Manila Standard - 2018 July 31 - Tuesday

VOL. XXXII • NO. 166 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

WOMEN OF WEIGHT. Three women—Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (left below), Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos (middle), and Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (right)—who were at political center stage recently, take a breather Monday during a thank-you lunch attended by members (above) of the House of Representatives, only days after the installation of Arroyo of Pampanga as the House leader, vice Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte. Ver Noveno

Arroyo firms up control of House

Andaya replaces Fariñas as majority chief; LP new minority

By Maricel V. Cruz

C

AMARINES Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya became the new majority leader Monday as the shakeup in the House of Representatives continued following the election last week of Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Andaya replaces Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, who had earlier challenged the legitimacy of Arroyo’s election.

The Liberal Party, meanwhile, emerged as the new minority group, in coalition with the leftist Makabayan bloc and a group of opposition lawmakers led by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman.

In a letter, Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo of the Liberal Party informed Arroyo that 10 lawmakers have been added to what he called the duly constituted minority of the House.

The merger of these groups

Gloria, 150 solons meet Sara in ‘thank-you lunch’ SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday met with the President’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio in a “private social lunch” supposedly “to thank” politicians who supported her speakership.

“It was a just a thank-you lunch… [It was a] private social lunch,” Arroyo said at the sidelines of the meeting held in a hotel in Quezon City, and also attended

by Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, and at

least 150 lawmakers.

The meeting came barely a week after Arroyo was installed as new Speaker following the ouster of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, hours before the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Outgoing deputy speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. said it was Arroyo who hosted the meeting.

Duterte-Carpio’s chief of staff, lawyer

Raul Nadela, was the one who sent the invitation for the Arroyo-Duterte-Carpio’s meeting.

The camp of Speaker Arroyo denied that it was the Pampanga congresswoman who hosted the meeting, and that the latter was merely invited to attend the “private lunch” with Duterte-Carpio.

“Speaker Arroyo thanked those who supported her,” Negros Occidental Rep. Next page

‘Grand old lady of BOL changes loom amid MNLF concerns Nat Mariano public history,’ 96 By and Nash B. Maulana FORMER National Historical Commission chairman Carmen Guerrero Nakpil, called by colleagues the “grand old lady of public history,” died Monday, her daughter Gemma Cruz Araneta said. She was 96.

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PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is willing to amend the recently passed Bangsamoro Organic Law to accommodate the concerns of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari, including a possible separate autonomous region, the Palace said Monday.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque

said the President is willing to sit down with leaders in Sulu to discuss possible amendments.

“The general sentiment of the President is if there are those who want to object because of specific provisions, we are open to reviewing the specific provisions,” said Roque, adding that the President’s several trips to Jolo, Sulu imply that he is serious in reaching out towards the people to provide them a lasting peace in Sulu.

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PNP girds for ‘recalibrated’ war on drugs POLICE Chief Oscar Albayalde said Monday the authorities will continue their relentless war on drugs, and that they welcome constructive criticism and suggestions on how to fine-tune their campaign against criminality.

“We are recalibrating our operational thrusts for the various law enforcement concerns and initiatives to sync well with the national policy,” Albayalde told reporters in Camp Crame.

Carmen Guerrero Nakpil

Pump prices increase: Gasoline at P1.15/liter

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE oil distributors raised pump prices by as much as P1.15 per liter effective 6 am today, Tuesday, to reflect the movements in world oil prices.

They increased the price of gasoline by P1.15 per liter, diesel

by P0.95 per liter and kerosene by P0.85 per liter.

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He said the Philippine National Police “is united behind the President [Rodrigo Duterte] in recognizing that the war on drugs is far from over, [and] thus we can expect that our intensified campaign on the war on drugs and criminality will be absolutely relentless and chilling.”

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gave the LP more leverage in its bid to replace the minority bloc led by Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, who voted for Arroyo.

The Makabayan bloc said it decided to join forces with other members of the opposition in the House to actively campaign against what they described as the “anti-people” policies of the Duterte administration.

Andaya had served as Budget secretary during the Arroyo administration. As majority leader, Andaya is also chairman of the House committee on rules.

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Cabinet, Congress ratings drop; high court at its lowest in 6 years

By Macon R. Araneta and Nat Mariano PUBLIC satisfaction ratings of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Supreme Court and President’s Cabinet continued to drop in the second quarter of the year, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey.

The SWS June 2018 survey showed the House net satisfaction rating dropping 10 points from +35 in March to +25 in June, falling one grade from “good” to “moderate.” It was the House’s lowest rating since December 2015.

The Senate saw a four-point drop in its rating

from +45 in March to +41 in June, but still maintained its “good” standing.

Satisfaction ratings for both the Supreme Court and the Cabinet stayed “moderate” at +19 and +25, respectively.

The Court’s rating dipped only slightly, from +20 in March to +19 in June. This was the Court’s lowest rating in six years, however.

The satisfaction rating of the Cabinet dropped three points from +28 in March to +25 in June.

The second quarter SWS survey was conducted from June 27 to 30, using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide.

It has a ±3 percent margin of error for national percentages.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said despite the decline Next page

QUAKE DRILL.

Employees of the Supreme Court in Manila participate Monday in an unscheduled exercise in preparation for a possible major shock which authorities say may hit the metropolis where there are nearly 15-million people—working and non-working at any time of day.

Norman Cruz

Primer on draft Con-Com Charter 12th of a series Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino Con-Com 2018 Member Q: How does proportional representation work? Where did the Con-Com get this idea?

Has it been tried before?

Bremen, Hamburg and the Saarland are the Länder using a simple proportional representation system. Under this system, voters cast one vote for a Next page

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News

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Top cop urges 4 ex-lawmakers to surrender

By Francisco Tuyay POLICE Chief Oscar Albayalde on Monday appealed to former party-list lawmakers and others with a warrant of arrest against them to surrender.

He appealed to former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, former Gabriela Women’s Party Congressman and now National Anti-Poverty Commission lead convenor Liza Maza, former Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño, former Anakpawis Congressman and former Agrarian Reform secretary Rafael Mariano, Vicente Cayetano, Delfin Pimentel, and Emeterio Antalan “to just turn themselves in and to submit themselves to judicial processes.”

Albayalde said the police had already received a copy of the arrest warrants issued by Judge Evelyn Atienza Turla of Regional Trial Court Branch 40 of Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, against them.

They were indicted for the abduction and killing of Danilo Felipe in 2001, Jimmy Peralta in 2003, and Carlito Bayudang in 2004.

Felipe, Peralta, and Bayudang were reportedly supporters of rival Akbayan party-list candidates.

Albayalde said he ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group last weekend “to immediately send out arresting teams to serve the warrant of arrest.”

“The PNP is duty-bound to implement the orders of judicial authorities,” he said.

“That is our constitutional mandate that law enforcers must abide by the human rights and the dignity of the accused.”

Malacañang on Friday distanced itself from the decision of the Nueva Ecija court to issue arrest warrants against the four former party-list lawmakers for murder.

“The matter is still with the Regional Trial Court. The Palace will continue to respect the independence of our courts,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said.

Gloria,...

From A1 Alfredo Benitez said. “The meeting was as if a signal also from [the former president] to lawmakers, to everybody to all get back to work and work on the legislative agenda of the President,” Benitez added.

This developed as Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, who used to be an ally of the Aquino-led Liberal Party, said the ruling Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan will recommend Arroyo to a higher position in the political party, like the position of secretary general.

“Considering [Gloria MacapagalArroyo] now is the Speaker, I think we should level up her position in the PDP,” Castelo, who is now a PDP-Laban member, said. “We would like to recommend her in a national position in the PDP,” Castelo added.

Castelo said that it would be “beneficial” for the party members should Arroyo will hold a “higher position” in the ruling party.

“For the national party, for the PDP party, we want influence and impact in terms of project, in terms of concerns of members,” Castelo said.

“It would have value if our Speaker, being a member of the PDP, to be more influential in running the affairs of our party. And we can only do this by elevating her position on a higher office,” he added.

It was Alvarez who holds the position of secretary general in the PDP-Laban.

Earlier, House acting majority leader and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro said the membership of PDP-Laban will soon be reduced drastically amid confusion over leadership following the breakaway of a big number of party members from party leaders, Senator Koko Pimentel and Alvarez who they expelled from the party.

Castro’s statement came as regional and city officials of the PDP-Laban elected a new set of leaders in what they called a ‘national assembly,’ and expelled Pimentel and Alvarez, who were both ousted in their leadership positions in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

But these PDP-Laban officials retained President Rodrigo Duterte as the party chairman and Special Assistant to the President Bong Go as party auditor.

Castro said the current unrest in the ruling party may prompt the PDP-Laban members to rejoin their former parties or join the regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago of Duterte-Carpio. Maricel V. Cruz

Pump...

From A1 “This is to reflect the movements in the international petroleum market,” Seaoil Philippines said in its advisory.

Seaoil aside, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, PTT Philippines and Flying V also issued advisories on the new prices, while the other distributors were expected to follow suit.

Oil prices went up last week amid the trade tensions between China and the United States, which started to ease only this week.

Saudi Arabia’s move to close a crude shipping lane due to attacks also pushed up prices in the global market, but Brent crude fell to $74.26 per barrel on Friday.

Ex-Tourism chief, brod dunned for P60-m deal

By Nat Mariano

B

ROADCASTER Ben Tulfo and former Tourism secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo will not be off the hook as the legal process is running against them following their refusal to return a P60-million fund, Malacañang said Monday.

The Palace made the statement even as Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Monday he intended to file a plunder case against TulfoTeo and her brother over the P60-million payment by the Tourism Department to the media outfit of Ben Tulfo in 2017 despite the lack of documents to support the transaction.

He urged the Senate Blue Ribbon committee led by Senator Richard Gordon to act on his resolution seeking a probe on the matter “so we can determine the magnitude of the corruption.”

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque expressed disappointment over the Tulfo’s failure to return the money used for the Tourism Department’s allegedly illegal ad placement aired in the broadcaster’s program Bitag Media Unlimited Inc. “It is really saddening. Both Ben and

Cabinet,...

From A1 in the second quarter, the Senate was the only government institution that scored a “good” satisfaction rating.

He attributed the drop in the Senate ratings to delays in the debates on the Bangsamoro Organic Law and other pending issues that were not acted upon.

“But the standing is still good,” Sotto pointed out.

Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri said the Senate’s “good” rating shows its importance in terms of performance and accountability, as well as independence in seeking the truth on many issues.

“We performed our mandate as lawmakers very well by leading the passage of the strengthened Anti-Hazing Law, Free

Wanda promised to return the money,” Roque said in a radio interview, adding the other Tulfo brothers, including Mon Tulfo, were not involved in the issue.

“If they do not comply with what they have declared, it’s okay, we go through the process,” Roque said.

“I have heard the President say that it is imperative that the legal process must run and let those liable be held accountable in the anomalies in the DoT.” Tulfo had insisted last Thursday that he would not return a single centavo of the P60 million.

“We will return nothing,” Tulfo said in a Facebook post.

“Our contracts and documents were complete. What we did was legal. We delivered and worked for it,” Tulfo said.

Tertiary Education Law, Ease of Doing Business Act and the landmark Bangsamoro Organic Law to name a few,” he said.

He also cited the Senate’s stand against corruption and crime through the different committee hearings.

Palace Spokesman Harry Roque said Cabinet members were “clueless” on the lower ratings, but vowed to work harder.

“We will strive to improve the delivery of services,” Roque said in a press briefing Monday.

“I note also that in the SWS virtually everyone in government got lower scores. But we will try better in the coming days,” he said.

Roque also added that the Cabinet will discuss the factors affecting their satisfaction ratings as they resume their meeting on Aug. 6.

Primer...

From A1 party-list (not candidates). The formula for seats in the Parliament is rather straightforward: Proportion of Party’s Votes = Proportion of Party’s Seats BUT: To be entitled to seats in Parliament, a party must receive at least 5 percent of the vote. That is to say that no matter how many parties there may be, a party must garner at least 5 percent of the votes to be entitled to seats in the Parliament following formula above.

Voters have two votes: One for a direct candidate on one side of the ballot, and one for a party-list of the other side.

In respect to the direct candidate, the system we use in the Philippines applies: The direct candidate represents a singlemember district and wins the seat if he gets the highest number of votes.

In regard to the party-list, parties receive seats in proportion to the second votes cast.

If a small party then is unable to field or to win in any single district for a direct seat, such a party, as long as it obtains at least 5 percent of the vote, may still win seats based of their proportion of the vote. Essentially, therefore, it is a proportional representation system.

How should this be applied to the Philippines: In the 3rd Congressional District of Cagayan, for example, of which I am a (lapsed) registered voter, I would be entitled to cast a direct vote for a candidate to the position of “Representative” or “Congressman.”

But my ballot would also contain a space for a party-list.

Let us therefore assume that the following party-lists are available to choose from: Dugong (fisher-folk party) Balikbayan (OFW party) Molave (manual laborers’ party) Tawag Na (call center workers’ party), etc.

And I choose “Dugong,” it will all depend on whether or not Dugong is able to garner at least 5 percent of the party-list.

If it does, then, at least insofar as the 3rd

‘Grand...

From A1 Within hours of the announcement, Samahang Plaridel—the association of practicing elderly journalists—issued a statement saying it was saddened by the passing of Ms. Carmen Gerrero Nakpil. “As a pillar of the industry and member of our board, she will be remembered for her unflinching integrity and a lifetime’s volume of work as journalist, historian, and author,” the group said.

The Ermita, Manila-born Nakpil was the chairman of the National Historical Commission from 1967 to 1971.

According to a Facebook post by the NHCP, Mrs. Nakpil died at 1:30 am on Monday.

“Her works in Philippine history and culture and her contributions to the development of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines will live on and serve as a guide for succeeding generations of Filipinos,” read a portion of NHCP’s post.

Nakpil was born into the Guerrero clan of

“Do you want proof? We have here a ton of videos that PTV-4 produced and aired in our ‘Kilos Pronto’ nationwide, worldwide, and in social media. Prove your allegation of conflict of interest to us in court.”

The controversy started when the Commission on Audit questioned the Tourism department’s P60-million payment to Tulfo in 2017 due to the lack of documents to support the legitimacy of the transaction.

In 2017, COA found in PTV-4’s disbursement records three checks amounting to P60,009,560 that were issued to BMUI, which runs ‘Kilos Pronto.’

“Due to the absence of the documents mentioned and the deficiencies noted, the accuracy, legality and validity of the payments made to block timer BMUI in the amount of P60,009,560.00 could not be ascertained,” COA said.

It said this was in violation of Presidential Decree 1455, series of 1978, or the Government Auditing Code and COA Circular 2012001, which lists the required documents for government transactions. With Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

BOL...

From A1 “He is willing to listen to Nur Misuari and accommodate some of his wishes if [they] can be accommodated,” said Roque. “It’s just really a strong message that if you are not happy with BOL, come to talk to me.”

During his speech in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, the President announced that he would like to talk with Misuari for a possible separate autonomous region for his group, noting that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was created through a peace pact between the government and the MNLF. “I can create also an autonomy for him if that’s what he wants, and pending the federal system implementation, he can just wait for it if he trusts me,” Duterte said, adding

Congressional District of Cagayan is concerned, Dugong would be entitled to 5 percent of the seats allocated to proportional representation in Congress.

Of course, whether Dugong ultimately makes it or not to Congress depends on the totality of votes it receives throughout the country under the party-list. If, nationwide, it gets at least 5 percent of the votes cast under the party-list, it will be entitled to 5 percent of the seats allocated to proportional representation in Congress.

If this is how it goes, then I support it, because, as the example clearly shows, it would allow small parties (those that remain unsupported by the financial and campaign machineries of huge parties) to win seats by proportional representation under the party-list system.

It is clear, however, that the parties under the proportional representation system are really “parties”: organized, truly representative of one under-represented or marginalized sector, recognized as such by the members of that sector, duly registered and recognized as a public institution.

In the federal parliament of Germany, onehalf of the deputies are elected directly, onehalf under the party-list system. I propose that the proportion earlier proposed be adopted.

Q: How would closed list proportional representation work in the federated regions?

Under this proposal, all the component units of a Federated Region—provinces, highly urbanized city and independent chartered cities—will each elect 2 representatives although in different ways.

The first candidate will be voted in the way with which we are most familiar: He who obtains the plurality vote (even if the plurality be distant from the absolute majority) wins.

The second vote of each voter goes to a party of his choice, each party having a closed list of candidates but definitely articulating a clear manifesto that distinguishes it from other parties. These parties, however, are formed region-wide and campaign region-wide and they will be directed by constitutional mandate to see to the representation of the component units

SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta was appointed vice chairman, replacing Pampanga Rep. Juan Pablo Bondoc.

Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, wife of Philippine Constitution Commission president and former congressman Martin Romualdez, was appointed as the new head of the House committee on accounts, replacing Batangas Rep. Elenita Ermita-Buhain.

The House, in plenary session Monday, also appointed Dante Roberto Maling as the acting secretary general, replacing Alvarez-appointee Cesar Pareja.

Army Gen. Romeo Prestoza, who headed the Presidential Security Group and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces, replaced retired Lt. Gen. Roland Detabali as sergeant-at-arms. Prestoza is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1978, of which Speaker Arroyo is an honorary member.

The 10 lawmakers who joined the LP-led opposition bloc were Representatives Gary Alejano of Magdalo partylist, Tom Villarin of Akbayan party-list, both members of the opposition bloc led

by Lagman; Josephine Ramirez-Sato of Occidental Mindoro, and members of the Makabayan bloc—party-list Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro of of ACT Teachers; Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna; Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis; Emmi De Jesus and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela; and Sarah Elago of Kabataan.

he has three years to hack it.

On July 26, the President has signed into law the Republic Act. No. 11054 or the BOL. The BOL will abolish the ARMM and will create a new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in its place. The BAR territorial jurisdiction includes the original ARMM provinces such as Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Sulu; six towns in Lanao del Norte; 39 barangays in North Cotabato; Cotabato City, and Isabela City in Basilan.

The Bangsamoro parliament, headed by an elected chief minister, will govern the new autonomous region.

The chief minister must be elected by 80 members or representatives. Forty of these representatives need to be party representatives, while the remaining half must be made up

of each region in their closed list. They can also be directed to see to the representation of some sectors that need representation.

Let us then assume that Federated Region W has seven (7) component units.

This will mean that: 1. Federated Region will have seven individually elected Assemblymen from each of the seven component units.

2. Seven seats however are up for grabs under the proportional representation system.

3. Let us also assume that throughout Federated Region W, Party Blue, Party Green, Party Yellow, Party Red and Party Orange organized themselves and campaigned. Each of these parties has a closed list of candidates.

4. Assume the total number of voters in Federated Region W to be 200,000.

5. Let us then suppose that the results cast for the parties REGIONWIDE are as follows: Party Blue 50,000 votes Party Green 10,000 votes Party Yellow 25,000 votes Party Red 10,000 votes Party Orange 5,000 votes.

Remember: There are seven seats for grabs.

6. Under the D’Hondt method of computation (which is only one method among many that Federal Electoral Commission will decide), we proceed as follows: Party Blue: 50,000/1 = 50,000 50,000/2 = 25,000 50,000/3 = 16,000 50,000/4 = 12,000 50,000/5 = 10,000 50,000/6 = 8,000 50,000/7 = 7,000 Party Green: 10,000/1 = 10,000 10,000/2 = 5,000 10,000/3 = 3,000 10,000/4 = 2,500 10,000/5 = 2,000 10,000/6 = 1,600 10,000/7 = 1,000 Party Yellow 25,000/1 = 25,000

Manila who were painters and poets, as well as scientists and doctors.

Her paternal grandfather was Leon Maria Guerrero, who was likewise born in Manila.

He was the younger brother of Lorenzo Guerrero, the painter and mentor to Juan Luna. Dr. Jose P. Bantug referred to Leon Ma. Guerrero as the “Father of Philippine Botany,” having classified and described hundreds of Filipino medicinal plants.

Her maternal grandfather was Gabriel Beato Francisco, Tagalog writer, journalist, novelist, playwright, born in Sampalok, then a town independent of Manila.

Her parents were doctor Alfredo Guerrero and Filomena Francisco, who was celebrated as one of the Philippines’ first female pharmacists.

She studied at St. Theresa’s College, Manila and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1942. Between 1946 and 2006, she worked as either staff member, editor or editorial columnist at the Evening News, The Philippines Herald, the Manila Chronicle (where she had a daily column for 12 years), the Manila Times, Asia magazine, and Malaya, in addition to con-

Arroyo...

From A1

of district representatives and sectoral representatives.

Non-Muslim indigenous people such as the Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, B’Laan, and Higaonon will also be given seats.

Under the BOL, a plebiscite must be held not earlier than 90 days and no later than 150 days after the law’s effectivity. The President will then appoint 80 members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to help deliver a lasting peace in Mindanao.

Senator Francis Escudero said Monday the Palace is bound to submit to Congress any proposal to amend the new law.

“A copy of the proposal containing the amendments should be transmitted to the both houses of Congress—the Senate and the House,” said Escudero, a member of the subcommittee on the Basic Bangsamoro Law.

25,000/2 = 12,000 25,000/3 = 8,000 25,000/4 = 6,000 25,000/5 = 5,000 25,000/6 = 4,000 26,000/7 = 3,500 Party Red 10,000/1 = 10,000 10,000/2 = 5,000 10,000/3 = 3,000 10,000/4 = 2,500 10,000/5 = 2,000 10,000/6 = 1,600 10,000/7 = 1,000 Party Orange 5,000/1 = 5,000 5,000/2 = 2,500 5,000/3 = 1,600 5,000/4 = 1,200 5,000/5 = 1,000 5,000/6 = 833 5,000/7 = 700 The highest marks therefore are as follows: 1. 50,000 Blue 2. 25,000 Blue 3. 25,000 Yellow 4. 16,000 Blue 5. 12,000 Yellow 6. 10,000 For Seats 6 and 7, a mechanism may 7. 10,000 be devised to determine whether Blue, Yellow or Red will get the twoseats.

