Manila Standard - 2018 April 25 - Wednesday

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Van driver kills 10 in Toronto; PH condoles with Canada

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Philippines extended its condolences to Canada on Tuesday after a van driver plowed into a number of pedestrians in Toronto, killing 10 people and injuring 15 others.

The biggest city in Canada, Toronto also has the highest concentration of Filipinos—about 270,000 of them— living and working in capital of Ontario Next page province.

Bird whisperer forms rare bond with feathered friends DEAF since childhood, Razali Bin Mohamad Habidin has developed a closer bond with the creatures under his care than any other keeper at Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park, where other staff refer to him simply as the “bird whisperer.”

Razali, who lost 80 percent of his hearing after falling ill as a baby, started working at the park over two decades ago, and has risen to the position of deputy head avian keeper. Next page

Morales wins SC ruling on 7-year tenure

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has junked the consolidated petitions seeking to compel Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to vacate the position she was appointed to by then President Benigno Aquino III for allegedly overstaying.

During its en banc session in Baguio City, the SC voted unanimously to dismiss the petitions filed by former Metro Rail Transit Line 3 general manager Al Vitangcol and lawyer Rey Nathaniel Ifurung seeking the ouster of Morales for lack of merit.

SC spokesman Theodore Te stressed the tribunal ruled that Ombudsman Morales was appointed to a full term of seven years without reappointment and not simply the unexpired portion of the predecessor.

“The Court, voting unanimously, dismissed the Petitions in these consolidated cases, ruling that, as provided in Article XI, Sec. 11 of the 1986 Constitution, Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 69 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

PH apologizes to Kuwait over OFW ‘rescue’ videos

By Sara Susanne Fabunan

F

OREIGN Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano apologized Tuesday after videos emerged of embassy staff helping Filipinos flee from allegedly abusive employers in Kuwait.

Kuwait had branded the rescues a violation of its sovereignty, adding fuel to a simmering diplomatic row between the two nations sparked by the murder of a Filipino maid.

The first of two clips, which spread on social media after being released by the Department of Foreign Affairs last week, shows a woman running from a home and jumping into a waiting vehicle.

Another depicts a person sprinting from what looks like a construction site and then speeding off in a black sport utility vehicle.

“I apologize to my counterpart and we apologize to the Kuwaiti government, the Kuwaiti people and the leadOFW CONCERNS. President Rodrigo Duterte receives Monday night Kuwaiti ambassador to the Philippines Musaed Saleh Althwaikh ers of Kuwait if they were offended by in Davao City to discuss concerns of overseas Filipino workers and other sensitive issues between the Philippines and Kuwait. With the President during the meeting are Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. Malacañang Photo some actions taken by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait,” Cayetano told reporters in Manila.

Three Filipinos who drove vans for the embassy in the operations were believed to be held by Kuwaiti authorities. it was the high rate of infl ation. remained essentially constant between Cayetano added a formal apology letBy Vito Barcelo The public concern about the need to December 2017 and March 2018. ter was being sent to Kuwait, a day after INCREASING the workers’ take-home increase workers’ pay and protect the Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque President Rodrigo Duterte met with the pay and controlling inflation remain the welfare of Filipino workers abroad be- says that President Rodrigo Duterte wants Kuwaiti ambassador Saleh Ahmad Althtop concerns of most Filipinos, according came more evident between December a comfortable life for all Filipinos. waikh over the issue. to the latest Pulse Asia Survey.

2017 and March 2018, while the levels “The President also expressed his conKuwait was furious after the videos But Malacañang says the government of concern about fighting corruption and cern with regard to the latest survey, but emerged, saying the rescues were a viois doing all it can to address the problems enforcing the rule of law dropped during wants to give a more comfortable life to lation of its sovereignty and “can harm hounding the country. the same period. every Filipino family,” Roque said. relations between the two countries.”

The survey, conducted from March 23 The Duterte administration enjoys The survey also revealed that the reCayetano said the Philippine Embasto 28, showed that 50 percent of the respon- majority approval ratings on 11 of 12 se- spondents were concerned with poverty sy staff were responding to complaints dents believed increasing salaries was the lected national issues. The respondents’ reduction (35 percent) and job creation of abuse from some of the 260,000 FiliNext page most urgent issue while 45 percent thought assessment of the administration’s work (32 percent). pinos working in Kuwait.

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Workers’ pay hike an urgent concern—Pulse Asia

Comelec, Marcos told to comment on Robredo plea

By Rey E. Requejo

OMBUDSMAN CARPIO-MORALES

THE Supreme Court, acting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, has required former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Commission on Elections to file their comment on the appeal of Vice President Leni Robredo to lower the 50 percent threshold in the recount of votes for the 2016 vice presidential race.

Marcos and the Comelec were given 10 days to comment on Robredo’s motion for reconsideration, after the PET rejected her bid to lower the threshold to 25 percent.

In her urgent motion for reconsideration, Robredo through her lawyer Romulo Macalintal warned that the 50 percent threshold would disenfranchise Next page

Moves to disbar Sereno’s accuser mounting; blogger files 4th case

By Rey E. Requejo THE lawyer who filed an impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is now facing his fourth disbarment case for alleged gross ignorance of the law and grossly immoral conduct.

In a complaint, blogger Jover Laurio of Pinoy Ako Blog accused Larry Gadon of violating his oath as a lawyer and the Code of Professional Responsibility

Boracay closure impends; police go on high alert POLICE with assault rifles patrolled the entry points to Boracay island on Tuesday, just days before a six-month shutdown and cleanup of one of the Philippines’ top tourist attractions.

President Rodrigo Duterte had called the renowned white-sand resort a “cesspool” fouled by dumped sewage and imposed the temporary ban on visitors that is due to take effect Thursday.

In other developments: • The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has approved a resolution recommending that Duterte declare Boracay in a state of calamity.

• Duterte may sign the executive order placing Boracay under a state of calamity “anytime now,” his spokesman CASTLE OF DREAMS. An unidentified woman toting a baby walks past a sand structure in said on Tuesday.

Harry Roque made the statement two Boracay, ahead of its closure on April 26. President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the once idyllic white sand resort closed to tourists for six months, after describing the country’s top days before the island is closed to tourists tourist attraction as a ‘cesspool ‘ tainted by raw sewage. AFP

when he filed “a baseless and unactionable criminal complaint” against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

Complainants were referring to the graft complaint filed by Gadon against Sereno last January at the Department of Justice for non-submission of her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.

“When Gadon filed a criminal complaint against Chief Justice Sereno in the Next page

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Du30 urged to lift timetable on peace gab; Reds’ 2 camps fall

By Maricel V. Cruz

TWO lawmakers on Tuesday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to lift his conditions for resuming the peace talks with the communist rebels.

Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro said it was the obligation of the negotiators to comply with the previous agreements, and that adding conditions would not help move the peace talks.

Meanwhile, troopers from the Northern Luzon Command captured two New People’s Army camps in Abra and Isabela over the weekend, an official said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Isagani Nato said the 73rd Division Reconnaissance Company and the 24th Infantry Battalion under Joint Task Force “Kaugnay” captured the abandoned rebel camp in Kilong-olao village in Boliney, Abra, around 4 a.m. on Sunday.

He said the camp was 20 by 15 meters and could accommodate about 15 fighters.

Tinio said Duterte must lift his conditions for resuming the peace talks and allow the negotiating panels to continue with the agenda set at The Hague Declaration.

“Peace negotiations are long processes of debates and agreements between the two parties that cannot be fast0tracked in just 60 days,” Tinio said.

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News

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Workers’...

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Twenty-seven percent of the respondents said fighting criminality was the most urgent, 22 percent said fighting graft and corruption was the priority and another 22 percent pointed to promoting peace.

Fifteen percent of the respondents called for reducing the amount of taxes paid by Filipinos, 13 percent said protecting the welfare of Filipino workers abroad was important, and 10 percent favored enforcing the rule of law and protecting the environment.

The least concerns of Filipinos were population growth (7 percent), national territorial defense (6 percent), terrorism (4 percent) and Charter change (3 percent).

Boracay...

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for six months to give way to its rehabilitation starting April 26.

• Malacañang on Tuesday suggested to the establishment owners in Boracay to advance the 13th -month month pay of the workers to be affected by the island’s closure.

• An official in Aklan said Tuesday at least 13 beach-front properties in Boracay would have to have portions of their structures removed for being illegal.

“Of the 18 properties surveyed, 13 or 14 must remove some structures,” said Rowen Aguirre, executive assistant of the Office of the Mayor in Malay, Aklan.

Authorities on Tuesday held a practice run of security measures in Boracay, asking residents of the tiny island to present identification cards at the gateway port of Caticlan to be allowed entry.

In Boracay, police conducted exercises simulating clashes with protesters, terrorist attacks and a hostage incident even as they said there was no specific threat.

“In any plan we need maximum contingency. We will have an assessment if we need to add or reduce our forces, but we now have enough forces,” local police official Jesus Cambay told AFP. Once hailed as one of the world’s top holiday destinations by travel magazines, Boracay is among the Southeast Asian destinations reeling from decades of unchecked tourism and environmental degradation.

Officials have warned the island’s drainage system is being used to send untreated sewage from the hotels and restaurants into its turquoise waters.

Duterte has threatened to arrest people who try to block government efforts to rehabilitate the sewage system and demolish illegal structures.

With no sign in sight of resistance to the cleanup, some residents were surprised by the presence of more than 600 policemen.

“I think it’s excessive. Why does Boracay have so many policemen?” tour promoter Jessie Ibon told AFP. “It might scare the tourists, seeing soldiers with long firearms.”

Workers said they did not mind security checks, adding they were more worried about their jobs.

The closure threatens the livelihood of 17,000 hotel, restaurant and other tourism workers, plus about 11,000 construction workers.

“There’s no problem with presenting IDs. It’s no hassle. But the income is the huge problem. Of the 100-percent income we used to get, it’s now down to 15 percent,” resort housekeeper Ernida Jimenez told AFP. The last remaining tourists went swimming despite the algae-tined waters near shore, which the government said was due to sewage being dumped into the waters.

“I heard that this beach is supposed to be the most amazing, the most beautiful beach in the world and then when it was all green, it was a bit disappointing,” Swedish tourist Malin Palm, 19, told AFP. AFP, with Vito Barcelo and PNA

Du30...

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“The next agenda of the peace panel would be on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms, which cannot be agreed upon in a rush as it will be the most important document in the peace process because it aims to resolve the historical and structural inequities in Philippine society.”

Castro said the peace talks between the government and the NDF had already resulted in agreements between the two parties, which would allow a more neutral and less hostile environment when entering the peace negotiations.

“These are the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees, which is basically an identification system that gives protection and security to the consultants of both parties, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, which oblige both parties to promote the respect of and adherence to international humanitarian law among their forces. It emphasizes the urgency of protecting the civilian population,” Castro said.

Said Tinio: “He [President Duterte] must junk the petition filed by the Department of Justice because it falsely tags the critics of the administration, activists and members of legal progressive organizations as ‘members’ and ‘officers’ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army.”

Said Castro: “If President Duterte genuinely wants to solve the poverty in the country, he must solve the roots of the armed conflict and listen to the calls of the Filipino people for genuine land reform, national industrialization which would provide decent jobs and wages, an end to contractualization and adequate social services for the people.” With PNA

Palace won’t condone ‘excessive use of force’ M

ALACAÑANG said Tuesday the government was taking seriously the criticisms on its war on drugs, adding it would not tolerate the excessive use of force by law enforcers.

less cowardice.”

Meanwhile, another opposition Senator, Leila de Lima, welcomed the official resolution adopted by the European parliament urging the Philippine government to drop all the politically-motivated charges against her and end any further acts of harassment against her.

Roque said the Philippine National Police was doing its best to make sure that policemen were not engaged in extra-judicial killings in its war on drugs.

In response to a European Union lawmaker’s call to review the grant of GSP Plus status to the Philippines, Roque said it was the EU’s prerogative but Duterte had repeatedly made clear his position on the alleged extra-legal killings tainting his war on drugs.

“He [Duterte] stands by the police when they are in the discharge of their official function. When they commit acts outside their official functions, he will order an arrest,” Roque said.

PNA, with Macon Ramos-Araneta

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement in response to Senator Panfilo Lacson’s challenge to answer the European Parliament’s criticisms with facts and not insults.

“We are taking it seriously, but we don’t have to broadcast everything that we are doing,” Roque told reporters.

But Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday slammed the Duterte administration’s foreign policy, saying it was protecting impunity rather than Philippine sovereignty.

She made her statement after Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano accused the European Parliament of “interference in Philippine affairs” and “crossing a red line” by passing a resolution condemning the Duterte adminis-

tration’s war on drugs and extrajudicial killings.

“President Duterte’s foreign policy is protecting impunity not sovereignty. He and his ilk are the ones who are ‘crossing the red line’,” Hontiveros said.

“His foreign-policy people like to use the word ‘sovereignty’ when what they really want to do is silence all forms of dissent, domestic and international, while they stay appallingly silent about China’s blatant incursions into our territory.

“This administration likes to insist that its war on drugs, which violates our international commitments to human rights, is an issue of sovereignty, but in the same breath it cannot defend our territory against China. This is not a defense of sovereignty. It is shame-

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hoped to complete the labor agreement

by May. Duterte previously said he will visit Kuwait to witness the signing of the accord.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the two countries could sign a memorandum of understanding in the last week of June or after the Ramadan, Islam’s holy month.

“We can’t deny we have to provide employment for our countrymen. But I think the Kuwait side also has recognized that they also need the services of our countrymen. So it is in that… sense of mutual need for each other that we negotiated that MOU,” he said He also said that the meeting between President Duterte and Kuwaiti Ambassador Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh was fruitful as it resolved issues concerning the welfare of Filipino workers in the Gulf state.

The meeting was also attended by Cayetano, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.

Among the issues discussed, Roque cited, were the protest notes served by the Kuwaiti government on the Philippine Ambassador over the rescue of distressed Filipino workers in their country.

Roque said that both parties underscored that while the Philippines continues to exercise its obligation to protect

its nationals abroad, it would do so in a manner that would respect Kuwait’s sovereignty.

He said the Kuwaiti ambassador agreed to protect Filipino workers from abuses, which is the responsibility of the host country.

“It was a frank but very cordial discussion. And I understand that after the meeting, both parties reiterated their mutual support for each other and parted even closer as friends,” Roque said.

Roque assured the public that the President remains firm in his commitment to protect Filipino migrant workers from any form of abuse.

Roque said the President summoned ambassador to Kuwait Renato Villa to explain the action of the consular staff but declined to provide further details.

Roque also urged the public to be more responsible about posting videos that could hurt Filipinos working abroad.

“I call on everyone, including the media, please remember our responsibilities. Sometimes, what we will broadcast may affect many of our nationals living abroad,” Roque said.

Roque’s call seemed off, however, since the videos that angered the Kuwaiti government were posted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and shared by pro-Duterte bloggers. With AFP

Section 8 (3) of Republic Act 6770 or the Ombudsman Act of 1989 as unconstitutional for contravening the legislative intent that in case of vacancy, the new appointee should only serve the unexpired term of his or her predecessor.

Section 8(3) assures a fresh seven-year term for the successor of the incumbent ombudsman and his deputies.

“Legislative intent is part and parcel of the law. It is the controlling factor in interpreting a statute. In fact, any interpretation that runs counter with the legislative intent is unacceptable and invalid,” Vitangcol’s petition stated.

For his part, Ifurung pleaded the SC to declare unconstitutional Section 8 (3) of Republic Act No. 6770, also known as the Ombudsman Act of 1989, for being contrary to Section 11 in relation to Sections 8 and 10, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution.

Besides Morales, Ifurung also sought the ouster of Morales deputies: Melchor Arthur Carandang (Overall Deputy Ombudsman), Gerard Mosquera (Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon), Paul Elmer Clemente (Deputy

Ombudsman for Visayas), Rodolfo Elman (Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao) and Cyril Ramos (Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices).

“The country deserves a new Ombudsman and Deputies Ombudsman, not because respondents are not qualified or that they are doing a disservice, but because we must follow the rule of law,” read the petition filed last June 2017.

A retired SC magistrate before being appointed Ombudsman, Morales, 76, will end her seven-year term as chief anti-graft buster on July 26, 2018.

Morales is the older sister of lawyer Lucas Carpio, Jr., husband of retired Court of Appeals Associate Justice Agnes ReyesCarpio and father-in-law of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and first cousin of senior SC associate justice Antonio Carpio.

Lucas and Agnes are the parents of lawyer Mans Carpio, the husband of President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

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“This was all done in the spirit of emergency action to protect Filipinos,” he said, stating that the embassy staff believed they were dealing with “life-or-death” situations.

Some 10-million Filipinos work abroad and the money they remit back is a lifeline of the Philippine economy.

This controversy follows the ban Duterte imposed in February on Filipino workers moving to Kuwait, after the discovery of the corpse of Filipino maid Joanna Demafelis in a freezer.

Duterte alleged that Arab employers routinely rape their Filipina workers, force them to work 21 hours a day and feed them scraps.

The two countries have since been trying to work out an agreement to protect the rights of Filipino workers in Kuwait, particularly the 170,000 who work as maids.

Cayetano said embassy workers had been carrying out “rescues” of abused Filipinos, adding that this was mostly done in cooperation with Kuwaiti police but in some cases staff acted alone due to urgency.

Cayetano said the two countries still

Morales...

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Sections 7 and 8(3) of Republic Act No. 6770, the Ombudsman is appointed to a full term of seven years without reappointment and not simply the unexpired portion of the predecessor,” Te told a news briefing.

In his petition, Vitangcol asked the SC to declare that the term of office of Morales had expired on Nov. 30, 2012.

Morales was appointed by Aquino III to a seven-year term on July 25, 2011 following the resignation of then Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez over allegations of incompetence and inaction on various cases.

Gutierrez resigned on May 6, 2011 from the post to avoid an impeachment trial in the Senate, leaving an unexpired term until Nov. 30, 2012.

Vitangcol stressed that the intent of the law was for the successor of Gutierrez to serve the remainder of her term only, not for a fresh term of seven years.

According to him, the SC should declare

Comelec,...

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voters who failed to adhere to the threshold even though their votes had already been counted as valid by the vote counting machines and confirmed by the Random Manual Audit Committee for passing the 25 percent threshold.

According to the tribunal, the 2010 PET rules stipulate a 50 percent threshold and that the 2018 Revisor’s Guide “did not impose a new threshold.”

But Robredo, in her appeal, argued that the Comelec informed the PET in September 2016 through a letter about its use of the 25 percent threshold in declaring votes as valid.

Robredo said the threshold adopted by the Comelec is designed to scan every oval on the ballot and count as vote those that contain appropriate marks based on pre-determined sharing threshold.

While the voters are told through the voter information to fully shade the ballots, the shading threshold was set at 25 percent of the oval space.

Robredo said that with the PET’s ruling declaring that the threshold be at 50 percent, “the physical count is now running inconsistent with the results based on the Election Returns, Statement of Votes by Precinct, Ballot Images and the Voter’s Verifiable Audit Paper Trial (VVPAT).”

The Robredo added that not only her votes will be affected by the 50 percent threshold, but the votes of Marcos.

“Hence, both parties will benefit in the

application of the 25 percent threshold percentage during the revision, recount and reappreciation of the ballots,” she said.

Earlier, the Marcos camp had slammed Robredo for trying to cast doubt on the integrity of the recount, after she accused the PET of systematically reducing her votes in the manual recount.

The Robredo camp maintained it has not “disclosed any sensitive information regarding the revision process” in previous media interviews.

Both the Robredo and Marcos camps were told to explain why they should not be cited for contempt for violating PET’s February gag order on developments in the manual recount.

Robredo’s lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, blamed the Marcos camp for releasing statements about the recount, and said they were “constrained” to answer “frivolous” pronouncements being made by Marcos and his spokespersons.

“Any statements thus made were on general principles of law or otherwise in defense of the rights, honor and integrity of the Vice President of the Philippines,” he said.

He alleged sensitive information regarding the revision, not found in any official pronouncements of the Tribunal, had been discussed by Marcos’ lawyer, Vic Rodriguez and the allies of the former senator, such as lawyer Glenn Chong.

“There were even various newspaper reports carrying stories, quoting an ‘insider from the Tribunal,’ about sensitive information on the revision,” he said.

With Rio N. Araja

Moves...

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DoJ with a prayer or relief for her removal … He showed disrespect for the Constitution and displayed gross ignorance of basic law,” the complaint said.

Laurio, along with a certain Aunell Ross Angcos, also accused Gadon of grossly immoral conduct when he hurled invectives and raised a dirty finger at Sereno supporters on April 10 in front of the Supreme Court Baguio.

“Gadon’s acts…and raising the dirty finger without provocation against peaceful protesters are conduct unbecoming of a lawyer and grossly immoral conduct,” the complaint stated.

Citing the case of Villanueva vs. People of the Philippines, complainants said the high court previously ruled that “putang ina mo” [your mother is a whore] constituted slight oral defamation and pointing a dirty finger constituted simple slander by deed.

“Because Gadon’s actions are criminal in nature, his actions would constitute grossly immoral conduct. The Supreme Court has stated that for a lawyer’s conduct to be grossly immoral, it must be so corrupt as to constitute a criminal act,” the complainants said.

Laurio and Angcos were both in Baguio City last April 10 when Gadon tangled with a pro-Sereno crowd during the oral argument.

China marker on Fiery Reef sparks protest MALACANANG said Tuesday it was studying the possibility of lodging a diplomatic protest against China over the reported unveiling of a monument on Fiery Reef (Kagitingan) in the dispuited South China Sea. The Palace said it would lodge diplomatic action against China over the construction of a monument which some experts said would cement its claim to the disputed region.

In a text message, the Palace said the Department of Foreign Affairs would be preparing and exploring the possibility of a diplomatic protest.

Meanwhile, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Tom Villarin frowned on China’s unveilng of a monument to mark its construction work in the disputed South China Sea. “For the nth time, China has violated our territorial sovereignty and entrenched its de facto occupation of our islands with nary a whimper from the Duterte administration,” said Villarin.

“There is now a clear danger that we are giving up our claims on the WPS [West Philippine Sea] by our continuing default in invoking the UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea] Arbitral Tribunal ruling. If we don’t assert now, it will be lost forever,” Villarin added.

Based from the People’s Liberation Army Daily website, it reported that the monument was unveiled last Monday at the Fiery Cross Reef on the Spratly Islands, where China has built one of its airstrips and other military facilities.

The report said the monument was one way of telling its neighbors that China was firm in protecting its territory and maritime rights.

Washington had expressed concern over the said monument and planned military construction and even caused tension among its neighbors with overlapping claims in the disputed waters. Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz and Sara Susanne Fabunan

Bird...

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He communicates with the birds through grunts, gestures and body languages and told AFP that he recognizes the birds by their “behaviors and personalities.”

“All of them are my friends,” he added, communicating through a mix of gestures and Malay.

Other staff at the park have dubbed the 48-year-old “the bird whisperer”—after Hollywood film “The Horse Whisperer,” starring Robert Redford as a trainer with a gift for understanding horses.

“He has a way of communicating with the birds that very few of us can,” said assistant curator Angelin Lim. “Just by a look, he knows whether or not the bird is well.”

Communication with his colleagues can be more challenging than with the birds.

Razali leads about a dozen staff and giving them instructions usually involves him making various complex hand gestures, and then reading the lips of his colleagues when they respond.

His way with the creatures at the park, which is home to more than 5,000 birds from parrots to hornbills, was on display as he brought a snack of palm fruits into an enclosure filled with parrots.

The hyacinth macaws, the world’s largest parrots, stopped squawking and watched him curiously before following him. AFP

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The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa said it has yet to receive any report of Filipinos among the dead or injured in the deliberate attack on Yonge Street and Finch in North York, Toronto.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Canada. We mourn with the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said as he also expressed his hopes for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petrolina Garcia said the consulate general in Toronto was coordinating with the Filipino community there to determine if any Filipinos or Canadians of Filipino descent were killed or injured.

