Manila Standard - 2019 February 15 - Friday

Rappler chief posts bail; support pours in

By Macon Ramos-Araneta RAPPLER chief executive Maria Ressa was freed on bail Thursday following an arrest that sparked international censure and allegations she is being targeted over her news site’s criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Ressa, 55, spent a night in detention after authorities arrested her at her Manila office Wednesday in a sharp upping of government pressure on her and her news website Rappler.

The site and Ressa have been hit with tax evasion charges and now a libel case after clashing repeatedly with Duterte over his deadly crackdown on illegal drugs that has killed thousands.

MARIA RESSA

“The message that the government is sending is very clear... be silent or you’re next,” an emotional Ressa told reporters outside a Manila court.

She posted a bond of P100,000, the sixth time since December that she has paid bail on a government case.

“I am appealing to you not to be silent, even if—and especially if—you’re next,” added Ressa, who was named a Time Magazine “Person of the Year” in 2018 for her journalism.

International condemnation from dignitaries, press freedom and human rights groups has poured in since plainclothes agents appeared at Rappler to serve an arrest warrant.

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Palace, DOJ chime in on Ressa: Rule of law should be observed

By Nat Mariano and Rey E. Requejo THE Palace and the Justice department said Thursday the arrest of Rappler chief executive Maria Ressa had “absolutely nothing to do” with press freedom, saying even “high-profile” journalists are not exempt from the rule of law.

On Wednesday evening, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation arrested Ressa in her office on the strength of an arrest warrant issued in a cyber libel case filed by the Justice department.

A Pasay night court refused to process her bail, citing jurisdiction on the case.

Ressa, who was released after posting P100,000 bail on Thursday, bemoaned the “weaponization of the law,” but Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo denied that the administration was trying to silence her.

He said President Rodrigo Duterte did not even know the complainant, a businessman named Wilfredo Keng.

“Why would he be interested in this

case, he doesn’t even know who filed it. In other words, there is absolutely nothing. There is no connection, whatever. This case is absolutely unrelated,” he said.

He also reminded Ressa that she was not exempted from the law.

“Maria should know that even though you’re a high-profile journalist, you will be exempted from the complaints of an ordinary citizen,” he said.

He said Ressa was correct to say the rule of law should be observed.

“She was charged because we’re observing the rule of law. As far as the complainant is concerned, she violated his rights,” he said, noting that the case progressed because authorities found probable cause for Ressa’s supposed crime during the preliminary investigation.

He said Ressa seemed to be enjoying the limelight.

“I watched her from the place she got arrested up to the NBI even until dawn, she was smiling, it seems she’s enjoying everything,” he said.

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 5 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Measles spreads to Mindanao Sarangani: Rise in cases alarming

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HE measles scare has reached Mindanao as health personnel in Sarangani Province are closely monitoring several villages in at least two municipalities due to the “alarming” rise in cases of the highly contagious disease since last month.

Dr. Arvin Alejandro, Provincial Health Office chief, said they have dispatched teams to treat cases of suspected measles and conduct immunization activities in Alabel and Malungon towns to control the spread of the disease.

Since the first week of January, he said that they have already recorded a total of 48 cases of measles in the entire province.

The official said most of these cases were mainly from two areas―Barangays Poblacion of Alabel and Poblacion of Malungon.

“About 85 to 90 of the cases involved infants and children who were not immunized for measles,” he said in an interview over Brigada News FM. Alejandro said such a situation was also found among children in other areas, where measles cases were reported since last year.

He cited the outbreak from November to December in Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan town that killed 23 children and affected 144 residents.

Citing their records, he said that about 95 percent of the children infected with measles in Upper Suyan had no history of immunization.

Alejandro admitted that there were areas not reached by health teams during the immunization activities last year due to their remoteness and inaccessibility due to security problems.

He said some parents refused immunization for their children due to the Dengvaxia controversy.

Alejandro said they consider the current measles incidence in the area as “alarming” and are regularly updating Next page

MOUNTING MOVEMENT. Nuns, teachers and students from the Benedictine-run St. Scholastica’s College in Manila gesture with a ‘number one’ sign as they participate in the ‘One Billion Rising’ global movement as part of the school’s Valentine’s Day celebrations. The movement, started in 2012, aims to end rape and sexual violence against women, the ‘billion’ referring to UN figures that one in three women will be raped or beaten in her lifetime, or about one billion. AFP

May polls not a vote on administration—Sotto

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo SENATE President Vicente Sotto III on Thursday rejected suggestions by the opposition that the May elections will be a referendum on President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Nope, I do not agree. The President is not endorsing a full slate,” Sotto said, adding that the campaign issue is not whether voters support Duterte or not.

“It’s about what you can do for the country,” he said.

Sotto’s own Nationalist People’s Coalition has yet to endorse a full senatorial slate because its members have not been able to agree who to support.

Sotto earlier said the NPC would support Senators Grace Poe and JV Ejercito and former Senator Lito Lapid, but said consultations were still be held.

Meanwhile, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said “justice was served” after the

Commission on Elections declared him eligible to run for senator in the 2019 national elections.

“We’re extremely pleased with the decision, which clears the air of any supposed legal uncertainty that may have been caused by efforts to derail my candidacy,” Pimentel said.

The Comelec First Division dismissed the two petitions for disqualification filed against him in a ruling

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Right-of-way scam: DPWH execs face raps

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives has adopted the report of its Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability that investigated the alleged large- scale road right-ofway scam in Central Mindanao and recommended the filing of charges against several public works officials and individuals.

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95 LGUs along Manila Bay fail environment law MORE than half of the local government units sur- percent of the total 178 failed to hit the indicators measrounding Manila Bay have failed to comply with envi- uring their compliance with environmental laws. ronmental laws, the Interior department said Thursday.

The number consists of 56 LGUs from Next page Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said 95 LGUs or 53

MRT eases liquid ban THE management of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 has allowed liquid items less than 100 milliliters to be brought by passengers inside its stations.

“Bottled water, drinks and other kinds of liquid such Next page

Most Pinoys happy with lovelife

By Nat Mariano LOVE is in the air for a majority of Filipinos this Valentine’s Day, the latest Social Weather Stations’ survey revealed on Thursday.

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PLEDGING PERMANENCE. Couples walk down

the aisle and exchange marital vows as Pag-IBIG Fund holds its 8th ‘I Do, I Do, Araw ng Pag-IBIG,’ a mass wedding for 1,500 couples who are members of the government-owned Home Development Mutual Fund at the PICC Forum in Pasay City. Ey Acasio

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Gov’t agents score hits vs. NPA

By Francisco Tuyay

NEW People’s Army fighter tagged as one of the people who torched private construction equipment in Quezon province was killed in an encounter in Laguna while an alleged NPA extortionist was arrested by police and military personnel in Butuan City on Thursday.

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Maj. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno, commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, said the still unidentified rebel was killed in an encounter with troops of the 1st Infantry Battalion in Sitio Pinamintian, San Buenaventura village in Luisiana, Laguna, on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, an official said the efforts of the New People’s Army to recruit minors is a gross violation of the UNICEF

Convention on the Rights of Children.

“It is a gross violation of the provisions of UNICEF’s Convention on the Rights of Children, which specifically states that children below the age of 18 must be accorded their basic rights to include the right from exploitation,” Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Noel Detoyato said in a text message to the Philippine News

Agency when sought for a comment.

Parayno said the slain terrorist was among the 15 rebels who last week burned three backhoes and one bulldozer being used in the road widening construction at the Kaliwa Dam project by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System owned by Northern Builder Corp. in Magsaysay village in Infanta, Quezon.

Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, head of the 202nd Brigade, said the communists fled toward the boundary of Quezon and Laguna to escape the pursuing troops from the 80th Infantry Battalion and the dragnet put up by the 1st IB to intercept them.

However, the rebels were eventually intercepted by troops in Kalangay village

in Lucban, Quezon, sparking a 15-minute firefight that left one rebel dead while the rest scampered in different directions, dragging their wounded comrades.

The NPA burning was condemned the officials of Infanta and General Nakar towns in Quezon.

Mayor Filipina Grace America of Infanta was quoted as saying the terror act perpetrated by the NPA was not the proper way to address the issues surrounding the project.

Mayor Eliseo Ruzon of General Nakar viewed the act by the NPA as a hindrance to the development in his town and in Infanta, noting that the incident would lead to their constituents losing their jobs needed to support their families. With PNA

House backs move to make PH top maritime nation Ex-Budget usec cleared of ‘usurpation’

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has affirmed the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman clearing former Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos of the charge of usurpation of authority.

In a decision written by Justice Marvic Leonen, the Court’s Third Division dismissed the petition of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel R. Degamo seeking to reverse the Ombudsman’s dismissal of the charge against Relampagos for lack of probable cause.

Instead, the high court sustained the April 19, 2013 Resolution and Jan. 8, 2014 Order of the Ombudsman that held that, “without proof that [the Ombudsman] acted with grave abuse of discretion, it shall not interfere with public respondent’s determination of probable cause.”

The case arose from the P480.775 million worth of Special Allotment and Release Order released by the Budget department in lieu of the P961.550 million originally requested by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for Negros Oriental in 2012.

The money was to pay for infrastructure projects in Negros Oriental, which was then reeling from the devastation of Typhoon “Sendong” and a magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

Rappler...

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“The arrest of Maria Ressa is an outrage,” said Committee to Protect Journalists Chairperson Kathleen Carroll. “She should be freed immediately and the Philippines government needs to cease its multi-pronged attack on Rappler.”

Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, tweeted in support: “The arrest of journalist @mariaressa by the Philippine government is outrageous and must be condemned by all democratic nations.”

The libel case against Ressa and former Rappler reporter Reynaldo Santos Jr. stems from a 2012 report written about a businessman’s alleged ties to a then-judge on the nation’s top court.

While investigators initially dismissed the businessman’s 2017 complaint about the article, the case was subsequently forwarded to prosecutors for their consideration. With AFP

Right-of-way...

From A1 led by Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo of Camiguin said “there is a manifest showing of a pattern employed by the syndicate led by Ms. Wilma Mamburam and Nelson Ti in submitting fabricated documents and representing fictitious claimants or landowners,” and that “the participation of several DPWH Region XII officers, including former Regional Directors Subair S. Diron and Reynaldo Tamayo were instrumental in consummating their illegal scheme.”

Romualdo’s committee found that Diron and Tamayo approved 127 ROW

MRT...

From A1 as alcohol [isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol] and hand sanitizers that have volume capacity of 100 ML and below are now allowed inside trains and stations of the MRT-3,” the Department of Transportation-MRT 3 said in an advi-

reading before Congress adjourned session last Feb. 9.

The bill also provides for essential incentives to promote a comprehensive and orderly Philippine Ship Registry System for the regulation of vessels carrying the flag State.

Rep. Jesulito Manalo of ANGKLA party-list, principal author of the bill, said the bill aimed to help the country become more competitive and encourage more ship owners in other parts of the world to register their vessels under

the Philippine flag.

“To achieve this, we first must recognize that presently, there is a lack of a particular law completely addressing the registry system in the Philippines, which has been a perennial source of confusion and disorder,” he said.

In a related development: • House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Thursday expressed confidence President Rodrigo Duterte would soon sign the bill providing more benefits to senior citizens.

up its monitoring and vaccination activities against measles as suspected cases continued to increase since last month.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., chief IPHO, said Wednesday they already recorded at least 39 cases of measles infection from Jan. 1 to Feb. 11 in six of the province’s 10 towns and lone city.

Aturdido said Polomolok town posted the most number of cases with 26 and with one fatality, followed by Koronadal City with four, Norala and Banga with three each, Tampakan with two and Surallah with one.

A four-month-old baby from Polomolok died Sunday to complications caused by suspected measles, he said.

“South Cotabato is one of the hotspots [for measles], in Region 12 [Soccsksargen] in general. We cannot just sleep on it,” the IPHO said.

Citing a report from the IPHO’s epidemiology and surveillance unit, Aturdido said most of the cases involved in-

fants and children, with the youngest at four months old.

“Most of the patients did not have a history of immunization for measles,” Aturdido said.

The IPHO recorded at least 128 suspected measles cases during the first half of 2018, with two deaths reported in Koronadal City and T’boli town.

The official said they are currently conducting catch-up measles immunization activities in the entire province, especially in the affected areas, to prevent further spread of the disease.

Senator Richard Gordon called for urgent efforts to increase vaccination coverage.

At a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting, Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, said the Department of Health should boost its information drive on the importance of immunization to close the gaps in vaccination coverage. With PNA

shall be prosecuted,” Guevarra said.

“The DOJ will not file charges for the purpose of harassing journalists. Not under my watch,” he added.

Guevarra said Ressa was given due process as she was given chance to refute the charges during the earlier preliminary investigation conducted by the DOJ on the complaint filed by Keng and the National Bureau of Investigation.

He said Ressa’s camp could have prevented her arrest by posting bail even before the warrant was served.

“The arrest of Ms. Ressa is simply procedural,” he said. “We are following criminal procedures here.”

Keng, in a statement, said he was “deeply grateful that after the conduct of a lengthy, careful and meticulous investigation, the Department of Justice has categorically resolved to criminally charge Rappler Inc., Maria Angelita Ressa and Reynaldo Santos Jr. with cyber libel in court.”

He said he was committed to see the legal battle against Ressa and Rappler “to the very end.”

dated Feb. 13, 2019.

The Comelec said he had initially lost the 12th winning senatorial seat during the 2007 elections, but became senator after he filed an election protest that prospered.

“It was only then that Pimentel began to discharge his duties and function of a senator. It is clear that Pimentel has not fully served his term, thus the two-

term limit does not yet apply to him,” the Comelec said.

The Philippine National Police on Thursday ordered the recall of all police officers from in-house training and other forms of schooling to maximize personnel deployment for the May polls.

PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, said this is a standard protocol during the campaign period.

“We are more than 192,000 or almost 200,000 and also with the augmentation coming from the AFP we are confident that we will be able to secure the voting

population and all the voting centers,” Albayalde said.

Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said there are about 2,000 policemen currently attending inhouse training and schooling. By April, all policemen are expected to be fielded in various areas in their mother units for election duties.

On Tuesday, the PNP identified 701 areas in the country as election hotspots as the 90-day campaign period for senatorial bets and party-list groups started.

claims filed by members of the syndicate amounting to at least P3.3 billion and that Tamayo continued to approve the disbursement of the fourth and fifth tranches of the payments for the same set of claims despite the red flags that had already been brought to his attention by the Commission on Audit through management Letters.

The Romualdo committee found out that Tamayo also “approved the verification, evaluation and payment for new ROW claims amounting to more than P633 million filed by the same individuals in 2015-2016.”

In exchange for his approval, Tamayo, among other public officials, allegedly

received 20 percent in commissions from the syndicate, witness Roberto Catapang Jr. claimed in his sworn statement.

The committee endorsed the filing of criminal charges against Mamburam, Ti, Dizon and Tamayo, former Assistant Regional Director Laureano Suan Jr., and all members of the Regional ROW Committee and Technical Working Groups.

The Romualdo committee further recommended the conduct of lifestyle checks on the public officials involved and their immediate families, as well as for the Bureau of Internal Revenue to investigate those officials to determine whether tax-evasion cases should be filed against them.

THE House of Representatives has approved a bill establishing the Philippines as a leading maritime nation and respected flag State.

House Bill 9042, also known as the “Philippine Ship Registry System Act” aims to establish the scope and procedure for Philippine Ship Registry, recognition and enforcement of maritime claims, and limitation of liability.

The bill was approved on second

Measles...

From A1 the Department of Health-Region 12 and central office to facilitate the needed interventions.

On Monday, he said, the DOH relayed guidelines to their office for the conduct of a massive measles immunization drive.

Infants and children aged nine to 59 months should be immunized for measles, which is given in two doses, he said.

He said the province has enough supply of vaccines and these were already distributed to the seven municipal health offices.

“We’re not just focusing our immunization activities on infants and children.

We’re also covering adults, especially mothers, to ensure that households are protected,” he added.

The Integrated Provincial Health Office of South Cotabato, meanwhile, has stepped

Palace,...

From A1 “How can you say there’s a violation of freedom of expression when she continued to criticize inside the NBI?” Panelo said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also denied that the arrest was an attack on press freedom.

“The cases against Rappler and Ms. Ressa have nothing to do with press freedom. Anyone who breaks the law

May polls...

From A1

sory on Thursday.

The DOTr-MRT 3 clarified that liquid items more than 100 ML are still not allowed inside the stations.

The MRT management earlier allowed the following items to be brought in by passengers upon validation and approval of security personnel and police officers in its stations:

Baby formula/breast milk in bottles, if the passenger is traveling with a baby or small child; Drinking water to be used by the baby or small child; All prescription and over-the-counter medications; Liquids including water, juice or liquid nutrition or gels for passenger with disability or other health condition.

Most Pinoys...

From A1 According to SWS, most Filipinos— constituting 51 percent of those interviewed—said they were “very happy with their love life,” with 36 percent saying they “could be happier” with their love life and 13 percent saying they “do not have a love life.”

The survey, conducted from Dec. 16 to 19, used face-to-face interviews of 1,440 adults in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao. It has

95 LGUs...

From A1 Central Luzon, 37 from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and two from the National Capital Region.

The department identified these LGUs based on the 2018 Regional Inter-Agency Committee table assessments and on-site inspections.

Senator gets tough on influx of alien workers

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Joel Villanueva plans to resume hearing on the influx of illegal foreign workers following reports from the National Bureau of Investigation that nine out of 10 or 95 percent of its arrests last year involved Chinese nationals.

Of the 167 foreign nationals either arrested or charged in court for offenses in 2018, the NBI reported that 159 cases involved Chinese nationals, the senator said in a statement.

“The information we received from the NBI offers another perspective that we need to consider in this pressing problem of illegal foreign workers using loopholes in our system to take away jobs that Filipinos can do,” said Villanueva, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resource Development.

Other nationalities arrested or charged by the NBI include six individuals from Taiwan, one Korean and one Liberian, the agency’s report stated.

In the cases involving Chinese nationals, NBI data showed 114 individuals were arrested for illegal online gambling, the senator said.

“With this new information, we can see how the issue on illegal foreign workers are (sic) evolving,” he added.

“If some government officials are not concerned by this development, I think they do not fully appreciate the constitutional provision on the preferential treatment for Filipino workers.”

The senator thanked NBI Director Dante Gierran for acting swiftly on the committee’s request.

6 Lanao Norte towns left out of new region DOZENS of communities won approval to join a new Muslim-led territory in the Philippines’ south, results showed Thursday, yet the exclusion of a key rebel stronghold raised concerns about the peace process in the restive region.

The results are from the second and final round of a landmark referendum that was the culmination of a decadeslong process seeking to halt Muslim separatist violence that has claimed some 150,000 lives since the 1970s.

Voters had already overwhelmingly approved last month the so-called Bangsamoro region, which is centered on the island of Mindanao in the majority Catholic nation’s south.

Locals will have more control over their territory and see an influx of government cash for development projects aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty and violent extremism.

The second round of voting on Feb. 6 focused on whether a string of smaller communities would get approval from the municipality or region that surrounds them to join the Bangsamoro.

Official results released Thursday by the Philippines’ electoral commission showed 63 of 67 villages in the North Cotabato region would join.

However, in an expected outcome, voters in the majority-Christian region of Lanao del Norte refused to allow six local towns to become part of the Bangsamoro. AFP

a sampling error margin of ±2.6 percent for national percentages, and ±5 percent each for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.

SWS said the latest figure was slightly lower than the previous 57 percent adult Filipinos who were “very happy” with their love life last two years ago.

“This compares with 57 percent who said their love life was very happy, 29 percent who said it could be happier, and 14 percent who said they do (sic) not have a love life in 2017,” the pollster said.

“There were decades worth of shortcomings that led to the problems of Manila Bay but we are not here to point fingers anymore,” Año said in a statement.

“We, through the directive of the President, are here to bring back the Bay to its former glory and we need all LGUs to do their part.”

Año said 16 of the LGUS were described as having the “worst problems,” and that the department would be helping them first. PNA

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Ban on truck workers in Poland sought

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HE Philippine Embassy in Warsaw on Thursday reiterated its recommendation to suspend the deployment of Filipinos for work in Poland’s road transport sector.

This is in view of the issues concerning the working conditions of Filipinos who work as trailer truck drivers in Europe.

Some 40 Filipino truck drivers in Germany and Poland were rescued last November from poor working conditions by the Philippine government.

Prior to the case, 22 other Filipino

truck drivers were found living in similar substandard conditions in Denmark and were assisted by the Philippine Embassy in Oslo.

In a reminder issued through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Chargè d’Affaires Maria Alnee Gamble said Filipino jobseekers should only deal

Negros press group seeks NBI probe on ‘media drug list’ BACOLOD CITY—The Negros Press Club has asked the National Bureau of Investigation to trace the source of the alleged drug lists circulating on social media that included the names of at least 15 media practitioners here.

NPC president Renato Duran and other club officers met with NBI-Bacolod agent-in-charge Renoir Baldivino at the latter’s office on Wednesday after a third list was e-mailed to a local newspaper on Monday, following the previous two that were posted on Facebook.

Duran said Baldivino referred their concern to the Cybercrime Division of the NBI central office.

He added that NPC officers will soon schedule a visit to the NBI in Manila.

The NPC and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)-Bacolod issued a unity statement denouncing the release of the lists from unknown sources.

The names of the journalists were lumped with other local personalities in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, including elected government officials.

“We, the members of the media community of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental denounce the malicious spreading through social media of anonymous lists of purported drug personalities, including at least 15 of our colleagues,” the NPC and the NUJP-Bacolod statement said.

Those included on the alleged lists are active media practitioners in Bacolod.

“The inconsistencies and seeming lack of logic in the composition of these lists indicate that these were drawn up by conflicting parties out to destroy each other while, at the same time, attempting to muddle their tracks by including random names, including our colleagues,” the statement added.

“This is unacceptable to us, not only as journalists but as citizens of this country who share and deserve to enjoy the rights guaranteed by our Constitution and the laws of the land. No one, and we mean no one, should be subjected to trial by publicity and, worse, punished without being accorded due process,” the groups’ statement added.

The two media organizations also said they demand that authorities “investigate and get the cowards and criminals responsible for creating and spreading these lists and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

“What they have done is a crime,” they said.

“We call on all members of the media community of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental to close ranks and defend our integrity even as we urge everyone to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards as we go about our work,” the statement added. PNA

BI agents nab Swede fugitive wanted for large-scale fraud

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration arrested a Swede wanted by authorities in his country for a string of large-scale fraud and swindling cases.

Kenneth Tobias Christoffer Moberg was arrested at his home in Barangay Poblacion Ilawod, San Enrique, Iloilo, according to Commissioner Jaime Morente.

Moberg’s arrest was made at the request of the Bangkok-based Nordic Police and Customs Cooperation which informed the BI that said fugitive is the subject of a red notice from Interpol.

Moberg has a warrant of arrest issued by a Swedish court due to his involvement in multiple criminal offenses including gross fraud, attempted fraud and unlawful use of identity.

“He is also an overstaying and undocumented alien. His passport was already revoked by the Swedish government,” BI-FSU chief Bobby Raquepo said.

Moberg hid in the Philippines since May 23, 2018 when he last arrived as a tourist. He did not bother to extend his stay since then.

Moberg, who is now detained at the BI detention facility in Taguig, will be deported upon issuance of a summary deportation order from the BI Board of Commissioners.

He will likewise be included in the immigration blacklist and banned from reentering the Philippines for being an undesirable alien.

with recruitment agencies that practice ethical recruitment, as well as those with approved job orders from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency.

At the same time, the agency cautioned about recruitment agencies that charge excessive fees after the Embassy received information from the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. that Poland is a “no placement fee” destination.

According to the embassy, “Poland usually provides foreigners coming from outside the European Union with

temporary residence for up to three years depending on the length of their employment contract and work permit.”

Last year, PASEI adviser Lilac Center for Public Interest bared that the Embassy had assisted a number of overseas Filipino workers lured by a Taiwanese recruiter to work in Poland, only to find out that their work in the country were of short duration, of low pay, and the conditions miserable.

The recruitment scheme has allegedly cost these workers P400,000 to 500,000.

PNA

Traffic to get heavy as MMDA closes T. Sora flyover

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Thursday advised motorists to brace for heavy traffic in Quezon City next week due to the closure of Tandang Sora Flyover and intersection to give way for the ongoing construction of Metro Railway Transit line 7.