Here, the results one has are IN PROPORTION to the number of votes received by the PARTY, and who it is among the listed candidates who will sit (Blue, for one, has three seats), will be determined by the internal rules of the party.

Result: Seven of the Regional Assemblymen (or women) will be representing their constituencies while Seven will sit as members of parties voted REGIONWIDE because of the particular Manifesto of the Region—with enough safeguards in place to see to the protection of marginalized sectors and the fair representation of all component units.

tributing lectures, essays, short stories to other publications in the Philippines and the rest of the world. She has published a total of 10 books: Woman Enough, A Question of Identity, History Today, The Philippines and the Filipinos, The Rice Conspiracy (a novel), the Centennial Reader and Whatever; as well as a wildly successful autobiographical trilogy Myself, Elsewhere; Legends & Adventures; and Exeunt.

Mrs. Nakpil was married to Lt. Ismaél A. Cruz in 1942 and to architect and city planner Ángel E. Nákpil in 1950 and was widowed twice.

She had five children, Gemma Cruz, Ismaél G. Cruz, Ramón Guerrero Nakpil, Lisa Guerrero Nákpil, and Luis Guerrero Nákpil, two stepdaughters Nina Nákpil Campos and Carmina Nákpil Dualan, numerous grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren.

The wake will be at the Heritage Memorial Park starting today 31 at 5 pm.

Daily masses will be at 7 pm. There will be a funeral Mass at 9 am on Aug. 2, followed by interment at the Loyala Memorial Park in Marikina.

PNP...

From A1 Albayalde said the authorities had “no monopoly on intelligence” but added the government continued to welcome the efforts to improve the campaign against illegal drugs.

He said he had ordered the PNP oversight committee on illegal drugs “to recalibrate” Oplan Tokhang to be more relentless in accounting for the remaining 1,526 individuals on the drug watchlist who were yet to surrender and submit themselves for rehabilitation.

Tokhang refers to the police program to conduct community-level visits by the police to known drug addicts to urge them to undergo rehabilitation. PNA

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TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A3

Martires to stop corruption in new post

By Rey E. Requejo

N

EWLY appointed Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Monday vowed to compel the former lawyer of President Rodrigo Duterte to identify personnel of the anti-graft body allegedly involved in corrupt practices.

Martires, who will take an early retirement from the Supreme Court to take over the helm at the Office of the Ombudsman, said that it was one of his priorities to look into corruption claims, including one made by lawyer Edna Herrera-Batacan, one of his rival to the Ombudsman post, who claimed that she was a “victim” of so-called “parking fee” arrangement or paying to delay

the results of an investigation at the anti-graft body.

“I will be demanding—not requesting—I will be demanding from Atty. Batacan for her to identify the officer or employee she gave money to, she said, as parking fee,” Martires said.

“I just want her to cooperate with us,” he said.

The new Ombudsman also declined to comment on whether a

case could be filed against her.

During the public interview conducted by the Judicial and Bar Council for the applicants for Ombudsman last month, Batacan accused the anti-graft office of being “graft-ridden” and counted herself among its alleged victims.

“I’m a victim also, I know for a fact how it operates. Inordinate delay is contrary to the speedy disposition of cases. They have such

a thing as parking fee in that office.

When the case is filed and it’s under preliminary investigation, they will say, ‘Okay, I will just keep it on hold, for resolution. I will just keep it on hold then you pay me parking fee,’” Batacan had said.

Reacting to Batacan’s allegation, retired Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales had said: “If you are party to corruption, then you are corrupt yourself.”

Batacan was not included in the Judicial and Bar Council’s shortlist of nominees for the Ombudsman post.

Martires also said he will meet with officers and employees of the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday, when he officially assumes his new post, to inform them of his planned action against allegations of corruption within the body.

PNP vows to go after profiteers

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SHOW OF SUPPORT. Members of various licensed recruitment and manpower agencies in the Philippines show their support for DoLE Secretary Silvestre Bello, denouncing reports that he received cash or gifts from recruitment agencies in exchange for a favor, during a press conference in Manila. Norman Cruz

JV mulls joining NPC as he seeks reelection

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR JV Ejercito on Monday said he might join the Nationalist People’s Coalition, saying it won’t look good if he and his half-brother, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, would run under one party, PDP-Laban.

Estrada had said that If he pushes with his initial plan to seek reelection under the ruling party, it might look like a “family party.”

Estrada has repeatedly aired his plan to run for senator in the coming midterm elections in May 2019. He was a two-term senator, but his last term was cut short following his detention at the PNP Custodian Center in Camp Crame over pork barrel charges.

“At first, I was supposed to transfer to PDP- Laban, but I won’t. Now, it’s either NPC or hopefully Hugpong [ng Pagbabago] would adapt me. That would be the ideal party support that I would get,” he said.

Hugpong ng Pagbabago was the political party formed by presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Use ballot images in recount, Leni dares Marcos Jr.

By Rio N. Araja

THE camp of Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday challenged former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to use the picture images of the ballots to determine the true results of the May 2016 vice presidential elections.

“It now appears that Marcos is so afraid to know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, since the affirmation by the Comelec of the use of the 25-percent threshold exposed the falsity of his previous claim that the Commission on Elections did not use the said threshold in the 2016 elections,” Robredo’s lawyer Romulo Macalintal said.

“Thus, if Marcos is true to his statement that he wants to expedite the resolution of his protest and to prove that we are not delaying this proceedings, we challenge Marcos to use the picture images of the ballots to determine the true results of the election,” he added.

‘PH-Russia arms deal not breaching US sanctions’ THE Russian Embassy in Manila on Sunday said it is “illogical” to say that the Philippines could breach sanctions imposed by the United States against blacklisted Rosoboronexport if it finalized an arms deal with the state-run firm.

In a statement, Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev said the restrictions against Rosoboronexport were introduced in accordance with the US internal legislation, and not the international law.

On July 18, Reuters published

a report that the Philippines could breach US sanctions if its arms deal with Russia proceeds.

“If we follow their line of reasoning, it would appear that the very same American laws should work in the Philippines. In legal terms this is called ‘exterritoriality’—a principle from the colonial times according to which the laws of the parent state would also apply in its colonies,” the envoy said.

Khovaev added that the agreement is a matter of trade relations between two independent na-

tions and does not involve a third country in any way.

“Russia advances itself only through a high quality and reasonable price policy. It is called fair competition,” he said.

“One more thing, Russia does not have is a practice of making our trade partners hostages of that partnership, forcing them to twist their domestic and foreign policy to our liking. The only way we can pave is to persuade the countries buying from us that they are making the right choice,” he added. PNA

PNP MASCOT. Philippine National Police ‘PO1 Gadee’ perfoms a dance medley number during the flag-raising ceremony of the 23rd Police Community Relations Month Culminating Activity with the theme ‘Tapat na Serbisyo at Paglilingkod ng Kapulisan, Kaagapay ang Mamamayan, Hatid ay Kaunlaran,’ held at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday (July 30, 2018). Manny Palmero

THE Philippine National Police on Monday vowed to act promptly against profiteers preying on the general public and endangering the country’s food security.

“Upon the guidance of President [Rodrigo] Duterte as embodied in the Sona [State of the Nation Address], we will aggressively support agencies in waging war against unscrupulous traders who willfully manipulate market forces for their own selfish gains that result in higher prices of basic and essential commodities particularly rice and food products,” PNP Dir. Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters in a press briefing. “[T] hese acts go beyond the issue of fair trade and is a matter of food security that the state is duty bound to protect and defend,” he added.

Albayalde said the PNP Directorate for Operations will be working closely to review its memorandum and other linkages with other concerned agencies on the matter, particularly the Department of Agriculture and the National Food Authority, to identify rooms for improvement in law enforcement against rice smuggling, hoarding, pilferage and profiteering.

Last month, the DA had set limits on retail prices of eight agricultural commodities sold in Metro Manila as it warned sellers that they would face sanctions for profiteering.

This developed as the Department of Trade Industry will implement an expanded suggested retail price on basic commodities starting in August.

Over at the Senate, Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV urged the government to address the rising prices of goods, especially that of petroleum products, by supporting the passage of his measure dubbed as “Bawas Presyo Bill.”

“We should not prolong the sufferings of our peoole. We can still do soemthing to ease the burden due the high cost of prices,” said Aquino, one of four senators who voted against the ratification of the TRAIN Law. “Let us make this simple. The problem is high prices, the solution is to lower the cost,” he added.

He said that Senate Bill No. 1798 or the Bawas Presyo Bill should be immediately passed.

Aquino’s measure seeks to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

DepEd to mobilize 25-m students vs climate change IN RESPONSE to the clarion call of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to protect the environment, the Department of Education is mulling over the idea of harnessing 25-million learners all over the Philippines to each plant a tree every year in schools, communities and other designated areas such as key watersheds.

This was disclosed by DepEd Undersecretary Alain del Pascua in his keynote speech the other day at the Annual Million Tree Challenge Recognition and Pledging Day even as he congratulated the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System led by Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu represented by Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia, Ylang-Ylang tree advocate Pangasinan Rep. Leoploldo N. Bataoil, Maynilad president Ramoncito S. Fernandez, Manila Water president Ferdinand de la Cruz, MWSS RO Chief Patrick Ty, and the supporting participating agencies in the successful maiden run of the AMTC for the year 2017 with 1.2 million trees planted in six critical watersheds of Ipo, Angat, Umiray, Marikina, La Mesa and Laguna Lake.

“Efforts such as these are not only helpful and relevant in the recovery of the drastic loss of forest cover in the Philippines, but it is an act that shows we love another other than ourselves and as a manifestation of love for our country,” Pascua said, referencing to the Makakalikasan core value of education.

Pascua added that “by involving our learners to each plant a tree every year, we will not only further educate them about reforestation but also bring to their consciousness the importance of preservation and conservation of one of the most basic resources: Water.”

Ex-legislator, Cabinet member face graft charges

By Maricel V. Cruz A FORMER legislator and a former Cabinet member have been charged at the Sandigandbayan with alleged misuse of P10-million pork barrel in 2009.

The Ombudsman filed charges against former Caloocan City congresswoman Mary Mitzi Cajayon and former Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral.

Cajayon, who represented the Second District of Caloocan in the House of Representatives, is currently the executive director of the Council for Women and Children.

Cajayon and Cabral were charged with two counts of graft, one count of malversation, and one count of the

complex crime of malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.

In addition, the Ombudsman charged former DSWD Undersecretary Mateo Montaño, Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera, Assistant Bureau Director Pacita Sarino, and accountant Leonila Hayahay, as well as Kalookan Assistance Council, Inc., president Cenon Mayor.

Cajayon appointed KACI as her partner in delivering several Integrated Delivery of Social Services projects, which were funded by her Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel and implemented through the DSWD.

Ombudsman prosecutors said KACI was unaccredited and unqualified to implement the projects and Cajayon chose the foundation without public bidding.

Prosecutors claimed that even before the signing of the memorandum of agreement on May 20, 2009, Mayor already got hold of the funds and distributed burial and financial assistance to supposed beneficiaries.

The complaint also said payment of cash aid was also questionable because of the lack of supporting documents.

Prosecutors accused Mayor of illegally using 20 percent of the project cost as KACI’s administrative expenses and even receiving payment from the released funds.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the ad interim appointments of the following officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines: To the rank of Major General Nathaniel Y. Casem, AFP To the rank of Captain Renato R. Nato, PN, (GSC) The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions in thirty two (32) copies on the above appointments to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 834-2713, 831-1824, 831-0527, 832-9830, 834-2706 and 551-1989.

30 July 2018.

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary (MS-JULY 31, 2018)

A4

Opinion

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Speculation

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

legislators to abstain from the voting for the new Speaker. They are mostly of the Liberal Party.

Another group is led by Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez who is loyal to THERE are reports that three women GMA. The third group is that of former —Davao City Mayor and presidential Speaker Alvarez and former majority daughter Sara Duterte Carpio, Ilocos leader, Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and House Fariñas.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo— The fourth is the Makabayan bloc led have changed the political landscape. by party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio.

Now there is speculation: What will Coming right down to it, whoever happen next? becomes the minority group is actually First, that national political parties the call of the Speaker. The problem is like Lakas, PDP-Laban and Danding that of Gloria chooses one over the othCojuangco’s Nationalist People’s Coa- ers, the others might complain. lition will gravitate and even join with There is speculation that the new Sara’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago, a re- Speaker may just let things be with four gional political party, to make their al- groups acting as the minority. liance national in character.

Whatever Gloria decides, she must Second, with Gloria now as Speaker, know she cannot please everybody. there will be a move to change the fed*** eral-presidential form of government to Another political issue coming up is a federal-parliamentary form to make the emergence of some members of the the post of prime ruling PDP-Laban minister possible. political party that Third, since it’s ousted Senator the last year of Koko Pimentel as Gloria as a mempresident and PanPeople can’t help ber of Congress, taleon Alvarez as granting that for- wondering what will secretary-general. mer senator Bong- come next.

In the wake of bong Marcos wins accusations from his protest against Pimentel that those who ousted Vice President him as president Leni Robredo before the 2019 elections, Bongbong then were usurpers out to destroy the parbecomes the president of the new feder- ty, President Duterte was reported by al-parliamentary form of government, his special assistant Bong Go as ready with Gloria as prime minister. to set up a caucus to unify the ruling I do not know if these events will party. come about, but developments on the I am not sure if Mr. Duterte can still ground indicate they could be possible. prevent the ruling party from disinteIsn’t politics the art of the possible? grating, when some of its members are As of now, while the political land- gravitating toward the regional party of scape remains as fluid as ever, the no- Sara Duterte. election push of Alvarez and his cohorts In any case, the President can always in Congress has been rendered useless. try.

And since it will be up to Congress to The problem, however, is that Pimengo or not for a presidential-federal form tel is no longer Senate president and of government, speculation is the order Alvarez is no longer Speaker. So how of the day. can they lead the ruling party when *** they are no longer in power?

Former President Arroyo’s test of The splinter group now claiming to leadership as Speaker comes with the be the real PDP-Laban, and which still battle for minority—no less than four maintains Duterte as chairman, may groups are claiming that they should be headed by some unknown personbe the minority. The minority is sup- alities. The reality is that PDP-Laban, posed to be the fiscalizer of the major- despite the chairmanship of Duterte, ity group led by the Speaker. is headed for extinction unless it joins One group is led by House Deputy with Sara.

Speaker Romero Quimbo. He led 12 Turn to A5

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Institutional performance

F

ILIPINOS became less satisfied with their institutions in the second quarter of the year, albeit in varying degrees, according to the latest survey of Social Weather Stations.

The House of Representatives was down 10 points to +25 net satisfaction rating, the Senate by 4 points to +41, the Supreme Court by 1 point to +25 and the Cabinet of President Rodrigo Duterte by 3 points to +25 from their levels at the end of the first quarter.

The survey was taken between June 27 and June 30 among 1,200 respondents across the country.

This was a month after Su-

preme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno had been ousted with finality through quo warranto proceedings, and Senator Vicente Sotto III had replaced Senator Aquilino Pimentel III as Senate president.

It was also a few days after President Rodrigo Duterte had uttered his “What kind of stupid God?” statement.

More than satisfaction with individual government officials, sentiments about institutions are an important gauge of how Filipinos feel they are being served by their government. Individuals come and go, and are good only for the term they are elected of the period covered by their appointment. Their personal background, decorum and

statements affect the way they are perceived by the people, and sometimes, these do not automatically add up to how well or how poorly they are doing their jobs.

Institutions, on the other hand, are seen as a collective, separate from the individuals that make it up. It is a collection of established policies and processes that are ideally separate from the personalities who run it.

In the end, our stakes are greater on the institutions because these ensure that government is being run properly to serve the needs of the people.

The slight drops in perception should push these institutions’ leaders to work harder and govern better.

The legislature in a federal republic of vacancy in the proportional representation system, the vacancy shall be filled based on the preferential order of names on the closed list of nominees.

The member of the Senate must be a natural born citizen, at least 35 years THE consultative committee envisions old, holder of a college degree or its a Federal Republic with a bicameral equivalent, a registered voter and a legislature. The Congress shall be com- domicile in the federated region where posed of a Senate and a House of Rep- he or she is to be elected for not less resentatives. Each Federated Region than two years immediately preceding shall be represented by two senators. the day of the election.

Each senator shall have a term of four Each member of the House shall be years but shall not serve for more than at least 25 years old, older of a college two consecutive terms. degree or its equivalent, and domiciled The House of Representatives shall in the district where he or she is to be be composed of not more than 400 elected for not less than one year immembers unless mediately precedprovided by law. ing the day of the Sixty percent election. of the members Members of shall be elected Congress shall enIt is probably better by plurality of joy the privilege to suspend Charter votes where each from arrest in all s i n g l e - m e m b e r change to a later time offenses punishlegislative district when we are not so able by imprisonshall have one seat ment of not more in the House. The polarized. than six years while remaining 40 perCongress is in sescent of the memsion. Also present bers of the House is a provision for of Representatives full financial and shall be voted nationwide through a business disclosure including a prohibisystem of proportional representa- tion to appear as counsel before judicial, tion. Every voter shall vote for a regis- quasi-judicial or administrative bodies tered political party with closed list of except when he is a party to the case. nominees. Political parties that obtain The Senate will be headed by the at least 5 percent of votes cast under Senate President while the House will the proportional party representation be led by the Speaker. Each house may system shall be represented and shall elect such other officers as it may deem be allocated seats in proportion to the necessary. number of votes they receive.

Much like under the 1987 ConstituThe members shall be elected for a tion, there shall also be a Commission term of four years but shall not serve on Appointments which is composed for more than two consecutive terms. of 12 senators and 12 members of the In case of vacancy in Congress, a spe- House on the basis of proportional repcial election shall be conducted for resentation.

Turn to A5 the unexpired term. However, in case

Fighting for justice in South Korea, where truth can be a crime

By Jung Hawon AS SOON as the Seoul office worker told police she had been raped, her attacker struck back with a barrage of complaints against her under South Korea’s criminal defamation law, which states that truth is not necessarily a defence.

“He kept filing complaints against me non-stop, accusing me of defamation, insult, perjury, intimidation and even sexual harassment,” said the woman, who asked to be identified only as “D” for fear of her personal safety.

“For months, I couldn’t eat,” she told

AFP. “I couldn’t drink. I couldn’t sleep.

I felt like I was trapped in a swamp I could never escape.”

The man was later convicted of rape and sentenced to two years in prison, while all the accusations against D were dismissed.

But the legal quagmire she faced is not rare in the South, where defamation laws make libel a crime and stating the truth can still be an offence if it is deemed to have tarnished others’ social reputation.

A growing number of alleged sex abusers are seeking to use legal actions of their own to force victims into silence

or into dropping their accusations.

Filing a report to police is not of itself grounds for a defamation action, but if a rape victim goes public with their allegations a criminal complaint can be filed against them.

And if the sexual assault case is later dropped by police or prosecutors, or the accused is acquitted, the victim can be pursued for false accusations.

That creates fertile ground for socalled “revenge accusations” by alleged abusers, driving many women into silence, say legal experts and women’s groups.

Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018

Multiplicands FORMATION GARY OLIVAR AS A “game of addition,” politics is a great way to learn one’s multiplication tables.

When Congresswoman GMA was sworn in as the new House Speaker during that unruly afternoon incident at the Sona last Monday, featuring no mace and no microphones, a total of 161 representatives had signed onto a manifesto of support for her.

When an apparently more formal election was held that evening, the number of votes counted for her went up to 184. And when she hosted a thank-you dinner at her La Vista home a couple of nights later, over 200 congressmen reportedly showed up.

Now who says democracy is dead in this country? Certainly not inside Congress, where its denizens are completely free to do as they wish.

And multiplication is still going on.

House Deputy Speaker Nonoy Andaya disclosed that some congressmen who jumped ship to join PDP-Laban right after the Duterte victory in 2016 may again be jumping ship to join SGMA’s former party, Lakas-CMD. Apparently they got nowhere with their new party’s old guard.

In turn, Lakas-CMD reportedly may merge with Hugpong ng Pagbabago, the new regional (for now) party formed by my favorite future presidential candidate, Mayor Inday Sara. That would mark a great team-up between the grizzled veterans of Lakas, who go back all the way to the FVR years, and the generation of millennials who may become a force multiplier for the Mindanao newbies under Mayor Sara. *** Barely a week into her new post, Mrs Arroyo is already running into the same kind of brickbats that hounded her last few years in office as President. The most common rumor is that she’s angling to become prime minister, which would effectively make her chief executive of the country all over again.

Of course this rumor is complete nonsense, because the draft constitution prepared by Duterte’s consultative committee wants to retain the current presidential system, not shift to parliamentary. Any prime ministership is thus nothing but a fictional position that resides entirely between the ears of a

Speculation From A4

In fact, there is speculation that PDPLaban may just be absorbed by Sara’s regional party. *** Former President BS Aquino posed this question: What can Gloria do as Speaker because she only has a few more months?

The 17th Congress is now in its last session.

Aquino obviously does not think much of Gloria. After all he had her arrested and detained for almost four years.

Gloria has already dropped the move of Alvarez and his cohorts to have a noelection scenario next year. She may even move for charter change under a federalparliamentary system. This will validate what some people say—that she may just become prime minister under a new Constitution.

The legislature...

From A4

Congress by a vote of two-thirds of both houses, in joint session assembled, voting separately, shall have the power to declare the existence of war. If unable to do so, the president has the power to resolve. However, once Congress is able to do so it can revoke the president’s exercise of such powers. In times of war or other national emergency, the Congress may authorize the president, for limited period and such other restrictions it may provide, to exercise powers that may be necessary and proper to carry out a de-

Fighting...

From A4

“The whole system has a chilling effect on women,” said Seo Hye-Jin of the Korean Women Lawyers Association.

“Many abusers openly use the threats of lawsuits as an intimidation tactic, saying, ‘I’ll drop the false accusation and defamation suits against you if you drop the sex abuse complaint against me’.”

