Manila Standard - 2019 April 10 - Wednesday

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MEMORIALIZING A MEMORY. While actors and volunteers replicate Filipino and Japanese troops during the infamous Death March in April 1942 following the surrender of Allied troops—76,000 Filipino and American soldiers—to the troops of Tomoyuki Yamashita in front of the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac, 106 kilometers north of Manila, west of the MacArthur Highway, anti-China protestwers carrying the tricolors and placards (right) march towards the Chinese Embassy grounds through the capital’s financial district to oppose Beijing’s growing sway in the Philippines and as tensions rise over China’s military presence in the disputed South China Sea. AFP

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 59 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Uphold PH sovereignty’

2 Sayyaf men killed in Sulu; 3 soldiers hurt ZAMBOANGA CITY―Two Abu Sayyaf bandits, including a suspect in the Jan. 27 Sulu church bombing, were killed while three soldiers were wounded in a firefight in Sulu, military officials said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out in Bangkal village in Patikul around 3:45 p.m. on Monday.

Pabayo said troops from the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion were on combat operation when they clashed with some 40 Abu Sayyaf bandits under Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Almujer Yada.

He said the firefight, “supported by indirect fires and close-air support,” lasted for 40 minutes and resulted in the death of bandits Barak Ingog and Nasser Sawadjaan.

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Duterte rallies nation to protect rights, freedom

Palace dares PCIJ, Sereno: File charges vs Duterte, kin MALACAÑANG on Tuesday challenged the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to file charges against the President to back up their claims that his family had unexplained wealth.

On Monday, Sereno reminded the President that as a public official, there is a need to explain the “sharp upticks” in his family’s earnings.

“I believe that we [government officials] should display a simple lifestyle. If an official is suspiciously wealthy, there should be an explanation.

And the explanation should be

made public,” Sereno said during the sidelines of a voter education forum in Iloilo City.

Instead of telling everyone not to stick their nose into his wealth, Sereno said she believed the President should address

By Nat Mariano

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday urged Filipinos to remain steadfast in upholding the country’s sovereignty, as about 1,000 protesters descended on the Chinese Embassy in Manila to oppose the Asian superpower’s presence in the disputed South China Sea.

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In his message to honor the 77th commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), the President, hailed the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who fought side by side during World War II. Next page

PDEA chief, Senate bet deny drug ties

By Rio N. Araja PHILIPPINE Drug Enforcement Agency Director-General Aaron Aquino on Tuesday denied any links to former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang and slammed dismissed police colonel Eduardo Acierto for accusing him as a protector of Yang.

“I am not Michael Yang’s protector,” Aquino said.

He made his statement even as former special assistant to the President Christopher Go, who is running for senator in the midterm elections, on Tuesday Next page

SECURING SOVEREIGNTY. President Rodrigo Duterte marks the 77th anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan while in Jolo, Sulu Tuesday with the message to his countrymen to remember the heroism of the brave Filipino and American soldiers in Bataan in 1942 ‘in defense of our liberty and democracy’ and the countless civilians who helped the country’s armed forces. PCOO Photo

Malacañang okays masterplan to avoid water crisis

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has approved an executive order that includes a draft masterplan seeking to provide an integrated approach to ensure water security, a Palace official said Tuesday.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the President agreed with the plan to prevent the recurrence of a water shortage that has afflicted millions of customers of the private concessionaire Manila Water in Metro Manila.

“That [EO] has to pass through vetting

‘Spare the pets from poll stunts’

Can grapes grow in Mars?

The spokesman of the Commission on Elections on Tuesday admonished candidates to spare animals from their campaign stunts after a photo of a dog with a sticker plastered on its body went viral online. Next page

TBILISI, Georgia—Georgia is immensely proud of its ancient wine-making tradition, claiming to have been the first nation to make wine. Now it wants to be the first to grow grapes on Mars.

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but in principle, the President has already approved it during the last Cabinet meeting. The draft has been given to the Office of the Executive Secretary already for vetting. So, the draft is being finalized and it is awaiting the President’s signature,” Nograles told Palace reporters. Next page

Senate chief twits five US lawmakers

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo SENATE President Vicente Sotto III bristled Sunday at a resolution filed by five American senators calling for the release of Senator Leila de Lima and the dropping of charges against Rappler chief executive Maria Ressa.

“What are we, part of their commonwealth?” Sotto said in Filipino, referring

‘‘

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What are we, part of their commonwealth?”

—Senate President Vicente Sotto III, questioning the perceived meddling of 5 US senators in domestic affairs of the country

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News

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Kin of Negros 14 told: File charges against suspects THE Palace on Tuesday urged the families of the slain farmers in Negros Oriental to file criminal charges after several human rights groups concluded that the farmers were victims of summary execution.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo assured the families of the 14 slain farmers that President Rodrigo Duterte would not tolerate police abuse.

“President Duterte will not allow police brutality, nor will he tolerate police abuse,” Panelo said.

He said the Palace was awaiting the official copy of the report on the investigation. The Philippine National Police has also created a team from its national headquarters to conduct a probe in Negros Oriental.

While there is a presumption of “regularity” on the police operations because of the search warrants, Nograles still urged the families of the slain men to file appropriate charges and “let the law take its course.”

“The families can always file criminal charges against the police officers and they should if the circumstances warrant, as this is the proper and legal recourse available to them,” he said.

After conducting a fact-finding investigation into the killings, 21 rights organizations contradicted the claim of the PNP that the farmers fought back during their “legitimate police operation.”

They said the farmers were summarily executed.

“Accounts gathered by fact-finding teams from the victims’ families and witnesses showed a pattern―[policemen in full combat gear and wearing balaclavas] barged into the victims’ houses, [showed] defective search warrants for alleged weapons, shot the respondents, then planted fabricated evidence such as firearms and ammunition,” Danilo Ramos, chairman of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, said.

“Worse, the perpetrators took away money and other valuables from the victims.” Nat Mariano

Malacañang...

From A1 “Basically, we want to create a master plan in terms of managing our water resources. But in order to create a masterplan, we have to get everybody, all the water sector bodies, offices, agencies, and departments, to get together [and] coordinate with each other,” he added.

He said the proposed EO seeks to reconstitute the National Water Resources Board, which will be responsible for the integration of all government efforts involving water.

It also seeks to review agreements with water concessionaires, monitoring their performance on the agreements set by the government.

Aside from crafting a national water management master plan for integrated water resource management, the NWRB will also streamline and consolidate planning and regulation of all water and river basins in the country.

Meanwhile, Nograles even stressed that the creation of the Department of Water should be pushed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

LEDAC, a consultative and advisory government body, helps the President decide on certain programs and policies essential to the realization of the goals of the national economy. It also serves as a venue for the President to integrate his legislative agenda with Congress, especially on vital issues and concerns affecting national development.

“I think it should be included [in the priorities of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council or LEDAC] because of the fragmented approach that we have.

The EO we are crafting can be superseded and amended by the next administration,” Nograles said.

“The new administration will just overrule or cancel that EO then we would go back to our old ways. But with the Department of Water, you have to pass through Congress. So ideally, it has to be institutionalized through the Department of Water,” he added.

Nograles said he remained optimistic that Congress would support the bill creating a water department to address effects of the recurring dry season.

Last week, the Duterte administration considered the creation of a Department of Water to mitigate the effects of El Niño and water shortage in parts of the country.

After weeks of intermittent water supply, residents of Upper Bicutan in Taguig, Metro Manila finally got their steady water supply, Manila Water said Tuesday.

Jeric T. Sevilla Jr., head of corporate communication of Manila Water, said the water supply was normalized following the installation of three line boosters in the area.

Elevated areas like Upper Bicutan in Taguig normally experience no water once pressure is reduced.

With the help of the three line boosters installed by Manila Water, residents of Upper Bicutan finally got water after weeks of intermittent supply.

“The installation of line boosters is only one of several technical and network solutions to bring water to high areas and those located at the far-end of the concession area,” Sevilla said in a phone interview. With PNA

Budget approval likely before Easter—Palace

By Nat Mariano

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte may sign the long-stalled 2019 national budget before Holy Week, an official said Tuesday.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the Palace remained “hopeful” that the President would sign the budget before the Lenten break.

He said the budget was still under the “vetting” process by the Office of the President, the Department of Budget and Management and the members of the executive branch.

He said Duterte scrutinizes the spending bill and also prepares his veto message before signing it.

“Every year the President has his veto message... So ideally, practice, and historically, there is always a veto message of the President when it comes to the

budget,” Nograles said.

But he said no one could tell what line or provision in the spending bill the President would veto.

On March 26, the Office of the President received a copy of the 2019 General Appropriations Act as the Congress broke months of budget impasse between the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Nograles said the measure would lapse into law once the President left the bill untouched 30 days after he received it.

“What I’m saying is ideally he might sign it because we have a date on when the measure would lapse into law. Of course, there is a due date, so ideally we are after the signing before it lapses into law,” Nograles said.

“If the President fails to act on it, it will lapse into law. That’s why I’m saying he will sign it before Holy Week just to be on the safe side… Because if it does lapse, then whatever both houses of Congress submitted will be approved.”

The Senate previously submitted an enrolled copy of the proposed P3.757-trillion

2019 national budget to the Office of the President.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, however, attached a letter explaining his “strong reservations” on the itemized P75 billion worth of public works projects, asking the President to veto the “unconstitutional provision.”

House Committee on Appropriations chairman Rolando Andaya Jr., on the other hand, hit back at the Senate, saying it “sabotaged” the Duterte administration when it unilaterally decided to cut at least P83.7 billion in allocation for the government’s mega-infrastructure program and other priority programs.

As the country has been operating under a reenacted budget since the start of 2019, the Palace said the House of Representatives and the Senate should resolve their “internal problems.”

Nograles, meanwhile, said once the 2019 budget had been signed, the government would catch up with its infrastructure projects.

Can grapes...

From A1

KAGITINGAN RITES. Vice President Leni Robredo attended the 77th Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan held at the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Tuesday, April 9. Robredo led the wreath-laying ceremony and handed awards to the winners of the National Creative Painting, Essay Writing, and the Oratorical Contests. OVP Photo

‘Uphold PH...

From A1

“Today, we remember the heroism of the brave Filipino and American soldiers who stood side by side in the mountains and jungles of Bataan in defense of our liberty and democracy,” Duterte said from Jolo, Sulu.

“As we hold this solemn observance, it is my hope that we will all be inspired to remain steadfast like our forefathers and their allies in upholding our sovereignty and in protecting rights and freedoms that our people enjoy today,” Duterte added.

At the Chinese Embassy, flag-waving marchers chanted “China out” and brandished a banner saying “Defend our sovereign rights,” referring to Beijing’s expansive claims to the resource-rich waterway.

“The government headed by President Duterte is not responding. What China is doing is almost an invasion,” marcher Alex Legaspi, a 53-year-old teacher, said.

While President Duterte has largely set aside the once-heated territorial standoff over the sea, tensions have flared since hundreds of Chinese vessels appeared recently near the Manila-held Pag-asa (Thitu) island.

The Philippines called the boats’ presence “illegal” and Duterte threatened China with possible military action if it touches the island.

However, the President has repeatedly said war with China would be futile and he has no intention of getting into a conflict with the rising power he has courted for trade and investment.

Duterte has been criticized at home as be-

ing too eager to grow ties with Beijing, and giving up too much leverage on the South China Sea issue.

Meanwhile, the United States has moved to boost its relationship with long-time ally and former colony the Philippines.

A small group of policemen monitored the protesters, who numbered around 1,000 according to journalists on the scene. The marchers dispersed peacefully after the demonstration.

Protesters also voiced simmering unease over the terms Chinese loans for infrastructure in the Philippines, including a massive dambuilding project.

China is poised to loan some $210 million toward the construction of the Kaliwa Dam, a project that has been delayed for years and would fill gaps in the Philippines’ chronic need for infrastructure.

“We cannot allow... China to control Filipinos and the Philippines’ sovereignty,” Wilma Quierrez, 53, member of indigenous rights group, said.

“The loan agreement signed by [Chinese President] Xi Jinping and President Duterte will send us into debt trap,” she added.

In his address, Duterte also paid tribute to the countless civilians who aided the country’s armed forces and offered against “the overwhelming force of the enemy.”

“We may not be able to memorialize all of them, but we will forever remember and honor their epic struggle and unshakeable fortitude,” he added.

In a separate statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo echoed the President in honoring the fallen soldiers and surviving members of the Bataan Death March.

Senate chief...

From A1 to days when the Philippines was a colony of the United States.

Sotto said the US lawmakers didn’t even know how the judiciary works.

“If we file a resolution asking them to release a suspect, will they agree?” he added.

In a six-page resolution, US Senators Marco Rubio, Edward Markey, Richard Durbin, Marsha Blackburn, and Chris Coons asked the Philippine government to remove the restrictions on the personal and work conditions of De Lima and allow her to fully discharge her legislative mandate, especially as chairperson of the committee on social justice.

De Lima is standing trial on drug charges after she was accused of receiving drug money from drug lords inside the New Bilibid Prison to bankroll her senatorial bid in the 2016 elections.

The American senators also urged the government to guarantee freedom of the press by dropping the charges against Ressa.

De Lima thanked five members of the US Senate for their concern over the human rights situation in the Philippines and for calling for her release from illegal detention over trumped-up drug charges.

De Lima, the first prominent prisoner under the Duterte regime, said she greatly appreciates the time they devoted in examining the situation in the country and in calling out the political persecution she is subjected to under the Duterte regime.

The five US senators also pressed the Duterte administration to value press freedom and drop all the charges against Ressa, whose online news service has been critical of the government.

“The Duterte government [c]ontinues to chip away at respect for

Nestling between the Great Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, Georgia has a mild climate that is perfect for vineyards and has developed a thriving wine tourism industry.

Now Nikoloz Doborjginidze has cofounded a project to develop grape varieties that can be grown on Mars.

“Georgians were first winemakers on Earth and now we hope to pioneer viticulture on the planet next door,” he told AFP. After NASA called for the public to contribute ideas for a “sustained human presence” on the Red Planet, a group of Georgian researchers and entrepreneurs got together to propel the country’s winemaking onto an interplanetary level.

Their project is called IX Millennium— a reference to Georgia’s long history of wine-making.

Since archaeologists found traces of wine residue in ancient clay vessels, the country has boasted that it has been making wine for 8,000 years—longer than any other nation.

IX Millennium is managed by a consortium set up by the Georgian Space Research Agency, Tbilisi’s Business and Technology University, the National Museum and a company called Space Farms. AFP “These Filipino fighters demonstrated the highest form of love of country when they offered their lives in the liberation of the Philippines during World War II. Thousands perished from physical abuse, exhaustion, disease, and starvation during this dark chapter of our history so that we, the future generations, may live to enjoy the blessings of peace and freedom,” he said.

The Palace official said “heroism” in modern times does not only refer to valor in combat or physical courage. Nowadays, modern-day Filipino heroes range from Filipino scientists, devoted teachers, corruption-free government workers, and police officers who lose their lives in the war against illegal drugs.

“Indeed, the modern-day Filipino hero of today can be anyone who serves as an inspiration by going above and beyond their call of duty and whose positive influence is worthy of emulation in making a difference in our society,” he said.

Panelo also appealed to the people to set aside differences and throw out partisan politics in the name of unity.

Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, said she hopes Filipinos will strive to be as brave as their forefathers who fought colonizers and abusive regimes.

Robredo issued the statement as she led the commemoration rite of the 77th Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor in Bataan.

“In our history, the Filipino has always stood up for the country—whether it be against invaders or abusive regimes. The Philippines is the cradle of the valiant, and we must live up to that every day. Long live the bravery of Filipinos!” she said in Filipino.

fundamental freedoms and human rights. This bipartisan resolution condemns their government’s troubling behavior and calls for the release of political prisoners, including Senator de Lima, and journalists who have been imprisoned under bogus charges,” Durbin said.

Markey lamented how “the Duterte government is turning the law against the very voices promoting the rights of the Philippine people” instead of working to hold human rights offenders accountable for their crimes.

De Lima, a former justice secretary, said she continues to see the support she is receiving from different organizations and personalities as a “great source of hope” which drives her to remain steadfast in lending her voice to the causes of human rights.

“Amid the vilification before the whole world by the most powerful official in the Philippines, I stand here fighting, knowing that there are still many out there who believe in me and my causes,” she said.

“Criticisms over the support I’m getting from the international community, much less the US Senate, will never remove the fact that the five senators and other foreign dignitaries before them are speaking in behalf of all the unjustly treated human rights defenders in the Philippines,” she said.

