Manila Standard - 2018 July 28 - Saturday

PH FACES SANCTIONS FOR ASIAN GAMES CAGE PULLOUT

STORY ON A8

Pinoy artist opens exhibit in Russia

PCOO commits blunder yet again Social media has uncovered another apparent blunder by the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

The mistake?

Someone put the VOL. XXXII • NO. 163 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

LEONILO Doloricon, among Filipino contemporary artists, starts a nine-day solo exhibit at Saint Petersburg in Russia today, with artworks demonstrating his

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4 ex-solons face murder raps Ocampo, Maza, Casiño, Mariano ordered arrested

By Maricel V. Cruz and Rio N. Araja

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HE Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Friday condemned the issuance of arrest warrants against four former leftist lawmakers and government officials on what they called trumped up charges of double murder in Nueva Ecija.

FORE! FOR FOUR. Supporters rally behind former Representatives Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casiño (Bayan Muna), former Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano, and incumbent National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Liza Maza. They were ordered arrested by a Nueva Ecija court on charges of murder, with the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives condemning the issuance of the warrant.

Primer on draft Federal Charter Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino Con-Com 2018 Member (11th of a series) Q: Is it on Congress that legislative power rests?

A: No, the draft carefully qualifies “legislative power” as “federal.” In other words, the legislative assemblies of the different federated regions enjoy genuine legislative power. By contrast, the local sanggunians enjoy only “local legislative” power. While a city, municipal or provincial ordinance must conform to statutes and to administrative rules and regulations, regional legislation, in those spheres entrusted to the federated regions, cannot be legislated by Federal Congress.

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Arroyo hits critics over ‘black’ spin

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday dismissed speculation that she wanted to be prime minister in a federal system of government, calling it black propaganda.

“The proposed constitution provides for a presidential, federal [system], doesn’t it? That’s black propaganda,” Arroyo said in an interview in Dinalupihan town.

Arroyo went Dinalupihan town, in Bataan and Sasmuan in Pampanga Friday for relief operations in areas hit by heavy flooding.

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Duterte again waves olive branch to Abu Sayyaf

By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday night again offered peace to the Abu Sayyaf and asked the armed group to stop committing criminal activities because he did not want to fight fellow Filipinos.

He made the statement even as a senior lawmaker on Friday called for better coordination between the legislature and

Malacañang to provde funding for two “must-fund” items in the 2019 national budget―the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the tax share of local governments.

Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. said “budget space” must be created in the 2019 budget for those mandates, “which were not factored in” when the proposed P3.757-trillion outlay was being finalized by Malacañang.

“At least P160 billion will be needed to finance these two. And this estimate is on the low side, Andaya, former Budget secretary, said.

In other developments: * Senator Win Gatchalian on Friday urged the communist rebels to take inspiration from the example set by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Next page

Rody’s ‘focus’ list:

They were reacting to the arrest warrants issued by the Palayan, Nueva Ecija regional trial court for former representatives Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casiño (Bayan Muna), former Agrarian Reform secretary Rafael Mariano, and incumbent National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Liza Maza.

In a joint statement, the group questioned the Palayan RTC judge Evelyn Atienza-Turla for allegedly altering her previous ruling that the complaint filed did not meet the standards for probable cause.

“The Palayan RTC should have decided to dismiss the case for lack of evidence but instead issued a warrant of arrest for the four former progressive solons,” the group said.

The four former lawmakers will file a motion for reconsideration next week, said Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, who dismissed the charges as “outrageous, unbelievable and preposterous.” Next page

Corruption, drugs, finance, peace, jobs

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte vowed Thursday to deliver five fundamental changes to the country that he promised since the 2016 elections.

“I promised you that there will be changes.

Actually, if you listened carefully during the elections, I promised only about five [changes],” the President said during his speech in Ipil, Zam-

boanga Sibugay.

“I am in the process of complying[with] my fundamental promises to you. One is corruption, and I am working very hard [on this]. I may not be able to change everything, but at least I could make a difference with how things Next page

PRESIDENTIAL PAT.

President Rodrigo Duterte raises a clenched fist as he exclaims Thursday ‘Mabuhay ang Ipil’ during his speech marking the celebration of the 69th Araw ng Ipil at the town hall in Zamboanga Sibugay. Ipil is a first class town only three hours from the major cities of Dipolog, Pagadian and Zamboanga City.

Malacañang Photo

Exodus from PDP denied, laughed off

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

WATER FESTIVAL.

Participants from different high schools in Las Piñas City join Friday the 13th Las Piñas Water Lilies Festival at the Villar Sipag grounds as they perform their number, showing their Nymphaeaceae-inspired gowns and costumes and water hyacinth-made handicraft.

Lino Santos

DAVAO CITY—Mayor Sara Duterte on Friday denied allegations that most of the members of the PDP-Laban have transferred to the regional party she organized, the Hugpong ng Pagbabago.

“HNP is a region XI political party.

HNP was not made to go on a national

level. We just wanted to create a strong region XI. We did not forsee this growing interest of other politicians from other regions,” Duterte said.

She said that she has no intention to make the party national at the moment.

“Even the other officers are not keen on deciding on this. But we are set to create alliances with other groups to help each other. I do not have the list with me. There Next page

New Ombudsman vows to be impartial

“If the evidence will show that there is a probable cause for the filing of NEWLY appointed Ombudsman Samuel charges against any member of the famMartires on Friday vowed to stay impar- ily, why not? That’s the reason why I tial even if a complaint involved the fam- was appointed [to this position],” Martires said. ily of President Rodrigo Duterte.

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By Rio N. Araja

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News

saturday, july 28, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Shading ruling is patently illegal’

By Rey E. Requejo

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HE camp of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday branded the position of the Commission on Elections opposing the 50-percent threshold rule in the revision of votes in the vice presidential election in 2016 as “not only patently illegal but at best meant to justify the cheating done to favor” Vice President Leni Robredo.

Marcos is contesting the result of the vice presidential election in 2016 that Robredo won and has demanded a recount, claiming Robredo’s camp had cheated.

In other developments: • The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday slammed Marcos spokesman Vic Rodriguez over his accusations that the Comelec was a “coconspirator” in the alleged cheating in the 2016 vice presidential election.

“It’s laughable how Mr. Marcos and his spokesperson seem to be pulling every stunt out of the Cheater’s Playbook, getting more desperate in the

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Moro National Liberation Front.

He also urged the Moro rebels to engage the government in good-faith peace talks to finally bring an end to the decades-old communist struggle.

• Senator Sonny Angara said they were grateful to the President and to both houses of Congress for giving priority to the Bangsamoro Organic Law. As chairman of the Senate committee on local government, Angara said, it was their hope that the greater powers and autonomy given the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao would be used for the greater good and welfare of its residents.

“We are hopeful that a new chapter in the history of the Bangsamoro will make their lives better,・ he said.

Duterte made his message to the Abu Sayyaf, known for kidnapping civilians, in a speech during a visit to fire victims in Zamboanga City.

“I come in peace. Are you mad at me? Why are you angry with me?” the President said.

He called for an end to the violence in Mindanao and urged the Abu Sayyaf members to surrender to the government so they could be given the same treatment as the members of the New People’s Army.

Duterte is hoping that the kidnappings and other crimes will soon end in Mindanao.

“All of us Malays, we・e not like that. We are not as vicious as the Arabs. That・ true, I・ not insulting the Arabs. That is how they do, how they fight,・ he said.

The President said he would visit Jolo, Sulu, but said “I will go to Jolo and you will kill me. For what? What will you get?” With Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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views on what 2, 04 Gallery, where his artworks are, describes as “undying news.”

In a press statement obtained by the Manila Standard from the Gallery, the 61-year-old Doloricon, who was born in Surigao del Sur, and who served as dean of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, is in a project which “aims to highlight the most complex problems the society encounters and motivate the audience to form their own critical view.”

The Gallery added: “The issue pose (sic) no definite answers but infinite questions on how people in their multitude will take part in their final resolution.”

Saint Petersburg, on the Nava River at the head of the Gulf of Finland, is an important port on the Baltic Sea and has a status of a Russian federal city.

The multi-awarded visual artist, who works mainly with printmaking, is known as among the leading exponents of social realism in the Philippines.

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are no talks with national parties, only local parties,” she added.

In February, the mayor and four governors from Davao Oriental, Occidental, del Norte and Compostela Valley Province launched the HNP. Governors Claude Bautista of Davao Occidental, Nelson Dayanghirang of Davao Oriental, Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte and Tyrone Uy of Compostela Valley province all said that they all left their national parties

face of proof that they are lying to the public,” Robredo’s legal adviser Barry Rodriguez said in a statement.

• Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV said he was confident the Presidential Electoral Tribunal would do the right thing in the election protest filed against Robredo now that the Comelec had spoken on the issue of the 25-percent threshold.

“With no less than the Comelec saying that the 25-percent threshold should be used in the manual recount, we expect the PET to use it as guide in making the right decision,” said Aquino,

campaign manager of Robredo in the 2016 elections.

Rodriguez, said they were not at all surprised with the Comelec position backing Robredo’s plea for the reversal of the ruling of the Supreme Court, acting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, that set the 50-percent shading threshold for the validity of the votes in the ongoing recount of the votes in the vice presidential election.

“As it was made suspiciously four months after the May 2016 elections and as an afterthought in support of Robredo’s belated assertions, Comelec’s position on the threshold percentage is not only patently illegal but at best meant to justify the cheating done to favor Mrs. Robredo and sway the public opinion to generate support on her continuing attempt to cheat even more,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

“The conspiracy is so clear and the coconspirator is not expected to admit it.”

Rodriguez said the purpose of the

election protest filed by Marcos against Robredo was primarily to question how the Comelec, then under Chairman Andres Bautista, had misconducted the election, undertaken a false canvassing and manipulated the transmission of the results in favor of the vice president.

“By Comelec’s own admission that it is only the Supreme Court, sitting as the Electoral Tribunal, that has sole and exclusive jurisdiction to try and decide cases involving the qualification, election and returns for the position of vice president, it had effectively divested itself of any legal standing to rule on any matter pending before the PET,” he said.

In a 13-page comment, the poll body insisted on the 25-percent shading threshold it used in the canvassing of the votes cast during the May 9, 2016 elections as stated in its Minute Resolution No. 16-0600 that was submitted to the PET by Robredo’s camp for her appeal. With Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Du30: War on drugs has made even God my enemy PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte talked about God again on Thursday night in various contexts, telling a crowd in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay that the war on illegal drugs he has waged since the start of his term made even the supreme deity his enemy.

Discussing five issues that he wanted to address for the rest of his presidency, Duterte said the second was drugs, then added: “I’ve made plenty of enemies, reaching as far as… Even God was included. Of course I believe in God. What I said was your God is not my God.” “My God is—has common sense.

Yours does not. There is a separation of Church and State. You should honor it by not invoking God. You may criticize

me,” he added, echoing previous comments that recently got him in trouble with the Catholic Church and other religious groups.

Duterte also said, in jest, that he began to look like God for the many times that he had to face an icon of Jesus Christ on the altar while his mother Soledad, who he said was a strict disciplinarian, whipped him.

“We really can’t… We have different perceptions or images of God. For all the times that my mother beat me—she would beat me with anything that she gets her hands on,” he admitted.

“Every week I would do this two to three times at the altar. It was really painful. If you see closely, just look closely. For the many times that I stared

at Christ, we have begun to look alike.

It’s true,” Duterte said.

“But [Christ’s] nose is taller. It was intentionally made that way for there to be a difference between the human being and God. But come to think of it, when really you stare at God, you can really say, ‘He looks like our President,’” he added.

“Truthfully, my mother never lacked in her efforts to discipline me. And because I was facing God always as a punishment, I told her, ‘When I’m all grown up and I can no longer join you and kneel on monggo beans, [I will] bear with it alone, because I’m also putting up with the foolish Filipinos here,’” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd. Nat Mariano

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Bayan Muna’s rival Party-list Anakbayan.

Maza previously represented Gabriela Women’s party while Mariano became part of Anakpawis Party-list as a lawmaker before they both joined the Duterte administration.

In 2006, Ocampo, Casiño, Maza and Mariano, with former Rep. Joel Virador (Bayan Muna), were tagged as the “Batasan Five” for seeking refuge at the House of Representatives amid the charges filed against them.

Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes on Friday questioned the issuance of arrest warrants.

At a news conference in Quezon City, Reyes questioned the timing of the issuance of the warrants by a lower court in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija days after former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took over the House speakership.

Reyes, along with former-lawmaker Neri Colmenares, said they were shocked by the issuance of the warrants.

“Similar [criminal] cases against former lawmakers Satur Ocampo, Teddy

Casiño, Liza Maza and Rafael Mariano had been dismissed by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. We were surprised why the case in Palayan City prospered despite the lack of merit.

Those cases were just fabricated,” he told reporters.

He called on the Duterte administration to “respect the rights” of the four accused.

Maza is now the chairperson of the Nationa Anti-Poverty Commission, while Mariano was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as the secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform in June 2016.

In 2008, Judge Evelyn Turla remanded the charges to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, saying “the proper procedure in the conduct of the preliminary investigation was not followed” and that prosecutors should conduct a proper preliminary investigation.

The respondents elevated their plea to the Supreme Court that partially granted their petition and ordered the case sent to the provincial prosecutor’s office.

Duterte said he does not have the time to formulate arguments to resolve the issue on drugs, so he came up with a campaign to address the problem instead.

“I only have bullets. With drugs, you and I will never get along because of human rights,” he said. “Even if they [drug victims] survive, the majority of the victims’ lives have been ruined and they are innocent. They will go insane and the family will break apart.”

“To those involved in the illegal drug trade, you may be rich now but don’t be

too complacent,” the President warned.

Third, Dutere said he will raise money. “I have been to many places to borrow money,” he said, hoping to elevate the country’s finances.

He said the current taxation system is difficult. “The government can survive with just the taxes alone. That’s about the only income of government,” he said. “We can’t just print the money that we want to spend. We cannot print the money more than our value in the economy.”

From A1

The complaint alleges that Ocampo, Casiño, Mariano and Maza met with high-ranking officers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army on Dec. 23, 2003, and ordered the killing of one Jimmy Peralta.

They also allegedly ordered the killing of Carlito Bayudang on May 6, 2004. Both killings were purportedly to ensure the victory of Bayan Muna.

Malacañang said Friday it will allow the legal process to run its course in the Nueva Ecija case.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque declined to comment further, saying the Palace respected the independence of the courts.

In 2006, the four party-list lawmakers were accused of being involved in the killing of Danilo Felipe in 2001, Jimmy Peralta back in 2003, and Carlito Bayudang in 2004.

The three victims were supporters of

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were and how things are now,” he said, citing the demolition of smuggled luxury cars in Port Irene, Cagayan.

He added that he has fired several government officials because of excessive travel expenses.

“The second is drugs. I have made plenty of enemies [fighting drugs],” he said. “Even God was included.”

phrases “d ko alam eh” and “d ko din alam” (I don’t know either) instead of the telephone numbers for the Maritime Industry Authority and the Office for Transportation Security on the directory numbers section of the Freedom of Information website.

A Twitter user with the handle @ peepaubau shared screenshots of the error and a video of himself while viewing the FOI site—an initiative of the PCOO, which has drawn criticism over several gaffes during the Duterte administration.

The official Twitter account of the agency, @FOI_ph, then told @peepaubau that it had “since removed the error you have identified. We appreciate your

continued support as we work towards improving our services in providing you more up-to-date and accurate information through FOI Philippines.”

Just last month, the PCOO mistakenly referred to the country Norway as “Norwegia” as its ambassador paid a courtesy call to President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang, drawing the ire and mockery of both Filipino and foreign netizens.

and pledge allegiance to HNP. “We are all members of the local party in our different provinces, but we agreed that if we run, we will run under HNP,” Duterte said during the launching of HNP. In the Davao region, only Gov. Douglas Cagas of Davao del Sur is not an HNP member.

The head of the Visayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Friday laughed off speculation of an impending exodus of PDP-Laban members, most of them congressmen, from President’s political party.

Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez, head of the bloc and a rank-

ing PDP-Laban leader in the House of Representatives, also denied he will lead fellow PDP-Laban congressmen in abandoning the party.

He said leaving the President’s PDP is tantamount to “political suicide.”

“It will be politically unwise to let go out of PDP-Laban party as it has established a formidable network of leaders from the grassroots to the national level,” Benitez said.

Benitez made the statement as Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. claimed that disenchantment in the party leadership may prompt PDP members to jump ship.

Andaya also said earlier raised the

possibility that Arroyo’s then political party, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, will be the new vehicle of resigning party members.

Andaya said Lakas-CMD, a political party founded by current Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, will likely forge an alliance with HNP. But Benitez described Andaya’s statement as “incredulous.” He said DuterteCarpio’s father is no less than President Duterte who heads PDP as party chairman.

“I see no reason why the President will abandon the party,” Benitez, chairman of the House committee on housing and urban development, said.

PCOO...

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Agri losses from storms reach P1.55b

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine agriculture sector sustained lost of P1.55 billion in crops and damaged farm infrastructures following the onslaught of three storms in a span of two weeks.

Based on the updated damages report issued by the Agriculture department on Friday, the rice subsector incurred the biggest damage at P1.34 billion from about 95,407 hectares of destroyed farm lands.

The rice paddies of La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro and Antique were swamped from torrential downpours, while crops were barely standing due to the barrage of harsh wind and rain.

Estimated production loss was at 19,982 metric tons, and about 6,755 bags of palay for planting were reported to have been washed away by floods.

Losses in fisheries totaled P146.58 million in damaged produce and facilities.

The department noted no additional damages to corn, cassava, high value crops, and livestock from the previous combined value of P68.16 million.

Region III or Central Luzon’s rice crop was hit hardest, with losses reaching P769.97 million, or 57 percent of the updated total damages for the farm sector.

The department is mobilizing its field offices to provide the needed farm inputs as initial relief and assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk, it said in a statement.

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“But if there is none, I hope the people could accept that.”

In other developments: * Malacañang on Friday welcomed Martires’ appointment and vouched for his credentials and strong record of upholding the law.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Martires’ record was untainted by scandal, and that he was most qualified to replace retired Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. * Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday praised Duterte’s appointment of Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Martires as Ombudsman, saying he was the best choice for the job.

“The right man for the job,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters. * Senate President Vicente Sotto III expressed hope that Martires would do well.

“Track record shows that. It’s perhaps the reason he has the trust and confidence of the President,” he said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said he did not know Martires well enough, but he had heard good things about his work in the judiciary.

“I hope he will speed up the resolution of cases pending in the Ombudsman without fear or favor,” he said.

Despite his two appointments as an associate justice of the Supreme Court in March 2017 and now as Ombudsman, Martirez said, he had no close ties to the President. Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Arroyo’s statement was a reaction to the claim of her critics that she would be a prime minister under a federal set up being pushed by the Duterte administration.

The House committee on constitutional amendments has been working on the proposed federal-presidential form of government. This as the Consultative Committee finalized its draft federal constitution, which has already been submitted to Congress and Malacañang.

Arroyo said she has yet to read the draft being prepared by the House constitutional amendments committee.

The Con-Com’s draft proposal does not include a provision on the election of a prime minister.

All presidents since Fidel V. Ramos had called for Charter change but failed.

Arroyo, who was President for nine years, formed a consultative commission to propose amendments to the 1987 Constitution, but nothing came of the efforts amid fears that the exercise would lead to term extensions.

Acting Majority Leader and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro said Friday the House will elect new leaders next week after Arroyo’s election.

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SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Du30 calls SAP Go, Tolentino ‘senators’

Judge enters not guilty plea for De Lima THE Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court’s Branch 206 has entered a not guilty plea for detained Senator Leila de Lima.

De Lima’s lawyer, Boni Tacardon, said that the senator, who was finally arranged before the Muntinlupa court after a year and five months in detention, refused to enter a plea.

Instead, it was Judge, Lorna Navarro-Domingo, who entered a “not guilty” plea for the senator, in accordance with court rules.

“I do not recognize the legitimacy and the validity of the charges against me,” De Lima was quoted by her staff as saying in a message to reporters.

“Now, there are two other cases pending before the other Court, this case is completely fabricated and bogus from orchestrated lies. I refuse to enter a plea. I do not recognize these charges,” she said.

De Lima was accused of involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison, and was charged before the Muntinlupa RTC on Feb. 17, 2017. She was served an arrest warrant and turned herself in to authorities exactly a week later.

She is currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center. The Supreme Court has denied her appeals against her arrest.

GMA joins relief operation in Pampanga FORMER President and Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday visited her congressional district to join the relief operations for typhoon victims.

At the same time, Arroyo vowed to push for the immediate passage of the proposed measure creating the Disaster Management Department, which is also mentioned as priority agenda of the government that was mentioned by President Rodrigo Duterte during his last State of the Nation Address.

She said the passage of the bill will be among the top priority of her leadership.

Arroyo, together with Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, led the distribution of relief goods to the residents of Barangay Sebitanan in Sasmuan, Pampanga.

There were around 663 families affected in Sebitanan alone. Arroyo explained that they identified the areas gravely affected by the typhoon to be able to assist them as soon as possible.

“I looked at the reports of the most devastated areas. We identified about 10 districts and said, we assist the 10 districts immediately,” said Arroyo.

“We start with the relief goods, maybe, medical [assistance] din. That’s why we have the NDCC [National Disaster Coordinating Council] meeting on Monday so we can find out from them what are the plans for rehabilitation and check them out,” she added.

Maricel V. Cruz

Diarrhea downs 169 in Negros CONTAMINATED drinking water from an artesian well pump near a creek and a piggery is being pointed as the cause of the outbreak of diarrhea in a town in Negros Oriental.

The diarrhea outbreak downed 169 residents, most of whom were children.

Local authorities said the water samples from the well had tested positive for e-coli bacteria.

According to a television report, the outbreak affected mostly residents from Barangay Looc in Sibulan town.

