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CHIEF ARRESTED FOR CYBER LIBEL Outbreak may ByRAPPLER Rey E. Requejo persist ‘til June, group warns By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE measles outbreak could last until June, the leader of the country’s leading professional association of specialists in infectious diseases and microbiology said Wednesday. At a forum, Dr. Mario Panaligan, president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, said records show that the number of measles cases goes up during summer, when people tend to stay outdoors, increasing their chances of exposure. Next page

MARIA Ressa, chief of online news website Rappler, was arrested and taken into custody Wednesday night by the National Bureau of Investigation after a court issued an arrest warrant over a cyber libel case ﬁled by

the Department of Justice. Agents of NBI Cybercrime Division arrested Ressa at her ofﬁce in Pasig City after the Judge Reinelda Estacio-Montesa of the Manila City RTC Branch 46 issued Tuesday a warrant of arrest and gave law enforcement agencies 10 days to serve

the warrant on the accused. The arrest order also covered former reporter Reynaldo Santos Jr. but it was not clear Wednesday night whether he had been arrested. Ressa or her ofﬁce were not immediately available for comment. Next page

Happy ! ’s Valentine

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 4 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Poll hotspots: 4 Metro cities ‘areas of concern’

NOW, THEY’RE RUNNING. Candidates have shifted to first gear as the campaign period for the May elections begins: At left, Senators Grace Poe, with JV Ejercito, Aquilino Pimentel III, Nancy Binay, Cythia Villar and Juan Edgardo Angara stage a campaign rally Wednesday in vote-rich Tondo, Manila while (right) Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Samira Gutoc, Romy Macalintal, Gary Alejano, Erin Tañada, Chel Diokno and Pilo Hilbay join hands after a dialogue at the Zeferino Arroyo High School to kick-off their campaign rally. Lino Santos and Norman Cruz By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Joel E. Zurbano

HE police consider Pasay, Mandaluyong, Caloocan and Malabon as “areas of concern” because of suspected electionrelated incidents in these cities in the last election.

In a statement, Metro Manila police chief Guillermo Eleazar said these areas are categorized as “yellow,” the lowest level of election hotspots. Other levels include “orange” for areas of immediate concern, and “red” for election areas of grave concern. At the same time, Eleazar commended the Southern Police District for the arrest of 85 people and the conﬁscation of 90 assorted ﬁrearms as part of the election gun ban. Eleazar assured Metro Manila residents that the police would maintain peace, order and security during the election period. Senators seeking reelection crossed party lines Wednesday to woo voters in Tondo, one of the most densely populated areas in Manila. Senator Grace Poe, the frontrunner in the senatorial race based on pre-election surveys, cited the harmonious relationship among the seven senators who are seeking a comeback. Next page

Criminal charges eyed V-Day warning vs toxic lipsticks against road contractor By Maricel V. Cruz THE chairman of House committee on appropriations said Wednesday criminal charges may be ﬁled in connection with the allegedly rigged bidding for P1 billion worth of public works projects won by a contractor that was said to be favored by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno. Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr., who heads the appropriations panel, said C.T. Leoncio Trading and Construction could be charged for altering bid documents at the last minute to show it did not have the lowest bid as a way of fending off suspicion. “This alteration of ofﬁcial documents is a serious criminal offense,” Andaya said. “We will try to unmask who may be held criminally liable for this when the House investigating panel resumes its probe on DBM [Department of Budget and Management] anomalies next month.” At the same time, Andaya dismissed as “fake news” Diokno’s allegation that early procurement activities stared under Andaya’s term as Budget secretary. “There is no truth to that allegation. It’s fake news During my time, there were no biddings and awards prior to the effectivity of the General Appropriations Act. Such activities commenced only after the enactment of the national budget,” Andaya said. Next page

IN TIME for Valentine’s Day, a toxic chemical tracker has revealed that some lipsticks are laden with hazardous substances way above permissible trace amounts. The EcoWaste Coalition cautioned lipstick lovers against putting on lip color from adulterated and misbranded lipsticks that can expose them to lead and other chemical poisons. The warning came after the group cal device. screened 115 samples, representing 11 The group bought the samples for P10 brands, for heavy metal contaminants us- to P50 each from cosmetic vendors in Next page ing an X-Ray fuorescence (XRF) analyti-

Makati court metes out life term to Sinaloa man By Joel E. Zurbano

MANILA’S NEW ICONIC LANDMARK. The 76-feet

Arco de Emperador in Arcovia City along C-5 in Pasig City stands tall as the country’s highest bronze monument, created by world-renowned Spanish sculptor Gines Serran-Pagan. Leading the monument’s launching were Kevin L. Tan, EVP and chief strategy officer, Megaworld (left); Gines Serran-Pagan (center); and William Co, president, Megaworld Resort Estates Inc.

A MAKATI City court judge on Wednesday sentenced to life imprisonment an alleged member of the Mexican drug cartel Sinaloa who was arrested in a buy-bust operation at a hotel in the city ﬁve years ago. Judge Selma Palacio Alaras, of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 63, also ordered the Mexican Horacio Hernandez Herrera to pay P500,000 to P10 million after he was found guilty of for violating the Dangerous Drugs Law. In other developments: • The Justice department on Wednesday HORACIO HERRERA

LOVE IN ART. Unidentified couple pose for Valentine’s posterity picture at the Museum in Art Island in Quezon City as many Filipinos, carried by the belief that Valentine’s is a day for lovers, celebrate Feb. 14 in different levels and faces of affection. Manny Palmero

El Chapo, drug lord, sentenced to life in jail NEW YORK—Mexican mobster Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was convicted Tuesday of crimes spanning a quartercentury in a trial that laid bare his lavish lifestyle and penchant for extreme violence as the head of one of the world’s most powerful gangs. Next page

News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SC upholds Duterte’s poll victory By Rey E. Requejo

HE Supreme Court has dismissed the petition ﬁled by suspended lawyer and perennial presidential candidate Elly Pamatong against President Rodrigo Duterte. In a resolution dated Jan. 22, the high court denied Pamatong’s petition seeking to nullify Duterte’s presidential victory in 2016 on two grounds: the one–year prescription period for the filing of such action had lapsed and Pamatong did not have the legal standing to file the petition. Pamatong filed his petition on June 6, 2018, or only a few days short of the two

BI takes custody of Chinese stude in ’taho’ incident By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration took custody of the Chinese woman who threw soybean curd into a policeman right after posting bail at a Mandaluyong court where she was charged for direct assault, disobedience to an agent of a person in authority and unjust vexation. Immigration spokesman Dana Krizia Sandoval said immigration agents were armed with a mission order signed by Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente to gain custody of Jiale Zhang, 23, for violating immigration laws. “Zhang has already been charged as an undesirable alien for posing a risk to public interest,” Sandoval said. “The incident showed her disrespect to persons of authority, which in turn shows her disrespect to the country.” But Zhang’s camp on Wednesday accused immigration personnel of “abduction” for allegedly forcibly taking her on Tuesday and was considering filing a complaint. “She was literally abducted... and another thing also this procedure is illegal,” said Sandra Respall, Zhang’s legal counsel, in an Unang Balita report by Vonne Aquino. Zhang may face deportation following the incident. The bureau is expected to resolve her case in the next few weeks. Zhang went viral on social media after throwing a cup of soy bean curd drink into a police officer after being prohibited from entering an MRT station with a beverage. Sandoval said Zhang’s court case and immigration case were two different matters, adding the court case would run independently from her immigration case. “If found deportable, we will wait for the resolution of her court case before implementing the deportation,” she said. Zhang is now detained at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, pending deportation proceedings.

El Chapo,... From A1

The 61-year-old former boss of the notorious Sinaloa cartel—famed for his brazen escapes from Mexican prisons— faces life in prison for smuggling tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana into the United States. He was also found guilty on money laundering and weapons possession charges during a three-month trial in which witnesses described the mob boss beating, shooting and even burying alive those who got in his way. “The verdict was a tremendous victory for the rule of law, for Mexico, the United States and other countries that have been victims of the Sinaloa cartel,” Mike Vigil, former head of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, told AFP. “Chapo Guzman was the world’s greatest drug lord of all time,” Vigil added. “He surpassed other drug lords, including Pablo Escobar.” In a statement, acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said the case “demonstrated the extraordinary reach of the US government, our tenacity and commitment to pursuing kingpins like Guzman.” In a three-month trial that unfolded like a real-life telenovela, Guzman’s exhenchmen and a former mistress took the stand under the gaze of the stocky gangster, whose nickname is Spanish slang for “shorty.” His young wife, onetime beauty queen Emma Coronel, showed up almost every day in court to be with her husband. After sentencing on June 25, Guzman is likely to be transferred to a so-called “supermax” prison in Colorado, sometimes called the “Alcatraz of the Rockies” and considered one of the most secure in the US. His conviction is seen as a big win for the US, which failed to obtain the extradition of Escobar, the Colombian drug lord who was killed in a police operation in 1993. AFP

years since Duterte’s inauguration. “Therefore, Petitioner’s cause of action, if any, had already lapsed and may no longer be revived,” the high court said. But the tribunal waived the prescription period when it ruled to grant the quo warranto petition of Solicitor General Jose Calida that led to the ousting of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno last year, with the Court saying the prescription does not lie against the State, or the OSG in that case. “However, this principle does not apply in cases where private individuals, in their own capacity, bring actions for quo warranto before the court to assert their right to the office allegedly usurped,” the high court said in dismissing Pamatong’s plea. With this, the high court also narrowed

the opportunity to file a quo warranto petition against Duterte since it said private individuals could file if they had an uncontroverted claim, but that one-year prescription would apply for them. In ruling that Pamatong had no legal standing, the high court said that under the Rules of Court, the general rule was that only the government may bring such a suit with the exception that an individual may be allowed to file an action for quo warranto when such an individual had an uncontroverted claim to the position from which ouster was being sought. The high court said Pamatong’s certificate of candidacy for the 2016 presidential elections had been disapproved by the Commission on Elections as he was found to be a nuisance candidate. His disqualification was affirmed by the high court

with finality on Jan. 12, 2016. “There is therefore no factual basis for petitioner’s assertion of a personal claim to the position of President. He was not even included in the lineup of candidates for the 2016 elections,” the high court said. In his plea, Pamatong argued that Duterte’s substitution for Martin Diño as PDP-Laban standard bearer in 2016 was defective, as Diño ticked the position of mayor for Pasay City instead of president in his COC. Citing Comelec records, Pamatong also said that prior to the 2016 polls, Duterte withdrew his COC for mayor in Davao City and, thereafter, filed another COC for another position, or for the position of the presidency though he explained that this process was not allowed by law.

Poll...

“Our political differences never became a stumbling block, in fact, our common denominator is our commitment to be the voice of ordinary Filipinos in the Senate,” she said. Although party affiliations are a “political reality,” she pointed out that they have never stopped them from pushing a common legislative agenda. The senators spelled out their advocacies as they appealed to voters to support their reelection. Angara cited legislative measures that he worked on that benefited students and senior citizens. Villar, on the other hand, promised to continue providing livelihood and jobs to poor Filipinos, especially women whom she said should help their husbands augment the family income. Ejercito fold the audience that once the Universal Health Care bill is signed into law by the President, the health of every Filipino would be well taken care of. He also said the creation of a Department of Human Settlements would give every Filipino the opportunity to his or her own

house. Aquino said he would continue to provide relief to Filipinos who are suffering from rising prices as a result of the government’s Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Senator Richard Gordon, meanwhile, urged voters to elect candidates who can engage in debates and discourse on proposed measures that will be crafted into laws. “When you are elected to the Senate, you are supposed to possess the qualifications to speak, to propose, to contravene, to defend and to oppose. If you cannot do this, then there is something wrong,” Gordon said. Gordon underscored the importance of vetting candidates properly based on ability, qualifications, and proven track record, among others, instead of just basing their choice on candidates’ campaign gimmicks. “The campaign period has started and voters will be treated once again to all kinds of gimmickry and political advertisements aimed to solicit their votes. Voters should go beyond the gimmickry and political ads when they choose the leaders they will vote for in May,” he said.

V-Day... From A1

washed down the drain, which can harm fish and other marine organisms, the EcoWaste Coalition said. Samples of Qianxiu lipstick and imitation MAC lipstick topped the list of products with dangerously high concentrations of lead, and some of which were among those submitted by the EcoWaste Coalition to the FDA in September 2018 for product verification and appropriate regulatory action Topping the list of lipsticks per variant with the highest levels of lead contaminant were: 1. Qianxiu Hello Kitty #01 (pink canister), 44,800 ppm 2. MAC Mariah Carey #02 (brown canister), 38,900 ppm 3. Qianxiu Hello Kitty #10 (black canister), 28,700 ppm 4. MAC Mariah Carey #06 (red canister), 12,600 ppm 5. Qianxiu Unicorn #10, 11,900 ppm 6. MAC Zacposen Rudy Woo #12, 9,571 ppm 7. MAC Charm Red Lips Rudy Woo #12, 8,788 ppm 8. Qianxiu Fashion #01, 6,013 ppm 9. Baby Lips Perfect Match, 3,187 ppm 10. Monaliza Series #10, 1,808 ppm As these adulterated and misbranded lipsticks are imported, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the government to strengthen border controls to prevent the entry of such cosmetics. “We also think that national and local government agencies should conduct nonstop law enforcement activities, including on-the-spot confiscation of contraband items and preventive closure of erring business establishments, to rid the market of toxic cosmetics,” Dizon said. There may be a need for the next Congress to enact a special law on counterfeit cosmetics, imposing heavy fines and penalties that will make it unprofitable for manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to engage in such business, he added.

Makati... From A1

marijuana and ecstasy were the top three narcotics in the country being manufactured by drug syndicates in these countries. The syndicates are reportedly distributing drugs in cahoots with local government officials in the country. To solve the problem, the PNP has reactivated Operation: Double Barrel Reloaded in close coordination with PDEA, which assists in the conduct of investigation of suspected drug personalities. With Rey E. Requejo

From A1 She emphasized that the good working relationship between administration and opposition senators had made it easier for them to craft and pass laws that proved beneficial fo the people. Poe, who remains an independent candidate and who does not belong to any political party, introduced her fellow reelectionists, Senators Nancy Binay (UNA), Aquilino Pimenfel III (PDP-Laban), Juan Edgardo Angara (Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino), Cynthia Villar (Nacionalista Party), JV Ejercito (NPC) and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV (LP). Except for Poe and Aquino,, all the other senators are considered allies of President Rodrigo Duterte. The unity rally in Tondo was organized by Poe who was accompanied by her mother, veteran actress Susan Roces, widow of the “King of Philippine Movies” Fernando Poe Jr. Binay said sharing the stage with fellow reelectionist senators was a “testament of unity in diversity in the Senate.”

Baclaran, Cubao, Divisoria and Quiapo on Feb. 5, 7 and 8. None of the samples were registered with the Food and Drug Administration. Out of 115 samples, 61 (53 percent) were found to contain lead concentrations above the 20 parts per million (ppm) limit under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD). Of the 61 lead-laden samples, 41 contained lead above 1,000 ppm, with levels ranging from 1,026 to 44,800 ppm. “The levels of lead in these lipsticks are way beyond the permissible limit and, without a shred of doubt, a serious safety concern,” said Thony Dizon, chemical safety campaigner for the EcoWaste Coaliton. “Teen girls and adult women should avoid these poison lipsticks as lead, a cumulative toxicant, can build up in the body over time with frequent application of such lipsticks. There is no safe level of lead exposure,” Dizon added. Aside from lead, some samples also screened positive for mercury (32 samples), arsenic (53 samples), and cadmium (10 samples) in excess of the ACD’s trace amount limits for these heavy metals (1 ppm for mercury, and 5 ppm for both arsenic and cadmium). Toxicologist Dr. Erle Castillo of the Medical Center Manila and the Philippine Society of Clinical and Occupational Toxicology said the human body has no use for these toxic chemicals, which are harmful even at low levels of exposure and can cause a host of health problems, including damage to the brain and the central nervous system, hormonal changes and menstrual irregularities, infertility in both women and men, birth defects, as well as cancer. Avoiding poison lipsticks and other cosmetics laden with hazardous substances will also protect the environment from being contaminated with chemicals that are

hailed the decision against Herrera. Justice Undersecretary and spokesman Mark Perete said the decision against Herrera was a welcome development in the government’s fight against illegal drugs. • The Sinaloa cartel, a multi-billiondollar Mexican drug empire, has teamed up with Chinese syndicates to smuggle narcotics into the country, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said Wednesday. Sinaloa’s operations in the Philippines flourished even after the 2015 arrest of its then Top 3 leader Herrera, said PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino. Herrera was arrested after selling P12 million worth of cocaine to a poseur buyer inside a hotel in Makati City in January 2015. The authorities recovered 2.5 kilos of cocaine from him. Justice department officials claimed Herrera is a mid-level member of the Sinaloa drug cartel engaged in the distribution of prohibited drugs including shabu, ecstasy and cocaine in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The cartel’s founder, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán, was captured in Mexico in January 2016 and extradited to the United States a year later. The Sinaloa drug cartel is considered the world’s most powerful drug trafficking and organized crime group. PDEA officials said Mexico was one of the countries of origin of the drugs being distributed in the Philippines. The other two were China and Taiwan. They said cocaine, shabu,

Rappler... From A1 Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Ressa could post bail in the case. “At any rate, the simple solution is to post bail, whichever case it may be against Ms. Ressa,” he stressed. The DOJ filed the cyber libel case against the two over an article published by Rappler in 2012, which linked businessman Wilfredo Keng to criminal activities. The DOJ found probable cause in the complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation and Keng for violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act in March last year. Published in May 2012, the article, written by Santos, cited an “intelligence report,” saying Keng had been under surveillance for his alleged involvement in human trafficking and drug smuggling.

Criminal... From A1

“We are fed up with Secretary Diokno’s lies and evasive antics. He better explain [his actions] before the court,” Andaya added. Andaya said the infrastructure projects are under the Department of Public Works and Highways in Sorsogon and Catanduanes contained in the proposed 2019 P3.757-trillion National Expenditure Program prepared by Diokno’s Budget department. But he said the result of the bidding was altered at the last minute to show that contractors other than C.T. Leoncio submitted the lowest bid. Diokno has consistently denied all the allegations leveled against him. Citing DPWH documents submitted to Andaya, the appropriations chairman said C.T. Leoncio submitted the lowest bid amounting to P988,560,855 for 14 projects in Sorsogon and Catanduanes under the 2019 national budget. But a new list submitted by DPWH last Tuesday showed that C.T. Leoncio did not win any bidding for Sorsogon projects, he said. Andaya recalled that the early bidding of new DPWH projects for 2019 was made possible with Diokno’s Circular Letter 2018-8 dated July 30, 2018, which prescribes the “Guidelines on the Conduct of Early Procurement for the Fiscal Year [FY] 2019 National Expenditure Program [NEP].” Under these guidelines, Andaya said Diokno allegedly instructed all heads of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government to “undertake early procurement activities from October to December 2018, upon the submission of the FY 2019 NEP to Congress.” Andaya said these activities include pre-procurement conference until postqualification of bids and recommendation by the Bids and Awards Committees to award the contract to the winning bidder. This Diokno circular eventually allowed the DPWH regional offices and district engineering offices to conduct bidding activities for the P75 billion infrastructure projects inserted in the NEP, Andaya said.

The DOJ rejected the defense of the respondents that they could not be held liable under RA 10175, signed in September 2012 or four months after the article was posted on the news website. It noted the updated version of the article, posted by Rappler on Feb. 19, 2014, was covered by the law. The DOJ also rejected the defense of the respondents that the complaint should be dismissed because of the one-year prescription period on libel cases, saying such rule did not apply to cyber libel. Ressa previously spent nearly two decades working as a lead investigative reporter in Southeast Asia for CNN. She is the author of two books concerning the rise of terrorism in Southeast Asia, 2013’s ′From Bin Laden to Facebook 10 Days of Abduction, 10 Years of Terrorism′ and ′Seeds of Terror: An Eyewitness Account of Al-Qaeda’s Newest Center′ in 2011.

Name change cheered, jeered By Maricel V. Cruz LAWMAKERS on Wednesday were divided on President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to rename the Philippines “Maharlika.” Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., a former House speaker, said there was “no compelling reason” to rename the Philippines and cited America, which was named after Italian explorer and map maker Amerigo Vespucci, as an example. Another example, he said, was Colombia, which was named after Spanish explorer Christoper Columbus. “There is no compelling reason to change the name of the country. Philippines has been our name for centuries,” Belmonte said. Another congressman who requested anonymity stopped short of ridiculing Duterte’s proposal, saying the President might just be recalling his days in Manila when he used to frequent an establishment on Quezon Avenue in Quezon City named “Maharlika.” That establishment, he said, was later renamed “Maalikaya” on the orders of the martial law administration of President Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos’ guerrilla unit during the Second World War was named “Maharlika” and was fond of the name. But Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III backed Duterte, saying renaming the Philippines “Maharlika” would bring the country back to its pre-Hispanic roots. “This is an emotional issue... Better to change the name to Maharlika... and so it rhymes with Mahal kita.” Reps. Gus Tambunting of Parañaque and Tom Villarin of Akbayan echoed Belmonte. “I think this matter needs to be studied more thoroughly. We have to look at our history first and think this suggestion out,” Tambunting said.

Outbreak...

