Manila Standard - 2018 July 19 - Thursday

Federal shift to weaken democracy, Davide warns

By Evalea Casaljay and Macon Ramos-Araneta A NUMBER of amendments to the Constitution to shift to a federal form of government may weaken democracy, former chief justice Hilario Davide said Wednesday.

In an interview with ANC, Davide questioned a provision that requires top government officials to have a college degree, saying this would be undemocratic and anti-poor.

“Wisdom, knowledge, virtues, and val-

ues are not a monopoly of the educated, the college degree-holders. The poor, even without any educational qualification, may be much wiser,” he said.

Davide also added that requiring the transitory president and vice president to be running under the same slate is a disadvantage to independent candidates and will only encourage “totalitarian and fascism.” This system, he added, would work only in countries with “strong political parties.”

Having four federal courts in place of

Pernia told: Cha-Cha won’t hurt economy

By Nat Mariano and Vito Barcelo MALACAÑANG on Wednesday admonished Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia for saying it would take years before most of the country’s regions are ready for federalism, and said the shift to a new form of government would have no adverse effects on the economy.

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VOL. XXXII • NO. 154 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Black Panther sis gets own series NEW YORK—In Marvel’s massively successful “Black Panther” film released this year, one of the major surprises was how the superhero’s sister, tech genius Shuri, stole the show. Now, she is getting her own comic book series.

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PH choco names rate high in UK

Duterte, key ally clash over midterm election

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

LONDON—The entries of three Philippine chocolate brands were rated as among the best in the world during the 2018 Academy of Chocolate Awards in London, United Kingdom.

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Robots deliver snacks in China BEIJING—Along a quiet residential street on the outer edges of Beijing, a yellow and black cube about the size of a small washing machine trundles leisurely to its destination.

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D

ESPITE assurances from the Palace that the 2019 elections would push through, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Wednesday urged lawmakers to postpone the polls next year before the filing of certificates of candidacy in October.

SCALE MODEL. President Rodrigo Duterte receives an A350 Scale Model as token during the rollout of the Philippine Airlines new Airbus A350 and A321 Neo Aircraft at the Lufthansa Tecknik Philippines at the Macro Asia Special Economic Zone at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday. Handing the token to the President are Mrs. Carmen Tan, PAL chairman and CEO Lucio Tan Sr. and PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista. Malacañang Photo

Primer on Con-Com draft federal charter

By Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino Con-Com 2018 Member

(5th in a series)

PROVINCIAL and regional commands of the New People’s Army have thumbed down the government’s plans for localized peace talks, the Communist Party of the Philippines said Wednesday in a statement.

CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison previously said localized peace talks would not work, branding them as “stage plays.”

This was after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered last month the government panel’s withdrawal from formal peace talks with the communists’ political wing, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, a day before they were scheduled to resume in The Netherlands.

The CPP said NPA field commands and “other local revolutionary formations’’

Q: How does the draft constitution address the problem of access to the courts by the underprivileged?

A: Apart from what the 1987 Constitution provided, the draft now grants the Supreme Court authority to compel members of the Bar to provide free legal assistance. It is will therefore no longer be a matter of goodwill or volunteerism on the part of lawyers in various organizations, such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, to make legal services available, but a matter of Supreme Court requirement. Notice too that the service that the court may exact of lawyers is not only court appearance but extends to such concerns as the preparation off documents and instruments.

Q: Persons under investigation are still often subjected to duress, and even torture. How does the draft deal with these threats to human dignity and liberty?

A: The guarantees of the 1987 Constitution are preserved but the draft adds a directive to Congress to provide for penal and civil sanctions. A torture victim or one who has been submitted to threat or intimidation in the exaction of a statement or a confession does not only have the right to cause his statement or confession expunged from the records and

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CPP: Reds reject localized peace gab

Catholic educators up in arms against Ombudsman nominee

By Evalea Casaljay A GROUP of evangelical and Catholic theological educators expressed anger over the Supreme Court’s recommendation of Associate Justice Samuel Martires as the next Ombudsman.

“The appointment of Associate Justice Martires as the next Ombudsman is to besmirch the institutions and compromise its independence. Moreover, to appoint someone with such a history of enduring bias and questionable integrity violates the constitutional mandate and purposely blurs its vision,” Annelle Sabanal, the group spokesperson, said.

NEW EVANGELIZATION.

Sabanal cited instances where Martires had decided cases with “suspicious imprudence and blatant prejudice.”

In particular, the group accused Martires of having a “lack of respect for religious beliefs” when he linked the faith of ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Next page Sereno to mental illness.

Manila Archbishop Antonio Cardinal Tagle opens Wednesday the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization 5 at the University of Santo Tomas, where he called on participants—priests and nuns—to be holy ‘from the moment of baptism and not only during ordination.’

Norman Cruz

In a radio interview, he said postponing the 2019 midterm elections was the best way to give lawmakers enough time to debate the shift to federalism and the amendments to the Constitution that would be required.

“We need to focus on this. So, for example, if we decide to cancel the elections in 2019, we would tackle first the NEP [National Expenditure Program] and then after that we would immediately discuss that [charter change]. We would not do any other thing except to discuss that [proposed federal charter],” Alvarez said.

At the Palace, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said President Duterte would have no hand in postponing the 2019 elections. He would not say, however, if the President would act against plans to postpone the polls.

At the same time, Alvarez said antifederalism forces were capitalizing on unfounded fears against his proposal to scrap the midterm elections to delay the passage of a new charter.

Unless Charter change for a federal form of government is done by 2019, Alvarez said, it would be very difficult Next page to achieve this goal.

WEATHER

‘Inday’ threatens PAR after ‘Henry’

By Rio Araja TROPICAL Depression “Inday” has intensified further and may become a tropical storm within the next 24 hours, the weather bureau said Wednesday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Inday was packing winds of 60 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of 75 kph, and was spotted 755 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, at 3 pm.

The agency said Inday will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring moderate to heavy rain over Luzon.

“Inday may intensify into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours,” Pagasa said.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,120 people, mostly from Cavite and Rodriguez, Rizal, were evacuated due to the floods brought by the southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm “Henry,” the Next page

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THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018

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'Aquino will get chance to deny raps'

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday rejected the allegation of former President Benigno Aquino III that the National Bureau of Investigation violated his right to due process when it recommended the filing of charges against him for his role in the implementation of the P3.5-billion anti-dengue program during his administration.

But Guevarra said Aquino would be given his day in court despite his claim of not being able to address the allegation of criminal liability in the case of the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine before the NBI. “The NBI performs fact-finding functions only,” Guevarra said.

“It will be the Ombudsman’s Office that will conduct the preliminary investigation where the respondents are given the opportunity to answer the charges [against them].”

Guevarra made his statement even as Senator Richard Gordon said the filing of charges against Aquino III and the other accused confirmed the Blue Ribbon Committee’s findings that they connived in the anomalous purchase of P3.5billion worth of anti-dengue vaccines.

He said the filing of the charges also indicated that Aquino and his co-respondents violated the procurement law and committed graft when they conspired with indecent haste to procure a drug that was not quite ready and foisted it on children with disastrous results.

“We are glad that our investigation has produced results. Charges are filed and new legislation to correct faulty procurement processes have been introduced,” Gordon said.

“We are elated that the DoJ and the NBI are proceeding on our recommendations on the criminal cases that had to be filed.”

PH...

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The chocolates of Malagos AgriVenture Corporations, Auro Chocolate, and Theo & Philo Artisanal Chocolates were judged as among the best from around 1,200 entries from 45 countries worldwide. All three brands source their cocoa beans from Davao. ‘‘We would like to see more Philippine products make their way to the mainstream market in the UK and the rest of Europe. It’s a tough and highly competitive market. A recognition such as this from a respected industry body that provides added validation of the quality of our products and their capability to compete with the rest of the world,” said Philippine Special Trade Representative and Commercial Counsellor Michelle Fatima S. Sanchez.

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This “little yellow horse” is an autonomous delivery robot, ferrying daily essentials like drinks, fruit and snacks from the local store to the residents of the “Kafka” compound in the Chinese capital.

Equipped with a GPS system, cameras and radar, the robots are seen by their creator as the future of logistics in China, where he says one-billion packages will eventually be delivered every day.

Travelling at a less than overwhelming three kilometers (two miles) per hour—a slow human walk—the robot has room for improvement, said one customer as she removed a packet of nuts from its bowels.

“The weak point is that it cannot deliver directly to the door like a human,” said the customer, who does not live on the ground floor. AFP

Black...

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Justice upholds ruling on law dean, frat men T

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Justice department has sustained its decision dismissing the criminal charges against University of Santo Tomas law dean Nilo Divina and the other officers and members of the Aegis Juris fraternity over the fatal hazing of law freshman Horacio Castillo III in September last year.

In a resolution approved on July 5, the department denied the petition for review filed by Castillo’s parents, which had sought the indictment of Divina and 25 other respondents who were cleared by the investigating prosecutors in March.

The resolution, signed by Justice Undersecretary Antonio Kho Jr., who was recently appointed commissioner of the Commission on Elections, cited technical grounds for the dismissal of the Castillos’ appeal.

In particular, the department cited pro-

cedural lapses, such as the complainants’ failure to file their petition within the period provided under the rules.

The department has found criminal liability on only 11 Aegis Juris members after a preliminary investigation.

No bail was recommended for 10 of them who are detained at the Manila City Jail while standing trial and are scheduled for arraignment on July 24.

John Paul Solano, one of the witnesses in the investigation who admitted bring-

Duterte,...

urged the government to rethink its position to push hard for federalism.

“The ordinary Filipino does not want and need this shift to a federal system of government. The Filipino people need land, job security, lowering prices of basic goods and services and higher wages, policies that the draft constitution fail to protect and provide,” ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said.

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said “the ordinary Filipino will not benefit from this Cha-cha. It will even deny and weaken some of their rights and privileges.”

Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano said the lack of public clamor and knowledge render the efforts to change the Constitution and shift to a federal form of government inorganic.

“It cannot be helped but to think that so-called advocates of Charter change and federalism are merely paying lip-service in front of the public to pursue their own vested interests,” Alejano said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Wednesday warned that they would question before the Supreme Court a people’s initiative, which is being floated by Alvarez as mode to amend the terms of office of elected officials.

“There’s a process. There’s a signature [campaign]. We will question before the Supreme Court a people’s initiative as a way to change the terms of elected officials,” Drilon said in Filipino.

He said changing the terms of elected officials is a major amendment and cannot be accomplished through a people’s initiative.

A people’s initiative, he added, is for minor amendments, and added it was clear the goal of Charter change was to scrap the 2019 elections and to extend the term of sitting officials.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the leadership of the House should be reminded of the provision on people’s initiative as an alternative mode of revising or amending the Constitution, and said this could not be done without Senate approval.

“It goes without saying, majority of the senators, even those running for reelection, will fight tooth and nail any attempt to cancel the 2019 midterm elections simply because it is wrong and self-serving,” he said.

Senator Francis Pangilinan said government funds to be spent for a people’s initiative and plebiscite to extend the terms of sitting politicians can be put to better use.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the electoral process is a fundamental tenet of democracy. It’s the period when the electorate is empowered to choose their own leader who they think best represent their beliefs and ideologies.

The people’s initiative to postpone the 2019 elections, he said will just be a waste of resources and it will also further divide the country.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Alvarez should think through his proposal for a plebiscite, saying it was too cumbersome and time consuming. With Nat Mariano

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“If we delay it further, we would not be able to do it until the end of the term of President [Rodrigo] Duterte,” Alvarez said.

After the 2019 elections, President Rodrigo Duterte would have a little over two years remaining in his term, which is not enough to approve a new charter and allow a proper transition period to the new federal government, he said.

“That is why those who are against the move to change from a unitary to a federal form of government that would be the best position to take: let’s have an election and attend to that [Charter change] after the election. They know very well that it would not be possible,” Alvarez said.

Earlier, Alvarez noted that among the candidates in the 2016 presidential elections, it was only Duterte who advocated a shift to a federal form of government.

With the need for Congress to attend first to the proposed 2019 budget, the October deadline for the filing of certificate of candidacy of reelectionist lawmakers, the Christmas break two months later and the start of the campaign period by February next year, Alvarez said there is simply no time for Congress to tackle the proposed federal charter.

To avoid further complications and suspicions with the resulting need for the President to appoint new officials whose terms would have expired, Alvarez said it would be more prudent just to extend the term of incumbent officials.

He said the 2019 polls may be scrapped through a law passed by Congress. But if the Senate would not agree, Alvarez said another option is for supporters of federalism to launch a people’s initiative.

Alvarez also allayed fears that the Charter change was meant to extend the term of President Duterte, saying that if the Charter change pushes through, the first election under a federal setup would be held on 2022.

“Let us look at this matter objectively. If we have to do this, let’s do it right,” Alvarez said.

To inform the people about the merits of his proposal, Alvarez said each member of the House can conduct an information drive in their respective districts.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu pushed for the passage of a bill designed to be an enabling law for a people’s initiative that would let ordinary citizens propose amendments to the Constitution.

He said a people’s initiative is provided for under Section 2 of Article XVII of the Constitution.

“We will come up with an enabling law sufficient enough to provide for the implementation of the exercise of such right.

Hence… the passage of this bill is a must to put into reality the Latin maxim, Vox Populi, Vox Dei, or the voice of the people is the voice of God,” Abu said.

Opposition lawmakers, meanwhile,

Federal...

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the Supreme Court would only complicate matters and not help in settling pending cases.

“Why create other courts with four chief justices now when actually, if you want, you can only increase the membership of the Supreme Court now and then assign to certain divisions specific tasks?”

Davide said.

Davide added that unlike the government’s claim of expanding the Bill of Rights, it actually reduced it, citing that the new draft no longer guarantees “full respect for human rights.”

“The implication is we have actually reduced what are the guarantees provided for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Davide said.

Lastly, Davide highlighted that “lawless violence” in the proposed Charter as an additional ground was not defined unlike rebellion and invasion under the Revised Penal Code. He further pointed out that transitory president has the same powers as the president and can declare martial law.

The consultative committee (ConCom) that drafted the draft constitution warded off Davide’s criticism, in particular his statement that the document failed to mention the West Philippine Sea. With Vito Barcelo

Pernia...

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“We have already discussed and clarified the matter with National Economic and Development Authority Director-General and Secretary Ernesto Pernia. The shift to federalism, we reiterate, would have no adverse effect on the Philippine economy,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said.

“The role of the national government would be to continue to implement Build, Build, Build projects and would hence be concentrated on policymaking,” he added.

Pernia, in an earlier television interview, warned the economic gains could be disrupted if the country shifts to a federal form of government, as President Rodrigo Duterte wants.

“It’s unlikely that the regions will be ready and our concern, my concern is that we are moving now to connect the regions, to bring the lagging regions into the mainstream economy and that momentum of infrastructure improvement in the regions is going to be disrupted so it’s not going to be good for federalism,” Pernia said.

He said only five of the proposed 18 federated regions—National Capital Region, Cebu, Central Luzon, and Southern Tagalog—have the political and economic infrastructure that would allow them to adopt federalism.

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CPP:...

‘Inday’...

have issued separate statements condemning Duterte’s offer of peace talks to be initiated by local government units.

The government declarations, the party said, “have proven that the rejection of localized peace negotiations does not only come from NDFP peace negotiators in Netherlands.”

“These statements are virtual slaps on the face of Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana,” the CPP said.

“Local revolutionary forces echo the earlier statement issued by the Communist Party of the Philippines denouncing Duterte’s local peace talks, which smokescreen its total war against the people and widespread military abuses under Mindanao martial law and Oplan Kapayapaan,” its statement added.

They also point out how such “pretend talks” will fail in their respective areas, the communists added.

Philippine National Police in Calabarzon reported Wednesday.

As of 5 am Wednesday, 870 evacuees were evacuated from Rodriguez, Rizal, 119 from Imus and 131 from Tanza in Cavite.

A lone casualty was reported in Calatagan, Batangas, where 12 people were stranded in the floods.

Floods were also reported in some areas in Nasugbu, Batangas, and in Cainta and San Mateo in Rizal.

Meanwhile, a portion of Barangay Ligas in Bacoor City and the road near the spillway in Catandala in Ibaan, Batangas, were reported not accessible to all types of vehicles.

PNP Calabarzon said 252 searchand-rescue personnel had been deployed, mostly to Laguna and Batangas, while 1,002 personnel were on standby. With PNA

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Marvel Comics has announced a spin-off series, to begin in October, in which Black Panther is lost on a mission to space, and Shuri is looked upon to step up to fill the void left by her big brother in their mythical home nation Wakanda.

“The world fell in love with Shuri in the movie. Now, the Black Panther’s techno-genius sister launches her own adventures,” the publisher said, confirming news first published by news site Bustle.

British-Guyanese actress Letitia Wright earned praise for her portrayal of Shuri in the smash hit film, which critics agree was a groundbreaking moment for blacks on the silver screen.

While Shuri is not the first black heroine in the Marvel universe—Storm, one of the X-Men, has been around for decades—entire books dedicated to black female characters are rare. AFP

ing Castillo to the hospital, was charged with perjury.

The prosecutors found probable cause to indict them based on the testimony of state witness Mark Ventura, who gave a detailed account of the hazing where he participated in.

According to the department, a petition for review on its resolutions must be filed within 15 days upon receipt of the resolution, but the Castillos filed their petition 35 days after receipt.

“The instant petition should be denied due course for failure to comply with the requirements on appeal,” the resolution said.

“Settled is the rule that the right to appeal may be exercised only in the manner and in accordance with the provisions of the law or pertinent rules of procedure.

“The party who seeks to avail of the same must comply with the requirements of the law or rules. Failing to do so, his appeal will be dismissed.”

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Martires at the time denied “faith shaming” Sereno.

The group of religious educators also hit Martires for a decision he wrote as a Sandiganbayan justice in 2012 which cleared the dictator Ferdinand Marcos of a P50-billion civil liability.

“This is consistent with Martires’ revisionist historical interpretation that Marcos was not ousted by the Filipino people in February 1986,” Sabanal added.

Lastly, Sabanal stated that Martires let Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia plead guilty to a lesser offense for his plunder cases that made him return only half of what he illegally amassed.

SC spokesperson Theodore Te announced on Tuesday that Martires gained 11 votes out of the 12 justices present during the full court session.

These votes endorse Martires to the Judicial and Bar Council to replace the current Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales, who is set to retire on July 26.

Lawmakers push for advocacies in Du30's 3rd Sona SOME lawmakers will bring their respective advocacies to President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address through the traditional Barong Tagalog that they will be wearing on the occasion.

Rep. Carlos Zarate said he would be wearing his protest Barong and call for the resumption of the peace negotiations between the government and the communist rebels, which has been stalled since November last year.

Meanwhile, film and television director Joyce Bernal said Wednesday he intended to capture the administration’s promise of “real change” through a clearer presentation of Duterte’s Sona.

“He is pushing for change. The theme is to believe in change, that it is real and that it can happen but to do so, you need to accept it first,” Bernal told reporters.

“So we want the public to have an open mind, even those in Congress.”

Zarate’s Barong was designed and hand-painted by artist Maria Sol Taule, a member of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers and cost only P3,000, according to Bayan Muna.

The Barong also shows the peoples’ desire for genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization, Bayan Muna said, which it said was a solution to address the rampant landlessness and joblessness in the country.

Primer...

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rendered inadmissible against him. He may also file an action for civil damages or criminally prosecute his tormentors.

Q; How does the right to bail under the 1987 Constitution differ from the right under the draft Constitution?

A: Under the 1987 Constitution, when a person was charged with an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua or higher and evidence of guilt was strong, he could be denied bail. Jurisprudence however interpreted this to mean that WHILE the court was determining the strength of the evidence against the accused, he was already under detention.

The draft corrects this by requiring that there be summary proceedings to determine the strength of the evidence against the accused before he is denied bail. It therefore follows that before the conclusion of the summary proceedings that determine the strength of the evidence against the accused, he cannot yet be denied bail.

Q: Does one who seeks temporary liberty always need to put up a bond of cash, property or surety?

A: Under the draft, no longer, as long as the offense with which the accused is charge is one that would entitled the accused, in case of conviction, to apply for probation. in such a case, the accused may be released on recognizance— the safekeeping, custody and supervision of a responsible person recognized for his reliability and probity.

Q: Can Congress pass a law that imposes the death penalty?

A: While the draft seems to provide some avenue for the imposition of the death penalty, by Congress legislating certain crimes as heinous, the Philippines has an obligation arising out of a treaty to which it is a party, the Second Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, not to impose the death penalty. Furthermore, any law that Congress may pass imposing the death penalty may be repealed by the people through initiative.

Q: Did the Con-Com take cognizance of the hellish condition of our prisons and detention facilities?

A: Indeed, it did, and the duty for providing human penal facilities is not constitutionally assigned to the federal government, the federated regions and the local government units. The practical significance of this is that these tiers of government can be commanded by mandamus to provide for human penal facilities where these are absent and the means for such provision are present.

Q: Has the rule on double jeopardy been amended?

A: No, in fact it has been strengthened. There being a difference between a federal law and a regional law, when an act is punished under one level of law under which one is either convicted or acquitted, no prosecution can subsequently lie on the basis of another level of law—no matter what the term, nomenclature or characterization of the act may be. The reference is to the act.

However, the rewritten provision will not allow an accused to benefit from the protection against double jeopardy when the offended party is denied due process, when there is mistrial or when the trial court exceeds its jurisdiction by acting in grave abuse of discretion.

In fact, these are not exceptions then, because where these are present, the accused was never in jeopardy. These exceptions do not emerge for the first time in the draft. They have been part of jurisprudence for some time now.

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THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Marcos Jr. could still be VP under transition gov’t’

LIGHTNING RALLY. Former workers of Slord Development Corp., manufacturer of Uni-Pak sardines urge Malacañang to intervene with the case filed to the Department of Labor and Employment against SDC and contractualization of workers on Wednesday, July 18. The group staged a lightning rally in front of Gate 7 in Mendiola five days before President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address.

Lisa Marie P. David

MICC to release review of PH mining operations

By Rio N. Araja WITH help from 25 experts, the inter-agency Mining Industry Coordinating Council is set to release on July 31 the result of its “factfinding and science-based review” of mining operations ordered either suspended or shut down.

