Manila Standard - 2018 July 20 - Friday

PH, AUSSIE FINED, 15 SUSPENDED FOR ‘BASKETBRAWL’

Coach Vincent Reyes

Japeth Auilar

Calvin Abueva

VOL. XXXII • NO. 155 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Asst. Coach Joseph Uichico

Andray Blatche

Carl Cruz

(Sports/A8)

Jayson William

Jeth Rosario

Roger Pogoy

Terence Romeo

Matthew Wright Jio Jalalon

Daniel Kickert

Chris Goulding

Thon Maker

Duterte: Stop ‘no-el’ move

Chides House allies for toying with idea

By Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte rebuked his allies Thursday for trying to benefit from Charter change and ruled out their proposals to postpone the 2019 elections so that they could stay in office.

SHAKE DRILL. The unforgiving rains on Thursday despite, government offices, private companies and schools—despite suspension of classes in most parts of Metro Manila because of the bad weather—went through the fourth Metro Manila shake drill at 1 pm with a text message alert sent to the public. Unlike in previous years, the Metro Manila Development Authority only informed the public of the unscheduled drill at noon. Norman Cruz

FB vows to delete bogus posts MENLO, PARK, United States— Facebook on Wednesday built on its campaign to prevent the platform from being used to spread dangerous misinformation, saying it will remove bogus posts likely to spark violence. Next page

WEATHER

‘Inday’ gathers strength on way out of Batanes TROPICAL Storm “Inday” intensified slightly while moving eastnortheast over the Philippine Sea, the weather bureau said Thursday.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kilometers per hour.

Its center was 1,025 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, as of 4 pm, and it was moving northeast at 25 kilometers per hour.

Weather forecaster Samuel Duran Next page

“I will not have any hand in no-el,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque quoted the President as saying, referring to a bid by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to call off the 2019 midterm elections to ostensibly focus on amending the Constitution to enable a shift to a federal form of government.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, said the Speaker’s allies in the House would be unable to easily launch a people’s initiative to amend the Constitution because there is no enabling law to do so after the Supreme Court struck down one such law in 1989.

“In order for us to realize a people’s initiative, we need to pass an enabling law and review the inadequacies mentioned by the Supreme Court,” Sotto said.

Next page

BOL in Rody’s court, federal test case—Sotto US kicks in P1.4b

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz SENATE President Vicente Sotto III said the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which will be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday before his State of the Nation Address, would be a good test case for a federal system of government for the rest of the country.

“We really want to empower the regions, that’s been the call not only of the local officials but also the people themselves,” Sotto said.

Two years of implementation of the BOL—previously referred to as the Bangsamoro Basic Law or BBL—would show if a federal system can be effective for the rest of the country.

“We can already see how the budget was used, how they ran the parliament.

More or less, we will have a very good

idea of how a federal region is doing,” Sotto said.

The congressional bicameral conference committee on BBL, chaired

by Senator Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday night adopted a consolidated version of the measure that seeks to create the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to be known as Bangsamoro Autonomous Region replacing the current ARMM. The approved measure seeks to create a Bangsamoro entity that aims to help attain lasting and just peace in Mindanao.

The Senate and the House of Representatives are expected to ratify the measure when they open the Third Regular Session morning of Monday, July 23, and before the President delivers his Sona.

The President is expected to sign the bill into law on the same day. Next page

for anti-terror bid

By Rey E. Requejo THE United States will contribute $26 million or more than P1.4 billion to bankroll the implementation of socalled “non-military rule-of-law” programs for the next two years intended to address terrorist threats in the country.

US Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim said the US assistance aims to enhance the counterterrorism support for the country’s law enforcement agencies.

“I am proud to announce that the United States will contribute $26.5 million or P1.418 billion over the next two years to boost counterterrorism support for Philippine law enforcement agencies,” Kim said, in a statement released by the embassy.

Next page

Espinosa indicted for drug charges

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has indicted confessed drug operator Kerwin Espinosa and three others over the drug charges filed by the Philippine National Police.

This came after the new DoJ panel chaired by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera resolved to reverse an earlier resolution that dismissed the complaint of PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group,

and instead approved the filing of charges against Espinosa, convicted drug lord Peter Co, Lovely Impal and Ruel Malindangan for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. The case will be filed against them Friday before the Makati City Regional Trial Court.

However, the DoJ panel did not resolve the drug charges of the CIDG against Cebuano businessman Peter Lim after the panel granted his plea for Next page

‘LGUs can hike income sans federal setup’ A REGIONAL federal setup may not be needed to allow local government units to increase their income, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Thursday.

He cited the Supreme Court decision that resolved a petition filed by Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas for the automatic release of the internal revenue allotment of LGUs. “This will add a huge amount to the

IRA of cities, municipalities and provinces,” Zubiri told Dobol B sa News TV. “In a way, that’s additional fiscal autonomy for the LGUs. The regional federal setup may not be needed.”

Zubiri made his statement even as a pro-administration lawmaker on Thursday appealed to both chambers of Congress to give priority to the passage of Next page

BBL ADOPTED. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas hand over to Bangsamoro Transition Committee chairman and Moro islamic Liberation Front vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar (second left) the Conference Committee report after the marathon hearing on the Bangsamoro Basic Law at the Senate Wednesday night. PNA

A2

News

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Actress, Iloilo residents sign up for Leni’s bid TELEVISION and film actress Cynthia Patag and other volunteers have gathered at least 5,500 signatures from Iloilo residents to convince the Presidential Electoral Tribunal to uphold the 25-percent threshold in the election protest filed by former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against Vice President Leni Robredo.

Marcos has filed a protest and demanded a recount of the votes in the 2016 vice presidential election that Robredo won, claiming her camp had cheated.

“We are 5,500 Ilonggos humbly asking the PET to protect the sanctity of our votes by upholding the 25-percent threshold,” Patag said.

The residents said their “voices will not be heard” if the PET would continue to allow the use of the 50-percent threshold in the manual recount of the votes in the vice presidential election.

Iloilo was one of the three pilot provinces identified by Marcos in his election protest aside from Camarines Sur and Negros Oriental.

Robredo had earlier filed a motion asking the PET to reconsider its decision allowing the use of the 50-percent threshold and instead use the 25-percent threshold implemented in the 2016 elections. Rio N. Araja

Espinosa...

From A1

a separate preliminary investigation.

In its resolution released Thursday afternoon, the DoJ found probable cause to hold the four respondents liable for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. The DoJ panel based its findings on the testimony of state witness Marcelo Adorco, who confessed participation in the illegal drug trade and pinpointed Espinosa, Co, Impal and Malindangan as his cohorts.

The investigating prosecutors said that contrary to the defense of Espinosa, who is already facing other drug cases before the Manila RTC, the confiscation or presence of the illegal drugs was not necessary to establish the criminal liabilities of respondents.

Under the law, conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading is an offense distinct from drug trading per se.

The panel also cited as basis the confession of Espinosa during earlier Senate inquiry that he was involved in drug trade in Regions 7 and 8.

The DoJ cleared three other respondents in the case—Max Miro, Nestor Pepito and Rowen Reyes Secretaria--due to their recent deaths.

The DoJ dismissed late last year the charges of sale, administration, dispensation, trading, delivery and transportation of illegal drugs against the respondents.

The previous panel composed of Assistant State Prosecutors Michael John Humarang and Aristotle Reyes dismissed the charges and faulted the PNP-CIDG for presenting weak evidence and the “inconsistencies” in the testimony of Adorco.

Outrage over the dismissals led to the reopening of the case.

Additional pieces of evidence were then submitted by the CIDG, through the assistance of the office of the solicitor general. The evidence included a new affidavit from Adorco further detailing the alleged meeting between Lim and Espinosa in Thailand in 2015 where they closed a drug trade deal.

The police also submitted records from the Bureau of Immigration to support Adorco’s claim.

The complainant also presented to the panel of prosecutors the transcripts of the 2016 Senate hearings on the investigation of the killing of Espinosa’s father, Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. where he confessed his role in the illegal drug trade.

It also submitted the 2002 House of Representatives committee on dangerous drugs report into the activities of Lim and his brother Wellington.

Lastly, they submitted a certified true copy of the “blue book” of a certain Bebeth Rebecca Diano that allegedly listed those who are under Espinosa’s payola.

In his answer, Lim vehemently denied the drug charges as “baseless and nonsensical.”

He said he is never involved in illegal drug trade in Central Visayas as alleged by the PNP and never met Marcelo Adorco or Kerwin Espinosa and other respondents tagged in the illegal drug trade.

‘Inday’...

From A1

said Inday will not make landfall, but it will enhance the southwest monsoon to affect Luzon including Metro Manila.

The storm is forecast to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday morning. Rio N. Araja

Rody makes pitch for federal shift

By Vito Barcelo

The Palace said Duterte’s third Sona will take only 35 minutes and will highlight the administration’s ongoing war against illegal drugs, criminality, poverty and the peace talks with the communist rebels.

But Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte might add sensi-

tive matters since he was known to ad lib in his speeches.

He said Duterte’s second Sona lasted two hours and five minutes.

Duterte has reiterated his commitment to shift to a federal form of government and approve the Bangsamoro Basic Law to ease poverty and to end the Muslim insurgency, respectively.

Roque said the government was pushing for the amendment of Republic Act 8178 or the Agricultural Tariffication Act. He said the Rice Tariffication Act would bring down the prices of rice by around P7 per kilo and reduce inflation to below 4 percent by the second half of 2018.

He said the Palace will provide reporters with the list of the legislative agenda to be submitted by the Executive to Congress.

He said Duterte will deliver his third report to the nation before a joint session of Congress on July 23 in the midst of criticisms over human rights abuses, the South China Sea dispute, rising commodity prices and the botched peace negotiations with the communist rebels.

Duterte:...

proposed by the people through initiative upon a petition of at least twelve per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the registered votes therein.”

Some senators spoke out against Alvarez’s proposal.

Senator Panfilo Lacson regarded the move as “wrong and self-serving,” adding that senators would not permit it to occur.

“It goes without saying, a 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,” Lacson said in a statement Wednesday.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said a people’s initiative can only be used as a mode to change the Constitution if the amendment is a minor one.

“The changing of the term of government officials is a major amendment, which cannot be done through a people’s initiative,” he said.

Senator Grace Poe said, “It is a lengthy and tedious process. The Speaker should not try any shortcuts and tricks if he believes the proposed charter is judicious and a true solution to the needs of our people.”

At the Kapihan sa Senado forum Thursday, Sotto said the lack of an enabling law stood in the way of Alvarez’s plan for a people’s initiative.

He added that even if a people’s initiative were called, it can move the date of the election but may not extend the terms of incumbent officials.

“Why do we need no-el? Please explain it to us, maybe you will convince majority of the senators to support it if you can explain it,” Sotto said, noting that most of his fellow senators would oppose any term extensions.

“I do not want to be speaking for everyone else but that is the sense that I am getting from the rest of the Senate,” he said.

Senator Benigno Aquino III said any attempt by the House of Representatives to amend the Constitution without the Senate would be unconstitutional.

Also on Thursday, former prime minister and finance minister Cesar Virata said only four of the 18 proposed region-states could sustain operations in a federal system of government.

GMA News Online quoted the Marcosera finance minister as saying advocates of a federal system might prefer to focus on just three states, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Virata’s comments dovetailed with those offered by Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, who said he was concerned that a shift to a federal system of government at this time would slow down economic growth.

The Palace has dismissed such concerns.

In a radio interview, University of the Philippines Chancellor Michael Tan rejected any plan to postpone the 2019 elections and opposed plans to amend the Constitution by way of a constituent assembly.

Talking to radio dzMM, Tan said given the strength of the executive branch, it could easily influence members of a constituent assembly, especially if its members are appointed. With Rio N. Araja

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will call on Congress to approve the proposed government shift to federalism and other measures such as the proposed tariff on rice in his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, Malacañang said Thursday.

From A1

Roque said the President firmly believes in democracy and opts to synchronize the referendum on the proposed federal charter with the 2019 midterm polls.

“He does not really approve the no-el [no election] move just to facilitate Charter change. We would like to inform the people, that is the decision of the President... He has asked the Consultative Committee to include the provision that would ensure that he will not benefit from Charter change. He would like to see all his allies do the same thing—not to benefit from Charter change, leading by way of example,” he said.

However, Roque added that Duterte would heed the sentiment of the public, if the elections are canceled through a people’s initiative—one of three ways the Constitution may be amended. , House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez proposed that the administration should cancel the midterm elections, emphasizing that having no elections next year would be practical, would give lawmakers an ample time to tackle salient changes in the Charter, and would deliver a much smoother transition to a new form of government.

Alvarez further suggested that advocates of federalism may begin a people’s initiative in case the Senate remains ambivalent about delaying the 2019 elections.

Under the Article XVII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, “amendments to the Constitution may likewise be directly

BOL...

From A1

Once the law is implemented, the decommissioning of firearms in the possession of Muslim rebel groups could be completed, Sotto said.

He acknowledged, however, that the BOL could still be repealed if hostilities break out again or if there are attempts at secession.

Sotto said there was no need to rush the shift to federalism for the rest of the country.

“The Bangsamoro Organic Act is a good experiment. It’s good to see its effects and what will happen. We can see from here if we need to rush federalism,” he said.

But Zubiri branded the BOL’s approval as a “new dawn” for the Bangsamoro people.

The reconciled version of the measure will be sent back to the Senate and the House of Representatives on Monday for ratification before it will be transmitted to President Duterte for signature.

Zubiri said the law would not only address the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people but it is also expected to pave the way for peace in the region.

“They can now also convince the extremists, there were some thinking to sow chaos, but now—the Moro Islamic Liberation Front [MILF] and Moro National Liberation Front [MNLF], are government partners in convincing their populations not to join extremist groups, because there’s a new dawn in the Bangsamoro region,” Zubiri said.

In an interview on radio dzBB, Zubiri said a regional federal setup may not be needed for local government units to increase their income.

He cited the Supreme Court decision that resolved a petition filed by Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas for the automatic release of the internal revenue allotment to LGUs. Zubiri has been a proponent of federalism but is opposed to the regional federal setup, as he expressed doubt that federal states could generate the P30 billion to P40-billion average annual IRA of each region.

He said Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon had a point in saying that the Bangsamoro Organic Law is proof that the benefits of federalism can be achieved without Charter change.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said the BOL was the only step that would allow the country to resolve misunderstandings and bring peace and development to the Bangsamoro region.

“We are hoping that once we have strengthened this measure we will witness how our countrymen in Mindanao will feel true peace and development in their region, which has been in conflict for dec-

ades,” he said.

Senator Francis Escudero said the BOL is not a perfect document and achieving and fighting for peace is a continuing process.

He noted that more than 30 years after the ARMM was created, the country was still trying to improve and perfect its “closest experiment with federalism.”

This, he added, suggested that the country ought not rush into federalism for the entire country.

“For me, that is enough basis to go slow on federalism in the entire country,” he said.

He added that a shift to federalism would surely affect block grants and other monetary grants to the Bangsamoro region amounting to P100 billion a year.

Given the ARMM has revenues of about P2 billion, where would the rest of the P100 billion come from, Escudero said.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque confirmed the President would sign the BOL on Monday before his third Sona.

After six days of deliberation, the Bicameral Conference Committee approved Wednesday night the combined version of the BOL, after resolving concerns that all laws that will be passed in the Bangsamoro parliament will be in accordance with the Philippine Constitution.

They also agreed to increase the percentage of the Bangsamoro in government tax revenues to a 75-25 wealth-sharing term.

In a radio interview Thursday, Zubiri, said the BOL is an “instrument of peace.”

He also added that the reconciled version of the BOL also gives importance to the religious law of the Islamic tradition.

“Here in our own approved Bangsamoro Organic Law, we also incorporated the Sharia courts in Bangsamoro regions,” said Zubiri, adding that regular Bangsamoro courts will be allowed to constitutionally implement the Shari’ah or Islamic law exclusively to cases involving Muslims.

“We finally came together in the pursuit of peace for Mindanao. Finally, all the sacrifices written in blood by all those who perished in the name of peace will not have been in vain,” said Zubiri in a post on social media.

The enabling law of the peace deal between the government and Muslim rebels in 2014, the BOL will establish a Bangsamoro political entity in place of the ARMM and allow a wider authority to Muslim cities and provinces.

There are about 56 specific powers and duties assigned to the Bangsamoro region, replacing the existing ARMM. The approval came a year after the Bangsamoro Transition Commission submitted a drafted measure to the President, the Senate, and the House.

With Nat Mariano and Evalea Casaljay

US...

From A1

“Our joint efforts to confront shared threats to the peace and security of both of our countries is another powerful example of the depth and breath of our relationship as friends, partners and allies,” Kim added.

According to Kim, the assistance will include training, equipment, and other support to build comprehensive law enforcement capacity within a rule of law framework to deny terrorist operations, funding, and movement; investigate and prosecute terrorism cases; and counter radicalization to violence and violent extremism.

“This support for non-military rule-of-law approaches to addressing terrorist threats will complement our sustained commitment to building the counterterrorism capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the US official said.

Despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s adoption of “independent foreign policy” which lessens Manila’s dependence on Washington, the American government vowed to continue to provide its all-out support to the country’s counterterrorism.

“The United States is a proud ally of the Philippines and will continue to provide whole-of- government support and assistance to Philippine counterterrorism efforts as we work together to address shared threats to the peace and security of both of our countries,” the US envoy said.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy and the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) have collaborated for the holding of a Regional Student Leadership Symposium focused on countering violent extremism on June 23 and 24 in Manila.

The US Embassy in Manila has supported the program since 2015.

US Army Capt. Robert Barnes and Sgt. Luke Wernette of the Embassy’s Military Information Support Team, who helped manage the program and assisted the PNPSAF in planning the symposium, said the symposium is part of both countries’ awareness campaign on counterterrorism and to protect our Filipino youth from the dangers of extremism and terrorism.

“The PNP-SAF’s engagement with communities and universities on counter radicalization has been instrumental to the Republic of the Philippines’ wholeof-nation approach to countering violent extremism,” Barnes said, in a separate statement released by the US Embassy last week. With Francisco Tuyay and Vito Barcelo

Sister Fox told to leave PH, visa canceled THE Bureau of Immigration has ordered the deportation of Australian missionary Sister Patricia Fox for allegedly violating the conditions of her visa in joining political activities.

The nun earlier managed to dodge a previous deportation order after the Department of Justice voided a previous decision of the BI to forfeit her missionary visa.

President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly criticized Fox, who he said had no right to “insult” the Philippine government.

The 71-year-old nun was ordered investigated by Duterte for “disorderly conduct.”

Fox repeatedly denied joining public rallies, insisting that her actions were “consistent” with her work as a religious missionary. Vito Barcelo

‘LGUs...

From A1

a measure increasing the share of local government units of the Internal Revenue Allotment following a landmark Supreme Court ruling enlarging their IRA share and in support of the imminent switch to the federal form of government.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the approval of House Bill 4697, which aims to increase the IRA of LGUs from 40 to 60 percent over a three-year period, would allay the concerns over the financial capability of most local governments to survive under the federal setup.

“This precedent-setting ruling of the high court, which partially addresses our proposal under House Bill 4597, would truly strengthen the fiscal autonomy of LGUs if the bill’s provision on increasing the IRA of LGUs from 40 to 60 percent is also approved by the Congress,” said Villafuerte,vice chairman of the House committees on local government and on appropriations.

Zubiri has been a proponent of federalism but is opposed to the regional federal setup. He has expressed doubt that federal states could generate the P30 billion to P40 billion average annual IRA of each region.

He said Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon had a point in saying that the Bangsamoro Basic Law-now the Bangsamoro Organic Law after it was approved by the bicameral committee on Tuesday―was proof that the supposed benefits of federalism could be achieved without Charter change.

“Tingnan natin. Dito sa dagdag pondo para sa mga probinsya, siyudad, at munisipyo, mabibigay na nila yung basic services nitong developmental programs sa iba’t-ibang lugar, baka ‘di nga kailangan ng additional devolution,” Zubiri said.

An amendment to the internal revenue code, he said, would allow companies based in different regions to file their taxes in their region. Maricel V. Cruz

FB...

From A1

The new tactic being spread through the global social network was tested in Sri Lanka, which was recently rocked by inter-religious over false information posted on the world’s leading online social network.

“There are certain forms of misinformation that have contributed to physical harm, and we are making a policy change which will enable us to take that type of content down,” a Facebook spokesman said after a briefing on the policy at the company’s campus in Silicon Valley.

“We will begin implementing the policy during the coming months.”

For example, Facebook may remove inaccurate or misleading context, such as doctored photos, created or shared to stir up to ignite volatile situations in the real world.

The social network said it is partnering with local organizations and authorities adept at identifying when posts are false and likely to prompt violence.

Misinformation removed in Sri Lanka under the new policy included content falsely contending that Muslims were poisoning food given or sold to Buddhists, according to Facebook.

Hate speech and threats deemed credible are violations of Facebook rules, and are removed.

The new policy takes another step back, eliminating content that may not be explicitly violent but which seems likely to encourage such behavior. AFP

News

A3

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DPWH starts rehabilitation of 36 old, weak bridges in NCR

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Public Works and Highways will start to implement the more than P1-billion retrofitting, rehabilitation and replacement of 36 weak and old bridges in Metro Manila.

DPWH National Capital Region Director Melvin Navarro said the bridges in 10 cities of Metro Manila will be strengthened to conform to the standard design under DPWH design/seismic guidelines, criteria and specifications in an effort to make vital bridges resilient in the event of large magnitude earthquakes.

“Among the priority projects in NCR, we focus on the implementation of repair and replacement of bridges that need seismic upgrade. That’s why we have allocated P726.782 million to retrofit a total of 26 bridges, P323.753 million to rehabilitate nine bridges, and P25 million to replace 1 bridge under the 2018 General Appropriations Act [GAA],” said Navarro.

According to Navarro, the 36 NCR bridges, along with 12 other carry over priority bridges, funded under the 2015 to 2017, are to be rehabilitated and widened this year to provide better and safer travel to motorists.

“As of now, load capacity of old bridges in Metro Manila is constrained, hence heavy vehicles are rerouted or detoured. Some are also narrow, limiting the volume of vehicles. These problems will be addressed when these retrofitting and widening works are completed,” Navarro added.

‘Bora’foundation appeals to DENR to reconsider memo on treatment plants THE Boracay Foundation appealed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to reconsider its decision in reference to DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2018, 06 dated June 26, 2018, which requires establishments in the long beach area of Boracay to have its own Sewage Treatment Plant.

Signed by BFI president Nenette A. Graf, the letter addressed to DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu pointed out that while the BFI categorically supports the rehabilitation of the island, the Foundation finds that the memorandum appears to be contradictory with the prevailing laws on water and wastewater management.

Representing BFI, Graf wrote, “requiring ALL establishments to build their own STPs and treat water at source, when there is a properly functioning centralized sewer network is in contradiction to existing laws.”

It continued, “The BFI and the DENR both share the same hope that the closure will not happen again, it is therefore imperative that regulations such as this memorandum be properly consulted, clearly explained, and fair to all parties concerned.”

The BFI specifically stated that the said memorandum is in direct contradiction with The Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275), particularly Section 8; as well as the following laws which have authority over water and wastewater management, including the Provincial Water Utilities Act (PD 198); Presidential EO 53: Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force; and Malay Municipal Ordinance 307.

BOOK SIGNING. Former President Fidel Valdez Ramos signs a copy of his book titled ‘Undying Service to the Filipino,’ a collection of his columns at the Manila Bulletin, also known as Sermons Vol. XIV which he launched yesterday at the Manila Hotel. Ey Acasio

Pagcor explains bonuses, allowances given to officers

T

HE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has issued a statement it hopes will shed light on the issue that it has released excessive allowances, mementos and bonuses to its officers and employees.

Foremost, the giving of 18-karat gold memento rings for 20-year loyalty awardees, as well as cash awards had been stopped since 2016 by the present management headed by chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo, Pagcor said in a statement Thursday.

“Despite this directive, we wish to clarify that Pagcor’s Board of Directors— as provided by Section 16 of Presidential Decree Number 1869—has the authority to craft the Company’s personnel policies,” it said in its statement.

It said the exercise of this authority had been affirmed on several occasions by the Office of the President and the Government Corporate Counsel.

Hence, Pagcor’s Board of Directors has the authority to determine appropriate personnel management policies of the Company.

The Commission on Audit recently listed down what it called 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.

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 P950,00 loan, with a maximum amount of P3.5 million for the chairman and CEO.

Solon vows more funds for Social Pension Program

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations on Thursday committed to increase funding for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Social Pension Program to expand the present coverage of the government’s pension system for indigent senior citizens.

“This pension is a huge help to the daily lives of elderly indigents, and I believe that we really need to expand the coverage of our pension program. Our senior citizens deserve a special place in our society. They have done their share and raised one, sometimes even two generations of our countrymen. By the time they hit their sixties, our lolos and lolas have needs, and this pension can help them meet their

needs,” Nograles said.

The pension worth P500 monthly is provided under Republic Act 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

But due to shortage of funds, only senior citizens who are aged 70 and above were allowed to avail of the social pension program.

This has to change, Nograles said, adding that the expansion of the social pension program should cover those 60 years old and above.

As head of the appropriations committee, Nograles said that he would work doubly hard to allocate more funds for the SPP in the 2019 budget.

He cited a DSWD data which showed that some 2.8 million indigent senior citizens benefited from the Social Pension Program last year from a budget

of P17.1 billion.

For 2018, the target beneficiaries were raised to three million indigent senior citizens thanks to an increased budget of P19.2 billion.

The pension is supposed to be given to seniors who are 60 years old and above and are frail, sickly or have disabilities.

The recipients must not be the recipient of any other pension from government agencies and must lack a permanent source of income or source of financial assistance and compensation to support their basic needs.

“With the House deliberations for the 2019 national budget coming soon, I will personally see to it that the allocation for the Social Pension Program for senior citizens is significantly increased so that it could cover more of our senior probinsyanos,” said Nograles.

PCA flagged on overpriced corn seeds

By Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Audit has called the attention of the Philippine Coconut Authority for the overpriced procurement of corn seeds.

In a 2017 audit report, state auditors assailed the purchases of the corn seeds overpriced by P1.073 million for small coconut farming communities of intercropping materials to help them increase their income.

The purchase of Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of 3,000 kilos of glutinous corn seeds and 1,428 kilos of yellow hybrid corn amounting to P1.660 million was “disadvantageous to the government.”

According to CoA, the Department of Agriculture said the corn seeds it bought cost only P100 to P200 per kilo, which is 150 percent to 200 percent lower compared to the purchase made by PCA Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 at P250 to P560 per kilo.

The University of the Philippines-

Los Baños also gave similar costs of procurement for such corn seeds.

On the other hand, the PCA justified the purchase price due to transport costs.

“Since the regional office procured less volume of hybrid yellow corn and glutinous white corn, 143 bags and 80 bags, respectively, than that of the DA RO No. IV-B which was more than 1,00 bags, the transport costs became most costly, which contributed to a much higher cost per kilogram of corn,” the report read.

CoA cited other observations, such as the lapses in various projects’ implementation, such as the delay in the delivery of seedlings, and doubtful payment of cash incentives of P498,062 and distribution of coconut seedlings worth P54,730.

The audit body told the PCA to coordinate with other government agencies in the direct purchase from accredited seed growers of the Bureau of Plant Industry.

PROTEST MARCH. Days before President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the

Nation Address, protesters carry a coffin and a wooden cross as they march to the House of Representatives in Quezon City, July 19, 2018, in an activity they dubbed as ‘March for Life and Faith.’ Manny Palmero

Senators urged to submit priority bills as 17th Congress opens

By Macon Ramos-Araneta WITH only a few months before the start of the campaign period for the May 2019 midterm elections, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III yesterday said it is imperative for all members of the Senate to submit their top three priority measures for the third regular session of the 17th Congress.

“That will be August, practically very few days in September and then October, November and half of December,” said Sotto.

He said that it was proposed that they work until Dec. 21, unlike the previous years when they only worked until Dec. 15.

“This time the proposal is until Dec. 21 because when we resume after the Christmas break in January, what will happen is that we will only be convening for proximately for two weeks because of the campaign period and the Senate is more or less, in that perspective, that filing for certificates for candidacy will be on October and the campaign period will be called in February,” related Sotto.

“Of course, there are other visions or other ideas by other legislators but that’s a different story. What the Senate is working on is what we have in paper and what is being practiced in this 1987 Constitution,” added Sotto.

With the submissions, Sotto said they will be able to formalize the priority measures of the senators.

“Put it against the …or together with the priority measures of the House and then compare it also to the priority measures of the Executive, and hopefully, we will be able to come up with a common priority agenda for the 3rd Regular Session of the 17th Congress,” he said.

Ex-CamSur gov’s P5-m graft case dismissed CITING inordinate delay, the Sandiganbayan has dismissed the graft case filed against former Camarines Sur governor Luis Villafuerte Sr. in connection with the P5-million fertilizer fund scam.

In an 18-page resolution dated July 4, the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division questioned the Ombudsman’s ability to resolve the case within the prescribed period.

The court said the Ombudsman took four years, two months and 26 days to resolve the graft complaint filed against Villafuerte, also.a former congressman, after the last counter-affidavits was submitted on Jan. 4, 2012.