From A1 Panaligan said it was important to push vaccination to shorten the length of the measles outbreak. Health Secretary Francisco Duque said all government agencies have mobilized their resources for a massive information dissemination and immunization campaign to encourage Filipinos to get vaccinated. “The Department of Health is working side by side with other government agencies in quickly responding to mitigate the measles outbreak,” said Duque, who said vaccination remains the best defense against measles. He said several government agencies have already laid out specific tasks to ensure communities are protected against the highly contagious disease. All government efforts, he said are focused on completing the mass immunization campaign in the fastest possible time. Duque has repeatedly called the public to receive the measles vaccine, saying it has long been proven to be safe and effective. Hs noted that immunization activities will be done in schools and communities until March. With the quick vaccination, he said he expected a decline in measles cases. Although the government will give priority to the vaccination of children, he said adults may also go to their nearest health center to get vaccinated. The following are the tasks of the different government agencies: • DOH—measles fast lines to be established in all DOH hospitals • Department of the Interior and Local Government—develop checklists, targets, and consent forms for local government units in coordination with the DOH • Department of Social Welfare and Development—tap day care workers to help facilitate vaccination of pupils and ensure children of 4Ps beneficiaries are vaccinated • Department of Education—gather data on number of school children affected with measles, coordinate with health centers for checkups and followups of students who will be vaccinated by private doctors • Department of Transportation—assist in distributing vaccines and other logistics needs • Armed Forces of the Philippines—deploy medical personnel in geographically isolated areas and conflict areas, ensure safety of health workers, and monitor cases of measles in military treatment centers • Philippine Information Agency— conduct information and awareness campaigns to be localized for different areas. The mass immunization campaign comes after the DOH declared a measles outbreak in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas. Earlier, the DOH had been conducting supplementary immunization activities and outbreak response immunization to combat the rising trend in measles cases. DOH records showed there were 4,302 confirmed cases of measles. It also listed at least 70 deaths due to the disease as of Feb. 10, 2019. As government agencies scrambled to deal with the measles outbreak, Senator Risa Hontiveros continued her word war with Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda Acosta. Responding to Acosta’s claim that vaccination rates were falling for years, even before the Dengvaxia scare, Hontiveros said the PAO chief failed to mention that these coverage rates fell to an all-time low in 2018.

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Arroyo lauds DAR vows faster applications process for land conversion Araja PDRF on disaster ByandRioNatN.Mariano resiliency AMID the threat of President Rodrigo Duterte to sack more Department of Agrarian Reform ofﬁcials or kill them over the slow process of land use conversion, Secretary John Castriciones on Wednesday vowed to fast track applications for conversion of lands to nonagricultural uses as well as the distribution of public lots through a presidential order. At a news conference, Castriciones, along with Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Ofﬁce Meinardo Luis Pangulayan,

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has expressed delight on the achievements of the private sector-led Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), an organization created as a result of the executive order she issued for the country to better respond to disasters and other emergencies. As this developed, Arroyo invited Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to the PDRF headquarters at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga on the sidelines of the campaign kickoff of her Hugpong Ng Pagbabago in San Fernando, Pampanga Tuesday. Arroyo said she is glad that the PDRF has been making headway in disaster preparedness and management not only here and abroad after she was informed by PDRF President Butch Meily that many countries have adopted the system being carried out by PDRF to better respond to disasters. “I am happy that PDRF has been carrying out the purpose by which I had envisioned it to be not only for the Philippines but also for other countries. I would like to commend the dedication and commitment of our private sector in making sure that we are better prepared to deal with disasters,” she said. The PDRF, formerly known as Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation, was established as a result of Executive Order No. 870 which Arroyo issued when she was President in 2010. I The EO was issued in the aftermath of typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng and Frank which killed hundreds and destroyed properties in many parts of the country. Then President Arroyo issued EO 870 because she wanted greater private sector participation in the reconstruction programs of the government in times of calamities and other emergencies.

said the agency created a task force last Feb. 6 to look into the 73 applications for land conversion and the coverage of government lands under the agrarian reform program. “We have [also] drafted an executive order submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte allowing us to expand the agrarian reform program and to cover government-owned lands for purposes of distribution to farmers,” he told reporters. Earlier, the President axed two DAR officials for taking them two years to process a land conversion case. He threatened to fire officials from the

Incomplete rules on foreign workers hit By Vito Barcelo

HE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the country’s biggest labor group, criticized the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for coming out with new but ‘incomplete’ rules on work permits which it claimed is subject to corruption.

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it respects the decision of the Legazpi City Regional Trial Court (RTC) to grant bail to Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo. “As the premier law enforcement agency, the PNP bows to the majesty of the law and accepts the court decision allowing Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo to post bail. We shall monitor his movements from time to time and account for his presence during court hearings,” said Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) when sought for comment. The Daraga mayor is under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for alleged illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. On Tuesday, the court allowed Baldo to post a P3-million bail for his temporary liberty. Baldo is also accused of being the mastermind in the killing of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his escort, Senior Police Officer 1 Orlando Diaz in Burgos, Daraga, Albay last December 22. Bail is the security given for the release of a person in custody of the law, furnished by him or a bondsman, to guarantee his appearance before any court as required under the conditions specified. As of this posting, the beleaguered mayor is still at the Legazpi City police office, awaiting release from CIDG custody.

“The so-called new rules on work and special work permits issued by the Bureau of Immigration to prospective foreign workers are incomplete and very vulnerable to bribery and corruption. It looks like the list identiﬁed just a few jobs when the rules says there are more. We are urging the bureau to consult with labor groups, with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE, Professional Regulation Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry. It is very important that

BI list should be complete and shown in public,” TUCP President Raymond Mendoza said. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente announced last week that the bureau is imposing a stricter requirements and procedures in issuing special work permits (SWP) and provisional work permits (PWP) to foreigners intending to work in the country. Under the new rules, the Bureau will now require foreign applicants to submit additional documents before they

Ilocos Sur mayor indicted for illegal detention of resort operator By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has approved the indictment of a town mayor in Ilocos Sur over the padlocking of a local beach resort with its operator and four-year-old son trapped inside. In a 16-page resolution, the DOJ found probable cause to file serious illegal detention and grave coercion charges against Cabugao, Ilocos Sur Mayor Josh Edward Cobangbang and 18 others who have been accused by Virginia Ong of committing criminal liability arising from the closure of the local government-owned Cabugao Beach Resort (CBR) in 2017. The DOJ granted the petition for review filed by Ong and reversed the April 23, 2018 resolution of the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office that dismissed the charges for lack of probable cause. It reinstated the original resolu-

tion rendered in January last year and the findings of probable cause by investigating Senior Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Adriano Cabida, which the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office reversed upon appeal by Cobangbang. The DOJ ruled that elements of serious illegal detention were present in this case - a private individual is detained without lawful basis and that the detention was committed by public authority and the detainees were a woman and a minor. The said offense is non-bailable. In finding probable cause for indictment, the DOJ ruled that the mayor and his men are criminally liable under Articles 267 and 286 of the Revised Penal Code over the closure of CBR on Aug.24, 2017 by virtue of a municipal ordinance that only authorized the local executive to negotiate with Ong for resolution of the dispute on the ownership of the resort.

Strict security set after ‘No’ vote in Lanao del Norte ≠≠

STRICTER security measures remained in effect in Lanao del Norte province in anticipation of potential adverse response in the aftermath of the defeat of the Yes votes in the recent plebiscite of the Bangsamoro Organic Law ((BOL). Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said police forces that successfully enforced a violentfree BOL elections, will, however, remain in their posts to respond to any possible incidents arising from adverse reactions from losing parties

sary government permits, feasibility study” and other requisites. According to Pangulayan, DAR has issued Administrative Order No. 01 of 2019 not to accept applications with incomplete required dossiers. “We reported to the President and he understood DAR’s predicament,” he said. When asked if heads would still roll at DAR, Castriciones said “what is important is that we very are supportive about the initiative of the President. Of course, he is probably making his own investigation into the matter. We do not want to preempt the President.”

DISASTER RESILIENCY. Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has invited Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to visit the headquarters of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) at the Clark Freeport Economic Zone for a briefing of its operations. PDRF is the country’s major private sector vehicle and coordinator for disaster management. Composed of a team of highly committed professionals, PDRF works with field experts and reputable humanitarian institutions to organize and coordinate private organizations and businesses to better respond to disasters and other emergencies. PDRF is the result of EO 870 issued in 2010 by then President Arroyo calling for a public-private partnership for disaster response and management. Aside from Arroyo and Mayor Duterte, also in photo are (from left), Bill Luz, PDRF, chief resilience officer; Butch Meily, President of PDRF, former Rep. Martin Romualdez, Selino Castro EOC director, and Onald David, COO of SubicTel.

PNP okays court ruling on Baldo bail

By Francisco Tuyay

agency’s conversion ofﬁce, to ﬁle charges or to kill them if they failed to speed up land reform. The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms [CARPeR] lapsed on June 30, 2014, but land distribution did not stop on private agricultural lands with notices of coverage. Pangulayan said DAR submitted its report to the President to explain the snail-paced action on the applications for conversion of lands for socialized housing and renewable energy. Of the 73 land conversion applications, 43 of them are “actually” pending “because we are waiting for the neces-

pushing for the ratiﬁcation of BOL in Lanao del Norte. “Remember No votes won because basically Lanao is a Christiandominated province, that’s why we are looking of probable reactions, although as of this time we are not monitoring any,” Albayalde said. The entire province of Lanao del Norte voted against the inclusion of its six municipalities--- Balo-I, Pantar, Tagoloan, Munai, Tangkal and Nunungan in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Asked if Lanao del Norte is still a

concern, Albayalde said “Yes, this is based on the recommendation of the regional commander suggesting the presence of stay behind forces in the province.” He, however, declined to give the exact number of policemen still posted in different areas in Lanao del Norte mandated to maintain peace and order after the defeat of the Yes votes. “They were there just to maintain peace and order, just to ensure the peace and no one would take advantage, or trouble maker because of no victory,” Albayalde said.

are issued work permits. Morente also said that the BI will see to it that no work permit will be issued to aliens who will be employed as construction workers, cashiers, janitors, carpenters, and other blue-collar jobs. “There are more type of jobs that cannot be given to foreign workers. And as far as we know, the rule is that as long as there are Filipino skills and professions are available domestically, those jobs cannot be to foreign workers,” Mendoza said. Professions classiﬁed as regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will also not be allowed without the approval of the PRC. Aside from the BI and PRC, the DOLE also issued work permits to foreign workers through its Alien Employment Permit (AEP). Morente said that the new rules were issued to address the reported increase in the number of foreigners employed

in the country to the alleged detriment of Filipino workers. Among the requirements that work permit applicants will submit are: validity of stay as tourists; address, existence, nature of business, and financial viability of petitioning company; and SEC and other governnent licenses to operate. Only authorized BI officers at the main office and alien control officers in the bureau’s field offices may approve or disapprove applicants for SWP and PWP. “With different government agencies issues their own work permits with their own separate list of jobs that cannot be given to foreign workers, this system is rife for corruption and accountability problem. We think it’s high time to come up with one common list of jobs that cannot be given to foreign workers to be shared by all government agencies and used as common reference list,” Mendoza said.

GLOBE AT HOME OFFERS NEW WIRED BROADBAND PLAN PROMOS Exclusively for Online and new Cavite customers only Globe Telecom will be launching new wired Broadband Plan Promos available from February 15 to March 31, 2019 through online channels and in Cavite. This is in line with the government’s thrust of lowering service rates for the benefit of Filipino consumers. Below are more information regarding these new promos: Globe New Wired Broadband Promos Regular Offer

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1. All plans will be available to new customers in Cavite and through online channels, subject to serviceability and coverage areas, from February 15 to March 31, 2019. 2. All plans come with a 24-month lock up scheme. 3. An installation fee of P1,000 will be charged. 4. Free content up to 6 months and free landline with unlimited Globe to Globe calling for 24 months are included with the plans.

(MS-FEB. 14, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Opinion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Will their endorsement matter? AS THE official campaign period kicked off last Tuesday, nothing much has changed in the race for the 12 senatorial seats this May. It’s still Senators Grace Poe-Llamanzares and Cynthia Villar slugging it out for the top spot. This was bared by Ed Malay, Executive Director of The Center based for the latest results of the Pulso ng Pilipino prepoll survey conducted from Jan. 25 to 31. The Center’s survey had Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano unchanged at third, Senator Sonny Angara moving up to fourth as Senator Nancy Binay sliding down to fifth. Former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go who has launched a massive social media and audio visual campaign has moved up into a tie at sixth and seventh with Lito Lapid. Jinggoy Estrada remains strong in eighth

The 2019 polls will serve as a testing ground for the 2022 presidential elections.

place while former Presidential Adviser Francis Tolentino and losing presidential candidate Mar Roxas are locked in a tie at ninth to 10thplace. Senator Koko Pimentel in in 11thplace and Senator JV Ejercito is at the tail-end but safely inside the magic 12. Within striking distance are Bato de la Rosa at 13th, Bong Revilla at 14th, and Bam Aquino in a tie with Imee Marcos at 15th to 16thplace. Former Sen. Serge Osmeña is at 17th, Congressman Dong Mangudadatu is at 18th while former Congressman Neri Colmenares and for-

mer Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile are tied at 19th to 20th. Malay said this scheduled May 13polls is lacking in surprises and excitement except for former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go who barged into the Magic 12 although this is something that is to be expected. The Malasakit centers that go established in many depressed areas throughout the country enabled Go to establish a connection with the low-income households which actually comprise almost 60 percent of the country’s voting population. Notwithstanding the vast network that former top cop Dela Rosa has organized, his campaign for a Senate seat appears to be hitting rock bottom. What started out as a strong drive for the senate, Dela Rosa’s campaign seems to have run onto a blank wall. The Center believes this could be the result of a lack of a clear and viable message that would entice the public into voting for him. Tolentino, on the other hand, made up for his lack of mass appeal as those enjoyed by Lapid and Estrada by launching a dizzying campaign throughout the country which created a bandwagon efef fect that helped boost his chances, ac according to Malay. In addition, digital monitors traced To Tolentino’s social media accounts as enjoying a high rate of following at more than one million followers. This exposure more or less explains why he is safely inside the Magic 12. The Center also traced the negative publicity directed at Revilla, Marcos and Aquino as contributory to their lackluster performance in the pre-poll survey despite their popularity. What bears watching also is the value of endorsement of President Rodrigo Duterte as well as those of the other ranking officials of the government like House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former Presidents Benigno Aquino III, Joseph Estrada and Fidel V. Ramos. In the same Jan. 25-31, 2019 survey of Pulso ng Pilipino, the endorsement value of Duterte is placed at 19 percent, Macapagal-Arroyo at 12 percent, Ramos at 9 percent, Estrada at a poor 3 percent and Aquino at 2 percent. This clearly shows that candidates endorsed by President

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

In your face

HERE are two ways to look at the incident involving a 23-year-old Chinese fashion student who threw her soybean curd dessert at the policeman who prevented her from bringing it into the Metro Rail Transit 3 on Saturday. It could be that the woman, Zhang Jiale, the daughter of a Chinese investor, was naturally rude and uncouth, or was just having a bad day. Perhaps she truly wanted to savor her “taho” on her way to her destination and did not have time to finish it before she entered the train station. Thus, when PO1 William Cristobal stopped her from doing so, she became upset and threw her drink at him on instinct. Zhang was charged before a Mandaluyong court for direct assault, disobedience to an agent of a person in authority and unjust vexation. She posted bail on Wednesday, but was immediately taken into custody by the Bureau of Immigration. She is now at the BI detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig A spokesperson for the BI said Zhang had been deemed an undesirable alien for posing a risk to public interest. She faces the possibility of

being deported and blacklisted.. The other way to look at Zhang's act is to see it as a symbol of China's low regard for the Philippines. From this perspective, the incident could be incendiary, all right. Throwing taho—anything, really—anything at a person's face is not erased by washing it off. It tells us that Zhang (China) thought she was superior to Cristobal (the Philippines) that she could trample on his dignity. That a foreigner had the gall to do it in a country she was just visiting makes the act doubly insulting. It's a testy relationship we have with our neighbor to the West. On the one hand we have a president who has all but professed his love for China. He does not even make a show of enforcing the Permanent Court of Arbitration's decision upholding our claim to parts of the South China Sea. He has received China's pledges of investments, loans and grants and has put up no apparent resistance to its attempts

to fortify its claims on our territory. There is talk of joint exploration of resources despite documented acts of bullying of Filipino fishermen. A Palace spokesman says we should be grateful that China built a “maritime rescue center” on Kagitingan Reef in the West Philippine Sea. Not everybody approves of President Duterte's pivot, of course. In varying degrees, other officials in the different branches of government have expressed their disagreement with what he is doing, or not doing. We have also always expressed our wish that Mr. Duterte calmly but firmly set boundaries as to what China can and cannot get away with. No characteristic invective-laden macho talk: Just a statesmanly articulation that while we seek to build close ties with a valued neighbor, we are not doing so at all costs. The absence of such guidance is, we believe, why people have fallen so easily to the temptation of equating the act of one haughty soybeandrinking young foreigner to our China policy. If the administration were more unequivocal about our position, we would all realize that it was just one incident, and that it is nothing that the courts or the BI cannot resolve satisfactorily on their own.

Turn to A5

Measles outbreak caused by vaccine hesitancy POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE LAST Feb. 7, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III declared a measles outbreak in five regions in the country: National Capital Region, Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-BatangasRizal-Quezon), Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas. Health workers are now scrambling to contain the outbreak that as of Feb. 7 has killed 72 from more than 2,000 cases of measles nationwide. There were 55 deaths last January alone at San Lazaro Hospital, Manila, most of them children aged three months to four years. In Manila, the incidence of measles for the period Jan. 1 to Feb. 6 increased this year by a staggering 550 percent from last year. In the entire country, from 4,000 cases in 2017 there were 21,000 cases in 2018, a 425 percent increase. What caused the meteoric rise in numbers of measles cases this year? According to Duque, it was a decline in vaccination rates partly caused by the anti-Dengvaxia vaccine scare of last year, which undermined public trust in immunization. Vaccine hesitancy has also been noted as the main cause of similar outbreaks in the United States over the past several years, most recently in Portland, Oregon, and in New York. Anti-vaccine advocates or ‘antivaxxers’ in the U.S. have been vigorously opposing immunization after a fraudulent report by discredited physician Andrew Wakefield 21 years ago falsely claimed a link between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and autism. World Health Organization country representative Dr. Gundo Weiler said that for a community to achieve ‘herd immunity’, 95 percent of its population must be inoculated against disease. The Philippines, however, has not achieved

this because vaccination rates in the Philippines hovered between 70 percent to 80 percent and dropped close to 60 percent in 2018. Measles is a deadly disease, but the vaccine can protect against it. Maggie Fox, writing for NBC News.com, said,“People who are fully vaccinated against measles have very little risk of becoming infected. The vaccine provides upwards of 95 percent protection. But measles is one of the most infectious viruses known and will infect 90 percent of unimmunized people who breathe it in.”

Children are dying unnecessarily.

