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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 25 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Manuel Villar
John Gokongwei
Enrique Razon
3 tycoons topbill richest in PH By Jenniffer B. Austria
petrochemicals, power generation and financial services. Ports tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., who also owns integrated entertainment and gaming complex Solaire Resorts & Casino, came in third with net worth of $4.8 billion.
‘Narco-list was based on wiretaps’
REAL estate tycoon and former Senate president Manuel B. Villar emerged as the Philippines’ richest man, according to Forbes Magazine’s list of world’s richest for 2019. By Nat Mariano, Maricel Cruz, Macon RamosWith a net worth of $5.5 billion, Next page Araneta and Rey Requejo Villar owns three listed companies: Vista Land & LifRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s escapes Inc., Golden Bria list of narco-politicians, Holdings Inc. and Starmalls Inc. which includes at least six Villar, who now ranks congressmen, was based on 317th worldwide, took “wiretapped” information that the top spot occupied by retail tycoon Henry Sy came from foreign governments Sr., who passed away monitoring drug syndicates from Jan. 19. Taking the second their respective countries. spot is business tycoon John Gokon“No law states that being given [wiregwei Jr., with a net tapped] information is illegal. In fact, I worth of $5.1 bilthink we should be thankful that we are lion. Gokongwei, being provided information relative to who ranks 343 the criminal activities in this country,” worldwide, is curPresidential Spokesman Salvador Panrently the chairman elo said. emeritus of con“The experts [on surveillance] are glomerate JG SumIsrael, America, Russia, China. In mit Holdings Inc., other words, they provide us with the which has investinformation. If it was just us—we ments in food mancan’t do that because our instruments SEASON OF REFLECTION. Catholic devotees in a church in Manila touch a crucifix on Ash Wednesday to start their season of reflection and ufacturing, airline, preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for are outdated,” the Palace official 40 days. AFP added. Duterte has authorized Interior Secretary Eduardo Año to release the list of 82 politicians who are suspected of being involved in the drug trade either as financiers or protectors. Flores were relieved because of their Earlier, police arrested PO2 Marlo SiPDEA director general Aaron Aquino By Joel E. Zurbano command responsibility upon the instruc- blao Quibete for robbery extortion and said 64 of the politicians are seeking METRO Manila police director Guill- tion of Philippine National Police director P/Cpl. Anwar Encarnacion Nasser for elective positions in the May 13 midermo Eleazar on Wednesday ordered the Oscar Albayalde, Eleazar said. kidnap-for-ransom and extortion. term polls. relief of commanders of Eastern Police The entire force of EPD District Drug Quibete was caught red handed acceptBy Nat Mariano “There were originally 83 in the list District and Pasay City Police Station af- Enforcement Unit composed of 15 per- ing the marked money from the combut with the recent arrest of Mayor ter officers from their drug enforcement sonnel and all 27 members of the Pasay plainant during an entrapment conducted PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will have [Norodin] Salazar of Maguindanao, the units were arrested for kidnapping and station drug enforcement team were also by agents of the Metro Manila Special no hand in Congress’ “intramurals” list is now down to 82. If I am not misextortion. relieved and are now being investigated Operations Unit in front of a fastfood over the alleged realignments in the taken, at least six or seven are congressEPD director C/Supt. Bernabe Balba to determine if they were also engaged in restaurant on Evangelista and Dela Paz 2019 national budget, Malacañang said and Pasay Police Chief S/Supt. Noel illegal activities. Next page men,” Aquino said. Next page Wednesday. “The President will not interfere with their intramurals. They will have to settle whatever conflict they have among themselves,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters in a text ZAMBOANGA City has declared a state lion liters. message. of calamity due to a dry spell caused by The local agriculture office, meanHe made the statement following the the El Niño phenomenon, a report said while, said 600 hectares of rice fields allegations of Senator Panfilo Lacson Wednesday. have been hit by the dry spell. that House Speaker Gloria Macapagal City Disaster Risk Reduction and Also on Wednesday, the Manila Water Arroyo was manipulating Management Office Chief Elmeir Apo- Co., which supplies water to 23 cities and the 2019 budget even linario told UNTV that the city council towns in Metro Manila and Rizal, said it after its ratification. passed the resolution declaring a ca- is ready for the summer months and the In other developlamity upon his office’s recommenda- El Niño. ments: tion after drought affected crops, the Jeric Sevilla, corporate strategic af• The chairman irrigation for rice fi elds and the city’s fairs group head, said the water firm has of the House of water supply. already put in place beginning this month Representatives’ “We are now under state of calamity its water supply contingency plan. Committee on Apby reason of the advisory [about] He also called on customers in Metro propriations the El Niño,” Apolinario said. Manila’s east zone covering 1,400 square Next page The Zamboanga City Wa- kilometers to use water “more responsiter District recently began bly and wisely.” rationing water after The Philippine Atmospheric GeophysON THE HUSTINGS. Leyte 1st District Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, running its daily production ical and Astronomical Services Adminas first nominee of the Tingog Party-List, delivers her ‘malasakit’ message to more dropped 50 percent istration earlier said the the country was than 1,000 poor residents during a caucus in Barangay Manibaug Paralaya in Porac, from 158 million already experiencing a mild El Niño with Pampanga, vowing to support the education, health and livelihood programs of Speaker liters to 80 milNext page Gloria Arroyo. Ver Noveno
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Palace refuses to intervene in ‘pork’ dispute
Top cops in EPD, Pasay kicked out over extort raps
El Niño: State of calamity in Zambo City
Woman takes role as Captain Marvel
New SSS law now in force; chief quits
LOS ANGELES—Iron Man, Thor, Captain America: Scores of Marvel movies had superheroes taking turns to save the world on the big screen before a woman finally captured a leading role in the comic franchise’s films. Next page
SOCIAL Security System president and chief executive Emmanuel F. Dooc resigned Wednesday at the same time Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 Next page took effect.
Jailbirds lose privileges DIRECTOR General Nicanor Faeldon of the Bureau of Corrections on Tuesday canceled the privileges of more than 45,000 inmates nationwide following the supposed incessant entry of various contraband items into the penal institutions, especially the New Bilibid Prison. “Effective today, all privileges will be canceled,” Faeldon said in Jun Veneracion’s report in GMA’s 24 Oras. Next page
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THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
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Palace saves Diokno from CA wringer By Nat Mariano FORMER Budget chief Benjamin Diokno does not need an approval from the Commission on Appointments to serve as the new governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Malacañang said Wednesday, citing jurisprudence to back its position. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Palace had evaluated “relevant laws and jurisprudence” surrounding Diokno’s appointment. “It is the position of the Palace that the appointment need not be confirmed by the CA,” Panelo said in a statement. Panelo, who also serves as the President’s chief legal counsel, said only a few presidential appointees required the CA’s nod. “The President shall nominate and, with the consent of the CA, appoint the heads of the executive departments, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls or officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval captain, and other officers whose appointments are vested in him in this Constitution,” the constitution says. “He shall also appoint all other officers of the government whose appointments are not otherwise provided for by law, and those whom he may be authorized by law to appoint.” Panelo said “the Governor of the BSP does not fall under any of the categories of officials.” He also cited the case of “Calderon vs. Carale,” saying the issue resolved by the Supreme Court was whether or not Congress may, by law, require confirmation by the Commission on Appointments of appointments extended by the President to government officers additional to those expressly mentioned in the first sentence of Sec. 16, Art. VII of the Constitution. “The Supreme Court ruled in the negative, explaining that Congress cannot amend the provisions of the Constitution by mere legislation,” Panelo said. “While the petition in Tarrosa vs. Singson was dismissed due to its nature and the lack of legal standing of the petitioner, the Supreme Court in the said case had the occasion to cite the above-mentioned case of Calderon vs. Carale and also explain that, ‘Congress cannot by law expand the confirmation powers of the CA and require confirmation of appointment of other government officials not expressly mentioned in the first sentence of Section 16 of Article VII of the Constitution’. “For everyone’s information, the said case involved the appointment of Mr. Gabriel C. Singson as BSP governor. Following the dismissal of the case, Mr. Singson’s appointment therefore did not undergo a confirmation process with the CA.”
El Niño:... From A1
most parts of the country would continue to receive below normal rainfall. It said Metro Manila would potentially experience drought conditions from April to June. Sevilla said they would implement operational adjustments to better manage their water supply during these months. Rio N. Araja
Jailbirds... From A1
Visitations and the recreational activities of inmates such, as playing basketball, will no longer be allowed. Prison leaders on Wednesday again promised Faeldon that they would cooperate in stopping the illegal activities in the penal colonies following the cancellation of the inmates’ privileges nationwide. According to Veneracion’s report in GMA News TV’s Balitanghali, Faeldon was adamant about his decision when he met with the leaders of different prisoners’ groups from the New Bilibid Prison on Wednesday. All prisoners detained in seven penal colonies nationwide will be affected by Faildon’s order, which BuCor expects to draw clamor from the inmates and their families. Faeldon said he was dismayed because he had previously spoken to the leaders of prisoners to cooperate with the authorities, but they continued with their illegal activities. Drug convict Rustico Ygot, who was detained in the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison, allegedly managed to make a drug transaction with his contacts in Cebu using an Internet connection. A mobile phone was recovered inside his prison cell on Monday. Ygot was transferred to a preventive cell for closer monitoring. This is the first time that prisoners’ privileges were canceled nationwide, according to BuCor spokesman Senior Inspector Eusebio del Rosario Jr.
PH verifying ‘harassment’ in WPS D
EFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday ordered the military to validate a report of Kalayaan Mayor Roberto del Mundo who claimed that Filipino fishermen were being harassed by the Chinese in a sandbar near Pag-asa Island, the largest Philippine-occupied feature in the Kalayaan Island Group. “Based on the initial communication from the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] Western Command, there has been no substantiated report from our units on the ground confirming Mayor
Del Mundo’s statement,” Defense department spokesman Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Wednesday. “The AFP, through the Naval Forces West under Wescom, will nonetheless
Former justice joins Judicial-Bar Council By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Noel Tijam as regular member of the Judicial and Bar Council. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, exofficio vice chairman of the council, said Wednesday that Tijam, who retired from the judiciary in January, takes the place of lawyer Jose Mejia as representative of the academe in the seven-member council tasked to vet nominees to judicial posts. His appointment completes the composition of the JBC chaired by Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin with Guevarra and Senator Richard Gordon as ex-officio members. The other regular members of the council are retired SC Justice Jose Mendoza, lawyer Milagros Fernan-Cayosa from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and retired Judge Toribio Ilao from the private sector.
‘Narco-list... From A1
While he has yet to receive a copy of the narco-list, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the National Bureau of Investigation will conduct a parallel probe once the names are made public. “Once the list is made public, we shall request the sources of the information [Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and local government units] to provide us with copies of their intelligence reports,” Guevarra said. This early, however, Guevarra said information based on wiretapped conversations can be used as evidence in court against suspected narco-politicians if the act of wiretapping is legal in the countries where it was done. “It depends on the laws of the country where the wiretapping was done. If it is illegal in that country, then the fruit of the illegal act is also illegal and may not be admitted as evidence in Philippine courts. But if it is legal, then it can be admitted as evidence,” the Justice chief said. Under the Anti Wire-Tapping Law, it is “unlawful for any person to tap any wire or cable, or by using any other device or arrangement, to secretly overhear, intercept, or record such communication or spoken word.”
3 tycoons... From A1
Razon improved his ranking worldwide to 379th place from last year’s 404th place. Taipan Lucio Tan ranked fourth with a net worth of $4.4 billion from his investments in airlines, banking, property, and tobacco and spirits manufacturing. Tony Tan Caktiong and family of fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. placed fifth with net worth of $3.9 billion. Other Filipino taipans who made it to the Forbes world’s richest list were San Miguel president Ramon Ang with a net worth of $2.9 billion; and Alliance Global Group chairman Andrew Tan with a net worth of $2.7 billion. Sy’s six children occupied the 8th to 10th spot with Hans
Top cops... From A1
streets in Barangay Santolan, Pasig City at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. Eleazar castigated Quibete during a press briefing at the NCRPO headquarters im Taguig City. Nazzer, on the other hand, was arrested by members of the Counter Intelligence Task Force insIde the SDET office of Pasay City Police Station around 4:15 a.m. Wednesday. He allegedly demanded P100,000 from the live-in partner of an arrested drug suspect in exchange for his release. Initial investigation showed that the drug suspect arrested had been detained without a police blotter entry or and arrest record. He was released after the entrapment operation against Nazzer. Three other police officers who were allegedly in cahoots with Nasser evaded arrest.
Palace... From A1
said Wednesday this year’s P3.757-trillion national budget will be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte this March. At the same time, Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. dismissed as baseless the statement of outgoing Budget Secretary and incoming Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno that changes were made in the national budget. Exposing the attempts to sneak “pork” into the national budget is part of a patriotic duty to ensure good governance through the proper spending of Filipino taxpayers’ money, Lacson said. As a lawmaker, Lacson said, it was his job to thwart the attempts by some solons to circumvent the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling declaring “pork” as unconstitutional, lest public money is lost to corruption and incompetence. “If by exposing all attempts by some lawmakers to go around the Supreme Court rul-
continuously validate and report any information relevant to Mayor Del Mundo’s claims.” Andolong said the area referred to by Del Mundo was a traditional fishing ground for the Philippines and other countries including China and Vietnam. According to Wescom, they have been encouraging fishermen from Pag-asa to continue their activities since it has been observed that they have not been fishing in the vicinity of the sandbar even before the Chinese fishing vessels were sighted
Law enforcers are only allowed to wiretap private communications in relation to cases of treason, espionage, rebellion or sedition, and kidnapping, but only with an authorization order from the courts. In September 2017, Duterte revealed that he permitted the wiretapping on former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and the late Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. for their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade. Lawmakers, however, were wary of Panelo’s disclosure that the administration received wiretapped information from foreign governments. “It does not make things right, unless those who conducted the wiretap were armed with judicial authorization,” said Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former head of the Philippine National Police. “Is the administration admitting to being complicit in the commission of a crime by foreign governments? Is it now a government policy to condone invasion of privacy of its own nationals by China, Israel and the United States?” Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate, for his part, denounced the piecemeal release of information on the narco-list. “This is like a political witch hunt. If they have enough evidence, they should file a case in court and prosecute to the fullest those who are suspected as being involved in the illicit drug trade,” Zarate aid.
and Herbert tied at 8th position with a net worth of $2.4 billion. Harley, Henry Jr. and Teresita were in 9th spot with $2.2 billion, while Elizabeth was at the 10th place with $1.9 billion. Tied at the 11th spot are San Miguel chairman Eduardo Cojuangco and Robert Coyiuto Jr. with a net worth of $1.4 billion. Rounding up the list of Filipinos included in Forbes’ list are Ricardo Po Sr. and his family of Century Pacific Foods Corp. ($1.2 billion) and Roberto Ongpin ($1.1 billion). For the second year running, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos remained the world’s richest man, increasing his net worth to $131 billion, up $19 billion from 2018. Bill Gates, who held the top spot for the longest period of time, remained in the No. 2 position with a fortune of $96.5 billion, up from $90 billion last year.
“The NCRPO does not tolerate any wrongdoings of our personnel. If proven guilty over their alleged misconduct, they have to face the consequences or be dismissed from the PNP service,” said Eleazar. Both Quibete and Nazzer are in police custody and will be criminally charged by the Department of Justice. The two policemen will also face administrative sactions. The 15 relieved EPD-DDEU officers were Major Allan Miparanum; Police Master Sgts. Alex Recio and Ryan Escorial; Police Staff Sgts. Arnel Parado, Rommel Moises, Dennis Singuillo, and Frederick Nervar Jr., Police Corporals Marlo Quibete and Arnel Parado; and patrolmen Reynold Orillo, Maricris Doong, Charles Anthony Quinto, John Patrick Deguzman, Arlon Hernandez and Marisa April Piga. The 27 relieved Pasay Police-SDET personnel were P/Lt. Ronaldo Frades; Police Master Sgts. Victor Abalos Jr. and Marlon Bongalon; Police Staff
ing declaring pork as unconstitutional, thus stymieing the selfish interests of those elected to perform their legislative duty, I’ll be able to sleep soundly at night knowing that I’ve done my share in guarding against unnecessary wastage of public funds that has prevented our country from taking off and become competitive,” Lacson said. Lacson, citing information from other congressmen, also claimed that Arroyo had ordered the preparation and imposition of the menu list of the Health department’s appropriations for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program. Meanwhile, in his press briefing on Tuesday, Panelo sought the position of Arroyo through a phone conversation, saying the House Speaker herself denied Lacson’s allegations. He also said Arroyo told him that nothing had been altered in the bicameral report on the 2019 national budget. Arroyo even assured him that the approved bicameral report was the one being printed for submission to the Palace. With Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta
in the area,” Andolong said. “A sheltered port in Pag-asa is currently being constructed to help our fishermen. Del Mundo on Tuesday claimed that around 50 Chinese vessels were allegedly sailing near Pag-asa Island and intimidating Filipino fishermen. He said the Chinese were shooing away the Filipinos from Sandy Cay, a group of sandbars between Pag-asa Island and China’s artificial island in Subi Reef.
Sgts. Carlo Sison, Nathaniel Garcia and Rigor Octaviano; Police Corporals Monsier Navarro, Rodel Lalirmamo, Frangie Furton and Nazzer; and Patrolmen Dennis Orola, Anthony Fernandez, James Paul Callo, John Mark Cruz, Rad Dranto, Clyde Tabulog, John Maynard Tolentino, Lore John Nicholas, Jess Dulnuan, Christian Villanueva, Joel Jann Magallaness and Jay-ar Orquino. Also sacked were SDET investigators Jay Martinez, John Vernal Barraza and Jerry Hernandez and jailers John Christopher Lim and Edwin Hamor. Eleazar said the PNP is serious about the Internal Cleansing Policy spearheaded by police director Oscar Albayalde. “We all know that there are policemen involved in illegal activities and that is why the PNP is conducting internal cleansing to get rid of scalawags in uniform,” Eleazar said. He said the recent action was a warning to other erring policemen.
New SSS law... From A1
In his letter to President Rodrigo Duterte, Dooc “voluntarily and irrevocably stepped down” to provide the President the opportunity to name a new SSS chief. Dooc joined the pension fund in November 2016 after serving as Insurance Commissioner in 2011 until his appointment to the SSS. The SSS under Dooc’s watch posted the highest members’ contribution collection in the history of the pension fund at P181 billion in 2018 from P132 billion in 2015. Under Dooc’s term, the SSS launched the Run After Contribution Evaders campaign which posted showcause orders in establishments that violate the SSS Law. Warrants of arrest were issued against court convicted delinquent employers in coordination with the Philippine National Police. Benefit disbursements were also the highest during Dooc’s term with P180 billion in 2018 from P112 billion in 2015. The P1,000 additional benefit for pensioners was implemented in January 2017. Dooc initiated a Pension Loan Program in response to the clamor of retirees who were forced to borrow from loan sharks due to financial contingencies. Real-Time Processing of Contributions was also launched under his watch. This program prevents delays in processing of benefit claims as contributions are posted immediately upon payment. Dooc expressed his gratitude to the SSS management team and personnel for their cooperation during his stint. He also thanked the President for his support and the opportunity to serve in his administration.
Woman... From A1
But “Captain Marvel”—which hits screens around the world later this week—is making up for lost time, firing girl power on all cylinders. There are women masterfully piloting war planes, at the front lines of important scientific experiments—and of course, there’s Carol Danvers, Brie Larson’s mighty Captain Marvel. Larson, who won an Oscar in 2016 for her role in “Room,” has until now been best known for her work on independent movies and her outspoken feminism. To play Danvers, Larson spent nine months in rigorous physical training. “I was able to push myself further than I ever thought possible,” Larson said at the movie’s premiere Monday evening. An Air Force fighter pilot who is trained to be a member of the alien Kree warriors, Danvers lands in the middle of an intergalactic war with the Skrulls. To carry out her mission, she teams up with Agent Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)—a recurring Marvel character who makes his first contact with planet Earth in the movie—and with her four legged sidekick Goose the Cat. Of the decision to set the story more than 20 years in the past, Marvel Studios Director Kevin Feige said at the film’s premiere in Hollywood, “We wanted Carol to have her origin all to herself.” Danvers can fly. She can shoot cosmic rays. She can absorb energy. But she is strong in other ways, too, and tough enough to hold her own in a universe that doesn’t always value women—driving home the feminist message of the movie, co-directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, which says women have nothing to prove to men. Competing with ‘Wonder Woman’ Feige told Entertainment Weekly there are “are a lot of reasons” this movie was not made before now. “Not the least of which was fighting for many years the erroneous notion that audiences did not want to see a femaleled hero (film) because of a slew of films 15 years ago that didn’t work,” he said. “And my belief was always that they didn’t work not because they were femaleled stories—they didn’t work because they were not particularly good movies.” Of the few female-led superhero movies attempted until now many were box office flops, like Jennifer Garner’s “Elektra” in 2005 and Halle Berry’s “Catwoman” in 2004. As a result, Marvel spent more than a decade relegating its female characters to secondary parts, such as Avengers member Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson starting in 2012. Seeking to be more representative, Marvel, a Disney subsidiary, finally responded to demands for more strong female characters on the silver screen—which were further spurred by the #MeToo movement. Telling Captain Marvel’s story was also a way to compete with DC Comics, owned by Warner Bros., whose superhero hit “Wonder Woman,” directed by Patty Jenkins, premiered in 2017 and raked in more than $800 million worldwide. AFP
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NFA official slammed for ‘insensitive remarks’ on rice OFFICIALS and employees of the National Food Authority and NFA rice consumers expressed extreme disgust over the remarks of National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon that some people buy NFA rice “for the dogs.” Edillon made that statement, coupled with audible laughter, during a phonepatch interview with Alvin Elchico and Doris Bigornia during their program “S.R.O.: Suhestiyon, Reaksyon, Opinyon” last March 5, 2019. Topic of the show was the Rice Liberalization Law that took effect on the same day. In the course of the interview, host Doris Bigornia asked about the welfare of consumers who are patrons of the low-priced quality NFA rice at P27.00/ kilogram, saying that even the middleclass families are buying that variety in order to save on other expenses as prices of other consumer goods continue to rise. In a very unprofessional and highlyinsensitive tone, Edillon remarked that there is a “quality difference” and that some people buy NFA rice for other uses. Asked by host Alvin El Chico on what possible other uses the NFA rice is bought for, Edillon, in a condescending tone, said “for the dogs” with naughty giggling. NFA’s OIC administrator Tomas Escarez said such remarks, coming from a high-ranking official of government, is a slap on the face to the more than 10 million poor Filipinos who have, through the years, relied on the low-priced, good quality NFA rice for their daily meals. It is also an insult to the more than 4,000 NFA employees nationwide who have been faithfully protecting the quality of NFA rice in its warehouses, delivering the staple to the marginalized consumers in far-flung barangays, isolated island provinces and poor urban areas, and consuming it themselves. “This is the highest form of arrogance, callousness and being “mata pobre”! An insult to the more than 10 million Filipinos who eat NFA rice, not to mention the more than 4,000 NFA employees who risk their lives to reach far-flung areas and islands to serve the poor and marginalized kababayan,” Escarez wrote on his Facebook account. It immediately drew strong reactions
DOD-PEZA MOA.
Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez (left), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (middle), and Philippine Economic Zone Authority chairperson Charito Plaza (right), lead the signing of Memorandum of Agreement on the conduct of reserve corps training for the agency’s personnel on Tuesday, March 5, at the Social Hall, DND main building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The agreement is in line with the ongoing efforts to beef up the country’s reserve force. PNA
SGMA seeks longer payment for housing at Villamor, NAIA By Maricel V. Cruz
S
PEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Wednesday urged authorities of Villamor Air Base and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to provide long-term payment period for a piece of land to be purchased by residents of Maricaban III and Barrio Putol in Pasay City.
Arroyo made the statement after visiting the area whose residents were among the beneficiaries of Presidential Proclamation 391 which was issued during her presidency. “May be we can discuss the installment payment, that we may consider a longer payment scheme,” said Arroyo. Arroyo said the extended installment payment is one of the solutions that should be looked into and which needs to be formalized in a hearing by the House Committee on Housing and Urban
Development chaired by Rep. Alfredo Benitez of Negros Occidental. “If the Air Force and the Airport [NAIA] are amenable to a long period of payment, that is good, we can already implement it,” said Arroyo. Villamor Air Base is the home of the Philippine Air Force. Arroyo also said she continuously visits areas in Metro Manila to personally know the sentiment of the urban poor who dream of having their own permanent land through her proclamation.
She said the primary purpose of her proclamation is to have an assurance that beneficiaries of the land will not be relocated. Arroyo was warmly received by Rep. Emi Calixto-Rubiano of Pasay City and local officials led by Pasay City Mayor Tony Calixto and barangay officials and officers of housing agencies. As this developed, Arroyo also asked the Philippine Ports Authority to waive weighbridge fees in an effort to lower the cost of goods, including food stuff transported aboard ships. Arroyo made the proposal during an oversight meeting of the House Committee on Transportation in Hilongos, Leyte on Tuesday, with Leyte Rep. Yedda Romualdez in attendance. The panel was convened continuance for the House Committee on Transportation’s discussion on the nautical highway and particularly the exorbitant shipping cost of goods through the Roll-On Roll-Off (RO-RO) system.
Police officials with kin running for office up for reshuffle House OKs bill By Francisco Tuyay AT LEAST 1,370 police officers with blood relations and affinity to candidates vying for various elective posts in 2019 midterm elections would be reshuffled from their present posts. The move has been approved by Philippine National Police chief General Oscar Albayalde to prevent the said police officers from engaging in partisan politics. Albayalde’s move came in the form of an administrative order, which aim to ensure impartiality and non-partisan in the enforcement of the laws by police personnel, particularly in areas where they
have relatives who are candidates for local election positions. To be affected by the ‘limited’ reshuffle are 121 provincial directors, city directors, mobile force commander, and chiefs of police who have reached the maximum two years tour of duty in their assignments. “As non-partisan and deputized law enforcement agency of the Commission on Elections, we strongly and firmly remain faithful to our apolitical mandate to ensure and protect the will of the electorate towards honest, orderly and peaceful elections,” Albayalde said. Police Major Lyndon Cubos, chief of the directorate for personnel and records
management said there are 1,858 PNP personnel who have blood relations and affinity to politicians who are candidates in the coming elections. However, only 1,370 are presently assigned in the political jurisdictions of the candidates, while 488 are assigned elsewhere, thus most of them need not be relieved from their present assignments. Affected by the reassignment were 26 Police Commissioned Officers and 1,344 police Non-commissioned Officers. At the same time, the PNP has issued resignation orders to five police personnel who were deemed resigned from the police service upon their filing of Certificates of Candidacy for local elective posts.
UNITED WOMEN. Filipino women, led by Gabriela party-list, pose for a photo during a press conference for United Women’s Action against Misogyny held at St. Scholastica’s Archives Museum in Vito Cruz, Manila on Wednesday. The United Women’s Action against Misogyny will be held on March 8 in celebration of the International Women’s Day. Norman Cruz
UN body ready to help BARMM chart dev’t course THE United Nations Development Program is helping the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao chart its development course through transparent and participatory local governance. Interim Chief Minister Hadji Murad Ibrahim lauded the UNDP-Philippines “for their continuing support for the development of the Bangsamoro” and this time, on establishing transparency-based programs on resource utilization and
participatory governance. Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM Minister of Local Governments (MLG), said Murad is being thankful to President Rodrigo Duterte for his approval Tuesday of the Executive Order on the implementation of Normalization Program in the Bangsamoro area. The UNDP-Philippines has partnered with civil society organizations and individuals for Bangsamoro visioning sessions on sustainable development
held prior to the BARMM governance turnover from ARMM. The forums were held in nine clustered Bangsamoro areas, and were also attended by non-Moro community stakeholders from Cotabato, Zamboanga and Palawan provinces. Murad, who also chairs the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said early delivery of peace commitments effectively marks the “transformation of the MILF from a revolutionary group to a governing organization.” Nash Maulana
easing entry of foreigners in PH retail By Maricel V. Cruz
THE House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill that eases the entry of foreigners in the retail trade business. House Bill 9057 that amends Republic Act 8762 or the “Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000” sets the minimum capitalization of foreigners and foreign entities that seek to engage in the retail trade at the peso equivalent of 200,000 dollars The bill, principally authored by Deputy Speaker Arthur Yap, provides that the foreign capital infused shall not be taken out by the investors until the time he stops doing business in the Philippines. In addition, the bill shall also open up the Philippine retail industry, which would result in a greater variety of products, more choices of goods for consumers, inflow of new technology, and employment for more Filipinos. The proposed law provides that foreign-owned partnerships, associations, and corporations organized under the Philippine law may engage or invest in the retail trade business with a minimum paid-up capital of the equivalent in Philippine Peso of US$200,000. It shall apply upon their registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry. The bill requires all foreign investors to maintain the full amount of its paidup capital in the Philippines, unless they notify the SEC and the DTI of their intention to cease operations in the country. It stipulates that failure to maintain the amount of the paid-up capital shall subject the foreign investor to penalties or restrictions on any future trading activities and business in the Philippines. The measure shall remove Section 6 of RA 8762, which states the requirements for foreign investors who are acquiring shares of stock of local retailers.
‘Decrease in inflation rate good for dev’t’ REELECTIONIST Senator Sonny Angara on Wednesday said that the decrease in inflation rate to 3.8 percent year-on-year in February, is a very good development for our people and for the country’s economy. He noted that ease on inflation, the slowest rate of increase in prices of basic goods in a year, is within the target range of our economic managers. Angara noted that the prices reflect both international developments and local efforts to manage inflation from our government. “We should step up efforts as before to crack down on unscrupulous merchants engaging in profiteering, as well as continue support to our farmers and agricultural sector since food inflation is the most felt of all especially among the poor,” he added. Senate President Vicente Sotto said it only means the Philippine economy is getting even better. Senator JV Ejercito said the inflation rate is a welcome news. “Hope it would hold and stay below 4 percent the rest of the year.” Macon Ramos-Araneta
Bam seeks repeal of bank secrecy law REPEALING the bank secrecy law ensures an efficient and a reliable tax collection procedure in the country, according to Senator Bam Aquino, who noted that the Philippines is one of the few countries still left with a bank secrecy law. Aquino has filed Senate Bill No. 1495 in hope of repealing RA 1405, otherwise known as the “Secrecy of Bank Deposits Law.” “This law was enacted for the purpose of encouraging individuals to deposit funds in banking institutions in order to encourage economic growth. But it also protects dubious individuals, allowing them to evade taxes and conceal monetary transactions that may be unconstitutional,” Aquino said. Records from the Department of Finance, the senator said, showed that as much as P669.34 billion in taxes and duties are lost annually due to the restrictive banking laws in the country or around 33.7 percent of the yearly tax revenues.
Uniform admission in law schools backed THE Office of the Solicitor General has backed the legality of Philippine Law School Admission Test, the government’s uniform entrance exam for law schools. During the oral arguments last Tuesday, Solicitor General Jose Calida asked the Supreme Court to dismiss for lack of merit the petitions filed by members of the academe and law students seeking to abolish the Legal Education Board and the Philsat. The Solicitor General also shot down the proposition of petitioners led by retired Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Oscar Pimentel seeking to transfer to the High Court to authority to regulate law schools. The chief state lawyer disputed the arguments that LEB’s imposition of a uniform entrance test on law schools violates academic freedom under Section 5, Article 14 of the 1987 Constitution. Calida said that the board created under Republic Act 7662 has the power to regulate law schools. Rey E. Requejo
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Opinion
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
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A dangerous precedent HEADLINE news: “Pros outweigh cons in narcos.” The Palace says the Department of the Interior and Local Government will make public the list of narco-politicians next week. Santa Banana, the logic of the President’s decision as enunciated by Spokesman Salvador Panelo, shatters everything I learned in school. The Palace says the public’s right to information outweighs all individual rights.
Without individual rights, there would be anarchy. But does President Duterte not know that without individual rights which are God-given, there would be anarchy? In the first place, the list of socalled narco-politicians is just a list, not something that has been validated and which could stand in court. Now if the names have been validated and investigated, then the DILG should file the cases in court. That is the obligation of the state. It was reckless on the part of Mr. Duterte to even consider making the list public. It tramples on individual rights. Have we come to this, when the rights of individuals are trampled upon?
Adelle Chua, Editor
EDITORIAL
*** In my column yesterday, I wrote that when the name of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos is mentioned, people almost always think of martial law and the atrocities associated with it. The good that Marcos did, like issuing numerous laws that have been lauded by succeeding administrations, has been completely forgotten. Some of these laws established: are (1) the Judiciary Development Fund, the basis of the financial benefits of the judiciary; (2) the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation; (3) the Export Processing Authority to attract foreign investments; (4) the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board that guards the young from violence and sexuali sexuality; (5) the Philippine Coconut Authority to develop and enhance production and exports; (6) the Philippine Tourism Authority as one of the engines to source revenues; (7) laws on social socialized housing through a series of issu issuances on funding, lending, mortgag mortgaging and collection. All the specialty hospitals like the Philippine Heart Center, Kidney Center, Philippine Children’s Center; (9) Establishment of Petron; (10) Establishment of the first nuclear power plant in Southeast Asia; (11) establishment of geothermal plants as a source of energy; (12) exploration and drilling of Malampaya oil and gas. (13)The importance of arts in the life of the nation; (14) construction of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine International Convention Center. These are but a few of the significant undertakings of Marcos. Some
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Keeping the faith
ATHOLICS around the world marked the beginning of the Lenten Season on Wednesday. Aside from reflecting on their individual affairs, it is also a good time for the faithful to ponder how the Church has conducted itself throughout its long history of sexual abuse and institutional coverup.
simply transferred to other assignments, giving them complete freedom to commit the same heinous acts all over again. Sometimes they are even given plum appointments. A recent example is Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Catholic official in Australia. Pell had been hounded by allegations of abuse for decades; he still somehow found his way to the innermost circles of the Vatican. In December 2018, he was found guilty of one count of sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16 and four counts of indecent assault of a child under the age of 16—a verdict that was only made public in February. Pell has maintained his innocence and will appeal. Despite Pope Francis' unprecedented—among his predecessors—stance against clerical abuse, many still find the
For four days last month, top officials of the Vatican held a summit where they heard testimony from victims who survived to talk about their ordeal. At the end of the summit, Pope Francis said there should be an all-out battle against this evil. He spoke about abuse being a worldwide phenomenon and how it can occur in families, schools and athletic facilities. But abuse is all the more grave and scandalous in the Church, he said, because it is incompatible with the Church's moral authority and ethical credibility. The pontiff promised to do all that is necessary to bring justice to those who committed the crimes. The Vatican also said it was in the process of releasing a guidebook for bishops that would help them understand their duties and tasks. In the past, erring priests were
Church's response feeble. There was, for instance, no mention of a zero-tolerance policy that would automatically remove from the ministry those who are found guilty. It is very easy for the Church hierarchy to condemn abuse as well as the practice of covering it because it is so blatantly wrong, even reprehensible. But when the generalities give way to real names and faces and actual situations, the strong stance wavers. Catholics do not expect a complete and sudden turnaround of their leaders. Centuries of practices and inclinations are certainly difficult, if not near-impossible, to overcome. But it is also true that an institution that is not self-aware and that plays deaf to the demands of the faithful will eventually find itself challenged and irrelevant. Indeed the Catholic Church is led by fallible human beings. This is not an excuse, however, to live beneath the demands of truth, faith, and humanity. The faithful are waiting for concrete action, something that has never been done, perhaps not even imagined, before.
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Anti-spanking bill: yea or nay? POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE WAS the Positive Discipline bill necessary or redundant? President Rodrigo Duterte recently vetoed a bill protecting children below 18 years old from physical punishment and verbal abuse. In his veto message released on February 28, he said the bill “would allow government to extend its reach into the privacy of the family… [and] transgresses the proper boundaries of State intervention in the life of the family, the sanctity and autonomy of which is recognized by the Constitution.” The enrolled bill is called “An Act Promoting Positive and Nonviolent Discipline, Protecting Children from Physical, Humiliating, or Degrading Acts as a Form of Punishment,” also known as the Positive Discipline bill or the “anti-palo act.” It consolidated Senate Bill No. 1477 and House Bill No. 8239, and contained a litany of verboten punishments including “beating, kicking, slapping, lashing on any part of a child’s body with or without the use of an instrument such as broom, cane, whip or belt…the pulling of a child’s hair, shaking…[making them kneel] on stones, salt or pebbles… intimidation or threat or bodily harm…” The list is much lengthier and quite appalling, but all these terrible acts have actually been done to children at some point or another, hence the bill. Duterte and other critics of the law brought up several arguments for the veto. Let’s look at some of them. First, that the law disrespects parents by not allowing them to discipline their children as they see fit. The reason there is a need for this law is because many parents have crossed the line from chastisement to cruel and sadistic punishment. Stud-
ies have shown that corporal punishment causes trauma and stress to the child, often embedding attitudes and behaviors that will cause the child to become abusive themselves, perpetuating the cycle of pain. Second, that “Western” notions of discipline are not applicable in the Philippine setting. Children all over the world regardless of nationality or ethnicity feel pain and trauma the same way.
Imagine how much better would your childhood have been if you had been disciplined with patience, understanding, and love.
Third, that palo ng tsinelas o sin sinturon, pagpapaluhod sa munggo, pingot sa tenga, and other forms of discipline have been practiced by Filipinos since “pre-colonial times.” Because a certain activity has been practiced for decades or even centuries doesn’t mean that it is right or good or fair. Justifying corporal punishment by saying that they are part of Filipino culture is a sickening attitude that serves to perpetuate child abuse. In fact, many of our customs or practices (mga nakagawian) are wrong, hurtful, and repressive. For example, catcalling and sexual harassment were the norm decades back, but they are misogynistic and offensive to women and right-thinking men, and are now condemned. Fourth, that the Positive Discipline act was redundant, there being other laws that protect children’s rights, including Republic Act 7610, the “Spe-
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The height of insensitivity Living in Samar could be a matter of life and death. TO SAY that Samar is one of the impoverished provinces in the country might be an understatement. Living in Samar and being led by the province’s corrupt officials can be considered to be a matter of life and death. Samar’s procurement of medicines is prone to abuse. The Provincial Government of Samar (which used to be known as Western Samar) has been
criticized for failing to curb massive corruption that has allegedly hampered the province’s health services. Samar Provincial Hospital is now the center of a massive corruption scandal where millions of pesos for medicines supplies were allegedly
stolen. This weakens the quality of health services that lead to poor pa patients dying in Samar. Records showed that the Provincial Government of Samar spent millions of pesos for the procurement of medicines, but these were allegedly lost to corruption. For the year 2019, Samar’s approved budget for the procurement of medicines is P375 million. Almost the same amount was budgeted in the previous years. However, the poor folk of Samar, when they get sick, have to suffer the Turn to A5
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Opinion Revisiting the Mutual Defense Treaty DURING his two-day visit to the country, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued what could be interpreted as the strongest word of support from the United States regarding our current problems in the South China Sea. He said that any attack on a Philippine government vessel or aircraft in the South China Sea will trigger Article 4 of the Mutual Defense Treaty signed by both countries in 1951. Article 4 in the treaty mandates both countries to come to the defense of each other if attacked. Although the statement was welcomed by almost all our senior leaders, some lawmakers reacted differently and issued their own statements. Almost all welcomed it, but others wanted a more precise and clearer statement that should be put in writing. The visit also brought to the fore the issue on whether to review the treaty or leave it as it is. Foreign Secretary Teddy Locsin believes that it should not be touched at all. He would rather leave it as it is. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, on the other hand, who first brought up the idea several months ago, still wants a review of the treaty to clarify some issues like the inerpretation of terms. To him it is important that both countries have the same understanding of all words used in the treaty. He gave what happened to Scarborough Shoal as an example. We were not technically attacked but we lost an island which we consider as part of our territory. His question is how we should categorize that situation. Of all our senior officials, it is Secretary Lorenzana who has been the most vocal in wanting to review the MDT. For one, the treaty was signed in 1951—68 years ago. In the intervening years, a lot has changed when it comes
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lack of medicines, physicians and nurses to attend to them. And when natural calamities strike, such as super-typhoon Yolanda, their medical and hospitalization problems are compounded. The poor are indeed badly affected, especially those living in remote and impoverished barangays who consistently complain about the difficulty of getting access to good medical services, facilities, and supplies of medicines needed in rural health hospitals. According to a 35-year-old mother from Basey, Samar (who refused to be named for security reasons) “arranging to see a doctor might unfortunately not be as simple as booking an appointment.” A recent survey said nine out of 15 people in Samar say access to medical care at the Samar Provincial Hospital is often negotiated through an unofficial fee. The situation is made even worse since private clinics and pharmacies are owned by the government doctors who prescribe drugs for patients and then tell them that they can only get them in their private clinic or pharmacy (at higher prices) because the public hospitals have no stock. The current health situation in Samar is completely indefensible—there is no action, no accountability and no sign that the provincial government is taking these problems seriously. According to Board member Julius Mancol of the first district of Samar, the province has a lot of resources and if properly managed, there would be no health crisis at all, and poverty would be greatly reduced. However, Mancol said despite adequate funding for medicines it hampers the delivery of health services because of the misappropriation of resources. “Corruption is the number one factor that brings about the gap between the rich and poor in Samar and many became extremely rich due to corruption,” Mancol added.
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sinister minds would like to expunge these. These issuances are part of our legal system, and they continue to touch lives. *** Non-commissioned poll surveys show that reelectionist mayors of
to warfare. Today, countries go to war without the need to declare war against each other like the way it was done in the Second World War. The US has not stopped fighting ever since the end of World War 2. The US fought in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Grenada, and went into Panama to take out President Manuel Noriega and is still currently fighting in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan which is now the country’s longest war. In all
these conflicts, war was never declared. There were, however, resolutions from the United Nations authorizing the conflict in both Korean and Iraqi wars. Secretary Locsin who is for not touching the treaty cautions everyone to be careful of what one wishes because those wanting a review might end up getting the worse end of the deal. Although I agree with Secretary Lorenzana that it is about time to revisit the treaty, timing is of the utmost importance and now is not the best time to do it. The opinion of the most important official of the land, the President,is not really known. He has not expressed any opinion as to whether he is in favor of a review or not. Yes, the Palace spokesman did issue a statement that the treaty should be left as it is, but that did not come from the President himself. Still, even if Mr. Duterte has remained quiet about the subject, we can somehow deduce how he views our national security interests. When he took office in 2016, one of the first things that he did was to abolish the yearly joint Balikatan military exercises. Although it was brought back, it is on a much smaller scale and he never attended it unlike previous presidents. Early in his
administration, he also went into some kind of a verbal war with Europe and the US and singlehandedly took over the foreign policy of the country and moved the Philippines closer to China. He even said in his public utterances —which the Palace said was all a joke—that China was trying to make the country one of its provinces. Most important of all, he stopped what he considers as confrontational responses to what China is doing in the South China Sea because we cannot win a war against China. The country has since stopped protesting openly, preferring quiet diplomacy instead. Today, for all intents and purposes, China has built numerous islands and stationed military units in these islands. If there is a review, our team led by the President must first come out with one agreed position. One way to achieve this is to convene the National Security Council so that all the senior leaders of the country can contribute their ideas in the formulation of a single position. Under the current atmosphere, the US has probably no incentive to want to revisit the MDT because if we ourselves do not seem to want to defend our interests hard enough, why do we need to review the treaty at all? Secretary Lorenzana should in the meantime focus on building a single Philippine position and try to demonstrate this to establish credibility. Most importantly, he should work hard on bringing the President around his position and convince him that it is the better way to protect our national security interests. As it is, we do not have a very strong hand. We have to make it stronger. Of the four living former Presidents, two will probably follow whatever stand President Duterte makes. They are former Presidents Gloria Arroyo and Joseph Estrada. The positions former Presidents Aquino and Ramos are generally known. We do not know the position of the Senate President. But hopefully, our leaders will have the wisdom to come out with a strong united stand for the sake of our country.
