot for the third semifinal berth in a do-or-die quarterfinal collision of the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference Tuesday at the Imus Center here.

Action starts at 7 p.m. with the Cargo Movers and Lady Realtors fighting for the right to face unbeaten Cignal in the knockout semifinals of this prestigious club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu, UCPB Gen and SOGO Hotel with ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV as broadcast partners.

Prior to that, the bottom four teams begin their classification battle for the 7th to 10th places in this midseason conference that also has Senoh, Asics, Mikasa, Mueller and Grand Sport as

less than a year after losing to Rafa Nadal at the 2017 US Open.

Ultimately, it was too late when the South African finally found his rhythm as Djokovic took home the title in a tiebreaker.

Shortly after, cheers erupted at the Luzhniki in Russia.

This was when France went up 18 minutes into their World Cup Final game against Croatia thanks to an own goal from Mario Madzukic. The breakthrough was the first in a goalfest that had more goals than last three world cup finals combined.

Eventually, the heavy favorite France took home their second world cup trophy after 20 years as they cruised to a 4-2 victory over Croatia, which could not muster their comeback magic this time around.

The 21st world cup final in history, whose scoreline was the most in regular time since 1958, featured a penalty, a decisive decision from the Virtual Assistant Referee, delicious strikes and volleys and a wet and soggy closing ceremony.

Indeed, it was a great time to be a sports fan.

Games Today (Imus Sports Center) 2:00 p.m. — Foton vs UE-Cherrylume 4:15 p.m. — UP-UAI vs Cocolife 7:00 p.m. — F2 Logistics vs Sta. Lucia

technical sponsors.

Foton, which did not reach expectations with a 1-3 finish in Pool A, tries to ease the pain of its dismal campaign as it battles winless University of the East-Cherrylume at 2 pm while Cocolife clashes with University of the Philippines-United Auctioneers Inc. (UP-UAI) in the other classifications encounter at 4:15 p.m.

The winners clash for the seventh spot while the losers will be relegated to the battle for ninth place on Thursday.

The sudden-death semifinals, meanwhile, are set this Saturday with Petron and Cignal waiting for their foes.

Novak seeks US Open LONDON—With his Grand Slam reputation and place back in the world top 10 restored, Novak Djokovic will now target a third career Wimbledon/ US Open double after clinching his fourth title at the All England Club.

Djokovic defied the odds and even stunned himself by cruising to a 13th major title on Sunday to go fourth on the all-time list of Slam winners.

Only Pete Sampras (14), Rafael Nadal (17) and Roger Federer (20) are ahead of him following his 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) victory over Kevin Anderson.

Now the 31-year-old heads for the North America hard court season where he has traditionally thrived.

Of his 69 career titles, 51 have been on hard courts with 17 of those in the United States.

When he won his first Wimbledon in 2011, he was to add his maiden US Open, repeating the grass court/hard court double four years later.

His desire to repeat that feat burns even deeper after he missed last year’s New York showpiece with the elbow injury which threatened to torpedo his career after his 2017 Wimbledon bid ended prematurely at the quarter-final stage.

“Well, I understand that people are questioning whether I can consistently play at this level. Trust me, I am, too,” said Djokovic.

“If you asked me a month and a half ago whether I think I can win Wimbledon, part of me yes, I hope, but maybe I wasn’t that sure at that time of my level of tennis.

“But this is going to be a huge confidence boost and springboard for whatever is coming up. I like to play on hard courts.

“The US Open was always a successful tournament for me. I didn’t played it last year. I’m looking forward to go out there and play my best.”

Djokovic’s title triumph on Sunday, against a weary Anderson who had spent 21 hours on court becoming the first South African man in the final in 97 years, was his first at the majors since Roland Garros in 2016 when he completed the career Grand Slam. AFP

Gin Kings eye 2-0 lead

By Jeric Lopez KEEPING the fire burning is the only thing that is on the mind of Barangay Ginebra as it goes for a commanding 2-0 lead on Rain or Shine in the resumption of their best-of-five semifinals series in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. With a 1-0 lead, the Gin Kings shoot for their ninth straight victory and a tighter grip on the showdown even as the Elasto Painters look to make it a series when they meet in Game 2 at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Still carrying all its momentum and fine play, Ginebra scored first after manhandling top seeded Rain or Shine, 102-89, Sunday night in a dominant Game 1 performance to win its eight straight outing dating back to the elimination round.

Justin Brownlee remained steady, while Jeff Chan finally had a breakthrough performance as a Gin King as the two led their team’s charge in the opener.

Brownlee dropped 35 points as he continued his brilliance, while Chan scored 21 markers, his most in a Ginebra uniform thus far.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone is quite pleased with how his team drew first blood.

“It’s not a long series so it’s key for us to have an early advantage,” said Cone.

“We’re continuing to play our game and have the required defense to compete at this level. That’s been our ammo. So far, so good. I hope we can continue to do it.”

The Gin Kings took Game 1 despite missing the services of key forward Japeth Aguilar, who is suffering from an injured Achilles heel.

As per Cone, Aguilar is a game-time decision for Game 2.

Filipina aces ready for Thais, Taiwanese PRINCESS Superal and Pauline del Rosario set out against a slew of aces from Thailand and Taiwan tipped to contend for the ICTSI Champion Tour at Manila Southwoods crown, upbeat of their chances along with the other local bets out to defend their turf at the Legends course in Carmona, Cavite.

“I think I’m more comfortable playing at Southwoods since I’m familiar with the course,” said Del Rosario, back in the local circuit after a grueling campaign on the Taiwan LPGA Tour the last two months.

The reigning Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner, who racked up for victories last year, is also coming off a joint eighth place effort in the Ladies European Tour Thailand Championship which she led in the second round last month.

That makes her one of the early favorites in the first of two $75,000 TLPGA-sanctioned events firing off tomorrow (Wednesday) with Superal also back from the Symetra Tour to chase a third LPGT crown after romping off with the Tagaytay and Riviera leg titles last March.

“I feel good and confident playing at Southwoods,” said Superal, who with Del Rosario had trained and honed their talent and skills at the bunker-laden layout during their amateur days with The Country Club squad.

Cyna Rodriguez, a former three-time LPGT Order of Merit winner, is also raring to snap a long title spell in the ICTSI-sponsored circuit she used to dominate while Chihiro Ikeda shoots for a follow-up to her Eagle Ridge victory last February.

Princess Superal eyeing a third LPGT diadem

IN BRIEF Govt studies funding mix for Marawi rehab THE government is studying the funding mix for P52 billion of the five-year P62billion budget for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the devastated city of Marawi, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Monday.

Dominguez said a report from Task Force Bangon Marawi chairman Eduardo del Rosario estimated the cost of reconstruction at P62 billion.

Dominguez said around P10 billion of the total budget for the Marawi rehabilitation program was already included in the General Appropriation Act of the government this year. The government, must explore ways on how to finance the additional P52 billion.

“Now that we have a hard number, we will now go to the details on where the money will come from. Certain portions of the money will come from grants,” Dominguez said in a briefing.

Japan and China are among the countries that have committed to provide grants to aid in the reconstruction of Marawi City.

“This is over five years. This is not immediate so it’s over five years and there is a progression—the total is P62 billion. So we will have to do now our financial planning,” Dominguez said. Julito G. Rada

GCash operator Mynt tying up with Alfamart GLOBE Fintech Innovations Inc. or Mynt, which operates GCash, the Philippines’ largest mobile wallet, has teamed up with Alfamart Philippines for GCash QR-based mobile payment technology.

Alfamart Philippines, is the latest partner of Mynt, operator of GCash, the electronic mobile wallet that can be used to pay for goods and services in the Philippines by using QR codes.

“GCash provides convenience and security to all shoppers. Now that we have the GCash scan to pay feature at all Alfamart customers with GCash can easily pay the exact amount for their purchases using their phone,” Mynt president and chief executive Anthony Thomas said.

“Customers will no longer any need to wait for loose change or pay in smaller denominations, or even stand in line for a long time,” he added.

Afamart is a joint venture between the SM Group and Alfamart Indonesia. It is a small store format that offers Filipino families basic goods, fresh meat, poultry and vegetables as well as food-to-go. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business ABS-CBN terminates telecom deal with Globe A

By Darwin G. Amojelar

BS-CBN Corp. said Monday it terminated its network sharing agreement with Globe Telecom Inc. because of the venture’s “financially unsustainable” mobile business model.

“ABS-CBN Convergence and Globe reached an agreement not to renew their mobile network sharing agreement and to look at more profitable opportunities in the content business,” ABS-CBN said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

ABS-CBN Convergence teamed up with Globe in 2013 for a five-year net-

work sharing agreement to deliver content and telecommunications services on mobile devices through its ABSCBNmobile brand.

Under the agreement signed in May 2013, Globe would provide the capacity and coverage on existing cellular mobile telephony network to ABS-CBN Convergence Inc. on a nationwide basis.

The parties also shared assets such as servers, towers and switches. The network sharing agreement was scheduled to expire this year.

Losses of ABS-CBN Mobile last year were almost the same as in 2016.

ABS-CBN Mobile posted a net loss of P560 million in 2016, lower than the P600-million net loss in 2015.

ABS-CBN and Globe said, however, they were exploring new ways and synergies to complement their business models.

“Leveraging on ABS-CBN’s expertise as top content provider to the Filipino audience and the vast reach of Globe as the leading telecommunications company, both companies have decided to shift their focus in maximizing synergies,” the broadcast network said.

These product synergies include the promotional bundling of ABS-CBN TVplus boxes with Globe At Home prepaid WiFi and the availability of ABS-CBN TVplus’ KBO (Kapamilya Box Office) and iWant TV over-the-top services to all Globe subscribers, which are already commercially available.

Meanwhile, all ABS-CBNmobile prepaid, postpaid and Sky Mobi subscribers will continue to enjoy text, call and data services until the final date of the termination that remains to be approved by the National Telecommunications Commission.

Asian Eye’s EyeSite opens Batangas clinic BATANGAS City—EyeSite by Asian Eye Institute opens its newest eye care center and optical shop in SM City Batangas to give residents and communities in Southern Luzon and nearby provinces access to expert eye care delivered with the compassionate care that Asian Eye is known for.

With its tagline Serbisyong Sulit, EyeSite reaches out to more people and educates them that eye care is more than just wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, and that a complete eye exam is the first step to protecting their vision. Through EyeSite, they can now enjoy complete and innovative yet affordable eye care.

Located at the ground level of SM City Batangas, the 140.50-square meter clinic is equipped with complete, innovative medical equipment that diagnose and treat or manage simple to complex eye conditions that affect patients. These include cataracts, retinal problems, glaucoma and cornea and external diseases like pterygium (pugita) and stye (kuliti).

CREDIT COLLECTION. Global information solutions provider TransUnion teams up with Singapore-based credit collection agency Collectius sto create practical payment arrangements that will help Filipinos eventually pay off their debts. The partnership involves sharing data and using it to find solutions to credit-related situations. Signing the partnership agreement are (from left) Kian Foh Then, Collectius Group country managing director for the Philippines; Gustav Eriksson, Collectius Group chief executive; Pia Arellano, TransUnion Philippines president and chief executive; and Ryan Ricardo, TransUnion Philippines director of new member solutions.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018

B1

Remittances rose 6.9% in May to $2.47b

By Julito G. Rada MONEY sent home by Filipinos working overseas climbed 6.9 percent in May to $2.469 billion from $2.31 billion a year ago, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said Monday.

The remittance growth in May, however, was slower than the 12.7-percent expansion registered in April.

“In particular, cash remittances sent by land-based workers [$1.9 billion] and sea-based workers [$0.5 billion] grew by 5.3 percent and 13.2 percent, respectively,” Espenilla said in a statement.