The Palace instructed DOH to take “more aggressive action” in its fight against the measles scourge. Here’s one example of the actions being taken by the DOH to push back, as detailed in a Feb. 8 advisory from DOH-Center for Health Development in Western Visayas. The document lists action points to “interrupt [the] transmission of [the] measles virus” in the area. The first action point is the enhanced catch-up immunization for defaulters. Health workers are to exert “all efforts” to “conduct selected vaccination of unimmunized children” either facilitybased or door-to-door. Second, the interruption of measles transmission in hospitals and health facilities is to be accomplished by the establishment of a “measles fast lane” to “promptly manage clients with fever and rash.” Only those diagnosed with measles are to be confined. There are to be dedicated isolation rooms for measles cases, as well as strict implementation of infection control protocols and the immunization of health workers. The third action point is related to “strengthening measles surveillance

Turn to A5

Meveryman ail Matters By Val Abelgas

A referendum on democracy

JUST like all midterm elections, the coming May elections should be treated as a referendum on whether the people approve of the performance and policies of the present administration and whether they want the same policies to continue in the next three years. With the death of the two-party system and the emergence of patronage-based political coalitions since the supposed re-birth of democracy in the country in 1986, the once-every-three-years elections have become a political circus rather than a political exercise. Unlike when the Nacionalista

Party and the Liberal Party fought hard to gain control of Malacañang or Congress, elections are now being contested by fleeting coalitions, ones that are based more on patronage and personality, rather than on platforms. So don’t expect a full slate of the dominant parties, such as LP, NP or PDP-Laban. Instead, you’ll see coalitions, whose names sound more like showbiz slogans rather than political parties. For example, there is the Otso Deretso, whose Senate line-up includes four LP members and four other oppositionists; the Hugpong ng Pagbabago, a coalition led by presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte which is

endorsing 13 senatorial candidates (one more than the 12 slots being contested) mostly pro-Duterte and pro-Arroyo politicians; Tapang at Malasakit Alliance, also composed mostly of pro-Duterte politicians from the PDP-Laban and Nacionalista Party; Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, composed of unknown politicians supporting Duterte, Arroyo and their proposal to shift to a federal system; and Cojuangco-led Nationalist People’s Coalition, also composed of proDuterte politicians. Based on the composition of the above coalitions, there are eight opposition senatorial candidates and the rest of the 76 official candidates are mostly supporters of

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Opinion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

mail M ail matters Matters

A bridge too near

Olivar hurled personal innuendoes to muddle the issue THIS is in connection with the column of Mr. Gary Olivar in the ManilaStandard's Feb. 13, 2019 edition, where he made innuendos and personal attacks against Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson. We seek the opportunity to set the record straight, to disabuse yourreaders and the public of such misleading notions by the former deputy presidential spokesman. Please allow us to address first Mr. Olivar's obvious confusion regarding institutional amendments (not institutional insertions, as he so claims) in the national budget. Institutional amendments—such as those Sen. Lacson had proposed in the 2019 national budget—are based on need, planning and vetting, and seek to benefit sectors including education, the environment and national security. They are based on requests by the concerned implementing agencies, which have the plans to implement the programs but lack the funds to do so. These contrast with individual amendments such as flood control projects and various structures based on lawmakers’ personal “intervention” and, in most cases, had no consultations with the im-

plementing agencies concerned. Such individual amendments can be considered pork barrel, based on the 2013 ruling of the Supreme Court that covers whimsical and arbitrary projects. For the sake of transparency, Sen. Lacson has made available the list of his institutional amendments on his website, which may be accessed at: https:// pinglacson.net/2019/01/28/at-a-glanceinstitutional-amendments-proposed-bysen-lacson-in-the-2019-budget/ Also, Sen. Lacson, in doing his job of scrutinizing the budget, bases his statements on facts—in this case, official documents. Such documents include the voluminous General Appropriations Bill (GAB), the version approved by the House of Representatives under Speaker Arroyo’s leadership, which was transmitted to the Senate. In studying the budget, Sen. Lacson questioned not only the ballooning of allocations for infrastructure in some legislative districts, but also the Tulong Dunong program where lawmakers distribute checks to their chosen scholars, even when the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (Free Tuition) Act had already been passed. Both cases are

tantamount to grave abuse of discretion, which is covered in the 2013 decision of the Supreme Court outlawing pork barrel. He also questioned the removal of the Unified Accounts Code Structure (UACS)—a system that facilitates the tracking of items for funding in the budget—in the House-approved version of the proposed 2019 budget. Trabaho lang, walang personalan. It is therefore quite pathetic that Mr. Olivar, instead of helping his former boss clear up the issue of pork in the 2019 budget, chose the path of his fellow talking heads by hurling personal innuendos at the Senator to muddle the issue. And as Sen. Lacson has already made clear he has made peace with Mrs. Arroyo and that he has forgiven those who wronged him, it is ludicrous for Mr. Olivar to make—or recycle—such wild attacks in his column. Personalan na, trabahong tamad pa. We hope this clarifies matters. Thank you very much. Joel Locsin Media Relations Officer Office of Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson

The Jiale Zhang Case

THE case involving the young lady Jiale Zhang has gotten a lot of media attention. This is because some senators came out with statements on how the case should be handled. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Palace also issued statements on the issue which is unusual considering that the case is minor if it involved any other person or foreigner other than a Chinese. Why all the importance? The only plausible reason that I can think of at the moment is the new status of the Chinese or China in our country. It is now clearly our President’s favored country. Our government appears to be trying its best not to do anything that might displease China. One senior official even went to the extent of reminding everyone not to forget the many Filipinos who currently live in China if anything happens to Jiale Zhang that might provoke China to retaliate. There are many ways to handle this case. One is to do what Senators Richard Gordon and Ping Lacson suggested—Deport Zhang and stand up to China whatever the phrase “standing up to China” means. The other is do what Secretary Locsin tweeted: Not to make the case much bigger than what it is which makes me wonder why we are even discussing the issue at all and not just let the matter take its own course. We should just simply proceed with what has to be done and at the moment. The Department of Justice has just filed a case of direct assault upon a person in authority. This will take precedence over any attempt to deport Zhang before the completion of the trial—that is, unless the government opts to deport her instead by simply withdrawing the charge and letting the Bureau of Immigration handle the matter. Foreigners should respect the laws of

A referendum... From A4

President Duterte, potentially ensuring that Congress will continue to be controlled by Duterte and his new partner, former President and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Thus, unless the Filipino voters fully support the eight Otso Deretso candidates and four of the more independent bets, we can almost be certain that the balance of power will be heavily tilted in favor of the Executive Branch, which will the have full control of the Senate, the House of Representatives and consequently, the Supreme Court. The coming May political exercise, just like all midterm elections, should thus be treated by Filipinos as a referendum both on Duterte and democracy. Should we let President Duterte continue to with his affront on human rights and the rule of law, and lead with iron fists, unchecked by both Congress and the Judiciary? Should we vote for senatorial and congressional candidates who turn a blind eye on Duterte’s strongman tactics? Or should we vote to start realigning our ship back to the democratic path? The just concluded midterm elections in the United States have proven that democracy is well and alive in the country. With the Democrats having wrested control of the House of Representatives with plenty of room to spare, the tantrums of President Donald Trump have been put under check as in the case of the battle over the border wall, in

the country they are visiting. That is expected of everyone. The no-liquid prohibition by the MRT could be annoying like when one boards an airplane for domestic or international travel. Airlines also prohibit a lot of items to be taken aboard airplanes which could be exasperating at times. But it is necessary for the safety of every passenger. It is therefore, a surprise to me what Zhang did considering where she is from. People in China are taught to be respectful to authority. One would not normally see an ordinary citizen doing what Zhang did to PO1William Cristobal because of fear of arrest. Now, even if Zhang is contrite, she is facing the real possibility of deportation or jail time and that would be a pity considering that she has been here for about six years and one would think that she has already adjusted to the local culture. Apparently, she has not. China as we know is not exactly a free country and although our country is not as rich, many Chinese would rather be here because when they are here, they can do whatever they want to do which unfortunately even includes illegal drug dealing. I remember reading an old newspaper article about how Japanese tourists behaved in the early 1960s when Japan began its march to being a world economic behemoth. The article made mention of some Japanese tourists not behaving appropriately like slouch-

How should the case be handled?

ing in hotel lobbies in their thongs. This of course cannot compare to what Zhang did to PO1 Cristobal but it does give us an idea on why some Chinese tourists behave the way they do. Some are rude but the general behavior is one which the Donald would have built that stupid wall if not checked by the Speaker Nancy Pelosi-led and Democrat-controlled House. The American people, through the ballots, made it known that they’ve had enough of Trump’s capricious and whimsical leadership. Thus, the constitutionally mandated check and balance among the three branches of government—the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary—remains in force. For three years since the former Davao mayor was elected president in 2016, with an overwhelming lead over LP bet Manuel Roxas, but a minority president nevertheless, having won only 39 percent of the total number of votes, Duterte has had absolute control over the House of Representatives. The usual political butterflies quickly joined forces with the winning presidential candidate even wwbefore they could all be sworn in as congressmen, ensuring Duterte complete control of the House of Representatives. For three years, they have toed the line, either afraid of suffering the same fate as opposition Sen. Leila de Lima, losing out in the distribution of the spoils, or losing crucial Malacanang support in these coming elections, or all of the above. But the Senate, which is the upper and far more superior chamber, has remained somehow independent and has been doing its best to keep Duterte under check. Senators like Ping Lacson, Antonio Trillanes, Franklin Drilon, Grace Poe, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, Sonny Angara, Bam Aquino and even PDP-Laban’s Koko Pimentel, independent Francis Escudero and NP’s Francis

of people totally aware of the new status of China which at the moment is that of an economic giant and an emerging superpower if not one already. Unfortunately, some of them show their pride in their country’s achievements in the wrong way. When will Filipinos also feel proud of our country’s achievements? It is something that we can only dream about because what sort of a country are we that our government deliberately send our womenfolk to work as virtual indentured servants and be treated badly by much richer countries—albeit less cultured and educated. Until we stop doing this, it would be hard to stand up and behave with pride and confidence like the way people from progressive countries do. It is also one reason why some countries take us very lightly. I can understand and sympathize with the way Senators Gordon and Lacson view the Zhang case. They want the government to stand up and show that we have pride and cannot simply be treated in a manner that is so humiliating in our own country. If this is the case, then the Zhang case has a lesson to teach. PO1 Cristobal has been commended by no less than PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde for behaving the way that he did in handling the situation but I hope that his actions were due to good and proper training and not because he was unsure of what to do because Zhang was a Chinese and a foreigner. Maybe it is a good thing that he acted the way he did and the whole episode was recorded on video by a bystander and was uploaded on the internet. This should teach all of us to be careful with what we do in public because these can easily find their way into social media.

Oversight will be on leave until after the May elections.

Eescudero, have stood many times to criticize Duterte’s policies and reckless remarks, and to keep Duterte’s dictatorial tendencies in check. Political pundits have given up on the House of Representatives, especially now that it’s led by Arroyo. But hopes remain high for the Senate. And it is the race for the 12 senators—half of the Senate composition— that will be the most crucial if democracy were to remain alive and well in the country that once boasted as the only democracy in Asia. A Duterte-controlled Senate could mean the entire Congress would just be a rubber stamp of a Chief Executive that once threatened to declare a revolutionary government and who has shown little respect for the rule of law or for democracy. He could ram down unreasonable legislations like lowering the age of criminal liability to nine years as he had originally proposed; force the shift to federal system through a constituent assembly; and force other unpopular or unreasonable measures without the necessary debates. He can do as he pleases without fear of congressional oversight or impeachment. He can name anybody to the Supreme Court who is willing to do his bidding and clamp down on dissent with even more force. Should we vote to keep Duterte on check or should we just let democracy die an ignoble death? You decide. valabelgas@aol.com Val Abelgas is a former managing editor of Manila Standard.

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

THE title of this column is a takeoff on the title of American author Cornelius Ryan’s book—“A Bridge Too Far”—which was about one of the battles between the Western Allies and the German Army toward the end of 1944. The bridge of the title of Mr. Ryan’s book was the bridge at Remagen, a town near the DutchGerman border. Because of its critical location, the Germans defended the bridge very strongly. In trying to take the bridge, the Allies suffered heavy casualties, causing Cornelius Ryan to pronounce it a very costly—“too far”—bridge. The bridge that is this column’s subject is too near, distance-wise; it will be here in this country’s capital. I am referring to the bridge that is programmed to be built across the Pasig River near the mouth of Metro Manila’s principal waterway. The construction of the bridge ought to be a welcome development for a metropolis that is almost choking with people and traffic. After all, the cost of the bridge will be entirely borne by the government of the People’s Republic of China. And the proposed span will connect two of the busiest parts of the metropolis, to wit, the Port Area and the Binondo-San Nicolas-Tondo area. Unfortunately, there’s a problem. The proposed bridge is a bridge too near. The nearness relates to the locational and environment requirements imposed by UNESCO (UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) on national structures, locations and physical features that it chooses to designate as World Heritage Sites. Being a World Heritage Site is a very special status, and that designation is conferred by UNESCO only after the most thorough evaluation of the historical, physical and cultural values of a proposed World Heritage Site. The nearness referred to in the title of this column relates to the location of the proposed Pasig River span. Many years ago, Intramuros was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and, like all recipients of World Heritage Site designation, the Philippine government agreed to abide by the terms and conditions laid down by UNESCO for the preservation and protection of designated Sites. Perhaps the most important requirement is the maintenance of a specified amount of space around the Site to serve as an environmentprotection zone for a designated Site. In the case of Intramuros, the zone extends to the areas beyond the walls of the Walled City. These include the Port Area, which lies between Intramuros and the mouth of the Pasig. The proposed Pasig River bridge is a bridge too near because the Port Area end of the bridge will be very close to the riverside section of the Walled City; there will be no environment-protection zone in that vicin-

Measles... From A4

ity. That situation will be violative of the terms and conditions upon which UNESCO conferred World Heritage Site status on Intramuros. Because of its close ties to the Chinese government, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte appears bent on going ahead with the Binondo-Port Area bridge project. If the project is implemented, UNESCO can be expected to withdraw its designation of the Walled City as a World Heritage Site.

Once the construction of the bridge begins, the World Heritage Site designation will be withdrawn, with all the implications of that for this country’s tourism industry and, more importantly, for the prestige of the Philippines.

The Duterte administration has a tough choice to make. Should it pursue the Binondo-Port Area project as it stands, or should it seek to avoid the withdrawal of UNESCO World Heritage Site designation? The process by which the Duterte administration resolves this problem should revolve around two questions. The first relates to the World Heritage Site designation. Does it consider Intramuros’ being a World Heritage Site more valuable to the nation than having a bridge across the Pasig connecting the two up-river areas being contemplated? The second question is, can the location of the proposed bridge be changed without greater damage being done to the government’s transportation-improvement program? In the end, the decisional problem boils down to this. The location of the bridge probably can be changed; the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) planners probably can do that. But UNESCO almost certainly is not likely to bridge. World Heritage Sites need protective zones around them, a fact known to the Philippine government when it accepted the coveted UNESCO designation. However the Duterte administration resolves the problem, one thing is beyond question. Once the construction of the bridge begins, the World Heritage Site designation will be withdrawn, with all the implications of that for this country’s tourism industry and, more importantly, for the prestige of the Philippines.

the measles outbreak could have been avoided if those children had been immunized. Those responsible for the Dengvaxia scare should not be able to sleep at night if they have consciences. While they did not specifically mention other vaccines, the hype they created around the issue was sufficient to cause many Filipinos to fear vaccines that have been a part of healthcare protocol for children for decades. Children are dying unnecessarily. Those who have voices and platforms can help by spreading the truth about vaccines, that they prevent diseases that can kill. ***

and advocacy,” including the intensification of the advocacy against measles and the provision of “proper health information on the benefits and importance of immunization and risk for nonvaccination.” The advisory also requires the conduct of region-wide supplemental immunization in the second quarter of this year. I tried to get more information about the DOH’s latest actions but their website was down when I visited it on February 10. They should get it back up and running soonest so that the public may be better informed about what’s hapDon’t be stupid. Get your children vacpening and what to do. What’s important to realize is that cinated! FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

Will their... From A4

Duterte will be coming into the elections with a 19-percent advantage over the other candidates. What comes as a surprise is that many of those surveyed have now placed a value on the endorsement of the religious sector, granting for the sake of argument that these sectors will openly endorse candidates in the coming elections. Some 15 percent of the respondents said they would consider candidates endorsed by the Catholic and other Christian groups while 9 percent said they would support the candidates endorsed by the Iglesia ni Kristo. Some 7 percent said they will support candidates to be endorsed by other religious denominations such as the protestant churches. The Center clarified that this was included to try and test whether the religious sector can influence the outcome of

the elections. The results will show that the amount of support from the voting public is at most negligible and would not be a factor in the conduct of the elections. Malay said the Philippine political landscape has changed a lot. There is more emphasis today in the use of social media and digital campaigns. While the Philippines still lags behind its modern Southeast Asian neighbors, much of the country including the countryside are now wired or equipped with digital connectivity that makes it easier now for political candidates to disseminate their campaign materials through the online platform. He added that the 2019 polls will serve as a testing ground for the 2022 presidential elections as there will definitely be a revamp of this campaign model given the introduction of new technologies with the advent of more young voters whose mindsets are different from the character of Filipino voters some 30 years ago.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Republic of the Philippines CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR 05-19 TO

ALL LOCAL APPROVED MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS WITH AIRCRAFT WEIGHT AND BALANCE RATING

SUBJECT :

AIRCRAFT REWEIGHING

It has come to the attention of this Authority that several Weight and Balance reports reviewed during the renewal of the Certificate of Airworthiness have erroneous data/information in the computation of the basic empty weight, and their corresponding center of gravity. Evidently, miscalculations of the current Weight and Balance of aircraft have certain degree of effect on its stability during any phase of operation. In this regard, all local Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMO) rated to conduct aircraft reweighing for a wide variety of aircraft types/models, ranging from small to transport category aircraft types, excluding AMO’s having transport category aircraft type/models under their Specific Operating Provisions, are required to have a CAAP engineer/representative to witness and observe the conduct of aircraft reweighing. This is to ensure that the Weight and Balance procedures for the affected aircraft are performed in accordance with the Aircraft Manufacturer’s Weight and Balance Manual to maintain continuing safe operation within the center of Gravity limits/flight envelope. This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately and compliance is hereby enjoined.

BOC won’t release goods sans marks of port origin By Vito Barcelo

HE Bureau of Customs will not release container goods in ports unless the containers have been marked with the country of origin, to avoid the practice of passing off the shipments as coming from another country.

Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero has issued Customs Administrative Order 02-2019 titled Marking of Imported Goods and Containers which provides for the guidelines on the marking of imported goods with the country of origin, to protect the consumers from the deceptive practice of passing off imported articles as coming from a particular country other than its actual country of origin. “No imported goods of foreign origin held in customs custody for inspection, examination or assessment shall be released until such goods or their containers have been marked in accordance with the requirements of CAO, and until the amount of duty

assessed to be payable has been deposited,” Guerrero said. The CAO will also help the bureau monitor the marking duty imposed and collected on the goods through the use of information and communication technology. The new rule stipulates that “all goods of foreign origin imported into the Philippines or their containers, shall be conspicuously marked in any ofﬁcial language of the Philippines as legibly, indelibly and permanently as the nature of goods or container will permit and in such manner as to indicate to an ultimate purchaser or end-user or consumer in the Philippines the name of the country of origin of the goods.”

Under said CAO, the character of words and phrases or abbreviation to be used in the marking of imported goods shall be based on the United Nations Terminology Database by means of printing, stenciling, stamping, branding, or labeling. When goods cannot be marked under any of the foreign methods, the BOC will allow any method of legible and conspicuous marking such as die stamping, cast-in-the mold lettering, etching (acid or electrolytic), engraving, or by means of metal plates which bear the prescribed marking. The conduct of marking may be done at the consignee’s warehouse upon request and must be supervised by the Bureau and Department of Trade and Industry representatives, if applicable. Imported goods and their containers shall be tagged as abandoned and will be disposed of when the owner failed or refused to mark the goods as required within 30 days after due notice.

CAPTAIN JIM C. SYDIONGCO Director General

‘VAT-exempt medicine must include mental health’

(MS-FEB. 14, 2019)

Republic of the Philippines) Province of Isabela ) City Of Cauayan ) AFFIDAVIT I, DAN A. DULIG, of legal age, married, Filipino citizen, with residence address at #1 DR. BASILIO REYES STREET, PRENZA, DISTRICT 1, CAUAYAN CITY, under oath, depose and state that: (1) I am the lone business owner of DANYSONS CONSTRUCTION, duly registered under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR);

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

(2) The said business is now changing its current status, SINGLE PROPRIETORSHIP, to a CORPORATE status bearing the name DANYSONS CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION; (3) The said business has no pending case whatsoever be it civil, criminal or administrative case; (4) All business documents necessary and pertinent to the change of status has been submitted to and registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). (5) Being the holder of majority of the shares of stock, I have the controlling interest over the said corporation; (6) As such, I am executing this affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing. In witness whereof, I have here unto set my hand this ___day of February, 2019 at Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines.

Affiant further sayeth naught.

DAN ALBANO DULIG TIN NO. 192-609-110

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this _____________in Cauayan City, affiant exhibiting his Community Tax Certificate NO. 20855756, issued on Jan. 3, 2019 at Cauayan City, Philippines. Doc No.

300 ;

Page No. 61

;

Book No.

;

Series of 2019. (MS-FEB. 14, 2019)

In The Name Of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN BIDS AND AWARDSCOMMITTEE Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300

INVITATION TO BID FOR SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF TWENTY SEVEN (27) UNITS MINI RICE MILL WITH DESTONNER FOR DISTRIBUTION TO FARMERS IN THE DIFFERENT MUNICIPALTIES UNDER THE PAMANA PROGRAMS OF OPAPP, PROVINCE OF BASILAN UNDeR BAC PUBLICATION 02-013-2019 1.

The Provincial Government of Basilan, with Memorandum of Agreement with OPAPP under the PAMANA Program1 intends to apply the sum of Thirty Two Million (₱32,000,000.00) pesos being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery of Twenty Seven (27) Units Mini Rice Mill with De –Stonner for Distribution to Farmers in the Different Municipalities under the PAMANA Program of OPAPP, Province of Basilan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Provincial Government of Basilan, now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of Twenty Seven (27) Units Mini Rice Mill with De –Stonner for Distribution to Farmers in the Different Municipalities under the PAMANA Program of OPAPP, Province of Basilan2 Delivery of the Goods is required [within the required delivery date or expected contract duration]. Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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

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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Provincial Government of Basilan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (during Office hours).