Earlier, COA auditors exposed some alleged anomalous procurement of expired medicines which put to risk the lives of hundreds of poor people. Auditors even found suspicious discrepancies between inventory figures and actual hospital medicine stocks and some had accumulated expired medicines. The poor people of Samar feel powerless to stand up against the province ’s powerful Tan dynasty. It was learned that whistleblowers were confronted with negative consequences for reporting corruption, which is why people opt to stay quiet. Members of the Tan political dynasty with their political power allegedly enjoy a lavish life, while thousands of Samarenos wallow in poverty and are deprived of basic needs like food, health, education, livelihood, housing, and access to clean water and sanitation. Eastern Visayas is the second poorest region in the Philippines and three of the provinces in the region are part of the 10 poorest provinces in the country: Eastern Samar (2nd), Northern Samar (9th), and Samar (10th). The Tan dynasty is said to earn 5,000 times more each day than a poor Samareno would spend on their basic needs in a year. Samar social spending on health, social protection, and education is, accordingly, “shamefully low” and this is reflected in very poor social outcomes for the people. Some local officials allegedly use businesses to siphon money off state coffers, and many business tycoons have grown rich on the back of close relationships with top officials, and from juicy government contracts. Ramon (not his real name) from Marabut said: “I am working hard just to survive, whereas the rich have everything. They can afford to go to private hospitals, while many poor people in Samar remain at home with ill health until the situation gets out of hand.” When you don’t have money to even eat, you can’t think of your health—you only think of how to feed
the stomach, Ramon said. Just can’t help imagining how those people manage to stomach dipping into public funds when their very constituents are mired in hunger and poverty. How insensitive can they be? Earlier this month the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division found Samar 2nd District Rep. Milagrosa Tan “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” over the alleged anomalous purchase of P16.1 million worth of emergency supplies in 2001. She was also perpetually disqualified from holding public office for violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. *** Speaking of allegations of corruptions in Samar, the Office of the Ombudsman has issued a preventive suspension order against Guiuan Mayor Christopher Sheen Gonzales and nine other municipal employees pending the investigation of their case involving the reportedly anomalous implementation of Typhoon Yolanda rehabilitation projects. Gonzales is facing a complaint for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violation of R.A. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. He is facing the complaint together with municipal accountant Adrian Bernardo; municipal treasurer Felicisima Bernardo; municipal engineer and bids and awards committee (BAC) chairperson Arsenio Salamida, BAC vice chairperson Esperanza Cortin, BAC members Danilo Colandog, Gilberto Labicante, Ma. Nenita Ecleo, and Felipe Padual; and BAC technical working group member Zosimo Macabasag. They were ordered suspended for six months without pay. Guiuan was among the 171 local government units identified by the Department of the Science and Technology to have incurred damages because of Typhoon Yolanda, so it was entitled to the Recovery Assistance on Yolanda fund from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Metro Manila have the edge over their competitors. Among them are Mayor Abby Binay of Makati, who is said to have a 70-percent advantage over her brother. I hope Junjun is still my friend, because I would advise him to weigh his options. He is so far behind his sister. Mayor Abby has many notable projects, among them the construction of a 10-kilometer subway around the city which will give access to every
nook and corner of Makati. *** The biggest mistake of Otso Diretso is that most of them are newbies and only former Senator Mar Roxas has any chance of winning. They should know that in elections here, name recall counts for a lot. Political observers say that if the opposition is lucky, maybe Bam Aquino can make it, too. Pitted against reelectionists like
Timing is of the utmost importance.
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Strategic decisions a Senate candidate has to make
regions that consider him or her a favorite son or daughter? Examples of this tribalistic attitude could be Mar Roxas vis-à-vis Western Visayas, or Bam Aquino toward the Kapampangan-speaking region or SOME of the 62 men and women Erin Tañada vis-à-vis Southern Luvying for Senate seats in the May zon. In this case the campaign strat13 election are very well funded, egy would be to favor with proporbut most of them—including mem- tionately more campaign spending bers of the Otso Diretso, the Liberal the region or regions with which the Party’s Senatorial slate—are hav- candidate experiences feelings of ing a difficult time keeping up with affinity and rapport. These feelings campaign expenses. But, well-fund- are reinforced by the candidate’s ed or not, all of the candidates are being able to speak the language of anxious to get the maximum bang the region or regions. for each campaign buck. Traditional media solely or traTo achieve such a result, the ditional media plus social media. A Senatorial candidates and their staff further key strategic decision that a have to make a number of strate- candidate in the 2019 Senate elecgic directions tion has to make as to the coninvolves not centration of the question their financial“Who?” but From which tool will the question resources fire. the candidate derive The concentrat“How?” How ed fire has been should the canthe biggest bang for rendered necdidate wage the buck? essary by the his campaign? demographics, On what marthe geographic keting tool configuration should he pour and cultural characteristics and the most of his campaign resources? comparative efficacies of competFrom which tool will the candiing marketing tools. date derive the biggest bang for the Youth vs. older members of the buck? Television arguably is by far electorate. Should the candidate de- the best marketing tool that a canvote his or her resources primarily didate can avail himself of, giving to wooing young voters—those be- the voter, as it does, access to both tween the ages of 18 and 35—who the voice and the face of the candicompose the largest voting bloc in date. Unfortunately the cost of even terms of age? Or should he or she a 15-seconder tv commercial is so spread her resources more or less high as to place this medium beevenly between the youth, the mid- yond the reach of most candidates’ dle age groups and the senior-citi- pockets. What share of his or her zens community? A risk is involved campaign funds pie should a canin putting most of your electoral didate allocate to radio, which, aceggs in one basket. This is a key cording to the advertising commustrategic decision that the candidate nity, remains the best way to reach has to make. the nation’s approximately 43,000 The most populous provinces vs. barangays? And what share of the all the provinces. Should the candi- pie should go to the social media, date spread his campaign resources which are the communication pheas evenly as possible over the na- nomena of the 21st century? In tion’s 81 provinces, cities and two making his or her strategic decision autonomous regions, or should he or in this campaign area, the candidate she concentrate his or her firepower should seek competent technical on the provinces and cities with the advice. largest registered-voter populations, These matters—voter demosuch as Cebu, Pangasinan, Iloilo, graphics, geographic targeting, reCavite and Camarines Sur? This is gional proclivities and comparative another key strategic decision that a technical efficacies—require stratecandidate has to make. gic decision-making. The quality of Regional attachments vs. nation- the decisions will depend on whethal perspective. Should a candidate er campaign funds will be used effitake a regionalistic approach to his ciently and, ultimately, whether the campaign, directing proportionately candidate will end up as one of the more campaign resources toward Magic 12.
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cial Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act;” RA 9262, “The AntiViolence Against Women and Their Children Act;” Executive Order 209, “Family Code of the Philippines;” and Presidential Decree 603, “Child and Youth Welfare Code.” These laws do not provide the same level of protection as did the Positive Discipline bill. According to a 2017 position paper of the Commission on Human Rights, none of the other laws “expressly prohibit physical violence against children in the form of corporal punishment. In fact, some even accepted the use of corporal punishment in disciplining their children as long as it is ‘just and reasonable’ and ‘moderate in degree.’” But without clear-cut guidelines, ‘reasonable’ and ‘moderate’ are debatable terms. The CHR paper declared the agency’s support of the bill, citing the 2006 World Report on Violence Against Children that corporal punishment Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Pia Cayetano, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Koko Pimentel, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla, Serge Osmeña and Juan Ponce Enrile, their chances are dismal. Philippine elections are about personalities. This is why the popular ones win even if they are not deserving. *** I don’t know what some lawmakers like Rep. Danilo Suarez are trying to
“teaches children to use violence in solving problems, and implants in them anger, resentment, and low selfesteem.” The Positive Discipline bill was not redundant and was the chance to protect children from abuse happening every day. While some parents might think their use of physical discipline results in well-behaved kids, unbeknownst to them those children carry traumatic memories into adulthood, resulting in resentment, even hatred, of their tormentors. Some of you will argue, “I was raised by parents who spanked and I turned out alright.” But imagine how much better would your childhood have been if you had been disciplined with patience, understanding, and love, rather than violence and pain. Dr. Benjamin Spock: “If we are ever to turn toward a kindlier society and a safer world, a revulsion against the physical punishment of children would be a good place to start.” / FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO prove, but the threat that now-Bangko Sentral Governor Benjamin Diokno will still be summoned to explain “insertions” to the 2019 budget should be clarified. Diokno is no longer the secretary of the Department of Budget and Management. More importantly, the General Appropriations Act has already passed the eye of the needle. www.emiljurado.weebly.com
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THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Immigration nabs Russian fugitive inside BI
SEA PROTECTORS. Navy-Marines forces
in formation Wednesday before boarding five ships to be deployed in various maritime patrol operations in the country’s vast sea lanes aimed at protecting the archipelago.
By Vito Barcelo A RUSSIAN fugitive wanted in his home country for committing fraud was arrested right inside the Bureau of Immigration office in Intramuros, Manila when he tried to extend his visitor’s visa, according to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente. Likharev Anton was caught by Immigration Officer Catalino Alfonso and staff Justin Marcial of the BI Tourist Visa Section. The 37-year-old Likharev arrived in the country in 2016 as a tourist and has not left since. He is the subject of a Summary Deportation Order signed by the BI Board of Commissioners in December 2018 following information that he was wanted by Russian courts for large-scale crimes involving acquisition of other people’s property by means of deceit. Morente commended the personnel who intercepted Likharev. “These men deserve commendation for their vigilance, which led to the arrest of this fugitive,” Morente said, adding “we will not allow fraudsters like him to hide in the Philippines, as they pose a risk to public interest.” Likharev made headlines in 2017 after being arrested for violating the Fisheries Code of the Philippines and a municipal ordinance when he killed a green sea turtle with a spear in Dauin, Negros Oriental. He denied intending to kill the turtle, and alleged that he did not know that the area was a marine sanctuary. The Russian was turned over to the BI Fugitive Search Unit for commitment to the BI’s detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig pending the implementation of his deportation.
SC stops QC on MWSS auction By Rey Requejo
T
HE Supreme Court has permanently stopped the Quezon City government from auctioning off the real properties and facilities of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System due to its failure to pay its tax dues amounting to P237.10 million. In a 25-page decision, the SC’s Third Division through Associate Justice Marvic Leonen granted the petition filed by MWSS seeking the reversal of the October 19, 2010 decision of the Court of Appeals, which held that the water regulator was liable to pay real property taxes despite being an instrumentality of the government. The appellate court had ruled that MWSS was not performing a purely governmental function, thus, it could not invoke immunity from real property taxation. The CA also said the taxed properties of MWSS were not part of the public
dominion, but were even made the subject of concession agreements between MWSS and private concessionaires due to its privatization in 1997. Because of this, the appellate court declared that since the properties were held by MWSS in the exercise of its proprietary functions, they were subject still to real property tax. The SC, however, disagreed and instead recognized acts of the Executive and Legislative branches which declared MWSS not as a government-owned and-controlled corporation, but as a government instrumentality with
corporate powers. The high court noted that after its promulgation of Manila International Airport Authority vs. Parañaque City government case in 2006, then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Executive Order 596 which recognized the Court’s categorization of government instrumentalities vested with corporate with powers. In the MIAA case, the SC held it was exempt from paying real estate taxes being a government instrumentality vested with corporate powers to perform governmental functions. Under this provision, petitioner is categorized with other government agencies that that were found to be exempt from payment of real property taxes. Meanwhile, in 2011, Congress passed Republic Act 10149 or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, which adopted the same categorization and listed MWSS with the other government agencies that were previously held by the Court to be exempt from payment of real property taxes.
As such, the high tribunal stressed that MWSS was not liable to pay real property taxes to Quezon City government, except if the beneficial use of its properties had been extended to a taxable person. “The real properties of the Metropolitan and Sewerage System located in Quezon City are declared exempt from the real estate tax imposed by the local government of Quezon City,” the SC said. “All the real estate tax assessments, including the final notices of real estate tax delinquencies, issued by the local government of Quezon City on the real properties of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System located in Quezon City are declared void, except for the portions that are alleged and proven to have been leased to private properties,” it added. MWSS has jurisdiction, supervision and control over all waterworks and sewerage systems within Metropolitan Manila, the entire province of Rizal and a portion of the province of Cavite. It holds office at MWSS Compound, Katipunan Road, Balara, Quezon City.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Manila
Republic of the Philippines Standard
TODAY Province of Northern Samar MUNICIPALITY OF LAOANG E. Lagrimas St. Barangay Guilaoangi, Laoang, N. Samar
Invitation to Bid for the Proposed Construction of LIETCO Commercial Complex Phase 3 (Hotel, 20 units rentable commercial stall Portland cement concrete pavement) The Local Government Unit of Laoang, through funds from the DOF-MDFO intends to apply the sum of Nineteen MiIlion Five Hundred Thirty Eight Thousand Six Hundred Six and 80/100 Pesos. (Php19,538,606.80) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Construction of LIETCO Commercial Complex Phase 3 (Hotel, 20 units rentable commercial stall, Portland cement concrete pavement). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. 1.
The Local Government Unit of Laoang now invites bids for the Proposed Construction of LIETCO Commercial Complex Phase 3 (Hotel, 20 units rentable commercial stall, Portland cement concrete pavement). Completion of the Works is required within Two Hundred (200) Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.
2.
Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”
3.
Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.
4.
Interested bidders may obtain further information from LGU Laoang Bids and Awards Committee and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00AM to 5:00 PM.
5.
A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidders on March 7, 2019 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Thousand Pesos (Php20,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.
6.
The Local Government Unit of Laoang Bids and Awards Committee will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on March 14, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at the ICT Room, 3rd Floor, New Executive Building, E. Lagrimas Street, Bgy. Guilaoangi, Laoang, N. Samar,which shall be open to prospective bidders.
7.
Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00 o’clock in the morning, March 28, 2019. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on 10:00 o’clock in the morning, March 28, 2019 at the ICT Room, 3rd Floor, New Executive Building E. Lagrimas St., Bgy. Guilaoangi, Laoang, N. Samar. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.
8.
Interested bidders may obtain further information from LGU-Laoang BAC Secretariat at cellphone number 09175792525 during office hours.
9.
The Local Government Unit of Laoang reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.
10.
For further information, please refer to: SALVADOR P. ACEBUCHE BAC Secretariat Municipal Planning and Development Office 2nd Floor, New Executive Building Laoang, Northern Samar Cell phone No.09175792525 bac_lgu laoang@yahoo.com (SGD) ENGR. LEO KARL EB SERRONA Chairman-Bids and Award Committee
(MS-MAR. 7, 2019)
Eriguel: PWDs now covered by PhilHealth Group helps mothers on repro health PERSONS with disability are now automatically covered by the National Health Insurance Program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., according to La Union Second District Rep. Sandra Eriguel. This became possible after President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law on Feb. 22, 2019 Republic Act 11228 which provides mandatory PhilHealth coverage for all PWDs. The new law amended R.A. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability. “This new law will guarantee that PWDs have equitable access to medical and healthcare services,” Eriguel, chairperson of the House Committee on Social Services who led the deliberations by the committee of the original House bill and sponsored the committee-approved version in the plenary, said in a press statement. Together with the other principal authors of the bill, Rep. Micaela Violago and Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr., Eriguel also represented the House in the discussion with their Senate counterpart to come up with the final bicameral version of this significant piece of legislation. R.A. 11228 is a consolidation of House Bill No. 8014 and Senate Bill No. 1391. Eriguel said that under the new law, the
PhilHealth premium contributions for all PWDs would be paid for by the national government. However, the premium contributions of PWD members in the formal economy would be shared equally by their employers and the national government, she added. The funds needed for the implementation of the law would be sourced from the proceeds of R.A. 10351 or the law that restructured the excise tax on alcohol and tobacco products. PhilHealth will develop exclusive packages for PWDs to address their specific health and development needs, while the Department of Health will maintain an updated database on PWDs and their health and development needs. The law also requires the DOH to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, the National Council for Disability Affairs, local government units and other relevant government agencies to conduct a periodic monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the new statute. The agencies will craft the implementing rules and regulations within three months upon the effectivity of the law.
Filipino Catholics enter 40-day Lent AS CATHOLICS entered Wednesday the 40-day solemn and religious observance as reminder of compassion and sacrifice, Church leaders encouraged the faithful to participate in small acts of charity. “We, Filipinos, have a deep relationship with our faith. The season of Lent is another opportunity for us to recenter our lives by helping those who are most in need,” said Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila. One of the charitable activities that the Church has been promoting, especially during this time, is the Hapag-Asa Integrated Nutrition (Hapag-Asa) program. Hapag-Asa has actively partnered with the Church to reduce hunger and malnutrition among more than two-million Filipino children through regular feeding programs in the poorest and remotest places in the country. Poverty is one of the main causes leading to three out of 10 Filipino children currently stunting (low height for age) or wasting (severe weight loss). These conditions have long-term effects on children’s physical and mental development, and render them susceptible to communicable diseases, the Church said in a press statement. To be able to continue their mission to reach and help these children, Hapag-Asa is appealing
to Church goers who practice fasting during the season to donate the funds they are able to save from fasting to what it calls FAST2FEED. Under the FAST2FEED initiative, as little as P10 a day can feed a child Manna Packbased meal. Manna Pack is a rice meal formula fortified with proteins, Vitamin A, B, C, D, and calcium which is mixed with vegetables and commonly used for nutrition feeding programs. “Feeding hungry children can start with our little sacrifice. Imagine how our P10 can go towards nutritious meals that may spell a difference for their future,” said Hapag-Asa Program Director Florinda Lacanlalay. Hapag-asa feeding programs are supplemented by skills and livelihood training for parents and values education sessions for both parents and children. Hapag-Asa also helps communities, especially mothers, to form self-help groups to establish a strong support system within the community capable of organizing their own initiatives to get them out of poverty. Visit hapagasafeeding.com to know more about Hapag-Asa and donate to the program. You may also deposit directly to the program by using Hapag-Asa or FAST2FEED envelopes to be distributed during the Ash Wednesday Mass in churches throughout the country.
SAVE the Children Philippines is helping mothers learn to communicate with adolescent children on lessons of sexuality and reproductive health to address the rising cases of teenage pregnancy that cause ill-health and deaths to mothers and babies. Lawyer Albert Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines said empowering mothers with right information and communication skills ensure children reach their optimum growth and full potential. “Early pregnancy disrupts childhood, perpetuates poverty while putting the lives of young mothers and babies at risk due to poor health and complications,” Muyot said in a press statement. Save the Children Philippines joins the International Women’s Day celebration on March 8 with the theme: “We Make Change Work for Women,” highlighting empowerment of women as active contributors of development. Dr. Miel Nora, Technical Advisor on Adolescent Sexuality and Reproductive Health of Save the Children Philippines said a baseline study shows that Very Young Adolescent aged 10 to 14 years old preferred to get information on sexuality and reproductive health from their mothers. But most mothers are not equipped with the right information and communication skills in teaching the subject. Using the study, the group implemented the Healthy, Empowered and Responsible Teens or “HEART to Heart” program in Luzon and Mindanao to help mothers and caregivers improve their communication skills to teach sexuality and reproductive health. The six-month program was given to beneficiaries of conditional cash transfer with participation of 120 mothers and caregivers in Navotas and Malabon in Luzon and rural communities of Alabel and Maitum, Sarangani in Mindanao. He said the project improved parents’ knowledge of sexuality and reproductive health by at least 31 percent. Dr. Nora said the program builds open communication between a parent and a child, which is essential to prevent teenagers from getting pregnant.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila
Standard
TODAY
The Monthly Payments shall be paid to the Seller on a monthly basis in accordance with the following formula:
Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City
paid by CLPC are subject to adjustments based on various indices. 27. The components of the Operation and Maintenance Fees representing foreign currency-denominated costs are adjusted based on the foreign exchange rate and the appropriate foreign price indices; those representing local costs are adjusted based on local price indices. The Actual Fuel Costs vary based on the applicable fuel cost index.
Monthly Payments = CRF + FOMF + VOMF + AFC + SC + Taxes IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE NON-FIRM ENERGY SUPPLY AGREEMENT BETWEEN COTABATO LIGHT & POWER COMPANY AND MAPALAD POWER CORPORATION, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
Where:
ERC CASE NO. 2018-113 RC
COTABATO LIGHT & POWER COMPANY AND MAPALAD POWER CORPORATION, Applicants. x--------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:
3.
FOMF Fee
=
Fixed Operation and Maintenance
28. Financial Model. A copy of MPC’s financial model for the tariff is attached in the application. As discussed below, the financial model is the subject of a motion for confidential treatment of information.
VOMF = Fee
Variable Operation and Maintenance
AFC
=
Actual Fuel Cost
SC
=
Start - Up Costs
Taxes
=
Value - Added Tax, other applicable taxes and government impositions, if any
29. Rate Implication. An analysis was conducted to determine the impact of the implementation of the ESA on CLPC’s generation costs, a copy of which is attached in the said Application. The following table shows the indicative rate impact: Estimated Generation Charge* (Year 2018, Php/kWh)
CRF = CRFR x ED
CRF
=
UF
=
Utilization Factor of 28.71%
ED
=
kWh delivered during the Billing Month
Annex N O P Q R S T U V W X Y
The Fixed Operation & Maintenance Fee (FOMF) covers the operating and maintenance costs of the MPC Power Station. It shall be computed according to the following formula:
Nature of the Joint Application 4.