Local health officials said that they had already distributed water sanitizers and conducted water treatment in the area.

They also reminded residents to always boil their water for drinking.

Primer...

From A1 Q: Why has the number of national legislators increased over the number prescribed by the 1987 Constitution?

A: Compared to other jurisdictions with lower populations, our legislature is not as crowded as might first be thought. The point though is to broaden the base of consensus.

The underlying conviction is that the more the people are represented, the more views that are advanced, the better for the people because the more robust the democracy.

Q: Senate was traditionally a “continuing chamber” but that does not seem to be so anymore because congressmen and senators, together, hold office for a term of four years. Why this change?

A: There was really very little reason, if any at all, to maintain the myth of Senate as a “continuing body”. In fact, in the September 4, 2008 Resolution of the Supreme Court in the case of Neri v. Senate Committee on Accountability, the Supreme Court categorically ruled that for purposes of the continuity of its rules, Senate is NOT a continuing body and therefore must publish its rules at every newly convened Congress.

At any rate, to see to it that there is no unnec-

By Nat Mariano

VINTAGE BOMB. Members of a bomb squad, along with some barangay tanods, load a WWII vintage bomb into a vehicle after it was discovered by workers during a road repair along Mercurio St. in Sta. Ana, Manila on Friday morning. Norman Cruz

CA junks Rappler petition to restrain SEC revocation T

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Court of Appeals has junked the petition by online news website Rappler seeking to restrain the Securities and Exchange Commission from implementing its decision revoking the certificate of incorporation of Rappler Inc. and Rappler Holdings Corp. for allegedly violating the constitution and foreign equity restrictions in mass media.

In its decision, the CA’s Twelfth Division, through Associate Justice Rafael Antonio Santos, denied the petition of Rappler and instead upheld the resolution of the SEC revoking its certificate of incorporation.

The appellate court said that it did not find any grave abuse of discretion on the part of the SEC when it canceled Rappler’s certificate of incorporation.

“The petition is hereby denied. However, the Securities and Exchange Commission is hereby directed to conduct an evaluation of the legal effect of the alleged supervening donation made

by Omidyar Network of all its Philippine Depository Receipts to the staff of Rappler Inc. Accordingly, this case is hereby remanded to the SEC for this purpose,” the CA decision said.

Associate Justices Apolinario Bruselas and Germano Francisco Legaspi concurred with the ruling.

The SEC earlier canceled the registration of Rappler Inc., the mass media entity that “sold control” to foreigners, and Rappler Holdings Corp. being its alter ego, “existing for no other purpose than to effect a deceptive scheme to circumvent the Constitution.”

The commission cited foreign equity restriction in the Constitution, Presidential Decree and the Securities Regulation Code that states that “the ownership and management of mass media shall be limited to citizens of the Philippines, or to corporations or associations wholly owned and managed by such citizens.”

The SEC en banc also declared

Omidyar Philippine Depository Receipts void for “being a fraudulent transaction within the ambit of Section 26.1 of the Securities Regulation Code.”

In ruling against the petitioners, the appellate court ruled that there was no denial of administrative due process with the SEC since notice and hearing was afforded to Rappler.

“Accordingly, the Court rules that in the present case, a substantial compliance with the requirements of due process was observed by the SEC,” the CA said.

“It bears stressing that the foreign equity restriction on mass media implies “zero” foreign control. It thus includes any appearance of control that will influence the corporate actions and decisions of Rappler,” it added.

According to the appellate court, it does not matter whether the approval from Omidyar is required only when the actions taken by Rappler will prejudice the rights of Omidyar, because RHC, will still nonetheless be required to secure the approval of at least 2/3 of the PDR Holders before Rappler can carry out or implement any action which has the effect of altering, modifying or otherwise changing Rappler’s Articles of Incorporation or By Laws.

With Nat Mariano

BI to deport 10 arrested Chinese fugitives

By Vito Barcelo AT LEAST 10 Chinese fugitives wanted in their country for economic crimes, Internet fraud and smuggling will be immediately deported after their arrest in Metro Manila and Pampanga, the Bureau of Immigration said Friday.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said that the arrested Chinese nationals are now detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

BI Intelligence Officer Bobby Raquepo, who heads the Bureau’s fugitive search unit, said the Chinese nationals’ passports were already canceled, and have become undocumented aliens subessary disruption of the Senate’s business, the Draft provides of the senators that: “They shall continue in office until their successors shall have been elected, proclaimed and qualified.”

Q: Why complicate the manner of electing members of the Lower House?

A: (Sixty percent) of the membership of the Lower House will still be elected as representatives have always been elected. However, the system of proportional representation—that was the original intention behind the badly mangled “party-list system”—has been adopted. The Con-Com did not invent proportional representation. It has been in use in such progressive countries as Germany and Italy.

Q: What is the whole point to proportional representation?

A: First, proportional representation makes the voters more attentive to parties than to persons, and it is required that each party uphold the equivalent of the parliamentary “manifesto”: a program of government and a party platform. Second, it is a remedy to that odd situation that results when so many candidates run for a single congressional seat that is eventually awarded to a candidate who has not the majority but a mere plurality of votes.

Third, proportional representation makes seats in congress truly representative of the political persuasions and inclinations of the people, given that the seats are distributed in proportion to the votes a party gains in the national elections.

ject to summary deportation.

He said the seven Chinese were arrested on July 18 during a raid in a condominium unit along Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

They were identified as Li Tian Feng, Duan Tingting, Li Miao, Zou Wang, Zhang Hailong, Wang Liao, and Huang Zongyou, and wanted in China for economic crimes and cyber fraud that victimized many of their compatriots.

On July 19, BI agents arrested a Chinese woman named Cai Miao Ling inside her unit at the Tuscany Private Residences in McKinley Hills, Taguig City.

Last July 17, FSU agents and airport anti-smuggling operatives arrested at Q: So, just how does proportional representation work?

A: First, the party must be registered. Second, the Draft opts for the “closed list” variant of proportional representation—which only means that voters have no direct influence on who the specific candidates of the party are and the order in which they are chosen. Third, to make it, a party must garner at least 5 percent of the votes nationwide. Fourth, the number of seats a party gets in the House of Representatives will be in proportion to the number of votes the party obtains nationwide. Hence, Party A that has 10 percent of votes nationwide will have twice more the number of seats that Party B, that has only 5 percent of the votes, will occupy.

Q: Does this not dilute the right of the people to choose who should sit?

A: It does, but in a BENEFICIAL manner, for under the system, a candidate will have to subscribe to a party platform and espouse a program of government, win the confidence of party-mates and be nominated by his own party to the closed list. This will prevent the selection of people who build popularity on bases other than competence, ability and integrity. In the proportional representation system, the voters will have to ask which party it is that espouses the plan of government to which they subscribe. This will contribute to the maturation of our democracy.

the Ninoy Aquino International Airport a certain Wang Xiaobo, who is a subject of an Interpol red notice for his involvement in smuggling.

Also arrested was Ji Jingxiu who was apprehended on July 22 along the Friendship Highway in Angeles City, Pampanga. He is also wanted for cyber fraud and economic crimes.

“There will be no letup in the BI’s campaign to catch foreign fugitives so long as there are aliens who go to the Philippines to avoid arrest and punishment for crimes they committed in their homelands,” Morente said.

“We are in close coordination with our foreign counterparts to ensure that justice will be served,” he added.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte referred to two of his closest officials as “senators” during his visit to Zamboanga Sibugay on Thursday.

“By the way, we have two senators [present] here. Senator Tolentino and Senator Bong Go if you would help him,” the President told the crowd in the Visayan dialect.

“The others [in the Senate] should be replaced. They are noisy and arrogant,” said Duterte in his speech.

Both Christopher “Bong” Go and Francis Tolentino, the President’s special assistant and political adviser, respectively, are being pushed by the President to join the Senate.

It was reported before that the supporters of Go launched a campaign in early March, dubbed as “Ready, Set, Go!” encouraging the President’s aide to run in the 2019 midterm polls.

Duterte believed Go’s extensive experience in public service assisting the President since 1998 would earn him a seat in the Senate.

Tolentino, meanwhile, ran as an independent candidate for senator in the 2016 national elections but lost to detained Senator Leila de Lima by 1.3 million votes.

He was later given a job in the Duterte administration after the former MMDA chief reportedly donated around P3 million for the President’s political campaign.

Lorenzana says sorry to Carpio, Del Rosario over PCA ruling remark SO SORRY. Realizing that his statement had ruffled the feelings of former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario and acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio over his remarks on the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana apologized to the two officials.

He also descrbied them as “true patriots.”

The Defense chief earlier said that the country’s historic victory over China in the PCA is an “empty victory.”

“I sincerely apologize to these two great gentlemen for ruffling their feelings when I said that the PCA ruling in our favor is an empty victory,” he said in a statement.

“Both have reasons to be miffed for they worked hard to win our case before the PCA,” he added. “It was not my intention to denigrate their achievement.”

Carpio and Del Rosario were part of the group that pushed for the filing of the maritime case against China in connection with its massive claim over the South China Sea. Lorenzana said that he was not referring to the efforts of Del Rosario and Carpio when he used the phrase empty victory but rather to the outcome of the ruling.

“With the realities on the ground, the victory being claimed is premature and incomplete since the ruling has no enforcement mechanism,” he said.

“How can victory be claimed over an arbitration case that proceeded even if the other party declined to participate, having stated from the beginning that it will not abide by the arbitration’s outcome,?” he added.

ANTI-COAL. Climate activists called for a press conference in Quezon City to condemn three of the largest coal plant operators in the Philippines which they said prevents the country from modernizing its electricity infrastructure. Garbed in T-Rex costumes, the activists described the three big companies as dinosaurs for their continued peddling of the outdated fuel. Manny Palmero

A4

Opinion

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Radical reforms in the judicial system that is, to determine whether or not there has been grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on any branch or instrumentality of the government. In addition however, the Federal Constitutional THE Philippine judiciary will be radi- Court and the Federal Administrative cally changed under the Puno consti- Court are granted the authority to rentutional draft. The proposal should be der advisory opinions respectively on taken seriously given its provenance. constitutional questions and on whethChief Justice Reynato Puno knows er the Federal Commission on Elecour judicial system very well, having tions has complied with the processes, spent decades working there initially procedures and preparations relative to as Solicitor General, followed by a long the conduct of the elections.

As to their particular jurisdictions, stint in the Court of Appeals, ending with his appointment in the Supreme the Federal Supreme Court shall exCourt first as Associate Justice before ercise exclusive original jurisdiction over cases, among others, involving becoming chief magistrate.

I know also from several people that branches and agencies within the Fedthe Puno proposal on the judiciary is eral Government and the Federated Regions, and conwell-researched flicts between and and the reforms among Federated suggested are supRegions. ported by solid The Federal data and evidence.

Will these address Constit utional At some point, it Court exercises would be good for the current gaps—or exclusive original all of these to be widen them? jurisdiction over disclosed to the disputes involving public. the constitutionalIn essence, ity of a law, treaty, the Consultative Committee has designed a judiciary international or executive agreement, in the Federal Constitution in such a presidential decrees, including adminisway that there will be four (4) Supreme trative issuances by the Federal GovernCourts; each one supreme in its own ment and its agencies. The Federal Consphere of operation. In effect, the pow- stitutional Court is also tasked to hear ers of the Supreme Court under the and decide impeachment cases except 1987 Constitution shall be distributed when a member of the Federal Constitutional Court is impeached, in which case among four Supreme Courts.

As envisaged, the judiciary is to be it shall be the Federal Administrative composed of a Federal Supreme Court, Court which will take over its impeachFederal Constitutional Court, Federal ment functions. As already mentioned, Administrative Court, and the Federal the Federal Constitutional Court may Electoral Court and such other lower render advisory opinions when sought courts as may be created. Each Federal by specified officials of the government.

The Federal Administrative Court Court is headed by a Chief Justice with eight associate justices with the ex- shall exercise exclusive original juception of the Federal Electoral Court risdiction to review, on appeal or cerwhich shall have 14 Associate Justices. tiorari, the decisions, judgments of the As in the 1987 Constitution, the four Federal Civil Service Commission, the Supreme Courts shall exercise judicial Federal Commission on Elections, and power including the power to exercise all other Federal Commissions.

Turn to A5 the expanded certiorari jurisdiction,

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Saboteurs

T

HE Presidential Communications Operations Office is at it again. This week alone, two new gaffes earned for it the attention—ridicule—of the public anew.

In big, bold letters, a misspelling of the word “administration” distracted anybody keen on reading about the achievements of President Rodrigo Duterte in his second year in office.

This report was supposed to list what Mr. Duterte shied away from saying in last Monday’s State of the Nation Address— doing so would be self-serving, he said. Instead, the gaping error validated the institutional sloppiness for which the PCOO has become notorious.

More recently a social media

user who went to the Freedom of Information page maintained by the same agency found entries such as “d ko alam eh (I don’t know)” and “d ko din alam (I don’t know either)” in the directory for the Maritime Industry Authority and the Office for Transportation Security. The user took screen shots and posted these on Twitter.

Later, the official account of the FOI Initiative said the “error” was already removed.

Alas, it was not a simple error.

An error would be the wrong contact numbers or a misspelled name.

No wonder the PCOO’s own head, Secretary Martin Andanar, said he couldn’t help suspecting he was being targeted by saboteurs.

But Andanar should not just be suspecting—by this time he should be certain that there are

saboteurs indeed in his office.

Contrary to expectations, however, there is no need for a witch hunt or a thorough investigation.

The saboteurs are all in plain sight—agency’s officials themselves who refuse to take responsibility for their subordinates’ mistakes, and who fail to establish measures so that errors and other embarrassing work are caught and corrected before they are actually made public, and who get caught up in the glamorous aspects of the job—think of the millions in excessive expenses made during the Asean summit—without the commensurate attention to workmanship.

A few more gaffes, and the PCOO would have to change its name—more importantly, the faces behind it—because the current one is equated with the twin vices of incompetence and arrogance.

Post-Sona reflections form for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. The passage of many of these bills into law will redound to better services to and protection of our people.

I know for a fact that the bills on naNO CUSSING, no name-calling, no tional land use policy, universal health misogynist jokes, no colorful words. care, and ending contractualization These were my immediate thoughts on have been languishing in Congress for President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State many years now. It is, thus, to President of the Nation Address last Monday, Duterte’s credit that he certified them July 23. It was a somber Digong who as urgent. Congress should act accordfaced the nation. As I was watching ingly.

I do not know if what the adminishim, I was half-expecting something extraordinary any minute. So it was tration wants to do regarding preparedness for, resiliency in, and better manactually a pleasant surprise.

Outside of the manner by which agement of natural calamities needs the Sona was delivered, a closer look the creation of another department. at its content is more important. First, We already have a very good law in breaking tradition, Duterte did not do a the Philippine Disaster Reduction and report to the people of what his admin- Management Act (RA 10121) that creistration has so far accomplished. He ated the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Managesaid that it would ment Council. be self-serving.

Should not the Instead, he said ad mi nist ration that he had orfirst focus on the dered the producIt seems we can full and efficient tion of a docuexpect business i mplement at ion ment on this. of the law and the I do not un- as usual from this strengthening of derstand how a the NDRRMC? If verbal narration administration. needed, perhaps is considered RA 10121 can be self-serving and amended for the a written one is law to be even not. Still, it would be good to have a sense of what this stronger. Creating another department administration considers its accom- adds to our already bloated bureauplishments. Surely, some are waiting to cracy and requires a lot of resources. have these fact-checked. After all, the I hope the Cabinet takes a second look government’s function is to protect the at this.

Congress should also be very, very country’s (and people’s) welfare and careful in its consideration of the interests.

The President has endorsed to Con- TRAIN 2 bill. As it is, ordinary Filipigress the passage of bills in his leg- nos are already battered by the increasislative agenda that include: ending es in prices of goods and services. The contractualization, creation of the cost of everything has increased well Coconut Farmers’ Trust Fund, free beyond what TRAIN 1 anticipated, tertiary education; national land use or at least what its proponents said. It policy; the creation of the Department is the poor, especially those who are of Disaster Management; the prohibi- not formally employed (and there’s lot tion of open pit mining; tariff system in more of them than those with regular rice importation so it can be imported employment) that are hardest hit. Coumore freely; the universal health care pled with the further weakening of the bill; and the package 2 of the Tax ReTurn to A5

POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO

Trump and CNN: President and TV network at loggerheads DONALD Trump has been at frequent loggerheads with CNN since taking office, but their feud has become increasingly bitter as the channel’s acerbic White House coverage fuels a boom in viewers.

From reportedly raging that CNN was on the first lady’s television set, to refusing to take questions from the network, to the White House barring one of its reporters from a press event: The Trump-CNN relationship is toxic.

“Donald Trump is doing what conservative politicians have been doing for a long time but which he is taking to a new level—to use the press as a punching bag, and this plays very well with the conservative base,” said Rob-

ert Jensen, who is retiring this fall as journalism professor at the University of Texas.

CNN’s stated commitment to uncovering the truth, its household-name status and robust coverage of crises in the administration, broadcasting damaging headlines around the clock, have been a huge thorn in the president’s side.

Fact-based reporting aside, eyebrows have been raised over the subjective nature of some of the commentary from its anchors, celebrities in their own right with a powerful following and multi-million-dollar contracts.

Earlier this month, Anderson Cooper called Trump’s press conference with Vladimir Putin “perhaps one of the

most disgraceful performances by an American president.” In January, his colleague Don Lemon called Trump a “racist.”

“I think such comments by news people—as distinguished from commentators—are a mistake,” says Paul Janensch, a former newspaper editor who taught journalism at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.

“If I were running CNN, I would tell the news professionals to stick to the facts and avoid making disparaging comments about Trump,” he told AFP. Crazy The network has recently promoted to prime-time Chris Cuomo, brother of Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Small-town serenatas, now past andantino

Crumbling from within

EVERYMAN

that this time she was elected in a fair, clean and honest election; and now has the mandate to govern. More than ever, that ugly sequel in political history could have been laid to rest.

However, it seems that the vice of I DO not want to sound like a party electoral cheating is now part of her spoiler to what President Duterte would DNA. Once again, she has resorted to say as fair game for politicians, but the the same addictive vice and would have resurrection of Mrs. Arroyo to the politi- no qualms in doing it to anybody who cal limelight is ominous. It is a phenom- might block her quest for power, reenon because no other political leader gardless of who he is.

The decision to allow her to serve behas accomplished that feat to regain political power. If luck is on her side, yond the six-year limitation was moralshe might just end up as prime minister, ly wrong. She knows that if allowed to under a parliamentary system, ruling run, that will be for history to watch. It for the second time in this beguiled land was double whammy because the electorate were forced to serve to one who lorded over by hypocrites.

Being at the threshold of recapturing violated the Constitution.

As usual, the Supreme Court sought to political power is somewhat ambivalent. It came at a time when the Filipino align itself on the safe side arguing that people elected a president who swore the remaining term for which she served to put to an end corruption. Painful as was less than four years to allow her to it is to state, electoral dishonesty is a extend her stay for a total of 10 years. variation of corruption no matter how Thus, instead of punishing her, the High one would look at it. It is one form of Court extrapolated on the word “succescorruption that continues as long as the sion” than on the crime of power grab.

The brazenness of Mrs. Arroyo was political usurper remains in power.

Nothing is personal in the manner obvious, for even if she truly has the Mrs. Arroyo wrested the speakership support of the majority of the memfrom that brawl-prone Panteleon Alva- bers of Congress, her impulsiveness rerez, but the move was inauspicious for vealed she would not consider anything the occasion when supposedly our no- that might hinder or derail her ambition. nonsense President was about to deliver Many were surprised to the removal of his State of the Nation Address. The the Speaker not because of their love ruffian manner by which the Speaker for him but on the manner how he was was ousted portends that within the removed. It was the President whom President’s political machinery, things she embarrassed and insulted.

People would not mind removing a are just about to crumble.

It is eroding from within because wavering follower, but in her case, everybody knows she of our failure to is a renegade to a understand that party that is exertpower grab always ing everything to has with it a shade oust Duterte. She of corruption. It This is a distinct was indoctrinated is corruption beby the same clercause it does not possibility. ico-elitist dogma. pass through the For whatever reacivil process to son why she drifted casts doubt on our away, the electorate fragile democracy.

If Mrs. Arroyo has the support of the can always say they have been betrayed majority, surely there is nothing wrong because the interest that guides her is her in her being chosen the Speaker. Rather, political ambition which is different from it turned out to be distasteful because of the reason why they voted for her.

Allowing her to rein in the House of the abrupt and rude manner of the takeover. That could have waited until after Representatives, the policies of Presithe President delivered his piece to the dent Duterte could either be blocked or Filipino people, many of whom were be made to undergo serious revision.

This is not to speculate, but to bring out glued to watch and see him talk.

What ensued was pure “bastusan the reality that Mrs. Arroyo has been blues” where the people saw Mrs. Ar- advocating policies often in contradicroyo shouting on top of her voice call- tion to those proposed by the President. ing for order of the floor because the For instance, the policy of re-imposing microphones were cut off. Even if she death penalty. There was a bill already has already been sworn in, in that in- approved, but she dropped it at the last stance nobody knows she was already minute because the non-taxpaying clerthe Speaker because of the manner she ics were against it. Neither did her destealthily succeeded which can still be cision to abate death penalty stop the rising tide of criminality. categorized as power grab.

On the issue of Bangsamoro Law, it Her act, no doubt, caused the erosion in the credibility of a political cannot be denied that her government party trying to galvanize the program sponsored the MOA-AD for our Musof the President. That means, even if lim brothers. Luckily, the Supreme Digong is not tainted with corruption, Court rejected it only to be resurrected just a breath away from him is one by Noynoy and now presented with a who is deeply soaked in corruption. It new version to make it palatable to our is most dangerous because it takes the people. Many are against this appeasedimension of wanting to make the act a ment law after they wrecked havoc in precedent to make it acceptable to our Marawi City which the terrorists themselves choose as their battleground. democratic values.

