Manila Standard - 2019 January 5 - Saturday

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INFLATION RATE EASES TO 4-MONTH LOW OF 5.1%

(Story on B1)

Palace vows to bring down prices of goods

By Nat Mariano VOL. XXXII • NO. 324 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

THE Palace on Friday said it will remain vigilant in monitoring the prices of goods and services even as the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the rate of Next page

RELIGIOUS ZEAL. Thousands of Catholic devotees flock to the Quiapo Church in the heart of Manila (left) while thousands more gather at Plaza Miranda (below) for the first Friday Mass of 2019, only five days before the Black Nazarene Traslacion on Jan. 9, expected to attract millions of the faithful to partricipate in the more than 3-kilometer procession from the Luneta to the Quiapo Church. Norman Cruz/Lino Santos

Gunman owns up to Batocabe slay

By Francisco Tuyay

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MAN who confessed to shooting Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort SPO1 Orlando Diaz and the driver of a getaway motorcycle surrendered to the police Friday, one day after a key witness tagged Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo as the mastermind of the murder.

Philippine National Police spokes- ple’s Army rebel and the driver of the man, Chief Supt Benigno Durana getaway motorcylce as Jaywin Babor, identified Batocabe’s killer as Henry an ex-Army man.

Guanzon Yuson, a former New PeoYuson executed an affidavit assisted

Filipino nurse feted in Britain A FILIPINA nurse was feted with an Officer of the British Empire award in Britain’s New Year Honours List 2019 for her work in treating the victims of the London Bridge terrorist attack in Next page

Fil-Am wins House seat for California RED-LETTER day for at least two California re p re s e n t a t i ve s including FilipinoAmerican TJ Cox, an engineer and small businessman who will represent parts of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties after making his debut in the chambers.

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by a Public Attorney Office lawyer, detailing his personal knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the murders.

Yuson claimed to be the gunman who shot Batocabe and Diaz allegedly with a cal. 40 pistol.

“With the gunman in custody, we now have an airtight case that we will present in court to ensure successful prosecution of all accused,” said PNP chief Oscar Albayalde.

The surrender of Yuson and Babor brings to five the suspects in police custody and while two suspects—Danilo Muella and Rolando Arimado, re-

mained the object of a police manhunt.

Albayalde presented Yuson in a press briefing in Legaspi City, where the self-confessed killer apologized to the congressman’s family.

“I want to apologize to the Batocabe family,” Yuson, with tears in his eyes, said in Filipino. “I was just a hired gun. Mayor Baldo paid us to kill congressman Rodel Batocabe.”

In his confession, Yuson disclosed that Mayor Baldo wanted to permanently remain mayor of Daraga, and promised the killers a sustained livelihood and salaries to do the job.

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NAIA quarantine officers sacked for defying ASF protocol—Piñol AGRICULTURE Secretary Emmanuel Piñol on Friday said he will relieve all department personnel working in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Quarantine Group for defying his order to carry out quarantine procedures against the African Swine Fever or ASF. The relief would be effective 5 p.m. on Friday.

Piñol said the relief of the entire Quarantine Team at the NAIA would send a clear message to all department personnel that they cannot take administrative directives for granted.

He added that an investigation would be conducted to determine if there were any grounds for charging them with dereliction of duty.

The African Swine Fever, caused by virus, is a highly-contagious swine disease that has already wrecked havoc among swine farmers in many countries.

In one China farm alone, more than 8,000 pigs had recently been infected and over half of these had died.

The disease is difficult to detect unless in its advance stage.

Piñol said when the outbreak was

FIVE people were killed and 12 others were injured after a car slammed into a tricycle at the National Highway in San Juan, Batangas, at dawn on Friday.

The fatalities included a Sangguni-

THE House of Representatives’ rules committee is eyeing plunder and tax evasion charges against the owners of a construction company owned by the in-laws of Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

House Majority Leader and Camarines Sur Rolando Andaya Jr., who heads the panel, said Friday the committee took custody of deposit slips amounting to more than P50-million representing payments made to Aremar Construction by two triple A construction companies that allegedly acted as “dummies” for the controversial company.

Andaya said the representatives of two more triple A construction companies that allegedly acted as dummies for Aremar Construction approached him to voluntary turn over more deposit slips after Thursday’s three-hour hearing on Diokno’s alleged practices in the national budget held at the Avenue Plaza Hotel in Magsaysay Avenue in Naga City.

“We are now in possession of bank transaction receipts showing that Aremar Construction received more than P50 million

Makati taxpayers remit P16.8 billion; Binay thankful

By Joel E. Zurbano

5 dead, 12 hurt in Batangas smashup ang Kabataan councilor and a Navy man who had been driving the car, a Honda Civic.

Reports from the San Juan, Batangas, Municipal Police Station said five of those killed were passengers of the tricycle.

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By Maricel V. Cruz

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By Francisco Tuyay

House mulls over plunder raps in Bicol pork scam

TEMPORARY BAN. Dr. Ronnie Domingo, OIC director of the Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture, tells a news conference Friday why the government has issued a temporary ban on the importation of pigs and other products, including pork meat, originating from government-identified countries. Manny Palmero

MAKATI Mayor Abigail Binay on Friday thanked the city’s taxpayers for their strong support of the city government.

Makati collected P16.8 billion in revenues as of the end of November, exceeding the full-year target by eight percent.

“We have already exceeded by eight percent our full-year revenue target last November,” Binay said.

“Our revenues mostly came from business and real property taxes, and we are heartened by the strong support consistently shown by our taxpayers.”

City Treasurer Jesusa Cuneta said the Business Tax remained the top contributor to the city’s coffers with Next page

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

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Duterte makes strong pitch for admin bets

By Nat Mariano

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday expressed his disapproval of the frontrunners in a survey of the candidates for the 2019 senatorial elections.

And he pushed for administrationbacked candidates who fell short in the so-called “Magic 12” in separate surveys, Duterte belittled the senatorial bets who fared well.

“I do not have to derogate others, but these survey front-runners, my goodness.

We have dedicated people here, knowledgeable attorneys,” Duterte said in a speech during the birthday celebration of former political adviser Francis Tolentino in Tagaytay City.

He made the statement even as Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte would not have a hand in the 2019 midterm elections after Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison claimed the Chief Executive would interfere in the polls.

Panelo said the 79-year-old Sison’s claim was “illusory.”

“Mr. Sison’s claim that the President will interfere in the elections is likely illusory,” Panelo said in a statement.

“The President has already announced that there will be peaceful and orderly elections in May 2019, and he will stop any attempt to thwart it.”

Duterte also publicly endorsed his former Cabinet officials who are gunning for a Senate seat.

He said Tolentino, former top aide Christopher “Bong” Go, and former Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald dela Rosa were “dedicated and honest” government workers.

“These are government workers who can deliver results once you order them,” he said.

“Unlike the others... When it comes to the surveys, you can only shake your head and say, ‘Tsk.’ If that is really what you want, then you deserve the kind of government that you elect.”

But Duterte said he did not have the right to dictate to the public and judge those aspiring to help the country as lawmakers.

“Anyway, who am I to be judgmental about what they can do and what they cannot do for this country?” he said.

The President did identify names but in the latest Social Weather Stations poll, reelectionist Senators Cynthia Villar and Grace Poe topped the senatorial survey.

The survey’s result had a margin of error of +- 3 percent for national percentages, which means Villar and Poe are statistically tied for the top spot.

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monitored as early as last year, the DA immediately established a plan of action to prevent the entry of the disease into the country.

“Shortly before the holidays, I ordered Bureau of Animal Industry [BAI] Acting Director Ronnie Domingo to ensure that footbaths and other quarantine measures are established in all entry points of the country as the dreaded ASF, a disease killing pigs in at least eight countries, was reported spreading in China,” he said.

He said the directive was for all quarantine stations “to establish foot baths in all entry points of the country, the interception and the confiscation of all porkbased products.”

Piñol said the lack of foot baths at NAIA came to his attention after reports quoting agriculture advocate Rosendo So. “Upon reading the report, I immediately called up Dr. Domingo and confronted him about it. Dr. Domingo admitted that the NAIA Quarantine Group failed to establish the foot bath facility “because of procurement issues” and it was the only station which failed to implement the directives,” he said.

Piñol said he did not buy the excuse because the Quarantine Group there could have found ways.

Piñol also apologized “to the stakeholders of the hog industry for this administrative lapse.”

“While I have issued the needed directives to implement the quarantine procedures, I have to admit that there are still weak links in the department which need to be corrected,” he added.

PNA

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Nine passengers of the tricycle and four passengers of the car were injured.

A report said the car slammed into the tricycle after it veered into the opposite side of the road, and that the tricycle’s occupants had just come from a party when the incident happened.

Three passengers of the tricycle were taken to a nearby hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

US Marines probed for 60 bullets

By Joel E. Zurbano

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OME United States marines were placed under investigation after officials caught them carrying 60 pieces of live ammunition and 17 magazines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Friday.

The marines, who were part of the just-concluded Balikatan exercises in Zamboanga, were leaving for Japan via Delta Airlines when they were stopped by members of the Office for Transportation Security, who noticed the images of bul-

lets and magazines at the X-ray machine monitor.

Officials said the bullets and magazines were found on one of the marines’ bags, and that the marines failed to coordinate with concerned about their bring-

ing banned items.

Recently, the US Transportation Security Administration made a security audit at the NAIA and had 16 recommendations that the Manila International Airport Authority should address.

The TSA urged the Philippines to carry out effective security measures consistent with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The marines were later allowed to board their flight after papers and documents for the bullets and magazines were

presented by US liaison personnel.

Airport authorities urged passengers not to bring firearms and other prohibited items to avoid flight delays.

The Aviation Security Group also reminded the people traveling by air to secure documents, particularly a permit to transport from the Philippine National Police, when bringing guns and ammunition during their trips.

The Firearms and Explosives Office of the PNP is the unit handling clearances for passengers who wish to bring guns and ammunition when traveling.

Anti-graft court rejects Napoles bid to stay in detention center

By Maricel V. Cruz

ENDORSER. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his message during the birthday celebration of former Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Francis Tolentino held at the Tagaytay International Convention Center in Tagaytay City, Cavite on Jan. 3, 2019.

Duterte endorsed Tolentino and other administration-backed senatorial candidates.

Presidential Photo

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inflation slowed to 5.1 percent in December 2018.

The PSA said the slowdown, the second in as many months after hitting a nine-year high of 6.7 percent in September, was due to cheaper prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages, and fuel.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo attributed the drop in inflation to President Rodrigo Duterte’s moves to bring prices down—particularly steps to streamline the importation of rice and other agricultural products.

The December inflation was slightly lower than the projected range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas of 5.2 percent to 6 percent.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said the slowdown in inflation was “welcome relief for the public after months of increasing prices,” but said the government must not let down its guard against unscrupulous business practices of overpricing for food, fuel and other basic commodities.

Senator JV Ejercito also welcomed the

lower inflation rate, and expressed hope that the imposition of higher excise taxes on petroleum products would be suspended.

Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile also called for a calibration of the government’s taxes on energy to soften the impact of inflation.

“Once you impose taxation on a commodity, especially gasoline and natural gas, it goes into the price of power that is used for production,” Enrile said.

“It goes into the cost of transportation.

It goes into the cost of so many other things, and that will pile up to bring up the price burden on the people,” he added.

Meanwhile, a congressman on Friday called on the administration to sustain the gains made against inflation by swiftly implementing the Revised Agricultural Tariffication Act, controlling rents for housing for the poor and the middle class, and providing more safety nets.

1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Michael Romero also urged the administration to build up the country’s fuel rseserves now while world fuel prices are low. With Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

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as share in the flood control scam. With this development, the evidence against Aremar has reached the plunder point,” said Andaya.

The biggest shareholder of Aremar is allegedly Mayor Edward Hamor of Casiguran, Sorsogon, the husband of Sorsogon Vice Governor Esther Hamor.

The mayor has denied any wrongdoing.

In statement, Ryan Filgueras, the spokesman for the Hamor family, said Aremar Construction is not owned by Esther Hamor, the in-law of Diokno and that she does not own even a single share of stock of the corporation.

In addition, Filgueras, a lawyer, said, “the use of ‘dummies,’ assuming its true, is not a predicate crime of plunder. Because there is no malversation of funds, no acceptance of a bribe by a government official, no misappropriation of government assets, establishment of a monopoly or taking advantage of official position as spelled out by the law against plunder of Republic Act 7080 as amended

by RA 7659.”

Filgueras added that the use of dummies in bidding for public works projects, if true, is not a crime because there is no law punishing it. “If at all, it will subject the contractor who allowed himself to be used as a supposed dummy to the administrative penalty of one year suspension of his license.”

Filgueras also questioned Andaya’s effort to protect the triple A contractors that allegedly acted as Aremar dummies adding that, “assuming for the sake of argument that what he [Andaya] is saying is true, then the triple A contractors should also be included in the charge of plunder as co-conspirators.”

“Why did he cover the name of the depositor in the deposit slip he showed yesterday? Who is that supposed triple A contractor that is also supposedly part of the convoluted scheme he is trying to paint and simply singled out my client who was not even involved in the preparation of that deposit slip?” the statement noted.

almost P9.1 billion, followed by Real Property Tax with P5.5 billion. The other revenue sources included Fees and Charges with P750.9 million and Economic Enterprises with P246.9 million.

She said the new business registrants reached 4,770 as of the second week of December, and with a combined capital investment of over P30 billion. Business permit renewals reached 33,978 in the same period.

Under the administration of Binay, the city government institutionalized the “Business One-Stop Shop” in line with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Service Delivery Act of 2018 or RA 11032.

The ground floor of Makati City Hall Building II has been designated as the single common site to process applications, payments and to issue approved licenses, clearances and permits.

Makati is developing its enhanced business Permit and Licensing system, or e-BPLS, a computerized system that will provide easy access to business permits through different platforms.

Under Binay, Makati earned its firstever “unqualified opinion,” the highest audit rating given by the Commission on Audit based on its assessment of Makati’s 2017 financial statements.

For the first time in 12 years, the city posted a two-digit increase (12 percent) in revenue collections in 2017.

Recently, Makati unseated Quezon City as the richest local government unit, posting total assets of P196.5 billion and becoming the first LGU to breach the P100-billion mark.

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Rep. Jim Costa was sworn in for the eighth time to represent California’s 16th congressional district, serving as a Democrat in Congress since his initial election in 2004.

He previously served in the California

THE Sandiganbayan denied on Friday the appeal of convicted plunderer Janet LimNapoles to remain at her detention center at the Quezon City Jail Extention in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

Instead, the anti-graft court upheld the order to transfer her to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.

Associate Justice Efren dela Cruz, chairman of the antigraft court’s First Division, denied the urgent motion for reconsideration of the camp of Napoles in open court.

Dela Cruz ordered the transfer of Napoles to the CIW in a commitment order dated Dec. 28. However, Napoles’ lawyer Erwin Legaspi said the convicted mastermind of the multi-billion-peso pork barrel scam remains at Camp Bagong Diwa as of Jan. 3.

Legaspi claimed that the order “seemed irregular” because it was Associate Justice Edgardo Caldona who signed the document as the “chairman” even if he is not.

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Baldo allegedly promised the hit team P5 million for killing Batocabe, but Yuson said he did not received a single centavo.

Yuson said he dismantled the gun he used and threw it into the river right after the murder.

“The arrest of the main gunman... will further tighten the nosse around the necks of the suspects,” Albayalde said. “We will not rest until all of them are thrown to rot in jail to the rest of their lives.”

Albay police arresnted Yuson Thursday night on the strength of a warrant.

On Thursday, Christopher Naval alias Tuping, a trusted aide of Baldo, said the mayor had offered P5 million for the murder of Batocabe in September 2018.

Baldo has denied the allegations, but a discharged Army soldier, Emmanuel Bonita Judavar, came forward and told the police that the plan to kill Batocabe was hatched in August 2018, upon Batocabe announcement of his intention to run for Mayor in Daraga.

Albayalde said Judavar said he was part of the group involved in the initial planning but said he backed out when it came to execute the plan.

In the same briefing, Albayalde also said that the driver of the getaway motorcycle, Jaywin Babor, surrendered to the police and was in custody in Camp Crame.

He said Babor was the driver of the YSM motorcycle at the time of the killing of Batocabe and immediately went on hiding somewhere in Manila shortly thereafter.

Acting Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano said Baldo did not pay the P5 million because he was worried that withdrawing that large an amount would alert the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Cases of double murder and multiple

But Dela Cruz rebuked him, saying the internal rules of the Sandiganbayan allows Caldona to stand as the division chief in case the chairman and the senior member are on leave.

“Considering that both the chairman and senior member of the court at that time were on official leave, there is nothing wrong with the mittimus [commitment order],” Dela Cruz said.

Caldona remained silent during the proceedings.

The anti-graft court, meanwhile, gave the Ombudsman 10 days to file its comment on the motion for reconsideration of Napoles on the guilty verdict.

Napoles was sentenced to life imprisonment owing to her alleged misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund, or pork barrel, of former Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. amounting to P224.5 million from 2006 to 2010.

Late last year, the Sandiganbayan had acquitted Revilla after the prosecution failed to prove he amassed ill-gotten wealth by channeling his pork funds to the Napoles-led foundations. frustrated homicide were filed in Albay against Baldo and six others.

Batocabe was supposed to run for mayor of Daraga in this year’s mid-term elections.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday lauded policemen for the swift arrest of the alleged gunman and identification and filing of charges against the mastermind behind Batocabe’s murder.

“I would like to commend the PNP for solving the murder of our colleague, Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort SPO1 Orlando Diaz.

“The House of Representatives deeply appreciates the dedication and hard work our police force have put in to go after the perpetrators of the despicable act in such a short time.

The House of Representatives also appreciates the bravery and loyalty of those in their ranks who are called upon to perform vital escort and security functions, often at the risk of their lives,” Arroyo said in a statement.

Arroyo expressed hope that justice is served to the family of Batocabe and Diaz.

“Now that the mastermind and all his co-conspirators have been identified, our law enforcement agencies must ensure that they be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There should be no let up and stone left unturned until justice is served,” Arroyo said.

“Again my congratulations to the PNP for a job well done.”

Peace advocates, meanwhile, asked Congress and the PNP to focus on other unresolved political killings, particularly in La Union province, following the quick resolution of Batocabe’s murder.

The Crusaders for Peace congratulated the PNP for quickly resolving the assassination of Batocabe, saying this enhanced the credibility of the PNP under the leadership of Albayalde. With Maricel V. Cruz and PNA

Joy Ongcachuy was recognized alongside 42 others, who were involved in the response to major terror incidents in 2017; along with British divers Richard Stanton and John Volanthen, who were the first to reach the 12 boys and their coach trapped in a Thailand cave complex for 18 days.

Prominent personalities also decorated were knighted author Philip Pullman and literary icon Margaret Atwood, who became a dame.

Ongcachuy was garlanded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) award, given to those with “major local role in any activity, including people

whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.”

She works at The Royal London Hospital since 2002 as a scrub nurse. She was promoted as robotic lead nurse in 2017.

On the night of June 3, 2017, when a terrorist plowed into the crowd and stabbed pedestrians on London Bridge, Ongcachuy was among the first responders at the Royal London Hospital.