“We have been reviewing the mining closure and suspension orders with the help of third party experts based on economic, social, environmental, legal and technical criteria,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

The outcome of the review would be released on July 31, he added.

In February 2017, then environment secretary Gina Lopez ordered the closure of 23 mines and suspended five others for supposed destruction of the watershed areas and “indiscriminate mining.”

President Rodrigo Duterte told Lopez to stay fair and legal.

Last January, the MICC, cochaired by Cimatu and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, started its technical reevaluation of the mines ordered suspended and closed.

In another development, Cimatu vowed to intensify the protection of ecosystems and communities against threats of climate change.

Since July 2017, the DENR has been working toward improving the country’s forest cover, rehabilitating mined-out areas, conserving coastal and marine resources and enforcing environmental laws to help ecosystems and communities adapt to and mitigate the effects of changing climate.

“These programs undoubtedly show the government’s resolve to deal decisively with extreme weather events and disturbances so that environment and people can bounce back more easily from their negative impacts,” Cimatu said.

Pagcor’s ‘excessive’ allowances, awards hit T HE state-run Philippine Gaming Corp. has been too generous to a fault, according to recent findings released by the Commission on Audit.

In its findings, the CoA listed down the “excesses”committed by Pagcor officials and employees since last year.

In 2017, the CoA questioned the P13.020 million worth of 18 karat gold memento rings for 20-year loyalty awardees, as well as cash awards amounting to P12.495 million.

The CoA said the award scheme was actually contained in the Pagcor’s employee’s handbook, but the amount that it has given to its loyal employees were too excessive, since a circular issued in 2013 provides a maximum award of P10,000 for loyalty awardees.

Pagcor chairperson and chief executive officer Andrea Domingo, however, stood her ground and turned to the Office of the President for clarification.

“We recommended and management agreed to seek clarification/approval from the Office of the President on the grant of benefits particularly the loyalty awards to its Pagcor employees,” the CoA said.

Other than the awards, state auditors also questioned the P643,000 cash advances made by Pagcor for its Circle of Extraordinaire Awards, which reportedly has not been approved by the Civil Service Commission.

The CoA said the list of CEO awardees

should be submitted first to the CSC but Pagcor management insisted that their board of directors had the authority to set personnel management policies, under Presidential Decree No. 1869 or the Pagcor charter.

Also questioned was the P58.334million Representation and Transportation Allowance granted to officers as well as car plans amounting to P29.167 million which are supposedly not allowed under the General Appropriations Act of 2017.

Under the 2017 GAA, government officials such as department secretaries can only receive a total of P28,000 RATA a month. But the Pagcor chairman and CEO reportedly received as high as P110,000.

The CoA said car plans were also excessive as those who had availed of such were already claiming transportation allowance, also a violation of the 2017 GAA. Even the interchangeability of car plans and housing benefits, amounting to P125.954 million in 2016 and P121.289 million in 2017, were also questioned by the CoA as they were based only on a Board of Directors resolution and without clear presidential approval.

The officials were entitled to at least 950,00 loan, with a maximum amount of P3.5 million for the Chairman and CEO. Meanwhile, CoA and Pagcor agreed that Pagcor should seek post-facto from the Office of the President to avoid future audit suspensions or disallowance.

“We recommended and management agreed to seek post facto approval from the Office of the President and ensure that officers who have availed of the car plan will no longer claim transportation allowance to avoid possible audit suspension and/or disallowance,” the CoA said.

The CoA also flagged Pagcor on the P3.113-million Cost of Living Allowance of Casino Filipino Davao officers and employees, in addition to their P9.977 Personal Economic Relief Allowance, resulting in double compensation.

The Pagcor management said the Government Corporate Counsel approved their total compensation package, which includes both COLA and PERA, in 2011, but the CoA still insisted that the grant of both allowances was tantamount to double compensation.

Also, the Pagcor was found to be favoring politicians as well.

Based on a separate CoA report, Pagcor has released 5,050 sets of backpacks with a total amount of P2.557 million directly to politicians or their representatives, with no assurance of receipt by the targeted beneficiaries as there were no available documents.

Ramos-led foundation set to launch ‘FVR Sermons’ THE Ramos Peace and Development Foundation and Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. are set to launch “Undying Service to the Filipino,” Volume 14 of a series of compilations of selected “sermons” from FVR’s weekly column, “On Empowering the Filipino People” in the Manila Bulletin every Sunday.

The book launch will be held on July 19, (Thursday) 4 pm at the Champagne Salon, Manila Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Like its previous volumes, “Undying Service to the Filipino” will be launched in time for the next State

of the Nation Address—the third by President Rodrigo R. Duterte—before a Joint Session of Congress at Batasan Pambansa on July 23, 2018.

“Through this book, we aim to continue fulfilling the Filipinos’ intrinsic duty of imparting the values of transcendent events in nation-building to those who now bear the torch of national leadership and most especially to our younger generations. We should never tire in inspiring them to aspire for excellence and find honor in making self-sacrifice towards a common good. They need to know—and, from time-to-time, have to be reminded—

what their elders had fought and died for, in the service of God, country, people, and the environment,” the RPDEV Foundation said in a statement.

The book is part of RPDEVs continuing education advocacies and publications program in line with its four main program areas namely: Enduring peace in the Asia-Pacific region, sustainable development, socioeconomic diplomacy, and democratic governance.

Public servants, sectoral representatives, educators, journalists, veterans and most especially concerned young Filipino are cordially invited to this book launch.

51 distressed OFWs from UAE back home

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday announced that 51 distressed overseas Filipino workers have been repatriated from the United Arab Emirates Wednesday, bringing to 702 the total number of Filipinos who were repatriated from UAE this year.

“We welcome home the latest batch of repatriates from Abu Dhabi who, sadly, fell prey to illegal recruiters,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement issued after the arrival of the repatriates.

Cayetano said that the repatriation was part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for the DFA and other concerned government agencies to assist Filipinos wherever they are in the world.

Cayetano said the DFA shouldered the cost of the repatriation, includ-

ing the exit visas and the airfare to the provinces of the distressed workers, using the Assistance to Nationals Fund.

Upon arrival, the repatriates were assisted by officers from the DFA’s Office of Migrant Workers Affairs.

Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi Charge d’ Affaires Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil said the 51 arrived in the UAE as tourists, found work but eventually left their sponsors or agencies due to maltreatment, abuse, and non-payment of salaries, among others.

However, Daquipil said they expect these kinds of problems to go away, especially since the embassy has been working side-by-side with UAE authorities to address the concerns of overseas Filipinos, especially Household Service Workers.

INTERCEPTED. Bureau of Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña (left) and collector Vener Baquiran show to media the intercepted 121 shipments of steel pipes and steel tubes, inflatable toys, printer fitting, labelling machines from China at the Manila Internation Container Port in Port Area Manila yesterday. The goods are estimated to be worth P4 million. Norman Cruz

FORMER senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, who has filed a protest to contest the vice presidency against sitting VP Leni Robredo, could still end up as the country’s ‘transition’ vice president.

This scenario was put forward by former chief justice Hilario Davide, Jr. who said that Marcos Jr. could run for and win the vice presidency during the country’s proposed system shift to federalism.

According to Davide, Marcos may be chosen as running mate of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is not explicitly barred from running as transition president after the ratification of a new Constitution.

“As a matter of fact, I mentioned that that could easily happen,” Davide said, referring to the remark he made during a Senate hearing on Tuesday where the consultative committee (Con-Com) presented its proposed Charter.

The Con-Com had recommended a transition president and vice president after what it hopes would be the ratification of its draft federal Constitution.

The committee also suggests tandem voting for the president and vice president, leading Davide to speculate that if Duterte wishes to run as transition President, he could choose Marcos as running mate.

Davide said that Marcos Jr. could easily win this time.

If that happens, Davide said, the election protest filed by the former senator against Robredo would be rendered “moot and academic.”

But Marcos’ spokesman, lawyer Vic Rodriguez quickly downplayed the scenario, saying that the notion was “too forward to even cross” the former senator’s mind.

“We do not deal with mere conjectures,” Rodriguez said.

The Con-Com has suggested banning Duterte from running in the 2022 polls in accordance with his request, in order to allay suspicions that the current drive towards Charter change was being made to extend his term.

PAL warns public vs fake online fare promos, advertisements

By Joel E. Zurbano THE management of Philippine Airlines on Wednesday warned the public against unscrupulous individuals engaged in false advertising or spreading misleading information.

This was the third time the PAL management came up with a warning against false advertising posted on social media involving airline promotions.

“We are again warning the public on a fake advertisement/promo currently circulating on social media (with url: philippineairlines.com-cheapflights.today) luring netizens to answer a survey to be able to avail of the “2 tickets to everyone for only $1” citing “to celebrate PAL’s Anniversary,” the airline said in a statement.

“The public must not fall prey to bogus ads such as these. False advertising will not be tolerated. We have reported the material to the proper authorities for appropriate action. Netizens are advised not to respond to the material; such action may compromise users’ profiles,” it added.

PAL also stated that official advertisements are released through its official website Philippine Airlines and through PAL’s official FB account @flyPAL. In May last year, false PAL advertisement was posted on social media, stating it was also giving away free tickets to passengers as part of its anniversary.

Such false and malicious advertising through the misuse of the Facebook platform will not be tolerated,” said PAL spokesperson Ma. Cielo Villaluna.

PAL made the same warning in the wake of a fake advertisement early last year stating that followers of the airline will get a free trip to Boracay if they like the post and write as comment “Salamat Philippine Airlines.”

The material used images of PAL logo and the Island of Boracay.

Under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, any person found guilty of false advertising shall be subjected to fines or imprisonment of not less than three months but not more than two years or both upon the discretion of the court.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

No takers

Distractions or even the government’s massive infrastructure program.

With inflation getting worse, poverty consequently rises. The poor’s woes are compounded because they are no IN EARLIER columns, I asked wheth- longer able to afford basic commodities er there was really a pressing need for for their daily sustenance.

To my mind, charter change and the constitutional revision at this time, given that our country faces many chal- shift to a federal system of government are distractions at this point. Governlenges on multiple fronts.

Among these priorities: The war on il- ment should be focusing on other prilegal drugs, which has claimed the lives orities. And the sentiments of the peoof more than 4,500. This is the figure ple, as revealed in a recent Pulse Asia of the Philippine National Police while survey, bear this out.

The problem is that President Duterte other estimates place the count between 10,000 and 14,000. Those killed are does not seem to listen to the people.

Lest I am misunderstood, I am all for mostly from poor communities.

Extrajudicial and vigilante killings Charter change. I believe that constihere have also been condemned by in- tutions are not cast in stone and must periodically be reviewed to correct ternational rights groups.

And then, there is the war on cor- anomalies and reflect changing times. I ruption. The President announced he also believe in a parliamentary form of was hell bent on ending corruption in government practiced by our Southeast government but doubts surfaced after Asian neighbors.

More than that, however, I believe he started reappointing his friends to that there is a time other agencies for everything. after he had re*** moved them for Taking into supposedly havconsideration all ing a “whiff of The government has arguments for and corruption” about other pressing issues to against Charter them. change and the There, too, is attend to. shift to federalthe war on crimiism, I am beginnality. But killning to doubt the ings have become timetable for the all too common plebiscite. these days—judgSanta Banana, the Senate and the es, mediamen, priests and local execuHouse of Representatives cannot even tives are targets.

All these, to me, are the true state of agree on what mode they should adopt the nation. President Duterte should not to change the Charter.

If a constituent assembly is adopted, gloss over these when he delivers his State of the Nation Address next week. the next question is whether both chamHe uttered many promises when he bers of Congress would vote jointly or was still campaigning. For example, separately. This issue alone can take so he promised to end “endo” or the con- much time to resolve.

There are also contentious provisions tractualization of labor. Employers do this so they would not have to pay their in the proposed federal constitution workers the wages and benefits due that are subject to debates and discussion. Among these are the proposed those on regular status.

These problems are worsened by in- cutting short of the terms of the presiflation. It is the poor who are suffer- dent and vice president to give way to a ing! Inflation is the fault of government transitional government.

I ask: Is there enough time for all this because it borrows more money than it before the ratification of the new conshould just to pay its bills.

When the supply of money printed stitution?

There are good provisions and there are by the Bangko Sentral expands rapidly compared to the supply of goods and contentious ones. For example, a college services, the value of money declines. degree would now be a requirement for Politicians say inflation is not caused anyone running for president, if only Turn to A5 by greedy businesses or by tax reform,

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

L

AST we looked, the position of chief justice of the Supreme Court was a coveted post. As the head of the entire judiciary, an independent—supposedly, that is—branch of government, the chief justice is the fifth most powerful government official. He or she is the first among equals and has the capacity to influence jurisprudence through leadership of his or her colleagues.

Questionable appointments and incidents of bypassing have stirred controversy, leading to demoralization at best and animosity at worst among justices. Indeed to be named chief justice is an honor and privilege.

It is strange, then, and sad, to note that not one among the five most senior associate justices of the court appear keen on accepting the nomination. This is after Maria Lourdes Sereno was ousted by quo warranto proceedings in May. The five justices who have neither accepted or declined their automatic nominations are Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justices Presbitero

Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Diosdado Peralta and Lucas Bersamin.

Carpio, the most senior of the five, has earlier stated he would not accept the nomination.

Delicadeza, he said, would not allow him to benefit from a situation he had voted against. He voted with the minority, believing that Sereno should have been impeached, The Judicial and Bar Council, which screens nominees for the post, has set the deadline for nominations on July 25.

Many things can happen between now and the day President Duterte actually names the top

magistrate.

It is difficult to tell whether the position has lost its attractiveness because of what befell the last two chief justices. Renato Corona was tried at the Senate, convicted and ousted. Sereno’s ouster was affirmed by her colleagues, who are now admonishing her for talking too much about her situation.

Perhaps the justices have realized that the position is as precarious as it is prestigious, and that occupying it would open them up to attacks, warranted or otherwise.

That would be a more logical and likely explanation than mere coyness on their part.

If this were accurate, then it would be unfortunate. It means that the most qualified, esteemed and deserving candidates would be depriving the country of their service for reasons unrelated to the effective performance of their judicial duties.

Why the rush to Cha-Cha? law including galloping inflation and increased prices of basic commodities, unqualified people in sensitive government positions—need we go on?

Moreover, the majority of Filipinos are opposed to Charter change and I CAN’T dance, so why am I being federalism at this time, according to a recent Pulse Asia survey. Two out of pressured into Charter change?

That’s the feeling I get when I see three Filipinos are against Cha-Cha, how far along this administration has or 67 percent of 1,800 respondents. gone on the road toward overhauling Regarding federalism, 62 percent are the 1987 Constitution. Many lawyers against and 34 percent said that the preand other types of experts have taken sent system of government should not the issue to bits; I defer to their specific be changed “now or any other time.”

This administration’s fast-trackknowledge and encourage everyone ing of Charter to do their own change is a red research on the flag. It smacks of matter. abuse of authorThe upshot ity and power. is that there are There are more For instance, the some provisions proposed federal in the draft that pressing problems constitution alare objectionable, that have not been lows the president among them the resolved. to run for two clause where the more four-year phrase “human terms. rights” is dropped No less than as one of the obligations of the State and replaced by a the country’s chief economist as well as a slew of other experts have warned phrase referring to due process.

That in itself is a joke because this against shifting to federalism at this administration has made a mockery of time. The Cha-Cha seems nothing less due process in its harsh implementation than a ploy to extend term limits of ofof the drug war, which has murdered ficials and the perpetuation of family thousands of the poor while giving po- dynasties in politics, a phenomenon lice protection to someone identified that a recent study showed retards economic development in the regions with the bigtime smuggling of drugs.

Setting aside the line-by-line criti- where dynasties prevail.

Let’s not get roped into this politicism of the draft, as a citizen of this country I am concerned by the rush to cians’ dance. *** change the constitution and transform Here’s a funny thing—one of the 22 the country into a federal state when there are more pressing problems that constitutional commission delegates blocked me from his Twitter account. have not been resolved.

Among these issues are a flagging I did not comment on any of his posts, economy, adverse effects of the TRAIN Turn to A5

EVERYMAN

By Joey Salgado PRESIDENT Duterte threw heavy shade at Vice President Leni Robredo a few days ago, tagging her with the dreaded “I” word. The knee jerk response from her partisans was to proclaim “no, she’s not incompetent!” and “look who’s talking.” On social media, they posted photos of the vice president talking to children and poor folk. Reminder: Photo ops do not prove competence. Experience does. That’s what the

Incompetence President was saying.

The vice president’s retort, however, was on point. Instead of insulting her and God (magka-level kayo, ma’am?), the President should focus on improving the economy. Ouch.

The President’s verbal attack on the vice president came just a few hours after she declared that she will now lead a united opposition. That statement was an open declaration of political war with the President, a risky move considering that the President has only been in

power for two years.

Why did the vice president initiate the hostilities? The most recent Social Weather Stations survey would be the most obvious reason. The President’s ratings dropped by 11 percent, a personal record low attributed by analysts to discontent over rising prices and his “stupid God” remark uttered during the survey period. The Liberal Party, itching for a comeback, smells blood.

But why hold a press briefing to

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Opinion Body count OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ WE WERE shocked by the news that Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili was shot dead in broad daylight during a flagraising ceremony on July 2. A day later, Mayor Ferdinand Bote of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija was shot by an unidentified assailant upon getting inside his car.

On July 7, Vice Mayor Alex Lubigan of Trece Martires town in Cavite was killed aboard his car by unidentified gunmen.

Four days later, Vice Mayor Al-Rashid Mohammad Ali of Sapa-Sapa town in Tawi-Tawi was shot dead by motorcyleriding gunmen in Zamboanga City.

Four LGU officials were killed in just half a month. These recent killing incidents of local government officials, particularly mayors and vice mayors, are not new. According to a consolidated report by ABS-CBN, these slain officials were just four of 15 mayors and vice mayors who were killed during the two-year Duterte administration.

Because of the President’s firm stance against illegal drugs, some of the

killings of local officials were associated with his intensified anti-illegal drug campaign. We must note that the many slain officials were not in the narco list. The assassination of Mayor Bote, according to the investigations, was al-

How can these criminals be so bold as to execute such horrible acts under the administration of a President who is tough on crime?

legedly ordered by a contractor over a P96-million ecotourism contract.

Still, these brazen acts of violence are alarming. We wake up every day worried about ourselves, even our families, because we do not feel safe anymore.

Whether we are government officials or just normal citizens, we deserve to

FLORENCIO FIANZA TWO issues that have something to do with the midterm elections in 2019 have been in the news. Critics of the administration are calling out Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go for taking advantage of his position to campaign early as he is rumored to be running for senator next May. He denies this.

To be fair to Go, whether he is already campaigning or simply helping people as he claims, there is nothing new with what he is doing. This has happened before. Has it not been common to see sitting senators with their big pictures on billboards endorsing products?

There is a big poster of Bong Go along the North Luzon Expressway saying “Go Philippines Go.” It is similar to what an enterprising former governor whose family name was Mayo did many years ago when he peppered his province with posters urging the people: “Bomoto sa Mayo.” What Bong Go is doing is what is called in the export control parlance as dual activity. It can be interpreted as campaigning as well as legitimate effort to help people as he is saying. Besides, was it not the Comelec that came out with the statement saying that there is no violation with early campaigning?

Those who are quick to criticize should perhaps chill a little. What matters in the end is whether Bong Go can win a slot in the senatorial race next year if he does run. We cannot begrudge him that because it is his right if he wants to run for public office. His critics may view him as undeserving but the Filipino electorate have elected all sorts of people—including clowns—as senators of the realm.

Bong Go, as his boss the President is saying, is the scion of the biggest printing company in Mindanao and may have something to contribute in the area of business if he wins. What he

Distractions From A4

to ensure there would be no nuisance candidates who would run. I think another requirement should be added—a candidate for President must be of good

Incompetence From A4

make the announcement? Isn’t the vice president acknowledged as the de facto opposition leader?

I would hazard that a public declaration needed to be made in order to regain the mantle of opposition leadership from a most unlikely competitor: The glib and, let’s admit it, media savvy former chief justice Lourdes Sereno.

No two personalities could be polar opposites. Where Robredo’s persona is formal to the point of sleep-inducing, Sereno’s is colorful and entertaining.

Just watch her interviews or speeches: Hand gestures, facial expressions and the public speaking style of one touched by the Divine.

And while Robredo and the liberals have kept to themselves in a bizarre exercise of political inbreeding or isolationism, Sereno has embraced all

has to do is to navigate his built-in advantage in such a way that he will not be seen or portrayed as an eager beaver and turn the voters off instead of generating appreciation because of his genuine desire to help people. It is admittedly a tricky situation which must be executed professionally with the help of capable political handlers. In past elections, prospective voters tend to favor reelectionists and those come backing former senators but Bong Go can surmount this name recognition disadvantage.

He has now been in the limelight for over two years and has been crisscrossing the country lately making the usual rounds and has become the sen-

How can the public trust our political leaders?

ior government official of choice to whom people go to for help especially those complaining of government inefficiency and those needing immediate emergency assistance. The huge advantage of a candidate being helped and endorsed by the President cannot also be underestimated. In the end however, it will still depend on Bong Go working hard to convince the electorate that he is worthy of their vote if he does run for the senate next May. *** But with Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez saying that there is a strong possibility that the midterm elections might be postponed and that the way to eliminate political dynasties is to abolish term limits, prospective candidates will have to cross their fingers and hope that there will be an election.

He also said that the House of Representatives voting with two thirds majority can move Charter change for-

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Distaste of the Nation 2018 demand the government our safety and security. Therefore, I call on the President to do his best in ensuring the safety and security of the Filipino people. We are leaning toward his campaign promises but the time of promises is over.

The entire nation is now expecting his delivery of actual results. I hope he does not disappoint all of us.

We must ask, how can these criminals be so bold as to execute such horrible acts under the administration of a President who is tough on crime? Clearly, these criminals are not afraid of the police. So perhaps the government can benefit from the approach and style in restoring and maintaining peace and order in the country.

There could also be a distrust in the judicial system. Perhaps some people do not fear breaking the law because of perceived weaknesses in the justice system. Law offenders think that they can easily get away with the crimes they have committed.