“Instead of bewailing their alleged ‘meddling’, those who negatively reacted to the US Senators’ move should recognize that these foreign entities are simply advancing universal causes of justice, human rights and democracy,” De Lima added.

The Department of Justice on Tuesday turned down the call of the US senators.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the appeal of American senators was hinged on the wrong premise that the rights of De Lima and Ressa were violated in their criminal indictment before the courts.

“These five US senators have obviously been fed with wrong information,” Guevarra said.

‘Spare...

From A1

“Seriously. Isn’t it enough that politicking has already trashed the country you claim to love, you’ve got to harass dogs, too?” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said in a Twitter post.

“Leave. Dogs. Alone,” he added.

The poll body has been actively cracking down on illegal campaign posters as it vowed to take legal action against stubborn candidates who mount oversized tarpaulins or place the same in restricted areas.

Jimenez has taken to social media to document and encourage voters to take photos of illegal campaign materials.

Palace...

From A1

the issue amid allegations that Duterte’s family members were involved in illegal drugs.

While the Palace agreed with Sereno that the law requires public officials to file their Statements, Liabilities, and Networks (SALNs), the President’s mouthpiece said he found her comments “ludicrous and ironic” since Sereno’s appointment as the Supreme Court chief justice was invalidated through a quo warranto petition by reason of her nonsubmission of the same.

Panelo, the President’s chief legal counsel, also said the law does not require the filer to explain the increases in their income if there are any.

“Any contrary argument is an undue expansion of the commands of the law pertaining to the transparency of a public official or employee’s property,” he said.

“If attorney Sereno and the PCIJ believe that the increases relating to the President’s assets are ill-gotten wealth, they should file the appropriate charges instead of nitpicking and using media to create intrigue and put the President and his family in a bad light,” Panelo said.

“After all, ‘The burden of proof lies upon him who affirms, not on him who denies’,” he added.

Last week, the PCIJ reported that Duterte his children Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio and former Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte filed SALNs in 2017 that “continue to confuse because of similarly sharp upticks in their wealth.”

The PCIJ also found out that the law firm Carpio & Duterte Lawyers, where Sara and her husband Mans Carpio are partners, was not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission since the law firm’s establishment a decade ago.

With allegations of their seemingly ballooning wealth, Panelo said Duterte and his family have businesses, downplaying concerns about the growth of the Dutertes assets and their seemingly high earnings from their work as local officials.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has already said the President’s critics and detractors were just nitpicking on Duterte’s SALN, trying to make an issue out of even the “minutest detail” in hopes of pinning the President for some wrongdoing but failing in the attempt.

2FromSayyaf men...

A1 Pabayo said Ingog was involved in the explosion at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo that killed 18 people and injured 80 others.

Sawadjaan was the nephew of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

Pabayo said the troops found an M-16 armalite rifle and personal belongings from Ingog.

“Three of our troops were also slightly hurt due to shrapnel wounds, but they are now fine,” he said.

“We also received information from residents in the area, who are also monitoring and reporting the whereabouts of the bandits in order to rid their presence in the community, that they overheard that another high-value ASG sub-leader is missing and probably dead, which is subject to the clearing and pursuit operations of our troops right now.”

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief, said he was impressed with the initiatives of the Joint Task Force Sulu troopers.

“Their focus and dedication showcase the commitment, not only to end the menace brought by the ASG in Sulu that hampers peace, but also of performing the soldiers’ mandate to protect the safety of the people in the locality,” Dela Vega said. PNA

PDEA...

From A1 denied his involvement in the illegal drug trade operations based on “Episode 3 of Bikoy Expose―The Real Narco-list.”

According to the GMA News TV’s News to Go report, Go denied being a member of a drug syndicate. He lifted his shirt to show his back while speaking before officials of San Pedro, Laguna, to prove he did not have a tattoo with a supposed code.

The expose said Go also had a dragon tattoo on the back of his body with the serial code COATLIBRA, which is also his code name in the “TARA” (bribery).

As a result, Go was also challenged to show the back of his body, the same challenge earlier hurled against resigned Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte.

Earlier, Acierto released a matrix showing the alleged links of Yang and Chinese businessman Allan Lim to the drug trade.

He said he sent the information to the Philippine National Police, PDEA and even to President Rodrigo Duterte, but they just ignored him.

In a video, he accused the PDEA chief, Go and ex-PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa as Yang’s protectors. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

News

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BI personnel in air/seaports placed on alert for Lenten break

By Vito Barcelo ALL IMMIGRATION personnel in all international airports and seaports were placed on heightened alert due to the expected huge number of passengers who would travel in and out of the country during the Lenten break.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said he has ordered the deployment of more than 50 Immigration officers to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to augment the number of personnel manning the immigration booths in the arrival and departure areas of the premiere port during the peak season.

“I have also directed our Port Operations Division [POD] to implement stricter measures in screening all arriving and departing passengers and to ensure that enough manpower are available in our airports to service the needs of the traveling public,” Morente said.

BI POD Chief Grifton Medina said that in compliance with Morente’s directive, he issued a memorandum banning all BI airport personnel, including the terminal heads and duty supervisors, from going on leave from April 8 to 22.

“Except for meritorious or emergency reasons, no applications for vacation leave will be entertained or acted upon by my office during the 10-day period,” he said.

As for the 50 more immigration officers temporarily reassigned to the NAIA, Medina said the employees were picked from the main office and the different field, satellite and extension offices of the BI nationwide.

“We have also instructed members of our travel control and enforcement unit [TCEU] and border control and intelligence unit [BCIU] to double their vigilance during this critical period,” Medina added.

TCEU and BCIU personnel at the airports assist BI frontline officers in monitoring arriving alien passengers in order to prevent the entry of undesirable aliens into the country.

They also remain on the lookout for suspected human trafficking victims so that the latter are prevented from departing for their foreign destinations.

HONORARY MEMBERS. Philippine Military Academy ‘SAMBISIG’ Class 1991 president P/BGen. Filmore Escobal (left) administers the oathtaking ceremony of the new honorary members of Sambisig Class 91 led by Philippine Constitution Association president and former Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (fourth right) Office of the President ASEC Maria Felisa Marques (third right), Businessman Perfecto Jose Sisi (second right) and Businessman Napoleon Magno, held Monday night at the PSG Officers’ Clubhouse in Malacañang Ground Manila. Romualdez said he was deeply honored and thanked the leadership of PMA Sambisig Class 91 for accepting him as its new Mistah. Ver Noveno

DOLE ready to evacuate OFWsi n Libya—Bello T

By Vito Barcelo and Macon-Ramos Araneta

HE Department of Labor and Employment is ready to evacuate Filipinos in Libya should the Department of Foreign Affairs raise the alert level from Three to Four in that country due to continuous fighting.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that “as soon as the DFA raise the alert level to four, then we will again come up with a solution. This time, imposing a forced evacuation or repatriation of our workers in Libya.”

The DOLE chief said that at present, repatriation of overseas Filipino workers from the Middle Eastern country is voluntary.

The DFA said that there are over 3,500 Filipinos in Libya.

Under Alert Level 4, all Filipinos in Libya will be forced to evacuate and

those with valid employment contracts who are currently on vacation in the Philippines will not be allowed to return.

Rapid response teams have been placed by the DFA in Tripoli to assist in the evacuation of the thousands Filipinos in the Libyan capital.

“We are also preparing a voluntary repatriation program. That means that those who want to come home, we will be helping them,” said Bello.

Bello said that aside from free airfare, there will be livelihood and financial assistance for the returning Filipino

workers.

On Monday, the DFA raised Alert Level 3 in Libya and has “urged Filipinos in Tripoli and nearby areas to consider getting themselves and their dependents repatriated to avoid getting caught in the middle of ongoing clashes between rival factions.”

Meanwhile, as military tension escalates in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, reelectionist Senator Nancy Binay called on government agencies to activate emergency hotlines where families of OFWs can call and be updated on the status of their relatives in Libya.

Binay cited the need for an interagency team—composed of the DFA, DOLE, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and representatives from employment agencies—so that relatives of the OFWs in the Philippines can be appraised of the situation and the repatriation plans of the government.

Ex-Laguna gov Pimentel files bill recognizing Muslim burial rights Ejercito slams PNoy for graft conviction in 2014

By Rio N. Araja FORMER Laguna Gov. Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito III on Tuesday slammed former President Benigno Aquino III for his conviction by the Sandiganbayan over the province’s alleged questionable accident protection assistance program.

At a news conference in Quezon City, Ejercito blamed Aquino for the filing of graft raps against him, his dismissal from service in 2014 and his recent conviction, and the arrest and detention of his first-degree cousin, then Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada for graft and plunder complaint over his supposed involvement in the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

He said the late President Corazon Aquino declared all political positions vacant in San Juan City when she assumed office in 1986, during which Estrada was the mayor, adding she even helped him out as president at the height of the so-called EDSA 2 revolt in 2001.

“I can forgive, but I may not forget [what they did to us],” he said.

He said that the Sandiganbayan was “unfair,” and that the decision was “politically motivated.”

“Some of the justices at the Fourth Division were Aquino’s appointees,” he said.

He, however, clarified that he remains a candidate in the midterm elections as Laguna governor despite the conviction.

Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, a lawyer seeking a senatorial seat, said he is helping Ejercito to challenge the Sandiganbayan’s decision before the Supreme Court.

“The anti-graft court’s order is not yet final and executory. Only the high court could say so. It is not true that he has been disqualified to join the elections,” Gadon said.

Ejercito is running under the Hugpong ng Pagbabago.

Earlier, the Commission on Elections ruled that only a final ruling by the Supreme Court could disqualify a candidate to run for public office.

SENATOR Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III wants hospitals, medical clinics, funeral parlors, morgues and other similar facilities barred from withholding Muslim cadavers over unpaid bills and other fees.

Pimentel filed Senate Bill 2160, seeking to prohibit the withholding of Muslim cadavers in hospitals and funeral homes.

In filing the measure, the lawmaker said he was seeking to recognize the right of the Muslims to bury their dead in accordance with their religious customs and beliefs, noting that their burial rites are done within a 24-hour period.

Under the bill, hospitals, clinics, funeral parlors, morgues or similar facilities shall release the cadaver of a Muslim to his or her relatives for burial within 24 hours from death.

Relatives shall give promissory note for their unpaid obligation. They could secure a guarantee letter from the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System or Philippine Health Insurance Corp. if the deceased was a member of the aforementioned institutions.

For indigent deceased, a promissory note could also be secured from the De-

partment of Social Welfare and Development.

The bill also proposed to require concerned institutions to immediately issue death certificate and other documents required for claiming social security.

An officer or employee of the hospital, clinic, funeral parlor, morgue or similar facilities who violates the provision of the proposed law shall be penalized with a fine of not less than P20,000 but not more than P50,000 or imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months or both at the discretion of the court.

Build database of available jobs for Pinoy workers —Cayetano

By Maricel V. Cruz A LEADER of the House of Representatives has pushed for the creation of national database of all available and indemand domestic job opportunities for Filipino workers in a bid to address the persisting job-skills mismatch in several industries.

This as Taguig City Rep. Pia Cayetano noted that the abundance of opportunities for Filipino skilled workers, owes to the country’s booming construction industry.

In particular, she cited the Duterte administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program that seeks to accelerate public infrastructure spending. Projected to reach P8 to 9 trillion between 2017 and 2022, this massive infrastructure program has opened over 25,000 job positions for Filipinos.

“Public spending on construction, whether by local government units or the national government, is on the rise all over the country. The private sector has also been investing and contributing,” Cayetano, a deputy speaker, said.

Despite such opportunities, she noted that many Filipinos still find it hard to get employed because they do not possess the skills required for the job openings.

“This is why we need to ensure that our skilled workers are really the best,” she said.

Cayetano said the country has to put up a database of all actual and projected job opportunities so we will know which industries will be in demand in the next few years.

Oversight committee Angara urges DOTr to ready IRR on 20% student fare discount law on foreign loans pushed By Macon Ramos-Araneta tation to draft the law’s implementing laws. So its implementation should not AN OPPOSITION lawmaker on Tuesday called for a bicameral congressional oversight committee on foreign loans.

Party-List Rep. Gary Alejano made the call amid reports that the Duterte administration is negotiating billions of dollars in loans from China.

“While we recognize the power given to the President when it comes to incurring loans meant to spur growth and promote equity in the provision of public services and benefits, we should ensure transparency and accountability on all government borrowings.

“Hence, I proposed the creation of a Congressional Oversight Committee on Debt Management to institutionalize an effective check and balance on the executive power to contract and guarantee loans,” Alejano, said.

The Bureau of Treasury reported that as of December 2018, the country’s outstanding debt stood at ₱7.3 trillion—up 9.6 percent from ₱6.7 trillion in 2017 amid higher domestic and foreign borrowings.

The BOT said external borrowings accounted for the biggest chunk of the total debt, growing by 13.8 percent or ₱304.45 billion to ₱2.51 trillion from the same period in 2017.

Given this, Alejano is pushing for the creation of a Congressional Oversight Committee on Debt Management as contained in his House Bill 8480.

Maricel V. Cruz

NOW that the bill granting the 20-percent student fare discount is on President Rodrigo Duterte’s desk for signature, reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara believes that it will become a law in time for the return of students from the provinces for the school opening in June.

But this early, Angara, one of the authors of the measure in the Senate, is calling on the Department of Transpor-

rules and regulations so it can be implemented immediately once the measure is signed by the President.

“If a bill’s enactment is anticipated, then the implementing agency, in a proactive move, can ready the IRR especially if there is a schedule to be met, which in this case is the opening of classes seven weeks from now,“ Angara said.

“This is one of those ‘do not delay’

be held up by the absence of an IRR,” he said.

If there is an anticipated bidding and early procurement in public works, he said there should be advance writing of IRR for the important law.

Angara said that ideally, both the law and the IRR should be in effect on the first week of May so that students can buy discounted bus, ship and plane tickets ahead of the school opening.

BRAVE YOUTHS.

A broad youth movement dubbed as #WeThe Brave, launched its call for a Vote for Sovereignty and Human Rights in the 2019 National Elections during a press conference held in Quezon City. Shown in photo are the youth leaders chanting their call during the nationwide launch of “#We The Brave” as the country celebrates Araw Ng Kagitingan on Tuesday, Aug. 9.

Lino Santos

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Threat of war THE threat of President Rodrigo Duterte to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and to declare a “revolutionary war” rages on, despite the Palace’s attempt to play down the presidential remark made at the convention of public prosecutors in Palawan.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo who must have the most difficult job in the world in explaining his boss’ frequent outbursts said the President’s statement was only an exasperated expression of the many problems confronting his office.

Were the prosecutors so intimidated that not one took a stand and gave a different opinion afterward?

Yeah, right. But to state it before government prosecutors that he will arrest critics who are enemies of the state and throw them in jail together with common criminals, drug traffickers , addicts and killers is a scary scenario to contemplate.

Considering that what the President flaunted is a serious legal issue, none of the prosecutors present at the Palawan gathering—who were all lawyers and officers of the law—spoke up even after the event against the President’ s ranting. Were the prosecutors so intimidated that not one took a stand and gave a different opinion afterward?

It took some senators and other legal observers to point out that the presidential way of handling the law is way out of left field. The President likes to point out that he was a former public prosecutor before he became Davao City mayor.

We hope that those whom the former public prosecutor failed to send to jail

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

via the legal process were not arrested and jailed anyway by the strongman Davao mayor.

Domingo Egon Cayosa, vice chairman of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, said the President may suspend the writ of habeas corpus only for 60 days and may do so only if there is an imminent threat of invasion against the country or a total breakdown of law and order. He also pointed out the expression “revolutionary war” is totally different from a “revolutionary government,” according to the Constitution.

For sure, other senators will express a similar and as learned a view as IBP official Cayosa. Let’s hear it candidates and enough talk of what you did, etc.

Protection of the people’s right is just as paramount as lowering the cost of living and having ample supply of water.

This is why laws are crafted and enshrined in the Constitution. They are not for those holding the lever of power to set aside and do as they please.

There is a final reckoning at the end of their term and immunity from prosecution. In some instances, people’s patience reaches a tipping point before this. Look at what happened to former Presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada although it took longer for Marcos to fall. Erap did not really suffer imprisonment because he was detained at his resthouse in Tanay and then immediately pardoned after his conviction for graft and corruption.

The people of Manila hopefully will render a wiser verdict in the midterm elections where Erap is seeking a second term as mayor. The people of the country’s capital, however, have a limited choice with only Erap, former Mayor Fred Lim and former Vice Mayor Iskho Moreno to choose from. Is Manila so bereft of leaders?