He said of the 6.9-percent growth in May 2018, the United States contributed 2.6 percentage points while the United Kingdom added 1.6 percentage points.

This brought cash remittances in the first five months to $11.822 billion, up 4.2 percent from $11.336 billion in the same period last year.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, also grew 6.1 percent in May to $2.746 billion from $2.588 billion a year earlier. This was slower than the 12.9-percent expansion in April.

Total personal remittances in the first five months hit $13.172 billion, up 4.4 percent from $12.613 billion in the same period last year.

“Personal remittances during the period was driven by steady inflows from land-based OF workers with work contracts of one year or more, which totaled to $10.2 billion, and compensation of sea-based workers and landbased workers with short-term contracts, which reached $2.7 billion,” Espenilla said.

British financial company Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. said remittances were expected to continue to recover in the months ahead after the government lifted the deployment ban to some countries in the Middle East.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered the repatriation of thousands of OFWs from Kuwait where they were allegedly maltreated.

Duterte appealed to OFWs in Kuwait to return to the country after Kuwait expelled the Philippine ambassador for launching rescue missions for Filipinos abused by their employers in the Gulf state.

Investment pledges at economic zones fall 56% PH, United Kingdom eyeing talks

By Othel V. Campos INVESTMENTS approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority fell 55.86 percent in the first half to P53 billion from P120.2 billion in the same period last year.

Peza director-general Charito Plaza said the “uncertainties in the Philippine fiscal regime” pushed back all possible expansion and new investments.

“There are incentives that are being removed in the Train 2 [second package of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law]. Because of this, there are investors who are manifesting their support for us, conveying their sentiments that they are happy with Peza as it is now,” Plaza said in a news briefing Monday.

All major industries within the economic zones showed significant reduction in investments in the first semester.

Investments in manufacturing went

down 9.29 percent to P19.55 billion from P21.54 billion in 2017 while investments in information technology dropped 13.66 percent to P6.98 billion from P8 billion.

Investments in economic zone development also declined 65.15 percent to P26.29 billion from P75.46 billion.

Combined investments in other industries amounted to P238 million, down 98.44 percent from P15.12 billion a year ago.

The number of projects inside the economic zones also dwindled 14 percent to 258 in January to June this year from 300 a year earlier.

Peza said despite these concerns, employment and exports expanded 5.27 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Exports increased to $21.8 billion in January to May 2018 from $20.7 billion in the same months in 2017, while direct employment totaled 1.47 million, up from 1.39 million a year earlier.

First Metro sees PH growing at least 7% FIRST Metro Investment Corp., the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, said Monday the Philippine economy will continue to grow at a “fast pace” of at least 7 percent this year.

First Metro president Rabboni Francis Arjonillo said in a mid-year economic briefing in Bonifacio Global City the economy was expected to expand between 7 percent and 7.5 percent in 2018, as macroeconomic fundamentals remained solid.

“Robust domestic demand continues to fuel the economy underpinned by double-digit investments growth, strong infrastructure spending, more jobs creation, resurgence in manufacturing and rising tourist arrivals, “ Arjonillo said.

“We remain optimistic that the Philippine economy will continue to grow at a fast pace and we have every reason to believe this,” he said.

FMIC said domestic demand remained strong with an 8.3-percent growth rate while investments rose at a double-digit pace in 15 of the last 24 quarters.

The bank said foreign direct investments surged 24.3 percent to $3.2 billion in the first four months from $2.6 billion a year ago.

It said the huge acceleration in infrastructure spending through the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program was evident over the last seven months.

“The resurgence in manufacturing has also been very encouraging, growing 19.8 percent in May this year,” FMIC said.

FMIC said strong job growth was expected to continue to rise in step with heightened infrastructure spending and resurgence of the manufacturing sector.

Julito G. Rada

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monday, July 16, 2018

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

53.4700

Japan

Yen

0.008913

0.4766

UK

Pound

1.323400

70.7622

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127418

6.8130

Switzerland

Franc

0.998702

53.4006

Canada

Dollar

0.760052

40.6400

Singapore

Dollar

0.732547

39.1693

Australia

Dollar

0.741800

39.6640

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

141.8302

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266674

14.2591

Brunei

Dollar

0.729874

39.0264

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.029994

1.6038

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.5592

Euro

Euro

1.169100

62.5118

Korea

Won

0.000886

0.0474

China

Yuan

0.149269

7.9814

India

Rupee

0.014601

0.7807

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.246914

13.2025

New Zealand

Dollar

0.675700

36.1297

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032716

1.7493

Source: PDS Bridge

on bilateral free trade despite Brexit THE Philippines and the United Kingdom are preparing for a bilateral free trade partnership despite the latter’s decision to leave the European Union.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Monday, Manila and London would hold preparatory meetings for the bilateral framework.

He said the Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Philippines led by Ambassador Daniel Pruce started its own preparation for the talks.

“They appreciate the strong campaigns of government on anti-competition policies, ease of doing business, regulatory reforms, and MSME [micro, small and medium enterprises] trainings,” said Lopez.

He said the Philippines was liberalizing its foreign negative investment list to mobilize competition and increase

opportunities for MSMEs. Lopez said he planned to meet with UK Trade Secretary Liam Fox during a mission to the UK in September 2017.

The meeting with Fox will touch on opportunities for both countries and the UK’s plans after Brexit.

The September roadshow aimed to promote trade and investments between both countries and meet with major British companies for possible investments in the Philippines.

The Philippines also seeks to mainstream retail companies “as part of our drive to have Filipino brands inside major markets abroad.”

London and Westminster member of parliament Mark Field is also set to visit the Philippines on Aug.16 to 17 to discuss the trade arrangement. Othel V. Campos

FRANCHISE LECTURE.

American entrepreneurship and franchising expert Dr. Benjamin Litalien (center) serves as the lecturer and facilitator in the twoday Certified Franchise Executive Program organized by the Philippine Franchise Association which serves as one of the four components of the weeklong Franchise Asia Philippines 2018 at the AIM Conference Center.

The CFE Program was brought to the Philippines through the efforts of PFA chairman emeritus Samie Lim (left) and PFA vice chair Bing Sibal-Limjoco.

Aside from the CFE Program, Franchise Asia Philippines 2018 also includes the International Franchise Conference on July 18 to 19, the International Franchise Expo fon July 20 to 22 at the SMX Convention Center and the Learning & Networking Sessions on July 20 to 22 at the SMX Convention Center.

B2

Business

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks retreat, end four-day rally T HE stock market fell Monday on thin trading to end a four-day rally, as investors cashed in on recent gains.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 29.74 points, or 0.4 percent, to 7,369.44 on a value turnover of P4.3 billion. Losers beat gainers, 90 to 82, with 55 issues unchanged.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water and electricity distribution, power generation and hospitals, declined 3.1 percent to P4.43, while SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. lost 1.6 percent to P901.

Megawide Construction Corp., which expanded the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, slipped 1.8 percent to P19.04,

while Transpacific Broadband Group International Inc., which is bidding to become the country’s third major telecommunications firm, tumbled 7.4 percent to P0.50.

The rest of Asian markets mostly fell Monday as data showed that China’s economic growth slowed in the second quarter on the brink of a potential trade war with the United States.

After a positive end to last week’s roller-coaster ride for equities, investors shifted back into defensive mode in early business, with concerns about the impact of tit-for-tat tariffs on the world’s top two economies.

Beijing said growth in April-June came in at 6.7 percent, in line with forecasts in an AFP survey and better than the government’s annual target but a shade down from the previous three months.

While the reading refers to the three

months before US levies on billions of dollars of Chinese goods were imposed, observers had already said the country was likely to struggle with a trade faceoff as leaders battle a debt mountain and pollution.

At the same time the yuan and local stock markets are tumbling.

News Friday that China’s trade surplus with the US, a major cause of Trump’s anger, hit a record in June has further fuelled tensions.

Mao Shengyong, a spokesman for the national statistics bureau, warned that the trade row “will have an impact on the economies of both China and the United States, and now that the world economy is deeply integrated, and the industrial chain is globalized, many related countries will also be affected.”

Shanghai closed down 0.6 percent and Sydney eased 0.4 percent but Hong

Kong ended slightly up after a late rally.

Singapore, Seoul, Wellington and Taipei were lower while Tokyo was closed for a public holiday.

There are hopes that Beijing and Washington can reach an agreement to avert an all-out trade war, with some experts optimistic at China’s relatively muted response to Donald Trump’s threats of further tariffs on $200 billion of goods.

“Should the US eventually move ahead with these tariffs, China could not escalate on an even basis given China only imports roughly $130 billion annually from the US, suggesting they would either need to levy higher trade tariffs on a small number of selected products or take the least attractive measure of tactically weakening the yuan,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at OANDA. With AFP

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

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.65 5,140 96.6 1,023,060 2.68 75,000 127.9 714,710 1.56 2,000 33.1 96,800 16.62 200 14.8 126,200 3.55 105,000 8.56 300 820 90 0.52 54,000 69.8 4,430,890 1.03 1,063,000 46.5 86,600 195 2,150 85 2,610 28.4 16,400 212 337,990 84 18,930

306,177 97,616,996 196,030 91,534,481 3,120 3,208,115 3,324 1,867,274 361,340 2,570 73,890 28,100 309,315,355.50 1,089,520 4,027,480 409,100 223,131 466,120 71,569,674 1,610,409

297,875 1,822,882.50 96,200 -49,435,818 -202,135.00 268,166 -58,058,472.50 48,410 -3,381,005 -164,740 2,395,620 -55,240

35.55 15.48 0.63 1.14 0.244 3.16 15.96 41.95 22.1 52 67.5 1.89 10 15.76 10.7 7.26 5.16 15 61 22.75 7.22 13.3 2.35 246.6 5.06 3.31 26.85 11 18.98 353.4 0.179 6.7 2.2 4.03 8.61 5.31 1.24 11.9 55.7 5.84 2.06 3.21 1.77 13.1 5.34 0.126 0.9 124.5 2.38 1.37

INDUSTRIAL 36.5 356,800 15.88 862,700 0.73 33,606,000 1.18 93,000 0.248 5,130,000 3.22 2,174,000 16.38 3,700 42 430,900 22.5 18,100 52 790 67.5 2,050 1.89 11,000 10.1 3,660,600 15.9 96,100 10.7 6,600 7.29 852,600 5.19 825,400 15.28 1,534,300 61.35 40,010 23.5 23,100 7.39 800 13.3 1,350,300 2.35 4,111,000 248.8 273,670 5.06 8,000 3.31 5,000 26.85 172,200 11.3 32,600 19.04 5,586,600 358.6 49,920 0.179 170,000 6.7 13,400 2.25 12,389,000 4.11 14,000 8.75 171,600 5.67 747,600 1.24 617,000 12 15,400 55.75 1,361,420 5.9 74,600 2.26 982,000 3.21 37,000 1.8 185,000 13.24 90,400 5.38 122,900 0.126 220,000 0.9 11,000 128.7 817,930 2.44 4,313,000 1.45 7,170,000

12,939,195 13,571,988 23,491,810 108,580 1,261,520 6,986,130 60,422 18,357,020 405,835 41,080 138,525 20,790 36,766,026 1,525,512 70,620 6,212,750 4,290,679 23,234,602 2,443,445.50 534,045 5,895 18,034,316 9,885,040 67,915,784 40,480 16,560 4,633,795 363,396 106,848,368 17,815,850 30,840 89,782 27,874,310 56,820 1,495,843 4,207,872 765,480 184,296 75,901,806 443,386 2,112,360 119,170 332,830 1,191,566 658,121 28,430 9,900 103,425,164 10,439,320 10,282,700