“In this particular case, the sheer number of years alone, figuratively, speaks volume. It is ‘inordinate,’ which simply means, it exceeds reasonable limits,” the anti-graft court said.

On March 29, 2017, Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer II Joyrich Golangco recommended that Villafuerte be ordered indicted. But the Ombudsman signed the resolution on May 16, 2017. The case was filed in court on April 27, 2018.

As far as the Sandiganbayan is concerned, the period within which the case should be heard was unacceptable as the alleged irregularities took place way back in 2004. Maricel V. Cruz

A4

Opinion

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

With all due respect

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

has been excised, there being no correspondence in international law for it.

The troublesome if not clearly erFR. RANHILIO roneous characterization of the waters encompassed by archipelagic baselines CALLANGAN in the 1987 AQUINO Constitution as “internal waters” has MY GREAT and undiminished respect been eliminated, although it remains for former Chief Justice Hilario G. Da- explicit that the Philippines has sovervide Jr. notwithstanding, I have to re- eignty over such waters.

The inclusion of seabed and subsoil is spond to what I consider to be unfair comments in respect to the ConCom’s once more consistent with international law and should be construed to refer to draft on national territory.

Here is my explanation of the entire the seabed and subsoil of the territorial sea. “The territorial sea comprises the Article I in full.

The Con-Com draft asserts sover- seabed and its subsoil, the adjacent waeignty. The formulation does not con- ters and its airspace.” (Yoshifumi Tanfine itself to setting out the metes and aka, The International Law of the Sea, bounds of Philippine territory, but is a 2nd Ed., p. 84) There is nothing that corresponds to categorical assertion of sovereignty. It is in perfect accord with the present state this proposed paragraph of Section 1 in of international law. Thus Brownlie the 1987 Constitution. The Kalayaan Island Group and the Scarborough Shoal writes: “The state territory and its appurte- are part of Philippine territory over which the Philipnances (airspace pines exercises and territorial sea) sovereignty. This together with the portion of the progovernment and posed article is population within It is the 1987 engendered prinits frontiers comcipally by internaprise the physical Constitution, not tional law and, doand social mani- the Con-Com’s draft, mestically, by the festations of the that left out the West judgment of the primary type of Supreme Court in international legal Philippine Sea. Magallona v. Erperson, the state. mita, G.R. 187167 The legal compe(August 16, 2011). tence and the rules Sig n if ica ntly, for their protection depend on and assume the existence of a the Court held in the Magallona case precisely on the issue of the Regime of stable, physically delimited homeland.”

(Ian Brownlie, Principles Public In- Islands covering the Kalayaan Island Group and the Scarborough Shoal: ternational Law, 4th Ed., pp. 107–108) Hence, far from surrendering the Notice that the 1987 Constitution involves question-begging. It starts by Philippines’ claim over the KIG and the declaring “the national territory com- Scarborough Shoal, Congress’ decision prises” and further on says “and all oth- to classify the KIG and the Scarborough er territories over which the Philippines Shoal as “‘Regime[s] of Islands’ under has sovereignty and jurisdiction.” How the Republic of the Philippines concan that be an answer to the question: sistent with Article 121” of UNCLOS Over what does the Philippines exercise III manifests the Philippine State’s responsible observance of its pacta sunt sovereignty?

By contrast, the Con-Com draft is servanda obligation under UNCLOS clear: (1) Islands and waters encom- III. Under Article 121 of UNCLOS III, passed by archipelagic baselines (2) any “naturally formed area of land, surterritorial sea (3) seabed (4) subsoil (5) rounded by water, which is above water airspace (6) Islands and features outside at high tide,” such as portions of the KIG, the archipelagic baselines but that by qualifies under the category of “regime Philippine and international law consti- of islands,” whose islands generate their tute territory of the Philippines such as own applicable maritime zones.

As regards “territories belong to the the Kalayaan Island group.

The malformed concept of “insular Philippines by “historic right or legal Turn to A5 shelves” that was in the 1987 Constitution

PENSEES

S

Growth and federalism

HIFTING to a federal form of government will have budget implications and will certainly affect the economy in both good and bad ways.

But rushing its implementation may not achieve the desired results of distributing wealth and power to spur economic growth further.

Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia was candid enough to say that most of the country’s regions are not ready for the proposed government mode, adding that any hasty attempt to enforce it would set back the country’s economic progress and leave most of the regions even further behind.

Only five of the proposed 18 federated regions, according to Pernia, have the political and economic infrastructure that would allow them to adopt federalism. He cited four of the five regions—the National Capital Region, Cebu, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog. The political structures and economic

bases of these four regions are relatively mature and will allow them to exercise regional autonomy. But Pernia noted that it would take five or more years before the other regions could be in a position to adopt federalism.

The country’s top economic official said the government was already moving to connect all regions and bring the lagging ones into the mainstream economy through the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program. Pernia warned though that a sudden shift in the form of government could disrupt the pace of infrastructure work in the country and eventually un-

dermine the development of poorer regions.

Pernia also cautioned about the budget implications of having several autonomous governments with spending powers. Transferring or devolving the national funds to the internal revenue allotment of local government units could bloat expenditures and the fiscal deficit to 6 percent of the gross domestic product compared with next year’s cap of 3.2 percent. Some LGUs may not yet have the budget discipline and the experience in keeping their expenses within the revenue limit.

Pernia said the set-up would “wreak havoc in terms of our fiscal situation and we will certainly experience a downgrading in our ratings.”

Federalism has worked in the United States, Malaysia and India. But there is no need to rush it if some of the proposed federated regions are not up to it yet.

Rapes and beatings: The torments of South Korea’s young athletes

By Jung Hawon WHEN Kim Eun-hee was 10 years old, a primary school child with dreams of tennis stardom, her coach raped her for the first time. Then he did it again. And again. And again.

The would-be South Korean champion was too young to even know what sex was. But she knew she dreaded the repeated orders to come to his room at their training camp, the pain and the humiliation.

“It took me years to realize that it was rape,” Kim told AFP, adding: “He kept raping me for two years... he told me it was a secret to be kept between him and me.”

Now 27, Kim spoke to international media for the first time and waived all rights to anonymity to reveal how female athletes in the South have silently suffered sexual abuse by their coaches.

South Korea is perhaps best known for its technological prowess and Kpop stars, but is also a regional sporting power and besides Japan is the only Asian country to have hosted both summer and winter Olympics.

Despite its relatively small size and population, South Korea is regularly in the top 10 medal table places at both Games, and is globally dominant in archery, taekwondo and short-track speed skating, while packing the top positions in world women’s golf rankings.

But it remains hierarchical and patriarchal in many respects, including a close-knit, male-dominated sports establishment—where personal connections can be almost as important as performances in forging a successful career.

In a highly competitive society where winning is everything, many young athletes forego schooling or live away from families to train with their peers and coaches full-time, living in a dorm-like environment for years.

The training camp system—akin to models used by Communist sporting machines such as China—is credited with helping the South punch well above its weight on the global sporting stage.

But it has proven to be the setting for abuse in several sports—especially of underage athletes whose existence is controlled by their trainers.

“The coach was the king of my world, dictating everything about my daily life from how to exercise to when to sleep and what to eat,” said Kim, adding that he beat her repeatedly as part of “training.”

The coach was eventually dismissed after some parents complained of his “suspicious behavior”, but was simply moved to another school with no criminal inquiry.

Many victims are forced into silence in a world where going public often means the end of any aspirations to stardom.

“This is a community where those who speak out are ostracised and bullied as ‘traitors’ who brought shame to the sport,” said Chung Yong-chul, sports psychology professor at Seoul’s Sogang University.

A 2014 survey commissioned by the Korean Sports & Olympic Committee showed that around one in seven female athletes had experienced sexual abuse in the previous year, but 70 percent of

Turn to A5

‘Be a man of your word’ of Asia United Bank.

“FEU has competed and can compete with the best and brightest of graduates from UP, Ateneo, La Salle, Harvard, even! In every field we have excelled.

“I am an FEU graduate of Mechanical Engineering 40 years ago. Today I SAN MIGUEL Corp. vice chairman and run San Miguel, the biggest conglomerpresident Ramon S. Ang was a graduation speaker at Far Eastern University on June 27. The speech is one of the best and most sincere graduation speeches I have ever read. Here it is in full: Here’s what Ramon “Good afternoon. Be proud. FEU S. Ang has to say to has produced the best and the brightgraduates. est graduates: Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Henry Sy of SM, Lucio Tan of PAL, Alfonso Yuchengco of RCBC, and Ramon Sy

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

ate in the Philippines. From its original business of beer, food and packaging of about P100 billion sales revenue a year, we diversified in 2008 into a company that now has interests in oil and petrochemicals, power, infrastructure, properties, and banking. Today we are a company with P900 billion in revenues.

Our beer market share is 95 percent.

“We continue to expand our feeds, flour, feed-mill, piggery, chickendressing plants and ready-to-eat products, packaging and property businesses, thus creating more jobs for our countrymen.

“We own Petron, which has the largest network of gas stations in the Philippines and a growing network in Malaysia.

Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

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

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

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

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

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

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018

Invest in art!

What’s the big deal?

CROSSROADS

JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ WHY is the docking of a Chinese research vessel at the Sasa wharf in Davao such a big issue at all? Why are we raising all kinds of questions, nay suspicions, about this simple port call?

As Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque noted, any ship from a friendly country can dock at any port in the country as it pleases.

Calling those who raised a ruckus about this routine port call as Sinophobes (defined as anybody in fear or dislike of China and the Chinese people and their language or culture), Roque said that Chinese survey ships, just like US warships, may dock in our ports. The spokesman is absolutely right as we are signatories to international conventions and bilateral agreements providing for such arrangements.

In addition to that, Roque should have said as well that US warships, submarines and other vessels, some of whom carry nuclear weapons, have been regular visitors in our ports even as the 1987 Constitution prohibits the entry of such nuclear weapon-carrying vessels.

In any event, no less that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Navy

Spokesman Jonathan Zata already told reporters that prior coordination was made by the Chinese Embassy for the research ship’s port call. Zata also noted that this was not the first time and almost surely not the last that Chinese vessels like all other vessels from friendly countries have been given and will be provided the courtesies of the port as and when they make those calls.

So, what’s the big deal?

If we take this microscopic effort on the part of of the usual suspects to

monitor and make noise about each and every move by any instrumentality of the Chinese government, as was the earlier case involving a Chinese military transport plane which also landed in Davao sometime back, then this latest ruckus makes sense.

Coupled with that gimmick definitely by the same suspects, who put up anti-China posters a week ago on

some foot bridges and flyovers, we can only surmise that this is all part of the continuing, concerted effort to taint President Duterte and his decidedly pragmatic policy on our relations with China which. But the relations, as far as we can see, is working to the benefit of both countries.

So what’s the big deal?

If we also put into this mean play by the usual suspects the flurry of anti-China, anti-Duterte reports which came out in the papers and called out on radio, TV and even social media by these groups, then surely President Duterte has not only stepped on some big interests. He is actually proving that his independent foreign policy stance has got traction.

Otherwise, what’s the fuss?

Take the latest SWS survey on the so-called attitude of Filipinos on the SCS/WPS dispute which said that fully 81 percent of Filipinos repudiate the government’s policy of allowing Chinese intrusion in the West Philippine Sea. The idea that four out of five Filipinos supported this assertion was laughed at not only by our good friend and fellow columnist Bobbi Tiglao, but

by Roque himself who correctly said that 100 percent of all surveyed oppose any intrusion or even any government inaction against such a move by any foreign country, no matter what the size or status of the intruder.

So, again, what’s the big deal?

sovereign rights or jurisdiction, with respect to the maritime areas of the South China Sea encompassed by the relevant part of the nine-dash line are contrary to the Convention and without lawful effect to the extent that they exceed the geographic and substantive limits of China’s maritime entitlements under the Convention. The Tribunal concludes that the Convention superseded any historic rights or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction in excess of the limits imposed therein.”

Consequently, the draft now asserts sovereign rights over the “maritime expanse beyond its territorial sea” – and this expanse will be in all directions.

There is absolutely no reason to claim that the West Philippine Sea is not included.

A separate section was needed because the claim to sovereignty that appertains to territory must be distinguished from sovereign rights, about which it would be impermissible likewise for a Constitution to be silent, especially in the face of aggressive expansionism on one front.

“It is important to note that the sovereign rights of the coastal State over the EEZ are essentially limited to economic exploration and exploitation. In this respect, the concept of sovereign rights must be distinguished from territorial sovereignty, which is comprehensive unless international law provides otherwise.” (Tanaka, p. 130) In respect to the continental shelf, the main source of this proposal of the ConCom is what the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf adopted: “Recommendations of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in Regard to the Submission made by the Philippines in Respect to the Benham rise Region on April 8, 2009” and adopted by the Commission on April 12, 2012.

While it is settled in international law what the rights of a coastal state are in respect to its continental shelf, the qualifier “extended” is used because of the following observation of the Commis-

sion: “The outer edge of the continental margin, established from the foot of the continental slope (FOS) of the Benham rise Region by applying the provisions of Article 76, paragraph 4 of the Convention, extends beyond the 200 M limits of the Philippines. On this basis, the Commission recognizes the legal entitlement of the Philippines to delineate the outer limits of its continental shelf beyond its 200 M limits in this region.” (p. 5) By this provision, the Constitution is, in effect, fixing the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. It will be noted that this submission was through the office of Chief Justice Hilario Davide who was then Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN. And the Philippines did fix the outer limits through this submission to the Commission that approved of the revised delimitation with the further directive that “the Philippines proceed to establish the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 M accordingly.”

The fixed points will have be set forth in an appropriate statute.

The necessity of referring to an “extended continental shelf”, i.e., continental shelf beyond the 200 M limit is pointed out by Tanaka: “A question that may arise is whether or not non-State-Parties to the LOSC may claim a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles under customary international law. It seems very difficult to find extensive and virtually uniform State practice and opinio juris with regard to the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. Hence it would be difficult to argue that the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles is part of customary international law.”

(Tanaka, p. 145) “Where the continental shelf of a state extends beyond 200 miles, article 82 of the Convention provides that the coastal state must make payments or contributions in kind in respect of the exploitation of the non-living resources of the continental shelf beyond the 200-mile limit.” (Shaw, 427)

ment—but he was later hired to coach another curling team.

Abuse can sometimes be physical, rather than sexual.

Earlier this year, Shim Suk-hee, a star short-track skater who has won four Olympic medals—including a relay gold at this year’s Pyeongchang Games—accused her coach of punching and kicking her dozens of times, leaving her needing medical treatment for a month.

Cho Jae-beom admitted to police that he beat Shim and other national team skaters at their training camp to “improve their performance.”

Kim won a women’s doubles bronze at the South’s national sports festival but was always nauseated by players panting heavily on court, a sound that reminded her of her abuser.

Even so, she continued to play tennis and ran into the man at a tournament two years ago, bringing back the trauma and nightmares of her youth, when she regularly dreamed he was trying to kill her.

“I was horrified to see that my rapist continued to coach young tennis players for more than a decade as if nothing

had happened,” she said.

“I thought to myself, ‘I’m not going to give him any chance to abuse little girls any more’.”

She filed a criminal complaint against him, and he was subsequently charged.

Four of her friends testified about abuses they had suffered at his hands and Kim took the stand herself, although she could not bear to face him and exercised her right to have him removed from the room.

In the same vein, she stood just outside the court in October to hear him convicted of rape with injury and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

“I kept crying and crying, overcome with all these emotions from sadness to happiness,” she said.

Now retired from competition, Kim teaches tennis to young children at a city gym.

“Seeing them laughing and enjoying playing tennis heals me,” she said.

“I want them to become happy athletes, unlike me,” she added.

“What’s the point of winning Olympic medals and becoming a sports star if you have to be constantly beaten and abused to get there?” AFP

Any ship from any friendly country can dock at any of our ports anytime.

With...

From A4

title,” this phraseology was used in the Constitution of 1973, and its purpose in the present Con-Com draft is to assert our claim to sovereignty over even those territories that may not now presently be under our effective control, as in the case of North Borneo, but which we claim “by historic right.”

The importance of “original territory” in international law is underscored by Giuliano, Scovazzi and Treves who write: “E se qualche internazionlista ha ritenuto talvolta di porsi anche il problema del ‘titolo’ dellos Stato alla voranità territorial sulla cerchiz spaziale della sua formazione orginaria, le considerazioni svolte in proposito sono state sempre alquanto vaghe ed hanno finite con l’evocare concetti, che, come l’immemoriabile o il possesso, confluiscono in definitive verso l’assunzione, a presupposto della voranità stessa, della pura e emplace affermazione dello State entro un data àmbito spaziale con caratteri di normalità e stabilità. (M. Giuliano, T. Scovazzi, T. Treves, Diritto Internazionale, Vol. II, pp. 32–33) In brief: the “bias” of international law is always towards the original territory of the state, and this, it suggests by using such terms, otherwise vague, as “immemorial.”

Retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. is reported to have complained that the West Philippine Sea does not even feature in the Con-Com’s proposal. With all due respect to CJ Davide, that question should be raised in respect to the 1987 Constitution. By contrast, the ConCom’s draft enshrines in our Constitution what we gained from the arbitral judgment.

In PCA Case No. 2013-19 (12 July 2016) In the Matter of the South China Sea Arbitration between The Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, on the significant rulings of the tribunal was “With respect to Submission No. 2, for the reasons set above, the Tribunal concludes that, as between the Philippines and China, China’s claim to historic rights, or other

Rapes...

From A4

them did not seek help of any kind.

“Parents of many underage victims give up pressing charges after a sport official, usually a friend of the abuser, tells them, ‘Do you wanna see your child’s future as an athlete destroyed?’” said Chung Hee-joon, a prominent commentator on sporting issues.

At the same time, sporting organizations often try to hush up misbehavior, merely transferring the offender to a new institution, he added, blaming the country’s elitist sports culture.

“Sports associations turn a blind eye as long as the sex abusers manage to produce high-performing athletes in this blind pursuit of medals above all— and their abuses are considered a small, insignificant price to pay in this process,” Chung said.

In 2015, a former short-track Olympic champion was only fined for repeatedly groping female skaters he was coaching at the Hwaseong City team and sexually harassing an 11-year-old.

Even top athletes have been affected.

Choi Min-suk, the coach of the women’s curling team for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, resigned after the players accused him of sexual harass-

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

sold for P46.7 million in 2015.

One of the top repeat sales was Mauro “Malang” Santos’ Untitled (The Jubilee Quadtriptych), which was bought for P3.9 ERIC million at Salcedo Auctions in September JURADO 2017 and then resold for P4.9 million at León Gallery in December 2017, netting the threemonth owner a tidy profit.

The number of Philippine artists in the THE Philippine art market is booming and fine art is a fine—and, possibly, the finest— world’s top 500 artists by auction sales in investment in more ways than one. But then, 2017 grew to five: Anita Magsaysay-Ho (ranked 335), Vicente Manansala (ranked art has long been a fine investment.

The Philippines has emerged as the 356), Ang Kiukok (ranked 371), Fernando world’s 20th art auction market in 2017, Amorsolo (ranked 398), and Fernando Zobel based on global auction sales, behind Bel- (ranked 406) from only one in 2013—Ronald gium and the Netherlands, and ahead of Ventura (ranked 94).

Like Ventura, younger Filipino artists, Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries. The strong growth has been driven by who were born in the 1970s and after, are the country’s substantial increase in wealth also proving popular at auction. Despite their youth, some of these artists have already and strategic location.

According to Bloomberg, “Packed art had a taste of the speculative momentum auctions, luxury home sales, and exclusive that has been dominating the auction rooms. resorts are among telltale signs of an unprec- They have seen how prices can soar four to six times above their edented rise in rich Filipinos.” estimates, even when “An outsourcing these estimates have boom, record remitbeen set at realistic levels for emerging tances from overseas The appeal stems artists. workers, and low inThe major interterest rates have kept from the exponential national museums Philippine economic value increases that have also taken an growth above 6% for interest in acquirmost of the past six affect certain works ing works by these years. High-net-worth and, in certain cases, the promising young individuals—those artists. In 2013, the possessing at least $5 media coverage they Guggenheim in New million [approximate- attract.

York devoted an exly P267 million]—are hibition to Philippine tipped to increase more than 80% in the artists (entitled No five years through Country: Contempo2022, the third-fastest pace in the world.” rary Art for South and Southeast Asia) and Rich Filipinos have been surging in wealth features a number of Philippine artists in its and numbers, boosting demand for treasure collections.

The market for Filipino artists continues to assets. Whether driven by personal enjoyment or financial returns, art is increasingly enjoy vitality with the rapid development of becoming a meaningful element of their port- the country’s internal market and the spread folios, making it the third largest popular cat- of Filipino artists to a more international auegory after jewelry and luxury collectibles. dience through Hong Kong’s important art Popular demand is driven by its attractive- market hub (mainly at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, ness as a hedge against inflation, its potential Art Basel HK, and galleries).

The global art market’s price index, based to outperform over the long term, and low on global auction results, has grown by 36 correlation with traditional asset classes.

The Philippine art market posted an im- percent since 2000. The price index of 100 pressive 90 percent increase in global sales of the world’s best artists, such as Pablo Pifrom P737 million in 2014 to P1.4 billion casso and Andy Warhol, grew by 360 perin 2017. The country’s artists also posted cent, generating an average annual return an average auction price of P1.2 million of 8.9 percent. The prices of two Philippine compared with Japan’s (ranked 10th in the artists, Fernando Amorsolo and Fernando world) average price of P357 thousand. Zobel, grew over 145 percent and 1,000 perRecent results also show a sharp rise in cent, respectively, far exceeding the returns demand for 19th and 20th century Fili- of the global art price indices. In comparison, pino art, with the country’s historical and the S&P 500, which represents the US stock national artists often posting better results market, has gained 86 percent over the same period, while most of the European stock than their young contemporaries.

Surrounded by the major hubs of the markets were in negative territory. The art world’s art market—China, Taiwan, and market is, therefore, a competitive form of Singapore—the Philippines is taking ad- investment and an alternative to traditional vantage of the prevailing rise in wealth financial assets.

The quote of the day comes from billionand competitive climate. Philippine art is building quite a following in the auction aire businessman and art collector, J. Paul rooms of Asia—Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Getty (1892–1976): “It remains an undeniable fact that fine art Singapore—while at home, the market continues to rise thanks to two auction houses is a fine investment. The dollars-and-cents in Makati: León Gallery and Salcedo Auc- values of paintings, sculpture, tapestries, fine tions. The growing Art Fair Philippines, antique furniture, and virtually all forms of now in its fifth year, is also contributing to art have shown a marked tendency to rise— and even soar—over the years. Much of this, the market’s rise.

The appeal of art as an investment stems of course, is due to the increased—and still from the exponential value increases that increasing awareness that art represents basic affect certain works and, in certain cases, values that are not only lasting, but that bethe media coverage they attract. León Gal- come more valid as time goes on. Thus, there lery’s auctions since 2017 saw plenty of is competition to secure works of art—and examples of exceptional capital gains and thus their monetary value, the price people world records, such as P112 million for Jose are willing to pay for them, rises.”

Like it or not, collecting art is always a Joya’s Space Transfiguration; P65.4 million for Ang Kiukok’s Fishermen; P49.1 million form of investment. Fortunately, it’s a very for Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s Women Amidst lucrative investment.

Art market data are sourced from Artprice, Bananas; and P46.7 million for Fernando Amorsolo’s The Peracampos Amorsolo Art Market Monitor, León Gallery, and Sal(Under the Mango Tree). Salcedo Auctions cedo Auctions. also saw the same for Juan Luna’s A Do… Va La Nave (There Goes the Ship), which eric.jurado@gmail.com

FROM WHERE I STAND

‘Be a...

From A4

“We are the largest power generator.

“We are a properties company that manages hotels, residential, commercial projects and economic zones.

“We manage toll roads, among them Skyway, SLEX, Star Tollway, South C6 connector road. Through our toll roads we hope to solve traffic on EDSA. “The Boracay Airport in Caticlan is in its finishing stage and we are building Boracay Bridge that will help solve solid waste, sewage, water, power and telecom problems.

“MRT7 and the Edsa Loop connecting SM North Edsa through Commonwealth, Batasan, to San Jose del Monte Bulacan to Malabon, Navotas, Manila to Makati will ease commuter stress.

“The Bulacan Airport will be one of the biggest airports in Asia and the world. It will have six parallel runways good for 200 million passengers equipped with mass transit. It will create 40 million jobs and bring in 20 million foreign tourists a year. A comparable country like Thailand with a population of 100 million brought in 30 million tourists.

“San Miguel also has investments in cement, banking, and BMW cars.

“I never imagined that one day, I would be accepting a doctorate from my alma mater. I am truly honored. Looking back, being a working student helped me become more equipped in dealing with people from all walks of life.

“One of the reasons for my accomplishments is because of my ability to

read people and situations. I am able to adapt. I make tough decisions based on gut instinct.

“FEU has taught me well. FEU made me what I am today.

“What is the key to my happiness?

Allow me to share with you what I have armed myself with in dealing with people: “Be a man of your word.

“Know how to keep a secret.

“Work harder than anybody else.

“Be decisive.

“Be a risk-taker.

“Nothing is impossible.

“Believe in a bigger purpose.

“At San Miguel, we believe that love for country is important. That is why we continue to help as many Filipinos as we can through our products, roads, airports, and infrastructure. Building a better future for the next generation is our ultimate goal.

“My character has been molded by this school and I am proud of the contribution I have made to society. I have made my mark and I challenge you to do the same. In fact, I am inviting you to send your resumes so that we can possibly work together at San Miguel in the future.

I would also like to announce that I have started an educational fund in FEU for deserving but less-privileged students. To the class of 2018, congratulations and good luck to all of you!

Mabuhay tayong lahat!” biznewsasia@gmail.com

News

A6

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PNP told: Don’t identify suspects with their religion

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SECURITY CHECK. National Capital Region Police Office Director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar (right) and QCPD Director Joselito Esquivel lead the inspection of the venue Thursday where a scheduled protest action by militant groups might take place during the 3rd State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. The President’s Sona will take place on July 23 at the Batasang Pambansa building. Manny Palmero

Firm in Okada cases turns table vs accuser

By Rey E. Requejo A MANUFACTURING firm implicated in the criminal cases against Japanese gaming tycoon Kazuo Okada has turned the table on the accuser and filed counter suits against a top official of casino operator Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. .

Aruze Philippines Manufacturing Inc., through its president Tetsuya Yokota, has filed perjury charges against TRLEI chief executive advisor Dindo Espeleta over the latter’s alleged “false and malicious” accusations in the estafa case involving the supply of LED strip lights worth $4.5 million for the façade of casino-resort Okada Manila.

In a 16-page complaint filed before the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office last June 28, APMI accused Espeleta of three counts of perjury, punishable under the Revised Penal Code with a maximum penalty of two years and four months imprisonment per count.

The company cited as basis for the criminal charge the claims made by the TRLEI executive in the estafa complaint filed against it and Okada in December last year over the allegedly defective lights, which was already dismissed by the prosecutor’s office.

The complainant alleged that Espeleta committed perjury for claiming he was not aware that APMI would not supply the LED strips for the project.

“The e-mail exchanges, where Espeleta was copied, clearly show that he and TRLEI both knew that it would be J&J Philippines Corp. which would supply the LED strips that would form part of APMI’s LED product,” Yokota said in his complaint-affidavit, copy of which was furnished to the media.

Yokota also stressed that Espeleta even replied to the email dated May 20, 2016, where he indicated that he would send the LED specification for J&J’s consideration.

“Espeleta cannot deny his knowledge of the said communications since he was the contact person of J&J in TRLEI as regards the transactions on the LED lights,” read the complaint.

The APMI owner said Espeleta committed another perjury when he made it appear in his estafa complaint that APMI “falsely represented that it would manufacture the LED stripes that it deliver to TRLEI,” when they were sourced from J&J.

Angono Police apologizes over anti-rape ‘reminders’

T

HE Angono Municipal Police has publicly apologized over a statement it posted online on tips to prevent incidents of rape, which some critics said included inappropriate and misogynist content.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Angono Police Chief Senior Supt.

Ruben Pequero said it is sending out its heartfelt apologies to those offended by its statement titled, “Paalala Para Makaiwas sa Rape.”

“Ang amin pong intensyon ay mapaalalahanan ang lahat para maiwasan po na maging biktima ng insidente ng rape [Our intention is to remind ever yone to avoid becoming a victim of rape],” the Angono Police said on its Facebook page.

A number of critics earlier denounced the police station warning, which includes such suggestions as “Do not wear skimpy clothes,” and “Do not drink during dates.”

The reminders also include practical pieces of advice, such as being cautious on first dates with persons one is unfamiliar with and avoiding

dark streets when alone.

On Wednesday, Senator Risa Hontiveros said the Angono Police’s antirape information flyer is not only an insult to victims of sexual abuse but also promotes victim-blaming.

“I am extremely disappointed with the Angono Police’s anti-rape information flyer. While the intention of the information material may be good, it promotes victim-blaming by asking women to conform to a particular way of dressing in order to be respected and avoid being raped,” she said in a statement.

Hontiveros pointed out that the antirape flyer’s “dress code” lays unwarranted blame on rape victims.