Take note that it is the national government agencies cleaning up Manila Bay, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on top of the rampant proliferation of drugs in the city. I used to be a Manila resident living in the once-fashionable Malate area but moved to Makati to escape the stench of a decaying city.

Life in a high condominium tower in Makati with its accompanying high real estate taxes is more livable than living dangerously in Manila.

P

It is our business, all right

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday slammed a series of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, saying what his family earns outside of politics is nobody's business.

The series highlighted on the significant increases in the incomes of the President and his children, Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio and former Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, while they were in office.

“My children and I are being criticized, all about lawyering.

What do they care about what happened to my law office?” the President said, in a speech in Iloilo City insisting that he was not required to report what he earned through his own sweat.

“What we earned outside is none of your business, actually,” he continued, ending with an expletive to show his anger and disdain.

Citing the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth of Mr. Duterte, Sara and Paolo, the PCIJ said the Dutertes had an unregistered law firm and shares in other companies that they did not include in their SALNs. PCIJ also reported that Carpio & Duterte Lawyers, with Sara and husband Manases Carpio as partners, was not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commis-

sion, and that its clients included companies that have dealings with the Bureau of Customs.

The President, meanwhile, was a partner at Fabiosa Duterte Cimafranca Carcedo law office but he did not declare his interest in the firm in his SALNs, the PCIJ said.

Mr. Duterte said it was important for politicians to have a fallback like a law firm, given the frequency of elections.

“You have to have a law office because there is an election every three years. And it’s so short. What if you lose this election, where would you go?” he said.

“Our law firms and what happened to our business partnership, it’s not your goddamn business,.

It’s my worry. For as long as it’s not the people’s money.”

The President also said his wealth was inherited from his late mother, Soledad Duterte.

“SALN? You didn’t work for that money. Were you the one who earned it? Why should I put it in my SALN?” he said.

With all due respect, what the President earns and owns is very

much our business. The law of the land says so.

The Constitution and Republic Act No. 6713 both require all government employees—including the President—to submit a SALN, which is defined as a declaration of assets and liabilities, including business and financial interests, of an official or employee, of his or her spouse, and of his or her unmarried children under 18 years old still living in their parents’ households.

Neither the law nor its implementing rules and regulations mention any exceptions to this requirement, or Mr. Duterte’s novel suggestion that income earned and assets accumulated separate from his work as a government employee need not be reported in his SALN. The ouster of a Supreme Court chief justice who failed to list all his assets is proof enough that no such exception exists.

In reporting about the wealth of the President and his family, the PCIJ was merely doing its job to keep the public informed. That is part of democracy. Instead of railing against journalists doing their job, the President—famous for “being real” and speaking his mind—should apply the same openness to his financial statements show how transparent his administration really is.

Memories of World War II THE commemoration of the historic Fall of Bataan and Fall of Corregidor, called Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, brought me back to the days of the Japanese Occupation many many years ago.

I was 14 then, in my second year in high school at the University of Santo Tomas. Our teacher announced that the war with Japan had broken out, and she dismissed our class. I later learned that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor and Clark Air Base.

I had mixed feelings about the war.

That same day I saw a crowd gathering at the corner of España and P. Campa. There was a dogfight between a squadron othe Philippine airplanes above Manila. The Philippine Air Force led by Col. Jesus Villamor was against Japanese airplanes.

During that dogfight, Col. Villamor’s plane and another were shot down.

They were no match for the Japanese “kamikaze” air force. An air base was later named after the colonel.

Far Eastern University, two blocks from our accessoria along P. Campa Street, became a recruitment center for those who wanted to join the Philippine and American contingent that had retreated to Bataan.

My mother told me that my elder brother Willie, then studying at FEU, had tried to get recruited but was turned down. But that afternoon, as my mother, Willi and I were standing along the sidewalks of España waving at the truckloads of recruits on their way to Bataan, Willie, who was in his short pants, ran after one of the trucks and jumped on board.

I remember my mother shouting and crying hysterically.

We eventually learned that Willie had become a non-commissioned officer.

My oldest brother, Desi, was different. We were told that in a meeting with his group involved in the underground movement, the late Senator Manny Manahan among them, he was arrested and imprisoned at Fort Santiago.

That was a double tragedy for my family, especially my mother. My father was district supervisor of public schools in Abra and had to stay in the province for his job.

I stayed with my mother. At times, my sister, who was a physician at a puericulture center in Tondo, visited us.

She was married to lawyer Alfredo Bersamin Ferraren.

This was how we lived.

I recall that the Mathays had a grocery store and eatery at the corner of P. Campa and España. The Mathay boys became my close friends. Ponciano became a lawyer while Mel became mayor of Quezon City.

Having no means of income, except for a peso now and then from my mother, I devised ways to make money. I soon learned that being a cigaret vendor could be profitable. I became a bootblack around Sampaloc in the morning and a cigaret vendor in the afternoon.

I was inquisitive, and soon learned to do business with the Americans who were detained in the concentration camp of UST. A friend told me that for one stick of Piedmont or Chesterfield or Camel, I could earn a dollar.

My trade flourished and I did business with the Americans through the holes in their sawali fences. Some Americans would buy a whole pack of cigarets from me. One day, however, a Japanese guard saw me and shouted “kura, kura!” and I ran away. I stopped Turn to A5

Fake news and fact-checking POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE IN THIS age of fake news, fact-checking is one of the methods of overturning the falsehoods that are spread to mislead the public.

The methods were discussed at this year’s Philippines Communication Society annual conference and general as-

Watch out for these red flags. sembly held March 18 at the Philippine Information Agency auditorium. The theme was ‘Misinformation and Media Manipulation.’

First tackled was the topic of media manipulation.

Keynote speaker John Nery, Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist, spoke of the power of speech, of information, to move to action, whether for good or for bad. He gave as an example the New Zealand mosque massacre, describing it as a “made-for-media spectacle,” its video disseminated by the perpetrator on Internet sites including Facebook, 8chan, Youtube, and Reddit.

“The violence,” said Nery, “was meant to have consequential effects upon the feelings, thoughts, or actions Turn to A5

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Opinion Pearls of wisdom: Japan’s cultured farms still glisten

By Anne Beade

IN JAPAN'S picturesque Ago Bay, a couple sits in a little hut picking out oysters from a net, cleaning them carefully one-by-one before replacing them gently back in the water.

Their hope: In several months, these oysters will produce a glistening white pearl from a cultured farming technique invented in Japan that is in decline as experts die out in the ageing country.

Cultured pearl farming was first commercialised in Ago Bay and spread throughout the world. There are still dozens of farms plying the trade there, which look from the sky like a series of rafts floating between the steep coast and a string of tiny islets.

In 1893, an Ago Bay local called Kokichi Mikimoto became worried the oyster pearls avidly sought in his waters were becoming extinct.

So he began introducing artificial foreign bodies into the oysters in a bid to replicate the natural process in which they secrete thousands of layers of nacre when a grain of sand or shell finds its way inside the pearl pocket.

After several setbacks—including a bacterial virus that decimated his crop—Mikimoto finally hit the jackpot: one day in July 1893 a semi-spherical pearl appeared, clinging to the oyster.

A decade or so later, he had refined his method to produce a perfectly round specimen and immediately patented his technique—the cultured pearl.

Success was not immediate— several viewed the cultured pearl as a vulgar replica of the "natural" variety—but eventually Mikimoto built a global empire and Japan became the reference for the small pearls known as "Akoya."

Around the same time, two other Japanese, Tatsuhei Mise and Tokichi Nishikawa, applied for a patent.

Top five percent The Sakaguchi family has been crafting these valuable pearls be-

Fake news...

From A4

of a specific audience scattered across the world.” It was designed to persuade and move white supremacists to action.

“Perlocutionary terrorism,” he called it, a “statement crafted to be shared and retold.”

The shooter’s spreading of his video and manifesto across social media was also an act of media-baiting, and resulted in mainstream media’s amplifying the shooter’s message by carrying it.

This is an example of media manipulation.

But ‘fake news’ is an oxymoron.

There are specific terms we can use, said Nery, that more accurately describe the phenomena. He cited the research

by Dr. Claire Wardle and Hossein Derakhshan in the 2017 Council of Europe report on Information Disorder: “Mis-information: Information that is false, but not created with the intention of causing harm.

“Dis-information: Information that is false and deliberately created to harm a person, social group, organization or country.

“Mal-information: Information that is based on reality, used to inflict harm on a person, organization or country.”

These, say Wardle and Derakhshan, are types of information disorder, which is currently “influencing democracies.”

A case in point are the 95 pages and 39 accounts—mostly pro-Duterte— recently taken down by Facebook for violating authenticity policies. These are alleged to have been part of the

Memories...

From A4

selling for a few weeks, and then returned using another street.

My bootblack days were also very profitable. I earned enoug to afford shows with my favorite comedians Pugo and Tugo, and Bayani Casimiro. I also became a movie freak which I carried later on.

I told my mother not to give me any more allowance because I was self-sufficient.

Later, my father found a way to earn

tween three and 10 millimeters in diameter for three generations. Kasuhiro, 73, and Misayo, 68, are now supported by daughter Ruriko.

"Our job is to look after the oysters as well as we can for three to four years," explained the energetic 43-year-old Ruriko, sporting an apron and headscarf.

"From harvesting the young oysters, introducing the graft, right up to extracting the pearl," she added, as she dragged oysters from the net for inspection.

The whole delicate operation rests of the insertion of a nucleus—a small round polished ball made out of shellfish—and the "graft," a piece of donor mantle tissue from another oyster.

Over a period of several months, the oyster reacts to the foreign bodies by secreting thousands of layers of nacre which form the pearl.

The pearls are harvested in December, when the water is around 15 degrees, said Ruriko. "Below this, the pearl will lack strength.

Above that, it will lack shine," she explained.

It is a thankless task. Of the 100,000 oysters harvested annually, half die immediately after the operation.

The vast majority produce either mediocre pearls or nothing at all.

Only around five percent of the oysters harvested will result in pearls of sufficient quality to adorn the windows of chic jewellers far away in Tokyo.

Family heirloom The Sakaguchis are lucky to have Ruriko take up the family trade, which is suffering—like many other traditional Japanese crafts—from an ageing population and a flight from the country to booming cities.

The number of specialised pearl farmers has dropped from 3,760 in the 1960s to just 680 in 2013, according to the most recent data from the Fisheries Agency.

But despite this, Japan still domi-

presidential campaign tactics and used to attack critics of the present administration. Duterte won the election on the back of strong social media support.

Nery said we need look no further than this administration’s so-called ‘narcolists’ for homegrown instances of media manipulation. “It is clear,” he said, “that the narcolists have a symbolic role—they are a statement, designed to reinforce the administration’s overarching narrative about the so-called war on drugs.”

Nery pointed out that “much of the insidious power of media manipulation lies in the graphic images or suggestive text that are designed precisely to circulate. In the case of the narcolists, the mere naming of the alleged accused or the posterizing of their images already creates real harm.”

He called upon everyone to be vigilant in their use and consumption of media. “It is the responsibility of the media,” he said, “and of the citizens who also now perform their own gatekeeping role, to guard the gates zealously, to remind each other about the harmful shaping that media manipulation makes possible, and to always be on the lookout for anything that might assume the shape of harm.”

Following Nery’s talk, Yvonne Chua of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication Department of Journalism discussed various methods of fact-checking.

“Fact-checking matters,” she said. “It helps reduce the incidence and volume of disinformation.”

a living. He was fond of horses, and brought to Manila two horses and a karetela. These were for carrying passengers.

He was driver and I was conductor. I shouted “Quiapo!” and “España Rotunda!” at the top of my lungs. We made some money, but sadly not enough.

Thus, my father, my mother, my sister and her husband and I “evacuated” to Abra. Times were becoming difficult in Manila that you could not buy a ganta of rice with a bagful of Mickey Mouse money. We ate kangkong most of the time. We soon sold

nates the global market, accounting for around 30 percent in terms of value—helped by concentrating on the best quality pearls.

Japan has produced around 20 tonnes of farmed pearls annually over the past 10 years, bringing in around 16.6 billion yen, and is aiming to reach 20 billion yen by 2027.

But even that would be a far cry from the heady days of the late 1980s when Japan produced around 70 tonnes with a value of 88 billion yen.

So what sets Japanese cultured pearls apart from competitors in Tahiti, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines or Australia?

Aside from centuries of knowhow, Japan is helped by its climate, said Yuichi Nakamura, vice-chairman of the Mie Pearl promotion council.

"The key is the winter season in Japan. It gives the pearls a better shine and sets them apart from the rest of world," Nakamura told AFP. Rivals from China at one point looked set to threaten Japan's dominance but "they focused in quantity... whereas we concentrated on quality to stay in the race."

That quality is on glittering display at the luxurious, multistory flagship store of Mikimoto, in the plush Tokyo district of Ginza.

Here a mannequin wears a priceless pearl necklace but pearls can range from a few hundred to a million dollars.

"For the Japanese, pearls are a family heirloom. We give them as necklaces to women about to marry or as earrings or rings," said Mikimoto boss Hiroshi Yoshida.

They then wear them at grand occasions for the rest of their lives.

But perhaps an indication of a shift in the global economy: more than half of Mikimoto's customers are Chinese. After them come Americans, other Asians such as Singaporeans, and then Europeans.

AFP

She cited the American Press Institute’s description of fact-checking journalism as a “relatively new form of accountability reporting in politics where news organizations produce content that is branded under a special title and rates or judges the accuracy of claims by politicians or government officials.”

Chua also discussed ‘debunking,’ exposing the falseness of fake news and viral hoaxes, and ‘verification,’ seeking primary evidence to establish the truth, accuracy, or validity of something.

She also showed how to screen an online piece through the following red flags: headlines are all capitals, use excessive punctuation, claim conspiracy; bad grammar, sloppy copy; no author, no byline; no attribution; no, low-quality, or dead links; no or low-quality references and citations; outdated text; triggers fierce emotions and strains credulity.

Dr. Lourdes Portus, PCS past president, said in her remarks opening the conference that “we need to be more discerning about what we are told,” and that trolls and the creators of disinformation must be resisted.

This advice is particularly timely in this era of widespread disinformation, and our active participation in the communication cycle is essential to prevent our manipulation by forces with the evil intent to pursue their own selfish agenda.

Dr. Ortuoste has a PhD in Communication, and no, Mr. Troll, you cannot call her ‘sweetie.’ /FB and Twitter: @ DrJennyO

our horses and karetela and docar. *** But this is getting ahead of the story, The Japanese government soon gave full amnesty to the veterans of Bataan and even members of the underground movement. This meant the release of my brothers.

While Willie was with his fellow Death March survivors, my mother gave Willie food and clothing every week because the Japanese never gave them any.

My other brother Desi came home af-

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Local fights amorata.

Tip O’Neill must be squirming in his grave. In the Philippines, “all politics is [not] local.” It’s “all politics is personal.”

Personal, remember the term. It’s not about public service; it’s not about visions; it’s not about programs of govIN THE next 30 days, the senatorial ernment. It’s not even about family. It candidates will seek to fortify their is personal.

In Butuan City though, there is no “carrying” strength with the local candidates seeking election or re-election. “viable” opponent against first-term There are areas where the local Mayor Ron Vic Lagnada, the conelections have been decided from Day struction magnate who is gunning for One. In Davao City, the President’s his first re-election. There is a serious home turf, it is no contest for the Duter- contender, Nonong Balanon, a brilliant tes and their allies. Mayor Inday Sara lawyer who was once vice-mayor of will be reelected; Sebastian or Baste the city. But Nonong is in his sevenwill be her vice mayor, and Paolo ties, and cannot match the resources of Lagnada. And Duterte will be in the city where congressman for vote-buying was the district where born as far back the Dutertes and the Nograleses Politics is not just local; as the fifties, it’s what the voters used to quarrel. it’s personal. get on E-Day that Since they have counts. smoked the peace In Negros pipe in 2016, it’s a Oriental, which I Duterte show. visited recently, The real battle is in Davao del Norte, where the “war” between the former there is no gubernatorial contest. FredSpeaker of the HoR, Pantaleon “Be- die Maranon is serving his third term bot” Alvarez and the Floirendo fam- as governor, and under his leadership, ily, mainly with Antonio Floirendo Jr., a “no contest” was brokered in favor of now once again allied with his uncle, his vice-governor, Eugenio Jose Lacthe long-time congressman and gov- son. But for six or seven municipalities ernor Rodolfo del Rosario. Previous in the vote-rich province, all the incumfamily quarrels were resolved against bents are also sin contra.

But not in Bacolod City, the higha common “enemy.”