It is about time that the President correct what is wrong. If he is serious about transforming this country into a better Philippines, he must be serious about safeguarding the nation and ensuring the peace and order of our communities.

Bong Go and no-el DUTY CALLS

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018

ward even without Senate participation.

This will undoubtedly add to the ranks of those already opposed to Charter change. Lack of time to work on the draft of the new constitution was the reason he gave.

But given that the Senate and House cannot seem to agree on what constitutes a constituent assembly, we are now actually witnessing a chaotic process. Time is of the essence here but it seems that our political leaders are moving as if there is no urgency of the situation. Maybe what some people are saying that all these are part of a plan leading to a no-election scenario is true. If such is the case, the actors in this drama are playing with fire. They are underestimating the desire of the people for an election. The best that our legislature can do now is sit down and resolve their differences so that Charter change can move forward expeditiously instead of issuing separate statements to the media complicating an already complicated situation. This is what the public expect of them.

It seems that even this is too much to expect from them. Our President who is the most important person in the equation should now step in and give his people their marching orders on what to do to save the situation. This is not the only problem of the government. Because the majority of Filipinos are against Charter change, there is a lot of work that has to be done to convince the voters that changing the constitution to make our unitary government become federal is good for the country.

But how can the public trust our political leaders when what they hear from them are simply those that will perpetuate them in power like eliminating term limits and postponing the midterm elections instead of ironing out the remaining kinks in order that the process can move forward? I hope there is still time given the magnitude of the problems cropping up not to mention some ideas coming out whether to synchronize the plebiscite with the May elections or hold it separate.

moral character and integrity, I like the provision that lifts restrictions on foreign investments. This has served as deterrent to the entry of foreign direct investments here.

I would go further, with regard to the requirement for 100-percent Filipino ownership, for example in the media,

because there is need for modern technology.

A contentious provision is the creation of four layers of high courts aside from the Supreme Court. This will be a problem for the judiciary.

colors, including the political left. And she has been consistently blasting the President for her ouster and for the ills facing the country. The vice president, on the other hand, has chosen to stay below the radar. Lastly, Robredo has remained coy about her future political plans. Sereno has expressed her openness to enter politics.

Thus, the public announcement and the emphasis on leading a united opposition, embracing all groups and forces opposed to the President.

The looming battleground will be the 2019 midterm elections. The opposition is banking on the President’s ratings sliding even further. The lower the rating, the weaker the political capital and endorsement power. Under such a scenario, they believe that the likelihood of a strong opposition showing in the polls becomes higher.

But that would be a rather simplistic, one track reading of the evolving political landscape.

For one, public opinion is fickle. It is true that the President dismissed the SWS results, saying he doesn’t care about ratings. That could just be public posturing. It would be risky for any leader to ignore public opinion as expressed through surveys, especially when you have major initiatives to push, such as federalism. No one wants to be a lame duck this early in his term. For all we know, the President’s men are meeting right now to find ways to turn the numbers around.

Second, the latest pre-election surveys are dominated by incumbents and familiar political names. With the exception of Bam Aquino, none of them come from the Liberals. Two of the names in the winning circle are openly identified with the President while the rest are incumbent senators and returning former senators from different political parties.

Senatorial elections are all about name recall and affinity with the vot-

www.emiljurado.weebly.com

his term. Two sources of the distaste in this regard are (1) the appointment of high officials on a basis other than RUDY personal merit and (2) the repeated reROMERO cycling of dismissal officials to other government offices. In the matter of ON MONDAY, July 23, President government corruption, change clearRodrigo Duterte will deliver to the ly has not come.

A further source of the prevailing Filipino people a report that has come to be known as the Sona (State of the national sense of distaste is the apNation Address). However, given all parent indifference of the Duterte adthe bad feelings and negative thoughts ministration to the grave impact of its that are persuasive in this country TRAIN (Tax Reform and Inclusion) as Mr. Duterte begins the third year program on the purchasing power— of his term, Monday’s address may and therefore the standard of livas well be called the Distaste of the ing—of the lower income groups. The excise taxes on petroleum products Nation Address.

There is so much distaste in this have been especially hurtful because country today. The sources of the dis- of their effort on manufacturing costs, taste—the bad taste in the mouth— energy and transportation. The poor span the spectrum of the nation’s life, are truly hurting, but the only consolaranging from seemingly intractable tion that the economic authorities have poverty, resurgent corruption and ris- given them is the quivering assurance ing criminality to mismanagement of that the upsurge in consumers prices the economy and misconduct of the will cease at some point in the near future. nation’s external relations.

Nor is the news from other areas of Undoubtedly the most important source of the national distaste at mid- the economy providing a basis for feyear 2018 is the poverty that grips a licity. The five-year-high 5.2-percent inflation rate in large part of the June has been national populaaccompanies by tion. The most rethe widening of cent SWS (Social the merchandise Weather Stations) All these issues trade gap to $3.7 self-rated poverty leave a bad taste in the billion in May, sampling placed the dripping of at 26 percent mouth. the nation’s interthe percentage national reserve of families that to its lowest level rated themselves in six years and as poor. That was just too many families in Duterte cam- the Philippines remaining near the paigned in 2016 on the basis of, among bottom of the FDI (foreign direct inother things, the slogan “Change Is vestment) ladder. At the rate that the Coming.” The promised change has economic indicators are deteriorating, not yet arrived and, if their feeling of the Philippine economy’s managers distaste is any indication, the Filipino may find that its “sound macro-ecopeople apparently believe that it is un- nomic fundamentals” have ceased to likely to come during Mr. Duterte’s be as sound as they have long been.

Just as important as––or arguterm.

Another source of the prevailing ably more important than––the other sense of distaste is the Duterte ad- sources of the national sense of disministration’s obsession with consti- taste is the Duterte administration’s tutional change and a shift to federal- unacceptable attitude toward this ism when, in the people’s view—72 country’s territorial claims in the percent of those polled, according to South China Sea, which were upheld a very recent survey—the leaders of by the July 2016 ruling of the (PCA) this country should be preoccupied Permanent Court of Arbitration. Presiwith reducing poverty and providing dent Duterte simply refuses to do anymore jobs and income. Adding to the thing effective to enforce the ruling, distaste is the talk of postponement of saying (1) that the Philippines is in the May 2019 national election and the no position to go to war against Chiresulting extension of the terms of in- na and (2) that commercial loans and other economic goodies are preferable cumbents.

The illegalities and abuses associ- to the territories that the PCA awarded ated with the illegal drugs part of Mr. to this country yet. Opinion-survey reDuterte’s three-item campaign prom- sults released last week indicated that ise (“I will resign if I do not eradicate three out of every four Filipinos want illegal drugs, crime and corruption the government to take concrete steps within six months”) are now parts of toward protecting the PCA award.

On Monday Mr. Duterte will tell the the national landscape, but the resurgence of corruption at all levels of Filipino people about the “State of the government is causing a lot of popu- Nation.” “Distaste of the Nation” is lar concern and frustration as Rod- a better name for the address that he rigo Duterte starts the third year of will be delivering on that day.

BUSINESS CLASS

Why...

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need to justify why. It’s your account, your rules. Similarly, I have the right to block anyone from my own social media accounts. The reasons for doing so are myriad—to avoid bullying, for peace of mind, and so on.

The thing is, you don’t get anywhere in journalism, academe, and government by being thin-skinned and oversensitive. That’s why I don’t block my critics, including those who are obviously trolls. The ad hominem insults, fallacies of logic, and sheer stupidity of cowards who cower behind user names are simply hilarious and make for interesting stories over dinner.

but I may have liked a post from a veteran journalist who was arguing with him about the draft. Was I blocked for liking someone else’s post? If not for that, then what for? Are you hiding something from me? (Hihihi.)

Not that I can’t see his posts at all —there are workarounds for that. But blocking an individual sends a strong signal of “I don’t like you.” Coming from a university professor and subject matter expert whose job is to educate people, that’s eyebrow raising and not quite professional.

Dr. Ortuoste, a writer and researchOf course in social media you can er, has a PhD in Communication. FB block anyone you want to with no and Twitter: @DrJennyO ers. In this, the incumbents and returning senators have a distinct edge.

The names being floated as opposition bets.…sorry, did I just doze off?

It seems that the Liberals are keen on encouraging protest votes. Simply stated, if you are disenchanted or simply hate the incumbent, vote for us. It doesn’t matter if our candidates are as interesting as ashtrays, or if crooked deals were our thing during our self-righteous Daang Matuwid reign. The Liberals should know it just doesn’t work that way.

If the midterms are traditionally a referendum on the incumbent, it is expected of the incumbent to muster all the resources available to him to ensure a credible showing for his candidates, which may include incumbents from other political parties. Let’s face it. No opposition party can match the resources of the ruling administration. The Liberal Party knows this. They perfected the template during their glory days.

Traditionally, the President and the

vice president, especially when they come from opposing parties, observe an unwritten rule of conduct where they are, at least, civil to each other. The vice president’s early declaration of leading the opposition discards the niceties.

So expect more toxic exchanges in the coming days between the President and the vice president and from their surrogates. And while the political gods bicker and throw thunderbolts at each other, the masses will have to bear with high prices, traffic, flash floods, and killers on the loose. As for me, I’ll probably tune in to the political telenovela starring the two highest leaders of the land only when there’s nothing good on Netflix.

Joey Salgado is a former journalist and media consultant for several government agencies, public personalities and private corporations. He served as media director and spokesman for former vice president Jejomar Binay.

News

A6

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Anti-graft court drops case vs carpenter

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Sandiganbayan has dismissed the case of the former municipal carpenter of Maitum, Sarangani, citing “inordinate delay.”

Remigius Mayled was charged with the alleged falsification of his rating in the 1993 civil engineering board examinations.

In a decision dated July 12, the antigraft court’s Second Division said it dismissed the case against Mayled, the former carpenter general foreman, owing to the violation of his right to a speedy trial and speedy disposition of cases.

The prosecutor took 16 years to file charges against Mayled, the court said.

Citing inordinate delay, Mayled earlier filed a motion to dismiss the case leveled against him.

Then-Acting Presiding Judge Bill Lugo Ybarley of Branch 38 of the Regional Trial Court in Alabel, Sarangani denied the motion, prompting Mayled to file a petition for certiorari at the Sandiganbayan on April 3, 2017.

The Sandiganbayan also disregarded the claims of the prosecution that Mayled also contributed to the delay by filing numerous petitions.

“The Court, however, finds that had rules of procedure been properly observed and followed, there would have been no 16 years of unreasonable delay without the trial of the cases being commenced. Had that been done, any dilatory actions or motions filed by petitioner could not cause the unjustified delay in the proceedings,” the antigraft court said in its decision written by division chairman, Associate Justice Oscar Herrera Jr.; with Associate Justices Michael Frederick Musngi and Lorifel Pahimna concurred.

The anti-graft court also blamed Ybarley for having contributed to the delay of Mayled’s case due to “negligence.”

“The issuance by respondent Judge of the assailed orders demonstrated abuse of discretion that was so patent and gross amounting to an evasion of a positive duty, or to a virtual refusal to perform a duty enjoined by law, or to act in contemplation of law,” the Sandiganbayan said.

Mayled was charged with falsification of public documents when he allegedly faked his examination rating in the board examinations administrated by the Board of Civil Engineering of the Professional Regulation Commission in the PRC Certification and Personal Data Sheet.

These documents were the ones he submitted to the town government when he applied for the position as municipal carpenter in 1994.

He claimed he obtained the passing rate of 73 percent when he, in fact, scored the failing grade of 45.7 percent.

However, Mayled’s case was still in the pre-trial stage as of Sept. 21, 2016, or 16 years after the charges were filed in court.

TWO MORE LANES. Public

Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, with Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, BCDA president Vince Dizon inaugurate Wednesday the opening of an additional two lanes for the Napindan Bridge II, a 152-linear meter pre-stressed girder bridge which is part of the Laguna Lake Highway Project, Taguig section. The bridge construction is composed of concrete board piles for piers, slabs, railings, retaining walls and stone masonry for approaches.

In addition, thermoplastic pavement marking has also been incorporated into the project.

Norman Cruz

Borrowers won’t lose homes—Pag-IBIG P

AG-IBIG Fund has clarified that, contrary to reports, 22,000 housing loan borrowers won’t lose their homes after a report of the Commission on Audit revealed that Contracts to Sell have yet to be converted to Real Estate Mortgage.

“I want to assure Pag-IBIG housing borrowers that they do not risk losing their homes because of the nonconversion from CTS to REM. The management of Pag-IBIG Fund has put safeguards in place to ensure that the home loan borrower’s rights are always protected. This is primordial as we implement the housing sector’s initiatives and President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to prioritize the delivery of reliable government services,” said Secretary

Eduardo del Rosario, concurrent chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti added the non-conversion to REM was unrelated to the risk of losing houses.

“Borrowers have no reason to worry because regardless of the conversion status of their properties, the only way they face the risk of losing their

homes is if they are not paying their monthly obligations,” Moti said in a statement.

“To safeguard the borrower, the CTS is assigned to Pag-IBIG Fund and annotated in the title as proof that the borrower purchased that property. Two, Pag-IBIG can sanction developers who fail to meet the conversion timeline. Lastly and most importantly, Pag-IBIG itself can do the conversion by using the retention fee deducted from the developer to make sure that these titles will be transferred under the names of the borrowers,” he continued.

While CoA’s observations on the CTS-REM conversion was widely reported, it was largely ignored that state auditors gave Pag-IBIG another unqualified opinion which is the best opinion

Ecowaste warns vs wet wipes

By Joel E. Zurbano

LTFRB to Hype TSI: Explain travel charge THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has issued a show cause order to new ride-sharing firm Hype Transport Systems Inc. for reportedly imposing a P2-per-minute travel charge.

The Board said that Hype should explain, within five days from receipt of the order, why its certificate of accreditation as a transportation network company (TNC) should not be revoked or suspended for charging the per minute rate without its authorization.

“Acting on a report forwarded by a concerned citizen to the Board, respondent Hype Transport Systems Incorporated is hereby ordered to show cause in writing, why its Certificate of Accreditation as a transportation network company (TNC) should not be suspended or canceled,” the LTFRB said in its order dated July 13 which was released to the media Wednesday.

Hype should be charging a base fare of P40 and an additional charge of P14 per kilometer with no per minute rate, according to the Board.

The ride-hailing firm is being asked to appear at a hearing scheduled at 9 am on July 24.

The LTFRB has approved the accreditation of Hype as a new TNC last April, allowing it to operate for two years following the shutdown of the operations of Uber in the country, following Grab’s acquisition of its ride-hailing services in Southeast Asia. PNA

that a government agency or corporation can get from CoA. “We rendered an unqualified opinion on the fairness of presentation of the financial statements of the HDMF for the years ended Dec. 31, 2017 and 2016 in accordance with [Philippine Financial Reporting Standards] PFRS. Some of the audit observations impact on the balances of the accounts presented in the financial statements. However, in aggregate, they do not exceed the material level set for the 2017 audit of accounts and transactions to warrant a qualified or adverse opinion,” the Auditor’s Opinion read.

Pag-IBIG Fund has now earned its sixth straight unqualified opinion from CoA, breaking yet another record in the Fund’s 37-year history.

SECURITY CHECK. Police Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar and different group leaders do a walk through Wednesday along Commonwealth Avenue in front of St. Peter Parish Church in preparation for the upcoming State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte on July 23. Manny Palmero

PCSO claims winning war vs jueteng, earns P30.78b LAOAG CITY—Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Alexander Balutan reported on Wednesday the agency earned P30.78 billion from January to June 2018.

The amount represents the combined retail receipts from Lotto, Keno, Small Town Lottery, and Instant Sweepstakes.

“We are winning the war against illegal gambling such as jueteng through our Small Town Lottery [STL]. From January to June, our STL posted a whopping P12.4 billion revenues,” Balutan declared during a forum dubbed Samasamang Talakayan at Linawan at the Fort Ilocandia in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The quarterly forum has been a regular activity of PCSO for the general manager to report to the public its revenue collections.

“We are doing this because we want to show the public that we are transparent in all our dealings. We want to let the public know where their money goes and what the PCSO has done in support to the Universal Heathcare coverage program of President Rodrigo Duterte,” said Balutan.

PCSO’s revenue for the second quarter

is P6.4 billion or 26 percent higher compared with the same period last year.

The highest revenue came from STL with P12.4 billion, an increase of 146.85 percent compared with the same period last year; followed by Keno with P2.7 billion, an increase of 8.69 percent, and Sweepstakes with P662.7 million compared to only P12.5 million in 2017.

Lotto, on the other hand, recorded a P14.9-billion revenue compared to P15.6 billion last year, which is a 4.57-percent decrease.

“Figure don’t lie and our revenues for the second quarter, which is 24 percent higher compared to the same period of last year is proof that PCSO under the able leadership of chairman Anselmo Simeon Pinili and yours truly together with the rest of the members of the Board is on the right track of hitting its P60-billion target by the end of this year,” said Balutan.

Balutan also credited the Philippine National Police and local government officials for its aggressive efforts in going against the operators and kabos of all illegal numbers game nationwide and al-

lowing the entry and operations of STL in their area, which are instrumental in the big leap of PCSO’s STL revenue.

“Yes, other STL Authorized Agent Corporations [AACs] are not successful in their areas of operation, resulting to failure of remittance of the total Presumptive Monthly Retail Receipt [PMRR] as committed, but just like any other businesses, the first year of operation is a matter of testing the waters,” Balutan said.

To address this concern, Balutan said the agency would implement improvements to have a successful collection of PMRR and it will also revisit the 2016 STL-Implementing Rules and Regulations.

As PCSO revenue increases, so are the recipients and the amount of assistance released under the Individual Medical Assistance Program, the flagship program of PCSO or more popularly known as IMAP, also increases.

For the first semester of 2018, PCSO served 236,595 compared to only 184,907 in 2017, an increase of 51,688 patients served or 31 percent higher compared to 2017.

ENVIRONMENTALIST group Ecowaste Coalition on Wednesday warned the people against the proliferation of pre-moistened baby wet wipes that might cause skin allergic reactions.

“Consumers should steer clear of wet wipes and other leave-on personal care products containing banned MCI/MIT preservatives that can cause itchy red rash on the sensitive skin of babies and children,” said Thony Dizon, Ecowaste Chemical Safety campaigner.

MCI, which stands for methylchloroisothiazolinone, and MIT, which means methylisothiazolinone (MCI/ MIT), are preservatives not allowed in leave-on cosmetic products, including wet wipes, under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the European Union cosmetic directives as these compounds can bring about allergic contact dermatitis.

“Consumers should carefully read the product labels, avoid wipes containing MCI/MIT and shun those that have not been assessed by health authorities for their quality and safety,” Dizon said “We also advise consumers not to flush used wet wipes or throw them on streets or canals as these may block the drainage and sewer systems, clog anti-flood pumping stations, ruin wastewater pumps, and aggravate the plastic pollution of water bodies and the oceans” he added.

In a report submitted to the Food and Drug Administration, the group informed the agency about the illegal sale of unregistered wet wipes in retail establishments in Pasay City.

In test buys last July 14, the group managed to purchase 12 brands of wet wipes marketed for use in cleansing babies’ sensitive skin that have not undergone quality and safety verification by the FDA. None of these 12 baby wipes, costing P15 to P83.75 per pack, had the required product notifications.

More alarmingly, five of the 12 products listed banned preservatives MCI/MIT as ingredients.

Standard

TODAY

PBA game cancelled again G AME 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series between San Miguel Beer and Alaska set yesterday has been postponed due to potential severe weather conditions (Orange warning) as announced by National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The game will be played on Friday, 7 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, with the Beermen aiming for a 3-0 sweep and a return trip to the finals.

Meanwhile, the postponed Game 2 between Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine hopefully resumes today at 7 p.m.

With a 1-0 lead, the Gin Kings shoot for their ninth straight victory and a solid 2-0 lead, even as the Elasto Painters gun for the equalizer.

Ginebra took Game 1, 102-89, Sunday night in a dominant Game 1 per-

formance to win its eighth straight game dating back to the elimination round.

Import Justin Brownlee was a steady force, while Jeff Chan finally had a breakthrough performance as a Gin King as the two led their team’s charge in the opener. Brownlee scored 35 points, while Chan hit 21 markers, his most productive in a Ginebra uniform thus far.

“It’s not a long series so it’s key for us to have an early advantage,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone. “We’re con-

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Ave., Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE 2006 OPEN ACCESS TRANSMISSION SERVICES RULES (OATS RULES),

ERC Case No. 2017-010 RM

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES Petitioner. x-----------------------------------------x NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE-MAKING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 22 December 2017, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) filed a Petition seeking the Commission’s approval of its proposed amendments to the 2006 Open Access Transmission Services Rules (OATS Rules).

In the said Petition, NGCP alleged the following: NATURE OF THE PETITION 1.

This is a petition to adopt the proposed amendments to the 2006 Revised Rules, Terms and Conditions for the Provision of Open Access Transmission Service (OATS Rules) filed pursuant to Section 43 of Republic Act No. 9136 (EPlRA) and Rule 21 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure.

THE PETITIONER

2.

3.

NGCP is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City, where it may be served with notices, orders, resolutions and other issuances of this Honorable Commission through its Office of the General Counsel. It is the concessionaire which assumed the power transmission functions of the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) pursuant to the EPIRA. NGCP holds a franchise under Republic Act No. 95111 to engage in the business of conveying or transmitting electricity through high-voltage back-bone system of interconnected transmission lines, substations and related facilities, and for other purposes. The franchise also includes the conduct of activities necessary to support the safe and reliable operation of the transmission system.

BACKGROUND

4.

On 11 February 2004, the Honorable Commission approved the OATS Rules which govern the services provided by, and outline the responsibilities of the Transmission Provider and the functions of the System Operator. The OATS Rules also set out the responsibilities of the Transmission Customers.

5.

On 13 December 2006, the Honorable Commission adopted the 2006 Revised OATS Rules which contain the amendments and revisions to the provisions of the 2004 OATS Rules.

6.