The incident took place in broad daylight around 16 kilometers from a conference center hosting a meeting of G7 ministers, but officials said they had no evidence of a link to the event.

“The actions definitely looked deliberate,” Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders told journalists.

Ralph Goodale, the minister of public security, added that “on the basis of all available information at the present time, there would appear to be no national security connection to this particular incident.”

“Horrible day in Toronto,” he had posted earlier on Twitter. “Senseless violence takes heavy toll.”

Police arrested a suspect at the scene— who was identified later as 25-year-old Alek Minassian from a northern Toronto suburb.

Fifteen people remained in hospitals throughout the city, Saunders said, adding that local, provincial and federal investigators were probing the case.

At the scene, at least three bodies could be seen under orange sheets and a long stretch of road was sealed off with police incident tape. With AFP

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MMDA shuts down 5 erring bus terminals in Cubao, QC

By Joel E. Zurbano

DEADLY VACCINE. Public Attorney’s Office Chief Persida Acosta stands beside the photographs of children who died allegedly from severe effects of the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine during a briefing in Manila where she announced the result of their findings from autopsies of the victims. Norman Cruz

Party-list group asks SC to lift TRO vs RCOA A PARTY-LIST group has asked the Supreme Court to lift the temporary restraining order it issued last year enjoining the implementation of the retail competition and open access policy of the Department of Energy and Energy Regulatory Commission because it also restrains provisions that impede monopolies like the Manila Electric Co. In a 31-page petition-in-intervention, Bayan Muna through its chairman Neri Javier Colmenares appealed that if the TRO cannot be lifted, it should instead clarify the coverage of the restraining order that excludes provisions of RCOA that dampened monopolies in the power industry.

Colmenares said that the TRO should not cover the provisions not assailed in the original petition filed by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry seeking to stop the implementation of the RCOA policy which was supposed to be implemented by the DOE and ERC in the power industry.

Under the RCOA policy, big power consumers are required to source their electricity supply from any of the 23 retail electricity suppliers designated by ERC. Rey E. Requejo

INC’s Walk Against Poverty begins May 6 A PORTION of Roxas Boulevard and some streets in cities of Manila and Pasay will be closed to vehicular traffic on May 6 to give way for the Walk to Fight Poverty spearheaded by the Iglesia ni Cristo.

Jose Arturo Garcia, general manager of the Metro Manila Development Authority, said the closure of both lanes of Roxas Boulevard from Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Pasay City to P. Burgos Street in Manila would start on May 5 at 12 midnight up to May 6 at 10 p.m.

“The INC event is expected to be big since over a million people would join,” said Garcia.

The walkathon event will also utilize Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park, vicinity of Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, parts of Diosdado Macapagal Avenue, Gil Puyat Avenue, Taft Avenue and Road 10.

“We need the cooperation of the public. Stay away from Roxas Boulevard and some areas in Manila and Pasay if you do not have any business or anything important to do there,” said Garcia. Joel E. Zurbano

SC recognizes divorce of Pinay vs foreign spouse IN A landmark decision, the Supreme Court has recognized the divorce decree obtained by a Filipino against foreign spouse.

Voting 10-3 with the abstention of one magistrate, the SC declared as valid in the Philippines the divorce in marriages obtained by a Filipino against his or her foreign spouse.

“The Court...ruled that a foreign divorce secured by a Filipino against a foreign spouse is also considered valid in the Philippines, even if it is the Filipino spouse who files for divorce abroad,” SC spokesperson Theodore Te, said in a media briefing in Baguio City.

The ruling came after upholding the decision of the Court of Appeal recognizing the divorce decree granted by a Japanese court on Dec. 6, 2011 to Marelyn Tanedo Manalo against her husband Minoru Yoshino. Rey E. Requejo

PAO files obstruction of justice case vs Duque

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Public Attorney’s Office on Tuesday asked the Department of Justice to also prosecute Health Secretary Francisco Duque for obstruction of justice, in connection with the children’s alleged deaths due to the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine.

T

In a complaint, PAO forensics expert Erwin Erfe accused the Department of Health of damaging internal organs of children who are believed to have died due to the Dengvaxia anti-dengue vaccine.

Erfe revealed that they noticed that children’s internal organs were damaged when they conducted a reautopsy on the victims.

He even cited that one of the victims had a missing appendix.

The PAO forensic expert noted that the children with damaged and missing internal organs were autopsied by the DoH. According to Erfe, the DoH had

allegedly discouraged hospitals from allowing PAO to conduct autopsies on Dengvaxia recipients who have died.

In filing the complaint, the PAO officials brought along with them the family of suspected Dengvaxia victim 13-year-old Abbie Hedia.

PAO earlier said that Hedia died last Feb. 7 after she was given a shot of Dengvaxia on Nov. 17, 2017, almost a week after Duque was appointed as DoH secretary.

Last week, the PAO filed a complaint of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and violating the Anti-Torture Act against Duque before the DoJ.

Also impleaded in the complaint were former Health secretary Janette Garin, officials of Sanofi Pasteur and Dengvaxia distributor Zuellig Pharma and several other DoH officials.

Duque lamented the filing of charges against him, saying the Dengvaxiarelated complaints against him is “counterproductive” and “malicious and oppressive.” He had also threatened to file counter charges.

Duque insisted that he could not be held liable in Dengvaxia-related cases because he was not the DoH’s chief when the dengue immunization program was rolled out in April 2016. He said he did not sign any orders on the Dengvaxia immunization.

He questioned the absence of former Health secretary Paulyn Jean RosellUbial’s name in the charge sheet.

Duque ordered a stop in the dengue immunization program in December last year after Sanofi Pasteur issued an advisory that Dengvaxia should not be given to people who have not been afflicted by dengue.

Fishermen stumble on liquid cocaine in open waters

By Francisco Tuyay AT LEAST 16.5 liters of white liquid believed to be raw materials in the production of cocaine was seized in the open waters in Quezon province Monday.

Newly-designated chief Calabarzon Police Provincial Office Chief Supt.

Guillermo Eleazar said that the 16.5 liters of liquid cocaine with an estimated street value of P130 million was recovered by a group of fishermen off Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte.

Eleazar said that upon the recovery of the prohibited drug concealed in plastic containers by the fishermen, the police discovered that the container has a tracking devices (Global Positioning System) attached to it.

Eleazar said the containers of

RUSH JOB.

Land Transportation Office employees rush to make license vehicle plates to fill the shortage as the LTO Plate Making Plant opens shop on the 106th founding anniversary of the LTO main office in Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

liquid cocaine were intercepted by three boatmen in separate areas off Calaguas Island.

In a report, fishermen Jayner Tisou, Michael Sekreto, Joven Mendez and Virgilio Yanilla immediately informed local police authorities of the presence of the containers.

“Upon the recovery of the plastic containers, the fishermen immediately called for police assistance. And when inspected, there were GPS devices attached to the containers,” Eleazar said.

Eleazar said the GPS was deliberately installed by the drug syndicates to be able to track their locations and eventually retrieve them.

In a chemical examination conducted by the Quezon police laboratory in Camp Nakar, authorities confirmed that the liquid was indeed

a key ingredient in the production of high-grade cocaine.

Last week, at least 28 kilos of high grade cocaine worth more than P200 million was also recovered by four fishermen in the waters of Camarines Norte.

Fishermen Jeffrey Taro, Victor Anarcho, Antonio Permian and Dencio Sanico were venturing off the waters of Camarines Norte when they accidentally intercepted the illegal cargo.

Eleazar said they would coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on the possibility of giving cash rewards to fishermen who helped recover the illegal drugs.

“We thank the fishermen for their patriotic efforts in turning over the said containers to the authorities,” Eleazar said.

THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Tuesday shut down five bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City for continuing to defy a traffic policy aimed to further ease traffic along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim identified the bus companies as DLTB Co., ALPS, Lucena Lines, Raymund Transport and Super Lines.

The terminals were ordered closed for violating the Nose-In Nose-Out policy being imposed by the agency; operating without permits from the Office of the Mayor and failure to comply with local ordinances.

Lim said most of the bus firms also lacked the maneuvering space at their own terminals, a clear violation of the policy.

The Nose-In Nose-Out policy, according to Lim, requires buses to get in and out of the terminals in one simple maneuver and are not allowed to load and unload outside their respective terminals.

Under MMDA Resolution 16-06, Series of 2016, the agency reiterates the Nose-In, Nose Out policy of provincial buses entering and exiting the terminals located along Edsa, stressing that there should be no queuing of buses along the major thoroughfare at anytime.

The resolution notes that violators will be issued a Uniform Ordinance Violation Receipt for obstruction and disregarding traffic sign with corresponding penalty or fine.

It also prohibits private and public utility vehicles from unloading or loading passengers and cargo in front of the provincial bus terminals that would ultimately cause traffic snarls in the area.

To remedy this, bus operators and owners should designate unloading or loading bays within their terminals or streets outside Edsa.

MMDA records showed that there are 85 provincial bus companies situated in Metro Manila.

Of the 85 provincial bus companies, 45 firms have terminals on Edsa, particularly in Cubao and Balintawak in Quezon City, and Taft Avenue in Pasay City.

‘CoA findings on overpaid PLLO consultants not yet final’ THE Commission on Audit report questioning the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office for spending millions on alleged “overpaid consultants” is not yet final, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the remark following reports that the 2017 COA annual audit report called out the PLLO for hiring consultants whose tasks “overlap with the duties and responsibilities of regular personnel or can basically be provided by the contract of service personnel.”

“Two points—I think this report came out as a result of a request of the COA for PLLO to comment. In other words, hindi pa iyan [that’s not yet the] conclusion,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.

“Magkakaroon pa ng exit conference na tinatawag. So hindi pa iyan final conclusion ng COA [There will still be what you call an exit conference. So that’s not yet the final conclusion of the COA]. So it’s unfair to say that’s a final conclusion of COA,” he added.

The PLLO, in a separate statement, found reports of the alleged overpaid consultants “misleading” and appeared to be “pregnant with malice” since it failed to take into account PLLO’s side of the story.

The PLLO explained that after CoA made reference to its audit of its Consultancy Services account, it submitted its comments, which were already resolved during the exit conference held between CoA and PLLO Management Officials.

It further said that in 2017, the PLLO, under Secretary Adelino Sitoy, was “in transition” and “was constrained to hire additional manpower with qualifications commensurate to their respective tasks to supplement the human resource requirement of the PLLO on endeavors beyond the optimum in-house capacity of its existing staff.”

A4

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The duplicity of the communists Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on China’s landing of military planes on Panganiban Reef. This is according to Palace Spokesman Harry Roque.

Carpio had said in an interview that ABOUT this time last year, my good friend Dante Ang suggested I should the Philippines should protest the landwrite my memoirs, having been a jour- ing. Or else, silence could be taken to nalist for almost 70 years. I have mean implied consent.

Panganiban Reef is internationally covered 10 presidents and seen history known as Mischief Reed. It is the largin the making.

I agonized over the matter for some est of seven Philippine-claimed reefs in time. Writing a book costs money—no the Spratly archipelago that China has less than P2 million in my estimate— seized and transformed into artificial and even more if you hire a good islands to project its growing military might. writer-editor.

Carpio was simply pointing to the Eventually I accepted Dante’s need for diplomatic protest. Silence challenge, upon the good counsel of may be interpreted as acquiescence. my family.

Caprio was simply recalling the I had wanted to finish my book before 2017 ended, but I realized I needed ruling of the Permanent Court of to be painstakingly honest. Thus, I had Arbitration that said Panganiban Reef is within the Philippines’ to rewrite so many parts.

Now the book is done. It’s now being 370-kilometer Exclusive Economic laid out. Thanks are due my wife who Zone and forms part of the country’s continental helped me so much shelf. in remembering A competent the many events. I foreign affairs expect the launch It’s impossible to talk secretary would to be in June or immediately react July. peace if the other party to China’s action.

The title I chose is dishonest.

Why is Cayetano is “The Road taking too long to Never Ends.” protest? Or is the *** President telling President Duhim not to? terte opened a 60It has now come to the point that day window so the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines despite China’s bullying, the aid and investment it provides have become can resume peace negotiations.

The President guaranteed the safety more important. Say it isn’t so, Mr. of Joma Sison should he come home President! *** from exile in The Netherlands. HowTourists in Baguio City are reportever, there are conditions—the New People’s Army should surrender their edly alarmed by a proposal of local exfirearms and stop extortion activities. ecutives to build not one, but two strucThe venue of the talks should be here tures in Burnham Park.

Sure, the city needs more parking because the problem is internal to the space.

But at what cost? country.

Burnham Park itself has become Now we hear Sison is willing to come home, so long as the peace spoil- seedy because of official incompetence and neglect. The man-made ers don’t get their way.

This is what I call duplicity. What lake is muddy and yellow. Other recthey really want is for the Philippine reational places have become so polgovernment to submit to their de- luted.

The government must do something mands and release, for example, poto bring the city to its former glory. litical prisoners. *** And stop the collection of revoluThe return of Mar Roxas to the Sentionary taxes? Surrender firearms? ate would be a big boost for the opposiMy gulay, that’s impossible!

It’s impossible to talk peace if the tion. The former presidential candidate of the Liberal Party would be a sure other party is dishonest. winner. *** What we need in the Senate are indeActing Chief Justice Antonio Carpio pendent minds, not minions. should not preempt the actions taken by

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

No room for self-serving actions

V

IDEOS circulating on the internet showing Philippine Embassy personnel rescuing distressed Filipino domestics in Kuwait have sparked protests from the Kuwaiti authorities, who, from their perspective, are angered by what appears to be a police action initiated and carried out by foreign agents on their soil.

It did not help that the videos, which looked like scenes from an action movie, bore the watermark “Courtesy of DFA,” suggesting that the covert operations had the imprimatur of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Based on information available, acting DFA Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Elmer Cato, had posted the two videos on the official Viber group for reporters covering the DFA. An accompanying DFA update “on the ongoing rescues of our distressed kababayans in Kuwait” read: “As many as 26 Filipino domestic helpers who have sent out

cries for help were found and rescued this way since April 7.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano played down the Kuwaiti protest, calling it a “misunderstanding” and said he hoped to straighten things out in a meeting with the Kuwaiti ambassador to the Philippines.

He added that the country’s ambassador to Kuwait, Renato Villa, was able to explain to the authorities that all rescue operations were conducted in coordination with Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior and local authorities.

The assertion seemed illogical.

After all, why would the Kuwait authorities protest the rescue operations if they had been conducted, as Ambassador Villa says, in coordination with Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior?

Cayetano justified the embassy’s decision to conduct the rescues on their own—instead of waiting for the local authorities—by saying these cases involved grave danger to the lives of Filipino workers and demanded swift action. In so doing, however, it appeared that the Foreign secretary is endorsing the commission of illegal acts—and trampling on the sovereignty of an-

other nation—as long as the ends justify the means.

Finally, in the videos themselves, we see a blatant and unseemly attempt by DFA personnel to blow their own horn about their “heroic deeds” in service of their countrymen.

Eventually, Cayetano apologized to his “counterpart, to the Kuwaiti government, Kuwaiti people and leaders of Kuwait if they were offended by some actions taken by the Philippine Embassy, saying the actions were done “in the spirit of emergency to protect Filipinos.”

There are many lessons to be learned from this gaffe.

Kuwait has been found wanting in protecting Filipino workers there. In fact, the discovery of the body of domestic helper Joanna Demafelis—found beaten and strangled inside a freezer in Kuwait—so angered President Duterte that he imposed a deployment ban on the Gulf state.

Both sides should focus on hammering out a new agreement to better protect Filipinos working there. Self-serving acts could only deepen resentment and endanger Filipinos who still work in Kuwait.

The new normal crashed two of the planes into New York’s iconic twin Trade Centers towers bringing them down to ashes. Well planned attacks on London’s underground, a Paris sidewalk café, BrusALEJANDRO sels Zavantem airport, a van which DEL ROSARIO ploughed into pedestrians in Nice, WHAT is this world coming to? Two Monaco followed. days ago a crazed unidentified man in These senseless attacks on civila van ran down pedestrians in down- ians have become the new normal. town Toronto killing, nine and injur- The perpetrators are not all terrorists. ing 16 others. Canadian police were Some of them are deranged homeable to apprehend the assailant and grown people who feel estranged bring him in for from civilized questioning as to society.

The his motive. But proliferation of who knows what these outcasts is runs in the minds spawning copySenseless attacks on of these mindless cats who yearn civilians are becoming monsters? for attention and A few years making newspamore common. ago, a man shot per headlines. at least four peoSenate wannabes ple to death in The Pulse Asia front of the Casurvey held renadian parliament in Ottawa. One can cently came out with 12 senatorial imagine the carnage he could have wannabes. Led by reelectionist Senacommitted if he had gotten inside the tor Grace Poe who topped the survey parliament and shot the MPs who were with 97 percent, the list includes some in session. newcomers.

Just a week before in North CaroPoe, however, was reported as saying lina, a young, mentally unstable man she was burned out and might skip went into a waffle restaurant and the 2019 mid-term elections. Senator started shooting customers killing Tito Sotto is on his last year. Senate four. Dogged police work resulted in President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel the arrest of the suspect.

III, Senators Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, A month ago in Parkland, Florida a Paulo “ Bam” Aquino, JV Ejercito young man fired at random shooting and Cynthia Villar are seeking reeto death nine students. The prolifera- lection. Newcomers are Davao Mayor tion of firearms triggered a million Sara Duterte Carpio, Ilocos Gov. Imee marchers nationwide to protest against Marcos, newsman Erwin Tulfo and forloose control of firearms sales. mer Philippine National Police DirecYears ago, Middle Eastern terror- tor General Ronald de la Rosa. Former Turn to A5 ists who hijacked three US airliners

BACK CHANNEL

Federalism CROSSROADS

The proposed setup may, in the end, be a better way to move the idea forward.

JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ AN INTERESTING exchange happened some days back between a number of provincial executives and members of the ConCom, the committee charged

by President Duterte to study the 1987 Constitution. As Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla, a very good friend from way back and my co-host in the weekly program ‘Executive Session’ over radio station DZRH recalled, his group presented a novel idea on how to move President Duterte’s campaign promise to establish a federal form of government forward in the face of mounting confusion if not criticism over the manner it is being worked out.

As Governor Boying recounted their group advised the ConCom members to get out of the age-old, traditional “ethnolinguistic” regional groupings under the

present Constitution. Instead, they urged the Committee to use the more dynamic economic based system as the metric.

Under this system, the regional states, as the federated groupings will be called, will be aligned not on an “ethno-linguistic” basis but on economic viability and complementarity. That way, the argument goes, no province or LGU will be left behind.

Thus, instead of simply grouping say, Aurora with the Region 3 provinces (Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales and Bataan) as it is right now, it can be grouped with Nueva Ecija and Tarlac to make it a viable regional state. The last two provinces are econom-

ically well off in their own right.

The complementarity is obvious: Nueva Ecija and Tarlac are landlocked economic powerhouses and will have access to the ocean through Aurora while at the same time providing access to the dynamic centers of trade and commerce in Central Luzon.

Aurora, of course, will serve not only as a gateway to the sea but an environmentally compliant tourism mecca.

The remaining Region 3 provinces can then be regrouped with Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales and Bataan as the other state. Again, the dynamism and complementarity of this new group is obvious.

The National Capital Region will, of course, remain as it is still serving as the nation’s administrative, commercial and financial capital. The current Region 4-A provinces, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal and Batangas can be regrouped to create three regional states together with what is now Region 4-B, the island provinces, and Region 5 (Bicol).

Thus, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal can be one state, Batangas will be grouped with the island provinces and Quezon with Bicol.

Turn to A5

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

Is an administration shutout likely?

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO MANY in the political camp of President Rodrigo Duterte speculate that in the senatorial race for 2019, an administration shutout of the opposition is likely.

There is a history to this.

In 1987, after the Cory Constitution was ratified, a new Congress was set for election. The Senate was to be composed of 24 senators, and since this was to be its first election since 1971, voters had to write all 24 names in their ballots.

President Cory Aquino was at the height of her popularity, and with very few exceptions, whomever she endorsed won, both at the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the Senate, 22 of her 24 senatorial bets won, with only two coming from the opposition’s Grand Alliance. The two survivors of the clean sweep were Joseph Estrada, the ousted mayor of San Juan, and Juan Ponce Enrile, the defense minister of Marcos who led the Edsa mutiny.

But even Enrile’s victory was a cliffhanger. After a month of manual counting of ballots, he triumphed over the late Bobbit Sanchez, Cory’s appointee as labor minister.

With President Duterte’s very good net satisfaction ratings in the last Social Weather Stations survey, his political party sachems in the PDP-Laban think that history could repeat itself, and that whomever the President endorses will win.

Thus there was a clamor for a strictly PDP-Laban ticket, mostly composed of three-term congressmen. But initial reaction was tepid, and private surveys showed that the senatorial runup would be dominated by the reelectionists, only one of whom, Senate President Koko Pimentel, is from the party.

The first publicly-announced senatorial survey done by Pulse Asia came out last Friday, and it basically confirmed previous privately-commissioned surveys done earlier.

In 1987, voters had not yet gone over the euphoria of Edsa, and the prevailing sentiment was Cory, who unveiled a new Constitution, was the opposite of the authoritarian Marcos.

I attended some of the coalition meetings intended to cobble up a 24-man senatorial slate, as then-Vice President Doy Laurel’s representative. Laurel’s position

was that since UNIDO was the party under which Cory and he ran during the snap elections, it should be entitled to half of the slate, with the other half given to the LPs and PDP. I asked him privately to give me the names of those he wanted to be part of the administration slate, and I thought that only six of them had good chances of winning. So I advised what I thought was a reasonable tactic: Let’s just ask for eight candidates nominated by UNIDO, which would be difficult to deny the party. Besides, I then said, we do not have that many nationally-known candidates to field. UNIDO’s original members had already been gouged out, their loyalties compromised during the snap elections.

It is not even healthy democracy. But that is how the political field next year looks like.

But the Vice President persisted with his demand. In the end, Cory insisted on her personal choices. A list of 24 names were called, and only Orly Mercado and Tito Doy’s older brother, Sotero Laurel, were included in Cory’s handpicked 24.

To be sure, many identified with UNIDO and Doy Laurel until the Cory juggernaut in the snap elections, but they changed party loyalties during the campaign and after the victory.

Those UNIDO members left behind, the likes of former Senator Eva Estrada Kalaw, Rene Espina, Vicente Puyat, Homobono Adaza joined up with Juan Ponce Enrile, Joseph Estrada, Kit Tatad and others under the Grand Alliance.

Such formerly household names bit the political dust to Cory’s 22, with only Orly Mercado and Sotero Laurel representing UNIDO in the Senate. Later, even Orly left UNIDO and joined then-Senate President Jovito Salonga’s Liberal Party.

Will a Duterte-handpicked 12 orchestrate a shutout of the opposition in 2019, through a PDP-Laban wish list that eliminates reelectionists such as an independent Grace Poe, Nacionalista Cynthia Villar, LDP’s Sonny Angara, UNA’s Nancy Binay, and PMP’s JV Ejercito? Add to that Nacionalista Pia Cayetano, now deputy speaker of the House after two full terms as senator.

The results of the first quarter Ulat ng Bayan shows it is not going to be a PDPLaban shutout, not by any stretch of the imagination.

First, we are too far removed from the heady days of the 1980s, after the fall of Marcos and the ascent of Ninoy’s widow.

And we have had several elections under the 1987 Constitution which destroyed the party system and installed a personality-based political vivendi.