“The material that they issued is not only an insult to many victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence, but it also sends a wrong signal that

Bishop whacks ‘death squads’

SIGNATURE FIST. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque flashes the signature gesture of President Rodrigo Duterte with singer Martin Nievera during a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday. Malacañang Photo

‘Mandatory contributions hit hard on Charity Fund’ PHILIPPINE Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Alexander Balutan revealed on Wednesday the mandatory contributions to various government agencies had been hurting the agency’s charity fund.

“We are appealing to Congress to repeal our mandate on mandatory contributions because it is eating up our funds for medical service,” said Balutan during the Sama-samang Talakayan at Linawan media forum at Fort Ilocandia in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

This is in response to Commission on Audit’s warning against the agency over its “questionable” transactions worth more than P10.17 billion intended for charity programs and medical assistance.

“Let this be an eye opener to our legislators, unless laws are repealed, billions of pesos intended for health services will

women are raped because of our actions or preferences,” she said.

The senator reminded the police that a woman’s clothing choice does not cause rape, saying that “clothes don’t cause rape, rapists do.”

“Instead of teaching women how to dress appropriately and limit our choices, our police force should help in educating the public, especially men, that forcing themselves upon women is unacceptable and constitutes rape,” Hontiveros said.

However, despite her disagreement over the “dress code” issue, the lawmaker said her office is willing to support the Angono Police in its campaign against all forms of sexual abuse against women.

“My office is willing to extend any help to the Angono Police force in training their personnel, producing gender-sensitive information materials and implementing programs to help educate the public on how to recognize and prevent rape and other forms of sexual violence against women,” Hontiveros said. PNA

be siphoned by these mandatory contributions na hindi naman related sa health services,” said Balutan.

“We cannot stop these remittances unless Congress repeals laws governing us to stop these mandatory contributions.”

PCSO is a principal agency tasked to generate funds for health services and programs of national character through lotto, digit games, Instant Sweepstakes, and Small Town Lottery.

The PCSO Charter states that from the gross receipts generated from the sale of sweepstakes tickets, whether for sweepstakes races, lotteries, or other similar activities, the printing cost of such tickets is deducted to arrive at the net receipts.

Pursuant to Section 6, Republic Act No. 1169, as amended (PCSO Charter), the net receipts shall be divided into 55 percent (Prize Fund), 30 percent (Charity

Fund) and 15 percent (Operating Fund).

The agency also provides funding support to various government agencies commissioned to receive part of the agency’s earnings.

As of 2nd quarter of 2018, PCSO has already released P71.4 million or P71,452,785.50 to be exact for the Commission on Higher Education alone, which is 1 percent of the gross sales of Lotto.

As of June 2018, the total shares/obligations for mandatory contributions is P14,048,632,664.99. From 1998 to 2017, PCSO has already released a total of P12.198 billion with an outstanding balance of P1.8 billion.

From January to June 2018, PCSO has released another P443 million and now the agency has an outstanding balance of P1.8 billion.

CALOOCAN City bishop Virgilio David Thursday smacked what he called “death squads” in his jurisdiction where two cases of murder were recorded the night before.

In his homily the morning after, he identified the victims as Jennifer Taburada, 27, killed by masked men at 8 pm on Wednesday.

Taburada was a widow whose husband, Ryan, was also murdered by unidentified killers a year ago. Their children aged 11 and 13, Prince Junior and Princess, “are complete orphans” now.

More than three hours after Jennifer’s murder, 36-year-old Alvin Teng was killed only a few blocks away.

David said: “You know, the killers were not even rushing. They took their sweet time. We used to call them bonnet gangs. Now we just call them what they really are—death squads.”

“The police seemed to be alerted about their presence because they’re not supposed to meddle. If the police wanted to pursue them, they could have, because they stayed [there] for four hours,” David said.

“And after killing Jennifer, they just moved a few blocks and killed another one. Jennifer was from Barangay 152 in Bagong Barrio. By 11:30 pm, they killed Alvin Teng, 36 years old. I feel so, so, so, so sad, that I am not able to protect my flock from the wolves!” he added.

David narrated these murders in his homily on the second day of the 5th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization at the pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

Many participants at PCNE were seen wiping their tears as David delivered his homily.

More than 2,000 priests and nuns gathered at UST’s Quadricentennial Pavilion for PCNE. David, one of the Philippines’ leading Bible scholars, is vice president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

SENATOR Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Thursday said the Philippine National Police should concentrate on solving cases without identifying suspects as members of a particular religious sect.

He said this should be done because the religion of a suspect had nothing to do with the crime.

“Membership of an accused in a religious organization has nothing to do with the commission of a crime,” Gordon said.

He said such labelling violated the constitutional right to free exercise of religion and could bring disrepute to the religious organization.

Gordon issued the statement after some of his constituents complained about law enforcers, particularly the PNP, of parading mere suspects before the public and announcing that they belong to a religious sect.

“How many of our countrymen have raised protest regarding their treatment by police?” Gordon asked.

He said this was leading to unnecessary divisiveness in society.

“For example, a suspected bomber in Zamboanga City was labelled ‘Muslim type,’” he said.

The senator stressed this discriminated against a person on account of his religious belief, adding law enforcers should just solve the case without unnecessary labelling that could hurt others.

“This partakes of religious profiling, racial profiling, which is completely unacceptable and illegal,” he said.

Germany needs hundreds of Filipino nurses

By Vito Barcelo GERMANY needs hundreds of Filipino nurses and is accepting applicants under the Triple Win Project, a government-to-government project, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration announced Thursday.

Filipino nurses who will be hired will receive a salary of EU1,900 or equivalent to more than P100,000 a month, the POEA said.

The POEA said applicants must be a Filipino citizen and permanent resident of the Philippines with Bachelor of Science in Nursing, have active Philippine Nursing License, and at least with years of related professional experience (bedside) in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and/ or care institutions.

They must also have German language proficiency or are willing to undergo German language training in the Philippines to attain Level B1 (to be paid by the employer), and must be able to attend the language class in October and November 2018; or with Bl or B2 Language Proficiency Level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The POEA said those who would be hired would have a starting monthly salary of €1,900 (gross) that would be increased to € 2,300 after recognition as a qualified nurse.

The employer will pay the visa and airfare from the Philippines to Germany and will assist the employee to find a suitable accommodation.

The selected nurse will bear the expenses in full or in part of the board and lodging.

Qualified applicants should register online at www.ereqister.poea.gov.ph and personally submit the required documents (fastened in a folder) under the heading “German Federal Employment Agency RSF No. 180018” at the Manpower Registry Division, Ground Floor, Blas F. Ople Bldg. (formerly POEA Bldg.), Ortigas Avenue corner Edsa, Mandaluyong City.

The documents to be submitted are cover letter and curriculum vitae with colored passport size picture; notarized copies of high school and Nursing diplomas; board certificate and copy of license from the Professional Regulation Commission; certificates of employment in related field (previous and current, notarized copies); attendance and/or level certificate for German language, if available; and copy of valid passport.

Sports

A7

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Chiefs pull off overtime win over Generals, 75-69

A

RELLANO University relied on the clutch shooting of guards Levi dela Cruz and Adrian Alban and took advantage of Emilio Aguinaldo College’s forgettable free-throw shooting as it escaped with a 75-69 overtime victory yesterday in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the AU Gym in Legarda, Manila.

PERPETUAL FOOTBALL GETS BOOST. Newly appointed

Perpetual Altas Football Team head coach Emelio ‘Chieffy’ Caligdong recruited 12 players from his hometown Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo to boost the lineup of the Altas Booters Team for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 94 this November. Here, Caligdong briefs his team after their regular practice session at the Perpetual Molino Pitch in Bacoor City. Dennis Abrina

McIlroy bids to end US dominance at Brit Open CARNOUSTIE, United Kingdom—Rory McIlroy admits it is going to take something special to end the recent dominance of the majors by American golfers as the British Open teed off at Carnoustie in Scotland on Thursday.

Now 29, McIlroy is aiming to end a four-year drought without a major victory but the trend is towards the strong contingent from the United States maintaining a firm grip on the sport’s biggest prizes.

The last five majors—and seven of the last nine—have been won by Americans, including Jordan Spieth’s victory at Royal Birkdale 12 months ago and Brooks Koepka’s successful recent defence of the US Open.

“There’s so many great players, and it just seems like, at this point in time, they’re all playing really good golf at the same time,” said McIlroy, the 2014 Open champion, on Wednesday.

“They’re some of the best players in the world and deservedly so, and they’re going to take some beating,” added McIlroy, who

made his major debut as an amateur here 11 years ago.

Woods back in contention American strength in depth is all the more striking with the Ryder Cup coming up in France at the end of September, and with Tiger Woods in Scotland looking like a genuine contender to finally triumph at a major again, a decade after he won his 14th at the US Open.

Woods, 42, is a three-time winner of the Claret Jug and he believes that the unique conditions of links golf could offer him his best chance to add to his haul.

“As far as long term, certainly, I would say yes because of the fact that you don’t have to be long to play on a links style golf course,” said Woods, who is not getting any younger but takes inspiration from the veteran Tom Watson’s near miss at Turnberry in 2009.

“Look what Tom did at Turnberry at 59, I believe he was. So it’s possible. Distance becomes a moot point on a links style golf course. But creativity plays such an important role.”

Bullpups shoot for Asean gold THE National University Bullpups yesterday left for Klang, Malaysia looking confident of winning the gold medal in the 10th ASEAN School Games.

The Bullpups should be heavily favored to rule the annual tournament owing to the experiences gained by Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano and Terrence Fortea in playing for Batang Gilas in the recent FIBA World Cup Under-17 tournament in Argentina.

“We hope we can translate our experiences in the World Cup to success this time,” said coach Goldwin Monteverde, who served as one of the assistant coaches of Batang Gilas.

Monteverde is no stranger to the tournament having mentored the multi-titled Chiang Kai Shek College to a runner-up finish last year.

NU earned the right to represent country in the tournament after bagging the gold medal in the Palarong Pambansa in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. The PH under-18 team is also tipped to dominate the girls’ division in the event that will gather around 1,600 student-athletes of the region.

The PH belles open their title bid against the Indonesians.

Backing the Bullpups and the PH U-18 squad are Freego’s Eduard Tio and SM Supermarket bigwigs Herbert Sy and Herson Sy. Team coordinator Edster Sy said other members of the NU Bullpups are Cyril Gonzales, Reyland Torres, John Felicilda, Dominic Dayrit, Aaron Buensalida, Kevin Quiambao, Joshua Ramirez, Harold Alarcon, and Vince Cuajao.

Cameroonian beanpole Hamadou Laminou stabbed in a basket that gave the Generals a 69-68 lead with over three minutes remaining in OT. But it turned out to be EAC’s last show of force as it couldn’t score the rest of the way while finding no answer to Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz poured in seven dinera referring to the Dela The Generals, who lost to the Pirates, 97Games today of his 12 points in OT, while Cruz-Alban tandem.

106 a week back, fell to 0-2 (win-loss).

(Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan) Alban, a transferee from LyIt helped AU that EAC In the juniors’ division, AU drew strength 8 a.m.- MU vs CSB (jrs) ceum, scored eight of his 13 missed 29 of the 46 foul shots from the career effort of Romuel Junsay as it 10 a.m.- LPU vs JRU (jrs) points late in regulation that the latter attempted including battled back from a 21-point deficit to snare a 12 nn.- MU vs CSB (srs) 2 p.m,- LPU vs JRU (srs) sent the game into OT as the five in OT. 79-77 victory yesterday over EAC. 4 p.m.- SSC vs CSJL (srs) Chiefs posted their first win.

The Generals were in conJunsay, a Mapua transferee, who will play 6 p.m.- SBU vs CSJL (jrs) “When we had a big probtrol when it led by five late his one and only season with AU this year, lem when we lost (Kent) Salin regulation, but Alban took exploded with 34 points including 24 in the ado. We’re just thankful we have these guards over to help send the duel into OT. second half when the Braves turned a 27-42 to help fill the void,” said AU coach Jerry CoThe same script appeared in OT when deficit to their first victory.

Manila

Standard

San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE ANCILLARY SERVICES PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THERMA LUZON, INC., WITH PRAYER FOR ISSUANCE OF PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 6/42 6 3 2

PHP CPIm = Philippine CPI All Items 2006 = 100, end of Billing Period PHP CPIo = 123.2, Philippine CPI as of January 2011 Billing Period US CPIm =US CPI All Items 1982-84 = 100, end of Billing Period

ERC CASE NO. 2018 -059 RC

US CPIo =219.179, US CPI as of January 2011 Billing Period

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (NGCP) AND THERMA LUZON, INC. (TLI), Applicants. x - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

Fxm = Bangko Sentral ng Philipinas PHP-USD exchange rate, end of Billing Period FXo =PHP /USD exchange rate of 42

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

In the event that revisions are made on the above index, including any shift made in the base year and other adjustments to such index made by the relevant authorized entity, its successor-in-interest, there shall be a corresponding change in the base index such that the use of the revised index will yield the equivalent values as the use of the original base index.

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

In the event that the index (a) becomes unavailable, (b) is replaced by a new benchmark rate as determined by the relevant authorized entity, its successor in interest, or (c) ceases to exist, or (d) in the reasonable determination of either Party, fails to reflect the real costs and forms an integral part of this price mechanism, the Parties shall agree to adopt a new price index.

Notice is hereby given that on 21 June 2018, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and Therma Luzon, Inc. (TLI) filed an Application dated 30 May 2018, seeking the approval of their Ancillary Services Procurement Agreement (ASPA), with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.

NGCP and TLI alleged the following in their Application:

Fuel = the fuel rate, in Php/kWh, submitted by the Service Provider every month based on their Actual Fuel Stock Inventory Consumption Report and their actual generation for that month.

NATURE OF THE CASE 1.

This Application is for the approval of the Ancillary Services Procurement Agreement (“ASPA”) dated May 29, 2018 between the NGCP and TLI (“2018 ASPA”), pursuant to the Decision dated 3 October 2007 in ERC Case No. 2006-049RC, entitled: “In the Matter of the Application for the Approval of Ancillary Services -Cost Recovery Mechanism (AS-CRM) of the Ancillary Services Procurement Plan, with Prayer for Provisional Authority. “

REVWESM

2.

Applicant NGCP is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City. It holds a franchise under Republic Act No. 95111 to engage in the business of conveying or transmitting electricity through highvoltage back-bone systems 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.

3.

Applicant TLI is a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of Philippines laws with office address at NAC Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. It is the Independent Power Producer Administrator that manages and controls the contracted capacity of the 700 MW (net) coal-fired power generating facility in Pagbilao, Quezon (the “Power Plant”). It may be served with pleadings, notices, orders, and other processes of the Honorable Commission through its undersigned counsel.

i. ii. iii. iv. v.

The capacities contracted under Non-Firm arrangement are the maximum that can be offered

by TLI. However, for clarity, the basis for the AS Provider’s nomination and scheduling shall be the capacities listed in its valid AS Certificates.

2

Republic Act No. 9136 provides that it is the responsibility of NGCP to ensure and maintain the reliability, adequacy, security, stability and integrity of the nationwide electrical grid in accordance with the performance standards for its operations and maintenance, as set forth in the Philippine Grid Code (“PGC”), adopted and promulgated by the Honorable Commission, and to adequately serve generation companies, distribution utilities and suppliers requiring transmission service and/or ancillary services through the transmission system3.

5.

Similarly, the PGC provides that NGCP is responsible for determining, acquiring, and dispatching the capacity needed to supply the required Grid Ancillary Services4 and for developing and proposing Wheeling Charges and Ancillary Service tariffs to the Energy Regulatory Commission (“ERC”).

6.

Ancillary Services (“AS”) as defined in Section 4 (b) of the EPIRA “refer to those services that are necessary to support the transmission of capacity and energy from resources to loads while maintaining reliable operation of the transmission system in accordance with good utility practice and the Grid Code to be adopted in accordance with this Act.” These services are essential in ensuring reliability in the operation of the transmission system and consequently, in the reliability of the electricity supply in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids.

7.

8.

9.

14.

Applicants submit that the 2018 ASPA Rates represent a reasonable recovery of the opportunity cost in making available generation capacity to provide the procured AS.

15.

The 2018 ASPA Rates were subjected to a simulation by NGCP with the following results:

Indicative Rate Impact AS Type CR

P/kW-month

P/kWh equivalent

7.6626

0.0150

A copy of the Rate Impact Simulation for TLI with a brief discussion on how NGCP derived the proposed ancillary services rates is attached as Annex “C.” 16.

Consistent with the AS-CRM, all the related and incidental expenses which NGCP will incur as a result of the procurement and operation of the ancillary services shall be recovered from all the load customers in the Luzon Grid.

17.

TLI respectfully submits copies of the following documents:

In order to implement and regulate the procurement of AS, the Honorable Commission approved the Ancillary Services Procurement Plan (“ASPP”) through its Order dated 9 March 2006 in ERC Case No. 2002-253 and the Ancillary Services Cost Recovery Mechanism (“AS-CRM”) through its Decision dated 3 October 2007 in ERC Case No. 2006-049RC.

Document

Annex

Certificate of Compliance (“COC”) No. 14-07-GXT 40-0040L

“D”

Summary of TLI’s Power Supply Agreement

“E”

Pursuant to its mandate, NGCP on different dates published in newspapers of general circulation a Notice of Invitation for Prospective Ancillary Services Providers, inviting all grid-connected merchant plants and independent power producers to participate in the provision of ancillary services.

Articles of Incorporation

“F”

Latest Security Exchange Commission-General Information Sheet

“G”

On 13 March 2013, NGCP and TLI entered into an ASPA (the 2013 ASPA) with a term of five (5) years and filed an application for the approval of said ASPA before the Honorable Commission on 27 March 2013 docketed as ERC Case No. 2013052RC. In the Order dated 10 June 2013, the Honorable Commission issued a provisional authority for the implementation of said ASPA and in the Order dated 26 May 2014, the Honorable Commission extended the provisional authority until revoked or made permanent.

Latest Audited Financial Statement

“H”

Certification on WESM Registration

“I”

10.

In view of TLI’s proposal to continue providing ancillary services, NGCP agreed to procure and TLI agreed to supply Ancillary Services in the form of Contingency Reserve (“CR”) under firm and non-firm arrangements. A copy of the the Ancillary Services Procurement Agreement between NGCP and TLI dated 29 May 2018 is attached as Annex “A”.

11.

During the period of negotiation, NGCP conducted several tests on the Power Plant, and certified that it has met and complied with the Standard Ancillary Services Technical Requirements of the ASPP as capable of providing CR. The copy of the Accreditation Certificate No. 2018-L003 issued on 23 December 2017 is attached as Annex “B.”

12.

Schedule 1 of the 2018 ASPA provides that TLI shall provide:

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

FIRM CONTRACTED CAPACITY RATE AND IMPACT SIMULATION

a.

18.

It is a declared policy of the State to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power (Section 2b, EPlRA). With this end in view, there is a need to comply with the system requirements for AS to ensure grid system reliability. As mentioned above, NGCP has the mandate to procure the required AS through a procurement contract. However, the Honorable Commission must first approve the contract before the same could be implemented.

19.

The current levels of CR in the Luzon Grid have not yet met the required levels under the ASPP. A copy of the relevant actual data and its corresponding graphical presentations showing the required and available levels of CR in the Luzon Grid and the impact of the AS contribution of TLI to the Luzon Grid entitled: Luzon Contingency Reserve Availability is attached as Annex”J”.

20.

NGCP must be guaranteed of available AS on a daily basis to ensure reliability of the grid. Thus, it is necessary for the Honorable Commission to approve the 2018 ASPA.

21.

As the demand for power in the Luzon increases, the requirements of the system to ensure stability, reliability and security likewise increase. Ensuring the integrity of the system is essential to protect the interests of the public. The absence of system reliability and stability will certainly discourage investments and growth.

22.

Applicants respectfully submit that the immediate approval of the 2018 ASPA by this Honorable Commission is a necessity to ensure the reliability and security of the Grid. In support of these allegations, NGCP submits a copy of the Judicial Affidavit of Engr. Lisaflor Bacani-Kater of the Revenue and Regulatory Affairs Department of NGCP, which is attached as Annex “K.”

Firm Contracted Capacity

Contingency Reserve (Primary Reserve) -initially set at 60 MW for Units 1 and 2 of Service Provider, or as indicated in the valid AS Certificates, from interval 2200h to 0900h of the following day. b. Non-Firm Contracted Capacity: Contingency Reserve (Primary Reserve) initially set at 60 MW for Units 1 and 2 of Service Provider, or as indicated in the valid AS Certificates, for the hours where no Firm capacity is scheduled, provided that the Non-Firm Contracted Capacity will be amended according to the results of the Ancillary Service Certification Test.

For clarity, the basis for AS Provider’s nomination and scheduling shall be the capacities listed in its valid AS Certificates.

13.

Net generation, in MWh; Coal Consumption, in MT; Light Fuel Oil (LFO) consumption, in liters Calculated coal consumption rates, in MT/MWh; Calculated LFO consumption rate, in liters/MWh

Failure to submit the Actual Fuel Stock Inventory Consumption Report within the next billing period after the relevant billing period will forfeit the payment to Service Provider for Fuel in B (e.g. for fuel costs in January, the Actual Fuel Stock Inventory Consumption Report must be submitted by March, at the latest. Otherwise, Fuel in B for January will no longer be paid).

ANTECEDENT FACTS 4.

= Summation of WESM revenue in a particular interval hour based on Final Ex-post market clearing price of the AS Provider’s trading Node arising from G above.

Service Provider shall attach to the AS power bill the Actual Fuel Stock Inventory Consumption Report which includes the following relevant information for the applicable billing month:

PARTIES

PVL season 2 on ABS-CBN S+A FRESH from an intense Rein- San Beda University Red Lionforced Conference, the Premier esses, College of Saint Benilde Volleyball League returns with Lady Blazers, the Far Eastern some of the country’s top ama- University Lady Tamaraws, and teur volleyball teams for the Col- the University of the Philippines legiate Conference this Saturday Lady Fighting Maroons. at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Stars that will surely give fans Volleyball fans can catch the their money’s worth include opening ceremony and the day’s Isa Molde, Chiarra Permentilla double header featuring the Adam- (AdU), Toni Rose Basas (FEU), son University Lady Falcons the Joyce Bicar (UST), Nieza and University of Perpetual Help Sys- Jeziela Viray (SBU), Maria tem-DALTALady Altas at 2 pm, Tripoli (UPHSD), Ranya Musa followed by the University of Santo (CSB), Joyce Sta. Rita (SSC-R), Tomas Golden Tigresses and San and Faith Nisperos (NU).

Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady For updates, follow @ABStags at 4 p.m. LIVE on ABS- SCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, CBN S+A and S+A HD and via and Instagram or visit www.ablivestream on sports.abs-cbn.com. scbnpr.com.

Succeeding matches in the conference will all be available via livestream, while the Finals will also be aired live on S+A and S+A HD. 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ The PVL Season 2 Collegiate Conference serves as a serious build up for the 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ NCAA and UAAP wars for the nine participating DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 teams led by defending PVL Collegiate champion the National University DIGITS 00-00-00 Lady Bulldogs.

Other teams participating in the Collegiate EZ2 00-00 Conference this year are

average of the hourly dispatched portion of the Contracted Capacity scheduled and the nominated AS price

Republic of the Philippines

TODAY ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

PRAYER to:

Schedule 4 of the 2018 ASPA provides for the formula for the computation of the Ancillary Services Fees and the applicable hourly rates (“ASPA Rates”) for the firm and non-firm contracted capacity covered by the 2018 ASPA, as follows:

Contracted Capacity

Capacity Fee

Firm Contracted Capacity

Php 1.50/kW/Hr

Non-Firm Contracted Capacity

Php 2.25/kW/Hr (maximum rate)

Payment of AS = A+B Where: A

a) b)

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and evidentiary hearing on 16 August 2018 (Thursday) at ten o’clock in the morning (10:00 AM) at Queen Margarette Hotel, Domoit, Diversion Road, Lucena, City.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following:

Where: = Scheduled Capacity without energy dispatched, in kW, for trading interval i and day j

n

= number ofdays in the billing month Scheduled Capacity =refers to: i) ii)

B

= [G x (CP + OM+Fuel)] -REVWESM Where: G

= energy generated or dispatched due to Scheduled Capacity, in kWh, for trading interval i and day j

n

= number of days in the billing month

The petitioner’s name and address;

2)

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

3)

A statement of the relief desired

1)

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicants that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicants are hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

Pasig City, 10 July 2018.

= Summation of energy generated or dispatched in a particular interval hour due to Scheduled Capacity, in kWh

Energyij

1)

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicants rest their case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following:

with respect to the Firm Contracted Capacity, the capacity declared as available by Service Provider in accordance with Schedule 1 with respect to the Non-Firm Contracted Capacity, the capacity nominated

by Service Provider and scheduled by NGCP in accordance with Schedule 1 = Revenue from Scheduled Capacity with energy dispatched

Immediately ISSUE a provisional authority to implement the 2018 ASPA; APPROVE, after notice and hearing, the 2018 ASPA.

Applicants pray for other just and equitable relief under the premises.

= Revenue from Scheduled Capacity without energy dispatched

Capacityij

WHEREFORE, premises considered, Applicants respectfully pray that the Honorable Commission

FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION:

AGNES VST DEVANADERA Chairman & CEO

For Firm, CP

= Capacity Fee =Php 1.50/kW/Hr

For Non-Firm, CP

1

= Capacity payment for the dispatch portion of the AS capacity scheduled by NGCP and shall be computed based on the weighted

2 3 4

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 Back-Bone System of Interconnected Transmission Lines, Substations and Related Facilities, and for other Purposes; The Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or EPIRA. Ibid., Section 9 (c) and (d); Section 6.3.1.2.

(MS-JULY 20 & 28, 2018)

Sports

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

A8

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018

Spurs send Leonard to Raptors for DeRozan NEW YORK—Disgruntled San Antonio playmaker Kawhi Leonard is going to the Toronto Raptors in a blockbuster NBA trade deal sending DeMar DeRozan to the Spurs, the Raptors and Spurs confirmed Wednesday.

The move sends forward Leonard and guard Danny Green to Toronto for DeRozan, Austrian big man Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 first-round NBA Draft pick.

Leonard played in only nine games for the Spurs last season, missing the first 27 games of the campaign with a right quadriceps injury, then suffering a left shoulder injury.

The Spurs medical staff cleared Leonard to return to the team but the 27-year-old forward received a second opinion from his own doctors that said he needed more rehabilitation.

As he stayed away, the Spurs struggled. Teammates asked him to return but he stayed away and the Spurs were ousted by eventual champion Golden State in the first round of the playoffs.

The Raptors, meanwhile, had the best record in the Eastern Conference and were top seeds before being swept out of the playoffs by eventual runner-up Cleveland.

DeRozan and others were criticized for their playoff flop after the best season in club history.

Leonard, who was NBA Finals Most Valuable Player when helping the Spurs to the 2014 title, has averaged 16.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists over seven NBA seasons, all with the Spurs, and averaged a career-best 25.5 points a game in the 2016-17 campaign.

DeRozan, a 28-year-old guard, has spent all nine of his NBA seasons with the Raptors, averaging a careerbest 27.3 points in the 2016-17 campaign. He has career averages of 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists a game and helped US teams win the 2014 World Cup of Basketball and 2016 Rio Olympic titles.

Leonard doesn’t want to play in Toronto, ESPN reported, but stands to make $20 million next season and seems to have no health concerns, indicating he might attend the USA national team camp next week in Las Vegas. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is the US national team coach. AFP

Ten players and two coaches of Gilas Pilipinas were slapped suspensions by the FIBA for their involvement in the “basketbrawl” against the Australian Boomers during their FIBA World Cup Qualifier. fiba.basketball

PH basketball suffers blackeye Taking the brunt of the penalties was the country’s basketball governing body Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which is set to pay its biggest fine of CHF 260,000 (Swiss francs) or P13.916 million for the unsportsmanlike behavior of its delegation members and of its public, as well as for insufficient organization of the game.

“The incident, it was a disappointment.

Again, we offer our apologies. We hoped it didn’t happen. In a way, honestly, FIBA has been fair in the process. It could have been much worse. So, for me, it’s something we have to accept. But we still have to clarify some facts. If we do that, we can mitigate some things in the decision,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.

Panlilio said the SBP executive committee is set to meet to determine if they will appeal.

While Gilas member Gabe Norwood was spared, Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright were slapped one game each; Terence Romeo, Jayson Castro William, An-

dray Blatche and Jeth Rosario with three games each; and Roger Pogoy, Carl Cruz and Jio Jalalon were sanctioned for five games each, while Calvin Abueva was given the stiffest penalty of six games, due to a previous incident of unsportsmanlike behavior in a FIBA competition.

Head coach Reyes was suspended for a game and will pay a disciplinary fine of CHF10,000, roughly P536,000 for inciting unsportsmanlike behavior.

Assistant Uichico was suspended for three games for unsportsmanlike behavior.

The suspensions imposed on the players will have no bearing on their stints in the Asian Games and in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Executive director Sonny Barrios said discussions are now going on with the Philippine Basketball Association on the players who will replace those who were sanctioned, plus coaches who can take the place of Reyes and Uichico during the games where they will serve their suspensions.

Gilas Pilipinas will play its next game of the second round against Iran on Sept.