The idea of gifting them a separate Let us face it, Mrs. Arroyo’s presidency was an anomalous episode in our state euphemistically called “autonomy” political history. She was enthroned to is inappropriate, much that the issue is power in her first three years in office not that they have fewer rights, but one by coup d’ etat led by Hilario Davide, of reverse discrimination with them havJr. who is now ranting lies to discredit ing more rights than the rest of the Filithe proposed charter change. He is the pinos. Even other Muslims are against same yellow avant garde that seeks to this Malaysian-US sponsored autonomy legitimize political vandalism by call- for fear that its approval could effectiveing it “Edsa People Power 2.” Lest it be ly drop our Sabah claim and erase the forgotten, the Edsa 2 hoopla was fully Sultanate of Sulo which is the legal and supported by the Church, the oligarchy historical basis of our claim.

On the whole, there is danger that and by their ever barking mascots who continue to style themselves as the “Mil- Duterte will find himself surrounded by men not his own but by the followitant Left.”

The election in 2004 could have ers of Mrs. Arroyo, with Duterte’s men served as her redeeming chance to sidelined and eventually eased out. eliminate the mistrust generated by rpkapunan@gmail.com power grab. She could have asserted

By Honor Blanco Cabie

They also played Sousa’s “National Emblem,” “Under the Double Eagle,” “The Washington Post,” which has remained as one of the composer’s most popular marches throughout the United States and foreign countries, including the Philippines.

Or they would play Sousa’s “El Capitan” or the locally composed “Dalagang Naic” or the “El Palikero.”

Or the bands would play ballroom beats like “La Cucaracha” and “La Cumparsita” as interpreted by the country’s trumpet king Anastasio Mamaril of Pangasinan, or Prado’s “Cerezo Rosa” which featured trumpeter Miguel Calderon as interpreted, in better lilting trills by Amy Galinato of the Jolly Boys of Ilocos Norte, the notes on his trumpet frolicking like some ice cubes falling on the pavement, doing one better than the own version of Cuba’s mambo king.

But Prado’s nearly eight-minute “Mosaico Cubano” was always a winner, punctuated by healthy and vibrant applause from the audience, sitting on kind summer’s green grass.

Concerts at the Rizal Park had members of the audience feeling more comfortable as they—young men and women and their grand children—enjoyed the two-hour gift of sights and sounds on benches while the sun was reluctantly setting on the placid Manila Bay. The concerts, now with other brands of cultural performances, are provided for free to the general public by the National Parks Development Committee.

Many old hands are agreed the performances in the metropolis, and notably in the country, have started fading out and others gone beyond andantino, literally the 64-72 beats per minute.

The weekend serenatas in the countryside have also gone to a moderately slow pace—and are on the last tied note of the last bar, no thanks to the lack of funds and local government support.

NEARLY 70 years ago, soon after the smoke had vaporized from the guns of the second world war, many smalltown bands and orchestras in the north of the country often staged weekend serenades—from the Italian serenata or evening song.

This was taken from the 17th century practice in Europe, a kind of musical performance at night in open air or a form of secular cantata, almost always of a dramatic or imaginative character.

This was an instrumental composition in several movements, intermediate between the suite and the symphony.

If one were a senior citizen today, one would definitely remember the serenatas of the 1950s and the 1960s played by at least a 25-piece small town band in the countryside—like the town of Paoay in Ilocos Norte, where three bands alternated among themselves the assigned Saturdays playing classic pieces near the town hall.

In the capital town of Laoag, now a city, the 46-piece Ilocos Cultural Arts Club staged weekend serenatas at the Ablan Heroes Hall near the meandering Padsan River that emptied into the Luzon Bay, the overtures lifting manners of those who went to the public square to listen to classical music.

If a person were newly married in his 20s in the 1970s, he would as well remember the concerts at the Rizal Park, colloquially called Luneta, by the Manila Bay, where bands from towns in the city’s outskirts played martial music to the delight of afternoon strollers.

In recent years, the concerts at the Rizal Park had faded out, and the serenatas in the country have been overtaken

by CDs and DVDs bought from the nearest department stores if not brought in from the metropolis or from overseas by returning workers in the mold of Overseas Filipino Workers.

A northerner, himself a trombonist in his youth in the 1960s, still remembers the weekends in Paoay, the town which at the time had three major bands of at least 40 members each, doing afternoon serenatas beside the two-story town hall.

Their weekend repertoire included

overtures and martial music which always gave great pleasure to the population, mostly farmers and fishermen and some young and middle-aged professionals.

It was soothing to hear any of the three bands—The Majestic, the Smart, and the Rhythm Masters—play, one weekend after the other, Franz von Suppe’s “Poet and Peasant” and other operettas, a genre of light music in terms of subject matter.

And they always heard, among many familiar classic compositions that were part of the culture of that generation, “Haydn Concerto in e flat Minor,” the first movement of the opus of Austrianborn Franz Joseph Haydn, acknowledged as a great composer of the classical era.

The small town bands’ supply of soothing music for their captive listeners included Rafael Hernandez’s “El Cumbanchero,” Lara’s “Solamente Una Vez,” and “Quien Sera” by Ruiz and Gimbel, where a listener can easily be won by the sighing reeds and the hugging trombones.

There was also Serradel’s “La Golondrina,” “Csárdás,” a traditional Hungarian folk dance—the name derived from csárda (old Hungarian term for tavern), and was popularized by Roma music (Cigány) bands in Hungary and neighboring lands of Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Burgenland, Croatia, Ukraine, Poland, Transylvania and Moravia, as well as among the Banat Bulgarians, including those in Bulgaria. ”Csardas,” like “Poet and Peasant,” and “La Virgen de la Macarena” were very popular in that generation, who danced to the beat of Perez Prado’s “Cerezo Rosa,” Glenn Miller’s “In The Mood” and Tommy Dorsey’s “Song of India” as well as Harry James’ “Ciribiribin” during town fiestas.

In Manila, the Philippine capital, bands in colorful uniforms of red and white, blue and white, or the original khaki outfit, played “Stars and Stripes,” a patriotic American march widely considered to be the magnum opus of composer John Philip Sousa.

Radical...

cal autonomy of the judiciary, salary of the Chief Justice and the Associate Justices, prohibition on its members to be designated to any agency performing quasi-judicial or administrative function, qualification of its members, the voting on administrative matters, the manner of arriving at decisions, the period within which to decide cases which is 24 months from the date of filing, the annual reportorial requirement on the operations and activities of the judiciary for submission by the Federal Courts to the President and Congress, the manner of appointment of lower court judges and retirement age for members of the judiciary. Also provided are the limitations on Congress not to pass laws that would deprive the Federal Courts of their respective jurisdiction as provided in the Federal Constitution and laws that would undermine the security of tenure of its members.

My first impression of the Puno proposal is that it is both top-heavy and bottom-heavy. Four federal chief justices, 38 associate justices of the Federal Courts, 18 regional supreme court chief justices, and a still undetermined number of regional supreme court associate justices. The current Court of Appeal and other lower courts will remain unless the Congress abolishes them. In addition, regions will be creating regional courts of appeals and regional trial courts for cases involving regional law.

I wonder if the Consultative Committee has determined the cost of this new system and whether the country can afford to pay for it.

While the proposal, especially in appointing Justices, clearly tried to enhance the independence of the judiciary, I wonder if the opposite would in fact happen. For one, by diffusing the power of the current Supreme Court, there is no one entity that can now serve as a

bulwark of the judicial branch that can stand up to the President and Congress.

In addition, allowing Congress through the Commission on Appointments to appoint several members of the four federal courts politicize very explicitly the appointment process and could be at the expense of the independence of the Justices appointed through this route.

Since this proposal is not final, it might be good for Congress or a constitutional convention to consider alternatives to the Puno proposal while making sure we retain the advantages of the proposal. For example, my view is that all we need to do is to transform the current Supreme Court to a constitutional court that will only rule on cases involving constitutional law and cases involving conflict between the federated regions and those between the main branches of government and the proposed six federal commissions. All other cases should end at the Courts of Appeals which I propose should be renamed the Court of Final Appeals. An Administrative Appeals Court and an Electoral Appeals Court could be created but they do not have to be treated as equal to the Constitutional Court. In my view, there is no need to have a regional judicial system. The Court of Appeals should be fully regionalized and they will serve as both federal and regional appeals courts.

Likewise, there is no need to create a parallel system at the regional level. The federal appellate courts and the federal trial courts can also serve as their regional counterparts, mandated to apply federal or regional law as the case before them they require.

Radical reforms are being proposed for our judicial system. But I have strong doubts that they will work to address the current gaps. They might even worsen them.

The New York Times, he has continued to speak to its reporters. He has not granted CNN an interview since he took office.

“CNN is fake news, I don’t take questions from CNN,” the president snapped during a press conference in Britain earlier this month.

The Times reported that Trump “raged” at staff after his wife Melania’s television on board Air Force One was tuned to CNN, not Fox. Profile rising On Wednesday, the White House barred a CNN reporter from attending an event with the president, allegedly for asking “inappropriate” questions that officials objected to earlier in the day.

Yet others see no rational explanation for the extent of the president’s ire. CNN is only the third-most watched cable news network, lagging behind Trump favorite, Fox News in first place and MSNBC, a bastion of liberal opposition.

CNN president Jeff Zucker was previously at NBC Universal, the man who green-lighted reality show “The Apprentice” that turned Trump into a household

name, ultimately paving the way for his successful run as president.

In the summer of 2015, when Trump announced his candidacy ran for president, CNN was criticized for airing his early rallies in full and unedited, as the New York real-estate tycoon leap-frogged to the front of a crowded Republican field.

Yet CNN, like other US media, has received a shot in the arm by the Trump administration. According to Nielsen data, the channel has just closed out its thirdbest second quarter since 1996.

“If anything, his CNN obsession is increasing CNN’s profile,” says Edward Burmila, who teaches political science at Bradley University in Illinois.

“Any media outlet attracting that much anger from the White House is likely to gain something in terms of reputation in the industry.”

But whether CNN succeeds in treading a middle ground depends on who you ask, he told AFP. “Liberals tend to think CNN is bland and inoffensive. Conservatives think it’s communist propaganda.” AFP

From A4

And finally, the Federal Electoral Court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the president, vice president and members of both Houses of Congress. It also exercises exclusive jurisdiction to review, on appeal or certiorari, all decisions and final orders of lower courts insofar as elections, returns and qualifications of all other officials of government at any level.

Also to be created is a JBC-like council known as the Judicial Appointments and Disciplinary Council which is tasked to conduct search and investigation to find the most qualified candidates for the vacant positions in the judiciary and to recommend to the proper appointing authority the promotion and transfer of its members. However unlike the present JBC, the Judicial Appointments and the Disciplinary Council shall also investigate disciplinary cases and submit its findings to the appropriate Federal Court. The Council is composed of 11 ex-officio members and four regular members. An Executive Board is also to be created tasked to provide administrative and operational support to the Council.

Also to be established is at least one Federal Court of Appeals in each region and at least one (1) Federal District Court in constituent cities and provinces in each Federated Regions. My understanding is that each region will also have its own judicial branch (from trial courts to its own highest court). The Bangsamoro Autonomous region already have the Shariah Court system.

Other provisions contained in the proposed draft of the Federal Constitution are those in connection with fis-

Trump...

From A4

Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the anchor who this week broadcast a taped conversation involving Trump and his former personal lawyer.

“There is that sense that CNN could be being watched by people who may be more undecided, still open to having their opinions and ideas shaped by the reporting,” says Robert Thompson, a professor of television and popular culture.

“It’s still kind of doing the old- fashioned notion of reporter with some kind of objectivity... and I think that drives the president absolutely crazy,” added Thompson, from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

The Republican leader has long had a contentious relationship with the media, branding mainstream outlets an “enemy of the American People” and dismissing unfavorable coverage as “Fake News.”

But while Trump has railed against

HBC, 1st Trombone of The Ilocos Cultural Arts Club of Ilocos Norte and The Mendiola Brass of Manila in the 1960s, is a song lyricist and leader of the now-defunct Tiger Boys Band of Ilocos Norte.

Facebook: tonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

Post-Sona...

From A4

peso and the record-breaking inflation rates, this is hardly the time to pass TRAIN 2.

No, Duterte did not outrightly endorse the draft federal Constitution submitted to him by his appointed Consultative Committee. He also did not ask Congress to convert itself into a Constitutional Assembly. But make no mistake, he endorsed the shift to federalism to Congress.

What this administration will do in the following months on this major issue will be very interesting.

Oh, Duterte somehow inserted in his Sona the political endorsement of Bong Go and Harry Roque. This may be a sign that the elections in 2019 will push through despite all the no-el talks.

Of the things he said during his Sona, two other things disturbed me the most: His pronouncements on the drug war, and the West Philippine Sea. Duterte again chided human rights advocates.

He said that their concern is human rights but his is human lives. The thing is, human rights and human lives are inseparable. Human rights is concerned not only with being able to stay alive but equally, about the quality of life we have. Actually, this is what Duterte said when he expounded on the topic.

However, when he said that “the drug war will be as relentless and chilling,” we are actually warned that the killings will continue. This should seriously concern everyone especially in the light of recent killings that victimized decid-

edly innocent people. In his SONA, Duterte again gave the green light to his people to kill in the name of the war on drugs.

As regards the WPS, the President said that the re-energized relations with China does not mean that the administration is wavering in its commitment to protect our interest in WPS. He qualified this by saying that this will be pursued through bilateral and multilateral platforms. He claimed that his efforts had resulted in Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that intends to resolve disputes peacefully.

Hopefully, the administration will make public the said code of conduct so people know if our interests are indeed protected. This can be good since peaceful ways towards the resolution of disputes should always be pursued, not war. However, we should be negotiating from a position of strength, and Duterte failed to mention the most important way by which our WPS interests are assured—by implementing the ruling of the UN Tribunal on the case we filed and won.

Ignoring our victory and instead pursuing other ways “to settle disputes” while China continues to occupy and build on our territories is dangerous. This may be construed as agreeing with what China is doing and we lose what we have won.

Outside of the good bills Duterte endorsed to Congress and the drive towards federalism, it seems that we can expect business as usual with this administration—more killings and more kowtowing to China. @bethagsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

News

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SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Raps filed over Sebu ‘massacre’

Women, children suffering from smoke

By Rey E. Requejo

By Joel E. Zurbano SMOKERS are lording IT over public transport and places in Metro Manila affecting innocent people, including children and women on the family way, suffering from second hand smoke.

A number of people, including pregnant women, interviewed by Manila Standard urged the police and local government units to go against those who continue ignoring and defied the policy against smoking in public places and conveyances.

“Aside from passengers, jeep and bus drivers themselves are the ones violating the policy,” said Nenita Raymundo, a four-month pregnant and resident of Parañaque City.

Gloria Mercader, of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, said “I think it is important for the newly elected barangay officials to be aware of the ban so that they, themselves, inform their constituents or the community about it.”

Meanwhile, Health Justice Philippines, a think tank and advocacy group with legal expertise in tobacco control and health promotion, called on President Rodrigo Duterte to rally support for universal health care and higher tobacco taxes.

“We implore the President to emphasize the immediate need to pass the universal health care bill into law. It stands to benefit millions of Filipinos who would otherwise not receive the medical attention and treatment they urgently need,” said Mary Ann Fernandez Mendoza, Health Justice president.

Duterte, during his previous State of the Nation Address, spoke lengthily about reforms that had been made in the health sector, including signing E.O. 26, the expansion of health insurance coverage and benefits and more effective implementation of the No Balance Billing Policy.

“Investing in the health sector is never a cost to be endured but an opportunity to be explored,” Duterte said during his second Sona in 2017.

“We are eager to hear all about what the administration has done to make good its promise to ensure that Filipinos are given equitable access to quality and affordable health services,” Mendoza added.

3 found guilty of coercion

A CITY court judge found businessman Cedric Lee, former model Deniece Cornejo and co-accused Jed Fernandez guilty of grave coercion, in a case filed against them by the Department of Justice in connection with the January 2014 mauling of comedian and television host Vhong Navarro inside a condominium in Taguig City.

In a 50-page decision, Judge Bernard Pineda Bernal of Taguig Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 74 sentenced the accused to “suffer the indeterminate penalty of six months of arresto mayor as minimum, to three years and six months of prison correccional medium as maximum.”

Meanwhile, Lee’s sister Bernice was acquitted for lack of evidence.

In his sworn statement, Navarro claimed that after being mauled and detained at a condominium unit, the group forced him to sign a police blotter admitting he tried to sexually assault Cornejo.

Apart from grave coercion, Navarro also filed a separate case of serious illegal detention against the three and two others—Ferdinand Guerrero and Simeon Raz Jr. In September 2014, Judge Paz Esperanza Cortes of Taguig Regional Trial Court branch 271 decided to inhibit from handling the case after granting the bail petition of Cornejo, Lee and Raz in the serious illegal detention case.

The court granted the petition for bail of the accused after the prosecution panel “failed to provide strong evidence that said illegal detention is actually serious or actually for the sake of kidnapping.”

Prosecuting lawyer Alma Mallonga said they still have faith in the judicial system but admitted they were shocked with the decision of the court allowing the accused to post bail.

Both cases (grave coercion and serious illegal detention) stemmed from the January 22, 2014 mauling of Navarro inside Forbeswood Heights Condominium Taguig City where Cornejo stays.

Navarro also claimed the respondents mauled and tried to extort up to P2 million from him while he was inside Cornejo’s unit. Joel E. Zurbano

CEZA AWARDS. Secretary Raul Lambino (second, right), administrator and CEO of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, turns over to Jian Li, chairman of Apsaras Group Ltd., the second Financial Technology Solutions and Offshore Virtual Currency license.

The license is for Liannet Technology Ltd., under Apsaras Group Ltd., to operate a crytocurrency exchange and offer fintech services at the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport managed by Ceza. The turnover was done during the AmberTime Blockchain Technology Summit on July 26 at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. With them are Ceza Deputy Senior Administrator Raymundo Roquero (right) and Cesar Ching, president of Apsaras Group Ltd.

One-strike policy against illegal drug use is pushed T

HE National Bureau of Investigation has filed criminal cases against Malay, Aklan Mayor Ceciro Cawaling and several local officials and corporations at the Department of Justice for their role in the deterioration of world-renowned island-resort Boracay in Aklan.

TAKING President Rodrigo Duterte’s marching order to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs in his State of the Nation Address, the Dangerous Drugs Board convened the country’s law enforcement bodies to improve the implementation of the government’s one-strike policy against illegal drugs in the workplace.

Earlier this week, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra endorsed the DDB’s onestrike policy and its enhanced execution, as a way for the government to intensify the campaign against the drug menace.

In a meeting organized by DDB Chairman Catalino Cuy, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police

and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency were asked to submit proposals to strengthen the enforcement of DDB Board Regulation 2, series of 2017, which mandated a sanction of dismissal at first offense for government officials and employees who would be found positive for using illegal drugs.

In a statement Friday, Cuy said the local government must also be included in the policy’s implementation.

“Since this policy was institutionalized as of February 2017, it is essential that we reiterate its implementation up to the level of the local governments. We look forward to supplement the existing Board Regulation on the one-strike provision by establishing clear protocols

and mechanisms on the processes and procedures,” Cuy said.

He said he hoped to attain the changes and improvements in the policy when the DDB Board convened on Aug. 8.

Among the salient provisions the DDB wants to address are the requirements for random drug-testing, the administrators of drug testing procedures in the national and local government levels, the required due process for those found positive for illegal drugs and the disciplining authority on illegal drug violations.

“We would like to instill the importance of accountability, integrity and moral ascendancy among our ranks in the government service. It is our primordial obligation to be law-abiding citizens and lead by example. Being a drug free individual is a major step.

This is the reason why we [at the DDB] are serious in our pursuit to lay down the directions that will strengthen our anti-drug priorities,” Cuy said. PNA

FAMILY DEWORMING.

The World Health organization recommends deworming to all-risk individuals living in endemic areas, as well as medicines, like mebendazole, to control infection.

The Family Doc Clinic and the Johnson & Johnson formally launch the Family Deworming program led by Dr. Vicente Belizarion and other officials at Family Doc Clinic in Novaliches, Quezon City.

Lino Santos

THE Department of Justice has been asked to prosecute three ranking Philippine Army officials and three local officials in South Cotabato, in connection with their alleged involvement in the socalled “Lake Sebu massacre.”

Representing the families of the victims, the National Union of People’s Lawyers filed the criminal complaint Thursday against 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Noel Clement and his subordinates, 33rd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc and 27th IB commander Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander for having committed seven counts of murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code and two counts of frustrated murder the under the RPC. The other respondents are local officials of Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu, namely: Barangay Captain Bebot Nobleta, Kagawad Melencio Tungkay, and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative Arturo Labi.

In a letter to Acting Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, NUPL through lawyer Katherine Panguban stressed that the families decided to file the complaint in Manila instead in South Cotabato due to fear for their lives.

“They are currently seeking refuge in Metro Manila following the continued and intensified militarization of their community in South Cotabato as a consequence of the imposition of Mindanao-wide Martial law,” the NUPL lawyer said.

“Fear for their lives and security coupled with high probability of retaliation from the military and police left them with no other choice but to continue their quest for justice in Manila for their loved ones,” she added.

The NUPL accused the respondents of having killed seven Lumads from T’boli-Dulangan Manobo and B’laan indigenous tribes and hurting two others during the incident that took place last Dec. 3 in Lake Sebu.

Panglao airport almost complete THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced Friday the construction of the new Panglao Airport in Bohol was now 91.62-percent complete.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade led the inspection of the facility and checked the progress of the construction works—from the runway to the passenger terminal, perimeter fence, and the sewerage treatment system—to ensure the project would be completed as scheduled.

Tugade said the airport could accommodate seven aircraft at one time, including large aircraft for international flights, and is expected to accommodate two-million passengers in its opening year.