My sources say Alvarez will be re- lyurbanized capital where incumbent elected easily as congressman, and so Bing Leonardia is facing a tough battle will Tony in each other’s district. But against a councilwoman and another.

In neighboring Iloilo City it is “bilas what is interesting is the fight for governor, with a Del Rosario pitted against contra bilas.” The incumbent by virtue Edwin Jubahib, Bebot’s protégé. It of Jed Mabilog’s “exile,” Joe Espinosa is a classic timawa versus datu battle, is running for his first election, against meaning poor versus rich, except that three-term congressman and former Edwin is the fighting challenger hand- three-term mayor Gerry Trenas. Simipicked by Alvarez, who has both the lar in a way to Agusan’s Amantes, Trepowers of an incumbent congressman nas and Espinosa are married to sisters, the Sarabias who used to own Iloilo’s and the resources to boot.

Another colorful battle royale in grand old hotel, Sarabia Manor, now Mindanao is in Agusan del Norte, renamed The Mansion by its new ownwhere the once monolithic Amante ers.

See what I told you about all politics family has been sundered by sibling rivalry like no other. Just when they being personal?

In Cebu City, Mayor Tomas Osmewere no longer contesting the province and even the regional capital with the ña is being challenged by his vice-mayother dynasty, the Plazas who have or, Edgardo Labella, and so is Osmeña since retreated to Agusan del Sur, the cousin Raul del Mar being challenged.

Raul who for the umpteenth time and family now quarrels.

The patriarch, Manong Edel Aman- since Marcos fell, controlled the north te, long-time congressman and even a district is facing opposition from Ceshort-time executive secretary to Presi- buano movie and television actor Richdent Fidel V. Ramos, died years ago, ard Yap, the “Ser Chief” of Jodi Santaand so has the matriarch, Cabadbaran maria. Old wine versus new spirit.

As in Manila, the nation’s capital, Mayor Rosario, fondly called Nanay where forty-something Isko Moreno, Sayong.

Simmering rivalry between brother former councilor and vice mayor, is and sister came to full boiling point, challenging eighty-something former and now both are locking horns against president and now incumbent Mayor each other. Erlpe Amante served three Erap. Adding spice to the contest is full terms as governor, while sister An- ninety-something former Mayor Fred gel was congresswoman for the second Lim, who believes he can replicate Madistrict. In 2016, they swapped posts, hathir’s comeback legend.

But for the senatorial candidates, the even as they were no longer on speakissue of local fights or no-fights matters ing terms. It was a no-contest for both a lot. positions.

If there are no local fights, such as in Governor Angel, with no real opponent, and Congressman Erlpe both won vote-rich Negros Occidental, the tenhandily, except in the presidential der- dency for many voters is not to cast a by where Angel campaigned for Min- vote at all. That would not bode well danao’s favorite son, Digong Duterte, for Mar Roxas, a favorite son of Rewhile Erlpe, wearing the colors of the gion 6, whose mother Judy Araneta is Liberal Party still, just didn’t care. Of- sugar baroness in Negros.

In Batangas and Rizal, where Dodo ficially he was for the LP’s Mar Roxas, but observers say he also played foot- Mandanas and Nini Ynares face no credible opponents, those who rely on sies with Grace and even Jojo.

Oh well, “all politics is local,” said their vaunted vote-delivery machine might not reap the hefty two million the legendary Tip O’Neill of Boston.

Of course Angel’s Digong won vote total of these Calabarzon provoverwhelmingly in Agusan del Norte, inces.

On the other side of the equation, as he did in the entire Caraga Region, except in Agusan del Sur where the from the “no contest” candidates, the Plazas led by Gov. Eddie Bong deliv- expectation is high from the administration side of the equation. Since the ered a marginal victory to Mar. Now Angel on her first “new” term President will still be around for the as governor is running for Congress next three years, a good “report card” against brother Erlpe. It’s a no holds becomes a “ticket” to Malacanang. barred contest. In their hometown of This favors Bong Go most of all, Bato Cabadbaran, Angel is supporting her and Francis Tolentino as well.

Anyway it’s now less than 30 days brother’s wife, Judy Amante, in the mayoralty fight against, hold your before E-Day, when we will discover horses…Erlpe’s girlfriend, Katrina once again that “all politics is personMarie Mortola! De papeles contra in- al,” especially in the Philippines.

ter over a year of imprisonment at Fort Santiago. He had tattered clother, long beard and uncut hair. My mother collapsed in sheer joy when she saw him. *** Soon, my two brothers went North to join the guerrilla movement with the 121st Infantry, USAFIO-NL under American Col. Russel Volckmann.

Willie and Desi were commissioned as lieutenants. I joined my parents in going around Abra. We saw my brothers every now and then.

We were told to move around so

that the Japanese would not know we had two Jurados in the movement. It was very dangerous to be identified with the movement at that time. Beware of the Makapilis under Benigno Aquino Sr., grandfather of Pnoy. The Makapilis would just point to anybody allegedly with the guerrilla movement, and they would be beheaded.

The act of beheading was just gruesome. I saw that in Abra.

Indeed, nobody wins in a war. www.emiljurado.weebly.com

News

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019 A6 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

4,316 fined for street littering in Metro Manila

By Joel E. Zurbano

RTU PRESIDENT. Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco (center) was installed as the third president of the Rizal Technological University in Mandaluyong City last Monday, April 8. The investiture ceremony was held at RTU-TED Penthouse building on Boni Avenue. She is joined by the members of RTU Board of Regents and the University Academic and Administrative Council. In her speech after the investiture, Yangco rallied the academic community ‘to work hand in hand and continue to shine the light of knowledge in all directions and to affirm their love and loyalty to RTU in their quest towards academic fineness.’ Photo Courtesy: Dr. Chuci Cabasaan, head of RTU’s public affairs office

Ex-cop chief dismissal okayed T

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Court of Appeals has sustained its decision finding former police provincial director of Abra Alexander Rafael and another policeman guilty of grave misconduct, in connection with their involvement in the summary execution of five suspected guns-for-hire in May 2012.

In a three-page resolution, the CA’s Special Former Twelfth Division through Associate Justice Ramon Cruz denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Rafael and Senior Police Officer 3 Marino Manuel seeking the reversal of its Jan. 5, 2018 decision, which affirmed the resolution of the Office of the Ombudsman ordering their dismissal from

the service after finding them criminally and administratively liable for murder and grave misconduct, respectively.

The appellate court rejected the argument of Rafael and Manuel that the incident was a shootout and that they merely acted in self-defense.

“After careful consideration of the motion, we find that the arguments

raised therein are not novel and a mere rehash of the issues and arguments presented in their previous pleadings, which we have adequately passed upon in our decision dated Jan. 5, 2018,” the CA ruled.

The CA stressed that although Michael Bermudez had previous criminal records and the members of his group were carrying guns at the time they were killed, “it will not negate the fact that a rub-out took place.”

The appellate court noted that the other victims Nomer Biendima, Leonardo Apolinario, Jr., Isabelo George Bernal II and Daniel Villamor had never been charged or convicted of any crime prior to the incident.

Rafael earlier claimed that the killing was the result of a legitimate

shootout with Bermudez group along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay San Lorenzo, Lallo town.

Rafael claimed then that the slain suspects aboard a Toyota Corona had tailed them while they were on their way to his hometown in Cagayan from Ilocos Sur. According to him, his group was only forced to fire back at the suspects after they refused to stop when they were flagged down.

“Moreover, the autopsy reports of the bodies of Michael Bermudez, Nomer Biendima, Isabelo George Bernal II, Leonardo Apolinario, Jr., and Daniel Villamor revealed tattooing and shrapnel injuries suggesting that they were shot at close range—another fact consistent with the theory of rubout instead of shootout,” the CA said.

Vigan airport DPWH completes North Cotabato road rehab dev’t has begun

By Vito Barcelo

By Joel E. Zurbano THE government has started implementing development projects at Vigan Airport to further boost the tourism industry and trade activities in the city and other areas in the Ilocos Region.

On Monday, officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces and provincial government of Ilocos Sur led the groundbreaking ceremony of the airport’s runway extension project.

Once completed, the P69-million project will enable Vigan Airport to cater to bigger aircraft, which means more flights and more passengers for the airport.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the infrastructure development project of Vigan Airport was launched to address the growing demand for improvement in the airport serving the general area of the Ilocos Region.

He added that aside from the runway extension, projects such as the runway site acquisition, expansion of Passenger Terminal Building, construction of an Administration Building, and improvement of Vehicle Parking Area are also in the works.

Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo also said “When we build and improve our nation’s airports, we are also building platforms for mobility and connectivity that usher in economic and social development.”

“Through this project, Vigan will be more accessible to Filipinos who wish to witness its historical charm. And we know that with more people coming in to Vigan, more jobs come to life for our kababayans,” added Tamayo.

The Vigan Airport Development Project is among four airport projects that proceed from the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the Transportation department and the DND in November 2018.

The Armed Forces Task Force for Infrastructure Development, headed by M/ Gen. Felipe Bejar, will implement the airport projects through funds downloaded from the department.

THE Department of Public Works and Highways has completed the P44-million major rehabilitation of Makilala-Allah Valley-Mlang Road in North Cotabato, including the installation of solar-powered street lights.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the road improvement project involved asphalt overlay and provision of solar-powered street lights.

“Serving as a connection to Maharlika

Highway, the newly-improved MakilalaAllah Valley-Mlang Road will serve thousands of motorists and farmers who grow and trade agri-industrial products in the province such as rubber, rice, coconut, coffee, banana, and durian,” Villar said.

Solar-powered street lighting is also a free, eco-friendly feature that will ensure safety of the commuters and pedestrians utilizing the road at night time.

“We are pushing for the inclusion of street lights in our road projects nationwide, especially in dark areas where there

are no proper lighting coming from houses and establishments. In these cases, street lights are vital in preventing the occurrence of accidents,” the Public Works official said.

The improvement of Makilala-Allah Valley-Mlang Road was implemented by Cotabato 1st District Engineering Office under the Road Preventive Maintenance program of the deparment that aims to clear roads from potholes and other obstructions, as well as ensure enough and proper road markings and signages.

REMOVE RABIES. DOHCALABARZON together with the Provincial and City Veterinary Offices of Cavite and Humane Society International conduct "OPLAN RED" —an operation to eliminate Rabies which include spaying and neutering male dogs and cats in the region as part of the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program.

Norman Cruz

Bill declaring February 17 ‘Guinsaugon Day’ approved

By Maricel V. Cruz FEBRUARY 17 of every year will soon be a special working holiday in Southen Leyte in commemoration of the killer landslide that hit the town of Guinsaugon 2006.

House Bill 8948, that has been approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading, declares February 17 as the “Guinsaugon Day.” The bill, authored by Rep. Roger Mercado of Southern Leyte, intends to pay tribute to the individuals who lost their lives in 2006, when a landslide took place in Barangay Guinsaugon in the Municipality of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte.

Mercado said that 1,126 died from the tragedy.

He sought the enactment into law of his bill to also raise the issue on neglecting the environment, which caused the death of these individuals.

“The passage of this bill will serve as a reminder not only to the residents living in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte but for the whole nation that we need to take care of our environment to avoid another ill-fated catastrophe. The remaining survivors of this tragedy surely will remember the most painful day that happened in their lives,” Mercado said.

The bill was transmitted to the Senate after the House approved it on third and final reading prior to the adjournment last February.

MORE than 4,000 people were caught and slapped with penalties for littering the streets of Metro Manila during the first quarter of the year.

The Metro Manila Development Authority recorded a total of 4,316 apprehensions during series of antilittering operations in the areas of Monumento, Cubao, Ortigas district, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Taft Avenue, Guadalupe, North-EDSA, Gil Puyat Avenue and other parts of the metropolis from January to March.

In a report, the MMDA Health, Public Safety and Environmental Police Office stated that 965 litterbugs were apprehended in the month of January, 1,053 in February and 2,298 last month.

Of the numbers, 1,487 violators settled the administrative fine while 32 offenders rendered an eight-hour community service.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said the continuous enforcement of the anti-littering law is in line with the agency’s mandate to uphold the health and sanitation of the metropolis and its residents.

“We are calling on the public to refrain from littering in the streets.

Remember that garbage, no matter how small or big it is, end up in the drainage that contributes to flooding.

Proper garbage disposal is everyone’s responsibility,” said Lim. Top waste materials thrown by offenders are candy wrappers, cigarette butts, papers, and plastics.

Anti-littering teams are composed of environmental enforcers responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the MMDA Regulation No.96-009 or anti-littering law that prohibits littering, dumping and throwing any kind of waste in open or public places.

During operations, they issue environmental violation receipts (EVRs) to persons caught violating the antilittering law, with a corresponding fine of P500 or community service.

The MMDA also reminds the public of the stiffer consequence should violators ignore EVRs. Under the rules, violators are given three days to settle their penalties.

Those who fail to settle their violation will be sent summon to comply. If the violator ignores the summon a case shall be filed against him/her in court.

Names of charged violators may also be forwarded to the National Bureau of Investigation for inclusion on its alarm list unless they pay the penalty for their infractions.

More rivers classified for quality

By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources has classified 35 more rivers, bays and lakes for their best uses, bringing to 824 the total number of duly classified water bodies nationwide since the enactment of Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

Secretary Roy Cimatu issued a memorandum circular providing additional list of classified water bodies pursuant to Administrative Order 2016-08 or the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016.

The classification helps water managers and planners to develop proper water quality management programs and provide the standards to protect aquatic life and human use of their specific water bodies, he said.

“With these classifications, we are able to determine the programs and activities to implement so that we can optimize the use of our water resources and make them beneficial to our welfare and health,” he added.

Under RA 9275, the DENR shall categorize water bodies whether freshwater or coastal according to their quality, area, purpose and vulnerability to pollution.

Sports

A7

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

NBA players: Jordan is greatest ever L

OS ANGELES— Michael Jordan and not LeBron James is the greatest player of all time, according to a survey of NBA players published by The Athletic on Monday.

The sports news website polled 127 NBA players between March 16 and April 1 for its inaugural anonymous player survey, asking subjects a range of questions about the sport.

On the question of which player deserved to be recognised as the greatest in history, the verdict of the 122 players who answered the question was unanimous.

According to the survey, 73% believe six-time NBA champion Jordan is the greatest player the sport has seen. James came in second with 11.9% of votes, ahead of Kobe Bryant with 10.6%.

The poll also revealed that James Harden is most players’ pick to win this season’s MVP honours.

Houston Rockets star Harden, the 2017-2018 MVP, was chosen by 44.3% of respondents, with Milwaukee’s Giannis

Antetokounmpo just behind with 38.9% of the votes.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paul George was third with 12.7%.

Antetokounmpo however was the clear favourite for players asked who they would attempt to build a new franchise around.

The towering Greek star was chosen by 36.4% of players asked who they would sign first if they were building a roster from scratch.

New Orleans Pelicans ace Anthony Davis was second with 10.4% of votes while Joel Embiid (8.8%) was third.

Meanwhile, James has defended Luke Walton’s record amid ongoing speculation concerning the Los Angeles Lakers coach’s future with the franchise.

Walton is widely expected to be shown the door by the Lakers at the end of the

Michael Jordan

season after a disappointing campaign which saw them fail to make the playoffs for a sixth straight year.

However James said injuries and suspensions throughout the campaign left Walton short of resources for key parts of the season.

James cited the suspensions handed down to Rajon Rondo and Brandon In-

gram in the first game of the season as well as a litany of injuries as reasons for the team’s problems.

“No one expects for a suspension to happen on opening night,” James told Spectrum Sportsnet television in an interview.

“No one expects for injuries to happen the way they did with our franchise this year. Where your starting point guard is out for numerous games. Your starting small forward is out.

“I’m not talking two or three games here, everyone is back in the lineup.

We’re talking like 15, 20, 25 games.”

The Lakers injury toll also included James, who missed 17 games between the end of December and February after suffering a groin strain.

The NBA superstar’s absence -- the longest injury layoff of his career -- triggered a slump which saw the team fall out of playoff contention in the Western Conference.

James said that when all of the Lakers’ key personnel was fit, the team had been a match for most other sides in the league.

Bandolis, Padilla try to stop Denopol’s PPS tennis run JUDY Ann Padilla and Kristine Bandolis try to put an end to Angel Denopol’s domination of the girls’ 14-and-under play as they banner the field in the PPS-PEPP Kapatagan national age-grouper which got under way at the Kapatagan and Maranding courts in Lanao del Norte over the weekend.

Padilla gets the top seeding while Bandolis heads the lower draw of their age group division which the third ranked Denopol ruled in Misamis Occidental and Molave, Zamboanga the last two weeks of the longrunning tournament presented by Dunlop.