Thus, FVR in the 1995 mid-term elections had to merge his Lakas with the LDP, a mixed ticket of well-known names that still could not effect a shutout of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

After the ouster of Erap in 2001, the triumphant GMA forces could not shut out Loi Estrada, nor Ping Lacson nor Ed Angara nor Greg Honasan. They still won even if they ran under the fallen Estrada’s PMP. PNoy in 2013 had to adopt reelectionists and erstwhile political adversaries like Manny Villar’s wife Cynthia and the NP’s Alan Cayetano, apart from independents Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero.

He also had to adopt into his coalition ticket Loren Legarda, who was Manny Villar’s running mate in 2010.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, on the other hand, insisted on his own neitheropposition-nor-there ticket under the newly-formed UNA, fielding his daughter Nancy, JV Ejercito and Greg Honasan among others. It was part of his partybuilding for 2016.

Still, no shutout for the then-popular PNoy nor for the “presumptive” president in 2016, Jejomar Binay.

So back to the original question: Can a very popular Duterte achieve a shutout for his senatorial candidates? Not if he makes it a “purist” PDP-Laban slate.

Not if he does not adopt the re-electionists who are lording it over the surveys.

Even if the current opposition led by the Liberal Party is weakened, with only reelectionist Bam Aquino seeming to have a chance at winning based on the recent survey.

Political reality will have to set in. We do not have real political parties. The 1987 Constitution virtually killed the political party system. They have become flags of convenience for the senatorial and even presidential ambitions of popular personalities, show business names included. Likewise, time has run out on effecting a revision of the 1987 Constitution—at least not until after the 2019 elections.

It is not an ideal desideratum. It is not even healthy democracy. But that is how the political field next year looks like.

Trying to make ‘baybayin’ happen CAN WE bring baybayin back?

More to the point, should we?

These were probably some of the questions that came up in the deliberations of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture which recently approved a bill declaring baybayin the country’s national writing system.

Baybayin is an ancient pre-colonial script that dates back to the 13th century CE (it could be older). Spanish friars in the 1600s documented its use among the Tagalogs for legal proceedings, petitions, land deeds, and the like. However, baybayin did not survive into modern times because the colonizers imposed the use of the Western alphabet.

House Bill 1022, the proposed “National Writing System Act,” promotes greater awareness and appreciation of baybayin. Filed by Rep Leopoldo Bataoil (Pangasinan), the bill has the support of the Department of Education, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the advocacy group Baybayin, Buhayin.

Should it pass into law, many expensive changes will need to be made. Baybayin must be on the labels of locally produced processed foods; street signs and signs for public facilities such as hospitals and police stations; and the names of newspapers and magazines, among

Federalism From A4

Of course, given their disparate development status but economic and, yes, “ethno-linguistic” complementarity, Regions 1, 2 and CAR can constitute a separate state by themselves under the proposal of Governor Boying and his fellow provincial executives. The kink, if we may call it such, will be the lingering clamor of certain groups in the Cordilleras for autonomy much like the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as provided for under the 1987 Constitution. But I do not think this will be a deal breaker, if ever.

The regrouping in the Visayas and Mindanao will be a little trickier given the current setup in these areas and the highly uneven development across the

other materials.

Many netizens don’t think this is a good idea, mostly because baybayin has been dead for hundreds of years. While it has been regaining popularity in recent times, it is used mostly for trendy tattoos and cultural and artistic projects. What’s hindering its wider acceptance is that few Filipinos know how to write and read it.

While some might argue that reviving it under this bill, by force, as it were, will help baybayin proliferate, instruction in its use will still be required. Are we going to teach it to children in schools? Where is the budget for the signages, letterheads, and all the other materials? What about logistics? Otherwise the baybayin signages and all will just be a pretty aesthetic with no practical purpose.

Baybayin itself is not truly indigenous.

It is derived from the Brahmic scripts of India. Also related to these are other Philippine scripts including the Mindoro Hanuno-o, Mangyan Buhid and Surat Mangyan, Pampanga Kulitan, Ilokano Kurditan, Palawan Tagbanwa, and Visayan Badlit. Old Kawi script, which was used on the Laguna Copperplate inscription (900 CE), is Javanese and thus also Brahmic in influence. Tagalog itself is descended from an old form of Sanskrit.

Some netizens point out that baybayin is a Tagalog script. Why resurrect that and not a script that is non-Tagalog? Is this Imperial Manila rearing its head again?

Bringing baybayin back is the ultimate throwback. But it will require a great outlay of effort and money—for

what? An artificially imposed symbol of Filipino pride? It’s hard enough to implement various other laws and rules related to Philippine culture in government, let alone in the private sector.

Here are a couple of examples. During the previous administration, the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino sent guidelines to government agencies requiring Filipino translations alongside English in official forms, letterheads, signages, and the like.

I know of at least one government agency that did not comply, simply because they were swamped with their regular work.

Likewise, there was also a memorandum-circular or something of that nature from the Palace that sought to promote the use of local textiles by encouraging government employees to use materials such as piña, jusi, and the like in their uniforms, or wear Filipiniana once a week. Nothing substantial came of that either, as far as I know.

I believe that Filipino culture has an important role in the development of our society. As a journalist and writer, I am in the frontline of the struggle for Filipinization and indigenization to move away from our colonial past. On a personal level, I am interested in baybayin and would like to learn more about it.

But reviving baybayin on this scale, in this fashion, seems to have no practical purpose. We would be prouder of a country that does not have its own script but that hews to the rule of law and protects human rights while developing economically in a way that benefits the many, not the few.

board. But all is not lost. Region 7 (Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental) can remain, minus Negros Oriental which can then tie up with the other Negros to form another state. Then, Region 6 (Panay Island provinces and Guimaras) can be constituted into another region with the Region 8 provinces remaining as is.

That makes four regional states in the Visayas.

In Mindanao, the regrouping can be a lot trickier given the debate over the proposed Bangsamoro regional state. But again that can be ironed out with some creative alchemy. The current ARMM can be regrouped into two states, one for the mainland (Maguindanao and Lanao Sur and some predominantly Muslim towns in North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat) and the other for the island provinces (Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan) all of which can be incorporated into

Region 9 (Zamboanga provinces). The present Regions 10, 11, 12 and Caraga can be regrouped to form three regional states instead of the four administrative regions as it is today.

For example, Region 10 can now absorb Misamis Occidental and Lanao Norte; Region 11 (Davao Provinces) can accommodate Sarangani and South Cotabato while the remaining provinces in Regions 12 and Caraga can be transformed into the third Mindanao regional state.

These suggestions, of course, are initial musings not only of Governor Boying and his group but other concerned citizens and sectors whose studies and experiences show that an economic (financial and fiscal viability) foundation to federalism rather than the current “ethno-linguistic-cum administrative” set up may, in the end, be a better way to move federalism forward.

Not a bad idea.

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

The cost of cryptocurrency (1) FOR today’s column, I adopt as my two- Alex Tapscott, Blockchain Revolution, part column, an article on cryptocur- 2016) Mining is a laborious computation rency written by my daughter, Ivy Lopez Cabaltica. She is a lawyer from Ateneo that is done with GPUs (graphics proLaw and took up a year of courses at cessing units), the electronic equivalent of shovels. The more GPUs you have, the Wharton.

Cryptocurrency is an invented virtual faster the computing. We’re talking hunmoney transferred directly from one dreds of GPUs if you want to be the first computer to another. The first and most to solve a block. GPUs cost $3,000 for a famous is called bitcoin (BTC). Virtual six-pack.

Unlike in the beginning, most home payments are protected by codes that need to be decrypted, so it’s called computers now cannot sustain the mining required to earn a bitcoin. There cryptocurrency.

A user downloads the Bitcoin software is too much volume and the BTC reward which gives you an account (public key) halves every four years; the last one was and private key (like your password). It is in 2016. That’s why miners join a pool of miners to increase also your ledger to their chances of keep track of your decoding first BTC payments, and then split the account balance, Here’s what we need reward. and the accounts GPUs need a of everyone who to know. computer to run, has the Bitcoin not a few but hunsoftware (the netdreds as well. A work). It records warehouse-full is every transaction ever made with the BTC. Anyone in the ideal. The world’s major miners in China network can see it and update it, that’s have many warehouses crammed with rows of shelves filled with computers, why it’s a decentralized public ledger.

Computers that decode transfers are very similar to the sprawling data centers called miners or nodes. Each transfer of Internet companies like Facebook.

These computers run continuously decoded is a block in the ledger which links to a previous transaction or block to win the decoding race. Like any mathat involves each particular BTC and chine, they need to be kept cool to preaccount number. Miners race to solve vent overheating. They also need conthe code and the first successful decoder stant maintenance and security.

Since Bitcoin is an online payment, wins some bitcoins and adds the solved block to the chain. Once a block has been miners need fast and cheap Internet added to the ledger, it cannot be reversed connection.

“Determining where to set up a crypor changed.

A fraudster can try to create a fake tocurrency mining facility is generally block, meaning he is transferring BTC based on three key factors: miners need he doesn’t have. To do so, he has to beat to have access to low-cost electricity all the other miners in the network so he to run their operations profitably, they can solve his block first and add it to the need to have a sufficiently fast internet connection to quickly receive and chain.

If there is a conflict between two broadcast data with other nodes on the blocks (a fork), the valid chain will pre- network, and mining equipment must be sumably have more blocks added to it kept from overheating to function optibecause many nodes in the network are mally, which is why locations that have presumably working on the same valid low temperature zones offer substantial block. The fraudster has to keep outrun- advantages as cooling costs can be kept ning the whole network so he can keep low.” (University of Cambridge) Mining is done continuously because validating his own fake blocks and addglobal transactions don’t stop. If you ing then first to his fake chain.

If there is confusion, the network has want to earn those bitcoins, you have to to reach a consensus on which chain to keep running. So computers need a conadopt. The rejected chain is trashed and tinuous and strong supply of electricity. the fraudster’s efforts are all in vain. Power outages will waste efforts and can Such is the power of blockchain to pre- harm hardware. You also run your coolvent fraudulent transfers or the payment ing fans on electricity.

To reduce cost and increase profit, of BTC you no longer have.

While blockchain guards against dou- miners need the cheapest power source. ble payment, its maintenance comes at Remote cities like Washington, US cost great cost. If the system aims for wide 2-3 cents/kWh. China and Iceland have adoption, it needs to overcome many geothermal power so electricity costs hurdles that our present financial sys- only about 4 cents/kWh. One US miner spends $100,000 a tems have already achieved.

Cryptocurrency requires decryption. month on electricity and earns 5-7 BTCs. One Bitcoin transaction consumes 927 It has created an industry that supports the mining of virtual currency (VC). kWh, enough to power 31 US homes for Miners are usually involved in the dif- a day. There are about seven BTC transferent value chains like manufacturing actions every ten minutes, or a total of mining hardware and mining pool op- 1008 a day.

NBR reports that Bitcoin mining uses erations. Mining hardware stores have opened in Singapore, Russia, China, and up 7.5 megawatts of electricity (7,500 kilowatts) which can power 10,000 South Africa.

Miners maintain the blockchain be- homes. Right now, the Bitcoin network cause their work creates BTC as their has a total energy consumption of 5.4 reward for keeping the network trust- million US homes, and it’s still growing.

Land area and cost are also critiworthy. Thus, they are most invested in ensuring that Bitcoin continues and cal. Major miners are located in North grows. But they do not merely validate America, Northern and Eastern Europe, and China. China leads the world transactions.

“Rather, miners preserve the distri- with the most mining facilities and bution of power—the power to decide the highest power consumed. Its faciliwhich transactions to include in each ties are mainly in the Sichuan province block, the power to mint coins, the power which have hydroelectric power stations to vote on the truth.” (Don Tapscott & and cheap land. (To be continued)

The new...

From A4

senators Lito Lapid, Pia Cayetano and Sergio Osmeña are running for a return to the Senate.

I will give my views only on the ones who deserve to be in the Senate and refrain from any remarks on the ones who have not done much during their term.

I will start with Senate President Pimentel. I think he should be reelected because of his composure in presiding over the upper chamber.

Angara, Bam Aquino and JV Ejercito have also been active members of the Senate. It would be interesting to see Imee Marcos in the Senate in place of brother Bongbong.

It’s too bad Grace Poe Llamanzares is bowing out of the Senate. If true the 2016 presidential election took a lot out of her, then she and her family might go back to the United States where they have been long-time residents. Senators Richard Gordon, Panfilo Lacson, Risa Hontiveros and Franklin Drilon are still in the Senate to keep the oppo-

sition alive. Dutrerte arch critic Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is on his last year and it is not known what his plans are. He will probably seek a local post as governor in his home province or run as congressman. If he wins, Trillanes can continue his role of being a thorn on Duterte’s side from the House of Representatives.

As for Jinggoy Estrada, his return to the Senate is clouded by his case of plunder for the misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund. He is now out on bail. There are reports his father, former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, is grooming him to be the next mayor.

I ‘d rather not comment on Ronald dela Rosa, Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay and Erwin Tulfo. My biggest contribution on their candidacies is to keep my silence.

The SWS survey of these names coming up for the senatorial slate is good news. It means the 2019 midterm elections will go through and will not be shelved in favor of a parliamentary/federal system being planned by the administration’s super majority in Congress.

News

A6

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

2,000 affected by breach of govt sites AT LEAST 2,000 individual data subjects were affected by the “April Fool’s” organized attack on government websites by hackers calling themselves Pinoy Lulzsec, the National Privacy Commission said Tuesday.

“In its initial estimate ... the combined number of exposed records in the breach was those of at least 2,000 individual data subjects,” NPC said in a statement.

Exposed in the breach were names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and in some instances, even passwords and school details, according to the commission.

The NPC summoned the management and other responsible officials of seven schools, institutions, and local government units that fell prey to data breaches during organized attacks on government and commercial organizations on April 1, 2018.

“The privacy body earlier sent notice to top officials of Taguig City University; the Department of Education offices in Bacoor City and Calamba City; the Province of Bulacan; Philippine Carabao Center; Republic Central Colleges in Angeles City; and Laguna State Polytechnic University, to appear before it from April 23 to 24,” it said.

“This, to explain why they did not notify, within 72 hours of the breach, the NPC nor the affected data subjects, whose personal data were made available for download via links posted on Facebook,” the commission noted.

As of Monday, none of the affected organizations has been able to issue any data breach notifications as part of their obligations as Personal Information Controllers under the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

“PICs are required to employ organizational, technical, and physical measures to protect personal data,” Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro said.

“This includes the duty to inform data subjects and this Commission if there is a serious data breach,” he said.

Digital investigators from the NPC determined that each of the databases exposed contained sensitive personal information or information that could be used to perpetuate identity fraud.

Alcala, 23 more face graft raps T

HE Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to charge former Agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala and 23 others for having violated the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act during the garlic supply controversy of 2014.

Included in the indictment are Bureau of Plant Industry Director Clarito Barron, BPI division chiefs Merle Palacpac and Luben Marasigan, and garlic traders Lilia “Lea” Cruz, Edmond Caguinguin, Rolan Galvez, Rochelle Diaz, Ma. Jackilou Ilagan, Jon Dino de Vera, Napoleon Baldueza, Jose Ollegue, Laila Matabang, Angelita Flores, Gaudioso Diato, Denia Matabang, Jose Angulo Jr., Raffy Torres, Mary Grace Sebastian, Renato Francisco, Rolando Manangan, Orestes Salon, Prudencio Ruedas and Shiela Marry dela Cruz.

The Ombudsman also barred Alcala from government service after finding him guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service over the alleged misuse of P13.5 million in funding from the Agri-Pinoy Trading Center program.

In a resolution dated April 20, the

Ombudsman said Alcala would be charged with violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Investigators uncovered that 8,810 import permits were issued between 2010 and 2014, approved by Alcala, Barron, Palacpac, and Marasigan despite an existing suspension order, the Ombusdman’s office said Tuesday.

Importers and affiliates of the Vendors Association of the Philippines Inc. chaired

by Cruz bagged 5,022 of the permits issued.

“Records show that on 24 July 2013, Alcala designated Cruz as chairperson of the National Garlic Action Team serving as the DA’s consultative body on policies and concerns of the garlic production and supply program,” the Ombudsman said.

“At the same time, Cruz acted as representative of the garlic importers, assisting them in the processing of applications and

WORKERS’ BENEFITS. Pag-IBIG Fund offers share of non-wage benefits for workers on Labor Day. Right photo shows Pag-IBIG Fund senior vice president for Business Development Sector Fermin Sta. Teresa Jr. (left) discussing Pag-IBIG Fund’s contribution to the benefits CYANSecretary MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK package for workers at the Committee on Non-wage Benefits meeting presided over by Labor Assistant Joji Aragon.

With him is manager Juanito Angelito A. Jareño of the OFW Center Operations Department. Left photo shows Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (3rd from left) thanking the participating government-owned- and -controlled corporations. Contributed Photo 040608 (Bank Code)

METRO SOUTH COOPERATIVE BANK

IDC Centre, Zapote Street cor. Kalayaan Avenue, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Makati City

BALANCE SHEET As of MARCH 31, 2018 ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Loans and Receivables - Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures-Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets-Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable a) BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances) b) Interbank Loans Payable c) Other Deposit Substitute d) Others Bonds Payable-Net Unsecured Soubordlnated Debt-Net Redeemable Preferred Shares Special Time Deposrt Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies/(Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL LIABILITIES STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Assigned Caprtal TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commttments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securities Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts c) Advlsory/Consull Derivatives Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) c. Net NPLs d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises b. 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) c. Common Tier 1 Ratio (%) 1/ Deferred Charges not yet Written Down Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Received

Amount Current Quarter Previous Quarter 1,542,099.95 66,643,017.61 66,340,031.45 63,340,031 .45 694,018,144.82 906,387,604.19 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10,000 000.00 10,000,000,00 2,084,952,573.08 2,193,201,449.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,125,584,315.86 2,224,833,192.18 0.00 0.00 40,631,742.78 31,631,742.78 17,390,928.58 17,937,089.12 0.00 0.00 33,657,795.07 34,602,469.71 183,933,184.74 183,815,130.87 0.00 0.00 3,788,131.86 3,565,097.80 0.00 0.00 3,095,622,889.55 3,479,491,890.15 0.00 1,576,901,834.92 0.00 799,000,000.00 0.00 799,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 9,291,354.97 41,557,162.63 0.00 2,426,750,352.52

0.00 2,089,932,768.55 0.00 683,712,499.93 0.00 683,712,499.93 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,912,921.74 35,245,931.45 0.00 2,814,804,121.67

576,861,597.79 3,659,805.12 88,351,134.12 0.00 668,872,537.03 3,095,622,889.55

575,276,024.30 (309,737.00) 89,721,481.18 0.00 664,687,768.48 3,479,491,890.15

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,727,824.47 2,727,824.47

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,727,942.47 2,727,942.47

2,234,872,729.52 109,288,413.66

2,334,121,605.84 109,288,413.66

343,858,760.17 15.39% 234,570,346.51 10.50% 43.60% 31.78% 45.00 301,530,916.78 13.49% 0.00 0.00%

349,783,099.28 14.99% 240,494,685.62 10.30% 40.29% 31.24% 45.00 309,253,747.39 13.25% 0.00 0.00%

14.93% 32.57% 2.00%

14.51% 28.01% 6.00%

19.68 587.48 0.00 0.00 0.00

18.42 606.03 0.00 0.00 0.00

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FR. SERAFIN F. PERALTA Chairman ATTY. MICKEL M. BORIGAS Vice-Chairman DIRECTORS ROBERT V. AREVALO PATRIA T. CHIONG ROMEO A. DE JESUS DORIS R.DORIGO NORMA G. GUHITING EDITA S. LAURON ROBERTO C. MASCARINA PEDRO A. PLAZA DIVINA C. QUEMI PEDRO E. RIEZA, JR. JUANITO P. ROSINI NICOLAS H. VERONILLA EXECUTIVE OFFICER Renelia V. Estioko President

1/ Common Equity Tier 1 is only applicable to all Universal and Commercial Banks and their subsidiary banks.

Republic of the Philippines ) Makati City) s.s.

I/We, RODA L. CRUZ and RENELIA V. ESTIOKO of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.

RODA L. CRUZ Finance Head

RENELIA V. ESTIOKO President

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 18th day of April 2018 at Makati City, affiant exhibiting his/her/their Passport No.P1057056A, issued at DFA NCR EAST on December 01, 2016 and Passport No. P1747134A, issued at Manila City on January 25, 2017.

Doc. No. 101 Book No. XCIV Page No. 22 Series of 2018

issuance of IPs,” it said.

On Aug. 22, 2013, NGAT issued a resolution suspending the issuance of IPs on the premise that garlic supply was sufficient to last until the next harvest season in March 2014.

The team issued another resolution on Nov. 5, 2013 declaring the supply of garlic in the country as insufficient as of Oct. 25.

It recommended the importation of 58,240 metric tons of garlic through the issuance of IPs, 70 percent of which would be allocated to farmer cooperatives and 30 percent to legitimate garlic importers.

But the Ombudsman claimed in its resolution the allocation of the garlic supply “was actually a scheme designated for Cruz to control the garlic importation” and “enabled VIEVA to monopolize the garlic supply, allowing it to dictate its market prices.”

“It bears emphasis that after Cruz established VIEVA, she caused the affiliation of farmer cooperatives and associations under its umbrella on the pretext of helping them financially. By adopting the scheme, Cruz practically controlled a big chunk of the 100 percent of the IPs for imported garlic,” the Ombudsman said.

Filipino serves as machinist aboard guided MX destroyer YOKOSUKA—A Filipino is serving as a machinist mate in the US Navy forward-deployed guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Aero Jio Espiritu, whose hometown was not disclosed, is a machinist’s mate aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of Yokosuka, Japan.

The ship routinely deploys to protect alliances, enhance partnerships, and be ready to respond if a natural disaster occurs in the region.

A Navy machinist’s mate is responsible for operating and maintaining steam turbines and reduction gears used for ship propulsion and auxiliary machinery.

Espiritu is proud to serve in the Pacific and fondly recalls memories of Luzon.

“In the Philippines, they emphasize the importance of hard work,” said Espiritu.

“I learned flexibility and being a team leader. I can handle hard work and overtime; no sleep is normal for me. I’m used to it; it’s good for me.”

Moments like that makes it worth serving around the world ready at all times to defend America’s interests.

With more than 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage and a third of the world’s crude oil passing through the region, the United States has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world, an official statement said.

The Navy’s presence in Yokosuka is part of that long-standing commitment, explained Navy officials.

“I learned a lot during our underways, I saved a lot of money,” said Espiritu.

Destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities.

They are 510 feet long and armed with tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, Standard Missile-3 and newer variants of the SM missile family, advanced gun systems and close-in gun systems.

Destroyers are deployed globally and can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, or amphibious readiness groups.

Their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is the precondition for everything else the Navy does.

It cannot project power, secure the commons, deter aggression, or assure allies without the ability to control the seas when and where desired.

Curtis Wilbur has anti-aircraft capability armed with long range missiles intended for air defense to counter the threat to friendly forces posed by manned aircraft, anti-ship, cruise and tactical ballistic missiles.

As a member of one of the US Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Espiritu and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“Being in the Navy makes me proud to serve my country,” said Espiritu.

“Serving in the Navy helps me help my family in Philippines and in the states and it helps me grow into a better person.”

Seventh Fleet, which is celebrating its 75th year in 2018, spans more than 124 million square kilometers, stretching from the International Date Line to the India/Pakistan border; and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South.

Rappler CEO, treasurer no-show at DoJ tax rap RAPPLER CEO Maria Ressa and treasurer James Bitanga failed to show up Tuesday at the Department of Justice to submit their counter affidavit to the P133-million tax evasion case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in March against the holding company that owns the online news site.

Instead, only their lawyers appeared during the DoJ hearing on Tuesday.

The counter affidavit and supporting documents were supposed to be submitted in accordance with an order by Assistant State Prosecutor Zenamar J.L. Machacon-Caparros to have these filed by April 24 and May 7 at the DoJ office in Manila.