Ulterior motive Despite South Korea’s technological and economic advances, patriarchal values endure in its society, and it is regularly at the bottom of OECD rankings for the gender pay gap or female presence in senior corporate roles.

It has an unusually high proportion of female murder victims at 52 percent according to the UN Office of Drugs and Crime.

That is far above the US and China,

brain-dead opposition.

But at least the congressional chamber that Arroyo heads is still alive and kicking. We can’t say the same for the Senate, which appears to have given up its testicular sacs and succumbed to the disease of “survey-itis”: Doing only what opinion surveys say they should do.

According to Senate majority leader Migz Zubiri, not one of his colleagues is willing to sponsor the TRAIN-2 tax reform bill. Among the ostensible reasons: Higher inflation and the administration’s failure to implement social safety nets under TRAIN-1, and the risk of businesses leaving the country if investment incentives are removed by TRAIN-2.

Amidst all the politicians’ antics, it’s fair to say that the Duterte administration still has its nose firmly pressed to the grindstone.

fair to say that the Duterte administration still has its nose firmly pressed to the grindstone.

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Ernie Pernia expects to finish 43 out of a total of 75 flagship priority infrastructure projects within the next two years. Six of them are already under construction, with one actually finished already. Pernia described his number as a “good batting average,” and we can only pray that he’ll hit all those runs, one single after another.

The Neda head added that under the current five-year public investment plan (PIP), ARMM will be getting a total of 1,340 infrastructure projects, or nearly 30 percent of all projects. With ARMM posting the lowest gross regional domestic product today, that works out to a level of public investment being equal to 17.5 percent—higher than the 4.2 percent in NCR, or the national average of under 6.3 percent.

As and if implemented, those projects will be a great boon, not only to the Bangsamoro, but also to the rest of the country. With the ratification of the new Bangsamoro Organic Law, economic development must follow quickly, if we want our Muslim brethren to use their new autonomy wisely by staying within the fold of the Republic.

And on the jobs side, Deputy Speaker Andaya has announced the holding of the largest-ever jobs fair in the country’s history. Starting next year, government wants to hire 130,000 new teachers, policemen, firemen and jail guards, at an additional budget of P27.6 billion.

The focus will be on hiring “highly skilled professionals in technical positions” to close the “technical deficit” that has clogged the pipeline of new infrastructure projects. We assume that the jobs fair will include programs to lure back our highly skilled workers abroad, who I’m told are willing to come home for something like 70 percent of what they’re being paid now.

And even if the jobs fair succeeds, some 270,000 positions will still be unfilled out of a total authorized of 1.83 million. Clearly, the time may have come for government to seriously look into rightsizing, not just upsizing, its collective plantilla.

Repetitive operations with addends can always be converted into the simplicity of multiplicands, provided the right multiplier is found.

These guys don’t have our sympathy.

Using any shortcomings in the first bill to justify lack of support for the second bill is a painfully obvious piece of ad hominem reasoning. And dodging the issue of fiscal incentives, instead of manning up to fix what may need fixing in the second bill, is just plain cravenness.

Zubiri added that only four senators support federalism: himself, Senators Koko Pimentel and Manny Pacquiao, and Senate President Tito Sotto. And here we were thinking that the President’s allies constitute the majority, with all the perks that allies get to enjoy.

At least, on the controversial issues of “no-el” and term extensions, the majority senators happen to agree with the House Speaker. That should put an end to those harebrained ideas that were hatched by purely personal hidden agendas.

And in case of a constituent assembly being called, the senators are unanimously behind joint but separate voting.

In the end, institutional self-interest can always be relied upon to get those testicular sacs up and flowing.

Readers can write *** Amidst all the politicians’ antics, it’s gbolivar1952@yahoo.com.

me

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

at

Sugar importation is about price, not supply of domestically produced sugar is close to 200 percent higher than the prices of foreign sugar, PCBSA laments.

Why does Philippine sugar cost so RUDY much more to produce than foreign— ROMERO for example, Thai-sugar? There are a WHETHER done on an emergency number of cost factors. Labor is one; basis or not, an importation is under- Filipino workers are paid more than taken on either one of two bases. One other Southeast Asian workers, thanks is supply-side basis, and the other is a to this country’s agricultural minimum wage law and other laws providdemand-side basis.

The importation of 200,000 MT ing non-wage benefits to agricultural (metric tons) of sugar—100,000 MT workers. The higher cost of energy is for bottler’s grade refined sugar, 50,000 another factor. The Philippines already MT of standard-grade refined sugar had one of the highest energy costs in and 50,000 MT of raw sugar for direct East Asia, and the additional tax on consumption—under Sugar Order No. fuel imposed by TRAIN (the Tax Re10 of the Sugar Regulatory Adminis- form and Inclusion Law) has had a setration is being justified, incredibly, on vere impact on the production costs of both a supply-side and demand-side ba- Philippine sugar-producing establishsis. The supply-side explanation is be- ments, especially the centrals (mills). ing offered by the SRA and its mother Stated simply, Philippine sugar producinstitution, the Department of Agricul- tion has become uncompetitive.

Faced with the need to keep their ture; the demand-side explanation is being offered by the sugar-consuming operations profitable, domestic inindustries, especially PCBSA (Phil- dustries that consume sugar—e.g. the ippine Confectionery Biscuits and beverage industry—have no choice but to explore possibilities of obtaining Snacks Association). lower-priced supSRA and DA plies. That means are insisting that imports. I cannot there is no shorttell if it is an exage of domestic aggerated figure, sugar. “There is Where the but the domestic enough supply,” Philippine sugar confectionery inthey say. If prices industry is concerned dustry claims that have continued to is uncompetitiveness, it will lose P8.5 rise, it is because billion worth of of “unreasonable and that is the result of revenue if they speculation,” they ineffi ciency. will continue to insist. In support source their sugar of their contention, requirement dothey point to the mestically. fact that as of May Back to Sugar Order No. 10. Was the 6, 2018 the Philippine sugar industry had already produced 1.92 million MT Order issued because of domestic-supof sugar, which is just 340,594 MT short ply inadequacy? The answer is no; the of the national production target for crop SRA and DA have presented statistical year 2017-2018, which will end on Aug. data indicating that there are produc31. “The importation is [intended to] tion flows and stocks sufficient to keep make sure that sugar supply is more than the industrial consumers supplied with enough to discourage unreasonable ex- their sugar needs. Haven’t these two planation,” a member of the SRA Board agencies stated that it is only “unreasonable speculation” that is continually has declared.

The industrial consumers—the de- driving prices upward?

The issuance of the Sugar Order was mand side of the equation—do not demand-driven, and price was the isagree with the position of the SRA/DA. sue.

SRA and DA were forced to allow While they accept the official producthe 200,000-MT importation because tion data, they maintain that adequacy of the clamor of the PCBSA memof domestic sugar is not the issue. The bers and other industrial consumers issue, they say, is the price of that sugar.

The PCBSA folk point to the rise in for lower-priced sugar. If domestically the price of raw sugar, between Sep- produced sugar is uncompetitively tember 2017 and June 2018, to P2,200 priced and lower-cost foreign supplies per 50-kilogram bag from P1,564 and are available, this country’s industrial in the price of refined sugar, during the consumers will seek imports. The ausame period, to P2,900 per 50-kg bag thorities had no choice but to approve the importation if they wanted to avoid from P2,016-P2,040.

If, as it claims, there is no shortage dislocation in the industrial sugar-conof domestic sugar—he stock of raw suming community.

In economic theory what is really at sugar as of the date of the Sugar Order was 602,393 MT—why did the SRA/ issue where the Philippine sugar indusDA approve the importation of 200,000 try is concerned is uncompetitiveness, MT? The answer is to be found in the and that is the result of inefficiency.

Once a major player in the world sugar data stated above.

Domestically produced sugar is far market, the Philippine sugar industry more expensive than foreign sugar, has become an inefficient producer. So e.g. Thai sugar. As of today, the price sad, but so true.

BUSINESS CLASS

My gulay, BS Aquino should not belittle what a Speaker can do.

With Gloria heading Congress, we expect economic reforms. She is, after all, an economist.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law has been signed into law by the President. It has been praised here and abroad. A question remains, though—will it please all the stakeholders?

Even the President himself is wary that the law will not please everybody. Even now, the residents of Cotabato City are expressing their concerns. Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front has not come out in favor if it. This has led the President to say that the BOL can always be modified in favor of all those who are concerned.

It cannot be denied that the Duterte administration has moved closer to lasting peace. By all means, this is a step toward the right direction. Who can argue

with that?

clared national policy.

All appropriation, revenue or tariff bills shall originate in the House with the Senate concurring with or propose amendments thereto. A provision is also provided on the steps taken before a bill becomes a law. Congress is likewise vested with power to authorize the president to impose tariff rates, import and export duties, among others. It also provides provisions on tax exemptions as well as on what manner public funds shall be used.

As regards Federated Regions, the regional assembly, except the Bangsamoro and the Federated Region of the Cordilleras which has discretion on the kind of legislature it wants to establish,

is vested with legislative power. The regional assembly is composed of duly elected members, half of whom shall come from the province, highly urbanized city, and independent chartered city, and the other half representing political parties through proportional representation. Political parties shall advocate clear principles and programs of regional governance. They shall promote the interest of of the marginalized and underrepresented sectors.

The regional assembly shall elect the president pro-tempore and such other officers of the assembly. The members of the assembly are required to make full disclosure of their financial and business

interests including those of their spouse and children. They shall notify the assembly of any potential conflict of interest that may arise from the bills or resolutions of which they are authors.

The regional assembly may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. It shall not increase the appropriations recommended by the regional governor for the operation of the regional government as specified by the budget.

The legislative body of the Bangsamoro and the Federated Region of the Cordilleras will be as provided by their respective organic acts.

Overall, the legislative systems proposed by the consultative committee is

acceptable. Senators elected by regions and proportional voting are good reforms in my view; they will enhance democracy. Add to this the self-executory antidynasty provision and our democracy is enhanced.

A parliamentary system would be a better path to take. A weaker and more symbolic president and a day-to-day Prime Minister is my preference. But in the present context, with motivations suspect, such a shift will not be supported by the people. Indeed, it is probably better to suspend charter change to a later time when we are not so polarized.

both around 22 percent, and even higher than the 41 percent for India, which is often in the spotlight over violence against women.

South Korea’s wildly popular TV dramas, which have swept Asia, regularly depict in a romantic light male leads physically dominating female characters to manifest their love—a cliché criticized as a “K-drama wrist grab” by overseas fans.

But since last year, the #MeToo movement against the abuse of women has swept the South, with a growing number of women coming forward to accuse powerful figures in fields from politics and the arts to education and religion.

In D’s case, an investigating police officer repeatedly asked about her “ulterior motive” for “trying to destroy a promising young man’s life”, and formally urged prosecutors not to charge her rapist.

D quit her job and filed complaints to police, prosecutors and even a state rights watchdog to reverse the decision—while dealing with a flurry of criminal accusa-

tions by her rapist and relentless bullying by him and his friends.

“They even set up a blog and an online chatroom to name and shame me publicly and to throw all kinds of vicious personal attacks at me,” she said, adding her rapist had sent hundreds of text messages threatening her and her family each day.

Many victims do not come forward for fear of counter-suits, said Cho Jae-Yeon, of the Korea Women’s Hotline.

“Many say they can’t endure being investigated as a criminal suspect and facing possible punishment as if they had not suffered enough already,” she told a forum.

Exploitation of the legal loophole is not confined to sex crimes.

An architecture practice employee was convicted of defaming his employer and fined after accurately revealing wage delays and other business irregularities online.

Women have been charged with defamation for writing bad reviews of plastic surgeons and postnatal care centres, only

to have their convictions overturned on appeal at the Supreme Court.

And ousted president Park Geun-hye’s chief of staff Kim Ki-choon was nicknamed the “lawsuit king” for a barrage of criminal defamation complaints he filed against journalists and media outlets.

The Witch In a bid to curb such tactics, Seoul’s justice ministry this month told prosecutors not to investigate sex abuse victims for false accusation until the original case has been resolved.

But prosecutors dropped 55 percent of sex crime cases in 2016, far higher than the 22 percent for homicide or 26 percent for burglary and robbery, according to the Institute of Justice.

Even if a case goes to court, the South’s laws define rape on the basis of “means of violence and intimidation” rather than a lack of consent, requiring victims to prove that they resisted.

Rape charges have been dismissed in the past because judges deemed the vic-

tims had “not resisted hard enough.”

Korea Women’s Hotline says only about 10 percent of rape complaints it receives qualify as rape under the current law.

A UN panel on gender equality earlier this year urged Seoul to redefine rape and protect victims from false charges and defamation lawsuits.

D’s attacker continued to sue her even after getting out of jail, until he was convicted of stalking and intimidation in 2014 and fined, ending her four-year ordeal.

Since then she has become an activist anonymously helping other sex abuse survivors, calling herself “The Witch” on the basis that she had been the victim of a witch-hunt.

“There were so many women like me out there who were sued by their abusers,” she said, “feeling angry and frustrated at being treated like criminals even when we are actually victims”.

“Now Korean women cannot and will not go back to the past. We will never stop fighting.” AFP

*** In another attempt by the President to make peace with the Muslims, he has also expressed a desire to talk peace with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan and Sulu.

I am wary about this move. The Abu Sayyaf is a terror group that wants to establish a caliphate in Mindanao.

Santa Banana, you do not negotiate with terrorists. Their agenda is to create panic to achieve their ends.

Security groups and even the Department of National Defense have established that fact that the Abu Sayyaf is already allied with IS. So what is left to talk about?

And besides, the ASG has already made kidnapping for ransom their industry. Why stop doing something when they are already profiting from it? www.emiljurado.weebly.com

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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

News

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018 A6 Standard Manila

TODAY mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CA paves way for trial of qualified theft case

By Rey E. Requejo THE Court of Appeals has ordered the Marikina City regional trial court to proceed with the trial of the qualified theft case filed by San Miguel Holdings Corp., the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corp., against Indonesian businessman Shadik Wahono and several others.

This came after the CA’s Former Ninth Division through Associate Justice Sesinando Villon directed Presiding Judge Alice Gutierrez of Marikina City RTC, Branch 193, to recuse herself from hearing the qualified theft case filed by SMHC against Wahono and several others for showing bias and partiality in dismissing the complaint last year.

Because of this, the case against Wahono et al. would be heard by

another Marikina RTC judge to be chosen by raffle, in accordance with the provision of the Rules of Court.

“Judge Gutierrez may not be legally prohibited from sitting in the case a quo. But there are suggestions, which are made of record that she is predisposed to act in favor of private respondents, or with bias or prejudice against petitioners,” the appellate court ruled.

“All told, Judge Gutierrez has displayed more than a hint of bias and partiality in the proceedings before the court a quo. It is only proper for her to inhibit herself from further presiding therein,” the CA said.

The CA’s ruling stemmed from the petition filed by San Miguel Holdings Corp. and Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp.’s seeking the reversal of Judge Gutierrez’s decision denying their motion for inhibition.

Republic of the Philippine

CITY OF NAGA BIDS & AWARDS COMMITTEE Invitation to Bid for the SLF LINER AND PIPING SYSTEM, BEDS AND SOIL COVER AT BGY. SAN ISIDRO, NAGA CITY The City Government of Naga, through the Building and Other Structures-Other Structures of Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO) and Local Development Fund (LDF)-Sanitary Landfill, intends to apply the sum of NINETY FOUR MILLION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED (P 94,235,900.00) PESOS, being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the SLF Liner and Piping System, Beds and Soil Cover at Bgy. San Isidro, Naga City, with Contract Reference Number: 006254-2018-02.

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

The City Government of Naga now invites bids for the SLF Liner and Piping System, Beds and Soil Cover at Bgy. San Isidro, Naga City, with Contract Reference Number: 006254-2018-02. Completion of the Works is required within 210 calendar days. Equipment Required: welding machine and road grader. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the City Government of Naga and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the BAC Secretariat at the City Planning & Development Office, 2nd Floor City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, J. Miranda Avenue, Concepcion Pequena, Naga City from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders starting on Tuesday, July 31 to August 31, 2018, from the Office of the BAC Secretariat at the City Planning & Development Office, 2nd Floor City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, J. Miranda Avenue, Concepcion Pequena, Naga City, and upon payment of the applicable nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND (P 50,000.00) PESOS, and an Annual Registration Fee of Three Thousand (P 3,000.00) Pesos if not yet registered with the Naga City BAC, and upon presentation of a Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS showing your company name.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Naga City Government (www.naga.gov.ph), provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. Official receipts should be presented during dropping of bids and enclosed in the bid documents (first envelope).

The City Government of Naga will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, 3:00PM at the City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received to the BAC Secretariat at the City Procurement Office, Ground Floor, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, Naga City on or before 3:00 PM on Friday, August 31, 2018. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security, either in the form of: cash or cashier’s/manager’s check issued by a universal or commercial bank (2% of ABC), or, Bid Securing Declaration (BSD).

Bid opening shall be on Friday, August 31, 2018, 3:00PM. at City Procurement Office, City Hall Building, City Hall Compound, J. Miranda Avenue, Concepcion Pequena, Naga City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

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

For further information, please refer to: MR. FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. Acting City Administrator Office of the City Administrator 2nd Floor City Hall Building City Hall Compound, J. Miranda Avenue Concepcion Pequena, Naga City 4400 bac@naga.gov.ph/junmongoso@naga.gov.ph www.naga.gov.ph

( M S - J U LY 31, 2 018)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health CENTRAL OFFICE BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO BID FOR THE SUPPLY, DELIVERY, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING OF CORD BLOOD BANKING SYSTEM RE-BID IB NO.2018-234-A 1.

The Department of Health (DOH), through the General Appropriations Act of 2018intends to apply the sum of Fourteen Million Five Hundred Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP14,500,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for theSupply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of Cord Blood Banking System under IB No. 2018-234. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The DOH now invites bids for the procurement of the above-captioned project.Delivery of the Goods is required within period specified under Section VI. Schedule of Requirements. Bidders should have completed, within the past five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the COBAC Secretariat, Ground Floor, Building 6, DOH, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manilaand inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given above during 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 31July – 21August 2018from the address above and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Philippine Pesos (PhP25,000.00).

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

6.

The DOH will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 07August 2018, 10:00 A.M. at the COBAC Conference Room, G/F, Bldg. 6, DOH, San Lazaro Cmpd., Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila, which shall beopen to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the COBAC-D Secretariat at the address below on or before 21August 2018, 9:00 A.M. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on 21August 2018, 9:00 A.M. at the COBAC Conference Room, G/F, Bldg. 6, DOH, San Lazaro Cmpd., Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

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

For further information, please refer to: COBAC-D Secretariat Department of Health San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila Tel. Nos. 651-7800 local 1624 to 1627; 1650 to 52 Facsimile No.: 741-9775; 740-6830; 711-6061

(MS-JULY 31, 2018)

Aug. 31 airline assignments at Naia won’t materialize flights based on the rationalization plan.

But MIAA, in its statement dated July 30, said discussions gave rise to unforseen operational constraints that require longer time to resolve.

“In this regard, the MIAA in its letter dated June 5, 2018, formalized to the Committee Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation, its request to defer the implementation of the Terminal Rationalization Program. Therefore, no transfer of airlines will occur until further notice,” the authority stated.

“This is to clarify too that the transfer of certain Philippine Airlines flights to Naia Terminal 1 is necessary to prepare Naia Terminal 2 for its rehabilitation which is expected to commence before year-end. We assure the air riding public that passenger safety, comfort and convenience are always our priority,” it added.

Former House of Representatives speaker Pantaleon Alvarez was one of the lawmakers pushing to rationalize domestic and international flights as well as the use of passenger terminals at the Naia.

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE new airline assignments at four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport which were supposed to begin on Aug. 31 will not happen, according to the Manila International Airport Authority.

“Contrary to what is now circulating in social media, the Aug. 31, 2018 terminal transfer of airlines will not proceed as originally envisioned. While talks with some airline operators have started and with some signifying their intent to transfer, options that have been discussed are exploratory in nature,” the MIAA said in a statement released to members of the media on Monday.

Earlier reports showed the government is implementing the rationalization plan of airport services to decongest terminals and improve passenger convenience beginning Aug. 31.

It showed that only five out of the more than 20 airlines will be left serving Terminal 1 of Naia and these are Thai Airways, Saudia Airlines, Japan Airlines, Etihad Airlines and

legacy carrier Philippine Airlines.

The reports also showed that other foreign airlines operating at the Naia Terminal 1 that will be transferred to Naia Terminal 3 include China Southern, China Airlines, China Eastern, Xiamen Air, Oman Air, Eva Air, Kuwait Air, Jetstar, Gulf Air, Korean Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Qantas Air, Malaysian Airlines, Qatar Air, Royal Brunei, Tiger Air, Jeju Air, Air Nugini and Air China.

Terminal 2, on the other hand, will be used only for PAL and Cebu Pacific Air domestic flights operations while Terminal 4 will handle other domestic flights service, according to earlier reports.

Naia Terminal 2 will be exclusively utilized for domestic flights and Terminal 3 for international

Employees to get P5k add’l grant

CASH GIFT. Amanda

(SGD) FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. BAC Chairperson

8.

MAYOR’S WELCOME. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (center) welcomes Leyte (1st District) Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez (left) and husband Philippine Constitution Association President Martin Romualdez (right) during a lunch meeting Monday sponsored by the Mayor at Seda Vertis in Quezon City. Ver Noveno

(SGD.) HERMINIGILDO V. VALLE, MD, MPA Undersecretary of Health Chairperson, COBAC-D

Araneta (right), owner of MML recruitment agency, claims she gave Silvestre Bello P100,000 in cash gift and that the Cabinet official, she added, later allegedly demanded at least P10 million for the approval of her agency’s license at Monday’s ‘Kapihan sa Manila Hotel.’ At left is Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza who later commented on the assumption of former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Ey Acasio

Insurance firm accused of manipulation

By Rio N. Araja A BUSINESSWOMAN with disability on Monday accused giant insurance firm Philippine America Life and General Insurance Co. of manipulating her 359 insurance policies worth P101 million since 1990.