In her profile posted by national health service trust Barts Health, Joy narrated: “I was working the night shift that night and I heard the anaesthetist’s bleep go off. We already had a really sick patient in one of our theaters, so I had to get our other theatres ready and pull a team of nurses, allied health professionals and operating department practitioners together.” PNA

State Assembly from 1978 until 1994, and in the State Senate from 1994 until 2002.

Cox, whose father immigrated from China before he met his mother from an unidentified town in the Philippines, will represent California’s 21st congressional district.

Thirteen years ago, Cox ran for the US House of Representatives in California’s 19th congressional district but

lost to George Radanovich. At that time, the 19th district was located in the San Joaquin Valley, and inckuded portions of the current 21st congressional district.

“There’s a lot of work to do and we’ve just been sworn in and we’re ready to get to work,” said Cox, adding “We need to get back to the people’s business, and that’s re-opening the government.”

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News Lion’s share of infra funds from DPWH goes to Albay AMONG the Bicol provinces, Albay got the lion’s share of infrastructure funds from the Department of Public Works and Highways, contrary to a lawmaker’s claim.

Albay had the highest allocation at P11.2 billion, official documents from the DPWH showed.

Sorsogon only came in second at P10.5 billion, closely followed

by Camarines Sur at P10.2 billion, Masbate at P4.5 billion, Camarines Norte at P3.3 billion, and Catanduanes at P2.5 billion.

Documents also showed that other areas got bigger infrastructure funding than Casiguran, indicating that the municipality was not given any special treatment.

Earlier, House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. questioned the P325.11-million allocation for flood management programs in Casiguran alone as well as the P10-billion infrastructure funding for Sorsogon.

Andaya claimed the municipality cornered the funding through the clout of Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno. Casiguran Mayor Edwin Hamor and Vice Gov. Ester Hamor are the parents-in-law of Diokno’s daughter.

Maricel V. Cruz

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

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‘PH should note China’s superweapon’

By Maricel V. Cruz

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MARITIME expert has suggested the Philippines should consider reports China has installed a new superweapon in one of its warships.

Interviewed on News To Go, beamed nationwide, Professor Jay Batongbacal of the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea said the government should take note of the development as Beijing once again was flexing its military muscle.

China and the Philippines are locked in a territorial dispute over parts of the vast South China Sea. China’s new superweapon, the electromagnetic super railgun, is said to be capable of firing at hypersonic speeds

and thus can create more damage to its target.

In related development, an opposition lawmaker supported the call of former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario for the Philippines to work with Vietnam in negotiating a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. “Vietnam has taken a strong stance against pro-China provisions in the proposed COC. The Philippines must support Vietnam on this to block the attempts of China to gain complete control

of entire South China Sea,” Magdalo party-List Rep. Gary Alejano said.

Alejano’s expression of support came after Del Rosario called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to block the pro-China provisions in the proposed COC in the South China Sea. Specifically, Del Rosario urged the DFA to take the same position of Vietnam on banning any new air defense identification zone, clarifying maritime entitlements in accordance with international law, blocking of a proposal by China to ban military drills in the South China Sea with countries outside the region unless all signatories agree, and blocking China’s proposal to exclude foreign oil firms by limiting joint development deals to China and Southeast Asia.

“Vietnam has been vocal in condemning China’s militarization of the South

China Sea. And while it has maintained good economic relations with China, it has not foregone its territorial claims in the South China Sea and compromised its sovereignty—a few things the Duterte administration should take note of,” Alejano said.

The former Marine officer called on the Philippines and the rest of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to ensure that the COC serve its main purpose of ensuring peace and stability in the region according to international law.

“The Asean should have a unified voice in negotiating the COC. This is crucial in making sure that the COC will not be utilized by China to serve its unlawful actions. The COC must embody respect for international law,” Alejano said.

Lorenzana defuses tension with dialogue

By Francisco Tuyay and Macon Ramos-Araneta TO ENSURE the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming plebiscite of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and midterm elections, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana held a dialogue with local leaders in Mindanao to defuse tension following the recent Cotabato bombing which left two people killed and 34 others injured.

“We are here to defuse the tension and we don’t want to escalate the conflict,” said Lorenzana, accompanied

by Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., who met with top military, police commander and local leaders ahead of the BoL plebiscite and midterm elections in Camp Siongco, Maguindanao Friday.

Lorenzana said their primary purpose for the dialogue was to prevent speculation and “finger-pointing” on the bombing.

The dialogue was attended by Cotabato Mayor Frances Cynthia GuianiSayadi, Maguindanao First District and Cotabato City Rep. Bai Sandra Sema, and Bangsamoro Islamic Forces Chief of Staff Sammy Gambar Al-Mansoor.

Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay urged the Department of Tourism to implement measures that would counter the anticipated fallout from advisories issued by the United Kingdom and Australia warning the countries’ nationals from traveling to Mindanao.

GETTING READY. Manila City Hall workers rush to build the stage for the Black Nazarene at the sprawling Luneta Park in preparation for the image before the Traslacion on Jan. 9, while Manila City Hall administrator Ericson Alcovendaz (2nd from right, inset) tells a news conference Friday that private and public schools in the city are suspended that day. Lino Santos/Norman Cruz

‘Not everyone with PH bloodline qualifies for Balikbayan privilege’

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration reminded the public on the scope of the Balikbayan Program intended for former Filipinos visiting the Philippines.

This emerged after a budding celebrity, who holds an American passport, made a scene at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after he was given a 30-day stay instead of one-year granted to Filipino balikbayans.

The unnamed local celebrity reportedly made a scene at the immigration area of

the NAIA 1 last Jan. 3, who arrived for a vacation in the Philippines.

The celebrity, who the agency refused to name, is an American passport holder reportedly shouted expletives when he was only given a 30-day stay.

He was allegedly furious at immigration for “giving him a hard time, despite him being a celebrity, with people wanting to take pictures with him.”

Immigration Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval clarified that those who have Philippine lineage would not necessarily qualify for the Balikbayan Privilege.

“The privilege is for former Filipinos, and their immediate family members who are traveling with them only,” clarified Sandoval.

“If these family members are not traveling with the Filipino or former Filipino, they are not qualified for the one-year visa free privilege,” she added.

“Under Republic Act No. 6768, the one-year Balikbayan visa privilege is exclusively given to former Filipinos naturalized abroad, and their spouse and children who are travelling with them,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

MILITANT PROTEST. Organizations under the leftist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan stage a ;picket Friday in front of Camp Crame in Quezon City to condemn what they call the

extrajudicial killing of six activists and the arrest of 16 others in police and military raids last week in Negros Oriental, calling it a prelude to a ‘Tokhang-style’ crackdown against activists and government critics. Manny Palmero

Bill approval waiving fees welcomed A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday welcomed the move of the House of Representatives to approve a bill mandating the government to waive the fees and charges collected in the issuance of documents required in the fresh graduates’ application for employment.

Rep. Jericho Jonas Nograles of PBA party-list, co-author of House Bill 173, said the bill’s enactment shall protect the interest of the youth and facilitate their access to employment by authorizing a reasonable waiver of fees collected by the government for various clearances, licenses and other documents from fresh graduates who are seeking employment.

“The recommended waiver of fees must not be viewed as a diminution of revenues for the government but as a means to protect the interest of our youth,” Nograles, a deputy majority leader, said.

The bill was sponsored on the floor

by House committee on ways and means chairperson, Rep. Estrellita Suansing of Nueva Ecija.

HB 172, principally authored by Nograles’ brother, former Davao City Representative and now Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles, was already approved on second reading.

It is expected to hurdle the third and final reading approval when Congress resumes session on Jan. 14.

The bill declares that it is the policy of the State to protect the interest of the youth. On line with this, it shall endeavor to provide them with opportunities for development by creating policies that will improve their access to employment.

Subject to exceptions, the bill mandates all government agencies and instrumentalities, including governmentowned and -controlled corporations and local government units, not to collect fees or charges from new graduates.

Maricel V. Cruz

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Opinion

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

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The Magi’s truth, charity and hope

TWELVE days after Christmas or January 6, which is tomorrow, is the day when Christians celebrate the Three Kings also referred to as the Magi or the Wise Men. It remembers the day when Three Kings from the East, traditionally from Persia, Saudi Arabia and India, visited Jesus in

Enough of fake news! Enough of deceitful explanations of misogynous and blasphemous statements!

the manger bearing with them gifts of myrrh, gold and frankincense.

While the Gospel of Matthew never mentions the number of kings, Western church tradition has it that there are three considering the number of gifts they brought with them. Matthew tells us that upon hearing of the news of the birth of the promised Messiah, King Herod becomes frightened and begins to set up a plan to eliminate him. He then secretly calls upon the Wise Men and asks them to inform him of

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

the place where the Messiah is born.

However, after paying homage to the child Jesus, the Three Kings, having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, leaves for their own countries by another path.

Three Kings and the Baptism of Christ are often referred to as the Epiphany of “revelation” because it is on these events that Jesus Christ has finally revealed himself as the Son of God. It is in these two momentous events that Jesus manifested himself to all nations. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the firstfruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation . . . Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament.”

During the mass in observance of the Epiphany last Year, Pope Francis asked his audience to recall the three wise men who followed a star to find the baby Jesus. Francis suggested asking “what star we have chosen to follow in our lives?”

“Some stars may be bright, but do not point the way. So it is with success, money, career, honors and pleasures, when these become our lives,” the pope said, adding that path won’t ensure peace and joy.

Ahead of the Epiphany, Francis said, addressing Italian Pilgrims

T

Sending a message

ALK about an unlikely tandem: A former New People’s Army rebel and a former Army soldier are now in police custody for the killing of party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his aide SPO2 Orlando Diaz.

The former confessed he had acted as gunman while the latter drove the motorcycle used to get away after the congressman, who had announced his candidacy for mayor, was shot.

Henry Yuson said he was hired by Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo to kill Batocabe who was challenging him for the May 2019 local elections. The mayor, he said, promised the team P5 million and sustained livelihood for the job.

Yuson’s statement’s corroborated that of a witness who had previously surfaced and said the plot to kill Batocabe had been hatched in August last year.

Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said they would “not rest until all of the suspects are thrown to rot in jail for the rest of their lives.”

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo commended the PNP for the swift progress of the investigation.

We do, too. The slaying of Batocabe and his aide kicked off yet another season that promises to be chaotic and violent given the political climate at both the national and local level. That the people behind it have been identified and are being prosecuted sends a message that political violence is a tool for lowlifes

who feel entitled to their government posts. They see these as positions of power rather than opportunities for genuine service.

History has shown us that even cases that occasioned outrage—the Maguindanao Massacre, for example—are not necessarily resolved to their just end.

Sadly and almost certainly, Batocabe’s case will not be the last.

Between now and May, we will hear about more acts of violence perpetrated by people who believe they can get away with their crime. May today’s PNP be consistent in resolving these cases, whether they are high-profile or not. That we are no strangers to political violence does not in any way make the slayings right, or acceptable.

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Give a little respect “SOUL, I hear you calling…Oh baby please, give a little respect to me…”

I was reminded by these lyrics off Erasure’s 1988 hit single after reading about President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s latest tirade against the Roman Catholic Church and its beliefs. Coming off a string of similar rants unleashed over the past two years he’s been in office, one wonders why Duterte feels the need to discuss his religious sentiments in public.

“If I choose not to believe in any god, what’s the “f*****g thing about it? It’s about freedom to choose one,” Duterte said earlier this year, when he called God “stupid.” He has mocked the Trinity, the creation story, and the Last Supper. He has dissed Jesus as being “unimpressive” for getting himself crucified instead of calling on lightning to smite his persecutors.

Catholicism is often touted as the country’s ‘unofficial official religion’ for the simple fact that some 70 to 80 percent of Filipinos describe themselves as Catholic. Though I am not one myself, I grew up in the culture and am aware that many believers are dismayed at Duterte’s unending potshots. The clerics certainly are; several priests have publicly rebuked the President multiple times.

The President should understand that religion and spirituality play a huge role in Philippine society, and to continue mocking it could lead to consequences.

First though, it must be considered that Duterte is exercising his right to free speech, as protected by the Constitution. He’s very much on the side of free speech; recall his strong defense of former communication official Mocha Uson’s antics using this same reason.

Nor is he breaking any law. The Philippines has no blasphemy law. What the law does punish are instances of “interruption of religious worship” and “offending religious feelings,” in Articles 132 and 133 respectively of the Revised Penal Code.

The former penalizes “any public officer or employee who shall prevent

or disturb the ceremonies or manifestations of any religion;” the latter, “anyone who, in a place devoted to religious worship or during the celebration of any religious ceremony, shall perform acts notoriously offensive to the feelings of the faithful.”

Duterte does not sling his mud in churches or other religious establishments. Thus he does not contravene the law. Instead, he does it at the most inappropriate places, usually while delivering speeches at public events.

Another issue we should unpack here is that of respect. Insulting someone shows a lack of respect for them.

As president, as a leader, Duterte is held to a high standard of behavior.

It will go a long way.

To move the country forward, he must unite rather than divide. There are many religions practiced in this country, and their believers deserve to observe their faith in peace.

The question is, why does the President feel the need to take almost every opportunity to mock Catholics and Christians? What is his big problem with the church? They criticize him, to be sure, but they are not his only critics.

Religion and spirituality are very important to Filipino as core values, as several studies show.

In 1988 the Ateneo de Manila University conducted a study about Filipino values and valued traits. Among them were faith and religiosity, and pakikipagkapwa-tao (relating to others).

Ours is the only Constitution that mentions the words ‘God’ and ‘love,’ said Dr. Serafin D. Talisayon in a 1990 paper. He also mentioned that a 1979 Gallup Polls study “confirmed the high value placed by Filipinxs on education and spirituality,” while a 1980 Tsukuba University study found that Filipino respondents “scored the highest” among the countries studied in items about spiritual/religious beliefs.

Another writer said that “the Turn to A5

A bridge too far woes.

And it seems he is on the right track as he had heeded advice We cannot see any finding better ways of tackling Metro Manila’s traffic nightmare: gain, only pain, in the Build more bridges. Provide more construction of the sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

Estrella-Pantaleon Until the Estrella-Pantaleon EVER since he assumed the Public bridge.

Bridge.

Works and Highway portfolio, In September 2018, it was Secretary Mark Villar has been announced that the Estrellatouted as one of the best the agency Pantaleon Bridge connecting has ever had. to meet the country’s shortfall Makati and Mandaluyong would As a strict and ardent disciple in infrastructures, wittingly or be closed for 30 months for of President Rodrigo Duterte’s unwittingly, contributing to solving reconstruction.

The current twoBuild, Build, Build mantra, the country’s worsening traffic Turn to A5 Villar has been doing everything Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher

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Opinion

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

Amending the Mutual Defense Treaty

We must act against terrorism THE problem on terrorism continues to be a clear and present danger to our national security. It sows instability anytime, anywhere.

Such is shown by the bomb explosion in Cotabato City on New Year’s Eve, killing two innocent civilians and wounding over 30 others.

I maintain that the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have done a good job keeping the terrorists at bay.

Still, we must accept the fact that the PNP and AFP cannot possibly man every nook of the country’s over 7,000 islands, particularly in

The Magi’s..

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last January 2, “Like the Magi, we also raise our gaze to the heavens; only in this way, will we be able to see the star that invites us to walk the paths of goodness.” “If we want to find Jesus, we have to overcome our fear of taking risks, our self-satisfaction and our indolent refusal to ask anything more of life,” Francis said. “We need to take risks simply to meet a Child . . . Those risks are immensely worth the effort since in finding that Child, in discovering his tenderness and love, we rediscover ourselves.”

The Three Wise Men, also traditionally called the Magi, were the only ones who saw the star leading the way to the manger because they were among the few people who raised their eyes to the heavens.

“We often make do with looking at the ground: it’s enough to have our health, a little money and a bit of entertainment,” Francis added.

“I wonder if we still know how to look up at the sky. Do we know how to dream, to long for God, to expect the newness he brings, or do we let ourselves be swept along by life, like dry branches before the wind?, the Pope asked.

“Jesus’ star does not dazzle or overwhelm, but gently invites,” Francis said, calling on the faithful to beware of the “meteors” and “shooting stars” that promise success, wealth and fortune only to quickly fade away and “mislead rather than lead.” The Lord’s star, he said, while not shining as bright as others, is a reliable and constant light that “takes you by the hand in life and accompanies you” to peace and joy as it did with the Magi.”

Another quality the pope encouraged Christians to borrow from the Three Wise Men is to “set out” in order to find Jesus. In order to do

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lane bridge would be demolished to build a four-lane one.

The Department of Public Works and Highways claims that the new bridge can accommodate 1.3 million cars, a far cry from the 100,000 vehicles the current bridge accommodates daily.

However, it seems the project is ill-planned as it would only serve as a congested funnel pouring more than a million vehicles daily into a narrow two-lane road. In fact, even in its current state, traffic at the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge always comes to a standstill—not because of the bridge’s incapacity to accommodate the numbers of vehicles passing through it, but rather, the incapacity of the streets at both ends to accommodate such volume of traffic.

Thus, the unreasonably long closure of the bridge for two and a half years will contribute greatly to the metropolis’ traffic problem as tens of thousands of cars will have to be rerouted to the already perpetually traffic-congested roads like EDSA and Makati Avenue.

Sadly, bot the DPWH and

strife-torn Muslim Mindanao.

Though the PNP task force investigating the Cotabato City tragedy has not identified any suspected group responsible for the attack, its motive clearly constitutes a desperate attempt at destabilization.

If I know, Cotabato City has taken significant strides towards economic progress, as well as peace and order, under the leadership of Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi.

I strongly believe that the peaceloving people of Cotabato City, Muslims and Christians alike, will prevail and continue progress.

On behalf of the Anti-Crime & Terrorism through Community Involvement and Support, I enjoin the entire nation to unite in the war against terrorism.

Terrorists inspired by the Islamic

State movement are desperately trying to sabotage the peace process in Mindanao, where a plebiscite is scheduled to be held this month on the Bangsamoro Organic Law. It is imperative that we play a more active role against terrorism through community awareness, by supporting the PNP and AFP. We must stay vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on the activities around us because anti-terrorism is everyone’s business.

We have to live up with the modern-day reality of the global terrorist threat so that we can take active steps to help fight it.

The civilian community must be completely involved and be a committed partner of the authorities in its anti-crime and anti-terrorism task.

this, the faithful must also free themselves from unnecessary burdens and push through life’s obstacles. “Jesus allows himself to be found by those who seek him, but to find him we need to get up and go, not sit around but take risks, not stand still, but set out. Jesus makes demands: he tells those who seek him to leave behind the armchair of worldly comforts and the reassuring warmth of hearth and home. Following Jesus is not a polite etiquette to be observed, but a journey to be undertaken.”

As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, let us ask for three gifts from the Magi: truth, charity, and hope.

We need the truth in this country. We must speak truth to power.

Enough of fake news! Enough of deceitful explanations of misogynous and blasphemous statements!

Enough of deluding ourselves that we are on the right direction! The truth is it will get worse before it becomes better.

That is why we need the grace of charity. We must seek dialogue, reach out. Human rights are universal and for everyone—certainly for the worker, peasant, urban poor, or indigenous leader that is being attacked for standing up for their interests, definitely for human rights lawyers and social/political activists being killed or arrested, but also for the drug addict and pusher targeted

by Duterte’s war against drugs as well as for the politician or official being charged with corruption.