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on February 15, 2019 to March 11, 2019 from the address below on the amount of Twenty Five thousand Pesos (₱ 25,000,00) and another One thousand pesos (₱ 1,000.00) for the letter of intent. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference3 on 10:00 am, February 27, 2019 at BAC Office, Provincial Hostel, Isabela City, Basilan, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00 am, March 11, 2019. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Claused. Opening shall be on 10:00 am, March 11, 2019 at BAC Office, Provincial Hostel, PEO compound Eastside, Isabela City, Basilan Province. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representative who choose to attend at the address below. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

The Provincial Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. 10. For further information, please refer to: The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat 2nd Floor, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417 (SGD) INTAN GORDANA A. ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Bids and Award Committee (MS-FEB. 14, 2019)

CLEARING THE DECKS. Comelec spokesman James Jimenez (right) and lawyer George Garcia

during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Wednesday, where they discussed election preparation and other related topics. Lino Santos

JPE, 95 today, says can still walk 2 kms daily, uses ‘smart watch’ SAYING that he will still be able to complete the gruelling campaign trail, former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who is celebrating his 95th birthday today, says he is capable of walking two kilometers daily To keep him physically fit, the country’s oldest candidate in the senatorial derby and even in the midterm elecrions, said he continues to walk at least 2,000 steps. Aside from walking, Enrile said he could also swim in the ocean, especially in his home province of Cagayan where he would stay for one week to swim “even with a strong current.” The four-term senator uses a “smart watch” to monitor different aspects of his health to include his heartbeat, calorific consumption, and exercise duration. The candidate, who will become a “centenarian” in office if he succeeds to secure a slot in the Senate ‘Magic 12’ this 2019, has also taken to other hi-tech devices to keep his mind sharp. “I do not get idle,” the veteran lawmaker said, adding, “I write my own stories, my own thoughts in the computer. I do Facebook conversations and so forth.” Enrile’s voracious appetite of reading at least 50 pages of a book per day has also kept him

NOTICE OF SELFADJUDICATION Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Lorenzo Raymundo Arce, who died on June 26, 2016 without leaving any will, has been settled by way of self-adjudication by his sole legal heir and daughter, Trixia Joyce Arce Fu, as per Doc. No. 661, Page No. 7, Book No. 1, series of 2019 of Consul Vanessa G. Bago-Llona, Consul of the Republic of the Philippines for Northern California, in San Francisco. (MS-FEB. 14,21 & 28, 2019)

abreast of the latest issues across different topics and industries—including cryptocurrency. “There are already more than 500 types of cryptocurrencies floating in the world. It is now a market—a cryptocurrency exchange. It is unregulated but many jurisdictions are starting to impose regulations. We’ll have to do it in here, and I intend to attend to this when I go to the Senate,” he said. For his diet, Enrile maintains a loose food regimen and has previously mentioned that one of his secrets in fighting ageing is regular consumption of the vegetable saluyot or jute leaves as well as minimal rice intake of not more than one cup per meal. “I eat lechon, chicharon, adobo, porkchop, and bagnet,” he said in an interview, adding, “Ang iniiwasan ko lang yung mga may uric acid. I am not diabetic, but I’m prone to [build-up of] uric acid [yet still] I eat monggo with dahon ng ampalaya with chicharon.” He has also stopped smoking but continues to drink small quantities of alcohol On the launch of the official campaign period on Tuesday, Enrile hit the road running with a kickoff rally in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan with United Nationalist Alliance bets. Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Aquilino Pimentel III has sought the expansion of the list of valueadded tax-exempt medicines, to include those prescribed for persons with mental health conditions. Senate Bill 2193 ﬁled by Pimentel last Jan. 29 seeks to further amend a provision in the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, particularly Section 109. While the Mental Health Act, which was signed into law last year, made mental health services accessible and integrated the mental health care in the basic health services, the law does not cover the cost of drugs and medicines, he said. “To sustain the treatment or prevention of mental health conditions, it is imperative that drugs and medicines are made affordable,” Pimentel said. “To bring down the cost of drugs and medicines prescribed for mental health conditions, this bill proposes to exempt them from the imposition of VAT,” he added. More than 100 maintenance medicines—those prescribed for treatment and prevention of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol—are now exempted from payment of VAT following the implementation of RA 10963, otherwise known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. The exemption from the 12-percent VAT of the said maintenance medicines took effect last Jan. 1. In his explanatory note, Pimentel said records from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that mental illness and mental retardation were the third and fourth common disabilities respectively. A study in 2004 by the World Health Organization further revealed that 60 percent of people attending primary care clinics daily in the Philippines have one or more mental neurological or substance use disorders while a 2006 study by the Department of Health showed that among government employees in Metro Manila, 32 percent of the 327 respondents have experienced a mental health problem in their lifetime. Mental health and well-being is a concern of all and it is for this reason that the passage of the bill is earnestly sought, the senator said.

Pag-IBIG holds ‘Araw ng Pag-IBIG’ for 1,500 couples TODAY, Feb. 14, Pag-IBIG Fund holds its eighth “I Do, I Do! Araw ng Pag-IBIG,” a mass wedding for Pag-IBIG member-couples. More than 1,500 couples are expected to participate this year in 13 venues nationwide. Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, who serves as the chairperson of both the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said: “This is how we celebrate Araw ng Pag-IBIG on Valentine’s Day. The mass wedding is our way of helping couples formalize their union and reminding them that Pag-IBIG Fund membership comes with beneﬁts that can help in their lives. “We are one with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive of helping Filipino families make the most of social beneﬁts provided by government institutions like Pag-IBIG Fund.” This year’s “I Do. I Do! Araw ng Pag-IBIG” will be simultaneously conducted in Pasay City, Mandaue City, Davao City, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan Valley, Tarlac, Bulacan, Palawan, Bicol, Antique, Iligan City, General Santos City

and Zamboanga City. Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive ofﬁcer Acmad Rizaldy Moti himself said: “Since 2012, Pag-IBIG Fund has assisted 20,297 Filipino couples through this activity. The ‘Araw ng Pag-IBIG’ is a lighthearted way to capitalize on our name but there is the serious objective of encouraging more Filipinos to enjoy the beneﬁts of being a Pag-IBIG Fund member. “It is our vision for every Filipino worker to save with Pag-IBIG Fund, so they can have access to highyield savings and affordable home loans.” The “I Do. I Do! Araw ng Pag-IBIG,” was awarded with the 1st Philippine Quill for a Government Communication Program from the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines in 2013. It also grabbed the Bronze Award for Advocacy Communications under the category of Responsible Parenthood at the Araw Values Award, and cited by the TV show, Philippine Book of Records, as having the “most number of couples in a nationwide mass wedding,” in 2014.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

PH SEA Games lures 6 sponsors W

ITH a new facility erected on a 9,450 hectare property ready for use by its participants and service levels prepared at par with Asian and world multi sports events, the 30th South East Asian Games proved to be an attractive investment to a number of established sports brands.

Six companies entered into partnership agreements with the Philippine South East Asian Games Organizing Committee yesterday at the Kalayaan Hall, SM Aura, boosting the country’s preparation drive into higher gear. PHISGOC was represented by its Chairperson, former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, and Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas. Atos, from Spain, who was designated as the official games management system provider of the upcoming games is a global leader in digital transforma-

tion having provided their solutions to past Olympic and Asian Games. Philippine Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier, will be the official airline carrier of the games tasked with transporting key delegates and officials from around the world. GL Events, based in France, is a world class provider of integrated solutions and services for past international sporting events will lead in doing overlays of 39 sporting venues to be used for the SEA Games. Thailand based sports apparel company Grand Sport will be providing the uniforms for the workforce, volunteers and technical of-

ficials. Asics, from Japan, on the other hand, will be donned by our national athletes in their official kits carrying the Philippine f lag on their chests. Official game ball and sporting equipments will be provided by Mikasa, Marathon and Molten, all brought in by Sonak Corporation to the country. Lastly, as this event aims to be the most viewed and most memorable games in the entire history of the SEA Games, Spain-based MediaPro Asia will lead the efforts in international broadcast while also being the official media rights and sponsorships partner of PHISGOC. All partners have established their expertise in the Asian market, having worked with numerous Asian-level events in the past. The strong consensus is their wish to become part of the 39th SEAG seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the region which Is their consis-

tent solid business public. “We win as one,” Cayetano highlighted the importance of unity and bringing people together. “Together, we can make this the most viewed and best hosted SEAG.” “More than just investing in this year’s SEA Games, you are investing in our country, our people, and the development of our athletes. Not only Filipino athletes but athletes of the Southeast Asian region,” said Ramirez in his speech. Touted as the biggest SEAG in history, the 2019 edition will feature 56 sports and 523 events spread across 39 venues in Subic, Clark, Tagaytay, and Metro Manila. Cayetano expressed his gratitude to the Duterte government for its unparalleled support particularly for building world class sports facilities, the first since 1934 when the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was erected.

Madis, Balaoing share PPS tennis lead TENNIELLE Madis and Jay Balaoing lived up to their top billing as they nailed two victories each to dominate the PPS-PEPP Sultan Kudarat National age group tennis tournament at the Isulan Capitol Tennis Club recently. Madis, one of the rising stars from Mlang, Cotabato, dropped just one game in three matches to clinch the girls’ 12-and-under crown via a 6-1, 6-0 rout of Sanchena Francisco. She duplicated that feat with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Angel Armanda in the 14-U finals of the Group I tournament presented by Dunlop and hosted by Gov. Pax Mangudadatu. Balaoing, from Koronadal, also proved dominant in the boys’ division, beating Jose Balonga Jr., 6-1, 6-1, for the 16-U diadem then whipping Bruce Hurtado, 6-3, 6-1, in the 18-U finals of the event which served as the second of the six-leg Mindanao swing of the Palawan Pawnshop Palawan Express Pera Padala circuit. “Madis and Balaoing should serve as inspiration to the other youngsters for their hard work and determination to make it big someday with the PPS providing the venue to hone their talent and skills,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Sharing the winners’ podium were Kabacan’s Cian Ramirez (10-unisex), Al Rasheed Lucman (boys’ 12-U) from Malaybalay, Yassan Al Anazi (boys’ 14-U), Kyle Rivera (girls’ 16-U) from Tupi, South Cotabato, and Tennielle’s elder sister Jazzele (girls’ 18-U). Balaoing and Tennielle, who shared the MVP honors in the tournament sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg, capped their big week with victories in doubles play. Balaoing and Hurtado edged Steve Aton and Christian Villarin, 8-5, while the Madis siblings routed Trixie Costan and Rivera, 8-0, in the 18-U finals. Meanwhile, Kabacan will host the next stop on Feb. 14-17 followed by Kidapawan City on Feb. 21-25, Digos City on Feb. 28-March 4 and Tagum City on March 7-11.

LOS ANGELES—Michael Jordan praised the record-breaking exploits of James Harden and Russell Westbrook on Tuesday before mischievously remarking that both players’ achievements pale against his own. NBA legend Jordan spoke to reporters in Charlotte ahead of the All-Star Break, less than 24 hours after Harden and Westbrook had both reached significant milestones. Harden notched his 30th straight 30-point game in Houston’s defeat of the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, becoming only the second player after Wilt Chamberlain to achieve the feat. Westbrook meanwhile became the first man to record 10 consecutive triple-doubles in Oklahoma City’s defeat of the Portland Trail Blazers. Jordan on Tuesday said both achievements were worthy of accolades. “They’re both hard,” Jordan said. “It shows the talent that we have in the league, and it shows progression in the league. “I am very proud of how both guys have done because they are making a mark for the league and I think it really helps grow the league.” “Which is harder from a player’s standpoint? Six championships probably,” quipped Jordan, who won six NBA Finals titles with the Chicago Bulls between 1991 and 1998. While Harden and Westbrook have piled up individual accolades in recent years, winning the 2018 and 2017 season MVP titles respectively, neither has managed to win an NBA championship with their teams.

Bicycology 2nd anniversary race set Feb. 24 Champion Francisco Mancebo Perez (center) of Spain, runner-up Ronald Oranza (left) of Standard Insurance and third-placer Dominic Perez of 7-Eleven display their trophies and dummy checks at the LBC Ronda Pilipinas podium.

Oranza to prepare for 2 UCI-sanctioned races NAVY-Standard Insurance’s Ronald Oranza will have a couple of weeks of reenergizing before returning to training in preparation for a pair of UCIsanctioned races. “We’ll rest for two weeks and we’ll be back on the road because we will also be competing in the Pru Life and Le Tour,” said the 26-year-old Oranza, who finished second overall to eventual LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2019 winner Francisco Mancebo Perez of Matrix Powertag Japan, in Filipino. Oranza, who turned 26 Tuesday, stressed he learned a lot from this year’s Ronda edition, which is now sanctioned by the UCI or the cycling’s world governing body, and he will use that to his advantage in future races. “This race taught us that we really

have to train harder because the foreign riders are really strong. Training hard isn’t enough, we have to double or triple our efforts for us to have a chance at beating them,” said Oranza. Although he wasn’t able to successfully defend the title, the Villasis, Pangasinan native is happy to just emerge the best Filipino rider. “The competition is really tough and Mancebo is really strong. So finishing behind him (Mancebo) isn’t that bad and it still feels like winning a backto-back in Ronda Pilipinas,” he said. There was also disappointment that Navy, which won the team crown in the last five editions, faltered in the overall team race as it wound up third behind eventual winner Matrix Powertag Japan and 7Eleven Cliqq-Air21 by

Roadbike Philippines. Navy coach Rienhard Gorrantes said it was part of the game. “We’re okay with it, we can’t win all the time,” said Gorrantes. “What is important is that we fought until the end and we gave them a good fight. We’ll try again to win more races in the future.” The Navymen were specifically eyeing to do good in two UCI-sanctioned races—the Pru Life in May and the Le Tour in June. Gorrantes said there are a lot at stake in those two races. “The Pru Life and Le Tour are both UCI races so we have to do good there because we want to earn qualifying points for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” he said.

Lhuillier is Cebu writers’ Sportsman of Year JEAN Henri Lhuillier, a long-time Philippine Sports patron, was awarded last year as Sportsman of the Year in the 36th Sportswriter Association of Cebu Awards. The recognition was well-deserved by someone who has served and supported Philippine Sports for more than three decades in the fields of basketball, tennis, softball, while throwing support also to select athletes in bowling and swimming.

Jean Henri Lhuillier was named the Sportsman of the Year in 2018 by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu. This award was given in recognition of Lhuillier’s significant contributions to sports in the country.

Jordan: 6 NBA titles hardest to achieve

Lhuillier was recognized for his efforts in sports grassroots development and support to national teams in softball and tennis in the country. “It was a recognition that I do not take lightly. It encourages me to continuously do my part in bringing glory to Philippine sports,” said Lhuillier, who is also the President of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines and the Unified Tennis Philippines. Lhuillier is also focused on bringing the Philippines

to the summit of softball and tennis greatness. He is the man behind former world no. 17 doubles’ player Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales, who currently represents the nation in some of the world’s greatest tennis tournaments such as Davis Cup and tennis grand slams. Lhuillier is also the man behind the 2020 Tokyo Olympics quest for the PH Blu Girls, who has made an impressive run in world–class softball tournaments, securing wins over world’s top 10 teams such as Australia, Canada, China, Chinese-Taipei, Mexico, along the way. “I’m just getting started. I have high hopes for both Philippine softball and tennis and softball as these are 2 sports that I firmly believe that we have what it takes to be the world’s best and I vow to give my best to make these dreams a reality,” said Lhuillier. Through the UTP, which he co-founded and now spearheads as its president, Lhuillier has planned out 104 tournaments nationwide from open, age-group and club tournaments. National junior teams’ exposure to tough tournaments in Asia are also lined up in support of top players Huey and Gonzales. For softball, Lhuillier ensures that Blu Girls’ quest for an Olympic slot goes in full swing with major tournaments lined up such as the USA World Cup, Canada Cup, and the Asia-Oceania Qualifying tournament in Shanghai, China in September before ending their 2019 campaign in the Southeast Asian Games. Lhuillier has high hopes also for the Blu Boys and he has lined up the World Men’s Championship in June and the Southeast Asian Games for the men’s softball team.

REGISTRATION is now going on for the 2nd Anniversary Criterium Race organized by Bicycology Shop on Feb. 24 at the C-5 Extention (Golden Haven) in Las Piñas. The race conceptualized for weekend road warriors is open but limited to 100 participants in all categories such as 60-above; 50-59 yrs old; 40-49 yrs old; and 30-39 yrs old. “First come, first served po. We try to maximize the number of participants to 100 per category para po madali nating maisaayos. Ginagawa po namin ito as part of awareness campaign para sa buting maidudulot ng cycling sa ating kalusugan,” said organizer John Garcia, who co-owns Bicycology Shop with Olympian swimmer Eric Buhain. “Dito po sa Bicycology Shop, one stop shop tayo. Kumpleto ang lahat ng kailangan ninyo at may mga mahuhusay tayong mekaniko na magbibigay ng advice habang inaaayos ang ating mga bisikleta,” said Garcia. Entry fee is P100 per rider. Garcia said interested cycling enthusiasts can visit and register at Biycology Shop branches at President Avenue, B.F Paranaque (green world plaza), and Daanghari, Las Pinas (seaside DampaLanders).

Jolo... From A8

brother Jonas, who fell by nine at the turn but struck back with a closing 35 start for a 72 and a 143. Young Sean Ramos rebounded from a woeful 75 with the day’s best 69 as he seized solo third at 144, eight strokes off Jolo, while Paqo Barro carded a 70 for a 145 and Carl Corpus turned in a 71 for joint fifth at 146 with Elee Bisera, who matched par 72. Rupert Zaragosa hardly bounced back from a 76 with a 73 for a 149, 13 strokes off the leader heading to the last 36 holes of the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation and held in honor of the late NGAP president and golf patron Rod V. Feliciano. Tied with Gabasa and Eagle Ace Superal after 18 holes, Chabon broke from a threeway tie with a birdie on the ninth and went two-up with another birdie on No. 16. But the top The Country Club bet bogeyed the last two holes for a 72, enabling the Cebubased Gabasa, who also matched par, to regain a share of the lead at 147. Superal slipped to third with a 73 but remained in the thick of things with a 148 while Sofia Legaspi also threatened within three at 150 after firing the lone under par card of 70 in the distaff side of the annual event held as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Tour and backed Cignal, Metro Pacific and Cangolf.

Sports

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

UAAP juniors basketball Final 4 beams on ABS-CBN

James Sena of Blackwater is hounded by three Alaska defenders Chris Banchero, Jeron Teng and Sonny Thoss in a PBA Philippine Cup game won by the Aces, 103-101.

Cignal aims to live up to hype Games Thursday

(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig) 1 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies 2 p.m. - Cignal-Ateneo vs Go for Gold-CSB 4 p.m. - Marinerong Pilipino vs Valencia City Bukidnon-SSC-R

CIGNAL-ATENEO aims to live up to its hype when the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association D-League season opens on Thursday against Go for Gold-St. Benilde at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. The Hawkeyes, now carrying the core of UAAP champions Blue Eagles, are the favorites to come out on top of the Aspirants Group. But coach Tab Baldwin is not really worried living up to everyone’s expectations. “This time of the year is for the individual development of our players and we want to focus on how we’re playing as a team. We’re doing that for experience, to get some team activity, but the primary goal is individual development. We’re trying to develop PBA players and Gilas players here,” said the former national team mentor. Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go, and Matt Nieto banner Cignal-Ateneo in the school’s maiden foray in the developmental ranks, with Ivorian big man Ange Kouame backstopping them in the paint. It won’t be an easy first hurdle, though, for the Hawkeyes as standing in their way are the Foundation Cup champion Go for Gold-CSB. Scratchers’ coach Charles Tiu himself acknowledges how difficult his side’s title-retention bid is, especially in this 20-team field. “It will be a tough climb for us to win the championship again,” he admitted. However, that underdog mentality is what makes Go for Gold-CSB dangerous, as Tiu will lean on the leadership of Justin Gutang and Fil-Am sniper Roosevelt Adams to carry the fight for his side. “I know a lot of teams are counting us out and don’t even expect us to be playoff contenders, but we’re going to do our best,” he said.

Aces turn back Elite for 2nd straight win but on all occasions, Blackwater was able to dig itself out of the hole, setting up a tightly fought endgame in LASKA came through in the ﬁnal minute with the fourth. some key baskets to escape with a hard-fought The Aces opened up their largest 103-101 squeaker over pesky Blackwater for its lead, 63-50, with less than eight minutes left in the third quarter, but the second straight victory in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Elite roared back to trim its deficit to Association Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in only three, 72-75, heading to the payPasay City last night. off period. That set-up a grinding finish down Back-to-back jumpers from Chris time, founding some youthful zest the stretch for both squads. Banchero and Sonny Thoss put the as he scored 16 points, to go with Aces on top, 103-100, with 34.3 sec- five rebounds to help Alaska get The scores: onds remaining. through. Alaska 103—Teng 18, Cruz 18, Roi Sumang had a chance to pull Alaska now owns a 2-1 record while Thoss 16, Exciminiano 14, Banchero the Elite closer after getting fouled, unfortunately for Blackwater, it fell 11, Ayaay 9, Pascual 8, Galliguez 7, but only managed a split, making it to 1-6 near the bottom, having lost its Potts 2, Baclao 0. 103-101, still for the Aces, with 30.2 fourth straight victory. Blackwater 101—Maliksi 25, ticks left. The Elite now need to most likely Sumang 18, Digregorio 14, Jose 9, However, that was Blackwater’s last sweep its remaining four games to re- Tratter 7, Belo 7, Sena 6, Cortez 6, Deshot as the ball stayed on the Alaska main in the hunt for a spot in the top siderio 4, Alolino 3, Eriobu 2, Javier side of the floor the rest of the way un- eight. 0, Banal 0. til time expired. Alaska held multiple double-digit Quarters: 29-28, 49-48, 75-72, Thoss turned back the hands of leads in the second and third quarters 103-101.