But the 12-year-old Denopol, from Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, appears a cinch to make it three straight in row in her age bracket though she remains wary of her rivals led by Kristina Bandolis, Hannah Caberte, May Gonzales, Rio Aguinid, Erl Dominguez and Nina Bantilan among others.

Meanwhile, Kristine Bandolis, Angel Vosotros and siblings Judy Ann and Carmel Padilla are tipped to dispute the 16-U crown with Carmel Padilla and Zeiah Toribio bannering the premier 18-U side of the Group 2 tournament put by Palawan Pawnshop headed by president/CEO Bobby Castro and hosted by Byron Atay.

For details, call PPS-PEPP Sports Program Development director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Eric Tangub also eyes a two-title feat in the boys’ category with the Tucuran, Zambo del Sur bet bracing for a tough challenge from Lex Estillore, Steven Sonsona and Brent Cortes in the 18-U class and from Nash Agustines, Sebastian Lagamon, Estillore and Cortes in the 16-U division.

Agustines, from Oroquieta, and Aslan Carbonilla face a tall order in the fullpacked 14-U roster which also drew RJ Cagatan, Christop Sonsona, Kurt Bandolis and Miguel Iglupas while Vince Bering, Sean Esick, Cyd Villamar and Andrei Tan set out to dispute the 12-U diadem.

The five-day tournament is sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg.

The Virginia Cavaliers celebrate their NCAA national championship conquest following their 85-77 win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. AFP

Virginia Cavaliers topple Texas Red Raiders to capture US college cage championship LOS ANGELES (AFP)--The University of Virginia captured their first US men’s college basketball championship on Monday night, with a 27-point performance from De’Andre Hunter to beat Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime.

Hunter led the offensive charge for the Cavaliers making a game-tying threepointer with 12 seconds left in regulation and then another three with just over two minutes remaining in overtime to give Virginia the lead for good.

Virginia claimed the NCAA crown one year after becoming the first number one seeded team to be knocked out of the NCAA tournament by the 16th seeded

team when they lost (74-54) in the opening round to unheralded University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

After going scoreless for the first 18 minutes at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hunter finished with a career-high 27 points.

Kyle Guy finished with 24 points, made four three-pointers and was named most outstanding player.

“We all had the same goal in mind and that was to win the national championship. To battle through everything we did and come out on top is a fantastic feeling,” said Guy. It was the second heart-stopping vic-

tory for Virginia in a row as they needed a last-second escape to beat Auburn in the semis on Saturday.

This was the third Final Four appearance for the Cavaliers and first since 1984.

Number three seeded Texas Tech was seeking its first title in school history and to become the first team since the 1999 University of Connecticut to go undefeated in its first appearance in the final four.

Brandone Francis had 17 points off the bench to lead Texas Tech. Jarrett Culver and Italy’s Davide Moretti each had 15 in the loss.

The Red Raiders beat Michigan in the semi-finals 61-51.

Allianz encourages young futsal players to aim big FOR any young football and futsal player in the country, being part of the Allianz Explorer Camp Football Edition is the dream to achieve. For three years now, Allianz Philippines has been helping Filipino players fulfill that dream through the Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitational.

A partnership with the Henry V. Moran Foundation and in coordination with the Philippine Football Federation, this annual event aims to encourage aspiring football and futsal players in the country to not just excel in these sports in their hometowns, but aim to play in international competitions as well.

On April 6, the three groups launched the 2019 ANYFI in the city of Davao to boost the sport’s presence in Mindanao. Futsal is a variant of football, and is played on an indoor court.

“The sport of football has progressed a lot since we started our futsal invitational three years ago. We have sent our most talented Filipino players in one of the best if not the best football camps in Asia and Europe. Many of them

have advanced in their careers getting into the national team and representing the country in games abroad. We have also brought them to train at the FC Bayern training grounds of Sabener Strasse in Munich, Germany, and they have shown that they can indeed play amongst the best young football and futsal players in the world,” said Rei Abrazaldo, Brand Communications and Digital Director, Allianz Philippines.

Last year, Philippine representatives Juan Miguel Basmayor (Manila) and Catherine Angelica Bradborn (Pampanga) went home with silver and bronze medals in the 2018 edition of the Allianz Explorer Camp in Germany. A third representative Ivy Tapiz (Dipolog) did a great performance leading her team from various countries.

“The Philippines is teeming with talents in football. We just need to give our youth the support and venue to further hone their skills and excel in the sport. In the Philippines, this can be easily achieved through futsal, a sport that can be organized and played in

Rei Abrazaldo, Brand Communications and Digital Director, Allianz PNB Life (seated 3rd from right); Kevin Goco, Futsal Head, Philippine Football Federation (seated center); and Danny Moran, Chairman, Henry V. Moran Foundation (seated 3rd from left) during the launch of the Third Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitational at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City. They were joined by Davao Football Association, PPF, and Allianz PNB Life officials.

gyms. It’s proven across the world that futsal develops better football players, and our experience tells us that futsal is an appropriate development approach for the Philippine setting,” said Danny Moran, Chairman of the Henry V. Moran Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the youth in public schools across the country through football and futsal.

PFF General Secretary, Atty. Edwin

Gastanes, gives his organization’s full support for the event. “The PFF is always pleased to see private entities like Allianz and the Henry V. Moran Foundation in helping us grow the sport of futsal in the country. Allianz’s support is a welcome act by the PFF and we hope that the children who join this tournament will have fun and display their skills and talents throughout the competition,” he said in a message.

Rolida, Gabasa top regional golf elims of MVPSF meet JACOB Rolida survived a backside meltdown to gain the low medal honors with a 147 after a 75 while Junia Gabasa topped the girls’ elims with a second 74 in the fourth MVPSF Visayas Regional Match Play Championships at Cebu Country Club yesterday.

Rolida broke away from a three-way tie with a two-under 34 start but fumbled with a closing five-over 41 card marred by a double-bogey on the last hole which he bucked to clinch the top seeding among the 16 qualifiers for today’s (Wednesday) start of the match play phase.

Rolando Pila birdied the last hole to salvage a 74 for a 148 then nipped Aidric Chan, who bogeyed the 18th for a 74-148, in the countback for the No. 2 spot in the knockout quarterfinals of the weeklong event serving as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Tour and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Chan, winner of last week’s Philippine Junior Open, settled for No. 3 followed by Joaquin Gomez, who matched Rolida’s opening 72 but hobbled with a 78 for a 150.

Gabasa also wavered at the tough backside of the tight, tree-lined layout, ending up with a 38 for that 74 and a 36-total of 148, three shots ahead of Pamela Mariano, who rallied with a three-under 69 to snare the No. 2 spot with a 151.

Grace Quintanilla placed third with a 154 after a 78, followed by Kristine Fleetwood (88-178), Ashley Llena (86-183), Cleer Flores (95-190), Marie Suelo (102-207) and Wilma Fantonial (109-209).

Others who advanced in men’s play of the event, sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT Group, Cignal and Metro Pacific and hosted by CCC, were Paolo Wong, who limped with a 78 for a 151, the same output put in by Martin Mendoza, who fought back with a 74, and Joseph Alvarez, who carded a 75, while Harvey Sytiongsa and opening day co-leader Carl Corpus pooled 152s after a 78 and 80, respectively.

Completing the match play cast are Santino Laurel (79-155), Mikhail Ybañez (76-156), Masaichi Otake (80156), Alfredo Cabajar (79-157), Mark Dy (77-158), Wei Yu Gao (78-158) and Fernando Mondares (82-159), who edged Pierre Neri (80-159) on the second playoff hole for the last spot and a faceoff with Rolida.

Dancesports qualifiers for SEAG bared SEAN Micha Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla led all the qualified dance athletes for the 30th Southeast Asian Games late this year after topping their respective disciplines in the 2019 DanceSports Council of the Philippines Inc.’s 1st quarter ranking and selection recently at the Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig City.

Aranar and Leonila, the champion in the standard discipline event, will join first runner-up Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen as the other qualified pair for the SEA Games in the standard discipline event.

For the Latin discipline event SEA Games qualifiers, Michael Angelo Marquez and Stephanie Sabalo topped the category, while Wilbert Aunzo and Pearl Marie Cañeda settled for first runner-up, but qualified, too.

The DanceSports competition will be held in Clark, Pampanga.

DSCPI President Becky Garcia also announced that Yer Lord Ilyum Gabriel will be representing the country as well in the Bboy Breaking event and Alyanna Talam was chosen for the BGirl Breaking competition.

The event was sponsored by thePhilippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Flawless, GNK Ballroom, Dance Results Philippines, Like-FM 105.9, Studio AK, Muebles Italiano, The Greenery Bulacan and Caruso Ristorante Italiano.

The next DanceSport event is the 2019 DSCPI Midyear Ranking and Competition on July 20, 2019. For inquiries, you may reach the DSCPI Secretariat at 637-2314.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@manilastandard.net sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

FLAWLESS RIDE. Minxie Romualdez, aboard her horse “Magic Milo”, clears all the .85-meter-high jumping fences in a course of 12 obstacles during the 54th Annual Horse Show at the Enrique Zobel Field, Manila Polo Club, Makati City. Minxie is daughter of Leyte (1st District) Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Atty. Martin Romualdez. Ver Noveno

Knockout matches in PBA today Obstacle course back in SEA Games

By Peter Atencio OBSTACLE course is back as a regular event in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Six events that will be held in an obstacle course have been restored following the acceptance of Laos as a fourth country to join the event.

Rep. Abraham Tolentino, who is the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee sports committee head, said this yesterday after he and officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee gave an update of ongoing preparations for the biennial meet.

“Imbis na mabawasan, may naibalik pang events sa pagsali ng Laos,” said Tolentino, who was a guest at the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum with POC president Ricky Vargas and spokesman Ed Picson at the Amelie Hotel in Ermita, Manila.

Six events in athletics were supposed to take the place of six events in obstacle course because three members countries were only joining.

But Laos managed to field athletes in the obstacle course, joining early entries from Thailand, Myanmar and host Philippines.

Because of this, obstacle course can be classified as a regular event in the biennial meet set from Nov, 30 to Dec. 10 to be held in different venues in Clark, Manila and Subic.

There are now a total of 56 sports disciplines and 529 events, which will be held, added Tolentino.

On the other hand, Vargas said a total of 11,250 athletes, coaches and officials will be around for the Games.

And host Philippines will field the biggest delegation, with 1895, while Indonesia is second with 1718.

Then, there’s Singapore with 1581, and Thailand with 1462.

“This will be the biggest SEA Games that we will be hosting. So we will have a lot of guests. We will have to unite to make this a successful hosting,” said Vargas.

By Jeric Lopez

W

HO will complete the semifinals cast?

The quarterfinals are set to conclude but only two more teams are bound to advance as San Miguel Beer, TNT, Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia go for broke and shoot for the semis in a pair of knockout games in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. The Beermen and the Tropang Texters figure in the first do-or-die affair at 4:30 p.m., while the Gin Kings and the Hotshots battle in the other at 7 p.m. as

their best-of-three affairs come to an end tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With both series tied at 1-1, it all boils down to a pair of Game 3s to see which teams are bound to move forward to the next round.

San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra drew first bloods but TNT and Magnolia bounced right back to set up the deciding games.

TNT KaTropa survived by edging out San Miguel, 93-88, last Monday night in Game 2.

“We played really hard to get Game 2 and we hope we can keep that and our intensity in Game 3,” said TNT mentor Bong Ravena.

Magnolia did the same but in a differ-

ent and more emphatic fashion, clobbering Ginebra, 106-77.

“We need to once again go all out in every possession on both ends of the floor to duplicate Game 2 and have a chance again,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

Top seeds Phoenix and Rain or Shine are both already in the semifinals and are waiting for their dance partners.

No. 1 Phoenix will face either the Beermen or the Tropang Texters in the next phase, while Rain or Shine awaits the victor between the Gin Kings and the Hotshots.

The Fuel Masters and Elasto Painters took care of business right away, maximizing their twice-to-beat incentives and eliminating their foes to advance.

POC president Rickey Vargas (center) with POC chairman Rep. Bambol Tolentino (left) and spokesman Ed Picson during their appearance at the PSA Forum .

more honest, and less political organization,” added Vargas, who is just a year and two months into the job as POC chief.

Vargas and Tolentino were voted president and chairman, respectively, in 2018 after defeating Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco and Ting Ledesma in a court-ordered poll held at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

But getting the post of president is just one half of the job done as Vargas had to work and deal next with a POC board that is a hold-over from the previous administration.

And it’s not that easy.

“So we had to live to the culture of the board that we are trying to work with,” said Vargas in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, Amelie Hotel-Manila, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

“So they have many rights, procedures, tradition, and all that we’re trying to work with,” added Vargas, whose first year in the office was met by the contin-

ued unsettled leadership disputes within various National Sports Associations, POC membership issues, changes within the POC By-Laws and Constitution, among others.

He’s also among the lead persons currently working on the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games later this year.

But Vargas, grandson of former Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation (forerunner of POC) chairman Jorge Vargas, said he’s also looking at himself and try to work with the current norms within the Olympic body.

He added understanding the reason behind the advice of board member Butch Pichay that getting the POC leadership is a ‘political job’ in itself.

“I am trying to change as well if I can.

If I can change, if I can live in that kind of en environment. I’m also looking at myself,” added Vargas, who has been rumored of being ousted several times as head of the POC.

Saso joins hunt in Manila Golf Classic ASIAN Games gold medalist Yuka Saso returns to the scene of her latest triumph to challenge the best of LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) as she toughens up the cast in the rich ICTSI Manila Golf Ladies Classic starting today (Wednesday, April 10) at the Manila Golf Club inside the posh Forbes Park.

Fresh from her joint third place effort in the historic Augusta National Women’s Amateur at the home of the US Masters last Saturday, the Fil-Japanese will be bringing with her a form and confidence boosted by her five-shot triumph to retain the Philippine Ladies Amateur Open crown last February.

The long-hitting 17-year-old Saso also placed second to world No. 1 Sung Hyun Park in the inaugural The Country Club Ladies Invitational last month then flaunted her world class form by ral-

SAN Miguel Beer behemoth June Mar Fajardo, already the record holder as the player with the most Best Player of the Conference trophies won, is in the running for the coveted individual award yet again.

Fajardo has a crack at a sixth straight BPC award in the PBA Philippine Cup as he leads the current BPC race, comfortably ahead of everybody with an average of 42.2 statistical points per game.

But at least three players in Calvin Abueva, RR Pogoy and Matthew Wright are major threats, especially the two Phoenix Pulse players since their team has safely made it to the semifinals.

Fajardo may be leading the stats race, but the Beermen are still to fight the TNT KaTropa in a knockout setto in their quarterfinal matchup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.

The Cebuano gentle giant is in pole position in the stats race on the strength of his league-leading norms of 22.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per outing.

NorthPort teammates Sean Anthony (37.1) and Stanley Pringle (36.0) are Fajardo’s closest pursuers, followed by Abueva (34.9), Pogoy (34.7) and Wright (34.3).

Moala Tautuaa (33.3), Ian Sangalang (33.0), Japeth Aguilar (31.9) and Jayson Castro (31.0) round out the Magic 10.

But only the top five in the stats race after the semifinals will be declared the official candidates for the award.

Columbian Dyip’s Jaymar Perez, NorthPort’s Robert Bolick and Rain or Shine’s Javee Mocon are in an interesting race for the Rookie of the Year award to be given away at season’s end.

Perez leads the stats’ derby with 28.7, but Bolick and Mocon are close behind with identical SP averages of 23.6 through the all-Filipino elims.

Blackwater’s Abu Tratter (20.5) is at fourth, followed by Columbian’s JP Calvo (16.6) and Jeepy Faundo (14.2).

Knights battle Tigers in finals of MPBL caging

Vargas: POC transformation will take time PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas is learning the hard way that it will take some more time before transformation can be effected within the Olympic body.

And for the moment, he said he’s trying to fit in to the system currently ingrained within the organization while at the same time, also attempting to nurture the changes he want to establish.

“Where I am not comfortable in the PCO is the culture, and how my own personality or leadership is being forced to a situation that I don’t like in terms of running the organization,” said Vargas, gracing the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday with his POC Chairman Rep. Bambol Tolentino and POC spokesman Ed Picson at the Amelie Hotel-Manila for the very first time since being elected as POC president February of last year.

“I’m not too happy about that and we’d like to move forward to seeing to it that the culture changes into a more transparent,

Fajardo leads Best Player of Conference

lying from joint 11th with a closing 69 to finish in the top three in Augusta, Georgia.