The Panglao Airport will replace the old Tagbilaran Airport to accommodate more passengers going to and from the province of Bohol.

The facility is designed to be the country’s first eco-airport and dubbed as the “Green Gateway to the World.” Solar panels will be installed on the Passenger Terminal Building’s roof to cover around 1/3 of the airport’s energy requirement.

Tagbilaran Airport, especially its runway, was recently placed under preventive maintenance, repair, and patching works due to degradation caused by continuous rains recently.

Heavy rains resulted in water to infiltrate under the runway and causing potholes and cracks.

The preventive maintenance in Tagbilaran was a collaborative effort between the Department of Transportation, CAAP, local government unit, and private contractors enlisted to assist in the delivery and repair works.

Joel E. Zurbano

Pagasa: LPA spotted off Batangas A LOW-PRESSURE area was spotted off Batangas on Friday, as the southwest monsoon or “habagat” would continue to bring rains in some parts of the country, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the LPA was last observed at 60 kilometers west of Ambulong, Batangas.

It could mean more misery for some 381,757 families or 1,677,790 persons living in 1,479 barangays across seven regions, including Metro Manila, that have been affected by heavy rains caused by the monsoon enhanced by recent tropical cyclones “Henry,” “Inday,” and “Josie.”

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director Ricardo Jalad, in the agency’s 6 am update Friday, said the affected villages were in Regions 1 (Ilocos), 3 (Central Luzon), 4A (Calabarzon), 4B (Mimaropa), 6 (Western Visayas), Cordillera and the National Capital Region.

Of the affected families, 11,565 or

about 47,092 persons, are being helped in 253 evacuation centers while 141, 825 families, or 592,087 individuals, are receiving aid outside evacuation centers.

Jalad said 102 road sections and eight bridges in Regions 1, 3, 4A, 4B, 6, and Cordillera were affected by the monsoon rains. Of these, some 74 road sections and four bridges are now passable.

He said the rainy weather has so far caused flooding in 724 areas in the affected regions, but floodwaters have already receded in 392 locations. About 313 houses were damaged, 61 totally and 252 partially.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, and local government units have extended a total of P47.47 million worth of assistance to affected families in the seven regions.

Due to the southwest monsoon, Palawan, Mindoro and western Visayas will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms particularly in the late afternoon and evening, Pagasa said. PNA

CESSNA LAUNCHING. Grand Caravan 208-8 seater capacity launching was recently held at the Impression of Resorts World. Shown are Airtrav executives Capt Jocob Cusi (right), president, and Gigi Ngui, sales director congratulating Charelle Dannug of Puerto Gallera Fridays Island Resort, for being the first island to fly guests from Manila daily except Tuesday. Airtrav offers chartered flights to any point in the country. The aircraft can also land on water.

Sports

A7

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Anton halts Milo’s Phoenix slalom win run

Lady Tams target solo lead vs Stags Games today

9 a.m. – San Beda vs Adamson (men’s) 11 a.m. – Perpetual vs FEU (men’s) 2 p.m. – Perpetual vs UP (women’s) 4 p.m. – FEU vs SSC (women’s)

FAR Eastern University sets out as the heavy favorite as it shoots for a third straight victory against San Sebastian even as University of the Philippines debuts against Perpetual Help in the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Collegiate Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan today (Saturday).

Dragged into a five-set battle by the St. Benilde Lady Blazers and a four-set skirmish by the San Beda Red Spikers in their first two matches, the Lady Tams look to score a sweep this time as they take on the Lady Stags, who yielded a straight-set defeat to the UST Tigresses last week.

Gametime is at 4 p.m. with Celine Domingo, Lycha Ebon, Jerrili Malabanan, Czarina Carandang, Heather Guino-O and Jeanette Villareal hoping to raise the level of the game along with setter Kyle Negrito and libero Ria Duremdes.

But the Lady Stags also hope to come out strong and spring a surprise behind Joyce Sta. Rita, Jamille Carreon, Shane Requierme with libero Jewelle Bermillo and playmaker Alexia Sison likewise eager to provide the needed support.

The Fighting Maroons, on the other hand, try to pounce on the Lady Altas’ poor start as they tangle in the 2 p.m. opener.

Seeing action for the first time in the mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Mikasa and Asics, the Diliman-based squad is upbeat of its chances against Perpetual Help which lost to Adamson and UST in lopsided fashions.

Games can be viewed live on Sports + Action Channel 23 and via live streaming on www.abs-cbn. com/livestream/pvl.

Estefano Rivera of Tough Gear Racing maneuvers his car around the slalom course during the 5th leg of the 2018 RACE Motorsports club Phoenix Pulse Technology National Slalom Series at the Robinsons Starmills in Pampanga.

Chiefs turn back Stags in overtime, 82 to 81

T

HIRD-YEAR veteran Levi dela Cruz only had 10 points and was doing badly with his outside shots.

when he missed two charities.

Earlier, the Letran Knights jumped to a strong start, got 14 points apiece from Christian Fajarito and Larry Muyang and swamped the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 74-58, for a 2-1 record.

Fajarito struck with 8 points in the second period to power the Knights to a 3931 halftime edge, while Muyang shot 11 points in the third canto to hand Letran a 12-point edge, 65-43.

“Kahit sino puwedeng mag-step up.

‘Yung mga second unit players, nasuportahan nila iyung mga leaders namin sa team. Kaya naging pabor sa amin ang game,” said Knights’ coach Jeff Napa.

In junior action, Mapua recruit Romuel Junsay struck hard in the final minute to carry the unbeaten Arellano Braves to a 98-93 triumph over the San Sebastian Staglets and their third consecutive victory. Peter Atencio

Games Tuesday

But after getting tongue-lashing from coach Jerry Codinera, the 5’7” De la Cruz connected with a risky triple and lifted the Arellano Chiefs to a close 82-81 overtime victory over the San Sebastian Stags yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.

Adrian Ablan went on to top-score with 18 points for the Chiefs, who picked up their second win in three games in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

“Napagalitan ko pa nga bago niya iyung tirang iyun. Sinabihan ko na mag-execute.

It was a desperation shot. He does not back down on an opportunity,” said Codinera.

The Stags, who now have a 2-3 slate,

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

were ahead in the last 14.2 seconds after JM Calma knocked in one of two charities, 80-79.

They had chance to still win it. But Dela Cruz stole the ball off Arjan dela Cruz as time winded down, allowing the Chiefs to keep keep possession and set up the game-winning trey.

The game got tied at 72-all in regulation when Chiefs’ cager Rence Alcoriza scored after a Dela Cruz assist with 28 seconds left.

Michael Calisaan scored 28 points for the Stags, but he bungled a chance to win the game for SSC in the last 11.9 seconds

New champions dominate Manila Cockers Club events

Paolo Crisostomo displays his third MCC championship trophy.

CARMONA—The Manila Cockers Club Inc., the country’s cockfighting industry game changer, welcomed several new faces in its roster of derby champions, led by breeder Paolo Crisostomo who now holds a total of three MCC championship titles under his belt.

Despite stiff competition in the 60th Breeders Festival last July 7, Crisostomo won his third MCC championship title with his entry Sweet Baby, joining other winners ABB Game Farm of Adiong Borja and Black Mamba of D&G. In the 58th MCC 7-Cock Breeders Festival finals last June 19, it was the team of Golden Wings Warriors by owners Jonathan, Rommy and Noli Monares, which claimed the solo championship title with their impressive seven-point win.

During the 59th edition, however, six breeders were awarded the championship title.

They include ARAMAC GF 888 by Einar Macapagal and Randolf Barandino; Aviator Gamefarm by Captain Theo Forte and Team V; Dimasalang 3 by Crisostomo; Dugong Thunderbee by Atty. Art De Cas-

tro; Sikat ng Araw by Jun Oliveros; and Sweet Gabby by Bobbit Ples.

The Manila Cockers Club is inviting all interested breeders and cock farms to join its upcoming festivals this August.

All derbies will follow a 3-4 format, requiring a minimal fee of ₱8,888 per entry.

The contest is open to all cocks and bull stags with a weight limit of 1.800 to 2.400 kilograms.

MCC does not require any minimum bet nor membership fee to its participating breeders.

A generous purse of P2.620 million (distributed) will be awarded to the winners.

MCC derbies are aired live via GameTime TV, Cignal Ch. 109 with online livestreaming on manilacockers.com.

For more information, call the MCC hotline at (02)696 1120 or (63)917 582 2615, visit our website manilacockers.com or follow our official Facebook page, facebook. com/ManilaCockersClub.

Interested parties may also visit the Cockers Arena at the G/F Turf Building of the San Lazaro Leisure Park, Barangay Lantic, Governor’s Drive, Carmona, Cavite.

Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp fuels Pinoy cagers’ skills COMBINING the Filipino passion for basketball and the Taiwanese drive for innovation, the first-ever Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp recently filled the Mall of Asia Music Hall with an intense 3-on-3 Hoop Challenge, top-notch innovations from Taiwan Excellence and PBA stars.

A partnership between Taiwan Excellence and legendary PBA star Coach Eric Altamirano, the two-day Camp aimed to promote sportsmanship as it brought together some of the Metro’s most promising basketball players, while highlighting the incredible products awarded with the Taiwan Excellence Seal.

“Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp is an exemplary showcase of excellence from both countries: The fighting spirit of the Filipinos further empowered by the products of Taiwan,” said Alfred Wang, Director of the Economic Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.

With its aim of promoting leading products, Taiwan Excellence shares to the world a variety of truly innovative brands. Initiated by the Ministry

of Economic Affairs, Taiwan, R.O.C., in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is continuously recognized by 102 countries.

The symbol of Taiwan Excellence, according to Wang, honors Taiwan’s most innovative products “that provide tremendous value to users worldwide.”Each product has been selected for a specific Taiwan Excellence Award based on their excellence in the following categories: design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese R&D, and manufacturing.

Boasting participation of 192 amateur Pinoy ballers, the Camp put their skills to the test in a rigorous 3-on-3 matches, while three PBA stars are on the sidelines showing support.

Alongside Coach E of Alaska Aces, local court heroes JC Intal and Doug Kramer of Phoenix Fuel Masters also gave their support to the budding ballers.

Also integral to the whole Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp set up is the Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone which exhibits the top-of-the-

MILO Rivera’s winning streak came to a screeching halt last Sunday when 14-year-old Inigo Anton gave him a tight battle in the 5th leg of the 2018 RACE Motorsports club Phoenix Pulse Technology National Slalom Series at the Robinsons Starmills in Pampanga.

The Tough Gear Racing standout finished in third spot and was even upstaged by his brother/teammate Estefano Rivera.

Anton of Mark Young Racing Team clocked 42.66 in bagging the Overall and Front wheel best time of the day.

Estefano came in second with 42.68, while Milo placed third with 42.90.

Jevoy Moreno of JAF Racing Team was fourth with 43.82 and Douglas Maningding of Speedmode Racing Team ranked fifth with 44.28.

Milo Rivera completed a championship sweep in 2017 and started the year with four straight wins, before finally yielding in the fifth.

Anton also took the Front Wheel best time, followed by Moreno and Richard Gallardo, who are both participating in the coming Indonesian Asian Gymkhana this Aug. 11 and 12.

For the Production Best Time, Estefano Rivera won with 42.68, with Milo securing runner-up honors with 42.90.

Maningding placed third with 44.28.

Powee Base of PMMS Rennsport Racing Team brought home the Novice Best time with 44.50, followed by Ram Rafanan of Globe Spade Baguio City with 44.74.

Vegil Calayo of JAF Racing Team was third with 45.50.

The 2018 RACE Motorsports Club Phoenix Pulse Technology Technology National Slalom Series with enhanced power and acceleration is also supported by major sponsors Federal Tyres and 3K Batteries, New SR KYB Special Shock Absorbers, Robinsons Novaliches and Robinsons Malls. It is also supported

by Starbright Body Kits, Auto Transporter, meedia partners Stoplight TV, C! Magazine, Auto Car Magazine, Power Wheels Magazine and Medical Team AEROMED. The event was participated in by Tough Gear Racing Team, PMMS Rennsports, Speedmode Racing Team, Globe Spade, RODLEA Racing Team, JAF Racing Team, Pongga Racing Team, Mark Young Race Cars and Speedjav Racing Team.

Davao City hosts PSC’s paragames PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Commissioner and officer in charge Arnold Agustin welcomed over 300 para athletes from Davao City as the ‘Differently-Abled Sports for Life’ (DAS4Life) paragames opens today at the University of Mindanao, Davao City.

In his opening speech, Agustin thanked all the participants and assured them of the PSC’s continued support, reminding that “one of the agency’s priorities is helping our para athletes discover grassroots talents through these kinds of events.”

“Aside from the R.A. 6847, we are also mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities through Article 30 to promote the inclusion of PWDs in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport,’” said Agustin.

In a simple ceremony for the turnover of donated sports equipment held yesterday, Davao City Vice Mayor Bernard E. Al-ag acknowledged the PSC. “We will use this for the development of our para athletes,” said the vice mayor.

National Council on Disability Affairs Board of Directors Member James Infiesto assured that “we will continue to support and work hand-in-hand with the PSC in strengthening the morale of our PWDs.” Participants, aged 24 and below, will compete today in chess and volleyball at the University of Mindanao, table tennis at Rizal Park, athletics and goalball at People’s Park and wheelchair basketball at Barangay 35-D covered court.

LOTTO RESULTS Taiwan Trade Center Manila Director Clement Chen (center) is joined by PBA players JC Intal (left) and Doug Kramer during their official launch as Taiwan Excellence ambassadors at a press event held at the SMX Convention Center, MOA Complex, Pasay City.

line products of Taiwan.

With products from tech giant Asus, fitness company Johnson, and bike manufacturer Tern, among others, the Taiwan Excellence Zone got everyone up close and personal with impressive

products championed by Taiwan.

For updates about Taiwan Excellence, visit their website https://www. taiwanexcellence.org/ph and follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/ TaiwanExcellence.ph.

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

Sports

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

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SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018

F2 Logistics shoots for PSL crown Game Today: (Ynares Sports Arena) 5 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Petron

F2 Logistics goes for the jugular when it clashes with bitter rival Petron in Game 2 of their Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference bestof-three titular showdown today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Riding the crest of their stunning come-from-behind victory in Game 1, the Cargo Movers try to finish the job in the 5 p.m. lone battle in this women’s club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu, UCPB Gen and SOGO Hotel with ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV as broadcast partners.

F2 Logistics displayed the heart of a champion in the series-opener.

Despite a rusty start and 39 errors, the Cargo Movers delivered down the stretch with Majoy Baron unloading a pair of crucial hits to escape with an 1825, 25-23, 20-25, 29-27, 18-16 victory.

Ara Galang provided the scoring punch with 18 hits while Baron chipped in 15 points built on eight kills, four blocks and three aces for the Cargo Movers, who are looking to avenge their bitter setback to the Blaze Spikers in the Grand Prix finals early this year.

But bagging the franchise’s third title in this league that also has Senoh, Mikasa, Mueller, Asics and Grand Sport as technical sponsors is easier said than done.

“Well, Petron is always ready to bounce back so we have to be ready any time or any situation we’re facing them,” said F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus, adding that it’s time for them to give everything they have.

“This is a championship game. We have to give ourselves in this battle. We have nobody to bank on but ourselves.”

This is the fourth consecutive finals battle between F2 Logistics and Petron, arguably two of the best club leagues in the country.

Their first meeting was in the AllFilipino Conference last year where the Blaze Spikers swept the Cargo Movers.

Then, the Cargo Movers avenged their defeat when MJ Perez and Kennedy Bryan powered them to a thrilling win over the Blaze Spikers led by Lindsay Stalzer, Hillary Hurley and Yuri Fukuda.

Bernadeth Pons (Petron) is rejected by F2 Logistics’ Kim Fajardo and Aby Marano in Game 1 of the PSL Invitational Conference title showdown.

PH faces sanctions for cage pullout F

OR not sending a basketball team to the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia this August, the Philippine Olympic Committee expects not only sanctions from the Olympic Council of Asia, but the wrath of Filipino fans.

POC president Ricky Vargas said they are sending an official communication to the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee (Inasgoc) confirming the decision not to send a men’s basketball squad to the Asiad, where the Filipinos are bracketed in Group B alongside reigning silver medalist Iran, Syria, and United Arab Emirates.

“I think there will be a monetary sanction. What I don’t know is if there will be a sanction outside a fine,” said Vargas, who admitted that not sending a team to Asian Games is an unpopular decision.

The POC chief said understanding the principle behind the decision of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will ease the pain of not having sent one.

“They (SBP) thought na maybe it’s best not to send. It’s all about, in principle, building up one step back and building for the future.

Maybe unpopular, but they have to make that decision,” said Vargas. “I appreciate what the SBP is doing. They are looking forward to strengthening our future instead of looking at all this current and try to manage what is current. Naiintindihan ko rin ang disappointment ng tao. But this is the time now to look at long-term plans.”

The SBP, led by its president Alfredo Panlilio, said in a statement late Thursday that they made the decision “to allow our National Team and our organization to regroup, prepare for the process of appealing the FIBA Disciplinary Panel’s recent Decision,

Taiwanese reigns in rain, wins ICTSI golf CARMONA, Cavite—Chiang Huang endured a long rain delay then came out of foggy condition a clear winner, claiming a four-shot victory over three stunned Thai aces on a fiery windup in the ICTSI Champion Tour at Tagaytay Midlands here yesterday.

Huang birdied three of the last four holes in impressive fashion and finished with a bogey-free 67 in wet, tough conditions, turning what had appeared to be a wild, scrambling ending into a runaway triumph as Pannapa Polnamin, Supamas Sangchan and Renuka Suksukont all failed to match the Taiwanese charge.

The 22-year-old Huang closed out with a 34-33 for a 12-under 204 aggregate, beating Sangchan, Polnamin and Suksukont by four after the Thais wound up with identical 208s on 68, 69 and 71, respectively.

The margin of victory didn’t actually reflect the manner by which Huang had to overcome the pressure from his chief rivals, including Princess Superal, and tension of a finale that in one stretch had looked to be going the way it was last week when it was cancelled due to inclement weather and unplayable

Taiwan’s Chiang Huang soaks in victory after beating three Thais in the rain-hit ICTSI Champion Tour.

conditions at Southwoods.

As the battle heated up at the turn with Superal moving from five-down to one behind with a solid five-under 31, play was stopped due to downpour then fog set in and blanketed parts of the backside,

Manila Softbelles on a roll

HEMET, CALIFORNIA—Defending Champion Team Manila–Philippines showed fine form as it rolled over Moreno Valley, 16-0, yesterday going into the final day of group competition in the 2018 edition of the PONY World Series 18–U Girls Softball Championships at the packed out Diamond Valley Park inside the Valley-Wide Recreation District here.

Standout pitcher Glory Alonzo again delivered a stellar performance with three no-run innings, two fine defensive stops, and a one-run homerun as the 17-year-old from the Domingo Lacson National High School in Negros Occidental limited Moreno Valley to just four hits to lead the Manila batters in the first match of a double header going to the final day of seeding for teams seeing action in this prestigious event.

But it was at the bottom of the first inning when the Big City softbelles, whose trip here is backed by Mayor Joseph Estrada and the International Container Terminal

Services Inc., scored seven straight runs jumpstarted by a two-run homerun by the 15-year-old heavy hitting Alexandria Romero-Salas, followed by another tworun homerun by outfielder/catcher Alaiza Talisik, then another run by center fielder Khrisha Cantor off a base hit by third baseman Madaelene Domaug.

Another two-run homerun at the bottom of the second was completed by first baseman/pitcher Cleofe Magsayo after a couple of one-run homeruns each by pitcher Alonzo and shortstop Angelu Gabriel, including an RBI each

by Romero-Salas and Cantor for a final score of 16-0 going into the bottom of the third for an abbreviated match.

In the second of the double header, top hurler Alma Tauli was in her usual fine form as she silenced the San Bernardino Blake crowd with five strike outs, two defensive stops, and three no run innings to lead the Manila softbelles to a 10-0 win over the San Bernardino batters.

prompting the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. to consider cancelling the third round altogether and let the three leaders after 36 holes—Ploychompoo Wilairungrueng, Suksukont and Huang—dispute the crown in a playoff.

and aim for sustainable success in future tournaments.”

The decision comes a few days after the FIBA, the world governing body in basketball, sanctioned SBP with a P13million fine after the FIBA Disciplinary Panel suspended 13 players and 2 coaches, from the Gilas Pilipinas and the Australian Boomers.

The suspensions and fines were handed to the Philippines and Australia for figuring in a brawl midway through the third quarter of their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifier at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan last July 2.

Officials believe that joining the Asiad at this time will not maximize the national squad’s exposure.

“We have reached the conclusion that, with the forgoing considered and after consulting with the basketball community, the time and chance to participate in the 2018 Asian Games would not be

optimal,” said the SBP in their statement.

SBP was supposed to tap the nucleus of the Rain or Shine squad and FilAmerican cager Jordan Clarkson of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Asiad.

The SBP even appointed NLEX coach Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine Coach Caloy Garcia to call the shots for the team.

Guiao was said to be pushing for the inclusion of players from other ballclubs, such as Stanley Pringle, Paul Lee, JuneMar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter in order to be competitive against the national teams of Asian countries, but the PBA stuck to its original plan of allowing only one team (Rain or Shine) to the Games.

“In the last board meeting, one team lang para hindi masira ang schedule.

TNT, hindi puwede, ‘yung number one team [Rain or Shine] pumayag, sila ang kinuha. One team lang talaga ang policy,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial. Peter Atencio

PH 6th in Asean Games

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Team Philippines ended its 2018 ASEAN Schools Games campaign on Wednesday with a total of 36 medals to finish sixth overall among 10 competing countries.

The country competed in 10 out of 11 events and bagged nine golds, five medals short of the 13 it won in last year’s edition in Singapore.