By Jeric Lopez

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on February 12, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. AFP

Jolo pulls away by 7; Chabon blows golf lead JOLO Magcalayo slowed down with a 71 but still padded his lead to seven while Sofia Chabon blew a two-shot lead with a wobbly finish to remain tied at the helm with Junia Gabasa halfway through the W Express RVF Cup Amateur Golf Championship at Cangolf’s North course in Laguna yesterday. Imposing with a bogey-free 65 in the first round, Magcalayo sustained his hot run with two birdies at the back where they teed off but stumbled with his first two bogeys on Nos. 1 and 3 before birdying the seventh to save a 37-34 for a 36hole total of eight-under 136. That was seven shots ahead of elder

Turn to A7

Forbes: James tops NBA rich list LOS ANGELES—LeBron James remains the top-earning player in the NBA while an increasing number of stars have boosted their income through off-field activities, a Forbes survey revealed Tuesday. Forbes said that Los Angeles Lakers star James was the highest-paid player in basketball for a fifth straight year, pocketing an estimated $88.7 million in 2018-2019. Around $35.7 million of James’s earnings came from salary and bonuses, while $53 million was generated through endorsements. Golden State Warriors ace Stephen Curry ranked second on the earnings list with $79.5 million, with salary accounting for $37.5 million and endorsements $42 million. Curry’s Golden State teammate Kevin Durant was third with $65 million. Around $30 million of Durant’s earnings are from his salary while endorsements account for $35 million. Durant has

THE cast is set and the UAAP Season 81 Juniors’ basketball Final Four will be rumbling Friday, live on ABS-CBN S+A, S+A HD, LIGA, LIGA HD, iWant, ABS-CBN Sports’ YouTube channel, and sports.abscbn.com for a pair of exciting games bannered by the young stars of Philippine hoops starting at 1 pm. Led by Gerry Abadiano, the Nazareth School-National University Bullpups, who finished at first after the double-round elimination, are up against the fourth-ranked Adamson Baby Falcons of Joem Sabandal at 1 p.m., opening the curtains for a fiery Final Four Friday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Defending champion and secondseed Ateneo, meanwhile, gets its first crack at a Finals seat when Kai Sotto and the Blue Eaglets engage the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws led by RJ Abarrientos at 3 p.m. NSNU is looking forward to a Finals rematch with Ateneo, after getting hammered in Season 80 by Sotto and the graduated trio of SJ Belangel, Dave Ildefonso, and Jason Credo with the help of its current Big Three of Carl Tamayo, Abadiano, and Terrence Fortea. Coach Goldwin Monterverde’s boys have dominated the tournament, but will face a hungry Adamson squad, who handed them their only loss in the eliminations. Sotto, meanwhile, looks to lead the Blue Eaglets to a UAAP Juniors record 15th UAAP diadem with the help of his new running mate in point guard Forthsky Padrigao. The squad is on a roll since Padrigao’s return and has eased the load that Sotto, and fellow big man Geo Chiu, have been carrying for the better part of the eliminations. The defending champions will have to contend and contain the Baby Tams’ crack guard rotation that features RJ Abarrientos, Xyrus Torres, and Royce Alforque, who all showed up when the Baby Tams beat the Blue Eaglets in overtime during the eliminations. While facing powerhouse teams, ABS-CBN Sports analyst, former Ateneo Lady Eagle, and women’s basketball national team mainstay Danica Jose believes that both FEU and Adamson are no pushovers, especially at this stage of the competition. “FEU is the dark horse in the league and I think they can pull off an upset given their key players. The challenge for Ateneo is for their bigmen to effectively guard their skilled perimeter players. On the other side, Adamson may have given NSNU their solitary loss, but it will be tough battle in the backcourt against the Bullpups which parades Gerry Abadiano and Ernest Felicilda,” she explained.

earned more than $400 million in his career to date, according to Forbes. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook was fourth on the list with $53.7 million. Most of Westbrook’s earnings comes through his lucrative contract with the Thunder, reportedly worth $207 million over five years. The triple-double king added a further $18 million through endorsements. Reigning NBA MVP James Harden rounded out the top five on the list with $47.4 million ($30.4 million salary and $17 million endorsements). The Forbes survey noted that that the top 10 earners in the NBA will make around $540 million this year, up more than $180 million from five years ago. The report pointed to several stars who have looked to diversify their brands into different areas, with James, Curry and Durant all setting up their own companies to manage business opportunities in media and marketing. AFP

LeBron triple-double fails to lift Lakers LOS ANGELES—LeBron James produced a 28-point triple double but it was not enough to prevent the Los Angeles Lakers from sliding to defeat against the lowly Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. A stony-faced James marched quickly off the court at the State Farm Arena following a fourth defeat in five games for the Lakers, who were pummelled by Philadelphia in their previous outing on Sunday. James’ fifth triple double of the year included 28 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists. However, the Lakers were undone by a determined Hawks line-up which spread the scoring through their ranks to complete a 117-113 win. “At the end of the day we lost the ball game, I don’t care what I did individually,” James said of his performance. “I could care less if I’m not winning ball games. That’s what I’m all about. I can throw that game in the trash.” John Collins and Trae Young had 22 points each for the Hawks, while four other players made double figures. The Lakers fell to 28-29 with the defeat, which saw Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram score 19 points each while point guard Reggie Bullock chipped in with 15 points. The Lakers remain outside the playoff places in the Western Conference in 10th spot, and will need to halt their slide in form if they are to mount a charge for the playoffs. “We didn’t have consistent play in all phases of the game,

offensively and defensively,” James told reporters. Asked about a leaky defence which has conceded an average of nearly 33 points a quarter in recent games, James added: “The numbers speak for themselves. We’ll have to look at that.” Elsewhere Tuesday, the Golden State Warriors overcame a spirited performance by the Utah Jazz before pulling away in the fourth quarter for a 115-108 win. Kevin Durant put up 28 points while Stephen Curry added 24 to lead the scoring for the Warriors. Curry’s tally included back-to-back three-pointers late in the fourth quarter to help take the NBA champions into a 103-95 lead. Defensive cornerstone Utah had earlier matched the Warriors blow for blow, scrapping their way to 93-93 with just under eight minutes left. However, Curry’s run of points and a sublime three-pointer from Klay Thompson made the game safe for Golden State, who lead the Western Conference with 41 wins against 15 losses. Curry said the Warriors first quarter defensive display— when they held Utah to only 14 points to help take an 11-point lead—had been the cornerstone of the win. “We won the game in the first quarter with our defensive effort,” Curry said. “We set the tone early. We’ve been having terrible starts recently, and we rectified that.” AFP

IN BRIEF

Subic Bay Freeport seeking expansion

THE Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is pushing to expand its terrestrial boundaries with the help from its ﬁrst chief executive, Senator Richard Gordon. SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma said that Gordon, who was SBMA chairman from 1992 to 1998, ﬁled Senate Bill 2207 to expand the area of the Subic Bay Freeport and that of the neighboring Clark Freeport. Under the proposed measure, some parts of Zambales and Bataan provinces, along with areas in Olongapo City, will be made an adjunct of the Subic Bay Freeport under a phased expansion program. Eisma said that during a consultation session with neighboring local government units in 2018, SBMA was able to secure pledges of about 21,000 hectares of expansion areas for future investment projects. These included 9,000 hectares in San Antonio; 10,000 hectares in San Marcelino; 500 to 600 hectares in Subic; 500 hectares in Castillejos; and 900 hectares in Olongapo City, all in Zambales; and 505 hectares in Hermosa, Bataan. Othel V. Campos

Business

New wind project finished in Romblon

ROMBLON Electric Cooperative Inc. and Japanese manufacturer Komaihaltec Inc. completed a P242-million, 900-kilowatt wind project in Barangays Agnay, Bagacay and Lonos in the capital town of Romblon, Romblon. The wind project was constructed to accommodate the increasing electricity demand of the island province. It was built with the support of the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. National Electrification Administration deputy administrator for technical services Artis Nikki Tortola lauded Romelco for completing the project. “For so long a time, we were conditioned to think that private companies can best operate and maintain power plants. However, Romelco defied those perceptions and proof of this are the many [power] generation projects the cooperative has ventured into,” Tortola said. “Anything is possible and the electric cooperatives, if given the chance, are the most potent arm in the quest of the national government for total electrification all over the Philippines by providing stable and clean energy at the most reasonable rate compared to the private sector,” Tortola said. The project initially faced a wide range of challenges from land acquisition, importation of construction equipment, to securing permits and service contracts from the Department of Energy and other government regulators. “Realizing this project was not easy,” Romelco general manager Rene Fajilagutan said. Alena Mae S. Flores

China’s State Grid brings solar power to Zambales homes STATE Grid Corporation of China, the technical partner of power grid operator National Grip Corp. of the Philippines, is spearheading efforts to provide solar power in Zambales that will beneﬁt over 1,000 residents in the province. The move came on the heels of Chinese President XI Jinping’s visit to the Philippines last year where he assured that China would continue to extend its support to the Philippines in various aspects of the business. SGCC said that as part of improving relations between the two countries, it signed recently a memorandum of agreement with the National Electriﬁcation Administration and the Zambales II Electric Cooperative for a solar project. Under the MOA, SGCC’s Brighten Up project will involve the installation of a solar panel system which will be turned over to Zameco II. The system will generate 76 kilowatts, which is capable of delivering power to more than 1,000 residents, including two schools with 108 students. Through the partnership, Huawei Philippines will also donate communications equipment, providing the communities with telecommunications network coverage. SGCC will then provide computers and school supplies for the two educational institutions covered by the agreement. Chinese Embassy commercial counselor Jin Yuan said during the signing ceremony for the project that with the successful visit of President Xi to the Philippines in November 2018, relationships between the two nations were pushed to a higher level.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

DOTr selects contractor for P2.8-b common LRT station By Darwin G. Amojelar

Mariwasa investing P100m in machines

MARIWASA Manufacturing Inc., a partner of the SCG group, is spending P100 million to upgrade existing tile manufacturing machines in the Philippines. Mariwasa president Jakkrit Suwansilp said the company would spend signiﬁcantly to improve the quality and aesthetics of products as it competes with global brands that export to the Philippines. “This is another P100 million on top of the ﬁrst P100 million the company spent last year. We want to expand coverage to penetrate not only homes and institutions but big housing projects, even residential, and vertical developments, as well,” he said. Included in the modernization program is the proposed creation of a new kiln, which will cost about P30 million. The bigger chunk of the budget will be spent for digital imaging processors to greatly enhance the look and design of each ceramic tile. Suwansilp said Mariwasa would provide for the modernization costs using internal funds, as it did in the previous year. “With the new investment, we’ll have our fourth digital printing machine that will enable us to produce high value-added products comparable to imports,” he said. Othel V. Campos

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

THE Department of Transportation on Wednesday signed a contract with the consortium of BF Corp. and Foresight Development and Surveying Company for the construction of a common station linking Light Rail Transit Line 1, Metro Rail Transit Line 3, the planned MRT 7 and the Metro Manila Subway.

BEEP-XYTRIX PARTNERSHIP. AF Payments Inc., the company behind the beep payment system, signs a business partnership with Xytrix Systems Corp. as an authorized beep loading partner. The partnership aims to provide additional beep loading options to six million beep cardholders by way of unmanned beep loading kiosks deployed in strategic transport hubs available 24/7. Sealing he agreement are (from left) eTap president Percy Hernandez, AF Payments Inc. chief executive Peter Maher, Xytrix president Dan Evangelista and eTap chief technology officer Marlon Portugal.

George Ty’s first wife to file inheritance claim T HE ﬁrst and legitimate wife of the late billionaire George Siao Kian Ty is set to ﬁle a petition with a local court questioning the contents of the latter’s last will and testament that allegedly left her and her two children out of inheritance.

Lawyer Jose Virgilio ‘JV’ Bautista, the legal counsel of Lourdes de Lara Ty whom the tycoon married in 1961, said the legal wife, along with their two children, was left out in the inheritance based on the contents of a last will and testament submitted to the Makati Regional Trial Court by Ty’s second wife Mary Vy. Bautista, a former law school dean and party-list representative, said de Lara Ty was “completely omitted” in

the last will and testament allegedly left in the control of the second wife. “The second wife, Mary Vy, filed a petition with the Makati court to prove that the will is authentic and duly executed,” said Bautista of Bautista Roleda Jabla Yusi & Tomas Law Offices. Manila Standard tried to get the side of the Ty family, but had yet to get a response as of press time. Ty, the founder of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company and GT Capital Holdings Inc., was named as one of the ten richest Filipinos by the prestigious Forbes Magazine with a net personal fortune of $2.75 billion. Ty, who was born in Hong Kong on Oct. 18, 1932, died in the Philippines at the age of 86 on Nov. 23, 2018. He and Mary Vy had five children―Arthur, Alfred, Anjanette, Margaret and Alesandra. Bautista said Lourdes was the legal wife and should be considered in the estate case as the late tycoon’s surviving spouse. Before Ty’s death, Lourdes was a director of Toyota Manila Bay Corp. and a member of the board of advisers of Ma-

nila Tytana Colleges. “As the legitimate spouse, she is entitled to both her conjugal share in the estate, as well as her compulsory inheritance known as her ‘legitime’,” said JV Bautista, who served as dean of Cabanatuan City-based John Wesley School of Law & Governance. “Lourdes could not believe that her late husband could really make a will that excluded her and their two legitimate children,” Bautista said. “And this is the reason why she will challenge and oppose the approval of the will in court,” he said. Bautista said the petition ﬁled by Mary Vy Ty in court did not mention the name of ‘George S.K. Ty’ in any of the papers she ﬁled, referring to the late tycoon by his Chinese name Ty Siao Kian. Among the companies that Ty founded and owned are Metrobank, GT Capital Holdings, PS Bank, Toyota Motors Philippines, Federal Land, Axa Insurance, Manila Doctors Hospital, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Marco Polo Hotels, Tytana Colleges and many other well-known companies.

Filipino-Chinese traders back rice import liberalization By Julito G. Rada FILIPINO-CHINESE businessmen expressed their full support to the proposed law seeking to lift rice import quantitative restrictions and replace them with tariffs. The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the measure would be a “much-needed reform” to ease the negative effects of inflation on the poorest of the poor. The FFCCCII said in a letter to President Rodrigo Duterte the rice tariffication bill would benefit low-income families as the staple food accounts for a hefty part of their daily household expense. “Rice is the staple food of our nation and it comprises almost 20 percent of the household expense of low-income

households. We believe that by removing the import quotas on rice and replacing them with tariffs, the price of rice will significantly be lower as there will be competition, and the lack of available cheap rice will no longer be an issue,” FFCCCII president Domingo Yap said in a letter. A copy of the letter was sent to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who said the import liberalization measure would help the government ease inflation. The group said the rice tariffication bill would ensure that local farmers would benefit from the consumerfriendly measure through the creation of a Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. The fund will provide local farmers with assistance programs, loans, grants and aid

needed to modernize rice farming. “This measure is a much-needed reform that will help our countrymen,” the FFCCCII said ahead of the President’s expected signing into law of the rice tarriﬁcation bill. Nine business organizations earlier signed a joint statement expressing their support for rice tarifﬁcation. The joint statement was signed by the Management Association of the Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Bankers Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Judicial Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Philippine Investment Funds Association and the Semiconductor and Electronic Industries in the Philippines Inc.

TUGADE

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade told reporters the Unified Grand Central Station Area A would cost about P2.8 billion and was expected to be completed in 20 months. “It would be operational by fourth quarter of 2020,” Tugade said. The UGCS, also known as the common station, is designed to inter-link the four-railway lines. The Area B of the common station, an area connecting Areas A and C would be financed, built and operated by North Triangle Depot Commercial Corp., an affiliate of Ayala Land, Inc. The Area C for MRT-7 platform will be financed, built and operated by San Miguel Corp. The common station project has been stalled since 2009, but Tugade settled the dispute on the location leading to its groundbreaking in September 2017. It will cover an area of 13,700 square meters and provide commuters a seamless transfer from one line to another. It is expected to serve around 500,000 passengers daily once it is completed by 2022. The project would have a roofed transit for the passengers operated by an automated fare collection system, allowing the users of better point-topoint comfort and mobility. Tugade said that the agency would also inaugurate the construction of North-South Commuter Railway Project (Malolos to Tutuban) by Friday. The project is a 37.9-kilometer railway connecting Malolos, Bulacan and Tutuban, Manila with 10 elevated stations. The agency tapped Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. for the construction of the project. It is funded by a loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency. The NSCR is expected to be completed by December 2021 and aims to serve more than 300,000 passengers a day.

Aboitiz, Metro Pacific to build logistics hub ABOITIZ Construction Inc. said Wednesday it signed a deal with the logistics arm of Metro Paciﬁc Investments Corp. to build a modern logistics hub in Cavite province. ACI said it signed a memorandum of agreement with MetroPac Movers Inc. to master plan, design and construct the South Mega Distribution Center, a modern logistics hub that will rise along a stretch of land in General Trias, Cavite. ACI will initially prepare the master plan and basic design for the development of the massive logistics facility sprawling more than 202,000 square meters. ACI president and chief operating ofﬁcer Albert Ignacio Jr. said the company was looking forward to building the logistics hub as a demonstration of the company’s capability to fully develop large-scale infrastructure projects.

“This bolsters ACI’s growing expertise in engineering and design complementing the company’s transformation from metal works and fabrication capability into full-scale engineering, design, and construction expertise,” he said. South Mega DC is the ﬁrst of a series of logistics infrastructure that ACI will build for MMI. Once completed, the logistics infrastructure will advance business and communities as it facilitates the movement of products and goods nationwide, stimulate local economic activity and provide thousands of jobs in South Luzon MMI also engaged the services of DCCD Engineering Corp. as the project manager for the project. NMI provides logistics, shipping, freight forwarding and e-commerce services. Darwin G. Amojelar

LIQUOR JOINT VENTURE. Pernod Ricard Asia strengthens its partnership with Premier Wine & Spirits, a part of Cosco Capital Inc., by forming a joint venture company in the Philippines. The newly-established company will retain the name ‘Pernod Ricard Philippines’ and will focus on responding to the fast growing middleincome and affluent consumers’ needs in the Philippines’ market. Shown are (seated, from left) Pernod Ricard Asia chairman and chief executive Philippe Guettat, Pernod Ricard Philippines managing director John O’ Sullivan, Premier Wines & Spirits managing director Robin Chua, Cosco Capital Inc. chairman Lucio Co.

Business

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks tumble; GT Capital drops T HE stock market extended a slump for the fourth straight day Wednesday on lingering concerns over the widening trade deﬁcit.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index tumbled 89.68 points, or 1.1 percent, to 7,920.24 on a value turnover of P7.3 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 134 to 75, with 50 issues unchanged. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported the trade deﬁcit swelled 51 percent in 2018 to a record $41.4 billion from $27.38 billion in 2017, as imports outpaced exports. The widening gap could exert further pressure on the peso to weaken in 2019. GT Capital Holdings Inc. lost 2.1 percent to P1,048, while banking unit

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, fell 1.6 percent to P81. Alliance Global Group Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan dropped 4.5 percent to P13.66, while casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. slipped 2.2 percent to P11.70. The rest of Asian stocks surged Wednesday as President Donald Trump said he may extend his trade deal deadline with China, and a report claimed his counterpart Xi Jinping would meet top US ofﬁcials in Beijing, seeming to boost the prospects of an agreement. High-level talks are due to begin in the Chinese capital Thursday aimed at an accord to stop sharp US tariff hikes that could damage the global economy. Trump said he could let his March 1 deadline “slide for a little while” if the

two sides were close to a meaningful deal, adding that he expects a summit with Xi “at some point.” Later a report in the South China Morning Post said Xi would personally meet the US delegation in Beijing, suggesting a redoubled effort to make progress on a deal. The developments improved market sentiment on the likelihood of a resolution to prevent US tariffs more than doubling on $200 billion in Chinese imports next month. Washington is demanding changes from Beijing on what it says are unfair commercial practices. Tokyo added a further 1.3 percent after Tuesday’s gains to ﬁnish at a twomonth high. Hong Kong rose 1.1 percent, and Shanghai earned 1.8 percent on the news, following Wall Street’s lead. However, some analysts struck a cautious tone, noting that much

work needs to be completed before a framework agreement is in reach. “The rally in stocks has been based on hope rather than any concrete agreements overnight,” warned Oanda senior analyst Jeffrey Halley, predicting short-term volatility to come as headlines emerge from Beijing. Elsewhere Sydney shed 0.3 percent, with calls for a snap election amid political tensions over refugees adding to underwhelming corporate earnings and subdued metal prices. The New Zealand dollar soared 1.6 percent as the central bank held interest rates unchanged and forecast no moves until 2021—stumping expectations it may follow dovish leads elsewhere by indicating a rate cut. Renewed global investor conﬁdence saw a movement away from the greenback—which has enjoyed a strong rally in the past week—to riskier currencies. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

58.15 90 2.29 139 1.43 27.9 17.18 13 4.6 0.66 1.45 760 0.495 82.35 1.32 14.1 49.25 185 122 59 26.6 176.4 63.55 1.18

59 90.15 2.3 139.4 1.49 28 17.18 13.08 4.6 0.66 1.59 760 0.57 82.45 1.32 14.42 49.25 185 122 59.5 26.6 178.5 63.55 1.18

58.15 88.5 2.27 136.4 1.41 27.75 16.8 12.74 4.39 0.66 1.39 750 0.495 81 1.27 13.9 48.1 185 112.1 59 26.1 169.9 62 1.14

FINANCIALS 58.15 19,850 88.6 1,923,760 2.27 716,000 137.5 2,731,190 1.48 200,000 27.95 78,500 17.1 7,140,800 12.8 1,626,200 4.55 477,000 0.66 151,000 1.5 239,000 760 210 0.5 15,934,000 81 2,461,510 1.3 3,250,000 13.9 47,100 48.5 598,300 185 620 120 70 59.1 1,030 26.1 204,600 171.5 575,560 62 18,400 1.15 111,000

1,158,527.50 171,868,253.50 1,626,070 375,490,817 287,850 2,190,280 121,475,298 20,925,232 2,155,400 99,660 348,700 158,750 8,437,280 200,579,967.50 4,215,840 667,210 29,226,635 114,700 8,421 60,940 5,344,080 98,708,386 1,156,015.50 128,120