Beginning Feb. 23 (Saturday), the four-lane Tandang Sora flyover and intersection along Commonwealth Avenue will be shut down in preparation for the construction of Tandang Sora station, an elevated guide way and a pocket track for the MRT 7.

MMDA general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. said the closure will last for the next two years and will affect more than 100,000 motorists traveling along Commonwealth Avenue and more than 2,500 travelers using the Tandang Sora intersection daily.

Affected motorists will be diverted to a temporary U-turn slot 500 meters away from the Tandang Sora intersection.

Acknowledging the traffic chaos the closure

would cause, Garcia said the MMDA proposed the idea of putting up an elevated U-turn slot in the area to help alleviate traffic at choke points along the busy avenue where the MRT 7 is being constructed.

“I have instructed Director Neomie Recio to visit the site and study where the elevated Uturn can be erected,” said Garcia, referring to MMDA’s Traffic Engineering Center head.

Garcia said the proposed elevated U-turn slot, made of steel, can be erected within three months.

“While waiting for the construction of the elevated U-turn slot, motorists have to use temporary U-turn slot in the area,” said Garcia.

To guide the motorists, the MMDA will deploy 154 personnel while the local government of Quezon City will also deploy at least 100 flagmen along Commonwealth Avenue.

The project involves the construction of elevated guide way, demolition of existing flyover, and provision for future north and southbound flyover.

DOLE advises Hanjin workers: Don’t resign

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Labor and Employment advised employees of Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp not to sign “voluntary resignation” papers for it would strip them of their rightful benefits.

Labor Secretary Silverstre Bello III made the call after the department received reports that some Hanjin workers were being forced to resign.

The South Korean shipbuilder, the world’s seventh largest shipping company, filed for bankruptcy last month after it suffered liquidity problems to repay its debts of over $400 million to Philippine top banks and another $900 million to South Korean lenders.

More than 3,800 Filipino workers are affected by the Subic base shipping company’s impending closure.

DOLE Director Dominique Tutay said the agency was verifying reports that Hanjin workers are being forced to sign resignation papers by the management the shipbuilder.

“I told them not to agree to resign because once they resigned, they’re not entitled to separation pay. If that was true, then that’s illegal. They shouldn’t agree to that. That’s an excuse,” Tutay said over a radio interview.

DOLE said more than 3,000 workers are still employed as of January 15, but only under reduced working days within the first quarter of 2019 to finish two more ships in Hanjin.

They are employed by 17 contractors who will apply for retrenchment after their contracts with Hanjin is terminated. Hanjin reportedly had laid off 7,000 workers in December 2018.

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Veterinary anatomy museum reopens POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE AFTER a period of renovation, the anatomy collection center of the University of the Philippines College of Veterinary Medicine in Los Baños, Laguna has reopened and is now ready to once again to receive visitors.

The Philippines needs more veterinarians particularly with the urgent need to look after our country’s food security in this time of climate change and an uncertain economic future.

The facility was named the Dr. Jose A. Solis Museum of Veterinary Anatomy in 2009, in honor of the man who was one of the greatest achievers in that field. In fact, many of the specimens in the museum were prepared by Solis.

Solis graduated from UP CVM in

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

1934. He placed second on the veterinary board examination of 1936.

He completed graduate studies in veterinary anatomy at Iowa State College in 1954, obtained a diploma in Veterinary Teaching and Research from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural College of Denmark in 1964, and taught at UP CVM for decades, beginning as an instructor in 1937 and retiring as Professor 8 in 1977.

He died in 1981.

I was at UP-CVM last week for a meeting with colleagues in government and we were given the honor of a sneak peek at the museum the day before the reopening ceremony. proThanks to Dr. Ceferino Maala, pro fessor emeritus of the College and former assistant dean, we got a tour of the museum and saw the specimens and other exhibits up close.

There are excellent mounted skeletons of two horses, a pig, cow, carabao, tiger, and a very large dog. One of the skeletons, that of a large German horse, was donated by Dr. Romy Modomo, an expert in equine medicine, who was with us on that visit.

Another interesting skeleton was that of a false killer whale, its spine about two yards long. There were also horse and cow skulls, their sections painted different colors and used as teaching aids. othThe museum has specimens oth er than bones. The skins of a horse, dogs, and other animals are displayed on the wall. Shadow boxes on the wall hold sagittal sections of a horse’s forelimbs, which Modomo said were very well-made because the tendons could be seen quite perfectly. There is

A common rail station, finally

T

HE government is finally pushing ahead with the long-stalled plan to build a common rail station in Metro Manila.

The grand station at the corner of Edsa and North Avenue in Quezon City will link Light Rail Transit Line 1, Metro Rail Transit Line 3, the planned MRT 7 and the Metro Manila Subway.

The common station is expected to ease the burden of about 500,000 passengers daily once completed in 2022. It will cover an area of 13,700 square meters and provide commuters a seamless transfer from one line to another.

The project, says the Department of Transportation, would have a roofed transit for the passengers operated by an automated fare collection system, allowing the users of better point-to-point comfort and mobility.

The station's reach will actually be bigger than estimated once all the pending rail projects are completed. The interconnection will serve passengers from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan in the north to Cavite in the south. The LRT 1 is being expanded over 33 kilometers, from Roosevelt in Quezon City to Niog, Bacoor in Cavite City.

Rail networks and their adjuncts are vital in efficiently moving people and goods.

They decongest traffic in the metropolis and use cleaner fuel.

Infrastructure projects like the common rail station are what the Philippines needs to sustain a booming economy.

The inauguration of the con-

struction of the North-South Commuter Railway Project (Malolos to Tutuban) today, for instance, will make commuting faster and reliable.

The project is a 37.9-kilometer railway connecting Malolos, Bulacan and Tutuban in Manila with 10 elevated stations. This particular railway will boost traffic along the area and ease the plight of workers residing in the northern fringe of Metro Manila.

The government, meanwhile, should seriously pursue a modern railway line connecting Metro Manila to the Bicol region in the south and to as far as the Ilocos provinces in the north.

Alternative transportation modes offer competition to traditional buses. They will eventually cause lower transportation fares and result in a more efficient service.

Turn to A5

Potatoes on the menu at North Korean cooking contest

By Sebastien Berger LINED up in cavernous rooms at a state restaurant in Pyongyang, North Korean chefs carefully assemble their dishes, watched by crowds of onlookers at a cooking competition in a country that suffers chronic food shortages.

From samsaek gaepitok, or threecolor stuffed rice cake—delicately formed green and white parcels of red bean paste—to yak kwa, fried wheat biscuit glazed with honey, or courgette stuffed with meat, attention to detail is key to catching the judges' eyes.

Around 300 cooks are competing in 40 different dishes over three days at North Korea's national cooking competition, with the winners receiving cookbooks and equipment as well as diplomas and medals.

Onlookers—mostly women in warm winter coats—gathered around each station in the unheated venue, some of them filming the contestants at work on their mobile phones for future inspiration.

"The reason why Korean food is excellent is that it is characterized by its clear and fresh flavor, without any mixed feelings," said judge Han Jong Guk, a pastry chef by trade.

"For example, fish dishes taste of real fish and chicken tastes like real chicken. This is the main characteristic of Korean food," he added.

But the reality is that beyond the restaurant's granite columns and the privileged lifestyles of the capital's residents, North Korea is unable to feed itself.

Ahead of his second summit with leader Kim Jong-un, due in Vietnam at the end of the month, US President Donald Trump has dangled the prospect of the isolated country becoming an economic powerhouse if a deal can be reached over its nuclear weapons.

While the 1990s famine known as the Arduous March, when hundreds

of thousands of people died, is in the past, North Korean agricultural yields are well below global averages and the country's population remains severely undernourished.

"Chronic food insecurity and malnutrition is extensive," the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization said in its 2019 Needs and Priorities document this week.

No less than 43 percent of the population—10.9 million people— are affected by food insecurity, it said, while one third of children do not receive the minimum acceptable diet, and one in five suffer from stunting caused by chronic malnutrition.

"Each year, the domestic food production does not meet needs by approximately 1 million tons," it added.

As well as the shortage of arable land—the North is largely mountainous—and periodic natural disasters, the UN also pointed to a lack of modern agricultural techniques and fertilizers.

Chips with everything Leader Kim Jong un's answer is: potatoes.

Unlike rice paddies inundated with water, potatoes do not have to be grown on flat land, and Pyongyang is pushing the humble spud as a staple food.

Kim has visited a potato powder factory several times, pictured on one occasion last year lying back with officials on a mountain of tubers, the underground stems of potatoes.

According to the official KCNA news agency, Kim said that North Koreans should be told about the product's "advantages and effectiveness... and the methods of making various potato powder foods should be widely propagandized to them."

The Pyongyang cooking competition is part of the recipe.

In one room, groaning tables were Turn to A5

There they go WITH the start of the official campaign period for national positions, the big question is who will make it to the Senate. Survey results indicate the preponderance of reelectionists and old names, with only one or two newbies seen likely to walk the halls of the august body come July 1st.

The surveys tell us that the leading contenders are those with the high-

rating, and the cellar dweller among 60 bets languishing at 0.2 percent.

The survey results do tell us that popularity or name recall counts a lot Some of the candidates for candidates to score high. What are running for the they don’t tell us is the character of the candidates, their track record in wrong reasons. public office, and their position on key issues affecting the nation’s future.

For many politicians, a seat in the Senate means prestige as it denotes a stepest awareness percentages among the national constituency and is a step electorate. Hence, the current top- ping stone to higher political office. notcher has a 97-percent awareness But the Senate is not for two-bit poliTurn to A5

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Opinion

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Sign the rice tariffication bill!

Victory at Battle of Manila Bay made America a world power ACCORDING to author Patrick McSherry and other analysts, the May 1, 1898 Battle of Manila Bay was significant for at least six reasons.

First, the United States became recognized not just as a naval power but a world power overnight.

Before the battle, the US Navy had been a subject of derision internationally for years. The US changed that with the advent of its new steel navy.

At a time when a country’s military was rated according to the strength of its navy, the Battle of Manila Bay was the first time that the ability of both the U.S. warships and their well-trained crews were shown to be an important world force.

Second, it was a complete and final victory, ending any threat from the Spanish naval forces involved. All major seven Spanish ships under Spanish Admiral Patricio Montojo were destroyed or captured, without any significant damage occurring to the American Forces.

Third, no Americans died during the battle. One died from tension on the way to the battle. Another died from stress after departing from the battle.

Nine Americans were wounded. None of George Dewey’s six ships were lost.

“The two American deaths did indirectly occur which may be attributable to the battle. Many Spaniards died—161; 210 Spanish sailors were wounded.

Thus, the Americans look at the victory as a ‘bloodless’ battle, whereas the Spanish obviously do not,” wrote McSherry.

Fourth, the American attack was very daring and dangerous, based on what the Americans knew at the time, but not as risky when looked at in hindsight.

Many world powers, who were not aware of the American naval build-up over the past decade and a half, considered the US Asiatic Squadron to be little or no threat to the Spanish naval forces.

The Americans also over-rated the Spanish navy’s ability and determination to fight, and many authorities considered the fleet to be sailing into

There...

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ticians, the overly ambitious and outand-out wwclowns with nothing to offer the nation.

In fact, we expect our senators to be able to discuss issues intelligently, whether it’s politics, economics, foreign policy, national security, and so on. We do not expect them to be experts in these fields, but at the minimum, they should be able to ask the right questions so they can be sufficiently educated to make the right decisions on important legislation that need to be passed.

Unfortunately, not a few of the current crop of senatorial candidates can hardly pass the tests of unsullied integrity, proven competence and sterling track record.

Veterinary...

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a stuffed pawikan and a tiger’s head, as well as several large birds, likely raptors, that are miracles of taxidermy.

Eleven glass display cases hold jars of preserved fetuses and anomalies. UPCVM is the only museum in the country that “features malformations and anomalies of domestic animals,” said Maala.

Examples of these anomalies include no-faced and two-faced animals that I did not take close looks of, lest they be the stuff of my nightmares.

Maala added that the museum is “waiting for the skulls of a Philippine crocodile and Palawan crocodile from the Palawan Wildlife Reserve Center.”

To prevent the deterioration of all its specimens, the museum is fitted with four air conditioners. They will also help make guests more comfortable; according to Maala, the museum is one of the most-visited sites at UPLB, attracting hundreds of students of all ages each year for educational

a veritable deathtrap. In addition to the naval forces, many Spanish gun batteries existed in the fortifications around Manila Bay. These guns alone should have been enough armament to destroy the American squadron.

Fifth, “the American Asiatic Squadron was not sufficiently supplied with ammunition for wartime service and the nearest site for resupply was California, 7,000 miles away!” reported McSherry.

It was significant for atleast six reasons.

can interests beyond the country’s Pacific coast, across the ocean and into Asia. New markets in China and rapidly modernizing Japan drew the US into a region that had long been exploited

by European colonial powers such as Britain, France, Germany, Russia and Spain. Spain’s Philippines colony, given its superb strategic position astride the main western Pacific sea-lanes, and the fact that Manila Bay was the finest natural port in Asia, was of particular interest to Americans (notably Theodore Roosevelt) who longed for a U.S. Pacific empire.”

On Dec. 10, 1898, under the Treaty of Paris, the Philippines, along with Guam and Puerto Rico, was sold to the US by Spain for $20 million. Cuba, however, gained its independence under the same treaty.

Said Wikipedia: “The Treaty of Paris was not well received in the Philippines. Filipino nationalists were incensed at the arrogance of the imperial powers to bargain away their independence for the tidy price of US$20 million with not so much as a pretense of consultation with Filipinos.”

Said historynet, “Filipino nationalists, however, soon recognized Dewey’s rapid conquest of the Philippines as merely one occupying power, Spain, being replaced with another colonial master, the United States.”

On Jan. 23, 1899 General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the Malolos Constitution and the First Philippine Republic.

“The hostilities in the Philippine War of Independence began on Feb. 4, 1899 and continued for two years. The United States needed 126,000 soldiers to subdue the Philippines. The war took the lives of 4,234 Americans and 16,000 Filipinos. As usually happens in guerrilla campaigns, the civilian population suffers the worst. As many as 200,000 civilians may have died from famine and disease,” said Wikipedia.

Aguinaldo was captured on March 23, 1901 in Palanan, Isabela. He pledged allegiance to the US. With succeeding events until today, it appears as if the United States never left the Philippines despite President Duterte’s pivot to China.

Sixth, according to Encyclopedia Britannica, the Spanish defeat in the Battle of Manila Bay contributed to the final US victory in the Spanish-American War. Said historynet: “The SpanishAmerican War lasted a mere 109 days, but it propelled the US to the forefront of world affairs.”

Finally, with the defeat and under the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, the Americans began the colonization of the Philippines, for nearly half a century, from 1898 (the same year General Emilio Aguinaldo had declared independence from Spain) to July 4, 1946, when the Philippines declared independence from the US. Sadly, some say, the US colonization of the Philippines remains to this day.

Which makes President Duterte very angry.

Said Dewey in his memoirs: “Hitherto the United States had been considered a second-class power, whose foreign policy was an unimportant factor beyond the 3-mile limit of the American hemisphere. By a morning’s battle, we had secured a base in the Far East at a juncture in international relations when the parceling out of China among the European powers seemed imminent.”

According to historynet, “Following the Civil War, the US had renewed its westward expansion that took Ameri- biznewsasia@gmail.com What’s worse, from where we sit, is that some of the candidates are running for the wrong reasons. One wants to be in the Senate because he said the President wanted him to run. Given his leading role in implementing the administration’s bloody war on drugs, we seriously doubt if he can make an informed judgment on complex issues requiring political acumen and keen discernment.

Another claims to want to serve the public by putting up centers to help the poor, but that’s the work of the executive branch, not of lawmakers. The job of lawmakers is to study national issues requiring new laws or amendment of existing ones, not to make oneself visible in gatherings and functions simply for media mileage.

What we’re saying is that we should vote wisely in the coming midterm election, as this is one political exercise that’s going to determine

whether we preserve and enhance our democratic system of governance and arrest the dangerous trend towards authoritarianism, while ensuring that economic growth is sustained to reduce poverty in this country.

We cannot achieve the goals of political stability and economic growth if we continue to elect to high office those already tainted by corruption and already facing graft and plunder charges before the courts, the unqualified, the incompetent, and the utterly useless.

A first for Masonry The Naga City Masonic Lodge No. 257 (NCML 257), located in Naga City, Camarines Sur, and one of the more than 400 lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, will hold its 38th Installation of Elected and Appointed Officers on Feb. 16, 2019, 2 p.m., at Avenue Plaza

and research purposes.

The museum was revamped in connection with the 60th anniversary of the Venerable Knight Veterinarians fraternity and Venerable Lady Veterinarians sorority (VKV-VLV) of the College, which donated most of the funds for the renovation. Maala himself sponsored a new exhibit, a photo gallery of “who’s who in veterinary anatomy,” among them Solis.

Maala says they hope to put up in the near future an audiovisual room beside the museum where visitors can watch videos on topics such as the “parturition of different domestic animals, meat inspection, embalming of animals for the gross anatomy laboratory, stuffing of birds, and surgical procedures.”

As we were leaving, one of our party, an alumnus of the College, went back inside the building carrying sacks containing a horse skull and other horse parts, additions to the museum and for use as teaching aids. UP-CVM is fortunate that its alumni care so much for it.

I hope that more specimens will be

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ALONG with the Foundation for Economic Freedom, I urge President Duterte to sign the bill on rice tariffication immediately. The bill, aptly entitled “An Act Liberalizing the Importation, Exportation, and Trading of Rice, Lifting for the Purpose the Quantitative Import Restriction on Rice, and for Other Purposes,” will be the most far-reaching reform in the history of rice policy. For decades, the interventionist-socialist strategy has been tried, tested, and has repeatedly failed.

Since 1972, we have given the National Food Authority the function of controlling rice importation, trade, processing, and logistics. We gave NFA the authority to borrow with taxpayer guarantee. What did we get out of this policy? An expensive staple, out of reach of the poor.

An epidemic of malnutrition that stunts the future of our children.

Recurrent rice price crises that fuel the fire of inflation. A debt that has ballooned to P150 billion of net liabilities. Rampant corruption from plundering the value chain, beginning from procurement of palay from fake traders; overpricing of imports in scandalous governmentto-government deals; briberies from imported rice smuggling; diversion of low-priced NFA rice to the market-priced rice; and jacking up the same market price by import quotas. And for all these, the rice industry remains mired in backwardness and inefficiency.

The bill deals with the root cause of the problem—unwarranted government intervention and socialism. By liberalizing the industry, the syndicate controlling the value chain will now be nullified by free entry and competition—including entry and competition from foreign rice suppliers. By leaving trading and storage in the hands of traders, competing actively in a free market, investors can best judge when to buy low and sell high—curing the problem of gluts during harvest, Hotel located along Magsaysay Avenue, in Barangay Balatas, Naga City.

The new set of officers will be led

by Philip Mark Olivan, who will be installed as the 35th Worshipful Master of NCML 257.

Olivan, born totally deaf in Naga City, grew up and studied in Canada and USA, and was made a Master Mason in Granada Hills Lodge No. 378 under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of California, USA, and affiliated with NCML 257 in 2012 upon his return to his hometown to join and help his family in managing their various enterprises.

Olivan, fluent in American Sign Language and also an accomplished lip-reader and oralist, will be the firstever Deaf Worshipful Master not only in the 37-year history of NCML 257 and in the 100-year institutional history of GLFAMP, but also in the 250year recorded history of Masonry in

donated. I didn’t see a cat skeleton, and the museum should have one of a tarsier (perhaps the College can request one from the sanctuary at Bohol?) and other animals endemic to the Philippines.

The Philippines needs more veterinarians particularly with the urgent need to look after our country’s food security in this time of climate change and an uncertain economic future.

The Dr. Jose A. Solis Museum of Veterinary Anatomy is poised to provide additional knowledge for veterinary students and those who wish to learn more the subject, as well as provide the spark that could inspire young people to become veterinarians.

Congratulations to UP-CVM, Dean Eduardo B. Torres, Dr. Maala, VKVVLV, and everyone at the College who worked hard to make the museum renovation a success.

TAGLINE/BIONOTE (not part of the main text): *** Museums are necessary because they preserve and display items of significance to society. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

Potatoes...

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laden with dishes made from potato powder—pizzas, dumplings, noodles, even chocolate cake.

Competition organizer Kim Kum Hun, of the central committee of the Korea Cooks Association‚—who says his favorite food is steak—is an enthusiast.

"Of course rice is our main food but bread and potato powder can be our staple food too," he told AFP. Potatoes, he explained, yield 20 tons per hectare, while rice produces less than 10 tons.

The tubers are also far more profitable once refined into powder, offering both growers and processors a financial incentive as Kim introduces more market forces into the economy, still im-

and releasing stocks during lean periods. They are the best judge because they will have skin in the game—they are the ones to make money when they judge right; and will lose when they judge wrong.

No taxpayer will be left holding the bag.

Detractors of the bill point to the harm liberalization will bring the rice industry; as well as the vulnerability of consumers to the vagaries of the market, and the greed of a local marketing cartel.

The sooner this happens, the better.

But the bill strikes a balance with generous safeguards. For one, rice trade remains far from free; a high tariff of at least 35 percent remains for ASEAN rice, and higher rates outside ASEAN. This affords ample protection for the domestic industry, though far less than under the status quo. A Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund is established, effectively financed by rice import tariffs (with a guaranteed minimum amount of 10 billion pesos from the Treasury); this provides safety nets for affected farmers. NFA, though no longer a regulator, is tasked with maintaining a national buffer stock, precisely to address emergency situations and support disaster relief.

And lastly, combinations in restraint of trade are illegal under the Philippine Competition Act; by the same Act, the task of dealing with anticompetitive practices is assigned not to the compromised NFA, but to where it belongs—to the Philippine Competition Commission.

The time for timid half-measures is over. It is now the time for bold and confident steps. Change is coming for the rice industry, Mr. President. The sooner you make it happen, the better. eric.jurado@gmail.com the Philippines.

Initial research also indicates that Olivan could be the first-ever Deaf Worshipful Master in the world.

Olivan will be installed by Arthur Allan Ponce, a Deaf rights advocate and Past Master of Quezon City Masonic Lodge No. 122, and he will be assisted by two Past Masters of NCML 257, Manuel Perez Jr. and John C. Buendia as Master of Ceremonies and Assistant Master of Ceremonies, respectively.

The guest of honor and keynote speaker is John Choa, a well-known Deaf and PWD rights advocate and Past Grand Master of GLFAMP. The installation ceremonies are open to invited non-Masons, one of the very rare occasions that a Masonic lodge opens its temple doors to the public. ernhil@yahoo.com

poverished after decades of mismanagement.

Pyongyang has also been subjected to multiple sets of sanctions over its atomic weapon and ballistic missile programs.

But the North has long prided itself on its self-sufficiency—something that may limit the appeal of Trump's blandishments.

And culinary official Kim dismissed concerns over a country affected by food shortages holding a cooking competition, insisting on the inevitable victory of socialism.

"Those who are surprised to see a cooking festival here say that because they don't know our people well," Kim said.

"Even if we are under sanctions or not given rice, our lives are not affected. We can live by the might of self-reliance." AFP

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for Intelligence of the PNP;

TODAY

ii.

Endorsement coming from the Chief, Philippine National Police that the applicant is considered as high risk;

iii. In case of cashiers/ disbursing officers: Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Manila

1.

Certificate of employment stating that he/she is currently employed under the conditions stated in his application; and

2.

Other pertinent documents such as but not limited to financial statements, ITR of the Company/employer;

EN BANC

RULES AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 10446 OR THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ON: (1) THE BAN ON BEARING, CARRYING OR TRANSPORTING OF FIREARMS OR OTHER DEADLY WEAPONS; AND (2) THE EMPLOYMENT, AVAILMENT OR ENGAGEMENT OF THE SERVICES OF SECURITY PERSONNEL OR BODYGUARDS DURING THE ELECTION PERIOD OF THE MAY 13, 2019 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS. X----------------------------------X

ABAS, SHERIFF M. PARREÑO, AL. A GUIA, LUIE TITO F. GUANZON, MA. ROWENA AMELIA V. INTING, SOCORRO B. CASQUEJO, MARLON S. KHO, ANTONIO JR. T.

When issued with a CA, the holder shall secure valid and existing LTOPF, PTCFOR, and other applicable permits and licenses.

Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner

In no instance shall the individuals mentioned above bear, carry or transport more than two (2) firearms. xxx N. The Chairman and the Commissioners of the Commission on Elections, the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Directors, Directors and Lawyers employed by and holding office in the Main Office of the Commission, Chiefs-of-Staff of the Offices of the Chairman and Commissioners, Regional Election Directors, Assistant Regional Election Directors, Provincial Election Supervisors, Regional Attorneys and Election Officers, and Organic Security Officers of the Commission on Elections.

When issued with a CA, the persons enumerated in this section shall secure valid and existing permits and licenses as may be applicable.”

Promulgated: February 13, 2019

RESOLUTION NO. 10496 WHEREAS, on November 21, 2018, the Commission En Banc promulgated COMELEC Resolution No. 10446;

“SECTION 7. Application for authority to bear, carry or transport Firearms or Deadly Weapons -Applications for the issuance of authority to bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons shall start on December 01, 2018 and end on May 29, 2019. All applications, when necessary or requested by the CBFSP, may be required to include, among others: a.

For the Public Officials mentioned in paragraphs (A) to (H), Section 6, Rule Ill above: 1. Letter-request containing relevant information and verifiable data or duly accomplished and completely filled-up CBFSP Form No. 2019-01A (copies available at the CBFSP Office, COMELEC Main Office), signed by the applicant public official, indicating therein, among others, his full name, his position in the Government, and his office and home address, and his official telephone/ cellular/mobile phone numbers;

WHEREAS, the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP) has the power to issue Certificates of Authority and to monitor the Regional Joint Security Control Centers (RJSCCs), the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCCs), as well as any established City or Municipal Joint Security Control Centers (C/MJSCCs), the Philippine National Police Evaluation Unit (PNPEU), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Evaluation Unit (AFPEU);

xxx NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the power vested in it by the Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code (B.P. 881, as amended), Republic Act Nos.6646 and 7166 and other election laws, the Commission RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to confirm the following amendments to COMELEC Resolution No. 10446:

b.

“SECTION 1. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Resolution: xxx k.

For Security Personnel of Foreign Diplomatic Corps, Missions and Establishments under international law, including Foreign Military Personnel in the Philippines covered by existing treaties and international agreements endorsed by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Heads of Missions of foreign countries in the Philippines mentioned under paragraph (I)r Section 6, Rule III above: 1.

Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP) refers to the Committee in the Commission on Elections, which shall be responsible for the implementation of the rules on application for exemption on the ban on the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms and the employment, availment or engagement of security personnel. It shall monitor the Regional Joint Security Control Centers (RJSCCs) and the Provincial Joint Security Control Center- (PJSCCs), as well as any established City or Municipal Joint Security Control Centers (C/MJSCCs).

2.

For purposes of the May 13, 2019 National and Local Elections, it shall be composed of Commissioner AI A. Parreño, COMELEC Representative, and one (I) Senior Officer of the AFP and one (1) Senior Officer of the PNP, not lower than Officer Grade 07, Brigadier General or Chief Superintendent, respectively, as Members.

Letter-request containing relevant information and verifiable data or duly accomplished and completely filled-up CBFSP Form No. 2019-01B (available at the CBFSP Office, COMELEC Main Office), signed by the Head of Agency;

c.

i.

the full names of the security personnel with their corresponding rank/ position;

ii.

firearms description, and registration data, if applicable;

For Law Enforcement and Government/Foreign Security Personnel mentioned under paragraph (J) not mentioned in paragraph D, Section 6, Rule III above: 1.

“SECTION 6. Who may bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons. - Only the following persons may be authorized to bear, carry or transport Firearms or other Deadly Weapons during the Election Period:

c.

Letter-request containing relevant information and verifiable data or duly accomplished and completely filled-up CBFSP Form No. 2019-01B (available at the CBFSP Office, COMELEC Main Office), signed by the Head of Agency;

5.

J. Regular officers, members, and agents of the following agencies of the government who are actually performing law enforcement and/or security functions, Provided, That when in the possession of firearms, they are:

The CBFSP is authorized to issue Temporary/Conditional Authority for Security Detail (TCA-SD) with thirty-day validity, subject to the applicant’s compliance with the set requirements within the same period of thirty days.”

“SECTION 15. Requirements for authority to employ, avail or engage services of security personnel or bodyguards. - All applications for authority to employ. avail, or engage the services of security personnel or bodyguards (CA-SD) during Election Period, the following documents, when necessary or requested by the CBFSP, may be required in their application: a.

xxx

“SECTION 16. Who may submit the applications/requirements for the authority to employ, avail or engage services of security personnel. - The applicant personally or his duly authorized representative may submit the duly accomplished application form and the other requirements for a CA-SD.” “SECTION 18. Guiding principles for the employment, availment or engagement of services of security personnel or bodyguards. - The following rules must be strictly observed by the security personnel or bodyguards, whether those retained under Section 12, Rule N or engaged under a duly issued CA-SD: a.

b.

c.

receiving regular compensation for the services rendered in the Agency;

d.

duly authorized by the Agency to bear, carry and transport firearms in the exercise of their law enforcement and/ or security functions and duties; and ii. the firearms described are duly registered firearms and covered by duly issued and valid MOs, LOs or PTCFORs;

iii.

duly authorized to possess firearm and to carry the same outside of residence by virtue of a valid permit to carry or a valid mission order or letter order;

iv.

in the actual performance of official law enforcement and/or security duty or are going to or returning from his dwelling/barracks or official station, and

1.

xxx Other qualified individuals, who by the nature of their official duties, profession, business or occupation, such as but not limited to cashiers, disbursing officers, persons who are under the Witness Protection Program, etc., are considered as high risk individuals (III); Provided that the following documents, among others, when necessary or requested by the CBFSP, may be required in their application: i.

Threat assessment issued and certified by the Chief of Police, PNP Provincial Director or PNP Regional Director having jurisdiction of the area where the applicant is a resident, and duly verified by the Directorate

e.

Letter-request containing relevant information and verifiable data or duly accomplished and completely filled-up CBFSP Form No. 2019-02B (copies available at the CBFSP Office, COMELEC Main Office), signed by the applicant public official, indicating therein, among others, his full name, his position in the Government, and his office and home address;

For other qualified individuals, who by the nature of their official duties, profession, business or occupation, are considered as high risk individuals (HRI) provided under Section 6, paragraph L of Rule Ill: 1.

Letter-request containing relevant information and verifiable data or duly accomplished and completely filled-up CBFSP Form No. 2019-01C (available at the CBFSP Office, COMELEC Main Office); signed by the applicant cashier or disbursing officer, indicating therein, among others, his full name and the office where he is employed or connected;

a. b.

c. d. e.

f.

For Private Security Services Providers mentioned in Section 6, paragraph K of Rule Ill:

xxx 4.

Copy of the Agency’s LTO, LESP, and firearms registration;

The Authority shall be valid only within a prescribed period and shall provide the terms and conditions of its grant, on a strictly one-way basis.

In the case of Explosives and/or its components, the same shall be immediately transported with a police escort by the applicant; grantee or its representative, directly to the explosives magazine/storage facility of the licensed requesting party.

In the case of Firearms and/ or its parts and Ammunition and/or its components, the same shall be immediately transported by the applicant/ grantee or its representative directly to the address of the buyer or requesting party.

Firearms and/or its parts, ammunition and/or its components, and, explosives and/ or its components meant for exportation to other countries or jurisdictions shall be transported or delivered directly to airports or seaports.

Firearms and/or its parts, Ammunition and/or its components, imported from other countries or jurisdictions shall be delivered directly to the FEO Storage Section; Explosives and/or its components shall be delivered directly to the manufacturing facility/magazine of the licensed manufacturer with CA-TT. In no case shall the Firearms and/ or its parts, and/ or Ammunition and/ or its components and Explosives and/or its components, be transported or delivered by any person other than the authorized manufacturer, importer, exporter, purchaser, dealer, seller with CA-TT, or its duly authorized representative/ s.

Any violation of the foregoing, as well as any other condition for the issuance of the CA-TT, shall immediately invalidate the CA-TT. When issued with a CA, the holder shall secure valid and existing licenses, permits, certifications and authorizations as may be applicable.”

“SECTION 39. Philippine National Police Evaluation Unit (PNPEU). There shall be a Philippine National Evaluation Unit composed of One (1) Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) as Team Leader, One (1) PCO as Assistant Team Leader who will be assisted

by Two (2) Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCO) Chief Clerks together with the Officers from: (a) the Secretariat of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR); (b) the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigative Agencies (SOSIA); (c) the Civil Security Group (CSG); (d) the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO); and (e) the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG).

xxx f.

For Permit to Purchase and Move Explosives, Explosive Ingredients, Controlled Chemicals - P1,500.00 For Special Permit to Purchase and Move Explosives, Explosive Ingredients, Controlled Chemical- P1,500.00 For Permit to Unload Explosives/Explosive Ingredients, Controlled Chemicals - P1,500.00 For Permit to Export - No filing fee For Permit to Transport Firearms and Ammunition - P200.00 For Other Permits issued by the PNP that require movement - Same amount of fee imposed by the PNP, but must not exceed P1,500.00.”

“SECTION 24. Conditions. - In addition to the requirements stated above, the following are conditions for the issuance of a CA-TT or authority to transport or deliver Firearms and/ or its parts, Ammunitions and/ or its components or Explosives and/ or its components during Election Period:

For the Public Officials mentioned under paragraph (J) (10) (a), 0) (29) (B), 0) (31) (a), 0) (33- 36), Section 6, Rule ill above:

1.

2.

The above-mentioned law enforcement agencies, as custodian of the pertinent information related to their office, shall maintain and keep a record of the List of Officers and Personnel with their Authorized Firearms certified by the Head of Agency or his duly authorized representative as compliant with letters (i) to (v) of Section (J). In the performance of its functions, the Law Department of this Commission may officially request from the concerned agency a report related to the said list.

c.

xxx

bearing, carrying or transporting a maximum of two (2) firearms; Officers and Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP); Commissioned Officers (COs), Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Enlisted Personnel (EP) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); 3. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); 4. Provincial and City Jails, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Department of Justice; 5. Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP); 6. (a) Intelligence Division and (b) Investigation Division of the Intelligence and Investigation Service; and the (c) Customs Police Division of the Enforcement and Security Service of the Bureau of Customs (BoC); 7. Port Police Department, Philippine Ports Authority (PP A); 8. Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) police forces; 9. Government Guard Units (GGUs) regulated by the PNP under RA. No. 5487; 10. (a) The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners, (b) members of the Law and Investigation Division and (c) members of the Intelligence Division, Bureau of Immigration (BI); 11. Manila International Airport (MIA) Authority Police Force; 12. Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority Police Force; 13. Law Enforcement Service of the Land Transportation Office (LTO); 14. Philippine Coast.Guard (PCG); 15. Cebu Port Authority Police Force; 16. Internal Security Operations Group (ISOG) of the Witness Protection, Security and Benefits Program of the Department of Justice; 17. Enforcement and Investigation Division, Optical Media Board (OMB); 18. (a) The Security Investigation and Transport Department (SITD), (b) Cash Department and (c) the Office of Special Investigation (OSI), Branch Operations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); 19. Offices of the Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) of (a) the Senate and (b) the House of Representatives, including the OSAA designated regular security escorts of Senators and Congressmen; 20. Inspection Service of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost); 21. Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM); 22. Forest Officers defined under PD No. 705, Forest/Park Rangers, Wildlife Officers, and Forest Protection and Law Enforcement Officers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under DAO No. 1997-32; 23. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 24. Intelligence and Security Unit, Office of the Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); 25. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA); 26. Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC); 27. National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA); 28. Ocilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGU) Active Auxiliaries and Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units Active Auxiliaries already constituted upon the effectivity of this Resolution while within the barracks; 29. Presidential Security Group (PSG); 30. (a) Internal Security Division of the Bureau of the Treasury (BoT), (b) the Treasurer and Deputy Treasurers of the Philippines; 31. Internal Security of the Office of the Vice-President; 32. The Secretary, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Internal Security of the Office of the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; 33. Internal Security of the Office of the Secretary of National Defense; 34.The Secretary, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, The Prosecutor General, Chief State Prosecutor, the State Prosecutor, and Prosecutors mentioned under R.A.100711 of the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice; 35. The Solicitor-General; 36. Investigators and Prosecutors of the Office of the Ombudsman; 37. The Chief Public Attorney; 38. The officers and members of department/ divisions/ offices/ units/ detachments performing law enforcement and/ or security functions;

“SECTION 22 Filing fees relative to Application for Certificate of Authority to Transport. -

The concerned law enforcement and government/ foreign security personnel agencies, as custodian of the pertinent information rehted to their office, shall maintain and keep a record of the List of Officers and Personnel with their Authorized Firearms certified by the Head of Agency or his duly authorized representative as compliant with letters (i) to (v) of Section 6 0). In the performance of its functions, the Law Department of this Commission may officially request from the concerned agency a report related to the said list. d.

Carrying one (1) small firearm, unless specifically allowed otherwise under existing laws, rules and regulations.

d. e. f.

in the agency-prescribed uniform showing clearly and legibly his name, rank and serial number or, in case rank and serial number are not applicable, displaying prominently the agency-issued identification card showing clearly his name and position, which shall remain visible at all times. However, in case of members of law enforcement agencies, the bearing and carrying or transporting of firearms in civilian clothes shall be allowed in the following circumstances: (a) While conducting lawful intelligence or counterintelligence gathering activities; (b) During police emergencies; (c) In operations involving national security; and (d) In other similar legitimate covert police operations requiring strict operational security and for reasons of personnel safety.

The private security service provider has a valid CA-SA.

d.

When issued with a CA, the security personnel or bodyguards, whether those retained under Section 12, Rule IV or engaged under a duly issued CA-SD shall secure valid and existing applicable permits and licenses.”

the persons named therein are:

performing actual law enforcement and/or security functions;

The security personnel or bodyguard must be employed by a duly licensed private security service provider and is qualified to perform or provide personal security protection to private persons or individuals entitled to protection and in possession of the appropriate licenses, certifications and authorities as may be applicable;

c.

i.

b.

in the Agency’s prescribed uniform; in the actual performance of Law Enforcement or security duties;

However, in case of members of law enforcement agencies, they may be exempted from wearing the agency’s prescribed uniform in accordance with the conditions set in Section 6 (J) (ii) of this Resolution.

b.

in the regular plantilla of the Agency, excluding confidential / temporary / contractual / casual agents, employees or personnel, as well as those under contracts of service;

When in the possession of Firearms, the Law Enforcement or security personnel bodyguard must be: i. ii.

a.

a.

Letter-request containing relevant information and verifiable data or duly accomplished and completely filled-up CBFSP Form No. 2019- 03 (available at the CBFSP Office, COMELEC Main Office) in three (3) copies, signed by the applicant and stating therein, among others, his full name, his position in the Government if he is a public officer, and his address;

Additional security shall be assessed an additional filing fee of Five Hundred Pesos (PhP500.00) for every application.”

Certification under oath by the head of agency (Agency) or his duly authorized representative, which may be the Head of the Personnel Division of the Agency, that:

in the regular plantilla of the said agencies and are receiving regular compensation for the services rendered in said agencies, (excluding confidential / temporary / contractual/casual agents, employees or personnel, as well as those under contracts of service, unless otherwise expressly authorized);

Incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed; Candidates for the May 13, 2019 National and Local Elections, or his/her immediate family within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity; and Private individuals.

The limit notwithstanding, an application for additional private security personnel may be approved by the CBFSP when the circumstances warrant.

xxx

xxx

L.

a. b.

xxx

“SECTION 4. PTCFORs and similar authorizations, firearms registration and other gun ban-related licenses and permits issued by the PNP. - The PNP shall be the sole custodian of all information related to PTCFORs, firearms registration and other gun ban-related licenses and permits issued by the PNP, as well as all data/information that are related to the said agency.”

v.

“SECTION 14. Who may employ, avail or engage the services of security personnel or bodyguards. - When circumstances warrant, including but not limited to threats to their life and security, the following persons who are not mentioned in Section 12, Rule IV above may be issued CA-SD and allowed to employ, avail or engage the services of two (2) private security personnel or bodyguards during Election Period from duly licensed private security service providers:

The concerned law enforcement and government/ foreign security personnel agencies, as custodian of the pertinent information related to their office, shall maintain and keep a record of the List of Officers and Personnel with their Authorized Firearms certified by the Head of Agency or his duly authorized representative as compliant with letters (i) to (v) of Section 6 (J). In the performance of its functions, the Law Department of this Commission may officially request from the concerned agency a report related to the said list.

xxx.”

ii.

The CBFSP is authorized to issue Temporary/Conditional Authority for Security Detiail (TCA-SD) with thirty-day validity, subject to the applicant’s compliance with the set requirements within the same period of thirty days.”

Duly accomplished Form 19A-01B indicating therein:

The CBFSP has the sole and exclusive power to issue Certificates of Authority (CA) and shall be assisted by a Secretariat composed of representatives from the Commission, the AFP and the PNP. The Secretariat shall be headed by a Senior Officer of the Commission.

i.

Notwithstanding the immediately preceding section, the public officials or persons mentioned therein, and when the circumstances warrant, may apply with the CBFSP for authority (CA-SD) to employ, avail or engage the services of two (2) additional security personnel or bodyguards, or such additional number of security personnel or bodyguards as the CBFSP may deem appropriate under the ciraumstances, from a duly licensed private security service provider. In such a case, they shall comply with the requirements enumerated in this Resolution for applications for authority to employ, avail or engage the services of security personnel or bodyguards (CA-SD) with respect to the additional security personnel or bodyguard.

The PNPEU shall be under the direct control and supervision of the PNP Representative to the CBFSP. The PNP shall be the sole custodian of all information related to PTCFORs, firearms registration and other gun ban-related licenses and permits issued by the PNP, as well as all data/information in relation to the said agency. xxx.”

xxx 8.

g. xxx

Copy oli Official Receipt to prove payment of the filing fee in the amount of Fifty Pesos (PhP50.00) for each security personnel included in the list.

However, in no case shall the filing fee exceed Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00).

For Sport Shooters mentioned in Section 6, paragraph M of Rule Ill: 7.

Other competent documents and submissions relevant thereto, such as proof of validation from a competent government agency like the Philippine Sports Commission.

xxx 12. Copy of Official Receipt to prove payment of the filing fee in the amount of Five Hundred pesos (PhP 500.00).”

“SECTION 8. Who may submit the applications/requirements for the authority to bear, carry or transport Firearms or Deadly Weapons - The following are authorized to submit the application and other requirements of an applicant for authority to bear, carry or transport Firearms or Deadly Weapons during Election Period: a.

For the Public Officials and persons enumerated in paragraphs (A) to (H), Section 6, Rule Ill above, the applicant personally or his duly authorized representative;

b. For the Public Officials and persons enumerated in paragraphs 0) (10) (a), 0) (29) (B), 0) (31) (a), (J) (33- 36), Section 6, Rule Ill above, the applicant personally or his duly authorized representative; c.

For the Public Officials, Law Enforcement, Government Security Personnel, and Security Personnel of Foreign Diplomatic Corps, mentioned under paragraphs (I) and the rest of paragraph J not mentioned above, Section 6, Rule ill above, the head of the corresponding agency or his duly authorized representative;

d.

For other Qualified Individuals mentioned under Section 6, paragraph (L) of Rule Ill, the Individual applicant personally or his duly authorized representative;

“SECTION 40. Armed Forces of the Philippines Evaluation Unit (AFPEW.) There shall be Armed Forces of the Philippines Evaluation Unit (AFPEU) composed of One (1) Commissioned Officer (CO) as Team Leader, One (1) CO as Assistant Team Leader together with its two COS and Eight (8) Non-COs. The AFPEU shall be under the direct control and supervision of the AFP Representative to the CBFSP. The AFP shall be the sole custodian of all information related to licenses and permits issued by the AFP, as well as all data/information in relation to the said agency. xxx.”

“SECTION 41. Records Keeping. Physical and electronic records of applications received, processed, evaluated and acted upon shall be kept in a dedicated CBFSP office and shall be under the custody of the CBFSP Secretariat. Retention of records shall be subject to the laws, rules and regulations on government record disposition.”

“SECTION 47. Processing of Personal Data.-The Commission shall process personal data solely for the purpose of implementing this Resolution and always in adherence to the principles of transparency, legitimate purpose, and proportionality as well as the general principles of data collection, processing, and retention required by Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act, its Implementing Rules and Regulation and pertinent Circulars issued by the National Privacy Commission. Pursuant to the CBFSP Data Policy approved by the Commission, Atty. Renel B. Tatlonghari is hereby designated as the CBFSP Compliance Officer.”

The Education and Information Department of the Commission is directed to cause the publication of this Resolution in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines, and to furnish with copies thereof the Regional Election Directors, Provincial Election Supervisors and Election Officers of the Commission, the PNP, the AFP and all other law enforcement agencies.

SO ORDERED.

“SECTION 12 Retention of services of security personnel or bodyguards. - The authority granted to or the services of those constituting the duly engaged or appointed regular security personnel or complement of the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Secretary of National Defense, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, Chairman and Commissioners of the Commission on Elections, Chief of Staff of the AFP and AFP Major Service Commanders, and Director Generals and Senior Officers of the PNP, shall subsist pursuant to their respective existing authorizations or engagements.

Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and Provincial Governors, and Justices, Judges and Cabinet Secretaries, whose regular security complement have been provided by the PNP, AFP, NBI or other Government Law Enforcement Agencies for at least one (1) year at the time of the promulgation of this Resolution, may be allowed to retain the services of their currently detailed officers or members of said law enforcement government agencies, with a maximum of two (2) security details accompanying the said public officers at any given time.

When issued with a CA, the holder shall secure endorsement and approval of the exemption from the appropriate law enforcement agency such as the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG).”

“SECTION 13. Augmentation of security personnel or bodyguards.

1.

An Act Strengthening and Rationalized the National Prosecution Service (MS-FEB. 15, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

Manila

Standard TODAY

TODAY

A7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Giannis dominates: Dubs lose cool, yield to Blazers L

OS ANGELES—Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a triple double with 33 points 19 rebounds and 11 assists as the Milwaukee Bucks extended their longest road winning streak in 33 years with a 106-97 win over Indiana.

Antetokounmpo had a hand in every basket by the Bucks in the first quarter and led them back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth.

“The team did a great job keeping its composure,” Antetokounmpo said. “We changed the lineup, played harder and switched everything. We were able to make Indiana go one-on-one, and I think we did a better job rebounding the ball and running the floor.”

The three-time all-star from Greece carried the NBA-leading Bucks to their seventh consecutive win on the road on Wednesday.

It is the longest road winning streak since the 1984-85 season. Milwaukee has also won eight of their last nine games just before the league’s all-star break.

The Pacers couldn’t contain Antetokounmpo, who scored a dozen points as the Bucks went on a 30-11 scoring burst to end the game. In the first quarter he made five of their nine baskets and assisted on the other four.

“He’s a monster,” Indiana coach Nate McMillan said. “Nineteen rebounds? He is starting their break rebounding the ball and they were able to score 23 fast-break points off our misses and turnovers.”

Bojan Bogdanovic scored 20 points and Darren Collison added 14 to lead the Pacers, whose their six-game winning streak ended with this one.

Antetokounmpo made consecutive layups to tie the game 95-95 with just under four min-

utes to go in the fourth.

He then fed Ersan Ilyasova for a layup to make it 97-95 and the Bucks ran away with it from there with superior scoring down the stretch.

“There are only so many things you can do,” said Pacers forward Thaddeus Young, who was assigned the task of defending against Antetokounmpo.

“But when he’s trying to post you up in the middle and is just spinning, he’s already at the rim. It’s just a tough battle.”

Elsewhere, Damian Lillard scored 29 points as the Portland Trail Blazers snapped Golden State’s 11-game road winning streak with a 129-107 win that featured Warriors coach Steve Kerr losing his cool and being thrown out for arguing with the officials.

Jake Layman added 17 points off the bench for the Blazers, who had eight players in double figures. The win snapped a twogame skid. AFP

Strikers clobber Bandera, 90-79 BACOOR is peaking at the right time and on Wednesday night, the Strikers were CYAN YELLOW BLACK rival able MAGENTA to put one over their crosstown Imus Bandera, 90-79, in the MPBL Datu Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Rocky Acidre and comebacking Gab Banal combined forces down the stretch as the Republic of picked the Philippines Strikers up their third straight victory COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS and improved their record to 11-9.