Some people are upset at my views about GMA’s and more recently Revilla’s acquittal, but one must be consistent on human rights, including the presumption of innocence and due process whether the accused is a social or political activist, an opposition personality being harassed by the government, or an alleged corrupt politician or official.

As I keep repeating to my Constitutional Law 2 students, the crimi-

nal due process rights are essential in society; they are rights that most of us would never invoke but would want to make sure it’s there if we need it. The saying that it’s better for nine guilty men to be set free rather than one innocent man be convicted and punished rings true when you are or a loved one is that innocent man.

Finally, from the Magi, we ask for hope, which, according to Pope Francis, is one of most needed virtues of modern time is hope, something which must never be abandoned no matter how hard life gets, and which is often expressed in the simple act of a smile. According to Francis: “When we are in darkness and difficulty the smile doesn’t come, but there is the hope that teaches us to smile on that path to find God . . . It’s enough to never lose hope, it’s enough to continue to believe, always, despite everything . . . Let us also smile even if it was a difficult day, because we see the hope.”

Hope comes easier for those are despised and do not count for anything, said Pope Francis, citing Zechariah and Elizabeth who were elderly and infertile, Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, and the poor shepherds. “It is the small ones, made great by their faith, the little ones who know how to continue to hope,” he said, adding that it is they who are able to transform “the desert of exile, of desperate loneliness, of suffering, into a level road on which to walk to meet the glory of the Lord.” “Let us therefore teach hope, let us look forward faithfully to the coming of the Lord and whatever the desert of our lives, it will become a flowery garden,” Pope Francis concludes.

From the Magi we need the truth to live faithfully, charity to love each other, and hope to be truly happy.

the Metro Manila Development Authority have yet to provide viable alternate routes for motorists who will have to be rerouted because of the bridge’s closure.

Their previous suggestion, Guadalupe Bridge, will also be closed for rehabilitation.

Why is there a rush to have the bridge demolished and to construct another one?

The Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge was inaugurated in 2011. At eight years old, it is one of the youngest bridges in the metro.

The bridge was also part of the Austrian government’s project to fund and build the construction of 19 weather-resistant bridges. This particular bridge cost P300 million.

If there is one viable solution to ease traffic in that particular area, it is to adhere strictly to the administration’s mantra of Build, Build, Build, by building another bridge in a nearby area to provide new thoroughfares for motorists.

And if indeed there is really a need to expand the bridge, there already exists engineering technology to expand it without having to entirely close it down.

Actually, it’s quite puzzling why the project has been conceptualized in the first place as there is no public demand to rebuild the bridge at all.

In fact, the public appealed for the reopening of the bridge following its abrupt closure last September.

And with neither drawing nor construction plan being disclosed to the public yet, it seems the project might have been railroaded and postponed at whim, unconstrained by any real construction plan.

To think that the cost of the project for every motorist using that bridge would be staggering.

Up to now, no traffic management plans have yet been announced or ideated to address congestion during construction and even after the bridge’s completion.

And it’s just a few days before they close the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge on Jan. 12.

Villar might have been effective in solving the infrastructure backlog left by his predecessor. But he might have gone a bridge too far in the case of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge.

So far, we cannot see any gain— only pain—in the construction of the new bridge to be undertaken by two firms long blacklisted by the World Bank for fraudulent practices.

Amid the overwhelming public clamor, Villar should call off or postpone the project. The EstrellaPantaleon Bridge should remain open.

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DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana appears to be an implanted operator of US interest in the supposedly independent-minded President. Lorenzana is suggesting a review of the Mutual Defense Treaty with the US which was signed on Aug. 30, 1951. Specifically, the defense chief is eyeing the inclusion of the nine islands in the Kalayaan group under our occupation to be covered by the MDT. This came at a time when the Philippines signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding with China for the exploration and extraction of oil and natural gas in the South China Sea, As one might say, the ink used to sign the MOU has yet to dry, and we could already hear discordant voices explaining why the existing treaty only covers the so-called “metropolitan Philippines” referring to the three main islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and the territories within the country’s exclusive economic zone, and therefore need to be expanded.

The suggestion would extend the coverage of the MDT to the disputed islands and shoals currently occupied by the Philippines, namely: Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, Parola (Northeast Cay) Island, Kota (Loaita) Island, Lawak (Nanshan) Island, Patag (Flat) Island, Likas (West York) Island, Panata (Lankiam Cay) Island, Ayungin (Second Thomas ) Shoal, and Rizal (Commodore ) Reef. Panatag which is now occupied by China and Ayungin Shoal are both within the country’s EEZ. Objectively, the suggestion to amend, upgrade or abrogate the treaty with the US comes as a surprise. Some view the suggestion as contumaciously inappropriate; it comes when the two countries have yet to come up with the mechanism to implement the MOU. Some could sense that the motive is to derail the multibillion oil and gas project that was once destroyed by Cory Aquino’s “economic hitman” Cesar Buenaventura.

For the Philippines to extend the MDT to the disputed territories where we can only exercise our sovereign right could instantly sour the relations tirelessly built by the President.

It would certainly cause a sharp reaction from China which may see it as an attempt to include a third party over a territory to which it also claims as their own. More importantly, China is likely to oppose the proposal, for that would give the US access right in the middle of the busy waterway, and use those islands for anchorage and berthing of its naval ship regularly patrolling the area.

Admittedly, it would be difficult for us to extend the MDT to include territories outside the demarcated boundaries which the US accepted from Spain and handed to us which we incorporated in the 1935 Constitution and affirmed in the various international treaties such as the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco and 1952 Taipei Peace Treaty.

It seems that the move of Lorenzana is to set aside the warming of relations between the two countries that began with the visit of the President to Beijing and the signing of the various agreements. These range from economic assistance to the earmarking of several multibillion projects indicating our willingness to enter into a joint venture agreement to tap the vast oil and gas reserve in the South China Sea. All these amount to our acquiescence to set aside the decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of concrete and productive relations with China.

Lorenzana’s suggestion implies that within the administration, there are people determined to renew our antagonism with China by vexing that country with our intention to revive the PCA decision. It is not only the Philippines that will be placed in an

awkward position. The President will be embarrassed. The President had already crossed more than half of the bridge to restore the friendly relations with China by trying to tone down the impact of the ruling. He knows this cannot be enforced without plunging the country into war with China.

The posturing of Lorenzana and Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna is strange considering that our defense agreement with the US is viewed by many as dysfunctiona. It seems that only the US can invoke said treaty.

Now here comes Lorenzana seeking to extend the MDT to include some of the islands in the SCS which is wholly pursuant to the US policy of containing China. In fact, the US has already manifested its intention not to assist us in the event of conflict in that disputed territory.

Realpolitik dictates that we have to make some realistic adjustment to our relations with China for the consideration that there is no way we can

Why is Lorenzana even suggesting this?

enforce the PCA ruling or rely on our much-ballyhooed alliance with the US. On the contrary, political realism tells us of the enormous economic benefits should we pursue the constructive approach considering that China has not even imposed a precondition to our normalization of relations by requesting us to shelve the decision of the PCA. The MDT, like all the defense agreements we signed with the US, is an executive agreement. It means the US alone could decide when it would come to our defense. However, even that is highly improbable. Our dense agreement with the US is not even a treaty but an executive agreement wholly dependent on the judgment of the US President.

Upgrading the MDT would ipso facto give the US the right to demand access into those islands. That would heighten tension because that could bring closer to confrontation with China using the Philippines as springboard to wage another proxy war. Certainly, China would not sit idly seeing the US using our facilities in the Spratlys to position its naval presence and ruin altogether the constructive efforts of the administration to secure the trust and confidence of China to help the country advance economically through joint partnership agreement.

Without us saying it, extending the MDT coverage would revive that vexing decision initiated by Noynoy Aquino.

That would amount to a virtual 180-degree turn in our policy towards China.

There is no other way one could interpret our move, for it is clear we are back to the Cold War mentality of taunting our neighbor by expanding the horizon of the defense agreement when building up and securing our relations with China is our best guarantee to our defense for at stake is the shared interest in the future of the two countries. We can even look at the MOU beyond the economic benefits it could offer with China as our co-protector of our interest in the area which undoubtedly would be heightened once the parties to the agreement begin their drilling operations.

The country cannot afford to throw a monkey wrench to all our efforts to secure for us an assured supply of oil and natural gas. Maybe the opposition can accuse Duterte of selling out our interest. But the same question is asked whether it is possible for us to carry out such undertaking without the cooperation of our neighbor, or just allow foreign concessionaires to hand us the usual royalty crumbs for extending to them the right to negotiate for us in what should be our principal task of securing for our people their rightful share. rpkapunan@gmail.com

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authentic and classic EDSA People Power was… religious in temperament and persuasion…” (Hornedo 1988). As proof of this, one of the first things done after People Power was the installation of the gigantic statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at EDSA, because many ascribed the success of that peaceful “revolution” to her divine intervention.

To continue verbally harassing the church and its tenets could later create the last straw for clergy and believers. And nothing good will result from trampling on core values. To restore peace and harmony, a sincere apology, amends where necessary, and a little respect will go a long way.

“Heal the world, make it a better place… For you and for me and the entire human race” is another great jam. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

News

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Germany seeks 400 nurses—POEA

By Vito Barcelo GERMANY will hire 400 Filipino nurses who are proficient in German language or willing to undergo German language training, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said Friday.

The POEA said is it now accepting applications for nurses under the Triple Win Project of Germany.

In a statement, the POEA said qualified applicants must be Filipino citizens, male or female, and permanent resident of the Philippines with Bachelor of Science in Nursing, active Philippine Nursing License and at least two years related professional experience in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and care institutions.

The Triple Win Project is a joint initiative of the German Federal Employment Agency and the POEA which aims to send nursing professionals to different parts of Germany. The project is called as such because it benefits three entities: The Philippines, Germany, and the nurses.

Applicants must have German language proficiency or willing to undergo German language training in the Philippines to attain Level B1. The language training will be paid by the employer.

Applicants must be able to attend the language class in April and May 2019; or with Bl or B2 Language Proficiency Level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Successful candidates shall have a starting monthly salary of €1,900 (gross) that will be increased to €2,300 after recognition as a qualified nurse.

The employer will pay the visa and airfare from the Philippines to Germany and will assist the employee find a suitable accommodation. The selected nurse will bear the expenses in full or in part of the board and lodging.

Qualified applicants should register online at www.eservices.poea.gov.ph and personally submit the required documents (fastened in a folder) under the heading “German Federal Employment Agency RSF No. 180028” at the Manpower Registry Division, Ground Floor, Blas F. Ople Bldg. (formerly POEA Bldg.), Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City.

The required documents include a cover letter and curriculum vitae with colored passport size picture; High School Diploma (notarized copy); Nursing Diploma (notarized copy); Board Certificate and copy of license from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC); Certificates of employment in related field (previous and current) (notarized copy); Attendance and/ or level certificate for German language, if available; Copy of valid Passport; and Certificate of POEA online Pre-employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS).

Applicants are required to present their original documents for authentication of written information before forwarding the resume to the employer.

Interview by employers is scheduled at the last week of March 2019.

Deadline for submission of applications at POEA Central and Regional Offices is on Feb. 28, 2019.

GOING HOME. Passengers heading back to their provinces after spending the holiday season in Metro Manila wait for buses to arrive at a terminal along P. Tuazon Boulevard in Quezon City on Friday (Jan. 4, 2019). PNA Photo

Population boom a threat to water security—MWSS T

HE Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System is heightening its efforts to boost water security in mega Manila amid the threat of a booming population on water supply.

MWSS Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco emphasized that the agency is pursuing the development of new dams to ensure ample water supply beyond the term of President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to Velasco, the MWSS’ goal under his watch is a water secure mega Manila even amidst threats of natural calamities including a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that is capable of destroying infrastructure and flatten buildings.

Velasco said the agency is also keen on tapping core water professionals and on obtaining its ISO compliant status.

These and other developments were contained in Velasco's yearender report.

The onset of 2018 was a busy year for MWSS. It was preparing for its 140th anniversary that was launched with the opening of the Carriedo Cup Sports Fest.

The sports festival aimed to foster teamwork and camaraderie among MWSS employees themselves and with employees of its concessionaires.

As part of its anniversary celebration,

MWSS also launched the coffee table book From Carriedo to Balara: Celebrating 140 Years of MWSS and Ensuring Water Security. Authored by Ramos family biographer Melandrew T. Velasco, the book traces the history of the water agency and discusses the direction its is headed under the current stewards.

Another activity to celebrate the anniversary is the unveiling of the Palafox masterplan for the MWSS eco-tourism hub. A joint project of Maynilad and Manila Water in celebration of over 20 years of successful partnership with MWSS, the plan will transform the 79-hectare Balara Water Complex into a four-in-one leisure center―a water eco-tourism hub, an institutional zone, a mixed-used development, and an adventure hub.

The year just past saw the continued success of the MWSS-initiated Annual Million Tree Challenge. MWSS held the AMTC Recognition and Pledging Day that garnered over one million pledges from various government agencies.

MWSS efforts to rehabilitate and protect six critical watersheds and its supports DENR’s Sustainable Development Program through the AMTC earned for MWSS recognition from DENR-NCR and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency.

New water sources Committed to pursue water infrastructure projects started by the previous administration, Velasco said that the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project Phase 1 and Phase 2 is now 97-percent complete. It will be inaugurated I within the month, he said.

“Perhaps our customers are secretly nursing the fear that one day they might wake up only to find out that their taps have gone dry,” Velasco said. “Let me assure them that we have adequate supply to service the domestic and industrial needs of our customers,” he added.

MWSS has identified Laguna Lake, Sumag River, Kaliwa Dam, Wawa River-New Montalban Dam and Tayabasan River as medium-term water sources that could supply 19,63 MLD. On the hand, long-term sources are Kanan Dam and Agos Dam with a combined capacity of 6,300 MLD.

Ex-Maguindanao town mayor killed THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said on Friday that its operatives killed fomer Parang, Maguindanao Mayor Talib Abo in an anti-drug operation.

Abo had earlier been tagged for his alleged involvement in transporting drugs to Davao City.

The PDEA said Abo chose to fight it out with its agents when he was served a search warrant in his home in Cotabato, according to PDEA-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

His brother Bobby Abo was also killed in a separate operation by virtue of a search warrant.

Separate warrants were also served in the homes of Amelia Abo, daughter of Talib Abo and an incumbent Parang councilor running for the vice mayor post, and a certain Bai Amy Abo. However, there was no contraband found in Amelia Abo's home, but a pistol and drugs were found inside Bai Amy Abo’s house.

PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION. Supreme Court Associate Justice Noel Gimenez Tijam receives a Plaque of Recognition from Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin on the occasion of his retirement during a special en banc session held on Jan. 4, 2019, at the New Session Hall, SC Building, Faura, Manila. Justice Tijam, who retires today, also received other tokens, including a Philippine flag, an SC flag and seal, Judicial Robe, Brass Shingle, Ring, Pen, Timepiece, Book of Decisions, The Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos Award, and a Statuette of Judicial Excellence, handed over by the other Associate Justices. Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin, in his message to the honoree, has nothing but praises for Justice Tijam saying ‘[Justice Tijam] has completed close to a quarter of a century of dedicated judicial work.’

DOH urged: VAT-exempt all maintenance medicines THE party-list group Anakalusugan has called on Health Secretary Francisco Duque to hasten the removal of the 12-percent expanded value-added tax on other maintenance medicines.

“We welcome the removal of the VAT on maintenance medicines for diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. But there are other maintenance medications that also need to be VAT exempt,” Anakalusugan said in a statement.

Duque himself admitted that there is a need to expand the coverage of the VAT exemption to include other maintenance medicines.

“We are sensitive as well to the clamor of certain quarters especially of those cancer patients whose medications can run up to billions of pesos and can be economically devastated,” the Health chief said.

Anakalusugan likewise urged drugstores to comply with the VAT exemption policy or face possible charges.

“The law must be followed as strictly as possible to avoid unnecessary violations,” the group said.

Earlier, the health advocacy group also urged the government to consider making vitamins VAT free.

“We should look at health not just from a prescriptive point of view but from preventive as well.

This is why making vitamins more accessible for Filipinos is just as crucial as ensuring that our people are able to take their maintenance medicines,” Anakalusugan said.

The group cited a study undertaken by the World Health Organization in 2016 which classified the Philippines as one of the top countries where less than 30 percent of the population have access to essential drugs.

“This means almost 70 percent of Filipinos are deprived of the medicines they need. Removing the VAT on vitamins and all maintenance medicines will also bring down Filipinos’ out-of-pocket expenditure for medicines,” Anakalusugan said.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Standard TODAY

This is to inform the public that the following;

MMDA to close Estrella-Pantaleon bridge in Makati reconstruction of the bridge which was initially set last September 2018.

THE government announced on Friday The project, led by the Department that the closure of Estrella-Pantaleon of Public Works and Highways, aims to Bridge, which connects the cities of widen the bridge to four lanes from its Mandaluyong and Makati, will push present two lanes. Based on the DPWH through next week, Jan. 12 (Saturday). timeline, the project will be completed The closure, according to the Metro in 2021.

Manila Development Authority, will The DPWH had decided to temporaribe made following the demolition and ly suspend the rehabilitation of the bridge,

By Joel E. Zurbano

1. Ms. Ophelia G. Gonzales President/Director 2. Ms. Gidjet Jean A. Urbano Treasurer/Director have been appointed as the new President/ Treasurer and Directors of Cirrus Global, Inc. effective September 28, 2018.

(MS-JAN. 5, 2019)

citing the monstrous traffic the construction works would create in the area, especially during the holiday season.

The agency warned that the bridge repair would further worsen the traffic congestion on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue as thousands of vehicles going in and out of Makati and Mandaluyong would be diverted to Guadalupe Bridge.

The DPWH and its private partner

for the project, the China Road and Bridge Corp. were supposed to start the rehabilitation last September.

The bridge connects Estrella Street in Makati City and Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong City.

MMDA general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. said the bridge will be demolished and replaced with a new and wider one for a period of 30 months.

Sports

A7

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

NFL, NBA rule changes take effect NEW YORK—Baskets and touchdowns are raining down on the NBA and NFL this season as a slew of rule changes designed to reward attacking play and boost the marketability of America’s two biggest sports take hold.

In the NFL, the final day of regular season competition witnessed the 1,371st touchdown during the Indianapolis Colts’ defeat of the Tennessee Titans, a new record for touchdowns in a single season.

With teams combining for a total of 11,952 points, 2018 is also the secondmost prolific scoring season in NFL history.

In the NBA, meanwhile, each of the league’s 30 teams are averaging more than 100 points per game, with the freescoring Milwaukee Bucks topping the table with 117 points per game and Chicago on the lowest rung with 100.4.

Even the bruising arena of ice hockey has joined in the fun, with the National Hockey League seeing goals flying in from all angles at a rate not seen for more than a decade.

The various scoring sprees have been attributed to a confluence of factors, from the increasing willingness of teams to adopt attacking tactics to rule changes which have offered more protection for star players.

Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce said the NBA’s desire to improve “freedom of movement” had helped create a more attack-oriented game.

“The NBA has been preaching freedom of movement for the last 10-plus years so it’s no surprise to me that they’re gearing everything towards the offense because let’s face it, offensive basketball is exciting to watch,” Pierce said on ESPN recently.