-2,806,230 1,282,126 -23,060 144,200 -47,502 -25,275 17,010 -7,203,202.00 -42,860 -1,897,132 -523,312 -12,339,886 -362,976 10,029,452 11,900 -44,915,816 -3,141,950 98,122 -15,051,482 7,926,456 395,790 238,649 -35,474 -105,750 664,801 62,724 -11,500 543,304 13,450 28,440,780 744,020 25,060.00

0.242 53 11.6 0.99 5.97 31.2 0.68 0.7 951.5 6.05 10.94 7.1 0.203 940 5.97 51.55 0.6 3.55 17.84 0.65 4.43 0.038 1.22 2.75 136.5 2.55 900 1.59 259 0.335

HOLDING FIRMS 0.243 590,000 53.55 425,820 11.64 3,721,800 0.99 1,000 6 108,900 31.65 141,000 0.71 23,322,000 0.72 2,557,000 971.5 105,130 6.09 10,910,200 11 2,213,900 7.1 300 0.203 70,000 950 19,030 6.1 5,200 52.4 317,150 0.62 487,000 3.55 556,000 17.96 1,211,800 0.68 2,089,000 4.43 15,923,000 0.039 7,400,000 1.24 402,000 2.76 1,748,000 137 173,930 2.55 300,000 901 98,190 1.6 116,000 259 1,500 0.38 149,990,000

143,680 22,804,481 43,344,822 990 652,349 4,490,010 16,334,680 1,827,880 101,090,260 66,028,690 24,343,702 2,130 14,210 18,088,630 31,109 16,582,592.50 295,820 1,976,750 21,747,408 1,403,950 71,229,390 281,300 502,480 4,867,310 23,822,346 765,000 89,139,650 185,490 389,250 54,495,800

-19,512,591 -28,165,606 479,000 47,305 73,800 6,230,390 5,408,351 17,600,086 9,042,625 2,249,506.50 -124,360 -21,194,820 609,070 -46,170,330 76,000 568,980 8,505,434 8,294,460 -347,800

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59.7 96 2.72 128.9 1.56 33.3 16.62 14.8 3.42 8.57 822.5 0.52 70 1.06 46.7 190 85.5 28.65 213 85.5

59.7 96.6 2.72 129 1.56 33.3 16.62 14.98 3.55 8.57 822.5 0.53 70.45 1.06 46.7 195 86.6 28.65 213 85.5

59.25 94.6 2.6 127.8 1.56 33.1 16.62 14.72 3.42 8.56 820 0.52 69.55 1.01 46.5 190 85 28.35 210.6 84

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR ENERGY DEVT 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 ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VULCAN INDL

36.7 15.98 0.64 1.15 0.25 3.16 15.96 42.1 22.3 52 68.25 1.89 10.18 15.9 10.7 7.27 5.27 15 61.05 23.7 7.22 13.5 2.45 252 5.06 3.31 27 11.1 19.4 356 0.185 6.71 2.22 4.03 8.61 5.31 1.24 11.9 56.7 5.84 2.06 3.25 1.88 13.14 5.35 0.131 0.9 126 2.43 1.38

36.7 15.98 0.75 1.18 0.25 3.25 16.38 44.2 22.5 52 68.25 1.89 10.18 15.9 10.7 7.31 5.27 15.28 61.35 23.7 7.39 13.5 2.55 253.4 5.06 3.32 27.15 11.4 19.4 358.6 0.185 6.71 2.27 4.11 8.75 5.76 1.25 12 56.7 6.14 2.26 3.25 1.88 13.24 5.4 0.132 0.9 128.7 2.47 1.47

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

0.242 53.75 11.66 0.99 6 31.4 0.7 0.74 961 6.08 11.18 7.1 0.203 955 5.98 52 0.63 3.57 18.18 0.67 4.57 0.038 1.24 2.85 136.7 2.55 915 1.59 260 0.35

0.246 53.75 11.74 0.99 6 32.4 0.72 0.74 971.5 6.1 11.18 7.1 0.203 960 6.1 52.85 0.63 3.57 18.18 0.69 4.57 0.039 1.28 2.9 137.2 2.55 915 1.6 260 0.385

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

7.27 0.98 14 1.87 0.71 37.2 3.19 4.65 5.82 0.43 0.9 0.87 0.221 0.415 9.01 25.4 0.6 1.46 1.21 1.39 4.67 0.61 0.44 0.51 3.56 19.52 2

7.34 0.98 14.5 1.87 0.72 37.5 3.25 4.68 5.82 0.435 0.9 0.9 0.223 0.415 9.15 25.5 0.61 1.47 1.21 1.46 4.67 0.64 0.45 0.52 3.75 19.78 2

7.22 0.96 14 1.87 0.7 36.95 3.14 4.58 5.82 0.43 0.9 0.87 0.218 0.415 8.76 25.25 0.6 1.43 1.19 1.39 4.49 0.6 0.44 0.5 3.43 19.42 2

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

3.18 36.95 1.06 7.26 0.75 6.05

3.27 37 1.09 7.38 0.75 6.1

3.18 36.55 1.06 7.24 0.75 5.98

3.27 37 1.09 7.33 0.75 6.04

56,000 3,211,500 1,544,000 269,500 61,000 2,536,800

178,410 118,729,470 1,662,030 1,969,410 45,750 15,278,995

53,562,130 -80,850 -4,422,971

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

14.5 24.5 1.4 0.51 0.046 13.96 5.65 9.39 0.053 71.2 8.8 6.97 6.73 25.35 1,665 5.32 272 3.4 2.08 79.5 12.98 7.99 0.14 2.76 3.35 4.12 1.03 25.3 4.55 5.55 2.58 2.01 2.43 9.15 11 8.7 3.4 125.3 5.45 1,355 0.86 0.35 45.2 82.6 8.02 1.83 1.13 0.54 4.96 0.75 12

14.5 25 1.4 0.52 0.046 13.96 5.65 9.4 0.054 72.85 8.98 7.06 6.74 29.9 1,665 5.39 280 3.41 2.08 79.9 12.98 7.99 0.141 2.88 3.76 4.26 1.07 25.3 4.55 5.62 2.59 2.24 2.43 9.3 11 8.7 3.4 125.3 5.45 1,355 0.86 0.35 45.4 83 8.03 1.89 1.13 0.56 5 0.77 12

14.42 24.5 1.4 0.495 0.044 13.96 5.03 9.37 0.053 71 8.8 6.9 6.73 25.35 1,658 5.32 271.2 3.34 2.08 79.3 12.98 7.99 0.137 2.7 3.35 4.1 1.03 24.9 4.21 5.53 2.55 2.01 2.25 9.15 11 8.6 3.18 122.5 5.3 1,335 0.84 0.34 45.1 82.6 8.02 1.8 1.12 0.49 4.96 0.75 11.66

SERVICES 14.48 24.95 1.4 0.495 0.045 13.96 5.04 9.38 0.054 71 8.98 7 6.73 29.9 1,662 5.35 280 3.37 2.08 79.5 12.98 7.99 0.14 2.79 3.75 4.22 1.04 24.95 4.24 5.55 2.56 2.16 2.39 9.21 11 8.7 3.4 122.5 5.3 1,340 0.84 0.35 45.3 83 8.02 1.82 1.12 0.5 4.99 0.76 11.8

6,900 23,400 2,000 7,280,000 9,500,000 800 2,700 1,518,700 11,820,000 166,240 1,200 227,800 11,400 1,461,200 6,145 78,900 7,570 498,000 16,000 1,037,080 600 15,000 6,590,000 5,016,000 456,000 1,187,000 133,000 704,400 100,000 2,927,800 496,000 1,070,000 68,000 1,101,300 2,400 5,600 8,000 660 610,000 46,860 1,519,000 200,000 302,900 41,380 27,100 3,595,000 556,000 133,369,000 3,246,000 1,528,000 1,453,800

99,852 581,515 2,800 3,661,300 425,500 11,168 13,725 14,251,878 636,880 11,950,465.50 10,614 1,595,793 76,736 41,434,670 10,212,485 422,491 2,095,034 1,678,510 33,280 82,441,094.50 7,788 119,850 916,590 14,083,230 1,667,010 5,004,270 137,850 17,614,010 427,480 16,209,570 1,275,580 2,288,140 163,280 10,142,872 26,400 48,190 26,760 81,592 3,255,732 62,778,415 1,289,500 69,100 13,719,150 3,432,159.50 217,343 6,561,580 626,190 68,061,295 16,150,190 1,158,350 17,207,504

-8,652 -50,400 -22,500 -8,692,026 -4,681,893.50 -454,540 -42,410 3,614,580 6,780 45,752,988.50 947,490 11,100 229,040 2,425,000 -33,920 14,386,932 129,620 327,792 14,998 107,780 12,523,155 -508,190 -4,102,885 -3,229,037 -413,930 -225,820.00 -376,490 -7,444,960 -335,560 482,170

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

0.0025 1.46 21.5 1.45 1.48 1.78 0.295 7.43 2.11 0.235 0.122 0.127 1.46 4.45 1.24 1.24 0.012 0.012 0.012 2.94 4.36 9.96 31.85

0.0025 1.46 22.8 1.45 1.48 1.79 0.295 7.79 2.12 0.235 0.124 0.127 1.5 4.53 1.25 1.24 0.012 0.012 0.013 3.06 4.45 10 31.9

0.0024 1.41 20 1.45 1.48 1.75 0.295 7.43 2.1 0.215 0.121 0.127 1.46 4.33 1.21 1.12 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.94 4.29 9.8 31.5

MINING & OIL 0.0025 112,000,000 1.42 1,227,000 22.8 17,000 1.45 20,000 1.48 17,000 1.79 2,733,000 0.295 30,000 7.77 2,200 2.1 1,703,000 0.222 3,480,000 0.121 3,360,000 0.127 140,000 1.5 280,000 4.34 677,000 1.21 1,040,000 1.12 9,997,000 0.012 7,800,000 0.012 12,300,000 0.012 69,200,000 3.04 843,000 4.45 505,000 9.88 864,300 31.65 451,700

278,100 1,747,590 355,715 29,000 25,160 4,845,470 8,850 17,062 3,584,820 763,850 408,840 17,780 414,400 2,980,090 1,274,740 11,691,580 93,600 147,600 804,800 2,543,110 2,173,020 8,548,885 14,305,500

37,180 19,470 4,200 422,920 -826,600 123,200 -123,600 9,120 -341,848 -7,706,895

ABS HLDG PDR FGEN PREF F FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF B LR PREF PCOR PREF 2A PNX PREF 3A SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

20.75 102 107 501.5 987.5 1.03 1,030 103.8 76 79.4 75.1 75.5 75.4 75.6 75.45

21 102 107 501.5 987.5 1.03 1,042 103.8 76 79.4 75.1 75.5 75.4 75.6 75.45

20.3 102 107 501.5 970 1.03 1,030 103.8 76 79.4 75.1 75.3 75.3 75.5 75.45

PREFERRED 20.3 254,700 102 40 107 170 501.5 190 970 1,040 1.03 118,000 1,042 180 103.8 600 76 1,190 79.4 20 75.1 10,300 75.3 19,600 75.3 69,030 75.5 1,800 75.45 1,000

5,254,705 4,080 18,190 95,285 1,017,725 121,540 186,930 62,280 90,440 1,588 773,530 1,478,540 5,198,059 136,050 75,450

-3,111,985 485,000 -

LR WARRANT

2.36

2.43

2.32

WARRANTS 2.41 69,000

164,710

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.12 3.16

5.12 3.18

5.02 3.1

5.06 3.15

1,050,643 2,263,190

-9,631 -157,200

FIRST METRO ETF

110.1

110.1

110.1

5,505

-

USD DMPL A1

10.1

10.1

10.1

99,687

-

MS

PROPERTY 7.25 0.97 14.4 1.87 0.71 37.1 3.15 4.65 5.82 0.435 0.9 0.89 0.218 0.415 8.76 25.25 0.61 1.43 1.2 1.4 4.54 0.62 0.45 0.52 3.7 19.78 2