According to the lawyers, they did not receive a copy of the complaint.

Ressa is expected to appear before the DoJ on the next date, May 7, and file her counter affidavit then.

The lawyers did not give a statement to media on Tuesday.

The members of the team from the Bureau of Internal Revenue also refused to be interviewed by media, saying they were not authorized to do so.

Ressa, Bitanga, and Rappler Holdings Corp. were named in a complaint by the BIR for alleged willful attempt to “evade or defeat tax and for deliberate failure to supply correct and accurate information in its annual income tax return and valueadded tax returns” in 2015.

The BIR accused RHC of failing to pay an aggregate tax liability of P133,841,305.75 despite allegedly profiting in 2015 from the sale of Philippine Depository Receipts to two foreign judicial entities.

The complaint comes weeks after Omidyar Network, to whom Rappler sold more than seven-million PDRs, donated its PDRs to 14 Filipino managers of the news site.

Omidyar said it did this to eliminate the Securities and Exchange Commission’s ruling against Rappler Inc. and RHC that caused the media company to lose its certificate of incorporation.

The SEC accused Rappler of supposedly violating the foreign ownership restrictions on mass media companies for welcoming Omidyar as one of its investors through PDR sales.

Pascual, 83 FOR MER infor mation chief Apolonia (Polly) Cr uz Pascual of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources died in her sleep April 23, at age 83. She was the wife of Philippine Star op-ed columnist Federico (Dik) Pascual Jr. There will be daily Masses (9 p.m.) and a vigil from Wednesday to Saturday (April 28) at the viewing chapel of The Garden of the Divine Word inside the Christ the King Mission seminary at 1101 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City, a statement from family sources said.

Inurnment in the columbary of The Garden of the Divine Word will follow the 8 a.m. Mass on Sunday at the same chapel.

Polly is survived by her husband Dik, children Ma. Leonila P. Bautista, Polly Marie, Ma. Sandra, Peter and Paul (twins), Ma. Theresa; and grandchildren Danielle Ciara and Byron Joshua Bautista; Jessica and Angeli Reyes; and Athena, Apollo and Iris Pascual.

Youth Commission: No spending irregularities THE National Youth Commission has said it has maintained a good track record in its fiscal management amid a report by the Commission on Audit it had spent almost P300,000 for meals and snacks in 2017.

“It is very clear in the Commission on Audit Report that there are no irregularities in the utilization of NYC’s funds,” NYC officer-incharge Assistant Secretary Ronald Cardema said in a press statement Tuesday.

In its annual audit report, CoA called the attention of the NYC for spending a total of P296,968.30 in more than 126 meetings and

activities, 112 of which were considered unofficial.

The CoA also disclosed that the NYC allegedly failed to submit “complete documentary requirements” during the procurement of highly-technical consultants in 2017.

In its comment on the CoA report, the NyC said it agreed to strictly observe prudence in the use of government funds by ensuring that meals and snacks will only be served during authorized meetings and activities.

In addition, Cardema said all concerns on the NYC’s expenditures were properly addressed with CoA as stated in the Audit Observation

Memoranda of the audit report.

Cardema added the agency continued to improve its systems and internal processes on spending its P149-million budget and to ensure its compliance on CoA rules and procedures.

He said the Statement of Suspensions, Disallowancess and Charges dated Jan. 5, 2018 and April 4, 2018 issued by CoA for NYC also showed a zero balance in terms of total audit suspensions and disallowances.

Cardema also urged media organizations to take extra steps in verifying information included in CoA reports.

Sports

A7

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Alab PH shoots for 2-0 lead; Game 2 live on ABS-CBN S+A SAN Miguel Alab Pilipinas and Mono Vampire of Thailand continue their titanic battle in the ASEAN Basketball League Finals on Wednesday, airing live from the Sta. Rosa Multi-purpose Complex at Sta. Rosa, Laguna at 8 p.m. on ABS-CBN S+A, S+A HD, and via livestream on sports.abs-cbn.com.

Game 2 will be full of fireworks as Mono Vampire tries to even the series after falling to Alab, which staged a furious comeback in a thrilling Game 1 that went into the extra period, 143-130.

World imports Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman once again took the cudgels late for the Philippine franchise, pumping in a combined 18 points in overtime to power Alab to its maiden win in the ABL Finals.

Down two in regulation, 119-121, Brownlee, who had an ABL Finals record 46 points, intentionally muffed his second free throw to get the rebound and lay in a tying basket. He also missed but thankfully, the Puerto Rican, who tallied 39 points, was there to clean it up with 1.3 seconds to go to force OT. “I just knew that if we’re going into

THE HOARSE WHISPERER JENNY ORTUOSTE

Philracom to upgrade IT system, website THE Philippine Racing Commission is looking to upgrade its IT systems through the adoption of an enterprisewide resource management system.

Philracom is the government agency under the Office of the President that is tasked with the supervision and regulation of horseracing in the country.

The objectives of such a system are to increase the agency’s operational and management efficiency and produce better reports for the information of stakeholders.

The agency generates much data and information related to horse races, results, breeding, and the like. Related to this, their website lacks the type of security measures that are needed to keep apace with the increasingly advanced technology being used by hackers nowadays.

The proposed resource management system will help deliver better service to industry members as well as racing fans who will be able to access some of the information through the website. *** Philracom also recently established a Racetrack Condition Committee to “institutionalize… track inspection” and establish “a program for the standardization of racetrack maintenance.”

Under Philippine racing rules and regulations and the terms of their franchises, the three racing clubs—Manila Jockey Club, Philippine Racing Club, and Metro Manila Turf Club—are obligated to provide adequate and wellmaintained racetracks and grandstands for viewing.

Last April 18, after an incident involving the breakdown of a horse during a race, the Commission passed Resolution No. 8-18 that creates a Racetrack Condition Committee.

It is headed by a representative of Philracom’s Field Inspection Division and six members from the other industry sectors, namely jockeys, horseowners, trainers, a representative each from the Board of Stewards and the racing club concerned, and a club veterinarian.

Among the committee’s duties are to “conduct immediate inspection of the racetrack upon the occurrence of any …accident/incident [whether major or minor] involving any horse in the course of the race.”

They are also to interview jockeys concerned, review videos of the race, and submit a written report to the Commission thereafter.

Kudos to the pro-active chairman of Philracom, Andrew Sanchez, and his commissioners, as they continue to find the best ways to serve their public. *** Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and communications consultant. Facebook: Gogirl Racing and @DrJennyO, Twitter: @hoarsewhsprr and @jennyortuoste

overtime, it’s gonna be over,” Balkman said after the game.

Aside from Brownlee and Balkman, Alab also drew strong games from reigning ABL MVP Bobby Ray Parks and reserve Lo Domingo, who dropped 27 and 14 points respectively.

Coach Jimmy Alapag however stressed that Alab needs to be the ones setting the pace instead of the run-n-gun Mono Vampire squad come Game 2. “As a team, we just have to be much better defensively. Giving up 143 points won’t win us this series and I am confident we will be much better,” Alapag said in his post-game interview.

The Thai team leaned heavily on Mike Singletary, Filipino gunner Paul Zamar, and the towering Samuel Deguara who pumped in 42, 25, and 21 points respectively. Vampire was ahead with 19 ticks left in the clock but collapsed under the clutch assault of Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman.

Action shifts to Thailand for Games 3 and 4, with the fifth and deciding game to be fought back on Philippine soil, if necessary.

Jamal Crawford of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against James Harden of the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Rockets defeated the Timberwolves, 119-100. AFP

Rockets, Harden crush Wolves

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OS ANGELES—James Harden scored 36 points as the Houston Rockets moved to the brink of a Western Conference first round playoff series victory with a 119100 rout of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.

Harden underscored his status as frontrunner for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award after leading a stunning third quarter performance that saw the Rockets explode for an astonishing 50 points.

That devastating burst of scoring— a franchise record—included 22 points from Harden as the Rockets transformed what had been a one-point contest at halftime into a comfortable victory.

“We hit the switch that we’ve been trying to hit since the beginning of the playoffs, at both ends of the court,” a satisfied Harden said afterwards.

“It’s pretty scary what we’re capable of when we’re locked in defensively like that and when we get rolling offensively.”

The win gave Houston a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, giving the Western Conference leaders a chance to book their place in the second round of the playoffs with a victory at home in game five on Wednesday.

The smart money will be on Houston to wrap up the series quickly after Monday’s demolition job at Minnesota’s Target Center arena.

“It was a great (third) quarter for us,” Harden said. “It gave us the belief. Now we go back to the crib and try to finish it off.”

While Harden’s virtuoso third quarter performance ultimately decided the contest, the Rockets will also take heart from an offensive display that saw five players

finish with double-digit points tallies.

Point guard Chris Paul weighed in with 25 points—including 15 in the lop-sided third quarter—while Eric Gordon had 18 and Trevor Ariza 15.

Center Clint Capela finished with 14 points, and also pulled down 17 rebounds during his 31 minutes on court.

The Timberwolves’ scoring was led

by Karl-Anthony Towns with 22 points, while Jimmy Butler (19) and Derrick Rose (17) also made significant contributions.

Utah on brink Minnesota had looked capable of snaring a series-leveling victory after a close first half, in which the Rockets took a 5049 lead at the break.

But Houston’s scorching 50-point third quarter saw the Rockets head into the fourth quarter with a 100-69 lead.

While Minnesota closed the gap as Houston eased up, the Rockets never looked like surrendering the initiative,

Baguio fun run with a twist

Leonardo, Morada win ALYSSA Ysabel Leonardo and Alvin Morada won over the pair of Peter Gabriel Magnaye and Thea Marie Pomar to capture the mixed doubles’ open crown of the 11th Prima Pasta Badminton Championship recently at the Powersmash badminton court in Makati City.

The No. 1 seed Leonardo and Morada outlasted Magnaye and Pomar, 21-16, 2113, in the final round of the annual tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association and affiliated with the Philippine National Ranking System.

Mike Minuluan and Aires Amor Montilla defeated John Matthew Bernardo and Gelita Castilo, 21-16, 21-18, to win the mixed doubles’ level A title, while Jennifer Cayetano and Jan Mark Sotea blanked Andrea Abalos and Gregg Paz, 21-7, 21-17, to gain the mixed doubles’ level B crown.

The tourney was supported by Babolat, SMART Communications, Boysen Paints, Morning Star Milling Corporation., Mabz Builders, ILO Construction, Monocrete Construction, Pioneer Insurance, Promax International, Regent Foods Corp., RFM Corp and Del Monte Phils.

Alyssa Ysabel Leonardo (left) and Alvin Morada

MERCEDES BENZ GOLF WINNERS. Officials and winners in the 13th

MercedesTrophy Golf Invitational flash the thumbs-up sign during awards rites at the Sta. Elena Golf Club recently. They are (from left) tournament director Marvin Caparros, Auto Nation Group chairman Gregorio Yu, ANG president Felix Ang, ladies division champion Marie Claire Ong, Class A winner Alfonso Olondriz, Class B titlist Kenneth Hing, Class B runner-up Atty. Michael Toledo, Class A second placer Mark Dy, Class C runner-up Gregorio Vargas, and Class C winner Dr. Benedicto Oreto.

BAGUIO CITY—Barangay Scout Barrio will be host to a fun run with a twist on June 9, as part of the city’s Independence Day celebration.

Three running events are slated during the day-long Kalayaan Trail Run Food Festival with the 3-kilometer kiddie fun run/ walk, 5-Km run for more mature runners and the centerpiece 10-Mile (16-Km) trail run that will course through the forests of Kadaclan, Loakan, Happy Hallow, the Yellow Trail of John Hay. Scout Barrio, Kadaclan, Loakan and Happy Hallow are all part of the John Hay Reservation.

The Kalayaan Trail Run and Music Festival said Eric Coronacion of the P7 Events, organizer of the event, which will benefit patients at the Baguio General Hospital Dialysis Center, aims “to create an iconic annual event in time of the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.” Coronacion said that it is “designed to give a new experience for all the participants, runners and non-runners alike, as we have integrated the race to a food and music festival.” Pigeon M. Lobien

Fans’ day to kick off Premier Volley 2nd season THE Premier Volleyball League will hold a grand fans day and press conference on Friday at the Trinoma Mall Activity Center with all eight participating teams joining the one-day festivity that will usher in the league’s second season.

Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez, Pocari Sweat-Air Force’s Myla Pablo, PayMaya’s Grethcel Soltones, Tacloban Fighting Waray’s Shola Alvarez and PerlasBanKo’s Amy Ahomiro head the roster of PVL stars gracing the event at 1 p.m.

Volley fans will also have a chance to

meet and greet – and take selfies with their favorites players in the league where it all started. Fun activities and games are also in store for the fans.

The season-opening PVL Reinforced Conference will fire off May 6 at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.

“We invite our fans to come because they will get to see their favorite players and teams,” said Ricky Palou, president of the organizing Sports Vision.

ABS-CBN Integrated Sports head Dino Laurena will also attend the event.

Pocari Sweat-Air Force will have its

Online registration for World Slasher Cup 2 under way COCKFIGHTING enthusiasts out to test the mettle of their fiercest breeds against the toughest competitors are taking a chance at the rueda when the 2018 World Slasher Cup 2 returns to the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum from May 6 to 12.

With the promise of intense battles among top breeds from all over the world, all eyes will be on World Slasher Cup 2, the second edition year of the most prestigious and much-awaited cockfighting derby in the country this year.

To make it easier for regular participants, returning champions, and raring newbies to

keeping the Timberwolves at arm’s length as they closed out the win.

In Monday’s other game, the Utah Jazz moved to within one win of clinching their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a convincing 113-96 win in Salt Lake City.

Rookie star Donovan Mitchell made the decisive contribution for Utah with 33 points as Russell Westbrook and Paul George’s Thunder came unstuck.

Utah now lead 3-1 heading into game five in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

All five Utah starters made double figures as the Jazz overturned a 30-24 first quarter deficit to tilt the contest in their favor in the second and third periods, outscoring the Thunder 66-43.

George led the scoring for Oklahoma City with 32 points while Westbrook had 23 points and 14 rebounds. Carmelo Anthony finished with 11 points on a night when the Thunder’s offense was effectively contained. AFP

get in on the action, the WSC Derby Office has introduced an easy, hassle-free online registration system via its official website, www.worldslashercup.ph.

Those interested can simply visit the website, click the REGISTER ENTRY button, and fill up the required details. After submission online, the WSC Derby Office will get in touch with the registrant to verify information and later inform them if the registration is confirmed. Other details such as reservation of cockhouses and entry fee payments can also be discussed upon entry confirmation.

Touted as the “Olympics of Cockfighting,”

WSC has always attracted the top breeders and their finest winged-warriors coming from the US, Kuwait, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Philippines. In the first edition this year, a sole champ emerged from hundreds of fierce entries.

Rep. Patrick Antonio earned his seventh WSC title, which makes him one of the most admired personalities of the sport.

Lauding the WSC organizers for fair fights and clean competition, he said these were reasons why he keeps competing at the WSC, which honors sabong as a tradition and a true “gentleman’s sport.”

hands full as it tries to defend its crown against a talent-laden field headed by Valdez and the Creamline Smashers, a loaded PayMaya squad mentored by Roger Gorayeb and Perlas-BanKo. Other teams competing are Petro Gazz, Phl Navy-Iriga and Open Conference champion Bali Pure, which has tapped National U as its partner school.

After the meet-and-greet, a press conference will be held where players and coaches of all teams are expected to assess their respective chances in the upcoming tournament.

LOTTO RESULTS

Sports

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

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

Petron draws 1st blood in PSL semis Games Tomorrow: (Filoil Flying V Centre) 4:15 pm – F2 Logistics vs Foton 7:00 pm – Petron vs Cocolife

KATHERINE Bell made a strong first impression in powering Petron to a 25-18, 23-25, 25-16, 25-23 victory over Cocolife in Game 1 of their Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix best-of-three semifinals series yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Coming in as a late replacement to Hillary Hurley, Bell was simply impressive as she shone brightest at the attack zone to give Petron an early lead in this blockbuster showdown bankrolled by UCPB Gen and Isuzu with ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

Should Petron win Game 2 on Thursday, it will clash with the victor of the other semifinal pairing between reigning champion F2 Logistics and Foton, which are still clashing at press time.

Bell, a versatile 25-year-old spiker, who led University of Texas to four Final Four appearances, including a title in the NCAA in 2012, came through with 27 attacks to finish with 29 points for the Blaze Spikers, who are looking to redeem themselves after falling short in the finals last year.

Former Most Valuable Player awardee Lindsay Stalzer was also stunning as she chipped in 19 kills, two aces and two blocks for 23 hits while Mika Reyes and Frances Molina tallied nine and eight markers, respectively.

“What happened to us in the finals (last year) was a lesson learned,” said Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos, who is looking to bring his team back to the finals of this tourney that also has Mikasa, Senoh, Asics, LGR and Grand Sport as technical sponsors for fifth consecutive year. “We don’t want it to happen. Despite this win, we will still work hard and polish our lapses in our game.”

Sara Klisura of Cocolife scores against Mika Reyes and Lindsay Stalzer of Petron in Game 1 of their Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix best-of-three semifinals series Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre. The Blaze Spikers won though, 25-18, 23-25, 25-16, 25-23.

Columbian Dyip seeks 2nd straight PBA win

By Jeric Lopez

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OLUMBIAN Dyip is looking to continue pulling off stunners following its surprising first act in the resumption of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.

After a stunning debut, Columbian Dyip (1-0) aims to notch a second straight win and earn solo leadership as it looks to shock debuting Meralco in their 4:30 p.m. encounter at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

In the nightcap, Phoenix Fuel also makes its debut when it plays Blackwater (0-1) at 7 p.m.

Fans didn’t expect Columbian to make much impact with no significant changes in its line-up this conference as the team was a cellar-dweller with only a win to

show in the previous Philippine Cup. However, the Dyip raised some eye brows when it started off its campaign with a big bang.

Columbian showed it is poised to make significant improvements after it handily routed the favored Elite, 126-98, last Sunday in the tournament’s initial game.

From out of nowhere, free agent Jerramy King exploded to put the league on notice. The former Rain or Shine reserve scored a career-high 30 points to lead the Dyip to victory.

Dyip coach Ricky Dandan was pleased with what his team did, but hopes his wards can do an encore against the Bolts.

“We had a nice start and it’s important for us to get a win right away,” said Dandan. “But Meralco is next . We’’ll be up against a team that scouted us well and we all know what (Arinze) Onuaku can do. We need to handle him well.”

Dandan is of course talking about returning Bolts’ import Arinze Onuaku, who was a Best import awardee two seasons back.

He is expected to give Meralco the much-needed boost it needs.

In the second game, Phoenix will also be parading a returning import in James White, formerly of Columbian, while the Elite hope that the locals can help their import Jarrid Famous this time around.

Tagum City hosts indigenous games NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Sun will permanently discontinue its Postpaid BlackBerry Mobile Internet Service add-on effective 01 July 2018. This service will no longer be available as an inclusion to existing Sun Postpaid BlackBerry Plans while all other inclusions will be retained.

For Customer Care assistance, you may call the Sun Toll-Free Hotline at 200 via your Sun Mobile Phone or at (02) 395-8000 via landline •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Ang Blackberry Internet Service add-on ng Sun Postpaid ay hindi na maaring magamit simula Hulyo 1, 2018. Maari pa ding magamit ang lahat ng inclusions ng mga Sun Postpaid Blackberry Plan maliban sa Blackberry Internet Service, ang iba pang add-ons sa mga Sun Postpaid Blackberry Plans ay hindi ma-aapektuhan at maaari pa rin magamit.

Para sa Customer Care assistance, maaring tumawag sa Sun TollFree Hotline 200 gamit ang inyong Sun Mobile Phone o sa (02) 3958000 gamit ang landline.

TAGUM City, Davao del Norte—The country’s rich culture and traditions will be showcased as the Philippine Sports Commission-backed Indigenous Peoples Games kicks off at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex here on Friday and Saturday.

PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, who recently graced the PSC-Philippine Sports Institute Consultative Meeting and Grassroots Coaching held in Panabo City, said: “There is much to look forward to in the IP Games. The Davao del Norte launching is just the beginning of a series of IP Games and IP Forum to be held in different parts of the country.”

He said conceptualizing the IP Games took a series of consultation and coordination meetings from partner local government units of Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Ifugao, Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya, as well as with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

The Davao del Norte edition will have some 300 Ata-Manobo, Sama, Dibabawon, Mandaya, Mangguangan, and Mansaka delegates from New Corella, Talaingod, Carmen, Panabo City, Sto. Tomas, Asuncion, Kapalong, Tagum City, Dujali, Island Garden City of Samal and San Isidro.

“We are all set for the IP Games,” Maxey added.

The IP Games, which aim to preserve the traditional games of the IPs, will feature games’ demonstration, competition (Kadang-Kadang sa Bagol, Kadang-Kadang sa Bamboo, Lubok sa Humay, Butong sa Lubid, Pana, Bangkaw, Basket sa Likod, 4x100m event and 100-meter run), IP Forum and a photo contest.

Wesley slides to no. 2 spot GRANDMASTER Samuel Shankland assumed the solo lead after Filipino GM Wesley So drew with Zviad Izoria last Monday in the sixth round of the 2018 United States Chess Championships in St. Louis, Missouri.

Shankland took 53 moves of a Nimzo Indian Defense to stop Varuzhan Akobian as he moved to the top of the standings with 4.5 points.

So, who had a share of the lead entering the game, dropped behind after he drew with Izoria in 30 moves of a Queen’s Pawn Game.

Fabiano Caruana prevailed over Ray Robson in 39 moves of a Petrov Defense and caught up with So in second place. Both have four points.

Shankland gained an advantage when Akobian missed the winning line on the 20th move with a rook to f7 move.

Akobian fell behind in third place with 3.5 points.

Hikaru Nakamura drew with Jeffrey Xiong in 31 moves of a Vienna Game, while Yaroslav Zherebukh halved his point with Aleksandr Lenderman in 30 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Declined.

So braces for a showdown with Shankland in round 7. Peter Atencio

PH bowlers vs Asia’s best FILIPINO bowlers go up against some of Asia’s best in the 2nd Philippine International Bowling Open at the Coronado Lanes in Starmall starting this weekend.

Reigning World Cup champion Krizziah Lyn Tabora banners the Philippine side, whose mettle will be tested by entries from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Australia, among others, during the tournament slated from April 28 to May 13.

Kenneth Chua and Lara Posadas are the defending champions in the men and women’s open singles masters. A Corporate Cup featuring 36 teams serves as the curtain-raiser.

“So imbes na kami ang lalabas, sila ang pupunta rito,” said bowling great Bong Coo, now secretary-general of the Philippine Bowling Federation when she appeared in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Tapa King Restaurant in Farmers Plaza, Cubao along with PBF president Steve Robles, and the 27-year-old Tabora.

It’s LaSalle vs FEU for volley tiara women’s volleyball programs DE LA SALLE made quick Game Wednesday will face off in the last dance work of National University, Flying V Centre) for the first time since the 27-25, 25-22, 25-11, to claim 2 p.m. –(Filoil Ateneo vs FEU (Men Semis) 2008-09 season, when the another championship round Lady Spikers rallied from a stint in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball iFinal Four yesterday at 0-1 series hole to beat the Lady Tamaraws.

The Lady Bulldogs, back in the semifinals, the Mall of Asia Arena.

Kim Kianna Dy scattered 15 of her 17 were very much in the game in the first two points from spikes, Tin Tiamzon added 11 sets but the Bustillos-based spikers were simhits, while libero Dawn Macandili collected ply outclassed in the third frame.

“Sinabi ko sa kanila huwag natin bigyan ng 23 digs and 10 excellent receptions for the chance na makakuha ng kumpiyansa ang NU. Lady Spikers.