That makes her one of the marked players in the star-studded $100,000 championship with the likes of TLPGA No. 3 Babe Liu, Thai Yupaporn Kawinpakorn, reigning LPGT Order of Merit champion Princess Superal and fellow Symetra Tour campaigners Mia Piccio and Cyna Rodriguez all ready to dish out their best to stop the talented amateur from coming on top in this seventh leg of the LPGT and third stop of the TLPGA sponsored by ICTSI. Liu, who placed second in the first LPGTsanctioned tournament – the Party Golfers Ladies Open – in Taiwan last October, gets the chance to test Saso as they clash in the 10 a.m. flight on No. 1 with Thai veteran Chonlada Chayanun joining the group.

A flight ahead are Superal, Lin Tzu-Chi of Tai-

wan and another Thai Chakansim Khamborn while 2017 LPGT OOM winner Pauline del Rosario tees off at 9:40 a.m. against Taiwanese Chen Meng-Chu and Mina Nakayama of Japan.

Mia Piccio is also tipped to get into the early mix as the Symetra Tour veteran slugs it out with Thai Thanuttra BoonrakYuka Saso sasat, winner of the last LPGT leg at Southwoods and amateur Chang Tzu-Yi of Taiwan while multi-titled Yupaporn Kawinpakorn launches her drive for a follow-up to her Pradera Verde romp last January against Japan’s Miki Yamashita and Weng Liting of Taiwan at 8:40 a.m., also on the first hole.

SAN Juan held Manila to just two field goals in the third period to turn a tight encounter into a rout on its way to an 85-74 victory in the third and deciding game of their MPBL Datu Cup northern division finals at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Knights’ defense worked double time and made their rivals bleed for every point. The most notable victims of that were Riel Cervantes and Chris Bitoon, the two dependable players of the stars, who were grounded in the most crucial game of the series.

After playing the role as clutch performer in two of his team’s last three wins, Cervantes had suddenly turned cold. He missed all of his five attempts from the field and went on to finish the game scoreless.

Bitoon, the steadiest player on Manila’s side, struggled as well as he went only 3-for-9 from the field.

With their defense well taken care of, San Juan used its balance production.

Orlan Wamar had a breakout game while Mac Cardona had another solid output as the Big J supported-Knights claimed the north division championship on their way to setting up a much-awaited encounter with the Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife in the best-of-five National Finals.

Wamar, an off the bench guard, finished with 19 points, his most productive output while playing for the Randy Alcantara-mentored Knights.

Cardona, on the other hand, got the better end of the match up with his fellow ex-PBA players. He unloaded 18 markers.

Over at the Almendras Gym in Davao City, the Tigers of Davao Occidental ousted inaugural staging champion Batangas City AthleticsTanduay, 66-51, and made sure that there will be a new MPBL titlist by the season ends.

Eman Calo came through five crucial points in the fourth period to weather a huge rally by Batagas City and carried Davao Occidental in winning the southern division championship.

IN BRIEF SEC issues rules on firms’ revival THE Securities and Exchange Commission issued draft guidelines on the revival of corporations whose terms had expired prior to the enactment of Republic Act No. 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines.

The SEC said in a statement the proposed guidelines on the revival of expired corporations were pursuant to Section 11 of the Revised Corporation Code which provides for the perpetual existence of corporations.

It said that as a part of the shift to a perpetual corporate term, the Revised Corporation Code allows an expired corporation to apply for the revival of its existence, together with all the rights and privileges under its certificate of incorporation and subject to all of its duties, debts and liabilities existing prior to its revival.

“The revival of expired corporations will ultimately benefit our society. This will translate to more market players competing, introducing innovations and more choices, and creating employment opportunities, among others,” SEC chairman Emilio Aquino said.

Under the draft guidelines, an expired corporation seeking to revive its existence should file with the corporate regulator a verified petition for revival, signed by a majority of the board of directors or trustees, the corporate secretary and corporate treasurer. Jenniffer B. Austria

Neltex taps EDC for power supply NELTEX Development Co. Inc., the country’s largest plastic pipe manufacturer, tapped Energy Development Corp.’s Bacon-Manito Geothermal Project in the Bicol region to supply electricity for its factory in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

“With its partnership with EDC, Neltex aims to make its production sustainable and safe for the environment, making it the first in the industry to be powered by renewable energy,” EDC said in a statement.

Geothermal energy is the only renewable energy source that is baseload which means it can run uninterrupted 24/7.

Neltex produces PVC pipes using organic-based stabilizers or lead-free sustainable materials, making it Southeast Asia’s biggest PVC-OBS site. These pipes are used to bring water from reservoirs to homes and businesses and carry wastewater from toilets to sewer treatment plants.

EDC is one of the world’s largest geothermal producers and the country’s leading renewable energy company with an installed capacity of 1,471.8 megawatts.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Business IMF expects growth to reach 6.5% in 2019

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE International Monetary Fund expects the Philippine economy to grow 6.5 percent in 2019, faster than the 6.2-percent expansion last year, despite the external challenges.

It said in the April 2019 World Economic Outlook that the Philippines, together with Vietnam, would post the fastest growth among the major economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year.

The 2019 growth forecast was slightly slower than the 6.6-percent estimate the IMF released in October 2018, as a number of economic uncertainties, trade tensions and policy normalization could affect most economies this year.

It said growth in the Philippines could reach 6.6 percent in 2020, the fastest in the region. It is followed by Vietnam at 6.5 percent, based on the accompanying table of GDP projections.

IMF resident representative to the Philippines Yongzheng Yang was not available for comment Tuesday but he said in a forum last month that the Philippine economy could expand stronger this year than the lower-than-expected 6.2-percent in 2018, on robust domestic demand amid the slowdown in the 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,” Yang said. He did not give a specific number during the forum.

Inflation peaked at 6.7 percent in September and October 2018 but eased to 6 percent in November and 5.1 percent in December as the measures implemented by the government to curb the rising prices took effect. This brought the full-year inflation rate in 2018 to 5.2 percent, above the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

Inflation further eased to 4.4 percent in January, 3.8 in February and to a 15-month low of 3.3 percent in March 2019, bringing the first quarter average to 3.8 percent.

The IMF noted the challenges in the global economy this year. It said “the escalation of US-China trade tensions, needed credit tightening in China, macroeconomic stress in Argentina and Turkey, disruptions to the auto sector in Germany, and financial tightening alongside the normalization of monetary policy in the larger advanced economies have all contributed to a significantly weakened global expansion, especially in the second half of 2018.”

“With this weakness expected to persist into the first half of 2019, our new

World Economic Outlook projects a slowdown in growth in 2019 for 70 percent of the world economy. Global growth softened to 3.6 percent in 2018 and is projected to decline further to 3.3 percent in 2019,” it said.

IMF said that after the weak start, global growth was projected to pick up in the second half of 2019, supported by significant monetary policy accommodation by major economies, made possible by the absence of inflationary pressures despite growing at near potential.

“The US Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan, and the Bank of England have all shifted to a more accommodative stance. China has ramped up its fiscal and monetary stimulus to counter the negative effect of trade tariffs. Furthermore, the outlook for US-China trade tensions has improved as the prospects of a trade agreement take shape,” the IMF said.

The IMF said with improved prospects for the second half of 2019, global growth in 2020 was projected to return to 3.6 percent, predicated on a rebound in emerging market and developing economies where growth is projected to increase from 4.4 percent in 2019 to 4.8 percent in 2020.

It said beyond 2020, global growth was expected to stabilize at around 3.5 percent, bolstered by growth in China and India and their increasing weights in world income.

PSE plans to cut brokers’ ownership THE Philippine Stock Exchange plans to issue preferred shares to prospective investors as a part of the plan to bring down brokers’ ownership in the exchange to 20 percent.

PSE said in a regulatory filing its board of directors approved the plan to create preferred shares by reclassifying 14 million unissued common shares into 14 million preferred shares with a par value of P1 apiece.

The proposed creation of preferred shares will be presented for shareholders approval during the company’s stockholders meeting next month.

“The issuance of preferred shares will allow the company to attract prospective investors which will allow preference over common shareholders, in order to help bring down the broker ownership to 20 percent,” PSE said.

The voting preferred shares will be cumulative in payment of dividend, non-participating in any further dividends and nonconvertible to common shares.

PSE said earlier that brokers’ ownership in the exchange rose to 26.44 percent as of end-February 2019, higher than the 20-percent industry limit prescribed under the Securities Regulation Code. Jenniffer B. Austria

MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corp. said it aims to sell another 1 million vehicles in the next decade despite challenges to the industry led by the tax reform program.

MMPC president and chief executive Mutsuhiro Oshikiri said achieving another 1 million vehicle sales would be possible with the push for the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program of the government.

“What we achieved in 44 years, I believe we can do it again in 10 to 11

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

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Transmission problems affect Central Luzon and Mindanao CUSTOMERS of South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative Inc. experienced rotational brownouts for several days in Marcy because of “severely low voltage issue”, according to customer advisories from Socoteco I. The utility said in a letter submitted to system operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines the power curtailment happened on March 12 to 14 and again on March 21, with the brownouts lasting two to three hours. In the said letter, Socoteco I demanded an explanation from NGCP for the unexpected outages.

Socoteco I posted the NGCP response stating that the low voltage was brought about by depleting water level at the National Power Corp.’s Agus and Pulangi Hydroelectric Plants given the unfavorable weather condition.

Technical trouble of NGCP capacitor banks combined with tripping of Socoteco I’s embedded power plant Supreme Power Corp. also contributed to the low system voltage situation and triggered brownouts in Koronadal, Banga, Surallah areas.

Low voltage system due to the insufficient capacity of NGCP transmission facilities in certain portions of the grid also caused brownouts in several areas in Central Luzon.

Peninsula Electric Cooperative customers in Bataan experienced power interruption due to low voltage at the transmission grid level on Jan. 24, 2019, According to an advisory from PIA- Bataan, the power interruption affected Balanga City and towns of Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Pilar, Orion, Bagac and Morong excluding Dinalupihan, Limay and Mariveles.

PAL to expand fleet once Naia pursues expansion

By Darwin G. Amojelar

UPPER BICUTAN GETS WATER. Residents of Upper Bicutan in Taguig City finally have water after weeks of intermittent supply as Manila Water installed three line boosters. The installation of line boosters is one of several technical and network solutions to bring water to high areas and those located at the far-end of the concession area. Shown are members of the Manila Water TaguigPateros business area team led by east zone business operations group director Esmeralda Quines (seventh from left) together with area business manager Diana Lou Gomez (10th from left) and joined by Upper Bicutan barangay chairman Alexander Penolio (11th from left) and residents.

Mitsubishi Motors PH aims to sell 1m vehicles over the next decade

By Othel V. Campos

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

years. In 11 years we’ll have as much as 2 million units sold in the Philippines,” he said in a briefing Monday night prior to Mitsubishi’s 1 million sales celebration in Makati City.

The dream sales projection, he said, would also improve the company’s market share to at least 20 percent. Mitsubishi’s current market share in the local auto sector is about 16.5 percent.

The company said its plan to export the Mirage, its official entry to the auto incentives program, would help achieve bigger sales in the near term.

Oshikiri said the mother company in

Japan was assessing the prospects of bringing the Mirage to other Southeast Asian countries.

MMPC sales dropped 8.3 percent in 2018 to 67,512 vehicles from 73,590 units in 2017 following the implementation of the first package of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law that effectively increased the excise taxes on vehicles.

The company expects sales to remain flat in 2019 and rebound by late 2020.

The company is also working on making electric vehicles and hybrid models more accessible and affordable to Filipinos.

Pure electric vehicles are exempted from excise taxes in the Philippines, but plug-in hybrid electric vehicles pay 50-percent of the applicable excise tax.

Mitsubishi is currently coordinating with the Trade Department and other agencies to help the industry negotiate for the removal of customs duties and bring down the cost of acquiring hybrid vehicles.

Results of a joint study by Mitsubishi and government agencies will be out within the month to determine how hybrid vehicle makers can reduce the cost of unit acquisition and increase its footprint in the Philippines.

PHILIPPINE Airlines said it will embark on a major re-fleeting program once the Ninoy Aquino International Airport proceeds with expansion.

“We need to improve the airport first and get additional slots before we again embark on a major re-fleeting program,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista said.

Bautista said the airline was expecting to receive six aircraft this year.

“We expect the delivery of Airbus 350 next month and then within the next six months we’re taking delivery of two Airbus 321neo and two Q400,” he said.

“Last year, we had 15 aircraft deliveries,” Bautista said.

PAL allotted $650 million for 2019 capital expenditures to fund the aircraft acquisition.

PAL flies to 43 international and 35 domestic destinations using 95 aircraft, one of the youngest fleets in the industry with an average age of just five years.

ANA HD, the Japanese parent company of All Nippon Airways, earlier invested $95 million for a 9.5-percent stake in PAL parent PAL Holdings Inc.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

May seeks Brexit delay from Merkel and Macron

Anti-Brexit demonstrators from Yorkshire demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament in central London on April 8, 2019. British Prime Minister Theresa May will meet with German and French leaders Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron as she scrambles to find a Brexit breakthrough ahead of Wednesday’s crucial EU summit. AFP

US threatens to impose new tariffs on European products S AN FRANCISCO—The US on Monday threatened to impose tariff counter-measures of up to $11.2 billion on a host of European products in response to subsidies received by aircraft maker Airbus.

For more than 14 years, Washington and Brussels have accused each other of unfairly subsidizing Boeing and Airbus, respectively, in a tit-for-tat dispute.

In a statement Monday, the office of the US Trade Representative said the World Trade Organization had repeatedly found that European subsidies to Airbus have caused adverse effects to the United States.

“This case has been in litigation for 14 years, and the time has come for action,” said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

Tokyo stocks close flat as Sony soars TOKYO—Tokyo stocks closed flat Tuesday ahead of key events including an EU summit, while Sony surged more than nine percent on a report that a US hedge fund plans to bump up its investment.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index edged up 0.19 percent, or 40.94 points, to 21,802.59, but the broader Topix index eased 0.09 percent, or 1.38 points, to 1,618.76.

“Trade is seen lacking a sense of direction and investors are taking a wait-and-see attitude ahead of the IMF growth forecast this evening and the EU summit and the ECB meeting” on Wednesday, Okasan Online Securities said in a commentary.

Investors are shifting their focus to earnings as major Japanese firms are set to start releasing their full-year results later this month, brokers said.

“Investors want to check the impact of China-related factors on earnings of Japanese firms” following the USChina trade war, Yoshihiro Okumura, general manager at Chibagin Asset Management, told AFP. The dollar fetched 111.35 yen in Asian afternoon trade, against 111.49 yen in New York on Monday.

Sony jumped 9.26 percent to 5,250 yen following a report that hedge fund Third Point is raising funds to build up its stake in the Japanese electronics company.

The article said the group led by activist investor Daniel Loeb was aiming to raise between $500 million and $1 billion to increase its holding in Sony and push for changes.

Third Point has a reputation for aggressively pushing reforms at key firms and has targeted Sony before, unsuccessfully pushing it to spin off its entertainment division.

The current size of Third Point’s stake in Sony is not clear, and there was no immediate confirmation of the report from either side. AFP

“Our ultimate goal is to reach an agreement with the EU to end all WTOinconsistent subsidies to large civil aircraft. When the EU ends these harmful subsidies, the additional US duties imposed in response can be lifted.”

The statement added that the final amount it would seek in duties was subject to arbitration at the WTO, the result of which was expected in the summer.

The USTR issued a 14-page document with a preliminary list of products being considered for additional tariffs, including helicopters, civilian planes

and aircraft parts.

It also included food products such as swordfish, salmon, cheeses, fruits, olive oil and wines.

The Boeing-Airbus spat is the longest and most complicated dispute dealt with by the WTO, which aims to create a level playing field in global trade.

Both aviation giants have scored points along the way.

The WTO ruled in March 2012 that billions of dollars of subsidies to Boeing were illegal and notified the United States to end them.

But a few months later, the European Union filed a new complaint, alleging Washington was not complying with that order.

In a ruling published in June 2017, the WTO said the US had brought 28 of 29 programs into compliance, but

agreed with Brussels that Washington had not taken “appropriate steps to remove the adverse effects or... withdraw the subsidy” in the case of Washington state.

The EU and the US appealed against that to the WTO Appellate Body, which last month echoed the 2017 finding, although it appeared to take a harsher line against the American side.

Brussels was also reprimanded by the WTO during the Airbus-Boeing row, and the US asked the WTO to determine the amount it could impose in sanctions against the European Union for failing to remove subsidies.