-67,705,782 11,400 35,326,659 557,485 741,740 -912,240 -10,623,078 -104,000 -322,000 2,533,405 -57,956,421 -227,525 -

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

37 16.22 1.08 1.4 0.25 97 2.52 15.94 130 30 17.2 42 64 72.5 1.86 6.08 6.72 11.7 16 8.47 7.63 21.25 73.8 26.5 3.23 9.55 12.82 1.75 314 42.1 4.34 3.34 14.78 26.95 12.9 18.4 365.6 0.234 5.92 1.43 3.7 6.8 9.12 1.3 11.2 47 6.02 4.72 2.11 3.05 1.42 12.7 92.6 6.36 0.13 1.64 142 1.76 16.04 1.4

37 16.72 1.08 1.59 0.255 97 2.55 16.2 130 30.65 18.4 43 64 72.5 1.9 6.38 6.72 11.7 16 8.47 7.72 21.4 73.8 26.5 3.23 9.56 13.14 1.8 317 42.2 4.34 3.89 15.5 27.1 12.9 18.4 366 0.234 5.92 1.44 3.7 6.91 9.35 1.31 11.5 47 6.1 4.72 2.21 3.1 1.45 13 92.6 6.36 0.14 1.76 142.3 1.76 16.98 1.43

36 16.22 1.02 1.4 0.245 97 2.43 15.92 126.1 29.5 16.52 41.6 63.5 71 1.79 6.08 6.62 11.6 15.8 8.08 7.6 20.5 72.9 26.5 3.15 9 12.38 1.75 311.2 42.05 4.33 3.34 13.5 26.9 12.6 18.06 359.4 0.221 5.92 1.34 3.7 6.76 8.92 1.28 11.1 46.55 6 4.7 2.11 3.02 1.42 12.5 90.5 6.28 0.13 1.28 140.3 1.7 16 1.38

INDUSTRIAL 36 1,256,300 16.66 1,850,700 1.05 8,439,000 1.56 15,180,000 0.25 2,840,000 97 160 2.45 9,682,000 16 1,622,400 129.9 330 29.9 286,400 16.52 70,700 43 700 63.5 420 71 650 1.89 1,055,000 6.38 41,100 6.62 29,500 11.6 1,162,700 15.96 474,900 8.4 319,000 7.62 5,320,300 20.8 3,329,800 72.9 294,600 26.5 2,000 3.15 6,739,000 9.21 1,772,400 12.52 1,391,200 1.78 398,000 316 820,960 42.2 900 4.33 50,000 3.69 355,000 14.2 208,900 27.1 274,300 12.72 212,900 18.08 4,234,800 360 425,320 0.221 6,640,000 5.92 2,500 1.38 15,147,000 3.7 182,000 6.78 12,130,300 9.35 2,500 1.29 15,394,000 11.3 1,098,600 46.65 628,900 6.1 412,800 4.7 500,000 2.16 709,000 3.02 78,000 1.43 310,000 12.52 66,400 91.25 335,290 6.35 52,000 0.14 1,870,000 1.38 52,649,000 140.5 694,570 1.72 3,956,000 16.98 11,700 1.4 2,777,000

45,547,090 30,732,140 8,833,370 23,189,410 703,260 15,520 24,076,910 ( 26,088,414 42,422 8,562,100 1,249,818 29,520 26,789 46,485 1,924,400 256,716 197,682 13,522,320(2, 7,503,702 2,658,092 40,488,460 69,334,630 21,511,061.50 53,000 21,380,450 16,580,392 17,696,778 704,260 258,044,220 37,915 216,780 1,298,660 2,993,780 7,421,180 2,707,454 76,607,760(2, 153,336,328 1,501,720 14,800 20,847,090 673,400 82,221,939 22,970 19,889,120 12,413,948 29,344,290 2,477,315 2,350,080 1,534,270 237,700 447,400 837,614 30,549,614 328,079 253,490 83,324,170 97,824,220 6,842,940 195,972 3,889,510

-17,170,630 24,080,302 873,660 -448,080 437,969.9997) -382,896 -1,044,080 111,230 110,544 429,734.0003) -7,277,532 106,660 309,001 -35,466,745 -1,530,844 2,223,520 5,561,718 -2,362,722 -43,359,924 70,140 1,144,700 577,710 880,255.9996) -86,415,120 -2,240 541,340 1,733,408 9,350 -83,180 429,620 -12,460,990 -54,025 -75,470 502,622 -5,404,190 -107,896 315,480 -35,912,853 -248,650 -151,122 56,600

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 KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.81 63.95 14.3 0.84 6.32 27 1.47 1.47 933 7.5 12.12 12.68 1,070 6.14 65.8 5.55 5.42 0.62 5.27 15.42 0.58 4.89 0.04 1.18 2.82 162 2.79 999 0.9 1.39 489 275 0.255 0.365

0.84 63.95 14.3 0.84 6.59 27.45 1.47 1.47 934.5 7.5 12.22 12.8 1,070 6.14 66 5.55 5.43 0.63 5.3 15.54 0.59 4.91 0.058 1.36 2.82 162.1 2.79 999.5 0.9 1.45 499 280 0.285 0.365

0.78 62.7 13.66 0.84 6.32 24.7 1.41 1.42 920.5 7.38 12.1 12.5 1,038 6.07 62.65 5.55 5.41 0.59 5.26 15.16 0.58 4.84 0.04 1.18 2.69 160 2.6 968.5 0.8 1.37 489 275 0.255 0.335

31,360,560 36,060,714.50 90,833,350 270,480 60,613 16,250,205 9,619,510 2,622,630 261,684,970 2,020,568 53,762,256 1,688,966 139,410,380 79,050 68,597,212.50 19,425 8,681 944,370 1,797,733 26,337,388 39,740 88,021,760 129,343,700 3,464,430 1,730,900 ( 46,986,615 37,590 410,774,415 1,197,370 348,340 133,090 92,198 8,157,700 9,153,750

20,910 -2,671,216 -38,695,422 632 563,670 1,725,100 1,209,320 -231,411 -17,609,820 40,468 38,914,530 6,140 10,213,074 -459,150 884,398 -19,118,260 12,974,530 255,400 131,969.9999) -635,260 -93,994,890 89,100 -16,784 70,900.00

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

11.18 0.81 10.7 1.81 0.91 44.85 2.55 4.1 6.42 0.51 0.84 0.94 0.25 0.41 10.2 22.1 0.5 0.14 1.55 1.23 5.2 0.425 0.455 2.22 0.495 3.1

11.24 0.81 10.7 1.89 0.93 44.9 2.55 4.19 6.48 0.52 0.85 0.95 0.255 0.45 10.2 22.5 0.53 0.145 1.56 1.26 5.2 0.435 0.53 2.25 0.5 3.1

10.9 0.78 10.6 1.81 0.88 43.9 2.46 4.03 6.42 0.495 0.84 0.91 0.25 0.405 9.86 21.75 0.5 0.133 1.53 1.23 5.06 0.42 0.445 2.2 0.485 2.81

13,431,592 1,074,310 104,172 269,400 1,158,410 600,147,325 4,297,410 5,823,490 ( 389,337 6,814,325 226,890 263,660 1,610,250 5,664,200 15,444,394 16,931,725 866,510 125,470 15,026,110 1,438,800 54,660,227 10,777,500 21,694,600 7,477,830 474,800 18,020,040

189,566 2,760 49,441,460 -549,480 823,579.9999) 208,347 -36,700 -25,500 -121,500 7,462,500 1,272,155 -4,888,050 -6,814,015 -273,550 198,750 -193,370 34,550 1,185,500

NAME

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

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

22.9 2.11 3.15 39 1.41 6.36 0.7 6.2

22.9 2.11 3.15 39 1.41 6.75 0.95 6.29

22.15 2.05 3.13 37.8 1.33 6.25 0.7 6.19

22.5 2.06 3.15 38.5 1.38 6.56 0.81 6.2

2,174,400 342,000 435,000 6,896,800 1,819,000 2,568,600 12,456,000 6,033,800

48,991,235 708,940 1,369,860 264,710,905 2,436,910 16,744,794 10,923,860 37,438,255

9,625,355 -44,146,780 57,120 -102,822 416,600 -23,257,626

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS PH RESORTS GRP 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

13.18 23.3 1.31 0.475 0.041 3.1 11.96 0.068 87.5 8.39 6.52 7.21 2.23 15.12 1,968 5.82 359 2.77 1.9 116.5 11.16 7.22 0.134 6.13 3.33 15.7 3.43 0.99 19.14 0.85 4.84 2.73 2.2 2.25 17.98 3.16 9.3 12.72 3.36 6.35 133 3.47 1,238 1.02 1.4 47.7 86 8.98 2.34 0.78 0.45 5.68 0.75 14.92

13.34 23.3 1.38 0.475 0.052 3.1 11.96 0.068 87.9 8.39 6.52 7.55 2.42 16 1,972 5.82 359 2.77 2.12 118.3 11.28 7.23 0.159 6.33 3.46 16.38 3.45 1.01 19.36 1.14 4.84 2.82 2.38 2.3 17.98 3.16 9.3 12.72 3.44 6.48 133 3.69 1,238 1.02 1.46 47.8 86.15 9.02 2.38 0.79 0.455 5.68 0.76 14.96

13 22.5 1.31 0.46 0.041 3.01 11.5 0.066 86.9 8.39 6.39 7.21 2.23 15 1,920 5.78 355 2.69 1.89 113.7 11.16 7.2 0.134 6.03 3.16 15.5 3.31 0.89 19.1 0.82 4.84 2.73 2.1 2.11 16.02 3.1 9.3 12.14 3.36 6.34 132.8 3.2 1,170 0.95 1.33 46.2 85 8.32 2.32 0.77 0.44 5.56 0.71 14.12

SERVICES 13.18 22.65 1.32 0.47 0.042 3.04 11.7 0.067 87 8.39 6.4 7.55 2.34 15.34 1,920 5.8 359 2.74 2.01 115 11.28 7.22 0.14 6.33 3.38 15.52 3.33 0.92 19.22 0.91 4.84 2.8 2.15 2.11 16.02 3.1 9.3 12.2 3.44 6.34 132.8 3.24 1,190 0.95 1.45 46.7 85.5 8.9 2.37 0.77 0.445 5.6 0.74 14.6

53,500 202,900 189,000 4,820,000 445,600,000 944,000 26,731,200 65,120,000 94,100 1,400 2,015,100 11,100 123,000 523,500 41,850 22,700 1,350 2,142,000 167,000 2,615,570 15,000 6,000 133,230,000 6,670,600 214,000 263,900 397,000 4,736,000 977,300 198,572,000 1,000 1,833,000 1,358,000 69,000 6,500 2,121,000 5,400 329,500 2,000 119,600 880 8,039,000 150,540 31,152,000 52,245,000 1,561,700 778,880 651,000 6,730,000 4,364,000 12,370,000 747,700 4,326,000 5,025,500

701,894 4,635,880 253,100 2,255,200 20,858,100 2,872,060 313,590,118 4,325,580 8,191,989.50 11,746 12,953,287 80,251 279,670 8,031,060 81,468,715 131,540 484,530 5,805,580 336,710 301,750,686 168,380 43,271 19,545,580 ( 40,955,902 717,070 4,090,960 1,328,530 4,505,240 18,775,564 203,930,070 4,840 5,120,470 3,066,960 153,130 105,140 6,610,930 50,220 4,085,724 6,800 766,514 116,896 27,495,430 179,467,230 30,308,360 73,655,440 73,045,025 66,547,426 5,734,062 15,882,050 3,387,030 5,509,800 4,181,294 3,168,900 73,224,502

-141,000 -13,200 -129,300 -110,951,490 -19,800 3,824,643 2,517 -7,174,078 -25,936 -28,766,790 -65,480 95,667,195 422,790.0001) -564,267 3,340 5,219,118 1,673,330 -312,190 146,854 88,988 9,930 55,552,165 262,170 1,939,620 -6,488,375 -46,549,677 -88,800 3,182,190 -470,090 -3,700 -450,964 14,174,454

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

0.0023 1.53 2.95 13.92 1.4 2.1 0.365 8.12 1.47 0.315 0.128 0.134 0.0084 0.0086 1.08 2.65 1.1 0.82 1.08 0.012 0.013 0.012 4.2 15 23.3 0.0086

0.0023 1.55 3.05 14.14 1.4 2.14 0.37 8.14 1.49 0.32 0.13 0.134 0.0088 0.0086 1.11 2.7 1.13 0.86 1.12 0.013 0.013 0.012 4.25 15.5 23.7 0.0088

0.0022 1.5 2.95 13.6 1.4 2.1 0.32 7.93 1.45 0.305 0.122 0.134 0.0084 0.0086 1.06 2.64 1.08 0.7 1 0.012 0.012 0.012 4.08 14.28 23.05 0.0084

MINING & OIL 0.0023 359,000,000 1.51 4,032,000 2.96 91,000 13.96 27,600 1.4 1,000 2.14 178,000 0.32 11,660,000 8.13 4,300 1.45 2,021,000 0.31 3,870,000 0.127 4,590,000 0.134 80,000 0.0088 29,000,000 0.0086 1,000,000 1.1 574,000 2.65 2,834,000 1.13 274,000 0.78 19,666,000 1.03 3,393,000 0.013 3,200,000 0.012 6,000,000 0.012 5,400,000 4.08 2,322,000 14.32 1,122,200 23.7 1,137,400 0.0086 42,000,000

791,900 6,104,950 269,700 384,786 1,400 379,800 3,934,350 34,815 2,966,150 1,186,700 572,000 10,720 252,500 8,600 624,140 7,592,480 304,570 15,456,510 3,540,480 38,600 74,500 64,800 9,565,320 16,435,546 26,375,990 359,800

-1,502,230 -26,400 888,790 -1,368,600 22,000 -44,640 15,650 -1,332,470 1,269,720 -13,923,560 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G FPH PREF C GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PNX PREF 3A SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

21 475 498 98.4 104 431 5.75 900 96.5 1 101.3 971 102 994 75.5 76.4 73.9 72.15 76.8 73.5 74.25 73.5

21.1 475 498 98.4 104 431 5.75 900 96.5 1 101.3 971 102 994 75.5 76.4 73.9 73 76.8 74 74.25 73.5

20.7 475 498 98.4 104 430.8 5.75 900 95.95 0.99 96.1 971 102 993 75.1 76.4 73.5 71.5 76.8 73 73 73.4

PREFERRED 21 40,700 475 50 498 10 98.4 500 104 210 430.8 100 5.75 30,000 900 4,050 95.95 2,860 0.99 273,000 101.3 660 971 20 102 970 993 20 75.1 440 76.4 42,000 73.5 1,980 73 18,370 76.8 200 73 57,120 73 400 73.4 4,280

848,610 23,750 4,980 49,200 21,840 43,090 172,500 3,645,000 274,604 272,440 65,818 19,420 98,940 19,870 33,124 3,208,800 145,893.50 1,316,030 15,360 4,170,600.50 29,450 314,472

2,110 -

LR WARRANT

1.94

1.92

WARRANTS 1.95 173,000

334,080

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.6 2

4.69 2.06

4.6 1.85

4.69 1.88

FIRST METRO ETF

118.8

119

118

HOLDING FIRMS 0.83 38,575,000 63 572,790 13.66 6,548,900 0.84 322,000 6.51 9,400 24.9 629,600 1.42 6,720,000 1.44 1,822,000 930 282,370 7.4 273,000 12.12 4,433,400 12.62 134,200 1,048 133,110 6.07 13,000 63.25 1,082,090 5.55 3,500 5.43 1,600 0.63 1,561,000 5.29 340,600 15.2 1,726,600 0.59 68,000 4.85 18,120,000 0.051 2,473,300,000 1.28 2,698,000 2.72 635,000 161.9 291,390 2.6 14,000 983 420,680 0.8 1,457,000 1.44 248,000 499 270 280 330 0.27 30,020,000 0.34 26,790,000 PROPERTY 11.14 0.8 10.64 1.85 0.92 44.4 2.53 4.05 6.48 0.51 0.85 0.93 0.255 0.425 9.96 22.2 0.53 0.145 1.53 1.24 5.06 0.435 0.485 2.21 0.49 2.82

1,215,000 1,359,000 9,800 147,000 1,287,000 13,515,400 1,709,000 1,434,000 60,200 13,594,000 267,000 283,000 6,360,000 13,070,000 1,551,900 767,800 1,674,000 910,000 9,775,000 1,166,000 10,723,200 25,190,000 43,490,000 3,377,000 970,000 6,156,000

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

USD DMPL A1

10.1

TRADING SUMMARY

10.1

FINANCIAL

38,739,311

INDUSTRIAL

185,799,117

HOLDING FIRMS

2,637,688,605

PROPERTY

196,411,466

SERVICES

1,034,127,477

MINING & OIL

503,552,725

GRAND TOTAL

4,632,993,235

10.1

SME

402,000 36,248,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118 18,340 10.1

DDS

730

1,874,100 69,750,160

-8,651,990

2,174,435

291,484

7,373

VALUE 1,803.66 (down) 24.53 1,067,608,462.36 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,438.16 (down) 35.97 1,284,346,335.995 HOLDING FIRMS 7,887.65 (down) 94.70 1,611,812,800.611 PROPERTY 3,963.64 (down) 42.75 SERVICES 1,581.45 (down) 23.25 1,346,015,322.495 MINING & OIL 8,569.86 (up) 41.89 1,787,801,735.252 PSEI 7,920.24 (down) 89.68 97,357,916.249 All Shares Index 4,811.99 (down) 46.42 7,268,763,132.77 Gainers: 75; Losers: 134; Unchanged: 50; Total: 259

Roxas hikes loss to P109m on declining sugar prices By Jenniffer B. Austria SUGAR miller Roxas Holdings Inc. widened its net loss to P109 million in the company’s first quarter ending December 2018 from P90 million yearon-year on lower sugar prices. RHI, however, said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it expects the company to recover in the next two quarters. RHI chairman Pedro Roxas said due to the cyclical nature of the business, the group’s first quarter performance was historically slow as off-season repair and maintenance activities in the alcohol plants and the sugar refinery were done. Only the sugar mill in Negros Occidental started operations in September. “We expect operations to start picking up in the next two quarters,” Roxas said. “We inaugurated last November 2018 the two anaerobic digesters at San Carlos Bioenergy Inc. We anticipate to see the full benefits from these facilities in the succeeding quarters,” he added. RHI president and chief executive Hubert Tubio said the company’s sugar business was also affected by the decline of prices in reaction to the heightened calls of food companies for the government to allow imports, and lower yield due to changing weather conditions. “We had assumed that the price of raw sugar will hold during the first quarter, considering that it was the start of the milling season. However, sugar prices dropped significantly in December in reaction to the increasing clamor of food firms for the government to allow them to import sugar,” Tubio said. Lower yield from sugar canes as a result of significant weather changes also affected the company’s financial performance. RHI said the net loss from discontinued operations totaled P88 million. The amount represents the results of operations of Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc., which was classified as held for sale following the group’s decision to sell the subsidiary’s assets to Universal Robina Corp. to focus on its businesses in Negros island.

DataLand eyes lease of land in Clark free port DATALAND Inc., the property development unit of DDT Konstract Inc., is interested in leasing a 2.3-hectare lot within the 177-hectare Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat, Pampanga for a planned mixed-use development. Dataland said in a statement it was in advanced talks for a possible partnership with Global Gateway Development Corp., the developer of Clark Global City, over a possible leasehold agreement. DataLand plans to build an office building, dormitel and hotel on the Clark Global City property. “We see the phenomenal growth in Clark, where there is continuous development in infrastructure that affects its economic progress,” DataLand president Andrea Marie Tamayo-Ulep said. “We believe that a partnership with GGDC is a strategic move and we look forward to building developments that help create a progressive environment in one of the largest office markets in the Philippines,” she said. Clark has emerged as the secondlargest office market in the Philippines as the government’s aims to transform the former military base into a modern and disaster-resilient metropolis, as part of efforts to decongest Metro Manila and spread growth across the country. “We are excited to welcome DataLand as partner in realizing our vision for Clark Global City, which is integral to the development of the country’s next big metropolis that could further drive economic growth throughout the archipelago,” GGDC chairman Dennis Uy said. Clark Global City makes an ideal destination for business with its strategic location in a free port zone given its proximity to major infrastructure developments, such as the expansion of the Clark International Airport, NLEx-SLEx Connector Road, SubicClark Cargo Railway and PNR North Railway, and access to skilled workers. Jenniffer B. Austria

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Business/World

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Hundreds flee Syria fight for last IS holdout

EAR BAGHOUZ, Syria―The ferocious battle for the Islamic State group’s last bastion in eastern Syria entered its ﬁfth day on Wednesday, as exhausted families left the ever-shrinking scrap of land where holdout jihadists have been boxed in by Kurdishled forces.