Considering that the 2006 Revised OATS Rules were adopted more than a decade ago, some of the provisions are no longer applicable and/or needs to be amended or updated. Hence, NGCP proposes to amend some provisions of the 2006 Revised OATS Rules and introduce new provisions in conformity with the provisions of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) Rules, the Philippine Grid Code (2016 Edition), the Feed In Tariff Rules, the Renewable Energy Act, and several resolutions and issuances of the Honorable Commission, the Grid Management Committee (GMC) and the Department of Energy (DOE).

7.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

Manila

tinuing 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.”

In Game 1, the Gin Kings missed the services of injured forward Japeth Aguilar, who is still a game-time decision today.

“There’s still a swelling on Japeth’s Achilles and we still don’t know if he can go. We surely hope he can for Game 2. It’s 50-50,” Cone said.

While Rain or Shine import Reggie Johnson scored 30, the Painters failed to get ample contributions from their locals.

Johnson certainly needs some more help from his pals if the Elasto Painters are to avoid a deep 0-2 hole against the red hot Gin Kings.

A7

Top jrs vie in PPS net tourney THE Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Valle Verde Country Club National Age-Group gets going tomorrow (Friday, July 20) with over 300 players from all over mixing it up in a rare gathering of the country’s top juniors and rising stars at the VVCC indoor and outdoor tennis courts in Pasig City.

Leading campaigners from Sultan Kudarat, Davao, San Carlos City, Los Baños, Ilocos, Lucena, Quezon City, Rizal, Pangasinan, Dumaguete, Agoo, La Union, Lipa, Cavite, Malabon, Cainta and Manila gear up for six days of top notch tennis, all seeking podium finish and ranking points in the Group 1 tournament presented by Dunlop and sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop.

Bea Acena from Ilocos and Anna Laura De Myer from San Fabian, Pangasinan topbill the girls’ 18-and-under cast that also includes Denise Bernardo from Los Baños, Danna Abad from Davao, Paula Uy from QC and Sultan Kudarat’s Carlyn Guarde.

Vince EJ Tugade, also from Sultan Kudarat, Valle Verde’s Athan Arejola,

MODULE D: 10) NGCP proposes to delete Annex I, Module D of the 2006 OATS Rules which provides the re-dispatch procedures until the commencement date of the spot market. The proposal is in line with the fact that, with the WESM already in place, the dispatch/re-dispatch will be undertaken in accordance with the WESM Rules and applicable WESM Manuals and Department Circular No. DC2017-05-0009.4 11) NGCP proposes to delete Modules D7.1 and D7.2 of the 2006 OATS Rules which require the System Operator to develop a yearly Ancillary Services Procurement Plan (ASPP) considering that the annual development of the ASPP may not be realistic due to a long approval process.

12) NGCP proposes to delete module DB of the 2006 OATS Rules (Alternative Ancillary Service Arrangement) in line with the requirement of the PGC GO 6.3.1.2 whereby NGCP as the SO shall be responsible for determining, acquiring, and dispatching the capacity needed to supply the required Grid AS. 13) NGCP proposes to delete Module D10 of the 2006 OATS Rules (Management of Energy Imbalance) since this provision is no longer applicable with the WESM in place.

LOTTO RESULTS

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

Availability.

24) NGCP proposes that the details of the Ancillary Services be referred to the Ancillary Services Procurement Plant (ASPP) and the Ancillary Services Cost Recovery Mechanism (ASCRM), as updated and amended from time to time.

25) NGCP proposes to delete Module F(AV) 2 of the 2006 OATS Rules (Special Billing Provisions for System Impact and Facilities). This is pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 18, Series of 20156 which requires that the costs for the engagement by the NGCP of the third party shall be borne by the applicant or the prospective transmission customer. However, in cases where the NGCP shall conduct the SIS, the costs thereof shall be deemed included in its (NGCP) operation expenses.

26) NGCP proposes for a mandatory pre-termination charges and shall be set out in the Service Agreement. The pretermination charge is a charge levied when a Transmission Customer wants to terminate, ahead of time, the agreement with the Transmission Network Provider. This charge shall be computed based on the cost and other related expenses incurred by the Transmission Network Provider in terminating and disconnecting the Transmission Customer from the system.

ANNEX A:

MODULE E: 14) One of the major revisions in this module is in Module E11.3 where several conditions were enumerated for the ‘Meter Only’ billing scheme with reference to DOE Department Circular No. DC2016-05-0007.5 The conditions to be included in Module E11.3 are as follows:

27) NGCP proposes that instead of a written process, a process flow chart is more efficient in describing the application process.

28) NGCP proposes to modify the Relevant Schedules and Additional Requirements for new or modified connection to the grid as follows:

(a) The Transmission Customer shall collaborate with the Metering Service Provider on the conduct of testing, calibration and maintenance in a manner as prescribed by the PGC;

Prior to the execution of the Service Agreement:

(b) The Transmission Customer shall allow the Metering Service Provider to access the Metering Installation at all times; (c) The Transmission Customer shall provide the Metering Service Provider with a minimum spare for the said Metering Equipment, i.e., one (1) unit per set of instrument transformers and lightning arrester; (d) The Transmission Customer shall ensure that such Metering Equipment will be periodically tested and calibrated by the Metering Service Provider in a manner prescribed by the PGC. The Metering Service Provider shall be allowed to charge the Transmission Customer with the cost of such metering services until such time that the said cost forms part of the Metering Service Provider’s Metering Service Provider Charges (MSP Charges) computed pursuant to Rule F(AIII) of the OATS Rules;

Additional Requirements: Each Transmission Customer shall provide the following supplemental data requirements: Prior to Commissioning Date:

(e) The Transmission Customer shall be required to consistently cooperate with the Metering Service Provider for any compliance with the requirements of the PGC and WESM Rules; and

1. Detailed Planning Data; 2. Protection Arrangement and Settings; 3. Electrical Diagrams; 4. Safety Rules and Local Safety Instructions; 5. Metering Requirements; 6. Proposed Maintenance Program; 7. Test and Commissioning Procedures; and 8. Statement of Readiness to Connect.

(f)

As Applicable:

Any non-compliance of the Transmission Customer shall be subject to Rule A13 of the OATS Rules.

MODULE F: 15) NGCP proposes the adoption of the following table as matrix of charges for the Transmission Customers:

1. Load Shedding and Curtailment Procedures; 2. Contingency Actions; and 3. Critical Event List.

9. A copy of the 2017 Proposed Amendments to the OATS Rules, containing all proposed revisions, wordings, deletions and additions is hereto attached as Annex “A.” PRAYER WHEREFORE, NGCP most respectfully prays that this Honorable Commission:

Thus, this petition to initiate rule-making is being filed to seek the adoption of the proposed amendments to the 2006 OATS Rules.

1.

EXERCISE its rule-making power under Section 37 of the EPIRA, and Rule 21 of its Rules of Practice and Procedure; and

2.

APPROVE the proposed amendments to the 2006 OATS, after notice and public consultation.

Petitioner prays for other relief deemed just and equitable under the premises.

The Commission has set the said Petition for initial hearing on the following dates:

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS 8.

Loucas Fernandez from QC and Dumaguete’s Ibarra Ortega, on the other hand, lead the chase in the boys’ premier side of the event hosted by the Valle Verde Country Club headed by Unified Tennis Philippines OIC Richie Lozada and officers and members of VVCC.

The salient features of the proposed amendments to the 2006 OATS Rules are as follows:

MODULE A: 1)

NGCP proposes to modify Table A3.3 (“OATS Module applicability for different Transmission Customers”), specifying that all modules shall apply to all Participants, namely Transmission Network Provider, Metering Service Provider, System Operator, and Transmission Customers.

2)

NGCP proposes to amend Module A8 (Creditworthiness) by: deleting “ charge over asset” as a credit support and including letter of credit and surety bond as forms of additional credit support in Module A8.1; adding new provisions on credit support level for Prospective Transmission Customers and Connected Transmission Customers in Module A8.2, new provisions on credit support adjustment in Module A8.3; and revising the procedure on the application and replenishment of credit support in Module A8.4.

MODULE B: 3)

NGCP proposes to delete Modules B2B.2 and B2B.3 governing Contribution in Aid of Construction (CIAC). In the proposed amendment, Module B2B.2 shall state that the Transmission Customer’s Connection Facilities that perform grid function shall be reclassified into Transmission Assets through a reclassification case. Thereafter, the Transmission Customer shall transfer the operation, control and ownership of the subject Connection Facilities to the Transmission Network Provider and the Transmission Network Provider shall pay the fair market price as agreed by the parties or, where no agreement can be reached, shall be determined by the ERC.

4) NGCP proposes to amend Module B5 (Communication and SCADA Equipment Requirements) by deleting the provisions requiring the Transmission Customers to secure and provide telecommunication facilities since Communication and SCADA Equipment are Transmission Assets, hence, the responsibility of the Transmission Network Provider.

5)

NGCP proposes to amend Module B13.2 on the requirement for direct connection of end-users to harmonize with the DOE’s “House Rules Governing the Review and Evaluation of Direct Connection Applications of Industrial, Commercial and Other Qualified Electricity End-Users, Economic Zones and Economic Enterprises.”

6)

NGCP proposes to exclude from Module B13.4 the collection of nonrefundable processing fee from the Transmission Customer since this fee is considered part of the regular operating cost of NGCP.

7)

NGCP proposes revisions in Module B14 on the manner of providing services for the conduct of System Impact Study (SIS), particularly Module B14.2 on the determination of whether SIS is necessary; deletion of Modules 14.7 and B14.8; and revision of Module B14.9 on the cost of the SIS. The modification is in line with ERC Resolution No.18, Series of 20152 In the proposed amendment to Modules B14.2 and B14.7, the Transmission Network Provider is designated as the sole entity authorized to conduct an SIS with the option to engage a third party under its supervision and control and with full responsibility and accountability therefor. Further, the costs for the engagement by the Transmission Network Provider of the third party shall be borne by the Transmission Customer, except in cases where the SIS is conducted by the Transmission Network Provider, the costs thereof shall be deemed included in its operation expenses.

8)

NGCP proposes to include provisions in Module B15 on the review of the Facilities Study undertaken by the Transmission Network Provider pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 18, Series of 20153 In the proposed amendment, the Transmission Network Provider shall notify and direct the Transmission Customer to submit the necessary Facilities Study which may be conducted by either a Third Party Provider or Transmission Network Provider.

MODULE C: 9)

NGCP proposes to delete Module C4 (Available Transmission Capacity of Power Delivery Service), considering that the provision of available transmission capacity and the time period required of the Transmission Network Provider to provide such capacity is subject to a long process, i.e. submission of information by the Transmission Customer, conduct of required studies, and approval of the capital expenditure projects by the Honorable Commission. Hence, it is beyond the control of the Transmission Network Provider.

16) NGCP also proposes three (3) new charges, as follows: a.

Stand-by Facility Charge. NGCP proposes to include a Standby Facility Charge payable by Load Customers with Embedded Generators. This is a fixed charge where the computation of charges is similar to the Connection Charge, considering that Load Customer with Embedded Generator utilizes the transmission facilities during the time that its Embedded Generator is out of service. These transmission facilities may be considered as Stand-by Facilities utilized by the said Load Customers even on an occasional basis.

b.

Fit-All Charge. FIT-All Charges, as defined in ERC’s Resolution No. 16, Series of 2010, shall be collected and remitted in accordance with the guidelines approved by the ERC. Further, the rate, which is expressed in P/kWh, shall be established and set by the ERC on an annual basis upon petition of the FIT All Fund Administrator.

c.

All interested parties were required to submit their comments on the Petition until 20 July 2018 both in soft and hard copies.

Accordingly, the instant Petition is set for public consultations on the following dates:

GMC Charge. NGCP proposes that the ERC approved expenditures of the GMC be recovered through the proposed GMC Charge. The proposal ensures transparency on the true cost of carrying out the functions of the GMC as well as to ensure equitable sharing of costs among all customers.

17) Billing Determinant. NGCP proposes that the non-coincident peak billing methodology be shifted to coincident peak billing (coincident peak of the Transmission Customer’s system), consistent with the Decision in ERB Case No. 2001-901 entitled “In the Matter of the Application for the Approval of the Revised Unbundled Power Rates” dated 26 June 2002. In compliance with the said decision, NGCP respectfully manifests that it is now capable to provide the requirements for the coincident peak demand billing.

As an alternative, subject to the approval of the ERC, the Load Billing Determinant shall be the contracted demand as set forth in the Service Agreement or the previous year’s highest coincident peak demand of the Load Customer, whichever is higher. This coincident peak demand is the maximum of the 15-minute interval sum of the demand measured from all its metering points in a month.

18) Other proposals for Applicability of Charges under Module F1.2 of the proposed amendments are as follows: a.

b.

For those periods of time when Grid Connected Generator Customers draw power from the Grid for their own use, the charges relevant to Grid-Connected End-Users shall apply; and For Renewable Energy (RE), the transmission charges may be billed in Peso/kWh derived from Peso/kW charge and fixed monthly charges.

19) NGCP proposes to amend Module F(AI)4 of the 2006 OATS Rules to adopt the demand-based proportion in the allocation of revenue requirement for the Customer Segments of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, which has been the practice since the Second Regulatory Period.

20) NGCP proposes for a 50/50 allocation of power delivery revenue between the Grid-Connected Generator and Load Customers as can be found in the formulae set out in Modules F(AI) 4.3 and 4.4.

Pasig City, 10 July 2018.

FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION

AGNES VST DEVANADERA Chairperson and CEO

21) NGCP re-arranged the provisions in Annex FIV, Module F, or the provisions pertaining to the Connection Charges and Residual Sub-transmission Charges to provide clarity in the calculation of charges.

22) NGCP proposes to delete Module F(AIII) 5 of the 2006 OATS Rules which pertains to calculation of loss factor, since the loss factor has no effect on transmission charges.

23) NGCP proposes to remove the provisions on Interruption and Billing Adjustment (IBA) and Curtailment Billing Adjustment (CBA) found in Modules F(AVI) 1 of the 2006 OATS Rules. Pursuant to Article VIII of the Rules for Setting Transmission Wheeling Rates, the ERC, in NGCP’s 3rd Regulatory Period Final Determination on November 2010, adopted eight (8) indices on which NGCP’s performance will be measured. The IBA and ICA is already subsumed in three (3) indices adopted by the ERC, namely the System Interruption Severity Index, Frequency of Tripping, and System

1 Entitled "An Act Granting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines a Franchise To Engage in the Business of Conveying or Transmitting Electricity Through High Voltage BackBone System of Interconnected Transmission Lines, Substations and Related Facilities, and for other Purposes."

2 Entitled “A Resolution Adopting the Grid Management Committee’s Recommendations to Exempt Certain Power Plants from the Conduct of System Impact Study and Clarifying and Expanding the Requirements for a Thorough Conduct of Facilities Study.”

3 Entitled “A Resolution Adopting the Grid Management Committee’s Recommendations to Exempt Certain Power Plants from the Conduct of System Impact Study and Clarifying and Expanding the Requirements for a Thorough Conduct of Facilities Study.”

4 Entitled”Dedaring the Launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao and Providing for Transition Guidelines.”

5 Entitled “Providing Policies for further improvements of the operations and metering installations of the Metering Services Providers (MSPs) in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and Retail Market” 6 Entitled, “A Resolution Adopting the Grid Management Committee’s Recommendations to Exempt Certain Power Plants from the Conduct of System Impact Study and Clarifying and Expanding the Requirements for a Thorough Conduct of Facilities Study” (MS-JULY 19 & 26, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

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THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018

Smart-Army, Generika eye semis Games Today: (FilOil Flying V Centre) 2:00 p.m. — UE-Cherrylume vs Cocolife 4:15 p.m. — Foton vs UP-UAI 7:00 p.m. — Generika-Ayala vs Smart-Army

Thai Ploychompoo Wirairungreung makes the most of her first stint at Southwoods’ Legends course with a flawless 65

Thai grabs lead with solid 65 CARMONA, Cavite—Thai Ploychompoo Wirairungreung sparkled in cloudy skies and wet condition, outshining local ace Princess Superal with a solid seven-under 65 to wrest a two-stroke lead over Taiwanese amateur Hou Yu-Chiang at the start of the ICTSI Champion Tour at the Manila Southwoods here yesterday.

While majority of the starting 100-player field struggled on the soggy fairways of the Legends course that played longer than its 6543 yardage and its softened, unreceptive greens, Wirairungreung and Hou, who shot a 67, romped off with the day’s two bogey-free rounds as they seized the 1-2 posts in the $75,000 event sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Hou sister Yu-Sang, also an amateur, missed wresting solo third with a bogey on the par-5 17th and dropped to joint third with Thai Chatprapa Siriprakob at 69 while Superal holed out with a birdie to save a 70 for a share of fifth with Taiwanese Lee Hsin and Lee Chia-Pei, Aunchisa Utama and Supamas Sangchan of Thailand and Singapore’s Amelia Wong.

What made Wirairungreung’s feat doubly impressive was she did it on her first foray on a rain-hit course that she said suits her game.

“This is the course I love. My approach shots are good and I like the fairways though it’s wet because I can chop the ball,” said the 23-year-old Wirairungreung, who f lashed solid driving and iron play to upstage Superal and Taiwanese Ching Huang in one of the featured threesomes, highlighting her impeccable 32-33 round with superb putting that helped produce seven birdies, including four at the front.

“I really had it going. Even when I’m in trouble, I would recover and make par saves,” said the 5-11 shotmaker from Chiang Rai, winner of two pro events who drilled in four birdies at the front inside 14 feet, birdied Nos. 12 and 13 and capped her sterling round with a nine-footer on the 18th.

Chiefs itching to strut stuff vs EAC Generals A

FTER two postponements, Arellano University finally gets the chance to show its true wares as it clashes with dangerous Emilio Aguinaldo College today in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Arellano U Gym in Legarda, Manila.

The Chiefs’ season debut was postponed twice after their games against the San Beda Lions on July 10 and Perpetual Help Altas last Tuesday were both called off due to inclement weather and they hope their 4 pm duel with the Generals at the former’s homecourt will push through as scheduled.

“The boys are excited and eager to play this season,” said AU coach Jerry Codinera.

Codinera, however, lamented the lack of practice the past few days because of the bad weather condition.

“We couldn’t practice for several days because some of the players got stranded due to flooding and we also can’t use our court because of the moist caused by the rains,” said Codinera. “So we really don’t know what will happen tomorrow (today), we’ll just do what we can to win.”

AU will also be without Kent Salado, its unquestioned leader, who suffered a season-ending injury early in the year.

Expected to step up in his place are Michael Canete, Rence Luis Alcoriza, Levi dela Cruz, Archie Concepcion and

Games Today (Arellano U Gym, Legarda) 2 p.m.- AU vs EAC (jrs) 4 p.m.- AU vs EAC (srs)

vastly improved Elie Ongolo Ongolo.

AU, however, will play an EAC team that nearly tripped leader Lyceum of the Phl U in a 97-106 defeat Friday.

Cameroonian Hamadou Laminou, back after he suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that cut short his campaign last year, had a monster effort in that defeat with 34 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks.

“I’m happy with how he (Laminou) played in our last game and I’m hopeful he could sustain that kind of game the rest of the way,” said EAC coach Ariel Sison.

Czech guns for 3rd Ironman 70.3 PH jewel FROM Subic to Davao, Czech Radka Kahlefeldt tries to bring her winning act to what has long been considered as home of Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Cebu, shooting for a third crown in the Ironman 70.3 Philippines Asia-Pacific on Aug. 5 at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu Lapu City.

Kahlefeldt, a former No. 1 in the European Triathlete Union, dominated the Ironman 70.3 Subic last year, besting four-time Phl champion Caroline Steffen then came out strong from the birth of her first child to rule the first Ironman 70.3 in Davao City last March.

Against a souped-up field in Cebu, the 33-year-old ace will surely be banking on her strong points—swimming and biking—where she expects to build enough cushion going to the concluding run part of the grueling 1.9km swim-90km bike21.2km run event.

But she admits gunning for a three-peat will take a lot of hard work and determination plus a big fighting heart needed in a down-to-the- Radka Kahlefeldt wire battle for supremacy in the blue-ribbon veteran campaigners who have also primed event put up by title sponsor Aguila Energy themselves up for the upcoming event Drink and Regent Food Corp. and organized backed by presenting sponsors Alaska Milk and produced by Sunrise Events Inc. Corp., Department of Tourism and Tourism For one, Kahlefeldt will be going up Promotions Board Phl. against the likes of Steffen and former IronAn equally fierce battle looms in the men’s man Australia titlist Beth McKenzie, both side of the event held in conjunction with

SEI’s decade-long staging of triathlon events in the country with Tim Reed eyeing a record fourth straight championship against former three-time world titlist Craig Alexander, former XTERRA world champion Mauricio Mendez, former Ironman As-Pac winners Tim Van Berkel, Josh Amberger and Braden Currie along with former Ironman South American winner Brent McMahon.

Meanwhile, organizers said record field of 2,700 from over 51 countries will compete in the event which also boasts of the one biggest and most complete triathlon expos to date. All finishers will receive podium trophies and medals designed and hand made by world class Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

Local celebrities will also get some slice of action in the event, supported by venue hosts Province of Cebu, City of Lapu Lapu and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa and bike course partners City of Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay, official logistics and courier partner 2GO Express, official hydration partners Gatorade, official energy gel Gu, official swim cap TYR, official footwear and apparel Asics and official registration partner Active Network and official hotels BE Resorts Mactan, Crimson, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan and Mont and Michel and Metropolitan Cebu Water District.

SMART-ARMY and Generika-Ayala fight for the last semifinals berth in a do-or-die quarterfinal clash in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference today at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Giga Hitters and Lifesavers collide in a sudden-death duel at 7 p.m. with the winner setting a semifinal battle with Petron on Saturday in 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, Foton and University of the Philippines-United Auctioneers clash for the 7th place finish at 4:15 pm, while Cocolife and University of the East-Cherrylume battle for 9th place in the 2 pm appetizer of the midseason conference that also has Senoh, Asics, Mikasa, Mueller and Grand Sport as technical sponsors.

F2 Logistics, meanwhile, bagged the third semis seat after ousting Sta. Lucia Realty, 25-16, 20-25, 25-17, 25-16, late Tuesday at the Imus Sports Center.