The USTR said Monday that once that report is issued, it will announce a full product list, which comes after months of trade tensions between the US and the EU. AFP

This screen grab from handout video released on April 9, 2019 by representatives of former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn shows Ghosn speaking in a video message recorded before his rearrest earlier this month in Tokyo. Japanese prosecutors rearrested Ghosn on April 4, who was out on bail, over an additional allegation that he transferred Nissan money to a dealership in Oman but siphoned off millions for personal expenses—including the purchase of a luxury yacht.

Ghosn accuses Nissan executives of ‘backstabbing’ plot TOKYO—Carlos Ghosn has accused “backstabbing” Nissan executives of a “conspiracy” that led to his arrest, in a video revealed Tuesday by his representatives.

The video was recorded shortly before Ghosn was rearrested last week by prosecutors in Tokyo on new allegations. He had been out on bail while facing three charges of financial misconduct.

In the brief video, played by his lawyers at a press conference, Ghosn repeated that he was “innocent of all the charges that have been brought against me.”

He denounced a “conspiracy” against him and said events had been “twisted in a way to paint a personage of greed, a personage of dictatorship.”

“This is about a plot, this is about conspiracy, this is about backstabbing,” he said in the video.

Ghosn did not however name specific individuals at Nissan, with his lawyer saying that the defence team had opted

to cut parts of the recording that pointed the finger at particular figures.

Ghosn was rearrested by prosecutors last week while out on bail in Tokyo after they announced they were investigating new allegations against him.

A court has extended his detention until April 14, when prosecutors can apply to hold him for an additional 10 days before they must release him unless they bring charges or file new allegations.

Prosecutors said Ghosn had been detained over transfers of Nissan funds totalling $15 million between late 2015 and the middle of 2018 to a dealership in Oman.

They suspect around $5 million of these funds were siphoned off for Ghosn’s use, including for the purchase of a luxury yacht and financing personal investments.

Prosecutors accuse Ghosn of having “betrayed” his duty not to cause losses to Nissan “in order to benefit himself.”

Ghosn already faces three formal

charges: two of deferring his salary and concealing that in official shareholders’ documents, and a further charge of seeking to shift investment losses to the firm.

Ghosn’s case has defied expectations from the start, with his shock November 19 arrest after he landed in Tokyo on a private jet.

He spent 108 days in a detention centre in northern Tokyo before being dramatically released on bail of around $9 million on March 6, emerging from incarceration dressed in a workman’s uniform and face mask in an apparent bid to avoid the media.

He then lived in a court-appointed apartment in Tokyo without commenting on his situation despite huge international and Japanese media interest in his case that has shocked and surprised from the beginning.

However, just as reports began to surface that he could be rearrested, Ghosn emerged on Twitter to announce plans to hold a news conference on April 11. AFP

LONDON—British Prime Minister Theresa May meets the leaders of Germany and France on Tuesday in a last-gasp bid to keep her country from crashing out of the European Union later this week.

Her huddles with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris come on the eve of another tension-packed summit in Brussels focused on the fate of the 46-year-old partnership.

May asked EU leaders on Friday to delay Brexit until June 30 to give her time to strike a compromise with the opposition that lets Britain’s hung parliament back an orderly divorce plan on the fourth attempt.

But the 27 European leaders have already signed off on one extension—the original deadline was March 29—and have serious doubts that May will somehow break through the political gridlock now.

May’s predicament is complicated by growing EU fears that the chaos will soon carry political and economic costs even heavier than those potentially incurred in case of a messy “no-deal Brexit”.

This view is being promoted publicly

by Macron and is also believed to be backed by Belgium and Spain.

“We’d need a strong political reason to delay,” a diplomat from this camp said.

EU Council president Donald Tusk’s office last week floated a compromise proposal that gives Britain a “flexible” extension of up to a year—which ends earlier should some way forward emerge in London.

But a diplomatic source insisted that this was “Mr. Tusk’s position, not the position of the Council”.

Merkel takes a more conciliatory approach backed by EU member Ireland -- a crucial player whose politically sensitive border with Britain’s Northern Ireland is holding up May’s deal in parliament.

“I will do everything in order to prevent a no-deal Brexit,” Merkel said Friday.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

The diplomatic disarray in Brussels is mirrored by political paralysis in London that has forced May to promise to resign as soon as she gets this first stage of Brexit over the line.

The weakened British leader had been hoping to come to Brussels with either her deal approved or some sort of alternative way forward drafted that could convince the likes of Macron. AFP

Australia approves deliveries by Google drone CANBERRA—A Google-linked firm will start delivering takeaways and other small items to Canberra residents after the company received approval from aviation watchdogs in Australia on Tuesday.

Drone company “Wing”—an offshoot of Google’s parent company Alphabet—has been trialling deliveries for the last 18 months, but will now be able to go ahead full time.

“We have approved Wing Aviation Pty Ltd to operate ongoing delivery drone operations in North Canberra,” the Civil Aviation Safety Authority said on Tuesday.

The company said it had been delivering “food and drinks, over-thecounter chemist items, and locallymade coffee and chocolate”.

About 3,000 deliveries were made, allowing regulators to judge the project was safe, leading to the first commercial approval in Australia and one of the first anywhere in the world.

Winged drones will only be allowed to fly 11-12 hours a day and they must be piloted, rather than fully automated.

The initial area of operations is only about 100 homes, but that is expected to expand quickly.

The regulator did not look at the noise or privacy impact of the project—two issues that emerged during trials.

Wing argues that drone deliveries reduce traffic and pollution and are quick—being completed in six-10 minutes.

A customer uses an app to order the product, which is loaded onto a drone.

The drone hovers above its destination, lowering the goods down on a winch-like cable before flying away.

In the United States UPS last month launched that country’s first authorised use of unmanned drones to transport packages to recipients. AFP

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

India’s Modi eyes win in the world’s biggest polls

FOURTH STAGE. Cyclists ride past Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque during the fourth stage of the Malaysian Le Tour de Langkawi cycling race. AFP

IN BRIEF Leaders seek to end tensions PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia―Singapore and Malaysia’s leaders vowed to cooperate to solve disputes Tuesday after tensions between the neighbors over airspace and maritime boundaries, which followed a change of government in Malaysia.

They have had fractious relations since Malaysia evicted Singapore from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, ending a brief and stormy union of the former British colonies.

Ties have gone up and down over the years but have been shaky since Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad―who has long had a prickly relationship with Singapore―returned to the premiership with a shock election victory last year.

Tensions begin rising again a few months ago after Singapore accused Malaysia of sending government boats into its waters, and the city-state then proposed new landing procedures at an airport that Kuala Lumpur claimed would violate its airspace.

But in recent days the neighbors suspended overlapping maritime claims to allow for talks and the city-state halted the contentious landing procedures, ahead of a visit on Tuesday to Malaysia by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

After holding talks in the administrative capital Putrajaya, Lee and Mahathir―93 and in his second stint as premier―hailed the moves to ease tensions.

“We agreed that the fundamental principle is to resolve issues of concern in a friendly and constructive manner,” Mahathir told a press conference in the city.

Lee added: “As close neighbors, Singapore and Malaysia must expect issues to arise between us from time to time but provided we can address them in a constructive spirit, we can manage... the side effects.”

The leaders also announced talks on their maritime boundaries would begin in a month.

Ties were warm between the neighbours under the last Malaysian leader Najib Razak—who lost power after being accused of plundering state coffers— but have quickly started to fray since the return of Mahathir. AFP

Actress pleads guilty in sex cult case NEW YORK―US actress Allison Mack pleaded guilty Monday to racketeering after recruiting women to a cult-like secret society that turned followers into “slaves” branded with the leader’s initials and coerced into having sex.

Mack, 36, was arrested a year ago on sex trafficking charges for getting the women to join Nxivm, a purported executive coaching organization that forced them to have intercourse with 58-yearold leader Keith Raniere.

Mack, best known for her role as Clark Kent’s friend in superhero television series “Smallville,” was one of six defendants in a federal indictment filed against members of Nxivm, based near Albany in upstate New York.

She admitted racketeering and racketeering conspiracy, and could face up to 40 years in prison when she is sentenced on September 11.

Before being accepted as “slaves,” women had to provide compromising photos and other personal effects, which the organization threatened to make public if they tried to leave.

They also had their skin branded with Raniere’s initials as other members held them still and filmed.

Another of the high-profile defendants in the case is Clare Bronfman, heiress to the Canadian Seagram liquor empire. She and a sister are believed to have given more than $100 million to the group. AFP

HK activists face jail after being convicted

H

ONG KONG―A group of Hong Kong activists face jail after being convicted Tuesday on colonial-era “public nuisance” charges for their role in organizing mass pro-democracy protests that paralyzed the city for months and infuriated Beijing.

The convictions followed a trial that has renewed alarm over shrinking freedoms under an assertive China which has rejected demands by Hong Kongers asking for a greater say in how the financial hub is run.

Nine activists were all convicted on Tuesday of at least one charge in a prosecution that deployed rarely-used colonialera public nuisance laws over their participation in the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests, which called for free elections for the city’s leader.

It is the latest blow to strike the beleaguered pro-democracy camp which has seen key figures jailed or banned from standing as legislators since their civil disobedience movement convulsed the city but failed to win any concessions.

Among the most prominent members of the group on trial were sociology professor Chan Kin-man, 60, law professor Benny

Tai, 54, and Baptist minister Chu Yiu-ming, 75. All now face the prospect of jail.

The trio founded the pro-democracy “Occupy Central” movement in 2013, which joined the student-led Umbrella Movement a year later that brought parts of the city to a standstill for months.

All three were found guilty of conspiracy to commit public nuisance. Tai and Chan were also convicted of incitement to commit public nuisance although all three were acquitted of incitement to incite public nuisance.

Of the remaining six defendants—a group of younger protest leaders, including two sitting lawmakers—all were convicted of at least one public nuisance charge.

In an unusual move prosecutors tried the group under Hong Kong’s common law system, which carries a much steeper sentence than statutory public nuisance laws.

Each protest leader could now face

up to seven years in jail, rather than three months had the charges been brought under statutory law.

In his verdict, Judge Johnny Chan ruled that the 2014 protests, which took over key intersections for many weeks, were not protected by Hong Kong’s free speech laws because the demonstrations impinged on the rights of others.

“The unreasonableness of the obstruction was such that the significant and protected right to demonstrate should be displaced,” he said. “The act was one not warranted by law.”

After the verdicts were read out, the court was adjourned until the afternoon. It is not yet clear when the group will be sentenced.

Human rights groups and critics hit out at the convictions, saying the use of the vaguely worded public nuisance laws— and wielding the steeper common law punishment—would have a chilling effect on free speech in Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong courts, by labelling peaceful protests in pursuit of rights as public nuisance, are sending a terrible message that will likely embolden the government to prosecute more peaceful activists,” said Maya Wang, a senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch. AFP

NEW DELHI―India starts a megaelection on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his formidable campaign machine taking on not one but two Gandhis in the world’s biggest vote.

Tea-seller’s son Modi, boosted by February’s bust-up with Pakistan, remains popular, but he is vulnerable on the economy and his re-election depends on several key regions.

Some 900 million Indians can vote between April 11 and May 19 from the troubled snowy peaks of Kashmir to Rajasthan’s deserts and the tropical Andaman Islands.

The “festival of democracy”, as Modi calls it, needs seven phases, with thousands of parties and candidates running in 543 constituencies across the nation of 1.3 billion people.

Some of the 1.1 million electronic voting machines are transported through jungles and up mountains, including to one hamlet near the Chinese border with just one voter, and to a man living alone in a tiger reserve.

It is staggered partly because of the risk of violence, with over 100 politicians or party officials murdered in 2016 alone, and armed insurgencies raging in at least nine states.

Modi, 68, and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to power in 2014, the first party to win an absolute majority since Rajiv Gandhi in 1984.

Some of his promises have fallen short, particularly in rural areas where drought, low prices and loan sharks have driven thousands of farmers to kill themselves in recent years.

The economic policy most voters remember, the withdrawal of high-value banknotes worth 86 percent of the cash in circulation overnight in 2016 to try and bring the shadow economy into the light, caused mayhem.

He has however made it easier for foreign firms to do business in India, and carried out the biggest tax reform since independence, although this too had big teething problems.

But economic growth has been too slow to give jobs to the million Indians entering the labour market each month, and unemployment is reportedly at its highest since the 1970s.

Rahul Gandhi, 48, hoping to become the latest prime minister from his dynasty—and aided by sister Priyanka— has accused Modi of causing a “national disaster”.

“We want Modi to win again but his government should do something for our people,” said Hazi Qasam Koradia, 60, a spice trader in Mumbai. AFP

UN chief calls for a stop to the fighting in Libya TRIPOLI―UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday appealed for an immediate halt to the fighting in Libya, after strongman Khalifa Haftar’s forces claimed an air strike on Tripoli’s only functioning airport.

Thousands have fled violence in the capital city, according to the United Nations, since Haftar launched a surprise assault last week that has left dozens dead.

Secretary-General Guterres “urges the immediate halt of all military operations in order to de-escalate the situation and prevent an all-out conflict,” said a UN statement late Monday.

He “strongly condemns the military escalation and ongoing fighting in and around Tripoli, including the aerial attack today by a Libyan National Army aircraft against Mitiga airport.”

The oil-rich northern African country has been rocked by violent power struggles between an array of armed groups since the NATO-backed overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

The UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) controls the capital, but its authority is not recognized by a parallel administration in the east of the country, backed by Haftar.

The strongman has defied international calls to halt his advance on Tripoli, including from the UN Security Council and the United States.

“I make a very strong appeal to Libyan leaders and in particular to Haftar to stop all military activities... and to return to the negotiation table”, the EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said after talks with EU foreign ministers.

The GNA said French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with its leader Fayez al-Sarraj of his “total opposition to the offensive against the capital and the endangering of civilian lives.” AFP

PREMIERE.

Josephine Langford attends the premiere of Aviron Pictures’ ‘After’ at The Grove on April 08, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Israelis vote with PM Netanyahu’s future at stake JERUSALEM―Israelis voted Tuesday in a high-stakes election that will decide whether to extend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long right-wing tenure despite corruption allegations or to replace him with an ex-military chief new to politics.

The vote is expected to be close and likely lead to frantic negotiations to form a coalition once results are in, with opinion polls having shown Netanyahu best placed to do so.

Polls were to close at 1900 GMT in most areas, with final results not expected until early Wednesday.

Ex-military chief Benny Gantz has mounted a strong challenge to the veteran prime minister by brandishing his security credentials while pledging to

undo damage he says Netanyahu has inflicted on the country with divisive politics.

He voted in his hometown of Rosh Haayin and called for a “new path.”

“I’m happy to stand for the good of the citizens on a new path,” he said after casting his ballot.

“We shall respect democracy and call for a respectful and quiet day from all sides.”

Netanyahu was to vote later in the day.

The election was in many ways a referendum on the 69-year-old who has built a reputation as guarantor of the country’s security and economic growth, but whose populism and alleged corruption have left many ready for change.

He has engaged in populist rhetoric that critics say amounts to the demonisation of

Arab Israelis and others.

True to form, Netanyahu issued a deeply controversial pledge only three days before the election, saying he planned to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank should he win.

Extending Israeli sovereignty on a large-scale in the West Bank could be the death knell to already fading hopes for a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

It is a move long-sought by Israel’s far-right.

Ronit Kampf, a 45-year-old university professor, was among the first to cast ballots at a Jerusalem polling station and said she was concerned by the corruption allegations.

“Bibi has been in power too long,” she said, using Netanyahu’s nickname. AFP

LGUs

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

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

ILLEGAL GOODS. A jail warden leads the destruction and disposal of confiscated contraband—including 303 mobile phones, 489 bricks of tobacco and 5,920 sticks of cigarettes—using a steamroller at the Manila City Jail on April 9.

Norman Cruz

Reg. 6 products take spotlight in agri ‘FIESTA’

By Butch Gunio ROXAS CITY, Capiz—The Western Visayas Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium is hosting a three-day Farmers Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) featuring commodities in Region 6: native chicken Darag, muscovado sugar, mango, green mussel, and bamboo.

The event aims to showcase research and technologies developed by the consortium members in the fields of agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources.

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Acting Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora led on Monday the opening program of the event.

It included science and technology business forums, technology matching, exhibits, Darag native chicken cooking contest and quiz bee, and poster-making contest at Capiz State University here.

In his keynote address, Ebora said: “FIESTA’s main goal is to enhance interaction among technology generators, potential technology adopters, and the investors to facilitate the flow of technology and its use for greater economic benefit.”