158,500 594,000 10,800 34,000 208,000 4,100,100 319,000 706,000 100 610,000 53,000 218,000 2,160,000 10,000 324,900 339,400 42,000 2,395,000 632,000 5,128,000 5,474,000 104,737,000 2,090,000 461,000 2,885,000 207,500 11,000

1,148,894 571,160 153,200 63,580 148,260 152,179,645 1,011,500 3,267,520 582 264,450 47,700 192,120 474,040 4,150 2,899,038 8,584,000 25,600 3,456,850 758,390 7,284,100 24,945,430 64,838,400 929,400 234,880 10,487,830 4,074,302 22,000

-69,650 7,680 -2,900 -59,135,525 -828,320 -34,400 364,980 183,300 -7,269,030 -200,470 -166,320 195,982 -

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

15,283,971

INDUSTRIAL

90,871,494

HOLDING FIRMS

232,740,880

PROPERTY

142,658,499

SERVICES

208,600,623

MINING & OIL

228,755,906

GRAND TOTAL

919,843,626

SME

207,600 724,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 110.1 50 10.1

DDS

9,870

VALUE 1,823.83 (down) -1.91 1,084,893,701.48 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,470.73 (up) 23 623,333,187.51 HOLDING FIRMS 7,249.75 (down) -55.2 630,316,257.49 PROPERTY 3,589.11 (down) -23.8 1,429.19 (down) -2.72 465,894,402.46 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,659.65 (down) -60.48 1,412,629,786.39 PSEI 7,369.44 (down) -29.74 57,073,941.893 All Shares Index 4,462.6 (down) -12.29 4,277,463,411.42 Gainers: 82; Losers: 90; Unchanged: 55; Total: 227

Aboitiz unit finally gets Naga power plant in Cebu

By Alena Mae S. Flores POWER Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. on Monday turned over the 153.1-megawatt Naga power plant complex in Cebu province to Aboitiz Power Corp. unit Therma Power Visayas Inc. “Our team has taken possession of the power plant complex and are now assessing the facility in preparation for maintenance and rehabilitation works.

We are also conducting an inventory of the assets on site,” Therma Power chief operating officer Celso Caballero said in a statement.

Caballero thanked PSALM for the turnover process, adding “we look forward to our partnership with the local government of Naga.”

The company received the certificate of effectivity from PSALM in May to initiate the purchase of the facility.

The certificate implements the Sept.

28, 2015 decision of the Supreme Court, which upheld the April 30, 2014 award of the facility to Therma Power. The Naga Power Plant Complex is composed of diesel and coal power plants with a combined capacity of 153.1 MW. The Naga complex consists of the 52.5-megawatt Cebu 1 and 56.8-MW Cebu 2 coal-fired thermal power plants, and the 43.8-MW Cebu diesel power plant 1 composed of six 7.3MW bunker-C fed power units.

“We appreciate the decision of PSALM and we look forward to operating the facility and contribute to securing the energy needs of the Visayas,” Aboitiz Power president and chief operating officer Antonio Moraza said earlier.

The Supreme Court directed the reinstatement of the notice of award to Therma Power in February last year.

The Supreme Court issued the order after former senator Serio Osmeña III cited the right of SPC Power Corp. to top the highest bidder.

Aboitiz Power is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services.

Funds raised from equities, bonds may reach P773b this year

By Jenniffer B. Austria FUNDS raised from the bond and equities markets are expected to increase seven percent this year to P773 billion from P724 billion in 2017 as companies finance their expansion plans, First Metro Investment Corp. said in a briefing Monday.

FMIC head of Investment Banking Group Jose Pacifico Marcelo said while capital raising activities in the first half of the year was down 11 percent to P327 billion, corporate bonds offerings were expected to accelerate in the second half of the year after the weak start.

Marcelo said equity issuances would hit P220 billion in 2018, up 79 percent from P138 billion in 2017, while bond floats both from corporate and government issues would likely reach P553 billion in 2018.

Marcelo said corporate bond issuances amounted to just P55 billion in the first half of the year. But he expects corporate bond offerings in the second half of the year to reach P190 billion.

“With inflation expected to taper off and as issuers gain comfort with high interest rate environment, capital raising will stage a mild recovery in the second half of the year,” Marcelo said.

Marcelo, meanwhile, said he was not to keen on initial public offerings given the current market conditions.

So far, only one company, DM Wenceslao & Associates Inc., was listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange this year.

There are two pending IPOs, namely Del Monte Philippines Inc. and CalComp Technology (Philippines) Inc. The market is also waiting for the planned $3-billion follow on-offering of San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. SMFB has indicated plans to push through with the follow-on offering before the end of the year pending regulatory approvals.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

World

TODAY

Heat stifles cleanup in flooded areas TOKYO―A blistering heatwave smothered swathes of flood-hit western Japan Monday, hampering cleanup efforts as the survivors and relief workers toil in stifling temperatures a week after the devastating inundations that killed more than 200 people.

Tens of thousands of rescue workers are still digging through the debris for bodies after Japan’s worst weatherrelated disaster in over three decades, which saw record downpours spark flash flooding and landslides across the region.

The toll of 219 is expected to continue to rise, with at least 21 still missing, while the punishing heatwave has pushed the thermometer above 35C (95F) and raised fears for vulnerable people.

Some 4,700 survivors were forced to evacuate the disaster area, where homes were reduced to rubble by the floods and landslides.

Many remain in shelters, while others have been left without water supply.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga warned survivors, volunteers and the 64,000 rescue workers in the disaster zone of the dangers of heatstroke.

“We are operating in tough conditions, with a severe heatwave in this region,” Koji Kunitomi, a spokesman at the disaster management department in flood-hit Okayama prefecture, told AFP. Sweltering summer weather has swept across Japan in recent days, sending temperatures surging just days after the record rainfall.

The country’s meteorological agency has warned that the heat is “more severe” than normal, with temperatures in Okayama hitting a high of 36.8C on Monday, compared to an average high of 31C in the city.

On Sunday, local media reported that three people had died and more than 2,000 were sent to hospital across the nation due to heatstroke.

Television footage of the relief efforts in western Japan showed survivors and volunteers struggling to clear debris under the intense sun. AFP

Migrants left alone in desert NIAMEY, Niger― Nearly 600 African migrants in Algeria were abandoned in the desert with hardly any food and water before being rescued, an official in neighboring Niger said on Sunday.

Rights groups have accused the Algerian authorities of arbitrarily arresting and deporting migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and sometimes dumping them in the desert, charges vehemently denied by the government.

“Three days ago a first wave of 180 Nigeriens arrived in Agadez followed by another wave of at least 400 foreigners,” a senior municipal official in the northern Niger city told AFP. Agadez, known as the gateway to the Sahara, has become a key hub for African migrants trying to reach Europe.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the migrants, including children and many women, had been “abandoned” in “the usual atrocious conditions near the border with Niger”.

“According to the migrants, they were taken close to the border and dumped,” he said.

“Left with a minimum of food and water [they] walked a good 50 kilometers before being rescued.” AFP

B3

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cave divers were given immunity S YDNEY―Two Australian divers who helped extract the young football team trapped in a Thai cave obtained diplomatic immunity before the rescue in case it failed, national broadcaster ABC reported Monday.

The “Wild Boars” team were stuck in the cave in northern Thailand for 18 days before Thai Navy SEALs and international cave diving experts successfully removed them in a highly risky, three-day-long operation.

Anesthetist Richard Harris and his

FASHION FAIR. A

model walks the runway for Maaji during the Paraiso Fashion Fair at The Paraiso Tent on July 15, 2018 in Miami Beach, Florida. AFP

INVITATION TO BID for Construction of Farmer’s Training Center Solicitation No. PANG-2018-1054

-versusFRE NO. 12300 SPOUSES ARNOLD B. HERNANDEZ AND MAILI A. HERNANDEZ Mortgagor/s. x------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER ACT 3135 (AS AMENDED) Upon extra-judicial petition under ACT 3135, as amended by ACT 4118, and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Deed of Real Estate Mortgage executed on January 08, 2016 by Spouses ARNOLD B. HERNANDEZ and MAILI A. HERNANDEZ – (1) Lot 5, Block 1 Goldridge Estate, Sta. Cruz, Guiguinto, Bulacan, and (2) Unit No. 2712, 27th Floor, Berkeley Residences, Katipunan Avenue cor. J. Escaler St, Quezon City: Mortgagor/s in favor of BDO UNIBANK, INC., Mortgagee/s to satisfy the mortgage debt in the amount of P1,413,525.04 as of May 21, 2018 inclusive of interest, penalties and other charges, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City and/or his duly authorized Deputy Sheriff, hereby announces that on AUGUST 8, 2018, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., at the Office of the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, will SELL at public auction to the highest bidder and for cash, in Philippine currency, the following described real property with all the improvements existing thereon to wit:

The Province of Pangasinan, through the Due to NGAS F.Y. 2014 Collection of Burley & Native Excise Taxes (PR32018-06-6037)1 intends to apply the sum of Twenty-Four Million Eight Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Eight Hundred Four Pesos (P24,866,804.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Construction of Farmer’s Training Center at PAGO, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The Province of Pangasinan now invites bids for Construction of Farmer’s Building.2 Completion of the Works is required Five Hundred Ninety-Five (595) Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

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

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Province of Pangasinan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from July 13, 2018 – August 3, 2018; 8:00am to 5:00pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidders on July 13, 2018 – August 3, 2018; 8:00am to 5:00pm at the BAC Office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos (P25,000.00)

2.

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

“27th Floor (Residential Unit), Unit No. 2712, BERKELEY RESIDENCES, consisting of Studio Unit, with a total area of 19.65 SQ.M. MORE OR LESS. In the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE N-313511; N-313513; N-313323 which embraces and describes the land located at KATIPUNAN AVENUE CORNER ESCALER STREET, LOYOLA HEIGHTS, QUEZON CITY – with an area of THREE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO and NINETY (3,152.90) Square Meter and is registered in the name of: Sps. Arnold B. Hernandez and Maili A. Hernandez, both of legal age.”

6.

The Province of Pangasinan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on July 20, 2018; 2:00pm at BAC Office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan, which shall be open to all interested parties.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before August 3, 2018; 10:00am. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

3.

4.

5.

Bids opening shall be on August 3, 2018; 10:00am at Conference Room 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned at the aforesaid Office on the above stated time and date.

Interested parties are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title to the said property and the encumbrances thereon if any there be.

8.

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

9.

For further information, please refer to:

6.

HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman

In the event that public auction should not take place on said date due to fortuitous event or if the same be declared a non-working holiday, if shall be held on AUGUST 15, 2018, at the same time and place without further notice.

7.

Provincial Budget Office Finance Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pnagsinan 075 5426574

Quezon City, Metro Manila, JULY 5, 2018.

8.

EDWIN B. MENDOZA Supervising Admin. Officer BAC Secretariat

(Sgd.) ARNULFO O. LIM Sheriff IV (Sgd.) GREGORIO C. TALLUD Clerk of Court VII & Ex-Officio Sheriff

BAC Office 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan 075 6327840

WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface, or destroy this Notice of ExtraJudicial Sale of Real Property on or before the date of auction sale under penalty of the law.

(SGD.) HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman 1

2 3

(MStandard-July 10, 17 & 24, 2018)

1.

1.

CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 004-2015008673 Registry of Deeds-Quezon City

BDO UNIBANK, INC. (formerly BANDO DE ORO UNIBANK, INC.) 11th Floor, South Tower, BDO Corporate Center, 7899 Makati Avenue, Makati City

HELSINKI―US President Donald Trump headed into a summit with Vladimir Putin on Monday, determined to overcome diplomatic tensions and forge a personal bond with the Kremlin chief.

