Manila Standard - 2019 January 9 - Wednesday

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‘Pahalik’ preludes Black Nazarene parade

By Vito Barcelo MILLIONS of barefoot devotees in maroon shirts are expected to fill the streets of Manila today to join the annual Traslacion, or the procession of the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, where Catholics are allowed to kiss the iconic statue, to Quiapo Church.

Church officials are expecting this year’s participants to surpass

the 2.6 million devotees who joined the procession in 2018, in the hope that their prayers will be answered.

The life-sized icon image of Jesus Christ carrying a cross will be carried into the streets for procession in a “Caroza” or golden red carriage pulled through the streets of Quiapo by male devotees clad in maroon.

The Feast of the Most Holy Black Nazarene is celebrated every 9th of January while novena masses begin

on the first Friday of the year.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will lead the early morning Mass in honor of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, before the Traslacion or the transfer of the image to its present shrine in Quiapo starts at around 5 a.m.

Quiapo Church officials are hoping the Traslacion will end early and that the image will enter the Minor Basilica by 5 p.m. Next page

VOL. XXXII • NO. 328 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SC clears way for BOL vote to get rolling

By Rey E. Requejo and Francisco Tuyay

T

HE plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law will push through on Jan. 21 as scheduled, after those who oppose it have failed to secure a restraining order from the Supreme Court, a spokesman for the tribunal said Tuesday.

Court spokesman Midas Marquez said the justices tackled the petitions filed by the Sulu provincial government and the Philippine Constitution Association in an en banc session Tuesday, but did not rule on their petition for a temporary restraining order or a writ of preliminary injunction.

“The Comelec has scheduled the plebiscite on the 21st, since there is no TRO, as of the moment, then that plebiscite should proceed or can proceed,” Marquez said in a press briefing.

Rody to certify ‘sin tax’ hike bill priority measure

Marquez said the justices decided to first seek comments from the respondents before deciding on Philconsa’s plea for a TRO. The respondents in the second petition—Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, headed

by Senator Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, respectively—were given a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of notice to submit their comments.

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EVE OF TRASLACION. Catholic devotees line up Tuesday along the south road leading to the bayside Quirino Grandstand in Luneta for the annual ‘Pahalik’ on the eve of the religious procession to the church in Quiapo expected to reach millions by police estimates, with thousands more (inset) in a corner of the sprawling park. Norman Cruz

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has agreed to certify a bill raising the excise tax on tobacco and alcohol products as urgent, the Palace said Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President approved the Health and Finance departments’ proposal supporting the bill filed by Senator Manny Pacquiao in October 2017.

“There is a recommendation from the DOF that this bill should be certified as urgent because, under the proposal, the tax on tobacco will be raised to P60 per pack while on the part of alcohol it could be P40 per liter. Their recommendation is that the bill should be passed and sign into law,” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing.

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BSP alerts public vs fake peso bills THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas advises the public to carefully check their Philippine banknotes for identifiable security features to ascertain their genuineness.

On Feb. 13, 2018, the Navotas City Police arrested two counterfeiters who tried to pay a fish vendor using a counterfeit P1,000 banknote at the San Roque Public Market.

The fish vendor, who doubted the Next page

Cotabato blast suspect turns self in; motive unknown Comelec junks

By Francisco Tuyay A SUSPECT in the South Seas Mall bombing in Cotabato City that killed two people and injured dozens of others on Dec. 31 has surrendered, police said Tuesday.

Chief Supt. Eliseo Rasco, regional police director in Soccsksargen, identified the suspect as Salipudin Pasandalan, 56, who surrendered Sunday night.

Rasco declined to link Pasandalan to

any particular group, saying the police have yet to establish a motive for the bombing.

Pasandalan surrendered after seeing his picture on TV, and after relatives urged him to turn himself in, he said.

Earlier, the police had pinned the responsibility for the bomb attack on the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, however, said they have already identified the perpetrators.

““We already identified the perpetrators but we are not yet giving names. But apparently they are connected with the BIFF,” he said.

He indicated there were more than one suspect in government custody.

“They are under investigation now, under tactical investigation to determine their purpose—why they detonated a bomb there,” he said.

He said that one of the possible motives is intimidation or extortion, but said this has yet to be established.

Congress warned budget’s overdue A FURTHER unreasonable delay by Congress to approve the General Appropriation Bill will throw a monkey wrench on the administration’s program and will be unacceptable to the people, Malacañang said Monday night.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said any further delay would impede government programs.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday convened the first Cabinet meeting of 2019.

Meanwhile, Duterte on Tuesday cleared Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno of the allegations of House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. that there was an “insertion” in the 2019 national budget allegedly for flood control projects.

Panelo said Duterte found Andaya’s allegations misplaced.

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70 Senate bets, trims party-lists

THE Commission on Elections has rejected the senatorial bid of 70 people running for this year’s elections, its spokesman James Jimenez said Tuesday.

He did not identify the aspirants but said a certificate of finality on the decision would be issued if the candidates failed to file an appeal within five days of being notified that their election bids had been rejected.

Jimenez also said the number of party-list groups seeking to join the May elections was down to 154 from 182 as of Tuesday, and that could still be reduced as the Comelec continued to clean up the list.

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LBO vs. Baldo, 8 co-accused out

By Rey E. Requejo

NEW CABINET MEMBER. President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes newly appointed Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. as a member of the Chief Executive’s official family prior to the 33rd Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang on Monday. Presidential Photo

THE Department of Justice on Tuesday issued a lookout bulletin order against Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo and eight others implicated in the killing of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe last Dec. 22.

Justice Undersecretary and spokesman Mark Perete said an LBO has been issued against Baldo and eight other Next page

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News

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

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Labor chief strikes back at accuser L

ABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who has been accused of extortion, will ask President Rodrigo Duterte to oust Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner Manuelito Luna for abuse of authority for making public an investigation against him and two other Cabinet officials.

Bello, together with former Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña and National Commission on Indigenous People chairman Leonor Oralde-Quintayo, are being charged with graft by the PACC. But Malacañang said Tuesday Luna should not have publicized the names of the three officials facing corruption allegations because they should have been

given a chance to respond to the charges against them.

“If you ask me, you should have given a chance for the defendants to respond to the complaints,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters.

Panelo, a lawyer, said he normally asked the response of the particular agency or person concerned with the

complaints that he or she receive in his or her office.

“In my office, when we receive complaints against a particular agency or a government official, I send the complaints to the person concerned or agency concerned,” Panelo said.

Bello reacted following the PACC’s announcement that he, Lapeña and Oralde-Quintayo were under investigation, saying the investigation should have been discreet in fairness to them.

In a radio interview, Bello said he did not receive a copy of any complaint against him and only learned of the investigation in news reports after it was

announced by Luna.

“That is why I’m going to ask the President to dismiss him from office for grave abuse of authority,” Bello said.

Bello is a known Duterte ally but the Palace said there would be no sacred cows under the Duterte administration, which has already dismissed several ranking government officials for alleged graft and corruption.

In a separate radio interview, Luna said the PACC was mandated by an Executive Order to issue regular updates on pending cases so that the war on corruption would be successful.

Rody...

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The Palace official said Duterte approved the proposal during the 33rd Cabinet meeting Monday evening.

“This is a key public health measure to reduce deaths and disabilities due to tobacco and alcohol consumption and, at the same time, a revenue measure to fund the universal health care program,” he said.

Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law, the tobacco excise tax, which is currently at P35, will be raised to P40 by Jan. 1, 2022.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, this will then increase by 4 percent annually.

The DOF also seeks to increase the excise tax rates for alcohol under its proposed Package 2 Plus of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program.

On the other hand, Pacquiao’s bill seeks to amend Republic Act 10351 or the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012.

Senate Bill Number 1599 increases the current unitary excise tax rate to P60 per pack from P30 per pack, and the annual excise tax to 9 percent from 4 percent.

In December last year, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III pushed for the increase in the current tobacco excise tax rates to levels that would effectively curb smoking and also help supplement funds for the Universal Health Care program.

Also on Tuesday, the Department of Energy assured the public that it has taken measures to prevent the abuse of the increase in the fuel excise tax provided under the TRAIN law.

“The Department of Energy is mandated to ensure that the pricing of oil products is carried out within the parameters of the TRAIN Law,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said in a statement.

Congress...

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“The President is a former member of Congress. He knows what happens there. He’s in the Executive, so he knows Secretary Diokno is not involved there,” Panelo told reporters.

At the Senate, Senator Panfilo Lacson said a pork-laden budget was far worse than a delayed or reenacted one.

“Scrutinizing the national budget to get rid of excessive, unconscionable, unreasonable and irregular appropriations is not playing partisan politics,” Lacson said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the Department of Budget and Management should not hold “hostage” the salary increase for government employees, calling on the agency to implement the fourth tranche of the salary adjustment immediately “The DBM does not have to wait for Congress to approve the 2019 General Appropriations Act before it implements the fourth tranche of the salary increase,” Drilon said.

The Palace said lawmakers should put aside “partisan considerations” to ensure the speedy approval of the General Appropriations Act for 2019.

“It behooves the members of Congress to steer off partisan considerations and sweep away the indifference to the plight of the citizenry and collectively focus their attention to pass the General Appropriation Bill into law for the service of the people that they have sworn to protect,” Panelo said. Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

BSP alerts...

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authenticity of the banknote, immediately called the attention of barangay officials and the Navotas City Police.

Upon inspection of the personal belongings of the suspects, counterfeit banknotes amounting to Php 58,000 were discovered, seized and turned over to the BSP. These banknotes were the subject of Facebook posts concerning the circula-

PERIMETER PATROL. Members of the Coast Guard’s Special Operation Unit patrol Manila Bay near the Quirino Grandstand where ‘pahalik’ is being held on Jan. 8, 2019, prior to the Black Nazarene procession today. Norman Cruz

CHR picks up cudgels for teachers in profiling case association.”

De Guia made her statement even as Senator Panfilo Lacson said the police should train their profiling and surveillance efforts on dishonorably discharged police and military personnel who had become guns for hire.

Lacson, who led the PNP from 1999 to 2001, cited many cases of such expelled law enforcers being tagged as suspects in recent heinous crimes.

Focusing on these “rejects” could even help solve or preempt crimes. `”The PNP should instead conduct profiling and surveillance on dishonorably discharged PNP and AFP personnel to keep track of their post-discharge activities, including their lifestyle,” Lacson said.

Police Chief Oscar Albayalde earlier sacked the police officers who “leaked” an intelligence memorandum calling for an inventory of educators belonging to a left-leaning group.

De Guia said “there is a risk that the list can be utilized to repress legitimate concerns or to silence criticisms or opponents.

“Given that this move can easily threaten the basic rights and freedoms of innocent people, we hope the PNP will completely do away with profiling and other similar methods.

“The police can start the year right by ensuring that no method and operation can compromise the basic freedoms and human dignity of any individual or group.”

orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, operating room nurses, ophthalmologists, and otorhinolaryngologists, to respond to any emergency, he said.

The Health Department has advised devotees joining the procession to bring enough drinking water to avoid dehydration and to wear comfortable clothes and protective footwear.

Devotees are also advised to bring raincoats or ponchos in case of sudden downpours, and to bring hats, fans and handkerchiefs if it becomes hot and sunny.

People on medication are asked to bring their medicines along with them especially those with chronic asthma, hypertension or diabetes. People who

are sick, pregnant, or with serious medical conditions are advised not to join the event.

Also on Tuesday, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista ordered the suspension of classes in all public and private schools at all levels today, in view of the “reported threats to the security and orderliness of the conduct” of the Traslacion.

Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar of the National Capital Region Police Office, however, said there is no “verified information” of any security threat against the Traslacion.

With Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

The final list of candidates, including those running for local positions, should be ready for the printing of official ballots by the third of this month, he said.

The Comelec’s law department earlier sought to reject the bid of 95 senatorial aspirants for lacking funds for a nationwide campaign.

The Comelec’s finance section also sought the perpetual disqualification of former senator Sergio Osmeña III for allegedly failing to submit his campaign expense reports for 2010 and 2016.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III is also facing petitions seeking his disqualification from reelection.

His detractors say he is serving his second and final term, having first assumed the post following a successful election protest in 2011, which left him with only a year and 10 months to serve.

tion of counterfeit banknotes. The images were initially posted by a private netizen on Feb. 14, 2018, and reposted on the Facebook page for SSS inquiries on May 30, 2018. Since then, the said posts have been the subject of comments from netizens on the various ways to detect fake banknotes.

On May 8, 2018, the Regional Trial Court of Navotas City found the two accused guilty under Article 167 of the Revised Penal Code, or the criminal act of counterfeiting and knowingly putting forged banknotes into circulation,

and sentenced them imprisonment of two (2) years, four (4) months and one (1) day as minimum penalty to six (6) years as maximum penalty.

Since 2010, the BSP has arrested and filed criminal cases against 133 counterfeiters in coordination with other law enforcement agencies. This led to the confiscation of various counterfeit currencies, i.e. Iraqi Dinar, Japanese Yen, Malaysian Ringgit, US Dollar, and several equipment and paraphernalia used for counterfeiting.

The New Generation Currency bank-

note series, currently in circulation, has the latest technology security features that are easily identifiable and difficult to counterfeit. The BSP advises the public to carefully feel, look and tilt their banknotes to check for these security features, as illustrated below: The BSP encourages the public to report any information on currency counterfeiting to the nearest police station or law enforcement agency, for appropriate action, or contact the Currency Management Sector for assistance at Tel. nos. 988-4833 and 926-5092.

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday slammed the Philippine National Police for claiming the profiling of the members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers was “perfectly legal.”

“As part of their sworn duty to serve and protect, the police must acknowledge and recognize that the mere act of profiling already prejudices and discriminates against the members of the concerned groups, which is a blatant violation of the basic right to equal protection of the law,” group spokeswoman Jacqueline de Guia said.

“We also reiterate that such move infringes on the rights to privacy and

‘Pahalik...

From A1

The Black Nazarene has attracted millions of devotees from Luzon to Mindanao because of its reputed healing powers.

The devotees pay homage to the Black Nazarene, believing that whoever touches the statue will be healed or be granted his prayer.

All Department of Health hospitals are on ‘Code White’ alert during the procession, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

This means there will be general and

Comelec...

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SC clears...

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The same respondents had already answered the first petition filed by the Sulu government, through Solicitor General Jose Calida.

The two petitions raised practically the same arguments against the BOL. Earlier, Calida sought the dismissal of Sulu government’s petition and argued that the BOL does not violate Section 18, Article X of the 1987 Constitution, which authorized only one Organic Act to establish the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He disputed the claim of petitioner that the assailed law should have had the approval of Sulu and other provinces under the ARMM though majority voting as separate units, saying this is not required by the Constitution.

The Solicitor General argued that the law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in July last year, which created a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, was not exactly a creation of a new autonomous region as described in the Constitution, but rather an amendment of the organic act and expansion of the territorial jurisdiction of ARMM. Calida further argued that the expansion of ARMM does not require an amendment of the Constitution since Congress only needed to amend or repeal the Organic Act on ARMM. Invoking the powers of Congress to amend and repeal statutes, the solicitor general said the Court has no power to review the BOL because the issues raised by petitioner involved political questions.

Calida also insisted that the BOL complied with the requirement for the governmental setup for an autonomous region under the relevant constitutional provision.

A group composed of the Philippine Association of Islamic Accountants and Commissioner Manuelito Luna of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission sought intervention in the case and opposed the petitions.

Lawyer Algamar Latiph also filed an intervention Tuesday in the case and supported the legality of the BOL. The BOL expands the ARMM— currently composed of Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan (except Isabela City)—to include six towns of Lanao del Norte and 39 barangays of Cotabato, and the chartered cities of Isabela and Cotabato, subject to the approval of voters.

The Commission on Elections has set the plebiscite on Jan. 21 for the ratification of the BOL. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said the forthcoming plebiscite faces critical security challenges due to the unpredictable political environment unfolding between those who support the new Bangsamoro entity and those who oppose it.

Lorenzana cited the problematic situation in Cotabato City following the recent bombing at the South Seas Mall which left two people dead and 34 injured.

Lorenzana said the problems taking place in Cotabato City developed following political differences between Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayade and aspirants for the same post Rep. Sandra Sema and Sammy Gambar, the chief of staff of the Moro IslamicLiberation Front over the BOL.

LBO vs Baldo...

From A1

suspects in the killing of Batocabe, namely: Emmanuel Rosillo, Jaywin Babor, Danilo Muella, Henry Yuzon, Gilbert Concepcion, Agaton Concepcion, Christopher Cabrera Naval and Emmanuel Judavar.

According to Perete, the LBO was issued only for purposes of monitoring the possible flight of the personalities tagged by the police in the Batocabe slay case.

Nonetheless, the Justice official admitted that the LBO cannot prevent Baldo or the others from leaving the country following the Supreme Court decision in August last year that voided the DOJ’s power to stop flight of criminal suspects through issuance of hold departure order or watchlist order.

“The LBO issued in this case conforms to the SC decision. As we earlier made clear, it is merely intended to monitor the entry and exit of its subject/s,” Perete said.

Under the new guidelines issued by the SC, the prosecutors would have to seek issuance of a precautionary hold departure order from a trial court to prevent the flight of personalities facing preliminary investigation of criminal charges.

Once criminal cases are filed in court, only then can prosecutors seek issuance of actual HDO―which prohibits the accused from leaving the country.

Police earlier filed charges of double murder and six counts of multiple frustrated murder charges against Baldo and six others.

News

Du30 orders rehab of Manila Bay P RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will issue an executive order to start the rehabilitation of the Manila Bay, Malacañang said on Tuesday after the President reportedly plans to use the multi-billion-peso road user’s tax to fund the cleanup.

Andaya threatens to file case vs.

DBM’s Diokno

By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Majority Leader and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. on Tuesday slammed Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno “for using every trick in the book to rush the Senate and the House of Representatives into approving his pet projects under the proposed 2019 national budget.”

Andaya also threatened to file a case at the Supreme Court to force Diokno to implement the salary increase by Jan. 15.

“Now, the DBM is using scare tactics, warning that a delay in the budget’s approval will affect the release of the funds for the salary hike of soldiers, policemen, teachers and civilian employees,” Andaya said in a statement.

Andaya also gave an unsolicited advice to Diokno “not make the reenacted budget as an excuse in not implementing salary increases for our civil servants.”

He said the Budget Department under Diokno has all the tools in pushing through with the salary increases this year.

“Let me refresh the good Secretary’s memory.

The first round of salary increase for uniformed personnel in 2018 happened without a specific budget for it. The increase was not included in the 2018 budget proposal.

Considering the fact that the cash budget proposal this year is the same as last year, then a reenacted budget covers the needed funding for the salary increases. The President’s decision to extend the 2018 budget under Joint Resolution 3 also gives DBM more spending authority,” Andaya said.

Duterte warned establishments along Manila Bay that he will not hesitate to order their closure if they challenge his directive.

“Whether they like it or not, all of them, including the hotels, must put water treatment there for the waste discharge or else I will shut them down,” the President said.

“Do not challenge me. If we do not have tourists, so be it. We are not going to die without them. You do something about your waste there, or we will have closed down. That’s for sure,” he added.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte and his Cabinet planned to use the revenue of the special road funds to finance the hospital needs and the clean-up of the polluted waters of Manila Bay. The Palace official said that portion of the road user’s tax, as ordered by Duterte, will also be used to fund the flood control projects of areas in Bicol gravely hit by Tropical Depression “Usman.”