“When you see teams scoring 115, 130 points, it’s exciting for a fan. You don’t want to see a lot of grabbing, holding, bumping, team scoring in the eighties. That was my brand of basketball in the early 2000s.

“When I got back to watch, it wasn’t that exciting to watch. But now it’s geared more toward the offense. No more emphasis on defense. It’s an offensive era we’re in right now.”

Increased ratings A similar ethos has prevailed in the NFL, where various scoring records have been torched by a phalanx of teams who have sorely tested the old adage that defense is the best form of attack.

Nowhere was this more evident than in November’s thrilling duel between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams, which finished with the Rams winning a classic 54-51. It was the first time in NFL history that two teams had scored more than 50 points in the same game.

Michael Lewis, a professor of marketing at Emory University, believes the spike in scoring can be explained at least partially by NFL moves to offer greater protection to quarterbacks.

“The NFL has pretty significant concerns related to injuries,” Lewis said.

“So a lot of the rule changes are really designed to protect quarterbacks and offensive players. But by doing so they’ve reduced the defensive ability to constrain the offense. It’s a really happy coincidence for the NFL.” And if improving the marketability of the NFL was the aim, there are signs the strategy is paying off.

Figures released this week showed a five percent increase in ratings in 2018 compared with the 2017 regular season, even though this year’s average of 15.8 million viewers per game is still sharply lower than 2016 (16.5 million) and 2015 (17.9 million).

David Abrutyn, a partner in Bruin Sports Capital, a New York-based private equity firm that specializes in sports, media and marketing, believes spectators are naturally drawn to offense.

“If you look across sports, the idea of scoring and excitment that goes along, the plays that make that happen, people gravitate towards offense,” he said. “Excitment in offense can broadly be connected to fan interest and engagement and that is interesting in and of itself.

“Is there a direct correlation of turning on an economic engine by virtue of turning on the scoring? It’s probably worth exploring.”

‘YouTube generation’ Games rich in scoring highlights are also important for sports trying to appeal to the YouTube generation, who often prefer to watch edited highlights of individual games or clips posted on social media rather than sit through entire telecasts.

“Highlights and short-form content of compelling offense certainly falls into the category of drivers of economic and fan engagement, without question,” Abruytn said.

Lewis cautioned, however, that sports bodies must walk a fine line between tweaking rules to boost attractiveness while preserving a sport’s competitiveness. AFP

Tway seizes Champions’ lead; Johnson 1 shot back

Novak Djokovic of Serbia raises his hands after defeating Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia during their ATP Qatar Open tennis quarterfinal match in Doha. AFP

Novak wins gruelling battle to reach semis D

OHA—World number one Novak Djokovic won another gruelling battle in Doha on Thursday to continue his unbeaten start to the year and progress to the Qatar Open semi-finals.

The Serb came from a set down, just like in his previous match, to beat Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a match lasting almost two hours.

Djokovic will play Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in Friday’s semi-final, who beat three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.

And, ominously, for his opponents said he still plenty of room for improvement.

“I feel I have a gear or two (to go) up still,” said Djokovic.

“Under the circumstances I managed to find a way to win against a player that is hitting the ball very fast and just being very aggressive and it’s hard to

predict where the ball is going to go with a player like him.”

It was the first time Djokovic has won back-to-back matches from a set down since Cincinnati in August last year, a tournament he went on to win.

As on the previous evening, where he struggled against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics, the Serb started slowly.

He lost his first service game and never recovered the break as Basilashvili, the number five seed, powered by a blistering forehand took the first set.

However, Djokovic’s fortunes changed in the second set when he broke the Georgian in the fifth game and slowly took control of the match.

By contrast, Djokovic’s opponent in the semi-final is yet to drop a set

this week.

However, the Serb, twice a previous tournament winner in Doha, remains the overwhelming favourite to win the tournament and now has a 15-1 record overall in Doha.

After securing his semi-final berth, the irrepressible Djokovic then headed back out to court to play his sixth match of the week in the doubles with his brother Marko.

That game he eventually lost, but asked if he was playing too much, Djokovic simply said: “I’m fine, I’ll be fine.”

Also through to the semi-finals is Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic who brushed aside France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert, one of the surprises of the tournament, 6-2, 6-4.

Berdych is a former finalist in Doha, losing in 2015 to David Ferrer.

The last semi-final spot went to Italy’s Marco Cecchinato who beat Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 7-6 (7/2), 6-2. AFP

KAPALUA—Kevin Tway got off to a roaring start in his Tournament of Champions debut, firing a bogeyfree seven under 66 for one-shot lead in the PGA Tour’s first round of 2019.

Tway had seven birdies and no bogeys as the Tour winners from 2018 kicked off the new year Thursday at the Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii.

“When you’re making a lot of birdies it makes everything better,” Tway said.

Tway led by one shot over Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas and Gary Woodland, who sit at six under. Johnson and Thomas are the past two winners at Kapalua.

World number eight Rory McIlroy and No. 14 Jason Day are tied for sixth at four under. World number six Jon Rahm is tied for 11th at three under.

Tway qualified for this winnersonly field by capturing the Safeway Open for his first PGA Tour victory.

“I was just trying to drink a lot of water. But I didn’t think I was going to play that good, to be honest,” he said.

“I hit the ball well, kept the ball in play, made a few putts, controlled my ball in the wind.

“It’s windy where I’m from in Oklahoma so it’s kind of like I was at home. Each shot’s difficult so you’re just focused on the trajectory and where I need to land it and where I need to miss it.”

The first round of the new year featured a hole-in-one by Patton Kizzire who is at four under.

Kizzire aced the par-three eighth hole for his first hole-in-one on the tour.

“I was just trying to hit the green,” he said.

Bryson DeChambeau gave the spectators the first example of the new rules when he made a par putt with the pin still in the cup.

Kevin Na withdrew from the event before his scheduled tee time Thursday because of a fractured bone in his right pinkie finger.

Na said he injured the finger last week and estimated he would miss about a month.

He qualified by winning the Greenbrier tournament in July. AFP

Harden sinks Warriors; DeRozan triple-double lifts Spurs SAN ANTONIO—James Harden showed once again that he is at the top of his game, rattling in the winning basket with two seconds left in overtime to lift the Houston Rockets to a 135-134 win over Golden State.

The reigning NBA MVP drained the three pointer despite being double teammed as the Rockets rallied from a 20-point second half deficit to beat the two-time defending champion Warriors on Thursday.

“I had confidence it would go in. Even the ones I miss, they feel good,” said Harden, who recorded his fifth straight 40-point performance.

Harden finished with 44 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds in a titanic struggle between the Western Conference powers who met in a seven-game NBA playoff semi-final last season that was won by Golden State.

Harden also had a triple-double Monday against Memphis of 43 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. He has scored at least 30 points in 11 straight contests.

“He made the impossible shot at the end,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

“Just an incredible performance.

“He is the master of isolation and the step-back three and drawing fouls.”

Golden State’s Kevin Durant launched a long three-pointer as the buzzer sounded but missed the rim.

Stephen Curry finished with 35 points

DeMar DeRozan (right) of the San Antonio Spurs greets Kawhi Leonard of the Toronto Raptors greet each other at the end of their game at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. AFP

for the Warriors, who have been struggling of late to find their form.

Curry put the Warriors ahead with 23 seconds remaining in overtime but all it did was set the stage for Harden’s heroics. Harden shimmied sideways and let fly with an army of Warriors in his face to score the game-winner.

“I know my team needed me to make a shot or make a play. I am happy to come up with a big-time shot,” Harden said.

He also hit two earlier three-pointers in the extra session in a game featuring dynamic plays throughout by some of the league’s marquee players.

Klay Thompson made a go-ahead layup

with 40 seconds left in overtime, then Harden tied it at 132-132 on a pair of free throws with 33 seconds left.

“He’s been playing at a high level the last 11 games, so it is not surprising considering the roll he is on,” said Curry.

Elsewhere, DeMar DeRozan delivered his first career triple double as the San Antonio Spurs routed the Toronto Raptors 125-107 to spoil the return of Kawhi Leonard to the Alamo City.

DeRozan finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists as he dominated the battle against Leonard, who was making his first trip back since being traded to Toronto in the off-season.

“I just wanted to go out and have fun,” said DeRozan. “I didn’t want to put too much pressure on it. It was a great game.”

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 23 points for San Antonio, who led by as many as 28 points and snapped the Raptors’ three-game win streak.

But DeRozan stole the thunder, becoming the first Spurs player since Tim Duncan in 2003 to record a triple double at home.

Leonard scored 21 points on eightof-13 shooting, but was showered with boos and jeers throughout the contest.

At one stage Leonard had to take a step back from the foul line as chants of “Traitor! Traitor!” and “Quitter! Quitter!” rained down from the sold out crowd of 18,500 at the AT&T Center arena. AFP

Viray twins carry San Beda U past Letran in NCAA volleyball SAN BEDA University whitewashed Letran, 25-18, 25-14, 25-13, yesterday to keep its chase of unbeaten leader Arellano University in the women’s section of the 94th NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Viray twins Marie and Ella Viray alternated in delivering the decisive blows and finished with 17 and 11 points, respectively, as the Lady Red Spikers stayed close to the Lady Chiefs, the defending champions who lead the way with a pristine 6-0 (win-loss)

record, with a 6-1 card.

The Mendiola-based spikers are bracing for their much-awaited showdown with AU, the team that swept the former in two games in last year’s finale.

They will try to avert a sweep that will catapult the latter straight to the championship round, while sending the rest to a tough stepladder semis.

Earlier, College of St. Benilde toughened up in the final two sets as it turned back Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-20, 18-25, 25-14, 25-18, to stay at

No. 3 with a 5-1 mark.

Rachel Anne Austero, Klarisa Abriam and Marites Pablo alternated with 14, 14 and 12 points, respectively, while captain Jewel Lai dished out a match-best 35 excellent sets, while sneaking in four hits.

LPU drew strength from Alexandra Mikaela Rafael’s 16-point effort, but lacked enough firepower to offset CSB’s strong performance in the third and fourth sets.

LPU skidded to 2-5.

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

A8

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

Fernandez

PSC eyes 20 sports disciplines to focus on

Sports

By Peter Atencio

MORNING WORKOUT. Filipino boxing icon Senator Manny Pacquiao shares a laugh with his fans as he trains at the Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles, California in preparation for his Jan. 19 fight with Adrien Broner in Las Vegas. MP Promotions

LeBron leads All-Star voting N

EW YORK—Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James and Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo led the first fan balloting updates announced Thursday for next month’s NBA All-Star Game.

Los Angeles Lakers star playmaker James received the most votes with 1,083,363 to pace the Western Conference frontcourt while Milwaukee Bucks forward Antetokounmpo led the Eastern Conference with 991,561 votes in the first fan ballot returns.

Voting continues through January 21 with fan ballots counting 50 percent, current NBA players counting 25 percent and a media panel counting 25 percent to determining the 10 starters for the 68th NBA All-Star Game on February 17 at Charlotte, North Carolina.

All-Star Game starters and captains will be revealed January 24. Reserves will be revealed one week later.

This year’s all-star contest will follow last year’s format with two team captains—the All-Stars who lead their conference—each selecting rosters from pools of starters and reserve players regardless of conference affiliation.

James

Antetokounmpo

James, a 14-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player, was followed in the West front line by Slovenian 19-year-old swingman Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks on 679,839 and Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant with 659,968.

Chasing a starting berth were New Orleans star big man Anthony Davis at 605,417 and Oklahoma City’s Paul George on 580,055 with New Zealand center Steven Adams of Oklahoma City next on 261,327.

Three-time NBA champion and two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry of the reigning champion Warriors topped Western Conference guards with 793,111 votes and Minnesota’s Derrick Rose joined him in the backcourt with 698,086 votes.

Houston’s James Harden, the NBA’s top scorer with 33.3 points a game, was chasing a starting spot in third on 541,606 with Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook next on 459,792.

Antetokounmpo was followed in East frontcourt starting spot positions by Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard on 774,172 and Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, a 7-footer from Cameroon, on 648,002.

Embiid’s 76ers teammate Jimmy Butler was a distant fourth on 222,206.

Boston’s Kyrie Irving topped the East guards with 910,329 votes and Miami’s Dwyane Wade was second on 409,156.

Chasing backcourt starting spots were Charlotte’s Kemba Walker of 319,519 and Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons, the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year from Australia, on 259,993.

James leads Curry by more than 290,000 votes for the West captain’s spot while Antetokounmpo has a lead of just over 81,000 votes on Irving for the East captain’s spot. AFP

THERE will be 20 sports disciplines that the Philippine Sports Commission will handle under the National Sports Development Program.

Commissioner Ramon Fernandez said they are now in the process of determining which disciplines can fall under the NSDP, when the PSC launches it this January.

“This goes all the way to 2020.

We will have 20 focus sports,” said Fernandez.

The programs under the NSDP will be done with the support of the Department of Education and the local government units.

The NSDP will focus more on the agency’s efforts to strength the country’s grassroots development program, which will expand the PSC’s mandate once it is implemented in the coming years.

For the moment, Ramirez will head the NSDP, but an executive director will be appointed later on.

When the PSC was created in 1998, the agency only had two bureaus—the administration and finance and the support services.

At that time, most of the PSC’s support was mostly focused on elite level sports.

With a third bureau in place, the agency will be able to attend to the needs of the athletes and coaches not only at the grassroots’ level, but at the elite level at the same time.

The creation of the Philippine Sports Institute and the upcoming construction of the Philippine Sports Training Center in Rosales, Pangasinan in the middle of the year, will make the activities of the NSDP possible, according to PSC officials.

Prulla seeks Thitikul takes charge with 75 at Amateur Open; Jang hangs on 16-under title BATANG Pinoy standout Jenaila Prulla is hoping to get far once again on her second campaign in the 16-under level.

The 13-year-old Prulla showed her determination when she upset third seed Kryshana Brazal, 6-1, 6-2, yesterday in the second round of a tennis tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Prulla, who is from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, made Brazal chase her crosscourt volleys all throughout the game to advance to the quarterfinal round.

“Pinapatakbo ko po siya sa mga bola ko. ‘Pag may pagkakataon, palo na,” said Prulla, a ninth grader at the First City Providential School in Bulacan.

The power-hitting Pr ulla also reached the 14-under girls’ action when she outplayed Alexa Joy Milliam.

Prulla is coached by her brother Justine, a member of the National University team.

She got inspired to move up in level last year after winning the 13-under crown of the 2018 Batang Pinoy tennis championships in Baguio.

On her first stint in the 16-under level, she reached the finals of the 14-under level in an Olongapo agegroup meet last month.

Earlier, fifth seed Nina Sandejas prevailed over Margaud Rosales, 6-0, 6-1, to reach the quarterfinal round of the girls’ 16-under category.

Sandejas is one of the three tennisplaying daughters of Olympic swimmer Christine Jacobs.

She is also in the quarterfinals of the 18-under category following a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Eliana Misa.

Peter Atencio

Atthaya Thitikul chips onto the green on No. 8

SILANG, Cavite—Thai Atthaya Thitikul hit a late birdie to cushion the impact of a faltering windup that likewise marred the games of Lois Go and Bianca Pagdanganan as she grabbed the lead with a 75 midway through the Philippine Amateur Open Golf Championships at Riviera’s Langer course here yesterday.

Korean Jang Sung Hun also fumbled with a 79 but held on to the men’s lead, just one up on Ivan Monsalve heading to the weekend play of what looms to be a wide-open battle for top honors in both sides of the country’s premier championship.

Thitikul, who lost her first round duel with Pagdanganan, 69-67, drilled in a birdie on No. 15 and came out better than her Filipina rivals in a windy, bogey-marred finish under tough conditions in one of the country’s toughest courses.

She bogeyed two of the last three holes for a 37-38 card that proved enough to net her the lead at 144 as Go blew a birdie-birdie start (33) with five bogeys in a birdie-less backside stint, including on the last two holes, and slipped to joint second with Pagdanganan at 145 after a 74.

Pagdanganan, awesome with a closing 31 at

the front for a 67 Thursday, proved awful with a 42 this time. Though she birdied the first two holes at the back, the Asian Games bronze medalist also bogeyed the last two holes and ended up with a 78.

Earlier, Kim Heeji, runner-up here last year, carded a 75 for a 147 while Junia Gabasa shot the day’s best of 72 in ladies play for a 149 for fifth in the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation and backed by Cignal, Metro Pacific and official hotel Summit Ridge.

Impressive with a 69 Thursday, Jang struggled all day in severe conditions, limping with three double bogeys and four bogeys with only two birdies for a 38-41 card and a 148 with 36 holes to play in the event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Monsalve missed grabbing the clubhouse lead with a double-bogey mishap on No. 9, settling for a 74 and a 149 with Paolo Wong also churning out a 74 for a 151 in a tie with Thai Vanchai Luangnitikul (77), Japanese Atsushi Ueda (78) and Weiwei Gao (79) even as Aidric Chan hobbled with a 78 for a 152.

Aoki expects tough test in rematch with Folayang JAPANESE legend Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki will finally have his chance to reclaim his lost crown as he is scheduled to challenge Eduard “Landslide” Folayang for the ONE Lightweight World Championship in a rematch at ONE: A New Era in Tokyo, Japan on March 31.

Both men initially crossed paths at ONE: Defending Honor in November 2016, with Folayang pulling off a stunning upset victory over Aoki.

Branded as a heavy underdog in the first bout, “Landslide” defied the odds by executing a perfectly-devised game plan en route to a third-round technical knockout to capture the ONE Lightweight World Title.

Aoki had to work his way back up the ladder since losing to Folayang, winning three consecutive matches in 2018 to earn a shot at the Filipino’s ONE Light-

weight World Title.

Aoki in reference to his match Touted as the most decorated with Ting. lightweight in the well-entrenched “As soon as I took down him history of Asian mixed martial down, I was setting up a choke and arts, Aoki made quick work of forwas confident I could get the submer ONE World Title contender mission.”

Ev “E.T.” Ting in his last outing at Aoki believes that recapturing ONE: Kingdom of Heroes this past the gold-plated will be no walk October. in the park as a lot of things have The Japanese submission spechanged in their respective procialist needed just 57 seconds to fessional careers since they first send the Malaysian-Kiwi spitfire stood opposite each other inside into sleep with an arm-triangle the ONE Championship cage. choke to secure a date with Folay- Folayang “I am happy to get the chance to ang for the most coveted prize in fight in my home country for ONE his weight class.

Championship,” he stated. “I don’t know what will “I thought that it would be a tough fight. I am happen in the rematch. All I know is that it will be fortunate to be able to come out victorious,” said a tough fight, and I look forward to it.”

IN BRIEF

Colossal disqualified to explore Reed Bank

THE Department of Energy rejected the bid of Colossal Petroleum Corp. to explore oil and gas in Area 7 offered under the 5th Philippine Energy Contracting Round in 2014.

“It did not prosper because of the CoA (Commission on Audit) ruling, they did not comply,” Ismael Ocampo, director of Energy Resource Development Bureau, said Friday.

Ocampo said the department’s legal department drafted a letter terminating Colossal’s Area 7 application near the Reed Bank area.

The DoE in October asked Colossal to abide by whatever the Supreme Court decides on the pending case between the CoA and the Malampayåa consortium on the interpretation of the corporate income tax payments.

Collosal, however, preferred to wait for the results of the Supreme Court ruling.