Manila Following their latest win, Bacoor strengthened hold on the no. 5 spot in Chairmanits Sheriff M. Abas GUIDELINES FOR MASS MEDIA ACCREDITATION the INsouthern division of this tournament Commissioner Al A. Parreño CONNECTION WITH THE put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with CONDUCT OF OVERSEAS Commissioner Luie TitoNotice F. Guia of Dissolution VOTING UNDER REPUBLIC PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Amelia V. Guanzon ACT NO. 9189, OTHERWISE Commissioner Ma. Rowena Notice is hereby given Duremdes serving as commissioner.

KNOWN AS “THE OVERSEAS Commissioner Socorrothat B. Intingthe Amended Alejandro Jochico, handler of the champion CPB Group of Mindanao, holds the ABSENTEE trophy during VOTING the ACT Acidre and Banal each tallied 16 markArticles of Incorporation Casquejo awards rites of the World Slasher Cup 9-Cock Invitational Derby. He is joined by OF (from left) Miss 2003”, AS AMENDED BY Commissioner Marlon S. CLIPSAL ers. They conspired inof the endgame that REPUBLIC ACT INC. Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman, Miss International 2018 First Runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, Bb. NO. 10590 Commissioner AntonioPHILIPPINES, T. Kho, Jr. to the Strikers’ 13-4 run that set the FOR PURPOSES OF led THE (the “Corporation”) Pilipinas Supranational 2018 Jehza Huelar, Cesar Tan, (Jochico), Uniprom Inc.’s COO Jose and MAYIrene 13, 2019 NATIONALtone AND for a big endgame Resolution No. shortening the corporate finish for coach WSC Derby Office Head Dong Lamoste. Ram Christian Agustin LOCAL ELECTIONS term of its existence Promulgation: February 13, 2019 Leo Isaac and his troops.

X----------------------------------------X and thereby dissolving the also Corporation as Defensively, the Strikers got the job of 2 November 2019 done mass as they heldshall theirberivals without a field WHEREAS, duly accredited media givenapproved free access to was by the Board of Posts Directors polling places, voting centers, centers in various and goaland in canvassing the final 2:52 of the match. and and stockholders of authorized field reporting on N voting O Tcenters I C for E purposes of observing 12th loss in 21 Corporation on 13 election events and processes;Imus absorbed its the December 2018.

All Notice is hereby given that ROBINSONS LAND ers, Team CPB took the solo championship games, putting the squad into a tie for

By Ram Christian Agustin parties claims CORPORATION, office address 43rdrd National Flr. WHEREAS, itwith is expected that theat2019 and Localhaving Elections will in the grueling derby with Team Alcala seventh toa eighth spots, with Zamagainst the the Corporation Robinsons-Equitable ADB corner generate great mediaTower, attention andAvenue that great number of requests for media are Sardines requested to in present Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City is applying accreditation will be filed by boanga-Family’s both Philippine and foreign media; its The Birthday Brand this WITH a perfect 9-0 win card, American finishing runner-up withPoveda the same at its office for registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) Gift 1 and 2 entries racking up 8 points. tournament also supported by LGR, the at 24F Fortrecording Legend Cris Copas and partner Claude Bautista as New Operatorthere of Tourist Accomodation Facility WHEREAS, is a need to increase the efficiency in the Tower, Blockof7spurious Lot 3, 3rdrd under the SpecialSanti - Tourism (Dusit outfitter Thani Cebuof and monitoring ofLaws grants of official accreditation to avoid thethe proliferation Florida’s Belle Almojera and Cebu’s MPBL. from the CPB Group of Mindanao won Avenue, cor. 31stst Street, Resort) with a capacity of media 272 rooms on a non-pioneer accreditation papers or passes; was aRoad, big Lapu win for Bacoor, whichTaguig outFort Bonifacio, this year’s first edition of the World Slasher Sierra followed with 7.5 points. status with project site at Punta It Engano City.

City, Cebu.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuantits to rival, the powers it shaded by the Meanwhile, the WorldLapu Slasher Cup 2 is scored 44-26,vested inside.inthe Cup 9-Cock Invitational Derby at the Smart Republic Act No. 9189 as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, set on May 27 to June 2 atConstitution, theOmnibus Bigperson Dome.

This Act No. announcement Araneta Coliseum.

Any withCode, validlane. objection/s on 7166, the Republic the Election Republic Act No. 9006, and serves as as notice toalso all abovementioned project fileThe his/her objection The World Slasher Cup 1 election is backed by Strikers’ bench players were other laws, the may Commission on Electionsin has RESOLVED, it hereby Handler Alejandro Jochico received the parties concerned with writing, under oath, with the BOl within threeguidelines: (3) days RESOLVES, to promulgate the following Powertrac and more aggressive and they outscored their the legal dissolution of coveted silver-plated trophy at the grand Thunderbird, Emperador, from the date of this publication. the Corporation.

Section 1.Media Declarationcounterparts, of policy. - It is34-19. the policy of the Commission on awarding ceremony held at the Novotel media partners that include Pitgames (SGD) MARYto ANN E. RAGANIT ensure accurate reporting about thesalvaged conduct Inc., Bakbakan Na TV, Elections Sabong (COMELEC) Pilipinas, In the main game, Marikina aand 71Ferdinand M. Hidalgo Manila Araneta Center on Wednesday. results of the 2019Officer-In-Charge National and Local Elections by providing maximum access Corporate Secretary 69Industries squeaker host teammedia Pasay. to all Infrstructure stages of and the Services electoral process Service toofaccredited representatives Fielding Kelso, Roundhead and Sweat- Tukaan, Sagupaan, and others.

Team CPB is solo World Slasher Champ

Panagbenga Scrabble is 2nd leg of qualifier for world meet THE 17th edition of the Panagbenga Scrabble Tournament on March 9 and 10 at the Porta Vaga Mall here will be the second leg of the Philippine Qualifying Tournament for the World Scrabble Championship later this year.

This year’s staging of one of the longest-running scrabble tournaments in the country is expected to draw players from all over the Philippines, eager to earn points in the qualifier for one of the two slots in the World Scrabble Championship.

Former World Youth Scrabble Championship representative Mohammad Suma took the first qualifier leg held last weekend in Baclaran as he tries to earn more points to get a ticket to the world tourney to be staged in Goa, India in October.

William Caluza of the organizing Baguio Benguet World Builders Club said he was informed that the United Scrabble Association of the Philippines, Inc. has accorded the Baguio tournament the distinction of being a leg of the PQT. Caluza, who reached a Baguio best ranking of fourth, said that the BBWBC is finalizing everything for the annual tournament that has become a regular fixture in the Panagbenga.

At least two national competitions are held here annually.

There will be two divisions of the event, Notice of Dissolution the centerpiece open, which is also the qualifier, and the novice and students. A total of Notice is hereby given P25,000 in cash prizes are up for grabs in the that the Amended of Incorporation tournament that actually started competitive Articles of CLIPSAL Scrabble playing in 2003.

PHILIPPINES, INC.

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that ROBINSONS LAND CORPORATION, with office address at 43rd Flr. Robinsons-Equitable Tower, ADB Avenue corner Poveda Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) as New Operator of Tourist Accomodation Facility under the Special Laws - Tourism (Dusit Thani Cebu Resort) with a capacity of 272 rooms on a non-pioneer status with project site at Punta Engano Road, Lapu Lapu City, Cebu.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOl within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Officer-In-Charge Infrstructure and Services Industries Service

(the “Corporation”) shortening the corporate term of its existence and thereby dissolving the Corporation as of 2 November 2019 was approved by the Board of Directors and stockholders of the Corporation on 13 December 2018. All parties having claims against the Corporation are requested to present the same at its office at 24F Fort Legend Tower, Block 7 Lot 3, 3rd Avenue, cor. 31st Street, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

This announcement serves as notice to all parties concerned with the legal dissolution of the Corporation.

Ferdinand M. Hidalgo Corporate Secretary (MS-FEB. 8,15 & 22, 2019)

(MS-FEB. 15, 2019)

Section I. Invitation to Bid Republic of the Philippines Philippine Rural Development Project Invitation to Bid for the

subject only to conditions essential for the protection of the COMELEC and (MS-FEB. (MS-FEB. (MS-FEB. 8,15 8,15 & & 22, 22, 2019) 2019) (MS-FEB. 15, 15, 2019) 2019) Department of Foreign Affairs personnel, property, and privileged information.

I. Invitation Bid Sec. 2. Definitions.- ForSection purposes of thistoResolution: Republic of the Philippines

Development (a) LOCAL MEDIA Philippine refers toRural those who are Project engaged in news reporting on to Bid for the a local scale in a givenInvitation country or territory.

Commissioner Al A. Parreño Commissioner Luie Tito F. Guia Commissioner Ma. Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon Commissioner Socorro B. Inting Commissioner Marlon S. Casquejo Commissioner Antonio T. Kho, Jr. Resolution No. Promulgation: February 13, 2019

WHEREAS, duly accredited mass media shall be given free access to polling places, voting centers, and canvassing centers in various Posts and authorized field voting centers for purposes of observing and reporting on election events and processes; WHEREAS, it is expected that the 2019 National and Local Elections will generate great media attention and that a great number of requests for media accreditation will be filed by both Philippine and foreign media; WHEREAS, there is a need to increase the efficiency in the recording and monitoring of grants of accreditation to avoid the proliferation of spurious accreditation papers or media passes; NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested .in it by the Constitution, Republic Act No. 9189 as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, the Omnibus Election Code, Republic Act No. 7166, Republic Act No. 9006, and other election laws, the Commission on Elections has RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to promulgate the following guidelines: Section 1. Declaration of policy. - It is the policy of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to ensure accurate reporting about the conduct and results of the 2019 National and Local Elections by providing maximum access to all stages of the electoral process to accredited media representatives subject only to conditions essential for the protection of the COMELEC and Department of Foreign Affairs personnel, property, and privileged information.

Sec. 2. Definitions.- For purposes of this Resolution: (a) LOCAL MEDIA refers to those who are engaged in news reporting on a local scale in a given country or territory. (b) INTERNATIONAL MEDIA refers to those who are engaged in news reporting on international scale. (c) OTHER MEDIA refers to those engaged in other forms of journalism, including but not limited to opinion writers, public reiations practitioners, creative wriiters, feature film and documentary film makers, and the like. (d) MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES refer to those who are actively engaged in the pursuit of information gathering and reporting or distribution, in any manner or form, including print journalist, playwrights, television journalists, feature film makers, photojournalists, documentary makers, on line journalists, television production, radio journalists, professional photographers, novelists, professional videographers, screenwriters, public relations contractors, and bloggers.

Freelancers in any of the above categories shall be accredited only if they qualify under either one of the following conditions: 1.

They must be on assignment for a professionally recognized organization and the request for accreditation is made by that organization. A free lancer cannot request accreditation on behalf of the organization that he is representing; or

2. They have previous accomplishments that are highly visible, respected and widely recognized.

Sec. 3. General requirements for accreditation. - All parties requesting for accreditation shall be required to submit the following: a.

a fully accomplished Accreditation Application Form;

b.

two (2) recently taken, 2” x 2”colored photographs; and

c.

an endorsement from the newspaper, television, radio station, or internet news agency employing the applicant.

In no case shall an application endorsed by an entity other than the applicant’s direct employer Be given due course; provided that the application of freelancers whose previous accomplishments are highly visible, respected and widely recognized need not be endorsed.

Sec. 4. Application forms.- Application forms for accreditation shall be available at the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) and at the Posts. Application forms may also be downloaded from the COMELEC website (http://www. comelec.gov.ph) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website.

Sec. 5. Period for filing applications for accreditation. - The period for filing applications for accreditation shall be from 15 February 2019 to 31 March 2019. This period shall be non-extendible. Applications filed after the last day for filing shall not be entertained.

Sec;. 6. Filing and approval of applications for accreditation. Applications for accreditation shall be personally filed at the Posts. Approval of applications for accreditation shall be granted by the Head of Post.

Sec. 7. Treatment of applications for accreditation. - Within seven (7) days from the end of the period for filing applications, the Head of Post shall immediately furnish copies of all applications, with attachments, to the OFOV. Sec. 8. Media Card.- Upon accreditation, media representatives shall be issued a Media Card duly signed by the Head of Post. The COMELEC Media Card shall be strictly non-transferable and is valid only for the purpose for which it was issued. Any abuse thereof shall result in revocation. The Media Card shall be worn prominentiy whenever the media representative is covering or observing a COMELEC or electoral event.

Sec. 9. Access. - Duly accredited domestic and foreign media shall be allowed maximum access to all stages of overseas voting electoral process subject only to conditions essential for the protection of the electoral boards, properties, and privileged information.

Sec. 10. Rules of conduct. -All media representatives shall observe the following rules of conduct: Not more than three (3) media representatives shall be allowed inside the polling place at anyone time;

Loan No. 8816-PH

b.

Upon entry into the polling places or canvassing area, media representatives shall immediately identify themselves to the Special Ballot Reception and Custody Groups (SBRCGs), Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEIs) or Special Board of Canvassers (SBOCs) by presenting their Media Cards;

c.

Unprofessional activities shall not be tolerated. Any media representative found to be engaging in unprofessional activities shall have their Media Cards immediately revoked by the Head of Post.

Unprofessional activities include:

Vicente Silangan – Sta. Maria Dao FMR/PRDPIB-R04A-QUE-041-CAT-001-2017-AF.

(d) MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES refer to those who are actively engaged The Municipal Government of Catanauan, Quezon, partner of the in the pursuit of information gathering andimplementing reporting or distribution, in Department of Agriculture, now invites bids for the above subprojects. Completion any manner or form, including print journalist, playwrights, television of the Works required by 510 Calendar days. Bidders should have completed, journalists, film makers, documentary within the last feature five (5) years, a contract photojournalists, similar to the Project.

The descriptionmakers, of oneligible line journalists, television production, radioparticularly, journalists, professional an bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, in Section II. photographers, novelists, professional videographers, screenwriters, Instructions to Bidders. public relations contractors, and bloggers.

2.

Bidding will be conducted in accordance with relevant procedures for open 1.

for

Chairman Sheriff M. Abas

a.

(c) OTHER MEDIA refers to those engaged in other formsFebruary of journalism, 15, 2019 including not limited opinion public reiations The Government of thebut Philippines (GoP)to has receivedwriters, a Loan from the World Bank practitioners, towards the cost creative wriiters, Project featureand film and documentary film makers, and theto of Philippine Rural Development it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this Loan like. the contract for the Construction of San Isidro – Bolo – San Vicente Kanluran – San payments under

Bidding will be conducted in accordance with relevant procedures for open competitive bidding as specified in the IRR of RA 9184, with some amendments, Freelancers in any of the aboveand categories be accredited as stated in these bidding documents is open toshall all bidders from eligibleonly if they qualify either one of the following conditions: source countriesunder as defined in the applicable procurement guidelines of the World Bank. The contract shall be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was as such during for post-qualification.

The Estimated 1. They mustdetermined be on assignment a professionally recognized Projectorganization Cost for this project is One Hundredfor SeventyTwo Million is Two Hundred and the request accreditation made by that Seventy Thousand Pesos (PhP172,270,000.00). organization. A free lancer cannot request accreditation on behalf

Interested bidders may obtain further from the of the organization that he isinformation representing; or Bids and Awards Committee of the Municipality of Catanauan, Quezon and inspect the Bidding Documents the address given accomplishments below and also at the that PRDP are Regional Project 2. They athave previous highly visible, Coordination Office CALABARZON at Department of Agriculture, Regional Field recognized.

Officerespected IV-A, RMIC and Bldg.widely BPI Compound Visayas Avenue Diliman Quezon City nd Floor ITCAF Building, and/or at PRDP South Luzon Project Support Office at 2nd Sec.Department 3. General requirements forElliptical accreditation.

- AllQuezon parties requesting of Agriculture Compound, Road, Diliman, City from 8:30am to 5:00 to Fridays. accreditation shallpm, beMondays required to submit the following: 3.

GUIDELINES FOR MASS MEDIA ACCREDITATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONDUCT OF OVERSEAS VOTING UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9189, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT OF 2003”, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10590 FOR PURPOSES OF THE MAY 13, 2019 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS X----------------------------------------X

Construction of San Isidro – Bolo – San Vicente Kanluran – San Vicente

Sta. Maria FMR (b) INTERNATIONALSilangan MEDIA– refers to Dao those who are engaged in news Identification No. PRDP-IB-R04A-QUE-041-CAT-001-2017-AF reporting on international scale.

2.

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Manila

4.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders a fully February accomplished Application Form; starting 15, 2019Accreditation from the address below, PRDP RPCO IV-A or PRDP PSO Luzon B and upon payment or depositing to the Municipality of Catanauan, Branchphotographs; Current Accountand Number 1632b. Quezon two (2)LANDBANKMulanay, recently taken, 2”Quezon x 2”colored 1009-61 a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00).

The LGU’s Treasurer official receipt station, or the c. an endorsement from the newspaper, television, radio or bank teller’s validated deposit slip serves as your proof of payment. It may also internet news agency employing the applicant. be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the PRDP website (prdp.da.gov.

In no case shall anthat application endorsed anTreasurer entity other thantothe ph) provided bidders shall pay to the by LGU’s or deposit the applicant’s LGU’s direct employer Be given due course; that Documents the application ofthan freelancers bank account the non-refundable feeprovided for the Bidding not later the submission accomplishments of their bids. As part ofare the highly transparency measures being instituted whose previous visible, respected and widely by the Department Agriculture (DA) the bidders can virtually visit the site of the recognized need not beofendorsed. above-described subproject at prdp.da.gov.ph where geotagged base photographs on 50-meter interval and track are viewable. The DA, however, requires that all Sec. 4. Application forms.forms forthe accreditation shall be potential contractors who will be Application awarded contract under project shall have availableundergone at the Office for Overseas Voting at the Posts.

Application geotagging training provided by(OFOV) the PRDPand Project Support Office.

a.

1.

Any behavior deemed disruptive of the conduct of voting, counting, or canvassing, such as, but not limited to, conducting interviews inside the polling place or canvassing center;

2.

Engaging in partisan political activities;

3.

Any behavior intended to unduly influence the choice of voters, such as, but not limited to, directly trying to sway the voter to speak for or against a candidate;

4.

Distributing campaign materials; and

5.

Any behavior deemed unlawful.

Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Resolution shall take effect on the seventh (7th) day after its publication in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Sec. 12. Dissemination and publication. - The OFOV Office of the President, the Office of the Press Secretary, of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Information Agency, and organizations copies of this Resolution.

shall furnish the the Department all mass media

The Department of Foreign Affairs shall furnish copies thereof to all foreign embassies and consulates.

The Education and Information Department shall cause the publication of this Resolution.

SO ORDERED.

forms may also be downloaded from the COMELEC website (http://www.

5.

The Municipal of Catanauan, QuezonAffairs will hold(DFA) a Pre-Bid Conference comelec.gov.ph) andGovernment the Department of Foreign website. nd nd on March 7, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. at the Conference Room 2 Floor Municipal Hall, Catanauan, Quezon which shall be open to all interested parties.

Catanauan, Quezon which shall be open to all interested parties.

Sec. 5. Period for filing applications for accreditation. - The period for 6. applications Bids must be received by the BACbe Secretariat the address below filing forduly accreditation shall from 15 atFebruary 2019 to on 31orMarch before Marchshall 19, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. All bids must be accompanied Bid day 2019. This period be non-extendible.

Applications filed after by thea last Securing Declaration. for filing shall not be entertained. nd Bids will be opened on March 19, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. at the Conference Room 2nd

Floor6.Municipal Catanauan, Quezon.

Bids will be opened in the presence of Sec;.

FilingHall, and approval of applications for accreditation. the bidders’ representativesshall who choose to attend atfiled the address below. Late bids Applications for accreditation be personally at the Posts.

Approval of shall not be accepted . applications for accreditation shall be granted by the Head of Post.

7.

The Municipal Government of Catanauan, Quezon reserves the right to accept or

8.

For further information, please refer to:

reject any bid, to annul bidding process, to reject all bids at any timeseven prior (7) Sec. 7. Treatment of the applications forand accreditation.

- Within to contract award, without thereby any liability to the the affected bidder or shall days from the end of the period for incurring filing applications, Head of Post bidders. immediately furnish copies of all applications, with attachments, to the OFOV.

Sec. 8. Media Card.- Upon accreditation, media representatives shall be OJI P. DELA CRUZby the Head of Post. The COMELEC Media issued aJOVINIANO Media Card duly signed Chairperson-Bids and Awards Committee Card shall be strictly non-transferable and is valid only for the purpose for which nd Floor Municipal Hall, Catanauan, Quezon 2nd it was issued.

Any abuse thereof shall result in revocation. The Media Card Tel no. (042) 315-8145 shall be worn prominentiy whenever the media representative is covering or observing a COMELEC orSGD. electoral event.OJI P. DELA CRUZ JOVINIANO Chairperson

Sec. 9. Access. - Duly accredited domestic and foreign media shall be Bids and Awards Committee allowed maximum access to all stages of overseas voting electoral process (MS-FEB. 15, 2019) (MS-FEB. 15, 2019) subject only to conditions essential for the protection of the electoral boards, properties, and privileged information.

Sec. 10. Rules of conduct. -All media representatives shall observe the following rules of conduct: a.

Not more than three (3) media representatives shall be allowed inside

(MS-FEB. (MS-FEB. 15, 15, 2019) 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

A8

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

7-Eleven riders to join Thailand race

By Peter Atencio

Joem Sabandal and the AdU Baby Falcons are looking for an upset against the NSNU Bullpups. Arvin Lim

Bullpups, Eaglets eye finals rematch Games today (Filoil Flying V Centre) 1 p.m. – NU vs AdU (Jrs Semis) 3 p.m. – Ateneo vs FEU (Jrs Semis)

NATIONAL University and Ateneo seek to forge a second consecutive Finals’ meeting when they take on lowerranked foes today in the UAAP Season 81 juniors’ basketball Final Four.

Gunning for their eighth straight championship stint, the Bullpups face Adamson University, the only team that gave them the lone loss of the tournament, at 1 p.m.

The back-to-back title-seeking Blue Eaglets are eyeing a season sweep of Far Eastern University-Diliman in the other semis pairing at 3 p.m. at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

By finishing in the top two after the double-round eliminations, NU (13-1) and Ateneo (11-3) need only to win once to advance in the best-of-three title series.

The Bullpups were able to avenge their 59-62 defeat to the Baby Falcons in the first round with an emphatic 112-71 win in the second round.

The Eaglets, for their part, have won over the Baby Tamaraws in their two elims’ duels.

FEU-Diliman had a chance for the coveted No. 2 slot but dropped its last two matches to also-ran University of Santo Tomas and NU to end up in third at 9-5.

Adamson University hopes to make the most out of its back-to-back Final Four stint. The Baby Falcons also have a 9-5 card, but they lost twice to the Baby Tamaraws in the eliminations to settle in fourth place.

Asiad golfers, Razon to be feted at PSA gig G

OLF gets a piece of the limelight in the SMC-PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) Annual Awards Night two weeks from now at the Manila Hotel.

The National Golf Association of the Philippines is set to be recognized as the National Sports Association of the Year, while long-time sports patron Enrique Razon Jr. will be conferred the Executive of the Year by the country’s oldest media organization during the Feb. 26 gala presented by MILO, Cignal TV, and the Philippine Sports Commission.

The NGAP produced half of the four gold medals the country won in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia courtesy of Yuka Saso in the women’s individual and the women’s team, where Saso teamed up with Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye Go. Pagdanganan also bagged the bronze in the women’s individual competition, making it a 1-3 finish for the Filipinas, who emerged the overall champion in the sport by edging out Japan for the title.

It was also the first time in 32 years golf won a gold in the Asiad or since Ramon Brobio ruled the men’s individual meet during the 1986 edition in Seoul, South Korea.

The gold haul had Saso and the women’s team being named co-winner of the coveted PSA Athlete of the Year Award, along with weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and skateboarder Margielyn Didal in the event presented by the Philippine Basketball Association, Mighty Sports, ICTSI, SM Prime Holdings, Tapa King, Rain or Shine, NorthPort, Chooks To Go. The 58-year-old Razon, on the other hand, has been known as an avid golfer and major supporter of the sport in the country by way of the Philippine Golf Tour, which is being bankrolled by the International Container Terminal Services Inc., of which he is chairman and chief executive officer.