13 behind closed doors, which is part of the team’s punishment.

On the other hand, games against Qatar and Kazakhstan won’t be behind closed doors after Barrios talked it out with the disciplinary committee, although there will be no home games for the Gilas team under a probationary period of three years.

On the side of the Australian Boomers, there were only three players suspended for unsportsmanlike behavior, with Chris Goulding suspended for a game, NBA player Thon Makers being slapped a two-game ban and instigator Daniel Kickert penalized for five games. No sanctions were imposed on Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee.

Basketball Australia was ordered to pay a disciplinary fine of CHF 100,000 for the unsportsmanlike behavior of its players and for abusing and/or tampering of equipment, after removing floor stickers from the court on the eve of the game.

Money from the fines will be used to support the “Basketball for Good” social program launched by the International Basketball Foundation.

Basketball Australia chief executive Anthony Moore said in a statement to the Australian media that his organization is “unlikely” to challenge the sanctions. But it would discuss the possibility of an appeal at a board meeting on Friday.

THE list of banned substances compiled by the World Anti-Doping Agency will be updated against next year.

This is why athletes, coaches and all stakeholders must be aware of what cannot be used and what is allowed during training and competition.

Southeast Asian Regional Anti-Doping Organization Director General Gobinathan Nair said this during the “The National Summit on Anti-Doping in Sports” at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

“A new standard addresses a couple of things. Something called a code revision (done in 2015). There will be a

revised version in 2019, next year. Right now, it’s undergoing a lot of consultation,” said Nair, who added the SEADO is getting feedback from all concerned on the revisions being done.

Discussions on the revised WADA list comes a day after the Philippine Sports Commission held the 2018 National AntiDoping Summit.

Aside from Nair, Interntional Olympic Committee representative Mikee Cojuangco and PSC-Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization Head Dr. Alejandro were around with Atty. Antonio Rebosa, MD, who delivered their own lectures.

There were more then a 200 participants from coaches from the national sports associations, universities, colleges and local government units who attended.

Pineda said that so far, they are able to provide information on new rules, policies, health consequences and nutrition for athletes and coaches alike.

Aside from matters concerning code compliance, aspects on monitoring, supplementation, legal considerations, results management and doping control processes, ergogenic aids, nutritional supplements and online applications were also discussed. Peter Atencio

By Peter Atencio

P

HILIPPINE basketball took a severe beating on Thursday after the world basketball federation or FIBA handed down stiff fines and suspensions on 10 Gilas Pilipinas players and coaches Chot Reyes and Jong Uichico for their involvement in an ugly on-court brawl against the Australia Boomers during their FIBA World Cup Qualifier last July 2 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Mandaluyong, Bataan prevail List of banned substances updated yearly PRESEASON favorites Bataan and Mandaluyong carved out separate hardearned wins on a rainy Wednesday night to continue their roll in the MPBL Datu Cup at the People’s Center in Balanga, Bataan.

The Risers held off a gutsy Gen San Warriors side before pulling off a 62-58 win.

No other player except Pamboy Raymundo finished in double figures for the Risers as the ex-pro scored 12 points, but the contribution of the other members of the team were enough to carry the squad to its third straight win.

The Zetapro-backed Bataan has forged a tie for second spot in the northern division with the Dataland-supported Mandaluyong El Tigre eked out a similar hard-fought victory over the Navotas Clutch, 59-55, in another low-scoring game.

Ray Parks led the El Tigre’s production with 19 points, including a tough basket against a phalanx of Clutch defenders in the last 37 seconds of the game that gave his team a 57-55 lead.

The son of seven-time Best Import and PBA Hall of Famer Bobby Parks completed his game-long brilliance with a big stop at the other end, forcing Levy Hernandez to lose the basketball.

That set up Jonathan Boholano, who was able to get the loose ball and pick up a foul in the process for two free throws.

The cool and calculating guard sank both charities for the marginal tally.

Navotas, which won its first two games this season under new head coach Ritchie Ticzon, suddenly lost back-toback games. The 55-point production was the worst output by the franchise ever.

UE upsets Cocolife in Superliga UNIVERSITY of the East-Cherrylume hung on tight to upset the Cocolife in five sets, 22-25, 26-24, 25-19, 21-25, 22-20, and capture the ninth place in the Chooks to GoPhilippine Superliga Invitational Conference Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Iron Lady Warriors saved the best for last as they survived five match points before dispatching the Asset Managers in two hours and 12 minutes and settle for the ninth place in this club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu, UCPB Gen and SOGO Hotel with ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV as broadcast partners Mary Anne Mendrez provided the clutch blows for UE-Cherrylume, denying Cocolife’s last three match points of the seven deuces.

With UE down, 19-20, Mendrez nailed the equalizer and Cocolife’s Justine Tiu overcooked her attack, giving the Lady Warriors the set point, 21-20. Mendrez then hit the game-winning service ace.

Mendrez erupted for 27 points off 24 kills and three service aces, including 28 digs.

Juliet Catindig was also impressive with 18 points, including 18 digs and 12 excellent receptions, while Judith Abil and Mariella Gabarda added 13 and 11 markers, respectively.

“We gave our all in our last game” said UE-Cherrylume head coach Rod Roque after getting a gracious exit in the midseason conference that also has Senoh, Asics, Mikasa, Mueller and Grand Sport as technical sponsors.

“When we joined, our only aim is to gain experience, learn from the senior players and adapt their strategy, mindset and communication in this exposure and preparation for UAAP.” The Iron Lady Warriors squandered a 2-1 set lead but did not back down in their neck-and-neck duel in the fifth set with the Asset Managers.

UE-Cherrylume reached match point first with a precarious 14-13 lead but Cocolife forced six more deuces before Mendrez’s heroics sealed the victory.

Cocolife crashed down in the last place of the 10-team Invitational conference.

Thai edges closer to Champion Tour crown

Thai Ploychompoo Wirairungreung lines up her putt on No. 18

CARMONA, Cavite—Thai Ploychompoo Wirairungreung slowed down with a 69 as she struggled with her putting form but kept her bogey-free run at the Legends course with a superb wedge game as she pulled away by four over Princess Superal and two others after two rounds of the ICTSI Champion Tour at the Manila Southwoods here yesterday.

From a lead-grabbing sevenbirdie binge in her first game at the bunker-laden layout, the power-hitting Wirairungreung settled for three this time but spiked her 34-35 card with a terrific short game that set up pars in five times that she went out of regulation, enabling her to go bogey-free in 36 holes.

With a 10-under 134 aggre-

gate, the 23-year-old shotmaker from Chiang Rai zeroed in on the coveted crown, this being a Taiwan LPGA Tour-sanctioned event, as she padded her overnight two-stroke lead to four heading to the final 18 holes of the first of two Champion Tour events put up by ICTSI. It is also Wirairungreung’s second crack at a Ladies Philippine Golf Tour diadem after losing by two to local amateur Yuka Saso in the circuit’s kickoff leg at Ayala Greenfield last January.

But with a huge lead and a peerless form—and unless her nearest pursuers come up with spectacular rounds in the last 18 holes, the tall Thai could well be in for a trouble-free ride to the throne.

“I can’t get a good read of the

breaks on the greens today (yesterday),” said Wirairungreung, who missed a number of birdie chances inside 10 feet.

Superal also missed seizing solo second with a late bogey on No. 7, the backside of her game, where her par putt from six feet lipped out. But her 68 put her alongside amateur Hou Yu-Chiang of Taiwan, who scrambled for a 71, and Thai Supamas Sangchan, who rallied with an eagle-aided 68, at 138.

“That miss (on No. 7) was huge.

I would’ve been down by only three,” said Superal, adding she would need her A-game off the mound in the final round to get a chance for the crown.

“Wirairungreung hits so long so I need to counter with precise drives,” said the Filipina ace.

Metrobank’s income rose 16% to P11b in 1st semester METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest lender in terms of assets, said net income in the first half climbed 16 percent to P11 billion from a year ago, buoyed by the sustained strength of core businesses.

Metrobank said in a statement Thursday net income in the second quarter jumped 31 percent to P5.2 billion from P3.9 billion a year ago.

Metrobank president Fabian Dee said the solid performance was driven by the core business, as the doubledigit growth in loans and sustained Casa (current and savings account) ratio lifted margins, while recurring expense growth was kept at a manageable level.

“We are pleased to see that our efforts continue to bear fruit. Coming from the heels of a successful capital raising at the start of the second quarter, we have started to build good momentum that should allow us to meet our growth targets,” Dee said.

“Together with achieving sustainable profitability, we are likewise making good progress in strengthening our risk management and operating controls,” he said.

The company said its loan growth guidance of high-teens was met, as the total portfolio expanded 18 percent year-on-year to P1.3 trillion.

The commercial segment led the growth at 21 percent, driven by the strong performance of top corporate accounts followed by middle market and SMEs. The consumer portfolio maintained its mid-teens growth.

Total deposits increased to P1.6 trillion at the end of the first half, and the bank’s Casa ratio was maintained at 62 percent. Julito G. Rada

Business

By Julito G. Rada

T

he peso closed at a new 12-year low of 53.53 against the US dollar Thursday, after the government announced that the balance of payments deficit ballooned to $3.26 billion in the first half from a shortfall of $706 million a year ago.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said the country’s widening merchandise trade deficit was weighing on the BoP position, which represents the country’s foreign exchange transactions with the rest of the world. Persistent BoP deficits eat into the country’s gross international

reserves and affect the value of the peso against the US dollar and other major currencies.

“The higher cumulative BoP deficit for the period may be attributed partly to the widening merchandise trade deficit [based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s preliminary data] for the first five months of the year that was brought about by the sustained rise in imports of raw materials and capital goods to support domestic economic expansion,” the Bangko Sentral said in a statement.

Data showed that in June alone, the BoP incurred a deficit of $1.18 billion, higher than the $569-million shortfall recorded in the same month last year.

Outflows in June stemmed mainly from foreign exchange operations of the

BSP and payments made by the government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations.

“These were partially offset, however, by net foreign currency deposits of the national government and income from the BSP’s investments abroad during the month,” the Bangko Sentral said.

The bank said the first-half BoP position was consistent with the gross international reserves level of $77.53 billion as of end-June 2018, which was down from a peak of $85.9 billion in September 2016.

“At this level, the GIR represents more than ample liquidity buffer and is equivalent to 7.5 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It is also equivalent to 6.2

FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III is seeking the support of top economists in improving the country’s corporate taxation system which he said is “plagued with structural defects.”

Dominguez, in a lunch meeting with economists, cited the need to improve the corporate tax system where a small select group of top enterprises enjoys preferential corporate income tax rates of just 6 percent to 13 percent while the small- and medium-scale enterprises pay the regular rate of 30 percent.

Dominguez also sought the guidance of the economic experts in fine-tuning the Finance Department’s proposal to reduce the CIT rates and modernize the investment incentives, which comprise the second package of the Duterte administration’s comprehensive tax reform program.

“It is in this historic moment that a statement of support from you, our country’s eminent economists, for the second tax reform package would be most welcome as those who benefit from the status quo are quite active and vocal in their opposition [of this reform],” Dominguez said.

He said the DoF needed the support of the economists for the basic proposals under Package 2 of the tax reform program. These included lowering the CIT rate while reorienting the fiscal incentives regime to attract the “industries of tomorrow”.

Julito G. Rada

ODA disbursements grew 11.5% in 2017

THE government’s disbursement of official development assistance loans increased 11.5 percent in 2017 to $1.40 billion from $1.25 billion in 2016, Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said Thursday.

Data showed that the disbursement rate, or the actual disbursement level as a percentage of target disbursement for the period, was at 67.21 percent, an increase from the previous year’s 61.12 percent.

The disbursement level of ODA loans refers to the amount of actual drawdown from loan proceeds.

He said the “availment rate increased by 6 percent to 71.50 percent.”

“This is the cumulative actual disbursements as a percentage of cumulative scheduled disbursement, both reckoned from the start of implementation up to the reporting period,” said Pernia.

The disbursement ratio―or the ratio of actual disbursements for a given year to the loan balance available at the beginning of that year inclusive of newly effective loans―increased to 16.66 percent, an increase of 29 percent from the previous year.

“This means implementing agencies are improving their technical capacities and making headway in resolving key issues that cause delays in the execution of programs and projects,” Pernia said.

The Philippines’ total outstanding ODA portfolio reached $14.72 billion as of end-2017, constituting 352 grants amounting to $2.42 billion and 70 loans amounting to $12.30 billion. Julito G. Rada

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018

B1

times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.2 times based on residual maturity,” the Bangko Sentral said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country’s trade-in-goods deficit hit $15.76 billion in the first five months, up 55 percent from $10.164-billion deficit a year ago.

This was driven by strong imports led by higher cost of crude and petroleum products.

Imports in January to May increased 10.9 percent to $42.68 billion, while exports fell 5 percent to $26.9 billion.

The BoP summarizes the country’s economic transactions with the rest of the world, with a deficit indicating that foreign exchange payments are more than what the country receives.

LRT common station to start construction in September

By Darwin G. Amojelar

ADB keeps 6.8% growth forecast

Corporate tax system plagued with defects

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

BoP deficit ballooned to $3.26b in H1

IN BRIEF THE Asian Development Bank kept its growth forecast of 6.8 percent for the Philippines this year and 6.9 percent in 2019.

“Sustained growth momentum was attributed mainly to accelerated spending on government infrastructure development and other programs to develop human capital,” the ADB said in a supplement to its Asian Development Outlook 2018 report released in April.

“As part of the ongoing tax reform, a reduction in personal income tax for most of the workforce will boost disposable income and consumption.

With these assumptions, this supplement maintains the growth outlook at 6.8 percent in 2018 and 6.9 percent in 2019,” the ADB said.

It said the Philippines was among the economies in the Asia-Pacific region that would not be affected by the rising trade tensions between the United States and its trading partners.

The ADB said growth in Asia and the Pacific would likely reach 6 percent in 2018 and 5.9 percent in 2019, in line with its previous projections.

“Although rising trade tensions remain a concern for the region, protectionist trade measures implemented so far in 2018 have not significantly dented buoyant trade flows to and from developing Asia,” ADB chief economist Yasuyuki Sawada said in a statement. Julito G. Rada

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

FRANCHISE CONFERENCE. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (fourth from left) delivers the keynote address on ‘Pump-Priming the Economy and its Effect to the Business Sector’ at the opening of this year’s two-day Franchise Asia Philippines 2018 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. With Lopez are (from left) PFA vice chair Robert Trota, president of Max’s Group; PFA president Richard Sanz, chief executive of Food Asia Corp.; PFA chair for Asean and Franchise Asia Philippines 2018 overall chair Sam Christopher Lim; Franchise Asia Philippines 2018 Conference chair Alice Liu; PFA chairman emeritus Samie Lim, chairman of Blims Lifestyle Group; PFA vice chair and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ma. Alegria Sibal- Limjoco; and PFA chairman Alan Escalona, president of Fruit Magic.

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, July 19, 2018

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

53.4690

Japan

Yen

0.008863

0.4739

UK

Pound

1.307000

69.8840

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127395

6.8117

Switzerland

Franc

1.001302

53.5386

Canada

Dollar

0.759359

40.6022

Singapore

Dollar

0.732815

39.1829

Australia

Dollar

0.739700

39.5510

Bahrain

Dinar

2.645503

141.4524

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

14.2576

Brunei

Dollar

0.730140

39.0399

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.029985

1.6033

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

14.5581

Euro

Euro

1.163900

62.2326

Korea

Won

0.000885

0.0473

China

Yuan

0.148798

7.9561

India

Rupee

0.014573

0.7792

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.246488

13.1795

New Zealand

Dollar

0.679200

36.3161

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032693

1.7481

Source: PDS Bridge

Weaker peso expected to reduce profit of Toyota Motors PH by P1b

By Othel V. Campos STA. ROSA, Laguna—Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. said the weak peso is expected to reduce its financial performance in 2018 by P1 billion.

TMP president Saturo Suzuki said the continued depreciation of the peso would impact on the company’s financials and force it to raise prices of vehicles again.

“Sooner or later we will consider imposing price increase. For other models, we’re studying the increase in price,” Suzuki told reporters Thursday at the roll-off ceremonies for the all-new Vios at the Toyota assembly plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

TMP imports parts for locally-assembled Vios and Innova. TMP vice president for marketing Jose Maria Atienza said prices of some models were already adjusted by an average of 2.3 percent.

TMP, the third largest company in the country in terms of revenues, saw its net

income rise 11 percent to P13.4 billion in 2017 from P12.1 billion in 2016, as consolidated sales climbed 19 percent to P185.3 billion from P155.8 billion.

TMP sold 183,908 vehicles in 2017, based on data from parent company GT Capital Holdings Inc. TMP executives said they were seriously looking at the impact of a weaker peso on the company’s operations.

Suzuki also noted the slower sales of Toyota Vios, the company’s entry to the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy, the government’s incentive program for the automotive industry.

“As long as the peso level continues, we will also continue to increase our price levels by twice a year,” said Suzuki.

He said TMP was employing several measures to contain the impact of the weaker peso. Suzuki said that on top of the price increase, the company was also implementing cost cutting measures.

THE Department of Transportation said it expects to finally start the construction of the common station linking Light Rail Transit Line 1, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and the planned MRT 7 by September this year.

“By August, we expect to award the contract for the construction of the common station,” Transportation Undersecretary for rails Timothy John Batan said.

Batan said the construction of the project would start in September and would be completed by 2020.

The P2.8-billion common station will be financed and built by the DOTr. The government and its private sector partners signed a memorandum of agreement in January last year for the construction of the common station.

SM Group’s Hans Sy, Ayala Corp.’s Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, San Miguel Corp.’s Ramon Ang, Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Manuel Pangilinan and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade signed the memorandum of agreement to build the common station.

The MoA contains the design parameters for the common station, which will be the basis of the detailed designs that will be developed after the signing.

The location is agreed to be between the original 2009 location in front of SM Annex and the 2014 location near Trinoma mall.

The common station project started in 2009 but was put on hold due to legal issues. The Light Rail Transit Authority signed a deal with SMPHI to build the station near SM North Edsa.

Five years later, the Transportation Department decided to build the station near Ayala’s Trinoma, citing reasons to cut costs.

The court intervened and issued a temporary restraining order in favor of SMPHI to stop the construction of the project.

NTC cuts telcos’ interconnection charges THE National Telecommunications Commission said Thursday it issued a circular requiring Smart Communications and Globe Telecom to reduce the interconnection charges on text messages and voice calls.

The agency said the circular aimed to make telecom services more affordable to Filipino consumers.

Under NTC’s Memorandum Circular No. 05-07-2018, the interconnection rates for mobile voice calls will be reduced from P2.50 to P0.50 per minute, while the interconnection charges for short messaging services will be slashed from P0.15 to P0.05 per text.

The annual reports submitted by telcos to the NTC showed that the costs of interconnection in the last three years averaged only P0.486 per minute for mobile calls and P0.44 per SMS. These rates were much higher than in India and Australia, but lower than in other Southeast Asian countries.

The NTC said that in India, the interconnection rate is P0.0154 for text and P0.067 per minute for voice services.

In Australia, the interconnection rate is P0.012 for SMS and P0.067 per minute for voice services.

Interconnection charges for voice services in Thailand stood at P0.56 per minute; Malaysia, P0.48; Indonesia, P0.93; Cambodia, P2.42; and Vietnam, P1.26.

PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom cut the interconnection charges for voice calls by 40 percent, or from P4 per minute to P2.50 per minute for mobile to mobile and landline to mobile voice calls in January 2017.

Access charges for mobile to landline voice calls cost P3 per minute.

The access charge for SMS between mobile operators was reduced from P0.35 per SMS to P0.15 per SMS effective Nov. 30, 2011, but it was not implemented because of a pending case filed before the Supreme Court.

Telcos’ voice and text revenues were affected by the popularity of Internetbased or over-the-top applications such as Viber, Facebook, Skype and Whatsapp. Darwin G. Amojelar

HEART-HEALTHY NATION. Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil teams up with the Philippine Heart Center to spread the campaign for delicious, heart-healthy food.

Jolly Heart Mate brand ambassador Donita Rose (center, front row) is shown with the Philippine Heart Center team. Rose and Chef DJ Santos showed more than a hundred guests in a recent PHC seminar how to make Ube Champorado with fried danggit and Rib Eye Tapa dishes more heart-friendly using Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks fall; Ayala, GT Capital dip

T Asia.

he stock market retreated Thursday on profit-taking and in step with losses in

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 63.50 points, or 0.8 percent, to 7,387.87 on a value turnover of P3.7 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 117 to 72, with 46 issues unchanged.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. lost 3 percent to P950, while GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon George Ty slumped 4.1 percent to P929.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water and electricity distribution, power generation and hospitals, declined 3.5 percent to P4.44, while SSI Group Inc., the biggest specialty store retailer, tumbled 6.1 percent to P1.86.

The rest of Asian markets mostly fell Thursday, as the US Federal Reserve

chief’s upbeat assessment of the economy failed to allay concerns about a global trade war.

In his second day of congressional testimony on Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell expressed optimism over the US economy.

But he warned that the spiraling global trade row was having a negative impact on companies in the US. “We hear from our extensive network of business contacts a rising chorus of concerns,” he said.

US President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs on products from China worth tens of billions of dollars, and has threatened to target hundreds of billions more, on top of import taxes on steel and aluminum that have angered allies such as the EU. “Powell was pretty straightforward on the risks from the trade policy uncertainty though he tried to stay out of

the political debate,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader.

The Fed chief said US businesses were already being hurt by reciprocal tariffs on key products, pointing out: “The bottom line is a more protectionist economy is less competitive, less productive.”

However, he also said that if Trump’s trade policy resulted in lower tariffs, that would be good for the US economy.

Hong Kong closed down 0.4 percent while Shanghai was 0.5 percent lower.

Seoul fell 0.3 percent and Tokyo edged down 0.1 percent, snapping a four-day winning streak.

“Profit-taking emerged after four days of gains,” said Hikaru Sato, senior technical analyst at Daiwa Securities.

“But the decline was limited due to a weak yen and gains in US shares,” Sato told AFP.

Sydney gained 0.3 percent while Singapore rose one percent.

In a sign of worsening tensions over the trade dispute, a senior economic adviser to Trump attacked Chinese President Xi Jinping for blocking an agreement to resolve the issue.

“I think Xi is holding the game up,” said Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council. “I don’t think President Xi has any intention of following through on the discussions we’ve made.”

Oil reversed minor gains made earlier on the back of data from the US Department of Energy which showed a fall in distillate stockpiles, including gasoline.

“The gasoline numbers were marginally optimistic enough to raise supply concerns,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at Oanda trading group. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59 96.7 2.84 131 1.53 33.2 16.6 14.6 3.47 8.58 1.63 879.5 0.52 70.1 1.03 46.4 189 117.7 28.65 211 84.1 1.19

59.6 96.7 2.84 131 1.53 33.2 16.6 14.7 3.8 8.6 1.8 879.5 0.53 70.45 1.06 46.6 193.9 117.7 28.75 212 84.2 1.19

59 95.95 2.84 128.6 1.53 33 16.6 14.5 3.44 8.58 1.58 879.5 0.51 69.5 1.03 46.35 189 110 28.55 210.2 84.1 1.19

FINANCIALS 59.6 8,110 96 442,410 2.84 2,000 129.6 630,100 1.53 2,000 33.1 483,400 16.6 100 14.54 127,300 3.67 290,000 8.6 2,600 1.65 915,000 879.5 10 0.53 653,000 69.5 3,700,970 1.04 476,000 46.35 512,400 193 2,190 110 720 28.55 61,400 211.6 232,060 84.1 3,680 1.19 26,000

481,500 42,530,805 5,680 81,606,833 3,060 15,972,460 1,660 1,856,640 1,032,880 22,320 1,557,590 8,795 340,320 258,618,945.5(95 496,370 23,750,210 422,560 79,277 1,760,285 49,046,168 309,492 30,940

291,500 -17,397,892 -2,098,546 -1,565,370 -454,588 -7,480 1,270 ,373,253.0003) -34,910 -16,273,950 -108,490 8,101,852 -206,890 -

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

36.55 15.78 0.73 1.16 0.26 3.22 15.8 42.4 21.3 52.3 74 1.85 7.89 10.2 15.82 10.6 7.3 5.22 15.36 61.8 24.45 7.4 13.14 2.31 254.2 27 11.9 16.98 358.6 0.182 6.99 2.3 4.15 8.8 5.42 7.97 1.24 12 56.8 4.68 2.27 3.59 1.76 13.22 5.29 0.127 1.25 131.8 2.45 21 1.5

36.7 15.92 0.75 1.18 0.27 3.29 15.84 42.5 22 52.3 74.4 1.88 7.89 10.26 15.9 10.86 7.3 5.24 15.36 62 24.5 7.4 13.14 2.42 254.4 27 11.9 17.5 358.6 0.182 6.99 2.3 4.15 8.83 5.54 7.97 1.25 12.02 57.25 4.68 2.43 3.59 1.78 13.38 5.35 0.127 1.38 132.8 2.48 21 1.5

36.25 15.7 0.68 1.15 0.25 3.2 15.8 41 21.3 52 66.8 1.83 7.7 10.16 15.78 10.6 7.21 5.14 15.24 61 23.1 7.36 12.9 2.3 251 26.8 11.5 16.92 355 0.182 6.8 2.2 4.15 8.75 5.41 7.9 1.2 12 56.5 4.65 2.27 3.25 1.76 13.2 5.29 0.127 1.13 131.6 2.4 21 1.38

INDUSTRIAL 36.4 726,600 15.92 489,400 0.71 10,677,000 1.15 211,000 0.265 10,420,000 3.2 3,531,000 15.8 3,100 41 514,900 22 4,100 52 980 66.8 3,170 1.83 23,000 7.89 7,500 10.22 400,300 15.86 406,100 10.82 3,000 7.28 245,400 5.14 4,772,700 15.3 103,300 61.15 17,810 24.05 9,900 7.39 22,700 13 2,083,800 2.36 1,925,000 253 164,630 26.9 61,900 11.6 17,700 17.2 15,274,500 358 185,530 0.182 50,000 6.8 1,700 2.25 2,892,000 4.15 1,000 8.79 320,000 5.44 181,200 7.9 13,900 1.23 491,000 12 20,100 56.75 994,760 4.65 47,000 2.37 322,000 3.25 9,000 1.76 541,000 13.2 65,500 5.35 78,500 0.127 50,000 1.25 12,355,000 132 1,172,760 2.42 4,129,000 21 300 1.39 6,898,000

26,494,655 7,736,166 7,538,600 243,090 2,711,150 11,425,260 49,032 21,392,105 87,895 51,136 225,860 42,510 58,862 4,089,328 6,447,076 32,132 1,783,723 24,769,146 1,578,956 1,093,247 237,610 167,608 27,079,532 4,523,050 41,477,148 1,665,740 209,664 263,654,746 66,326,800 9,100 11,799 6,506,280 1 4,150 2,813,794 987,704 109,991 603,880 241,238 56,538,633.50 218,580 752,660 30,610 954,200 865,492 416,250 6,350 15,492,560 154,840,280 10,077,030 6,300 9,821,500

-1,491,855 923,462 259,980 130,000 4,454,150 -24,986 15,040 -196,948 -1,288,724 -10,202,041 51,882 128,516.50 2,913,230 -13,731,784 -433,700 117,572 -133,043,254 8,196,444 ,104,200.0001 1,227,649 0 -340,370 2,254,093.50 200,828 37,100 63,520 70,848,298 333,380 28,070

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

0.247 53.2 11.84 6.15 31.55 0.72 0.73 971 6.24 11 7.1 4.49 4.6 969 5.97 53.65 5.36 0.63 3.65 17.48 0.68 4.6 0.038 1.33 2.79 2.65 137 2.82 919 0.75 1.61 259.6 0.35

0.249 53.55 11.9 6.15 33.25 0.74 0.75 972 6.24 11.16 7.2 4.5 4.74 974.5 5.97 53.65 5.36 0.63 3.65 17.5 0.7 4.63 0.038 1.35 2.83 2.65 137 2.82 919 0.75 1.62 260 0.355

0.245 52.45 11.68 6.02 31.55 0.71 0.73 944.5 6.2 10.92 7 4.49 4.6 915 5.97 52 5.35 0.61 3.55 16.96 0.66 4.42 0.037 1.3 2.78 2.65 135.8 2.78 899 0.75 1.58 258 0.335

HOLDING FIRMS 0.245 320,000 52.8 1,111,260 11.68 2,619,900 6.02 90,000 33 278,100 0.73 13,924,000 0.74 3,302,000 950 285,420 6.2 17,115,300 11.16 1,980,300 7.2 274,900 4.5 4,000 4.74 24,000 929 152,760 5.97 22,000 53 438,380 5.35 4,500 0.61 880,000 3.55 979,000 17 7,524,900 0.68 4,979,000 4.44 30,792,000 0.038 3,900,000 1.3 1,920,000 2.8 638,000 2.65 52,000 137 67,800 2.78 4,000 900 188,860 0.75 32,000 1.62 468,000 260 380 0.34 32,410,000