Section 45(b) of Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, provides that the distribution utilities may enter into bilateral power supply contracts subject to review by the Honorable Commission. In connection with this, ERC Resolution No.2, Series of 2015 provides that the distribution utilities and generation companies jointly file with the Honorable Commission their respective power supply agreements. Statement of Facts
5.
Among the declared State policies of Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2008 (“EPIRA”) as enumerated in Section 2 thereof, is ensuring the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power. CLPC shares in the realization of this State policy.
6.
As part of its thrust to provide a more resilient sourcing of the power needs of its customers, CLPC deemed it prudent to have an alternative source of power from suppliers that are willing and capable of supplying power to CLPC on an as needed, or non-firm, basis.
7.
8.
Thus, CLPC sought competitive offers for the non-firm supply of up to 5 MW of capacity from prospective suppliers. After the second round of the competitive selection process, two winning bidders emerged, and CLPC awarded and signed two non-firm supply contracts with the winning bidders, one of which is MPC. Thus, this instant Joint Application for the approval of the non-firm Energy Supply Agreement (”ESA”) between MPC and CLPC. Overview of the 103 MW MPC Power Station
9.
The Generation Facilities. MPC shall supply power under the ESA from its bunker C-fired diesel power station with a total net generating capacity of 103 MW, located in Sitio Mapalad, Barangay Dalipuga, Iligan City, Province of Lanao del Norte (the “MPC Power Station”). A description of the technical and economic characteristics of the Power Station is attached in the Application.
10. The specific fuel oil consumption (“SFOC”) rate of the Power Station shall not be greater than 0.2464 kg/kWh at site condition of 32 deg. C ambient temperature. The SFOC is based on a bunker C fuel oil density of 0.9855 kilogram/liter. A copy of a certification on the Power Station’s SFOC rate is attached in the Application. 11. Project Cost. A summary of the costs of the project as of March 2014 is attached to the application and for reference, a comparison between the said project cost and earlier project cost totals used to compute the tariff is attached also attached in the said application. 12. Operating Expenses A breakdown of the projected operating expenses is attached is attached to the application and for reference, a comparison between MPC’s updated and previous projected fixed operating expenses is likewise attached in the said application. 13. Debt Equity Ratio. The project was funded through loans and equity, with a debt-equity ratio of 68:32. For the costs of an additional unit brought back to the MPC Power Station, the debt-equity ratio is 70:30. 14. Computation of Weighted Average Cost of Capital (“WACC”), Annual Interest. The nominal pre-tax Weighted Average Cost of Capital (“WACC”) of the project is 12.38%. MPC’s actual interest cost is 6.5% p.a. A copy of the computation of the WACC and the relevant loan agreement reflecting the interest rate are attached in the said Application.
16. Environmental Compliance Requirements. The Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines previously approved the exemption of the MPC Power Station from the requirement of an environmental compliance certificate. Nevertheless, the MPC Power Plant will be operated responsibly in accordance with good utility practice and in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations, including environmental laws. Copies of documents evidencing such exemption are attached in the said Application. 17. DOE Certification. The Department of Energy (“DOE”) has certified that the capacity of the MPC Power Plant is consistent with the DOE’s Power Development Plan. A copy of the said certification is attached in the said Application.
FOMF =
Fixed O&M Fee, in Pesos
UF
=
Utilization Factor of 28.71%
ED
=
kWh delivered during the Billing Month
CPIn
=
Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination
CPIo
=
Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for June 2010 (at 115.9,2006 = 100)
WPCn
=
Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination
Salient Terms and Conditions of the ESA
20. Maximum Contract Demand and Supply of Energy. The Maximum Contract Demand refers to the maximum quantity (in kilowatts) that CLPC may nominate and draw per Interval as defined in the ESA. Beginning on Operations Effective Date, MPC shall deliver, on an as-available basis and as-needed by CLPC, the quantities nominated by CLPC up to 5,000 kW (whether from the capacity of the power plants owned or operated by MPC, any of its Affiliates or any third party supplier) to CLPC at the Delivery Point. 21. Adjustments to Maximum Contract Demand. At any time during the Contract Period, CLPC may send a written request to increase the maximum Contract Demand no later than sixty (60) Days prior to the date of effectivity of such proposed increase, which shall be without prejudice to the right of MPC to waive the sixty (60) Day notice period. MPC may, at its sole option, approve the request to increase the Maximum Contract Demand, and the energy quantities attributable to the additional Maximum Contract Demand shall be paid for by CLPC at the Contract Price. CLPC may also request an adjustment to the Maximum Contract Demand in respect of a particular Billing Period by delivery of written notice thereof at least (30) Days before the date on which such adjustment is proposed to take effect, which shall be without prejudice to the right MPC to waive the thirty (30) Day notice period, setting out the reasons therefore and providing all documents necessary to support the request. Any such request shall be subject to approval by MPC in its sole discretion (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and the energy quantities attributable to the additional Maximum Contract Demand shall be paid for by CLPC at the Contract Price. 22. Monthly Payments. MPC shall deliver to CLPC a Billing Statement setting out the Electricity Fees due on account of Contract Energy delivered during each Billing Period on or before the seventh (7th) Day of the Payment Month. If MPC sourced any capacity and/or energy from another supplier during any particular Billing period, the Billing Statement(s) shall (a) set out the quantities of capacity and/or energy sourced from such other suppliers and the amount due thereon, (b) identify the account or accounts to which amounts payable to it may be paid, (c) identify value-added taxes due on all capacity and/or energy sourced and delivered, if any, and (d) have attached thereto copies of invoices, statements, or other acceptable substitutes issued by the relevant supplier in respect of any capacity and/or energy sourced and delivered by such supplier. 23. Penalties. If CLPC fails to pay the Electricity Fee or any other amounts payable by it under the ESA in full on the due date, it shall pay a penalty of one percent (1%) per month (a fraction of a month to be considered one month) based on the amount due, from the date when such payment is due until the date such amount is received in full by MPC. In the event that any charges due from MPC are not credited or paid in accordance with Section 8.1.1 of the ESA, MPC shall be liable to pay interest one percent (1%) per month (a fraction of a month to be considered one month) based on the unpaid charges, from the date when such amount is due until the date it is received in full by CLPC.
Monthly Payments
33. In accordance with Section 1, Rule 4 of this Honorable Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“ERC Rules”), Applicant MPC respectfully moves that the financial model be treated as confidential information for the following reasons:
33.2. In the case Air Philippines Corporation vs. Pennswell Inc, 1 the Supreme Court defined “trade secret” as follows: “A trade secret is defined as a plan or process, tool, mechanism or compound known only to its owner and those of his employees to whom it is necessary to confide it. The definition also extends to a secret formula or process not patented, but known only to certain individuals using it in compounding some article of trade having commercial value.
=
Euro - Peso Exchange Rate for the period of price determination as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
EUo
=
Euro - Peso Exchange Rate for June 2010 (at P56.5910 / lEuro) as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
FPPIn
=
Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing for the period price determination as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF
FPPIo
=
Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing for June 2010 (at 99.97) as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF
A trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device, or compilation of information that (1) is used in one’s business; and (2) gives the employer an opportunity to obtain advantage over competitors who do not possess the information. Generally, a trade secret is a process or device intended for continuous operation of the business, for example, a machine or formula, but can be a price list or catalogue or specialized customer list. It is indubitable that trade secrets constitute proprietary rights.” 34. Also, the financial model was prepared and developed for the exclusive use of MPC, and is designed for the specific use of the company in its power generation business. Consequently, should the financial model be disclosed to the public, they could easily be copied or used by MPC’s competitors or other entities engaged in the power business for their own benefit, and to the prejudice of MPC. Thus, the commercial value of the model will be diminished significantly. 35. Given the foregoing, the financial model qualifies as “confidential information” as defined under Section 2, Rule 4 of the ERC Rules.
1.3. Variable Operation & Maintenance Fee (VOMF)
36. In accordance with Section 1 (b), Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, an electronic copy of the financial model is contained in a compact disc and submitted in a sealed envelope marked with the word “Confidential.”
The Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee (VOMF) covers the cost of the use of, among other items, chemicals, lubricants and spare parts, that are directly related to the generation of the MPC Power Station. It shall be computed according to the following formula:
37. Further, all parties furnished copies of the present Application are not furnished copies of the model subject the present motion. 38. In accordance with Sections 3 and 4, Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, Applicant MPC reserves the right to use the financial model and its contents as evidence, and respectfully moves for the issuance of a Protective Order. ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
Where:
39. As earlier intimated, the non-firm ESA is a mode proposed by CLPC to provide a more resilient sourcing of the power needs of its customers.
VOMF
=
Variable O&M Fee, in Pesos
VOMFR
=
Variable O&M Fee Rate of Php 0.17/kWh
ED
=
kWh delivered during the Billing Month
CPIn
=
Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination
CPIo
=
Consumer Price Index for Metropolitan Manila Area (National Capital Region), all items published by NEDA/NSO for June 2010 (115.9, 2006 = 100)
EUn
=
Euro - Peso Exchange Rate for the period of price determination as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
EUo
=
Euro - Peso Exchange Rate for June 2010 (at P56.5910 /1 Euro) as published by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
FPPIn
=
Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing for the period of price determination as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF
FPPIo
=
Finland Producers’ Price Index for Manufacturing for June 2010 (at 99.97) as published in the International Financial Statistics of IMF
WPCn
=
Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for the period of price determination
WPCo
=
Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for June 2010 (at 518.2).
40. In the event that there is a sudden need for CLPC to source power for its customers for reasons such as short term demand growth or temporary unavailability of supply from other suppliers to meet demand, CLPC may call on the non-firm supply from MPC under the ESA. 41. The grant of a provisional authority will allow CLPC to immediately draw power under the ESA when needed by CLPC’s customers. Thus, the immediate approval of the ESA will ultimately redound to the benefit of CLPC’s customers in terms of continuous, reliable, efficient and affordable power supply. The Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Anthony Bueno is attached in the Application in support of the motion for provisional approval.
1.4. Actual Fuel Cost (AFC) The Actual Fuel Cost (AFC) is the fee paid to the Seller as payment for the procurement and delivery of the fuel oil (Diesel) used in the operation of the MPC Power Station. The Actual Fuel Cost shall be computed as follows:
42. Applicants pray that the Commission: (1) issue an Order declaring the financial model attached in the Application as confidential information within the purview of Rule 4 of the ERC Rules, as well as directing that the same be treated with confidentiality and be protected from public disclosure; (2) issue the corresponding Protective Order in accordance with Section 2 and 4 of the said Rule 4; (3) Pending trial on the merits, provisionally approve the ESA, including all the rates, fees and charges set out therein; and (4)After trial on the merits, approve with finality the ESA, including all the rates, fees and charges set out therein. On 07 January 2019, the Commission issued an Order and a Notice of Public Hearing setting the application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, pre-trial conference, and presentation of evidence on 27 February 2019 at CLPC’s Main Office, Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City. On 01 February 2019, applicant CLPC filed a Motion to Change Venue and Reset Hearing with Entry of Appearance, praying that the venue of hearing be transferred from CLPC’s Main Office, Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City to the Commission’s Field Office in Davao City, in view of the heightened security alert in and around the area of Cotabato City and the date of hearing be reset to a later date. Finding the said Motion meritorious, the same is hereby GRANTED. Accordingly, the instant application is hereby set anew for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 27 March 2019 (Wednesday) two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.), at ERC Mindanao Field Office, Mintrade Building, Monteverde Avenue cor. Sales St. Davao City. All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following:
AFC = FC x EC x ED
1)
The petitioner’s name and address;
2)
The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and
3)
A statement of the relief desired.
Where: AFC
=
Actual Fuel Cost, in Pesos
FC
=
Fuel Cost, The average MOPS of Bunker C Fuel Oil/Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) deliveries during the period of price determination in Peso/liter
ED
=
kWh delivered during the Billing Month
All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicants rest their case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1) The name and address of such person; 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and
1.5. Start-Up Costs (SC) The Buyer, on a pro rata basis of the capacity of the MPC Power Station allocated to the Buyer, shall pay the Seller Start - Up Costs for the cost of starting up the MPC Power Station after a period of shutdown due to any reason attributable to all the buyers of the Seller. The Start-Up Costs shall be computed based on the prevailing price of diesel fuel at the time of the Start Up and paid in accordance with the following: SC = (No. of Cold Start ups x 600 liters x price of Diesel per liter) + (No. of Warm Start ups x 300 liters x price of Diesel per liter)
Electricity Fees
I.
Document CLPC’s Articles of Incorporation (AOI) CLPC’s By-Laws CLPC’s General Information Sheet (GIS) and Ownership Structure Map MPC’s Securities and Exchange Commission Certificate of Registration MPC’s Articles of Incorporation MPC’ By-Laws of MPC MPC’s General Information Sheet MPC’s Audited Financial Statements Diagram showing MPC’s affiliates and/or subsidiaries CLPC’s Demand Side Management Programs PSALM Certification CLPC’s Supply and Demand Scenario and Average Dailv Load Curves
33.1. The financial model qualifies as a “trade secret” as contemplated under existing jurisprudence.
EUn
Schedule 7.2 Rates Schedule
The Buyer shall make the following payments to the Seller in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement:
0.1408
32. The financial model discloses the basis for the tariff under the ESA. It includes all the formulas and calculations as well as the assumptions and values considered therein.
Wholesale Price Index for Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials for the Philippines as published by NEDA/NSO for June 2010 (at 518.2,1998=100)
25. Electricity Fees. Electricity Fees refers to the total amount of charges due from CLPC in respect of all energy supplied during a Billing Period, computed in accordance with Schedule 7.2 of the ESA. Schedule 7.2 of the ESA is provided below. The term “Customer” or “Buyer” refer to CLPC, while “Supplier” or “Seller” refer to MPC.
The Electricity Fees are exclusive of applicable Value Added Tax (“VAT”), which shall be for the account of Customer and shall be reflected in the Invoice to be issued to Customer. For the avoidance of doubt, the value-added tax that shall be remitted by Customer to supplier is the amount as actually collected by Customer from its customers.
4.2117
MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION
=
24. Taxes, Fees and Costs. Save as otherwise provided in the ESA, each Party shall be liable for such taxes, fees, costs and expenses that each may incur on account of the performance of its obligations hereunder, including legal and professional fees, if any. CLPC shall be liable for payment of the Universal Charge, it being understood that the imposition of the Universal Charge pursuant to the provisions of EPIRA shall not be an event of Force Majeure.
a.
4.0709
31. As mentioned above, the financial model attached is hereby submitted under a motion to treat information confidential (“Motion”) .
WPCo
18. Certificate of Compliance. This Honorable Commission has issued the necessary Certificate of Compliance for the Power Station. A copy of the said certification is attached in the said application.
19. Contract Period. The ESA provides for a Contract Period of three (3) years from Operations Effective Date as defined in the ESA. The ESA also stipulates that any time during the Contract Period, the Parties may enter into good faith negotiations to extend the Contract Period under the same terms and conditions of the ESA.
Impact
Annex Document Z CLPC’s Distribution Development Plan Summaries AA and series Invitations to Submit Proposal for the Supply of Power and Bidding Terms of Reference, published on 5 March 2017 and 17 March 2017 BB and series Letter proposals from bidders CC and series CLPC BAC Evaluation Reports dated 15 March 2017 and 29 March 2017 DD CLPC Board Resolution confirming approval of Evaluation Report EE CLPC Notice of Award to MPC dated 3 April 2017 FF and series Matrix of Competitive Selection Process GG Certification (Conduct of Competitive Selection Process) HH Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) between MPC and CLPC II Write-up on Other Documentary Requirements
Where:
15. Fuel Supply. In order to ensure the supply of fuel for the operations of the MPC Power Station, MPC solicited offers from reputable suppliers in the area, and has contracted with the supplier which offered the best terms. A discussion of the fuel procurement process and a copy of the fuel supply agreement are attached in the said Application.
With MPC (non-firm)
30. The following documents are likewise attached as annexes hereof, to support the instant application:
Capital Recovery Fee, in Pesos
1.2. Fixed Operation & Maintenance Fee (FOMF)
Applicants may be served with notices, orders and other processes of the Honorable Commission through their respective undersigned counsel.
Without MPC (non-firm)
* Assumptions: - MPC is projected to enter on May 2018 - Power Cost used is based on ERC approved rate per supplier - MPC will cater the forecasted demand growth and shortfall of PSALM in 2018 and thereafter
Where:
CLPC is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with office address at Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City. It is a duly authorized distribution utility of electric power to the end-users in City of Cotabato, and portions of the Municipalities of Sultan Kudarat, and Datu Odin Sinsuat, both in the province of Maguindanao, pursuant to its franchise under Republic Act No. 10637. MPC is a generation company duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at 4th Floor, Alphaland Southgate Tower, 2258 Pasong Tamo Extension corner EDSA, Makati City.
Capital Recovery Fees
CRF shall be computed as follows:
In their Application, CLPC and MPC alleged, among others, the following:
2.
=
1.1. Capital Recovery Fee (CRF)
Notice is hereby given that on 29 November 2018, Cotabato Light & Power Company (CLPC) and Mapalad Power Corporation (MPC) filed an Application dated 04 October 2018, seeking the approval of their Non-Firm Energy Supply Agreement, with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.
1.
CRF
1.6.
Type of Start - Up
Liters of Diesel Fuel
Cold Start - up (more than 10 hours of shutdown)
600
Warm Start - up (less than 10 hoursof shutdown)
300
3) The grounds relied upon. All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicants that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicants are hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours. WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson, AGNES VST DEVANADERA and the Honorable Commissioners CATHERINE P. MACEDA and PAUL CHRISTIAN M. CERVANTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 18th day of February 2019 in Pasig City.
JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal
Value Added Tax The relative Value Added Taxes (“VAT”) of the above fee payments 12% shall be computed as follows: VAT = (CRF + FOMF + VOMF + AFC + SC) X 0.12 For reference, a sample computation of the monthly payment is contained in Schedule 7.2 of the ESA.
26. Basis for indexation. As indicated in the formulas above, the monthly fees to be
1
G. R. No. 172835, 13 December 2007. (MS-MAR. 7 & 14, 2019)
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Sports
Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@manilastandard.net sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
A8
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
Fil-American Natalie Uy makes her golden leap of 4.12 meters in the Ayala Philippine Athletics Championships in Iligan, Isabela.
PRURide gets UCI nod, hosts 2.2 race PRUride PH—the country’s largest annual cycling festival hosted by British life insurer Pru Life UK—is set to be even bigger this year following its accreditation by Union Cycliste Internationale, the world’s governing body for cycling, as a UCI 2.2 event. This will allow professional Filipino riders and foreign international teams to collect UCI points to qualify for entry into the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. To be held on May 24 to 26 in Subic, the UCI 2.2 Stage Race will kick off at Harbor Point, Subic and will see professional cycling teams compete for individual, team and stage honors to earn UCI points. The three-stage race will take the riders onto different roads around Bataan and up to the peak of the historic Mt. Samat. Aspiring racers can experience the same adrenaline rush professionals go through by joining the Masters Race, which will take place on May 26, while those looking to participate in a non-competitive ride can join the Gran Fondo, which offer 30-, 60- or 100-kilometer options. PRURide PH 2019 will also feature a Virtual Race, which uses state-of-the-art technology to simulate a high-speed track cycling virtual game. Participants with the best recorded times in the elimination rounds during several mall tours will compete at the grand finals on May 26 in Subic and can stand a chance to win a limited-edition carbon fiber road bike. In addition, riders looking for high-speed circuit action can take part in the Criterium, to be held on April 7 at Filinvest, Alabang. Cyclists of all levels can enjoy the thrill and excitement in different race categories, such as fixed gear, road bike, mountain bike, folding bike races, and more. The tempo of the two-weekend cycling festival will be raised even further with the participation of PRURide PH ambassadors and celebrities Zoren Legaspi, Kim Atienza, and Gretchen Ho. Now in its third year, PRURide PH 2019 is expected to attract more than 2,500 riders from across Asia. Aside from the 18 categories, friends, families and spectators can enjoy various fun activities such as Zumba sessions, an inflatable playground, massage and health check stations, face paint booths, and mini-concerts, among many others.
Fil-Am rips 11-year PH pole vault record I
LAGAN—Looks like Philippine athletics has a new darling. Filipino-American Natalie Uy debuted for the national team in style as she ruled the women’s pole vault event in recordbreaking fashion on opening day of the 2019 Ayala-Philippine Athletics Championship Wednesday afternoon here at the Ilagan City Sports Complex.