“The reason why President Duterte wants the Road Board abolished is for the funds from road user’s tax be placed to the national treasury. Con-

gress will then enact another law appropriating the funds there to the specific purposes I mentioned,” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing.

Alhough the Cabinet did not lay out a specific timeline for the rehabilitation process of Boracay, Panelo said Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu hoped to finish the cleanup of the Manila Bay, including the rivers and estuaries, by the end of Duterte’s presidency.

“There is no specific. He [Cimatu] said it depends. What is important to the President is that we will cleanup this Manila Bay,” he said.

Asked if the government will warn several stakeholders and establishments operating near Manila Bay, the Palace official said: “No, we don’t have to warn them. They know the policy of the government.”

“Well, in Boracay, there are a lot of stakeholders, but it required the political will of the President and he will do it. To my mind, what is very important is finally we are going to start cleaning Manila Bay. That’s important there, we are starting it,” Panelo said.

“The policy of the government is if you violate certain regulations, then you have to pay for that.

Whatever we did in Boracay, we will apply it to all,” Panelo added.

Last month, Cimatu described the cleanup of the polluted coastal waters as a “difficult challenge.”

The DENR chief said they have divided the rehabilitation of the Manila Bay into four areas: Metro Manila and the provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, and Bataan.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

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Palace respects court decision on Trillanes case MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said that it respects the decision of the Makati court denying the appeal of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV not to open the rebellion charges against him.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the remark after the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 on Monday upheld its earlier decision to issue a warrant of arrest against the opposition senator over the Manila Peninsula siege in 2007.

“The Palace respects this decision of the trial court in finding sufficient grounds to deny Senator Trillanes’ motion for reconsideration,” Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said Trillanes “must come to grips with the criminal transgressions he committed” despite being granted liberty after posting a P200,000 bail.

“He may have succeeded in evading his accountability before the law but the law is now catching up on him,” Panelo said. PNA

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COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT

NAIA placed on alert vs. ‘African Swine Fever’

By Joel E. Zurbano and Vito Barcelo CUSTOMS agents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have intensified their campaign against the entry of pork and other meat products contaminated with African Swine Fever.

NAIA Customs chief Carmelita Talusan said the move came following a meeting conducted by her office, officials of the Bureau of Animal Industry and members of the National African Swine Fever Task Force last Monday.

BAI Director III Dr. Simeon Amurao Jr. and Task Force chairman Dr. May Magno discussed during the briefings the possible entry of pork meats and other meat products from African Swine Fever Virus affected countries namely—China, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia and Ukraine.

In September and October last year, cases of

pork meat products contamination have been recorded in Korea and Japan through dumplings and hotdogs products.

According to the BAI, the outbreak of the virus can affect the 40 million plus live hogs/pigs in the Philippines and can destroy the P2 billion worth of swine industry in the country.

To safeguard against the epidemic, BAI personnel and Port of NAIA officials initiated more briefing and information dissemination to Customs NAIA frontliners of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to strengthen the vigilance against the African Swine Fever.

Talusan said Customs personennel at the NAIA will continuously coordinate closely with other regulatory agencies to secure the borders against entry and exit of prohibited, regulated goods to protect the swine industry and livelihood in the Philippines.

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the nominations of the following officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs: Mr. Alex Garcia Chua– Chief of Mission, Class I,as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Kenya, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Burundi, Union of the Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Seychelles, Federal Republic of Somalia, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Uganda, and Republic of South Sudan, and as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human SettlementsProgramme (UNHABITAT); Ms. Leah Basinang Ruiz– Chief of Mission, Class I,as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Poland with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Ukraine, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, and the Republic of Lithuania; andMr. Raul Salavaria Hernandez– Chief of Mission, Class I,as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Turkey with concurrent jurisdiction over Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions in thirtytwo (32) copies on the above nominations to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings and any other inquiry, contact the CA Secretariat through telephone numbers 834-2713, 831-1824, 831-0527, 832-9830,834-2706 and 551-1989.

08 January 2019.

(MS-JAN. 9, 2019)

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Members of the House of Representatives mourn the passing of a former colleague

HONORABLE HOMOBONO T. CEZAR Representative, First District of Misamis Oriental 9th and 10th Congress

on Friday, 4 January 2019 at the age of 70.

His remains lie in state at the MATA Memorial Chapel, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Interment will be on Saturday, 12 January 2019 at the Gingoog Cemetery after the 8:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at the Sta. Rita Parish Church, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

We request the pious readers to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

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Best answer to Duterte’s rants never be able to understand the religious fervor that accompanies this feast. Will he continue to rant against the Church?

Certainly, the Church has faced many crises—corrupt and lecherTODAY is the day of the Traslacion. ous leaders. But the Church and the This could well be the best answer faithful are still around. *** to the President’s rants against the In an unprecedented move, and Catholic Church. Mr. Duterte always says Church leaders are hypo- throwing caution to the wind, crites because many of them com- President Duterte has come out endorsing and even campaigning for mit sexual abuses.

Of course there are rotten apples three senatorial candidates: Former PNP Chief Bato dela Rosa, former in any institution.

When I say that the Traslacion is MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, and former the best answer special assisto the Presitant Bong Go. dent’s rants, Duterte even it is because a c companied it shows very The Feast of the Go when the clearly the reBlack Nazarene shows latter filed his ligious fervor certificate of of Catholics.

Filipinos’ religious candidacy and Men, women fervor. visited Iglesia and children ni Cristo Sualike try to kiss premo Eduardo the image of the Manalo.

Black NazaThe Presirene, or at least have their towels or handkerchiefs dent’s endorsement and premature campaigning are bad enough. He touch it.

They believe prayers can move made things worse by criticizing the front runners. mountains.

Now if the three candidates don’t Call the Traslacion by any other name—fanaticism, for instance. make it, or if only one of them does, The fact remains that it shows Fili- what will this mean for the Presipinos’ strong faith in God. Just how dent? It will be a slap on his face. and why there are so many Naza- No other chief executive has so rene devotees has a history of its strongly supported senatorial canown. It was in the year 1871 when didates.

That poll survey I mentioned earthe Recoletos, an order of priests, brought the wooden image of the lier was commissioned by TolenBlack Nazarene carrying the cross tino.

Santa Banana, have we come to from Mexico. On its journey to the Philippines, a big storm hit the gal- this point? *** leon carrying the image. The men Recent surveys show that in the on the galleon prayed so hard—and true enough, the storm dissipated. big cities of Manila, Makati, and Quezon City, Joseph Estrada, Abby They considered it a miracle.

And just as the Black Nazarene Binay and Joy Belmonte are way settled first in Intramuros and ahead of their rivals.

These three have one thing in moved to the Quiapo Basilica, there have been claims of miracles. This common—they are achievers and is why devotees try very hard to performers.

For example, Estrada has restored touch the image.

Perhaps President Duterte will Turn to A5

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

I

Breaking evil customs

N AN extraordinary act of courage and defiance, two Indian women last week defied deep-seated tradition and entered the Sabarimala Hindu temple in southern Kerala state, from which girls and women of childbearing age have been barred.

The tradition of not allowing women inside the shrine is based on the belief that the temple’s deity, Lord Ayappa, is celibate, and that menstruating women should not enter because they are unclean.

But on Jan. 2, Bindu Ammini, a 40-year-old law lecturer, and Kanakadurga, a 39-year-old local government employee, defied this belief and became the first women to enter the temple since the Indian Supreme Court voted 4-1 in September 2018 to overturn the ban on women, calling it unconstitutional.

In so ruling, Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the selective ban on women was not an essential part of Hinduism, and instead a form of “religious patriarchy.” Another justice said the ban stigmatized and stereotyped women and “placed the burden of men’s celibacy” on them.

Curiously, the lone woman judge was also the lone dissenter, saying “what constitutes an essential religious practice is for the religious community to decide.”

Since the ruling, other women have tried to enter the temple only to be blocked by angry mobs.

Bindu Ammini and Kanakadurga made their first attempt on Dec. 24, and were less than a kilometer away from the temple when they encountered by a wall of protestors.

Worried about the women’s safety, the police led them away.

But the two women refused to return to their homes until the police took them to the shrine— and under the threat of a hunger strike, the authorities finally agreed.

Unfortunately, this singular act

of defiance has triggered violent protests in which at least one person has died and thousands have been arrested.

The two women have gone into hiding but remained outspoken in an interview with CNN. After national leaders, including the prime minister, cited religious prerogatives to defend the ban on women, Kanakadurga said politicians should stop opining.

Their job, she told CNN, is to end discrimination. “Politicians should obey the Supreme Court judgement and give equality to females in society.”

Bindu Ammini, the law lecturer, added: “My message to the women of India, is please break the system, and please break the evil customs.

That is the message.”

It is a message that rings true and resonates, not only in India, but anywhere that long-standing customs deny justice and equal treatment to any member of society. We can only hope that we, too have the wisdom to recognize these customs and the courage to defy them.

A valid question passports. But new data can be provided by the applicant without him or her presenting a birth certificate, right?

The issue came up in the aftermath of the scene created by Fil-Am SECRETARY of Foreign Affairs actor Tony Labrusca at the Ninoy Teddy Locsin asked a valid ques- Aquino International Airport last tion on why applicants for passport week. Labrusca allegedly shouted at renewal need to show their birth the female Bureau of Immigration agent who attended to him upon arcertificates again.

“That’s bullsh*t,” said Locsin, rival. The Fil-Am celebrity fumed using the barnyard vulgarity in his that he was only given 30 days to colorful language. He said he was stay in the country. The BI agent at puzzled by the requirement since the arrival counter explained that the person applying for a passport Fil-Ams are only given longer stay renewal is what he is and who is than 30 days if they are accompaas declared in the expired passport nied by their parents.

Secretary Locsin now wants Lawhich is a government document brusca deported for his brusque issued to him. manner with the BI agent whom Yes, indeed. Why make life difthe visitor verbally abused. Laficult anew for the applicant who brusca denied has already being disregone through spectful and the tedious has since apolprocess of seogized for the curing a birth Why make life difficult incident. certificate indeed for Filipinos who “I apologized from the Philfor letting my had already gone through ippine Statisfrustration and tics Authority? the trouble? emotion get the This is doubly better of me,” difficult for said Labrusca our Overseas who wanted a Filipino Worklonger stay to ers whose passfulfill a professional engagement port expired at their place of work in Manila. in another country in the Middle We support Secretary Locsin on East where they have to get the the matter. In fact, Labrusca should permission of their employers to go to the Philippine embassy. Do- have been put on the first plane out ing this by mail, which needs au- to show the world that even in this thentication from both ends, is a small country we do not tolerate visitors who think they can abuse bureaucratic nightmare.

Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato our people and get away with it beresponded, claiming that new data cause they are celebrities.

Celebrity? Not too many Pinoys is needed in the new e-passport beknow about Tony Labrusca until ing issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs to preclude tam- the NAIA incident where he made Turn to A5 pering and the proliferation of fake

A sweetheart deal THE contract of Changi Airport Philippines, JG Summit Holdings (Cebu Pacific), Filinvest Development Corp. and PAGSSI (Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, Inc.) to manage Clark International Airport for 25 years and their being paid more than 80 pesos for every 100 pesos of gross revenue looks to me like a sweetheart contract.

Last year, Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez raised all kinds of objections to the proposed $15-billion airport

of San Miguel Corp. in Bulakan town, Bulacan province. The DOF chief’s main objection is that the government already has an airport north of Manila, Clark, and it is worth $14 billion.

Yet, last December 2018, the right to manage that $14 billion airport was handed to North Luzon Airport Consortium—the group of Changi, Cebu Pacific, Filinvest, and PAGSSI on a silver platter, for a fee of just 18 pesos for every 100 pesos of gross revenues.

To placate critics of the deal, NLAC is now offering to spend P6 billion of its own money. Most of that money will be used to fit out (meaning partition, furnish, and equip) the new Clark Terminal Two that the government will complete by next year.

P6 billion is a pittance for the right

My math could be wrong, so I want to hear from BCDA.

to operate an airport valued at P742 billion. By the way, NLAC bagged the deal not because its offer was the best but simply because the government eliminated its rivals from the bidding, making NLAC the lone bidder. Being the lone bidder, NLAC won.

Turn to A5

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Opinion One country, two systems CROSSROADS JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ ONE country, two systems is an original political-cumadministrative arrangement formulated by China in its continuing quest to re-unify various entities including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan that the Chinese leadership claims were unhinged and colonized by other countries but which really form part of the Chinese nation.

With the turnover of Hong Kong

by Britain and Macau by Portugal, only Taiwan remains unhinged in that historic re-unification effort.

For some time during the first five-year term of the current Chinese leadership, that initiative was seemingly kept in the back burners as China worked its way establishing its standing as the second-largest economy in the world and, perhaps equally crucial, as it grappled with the residual “Democracy Movement” in Hong Kong.

Now, as the global economy slows down and China is in the throes of conf lict with the United States, by far the world’s biggest economy and the foremost military power, the Taiwan issue has, for some reason, once again resurfaced as a major agenda item (at least in 2019) in the Chinese leadership’s mind with no less than President Xi Jinping bringing the subject up in a major New Year’s Day policy speech.

In that speech which marked the 40th anniversary of, for lack of a better heading, the “Taiwan reunification initiative,” President Xi reiterated the leadership’s policy toward Taiwan.

In that speech, the Chinese President made two fundamental notions: the Taiwan issue is an internal matter as the island is and will be part of China and it will be united with the mainland through whatever peaceful means possible.

As a first step, President Xi said he will urge the early resumption of talks at the highest possible levels to work out an arrangement for the peaceful, systematic and realistic leveling up of cross-border relations. He then pointed to the developments in Hong Kong and Macau, both of which have thrived peacefully under the One China, Two Systems arrangement.

Of course, the critics will

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the city’s finances to enable him to achieve what he intends to do. The City of Manila is a picture of peace and order.

In Makati, Mayor Abby is doing what her predecessors have never done before: broken ground for a 10-kilometer subway project. This could very well be her legacy.

A sweetheart...

From A4

Assuming Clark will service 10 million passengers a year, a leap of faith from the present volume of two million passengers, and each passenger pays P500 in departure fees, NLAC will generate P5 billion a year.

Of that P5 billion, NLAC pays the government P900 million. Divide P742 billion by P900 million, you get 824 years. It will take government more than 824 years to recover its cost from its deal with the Changi, JG Summit and Filinvest group. From passenger fees, NLAC will recover itst P6 billion investments in just 18 months.

Of course, NLAC can collect rental income from concessionaires—like duty free shops, restaurants, news stands. Assume that income is another P900 million. Still, the number of years to recover P742 billion is 412 years— when every generation from today and those born in the next 14 years would have been dead.

My math could be wrong. Which is why I would want to hear from Vince

always find fault in this hybrid governance system. In Hong Kong, a good number of citizens have voiced concern over the seeming militarization of the state, creeping clamp down on dissent and even in the neglect or non-delivery of services. Whether Taiwan—which is bigger than Hong Kong in many ways—would suffer the same fate is the obvious question. That fear is magnified by the fact that the original inhabitants of Taiwan remain a force to reckon with and the present government upended the earlier Kuomintang leadership for its so-called “pro-Beijing” tendencies.

President Xi reiterated the leadership’s policy toward Taiwan.

Those issues notwithstanding, there is no question that the matter of re-unification will continue to boil over every so often considering the progress in cross-straits relations which have been achieved thus far. The better half of Taiwan’s manufacturing sector is now hosted in various parts of China while the remaining ones have had to depend in large measure to parts and components supplied by mainland companies.

Chinese tourists had been literally flooding the island before such crossings were put to a stop when the present Taiwanese leadership took over. Aside from people-to-people exchanges, there have been similar efforts at other levels specially between cultural, academic and professional organizations.

In a word, over the past 40 years since the re-unification initiative was put in place and the global community accepted the One China Policy (only a few nations still recognize Taiwan as a separate state) there has been substantial progress in cross-straits relations.

At this point, there is no question that this initiative will gain further ground. If that happens, the acceptance of the inevitable may not take long to hold. We have gone through that phase with the One China Policy and the world was better for it. Let 2019 be the year to re-ignite that effort and move on.

As for Belmonte, she is also way ahead of her competitor because of the many projects she supported and spearheaded as vice mayor. Also, the Belmonte name still carries weight among the residents of Quezon City. *** The very act of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission of making public the names of Silvestre Bello, Isidro Lapena and Leonor Oralde-Quintayo for corrup-

*** Today, January 9, is the Feast of the Black Nazarene, one of the most celebrated church events in this largely Catholic country.

The Black Nazarene (Poong Itim na Nazareno) is a life-sized image of a dark-skinned, kneeling Jesus Christ carrying the Cross enshrined in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo.

Along with the Santo Nino (The Child Jesus), the Black Nazarene is the most venerated icon in the Philippines and devotional prayers are usually celebrated every Friday at the Minor Basilica.

Legend has it that the Black Nazarene was carved by an unknown Mexican from a dark wood in the 16th century in Mexico and then transported to the Philippines in 1606. It depicts Jesus en route to his crucifixion.

When it was still enshrined at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in the old Walled City (Intramuros) the procession usually passed along another church where the Virgin Mary (Nuestra Senora del Carmen) was supposed to peep (actually a sorrowful look as if bidding Him goodbye) before the procession proceeds to its final destination.

In 1650, Pope Innocent X granted recognition to the lay Confraternity of Santo Cristo Jesús Nazareno for the promotion of the devotion to Jesus through the icon. For decades, the image was housed in several other churches aside from the San Nicolas de Tolentino before it was finally enshrined in Quiapo Church in 1787 where it has stayed since. The icon is considered miraculous and attracts homage of millions of devotees all over the country.

The image is brought out of its shrine in procession three times a year with January 9 the biggest, longest and most attended. The January 9 event known as the Traslacion procession which usually takes almost 24 hours re-enacts the image’s “solemn transfer” in 1787, to the Minor Basilica in Quiapo from its original shrine inside Intramuros.

Similar processions of the Black Nazarene have since been celebrated in other parts of the country the most visible being that in Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao.

We join the millions of devotees and the entire country in solemn praise and prayers to the Black Nazarene. May 2019 be a peaceful, blessed and prosperous year for all!

tion has in fact condemned them.

These three now have the burden of proof to show they have not violated the President’s trust and confidence.

The problem however is that PACC has yet to complete its investigation. But will the President even fire them, for that “whiff of corruption”? www.emiljurado.weebly.com

Dizon of Bases Conversion Devel- SI on the refinements and nuances of the opment Authority (BCDA), the state NLAC deal not yet known to the public. agency that is the developer of sprawling Clark, JG Summit, Filinvest, and PAGS- biznewsasia@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Enter the Pig Build, Build must not be lost, as it would be the generator of jobs and more jobs, as well as generate more interest from foreign investments to locate in our country. We have to rely on our own internal growth strategies to stay the course in a world where uncertainty COME the fifth of February, the last has become the new normal.