Gunning for its third consecutive championship, Kasi kung nakuha nila ang first set, mahirap De La Salle will take on title-starved Far Eastern ang pagdadaanan namin,” said De La Salle University in the best-of-three series starting on coach Ramil de Jesus.

The Bulldogs still have something to Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The two of the league’s most successful celebrate about.

IN BRIEF ERC reviewing FIT of hydro, biomass THE Energy Regulatory Commission will review the feed-in tariff for biomass and run-of-river hydro projects after the Energy Department extended the installation target until 2019.

ERC chairman Agnes Devanadera said in a letter to National Renewable Energy Board chairman Jose Layug Jr. that the move was part of the FIT rules that called for a review and readjustment if the installation target was achieved or not, and if the cost changed.

Devanadera informed NREB of the “huge disparity” between the installation targets and the total capacity of projects that qualified for the feed-in tariff based on the ERC data.

The NREB is the implementing agency of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which grants the feed-in tariff incentive to renewable energy developers.

Devanadera said run-of-river hydro had an installed capacity of 250 MW but the capacity with certificate of compliance for feed-in tariff eligibility was listed at 26.6 MW compared with projects with certificate of endorsement for FIT at 8 MW. Alena Mae S. Flores

Explain data breaches, schools, LGUs asked THE National Privacy Commission summoned Monday the management and other responsible officials of seven schools, institutions and local government units as it investigates data breaches they sustained following an organized attack on the government and commercial organizations on April 1, 2018.

The privacy body earlier sent notice to top officials of Taguig City University, the Education Department offices in Bacoor City and Calamba City, the province of Bulacan, Philippine Carabao Center, Republic Central Colleges in Angeles City and Laguna State Polytechnic University, to confer with the commission on April 23 and 24, 2018.

NPC chairman Raymund Liboro said the summons aimed to explain why they did not notify within 72 hours of the breach the commission, nor the affected subjects, whose personal data were made available for download through links posted on Facebook.

None of the affected organizations as of Monday were able to issue any data breach notifications as part of their obligations as personal information controllers under the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Othel V. Campos

Business NGCP files arbitration case vs PSALM, TransCo N

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the private concessionaire of the country’s power grid, said Tuesday it filed an arbitration case against state-run National Transmission Corp. and Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

NGCP filed the arbitration case with the International Chamber of Commerce in Singapore in February because of unresolved issues regarding the concession agreement with the government.

NGCP and TransCo first engaged in a dispute resolution in August 2017 to settle concerns over the grid operator’s concession agreement prior to the filing of the arbitration case.

NGCP officer-in-charge president Anthony Almeda did not comment on the issue now pending with the ICC. TransCo president Melvin Matibag said the government agency would “defend the government’s claims” under the arbitration.

NGCP, which is run by tycoon Henry Sy’s Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp., Calaca High Power Corp. of businessman Robert Coyiuto Jr. and State Grid

Corporation of China, holds the 25-year concession contract and the 50-year franchise to operate the power transmission network.

NGCP took over the operations of the power grid on Jan. 15, 2009 after submitting a winning bid of $3.95 billion in 2008.

TransCo oversees NGCP’s compliance with the concession agreement while the government still owns the transmission assets.

Matibag did not elaborate the unresolved issues. PSALM, the power asset privatization arm of the government, earlier declared as invalid the concession fee pre-payment P58.883 billion remitted by NGCP in July 2013.

PSALM, which manages the asset and liabilities of National Power Corp., sent a letter to NGCP dated Jan. 15 that the funds would instead be used to settle the

concessionaire’s outstanding obligations with the government.

PSALM cited NGCP’s alleged outstanding arrears of P3.9 billion to TransCo, a case that was also under dispute.

PSALM said the the deferred payment amortization schedule prior to the July 15, 2013 remittance would apply, “such that, the maturities under the CA from January 2014 to January 2018 were settled using the P5.788 billion remittance of NGCP.” Meanwhile, Almeda said NGCP would continue to pursue innovations to ensure the reliability and stability of the power grid.

“Economies in Southeast Asia continue to be more demanding as progress and development continually grow; with that, the need to constantly satisfy the requirement for sustainable, reliable, resilient, and efficient power services requires the innovation and non-stop operations of all our facilities and systems,” said Almeda.

Almeda said the company was also pursuing the P51.6-billion MindanaoVisayas Interconnection Project, which aims to connect the Mindanao grid to the Visayas grid by the year 2020.

PayMaya expands, adds money channels PAYMAYA Philippines, the digital financial services arm of PLDT and Smart’s Voyager Innovations, has expanded ‘add money’ channels through the launch of InstaPay as well as the addition of more bank partners.

Through InstaPay, account holders of PayMaya can now easily transfer amounts of up to P50,000 from their bank accounts and receive them in real time to their PayMaya accounts anytime and any day of the week.

Initially, through InstaPay, depositors of Asia United Bank, BDO, China Bank, Chinabank Savings, Equicom Savings Bank, Security Bank, and UnionBank are now able to send money to their PayMaya accounts.

More bank and non-bank partners will be added in the coming months as they get accredited by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to be part of InstaPay. PayMaya is one of the first two electronic money issuers in the country that is able to receive money transfers from these sending banks, allowing for a seamless and more convenient money transfer electronically to PayMaya accounts nationwide. Darwin G. Amojelar

DBCC MEETING. The Development Budget Coordination Committee, chaired by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno (third from left), updates the medium-term fiscal program of the government in time for the preparation of the 2019 national budget.

With Diokno are (from left) Finance Assistant Secretary Ma. Teresa Habitan, Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monetary Board member Felipe Medalla.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

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DBCC keeps medium-term growth targets at 7% to 8%

By Julito G. Rada THE inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee on Tuesday kept the government’s economic growth target in the medium term at 7 percent to 8 percent on higher fiscal spending.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the improved fiscal program of the government, especially the ambitious P8.4-trillion ‘Build, Build, Build’ initiative, “is expected to boost economic expansion from 2018 to 2022.”

“We are on track to hit our fiscal targets especially with our shift to cashbased budgeting starting the fiscal year 2019,” Diokno said.

Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said maintaining the economic growth target for 2018 would make the government work harder in reaching the medium-term goals, particularly in the area of tourism, which was one of the major drivers of economic growth.

“Regarding the possible shortfall in tourist arrivals due to the Boracay closure, DoT [Department of Tourism] will have to step up its efforts at advertising and marketing our several other tourist destinations, so the same volume of tourists, if not more, will be diverted to these other beautiful locations,” Pernia said.

Diokno said all the efforts of the government were expected to drive socio-economic development where the poverty rate was targeted to decline from 21.6 percent in 2015 to at least 14 percent by 2022.

The medium-term revenue program was revised upwards, considering the impact of package 1A and 1B of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program.

This put programmed revenues for fiscal year 2018 at P2.846 trillion, higher by P57.3 billion compared to the previously approved level of P2.789 trillion.

The economic managers said packages 1A and 1B of the CTRP would contribute P124.9 billion this year, rising to P215.8 billion in 2022. Total revenues are projected to rise from 16.3 percent of GDP in 2018 to as much as 17.5 percent of GDP by 2022, or a nominal amount of P4.485 trillion.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the projected increase in the government’s revenue take arising from the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion and the succeeding packages of CTRP would strengthen the good fiscal position of the Duterte administration.

Naia Consortium eyes 15-year concession period Gardenia’s P1-b Mindanao bread plant

By Darwin G. Amojelar A CONSORTIUM of seven conglomerates said it plans to submit a new proposal with a shorter concession period for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to the Department of Transportation next month.

“We are currently in negotiations with DOTr with respect to what they find to be acceptable. Based on the DOTr’s communication, there is nothing in the law that prohibits the DOTr from requesting amendments to submissions in the process of evaluating proposals,” Jimbo Reverente, spokesman of Naia Consortium, told reporters at the sidelines of a forum sponsored by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Reverente said the consortium was now looking at a 15-year concession

period, which would be more acceptable to the government from an original proposal of 35 years.

“If the government has been saying that it’s too long, so we probably won’t be able to do phase 2. To do phase 2 will take almost 10 years. If the concession period is shorter, there won’t be enough time to recover the investment,” he said.

The consortium said it was committed to spend P100 billion for the first phase of the project and P250 billion for the second phase.

The consortium’s members are Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Alliance Global Group Inc., AEDC, Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

Transportation Undersecretary Ru-

ben Reinoso said Naia Consortium’s 35-year concession period proposal for the airport rehabilitation “seems to be not acceptable to the government because it will unduly tighten the government hands.”

The proposal involves expanding and interconnecting the existing terminals of Naia, upgrading airside facilities and developing commercial facilities to increase airline and airport efficiencies, enhance passenger comfort and experience and improve public perception of Naia as the country’s premier international gateway.

The project is divided into two phases. Phase 1 includes improvement and expansion of terminals at the current Naia land area, while Phase 2 involves the development of additional runway, taxiways, passenger terminals and associated support infrastructure.

seen to start operations in third quarter

By Othel V. Campos GARDENIA Philippines assured Mindanao of sufficient bread supply as the construction of a P1-billion bread plant in Misamis Oriental province is expected to be completed this year.

Gardenia Philippines president Jun Umali said the new bread factory, with an estimated investment of P1 billion, would produce 130,000 Gardenia loaves and buns each day to be distributed across Mindanao.

“The construction of our bread plant in Mindanao is well underway and now almost halfway to completion.

The building is almost finished, while the machines and equipment have arrived. Installation will soon follow,”

Umali said.

The plant, located at Phividec Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental adjacent to Cagayan de Oro City, is expected to start operations by the third quarter, he said.

Umali said with the new Gardenia bread factory, consumers would be assured of more reliable and stable baked goods supply in Mindanao, especially during long weekends and holidays.

Umali said Gardenia would undertake a more aggressive market distribution in the region which showed huge potential for market growth.

Gardenia breads are currently delivered fresh through a logistics network from its plant in Cebu via the RoRo nautical highway.

CMAP plans to exchange credit data with Asean countries THE 400-member Credit Management Association of the Philippines said Tuesday it plans to have a wider coverage of credit information by exchanging financial data with neighboring countries.

CMAP president Luis Arriola said during the group’s 86th founding anniversary at Manila Diamond Hotel in Manila this was on top of the group’s plan to put up local chapters in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

“We want to raise the standards of credit information and we want to extend the organization… starting with our Asean neighbors,” Arriola said.

“If we have that mechanism on people coming in [from other countries], it will be of great help,” Arriola said.

Arriola said CMAP organized chap-

ters in Cebu and Davao recently. Luzon chapters will be organized next month.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo underscored in a speech during the event the vital role CMAP plays in the area of credit information that is useful in terms of sound credit decisions.

He said credit information was very important especially for small and medium enterprises that account for around 99 percent of all registered business enterprises nationwide.

“By providing access to capital, SMEs will become more productive part of the economy,” Guinigundo said.

He said this was one of the reasons why the Bangko Sentral initiated the creation of credit surety facilities na-

tionwide in August 2008.

The CSF is a credit enhancement program for the micro, small and medium enterprises that could not tap bank credit due to lack of hard collaterals and credit history.

CMAP was formed in April 1932 and one of its missions is to be the repository and medium for the exchange of reliable and credible credit information.

The association promotes the active and voluntary interchange of credit information among members.

It gathers data from members and from other sources of legitimate credit information and organizes the data specially assets and liabilities for an easy reference relevant to members’ business decision making. Julito G. Rada

TOWNSHIP BRIEFING. Top officials of Golden Horizon, a P5-billion township in Trece Martires City, Cavite, on April 18 preside over a project briefing on Manors single-attached homes and Acropolis single-detached units. Shown are (from left) Bernadette Villarez, vice president for real estate development of Golden Horizon ; Howard Guinto, chief operating officer; Elmer Ceguerra, president; Leilani Panesa, vice president for infrastructure development and engineering; and Harold Guinto, chief finance officer.

B2

Business

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks sink; Jollibee, Ayala Land fall

T

HE stock market sank again Tuesday on concerns on rising inflation and weak peso, with investors fearing a possible increase in local interest rates.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index plunged 119.11 points, or 1.5 percent, to a year low of 7,600.36 on a value turnover of P6 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 143 to 68, with 40 issues unchanged. The peso closed at 52.30 against the US dollar Tuesday, down from 52.24 Monday.

Major property developer Ayala Land Inc. fell 2.9 percent to P40.05, while Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood chain, slumped 3.1 percent to P285.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. lost 2.1 percent to P32.50, while Globe Telecom Inc., the second-largest telecommunications firm, dropped 1.8 percent to P1,500.

The US dollar extended gains against its main peers and most other currencies Tuesday as rising US

bond yields fan speculation of a sharp rise in interest rates, while most of Asia’s major markets edged up after recent losses.

The weaker yen boosted Japanese exporters, which helped the Nikkei to end 0.9 percent higher.

Hong Kong added 0.8 percent, Shanghai rose two percent and Sydney put on 0.6 percent, while Singapore was 0.1 percent higher.

However, Seoul eased 0.4 percent, while Taipei and Wellington were also down.

While the corporate earnings season is maintaining traders’ attention, the release on Friday of US economic growth data is a key marker with a strong reading likely to reinforce opinions that borrowing costs will go up.

An improving economy and expectations that inflation will continue to rise on the back of a oil price rally and Donald Trump’s tax cuts have lifted the yield of benchmark 10-year Treasuries close to three percent and near its highest level since 2014.

Higher yields are a signal interest rates could rise and could weigh on markets as traders shift from equities to safer bond investments.

“For us it’s more the reasons why we’re seeing the move: better growth outlook, a little bit more inflation and faster rate hikes being priced in by the market,” Kerry Craig, global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management, told Bloomberg TV. “It should be reaffirming the fact that we see a global economy that’s looking relatively healthy.”

The dollar rallied on the back of the higher yields, sitting at two-month highs against the yen and sevenweek highs against the euro. It was also up against most other high-yielding units, including the Australian dollar, South Korean won, Mexican peso and South African rand.

“Without question (the) US GDP data will be crucial for an extension of the current dollar move as US economic strength in the face of synchronized economic slowdowns in both China and Europe are playing into the resurgent US dollar hand,” said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. Technology firms staged a mild recovery after recent losses as Apple suffered another sell-off on worries about the key smartphone sector. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58.95 38,110 104.1 874,630 3.14 12,000 130.8 3,441,870 1.45 77,000 34 406,000 6.42 400 16.3 209,400 15.84 2,943,800 3.5 30,000 8.6 2,200 1.53 15,000 850 190 0.55 1,210,000 84.35 2,158,530 1.08 480,000 12.2 23,400 52.9 97,510 226 4,250 108 500 87.2 110 37.95 224,400 220 540,020 1,910 55 91.1 35,630

2,218,800 92,469,279 37,980 449,316,866 108,750 13,872,555 2,568 3,424,596 46,755,670 103,450 18,944 22,950 164,825 672,400 182,045,471 521,590 285,480 5,168,232 965,834 54,452 9,604 8,675,485 118,209,944 103,775 3,268,090

870,996.50 -25,585,226 -20,186,891 2,793,560 8,344,450 41,040 53,723,679.50 147,870 -2,515,472 3,500 -6,209,455 -76,358,460 2,193,219.50

38 14.3 0.54 1.26 20.5 0.221 130 3.17 16 252 47.65 24 62.25 71 97.9 1.9 5.15 9.92 10.1 14.98 11.56 7.2 5.35 15.5 64.95 25 9.28 15.5 2 285 49.5 4.92 3.09 25 14.76 23.05 316.6 0.19 6.88 2.36 4.85 9.13 4.81 7.72 1.48 11.78 52.2 6.11 4.75 1.86 1.87 13.8 65 5.48 0.133 0.99 134.2 2.58 2.76 0.78

INDUSTRIAL 38 698,500 14.38 487,500 0.54 2,061,000 1.27 203,000 21.25 53,300 0.226 3,860,000 130 90 3.32 31,690,000 16.1 1,516,400 252 80 48 789,200 24 11,200 62.3 160 71.5 2,230 97.9 30 1.96 356,000 5.15 9,000 9.92 49,700 10.1 1,206,000 15.18 3,547,700 11.6 7,579,200 7.22 1,051,200 5.4 2,596,400 15.66 1,099,400 65.4 70,900 25.6 7,100 9.28 27,700 15.64 766,800 2 3,332,000 285 891,380 50.5 42,780 4.95 148,900 3.09 3,000 25.05 374,900 14.76 73,600 23.5 2,962,500 319.4 131,690 0.19 640,000 6.9 36,400 2.48 1,330,000 4.98 156,000 9.17 2,888,600 4.98 21,000 7.9 4,200 1.49 413,000 11.8 11,300 52.45 232,950 6.11 5,600 4.86 17,000 1.97 56,000 1.87 376,000 13.94 489,500 65.7 984,530 5.48 122,800 0.133 930,000 0.99 309,000 134.2 1,466,830 2.69 22,000 2.9 77,859,000 0.79 10,239,000

27,001,230 6,998,830 1,147,380 257,360 1,107,855 860,990 11,900 104,392,160 24,327,356 20,170 38,282,425 269,145 9,968.50 159,582 2,937 684,550 46,400 496,507 12,290,728 53,796,938 87,771,274 7,592,790 14,143,723 17,207,172 4,614,557.50 179,305 258,470 12,045,802 6,748,790 256,681,036 2,122,040 734,419 9,270 9,403,910 1,088,786 69,761,975 42,045,108 121,850 256,040 3,287,880 763,090 26,450,587 101,860 32,813 612,380 133,436 12,217,515.50 34,216 81,850 105,570 713,090 6,798,308 64,742,439 672,944 124,120 306,870 200,597,960 56,870 232,798,610 8,120,610

-14,071,060 1,449,402 -17,080 -10,233,640 -690,344 2,530 -3,033,100 -15,200 -18,865 -8,042,132 27,534,288 2,418,094 -7,256,580 -208,103 -5,717,806 2,600,284 -17,540 990,638 -22,920.00 -43,382,428 -1,925,600 -14,802 18,536,725 -7,409,922 38,200 1,115,200 -16,260,247 -23,315 -7,450 -970,677.50 -48,600 -400 -142,432 4,845,128 2,740 -1,980 -13,087,192 -3,353,390 -49,480

0.305 69.7 13.26 0.9 6.35 0.63 0.65 917 6.78 12.38 7.6 0.198 1,043 60.35 0.65 4.74 19.4 0.57 4.48 0.041 1.18 3.64 140.9 2.62 900.5 0.81 1.7 530 260 0.231 0.231 0.201

0.295 65 13.02 0.9 6.26 0.6 0.61 896 6.74 12.04 7.56 0.191 1,000 58 0.63 4.54 19.18 0.55 4.31 0.04 1.13 3.37 139 2.57 893 0.81 1.66 530 258 0.23 0.208 0.201

HOLDING FIRMS 0.3 140,000 67.95 420,260 13.2 13,140,000 0.9 20,000 6.26 17,400 0.6 4,453,000 0.63 999,000 900 432,480 6.74 2,644,500 12.2 2,376,700 7.6 200 0.198 500,000 1,000 99,625 59.5 2,400,180 0.65 9,000 4.63 593,000 19.4 993,900 0.57 1,844,000 4.42 33,085,000 0.04 6,000,000 1.15 325,000 3.39 8,992,000 140 203,590 2.57 7,000 895 186,640 0.81 16,000 1.66 67,000 530 100 260 3,560 0.23 260,000 0.225 14,820,000 0.201 150,000

42,050 28,641,559 172,828,366 18,000 109,674 2,705,910 623,620 389,697,715 17,868,816 28,979,984 1,516 98,580 101,423,215 142,096,692 5,710 2,740,800 19,163,126 2 1,030,740 144,635,830 241,000 373,600 31,250,720 28,498,261 18,090 167,273,465 12,960 113,490 53,000 919,660 59,910 3,274,510 30,150

-4,335,549 43,581,016 -292,200 1,901,395 5,087,444 -2,434,944 973,315 -41,756,073 1,065,240 ,396,038.0001 162,800 -34,931,490 -4,000 495,660 539,250 -27,052,350 1,690 -

6.97 1.1 14.48 2.03 0.84 41.35 3.45 4.62 6.07 6.5 0.45 0.97 0.255 0.46 32.05 0.69 0.121 1.72 1.31 1.11 4.42 0.57

6.76 1.03 13.12 2.03 0.82 40.05 3.32 4.5 6.06 6.24 0.44 0.96 0.243 0.435 31.3 0.67 0.121 1.67 1.28 1.05 4.22 0.53

6,328,505 21,584,150 311,908 62,930 818,370 317,721,510 3,138,660 7,252,820 543,669 50,570 2,683,200 2,900 12,861,580 91,800 3,063,955 258,680 7,260 14,500,130 4,394,850 3,427,980 35,186,610 22,082,130

196,488 -477,260 28,000 37,150,190 -16,680 -73,600 -242,400 142,400 275,320 -162,365 470 -5,030,570 -130,000 -11,770 -8,100,430 -2,335,640

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58 107.7 3.17 130.9 1.42 34.5 6.42 16.64 16.22 3.25 8.62 1.53 880 0.54 84.5 1.07 12.2 53.2 226.8 110 87.5 41.5 224.8 1,890 92

58.95 108.8 3.17 131.6 1.45 34.5 6.42 16.64 16.3 3.5 8.62 1.53 880 0.58 84.5 1.1 12.2 53.2 228 110 87.5 41.5 224.8 1,910 92

57.5 104.1 3.14 130 1.4 33.95 6.42 16.2 15.58 3.25 8.6 1.53 850 0.54 84 1.07 12.2 52.7 226 107.2 87.2 37.95 215 1,880 90.6

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

39.5 14.32 0.56 1.27 21.45 0.225 135 3.17 16 252 49.45 25 62.35 75.95 97.9 1.94 5.15 9.94 10.4 15.12 11.7 7.25 5.47 16.26 65.5 25.8 9.45 16.04 2.1 292 50.4 5.02 3.09 25.6 14.98 23.05 322.8 0.191 7.36 2.48 5.04 9.34 4.81 7.73 1.49 11.84 52.2 6.11 4.75 1.88 1.94 13.86 65.7 5.48 0.134 0.99 138.9 2.58 3.3 0.85

39.5 14.42 0.57 1.27 21.45 0.227 135 3.37 16.1 253 50.4 25 62.35 75.95 97.9 1.96 5.2 10.14 10.4 15.26 11.7 7.39 5.47 16.26 65.5 25.8 9.45 16.06 2.1 293.6 50.5 5.02 3.09 25.6 14.98 23.7 322.8 0.191 7.36 2.51 5.04 9.34 4.98 7.99 1.5 11.84 52.55 6.11 4.86 1.97 1.94 14.1 65.9 5.48 0.134 1.02 139.9 2.69 3.37 0.85

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

0.305 67.5 13.1 0.9 6.35 0.61 0.61 915.5 6.78 12.38 7.56 0.191 1,021 59.9 0.65 4.65 19.24 0.56 4.46 0.04 1.14 3.64 139.9 2.62 900 0.81 1.68 530 260 0.231 0.208 0.201

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

6.76 1.1 14 2.03 0.83 41.25 3.35 4.58 6.07 6.5 0.445 0.97 0.255 0.44 32 0.69 0.121 1.7 1.3 1.11 4.3 0.56

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.415 0.59 3.97 18.18 2.03 3.13 33.1 1.01 10.28 0.79 6.5

0.465 0.6 4 18.24 2.14 3.16 33.2 1.03 10.28 0.79 6.61

0.41 0.54 3.95 17.9 1.99 3.13 32.3 1.01 9.28 0.79 6.4

0.45 0.55 3.96 18.08 2.03 3.15 32.5 1.01 9.63 0.79 6.61

24,860,000 42,676,000 698,000 7,748,400 977,000 8,000 5,155,500 1,271,000 784,600 148,000 5,447,300