The pretty 5’6” newcomer vaulted for 4.12 meters right in her first try to shatter an 11-year national women’s record of 4.11 meters recorded by Deborah Samson at the 2008 California Regionals. “I was a little nervous the whole week but I just had to go out and play today,” said the Ohio native, who waited for seven months before finally wearing the Philippine colors. “It’s incredible. I’m very happy how it went out today. I’m just really happy to come over here.” Natalie Uy
She was supposed to play for the PH flag as early as the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, but her papers weren’t ready at the time. She secured her Philippine passport in mid-August last year. Uy’s record leap would have been a sure gold in the Southeast Asian Games, too, as the winning mark of Chayanesa Chomchuendee in the 2017 edition of the biennial meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia only stood at 4.1 meters. Expect more from Uy, who has a personal-best 4.30 meters achieved in Spain last year. “Absolutely! Yes, I can do better than this,” added the 24-year-old pole vaulter, whose father Henry Uy hails from Cebu. “With more training, yes, I can do better. I’m excited to train and bring home the gold this coming SEA Games.” Her national teammates Alyana Nicolas and Riezel Buenaventura grabbed the silver and bronze medals with 3.80 and 3.40 meters, respectively, in the tournament organized by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field
Association and supported by the City of Ilagan, Ayala, Milo, Philippine Sports Commission, Soleus, L.TimeStudio, Cherrylume, Foton, Asian Athletics Association and the International Association of Athletics Federation. In the 10,000 meters earlier, Philippine Army’s Richard Salaño seized the trackfest’s first gold with a clocking of 31 minutes and 42.31 seconds, barely winning over Philippine Air Force’s Rafael Poliquit (31:42:96) and Anthony Nerza (31:43:89). The Army Corporal Salaño is now looking at a potential three-gold medal harvest as he also shoots for the titles in the men’s 3,000-meter steeple chase and the 5,000 meters in the next two days of the three-day trackfest serving as his preparation for his SEA Games’ debut. The national team member Salaño clinched all the said events last year en route to his promotion from a Private First Class and more importantly, to his inclusion to the national athletics’ team. Meanwhile, Majayjay, Bukidnon native Christine Hallasgo ran away with the women’s 10,000 meters’ gold with a time of 38 minutes and 39.27 seconds, beating Janice Nerza (42:36:27) of Air Force and Maria Lyka Sarmiento (46:36:08) of Adamso. On the other hand, Veteran Janry Ubas jumped 7.55 meters to win the men’s long jump over last year’s champion Julian Fuentes and boost his chances of getting his slot back on the national team after being dropped last year.
Park shows why she’s world’s no. 1
LAGUNA—Sung Hyun Park backed her esteemed world No. 1 ranking with a kind of start rarely achieved on an exacting course like The Country Club then held sway in windy conditions at the back to shoot a three-under 69 for a two-stroke lead over amateur Yuka Saso and Taiwanese Wu Hsiao-Ling and Lin Tzu-Chi at the start of the TCC Ladies Invitational here in Sta. Rosa yesterday. With a huge gallery, that included a host of foreign media, Korean fans and local enthusiasts, Park put her near-flawless shotmaking and iron play on display in the first nine holes, producing three birdies and oohs and ahhs from the crowd before slowing down with a two-birdie, two-bogey effort in the last nine holes for a 33-36 card. “I didn’t expect to play this well. I know that the course is hard but I also know that I could do better in the second round,” said Park, who hit an errant tee-shot on the long par-3 11th and three putted No. 15 for her bogeys in her first tournament after
claiming the world’s top ranking Tuesday. She also flubbed at least three makeable birdie putts on the surface that proved not as fast as the field expected it to be. Though her backside stint left so much to be desired from a player of her caliber, it still proved enough to put her on top of the $100,000 event she’s expected to dominate although Saso likewise lived up to the pre-tournament hype with a 71 behind a strong finish that should further impressed the most fancied player in the fold. The Asian Games gold medalist actually failed to shake off jitters playing against Park and Dottie Ardina, dropping a stroke on the first hole. But after a run of pars, the recent Philippine Amateur Ladies Open winner birdied the 10th and gunned down another birdie on the 16th to get back into early contention in the 54hole championship serving as the third leg of LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) and fifth stop of the 2018-19 Ladies Philippine Golf Sung Hyun Park Tour put up by ICTSI.
Southwoods bucks shaky start to lead by 1
Yuto Katsuragawa Photo by Charles Dantes
CEBU—Despite falling way short of its opening round target, reigning four-time champion Manila Southwoods yesterday still grabbed a one-point lead over darkhorse Tagaytay Highlands as the exclusive Cebu Country Club layout here proved one tough nut to crack for the talented field. Ace Yuto Katsuragawa fired an eagle-spiked one-under-par 71 worth 37 points to lead the Carmona-based squad to a 125 tally as Tagaytay Highlands rode the 33s of Marty Ilagan and new recruit Jolo Magcalayo to emerge as the closest pursuer. Action shifts to Mactan Island Golf Club for the next two days, and Southwoods’ non-playing skipper Thirdy Escano declared that Katsuragawa will be sitting out the next two rounds, guaranteeing that Southwoods will have its biggest gun come the final day on Saturday. “I can’t really say that I am disappointed,” Escano said after Kristoffer Arevalo, the former junior world champion, holed out for a 31 that went with the 29 of Josh Jorge and either 28 of Carl Corpus and Chepe Dulay. “I can’t really complain because we’re still leading, and I hope that this (round) will turn out to be our bad day for the week,” added Escano, who played his last Regular champi-
onship when Southwoods won the first of those four titles also here in Cebu. Jolo Magcalayo picked up on the 18th hole after missing his second putt for a bogey, and Highlands counted the 30 of Jonas Magcalayo and the 28 of Lisandro Opulencia for its 124, two points ahead of perennial contender Del Monte Golf, which got a level 36 from Romeo Jaraula. Luisita, the Senior champion last week, was seven shots off after a 118 built around the 32 of Luigi Paolo Wong and the 31 of Don Petil. “You have to consider where a player can play his best,” Escano said, when asked why he will bench Katsuragawa at Mactan, an easier course compared to the well-manicured Cebu CC. “He’s a lot more familiar here (Cebu CC) and this is where we can maximize his game.” Young Jung-oh’s 22 failed to count for Tagaytay Highlands, which was supposed to play in the lower Founders Division but found itself ranged against the big boys at the last minute after the addition of Jolo Magcalayo. Highlands also has a formidable bench, with Raymund Sangil and Jenz Tecson in the roster.
Dyip edge Painters, 85 to 82 By Jeric Lopez COLUMBIAN Dyip erased an early 11-point deficit and hustled its way in the second half to escape with a vital 85-82 squeaker over Rain or Shine and stay in good shape in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday. Rashawn McCarthy once again took charge for the Dyip, scoring 22 points, including five triples and five rebounds to show the way. The Dyip continued their mastery of the Elasto Painters, winning their fourth straight dating back to last season. More importantly, Columbian boosted its bid for a quarterfinals’ berth as it improved to 4-5 to move up to sixth place, while Rain or Shine dropped its second straight game to fall to 7-3, still in second place. Columbian started gaining steam midway the third as it manufactured a 10-0 run to open up a 55-46 advantage at the 6:47 mark after a Jackson Corpuz jumper and then at 66-59. Rain or Shine battled back, tying things up at 73-all with 6:54 remaining after a 7-0 run following a Mark Borboran triple. However, Columbian kept its poise and regained the driver’s seat, taking an 83-79 edge into the twilight zone. Gabe Norwood’s triple sliced the Dyip’s lead to a single points, 83-82, and gave the Painters a chance. After Reden Selda sank two freebies with 2.3 ticks left that stretched Columbian’s lead to 85-82, James Yap had a chance to send the game to overtime but his last-second triple went astray. Rain or Shine actually started the game out burly, carving a doubledigit lead, 26-15, right away at the end of one.
Vermosa hub aquathlon set on March 10 SOME 400 aspiring and veteran multisport athletes from around the country are set to converge at Vermosa Sports Hub in Daang Hari, Cavite for the Vermosa Sports Hub Aquathlon 1 on Sunday. This aquathlon is the first event in the Vermosa Sports Hub Series and the Sun Life Aquathlon Series organized by Bike King Philippines. The event is designed to combine healthy competition in a family-friendly environment utilizing the world-class facilities of the Vermosa Sports Hub, the country’s first one-stop training facility opened in 2018 and boasts of an Olympicsize pool, football field, track oval, and a sports and science laboratory. Participants as young as 7 years old to adults over 50 will take on age-appropriate race distances when the gun goes off at 6:30 a.m., beginning with a swim in the Olympic-size pool followed by a run on the track oval. The longest course is the standard distance 500-meter swim and 5-km run. The shortest course is a 100-meter swim and a 600-meter run for kids aged 7 to 10. At stake in the event supported by Ayala Land Inc., Gatorade, Standard Insurance, Speedo, My Daily Collagen, and Mogu Mogu are medals and gift packs for the top 3 finishers of each age-group category. The March 10 race, which is part of both Vermosa Sports Hub and Sun Life Aquathlon series, will award points to the Top 20 finishers of the standard distance category. By joining the races of each series, participants can vie for the honor of being named the Top Aquathlete in their age group by the end of 2019.
San Beda cage camp slated THE 14th season of the San Beda Basketball Camp is set this April at the Mendiola and Taytay campuses. Registration is now open for interested parties, who may contact Oliver Quiambao at 735-6011, local 2104, or at 0929-1971071, or through camp organizer Edmundo Badolato at 0908-8624543. Classes at the Mendiola campus will be from April 4 to May, 2019 every Monday and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. Sessions at the Taytay, Rizal campus will be from April 5 to May 3, every Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fee is P4,000. A package deal of P7,000 is offered for those who will enroll in both the April and May sessions. Supported by Molten balls and Gatorade, the camp, which is handled by coaches from San Beda University is open for boys and girls. Enrollees will get a San Beda jersey at the start of the camp and a Molten ball at the end of the sessions. There will be a 3x3 tournament during the last day of the camp.
IN BRIEF
Business
Metrojet to build big hangar in Clark CLARK FREEPORT―Business aviation service provider Metrojet Limited is building a world-class facility on a 26,000-square-meter lot of the Clark aviation complex as its Asia-Pacific hub, a top executive said Wednesday. The state-of-the-art hangar, to be used as parking and maintenance facility, can accommodate 10 long-range business jets once completed and fully operational by the first quarter of 2020. The Hong Kong-based business aviation provider described Clark as a jewel in the aviation industry given its strategic location and availability of resources including manpower. “In Clark, which will be our main hub in Asia, I promise you this will be the nicest and busiest hub in the entire Asia,” said Metrojet Ltd. chief executive Gary Dolski said during the ceremonial ground breaking for the project. Dolski said the project would generate employment from “within the surrounding communities”. “All our employees will be from here as we are going to hire locally so that we can bring back home Filipino workers abroad and reunited with their families. I have worked with many Filipinos. They are very talented and skilled,” Dolski said. Jess Malabanan
PSBank’s income hit P2.7b in 2018
PHILIPPINE Savings Bank, the thrift banking arm of the Metrobank Group, said Wednesday net income in 2018 was flat at P2.7 billion amid high interest and faster inflation rates. The bank said in a statement the 2018 profit translated into a return on equity of 11.4 percent and a return on asset of 1.2 percent. Net interest income increased 2.3 percent year-on-year to P11.3 billion. “PSBank proactively responded to last year’s challenges brought about by higher interest rates and inflation by focusing on sales and improving on its operating efficiencies, without compromising its commitment in providing excellent customer service,” PSBank president Jose Vicente Alde said. Total assets rose 6.5 percent to P237.7 billion and gross loans climbed 7.1 percent to P156.7 billion. Total deposits rose 6.2 percent to P200.7 billion. PSBank said the total capital adequacy ratio settled at 13.9 percent while the common equity tier 1 ratio was at 11.3 percent, both above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ minimum required level. Julito G. Rada
Govt approves P10 increase in NLEx toll By Darwin G. Amojelar
T
HE government approved a P10 increase in toll along the North Luzon Expressway effective March 20, or seven years after operator NLEx Corp. first applied for the periodic adjustment. NLEx was allowed to collect a total of P10 in additional toll in the open system and P0.18 per kilometer in the closed system, respectively. Included in the adjustments are the new add-on toll of P6 applicable to the open system with the completion of the Harbor Link Segment 10 and the first tranche of the approved periodic adjustments due 2013 and 2015 amounting to an additional P4 in the open system and P0.18 per kilometer in the closed system. The elevated 5.65-kilometer NLEx Harbor Link Segment 10 traversing Valenzuela, Malabon and Caloocan City recently opened for motorists.
Under the new toll matrix released by the Toll Regulatory Board, Class 1 vehicles (ordinary cars) traversing Quezon City, Caloocan City, Valenzuela City, Malabon, Meycauayan and Marilao sections will pay an additional P10. Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks) on the same corridor will pay an additional P23 and Class 3 vehicles (large trucks/trailers) will pay an additional P29. The open system, where a flat rate is charged per entry, includes Balintawak, Mindanao Ave., Karuhatan, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Meycauayan and Marilao interchanges and toll plazas. These cover the urban section of the expressway where
traffic congestion is more pronounced. Class 1, 2 and 3 vehicles traveling end to end or between Edsa Balintawak or Mindanao Ave. to Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City will be charged an additional P22, P56 and P67, respectively. NLEx, however, agreed to charge lower toll by P1 to P2 across the board to cushion the impact of the adjustments. NLEx Harbor Link Segment 9 and the recently opened Segment 10 are now parts of the open system. The completion of these projects added new routes, exits and entry points to the system, helping decongest several traffic chokepoints like A. Bonifacio, Edsa, C3 Caloocan, Karuhatan, MacArthur Highway and Quezon City. NLEx Harbor Link Segment 10 provided alternative access to more than 30,000 motorists daily. Travel time between C3, Caloocan and NLEx Karuhatan in Valenzuela was reduced from one hour to 5 minutes. It also provided a new route from Mindanao Ave. to Caloocan City.
NFA retains buffer, vending functions
THE National Food Authority Council approved Tuesday the amended implementing rules and regulations on rice importation that include suggestions and recommendations of farmers and rice industry stakeholders. The improvements in the draft IRR include the concept of ‘rolling buffer stocking’ where the NFA, whose main task was reduced to buffer stocking, will buy local farmers’ produce all-year round to maintain 30-day buffer stocks. The system will allow the NFA to roll over its procurement funds and continuously buy local rice, thus protecting the farmers from a feared drop in the buying price. Another improvement is the continuation of the vending functions of the NFA to support the buffer stocking concept as it would have to clear its warehouses of old stocks to prevent spoilage. Othel V. Campos
MANILA WATER LOAN. Manila Water (Thailand) Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Manila Water Company Inc., signs a five-year term loan facility worth 5.3 billion baht with Mizuho Bank Ltd.-Bangkok Branch and Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited (Krungsri) to take out the previous bridge loan used to finance the acquisition of an 18.72-percent equity stake in Eastern Water Resources Development and Management Public Company Limited. Signing the loan agreement are (seated, from left) Krungsri executive vice president Thitawat Asaves, Krungsri first executive vice president Yuzo Nakada, MWTC chairman Perry Rivera, Mizuho Manila general manager Kazuya Nakagawa, MWC chief finance officer and treasurer Cecile Cruzabra and Mizuho Bangkok joint general manager Visut Kittisamuth.
Grab secures $1.46b in fresh fund to expand across Southeast Asia
GRAB Holdings Inc. said Wednesday it secured $1.46 billion in fresh funding from the Softbank Vision Fund to support its expansion plan in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. The capital injection from SVF brings the total financing secured in Grab’s current Series H round to more than $4.5 billion. Other investors in this round include Toyota Motor Corp., Oppenheimer Funds, Hyundai Motor Group, Booking Holdings, Microsoft Corp., Ping An Capital and Yamaha Motor. “SoftBank and the Vision Fund are longstanding strategic investors and we are grateful for their continued support. The investment is a clear statement of belief in our vision to grow Southeast Asia’s technology ecosystem as the region’s Number 1 super app. Looking ahead, we aim to continue improving the lives of many millions of Southeast Asians by providing enhanced income opportunities through our platform and giving our users more choice and conve-
nience,” Grab co-founder and chief executive Anthony Tan said. David Thevenon, a partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers, said: “We have been working alongside Grab for a number of years and are privileged to support the evolution of its user-driven technologies. This investment will help the company explore exciting new opportunities across on-demand mobility, delivery and financial services as it continues to grow its offline-to-online platform across Southeast Asia.” Grab president Ming Maa said that company was blessed with overwhelming shareholder support in its current fundraising round, with strong interest both in terms of capital invested and the quality of strategic partners seeking to support the continued development of Grab. “We continue to receive new investor interest and look forward to welcoming more global industry leaders as partners in 2019,” Maa said. Darwin G. Amojelar
Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
B1
BSP supports Diokno as the new governor By Julito G. Rada THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Wednesday expressed full support to the appointment by President Rodrigo Duterte of Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno as the new governor and chairman of the Monetary Board. BSP officer-in-charge and Deputy Governor Cyd Tuano-Amador said in a statement that as the fifth governor of the BSP, Diokno would bring with him a special brand of leadership honed from decades of exposure to different facets of government operations to improve the lives of Filipinos, in cooperation with the private sector, the academe and various organizations. Diokno will formally assume the top position in the BSP Thursday. “The BSP community looks forward to his assumption into office [Thursday] and to working closely with him to ensure the smooth functioning of the central bank to effectively discharge its mandate to promote price and financial stability, to ensure a safe, reliable and efficient payments system as well as to help sustain economic growth that is inclusive and participatory,” Amador said. Diokno completed his Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration (1968), Master’s in Public Administration (1970) and Master of Arts in Economics (1974) from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also earned a Master of Arts in Political Economy from the Johns Hopkins University in the United States (1976) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University (1981). A seasoned academic and policy expert, Diokno is also a professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines Diliman where he taught for 30 years. He has served three administrations: first as DBM undersecretary for former President Corazon Aquino and eventually as budget secretary under President Joseph Estrada and again for President Duterte. Diokno pursued an expansionary fiscal policy to invest heavily on public infrastructure and human capital development. For the first time in history, the government disbursed more than 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product on public infrastructure―a testament to his firm resolve and expertise.
IMF expects PH to grow faster than 6.2% in 2019 THE International Monetary Fund expects the Philippine economy to grow faster than 6.2 percent this year, on the back of robust domestic demand and slower inflation rate. “Philippine growth will remain robust on the back of strong domestic demand. There is also strong confidence of the business sector with the Philippine economy,” IMF resident representative to the Philippines Yongzheng Yang said during a business forum Wednesday at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. “The Philippine economy will do better this year than last year,” Yang said. He did not cite specific growth forecast. “The IMF will have an update on the Philippine economy in the coming weeks,” Yang said. Yang said the risks to economic
growth were reduced, as the inflation rate returned near the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year. Latest government data showed that inflation in February eased to a one-year low of 3.8 percent from 4.4 percent in January. The February print brought the average inflation in the first two months to 4.1 percent, near the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent. Yang said that aside from the slowing inflation, the continued infrastructure investments under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program of the government would support growth this year. The Philippine economy grew 6.2 percent in 2018. The government expects the economy to grow between 7 and 8 percent in 2019, anchored on higher fiscal spend-
ing, robust domestic demand and investments. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the Philippines was on track to becoming an upper middleincome economy by 2020. “2019 is the year to complete the policy and tax reforms. 2020 will be the year our people start feeling what it means to be an upper middle-income economy,” Dominguez said during the same forum. “We will be the growth leader for the region and an inspiring study for the emerging economies. Already, the Philippines is being described as Asia’s new economic powerhouse,” Dominguez said. He said the Duterte administration was carrying out the infrastructure modernization program and reform agenda at full throttle to prop up the economy. Julito G. Rada
Govt loses P3b in monthly tax from online gaming FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Wednesday he expects to collect P3 billion worth of income tax each month from foreign nationals working in Philippine offshore gaming operations. “The rough calculation is supposing there are 100,000 people earning $2,500 a month which is not that big [and] tax there is 25 percent, $600 more or less. $600 times 100,000 people is ... $60 million a month that we seem not to be collecting,” Dominguez said at the sidelines of a business forum at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. “All foreigners should be taxed, not just Chinese,” Dominguez said, as he clarified that the
government was not focusing on particular nationalities who were working in the so-called Pogos. He said the planned collection of income tax from foreign nationals was just right because “Filipinos are also taxed abroad.” The Finance Department earlier said it would ensure that foreign nationals working in Philippine offshore gaming operations were paying their income taxes. It said it was working closely with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and other government agencies, including the Justice and Labor departments to make foreign nationals working in Pogos comply with the tax laws, particularly in the payment of
income taxes. Under Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 78-2018, all foreign and Philippine-based gaming operators, including those with offshore licenses, are required to register with the BIR as a prerequisite in the renewal of their Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. licenses. This mandates the BIR to identify and monitor tax payments including remittances of taxes withheld on foreign nationals working for them. Dominguez said the list of foreign nationals working for service providers of Pogo operators should be consolidated and reconciled by the various agencies and offices. Julito G. Rada
LENOVO GAMING STORE. Lenovo, the world’s number one PC developer, inaugurates its first Legion Concept Store at the 4th floor of the Annex Building of SM City North Edsa. The store features a wide range of products from Lenovo’s Legion gaming lineup, which visitors can personally test and play games on. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) Lenovo Philippines channel account manager Sheilla Valencia, retail manager ; Charm Bautista, Villman area manager ; Emma Villaroman, Villman purchasing head Eric Villaroman, Lenovo Philippines country general manager Michael Ngan, Villman owners Manuel and Girlie Villaroman, Lenovo Philippines consumer lead Sally Yu and Lenovo Philippines 4P manager for legion and desktop Tristan Gonzales.
B2
Business
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com
Market rallies; Metro Pacific rises
T
HE stock market rallied Wednesday on bargain hunting and on expectations that Washington and Beijing will eventually strike a tariffs deal.