78,940 58,919,226 30,783,294 543,359 9,119,425 10,108,350 2,412,880 271,766,085 106,216,766 21,866,764 1,947,170 17,980 111,080 142,280,705 131,340 23,185,999.50 24,090 536,970 3,479,970 128,958,434 3,368,450 138,000,840 144,800 2,538,520 1,785,740 137,800 9,285,501 11,240 170,687,485 24,000 744,890 98,672 11,053,400

-25,110,547 -6,978,008 134,876.00 437,395 1,014,700 -111,902,615 -93,153,974 9,126,294 -25,948,100 2,934,646 263,830 -33,793,526 675,000 -81,023,120 50,920 111,600 -3,905,795 -8,464,095 -7,800 -

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

7.26 0.96 1.95 0.72 38.5 3.14 4.6 5.38 0.43 0.91 0.9 0.219 0.4 8.79 25.15 0.61 1.45 1.23 1.49 4.65 0.61 0.45 0.495 3.79 19.8 1.98

7.84 0.96 1.95 0.73 38.75 3.18 4.66 5.4 0.43 0.93 0.9 0.223 0.4 8.9 25.15 0.61 1.48 1.23 1.51 4.66 0.62 0.45 0.51 3.83 19.88 2.02

7.23 0.95 1.95 0.7 38.2 3.14 4.52 5.26 0.425 0.91 0.9 0.218 0.395 8.79 24.95 0.6 1.44 1.22 1.39 4.55 0.6 0.435 0.495 3.7 19.4 1.98

24,587,112 1,376,910 72,150 89,600 184,884,570 117,240 2,492,710 750,568 528,850 3,680 117,000 421,870 134,350 2,885,155 20,330,020 492,400 7,714,660 1,252,150 20,451,100 40,447,480 10,239,770 1,676,200 288,450 10,428,700 12,214,906 94,070

-2,409,677 55,048,295 3,170 -391,532 850,525 -492,400 -5,827,190 -1,945,460 -7,966,740 2,038,630 -339,380 74,020

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

36.6 1.1 7.6 0.8 5.99

37 1.1 7.6 0.8 6

36.45 1.09 7.4 0.78 5.93

36.55 1.1 7.55 0.78 6

3,045,200 48,000 461,900 14,000 5,272,400

111,376,865 52,630 3,453,026 10,960 31,497,634

-12,085,835 116,284 -19,581,182

2GO GROUP ABS CBN APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY MELCO RESORTS METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS PHIL RACING 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

14.1 22.95 0.47 0.043 13 9.79 0.054 71.6 8.42 6.75 7.36 27.35 910 1,735 5.4 278 3.7 2.15 79.95 7.9 0.139 2.82 3.5 14.68 4.38 1.03 24.4 0.435 4.31 5.77 2.63 2.08 2.07 9.32 11.1 8.7 3.22 8.11 118 5.45 1,367 0.9 0.345 46 82.95 8.25 2.02 1.16 0.52 5 0.75 11.04

14.18 22.95 0.475 0.044 13.66 9.79 0.054 71.6 8.42 6.94 7.36 32.75 910 1,745 5.4 279 3.85 2.15 80.5 7.9 0.139 2.82 3.59 14.68 4.38 1.04 25.2 0.44 4.39 6.15 2.66 2.1 2.1 9.71 11.1 9 3.22 8.11 118 5.73 1,370 0.91 0.355 46.3 83 8.25 2.02 1.16 0.55 5 0.76 11.3

14.04 22.1 0.46 0.043 13 9.65 0.053 70.15 8.41 6.65 7.35 27 910 1,723 5.38 278 3.69 2.15 79.15 7.9 0.136 2.72 3.43 14.68 4.19 1.02 24.2 0.435 4.3 5.68 2.55 2.01 2.05 9.22 11.1 8.7 3.22 8.11 115 5.45 1,355 0.86 0.34 45.5 82.3 8.05 1.86 1.13 0.5 4.91 0.73 11.02

SERVICES 14.1 22.95 0.475 0.044 13.5 9.7 0.053 70.15 8.42 6.9 7.35 32.5 910 1,745 5.39 279 3.79 2.15 79.85 7.9 0.137 2.8 3.5 14.68 4.28 1.04 24.25 0.44 4.3 6.15 2.55 2.03 2.05 9.5 11.1 8.8 3.22 8.11 115 5.67 1,366 0.86 0.355 45.7 83 8.2 1.86 1.14 0.54 4.97 0.73 11.12

7,000 70,800 1,750,000 2,000,000 2,800 3,292,500 1,140,000 115,290 2,400 769,900 200 1,477,100 1,090 14,385 87,500 2,170 1,625,000 1,000 772,050 25,000 3,980,000 4,136,000 31,000 100 810,000 576,000 262,900 20,000 184,000 3,494,600 3,109,000 356,000 86,000 3,780,200 4,600 10,000 4,000 1,400 6,350 1,722,500 31,695 8,375,000 770,000 127,800 324,940 7,700 25,434,000 227,000 89,285,000 739,600 3,212,000 2,206,900

98,782 1,604,460 818,900 87,700 37,380 31,941,298 60,460 8,191,314.50 20,198 5,266,256 1,471 45,512,685 991,900 24,997,665 472,194 605,400 6,151,440 2,150 61,549,428 197,500 545,040 11,440,460 108,330 1,468 3,456,590 590,610 6,417,790 8,750 794,470 20,848,639 8,062,330 722,960 179,300 35,771,431 51,060 88,170 12,880 11,354 731,390 9,718,906 43,249,320 7,342,560 263,950 5,863,160 26,936,694 62,705 48,829,810 260,310 48,114,500 3,656,099 2,362,350 24,550,762

80 24,300 2,831,123.00 -2,896,814 203,444 1,052,785 16,392,735 175,770 -546,950 -30,150,642 73,840 225,090 259,700 16,782,407 4,960 105,000 705,361.00 -197,790 -219,070 19,982,940 -1,194,450 -2,329,110 -18024462.5 2,752,460 -115,000 -1,641,940 -589,389 -486,570 -10,702,692

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

0.0026 1.44 3.93 21.5 1.7 1.89 0.305 7.72 2.11 0.21 0.121 0.128 1.5 4.45 1.24 0.53 1.13 0.012 0.011 2.98 4.34 10.5 31.65

0.0026 1.44 3.93 21.5 1.7 1.9 0.33 7.72 2.11 0.22 0.128 0.128 1.5 4.45 1.24 0.55 1.16 0.012 0.012 2.98 4.34 10.58 31.65

0.0025 1.41 3.92 20.3 1.7 1.83 0.3 7.39 2.08 0.208 0.121 0.128 1.5 4.33 1.16 0.52 1.12 0.012 0.011 2.85 4.29 10.1 31.4

MINING & OIL 0.0026 174,000,000 1.41 1,202,000 3.92 22,000 21.4 10,600 1.7 2,000 1.87 2,210,000 0.305 2,320,000 7.72 300 2.11 922,000 0.219 160,000 0.125 4,160,000 0.128 60,000 1.5 24,000 4.33 163,000 1.19 166,000 0.55 70,000 1.16 1,432,000 0.012 500,000 0.012 2,000,000 2.85 36,000 4.34 414,000 10.2 641,000 31.5 397,500

435,700 1,699,390 86,440 223,140 3,400 4,115,720 717,850 2,283 1,936,380 33,820 510,720 7,680 36,000 710,360 195,750 37,250 1,642,640 6,000 22,200 102,730 1,781,340 6,562,736 12,519,400

-11,360 -7,840 525,000 156,890 11,500 -181,300 385,782 2,718,375

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PNX PREF 3A SFI PREF SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H

19 505 502 101.1 5.15 960 1.03 102.5 1,030 101.8 1.98 76.15 79 75.15 77 75.3 75.5

19.8 505 508 101.2 5.26 960 1.04 102.5 1,030 101.8 1.98 76.15 79.25 75.15 77 75.3 75.5

19 505 502 101.1 5.15 955 1.03 102.5 1,030 101.8 1.98 76.15 79 75.1 77 75.3 75.2

PREFERRED 19.02 10,900 505 10 508 2,010 101.2 39,700 5.15 131,500 955 400 1.04 167,000 102.5 3,580 1,030 205 101.8 500 1.98 5,000 76.15 470 79.25 33,120 75.1 13,340 77 260 75.3 14,300 75.5 105,050

215,428 5,050 1,009,080 4,014,690 677,258 382,805 172,030 366,950 211,150 50,900 9,900 35,790.50 2,616,485 1,002,334 20,020 1,076,790 7,924,600

-15,528 -665,413 9,900 2,614,900 -

LR WARRANT

2.6

2.6

2.45

WARRANTS 2.52 231,000

584,020

-

2,694,669 5,224,900

-1,276 687,520

638,405

-31,024

122,127 100,000

90,200

MS

PROPERTY 7.7 0.96 1.95 0.73 38.5 3.17 4.66 5.36 0.43 0.93 0.9 0.218 0.395 8.81 25 0.6 1.45 1.22 1.42 4.58 0.61 0.435 0.5 3.75 19.7 2.02

3,241,200 1,445,000 37,000 125,000 4,808,300 37,000 538,000 140,500 1,230,000 4,000 130,000 1,920,000 340,000 327,400 813,600 818,000 5,317,000 1,025,000 13,991,000 8,835,000 16,819,000 3,850,000 580,000 2,776,000 621,100 47,000

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.08 3.25

5.18 3.25

5.07 3.15

FIRST METRO ETF

110.8

111

110.2

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.1 10

10.2 10

10 10

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

9,995,281

INDUSTRIAL

82,977,031

HOLDING FIRMS

132,877,441

PROPERTY

78,718,830

SERVICES

175,063,377

MINING & OIL

190,921,825

GRAND TOTAL

672,724,267

5.15 3.17

SME

524,500 1,640,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 110.2 5,780 10.1 10

DDS

12,110 10,000

VALUE 1,826.48 (down) 8.49 593,096,718.65 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,582.20 (down) 22.29 797,049,113.61 HOLDING FIRMS 7,197.93 (down) 109.38 1,214,798,999.18 PROPERTY 3,622.38 (down) 22.60 1,451.16 (up) 0.40 494,559,771.785 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,665.99 (down) 74.30 547,181,356.25 PSEI 7,387.87 (down0 63.50 33,400,070.49 All Shares Index 4,462.44 (down) 30.07 3,688,644,923.97 Gainers: 72; Losers: 117; Unchanged: 46; Total: 235

Cirtek hikes capital base to over P1b from P860m

By Jenniffer B. Austria CIRTEK Holdings Philippines Inc. is increasing its capital stock to P1.02 billion from P860 million to give the company the flexibility to raise fresh capital to support its expansion plans.

Cirtek said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board approved an increase in the company’s authorized capital stock to P1.02 billion by increasing the common shares by P120 million and the preferred A shares by P40 million.

“The increase in authorized capital and consequent increase in common shares and creation of preferred C shares give the company the flexibility to raise both equity and debt capital to support business growth, operating expansion and new R&D programs,” Cirtek said.

The Cirtek board also approved the reclassification of 100 million preferred B shares to 100 million preferred C shares. It reduced the par value of common shares to P0.50 per share from P1 and trimmed the par value of preferred S shares to P0.05 from P0.10 apiece.

Cirtek has scheduled a special stockholders’ meeting on Sept 7 to seek shareholders approval on the proposed amendments.

Cirtek reported a net income of $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2018, up 14 percent from a year ago, while consolidated revenues rose 53 percent to $25.9 million.

Revenue contribution from Quintel, a leading provider of advanced highefficiency, high-performance antenna solution acquired in October 2017, reached $14.7 million for the threemonth period. Quintel registered a net loss of $1.1 million in the same period.

Cirtek said Quintel, however, achieved break-even operations in March and was expected to be profitable starting in the second quarter of the year.

Revenues from the semiconductor business amounted to $9.4 million, up four percent from $8.9 million on year.

Cirtek, which is primarily engaged in providing complete manufacturing solutions for value-added, highly integrated radio frequency, microwave and millimeterwave technology products, expects Quintel to become the company’s largest revenue contributor over the next couple of years.

SEC revokes Timberland’s license to sell THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the petition of Timberland Sports and Nature Club Inc., owned by Filinvest Land Inc., to voluntarily revoke its permit to sell securities.

The SEC in an order granted the company’s request for voluntary revocation and slapped the company with P337,642 in penalty for the planned revocation.

TSNCI said it would return the investments of current club shareholders and members in the amount equivalent to the present fair market value of the shares.

The club as of August 15, 2017 had 134 stockholders. The list includes both Class A and Class B shares.

“Considering that the petition and the documents attached thereto are complete and that no party stood to suffer any damage from the renovation, an order revoking the registration of the club may be issued,” the SEC said.

The SEC said no party had also come forward to oppose the TNSCI’s petition.

The SEC originally imposed a penalty of P1.205 million against TSNCI, prompting the club to request for a reprimand instead of the fine.

The SEC decided to reduce the penalty to P337,624 instead of P1.205 million.

Opened in 2008, the club is situated within the master-planned Timberland Heights, a vast 677-hectare resort town development of Filinvest Land in San Mateo, Rizal province.

Just a 15-minute drive from the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, the nine-hectare sports and recreational development offers wide range of activities and amenities for the entire family, including nature activities, sports and recreation, spa and fitness, as well as overnight accommodations.

Jenniffer B. Austria

World IN BRIEF Six held in rape of Russian tourist

NEW DELHI―Indian police were holding six men on Thursday after a Russian tourist was allegedly drugged and gang-raped in a popular southern tourist town, officials said.

Media reports said the 21-year-old had bite marks on her face and arms when she was found naked and unconscious on the floor of her hostel room early on Monday.

“Six men have been detained over the rape and drugging of the woman,” investigating officer Mangayar Karasi told AFP. The woman, who was traveling on her own, had arrived in the town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu state, 190 kilometers from Chennai, last Thursday.

Those in custody included the hostel manager and her tourist guide, who told police he found her on the floor hours after they had consensual sex, another investigator said.

She said the woman was being treated in hospital for a drug overdose and minor injuries, with efforts being made to record her statement.

The medical report had confirmed sexual assault, the officer said.

Local and foreign tourists flock to Tiruvannamalai for its 9th-century Annamalaiyar Temple, one of the largest Hindu temple complexes spread over 10 hectares.

Sexual violence is rife in India with nearly 110 rapes reported every day but activists say that figure is the tip of the iceberg as most cases go unreported.

Several foreign tourists have been sexually assaulted in India in recent months.

Last month a Japanese tourist was raped by a taxi driver in a north Indian town, followed by the rape of a 20-year-old Canadian tourist by her guest house owner in Delhi.

India’s junior interior minister Wednesday told the national parliament that 110,333 rape cases were reported in the country between 2014 and 2016. AFP

B3

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Novichok suspects are Russians’

L

ONDON―Police believe they have identified suspects who carried out the Novichok attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury, the Press Association reported Thursday.

“Investigators believe they have identified the suspected perpetrators of the Novichok attack through CCTV and have cross-checked this with records of people who entered the country around that time,” a source with knowledge of the investigation told PA, the British domestic news agency.

“They [investigators] are sure they

[suspects] are Russian,” the source added.

Scotland Yard police headquarters refused to comment on the report when contacted by AFP. Ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia collapsed in the city of Salisbury on March 4 after being exposed to the nerve agent Novichok.

Both have since recovered.

Britain blamed Russia for the poisoning of Skripal, a former military intelligence colonel who was jailed for betraying Russian agents to Britain’s MI6 foreign intelligence service.

He left Russia for England in a 2010 spy swap.

Russia has strongly denied involvement in the Skripal attack,

sparking a diplomatic row that has led to tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions between Britain and its allies and Russia.

Two Britons fell ill in June after being exposed to Novichok in the same region of southwest England. Experts are seeking to establish whether the toxin was from the same batch used against the Skripals.

Charlie Rowley, 45, and his 44-yearold partner Dawn Sturgess, collapsed at his house in Amesbury, a town close to Salisbury, within hours of each other on June 30.

Sturgess died on July 8, while Rowley has regained consciousness and is in stable condition.

PA said investigators believe Sturgess was exposed to at least 10 times the

Thousands evacuate Syria towns

China seizes 156 mammoth tusks

BEIJING―Chinese customs authorities said they seized 156 prehistoric mammoth tusks from a truck entering from Russia in one of the country’s largest such hauls.

The contraband was seized in late April at a border crossing in northeastern China’s Heilongjiang province bordering on Siberia, but the find was only announced this week by Chinese customs, state media said.

The haul, which also included two elephant tusks and a range of other animal parts, was hidden under a shipment of soybeans.

Eight suspects, including Russians and Chinese, had been arrested, the People’s Daily said.

China banned the sale and processing of elephant ivory last year after having banned its import in 2015.

This, along with global efforts to stamp out the ivory trade to save elephants from extinction, have led smugglers to turn to a stock of ancient mammoth tusks buried mostly in Siberia but also Europe and North America.

The People’s Daily said the shipment as a whole was one of China’s largest involving animal parts in recent years.

The official Xinhua news agency said the inventory included “two elephant tusks, 1,276 antelope horns, 156 mammoth tusks, 406 walrus tusks, 226 narwhal tusks, as well as gall bladders and bear teeth and 320 kilos of sea cucumbers.”

A wide variety of animal parts are sought after in China as traditional medicines or for other uses, while ivory carving is an ancient art in the country.

The latest seizure’s estimated value was 106 million yuan ($15.7 million), Xinhua said, adding that an investigation was under way. AFP

Japanese envoy Iwai wins Iraqi hearts, minds BAGHDAD―While foreign diplomats often struggle to win over ordinary Iraqis, Japan’s departing ambassador has stolen hearts―thanks to witty social media videos in classical Arabic and local dialects.

Fumio Iwai has been in post in Baghdad for less than three years, but his fan base reaches far beyond the heavily fortified walls of the diplomatic Green Zone.

Hundreds of thousands have been reeled in by his humble charm.

And never more so than when the bespectacled and wiry ambassador recorded a missive wearing an Iraq football jersey ahead of a potentially divisive World Cup qualifier.

The opponents? Japan.

Iraqi civil servant Haydar al-Banna remembers this dispatch by Iwai―in June last year, since watched by over 730,000 people―fondly.

The ambassador said “I will be happy if our team [Japan] win, and I will be sad if the Iraqi team loses”, recalls 35-year-old Banna.

Moments like this have seen Iraqis claim the diplomat as their own, impressed by his deft navigation of a country still engulfed by chaos 15 years after the USled invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.

“We say he is an Iraqi―he is like someone who has lived here for 50 years,” Banna says.

Iwai’s journey in the Arab world began 30 years ago, on his bosses’ orders.

“The Japanese foreign ministry ordered me to learn Arabic,” the 67-year-old tells AFP. The young diplomat spent two years in Egypt, living with a family and immersing himself in the language.

Iwai says Arabic is “one of the most difficult [tongues] in the world, because of the vast number of words and expressions”. AFP

amount of nerve agent as the Skripals came into contact with.

Rowley’s brother Matthew told BBC news that the 45-year-old had told him the Novichok was contained in a perfume bottle.

Police have said it was detected in a “small bottle”.

An inquest into the death of Sturgess was to open on Thursday at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court in Salisbury.

In English law, inquests are held to examine violent, unnatural or unexplained deaths. They set out to determine the place and time of death as well as how the deceased came by their death, but do not apportion blame.

The inquest will be formally opened but then adjourned to a later date. AFP

AWARDS FOR COURAGE. From left, Host Danica Patrick, Sarah Klein, Tiffany Thomas Lopez, Aly Raisman and the recipients of the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage speak onstage at The 2018 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Cave boys describe their two-week ordeal CHIANG RAI, Thailand―It was meant to be a fun excursion after football practice, but it turned into a life-threatening, two-week ordeal for a group of youngsters trapped in a cave with rising waters and no apparent escape route.

When coach Ekkapol Chantawong led 12 members of his “Wild Boar” youth football team into the mouth of northern Thailand’s Tham Luang cave complex on 23 June, he thought they’d be no more than an hour.

“We didn’t have anything with us, no food,” he recalled at a press conference on Wednesday where the now worldfamous team recounted their harrowing ordeal and miraculous escape in their own words for the first time.

One of his pupils had a tutor class to get to later that evening. And besides, Ekkapol thought, the team often explored the complex after practice and

knew its meandering tunnels well.

Thailand’s wet season was just around the corner―a period of monsoonal downpours that often flood the cave― and there were already pools of water inside the mouth.

A sign outside the cave warned against entry during the monsoon.

But the kids were keen to have an adventure.

“We were discussing whether we wanted to explore the cave and, if so, how we would have to swim,” the 25-year-old coach, a much-loved mentor to the boys, recalled. “It would be wet, it would be cold. Everybody said yes.”

The team, aged 11 to 16, left their bikes and football boots near the opening of the cave before one of the boys waded into the water. The rest followed.

Had the heavens not opened, the Wild Boars would have been home by mid-

afternoon.

Instead, a sudden deluge forced them deep inside the cave as floodwaters rushed through the entrance and steadily rose up the walls.

That fateful decision sparked one of the most remarkable, touch-and-go cave rescue operations in history.

It brought Thai Navy SEALs and international cave diving experts together to pull off the fiendishly difficult task of first locating the missing boys and then extracting them through miles of flooded passageways, as a breathless world looked on.

One former Thai Navy SEAL, Saman Kunan, died when his air ran out during a resupply mission.

Trapped in the dank, pitch-black darkness, the boys had no idea whether anyone was even coming for them―let alone that they had generated non-stop global headlines. AFP

AL-EIS, Syria―Several thousand residents evacuated two pro-regime towns in northern Syria on Thursday, putting an end to one of the longest sieges of the country’s seven-year civil war.

Fuaa and Kafraya in Idlib province were the last remaining areas under blockade in Syria and a rare example of pro-government towns surrounded by rebel forces.

The Shiite-majority towns were besieged for three years by rebels and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist alliance led by Syria’s former AlQaeda affiliate.

Surrounded and bombed by hostile factions, the towns had become a rallying cry for the government and its ally Iran.

A deal was reached Tuesday between regime-backer Russia and rebel-ally Turkey to see the residents taken to government-held territory in exchange for the release of prisoners from regime jails.

On Wednesday morning, barricades on the road leading into the towns were removed to let dozens of buses in, AFP’s correspondent there said.

Just after midnight, the buses drove out of Fuaa and Kafraya and Thursday morning were at the village of AlEis, crossing from rebel-controlled territory into regime-held areas in Aleppo province.

Armed HTS fighters stood on the roadside as the convoy of evacuees inched past, with pro-government militiamen and regular civilians sitting solemnly on board and staring ahead.

Some 6,900 civilians and fighters were evacuated and the two towns were now “entirely empty of residents”, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group, said Thursday morning.

“As the buses entered regime-held areas, the regime started releasing detainees, as per the deal,” Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said.

According to HTS sources, the evacuation had been agreed in exchange for the release of 1,500 people from government-run jails.

An HTS source said the group’s fighters had entered the towns after the evacuation was complete. AFP

Taiwan steps in after China forces airline from its ally Palau to shut TAIPEI―Taiwan has stepped in to help its ally Palau attract more tourists after an airline from the Micronesian nation said it was forced to shut under pressure from China.

Taiwan’s battle to protect its few remaining official allies has intensified as its relations with Beijing deteriorate.

Four former allies of Taiwan have switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing since 2016 as China offers economic incentives to jump ship.

China sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though the island views itself as a sovereign nation and is a selfruling democracy.

Tensions have escalated under President Tsai Ing-wen since she came to power two years ago as she has refused to accept both sides are part of “one China”.

Palau has maintained ties with Taiwan but now one of its airlines, Palau Pacific Airways, says it has been forced to suspend operations because of a plunge in Chinese tourists.

A letter from the airline’s Taiwanese owner, Sea Passion Group, to Palau’s national congress accused Beijing of branding Palau “an illegal tour destination”,

denting its business.

The airline said it believed it had been targeted “most likely due to lack of diplomatic status”.

A Palau-based member of staff from the airline told AFP the shutdown would happen after August and would halt flights to and from Hong Kong and Macau, the only two routes it operates.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said Thursday that Taiwan’s national airline, China Airlines, had added two more weekly flights to Palau between June and August “to assist in attracting more overseas visitors”.

“Helping our diplomatic allies with economic development is one of the important tasks in promoting bilateral cooperation,” it said in a statement.

In 2016, tourists from China made up 47 percent of all visitors to Palau, a Pacific island group with a population of 22,000.

Taiwanese tourists accounted for 10 percent of the visitors.

But in its letter to Palau’s congress, Sea Passion Group said the number of air travelers using its flights fell 16 percent from January to June this year against the same period in 2017 and ticket prices dropped 45 percent to $300. AFP

COMICCON. A boy

in cosplay is seen as San Diego prepares for Comic-Con International 2018 on July 18, 2018 in San Diego, California. AFP

LGUs

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

B4

friday, july 20, 2018

LocaL government units

BDO Foundation officials led by president Mario Deriquito and program director Rose Espinosa turn over storybooks and school supplies to overjoyed students in Angoyao Central Elementary School, Lake Lanao National High School and Harat Medina Elementary School.

Hire PWDs, QC dads urge gov’t Davao names winners of video contest on food, culture

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY—The City Government of Davao has announced the winning entries in the video-making contest “Destination: Davao” featuring the various food culture icons of the city.

The contest, themed “Flavors of Davao,” aims to showcase the flavors of Davao City through its unique food culture and vibrant, changing food scene.

Topping this year’s edition is Big Black Panda Co.’s “Flavors of Davao X Culture of Flavors,” which showcased Davao’s diversity in food. The winning team will receive P30,000.

“By looking through the perspectives of the people behind, from farmers, food technologists, chefs to consumers, we do not only promote the richness of our homegrown produce — we also put emphasis on how these flavors fortify our Davaoeño culture and essentially, our humanity,” said Jean Kirvy Waga, Director/ Screenwriter of Big Black Panda Co. “It is good in its overall content and meets the basic objectives of the contest—to showcase the flavors of Davao. Not only does it tell a story of how a product is processed from the farm to the table, but it also features places that are identified with Davao,” said journalist Lillian Mellejor, one of the panel of judges.

Other judges of the contest were McRobert Nacario of Micromedia Productions and communications specialist Cyrus Bringas.

Now on its fourth edition, the video competition encourages Dabawenyos and Davao City visitors to come up with short and original videos to promote Davao City as a place to visit and experience.

The participants for this year were asked to produce a one to three-minute video. The winners were announced on July 18 on the official Facebook page of the City Government of Davao.

By Rio N. Araja

T

HE Quezon City Council has passed a resolution encouraging the city government to implement Republic Act No. 10524 that expands government positions reserved for persons with disabilities.

City Resolution 7380-2018, introduced by Councilor Lena Marie Juico, complies with RA 10524 that requires at least one percent of all regular and non-regular positions in all government agencies, offices, or corporations to be filled with PWD workers.

The law also encourages private companies with over 100 employees to reserve at least one percent of all work positions for PWDs.

The Quezon City government has more than 100 PWD employees.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday vowed to partner with Hair Aid Australia, a charity organization, to train the city’s rehabilitation program graduates in hairdressing and haircutting as part of a livelihood training program.

“I met with Hair Aid Australia and they were the ones who said they wanted

their beneficiaries to be the surrenderers, the reformists to help them make sure that their new, clean lifestyle is sustainable,” she said.

Hair Aid volunteers will also be teaching tool-sharpening and manicure-pedicure skills to the beneficiaries.

“These new skills will empower our citizens especially those who have graduated from our community-based rehab program since they will be given a new chance to earn for themselves and for their family,” the vice mayor said.

The beneficiaries of the training are graduates of the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council’s communitybased rehabilitation and treatment program for surrendering drug users.

INNER WHEEL. The Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines Inc. District 378 recently held its Induction and turnover ceremonies at the

Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. IWCPI belongs to the International Inner Wheel, one of the largest women’s organizations active in more than a hundred countries and engaged in various humanitarian projects. In photo are newly inducted IWCPI District chairman 378 Khristtine Ngo (fifth from left), IWCPI National president Donna Jiao (sixth from left), and officers and members of the IWC of Maharlika Quezon City led by Club president Lilou Antonio (fourth from left).

Muntinlupa clearing operations net 72 vehicles THE Muntinlupa Traffic Bureau Management office has arrested 72 vehicle owners for illegal parking, clamped down on three other vehicles and impounded 32 more, including one truck, as it started its clearing operations under Oplan Linis Kalsada on Wednesday.

Through city ordinance No. 16-014, MTMB enforcers has been using wheel

clamps or tire locks to immobilize illegally parked and unattended vehicles in any street or area designated as noparking or tow away zones pursuant to the traffic code of Muntinlupa.

To release or remove a clamping device, the owner, driver or operator must pay a fine of P1,500, for which a corresponding official receipt shall be is-

sued, the bureau said.

The violator shall be given a maximum of three hours to redeem the vehicle, otherwise it shall be towed or impounded, incurring additional fees.

Attempting to forcefully remove the wheel clamp induces a bigger fine of P5,000 or one month imprisonment or both.

Marawi school children gain storybooks from BDO arm BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, recently donated storybooks to schools in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur as part of the “Sa Pagbasa, May Pag-asa” (Hope Through Reading) consortium.

This continued the foundation’s successful relief operations in response to the humanitarian crisis in Marawi last year, as it pursues programs and partnerships for the benefit of people in the war-torn city.