“We wrote them a letter and met with them. We warned them that if they are not supportive, we might not push through with the awarding... If they do not comply soon, their proposal may be disqualified,” Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos said earlier.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

Bristol-Myers Squibb buys Calgene for $74b

NEW YORK—New York-based pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb on Thursday announced it would buy US biotech firm Celgene in a $74-billion cash-and-stock deal, creating a rival to the world’s largest drug makers.

The merger plans underscored the companies’ efforts to diversify in the field of cancer treatments, with investors in recent months questioning their growth prospects.

In the deal, Bristol-Myers Squibb gains Celgene’s blockbuster Revlimid treatment for multiple myeloma. The companies said the new entity would also offer nine products with more than $1 billion in annual sales.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Chairman and CEO Giovanni Caforio said in a statement the combined companies would also enjoy “a deep and broad pipeline that will drive sustainable growth.”

They also pointed to oncology, immunology, inflammation and cardiovascular disease as important growth areas.

“We will also benefit from an expanded early- and late-stage pipeline that includes six expected near-term product launches,” Caforio said in the statement.

AFP

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

B1

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SMART-METRO RETAIL PARTNERSHIP. PLDT Inc. wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. launches its e-Load services at the Metro Supermarket Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City. Under the agreement with Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., Smart, TNT and Sun subscribers will now be able to avail of the network’s e-Load products at the checkout counters of Metro Supermarket, which currently has 28 branches in the Visayas, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the launch are Precy Katigbak (left), vice president and national key accounts head of Smart, and Jonathan Juan Moreno, chief strategy and governance officer of Metro Retail Stores.

December inflation rate dropped to 5.1%—PSA T

By Julito G. Rada

HE inflation rate in December eased further to a seven-month low of 5.1 percent from 6 percent in November, driven mainly by slower annual increases in the indices of food, nonalcoholic beverages and transport, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday.

The December inflation was the first time it settled below the 6-percent level since 5.7 percent in July 2018. The December figure brought the full-year average to 5.2 percent, still over the official target range of 2 percent to 4 percent and way above the 2.9-percent average in 2017.

“The slowdown of inflation in December 2018 was mainly driven by the slower annual increments in the indices of food and non-alcoholic beverages

at 6.7 percent and transport at 4.0 percent,” the PSA said in a statement.

It said lower annual increases were also noted in the indices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 21.7 percent; housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, 4.1 percent; furnishing, household equipment and routine maintenance of the house, 3.8 percent; and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services, 4.3 percent.

“On the other hand, higher annual mark-ups were noted in the indices of clothing and footwear at 2.8 percent and health at 4.8 percent during the period. The rest of the commodity groups retained their previous month’s annual rates,” the PSA said.

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the supply-driven inflation process that existed in 2018 would not be persistent and short-lived.

“The aggressive monetary tightening the BSP implemented from May to November was therefore aimed only at ensuring that the supply shocks from more than 60 percent increase in oil prices and the significant inflation rates in rice, fish, meat and vegetables did not evolve into sharp gains in wages, transport, and prices of other services,” Guinigundo said.

He said what was pivotal in the antiinflation efforts was the decisive action of the government to immediately undertake non-monetary measures against inflation.

“Our forecast as of today remains at 3.2 percent inflation for 2019 and 3 percent for 2020,” he said.

Nicholas Mapa, senior economist of ING Bank Manila, said risks to the inflation outlook appeared tilted to the downside and expectations now more anchored especially with more imported grains currently on delivery over the next few weeks, and the rice tariffication bill set for signing and energy prices declining. “... With inflation trending back to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ target of 2-4 percent, the case for the BSP to reverse its stance as early as second quarter of 2019 has gained considerably,” Mapa said.

He said on top of the widely-anticipated 200 basis point cut to reserve requirements scheduled for the year, the Bangko Sentral would likely slash borrowing costs as early as the May 9 meeting to help bolster slowing growth momentum with its price stability mandate safeguarded.

M LHUILLIER, DHL TEAM UP. M Lhuillier

November factory production rose by 1% in November FACTORY output in November posted a modest recovery of 1 percent compared to the double-digit decline a year ago, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday.

Data showed the slower rate of expansion in the Volume of Production index for the month was an improvement from the 10.1-percent contraction in the same month a year ago.

“The increment was mainly due to the improved performance in VoPI which was observed in 14 major industry groups,” the PSA said.

It said two-digit increases were noted in textiles (45.8 percent), miscellaneous manufactures (25.6 percent), petroleum products (22 percent), tobacco products (21.1 percent), paper and paper products (15 percent), beverages (11.7 percent), and electrical machinery (11 percent).

The Value of Production Index for manufacturing also reflected an annual growth of 2.1 percent in November. In comparison with the figure in the same month of 2017, VaPI reported a two-digit decline of 10.6 percent.

Textiles industry with a 54.4-percent growth contributed largely to the increase of VaPI. It was followed by seven other major industries that registered two-digit increments in VaPI, namely tobacco products (45.3 percent), petroleum products (35.8 percent), miscellaneous manufactures(30.8 percent), beverages (26 percent), paper and paper products (20.7 percent), electrical machinery (18.2 percent), and non-metallic mineral products (10.6 percent).

Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, however, said the November figure showed a declining trend starting on the second half of 2018. Julito G. Rada

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Consortium investing P6b to maintain Clark airport

Piñol urges Filipinos to purchase local pork

THE Department of Agriculture Department called on Filipino consumers to patronize local pork and pork-based products to thwart the threat of a swine disease that may impact on the country’s hog industry.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol said in a statement Friday the African Swine Fever had already affected many hog industries in Europe and other countries.

“This will be the first time I will make this appeal to Filipino consumers, meat importers, government policy makers and agriculture stakeholders because we are facing a grave danger which could destroy the Philippine livestock industry,” he said.

He noted that the threat was real and could affect the local hog industry, which benefits millions of families, mostly small backyard farmers, that raise 15 million heads of hogs every year.

The department has imposed strict quarantine protocols to prevent the entry of pork and pork-based products from at least eight countries—Belgium, China, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia and Ukraine. Othel V. Campos

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

Financial Services Inc., the leader in money remittance services in the Philippines for over 30 years, teams up with DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider. One hundred eighty two selected M Lhuillier branches around the Philippines have started offering DHL Express services, in addition to DHL Express’ 167 retail branches in the country. Michael Lhuillier (left), president and chief executive of M Lhuillier, shakes hands with Nurhayati Abdullah, country manager of DHL Express Philippines, after sealing the partnership.

With them are Leovir Solomon (leftmost), division manager of M Lhuillier, and Emil Dabuet, retail manager of DHL Express Philippines.

Two groups want higher ceiling for socialized housing

By Jenniffer B. Austria TWO of the country’s largest socialized housing groups urged the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the National Economic and Development Authority to increase the price ceiling for socialized housing to P533,333 from P480,000.

The Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines and the Socialized Housing Alliance Roundtable Endeavour said in a statement the proposed increase in the ceiling price for socialized housing projects took into account higher land prices and the cost of labor and construction materials.

The HUDCC Council approved a new housing ceiling of P480,000 on

April 27, 2018 from P450,000, but also increased the minimum floor area to 24 square meters from 18 sq. m., thus negating the price adjustments.

OSHDP president Jefferson Bongat said the current low price ceiling had dampened the enthusiasm for new production as shown by the anticipated decline in the licenses to sell issued by HLURB “Such situation is untenable considering that the government budget has been slashed to only around P4.7 billion in 2018 from a high of P33.4 billion in 2016, and it is the private sector, which is expected to take the slack,” Bongat said.

SHARE president Marcelino Mendoza noted that prices of raw land had

increased by more than 15 percent, while the minimum wage had been raised to P573 or 49 percent in Metro Manila.

Socialized housing companies must also contend with increased competition for both skilled and unskilled labor from the “Build Build Build” Program of the government, as well as the usual higher wages demanded by Filipinos working abroad.

The most recent construction materials price index in the third quarter of 2018, meanwhile, stood at 252.83, up by 18.86 points from 233.97 recorded in the same quarter in 2017.

Mendoza said an increased housing ceiling would enable more borrowers to avail of the “socialized 3 percent rate of interest” by the Pag-IBIG Fund.

NORTH Luzon Airport Consortium said it is investing P6 billion for the operations and maintenance of the Clark International Airport.

NLAC, a consortium comprising of Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc., Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. and Changi Airport Philippines (I) Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned unit of Changi Airports International, secured a 25year contract from the government to operate and maintain the Clark airport.

“We are honored to be given the opportunity to participate in the development of Clark International Airport. We believe in the potential of the Philippines and the Luzon region. Together with our partners and with the support of key stakeholders, we will develop Clark as the region’s premier gateway,” said Lim Liang Song, chief executive, Changi Airports International.

“Building on the airport’s geographical position and catchment, we will grow the airport’s network and provide passengers with a superior airport experience including a brand new commercial area. In addition to global brands, the new airport terminal will also have a curated selection of retail and food and beverage outlets that showcases the best of what The Philippines has to offer,” he added.

NLAC is set to promote Clark International as the Northern and Central Luzon Gateway Airport through actively engaging strategic partners, like tourism authorities and airlines, to expand traffic and build a wider route network, and establish connectivity to Clark with more domestic and international points.

“With the new Clark International Airport, travelers and visitors can expect to be greeted with fast, efficient and hassle-free service. We believe that the ease in travel in a world-class airport will help boost the region’s tourism industry and related businesses,” said Filinvest president chief executive officer Josephine Gotianun-Yap. Filinvest is the lead consortium member.

ICTSI clinches deal to operate Sudan terminal INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. secured a 20-year contract to operate a container terminal in Sudan.

The port operator said wholly-owned unit ICTSI Middle East DMCC signed a concession agreement with Sea Ports Corporation of Sudan to operate, manage and develop the South Port Container Terminal for a 20-year period at the port of Port Sudan, Sudan.

ICTSI will assume the operational and development responsibility for SPC’s existing container terminal infrastructure and terminal handling equipment, while SPC will become the landlord and supervisory authority of the terminal.

The transfer of the facilities to ICTSI management will take place in the first quarter of 2019.

The SPCT in 2017 had a throughput of 470,000 TEU against the capacity in excess of 1 million TEU. SPCT has state-of-the-art container terminal assets. It has a land area of 180 hectares and 1,200 meters quay wall, with a design water depth of up to 16 meters and, thus, the capability to receive global shipping lines’ largest container vessels.

It has equipment that include 8 Ship-to-Shore Gantry Cranes and an extensive range of yard handling equipment, including more than 20 Rubber-Tired-Gantry Cranes.

ICTSI booked a net income of $153.3 million in January to September last year, up 3 percent from $149.3 million year-on-year.

ICTSI said the profit in the third quarter climbed 22 percent to $55.6 million from $45.7 million a year earlier.

Gross revenues rose 10 percent to $1.005 billion in the nine-month period from $918.3 million in the same period last year. Third-quarter revenues reached $344 million, up 9 percent from $314.6 million last year.

Darwin G. Amojelar

B2

Business

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks extend rally as inflation falls

T

HE stock market extended its rally Friday, boosted by a government report that the inflation rate in December eased further to a seven-month low of 5.1 percent from 6 percent in November.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 80.51 points, or 1 percent, to 7,761.11 on a value turnover of over P9 billion. Gainers overwhelmed losers, 141 to 63, with 39 issues unchanged.

The inflation rate dropped mainly because of the slower annual increases in the indices of food, non-alcoholic beverages and transport, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. It was the first time that the inflation rate dropped be-

low six percent since 5.7 percent in July last year.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fast-food chain, advanced 5.8 percent to P309, while First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group, climbed 5.2 percent to P21.35.

Puregold Price Club Inc. of retail tycoon Lucio Co gained 4.5 percent to P47.20, while conglomerate Ayala Corp. rose 3.8 percent to P960.

Most Asian markets also rose Friday, reversing early losses, though Tokyo tanked more than two percent while technology firms were hit further by Apple’s shock revenue warning.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index, which was returning from a four-day break, ended 2.3 percent down, while Sydney shed 0.3 percent and Taipei lost more than one percent.

However, Shanghai finished more than two percent higher while Hong Kong was 1.8 percent up in late trade.

The broad gains helped end a torrid week on a positive note but traders remain on edge as they face a confluence of issues including the China-US trade war, China’s stuttering economy, the US government shutdown and Brexit.

Apple has been a major source of angst this week after it slashed its revenue forecasts blaming weak Chinese demand for its iPhones and citing the tariffs spat between Washington and Beijing.

The US tech titan plunged 10 percent Wednesday—wiping $75 billion off its value—in response to the announcement and analysts said the fact such a usually safe firm was feeling the pinch was a sign of deeper problems in the global economy.

Technology firms, particularly those linked to Apple, were among the worst hit in Asia Friday. In Tokyo supplier Kyocera fell 1.8 percent, Japan Display

was 2.8 percent off and Sharp dived 4.3 percent, while Alps Alpine shed 6.2 percent.

Sony was 2.7 percent lower. There were also hefty losses for AAC Technologies in Hong Kong and Foxconn in Taipei, which had already been badly hit Thursday.

“Belief in global corporate earnings is fading against the backdrop of the USChina trade friction,” Nobuhiko Kuramochi, head of investment information at Mizuho Securities in Tokyo, told Bloomberg News.

“Deteriorating Apple earnings will lead to volume cuts for suppliers... while it could also mean cost-cutting pressures.”

Investors will be keeping tabs on developments in the China-US trade standoff with the two sides facing a March 1 deadline to hammer out a deal before Washington jacks up tariffs on a slew of Chinese goods. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019

OPEN

HIGH

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

58.2 94.55 2.12 129.4 1.48 27.5 16.2 12.18 4.49 7.36 0.62 1.48 780 0.465 84 0.9 12.38 42.5 180 113.3 61 28.6 160.5 1,850 64

59.6 95.05 2.17 132.8 1.48 27.6 16.2 12.42 4.57 7.36 0.62 1.48 780 0.5 84.8 0.9 12.38 42.9 180 114 61 28.75 164.7 1,850 64.4

58.2 93.5 2.12 128.1 1.43 27.45 16 12.14 4.47 7.36 0.62 1.47 780 0.465 83.45 0.88 12.38 42.5 179 113.3 57 28.6 160.2 1,850 64

FINANCIALS 59.6 17,950 93.5 2,918,340 2.15 178,000 132.8 1,825,970 1.47 117,000 27.55 135,200 16 1,000 12.38 1,496,000 4.5 663,000 7.36 300 0.62 5,000 1.47 6,000 780 40 0.47 400,000 84.6 2,172,900 0.88 340,000 12.38 5,200 42.75 105,300 180 2,010 114 700 57.5 86,480 28.75 14,000 163.3 928,760 1,850 15 64.4 17,460

1,068,312 276,257,781.50 382,010 240,720,119 170,410 3,726,230 16,180 18,473,554 2,983,260 2,208 3,100 8,860 31,200 191,600 183,255,660.50 300,040 64,376 4,500,975 360,630 79,534 5,017,958.50 401,420 151,044,135 27,750 1,120,279.50

1,041,550 74,830,854 55,330 -204,170 -4,901,838 4,480 111,170,660.50 -2,389,675 1,140 -2,320 -48,835,361 -992,315

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LMG CHEMICALS MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PH RESORTS GRP 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

35.7 16.8 1.09 1.29 0.255 92.1 1.94 15.48 160.8 31 17.2 38.05 60 1.71 6.5 6.35 11.18 15.4 8 7.18 1.67 20.35 64.7 25.25 2.15 5.8 10.7 1.82 293.8 4.28 8.9 27.3 10.58 18 390 0.175 5.77 1.33 3.65 7.71 5.3 9.1 1.16 11 47.5 5.85 4.9 1.92 1.44 11.64 81.7 5.63 0.127 0.88 128.5 1.94 1.63

35.75 16.98 1.11 1.3 0.26 93 2.01 15.76 160.8 31.8 17.2 40.7 60 1.78 6.5 6.54 11.2 15.4 8.26 7.18 1.67 21.4 66.25 25.7 2.15 5.9 11.16 1.92 310.4 4.28 8.9 27.7 11 18.3 394 0.175 5.77 1.37 3.7 7.78 5.67 9.1 1.22 11 47.5 5.9 4.9 2 1.52 12.08 82 6.45 0.127 0.89 130.5 1.98 1.69

35.4 16.76 1.05 1.29 0.25 92 1.93 15.48 106.8 30.65 17.2 37 60 1.7 6.32 6.35 11.06 15.12 8 7.08 1.67 20.25 64.7 25.25 2.08 5.79 10.6 1.82 293.2 4.28 8.9 27.05 10.58 17.98 388 0.175 5.77 1.33 3.6 7.7 5.3 9.1 1.15 10.68 47.15 5.85 4.9 1.92 1.44 11.64 81.5 5.63 0.125 0.85 127.5 1.9 1.62

INDUSTRIAL 35.7 1,005,800 16.94 954,600 1.07 11,107,000 1.29 145,000 0.255 1,350,000 92 3,460 1.97 19,808,000 15.72 597,000 106.8 2,000 31.8 187,000 17.2 100 39.95 8,200 60 120 1.78 178,000 6.48 89,600 6.46 99,700 11.2 3,175,300 15.36 60,900 8.2 384,000 7.16 647,400 1.67 7,000 21.35 6,218,700 66.05 67,250 25.7 7,800 2.09 2,603,000 5.79 537,800 11.08 1,681,400 1.9 1,929,000 309 1,622,480 4.28 18,000 8.9 1,000 27.65 71,700 10.84 661,500 18.16 5,088,400 394 156,370 0.175 50,000 5.77 13,400 1.37 9,101,000 3.67 837,000 7.7 4,823,800 5.67 80,200 9.1 36,000 1.16 64,490,000 10.98 138,700 47.3 511,100 5.9 47,600 4.9 10,000 1.97 199,000 1.5 467,000 12 568,400 81.95 427,480 6.09 1,433,200 0.125 310,000 0.88 171,000 128.5 3,470,890 1.94 5,657,000 1.66 3,545,000

35,899,565 16,167,828 11,953,710 187,170 343,850 319,343 39,311,690 9,365,220 267,600 5,867,020 1,720 310,215 7,200 311,460 570,168 642,119 35,423,170 936,608 3,139,336 4,634,124 11,690 129,575,220 4,416,865.50 198,170 5,480,190 3,119,373 18,550,262 3,625,070 497,237,604 77,040 8,900 1,962,335 7,189,800 92,430,582 61,290,724 8,750 77,318 12,240,790 3,047,840 37,282,493 444,745 327,600 76,812,010 1,493,490 24,173,340 280,495 49,000 391,850 690,150 6,797,790 34,978,446.50 8,398,615 38,950 147,330 448,165,602 10,978,760 5,895,700

-10,602,625 5,194,042 258,180 -14,740,410 553,070 1,068 -2,420,810 152,025 67,590 -461,751 -6,211,434 -4,620 -1,259,514.00 -80,920 43,786,215 350,904.50 -88,375 112,300 -2,923,395 -791,922 -1,878,120 145,054,464 1,166,440 -1,390,738 -5,239,144 17,522,732 -11,130,730 7,340 -16,429,347 -28,072,460 111,080 -10,228,575 -49,000 -5,173,270 -2,192,847 -62,600 -187,554,583 1,125,920 71,520