The Philippine contingent will also go home with seven silvers and 20 bronze medals.

The 2018 ASEAN Schools Games ended with the host country Malaysia emerging in first place with 37 gold, 34 silver, and 32 bronze medals, while Indonesia came in second with 31 gold, 36 silver, and 30 bronze.

Thailand (19-21-31), Singapore (13-1622), and Vietnam (13-8-6) occupied the third, fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

The athletics’ team was the best performer in the meet team as it contributed six golds, four silvers and six bronze medals in the meet held annually.

Runner Jessel Lumapas, a Grade 11 standout of Nazareth School of National University, emerged as this year’s most bemedalled athlete for the Philippines

with two golds.

The 17-year-old Lumapas, Calabarzon’s sprint queen, ruled the 200m and 400m girls’ events at the MiniStadium of the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil.

The Cavite native actually gunned for her third gold medal in the 4x400m event, but fell short after Bernalyn Bejoy tripped during the passing of the Baton and failed to recover.

However, the team still managed to salvage bronze.

Philippine Chef-De-Mission Rizalino Jose Rosales said he was satisfied with this year’s results despite the Filipinos’ failure to surpass or even match the medal output last year.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey also lauded all Filipino athletes who competed here in Malaysia.

“I am very proud of them. They represented our country well. But, there will always be winners as well as losers in any sport,” Maxey said.

Medalists received incentives from the Department of Education. Next year’s edition of the ASG will be held in Semarang, Indonesia.

Arellano, Enderun reach Vivo Hoop Battle finals TEAM Arellano and Team which topped the first PH leg Enderun bested 10 other riat Glorietta; F4 and BS Susim vals to clinch the last two Shipping teams, which ruled berths in the VIVO Hoop Batthe second stop at TriNoma; and tle Championship Philippines Team Just Coco and Team Core, Finals set at Market! Market! which reigned at South Park. in Taguig on Sunday.

Organizers expect a spirited Arellano edged Enderun for battle in the finals starting at 1 top honors in the final elims leg at p.m. to be graced by a team from Fairview Terraces in Novaliches, China with the top two squads QC last week with the two teams joining the other top finishers in joining the six other squads, which other Asian tournaments in the topped their respective sides of the grand championship slated in four-leg eliminations held at varAugust in Suzhou, China. ious Ayala Malls in Metro Manila, Members of Team Arellano and Team Enderun celebrate The top finishers in the Phl in the Phl finals expected to draw a their top 2 finish in the last elims leg of the VIVO Hoop Battle leg will also receive P200,000 Championship at Fairview Terraces. With them are event hosts huge crowd tomorrow. and P100,000, respectively, Arellano and Enderun foiled Andrei Felix and Sydney Crespo while the top three teams in the Tune Squad, Herons, MCM, grand finals in China will get P3 Triple B’s, EAC Pride, Twice, New Kicks Ballhandlers, EUDEX, million, P900,000 and P600,000, respectively.

Team Regal and D&B Titans to gain a crack at the Phl leg crown The event is sponsored by Vivo, the leading global smartof the pioneering event, an annual 3x3 basketball tournament held phone brand endorsed by NBA superstar Stephen Curry in some districts in China and other Asian countries. The Phl leg of the Golden State Warriors, and backed by Capdase. For is presented by AyalaMalls Synergies Inc. and Vivo. details and updates, follow the official Facebook page at The other finalists are Team Ballers and Metro Star Realty, https:www.facebook.com/VHBCP/.

IN BRIEF BSP eases regulations on banks’ bond issues BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas approved the relaxation of rules concerning the issuance of bonds by banks in a move to further deepen the corporate bond market, Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said on Friday.

Espenilla said at the sidelines of an event the move could possibly prompt banks to issue bonds rather than the long-term negotiable certificates of time deposits, or LTNCDs. “We issued the rules that will facilitate banks to issue bonds into the market. As a way of raising long-term money, they can [now] issue bonds, they can consider issuing bonds to support their growth. Down the road, that should replace LTNCDs,” Espenilla said.

Citing the difference between the two, Espenilla said LTNCDs basically were deposit instruments covered by deposits rules.

Bonds, meanwhile, are not really deposits and actually are capital instruments.

“These will actually help build the corporate bond market. It’s a kind of corporate bond except that it’s issued by banks,” Espenilla said. Julito G. Rada

Business

Transpacific to renew Congress franchise TRANSPACIFIC Broadband Group International Inc. said it will apply for the renewal of its Congressional franchise for another 25 years as it plans to become the country’s third player.

Transpacific said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the company’s Congressional franchise under Republic Act 8657 was eligible for the renewal for another 25 years from 2023 to 2048.

The renewal of the franchise aims to support government’s initiative for a third telecommunications player to serve the public interest.

Transpacific is headed by businessman Arsenio Ng, who also owns ATN Holdings Inc., formerly Jabpract Mining and Industrial Corp.

Earlier, Transpacific said its board approved the fundraising, equivalent to a 40-percent equity to foreign investors, through a private placement.

The company said it would use the proceeds from the private placement to participate in various opportunities in the telecommunication market brought about by the directive of the government to have a third telco in the Philippines.

Belle’s first-half profit increased 11% to P1.96b

By Jenniffer B. Austria BELLE Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. reported Friday a consolidated net income of P1.96 billion in the first six months of 2018, up 11 percent from P1.77 billion year-on-year, on strong revenue contribution from the gaming and real estate businesses.

Excluding capital gains from sales of non-core investments and extraordinary items, Belle’s recurring net income reached P2.08 billion for the current period, up 26 percent from P1.66 billion a year ago.

Belle said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-half revenues rose 10 percent to P4.5 billion from P4.1 billion a year ago mainly due to higher revenues from gaming unit Premium Leisure Corp.

Premium Leisure has an operating agreement with the Philippine affiliate of Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited (Melco) that gives it a share of gaming revenues from the City of Dreams Manila.

Premium Leisure received P1.73 billion in gaming revenues, up 18 percent from P1.46 billion recorded in 2017.

Revenue from real estate development climbed 11 percent in the first half of the year to P1.2 billion from P1.07 billion in 2017.

A significant portion of this real estate-related EBITDA was derived from Belle’s lease of the land and buildings comprising the City of Dreams Manila to Melco, with the balance coming from sales of real estate products and property management activities at the Tagaytay Highlands and Midlands residential and leisure complexes south of Metro Manila.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018

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BUSINESS MATCHING FAIR.

Executives of Security Bank Corp., led by senior vice president Eduardo Olbes, executive vice president and head of Corporate and Investment Banking Segment, director and EVP of Alliance Segment Takahiro Onishi and president and chief executive officer Alfonso Salcedo Jr., and MUFG executives represented by managing executive director and head of Financial Solutions Group Makoto Kobayashi and general manager of MUFG Manila Branch Tatsuto Ishida hold a press conference for the 2nd Business Matching Fair. Security Bank and MUFG Bank Ltd., Japan’s largest lender, convened 88 large, medium and small-scale businesses in the food and beverage, consumer goods and cosmetics industry from the Philippines, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam during the business matching. A total of 229 business collaborations meetings were arranged for the participants.

DoT wants Royal Air to fly 7 times a week THE Department of Tourism is asking Royal Air Charter Service Inc. to mount charter flights between Macau and Subic Bay International Airport seven times a week.

“Royal Air is among our airline partners which the DOT is working with to bring in tourists from China. Through our Route Development Team, we are providing marketing support to air carriers to increase tourist traffic to underutilized international gateways in the Philippines such as the Subic Bay International Airport,” said Tourism Undersecretary and spokesperson Benito Bengzon, Jr. The carrier plans to mount daily flights from Macau to Subic Bay on a daily frequency using a 97-seater aircraft.

Once Royal Air agrees to the request, it will add about 697 international air seats or about 35,308 seats a year from China.

“Subic Bay is a special economic zone in the Philippines which by law allows the entry of foreign nationals without the required visa for a maximum of 14 days. This is a good opportunity for Philippine tourism,” Bengzon added. Othel V. Campos

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

PH pursuing US talks to neutralize trade war T

By Othel V. Campos

HE Philippines will have competitive advantages by pursuing a free trade agreement with the US if and when the trade war escalates, the Trade Department said Friday.

“In the long run any trade war that will result to a global slowdown will affect everyone negatively. But in the short to middle term, there are gains to be made if your country has that access to key markets. We want to be ready,” said Trade undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo.

Rodolfo confirmed reports that the Philippines and the US were in discussions for a bilateral trade agreement, although Manila was still unsure if a free trade agreement between the two countries could be forged immediately.

The talks between the US and the Philippines and the negotiating process had started, Rodolfo said.

An ongoing study on the proposed agree-

ment and stakeholder consultations to determine the fine prints are still in progress.

The Philippine Trade Department is currently completing the domestic processes toward a decision despite the question of whether or not an FTA will be launched.

“We do not want to pre-empt... the result but the intention is to come to a decision whatever will that be on whether to start an FTA negotiation or not (amid) this ongoing uncertain global environment where there are more protectionist measures being instituted by both sides and there is fear in escalation of trade war,” Rodolfo said.

He said it was imperative for the Philippines to discuss and ensure that local exporters would continue to have access to key markets, including the US. “Preserving and securing and enhancing market access to the US is very important. It can come by way of the FTA or some other ways. But what is important is that we are looking closely at it and closely discussing it with the US,” Rodolfo said.

The Philippines still needs to negotiate on some key products that are not yet part of the US Generalized System of Preferences.

The Philippines wants to pursue a an agreement with the US in the same pace as that of the Philippine-European Free Trade Association that culminated within a 14-month frame, Rodolfo said.

The Philippines described the Philippine-EFTA FTA as commercially meaningful between the two parties and wanted to see the same applied in the US bilateral talks.

Rodolfo said the Trade Department had consistently met with stakeholders to pinpoint exactly the Philippines’ interests in the markets of potential partners.

The US and China early this month launched tit-for-tat tariffs on each other’s imports, the opening shots in what Beijing called “the largest trade war in economic history” between the world’s top two economies.

The US pulled the trigger on 25-percent duties on about $34 billion in Chinese machinery, electronics and high-tech equipment, including autos, computer hard drives, and LEDs. The foreign ministry in Beijing said retaliatory measures “took effect immediately” with state news agency Xinhua confirming they were also 25-percent tariffs on an equal amount of goods.

Local banana growers want bilateral pact with Korea LOCAL banana growers are pressing the government to sign a bilateral agreement with South Korea to help reduce the 30 percent tariff imposed on Philippine bananas and make them competitive with similar exports to the north Asian nation.

The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association said in a statement the Philippines could lose South Korea as a top export destination unless tariffs were removed to fairly compete with other banana exports in the market.

“Cheap banana imports from Central America have started to eat into the share of Philippine bananas in the Korean market and these could totally push us out of the picture by 2022 unless we get the same zero-tariff treatment as they do,” said PBGEA executive director Stephen Antig.

Losing the Korean market, which is among the top three destinations for Philippine banana exports, would rob 32,000 banana workers and over 200,000 dependents of their means of livelihood, the group said.

It will also result in the estimated annual export revenue losses of close to $300 million and another P6.5 billion in foregone local and national tax revenues.

The group said by 2021, the Central American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama might start exporting their bananas to Korea at zero import tariffs.

Peru was already enjoying zero tariffs on their banana exports to South Korea while Colombia would get the same treatment three years from now, the group added.

Even Vietnam would sell bananas to South Korea at zero tariff by 2021, Valoria noted.

Sumifru Philippines Corp. president Paul Cuyegkeng said Filipino banana growers merely wanted a “level playing field” in competing with exporters from other countries not only in South Korea, but in Japan and China as well.

“We are talking about protecting the banana industry and saving job. It would be highly ironic if we lose jobs in the banana industry which is mostly based in Mindanao when the main program of our President, who hails from this island, is job creation,” he said.

The group said the Philippines should negotiate separate bilateral deals to make the agreements country-specific and not regionalized.

Othel V. Campos

BDO’s net income hit P13.1b in six months

By Julito G. Rada BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, said net income in the first half declined 1.5 percent to P13.1 billion from P13.3 billion a year ago.

The bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday excluding the impact of Philippine Financial Reporting Standard-9, which was implemented early this year on the investment portfolio of BDO Life and the ongoing expansion of One Network Bank, net income would have increased 13 percent.

PFRS-9—the local equivalent of IFRS-9—took effect at the start of 2018. It requires banks to assess all future asset impairments by using expected loss models as opposed to the previous as-incurred approach.

“Net interest income remained the major earnings driver, accelerating by 19 percent to almost P46.0 billion, driven by the hefty 20-percent jump in customer loans to P1.9 trillion on broad-based growth across all market segments,” the bank said a statement.

Meanwhile, total deposits expanded 17 percent to P2.3 trillion, supported by the 14-percent hike in low-cost CASA deposits, representing more than 70 percent of total deposits.

Additionally, low-cost CASA funding combined with upward loan re-pricing due to rising interest rates resulted in net interest margins improving to 3.50 percent from 3.43 percent last year.

Non-interest income amounted to P22.8 billion, lower by two percent year-on-year, as the 23 percent growth in insurance premiums to P5.6 billion and the 7-percent growth in fees and other income to P17.2 billion were offset by the unrealized mark-to-market losses on BDO Life’s portfolio.

Service charges and fees remained strong, but were tempered by weak underwriting and syndication activities in the capital markets. Gross operating income rose 11 percent to P68.8 billion.

Operating expenses were higher by 12 percent with the opening of 45 new BDO branches and higher documentary stamp taxes. Excluding the impact of higher DST, operating expenses would have risen by just 10 per cent.

CEB gets five more Airbus A320neo jets

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CABANATUAN CITY LOAN. Development Bank of the Philippines president and chief executive officer Cecilia Borromeo (fourth from left) shakes hands with Cabanatuan City Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara after signing the P1.7-billion omnibus term loan agreement during ceremonies held on June 11, 2018 in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. With them are (from left) DBP senior assistant vice president Catherine Camarao, DBP executive vice president Anthony Robles, Cabanatuan City administrator Jose Roy Balagtas and DBP senior assistant vice president Francis Thaddeus Rivera.

CEBU Pacific has acquired additional five Airbus A320neo (new engine option) through a lease agreement with an Ireland-based aircraft leasing company to support its expansion plans.

The country’s biggest budget airline signed an operating lease agreement with Avolon Aerospace Leasing Ltd., one of the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world, for the five aircraft.

This is second lease agreement between Cebu Pacific and the Dublin-based Avolon following the placement of three Airbus A330-300 aircraft with the carrier.

Cebu Pacific said the additional A320neo aircraft was on top of its order of two more A321ceo, 32 Airbus A321neo and six ATR 72-600 aircraft, which were scheduled for delivery between 2018 and 2022.

The new aircraft will be delivered

starting first half of 2019 and will be completed within the same year.

“We see expansion opportunities in new markets, as well as pent-up demand in areas where we currently operate. The introduction of the first new generation, fuel-efficient A320neo aircraft to the Philippine market will help us to further strengthen our position in the Philippines and allow us to further pursue expansion of our international route network. From this year until 2022, we are adding an average of nine new aircraft per year to our fleet,” Cebu Pacific vice president for commercial planning Alexander Lao said.

“With higher seat capacity and much greater fuel efficiency, the A320neo will enable us to fly further and more economically. It’s the perfect addition to our fleet, allowing us to offer even more compelling fares to more passengers,” he added.

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Business

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks rise in last-minute buying

T

HE stock market rose for the fourth straight day Friday on last-minute buying as investors position ahead of the release of secondquarter earnings next week.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 35.53 points, or 0.5 percent, to P7,701.38 on a value turnover of P6.2 billion. Losers, however, edged gainers, 89 to 86, with 50 issues unchanged.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood chain, advanced 3.8 percent to P266, while JG Summit Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei added 1.9 percent to P56.

Bank of the Philippine Islands, the third-largest lender in terms of assets, climbed 1.5 percent to P101, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. rose 1.5 percent to P38.05.

Asian stocks, meanwhile, mostly

edged higher Friday as investors digested results from American tech titans and waited for the release of US data expected to show a surge in economic growth.

US markets were dragged down Thursday after Facebook warned of weaker growth, sending its shares falling nearly 20 percent and wiping out some $100 billion in market value.

But the stock market gloom was lifted slightly after Amazon delivered betterthan-expected profits. The online colossus’ net profit in the past quarter jumped 12-fold to $2.5 billion on the back of gains made from its rapid global expansion.

“Earnings continue to have... (a) hold upon markets with the latest Amazon. com surprise looking to offset some of the pressure brought about by Facebook,” said Jingyi Pan, market strategist at trading group IG. Tokyo closed up 0.5 percent on a

weaker yen, which helps exporters, and Sydney ended 0.9 percent higher after a deal between mining giants BHP and BP lifted the vital mining sector. Seoul put on 0.2 percent.

Shanghai ended 0.3 percent lower while Hong Kong was little changed in late afternoon trade.

With few trading cues in Asia, all eyes turned to the release of US data later Friday which is expected to show an exceptional surge in economic growth in the second quarter that President Donald Trump can use to trumpet the success of his economic agenda.

The unusual result, which economists say could be the strongest in four years, is partly thanks to Trump’s trade wars— but those same disputes threaten to drag growth lower in the coming months and years.

Current forecasts say the secondquarter GDP estimate could show

growth was anywhere between four and five percent—the fastest pace since the third quarter of 2014.

There are special factors behind the growth spurt linked to the trade disputes, which include 25 percent US tariffs on $34 billion in Chinese goods— with more on the way—and steep tariffs on steel and aluminum, which provoked China and others to hit back with import duties on US goods.

Trump and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker made an attempt to resolve their festering trade dispute earlier this week, with the US leader pulling back a threat of tariffs on the auto sector after talks in Washington.

Asian markets have reacted more cautiously to the EU-US agreement, with analysts noting that the big trade row affecting the region—with China—is still rumbling on. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.95 11,230 101 1,980,830 2.76 53,000 137 2,223,730 33.2 151,300 6.68 100 16.32 119,600 14.52 214,900 3.99 884,000 1.61 24,000 0.55 120,000 74 4,586,230 1.04 579,000 11.9 1,000 48 70,600 202.8 1,340 88 810 30 159,700 206 175,130 1,865 600 84.2 5,230 1.2 10,000

664,602 198,306,515.50 146,100 300,672,422 5,015,805 668 1,965,218 3,130,778 3,514,550 37,550 62,680 338,409,310 589,180 11,900 3,398,385 273,154 71,280 4,810,815 35,987,710 1,119,365 441,835.50 12,000

555,209 -58,351,346 159,026,849 3,310 -2,606,116 3,999,522.50 -852,905 60 12,458,806 -251,775 -260,196 -

36.1 15.52 0.75 1.16 0.234 3.15 15.52 38.45 21.25 51.8 66.8 1.83 7.6 10.2 15.9 10.64 7.24 5.08 15.26 61.85 23.75 7.65 14 2.35 256.2 4.96 26.15 12.5 19.12 369 0.18 6.77 2.23 4.11 8.77 5.6 7.95 1.18 11.74 56.15 6.02 4.68 2.4 3.44 1.84 13.68 67.9 5.28 1.22 129.7 2.58 21 1.53

INDUSTRIAL 37 1,564,200 15.74 410,900 0.75 6,481,000 1.18 67,000 0.237 5,950,000 3.15 17,199,000 15.52 65,300 38.6 416,300 21.25 8,700 51.8 610 66.85 280 1.83 123,000 7.7 3,400 10.2 1,840,600 16 932,500 10.9 5,400 7.27 107,500 5.08 2,140,000 15.4 140,200 62.5 11,650 23.8 17,700 7.65 58,800 14 948,600 2.39 2,089,000 266 646,770 4.96 84,900 26.5 2,580,100 12.62 210,600 19.3 4,560,400 378 189,720 0.18 90,000 6.77 3,000 2.25 60,000 4.17 84,000 8.8 1,033,600 5.6 279,400 7.97 7,500 1.18 493,000 12 81,300 56.3 37,420 6.17 18,400 4.68 21,000 2.43 106,000 3.45 5,000 1.84 389,000 13.68 9,300 67.9 231,710 5.3 44,100 1.25 883,000 131 698,040 2.61 9,051,000 21 400 1.55 6,047,000

57,312,145 6,414,128 4,914,080 78,440 1,404,620 57,048,090 1,015,878 16,244,125 187,045 31,598 18,705 226,090 26,160 19,157,758 14,894,546 58,838 780,458 10,899,743 2,155,628 731,148.50 421,310 451,064 13,479,476 4,943,180 168,362,980 422,047 68,391,745 2,656,028 87,847,354 71,062,522 16,200 20,323 134,800 349,260 9,125,067 1,590,276 59,729 584,690 964,618 2,106,636 113,294 98,280 257,400 17,220 716,670 127,730 15,811,588 233,704 1,107,880 91,263,633 23,898,850 8,400 9,368,920

-1,289,330 -40,242 7,500 -173,390 841,750 -362,302 254,100 -6,734 -3,464,932 1,610,280 1,092 -69,050 -4,445,253 208,882 6,147 -327,968 6,914,774 52,340,192 -620,635 -20,060 58,654,740 29,196,486 -112,500 -86,370 -2,072,050 9,200 1,200 1,192,760.50 -22,832 -16,560 3,499,135.50 10,600 16,718,424 2,751,930 -66,460

0.244 53.05 11.82 6.03 30.05 0.79 0.82 972.5 6.12 11.22 7 0.208 965 53.8 0.6 3.71 17.4 0.69 4.46 0.037 1.3 2.78 135.8 2.55 945 1.58 462 260 0.35 0.215

HOLDING FIRMS 0.247 5,220,000 55 2,068,600 11.9 9,204,200 6.03 37,100 30.05 58,000 0.86 64,710,000 0.89 23,853,000 990 413,640 6.12 128,400 11.7 1,992,300 7.2 22,000 0.208 20,000 974 145,560 56 1,652,560 0.62 44,000 3.73 3,168,000 17.5 2,051,900 0.7 17,375,000 4.54 62,981,000 0.037 4,400,000 1.34 944,000 2.79 400,000 137 74,120 2.55 10,000 960 241,570 1.6 135,000 475 300 261 1,110 0.35 50,910,000 0.216 240,000