A known philanthropist, Razon extends help to the country’s amateur golf development through the ICTSI-The Country Club Program and also supports the Canlubang golf team.

He once owned the ICTSI basketball team in the defunct Philippine Basketball League mostly composed of players from De La Salle, his alma mater, where he graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Razon is also a chief backer of La Salle sports, whose sports complex at Taft Ave. was named after his father (Enrique M. Razon Sports Complex).

He now joins the ranks of esteemed sportsmen and businessmen such as Ramon S. Ang, Manny V. Pangilinan, Wilfred Uytengsu, Hans Sy, Dan Palami, Ricky Vargas, Judes Echauz, Chito Salud, among others who were once honored with the Executive of the Year award by the Philippine sportswriting fraternity.

Razon and the NGAP make up part of the total 75 awardees included in the 2018 PSA honor roll list.

UAAP names new volleyball commissioner THE Volleyball Tournament of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines has a new Commissioner for Season 81.

Host school National University has appointed international referee Yul Benosa as this year’s commissioner for the men’s and women’s volleyball wars, which begin Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

An international volleyball referee since 2009, Benosa has officiated various tournaments such as the Asian Men’s Club Championships held in Manila in 2014 and the ASEAN University Games in Singapore in 2016.

The Sison, Pangasinan native knows the collegiate volleyball games circuit as well because he has been the UAAP’s chief referee from 2008 to 2018. Besides officiating the highest level of collegiate volleyball in the country, Benosa has been serving as Assistant Tournament Manager of the Palarong Pambansa Volleyball Tournaments since 2012.

He is also a coaching clinician and volleyball event organizer for the Philippine Volleyball Federation and teaches senior high at the Pasay City North High School-Tramo Campus.

PAL BEATS CEBU PACIFIC. Philippine Airlines cagers squeaked past the squad of Cebu Pacific (business and hard-court rivals) in overtime play, 93-91, to win the 3rd Philippine Aviation Basketball Association tournament organized by the Civil Aeronautics Board. The victorious PAL team, composed of pilots, bested Cebu Pacific in a best-of-three championship series held at the Philippine Air Force gym at Villamor Air Base.

BORACAY Island—With the staging of the 2019 Le Tour de Langkawi still under discussion, Philippine continental squad 7-Eleven/ Cliqq/Air21 Roadbike Philippines, will most likely be joining another tournament this March.

After the 7-Eleven side placed second to Team Matrix PowertagJapan in the overall team classification of the LBC Ronda 2019, sports director Ric Rodriguez said they may have to change their plans.

The 2019 The Princess Maha Chackri Sirindhorn’s Cup-Tour of Thailand, which will be held from April 1 to 6, will be the next race that Team 7-Eleven will join.

“We need to continue sending riders abroad. If the Tour de Langkawi will not be postponed, we will continue (with our campaign). If not, the next race of team will be the Tour of Thailand,” said Rodriguez after the awarding ceremonies of the LBCRonda Pilipinas at the Fairways and Blue Water Resort beachfront.

The Tour de Langkawi 2019 is is scheduled for March 24 to 31. But organizers are reportedly having conflicts of schedules with other events.

Reports said that the Malaysia National Cycling Federation will take over from the current organizers if they are not ready.

“We are excited about Thailand because this is the first time it will have so many climbs. In the past, it was all flat,” said Rodriguez.

Team Matrix Powertag Japan, behind Francisco Perez-Mancebo, took overall team honors after clocking a total time of 58 hours, 31 minutes and 36 seconds, with 7-Eleven trailing by 12 seconds and Navy riders behind by 56 seconds.

Their assistant sports director, Tsugumi Kimura, said Mancebo and his teammates will go back to Japan and get ready for the Tour de Tochigi from March 22 to 24.

Rodriguez said that with the conclusion of the LBC Ronda 2019, they are happy with the conclusion of the race.

Jolo is virtual RVF Cup champ; Gabasa leads JOLO Magcalayo all but wrapped up the men’s crown with a second straight 71, hiking his lead to nine over Masaichi Otake even as Junia Gabasa wrested control in the women’s side despite a 75 in the third round of the W Express RVF Cup Amateur Golf Championship at Cangolf’s North course in Laguna yesterday.

As elder brother Jonas bowed out with bogeys on the first three holes, Jolo rebounded from a shaky start with a slew of birdies, finishing with five that negated a four-bogey mishap, including on the last hole that hardly put a dent to his title drive in the 72-hole championship sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation and held in honor of the late NGAP president and golf patron Rod V. Feliciano.

He bogeyed Nos. 2 and 3 but birdied the sixth and eighth holes, dropped another stroke on No.12 but birdied Nos. 14, 16 and 17 before yielding another stroke on the closing par-4 hole.

With a nine-under 207 aggregate, the 17-year-old Jolo went unassailably ahead of the pack with Otake moving to solo second at 216 after a 69 as erstwhile second-running Jonas groped for a 79 and tumbled to eighth at 222.

Sean Ramos carded a 73 for third at 217 while another stroke adrift at 218 is Carl Corpus, who matched par 72. Paolo Wong rallied with a 33 for a 71 to tie Perry Bucay, who turned in a 73, and Paqo Barro, who made a 76, at fifth at 221.

Tiger takes aim at Riviera with WGC-Mexico on horizon LOS ANGELES—Tiger Woods says there’s “no secret” to playing Riviera Country Club, but it’s just not something he’s done well over the years.

“There’s no secret to this golf course, it’s right there in front of you,” the 14-time major champion said Wednesday as he prepared to tee it up in the Genesis Open, the US PGA Tour event he hosts for the benefit of his TGR Foundation.

Woods made his first PGA Tour start as a 16-yearold at Riviera in 1992, playing on a sponsor’s exemption and missing the cut.

He has gone on to amass 80 US PGA Tour titles, but in 11 prior appearances he has never lifted the trophy at the course he played so often as a youngster.

“Hopefully I can finally play this golf course well,” said Woods, who despite his lack of success remains a fan of the classic course tucked into Pacific Palisades west of downtown Los Angeles.

“I love playing this golf course,” he said. “There’s no faking it around this golf course, especially if the greens are up to speed like they are right now.

“It puts such a premium on putting the golf ball in play and hitting the ball high.

“You’ve got to hit the ball high into any of these greens and really control your spin and put the ball in the right spots.”

Woods will be making his second start of 2019, after a tie for 20th at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.

In the intervening two weeks, Woods said, he’s been working on hitting the ball high, not only to prepare for Riviera but also for next week’s WGC-Mexico Championship in Mexico City.

Woods will play the limited field tournament for the first time since 2014, when the event was held in Miami.

“I’m playing next week,” Woods confirmed Wednesday after his pro-am round at Riviera.

“Beyond that, I haven’t really decided on what I’m going to be doing. I made the decision yesterday to add Mexico to my schedule, and obviously the Florida swing gets very complicated. So I’m leaving that open-ended right now.”

But even if Woods hasn’t ironed out all the details of his buildup to the Masters in April, he is in a “very different position” to February of last year, when he was taking his first steps in a comeback from spinal fusion surgery with no clear idea of just how far he could go.

“I know what my body can and cannot do,” said Woods, who lifted the Tour Championship title in Atlanta in September and comes into this week ranked 13th in the world.

Adding to the feeling of optimism, three of this year’s major championship courses—Augusta National, PGA Championship venue Bethpage Black and US Open site Pebble Beach—have yielded six of Woods’s 14 major titles. AFP

IN BRIEF

Hot money reached $763m in January NET inflows of foreign portfolio investments or “hot money” jumped to $763 million in January from $162 million a year ago, on investors’ positive reaction to the declining inflation rate, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday.

The January net inflow was also higher than the $278-million net inflow in December 2018.

“This may be attributed to investor optimism arising from the easing trade tension between the US and China and the decline in inflation alongside the increase in net foreign buying in PSE-listed shares in January 2019,” the BSP said.

Inflation rate eased to 4.4 percent in January from 5.1 percent in December 2018.

Net inflows were noted for PSE-listed securities ($506 million); peso government securities ($256 million); and peso time deposits (less than $1 million).

Registered investments amounted to $2.1 billion in January, up by 30.5 percent from $1.6 billion inflows in December 2018. Inflows also reflected a 27-percent from a year earlier. Julito G. Rada

Govt speeds up Marawi repair THE government and its foreign partners are speeding up the rehabilitation and reconstruction works on the war-torn city of Marawi in Mindanao, a Finance Department official said Thursday.

Finance assistant secretary and spokesman Antonio Joselito Lambino II said funding from both local and foreign sources enabled the Duterte administration to fast-track the extensive planning and preparations required for the P67.99billion Marawi rehabilitation, a year after government troops liberated it from Islamic State-inspired militants.

The department said of the amount needed for Marawi’s rehabilitation, about P41.81 billion was already been raised by the government. Of this, P6.64 billion came from various forms of humanitarian assistance from multilateral and bilateral partners during the early stages of the recovery program for Marawi.

Lambino said the P35.17 billion balance would be sourced from the Philippines’ development partners which offered concessional loans and grants during the pledging session for the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Recovery and Rehabilitation Program on Nov. 28 in Davao City. Julito G. Rada

GNPower plant gets priority status THE Energy Department issued a certificate of energy project of national significance to GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. for the commercial phase of its 1,336-megawatt supercritical coal-fired power plant in Mariveles, Bataan.

The department, as chair of the Energy Investment Coordinating Council, issued the CEPNS declaration to help GNPower fast-track the construction and completion of the project. The first unit of the project is due for completion this year.

Established by virtue of Executive Order No. 30, the EICC was created to streamline the regulatory procedures of energy projects as a part of the Ease of Doing Business Program of the Duterte administration.

GNPower Dinginin is a joint venture of AC Energy Inc. of the Ayala Group and Aboitiz Power Corp. subsidiary Therma Power Inc. and Power Partners Ltd. Co. Construction of the first 668-MW unit is in full swing and is scheduled for completion by 2019. Alena Mae S. Flores

IC lets insurers to participate in govt infra deals THE Insurance Commission is allowing insurance companies to invest in infrastructure-related projects of the government to diversify their portfolio and help in economic growth.

Insurance commissioner Dennis Funa issued Circular Letter No. 201874 allowing insurance and reinsurance firms to invest in debt or equity security instruments for infrastructure projects under the Philippine Development Plan as a project proponent, financiers/ sponsors or under operation and maintenance contract.

Funa said the new circular created a new investment channel for insurers and opened new opportunities for insurers to improve risk-adjusted returns, portfolio diversification and asset-liability matching.

“This circular is aimed at encouraging insurers to invest in domestic infrastructure projects to boost our economy and to reap the benefits of portfolio diversification and higher return,” he said.

“With the administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program in full swing, insurers can take advantage of investing their assets in infrastructure projects to aid them in improving their revenue that would address their compliance with the statutory net worth requirements under the Insurance Code,” he said.

The circular said that in determining the net worth of an insurance and reinsurance company, investments in infrastructure projects duly approved by the commission would now be considered as admitted assets.

Julito G. Rada

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

B1

PCC blocks URC-Roxas sugar merger

By Othel V. Campos

LOGISTICS HUB. Aboitiz Construction Inc. signs 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. Shown are (from left) Metro Pacific Investments Corp. president and chief executive Jose Ma. Lim, MetroPac Movers president and chief executive Marilyn Victorio-Aquino, MetroPac Movers chairman Manuel Pangilinan, Aboitiz Construction chairman Jaime Jose Aboitiz, Aboitiz Construction president and chief operating officer Albert Ignacio Jr. and Aboitiz Equity Ventures president and chief executive Erramon Aboitiz.

George Ty’s first wife set to inherit big properties

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE first wife of the late billionaire George Siao Kian Ty, along with her two children, was not left out of inheritance based on Ty’s last will and testament, informed sources said Thursday.

“The speculation that the two families are engaged in a dispute over Mr. Ty’s last will and testament is false and inaccurate.

The truth is one family is harassing the Ty family to relent to their demands about the division of part of Mr. Ty’s estate―which they cannot do because they have to abide by the will and testament he left behind,” sources said.

Manila Standard earlier reported that Ty’s first Filipina wife, Lourdes de Lara Ty, along with their two children, was left out of the inheritance based on the contents of the last will and testament submitted to the Makati Regional Trial Court by Ty’s second wife, Mary Vy, in December 2018.

Lawyer Jose Virgilio ‘JV’ Bautista, the legal counsel of Lourdes de Lara Ty whom the tycoon married in 1961, said the first wife was set to file a petition with the Makati City Regional Trial Court questioning the contents of Ty’s last will and testament that allegedly left her and her two children out of inheritance.

Sources, however, said there were no official records that could confirm that Ty married de Lara. “Mr. Ty purportedly married Mrs. Lourdes de Lara Ty on Nov. 14, 1961 in Hong Kong. However, it remains uncertain that an official and authentic marriage certificate that attests to this actually exists,” sources said.

Ty, who was born in Hong Kong on

Oct. 18, 1932, succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 86 on Nov. 23, 2018. Sources cited official government records showing that Ty and Mary Vy were lawfully wed in the Philippines and they had four children together― Arthur, Alfred, Anjanette and Alesandra. Ty and de Lara had two children― Margaret and Anthony.

Before Ty’s death, Lourdes was a director of Toyota Manila Bay Corp. and a member of the board of advisers of Manila Tytana Colleges. Bautista said when Ty was putting up Metrobank in 1961, his wife Lourdes, who was client relations officer in Far East Bank, was the one who worked on and followed up the bank registration requirements with the Central Bank.

Bautista said Ty later met his second wife, who was “an employee of the newly established Metrobank.”

Ty, the founder of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company and GT Capital Holdings Inc., was named as one of the 10 richest Filipinos by the prestigious Forbes Magazine with a net personal fortune of $2.75 billion.

Sources said the will involved only P3 billion, and not billions of dollars as reported in newspapers.

Sources said contrary to reports, Margaret and Anthony would also receive their inheritance share under the law.

Mary Vy Ty filed a petition for the probate of the will and her appointment as the administrator of Ty’s estate on Dec. 12, 2018. Sources said Ty earlier disinherited Margaret for “maltreatment” by “word or deed.”

“The petitioner, Mrs. Mary Vy Ty, filed the probate within the period prescribed by law. This probate includes the two illegitimate children. They will receive what is due to them according to law, subject to the stipulations of Mr. Ty’s will,” sources said.

“Ms. Lourdes de Lara has also been generously provided for. Mr. Ty left her

a substantial trust fund and multiple properties, including her residence in South Forbes,” sources said.

Sources said Ty left his last will and testament dated Sept. 23, 2015 with Mary Vy Ty. He designated her as his executor.

Bautista, a former law school dean and party-list representative, said de Lara Ty was “completely omitted” in the last will and testament. Bautista said Lourdes was the legal wife and should be considered in the estate case as the late tycoon’s surviving spouse.

Sources said “the Ty family cannot be expected to acquiesce to demands that are not in their father’s will. Mr. Ty’s will again disinherited his illegitimate daughter Margaret Ty-Cham due to her ‘maltreatment’ by ‘word or deed.”

Sources said “those who knew Mr. Ty were aware that Margaret was a constant source of problems for him. In 2017, in a public announcement published in a national broadsheet, Mr. Ty declared that all business dealings and representations made by her are all her own, with no connections to him and his group of companies,” sources said.

“He also disowned her in the statement, saying that they have “suffered a completely estranged relationship.”

“There are multiple court cases―and even a warrant of arrest issued―which attest to her unscrupulous financial dealings,” sources said.

Sources said the proceedings regarding Ty’s last will and testament would have no impact on the businesses and companies under GT Capital Holdings Inc., the investment company of the Ty family.

“The noise being generated about these personal matters has made a distasteful spectacle of what is an otherwise peaceful, orderly and private family matter. The resort to the court of public opinion instead of to the appropriate court of law is also telling on the motives,” sources said.

THE Philippine Competition Commission blocked the merger between Universal Robina Corp. and the group of Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc. and Roxas Holdings Inc. PCC issued a decision on Feb. 12 prohibiting the merger after finding out that URC’s buyout of its only competitor in the sugarcane milling services market would lead to a sugar monopoly in Southern Luzon.

RHI owns 100 percent of the shares of CADPI, which operates an integrated sugar cane milling and refining plant in Batangas. RHI is also engaged in the trading of raw and refined sugar and molasses.

“A merger-to-monopoly deal is among the most detrimental types of business transactions. The URC takeover removes its only competitor, erodes the benefits of competition for the sugarcane planters and leaves market power at the hands of a single provider in an area,” PCC chairman Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement.

The commission earlier raised competition concerns on URC’s proposed acquisition of CADPI and RHI assets before the entities voluntarily submitted commitments that failed to sufficiently address the competition concerns.

“The prohibition prevents this deal from creating a monopoly in the relevant market that could harm the welfare of the sugar cane planters. It is the duty of the Commission to prevent the creation of monopolies when applying the merger control powers conferred on it by the Philippine Competition Act,” said Balisacan.

URC’s sugar mill is in Balayan while CADPI-RHI’s milling facilities are in Nasugbu. PCC said the monopoly to be created by the merger would substantially lessen competition in the sugar milling services market not only in Batangas province, but also in most of Southern Luzon including Cavite, Laguna and Quezon provinces.

The transaction mainly affects sugarcane farmers in Southern Luzon, but the sugar processed from these facilities serve nationwide demand, including that of Metro Manila, the commission said.

Tanglawan, PNOC set to sign deal for $2-b LNG terminal

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MODERN AIRCRAFT ENGINE. Cebu Pacific

president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei (left) accepts a token of appreciation from Pratt & Whitney vice president for Asia-Pacific sales Mary Ellen Jones at the celebration of the delivery of the airline’s first Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The aircraft powered by the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine is expected to increase the airline’s capacity on popular routes, while lowering the related operating and maintenance costs.

DOTr preparing for Swiss Challenge of Bulacan airport

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Transportation Department said Thursday it is preparing for the start of the Swiss Challenge for the planned P735-billion New Manila International Airport project in Bulacan province in the first quarter.

“We are working on the terms of reference for the Swiss Challenge,” Transportation Undersecretary for planning Reuben Reinoso said.

Swiss Challenge is a form of procurement, usually required in an unsolicited project, where other parties are given an opportunity to challenge the bid of the proponent.

Reinoso said the department was ex-

pecting San Miguel Corp. to start construction of the new airport this year, or once the Swiss Challenge was completed.

San Miguel president Ramon Ang described the project as “a game changer” that would bring more foreign tourists to the Philippines.

The New Manila Airport Project will be undertaken over a period of five to seven years to full completion.

The project, which was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte in April 2018, involves the construction of a world-class, major international gateway with four to six parallel runways, modern terminals, a seaport and an industrial zone.

San Miguel proposed to build the massive airport complex on a 2,500-hectare property in Bulakan, Bulacan―just 27 kilometers away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, or 45 minutes from any point in Metro Manila via multiple expressways.

It said the new airport was expected to create one million jobs during the construction phase. The company said in a statement it would hire the best Filipino talents from here and abroad―especially from among the ranks of overseas Filipino workers.

San Miguel tapped Standard Chartered Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. as co-financial advisors for the planned project.

TANGLAWAN Philippine LNG Inc., the joint venture of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and China’s CNOOC Gas and Power, is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with state-run Philippine National Oil Co. for the planned $2-billion liquefied natural gas hub project.

Phoenix, a company led by Davao City-based businessman Dennis Uy, confirmed in a statement that talks were ongoing with PNOC “in hopes to secure a strategic alliance with the state-owned firm in its LNG hub project.

The Energy Department already issued a notice to proceed to Tanglawan for the construction of an LNG regasification terminal in Batangas.

“The first engagement meeting between the two parties progressed last week, with the planned joint venture looking into the signing of the memorandum of understanding with PNOC in the coming weeks,” Phoenix said.

The Tanglawan project is expected to break ground for the regasification and receiving terminal with a capacity of 2.2 metric tons per annum this year.

“With PNOC on board, Phoenix has proposed their participation and involvement in the areas of pipeline infrastructure and franchise, banked gas, equity and other marketing opportunities,” the oil firm said.

Phoenix said its LNG facility would help support the demand for a clean, competitive and environment-friendly energy source in Luzon and provide energy security for the country.

The Tanglawan venture plans to operate the LNG hub commercially by 2023. It also aims to develop a gasfired power generation facility with up to 2,000 megawatts of capacity.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rebounds; GT Capital falls T HE stock market rose Thursday on bargain hunting to end a four-day slump, as investors picked up select issues that have been oversold.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 71.01 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,991.25 on a value turnover of P5.1 billion. Gainers beat losers, 115 to 92, with 39 issues unchanged.

Filinvest Development Co. of the Gotianun Group advanced 10.9 percent to P14, while casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. gained 3.2 percent to P12.08.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Henry Sy Group rose 2.3 percent to P39.40, but GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the family

of the late tycoon George Ty fell 2.7 percent to P1,020.

The rest of Asian stocks eased Thursday as traders anxiously awaited news from high-level US-China talks under way in Beijing while official data showed trade between the world’s two largest economies plunged.

Negotiators kicked off discussions in the Chinese capital aimed at defusing a row that has already triggered tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of exports and threatened to stymie global growth.

Failure to resolve the dispute would initiate a sharp hike in US tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods, although President Donald Trump indicated this week he could extend his March 1 deadline if progress is made in Beijing.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday that preliminary

discussions in Beijing had gone “very well,” Bloomberg reported, adding that the US president was considering a 60day deadline extension according to unnamed sources.

“Based on the positive signals from the US-China trade negotiations, further tariff hikes will likely be suspended,” noted Louis Kuijs of Oxford Economics, as US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met with China’s top economic czar Liu He. But a wide gulf remains on some issues. The US is demanding farreaching changes to Chinese practices that it says are unfair.

Hong Kong dropped 0.3 percent from its highest closing level in six months the previous day, while Shanghai edged down 0.1 percent.

An unexpected rise in Chinese exports—particularly to Europe and

Southeast Asia—had little bearing on markets as imports for January fell, with reciprocal tariffs taking effect and the domestic economy continuing to slow.

China’s huge trade surplus with the US—a source of anger within the Trump administration—narrowed from December to $27.3 billion.

But Chinese exports across the Pacific were down two percent, and American imports plunged 41 percent, compared to the previous January.

“The broad trend in shipments still appears to be pointing down,” said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics.