One other problem confronting the animal in the lunar cycle, the Pig, will take over from the Dog, whose reign economy, especially the Department in 2018 was quite tumultuous. There of Agriculture, is the fine balance were major earthquakes, tsunamis, between consumers and the farming typhoons, hurricanes, fires all over the sector that we need to implement when the quantitative restrictions on rice world.

Few countries did not have its becomes final with the tariffication law share of cataclysmic events, or major which awaits the President’s signature.

Ensuring that we have ample supply economic dislocations, the Philippines of rice for food security purposes included.

We enter 2019 with our international cannot be left to the tender mercies of airport deemed a security risk, which our rice traders alone who will likely unless corrected will affect our tourism find tariff payments still cheaper than having to buy from our less-competitive targets.

Fortunately, the new Clark palay farmers.

While there will be instant rejoicing International Airport is already under construction, and should be operational from our mostly urban consumers, by late 2020 or early 2021. The airport swinging simply from left to right will be managed by the private sector, would wreck havoc not only upon our in this case a consortium where farmers, but endanger long-term food Singapore’s Changi is to provide security as well.

This conundrum will require its world-class expertise. The local food security partners are Filinvest and JG Summit carefully-crafted Holdings, the combined financial plans, followed by more professional muscle of which guarantees that things implementation so unlike what we have experienced in will go smoothly. the rice crisis of The Clark the past year. airport expansion Taiwan could project was be looked upon done in record What will this year as some kind of time, within the bring our country, and a model, a gold first two years the rest of the world? standard even, of President when it comes to D u t e r t e ’s food production term—a major and agricultural accomplishment moder n i zat ion. considering that development plans for the airport Its land area is only some 36,000 had been neglected for years. The square kilometers—a mere 12 percent consortium’s partnership with Changi of the Philippines’ 300,000 square Airports International Pte. Ltd. which kilometers of land. But it feeds 23.5 runs the best airport in the world in million people, and exports food and Singapore assures the public that agricultural products as well.

We have 4.5 times more people, yes, Clark will be well-managed.

Speaking of gateways, DoTr also but we also have 8.4 times more land. announced its go signal for the Bulacan Yet, even as Taiwan produces surplus aerotropolis project of visionary rice and keeps as much as 120 days businessman Ramon S. Ang, and reserves at any given time, we only although the project has yet to break have 15 to 30 days buffer, and imports ground, it should be serviceable within close to 10 percent of our consumption the next five years, ensuring continuity requirements, even more when in airport capacity for NCR and the rest calamities strike the palay farming sector. of Luzon.

The Year of the Pig will also host The Year of the Pig brings good news and better hope for our long-neglected local elections in our politics-crazy country. airport system.

Election spending is supposed We doff our hats to BCDA under the young and energetic Vince Dizon, and to affect the economy, via higher to the hardworking if oft misunderstood consumption expenditures out of the DoTr Secretary Art Tugade. As Senator “katas” of corruption, or courtesy Ping Lacson once said in our Thursday of the usual “rent-seekers” in our Group luncheons, “things are now oligarchy-characterized economy.

But aside from inducing potential moving fast, and only in President inflation risks, the forthcoming Duterte’s time.”

But there are trepidations, too as the elections, while currently a ho-hum affair with outcomes quite predictable Year of the Pig unfolds.

The biggest uncertainty is in the US in both the senatorial and local races, of A, with Donald Trump’s irascible would also usher in a new crop of leadership. For starters, will he still congressional faces.

Many of the Batasan oldtimers are be around by end-2019, with all his “graduating,” and while their kin political troubles?

Would there be a workable and progeny are likely to succeed compromise in the seething trade wars them, who knows how pliant the 18th with China? Trump seems to have Congress will be during the last three back-pedaled in his mood swing over years of PRRD? First headed by the Rooster Pantaleon US troops in Syria and Afghanistan, but from now on, will US allies trust Alvarez, thence Year of the Pig-born the word of this Twitter-addicted Gloria Macapagal Arroyo since the third SONA of the Rooster president, decision maker?

Some analysts fear worse—a the 17th Congress ended the Year of the recession. That would have calamitous Dog quarrelling over pork and more effects on almost every country in the pork.

Well, enter the Pig come February 5. world, even in Ms. Universe Catriona Gray’s Philippines, whose peso may Will they have ended their pork wars by then, so we would have a budget passed yet weaken from its present state.

Still and all, the momentum on Build, for the Year of the Pig?

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a fool of himself.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia made known through the Department of Labor and Employment that it needs some 1,000 Filipino nurses for their hospitals. The pay, according to DOLE is a starting salary of P50,000, with regular increases, housing and living allowances. Air fare is also included in the job offer.

This is good news but the DFA and DOLE should make sure our people are not abused by their Arab employers. There has been a spate of mistreatment reports recently against our OFWs in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The most gruesome case was the Filipina domestic who was found dead in a basement freezer in Kuwait. There are others who work abroad in the

Middle East who regularly send home balikbayan boxes to parents and relatives. Sadly, some of them come home in coffins with harvested body organs.

The Filipino nurses being recruited by the Saudi Kingdom is a boon to their dependents at home.

It’s hard to find jobs that pay as well as the Saudi offer. But it’s a risky employment considering the perils that come with it. Working as nurses in the rural areas after graduation may not be as lucrative but our local nurses are badly needed in the provinces where hospitals and doctors are scarce in the far-f lung areas.

Perhaps our government, not just this one but the next one as well, should set up more hospitals in the rural areas as part of the Build, Build, Build program for the poor people and also so our nurses need not seek employment abroad.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House ratifies bicam report on protection of child riders

IN BRIEF Ocampo seeks dismissal of criminal raps FORMER party-list lawmaker and alleged communist leader Saturnino Ocampo has asked the Tagum City Provincial Prosecutor in Davao del Norte to dismiss the criminal charges filed against him, lamenting the complaint was part of a political persecution.

In a 15-page counter-affidavit, Ocampo said the complaint for violation of Rep Act No. 10364, or the Expanded Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, in relation to Rep. Act No. 7610 or Anti Child Abuse Law and kidnapping and failure to return a minor, was one of the many trumped-up charges filed against him since 1989.

Ocampo stressed that only one of the eight cases filed against him had prospered while he had been acquitted in the other cases.

“I am thus a veteran target of false and outrightly perjured witness testimonies as to easily detect the same in this instant complaint,” he said.

“I did not commit any crime. Hence, I humbly pray that the instant complaint be immediately dismissed for lack of probable cause and for being a clear case of political persecution,” Ocampo added.

The case arose rom the complaint filed by the Talaingod Municipal Police Station in connection with the incident last November involving minors transported from a lumad school.

In his affidavit, Ocampo denied having been actually at the school where the incident took place claiming he was left in a van which was not allowed to proceed to the school at a military checkpoint in Sitio Igang on the way to the school. Rey E. Requejo

NoCot guv condemns slay attempt KIDAPAWAN CITY—North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza on Tuesday condemned the assassination attempt Monday against Libungan town Mayor Christopher Cuan inside the town hall premises.

“The Provincial Government of North Cotabato expresses deep concern and condemns this act of violence in the strongest possible terms,” Mendoza said in a statement.

She said the attempt still happened “despite the earnest efforts of the provincial government for a peaceful and orderly Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite come January 21, 2019, in the province of North Cotabato.”

“We urge our law enforcers to take the necessary measures to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators,” Mendoza said.

Latest police investigation revealed that unidentified gunman opened fire on Cuan, also known as “Mayor Amping” at 1:20 p.m. while he was walking along the lobby of the one-story Libungan town hall.

The gunman, using a sniper rifle while aboard a parked white van outside the town hall premises, missed the mayor but hit a utility worker, who was near the town executive.

Senior Insp. Orphie Julian, Libungan town police chief, identified the injured janitor as Alejandro Catulong, 53, of Barangay Kabpangi, who sustained a bullet wound in the shoulder. PNA

By Maricel V. Cruz

TRAFFIC TRANSGRESSOR. Heavy equipment doing some digging between North Avenue and Quezon Memorial Circle near the Quezon City Hall intended for the construction of the MRT-7 has been the main cause of heavy traffic along Commonwealth Avenue. Manny Palmero

MMDA reprimands construction contractor for traffic chokepoint

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE Metro Manila Development Authority on Tuesday reprimanded the private contractor in the construction of Metro Rail Transit Line 7 for using several lanes along Elliptical Road corner North Avenue in Quezon City without prior notice which resulted in heavy traffic in the area.

MMDA general manager Jose Arturo Garcia issued a notice of violation against EEI Corp. officials who failed to coordinate with the agency when it occupied two lanes of the road for heavy equipment used in its excavation activities that troubled passing motorists.

“We were surprised about the closure of two lanes without properly informing us of the exact date of the closure. The area became a chokepoint as lanes available for the motorists narrowed,” said Garcia, who inspected the construction

works Tuesday morning.

The MMDA usually issued notices and advisories to motorists ahead of time of traffic-causing construction activities in Metro Manila that would affect them.

As a remedy, Garcia ordered EEI Corp. officials to immediately install steel plates on the two affected lanes to make them passable to motorists as soon as possible.

“We also need to put lane markings —solid yellow line to prevent motorists from swerving or changing lanes and traffic signage on merging lanes and other

SECURITY UPDATES.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana unfurls most recent developments on the peace talks between the government and rebels, terrorist attacks, Bangsamoro Organic Law and other security concerns during the New Year’s Day call of top military officials at Camp Aguinaldo.

Manny Palmero

Cimatu orders DENR execs: Be proactive ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu on Tuesday ordered Department of Environment and Natural Resources field executives to take proactive response to heavy rains.

He also directed the environment officials to open their line of communication with the local government officials and to have a strong coordination with them.

“It is therefore imperative for the DENR and its field offices to be prepared and responsive to the dangers and adverse effects of excessive rainfall,” Cimatu’s memorandum read.

The memorandum was addressed to all DENR regional executive directors, regional directors of the Environmental Management Bureau and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and provincial and community environment and natural resources officers nationwide.

To be proactive, field officials must revisit and familiarize themselves with the geohazard maps indicating flood- and landslide-prone areas, Cimatu said.

“With the use and understanding of the geohazard map, the likelihood that we will be able to proactively respond to weather disturbances like typhoon and even mere low pressure incidences causing abnormally high rainfall will be greater,” he added. Rio Araja

adjustments to be made,” said Garcia.

Garcia reiterated that private contractors should inform the MMDA of changes and movements concerning their construction activities so they can prepare traffic plans ahead of time.

“We understand that the project is under the “Build, Build, Build” program of the government which would later benefit motorists but coordination is important to minimize inconvenience to motorists,” said the MMDA official.

The MRT-7 project involves the construction of a 23-kilometer railway system with 14 stations from North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

Once the project is completed, the road component will divert northern provincial buses operation to San Jose Del Monte, thereby decongesting Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

SC orders Palace, Congress to answer petition

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has required the Malacañang and Congress to comment on the petition of seven opposition lawmakers assailing the constitutionality and validity of a third extension of martial law in Mindanao.

During the en banc session on Tuesday, SC justices also resolved to schedule the petition filed last week by the group led by Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman for oral arguments on Jan. 22 and 23.

The 15-member bench also ordered the respondents to submit their comment

within a non-extendible period of seven days from receipt of notice, SC spokesman and Court Administrator Midas Marquez said.

In their petition, Lagman and company asked the Court to declare the extension of martial law for another year or until Dec. 31, 2019 and as well as the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the southern island as unconstitutional.

The group again alleged that Resolution of Both Houses 16 that was approved in joint session last month and which granted President Rodrigo

Duterte’s request to Congress to extend martial law for a third time violated the 1987 Constitution.

The same petitioners earlier filed two petitions questioning the martial law declaration and the succeeding one-year extension, which were both dismissed by the high court in July 2017 and February last year, respectively, for lack of merit.

Lagman’s group, just like in their previous petitions, again questioned the factual bases of the third extension and insisted that public safety in Mindanao was “not imperiled” anymore because rebellion “does not exist and persist.”

Elenita Binay runs to SC to block evidence in P45-m OsMak graft case FORMER Makati City Mayor Elenita Binay has asked the Supreme Court to reverse the decision of the Sandiganbayan admitting the evidence of the prosecution in the graft and malversation cases against her in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of P45 million worth of supplies for the Ospital ng Makati.

In a 22-page petition filed Tuesday, Binay sought to reverse and set aside the earlier decision of the Sandiganbayan Third Division that dismissed her motion

to exclude several documentary evidence presented by the prosecutors.

Binay specifically assailed the resolutions of the anti-graft court dated Sept. 7, 2018 and Oct. 8, 2018, which held that her objections “refer more to the probative value than their admissibility.”

According to the former mayor, the anti-graft court committed grave abuse of discretion in admitting the evidence of the prosecution despite the lack of original and authenticated copies of the documents.

Binay said the prosecution only presented photocopies during the trial while some documents failed to be authenticated by its legal custodian, such as those presented by former Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado during his testimony.

“From the records therefore, it is undisputed that the original copies of the documents were never presented in court during trial, neither did the prosecution lay the basis for the presentation and admission of secondary evidence,” read the petition.

The wife of former Vice President Jejomar Binay was charged with two counts each of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds.

Binay was specifically accused of having a hand in the irregular purchase of hospital beds and cabinets, and dryheat sterilizers through direct contracting from Apollo Medical Equipment and Supplies and its proprietor Apollo Carreon. Rey E. Requejo

VERY soon, all motor vehicles in the country will be required to have child restraint systems to prevent serious injuries in case of accidents or sudden stops.

This, as the House of Representatives already ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the reconciled version of House Bill 6938 and Senate Bill 1971 which provide special protection of child passengers in motor vehicles.

As defined in the measure, “child” is any person aged 12 years old and below.

It defines “child restraint system” as a device approved in accordance with standards established by the measure and capable of accommodating a child occupant in a sitting or supine position.

A child restraint system is designed to diminish the risk of injury to the wearer, in the event of a collision or of abrupt deceleration of the vehicle, by limiting the child’s body.

At the House, Rep. Mariano Velarde Jr. of Buhay party-list authored HB 6938.

He said the measure hoped to ensure the safety and welfare of infants and children and prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries.

In sponsoring the bill, its authors acknowleged the need to adequately, consistently and objectively require, regulate, promote, and inform the public on the use of child restraint systems in motor vehicles.

SB 1971 is principally authored by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito.

The measure provides that it is unlawful for the driver of a covered vehicle not to properly secure at all times a child, in a child restraint system while the engine is running or transporting such child unless the child is at least 150 centimeters or 59 inches in height and is properly secured using the regular seat belt.

Moreover, no child shall be allowed to sit in a front seat of a motor vehicle with a running engine or while such child is being transported, unless the child meets the height requirement.

Any driver in violation of these provisions shall be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, P5,000 and suspension of the driver’s license for a period of one year for the third and succeeding offenses.

The Department of Trade and Industry is mandated to use standards set forth in United Nations Regulation 44 and United Nations Regulation 129, including its evolving standards and other acceptable international standards in the approval or disapproval of child restraint systems that will be manufactured, sold, distributed, and used in the Philippines.

‘Tingog’ launches 2019 boot camp TINGOG Sinirangan party-list has launched training for its local leaders to kick off the new year and in preparation for the May elections.

Tingog President Glenn Capucion laid out the principles, purpose, people, and platform of the party to guide the participants on what Tingog hopes to achieve for the Eastern Visayas and for the rest of the country.

Capucion said the party’s core advocacies were encapsulated in its motto: Pagbag-o (change), paglaum (hope), and pag-uswag (progress).

He added in this context, Tingog would “establish, promote, foster and preserve the political, legal, social and economic foundations of a truly just, free and democratic Filipino society through a three-point approach: Transformational politics, shared governance, and development of the peripheries.”

Bebot Diaz, the chief of staff of Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, said leaders of Eastern Visayas “have to work together because cooperation is important” in attaining the party’s objectives.

“Human resource is our greatest asset,” said Diaz as he assured the party of their support.

Mark Gimenez, the party chairman, also introduced the structures, segments, and strategies of Tingog.

In his speech, Gimenez reminded the party leaders to remain focused on their respective functions and goals.

Jude Acidre, the party’s second nominee, said Tingog was joining the party-list elections to continue the vision started by the late Gov. Benjamin Romualdez for Eastern Visayas in Congress by ensuring that Region VIII would get at least 4 percent of the annual national budget.

Ronald O. Reyes

Sports

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Late surge lifts James-less LA Lakers over Mavericks LOS ANGELES—Young stars Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball answered Los Angeles coach Luke Walton’s call for more fire on Monday, leading the Lakers to a 107-97 NBA victory over the Mavericks in Dallas.

Ingram scored 29 points, Ball added 21 and the Lakers erased a 13-point halftime deficit to halt a three-game skid and post just their second victory in seven games since superstar LeBron James suffered a groin injury in a Christmas Day victory over two-time defending champions Golden State.

Walton had called out Ingram and Ball after a disappointing 108-86 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.

Although the Lakers again found themselves in an early hole in Dallas, Walton said he saw more energy from the opening tip off, and when his team played smarter in the second half they were able to turn things around.

“I was actually very pleased with our competitive spirit in that first half,” Walton said. “I thought guys were giving it their all.”

Walton said he urged his players to “mentally turn it up” in the second half, and they responded by outscoring the

Wolves’ Rose sorry after ‘kill yourself’ remark NEW YORK—Former NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose apologized Monday for telling anyone who doubted his ability to “kill yourself” for thinking he wouldn’t keep playing well for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The 30-year-old guard, who took the 2011 MVP award while with Chicago, was answering a question about how he would fare in the wake of the team firing coach and president Tom Thibodeau on Sunday.

“I have a lot of confidence in myself,” Rose said. “Thibs was just the coach that believed in me. I mean, he jump-started my career again and for that I’ll always be thankful.

“But everybody that thinks that it’s going to stop, kill yourself.

It’s just not.”

Rose later tweeted an apology, insisting he didn’t truly suggest suicide or having people harm themselves.

“I messed up by using the slang term ‘kill yourself’ today in response to a question about whether I can continue to perform without coach Thibs,” Rose tweeted.

“I did not mean it literally and regret using it so I apologize.”

Rose, who played under Thibodeau with Chicago as well as the T-Wolves, was a three-time All-Star with the Bulls but multiple knee surgeries dimmed his glow before a return to form this season.

Rose has averaged 18.9 points and 4.8 assists a game for Minnesota while connecting on a careerhigh 46.2 percent of his 3-point shots.

The Timberwolves are 19-21, 11th in the Western Conference and two games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the final West playoff berth. AFP

Mavericks 32-13 in the third quarter.

“We knew that was our mistakes,” Josh Hart said of the halftime deficit. “We had a couple of offensive rebounds that we gave up that should have had, a couple of miscommunications in the first half that we cleaned up in the second half. It was a good mental game for us.”

In Milwaukee, the Bucks rallied from a 62-58 halftime deficit to beat the Utah Jazz 114-102.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points, Malcolm Brogdon added 21 and the Bucks clamped down defensively in the second half to bounce back from a loss to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.

“The big thing that stands out to me is after (allowing) 62 points in the first half to hold them to 40 in the second,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said.

“We weren’t very happy at halftime with our defense.

“The way we improved and got better in the second half gave us a chance to find a way offensively in the fourth quarter.”