HOLDING FIRMS 0.71 62,270,000 57 1,866,700 11.8 4,427,600 6.5 56,700 27.5 256,900 1.47 10,335,000 1.47 1,583,000 960 790,610 7 2,187,400 12.78 3,132,000 13.46 2,507,200 995 91,620 5.75 10,000 59.4 3,241,300 5.9 9,800 0.57 129,000 4.1 1,961,000 16.02 2,189,500 0.6 169,000 4.85 36,750,000 0.038 8,600,000 2.45 634,000 145.3 1,032,530 946 591,270 0.74 31,000 1.33 142,000 249.8 10 0.26 11,400,000 0.226 200,000

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

0.68 55.7 11.9 6.26 28.5 1.45 1.46 930 6.88 13 13.3 1,005 5.81 57.65 5.85 0.58 4.06 16.3 0.59 4.75 0.037 2.46 149 951 0.74 1.31 249.8 0.275 0.226

0.73 59.55 12 6.5 28.85 1.48 1.47 970 7.13 13 13.5 1,007 5.81 60.3 5.9 0.58 4.15 16.46 0.6 4.91 0.038 2.5 149.8 965 0.74 1.34 249.8 0.275 0.226

0.67 55.7 11.8 6.26 27.1 1.43 1.45 925 6.86 12.78 13.02 991 5.75 57.65 5.85 0.56 4.06 16.02 0.59 4.71 0.037 2.43 145.1 946 0.74 1.29 249.8 0.26 0.226

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

8.29 0.81 11.68 1.71 1.02 42.35 2.39 4.16 6.45 0.425 0.88 0.239 0.38 7.92 18.28 0.49 0.112 1.45 1.1 4.84 0.45 0.475 2.32 0.425 3.58 40

8.47 0.88 11.68 1.82 1.05 44.35 2.45 4.25 6.45 0.445 0.88 0.249 0.38 7.92 20.25 0.49 0.112 1.47 1.17 4.86 0.46 0.475 2.32 0.43 3.58 40

8.25 0.81 11.68 1.69 0.99 42.35 2.38 4.16 6.3 0.425 0.88 0.238 0.38 7.7 18.22 0.49 0.112 1.44 1.1 4.79 0.445 0.46 2.27 0.42 3.54 40

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

NAME

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VOLUME

VALUE

ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS VISTA LAND

21.5 2.01 3.1 37.5 1.26 5.6 5.44

22.1 2.06 3.15 38.5 1.38 5.75 5.63

20.85 2.01 3.1 37.5 1.25 5.51 5.38

21.7 2.02 3.12 38.5 1.36 5.61 5.6

2,790,800 994,000 383,000 13,631,900 15,458,000 249,100 6,068,100

60,824,535 2,022,470 1,192,940 521,196,840 20,226,490 1,398,199 33,814,738

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

14.56 20.2 1.34 0.41 0.039 15 3.55 9.93 78 6.65 7.01 2.16 16 1,885 5.58 320 3.23 2.02 100 8.2 0.123 6.1 3.39 14.88 3.32 0.77 17.98 5.18 2.5 1.97 16.38 3.81 8.33 3.5 119 3.58 1,158 0.81 0.34 45.15 84.5 7.48 2.52 0.81 0.445 5.35 0.79 13

14.56 20.4 1.35 0.42 0.04 15 3.6 9.94 78.65 6.92 7.47 2.16 16 1,913 5.67 325 3.32 2.02 101.9 8.2 0.128 6.35 3.39 14.88 3.41 0.85 18.4 5.34 2.58 2.03 16.38 3.85 9 3.5 120 3.58 1,185 0.83 0.345 47.75 88.65 7.78 2.52 0.82 0.46 5.37 0.79 13.5

14.04 20.2 1.34 0.41 0.039 15 3.3 9.55 77.05 6.65 7.01 2.16 15.26 1,872 5.53 320 3.23 2.02 99 8.2 0.122 6.1 3.39 14.88 3.2 0.77 17.98 5.15 2.5 1.97 16.38 3.69 8.33 3.26 119 3.4 1,148 0.81 0.325 45.15 83.9 7.41 2.47 0.77 0.44 5.31 0.76 12.9

SERVICES 14.34 20.35 1.34 0.42 0.039 15 3.34 9.7 78.5 6.92 7.45 2.16 15.26 1,872 5.59 325 3.3 2.02 99 8.2 0.125 6.32 3.39 14.88 3.4 0.83 18.26 5.33 2.56 2.01 16.38 3.72 8.9 3.43 120 3.45 1,160 0.82 0.325 47.2 88 7.77 2.52 0.81 0.45 5.37 0.77 13.4

198,400 92,200 136,000 730,000 43,300,000 2,400 6,453,000 8,255,600 188,970 3,230,900 25,700 12,000 92,000 13,870 583,200 420 2,557,000 3,000 1,169,420 2,000 7,940,000 13,086,500 5,000 800 697,000 679,000 903,100 37,000 3,702,000 196,000 200 3,625,000 60,300 88,000 5,830 2,785,000 89,605 7,161,000 150,000 8,979,600 1,175,690 208,400 6,108,000 30,537,000 40,380,000 1,407,400 5,504,000 6,822,000

2,821,814 1,871,030 182,440 303,350 1,691,600 36,000 21,990,900 81,163,598 14,787,490.50 22,049,217 180,467 25,920 1,427,954 26,143,205 3,270,962 135,220 8,388,050 6,060 116,448,593 16,400 981,760 81,811,233 16,950 11,904 2,318,830 560,340 16,485,666 190,976 9,360,600 389,540 3,276 13,583,030 509,037 307,540 699,330 9,681,150 104,563,580 5,873,480 50,100 422,224,155 102,740,118.50 1,586,532 15,324,820 24,061,000 18,274,100 7,538,443 4,254,570 89,872,542

56,520 566,090 -30,777,050 6,020,354.50 28,529 -16,761,605 -617,180 -15,420,349.50 -2,830,372 5,238,160 1,730,210.00 400,940 -27,900 43,190 -1,267,860 -18,267,350 42,779,675 7,776,362 -4,940,600 -9,683,090 1,083,350 -44,488 -15,600 25,912,796

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

0.002 1.68 2.8 15.38 1.25 2.1 0.3 7.5 1.68 0.204 0.119 0.121 0.0072 0.0072 1.28 2.38 1.06 0.62 0.96 0.013 0.012 3.84 15.82 24.2 0.0061

0.0021 1.73 2.8 16.76 1.35 2.11 0.305 7.97 1.69 0.211 0.124 0.132 0.0076 0.0072 1.31 2.45 1.09 0.65 1.05 0.013 0.013 3.95 16.34 24.85 0.0085

0.002 1.68 2.67 15.38 1.25 2.06 0.295 7.36 1.68 0.204 0.114 0.12 0.0069 0.007 1.27 2.34 1.04 0.62 0.96 0.012 0.012 3.77 15.82 24.2 0.0061

MINING & OIL 0.0021 570,000,000 1.69 5,009,000 2.68 132,000 16.5 24,700 1.3 27,000 2.11 2,446,000 0.295 310,000 7.81 26,300 1.69 951,000 0.209 230,000 0.123 22,420,000 0.125 4,060,000 0.0069 42,000,000 0.007 6,000,000 1.3 498,000 2.44 4,080,000 1.08 159,000 0.65 1,672,000 1 2,238,000 0.013 10,700,000 0.012 6,300,000 3.8 7,585,000 16.2 2,555,000 24.7 1,534,000 0.0082 539,000,000

1,141,300 8,538,640 358,290 391,686 35,250 5,078,210 93,950 202,804 1,605,380 48,070 2,675,400 509,740 300,300 42,400 644,760 9,812,660 169,740 1,064,270 2,257,260 135,500 77,200 29,166,060 41,269,120 37,765,350 4,202,500

853,320 -350 -515,040 -70,100 137,250 -60,620 208,900 10,794,054.00 -3,045,690 -49,700

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

18.68 456 489 99 98.5 102 5.44 823 95 1.02 101 980 971 74.1 76.7 73 74.9 74.45 72.5

18.7 456 489 99 98.5 102.5 5.5 900 95 1.02 101 980 997 75.9 77.2 73 74.9 74.45 73.5

18.68 456 489 96.1 94.6 102 5.4 823 95 1.02 101 955 971 74.1 76.7 73 74.9 74.45 72.5

PREFERRED 18.7 405,500 456 4,630 489 4,400 96.1 2,300 97.5 9,590 102.5 380 5.4 235,600 900 1,900 95 700 1.02 6,000 101 320 979.5 340 997 100 75 850 77.2 150 73 120 74.9 800 74.45 100 73.5 140

7,582,800 2,111,280 2,151,600 224,578 911,875 38,855 1,279,699 1,571,400 66,500 6,120 32,320 330,090 98,400 63,786 11,555 8,760 59,920 7,445 10,260

-7,249,968 544 2,175

LR WARRANT

1.93

2.04

1.9

WARRANTS 2.04 184,000

364,210

-

MS

PROPERTY 8.4 0.84 11.68 1.75 1 43.7 2.41 4.25 6.45 0.44 0.88 0.248 0.38 7.92 19.54 0.49 0.112 1.45 1.16 4.83 0.46 0.46 2.3 0.425 3.55 40

3,121,000 5,701,000 300 111,000 11,108,000 27,004,800 2,442,000 236,000 47,900 10,080,000 3,000 1,140,000 390,000 82,100 2,836,500 40,000 30,000 10,843,000 2,471,000 29,781,000 23,550,000 310,000 3,996,000 360,000 395,000 600

43,913,010 108,420,152 52,850,114 359,450 7,143,825 15,049,740 2,308,470 758,288,700 15,203,960 40,099,086 33,479,940 91,422,292.50 57,917 192,524,818 57,730 73,290 8,080,770 35,373,960 99,730 178,503,290 324,300 1,563,040 151,929,259 565,094,590 22,940 185,080 2,498 3,011,650 45,200

528,940.00 44,170,335 -18,900,354 304,961.00 -156,250 -33,350 139,566,955 2,623,156 4,123,330 3,036,182 44,087,277.50 90,358,627.50 -1,538,390.00 -20,357,866 -22,501,100 74,550 -13,028,019 220,634,920 -22,940 16,600 -

25,933,595 4,819,060 3,504 189,900 11,251,230 1,178,707,205 5,884,900 1,001,190 308,865 4,401,650 2,640 278,010 148,200 643,408 55,345,415 19,600 3,360 15,788,750 2,823,740 143,764,250 10,698,150 143,800 9,169,330 152,050 1,402,340 24,000

895,923 -47,060 333,715,685 -1,865,700 287,670 1,115,300 194,390 -77,345 -5,343,145 -4,828,950 -950 -40,913,040 205,250 -99,320 -78,320 -

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.1 1.74

5.1 1.8

5 1.69

FIRST METRO ETF

113

115.5

113

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.1 10.1 1.02

TRADING SUMMARY

10.1 10.2 1.02

SHARES

FINANCIAL

11,439,324

INDUSTRIAL

156,885,346

HOLDING FIRMS

156,966,232

PROPERTY

180,576,381

SERVICES

212,932,119

MINING & OIL

1,232,538,784

GRAND TOTAL

1,958,527,846

10.1 10.1 1.02

5.1 1.76

SME

492,000 6,662,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 115.5 34,500 10.1 10.2 1.02

DDS

190 5,890 10,000

-6,884,340 234,170,120 -197,970 35,746 -13,130,512

2,492,719 11,629,790

939,430

3,959,259

10,370

1,919 59,775 10,200

-1,919 -

VALUE 1,813.61 (up) 11.19 890,247,185.26 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,249.91 (up) 235.20 1,667,893,371.68 HOLDING FIRMS 7,607.04 (up) 37.21 2,639,519,740.81 PROPERTY 3,877.36 (up) 71.54 1,483.41(up) 6.15 2,317,042,362.755 SERVICES MINING & OIL 8,872.15 (up) 195.44 1,362,028,870.73 PSEI 7,761.11 (up) 80.51 147,638,716.0246 All Shares Index 4,652.59 (up)42.31 9,042,454,783.18 Gainers: 141; Losers: 63; Unchanged: 39; Total: 243

Pryce set to hit 2018 profit goal of P1.4b

By Alena Mae S. Flores PRYCE Corp., a distributor of liquefied petroleum gas and a property holding company, expects consolidated net income to have reached P1.4 billion to P1.45 billion in 2018, or on track of the profit target.

“Pryce Corporation estimates consolidated net income of P1.4 to 1.45 billion for 2018,” Pryce chairman Salvador™ Escaño said.

Pryce earlier a net income target of P1.5 billion or less in 2018, buoyed by the anticipated higher sales volume and income during the fourth quarter.

The company, meanwhile, vowed to continue its expansions across the country in terms of putting up more refilling plants and sales centers, especially in Luzon.

“Expansions of the storage capacities of its existing LPG import marine terminals in Zamboanga City, Iloilo, and Negros Oriental, which began in early 2018, will be completed in 2019,” Escaño said.

He said Pryce would start building its ninth import marine terminal in Bohol by the second quarter of 2019, .

Pryce directly imports liquefied petroleum gas products that are received by storage tanks in its eight import terminals in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

LPG is transported from these terminals via lorries (trucks specifically for LPG transport) to Pryce’s refilling plants. The refilling of LPG in individual containers (actually steel cylinders) is done in both the import terminals and refilling plants.

The LPG cylinders are then distributed to sales centers and dealers that directly sell them to households and industrial and commercial end-users.

Pryce posted a consolidated net income of P1.11 billion in the first nine months of 2018, up 18 percent from P943.07 million year-on-year.

Pryce attributed the higher income to the group’s revenues of P7.57 billion in the third quarter last year from P6.44 billion a year ago.

Ninety-two percent of the group’s consolidated revenues in the first nine months was derived from the sale of liquefied petroleum gas, while the balance was obtained from sales of industrial gases, real estate and pharmaceutical products.

BSP’s Espenilla takes vacation for treatment abroad

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. is taking another leave of absence this month to seek the help of foreign experts in his battle against tongue cancer.

The Bangko Sentral Corporate Affairs Office said in a statement Friday the governor would be on leave from Jan. 4 to 21, 2019.

“The governor will be obtaining medical care overseas as part of his continuing treatment program,” it said.

It said Deputy Governors Diwa Guinigundo and Maria Almasara Cyd Tuano Amador would take turns as officer-in-charge of the central bank while Espenilla was away.

“As an organization, the BSP remains focused on its mandate to ensure stable prices and maintain a sound financial system,” it said.

Espenilla in a short text message to reporters expressed optimism he could win the battle against cancer.

“I am really very hopeful that I can finally beat this. Thanks for all the prayers,” Espenilla said.

Early in 2018, Espenilla disclosed he was battling a tongue cancer, saying he was diagnosed in November 2017.

He said it was at an early stage “and quite localized.”

He said he underwent surgery soon after to remove the problem. He said he had to go through radiation therapy as advised by doctors.

Espenilla, however, said the radiation therapy on him had unavoidable side effects, such as difficulties in speaking due to dry throat and mouth sores.

In late 2018, Espenilla was noticeably absent from important functions of the Bangko Sentral as he took successive leaves of absence as part of his continuing treatment program.

Espenilla took the helm of Bangko Sentral middle of 2017 when he was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to succeed Amando Tetangco Jr.

World

B3

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Death rulings sought as trial in Khashoggi murder opens

R

IYADH―Saudi prosecutors sought the death penalty for five of 11 defendants charged with the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as their high-profile trial opened in Riyadh on Thursday.

RECEPTION. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark welcomes the Icelandic ambassador to Denmark Benedikt Jonsson and his wife Adalheidur

Oskarsdottir at Christiansborg castle in Copenhagen during the New Year’s reception for the diplomatic corps in Denmark on January 3, 2019. AFP

IN BRIEF US citizens warned to be careful in China WASHINGTON―The United States warned its citizens Thursday they could face arbitrary action by authorities when they visit China, following the detention of a number of Canadians.

Updating a travel advisory, the State Department maintained its previous guidance that Americans should “exercise increased caution” in China but stopped short of discouraging visits.

While the language was largely the same as earlier, the State Department warned of “arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” sudden prohibitions on exiting the country and harassment of US citizens of Chinese heritage.

“In most cases, US citizens only become aware of the exit ban when they attempt to depart China, and there is no method to find out how long the ban may continue,” it said.

“US citizens under exit bans have been harassed and threatened,” it said.

It also advised Americans to look out for last-minute security checks and curfews in Xinjiang and Tibet, two minority-dominated regions where Beijing has sought to impose strict control.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, asked about the updated advisory in a televised interview, said the State Department wanted Americans to “understand the risk but still travel there when it’s appropriate.”

“We wanted to let them know that there have been more risks from what China has done in terms of folks traveling there and not being permitted to return,” Pompeo told Fox News host Sean Hannity.AFP

Mexico demands probe over migrants MEXICO CITY―Mexico called on the United States Thursday to investigate the use of force by border patrol agents against members of a Central American migrant caravan who tried to rush the US-Mexican border on New Year’s.

“The foreign ministry sent a diplomatic cable today to the United States embassy about the incident that occurred on January 1 in the border zone... In it, the ministry requested an exhaustive investigation of events that day,” it said in a statement.

Mexico also repeated its call for an investigation into a similar incident on November 25, when some 1,000 migrants from the caravan tried to force their way into the United States and were pushed back by border patrol agents.

In both incidents, US Border Patrol fired tear gas to stop the migrants from crossing the border fence between the Mexican city of Tijuana and San Diego, California. They also fired rubber bullets during the November incident.

Around 100 migrants were involved in the New Year’s border crossing attempt.

Most were forced to turn back by the tear gas. Twenty-five were arrested, US Border Patrol said.

Mexico “regrets any act of violence along the border” and “reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the human rights and safety of all migrants,” it said.

The migrants are part of a caravan of several thousand people that left Honduras in October and spent more than a month trekking across Mexico to reach the US border. AFP

Democrats control US House but govt shutdown remains

WASHINGTON―US Democrats swept back to power Thursday in the House of Representatives with veteran Nancy Pelosi at the helm, but they came face to face with what may be a new divided government normal in Washington: legislative gridlock.

After a historic opening session of the 116th Congress in which Pelosi was elected as speaker for the second time in her storied career, lawmakers took aim at a bipartisan priority of ending an embarrassing partial government shutdown that was stretching into its 13th day.

The House passed two measures that would re-open government agencies whose funding had lapsed, but provide no money for a border wall demanded

by Donald Trump.

They are all but dead on arrival in the Senate, where the Republican leadership has vowed not to bring them up for a vote because they do not pass muster with the president.

Trump has demanded that Congress

approve $5.6 billion for construction of a wall on the southern US border with Mexico―an oft repeated pledge from his 2016 presidential campaign.

The bills that passed the House contain no wall funding.

“We’re not doing a wall,” Pelosi told reporters shortly before the votes largely along party lines.

“A wall is an immorality between countries. It’s an old way of thinking, it isn’t cost effective,” she said, arguing that money would be better spent on border security technology such as drones and cameras, and on hiring more border agents.

Republican leaders immediately blasted the vote as a pointless political gimmick that would do little to provide the resources necessary to secure the border, and said Democrats were not negotiating in good faith.