“The downbeat outlook for global growth means that this year is likely to be challenging for Chinese exporters, even if the ongoing US-China trade negotiations culminate in a deal,” Evans-Pritchard wrote in a research note. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59 11,660 90.1 1,827,570 2.24 12,000 140.6 3,147,140 1.45 179,000 27.95 44,200 17.24 417,400 13.08 534,100 4.6 194,000 0.68 420,000 1.5 17,000 0.5 1,555,000 82.4 2,105,180 1.31 1,745,000 14 31,200 48 181,500 184.1 930 58.8 2,390 26.15 55,600 175.1 390,820 1,800 5 62 43,270 1.15 26,000

686,160 164,721,137.50 27,040 440,972,574 264,250 1,233,950 7,147,122 6,855,450 887,490 288,740 25,550 746,215 173,357,440 2,269,320 435,288 8,710,250 171,594 141,083 1,460,465 67,798,269 9,000 2,681,077.50 29,900

144,780 -64,199,817.50 137,513,665 625,605 964,766 -163,312 7,750 -87,492,701.50 -210,000 3,248,445 -77,697 -4,121.50 -22,570,911 -

35.8 16.44 1.04 1.5 0.245 2.41 16 125 29.4 16.54 43.95 63.5 71 1.79 6.46 6.6 11.56 15.82 8.17 7.64 20.6 72.8 26.95 3.1 9 12.22 1.76 314.2 4.36 3.5 14.4 26.95 12.5 18.08 360 0.22 5.92 1.34 3.72 6.69 9.34 1.28 11.1 46.65 6 2.16 3 1.43 12.44 90.3 6.31 0.133 1.19 140.5 2.56 1.65 1.38

INDUSTRIAL 36 1,278,100 16.62 197,500 1.05 1,281,000 1.55 7,762,000 0.25 3,600,000 2.43 5,829,000 16.16 204,200 125 4,230 29.9 68,300 16.6 2,100 43.95 200 63.5 120 71 10 1.82 279,000 6.46 10,000 6.66 14,400 11.62 654,300 16.02 304,500 8.2 193,600 7.7 55,800 21 1,765,900 72.85 250,680 27 400 3.18 8,244,000 9.14 1,289,500 12.68 816,200 1.79 157,000 321.2 838,930 4.36 2,000 3.73 95,000 14.64 1,403,000 27.05 155,300 12.9 348,100 18.08 63,400 360.2 198,280 0.22 6,940,000 5.92 9,400 1.4 5,540,000 3.78 9,000 6.69 16,170,900 9.34 1,000 1.3 2,715,000 11.4 84,300 46.75 320,900 6 26,700 2.16 28,000 3 70,000 1.44 163,000 12.44 552,300 91.5 159,150 6.36 38,200 0.133 110,000 1.24 9,114,000 143.8 466,850 2.73 202,000 1.72 4,884,000 1.4 2,110,000

46,217,345 3,278,702 1,336,960 12,013,110 886,930 14,146,460 3,300,970 530,088 2,037,550 34,806 8,790 7,644 710 511,570 64,600 97,826 7,590,834 4,874,712 1,603,560 429,520 36,893,760 18,280,241.50 10,785 26,110,850 11,641,358 10,179,010 277,740 268,147,412 8,730 338,370 23,481,370 4,194,565 4,452,548 1,148,996 71,556,048 1,545,010 55,648 7,646,460 33,720 109,363,205 9,340 3,505,070 951,038 15,015,995 160,285 60,910 211,250 234,250 6,895,888 14,557,185 242,611 14,930 11,608,430 66,728,826 533,320 8,203,650 2,939,630

-24,472,555 78,056 333,200 71,760 245,000 3,760,930 452,650 45,072 -272,080 27,890 -9,988 901,914 -52,800 493,345 96,977 13,761,540 -824,829.50 -25,040 767,874 3,042,180 -64,000,394 45,500 -800,086 494,085 -222,500 192,358.00 -39,025,232 844,420 2,793,200 9,340 357,120 -4,764,125 -150,085 14,300 795,694 -8,957,362 -6,350 -64,750 11,572,535 201,240 -11,200

0.84 62.5 13.8 0.84 6.5 22.95 1.41 1.42 920 7.3 12.14 12.86 0.23 1,020 6.16 62.6 5.51 5.57 0.6 5.23 15.1 0.57 4.83 0.044 1.18 2.6 159 970 0.8 1.41 444 274 0.26 0.34

HOLDING FIRMS 0.85 121,011,000 62.55 769,070 13.86 4,507,400 0.84 1,000 6.5 100 23.1 1,377,300 1.43 1,759,000 1.45 284,000 926 137,760 7.37 330,500 12.6 1,912,600 14 7,328,300 0.23 40,000 1,020 78,805 6.16 1,300 62.8 1,657,230 5.51 800 5.57 500 0.62 256,000 5.25 1,332,500 15.1 2,008,100 0.57 168,000 4.9 25,725,000 0.044 758,380,000 1.26 529,000 2.7 460,000 163.5 219,590 990 191,030 0.8 156,000 1.42 10,000 459 50 282 9,320 0.265 3,390,000 0.365 49,480,000

105,455,300 48,229,389 62,689,986 840 650 32,220,055 2,508,450 409,280 127,682,890 2,430,586 23,989,092 100,382,148 9,200 81,143,540 8,008 104,323,702 4,428 2,785 155,330 6,995,330 30,458,172 97,350 124,858,320 35,690,420 638,240 1,213,100 35,512,527 188,074,675 125,880 14,120 22,820 2,606,702 885,850 17,893,050

55,140 10,346,140 -11,139,252 650 773,940 290,000 -23,846,750 -303,028 18,743,038 751,030 -16,269,725 -3,087,126.50 -687,750 -2,490,590 -2,264,970 87,720 208,100 10,098,989 5,222,390 -531,090 -2,179,000

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58.15 89.95 2.31 137.5 1.43 27.95 17 12.8 4.5 0.66 1.55 0.52 82.55 1.3 13.82 48.5 184.2 59.3 26.4 171.5 1,800 62.1 1.15

59 90.55 2.31 141.4 1.53 27.95 17.24 13.1 4.7 0.72 1.55 0.52 82.55 1.31 14 48.8 185.6 59.35 26.4 177 1,800 62.1 1.15

58.15 88.8 2.24 137.3 1.43 27.85 17 12.6 4.41 0.66 1.45 0.47 81.6 1.26 13.82 47.5 184.1 58.8 26.1 170 1,800 61.5 1.15

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY 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 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 ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

36.65 16.66 1.06 1.58 0.25 2.48 16.14 129 29.9 16.54 43.95 63.8 71 1.87 6.46 6.6 11.62 15.94 8.4 7.64 20.7 73 26.95 3.15 9.19 12.6 1.76 316 4.37 3.7 14.4 27.1 12.6 18.08 364 0.221 5.92 1.39 3.72 6.8 9.34 1.29 11.3 46.8 6.05 2.16 3.02 1.45 12.52 91 6.35 0.139 1.35 141.5 2.57 1.72 1.4

36.65 16.66 1.06 1.6 0.255 2.48 16.2 129 29.9 16.6 43.95 63.8 71 1.88 6.46 6.85 11.62 16.02 8.4 7.71 21 73 27 3.21 9.19 12.88 1.79 322 4.37 3.75 18.9 27.1 12.9 18.16 365 0.235 5.92 1.4 3.78 6.85 9.34 1.3 11.4 47.4 6.05 2.19 3.03 1.45 12.52 92.9 6.36 0.139 1.4 144.4 2.73 1.73 1.4

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

0.86 63.9 13.8 0.84 6.5 24.9 1.42 1.42 928 7.37 12.44 12.94 0.23 1,060 6.16 62.9 5.55 5.57 0.63 5.23 15.18 0.59 4.87 0.051 1.26 2.72 160 982 0.82 1.41 489 275.2 0.27 0.34

0.89 63.9 14.08 0.84 6.5 26.5 1.44 1.45 934 7.38 12.64 14.24 0.23 1,060 6.16 63.85 5.55 5.57 0.63 5.27 15.2 0.59 4.91 0.053 1.26 2.72 163.5 995 0.82 1.42 489 282 0.27 0.375

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

11.18 0.81 10.6 1.85 0.92 44.5 2.55 4.14 6.5 0.51 0.86 0.92 0.25 0.425 9.9 22.3 0.51 0.145 1.55 1.23 5.2 0.44 0.49

11.9 0.81 10.64 1.85 0.94 45 2.55 4.14 6.5 0.51 0.88 0.93 0.27 0.45 10.48 22.8 0.57 0.173 1.55 1.25 5.2 0.45 0.49

11.12 0.78 10.54 1.81 0.92 44.45 2.51 3.95 6.1 0.495 0.84 0.92 0.25 0.415 9.88 22.3 0.5 0.135 1.52 1.23 5.09 0.43 0.465

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

2.24 0.49 2.82 48.45 22.9 2.06 3.15 38.85 1.33 6.61 0.84 6.2

2.24 0.49 2.91 48.45 22.9 2.06 3.15 39.4 1.41 6.75 0.87 6.35

2.2 0.47 2.78 48.45 22.35 2.03 3.13 38.7 1.3 6.38 0.72 6.16

2.22 0.485 2.83 48.45 22.5 2.05 3.13 39.4 1.41 6.38 0.77 6.3

2,083,000 950,000 805,000 100 1,695,500 249,000 5,000 4,587,600 4,979,000 780,400 3,087,000 8,112,800

4,609,720 458,650 2,277,660 4,845 38,146,095 509,210 15,730 179,511,525 6,675,650 5,104,302 2,408,710 50,930,445

92,840 61,560 26,469,330 107,820,340 -26,996,277

2GO GROUP ABS CBN APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA 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 METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A 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 22.7 0.47 0.044 15.76 3.04 11.68 0.067 87 7.8 6.41 2.3 15.12 1,988 5.8 356 2.74 2.03 115 11.28 7.22 0.145 6.33 3.19 15.52 3.39 0.94 19.2 0.91 2.76 2.1 14.6 3.09 9.3 12.2 3.32 6.44 132.8 3.24 1,190 0.95 1.43 46.75 85 8.9 2.38 0.76 0.445 5.56 0.75 14.32

13.18 23.65 0.47 0.047 15.76 3.07 12.1 0.07 87.7 7.8 6.45 2.3 15.34 1,989 5.8 360 2.84 2.11 116.9 11.3 7.23 0.153 6.43 3.36 15.9 3.39 0.94 19.78 0.98 2.89 2.12 14.6 3.2 9.3 12.6 3.41 6.48 134 3.27 1,197 0.98 1.46 47 89.4 8.9 2.4 0.78 0.45 5.63 0.75 14.8

13.02 22.65 0.455 0.043 15.76 3 11.5 0.066 86 7.76 6.3 2.3 15.1 1,908 5.76 352 2.74 2.02 114.6 11.26 7.22 0.14 6.2 3.19 15.52 3.3 0.89 18.9 0.74 2.76 2.06 14.6 3.08 9.3 12.14 3.32 6.1 132.8 3.15 1,170 0.95 1.4 46.6 85 8.88 2.33 0.76 0.44 5.56 0.73 14.18

SERVICES 13.16 23.2 0.465 0.044 15.76 3.03 12.08 0.068 87.7 7.76 6.36 2.3 15.2 1,908 5.8 360 2.8 2.02 115.9 11.28 7.23 0.15 6.3 3.36 15.9 3.31 0.92 19.78 0.77 2.88 2.07 14.6 3.12 9.3 12.44 3.41 6.12 133.5 3.2 1,170 0.96 1.44 47 89.4 8.88 2.34 0.77 0.45 5.6 0.74 14.5

40,300 194,600 6,700,000 75,700,000 1,000 283,000 16,261,000 88,800,000 38,240 9,100 1,116,100 8,000 89,100 20,410 39,100 1,130 1,340,000 17,000 2,946,830 2,500 16,900 40,390,000 3,376,800 2,000 1,500 442,000 578,000 2,008,000 62,563,000 2,482,000 308,000 100 1,353,000 5,500 136,400 2,000 553,500 72,350 803,000 56,385 5,576,000 32,846,000 304,200 253,950 27,600 4,921,000 3,588,000 8,340,000 532,100 1,074,000 1,783,500

526,938 4,480,425 3,075,200 3,398,700 15,760 860,810 194,815,402 6,044,930 3,322,328.50 70,819 7,088,142 18,400 1,355,360 39,401,550 225,889 405,004 3,745,900 34,660 341,094,196 28,182 122,037 5,933,990 21,284,491 6,550 23,394 1,467,790 521,440 39,267,096 51,840,230 7,023,450 640,090 1,460 4,209,650 51,150 1,673,058 6,730 3,433,329 9,617,091 2,560,230 66,412,500 5,398,320 46,958,060 14,214,690 21,973,737 245,200 11,555,330 2,771,080 3,686,400 2,980,951 789,860 25,679,768

15,672 138,000 -58,120 404,424.00 -67,500 1,107,628.50 -2,696,307 -47,072 -13,297,405 -259,690 113,186,585 26,240 -1,289,791 99,950 -48,310 1,178,010 -512,570 -32,994 90 398,945 -839,910 1,326,420 -4,650 1,133,290 1,949,093.50 -88,900 -1,604,820 -97,520 -443,150 -111,636 -7,637,214

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATLAS MINING ATOK BENGUET A BENGUET B 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 1.51 2.97 13.68 1.33 1.4 2.1 0.34 8.13 1.45 0.31 0.127 0.134 0.0089 0.0087 1.11 2.66 1.15 0.78 1.04 0.012 0.013 0.013 4.1 14.66 23.65 0.0088

0.0023 1.53 2.97 13.92 1.33 1.4 2.16 0.34 8.14 1.48 0.33 0.136 0.136 0.012 0.012 1.16 2.68 1.15 0.82 1.04 0.013 0.013 0.013 4.18 14.66 23.75 0.01

0.0021 1.5 2.95 13.5 1.33 1.4 2.1 0.32 8 1.45 0.305 0.127 0.131 0.0089 0.0087 1.1 2.59 1.11 0.78 1 0.012 0.013 0.012 4.06 14.2 23.25 0.0087

MINING & OIL 0.0022 671,000,000 1.53 565,000 2.96 165,000 13.9 5,500 1.33 9,000 1.4 83,000 2.16 1,444,000 0.32 900,000 8.1 700 1.48 1,053,000 0.315 5,580,000 0.132 6,880,000 0.136 2,580,000 0.01 518,000,000 0.011 315,000,000 1.14 841,000 2.64 2,272,000 1.12 146,000 0.79 2,400,000 1.01 603,000 0.013 1,100,000 0.013 400,000 0.013 11,000,000 4.16 3,243,000 14.2 529,300 23.25 211,100 0.0088 442,000,000

1,476,300 857,870 488,080 74,528 11,970 116,200 3,088,540 294,450 5,673 1,545,470 1,764,700 916,580 345,630 5,522,300 3,520,000 958,770 5,958,430 163,590 1,920,540 606,210 13,800 5,200 141,000 13,409,970 7,546,562 4,938,550 4,197,600

171,600 -48,960 -95,650 1,400 -92,000 1,684,400 -263,620 808,032 -1,324,950 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 DD PREF FGEN PREF G HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2I

21 460 97 103 96 1 100 991 76.6 73.5 73 73 73.5

21.1 460 97 103 96 1 100 991 76.6 73.5 73 73.05 73.5

20.75 460 96.2 103 96 1 100 991 76.3 73.5 73 72.95 73.5

PREFERRED 21 90,300 460 2,000 97 14,760 103 1,820 96 80 1 102,000 100 100 991 2,000 76.5 14,890 73.5 2,960 73 700 73.05 110,100 73.5 31,020

1,891,050 920,000 1,431,195 187,460 7,680 102,000 10,000 1,982,000 1,136,186 217,560 51,100 8,037,400 2,279,970

-105,000 -1,009,449 -

LR WARRANT

1.98

1.98

1.94

WARRANTS 1.94 69,000

134,610

-

5,143,790 118,812,020

-24,468,780

236,797

-

101,800 20,000

-

MS

PROPERTY 11.82 0.78 10.64 1.85 0.92 45 2.51 4 6.48 0.5 0.87 0.93 0.255 0.43 10.48 22.45 0.54 0.14 1.52 1.24 5.12 0.44 0.47

3,759,000 1,326,000 11,000 41,000 914,000 6,798,400 746,000 2,084,000 11,000 6,743,000 207,000 76,000 128,610,000 2,400,000 1,354,700 448,600 12,267,000 31,170,000 11,427,000 252,000 12,244,100 23,180,000 660,000

42,756,644 1,046,430 116,496 75,210 848,360 304,387,445 1,884,790 8,296,620 70,484 3,348,430 174,710 70,360 33,544,150 1,022,650 13,922,072 10,109,600 6,644,120 4,800,100 17,559,510 311,840 62,672,015 10,152,700 315,350

-1,225,434 118,443,460 -82,050 -4,783,850 89,100 -5,292,200 -31,440 398,630 -3,193,980 -3,108,570 -55,800 43,146,562 67,800 -24,250

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.7 1.9

4.9 1.95

4.66 1.75

FIRST METRO ETF

118

118.8

118

USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.18 1

TRADING SUMMARY

10.18 1

SHARES

FINANCIAL

12,942,901

INDUSTRIAL

87,127,413

HOLDING FIRMS

983,738,761

PROPERTY

274,643,975

SERVICES

373,481,771

MINING & OIL

1,994,468,024

GRAND TOTAL

3,792,172,761

10.18 1

4.76 1.79

SME

1,079,000 64,685,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.8 2,000 DDS 10.18 1

10,000 20,000

VALUE 1,835.10 (up) 31.44 880,944,464.96 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,548.88 (up) 110.72 834,800,151.31 HOLDING FIRMS 7,892.41 (up) 4.76 1,201,855,754.58 PROPERTY 4,029.77 (up) 66.13 1,590.46 (up) 9.01 838,881,292.545 SERVICES MINING & OIL 8,516.19 (down) 53.67 1,171,800,862.95 PSEI 7,991.25 (up) 71.01 59,966,472.8442 All Shares Index 4,851.64 (up) 39.65 5,112,454,956.74 Gainers: 115; Losers: 92; Unchanged: 39; Total: 246

Jollibee’s 2018 profit rose 17% to P8.32b

By Jenniffer B. Austria JOLLIBEE Foods Corp., the biggest fast-food chain, posted a net income of P8.32 billion in 2018, up 17.1 percent from P7.1 billion in 2017, after opening a record 502 stores in 2018.

Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange systemwide sales, a measure of all sales to customers both from company-owned and franchise stores, surged 23.5 percent to P212.1 billion from P171.7 billion in 2017.

Jollibee said it would spend P17.2 billion in 2019, primarily for new stores, renovation of existing outlets and investments in manufacturing plants, to sustain its aggressive expansion plans, The 2019 programmed sending is almost double the P9.6-billion actual expenditures in 2018.

Jollibee said sales from restaurants in the Philippines rose 15 percent in 2018, driven by the 8.2-percent contribution from new stores and the 6.9 percent same store sales growth.

Sales from overseas stores climbed 55.5 percent, led by North America which soared 161 percent due to the consolidation of Smashburger. Sales from Europe, the Middle East and Asia also jumped 42.7 percent while the China business increased 9.1 percent.

“The Philippine business performed strongly in 2018 despite rising inflation rate and slowing GDP. Same store sales grew 6.9 percent in 2018 compared with 5.3 percent in 2017 while growing store network by 8.7 percent,” Jollibee chief executive Ernesto Tantamtiong said.

“We opened 502 stores new stores worldwide or a rate of 1.4 stores per day.

We continue to pursue our aspiration to become one of the top restaurants in the world,” he added.

Operating income rose 18.4 percent to P7.9 billion.

Of the 502 stores opened in last year, 317 stores are in the Philippines and 185 stores overseas. It also opened in four new countries in 2018, namely Italy, Macau, United Kingdom and Malaysia.

Jollibee’s net income amounted to P2.2 billion in the fourth quarter, an increase of 11.9 percent from P2 billion year-on-year, while systemwide sales reached P59 billion, up 22 percent.

Jollibee operated 4,521 stores worldwide as of end-2018, up 19 percent from 3,797 outlets at the end of 2017.

ICTSI inaugurates port expansion of Batumi in Georgia

By Darwin G. Amojelar INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. has inaugurated the expansion of its Batumi International Container Terminal in Georgia.

The expansion encompasses both the waterside and land side areas of the multipurpose terminal, aimed at optimizing the processing of existing cargo flows and install additional capacity to accommodate new business.

“This new investment consolidates and expands BICT’s competitive position. A comprehensive dredging program, undertaken in cooperation with Batumi Sea Port, provides an 11.5-meter draught in the port’s fairway and alongside BICT’s quay line allowing easy access for feedermax vessels at the port and making it Georgia’s deepest draught port,” said Hans-Ole Madsen, ICTSI senior vice president and Europe, Middle East and Africa head.

“On the land side, we have met the stated requirement of importers and established a new container freight station complete with a 180-meter rail spur to facilitate cross-stuffing from containers to rail cars,” he added.

Complementing this, Madsen said the company also expanded container and truck storage areas, and following the completion of a new highway to Batumi, introduced a new, dedicated twolane gate complex for BICT. Batumi, unlike Potti, Georgia’s other major port, offers all-year round access without closures due to high winds.

The overall development program for BICT raises annual container handling capacity to 200,000 TEUs and boosts its general cargo and dry bulk handling capacities.

It further concurs with the Georgian government’s stated objective of expanding Georgia’s role as a transportlogistic hub serving the Caucasus and Central Asia.

B3

World

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Protesters sending SOS signals from Colombia border

U

REÑA, Venezuela―Desperate doctors and nurses are protesting at Venezuela’s border with Colombia, demanding that President Nicolas Maduro allow in humanitarian aid that remains tantalizingly out of reach.

“Right now it’s a critical situation, it’s terrible because we have nothing: no gloves, no dressings, no medicines,” Francis Duran, a 34-year-old nurse at the San Antonio hospital in the border town of Urena, told AFP. Duran was part of a motorcycle escort that accompanied a march to the Tienditas border bridge that separates Urena from the Colombian town of Cucuta, where tons of US aid is being stored ahead of an attempt to bring it into Venezuela.

“I’m a nurse and, for my patients, I demand that humanitarian aid enters,” said the message on one sign attached to a motorcycle.

Venezuela is in the grip of an economic crisis with millions of people suffering from shortages of food and medicines Urena is a crucial battleground in opposition leader Juan Guaido’s power struggle with Maduro.

Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president last month, has made access to aid a key challenge to the authority of the socialist leader, who refuses to allow it in.

Maduro says the aid is nothing more than a “political show” and a pretext to a US intervention.

Soldiers loyal to the president have blocked the Tienditas bridge with two freight containers and a tanker.

But Guaido, recognized as interim presi-

dent by 50 countries, says the aid will come in on February 23. He says 250,000 volunteers have signed up to help bring it in and has issued a direct order to the armed forces not to obstruct it.

Duran says the aid is “necessary.” She says an 11-year-old girl had to be transfered urgently to Cucuta a few days ago for a transfusion because there wasn’t any available blood in Venezuela.

“We want to save lives,” said Fanny Alvarez, a 20-year-old student nurse who said she was protesting to demand “solutions.”

“There are no medicines, no gloves, no cotton, but yes there are bonuses for corruption,” read a sign held by Alvarez’s mother.

The first batch of US aid contains non-perishable food, hygiene products and emergency medicines, sufficient to meet the needs of 39,000 people for 10 to 90 days, the US embassy in Colombia said.

Duran has to send her patients to buy their own medicines in Colombia, but those can be unaffordable due to hyperinflation in Venezuela that has left the national currency practically worthless.

Venezuela is short of 85 percent of the medicines it needs, according to human rights organizations that are highly critical the the government, which blames the problems on tough US economic sanctions, although those mostly target regime individuals. AFP

LIGHT FESTIVAL. Al-Noor mosque is decorated with colorful lights during the Sharjah Light Festival on February 13, 2019, in United Arab Emirates of Sharjah. AFP

IN BRIEF Gaugin masterpiece to be auctioned PARIS―An early masterpiece by artist Paul Gauguin―which has only been seen in public twice in nearly 140 years―will be auctioned in Paris next month.

“Pissarro’s Garden” is a touching tribute to the older Impressionist master, Camille Pissarro, experts say, who Gauguin called his “dear teacher”.

It shows a figure hidden under an umbrella outside an old country cottage near Pontoise, which is now a suburb of Paris.

Sotheby’s, which is selling the rare painting from 1881, which has two self-portraits of Gauguin on the back, said Pissarro “often painted beneath an umbrella, as portrayed in many works and images showing the artist in Pontoise.

“This is more than a landscape, it is Gauguin’s homage to his teacher... and is a testament to the friendship between those two great figures of modern art,” it added.

Gauguin often stayed in Pontoise with Pissarro as he learned technique from the old master, who also helped launch his career.

Christophe Duvivier, who heads the Pissarro Museum in Pontoise, said “with Pissarro Gauguin learned to see landscape and summarize it”.

The painting has been in the same family collection since the 1920s, Sotheby’s said, and has only been seen twice in public: once in France in 1964 and in a hit US show at the Cleveland Museum of Art in 2015. AFP

Activists file suit to stop dolphin hunting in Japan TOKYO―Environmental campaigners have filed an unprecedented lawsuit in a bid to halt the so-called “drive hunting” of dolphins in Japan, arguing the practice is cruel and illegal.

In drive hunting, fishermen force dolphins into a cove by beating on boats to disorient them. The panicked animals often get tangled in nets, suffocate and drown.

Activists say some dolphins smash into rocks and die of injuries, while others are killed by fishermen who thrust a long metal rod repeatedly into the body just behind the blowhole to damage the spinal cord.

In the suit filed last week, the plaintiffs are demanding the governor of western Wakayama prefecture revoke a three-year drive hunting permit in the port town of Taiji.

The practice was filmed in the 2009 Oscarwinning documentary “The Cove”, which sparked controversy when it thrust the annual hunt into the global spotlight.

Many in Japan felt it unfairly targeted the town’s fishing community, but others were horrified by the disturbing footage.

The lawsuit is the first-ever legal challenge to the hunt in Taiji, according to a lawyer involved in the filing.

It argues that the hunting method violates Japan’s animal welfare act, which stipulates animals shall not be abused or killed unnecessarily and that—when they must be killed — their pain must be minimised.