Kianna Dy led the way with 16 points and 16 digs, while skipper Cha Cruz-Behag and Majoy Baron delivered 12 and 11 hits, respectively, as the Cargo Movers forge a semis duel against Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

Generika-Ayala and Smart-Army, who both won three of their four preliminary games in their respective groups, are hungry to reach the semifinals for the first time.

The Lifesavers have yet to reach the semis since their comeback in 2016 and for head coach Sherwin Meneses, making it to the next round for the first time in two years will be such a special milestone.

“We will have a lot of adjustments on offense because our players are not so tall. But when it comes to defense, we will not have any problem since it has been our advantage for our past wins,” said Meneses as he continues to rely on his two-way spikers Patty Orendain, Bang Pineda and Fiola Ceballos as well as libero Kat Arado and middle blockers Angeli Araneta and Ria Meneses.

San Lazaro Park is PFF’s new home

By Peter Atencio PLANS to put a national training center for football at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite are progressing.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta is upbeat about this as the PFF strengthens its partnership with the Manila Jockey Club.

The FIFA-funded artificial turf pitch that they are developing is almost finished, with lighting towers about to be installed.

“We are just waiting for the AFC because the lights will be bidded out,” said Araneta.

The pitch is already in use as a training ground for national youth teams and club squads.

Araneta said the lights are expected to be installed by the end of the year. They will feature an intensity of 900 lux, more than the accepted 800 lux minimum for televised matches.

The lights will complement the hundreds of new seats that have already been put in place around the pitch.

Araneta also revealed plans to move the PFF headquarters to the SLLP premises.

“We have spoken to Manila Jockey Club about transferring our headquarters there. We are ready to start the bidding and construction,” said Araneta.

PSC aims for doping-free sporting community

TEAM MANILA TO DEFEND TITLE. Members of Team Manila-Philippines, the reigning 2017 PONY World Series Champions representing the Asia Pacific Region, left Wednesday for Hemet, California USA to see action and defend its crown in the 2018 PONY International 18-U Girls Softball World Series that gets going from July 23 to 29.

The Big City Softbelles, backed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and the International Container Terminal Services, Inc., pose with former Councilor and Manila softball president Engr. Rafael “Che” Borromeo (middle).

KIEFER Ravena, Mikee Cojuangco and a number of national sports associations, government and local government unit officials attended the Philippine Sports Commission’s 2018 National Anti-Doping Summit yesterday, with Southeast Asian Regional Anti-Doping Organization Director General Gobinathan Nair leading a formidable line-up of speakers.

Around 100 participants from NSAs, universities, colleges, LGUs and coaches attended the first day of the three-day scheduled activity on Anti-Doping in Sports at the Philippine International Convention Center here in Manila.

“The end goal really is to have a doping-free sporting community,” said PSC-Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization Head Dr. Alejandro Pineda, who together with the Philippine Sports Institute Director Marc Edward Velasco, led the organizing of this twin-event.

Velasco, echoing the sentiments of PSC Chairman William Ramirez, said that as the government agency for sports, the PSC takes the lead in reaching out to the public with regards to Anti-Doping. “Education is key,” remarked Velasco

Dr. Charles Corpus, with SEA-RADO Director General Gobinathan Nair, Dr. Alejandro Pineda Jr. and Kiefer Ravena

explaining the objectives of the event.

Ravena, who came in as a participant and one of the athletes, who recently had an incident due to inadvertent use of substance that is in the restricted list, encouraged athletes to take interest in Anti-Doping.

IN BRIEF

Business

Imported car sales fell 11% in first half

A GROUP of car importers said sales fell 11 percent in the first half from a year ago because of higher petroleum prices and interest rates.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors said members sold 43,138 vehicles in January to June, down from 48,344 units in the same period in 2017.

Avid president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said the decline in sales could not be attributed to the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law alone.

“Higher petroleum prices raise the total cost of owning vehicles and the indirect impact of higher interest rates that affect buyer preferences and priorities. Some also advanced their purchases late in 2017 to take advantage of the lower prices and lower interest rates,” she said.

“The additional excise tax has had immediate impact on the passenger car and local commercial vehicle segments. However, tax exemptions on hybrid and electric vehicles have placed Avid in a favorable position to break into this emergent market. The new tax bracket on luxury vehicles is also expected to make this segment very competitive,” Agudo said. Othel V. Campos

AYALA-METROBANK DEAL. Ayala Corp.

secures an P11-billion bilateral term loan from Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. The oldest conglomerate, Ayala Corp., has diversified interests across a number of industries, including real estate, financial services, telecommunications and a broad range of investments in water, industrial technologies, education, healthcare, power, infra networks and services and international operations. Closing the deal are (from left) Metrobank senior vice president and head of corporate banking group Antonio Ocampo Jr., Metrobank executive vice president and head of institutional banking sector Mylene Caparas, Ayala Corp. chief financial officer Jose Teodoro Limcaoco and Ayala Corp. treasurer Ma. Cecilia Cruzabra.

PH franchisers eye Middle East as market

THE Philippines is looking at the Middle East as the next big destination for Philippine brands, the Philippine Franchise Association said Wednesday.

FPA director Christopher Lim said Middle Eastern buyers were enthusiastic about Asian brands, especially from the Philippines which was emerging as the franchising hub in Asia.

“Unlike the US with its stringent and complex regulation, the Middle East market sees franchising as a faster way to bring in what they need and what they want. And it’s easier for the franchisor to serve the market,” Lim said at the sidelines of the opening ceremonies of Franchise Philippine Asia 2018 at SMX Convention Center.

He said while the United Arab Emirates was still the biggest market in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia was catching up fast.

Lim said a lot of brands were making their way into Dubai, basically using it as a jumpingoff point to other Middle Eastern cities.

“Saudi is actively seeking for the brands they think will click in its market. A few have already approached us and some of our colleagues have brands already established there,” he said.

Othel V. Campos

SMEs get billions worth of tax breaks

FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Wednesday small and medium enterprises received tax breaks amounting to “billions of pesos” in the first six months under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act. Dominguez said in a statement this occured as SMEs were now covered by a higher valueadded tax threshold and could now choose from two options to pay lower income taxes.

Data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue showed that from January to June this year, VAT collections mostly in the BIR’s regional offices fell, but collections from the percentage tax and income tax increased.

This indicated many SMEs had benefited from raising the VAT threshold from P1.9 million to P3 million under Train law.

Dominguez said increases in the percentage and income tax collections over the 2017 period indicated that SMEs and self-employed individuals that had not exceeded the VAT threshold were now opting to pay either the 8-percent income tax on gross sales or receipts and other non-operating income or the percentage tax and the graduated income tax rates under the Train law.

VAT collections in the first six months reached P63.217 billion in the BIR’s regional offices, lower than last year’s P72.813 billion.

However, percentage tax collections in the regions rose to P18.079 billion from P12.130 billion a year earlier. Julito G. Rada

Fitch keeps PH debt rating at ‘BBB’ investment grade G

By Julito G. Rada

LOBAL debt watcher Fitch Ratings on Tuesday kept the Philippines’ investment grade of ‘BBB’, citing the country’s robust economic growth, comfortable debt level and policies that are supporting macroeconomic stability.

Fitch also assigned a ‘stable’ outlook on the rating, which means the current status would remain unchanged in the next 12 to 18 months. The ‘BBB’ rating is a notch above the minimum investment grade.

Fitch said it was expecting the Philippines to maintain its “place among

the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region.” It said domestic demand would sustain a strong growth of 6.8 percent in both 2019 and 2020.

Fitch also said the “improvement in [government] revenues should help preserve fiscal stability” even as the government pursued a bold infrastructure development agenda.

The government plans to increase spending on vital infrastructure annually from 6.1 percent of gross domestic product this year to 7.3 percent of GDP by 2022.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said this latest development was another recognition of the bold economic policy of the Duterte administration to fix the flawed tax system for the first time in over 20 years.

He said the changes in tax system would “provide a steady revenue stream for its ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastruc-

SPC Power focuses on developing hydro-electric stations, other plants

By Alena Mae S. Flores SPC Power Corp. plans to develop new hydro-electric power plants following the decision of the Supreme Court declaring the asset purchase land lease agreement over the Naga power plant complex in Cebu invalid.

“With the development of a new power plant at the Naga Power Plant Complex already halted due to the adverse Supreme Court decision, the board of directors of SPC has set its sights on other power project opportunities. New hydro power plant projects are being considered in other parts of Visayas and Luzon,” SPC Power said in a disclosure on Wednesday.

The Supreme court declared as null and void the asset purchase and land lease agreements between SPC and Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. covering the Naga power plant complex.

As a result, SPC turned over the Naga power plant to PSALM while PSALM returned the bid of SPC. SPC said before the turnover, only the Cebu Diesel Power Plant with a total dependable capacity of 33 MW had been operating.

The other plants (the Cebu Thermal Power Plants 1 & 2) had been scheduled for dismantling to pave the way for the planned construction of a new power plant.

“Therefore, the immediate effect of the turnover of the Naga Power Plant on SPC’s business is the loss of revenue generated from the Cebu Diesel Power Plant,” SPC said.

The company, however, said it expects to substantially recover the loss with the completion of rehabilitation and full commercial operation of Power Barge 104 (PB 104) within the second half this year.

SPC acquired PB 104 from PSALM in 2016. It has a total dependable capacity of 26 MW after complete rehabilitation.

“With major overhauling already completed on three engines (one engine still ongoing), PB 104 has been declared for commercial operation effective July 18, 2018,” SPC said.

PSALM turned over the 153.1-megawatt Naga Power Plant Complex to Therma Power Visayas Inc. on Monday following the Supreme Court’s final decision in October 2016

PH fails to double renewable energy capacity THE Philippines continued to rely heavily on coal and “miserably failed” to meet its goal of doubling the installed capacity of renewable capacity, 10 years after the passage of the Renewable Energy Law, Senator Loren Legarda said Wednesday.

“The most intriguing aspect of RE Law implementation in our country is, arguably, the absence of a clear and strong political commitment to develop and stimulate a healthy market for renewable energy development,”Legarda said during a symposium on renewable energy.

Legarda said while the Renewable Law of 2008 aimed to reduce the volume of coal importation, the Philippines ended up importing more.

“We cannot claim energy independence for as long as we rely on imported fuel.

Unless we are willing to embrace the reality that RE is a global phenomenon that is beginning to replace coal and fossil fuels as

a cheaper fuel source, our energy policies will continue to waver, reflecting the lack of political commitment that will consequently drive investors away. All this will bear upon our power consumers,” she said.

Legarda said the volume of imported coal increased by an average of 12.8 percent annually from 1989 to 2015.

Data also showed that installed capacities of coal power plants jumped 87 percent to 7,419 megawatts in 2016 from 3,967 MW in 2005. Another 10,423 MW of coal-fired power plants is in the pipeline.

“This coal dependent strategy creates stranded assets, and consequently, stranded costs that our consumers will ultimately have to bear,” Legarda said.

Legarda said that for 11 years, the installed capacity of RE increased only by an average of 157 MW per year, from 5,226 MW in 2005 to 6,958 MW in 2016, or an addition of only 1,732 MW. Alena Mae S. Flores

ture development initiative as well as for social programs that would accelerate poverty reduction and grow the middle class.”

Fitch also recognized the role of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in helping keep the Philippine external accounts healthy, even amid challenges posed by the global economy.

Fitch said the BSP’s flexible exchange rate policy would help keep the country’s foreign exchange reserves adequate and would help maintain the Philippines’ net creditor position vis-àvis the rest of the world.

Bangko Sentral Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said the bank’s firm commitment to price stability conducive to a balanced and sustainable growth of the economy allowed the Philippines to remain resilient amid external headwinds and emerge as one of the fastest growing economies in the region.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018

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Govt studying reimposition of fuel surcharge on airline flights

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation is open to the reimposition of a fuel surcharge on local and international flights to offset the losses of airlines amid rising jet fuel costs.

“We are studying it. DOTr Secretary [Arthur] Tugade and economic managers want to have a template.

With this template, if there will be any fluctuations on fuel, the airlines are not required to inform the CAB [Civil Aeronautics Board],” Transportation Undersecretary for aviation and airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo said.

Tamayo said Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific were set to present their fuel surcharge matrix before the CAB. He said once the fuel surcharge matrix was approved, this would be presented to the economic managers.

The CAB suspended the imposition of fuel surcharge in all domestic and international flights in 2015 because of lower jet fuel prices.

A fuel surcharge is a temporary relief granted to airlines to help them recover losses incurred from higher jet fuel prices.

Fuel accounts for about 50 percent of an airline’s operating cost per passenger, and is the second-highest expense next to labor.

Cebu Air Inc., the company behind Cebu Pacific, earlier asked the CAB to approve a fuel surcharge amounting to P70 to P280 for domestic flights and $6 to $26 for international flights.

Cebu Pacific is also seeking a fuel surcharge of P1 to P2 for cargo on domestic flights and $0.20 to $0.30 on international flights.

PAL also asked the CAB to approve P282 worth of fuel surcharge each way for Luzon to Luzon and Visayas routes; P405 for Luzon to Mindanao routes; and P158 for Visayas to Visayas routes.

Ayala Land receives top communications awar at Philippine Quill

Mark Parlade, PR Director of Stratworks (last year’s winner) and Jeff Tarayao, IABC Auditor, present the award to Ayala Land representatives, (from left) Suzette Naval, Ayala Land Corporate Communications Manager; Cathy Bengzon, Ayala Land Head of Corporate Marketing; Sharon Vital, Ayala Land Marketing Manager; and Andrea Lugue, Ayala Land Associate Manager for Digital.

AYALA Land, Inc. (ALI) received the Top Award for Communication Skills at the 16th Philippine Quill Awards of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). ALI was recognized for its corporate video entitled ‘Reshaping with Ayala Land,’ which garnered the Top Award after receiving the highest score among Excellence Awardees in the Communications Skills division.

ALI also received the Award of Excellence for its social media campaign entitled ‘Local Economic Development,’ while its Groundbreakers publication and Avida Land’s #ChoosetoMove Digiserye Campaign also won the Award of Merit for the year.

The ‘Reshaping with Ayala Land’ corporate video went beyond the usual property video formats and showed how ALI does much more than develop land.

It reshapes lives for the better by creating sustainable mixed-use estates that inspire and nurture communities.

Its social media campaign on the other hand, focused on local economic development and reinforced ALI’s role in nation building through projects that provide employment and other growth opportunities to local businesses and brands.

ALI’s multi-awarded annual internal magazine called Groundbreakers emphasized the company’s values for its 2017 issue. Entitled ‘Winning Hearts

and Minds’, the publication showed how ALI’s focus on the customer in all its endeavors has helped it remain one of the country’s most trusted brands.

Avida Land’s Choose to Move series, through its various activities, programs and events, encouraged its target markets to step out of their comfort zones and choose from among various opportunities to expand and enrich their lives – including the opportunity to invest in property and experience the independence of moving into their own homes.

The Philippine Quill is considered the country’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication. It has been bestowing the seal of approval to the most reputable organizations and corporations in the nation for almost two decades, emphasizing the use of excellent communication to achieve business goals, and to make a difference in society.

As the Philippines’ largest developer of sustainable estates, Ayala Land offers a diverse mix of properties such as residential, retail, office, hotels, and leisure developments. The company has a total of 25 sustainable estates and is present in 55 growth areas nationwide. All of the company’s developments implement sustainability practices focusing on site resilience, pedestrian mobility and transit connectivity, contribution to local employment, and eco-efficiency.

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Business

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rallies; Ayala stocks climb T HE stock market climbed Wednesday tracking a Wall Street rally after the head of the Federal Reserve expressed confidence in the US economy despite fears of a global trade war.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 69.69 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,451.37 on a value turnover of P4.2 billion. Gainers beat losers, 108 to 76, with 52 issues unchanged.

Major property developer Ayala Land Inc.advanced 2.9 percent to P38.50, while parent Ayala Corp.climbed 2.7 percent to P979.

Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. gained 2.2 percent to P9.65, while SSI Group Inc., the biggest specialty store retailer, surged 9.4 percent

to P1.98.

The rest of Asian markets, meanwhile, largely rose on Wednesday.

Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell offered a positive outlook citing a strong job market and inflation figures in line with Fed targets, sending US stocks higher.

“Powell’s testimony was music to investor’s ears as the Dow gained for the 4th consecutive day while the Nasdaq hit a new high-water mark”, said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at OANDA. But Powell acknowledged uncertainty over the “outcome of current discussions over trade policy,” with US President Donald Trump hitting out at China and other economic partners as he adopts an aggressive “America First” policy.

Fears about an all-out China-US trade war continue to rattle investors, with both sides lodging counter-complaints

at the World Trade Organization after recently imposing and threatening further tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods.

Washington’s traditional allies Japan and the EU have also not been spared from hefty US tariffs.

In a move described by officials as a “clear message” against protectionism, the EU and Japan signed a sweeping free trade deal on Tuesday, eliminating tariffs for a wide range of products from Japanese cars to French cheese.

Japanese exporters advanced in Wednesday trading with Toyota rising 1.35 percent to 7,473 yen, Panasonic gaining 0.62 percent to 1,452 yen and Olympus ending up 0.90 percent at 4,450 yen.

Tokyo rose 0.4 on the back of a cheaper yen as the dollar strengthened following Powell’s upbeat view of the US economy. Singapore also gained 0.3

percent while Sydney climbed 0.7 percent.

But Shanghai lost one percent while Hong Kong edged down 0.3 percent.

And Seoul fell 0.3 percent as South Korea’s finance minister warned that an all-out trade war between the US and China would have grim implications for the export-reliant country.

Oil extended its losses after an industry group reported a surprise increase in US inventory.

Both main contracts fell following a report late Tuesday by the American Petroleum Institute that US crude stockpiles had increased by more than 600,000 barrels last week.

After withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal in May, the US said it would reinstate sanctions on the oil-producing nation, and warned other countries to stop purchasing Iranian exports including crude. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2018

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

59.9 95.3 2.7 129.1 1.52 33.1 6.68 16.5 14.68 3.47 8.57 0.63 1.58 0.52 70 1.01 11.9 46.45 194 110 28.5 210 84 1.2

59.9 97 2.87 130 1.55 33.2 6.68 16.5 14.7 3.54 8.57 0.67 1.68 0.52 71.3 1.02 11.94 46.5 194 117.9 28.75 212 84.4 1.2

59 95.3 2.66 128 1.52 33.1 6.68 16.48 14.6 3.47 8.57 0.63 1.56 0.52 69.75 1 11.9 46.35 188 110 28.5 210 84 1.2

FINANCIALS 59.9 12,010 97 387,900 2.87 48,000 130 843,170 1.53 5,000 33.2 41,700 6.68 100 16.48 30,700 14.6 212,200 3.54 141,000 8.57 600 0.67 201,000 1.63 249,000 0.52 221,000 69.75 6,251,460 1.02 1,160,000 11.94 65,100 46.4 207,200 188 4,000 117.9 190 28.6 111,300 211.6 234,150 84.1 2,170 1.2 4,000

718,390 37,478,332 130,300 109,289,003 7,660 1,383,005 668 506,244 3,109,278 489,370 5,142 134,630 409,440 114,920 438,909,535.50 1,172,770 774,730 9,614,535 755,119 21,137 3,175,505 49,539,796 182,870.50 4,800

568,460 2,513,297.50 26,485,669 -497,285 -1,759,714 -175,912,525 -3,526,205 -7,280,646 -42,077 -

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

36.5 15.78 0.72 1.18 0.255 3.16 15.64 42.8 22.9 72 77.25 1.87 7.8 10.2 15.92 10.88 7.29 5.14 1.62 15.2 61.75 24.6 7.4 13.2 2.4 252.6 5.07 26.9 11.12 18.26 359 0.19 2.2 4.11 8.79 5.47 1.24 11.9 55.8 4.53 2.11 1.8 13.3 5.25 0.91 130.8 2.5 21 1.47

37 15.8 0.78 1.18 0.265 3.23 16.06 42.8 22.9 73.55 90 1.88 7.8 10.26 15.92 10.9 7.3 5.22 1.62 15.36 62 24.95 7.4 13.24 2.4 254.2 5.13 27.85 11.7 18.26 359.4 0.191 2.3 4.15 8.81 5.55 1.25 12 57 4.68 2.5 1.8 13.38 5.29 1.21 131.9 2.52 22 1.57

36.5 15.46 0.7 1.17 0.25 3.15 15.64 40 22.1 70 77.25 1.87 7.7 10.18 15.84 10.84 7.21 5.14 1.62 15.14 61.2 23.5 7.39 13.14 2.3 251 5.07 26.9 11.12 16.62 353.2 0.181 2.2 4.01 8.72 5.41 1.24 11.8 55.8 4.53 2.09 1.75 13.1 5.25 0.91 130 2.44 21 1.44

INDUSTRIAL 37 436,500 15.8 518,300 0.72 20,892,000 1.17 172,000 0.25 5,360,000 3.2 629,000 16 6,500 42.5 440,800 22.1 2,500 73.5 13,290 90 180 1.88 73,000 7.8 2,900 10.18 619,900 15.9 970,800 10.86 12,500 7.3 498,500 5.22 2,946,000 1.62 14,000 15.3 162,200 61.85 29,660 24.5 32,400 7.4 183,900 13.14 708,200 2.3 2,019,000 254.2 142,770 5.13 8,000 27 192,900 11.4 84,600 17 12,904,700 356 124,870 0.19 630,000 2.25 162,000 4.15 38,000 8.8 1,103,700 5.52 423,700 1.24 107,000 12 91,300 56.8 394,120 4.65 27,000 2.4 1,778,000 1.8 254,000 13.2 89,500 5.28 77,800 1.21 5,177,000 131.8 370,730 2.45 5,079,000 21 3,800 1.5 11,955,000

16,027,130 8,136,710 15,453,240 202,460 1,378,550 2,008,420 103,902 18,504,305 56,120 975,833.50 15,688 136,610 22,420 6,331,534 15,431,208 135,884 3,636,662 15,362,687 22,680 2,480,836 1,828,976 795,230 1,360,856 9,317,292 4,703,500 36,088,200 40,566 5,235,485 962,082 222,449,742 44,452,476 118,810 364,280 155,100 9,702,008 2,307,118 133,160 1,094,490 22,354,961 125,460 4,196,230 449,080 1,188,390 409,523 5,662,730 48,773,797 12,515,120 80,100 18,148,410