“The president made it clear, we’re here to make a deal,” Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News late Thursday. “We will have no deal without a wall.”AFP

The prosecution also said it was awaiting a response to two formal letters requesting evidence from Turkey, where Khashoggi was murdered inside the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate on October 2 in a case that shocked the world.

All 11 accused were present with their lawyers at the first session of the trial, it said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency, without revealing their names or their alleged roles in the crime.

“The public prosecutor... is seeking capital punishment for five of the defendants for their direct involvement in the murder,” the statement said.

Five top Saudi officials—including royal court insider Saud al-Qahtani— have been sacked over Khashoggi’s murder, but authorities have not said if they were among those charged.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor, was murdered in what Riyadh called a “rogue” operation, tipping the kingdom into one of its worst diplomatic crises and tarnishing the reputation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The 59-year-old Saudi insiderturned-critic was strangled and his body cut into pieces by a team of 15 Saudis sent to Istanbul for the killing, according to Turkish officials.

Turkish media reports suggested his remains, which have never been found, were dissolved in acid.

Thursday’s session was attended by the kingdom’s Human Rights Commission, SPA said, but like other Saudi trials it was closed to the public and media.

The United Nations and human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into Khashoggi’s killing.

“Given the possible involvement of Saudi authorities in Khashoggi’s murder and the lack of independence of Saudi Arabia’s criminal justice system, the impartiality of any investigation and trial would be in question,” Samah Hadid, a Middle East director at Amnesty International, told AFP on Thursday.

“This is why a UN-led and indepen-

dent investigation is needed into the murder.”

The defense team on Thursday requested a copy of the charge sheet and a time frame within which to review the charges. The prosecution agreed to both requests while its investigation continues, SPA said.

No date has been set for the next hearing and it was unclear how long the trial would last.

The Khashoggi murder rattled the world at a time when Saudi Arabia and its de facto leader, Prince Mohammed, were pushing an aggressive public relations campaign to rebrand the ultraconservative kingdom as a modern state.

Among Prince Mohammed’s strongest allies is US President Donald Trump, who now faces increasing pressure to approve measures against Saudi Arabia.

The US Central Intelligence Agency has reportedly concluded that Prince Mohammed very likely ordered Khashoggi’s murder. A bipartisan resolution approved by the US Senate last month also held the crown prince responsible for the killing.

But in November the Saudi attorney general ruled out any involvement by the young crown prince.

It was unclear whether Qahtani and Ahmad al-Assiri, two senior aides to Prince Mohammed initially implicated in Khashoggi’s murder, were among those on trial.

Saudi officials said in November that Qahtani—who has not spoken publicly since then—was banned from travel pending the investigation but authorities have refused to disclose his whereabouts.

“It is clear that elements from high levels of the Saudi state were involved in Khashoggi’s murder,” H.A. Hellyer, senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, told AFP. “There is an immense amount of international interest in this trial, but also a lot of suspicion about whether those ultimately responsible for the crime will be held to account.” AFP

Tourists hunker down as storm nears Thailand SURAT THANI, Thailand―Tourists marooned on Thai islands hunkered down Friday as Tropical Storm Pabuk carved its way towards the kingdom, forcing airports and ferries to close and bringing downpours and massive sea swells.

Boats were recalled to shore across the Gulf of Thailand, while two key airports―Koh Samui and Nakhon Si Thammarat―were shut until Saturday, leaving tourists who remain on islands now cut off from the mainland.

Meteorologists said Pabuk, the first tropical storm in decades to strike during the peak holiday season, had intensifed Friday morning and was due to make landfall imminently.

“Ten thousand tourists are still on Koh Phangan,” said Krikkrai Songthanee, district chief of the island which neighbors Samui and is famed for its full-moon parties.

“But I talked to foreigners last night and they are not scared, they understand the situation,” he told AFP. The eye of the storm is forecast to pass over Nakhon Si Thammarat, sparing the tourist islands to the north from a direct hit.

“But all tourist islands in the Gulf of Thailand including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao will be affected because Pabuk is huge,” said Phuwieng Prakhammintara, head of the Thai Meteorological Department.

As it churns through the sea, Pabuk has gathered pace with 75-kilometeran-hour winds stirring huge waves of up to 16 feet high.AFP

AT LEISURE. People walk on the promenade on the seafront of Franqui-plage in Leucate, south of France, on January 3, 2019. AFP

Asylum-seeking N. Korean from diplomatic family SEOUL―A North Korean diplomat in Italy said to be seeking asylum is from a “prestigious diplomatic family”, with both his father and father-in-law having worked in Pyongyang’s foreign ministry, according to a senior defector.

Jo Song Gil, the North’s acting ambassador to Rome, went into hiding with his wife in November and is seeking asylum, according to Seoul’s intelligence authorities.

It would be the first high-profile defection of a North Korean diplomat since 2016 when the then deputy ambassador to London, Thae Yong Ho, switched sides to settle in Seoul.

Thae said Jo is the son of a late former diplomat, while his father-in-law served as ambassador to Thailand in the 1990s and once handled diplomatic protocol for the ruling Kim family at the foreign ministry.

“I worked with Jo in the same department at Pyongyang’s foreign ministry for so long but never imagined that he would seek asylum,” Thae told Seoul’s Channel A. “The news shocked me.

“I also worked for years with his father-in-law, a well-known, veteran diplomat in Pyongyang who also served as consul-general in Hong Kong in the 2000s,” Thae added in the interview late

Thursday.

Jo’s wife graduated from Pyongyang’s prestigious medical school, with both families enjoying privileged lives as members of the North’s “wealthy, prestigious elite”, according to Thae. The couple have one child, he added.

South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo, which broke the news of the defection, reported that they went into hiding with their children, although South Korean intelligence did not confirm that during a briefing Thursday with lawmakers.

Jo, who is in his 40s and known to be fluent in French and Italian as well as English, came to Rome in May 2015. AFP

B4

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

CLEANING UP AFTER THE

HOLIDAYS

T

HE holidays are a joyous time with family and friends.

But that glow can fade quickly when you’re faced with the aftermath: a house to clean up once all the guests have left. Getting your place back into shape can be a daunting task, but here’s a few smart tips to help you do it in time for 2019.

HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE. It’s easy to slip into a posture of grumbling as one removes ornaments, or puts away presents, or sweeps up pine needles, and reclaims the kitchen. Yes, it’s work.

But, honestly, it’s work that one must remember to be grateful for — so many blessings that could be overlooked. So as overwhelming as it is, try to keep perspective. And being thankful for all the new movies, games, and Netflix that can keep you occupied while you work..

CREATE MINI-GOALS. When one views the entire clean up process it’s easy to get a bit frazzled by the scope of what to do. Create smaller objectives and goals. Gather the ornaments. Bring in the tote boxes and sort. Take Christmas lights off outside.

Wash Christmas dishes. And gradually it will all get done. It helps to have minirewards as well. Like, for instance, a

PICK OF THE LOT. If you live in

Quezon City, you would want a condo in the pick of perfection by way of amenities, services and of course, location. Rockwell Primaries’ first project, 53 Benitez, located at P. Tuazon corner C. Benitez in Quezon City, could very well fit those needs to a tee. The development can be reached through major thoroughfares, and is close to key schools and universities, hospitals, retail shops, and churches in town. With seven residential floors in two towers, 53 Benitez is big enough for young families. Best of all, the two and threebedroom designs present possibilities for homeowners to transform their units to any flexible permutation they deem necessary. Now that’s living the Quezon City dream

Starbucks latte when the tree is all done.

DONATE. Say goodbye to unwanted gifts. It’s the thought that counts, but don’t let good intentions add additional clutter to your postholiday house. Make a clean break, and re-package gifts that didn’t work out. If appropriate, consider giving those gifts to the charity of your choice. Holiday cleaning will be easier without those extra items.

Bring a big balikbayan box down and fill it with items that can be donated.

Games that got played only a couple times, toys that we’ve outgrown and more. Bring a big black contractor garbage bag down and work to fill it with stuff that is broken, or doesn’t fit the “donate” category.

CLEAN THE GUEST BEDROOM. Wash the bed sheets in warm or hot water with a capful of white vinegar

to ensure they are fresh. While sheets are in the dryer, use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to clean the mattress thoroughly, paying special attention to the seams. Replace the bedding, and fluff the pillows to make your next guests comfortable.

Take down those lights. When you do, you’ll save yourself time next year if you put them away using one simple trick: wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard or a paper towel tube to keep them organized and easy to unravel next season. This also keeps you from being the neighbor who still has strings of outdoor Christmas lights up on Valentine’s Day. STRIP THE CHRISTMAS TREE CAREFULLY. Use as much care taking your tree down as you did putting it up to save you some headaches next year. Some doubleduty tips for packing ornaments: keep Christmas lights from tangling by wrapping them around the empty tubes from your wrapping paper. Loop the cord around the roll, starting with the side opposite to the plug, then insert the plug into the tube’s opening. If you’ve already thrown away your gift wrap tubes, paper towel tubes work, too.

GET THE KIDS INVOLVED. Make taking everything down as festive as putting it up. Assign roles — one to get ornaments off, one to sort them (sort ornaments by child), one to help wrap, one to roll garland, etc… It makes the work light and much more fun. It also helps remind the kids to be grateful for all the blessings that they recently received.

ENJOY THAT MOMENT WHERE THE HOUSE FEELS LIKE IT’S GAINED AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF SPACE. Once the tree is down your house would feel like its gained another room. It’s crazy how much extra space it feels like then — so one truly remembers it for those times when it felt like we’re too crowded.

BE THANKFUL. Take a moment and just be thankful. For your family, for the time to spend together, for the freedom to celebrate Christmas, for the year, and for the new year, for health, for the presents that you received, and so forth. Let the process of taking down the Christmas decorations be a lesson of gratitude.

OLD MANILA DISTRICT, GENTRIFIED. Standing 42-storeys tall at the corner of Padre Faura and Bocobo Streets in Manila is 8 Adriatico, a development of Eton Properties, the property arm of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies. 8 Adriatic’s location reflects the rich culture and heritage of a city redolent with old world charm and the feel of a modern metropolis.

The project offers hassle-free “movein-ready” units that range from studio to one-bedroom, twobedroom as well as SOHO (small-officehome-office), which can be combined by the owner

CANCER-DETECTION CLINIC ON WHEELS. Property developer Anchor Land recently donated a mobile clinic for cancer screening to the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS). The clinic will target small barangays across Metro Manila, promoting cancer awareness and offering early cancer detection services. Anchor Land’s donation will enhance detection of different kinds of cancer at early stages, and provide fast treatment to those patients afflicted with cancer of the breast, cervix, and ovary. “In line with Anchor Land’s commitment to care for the communities where we build our residential projects, we hope to contribute in raising awareness of different kinds of cancer and providing easy access to health facilities for the impoverished families in the communities in the city,” said Anchor Land President Elizabeth Ventura Ventura. The mobile clinic will carry the equipment necessary for cervical cancer and breast cancer screening. It will also offer the single visit approach through Visual Inspection of Acetic Acid Wash (SVA-VIA) with cryotherapy, clinical breast exam and a 30-minute lecture on cancers in women. “The mobile clinic donated by Anchor Land will allow us to reach the communities that are difficult to penetrate due to narrow roads and alleys,” said PCS board of trustees officer Dr. Kelly S. Salvador. At the turnover ceremony were Ms. Ventura; Dr. Salvador; PCS board of advisers member, Consul Helen M. Ong; PCS executive director, Dr. Rachael Marie B. Rosario and Jayelles president, Roselle Rebano.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

YOUNG LIFE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

C1

ROCKSTARS AND LADIES. Young boys and girls can channel their sweet and tough personas in casual sneakers, sporty shoes, Mary Janes, and sequined high-cut boots from Sugar Kids and Tough Kids.

S

SWEET AND TOUGH KIDS

TYLISH tots made of sugar, spice, and everything nice can channel their sweet and tough personalities in footwear from Sugar Kids and Tough Kids.

Sugar Kids is perfect for little princesses with its storybook-inspired ruby Mary Jane shoes with bow as well as sequined boots and sneakers with lots of glitter and shine.

Charming cuties can also be classy in pretty f lats, or edgy with mules with spiral leg wrap, or active with slip-on sneakers.

The young gentleman is not to be left out in the shoe trend, with casual loafers in leather or suede from Tough Kids. There are also ankle boots, high cut sneakers, and sporty shoes with trendy camo prints.

The Sugar Kids and Tough Kids shoe collections are available at the Children’s Shoes Department of the SM Store.

Sugar, spice, and everything nice—stylish tots are treated to a wide selection of footwear at the Children’s Shoe Department of the SM Store.

Pops of fun at Nips Pop Fest

Nips at Heart jingle competition grand champion Ang Banda ni Juan

The Uke performs a unique rendition of the ‘Nips at Heart’ jingle.

THE recently concluded Nips Pop Fest 2018 saw fresh musical talents from passionate music-loving individual and groups that participated in the Nips at Heart jingle competition.

Five finalists from several entries were chosen to sing during the culminating event held at the TriNoma Activity Center in Quezon City.

Taking home the P100,000 grand prize was the acoustic cover of “Ang Banda ni Juan.”

The sibling duo “Game 4” placed second and won P50,000 cash prize.

Game 4 also bagged the People’s Choice award as they garnered the most number of votes online and during the

Sibling duo Game 4 wows the crowd with its cover of the Nips jingle.

event. “The Uke” took the third spot and bagged the P30,000 cash prize.

The winners were judged based on musical arrangement (35 percent), voice quality (35 percent), people’s vote on Facebook and during the event (20 percent), and overall impact (10 percent).

Aside from the music competition and awarding ceremony, Jack ‘n Jill Nips treated its guest to a lineup of interactive activities. Arcade games, giant Nips dispenser, karaoke booth, and 360 photo booth were spread out in the venue for mall-goers to try and enjoy.

There were also various workshops where guests tried their hands at calligraphy, fashion styling, and food design.

Life

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

SALE ALERT

Great finds at up to 70% off

T

HE beginning of the new year means end of season of sale promotions—good news for those who have more shopping money left.

Rustan’s kicks off the year 2019 with a big blow out of up to 70 percent off. The premier department store offers great discounts on fashion, home, fine jewelry, and children’s brands from today until Jan. 31.

Those looking to update their wardrobe can take advantage of huge price drops from fashion brands Kurt Geiger, Hackett London, Faconnable, Pedro del Hierro, Ricardo Preto, Tadashi Shoji, Longchamp, Anne Klein, and Sergio Rossi.

Households get a makeover, too, with great finds from Kate Spade New York Home, Rosenthal, Rustan’s Filipiniana Our Very Own, and Dome Deco.

Fine jewelry labels Mikimoto, Marco Bicego, and Carrera y Carrera also offer special offers.

Keep the little ones smiling even after the holiday season as they pick toys and trinkets from Kiddos, Rustanette, Gund, and Sugar Sugarbooger. These impressive brands and many

Have a cup of ‘silver lining’ with Kate Spade New York Home’s simple sparkling mug.

more are offering awesome deals during the end of season sale.

FSP members and BPI cardholders get first dibs during an exclusive preview sale today, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Further, when they flash their FSP card or app, or any BPI card, they earn points, plus get further 10 percent off on regular-priced R-tag items and 5 percent off on select regularpriced X-tag items.

Shoppers with a minimum single receipt purchase of P10,000 take home a free Bluetooth speaker lamp.

Software empowers youth to change the world Even leftovers look fancy when eaten on Bernardaud Aux Oiseaux Round Tart Platter.

Here’s a cool piece to put on your shelf: Authentic Models Au tour Du Monde Aluminum Airplane.

A lovely Anne Klein Watch and Bangle/ Bracelet Set is ideal for casual or formal.

Prove that they’re your ‘ride or die’ with Lladro Riding with You Couple Figurine.

Kids and kids-at-heart won’t be able to resist Gund Itty Bitty Boo Nerdy.

IN THE age of social media and rapid advancements in digital communications, a new generation of students is growing up conscious of their connection with everybody else in the world.

Software development company In Instructure thus saw an opportunity to build a learning platform that would make teaching and learning easier in today’s global village. Enter: Canvas, an open-source software and native cloud learning management system.

To demonstrate the ways Canvas could empower students all over the globe to “change the world,” Instruc Instructure launched K12 Buddy System.

The K12 Buddy System is a crossborder project that demonstrates what can be achieved in a truly global classroom and a collaborative learning environment.

Forty-five students, aged 15-16 years old, from De La Salle Lipa in the Philippines and Callaghan College in New South Wales, Australia were given a problem to work on together for eight weeks, from Aug. 20 to Oct. 24, using Canvas under the supervi supervision of selected teachers. The problem they needed to solve was “The Culture of Throwaway Plastics.”

The students, working in groups of four—two students representing each school—came up with three solutions to persuade people, businesses, or the council in their local area to reduce their reliance on single-use plastic.

These solutions must be actionable, practical, and solve a specific problem acconcerning single-use plastics. All ac tions must be backed up by research and strong rationale.

The top 10 submissions proceeded durto the final round on Oct. 24, dur ing which the teams presented their strongest solution to the judges from the Philippines and Australia using a Canvas classroom in real-time through video conference.

The judges included Troy Martin, general manager, APAC; the principals and project lead teachers from

both De La Salle Lipa and Callaghan College; and Raf Dionisio, a social and environmental entrepreneur and co-founder of The Plastics Solution volunteer movement.

Team Waratah DLSL 2, composed of Danielle Lei Araez and Jesse Candelario, bested the other teams with their presentation to create eco bricks using single-use plastic waste.

Eco-bricks are plastic bottles stuffed with non-biodegradable waste. They utilize the longevity and durability of plastic. The team seeks to inspire local communities and institutions to see their trash as something that could be literally constructive. Eco bricks have been proven to be cheaper and safer than hollow blocks.

Team Wallsend DLSL 8, with Keely Harris, Kim Ditan, Josh Aldrich De Villa, Olivia Beck, and Chloe Speering, won second place with their proposal for an alternate material to plastic: Seaweed Bioplastic.

Seaweed Bioplastic is a completely and easily biodegradable plastic made using an environmentally friendly production process. It is already being produced in Indonesia where it is proven to be both sustainable and profitable.

Olivia Staub, Jose Miguel Villegas, Edward Augustine Tullao, Danya Best, and Isha Prasad of Team Wallsend DLSL 6 took home the third spot. The team proposed a stricter implementation of zero-plastic policies by creating a watch group called “Guardians of the Plastic Bag.” The group aims to encourage people to use to singleuse plastic bag alternatives such as bayong, beeswax wraps, newspapers, and banana leaves.

“The K12 Buddy System opens up a whole new horizon for learning for both students and teachers,” said Martin. “And this is just the beginning. We hope to do more projects like this that pushes the boundaries of conventional education and encourages learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.”

Team Waratah DLSL 2 makes a pitch to transform plastic bottles and other non-biodegradable wastes into eco bricks.

Future piano virtuoso can practice on this Schoenhut 61 Key My First Piano Tutor.

Stand out in Sergio Rossi Cindy Slingback Heel.

College students master workplace EQ

Scholars learn about workplace EQ in the first Aboitiz College Scholars Learning Series.

IN A bid to be prepared for the future, 54 Cebu college scholars supported by the Aboitiz Foundation and Aboitiz units Cebu Private Power Corporation, East Asia Utilities Corporation, Therma Visayas, Inc., and Visayan Electric Co, Inc. participated in a lecture series about emotional intelligence in the workplace.