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 150.72 points, or 2 percent, to 7,821.34 on a value turnover of P6 billion. Gainers beat losers, 113 to 88, with 38 issues unchanged. Conglomerate Metro Pacific Corp. surged 5.8 percent to P4.96, while International Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator, advanced 3.3 percent to P116.50. GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the Ty Group climbed 3.9 percent to P975, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group rose 3.6 percent to P38.70. A Shanghai rally, meanwhile, led gains across most Asian markets Wednesday as Chinese investors grow increasingly optimistic over trade talks
with the US. With expectations that Washington and Beijing will eventually strike a tariffs deal already baked into equity prices, analysts say officials will need to provide some clarity on progress to give markets another step up. There are also warnings that with optimism so high, there could be a lot of disappointment if the final deal does not live up to the hype, or the two sides fail to even reach an agreement. The talk is that high-level negotiations are ongoing in order to pave the way for a signing ceremony between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping later this month. “A mid-March meeting... remains the
expected next step, but if trade representatives are unable to agree on the final terms of implementation and enforcement measures, we could see the trade truce rally fade,” said OANDA senior market analyst Edward Moya. Still, after a slow start Shanghai closed 1.6 percent higher to build on Tuesday’s rally that came on the back of China’s decision to slash taxes and ramp up spending, as leaders look to pep up the stuttering economy. Mainland Chinese markets are up more than 20 percent this year thanks to trade hopes and following a series of monetary easing measures to kickstart economic growth, which hit its slowest pace in three decades in 2018. Hong Kong was up 0.2 percent in the afternoon, while Sydney finished 0.8 percent higher after data showed Australia’s economy virtually ground to a
halt in October-December owing to tepid household spending and a weakening housing market. The news has fueled speculation the central bank will have to cut already record-low borrowing costs, cheering equity markets but sending the Australian dollar tumbling about 0.6 percent against the greenback. Elsewhere, Mumbai added 0.4 percent and Taipei gained 0.5 percent, while Wellington edged up 0.2 percent. However, Tokyo ended down 0.6 percent, Singapore was off 0.1 percent and Seoul fell 0.2 percent. On currency markets the pound struggled to recover from losses against the greenback after talks between British and EU negotiators failed to hammer out a revised Brexit deal that Prime Minister Theresa May can pass through parliament. With AFP
MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019
NAME
OPEN
HIGH
LOW
CLOSE
VOLUME
ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK
58.95 83.9 2.34 127.5 1.42 27.65 17.9 12.44 4.45 800 0.46 76 0.99 13.7 21.4 52.25 185.5 111.1 58.35 26.85 161 1,805 61.35
59.1 86.9 2.34 130.1 1.42 27.7 18 12.6 4.45 800 0.46 77.05 1.01 13.86 21.4 52.55 185.5 111.1 59.5 26.85 163.5 1,820 61.55
58.95 83.9 2.32 127 1.42 27.6 17.9 12.4 4.35 800 0.46 75.6 0.99 13.7 21.4 52 185 111.1 58.3 26.6 158.4 1,805 61.3
58.95 86.35 2.34 130.1 1.42 27.6 18 12.48 4.45 800 0.46 76.6 1.01 13.86 21.4 52.5 185.5 111.1 59.5 26.6 163.5 1,805 61.5
FINANCIALS 29,510 1,026,550 25,000 1,661,040 1,000 97,200 4,000 391,100 7,000 220 30,000 1,612,030 310,000 3,200 600 621,160 3,780 10 2,370 6,200 266,590 390 5,550
ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP ROXAS AND CO SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL
34.1 15.5 1.01 1.45 0.24 98.3 2.39 15.38 29.65 16.3 65.05 1.89 6.3 11.4 16 8.56 7.6 21.9 76 26.8 3.28 9.77 12.4 1.7 309.8 52 4.37 3.6 11.7 27.1 12 19.86 370 0.2 6 1.37 3.74 6.72 9.2 1.33 11.9 48.55 6 1.85 1.35 12.5 101.2 6.39 0.132 1.04 138.6 2.7 1.65 1.25
35.1 16.48 1.02 1.48 0.24 98.3 2.61 15.5 29.75 16.3 71.5 1.9 6.3 11.42 16 8.66 7.67 21.95 76 26.8 3.31 9.82 12.74 1.7 316 52 4.37 3.6 12.16 27.1 12.08 19.86 377.8 0.2 6 1.41 3.8 6.75 9.2 1.34 12 49.6 6 1.87 1.37 12.5 103.5 6.48 0.136 1.15 142 2.75 1.68 1.27
34.1 15.5 1.01 1.4 0.235 98.3 2.39 15.1 28.9 15.8 65.05 1.88 6.15 11.22 15.86 8.46 7.55 21.65 74 26.3 3.05 9.62 12.32 1.66 308 52 4.35 3.6 11.52 26.75 11.96 19.66 367 0.2 6 1.37 3.74 6.65 8.95 1.32 11.7 48.5 5.9 1.85 1.35 12.34 101.2 6.39 0.132 1.01 138 2.7 1.63 1.23
INDUSTRIAL 34.7 1,938,100 15.7 329,900 1.02 763,000 1.43 332,000 0.239 660,000 98.3 140 2.58 25,229,000 15.34 458,600 29.75 85,600 16 11,200 71.5 20 1.9 173,000 6.3 21,800 11.34 752,100 15.92 393,900 8.66 775,700 7.55 8,100 21.8 1,756,000 74 8,400 26.3 1,000 3.05 31,695,000 9.75 2,068,800 12.66 439,300 1.66 126,000 316 621,600 52 160 4.35 5,000 3.6 11,000 11.9 38,000 27 329,600 11.96 223,700 19.78 1,450,300 377.8 119,080 0.2 1,550,000 6 33,300 1.4 6,796,000 3.74 67,000 6.7 3,739,700 8.99 20,300 1.34 6,587,000 12 43,200 49.25 1,337,100 5.97 222,900 1.87 39,000 1.35 153,000 12.5 10,800 102.9 438,140 6.4 238,700 0.136 120,000 1.1 945,000 142 849,840 2.75 32,000 1.64 1,963,000 1.27 1,283,000
ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP BHI HLDG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG
0.8 58.8 14.06 0.77 6.5 21 1.44 1.45 936 1,260 7.62 11.18 13.88 0.245 938 6.12 66.8 0.6 5.04 15.18 0.58 4.76 0.039 1.13 3 169.4 945 0.75 1.33 276 0.25 0.39
0.81 60 14.18 0.77 6.5 21 1.47 1.47 946 1,260 7.72 11.44 14.26 0.26 976 6.12 67.8 0.61 5.13 15.6 0.59 5.04 0.04 1.13 3 172 969 0.75 1.38 279.8 0.25 0.405
0.76 58.35 13.92 0.76 6.5 20.05 1.44 1.45 936 1,260 7.55 11.18 13.88 0.245 934.5 6.12 66 0.56 5 15.18 0.57 4.76 0.039 1.12 2.9 168.8 945 0.75 1.33 275 0.242 0.38
HOLDING FIRMS 0.8 31,162,000 58.6 1,931,480 14.18 7,705,400 0.76 63,000 6.5 1,000 20.05 101,100 1.46 5,134,000 1.47 606,000 943.5 181,770 1,260 10 7.66 838,400 11.32 1,990,900 14.18 538,800 0.255 340,000 975 128,060 6.12 1,700 66.8 3,739,730 0.6 297,000 5.02 461,600 15.6 707,700 0.57 292,000 4.96 92,588,000 0.04 11,200,000 1.12 8,000 2.97 894,000 169.1 662,930 969 73,540 0.75 50,000 1.36 69,000 279.8 1,430 0.244 1,100,000 0.38 37,680,000
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 EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP PTFC REDEV CORP
11.72 0.79 10.22 1.9 0.87 43.3 2.58 4.17 6.63 0.475 0.88 0.91 0.25 0.415 9.6 21.3 0.138 1.47 1.26 5.31 0.41 0.455 2.04 0.46 2.8 40.2
11.78 0.8 10.58 1.9 0.88 44.4 2.62 4.22 6.63 0.475 0.88 0.94 0.25 0.415 9.81 21.5 0.138 1.48 1.26 5.32 0.41 0.475 2.04 0.46 2.84 45.2
11.68 0.79 10.22 1.9 0.86 43.25 2.57 4.15 6.3 0.465 0.87 0.91 0.245 0.41 9.6 21.3 0.138 1.46 1.23 5.21 0.4 0.455 1.98 0.455 2.78 40.2
VALUE
1,741,114.50 88,318,423 58,360 213,821,871 1,420 2,686,925 71,900 4,886,256 31,050 176,000 13,800 123,470,055.50 309,520 44,000 12,840 32,595,070 700,815 1,111 138,665 165,220 43,260,220 704,100 341,330.50
NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP 1,588,898 2,099,956.50 -2,981,757 -898,080 -134,572 -11,258,774 21,837,462.50 -3,710 -10,590 -3,041,403 -311,203
67,065,835 5,353,564 775,340 473,090 155,350 13,762 63,358,110 7,035,248 2,539,095 178,600 1,365.50 326,160 135,415 8,518,454 6,264,198 6,683,347 61,368 38,263,560 625,463.50 26,400 99,988,530 20,177,218 5,494,904 211,120 193,221,908 8,320 21,810 39,600 448,204 8,899,695 2,681,302 28,676,228 44,690,626 310,000 199,800 9,488,760 251,080 25,043,590 183,495 8,778,670 512,160 65,788,455 1,329,084 72,710 206,630 134,244 45,120,039 1,527,247 16,280 1,027,720 119,368,801 86,450 3,255,370 1,614,220
548,810 426,628 -25,690 1,650,050 550,590 -406,425 18,900 12,300 -3,178,570 -141,250 2,604,674 -33,306 15,071,630 150,448.50 -4,847,470 -7,543,519 214,172 -16,207,666 7,431,095 -1,683,676 25,986,132 15,608,062 -1,273,370 7,717,957 -4,750,860 -40,054 -28,943,780 69,296 1,250 303,504 8,800 65,420,684 83,700 147,830 -
24,609,200 113,560,197.50 108,525,408 48,220 6,500 2,054,820 7,459,600 882,060 171,380,905 12,600 6,386,321 22,537,358 7,627,362 85,900 123,552,130 10,404 250,538,417 167,090 2,324,744 10,894,998 171,190 458,322,580 440,000 9,010 2,633,770 112,342,560 70,813,695 37,500 91,970 399,150 267,470 14,832,850
-2,276,690 -29,279,629 12,913,668 6,500 10,375 290,810 -4,282,890 83,981 -6,452,722 401,200 -35,321,135 18,433,586 56,000 -666,485 1,339,250 102,412,470 289,080 30,365,820 30,619,690 13,300 -24,878 -7,260 -1,044,000
NAME
HIGH
LOW
CLOSE
VOLUME
VALUE
ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND
23 2.06 3.15 37.45 1.59 7 0.79 7.14
23.5 2.06 3.15 38.7 1.65 7 0.79 7.38
22.95 2.03 3.15 37.45 1.57 6.85 0.75 7.08
23.5 2.03 3.15 38.7 1.57 7 0.75 7.3
1,071,000 32,000 14,000 4,206,300 2,314,000 427,700 114,000 21,782,000
24,918,135 65,420 44,100 160,703,115 3,746,140 2,979,018 85,620 158,609,525
14,583,290 44,100 67,614,895 -30,208,459
2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B 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
12.3 21 1.29 0.43 0.046 14.3 2.8 11.3 0.068 83 7.99 5.77 16.6 895 1,899 5.73 360.4 2.75 111 0.127 5.78 3.02 15.54 3.29 0.92 19.5 0.64 4.71 2.87 1.97 2 2.9 9.21 10.48 3.16 5.2 139.8 2.88 1,082 0.92 1.28 48 85.1 8.31 2.32 0.7 0.44 5.63 0.68 14.88
12.38 21.5 1.29 0.44 0.047 15.5 2.85 11.82 0.069 83 7.99 5.8 16.7 895 1,899 5.79 385 2.78 116.5 0.128 5.79 3.4 15.68 3.34 0.92 19.94 0.65 4.96 2.95 1.98 2 2.9 9.86 10.48 3.16 5.21 140 2.88 1,106 0.92 1.3 48.25 85.75 8.31 2.34 0.71 0.44 5.63 0.68 15.24
12.14 21 1.27 0.43 0.045 14.3 2.72 11.3 0.065 79 7.99 5.75 15.34 895 1,875 5.73 360.4 2.75 111 0.127 5.75 3.02 15.3 3.28 0.91 19.48 0.61 4.71 2.87 1.93 2 2.82 9.21 10.16 3.12 5.02 137 2.71 1,081 0.9 1.26 47.95 85.1 8.31 2.3 0.7 0.435 5.59 0.66 14.82
SERVICES 12.14 21.35 1.27 0.44 0.047 15.5 2.72 11.76 0.066 81.4 7.99 5.75 15.9 895 1,879 5.73 377 2.78 116.5 0.127 5.75 3.38 15.3 3.32 0.91 19.8 0.61 4.96 2.9 1.98 2 2.84 9.69 10.3 3.12 5.05 139 2.8 1,085 0.91 1.27 48.1 85.65 8.31 2.32 0.7 0.435 5.62 0.66 14.9
8,500 46,800 100,000 660,000 3,600,000 52,400 613,000 13,809,400 49,760,000 85,150 300 726,900 669,400 5,370 26,435 201,300 7,890 242,000 6,840,960 510,000 1,166,100 154,000 37,000 288,000 9,000 729,900 2,407,000 2,000 3,007,000 294,000 1,000 1,289,000 88,800 44,700 34,000 46,900 182,310 4,104,000 152,970 2,402,000 12,554,000 862,100 478,780 100 3,902,000 1,403,000 4,800,000 301,100 1,695,000 9,871,300
104,644 996,515 127,830 283,900 165,500 751,560 1,690,290 161,770,544 3,337,000 6,841,458 2,397 4,194,744 10,568,900 4,806,150 49,697,660 1,158,267 2,981,232 668,050 781,421,205 64,970 6,725,737 506,100 570,356 952,160 8,230 14,436,340 1,505,870 9,670 8,727,960 573,160 2,000 3,679,310 819,905 457,834 106,580 237,936 25,207,218 11,389,000 167,373,025 2,181,170 16,030,580 41,436,340 40,909,087 831 9,028,840 985,160 2,093,900 1,686,718 1,132,420 148,310,098
706,420 5,260 12,481,280 -2,040,933 561,373 -64,780 -24,811,685 53,200 -138,000 33,057,925 -19,008 39,780 379,500 8,003,626 84,060 20,600 -1,560 985,690 -3,678,630 -32,613,905 -137,630 -1,260,200 11,507,050 9,414,638.50 -444,430 154,980 -100,200 -109,633 -33,220 15,562,880
ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATLAS MINING ATOK BENGUET A CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL A ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON
0.002 1.51 2.91 13.26 1.27 2.26 0.3 7.9 1.5 0.26 0.125 1.09 2.83 1.09 0.63 0.95 0.013 0.012 0.012 3.95 14.42 19.9 0.008
0.002 1.52 2.94 13.26 1.31 2.26 0.3 7.9 1.5 0.26 0.125 1.14 2.85 1.1 0.63 0.96 0.013 0.012 0.012 4.09 14.78 20.3 0.008
0.002 1.5 2.91 13.26 1.27 2.19 0.3 7.74 1.48 0.249 0.122 1.08 2.82 1.06 0.61 0.95 0.012 0.012 0.011 3.95 14.4 19.9 0.008
MINING & OIL 0.002 940,000,000 1.51 1,360,000 2.94 17,000 13.26 1,700 1.31 190,000 2.19 1,371,000 0.3 320,000 7.74 9,800 1.49 365,000 0.255 2,820,000 0.125 3,020,000 1.13 439,000 2.84 1,364,000 1.1 16,000 0.62 167,000 0.95 238,000 0.013 9,300,000 0.012 2,100,000 0.011 2,900,000 4.02 3,072,000 14.6 135,200 19.96 4,817,300 0.008 8,000,000
1,974,400 2,052,820 49,600 22,542 243,200 3,010,970 96,000 75,988 542,370 710,540 370,500 486,780 3,866,900 17,470 102,210 226,110 114,800 25,200 34,700 12,350,670 11 1,970,434 96,573,134(26 65,100
210,000 -368,480 -5,860 41,720 2,500 840,070 -24,000 ,898,289.9999 -858,180 ,299,575.9999) -
ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I
20.2 474.8 481 98 104 5.82 900 95 1 101 972.5 76.75 72.6 72.5 74.5 72 73
20.3 474.8 497 98 104.5 5.82 900 95 1 101 972.5 76.75 72.6 72.5 74.5 72 73
20.2 474.8 481 98 104 5.82 900 94.6 0.98 101 972.5 76.05 72.6 72.5 74.5 71.5 72.55
PREFERRED 20.3 26,700 474.8 50 490 230 98 216,740 104.4 3,920 5.82 35,000 900 550 95 2,950 0.98 2,743,000 101 40 972.5 30 76.05 82,250 72.6 30,000 72.5 950 74.5 85,420 71.5 42,660 72.55 103,340
541,340 23,740 111,870 21,240,520 408,118 203,700 495,000 280,242 2,689,140 4,040 29,175 6,269,699.50 2,178,000 68,875 6,363,790 3,064,820 7,498,302.50
203,700 1,892 -363,000 504,000 -
LR WARRANT
1.9
1.9
1.89
WARRANTS 1.89 169,000
320,510
ITALPINAS XURPAS
4.6 1.33
4.72 1.38
4.6 1.33
4.7 1.37
FIRST METRO ETF
114.7
115.8
114.7
MS
PROPERTY 11.78 0.8 10.58 1.9 0.88 44.25 2.58 4.17 6.48 0.465 0.87 0.94 0.247 0.41 9.8 21.4 0.138 1.47 1.23 5.26 0.405 0.475 1.98 0.46 2.84 43
401,100 480,000 600 12,000 436,000 8,415,100 1,413,000 321,000 13,400 3,460,000 12,000 36,000 550,000 1,030,000 184,300 112,200 30,000 6,605,000 884,000 14,577,600 8,580,000 3,010,000 3,545,000 380,000 116,000 1,300
4,702,052 380,020 6,312 22,800 377,930 368,211,700 3,671,840 1,338,060 86,632 1,621,050 10,530 33,040 136,030 422,350 1,796,076 2,405,945 4,140 9,695,280 1,091,130 76,764,992 3,457,500 1,429,550 7,097,340 173,800 324,060 56,260
-335,780 -11,850 -111,700,330 -865,690 -180,350 27,255 -178,050 -54,814 -211,970 -1,588,460 15,645,296 4,000 0 -
NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP
OPEN
USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2
10.2 1
TRADING SUMMARY
10.2 1
SHARES
FINANCIAL
7,035,930
INDUSTRIAL
97,978,355
HOLDING FIRMS PROPERTY
200,999,397 89,310,567
SERVICES
133,275,249
MINING & OIL
982,250,887
GRAND TOTAL
1,525,068,182
10.2 1
SME
193,000 14,013,000
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 115.8 7,800 10.2 1
DDS
6,500 1,500
905,650 19,061,640
-2,860,270
902,554
-
66,300 1,500
-
VALUE 1,732.77 (up) 28.12 624,484,858.38 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,547.4 (up) 190.27 1,104,673,441.02 HOLDING FIRMS 7,848.76 (up) 151.83 1,539,251,987.92 PROPERTY 4,002.19 (up) 94.45 SERVICES 1,554.22 (up) 18.12 1,051,422,659.335 MINING & OIL 8,126.7 (up) 38.65 1,542,549,351.95 PSEI 7,821.34 (up) 150.72 125,010,465.3022 All Shares Index 4,809.07 (up) 68.1 6,008,268,337.07 Gainers: 113; Losers: 88; Unchanged: 38; Total: 239
Eagle Cement increased ‘18 net income by 13% to P4.8b By Jenniffer B. Austria EAGLE Cement Corp., the cement company owned by tycoon Ramon Ang, reported a 13-percent increase in net income to P4.8 billion in 2018 on double digit growth of sales and volume. Eagle Cement said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net sales reached P16.5 billion in 2018, up 11 percent from P14.9 billion it posted in 2017. Gross profit inched up by four percent to P7.2 billion. “While we are faced with challenges in the industry, we remain steadfast to expand the company to meet the increasing local demand for cement, driven by the thriving property sector, growth in consumption, as well as the anticipated rollout of government’s infrastructure projects,” Eagle president and chief executive Paul Ang said. The cement company registered record net sales of P4.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, up 19 percent year-on-year. Net income also jumped 36 percent to P1.3 billion from P964.8 million in the fourth quarter in 2017. “We expect the momentum to continue, as Eagle sets the stage for the next cycle of growth for the company. We seek to continue to invest in expanding our market reach to become a nationwide player,” Ang said. The company’s financial position at the end of 2018 remains optimal and well-capitalized, with total assets increasing seven percent to P45.5 billion. Total liabilities fell three percent to P12.6 billion while stockholder’s equity rose 12 percent to P32.8 billion. Eagle Cement is currently expanding its Bulacan plant with an additional grinding capacity of 1.5 million metric tons, bringing its total annual cement output to 8.6 million metric tons by 2020. Share price of Eagle Cement on Wednesday gained 0.6 percent to P15.92. Eagle Cement is reportedly interested in acquiring the assets of Holcim Philippines Inc. LafargeHolcim Ltd., Europe’s biggest cement maker, plans to sell its Philippine business and other non-core assets as it seeks to further reduce financial obligations.
Megaworld bullish, to hike office space portfolio in 2 years MEGAWORLD Corp. is set to complete 300,000 square meters of office spaces over the next two years to boost its office portfolio to 1.5 million sq. m. by 2020. Megaworld senior vice president Jericho Go said in a press briefing Wednesday the company was poised to complete an average of 150,000 sq. m. of office space annually from 2019 to 2020 in line with its target to achieve P20 billion rental revenues by 2020. Megaworld had 1.2 million sq. m. of office spaces situated across various estate developments as of end 2018. Mst of the office spaces are located in Metro Manila, but Go said the company also started developing projects within its estate developments outside the capital region. Meanwhile, Megaworld said it bagged a landmark deal with US-based shared workspace provider WeWork for its first Philippine hub in Uptown Tower Three in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City. WeWork, which formally opened it operations in February, occupies two levels with a total gross floor area of 4,081 square meters. “This is yet another major milestone for Megaworld and for the Philippine real estate industry. We are very privileged to welcome WeWork in Uptown Bonifacio, its first-ever location in the country,” Go said. “We are now able to collaborate with a multinational operator of flexible spaces, and this allows both Megaworld and WeWork to engage in cross referrals. While WeWork provides flexible short to medium term use of variably sized work spaces, Megaworld does bigger and more permanent ones. But what is similar to both companies is that we both believe in the ideals of creating communities with the spaces that we develop,” Go added. Jenniffer B. Austria
Business/World
Manila
Standard
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
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CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com
N. Korea’s food output lowest yet
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EOUL―North Korea recorded its worst harvest for more than a decade last year, the United Nations said Wednesday, as natural disasters combined with its lack of arable land and inefficient agriculture to hit production.