962,285 1,067,804 -130,000 124,360 -24,220 -2,111,475 1,870 3,662,028 10,638,872 -523,613 -3,933,592 -46,492 1,301,582.50 -1,796,236 23,000 -9,860,302 -1,644,120 -12,508 -105,659,936 2,026 0 3,127,110 -21,250 -314,330 8,776,711.50 -4,500 -14,520 -59,248 79,350 28,679,850 -299,950 -383,600

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

0.245 52.95 11.72 6.1 31.95 0.72 0.74 945 6.13 11 7.1 960 5.98 52.9 5.07 0.62 3.55 17.74 0.65 4.55 0.038 1.23 2.83 137 900 0.75 1.61 475 259.6 0.36 0.22

0.25 53.55 12 6.1 32.5 0.72 0.74 980 6.21 11.18 7.1 979 5.98 54.5 5.39 0.62 3.75 17.9 0.69 4.64 0.039 1.33 2.83 137.3 925 0.75 1.62 475 260 0.36 0.227

0.243 52.95 11.64 6 31.15 0.7 0.72 940 6.12 10.98 7.1 960 5.97 52.5 5.07 0.6 3.55 17.38 0.65 4.55 0.037 1.23 2.77 134.4 900 0.75 1.61 475 259.2 0.34 0.22

HOLDING FIRMS 0.25 1,800,000 53.2 657,820 11.82 2,980,300 6.1 18,000 32 94,400 0.71 12,638,000 0.73 2,418,000 979 207,550 6.21 3,411,700 11 1,795,600 7.1 1,300 969 45,550 5.97 17,900 53 1,672,650 5.39 17,000 0.62 833,000 3.59 3,602,000 17.4 2,849,000 0.67 4,281,000 4.6 20,391,000 0.039 3,200,000 1.32 2,391,000 2.79 196,000 136.9 188,820 910 272,350 0.75 3,000 1.62 144,000 475 20 260 12,320 0.345 35,960,000 0.227 150,000

441,890 35,005,313 35,301,682 109,770 3,013,480 8,985,860 1,741,010 200,931,305 20,898,191 19,830,568 9,230 44,237,520 106,920 89,029,589 90,990 507,480 12,993,370 49,836,026 2,873,970 93,870,050 121,100 3,104,650 544,970 25,651,091 247,466,850 2,250 232,340 9,500 3,203,040 12,534,050 33,600

-18,808,186 -14,813,554 36,600 78,700 1,033,200 50,527,965 10,912,839 2,503,348 29,399,710 60,701,711.50 3,093,290 -30,005,186 429,350 3,348,050 -8,370 -4,590,802 11,738,015 -356,092 389,700.00 -4,540

924,106 928,000 21,876 126,200 382,230 297,809,935 872,900 2,297,160 63,896 2,346,300 41,000 537,250 356,180 52,000 4,373,837 15,417,865 29,000 7,379,340 2,089,240 13,468,020 23,857,260 9,170,180 477,450 1,759,860 14,839,450 9,042,820 88,000 3,290

-317,448 35,271,155 -704,000 -63,896 120,450 358,140 2,058,135 3,699,130 -61,000 28,200 -2,505,510 44,530 36,135 5,202,650 3,649,024 28,000 -

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

7.34 0.96 14.98 1.94 0.71 37.7 3.2 4.6 5.62 0.435 0.92 0.88 0.224 0.4 8.74 25.05 0.116 1.45 1.22 1.4 4.5 0.61 0.44 0.5 3.71 19.7 2 3.29

7.34 0.97 14.98 1.95 0.72 38.5 3.2 4.66 5.62 0.435 0.92 0.9 0.224 0.4 8.92 25.5 0.116 1.48 1.23 1.48 4.67 0.62 0.445 0.51 3.82 19.78 2 3.29

7.25 0.95 14.5 1.94 0.7 37.5 3.16 4.53 5.52 0.425 0.91 0.87 0.219 0.4 8.74 25 0.116 1.45 1.21 1.4 4.47 0.6 0.44 0.485 3.6 19.52 2 3.29

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

NAME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

37 1.1 7.72 0.78 5.98

37 1.1 7.9 0.79 6.08

36.6 1.08 7.48 0.78 5.96

37 1.1 7.6 0.79 6

4,310,800 132,000 1,269,900 7,000 4,552,900

159,315,235 143,990 9,751,933 5,470 27,302,577

23,745,265 1,170,946 -11,292,024

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DISCOVERY WORLD 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

14.22 24.95 1.32 0.485 0.044 13 9.44 0.055 71.6 8.41 6.74 2.08 28.15 1,709 5.37 275 3.64 2.07 81.15 12.7 7.95 0.135 2.9 3.52 4.34 1.02 24.1 4.26 5.58 2.59 2.2 2 9.43 11.2 8.7 3.19 120 5.38 1,363 0.86 0.35 45.9 83 8.22 1.89 1.13 0.52 5.01 0.76 11.6

14.3 24.95 1.32 0.485 0.044 13.88 9.9 0.055 72 8.97 6.8 2.08 28.2 1,735 5.39 279 3.71 2.15 81.3 12.72 7.95 0.14 2.9 3.69 4.5 1.03 24.4 4.39 5.77 2.7 2.2 2.28 9.5 11.2 8.7 3.38 120 5.48 1,370 0.92 0.36 46.2 83.05 8.3 2.13 1.15 0.53 5.04 0.76 11.6

14.08 21 1.32 0.465 0.043 13 9.44 0.054 71.1 8.41 6.7 2.07 26.5 1,707 5.37 270.2 3.51 2.07 80.05 12.7 7.89 0.135 2.77 3.5 4.32 1.02 24.1 4.26 5.57 2.59 2.02 2 9.22 11.2 8.7 3.19 118 5.37 1,359 0.85 0.34 45.3 82.95 8.22 1.86 1.13 0.5 4.99 0.72 11.06

SERVICES 14.1 21.5 1.32 0.47 0.043 13.88 9.65 0.054 71.5 8.97 6.75 2.07 27.4 1,735 5.39 279 3.69 2.15 80.5 12.72 7.9 0.14 2.83 3.5 4.36 1.03 24.25 4.26 5.77 2.63 2.06 2.07 9.31 11.2 8.7 3.38 118.5 5.44 1,365 0.89 0.36 46 83 8.22 1.98 1.15 0.51 5 0.75 11.06

28,800 217,400 1,000 1,440,000 20,700,000 7,300 10,516,700 1,830,000 95,270 700 762,900 33,000 367,700 12,895 86,700 2,730 1,544,000 32,000 413,420 2,100 30,000 4,280,000 3,230,000 83,000 1,889,000 364,000 66,900 121,000 1,684,700 2,225,000 559,000 253,000 1,951,700 3,000 11,000 38,000 5,400 736,100 59,275 22,992,000 570,000 323,400 206,920 47,700 93,512,000 300,000 47,970,000 950,500 6,408,000 7,893,100

407,138 4,937,735 1,320 678,950 894,000 96,424 101,198,956 99,380 6,824,131 6,167 5,138,662 68,320 10,020,725 22,213,885 466,418 756,760 5,589,210 66,990 33,345,271.50 26,672 237,700 585,310 9,137,040 293,150 8,331,730 372,530 1,623,060 525,530 9,614,184 5,889,070 1,157,550 523,130 18,195,506 33,600 95,700 127,600 644,694 4,003,310 80,879,490 20,422,250 199,600 14,851,705 17,174,248 394,959 188,959,980 343,240 24,573,090 4,748,833 4,716,860 88,861,912

46,906 -4,016,749 -1,054,832 67,700 499,425 9,071,685 -249,680 -18,688,598 -118,080 -299,220 2,415 3,519,207 -13,130 217,858 5,220 3,290 -530,038 54,200 16,421,105 -5,525,910 -5,532,285 -2,578,750 -36,324,060 -207,530.00 1,136,830 -5,010 -1,150,880 -52,903,158

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

0.0025 1.45 3.96 21.9 1.44 1.88 0.29 7.39 2.09 0.213 0.123 0.13 1.47 4.3 1.21 0.51 1.16 0.013 0.013 0.012 2.86 4.36 10 31.5

0.0025 1.45 3.96 21.9 1.44 1.88 0.3 7.73 2.11 0.222 0.123 0.13 1.51 4.46 1.21 0.56 1.16 0.013 0.013 0.012 2.95 4.36 10.5 31.75

0.0025 1.4 3.96 20.9 1.43 1.82 0.29 7.39 2.08 0.211 0.122 0.13 1.47 4.3 1.16 0.51 1.07 0.013 0.013 0.012 2.85 4.35 9.92 31.4

MINING & OIL 0.0025 56,000,000 1.42 1,831,000 3.96 3,000 21.5 20,000 1.43 32,000 1.88 2,545,000 0.3 320,000 7.73 200 2.11 1,025,000 0.22 430,000 0.122 820,000 0.13 10,000 1.5 51,000 4.46 197,000 1.21 593,000 0.53 1,373,000 1.13 4,744,000 0.013 506,900,000 0.013 4,100,000 0.012 5,100,000 2.95 311,000 4.35 78,000 10.5 941,600 31.65 1,089,500

140,000 2,597,150 11,880 423,780 45,890 4,722,830 95,900 1,512 2,145,010 93,760 100,070 1,300 76,870 868,410 699,110 751,760 5,299,430 6,589,700 53,300 61,200 891,860 339,570 9,683,148 34,414,265

9,940 -129,290 -33,000 86,510 159,570 -344,080 -213,200 -738,515 -19,797,065

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

19.6 502 505 101.2 102 107 5.18 966 99.4 1.02 102.5 1,030 76 79.1 75.1 76.5 75.3 75.5 75.45

19.6 502 505 101.5 102 107 5.18 970 99.5 1.03 102.5 1,030 76 79.1 75.3 76.6 75.3 75.5 75.45

18.7 502 505 101.1 102 107 5.15 966 99.4 1.02 102 1,030 75.55 79 75.1 76 75.15 75.5 75.4

PREFERRED 18.72 558,600 502 3,000 505 1,040 101.1 36,410 102 90 107 240 5.15 107,000 970 1,340 99.5 5,500 1.03 173,000 102.5 14,310 1,030 60 76 304,870 79 33,100 75.3 12,100 76 85,020 75.25 32,660 75.5 23,410 75.4 12,000

10,747,574 1,506,000 525,200 3,690,915 9,180 25,680 552,030 1,295,880 547,200 177,810 1,460,005 61,800 23,050,093 2,615,027 910,710 6,480,890 2,456,513 1,767,455 905,100

-8,094,718 -49,700 753,000 -

LR WARRANT

2.6

2.72

2.59

WARRANTS 2.6 993,000

2,617,740

26,300

983,394 13,318,410

-58,226 197,450

MS

PROPERTY 7.33 0.96 14.8 1.95 0.72 38.5 3.16 4.64 5.52 0.43 0.91 0.9 0.219 0.4 8.87 25.15 0.116 1.47 1.23 1.48 4.67 0.6 0.44 0.495 3.82 19.78 2 3.29

126,700 971,000 1,500 65,000 537,000 7,790,700 274,000 499,000 11,400 5,460,000 45,000 611,000 1,600,000 130,000 493,000 615,500 250,000 5,032,000 1,712,000 9,276,000 5,180,000 15,114,000 1,080,000 3,547,000 3,936,000 458,200 44,000 1,000

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.11 3.22

5.11 3.3

5.04 3.16

FIRST METRO ETF

110.3

110.8

110.3

USD DMPL A1 USD TECH B2

10.1 1.02

10.1 1.02

10.1 1.02

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

11,522,113

INDUSTRIAL

78,004,764

HOLDING FIRMS

107,898,487

PROPERTY

77,241,746

SERVICES

238,718,435

MINING & OIL

588,820,269

GRAND TOTAL

1,239,218,813

5.11 3.25

SME

194,300 4,105,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 110.8 4,580 10.1 1.02

DDS

10,530 11,000

506,802

9,963

106,353 11,220

-

VALUE 1,834.97 (up) 11.77 733,418,078.10 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,550,49 (up) 35.00 569,305,005.59 HOLDING FIRMS 7,307.21 (up) 77.06 1,047,484,569.32 PROPERTY 3,644.98 (up) 48.83 1,450.76 (up) 7.53 685,814,458.63 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,740.29 (up) 81.67 714,481,795.11 PSEI 7,451.37 (up) 69.69 70,129,098.91 All Shares Index 4,492.51 (up) 27.13 4,253,475,840.49 Gainers: 108; Losers: 76; Unchanged: 52; Total: 236

Globe not objecting to rules on new telco player

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. is not objecting to the two draft terms of reference issued by the Department of Information and Communications Technology, saying it is open to the entry of new players.

“As repeatedly stated before, Globe is not opposed to the entry of a third player, or for that matter, as many players that the market can accommodate. Globe has always geared itself for growth and competition,” Globe senior vice president and general counsel Froilan Castelo said.

“Competition has the potential of opening up new sources of revenue streams for telecommunications players while benefiting consumers with more innovative products and services at competitive rates.”

Earlier, the DICT released two versions of the terms of reference for selecting a new major telecommunications player.

To help foster competition, Globe recently took a step forward to fulfill its plans to divest of its tower assets. It has started the process of incorporating a separate tower holding company.

Once regulatory approvals are secured, the initiative will allow the third player to rapidly roll out its network and launch commercial operations. It will also give smaller players the opportunity to scale up their business without the burden of high capital expenditures.

“We trust the government will do what is fair and just—not only in the selection of the new major player, but also in protecting the vested rights of the current service providers,” Castelo said.

The rights include the right to be secure in the frequency holdings allocated by the government. Republic Act 7925 states “the government shall allocate the spectrum to service providers who will use it efficiently and effectively to meet public demand for telecommunications service.”

SSI to launch Shake Shack burger chain

By Jenniffer B. Austria SSI Group Inc., the country’s largest specialty store retailer, is bringing New York’s famous burger chain Shake Shack to the Philippines next year.

SSI Group said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it signed a development and licensing agreement with Shake Shack Inc. to open Shake Shack restaurants in the Philippines. The launch will mark Shake Shack’s first entry into Southeast Asia.

“Shake Shack is proud to partner with SSI Group, known for its retail expertise and culture of hospitality, to bring Shake Shack to the Philippines,” said Michael Kark, vice president of global licensing at Shake Shack.

“Manila is an incredible city, its heart beats with a distinct warmth and hospitality. We are excited to begin the search for our first site in Metro Manila and look forward to becoming part of this community,” he added.

Shake Shack is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100 percent all natural angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat-top Vienna beef dogs,fresh-spun frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, draft beer and wine.

Shake Shack has expanded to over 170 locations in 21 US states and more than 60 international locations since its opening in 2004.

Meanwhile, Shake Shack will expand SSI Group’s food and beverage portfolio, which includes TWG Tea. “It has been a mission of the SSI Group to provide complete lifestyle offerings through global partnership that cater to the eclectic tastes of Filipino consumers. We are excited to bring Shake Shack, one of the world’s best burger joints, to Manila’s young and vibrant customer scene,” SSI Group president Anton Huang said.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

B3

UK concerned over move to ban Hong Kong party

IN BRIEF Thai cave boys to leave hospital CHIANG RAI, Thailand― Twelve boys and their football coach who survived a highly dangerous and dramatic rescue from a flooded cave in Thailand are preparing to leave hospital and speak to the media for the first time.

The “Wild Boars” football team are being discharged a day earlier than announced, with the authorities hoping a questionand-answer session will satisfy―at least temporarily―the intense media speculation that has accompanied their epic underground ordeal, before they head home later Wednesday.

“The reason to hold this evening press conference is so media can ask them questions and after that they can go back to live their normal lives without media bothering them,” Thailand’s chief government spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told AFP. But with experts warning of possible long-term distress from the ordeal inside the Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand, the briefing will be closely watched.

The public relations department in Chiang Rai province solicited questions from news outlets in advance and they will be forwarded to psychiatrists for screening. AFP

Blockchain tech in referendum THE county of Finnmark in Norway has served as a perfect showcase of how to run a legitimate and secure online referendum.

In a recent democratic exercise, wherein they needed to decide on whether or not to merge with the neighboring county of Thoms, the citizens of the Norwegian county were able to vote online using one of the latest innovations in database and network tech: blockchain.

While blockchain technology is used mostly for cryptocurrencies such as BitCoin, Smartmatic-Cybernetica, the tech provider for the referendum, knew that it could also be used to make more secure and credible election systems.

“Blockchain allows people to ‘transact’ online with full trust, confidence and security because the technology relies on a network of computers continuously synchronizing information with each other,” said a Smartmatic representative.

Smartmatic’s TIVI system, the actual solution used for the referendum, allowed users to either vote from their home computers or through traditional paperbased polling stations. Due to the obvious convenience, 95 percent of the voters, mostly below age 60, chose to vote online.

The TIVI system gives voters the opportunity to cast as many ballots as they want with only the final one being counted, an innovative feature that greatly reduces the impact of voter coercion.

LAUNCHING. Brandi Cyrus spins at the Bulleit Bourbon Tattoo Edition launch on July 17, 2018, in Los Angeles, California.

AFP

Trump moves to limit damage

W

ASHINGTON―President Donald Trump on Tuesday moved to limit the damage from his summit with Vladimir Putin, claiming he misspoke in appearing to accept the Russian leader’s denial of election meddling―in a rebuke to US intelligence chiefs.

At their meeting in Helsinki on Monday, Trump failed to challenge Putin over the 2016 presidential election, seeming to accept at face value the strongman’s denial that Moscow interfered in a bid to undermine Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

But faced with outrage at home, with even some of his political allies demanding that he reverse course, Trump―in an extraordinary postscript to the summit―sought to walk back his remarks.

Trump said he accepted the intelligence community’s assessment that Russia had meddled in the election, and offered a rambling explanation of his assertion that he could not see “any reason” why Russia would interfere.

“In a key sentence in my remarks, I said the word ‘would’ instead of ‘wouldn’t’,” Trump said, speaking at the White House ahead of a meeting with Republican lawmakers.

“The sentence should have

been, ‘I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be Russia.’ Sort of a double negative,” he added―repeating the laborious clarification several times.

But while the US leader expressed his “full faith and support for America’s great intelligence agencies,” he insisted that “Russia’s actions had no impact at all on the outcome of the election.”

And he again floated the idea that “other people” could be involved.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer was quick to pounce.

“President Trump tried to squirm away from what he said yesterday. It’s 24 hours too late, and in the wrong place,” Schumer said.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian meddling and possible collusion with the Trump campaign has

increasingly put pressure on the White House.

The president―who regards the probe as an attack on his legitimacy―has dubbed it a “witch hunt,” and again said Tuesday there were “no collusion at all.”

But the investigation is progressing, as evidenced by the indictment of 12 Russian military intelligence agents on Friday―timing that was embarrassing ahead of the summit with Putin.

Trump initially sounded a defensive note on Tuesday, insisting his meeting with Putin had been “even better” than his one last week with traditional allies NATO―a testy gathering seen as having badly strained transAtlantic ties.

But the US president found precious little support for his decision not to confront the Russian leader -- on either side of the political aisle.

Former House speaker and longtime Trump ally Newt Gingrich put it bluntly.

“It is the most serious mistake of his presidency and must be corrected―immediately,” he tweeted as Trump headed home.

By Tuesday afternoon when

Republic of the Phillippines Department of Health National Capital Regional Office VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER BIDS AND AWARD COMMITTEE Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Telefax No. 294-67 to 16, Telefax 291-4259 Email address valgen_hosp@yahoo.com

Republic of the Philippines CITY GOVERNMENT OF CAVITE Invitation to Bid for Project No. 2018-3-29 CONSTRUCTION OF TWO (2) STOREY WITH DECK LIVELIHOOD TRAINING CENTER AT DSWD COMPOUND, BARANGAY 62-A, SAMONTE PARK, CAVITE CITY The CITY GOVERNMENT OF CAVITE, through the 20% Development Fund intends to apply the sum of TEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P 10,500,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the CONSTRUCTION OF TWO (2) STOREY WITH DECK LIVELIHOOD TRAINING CENTER AT DSWD COMPOUND, BARANGAY 62-A, SAMONTE PARK, CAVITE CITY. 1. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the bidding.

2. The CITY GOVERNMENT OF CAVITE now invites bids for the CONSTRUCTION OF TWO (2) STOREY WITH DECK LIVELIHOOD TRAINING CENTER AT DSWD COMPOUND, BARANGAY 62-A, SAMONTE PARK, CAVITE CITY.1 Completion of the Works is required TWO HUNDRED FORTY (240) 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, Instruction to Bidders.

3. 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”.

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 BIDS & AWARDS COMMITTEE – CITY GOVERNMENT OF CAVITE and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00 A.M – 4:00 P.M. DURING WORKING DAYS ONLY. 5. 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 Bidding Documents in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P25,000.00).

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 fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

6. The BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE – CITY GOVERNMENT OF CAVITE will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on July 24, 2018 at MULTI-PURPOSE HALL BUILDING, CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE, P. BURGOS AVE., SAN ROQUE, CAVITE CITY, which shall beopen only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

7. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before August 8, 2018 AT 10:00 A.M. at the BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE OFFICE – CITY GOVERNMENT OF CAVITE. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8. The CITY GOVERNMENT OF CAVITE reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9. For further information, please refer to: Ms. RAEJEAN E. VASQUEZ Head, BAC Secretariat Office of the City Administrator Multi-Purpose Hall Building, San Roque, Cavite City cavitecityao@gmail.com Telefax: 046-431-0162

InvItatIon to BId Procurement of varIous medIcaL and LaBoratorY eQuIPment cY 2018 PuBLIc BIddInG no. vmc-2018-013 1.

The Valenzuela Medical Center (VMC), through the General Appropriations Act/Income CY 2018, intends to apply the sum of Philippine Currency: TWENTY ONE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY THREE PESOS ONLY (PhP 21,840,833.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments for the Procurement of Various Medical and Laboratory Equipment CY 2018 under PB No. VMC-2018-013. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The VMC now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for the procurement of the abovecaptioned package.The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, entitled“Instructions to Bidders”.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act” and is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporationswith 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 Republic ActNo. 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

4.