At a news conference in Quezon City, Mona Tan, owner of an auto supply in Binondo, Manila, urged the Insurance Commission to revoke the certificate of authority granted to Philamlife and its agents—Leticia Ang, Vicente Ang and Ernesto Lim—“on the ground that their method of business is such as to render its proceedings hazardous to the public or to its policy-holders.”

She presented to the media a 16-page complaint filed against the respondents with Department of Finance’s Insurance Commission.

She said she had been a client of Philamlife since 1990 and bought 359 insurance policies for her family

members and employees worth P101 million, adding she trusted the Angs and even allowed them to manage and keep track of her policies “with little supervision.”

She complained she gave the two respondents full access to her records and followed their advices, and that the Angs duped her when they did not her options when choosing insurance products and their specifications.

Moreover, Tan, a senior citizen, said she would give Leticia Ang payments for premiums.

In December 2013, Tan’s daughter found out that her mother supposedly surrendered their policies, “which she never did.”

“In view of the nature of the insurance business, all insurance companies must maintain and foster the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct among its employees, particularly its insurance agents.

Insurance companies are supposed to be the first of defense of the public against unscrupulous insurance agents,” the complaint read.

SENATE President Vicente Sotto III said Monday rank and file employees of the chamber would receive an additional P5,000 monthly allowance for groceries and transportation—to recognize their hard work and dedication to soften the impact of rising prices of commodities.

Sotto made the announcement during the flag-raising ceremony at the Senate, saying “I would like to announce that we have considered the request of the SENADO union for an increase in the grocery and transportation expense allowance … in the additional amount of P5,000, effective July 1, 2018, rank and file only.”

“Upon consultation and based on the recommendation also of our chairman of the committee on accounts, Senator Ping Lacson, upon studying our financial and budgetary situation, we have decided to give an increase,” Sotto said.

Replying to question, Sotto said the request was made by the union even before the passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law.

Sotto added the employees union had long been asking for an increase, and that the amount being given was in fact lower than what they had sought.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

CIDG nabs Yakult PH chief, released after posting bail

By Francisco Tuyay OPERATIVES of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested last Saturday the president of Yakult Philippines for five counts of estafa but was released after posting bail.

Alberto Dy Sun, current president of Yakult Philippines, was nabbed shortly after arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Centennial Terminal 2 in Parañaque City Saturday evening.

Police officials said the suspect just came from a family vacation from Bohol when arrested by the authorities.

Sr. Supt. Eleazar Matta, chief of the CIDGNational Capital Region, confirmed the arrest of Sun at the Naia airport last Saturday.

He said the suspect was released after posting bail.

Sun was arrested by virtue of warrants of arrest issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 91 for five

counts of estafa, arising from misappropriations charges.

Police quoted court documents as alleging Sun and his fellow officers at the Merchandise Distributors Inc.—Donelcio A. Ong, Rosario Dy Sun and Siu Hun Hao Tan—misappropriated the cash dividends of the late J. Victory Dy Sun for the years 2011 to 2015 amounting to P4.475,900.00.

Merchandise Distributors Inc. is a distributor of Yakult products.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports New 3-loop bike route toughens Ironman PH A NEW three-loop race at the Mactan-Mandaue bridge gives the bike stage of the Ironman 70.3 Philippines Asia Pacific Championship a different look when the premier endurance race is fired off Sunday at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu Lapu City.

The organizing Sunrise Events Inc. has decided to use the new route for the bike part of the 1.9km swim-90km bike-21.2km run event so as not to affect thousands of commuters due to the ongoing construction of the South Road Properties along the South Coastal Road which links Cebu City’s SRP to Talisay City.

“We think the new bike stage further adds thrill to the event. Now it has been changed to three loops from the usual M-loop using the SRP. The participants will now traverse the Mactan-Mandaue bridge six times,” said Princess Galura, general manager of SEI, also the producer of the annual event presented by Aguila Energy Drink and Regent Food Corp.

The SCR had traditionally been part of the route for the 90km bike segment of the internationally renowned race.

With a record stellar cast ready and raring to dispute top honors in the premier pro division, Galura expects a spirited battle from start to finish of the event backed by presenting sponsors Alaska Milk Corp., Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board Phl and held as part of SEI’s celebration of its decade-long staging of Ironman events in the country.

“It will be a very good pro race since we have the best of the best for male and female,” she said. “We look forward to hearing feedback from the participants, particularly on the bike course.”

Aussie ace Tim Reed, winner here the last three years, headlines the starstudded men’s pro roster that includes Sam Betten, another top Aussie triathlete who considers Ironman 70.3 Cebu as one of the best Ironman events in the world, Kevin Collington, Brad Williams, Matt Burton, Luke McKenzie, Braden Currie, Matthew Chrabot, Josh Amberger, Nathan Groch and Brent McMahon.

Rizal hosts Mandaluyong in MPBL tilt Games Monday (Ynares Center, Antipolo) 7 p.m. – Gen San vs Makati 9 p.m. – Rizal vs Mandaluyong

TEAM Rizal broke into the win column the last time it played in Biñan, Laguna more than a week ago, and the Crusaders are hoping for a fitting follow up.

Their mettle will be tested when they host the up-and-coming Mandaluyong El Tigre in the main game of the MPBL Datu Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Xentro Mall-supported Crusaders battle the Dataland-backed El Tigre at 9 p.m. right after the match between the Makati Skyscrapers and the Gen San Warriors in the other game at 7 p.m.

But while the Crusaders are looking for a follow up win, the El Tigre want to continue claiming more victims.

A win over Rizal would extend Mandaluyong’s winning streak to four in a row and improve its win-loss card to 4-1 to join Bataan in a tie for second place of this 26-team cast.

Ray Parks, son of the late seven-time PBA Best Import and league Hall of Famer Bobby Parks, had proven how efficient of a player he is in the MPBL as he ranked sixth in average points (18.5 ppg) and second best in assists (8 apg).

In his team’s last win—a 59-55 triumph over Navotas—he finished with 19 points and eight rebounds and came away with big plays down the stretch to keep his team’s winning run.

Stopping Parks would be a bigger challenge for Rizal, which wants to make its hometown crowd proud as it looks for its first home victory. The Crusaders were denied of their first home win by the Pasay Voyagers last time they played here.

Like Mandaluyong, Makati is also looking for its fourth win in five games and the Skyscrapers are heavily favored against the Warriors of Gen San. The Skyscrapers are coming off a tough 79-77 win over the Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife where Cedric Ablaza had a near perfect game, finishing with 22 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the field.

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018

A7

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Thomas fulfils Tour de France dream P

ARIS—Britain’s Geraint Thomas fulfilled his childhood dream by winning the Tour de France Sunday after the 21st and final stage won by Norway’s Alexander Kristoff.

Thomas, of Team Sky, finished the race in Paris with a near two-minute lead on Dutch rival Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) to secure his first yellow jersey, with teammate and four-time and defending champion Chris Froome finishing third at 2:24.

“It’s still not sinking in, it’s incredible,” said Thomas, looking gaunt and tired after three weeks of “suffering dayto-day” on the 105th edition.

The 32-year-old Welshman, the third Briton to win the race after Froome and Bradley Wiggins, secured Team Sky’s sixth victory in the race from the past

seven editions.

“Big respect to Froomey,” he said. “It could have been awkward, there could have been tension... he’s a great champion and I’ve always had respect for you.

“The dream was always to participate, and that dream came true 11 years ago. Now, up here, being in the yellow jersey in front of all of you [the crowd] is just... wow.”

Thomas, known for having a beer while watching his favourite sport of rugby, was quick to grab a Welsh flag before he jumped on to the top step of the podium before listening to a rendi-

tion of God Save the Queen -- the British national anthem.

“I started cycling because of this race. I remember running home from school to watch it,” said Thomas, who paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife Sara, who was emotional as she stood on the sidelines.

“The amount of support I’ve got... ah, my wife. Big thanks to Sara. She’s been with me through thick and thin.”

Thomas, who won back-to-back stages in the Alps before sealing victory with a third-place finish in the penultimate stage time trial on Saturday, took a 1min 51sec lead over Dumoulin into the 21st stage from Houilles to the French capital.

The final stage is usually a festive affair, and Thomas was seen celebrating with fellow Sky teammates early in the

stage as he soaked up becoming the first Welsh yellow jersey winner.

Sprint finale It took several laps of the inner-city circuit around the Champs Elysees for the race to kick into action.

And after a six-man breakaway was reeled in late on, the sprinters’ teams upped the pace to chase down a lastditch attempt by Belgian champion Yves Lampaert, of Quick Step.

Lampaert was caught with only 220 metres remaining, and from there UAE team sprinter Kristoff came off the wheel in front of him to surge to the line and hold off Germany’s John Degenkolb and Frenchman Arnaud Demare.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Kristoff.

“I’ve dreamt about this victory for many years.” AFP

No. 1 Johnson bounces back to capture 1st Canadian Open

Great Britain’s Geraint Thomas (left) wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey rides during the 21st and last stage of the 105th edition of the Tour de France cycling race between Houilles and Paris Champs-Elysees. AFP

MetroStar Realty crowned VIVO Hoop Battle champ METROSTAR Realty grabbed the firstever VIVO Hoop Battle championship after defeating Team Core, 21-10, on Sunday at a jam-packed Market! Market! in Taguig City.

Although it was MetroStar Realty which won the Philippine leg, both finalists will be sent to Suzhou, China in August to battle it out with other Asian teams to determine who will claim the Hoop Battle Champion Title and the top prize worth P3 million.

MetroStar Realty nipped Team Ballers, 18-16, while Team Core edged Arellano University in overtime, 22-20, in the the semifinals to set up a final showdown.

In the finals, MetroStar banked on 6’5” American Jamal Charlie Thomas, who eventually was named MVP of the tournament, and PBA D-League players Joseph Navarro, Reinier Quinga and Argene Sabaza, to dominate Team Core and turned what was expected to be a close encounter into into a one-sided affair.

Thomas, a practice player for the Global Port Batang Pier in the PBA, also took the MVP trophy plus a Vivo V7 and trophy.

“I’m honored to be named as MVP, but I couldn’t have done it without these guys,” said the 27-year-old Thomas, who with the rest of MetroStar Realty will buckle down to work to prepare for their China stint. “We’re going to train right away and improve aspects in our game as a team because I feel we have a chance to win there.”

With the win, MetroStar bagged the top purse worth P200,000, while Team Core, bannered by John Vidal, JP Cauilan and Axel Torres, but which played without injured JR Alabanza, earned P100,000 for its runner-up finish in the event presented by AyalaMalls Synergies, Inc. and VIVO, the leading global smartphone brand, and backed by Capdase.

VIVO also gave the crowd the chance to witness a China vs Philippines three-

point shootout, where the hosts easily defeated the visitors, 31-25.

The PH team was composed of Enderun’s Mike dela Cruz, Ateneo’s Marcio Sario of Team Ballers and Team F4’s AJ Madrigal of UP, while the Chinese team was backstopped by three Chinese probasketball players, Jason Song, who is playing for ABL Kung Fu, Camel Luo and veteran Young Sean, who won the 2014 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Beijing Masters.

Sean indicated that kids who love the game should focus more on the basics of the sport, adding that it is the most important aspect when it comes to basketball.

VIVO encourages its users to pursue an energetic lifestyle.

“Filipinos are basketball fans through and through, which is why it’s exciting for us at Ayala Malls to be able to share and support the games and all our talented players,” said Gabby Katigbak, General Manager of AMSI Inc. Ernest Caballero PARAÑAQUE SPORTS. Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez (third from right) and Paranaque Rep. Eric Olivarez are shown with volleyball players of the Office the Mayor during the opening the 5th Inter-Department Basketball and Volleyball tournament held recently at the city’s sports complex.

The tournament was held annually among city employees and officials to promote sports exchange through the Youth and Sports Development Office, spearheaded by Alex Dandan. Coach Pido Jarencio is the guest speaker during the opening of the tournament.

TORONTO—World number one Dustin Johnson rebounded from a shock early exit at the British Open to capture the Canadian Open title on Sunday for his third victory of 2018.

Johnson fired a six-under 66 for a three-stroke win after starting the final round of the USPGA Tour event at the Glen Abbey course in a four-way tie for the lead.

“I really, really hit the ball well all four days,” the 34-year-old American said.

The win was the 19th title of his career and comes just over a week after he failed to make the cut at Carnoustie.

“I just did not score very well at Carnoustie at all,” he said. “I didn’t putt good. I felt like I hit the ball plenty good enough to be under par after two days, and I was five-over or something. It was just bad scoring.”

Johnson finished at 23-under 265 on Sunday, finally breaking through in an event he finished runner-up in 2013 and 2016.

South Koreans Kim Whee and An Byeong-hun finished second after they each shot 69. They and Kevin Tway were tied for the 54-hole lead with Johnson.

Keegan Bradley had a 64 to finish fourth at 19 under. He shot 63 on Friday, but had a 73 in the third round.

Johnson has a strong connection to Canada because of his engagement to Paulina Gretzky, daughter of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky and mother of his two sons.

“Obviously having a lot of ties to Canada with Paulina, her dad, Wayne, who, thanks to him, I get a lot of fans out here.

“So it makes it a lot more fun playing out here in front of a big crowd.”

“It takes a lot of work and a lot of support from my family to help me get to where I am.”

Johnson also becomes the first player since Tiger Woods (2005-09) with at least three wins in three consecutive seasons on the US Tour.

He said the most important aspect of his game that needed improvement, after the British Open disappointment, was his putting.

“I needed to work on the putter, which I did. I started rolling the putter a lot better this week,” he said. AFP

Johnson

Top-seeded Isner serves up his 5th Atlanta net title LOTTO RESULTS LOS ANGELES—John Isner won his fifth Atlanta Open title on Sunday, with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 win over Ryan Harrison to beat the fellow American in the final for the second straight year The 33-year-old Isner earned his second win of 2018 and a record fifth in Atlanta to go with previous wins in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017.

The top seed served out the match to love in the 10th game of the third set,

clinching victory with a powerful serve down the line that handcuffed Harrison.

Isner is having one of the best seasons of his career. Earlier this month he reached his maiden Grand Slam semi-final with a run to the final four of Wimbledon. He will be ranked number nine in the world when the new rankings come out on Monday.

Isner blasted 21 aces and won 75 percent of his first-serve points in the two-

hour match.

The eighth-seeded Harrison, who was aiming for his second career ATP title, finished with 10 aces but made three double faults and had his serve broken twice.

Harrison won the first set against Isner after a week of come-from-behind victories. In order to make the final he had to rally from a set down in each of his previous matches. AFP

6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

Sports

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

A8

Lions try to close in on Pirates

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018

Games Today (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)

Team Manila–Philippines’ standout pitcher Glory Alonzo in action during their 11 – 0 win in the semifinals match against the Riverside County Lady Laces in the 2018 PONY World Series 18-U Girls Softball Championship at the Diamond Valley Park, Hemet, California USA.

Manila Softbelles champs again Asiad-bound Ando leads lift winners

By Peter Atencio ASIAN Games-bound bets Elreen Ann Ando and Ellen Rose Perez gave it their best shot as they claimed gold medals last Sunday in the 2018 Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Open Championships at the Meralco Fitness Center in Ortigas, Pasig.

The 19-year-old Ando, who is one of four additional entries to the national squad that will go the Asiad in Indonesia, led her teammates from Cebu by topping the women’s 63-kg event with a total lift of 200-kgs.

This was after Ando, a senior high school student at University of Cebu, lifted 90 kgs in her third attempt in the snatch, and 100-kgs in the clean and jerk during her turn at the stage in this tournament presented by the MVP Sports Foundation and Meralco.

Her efforts bested her Hong Kong rival Supawon Hui, who tallied 137, and local bet Sonia Pascual, who submitted 123.

“Sabi ni coach, palagi kong kunin ang mga personal best para sure na ako sa Asian Games,” said Ando.

Perez, who hails from Tagbilaran, Bohol, impressed with her total lift of 155 kg. that gave her the gold in the women’s 53 kg.

Singaporean Sheryl Wei Foo was among five foreign entries who took home a gold by ruling the women’s 75 kg category, with her personal best of 81 in the clean and jerk giving her total of 146.

Woo was way ahead of PEP lifter Marie Justine Talamayan with her 115.

Foo’s coach Lewis Chua also earned a gold medal on the men’s 105 kg after topping Jess Adaptar of Bohol.

Guam lifter Jacinta Sumagaysay prevailed over Daryl Banania of the University of the East with her 160-kg tally in the women’s 58 kg.

H

EMET, CALIFORNIA—Team Manila–Philippines extended its reign as it beat 2016 World Series Champion and 2017 runner-up Central Hemet Xplosion, 5-1, to win the 2018 PONY World Series 18-U Girls Softball Championship crown, the first-ever back-to-back title by the Philippines and by an Asian country, at the packed out Diamond Valley Park in the Valley-Wide Recreation District here.

Ace pitcher Alma Tauli, the 17-yearold hurler from Norzagaray. Bulacan and daughter of a retired security guard and a housekeeper, pummeled the host city team and capped her dazzling performance with eight strike outs, five no-run innings and a couple of fine defensive stops that had the Californians winded and awed.

But earlier in the first semifinal match of a final four double-header, the Manila batters’ standout pitcher Glory Alonzo delivered another sizzling show with 11 strikeouts and five no-run innings, complemented by a homerun each by shortstop Angelu Gabriel and outfielder Alexandria Romero-Salas plus a brilliant two-run homerun play by Gabriel for a lopsided, 11-0 win over a game Riverside County Lady Laces, plus the right to face the Hemet Xplosion in the Championship match.

Later in the day in the finals, both the

Big City Softbelles, whose trip here is backed by Mayor Joseph Estrada, the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and HMR Trading House, and the Hemet Xplosion, were neck-to-neck and scoreless until the top of the third inning where Gabriel and second baseman Mary Joy Maguad both started the assault with a run each off base hits by first baseman Cleofe Magsayo and Romero-Salas.

Khisha Cantor, the 18-year-old veteran from Adamson University and member of the Champion team to the 2017 PONY World Series, made a two base hit, stole third base and made a run off an RBI by catcher Aliza Pichon to put the score at 3–1 at the top of the fourth.

Then, Softbelles’ top hurler Tauli yielded a rare homerun to the Hemet Xplosion’s Hillary Smith at the bottom of the fourth inning, complemented by the Host City Team’s top pitcher Dianne Lopez, who shone with five strike outs and two

no-run innings, to the delight of the huge hometown crowd.

But it was the cat-quick Maguad, the 18-year-old native of Candoni, Negros Occidental and veteran of the 2017 Junior World Championship and World Series, who sizzled with two stolen bases and a run off a catching error that silenced the host crowd at the top of the fifth at a score of 4-1.

The Hemet Xplosion came back strong at the bottom of the sixth with three base hits of their own and with bases full and loaded, Softbelles’ ace hurler Alma Tauli calmly responded and delivered a stinging blow to the Xplosion’s surge with a couple of strike outs and defensive stops to hose down a fiery comeback and close the game, 5-1, at regulation time.

“The girls deserve the win because we were able to keep our composure, execute our plan and limit our errors,” said head coach Ana Santiago.

Manila Softball President Rafael “Che” Borromeo said: “We express our heartfelt thanks to the Filipino community in Hemet and Cerritos for their support and hospitality, and specially to Mayor Joseph Estrada, other City Hall officials, and the ICTSI for their untiring support.”

TIED SERIES.

San Miguel Beer’s Renaldo Balkman scores on a layup, leaving his defensive man Justin Brownlee of Barangay Ginebra behind in Game 2 of the Philippine Basketball Commissioner’s Cup Finals Sunday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. The Beermen won, 134-109, to level the series at 1-1.

SAN Beda University seeks to close in on leader Lyceum of the Philippines University as it clashes with Emilio Aguinaldo College today in the 94th NCAA basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The Lions have started their threepeat bid by surviving strong challenges from the Perpetual Help Altas, whom they edged, 67-65, in the opener on July 8 and the St. Benilde Blazers whom they turned back, 75-69, last week.

And now the reigning back-to-back champions face at 4 p.m. an EAC team that has dropped its first three games in heartbreaking fashion, including a 74-76 overtime defeat to Perpetual Help Thursday.

San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez knows their current standing doesn’t reflect the strength of the Generals, who are spearhead by 6’9” Cameroonian Hamadou Laminou, who averages 20 points, 12 rebounds and 2.3 blocks a game.

“They have a tall and strong import and they have some key pieces who could beat any team so there is no reason to expect an easy game,” said Fernandez.

It is also no secret that San Beda appeared vulnerable in its first two outings, but has shown resiliency in the end, thanks mainly to late-game heroics by Robert Bolick, who has averaged a career-best 20 points a game, including a career-high 25-point effort against CSB. On both occasions, Bolick took charge for his team when it mattered most.

“I will do whatever my coach tells me and whenever the team needs me,” said Bolick, who delayed his PBA dreams for a year to chase one more title in the NCAA. Arellano University, meanwhile, hopes to ride the crest of its 82-81 overtime squeaker over San Sebastian Friday as it tackles an unpredictable Mapua side at 2 p.m.

Azkals getting ready for 2 tilts THE Philippine Azkals national men’s football team leaves for Bahrain to get ready for two big tournaments in the coming months.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta expects the Azkals, with new coach Terry Butcher calling the shots, to be in top form when the AFF Suzuki Cup gets going in November and December and at their maiden appearance in the AFC Asian Cup in January 2019.

The Azkals will be in Bahrain during the September FIFA window to play against a Bahraini club side on Sept 7.

Then, they clash with the Bahrain national team on Sept. 11.

Next up, is another FIFA window in October.

And the PFF is setting a friendly game at home.

The PFF chief hopes that Rizal Memorial will still be available before it gets renovated in preparation for the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

“Our fans will get to watch our new team,” said Araneta.