If Trump’s instinct proves right and the pair find common ground, then the Helsinki summit may take the heat out of some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts.

But the Washington-Moscow rivalry has rarely been more bitter and there are many points of friction that could yet spoil Trump’s hoped-for friendship.

Trump began the day’s talks by meeting with Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto, who has lent his harbor-front palace for the occasion.

But first he took a moment to fire a Twitter broadside at his domestic opponents, blaming the diplomatic chill on the investigation into Russian election meddling.

“Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!”

Trump tweeted.

After a stormy NATO summit in Brussels last week, Trump was ac-

2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan Tel. No. (075) 632-7840 Website@biddingandawards.pangasinan gov.ph, E-mail address: bacpangasinan@yahoo.com

BDO UNIBANK, INC., Mortgagee/s,

ARNOLD B. HERNANDEZ and MAILI A. HERNANDEZ Lot 5, Block 1 Goldridge Estate, Sta. Cruz, Guiguinto Bulacan Unit No. 27212, 27th Floor.

Berkeley Residences, Katipunan Avenue, cor. J. Escaler St., Quezon City

turning home.

“It wasn’t dangerous for us, but I can’t emphasize enough how dangerous it was for the kids,” he told Perth’s Sunday Times.

The children were sedated to the point that “they didn’t know what was going on” to prevent them from panicking as they were led by the divers along the tight corridors, Challen added.

“They had drugs. We could not have panicking kids in there, they would have killed themselves and possibly killed the rescuer as well.”

The divers said they trained above ground with local children at a nearby pool, before practicing with the trapped boys by getting them used to donning wet suits, buoyancy jackets and full-face masks.

Navigating through one narrow section of the tunnel in pitch darkness was particularly challenging, British diver Jason Mallinson told the ABC. “The only time you find out about [the section] is when your head bangs against the wall,” he said, describing his efforts to squeeze one boy he was rescuing through each obstacle.

“I was confident of getting the kid out.

I wasn’t 100 percent confident of getting him out alive.

“Because if we bashed him against a rock too hard and it dislodged that mask and flooded his mask, he was a goner...

We didn’t have a backup device for them. It was that mask or nothing.”

Doctors say the boys, who are recovering in hospital after their extraction last week, are in good health. AFP

Trump, Putin test relations in their showdown in the Baltic

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF QUEZON CITY

Copy Furnished:

diving partner Craig Challen, both cave diving specialists, played key roles in the rescue.

Their participation came after the negotiations between Australian and Thai authorities accorded them diplomatic immunity to protect them from possible prosecution if anything went awry during the treacherous mission, ABC reported, citing an official source.

Australia’s foreign affairs department declined to confirm or deny the report, referring questions about the planning and implementation of the rescue to Thai officials.

The mission was “absolutely life and death” and the cave diving specialists were uncertain if they would be able to successfully save all 12 boys and their coach, Challen told local media after re-

In the case of National Government Agencies, the General Appropriations Act and/or continuing appropriations; in the case of GOCCs, GFIs, and SUCs, the Corporate Budget for the contract approved by the governing Boards; in the case of (LGUs, the Budget for the contract approved by the respective Sanggunian. (Section 5(a), R.A. 9184) A brief description of the type(s) of Goods should be provided, including quantities, location of project, and other information necessary to enable potential bidders to decide whether or not to respond to the invitation.

May be deleted in case the ABC is less than One Million Pesos (PhP1,000,000) where the Procuring Entity may not hold a Pre-Bid Conference.

(MS-JULY 17, 2018)

1

2 3

cused by critics of cozying up to Putin while undermining the alliance.

But, over breakfast with Niinisto, he insisted NATO “has never been stronger” and “never been more together” thanks to his insistence on all allies paying their fair share.

With Washington and Moscow at loggerheads over Syria, Ukraine and election interference, even Trump has cautioned that he is not approaching the Putin summit “with high expectations”.

The brash billionaire property magnate has been president for 18 months, while the 65-year-old former KGB officer has run Russia for the past 18 years.

But the 72-year-old US leader nevertheless has a high opinion of his ability to woo tough opponents, such as North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, whom he met at a summit last month.

“I think it’s a good thing to meet.

I do believe in meetings,” Trump insisted in an interview with CBS News that aired before he touched down in Helsinki.

In the same interview, Trump admitted that Russia remains a foe, but he put Moscow on a par with China and the European Union as economic and diplomatic rivals. AFP

2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan Tel. No. (075) 632-7840 Website@biddingandawards.pangasinan gov.ph, E-mail address: bacpangasinan@yahoo.com INVITATION TO BID for Delivery of 119 units Hand Tractor Solicitation No. PANG-2018-1051 The Province of Pangasinan, through the CY 2015 Collection of Tobacco Excise Tax (PR#2018-076139)1 intends to apply the sum of Twenty-One Million Four Hundred Forty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Seventy Pesos (P21,448,270.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Delivery of 119 units Hand Tractor at PGO, Lingayen, Pangasinan . Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

ENGINE

Specifications: Rated Horse Power, 8Hp Type, Horizontal, Water Cooled 4 Cycle Diesel Engine No. of Cylinder – 1 Bore x Stroke (mm) – 82 x 84 Con. Rated Output Kx/s-1 (rps) – 5.2/36.7Hp/min. – 1 (rpm) – 7/2200 Fuel – Diesel Starting System Manual Speed Cooling Water Capacity – 1.6 TRANSMISSION

Specifications: 60-60 Transmission (upper and lower chain sprocket drive) Single axle and pulley type The Handle Bar (cold blend) would be made of GI Pipe (sched 40) with diameter of 25mm to 35mm) Hitch assembly (hook type) 3.0mm MS plate 1” diameter Thread Shaft ACCESSORIES With paddy cage wheel and brand pneumatic tire WITH EMPLEMENTS 2 Bottom disc plow including 1 disc guide and frame assembly Comb Harrow, Spiral Cage Wheel Each Tractor unit shall provided with the following tools: 3 open wrenches 1 pc. Adjustable wrench Operators Manual TRAILER

Specifications: With heavy duty trailer pre-painted, GI Sheet No. 16 on side, Flat Bar Flooring (2”x3/16) Minimum capacity 1Mt With Tail Light Chasis made of 4 inches C-Bar (double) Tire R14, 6 ply with tire tubes, 5 stud rim 15, Brand New Rubber Wheel The Province of Pangasinan now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of Hand Tractor.2 Delivery of the Goods is required Seven (7) Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Province of Pangasinan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during July 13, 2018 – August 3, 2018; 8:00 am to 5:00pm.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on July 13, 2018 – August 3, 2018 at the BAC office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Lingayen, Pangasinan and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Three Thousand Pesos (P21,000.00).

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

3 The Province of Pangasinan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on July 20, 2018; 10:00am at BAC office, 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before August 3, 2018; 10:00am. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on August 3, 2018; 10:00am at Conference Room 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

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

For further information, please refer to: HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman Provincial Budget Office Finance Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan 075 5426574 EDWIN B. MENDOZA Supervising Admin. Officer BAC Secretariat BAC Office 2nd Floor Malong Building, Capitol Compound Lingayen, Pangasinan 075 6327840 (SGD.) HILARIA J. CLAVERIA Provincial Budget Officer BAC Chairman

In the case of National Government Agencies, the General Appropriations Act and/or continuing appropriations; in the case of GOCCs, GFIs, and SUCs, the Corporate Budget for the contract approved by the governing Boards; in the case of (LGUs, the Budget for the contract approved by the respective Sanggunian. (Section 5(a), R.A. 9184) A brief description of the type(s) of Goods should be provided, including quantities, location of project, and other information necessary to enable potential bidders to decide whether or not to respond to the invitation.

May be deleted in case the ABC is less than One Million Pesos (PhP1,000,000) where the Procuring Entity may not hold a Pre-Bid Conference.

(MS-JULY 17, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

B4

tuesday, july 17, 2018

QC teachers gain lapel microphones for better teaching

By Rio N. Araja QUeZON City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte has distributed 3,358 lapel microphones to public school teachers in a city-wide campaign to assist them in teaching more effectively to a growing number of students.

“The [distribution of] lapel [mics] is not my concept. This is what you have asked for during a consultation with the teachers.

I have asked you what else do you need,” Belmonte said in a speech to the teachers.

A total of 1,262 lapel microphones were distributed to junior high school teachers, and 2,096 lapel microphones to elementary school teachers from District 1, 3 and 4.

The vice mayor also reiterated her pledge to complete other items on the “wish list” of public school teachers.

“I owe you. The principals know that. You have asked for electric fans at the classrooms,” she said.

Belmonte, who is running for mayor in next year’s elections, said she would be giving out a sound system, too.

She reminded teachers to stay patient since the “promised” equipment would still undergo bidding, but the sound systems requested may already be distributed by Christmas.

As presiding officer of the city council, Belmonte assured teachers that the council is committed to assisting teachers by also raising the allowances they receive from the local government.

JBros takes lead, files papers for NBI BHS probe The winning contractor of the controversial Barangay health Stations project on Monday said it has submitted “complete documents” to the National Bureau of Investigation to disprove allegations of anomalies made by health Secretary Francisco Duque III last week in a Senate hearing.

While it welcomed the NBI’s factfinding probe into the issue as ordered by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also last week, JBros said it had “made the first move” by filing the documents on the BhS the bureau would need “to determine the truth and the facts of the case and to disprove the allegations made by Duque, apparently to avoid paying JBros P2.9 billion the Doh owes the contractor.”

In a letter to NBI Anti-Graft Division chief Rachel Marfil Angeles, with the pertinent documents attached, Atty. Simonette Sibal-Pulido, who represents JBros, said the contracting firm has been “unjustly and unfairly maligned before the media for the failure of the BhS project.”

Sibal-Pulido added that JBros “trusts that after due investigation, appropriate criminal charges will be brought against officials who have violated the law.”

The BhS project, implemented under then-health Secretary Janette Garin and the Aquino administration, aimed to establish 5,700 rural health units to ensure barangays have access to primary health care. Public elementary schools were to be identified as sites for the health stations. however, a task force the Department of health created last April found only 270 barangay health stations out of 429 under JBros’ contract were completed. Of these, only eight had complete documents, the Duqueformed panel said.

PHILGARMENT EXPO. Trade Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Group Ceferino Rodolfo (third from left) meets with industry representatives for the upcoming Philippine Garment and Leathergoods Industries and Fabric Expo on Aug. 23 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

With Rodolfo are (from left) William King, corporate secretary of the Textile Producers Association of the Philippines (TEXPAP); Maritess Jocson-Agoncillo, Executive Director of the Confederation of Garment Exporters of the Philippines (CONGEP); Andrew Kay, managing director of CP Exhibition LTD, expo co-organizer; Marisa Nallana, president of Philippine Exhibitions and Trade Corporation (PETCO), expo co-organizer; Noel Box, Marikina Shoe Industry Development Office (MASIDO) OIC; Dr. Clarissa Badong, MASIDO consultant; and Ms. Hazel Zaballero of CONGEP. For details, call 8320305 or 8320304 or email joy.fojas@petcogroup.com.

LGUs LocaL government units

MASS CPR DEMO. To raise awareness on basic life support in times of disasters and calamities, the local government of Muntinlupa and Philippine Heart Association launched the

Simultaneous Mass Demo of Hands Only CPR on Monday. Around 700 volunteers from local communities and the private sector performed a hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Barangay Tunasan. The demonstration is part of the month-long celebration of National Disaster Consciousness Month in Muntinlupa City.