The isolated North, which is under several sets of sanctions over its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programs, has long struggled to feed itself and suffers chronic food shortages. But last year’s harvest was just 4.95 million tonnes, the United Nations said in its Needs and Priorities assessment for 2019, down by 500,000 tonnes. It was “the lowest production in more than a decade”, the UN’s Resident Coordinator in the North Tapan Mishra said in a statement. “This has resulted in a significant food gap.” As a result 10.9 million people in the North needed humanitarian assistance—600,000 more than last year—with a potential for increased malnutrition and illness. It is equivalent to 43 percent of the population. But while the number of people needing help rose, the UN has had to cut its target for people to help―from 6.0 million to 3.8 million-as it seeks to prioritize those most in need.
Funding has fallen far short of what the UN says it needs. Only 24 percent of last year’s appeal was met, with Mishra describing it as “one of the lowest funded humanitarian plans in the world”. Several agencies had been forced to scale back their programs and some faced closing projects, he said, appealing to donors to “not let political considerations get in the way of addressing humanitarian need”. “The human cost of our inability to respond is unmeasurable,” he said, adding that sanctions had created unintended delays and challenges to humanitarian programs, even though they are exempt under UN Security Council resolutions. The impoverished North has been frequently condemned by the international community for decades of prioritizing the military and its nuclear weapons program over adequately providing for its people―an imbalance some critics say the UN’s aid program encourages. AFP
Woeful Zambo co-op; Telecom towers a boon ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi has a point in telling some irresponsible electric cooperatives to shape up or ship out. Electricity customers have been complaining of persistent and unresolved power outages stemming from the heavy debts and the inability of certain cooperatives to pay their power supplier. Zamboanga City Electrical Cooperative Inc., or Zamcelco, is one power distributor that has not lived up to the end of its bargain. The co-op, one of the most debt ridden and cash-strapped power distributors in the country, has consistently failed to make timely payments to Western Mindanao Power Corp. of the Alcantara Group, which operates a 100-megawatt diesel power facility in Sangali, Zamboanga City. Zamcelco by the middle of January this year has already piled up over P300 million in unpaid bills to WMPC, representing payment for power delivered in October, November and December last year. As diesel fuel constitutes between 85 percent and 90 percent of WMPC’s costs, it soon became unfeasible for the generator to continue ordering fuel from suppliers. Zamcelco and management firm Crown Investments Holdings Inc. have not settled their debts with WMPC and there is no way the power generator can sustain its operations. The situation has prompted WMPC to write and demand payment from Crown and Zamcelco on Jan. 18, 29 and Feb. 1, warning that the current diesel fuel supply would run out on Feb 4 and that it was no longer viable to order more fuel supplies without assurances the co-op would settle their outstanding bills. WPMC in no time sent a notice of temporary suspension of service to Crown and Zamcelco due to the full depletion of existing fuel stocks. Crown eventually agreed to consider a temporary solution by the National Electrification Administration to pay P150 million to enable WMPC to purchase fuel good for one month while issues are being threshed out, including a claim that it was over-billed. But no payment has been made to WMPC, thus far. The standoff has led to serious power outages in Zamboanga City— all because of Zamcelco’s failure to settle its overdue debts. New employment generator A common tower policy being prepared by the Department of Information and Communications Technology will soon become a driver of economic growth. The infrastructure policy is a key move that will enable marketdriven forces to improve telecommunication services and rationalize the industry, eventually producing sizable economic benefits. Combined investments in the construction of some 50,000 towers alone are expected to reach $4 billion, or about P200 billion. The investments will translate into thousands of jobs. The construction of 50,000 towers is expected to give jobs to 10 million to 25 million workers, based on about 200 to 500 laborers per tower. Acting DICT Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. is also upbeat about the rationalization of the telcos that would accrue to the benefit of the millions of subscribers. He cited that savings of telcos from shared facilities would now go to the improvement of services to subscribers. As the telcos will merely lease the shared towers, they can reallocate the budget they would have spent on on building and equipping the towers to their capex programs for the benefit of the subscribers. Local government units will also realize additional revenues from the expansion of the towercos situated in their areas. The DICT estimated that if the 19,000 towers built by the incumbent telco players already brought in substantial income, the goal of 50,000 towers on different areas of the country would nearly triple the current take. E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail. com or business@manilastandard.net
GENERAL GUIDELINES: 11. 1.
Disposal of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) is through a competitive public bidding process. Acceptance of Purchase Offer shall start on the scheduled bidding date and time.
2.
Dropping of bid envelopes will be on the date of bidding from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. only. Opening of Bids will immediately follow. Late bid envelopes will not be accepted
3.
Disposal of GSIS IP-RUs is on “As-Is Where-Is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty. The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.
4.
Strictly, “One bidder, One specific property” only, which means that a bidder cannot submit two (2) or more bids for one property. A bidder may submit one bid each to as many properties as he wants to buy, as long as, he posts the required 10% bid deposit of the total bid price for each property. The bidder must present valid government IDs upon registration on the date of public bidding.
5.
Purchase offer may either be in Cash or through External Financing Institution. MODE PAYMENT DUE DATE Cash Payable either in cash or Manager’s Checks within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of bidding EFI Shall submit the Letter of Guarantee (LOG) within forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of bidding A downloadable bid form shall be properly accomplished with the following data: a. Date of Bidding b. Name of the bidder c. Exact address of property you are interested to bid d. Transfer Certificate of Title No. e. Mode of Payment f. Amount of bid (in numbers and in words) g. Signature of the bidder/representative
6.
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Bid proposal shall be written in words and in figures and shall not be lower than the Minimum Acceptable Officer of the property. Should there be a difference in the amount in words and in figures, the amount in words shall prevail.
8.
Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer shall be in the form of MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System
9.
The following shall be inserted on the sealed bid envelope: a. b.
the properly accomplished downloadable bid form Manager’s Check payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer c. the Special Power of Attorney (SPA), if the bidder is an authorized representative d. Pre-conditional approval from PBCOM, if applicable e. Two (2) proofs of occupancy, if applicable e.1. Barangay certificate that Bidder is occupying or residing in the subject property e.2. (1) Valid Government Issued IDs, or (2) Latest Billing Address under Bidder’s Name f.Pro-forma Certificate of due diligence (for occupied or unoccupied) 10. The following information shall be clearly written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope)
Interested bidders planning to purchase the GSIS property through External Financing Institution (EFI) shall first secure certification from accredited banks stating that he/she is qualified to avail of a loan from External Financing Institution and insert inside the bid envelope.
12. The existing tenant or occupant or his duly authorized representative through a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) has the right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, provided: a. b. c.
he/she is present during the bidding participated in actual bidding presently occupying the property subject of bidding supported by the following proofs of occupancy: c.1. Barangay certificate that he/she is occupying or residing in the subject property c.2. Any valid government identification document with his/her address similar to the address of the property he/.she is bidding. 13. If the occupant will exercise his/her right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/she need not secure another bank pre-qualification corresponding to the matched offer. Instead, he/ she shall pay the equity in cash as stated in Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS). The equity shall be computed as the difference between the Letter of Guarantee from the bank and the offered bid amount. 14. The declared highest/winning bidder shall submit within the day of the actual bidding, the following documents: a. b. c. d. e.
duly accomplished Personal Profile/Company Profile/Corporate Profile, whichever is applicable (downloadable); photocopies of two valid IDs (one should be a government-issued ID); Articles of Incorporation/Partnership, By-Laws and current General Information Sheet, for corporation/partnership, if applicable; Registration Certificate from SEC for corporation/partnership, DTI for sole proprietorship and CDA for cooperatives, or any proof of such registration, if applicable; current Mayor’s permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located, if applicable.
15. A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding. 16. In case the bid is in CASH, the 90% balance of the bid amount shall be paid either in cash or manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without privilege of extension. 17. In case the bid is thru EFI, the equity shall be paid in cash within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of Letter of Guarantee (LOG) by the GSIS. The equity is the amount corresponding to the difference between the LOG and the Offered Bid Amount. 18. Upon issuance of the NOAS to the highest/winning bidder, the Bidder’s Deposit of the other nonwinning bidder/s shall be returned immediately. 19. Non-compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the NOAS shall result in the forfeiture of the bidder’s deposit. 20. In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the GSIS shall write the second highest bidder to confirm if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, GSIS will require him/her to pay the non-refundable deposit equivalent to ten percent (10%) of his/her previously submitted bid amount and will be issued NOAS. 21. GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice. 22. For inquiries, you may call Real Property Accounts Management Department at telephone nos. 479-3536 or 976-4619. (MS-MAR. 5,6 &7, 2019)
Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com
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THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
Oca, Caloocan hail city’s new beauty queens
LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS
By Jun David
The newly crowned Miss Caloocan 2019 Shanon Jumaylh Tampon of Barangay 179 (center) and other winners during the pagent’s coronation night at the Caloocan City Sports Center. Jun David
Globaltech Peryahan ‘legal,’ say police as PCSO fumes By Brenda Jocson AGLIPAY, Quirino―The “Peryahan ng Bayan” operations of Globaltech Mobile Online Corp. are legal because the Court of Appeals says so, the head of the Cagayan Valley regional police said here Wednesday. “We won’t conduct raids because Globaltech’s operations are above board,” Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino, Police Regional Office 2 head, said in a press conference at the Quirino Police Provincial Office. Espino did not supply the local media with documents of the court decision he cited, even as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office―which had revoked Globaltech’s license to operate a version of the state lottery popularly known as “jueteng” over remittance issues―said the Philippine National Police had no right to determine what numbers games are legal or illegal. “It is only the PCSO who has the authority to do so,” said Manuel Fraginal, PCSO executive assistant VI and chief of the agency’s Nationwide InterBranch Security Monitoring division,
as he reacted to Espino’s statement. “If the PNP does that, it is a direct violation of the PCSO Charter, ratified and turned into law by Congress,” he added. Fraginal noted that Globaltech’s authority from the state lottery firm had expired on March 31, 2016, and in the 15 areas which Globaltech was allowed to operate before, “not a single province is in Region 2.” This developed as police from the Dupax Del Norte Police Station temporarily stopped the legal Small Town Lottery Operations in the town on orders from the PRO-2 office. Sources told Manila Standard the police ordered the collectors and “cabos” (bankers) to cease collecting bets because they were doing surveillance on Globaltech’s Peryahan operations in the area. The same sources said Police Supt. Ariel Quilang, the PRO-2 intelligence division chief, told management of local STL operator Kings Gaming Corp.: “We won’t touch your operations, but we will stop your cabos from consolidating the bets for remittance.”
BACOOR PROGRESS. Cavite Rep. Strick Revilla (center) led the blessing and ribbon cutting of the new multipurpose building in Barangay Panapaan 3 in his hometown of Bacoor. Revilla thanked the Department of Public Works and Highways, the barangay council of Panapaan 3, Liga ng mga Barangay, ABAKA, Bacoor Unity Band, and Marlon Bautista (fifth from left) of 1PACMAN party-list. Lino Santos
Villar to lead P120-m bridge rites By Romeo Dizon ANGELES CITY―Public Works Secretary Mark Villar will inaugurate the P120-million Filipino-American Friendship bridge in Barangay Anonas here on Tuesday, March 12. The 240 linear-meter bridge with two lanes was constructed parallel to the existing one also with two lanes. Both are called friendship bridges. With four lanes now in use, traffic is expected to improve along the Friendship Highway, especially vehicles entering the secondary gate of Clark Freeport located in the same area. Lordino F. Soriano, project engineer of the Third Engineering Office of Pampanga, said construction of the bridge started last May 2018 and finished on time three weeks ago.
The P120-million funding came from the regular budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Soriano said. The highway will also undergo widening to avoid traffic congestion during rush hours, the engineer said. Traffic in barangay Anonas consists of vehicles coming from the City of San Fernando and the neighboring municipalities of Guagua, Sta. Rita, Porac, and Floridablanca, as they use the secondary Clark gate as an alternative to the main gate in Balibago due to heavy traffic during rush hour. The Filipino-American Friendship Highway is a symbol of amity and cooperation between the two countries, despite the United States military forces leaving Clark and the country after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1993.
THE City Government of Caloocan led by Mayor Oca Malapitan, together with the Caloocan Cultural and Tourism Foundation Inc., congratulated the winners of the recent Ms. Caloocan 2019 pageant. Crowned as the new queen of the City of Caloocan was Ms. Shanon Tampon of Barangay 179. Czarina Sucgang of Barangay 178 and Nikki Mae Binuya Guese of Barangay 63 were first and second runners-up, respectively. Shenna Mae Zaldivar was named third runner-up ,and Kurt Daniel Orilleneda Mataban took home the 4th Runner-up. “I would like to extend my greetings to the winners of Ms. Caloocan and to all the lovely candidates,” said Mayor Oca. “I commend all of you for your effort, dedication, and sportsmanship on this event.” In a statement, CCTF Chairwoman Kathleen Mendoza expressed her full support to the newly crowned Ms. Caloocan as she fulfills her duties as a tourism ambassador and a voice of Caloocan’s advocacies, particularly in women empowerment. Admitting they had a hard time judging and choosing the winners, actor and Chairman of the Board of Judges Marco Alcaraz also wished the winners a pleasant reign. “I’m positive that they will have a successful year ahead because these ladies truly deserve their titles and crowns,” he said. Another judge, Jonathan Chong, question and answer mentor of reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray, confirmed that the winners are really beauty and brains.
Makatizen App update ready for Apple users QC launches fire awareness tack one day after big blaze By Rio N. Araja FOLLOWING a huge fire that broke out yesterday in District 1’s Barangay San Antonio, the Quezon City government has launched a community-based fire awareness program designed to educate residents on basic fire prevention measures. The blaze struck West Riverside in Barangay San Antonio, leaving 450 families homeless. Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte cited the importance of awareness on fire prevention measures, saying fire incidents could be avoided if the people would only know the danger of illegal electrical connections and the different fire hazards. She spearheaded the program’s launch while expressing disappointment over the series of fire occurrences since January. “Why should it happen that for just a simple mistake in leaving a stove, candle or electrical connection open while the resident is away should lead to a big fire that is affecting too many people?” Belmonte asked.
By Joel E. Zurbano
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ITIZENS can now report or inform Makati City officials about emergency cases and other issues concerning the community using a newly launched mobile application. Dubbed the Makatizen App, the first-ofits-kind digital citizen app in the country is now available for iOS (Apple phone) users, bringing services and information closer to the people. Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay said iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users can now download the Makatizen App for free from Apple App Store. Through the app, users will also be able to access the latest news, updates, and information about events and projects of the city government through their mobile phones. “These times demand connectivity, and we are fast-tracking our digital transformation through finding innovative ways to better serve and connect with our Makatizens. We encourage everyone to download the Makatizen App now and be in the know,” said Binay. She noted that with the app now available for both Android and Apple phones the city government will be able to reach a wider audience and engage more with constituents and stakeholders. “The Makatizen App was created to provide a more inclusive, engaging, rewarding, and convenient platform that will bring information and public services closer to Makati residents and other
Cotabato mayor Guiani helps city leap forward By Ayunan G. Gunting (First of a series)
FOR someone who calls herself a “reluctant politician,” Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani has enabled the key Mindanao metropolis to leap forward. Only two years into her post, Guiani has reaped awards for the city, although she humbly credits the community and her employees for its endeavors. The mayor recently claimed the spotlight when she led the opposition to Cotabato City’s inclusion in the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao through a referendum. As the “yes” votes prevailed in the plebiscite, Guiani graciously conceded the outcome and said she will support the new region pushed by the Duterte administration for the Bangsamoro people, now that Cotabato is part of it. “On matters that will affect the city, yes I have to. It is my duty,” she told Manila Standard in an exclusive interview. In her first year as mayor, Cotabato City jumped from a third-class municipality to a first-class rating, and has been stamped with a seal of good governance. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce also rated it among the top 3 Business-Friendly Cities in the Philippines. (To be continued) COTABATO CITY MAYOR FRANCES CYNTHIA GUIANI
stakeholders of the city,” added Binay. The Makatizen App was first launched during the 347th Founding Anniversary of Makati City on June 1, 2017, and was initially available for Android phones via Play Store. It was the product of a groundbreaking public-private partnership agreement between the City and Neo-Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. Features of the Makatizen App include Maka-Update, which gives the latest information, advisories and announcements about the latest projects, events and services of the City Government; Maka-Negosyo—provides important information about why and how to invest and start a business in Makati City; How can we help—allows users to report traffic accidents, waste management issues, construction issues, stray animals, and other concerns in the community; and Maka-SOS— users can use this to contact emergency hotlines in case of any emergency with just one click.
A year of
Life HOUSEHOLD
a pltimey
The indoor playground, located right in an integrated resort and worldclass entertainment destination, delivers educational entertainment for children aged 1 to 16 NDOOR recreational area for children, years old. PLAY at Okada Manila turned one. “Since opening last year, PLAY has established itself as a pioneer in offering holistic child development in a convenient leisure destination like Okada Manila,” said Vikki Aquino, director for PLAY delivers educational entertainment spa, fitness, and rec- for children aged 1 to 16 years old. reation. Aside from immersing in the facilities, interacting with fellow children, and engaging in social activities in the eight different neighborhoods, young visitors and even their guardians can enjoy a variety of hour-long learning sessions with certified teachers and trained, qualified coaches to enhance individual abilities and academic knowledge. “We have been first in offering a full line of dedicated programs that combine fun, play, and learning for our young guests. PLAY is more than just an indoor playground—it’s where kids can unleash their imagination, develop life skills, and enjoy the journey toward unlocking their future potential,” enthused Aquino. Among the unique programs PLAY offers are Toddler the Explorer (motor skills development for children aged 1 to 3 years old), Hero Camp (group fitness activities for better health and well-being), Colors and Creations (arts and crafts for creativity and fine motor skills development), Hello, Good Looking (to enhance independence in hygiene, grooming, and social interactions for children aged 4 to 16 years old), and Stage Presence (stage workshops for guests aged 4 to 16 years old who are passionate about the performing arts). Children exercise their motor skills at PLAY’s various facilities such as the Turbo Slide. Themed parties, educational tours, and other seasonal events also fill PLAY’s calendar. Aquino said each tivities where participants took home spe- also took the kids through a Basic Theater event is carefully planned and de- cial prizes. Workshop, which was followed by a short signed to deliver on the kiddie recKids danced their way to fitness in the skit that showcased what the budding thereational area’s mission of holistic Zumbastic Dance Contest, played a com- ater stars learned. child development. petitively fun game of Giant Tic Tac Toe, There was also a Languages of Love “And as we celebrate our first an- and unleashed their inner artists at the workshop, where kids were taught how niversary, we are throwing a month- crafting table during the Birthday Card to express their affections for their parlong celebration that will definitely Making activity. ents, siblings, and friends through differdelight both children and their parValentine’s Day was special, too. The ent ways. ents,” she said. PLAY coaches hosted a Distortion ComPLAY threw its first birthday party petition right at The Stage, guiding the Passes for PLAY’s anniversary are availon Feb. 10. From 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., the kids through different poses designed to able at PLAY. Go to www.okadamanila. whole PLAY crew hosted games and ac- enhance onstage confidence. The coaches com for more information.
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Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
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Earn P17k from things that no longer ‘spark joy’
WHEN Marie Kondo came to our screens through her Netflix show, more households have become inspired to let go of things that no longer “spark joy.” But decluttering, no matter how it is framed, can be quite intimidating as it requires a huge amount of time and effort. It might be difficult to visualize an organized, more spacious home when you’re just about to start on the task. But a leading online classifieds platform may just have the best motivation
to get you started—turn your clutter into P17,700. A recent study by OLX identified the potential profit an individual can earn by decluttering their home and selling preowned goods. The research identified the popular, fastest-selling categories include fashion, gadgets, and health and beauty products. It then further looked into the pre-loved items most often bought in these categories, the average price of these items and
the average number of times buyers purchase them in a year. Based on these data, one can potentially earn an estimated P17,700. The most popular pre-owned fashion items are shoes and clothes, which have average prices of P1,250 and P750, respectively. On average, online shoppers buy two pairs of shoes and five pieces of clothes. If you tidy up your closet, and sell two pairs of footwear and five pieces of clothing you no longer wear, you can earn P6,250. Health and beauty products, meanwhile, have an average price of P450, and are usually purchased by online buyers 13 times per month. If you “KonMari” your beauty drawer and sell 13 products that don’t spark joy, your potential earning is P5,850. Mobile phone is the most popular gadget sold and bought online, and buyers, on average, purchase it twice a year. Post an ad of your old cellphone on OLX, and you may earn P2,800 per unit, which is the average price of used mobile phones bought online. “Our research shows a trend. More and more offline sellers are moving into the online domain to sell pre-loved items. Their top three reasons? One, it’s easy and convenient. Two, it reaches more shoppers compared to offline selling, in which the audience is limited by location. Lastly: Earn money. Instead of letting your old stuff collect dust in a drawer, sell it and make money,” said OLX Philippines head of goods and services Rambo Joinani.
Parents share precious moments with their kids at the Mini Rock Climbing.
The Stage provides a space for aspiring actors to showcase their talents.
It’s playtime all the time at indoor playground PLAY at Okada Manila.
OLX Philippines’ recent study reveals a person can earn more than P17,000 by selling pre-loved items online.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com
reasons to choose wooden furniture A
GROWING number of houses and buildings is now opting to use wood in unconventional applications, lending warmth and personality to the structures. This interest in wood also comes with a growing consciousness for the environment, as wood is the most ecologically-viable of all construction materials.