Thon Maker scored a season-high 15 points off the bench for the Bucks, who trailed by three going into the fourth quarter. AFP

Brandon Ingram of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. AFP

Serena shoots for Slam history

M

ELBOURNE—Serena Williams is back in Melbourne as hot favourite to repeat her 2017 Australian Open win and claim a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam with rivals, including defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, battling health issues and poor form.

Williams won her 23rd title and seventh at Melbourne Park while eight weeks pregnant two years ago, and now attempts to match Margaret Court’s mark of 24 singles majors on the Australian’s home soil.

The 37-year-old enters the tournament ranked 16 in the world but has proved in the past that such numbers mean little to her, despite fresh memories of her meltdown in losing the US Open final to Naomi Osaka in September.

Her 2017 triumph Down Under gave Williams the outright open era record for singles majors ahead of Steffi Graf’s 22, leaving only Court’s tally of 24 titles—13 of which were earned in the amateur era before 1968—for Williams to chase.

Williams missed her first chance to match Court when losing last year’s Wimbledon final to Angelique Kerber, and said ahead of the Australian Open that she was taking nothing for granted.

“It’s something that I clearly want but

I have to be able to get there and beat a lot of good players to get it,” the American said.

Regarding the controversial final against Osaka at Flushing Meadows— when she raged against umpire Carlos Ramos who imposed three code violations, the final one resulting in the loss of a game—Williams said she had put it put behind her and intended to “move on to bigger and better things”.

Bookmakers in Australia have installed Williams as a short-priced favourite for the title with her US Open conqueror Osaka—the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam—next in the betting.

Osaka shines The 21-year-old Osaka backed up her US Open win by riding a wave of fanatical home support to reach the final of the Pan-Pacific Open in Tokyo without dropping a set.

She warmed up for Melbourne by

making the semi-finals of the Brisbane International last week, where she blamed a poor attitude for losing to Lesia Tsurenko.

“I feel like last year I did a lot of that,” she said. “I’m trying to change it more, and I think I have.”

While she is the leading light for the next generation, the world number four’s status as second favorite points to a lack of serious rivals for Williams among the more established players.

Wozniacki, ranked three, started last season by winning her first Grand Slam in Melbourne and returning to world number one, but ended it in October with the bombshell announcement that she had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

The 28-year-old Dane insists she can manage the debilitating auto-immune condition, which sometimes leaves her so exhausted she cannot raise her arms above her head.

Wozniacki proved she can still compete by winning in Beijing in October but whether she can cope with the gruelling two-week slog of a Grand Slam remains to be seen, and she was bundled out of the Auckland Classic last week in round two. AFP

Serena Williams of the US (right) leaves after a training session with her coach Patrick Mouratoglou (left) in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament.

AFP

AFP Cavaliers clinch UNTV top seed

Rod William Vasallo led PITC Global Traders to an 81-78 win over the NHA Builders in the UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Hoops Center.

ARMED Forces of the Philippines got off to a strong start and beat MalacañangPhilippine Sports Commission, 98-87, to secure the top seeding at the close of the elimination round in the 7th UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

Through the hot-shooting of former Philippine team member Boyet Bautista and Dave Cordero, the AFP Cavaliers erected a 28-16 first quarter lead and kept their level of energy until the end to finish the two-round elims with the best record of 8-1.

For the third straight time, Cordero led the two-time champions with 22 points, including eight in the payoff period that helped repel the Kamao’s uprising.

The 5’7” Bautista wound up with 19 points, while Fred Casulla added 15 points, four rebounds and two blocks.

For finishing 1-2 in the elims, AFP and Philippine National Police (7-2) advanced outright to the semis, while the Kamao slipped to No. 3.

Games Sunday (Pasig City Sports Center) 3 p.m. – Malacañang-PSC vs NHA 4:30 p.m. – Senate vs PITC

Malacañang-PSC, defending champion Senate, PITC and National Housing Authority will play a round robin in the quarterfinals starting this Sunday with the top two finishers joining the early semifinalists.

AFP’s tough defensive stand in the payoff period put to waste the 31-point explosion of former PH team pool member (2007 SEA Games) Erick dela Cuesta.

The chosen charity of the champion team in the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon will get P4 million with the runner up’s charity taking P2 million.

The PITC Global Traders wound up fifth in the annual event for public servants after outlasting the NHA Builders, 81-78, thanks to the 21-point performance of Haddi Porto.

UAAP juniors basketball beams on ABS-CBN S+A FILIPINOS can now watch the bright young stars competing in the UAAP Juniors basketball and gaze into the future of Philippine hoops as ABS-CBN S+A and sports.abs-cbn.com carry the second round games of the UAAP Season 81 Juniors Basketball tournament starting Sunday.

Firing off for this great New Year’s gift from ABS-CBN Sports is De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers, led by Henrie Subido, facing off against University of the Philippines Integrated System Junior Fighting Maroons, which has Jordi Gomez De Liano, airing on S+A at 5 p.m.

It will be followed by the potential Final Four match-up between the Nazareth School-National University Bullpups of Carl Tamayo and Gerry Abadiano and the defending champions Ateneo De Manila High School Blue Eaglets led by the towering Kai Sotto at 7 p.m.

Other young basketball stars to watch for are University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs lead man Mark Nonoy, Far Eastern University’s RJ Abarrientos, University of the East’s Shane Dichoso, and Adamson University’s Joem Sabandal.

The second round of the UAAP Juniors basketball tournament will be played in the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City starting at 9 a.m. Viewers can watch the morning games via livestreaming at sports.abs-cbn.com with the afternoon games airing on S+A. In previous seasons, S+A would only air the Finals series of UAAP Juniors, but will now expand its coverage to give the next generation of Filipino basketball heroes their much-deserved time in the limelight.

“We have lots of great players at the high school level and we would love for Filipinos to meet them as early as now.

This is a way for us to show their journey to the collegiate level and hopefully we get to inspire more of the youth today to take up the sport, be good at it, and strive for greatness,” ABS-CBN Integrated Sports head Dino Laurena said.

Juniors basketball action continues on January 16 as S+A beams the showdown between UST and NSNU LIVE at 1 pm followed by the match-up of ADMU and UE at 3 p.m.

On Jan. 20, it is AdU’s turn to showcase their skills LIVE against NSNU at 1 p.m. followed by the clash of ADMU and FEU at 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, Jan. 23 is the Battle of Katipunan as ADMU and UPIS meet at 1 pm while DLSZ faces leagueleading NSNU at 3 p.m. Jan. 27 sees UPIS being back in action against FEU at 1 p.m. with the AdU-DLSZ battle slated at 3 p.m.

For more stories and news on UAAP Juniors basketball and the bright young hoopers of the country, follow @ABSCBNSports on Twitter and Facebook or visit sports.abs-cbn.com.

For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.

Sports

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

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

Thais, Aussies boost PGT Asia cast

John Patrick Strauss fights for ball control against two Korean defenders during the Philippine Azkals’ debut game in Group C of the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup 2019. Dennis B. Mallari

Schrock: We surprised everyone

By Peter Atencio

T

HE Philippine Azkals may have absorbed a 0-1 loss to powerhouse Korean Taeguk Warriors in their debut game in Group C of the Asian Football Confederation(AFC) Asian Cup 2019 on Tuesday evening.

But still, the Azkals made an impression and sur prised many obser vers with their game in their first-ever appearance in the continental championship.

And that’s after limiting the Koreans to only one goal throughout their 90-minute showdown.

Veteran player Stephan Schrock believes so.

Davao del Norte, Iloilo, Isabela to host Batang Pinoy THE 2019 Batang Pinoy will have Davao del Norte, Isabela and Iloilo as hosts of the Mindanao, Luzon and Visayas legs.

The memorandum-of-agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission will be signed on Friday.

PSC Chairman William Ramirez is leading the formal signing together with Davao del Norte Governor Antonio del Rosario, Ilagan, Isabela Mayor Evelyn Diaz, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III and Iloilo Provincial Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. at the PSC Press Conference Room, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila.

“We are sealing this partnership with our host LGUs to ensure mutual cooperation and achieve a successful staging of Batang Pinoy from Mindanao, Visayas and to Luzon,” said Ramirez.

For this year, the PSC’s national youth sporting event for 15 years old and below is starting its first leg in Mindanao on Feb. 2 to 9 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, then in Iloilo on Feb. 23 to March 2 and Luzon from March 16 to 23 in Ilagan, Isabela.

The agency chief added that the dates for Batang Pinoy was scheduled in such a ways as “to avoid inclement weather conditions which were experienced last year.”

Baguio City and Benguet Province co-hosted the national championships of Batang Pinoy last year which saw Typhoon Ompong hurtling through the north and affecting the schedule of events and resulting to the pull-out of some delegations due to safety concerns.

“We surprised everyone, I think, with the performance tonight. They have a lot of good players, they are composed and technically, tactically much above average for Asian players. We are happy with the performance. Of course, we hoped for a draw or a win, but we couldn’t get it and we have to take it,” said Schrock.

The Azkals are now putting their

game with Korea behind are now getting ready to face China, who began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Kyrgyz Republic.

China, which is ranked no. 76 in the world, will meet the Azkals on Jan. 11.

The Korea took time in their efforts to unravel the Azkals’ defense down their opponents and had trouble when Azkals’ striker Javier Patino became a threat with his attacks.

Then, Hwang Ui-jo knocked in the only goal of the game in the 67th minute to move Korea on top of the standings with China.

The Azkals had their best chance of scoring in the first half when Daisuke Sato won possession on the halfway

line and floated an assist to Patino.

Patino’s volley almost made it, but missed following a timely save from Kim Seung-gyu.

Patino had another chance nine minutes after the restart when he forced his way free down the left and fed the ball to John-Patrick Strauss.

But Kim was around to make a comfortable save.

Azkals’ coach Sven Goran-Eriksson said they need to stay alive in their next game with China.

“Yeah, of course, it’s an extremely important game for us. Because if we lose that game, and probably if South Korea will beat Kyrgyzstan, then it’s over,” said Eriksson.

A SLEW of aces from Thailand and Australia head the crack roster of players gearing up for a fierce battle with the top local shotmakers as the Philippine Golf Tour Asia resumes next week at the Pradera Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga.

Thais Wisut Artjanawat, former PGTA Q-School topnotcher Pasavee Lertvilai, Poosit Supupramai, Thammanoon Sriroj and Namchok Tantiphokakul join last year’s runner-up Andrew Campbell and fellow Aussies Clayton Bridge, Nathan Park and Simon Viitakangas in the early roster of bidders in the $100,000 event which actually serves as the eighth leg of the second season of the newest regional circuit put up by ICTSI. Americans Sydney Chung, Dylan Jackson, Andy Kang and Lexus Keoninh, Englishmen Benjamin David, Joe Knox and George Twyman, Keisuke Takahashi of Japan, Korean Hwang Myung Chal, Spain’s Salvador Paya Vila, Peter Stojanovski of Macedonia and Manila-based Dutchman Guido Van der Valk are also in the fold, all eager to slug it out with the best of the best for a crack at the top $17,500 purse in the event firing off Jan. 16.

Jhonnel Ababa, who beat Campbell by two here last year to emerge the first PGT Asia back-to-back winner after also ruling the Eagle Ridge Invitational, banners the locals’ challenge in the 72-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Joenard Rates, who nipped Finland’s Janne Kaske on the second extra hole to top the last PGT Asia leg at Summit Point last November, also hopes to figure in the title hunt on a f lat but challenging course which puts premier on shotmaking.

Other top locals seeing action are Jay Bayron, Jerson Balasabas, Tony Lascuña and Elmer Salvador and young guns Justin Quiban, James Ryan Lam, Ira Alido and Keanu Jahns.

Exciting time, season for PBA, says Chairman Vargas

By Jeric Lopez THE Philippine Basketball Association is all ready for its coming 44th season.

With the season-opening Philippine Cup just a few days away, the PBA is excited to get the ball rolling.

For a start, the league held its pre-season press conference yesterday at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City to kick-off the lead up to the opening day.

“It’s going to be an exciting time and season for us in the PBA,” said league Chairman Ricky Vargas. “The teams have retooled. They have new line-ups and we all look forward to that.”

Firing right away, the league offers a fiery opening game this Sunday, between crowd darling Barangay Ginebra and TNT KaTropa at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan as fireworks are very much anticipated.

In a new opening-day feature, the league will first hold the annual Leo Awards to start the season as it will honor the best performer’s from last year.

Once again, San Miguel Beer ace June Mar Fajardo is expected to bag a record fifth straight Most Valuable Player win as he is the heavy favorite after leading the Beermen to their fourth straight championship in the Philippine Cup. The Gin Kings and the Tropang Texters resume their rivalry with different approaches.

Ginebra will be parading its stacked and intact roster, while TNT KaTropa presents an intriguing new core after its drastic retooling

PBA officials (from left) Siliman Sy (Governor of Blackwater), Erick Arejola (NorthPort), Rodrigo Franco (NLEX), Alfredo Panlilio (Meralco), Ricky Vargas (TNT), Atty. Mamerto Mondragon (ROS), Richard Bachmann (Alaska), PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Atty. Raymond Zorrilla (Phoenix Pulse), Demosthenes Rosales (Columbian Dyip), Rene Pardo (Magnolia), Robert Non (San Miguel), Al Francis Chua (Barangay Ginebra) flash the thumbs’ up sign. Lino Santos

in the off-season.

While Ginebra still has gunners LA Tenorio, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Joe Devance and Scottie Thompson, TNT no longer has Terrence Romeo and instead, it will present new faces in David Semerad, Michael Miranda and Brian Heruela to help Jayson Castro,

Troy Rosario and Roger Pogoy.

Last 43rd season, the three San Miguel Corporation teams took home all the three championships.

San Miguel continued to reign supreme in the Philippine Cup, Barangay Ginebra took the Commissioner’s Cup and Magnolia was back on top in the Governors’ Cup.

Pacquiao determined to repeat KO; SKY Sports airs fight EXPERTS are confident world boxing’s only eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is beyond ready to defend his WBA Welterweight title against former four-division world titleholder Adrien Broner this January 20, which will air live on SKY Sports Pay-Per-View.

After the Filipino boxer tasted his first knockout victory in years last 2018 when he fought Matthysse, Pacman (607-2, 39 knockouts) returns to the boxing capital of the world, Las Vegas, determined to replicate the feat.

Pacquaio’s consultant, Freddie Roach, and his sparring partner, unde-

against Pacquaio. He feated Australian conacknowledged that tender George Kamwinning against the bosos Jr., both believe legendary boxer will that the boxing icon be a highlight of his will be too much for career.

Broner to handle.

The fight is available Even veteran boxto all SKYcable, One ing analyst Dennis SKY, and SKYdirect Principe shared that subscribers nationwide Broner is not a threat for P949. for Pacquaio and he By subscribing to will have an easy the Pacquiao vs Broner time dispatching the Pacquiao PPV, subscribers will American boxer.

Meanwhile, Broner (33-3-1, 24 have access to the live, commercialKOs), is ready to fight his heart out free and in high or standard definition

viewing of the Pacquaio vs. Broner and a replay on the same and day right after the live event.

Call 418 0000 or your local office or visit www.mysky.com/pacman to subscribe. Subscribers of SKYcable and One SKY Fiber with HD also text PACMAN to 23662. SKYdirect postpaid subscribers can text SKY to 23668, while prepaid subscribers can text PPV BOXING <BOX ID> to 23667 (available to Globe Prepaid and TM). Meanwhile, One Sky Fiber subscribers who have no access to cable TV may avail of this same offer via SKY On Demand.

IN BRIEF

No change in PH travel advice—UK

THE United Kingdom on Tuesday clarified that its most recent travel advisory covered only Western Mindanao.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce said his country did not issue any new travel advisory to the Philippines, except for Western Mindanao.

“I wanted to clarify that the UK has not recently changed its travel advice for the Philippines. Our current guidance against all travel to Western Mindanao and all but essential travel to Eastern Mindanao and Southern Cebu has not changed since January 2017,” he said.

He said the British Embassy on December 31, 2018 merely published a factual update of a blast in Cotabato City.

“We regularly make such factual updates to our travel advice, but this is not the same as a change in the level of our advice,” Pruce said.

He added the UK keeps its travel advisory under close review, “taking into account a wide range of factors with the intention of giving British nationals the best possible guidance.”

Othel V. Campos

Uy firm pays P40.3m as PXP downpayment DENNISON Holdings Corp. led by businessman Dennis Uy fully paid an initial downpayment of P40.29 million for its subscription of shares in PXP Energy Corp., with the full payment of P4.03 billion due by March 31.

Dennison agreed in October 26 agreed to subscribe to 340 million common shares in PXP for a total subscription price of P4.03 billion.

“Following the subscription to the shares and full payment of the subscription price, Dennison shall be entitled to at least one seat in the board, to nominate the vice chairman of the board, and as well as all other rights of a shareholder,” PXP said earlier.

PXP parent Philex Mining Corp. earlier paid a 25-percent downpayment, or P770.25 million, as part of a subscription agreement involving 260 million common shares of PXP Energy Corp. at P11.85 apiece, or a total of P3.081 billion.

The total subscription of both Dennison and Philex in PXP Energy reached P7.11 billion, which the oil and gas exploration company plans to use to fund exploration projects. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business Govt sells $1.5b worth of 10-year global bonds

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Philippines successfully returned to the international capital market where it sold $1.5 billion worth of 10-year global bonds amid strong demand, the Treasury said Tuesday.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the transaction “further illustrates deepening investor confidence in the Philippines’ growth story and the Duterte administration’s ability to maintain fiscal discipline while spending big on infrastructure modernization, human capital development and social protection for the poor.”

Proceeds of the issuance will be for the government’s general purposes, including budgetary support.

National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said the issuance garnered strong support from the global fixed income inves-

tor community despite recently heightened volatilities in the global markets.

“This demonstrates strong conviction from the global investor community on the Republic’s economic fundamentals as well as the depth of the Republic’s investor outreach,” she said.

The newly-issued global bonds were priced at US Treasury spreads of T+110 bps [basis points] after an initial pricing guidance of T+130 bps. The notes will settle on Jan. 14, 2019.

It received investment grade scores from debt watchers Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings.

The Treasury said the Philippines’ global bond issue was the first among emerging markets in 2019 and “demonstrates the Republic’s ability to respond tactically to conducive market conditions to capture a favorable issuance window.”

It said that by geographical allocation, 37 percent of the bonds were allocated to Asia, 28 percent to the US and 35 percent to Europe.

The agency said that in terms of in-

vestor type, 52 percent went to asset managers, 22 percent went to banks, 14 percent went to sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and insurance and the remaining 12 percent to private banks and other types of investors.

Bank of China, J.P. Morgan and Standard Chartered Bank acted as joint global coordinators for the transaction, while Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs (Asia) Llc and UBS acted as joint bookrunners.

Moody’s said its rating for the bond issue mirrored the Philippine government’s issuer rating of “Baa2” or investment grade with a stable outlook.

“The Philippines’ Baa2 issuer rating is characterized by strong economic performance, a strengthening fiscal position and limited vulnerability to external shocks. These are balanced against per capita income and debt affordability, both of which, although improving, are structurally weaker as compared to similarly rated peers,” Moody’s said in a report.

Domestic liquidity up by 8.4% in November DOMESTIC liquidity, or the money supply circulating in the financial system, rose 8.4 percent year-on-year to about ₱11.3 trillion in November 2018, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.