Only Bids from Bidders who passed the eligibility check will be opened. The process for the eligibility check is described in Section II of the Bidding Documents entitled, “ITB”. The Bidder with the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall advance to the post-qualification stage in order to finally determine the responsiveness of the bid submission to the technical and financial requirements of the project. The contract shall then be awarded to the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as such during the post-qualification procedure.

5.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from theVMC and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00am-11:00am and 2:00pm-4:00pm starting July 19, 2018.

6.

The VMC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference for this bidding activity onJuly 26, 2018, 10:00 amat the Valenzuela Medical Center, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City.Only those who have purchased the bidding documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference.

Those who have not purchased the bidding documents may act as observers andsubmit written queries, subject to the guidelines as stated in the IRR of RA 9184.

7.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount as follows: • • • • •

P500,000.00 and below More than P500,000.00 up to P1,000,000.00 More than P1,000,000.00 up to P5,000,000.00 More than P5,000,000.00 up to P10,000,000.00 More than P10,000,000.00 up to P50,000,000.00

– P500.00 – P1,000.00 – P5,000.00 – P10,000.00 – P25,000.00

The method of payment will be in cash, manager’s check, bank guarantee or surety bond. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective bidder or his authorized representative. 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 non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

8.

Bids and eligibility requirements must be delivered to the address below on or before August 8, 2018, 10:00am, at the VMC BAC Secretariats’ Office.

9.

Bid Opening and Eligibility Check will be on August 8, 2018at 10:00am. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late submission of bids will not be entertained. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the prescribed form, amount and validity period.

10. The Valenzuela Medical Center reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all Bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariats’ Office Valenzuela Medical Center, Annex Building, 2nd Floor, Padrigal St., Valenzuela City Telefax No. 294-4625

(SGD) Arch. ALLISON B. SANTIAGO City Administrator BAC Chairperson (MS-JULY 19, 2018)

HONG KONG―Britain expressed concern Wednesday after police in Hong Kong sought to ban a political party that promotes independence for the city as Beijing increases the pressure on the challenges to its territorial sovereignty.

The bid to bar the Hong Kong National Party, a well-known but small group with a core membership of around a dozen, has been made because it is a potential threat to national security and public safety, according to authorities.

It is the first time such a ban has been sought since Britain handed the sovereignty of Hong Kong back to China in 1997 and is the latest move to stifle any calls for independence, which have infuriated Beijing.

“We note with concern the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government plans to prohibit the continued operation of the Hong Kong National Party,” the British foreign office said in a statement.

“The UK does not support Hong Kong independence, but Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, and its rights and freedoms, are central to its way of life, and it is important they are fully respected,” the statement added.

The right to stand for election, freedom of speech and freedom of association are enshrined in the city’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, as well as its bill of rights, the statement said.

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unseen on the mainland, which are protected by the 50-year handover agreement signed by Britain and China.

But concern is growing that Beijing is trampling the deal and that rights are under serious threat from an assertive China under President Xi Jinping.

Hong Kong’s secretary for security John Lee said Tuesday he was considering the request made by the police to ban the HKNP. Questioned how the party was damaging national security, Lee said he could not comment on the details. AFP

he faced the cameras, Trump had changed tack.

“We’re doing everything in our power to prevent Russian interference in 2018,” the president said.

After his remarks, the White House released a fact sheet on how the US is “standing up to Russia’s malign activities” -- a clear bid to counter the notion that

Trump had been soft on Putin.

And on Tuesday evening, Trump was feisty on Twitter again as he defended his meeting with Putin and took aim at one of his favorite targets.

“The meeting between President Putin and myself was a great success, except in the Fake News Media!” Trump wrote. AFP

Bonifcatio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila 1018, Philippines P.O Box 436, Manila, Philippines Tel. No. (0632) 527-8356 / Fax No. (0632) 527-4855 http://www.ppa.com.ph

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR THE CONDUCT OF SOIL INVESTIGATION AT SELECTED PORTS (PACKAGE 9) The Philippine Ports Authority, through its Corporate Budget for CY 2018 intends to apply the sum of P23,568,321.35 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of Technical Services for the Conduct of Soil Investigation at Selected Ports (Package 9) (HO-BAC-EP-CON 0012018), which shall cover the following ports: LUZON

VISAYAS

1. Pasig River (South Bank), South Harbor, Manila 2. Capinpin, Orion, Bataan 3. Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro 4. Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro 5. Carmen, Romblon 6. Puerto Princesa, Palawan 7. Caramoran, Catanduanes 8. Masbate City, Masbate 9. Matnog, Sorsogon 10. Balogo, Pasacao, Camarines Sur

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

ICPC, Iloilo Dumangas, Iloilo Tapal, Ubay, Bohol Jagna, Bohol Victorias, Negros Occidental

MINDANAO 1. Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental 2. Jubang, Dapa, Surigao del Norte 3. Mati, Davao Oriental

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

The Philippine Ports Authority now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for the drilling of and testing of soil samples from sixty (60) boreholes, of which forty four (44) shall be drilled offshore each to a depth of about 50 meters below seabed and sixteen (16) shall be drilled inland to a depth of 30 meters below existing ground line maximum for each borehole, respectively and/or there is 5 consecutive SPT N values of at least 50 blows but with less than 1 foot (30 cm.) of soil penetration recorded during two (2)- successive 15 cm. penetrations of the Split-Spoon Sampler or 4.5 meters coring into bedrock, whichever comes first. Eligibility documents of interested consultants must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat on or before 27 July 2018 at 9:00 a.m., at the BAC Office, 5th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Opening of Eligibility Documents is on 27 July 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by shortlisted Bidders on 27 July 2018 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of P25,000.00. 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.

The BAC shall draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted Expression of Interest, including the eligibility documents, and have been determined as eligible in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184) otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act,” and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The short list shall consist of not more than FIVE (5) prospective bidders who will be entitled to submit bids. The criteria and rating system for short listing are: 1.

Applicable experience of the consultant and members in case of joint ventures, considering both the overall experiences of the firm or, in the case of new firms, the individual experiences of the principal and key staff, including the times when employed by other consultants;

2. Qualification of personnel who may be assigned to the job vis-à-vis extent and complexity of the undertaking; and 3. Current workload relative to capacity.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the IRR of RA 9184. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

The Philippine Ports Authority shall evaluate bids using the Quality-Cost Based Evaluation (QCBE) procedure. The weight to be allocated for the Technical Proposal is 80% while for the Financial Proposal, the weight is 20%. The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of bids shall be provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

The contract shall be completed within EIGHT (8) MONTHS. The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of R.A. 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 954-88-00 loc. 539 PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph •

Cost of Eligibility Documents: P 1,000.00

MARK JON S. PALOMAR Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects

(SGD)JOSEPH T. NOCOM, MD, FPOA Chairperson Bids and Awards Committee (MS-JULY 19, 2018)

Standard - July 19, 2018

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

B4

LGUs

The indigenous ‘ginakit’—brightly-decorated Moro boats that trace back to ancient times—as pictured here was a main mode of transportation for Muslim royals and tribal chieftains around the inland waters of Mindanao during the precolonial and Spanish era.

thursday, july 19, 2018

LocaL government units

Malapatan relives ancient Moro boat GAILY-DeCORATeD ancient Moro boats called “ginakit” are paraded at Sarangani Bay in Malapatan town as part of the 13th Pakaradyan Festival and 49th municipal founding anniversary. The indigenous ginakit is a main mode of transportation for Muslim royals and tribal chieftains around the inland waters of Mindanao during the pre-colonial and Spanish era.

The festival is named after a Maguindanaon word which means festivity and is often held with a “kanduli” or thanksgiving, and a celebratory “pagana” or banquet feast. The Festival also includes a street dancing contest, a land float parade and competition, and the launch of its “Mapya Malapatan” brand and tagline.

Malapatan was created in 1969 when it was carved out from Glan town which still part of South Cotabato province.

Its name was coined from two ethnic The town is known for the exquisite the world, and is the home of Bai wad Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Blaan words Malah and fatan, which inaul hand-woven Maguindanaoan estelita Bantilan, a Blaan igem mat Living Treasure by President Rodrigo meant place where pepper is abundant. fiber which have found its way around weaver, who has been proclaimed Ga- Duterte last year.

‘Give power back to DepEd’

By Rio N. Araja

A

RANKING official of the Quezon City government wants the Department of education to regain the power to declare class suspensions.

In a television interview at the height of the downpour due to Tropical Depression “henry,” QC City Administrator Aldrin Cuña said it would be best if the function to declare the suspension of classes is given back to Deped. he said the city government suspended classes only in the afternoon of July 17—despite pleas from parents and students alike to do so earlier—since there was no advisory from the weather bureau of heavy rainfall due to “henry”

or the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”

As the Department of the Interior and Local Government is concerned, Undersecretary epimaco Densing III has called on local officials to pass their own ordinances on class suspensions to ensure the safety of students from rains and floods.

Under the presidential executive Order 66, a local government unit must announce a class suspension before 4:30 a.m. for morning sessions and before 11 a.m. for afternoon sessions.

A local measure could mandate officials to cancel classes based on rainfall warnings by the state weather bureau in the absence of storm signals, Densing noted.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and a subsidiary of Ayala Corp. have partnered to provide mothers with a basic life support training program.

Belmonte announced a partnership with Ayala healthcare holdings Inc. (AC health) to empower women and mothers on disaster and emergency response.

She said some mothers approached her after Super Typhoon “Ondoy” that devastated many parts of the country in 2009 and lamented about their lack of preparedness for emergency situations,

such as earthquakes and floods.

“That is the basis of my advocacy to beef up the capability of the women [sector],” the vice mayor said.

“Through this training [program] on basic life support and first aid, we can help them learn more things and boost their confidence,” she added.

The Office of the Vice Mayor has conducted the workshop entitled “Lifesaving Moms” attended by 300 mothers from Districts 1, 3 and 4.

“Mothers can now easily respond to emergency situations even at home,” Belmonte said.

She warned the participants that despite going through the training program, they still could not act as doctors of their family members.

Botika ng Bayan opens in Davao; more stores seen

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY—The City Government has launched the Botika ng Bayan to cater to the medical needs of not just Davaoeños but residents of other nearby regions.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio led the launching and blessing of the Botika ng Bayan, a public pharmacy where people can gain free medicines to help cover their medical needs.

The Botika ng Bayan was launched through the Department of health, which vowed to maintain the pharmacy’s supplies. It is located at the Lingala compound beside the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

“I am very grateful to the Department of health for helping us establish the Botika ng Bayan. It is a big help to the people, especially that the medicines are given here for free,” the mayor said.

Josephine Mitaran, Lingap Para sa Mahirap program officer in charge, said the Botika ng Bayan will give out maintenance medicines for most diseases.

“We can give as much as a onemonth supply of medication. The amount of medicine that we will give will depend on the needed medicine of the patient. All they have to do is bring their prescription here,” Mitaran said. even patients in private hospitals may ask for medicines in the Botika ng Bayan, she added.

SPA LAUNCH. Claudine de Leon of Leung de Leon Marketing, Mecca muse KC del Rosario, Mecca Aesthetic Clinic and Spa president Mars Balajadia, and Theresa Leung of Leung de Leon pose during the launching of Mecca’s newest branch in Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

SKAL NETWORKING. SKAL, a professional organization of tourism leaders with 400 clubs around the world that promotes global

tourism and friendship, recently held its General Membership Monthly Meeting and Networking Night at the New World Makati Hotel. In photo are SKAL chairman Robert Lim Joseph (2nd from left) and SKAL president Jaime Bautista (4th from left) with the Resorts World Manila team of (from left) Gerald Magtoto, director for Marketing Communications and Special Events; Joy Andrade, PR Manager; Martin Paz, chief integrated marketing officer; and Joee Guilas, director for Corporate Communications. The next SKAL GMM in September will be hosted by Marriott Hotel.

Energy firm leads Subic gab on sea turtle conservation

By Butch Gunio SUBIC BAY FReePORT—Redondo Peninsula energy Inc. has conducted a forum here on turtle conservation under its Protect the Bay Initiative program.

The discussion, entitled “Lessons from PawiCare,” aimed to share the best practices on how the residents of La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales helped in the conservation of “pawikan” or sea turtles held at harbor

Point Ayala Mall here on Saturday.

PawiCare hatchery is a sea turtle protection and conservation program in San Narciso, Zambales. It is currently managed by Katimpuyog Zambales, an environment organization, together with the local government of San Narciso and the local fisherfolks called the La Paz Rangers.

“It starts with awareness. Our goal with the Protect the Bay Initiative is to pro-

mote environmental awareness by building a community of volunteers. There are already many efforts on the ground but there is need for greater synergy,” said Jason Gavina, RP energy’s Corporate Social Responsibility officer.

Protect the Bay is the company’s flagship CSR program on environment, which aims to curb illegal fishing, promote environmental awareness, and establish sustainable livelihood for fisherfolks.

LRT1: Traffic-free 15-min. trip from Baclaran to Sucat The extension of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 to Sucat in Parañaque City could start serving riders by the end of 2021 if work on site starts by February next year, and the right of way is free and clear by May 2019.

Juan Alfonso, president of the Light Rail Manila Corp., the operator of LRT 1, said they are just waiting for the complete ROW and government approvals, “especially on the delayed increase in our fares from around an average of P20 to around P25 depending on the distance traveled, which is basically the same as bus fares.”

“The main difference is we can bring our riders from Baclaran to Sucat or vice versa in 15 minutes, rush hour or not, and even if the roads are flooded.

We are traffic free,” he added.

Alfonso said its contract with the government provided that the fares be increased automatically every two years starting in 2016 to allow LRMC to have the funds to properly maintain and operate the line. LRMC wants the P5 fare increase it’s asking for to cover both the 2016 and 2018 adjustments.

Without the increase, LRMC might not be able to borrow from banks the funds needed to build the extension, he noted.

“The banks want to make sure we can repay them, and the only way this can be attained is for us to be able to earn enough through higher fares,” Alfonso said.

After Sucat, the extension will go to Las Piñas and Niog, in Bacoor, Cavite.

“But we can go to Las Piñas and Bacoor only after we have built Sucat, and that means we must have the fares adjusted first,” he said.

Travel from Baclaran to Las Piñas via LRT 1 will take only 20 minutes, and 30 minutes to Bacoor.

“The LRT 1 is a solution to traffic and to people’s daily commute, which is so long because of traffic that they have less time for themselves and their families,” Alfonso said.

Similar railway systems abroad are efficient and well-run because riders pay the proper fares, he added.

Under the contract, if the fare is not adjusted, the government will pay LRMC instead, which means that taxpayers—including the salaried workers in Visayas and Mindanao, not the riders themselves—will be paying for it.

“It is not sustainable to keep fares at the current level without sacrificing service quality. We strive to bring world-class service to the Filipinos and this will entail new investments,” Alfonso said.

Caltex gears up to support PPP for PUVs IN ADDITION to giving discounts on fuels to public utility jeepneys and buses, oil firm Caltex, which is marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc., has committed to support the Department of Transportation and Department of energy’s Pantawid Pasada Program that launched on Tuesday, July 17.

Selected gas stations in the Caltex retail network of Metro Manila are ready to accept Pantawid Pasada Cards, said Louie Zhang, CPI country chairman.

Public transport workers only need to bring their PPP cards to Caltex customer service representatives for validation before fueling up. It is important that the vehicle’s plate number matches with the one printed on the cards, Zhang said.

Loyalty cards honored at Caltex stations, such as happyPlus and Robinsons Rewards Cards, and other discount or rebate cards can still be used with the PPP cards and will be processed separately.

Chevron Philippines is also preparing its provincial retail network to accept PPP cards, since the DOTr and the Doe are set to launch the same program nationwide.

“In addition to our continuing programs such as fuel discounts, loyalty rewards and social investment drives that help cushion our customers from f luctuating world oil prices, we and all our Caltex retailers are committed to support all government-mandated programs to help achieve the same goal,” Zhang said.

Life

UNFILTERED BEAUTY.

Bianca Gonzalez-Intal embraces the beautiful and not-so beautiful parts of being a mother to her daughter Lucia.

household

Bernadette lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MstandardlIFE thursday, july 19, 2018

C1

The natural beauty

of motherhood

By Gabbie Parlade

S

ooN-to-be mother of two Bianca Gonzalez-Intal knows what it’s like to deal with insecurities and responsibilities in the world of “unfiltered” motherhood.

Motherhood in the digital age has become a contest of appearing glamor glamorous, flawless, perfect. The struggles and imperfections, or those that don’t look double tap-worthy are concealed under multiple layers of beauty filters.

Bianca Gonzalez-Intal (fifth from left) with Johnson’s Baby officials (from left) assistant brand manager GJ Agregado, senior brand manager for Southeast Asia Frankie Velante, management trainee Echo Bueno, One J&J retail director Raghu Krishnan, senior brand manager for Philippines Bea Bravo, marketing director for Southeast Asia Maimai Punzalan with son Manolo, franchise lead Justine Anne Aruta, intern Marie Anne Gonzalez, marketing manager for Southeast Asia Shino Lee, and senior brand manager for Philippines Joanne Duenas.

Anne Curtis designs her dream work space WhEN actress, TV host, and all-around entertainer Anne Curtis launched her makeup brand with co-founder Jacque Gutierrez in 2017, it was an expected hit. And it was, and still is.

Less than a year from BLK Cosmetics’ launch, Curtis and Gutierrez finally have their “dream working space” after they transformed their new office into the BLK hQ. Using pieces from Crate & Barrel, the makeup business partners created a space the makes people “feel so welcome when they enter.”

Curtis understands the importance of having a clean and relaxed environment

at work, which reflects in the design of the working space that features clean lines and warm and neutral color palette with a splash of pink salmon.

“It is important to have a good space where you can really have enough room for creativity,” said Curtis.

Welcoming everyone into the office is a “hello Gorgeous” signage above the couch. Inside, the place exudes warm and fuzzy vibe, due in part to Curtis’s room accessorizing.

“Adding really nice small details adds more charm to the room. Like, I want to have nice throw pillows or comfortable blanket,” shared Curtis.

The co-founders now have a cozy yet clean working space where they can talk about business and makeup.

“I really love the fact that Crate got our vision,” enthused Gutierrez.

You, too, can create your dream work area with Crate & Barrel furniture and accessories just like BLK hQ. Use the promo code CBBLK18 until the end of July to enjoy 15 percent off on all regular priced items. Go to www.crateandbarrel.com for more information.

while encouraging other mothers to follow suit.

“We at Johnson’s believe in the beauty of unfiltered motherhood and we want to help moms like Bianca [to] embrace every inch of motherhood and start empowering themselves one step at a time,” said Johnson’s Baby Southeast Asia marketing director Maimai Punzalan.

With more than 11 million followers on different social media platforms, Gonzalez-Intal has become more conscious in posting about motherhood as she intends to show both the good and the bad moments.

“I’m surprised at the feedback I get from [followers] when I share my own story because I try as much as possible na i-share para it’s really the realistic thing on motherhood or the balanced point of view,” she shared with Manila Standard.

She added, “Sometimes all it takes is a simple caption to reach out and share your real feelings even if they’re not ideal kasi it makes others feel the same way.”

Even in the littlest and simplest things, Gonzalez-Intal proudly shares genuine bonding moments with her daughter Lucia.

Moms can share their #NaturallyBeautifulMOMents by joining Johnson’s Snap Natural movement. Simply post a photo of yourself and your child in your happiest bonding moment while showing off that natural baby-beautiful skin together. Use the hashtag #NaturallyBeautifulMOMents and tag @ johnsonsbabyph on Instagram.

The TV host shared how social media made a huge impact on her self-esteem and confidence as a new mom.

“I would often find myself scrolling through beautiful, perfect images of other moms with their babies, and then feel sad and down about myself,” lamented Gonzalez-Intal.

She continued, “I would think, ‘how can they still look so flawless when I haven’t even taken a bath?’ And then I’d wonder if I was being good enough to myself in this journey.”

As she gets ready for her second child, the 35-year-old TV host wishes to empower more moms to embrace this chapter in their life, including all the aspects that come with it especially the messy but beautiful moments of being a mother.

“It took me a while, but [now] I have realized that there is no such thing as a ‘perfect mom.’ That motherhood is beautiful as it is both [with] the good and not-so-good moments [where] it is best manifested in the natural moments we share with our babies,” shared Gonzalez-Intal.

She believes that more moms should use social media as a platform not only for sharing the beautiful moments with their children but also for posting balanced content to show the reality behind motherhood.

Together with baby care products brand Johnson’s Baby, Gonzalez-Intal For more information, visit www.fatakes the lead in embracing the natural beauty brought about by raising kids, cebook.com/JohnsonsBabyPhilippines/.

Jacque Gutierrez and Anne Curtis talk business and makeup in their new BLK HQ.

Crate & Barrel stores in the Philippines are located at SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Aura Premier, and SM Makati.

Lokima Pillow

Pelliccia Pillow

Cantina Bar Cabinet

Petrie Sofa

The stylish conference room furnished with Crate & Barrel’s Paloma Dining Table, Casement Tall Cabinet, and Rooke Pendant Light.

Life

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5 family bonding ideas W

Hen you’re up against gadgets and social media for the attention of your children, it could seem impossible to spend more time with them while they’re still young. But you don’t really need to book a trip out of town or go someplace to bond with them.

Simple creativity does it.

Here are some ideas for family bonding activities that teach valuable lessons and create meaningful memories:

Capture moments with a camera

Set a photo shoot as a family either on a specific time of the year (like birthdays or anniversaries) or a location (like a summer vacation house) to create a tradition. Print out your favorite shots and create photo collages or scrapbooks together. You can also capture special occasions on video, such as first days of school and family reunions. Watching these home videos in the future can bring back memories and that warm feeling of home and family.

Partners Brendan Daly and Melanie Belugulo with their twins enjoy a stunning view of the Samal Island coastline from the balcony of their two-bedroom unit in Verdon Parc.

Play games together

Play age-appropriate board games and/or card games together.

Although gadgets are more easily accessible nowadays, the classic games you played as children will not only stimulate the mind, but will also teach children concepts like taking turns, winning and losing, and being a team player.

Play a sport or exercise

Staying active as a family is beneficial because not only does it promote healthier habits, it also allows members of the family to bond together in a fun environment.