“Many Japanese see dolphins as fish and mistakenly believe the animal welfare act does not apply to them,” said Ren Yabuki, head of an environmental NGO, who brought the action along with a Taiji resident who asked for anonymity. AFP

FLIGHT. A fully veiled woman walks with her daughter as civilians fleeing the Islamic State’s group embattled holdout of

Baghouz gather in a field on February 13, 2019, during an operation by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces to expel the Islamic State group from the area, in the eastern Syrian province of Deir Ezzor. Syrian fighters backed by artillery fire from a USled coalition battled a fierce jihadist counteroffensive as they pushed to retake a last morsel of territory from the Islamic State group in an assault lasting days. More than four years after the extremists declared a ‘caliphate’ across large parts of Syria and neighboring Iraq, several offensives have whittled that down to a tiny scrap of land in eastern Syria. AFP

Iran promises revenge against suicide bombers TEHRAN―President Hassan Rouhani vowed revenge Thursday against the “mercenary group” behind a suicide bombing that killed 27 people in southeastern Iran and accused the US and Israel of supporting “terrorism”.

“We will certainly make this mercenary group pay for the blood of our martyrs,” the official IRNA news agency quoted the Iranian president as saying in response to Wednesday’s attack.

“The main root of terrorism in the region is America and Zionists, and some oil-producing countries in the region also financially support the terrorists,” he added.

Rouhani was speaking at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport before leaving for the Russian resort of Sochi for a

summit with his Russian and Turkish counterparts Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the future of war-battered Syria.

Wednesday’s attack, which targeted a busload of Revolutionary Guards in the volatile southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, was one of the deadliest on Iranian security forces in years.

The bomber struck as the troops were returning from a patrol mission on the border with Pakistan, where Baluchi separatist and jihadist groups have rear bases, the Guards said.

Sistan-Baluchistan is home to a large ethnic Baluchi community, who straddle the border and who, unlike most Iranians, who are Shiite Muslims, are mainly Sunni.

Rouhani called on Iran’s neigh-

bors to assume their “legal responsibilities” and not allow “terrorists” to use their soil to prepare attacks.

“If this continues and they cannot stop the terrorists, it is clear -- based on international law -- that we have certain rights and will act upon them in due time,” he said, without elaborating.

The attack came on the same day as the United States gathered some 60 countries in Poland for a conference on the Middle East and Iran which they hoped would increase pressure on Tehran.

Iran quickly linked the attack to the Warsaw conference, where supporters of the formerly armed opposition People’s Mujahedeen plan a second day of protests on Thursday. AFP

LGUs

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

B4

DTI: Contractor licenses up 10% in Central Luzon

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

By Romeo Dizon

NEW DATU. Finance

Secretary Carlos Garcia Dominguez III (seated right) was proclaimed Datu last January by HRH Sultan Firdausi Ismail Yahya Abbas, Sultan of Lanao, which to the Bangsa Mranaw (Mranaw People), is the land of the four kingdoms of Lanao (Pat-a-Pangampong a Ranao,) extending from Lanao del Sur to the province of Bukidnon.

Gracing the event was HRH Sultan Mohammad Fuad Abdullah Kiram, Sultan of Sulu and Sabah, and his son Al Mezzheer Kiram, the Rajah Muda. Sultan Fuad’s late father, Sultan Esmail Kiram I, authorized the Philippines in 1962 to claim Sabah, and his older brother, the late Sultan Mahakuttah Kira, was the last Sultan of Sulu to be officially recognized by the government of the Philippines. In attendance were Datu Luis Agimuddin Delgado III, great grandson of Sultan Jainal Abirin of Sulu and North Borneo, whose great grandfather was also Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sultan Shakirullah.

QC hikes vaccination drive against measles

DA links corn feed millers of Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon

By Roy Tomandao THE Department of Agriculture in Calabarzon has linked 14 of the largest feed millers in the region and four of the biggest associations and cooperatives of corn growers and producers in Cagayan Valley region.

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division and in coordination with the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council, the DA conducting the market matching on Feb. 7 at the Lipa Agricultural Research and Experiment Station Training Room in Batangas.

“It is our goal at the DA to help you (buyers and suppliers) establish relationship and build beneficial and sustainable marketing agreement among parties, for us to ensure that products are available at the right volume, price, quality, and time,” said Editha M. Salvosa, AMAD chief.

Pedrito R. Kalaw, RAFC chairman and Unified Batangas Hog Raisers Inc. president, who initiated the partnership with other regions, explained that corn production in Calabarzon—even as the DA is continuously optimizing its productivity and competency—will still not be enough to fulfill the requirements of the feed milling sector.

“The industry has to deal with the growing demand for corn both as food and animal feeds. As the population grows, the demand for poultry and hogs also increases. We need more than the corn imports under the minimum access volume. That is why we have to have this preparatory activity on a mutuallybeneficial way,” Kalaw explained.

Meanwhile, Edwin dela Rosa, agriculturist II of AMAD Region II, presented the commodity volume and availability of corn growers and producers’ associations. It showed that they can produce up to 21,000 metric tons of corn and can commit or provide up to 1,500 MT at the outset.

By Rio N. Araja

I

N RESPONSE to the measles outbreak declared by the Department of Health, the Quezon City Health Department is conducting anti-measles vaccination drives in several barangays and health centers across the city.

After receiving reports of the increasing cases of measles in early January, the QCHD immediately responded with vaccination drives and information campaigns.

According to QCHD chief Dr. Verdades Linga, the vaccination drives are part of the city’s outbreak response immunization (ORI) plan to ensure that children ages six months to five years old received free measles immunization.

“We give them additional vaccines for measles to avoid the transmission of the virus,” Dr. Linga said.

As of Feb. 12, the QCHD has already vaccinated 14,151 children throughout the city.

Aside from immunization, the children also received vitamin A and deworming tablets.

“It helps take our worries away for measles, and we are happy we have these free vaccinations,” said Narsita Agdon, a grandmother of two children who received immunization shots.

The QCHD is urging all parents of children six months to five years old to have them vaccinated as soon as possible at the nearest health centers.

Vaccines are still the best way to prevent the spread of any disease, especially now that an outbreak is confirmed, Dr. Linga stressed.

Meanwhile, to spread awareness on the importance of privacy and data protection in Quezon City, Mayor Herbert M. Bautista recently ordered the creation of a technical working group for data privacy.

The TWG is tasked to inform and cultivate awareness on privacy and data protection, perform initial impact and risk assessment and assist the data privacy act core group in developing the city’s Privacy Management Program and its manual.

Bautista’s Executive Order 1 series of 2019 says the TWG is mandated to ensure the city’s compliance with Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

“The implementation of the said act, including its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), will be initiated and facilitated by the Quezon City Government for compliance to the provisions of the said law which broadly encourage transparency, accountability, and good governance,” the executive order reads.

ENGINEERING PRIZE.

Manila Water Foundation, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology and the Philippine Technological Council, opens the call for submission of entries for the 2019 Manila Water Foundation Prize for Engineering Excellence.

In photo from left are Manila Water Foundation president Geodino Carpio, PTC Foundress Dr. Lydia Tansinsin, and DOST assistant secretary for International Corporation Dr. Leah Buendia in the launch at the Seameo Innotech in Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

EducationUSA to host 2nd Education Fair in Cebu City on Feb. 28 CEBU CITY—EducationUSA, the government’s official resource for students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States, will host its second annual education fair in Cebu on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Radisson Blu Hotel here.

The EducationUSA Fair will feature more than 30 US colleges and universities.

It provides an opportunity for students, parents, and school administrators to interact with admissions officers from a wide variety of US colleges and universities to learn about unique programs and opportunities.

Participants can also learn about the US college application processes, scholarship and financial aid options, and steps to apply for a student visa. This

event is free and open to the public.

EducationUSA provides free advising services to prospective international students in more than 170 countries and offers students resources and tools to help navigate the five steps to US study: researching schools, financing, completing the application, obtaining a student visa, and preparing for departure.

Kabalikat training up in Nueva Ecija, Laguna CABANATUAN CITY—SM Foundation recently launched two batches of its Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program in this city of Nueva Ecija and in Calamba, Laguna.

At Barangay Daang Sarile, Cabanatuan, 120 farmers who are beneficiaries of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) attended the launch before the training started on February 11.

Barangay chairman Melanie

Garcia said the choice of their barangay as site of the training program was fortuitous, as she exhorted her fellow residents to support the program.

In attendance were officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, City Agriculture Office, and SM City Cabanatuan.

Cristie S. Angeles, assistant vice president for SM Foundation’s Outreach Program, and Emmanuel Demdam of Macondray Philippines

also graced the launch.

Freddie Villamael, a KSK Batch 182 graduate from Talavera, Nueva Ecija, gave an inspirational message and thanked SM Foundation for helping him increase his farm’s onion production and providing the graduates with the basic skills to become entrepreneurs.

Together with some of his batchmates, Villamael formed an association to further improve their skills and help other farmers.

There are more than 4,500 accredited higher education institutions in the United States, and an EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their options, define their priorities, and plan their college careers. EducationUSA does not offer scholarships but can assist students in identifying scholarship and financial assistance opportunities.

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—The Department of Trade and Industry in Central Luzon has processed 741 contractor licenses in support of the government’s “Build Build Build” infrastructure program that has P909.7 billion earmarked for the current fiscal year.

The infrastructure projects are expected to create one million jobs across the country as the Duterte administration seeks to build more roads, bridges, airports, ports, wharfs and irrigation projects nationwide.

Judith Angeles, DTI Central Luzon regional director, said the processed contractors’ licenses for 2019 are “very significant” in that in 2017 only 674 were made, or a nearly 10 percent increase in filings.

The licenses were processed by the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, a window bureau of DTI in the region, Angeles said.

Commonly known as the Philippines Construction Accreditation Board, licenses issued were 475 in Pampanga; Nueva Ecija, 186; Bataan, 63; Tarlac, 19; Bulacan, 12; and Zambales, 6 licenses.

Aside from applications for new licenses or renewals, Angeles said the CIAP also processes amendment, category upgrade, and Application for Certification of Contractor for government projects.

The Philippine Statistic Authority said Central Luzon had the fourthlargest Gross Value Added in construction in the whole country, growing significantly from P91.7 billion in 2015 to P121 billion in 2017.

Under Republic Act 4561 or the Contractor License Law, as amended

by Presidential Decree No. 1746, no contractor shall engage in the business of contracting without first having a license from the PCAB. The licenses also aim to protect the projects and the public against poorly constructed infrastructure for national interest.

Climate-resilient agri products for Ilocos Sur farmers

By Butch Gunio SAN EMILIO, Ilocos Sur—Farmers here are fighting the adverse effects of climate change by practicing climateresilient agriculture.

“Farmers here grow native pigs which are more resistant to the impact of climate change compared to white exotic pigs. Native pigs can also survive on farm waste foods which are available in their areas,” said Senior Research Specialist 2 Jane Alcedo from DA Region 1.

Alcedo is also the project leader of DA Bureau of Agricultural Researchfunded research Community-based Action Research for Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) in Region 1, a pilot project in the region.

Local farmers plant root crops “because these crops are drought resistant, and minimize soil erosion,” she added.

During typhoons, the price of root crops and vegetables is very low, or worse the produce just rots, so farmers use them as raw materials for making chips, Alcedo said. The added value of their agriculture yields gives the farmers additional income.

“The cropping calendar here is rice and then tobacco or corn or vegetable.

However, due to drought, we introduced soybean following rice. But that it is just in the testing period,” she said.

Julia Lapitan, DA BAR Applied Communication Division head, said the department launched the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture in 2014 to enable agriculture and fishery sectors manage climate risks while pursuing sustainable livelihoods.

“AMIA develops and promotes climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) through implementing technologies and practices, introducing institutional and social innovations, and accessing climate-relevant support services,” she said.

Farmer Freddie Villamael addresses the attendees of the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program in Cabanatuan City with officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, City Agriculture Office, and SM City Cabanatuan looking on.

Life

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

CULTURE AND MEDIA

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

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Around the world

on a wee bit of paper

By Diana B. Noche

W

HILE Aladdin got to do his journeys via a magic carpet, a lot of people do it their own exceptional way. It’s the kind of traveling where anyone is afforded a unique glimpse into the world’s history (ancient and most recent), fascinating combo of nature and traditional cultures, icons of history, antiquity, sports heroes, arts and crafts, and time’s noteworthy passages through tiny “windows” to the world.

Collecting postage stamps from all over the world is a matchless continuity of pleasure; owning a rarity is every collector’s quest. If there’s one thing to put a sparkle in a stamp collector’s eye, it is a rare stamp—the kind that surfaces on a most prodigious time.

Stamps are printed by the millions but limited editions can become a part of one’s treasured collection. There are odd-shaped stamp (diamond and triangular) such as the 1925 Tannu Tuva, a free state in Asia from 1921 to 1944 before the Soviet Union annexation. They provide intrinsic enhancement to a collection and add visual zest on stamp stock albums.

In the 1800s, mail recipients would pay the mailing rates based on distance.

The cost to receive mail could run up to so much that many addressees would pretend to not be home to avoid paying the postal fee.

A British educator, Sir Rowland Hill, introduced the one-penny rate stamps, without regard to distance. Those who could not afford the high postal rates were then able to use the lowered rates, thus increasing the volume of mails that went into the postal services office, giving the post office an increase in its income.

The first postage stamp (a tiny piece of paper covered at the back with a glutinous wax which when moistened would be attached to the envelope) was printed in 1840 and is known as the “Penny Black,” with an image of England’s Queen Victoria. In a span of 30 years its value has increased to over 1,500 percent.

The second oldest stamp was printed in 1843, Switzerland’s Canton of Zurich, and is now valued at more than $13,500.

The world’s most valuable stamp is also the rarest. In terms of its size and weight, it is considered the only article on Earth that is worth more than gold, platinum, and silver combined.

The British Guiana stamp of 1856 was printed using a local newspaper press when its post office ran out of its supply. There were very few that were printed, they being merely provisionary, until a fresh supply of regular stamps came from the post office. In 1873 an English schoolboy found the 1-cent black-on-magenta colored stamp and sold it for $1.50. It was later sold to an Austrian collector for $750, and for 44 years the stamp stayed with him.

In 1917 the stamp was purchased by an American millionaire and stamp collector, Arthur Hind for $38,000, outbidding King George V of England.

A story goes that a man sold another stamp of the same kind to Hind who promptly bought it for a huge amount.

Hind thereafter burned the second stamp, made sure that there would be no other stamp of its kind except the

'Penny Black,' the first postage stamp printed in 1840, features an image of England's Queen Victoria.

These colorful stamps provide a glimpse into the world's history, nations' cultures, natural wonders, and famous personalities, among others.

The Philippine Postal Corp. in Manila holds free postal tours and lectures a few times each year.

one he had. The stamp’s current value is estimated to be at $1 million.

The Philippine Postal Corp., at its central office by the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, holds free postal tours and lectures a few times each year with Arlene Labao, Rence Chan, and Josie Cura conducting them.

People collect stamps, Josie Cura explains, for the learning experience in-

volved. It’s a great way to learn about geography and history, famous people, world events, political views of various nations, science and technology, etc.

People engage in it for the challenge of acquiring hard-to-find issues, for financial reward, or all of the above.

Postage stamps have extraordinary monetary value. Some become more valuable as a result of mistakes made during

the production process—misspelling, inverted images, overprints on stamps (to commemorate an event, to change the denomination of a stamp, or to allow a stamp to be used in another country or possession), wrong perforations, and lost nations of the world—that affect just a small percentage of the total number of issues printed. Also valuable are old postmarked stamps still attached to the

Fidel Sarmiento with his acrylic on canvas, 'Dahong Lagas.'

Florangel Braid with her artwork, 'Mother and Child.'

Luisita Guerero with her artwork, 'Fountain of Youth.'

original first-day cover or envelope to which the stamp was affixed.

Most stamp collectors have become passionate, life-long collectors investing their time (and money) in a total escape out of a daily sustained routine as they sort their stamps, feel their distinctive designs, topics, and nations portrayed.

For beginners, one can start with Philippine stamps. Commemorative stamps such as those of the 60th year of RP/France Treaty of Friendship, the Beijing Olympic Games, 25th death anniversary of former Senator Benigno Aquino, Juan Luna’s paintings, Graciano Lopez Jaena’s “La Solidaridad,” 60th year of the Development Bank of the Philippines, and the first 100 years of the University of the Philippines are available.

Special issue stamps have varied themes and are more colorful. Heroes like Jose Rizal, Lapu-lapu, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Manuel L. Quezon; national celebrations like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Chinese New Year; celebrities like Manny Pacquiao, Carlo J. Caparas, international titleholders Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach, and an upcoming issue with Catriona Gray; fish, rare birds and wild animals, orchids and wildflowers, tourist spots, games Filipino children play. The list goes on.

Most stamp collectors do not focus on owning rare postage stamps, preferring to immerse themselves in accumulating postal issues that are available at the postal office at their current prices.

A stamp collection is always a fascinating way to spend one’s time on. It can be an archive of a future reward as it increases in value. It is also a treasure world of knowledge and beauty and has the likelihood of being a family heirloom. This being the case, stamps need to be taken care of.

Albums are the most common storerooms for stamps. Do not use adhesive tapes or glue. Instead, stamp hinges should be used because they do not leave stains or marks. Do not store in damp places because they may get stuck together. Glassine envelopes will protect the stamps from dust and mites.

When sorting stamps avoid having beverages or alcohol on the same work table; spills will devaluate the stamps.

Also, surcharge marks on the stamps are alcohol-soluble and will definitely make them worthless. Ooops! And you don’t know how much damage was done.

Stamp collecting definitely beats Aladdin’s jaunts. Start yours now and bon voyage!

Photos by Diana B. Noche

Heart to art SENIOR recreation hub Sunshine Place hit two birds with one stone with its recent events that celebrated the month of hearts and arts.

The senior hub put some “Heart to Art” with a silent auction of the works of its acrylic painting students currently on exhibit, while Art Association of the Philippines president Fidel Sarmiento stages his “He-Art” exhibit at the center’s Happy Garden Café.

Proceeds from the auction and exhibit will go to San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly, which has been managed by the Little Sisters of the Poor since 2012. The mission of the congregation of French nuns in Manila is to give respect and dignity to the elderly.

The Sunshine Place also treated its members to a Valentine Serenade featuring the UP Singing Ambassadors with

Conchitina Bernardo with her artwork, '2 Peacocks.'

Dr. Eduardo Manguiat as conductor, and Master MerJohn Lagaya. Students from The Sunshine Place, a senior rec- for adults to live actively, through enAliw Awards Hall of Fame awardee and the Little Ballerina School of Dance also reation center in Makati City under the gaging in recreational classes and ageASEAN Symphony Orchestra Concert performed during the celebration.

Felicidad Tan Sy Foundation, is a venue appropriate physical training programs.

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Entertainment

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Apl.de.ap campaigns for Filipino children Mariel de Leon wants to study classical performance

Apl.de.ap has been honored a few times for his charity works.

A

LLAN Pineda Lindo, better known as Apl.de.ap, a founding member of the international Grammy awardwinning group, The Black Eyed Peas, is delivering on a promise he made almost three and half years ago.

In October 2015, the Apl.de.ap Foundation International began its first healthcare program called “Campaign for Filipino Children” to address retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a cause of childhood blindness among premature newborn babies in the Philippines.

The first outcome of the initiative was to purchase a retinal imaging camera system to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of ROP. With the collaboration of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, it was successfully delivered and installed at the Southern Philippines Medical Center, a public hospital in Davao City, Davao del Sur, serving the people of Mindanao.

Apld.de.ap brought with him Dr. Thomas C. Lee, Director of the Vision Center at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and a leading pediatric ophthalmologist in the U.S., to train practitioners on the use of the RetCam. At the time, Apl promised additional retinal imaging camera systems to other regional hospitals in the Philippines.

On Feb. 19, Apl.de.ap and his Foundation will install a second retinal imaging camera system at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga, his home province.

When asked what delivering this medical equipment to his home province meant, Apl.de.ap said “I’m really proud to donate this in my hometown of Pampanga. As a kid who grew up with visual impairment, I know firsthand what it is to navigate this region without being able to see. I’m glad I can make a small impact to changing this, but there’s still a long way to go.”

The campaign’s approach is to assist the medical community in the Philippines through five regional/provincial hospitals to increase the capacities of these regions to adequately diagnose retinopathy of prematurity (commonly referred to as

Filipino-born American rapper, singer and record producer Allan Pineda Lindo aka Apl.de.ap

ROP), an affliction among pre-term infants that can cause lifelong blindness if not addressed within 48 hours of birth/diagnosis.

“The Campaign for Filipino Children’s choice to address ROP is both strategic and sustainable,” said Sonia Delen, Chairperson, and a member of the Apl.de.ap Foundation International Executive Committee.

“The capacity of the Philippines to effectively address this issue is enhanced tremendously by the continuing professional development of the medical community and the provision of proper diagnostic equipment. It is a medical issue that hits home for Apl.de.ap because he himself has a visual impairment,” she added.

The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology—the leading industry association of Filipino ophthalmologists heads an impressive list of collaborators that include The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., benefactor of the Campaign;WesternUnion.com and ALQ Foundation as sponsors; and members of the Executive Committee of the Apl. de.ap Foundation International, specifically Sonia Delen of San Francisco, Chair, and J. Robbie Fabian, a member of the ADAFI Executive Committee.

The launch will take place on Feb. 19 at at 11:00 a.m. at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital Auditorium, 2000 MacArthur Highway in San Fernando, Pampanga. Guest speakers will include Dr. Monserrat S. Chichioco of JBLMRH, Dr.

Francisco T. Dugue III, Secretary of the Department of Health, Dr. Pearl TamesisVillalon from the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, and Dr. Roland Mangahas, Chair of the Ophthalmology Department at JBLMRH. The first priority of the Apl.de.ap Foundation (Philippines) and the Apl.de.ap Foundation International is education. The foundation built a music studio and computer lab in the two schools that Apl attended in his hometown of Sapang Bato in the province of Pampanga, Philippines: Sapang Bato National High School and Holy Angels University.

The Foundation currently sponsors 14 scholars at Angeles University. The Foundation also participates in the Department of Education initiative to build new schools especially in far flung and hardto-reach areas of the country. To date, it has built 15 new schools including one in the war-torn area of Zamboanga in Mindanao. For more information please visit www.apldeapfoundation.org.

The ”Campaign for Filipino Children” is the foundation’s first health initiative and it is in line with the Foundation’s education priority because of its emphasis on training doctors and creating local capacity in the medical community in the Philippines to address the eye ailment called retinopathy of prematurity. Please visit www. forfilipinochildren.org.

Cain at Abel’s compelling tale ends tonight GMA Network’s action-family drama Cain at Abel, which premiered on Nov. 19 last year, concludes its three-month run tonight.

Kapuso viewers followed the compelling tale of two brothers, Daniel played by Dingdong Dantes and Miguel portrayed Dennis Trillo, who grew up in two very different worlds.

Dingdong said he definitely enjoyed doing the series because of its intriguing plot. “The series has a very rich story. Siksik at ang daming pwedeng puntahan. Ikaw na ‘yung pipili kung ano ‘yung gusto mong tahakin na istorya. Kaya maraming magandang option.”

He likewise had a great time working with everyone especially the collaborative effort of the entire team, “I like the teamwork of the cast more than anything. The director and writer are very, very open to us artists. So maganda na ganun ‘yung working environment dahil alam na ‘yung every sceneay naiiba at maiimprove because everybody is being asked for their interpretation of the story.”

For Dennis, Elias is one of the most challenging roles for him since “it’s one of the characters na

siguro punung-puno ng sorrow kasi si Elias lagi siyang inaapi. No matter how good he is, fate always puts him in difficult situations kaya nakokompromiso ‘yung pagkatao niya. Mabait ba talaga siya o dala lang ng pagkakataon tsaka ng mga hindi magandang pangyayari sa buhay.”

The actors said the most fun and fulfilling part of doing this show is being able to work with Dingdong again.“Syempre habang mas tumatagal, masasabi ko na mas gumaganda yung working relationship namin. We have matured a lot. Now, we try to work behind the camera. Mas naintindihan na namin paano tumatakbo ‘yung mga bagay sa likod at harap ng camera. We are able to share our ideas with the team, and that makes the entire process easier for all of us.”

Under the direction of Don Michael Perez, don’t miss the finale of Cain at Abel tonight after 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.

CHRISTOPHER de Leon’s daughter, Mariel de Leon, who was Ogie Alcasid’s guest in his Valentine concert at Resorts World Manila last night, said she wants to pursue a career in classical music performance.