The increase was slightly faster than the revised 8.3-percent expansion in the previous month. M3 increased 0.5 percent on a month-on-month seasonallyadjusted basis.

“Demand for credit remained the principal driver of money supply growth.

Domestic claims grew by 14.6 percent in November 2018 from 15.2 percent in October due mainly to the sustained growth in credit to the private sector,” the Bangko Sentral said.

“Loans for production activities continued to be driven by lending to key sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; financial and insurance activities; real estate activities; manufacturing; electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply; and construction,” it said.

Julito G. Rada

PRUDENTIAL GUARANTEE’S NEW HEAD. Prudential Guarantee, the country’s top non-life insurance company based on premium income, appoints Anton Sy as its new president and chief executive. With Sy (third from left) during a courtesy call at the Insurance Commission are (from left) presidential adviser on capital market development and Prudential Guarantee chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr., Insurance commissioner Dennis Funa and Prudential Guarantee deputy chairman Celestino Ang.

Aboitiz InfraCapital bullish on two airport proposals this year

By Darwin G. Amojelar ABOITIZ InfraCapital Inc., the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, said Tuesday it is optimistic its unsolicited offers to upgrade, operate and maintain two regional airports will start taking off toward the end of this year.

AIC chief operating officer Cosette Canilao said the company’s independent unsolicited proposals for the upgrade, operations, maintenance and expansion of Bohol-Panglao International Airport in Bohol province and Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental were on the right track.

“We were granted original proponent status by the Department of Transportation for the Bohol-Panglao on Sept. 3, 2018. We are hopeful that the govern-

ment will allow us to operate these two regional gateways this year,” she said.

AIC made some clarifications with the Transportation Department on Dec. 12 to address queries on its original unsolicited proposal for the Laguindingan Airport which was submitted on Aug. 10, 2018.

“It is not a revised offer but a response to DOTr’s requests [for additional info],” Canilao said.

She said AIC had identified an experienced international airport operator to work on the P42.7-billion project.

The company tapped design and engineering firm Arup as consultant for the technical studies and masterplan of the Laguindingan proposal.

Apart from the regional airports, AIC is also a member of the Naia Consor-

PAL expects to get new investor in first half PHILIPPINE Airlines said Tuesday it expects to close a deal with a strategic investor in the first half, as it expands routes in Asia starting April.

“We’re targeting first half of the year.

We’re talking to a possible strategic investor,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista told reporters.

The investor is expected to acquire up to 40 percent of the flag carrier. PAL tapped Morgan Stanley as financial advisor for the transaction.

The airline also announced that it was expanding operations in Asia by launching new routes to Hanoi (Vietnam), Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and New Delhi (India) from its Manila hub.

The latest expansion by PAL creates the first direct air link between the Philippines and the capital of Cambodia, expands PAL’s existing Vietnam network and re-establishes a historic link to India with immense potential for tourism development.

“Philippine Airlines’ strategic vision is to make the Philippines a true gate-

way to Asia. We are the Southeast Asian airline with the biggest and most extensive network of direct flights to the US and Canada, and thus we can be the leader in carrying North American travelers to India, Cambodia and Vietnam via our Manila hub,” Bautista said.

“We will leverage Manila’s excellent geographical location as an ideal stopover point for people flying to Southeast and South Asia from the East and West Coasts of North America,” he said.

PAL currently operates 43 weekly flights nonstop from six North American destinations: New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver.

This comprehensive network, flown

by PAL’s latest-technology Boeing 777, Airbus A350 and Airbus A330 aircraft, will generate passenger travel flows to Hanoi, Delhi, Phnom Penh and other destinations in the Asean region. PAL additionally operates seven weekly flights from the US territory of Guam.

Darwin G. Amojelar

tium which was granted OPS by the Manila International Airport Authority on Sept. 10, 2018 to rehabilitate, operate and expand the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“We are hopeful that the government will grant the consortium the notice to proceed this 2019 so that we can commence the expansion of Naia to accommodate 65 million passengers per year,” Naia Consortium spokesperson Jimbo Reverente said.

The Aboitiz Group said that to support the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program and as part of its commitment to advance the lives of Filipinos via infrastructure development, it refocused its strategy to the infrastructure priorities of the country – water and transport projects.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

B1

Meralco says electricity rates to fall P0.34 per kWh in January

By Alena Mae S. Flores ELECTRICITY rates will decline P0.3418 per kilowatt-hour in January on lower cost of power generation, according to Manila Electric Co. Meralco said the rate would translate into a reduction of P68 in monthly bill of a typical household consuming 200 kWh. Meralco said in a statement the overall January rates would decrease to P9.8385 per kWh from P10.1803 per kWh in December.

Generation charges for January dropped P0.4184 per kWh to P4.9119 per kWh from P5.3303 per kWh in December, as a result of lower charges from power supply agreements.

The power retailer said the decrease in generation charge was a result of a P1.2293-per-kWh decline in the cost of power from PSAs. Meralco sourced 40 percent of its power requirements from PSAs. “Lower PSA charges were brought about by a reduction in capacity fees as a result of the annual reconciliation of outage allowances done at the end of each year under the PSAs approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission,” Meralco public information office head Joe Zaldarriaga said.

“The early completion of annual capacity payment for Sual Unit 1, Ilijan, Pagbilao Unit 1 and Panay Energy Development Corp. resulted in savings immediately passed on to consumers by way of lower electricity rates. The capacity fees of PSAs will return to normal levels in January that will impact on February bills after the downward adjustment in December,” he said.

Meralco said charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the country’s trading floor of electricity, also declined P0.0165 per kWh with the improvement in Luzon power situation.

Demand for power in the Luzon grid decreased by 101 MW in December.

The cost of power from independent power producers went up by P0.0847 per kWh because of the peso depreciation, as about 92 percent of IPP charges were dollar-denominated.

Okada Manila positive on backdoor listing despite case against founder

By Jenniffer B. Austria JAPANESE gaming company Universal Entertainment Corp. said the indictment and the issuance of warrant of arrest against former chairman Kazuo Okada will have “no impact” on the operations of Okada Manila, its integrated casino resort operated by unit Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. Universal Entertainment said in a statement posted on its website the legal cases faced by Okada would have no bearing on the planned backdoor listing of Okada Manila through Asiabest Group International Inc. The Japanese firm said Okada and Takahiro Usui were dismissed as direc-

tors of TRLEI on June 16, 2017. It said Okada also resigned as board director on June 29, 2017.

“As such, the facts surrounding this indictment of Okada and Usui and the issuance of a warrant for their arrest will have no impact whatsoever on the going concern of ‘Okada Manila’, the integrated casino in the Philippines’ Manila Bay area operated by TRLEI,” Universal Entertainment said.

“Moreover, said facts will also have no impact on the acquisition of shares of Asiabest Group International Inc. by Tiger Resort Asia Limited or on the associated takeover bid,” it said.

Okada was accused of receiving $3.1 million in compensation without authorization from the board of TRLEI. Philippine Airlines executives hold a ceremonial toast as they announce the launching of new Asian routes to New Delhi, Hanoi and Phnom Penh in the first half of 2019.

Shown (from left) are PAL vice president for marketing Ria Domingo, senior vice president for operations Ismael Augusto Gozon, chief commercial adviser Bernard Francis, president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista, vice president for corporate communications Josen Perez de Tagle and vice president for sales Ryan Uy. Lino Santos

B2

Business

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market ends rally on profit taking T HE stock market fell Tuesday to snap a four-day rally, with investors opting to take quick profits on issues that considerably gained in recent days.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 85.54 points, or 1.1 percent, to 7,702.12 on a value turnover of P6 billion Losers overwhelmed gainers, 118 to 69, with 44 issues unchanged.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. declined 2.8 percent to P970, while property unit Ayala Land Inc. slipped 2 percent to P43.90.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, electricity and water distribution, power generation

and hospitals, lost 2.5 percent to P4.63, while SM Prime Holdings Inc., the property unit of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr., fell 2.3 percent to P38.05.

The rest of Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday with a little more optimism in the air than in recent weeks as China and the US hold trade talks and the Federal Reserve flags a more dovish stance.

Wall Street provided another positive lead, extending Friday’s surge, with Chinese monetary easing at the weekend adding to the buying sentiment.

Hong Kong, which jumped almost three percent over the previous two days, added 0.2 percent while Tokyo finished up 0.8 percent and Sydney added 0.7 percent.

Singapore added 0.4 percent while Wellington and Mumbai rose but Shanghai fell 0.3 percent, Seoul was off 0.6 percent and Taipei also slipped 0.3 percent.

Focus is now on Beijing, where Chinese and American officials were holding a second day of discussions aimed at resolving their almost year-old trade row.

While there is little expectation this week for a full agreement on the issue, which has seen the two sides exchange tariffs on goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars, there are hopes they can make some headway.

News that top economic negotiator and Vice Premier Liu He was also attending the talks provided some extra support, after US President Donald Trump on Friday said he thought a deal could be done, a sentiment shared by his Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

“While we don’t expect a full resolution in trade tension between China and the US in the foreseeable future, small steps in progress are likely to be taken favorably by investors,” said Tai Hui,

chief market strategist for Asia-Pacific at JP Morgan Asset Management.

“The latest positive signals from the Trump administration of prospects of reaching some form of agreement and Vice Premier Liu He attending the negotiations should continue to cheer the market in the near term.”

While the mood is somewhat happier than last month, analysts were a little worried by Samsung’s forecast of a near-30 percent drop in operating profit for the December quarter.

The South Korean behemoth cited “lackluster demand in the memory business and intensifying competition in the smartphone business,” fanning worries about the wider technology sector.

Its US rival Apple sent shudders through markets last week when it warned of a bigger-than-expected drop in revenues owing to falling Chinese demand and highlighting the impact of the trade war. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.5 16,790 91.8 1,463,860 2.1 129,000 129 1,315,420 1.51 278,000 27.75 66,000 16.2 1,300 12.7 1,203,300 4.5 141,000 1.47 7,000 775 100 0.47 140,000 80.75 3,745,570 0.95 1,187,000 12.7 1,300 44 95,800 179.3 170 58.3 4,930 29 101,800 163.5 1,099,530 1,802 30 64.35 16,070 1.17 6,000

991,150 135,137,362 273,670 170,497,703 406,110 1,833,965 21,060 15,247,540 629,990 10,140 77,500 65,950 303,320,851.50 1,125,190 16,548 4,195,955 30,463 288,758.50 2,981,525 179,932,997 54,060 1,033,969 7,020

401,150 -36,363,209.50 1,312,368 1,440 -516,920 -3,946,830 77,500 14,233,754 272,760 29,675 -14,695 -606,460 -947,725 -

35 16.64 1.06 1.27 0.249 92 2 15.6 150.2 30.7 39.1 78 1.77 6.51 6.46 11.2 15 8.2 7.2 19.98 66.55 25 2 5.79 11.34 1.87 316 4.28 26.65 10.9 18.02 382 0.174 5.75 1.38 3.65 7.68 5.6 10.64 47.5 5.9 4.65 1.94 2.85 1.47 12.22 82.9 6.06 0.125 0.86 129.5 1.88 1.6

INDUSTRIAL 35 624,900 16.84 312,200 1.14 18,060,000 1.31 158,000 0.249 440,000 92 280 2.14 32,844,000 15.6 820,700 159.9 7,040 30.7 178,100 39.1 1,500 78 10 1.79 36,000 6.56 14,300 6.5 14,000 11.28 3,434,400 15 232,700 8.22 428,700 7.5 1,005,400 20.3 1,697,500 67.5 31,500 25 26,300 2.05 4,507,000 5.8 332,200 11.46 1,096,100 1.9 1,134,000 321 623,090 4.28 44,000 26.95 52,400 10.98 275,500 18.02 2,086,500 382 142,450 0.175 70,000 5.8 15,900 1.38 3,438,000 3.71 142,000 7.69 3,102,500 5.78 145,300 10.8 48,400 47.55 407,600 5.9 4,600 4.74 13,011,000 1.98 93,000 2.85 1,000 1.55 253,000 12.3 171,500 83.1 298,720 6.23 350,700 0.126 490,000 0.88 71,000 130 1,710,720 1.9 3,316,000 1.64 3,762,000

22,124,855 5,250,066 20,360,310 205,530 109,620 25,760 68,257,380 12,935,236 1,250,180 5,522,135 58,665 780 64,250 93,438 90,896 38,851,980 3,507,122 3,598,584 7,511,389 34,472,694 2,118,783.50 659,765 9,247,670 1,925,655 12,575,292 2,169,030 198,674,214 188,630 1,413,165 3,027,422 37,682,936 54,660,844 12,220 91,720 4,791,720 526,470 23,977,264 836,586 517,684 19,478,000 27,518 61,606,430 183,020 2,850 382,330 2,111,528 24,840,471.50 2,157,736 61,730 62,030 222,373,222 6,295,130 6,134,490

-4,757,215 1,048,672 -160,100 -20,912,190 -1,683,498 -2,883,900 60,670 16,150 15,515,780 160,536 -501,319 1,366,992 3,799,812 -518,783.50 -35,510 862,720.00 -1,395,270 4,447,026 -142,350 46,693,834 -304,435 -515,930 -29,699,312.00 6,621,286 -372,160.00 -7,420 -9,767,024 10,700 -9,137,900 0 29,850 38,000 -101,228 -5,958,483 -32,822 -110,874,151 -113,740 -535,430

0.72 58.6 11.9 0.83 6.5 28.15 1.47 1.44 994 7.18 12.68 13.4 1,000 5.9 60.45 5.56 0.61 4.69 16.1 0.62 4.81 0.038 1.23 2.66 148.7 955.5 1.45 484 250 0.265

0.7 57.2 11.76 0.8 6.5 26.7 1.43 1.44 957 7.08 12.5 12.5 961.5 5.9 59.15 5.56 0.58 4.35 15.8 0.59 4.62 0.038 1.18 2.46 146.4 932 1.34 450 238.2 0.248

HOLDING FIRMS 0.7 19,443,000 57.2 819,970 11.78 9,119,900 0.83 501,000 6.5 50,400 28.15 110,300 1.43 4,142,000 1.44 38,000 970 307,810 7.11 1,691,000 12.5 4,704,300 13.1 611,100 961.5 42,010 5.9 10,000 59.95 1,311,370 5.56 500 0.59 232,000 4.56 11,026,000 15.8 5,205,900 0.61 151,000 4.63 29,741,000 0.038 700,000 1.19 190,000 2.54 2,643,000 146.5 1,188,620 938 226,340 1.4 1,044,000 484 110 250 1,520 0.248 7,670,000

13,720,290 47,004,339 107,662,290 407,460 327,600 3,041,445 5,953,210 54,720 298,600,815 12,063,663 58,964,258 7,903,530 41,221,800 59,000 78,564,400.50 2,780 140,190 50,283,420 82,780,398 89,470 138,570,860 26,600 224,460 6,792,920 175,311,008 212,342,825 1,455,530 52,900 379,028 1,918,420

77,020 15,430,786 -30,062,660 327,600 -32,845 -55,705,920 7,975,777 -15,373,038 2,525,626 -6,840,125 59,000 20,107,128 600 15,942,340 2,019,750 -38,591,300 159,520 -7,861,151 -41,106,010 -34,750 2,398 -

8.58 0.84 11.7 1.75 1.02 44.8 2.43 4.35 6.5 0.445 0.93 0.255 0.37 7.99 21.35 0.48 0.111 1.47 1.2 4.97 0.485 0.475 2.29

8.37 0.82 11.7 1.74 0.95 43.5 2.38 4.18 5.9 0.435 0.89 0.247 0.37 7.92 20.15 0.48 0.111 1.43 1.17 4.92 0.465 0.46 2.24

6,017,993 1,121,090 4,680 15,670 8,223,490 487,546,380 3,737,550 1,366,700 81,983 1,871,100 3,600 2,610,020 3,700 673,271 30,833,685 110,400 4,440 24,284,750 1,640,790 155,220,480 11,231,100 231,300 5,337,850

-457,093 86,100 28,800 99,860,800 -722,530 -821,800 -17,600 20,400 11,985 -1,164,165 2,026,440 -63,380 52,032,190 43,700 -29,270

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

59 94.7 2.18 130 1.44 27.8 16.2 12.7 4.44 1.44 775 0.47 83.35 0.95 12.88 44.15 179.5 59.6 29.5 164 1,802 64.5 1.17

59.5 94.7 2.18 131 1.52 27.9 16.2 12.82 4.5 1.47 775 0.485 83.85 0.97 12.88 44.15 179.5 59.7 29.5 166 1,802 65 1.17

59 91.8 2.1 129 1.43 27.7 16.2 12.54 4.41 1.44 775 0.47 79.7 0.94 12.7 43.45 179.1 57.9 29 162.8 1,802 64.3 1.17

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

36 16.8 1.1 1.31 0.25 92 2.02 15.78 170 31.3 39.15 78 1.77 6.76 6.46 11.34 15.12 8.36 7.36 20.6 67.5 25 2.11 5.8 11.5 1.96 323 4.29 26.9 11 18.26 388 0.174 5.75 1.41 3.65 7.81 5.78 10.78 48 5.99 4.65 1.99 2.85 1.54 12.34 82.95 6.08 0.125 0.89 131 1.88 1.62

36 16.88 1.16 1.32 0.25 92 2.14 15.78 209.4 31.65 39.15 78 1.79 6.76 6.5 11.38 15.12 8.52 7.55 20.7 67.5 26.65 2.11 5.8 11.64 1.96 323 4.29 27.5 11.14 18.26 388 0.175 5.8 1.44 3.72 7.89 5.8 10.8 48 5.99 4.74 1.99 2.85 1.55 12.36 83.6 6.24 0.126 0.89 131.3 1.94 1.66

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

0.72 58 11.8 0.81 6.5 28.1 1.47 1.44 994 7.18 12.64 13.4 987 5.9 60.45 5.56 0.6 4.36 16.04 0.59 4.79 0.038 1.18 2.51 148 944 1.34 450 249.8 0.255

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

8.57 0.82 11.7 1.75 1 44.8 2.43 4.3 6.5 0.445 0.89 0.247 0.37 7.99 21 0.48 0.111 1.47 1.2 4.95 0.485 0.47 2.28

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.43 3.55 21.6 2.02 3.16 38.5 1.41 5.75 0.73 5.69

0.435 3.56 21.7 2.03 3.16 38.9 1.44 6.19 0.73 5.69

0.43 3.53 21.15 2.01 3.12 37.8 1.36 5.66 0.73 5.55

0.435 3.56 21.25 2.01 3.12 38.05 1.4 5.93 0.73 5.65

790,000 409,000 806,900 172,000 45,000 6,298,000 2,442,000 1,787,500 100,000 3,847,100

342,350 1,449,470 17,208,120 347,030 140,500 240,527,305 3,391,150 10,639,382 73,000 21,610,289

9,860,030 52,310.00 110,087,070 -82,800 3,045 -2,835,509

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

14.06 21.05 1.37 0.425 0.041 14.98 3.45 10.1 79.5 7.7 7.05 7.4 14.9 1,880 5.65 322.6 11.04 3.25 101 7.16 0.127 6.49 3.4 14.86 3.47 0.84 18.44 0.345 2.63 2 2.24 16.44 4.1 9.99 8.7 3.4 122 3.59 1,162 0.86 0.325 49 87 7.62 2.54 0.79 0.45 5.38 0.79 14