Try different group sports you can do together, such as badminton, basketball, volleyball, or football. If your schedule does not give you the chance to go outdoors, have a “sports tournament” indoors via a video game, such as Wii Sports or Just Dance. The important thing is that it gets everyone up and moving.

Do household chores

There is a never-ending list of things to do at home. Get the family to help out by turning chore sessions into a game, such as a race to tidy up a room, put away laundry, bathe the pets, or water the garden. Doing chores teaches children a sense of responsibility and life skills they’ll need when they grow up.

The feeling of accomplishment where everyone is doing their part certainly makes mundane chores less tiring.

Why families in Mindanao choose condo living SAve half of the usual commuting time going to work or walk leisurely to your office. Play around with your kids in the pool. Jog alone or run around the paths with your pet. Sweat it out in the gym or relish a deep slumber in your unit after a fun-filled night with friends.

These are some of the comforts offered by condo living that are now captivating the southern part of the Philippine archipelago.

Whether for young professionals, a start-up family, or retirees, condominiums are increasingly becoming a housing option of choice in the flourishing city of Davao, further fuelling the property boom in the area.

It is a trend that is seen to persist in the coming years as more residents are embracing vertical living as reflected by the occupants of DMCI Homes’ verdon Parc, a development along ecoland Drive corner Peacock Street in Davao City.

The three-hectare development has posted robust sales, with most of its eager buyers coming from Davao del Sur and neighboring provinces of north and South Cotabato.

Thirty two-year-old Davaoeña Melanie Belugulo is one of those who has learned to embrace the conveniences of

No to mosquito-borne diseases at home THe wet season brings about greater risk of getting mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika. In the first six weeks of this year alone, the Department of Health recorded a total of 10,980 dengue cases and 51 deaths from it, the highest incidence of which was reported in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.

Jardine Distribution, Inc. offers home pest solutions to help homeowners safeguard their families from these diseases.

ZAP All Knockdown multi-insect killer kills Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with its antidengue formula. It can likewise destroy other disease-carrying pests like cockroaches and flies. It ensures fast knockdown power and long-lasting effects with its high-quality active ingredient.

This insect killer is available at leading supermarkets (Shopwise, Rustans, Wellcome) and DIY stores nationwide (Handyman, Ace, Citi, and Wilcon).

Cook and eat together

Meal times are so important since they bring the family together around one table.

Why not make meal preparation a bonding activity as well? You can prepare quick yet healthy dishes together using pantry staples like Gold Seas Tuna. This premium tuna is available in exciting gourmet flavors that your family will love. Whether it’s making a favorite dish or experimenting with a new recipe—let everyone pitch in, even the little ones. Sitting down to eat what everyone’s had a hand preparing will certainly make the meal more special.

modern living when her family moved to verdon Parc in 2017.

Influenced by her Irish partner Brendan Daly, Belugulo said condo living is very convenient for her growing family.

“It’s convenient because of the services that are provided. Security is important and it’s good,” said Belugulo.

“The staff members are very professional, very nice, and very helpful.”

Known for its trademark resortinspired amenities, DMCI Homes designed verdon Parc to complement Davao City’s abundant and pristine natural resources, creating a haven of relaxation and comfort for residents.

Fitness facilities, swimming pools, entertainment and game rooms, play areas, and leisure zones, are available to satisfy every resident’s whim.

Pointing out the charm of the development’s amenities and facilities, Daly who is a chartered accountant by profession, shared, “It’s nice to have amenities like the swimming pool. We do a lot of swimming. We take the twins around the garden and play area.”

“But what we really like about this property is the view of the coastline of Samal Island, which is what we really wanted,” he exclaimed while standing on the balcony of their two-bedroom unit.

Zap All Knockdown multi-insect killer

Co-living spaces for young professionals in Makati A neW residential development made for young urban professionals is soon to rise along Amorsolo Street in Makati City.

Premier real estate developer Ayala Land is redefining the co-living trend in Metro Manila with the opening of The Flats. The 15-story development features co-living spaces for lease, designed to revolutionize the way yuppies rent in the city. It’s hip, trendy and, above all things, it is close to both work and recreation.

“Ayala Land has always been responsive to the needs of young urban professionals who aspire for a perfectly balanced life. Co-living is an urban lifestyle concept that offers an affordable alternative to lengthy commutes and paying expensive transportation fares,” shares Shiella

Aguilar, Makati project development head for Ayala Land.

The Flats Amorsolo eliminates the need to rush from home to office. It’s located within a five-minute walk to Ayala Avenue and near Dela Rosa Walkway, thereby offering a practical solution for on-the-go professionals who are challenged daily by long commutes and traffic jams.

The co-living units are available for a one-year minimum lease term. Up to a maximum of four occupants can share a co-living space.

Units for three and two occupants per room are also offered. These coliving units are perfect for long-time friends, officemates, and professionals who want to meet new f latmates to grow their network.

Two design choices are available: rooms with lofts and rooms with bunk beds. Both are designed for optimal space usage. each unit is thoughtfully outfitted with built-in beds, built-in cabinets, individual desk spaces, air-conditioning, a shower, and a toilet and bath. each unit is also Internet and cable ready.

Ample security is guaranteed as each occupant gets key card access. A lobby and reception area features basic service shops to ensure that occupants enjoy day-to-day home conveniences.

Parking may be leased separately.

According to the company, more co-living spaces carrying the Ayala Land brand will be launched soon in Makati and Bonifacio Global City where a huge chunk of young urban professionals prospers.

The Flats Amorsolo offers dynamic co-living spaces for lease to young professionals working in Makati City.

Entertainment

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

GMA Network’s Pacquiao-Matthysse coverage is most-watched nationwide

Pacquiao improved to 60-7-2 all-time with 39 knockouts in securing his first win since 2016.

AS THE country celebrates Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao’s emphatic seventh-round KO victory over Lucas Matthysse, GMA Network also takes pride in being the Filipinos’ preferred channel during the highly-anticipated Fight of Champions: Pacquiao versus Matthysse, which aired via satellite last Sunday, July 15.

The Kapuso Network similarly won over competition in broadcasting the Pacquiao-Matthysse bout on free TV according to the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

GMA posted an overnight people audience share of 49.2 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measure (NUTAM), which topped ABS-CBN’s 30.7 percent.

Meanwhile, an exclusive blowby-blow coverage of the fight was aired on GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz along with RGMA Super Radyo stations nationwide.

Boxing fans abroad also got the

chance to see the fight on pay-perview in over 70 countries worldwide via GMA International’s partner distribution outlets.

The eight-division boxing world champion Pacquiao now holds the World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight title.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao issued a statement on the issue that he was giving out cash after winning the Welterweight title. Soon after he won, a series of posts leading to a Facebook page said that the boxerpolitician is selecting 60 people on social media who would receive cash and a brand-new car.

“Nakarating sa aking kaalaman na may mga kumakalat na balita sa social media na ako ay mamimigay ng mga premyo bilang balato dahil sa aking pagkaka panalo. Nais ko pong ipaalam sa lahat na walang katotohanan ang mga ito. Fake news po ang contest na ito kaya’t huwag po kayong maniniwala at magpapaloko sa maling balita,” Pacquiao said in a statement sent to MS Entertainment.

HOLLYWOOD

‘HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA’ books spot at top of box office SONY’S Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer mission.

Vacation booked a stay at the top of the Third place went to Universal’s new reNorth American box office, taking $44.1 lease Skyscraper, with earnings of $25.5 million in ticket sales, according to indus- million. try estimates Sunday.

Packed with action, it sees Dwayne The animated fantasy comedy, whose “The Rock” Johnson star as an ex-FBI voice cast includes Adam Sandler and agent who has to rescue his family from Selena Gomez, folthe newly built talllows Count Dracula est skyscraper in and his family as the world, after terthey get away from rorists set it ablaze. their hotel for their In at fourth was own vacation.

Incredibles 2, dropIt swatted away ping one place with last week’s numtakings of $16.2 ber one, Ant-Man million. After earnand the Wasp, in ing $28.4 million Hotel Transylvania: A Monster Vacation at second with last week, it pushed is the third installment of the 3D comtakings of $28.8 past Pixar stableputer-animated comedy film produced million over the mate Finding Dory

by Sony Pictures Animation. three-day weekend, (2016) as the topaccording to indusgrossing animated try tracker Exhibifilm of all time in tor Relations.

North America.

The 20th release in Disney’s Marvel Disney’s Frozen still holds the global Cinematic Universe sees ex-con Scott box office record for animated films.

Lang (Paul Rudd) languishing under Ranking fifth was Universal’s Jurashouse arrest in San Francisco after being sic World: Fallen Kingdom, taking $15.5 caught, as his shrinkable superhero alter- million. ego, fighting some of the other Avengers The movie, which has raked in more in Captain America: Civil War (2016). than $1 billion globally, sees Chris Pratt Struggling to balance home life and and Bryce Dallas Howard struggle to Ant-Man duties, he’s confronted by old contain dinosaurs rescued from a tropical flame Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lil- Pacific island and sheltered temporarily at ly), alias the Wasp, with an urgent new a California mansion.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, July 19, 2018

ACROSS 1 Advice columnist 5 Tree juices 9 Sat opposite 14 Give out sparingly 15 Water source 16 Fill with happiness 17 Oil producer 18 Water, in Tijuana 19 Noted fabulist 20 Many, many years 21 Of little consequence 23 Removes the stopper 25 Penn or Connery 26 Loft filler 27 Metal fastener 29 Gives approval 32 Foot lever 35 Tackle box item 36 Squashed circle 37 — Khayyam 38 Zesty dip 39 Tightly bound bundle 40 Treadmill unit 41 Busy European airport 42 Gave medicine 43 Sch. org.

44 Small dogs 45 So-so mark 46 Novelist — Turgenev 48 From Juneau 52 Shaped liked a drinking straw 56 Left Bank friend 57 How to cook your goose 58 Not “pro” 59 Receptive 60 Protective covering 61 Wineglass feature 62 Garage service 63 Bushed 64 Pea containers 65 Sweater letters DOWN 1 Farewell 2 Element no. 5 3 Opposite of “noir” 4 Longing 5 Elegant 6 Zeus’ shield 7 Cushy job 8 Sharp blow 9 Suspected 10 Queen of the Misty Isles 11 Amorous men 12 Jacket style 13 Cabinet div.

21 River in Russia

22 Port near Kyoto 24 Midwest airport 27 Raw cotton 28 Blushing 30 Garden green 31 Husky’s haul 32 Grandeur 33 Give off light 34 Nobelist from Tibet (2 wds.)

35 Stringed instrument 36 Woodwinds 38 Noise

42 Good buy 44 Food storage place 45 Asserts 47 Glare protector 48 Pretended 49 Broke 50 Invisible swimmer (var.)

51 WXY buttons 52 Bird’s crop 53 Time long past 54 Grate upon 55 Gung-ho about 59 Bullring yell

ABS-CBN OIC-head of digital media division Elaine Uy-Casipit (2nd from right) sits as panelist at Media Innovation Forum.

ABS-CBN digital executive represents PH in media innovation forum in Singapore

A

BS-CBN’s OIC-head of digital media division Elaine Uy-Casipit was recently invited as a panelist in Singapore’s Media Innovation Forum, where she shared her expertise in a session on the video streaming landscape and the future of the video industry in the Philippines.

The forum, organized by Alpha Global Network, was attended by the region’s senior media executives and brought together influential industry leaders who shared their insights on changing media trends.

Sitting alongside counterparts from streaming subscription service Genflix, Orange TV, and Oona Platform, the so-called YouTube of TV, Uy-Casipit talked about the expansion of ABSCBN’s digital business and its path to digital transformation, how the network creates unique user experiences, and its most successful digital projects.

As the recently appointed head of One OTT (Over-TheTop)—ABS-CBN’s new division that was formed to respond to the market’s growing need for streamable entertainment—UyCasipit supervises the growth and expansion of ABS-CBN’s

streaming platform iWant TV by collaborating with the best content creators and OTT providers worldwide. She also oversees continuous product innovations and delivery, business development and operations, and content management.

“We’ve certainly come a long way since we launched iWant TV in 2011. We now have over eight million subscribers who rely on us for quality entertainment, and we want that number to grow as we grow. We are forging ahead with our transition into an agile digital company, and we know that we’ll be able to offer so much more: more meaningful products and campaigns, more collaborative ecosystems, more seamless and integrated OTT experiences,” she said.

Uy-Casipit, who was named a Young Market Master awardee

by Mansmith and Fielders, Inc. in 2016, played an integral role in the continuous growth of the company’s digital business. She led the group that helped the company consistently produce awardwinning digital campaigns such as “Aral ng EDSA,” #McDoBonFries, the “Pinoy Big Brother” Online Bahay ni Kuya, the “One for Pacman” campaign, #PopeTYSM Book of Thanks, OTWOLista.com, among many others.

She also spearheaded the launch of various digital products and businesses, including the company’s fully operational social media command center, the ABS-CBN lifestyle and sports hubs, Choose Philippines Awards, Push Awards, and the music portal One Music PH.

CCP hosts Band and Orchestra Festival 2018 OVER 700 young musical artists from 14 groups across the country are slated to perform at the Banda Rito, Banda Roon, the Band and Orchestra Festival 2018 of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Running from July 20 to 22 at the CCP, Banda Rito, Banda Roon 2018 has three main events: the Gala Concert of Orchestras on July 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Theater; the Youth Symphonic Band Concert I on July 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Little Theater; and the Youth Symphonic Band Concert II on July 22 at 4:00 p.m. also at the Little Theater.

Parallel events such as the Open Air Brass Exhibition will be on July 21 at 4:00 p.m. at the CCP Ramp and the Music Fair from July 20 to 21 will be at the Little Theater Lobby.

The 14 participating groups in the festival include: the Lasallian Youth Orchestra; the San Beda College Alabang Symphony Orchestra; the Seven Spirit Kids Orchestra (Cebu); the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra; the Taytay Youth Symphonic Band; the Banda Sampaguita (Laguna); the St. Scholastica’s College Wind Orchestra; Ang

After its victory at the 12th Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, Austria, Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra joins CCP's Banda Rito, Banda Roon, the Band and Orchestra Festival 2018.

Musikerong Batangueño (Batangas); the San Marcos Band ’92 (Navotas); the General Trias Youth Symphonic Band (Cavite); the Sasmuan Band 31 (Pampanga); the Marilao Community Symphonic Band (Bulacan); the Philippine Baton Twirling Association (PBTA), and the PhilBanda.

There will also be small brass ensemble performances in the Little Theater Lobby during the Music Fair on July 20 to 21.

“The festival is on a grand scale since this is national event. Beyond the scale and scope of the event however is the fellowship and camaraderie shared between and among young and veteran musicians,” Chris B. Millado, Vice-President and Artistic Director of the CCP said.

Ticket and schedule information including block ticket sales may be obtained from CCP Box Office at 832-1125 or 8323704.

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

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Entertainment

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018

Will Jake Zyrus do a duet with Celine Dion?

TEN years after Jake Zyrus, then known as Charice Pempengco, shared the stage with pop diva Celine Dion at the Madison Square Garden in New York, there is great clamor of late for the two singers to do a duet again when Celine performs at the Mall of Asia Arena today and on Friday.

It was TV host Oprah Winfrey who recommended Charice to sing with Celine onstage in the latter’s concert, Taking Chances World Tour, staged in 2008.

Charice became the country’s pride after Celine introduced her as an “incredible young singer.”

“Let me tell you, she has a voice that can literally blow the roof off Madison Square Garden,” Celine excitedly told her fans. They performed “Because You Loved Me” and got a standing ovation from the crowd.

In an interview early this year, the international diva said she remembered her duet with Charice and the latter’s “amazing voice.” Celine even expressed her happiness for the new life of Charice as Jake Zyrus.

When Celine performs in Manila for the first time, will Jake Zyrus get a chance to sing with Celine again? Many are anticipating that they will do another duet and perform “The Prayer.” This time, Jake can sing the part of Andrea Bocelli with Celine.

If that happens, thousands of Filipinos who will watch the Celine Dion concert will undoubtedly be thrilled that a Filipino performer will get to perform with an international pop artist.

Meanwhile, Jake just finished a successful concert tour in Europe and performed in London, Newcastle, and Birmingham in the United Kingdom and Dublin in Ireland. In the last quarter of 2018, he is set to embark on another US concert tour.

Jake recorded the theme of an indie movie, “She’s a Killer,” where he is also among the stars. The movie will be released in Japan and other Asian countries this October.

This August and September, Jake will also do another indie film, to be released in summer next year. Meanwhile, he is also set to launch a book about his life and journey next year.

THROWBACK THURSDAY.

Celebrated diva Celine Dion shared the stage with Charice in a concert in 2008.

OPM pillar and singersongwriter Rey Valera

Valera on Macca YUGEL LOSORATA

English singer-songwriter and Grammy Award-winner Sam Smith is set to return to Manila with his 'The Thrill Of It All Tour' on Oct. 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Not ‘Too Good At Goodbyes,’

SAM SMITH

to return to Manila

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RAMMY Award-winner Sam Smith is embarking on his biggest headline shows to date. He is taking his The Thrill Of It All Tour to some parts of Europe including the UK, and Asia including the Philippines.

Commencing in Sheffield, the tour will include dates across the UK, concluding with four dates in London’s O2 Arena. The tour continues across Europe finishing his tour in Lisbon’s Altice Arena.

In the Philippines, the “Too Good At Goodbyes” singer will serenade his Filipino fans on Oct. 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena, the same concert venue where he mesmerized thousands of concertgoers in 2015. ‘‘Too Good At Goodbyes,’’ the first single off the sophomore album The Thrill of It All, saw global success hitting no. 1 in the UK and Global Spotify Charts, no. 1 in the UK and US iTunes charts and entering the official UK charts at no.1 making it Sam’s sixth UK number one single.

Ahead of release, Sam has also shared tracks “Pray,” which he performed on Saturday Night Live, and the most personal song he has ever written, “Burning.”

Released via Capitol Records, the latest single off the new album is “One Last Song,” a track Sam wrote as a final wave of goodbye to the person that inspired his breakout debut record, In the Lonely Hour.

The Thrill of It All sees Sam once again working alongside close friend and long term collaborator Jimmy Napes as well as Timbaland, Malay, Jason ‘Poo Bear’ Boyd, and Stargate. The album also

VERY WANG NICKIE WANG

sees Sam collaborate with unsigned artist, YEBBA for their breath-taking track “No Peace.”

Known as a “pretty nice guy,” Sam is definitely one of the greatest musicians of his generation. He started his career at just 17 (he’s 26 now). Since then, he has amassed an impressive array of awards including Academy Award, Golden Globe, Billboard Awards as Best Song, Top Male Artist, Top New Artist, and Top Radio Songs Artist. He also bagged Grammy’s as Best New Artist, “Stay with Me” for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, and In the Lonely Hour for Best Pop Vocal Album among others.

Throughout his career, he has sold over 12 million records. In the US, Sam sold 9.2 million digital track downloads, with “Stay with Me” alone selling 4.1 million. According to Nielsen SoundScan, In the Lonely Hour was also the eight best-selling album of 2015 in the United States, with 1,741,000 album-equivalent units (1,018,000 of that in traditional album sales).

Tickets to The Thrill Of It All Tour, promoted by MMI Live, are available at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide or visit smtickets.com or by calling 470-2222.

For more information, follow MMI Live (on Facebook), and @mmilive (on Instagram, and Twitter), or visit mmilive.com for details.

THE recent publicity generated by James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke featuring Sir Paul McCartney had sure tickled music lovers into checking the iconic bass player’s catalogue, particularly songs he did with his legendary band The Beatles.

Prior to that clip that went viral online, I got to interview Filipino singer-songwriter Rey Valera about his own craft, with emphasis on his composition “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” which is obviously a romantic Tagalog counterpart to Paul’s vaudevillian ditty “When I’m Sixty-Four,” which he wrote when he was just 16 and later recorded with the rest of the fabs as a track on the landmark 1967 psychedelic album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Valera reflected on his own triumphant pleasegrow-old-with-me creation. He revealed, “Ang idea ko diyan ay galing sa ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’ ng Beatles. At that time, si Sharon (Cuneta) inisipan ko ng kanta. Inisip ko na kumanta ang isang bata ng ‘future tense.’ Sana pag tumanda tayo, or pagdating ng araw...”

While the outspoken John Lennon was more known for his lyrical wit and rebellious leanings, Macca (McCartney’s nickname) has been revered for his sweet, infectious pop melody lines. In fact he largely wrote some of the grandest Beatles ballads such as “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Here There and Everywhere,” “Michelle,” “And I Love Her,” “The Long And Winding Road,” and “Yesterday.”

Valera pointed out, “Paborito ko si Paul McCartney dahil sa mga melody niya, ang galing. Si John naman, ang galing sa lyrics.”

An OPM stalwart in his own right, Valera rationalized the effect of the Lennon-McCartney songwriting on his career and encourages others to take his lead. He said, “Hindi ko sila tinuturing na mga idol at ako ay isang fan. Mas iniisip ko sila na mentor. Through their songs they speak to me.

At kailangang gumawa ako ng sarili kong landas o identity.”

He further dissected, “Sa mga nangangarap na maging songwriter, ang kanta mo kailangan maintindihan ng audience. Wag kang mag-alala na masabihan kang baduy ka o ano. No problem as long as naiintindihan ka ng audience mo.”

Valera is currently touring in the US with hit foreign balladeer David Pomeranz. Her daughter Clarisse Guardiano-Aguilera is a visual artist who last year crafted a 24”x18” acrylic on canvass she titled “Take These Broken Wings and Learn To Fly,” a tribute lift from Macca’s acoustic gem “Blackbird.”

Meanwhile, comedienne-singer Rufa Mae Quinto and heartthrob singer Bryan Termulo will also take center stage outside of Metro Manila, that is, in a provincial gig this Saturday (July 21). They share the bill at the grand launch of Casino Filipino Cebu’s new tagline “Your One Great Experience.”

Meanwhile, Broadway singer Leo Valdez will also serenade CF Cebu next Saturday, July 28.

CF Cebu branch manager Ricardo Uy stated that fans can watch the shows for free. “Even nonplayers may come and watch as long as they’re 18 years old and above. This is the start of a series of exciting shows. Everyone can expect a fun, entertaining night on our grand launch at CF Cebu’s Tambayan gaming area.”