At the show called Master of Love with National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, she showed her potential to be on opera singer by singing the love theme “All I Ask of You” in the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Charles Hart long-running musical The Phantom of the Opera (it will open at The Theatre at Solaire on Feb. 20) when she sang the part of Christine and Ogie doing Raoul’s part.

At the presscon for the show in a small Korean bakery on T. Morato, Mariel said that she’s flying to New York soon to join her brother (who works there) and look at the possibility of matriculating at a school for classical music and performance.

Well, that’s really very admirable for this young woman who in 2017 was Binibining Pilipinas-International. She also tried acting, playing Coco Martin’s leading lady in Ang Panday right after she joined the Miss International pageant in Tokyo, Japan.

We wish Mariel all the best in her new journey to enrich her experience and boost her chances in facing the challenges in a world where everyone is jostling for a space in entertainment.

Meanwhile, Ogie Alcasid is indeed the Master Of Love not only on Valentine’s Day but everyday with all the love songs he wrote dominating the airwaves, whether publicly or privately.

In his concert, he featured the greatest love songs through which he is able to tell many stories of love, the many heartaches and triumphs, including his own.

At the same presscon, Ogie said that Filipinos are by nature very sentimental and “they love listening to romantic ballads, whether old or new.”

He was very happy that Ryan Cayabyab agreed to be the show’s musical director. And apart from being a popular musical director for shows of countless artists Cayabyab has written some of the most iconic Filipino love songs of all time. With Ryan in the show were the Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

Highlights of this show included hits from other masters of love, like

Basil Valdez, Hajji Alejandro and the late Rico J. Puno. A medley of Barry Manilow’s songs evokes the bittersweet feeling of lost love. A “kilig” suite of mellow love songs from the ‘80s brings back feelings of love from a more innocent time.

Apart from Mariel de Leon, the other guests included Lara Maigue and Tanya Manalang. And they joined Ogie with their own stories and songs of love. *** Hathaway,Connaughey in second outing together Matthew McConaughey (Academy Award Best Actor for Dallas Buyers Club) plays Baker Dill, a fishing boat captain leading a quiet life in Plymouth Island until his ex-wife Karen (Anne Hathaway) shows up with what Matthew has described in an interview as ”a very indecent proposal” in the Viva Films and MVP released film Serenity.

The film is directed by Steven Knight. It opened in cinemas on Feb. 13.

Anne Hathaway (Academy Award Best Supporting Actress for Les Miserables) as Karen is now married to a multi-millionaire named Frank, played

by Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty, Terminator Genisys).

Talking about her character, Hathaway says that she’s “in a desperate situation” because she is “trapped in a toxic and abusive marriage”. She wants Baker to get rid of Frank by taking him out on a fishing tour and dropping him in the ocean for the sharks.

Hathaway reveals that she and Baker “got together when Karen was quite young”. They had a child, but he went to war and it tore their family apart.

“And so she has to figure out what she’s gonna do, being a single mom. She finds this guy (Frank) who kinda reminds her of Dill. He likes to fish. She starts to think like maybe she can build a life with him, and then he turns out to be her worst nightmare come true.”

Baker, who is now romancing Constance, a moneyed beauty of Plymouth Island, played by Diane Lane (Academy Award nominee for Unfaithful), is still trying to move on from his troubled past. But can he truly turn his back on his ex-wife? What will it take for him to forget about his conscience and help her out?

Serenity is McConaughey and Hathaway’s second movie together. The first was Interstellar in 2014. *** Visit www.isah.red for more stories.

Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred) and Instagram (@ isahvred). ΙR

Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid with beauty queen and classical singer Mariel de Leon

KINGS OF TELEVISION.

Dingdong Dantes and Dennis Trillo play brothers in the action drama, ‘Cain at Abel.’

With despair and hope, Berlin film fest tackles climate change

‘Anthropocene: the Human Epoch’ is a buzzy documentary filmed over three years on six continents.

TRUE to its nature as a socially conscious film festival, this month’s Berlinale showcases a string of unflinching climate change documentaries raising the alarm about mankind’s destructive behavior while proposing some solutions.

Among the Berlin festival’s highlights is Anthropocene: the Human Epoch filmed over three years on six continents, with stunning panoramic shots to show the devastating and at times terrifying ways humans have altered their landscape.

“We have reached an unprecedented moment in planetary history. Humans now affect the Earth and its processes more than all other natural forces combined,” said Jennifer Baichwal, the film’s Canadian co-director.

From concrete seawalls built to pre-

serve the Chinese coast to the pockmarked moonscapes created by Germany’s coal mines, rising sea levels in Venice and deforestation in Nigeria, the film shines an unforgiving spotlight on mankind’s footprint on the planet.

In Earth, Austrian filmmaker Nikolaus Geyrhalter focusses on our insatiable appetite for nature’s resources by turning a critical lens on the tools used to alter the world’s geology, like the gargantuan industrial machines deployed to hollow out the earth or move mountains in the interest of mining.

Geyrhalter, who also directed the 2005 food industry documentary Our Daily Bread, singles out the environmental blunder that happened at a former salt mine in Wolfenbuettel, central Germany, which was turned into a site for storing nuclear

waste in the 1970s.

After residents were reassured the move was totally safe, it emerged decades later that experts had underestimated the risks of groundwater contamination, prompting years of political and scientific wrangling on how best to decommission the site.

Cutting through the bleakness, the Berlin festival also offered eco documentaries that give a more hopeful view of the future. Australian director Damon Gameau’s 2040, conceived as a visual letter to his four-year-old daughter, explores what the world could look like in the near future if people adopted the best technologies and practices already available to save the planet -- and asks children what changes they want to see.

The solutions proposed range from

more solar energy and electric cars to greenifying cities, farming at sea and reducing inequality.

To achieve this, “it is going to take a monumental effort from all facets of society,” Gameau told AFP at the festival.

Calls for increased awareness come as the United Nations confirmed last week that the past four years were the warmest on record, fueled by a rise in emissions of man-made greenhouse gases.

Meanwhile, climate change scepticism persists with leaders like US President Donald Trump and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro doubting mankind’s responsibility for global warming.

But even countries that acknowledge the human impact, like Germany, are struggling to meet targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. AFP

Motoring

By Lester Dizon WHEN Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) launched their latest line of big bikes – the CB650R and CB1000R retro café racers, and the Goldwing touring bike – last December 2018, our attention was diverted from these sporty motorcycles to a small white scooter quietly parked among the test ride units. It was Honda’s electric scooter – the PCX Electric.

This electric scooter is based on the company’s stylish twist-and-go PCX scooter. The wheelbase was slightly extended to accommodate two removable “Honda Mobile Power Pack” units in the under-seat storage compartment. However, the PCX Electric maintains the PCX’s overall length, which is ideal for sifting through traffic gaps in urban areas. The comfortable riding position and sufficient rear tire movement that made the gaspowered PCX very popular with scooter enthusiasts were likewise retained by the electric scooter.

The styling of the Honda PCX scooter series is elegant and relaxed with continuously flowing curves from the front to the rear. The PCX Electric further enhances the advanced and suave styling with LED lights all around, blue accenting for the headlight bracket and tail light inner lens, and blue accents when the lights are turned off. The rear-hugger attached to the rear of the power unit adds to its sophistication and uniqueness.

With the extended wheelbase, the rear seat cushion has likewise been lengthened and the electric motor drive is positioned further to the back using three-stage springs. A newly-designed power unit hanger is matched with the quiet electric motor to provide a silky smooth ride. The PCX Electric will be available in Pearl Glare White with Candy Blue accents that enhance the scooter’s premium nature.

Hi-Tech Electric Scooter An electric motor with Honda’s exclusive Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) structure propels the PCX Electric. The electric motor produces 4.2kW (5.6 horsepower) and churns out ample torque at low rpm to provide smooth riding, powerful acceleration and hill-climbing performance, and high energy efficiency. The powerful and compact IPM power unit provides motor temperature protection and concise electric-flow control, eliminating the need for an oil-pump, radiator, and clutch that are usually found in scooters with internal combustion engines.

The removable “Honda Mobile Power Pack” units supply 96 volts and features two serially-connected 48-volt high-energy density lithium-ion batteries. The power supply enables the PCX Electric to travel up to 41 kilometers on a single charge. Once the power packs are completely discharged,

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

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Silent green: Honda PCX Electric

Honda’s PCX Electric is propelled by an electric motor that produces 4.2 kW of horsepower and equipped with a removable power pack units (inset) supplying 97 volts.

they can be plugged into a 110-volt wall outlet and be fully charged in approximately 6 hours while connected to the scooter. The power packs can also be removed from the scooter and charged in approximately 4 hours using the optional charger.

Compartment holds plug-in charging wires.

The PCX Electric can be plugged directly into a 100V AC outlet.

Riding Electric We were given a chance to take the PCX Electric around a designated course inside the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC).

Upon mounting the scooter, you’ll face an instrument panel that displays a speedometer, clock, mobile power pack charge, and charge status when connected to a power

outlet. The PCX Electric is secured and actuated by a Honda Smart Key system that allows the rider to unlock the main switch knob by simply approaching the bike without needing to remove the smart key from your pocket.

We mount the electric scooter… … and face a nice instrument panel… … with a hi-tech LCD display.

Like a regular scooter, the PCX Electric is easy to ride and easy to handle, albeit a bit eerily silent, especially if you’re waiting for an exhaust note to excite your senses. The smooth AC motor pulls surprisingly well from zero to 60 km/h and provides a bit of excitement when you twist the throttle. However, racing the motor will decrease the scooter’s riding range.

It’s nice to know that the front wheel has anti-lock brakes (ABS) but we weren’t able to explore it within the confines of the test ride venue. Overall, the PCX Electric provides a smooth, comfortable ride with a rich and elegant feel.

The Honda Smart Key stays in the pocket… … and unlocks the switch to turn the electric motor on.

And away we go… silently…smoothly…

It’s reassuring to know that the front disc brake features ABS. Coil-over shock absorbers assist the rear swing arm/motor drive assembly.

Focus Group Distribution Honda plans to collect a wide range of

actual customer opinions and requirements regarding electric scooters using the PCX Electric. Each electric scooter will be monitored starting with a bike-sharing service in the Tokyo district and a bike-rental service experiment in Japanese tourist resort.

Honda also plans to lease-sell the scooter in South East Asia, with a surplus power utilization system experiment using the PCX Electric set to commence in Romblon.

Through scientific monitoring, and rental and sharing services, Honda will be able to gauge electric scooter usability from business to personal use, and utilize the data to bring electric scooters even closer to the customer. The company plans to produce 250 units for Japanese domestic and international release.

Buying, selling pre-owned cars? 10 things to consider

Hino General Santos becomes the second dealership managed by Motormall.

Hino kicks off 2019 with new dealership GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Committed to extending Total Support to more Filipinos, Hino Motors Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, has strengthened its foothold in Southern Mindanao with the opening of its first dealership for the year.

The new dealership, Hino General Santos, is strategically located in Barangay Apopong along the General Santos City national highway.

As a 3S dealership, it will offer service operations, sales and spare parts to help address the city’s needs in logistics, transportation and other industries.

Hino General Santos is the second dealership managed by Motormall Davao Corporation after its dealership in Davao.

Hino’s growing presence in highly urbanized areas in the country is a testament to its dedication to enhance the capabilities of different businesses by offering quality Hino trucks and fleet maintenance support.

“We have been looking forward to this day since the ground-breaking ceremony.

We are confident that Hino General Santos will be another successful dealership under MDC’s supervision. As we open more dealerships this year, we will continue to work hand in hand with our dealer partners to ensure that our operations stand by our Total Support mantra,” said HMP President Hiroshi Aoki.

As a regional center for commerce and industry, General Santos is poised

to become one of the fastest-growing cities in SOCCSKSARGEN. Known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, General Santos has seen an influx of investments in tourism and infrastructure because of its strategic location as a transhipment hub in the region. The city’s accessibility via air, land and water gives Hino the perfect opportunity to provide Filipinos with a reliable transport support system consisting of Hino vehicles.

“This is where Hino comes in the picture – we help boost the growth of the city’s economy by ensuring smooth logistical and transport systems. Like what we say in our tagline “Trucks and Buses that Do More,” Hino will always go the extra mile to offer innovative transport solutions to all Filipinos as we continually aim for a more connected and sustainable community,” said HMP Chairman Vicente T. Mills, Jr. Known for providing safe, durable and reliable trucks, HMP has been assembling and exclusively distributing quality Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines for more than 40 years to meet the transport needs of businesses ranging from small and medium enterprises to big corporations.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hino General Santos was led by Aoki, Mills and MDC executives Felipe S. Barroga, EVP/COO Valentino L. Dionisio, AVP/ General Manager and Fred Velasquez, Branch Manager, Hino General Santos.

BUYING a pre-owned car rather than a brand-new one is a smart option when you want to save money. Selling your vehicle while it’s still in great running condition is a good way to recoup your investment or raise money to buy a new ride.

But did you know that there is a good time to buy or sell a used car?

“We at OLX want to make sure that buyers’ needs are met by providing them with the best deals to get their money’s worth.

Likewise, we also want to address sellers’ needs by being a platform that helps them sell to thousands of interested buyers,” says OLX Head of Cars Manuel Roman. “To further help OLXers, we’ve compiled a list of useful tips to guide them when they want to sell or buy a pre-loved car.”

Here are some things to keep in mind when buying and selling used cars: When selling: Age matters. It’s best to sell cars four to five years after using them. Vehicles, on average, lose 50 percent of their value in 5.10 years, according to an OLX Data Hub story. Mechanical issues and normal wear and tear are also more likely to occur after five years, especially if the car is used daily.

Mind the time of the year. A car’s depreciation value is computed based on the model year and mileage. When you wait for the New Year to sell your car, that car would age another year. Do note that the physical condition of the car also affects the used car’s value.

Know when the new model will come

out in the market. Aside from age, having a new model of the same nameplate launched in the market affects the price of used cars. Buyers would most likely haggle for a lower price since the car being sold is considered an ‘old model.’

Follow international and local automotive websites to be in the loop about the latest car releases in the global and Philippine markets. Usually, new vehicles released in our neighboring Southeast Asian countries will make their way to our shores after a few months.

Identify your needs. A lifestyle change is also a good indicator that it’s time to sell your current ride. For one, when you are starting a family, you might need a larger vehicle with more safety features.

Parts availability and maintenance become problematic. Beyond the four- or five-year mark, car maintenance is more costly and hunting for available parts becomes more difficult. This is especially true for owners who use only one car daily.

When buying: Know a bank’s car bonanza season. It’s a good idea to check with banks that go on car bonanza season, during which they sell their repossessed vehicles, those cars whose previous owners failed to pay the monthly amortization. A repossessed car purchase can save you around 20 percent to 40 percent off a brand-new car’s price.

Watch out for the last quarter deals.

If you want to score great deals on used cars, you can opt to wait until the Novem-

ber or December – considered as the ‘bonus season’ or ‘Christmas gift season’ – to make their purchase. During this time, dealers prefer not to increase their prices because of the volume of business they expect would come their way. The last quarter of the year is also considered as a logical time to look for discounts in popular models because automaker and dealer sales incentives converge in this season.

Befriend your secondhand car dealer.

Build relationships with your neighborhood secondhand dealer. That way, you’ll get first dibs when the dealer puts the car model you like on ‘fastbreak.’ Vehicles on ‘fastbreak’ do not stay in the dealer’s garage for long and are usually sold immediately, without having a very high markup.

Learn more about the nameplate and when its all-new model will be released.

It is advisable to shop in the secondhand car market when a full model change for a car that you are eyeing is about to be introduced because the price for ‘older models’ is expected to drop.

Be on the lookout. Frequently visit www.olx.ph to have a chance to score great deals. Every month, about 45,000 car listings are posted on the platform.

OLX Philippines is part of the OLX Group, the world’s leading classifieds platform in growth markets. Having 17 brands worldwide, OLX Group is available in more than 40 countries, where its market-leading trading platforms are being used by more than 330 million people monthly.

When is the good time to buy or sell pre-owned cars? OLX Data Hub offers some helpful tips.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Motoring

Simply RAVishing after all these years

S

INCE its debut 25 years ago, the RAV4 has endured the test of time, holding on to its distinct legacy as an off-road vehicle built for urban use.

Now on its fifth generation, the 2019 RAV4 is bruited about as having redefinied the crossover segment SUV with its augmented features, modern design and amplified performance, made possible by the Toyota New Global Architecture – a platform that applies Toyota’s principles and technologies to improve its vehicles’ Agility, Stability, and Visibility.

“The all-new RAV4 is a car that embodies Toyota’s values - from its sporty design, powerful performance, and outstanding safety features. Built with the Toyota New Global Architecture, we can expect this SUV to deliver only the best driving experience,” said TMP president Satoru Suzuki during the official launch of the full model change RAV4.

Better handling, updated engine Its lowered-center of gravity and highrigidity body structure are just a few of the all-new RAV4’s features built upon the TNGA as it also features lower belt line, repositioned outer mirrors now mounted on the door, and thinner, low-set instrument panel that has sleek horizontal lines flowing into the door panels striving for outstanding driving visibility.

Also inspired by the TNGA platform,

the new RAV4 is now equipped with a newly developed front and rear suspension for a supple ride with responsive handling and a new powerful 2.5L (A25AFKS) Dynamic Force Engine with Dual VVT-I with VVT-iE (Variable valve timing intelligent system by Electric motor) aiming for optimum performance and less fuel for combustion.

Paired with the new engine is a direct shift 8-speed automatic transmission, which features a multi-plate lock-up clutch that provides a wider lock up range allowing shifting and acceleration to be smoother and faster. Furthermore, the 8 speed also supports the transmission with more power and torque while accelerating from standstill, suppressing engine speeds at high speed cruising for quieter cabin.

Sporty exterior, refined interior Now with full updated features and major design facelift, the new RAV4 aims to highlight urban adventure at its finest. Styled with sportier design, the new RAV4 allows the driver to bravely take on the exciting roads at any time.

One can easily notice the ‘cross-octagon’ styling of its exterior body which combines a wide wedge-shaped front that

Dashboard layout teems with user-friendly features like the multi-info display.

links with an octagon-shaped spacious and utilitarian rear. This embodies the robust yet luxurious design to which the RAV4 stands for. Accentuating its robust quality, the RAV4 is now faced with twotiered upper and lower trapezoid-shaped grille that produces a wide and stable stance and provides a strong presence expected of an SUV. In addition to its sportier facade, the new RAV4 features new alloy wheel designs in all configurations, regardless of whether customers choose the 17- or 18inch option.

Interior wise, the new RAV4 now highlights user-friendly features and technology such as 7-inch multi-information display that can be switched between analog

and digital display modes, wireless charger, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory and lumbar support, and inside rear view mirror.

Complementing its luxurious design, this new vehicle is now accessorized with seat heaters, soft- touch dashboard and panels, rear cooler, leather seats, and a panoramic moon roof.

Going beyond the Toyota standard, the all-new RAV4 boasts with unparalleled safety features such as seven (7) airbags, 8-eye front & rear sensor, back-up camera, anti-lock brake system with emergency brake signal, and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) – completing the promise of a pleasurable driving experience with added peace of mind.

The jolly green giant slayer

By Lester Dizon AFTER having successfully marketed their product line of family-oriented 3-row 7-seat multi-purpose vehicles, Bayan Automotive Industries Corporation (Bayan Auto), the Philippine distributor of BAIC Automotive Group Co., Ltd., introduced their first crossover sport utility vehicle the 2019 BJ20 on September 28, 2018.

George Chua drove the BJ20 around the Baguio Country Club.

A few days later, on the 8th of October, Bayan Auto invited a select group of motoring journalists to test drive the BJ20 from Manila to Baguio City and back. We took the higher-spec BJ20 Luxury from the traffic gridlock of Metro Manila to a high-speed drive over the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and on a roller coaster ride up and down the mountain roads leading to the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Needless to say, we came away impressed with the Snow White BJ20 Luxury.

Lean, Green Machine On the 24th of November, we were privileged to drive an Aurora Green 2019 BAIC BJ20 Standard from Metro Manila to Clark, Pampanga for the 8th edition of the JSK Auto Fun Run. We revved up the

turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and had tremendous fun on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). The double overhead camshaft (DOHC)-equipped 16-valve MIVEC-enhanced inline-4 engine churns out 147 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 210 Newton-meters of torque between 2,000 to 4,500 rpm, which was more than enough to keep pace with the sports cars and modified hot rods that joined the JSK convoy.

Out of respect for the NLEX patrol officers, we reined in those horses, which can propel the 1,460-kilogram BJ20 to 170 km/h top speed, and settled for the legal 100 km/h speed limit. All throughout the drive, the Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) shifted gears automatically and seamlessly. Our civilized manner of driving on the highway returned an average fuel consumption of 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which is equivalent to 13.33 kilometer per liter, while the stopand-go traffic in the metropolis increased the consumption to 12 liters/km, which is about 8.33 km/liter. Despite the reduced fuel mileage, we were happy to note that the BJ20 complies with Euro 5 standards to help protect the environment while it’s sitting in traffic.

Rugged Uptown Looks Squint your eyes and the BJ20 looks like

BAIC Philippines President George Chua poses with the BJ20, Bayan Auto’s piece de resistance.

a smaller version of a Hummer or an FJ Cruiser. The front is adorned with a 5-section grill and two high-intensity discharge (HID) Xenon headlamps topped with eyebrow-like daylight running lights (DRL).

Its front facade impacts a rugged, almost robotic yet lovable appearance that it is almost certain the BJ20 will have a cameo role in the next Transformers movie.

The side view of the BJ20 imparts a chunky tough look with a high beltline, contoured slab-sided doors, over-fend-

ers that are color-keyed with the bumpers, and thick A-, B- and C-pillars. The 2,670-millimeter wheelbase separates the front and rear 18-inch 10-spoke wheels shod with 225/55-18 Cooper CS4 Touring tires. The 4,451millimeter-long BJ20 features a 215mm ground clearance, a 24-degree approach angle, a 30-degree departure angle, and a 20-degree ramp break-over angle. Although, the available units are front-drive (FWD) only, we’d like to see a 4WD version in the future.

Injuries pile up with e-scooter craze—survey SCOOTER-SHARING startups may be changing last-mile transportation, but the craze has led to many injuries, according to a Consumer Reports survey More than 1,500 people have been treated for injuries from using battery-powered electric scooters in the United States since the craze began in late 2017, a Consumer Reports survey showed.

The nonprofit consumer magazine said its tally, based on reports from hospitals and emergency officials, is incomplete and does not include four reported fatalities linked to escooters.

Still, it counted 1,542 cases of emergency treatment for scooterrelated injuries after contacting 110 hospitals and five agencies in 47 cities where the two biggest scooter companies operate.

The scooter rideshare craze, which enables consumers to rent and drop the two-wheeled devices for short trips, has been hailed as a potential revolution for urban transport.

But a number of media reports have highlighted the potential dangers of scooter use either on sidewalks on city streets and roads. This week a 21-year-old Irish exchange student died after being struck by a car on his scooter in Austin, Texas, according to media.

Consumer Reports, which released its report Tuesday, said hospitals treated people for concussions, nasal fractures, forearm fractures, and other injuries, some requiring surgery.

While major e-scooter firms encourage users to wear helmets, there are few regulations requiring them.

The magazine said more than half of those contact in the survey had no detailed data for scooter injuries and that it was not possible to calculate the rate of incidents for distance traveled.

It said many medical professionals suggested the total number of injuries is higher that the reported figure because hospitals don’t have the capability yet to accurately track specific scooter-related injuries.

“Electric scooters are a promising new transportation option, but safety always must come first,” William Wallace, a senior policy analyst for Consumer Reports, was quoted as saying.

Two US-based startups, Bird and Lime, have been growing rapidly, including internationally, and have reached valuations of more than $1 billion. Others in the segment include ridesharing group Lyft, Fordback Spin and Skip.

It may be complicated to assess the safety of scooters compared with bicycles, for example, without better data on how many people use scooters.

Paul White, director of safety at Bird, said the injury figures lack context and don’t take into account that scooters reduce auto traffic.

“Driving is much deadlier for everyone, as evidenced by the 6,000 pedestrians killed on US roads in 2017,” White said.

“We are proud to provide a transportation alternative that gets people out of cars -- not only to reduce car related fatalities, but to be part of a climate solution that will move cities forward into a safer, smarter future for us all.” AFP