VALENTINE’S DAY TEDDY BEAR. A man cycles past a giant Valentine’s Day teddy bear along a street showing posters

depicting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the town of Jaramana, about 3 kilometres south of the capital Damascus, on February 13, 2019. AFP

National heritage law stunts property market THE national cultural heritage law, or Republic Act No. 10066, has either altered many business plans or prompted some companies to advance their corporate decisions. The law’s provisions defining what constitute historical and architectural landmarks are now the bane of property developers, especially in Metro Manila. One specific provision of the law that classifies structures dating at least 50 years old as national cultural heritage has stopped one conglomerate from tearing one of its buildings along Ayala Avenue in Makati. The limit of the same provision led Bank of the Philippine Islands, the nation’s third-biggest lender in terms of assets, to go ahead with its decision to demolish its Ayala headquarters and construct a new one on the same area. Owners of a 50-year-old building, according to the law, may petition the appropriate government agency to remove the “presumption of important cultural property which shall not be unreasonably withheld.” The building owners may try to go around this route to escape the ambit of the law but they will likely jump the gun to avoid complexities. Besides, tearing down a building along the pricey Ayala Avenue and similar financial centers nearby before it turns 50 and building a new one on the same lot will be more profitable than keeping the old structure. For the building owners, the demolition job (no pun intended) is the safest option to take before the property falls under the coverage of the law or is categorized as a historical landmark. The law defines historical landmarks as those “sites or structures that are associated with events or achievements significant to Philippine history as declared by the National Historical Institute.” Such definition is encompassing and subject to many interpretations. For a company trying to register profits and please its stockholders, the law’s provision is a risk. Stock exchange building Ayala Corp. built the 35-story Tower One & Exchange Plaza at the corner of Ayala Ave. and Paseo de Roxas to house the conglomerate’s offices and the Philippine Stock Exchange. Ayala planned a second tower on the site where the old Makati Stock Exchange Building stands, but being one of the first buildings in the Makati Central Business District, the exchange cannot just be torn down because of its contribution in Philippine commerce history. The building will be 50 years old in 2020. But developers successfully moved for the demolition of the iconic Mandarin Hotel in Paseo de Roxas before it turned 50. Another landmark building, the Intercon Hotel, also a five-star hotel on Ayala Avenue, has been torn down to escape the provision of the national cultural heritage law. Bank of the Philippine Islands, the third-largest lender in terms of assets, meanwhile, will start constructing its new headquarters along Ayala Avenue in Makati City by the second quarter of this year. BPI executive vice president, treasurer and global markets head Antonio Paner earlier said the bank would be “tearing down” its current head office built four decades ago in the first quarter this year. The bank moved forward the demolition of the building, which was built in 1979, to avoid being tagged 50 years old. BPI’s decision to construct a new building is an investment decision that stands to result in more profits. The bank plans to build two towers on its present site, with one intended for mixed-use purposes. The Lopez Group is spending P6 billion to redevelop the onehectare site of the former Benpres Building in Ortigas Center into a two-tower office project to boost recurring income. The Benpres Building, which will turn 50 this year, can be considered a historical landmark, being one of the oldest buildings in the Ortigas area. It was originally commissioned by the late Eugenio Lopez Sr. and built in 1969 to serve as the headquarters of the Manila Chronicle. However, President Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law less than two years later saw the closure of the Chronicle. The building was returned to the Lopez family after the People Power Revolution of 1986 and renamed the BENPRES building after Eugenio Lopez Sr.’s parents, former Iloilo Governor Benito López and Presentación Hofileña López. E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com or business@manilastandard.net

IN BRIEF

Warning against force in Venezuela

MOSCOW―Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned his US counterpart Mike Pompeo on Tuesday against any American interference, including using force, in Venezuela which is facing a major leadership crisis. “Lavrov has warned against all interference in Venezuela’s domestic affairs including the use of force threatened by Washington and which is in violation of international law,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. “He is ready for talks regarding the Venezuelan issue in line with UN principles,” it added. The remarks came after US President Donald Trump reafﬁrmed earlier this month that military intervention in Venezuela was “an option”, as international pressure ramped up on embattled head of state Nicolas Maduro to step down. Maduro is facing a challenge from opposition leader Juan Guaido who declared himself acting president in January. Taking his authority from the constitution National Assembly leader Guaido views Maduro’s reelection last year, in a poll widely viewed as fraudulent, as illegitimate. AFP

Hundreds fled day and night from Baghouz, near the enclave where diehard IS fighters are making their last stand, as plumes of grey smoke billowed into the sky over the flat, desolate town. The extremist group declared a crossborder “caliphate” in Syria and Iraq in 2014, but various military campaigns have chipped its territory down to less than four square kilometres (one square mile) on the Iraqi border. After a pause of more than a week to allow out civilians, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) declared a final push to retake the pocket of land from the extremists on Saturday, aided by the warplanes and artillery of a US-led coalition. SDF spokesman Mustefa Bali said Tuesday that 600 civilians had fled the combat zone overnight and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said another 350 made it out that day. The SDF have built up a pair of sand embankments on a scrubby plateau overlooking Baghouz. Most of the neighborhoods visible along the hazy horizon are under their control, but the southernmost parts of the small town -- from which sounds of a firefight can be heard -- are still held by IS. Suddenly, black dots appeared on the dirt road that snakes across the plain from the ruins of the town. The SDF watched them warily at first, but as the group of about 25 people

got closer, members of the Free Burma Rangers volunteer medical group scrambled down the hill to meet them. There are no other NGOs or UN agencies at the site. Half a dozen among the new arrivals were adult men. The rest were women, panting after their long trudge out of Baghouz, and young children with dirty hair. About half were Ukrainian or Russian women and their children, while most of the others were Syrian. A 34-year-old woman from Crimea tore pieces of bread to give her three children. She identified herself as Umm Khaled and said she came to Syria five years ago after divorcing her Tatar husband. Once there, she married an Azeri IS member and had two other children. “They are all fatherless now,” she told AFP in broken Arabic, her voice shaking. Coalition spokesman Sean Ryan said US-backed forces were facing a fierce fightback. “The progress is slow and methodical as the enemy is fully entrenched and IS fighters continue to conduct counter attacks,” he said. “The coalition continues to strike at IS targets whenever available.” On Monday, the Observatory said a coalition air strike killed 16 civilians. An Italian journalist was also wounded as he covered the clashes and evacuated for treatment, a colleague said on Twitter. AFP

AWARDS.

Indian Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela attends the Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards ceremony in Mumbai on February 12, 2019. AFP

Clooney: Meghan vilified like Diana SYDNEY―Meghan Markle is being ‘vilified and chased’ by the tabloid press in the same way the late princess Diana was, Hollywood superstar George Clooney has told an Australian magazine. Clooney, a close friend of Markle and husband Prince Harry, warned of “history repeating” itself with the increasingly feverish media attention on the expectant royal couple. “I do want to say, they’re just chasing Meghan Markle everywhere,” Clooney told WHO magazine during an interview in Los Angeles. “She’s a woman who is seven months pregnant and she has been pursued and vilified and chased in the same way that Diana was and it’s history repeating itself,” he added. “We’ve seen how that ends.” Diana died in a car crash in a Paris tunnel in 1997 while being chased by paparazzi on motorcycles. Britain’s famously aggressive press at first welcomed Markle into the royal fold when she and Harry tied the knot at a lavish Windsor Castle wedding last May, in a ceremony attended by Clooney and his human rights lawyer wife Amal. The mixed-race actress was credited with breathing fresh life into a monarchy sometimes labeled stale and out of touch. AFP

Thai princess apologizes after ill-fated run for PM BANGKOK―A Thai princess has apologized after her short-lived candidacy for prime minister earned a royal rebuke from her brother―the king―and sent jitters across the politically febrile country just weeks before elections. Thailand has been mired in political drama since Friday, when Princess Ubolratana’s name was submitted as a prime ministerial candidate by the Thai Raksa Chart Party. The party is allied with the powerful Shinawatra clan, which has won all elections since 2001 but whose patron, the billionaire ex-premier Thaksin, lives in self-exile to avoid jail. Ubolratana’s unprecedented bid to enter frontline politics unraveled within hours after King Maha Vajiralongkorn decried the entry of a royal into the political fray as “highly inappropriate”. Thailand’s monarchy is seen as above politics, although royals have inter-

vened in public during times of political crisis. The princess was disqualiﬁed as a prime ministerial candidate by the Election Commission on Monday, which cited the royal command. It is now discussing whether to refer Thai Raksa Chart to the consitutional court for dissolution. In an Instagram post late Tuesday the 67-year-old princess apologized for her role in the drama. “I’m sorry that my genuine intention to help work for the country and fellow Thai people has created a problem that shouldn’t happen in this era,” she wrote. It was tagged with a hashtag: “#howcomeitsthewayitis”. Ubolratana is the ﬁrst-born of former king Bhumibol Adulyadej, but she gave up her royal titles when she married an American in 1972. After her divorce, she moved back to Thailand where she is regarded by the

Thai public as a part of the royal family. While she said she was exercising her rights as a commoner to stand for premier, the palace statement said she is “still a member of the House of Chakri”, referring to the name of the dynasty. The monarchy in Thailand is considered sacred and revered by its people, and is under the protection of draconian lese majeste laws. The king’s word is considered ﬁnal. The scuttling of her candidacy and potential moves to dissolve the Thai Raksa Chart party is a blow to Thaksin Shinawatra’s political machine. The party was set to add to the vote bank of the bigger Shinawatra electoral vehicle, Pheu Thai, in an election where secondary parties are targeting seats via the party list system. Thaksin and his sister Yingluck -who was overthrown in the 2014 coup -- live abroad to avoid convictions they say are politically motivated. AFP

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

Valentine’s Day mass weddings across Cavite NOVELETA, Cavite—Hundreds of couples in common-law partnerships in this town and across the province will officially get married on Valentine’s Day in a mass wedding sponsored by their respective local governments. Mayor Dino Reyes Chua will administer the civil marital rites on Thursday at the Long Beach Resort in Barangay San Rafael IV. Chua will also shoulder the reception, bouquet of flowers, wedding cakes, and souvenirs of the couples tying the knot. Noveleta will also officially open Long Beach Resort to public after the local government rehabilitated the beach in 2016. Chua, Vice Mayor Donnie Torres, Councilor Davey Chua and other councilors will act as godparents of the couples. In Bacoor City, Mayor Lani Mercado Revilla will be godmother and officiating official to over a hundred couples who will exchange “I Do’s” before delighted well-wishers—from city councilors and staff to family members—at the Strike Gym in Bacoor Government Center. Thousands of unwed couples benefited from the mass wedding organized by the LGU since the term of current Rep. Edwin ‘Strike’ Revilla as mayor of this coastal city. In Dasmariñas City, Mayor Elpidio Barzaga Jr. and his wife, Cavite 1st District Rep. Jenny Barzaga, will solemnize the marriage of around 500 couples at Dasmariñas National High School campus.

QC’s Joy to lead Camp Pag-Ibig for special kids By Rio N. Araja

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte will lead the 43rd Camp Pag-ibig for special children at the Balara filtration plant on Feb. 17 to provide them with an opportunity to interact and socialize with one another. At a media briefing, former city councilor Jorge Banal Sr., Philippine Association for the Intellectually Disabled Inc. president, said the event would give about 2,000 special children the opportunity to enhance their socialization skills toward full integration and participation in the community. “You see, these special children do behave like any other ordinary kids when they are at the camp,” he told reporters. Banal said the group has partnered with Belmonte and Raymond John Fullido, Junior Chamber International Capitol-Quezon City chapter president, to mark the 43rd Camp Pag-ibig year. “The activity is a landmark project of the JCI Capitol-Quezon City to bring us more international awards,” Fullido said. The event will coincide with the National Intellectual Disability Week, Banal said. “Belmonte will deliver an inspirational message at the opening of Camp Pag-ibig,” he said. When asked if the participation of Belmonte has something to do with politics, Banal said “we are non-partisan.” The vice mayor is running in the mid-term election to replace Mayor Herbert Bautista.

FIRE AID.

Operation: Tulong Express for fire victims in Cainta recently served 810 families in evacuation areas in Riverside, Marick, Rizal Institute and the Gruar covered court. The recipients thanked Debbie Pe Sy, SM Supermall’s Allan Brosas and team for leading the operations. They also thanked SM founder ‘Tatang’ Henry Sy Sr. for opening the doors of opportunity to help.

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

DILG RECOGNITION. Las Piñas City Mayor Mel Aguilar (center) receives the certificate of recognition from the Department of the Interior and Local Government at the program held during the flag ceremony last Monday. It recognizes the city government’s initiative in Good Financial Housekeeping, passing the standards set by the DILG’s Bureau of Local Government Supervision, through its director lawyer Odilon Pasaraba (fourth from left). Also presenting the award to Aguilar was Jovial Ingeniero (third from left), Assistant Regional Director DILG-NCR. With them are DILG Las Piñas City Director Mary Anne Planas (sixth from left), City Councilors and Department Heads.

Tingog to push for EV govt development firm

ACLOBAN CITY—The Tingog party-list group will work toward the creation of the Eastern Visayas Development Authority, a government corporation mandated to spearhead investment promotion and implement economic development strategies in the region. Philip Jude Acidre, Tingog second nominee, said this is proof of their commitment to empower the local government units in Eastern Visayas. “With EVDA, we can ensure that our investment priorities and promotion strategies are in sync with our development needs and our regional strengths such as our geographical location, our skilled human resources, and our immense tourism potentials,” said Acidre. “For example, a foreign investor interested in investing in Eastern Visayas

need not to go to all the local government units in the regions or to a disinterested national government agency. He doesn’t even have to be in Tacloban. But through EVDA, one can get the right and concise information and support that he or she needs,” added Acidre. According to Acidre, there is a need for the people of Eastern Visayas to “build our confidence in the future.” “Empowering the regional countryside is the cause behind Tingog. It may not happen overnight, but Tingog is commit-

ted to see this goal realized—motivated by a collective mandate of ‘thinking national, but acting regional,’” Acidre said. He maintained that the people who live in the regional countryside can no longer remain as voiceless spectators as national policies are crafted and implemented. “We need to become full and active stakeholders of our own destiny, and equal and valued partners in nationbuilding. That is why we continue to aspire, we continue to inspire others to action, knowing that the future that we hope for will be realized only if we work together to make it happen,” Acidre said. “We cannot expect others to take on that challenge for us. We need to break away from our self-imposed limitations, from this mindset of limitedness—into this vision of greatness,” he added.

Farmers in Magdalena, Laguna were among the latest graduates of the Smart Millenniors program, which aims to teach the basics of smartphones and social media to the elderly.

‘Millenniors’ get better at tech via Smart tack EDNA DIEGO is excited. She has worked tirelessly on their vegetable farm all these years, growing every crop that the land and the weather in Magdalena, Laguna, could nurture, in order to send her three children to college. With two of them already working, and her youngest set to graduate with a degree in criminology this year, Edna, now 53, is ready for the next challenge. “I have been attending seminars and workshops to improve myself and my business, so when the opportunity to learn more about smartphones and mobile data arrived, I took it,” she said. Now she knows there are far greater benefits from using smartphones. “I look forward to posting photos of my harvest online, so I can attract more customers, she said. For retired educators Lita Rubina and Emma Cube, after decades of teaching generations of Magdalena children, it’s back to the classroom, this time as learners. The three women are among the latest graduates of the Smart Millenniors program, held recently at the Farmers Information and Technology Services Center in Magdalena, Laguna. Held in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute, the government unit in charge of upskilling farmers and fishermen, the sessions covered the basics of smartphones, mobile data, social media and video streaming. “My children always tell me, I should learn about new things like smartphones, so that I wouldn’t be left behind. I used to think that smartphones were just for kids, and that it was enough for adults like me to know the basics like calling and texting,” said Edna. “Now that I know how to use a smartphone, I am definitely saving up for a newer unit.”

Didipio miner Oceanagold expects another strong production year By Brenda Jocson BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—A Melbourne-based mining firm operating here said 2019 is expected to be another strong year of production and development as they continue to invest in the prosperity and growth of the company. In 2013, OceanaGold started com-

mercial operation of its Didipio Gold and Copper Project in the upland village of Didipio in Kasibu town in Nueva Vizcaya. Mick Wilkes, OceanaGold president and chief executive officer, said Didipio is again expecting strong production in 2019. “As previously expected, all-in sustaining cost [AISC] at Didipio will be higher

due to lower copper credits and expensing ore stockpiles [and that] production taxes at Didipio will be included in the AISC for the first time as per the new World Gold Council guidelines,” Wilkes said. He said it is an exciting time for the gold mining industry and that they are very pleased with how they are positioned to continue building shareholder value.

“Our focus on delivering consistent positive returns and healthy margins over the long term has been the recipe for our continued success. We have a strong shareholder register and remain staunchly committed to delivering strong returns to our shareholders and significant socio-economic benefits to our valued stakeholders across our business,” Wilkes said.

Habitat, U of Cebu ink P5-m pact CEBU CITY—Habitat for Humanity Philippines and University of Cebu officially formalized their P5-million partnership through a signing ceremony here on Feb. 8. Margarita Moran-Floirendo, Board Member and Ambassador, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, said: “The youth is one of the leading voices in supporting our advocacy. We are grateful that University of Cebu is one with us in furthering our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” “Through this partnership, we will encourage more students to actively engage in community development and spark the spirit of volunteerism and genuine concern for those in need,” she continued.

University of Cebu will support Habitat projects within the province in the next three years, including building new homes, youth empowerment through formation of campus chapters in university campuses and youth leadership training through the Habitat Young Leaders Build Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is a twoday leadership training program, that teaches young people to create a community vision tree, identify community issues, and implement a project to address the issues. This program is designed to give equal opportunity to all the youth to gain leadership skills while creating future socially-conscious leaders.

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

Where to wed in Boracay

Life HOUSEHOLD

LOVE WILL LEAD YOU TO BORA. The 312-room Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay takes advantage of its idyllic location by offering couples a great place to tie the knot or rekindle love.

ORACAY has a special place in many couples’ hearts. Thirty-three-year-old Antoinette Mercado-Ocampo tied the knot with her husband on the beachfront of this worldclass island in Aklan.

“It was unforgettable—marrying the love of my life in paradise,” she beamed. When Boracay reopened after a sixmonth environmental rehabilitation, tourists from here and abroad flocked to the newly redeveloped island. Many things may have changed but Boracay remains one of the best places for couples tying the knot or reconnecting with each other. “Boracay is a wonderfully romantic island at any time of year, but never more so than in February—the ‘Season of

Love’,” said André Brulhart, general manager of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay. Mövenpick Resort & Spa, a 312-room low-rise luxury resort on Boracay island, boasts an enviable beachfront location with 200 meters of powder white sand bordering the crystal blue waters of Punta Bunga Cove. The idyllic ambiance of the resort makes it a dream destination for beachfront weddings. Punta Bunga Cove provides a stunning setting for couples seeking an unforgettable seafront ceremony, with

The Boracay resort offers five wedding packages, namely Alya, Sehana, Tala, Luna, and Sol.

space for up to 200 guests. In addition, the resort’s glistening pools and lush landscaped gardens create options for all sizes of wedding, from intimate ceremonies to lavish celebrations. Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay makes every soon-to-wed couples’ dreams come true with the help of a dedicated team of professional planners, creative catering choices, and exceptional entertainment. A choice of five wedding packages is available: Alya, Sehana, Tala, Luna, and Sol. “Whether guests are seeking an enchanting couple’s retreat, a memorable honeymoon or even a glittering beachfront wedding, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is the perfect destination,” enthused Brulhart. Couples on retreat can stroll along the pristine shore as the waves lap gently on the soft white sand, or plunge into the spectacular 3,300-square meter, multi-level swimming pool with a swim-up bar. Alternatively, partners can share soothing experiences at the Sagay Spa, which offers a choice of rejuvenating couples’ treatments. Then, at the end of a blissful day, guests can enjoy exquisite evening meals at Brezza, the authentic Italian ristorante; The Market, the vibrant international restaurant; or Ssäm, which creates innovative Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisine with a sense of culinary theater. Alternatively, Sol Marina Beach Club lets couples chill out together with refreshing drinks during the day or after dark.

A lawyer’s letter to his Valentine By Honor Blanco Cabie ONCE upon a pleasant moon, when my childhood friend was in law proper— how many years back he can’t remember—he was playing with words after coming home from his 8:30 p.m. class in Mendiola. That was the time letters and telegrams were the trend among the youth, a valley he remains thankful for. It was the month of February, too.

I can imagine his gratitude. Assuming there were mobiles then, even at one peso per text message, what he sent to a weekly magazine which granted and sustained the petition and published it, would have made a hefty dent in his student allowance. I am reproducing, with his permission, the substance of the letter. But he has asked me to use another name in the salutation, to which I said “granted” as he handed out the published page, yellowed by the years.

My dear Maria Mia, Petitioner, by himself, and to your honorable court, respectfully submits for your consideration this petition for your review. At the outset, petitioner asks that you allow him his constitutional right to be heard. He assures you that everything in his petition is devoid of criminal intent and the venom of malicious premeditation. On the contrary, he rises with the loftiest motives because he feels it is his duty to confess to you one undeniable fact that you may have unconsciously disregarded all along. He has always wanted to keep this fact within him always, petitioner admits. He could have easily done so. But his conscience continues to remind him that he should not unjustly enrich himself at the expense of another. He now finds it enlightening and wise to unburden himself to you since you are the sole obligee of the petitioner as sole obligor. You will please recall that unforgettable July noon when petitioner and you first met. The day petitioner and you entered into a contract, stipulating clauses and terms alike which were of course not contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order, or public policy. And the time has come: the obligation is already due and demandable. Please allow petitioner to offer the following statements by way of bringing the issue at bar. His silence for the past months on this should never give ground for you to put him in delay. He was never in default. Turn to C2

Punta Bunga Cove provides a stunning setting for couples seeking an unforgettabe seafront ceremony.

Life

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Wil Dasovich goes on a family road trip

OLLOWERS of YouTube star Wil Dasovich know how close he is to his family. In many of his trips, Dasovich is often accompanied by his dad, Steve, and mom, Charry.