In November, the Azkals will be in the five-team, round-robin group stage of the Suzuki Cup, which will banner a new home-and-away format.

The Philippines will host Singapore at Bacolod’s Panaad Stadium on Nov. 13 before playing either Brunei or Timor Leste away four days later.

Peter Atencio

Agravante, Hallasgo rule Manila Milo Marathon

By Peter Paul Duran A FAMILIAR face ruled this year’s men’s division, while a newcomer conquered the women’s side in the centerpiece MILO Nutri-Up 42-KM event of this year’s soggy 42nd National MILO Marathon-Manila Elimination leg Sunday at the Mall of Asia grounds.

Former 2016 National Finals King Jeson Agravante returned with a bang as he claimed the full marathon title, clocking in at 2:35:10 under pouring rain to bolster his stake of representing the country in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games if he tops the National Finals anew in Laoag later this year.

The Bacolod native fell short in last year’s National Finals in Cebu and has started his return campaign as MILO

Marathon King on a high, relegating Erick Panique (2:42:41) to second place, and Bryan Quinco (2:43:59) to third.

Meanwhile, 21K regular Christine Hallasgo embodied discipline, resilience, and determination to top the first-ever full marathon she joined since giving birth in 2016. The runner from Bukidnon led the female category in 3:05:14 and will likewise try to claim her maiden Marathon Queen title on Dec. 9.

She was nearly 10 minutes past the finish line when second placer Jho-An Villarma crossed at 3:14:28, while 2017 Manila leg champ Cinderella Lorenzo was only good this time for third (3:17:46).

“I prepared really hard for this race because it is part of my training as a member of the National Team. This is also part of my preparation for the National Finals,”

said Agravante, who braved the damp weather to conquer the race routes that covered the cities of Pasay, Makati, and Taguig, along with nearly 28,000 runners.

He admitted that he was not in his best condition during the country’s most prestigious and biggest running event’s finale in 2017, but assured that he is determined to reverse that in this year’s races.

“I wasn’t able to perform well in the National Final in Cebu that is why I am working my hardest so I can come back strong,” he said.

Unheralded Hallasgo, who usually gets podium finishes in 21K races of the MILO Marathon regional legs such as Butuan and Cagayan de Oro, took a great leap and spent four months of rigorous training to win despite stiff competition and the challenging route brought by the bad weather.

Participants of the 42nd National MILO Marathon-Manila Elimination leg Sunday at the Mall of Asia grounds pick up the trash. Peter Paul Duran

IN BRIEF

Sambar urges PNOC sell Malampaya gas PARTY List Rep. Mark Sambar on Monday pushed for the sale of the banked gas or the unused gas from the Malampaya gas project in northwest Palawan to reduce power costs.

Sambar, member of the House Committee on Energy, urged state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. to dispose of the gas in order to raise funding for the oil and gas company’s projects.

“We don’t want gas to be stranded... we are worried that the gas will just remain there... we need funds for government projects,” the lawmaker said during the committee hearing Monday.

Sambar said PNOC should find a balance on how to sell the banked gas.

Power rates can drop by around P0.50 per kilowatt-hour if the banked gas is sold today.

PNOC president Reuben Lista said he was willing to sell low if it would reduce the price of electricity. The PNOC board, however, has not announced a decision on the banked gas sale.

PNOC sought out bids for its 97.67 petajoules of banked gas from the Malampaya gas project. The PNOC board said it would come out with a decision on Friday. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

Magnum Air owners want to settle BoC row THE owners of Magnum Air Inc. said they are confident of resolving the issue surrounding the 80-seater aircraft seized by the Bureau of Customs.

Magnum Air chief executive Patrick Tan said in a statement the new management team wanted to settle their liabilities but without the penalties cited by the government. He said the company should not shoulder the penalties.

Tan added that the issue over the plane was just one of several irregularities they discovered during an internal compliance audit and corporate restructuring that began December 2016.

The aircraft was legally admitted upon first importation as shown by documents submitted to the BoC seizure proceedings. An internal audit result was supplied to the BoC Port of Subic, prior to the warrant of seizure and detention in May 2017, when the current management long submitted its intention to settle any tax and duty obligation that may be legally due on the aircraft.

SODEXO OPENS IN CEBU. Sodexo

Philippines marks another milestone with the official blessing and inauguration of its new office in Cebu City. Phil Carter (left) and Manuel Fernandez cut the ribbon during the inauguration of the new Sodexo office.

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018

B1

By Julito G. Rada

ICTSI-GO NEGOSYO PARTNERSHIP. The Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship through its Go Negosyo program and port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. team up toward a shared goal of inclusive growth and lifting millions of Filipinos out of poverty through entrepreneurship. ICTSI chairman and president Enrique Razon Jr. (third from left) joins Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria Concepcion III (left) during a private sector round table to discuss infrastructure initiatives under the present administration. With them are Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (second from left) of the Ayala Group and Michael Tan (right) of the LT Group.

Megaworld allots P28b to construct Bacolod hub P

By Darwin G. Amojelar

ROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. said Monday it is spending P28 billion over the next 10 years to build Bacolod City’s new central business district.

“The Upper East will be the city’s first masterplanned mixed-use community that integrates the live-workplay components of an integrated urban township, the concept that Megaworld pioneered in the Philippines,” Rachelle Peñaflorida, vice president for sales and marketing of Megaworld Bacolod, said.

“Around 35 percent of the township will be dedicated to parks and open spaces. We are excited to build Bacolod’s new and modern central business and lifestyle district,” she said.

The 34-hectare The Upper East in the eastern district of the city, just a few blocks away from the Bacolod City

BSP remains upbeat on banking expansion BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. remains upbeat on the growth prospects of the domestic banking industry, saying the sector will continue to grow and support economic expansion.

Espenilla said the currently strong banking system was a product of decades of hard work, commitment to reforms and decisiveness.

“Moving forward, we expect further expansion of the banking system, sound asset quality, adequate liquidity and rising capital buffers,” Espenilla said in a speech during the 25th anniversary celebration of BSP on the night of July 27.

He said total assets of the banking system increased 12.2 percent year-onyear as of end-May 2018. The expansion was funded by the 12.5-percent growth in deposits mostly deployed to lending activities. Loans were broadbased across various borrower and industry types.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

UnionBank’s income rose 8% to P4.7b in six months

TransCo seeks higher FIT rate for next year NATIONAL Transmission Corp. filed a petition with the Energy Regulatory Commission to collect P0.2780 per kilowatt-hour from consumers by 2019 under the feed-in tariff allowance, lower than its pending application of P0.2932 per kWh for 2018 but higher than the current approved rate of P0.2563 per kWh. TransCo asked ERC to allow it “to timely implement the FIT-All rate of P0.2780 per kWh effective January 2019 without prejudice to the final and actual rate pending the final disposition of its present application.”

TransCo manages the FIT-All rate that is used to pay the eligible renewable energy developers under the FIT system, an incentive scheme that, among others, gives priority to connections to grid, priority purchase and transmission of, and payment for, generated and fixed tariff for not less than 12 years to be determined by the ERC. “The grant of a provisional authority will allow TransCo to perform its duties to make a timely payment of the FIT rate to RE developers to which they are entitled, thereby allowing their continued operations. Alena Mae S. Flores

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

“The banking system is healthy and profitable. Overall profitability is buoyed by the increase in core income from lending activities. With staunch commitment and consistent dedication, capitalization of the overall banking system is now above the regulatory thresholds,” Espenilla said.

He said banks continued to adhere to sound credit underwriting standards as shown by the very satisfactory quality of the banking system’s loan portfolio.

Espenilla said banks were well prepared to bear credit losses as they set up adequate provisions for possible defaults. Banks were able maintain a nonperforming loans coverage ratio of over 100 percent.

“The trajectory for profit growth will continue, driven mainly by strong growth outlook, upbeat lending activities, product innovations, and more cost-efficient and technology-enabled operations,” he said. Julito G. Rada

Government Center, will be home to residential condominiums, malls and commercial centers, mixed-use buildings, state-of-the-art office towers, and hotels.

It will also have facilities such as a transport hub, a church, green and open parks and a central plaza with creative urban art installations.

The township will be highlighted by a 30-meter wide, six-lane Upper East Avenue, which stretches for around one kilometer, connecting Lopez Jaena Street to the Circumferential Road. Other roads inside the township will be at least 20 meters wide.

Centuries-old Acacia trees will adorn the various areas of the township, as Megaworld commits to preserve them to become part of the township’s unique character and design.

The entire township is also designed to be flood-free, utilizing underground cabling system for power and utility lines, LED and solar-powered streetlights, fiber optic technology, drip irrigation system for landscaping and water re-use facilities.

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monday, July 30, 2018

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

53.3710

Japan

Yen

0.009016

0.4812

UK

Pound

1.311300

69.9854

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127431

6.8011

Switzerland

Franc

1.005429

53.6608

Canada

Dollar

0.766225

40.8942

Singapore

Dollar

0.734592

39.2059

Australia

Dollar

0.739600

39.4732

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

141.5864

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266645

14.2311

Brunei

Dollar

0.731904

39.0624

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.030021

1.6023

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

14.5314

Euro

Euro

1.166000

62.2306

Korea

Won

0.000897

0.0479

China

Yuan

0.146757

7.8326

India

Rupee

0.014577

0.7780

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.246305

13.1455

New Zealand

Dollar

0.679500

36.2656

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032728

1.7467

Among the first to be built in the township is a nine-story residential condominium development, the company’s first in Bacolod City.

The mid-rise residential development called One Regis offers units ranging from Studio (up to 37 square meters), one-bedroom (58 sqm) and two-bedroom (73 sqm). Some units will feature a ‘lanai’, an exclusive balcony that overlooks either the township’s landscape or the amenity deck’s pool and indoor park.

Residents can enjoy its first-class facilities such as its own swimming pool and kiddie pool, pool lounge and seating areas, fitness center, events hall, male and female shower rooms and a walk park.

“One Regis will be located right across the township plaza and beside the iconic Casa de Emperador. It will also be just a short walk away from the future mall development. Truly, it will be a perfect sanctuary for those wanting to live the township lifestyle that only Megaworld can offer in Bacolod City,” Peñaflorida said.

Solon cites need to rehabilitate electric co-op in Zamboanga City THE continued financial decline of Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative can lead to outages which will adversely affect its residents and business.

Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat made the assessment amid reports that the city would face possible power outages if Zamcelco failed to pay its debt to power suppliers.

Lobregat is now calling for a more deliberate intervention from the government to ensure the rehabilitation of the cooperative.

“Actually, the problem is worsening because the system loss is not going down and not improving. Last month, Zamcelco’s power supply was almost cut off because it couldn’t pay its suppliers in time,” he said.

Zamcelco reportedly owes its suppliers some P2 billion which accumulated through the years.

Lobregat asked the National Electrification Administration to intervene and look for a company which could be awarded an investment management contract to ensure the complete rehabilitation of the cooperative.

“I believe NEA should come in already because it would be a long process. The NEA should come in and maybe NEA should be the one to handle the bidding process,” he said.

Zamcelco earlier called for a rebidding of the IMC after Meralco-Comstech backed out of the contract amid concerns over a lower system loss cap that will require additional investment.

Lobregat warned that awarding the IMC to the wrong company would only worsen Zamcelco’s delivery of service.

UNION Bank of the Philippines, the country’s ninth-largest lender in terms of assets and controlled by the Aboitiz Group, said net income increased 8 percent in the first half to P4.7 billion from P4.4 billion a year ago.

UnionBank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday net revenues grew 9.1 percent in the six-month period to P12.7 billion from P11.7 billion in the same period last year.

The figures translated into an annualized return on equity and return on average assets of 12.8 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively.

“We are ahead of our target for the year despite margin compression in the first half due to higher interest rates and regulatory compliance,” said UnionBank treasurer and chief financial officer Jose Emmanuel Hilado.

He said for the rest of the year, recurring income was expected to drive profitability. “We anticipate margins to improve as loan rates start to catch up against deposit cost,” he said.

The bank sustained its robust performance from the first quarter given the double-digit growth from customer businesses. Total loans climbed 18 percent year-on-year to P313.0 billion, with retail loans accounting for 33 percent of total loan portfolio.

This boosted the bank’s total assets to P623.2 billion, up by 12.8 percent from P552.6 billion in the same period last year. Assets were mainly supported by deposits at P452.9 billion.

UnionBank president Edwin Bautista said the bank would launch more innovations in the industry as it aimed to be among the pioneers in the field of blockchain technology and the token economy.

“We have no doubt that we are on track in our digital transformation journey. The market has noticed. The bank was recognized as Asia’s Best Bank Digital Transformation in the 2018 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. Moreover, our Project i2i in collaboration with rural banks, was highlighted in the technology space as a commendable use case of blockchain to drive societal change and inclusive

Meralco’s profit climbed 14% to P10.9b in 1st half

By Alena Mae S. Flores POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. said Monday net income climbed 14 percent in the first half to P11.973 billion from P10.501 billion a year ago on higher volume of energy sold.

Meralco said core net income also rose 7 percent in the first six months to P10.851 billion from P10.118 billion in the same period last year.

Core net income includes the effects of foreign exchange gains or losses, mark-to-market adjustments and other one-time exception transactions.

Consolidated revenues reached P150.5 billion in January to June, up 7 percent from P141 billion in the same period last year.

Meralco chief finance officer Betty Sy-Yap attributed the higher revenues “to the combined effect of a 7-percent increase in volume of energy sold and increased generation charge brought about by higher fuel prices, the weakening of the peso vis-a-vis the US dollar to pesos, higher consumer price index and higher prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.”

Sales volume increased 7 percent to 21,665 gigawatt-hours in the first half, following a strong first quarter where volumes surged 9 percent.

Sales volume growth reached 3 percent to 3,969 gWh in June alone.

Industrial sales volume grew the fastest at 9 percent, followed by residential sales at 6 percent and commercial sales at six percent.

Growth in industrial sales was largely driven by semiconductor, food and beverage, rubber and plastics industries.

Non-electric electric revenues consisting largely of revenues from subsidiaries’ operations hit P3.6 billion in the first six months, nearly unchanged from the same period last year.

B2

Business

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks extend rally; ICTSI gains

T

HE stock advanced for the fourth straight day Monday on upbeat economic growth prospects as investors position ahead of the second-quarter earnings results.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 71.94 points, 0.9 percent, to 7,773.32 on a value turnover of P5.6 billion. Gainers edged losers, 98 to 91, with 57 issues unchanged.

International Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator, advanced 5.8 percent to P88.40, while Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., which is into power generation and distribution, banking, food and infrastructure, climbed 5 percent to P57.75.

Universal Robina Corp., the largest snack food maker, gained 3.8 percent to P136, while Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water and

electricity generation, power generation and hospitals, rose 3.3 percent to P4.69.

The rest of Asian markets, however, dropped Monday following Wall Street’s downbeat finish last week on fears that US economic growth has peaked, and with investors cautious ahead of key central bank meetings.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index ended down 0.74 percent at 22,544.84, while the broader Topix index slipped 0.43 percent to 1,768.15.

Markets were down elsewhere in the region, including Hong Kong, Seoul and Sydney, where the benchmark S&P/ ASX 200 fell 21.8 points, or 0.35 percent, to close at 6,278.4.

China’s stock markets also closed lower, with the tech-heavy Shenzhen index leading the losses.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index eased 0.16 percent to 2,869.05, while the Shenzhen Composite Index,

which tracks stocks on China’s second exchange, fell 1.39 percent.

“The quite significant loss on the Nasdaq last week had a big impact on Chinese stocks, especially for the technology and innovation shares listed in Shenzhen,” said Zhang Yanbing, an analyst at Zheshang Securities.

Trading was sluggish after investors reacted poorly to data showing the US economy expanded at an annual rate of 4.1 percent in the second quarter While the rise matched analyst expectations and was hailed by US President Donald Trump, investors were unimpressed, sending stocks lower on a sense that the figures represent a peak.

Sentiment was also muted Monday ahead of several key central bank meetings, including in Tokyo, where the Bank of Japan began two days of talks.

“Lackluster trading continued as investors want to know the results of Japa-

nese and US central bankers’ policy decisions,” Yoshihiro Ito, chief strategist at Okasan Online Securities, said in a commentary.

There has been widespread speculation about whether Japan’s central bank may be looking to alter its ultra-loose monetary policy.

Reports earlier this month suggested minor changes were possible in the bank’s bond-buying program, as it seeks to offset its effects on the banking sector.

The BoJ has engaged in massive bondbuying as part of a program to push the country’s inflation rate up to 2.0 percent, seen as necessary to turbocharge the world’s third-largest economy.

But the goal has proved stubbornly elusive and experts said the BoJ might reset expectations on when it could be achieved, with local media reporting inflation forecasts would be lowered.

With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, JULY 30, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 60 27,260 99.9 2,210,010 2.76 2,000 134 3,458,470 1.6 152,000 33.1 66,100 6.67 100 16.5 17,000 14.6 502,700 3.8 494,000 8.69 600 835 210 0.54 77,000 74 4,719,680 1.04 284,000 47.5 63,500 205 1,360 107.2 660 88 3,130 30 55,900 205 198,630 1,865 115 84.5 1,230 1.19 14,000

1,630,451 220,725,453 5,520 466,162,456 242,960 2,190,555 667 277,352 7,320,756 1,899,780 5,214 175,815 40,380 349,517,696.50 294,610 3,021,505 277,860 70,726 275,550 1,681,590 40,678,874 214,550 103,706.50 16,660

1,605,924 -138,887,821.50 -15,363,924 -62,925 178,942 -4,319,279.50 -814,965 -104,965 -993,880 -18,660 3,380 -

36.95 15.5 0.73 1.15 0.232 3.07 15.52 38.6 21.05 50 66.85 1.84 5.1 7.5 10.16 15.82 10.7 7.25 5.06 15.4 61.85 23.8 7.4 14 2.39 261.6 3.83 26.25 12.6 19.22 370 0.18 6.75 2.21 4.16 8.76 5.55 7.97 1.18 11.74 56 6.17 4.6 2.27 1.78 13.26 67.9 5.23 0.127 1.22 132.4 2.56 1.56

INDUSTRIAL 37.2 1,219,800 15.58 502,700 0.74 5,642,000 1.17 252,000 0.239 1,500,000 3.1 11,274,000 15.7 2,040,800 42 272,000 21.05 16,800 50.7 3,760 66.85 980 1.85 17,000 5.1 100 7.8 21,700 10.2 2,423,800 15.94 748,200 10.82 82,200 7.3 114,200 5.14 1,037,000 15.7 989,300 63.45 88,460 23.8 36,200 7.47 139,600 14 440,200 2.4 616,000 266 281,580 5.06 142,000 26.6 1,160,300 12.86 16,569,100 19.24 1,393,600 380 215,330 0.18 50,000 6.75 28,400 2.21 38,000 4.16 137,000 8.8 787,800 5.66 84,400 7.97 1,600 1.2 853,000 12 96,800 56 67,300 6.17 3,200 4.65 7,536,000 2.36 249,000 1.8 163,000 13.26 77,200 67.9 33,060 5.23 20,800 0.127 60,000 1.23 660,000 136 1,387,780 2.6 2,279,000 1.59 20,730,000

45,250,595 7,828,428 4,154,020 291,820 357,660 34,996,550 32,045,478 10,832,455 354,375 192,085 65,513 31,300 510 167,760 24,874,386 11,907,480 891,138 832,079 5,283,616 15,483,040 5,566,842 871,915 1,043,492 6,264,696 1,483,870 74,706,782 697,330 30,985,820 210,769,912 26,905,618 81,432,362 9,000 192,038 84,910 572,780 6,968,447 474,259 12,752 1,017,660 1,151,802 3,777,898 19,756 34,669,070 579,980 294,820 1,040,392 2,248,243.50 109,514 7,720 814,050 189,721,303 5,943,750 33,470,080

8,178,365 779,254 -13,469,220 190,040 -436,800 -171,565 -105,300 -1,575,012 6,426,470 -76,020 516,413 -1,277,553 5,007,892 5,250,177 -581,465 909,616 15,536,562 25,000 -12,766,265 189,138,942 -9,061,508 54,709,526 -2,250 -295,540 -54,544 -580 1,609,221 -4,331 141,390 -3,620 -10,112 -1,112,986 131,724,819 -15,790 1,764,930

0.244 55 11.88 0.91 6.09 28 0.84 0.87 985 6.06 11.52 7 0.208 984.5 5.99 55 0.6 3.7 17.5 0.68 4.59 3.36 0.037 1.32 2.78 136.1 2.55 952 0.75 1.6 470 260 0.34

HOLDING FIRMS 0.244 1,320,000 57.75 1,193,150 12.1 5,099,500 0.99 18,000 6.09 1,400 29.3 321,300 0.94 148,029,000 0.93 41,126,000 1,013 427,720 6.12 622,300 11.72 4,717,400 7.1 8,100 0.208 80,000 994 117,570 6.05 16,700 56.15 2,701,590 0.63 363,000 3.73 135,000 18.54 1,109,200 0.7 6,049,000 4.69 38,048,000 3.36 4,000 0.038 5,800,000 1.33 719,000 2.79 667,000 138.4 299,220 2.55 10,000 965 253,290 0.75 108,000 1.61 19,000 470 100 262 1,510 0.35 15,270,000

324,810 68,556,495.50 61,227,514 16,460 8,529 9,337,940 134,001,070 37,815,890 430,705,865 3,817,128 55,036,922 57,440 16,640 116,379,315 101,110 152,332,819.50 217,860 501,150 20,322,116 4,213,520 176,972,080 13,440 220,300 955,550 1,866,300 41,305,611 25,500 243,632,045 82,580 30,540 47,000 394,718 5,331,650

34,368,737.50 -23,296,842 -268,810 20,808,615 108,618 13,791,624 1,552,240 42,441,319 -251,990 2,382,864 -742,600 1,073,080 139,500 -5,192,228 81,888,470 -102,160 -