Women’s greater role in Marawi rehab seen

By Nash B. Maulana

M

ARAWI CITY— Maranao women should sustain a greater role in all recovery efforts for this war-torn city, even as they draw inspiration from the Gender and Development experience in Maguindanao’s areas of conflict, officials and residents said.

Lanao Sur Gov. Bejoria Soraya Alonto-Adiong and her son, Vice Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr., invited Maguindanao Governor esmael Mangudadatu to a day-long forum Monday to share the neighboring province’s GAD experience amid a string of armed conflicts there.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has recognized success in Maguindanao’s gender programs, including its “Go Negosyo” for mothers, anti-trafficking in persons, stress debriefing services, and other forms of psychosocial intervention to

abused women and children.

The considerable success in Maguindanao’s gender-based programs and projects had prompted OPAPP to recommend to the Lanao Sur GAD unit to review the Maguindanao experience as a model for gender-based social recovery programs. earlier, the OPAPP cited Mangudadatu as GAD champion.

Mangudadatu said he acknowledged that the Maranao people have had great leaders, including one of the country’s first woman provincial governors— Princess Tarhata Alonto-Lucman. Dur-

ing her time in the ‘70’s, Alonto-Lucman’s only known counterparts in the north were Governor Aurora Crisologo of Ilocos Sur and Imelda RomualdezMarcos of Metro Manila.

The Maguindanao governor said his province’s intervention for Maranao families’ collective recovery from the Marawi armed conf lict is “now focused on sustainability of rehabilitation efforts in terms of helping restore the socio-economic activities, and the venues of microeconomics in the trading endeavor of many Maranao families with distinct tradition of excellence marking their handicrafts.”

Adiong acknowledged the assistance extended by Mangudadatu even in the height of the locals’ need for support to relief operations for families displaced from Marawi’s center of commerce, which had been occupied by armed extremists last year.

BOOK FOR LAGUNA KIDS.

Laguna Vice Gov. Karen Agapay (standing, fourth from left) and Sta. Maria, Laguna Mayor Tony Carolino (beside Agapay in green shirt) present students with books from the ‘Aklat Kaagapay sa Edukasyon’ program. Also, in photo are former Sta. Maria mayor Cindy Carolino, ABC president Felix Manigbas, chairman Joren Geronimo, and captain Raul Nitro.

Roy Tomandao

Inmates benefit from ZamPen chicken tech

By Butch Gunio ZAMBOANGA CITY—Inmates at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Colony here are benefitting to Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development’s ZamPen native chicken technology.

The project was started in 2016 and funded by PCAARRD in collaboration with Western Mindanao Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium and the Bureau of Corrections, according to Dr. Teresita Narvaez, Western Mindanao State University Vice President for Resource Generation who directs the consortium.

Narvaez said inmates raise the chickens native to the Zamboanga Peninsula—hence ZamPen—“science-based” and free-range.

Technologies and protocol were developed by WMSU on the management of the native chickens—from hatching, day-old, hardening, and up to the time the birds become ready for breeding.

It also includes selecting and purifying the strain and developing the health protocol and feeding management system that are adopted in the project.

Narvaez said PCAARRD provided funding for chicken strain purification in three regions, including Region 9, and the sustainability of ZamPen native chicken technology.

The WMSU College of Agriculture, she added, is only 20 hectares large, so the agreement with the penal colony provided the needed area for technology development.

Inmates are close to Narvaez’s heart since her father was once incarcerated, she revealed.

The project provides a supply of ZamPen chickens to other farmer-cooperators who adopted the technology.

SSS to get P1.42m from delinquent Davao employers via RACE

DAVAO CITY—The Social Security System conducted the fourth leg of its regional campaign of the Run After Contribution evaders program here on Monday, expecting to collect some P1.42 million from two delinquent employers.

SSS president and chief executive officer emmanuel F. Dooc said two delinquent employers were not remitting SSS contributions, one employer was

responsible for non-reporting of employees, and four for non-registration of businesses to SSS. “Based on the reports submitted by SSS Davao branch, about 30 percent of the identified establishments are hardcore violators of the SSS Law. That’s why we selected this area as our next stop for the RACe Campaign to show how serious we are in eradicating illegal practices of these

employers,” Dooc said.

Business establishments that were reprimanded for non-remittance of contributions are RJK Luminous Builders and CeLARLeNe Manpower Services.

During the operations, the SSS also gave stern warning to Royal Valley Fashion Accessories for non-reporting of employees; and to Skycellbronze Trading, I Smart, S and A Fashion, and

Z Toys and Candies for non-registration of business to SSS. All seven delinquent employers received Show Cause Orders requiring them to respond within 15 days from posting to the nearest SSS branch. They were also required to register their businesses to SSS, report all their employees, and pay the principal delinquency including the accrued penalties.

PNP in N. Vizcaya to stage shootfest

By Ben Moses Ebreo BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—The Philippine National Police office here has sponsored a three-day Shootfest for policemen and civilians gun owners and enthusiasts.

Police Senior Supt. Jeremias Aglugub, provincial director, said the Shootfest intends to train policemen and civilians on proper gun handling and shooting.

To be held at the Batara Firing Range in barangay Masoc in this town, the Shootfest was sanctioned as a Level 2 event by the Philippine Practical Shooting Association.

“While this will serve as a venue to

hone the shooting and gun handling skills of our policemen, it is also open for civilian gun owners and enthusiasts within and outside the province,” Aglugub said. he said the activity is also expected to foster camaraderie and brotherhood among police officers and civilians as responsible gun owners.

Aglugub said shootfests are being done by the PNP nationwide to promote responsible gun ownership and train policemen on gun safety, handling and shooting proficiency. he said the Shootfest is expected to draw civilian, police, and military shooters from Cagayan Valley and other regions.

Life

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

health and environment

@MstandardlIFe tuesday, july 17, 2018

A boost for a busy

lifestyle H

arsH studio lights take a toll on the skin. a long and demanding work day drains the body. But TV host, model, and travel and lifestyle entrepreneur Janelle Tee has a companion in a cup that helps her see through a hectic work day.

Tee drinks local coffee blend brand Kaffea regularly because, according to her, it provides her with energy and helps improve her skin texture and elasticity.

Kaffea helps because it is rich in collagen which strengthens the muscles, tendons, and joints, as well as tightens the skin, which in turn makes a person look well-nourished and glowing.

“I enjoy Kaffea because it’s a delicious premium coffee blend that helps regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure, promotes a healthy digestive system, burns excess fat with L-Carnitine, and dramatically improves skin texture and elasticity with collagen and glutathione,” said Tee during the recent National arts and Crafts Fair held at the Megatrade Hall in sM Megamall.

The lovely TV host took a time off her hectic schedule to help sell Kaffea during the fair, which featured 150 micro, small, and medium enterprises from different regions across the country.

The local brand is the first ready-to-drink coffee blend in the Philippines that uses coconut sugar as its sweetener, which provides calcium and potassium. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

It is formulated with a non-dairy creamer beneficial for those who are lactose intolerant. In addition, it is infused with agaricus mushroom which boosts the immune system, prevents heart diseases, strengthens weak bones, and alleviates chronic and acute allergies.

The ganoderma in Kaffea has anti-cancer properties and helps balance the good and bad cholesterol, prevent bronchitis and asthma, and prevent urinary tract infections.

It also has grape seed extract, a powerful antioxidant that naturally helps remove toxins from the body, as well as CoQ10 that protects the body from damage caused by harmful molecules.

Kaffea can be taken by pregnant women. It is vegan, gluten-free, chemical-free, paraben-free, and silicon-free. It is halal and prepared cruelty-free.

Kaffea is available nationwide at Rustan’s, Shopwise, SM Hypermarket Bazaar, SM Market Street, SM Kultura, CityMall GoLokal stores, and online at lazada.com. ph (available at a discounted price) and beautymnl.com. Call TV host Janelle Tee helps sell Kaffea at the National Arts and Crafts Fair (02) 477-9920 for inquiries.

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Wash away toxins Detoxification and other interventions help flush toxins and rejuvenate the body.

IN THIs fast paced world, it’s quite easy to be drowned in routine tasks and develop unhealthy lifestyle habits. When you have mounting responsibilities, pausing to rest and recover becomes a luxury. stress and daily exposure to toxins often result in burn out and toxicity: individuals experience low energy, poor health, weight problems, difficulty in concentrating, and attitude of indifference to everything.

Flushing toxins out of our system requires detoxification process; interventions combined with relaxing thermal and spa as well as calorie-burning activities help rid the body of psychoemotional stress.

The Farm at san Benito, a medical and wellness resort in Lipa City, Batangas, offers medically-guided fasting, treatments, physical movement, and fitness activities to eliminate toxins from within while restoring the body’s optimum ability to restore nutrients.

It also offers a science-based detoxification, weight management, and stress management programs that aid in reducing toxins, boosting overall immunity, and encouraging mental clarity that leads to improved lifestyle habits and interpersonal relationships.

The Farm’s personalized healing programs are delivered by caring medical doctors, nurses, and therapists.

all staff work with more than an element of love—service from the heart, and that is one of the reasons why it is named “The Best Medical Wellness resort in the World.”

Its serene and lush green environment provides the best setting for fast and effective healing. The place is shaded by trees and nearby mountains; there are vast tracts of landscape gardens interspersed with jungle and vegetable gardens. It is therefore an environment conducive to meditation, rejuvenation, and relaxation.

Further, it specializes in preventing and addressing some of the most alarming and prevalent lifestyle illnesses in today’s society: from obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, to occupational pain and mental health.

The Farm at san Benito is offering as much as 30 percent discount on all-inclusive health optimization programs including De-stress & revivify, Beauty & Vitality, Detox D’Lite, Weight Management/Diabetes Prevention & Heart Health, and Pain Management & Mental Health, as well as fitness and sports enhancement programs for those booking today until sept. 30.

Call (02) 884-8074 or email info@ thefarm.com.ph or visit www.thefarmatsanbenito.com for inquiries and more information.

Performance apparel brand tests athletes’ will aCTor and fitness buff JC de Vera understands the importance of working out; he finds time to go the gym despite his busy schedule because, he said, it helps him cope with stress due to work.

“I work out normally three to four times a week. I do a lot of exercises. I do sports, I play basketball, I box, and I run, so there’s a lot of cardio involved. There’s a lot of weightlifting for strength and a lot of agility and mobile workouts to increase flexibility,” he shared.

De Vera’s body may be used to physical strain of working out but when he joined Under armour’s Test of Will recently held at sM Megamall, he admitted to have had his will tested.

“Back at the gym, we already practiced the routine so my body was not surprised with the workout. But it’s different when everyone’s watching. You try to do more; you try to challenge yourself more. My will was really tested, I pushed my limits. I feel great that I finished the challenge,” related De Vera.

Test of Will is physical event organized by high performance sportswear label Under armour, wherein it promotes training and functional fitness to everyone—athletes and otherwise.

First launched in 2016, Test of Will has since been dubbed as asia’s most advanced urban fitness challenge that welcomes everyone with the will to train and a drive for competition.

Participants perform four exercises with the goal to finish as many reps as possible within one minute per each exercise. This year, the test consisted of over and Under (Hurdles), Deadball squats, Kettlebell Farmer Walks, and Bear Crawls.

“Test of Will is designed to work both the upper and lower body. It’s a test of endurance, stability, strength, f lexibility, and motion. The way that it’s structured, it only takes four minutes, so you don’t have to be really athletic to complete the challenge,” explained Yvonne Tey, marketing director of Under armour sports in southeast asia. she added, “It’s not about whether you can do a lot of reps or just five of them. It’s about coming out of your comfort zone to try the challenges.”

This year’s challenge saw the introduction of 18-34, 35-44, and 45 years old and above age categories which levelled the playing field and gave participants more opportunity to be named top male and top female in their age Turn to C2 JC de Vera puts his strength to a test as he tries out the obstacles at Test of Will.