To experience more extraordinary adventures and create memories, they recently embarked on a family road trip to Tagaytay, made possible by a partnership between Ford and TripAdvisor. Dasovich and his parents traveled in a Ford Everest from Manila to Tagaytay. The first stop on their itinerary was a visit to People’s Park in the Sky, where they took a trip down memory lane and enjoyed a tour of the former Marcos-era mansion and a breathtaking view of Tagaytay, from one of the highest points in town. Following a brief lunch, the family descended from Tagaytay to Talisay, Batangas, where they took a boat to the base of Taal Volcano. They journeyed up to the volcano’s peak on horseback, where they enjoyed yet another picturesque view—this time overlooking the majestic Taal Lake. After enjoying the view, fresh air and great company, the former PBB housemate and his folks capped off their day trip and returned to Tagaytay for dinner in one of the city’s most renowned dining spots, Josephine’s Restaurant. This eatery is known for its beef bulalo soup and fried tawilis, the perfect meal to share while enjoying the refreshing Tagaytay breeze. Dasovich said performance, safety, and comfort are the most important qualities he looks for in a vehicle when going on adventures with his family— qualities he found in Ford Everest. During the trip, he and his family drove the Everest and experienced this

A lawyer’s... From C1

There was a moratorium then, if this honorable court will please recall. Alongside this, there could not have been any dolo. Petitioner informs this honorable court that he cannot afford to let you lose by prescription the right arising from this juridical necessity to do, and consequently to give. Petitioner earnestly prays you won’t make him believe that you are in mora accipiendi. If you must know, petitioner cannot live by assigning this noble affection to someone else. To a new acquaintance. To a stranger. To whoever. Petitioner, if it may please you, would be committing a breach of the contract if he did. Let no third person make a mockery of petitioner’s and your individual rights and duties. And let no Adam’s great grand grand grandson or even Eve’s great grand grand granddaughter attack the validity of the same. Petitioner is offering a love that is not inferior to that you probably have

Filipino-American YouTube star Wil Dasovich explores Tagaytay and Batangas with his parents.

mid-size SUV as robustly capable and ideal for family fun. “Discovering the Everest’s impressive features and ability to conquer diverse conditions made us feel like there was nothing holding us back from our

on your mind, by observation of other people, by your readings or whatever. Rest assured, since the moment petitioner’s eyes and your eyes kissed each other, he has taken care of the love with the diligence of a good and respectable family man. Petitioner promises his singular devotion, his loyalty, his faithful dedication, his deepest respect, his unqualified and unconditional fidelity. As a guaranty or security to the thing he has delivered and the things he has promised, he hereby swears, on this 14th day of February, in the year of our Lord, and of the Republic of the Philippines...that everything delivered and said is true and correct. That there was no falsification whatsoever. Wherefore, the things above considered, petitioner respectfully prays that the petition be given due course and, after deliberation, a judgment be rendered in his favor, with costs against any pseudo-obligor. He further prays for such other relief as may be deemed just and equitable under the above premises. Respectfully submitted, (sgd.) Dalluyon T. Amianan

thirst for adventure,” shared Dasovich. He continued, “Adding to that was the new TripAdvisor, which made it easy to search for places to go, things to do, and find recommendations on where to stay or eat from travel experts. We look forward

to exploring more destinations in the future, knowing we have truly extraordinary partners in Ford and TripAdvisor.” Ford and TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, teamed up to encourage explorers to discover the amazing

locations around them. Recognizing the growing appeal in adventure getaways, Ford and TripAdvisor uncovered the best “off-road”, “extreme destinations” with “tough roads” using TripAdvisor’s machine learning.

Ajoya by AboitizLand is a mid-market residential development offering gated master-planned communities in Cabanatuan and Capas.

Advantages of owning a house and lot

AFFORDABLE costs, shared amenities, and proximity to business districts fuel the popularity of condominiums and co-living apartments. However, an online real estate comparison study shows that majority of Filipinos still prefer living in house and lots. It also identifies a surge in property searches in the provinces due to rapid urbanization and expansion of roads and highways outside Metro Manila. For families looking to elevate their lifestyle, a house and lot is a long-term investment that allows them to live well. Analysts cite that lot owners have flexibility and are able to grow their property depending on their needs, such as the addition of children or pets. Unlike in a condo unit or apartment, they have control of remodeling or modifying the abode to add rooms or outdoor spaces like a garden, yard, or parking space. Owners also enjoy privacy and security that gated house and lots provide. Moreover, owners are free to add other measures such as a fence or security devices. AboitizLand understands the advantages of owning house and lots, hence it introduces Ajoya, a mid-market residential development offering gated master-planned communities in Cabanatuan and Capas. The former is a 19-hectare property located in Barangay Valle Cruz, Nueva Ecija while the latter is a 13-hectare development located in Barangays Talaga and Estrada in Tarlac.

Ajoya is inspired by the iconic bahay na bato, with houses featuring traditional elements.

“A secure and comfortable house and lot improves a family’s quality of living and their daily interactions, and gives them a lifelong sense of fulfillment. Ultimately these are the benefits that we want our vecinos (neighbors) to experience when they become owners of an AboitizLand property including Ajoya,” says John Amon, AboitizLand vice president for marketing and reputation management. Ajoya is inspired by the iconic Filipino bahay na bato, with houses featuring traditional elements like the azotea (porch) and ventanilla (small window), updated to match today’s styles. The neighborhood is built around a vibrant

town plaza, reminiscent of a traditional Filipino community landscape. To further foster interactions between vecinos, Ajoya provides a clubhouse, a multi-purpose hall, and a pool with an open gazebo. The community is designed to encourage walking so homeowners can build rapport and take in nature at the pocket parks and green belts. All of Ajoya’s amenities are purposefully designed to contribute to the increased quality of life for vecinos, while offering all the benefits of an owned house and lot. Go to Ajoya’s Facebook page for more information.

Entertainment

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

‘Angels in America’ to launch Atlantis’ 20th anniversary

TLANTIS Theatrical Entertainment Group unveils its first major production for its 20th Anniversary Season in 2019: Tony Kushner’s masterpiece Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, the first of the two-part Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning play.

In the first part of Tony Kushner’s epic, set in 1980s New York City, a gay man is abandoned by his lover when he contracts the AIDS virus, and a closeted Mormon lawyer’s marriage to his pillpopping wife stalls. Other characters include the infamous McCarthy-ite lawyer Roy Cohn, Ethel Rosenberg, a former drag queen who works as a nurse, and an angel. Among the twentieth century’s defining works of dramatic art, Angels in America remains as transcendent and as potent and timely in its concerns as when it premiered on Broadway over 25 years ago. It is now the most Tony Award nominated play in Broadway history and the winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Play and Best Revival of a Play. The New York Times Chief Critic, Ben Brantley, has said of Angels in America, “It brought theater back into the national conversation, in a way that hasn’t happened again until Hamilton.” Vanity Fair calls the play, “A masterpiece!” And The Los Angeles Times raves that Angels is “The most provocative and affecting drama of my lifetime.” Atlantis’ Artistic Director, Bobby Garcia, who will be directing the production says, “What a thrill it is for

us to launch our 20th Anniversary with what I believe is the greatest play written in my lifetime. I first directed Angels in America in 1995 when I was 25 years old.” “I look forward to revisiting the play almost 25 years later from a whole different perspective on life and death, heaven and hell. The play remains as timely as ever which is the true testament of a classic. I also look forward to assembling what I know will be a truly exceptional cast for this landmark production that a whole new generation of theatre goers will get to see in Manila,” he added. Asked why only part one is being staged next year, Garcia explains, “When I first saw Angels in America in 1993 on Broadway, only Millennium Approaches had opened. Tony Kushner was still refining and finishing up part two Perestroika. I had to wait eight months before Perestroika opened on Broadway. There’s a thrill to that waiting. It’s similar to how I experienced watching Star Wars when I was a kid. I counted the days until the next part opened. Angels in America is also a complex beast of a show and taking our time with each part will also allow us to rehearse and tech the show with all the detail it deserves.” The 8-person cast includes Art Acuña as Roy Cohn, Topper Fabregas as Prior Walter, Angeli Bayani as Harper Pitt, Nelsito Gomez as Louis Ironson, Markki Stroem as Joe Pitt, Cherie Gil as Hannah Pitt, Andoy Ranay as Belize, and Pinky Amador as The Angel. The entire cast will also be playing multiple roles throughout the show. This production will be directed by Bobby Garcia with set design by Faust Peneyra, lighting design by JonJon Villareal, projection design by GA Fallarme, costume design by Odelon Simpao (with Rajo Laurel as designer for the Angel costume), sound design by Glendfford Malimban, and hair and makeup design by Johann dela Fuente. Show buying opportunities are now available for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, which will run at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati from March 22 to April 7. For more information contact Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group at 650-5144 or at shows@atlantistheatrical.com.

The full cast of Atlantis Theatrical production, 'Angels in America: Millennium Approaches'

‘Captain Marvel’ experience FLY high with SM Cinema this February as the Philippines’ largest film exhibitor brings the Captain Marvel experience straight from Singapore. The highly-anticipated superhero film from Marvel Studios is crashlanding to the Philippines, and SM Cinema is giving Filipino moviegoers

another reel-to-real adventure as the country’s largest film exhibitor brings fans the Captain Marvel experience all the way from Singapore. To kick off the celebration of the film’s arrival in the country, SM Cinema held the Captain Marvel Quiz Night on Feb. 9 at the SM Aura Premier

Biggest Marvel fans from all over Metro Manila battled it out for the ultimate prize -- tickets for two to Singapore for the Captain Marvel Fan Event at Marina Bay Sands today.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

ACROSS 1 Installs electricity 6 Munch, as a pony 11 Corduroy ridge 14 Wide-awake 15 Charge ahead 16 Pamplona shout 17 Not at any time 18 UHF part 19 Tijuana aunt 20 Leisurely walk 22 Disguise 24 Straightens up 27 Musical intervals 28 More or less 29 Complies 31 Removable boring tools 32 Evening wrap 34 Branch 38 Coup d’— 39 Outback bird 40 Ms. Bombeck 41 Hubby of Lucy 42 Send packing 44 Having a trim and graceful appearance 45 Terra firma 47 Get even for 49 Sunflower State 52 Sore-throated 53 Facial feature 54 Reporters

56 Refuge 57 Role model 59 Tobacco product 64 Tpk. 65 Cheek 66 Behind in place or position 67 Tiny amount 68 Kermit’s color 69 Alpaca kin DOWN 1 Sallow 2 Seine vista 3 Give it the gas 4 Poet’s before 5 Muscle injury 6 Golfers’ need 7 Boat part 8 — up (pay) 9 Dept. head 10 Swell 11 Helicopter blade 12 Achilles’ story 13 Birds’ bills 21 Some T-shirts, briefly 23 Eavesdropper 24 Moth-eaten 25 Jots 26 Least-often cleaned 27 Jeans go-with 28 Retired 29 Zing 30 Ronstadt’s “—

Bayou” 33 School book 35 Brown songbirds 36 Photo 37 Track receipts 42 Uh’s cousins 43 Thailand neighbor 46 Exclaiming over 48 Feudal tenant 49 Retail giant 50 Heart outlet 51 Heated in the microwave 52 — Gurley

Brown 54 Pierre’s parent 55 Utter deliriously 58 “— Rosenkavalier” 60 QB org. 61 Actress — Hagen 62 Not masc. 63 Monastic title

Sky Park where they gathered 10 pairs of the biggest Marvel fans from all over Metro Manila where they battled for the ultimate prize: tickets for two to Singapore for the Captain Marvel Fan Event at Marina Bay Sands on Valentine’s Day. SM Cinema is Walt Disney Company Philippines’ only exhibitor partner who will be bringing the Captain Marvel experience straight from the Captain Marvel Fan Event in Singapore to the Philippines with TV and radio host Joyce Pring through blow-by-blow updates on facebook.com/SMCinema and instagram.com/SM_Cinema and one-on-one interviews with Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Gemma Chan, and directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Fans will also get a chance to participate in the fan event by sending in their questions on Twitter using the hashtag #CaptainMarvelAtSMCinema. Catch Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel on March 6 at SM Cinema nationwide. Skip the lines and get the best seats in the house by booking your tickets through the website, www. smcinema.com, or downloading the SM Cinema App.

Deadline for ’Stand for Truth’ application extended FOLLOWING the demand to accommodate more hopefuls, GMA News and Public Affairs has extended the deadline of application for the News and Feature reporters to make up the team of the upcoming digital newscast Stand for Truth. Now, aspiring journalists who want

to work with the country’s mostawarded news organization have until tomorrow, Feb. 15 to submit their application forms. The weeknight newscast will be headlined by award-winning broadcast journalist Atom Araullo and GMA resident analyst Richard Heydarian. It will incorporate music, the latest in mobile journalism, and new storytelling tools for online publishing. Stand for Truth will train and develop young, principled journalists from all over the country to continue the legacy of the GMA newsroom as they help equally young viewers understand and then take a stand on important issues. The application is open to Filipinos from 18 to 35 years of age who are not only passionate about news, features, and news reporting but are also social media savvy and are capable of simple mobile journalism. Applicants need to submit a 3-minute video about themselves plus a short walk through of a particular place or person in their community, along with a short description of what goes on there or the problems that the person you choose is going through. In addition to the video, aspiring Stand for Truth journalists need to submit a comprehensive resume and include their answer on either of the two topics: (1) “Why is Fake News dangerous?” Or (2)“What do you think is the biggest problem the Philippines is facing today?” Upload the video via We Transfer (https://wetransfer.com) and email the link along with the resume to standfortruth@gmanetwork.com. For additional details and requirements, go to https://bit.ly/2RoFtbR . Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Stand for Truth team. Stand for Truth is a project made possible through the innovation funding grant from the online video platform YouTube and will be available in April.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

Entertainment A Golden moment

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

NICKIE WANG

HE Clash champion Golden Cañedo beguiled the audience in her ﬁrst performance on the big stage. She wasn’t the show’s headliner but she left an indelible mark, a strong reminder that while she’s taking the traditional path to limelight, she’s more than ready to take on bigger challenges with her voice as her riﬂe.

The teen singer joined Julie Anne San Jose and Christian Bautista who bannered the successful Kapuso concert dubbed The Sweetheart and the Balladeer: Fun Night Only at the Iloilo Convention Center. They had the double act Donita Nose and Super Tekla as special guests giving the show some comedic twists. The concert, which was meaningful and genuinely memorable for all of the right reasons, was held last month in time for the culmination of the annual Dinagyang Festival. The evening began with Donita and Tekla setting the mood for audience as they ﬁrst hit the stage. The duo crosstalked and exchanged banters to the delight of the audience. They even sang a few songs and impersonated some popular names on the local and international music scenes. You see, they wanted to prove that apart from doing comedy, they could perfectly hit some high notes, too. Then the main stars of the show opened the concert proper. The setlist was a mix of love songs and pop ditties from Beyonce to Ariana’s megahits and from theme songs of The Greatest Showman to Bohemian Rhapsody. They handled the show so well, a mark of already seasoned performers who could conﬁdently dish out varied songs in succession.

Golden Cañedo

As a pre-Valentine concert, Julie Anne and Christian didn’t fail to mesmerize the audience with their duets but what put the crowd up on their feet was when they did a cover of Shanti Dope’s “Nadarang” and Ex-Battallion’s “Hayaan Mo Sila.” It’s also good to note that Julie Anne and Christian treated the show differently singing songs like JK Labajo’s “Buwan” instead of the usual timeless classics most people hear during pre-Valentine concerts. From start to finish the singers interacted with the audience, too, with Christian even walking around the audience area of the packed Iloilo Convention Center. “We always feel the extra warm reception of the audience whenever we do shows outside Metro Manila. You know, being a visitor to their city, they give you special warm treatment just like the way someone would welcome a visitor to his home. That’s what excites us to do regional shows,” Christian told Manila Standard in a interview a day before the show. Then it was time for Julie Anne and Christian to introduce their special guest who is originally from Cebu but has become close to the people of the Visayas after representing the region and ultimately emerging victorious in one of the biggest reality singing competitions last year, The Clash. When they shared the stage—a duet with Julie Anne singing “I’ll Never Love Again” and with Christian in “Rewrite the Stars”— the more experienced singers were obviously assisting the 17-year-old newbie. At one point, Julie Anne even asked Golden to move closer to the center of the stage as if telling the younger songstress to claim the spotlight. And she had her moment. Going solo on centerstage, Golden belted out “Ikaw Ang Pangarap,” a song Martin Never originated and popularized. It was the same song she sang during The Clash grand finals. This time, her conventional yet emotional version of the ballad had more power, it was a performance beyond worthy of lost storage on your smartphone. The night concluded with a group production. It was a fitting finale of a successful concert that featured raw talents, amazing vocals and nothing but great entertainment—a kind of show that calls for a repeat.

Golden and Christian perform 'Rewrite the Stars'

Julie Anne San Jose and Christian Bautista, with their concert guests Golden Cañedo, Donita Nose and Super Tekla, thanked the crowd at the packed Iloilo Convention Center where their successful concert 'The Sweetheart and The Balladeer' was held.

LET LOOSE. Julie Anne and Christian performing a Shanti Dope and Ex-Battalion number.

Fall in love with Priyanka Chopra

The sassy queen of American hip-hop

BOLLYWOOD romance takes the spotlight this February on the Tagalized Indian channel, Zee Sine on SKY, as it features the hit movie by Indian actress Priyanka Chopra. Newly married Priyanka is back on the television screen as her 2012 film Teri Meri Kahaani airing on Valentine’s Day. After three years, Priyanka and Shahid Kapoor reunite in this romance film and portray three couples from three different eras. In 1910, they are two star-crossed lovers during the British Raj (British Rule); in 1960, a popular Bollywood actress and a struggling musician; and in 2012, two university students. Their love for each other is strong enough that even destiny keeps bringing them together. Aside from the two films, also included in the line-up are the Sanam Teri Kasam, and No Smoking. Craving for more Tagalized Bollywood masterpieces? Discover them on ZEE Sine on SKYcable Select. Watch this channel for free until April 14 on channel 112 for Metro Manila, channel 424 in Baguio, Cebu and Davao. SKYcable Select allows SKY customers with cable subscription the option to add channels to their existing channel lineup for a customized TV viewing experience. For more details on ZEE Sine and other SKY products and services, visit mysky.com.ph, call the Sales hotline (02) 418 0000 or your local SKY office, or visit SKYzone or SKY office nearest you. ZEE SINE takes us to a new magical world of 24/7 Bollywood entertainment brimming with spectacular production values, relatable plots, colorful costumes, amazing cinematography, breathtaking locations, casting coups and that distinct song and

SHE’S brash, she’s loud, and America is all in for her special brand of sass, from online feuds to strip club brawls. But when Cardi B accepted her first Grammy award—making rap history in the process—the 26-year-old had the crowd falling in love with her softer side. On Sunday night in Los Angeles, the unstoppable Bronx native cemented her spot in the upper echelons of hip-hop as the first woman solo artist to win a Best Rap Album Grammy. And she accepted the trophy with signature, unfiltered charm. “The nerves are so bad. Maybe I need to start smoking weed,” she quipped, to laughs and applause from the glitzy gala set. Visibly shaking, she spoke of the odds being stacked against her as she raced to complete her debut album Invasion of Privacy while pregnant with her first child. She clutched her rapper husband, Offset, later turning to him: “You husband, thank you.” The touching vignette was a far cry from the larger-than-life image of the reigning queen of rap, who had earlier gyrated through a sexually-charged performance in leopard thigh-highs and peacock-style feathers. Born Belcalis Almanzar to a Dominican father and Trinidadian mother, Cardi B’s unchartered rise to fame sparked during her days as a stripper, when she carved out a social media personality on platforms including

dance number, Zee Sine has over 355 new titles (all curated and dubbed in Filipino) three new movies per day with repeats featuring the freshest global Bollywood stars.

Top female rap artist Cardi B.

Instagram. Posting videos that saw her wax poetic on everything from cheating lovers to the qualities of the pancake chain restaurant IHOP, Cardi snagged a spot on the reality series Love & Hip Hop, further amplifying her image. “Hey, America, washpoppin’?” she said in her intro video for the show. “You might know me as that annoying dancer on social media that be talking hella crazy, with the long nails and the big ol’ titties, but I’m just a regular, degular, shmegular girl from the Bronx.” And thus the New Yorker began clocking her rapid ascent to stardom: as her proﬁle grew, Cardi in 2015 gave up stripping to give rap a go. It was a bold gamble given her lack of experience, but her love of spectacle and fast-talking style helped ensure it paid off. After releasing a few mixtapes she found runaway success with her

breakthrough 2017 megahit “Bodak Yellow”—a foreboding track with skittering beats whose lyrics revolve heavily around her stripping past. The song smashed the charts, overtaking pop princess Taylor Swift to snag number one on the Billboard Hot 100—the ﬁrst woman rapper to take the top spot since legend Lauryn Hill did so in 1998. The internet celebrity turned bonaﬁde rap star then dropped her album Invasion of Privacy—the work that captured this year’s top rap Grammy—in 2018 to critical and commercial acclaim, assuring Cardi a seat at the table in the male-dominated world of hip-hop. Cardi B has hinted she will drop a new album in 2019, capitalizing on a year of runaway success. But no matter what comes next, there is little doubt Cardi from the Bronx will keep building her brand where she began: speaking to her fans directly, and keeping it real. AFP