15.48 21.95 1.38 0.425 0.041 14.98 3.52 10.14 79.5 7.7 7.05 7.4 21.8 1,899 5.65 327 11.04 3.27 101.5 7.94 0.139 6.49 3.4 14.88 3.6 0.86 18.46 0.345 2.8 2.37 2.4 18 4.3 9.99 8.7 3.54 122 3.63 1,177 0.87 0.33 49.05 88 7.8 2.54 0.8 0.455 5.39 0.79 14

14 21.05 1.35 0.41 0.039 14.98 3.34 9.86 78 7.7 6.79 7.4 14.48 1,860 5.6 320 11.04 3.15 98.8 7 0.124 6.15 3.38 14.02 3.47 0.84 18.24 0.345 2.63 2 2.24 16.44 3.82 9.76 8.65 3.38 121.9 3.44 1,140 0.84 0.325 48.5 84.8 7.62 2.42 0.74 0.445 5.36 0.76 13.66

SERVICES 15.02 21.5 1.37 0.41 0.039 14.98 3.45 10 78 7.7 6.82 7.4 18.88 1,860 5.6 327 11.04 3.26 98.9 7.3 0.135 6.21 3.39 14.88 3.55 0.86 18.26 0.345 2.69 2.15 2.37 18 3.92 9.76 8.65 3.54 121.9 3.45 1,140 0.85 0.33 48.75 84.8 7.8 2.43 0.75 0.45 5.36 0.78 13.74

592,800 182,000 85,000 550,000 6,600,000 200 2,740,000 7,289,200 91,650 300 1,918,800 5,000 2,898,900 30,960 108,400 2,420 20,000 1,493,000 1,138,070 27,100 42,520,000 13,354,700 50,000 18,800 1,619,000 522,000 1,417,800 50,000 5,607,000 2,112,000 60,000 900 14,027,000 5,800 2,800 3,000 368,420 1,464,000 42,255 12,139,000 150,000 9,708,900 1,160,620 801,000 4,586,000 21,826,000 14,130,000 16,500 3,298,000 4,539,900

8,825,942 3,916,595 115,510 228,650 260,500 2,996 9,476,870 72,936,351 7,180,342 2,310 13,221,897 37,000 55,750,519 57,819,320 608,367 786,004 220,800 4,790,520 113,363,272 195,638 5,677,650 83,975,083 169,530 277,276 5,738,830 445,180 25,967,960 17,250 15,212,800 4,660,500 140,240 15,344 56,640,780 57,022 24,237 10,320 44,947,230 5,149,810 48,524,835 10,366,700 49,200 473,416,180 101,118,554 6,185,608 11,308,110 16,782,160 6,347,250 88,751 2,550,680 62,887,884

-150,668 83,000 -713,650 -1,915,475.00 1,964,249 -13,436 269,620 -10,060,695 -48,600 887,140 -7,221,711.50 -20,400 -3,447,344 -685,220 15,354,180 1,596,810 -11,200 998,460 19,510 -282,550 -2,034,860 143,581,505 38,669,885 2,368,690.00 -2,919,150 -281,900 38,865,306

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

0.002 1.68 2.7 15.9 2.09 7.88 1.69 0.118 0.125 0.0069 1.27 2.42 1.1 0.65 1.03 0.012 0.012 4.1 15.84 24.95 0.0076

0.0021 1.69 2.75 15.9 2.12 7.88 1.69 0.123 0.13 0.0069 1.28 2.45 1.11 0.66 1.03 0.012 0.013 4.1 16 25.1 0.0081

0.002 1.67 2.68 14.72 2.06 7.52 1.68 0.116 0.124 0.0069 1.25 2.35 1.06 0.62 0.97 0.012 0.012 3.96 15.58 24.3 0.007

MINING & OIL 0.002 411,000,000 1.68 846,000 2.7 27,000 15.5 9,200 2.12 805,000 7.86 1,100 1.68 460,000 0.118 9,180,000 0.126 1,670,000 0.0069 2,000,000 1.27 118,000 2.35 4,441,000 1.1 122,000 0.66 2,600,000 0.98 384,000 0.012 54,400,000 0.012 98,200,000 4.01 3,581,000 15.66 1,058,600 24.4 734,400 0.0077 57,000,000

822,500 1,420,450 72,710 142,414 1,668,820 8,343 776,210 1,089,560 208,800 13,800 149,450 10,589,230 130,760 1,689,000 378,610 652,800 1,179,200 14,351,210 16,681,566 18,053,790 435,700

-15,130 -8,100 10,350 -45,360 9,940 -1,210,110 24,000 676,470 -564,434 -356,920 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G FPH PREF C GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D

19.02 464.8 499 96.5 104 466 860 834 1.01 100.5 980 1,002 971 75.05 77.2 73.8

19.5 464.8 499 96.5 104.8 466 860 834 1.01 100.5 980 1,002 971 75.05 77.2 73.9

19 464.8 499 96.5 103.9 455 860 834 1 100.5 980 1,002 970 75 76 73.8

PREFERRED 19.4 53,300 464.8 20 499 30 96.5 1,460 104.8 2,720 455 2,290 860 830 834 70 1 851,000 100.5 120 980 750 1,002 10 971 5,550 75 2,520 76.1 2,800 73.9 1,300

1,032,882 9,296 14,970 140,890 284,402 1,050,500 713,800 58,380 852,240 12,060 735,000 10,020 5,388,570 189,018.50 213,530 96,051.50

-912,410 -

LR WARRANT

2.08

2.16

2.06

WARRANTS 2.1 309,000

647,290

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.63 1.8

5.63 1.84

5.33 1.77

5.37 1.8

6,018,624 10,663,770

-448,290

FIRST METRO ETF

116

116.1

114.9

1,013,622

-

USD DMPL A1

10.1

10.1

10.1

51,510

-51,510

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 8.5 0.84 11.7 1.74 0.96 43.9 2.38 4.3 6.43 0.44 0.93 0.249 0.37 7.99 20.4 0.48 0.111 1.43 1.17 4.95 0.47 0.46 2.24

710,400 1,358,000 400 9,000 8,458,000 11,078,100 1,562,000 319,000 13,700 4,250,000 4,000 10,410,000 10,000 84,400 1,500,800 230,000 40,000 16,914,000 1,393,000 31,352,000 23,650,000 490,000 2,362,000

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES

11,394,882

INDUSTRIAL

101,724,255

HOLDING FIRMS

108,098,309

PROPERTY

137,661,320

SERVICES

184,682,162

MINING & OIL

649,473,360

GRAND TOTAL

1,200,074,806

SME

1,105,300 5,925,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 114.9 8,810 10.1

DDS

5,100

VALUE 1,773.41 (down) 16.39 879,683,018.73 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,308.17 (down) 50.65 979,080,051.33 HOLDING FIRMS 7,579.23 (down) 68.88 1,397,723,039.66 PROPERTY 3,870.61 (down) 69.14 SERVICES 1,482.02 (down) 13.42 1,236,218,978.89 MINING & OIL 8,779.25 (down) 121.73 1,451,485,788.61 PSEI 7,702.12 (down) 85.54 70,542,112.1586 All Shares Index 4,634.17 (down) 37.80 6,032,433,907.27 Gainers: 69; Losers: 118; Unchanged: 44; Total: 231

Phoenix okays sale of shares worth P5b

By Alena Mae S. Flores SHAREHOLDERS of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines approved the issuance of perpetual preferred shares of up to P5 billion at P1,000 apiece to refinance short-term loans and capital expenditures.

The Phoenix board also approved the appointment of BPI Capital Corp. and RCBC Capital Corp. as joint issue managers, underwriters and book runners.

The company registered a net income after tax of P1.32 billion in the first nine months of 2018, down slightly from P1.437 billion on year.

Phoenix’s net income attributable to parent equity holder was also lower by 32 percent to P1.171 billion from P1.29 billion on year.

Net income after tax for the third quarter fell to P350 million from P826.6 million a year ago.

“In this highly dynamic operating environment, we continue to recognize opportunities. We are broadening our products and services—fuels, LPG, convenience stores, payments, and soon, asphalt—developing credible and compelling offers that create value for our consumers, partners, and shareholders,” said Phoenix Petroleum chief operating officer Henry Albert Fadullon.

The company’s market share reamined at 7.1 percent based on the Department of Energy report as of the first half of 2018.

Revenues doubled to P64.963 billion in the first nine months from P32.556 billion on year, as the volume of petroleum products sold jumped 51 percent on year to a record-high of 2.02 billion liters.

The revenues, however, were offset by the rise in benchmark crude as well as the imposition of the new excise tax rates starting in January lat year.

Phoenix said its domestic business increased volume 12 percent, driven by fuels and liquefied petroleum gas, which rose by 11 percent and 23 percent, respectively. Breaking barriers and opening new markets for Phoenix, trading operations at PNX Petroleum Singapore Pte Ltd. added more than 500 million liters, accounting for over a quarter of consolidated volume sales.

Post-acquisition, the convenience store retailing business, through Philippine FamilyMart CVS Inc., has expanded average daily sales by 21 percent.

Gross expenses rose to P62.71 billion from P31 billion in the same period last year as the company pursued several acquisitions.

Filinvest’s power unit, Apex renew supply agreement FDC Misamis Power Corp. of the Gotianun Group and Apex Mining Corp. renewed their electric power purchase agreement covering five megawatts for another five years.

FDC Misamis, a wholly-owned unit of FDC Utilities, Inc., a unit of Filinvest Development Corp., will remain the exclusive power supplier of Apex Mining in its processing plant in Masara, Maco, Compostela Valley province.

“Our first two years with Apex Mining has been a very good experience and we are very happy to renew this power supply agreement with Apex. We are proud to be the provider of Apex Mining as we deliver reliable and of course cheap source of power, so more years to go for Apex and FDC Misamis,” said FDC Misamis president and chief executive officer Juan Eugenio Roxas.

The new power agreement took effect on December 26, 2018 and and ends in 2023.

FDC Misamis, operator of the 3x135MW coal thermal plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental province, will provide Apex Mining 4 MW of power supply in the first two years, from 2019 to 2020.

The supply will increase to 5 MW in 2021 to 2023.

FDC Misamis, one of Mindanao’s biggest power generators, has been the supplier of Apex Mining since the former started commercial operations in 2016 under a two-year, 3-MW power deal that ended late December last year.

“The decision of Apex Mining in renewing their power contract with us is a clear manifestation that the said company has both the trust and confidence with FDC Misamis. We, therefore, value their trust and we assure not just Apex Mining but the rest of our customers in Mindanao that we will continue to better our service in delivering not just reliable but likewise affordable power to all Mindanaoans,” Roxas said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

World

B3

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

28 suspects to go on trial over Russian envoy’s killing

CELEBRATION. Belarusian villagers celebrate the Christmas carol rite (Kalyady) in the village of Lyubki some 120 kilometers from Minsk late on January 7, 2019. Villagers walk from house to house singing, dancing, eating and drinking with their neighbors. AFP

ANKARA-Twenty eight suspects were due to go on trial Tuesday over the assassination of the Russian ambassador two years ago, including a US-based Muslim preacher blamed by Ankara for a failed coup the same year.

Andrei Karlov, 62, was shot dead by an off-duty Turkish policeman at a photo exhibition in Ankara on December 19, 2016, in a shock attack that was captured on camera by photographers attending the event.

The 22-year-old gunman, Mevlut Mert Altintas, shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) and “Don’t forget Aleppo”, vowing that those responsible for events in Syria would be held accountable.

Altintas was killed shortly after by members of the Turkish special forces.

The Ankara prosecutor has charged 16 of the suspects with “premeditated murder with the intention of causing terror”, according to the indictment.

The other 12 were charged with “being a member of a terror organisation”.

Thirteen are currently in pre-trial detention, while it is prosecuting others in

Trump ramps up Mexico wall row with speech, border visit

W

ASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump was set Tuesday to deliver a primetime address to the nation on immigration as he pushed for a showdown in his battle for a controversial US-Mexico border wall.

Trump’s plans for a national address at 9:00 pm (0200 GMT Wednesday) and a trip to the actual border Thursday raise the stakes in the row with congressional Democrats refusing to fund his wall project. The stalemate has led to a partial government shutdown now in its third week.

Democratic leaders responded to

Trump’s planned speech by calling for equal airtime to rebut the president’s “malice and misinformation,” though it is not yet clear how major networks will respond.

The events—giving Trump the national stage against two very different backdrops—give him a chance to try to seize the narrative.

They also follow his threats to bypass Congress by invoking emergency powers to order wall construction.

Those powers would in theory allow Trump to seek alternative funding for the wall and possibly free him to reopen parts of the federal government shut down as part of his row with Congress.

However, opponents would almost certainly accuse him of presidential overreach and respond with court challenges.

So far the White House has given no heads up regarding the details of Trump’s message.

Trump simply tweeted that his address from the Oval Office on Tuesday will cover “the Humanitarian and National Security crisis on our Southern Border.”

Thursday’s trip, his spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said, will be to “the frontlines of the national security and humanitarian crisis.” The exact destination was not made public.

“President Trump keeps rejecting the bipartisan House-passed bills, which have already received strong bipartisan support in the Senate, to re-open the government,” said a joint statement by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

“Now that the television networks have decided to air the President’s address, which if his past statements are any indication will be full of malice and misinformation, Democrats must immediately be given

equal airtime,” they added.

Trump has made building a wall the central theme of his nationalist domestic policies.

He paints the Mexico border as an open gate for criminals, including rapists, terrorists, people with dangerous diseases and phony asylum seekers.

The border has indeed for years seen significant numbers of illegal immigrants and a thriving drug trade. However, fact checkers have debunked the more hair-raising claims, including regarding terrorist threats.

Most recently, Sanders claimed on Sunday in an interview on the usually Trump-friendly Fox News channel that “nearly 4,000 known or suspected terrorists come into our country illegally.”

However, the interviewer immediately called her out, citing the government’s own information that none of those individuals arrived across the southern border. AFP

Trump adviser to discuss US pullout in Syria ANKARA―The White House’s National Security adviser will meet with Ankara officials on Tuesday to discuss the surprise withdrawal of US troops from Syria, as the Turkish president hailed the pullout as “the right call”.

As both sides prepared for the talks in Ankara, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was “the only country with the power and commitment” to stabilise Syria after the US pullout, in an opinion column published in the New York Times Tuesday.

“President Trump made the right call to withdraw from Syria,” he added, outlining Turkey’s “comprehensive strategy” to eliminate the causes of radicalization in the war-torn country.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton is due to discuss with Turkish officials how the planned withdrawal would take place, President Erdogan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said last week.

He will be joined during his visit by General Joseph Dunford, the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the anti-Islamic State group envoy James Jeffrey.

When Trump first announced the pullout of 2,000 ground troops on December 19, Ankara was a lonely voice among NATO allies welcoming the decision.

Erdogan has previously promised Trump that Turkey could finish off the remnants of IS in Syria.

“A military victory against the terrorist group is a mere first step,” he said in the New York Times, warning against premature declarations of victory.

There were tensions ahead of the talks after Bolton on Sunday cited conditions such as safety guarantees for Kurds before the US withdrawal.

Ankara immediately hit back at his “irrational” claim that Turkey would target Kurds.

After Bolton landed in Ankara on Monday, Trump said the fight against IS was not over and that the withdrawal would be done in a “prudent” manner. AFP

absentia.

Those not in Turkey include Fethullah Gulen, a US-based Islamic preacher seen as an arch foe of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and who Ankara blames for the July 2016 coup attempt.

Gulen has denied links to both the failed coup and the murder.

Turkish officials have alleged that Gulen’s movement organised the murder of Karlov, a married father-of-one, to sow “chaos”.

Turkey refers to the organisation as the “Fetullah Terrorist Organization” but followers say it is peaceful, promoting secular education.

Another of the suspects named is Serif Ali Tekalan, who headed a university linked to Gulen in Istanbul and now heads the Texas-based North American University.

The prosecutor is seeking a variety of penalties for the suspects, including aggravated life sentences, which have replaced the death penalty in Turkey and carry harsher conditions than normal life imprisonment convictions. AFP

IN BRIEF Iguanas reintroduced to Galapagos island QUITO―A group of more than 1,400 iguanas have been reintroduced to an Ecuadoran island in the Galapagos archipelago around two centuries after they disappeared from there, authorities said on Monday.

The Galapagos land iguanas from North Seymour Island were freed onto Santiago Island as part of an ecological restoration program, the National Galapagos Park authority said in a statement.

The last recorded sighting of iguanas in Santiago Island had been made

by British naturalist Charles Darwin in 1835.

“Almost two centuries later, this ecosystem will once again count on this species through the restoration initiative,” said the park authority.

Its director, Jorge Carrion, said the iguanas became extinct due to the introduction of predators such as the feral pig, which was eradicated in 2001.

The program is also aimed at protecting the population of iguanas on North Seymour, said to number around 5,000, where food is limited.

“The land iguana is a herbivore that helps ecosystems by dispersing seeds and maintaining open spaces devoid of vegetation,” said Danny Rueda, the park authority’s ecosystems director. AFP

UN to meet on Yemen truce agreement UNITED NATIONS―The UN Security Council will meet Wednesday to hear the UN envoy for Yemen report on a ceasefire deal and his latest efforts to end the nearly four-year war, diplomats said.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths was in Saudi Arabia on Monday for talks with Yemen’s leaders aimed at shoring up the truce in the lifeline port of Hodeida that was agreed during talks in Sweden last month.

Those talks followed meetings in the rebel-held capital of Sanaa over the weekend to discuss the next steps for a redeployment of Huthi rebel fighters and coalition-backed forces from Hodeida.

Rebel-held Hodeida was for months the main front line in the Yemen war after government forces supported by Saudi Arabia and its allies launched an offensive to capture it in June.

The Red Sea port is the key point of entry for humanitarian aid and supplies to Yemen, where millions are on the brink of famine as the war has grinded on. AFP

PREPARING FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR. This picture taken on January 4, 2019, shows Vietnamese workers preparing incense sticks at a workshop in the village of Quang Phu Cau on the outskirts of Hanoi. In Vietnam’s ‘incense village’, hundreds of workers are hard at work dying, drying and whittling down bamboo bark to make the fragrant sticks ahead of the busy lunar new year holiday. AFP

Analysts say Kim seeks to increase ante with Xi summit SEOUL—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s surprise trip to China could herald a new round of summitry on and about the peninsula, analysts say, but may also be an attempt to pressure US President Donald Trump as the negotiations between them falter.

Discussions between Pyongyang and Washington over the North’s nuclear arsenal have stalled since Kim and Trump’s high-profile summit in Singapore, with the US insisting that sanctions must remain in place until it gives up its weapons, and the North demanding an immediate easing.

In his New Year’s address—always a key moment in the North Korean political calendar—Kim said that if Washington persisted with its approach, “we may be left with no choice but to consider a new way to safeguard our sovereignty and interests.”

With his visit to China, “Kim is eager to remind the Trump administration that he does have diplomatic and economic op-

tions besides what Washington and Seoul can offer,” said Harry Kazianis of the Center for the National Interest in Washington.