1,313,190 112,053,386.5 ( 109,412,656 223,720 1,755,280 54,055,020 20,598,340 7 407,529,280 792,347 22,947,186 155,250 4,160 142,215,045 91,840,169 26,460 11,916,450 36,040,888 12,476,430 285,125,090 162,800 1,254,770 1,117,050 10,110,406 25,500 231,170,010 214,430 140,030 289,610 18,449,150 52,700

-127,500 18,915,240.5) -3,249,682 ,325,819.9997 80,563,415 -97,713 9,529,648 16,095,395 54,642,950 11,151,340 -25,058,038 -5,724,260 -169,579,350 -3,700 8,370 -3,636,149 61,202,510 -1,638,200 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58.3 99.5 2.75 137.5 33.15 6.68 16.48 14.56 4 1.58 0.53 74 1.03 11.9 48.8 204 88 30.25 204 1,871 84.55 1.2

59.95 101 2.76 137.5 33.2 6.68 16.6 14.68 4.15 1.61 0.55 74.15 1.04 11.9 49 204 88 30.9 206 1,871 84.55 1.2

58.2 99.05 2.75 132.6 33.1 6.68 16.32 14.52 3.88 1.53 0.52 73 1.01 11.9 47.95 202.8 88 29.75 201.6 1,865 84 1.2

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

36.6 15.68 0.78 1.17 0.241 3.46 15.72 39.25 22 51.8 66.8 1.85 7.6 10.32 15.9 10.9 7.29 5.12 15.26 62.95 23.95 7.7 14.28 2.39 257 4.98 26.5 12.52 19.3 378 0.18 6.8 2.23 4.18 8.83 5.78 7.95 1.19 11.74 56.4 6.24 4.68 2.42 3.44 1.87 13.7 69.5 5.3 1.25 130.5 2.65 21 1.54

37 15.74 0.79 1.18 0.241 3.51 15.72 39.25 22 51.8 66.85 1.85 7.8 10.64 16 10.92 7.29 5.12 15.44 63 24 7.7 14.5 2.39 266 5.12 26.75 12.66 19.48 378 0.18 6.8 2.25 4.18 8.92 5.88 7.97 1.2 12 56.4 6.24 4.68 2.44 3.45 1.87 13.78 69.55 5.3 1.29 132.3 2.7 21 1.57

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP 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 SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.244 54.9 11.9 6.03 30.9 0.8 0.84 980 6.18 11.28 7 0.208 989 55 0.61 3.82 17.64 0.71 4.59 0.037 1.33 2.79 136.1 2.55 965 1.58 468 260 0.35 0.215

0.26 55 11.94 6.1 30.95 0.86 0.89 990 6.22 11.7 7.2 0.208 990 56 0.62 3.82 17.8 0.73 4.62 0.037 1.35 2.83 137 2.55 965 1.6 475 261 0.375 0.227

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

7.55 0.96 14.22 1.9 0.74 40.9 3.27 4.66 5.75 0.445 0.94 0.95 0.218 9.32 26.3 0.6 1.45 1.25 1.48 4.86 0.59

7.7 0.97 14.78 1.9 0.74 41.35 3.27 4.68 5.75 0.445 0.94 1 0.219 9.88 26.3 0.6 1.45 1.25 1.48 4.86 0.6

7.45 0.95 14.2 1.9 0.72 40.55 3.18 4.61 5.5 0.435 0.92 0.94 0.218 9.32 25.95 0.6 1.43 1.22 1.43 4.68 0.58

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 VISTA LAND

0.44 0.51 3.7 19.62 2.06 3.25 37.5 1.09 7.5 5.99

0.455 0.51 3.75 19.78 2.08 3.25 38.05 1.16 7.6 5.99

0.435 0.5 3.64 19.5 2.03 3.25 37.1 1.09 7.41 5.92

0.45 0.5 3.67 19.64 2.05 3.25 38.05 1.15 7.57 5.97

4,120,000 1,474,000 496,000 2,144,000 581,000 4,000 6,094,300 4,289,000 694,100 5,624,500

1,832,550 742,600 1,823,460 42,044,544 26 1,195,220 13,000 230,042,555 4,935,650 ( 5,235,666 33,557,661

10,000 -151,260 ,813,241.9999 59,603,335 113,699.9999) 963,100 3,175,317

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

14.5 22.85 0.465 0.046 13.5 5.03 10.74 0.057 72 7.26 7.2 27.95 1,800 5.41 278 3.55 2.2 83.7 7.89 0.136 3.05 3.61 4.32 1.08 24.65 4.65 6.91 2.78 2 1.93 9.15 11.04 8.9 3.37 117.8 5.75 1,355 0.91 0.35 45.7 83.95 8.64 2.1 1.13 0.56 5.2 0.74 11.66

14.76 24.5 0.475 0.046 13.7 5.05 10.74 0.058 72 7.26 7.2 29 1,820 5.41 279 3.6 2.28 83.7 7.9 0.137 3.06 3.61 4.33 1.08 24.8 4.91 6.91 2.78 2.4 2.39 9.22 11.1 8.9 3.37 117.8 5.78 1,370 0.93 0.35 46 86.5 8.64 2.13 1.13 0.57 5.24 0.76 11.8

14.5 22.85 0.465 0.046 13.5 5.03 10.52 0.056 70.45 7.13 7.19 27.7 1,766 5.39 273 3.55 2.2 83.35 7.89 0.133 2.96 3.45 4.22 1.04 24.5 4.61 6.7 2.7 2 1.8 9.11 11.04 8.22 3.15 116.9 5.53 1,345 0.9 0.35 45 83.95 8.45 2.01 1.11 0.55 4.92 0.74 11.66

SERVICES 14.6 24.3 0.475 0.046 13.56 5.05 10.58 0.058 70.9 7.13 7.2 27.7 1,820 5.39 279 3.58 2.2 83.55 7.9 0.137 3 3.55 4.25 1.04 24.5 4.9 6.7 2.7 2.35 2.35 9.16 11.1 8.7 3.15 117.6 5.59 1,351 0.92 0.35 45.6 86 8.6 2.05 1.11 0.57 5.14 0.76 11.74

7,900 56,100 1,980,000 3,900,000 56,700 10,000 2,644,100 13,990,000 52,760 981,400 3,500 142,600 37,910 29,000 2,260 565,000 56,000 1,616,180 16,500 8,190,000 3,981,000 94,000 258,000 337,000 586,800 767,000 2,110,700 548,000 2,406,000 246,000 1,165,000 10,100 6,200 57,000 146,550 619,000 63,910 6,655,000 70,000 1,869,900 79,830 14,100 7,351,000 2,696,000 78,717,000 8,486,800 1,330,000 314,700

115,204 1,328,040 922,250 179,400 768,862 50,400 28,077,646 802,510 3,765,911 7,059,096 25,179 4,022,165 68,154,855 156,488 629,480 2,021,310 126,630 135,048,152 130,250 1,105,630 11,967,540 329,200 1,106,280 352,760 14,447,930 3,705,190 14,344,395 1,490,840 5,411,710 544,980 10,685,791 111,510 52,354 182,670 17,201,868 3,464,343 86,386,720 6,077,240 24,500 84,989,325 6,857,313 121,498 15,261,150 3,003,790 44,229,780 43,068,464 996,970 3,695,266

14,520 -635,894 -13,408,408 -1,088,592.50 -2,284,296 -8,338,700 -227,450 21,239,461 249,530 -175,700 2,401,350 -24,460 -2,582,667 -19,020 2,711 -169,190 2,372 -8,506,850 -1,075,800 -30,139,460 -2,779,741.50 26,748 -379,780 -153,400 -4,850,860 -15,655,826 -207,180 1,929,332

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

0.0025 1.47 3.86 20.5 1.91 0.31 7.57 2.09 0.235 0.123 0.127 1.53 4.51 1.21 1.15 0.012 0.012 3 4.5 10.84 31.95 0.0061

0.0026 1.47 3.9 20.95 1.91 0.31 7.57 2.12 0.235 0.123 0.127 1.56 4.52 1.21 1.15 0.013 0.012 3 4.55 11.1 32.2 0.0061

0.0025 1.42 3.86 20.5 1.9 0.3 7.45 2.08 0.217 0.123 0.127 1.53 4.38 1.18 1.08 0.012 0.011 2.9 4.48 10.84 31.3 0.0061

MINING & OIL 0.0025 31,000,000 1.43 1,171,000 3.86 127,000 20.95 4,800 1.9 1,076,000 0.31 1,380,000 7.55 900 2.09 64,423,000 0.217 950,000 0.123 720,000 0.127 90,000 1.56 340,000 4.39 286,000 1.2 257,000 1.1 1,813,000 0.013 560,500,000 0.012 3,000,000 2.98 95,000 4.5 281,000 10.9 639,000 31.6 1,030,600 0.0061 1,000,000

77,700 1,678,030 490,480 98,675 2,044,860 419,800 6,765 134,672,470 206,820 88,560 11,430 525,550 1,272,240 306,110 2,002,610 ( 7,254,500 34,600 277,030 1,267,410 6,995,810 32,654,265 6,100

-104,440 3,100 -278,980 -500,930 648,770.0001) -166,500 -277,798 -10,019,750 6,100

ABS HLDG PDR FGEN PREF G GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

21.8 104 970 970 100 1.04 108 76 79.85 75.05 75.3 75.5 75.6

23 104 970 970 100.3 1.04 108 76 80 75.05 75.3 75.5 75.65

21.8 104 970 970 100 1.04 108 76 79.85 75.05 75.3 75.5 75.6

PREFERRED 22.95 16,600 104 400 970 10 970 4,020 100.3 15,000 1.04 3,000 108 110 76 67,240 80 311,900 75.05 20,500 75.3 1,270 75.5 29,550 75.65 870

370,645 41,600 9,700 3,899,400 1,504,164 3,120 11,880 5,110,240 24,941,095 1,538,525 95,631 2,231,025 65,812

-31,260 -3,757,440 -

LR WARRANT

2.52

2.6

2.51

WARRANTS 2.51 223,000

565,230

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.28 3.2

5.28 3.24

5.19 3.16

5.27 3.24

2,891,586 3,960,450

1,414,420

FIRST METRO ETF

114.7

114.7

113.9

1,150,644

337,440

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.1 10.1

10.1 10.1

10.1 10.1

18,483 25,250

-

MS

PROPERTY 7.6 0.97 14.5 1.9 0.73 41.35 3.22 4.68 5.5 0.44 0.92 1 0.219 9.7 26.3 0.6 1.43 1.23 1.44 4.7 0.59

2,309,600 749,000 8,200 53,000 100,000 10,536,100 591,000 906,000 16,100 3,040,000 94,000 648,000 2,360,000 1,564,500 1,045,100 118,000 6,824,000 174,000 6,608,000 19,491,000 13,007,000

17,342,844 719,130 116,820 100,700 73,040 430,440,200 1,901,600 4,230,910 88,612 1,336,600 86,540 635,400 515,920 15,101,787 27,251,365 70,800 9,768,580 214,010 9,569,480 91,937,710 7,669,970

-4,850,615 -5,760 7,300 88,932,535 -905,290 -1,145,150 562 -224,300 277,710 6,540 -210,200 4,485,575 -600 -4,000,970 30,390 -8,577,620 271,990

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

8,870,374

INDUSTRIAL

43,788,434

HOLDING FIRMS

177,484,683

PROPERTY

99,892,017

SERVICES

177,162,582

MINING & OIL

57,944,934

GRAND TOTAL

568,582,533

SME

554,100 1,240,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 114.4 10,080 10.1 10.1

DDS

1,830 2,500

VALUE 1,832.23 (up) 5.75 648,615,027.81 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,533.84 (up) 5.64 567,756,679.186 HOLDING FIRMS 7,171.41 (down) 26.52 1,156,302,615.09 PROPERTY 3,657.02 (up) 34.64 1,448.19 (down) 2.97 491,251,338.705 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,696.75 (up) 30.76 447,490,872.63 PSEI 7,399.61 (up) 11.74 99,913,878.18 All Shares Index 4,466.70 (up) 4.26 3,429,146,749.66 Gainers: 96; Losers: 93; Unchanged: 51; Total: 240

Alsons starts construction of hydro project in Sarangani

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Alsons Power Group is pushing the construction of a 15-megawatt runof-river hydroelectric power project at the Siguil River basin in Maasim, Sarangani province after recently signing a contract with Sta. Clara International Corp.

The P3.7-billion hydro power plant, which is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2020, will provide power to Sarangani, General Santos City and key municipalities of South Cotabato province.

The Siguil project is the initial rollout of Alsons’ potential 200-MW hydro capacity that includes another in Bago City, Negros Occidental province.

SCIC chairman and managing director Nicandro Linao and Alsons Power executive vice president and chief executive officer Tirso Santillan Jr. signed the agreement.

The Siguil run-of-river hydro power plant is the company’s first foray into the renewable energy.

Alson’s long-term Japanese partner Toyota Tsusho Corp. is expected to take a stake in the renewable energy project and help the company secure a grant from Japan’s Joint Crediting Mechanism amounting to 600 million yen to 700 million yen.

The JCM is a system of cooperation with developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Alsons plans to develop specific sites in Mindanao and Negros Occidental with a hydro potential totaling around 200 MW. Santillan earlier said Global Business Power Corp., the company’s partner in its coal assets, was also interested in teaming up with Alsons for the Siguil hydro project.

Alsons currently operates four power facilities in Mindanao, generating a combined capacity of 363 MW and serving over eight million people in 13 cities and eight provinces, including key urban centers such as Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Iligan and Zamboanga City.

Cemex incurred loss of P635m in second quarter

By Jenniffer B. Austria CEMEX Holdings Philippines Inc. posted a net loss of P635 million in the second quarter of the year, a reversal from a profit of P136 million year-onyear, due to higher income tax expense.

Cemex Holdings said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it booked P712 million in income tax expense in the second quarter of the year due mainly to the utilization of its deferred tax assets.

Net sales in the second quarter climbed six percent to P5.98 billion from P5.62 billon a year ago as cement volumes expanded behind a strong demand and improvements in production and dispatch.

Domestic cement volumes increased eight percent year-over-year during the quarter, driven by higher public infrastructure spending and a strong residential sector The cost of sales, however, rose five percent to P3.47 billion from P3.3 billion a year ago.

The cement firm registered a net loss of P535 million in the first half of the year, also a turnaround from a profit of P486 million in the same period last year.

First-half net sales rose eight percent to P11.87 billion from last year’s P10.98 billion, while the cost of sales went increased 14 percent to P6.92 billion from P6.1 billion a year ago.

The volume in the first half also climbed 12 percent.

“Our results show our ability as a company to grow together with the market and serve the increasing infrastructure demand of the country, both public and private. The upgrades we have implemented in our operations and distribution processes have allowed us to continue supporting the country’s development,” Cemex Holdings president Ignacio Mijares said.

“We will continue to look for opportunities to improve our profitability understanding the need to increase our efficiencies to compensate rising input costs. We are encouraged by the progress in our cash position that will help fund the expansion of our operations in the coming years,” Mijares added.

Standard

TODAY

IN BRIEF ‘Trump knew of 2016 meeting’

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

World

Manila

B3

Debate over deadly wildfires A

WASHINGTON―Donald Trump’s longtime personal attorney says the US president knew in advance of a June 2016 meeting in which Russians promised to share dirt on then-election rival Hillary Clinton, US media reported Thursday.

Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, son Donald Jr., and top campaign official Paul Manafort met at New York’s Trump Tower on June 9, 2016 with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, who had said she was offering information from the Russian government aimed at helping Trump win the presidency.

Trump, his son, his lawyers and other administration officials have repeatedly said Trump did not know about the now infamous meeting until news of it broke in July 2017.

“No, I didn’t know anything about the meeting,” Trump told The New York Times that month.

But according to CNN and NBC, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, who is under investigation and has fallen out with the president, claims he was present when Donald Jr. told his father about the Russians’ offer to meet, and that Trump approved of it.

Cohen’s assertion is very important: if he can back it up, it would be a key step toward proving there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia aimed at helping Trump win the presidency-an essential focus of the probe by special counsel Robert Mueller. AFP

THENS―Grief and shock over Greece’s deadliest wildfires were clouded Friday by a bitter debate over who was to blame, as the opposition rejected the government’s suggestion that the blazes were started deliberately.

Remains of US war dead returned SEOUL―A US military aircraft flew the remains of more than 50 American servicemen out of North Korea on Friday, prompting a personal “thank you” from Donald Trump to Kim Jong Un. The return of the remains―on the 65th anniversary of the end of the Korean War― marks the partial fulfillment of an agreement reached between the US president and North Korea’s leader at their historic summit in Singapore last month.

“After so many years, this will be a great moment for so many families. Thank you to Kim Jong Un,” Trump said in a tweet.

The White House said it was “encouraged” by the return of the remains and the “momentum for positive change”.

“Today’s actions represent a significant first step to recommence the repatriation of remains from North Korea and to resume field operations in North Korea to search for the estimated 5,300 Americans who have not yet returned home,” it said.

After leaving the North Korean port city of Wonsan, the C-17 cargo plane landed at the Osan US Air Base in South Korea, where American soldiers stood in ceremonial ranks.

The plane―which had 55 sets of remains on board, according to the United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea―came to a halt next to a group of 10 honor guards carrying the flags of the UN, the US and South Korea.

After the rear door was opened, other uniformed guards went aboard and re-emerged each carrying in their arms a box draped in a white-and-blue UN flag. AFP

Typhoon barrels toward Japan TOKYO―A powerful typhoon is on track to batter parts of western Japan that were hit earlier this month by devastating flooding and landslides, Japanese officials warned on Friday.

Typhoon Jongdari is packing winds of nearly 200 kilometers an hour and is forecast to hit the country’s main island on Saturday night, Japan’s Meteorological Agency said.

It is taking a relatively rare northwest course, which will put the disaster-hit areas directly in its cross-hairs. Most typhoons that cross Japan track northeast.

Authorities are warning of heavy rain, landslides, strong winds and high waves, and urging people to consider early evacuation.

On Friday, the storm was about 1,200 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, heading towards Chichijima Island, but it is expected to barrel towards the western Chugoku region by late Saturday.

The region was hit earlier this month by record rainfall that caused flooding and landslides, killing around 220 people.

It was Japan’s worst weather-related disaster in decades, and many residents of affected areas are still living in shelters or damaged homes.

“Since this will be the first heavy rain since the downpours, residents need to be fully on alert,” Ryuta Kurora, chief forecaster at the weather agency, told reporters.

“In the disaster zone, even normal rainfall could lead to damage from landslides or flooding of rivers,” Kurora said.

“The situation has significantly changed” because of the disaster in western Japan, he said. “Early evacuation is really needed.”

Officials are particularly cautious after the deadly rains earlier this month because many people became trapped after failing to heed evacuation orders, while some critics said orders were issued too late.AFP

SCREENING. Brec Bassinger attends a screening of 20th Century Fox’s ‘Darkest Minds’ at ArcLight Hollywood on July 26. AFP

Astronaut dreams after lake found in Mars TOKYO―Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai came back to earth last month but is still dreaming of space, especially after the discovery of an underground lake brought mankind one step closer to unraveling the mystery of life on Mars.

“I was so excited about the news,” the 41-year-old doctor told AFP in an interview on Friday, calling it “a major discovery that inspires dreams”.

International astronomers announced Wednesday they had detected the largest body of liquid water ever found on the Red Planet, a breakthrough that may hold clues to whether life has ever formed on Mars―or even exists today.

Kanai, who spent 168 days on the In-

ternational Space Station, is firmly convinced that we’re not alone in the universe and there is life out there.

“I believe there is,” he said. “In the vast universe, anything could be possible.”

“I have high hopes that finding extraterrestrial life forms could open a new page in learning.”

The soft-spoken spaceman, nicknamed “Nemo” for his background as a diving medical officer in Japan’s Maritime SelfDefense Force, blasted into space for the first time in December.

Following in the footsteps of other media-savvy astronauts, Kanai tweeted about his stay at the space station in Japanese.

But his social media foray came with

some growing pains: he was forced to apologize and issue a correction after mistakenly claiming he had grown by nine centimeters just weeks after he arrived.

When a colleague suggested the growth was unlikely, despite the fact that astronauts’ spines do extend in the zero-gravity environment of space, Norishige had himself remeasured.

It turned out a mix-up over centimeters and inches was to blame, and he said Friday that he had in fact grown by just two to three centimeters during his stay.

He has been shrinking since he arrived back on Earth on June 3, but is still one centimeter taller, he said. AFP

Deputy Citizen Protection Minister Nikos Toskas on Thursday suggested there were “serious” signs that the worst of the fires, which killed scores this week east of Athens, was the result of arson.

Forensics experts pressed ahead Friday with the difficult task of identifying the bodies of the 82 people known to have perished in the catastrophe.

An official in the identification effort told Greek radio that most of the bodies were completely carbonized, meaning the task will likely take several more days to complete.

Amid public anger over the government’s handling of the aftermath, Toskas told reporters on Thursday that “a serious piece of information has led to us opening an investigation” into possible “criminal acts”.

Officials citing information from satellite maps have said that 13 fires broke out at the same time across the region of Attica―which includes Athens―on Monday.

But the government has come in for strong criticism over its response to the disaster despite a 40-million-euro relief fund for those affected.

Defense Minister Panos Kammenos was heckled on Thursday as he visited the coastal region of Mati, where most of the fatalities occurred.

“You left us to God’s mercy, there’s nothing left,” shouted one resident.

But Kammenos went on the counterattack, telling the BBC that illegal construction in the past was also to blame for the disaster.

The “majority” of houses on the coast had been built without the proper licenses, he said.