2,028,145 1,190,430 638,038 672,430 199,150 413,277,600 37,041,890 8,994,890 148,774 1,189,050 224,870 1,046,160 612,800 148,300 19,776,890 37,543,920 521,510 1,160 24,850,740 137,240 4,411,130 47,163,680 7,074,580 923,750 1,589,955 3,468,190 20,448,494

-605,170 -3,880 -7,200 177,579,940 -457,020 -3,205,600 -213,100 -178,630 -52,476 -4,227,185 -497,860 -16,130,760 516,380 3,563,430 2,400 11,090 562,460 4,034,306

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

60 100.1 2.76 136.8 1.57 33.25 6.67 16.32 14.6 3.88 8.69 879 0.53 74 1.04 48.05 200.2 107.1 88 30.5 205 1,866 84.2 1.19

60 100.4 2.76 136.8 1.6 33.25 6.67 16.5 14.6 3.9 8.69 879 0.54 74.3 1.04 48.05 205 107.2 89 30.5 205.8 1,867 84.5 1.19

59.5 99.1 2.76 134 1.57 33.1 6.67 16.3 14.5 3.8 8.69 835 0.52 73.6 1.03 47.15 200.2 107.1 88 29.9 203.2 1,865 84.2 1.19

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR ENERGY DEVT FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE 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 SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VULCAN INDL

37.2 15.68 0.75 1.18 0.235 3.13 15.52 38.6 21.25 51.8 66.85 1.84 5.1 7.8 10.5 16 10.9 7.27 5.18 15.4 63 23.8 7.4 14.1 2.39 265 3.83 26.5 12.62 19.3 375 0.18 6.78 2.25 4.18 8.82 5.6 7.97 1.18 11.8 56.25 6.17 4.68 2.36 1.83 13.68 67.9 5.3 0.131 1.25 132.5 2.62 1.58

37.2 15.68 0.75 1.18 0.244 3.14 15.98 42 21.25 51.8 66.85 1.85 5.1 7.8 10.5 16 10.9 7.3 5.18 15.8 63.45 24.45 7.5 14.44 2.45 266 5.06 26.95 13.08 19.44 380 0.18 6.78 2.25 4.32 8.9 5.8 7.97 1.2 12 56.4 6.23 4.68 2.4 1.83 13.68 68.55 5.3 0.131 1.25 138.9 2.63 1.65

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

0.25 55 11.98 0.91 6.09 30.5 0.87 0.89 990 6.2 11.64 7.2 0.208 984.5 6.5 56 0.63 3.73 17.7 0.7 4.59 3.36 0.038 1.34 2.78 137 2.55 952 0.76 1.61 470 260.8 0.355

0.25 57.8 12.1 0.99 6.1 30.5 0.97 0.96 1,015 6.2 11.72 7.2 0.208 994 6.5 57.4 0.63 3.74 18.64 0.71 4.69 3.36 0.038 1.35 2.8 139 2.55 965 0.77 1.61 470 262 0.36

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

7.57 0.97 14.22 1.93 0.74 41.2 3.22 4.68 5.72 0.44 0.96 0.96 0.219 0.41 9.7 26.3 0.6 0.116 1.45 1.22 1.44 4.75 0.59 0.455 0.495 3.67 19.68

7.7 0.97 14.5 1.97 0.74 42.2 3.27 4.73 5.72 0.44 0.97 1 0.219 0.415 10 26.3 0.6 0.116 1.45 1.24 1.46 4.79 0.61 0.455 0.51 3.73 20

7.45 0.95 14.2 1.93 0.71 40.9 3.22 4.6 5.5 0.435 0.96 0.96 0.216 0.41 9.52 25.9 0.59 0.116 1.43 1.22 1.42 4.68 0.58 0.45 0.495 3.58 19.66

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

2.08 3.25 38 1.15 7.62 0.75 5.96

2.09 3.25 38.05 1.15 7.85 0.75 6.01

2.06 3.25 37.8 1.08 7.6 0.75 5.95

2.06 3.25 38 1.14 7.75 0.75 5.99

644,000 21,000 5,371,000 340,000 1,138,100 8,000 4,404,900

1,332,050 68,250 203,900,225 381,440 8,806,426 6,000 26,390,490

47,686,310 165,270 -6,416,087

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

14.6 24.3 1.33 0.475 0.045 13.4 5.03 10.6 0.058 71.3 8.47 7.12 7.23 2.13 27.7 1,820 5.4 279 3.58 2.15 84 13.68 7.89 0.137 2.99 3.58 4.5 1.06 24.8 0.465 4.9 6.7 2.71 2.35 2.3 17.74 9.17 11.06 8.7 3.35 118 5.61 1,359 0.92 45.6 86.4 8.5 2.05 1.1 0.57 5.14 0.76 11.74

14.6 24.3 1.33 0.475 0.05 13.4 5.05 10.84 0.06 71.95 8.47 7.12 7.36 2.13 27.7 1,820 5.44 279 3.74 2.22 88.4 13.68 7.9 0.138 3.13 3.69 4.64 1.06 24.8 0.465 4.97 7.03 2.85 2.39 2.3 18.78 9.2 11.1 9 3.44 118 5.73 1,364 0.94 46.2 87.4 8.66 2.08 1.11 0.57 5.2 0.76 12

14.4 23 1.33 0.47 0.045 13.14 4.95 10.52 0.056 69.75 8.47 6.95 7.23 2.13 25.75 1,796 5.4 274.4 3.56 2.15 84 13.68 7.89 0.133 2.88 3.58 4.2 1.03 24.5 0.465 4.7 6.65 2.7 2.2 2.1 17.18 9.08 11.04 8.7 3.35 118 5.54 1,351 0.91 45.6 86.05 8.2 1.96 1.07 0.54 5 0.74 11.74

SERVICES 14.5 23.6 1.33 0.47 0.05 13.14 4.95 10.54 0.058 70 8.47 6.95 7.36 2.13 26.1 1,813 5.43 279 3.74 2.22 88.4 13.68 7.9 0.136 3.06 3.68 4.21 1.05 24.7 0.465 4.94 6.7 2.77 2.25 2.25 17.18 9.1 11.04 9 3.44 118 5.64 1,359 0.92 45.8 87 8.63 1.99 1.09 0.55 5.1 0.74 11.98

6,500 68,700 61,000 1,700,000 58,700,000 4,600 75,000 4,678,400 13,740,000 745,390 1,100 1,729,900 25,000 3,000 332,400 17,375 120,600 2,000 2,091,000 17,000 1,128,480 700 21,700 4,170,000 6,299,000 90,000 6,338,000 297,000 1,005,200 20,000 317,000 7,627,500 2,123,000 1,354,000 35,000 8,600 1,848,800 22,800 2,300 58,000 1,600 472,200 71,035 3,300,000 361,600 648,230 28,600 7,369,000 5,659,000 34,318,000 1,056,300 1,819,000 2,240,200

94,550 1,615,365 81,130 799,600 2,822,700 60,470 375,340 49,818,620 794,740 52,234,080 9,317 12,110,947 183,429 6,390 8,815,105 31,452,720 653,422 555,014 7,703,890 36,740 98,359,344.50 9,576 171,230 566,210 19,177,780 328,250 28,044,310 308,110 24,746,440 9,300 1,560,840 52,909,306 5,887,150 3,064,860 77,320 153,514 16,867,843 252,466 20,340 198,410 188,800 2,662,213 96,530,805 3,055,930 16,622,135 56,225,660 241,339 14,841,090 6,175,340 18,987,610 5,353,468 1,355,350 26,762,602

-39,200 -18,643,100 -27,840,433 -3,402,874 -133,275 7,326,975 403,810 35,843,645 35,620 494,670 37,300.00 -4,598,850 -3,650,535 -19,250 73,722 -17,200 166,380 11,420 -38,871,145 82,500 6,761,385 -4,488,788 307,100.00 -2,390,850 -20,756 -449,010 7,008,778

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

0.0025 1.45 3.9 20.5 1.89 0.31 7.56 2.11 0.217 0.123 0.127 1.56 4.39 1.21 0.55 1.12 0.012 0.012 0.012 3 4.5 10.94 31.7 0.0058

0.0026 1.45 3.9 21 1.93 0.31 7.56 2.13 0.217 0.124 0.127 1.64 4.5 1.21 0.56 1.12 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.07 4.5 10.94 32.5 0.0058

0.0025 1.41 3.86 20.5 1.89 0.3 7.2 2.08 0.212 0.122 0.127 1.51 4.39 1.17 0.52 1.06 0.012 0.012 0.011 3 4.49 10.7 31.7 0.0057

MINING & OIL 0.0026 266,000,000 1.41 2,091,000 3.86 198,000 20.55 9,800 1.93 414,000 0.3 250,000 7.49 10,300 2.09 54,370,000 0.217 160,000 0.122 590,000 0.127 90,000 1.51 1,297,000 4.4 567,000 1.18 122,000 0.56 239,000 1.1 1,423,000 0.012 3,200,000 0.012 200,000 0.011 4,500,000 3 682,000 4.49 50,000 10.7 790,600 32 1,212,000 0.0057 13,000,000

665,400 2,960,430 768,450 201,500 793,100 75,100 74,369 113,659,630 34,350 72,290 11,430 2,002,640 2,505,060 143,590 126,940 1,538,990 38,400 2,400 50,300 2,046,470 224,570 8,548,728 38,868,450 74,900

-1,395,900 -42,530 219,810 -260,850 984,380 -15,340 -635,122 -14,577,550 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

22.95 500 507 102 104 510 996.5 970 100.3 1.04 102.5 1,021 100.8 108 977 76.3 79.9 75.3 75.5 75.65

23.8 500 507 102 104 510 1,000 970 100.3 1.04 102.5 1,021 101 108 1,000 76.3 80.2 75.3 75.5 75.7

22.95 500 503 102 104 510 996.5 970 100.3 1.04 102.5 1,021 100.8 106.2 977 76 79.1 75.25 75.5 75.5

PREFERRED 23.5 28,600 500 6,200 507 2,030 102 3,620 104 4,490 510 100 1,000 210 970 1,040 100.3 300 1.04 6,000 102.5 1,000 1,021 2,000 100.9 3,680 106.2 420 1,000 15,580 76.3 100,560 80.2 6,130 75.3 59,010 75.5 17,340 75.5 100,800

657,145 3,100,000 1,021,210 369,240 466,960 51,000 209,550 1,008,800 30,090 6,240 102,500 2,042,000 371,052 44,820 15,278,160 7,642,728 486,054 4,440,853 1,309,170 7,612,030

578,730 44,396 613,165

LR WARRANT

2.65

2.79

2.56

WARRANTS 2.63 2,765,000

7,430,110

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.27 3.23

5.48 3.28

5.25 3.17

5.4 3.28

7,507,292 6,020,960

52,600 1,665,010

FIRST METRO ETF

113.8

115.2

113.8

978,277

-

USD TECH B2

1.01

1.01

1.01

6,868

-

MS

PROPERTY 7.5 0.97 14.5 1.97 0.74 42.2 3.27 4.67 5.5 0.44 0.97 0.98 0.217 0.41 9.85 26 0.59 0.116 1.44 1.23 1.46 4.7 0.59 0.455 0.51 3.6 20

268,400 1,239,000 44,900 345,000 272,000 9,884,400 11,363,000 1,922,000 27,000 2,730,000 234,000 1,076,000 2,820,000 360,000 2,007,100 1,444,900 882,000 10,000 17,294,000 112,000 3,064,000 10,034,000 11,853,000 2,040,000 3,158,000 963,000 1,030,200

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

14,127,949

INDUSTRIAL

84,622,989

HOLDING FIRMS

283,952,646

PROPERTY

106,049,800

SERVICES

177,721,438

MINING & OIL

351,631,985

GRAND TOTAL

1,021,375,071

SME

1,396,600 1,863,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 115.2 8,520 1.01

DDS

6,800

VALUE 1,881.25 (down) 20.30 1,227,686,109.27 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,919.88 (up) 106.26 938,461,850.09 HOLDING FIRMS 7,680.62 (up) 128.25 1,635,298,019.21 PROPERTY 3,820.53 (up) 30.45 1,501.37 (up) 17.14 912,669,436.11 SERVICES MINING & OIL 9,811.29 (up) 39.32 702,937,428.964 PSEI 7,773.32 (up) 71.94 175,499,241.546 All Shares Index 4,645.28 (up) 29.75 5,607,059,351.89 Gainers: 98; Losers: 91; Unchanged: 57; Total: 246

URC’s profit slipped in 1st 6 months on weak sales

By Darwin G. Amojelar UNIVERSAL Robina Corp., the largest snack food maker, said net income fell by more than a fifth in the first half of the year on weak domestic sales, especially lower coffee volumes.

URC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-half net income amounted to P4.9 billion, down 23 percent year-onyear, driven by lower operating income and lower foreign exchange gains.

“We are pleased with our overall sales growth momentum, and are working hard to address the short term challenges to profitability brought about by peso devaluation and inflationary pressures.

Together with the URC leadership team, we have identified key priority areas that can help us deliver sustainable growth for years to come,” URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee said.

“These include developing a people and planet friendly culture that will in turn enable product supply chain transformations, preferred partnerships with customers and suppliers,and a portfolio of innovations to deliver products and brands that consumers love,” he added.

Lee plans in the short to medium term to address challenges in competing in a more intense domestic market and evaluating structural improvements to the business, which includes sales distribution and supply chain capabilities.

The company’s net sales in the first half amounted to P64.4 billion, a 6-percent increase versus last year, driven by strong growth in the international and agro-industrial and commodities divisions.

Sales growth accelerated from 2 percent in the first quarter to 10 percent in the second quarter.

URC’s operating income in the first half stood at P6.8 billion, down 11 percent due to lower coffee volumes and higher selling and distribution expenses.

Sales of domestic and international branded consumer food and beverage products reached P50.4 billion in the first half, up 2 percent on year.

The domestic revenues comprised P29.5 billion and declined 2 percent, although sales trends improved from a 5-percent drop in the first quarter to a 1 percent growth in the second quarter.

URC saw good domestic sales growth in all of its food businesses in the first half—Jack n’ Jill snacks, baked biscuits and cakes, candies, chocolates, Nissin noodles—and in its ready-to-drink beverages like C2 tea and Refresh water.

Melco Resorts to redeem P6b worth of notes MELCO Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corp. on Monday said it is redeeming P6 billion worth of debt notes.

Melco said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange its board approved the redemption of up to P6 billion in total principal amount of the outstanding P7.5 billion 5 percent fixedrate corporate secured notes issued by Melco Resorts Leisure Corp. on January 24, 2014.

“The source of funds for the Philippine notes redemption would be entirely from Melco’s Leisure’s cash-on-hand,” Melco said.

“Upon receipt by the facility agent for the Philippine notes of Melco Leisure’s redemption notice shall be irrevocable,” it added.

Philippine National Bank-Trust Banking Group was tapped as facility agent for the Philippine note redemption.

Melco reported a net income of P531.9 million in the first quarter of 2018, up 258 percent from P148.5 million year-on-year.

First-quarter operating revenues declined 7 percent to P7.35 billion from P7.8 billion as casino revenues fell 20 percent to P5.83 billion.

Melco operates City of Dreams Manila, an integrated casino resort on a 6.32-hectare property at the government-sponsored Entertainment City in Parañaque City.

City of Dreams Manila as of endMarch had around 299 gaming tables, 1,680 slot machines and 207 electronic table games in operation.

It also operates the 260-room Nüwa Hotel Hyatt City of Dreams Manila, a 365-room hotel managed by Hyatt International Corp., and Asia’s first Nobu Hotel with 321 rooms.

Darwin G. Amojelar

World IN BRIEF Chinese protest over vaccine scare

BEIJING―About a dozen people held a rare protest outside China’s Health Ministry to demand action over a vaccine scandal that has inflamed public fears over the safety of domestically produced drugs.

Video clips of the daring demonstration in front of the ministry were widely circulated on Twitter and other social media on Monday, showing the protesters holding banners urging accountability and justice in the latest case.

“Legislation for vaccines is imperative! Handle this properly and responsibly!” they shouted in the footage.

Social media posts said the demonstration took place on Monday but AFP was unable to independently confirm that.

The fate of the protesters, whose banners described them as parents, was not known. An AFP journalist who arrived later at the location found no one there.

Chinese security personnel typically react quickly to shut down public expressions of dissent, often detaining those involved.

China’s latest product-safety scare emerged more than a week ago with news that major pharmaceutical manufacturer Changchun Changsheng Biotechnology had fabricated records and was ordered to cease production of rabies vaccines. AFP

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TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Hun Sen’s party to win all seats P HNOM PENH― Cambodia’s flawed elections are set to hand the ruling party led by strongman Hun Sen all 125 parliamentary seats, a spokesman told AFP Monday, an outcome that would turn the country into a one-party state after a vote devoid of an opposition.

Sen’s 33-year rule, but observers say that questions of legitimacy will haunt the wily political survivor as frustration sets in over the lack of change.

The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) “will take all seats across the country,” spokesman Sok Eysan told AFP at party headquarters.

“I can say it’s a landslide victory.”

Sok Eysan said the forecast was an estimate based on initial results. The final figures are due August 15.

Some 8.3 million people registered to cast their votes in Cambodia’s sixth general election since United Nationssponsored polls were held in 1993 after Sunday’s ballot will prolong Hun decades of conflict.

But the ballot lacked any serious challengers after Hun Sen backed a crackdown on the opposition last year that saw authorities arrest one of its leaders and the Supreme Court dissolve the party.

It also was virtually devoid of prominent local and international election monitors, who withdrew from the discredited process.

Hun Sen, who came to power in 1985 in a country still plagued by civil war, moved against all forms of dissent in the run-up to the poll, pressuring civil society, independent media and political opponents.

Many western governments, who also pulled support from the vote, criticized

Death toll increases in wild fires in California

Bodies of 23 landslide victims found

YANGON―The bodies of 23 victims of a landslide in Myanmar’s northern jade mining area have been recovered, an official confirmed Monday, after a dayslong search hampered by heavy monsoon rains.

Rescuers are still looking for a further four victims, many of whom belong to the small ethnic Rawang minority in the remote area of Kachin state, the heart of the country’s notoriously shadowy multibillion-dollar jade industry.

“We found 23 dead bodies by yesterday [Sunday] evening and we will try to find the remaining four if the weather is good today,” an official from Hpakant’s local government told AFP, requesting anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to the media.

Landslides have killed dozens this year around the treacherous jade mines where impoverished locals comb deep gouges in the ground for pieces of the semi-precious gemstone.

This latest disaster in Set Mu subtownship hit the small Rawang ethnic group particularly hard.

The mainly-Christian community number only about 70,000 people and are one of Myanmar’s smallest ethnicities.

“Funerals have been held by their respective families. This time our local villages have really been hurt badly,” said Shwe Thein, a local resident helping with recovery operations.AFP

Sedition case against cartoonist dropped

KUALA LUMPUR―A Malaysian political cartoonist said Monday that nine sedition charges against him had been dropped after the scandal-mired regime that he had frequently lampooned was booted out of power.

Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque―who goes by the pen-name Zunar―was repeatedly targeted under the former government for his cartoons, which often mocked ex-prime minister Najib Razak and his luxury-loving wife. Some of his collections were banned.

He was hit with nine counts of sedition in 2015, stemming not from his artistic work but Twitter criticism about the jailing of then-opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

It was a record number for a single court appearance in Malaysia, according to his lawyers.

But at a hearing in Kuala Lumpur Monday, prosecutors said the attorneygeneral’s office had decided it did not want to pursue the case and was withdrawing the charges against him, the cartoonist confirmed.

Zunar, whose cartoons are published by leading news portal Malaysiakini, told AFP he was happy with the decision, but added he would not be “absolutely happy until the government abolishes the Sedition Act.” AFP

it for lacking credibility and slammed the outcome.

The White House said it was “neither free nor fair and failed to represent the will of the Cambodian people.”

The CPP has won every election since 1998, but a culture of impunity and corruption inspired more than 44 percent of voters to back the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in 2013 polls, creating the most serious challenge to Hun Sen in years.

CNRP figures tried to launch a boycott of Sunday’s vote but election authorities warned they would take action against those urging a “clean-finger” campaign, setting off fear and resignation. AFP

GENERAL ELECTIONS. People line up outside Efusini polling station in the township of Makokoba on July 30, 2018, during general elections. Zimbabweans cast their ballots on July 30 in the country’s first election since authoritarian leader Robert Mugabe was ousted last year, with concerns over fraud and the likelihood of a disputed result clouding voting day. AFP

Rescue mounted for 500 stranded by quake MATARAM, Indonesia―Indonesia mounted a rescue operation Monday to reach more than 500 hikers and guides stranded by landslides on an active volcano on Lombok, a day after a powerful earthquake struck the holiday island.

Helicopters and search teams have been deployed to scour the slopes of Mount Rinjani, which is crisscrossed with hiking routes popular with tourists, while rescuers have made airdrops of food supplies to those stranded.

Tons of rock and mud were dislodged on the mountain in the 6.4-magnitude quake, which struck early Sunday and was followed by scores of aftershocks, leaving hikers with no easy way down to safety.

“There are still 560 people trapped,” said the head of Rinjani national park Sudiyono, who goes by one name.

Those believed to be stranded include citizens from the United States, France, the Netherlands, Thailand and Germany, as well as many other countries, search and rescue officials said.

Hundreds of other hikers managed to get off the mountain on Sunday, accord-

ing to officials.

At least 16 people were killed in the earthquake across affected areas of Lombok, while hundreds of buildings were destroyed including a health clinic.

The quake created panic on the holiday island and sent locals and tourists running outside their homes and hotels.

The rescue operation on Mount Rinjani is likely to run until at least Tuesday and a military helicopter has dropped supplies at several spots on the mountain.

“For supplies, they can still survive for another one to two days,” Agus Hendra Sanjaya, spokesman for Mataram’s search and rescue agency, told AFP. Rising some 12,224 feet above sea level, Rinjani is the second-tallest volcano in Indonesia and a favorite among sightseers keen to take in its expansive views.