In time for the start of the new school year, BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito and BDO Foundation program director Rose Espinosa turned over storybooks and school supplies to students in ceremonies held in Angoyao Central Elementary School, Lake Lanao National High School and Harat Medina Elementary School.

The storybooks were purchased with the support of BDO employees, who donated funds to the book campaign.

According to Deriquito, who serves as a co-convenor of the consortium, the distribution of storybooks is a good opportunity to teach schoolchildren important lessons in life, including financial literacy, which is one of the advocacies of BDO Foundation.

“We want the books to help enhance the imagination of children and enable them to build their dreams and pursue their aspirations. We hope that the children of Marawi will read these books, so they can broaden their knowledge,” he said.

“As the name of the campaign suggests, reading and learning spur hope.

We decided to distribute the first batch of storybooks in Marawi, where we think these are needed more, and so that the young children will be inspired and feel hope in their hearts,” Deriquito added.

Metro LGUs set tourism forum by end-August LOCAL governments and private stakeholders in the National Capital Region are converging for the second Metro Manila Tourism Forum set on Aug. 30 to 31 at The Blue Leaf Filipinas in Aseana City, Parañaque City.

Themed “City Tourism: Rebuilding a Local Destination to a Global brand,” the conference will see local government executives, tourism council officers, and industry frontliners participating.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat will keynote the event, which is organized by the International School for Sustainable Tourism and supported by the DoT and the Automobile Association Philippines.

According to ISST president Mina Gabor, this year’s forum will focus on redefining city tourism as an international icon, not just showcasing the destinations but also opening economic opportunities for the local and international markets.

The event opens with the Empower The Leaders plenary led by Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo, with House of Representatives tourism committee chair Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar as speakers.

The second plenary is themed “Engage the Culture and Community” with Clickable Vietnam CEO Jason Lusk as keynote. Talks on “Unity in Community” by Platinum Fireworks President Joel Sta. Ana, “Culture, Heritage, Arts, Craftsmanship and Entertainment” by Walk This Way Tour president Carlos Celdran, “Tourism is Everybody’s Business” by Leisure and Resorts World Corp. CEO and president Reynaldo Bantug, and “Pinoy Urban Gastronomy” by celebrity chef Bruce Lim are also on tap.

Columna leads new GenTri village chiefs GENERAL TRIAS CITY—Barangay Pasong Camachile 1 village chief Jay Columna has been elected by 33 fellow chiefs as their new Federation President and representative to City Council during the election of Association of Barangay Captains Federation at the city hall here.

Third-term captain Columna ran unopposed during the May 2018 elections. He will replace outgoing ABC Anching Felizardo, who finished her term last June 30.

Joining Columna were newly elected Vice President Alfredo Ching of Barangay Dulongbayan collected 27 votes, while Barangay Captains Ramil Barrientos (Manggahan), Allan Pedroza (San Gabriel), Lucito Agdon (Javalera), Eddie Umali (San Francisco), Jessie Fauni (Pasong Camachile 2), Ireneo Hatid (Biclatan), Sammy Camposibo (San Juan 2),

Brevard Samonte (Sampalucan), Ricky Deseo (Tapia), Wally Satsatin (Sta. Clara), Jody Niviar (Vibora), Robert Clamor (Gov. Ferrer), and Rodolfo Cruz (Tejero) for Board of Directors, according to Mr. Aladdino Calanog, local DILG Officer.

“I am grateful to my fellow barangay kapitans, with the support you gave me as your representative to city council, I will do everything for the development of GenTri.” New ABC Jay Columna said after the announcement of winners.

“We at General Trias City council welcome you Ex-Officio Sangguniang Panglungsod member Jay Columna as our new member of the council after SK federation President Sam Morena came-in few weeks ago.” GenTri Vice Mayor Morit Sison said.

NEW LTO OFFICE. The Land Transportation Office opens a new driver’s license renewal center in Pagsanjan,

Laguna, at the CLA Areza Town Center Mall. Leading the inauguration are LTO Asst. Secretary Edgar C. Galvante (fourth from left), Pagsanjan Mayor Girlie Maita Ejercito (center), and former Laguna governor Jeorge ER Ejercito (sixth from right). CLA Mall owner Cesar Areza (third from Left) was present with wife Loida Areza (sixth from left), CLA Mall VP for Operation Gemalyn ‘Gem’ Areza (second from left), Mercedita Areza (fifth left), Municipal Councilors Jet Ejercito, Januario Garcia, and Nat Bernales, Pagsanjan Chief of Police Sr. Insp. Marlon Comia (right), and Bureau of Fire Protection Municipal Chief FSI Ian dela Cruz (second from right). Roy Tomandao

Life

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

Culture and media

friday, july 20, 2018

C1

Connecting the ties of history

CONNECTED THROUGH CONTEMPORARY ART. 'Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia' exhibition gathers 10 visual artists from 10 ASEAN member states, namely (clockwise) Amanda Heng (Singapore), Roberto Feleo (Philippines), Anusapati (Indonesia), Do Hoang Tuong (Vietnam), Chris Chong Chan Fui (Malaysia), Yasmin Jaidin (Brunei), Min Thein Sung (Myanmar), Vuth Lyno (Cambodia), Jedsada Tangtrakulwong (Thailand), and Savanhdary

T

EN contemporary visual artists from the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are coming together for a group exhibition happening at three museums in the Philippines.

The exhibit, entitled Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia, marks the conclusion of the commemoration of the ASEAN’s 50th anniversary. It is curated by noted art historian and recently appointed artistic director of Singapore Biennale 2019 Patrick D. Flores.

Ties of History will be held simultaneously at three major art institutions in the Philippines: the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (MET Manila), the

University of the Philippines Vargas Museum, and the Yuchengco Museum from August 8 to october 6.

Featured artists for the exhibition will gather in Manila to open the show on August 8 at MET Manila, August 9 at Yuchengco Museum, and August 10 at Vargas Museum, with a series of programs for each venue.

The artists who will showcase their works in the country include Amanda

Heng (Singapore), Roberto Feleo (Philippines), Anusapati (Indonesia), Do Hoang Tuong (Vietnam), Savanhdary Vongpoothorn (Laos), Chris Chong Chan Fui (Malaysia), Jedsada Tangtrakulwong (Thailand), Min Thein Sung (Myanmar), Vuth Lyno (Cambodia), and Yasmin Jaidin (Brunei).

The representative of each member state was selected by a network of practitioners in contemporary art in the region.

Ties of History is a survey of contemporary art on the one hand and a diligent study of a particular practice on the other. The project selects three works of each artist to be exhibited in three institutions. This enables the exhibition

to present a more in-depth look into the interests of the artist, and allows the audience from different parts of the city to view the exhibition.

“This undertaking…draws attention to the thoughtful and sensitive process of artistic transformation and maturity, and tries to avoid the tendency of survey exhibitions to merely select the most popular or the most accessible,” says Flores.

He adds, “It also reminds us that artistic practice is not fully formed but rather gleaned in the condition of constant forming. It is this constant forming that the project endeavors to curate.”

NCCA Chairman Virgilio S. Almario agrees, saying that “there is much to

gain in gathering the talents of the region in order to view not only their works but to also reflect on the realities each of them respond to.”

“Ties of history” is a phrase taken from a document signed by ASEAN’s founding members on August 8, 1967.

The document describes “a region already bound together by ties of history and culture.” A region that is “conscious that in an increasingly interdependent world, the cherished ideals of peace, freedom, social justice, and economic well-being are best attained by fostering good understanding, good neighborliness, and meaningful cooperation among the countries of the region.”

The story of our money

Festival relives

A BooK takes readers through the winding historic trail of the Philippine Peso.

Cashaysayan: A History of Philippine Money traces the history of our money, tackling how it was invented, how it came to our shores, how it’s made, and why it looks the way it does.

Michelline Suarez, Joonee Garcia, and Divine Reyes put together this 176-page book which features quirky characters—the silver heavyweight coin, Money Pakyaw; reliable bamboo coin bank, Al Kansya; the enterprising lady who runs the local sari-sari store, Aling Suki; and Tatang Tarsier—illustrated by Benjor Catindig.

“This book reminds us that our economy has a story. That money is not just currency, it carries with it meaning, identity, and our shared experience,” said historian Xiao Chua.

Cashaysayan is the second book from the wildly popular Halo-Halo Histories, a series dedicated to making the study of Philippine history fun and engaging for young people.

Go to www.tahananbooks.ph for more information.

ancient Moro tradition

Ginakit boats paraded at Sarangani Bay in Malapatan town during the 13th Pakaradyan Festival.

GAILY decorated ancient Moro boats called ginakit were paraded at Sarangani Bay in Malapatan town as part of the 13th Pakaradyan Festival and 49th municipal founding anniversary, which was held from June 19 to 21.

The three-day festival highlighted the indigenous ginakit, which was the main mode of transportation of Muslim royals and tribal chieftains around the inland waters of Mindanao during the pre-colonial and Spanish era.

The sailing fest is said to have originated

from the arrival of Islamic pioneer missionary Shariff Kabunsuan who landed in the coasts of present-day Cotabato City, and sailed around Mindanao aboard these legendary boats.

Aside from the display of indigenous boats, other highlights of the festival included a street dancing tilt, a land float parade and competition, and the launch of its “Mapya Malapatan ...

Resilient, Inclusive” brand and tagline.

Malapatan was created in 1969 when it was carved out from Glan town, which was still then

part of South Cotabato. Its name was coined from the ethnic Blaan words Malah and fatan, which loosely translates to “a place where pepper is abundant.”

The town is known for the exquisite inaul hand-woven Maguindanaoan fiber which have found its way around the world, it is also the home of Bai Estelita Bantilan, a Blaan igem mat weaver, who has been proclaimed Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasure

by President Rodrigo Duterte last year.

Cashaysayan: A History of Philippine Money

C2

Entertainment

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018

nickie.standard@gmail.com

T

HE touring Filipino TV and live concert musical variety juggernaut received the warmest aloha from thousands of local residents and travelling fans in the island of Oahu, Hawaii where ASAP Honolulu was recently held.

From arrival till departure, the energetic cast shared hundreds of selfies, shakas, hugs, and high fives with the vibrant Filipino community which is the largest Asian group in the state.

It was a lovefest between the stars and the fans during the VTR shoots, at the press conference which registered the highest views for livestreamed press conferences on TFC online, at the TFC Marketplace where exciting booth activities took place, and during the back-toback concerts at Neil S. Blaisdell Arena which reverberated with shrieks of delight from attendees.

In a report from ABS-CBN TFC’s daily news show, Balitang America, ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Ricky Resurreccion said, “It’s important to bring joy to the Filipinos in Hawaii.

Selfie fun with the loveteams: Edward Barber and Maymay Entrata (MayWard), Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla (KathNiel).

Game for daring, intricate choreography are Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca

aloha from thousands of fans

Manila

ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE NON-FIRM ENERGY SUPPLY AGREEMENT BETWEEN DAVAO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, INC. AND THERMA MARINE, INC., WITH MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY AND MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION ERC CASE NO. 2018-041 RC DAVAO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, INC. (DLPC) AND THERMA MARINE, INC. (TMI), Applicants. x - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 7 May 2018, an Application dated 7 March 2018 was filed by applicants Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC) and Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI), seeking the Commission’s approval of their Non-firm Energy Supply Agreement, with motion for provisional authority and motion for confidential treatment of information.

DLPC and TMI alleged the following in their Application: The Applicants 1.

DLPC is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with office address at C. Bangoy Sr. St., Davao City. It is a grantee of a legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 8960 to maintain and operate an electric light and power system for the purpose of distributing electric light, heat and power in Davao City and Panabo City, and the Municipalities of Carmen, Sto. Tomas and Braulio Dujali, Province of Davao del Norte.

2.

TMI is a generation company duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with principal office address at Mobile 2 Lawis, Sta. Ana, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte 8602. TMI is the owner and operator of two (2) 100 MW power barges located in San Roque, Maco, Compostela Valley (“M1”) and Sta. Ana, Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte (“M2”), (M1 and M2, collectively, the “Power Plant”).

IFf

=

Inflation factor for fixed O&M fee

= = =

IFv

Where: PCPIm PCPlb UCPIm UCPIb ECPIm ECPlb JCPIm JCPlb PUXm PUXb PEXm PEXb PYXm PYXb

Statement of Facts 4.

Among the declared State policy of Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2008 (EPIRA) as enumerated in Section 2 thereof, is ensuring the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power.

DLPC shares in the realization of this State Policy.

5.

As part of its thrust to provide a more resilient sourcing of the power needs of its customers, DLPC deemed it prudent to have an alternative source of power from suppliers that are willing and capable of supplying power to DLPC on an as-needed, or non-firm, basis.

6. Thus, DLPC sought competitive offers for the non-firm supply of up to 60 MW of capacity from prospective suppliers. After the second round of the competitive selection process, two winning bidders emerged and DLPC awarded and signed two non-firm supply contracts with the winning bidders, one of which is TMI. 7. Section 45 (b) of Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, provides that distribution utilities may enter into bilateral power supply contracts subject to review by the Honorable Commission. In connection with this, ERC Resolution No. 2, Series of 2015 provides that the distribution utilities and generation companies jointly file with the Honorable Commission their respective power supply agreements.

8. Thus, this instant Joint Application for the approval of the non-firm Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) between TMI and DLPC.

“Q”

0.21731+0.78269 x (PCPIm/PCPIb) Inflation factor for Energy Fee 0.06897 + 0.10982 X (PCPIm/ PCPIb) + 0.13370 X (PUXm/PUXb) x (UCPIm/UCPIb) + 0.22917 X (PEXm/ PEXb) x (ECPIm/ ECPIb) + 0.45834 x (PYXm/ PYXb) x (JCPIm/ JCPlb)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Philippine CPI of the current billing month Philippine CPI of 126.4 as of June 2011 US CPI of the current billing month US CPI of 225.722 as of June 2011 EURO CPI of the current billing month EURO CPI of 96.050 as of June 2011 [2015 = 100] Japan CPI of the current billing month Japan CPI of 96.4 as of June 2011 [2015 = 100] Peso to US Dollar exchange rate at the end of the current billing month Peso to US Dollar exchange rate of 44.8210 PHP/USD as of 17 May 2010 Peso to EURO exchange rate at the end of the current billing month Peso to EURO exchange rate of 55.4032 PHP/EUR as of 17 May 2010 Peso to Yen exchange rate at the end of the current billing month Peso to Yen exchange rate of 0.4851 PHP/JPY as of 17 May 2010

Notes: a. If the CPI of current billing month is not published and available within two days from the end of the Billing Period, the most recent available published index shall be used. b. If the source of any the foregoing indices is no longer available or is not been published or available for a prolonged period, the replacement index shall be selected by Supplier. c. If any of the foregoing indices are re-based during the duration of this Agreement, Supplier has the option to apply a corresponding adjustment to the inflation formula to conform with the re-basing of the subject indices.

Where: INSy INS1

= =

actual insurance cost for the two power barges for the current year Php 43,035,782.00 for the two barges, representing insurance cost included in the FOM Total billing capacity for all energy supply agreements and ancillary service procurement agreements entered into by Supplier for the two power barges which have achieved effectivity date, and for the duration of such effectivity, as such terms and conditions are defined under the respective agreements.

Fuel and lube oil rate and other fuel related cost in Php/kWh HFR + LOR + related actual fuel cost Heavy fuel oil rate in Php/kWh HFCRx PHFO Lube oil rate in Php/kWh LOCR X PLube Heavy fuel oil consumption rate of 0.23580 liters/kWh Lube oil consumption rate of 0.00240 liters/kWh the monthly actual cost per liter of heavy fuel oil (HFO), calculated based on “first in, first out” procedure using the data of the actual monthly invoices of deliveries, inventories and consumption. the monthly actual cost per liter of lube oil, calculated based on “first in, first out” procedure using the data of actual monthly invoices of deliveries, inventories and consumption.

The Sum of the hourly volumes of Contract Energy for the Billing Period primarily d with calendar month m (for example December 26 - January 25 is associated with January)(and adjusted for transmission losses, if any, imputed by the transmission service provider if measured at a meter other than the Generator Metering Point), in kWh

Total BC =

FLR

HFCR LOCR PHFO

= = = = = = = = =

PLube

=

EDm

=

SSC

=

S

= total number of start-ups for the current billing month based on customers’ dispatch instructions. = 200 liters per engine per start-up/ shutdown cycle. = 10 liters per engine per start-up/ shutdown cycle. = the monthly actual cost per liter of heavy fuel oil (HFO), calculated based on “first in, first out” procedure using the data of actual monthly invoices of deliveries, inventories and consumption. = the monthly actual cost per liter of lube oil, calculated based on “first in, first out” procedure using the data of actual monthly invoices of deliveries, inventories and consumption.

HFR LOR

start-up fees, in kWh, for the current billing period

Salient Terms of the ESA 9. Contract Period. The ESA provides for a Contract Period of three (3) years from Operations Effective Date as defined in the ESA. The ESA also stipulates that at any time during the Contract Period, the Parties may enter into good faith negotiations to extend the Contract Period under the same terms and conditions of the ESA. 10. Maximum Contract Demand and Supply of Energy. The Maximum Contract Demand refers to the maximum quantity (in kilowatts) that DLPC may nominate and draw per Interval. Beginning Operations Effective Date, TMI shall deliver, on an as-available basis and as needed by DLPC, the quantities nominated by DLPC up to 45,000 kW (whether from the capacity of the power plants owned and operated by TMI, any of its affiliates, or any third-party supplier) to DLPC at the Delivery Point.

VHFO VLube PHFO

11. Adjustments to Maximum Contract Demand. At any time during the Contract Period, DLPC may send a written request to increase the Maximum Contract Demand no later than sixty (60) Days prior to the date of effectivity of such proposed increase, which shall be without prejudice to the right of TMI to waive the sixty (60) Day notice period. TMI may, at its sole option, approve the request to increase the Maximum Contract Demand, and the energy quantities attributable to the additional Maximum Contract Demand shall be paid for by DLPC at the Contract Price. Customer may also request for an adjustment to the Maximum Contract Demand with respect of a particular Billing Period by delivery of a written notice thereof at least thirty (30) Days before the date on which such adjustment is proposed to take effect, which shall be without prejudice to the right of TMI to waive the thirty (30) Day notice period, setting out the reasons therefore and providing all documents necessary to support the request. Any such request shall be subject to approval by TMI in its sole discretion (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and the energy quantities attributable to the additional Maximum Contract Demand shall be paid for by DLPC at the Contract Price.

PLube

12. Monthly Payments. TMI shall deliver to DLPC a Billing Statement setting out the Electricity Fees due on account of Contract energy delivered during each Billing Period on or before the seventh (7th) Day of the Payment Month. If Supplier sourced any capacity and/ or energy from another supplier during any particular Billing Period, the Billing Statement(s) shall (a) set out the quantities of capacity and/ or energy sourced from such other suppliers and the amount due thereon, (b) identify the account or accounts to which amounts payable to it may be paid, (c) identify value-added taxes due on all capacity and/ or energy sourced and delivered, if any, and (d) have attached thereto copies of invoices, statements, or other acceptable substitutes issued by the relevant supplier in respect of any capacity and/ or energy sourced and delivered by such supplier.

13. Penalties. If DLPC fails to pay the Electricity Fee or any other amounts payable by it under the ESA in full on the due date, it shall pay a penalty of one percent (1%) per month (a fraction of a month to be considered one month) based on the amount due, from the date when such payment is due until the date such amount is received in full

by TMI. In the event that any charges due from TMI is not credited or paid in accordance with Section 8.1.1 of the ESA, TMI shall be liable to pay interest of one percent (1%) per month (a fraction of a month to be considered one month) based on the unpaid charges, from the date when such amount is due until the date it is received in full by DLPC. 14. Taxes, Fees and Costs. Save as otherwise provided in the ESA, each Party shall be liable for such taxes, fees, costs and expenses that each may incur on account of the performance of its obligations hereunder, including legal and professional fees, if any. DLPC shall be liable for payment of the Universal Charge, it being understood that the imposition of the Universal Charge pursuant to the provision of the EPIRA shall not be an event of Force Majeure.

15. Electricity Fees. Electricity Fees refers to the total amount of charges due from DLPC in respect to all energy supplied during a Billing Period, computed in accordance with Schedule 7.2 of the ESA. Schedule 7.2 of the ESA is provided below.

The term “Customer” refers to DLPC while “Supplier” refers to TMI. Schedule 7.2 Rate Schedule

The Electricity Fees are exclusive of applicable Value Added Tax (“VAT”), which shall be for the account of Customer and shall be reflected in the Invoice to be issued to Customer. For the avoidance of doubt, the value-added tax that shall be remitted by Customer to Supplier is the amount as actually collected by Customer from its customers.

HEADLINE RATE

b. Non-Delivery Charge (Section 7.4) Non-Delivery Charge = PhP0.40/kWh x Confirmed Quantity x 100% c. Non-Utilization Charge (Section 7.4)* Non-Utilization Charge = Fixed Fees x Confirmed Quantity x 100% * For the avoidance of doubt, this shall be considered equivalent to, and shall not be in addition to, the fixed fees computed based on the tariff structure.

16.

*indicative rate and subject to adjustments based on the Tariff Structure TARIFF STRUCTURE Electricity Fee = A + B

Estimated Generation Charge* (year 2018, PhP/kWh) Without TMI

With TMI

Impact

5.1681

5.2349

0.0668

* Assumptions: TMI and WMPC is projected to enter in August 2018 Power Cost used is based on ERC approved rate per supplier TMI will cater the forecasted demand growth and shortfall of PSALM in 2018 and thereafter 18. Copies of the foregoing documents and/ or information are attached to this Joint Application as annexes hereof: Annex “A” “A-1” “B” “B-1” “C” “C-1”

CF

=

Capacity Fee

Documents/Information DLPC’s Articles of Incorporation (AOI) DLPC’s By-Laws DLPC’s General Information Sheet (GIS) DLPC’s Ownership Structure Map TMI’s Articles of Incorporation (AOI) TMI’s By-Laws

“D”

TMI’s General Information Sheet (GIS)

“E”

TMI’s Ownership Structure Map

“F” & “F-1” “G”

TMI’s Certificates of Registration with the BOI Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by the DENR Certificates of Compliance issued by the ERC

TMI’s Sample Bill reflecting power rates and other charges

“R”

Fuel and Lube Procurement Process (Confidential)

“S”

TMI’s latest Audited Financial Statements (AFS), Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows

“T”

TMI’s Plant Performance Test Report (Confidential)

“U”

Write-up on Other Documentary Requirements

“V”

Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Mark A. Valencia of DLPC MOTIONS FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY AND CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION Allegations in Support of the Motion for Provisional Authority

19. As earlier intimated, the non-firm ESA is a mode proposed by DLPC to provide a more resilient sourcing of the power needs of its customers.

20. In the event that there is a sudden need for DLPC to source power for its customers for reasons such as short term demand growth or temporary unavailability of supply from other suppliers to meet demand, DLPC may call on the non-firm supply from TMI under the ESA. 21. The grant of a provisional authority will allow DLPC to immediately draw power under the ESA when needed by DLPC’s customers. Thus, the immediate approval of the ESA will ultimately redound to the benefit of DLPC’s customers in terms of continuous, reliable, efficient and affordable power supply. Attached as Annex “V” hereof is the Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Mark A. Valencia in support of the motion for provisional approval.

22. Section 1, Rule 4, of the Honorable Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure provides that a party to any proceeding before the Commission may request that information about that party in the Commission’s possession not be disclosed.

23. In line with this, TMI prays for the confidential treatment of the information contained in the following annexes, and not disclose the same except to the officers and staff of the Honorable Commission: Annex

Documents and/or Information

“Q-1”

TMI’s Sources of Funds/ Financial Plans

“Q-2”

TMI’s Pricing Model

“R”

Fuel and Lube Procurement Process

“T”

TMI’s Plant Performance Test Report

24. The foregoing documents contain information and data involving TMI’s operation, financial trade secrets, formula and pricing structures used in arriving at TMI’s tariff. These information are not generally available to the public. As such, the information and data contained in these documents are privileged and confidential in nature. In the case of the Air Philippines Corporation v. Pennswell, (G.R. No. 172835, December 13, 2007), the Supreme Court explained that: “Trade secret is defined as a plan or process, tool, mechanism or compound known only to its owner and those of his employees to whom it is necessary to confide it. The definition also extends to a secret formula or process not patented, but known only to certain individuals using it in compounding some article of trade having a commercial value. A trade secret may consist of any formula. pattern. device. or compilation of information that: (1) is used in one’s business; and (2) gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not possess the information. Generally, a trade secret is a process or device intended for continuous use in the operation of the business, for example, a machine or formula, but can be a price list or catalogue or specialized customer list. It is indubitable that trade secrets constitute proprietary rights. The inventor, discoverer, or possessor of a trade secret or similar innovation has rights therein which may be treated as property, and ordinarily an injunction will be granted to prevent the disclosure of the trade secret by one who obtained the information “in confidence” or through a “confidential relationship.” (Emphasis supplied.)

25. The foregoing documents constitute a compilation of information on the operations of the plant that have actual and valuable proprietary interest, which TMI must protect against competitors. This information must be protected since if this matter is known by the public, especially TMI’s competitors, the data can be used by a competitor as an input or variable in the determination of the competitor’s tariff. Thus, a competitor knowing this information will gain a competitive leverage against TMI. As explained in this Honorable Commission’s Decision in the ERC Case No. 2015-111 RC: “In the case of PNOC RC, the documents sought to be protected from disclosure contains formula and pricing structures used in arriving at their proposed tariff. The prices cited in the documents were components of the proposed tariff. In fact, all three (3) documents were used by the Commission in evaluating the reasonableness ofthe proposed rate. In electric power industry where prices is a major consideration in selecting one’s supplier, it is apparent that the assumption used in arriving at one’s proposed tariff is considered a competitive leverage by one player against its competitors.

Thus, the Commission resolved to treat the said documents confidential and may not be publicly disclosed.”

(See Decision dated 30 May 2017, In the Matter of the Application for the Approval of the Power Supply Agreement Between Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative, Inc. - Area 2 (NEECO II - Area 2) and PNOC Renewables Corporation (PNOC RC) with Prayer for Provisional Authority, ERC Case No. 2015- 111 RC, p. 26. Emphasis and underscoring supplied.)

26. In view of the foregoing and pursuant to Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, TMI respectfully requests that the foregoing documents attached as Annexes “Q-1”, “Q-2”, “R” and “T”, and the information contained therein as confidential and privileged, and not be disclosed to persons other than the necessary officers and staff of this Honorable Commission.

27. TMI hereby submits one (1) copy each of Annexes “Q-1”, “Q-2”, “R” and “T” in a sealed envelope with the envelope and each page of the document stamped with the word “Confidential.”

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, respectfully pray that the Honorable Commission: a. ISSUE an Order treating Annexes “Q-1”, “Q-2”, “R” and “T”, and the information contained therein as confidential, directing their non-disclosure to persons other than officers and staff of the Honorable Commission, as necessary, pursuant to Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, and prescribing guidelines for the protections thereof; b. Pending trial on the merits PROVISIONALLY APPROVE, the ESA, including all the rates, fees and charges set out therein; and c. After trial on the merits, APPROVE with FINALITY the ESA, including all the rates, fees and charges set out therein.

Other relief just and equitable are likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 1 August 2018 at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.), at ERC Mindanao Field Office, Mintrade Bldg., Monteverde Avenue corner Sales St., Davao City 8000.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1) The petitioner’s name and address;

“J”

PSALM Certification

3) A statement of the relief desired.

“K”

DLPC’s Supply and Demand Scenario and Average Daily Load Curves

“L”

DLPC’s Distribution Development Plan Summaries Invitations to Submit Proposal for the Supply of Power and Bidding Terms of Reference, published on 4 March 2017 and 17 March 2017

“M-2” TO “M-6”

Letter Proposals from Bidders

“M-7” & “M-8”

DLPC BAC Evaluation Reports dated 15 March 2017 and 29 March 2017

“M-9”

DLPC’s Board Resolution confirming approval of Evaluation Report

Php/ kW/month

“M-10”

DLPC Notice of Award to TMI dated 3 April 2017

268.00

“M-11”

Matrix of Competitive Selection Process

2018

250.00

“M-12”

Certification (Conduct of Competitive Selection Process)

2019 onwards

231.00

“N”

Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) between TMI and DLPC

Fixed O&M fee of Php 314/kW /month capacity in kW nominated per interval h number of hours for the current Billing Period Energy Fee PhP0.15245/kWh

Estimated Impact ofTMI Non-firm ESA

“Q-4”

2) The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

2017

= = = =

TMI’s Pricing Model (Confidential)

“Q-3”

Demand Side Management (DSM) Programs of DLPC

Contract Year

FOM BC BPH EF

TMI’s Sources of Funds/ Financial Plans (Confidential)

“Q-2”

“I”

“M” & “M-1”

Where:

The Electricity Fees will be on a per kWh basis.

17. Estimated Rate Impact. The indicative rate impact on DLPC’s overall generation rate with and without supply from TMI under the ESA are as follows:

“H” & “H-1”

Indicative rate = PhP 5.3550* /kWh

Executive Summary of the ESA

“Q-1”

Allegations in Support of the Motion for Confidential Treatment of Information

3.