“After this tragedy I think it is the moment to understand that it’s dangerous for them and for their families to not follow the rules and the laws,” the minister said.

Experts have said that a mix of poor urban planning, including a lack of proper access routes and the construction of too many buildings next to combustible forest areas, contributed to what were Europe’s worst wildfires this century.

The opposition New Democracy party reacted stingingly to Toskas’ claim that the fires were the result of criminal acts.

“This deplorable spectacle of rejecting any responsibility can only provoke anger,” it said in a statement.

The fires struck coastal villages popular with holidaymakers and burned with such ferocity that most people fled to the safety of the sea with just the clothes on their backs. AFP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) of the MALOMA RIVER DREDGING PROJECT of SPARTAN MINING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION to be located inLOWER MALOMA RIVER, BARANGAY MALOMA, MUNICIPALITY OF SAN FELIPE, PROVINCE OF ZAMBALES Notice is hereby given to all parties who wish to give their opinion regarding the implementation of the MALOMA RIVER DREDGING PROJECT to attend a Public Hearing on 03 AUGUST 2018 (FRIDAY) at 9:00AM (registration starts at 8:00 am) to be held in the COVERED COURT OF BARANGAY MALOMA, MUNICIPALITY OF SAN FELIPE, PROVINCE OF ZAMBALES. The Public Hearing is being conducted in connection with the review of the EIS of the aforementioned project by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The Spartan Mining and Development Corporation is proposing to dredge the lower Maloma River remove 12,120,375.00 m3 lahar for its various purposes, a by-product of which will be reduction and eventually control of flooding in areas adjacent to Maloma River. Currently, Maloma River is overburdened with lahar with recorded highest flood level of 4.5m. The local population has been suffering a long time from damage to farmlands and regular threats to safety and property brought by lahar.

The Government demand for construction materials is expected to create a sufficient market for lahar to create a flood control project from the extraction of construction materials.

The key information about the project is as follows:

CARR FIRE. A home burns along Sunflower Road during the Carr Fire on July 27, 2018, in Redding, California. A firefighter was killed battling the fast-moving Carr Fire that has burned over 28,000 acres and destroyed dozens of homes. The fire is reportedly only 6 percent contained. AFP

Project name Project location and area Nature of project Components

Map of 250 massacres reveals Australia’s violent past SYDNEY―An online map that has so far documented 250 massacres of indigenous peoples after Australia was colonized by the British is set to be expanded, researchers said Friday, as they seek to uncover the country’s dark past.

The native Aboriginal population, who have occupied Australia for 50,000 years, were dispossessed of their lands by the arrival of settlers two centuries ago.

As the colonizers pushed into the vast interior of the island continent, historians said they were resisted by the local population, and thousands of men, women and children were killed.

“It wasn’t until I started to do this project that I realized how widespread frontier massacres were in Australia,” indigenous historian Lyndall Ryan of the University of Newcastle told AFP. “It is beginning to overturn how we think about the past. There’s been a shift in con-

sciousness in Australians and they are ready now to know and understand what happened.”

Since the government-funded “Colonial Frontier Massacres Map” was launched a year ago focusing on eastern Australia from 1788-1872, Ryan said verified sites―where six or more “undefended Aboriginal people” were killed―had risen from more than 150 to 250 with the help of the public.

More than 6,200 people were killed during the 250 massacres, she said, adding that the final tally of sites could be closer to 500.

The sites are not catalogued on the map until there is sufficient collaborating evidence to show the killings took place.

Sources include government historical records, personal journals and correspondence, shipping logs and oral and visual Aboriginal accounts.

Ryan said the field of massacre studies only emerged following the 1995 Srebrenica

massacre in Bosnia.

International researchers found that as massacres tended to be carried out secretly, they were more easily documented later when people were not afraid of facing retribution for speaking out, she added.

Stage two of the map, which extends to 1930 and incorporates new sites in the Northern Territory and South Australia state, was launched on Friday, with plans to further expand it to 1960 and Western Australian state.

“Horrible things did happen and we’ve got to get our heads around that. We grew up thinking that Australia was peacefully settled and changing that is actually quite confronting and quite a hard thing to do,” Ryan said.

“I think engaging people in the process helps to overcome that. We are providing the evidence now of a very major change in the way in which we look at the past.” AFP

MALOMA RIVER DREDGING PROJECT Lower Maloma River, Barangay Maloma, Municipality of San Felipe, Province of Zambales Dredging, Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation • No-dredging Buffer Zones • Delivery of dredged Lahar ( 48.35 has.) by hydraulic pipe from • Geotube Ground Sill Dredger to Transport Barge • Armor Rock Bridge Column • Transport of Dredged lahar Protection to final destinations by • Creation of Pilot Channel by water mode Dredging (40m x 2,300 m x • Sell of lahar for cost -2m) recovery • Creation of Dredging Basin

by Hydraulic Dredger (150m x 150m x -4m) • Natural sediment transport by river discharge

All interested parties who wish to attend or participate in this Public Hearing should preferably confirm their attendance/participation and may give their opinion(s) in a concise position paper to the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT DIVISION (EIAMD) of this Office through mail or through email at eiamd.emb.co@gmail.com, three (3) days before the Public Hearing schedule.

Those who will not be able to register or submit written positions may be given the opportunity to share their issues on the day of the hearing itself.

The project’s EIS and Executive Summary for the Public (ESP)are downloadable at our website:www.eia.emb.gov.ph (kindly access the Notice of Public Hearing/ Consultation link found in the right portion of our website)while the hard copies will be available in this Office and in the following offices: 1)

EMB National Capital Region Office Address: National Ecology Center, East Avenue, Diliman Telephone No.: (02) 515-0683/931-2397/931-1834/931-2954

2)

Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) Office Address: Municipal Government of San Felipe, Province of Zambales Telephone No.: (047) 913-4210

For more details, please contact EIAM Division of this Office at telephone number (02) 920-2240 to 41 and look for the project case handlers Engr. Carlo Vic Arida and Mr. Joel Polintan.

(MS-JULY 21 & 28, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Room With A View

S

Setting up a balcony retreat

TORMY weather got you down? Fret not. Summer will be back soon enough, and with it, the chance to soak up as much time as possible in your backyard.

But you’re an apartment or condo dweller, you say? Instead of a lush backyard, all you have is a tiny balcony. Not a problem. Even if your concrete slab of outdoor space isn’t looking very inviting right now, there’s no need to stay inside and be miserable. There’s still plenty of time to turn your little balcony into an urban retreat.

The important thing is not to let your balcony become a home for bikes, toys and other junk. Transform it into a functional recreational space where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Some design tips to take your small balcony to the next level.

MAKE THE FLOORING BEAUTIFUL The worst part about apartment balconies may be the cold concrete flooring. Unless you’ve had a tetanus shot recently, you don’t want to step outside with bare feet.

But that can easily be remedied by covering over it with easy-install wood, or plastic patio tiles. Once you have the flooring down, finish the job with a beautiful outdoor-friendly rug.

FORGO THE BISTRO TABLE Your balcony is small and narrow, so you might think a small, round bistro table for two is the way to go.

Instead, go for a rectangular table. If you push it up against the rail edge of the balcony, you can fit two chairs on the sides, plus a narrow bench on the other. Boom—instant dinner party for four. A hanging table would also be a good idea as these don’t take up valuable floor or visual space.

GO GLOBAL Use your small outdoor spot to create your own permanent vacation spot. Weaving global textiles into a small outdoor space can transport you from your apartment balcony to anywhere in the world. To start, try adding a few small items such as exotic cushions, then hang a few lanterns overhead to achieve a Turkish or Moroccan look on a budget.

TAKE IT TROPICAL If the beach is your scene, set up a corner of a small balcony to be a tropical oasis. You’ll need a wicker chair or decorative palm accents.

You’ll feel like you’re in Bali, even if you haven’t gone anywhere.

HANG YOUR GREENS On a small balcony, think vertically—especially when it comes to plants. Get those pots off the floor, and save that space to use. Hang potted plants from the ceiling with a

New kid on the block

PROPERTY developer Primex Corporation recently broke ground for Primex Tower, a 50-storey office project at the Greenhills commercial district in San Juan City.

Projected to be the tallest building in the city, Primex Tower will rise on a 1,944-sqm corner lot, bounded by EDSA, Connecticut Street, and Florida Street.

It will incorporate design features that are in line with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

At the ceremony were San Juan City Mayor Guia Guanzon Gomez (fourth from right) and Primex chairman and president Ernesto O. Ang (third from right). With them were (from left) R.M. Cabanela Construction president, Ric Cabanela; Architect Jose Siao Ling; Primex vice president-finance, Kerwyn L. Ang; Primex vice president-legal, Atty. Ericson O. Ang; Primex executive vice president, Karlvin L. Ang; Primex treasurer Edgard O. Ang; and New Golden City Builders president, Engr.

Manuel Sy.

LIKE A JAUNT ACROSS EUROPE. Visiting the soon-to-open Acienda Designer Outlet (ADO) Mall in Silang, Cavite, is expected to feel like a sally across Europe. The 20-hectare complex is inspired by picturesque destinations abroad.

Imagine walking the grand staircase of ADO’s Italian section, where an open area welcomes guests like the spanish steps of the Eternal City of Rome. The steps were inspired by the steep slope connecting Rome’s Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, with the the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Then there’s the architecture of the whole mall, a romantic facade that reminds Europe regulars of the structures in Lombard, France. ADO has four architectural themes – French, Spanish, Italian and New England -- to create the feeling of being in a European countryside. At the center is a food and beverage area accentuated with a statuesque windmill. ADO is a P2.5-billion shopping hub that’s dedicated to bringing a year-round sale of designer finds in fashion, sports, and homewares, courtesy of Cathay Land’s partnership with Freeport Retail from London.

sturdy hook, or in wall-mounted planters. Bottom line: the more plants, the better.

TINY SPACE, BIG COLOR Bright colors bring emphasis to a tiny balcony garden,. Transform a bland wall into a creative work of tangible art using well placed colorful pots.

Matching plant markers keep the plants organized without attracting too much attention. The wood on the balcony floor visually blends with the home’s wood floor bringing the home’s design outdoors.

HOME EXTENSION Bring traditionally used indoor pieces to your balcony space, to get an indoor room feel. Flowers can be grown in baskets as well as garden boxes.

Small home decor touches such as the tablecloth and vase of flowers can give a balcony a café feel. An awning can add to the tearoom ambience.

SECRET GARDEN A serene balcony garden is reminiscent of a secret Victorian garden with the ivy growing along the stone wall.

Growing trees in pots is a great way to add vertical elements. Stack pots for added height. A modest café table ensures a nice place to sit for coffee, tea, or simply a place to rest.

DECK BALCONY If a deck is what you desire, consider

adding wood deck tiles to your balcony garden design. This can be installed over your existing balcony floor with relative ease. Using neutral tones and different textile textures maintains the integrity of a peaceful, low key space.

Scaling up at Ortigas THE Imperium, Ortigas & Company’s new residential tower in the Capitol Commons estate, was recently awarded the best luxury condo architectural design at the 2018 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

“We celebrate this victory with our partners, employees, and customers who have been instrumental in enabling and inspiring us to deliver places that are built for life, ” said Ortigas & Company president Jaime E. Ysmael.

With only four units to a floor, the 62-storey tower has elegantly-appointed rooms rendered in two to three-bedroom

configurations, as well as larger suites.

The tower employs a 57 percent glass-to-concrete ratio for energy efficiency.

Its double-glazed windows also allow for noise reduction, thermal efficiency, and weather insulation benefits.

The Imperium is also held in place by building technology designed to withstand the impact of a strong typhoon or earthquake. Complementing the edifice’s architectural features are the cosmopolitan offers of Capitol Commons, a mix of retail, business, dining, and entertainment hotspots.

PUTTING WASTE TO GOOD USE. Holcim Philippines’s waste management unit Geocycle recently signed a deal to provide its services to tobacco processor Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc. (ULPI). ULPI will send close to 750 tons of tobacco stems per month from its Agoo, La Union operations to Holcim’s plant in Bacnotan where those will be used as a substitute to traditional fuels in making cement in a method called co-processing. This repurposes discarded materials from various industries into alternative fuels and raw materials using a cement kiln. Through co-processing, Holcim reduces its use of fossil fuels and provides public and private sector partners a sustainable waste management option. At the signing were Environmental Management Bureau–Region I director Ma. Victoria V. Abrera; Geocycle technical manager Jon Alan Cuyno; ULPI vice president for finance Febelyn Martinez; and vice president for internal operations Ronel S. Montebon. Also there were Holcim La Union plant manager Erano Santos; Geocycle head for the Philippines Frederic Vallatl; and Geocycle regional head for Asia Berthold Kren.

Bernadette lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MstandardlIFE saturday, july 28, 2018

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‘Do not let go of your Dreams’:

Janitor

Life

finishes college as a scholar

young life

FROM RAGS TO DIPLOMA. Emmanuel Ricalde, 38, grabbed an opportunity to go to college at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde,

where he also worked as a janitor.

O

n June 30, emmanuel Ricalde, a janitor at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, set foot on the stage of the Philippine International Convention Center, not to sweep the floor, but to receive his hard-earned Bachelor of Science in Business Administration diploma.

Then a janitor at Benilde, Ricalde worked hard to make his children proud and achieve his dream of graduating from college.

By Gabbie Parlade

the 38-year-old husband and father of two is one of the many individuals who has proven it is possible to finish school despite unlikely circumstances. But much like others with almost the same situation as him, it wasn’t an easy ride for Ricalde. But his dedication to make his family proud and achieve his dreams pushed him through the hard times.

Making his children proud

Some years ago, the then-six-year-old daughter of Ricalde asked him what he did for a living. “Janitor,” he proudly answered. But right after he uttered that word, he immediately witnessed how his daughter’s eyes turned red as she tried to mask her shame and hold back her tears. It broke his heart. the he truth is, his daughter and then-four-year-old son always be-lieved he worked in an office, just like the fathers of their other playmates. He knew it was difficult to make them understand he had a noble job.

“Naawa Naawa ako sa sarili ko. Ganito pala kapag hindi ka maipagmamalaki ng anak mo (I pitied myself. I realized that is how it feels like when your child cannot be proud of you),” he shared.

A high school graduate from Dagupan City, he genuinely wanted to go to college. His dreams were put on hold as fending for his family was top prior priority. However, he soon had to somehow reconsider and revise his plans—the greatest push was remembering the sight of his teary-eyed daughter.

Grabbing an opportunity

In 2014, Ricalde was assigned to the DLS-CSB, and when he discovered that the institution offered scholarships for working students, he immediately imagined himself as one.

He immediately applied, and after 18 years of absence, Ricalde was finally granted the opportunity to go back to class. then 34 years old, he discovered he was among the oldest in the batch composed mostly of regular students in their teenage years and other working students in their 20s. Intimidation almost got the best of him. But he quickly adapted to his new environment and tried to get along with his classmates.

Juggling responsibilities

Ricalde would wake up past midnight to prepare his homecooked rice meals as his baon.

He traveled by 3:00 a.m. so he could be on time for the briefing

James reid’s experimental style in photography

at 4:45 a.m., followed by the start of his work shift until 2:00 p.m. Rest followed, and then he tended to his homework before his 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. evening classes. After a long ride home, he would arrive just before midnight, with still some chores waiting to be finished, and only then could he finally go to bed.

Being a full-time janitor by day and a struggling scholar by night, Ri Ricalde regretfully lost time to be with his family. ““Aalis ako tulog sila, pag-uwi ko tulog na ulit (they would still be asleep whenever I left the house, and they would already be asleep whenever I got home),” he related. the working student recalled how he would usually photo photocopy notes, folded them in quar quarters, and placed them in his uni uniform’s pocket so he could easily read them during work breaks.

Ricalde believed this chance was somehow within his grasp and there was no turning back— he just had to do his best. ““Kulang man sa tulog, tuloy pa rin ang laban (I may lack sleep, but I will continue to fight),” he said.

ACtOR and singer-songwriter James Reid believes photography is a messy art. He emphasizes that it is more about improving one’s skills and finding one’s style than immediately getting high quality tools.

“You should be experimental [and] really mess around with it, because a lot of people just go for the camera [and] just buy it,” he said.

Reid considers photography as a tool for creation, where one can express and recreate. He said it was his girlfriend, nadine Lustre, who influenced him to get into videography and then to photography.

Fujifilm’s latest camera, X-t100 is the ideal gizmo for Reid’s spontaneous lifestyle and photo and video needs.

It weighs at 448gm with an anonized coated aluminum top cover. It sports a powerful 24.2-megapixel APS-C size sensor, which is 14 times bigger than the sensor of an average smartphone.

Fujifilm X-t100 offers 11 variations of the brand’s unique Film Simulation Modes and 17 variations of Advanced Filters, thus levelling up the ante of photos and videos. the rather tiny mirrorless camera is compatible with Fujifilm’s X Mount lens range, including the latest small and light electronic zoom lens, the XC15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ. Coinciding with the launch of the new camera under the X series, Fujifilm Philippines has also introduced new ambassadors, namely Marco Gumabao, Gil Cuerva, Klea Pineda, Lharby Policarpio, Baninay Bautista, Aura Azarcon, Matt nicolai, Jesi Corcuera, Benedict Cua, Sebastian Castro, Aryanna epper-

James Reid considers photography as a tool to express and recreate.

son, Rhea Bue, Deegee Razon, Kerwin King, Patricia Prieto, Reese Lansangan, and Renee Dominique.

Gumabao shared his experience handling the X-t100. “Ngayon lang ako nakahawak ng unit na talagang for professional photography, so the challenge for me was how fast I can adapt (It is my first time to use a unit that can be used for professional photography, so the challenge for me was how fast I can adapt).”

Finding a friend

In the middle of his college edu education, Ricalde’s main source of strength and inspiration had to be away from him temporarily, when his wife Maricar, along with their two children, had to transfer to her home hometown in Bacolod to take care of her ag aging sickly mother. He then had to fight loneliness after a long tiring day, as he rested to an empty bed space.

A silver lining manifested in the per person of a fellow working student known as Karl, 27, best friend since day one and likewise his thesis partner.

Despite the age difference, Karl, though younger, acted as his older brother in school. they had an admirable buddy system—Karl never failed to ask him if he had eaten or if Turn to C2

Reid and friends take a ‘groupfie’ using Fujifilm’s latest X-T100 mirrorless camera.

Life

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saturday, ju juLy 28, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

9 kinds of Netflix binge-watchers F

ILIPInO fans are known to be some of the most passionate TV show viewers out there. They binge-watch every episode, create trending hashtags, live-tweet emotions, and even make hilariously Pinoy memes.

When it comes to netflix, Filipinos aren’t just enthusiastic, they come in different forms, too. Do you recognize yourself in one of these barkada binge-watchers?

Young entrepreneurs creating their products.

Expo for young entrepreneurs

The Show Juggler

This fan is the daring kind who’s always up for an adventure and discovering something new. Streaming one show at a time is just too cliché for them, and they are often found juggling multiple shows.

Spirit character: Prince Philip from The Crown

The ‘One Episode Only’ Streamer

This fan never knows when to stop.

Well they know... but just don’t want to. They’re insatiable and always say, “Isang episode na lang.”

Spirit character: Sheila from Santa Clarita Diet

The Netflix Snob

This fan is an early adopter. Watches shows way ahead of others, is up to date on show releases, and knows their shows inside out. Some of them also cross over to the dark side, and become “The Spoiler,” revealing show details to unsuspecting friends.

Spirit character: Jughead Jones from Riverdale

The Soulful Streamer

An individual who isn’t afraid to express what he/she feels. Will mirror every mood on screen and express it publicly. Be it an emotional scene or an action-packed thriller, they are always ready to cry a river or jump across one with excitement.

Spirit character: Frankie from Grace and Frankie

The Kilig Fangirl

ever had a massive crush on an actor that you couldn’t get over? here’s a fan you’d relate to. They mostly watch netflix shows for the charming cast, and usually have Instagram post notifications turned on for their favorite stars.

Spirit character: elle evans from The Kissing Booth

There was a time when the word “business” was just synonymous to adults working the daily grind. Today, there’s a long list of young, selfmade millionaires who started as kid entrepreneurs.

Commercenter Alabang, the premier lifestyle hub in Alabang, is extending a hand to budding young entrepreneurs through its Biz Kids expo, ongoing until tomorrow. The weekend bazaar at the Activity Center provides a venue for child entrepreneurs to turn their million-dollar business ideas into an actual business venture.

The Biz Kids expo is a one-of-akind marketplace that brings together products, wares, and services that have either been carefully crafted or sourced out by young entrepreneurs. More than just a venue to sell and showcase their merchandise, the expo aims to encourage the spirit of innovation, as well as share the value of entrepreneurship and responsible financing to children as young as five to 12 years old.

“Biz Kids is a startup incubator for kids where they can learn discipline, hard work, and basic business administration principles. We’re very excited to see how each Biz Kid enterprise will succeed. But more importantly were more excited to see how this activity will inspire and solidify each child entrepreneur’s potential,” said Leslie Tagle-Dinglasan, assistant vice president for marketing of Commercenter Alabang.

Similar to setting up an actual business, the participating kids at the Biz Kids expo were selected based on their project proposals, uniqueness of their product/s, and product presentation.

In collaboration with CMA Mental Arithmetic, kid entrepreneurs were taught how to cost products and compute for revenue using basic mental math techniques and an abacus. The La Vie Institute, on the other hand, trained kids on how to present themselves to prospective customers and initiate good customer interaction.

The Crowdsourcer

This is a friend who is never sure what to watch next, and is always seeking suggestions… no matter how many shows are already on their list. They always appreciate your tastes and showspotting talent.

Spirit character: The Professor from Money Heist

The Biz Kids Expo features a wide variety of products and services.

Janitor...

From C1

The Taralets

This one’s a team player. Always loves to gather the crew or the family around to watch their favorite shows together. Will make sure the streaming does not begin unless each and every member of the group is present, just so that no one misses out on anything.