The serene and lush green environment at The Farm provides the best setting for fast and effective healing.

Under Armour’s Test of Will 2018 challenges participants to do a circuit training that includes Over and Under Hurdles, Deadball Squats, Kettlebell Farmer Walks, and Bear Crawls.

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tuesday, ju juLy 17, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Life

Pregnancy 101:

5 things that happen during first trimester

T

he first 12 weeks of pregnancy can be overwhelming, especially to first-time mothers. Many changes happen to your body as the baby starts to develop inside your womb during the first trimester. Fret not, as, experts say, these things are normal and are in fact crucial to your baby’s development.

From feeling elated to feeling anxious, you might find yourself going through a rollercoaster of emotions caused by the sudden increase in estrogen and progesterone, which are types of hormones that regulate your mood.

These feelings are normal and will continue until your 10th week and again in your third trimester. Fight mood swings by slowing down and getting enough rest.

According to Dr. Ma. Neva Luna Batayola, it is important to know about the physical and emotional changes you will go through in the first three months of your pregnancy.

From morning sickness to constant urination, there are reasons behind the weird things that happen to your body during this crucial stage. here are five unusual—but normal— things that happen to your body during your first trimester:

an increase in blood production can cause your kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in your bladder. This will result in you having to urinate more often than usual.

There is no way you can control it but, you will just gradually improve over time. So keep yourself hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water every day to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Food aversions

Just like cravings, food aversion is often caused by the hormonal changes of pregnancy. In fact, it is possible to have an aversion towards food you used to enjoy and crave food that you did not like before. This is due to the heightened sense of smell and taste during pregnancy, which can make you feel nauseated. as such, you must learn that there are some food that should be avoided, which can be harmful to your baby, like raw eggs, raw meat, fish high in mercury, unpasteurized milk, caffeine, and many more.

Morning sickness

You will find out that morning sickness does not only strike during the early time of the day and will often begin during the first month of your pregnancy.

Strangely enough, nausea and vomiting may be a sign of a healthy pregnancy.

The reason behind these episodes is the scrambling of pregnancy hormones that

Mood swings

Constant urination

Tires easily

It is normal and you will understand that during this time, sleeping and napping are important. It is best to get enough rest by going to bed as early as possible. a healthy diet and exercise might also help in boosting your energy. a lot of physical changes would have taken place by the time you reach the end of your first trimester. hormones, mood swings, and fatigue will all play a part in how you feel about your pregnancy. Talk to a healthcare professional to help and guide you along the way.

Lastly, nutrition plays an important role in your baby’s development. Choosing the right maternal milk is key at this stage. ProMama is designed to support you during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, Many changes happen to a woman’s body during the first trimester of her pregnancy, but experts say these things are normal. and lactation. It is scientifically formulated with key nutrients needed for are starting to adjust to your uterus to avoid an empty stomach. Try eating it is important to note that morning fetal brain formation and developments prepare it for growth. your meals slowly in small amounts sickness might not happen to every in the womb, such as Folic acid, Dha, To relieve nausea, it is important to and drink plenty of water. however, pregnant woman.

Choline, and Iodine.

Performance...

From C1

group. The highest scoring male and female participants throughout the two-day competition, regardless of age group, won a cash prize each.

Test of Will is exemplary of Under armour’s “Will Finds a Way” mantra which positions sports, functional fitness, and a training lifestyle as platforms for breaking barriers, uniting, inspiring, and even changing the world through movement.

“There are people who may be intimidated by sports or the Under armour brand.

This is why we stage Test of Will so people can be motivated to begin their own fitness journey, continue it, or start targeting a new performance record,” said Mark Chan, president of athletes Pro Group, Inc., the local distributor of Under armour products in the Philippines.

The global Under armour label was launched in the Philippines in March 2015 and currently has seven brand houses in Metro Manila including Cebu, 18 participating stores in SM malls, and a total of 151 wholesale partners nationwide.

Landers opens

pharmacy

Landers Superstore opens its own brand of drugstore, Capital Care Pharmacy, in its ArcoVia City, Alabang West, and Cebu branches.

In a bid to provide a complete family shopping experience, membership-only superstore Landers opens its own brand of drugstore in its arcoVia City, alabang West, and Cebu branches.

“From providing members with an exclusive variety of top-notch brands and products, we are now giving access to health and wellness products with the opening of Capital Care Pharmacy,” said Lowell Yu, chairman of Southeastasia Retail Inc., the company behind Landers Superstore.

Capital Care Pharmacy carries high quality health and wellness products, such as branded and generic medicines, vitamins, and other medical supplies. It is manned by attentive and well-trained staff that greet customers with a warm smile and address each of their needs efficiently.

In keeping with Landers Superstore’s vast, well-lit aisles that give customers first-class shopping experience, Capital Care Pharmacy also features a cozy, expansive design. It emanates freshness and soothing calmness as it seeks to make customers feel immediately better and taken care of upon entering.

On top of that, the drugstore also offers competitive prices on both branded and generic medicines. Because it’s part of Landers Superstore, members can expect exclusive deals and exciting promos from Capital Care. Capital Care Pharmacy carries branded and generic medicines, vitamins, and medical supplies.

Go to landers.ph to know more.

Under Armour ambassador Gabb Rosario, a functional strength coach, puts his will to a test.

Entertainment

Coco not directing his new film with Vic ACCORDING to Coco Martin, he will not serve as director to the project he will star opposite Vic Sotto which is intended for the forthcoming Metro Manila Film Festival. The movie titled Popoy En Jack: The Puliscredibles will be under the helm of Mike Tuviera instead.

“Unlike last year when I directed my MMFF entry Panday, this time, it’s not possible since I’m directing my currently airing soap Ang Probinsyano on ABS-CBN. I believe Mike will do a great job considering his impressive track record. But I will be involved in the creative side,” Coco says.

This early, the popular actor is very excited with the project which is a coproduction among M-Zet, APT Entertainment and CCM Films.

“Who wouldn’t be? It will be my first time to work with Bosing and it’s a big honor. I’ve been very vocal in saying that I’m a huge fan of TVJ ever since. I’m grateful that he accepted my offer for a collaboration. I really conceptualized the project for the two of us. I’m simply happy that we were chosen.”

Reports have been circulating that Maine Mendoza will also be part of the film as his love interest.

“To be honest, we’re still finalizing things right now. But I’m very much open to the idea. Maine is one of those female stars whom I want to work with even before. I feel we both appeal to the masses. I just hope her camp will consider once we make the offer.”

Many ask when he’ll do a film again with good friend Vice Ganda. It can be remembered that their two previous MMFF entries in recent years were certified top-grossers.

“There’s no offer yet for us to do a film. I think he has also an entry this year and the plot is exciting, too. Regarding a possible team-up with him again in the coming days, who knows? We might be able to come up with a good concept.”

Is the misunderstanding

FOR such a long time, being a geek has had a negative implication. Movies and TV have often portrayed geeks as social outcasts and constant targets for bullies. Fast forward to today, society encourages individuality, allowing you to wave your geek flag high and proud.

The advent of the internet has more people banding together online, indulging in fandoms, discussing fan theories in forums, and helping each other discover new things to geek about.

And to mark everything that is geeky, we now have a day all to ourselves. Let’s start celebrating the different types of geeks we encounter every day: 1. The Box Office Master Citizen Kane, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, In the Mood for Love, these are just some of the films that movie geeks will most certainly have watched. They are infinitely fascinated by the styles of cinematic giants like Stanley Kubrick, Francis Ford Coppola, and Wong Kar-Wai. Movie geeks are as diverse as the genres and subgenres in the cinematic universe. They make movie watching more exciting giving insight into the inherent artistic value of a film you’re watching, they even have a movie line apt for almost any occasion.

2. The King of TV

between him and Vice already settled?

“I admit that we had a little tiff last year. I guess it’s normal between friends. But we’ve buried the hatchet already. Last year, when we saw each other during the MMFF parade, we hugged like nothing really happened. After that, we’re okay once again,” ends Coco. *** Regine Velasquez’s latest show titled The Clash could possibly be pitted with husband Ogie Alcasid’s program over at the rival station called Your Face Sounds Familiar but the Songbird is just cool about it.

“There’s no problem with that. Ogie and I are used to this kind of scenario.

It’s beyond our control since the decision comes from our respective home studios,” she avers.

Doesn’t it become a conflict in their household?

“As in we’re going to fight because of the whole thing? Of course not! We’re perfectly aware that it’s part of our job.

We just don’t take it personally.”

Does she still feel nervous when she has a new show being launched like the singing competition The Clash?

“Well, I guess it’s inevitable to feel scared despite your longevity in the business. For me, that’s always the case. It’s not a guarantee that because you’ve been in the ‘biz for a considerable length of time already, your show will become successful. It would depend on the viewers’ over-all reception. Especially in this age of social media, you’ll face bashings from detractors and that’s one thing you should handle quite well.”

The talented singer-actress-host is proud with the show’s roster of judges.

“I’m proud that our judges are Ai Ai delas Alas, Christian Bautista and Lani Misalucha. For sure, it will be an exciting showcase of vocal prowess. I hope that the viewing public will support our new offering,” states Regine.

Coco Martin talks about his new film, Vic Sotto, and Maine Mendoza

ACROSS 1 Landing site 5 Exchange 9 Predicament 13 Eggs on 15 Drury Lane composer 16 Currency established in 1999 17 High standard 18 Cruel 19 “Hawkeye” Pierce 20 Proceeded (2 wds.)

22 Dug into the files 24 One, to Conchita 25 Bleat 26 Uh’s cousins 27 Fiesta decor 31 Snowy period 33 Reluctant 34 Foal 35 Easily split mineral 38 Conductor — Klemperer 39 Online journals 40 Movie mogul 41 Cylindrical container 42 Exercise control 43 Actress Della — 44 1950s records 46 Brief snooze

47 — Fernando 49 Sturm — Drang 50 German name part 51 Relax 53 Levelheaded 58 Nasty mood 59 Focal points 61 Send via modem 62 — -de-camp 63 Lustrous black 64 Sales pitch 65 Poet’s contraction 66 Dahs’ partners 67 Veer off course DOWN 1 Witticism 2 Karachi language 3 Census data 4 Slangy assent 5 Mead subject 6 Small bird 7 Nurses org.

8 Lockets 9 Waterproof 10 Reduces to powder 11 Command 12 Insect eaters 14 Detective 21 Genetic ltrs.

23 Don the feedbag

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HE biggest vocal showdown of the year will bring together the best singers from “Tawag ng Tanghalan” as they join forces for “TNT All-Star Showdown,” happening on July 28 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Following the return of “TNT” for its third year on It’s Showtime, grand champions Noven Belleza and Janine Berdin, online sensation Sam Mangubat, and the international big shot trio TNT Boys will headline their first concert together.

Also bringing their talents to the Big Dome are Steven Paysu, Ato Arman, Anton Antenorcruz, Eumee, Froilan Canlas, Marielle Montellano, Reggie Tortugo, and Arabelle Dela Cruz.

Expect more world-class numbers from TNT Divas Rachel Gabreza, Gidget Dela Llana, and Remy Luntayao, the Cove composed of Sofronio Vasquez, Christian Bahaya, and JM Bales, and the comical threesome Hala, which includes Hazelyn Cascano, Lucky Robles, and Alfred Relatado.

Also making their debut on the big stage are young-at-heart serenaders The Erpats Rico Garcia, Antonio Sabalza, and John Raymundo, and the newest belter band Bukang Liwayway with Pauline Agupitan and Lalaine Arana.

Also featured are “TNT Kids” grand champion Jhon Clyd Talili and Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids performer Sheena Belarmino, as well as Jex De Castro, Aila Santos, and Mark Michael Garcia.