The US should be “quite concerned” by any effort by Pyongyang to strengthen ties with Beijing, he added, as almost all North Korean trade flows through China and any improvement in relations would weaken the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” strategy.

With US and Chinese officials meeting in Beijing to address a trade row that has roiled global markets, he said, “the timing could not be any better” for the Chinese side. “It shows Beijing clearly has a North Korea card to play if it sees fit.”

Chinese forces played an integral role defending the North during the 1950-53 Korean War, and Beijing remains Pyongyang’s key diplomatic backer and trade partner.

It has always feared the collapse of its neighbour, which would threaten floods of refugees streaming onto its territory

and the prospect of US troops stationed on its border in a unified Korea, but in recent years became increasingly frustrated with its nuclear antics.

That changed last spring, when Kim ended six years as a diplomatic recluse to go to Beijing and pay his respects to Xi in his first overseas trip as leader.

A series of visits have followed in both directions -- although Xi has yet to reciprocate with a trip to Pyongyang -- along with three summits between Kim and the South’s President Moon Jae-in, and Beijing lent Kim a plane to travel to Singapore.

At their meeting Kim and Trump signed a vague pledge to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula in a blaze of publicity, but the two sides have since disagreed over what that means.

Kim did not visit Seoul by the end of last year, despite South Korea’s Moon suggesting he would do so, but speculation of a second Kim-Trump summit to try and break the deadlock has mounted. AFP

UK police acquire more power against drones

LONDON―Drone exclusion zones around British airports will be extended and operators made to register under new rules announced after drone sightings wrought havoc at London’s Gatwick in the run-up to Christmas.

Police will also be allowed to fine users up to100 euros (112 euros, $128) for failing to comply when instructed to land a drone, or not showing registration to operate a drone.

The Home Office will also begin to test and evaluate the use of counter-drone technology at airports and prisons after Gatwick and Heathrow, Britain’s busiest airport, announced they were investing millions of pounds in such equipment.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told parliament on Monday that disruption to flights at Gatwick―the country’s second biggest hub―between December 19 and 21 was “deliberate, irresponsible and calculated, as well as illegal”.

Tens of thousands of passengers were impacted and those responsible for the disruption have not been identified.

The exclusion zone around airports is currently one kilometer and this will be extended to five kilometers under the plan announced late Monday.

From November 30 this year, operators of drones weighing between 250g and 20kg will also have to register and taken an online pilot competency test.

AFP

LGUs

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

B4

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

About 2,500 residents of Parañaque City will have a chance to earn extra income early this year through its Cash-for-Work program in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The program beneficiaries will be assigned to do different work for 10 days. Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the city government will continue to come up with social programs to assist residents including the senior citizens, persons with disabilities and solo parents.

Joy B keen on adopting Davao disaster tack

By Rio N. Araja IF ELECTED as the next mayor of Quezon City, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Tueday said she would adopt the disaster risk reduction scheme of its sister city, Davao City, to improve the responsiveness to emergencies and accidents of barangays and the city disaster management council.

Belmonte recently met with the members of the city’s Association of Barangay Captains, warning them of a recent fire incident in Barangay Manresa that rendered 200 families homeless.

“The incident has made me realize that we have to do something about it.

We have to improve our responses,” she said.

“I went to Davao last year, and I saw how advanced their emergency team is. They have this warehouse full of emergency vehicles like ambulances and buses for mass transport to hospitals. They are prepared for all kinds of accidents and I want Quezon City to have something like that,” Belmonte added.

She said the Davao City government has a complete team that is always ready to be dispatched anytime.

“It is composed of medics, social workers, fire-fighters, policemen, and others so in times of disasters, everything is easily covered. I am planning to adopt that that’s why I am sending our people to Davao for the seminar,” the vice mayor said.

P’que eases biz permit renewal Businesses place faith in Bacolod govt, mayor says BACOLOD CITY—An all-time high of 23,187 permits registration in 2018 is an indication that business confidence has been restored in this city, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said.

“This is a solid indicator that we have restored business confidence. Even the business world has taken notice of the business climate we have created in Bacolod,” the mayor said in an interview on Sunday.

Between 2015 and 2018, business permits registration increased by 23.22 percent -- from 18,817 to 23,187 by Dec. 31, 2018.

Last year’s registration was 5.33 percent higher than the 22,004 establishments registered in the entire 2017. The 2017 figures are higher by 15.68 percent compared to the 19,021 approved permits in 2016.

Leonardia’s previous term as mayor ended in 2013, and he was succeeded by Monico Puentevella from 2013 to 2016.

He won a fresh mandate for a three-year term until 2019.

Leonardia said the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has recognized the improved business climate in the city and listed Bacolod among the “most business-friendly cities” in the country in 2018.

He added that with the National Competitiveness Council recognizing Bacolod as the “most competitive city in the Visayas” in the past year, the city government now intends to attract more investments and sustain the growth momentum.

Leonardia earlier said that part of his vision to make Bacolod very business-friendly is the setting up of the one-stop shop operations to ensure that business confidence is restored and a climate conducive for business and industry to grow and prosper is established.

This year’s business one-stop-shop, which caters to the renewal of business permits aimed at providing convenience and accessibility to taxpayers, started Jan. 3 and will run until Jan. 20 at the Bacolod City Government Center. PNA

Bong Go vows Malasakit Stores for farmers, too

By Roy Tomandao

he enumerated will not remain so. “Like President Duterte, I’m a man of action,” he said, citing the infrastructure projects of the administration’s Build Build Build program as proof.

Go said it is important to instill in Filipino youth that being part of the agriculture sector is an honorable and promising source of livelihood.

“As President Duterte always says, it is by having a genuine concern for our

kababayans that we can truly show the goodness of our character, just like our national hero Jose Rizal,” he added.

Meanwhile, Go announced the opening of 18 Malasakit Centers in Laguna province in about a couple of months.

Go hit on the idea of the center from his almost two decades of experience attending to the people who sought medical assistance from then-Davao Mayor Duterte.

RIZAL, Laguna—Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has vowed to promote and protect the welfare of farmers in a visit to this town on Sunday.

Among others, Go said the government could provide pension for farmers in their retirement, which could be funded by the tariffs collected from imported agricultural products.

“The government should have funds for the pension of farmers that can no longer work owing to old age,” Go said at the New Civic Center of Barangay Pauli II at the 100th founding anniversary celebration of this town.

Go, a candidate for senator in the 2019 elections, vowed to uplift the lives of the farmers and ensure food security in the ctores that the Department of Agriculture opened last year.

“I will help the government establish TienDA Malasakit Stores in different parts of the country,” Go said. “Through these stores, farmers can apply for scholarship grants for their children.”

“I’d like to provide farmers easy access to farm inputs, such as machinery, fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, and low-interest credit. I’d also like to provide our farmers with free business and skills Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Tesoro Go greets training,” he added. the family of a centenarian during the 100th Founding Anniversary of the town of Rizal, Go told the people that the programs Laguna on Sunday. Roy Tomandao

Tiangco, Navotas honor 10 outstanding fisherfolk

By Jun David IN CELEBRATION of the Araw ng Mangingisda and the 113th Founding Anniversary of Navotas, the Navotas City Government awarded 10 Navoteños for being outstanding fisherfolk.

Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo and other city officials led the awarding ceremony Tuesday morning at the Navotas Centennial Park.

Among the top 10 were Manuelito Villanueva from Brgy. Tanza 2; Alexander Gonzales, Brgy. Navotas West; Jodolfo Paz, Brgy. Tangos South; Isagani Miller, Brgy. San Roque; and Jose

Billy Garcia, Brgy. Tangos North.

Also awarded were Menandro Tongco from Brgy. Navotas West; Regulo Bacongan, Nomer Aligaya and James Ong from Brgy. Tanza 2; and Roque Lerma, Brgy. San Jose.

As the most outstanding fisherfolk, Villanueva and his family received P8,000, a plaque and an overnight accommodation at Diamond Hotel. Other winners also received cash prizes and plaques.

Furthermore, children or chosen family members of the awardees may avail of the NavotaAs Ulirang Pamilyang Mangingisda Scholarship Program.

Beneficiaries of the said scholarship

will receive P16,500 transportation and food allowance as well as P1,500 book stipend per academic year.

“We have deep respect for the Navoteño fisherfolk. The hard work and sacrifice they make to support their family are worthy of emulation. They deserve to be honored and given recognition,” Tiangco said.

Meanwhile, the mayor noted that fishing is seasonal, and thus does not guarantee a steady income. He urged the awardees and their families to take technical-vocational courses which are offered for free at the Navotas Vocational Training and Assessment (Navotaas) Institute.

Solve La Union killings, peace advocates urge cops PEACE advocates yesterday urged the Philippine National Police to focus on other unresolved political killings particularly in La Union province, following the quick resolution of the murder of Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his security escort.

The Crusaders for Peace congratulated the PNP for quickly resolving the assassination of Batocabe in Daraga, Albay province on Dec. 22, 2018. The group said this enhanced the credibility of the national police under the leadership of Director General Oscar Albayalde in resolving crimes.

In May 12 last year, former La Union Rep. Eufranio Eriguel, his two aides and a supporter were killed by gunmen who attacked them as they were attending a Sangguniang Kabataan meeting in Barangay Capas in Agoo municipality.

Last Oct. 1, assassins shot dead Sudipen Mayor Alexander Buquing, his policemanbodyguard and a driver during a daring attack that also wounded the mayor’s wife, Vice Mayor Wendy Joy Buquing.

Three weeks after Buquing was murdered, gunmen killed Balaoan, La Union Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion and wound-

ed his daughter, Mayor Aleli Concepcion.

In these three incidents, the local police suspected that guns-for-hire working for political rivals of the victims were behind the deadly attacks.

However, the local police are yet to announce any progress into the investigation of these incidents.

The killings came in the wake of the PNP leadership’s directive for a massive crackdown against partisan armed groups, guns-for-hire and loose firearms that could be used to sow terror during the May midRep. Sandra Eriguel term polls.

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE Parañaque City government has launched a simplified and integrated business permit renewal system in a bid to enhance investor confidence and improve service delivery to local and foreign investors.

The system, dubbed as Express Lane Operation or Project ELO, is in line with Republic Act 11032 or Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 signed by President Duterte in May last year.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said with the launching of the project this year, they are optimistic that more investors will register and put up business establishments in the city.

One of the system’s salient features is the elimination of securing permits from different barangays, previously a prerequisite before a Mayor’s permit is granted, according to Olivarez.

With the new project, the first in the country, he said, business owners need not go to barangay hall to apply for a barangay clearance.

It will now be applied, paid and issued at the Paranaque city hall along with the fire safety inspection certificate, sanitary permit, certificate of conformance, from planning office and the mayor’s permit to operate a business, he added.

Project ELO is located at the newly renovated Taxpayers Lounge of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), which serves as the concierge of the project, ground floor of the city hall.

The team is composed of personnel from BPLO, Planning and Development Office, Office of the Building Official, City Health Office, City Treasurer’s Office, Liga ng Baranagay, the Bureau of Fire and Protection and the Philippine National Police.

“This integrated and simplified process eliminate days of back and forth from the barangay and to other department of the city which the time and resources of business permit applicants,” Olivarez said.

“This is part of our commitment to be one of the most business-friendly local government units in the country under the Bagong Paranaque program of governance,” he explained.

As a result of the launch of the project last Jan. 3, the first working day of the year in government offices, assessments nearly doubled to P81 million compared P46 million generated in the first working day of 2018, according to BPLO chief Melanie Malaya.

Likewise, payments ballooned to P5.5 million on the first day, up from P3.2 million last year, she said.

Last year, the BPLO collected P2.5-billion business taxes and fees from 23,000 business registrants citywide. Malaya added that they are expecting an increase of 15 percent business applicants through Project ELO this year.

For his part, city treasurer Anthony Pulmano said the world class resorts and casino in the Entertainment City situated along Coastal Road and the massive developments taking place in the city played a major role in the development of the city.

Life

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

FASHION AND BEAUTY

Chan Luu cashmere scarf

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

Color me coral T

C1

Lacoste linen shirt

HE lively and vibrant coral hue is Pantone Color Institute’s Color of the Year this 2019.

Pantone has chosen the “vibrant, yet mellow” Living Coral, in reaction to “the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life.”

The color experts of the influential company intend to bring back the warmth—the authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy—through this “playful” color.

“Color is an equalizing lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities and this is particularly true for Living Coral,”

said Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman.

She continued, “With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord.”

Living Coral is a warm pink-orange shade with golden undertones. While the color may be a bit bright and bold for others, it remains relatively easy to inject into this year’s wardward robe. Here’s how:

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2019 collection (Photo from Imaxtree)

Ray-Ban Beat

Furla Mimi bag H&M chino shorts

Adidas Originals Gazelle suede sneakers

Nike Elemental backpack

H&M crepe dress

Tommy Hilfiger bikini

Supreme Field Jacket

Jimmy Choo patent leather Vita Pumps

Fun and functional fanny packs

Parisian Bags’ new collection includes this year’s hottest bag style: versatile fanny packs.

THE season’s trendiest bags veer toward utilitarian with a touch of glam: think of updated versions of functional fanny packs.

Fanny packs are said to date back to the French in the 15th century when they wore a small bag that hung from a belt called a chatelaine; and the traditional Scottish sporran, a pouch that accompanied pocket less kilt. It wasn’t until the 1980s, with the first wave of athleisure dressing, that these belt bags or waist bags walked into the fashion scene.

Since then, everyone, from joggers to parents juggling kids, has been seen sporting this on the waistline. It’s been touted as a perfect cargo-carrying sack to hold keys, cell phone, and everything

else that one may hold as they’re running around town or nature walking.

Today, the fanny pack trend has dominated both the catwalks and the streets: from the runways of Marc Jacobs, Gucci, and Balenciaga to the street style of celebrities and super models like Rihanna, Beyonce, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, and Kaia Gerber.

Parisian Bags’ new collection includes a variety of glittering and embellished fanny packs. The brand also offers hip backpacks that are fun and functional.

These bags are available at all SM Stores branches nationwide.

Glitter and other embellishments elevate functional fanny packs.

Life

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Philippe Cassegrain I

on Longchamp’s past and future

N CELEBRATION of Longchamp’s 70th anniversary, Philippe Cassegrain, son of founder Jean Cassegrain, shares stories about the French luxury brand’s beginnings and how it has grown into one of the world’s most enduring labels.

Longchamp leather sheathed pipes

Philippe has witnessed the beginning of Was the company international since Longchamp and has actively participated in dethe beginning? veloping the brand worldwide. Here he answers “Our showroom was located in the heart of questions about the brand maintained by the Paris, where it received a great amount of expoCassegrain family. sure. It was situated at Boulevard Poissonnière, in the second arrondissement, and at the foot of Do you remember your father the building was the civette. It was the place to founding the company? be back then! It was a busy shopping area. My “Seventy years may sound like a long time father welcomed customers from all over the ago, yet it feels like yesterday. In 1948, my fa- world, curious to discover the latest novelties ther, Jean Cassegrain, founded Longchamp. and up-and-coming fashion styles. At age 16, I was 11 at the time, and when I didn’t have my father sent me on a trip around the world school on Thursdays, I remember that I would with travels across Africa before exploring Asia help him by gilding leather cases. A few years and the United States. Upon my return, I offilater, I started doing some of the deliveries cially joined Longchamp and assisted my father around Paris, before having the chance to travel in running the business, from creation, manuacross the world to meet our customers.” facturing, and marketing to sales development.”

Did your father know from the beginning he was starting an international luxury brand?

“Indeed he did, he had a vision from the start!

He even commissioned Turenne Chevallereau to design the brand’s symbol—the Longchamp horse, with its fiery movement. He also created the ‘Smoke the Longchamp Pipe’ advert used during those years, which we had displayed on our Citroën 2CV delivery car. All of Paris could see the symbol of our fiery stallion stretching out like a liana. It was so new!”

What does family business mean for Longchamp?

“Since the very early years all members of the family contributed: my mother helped my father by hosting customers at the Paris Fair; she ran the boutique and looked after everything with him.

And we (the children) would help make cigarette cases or passport cases. I had a small gilding machine that I would use to mark Longchamp in gold leaf. When I turned 15, I got a Vespa so I could deliver on the Boulevard Haussmann, home to many luxury hotels: the Commodore, the Ambassador, the Cabarets, the Crillon… I delivered the orders of smokers’ goods and orders to be displayed in storefronts.

“Jean-François and Dominique, my two brothers, joined in too: they did supplementary deliveries that I could not take charge of. We were four children and all of us grow up working for the family company. We were trained from The iconic Le Pliage was designed by Phillipe Cassegrain, founder Jean Cassegrain’s eldest child.

Young Philippe Cassegrain started working for his father’s company at 11, gilding leather cases (left). Today he continues his father’s legacy as Longchamp’s chief executive officer.

an early age to run Longchamp. I was the eldest and its products, that is why we change colors each of my siblings, and since my brothers and sister season, all while keeping the same values.” had other professional plans, it was obvious for me Is the company that is celebrating to continue to run the business. I didn’t even consider any other career, Longchamp chose me and I 70 years still the same company that chose Longchamp.” your father founded in 1948?

“We have grown tremendously since 1948. Today, What ideas and insights were going my father’s vision of a global enterprise with high quality offerings and wide product ranges continues through your mind when you first to guide and inspire us on this adventure. This has designed the Le Pliage in 1993?

“During a trip to the US, I took with me a pro- been accomplished with the continuous engagement totype for a collapsible travel bag. The result of and tenacity of all our teams across the world. It has my experimentation was the Xtra bag, which was been a remarkable journey and I am proud that Longmade of a single piece of fabric. The fabric I se- champ is still a luxury French family brand with lected was nylon, a strong yet light material that the same core values. I’m happy to have raised my nobody had previously used for bags; it was light children within the firm and to have given them the and resistant. In 1993, we reworked the idea to cre- desire to continue on this journey. For this fantastic ate Le Pliage. More playful and modern, Le Pliage year, we have planned exciting projects to mark our shook up convention with its unique design and 70th anniversary. We announced our first full-scale color palette introduced from the very first collec- runway show at New York Fashion Week in Septemtion. Upon its arrival in stores, it was an instant ber, alongside with our 70th anniversary celebrations success! Its trapezoidal structure, zip closure, two at the Opéra Garnier in Paris!” ears, two handles, and flap teamed up with original new colors each season—and as always trimmed Longchamp is exclusively available at Rustan’s with Russian Leather—was a recipe for success. Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, I think a brand needs to constantly reinvent itself and Greenbelt 5.

New year, new makeup techniques to try DARE to be different this 2019 by experimenting with new makeup looks and routines. EB Advance, the premier line of homegrown Ever Bilena Cosmetics, shares the following tips to level up your makeup game:

Highlight over foundation for skin that glows from within

The usual step that most makeup junkies follow is to apply primer first, then foundation. But to achieve natural-looking, glowy skin, switch up your makeup routine a bit and brush on EB Advance Glow Out Highlighter on the high points of your cheeks, bridge of your nose, temples, Cupid’s bow, and chin right after priming. Dab on your favorite foundation then proceed with the rest of your routine. You may also opt to intensify your highlighter by adding another layer after finishing your makeup.