They are the social glue that holds your bingeing barkada together.

Spirit character: Mike from Stranger Things

The Taker

They are the ones who enjoy hours and hours of entertainment, without ever worrying about the payment. Parents, sibling, partner, colleague, friend, or even a neighbor might pay for the netflix account, but they will always reap the benefits. Some are known to even cross the profile boundaries and snoop into what others are watching.

Spirit character: Takeshi Kovacs from Altered Carbon

The Boy Scout

here’s a fan who plays it smart and is always prepared. You won’t find anyone more proactively prepared than this individual. every episode is downloaded offline for the week, every free moment of streaming is accounted for, and the battery is always fully charged.

Spirit character: Dustin from Stranger Things

Filipinos can unleash their inner netflix fan at the AsiaPop Comicon Manila happening until tomorrow at the SMX Convention Center.

he had enough money for food. Understanding ricalde’s situation, the friend also willingly shouldered most of the expenses as they produced their thesis.

The duo shared similar dreams: to graduate and eventually provide better lives for their families. however, when they were finalizing their paper, Karl was diagnosed with a fatal illness. Sadly, days before the submission of the dissertation, Karl passed on. ricalde, only months before their graduation, lost not just a thesis partner, but also a source of strength, a friend, and a brother.

It took quite some time, but the encouragements from his friends assisted him to get back on his feet.

Achieving his dream

right after his graduation, ricalde and his wife rushed home for a much-awaited reunion with their

growing children; eager to show them his diploma.

Today, he looks forward to work in an office—for real, this time—and even perhaps save enough to start his own agricultural business.

“Yung pangarap mo, wag mo iwawala. Lagi mong isipin na may pag-asa at kapag hawak at nasa kamay mo na ang opportunity, pagingatan mo na ‘yan (Do not let go of your dreams. Always keep in mind that there is hope, and once you have grasped the opportunity, take care of it),” said ricalde.

According to him, intelligence alone does not assure a smooth road to success. Patience, diligence, and perseverance help achieve one’s goals.

Once upon a time, ricalde wielded brooms, mops, rags, detergents, and other cleaning equipment. But he promised that he will never forget how being a janitor at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde gave him oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to turn his life around and change the future of his family.

Entertainment

JOEM BASCON finds

satisfaction outside the box DURING Joem Bascon’s showbiz wonder years, people always compared him to the Philippine National Heartthrob, Piolo Pascual.

As a relative newbie who can pass as Pascual’s younger brother, he enjoyed the semblance and the perks that came with his being a Pascual look-alike. Bascon says, “It was flattering at first, I will not deny that I enjoyed that phase. You know, I wanted to be known and noticed. Being proclaimed as someone who can pass as Piolo, kung may physical similarities nga kami, who am I to argue.”

“Noong sunud-sunod na ang trabaho at ako talaga ang gusto nila sa role, it was a relief to finally land and get bida-kontrabida, gray character roles, because of my merits, and not because I look like someone, “ the character actor continues.

All his efforts paid off handsomely, of course. Of recent memory, he was the lead actor in Pusong Ligaw. He was in the prime time drama The Good Son. For his film work, he had his fair share of Gawad URIAN nominations for Noy, Ka Oryang and Qwerty and gave life to several character roles in more than twenty motion pictures.

“Offbeat” and “out of the box,” these descriptions are what Bascon looks for when he chooses a role, be it for the boob tube or the silver screen.

His character Wazy in the forthcoming Cinema One Originals film festival entry Double Twisting Double Back is one fine example that pushes the word “offbeat” to an all new level.

As Tony Labrusca’s best friend in the sports erotic thriller, Bascon relates, “He is a sex addict. He is the total opposite of Badger. You know, yung character ni Tony, he pushes himself to please other people. As in kahit naghihirap siya, basta nandun siya sa logical side. As his best friend, I tell him that there easy ways and means to realize ones dreams, yun nga lang, twisted at perverted ang means ko to realize them.”

“It’s a role of a lifetime,”Bascon enthuses. “ I am not doing this because it is ultra daring, I am giving my character not only his being but his tormented soul.

Kasi dito na mate-test yung pagiging

vulnerable ko, kung kaya ko ba talagang hubarin ang pagkatao ko. Tanggalin si Joem ALWIN IGNACIO Bascon at i-portray lang ang isang karakter the best way I can. “ W h a t convinced him to say yes, “I am not getting any younger. Kailan ko pa gagawin ito, when I am all aged and wrinkly? Whatever the script required, gagawin ko. Alam ninyo naman ako pag gumawa, hindi ko ito pwedeng dayain.

Matapang ang film na ito. More than the limang beses ako talaga magpapakita ng dick, this is a brave film because it exposes, explains and will make people understand that mental health issues are for real.”

He praises his co-actor Labrusca to bits, “I love Tony. Gustung-gusto ko ang mga mata niya. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang gagawin niya pero pag nasa eksena na siya, mahusay siya. May ibinibigay siya na hindi niya alam.”

Joem goes on, “In one of our shoots, Tony asked me, ‘Do you think five years from now I can be like you?’ I told him, yes. Mas magaling pa nga siya sa akin. He is serious about his craft. He will become an actor, and not just any actor ha, but a good one.”

In conclusion, Bascon states, “I want audiences to look at this film as an eye opener for mental illness. I also want people to realize na doing the full monty in a film ay hindi as long as tama ang material at dahilan kaya nga kami naging actor, we should and must always play for truth.”

Simply...

third with ratings of 27.6 percent -only ABS-CBN’s phenomenal FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano and flagship news program, TV Patrol ranked higher.

Bagani is not in the comfort zone genre of LizQuen. It is a stunt-laced, action-packed fantasy drama inspired

by Filipino pre-colonial mythology. It has warriors, hunters and tribes in a war between the defenders of the land called Sansinukob under the benevolent god Apo and the monsters that the evil god Sarimaw has unleashed to conquer the land and its people. It is a visual delight with swordfights, intrigues, sacrifice, manipulation, and yes, romance between the LizQuen’s characters, Lakas (which means “strength” in Filipino) and Ganda (which means “beauty”).

From their beginnings in the now classic rom-com series, Forevermore, to their huge international box-office hit, My Ex and Whys, to their current hit, Bagani, the journey of LizQuen has been one memorable and beautiful moment after another.

What’s up in I-Bilib After 6 long years, Jillian Ward returns to conduct experiments with Chris, James and Roadfill resulting in a DIY incandescent bulb projector and

From C4

LizQuen continues to soar The year 2018 has been marked with key milestones both in the professional and personal lives stars Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, known globally together as the love team, LizQuen.

In January, the pair went on a holiday to Europe, visiting London, Paris and Madrid, among other major cities.

Enrique has introduced Liza to his family in Spain who welcomed her with open arms.

In March, not only did the pair celebrate their fifth anniversary as an on-screen couple; they also officially confirmed what millions of LizQuen fans already fantasized: that they are “exclusively” dating in real life. This was met with loud cheers and applause at the press conference that month for their ABS-CBN fantaserye, Bagani.

And speaking of Bagani, LizQuen continues to ride high as a love team with this daily series which has registered consistently high ratings. The July 19 national ratings from Kantar Media Philippines showed Bagani ranking

ARIAS

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, July 28, 2018

ACROSS 1 Not his and hers 5 A dozen dozen 10 Agitated condition 14 Trial run 15 Metal fastener 16 Appreciative sounds 17 Software purchaser 18 “Aloha!”

19 Harvest haul 20 Receiving a fixed compensation 22 Dirigibles 24 Yang complement 25 Mr. Eban 26 Entirely 29 Little honker 33 Battery post 34 Power-train part 36 “The,” to Wolfgang 37 Hog’s abode 38 Classical language 39 Previous 40 Pedro’s aunt 41 Pizzeria necessity 42 Charming 44 Out of stock (2 wds.)

47 Tugged at 48 Novelist Jean — 49 Attention getter 50 Small pet 53 Remains in one place (2 wds.)

58 Eurasian range 59 Jots 61 H.H. Munro’s pen name 62 Clickable computer devices 63 Call to mind 64 “En garde” weapon 65 The — the limit!

66 Less cooked 67 Get smart with DOWN 1 Great work 2 Big Dipper bear 3 Lurch 4 Applied paint 5 Coarse 6 Astronaut Sally — 7 Exiled Roman poet 8 Get the point 9 Headstrong 10 Friendly gathering 11 Yardstick 12 Flapjack chain 13 Bakers’ meas.

21 Rub the wrong

way 23 FedEx units 25 One more time 26 Ravioli or linguine 27 Prior to 28 Queenly 30 Just perfect 31 Effrontery 32 Avarice 34 Judge’s prop 35 Monsieur’s summer 38 More remote 42 Chop — 43 James Joyce

novel 45 Roof parts 46 Monsieur’s affirmative 47 Sci-fi weapon 50 Sticky substances 51 Viking name 52 Suggestive 53 Load cargo 54 Seize 55 Storybook bear 56 Luau strings, for short 57 Standoffs 60 Biologist’s eggs

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Moira dela Torre’s major win at MOR Pinoy Music Awards #HugotGirl releases

first EP via GMA Records

Singer-songwriter Moira dela Torre receives the Female Artist of the Year award at the MOR PMA 2018.

S

INGER-SONGWRITER received the award for Female Artist of the Year at the MOR Pinoy Music Awards 2018 held on July 21 at the Araneta Coliseum. The 24-year-old pop artist along with JK Labajo and Maymay Entrata, bagged the three most coveted awards.

JK, also known as Juan Karlos, brought home the Album of the Year award for JKL and the OPM Revival of the Year award for “Beautiful Girl.”

Maymay won Song of the Year for “Shanawa” and thanked her colleagues and fans through a video message.

MOR 101.9 also recognized songwriter Vehnee Saturno, who was named this year’s OPM Lifetime Achievement awardee. His prolific songwriting career, which spans 38 years, was given a moving tribute by some of the most recognizable voices in OPM. Viral rap group Ex Batallion, meanwhile, became the first Digital Artist of the Year, which was introduced this year to acknowledge the role that social media and digital

online platforms play in promoting original Pinoy music.

Iñigo Pascual took home the Male Artist of the Year award, while his love team partner Maris Racal was named Best New Artist.

Jona and Boyband PH also won Best Collaboration of the Year for their song “Til the End of Time,” while TNT Records singer Noven Belleza won LSS of the Year for “Tumahan Ka Na.” Cebu’s Karencitta was awarded Regional Song of the Year for “Cebuana,” and Cherifer took the Kantamercial of the Year award.

acetate key chains from the microwave.

Today, in i-Bilib, loyal followers of this informative and entertaining show will be treated to a extravagant menu of scientific discoveries.

In “Bilibabols,” discover the chemical powers of hydrochloric acid as it combines with copper chloride and aluminum to create a flame, and then with zinc to launch a DIY rocket.

This is just one of the many treats that young and old alike will see and enjoy.

Also, in “Curious,” we learn the science behind clay and the development of architecture. If your children like to play with clay as a building material, this is perfect.

And in “Huling Hirit,” the gang recycles milk cans into a rocking horse! It’s playtime too while watching I-Bilib.

All these on your favorite science show every Sunday morning on GMA! Who are visiting Sarap Diva Last week, four Va-Clashers were pitted against each other—Adelantada versus Kimby Dora and Tammy Brown versus Pekta—in Sarap Diva’s “Da VaClash, Isang Beki, Laban sa Lahat.”

Adelantada made it to the second round. The episode ended with the

announcement of who will compete against Adelantada—will it be Tammy Brown or Pekta?

This week, the battle continues!

Find out who will win the title Top of the Va-Clash in this hilariously entertaining singing competition in Sarap Diva—Da Va-Clash.

Join the fun and laughter this Saturday, with Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and her wacky house assistant Terry Gian together with their special guests Christian Bautista and Ai-Ai delas Alas, only in Sarap Diva!

2nd Acacia Estates Community Fiesta DMCI Homes and Globe Telecom through its Globe-At-Home project joined hands recently to celebrate the second community fiesta in the real estate firm’s first township development in the metro, Acacia Estates.

Acacia Fiesta Carnival, the two-day weekend revelry held at The Tent in Taguig City was enjoyed by hundreds of Acacia Estates residents. Activities included film screenings, dance exhibitions, pet fashion show, free Zumba session and the inter-community competitions, Acacia Idol and Little Miss Acacia.

SHORTLY after launching her selfpenned single “Paalam Na” last month, singer and songwriter Mikee Misalucha is set to release her EP called Highs and Lows under GMA Records.

A product of the De La Salle– College of Saint Benilde’s Bachelors of Arts in Music Production, Mikee is known for her relatable hugot love songs. Hence, she has been dubbed as GMA Records’ #HugotGirl.

However, as she continued writing more music, she has developed the eagerness to write songs that would uplift, encourage, inspire and relate to her listeners.

Her EP called Highs and Lows will contain four songs, all of which she herself composed. The songs contained in the EP are “I Got You” (feat. Eph Raim), “For the World” (feat. Joe Ramos) and “Keep Going” including “Paalam Na.” Highs and Lows is now available on iTunes, Spotify and over 180 digital stores worldwide.

Up-andcoming music artist Mikee Misalucha

Resident Janine Ilagan won the firstever Acacia Idol after her impressive rendition of Beyonce’s “Listen” while Mikeila Milan Carreon was crowned this year’s Little Miss Acacia.

Both winners are residents of The Birchwood.

The Acacia Fiesta Carnival also had bingo game where residents won smart television sets and gadgets courtesy of Alta Vista de Boracay and Globe.

“We want to give Acacia Estates residents something to look forward to every year and get a feel of a traditional fiesta even if they live in a modern community. An event where residents can come together as one community which is the real essence of a fiesta celebration,” said DMCI Homes Property Management Corporation (DPMC) Senior Vice President Enrico C. Wong.

Both DMCI Homes and Globe were ardent supporters of the recently concluded 2018 Entertainment Editors Awards held at The Theatre at Solaire on July 9. With film screenings and deliberations held in select communities, DMCI Homes has been the home of The Eddys since its launch last year by The Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd).

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

C4

Entertainment

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018

NATHALIE HART

SNAPSHOT

Proud to be pregnant laughter,” she said.

SHE cried when she She revealed that she found out she was did not mean to hide her pregnant. That was pregnancy forever. She what sexy star Nacould have flown out of thalie Hart told the ISAH V. RED the country for Australia press at a merienda(she’s a citizen) or Inget-together last dia (where the father of Wednesday at The her baby comes from) and just come Frazzled Cook in Quezon City.

“I cried not because I didn’t want to back after she dropped. But, “no” she get pregnant, but because I wasn’t ready averred. Her fiancé Mayank Sharma, yet and I didn’t know what to do,” she an Indian real estate businessman, was too excited when she learned she was added to an aghast audience.

For some time she kept it to herself on the family way and they were in the careful not to tell anyone. ‘I was shoot- thick of things preparing for their civil ing for a movie, (Kusina Kings, which wedding in December in Australia. Her opened the day she met with the press. mother who is based in Sweden now The Star Cinema released film also was similarly thrilled with the idea her daughter was going to be a stars Zanjoe Marudo and Emmother she kept asking her poy Marquez), so I was very when she was giving birth. careful.”

On the set of Bitch Kusina Kings allows Weddin (Abay Babes), Hart to display her yet unher condition didn’t pass tapped talent in comedy the scrutiny of co-star and she thanks Victor Cristine Reyes who Villanueva for letting noticed the “glow’ on her and the rest of the her face and he body cast contribute crazy (did you do something ideas to the film. She with your breasts? Are plays the love inyou pregnant?), but terest of the charalso her strange acter played behavior (she by Marudo was asking a and younger lot of questions sister to the about pregnancharacter cy) that she had played by no choice but to Marquez. tell her the truth.

“I reAfter she gives ally enbirth, Hart and joyed her fiancé will be workwed in a Hindu ing with ceremony in New them.

Delhi. ConThere tinued on w e r e C3 times I couldn’t contain

STATUESQUE. Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray posed for the cameras at Novotel Manila at the Araneta Center in Quezon City when she was launched as the first celebrity editor of ABS-CBN Lifestyle.

In a quick interview with MS Entertainment, the 24-yearold beauty said that her new task is part of her preparation for the upcoming Miss Universe. The content she’d do for the website will allow her to connect with her fans and give them an exclusive peek into the life of “an ordinary girl who’s living an extraordinary life after taking home the coveted crown in Binibining Pilipinas.”

“I enjoy breaking down my character and opening up myself in a way to relate to the general audience. Most people think that beauty queens are not relatable and that we don’t go through the same challenges that they do. I’m an ordinary person before I became a beauty queen. That’s the message that I wanted to send across.”

VERY WANG

S

NICKIE WANG

POTIFY has often been cited as an incredible platform that allows literally anyone to find a global audience because on the popular music streaming app, wildly successful artists, struggling musicians, and those who are just starting to make a name in the music business, including those virtually unknown artists, are on equal footing.

Finding global audience for

OPM MUSIC

Disney invests in bear market with ‘Christopher Robin’ “SOMETIMES the smallest things take the most room in your heart,” a wise little bear once remarked—and Jim Cummings has put his heart and soul into playing Winnie the Pooh for three decades.

The 65-year-old American voice actor has been playing the Disney character based on the stories of English novelist A.A. Milne since The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in 1988.

After more than a dozen movies and various other television and video game appearances, Cummings plays Pooh and his bouncy feline friend Tigger in their first live-action outing, the upcoming Christopher Robin.

“These guys are extremely special.

Everybody says, ‘Who’s your favorite? Who’s your all-time favorite?’ First of all, I don’t have ‘a’ favorite but, if I had two, it would be Pooh and Tigger,” Cummings said.

“They’re kind of in their own class, their own category. They’re on their own shelf and everybody else isn’t.”

Disney’s history with A.A. Milne’s characters dates back to 1966 when the

Callalily

Winnie the Pooh joins Ewan McGregor in upcoming Disney live-action family adventure 'Christopher Robin.'

studio released the animated short Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree, featuring the character Christopher Robin, based on the author’s son.

In the new live action adventure, the young boy who embarked on countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. AFP

Warner Bros unveils $1 billion indoor theme park in UAE THE fantasy worlds inhabited by Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman merged with glitzy reality in the UAE on Wednesday, as Warner Bros opened a sprawling indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi.

The $1 billion facility boasts 29 rides and six themed areas—including a cartoon junction and the fictional Gotham City made famous by Batman.

A golden Bugs Bunny statue, doffing his cap and holding a golden carrot, welcomes visitors to the complex, which took 11 years to take from the drawing board to reality.

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is the entertainment giant’s first indoor theme park in the region and is located on Yas Island, on the outskirts of the capital.

Yas is already home to several major attractions including Ferrari World, a Formula One Grand Prix circuit and Yas Water World.

The Warner Bros complex is built across 1.65 million square feet (153,000 square metres) and is pitched at UAE citizens and foreign tourists.

Abu Dhabi’s sister city Dubai is a major tourist destination, attracting 15 million visitors last year. AFP

Or is it really the case?

Being discovered on Spotify as a small independent musician is just as difficult as being discovered on any other music service or even in a traditional way, for that matter. Most music consumers often listen to the featured artists, mainstream artists who are already successful. Although the app provides a specialized service to help a musician be discovered more easily, the search algorithms are still based on popularity. So, how do we address that?

According to Enzo Valdez, Chief Executive Officer of Sindikato, a music talent management that manages rising and established bands like Ben&Ben and Callalily, to name a few, there’s no specific formula to make it big in the music business today. But, if you have a quality catalogue or even just one song that is simple yet anthemic then there’s no way that listeners wouldn't notice your music.

“Making a name in the music industry is both easy and difficult these days. We can easily create music and distribute it to various platforms, and because almost anyone has access and tools to produce music, the competition becomes stiffer. The challenge now is how to make yourself standout,” Valdez, a nephew of OPM pillar Basil Valdez, told MS Entertainment.

Before the Internet, musicians were experienced live or seen on MTV. These days, if an artist has no online presence, they might as well be invisible. Sindikato is no stranger to all these platforms. With years of video production experience that cross over generations, Sindikato has trained its eye for great talent. Now, they welcome a growing roster of artists.

“Sindikato started in 2006 with a group of college buddies who shared a passion for video production. When we graduated in 2008, we were doing freelance work first and at the same time Sindikato on the side as a video production house. In 2012, we started managing music artists,” Valdez

Indie folk band Ben & Ben breathes new life into local music's acoustic sound making waves not just in the Philippines but in other territories outside the country as well.

Fighting River Blindness

Hulyo

Warner Bros World indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi Unit 406

Sud

Fern

narrated.

From creating short films and original content, they ventured into music videos for various local artists. Even as they gained traction with brand advertising projects, Sindikato continued to work with musicians.

With one foot already in the door, perhaps it was inevitable for Sindikato to enter the music industry. Emerging artists Sud, Hulyo, Fighting River Blindness, Fern and Unit 406, complete its roster of talents.

“What’s best about us is that we’re Pro-Artist. We want to give opportunities to our talents and we let them use our platforms; we let them use the skill set of Sindikato to help them grow their craft. We believe in their abilities and we want them to spread their talent so that more people can appreciate their music,” shared Valdez.

Beyond managing their talents,

Sindikato aims to be a partner to each of their artists in making an impact and influencing the world through their music. The company’s primary goal is to capture a global audience for their artists. Hence, the talent management company has partnered with Spotify.

“They’re the reason why a lot of artists are heard across the world and there’s been speculation that Spotify will start signing artists in the near future because their competitors are doing that. So you know, if for example they sign Ben&Ben, for sure it will help push other musicians in the country. It’s a wishful thinking but you know, I’m not yet sure what’s going happen. We're just really building connections and just doing our best,” Valdez said.

Sindikato reflects the commitment and determination of their artists—and their big dreams require big movers and shakers. With their skills and knowledge, Sindikato Management fights to earn a place on the world stage.