The first Aboitiz College Scholars Learning Series held on Dec. 21, facilitated by Dr. Shiela Marie Hocson, former president of the Philippine Guidance and Counselling Association, tackled identifying one’s personality types and tendencies, personality assessment, and techniques and methods in coping up with emotionally stressful situations and environment.

The learning series is an initiative by the Aboitiz Foundation in its pursuit of scaling up projects by equipping its scholars with the essential skills needed in the corporate world. It is part of the Aboitiz Foundation College Scholarship Program, which has already supported 2,208 scholars in its thrust to advance business and communities.

The student finalists from De La Salle Lipa with their principals and teachers.

Entertainment

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

Jeff Bridges to receive coveted honor at annual Golden Globes or Motion Picture Made for Television.

Bridges most recently appeared in 20th Century Fox’s mystery thriller Bad Times at the El Royale starring Chris Hemsworth, Jon Hamm and Dakota Johnson. Additionally, Bridges can be seen in Living in The Future’s Past, a documentary directed by Susan Kucera that focuses on current environmental challenges.

In 1983, Bridges founded the End Hunger Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding children around the world. Bridges produced End Hunger, a three-hour live television broadcast focusing on world hunger which featured Gregory Peck, Jack Lemmon, Burt Lancaster, Bob Newhart, Kenny Loggins and other leading film, television and music stars in an innovative production to educate and inspire action. He is currently the national spokesman for the Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry campaign that is fighting to end childhood hunger in America.

Produced by dick clark productions in association with the HFPA, the Golden Globe Awards are viewed in more than 210 territories worldwide. Meher Tatna is president of the HFPA. Allen Shapiro, Executive Chairman of dick clark productions, Mike Mahan, CEO of dick clark productions, and Barry Adelman, Executive VP of Television at dick clark productions will serve as executive producers.

Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channel 37.

laga na pati yung mga invited sa wedding namin―our friends and relatives, naappreciate yung effort namin na ‘yun.”

As she begins a new chapter in her life, Kylie has decided to embrace the beautiful family they have created and the woman she has proudly become.

“Now, I want to celebrate kasi it’s a good thing to be married. It’s a good thing to be in love. Everybody wants to be in love and be loved.”

The love that can withstand time is definitely worth celebrating. For Kylie, her wedding with Aljur is not their happy ending but the start of a new chapter of the best that is yet to come, “Our wedding is definitely one of the best days of my life, second ito nung pinanganak ko si Alas. It’s good kasi ibibigay na namin kay God yung relationship namin but as they say, hindi doon natatapos because you still have to work on it every day. Kaya kapag sinasabi na happy ending, lagi kong sinasabi, ‘No, it’s only the beginning.’

THE Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced that Golden Globe winner and four-time nominee Jeff Bridges will be honored with the 2019 Cecil B. deMille Award at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Monday, Jan 7.

The highly-acclaimed actor of such legendary films as Crazy Heart, The Big Lebowski, True Grit and The Fabulous Baker Boys will accept the honor at the awards ceremony, hosted by Sandra Oh and Andy Samberg, and airing LIVE on Blue Ant Entertainment on Monday, Jan. 7 at 8:00 a.m. from The Beverly Hilton.

HFPA President Meher Tatna stated, “The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is delighted to bestow the 2019 Cecil B. deMille Award on Jeff Bridges. Bridges’ brilliant body of work across diverse genres has captured the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide for more than six decades. We look forward to celebrating “the Dude” and his remarkable career and philanthropic achievements at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards.”

Chosen by the HFPA Board of Directors, the Cecil B. deMille Award is given annually to a talented individual who has made a lasting impact on the world of entertainment. Honorees over the decades include George Clooney, Robert De Niro, Audrey Hepburn, Harrison Ford, Jodie Foster, Sophia Loren, Sidney Poitier, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Barbra Streisand, Denzel Washington, Robin Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and many more.

Bridges’ moving and multi-layered performances have earned him countless accolades including a Golden Globe win for his performance in Crazy Heart.

The actor’s multi-faceted career includes the cult classic The Big Lebowski. His first Golden Globe nomination came in 1984 for Best Actor in Starman. Seven years later he received his second Golden Globe nomination for his performance in The Fisher King, co-starring Robin Williams. In 2001, he was honored with another Golden Globe nomination for his role in The Contender, Rod Lurie’s political thriller, co-starring Gary Oldman and Joan Allen, in which Bridges played the President of the United States.

In 2017, he received another Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor as a retiring Texas Ranger in Hell or High Water, a modern action bank heist thriller set in West Texas. The critically acclaimed film starred Chris Pine, Ben Foster and Gil Birmingham.

Through Bridges’ company, AsIs Productions, he produced Hidden in America, which received a Golden Globe nomination in 1996 for Best Miniseries

the Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) Foundation, acknowledges and rewards the good practices of cooperatives and community enterprises nationwide that help bring down incidences of poverty and spur economic developments in their covered areas.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, director of Villar SIPAG and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, stressed the important role played by peoples organizations in the government’s continued fight against poverty.

Sen. Villar, along with former Senate President Manny Villar, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, Paolo and Camille Villar, led the awarding of plaques of recognition and the P250,000 cash prize each to National Capital Region-based Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. and the Mission to

Seafarers Philippines Family Network; and the Piwong Multipurpose Cooperative (Ifugao), Sarrat Namnama Multipurpose Cooperative (Ilocos Norte), San Fabian Pangasinan Council of Women Inc. Multipurpose Cooperative (Pangasinan), Magapuy Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Nueva Vizcaya), and Nueva Ecija Seed Grower Multipurpose Cooperative (Nueva Ecija)– all from the north and Central Luzon.

Also rewarded for their outstanding community services were St. Jude Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Quezon), Kabalikat Para Sa Diyos at Bayan MultiPurpose Cooperative (Romblon), Labo Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Camarines Norte), Pavia Entrepreneurs Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Iloilo), Compostela Market Vendors (Cebu), Santa Barbara Katilingbanong Credit Cooperative (Siquijor) and the Maripipi Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Biliran).

The Foundation likewise credited the good practices of the Aurora Integrated Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Zamboanga del Sur), Malinao Community Services Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Lanao del Norte), Pantukan Chess Club Cooperative (Compostela Valley), Davao Oriental Seed Producers (Davao), City Food Terminal Multi-Purpose Cooperative (General Santos City) and Kankitap Consumers Cooperative (Sulu).

Two community enterprises were likewise given Special Awards of P150,000 each for their poverty reduction initiatives, and these were the Bohol Dairy Cooperative and the Tarlac Okra Growers Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative. *** Visit www.isah.red for more stories.

Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred) and Instagram (@isahvred). ΙR

Kylie Padilla on beginning a new chapter in her life Before the year ended, showbiz couple Kylie Padilla and Aljur Abrenica tied the knot in a dreamy ceremony, which the bride conceptualized herself.

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CTRESS Kylie Padilla is glowing with happiness following her fairy tale-like wedding with longtime beau, Aljur Abrenica, last Dec.11 at Villa Milagros Mansion and Gardens.

The Kapuso star shared how she felt during her big day since it was how she and Aljur imagined it to be after one year of engagement, “Pinipigilan ko yung happiness that day, to be honest, I didn’t want to cry. If I did, I would cry the whole day because of happiness.”

Kylie expressed that she was grateful as to how everything fell into place that day―giving them a Romeo and Julietthemed intimate nuptials.

“It was a bit over the top, but yes, it is my dream wedding. That day, I was really happy because it is both our decision to have that kind of wedding. And another thing, I am happy because Aljur gave me the creative freedom in the wedding

Simply...

From C4

Zoomanity for humanity “Christmas is for children,” says Robert Laurel Yupangco, CEO of Zoomanity Group, one of the leading companies in the theme park industry.

The company took the opportunity to bring happiness and share blessings to less fortunate children last Christmas.

Apart from promoting its advocacy called the four “E”s (Education, Environmental Conservation, Exhibit and Entertainment), the company believes that it is part of its corporate social responsibility to give happiness to kids who need it the most.

Through one charitable activity called “Christmas Gift Giving”, Zoomanity Group choose children from various foundations annually to experience

preparation.”

She admitted that they had only less than a month to put together everything in time for the wedding. Nonetheless, the guests who witnessed the romantic ceremony were in awe of every ornate detail.

The couple took magical to the next level – from the black acrylic aisle inscribed with the poem specially written by Lang Leav for Aljur and Kylie, to the many tear-jerking moments during the union, and the presence of both their families for the celebration.

“When asked how I want to be married, the first thing that popped into my head is the song. Then from there, nagbreed out na siya. Kaya masaya ako taa whole day of fun, love and care in Zoomanity’s theme parks.

This year, over 500 kids had the chance to be in all Zoomanity Parks and enjoyed one exciting day of interaction with their favorite animals. The kids watched shows and received gifts.

Zoomanity is grateful to everyone who helped made 2018 Christmas Gift Giving an exciting, rewarding and productive event and brought endless joy to the children. ** * 22 coops cited for poverty reduction accomplishments Twenty-two multi-purpose cooperatives were recognized this year by the Villar SIPAG Foundation for their significant contributions in poverty reduction and economic growth in their communities.

The annual Villar SIPAG Awards on Poverty Reduction, an initiative of

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

ACROSS 1 Stravinsky or Sikorsky 5 Radar blip 9 — board 14 Roam about 15 What the hen did 16 Open, as a bottle 17 News morsel 18 Parking lot sight 19 Lift, slangily 20 Prawns 22 Recycled tire 24 Scent finders 26 Commit to memory 27 Go by canoe 30 Insect sound 32 — apso 33 Slender nail 34 Milk choice 38 — de cologne 39 Divulges 42 Night before 43 Mr. Eban 45 Mountain passes 46 Wading bird 48 Perhaps 50 Thin 51 Rascal 53 Raj title 55 Law 57 Lazy ones

61 Centering points 62 Jet engine noise 64 Livy’s “it was” 65 Quibble 66 Medieval weapon 67 Your Majesty 68 Social equals 69 Clumsy boats 70 Abound DOWN 1 Rainbow goddess 2 Roman Empire invader 3 Above 4 Jogs the memory 5 Roll by 6 Bring about 7 Wallop 8 Skunk’s defense 9 Forceful removal 10 Opens a gift 11 More frosty 12 Samurai’s land 13 Copied 21 Wisdom tooth 23 Slur words 25 Abrasions 27 Entreaty 28 Whaler of fiction 29 Smear

31 Head coverings 33 Not keep a secret 35 TV chef Graham — 36 Famous lithographer 37 Give out sparingly 40 Nile’s land 41 Old photo color 44 Hobbyist 47 Long chat 49 Elicits a chuckle 50 Beaches

51 Mall tenant 52 Mooch 54 Word of woe 55 Purse closer 56 Funny Bombeck 58 Ontario neighbor 59 Like blue moons 60 Plant part 63 Trireme mover

American actor and producer Jeff Bridges in a scene from the 2010 Revisionist Western film "True Grit."

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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Entertainment

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2019

PEOPLE

By Nickie Wang

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FTER the recent Miss Universe telecast that globally showcased Thailand’s food and culture, a Filipino chef popular among Thais for his culinary expertise recalls his own Thai experience with much gusto.

Seasoned chef recalls life in Thailand

Dex Villamin, a known executive pastry chef in Bangkok who spent years working there, is all praises to Thai food and their sense of care about what they should eat.

“You cannot eat better than Thai food in terms of quality and value-for-money.

Ninety-five percent of their food are farmgrown,” said the 39-year-old achiever who back in 2008 mentored the champion team at the Culinary Gathering of Cooks held in Bangkok, as well as the first-ever Asian Culinary Cup the following year.

Last year, Villamin, who rose from the ranks working and concocting chocolates for various hotels in Manila, was invited to prepare the feast in line with the cremation ceremony of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyade.

He shared, “I was 23 at the time when opportunity came for me to go to Thailand. The Thais are very happy people and nakita ko ang ganda ng system nila when it comes to preparing and serving food.”

During the Miss Universe coronation, which eventually won by Miss Philippines Catriona Gray, host Steve Harvey delightfully mentioned about Thai food being extra spicy.

“To say that the food here is spicy and hot is an understatement,” the American TV presenter was heard as implying.

Villamin also hails Thailand’s tourism and his stay in that country prompted him to go into revolutionizing farming in the Philippines.

Born out of Batangueño parents, the pride of Lian, Batangas is back in the Philippines for good and is now the CEO of DV Boer Farm which quickly established itself as the foundation of modern farming in the Philippines. It operates nearly 100 Sub-Farms that created profitable livelihood programs and several job opportunities. It is dubbed as the “People’s Farm.”

Villamin also prided himself as a social entrepreneur which he describes as someone sharing his spare and urging the needy to embrace the power of sustainable business. Last November he donated fishing boats to former NPA rebels in Batangas who have turned to fishing for livelihood. “I would happily give them fishes to eat but I want to teach them how to fish, too.”

The chef-turned-farming guru loves Thailand for it had given him opportunities and a comfortable life. But he knew he would comeback to his homeland and share what he learned while making a name for himself in The Land of Smiles.

Batangas pride and DV Boer Farm brainchild Dex Villamin is hailed in Thailand for his culinary excellence.

‘Aquaman’ stays afloat atop box office

Jason Momoa is seen arriving, trident in hand, at the Hollywood premiere of "Aquaman," which has topped box offices in its first two weekends

Another beauty pageant is born BEAUTY pageants are now a dime a dozen.

Still, new pageants pop up by the day in this beauty-pageant obsessed country.

Like this Miss Toyota Alabang 2019, possibly the newest beauty pageant to emerge on the beauty pageant scene.

This just proves that the Philippines has a lot of beautiful girls dreaming to have beauty titles attached to their names and wear the pageants’ crowns.

Miss Toyota Alabang 2019 is the launching project of Toyota Alabang, Inc. spearheaded by its Chairman Cesar T. Lee, Vice Chairman Michael M. Lee, and President and General Manager Jhoanna Lee See. Last year, on Dec. 19, the beauty pageant crowned 19-year-old Kristine Charlotte Hammond at the Toyota Alabang Inc. Showroom.

Jhoanna See, Deo Macalma, VP and station manager of DZRH; DOLE Sec. Silvestre Bello III; and Ernesto Echauz, chairman/CEO of Standard Insurance presented the prizes and the crown.

Hammond, a freshman majoring in Tourism Management at Cole-

gio de San Agustin in Biñan, joined Pinoy Big Brother in 2016 and was known as the ISAH V. RED “Sporty Spice ng Laguna.”

She said “After I exited from PBB, it opened doors of opportunity for me and I became an influencer/endorser for various brands. This is the only thing I can handle while I am studying and playing volleyball.”

Last summer, Hammond joined the Ms. Binan search and was chosen as first runner-up. She also won as 2nd runner-up in Miss Nation Queen 2017.

The production of Toyota Alabang 2019 was handled by famous fashion designer Renee Salud who was also one of the judges. The other judges were Sec. Bello, Bucor Director Geneneral Nicanor Faeldon, Macalma, Jhoanna Lee See, Echauz, hairstylist James Cooper, Don McGyver Cochico, Raphael Kiefer, president of Professional Models Association, Raffy Biazon, and former models and beauty queens Leren Mae Bautista, Desiree Verdadero Abesamis and Ana Abiera Del Moral.

Among others, Hammond received a cash prize of P100,000.

Continued on C3

American boyband leads holiday celebrations at SM City Fairview

HOLLYWOOD WARNER Bros.’ Aquaman displayed a powerful kick in North American theaters over the weekend, taking in an estimated $52.1 million to help close a record year for the movie sector, final figures showed Wednesday.

With hunky and heavily tattooed Jason Momoa in the lead role, the film has grossed nearly $750 million globally. It earned $52.1 million in its second weekend.

Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns gained altitude in its second weekend, taking in $28.4 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period. In third was Paramount’s Bumblebee, a prequel to the Transformers movies, starring Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena, at $20.9 million.

Fourth place went to Sony’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,

Miss Toyota Alabang 2019 winner Kristine Charlotte Hammond and her court: Honey Margaret Cartasano, 4th runner-up; Natalya Margaret Lindsay, 3rd runner-up; Kate Alyson Roño, 2nd runner-up and Eloisa Jauod, 1st runner-up.

at $18.8 million. The film has drawn rave reviews—with a 97 score on the Rotten Tomatoes website—and has netted a Golden Globe nomination as best animated picture.

In fifth was The Mule from Warner Bros., at $12.2 million. Clint Eastwood directs and takes the lead role—his last acting part, he has said—as a destitute 90-year-old who turns to transporting cocaine for a drug cartel. *** Disney hauls in $7B at box office in 2018 Disney posted its second best year at the box office ever, raking in $7.325 billion worldwide for everything from Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War to hit animated sequel Incredibles 2 and the latest Star Wars film.

Disney remains the only studio to ever post more than $7 billion in annual box office receipts. In 2016, it recorded its best year at $7.6 billion.

In North America, Disney made nearly $3.1 billion, a new industry record, thanks to the runaway success of Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and Incredibles 2—now all among the top 10 highest grossing films of all time.

Each one earned more than $600 million in the United States and Canada. Cumulatively, those three films alone made $4.64 billion worldwide.

Other successes on the Disney slate include Marvel superhero flick Ant-Man and The Wasp, Solo: A Star Wars Story and Mary Poppins Returns, which has already made more than $200 million around the world and is still in theaters.

In 2019, Disney has another massive year ahead on the silver screen, with Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame leading the Marvel charge in the spring, and Frozen 2 due at year’s end, along with Star Wars: Episode IX. New versions of animated classics Dumbo Aladdin and The Lion King are yet to come, as is Pixar’s Toy Story 4. AFP

AMERICAN boyband In Real Life or IRL recently led the launch of Christmas celebrations at SM City Fairview.

The group consists of Brady Tutton, Chance Perez, Drew Ramos, Sergio Calderon, and Michael Connor are the final five vocalists from the American reality television music competition series Boy Band.

The pop group experiments with other sounds such as pop-rap, teen pop, and Latin pop, and cite One Direction as their main influence for both starting off on reality television. This time, they celebrated mallgoers with the classic carol, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

With a “Hometown Holiday” theme, SM City Fairview’s took mall goers on a journey with SM Little Stars 2018 Girl Grand Winner Aleynah Redillas to help Mr. and Mrs. Claus—by flying to four different places around the world and gather their friends from England, Mexico, Iceland, Alabama & Germany for the holiday hometown parade.

With the help of a magical snow globe, that is when shaken twice can take you anywhere- Aleynah gathered Mr. & Mrs. Claus’ friends around the world including—the English Gingerbread men who offered holiday songs, the Madison performers from Iceland, the elves from Alabama, the

Actor John Prats with wife actress Isabel Oli-Prats and their daughter Feather

poinsettias and piñatas from Mexico.

Families and friends, including actor John Prats, wife Isabel Oli, and daughter Feather, celebrated the magic of Christmas during the launch. The mall also unveiled its giant Christmas tree made of stacked houses with different Yuletide décor and a 360 -degree holiday journey as a representation of different nations and hometowns across the world celebrating different Christmas traditions this holiday season.

The celebration of Christmas across the world also resonates the season of giving, just as SM City Fairview appreciated and gave Christmas gifts to children from Children.

In Real Life boyband members Drew Ramos, Brady Tutton, Chance Perez, Sergio Calderon and Michael Conor