Though wood is making headway outside homes and offices, the interior is an altogether different subject. The predominant aesthetic trend favors materials such as steel, glass, marble, and ceramic.
COZY AND CLASSIC.
The Philippine Wood Producers Association makes a case for wooden furniture as ideal pieces to spruce up and bring warmth to homes. Wooden furniture pieces are durable, easy to maintain, and versatile, among others.
Wood is charming, functional, and most importantly, timeless. The Philippine Wood Producers Association, the national association of companies, corporations, partnerships, and individuals involved in forest management, offers these five reasons why wooden furniture pieces are perfect for sprucing up the home. 1. Durability There’s no denying the long-lasting and robust qualities of wood. Furniture pieces made of this material can last up to next generation. Longevity and stability are two of the main components of wooden furniture, which means that owners get excellent value for their money. Whether one opts for hardwood or softwood, wood has innate stability that will make it last. 2. Convenience It’s easy and simple to maintain wooden furniture; simply wipe away dirt and stains with a cloth. Occasionally and only in special cases should owners have to wax, oil, or polish it. While wooden furniture may cost a bit more than furniture made of other materials, it promises great quality with little effort to maintain. 3. Versatility Wood can be dressed up for any purposes. Be it modern or rustic, wooden furniture can blend in well indoors or outdoors. The wide range of wood tones also enables variety, providing options for different needs. Owners have the option to have their pieces customized if they buy from a craftsman. 4. Premium feel With the right set-up, a simple piece of wooden furniture can add charm and even opulence to home. Varieties
of wood like mahogany, molave, and acacia can promote a sense of oneness with nature. The organic feel of wood can even help ease the mind and relax the senses.
Lucky Lunar parade
5. Sustainability There is no more ecologically sound way to furnish the home than acquiring wooden furniture. Responsibly sourced wood is actually the only renewable furniture material today, which means trees that were harvested can possibly be replenished for new growth—100 percent biodegradable, to put simply. More importantly, trees absorb carbon dioxide, and the absorbed carbon remains stored even when wood is cut. It will not be released back to the atmosphere unless the wood decomposes or gets burnt, therefore positively contributing to the health of the environment.
Freia showroom opens at Pico de Loro HAMILO Coast, SM Prime’s sustainable beach resort township in Nasugbu, Batangas, formally opens its showroom at Pico de Loro Cove, highlighting its latest leisure residential project Freia. Freia is a premier beachfront condo development that offers stunning sea and mountain views in Pico de Loro Cove. The showroom features two mod-
el units, one of which was designed by Budji+Royal—a two-bedroom unit with views of the West Philippine Sea. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was led by SM Prime executive vice president Shirley Ong, together with other SMPHI and Costa del Hamilo, Inc. executives and project consultants including assistant vice president for
SM Prime executive vice president Shirley Ong (center) led the ribbon-cutting ceremony together with other SMPHI and Costa del Hamilo, Inc. executives and project consultants.
THE SM Mall of Asia welcomed the Year of the Pig with a Lunar Parade featuring bright lanterns and delightful Chinese characters. The three colorful floats—The Year of the Pig Float, The Lotus Float, and the SM Mall of Asia float—went around the mall to bring good luck and good cheer to mall-goers. The event also featured cultural performances from different Chinese Schools including Chiang Kai Shek College, Philippine Sun Yat Sen High School, Xavier School, Hope Christian School, Tiong Se Academy, Makati Hope Christian School, Ateneo Confucious Institute, Philippine Hua Academy, and Saint Jude Catholic School. Dragon and lion dances, both symbols of power, wisdom, and good fortune completed the Chinese New Year tableaux, chasing away evil spirits and bringing happiness, longevity, and good luck.
marketing Mabe De Goitia, vice president for project development Imee Francisco, assistant vice president JM Garcia, Crearis’ Arch. Mike Espiritu, Budji+Royal’s Roslu Kaufmann, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club general manager Maggie Garcia, GF & Partners’ Arch. Arlie Cruz, and senior assistant vice president for sales and projects Alexis Ortiga. Go to www.hamilocoast.com or call (02) 945-8000 for more information.
The Freia showroom features two model units, one of which is a two-bedroom designed by Budji+Royal.
SM Mall of Asia’s Lunar Parade featured traditional dragon and lion dances.
Landers Superstore extends fuel sale MEMBERS of Landers Superstore can enjoy longer drives as the Super Fuel Sale is extended until the end of 2019. Shoppers simply need to collect coupons every time they shop at any Landers branch until Dec. 31. Members automatically get fuel discount coupons for every minimum purchase worth P3,000.
These coupons, when presented at any Landers-Caltex gas stations, come with a minimum of P7 off per liter of Platinum, P7 off per liter of Silver, and P4 off per liter of Diesel. Members may use one of their discount coupons to fuel up one car only. Fuel discount coupons are valid until March 1, 2020.
Landers Superstore is located at Daang Hari Road, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City; ArcoVia City, 99 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Pasig; 1240 Edsa Balintawak, Apolonio Samson, Quezon City; 1890 Paz Guazon St., Paco, Manila; and 23 Minore Park, Cardinal Rosales Ave. cor. Pope John Paul II Ave., Cebu.
Membership superstore Landers extends its fuel sale until end of 2019.
Entertainment
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
C3
nickie.standard@gmail.com
Bombshell film reignites Michael Jackson abuse firestorm
The acclaimed Broadway musical, ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ which was last staged in the Philippines in 2012, has begun its new Manila run at The Theatre at Solaire.
Sensational
‘PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’
haunts at Solaire By Julianne Edon Gabis
T
HE chandelier of the Paris Opera house once again rose up for its Manila audiences during the sold-out Phantom of the Opera gala night on Thursday at The Theater at Solaire. The longest running show in Broadway history has returned to Manila with the same brilliance that made Filipinos fall in love with it since its last curtain fall in 2012. It follows the story of a deformed composer who shelters underneath the Paris Opera house and haunts its managers and company. Privately tutoring Christine Daae, a beautiful soprano star-to-be, he falls in love with her. So when a handsome young suitor from her past enters the picture, the Phantom grew furious and tried with all his might to make Christine stay by his side. Seasoned actors Jonathan Roxmouth (Phantom), Meghan Picerno (Christine), and Matt Leisy (Raoul) headline the Manila production. The Phantom’s face is half-covered
so the acting can be extra-challenging. Roxmouth’s version of the famous Opera ghost uses his dulcet voice and his nimble hands to woo and hypnotize Christine and the audience is not exempted from its effects. Roxmouth, who also played the title role of ‘the Phantom’ back in 2012 describes the Phantom’s comeback to Manila as a “homecoming.” The leading lady of the show, Megha Picerno, was also not new to the production of ‘Phantom’ as she played the older version of Christine Daae in the Phantom’s sequel ‘Love Never Dies” 2 years ago. The dark and heavy atmosphere of the opera house was graced by a comedic touch fused to the script. When Lefevre,
the opera’s manager, left the company when he heard threats from the opera ghost, he bid them good luck and says they shall find him in Boracay, making the audiences laugh at the fourth wallbreaking scene. Beverly Chiat, who plays the lead soprano of the opera, Carlotta Giudicelli, also incorporated humor to her Carlotta making her a crowd-favorite of the night. Even with the limited space The Theater’s stage provides, it did not hinder the extravagant set of the show. So when the Phantom and Christine emerged on a boat and glides through the mist, it is simply breathtaking. For 30 years, the show plays multiple productions all around the world and the props and costume design are still as lavish and extravagant as it gets, all thanks to the genius of Maria Bjorson. “The Music of the Night” and “All I Ask of You” remain as crowd-favorites of the show that cemented its status as legend in Broadway history and etches the melodies in the minds of the audience as they go home singing the tunes and rewinding the magic of the opera.
AN UNFLINCHING new documentary on pedophilia accusations against Michael Jackson has shattered the glittering veneer around the late King of Pop, presenting in lurid detail the stories of two men who say he sexually abused them for years as minors. Leaving Neverland, a four-hour film by British director Dan Reed, is considered so potentially devastating that counseling was made available at its Sundance Film Festival premiere in January. US cable network HBO will air it in two parts, starting Sunday. Reed said he tried to include “sexual detail in a very measured way, so it wasn’t done for shock value.” “We tried to make it graphic enough to be eye-opening and for people to be confronted with what it means for a little child to be seduced and raped by an adult pedophile,” Reed told AFP. “Of course it’s shocking. It’s a very serious crime. And it shouldn’t be glossed over,” he added. It’s not the first public airing of abuse claims against Jackson but the release marks the scandal’s first major explosion since his fatal overdose at age 50, almost 10 years ago. The documentary centers on James Safechuck, 41, and Wade Robson, 36, who recount separate but consistent accounts of how their idol molested them as boys. Both describe the childlike Jackson wooing them: inviting them into his fairytale existence, gaining their families’ trust and manipulating them into keeping
Miss Universe Catriona Gray is ‘Ambassador for Knowledge’
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray with ‘Magandang Buhay’ hosts
CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, March 7, 2019
ACROSS 1 Ringlet 5 Bartok or Lugosi 9 Not so many 14 Range in Asia 15 Thickening agent 16 Plain to see 17 Encompass 18 Roulette color 19 Mountain range 20 Got around by trickery 22 Rounded rod 24 Eye part 25 Sprinkles 28 Moves cautiously 31 Kansas City team 33 Tenn. athletes 36 La senorita 38 Copier setting 39 Have bills to pay 40 Complimented 42 Ostrich cousin 43 Unsuitable 45 Zipped along 46 Dept. store inventory 47 Give, as time 49 Use a wok, maybe 51 Fix a shoe 53 Fragrant trees
57 Dry run 59 Varmint 60 Aden’s country 63 Punk hairdo feature 65 Modern bookstore feature 66 Not in the dark 67 Cleveland’s lake 68 — up (pay) 69 Unpleasantly difficult 70 Socially challenged one 71 Occurring after all others DOWN 1 Low-temperature brew 2 Dull green 3 Gem measure 4 Tots 5 Gave first aid 6 Swelled head 7 Fixed the table 8 One-way symbol 9 Revealed in advance 10 Sinister stare (2 wds.) 11 Tie the knot 12 Unit of energy 13 Road map no. 21 Wind up
23 International conflict 26 Came unglued 27 Criticizes 29 Endangered trees 30 Minor mistakes 32 Pivot 33 Null and — 34 Deed holder 35 Move on 37 Zone 40 Counselor 41 Scholarly 44 Theater come-
ons 46 Part of AMA 48 Pharmacist — Lilly 50 Ring count 52 Wolfed down 54 Fridge maker 55 River floaters 56 Icy rain 58 Tempt 60 Candied goody 61 Woolly one 62 Kettle and Bell 64 Pine cousin
FILILIPINO-AUSTRALIAN beauty queen Catriona Gray’s advocacy in education has earned her a new title. She is now the “Ambassador for Knowledge” for Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI). KCFI president and head of the education arm of ABS-CBN Integrated Public Service, Rina Lopez Bautista, gave Gray the citation for the latter’s “exceptional dedication in advocating for inclusive quality education in the service of Filipino children.” It was signed by Bautista and KCFI vice chairman and ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio Lopez III. The announcement was made during Catriona’s recent appearance in ABSCBN’s morning talk show, Magandang Buhay. Since 2016, the 25-year-old beauty queen has been volunteering as a teacher
assistant to the students of non-profit organization Young Focus PH, which supports the holistic development of underprivileged children in Smokey Mountain, Tondo in Manila, through education. “Working with Young Focus was the very reason why I joined the pageantry in the first place,” Gray said during her interview in Magandang Buhay. In the Official Letter of Conferment received by Gray, KCFI hopes that with her role as “Ambassador for Knowledge”, “will raise awareness of the global learning crisis affecting middle and low income countries, especially the Philippines, and in turn, encourage local and global collaborative solutions between government, businesses, and citizenry by inviting them to become stewards and cocreators of transformative learning.”
their sexual relations secret. “You and I were brought together by God,” Robson said Jackson told him. Their mothers also offer narratives of seduction into the cult of Jackson—and the ensuing guilt that haunts them. Robson first met Jackson as a five-yearold after winning a dance competition. The megastar invited the boy to his Neverland Ranch, where Robson, by then seven, said the abuse began. He describes how their sexual relationship “escalated rapidly,” with Jackson telling him: “This is us showing each other that we love each other.” Safechuck, who said his abuse began at age 10, tells a similar tale, saying Jackson told him if anyone found out their lives “would be over.” Jackson’s estate has vehemently defended the late star, suing HBO for $100 million over a “posthumous character assassination” it says breaches an agreement made not to disparage the icon, a condition for airing one of his concerts. Jackson faced accusations in 1993 of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy and settled out of court, with Robson and Safechuck saying at the time that Jackson hadn’t touched them. In 2003 more accusations triggered a dramatic trial: that time, Safechuck kept a distance, but Robson testified for Jackson, who was acquitted. AFP
‘Leaving Neverland,’ is a documentary on Michael Jackson that features accusations from two men who claim the late pop icon sexually assaulted them when they were children.
In February... From C4
Included in the list as well were the political romantic comedy TODA One I Love, Amazing Earth, 24 Oras Weekend, Imbestigador, Wowowin, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, Tadhana, Asawa Ko Karibal Ko, and Wish Ko Lang!. GMA similarly dominated both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, taking 9 spots out of the top 10 programs. Nielsen data is gathered through a greater number of sampled homes nationwide in comparison to Kantar Media. With approximately 900 more homes surveyed in Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar, Nielsen data is statistically considered more representative of the total TV population. Nielsen TV Audience Measurement’s client pool covers a total of 32 clients/ subscribers consisting of 6 local TV networks including ABSCBN, TV5, Aksyon TV and CNN Philippines, among others; 3 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; and 21 agencies (17 media agencies, 3 consulting agencies, and 1 digital agency). Meanwhile, GMA Network is investing over P1 billion to complete the second phase of its digitization project which encompasses the production, post-production, content management and distribution of GMA and GMA News TV’s programs. This phase includes the commissioning of the Digital Terrestrial Transmitters that now provide superior digital TV signal reach, enabling the viewership of Kapuso programs through digital-enabled TV sets and set-top boxes in various areas in the country including Mega Manila, North Central Luzon, Cebu, and Davao.
Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com
C4
Entertainment
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
The night the public gave birth to ‘Anak’ ONE night in 1978, a budding singersongwriter named Freddie Aguilar performed on stage his finalist piece to the first Metropop tiff held at Folk Arts Theater. For the now-OPM legend, it was his best live rendition of the song, “Hindi ko na makakanta ng ganung kaganda yung ‘Anak’,” he recalled , poignantly pondering, “Nandun ang career ko nakasalalay. Sabi ko ‘If I make it here, mapapatunayan kong hindi ako ang sisira sa pangalang Aguilar.” Ka Freddie was a runaway at age 17 who tried his luck at Olongapo’s burgeoning gig scene at the time. The day he reconciled with his father Gregorio who hoped he become a lawyer, he showed him the song’s nowclassic lyrics. That fateful Finals Night telecast over RPN-9, his entry was met with loud applause and positioned to take the top prize. He claimed that “Anak” placed first during the pre-judging, with “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy” by Heber Bartolome ranking next. But judges thought otherwise and both songs failed to bag a trophy. Even with the crowd chanting “Anak” to victory, the big winner turned out to be “Kay Ganda Ng Ating Music,” written by someone named, yes, Ryan Cayabyab and performed by thenrising star Hajji Alejandro. While it’s a choice eventually vindicated owing to its OPM-empowering theme and Mr. C’s magic pen, it was allegedly booed that night because, as Aguilar flashbacked, it wasn’t the people’s choice. “Nung dress rehearsal ay lagi akong
YUGEL LOSORATA nakayuko. Nagdadasal kasi ako,” he half-joked, “Akala ko nung pinalakpakan ako naaawa lang sila sa akin.” Prior to revelation, Aguilar remembers then First Lady Imelda Marcos gesturing that he approaches her. She told him, “Iho, ang ganda ng song mo sana manalo ka.” Another VIP cried out, “You will go places!” Of the song’s origin, he shared, “Ako yung ‘Anak.’ Sinulat ko ‘yun sa ‘Gapo nung inabot ako ng tunay na repentance for hurting my mother and father kasi naglayas ako para sundan ang pangarap ko. Humagulgul ako for what I wrote at pakiramdam ko binigyan ako ng regalo ng Diyos kasi nagsisi na ako.” He added, “Mararamdaman mo kapag dumating sayo ang magandang kanta. Sa demo ng ‘Anak’ may tahol pa ng aso at tilaok ng manok.” Along with “Anak,” Aguilar submitted another composition called “Naglaho” which apparently landed in the top 40. Right after the historic event that also saw noted interpreters like Celeste Legaspi and Anthony Castelo pitted against each other, Aguilar went home to a hero’s welcome, with neighbors who did not know him yet calling him simply “anak.” Vicor Records quickly released the beloved tune as his breakthrough single. “Literal na overnight sensation ako,” he jested. “Anak” kickstarted a career eventually peppered with other hits like “Magdalena,” “Ipaglalaban Ko,” “Estudyante Blues,” and the interpretation of Snaffu Rigor’s “Bulag, Pipi, At Bingi” that won Metropop grand prize in 1979. This year Ka Freddie is running for a Philippine senate seat. His fate no longer just in the hands of few judges.
Actor JC De Vera is on a new high these days because of the positive feedback and high ratings of the new series, ‘The General’s Daughter.’
JC de Vera on fatherhood,
marriage, and showbiz career NICKIE WANG
A
CTOR JC de Vera is quite the doting dad, who has, time and again, talked about how fatherhood has brought a lot of change in him as a person and as a human being since his priorities have changed.
In February numbers game, GMA Network increases nationwide lead LEADING broadcast company GMA Network posted better numbers in February, which resulted in increased margins over its competitor, based on the latest data from the industry’s widelytrusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. For the month of February (with Feb. 24 to 28 based on overnight data), GMA registered an average total day people audience share of 38.4 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), which topped ABS-CBN’s 34.6 percent. Per day part, the Kapuso Network got 33.9 percent people audience share in the morning block, versus rival’s 28.5 percent. GMA subsequently won in the afternoon block with 39.2 percent people audience share surpassing the 34.7 percent of ABS-CBN. GMA also secured its leadership in the hotly contested evening block with 39.5 percent as against competition’s 36.9 percent. The Kapuso Network likewise maintained its stronghold in the viewerrich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country. GMA registered an average total day people audience share of 42.1 percent in Urban Luzon, which was way ahead of ABS-CBN’s 29.2 percent. In Mega Manila, based on official data from Feb. 1 to 23, the Network kept its dominance with an average total day people audience share of 43.9 percent, versus competition’s 26.6 percent. Moreover, Kapuso shows also ruled the list of top-rating programs in NUTAM for
the said period. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) solidified its position as the mostwatched show among urban viewers nationwide, following its recent overnight people rating of 19.2 percent, which is its highest rating to date. KMJS was followed by Onanay, Pepito Manaloto, Kara Mia, 24 Oras, Daddy’s Gurl, Magpakailanman, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Studio 7, and Cain at Abel. Continued on C3
Barbie Forteza (left) and Mika dela Cruz, stars of the fantasy drama, ‘Kara Mia’
In an interview with Manila Standard, he talked about how having a child made him a better person and how the father in him has become so protective. “It’s different if you’re baby is a girl, you need to be more protective, unlike boys, you can just let them run around, literally and figuratively. The bottom line is, you just want to give your child the best life,” the 32-year-old actor shared. “I have learned a lot of things about myself since Lana was born. I became more patient, and of course more inspired to work,” he added. JC enjoys being a hands-on dad and will do anything to see his little girl, who is turning one year old next month, happy. While he enjoys being a first-time parent, JC and his partner Rikka are not keen on adding another member to their beautiful family. “We’re talking about our church wedding. Maybe it will happen in 2021. We really wanted to prepare for it that’s why having another baby is still out of the picture. But if I were to choose, I want to have a baby boy,” JC smiled. They plan to get married in church once they are done with their current projects. Rikka helps in their family’s construction business while JC, while busy in showbiz, juggles his time being an entrepreneur as well—he’s into food business. “I’m doing this for my family. If I’m already rich, I wouldn’t do showbiz anymore,” JC said in jest. “Kidding aside, showbiz is my passion so I will still be around as long as people still like me and I still receive offers.” JC takes pride in his partner’s accomplishment and dedication. Apart from being a “great mom,” the actor considers Rikkah his great inspiration— the person who gave him direction, too. “She’s the one who plans her future and knows what she wants to achieve. Before, happy go lucky lang ako in my past relationships. You just live for the moment. Siya, she really wants to have a family and also be successful in business. Siya, may direction talaga. So, nahawa ako,” he said. Meanwhile, JC’s name was dragged in a recent situation that happened on the set of The General’s Daughter in
DOTING DAD. The actor cuddles up to 11-month-old Lana in one of their recent
trips overseas.
JC with his partner Rikka and their baby who is turning 1 on April 12.
Batangas. Reports came out that the series lead star Angel Locsin walked out while having a scene with the actor. In the same interview with Manila Standard, JC made clear that he was sleeping on the set when the incident happened and he didn’t have any scene with Angel on that day. “I was able to sleep because I didn’t have to shoot for that day. A few members of the cast and crew were sleeping, too. So when we woke up, Angel was no longer there and we heard that she left.” Out of respect, JC did not inquire on what transpired during the shoot that forced the actress to leave. “She sent a text message to everybody and apologized. The next day, she’s
back, on time, like she always does, and everything was back to normal,” he shared. The actor further said that this situation is normal in big TV productions like The General’s Daughter. They are confronted by internal and external demands, and shooting the series is not an easy task for the director, the crew, and the cast. “There are times that we feel tired and exhausted because of the demand of our work. The General’s Daughter is an action drama. We don’t just act. We have to perform stunts that are physically draining and challenging. So if someone breaks down, either an actor or the director, it’s normal and understandable,” he concluded.