Smudge eyeliner for an effortlessly cool smoky eye

Try on new makeup looks and routines this 2019.

Want to have a subtle glam look but lack the time and skill to do it? A smudged eyeliner will do the trick. To cop this look: apply a thick line of EB Advance Eye Define Waterproof Matic Liner above your upper lash line and use a brush to smudge out the eyeliner. For lashes, use EB Advance Lash Define Waterproof Mascara for an edgy, smoky eye look.

Experiment with colors

Make 2019 the year you play with eyeshadow colors that you don’t normally use. If you’re the “no makeup, makeup” type, try adding a pop of color like the blood red matte shade in EB Advance Uncover 2 palette. If you’re the adventurous type who prefers loud colors, this time around maybe you can try the muted, neutral ones.

The products mentioned are available at Ever Bilena counters nationwide.

SSI treats Citi credit card holders to an exclusive promo.

Citi, SSI treat shoppers to anniversary promo LEADING specialty retailer Stores Specialists, Inc. continues the celebration of its 30 th anniversary with an exclusive promo in partnership with Citi.

Valid until Jan. 31, the Lucky Holiday Promo gives Citi credit card holders a chance to win generous prizes with every straight retail transaction or 0 percent Citi PayLite purchase at any SSI Group stores.

Purchases made using Citi Visa credit card can win P30,000 SSI Pur-

ple eGifts. Moreover, purchases made using Citi Visa or Mastercard credit cards may win P300 or P3,000 SSI Purple eGifts.

Winners with a qualified purchase will receive an instant notification and instructions on how to redeem the eGifts, which are valid for use in over 100 SSI Group stores/premium brands and other Giftaway merchants.

Go to www.citibank.com.ph/ssilucky for more details about the promo.

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

One Peace Festival’brings interactive art, music, and film together

#Pride4PI movers Beverly Desuasido of ABS-CBN International, Lanai Tabura and Jamie Kailani of Mama Earth with Maria Quiban on Fox 11.

"My Special Tatay" lead star Ken Chan charms the crowd

A HOLLYWOOD style celebration, all for the environment in the Philippines.

Mama Earth, Regime 72, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, and ABS-CBN Foundation International teamed up for the One Peace Music Festival to benefit #Pride4PI. The evening featured a night of food music and artwork, with a portion of the proceeds going to the ABS-CBN Foundation International.

Filipino celebrities like Lou Diamond Philips, boxing champion Brian Viloria, and Fox’s Maria Quiban and Bobby de Castro added to the star power—which featured a ukulele autographed by Kailani’s

GMA Artist Center holds yearend Grand Fans Day Kate Valdez and Rocco Nacino

Hosted by Ashley Ortega and Marika Sasaki, the festivity was filled with lots of surprises and entertainment as the brightest stars of the network gathered to bond with their fans through various performances on-stage and on ground activities.

The Clash grand champion Golden Cañedo together with finalists Mirriam Manalo, Danielle Ozaraga, Mika Gorospe, Lyra Micolob and Garrett Bolden touched the hearts of fans with

their powerful song renditions.

Paul Salas showcased his effortless moves in a dance number that sent the fans on a high while boyband One Up, on the other hand, made the audience swoon with their sweet performance.

Beautiful ladies Kim Domingo and Klea Pineda serenaded the fans with song numbers.

Meanwhile, the young pool of stars composed of Althea Ablan, Vince Crisostomo, Zonia Mejia,

Hailey Mendes, Kyle and Kleif Almeda, Janelle Lewis, Monique Vazquez, Yvette Sanchez, JJ Ararao, Bruce Roeland and Yuan Francisco also took the opportunity to express their gratitude to all their supporters.

Adding excitement to the fans day were Sofia Pablo and Will Ashley who sang a kilig duet.

The crowd went all the more delighted when My Special Tatay lead stars Ken Chan and Arra San Agustin appeared on stage and performed individual song numbers.

The audience didn’t miss the chance to play games with heartthrobs David Licauco, Kelvin Miranda and Manolo Pedrosa.

Hearty cheers were also elicited when fan favorites Bianca Umali, Sanya Lopez, Kate Valdez, Migo Adecer and Rocco Nacino graced the event to deliver holiday greetings.

It was definitely a memorable day as the fans took home different prizes and gifts from their favorite idols. Indeed, the grand fans day was a perfect treat to get together and create an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Simply...

mechanical married life that led her to pursue life-altering decisions.

Played by Iva Bittová, a Czech avantgarde violinist, singer, and composer who started her career as an actress, Julie’s life was also filled with significant decision initiated by her choice to purchase a used piano for the vast living room. The film also stars Karel Roden, a notable Czech actor successful both in his home country and in Hollywood.

Aside from the story line, the cinematography also asserts a sensible and witty portrayal of sparkly images accompanied by life thrumming tunes that perfectly frolic with each scene.

The film will be screened on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. in Cinematheque Center Manila. This is the final film for the yearlong Czech Movie Gems which aim to bring award-winning movies to Filipino audience on the occasion of 100 years of independence of Czech statehood.

Admission is free. Seating is on a firstcome, first-served basis, subject to capacity *** Ejercito leads Pagsanjan’s grand fest Maita Javier-Ejercito is beaming with pride these days even as she is on her last few months as municipal mayor of Pagsanjan, Laguna. She presided at a milestone event as the town recently celebrated its 350th foundation day through the Lagaslas Bangkero Festival.

Themed “Sa Panahong Lumipas, Pagsanjan Lalong Tumikas,” the weeklong event-filled fest was a tribute to the bangkeros or boatmen who skillfully navigate and shoot the rapids all the way to the picture-perfect Pagsanjan falls, one of the country’s earliest tourist hotspots.

The charming actress-turnedpolitician said the festival’s 17th edition was a grand showcase of the town’s road to progress over the years to due to its good governance programs that have touched

The boys of One Up with program host Ashley Ortega (rightmost)

A

S A way of giving thanks to all its loyal fans and supporters, GMA Artist Center held a yearend thanksgiving celebration at GMA’s German Moreno Studio in December.

From C4

Czech drama ‘Little Girl Blue’ at Cinematheque Gracing the Filipino audience with the final installation for the year-long “Czech Movie Gems” film festival, the Czech Embassy in Manila and the Film Development Council of the Philippines is proud to bring the Czech drama, Little Girl Blue (2007), awarded as the “Best Film” in the Czech Lion Award of 2007.

Produced by Oscar winning director Jan Svĕrák, this film written and directed

by Alice Nellis reveals a poetic tale of Julie, a 40-year old translator woman in the midst of an expansive mid-life crisis in the changing city of Prague. Witness how her seemingly perfect and happy family life traverses a crossroad after one passing unveils her to impulsively reflect on her

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, January 9, 2019

ACROSS 1 Costing very little 6 It makes the world go round 10 Barely scraped by 14 Abandoned one’s inhibitions (2 wds.)

15 Fateful day 16 Marco — 17 Down the hatch 18 Right after 19 “White Wedding” singer 20 Right to vote 22 Yawning 23 Consider 24 Avoided work 26 Lengthy story 29 Affirmative vote 31 Org. for doctors 32 Twice XXVI 33 Gists 35 Inventory wd.

39 Tool for dressing timbers roughly 41 Purse holder 42 Sunflower product 43 Middle Ages quaff 44 Z — — zebra 45 Stripling

46 Neon or nitrogen 48 LP successors 50 Friendly nation 51 Goalie’s job 55 Klutz’s mutter 57 All geared up 58 Sweet treats on a stick 63 Ricelike pasta 64 Wear the crown 65 Common rental 66 Stead 67 Waiting for an assignment 68 Sky hunter 69 For fear that 70 Fall fruit 71 Sock hoppers DOWN 1 Musical sign 2 Eavesdrop 3 “Butch Cassidy” role 4 Meeting outline 5 Puerto Rican port 6 Ache soothers 7 Inspired verse 8 Provokes 9 Fla. hours 10 Sayings 11 Eastman invention 12 Flee to the JP 13 Gave out sparingly

21 “— Jude” 22 Zero in on 25 Diary lock 26 Bang 27 Staff member 28 Sphinx site 30 Mr. Goldfinger 34 Pancho Villa’s belt 36 Vale 37 Close tightly 38 Whirlpool 40 Barely beat (2 wds.)

41 Back talk

47 Your choice 49 Earth’s star 50 Have hopes 51 Facetious 52 Like a haunted house 53 Takes aback 54 Shake off 56 Fulcrum 59 Mexican pot 60 Fat cat’s victim 61 Lowly laborer 62 Dads, to granddads 64 Clothing defect

brother, Bruno Mars.

“What we’re doing is educating, we’re using the star power and the celebrities to educate what we’re doing. This isn’t for show, this is about education and that’s the most important thing everyone has to understand why,” said Lanai Tabura.

While not everyone could make it to the festival, onepeace.org has some of the art pieces left for sale with the proceeds continuing to go to the cause.

This one peace festival is just the beginning, organizers are planning more events in the coming months—all of them hoping to raise awareness of environmental issues in the Philippines.

Deadpool’s fairy tale twist FROM the studio that brought you A Miracle on 34th Street and Home Alone, everyone’s favorite disreputable superhero returns to the big screen with a fairytale twist on Deadpool 2 that the whole family can enjoy.

With over 20 minutes of never-beforeseen footage, Once Upon A Deadpool is jam-packed with festive surprises that

will open on Jan. 16 in select cinemas nationwide.

Once Upon A Deadpool is the kidfriendly version of Deadpool 2 movie, now rated PG (Parental Guidance) by the MTRCB. With the lower rating, the movie can now be seen on the big screen by younger children (below 13 years old).

A child-friendly version of the "Deadpool 2" movie is coming to the Philippine on Jan. 16.

the lives of people in the community, as well as its tourism and investment promotional efforts.

Festivities kicked off with the unveiling of the commemorative marker of the Spanish-era Puerta Real or Royal Gate by the National Historical Commission, which was built in 1878 to memorialize Pagsanjan’s glory years as Laguna’s provincial capital from 1688 to 1872. The site is believed to be the place where the town’s patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe, appeared and drove away the pirates who are about to raid the town in the late 1800s.

The celebration coincides with the town’s patronal fiesta. which converge at the Diocesan Shrine of the Our Lady of Guadalupe whose first church was founded in 1687. In its Chapel of the Tilma is enshrined the stone where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared in Mexico.

Spicing up the festivities were a street

dancing contest, whose accompanying music was recorded as an MTV by the lady mayor herself.

Other events were a Korean Traditional Folklore Group show, Chef War, the Ginoong Bangkero pageant for boatmen, a dancesport competition, and the Lakan at Binibining Pagsanjan with celebrity, and screenings of award-winning movies produced and starred by former Laguna governor ER Ejercito--Asiong Salonga: Manila Kingpin and El Presidente.

Pagsanjan was declared by the Laguna’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan as the province’s “tourist capital” more than a decade ago during the incumbency of former mayor ER Ejercito because of the volume of visitors who do the rapids tours. *** More stories of these kinds at www.isah. red. Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred) and Instagram (@ isahvred). ΙŘ

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

McLisse remains a love team IN THE upcoming romcom Sakaling Maging Tayo, the love team known among its fans as McLisse resurrects after speculations that it has been disengaged when McCoy de Leon and Elisse Joson announced they were no longer talking to each other after their respective stints in the Kapamilya’s top rating late night series The Good Son. True, each of them had gone on separate ways, appearing individually in different projects and never thought they’d be together again in a project.

Elisse Joson said, “When this film was offered to me and they told me I would be with McCoy, I was at first quiet, couldn’t say anything. But then I am an actor, so I had to accept the fact that I would be working with, at one point or another, McCoy. And, of course, I must admit, that I felt good because I was offered a lead role in a film.

Not everyone in the industry, our age, gets the opportunity to be in a film and play the lead roles.”

The former love team both said they felt awkward at first during the shooting of the film as they weren’t really speaking to each other that time. “Yeah, it felt that way,” confirmed McCoy who is now also playing an important role in the top-rating FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano as the activist son of Teddy Arevalo (Joel Torre), JP. “But eventually we warmed up to each other and we were able to play our roles as required in the script and what director JP Habac desired.”

“Opo, it was really awkward

at first, but later we were back to when we were still friends although, syempre, iba na,” ISAH V. RED Elisse said.

“We were not talking about anything not related to work,” McCoy underscored.

The young actor, though, admitted that he is missing those times when he and Elisse were still close.

“It’s best for our own respective careers,” Elisse said. “We’re no longer teeny bops so we have to face more challenging roles given to us and we should be prepared for more than just pa-sweet or pa-bebe na roles. I should say, we should be maturing and move on,” she added.

Meanwhile, the McLisse love team remains as promotions for Sakaling Maging Tayo goes full blast. The fans would be able to see each other together more often as the showing of the film comes to a close.

“It’s a good time to renew our bonds as friends,” they chimed.

“But we’re not expecting anything more than that.”

The trailer of the film has earned millions of views and McLisse, JP Habac, and Blacksheep (the producer) are crossing their fingers hoping the enthusiasm in social media could translate to box office figures.

Let’s wish the love team and the film the best, as the new year begins, for a boost to the local film industry.

And as we write along, McLisse remains the love team that has the biggest fan growth potential for this year. I certainly hope so.

Continued on C3

Elisse Joson and McCoy de Leon are back together as a love team in a new movie

‘Aquaman’ makes big waves anew to stay atop box office THE DC super-hero film Aquaman left other movies in its wake in North American box offices this weekend, taking in an estimated $30.7 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Sunday.

On its third week, the film has now taken in a global total of $940.7 million. That makes it Warner Bros.’

Jason Momoa in "Aquaman"

biggest comic-book film since The Dark Knight Rises earned more than $1 billion in 2012, according to Variety. com.

Jason Momoa stars as the heavily tattooed half human/ half-Atlantean hero who struggles against evil forces to gain control of the powerful Trident of Atlan.

James Wan, known for horror films like Saw, directed.

In second place was new Sony thriller Escape Room, with $18 million for the three-day weekend -- a strong start for a film that cost just $9 million to produce.

Logan Miller and Taylor Russell star as part of a group facing deadly consequences when sent into an escape room.

Third place went to Disney’s familyfriendly musical Mary Poppins Returns, at $15.8 million. The sequel to the beloved 1964 film stars Emily Blunt in the title role and Lin Manuel-Miranda as a limber and lovable lamplighter.

In its fourth week out, Sony’s SpiderMan: Into the Spider-Verse clung to fourth spot, with a take of $13 million.

The film is in contention for a best animated picture award at the Golden Globes later Sunday.

In fifth was Bumblebee, from Paramount, at $12.8 million. The prequel to the Transformers movies stars Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena.

AFP

Alden Richards with the members of the entertainment press

What Alden Richards wants in 2019 VERY WANG NICKIE WANG

B

IRTHDAY boy and Pambansang Bae Alden Richards thanked the members of the entertainment press for their unparalleled support by spending an afternoon with them on Sunday.

Right after his show Sunday PinaSaya, the actor who turned 27 on Jan. 2, headed directly to Concha’s Garden Cafe’, a restaurant he owned, located on Sct. Madriñan St, Diliman, in Quezon City.

“Sorry for being a bit late, I was just doing so many things,” he started.

After mingling with the press, the actor gladly welcomed their questions on what he plans to do in 2019, what his wish for himself was when he turned a year older, and what his fans can expect from him this New Year.

“I’m wishing for a love life in 2019,” was his straight answer. “Nothing stops me from having one right now but I find it difficult to find one because I’m really after the attitude of the person. I haven’t met someone who has the attitude I’m looking for. Basta supportive and understanding then I am okay, looks

is just a bonus, either showbiz or nonshowbiz.”

The bedimpled star is very secretive when the subject is about his romantic life but he assured the press that they would be the first to know once he’s found the “right one.”

The star, who was last seen in the action fantasy series Victor Magtanggol, felt ecstatic when the conversation was about his projects in 2019. He said that he has a movie in the offing, a television series which would air probably in the second or third quarter of the year, some shows overseas and a possible reunion with Maine Mendoza.

“I have international shows lined up starting Holy Week with GMA Pinoy TV, two in the US and one in the Middle East. Of course I’m still with Eat Bulaga and Sunday Pinasaya. Then, by second or third quarter of the year, I’ll do a soap but we don’t have any concept yet,” Alden shared during the interview.

For his TV and movie projects, Alden wanted to explore characters different from the usual roles he portrays. If he were to choose, he prefers to do a drama or a TV series with dark theme.

“The last dark character I played was in the movie The Road. I like those kinds of roles because they allow me to showcase my talent,” he said further adding that they have already received a few movie pitches for romcom, horror, and dark stories, but they are still weighing their options which one to accept.

“It’s going to be my

first movie after my movie with Maine so the management is really serious about planning things out,” he expressed.

Talking about his television comeback, there were rumors that he and Maine have been handpicked by the GMA Network bigwigs to play the lead roles in the local adaptation of the worldwide hit K-Drama, Descendants of the Sun. Although he would glad to do it, he said the projects has not been offered to him yet and he hasn’t heard any solid plans about the series, too.

“I really wish that it’s Maine and I who will star in the remake of Descendants of the Sun, but there’s no final word yet. I want to do drama this year, and Descendants is drama, the story is good sana nga,” Alden’s wishful response.

Apart from being fueled by his passion for his craft, Alden is also inspired by his desire for financial security. He has been aggressive in investing his hard-earned money in the food business—opening two branches of Concha’s Garden Cafe in less than a year and now his very own McDonald’s store.

“Our McDonalds store is opening soon in Biñan, Laguna. Probably in April. We are eyeing to open it on Easter Sunday. It’s just beside Perpetual University, which is along the highway,” he gladly shared.

“It was my family’s dream to have our own store. Before we used to dine in this McDonald’s store in a supermarket. And I thought they don’t allow people to have a franchise of the store but I said I wish one day we could have one because I’m an avid fan of the restaurant,” he added.

Since he’s busy and pretty much occupied by his showbiz commitments, Alden’s new fast-food restaurant will be managed by her sister.

Asked what inspired him to have his own store he said: “ Maine shared the idea with me, she said owning a McDonald’s restaurant is a good business and some franchise owners I have met during my trips in the other provinces really encouraged me to open a store.”

He revealed that he did not get any special treatment when he a applied for the business franchise. He went through the normal process of application and was surprised when he learned that there are only two Filipino celebrities who own McDonald’s franchise in the country.

“We wen’t through the normal process of application, there’s no special treatment, and when we checked the record Maine and I are the only people in showbiz who appear to have McDonald’s stores to our name,” he said.

Meanwhile, talking about Maine Mendoza and AlDub Nation, Alden couldn’t hide how grateful he is for their fans’ continued support. He’s thankful for the people who still root for them despite not being together most of the time. But going separate ways contributed to their growth he said.

“Mas close kame ni Maine ngayon, we are open to each other so we hope we could do a project together this year. We are more mature now, being together as a love team for four years now. It helped that we parted ways temporarily because it allowed us to grow. I’m just very thankful to the fans who are still rooting for us despite us doing or having individual projects.”

“We just want to appreciate the good things that happen to us. We don’t discuss personal stuff but if she’s willing to share I am willing to listen,” he concluded.

ALL SMILES. Pambansang Bae Alden

Richards looks forward to a better New Year with a couple of projects lined up to delight his fans.