Ticket prices for the TNT All-Star Showdown are at P3,710 for VVIP; P2,650 for VIP, 1,910 for Patron A, P1,485 for Patron B, P1,040 for Free Seating Box, P830 for Upper Box, and P310 for General Admission.

They are now available at Ticketnet outlets and at the Araneta Coliseum Box Office. Simply call 911-5555 or log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph.

HQ concept store located in Uptown Mall in Taguig, aims to be the go-to store for rare and unique finds.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

25 Hull’s bottom 27 Dripping sound 28 Plato’s vowel 29 Extending throughout a country 30 Lagoon maker 31 Cashmere and angora 32 Sajak or Trebek 34 Supplied hints 36 Playbill listing 37 Field 39 Like many house cats

43 Salon offerings 45 Pester 46 Boy 47 Ms. Sarandon 48 Potts or Dillard 50 Ore deposits 52 Cato’s road 53 Glasgow citizen 54 Scamps 55 Dip out water 56 Place 57 Fashion magazine 60 Geisha’s tie

nickie.standard@gmail.com

SHOWDOWN AT BIG DOME

IN YOUR LIFE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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‘Tanghalan’ singers in all-star

Get to know the geeks

They are incredibly obsessed with everything on television, making them the perfect partner when you just want to stay at home and chill. They hold a treasure trove of TV trivia, from long drawn-out jokes in Arrested Development to the tropes explored in the

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018

Amazing World of Gumball, they’d surely know it. They can go into the lore and political theory behind Game of Thrones and even revel in the parodies of Rick and Morty. They even take pride in knowing every ‘80s reference in Stranger Things. They go on and on

'Tawag ng Tanghalan' 2018 winner Janine Berdin (top right) shares the stage with TNT Boys (bottom), Sam Maguban (top) and other names that became part of the popular singing tilt on noontime television.

about the newest Netflix hit or that new Korean drama starring Park Bo Gum. 3. The Comic Book Connoisseur Do you know who Bill Finger is? Who are the original members of the Avengers?

Or maybe you find yourself asking what influenced the art of Alex Ross? If you know the answer to these questions you most certainly are a comic book geek. You’ve gone with countless reboots, powered through different timelines, and went with one-shots just to know what happened to your favorite superhero. You are the indisputable source of comic book information, you can recite the Green Lantern Oath, and even identify all members of the ever-expanding roster of the Justice League.

4. The Gamer Guru May it be the classics like Super Mario, Starcraft, and Street Fighter or current ones like I am Setsuna, Overwatch, or Fire Emblem, you can bet that they’ve already played it. It’s no surprise that they’ve run through almost every console imaginable may it be a PlayStation, Xbox, or a Nintendo 3DS and even a Switch, they’ve even got a fully spec’d out PC especially dedicated to gaming. Some idle time while on their daily commute?

They’d spend it hunched over their mobile

phones playing the latest game.

5. The Anime & Manga Hustler They’ve watched it all, from the classics like Yu Yu Hakusho, Dragonball Z, and Voltes V to the modern masterpieces like My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, and Rakugo. They’re also enamored with the source materials, pouring countless hours to reading manga like Shingeki no Kyojin, One PunchMan, and One Piece. They know every trope, and almost every subgenre of anime available. And best believe they’ve read almost all types of manga they can get their hands on.

We’ve listed down just five phenomenal geeks, but there are so many other types out there, so dare to explore and discover every kind of geek. And to help you banner your inner geekiness, you can always drop by Headquarters or HQ, a concept store that promises authentic finds for authentic fans.

HQ, located in Uptown Mall in Taguig, aims to be the go-to store for rare and unique finds that appeal to a wide range of interests, may it be comic books, movies, anime, video games, music, or other areas of pop culture.

For more information about HQ follow it on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HQStorePH) and Instagram @hqstoreph (www. instagram.com/hqstoreph/).

Entertainment

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

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TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018

Charlie Puth confirms return to Manila AFTER revealing his highly anticipated Asian tour on social media, worldwide pop superstar and award-winning songwriter Charlie Puth confirms his return to Manila for The Voicenotes Tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on Nov. 6.

Concert promoters Live Nation and MMI Live also announce that tickets to the concert are available at all SM tickets outlets starting today at 10:00 a.m.

The last time Charlie Puth was in the Philippines was in August 2016 when he wowed thousands of his Filipino fans who attended his concert. He treated them with four of his multi-platinum hits, “One Call Away,” “Marvin Gaye,” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore” from his platinum-selling, Top 10 debut album, Nine Track Mind, as well as his breakout smash “See You Again.”

“See You Again,” was the bestselling song of 2015 worldwide spending 12 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, earned him three Grammy nominations (including Song of the Year), a Golden Globe nomination, and 9x-platinum certification in the U.S. The New Jersey-born singer, songwriter, musician, and producer was also eager to prove himself artistically when it came time to make his second album, Voicenotes, named after the trusty iPhone app he uses to collect his musical ideas. Puth co-wrote every song and recorded and produced the album entirely himself (barring one song he coproduced with Max Martin) mainly at his home studio in

Shining bright at The Eddys

Jacqueline Comes Home (The Chiong Story) lead stars Donnalyn Bartolome (left) and Meg Imperial.

HARROWING ORDEAL of Chiong Sisters on big screen anew

Scenes from the crime drama based on the real-life rape and murder case of the Chiong sisters.

VERY WANG

A Charlie Puth sets out on tour, and wants to be taken seriously. He'll be in Manila on Nov. 6 for a one-night concert.

Los Angeles.

On the lyrical front, Voicenotes is an album that is largely about Puth’s struggle to find a normal relationship when his own life has hardly been normal since finding multiplatinum success, and the anxiety that pursuit has induced.

“I wanted it to be a story of my travels from the East Coast to the West Coast and how my growing fame has affected my mind in good and bad ways,” he says.

The first three singles — “Attention,” “How Long,” and “Done For Me” featuring Kehlani — cover that territory.

“Whenever I met anybody, they often knew more about me than I knew about myself,” he says. “I’d never dealt with anything like that before.”

For all of his success, Puth still sees himself as the kid from Rumson who played organ in church and made mixtapes for the girls at school.

“I still have the same deep infatuation with chord changes, girls, and food,” he says.

“Nothing’s really changed. I still find myself to be a pretty humble guy. Every room I walk into I think I’m the worst songwriter and I have to prove myself. But it’s because of that that I get better.”

For complete concert details and ticket information, please visit www.smtickets.com or follow MMI Live (on Facebook), and @mmilive (on Instagram, and Twitter), or visit mmilive.com for details.

NICKIE WANG

T THE media conference of Jacqueline Comes Home (The Chiong Story), a Viva Films presentation, members of the movie press were curious whether or not lead stars Donnalyn Bartolome and Meg Imperial were aware of how big the story of the Chiong sisters was in 1997.

The Chiong murder case was an incident on July 16, 1997 in Cebu, in which sisters Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong, according to the prosecutors, were kidnapped near a mall in Cebu, raped them, and then threw one of the sisters into a ravine. The other sister was never found until now.

“It was a controversial case and the whole nation followed their story,” one senior scribe noted.

Going into detail, on that rainy evening, exactly 21 years and 1 day ago, the sisters were snatched from a waiting shed, dragged into a vehicle, and transported to a godforsaken place where they eventually suffer inhumane acts in the hands of evil men.

The next day, their parents were the ones to experience indiscernible agony

David Licauco and Andrea Torres as Stars of the Night

GMA stars and personalities were recognized at the 2018 Entertainment Editors’ Choice Award for Movies (The Eddys) held last July 9 at The Theater at Solaire for their outstanding achievements in the film industry.

Superstar Nora Aunor, who top bills the upcoming Kapuso primetime series Onanay, was recognized as one of the recipients of the Film Icon Tribute Awards along with the Original Queen of Philippine Movies and Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko star Gloria Romero.

GMA Artist Center’s pride and international award-winning actress Therese Malvar received the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in the indie movie Ilawod.

Meanwhile, The Clash panelist Jay Durias brought home the Best Musical Score Award for the movie Respeto.

One of the country’s beloved entertainment pillars, director Maryo J. delos Reyes, was given tribute during the awards night and was honored with The Eddys Posthumous Award.

In addition, Kapag Nahati Ang Puso heartthrob David Licauco and Andrea Torres, who will be part of the upcoming series Victor Magtanggol, were named as Stars of the Night.

Sought-after actress Sanya Lopez was hailed as Best Dressed Female for the night. Actress Rhian Ramos, meanwhile, served as one of the Red Carpet hosts of The Eddys.

The award-giving body, which is on its second year, is organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd).

Donnalyn Bartolome and Meg Imperial with first-time director Peach Caparas (center)

at the sight of Marijoy’s lifeless body while Jacqueline in nowhere to be found.

“We can only tell so much about the Chiong family and their present situation because Mrs. Chiong was in contact with just one person, it’s Direk Carlo J. Caparas (who wrote the screenplay for the film). What we’re trying to do here is to retell the story of the family, how they were after the incident,” says Meg who plays Jacqueline in the film.

“I was worried about the negative feedback, and I’m nervous at the same time. But I focused on how the family felt regarding what happened. We had to really internalize so we could portray our characters since rape is a very sensitive topic,” adds Donnalyn who portrays Marijoy.

They added, based on what has been fed to them, Jacqueline and Marijoy were typical young women who were fortunate to belong to a loving family. They enjoyed the freedom to go out without chaperone. In case of Marijoy, she was in a relationship, while her elder sister Jacqueline was single and preferred the company of their parents.

INTERNATIONAL

A promotional image for 'Dying to Survive,' with lead star Xu Zheng (center).

In essaying their characters, Meg and Donnalyn remained to be professionals by not putting any limitations to what they could do as long as the story requires it. They trusted the director and their co-actors who made sure that they would still feel comfortable doing their scenes.

“Sensitive scenes were shot in one go. It’s good that we’re working with professional people,” Meg shares.

Both actresses understand that this film would open old wounds but they believe that director Peach Caparas,, and Carlo J. Caparas, had consulted with the family on how this controversial story would be presented.

Meanwhile, the ordeal that the Chiong family had gone through in search for justice is captured in the performances of Joel Torre and Alma Moreno playing the murdered sisters’ parents. Ryan Eigenmann takes the role of one of the perpetrators.

“We created this film in a way that it is open for interpretation,” said Peach Caparas on her debut film project.

The retelling of the real-life murder case unspools in the cinemas nationwide tomorrow, July 18.

The Eddys 2018 awards night host Rhian Ramos

China’s ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ is surprise box-office hit THE screen portrayal of a cancer sufferer whose illegal import of foreign medicines into China spurred national policy changes has become a box-office smash as audiences flock to a rare Chinese film on a hot-button issue.

Dying to Survive is based on Lu Yong, who was arrested in 2013 after illegally importing a generic cancer drug in a case that sparked public debate about high medical costs.

It is being compared to Dallas Buyers Club, the critically acclaimed 2013 US

film about smuggled HIV treatments, and praised as a breath of fresh air in China’s heavily censored cinema landscape.

The public debate eventually saw Lu’s case dismissed and his experience is credited with prompting government steps to make cancer medicines more accessible and affordable.

Starring popular comic actor and director Xu Zheng as a character modelled after Lu, the movie uses touches of black comedy to leaven the heavy subject matter and is on course to become one of

China’s highest-grossing films.

Released July 5, it surpassed even the first-week box office take of Wolf Warrior 2, a commando adventure that last year capitalized on rising patriotism to become China’s highest-grossing movie ever and the first non-Hollywood title in the 100 all-time top-earners worldwide.

The movie hit a 9.1 average rating on popular Chinese film-review website Douban.com shortly after its release, one of the site’s highest-ever marks. AFP