Applicants may be served notices, orders and other processes of the Honorable Commission through their respective counsel at their addresses indicated below.

Electricity Fees

This day is a full day of activities dedicated to them. As early as 10:00 a.m., we opened the doors for all the activities that happened in the TFC Marketplace. ASAP is an international TFC Live event so it always aims to celebrate the TFC experience with the entire family.”

“Hawaii is a very important piece of TFC’s history. It was in Hawaii where TFC first got carried into a cable system. If it wasn’t for Hawaii, TFC wouldn’t have had its start,” said ABS-CBN North and Latin America Managing Director Jun del Rosario.

Martin Nievera, TFC’s first Goodwill Ambassador who grew up in Hawaii, recalled the very first TFC concert in Hawaii that he starred in with Agot Isidro back in 1997. “There’s a lot of firsts for TFC that happened in Hawaii, so to return here with ASAP—the biggest touring Filipino live concert—is a very sweet homecoming.”

The four-hour spectacle was directed by the Johnny.

The first episode was aired on ABS-CBN TFC last July 8. Catch the second episode on July 22 only on TFC worldwide.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

‘ASAP HONOLULU’ gets huge

Standard Republic of the Philippines TODAY

a.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor

“O” and “O-1” “P”

TMI’s Transmission Service Agreement and Metering Service Agreement DLPC’s Transmission Service Agreement with NGCP

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicants rest its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1) The name and address of such person; 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 3) The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicants that it be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicants are hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO AGNES VST DEVANADERA, and the Honorable Commissioners ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA,, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 28th day of June 2018 in Pasig City.

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal (MS-JULY 13 & 20, 2018)

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor

W

HEN was the last time we saw a Tagalog film based on true events? I can no longer recall as most films shown in cineplexes since the advent of malls have been romantic comedies or horror movies.

In theaters now (it opened last Wednesday) is a film based on the celebrated Chiong rapemurder case two decades ago.

Jacqueline Comes Home (The Chiong Story) is a gripping crime drama based on the controversial real-life rape and murder case of the Chiong sisters 21 years ago in Cebu.

The movie stars Donnalyn Bartolome as Marijoy and Meg Imperial as Jacqueline.

Ysabelle Peach Caparas, daughter of celebrated comic-book illustrator-novelist-turnedmovie producer/director Carlo J. Caparas, he’s also the movie’s assistant director, tells the tragic events in the life of the Chiong sisters.

In the telling of the events, we see Jacqueline and Marijoy, typical young women fortunate to belong to a loving family. They enjoy the freedom to go out without chaperons, and in the case of Marijoy, to be in a relationship. Jacqueline, though she is older, does not mind being single, and actually prefers being in the company of their beloved parents, Dionisio and Thelma.

But the ordinariness of their situation ends on July 16, 1997. On that rainy evening, six men nabbed the sisters from a waiting shed, Manila

Standard

TODAY

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018

Celebrated rape-murder case in Cebu now in cinemas dragged into a vehicle, and transported to a godforsaken place where they eventually suffer inhumane acts from their captors.

The following day, their parents are thrown into the throes of indescribable agony when they saw Marijoy’s lifeless body and wondering wherer Jacqueline is.

When such tragedy strikes a family, what happens to those left behind?

The ordeal that the Chiong family had to go through in search for justice is captured in the performances of Joel Torre and Alma Moreno (as the parents of Marijoy and Jacqueline).

Peach said she created this film in a way that it would be open for interpretation. She also said that her mother, the late Donna Villa, had always wanted to produce this film.

In real life, only Marijoy’s body was found but even then there was difficulty in identifying the body. Jacqueline was never found, dead or alive.

But Caparas’ interpretation that Jacqueline survived the ordeal has earned heavy criticism from netizens who are campaigning for the boycott of the film.

One of the convicted perpetrators of the crime Francisco “Paco” Larrañaga was transferred to a prison in Spain (he’s the son of pelotari Manuel Larrañaga and Filipino Margarita Gonzales) ergo both a Filipino and Spanish citizen. He along with the other six accused were sentenced to die by lethal injection on Feb. 3 2004.

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE NON-FIRM ENERGY SUPPLY AGREEMENT BETWEEN DAVAO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, INC. AND WESTERN MINDANAO POWER CORPORATION, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY DAVAO LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, INC. (DLPC) AND WESTERN MINDANAO POWER CORPORATION (WMPC), Applicants. x--------------------------------------------------------x

Ryan Eigenmann plays of one of the perpetrators. Before doing the rape scene, the actor showed his respect to the two lead stars by asking what actions would be unacceptable for them.

Meg and Donnalyn, on the other hand, showed professionalism by not putting any limitations and giving the director and Ryan their full trust that everything will be done according to what the scene requires.

Jacqueline Comes Home (The Chiong Story), a movie that comes from the heart of all involved will pierce the hearts of many. *** Four capstone projects from the Digital Filmmaking program of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Design and Arts (SDA) will vie for the Best Short Film award at FACINE 25: The 25th Annual Filipino International Cine Festival from Oct. 18 to 21 in San Francisco, California.

Among those which made it as finalist to FACINE’s short film competition are Caramel Child by Kim Timan, Rufyla by Coleen Tan-

co, Suerte by Carlo Fajarda, and the documentary Hope Spots by Joseph Dominic Cruz.

Caramel Child, co-written by Timan with Palanca awardee Lino Balmes, is a light drama about a Filipino-American girl Katherine Kaye Jones (Angelica Ulip), or Kakay, who tries her best to look for her absentee father. Kakay’s curiosity is triggered by a regional science quiz bee poster and an American client (Savino Bellini) of her mother (Sue Prado).

In Suerte, two student filmmakers are shooting a documentary about the drug trade in their city until it descends into a very dangerous obsession for them. As they go along with their subject, they slowly become characters in their own film, crossing the line between observer and creator.

The film competed at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, 28th Singapore Int’l Filmfest and Taipei Film Festival in Taiwan.

In Rufyla, a T’boli tribeswoman dances for a living and encounters a dramatic turn of events in pursuit of a better life for her family. The short film is a CineFilipino Film Festival 2018 student category finalist.

Hope Spots, a finalist in the documentary category of UP Cinema’s Piling Obrang Vidyo, looks into the debut of women wrestlers in a fight sponsored by the Philippine Wresting Revolution. It zeroes in on the local professional wrestling scene, presenting the polarizing sport of pro-wrestling through the lens of the homegrown

Schedule 7.2 Rates Schedule

of the ESA.

a. Electricity Fees

25. Basis for PSA Tariff. An explanation on the derivation and basis for the tariff under the PSA (“Tariff Explanation”), and its attached supporting financial models (collectively, “Financial Models”) are attached as Annex “L” hereof. As discussed hereunder, the Tariff Explanation and the Financial Models are subject of a motion for confidential treatment.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

26. Rate Implication. An analysis was conducted to determine the impact of the implementation of the ESA on DLPC’s generation costs, a copy of which is attached as Annex “M” hereof. The following table shows the indicative rate impact:

PAYMENTS TO THE SELLER The Buyer shall make the following payments to the Seller in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement: I.

Estimated Generation Charge* (Year 2018. PhP/kWh) Without WMPC 5.1681

Monthly Payments

The Monthly Payments shall be paid to the Seller on a monthly basis in accordance with the following formula:

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

DLPC and WMPC alleged the following In their Joint Application: The Applicants 1. DLPC is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with office address at C. Bangoy Sr. St. , Davao City. It is a grantee of a legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 8960 to maintain and operate an electric light and power system for the purpose of distributing electric light, heat and power for sale, in Davao City and Panabo City, and the Municipalities of Carmen, Sto. Tomas and Braulio Dujali, Province of Davao del Norte.

2. WMPC is a generation company duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at 4th Floor, Alphaland Southgate Tower, 2258 Pasong Tamo Extension corner EDSA, Makati City.

3. Applicants may be served notices, orders and other processes of the Honorable Commission through their respective undersigned counsel.

Where: CRF

= Capital Recovery Fees

FOMF

= Fixed Operation and Maintenance Fee

VOMF

= Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee

AFC

= Actual Fuel Cost

SC

= Start - Up Costs

Taxes 1.1.

= Value - Added Tax, other applicable taxes and government impositions, if any

CRF = CRFR X ED

CRF

= Capital Recovery Fee, in Pesos

UF

= Utilization Factor of 0.41 based on the 2016 plant’s utilization, in %

Statement of Facts 5. Among the declared State policies of Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2008 (“EPIRA”) as enumerated in Section 2 thereof, is ensuring the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power. DLPC shares in the realization of this State policy.

= Total kWh delivered during the Billing Month

1.2.

Fixed Operation & Maintenance Fee (FOMF)

The Fixed Operation & Maintenance Fee (FOMF) covers the operating and maintenance costs of the WMPC Power Station. It shall be computed according to the following formula :

6. As part of its thrust to provide a more resilient sourcing of the power needs of its customers, DLPC deemed it prudent to have an alternative source of power from suppliers that are willing and capable of supplying power to DLPC on an as needed, or non-firm, basis.

7. Thus, DLPC sought competitive offers for the non-firm supply of up to 60 MW of capacity from prospective suppliers. After the second round of the competitive selection process, two winning bidders emerged, and DLPC awarded and signed two non-firm supply contracts with the winning bidders, one of which is WMPC. 8. Thus, this instant Joint Application for the approval of the non-firm Energy Supply Agreement (“ESA”) between WMPC and DLPC. Overview of the 100 MW1 WMPC Power Station 9. The Generation Facilities. WMPC shall supply power under the ESA from its 100 MW bunker C-fired diesel power generating plant located in Barangay Sangali, Zamboanga City (the “Power Station”).

A description of the technical and economic characteristics of the Power Station is attached hereto as Annex “A”.

10. The specific fuel oil consumption (“SFOC”) rate of the Power Station shall not be greater than 0.2464 kg/kWh at site condition of 32 deg. C ambient temperature. The SFOC is based on a bunker C fuel oil density of 0.9855 kilogram/ liter.

A copy of a certification on the Power Station’s SFOC rate is attached hereto as Annex “B”.

Where: FOMF

= Fixed O&M Fee, in Pesos

FOMR

=

UF

= Utilization Factor of 0.41 based on the 2016 plant’s utilization, in %

ED

= kWh delivered during the Billing Month

CPIn

= Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

CPIo

= Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for December 31, 2013 at 128.6

WPCn

= Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

WPCo

= Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/ NSO as of December 31, 2013 at 672.9

PHP 219.00 UF

29. The Tariff Explanation and Financial Models disclose the basis for the tariff under the PSA. They include all the formulas and calculations as well as the assumptions and values considered therein.

/ total no. of hours in the billing month

= Euro - Peso Exchange Rate for the period of price determination as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

EUo

= Euro - Peso Exchange Rate as of December 31, 2013 as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at 60.56

12. Debt Equity Ratio. The project was funded through loans and equity, with a debt equity ratio of 62:38.

FPPIn

= Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing for the period price determination as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF

13. Computation of Weighted Average Cost of Capital (“WACC”), Annual Interest.

The nominal pre-tax WACC of the project is 13.49%. WMPC’s interest cost is 7% p.a.

FPPIo

= Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing as of December 31, 2013 as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF at 105.7

A copy of the computation of the WACC is attached hereto as Annex “E.” A copy of the indicative term sheet reflecting the interest rate is attached hereto as Annex “F.”

1.3.

30. In accordance with Section 1, Rule 4 of this Honorable Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“ERC Rules”), Applicant WMPC respectfully moves that the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models be treated as confidential information for the following reasons: 30.1 The Tariff Explanation and Financial Models qualify as a “trade secret” as contemplated under existing jurisprudence.

30.2 In the case Air Philippines Corporation vs.

Pennswell Inc,2 the Supreme Court defined “trade secret” as follows: “A trade secret is defined as a plan or process, tool, mechanism or compound known only to its owner and those of his employees to whom it is necessary to confide it. The definition also extends to a secret formula or process not patented, but known only to certain individuals using it in compounding some article of trade having commercial value. A trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device, or compilation of information that (1) is used in one’s business; and (2) gives the employer an opportunity to obtain advantage over competitors who do not possess the information.

Generally, a trade secret is a process or device intended for continuous operation of the business, for example, a machine or formula, but can be a price list or catalogue or specialized customer list. It is indubitable that trade secrets constitute proprietary rights.”

31. Also, the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models were prepared and developed for the exclusive use of WMPC, and are designed for the specific use of the company in its power generation business. Consequently, should the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models be disclosed to the public, they could easily be copied or used by WMPC’s competitors or other entities engaged in the power business for their own benefit, and to the prejudice of WMPC. Thus, the commercial value of the said explanation and model will be diminished significantly.

Variable Operation & Maintenance Fee (VOMF)

The Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee (VOMF) covers the cost of the use of, among other items, chemicals, lubricants and spare parts, that are directly related to the generation of the WMPC Power Station. It shall be computed according to the following formula:

32. Given the foregoing, the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models qualify as “confidential information” as defined under Section 2 , Rule 4 of the ERC Rules.

33. In accordance with Section 1 (b), Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, electronic copies of the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models are contained in one compact disc and submitted in a sealed envelope marked with the word “Confidential.”

A discussion of the fuel procurement process and a copy of the fuel supply agreement are attached hereto as Annexes “G” and “H,” respectively.

A copy of the ECC is attached hereto as Annex “I.” 16. DOE Accreditation. The Department of Energy has issued the necessary endorsement showing that the Power Station is a Block Power Production Facility under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order No. 215.

Where: VOMF

=

VOMFR =

A copy of the said certification is attached hereto as Annex “K”.

ED

=

kWh delivered during the Billing Month

CPIn

=

Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

CPIo

=

Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for December 31, 2013 at 128.6

WPCn

=

Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination

WPCo

=

Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO as of December 31, 2013 at 672.9

EUn

=

Euro - Peso Exchange Rate for the period of price determination as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

EUo

=

Euro - Peso Exchange Rate as of December 31, 2013 as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at 60.56

FPPIn

=

Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing for the period of price determination as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF

FPPIo

=

Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing as of December 31, 2013 as published in the International Financial Statistics ofIMF at 105.7

1.4.

Actual Fuel Cost (AFC)

Salient Terms and Conditions of the ESA 18. Contract Period. The ESA provides for a Contract Period of three (3) years from Operations Effective Date as defined in the ESA. The ESA also stipulates that any time during the Contract Period, the Parties may enter into good faith negotiations to extend the Contract Period under the same terms and conditions of the ESA. 19. Maximum Contract Demand and Supply of Energy. The Maximum Contract Demand refers to the maximum quantity (in kilowatts) that DLPC may nominate and draw per Interval as defined in the ESA. Beginning on Operations Effective Date, WMPC shall deliver, on an as-available basis and as-needed by DLPC, the quantities nominated by DLPC up to 60,000 kW (whether from the capacity of the power plants owned or operated

by WMPC, any of its Affiliates or any third - party supplier) to DLPC at the Delivery Point.

20. Adjustments to Maximum Contract Demand. At any time during the Contract Period, DLPC may send a written request to increase the maximum Contract Demand no later than sixty (60) Days prior to the date of effectivity of such proposed increase, which shall be without prejudice to the right of WMPC to waive the sixty (60) Day notice period.

WMPC, may, at its sole option, approve the request to increase the Maximum Contract Demand, and the energy quantities attributable to the additional Maximum Contract Demand shall be paid for by DLPC at the Contract Price. DLPC may also request an adjustment to the Maximum Contract Demand in respect of a particular Billing Period by delivery of written notice thereof at least (30) Days before the date on which such adjustment is proposed to take effect, which shall be without prejudice to the right WMPC to waive the thirty (30) Day notice period, setting out the reasons therefore and providing all documents necessary to support the request. Any such request shall be subject to approval by WMPC in its sole discretion (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and the energy quantities attributable to the additional Maximum Contract Demand shall be paid for by DLPC at the Contract Price.

21. Monthly Payments. WMPC shall deliver to DLPC a Billing Statement setting out the Electricity Fees due on account of Contract Energy delivered during each Billing Period on or before the seventh (7th) Day of the Payment Month. If WMPC sourced any capacity and/ or energy from another supplier during any particular Billing period, the Billing Statement(s) shall (a) set out the quantities of capacity and/ or energy sourced from such other suppliers and the amount due thereon, (b) identify the account or accounts to which amounts payable to it may be paid, (c) identify value-added taxes due on all capacity and/ or energy sourced and delivered, if any, and (d) have attached thereto copies of invoices, statements, or other acceptable substitutes issued by the relevant supplier in respect of any capacity and/ or energy sourced and delivered by such supplier.

22. Penalties. If DLPC fails to pay the Electricity Fee or any other amounts payable by it under the ESA in full on the due date, it shall pay a penalty of one percent (1%) per month (a fraction of a month to be considered one month) based on the amount due, from the date when such payment is due until the date such amount is received in full by WMPC. In the event that any charges due from WMPC are not credited or paid in accordance with Section 8.1.1 of the ESA, WMPC shall be liable to pay interest one percent (1%) per month (a fraction of a month to be considered one month) based on the unpaid charges, from the date when such amount is due until the date it is received in full by DLPC. 23. Taxes, Fees and Costs. Save as otherwise provided in the ESA, each party shall be liable for such taxes, fees, costs and expenses that each may incur on account of the performance of its obligations hereunder, including legal and professional fees, if any. DLPC shall be liable for payment of the Universal Charge, it being understood that the imposition of the Universal Charge pursuant to the provisions of EPlRA shall not be an event of Force Majeure.

24. Electricity Fees. Electricity Fees refers to the amount of charges due from DLPC in respect of all energy supplied during a Billing Period, computed in accordance with Schedule 7.2 of the ESA. Schedule 7.2 of the ESA is provided below. The term “Customer” refers to DLPC while “Supplier” refers to WMPC.

34. Further, all parties furnished copies of the present Application are not furnished copies of the documents subject the present motion.

Variable O&M Fee, in Pesos

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

The Actual Fuel Cost (AFC) is the fee paid to the Seller as payment for the procurement and delivery of the fuel oil (Diesel) used in the operation of the WMPC Power Station. The Actual Fuel Cost shall be computed as follows: AFC = FC x EC x ED Where: AFC = Actual Fuel Cost, in Pesos FC

= Fuel Cost, The average MOPS of Bunker C Fuel Oil/Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) deliveries during the period of price determination in Peso/ liter

EC

= Efficiency Cap;

ED

= kWh delivered during the Billing Month

1.5.

35. In accordance with Sections 3 and 4, Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, Applicant WMPC reserves the right to use the tariff explanation and the financial model and its contents as evidence, and respectfully moves for the issuance of a Protective Order.

Variable O&M Fee Rate of Php 0.18/kWh

A copy of the said accreditation is attached hereto as Annex “J.” 17. Certificate of Compliance. This Honorable Commission has issued the necessary Certificate of Compliance for the Power Station.

WMPC will cater the forecasted demand growth and shortfall of PSALM in 2018 and thereafter

MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION

EUn

15. Environmental Compliance Certificate (“ECC”). The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued the necessary ECC covering the Power Station.

Power Cost used is based on ERC approved rate per supplier

-

28. As mentioned above, the Tariff Explanation and Financial Models attached as Annex “L” is hereby submitted under a motion to treat information confidential (“Motion”).

11. Project Cost and Operating Expenses. A summary of the costs of the project is attached hereto as Annex “C”. A detailed breakdown of the projected operating and maintenance expenses is attached hereto as Annex “D.”

14. Fuel Supply. In order to ensure the supply of fuel for the operations of the WMPC Power Station, WMPC solicited offers from reputable suppliers in the area, and has contracted with the supplier which offered the best terms.

WMPC is projected to enter in August 2018

-

Document DLPC’s Articles of Incorporation (AOI) DLPC’s By-Laws DLPC’s General Information Sheet (GIS) and Ownership Structure Map Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of WMPC Securities and Exchange Commission Certificate of Registration of WMPC General Information Sheet of WMPC WMPC’s Audited Financial Statements Diagram showing WMPC’s affiliates and/ or subsidiaries DLPC’s Demand Side Management Programs PSALM Certification DLPC’s Supply and Demand Scenario and Average Daily Load Curves DLPC’s Distribution Development Plan Summaries Invitations to Submit Proposal for the Supply of Power and Bidding Terms of Z and Z-1 Reference, published on 4 March 2017 and 17 March 2017 AA to AA-4 Letter proposals from bidders BB and BB-1 DLPC BAC Evaluation Reports dated 15 March 2017 and 29 March 2017 CC DLPC Board Resolution confirming BAC Evaluation Report DD DLPC Notice of Award to WMPC dated 3 April 2018 EE and FF Matrix of Competitive Selection Process GG Certification of the Conduct of CSP HH Energy Supply Agreement II DLPC’s Transmission Service Agreement JJ Write-up on Other Documentary Requirements KK Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Mark A. Valencia

CRF shall be computed as follows:

ED

-

Annex N O P and P-1 Q R S T U V W X Y

Nature of the Joint Application 4. Section 45(b) of Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, provides that the distribution utilities may enter into bilateral power supply contracts subject to review by the Honorable Commission. In connection with this, ERC Resolution No.2, Series of 2015 provides that the distribution utilities and generation companies jointly file with the Honorable Commission their respective power supply agreements.

Impact 0.1078

27. The following documents are attached as annexes hereof, to support the instant application:

Capital Recovery Fee (CRF)

Where:

With WMPC 5.2759

* Assumptions:

Monthly Payments = CRF + FOMF + VOMF + AFC + SC + Taxes

Notice is hereby given that on 18 May 2018, a Joint Application for Approval of Non-firm Energy Supply Agreement dated 12 April 2018 was filed by applicants Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC) and Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC), with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.

promotions’ first female talent.

The competition will open FACINE 25 on Oct.18 at the San Francisco Main Library and the SF Philippine Consulate.

The winner will receive a $100 cash prize and certificate of recognition. Special citations will also be awarded in any category upon the jury’s discretion.

Apart from the four Benildean student films, Hulid (Lie Together) by BenildeFilm program coordinator Jan Philippe Carpio also made it to the competition. The experimental narrative questions sexual pleasure, voyeurism, detachment and the paradox of public anonymity.

Meanwhile, nine full-length films will slug it out for the Best Film and other prizes in the main competition from Oct.19 to 21 at the Roxie Theater, also in San Francisco. Vying for awards in the different categories are 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten written by Jason Paul Laxamana and directed by Petersen Vargas; Bomba by Ralston Jover; Kita Kita by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo; Meet Me in St. Gallen by Irene Emma Villamor; Melodrama / Random / Melbourne by Matthew Victor Pastor; Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha by Mes de Guzman; Pauwi Na by Paolo Villaluna; Tale of the Lost Boys by Joselito Altarejos; and Tu Pug Imatuy written by Arnel Mutia Mardoquio and directed by Arbi Barbarona.

FACINE is organized by the Filipino Arts and Cinema International, a nonprofit media arts organization that aims to promote and develop Filipino cinema from the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora. It has organized the festival for the past 25 years.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

The Electricity Fees are exclusive of applicable Value Added Tax (“VAT”), which shall be for the account of Customer and shall be reflected in the Invoice to be issued to Customer. For the avoidance of doubt, the value-added tax that shall be remitted by Customer to supplier is the amount as actually collected by Customer from its customers.

ERC CASE NO. 2018-046 RC

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

36. As earlier intimated, the non-firm ESA is a mode proposed by DLPC to provide a more resilient sourcing of the power needs of its customers.

37. In the event that there is a sudden need for DLPC to source power for its customers for reasons such as short term demand growth or temporary unavailability of supply from other suppliers to meet demand, DLPC may call on the non-firm supply from WMPC under the ESA. 38. The grant of a provisional authority will allow DLPC to immediately draw power under the ESA when needed by DLPC’s customers. Thus, the immediate approval of the ESA will ultimately redound to the benefit of DLPC’s customers in terms of continuous, reliable, efficient and affordable power supply. Attached as Annex “KK” hereof is the Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Mark A. Valencia in support of the motion for provisional approval.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, in view of all the foregoing, it is most respectfully prayed that this Honorable Commission: 1. ISSUE an Order declaring the Tariff Explanation and the Financial Models attached hereto as Annex “L” as confidential information within the purview of Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, as well as directing that the same be treated with confidentiality and be protected from public disclosure; 2 . ISSUE the corresponding Protective Order in accordance with Section 2 and 4 of the said Rule 4; 3. Pending trial on the merits, PROVISIONALLY APPROVE, the PSA, including all the rates, fees and charges set out therein; and 4. After trial on the merits, APPROVE with FINALITY the PSA, including all the rates, fees and charges set out therein.

Other reliefs just and equitable are likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the Joint Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 2 August 2018 at ten o ‘clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.), at ERC Mindanao Field Office, Mintrade Bldg., Monteverde Avenue corner Sales St. , Davao City 8000.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title ofthe case and stating the following: 1) The petitioner’s name and address; 2) The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and 3) A statement of the relief desired.

0.2464kg/kwh 0.9855 kg/liter

Start-Up Costs (SC) The Buyer, on a pro rata basis of the capacity of the WMPC Power Station allocated to the Buyer, shall pay the Seller Start - Up Costs for the cost of starting up the WMPC Power Station after a period of shutdown due to any reason attributable to all the buyers of the Seller. The Start-Up Costs shall be computed based on the prevailing price of diesel fuel at the time of the Start Up and paid in accordance with the following:

SC = (No. of Cold Start ups x 600 liters x price of Diesel per liter) + (No. of Warm Start ups x 300 liters x price of Diesel per liter) Type of Start - Up Cold Start - up (more than 10 hours of shutdown) Warm Start - up (less than 10 hours of shutdown)

Liters of Diesel Fuel 600 300

1.6. Value Added Tax The relative Value Added Taxes (“VAT”) of the above fee payments 12% shall be computed as follows:

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicants rest its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1) The name and address of such person; 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 3) The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Joint Application may request from Applicants that it be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicants are hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Joint Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Joint Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO AGNES VST DEVANADERA, and the Honorable Commissioners ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 28th day of June 2018 in Pasig City.

VAT = (CRF + FOMF + VOMF + AFC + SC) x 0.12 For reference, a sample computation of the monthly payment is contained in Schedule 7.2

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal Net dependable capacity 2 G.R. No. 172835, 13 December 2007 1

(MS-JULY 13 & 20, 2018)

Life

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

C4

Culture And mediA

friday, july 20, 2018

Disposable lives

Isobel Francisco's 'Dollhouse'

O

n July 17, 2018, ArtistSpace and Metro Gallery present DISPOSABLE LIVES, the 5th solo exhibition of visual artist, Isobel Francisco. Disposable Lives chronicles the artist’s visual sojourn as she stares into the void of existence.

In Francisco’s hands, waste becomes the central point of the discussion as the artist likens our brief lives to “cosmic garbage,” desperately piecing together human experiences that inevitably decay, disappear, or are rendered meaningless. Building upon the central image of the garbage bag, which was introduced in her 2016 exhibition Sea of Fertility, she wonderfully executes a collection that captures her observations on human ruin.

While the duality of life and destruction reverberated through her previous exhibition, Francisco’s latest show is an affront to the ageold delusion of man as the center of the universe.

About the Artist

A graduate of Ateneo de Manila university, Isobel “Iso” Francisco has been making waves in the local and international art scene for her signature gritty aesthetic. Specializing in oil, she also dabbles in ink and digital tools. Since her debut in December 2011, the prolific artist

Waste is a central point of the discussion from Francisco.

has mounted a number of exhibitions in distinguished art spaces in Metro Manila as well as in Hong Kong and China.

Drawing the interest of art critics and aficionado’s for her vivid treatment of her subjects, Francisco is a refreshing revelation of the contemporary artistic ethos. The artist’s work has been prominently featured in

a number of print and online publications.

She was one of the 75 artists included in “Filipino Artists in Their Studios Volume 2”, launched in April 2018 in the Manila Bulletin. She has also been recently awarded an art residency at the Vermont Studio Center in the united States of America.

DISPOSABLE LIVES will be on view at the ArtistSpace from 17 to 30 July 2018 with an Artist Reception on 17 July 2018.

ArtistSpace is located at the Ayala Museum Annex, Ground level, Makati Avenue corner De la Rosa Street, Makati City. It is open from Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM to 7 PM. Admission is free.

For more information, please call or email Jane Salvador at (02) 759-8288 | artistspace@ayalamuseum.org or Metro Gallery at (63) 917-8115399 | metrogallery@hotmail.com.

Motoring Eon, Accent HARI’s bread-and-butter

H

yundai Asia Resources, Inc., the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the country, capped off its first Semester 2018 sales with 15,957 units . Despite a conservative performance with an 8.1% decline compared to the 1st Semester of 2017, the brand experienced a minimal drop relative to the performance of the Philippine automotive industry.

The 2nd Quarter alone saw vehicle sales at 7,226 units with June being the top performing month with 2,827 units sold; 37.6% more than the 2,054 sold in previous month. 1st Semester segment results showed 10.0% slowdown for the Passenger Car (PC) segment, while the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment made better progress with only a 3.9% decline.

As the volume driver of the brand, the PC segment accounted to more than two-thirds of the total Hyundai vehicles sold in the market of the 1st Semester. Led

by the Eon and Accent, the two name plates remain as part of the top selling passenger cars in the country.

The Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment owned the remaining one-third but took center stage as the segment increased by 4.9%, from 2,472 units in 2017 to 2,593 units in 2018. Propelled by the sale of H-100, it was the only model to have shown growth in both the 1st semester and 2nd quarter measures; 36.6% and 88.0% respectively.

Sales and Economic Outlook

Isuzu showcases modern jeepneys in Bus & Truck Show 2018 ISUZU Philippines Corp, the country’s leading truck manufacturer for the past 18 consecutive years, took part in Philippines Bus & truck Show 2018 highlighting not just its class-leading roster of strong, durable and versatile haulers, but also vehicles that would greatly impact the future of mass transport.

At the Philippines Bus & Truck Show 2018 held from July 13 to 15 at the SMX Convention Center in the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, IPC NMR C/C, QKR & EXZ trucks. Isuzu is offering P30,000 cash discount and P10,000-worth of Parts Coupon for every purchase The spotlight, however, will be on its versions of the modernized jeepneys that have been built to meet--if not exceed--the Department of Transportation’s standards and specifications for its Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

This is in line with the theme of this year’s show: “Modernization of jeepneys in the Philippines for green cities”.

IPC’s modernized jeepney featured the Isuzu QKR77 cab and chassis platform, with the rear body designed and manufactured by three of the country’s leading body builders.

The new PUV body is compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017), providing more space for passengers to move easily inside.

The passenger door is safely situated on the right-hand side, facing the sidewalk. Other design features of the body include panoramic windows and windshields, full-body insulation with GeneQ shield, automatic door closer, ECE-compliant headlamps, brake system, wipers, windshield washer, and side view mirrors, and provisions for persons with disabilities.

Completing the modernized look and features of the new PUVs are the LCD/LED TV monitors, electronic signages, fire extinguishers, GPS navigation system, CCTV, dashcam and back-up cameras, and the BEEP automatic fare collection -- all geared for passengers’ safety, entertainment, and added convenience in fare collection.

IPC’s modernized jeepney

was, in fact, chosen as the vehicle to formally kick off the PUVMP when the first batch of such vehicles were turned over to the Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO) as the pilot operator of the program last June 2018.

The unmatched combination of high-quality standards, fitand-finish, warranties that are well-adapted to local transport conditions, and the four-way Isuzu Advantage makes IPCs modernized jeepneys the topof-mind choice of PUV operators applying for the PUVMP. The Isuzu Advantage is the sum of IPC’s different customer support programs bolstering its world-class lineup of vehicles.

The first advantage is IPC’s roster of durable, reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles and its tried-andtested body builder partners. The second is its nationwide dealer network that now counts over 41 outlets complete with servicing facilities. The third is the reliable and prompt nationwide parts availability. Finally, IPC’s team of expert service technicians and field support personnel are on call to provide technical assistance whenever and wherever needed.

This is the Isuzu Advantage that has catapulted IPC as the number one truck brand in the Philippines for 18 consecutive years, highlighted by its recordbreaking sales performance in 2017 wherein 7,499 trucks were sold, an increase of 23.40% percent from 2016.

IPC has been one of the most sought-after brand displays in the Philippines Bus & Truck Show. The show is recognized by the industry as the number one international bus, truck and commercial vehicle exhibition, a business-to-business trade show that prides itself in delivering top-quality trade buyers and decision makers. By working closely with key trade associations, the expo brings together bus, trucks and commercial vehicle operators, mining and construction companies, leasing and logistics companies, manufacturers, trading, parts and service and repair workshops to see and get updated on the latest range of buses, trucks and commercial vehicles.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

Recent falls in the value of the peso, rises in imported fuel prices, a higher than ever inflation rate, and other seasonal factors have temporarily dampened consumer demand for automotive vehicles. To a certain extent, the TRAIN Law has also played a role as models priced in the middle of the bracket are given a higher excise tax.

However, business and consumer confidence remain upbeat as the increasing investments of the current administration’s “Build, Build, Build” initiative, a strong domestic demand, and a stable labor market played a role in influencing these positive sentiments. Nonetheless, Hyundai has once again proven

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018

D1

itself to remain resilient in the middle of the added external pressures to the industry, as attested by the steady movement in the brand’s sales trend. As the market begins to adjust to the effects of the TRAIN law, we expect the sale of automotive vehicles to pick up in the coming months.

“Hyundai’s 1st semester sales remain consistent with the trend in the industry. Nonetheless, we are confident that we can continue to respond to these challenges and certainly delight our consumers with our improved array of products and services as we are expecting greater potential for the rest of the year.”

Uniwide’s quest for justice based on recently obtained documents

A

ll deeds—noble or evil—will be revealed at some point. This is how the wheels of justice grind, when the good is rewarded and the bad condemned. For Uniwide Group founder Jimmy Gow and the company’s current president, Dr. Jesus L. Arranza, the quest for justice has begun, their crusade bolstered by recently unearthed official documents that hint at something sinister behind the fall of the No. 1 retail chain in the country in just one year—in 1997, when all its assets valued at P30 billion were wiped out and its value of stocks falling to below P1 from more than P7 apiece. Even the Ecology Bank, which was majority owned by Gow with 35 branches, was taken by a creditor bank without paying a single centavo.

That the Uniwide Holdings Inc. (UHI) financial advisor and chief financial officer were preparing to put the company under receivership in 1998, leading to the firm’s liquidation years later, remained a mystery to those who witnessed its grandeur.

Gow, after repeatedly reading and analyzing official documents related to the company that were released after a trial court ordered UHI’s liquidation in 2016, couldn’t help but come to the realization that—probably—Uniwide and its 27,000 stockholders were a victim of organized fraud.

“I couldn’t help but ask myself, ‘was there a conspiracy among the people I trust—my banker, my financial advisor, my chief financial officer, my auditor, my lawyer, and those that the company had dealings with?’ Worse, the way the supposed rehabilitation of Uniwide was conducted and regulated, I think the design was more to liquidate than to help the company get back on its feet,” Gow stressed.

It is worth noting that Uniwide Sales Warehouse Club reached its peak in net sales at P14.7 billion in 1997 and was the undisputed go-to outlet of sari-sari (small community) stores.

Uniwide Holdings, on the other hand, just received a fresh P4.3-billion funding from its initial public offering (IPO) in August 1996.

However, Gow recalled that in 1998, his chief financial officer Jaime I. Cagangis and financial advisor Equitable Bank led by George Go and Cesar Buenaventura, were already preparing to put Uniwide Holdings under receivership.

“These are the issues that I want to be clarified--how come Uniwide Holdings, which just got P4.3 billion in IPO proceeds in 1996 (the money supposedly deposited at Equitable Bank) and had no debts, was being placed under receivership already one year later? Remember, it was Uniwide Warehouse Club which had debts, and it was a separate company from Uniwide Holdings,” Gow emphasized.

Also, Gow wondered why all these companies were included: Uniwide Sales Inc., Naic Resources and Development Corp., First Paragon Corp. and Uniwide Warehouse Club Inc. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), meanwhile, appeared to have been remiss of its duties, Gow noted, as the regulator did not even carefully check the

records, especially the necessary approvals from Uniwide Holdings Board of Directors and its 27,000 stockholders. “There were no records on the stockholders’ approval on everything that happened.”

As a matter of fact, then-SEC Chairman Perfecto Yasay approved it in just a week. “The speed to which it was approved was amazingly fast.”

Like no other

Uniwide Sales Warehouse Club, in its prime, was unmatched in terms of store sizes (minimum of 1 hectare per store), number of customers, checkout counters (around 60 per store), inventory and sales.

Uniwide was a household name back then, much like today’s Puregold, Shopwise, SM and Robinsons Supermarkets — almost everyone was in Uniwide because goods ranging from plates to canned goods to fresh meat, fish and fruits were more affordable versus competitors.

The warehouse club was so popular that in 1988, Uniwide had to initiate measures to somehow limit the traffic in some of its stores during its annual promotional season. It was even criticized in the media one time in 1991, when it held a midnight sale that lasted up to 4 a.m. because it caused major traffic jams in Metro Manila.

According to the Rehabilitation Plan prepared by Buenaventura Filamor Echauz (BFE), the Uniwide Group employed around 3,560 people, and its operations concentrated in Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite and Tarlac.

It already had 11 stores in 1991 and was so in-demand that banks saw the potential of doing business with the company, and lent the firm money without collateral.

Its operations then was simple, there was Gow the owner, Efren Yap as general manager, a few store managers, and thousands of employees. Its transactions with suppliers were heavily based on cash.

With gross sales reaching between P15 billion and P20 billion annually in the 1990s, Gow decided that it was time to expand its business and add more stores in the Philippines to further cement the company’s leadership in the retail space. He also started buying properties because he was getting good deals, as he was always ready to pay in cash.

Going public

“In 1992, Cabangis, who was then

at SGV as partner, approached me and told me to make Uniwide a listed company. He told me that he can raise more than P4 billion in the listing proceedings, and that he will resign from SGV to lead the company as CFO, provided that I pay him P5 million a year,” Gow said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Gow agreed, seeing the potential that P4 billion of fresh capital can create for such a popular company among Filipinos.

Thus, Uniwide Holdings was incorporated. Cabangis, who showed genuine concern and interest to help the company grow, was placed at the helm. He brought in about 100 people, including the comptroller, vice president for finance, asset manager and board of directors.

UHI, according to BFE, served as the holding company for the real estate and franchising operations of the Uniwide Group. The retailing operations, on the other hand, were with the Uniwide Sales Warehouse Club Inc. (USWCI), which is 100-percent owned by the Gow Family. UHI’s Board of Directors included Gow and his daughter Cherrie, Cabangis, Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas and Cesar Virata. UHI was incorporated on Sept. 15, 1994, initially with an authorized common stock worth P500 million, which was later raised to P5 billion at a par value of P1 apiece.

There were 27,000 investors that subscribed to the UHI’s IPO in 1996, raising P4.3 billion in new capital. Stocks were offered at P4.80 apiece, and then quickly rose to the P5-level. Only 35 percent of the total outstanding shares was floated to the public, with the rest still held by the Gow Family-controlled companies, including Uniwide Sales Inc. (USI), which owned approximately 50 percent of UHI. Gow personally owned 2 percent of UHI. Proceeds from the IPO were deposited in Equitable Bank, Gow said.

Financial crisis

The BFE report showed that the Uniwide Group’s assets as of May 31, 1999 were valued at P19.9 billion, while current liabilities, loans payable and other liabilities only amounted to P11.1 billion. In that period, Uniwide’s bank debts totaled around P6.95 billion.

“The firm thus had adequate assets to cover liabilities,” the BFE noted.

But BFE said Uniwide’s performance was affected by the Asian financial crisis. In the first five months of 1999, it had a net operating loss of P383 million on total revenues of P2.7 billion. The financial advisor noted that this was due to low sales volume and reduced franchise fees and rents.

Gow, however, stressed that what really caused the big drop in sales was the considerably low store inventory, reportedly due to the decision of Cabangis to stop paying the suppliers properly.

Arranza, who was a long-time supplier of coconut oil to Uniwide outlets, recalled that he was invited to a meeting among the worried suppliers.

Arranza said majority of the suppliers started to cut their deliveries to Uniwide because they were no longer being paid the same way the company was settling its dues before the crisis.

The suppliers decided then that they will only make another delivery to Uniwide stores once the previous delivery has been fully paid.

This meant that the worry was only on the matter of cash flow and not insolvency.

Gow said he could not understand why Cabangis allowed this to happen when Uniwide was still generating enough sales. Also, the proceeds from the IPO were in the bank.

According to the report of SGV, the IPO proceeds were deposited in a custodian bank it did not name. Gow surmised that this custodian bank was probably Equitable Bank, as he had been dealing with the financial institution for 35 years already at that time. Also, all the money that was pouring in from the IPO was being deposited to Equitable.

Conspicuously, the IPO proceeds deposited in this custodian bank just disappeared in Uniwide’s financial books in 1997. This was also evident in the audit prepared by SGV submitted to the SEC in April 1998.

Gow said Cabangis could have easily solved the liquidity shortfall, which, BFE noted, was impeding

the Uniwide Group’s operations that time.

day-to-day

The banks

Behind the scenes, Gow said Cabangis, his financial advisors Go and Buenaventura, and the creditor banks were already making deals.

Whereas before the banks were happily dangling loans to Uniwide without collateral, they started to demand something to cover the new loans and debts accumulated by the company over time.

This was when the banks started getting Uniwide properties and shareholdings.

Gow cited the case of Land Bank of the Philippines. Gow narrated that Cabangis allowed Land Bank to get P3.8 billion worth of assets and shares of stocks for Uniwide’s P500-million debts.

“All banks got this similar deal, they got my properties as collateral; all these without my knowledge.

Even my board of directors did not know this. Bernie Villegas, a member of the board, admitted this to me, and without the stockholders’ knowledge; nobody knew,” Gow said.

Equitable Bank (EBC), meanwhile, acquired his Ecology Bank that had 35 branches that time, Gow added.

Uniwide owed EBC P1.73 billion.

Gow said EBC did not even assign a single centavo value for the Ecology Bank. It also secured leasehold rights on several properties and the Uniwide Family Store.

Gow said Equitable had full knowledge of Uniwide’s assets because Cabangis made Go and Buenaventura the financial advisors of the company.

BFE’s rehab plan stated that Uniwide also owed these financial institutions: RCBC (P1.34 billion), UCPB (P995.5 million), PNB (P772 million), BPI (P610 million), International Exchange Bank (P100 million), Allied Bank (P262.5 million), ING (P100 million), Asian Bank (P200 million), East West (P100 million), East Asia (P44.59 million), Metrobank (P53.5 million), PB Com (P48.5 million).

File photos show the Uniwide Sales Warehouse Club outlets with the number of checkout counters, size of clientele, volume of store inventory and discounts offered unprecedented in the history of Philippine retail industry.

The rehab plans

The plunge Gow recalled that in 1997, Cabangis went to ING Barring and planned another road show to raise more money, just like what they did in 1996 when they offered shares of Uniwide holdings in Europe, the US and other areas.

“They were given more than P1 billion worth of shares at P5.80 apiece to be re-sold again. We had a buy-back agreement at P6.30 per share. But the market price of the shares later went up to P7.50.

Then after three weeks, Cabangis, ING Barring, Asian Alliance, PCCI Financial, PNB Leasing, around 6 or 7 groups, with collective shares worth more or less P1 billion, sold their shares.”

“When they sold, it triggered a negative reaction in the market because of the sudden unloading of shares. The stock prices plunged to below P1 in less than six months; this was the market reaction.”

“These are the people who knew what was going on in the company; they knew that the assets of Uniwide were already given to the banks as collateral and that this company would have a cash flow problem,” Gow narrated.

So in just a year after Uniwide Holding’s IPO, the company went bankrupt despite having P4.3 billion deposited in a custodian bank,

which was believed to be Equitable Bank, and about P30 billion in pooled assets, according to the audit prepared by SGV. “Everything happened in just one year--in 1997. All the assets were given to the banks, the P4.3 billion in the custodian bank banished, and the value of the stocks fell below P1 per share. So in 1998, Cabangis and my financial advisors were already applying for receivership. And the SEC, which was supposed to take care of registered companies, did not even look into all these, especially since Uniwide had so much money and assets,” Gow stressed.

The Walmart deal Months before the IPO, Cabangis and his boss at SGV, Washington Sycip, went to Gow and offered to bring in international brand Walmart as an investor of Uniwide.

Gow said Walmart was to invest P6 billion and was supposed to acquire six Uniwide buildings and lots.

SGV was supposed to get a 3-percent commission from the deal.

For three days, they were drafting the contract at Shangri-la Makati. Suddenly, however, Walmart representatives decided to drop the deal at the end of the third day, apparently due to the onset of the financial crisis.

The primary objective of the original rehabilitation plan, according to an SEC document, was “to ensure the servicing and eventual full payment of all petitioners’ (Uniwide Group) debts by stabilizing their operations and for them to prepare and take advantage of future opportunities for growth with the support of all parties; and that given the necessary breathing space with the support of their creditor banks, petitioners have the reason to be confident that they will be able to meet their obligations in due time.”

The rehab plan, submitted to the SEC in October 1999, had 15 action plans, including the return of Uniwide to its core business of retailing and restructuring of all loans.

On March 6, 2000, the receivership committee composed of Monico V. Jacob, chairman, and members Cornelio T. Peralta and Arthur N. Aguilar, presented the first amendment to the rehab plan, highlighted by the entry of French retailer Casino Guichard-Perachon, which committed to invest P3.57 billion. The amendment “calls for the total repayment of all loans via a combination of dacion en pago and cash payment at a discount.”

Cabangis and the three-man SECappointed team handling the rehab of Uniwide managed to secure a 20-percent discount from the creditors.

They will be paid through the dacion of the Uniwide assets and the money to be invested by Casino. The total debt that needed to be paid that time was reduced to only P9 billion because of the 20-percent discount that the creditors granted. Then-SEC Chair Lilia Bautista approved the plan on April 11, 2000.

In that decision, the SEC noted that “the audit by the Cunanan auditors showed that the Gow Family did not take out funds from the Uniwide Group of Companies for their personal use.”

Gow said it was supposed to be a done deal already. But in January 2001, Casino suddenly left, even leaving behind around P60 million in cash advances.

On October 11, 2001, the receivership committee sought SEC’s approval for the second amendment to the rehab plan, which apparently dealt the more telling blows to Uniwide.

It was approved by the corporate regulator a year later.

This time, however, they allowed the banks to raise the original debts by 20 percent. This, according to Arranza, effectively increased the value of Uniwide debts by 40 percent, considering the creditors have earlier agreed to grant a 20-percent discount when the first rehab plan was worked out.

“Aside from the additional 40 percent, Gow was made to shoulder all the costs to implement the dacion en pago,” Arranza said.

“We were left without a choice, because the SEC appointed committee/ receivers were calling the shots. This was also the view of our

lawyers then,” Gow said.

In the midst of all these, Gow said the members of the receivership committee even wrote a letter to him asking for a 2-percent success commission.

Gow lamented how everything went so fast, when one by one his properties were taken by the banks under a dacion en pago scheme.

“In 2003, BPI took my building in Libis, where our operations were headquartered,” he said. “The bank appraised the building at less than P400 million, but it is a two-hectare property with a multi-storey building whose fair market value was at P800 million.”

He also complained how the banks appraised his properties at “unconscionably low” values, such as the iconic Good Earth in Avenida, whose value was pegged by a bank at only P300 million; a commercial lot near Corinthian Garden, whose value was slashed by half to only P30,000 per square meter; and a 70-hecatre lot in Naic, Cavite along Manila Bay, whose value was only appraised at P280 per square meter.

“I believe what they did may be construed as a fraudulent act,” he said.

What the documents say Gow, who gave Cabangis his full trust in running Uniwide, didn’t know what hit him, until he saw the documents released by a court in 2016.

“We only learned of these documents and obtained copies when the SEC forwarded the Uniwide files to the Paranaque RTC to implement the liquidation of Uniwide holdings on August 23, 2016.”

Note that before this, all records of Uniwide could not be located because of the series of transfers of corporate headquarters-- including the company files-- under the auspices of Cabangis since July 2003.

“I was thinking that maybe that was the strategy of Cabangis — he’d put down the company completely,” Gow said. “Looking back, I think all these happened because of my decision to trust Cabangis.”

Interestingly, according to the documents, the dacion en pago scheme, the 20-percent premium given to the bank debts, and the cost of implementing the dacion (including the capital gains tax equivalent to 6 percent of the transfer value) assigned to Gow, obliterated Uniwide’s assets, effectively liquidating it, instead of rehabilitating it.

The appraised values of the dacioned properties were even balanced against the debts, dacion expenses and 20-percent premium.

In the case of RCBC, for example, the receivers valued six Uniwide properties at P1,556,360,059.32 aggregate.

The application of payment, on the other hand, showed debt repayment (principal and interest) as of June 30, 1999 at P1,242,494,369; the funding for dacion expenses at P63,366,816.52;

and premium on dacioned properties at P248,498,873.80, for a total of P1,556,360,059.32.

“I’m still trying to figure out how a seasoned financial man like Cabangis did not seem to have notice these infirmities,” Arranza said.

The SEC, on the other hand, did not even bother to scrutinize everything, Gow noted.

In 2011, Gow said claims from Uniwide’s unsecured creditors have dropped to about P400 million. This further dwindled to only about P20 million in 2016.

In 2013, the SEC ordered the liquidation of Uniwide Holdings assets, noting that it can no longer be revived, as its debts were too huge while it had minimal operations already.

Uniwide disputed the SEC order, and elevated the case to the higher court.

Uniwide's seven stores were closed, and the merchandise were transferred to the Uniwide Coastal Mall.

However, in October 2014, Metropolitan Trial Court Judge Ramsay Pichay ruled in favor of the ejectment case filed by the Manila Bay Development Corp. (MBDC).

The court padlocked the Coastal Mall then had the goods and equipment inside it auctioned off. Gow said in an unannounced auction, MBDC won the bid for only P30 million, when clearly the value of the goods seized would have easily exceeded P1 billion.

For one year, Gow said HMR was taking out the items inside Coastal, and it took an equivalent of about 1,600 10-wheeler trucks to complete.

“So if you value per truck at P1 million, the total value would easily be P1.6 billion.”

This amount, Gow added, should be enough to cover the P1.6-billion debt payment being demanded by Allied Bank and PNB Leasing, which are seeking to acquire the MetroMall building in Paranaque.

But Gow said MetroMall is owned

by Uniwide Holdings, while the P1.6 billion is owed by Uniwide Sales Warehouse Club.

The Coastal Mall, meanwhile, was built using money from the retail sales.

Gow recalled that in just one year, Cabangis already spent P1.7 billion for the construction. “He even advanced P300 million to the suppliers and contractors that he picked himself,” Gow said.

Quest for justice Today, Gow and Arranza are taking steps to rectify what they believe as the wrongs committed by the SEC appointed committee, Cabangis, the banks, his financial advisor and lawyers, with the hope that the truth will come out and the public will know what really happened to Uniwide.

Gow said getting back some of his properties or receiving compensation from the “low valuation” of his assets would just be a gravy---because he is really after getting justice. (Advt)

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

D4 FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018

Hino Motors rolls out modern jeepneys SA PANGASINAN GROUNDBREAKING.

Suzuki PH

From left: SPH Assistant General Manager Cecil Capacete, Grand Canyon Multi-holdings, Inc. Managing and Finance Director Robert Po, SPH Vice President and General Manager for Automobile Shuzo Hoshikura,Grand Canyon Multiholdings, Inc. Chairman Peter Po and Calasiao City Mayor Arman Bauzon celebrate the ground-breaking of the soonto-rise Suzuki Auto Pangasinan in Calasiao.

broadens reach

P

IONEER compact car distributor Suzuki Philippines strengthens its market presence outside Metro Manila with back-to-back expansion initiatives in the CALABARZON and Ilocos regions.

Following the successful introduction of the two latest additions to the Suzuki automobile lineup, the all-new Dzire and Swift, SPH continues to drive forward in the competitive automobile industry by adding two dealerships to its growing network, the Suzuki Auto Calamba and Suzuki Auto Calasiao.

“We are very grateful for the positive market response to the Suzuki brand this first half of the year.

As I promised during the launch of the new Dzire and Swift, Suzuki Philippines will be even more aggressive in achieving our targets for the remaining months of 2018.

The team has laid out a roadmap

to make sure that our growth initiatives are not only sustained but accelerated. So we will continue expanding our product lineup and dealership network to be able to offer best-value products and services,” said SPH Vice President and General Manager for Automobile Shuzo Hoshikura.

Suzuki Auto Calamba 3S grand opening Suzuki Auto Calamba, which has been serving as a sales dealership catering to Filipino motorists in the Laguna area since October 2016, is expanding its thrust to serve as a 3S (Sales, Spare Parts and Service) dealership of the Su-

ALVIERA’S RACE TRACK. Rev up your engines at the Sandbox, Alviera’s outdoor adventure park, as it now features a world-class, competitionready karting complex. The karting complex features a new race track with five different layouts, including a kiddie track for young ones to safely enjoy the sport. Operated by City Kart Racing, the complex offers kart rentals, karting clinics, and even motorbike rentals. The new complex will soon be the site for competitions as the race track is the biggest karting complex in the country and it will hold international competitions in the near future. The City Kart Racing complex at SandBox will also be home to mini-golf and playing fields for airsoft and paintball within the year. Equipment will be available for rent

SA CALAMBA. From left: SPH Assistant General Manager Cecil Capacete; Grand Canyon Multi-holdings, Inc. VP for Operations Lorenz Aguilar; SPH Vice President and General Manager for Automobile Shuzo Hoshikura, together with Calamba City Mayor Timmy Chipeco, Grand Canyon Multi-holdings, Inc Chairman Peter Po, Grand Canyon Multiholdings, Inc Comptroller Caroline Po lead the inauguration of the new Suzuki Auto Calamba. zuki network with a grand opening this July 11, Wednesday.

SPH has always been keen to strengthen the brand’s base in the province of Laguna, particularly in Calamba City, one of Laguna’s most-populated and first-class cities, which is a key growth area.

Calamba’s strong economic potential and fast-growing business and investor environment would provide great opportunities for SPH to serve even more Filipinos.

The recently inaugurated 1,270-square-meter-wide 3S dealership lies on a 3,100-square-meter lot along the Kilometer 53 PanPhilippine highway, Calamba City, Laguna. It boasts a vast showroom that can fit six display units while the five service bays can accommodate even more units. Strategically built in the middle of the premiere industrial capital outside of Metro Manila, the Suzuki Auto Calamba is expected to further boost the sales and services of SPH. Suzuki Auto Calasiao groundbreaking Last July 9, SPH breaks ground for a new dealership in the Ilocos Region, the Suzuki Auto Calasiao.

The developing city is strategically located at the heart of Pangasinan with major roads connecting it to nearby similarly economic thriving cities of Dagupan and San Carlos.

The new dealership, which will measure 1,000 square meters wide, will rise along the busy Judge Jose De Venecia highway extension, Banaoang, Calasiao. The project will be the 7th 3S dealership to be built with Grand Canyon Multi-holdings, Inc. and will be the 11th dealership under the group’s supervision.

“We deeply appreciate the trust of Suzuki Philippines in our management over the years. We witnessed how SPH grew in the market and how receptive the Filipinos are of its services and products. We hope that our brand and SPH will continue to grow as we strengthen the partnership we have established,” shared President Andrew Po. “The launch is just the beginning. We strongly believe that SPH will become a more significant and competitive player in the industry because of our amplified marketing efforts and strengthened partner and customer base nationwide,” added Hoshikura.

By MJ Blancaflor and Dexter Tilo TRANSPORT cooperatives from Taguig and Pateros received 279 and 137 modern jeepney units on Wednesday, respectively, following the implementation of the PUV modernization program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Taguig Transport Service Cooperative and Pateros-Fort Bonifacio Transport Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative were given four-wheeler AC modern jeepney units from Hino Motors Philippines.

The Class II jeepneys use the Beep Card system and feature a speed limiter, GPS, CCTV, a dashboard-mounted camera, and air-conditioning.

Built according to the requirements set by the DOTr, one jeepney can accommodate 23 commuters in comfortable, seat belt-secured, and perimeter seats.

The Hino jeepneys, which are Euro IV-compliant, aim to deliver a more efficient engine while adopting green technology to reduce harm to the environment.

The approved routes of the jeepney units include Gate III of Fort Bonifacio to Guadalupe Market and Bagumbayan, Taguig to Pasig.

The PUV modernization program is envisioned to replace some 250,000 jeepneys nationwide with environmentfriendly, convenient, and comfortable public utility vehicles.

The Taguig TSC and Pateros-Fort Bonifacio TSMC are among the three preselected cooperatives that adopted the PUV modernization program, the first being Senate Employees Transport Service Coop-

erative (SETSCO).

Last month, the government’s PUV modernization program kicked off with a formal turnover of newly-acquired vehicles at the Senate compound in Pasay City.

“The success of this program is due to the public utility vehicle drivers and operators who agree that the way to modernization is acceptance,” DOTr Assistant Secretary Mark De Leon said.

“Without the program, we will all return to a very inefficient system in public transportation,” De Leon stated during the turnover ceremonies at the Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse.

Also present in the turnover ceremonies are Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano, LTFRB NCR Regional Director Zona Russel Tamayo, and MMDA Director for Traffic Enforcement Terdy Taguinod.

The turnover ceremonies were also attended by Vicente Mills Jr., chairman of Hino Motors Philippines.

“Panaginip ito ni President (Rodrigo) Duterte at DOTr Secretary (Arthur) Tugade at ngayon ay nangyari na,” Mills said.

Mills also expressed his hopes to partner with other transport groups to implement the program for a more sustainable and environment-friendly transportation system in the country.

“We strongly believe that our quality products can make commuting safer and more efficient for Filipinos,” Mills said.

Hino Motors Philippines Corporation is involved in providing buses, trucks, spare parts, and other automativerelated products and services in the country.

The PUV modernization program is set in motion as Hino Motors Philippines officially turns overthe first batch of modern jeepney units to the Taguig Transport Service Cooperative and Pateros-Fort Bonifacio Transport Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The turnover ceremony was attended by Department of Transportation Asec. Mark de Leon, and LTFRB NCR Regional Director. Zona Russet Tamayo, Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano, among others.