Hiking trails on the mountain were closed following the quake due to fear of further landslides.

Thailand’s embassy in Jakarta said 239 of its citizens were stuck in the area surrounding the mountain.

Thai national Thanapon Worawutchainan, who was at the summit when the earthquake occurred, posted a video on Facebook showing people stumbling down the slopes in the aftermath.

He said the ground shook violently and people lay down until the tremors stopped.

“It looked like the mountain in front of me was going to collapse,” another stranded Thai, Funknathee Prapasawat, said on Facebook. “Some people were injured by rocks falling off the mountain”.

The epicenter of the earthquake was 50 km (30 miles) northeast of Lombok’s main city Mataram, the United States Geological Survey said, far from the main tourist spots on the south and west of the island.

The initial tremor was followed by two strong secondary quakes and more than 100 aftershocks.

The jolt was felt some 100 km away on the bustling resort island of Bali, although there were no reports of damage there. AFP

REDDING―The death toll in northern California’s Carr blaze has risen to six as firefighters from across the country struggled to control flames that have scorched tens of thousands of acres.

“I’ve been a lifelong resident of this community, and I’ve never seen a fire with such destruction here in this area ever before,” said Shasta County Supervisor Leonard Moty.

The remains of a person who ignored evacuation orders was found in a burnt residence on Sunday, said Tom Bosenko, the sheriff of Shasta County, where the Carr Fire began on July 23.

Bosenko gave no further details.

Two firefighters were killed earlier battling the Carr blaze and three people―a 70-year-old woman and her two great-grandchildren aged four and five-perished when their Redding home was rapidly swallowed up by flames.

Separately, a firefighter identified as Brian Hughes died on Sunday while battling a different blaze, the Ferguson Fire, which is near Yosemite National Park.

Hughes “was struck and killed by a tree” while fighting the blaze, the Sequoia and Kings National Parks Service said. “We grieve his loss,” they said on Twitter, and included a picture of the bearded firefighter.

According to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), 17 large-scale fires were burning, with 12,000 firefighters deployed across the state.

A thick haze covered most of the region, severely limiting visibility and contributing to breathing problems.

Reinforcements from 13 states were already on the ground or en route from as far away as New Jersey, Florida and Maryland on the east coast.

“We are very encouraged with the fire status in the city” of Redding, Cal Fire incident manager Bret Gouvea told reporters regarding the Carr fire.

“We’re feeling a lot more optimistic ... as we’re starting to make up some ground instead of being on the defensive.”

The Carr fire is currently 95,368 acres large and 17 percent contained, the state authority Cal Fire said late Sunday.

Gouvea however warned of unpredictable weather.

“A dangerous heat wave will continue to bring very hot temperatures and dry humidity from California to the Pacific Northwest” early in the week, the National Weather Service warned. AFP

‘Times’ publisher says anti-press attacks ‘dangerous’ WASHINGTON―The publisher of The New York Times said Sunday he warned Donald Trump in a White House meeting that the president’s escalating attacks on the news media were “dangerous and harmful to our country” and “will lead to violence.”

But the meeting with A.G. Sulzberger, publisher of the prestigious newspaper since Jan. 1, appeared to do little to improve Trump’s tense and testy relationship with the press.

On Twitter, the president blasted what he called the “anti-Trump haters in the dying newspaper industry,” calling them “very unpatriotic!”

The president’s meeting with Sulzberger took place July 20, following a request from the White House for what appeared to be a routine get-to-knowyou session.

The meeting, which also included Times editorial page editor James Bennet, had remained secret at the White House’s request, according to Sulzberger, until Trump tweeted about it early Sunday.

“Had a very good and interesting meeting at the White House with A.G. Sulzberger,” Trump said.

“Spent much time talking about the vast amounts of Fake News being put out by the media & how that Fake News has morphed into phrase, ‘Enemy of the People.’ Sad!” Sulzberger, in a statement released hours later by the Times, said the president’s tweet effectively “put the meeting on the record,” and he described what appeared to be an unusually blunt session with the president.

“I told the president directly that I thought that his language was not just divisive but increasingly dangerous,” Sulzberger said.

“I told him that although the phrase ‘fake news’ is untrue and harmful, I am far more concerned about his labeling journalists ‘the enemy of the people.’ I warned that this inflammatory language is contributing to a rise in threats against journalists and will lead to violence.”

With some foreign leaders using

Trump’s language “to justify sweeping crackdowns on journalists, I warned that it was putting lives at risk.”

Sulzberger concluded: “I implored him to reconsider his broader attacks on journalism, which I believe are dangerous and harmful to our country.”

Beyond confirming that the meeting took place, the White House has provided no details. But Trump issued a string of four tweets a few hours after reports of the meeting emerged.

“When the media-driven insane by their Trump Derangement Syndrome― reveals internal deliberations of our government, it truly puts the lives of many, not just journalists, at risk! Very unpatriotic!” Trump tweeted.

He added that “the failing New York Times and the Amazon Washington Post do nothing but write bad stories even on very positive achievements.”

The Post, which like the Times is a regular target of Trump’s complaints, is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. AFP

FULL MOON. This picture shows the moon behind a mosque in Gaza on July 29. AFP

LGUs

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

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tuesday, july 31, 2018

LocaL government units

DILG: Officials must declare suspensions promptly LOCAL officials should make prompt judgment calls on the suspension of work and classes in their respective areas when bad weather strikes.

In a statement Monday, Local Government Secretary eduardo M. Año said local chief executives who are chairpersons of their respective local disaster risk reduction and management councils should be able to make wise and quick decisions based on the situation on the ground on whether to suspend classes or not.

“Local chief executives should always be on top of the situation, especially during typhoons and calamities.

They should be actively monitoring the weather condition and the actual situation in their localities. They can’t be sleeping on the job,” says Año.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government chief issued the call after its different field offices received numerous feedback and complaints from private individuals on the late suspension of classes by some local governments when Tropical Depression henry poured heavy rain over Luzon in mid-July.

“By the time the announcements were made, the students were already in school and had to tread through gutter and knee levels of unsanitary flood water to go back home,” says Año.

The Department of education earlier turned down calls to take back the authority over class suspension announcements, with education Secretary Leonor Briones asserting that it is LGUs which should have such authority.

3 kids rescued from online sex exploitation

By Ronald O. Reyes

TACLOBAN CITY—Three victims of online sexual exploitation of children were rescued while two of the suspects, including a mother, were arrested in Samar province on Saturday.

Operatives from Women and Children’s Protection Center-Visayas Field Unit and Samar Provincial Police Office caught the suspects in two separate entrapment operations in Sta. Margarita and Calbayog City.

The suspects offered to stream live sexually explicit acts involving the victims, ages 10, 12 and 16, to paying customers abroad who watched them online.

The first suspect, a 33-year-old mother, in Barangay Cautod, Sta. Margarita was caught after she offered her 10-year-old daughter in exchange for P5,000 from an online customer who watched her performed live sexually explicit acts.

The name of the mother was withheld by the responding policemen.

Four other children—ages 12, 7, 5 and 2—who were found inside the suspect’s house at the time of the arrest were also removed by the authorities.

The second suspect was identified as 20-year-old Mary Grace Soronel, in Barangay Obrero, Calbayog City.

She was arrested after offered two children, ages 12 and 16, to be sexually exploited online.

Police found smartphones believed to be used by the suspects for exploiting the children.

DRUG COUNCIL.

Las Piñas City Mayor Mel Aguilar graces the training workshop on strengthening the city’s Barangay AntiDrug Abuse Council with Vice Mayor Louie Bustamante and city councilors.

DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes Agustin delivered a message during the training, congratulating Las Piñas for being the first city to conduct the Badacstrengthening workshop.

HOUSE ON STILTS. These colorful native houses built on stilts in the sea across Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur reflect the rich culture of the city, which is known for its sheltered bay and good fishing grounds. PNA

LGUs to secure waters vs destructive fishing

L

OCAL government officials have been directed to take a bigger role in securing aquatic resources and local officials may be held liable for failing to act against prohibited fishing activities in their respective areas, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Monday.

In a statement, the DILG reminded that among the prohibited fishery activities are the catching of threatened or endangered species; contributing to aquatic pollution; using fine mesh net; coral exploitation and exportation; muro-ami and other methods and gear that are destructive to coral reefs and marine habitats; and fishing through explosives, noxious, poisonous substance or electricity.

In Memorandum Circular No. 201859 issued recently, DILG Officer in Charge eduardo M. Año cautioned that LGUs may be held accountable for their action or inaction towards the monitor-

ing and regulation of fishery activities in municipal waters as part of their territorial jurisdictions.

“Just like other rules, non-compliance to the provisions of the Act and other relevant policies regarding the regulation and monitoring of water resources shall entail administrative, civil and-or criminal liabilities,” Año said.

Año said LGUs, particularly cities, municipalities and barangays, should “intervene” in ensuring the efficient and effective management of their fishery resources.

“Millions of lives depend on water and its resources. It is imperative,

Makati arrests 2,164 for breaking local, national laws in past 2 months

By Joel E. Zurbano

therefore, for LGUs to be on top of ensuring that their water resources are nurtured and protected because these assets are vital to national development,” says Año.

Under Section 16 of Republic Act 8550 as amended by Republic Act 10654 or the Amended Philippine Fisheries Code, municipal/ city (C/M) governments shall have jurisdiction over municipal waters, and shall be responsible with the management, conservation, development, protection, utilization and disposition of all fishery and aquatic resources within their respective municipal waters.

The said law also states that LGUs shall have authority over municipal waters to enforce all fishery laws, rules, and regulations and valid fisheries ordinances enacted by the city or municipal council.

Signing the memorandum of agreement are (from left) Arsenio Barcelona of Harbest Agribusiness Inc., Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, and SM Foundation Inc. executive director Debbie Sy.

The city government of Makati announced Monday that a total of 2,164 individuals were apprehended for violating ordinances and national laws in day-and-night operations conducted throughout the city in the past two months.

Based on the latest report submitted to Mayor Abigail Binay, those apprehended from May 10 to July 26 include 1,029 individuals who were caught for smoking in prohibited areas, 144 for drinking in public places, 873 minors violating curfew ordinance, and 96 for other offenses. earlier, Binay exhorted the Makati City police force to intensify peacekeeping efforts in the barangays and at the central business district, especially at night time. “establishing police visibility, especially during unholy hours, has proven to be an effective deterrent to crime,” she said.

Binay commended Makati police chief Senior Supt. Rogelio Simon for the remarkable accomplishments of his office barely two months after he assumed his post on May 10.

As of July 26, or barely three months into his term, the local police have conducted 107 anti-illegal drugs operations, which resulted in arrest of 176 drug personalities consisting of 48 suspected pushers and 128 suspected users.

For the same period, they conducted 77 anti-illegal gambling operations leading to the arrest of 244 offenders, and the filing of criminal charges against 77 adults among them.

The police were able to serve a total of 214 Warrants of Arrest that also resulted in apprehending 127 named accused. Among major cases solved since May 10 were 17 cases of robbery, two homicide, 11 physical injury, 39 theft, and one rape case.

SM Foundation, DA extend pact for KSK farmers’ training program

SM Foundation has renewed an agreement with the Department of Agriculture to train farmers nationwide even as their partnership enters its 11th year, or since the foundation launched its maiden Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program in 2007.

The memorandum signing was held at the office of Agriculture Secretary emmanuel Piñol, who inked the pact with SM

Foundation executive director Debbie Sy and Cristie Angeles, assistant vice president for Livelihood of SM Foundation.

SM Program partners harbest Agriculture Inc. and Macondray Philippines Inc. were represented by Arsenio Barcelona and emmanuel Demdam, respectively. They signed the memorandum of agreement with Agriculture

Undersecretary evelyn Lavina for high Value Crops and Rural Credit.

Under the agreement, the DA will provide the manpower support from the regional field offices of the high Value Crops Development Coordinator to identify possible sites of the training farms.

Training farms for rural areas must be 5,000 sq m while urban farms should

be at least 1,000 sq m. These areas should be accessible to farmer participants with existing irrigation.

DA will select 50 farmer participants to the session and will ensure the cooperation of the host local government unit. It will also provide technical support and assist in the provision of filed extension services, among others.

QC districts get share of real property taxes

By Rio N. Araja QUeZON City Mayor herbert Bautista has turned over to the city’s 142 barangays their real-property tax share for the 2018’s second quarter.

The distribution of real property tax share was organized by the Barangay Operations Center and Community Relations Department in coordination with the treasurer’s office.

The city’s District 1 got P7.3 million, while District 2 had P9.2 million.

At least P17.8 million went to the District 3, while District 4 ate up P27.5 million.

District 5 got P32.6 million, and P36.3 million went to District 6.

The barangays with the highest share were Socorro with P937,216.32, Bagum-

bayan with P755,194.11, South Triangle with P709,502.74, Pinyahan with P664,259.48, Tandang Sora with P657,623.19, Matandang Balara with P654,718.89, Kaligayahan with P631,486.18, Loyola heights with P612,310.25, Batasan hills with P608,122.98 and Kaunlaran with P564,451.83.

Bautista said the city government expects barangay officials to allocate their shares to livelihood, education, infrastructure, health and social services.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City Council has passed a resolution requesting the QC housing, Community Development and Resettlement Department to conduct a census of informal settlers residing in hilltop Novaliches subdivision’s open spaces and also in Barangay Greater Lagro.

Life

health and environment

‘‘

The MDP Village is dedicated to selfmastery, it is something that does not just give a person success but also feeds the soul and awakens one’s mind.”

Bernadette lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MstandardlIFe tuesday, july 31, 2018

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– Master Del Pe

Sanctuary offers alternative healing for body, spirit

BALANCED. the MDP Village, a retreat resort in cervantes, Ilocos Sur, offers alternative healing such as self-healing meditation, martial arts sessions, and massage among others.

By Paola Navarette

n

esTLeD at the western border of Cordillera mountain range toward the ilocos sur province is a 10-hectare property dedicated to providing alternative forms of healing for the body and the spirit.

Upon entering the highland property in Barangay Rosario in Cervantes town, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the southern parts of La Union and Benguet, guests are greeted with an atmosphere of tranquility, hearing nothing but the rustling of leaves and the smooth flow of water from the Abra River.

“The MDP Village is dedicated to self-mastery, it is something that does not just give a person success but also feeds the soul and awakens one’s mind,” said Master Del Pe, 60, owner of the Master Del Pe (MDP) Village.

Considered a “sacred destination,” the MDP Village is a retreat resort that offers healing sessions, meditation, martial arts, yoga, therapeutic hot spring baths, and special massage among others.

Pe said he originally designed the three-year-old village as the home for resident masters and world servers but eventually it became open to his students and disciples who visit for retreats.

“At first, we only want to build a small house because we have one in Manila.

But since some of my students followed me, i decided to build guest houses for them,” he shared.

Modern sage

Known by his spiritual students as the “guru of higher consciousness,” Pe, a modern sage, was formally trained by four advanced masters in Asia and the Himalayas.

He is also a martial arts master and a world expert in various types of yoga and meditation. in his travels to 100 countries, he h a d

taught 350,000 students globally which are mostly members of humanitarian groups, government leaders, religious missionaries, and individual spiritual seekers.

Moreover, Pe has been invited as a guest speaker in international conferences and groups such as United nations spiritual society in new York, Texas Yoga Conference, and Academy of science and spirituality.

At the MDP Village, guests who avail themselves of its services receive various forms of alternative healing, depending on their conditions and illnesses—from self-healing meditations and revitalization strategies to martial arts sessions and therapeutic baths in natural hot springs.

Pe said the village has two decks of 1,200-square-foot space for studying and meditation, 600-square-foot hammock place for group activities, two mini-golf courses, and a 50,000-squarefoot garden where fruits and vegetable crops are organically grown and served to students and guests.

Aside from the contentment he gets from helping others overcome their physical and psychological illnesses, Pe said he is happy to lead his second retreat-convention this year on sept. 28 to oct. 1 at the MDP Village.

Called the 2nd international Convention on Higher Consciousness (iCHC), the four-day event will cover sessions on actualizing the inner awakening and consciousness and will feature roster of international speakers from north America, Africa, south America, europe, and Asia.

“The 2nd iCHC is perfect for individuals who wish to expand their consciousness, get healed, and experience balance in life,” he said. it will also include 150 selected delegates from 30 countries composed of healthcare specialists, authors, and prominent figures from international agencies.

Master Del Pe, a healing science expert and owner of the MDP Village.

Master Del Pe and guests in MDP Village’s therapeutic hot spring bath.

“We aim to equip our delegates with advanced tools to develop the conscience in entrepreneurship and wisdom in leadership,” he added.

Part of the proceeds of the event, according to Pe, will benefit six charitable non-profit programs such as the Compassion Fatigue solutions Program and HiV/AiDs Research Program (HARP).

Thoughts on balance

For Pe, the best way to maintain good health is to balance all the levels of health—from spiritual and mental to emotional and physical.

He also believes that mainstream medicine and alternative healing complement each other. “i’m an advocate of augmenting the normal medicine in complement with the alternative healing,” he said. the MDP Village is surrounded by an exquisite scenery of the cordillera range and tranquil waterfalls.

Losing weight requires dedication and hard work.

Myth vs fact: Weight loss supplements

Losing weight requires a lot of dedication and hard work and may involve physical and emotional costs. it is hardly surprising that many prefer the easy route by taking weight loss supplements.

While almost all weight loss supplements are marketed as beneficial for the body, some may actually be harmful to one’s health. nutrition experts debunk certain claims about weight-loss supplements and reveal possible health risks.

Myth: Weight loss supplements are approved by the United states Food and Drug Administration.

Fact: The Us FDA does not have the authority to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. it only steps in when a “dietary supplement” is found to contain harmful substances.

Myth: Weight loss supplements alone are enough to lose pounds.

Fact: Weight loss supplements cannot substitute for healthy eating and regular exercise. Many weight loss supplements’ labels include a disclaimer that they do not guarantee a specific weight loss benefit, that individual results may vary and, to get the most benefit, they must be combined with proper diet and exercise.

Myth: supplements like hoodia, green tea, and bitter orange aid in weight loss.

Fact: green tea, bitter orange, and the African herb hoodia have not been scientifically proven to burn fat. in fact, hoodia has not been studied in humans. it is also unclear if it curbs appetite. green tea contains a fair amount of caffeine, which may result in some weight loss initially, but it will not burn fat. Too much caffeine can affect the heart

nutrition experts posit weight loss supplements cannot substitute for healthy eating and regular exercise.

rhythm and disturb sleep. Bitter orange has synephrine, an alkaloid found in plants, which can be dangerous to health as it increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Myth: ‘natural’ is safe.

Truth: some weight loss supplements containing “natural” ingredients like herbs comfrey or kava may be harmful to the liver. Claims that “natural is safe” is not always true. safety depends on the supplement’s chemical makeup and what it does to the body, how it is prepared and the dosage used. Also, while an individual supplement may be safe, the combination of several products may be risky. People under medication are advised to consult their doctor first before taking any weight loss supplements as they may affect the efficacy of medicines.

Life

C2

tuesday, ju juLy 31, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Hospital offers wellness-focused check-up

H

ealtHcare is now more than just curing diseases, as medical practitioners develop solutions that aim to improve patients’ overall wellness.

“Health is simply the absence of any physical sickness. Wellness, meanwhile, is more encompassing concept that is rooted in a person’s overall lifestyle,” says Dr. lizbeth Sto. tomas, a wellness doctor of internal medicine at the Medical city clark. the Pampanga-based medical institution offers an executive check-up program that focuses on preventive, proactive, and personalized solutions. according to Dr. Sto. tomas, the doctors at the Medical city clark’s executive check-up do comprehensive tests that allow them to check the patient’s overall condition. they personalize it based on the patient’s current lifestyle as well as his genetic family history and previous medical conditions. the same physician also oversees the same patient for a better and more comprehensive overview of the patient’s case. rochelle aquino-lagman, manager for customer relations and allied services of the hospital, notes a crucial detail in their program, “We make it a point that our executive check-up co-

HMO program

for senior citizens Doctors performing executive check-up at The Medical City Clark do comprehensive tests.

ordinators would be closely managing a patient up until they checkout. the same person will also be following up on them post-executive check-up.”

Patients undergoing the executive check-up are provided a comfortable stay in an air conditioned lounge complete with free snacks, Wi-Fi connection, and television. those who undergo a complete physical exam have the option to be admitted in one of the Medical city clark’s hospital suites. aquino-lagman, who has a background in hotel management, describes their executive check-up program as “similar to a hotel, a mini-hotel, where

we assist like a butler, up until the client will be inferred to a specialist.”

Dr. Sto. tomas recommends an annual executive check-up for patients with unremarkable medical history or those who don’t have any serious medical concerns in the past or at present.

However, if a person is taking maintenance medications, the attending physician may require an executive check-up every three to six months.

For more information on The Medical City Clark’s executive check-up program, call (045) 300-8000 or 0916-4488046.

Maxicare’s PRIMA health card is made for individuals 60 years old and above.

leaDing healthcare provider Maxicare Healthcare corp. offers a new health card made for senior citizens. the Maxicare PriMa gold health card offers high-quality, reliable healthcare coverage for individuals 60 years old and above.

With a one-time membership plan of P12,999, members enjoy a full year of outpatient consultations, laboratory, and diagnostic procedures with exclusive access to all Maxicare Primary care centers and all conveniently located MyHealth clinics. additional values include coverage of pre-existing conditions of the members as well as emergency room coverage of up to P20,000 per year in Maxicare-affiliated hospitals nationwide. the PriMa gold can be purchased from Maxicare’s online store, Facebook page, and Primary care centers, as well as from Maxicare-affiliated agents and brokers or from the Maxicare tower Direct Sales.

Payments can be made through

leading partner banks, just call (02) 789-7777 for details. after the membership’s confirmation, an electronic card will be sent to the member’s email while the actual card will be delivered a few days after.