11,035,750 24,171,660 2,770,030 140,155,308 1,998,430 25,190 168,024,010 1,295,370 7,554,785 116,920 35,685,214

-130,950 -92,050 -92,000 -6,686,042 175,510 -29,344,810 -194,060 -70,852 -15,800 -25,428,630

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

16.9 28.15 1.31 0.465 0.048 12.6 12.62 0.056 88.7 8.75 6.72 7.01 2.24 23.5 1,527 5.76 301.4 4.65 2.31 91.85 13.3 8.28 0.115 1.37 3.23 14.32 5.09 1.02 28 4.4 6.7 3.29 16.8 7.53 11.14 9.36 2.99 127 6.32 1,397 1.01 0.39 47.5 88.5 7.17 2.38 1.35 0.405 4.8 0.87 10.96

16.9 28.15 1.42 0.465 0.048 12.7 12.62 0.059 90 8.92 6.78 7.55 2.25 23.5 1,527 5.76 308 4.66 2.31 91.85 13.3 8.29 0.115 1.42 3.3 14.98 5.09 1.02 28 4.48 6.8 3.3 18.36 7.65 11.2 9.36 3.01 127.4 6.4 1,404 1.02 0.4 48.2 89 7.17 2.38 1.35 0.41 4.85 0.9 10.96

16.2 27.6 1.31 0.46 0.047 12.6 12.34 0.056 87.8 8.7 6.6 7.01 2.14 22.55 1,500 5.56 301 4.3 2.31 87.1 13.3 8.28 0.113 1.37 3.2 14.32 4.64 1 27.4 4.34 6.61 3.25 16.8 7.18 11.14 9.36 2.99 127 6.11 1,394 1.01 0.38 47.1 88.5 6.96 2.32 1.25 0.405 4.75 0.86 10.7

SERVICES 16.24 27.8 1.35 0.465 0.047 12.62 12.6 0.056 88.5 8.92 6.6 7.5 2.14 22.9 1,500 5.63 308 4.3 2.31 88.75 13.3 8.29 0.113 1.42 3.3 14.98 4.71 1.01 27.55 4.46 6.75 3.25 18.36 7.2 11.2 9.36 3.01 127 6.21 1,403 1.01 0.39 48 89 6.96 2.33 1.27 0.41 4.83 0.89 10.74

91,400 31,900 131,000 4,000,000 11,900,000 2,700 7,706,700 23,930,000 84,360 17,300 1,072,500 1,600 27,000 9,500 101,820 493,900 6,840 1,737,000 1,000 951,530 86,000 12,000 4,210,000 270,000 48,000 600 3,685,600 207,000 690,800 40,000 1,486,000 418,000 600 4,802,700 1,400 2,500 15,000 79,560 625,000 93,165 1,198,000 420,000 4,530,800 1,292,120 364,600 202,000 2,442,000 5,360,000 5,578,000 6,032,000 2,769,300

1,500,564 888,545 182,030 1,846,450 564,800 34,104 96,304,412 1,367,810 7,471,805.50 150,784 7,155,624 11,972 59,970 215,685 152,933,335 2,786,240 2,085,364 7,660,170 2,310 84,581,186 ( 1,143,800 99,380 476,210 378,810 155,140 8,724 17,554,930 ( 208,840 19,036,705 177,390 9,959,176 1,363,730 10,236 35,068,183 15,650 23,400 44,970 10,105,872 3,892,291 130,549,175 1,210,090 163,850 216,612,515 114,754,329 2,552,894 472,860 3,121,450 2,195,550 26,856,520 5,350,200 30,059,180

16,580.00 -52,460.00 138,000 6,350 -12,385,168 -53,317 15,678 -17,039 -60,520,990 -87,520 -417,330 2,310 52,463,631.5) 190,551.0001) 7,506,075 -4,550 4,182,794 -297,080 -126,753 -10,080 1,204,064 11,875,590 -12,120 14,190,180 110,377,557 1,589,839 -135,760 1,113,080 664,200 -4,328,670 23,759,728

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATLAS MINING BENGUET A 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 UNITED PARAGON

0.0029 1.69 4.41 1.51 1.6 1.63 0.3 7.62 2.2 0.208 0.143 0.147 1.45 5.83 1.22 0.53 1.07 0.012 0.012 2.23 5.58 13.7 30.45 0.0064

0.0031 1.7 4.42 1.53 1.6 1.64 0.3 7.8 2.24 0.208 0.143 0.147 1.48 5.84 1.22 0.53 1.07 0.013 0.012 2.23 5.69 13.8 30.45 0.0064

0.0029 1.61 4.4 1.51 1.6 1.62 0.295 7.38 2.08 0.2 0.141 0.145 1.39 5.47 1.15 0.5 0.93 0.012 0.012 2.2 5.58 12.88 29.75 0.0063

MINING & OIL 0.0029 1,518,000,000 1.62 14,818,000 4.41 80,000 1.53 36,000 1.6 89,000 1.62 348,000 0.295 240,000 7.75 8,600 2.12 23,715,000 0.203 40,000 0.141 4,970,000 0.147 9,670,000 1.47 796,000 5.55 6,148,600 1.2 165,000 0.52 317,000 0.96 2,064,000 0.012 49,800,000 0.012 900,000 2.2 5,000 5.61 24,000 12.9 4,087,800 29.85 721,000 0.0063 16,000,000

4,551,000 24,585,040 353,050 54,820 142,400 566,250 71,750 65,725 51,592,120 8,170 705,980 1,404,930 1,156,740 34,569,765 199,750 163,260 2,019,020 597,700 10,800 11,030 135,058 53,753,510 21,555,740 101,200

225,360 -180,810 -60,310.00 -65,850 -21,965,390 -55,100.00 -1,500 -8,018,349 -100,279 636,706 -8,276,140 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF F GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR LR PREF PCOR PREF 2A PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

29.7 503.5 105 100.3 107.8 506 5.6 1.06 1,021 102.5 108 975 77 78.6 75 75.5 78 78 75.75

29.7 523 105 101.7 107.8 506 5.6 1.06 1,021 102.5 108 975 77 79 75 76 78 78 75.75

27.45 503.5 104 100 107.8 506 5.6 1.05 1,021 100.1 106 975 77 78 75 75.5 76.05 78 75.5

PREFERRED 27.45 1,400 523 20 104 20,000 101.7 48,130 107.8 30 506 100 5.6 13,000 1.05 34,000 1,021 1,910 100.1 25,500 106 10,000 975 10,000 77 880 78 45,760 75 47,180 76 13,530 78 19,660 78 20 75.75 52,260

41,080 10,265 2,082,970 4,823,078 3,234 50,600 72,800 35,840 1,950,110 2,570,056 1,062,585 9,750,000 67,760 3,584,858 3,538,500 1,022,015 1,527,904 1,560 3,955,419.50

-26,290 3,234 3,180 40,850 21,500 -3,388,500 1,560 -

LR WARRANT

2.95

2.96

2.82

WARRANTS 2.84 503,000

1,440,460

-

3,075,263 321,840 4,559,060

-54,642 -23,680

2,419,599

11,840

4,545 125,328

-

MS

PROPERTY 6.8 1.04 13.18 2.03 0.83 40.05 3.32 4.6 6.06 6.24 0.445 0.97 0.245 0.46 31.6 0.67 0.121 1.67 1.28 1.05 4.25 0.53

927,000 20,382,000 23,100 31,000 990,000 7,793,600 933,000 1,593,000 89,700 8,100 6,040,000 3,000 52,090,000 210,000 96,700 377,000 60,000 8,614,000 3,408,000 3,206,000 8,241,000 40,504,000

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

5.25 3.13 3.45

5.4 3.3 3.52

5.15 3.1 3.25

FIRST METRO ETF

119

119

117.8

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.1 10.24

10.1 10.24

10.1 10.2

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES

14,973,156

INDUSTRIAL

166,538,029

HOLDING FIRMS

119,293,558

PROPERTY

245,515,164

SERVICES

99,880,534

MINING & OIL

1,653,086,827

GRAND TOTAL

2,301,355,154

5.16 3.29 3.26

SME

584,100 102,000 1,359,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.8 20,440 DDS 10.1 10.24

450 12,240

VALUE 1,964.57 (down) -28.75 1,109,721,596.12 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,878.89 (down) -197.71 1,407,989,854.81 HOLDING FIRMS 7,540.83 (down) -91.1 1,467,476,290.58 PROPERTY 3,514.84 (down) -72.85 1,552.84 (down) -11.3 856,187,996.99 SERVICES MINING & OIL 10,343.13 (down) -189.59 1,003,156,176.11 PSEI 7,600.36 (down) -119.11 198,386,214.473 All Shares Index 4,617.77 (down) -59.32 6,053,302,147.95 Gainers: 68; Losers: 143; Unchanged: 40; Total: 251

Puregold allots P3.7b to finance expansion

By Jenniffer B. Austria PUREGOLD Price Club Inc. is accelerating its expansion this year with capital expenditures of P3.7 billion amid an anticipated slower net sales.

Puregold said in a presentation during a recent investors’ briefing consolidated net sales would rise by 6 percent to 8 percent this year, slightly lower than the 10.6-percent growth registered in 2017.

Share price of Puregold has been on the downward trend since last week because of weaker-than-expected 2017 earnings and a disappointing 2018 revenue growth guidance.

Puregold said it would allot P1 billion out of the P3.7-billion capital expenditures this year to build 25 stores, P1.5 billion for the two S&R stores, P200 million for 12 S&R quick service restaurants and P50 million for 10 Lawson stores.

The company is spending P1.25 billion for IT system upgrade and and maintenance.

Funding for this year’s capital expenditures will primarily come from internally generated cash and shortterm loans, if necessary.

Meanwhile, Puregold said the 6-percent to 8-percent increase in consolidated revenues this year woule be supported by the 2 percent to 4 percent same store sales growth, opening of new outlets and conversion of recently-acquired stores NE Bodega and Budgetlane supermarket.

The grocery chain, owned by businessman Lucio Co, is also expected to sustain its gross and net profit margins this year.

Puregold said it would continue to pursue acquisitions and expansion into new geographic locations this year. It operated 372 stores with 518,000 square meters of net selling area.

Out of 372 stores, 309 are Puregold outlet, 14 S&R stores 32 S&R quick service restaurants and 17 NE Bodega & Budgetlane stores.

PNB bullish, sees higher ‘18 income

By Julito G. Rada PHILIPPINE National Bank, the country’s fifth-largest lender in terms of assets and controlled by tycoon Lucio Tan, plans to sustain its 14-percent income growth in 2017, to be driven mainly by the strength of its core businesses.

PNB executive vice president and chief financial officer Nelson Reyes said in a briefing Tuesday the growth outlook was promising amid rising interest rates and the government’s P8.4trillion infrastructure program.

“This year we may grow by midteens and the drivers of growth would be the core businesses... As in the past years, the focus would continue to be fees, loans and deposits,” Reyes said.

“Also, we are eyeing at a good number of those firms to be involved in the government’s infrastructure projects,” he said.

Reyes said PNB was increasing its exposure to the commercial lending from 33 percent last year to probably 35 percent. The bank’s biggest lending exposure remains in the corporate sector at 52 percent.

Meanwhile, consumer lending this year is expected to grow to around 15 percent of the total loan portfolio from 12 percent last year.

The bank does not plan to increase much branches nationwide, two-thirds of which are in the provinces. But PNB plans to open three mini branches or “lites” in Samal Island, Visayas University Campus and Southern Leyte.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in latter part of 2017 urged universal and commercial banks to open branch lites in the provinces in a bid to extend their reach to the unbanked in line with the government’s financial inclusion thrust.

PNB to date has 692 branches, including those of its savings bank. Bank officials said the cost of opening a mini or lite branch was 80 percent less compared with a regular branch.

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Tennessee shooting suspect held

IN BRIEF Boy runs away to Bali using family credit card SYDNEY—Australian police were Tuesday investigating how a 12-year-old boy managed to fly alone to the Indonesian island of Bali and spend four days at a resort using his parents’ credit card.

The boy ran away from his Sydney home after a row with his mother, flying first to the Western Australian city of Perth on budget airline Jetstar and then on to Bali, according to commercial broadcaster Channel Nine.

“He just doesn’t like the word ‘no’, and that’s what I got, a kid in Indonesia,” his mother, Emma, told Channel Nine in a program that aired late Monday.

“It’s too easy, it’s way too easy.

There’s a problem in our system,” she said, calling for tighter controls on air travel by young people.

The family had previously visited Bali on holiday and Emma said her son had already tried to book flights there on his own but had been knocked back by airlines because he did not have a letter from her.

“We screamed, we begged for help [from Australian authorities] for weeks on end,” Emma added.

“When the first attempt to Indonesia took place, we were told his passport was going to be flagged.” AFP

Trump and Macron get down to business WASHINGTON—After a friendly dinner at a US landmark, US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron were to get down to business Tuesday on divisive issues like the Iran nuclear accord and international trade.

They were to meet face to face for half an hour, and then again for an hour in a broader meeting with more aides—the climax of of Macron’s three-day state visit to Washington.

Before getting the full red carpet treatment at the White House on Monday—payback for wooing Trump with military parades and a dazzling Eiffel Tower dinner in Paris last July—Macron took an impromptu stroll to the Lincoln Memorial with his wife Brigitte.

Hailing the “very important” visit, Macron then rolled into the West Wing from Lafayette Square— named after the storied French general who fought in America’s war for independence—beneath dozens of fluttering tricolor French flags and before a full US military color guard.

Waiting at the door, the US president smiled and held out his hand for Macron to shake, and the French leader kissed him on both cheeks. AFP

Greenland’s voters face a dilemma COPENHAGEN―Greenland votes Tuesday in a local parliament election, with full independence a key issue for the self-ruled Danish territory threatened by global warming and struggling with youth suicides and sex abuse among its indigenous people.

Rich in unexploited natural resources, Greenland gained autonomy from Denmark in 1979 and was granted self-rule in 2009, though Copenhagen retains control of foreign and defense affairs.

The vast island between the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, mostly covered in ice and home to just 55,000 people, also receives some 3.6 billion kroner (483 million euros, $591 million) in subsidies each year from its former colonial master.

While Denmark’s constitution recognizes the island’s right to decide on its own independence, if it became a sovereign nation it would lose the muchneeded subsidies, which make up 60 percent of Greenland’s annual budget.

So the main issue for pro-independence campaigners is when to secede, and how to do so without impoverishing the island.

With a gross domestic product of $2.2 billion in 2015, an independent Greenland would be the poorest country in Europe along with San Marino.

Of the seven political parties, six are in favor of independence. Some are keen to declare independence by 2021 to coincide with the 300th anniversary of Denmark’s occupation, though most have not set a time line.

Opinion polls suggest the left-green Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party will win Tuesday’s election, where 31 seats are up for grabs.

A poll published on April 20 credited IA with 31 percent of voter support, ahead of its main rival, the social democratic Siumut party which has dominated Greenland politics since 1979 and is currently in power. AFP

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OLYMPIAD. Iraqi Kurdish students perform on stage during the Kurdish Olympiad for cultural and Music in Arbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region, on April 23, 2018. AFP

EU, UN seek bigger aid for Syria at conference B RUSSELS―The EU and UN on Tuesday begin a two-day conference to drum up fresh aid pledges for war-torn Syria and reinvigorate the faltering Geneva peace process as the conflict enters its eighth year.

Donor countries, aid organizations and UN agencies will gather in Brussels for the seventh annual conference on Syria’s future as international inspectors probe a suspected gas attack in the town of Douma, highlighting the brutal nature of the war.

The meeting comes in the wake of strikes by the United States, France and Britain on Syrian military installations, carried out in response to the Douma incident which has been widely blamed on Damascus.

EU officials hope to beat the $6 billion (5.6 billion euros) pledged at last year’s gathering, as a fierce offensive launched by President Bashar al-Assad, backed by key ally Russia, intensifies the crisis.

“We’ve seen the situation get dramatically worse since the beginning of the year. We’ve had inside Syria some 700,000 displaced during a period of four months,” one senior EU official said.

Some 6.1 people are now internally displaced, more than five million Syrians have fled their country and 13 million people are in need of aid, according to the EU. Top UN and EU officials will hold talks with aid groups working in Syria and neighboring countries on Tuesday to get their views be-

fore government ministers arrive on Wednesday.

Save the Children International chief executive Helle ThorningSchmidt urged donors to focus on education, saying a third of Syrian youngsters are out of school and a third of Syrian schools are unusable because of the war.

“We have let Syrian children down. This is the seventh year and they’re still being let down,” Thorning-Schmidt told AFP. “2018 has been a very bloody year for Syrian children and one of the things they are missing out on enormously is education.”

UN children’s agency UNICEF said some 2.8 million Syrian children had missed out on education, warning that in parts of the country simply going to school “has at times become a matter of life and death”.

According to EU figures, the total given by the international community after last year’s conference was $7.5 billion -- 25 percent more than pledged -- with Germany, the US and EU institutions leading the way.

Alongside the aid drive, the EU’s diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini will hold talks with the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, on Tuesday as part of efforts to restart peace talks. AFP

SCNFORM FORMNO. NO.11 SCN (R.A.NO. NO.9139) 9139) (R.A.

am not not opposed opposed to to organized organized government government or or affiliated affiliated II am with any any association association or or group group of of persons persons who who uphold uphold and and with teach doctrines doctrines opposing opposing all all organized organized governments. governments. II teach am not not defending defending or or teaching teaching the the necessity necessity or or propriety propriety am of violence, violence, personal personal assault assault or or assassination assassination for for the the of success and and predominance predominance of of one's one's ideas. ideas. II am am not not aa success polygamist nor nor aa believer believer in in the the practice practice of of polygamy. polygamy. polygamist have not not been been convicted convicted of of any any crime crime involving involving moral moral II have turpitude.IIam amnot notsuffering sufferingfrom frommental mentalalienation alienationor orfrom from turpitude. any incurable incurable contagious contagious disease. disease. The The country country of of which which II any am aa citizen citizen or or subject subject isis not not at at war war with with the the Philippines Philippines am and grants grants to to Filipinos Filipinos the the right right to to be be naturalized naturalized citizens citizens and orsubjects subjectsthereof. thereof. or

001294 001294

REPUBLICOF OFTHE THEPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC SPECIALCOMMITTEE COMMITTEEON ONNATURALIZATION NATURALIZATION SPECIAL INTHE THEMATTER MATTEROF OFTHE THEPETITION PETITIONOF OF IN NARENDARCHANGAMAL CHANGAMALJESSWANI JESSWANI NARENDAR tobe benaturalized naturalizedas asFilipino Filipinocitizen citizen to pursuantto toRepublic RepublicAct ActNo. No.9139.

9139. pursuant

13. ItItisismy mytrue trueand andhonest honestintention intentionto tobecome becomeaacitizen citizen 13. of the the Philippines Philippines and and to to renounce renounce absolutely absolutely and and forever forever of all allegiance allegiance and and fidelity fidelity to to any any foreign foreign prince, prince, potentate, potentate, all stateor orsovereignty, sovereignty,and, and,particularly, particularly,to to INDIA INDIAof ofwhich whichat at state thistime timeIIam amaacitizen citizenor orsubject. subject.IIwill willreside residecontinuously continuously this inthe thePhilippines Philippinesfrom fromthe thedate dateof ofthe thefiling filingof ofthis thispetition petition in upto tothe thetime timeof ofmy myadmission admissionto toPhilippine Philippinecitizenship. citizenship. up

SCNCASE CASENO. NO. SCN xx------------------------------------ xx

PETITION PETITION Pursuant to to the the provisions provisions of of Republic Republic Act Act No. No. 9139, 9139, Pursuant petitioner hereby hereby submits submits aa petition petition for for naturalization naturalization to to petitioner become aa citizen citizen of of the the Republic Republic of of the the Philippines Philippines and and become respectfullydeclares: declares: respectfully NARENDAR CHANGAMAL CHANGAMAL JESSWANI JESSWANI 1. My My full full name name isis NARENDAR 1. but II have have also also been been known known since since childhood childhood as as N/A N/A or or II ,, but have been been judicially judicially authorized authorized to to use use the the alias alias name(s) name(s) have N/A ..

N/A 2. My Mypresent presentplace placeof ofresidence residenceisis9627-B 9627-BPILILIA PILILIAST., ST., 2.

BRGY.VALENZUELA VALENZUELACity/Municipality City/Municipalityof ofMAKATI MAKATIProvince Province BRGY. ________andall allmy myformer formerplaces placesof ofresidence residenceare are(please (please of ________and of indicateperiods periodsof ofresidence) residence) indicate COLONCEBU CEBUCITY CITY1951 1951TO TO1963 1963 COLON ESTRADAST. ST.MANILA MANILA1963 1963TO TO1964 1964 ESTRADA LEONGUINTO GUINTOST., ST.,MALATE, MALATE,MANILA MANILA1965 1965TO TO1980 1980 LEON SINGALONGMANILA MANILA1981 1981TO TO1990 1990 SINGALONG MULTINATIONALVILLAGE VILLAGEPARAÑAQUE PARAÑAQUE1991 1991TO TO2000 2000 MULTINATIONAL CABANILLASST. ST.BRGY. BRGY.LAPAZ, LAPAZ,MAKATI MAKATICITY CITY2001 2001TO TO2009 2009 CABANILLAS 9627-BPILILIA PILILIAST., ST.,BRGY. BRGY.VAL., VAL.,MAKATI MAKATICITY CITY2010 2010TO TOPRESENT PRESENT 9627-B 3. II was was born born on on DECEMBER DECEMBER 20, 20, 1951, 1951, in in DIPOLOG, DIPOLOG, 3.

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines.

Philippines. II have have been been aa resident resident of of the the ZAMBOANGA, Philippines since since birth. birth.At At present, present, II am am aa citizen citizen or or subject subject Philippines of INDIA. INDIA. of 4. My My father's father's name name isis CHANGAMAL CHANGAMAL DOOLAMAL DOOLAMAL 4.

JESSWANIand andhe hewas wasborn bornon on__________, __________,in inINDIA. INDIA. He He JESSWANI citizenor orsubject subjectof ofINDIA. INDIA. My Mymother's mother'sname nameisisGOPI GOPI isisaacitizen CHANGAMALJESSWANI JESSWANIand andshe shewas wasborn bornon on______ ______ in in CHANGAMAL INDIA.She Sheisisaacitizen citizenor orsubject subjectof ofINDIA. INDIA. INDIA. 5. My Mytrade, trade,business, business,profession professionor orlawful lawfuloccupation occupationisis 5.

SELF_EMPLOYED and andfrom fromwhich whichIIderive derivean anaverage averageannual annual SELF_EMPLOYED incomeof of P300,000.00, P300,000.00,inclusive inclusiveof ofbonuses, bonuses,commissions commissions income and allowances. allowances. My My wife's/husband's wife's/husband's trade, trade, business, business, and N/Aand andfrom fromwhich whichshe she professionor orlawful lawfuloccupation occupationisis N/A profession N/A.. derivesan anaverage averageannual annualincome incomeof ofPPN/A derives (Where the the above above does does not not apply): apply): II am am exempt exempt from from (Where the requirement requirement of of lucrative lucrative trade trade or or occupation occupation and and from from the submitting income income tax tax returns returns for for the the past past three three (3) (3) years years submitting because II am am aa college college degree degree holder holder [please [please state state (1) (1) because N/A (2) (2) name name of of school: school: N/A N/A and and (3) (3) degree obtained: obtained: N/A degree N/A who who cannot cannot practice practice my my profession profession years graduated: graduated: N/A years (the practice practice of of which which requires requires aa government government licensure licensure (the examination)by byreason reasonof ofmy mycitizenship. citizenship. examination)

WHEREFORE,ititisisrespectfully respectfullyprayed prayedthat thatpetitioner petitionerbe be WHEREFORE, conferredPhilippine Philippinecitizenship citizenshippursuant pursuantto tothe theprovisions provisions conferred ofRepublic RepublicAct ActNo, No,9139.