Maxicare’s Primary care centers are located in the following areas: W city center in Bonifacio global city, taguig; cardinal Santos Medical center in San Juan city; centuria Medical Makati in Makati city; chinese general Hospital in Manila; Makati Medical center in Makati city; St. luke’s Medical center in Quezon city; St. luke’s Medical center in Bonifacio global city, taguig; and the Medical city in Pasig city.

MyHealth clinics are located at Festival Supermall in alabang; robinsons cybergate Mall in cebu city; Filomena Building in Makati city; robinsons Mall in Manila; Shangri-la Plaza in Mandaluyong city; SM north edsa in Quezon city; and Venice grand canal Mall in taguig city.

The Medical City Clark’s executive check-up program focuses on improving a patient’s overall wellness.

Cheap lip products sold at Divisoria malls that contain toxic substances.

Optical shop offers 32-peso eyewear frames tHe country’s leading optical store ideal Vision center cel- lenses, is offered at a special 32 percent discount.

Free eye grade check is likewise available during the anebrates its 32nd anniversary with a nationwide sale.

Until aug. 5, selected eyewear and eyewear frames are niversary sale. priced at P32 and P320. complete eyewear package for P3,200 is also available. a couple of other items, including Go to www.idealvisioncenter.com.ph for more information.

Ideal Vision offers 32 percent discount on its eyewear products inculding (clockwise) Furla, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Saint Laurent

Group raises red flag over lead-laden lipsticks DUring the celebration of national lipstick Day on July 29, a nonprofit group urged the public, especially women, to shun unsafe cosmetic products after it discovered lipsticks contaminated with toxic substances. the ecoWaste coalition raised a red flag on “poison lipsticks” after finding cheap lip products, mostly imitation ones, contaminated with lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic way above the trace limits under the asean cosmetic Directive. arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury belong to the list of “10 chemicals of major public health concern” as per the World Health Organization, and are among the “substances which must not form part of the composition of cosmetic products” as per the acD. “We urge lipstick users not to buy counterfeit lipsticks and those without proper market authorization as many of such products are laden with heavy metal contaminants that can seriously harm human health,” said thony Dizon, chemical safety campaigner of ecoWaste coalition.

He added, “to safeguard consumer health, we request the authorities, particularly the Food and Drug administration to cause the immediate seizure of the non-compliant lipsticks in cooperation with local government and police units.” in test buys conducted on July 28 at Divisoria—Manila’s hub of cheap finds—the ecoWaste coalition bought an assortment of lipstick products cost-

ing P15 to P70 per piece from retail stores located at 168 Shopping Mall, 999 Shopping Mall, Divisoria Mall, and Dragon 8 Mall.

Out of 38 lipsticks bought and screened for heavy metals using an X-ray Fluorescence device, 30 were found to contain at least one metal above the acD’s allowable limit of 20 parts per million (ppm) for lead, 5 ppm for cadmium, 5 ppm for arsenic, and 1 ppm for mercury. lead above 20 ppm was detected in 30 samples with 10 of these samples, which were mostly Mac imitation lipsticks, contaminated with lead in the range of 2,633 ppm to 39,500 ppm. a counterfeit Mac Mariah carey #02 lipstick was found to contain 39,500 ppm of lead, 1,865 ppm of arsenic, 372 ppm of cadmium, and 100 ppm of mercury. While a Qianxiu lipstick #010 had 22,400 ppm of lead, 1,420 of arsenic, and 128 ppm of mercury. to avoid exposure to lead and other heavy metal impurities in lipsticks, the ecoWaste coalition reiterated the following safety tips: check if the item has the required cosmetic product notification by accessing the FDa website.

Buy from a licensed retail outlet and ask for an official receipt. if the price looks too good to be true, the product is most likely a counterfeit.

Use less, especially if the product is not guaranteed safe from lead and other contaminants.

Don’t let children play with lipstick.

Entertainment

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

What makes Alden love ‘Victor Magtanggol’ even more?

PAMBANSANG Bae Alden Richards is thrilled that for his latest prime time offering titled Victor Magtanggol, he’s not only the lead star but is also part of the show’s creative team.

“Actually, I’m very grateful to GMA for granting my request to be part of the creative group,” he says.

“Initially, I just tried since I just had a workshop abroad with Anthony Bova. It taught me a lot of things like, it’s possible for a star to be involved with a program’s creative process along with the director and writer.”

He added that since Victor Magtanggol serves as his grand comeback on primetime,he thought if it’s okay for him to be part of its creative group.

“Luckily, when I pitched in the idea to the management, they agreed. They gave me the freedom to help in the show’s various aspects. Like they would ask if I’m okay with the scenes, the script, or the costume. This definitely made me love Victor Magtanggol even more. It gave me a sense of ownership of the show.”

With this development, many are curious if he’s interested to direct a project in the coming days.

“That’s part of my future options.

It’s also different when you’re working behind the cameras.

It gives you a different high.”

Speaking of Victor Magtanggol,, which aired on Monday, how does it feel that it would directly compete with the already established Ang Probinsyano starring Coco Martin over at the rival station?

“Of course the pressure is there. For sure, all eyes are set on us. We’re the new one while the competition has been there for quite some time already. But I still feel confident of our offering. It’s one exciting material. After watching the first episode, I can say that all of our hard work paid off.”

Alden added that the series exceeded his original expectation. He’s glad that he can really see everybody doing their respective assignments very well. Considering that it’s a gargantuan production, he’s proud that it came out very polished and the effects are a technical marvel.

The Pambansang Bae pitches in his latest TV program to the viewing public.

“I hope boob tube fanatics would get hooked watching Victor Magtanggol, which is one of the Kapuso’s bigbudgeted offerings this year. I gave my best in this one so as

not to disappoint my big bosses. I’m really keeping my fingers crossed that people would get entertained by the show,” ends Alden. *** For the first time, Kristoffer Martin plays a villain role via Victor Magtanggol, and is happy to get the part.

“It was my personal choice actually. I really requested that I be given a mean character this time. In the story, I play Janine Gutierrez’s overprotective stepbrother who has secret feelings for her,” he states.

Why a villain role when in his previous GMA outings, he was the male lead?

“Let’s just say I want to explore other avenues where I can hone my acting skills. I think playing a bad role on screen is quite challenging. That’s why I’m happy that GMA gave me the chance to try it.

Besides, it’s with Alden (Richards) who’s my good friend. He’s the one who first told me that I’m part of the show.”

As early as now, is he already anticipating the influx of bashers because of his playing ‘contravida’ to the Pambansang Bae? “That’s just fine with me. It’s part of the bargain. Anyway, what they tirade is your character in the show, not you personally, right?” avers Kristoffer.

All-star...

From C4

Louis, on the other hand, is the first judge to have also been a contestant on the show. As a member of One Direction he has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and achieved more than 100 global No.1s. One Direction was the biggest selling UK act

Apart from starring in 'Victor Magtanggol,' Alden Richards is also part of the creative team.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

61 The chills 62 Muddle 64 Egyptian goddess 65 “Simpsons” kid 66 Lightweight toys 67 Shaving mishap 68 Places of refuge 69 Pod contents 70 Figures out DOWN 1 Cliff 2 Supermarket passage 3 Buy a round 4 Recluses 5 Openings 6 Frat letter 7 Major artery 8 Harnessed 9 Flair 10 Chowhound 11 Zhivago’s love 12 Elliptical 13 Of guys 21 Ben & Jerry rival 23 Zodiac sign 25 Be sincere 27 Clingy fabric 29 European alliance 30 British prep school 31 Corp. section 32 Karate cousin

Nichkhun and Xander vs Danica and Ciara in 48-hour food tour

D

ESTINATION eating turned competitive as K-pop heartthrobs Nichkhun of 2PM and Alexander “Xander” Lee, former member of U-Kiss, together with celebrity cousins Danica Sotto-Pingris and Ciara Sotto, talked about their four-episode segment on the second season of tvN Asia’s One Night Food Trip – International Edition Edition.

From left: Rapper-songwriter Nichkhun from 2PM, singer-actor Alexander “Xander” Lee formerly of U-KISS, singer-actress Ciara Sotto, and celebrity chef Dianca Sotto-Pingris.

The 48-hour food frenzy once again take celebrity pairs on separate routes around the Philippines to complete different missions. Completing missions will grant a number of stamps for the coveted Golden Passport, but as an added twist, it also lets one team send special challenges to the other group.

One Night Food Trip – International Edition flies exclusively with Cebu Pacific for the entire second season.

The Philippine segment is in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism.

“The fun thing about this format is it’s not just about eating,” actor-songwriter Nichkhun said. “If we passed missions, we had the chance to either gain something or give something really bad to the other team.”

The ladies “gave us the worse,” singer-actor Xander Lee said as he teased the cousins. Television host and celebrity chef Danica also joked about how the boys “gave us a hard time,” with singer-actress Ciara saying how the other pair sent them a challenge that “made it hard for us to eat.”

“I would love you guys to do a handstand while eating,” Ciara told the K-pop pair in jest at the press conference.

From sisig to spicy ice cream Unlike in Season 1, the K-pop team got to try international cuisines such as Spanish and Chinese dishes in their trip from Cebu to Pampanga. Still, there were a few local delicacies that did not

get past their palate.

“We tried sisig, and that was actually good. I loved it,” Nichkhun said. “I had it with rice and a hot chili pepper in one hand. I’m pretty sure the 2PM members would love it.”

As for the ladies, the trip was mostly about local flavors, including plenty of seafood in Coron, Palawan. However, it was spicy ice cream in Legaspi, Albay, that topped the experience: “The chili was like ‘volcano level,’ the siling labuyo? They made us eat level eight chili ice cream,” Danica shared. “It felt like my throat was on fire.” On the other hand, Ciara enjoyed the rare treat as a fan of spicy food.

Over land and sea No food tour is complete without the challenges that come with travelling. The K-pop team definitely had their share when their trip was met with heavy rains.

“We were in the car for five hours because it started flooding from Pampanga to Manila, and it was only 81 kilometers,” Nichkhun recalled.

It was a different story on air. “Cebu Pacific made it very easy for us and very comfortable. They took very good care of us,” Ciara told the audience.

The other team agreed. “We actually flew a lot, and we were in the car a lot, but it was good,” Nichkhun said. The two also thanked City of Dreams Manila for the accommodations, as well as the Tourism Promotions Board for their itinerary and Cebu Pacific for their flight. “No traffic, no flooding in the sky,” Xander followed up in jest.

globally for three consecutive years and in 2013 they were overall the biggest selling act in the world.

As a solo artist, Louis’ single “Back to You” hit No.1 in 37 countries and has been streamed more than 220 million times. He recently won the 2018 iHeartRadio award for Best Solo Breakout and is currently recording his debut solo album.

Music mogul and show creator Simon has been the mastermind behind some of the music industry’s

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 House feature 5 Neutral tones 10 Latch on to 14 Onetime Trevi Fountain coins 15 Not give — — 16 Volcanic flow 17 Net surfer 18 Cartoon pig 19 Russian range 20 Blazes up 22 Revealing 24 Rank 25 Succeeded (2 wds.)

26 Little child 28 Prepared fish 32 Toast spreads 35 Apprehend 37 Elaborate 38 Neighbor of Can. 39 Rat Pack member 41 Shirt or blouse 42 Nonstop 44 Have the flu 45 Printer’s option 46 “The Odd Couple” role 47 Orpheus played it 49 Most plucky 53 Not up yet (2 wds.)

57 Kind of figure 60 Building’s front

The cast of tvN Asia’s One Night Food Trip – International Edition 2 during a press conference to promote the four-episode series.

33 Sale caveat (2 wds.)

34 Painter Chagall 36 Sheep sound 37 Paris hub 39 Piece of fabric 40 Pinball no-no 43 Baby birds of prey 45 Sport with epees 48 Estuary 50 Skiers’ protection 51 Bert’s buddy 52 Glide along

54 Bandleader Count — 55 Law 56 Classroom fixtures 57 Rum-soaked cake 58 Thickening agent 59 Lie in ambush 60 Minor argument 63 Govt. agent

biggest acts from Leona Lewis and One Direction to Little Mix and James Arthur. Acts from The X Factor UK have sold more than 250 million records globally to date.

Simon told the gathered media at the press conference: “This new panel is all about optimism, everyone has a real passion for finding a new star. The three new judges bring a whole new energy and I’m excited.”

Sharon Osbourne also returns as a judge for The

One for the memory Beyond food, the show left a lasting impression on both teams: “When we were in Cebu, there was a moment where we were talking to each other and it was very peaceful,” Xander described one unforgettable experience while “floating in the sky” with his teammate for one mission.

“It was the same for me,” Nichkhun added. “We thought it would all be scary, but when we were up there, it was really nice.”

“For me it’s the bonding with my cousin, creating more memories with her, and just getting to go around the Philippines and be able to appreciate your country more,” Danica said. “I am a Filipina, but I just fell in love with the Philippines even more.”

Ciara shared the same sentiment, “It’s a shame because we’re Filipinos and we’ve never been there, we’ve never seen those beautiful places. It’s such a blessing.”

Based on the popular Korean food variety show One Night Food Trip, the international edition brings K-pop idols across Asia including the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, and Malaysia to face off against local celebrities over missions involving local flavors, culture and attractions.

One Night Food Trip – International Edition 2 premiered exclusively on tvN in Asia on Monday at 18:30 p.m.. tvN is available in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, with subtitles in English, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, and Thai.

X Factor UK’s live shows while Dermot O’Leary is back as presenter.

The X Factor UK Season 15 will air same day as the U.K. on Blue Ant Entertainment this September.

Blue Ant Entertainment is available on Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53 (SD) and 196 (HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37 (SD) and 313 (HD).

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

Entertainment

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018

Reliving the romance of JaDine’s most celebrated series HOOQ, the largest Video on Demand service in South East Asia, is now streaming the Nadine Lustre-James Reid hit television series, On The Wings Of Love.

The series, which debuted on the HOOQ app on July 12, was a 2015 romantic comedy about Leah (Lustre) and Clark (Reid), who enter into a marriage of convenience but fall in love with each other. The story isn’t just about romance as it tackles family and loyalty, too.

The series ended in 2016 with a live broadcast where Lustre and Reid publicly declared their love for each other.

OTWOL was a big hit in the Philippines and in Filipino communities abroad.

People loved it because the show made them believe in the power of love.

Sheila Paul, HOOQ Philippines Coun-

try Manager said, “At HOOQ, we aim to continuously provide our customers with fresh, innovative and entertaining content like OTWOL.” Jeffrey Remigio, Content and Programming Head at HOOQ Philippines, said, “We are very proud to be able to bring hit shows and movies to those who can’t watch them during regular runs and times. We will also be streaming restored classics and catch up series for those who want to binge watch.”

Macie F. Imperial, Vice President, Program Acquisitions and International Distribution at ABS-CBN said, “We are happy with our partnership with HOOQ as it guarantees that we will be able to continue sharing our TV shows and movies to HOOQ viewers not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia as well.”

Fall in love once again with On The Wings Of Love on HOOQ, which Customers can simply download from Apple Store or Google Play, sign up or log in, to access HOOQ’s extensive library of Hollywood and Asian hits. Watch shows on HOOQ via Chromecast, Roku, and Android TV. Smart, TNT and Sun users can enjoy a 30-day free trial. Globe mobile users can enjoy a 45-day free trial. Globe customers can get to try HOOQ for up to 60 days on selected mobile and broadband plans. Find out more and sign up today for a complimentary trial at www. hooq.tv.

HOOQ currently operates in the Philippines, Thailand, India, Indonesia and Singapore with a population footprint of over 1.7 billion people. For more information, visit www.hooq.tv.

FROM REEL TO REAL. Couple James Reid and Nadine Lustre, stars of the TV romcom 'On The Wings of Love,' which is now streaming exclusively on HOOQ.

Original songs tackle hope and love in ‘Bakwit Boys’

From left: Simoun S. Ferrer, Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Cassy Legaspi, Mavy Legaspi, Zoren Legaspi, and Gigi Santiago-Lara during the twins' contract signing with GMA Artist Center.

Celebrity scions MAVY and CASSY off icially enter showbiz

The cast of 'Bakwit Boys' in a behind-the-scenes still for the movie inspired by real-life experience of its director, John Paul Laxamana.

BAKWIT Boys, the romantic musical written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana and produced by T-REX Entertainment, dares to break new ground with a heartwarming story and six original songs that are set to capture the hearts and minds of viewers.

Opening in cinemas on Aug. 15 as part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP), Bakwit Boys tells the journey of the cash-strapped Datul Brothers: Elias, Sonny, Joey and Philip (collectively known as the band, Bakwit Boys) to fulfilling their dreams of becoming genuine recording stars.

Accompanying the Bakwit Boys on the road to fame is Rose who offers to help record their original songs and have these played on the radio.

The band’s name is taken from the word “bakwit,” a Filipinized term for “evacuate,” since the Datul brothers are evacuees from their typhoonravaged province.

The film stars former Pinoy Big Brother Teen housemate Devon Seron as Rose, It’s Showtime’s Hashtag members Ryle Santiago and Nikko Natividad as Joey and Philip, respectively, Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids’ sensation Mackie Empuerto as Sonny, and Vance Larena, who first made waves as the Lord Master in the movie Bar Boys, as Elias.

The film features six original songs

by Tarlac-based singer-songwriter Jhaye Cura, a good friend of Laxamana whom the director had previously collaborated with on a number of Kapampangan songs that they have also turned into music videos.

“She’s got a ‘gift of melody,’” Laxamana says of Cura. “That’s why I wanted to give her songs a chance to

In 'Bakwit Boys,' Devon Seron is Rose, who offers to help record the brothers' original songs and have these played on the radio.

be heard through this film.”

These tunes, which will be heard for the first time on the Bakwit Boys Original Sound Track, can be described as “full of hugot” and very sing-able. The genres range from pop rock to mellow, to ballad. Moreover, they speak of topics that are close to the hearts of young dreamers: hope, heartbreak, first love, unrequited feelings, and the pursuit of success.

Aside from the original versions as sung by the cast members in the movie, the songs also have pop versions performed by today’s biggest recording artists. Four of them include Mark Oblea who sings the heart-wrenching melody about longing for a lost love entitled, “Fiona;” Jay R who brings to life the enthralling tune about having a secret crush in “Patibong;” rising talent Sean Oliver who performs the Bakwit Boys’ anthem about overcoming your struggles for your dreams, “Ligtas Ka Na;” and platinum recording star Ice Seguerra who sings about being blissfully in love in “Tayong Dalawa.”

The Bakwit Boys OST will be officially launched at a special, onenight only gig at Saguijo Café and Bar Events Place on Friday, Aug. 3 at 9:00 p.m.. For only P250, attendees will witness top OPM acts such as Autotelic, Clara Benin, Munimuni, Sean Oliver, Shirebound and Busking and Rusty Machines do their renditions of the Bakwit Boys songs.

The indie folk band Fools and Foes is the front act.

The movie’s OST will be available for download soon on Spotify and other digital music stores.

For updates about Bakwit Boys, follow @prodsthatmatter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

T’S true that ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’ Case in point, Mavy and Cassy Legaspi have officially followed in their parents’ footsteps when they became part GMA’s roster of artists by inking management contracts with GMA Artist Center just last Thursday, July 26.

na tayo magkikita. Yun yung fear ko, hindi kami magkikitakita.”

The signing of the twins’ management contract was attended by GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Assistant Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun S. Ferrer and Senior Talent Manager Vic del Rosario.

Rasonable, in turn, sees the Legaspi family as an asset to the Kapuso Network, “While I was watching their interviews, I can see that they are so fun as a family. It would be nice to see them altogether act, especially in very light family dramas or comedies. That’s something that is very possible.”

The twins of Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi have literally grown up right before the public eyes being brand endorsers and commercial models since they were toddlers.

Now at 17, these young achievers are expected to be doing more than TVCs and promotions as they started appearing in numerous TV shows. They have also participated in acting workshops conducted by GMA-7.

Indeed, the two are taking the next level in showbiz and pursue acting with the support of their parents.

Mavy sounded ecstatic when he admitted he always wanted to be in showbiz. “Growing up, Cassy didn’t actually see it. It has always been me. I want to do it, try it, enter showbiz but right now maybe Cassy sees the joy in it. It’s really fun especially here in GMA. They welcomed us with open arms and that’s what I really like about it.”

Cassy has a distinct path in mind, and a Kapuso singer has inspired her decision. “I actually look up to Julie Anne San Jose. I’ve looked up to her since before, because she’s very talented. She’s so good at singing and she’s an all-around artist. I love her so much. I’m thinking of leaning towards singing as well that’s why I look up to Julie.”

Carmina and Zoren, who are also both Kapuso artists, are looking forward to have their family work under the same network with the latter acting as co-manager.

“Ganito pala yung feeling kapag behind the camera tapos yung mga anak mo lang yung nandoon. I’m very happy and I’m really proud of them,” Carmina said.

Zoren then showed his soft spot for the twins, “Ako, may lungkot kasi pag naging busy sila, busy ka, busy ako, hindi

PICTURE-PERFECT FAMILY. Twins Cassy and Mavy join their parents Zoren and Carmina as talents of GMA Network.

By Nickie Wang

I

All-star cast joins Simon Cowell in ‘X Factor UK’

From left: Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson joined Simon Cowell at a press conference at Somerset House in central London where they were officially revealed as new judges in 'X Factor UK.'

THE X Factor UK is thrilled to announce Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson are joining Simon Cowell on the new-look judging panel for the hit singing talent show.

The three new judges appeared with Simon at a press conference at Somerset House in central London where they were officially revealed.

Robbie is a global superstar who has sold more than 75 million albums over his career and won 18 Brit Awards - more than any other artist in history. Robbie has been playing to sold out stadiums across the world over the past year on his The Heavy Entertainment Show Tour, which has seen him perform to more than 1.25 million fans across the UK, Europe and Australasia.

Robbie’s wife for eight years, Ayda will be competing with her husband to claim the winning spot on this year’s show. The actress has an invaluable inside take on how the music industry works and knows first-hand what it takes to forge a successful career. It is the first time on The X Factor UK that a husband and wife have been judges.