9139. of

8.IIhave have one one(1) (1) child/children, child/children,whose whosenames, names,dates datesand and 8. placesof ofbirth birthand andresidences residencesare areas asfollows: follows: places

Dated at at Makati Makati City, City, Metro Metro Manila, Manila, this this ___ ___ day day of of Dated _______. _______.

NameofofSchool School Name FRANCISCOCOLLEGE COLLEGE FRANCISCO PACOCATHOLIC CATHOLIC PACO

NO OT T II C CE E N

Any person person with with valid valid objection/s objection/s on on the the Any above-mentioned project project may may file file his/her his/her objection objection above-mentioned in writing, writing, under under oath, oath, with with the the BOI BOI within within three three (3) (3) in days from from the the date date of of this this publication. publication. days (SGD)ANGELITA ANGELITAF. F.ARCELLANA ARCELLANA (SGD) Officer in in Charge Charge Officer Infrastructureand andServices ServicesIndustries IndustriesService Service Infrastructure (MS-APR.25, 25,2018) 2018) (MS-APR.

a. Petitioner's Petitioner'sbirth birthcertificate certificate [[ ]] a. b. Petitioner's Petitioner'salien aliencertificate certificateof ofregistration registration(ACR) (ACR) [[ ]] b. c. Petitioner's Petitioner's native-born native-born certificate certificate of of residence residence [[ ]] c.

(NBCR) (NBCR) d. Petitioner's Petitioner'smarriage marriagecertificate, certificate,ififmarried married [[ ]] d. e. Death Deathcertificate certificateof ofhis/her his/herspouse, spouse,ififwidowed widowed [[ ]] e.

Courtdecree decreeannulling annullinghis/her his/hermarriage marriageor orgranting granting [[ ]] f.f. Court legalseparation, separation,ififsuch suchwas wasthe thefact fact legal g. Birth Birthcertificates certificatesof ofpetitioner's petitioner'sminor minorchildren children [[ ]] g. h. ACRs ACRsof ofpetitioner's petitioner'sminor minorchildren children [[ ]] h.

NBCRsof ofpetitioner's petitioner'sminor minorchildren children [[ ]] i.i. NBCRs Affidavitsof offinancial financialcapacity capacityby bythe thepetitioner, petitioner,duly duly [[ ]] j.j. Affidavits supportedby bybank bankcertifications, certifications,passbooks, passbooks,stock stock supported certificates,or orproof proofof ofownership ownershipof ofother otherproperties properties certificates, k. Affidavits Affidavits of of at at least least two two (2) (2) credible credible witnesses witnesses [[ ]] k. whomust mustbe beFilipino Filipinocitizens citizensof ofgood goodreputation reputationinin who petitioner'splace placeof ofresidence residence petitioner's Medical certificate certificate from from aa government government hospital hospital [[ ]] l.l. Medical statingthat thatpetitioner petitionerisisnot notsuffering sufferingfrom frommental mental stating alienationor oraauser userof ofprohibited prohibiteddrugs drugsor orotherwise otherwise alienation drugdependent dependentand andthat thathe/she he/sheisisnot notafflicted afflicted aadrug withacquired acquiredimmune immunedeficiency deficiencysyndrome syndrome(AIDS), (AIDS), with orany anyincurable incurablecontagious contagiousdisease. disease. or m. School School diploma diploma and and transcript transcript of of records records of of the the [[ ]] m. petitionerfrom fromthe theschool/s school/she heor orshe sheattended attendedinin petitioner thePhilippines Philippines the n. Certifications Certificationsstating statingthat thatpetitioner's petitioner'sminor minorchildren children [[ ]] n. areenrolled enrolledininpublic publicschools schoolsor orprivate privateeducational educational are institutions duly duly recognized recognized by by the the DECS, DECS, where where institutions Philippinehistory, history,government governmentand andcivics civicsare aretaught taught Philippine and prescribed prescribed as as part part of of the the school school curriculum curriculum and andwhere whereenrollment enrollmentisisnot notlimited limitedto toany anyrace raceor or and nationality nationality o. Petitioner's Petitioner's income income tax tax returns returns for for the the past past three three [[ ]] o. years years p. Petitioner's Petitioner'sreceipts receiptsof ofpayment paymentof ofincome incometax taxfor for [[ ]] p. thepast pastthree threeyears years the

7. II am am legally legally separated separated from from my my spouse; spouse; my my marriage marriage 7. was annulled, annulled, per per decree decree of of legal legal separation/annulment separation/annulment was N/A granted granted by

by N/A. N/A. (please (please indicate indicate the the particular particular dated N/A dated court which which granted granted the the same). same). II am am aa widower/widow widower/widow and and court N/Ain inN/A. N/A. myspouse spousedied diedon onN/A my

Placeof of Residence Place Residence Birth Birth 9627-B PILILIA PILILIA MANILA 9627-B MANILA SSTT..,, BBRRGGYY..

VALLEENNZZUUEELLAA,, VA MAKATICITY CITY MAKATI

9. II received received my my primary primary and and secondary secondary education education from from 9. thefollowing followingpublic publicschools schoolsor orprivate privateeducational educationalinstitutions institutions the duly recognized recognized by by the the Department Department of of Education, Education, Culture Culture duly and Sports Sports (DECS), (DECS), where where Philippine Philippine history, history, government government and and civics civics are are taught taught and and prescribed prescribed as as part part of of the the school school and curriculum and and where where enrollment enrollment isis not not limited limited to to any any race race curriculum ornationality: nationality: or

Notice isis hereby hereby given given that that COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES Notice LEYTE, INC. INC. with with office office address address at at LGF LGF BLDG. BLDG. B, B, LEYTE, Evia Lifestyle Lifestyle Center, Center, Daang Daang Hari, Hari, Almanza Almanza Dos, Dos, Evia Las Piñas, Piñas, isis applying applying for for registration registration with with the the Las Board of of Investments Investments (BOI) (BOI) as as aa New New Developer Developer Board of Economic Economic and and Low-cost Low-cost Housing Housing Project Project of (Lessandra Palo) Palo) with with aa capacity capacity of of 465 465 house house (Lessandra and lot lot units units on on aa non-pioneer non-pioneer status status with with project project and site at at Brgy.

Brgy.Arado, Arado, Palo, Palo, Leyte.

Leyte. site

15. Attached Attached hereto hereto as as annexes annexes and and made made part part of of 15. this petition petition are are the the duplicate duplicate originals originals or or certified certified this photocopies of of the the following following documents documents (please (please check check photocopies theappropriate appropriatebox): box): the

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

Dateof of Date Birth Birth ROHANKUMAR KUMAR 02-11-09 02-11-09 ROHAN JESSWANI JESSWANI

Gwyneth Paltrow and Zoe Saldana attend the premiere of Disney and Marvel’s ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, on April 23, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

14.My Mycharacter characterwitnesses witnessesare areZINNIA ZINNIATARLIT TARLITVILLOTA VILLOTA 14. and MA. MA. CONCEPCION CONCEPCION B. B. TEODORO TEODORO both both Filipino Filipino and citizens, of of legal legal age, age, and and residing residing at at 409J 409J TAGUIG TAGUIG ST., ST., citizens, MAKATICITY CITYand and226 226BACOOD BACOODST., ST.,STA STAMESA, MESA,MANILA MANILA MAKATI respectively, who who have have executed executed sworn sworn statements statements respectively, attachedhereto heretoin insupport supportof ofmy myinstant instantpetition, petition,together together attached with: (a) (a) brief brief biographical biographical data data about about themselves; themselves; (b) (b) with: detailed statements statements on on the the dates dates they they first first came came to to know know detailed me, the the circumstances circumstances of of our our initial initial acquaintance acquaintance and and the the me, reasonsand andextent extentof ofour ourcontinuing continuingfamiliarity; familiarity;and and(c) (c)the the reasons number of of times times they they have have acted acted as as character character witnesses witnesses number inother otherpetitions petitionsfor fornaturalization. naturalization. in

MARRIED,IIwas wasmarried marriedon onDEC. DEC.30, 30, 6. My Mycivil civilstatus statusisisMARRIED, 6. in SAN SAN JUAN. JUAN. My My wife's/husband's wife's/husband's name name isis TUSHI TUSHI 2008 in 2008 and she/he she/he was was born born on on in in SEPT. SEPT. 29, 29, 1969 1969 in in K. KUMAR KUMAR and K. PAKISTANand and PAKISTAN.She/he She/heisisaacitizen citizenor orsubject subjectof ofPAKISTAN PAKISTAN. 9627-B PILILIA PILILIA ST., ST., BRGY. BRGY. VALENZUELA, VALENZUELA, presently resides resides 9627-B presently MAKATICITY. CITY. MAKATI

Name Name

PREMIERE.

CHICAGO―Tennessee police captured Monday the man suspected of gunning down four people at a restaurant in Nashville, America’s country music capital.

Travis Reinking―who exhibited “mental instability” and was arrested last year for trying to enter the White House grounds―was captured in the early afternoon after a more than 24-hour manhunt.

“A tip from the community is what led to the arrest,” Nashville Mayor David Briley told a news conference.

The 29-year-old faces four counts of criminal homicide charges for Sunday’s pre-dawn shooting that also wounded two people.

Held in lieu of a $2-million bond, he is due in court Wednesday.

Reinking was captured without incident in a wooded area near his home, refused to speak with authorities and asked for a lawyer, police said, adding that they found a semi-automatic weapon and ammunition in a backpack he was carrying.

After his arrest, police posted photos of Reinking in the back of a police car, looking disheveled and wearing a ripped maroon shirt and jeans.

“He looked like he was tired,” said Nashville police lieutenant Carlos Lara.

AFP

Placeofof Place School School MANILA MANILA MANILA MANILA

Datesofof Highest HighestGrade Grade Dates Study Completed Study Completed 1969toto1973 1973 HIGH HIGHSCHOOL SCHOOL 1969 1964toto1968 1968 1964

PRAYER PRAYER

NARENDATCHANGAMAL CHANGAMALJESSWAN JESSWAN NARENDAT Nameand andSignature Signatureof ofPetitioner Petitioner Name Address:9627-B 9627-BPILILIA PILILIAST., ST., Address: BRGY.VALENZUELA, VALENZUELA,MAKATI MAKATI BRGY. TelephoneNumber: Number:_____________ _____________ Telephone

RightThumbmark Thumbmarkof ofPetitioner Petitioner Right

Petitioner'ssignature signatureand andright rightthumbmark thumbmark Petitioner's REPUBLICOF OFTHE THEPHILIPPINES) PHILIPPINES) REPUBLIC CITY/MUNICIPALITYOF OFQUEZON QUEZONCITY) CITY)S.S. S.S. CITY/MUNICIPALITY

PRIMARY PRIMARY

10. II am am able able to to read, read, write write and and speak speak Filipino Filipino and/or and/or 10. any of of the the following following dialects dialects of of the the Philippines: Philippines: ENGLISH, ENGLISH, any TAGALOG. TAGALOG. 11.IIhave haveenrolled enrolledmy myminor minorchildren childrenof ofschool schoolage agein inthe the 11. following public public schools schools or or private private educational educational institutions institutions following duly recognized recognized by by the the Department Department of of Education, Education, Culture Culture duly and Sports Sports (DECS), (DECS), where where Philipine Philipine History, History, government government and and civics civics are are taught taught and and prescribed prescribed as as part part of of the the school school and curriculum and and where where enrollment enrollment isis not not limited limited to to any any race race curriculum ornationality: nationality: or

Nameof ofChild Child Name Nameand andPlace Placeof of Name School School ROHANKUMAR KUMAR CHILD CHILDLEARNING LEARNING ROHAN JESSWANI CENTER, CENTER,INC. INC. JESSWANI

16. Other Other documents documents submitted submitted by by the the petitioner petitioner in in 16. supportof ofhis/her his/herpetition: petition: support

Dateof of Date Enrollment Enrollment 2012to topresent present 2012

NARENDARCHANGAMAL CHANGAMALJESSWANI JESSWANI of oflegal legalage ageand and I,I,NARENDAR resident of of 9627-B 9627-B PILILIA PILILIA ST., ST., BRGY. BRGY. VALENZUELA, VALENZUELA, aa resident MAKATICITY CITYafter afterbeing beingduly dulysworn, sworn,depose deposeand andsay saythat that MAKATI am the the petitioner petitioner herein, herein, that that II have have read read the the foregoing foregoing II am petition and and know know the the foregoing foregoing petition petition and and known known the the petition contents thereof, thereof, and and that that the the same same isis true true of of my my own own contents knowledge. knowledge.

NARENDATCHANGAMAL CHANGAMALJESSWANI JESSWANI NARENDAT Nameand andSignature Signatureof ofPetitioner Petitioner Name SUBCRIBED AND AND SWORN SWORN to to before before me me at at MANILA, MANILA, SUBCRIBED this10 10day dayof ofFEB. FEB.2015.

2015. this

12. II shall shall never never be be aa public public charge. charge. II am am of of good good 12. moral character. character. II believe believe in in the the principles principles underlying underlying moral the Philippine Philippine Constitution.

Constitution. II have have conducted conducted myself myself in in aa the proper and and irreproachable irreproachable manner manner during during the the entire entire period period proper of my my residence residence in in the the Philippines Philippines in in my my relations relations with with the the of constituted government government as as well well as as with with the the community community constituted in which which II am am living. living. II mingled mingled socially socially with with Filipinos Filipinos and and in have evinced evinced aa sincere sincere desire desire to to learn learn and and embrace embrace the the have customs,traditions traditionsand andideals idealsof ofthe theFilipino Filipinopeople. people.IIhave have customs, allthe thequalifications qualificationsand andnone noneof ofthe thedisqualifications disqualificationsunder under all RepublicAct ActNo. No.9139.

9139.

Republic (MS-APR.16, 16,25 25&&30, 30,2018) 2018) (MS-APR.

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LoCaL government units

wednesday, april 25, 2018

POLICE TURNOVERS. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista hands to outgoing National Capital Region Police Office chief Oscar Albayalde, who is now the Philippine National

Police chief, the symbolic key for the city’s donation of new patrol vehicle (seen inset) to the NCRPO in ceremonies held at Monday’s inauguration of the anti-cybercrime program of the QC Police District in Camp Karingal. Also in photo are Local Government Acting Secretary Eduardo Año, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim and outgoing QCPD director Guillermo Eleazar. In another event, Eleazar, as the incoming Calabarzon regional police director, gives a huge ‘balisong’ or butterfly knife to Albayalde, who was guest speaker and witness of the turnover of command from outgoing regional director Chief Supt. Ma.O Aplasca (right), who is now assigned to Camp Crame as the PNP Deputy Chief for Operation, at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City. Manny Palmero and Roy Tomandao

Don’t test my patience, ‘Erap’ warns illegal terminal goons MANILA Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Tuesday warned barangay officials, police officers and members of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau to not test his patience, or else he would immediately fire them and and file graft cases against them if they are found to be engaged in the protection of illegal transport terminals, illegal parking and other corrupt practices.

Estrada’s warning came after reports of the rampant illegal transport terminals and illegal parking in the city, allegedly enjoying protection from barangay officials, police officers and MTPB personnel.

The mayor also advised traffic enforcers to refrain from getting into fights with motorists and errant drivers.

“We have no rooms for enforcers who are rude and pick fights with the motorists. We know the level of pressure of your work, but government work is a serious business,” Estrada said.

Even under pressure, the mayor said traffic enforcers will have to continue the job of fixing traffic flow all the time.

He reminded them of their duty and responsibility to serve the public with a high degree of courtesy and maximum tolerance.

“I am warning all of you, refrain from engaging in corrupt practices or face harsh consequences. I will fire you and file cases against you. I am asking you to cease and desist from giving protection to those operators of illegal terminals and illegal parking,” said Estrada.

The mayor said he will be “uncompromising and unforgiving in dealing with corrupt practices, no matter how big or how small.

On the other hand, he promised to be generous to those who are honest and hardworking, but to the corrupt, “I have no patience, I will make them pay.”

Estrada asked the public to report to him the abusive behaviors they witness or experience from Manila traffic personnel or any employees of the city government. Vito Barcelo

BALANGA CITY, Bataan―Governor Albert Garcia on Tuesday said that housing is one of the priorities of his administration, as investments in the industrial sectors here surge.

“Many Bataan residents already employed in industries here as well as workers from other provinces look for decent hous-

QC workers warned vs partisan activities

LGUs asked to install aircons in cop stations

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HE newly-appointed chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, Director Camilo Cascolan, urged local government units on Tuesday to consider subsidizing the cost of putting air conditioning units in police stations in Metro Manila.

Cascolan, who inspected police stations in the NCR Monday, said that working conditions in a number of police stations are being affected by the absence of air conditioning units.

He likewise visited the police detention cells that President Rodrigo R. Duterte earlier ordered improved after the occurrence of a number of deaths due to overcrowding.

Exhaust fans have been ordered to be placed in these detention places as a stop-gap measure.

On Monday, two more detainees died at the Pasay Police station’s Drug Enforcement Team Custodial Facility.

The two inmates -- Eduardo Angeles, 48, and Arman Castillo, 32 -- were

found unconscious by PO1 Anthony Fernandez and were rushed to the Pasay City General Hospital but were declared dead by attending physician, Dr. Noah Padilla.

The Pasay City jail, which measures 23 square meters, houses more than a hundred detainees awaiting papers to be moved elsewhere.

In another development, In Davao City, a former sergeant of the Philippine Army tagged as the top 7 in illegal drugs watch-list and his companion were arrested by the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA 11) during a buy-bust operation at Purok 4, Barangay San Juan, Maco, Compostela Valley on Sunday.

Antonio Rivera, PDEA 11 director, identified the suspects as Charlon Antonio, 42, married, and Elmer B. Martinez, 29, single, both of the same place.

Rivera said agents from the Compostela Valley Provincial Drug Enforcement Office, Davao Del Norte Provincial Drug Enforcement Office of PDEA 11, Compostela Valley Drug Enforcement Unit and Maco Municipal Police Station conducted the buybust operation.

He said the two were arrested for conspiring with each other in selling more or less 500 grams of Cannabis Sativa L, locally known as marijuana worth PHP2,000 to an operative who acted as poseur buyer.

Another two small sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, and the buy-bust marked money bills were also recovered during the anti-drug operation. PNA

ing,” the governor pointed out in an interview by newsmen in his office at the capitol.

The governor also disclosed one proposed project involves building housing facilities at the Freeport Area of Bataan in the town of Mariveles.

Recently, Mariveles town residents here were introduced to local government’s “Abot-Kayang Pabahay Program” during the launching of Fiesta

Communities Mariveles.

Around one thousand residents from Sitios Acapulco and Baseco County witnessed the ceremonial signing of Garcia, Mayor AJ Concepcion, and Fiesta Communities President and CEO Wilfredo Tan of the “Abot- Kayang Pabahay” discount voucher for assistance to availing beneficiaries.

Fiesta Communities Mariveles, located in Barangay Balon Anito, is the

second project of Fiesta Corp. in this province and the 17th community in the North and Central Luzon areas.

With the collaboration and assistance from Pag-IBIG Fund, all units were made very affordable with a monthly amortization for as low as P2,080.

Fiesta Communities is eyeing Hermosa town as next site in the province after Limay and Mariveles.

NAC changes subsidiary’s name

NICKEL Asia Corp., the biggest nickel producer in the country, recently launched the new corporate identity of its subsidiary in Dinapigue, Isabela in honor of the local community.

Dinapigue Mining Corp. (DMC) officially replaces the name Geogen Corp..

Since 2016, NAC has had the responsibility of maintaining the mining property in Dinapigue, taking over from the previous management of Geogen.

As a responsible mining company, DMC has embraced the duties of caring for the mining communities in Dinapigue composed of six barangays – Ayod, Bucal Norte, Bucal Sur, Dibulo,

STUDENTS and research advisers in one of Muntinlupa’s public secondary schools have proven that lack of resources is not a hurdle but a motivation to vault themselves into greater heights.

Muntinlupa National High School (MNHS) was named winner in the Southeast Asia Creative Camp (SEACC) 2018, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) mainstreaming research competition, under the Urban Agriculture category.

The entry from MNHS, entitled “Comprehensive Algae Microfarm Project (C.A.M.P),” bested 110 teams from the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Also winning in the category were entries from SMK Mitra Industri MM2100 - Utilization of Grow Light Technology in Seeds Sowing Process for Hydroponic Production as 2nd place and SMP SAIM - Codename “IMPROVE” as 3rd place, both from Indonesia.

The winners from the competition will receive monetary prizes, token of appreciation, certificate and a special invitation to join the SEA-CC 2018 at Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia on May 6 to 12.

Behind the MNHS entry were student-researchers Charles Godwin Rodriguez, Miguel Bautista, Johanna Caroline Banutan, Marie Collado, Vivian Montanez, and research advisers Jason Albaro and Ma. Regaele A. Olarte.

“After a series of webex sessions, proposal-writing, online presentation, and defense, GLORY to GOD over & over again for He has blessed the work of our hands. It’s all by His grace,” Olarte posted on Facebook.

In BrIef

With industrial boom, Bataan gov Garcia sees need for more houses

By Butch Gunio

Munti HS wins SEA research competition

Digumased and Dimaluade.

“We are happy with this renewed pledge of commitment. We need jobs and we trust that DMC is a responsible mining company so we give them our full support” says Concepcion Donato, barangay captain of the main host barangay of Dimaluade.

The launching of DMC as a new corporate name is a symbolic beginning of a stronger and more dynamic bond between the DMC family in Dinapigue and its host communities.

“The new name is a dedication to our hosts and it’s just right. Because in a responsible mining operation, an open and good relationship with the commu-

TRUE COLORS. Senator Cyntha Villar (center) flashes a colored palm along with other

volunteers after she made the key remarks during the celebration of Earth Day 2018 and the 11th Anniversary of the establishment of the 175-hectare Las Pinas-Parañaque Wetland Park, the last coastal frontier of the Asean region, over the weekend. Lino Santos

QUEZON City administrator Aldrin Cuña on Tuesday reminded city hall employees against partisan political activities.

He warned city hall workers to avoid engaging in electioneering and partisan political activities during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election period.

“This is a reminder to all. We are (all) discouraged from participating in any partisan electoral activities for the entire duration of the campaign period and the election period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan on May 14, 2018,” he said.

Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987, Section 55, Chapter 7 provides that no officer or employee in the Civil Service, including members of the Armed Forces, shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity or take part in any election except to vote nor shall he use his official authority or influence to coerce the political activity of any other person or body. Rio N. Araja

Quezon City trains more traffic enforcers THE Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety recently conducted a two-day seminar on traffic management, participated in by close to 30 traffic enforcers and barangay public safety officers.

The traffic management seminar aims to train and qualify personnel on traffic direction and control, including working with the right attitude.

QC Department of Public Order and Safety head Gen. Elmo DG. San Diego has emphasized the need to provide traffic enforcers updated information on traffic management.

Seminar participants have to pass a written examination before getting deputized as traffic enforcers.

Quezon City DPOS has a total of 442 deputized traffic enforcers assigned in six districts of the city.

P13.4m for Dupax development work DUPAX DEL NORTE, Nueva Vizcaya—The local government unit here has allotted more than P13.4 million for the development of roads and water system projects in town.

Mayor Timothy Cayton said the Aid to Disadvantaged Municipalities fund, which was sourced through the Department of Interior and Local Government, will be used for the concreting of the Orpia road in barangay Lamo, Beribir road in barangay Inaban, Bingo road in barangay Bitnong and Bulala road in barangay Bulala.

The fund will also be used to develop water systems in barangay Inaban, Lamo and Mabasa, whose status are under level 2 and 1 respectively. Ben Moses Ebreo

Life

Stradivarius launches its Frida Kahlo capsule collection

fashion and beauty

Capsule collection pays homage to Frida Kahlo SpaniSh clothing label Stradivarius teams up with Frida Kahlo to launch a capsule collection inspired by the Mexican artist and feminist icon.

The collection includes three different T-shirt designs, featuring prints that evoke images of the spring season

and those characteristic flower motifs of Frida Kahlo. The T-shirts also feature positive messages filled with life.

In the Philippines, Stradivarius is located at Glorietta 2, SM Aura Premier, Megamall, and Shangri-La Mall East Wing.

The season of

mule flats and

wicker bags e

aSy to slip on mule flats reminiscent of the laid-back summer vibe, and wicker and straw bags that remind us of beach and picnics are this season’s hottest fashion items.

The T-shirts feature prints that evoke images of the spring season and self-portraits of Frida Kahlo

Go deeper underwater TechnoMarine offers a timepiece made for adventure seekers eager to explore the wonders of the sea. ruggedly tough yet elegantly fashionable, the TechnoMarine Manta Sea timepiece is fit for any adventure, on the beach or underwater.

Designed for recreational scuba diving, TechnoMarine Manta Sea is water resistant up to 200 meters. its solid black silicone band and smooth Japanese components allow wearers to move without any restrictions. it also has luminous hands enabling to see time even in deep waters. it is also perfect for an after-sunset rendezvous or an elegant dinner. This timepiece comes in a sleek 48.80mm

stainless steel case with a metal dial.

With every purchase of TechnoMarine Manta Sea and other top featured collections until april 30, TechnoMarine offers a packed summer getaway to one of the hottest dive spots in the country. The winner can spend an amazing summer holiday with three friends at acacia resorts and Dive center, the premium go-to destination of divers in anilao, Batangas.

Visit any TechnoMarine stores at Greenbelt 3, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, and TriNoma.

TechnoMarine Manta Sea timepiece is designed for recreational scuba diving

This summer, SM’s bags and shoes label for women, parisian, offers pieces that let you elevate your street and resort style.

Stroll through the season in a pair of flat mules in woven style and bright colors.

Buckles are making a comeback on the backless loafers, adding a retro effect or a simply classic look. in addition to these lovely pairs, parisian lets you put your best foot forward in easy breezy espadrilles in metallic finish, among others, flat and heeled woven shoes, and street style-savvy ankle strap mules.

Bring your summer essentials in parisian’s wicker and straw sling bags and small backpacks, some of which combined with fabrics, such as leather, giving off that chic look. Bucket bags with cutout details are also big this summer. These bags make for great choices for either a seaside holiday or a stroll around the city.

Parisian Shoes and Bags Summer Collection is available at SM Stores nationwide.

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE wEdnESday, aprIL 25, 2018

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Woven heeled shoes and straw backpacks are some this season’s hottest fashion items from Parisian Shoes and Bags

Life

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wednesday, apri apriL 25, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Basking on Brighton Beach

The collection celebrates the 1950s heydays of Britain’s Brighton Beach

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APAneSe global apparel retailer uniqlo launches its second collection in collaboration with London-based fashion brand JW Anderson.

the 2018 Spring/Summer uniqlo and JW Anderson collection for men and women is inspired

by Britain’s Brighton Beach—celebrating the 1950s heydays of this popular summer attraction. this iconic location is renowned as a vibrant and colorful city that is full of contrasts. the he line highlights designer JW Anderson’s unique take on the Brighton culture, fusing quality fabrics with fabulous fit and functionality. Com-plementing the unisex designs that are basic to the range are items enabling casual mixing and layer layering for an array of styling alternatives.

“In the second collection of the collaboration, I’m looking for this idea of ‘British Summer,’ the idea of being on the Brighton beach,” said Jonathan Anderson, founder of JW Anderson. “Something which is very lightweight, very airy, with a lot of linen, and cotton that has a 1950s subcultural movement. With a little bit of ease and something which is quintessential.” the collection includes vividly striped t-shirts -shirts and knit polos reminiscent of beachwear, as well as dresses, seersucker bomber jackets, flared skirts, and blouses with JW Anderson’s iconic ruffles and ribbons. t-shirts, knits, and bags with seagull prints whimsically celebrate the joy of British seaside life. the range also incorporates work wear elements, such as 1950s-style denim jackets and tunic shirts inspired by traditional British police uniforms, as well as quintessentially JW Anderson touches like stripes and patchwork on shirts and skirts.

Pieces in the collection come in soft colors with a touch of sunburn, true blue, poppy red, white and beige, and sage green. the line also showcases celebrated JW Anderson ad-

Prka and plaid prints are included in the collection

ditions such as plaid bright yellow and blue, inspired by playful multi-striping and picnic basket designs.

In keeping with the LifeWear commitment to quality, the range features shirts in soft, refreshing cotton linen made of top-quality extra fine cotton and a selection of items made from prestigious Kaihara denim from Japan.

Celebrating the beauty of Filipinas

tHe modern-day Filipina is out to dominate the world. Whether it’s in politics, science and technology, or business and commerce, more and more Pinays are making their mark and leading a revolution.

Giordano Ladies believes in the passion, wit, and innate beauty of every Filipina. these traits partnered with great style can bring any woman anywhere she desires. the brand knows that great style means bringing out and enhancing the inner beauty of every woman through simplistic, modern, classic, and timeless clothes.

“Filipinas today are on their Agame. they are making a difference in their professions and in many instances, they are in leadership positions. not only this, they also live lives outside of work, pursuing their passions and changing the world around them,” said Beatrice See Lim, vice president for marketing of Giordano Ladies. “that’s why we wanted to give them clothing options that resonate with their lifestyle; clothes that are comfortable, modern, and timeless.”

In designing the Spring/Summer 2018 collection, Giordano Ladies kept the modern-day woman in mind. Focusing on clean and refreshing pale color tones, the collection espouses comfortable and classy style. It is composed of items that are modern, stylish, and especially designed to bring out the best in every woman. the collection features various harmonious color palettes, comfortable fabrics, and stylish details.

Borrowing from the beautiful colors seen during sunrise, the airy pleated trench coat and color block skirt show a contrast between darkness and light. Another evocative pairing is the cotton lawn boxy sweater and skirt, paired with square toe leather mules that echo the colors of dawn.

Another palette in the collection are inspired by foliage and earth tones, like the moss green layered top and skirt. the drawstring in this ensemble adds a layer of texture to the color, giving it body and movement.

to celebrate summer, a palette of yellow-to-orange is also present to brighten any day. Reminiscent of a sunny day, the two-way tank top, color blocking culottes, and the tassel detailed knitted top, are some of the pieces in the collection that best capture the dynamism and excitement of the season.

In addition to the aforementioned pieces, the Spring/Summer collection also includes footwear, scarves, and accessories like necklaces and sunglasses.

Giordano Ladies has stores at SM Aura Premier, SM Megamall Bldg. D, The Shoppes, Solaire Resort and Casino, and The Podium Mall.

Cotton lawn boxy sweater and skirt in color that echoes dawn

The collection is available at Uniqlo stores in SM Megamall, SM Aura, SM Mall of Asia, and C3 Annex Bonifacio High Street.

The winning team, Team C^3 is flanked by L’Oréal Philippines general manager for human resources Tina Ampil and country manager Thibault de Saint Victor

Brandstorm 2018 showcases

‘next-generation’ salon innovations

The Uniqlo and JW Anderson Spring/Summer 2018 Collection includes unisex pieces and work wear elements, such as 1950s-style denim jackets and tunic shirts.

StudentS who competed in this year’s Brandstorm were tasked to create breakthrough innovations that combine the application of modern technologies to attract and engage millennials and increase hairdressers’ loyalty.

Brandstorm, which started in 1992 globally and in 2009 here in the country, is L’Oréal’s signature global innovation competition for students and has been an innovation-incubator for some of the most promising talents in the industry.

In its 10th year in the Philippines, Brandstorm surpassed last year’s 1,500 sign-ups for its first nationwide run and mounts the second biggest Brandstorm in the world; this year’s competition boasts more than 3,570 players from over 30 universities from all over the country.

“Since going nationwide in 2017, we are very happy to see growth in the number of students joining the competition and are looking forward to sustain this in the coming years. L’Oréal’s goal has always been to encourage and hone such diversity of talent and reach as many students as possible,” shared Jake Bustos, L’Oréal Philippines talent acquisition manager

From more than 1,100 teams, only 24 moved forward to the semi-finals last March 1. the top eight teams were then subsequently selected to battle it out in the national Finals held at Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas on April 12.

Out of the eight national finalists, team C^3 from uP diliman successfully took home the championship with a ticket to Paris to represent the country at the L’Oréal international Finals where they will compete with other students from all over the world.

“L’Oréal Brandstorm pushed the limits of innovation by encouraging us to think outside the box,” said the winning team. “It was a never-ending process of researching and revising our case, until we were completely satisfied with it. With winning this year’s competition, we are excited to fulfill our dream to represent the country in the L’Oréal Brandstorm Worldwide Finals in Paris, France.”

First runner-up was team Bellus from university of the Philippines Visayas, followed by team tala from de La Salle university-Manila, 2nd runner-up. Both teams took home cash prizes and products for their mentors.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

‘PPO Sunsets at Makiling’ Mr & Miss Hannah World Tourism Philippines 2018 candidates unveiled

By Eton Concepcion

'PPO Sunsets at Makiling' is one of the CCP’s flagship outreach programs in the arts. It aims to bring the Philippine classical music to a wider audience.

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HE much-loved and most anticipated sunset concert at the Makiling is back, with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), the country’s leading orchestra, serenading the crowds with classical music on May 5, 5:00 pm at the Tanghalang Maria Makiling of the National Arts Center in Los Baños, Laguna.

A rare experience of live orchestral music set against the majestic backdrop of sunset in the mountains, the concert features works by the great classical music masters such as Franz von Suppe’s “Poet and Peasant Overture,” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, KV550 Molto allegro,” and Jean Baptiste Arban’s “Carnival of

Venice,” among others. The concert will be conducted by PPO resident conductor, Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.

This year, the PPO will be joined by trumpet player Rhoxene Octaviano who will perform Nicollo Paganini’s “Moto Perpetuo;” banduria player Nikki Zen Obmasca performing George Frederic Handel’s “Concerto in B flat, Op. 4 No. 6, HWV 294 Andante-Allegro,” and harpist Jane Banta, playing Jose Santos’ “Dalagang Pilipina,” arranged by Ryan Cayabyab.

Dubbed PPO Sunsets at Makiling, the sunset concert is one of the CCP’s flagship outreach programs in the arts.

It aims to bring the Philippine classical music, through the PPO, closer to audiences in Los Baños and other cities and towns outside Laguna.

Taking place at the open-air amphitheater overlooking the panoramic view of Laguna de Bay and Mt. Makiling during the summer month of May, the sunset concert is the perfect way to relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends, while listening to the beautiful music.

An open theater located in the slopes of Mt. Makiling in Los Baños, Laguna,

the Tanghalang Maria Makiling is a National Arts Center structure that can accommodate up to a thousand audiences complete with state of the art lights and sound system suitable for low, medium and large scale productions and performances.

Established in 1976 as a haven for young and aspiring artists, the National Arts Center is tucked away in mythical Mt. Makiling, Laguna. Its various buildings and facilities are scattered over 13.5 hectares of the Makiling Forest Reservation and also houses the Philippine High School for the Arts, a government-run secondary educational institution for gifted young artists. The NAC’s unique location offers a perfect vacation hideaway and its laid-back and contemplative atmosphere sets the mood to relax, unwind and recharge one’s energies.

Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., the concert is free and open to the public. Jeepneys to the National Arts Center will be available at the Baker Hall of the University of the Philippines Los Baños from 2:00 p.m. onward on May 5. Fare is Php 50 (one way).

THE Mr. & Ms. Hannah World Tourism Philippines 2018 search kicked off with the announcement of the 40 official candidates coming from all over the country during the press presentation organized by the Mr. and Miss Hannah’s World Ecotourism held recently at SM Aura Convention Center in Taguig City.

The 20 dashing men and 20 lovely girls were selected from a pool of 72 applicants by the screening Committee, led by Col. Ricardo L. Nolasco Jr., President and CEO of Hannah’s Resort and Convention Center, with Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2009 Bianca Manalo and 2018 finalists Sigrid Flores, Sandra Lemonon and Sarah Margarette Joson, Century Tuna Superbods 2016 1st Runner-Up Clint Bondad, DR Swimwear maker Domz Ramos and ABSCBN TV reporter Mario Dumaual.

Hannah’s annual search takes pride in its two major advocacies, namely, rendering corporate social responsibility projects to communities, and fostering ecotourism consisting of raising awareness, fostering active involvement, and in soliciting positive actions geared towards the preservation and protection of the environment. It’s accomplishments in the field of tourism and community development has been recognized by United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Eco-Tourism Society (IETS), and has been awarded the Most Outstanding Individual Initiative on Environmental Management in Region I in 2013 by the DENR. Mr & Miss Hannah World Tourism Philippines 2018 pageant, now on its 6th edition, will give away three pairs of titles, namely, Mr &Ms. Hannah’s World Tourism Philippines 2018, Mr.

& Ms. Hannah’s Ecotourism Philippines 2018 and Mr. & Ms. Hannah’s Tourism Ambassador Phils. 2018.

The Grand Coronation Night will be held at the New Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila on May 12.

The male candidates are: Kyle Dwight Sabinay—Talisay, Cebu; John Roland Torres–Tabaco, Albay; James Lee Sabado–Dagupan, Pangasinan; Joshua Helito–Rizal; Makheos Quiambao–Pangasinan; Gerome Bongco–Cabiao, Nueva Ecija; Vinz Jimenez–Tondo, Manila; Jordanne Lapira–Manila; Jearu Ed Magbuhat–Quezon City; Crispin C. Tabao–Tuguegarao; Christopher Joshua Ibañez– Tagaytay City; Vann Ramos–Cebu City; George Reylor de Lumen– Marikina City; Joie Rey Dagsa– Puerto Princesa, Palawan; John Paul Juanillo–Zambales; Jayvinne Klein Jainar–La Union; Erikson Gudelano I–Antipolo City; Michael Gomez–North Cotabato; Kenneth Snell–San Pedro, Laguna; and Jordan Sibbaluca–Cagayan Valley.

The female candidates are: Brazmeena Abdurajak–Angeles, Pampanga; Loveley D. Bulosan–Tarlac City; Juvel Ducay–Bantayan Island, Cebu; Kylah Sanchez–Panabo, Davao del Norte; Shara Maxine Barber–Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Errish Anne Nalus–Dinalupihan, Bataan; Stefanoni Nunag–Tarlac; Marianne Serenuela–Cagayan de Oro City; Elisa Taylor–Mandaluyong City; Nicole Miñano–Caloocan City; Jasmine Omay–Tarlac; Joanna Ricci Alajar–Davao City; Honey Grace Cartasano–Quezon City; Daniella Mariz Lamptey– Mandaluyong City; Rosechel Templa–Carmen, Davao del Norte; Jaya May Bernardo – Lemery, Batangas; Novie Shane Leonerio–General Santos City; and Mitzi Daryl Balatbat–Antipolo City.

Feel that High School ‘kilig‘ in ‘A Love So Beautiful’ REMINISCE the feeling of having your first crush or first heartbreak and go back in your younger tears in ABSCBN’s newest Asianovela, A Love So Beautiful, which premiered on Monday.

This time, Chinese heartthrobs send you the kilig vibes on afternoon television led by Hu Yi Tian as Ken and Shen Yue as Zoey. Shen is also set to reprise the iconic role of Shan Cai in the highly anticipated 2018 remake of phenomenal hit series Meteor Garden.

Follow the story of Zoey, a cheerful high school girl who has a big crush on her handsome and intelligent classmate Ken. She will do everything just to get his attention.

While she’s falling head over heels with the popular heartthrob, Zoey fails to see that how champion swimmer and her good friend Liam has been fancying her all these times.

How long will Zoey try to make Ken reciprocate her feelings for him? Will Ken ever like Zoey back? Will Zoey to fall for Liam?

A Love So Beautiful airs after Hanggang Saan only on the first and true home of Asianovelas, ABS-CBN.

The cast of the Chinese drama, 'A Love So Beautiful.'

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, April 25, 2018

ACROSS 1 The other people 5 Wild guess 9 Jibe with 14 Raisin rum cake 15 Decorated tinware 16 Classroom supply 17 Basketball throw 18 Pennsylvania port 19 On edge 20 Cure-all 22 Pixies 24 Metropolis of India 26 Chinese pan 27 Bright songbird 30 Definitions 35 Tijuana parent 36 Show reluctance 37 Verb preceder 38 First lady?

39 Long-eared dogs 42 Struggle for superiority 43 Paraphernalia 45 Where Cambodia is 46 Ambergris source 48 Dust or pollen 50 Rental agent

51 Goose egg 52 Break out 54 Trudged 58 Made modifications to 62 Did target practice 63 Malicious 65 Bona — (genuine) 66 Tangle 67 A — for news 68 All-purpose trucks 69 To the point 70 Husky’s burden 71 Limp, as hair DOWN 1 Cookbook qty.

2 Joke response (hyph.)

3 Black, poetically speaking 4 Bullfighter 5 Addison’s partner 6 Rabbi’s reading 7 Husband of Fatima 8 Complaint 9 Director’s shout 10 Small pickle 11 Punjab princess 12 “What — can I say?”

13 Really skimps 21 “People”

person 23 Conscious 25 Envisage 27 Frat letter 28 Fray 29 Optimal 31 First name in jazz 32 Exploding stars 33 Cunning 34 Nasty laugh 36 Kind of camp 40 Silent flyer 41 Wielded a broom 44 Provides, as

service 47 Obnoxious 49 Mystery 50 Soothed 53 Lift 54 Over with 55 Finish a jacket 56 Rubaiyat author 57 Cozy rooms 59 Moreno or Rudner 60 Idyllic spot 61 Office furnishing 64 Library abbr.

Mr. & Ms. Hannah World Tourism Philippines 2018 official candidates during the press presentation organized by the Mr. and Miss Hannah’s World Ecotourism.

Photo by Edmund Chua

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

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018

HEART EVANGELISTA

'In Full Bloom' features 21-piece collection of Love Marie's bolder style.

Poster girl of local art scene

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OVE Marie Ongpauco-Escudero, known as Heart Evangelista in the entertainment industry, launched an exhibit of her latest artworks early this month at ArtistSpace of Ayala Museum.

The exhibit, entitled In Full Bloom, showcased 21 of Love Marie’s latest collection showing a bolder style from her six other exhibits since coming out as a visual artist in 2014. To date, 19 out of the 21 paintings have already been sold.

Opening the exhibit with her was husband Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero and Senator Cynthia Villar. Attending the event were family and friends who supported her such as her GMA 7 bosses Reggie Magno, Gigi Lara and Lilibeth Rasonable and fellow GMA artist Andrea Torres; Chiz’ mother Sorosogon Representive Evie Escudero, Inno Sotto, UP President Danny Concepcion and wife Atty. Gaby Concepcion among others.

The exhibit opened to the public on March 27 and was on display until April 12 at ArtistSpace in Greenbelt Park, in Makati City where she also held her first solo exhibit, I am Love Marie, the art and works of Love Marie Ongpauco in 2014.

Love Marie started painting when

she was still a kid. But the klieg lights of the entertainment industry overpowered her until a new inspiration came to her life, her husband, Senator Escudero. She started painting with Chiz under the mentorship of Ivan Roxas.

“I found a new life in painting, maybe because I think I’ve found myself,” Love Marie says. “I’m so much more comfortable with myself now that, with every decision I make, I can go all out.”

Her artistic efforts came to fruition in successful one-man exhibitions where all paintings on display were sold in the first hour of exhibit openings.

On the international art scene, Love Marie held the same sold out exhibition in 2015 at the Chan Hampes Gallery in Singapore. In 2017, she collaborated with Earth Artists at a successful exhibit in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Love Marie artworks can be seen on canvas, couture, packaging items, bags, furniture and books.

Love Marie Ongpauco-Escudero continues her art exploration with her latest exhibit entitled 'In Full Bloom.'

Love Marie with husband Senator Chiz Escudero (left) and Senator Cynthia Villar (right) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of her ‘In Full Bloom‘ exhibit.

The reincarnation of Stick Figgas Images by Sonny Espiritu HIP-HOP group Stick Figgas dropped its Realistick album early this year. The album was released under music label, MCA Music Inc (Universal Music Philippines).

The nine-track album features fan favorites such as “Lamanloob,” “Mukha ng Pera,” a new version of “Nandito Lang Ako,” and its latest viral track “Ubasan.”

From Stick Figgas’ first album, Critical Condition— which was recorded back when the group was still a duo —to their new album, Realistick, the group has since expanded into a solid group of eight. It is now composed of members Loonie, Ron Heley, and Kat Agarrado on vocals, JC Sebastian on guitar, Tuts Calinawan on bass, Macky Brillantes on drums, Bboy Garcia on turntables, and Nikki Cabardo on keyboard.

When asked what it’s like to have so many members in a group, they jokingly said, “Mahirap dahil hintayan sa schedule. It’s challenging and you need to have a lot of patience and commitment, not to

Stick Figgas' Kat Agarrado

mention strong friendship.”

Kidding aside, one member said, “Pag mag-isa ka lang, mas mabilis ka makakarating. Pero pag marami kayo, mas malayo ang mararating.”

True enough, the album, Realistick is proof that Stick Figgas will indeed go far as a group. From the album name itself, Stick Figgas hit the nail with their hard hitting yet smooth

Stick Figgas is one of the daring music acts that enlivens local hip-hop scene.

flowing tracks that tackle both light and heavy real life experiences of them as artists, people, and Filipinos.

“Nakukuha namin ‘yan sa mga [pangkaraniwan] namin na karanasan sa buhay. Terms na ginagamit namin tuwing nag ja-jam kami, mga jokes, at mga seryosong bagay,” a member of the group said when asked where they got their inspiration for the album.

They also take the time to write songs inspired by one another, which is where they got their inspiration from when they wrote the track, “Ubasan”.

“Of course, the group’s humor and funny side would always come out but deadline is our true inspiration,” another said in jest.

Stick Figgas is signed under MCA Music Inc (Universal Music Philippines), the local label whose international counterpart is home to international artists Eminem, Drake and Kendrick Lamar. On the other hand, MCA is also home to local artists like Gabby Alipe, Pupil, and Autotelic.

‘HANGGANG SAAN’ down to last two weeks TO WHAT lengths will a child’s love for his mother go in order to get the justice they are fighting for?

Paco (Arjo Atayde), Domeng (Yves Flores), and Anna’s (Sue Ramirez) love for their mothers Sonya (Sylvia Sanchez) and Jean (Teresa Loyzaga) will be put to the ultimate test after they have become their enemy’s target in the last two weeks of Hanggang Saan.

Being in jail will not stop Jacob (Ariel Rivera) from wreaking havoc as he orders his men to set Sonya’s house on fire and bomb the building where Paco works in an attempt to wipe out everyone who is set to destroy his plans of revenge.

It will also be a rough road towards justice for Jean because Jacob will soon find out that she is still alive and only pretended to be dead in order to expose him and his vicious deeds.

With the danger lying around them, Paco, Domeng, and Anna will do everything in their power to protect their mothers and push them to fight until the end to finally get justice for everything Jacob has done.

Will Sonya, Paco, Domeng, Jean, and Anna finally destroy Jacob?

Since started airing on television, Hanggang Saan has received numerous praises from viewers for its captivating and gripping story. The ensemble cast of the series also consistently impresses audiences nationwide, ruling its timeslot every afternoon.

A consistent trending topic, Hanggang Saan also captured the hearts of netizens, who are all praises for the series as it garner thousands of tweets and positive comments on social media.

The series airs on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

The lead cast of the family drama 'Hanggang Saan,' led by Sylvia Sanchez (third from right).