“We seek to inspire farmers and fisherfolk to elevate their economic livelihood from farm keepers to producers of products and services,” he added.

Makati hits half of ’19 revenue

M

AKATI City has achieved 56 percent of its full-year revenue target of P17.12 billion in just two months after its total collection reached P9.51 billion as of the end of February.

Mayor Abigail Binay said the city surpassed the total collection for the same period last year by 11 percent, according to a report of City Treasurer Jesusa Cuneta.

“I am elated that the city has attained more than half of its target revenue in just the first two months of the year.

Also, we have again posted a two-digit increase in total collections, which is an unmistakable sign that investor con-

fidence in Makati continues to grow stronger,” the mayor said.

Binay assured residents that her administration will ensure that Makati’s robust financial growth will translate to more innovative and responsive programs that will improve their lives, in line with her thrust of inclusive progress.

“Our beloved Makatizens can rest assured that they will continue to experi-

ence the optimum benefits of the city’s prosperity. We will sustain, and even enhance, the reforms and innovations we have made in our systems and processes that have earned the trust of our taxpayers and convinced more businesses to bring their investments to our city,” Binay said.

According to the treasurer’s report, collections from Business Tax increased by 14 percent and from Real Property Tax by 10 percent in the first two months of the year.

As of Feb. 28, revenue from Business Tax reached P4.8 billion or 49 percent of full-year target, while Realty Tax collection reached P4.06 billion or 85

Largest LGU hospital in Laguna opens in Cabuyao City

DRUG-FREE CITY HALL. The local government of Muntinlupa launched a kick-off event for its attempt to

become the first Drug-Free City Hall in the country on Monday. Muntinlupa is the first local government unit to submit an application to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on the drug-free status declaration. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encouraged city employees and officials to participate in the crackdown against illegal drugs, as the initiative is conducted in coordination with PDEA, Dangerous Drugs Board, Civil Service Commission, and Department of the Interior and Local Government.

‘Free tuition law directly benefits middle-income families, too’ THE Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act or Republic Act 10931—popularly known as the free tuition law—does more than just provide free tuition in state universities and colleges and local universities and colleges for students from poor families.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, original and principal author of the measure in the Lower House, said the law also directly benefits middle-income families whose children may not qualify for free tuition but who may avail of

financial assistance through concessional loans when they enroll in private colleges.

The loans are payable when they get employed and their salary level reaches the minimum annual gross income or “compulsory repayment threshold”, Salceda said.

The Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System will collect their repayments as a percentage of their income, on top of their other regular monthly dues, he added.

Salceda has vowed to work mightily for the implementation of the UAQTEA towards its true direction, particularly the operationalization of its income-contingent loan component.

He said Section 8 of the law underlines that “while social returns from higher education is estimated at 12 percent, private returns are higher at 42 percent, thus the role of the government is to bridge this gap by providing student access to concessional loan programs.”

Vargas bares platform of government

By Jessica M. Bacud TUGUEGARAO CITY—Former Gov. Melvin P. Vargas Sr. laid out his platform of government as congressional candidate for the 2nd District of Cagayan province during a convention over the weekend at the F.L. Vargas College Main auditorium here.

With over 2,000 farmers showing their support to his candidacy, Vargas cited the importance of the farm workers as the backbone of the local economy.

“The agricultural sector serves as the economic engine in the locality,” he said, stressing his commitment to the agriculture and fishery sector.

“It is essential to give immediate support to our farmers not only during calamities and dry spells, and to modernize the small-holder farmers through

percent of target.

Other local revenue sources include Fees and Charges with P359.3 million and Economic Enterprise, P24.3 million. From other sources, the city got P197.6 million in Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), P13.6 million as share from Economic Zone (PEZA), P4 million from PAGCOR/PCSO, and P37.4 million from Interest Income.

Based on the records of the Business Permits Office, the number of new business registrants from January to March of this year increased, from 1,126 last year to 1,248. The combined capital investment of the new businesses reached over P17.28 billion.

farming techniques and advance technologies,” Vargas added.

He said he wanted to focus on problems “that have the most significant effects to Cagayanos” particularly in the second district.

Apart from better road networks and infrastructure, Vargas said his policies will offer more livelihoods to poor families to offset the rising prices of goods and services, owing to the “slow pace” of development under the present congressional administration.

Also in his platform of government are the building of sports centers and outdoor recreational facilities; Scholarship grants and allowances to the most deserving and least privileged individuals in both public and private institutions; livelihood programs especially for the indigent through different cooperative development projects;

Former Cagayan Gov. Melvin P. Vargas Sr. lays out his platform as congressional candidate for the 2nd District of Cagayan at the F.L. Vargas College Main auditorium in Tuguegarao City. Jessica Bacud

CABUYAO—After more than 25 years, residents of this bustling city can now have direct access to modern medical facilities following the completion of the Cabuyao City Hospital, the largest local government-run hospital in the province of Laguna.

Cabuyao City Mayor Rommel A. Gecolea has renewed his commitment to meet the health needs of Cabuyeños during the hospital’s soft opening attended by more than 9,000 Cabuyeños recently.

Apart from having the largest floor area at 10,090.31 square meters, the Cabuyao City Hospital also holds the record for the largest fund allocated by a local government unit for a project in Laguna.

The construction of the Cabuyao City Hospital began in October 2017 in Barangay San Isidro with the city government, through City Resolution No. 162-2017, allocating P400 million for the first phase of the project.

The Cabuyao City Hospital is accorded by the Department of Health as a second level hospital. It has a total bed capacity of 150, and features a Heart Station, Radiology and other laboratories, Emergency Department, Outpatient Department, Dialysis Complex, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Operating, Delivery, and Recovery Complex, Intensive Care Unit, OB Gyne Complex, Internal Medicine Ward, Pediatrics Ward, and Surgical Ward.

The hospital was borne out of the need of the city to expand its healthcare services. For decades, the old Ospital ng Cabuyao was the only public hospital in the city, and it remained unchanged until Mayor Gecolea took over as the city’s chief executive in June 2016 In his first two years as mayor, Gecolea managed to secure a P30-million budget for the rehabilitation of the Ospital ng Cabuyao into a Children and Maternity Hospital.

The mayor said he had been working hard to meet the healthcare needs of Cabuyeños so they would not need to seek treatment at regional hospitals or private hospitals.

Following the completion of the facility, the free medicine program of the city government, which has 50,000 registered beneficiaries and has been ongoing over the past three years, is fully augmented.

BOTICAB, or Cabuyao Pharmacy, a project of Mayor Gecolea, is the second free drugstore in the Philippines located in a city hall. The first is in Makati City.

The project, which has a P30-million budget from the city government, aims to provide free medicines to Cabuyeños.

Each Cabuyeño family can receive P10,000 worth of free medicine within one year. Differently-abled individuals and senior citizens are also entitled to P10,000 worth of medicines from BOTICAB. In 2016, BOTICAB had a total of 7,822 beneficiaries.

The following year, it had 28,812 beneficiaries. In the past year, it has added a total of 29,062 beneficiaries—217 are 4Ps beneficiaries, 448 are persons with disabilities, and 9,064 are senior citizens.

The pharmacy has around 457 different types of medicines, ranging from over-the-counter drugs to maintenance medication. Every day, at least 500 Cabuyeños are given free medicine.

Life

FASHION AND BEAUTY

Iconic meets eccentric F

RENCH fashion label Lacoste pays homage to the free, creative, timeless spirit of 20thcentury pop art icon Keith Haring in its latest artistic collection.

A street art genius of the 1980s, Haring was known for the simplicity of his line, his bright colors outlined in black, and his animated figures that express his energy, zest for life, and spontaneity: common values shared with the French company.

Lacoste has delved into the oeuvre some better known than others, and transposed them onto a wide range of clothing and accessories for adults and children.

In line with a fashion world celebrating the return of the 1980s and the spirit of urban culture, these exclusive and original garments serve as a canvas for some legendary and timeless works by the multi-faceted American artist.

The Keith Haring x Lacoste line elegantly combines the eccentricity of an all-over print with the sobriety of iconic pictograms.

Multi-colored or in negative, the famous figures which are the painter’s hallmark spread across polo shirts, T-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts, dresses, and swimsuits or appear on the lining of a bomber jacket, a sneaker or a reversible tote bag.

For the younger set, three watches are also available. The equally legendary “Barking Dog” and “Heart” drawings are displayed.

Lacoste is located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Alabang Town Center, Eastwood Mall, Estancia in Capitol Commons, Fairview Terraces, Gateway Mall, Greenbelt 3, Kiss & Fly NAIA T3, Newport Mall, Okada, Podium, Power Plant Mall, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Robinson’s Place Manila, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, TriNoma, Ayala Center Cebu, Abreeza Davao, SM Davao, and Veranza KCC Mall General Santos and Zamboanga.

The collection combines the eccentricity of an all-over print with the sobriety of iconic cuts and styles of the French fashion label.

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

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ART ON A SHIRT.

Lacoste pays homage to the free and creative spirit of 20th-century pop art icon Keith Haring in its latest collection for men and women.

Life

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

H

OMEGROWN shoe brand Annie and Lori, known for its artisanal products made of pure leather, has recently opened its first store in the south on the upper ground floor of Alabang Town Center’s New Wing.

Summer collection steps

into shoe brand’s Alabang store

“We’re excited to introduce Annie and Lori in the south. We’re confident that our classy and minimalist sandals will perfectly complement the modern living and laidback lifestyle of the fashionable women here,” said Faith Mijares, creative director and founder of Annie and Lori.

To kick off the grand opening celebrations, Annie and Lori introduced three designs that are part of its sumAiyana Perlas, UAAP Season 81 courtside reporter for DLSU

mer collection. Joining the collection of effortlessly chic and comfortably elegant sandals are the tangerine-hued strappy slip-ons Chloe and Tamar, and the pointy-toed slip-on Meghan.

Both Chloe and Tamar are open toe sandals that feature thin straps made of cow leather. With extra heel cushions for added comfort, they are ideal for long walks on the beach and for errand-filled summer days.

Meanwhile, Meghan is a very classy and minimalist closed toe slip-on that features a low-heeled open back. It carries the brand’s signature minimalist stitching, which perfectly complements the chic cut of the top panel of the sandals made also of cow leather.

Lexi Mendiola in Meghan

Local artisanal shoe label Annie and Lori introduces new designs that are part of its summer collection.

Go to www.annielori.com to know more.

L’Oreal celebrates Beauty for a Better Life class of 2019 IN CELEBRATION of another successful year of Beauty For a Better Life, L’Oréal Philippines hosted a graduation ceremony event at the Renaissance Convention Center in Marikina City and announced the opening of three new training centers.

The program is deployed in 30 countries with a mission to empower women in vulnerable social or economic situations by honing their skills in the field of hairdressing and providing them job and business opportunities to sustain their livelihood after completion of the program.

In the second year of Beauty for a Better Life, a total of 69 individuals from Batches 4 to 6 of Barangay Jesus Dela Peña in Marikina completed the program after undergoing daily hands-on classroom training sessions for three months under the tutelage of L’Oréal trainers.

Succeeding the training sessions is the mandatory one-week salon internship with L’Oréal’s partner salons to expose them to actual hairdressing roles and potentially expand their career options.

Since the inauguration of the program in the country in 2017, 130 of the beneficiaries’ lives have been changed

L’Oréal Philippines will open three new barangay centers in Antipolo, Taguig, and Pateros.

for the better, receiving career training and jobs or even their own businesses in the beauty sector.

“Beauty For a Better Life is about contributing to feeling and living better, and beyond today’s festivities we look forward to seeing how their lives—and those of their families—will change,” enthused Carmel Valencia, L’Oréal Philippines corporate communications manager.

Valencia officially announced the opening of three new barangay centers in Barangay Bayong Nayon 1 in Antipolo, Barangay Western Bicutan in Taguig, and Barangay Sto. Rosario Kanluran in Pateros as part of reaching L’Oréal’s mission of training and supporting a total of 1,000 graduates with a thousand better futures by 2022 in the Philippines.

Liposonix is a one-time procedure via non-invasive, high intensity focused ultrasound system that permanently destroys unwanted fat tissues.

3-LipoMax Body Contouring uses RF technology that helps tone muscles.

How to achieve summer-ready body Beauty For a Better Life Batch 6 graduates who underwent training sessions and salon internship.

SPOTTED Amazone on the streets WHAT do French first lady Brigitte Macron, American “it” girl Kendall Jenner, and model and actress Kaia Gerber have in common? They were all recently seen carrying the new Amazone bag by Longchamp.

Longchamp is available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, and Greenbelt 5.

Kaia Gerber

Kendall Jenner

French first lady Brigitte Macron

THERE is nothing wrong with wanting to sport a nice, bikini-ready body in this season of summer getaways.

A Korean aesthetic clinic offers body contouring services that help remove extra body fats.

“At Oracle, we offer safe and painless services such as Mesotherapy, Liposonix, and 3-LipoMax to address this concern,” said Janyll Palisoc, Oracle Korean Aesthetic Clinic’s marketing head.

Mesotherapy uses plant extracts administered to the body through injections, and is used for localized or particular body areas such as thighs, arms, among others. It is done repeatedly until one achieves the maximum result.

Liposonix, on the other hand, is a one-time procedure via a non-invasive, high intensity focused ultrasound system, a US FDA approved technology that permanently destroys unwanted fat tissues without harming the surrounding areas. After the first treatment alone, Oracle said one may drop a pant size.

One can take the 3-LipoMax Body Contouring route which is also a safe, non-surgical procedure that uses RF (radio frequency) technology dynamic muscle activation that helps

tone muscles. This is a clinically proven treatment for long-lasting fat and cellulite reduction and for tightening of loose skin of various body parts such as arms, thighs, abdomen, and others. One may need more than one session of the 3-LipoMax to attain preferred results.

“All of Oracle’s body contouring treatment plans are personalized, depending on the client’s wants and needs. Doctors closely monitor the progress of the client and recommend adjustments or other treatments that are necessary for best results,” explained Palisoc.

Oracle’s body contouring system claims to result in a significant reduction in size and improvement in skin laxity, muscles, lymphatic drainage, cellulite, and blood circulation and oxygenation.

“Our bodies come in different shapes and sizes, but we have a common goal: to improve, tone, get rid of unwanted and stubborn body fats, or just to feel good about ourselves,” Palisoc concluded.

The clinic is open from Monday to Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is located at 2nd floor Republic Glass Building, 196 Salcedo Street cor. Soria Street, Legazpi Village, Makati.

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Search is on for Mutya’s hometown girl

By Eton Concepcion

W

ELLNESS advocate and TV/radio program host Cory Quirino will bring her six successful years with Miss World Philippines to fulfill one mission she said she was not able to achieve—to look for that hometown girl—as she formally accepted the position as president and national director of Mutya ng Pilipinas on Wednesday.

“I’m in search of that ‘Hometown Girl.’ I intend to give every young girl who dreams of having a crown on her head a chance to be discovered. Wherever the Filipina is and whatever hometown she comes from, whether here or abroad, we at Mutya will welcome her to become a member of the Mutya ng Pilipinas family,” Quirino said announcing her vision for the half-century-old pageant.

Getting Quirino at the helm of Mutya, now on its 51st year, was a strategic move, “one which will positively secure the future of the organization” revealed Fred Yuson, Chairman of Mutya ng Pilipinas.

The idyllic search for that Mutya ‘hometown girl’ as 100 percent organic as its mandate will now pursue its original platform by embarking on a grassroots

INTERNATIONAL

Cory Quirino (center) with Mutya ng Pilipinas reigning queens Kesha Ramachandran, Sharifa Akeel, Juliene Fernandez, and Pauline Amelinckx. Photo by Lito A. Caleon

campaign in alliance with the Liga ng mga Barangay, headed by Kapitana Eden Pineda, under the auspices of Interior and Local Government undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño.

In a welcome change, Mutya’s new thrust is to discover talented aspirants and give them the chance to become a movie of television star, model or career

woman. On this end, a partnership arrangement with A Team president Ogie Alcasid was formed and talks are underway for ABS-CBN to open its doors to Mutya candidates to join the stable of its Star Magic artists.

Quirino said that she wanted to strengthen the pageant’s mission and widened its advocacy to give chance to other ladies, especially, in the small

Critics hail ‘Game of Trolls’

GAME of Thrones may be about to take a final bow, but fans of the television series need not despair -- Game of Trolls is coming.

A madcap new fantasy show call Magnus featuring the lumbering fairytale monsters is the talk of the Canneseries festival in the French Riviera resort, where the world’s top TV

market MIPTV is also being held.

Funnier than anything in the Seven Kingdoms, it has been described as a hilarious fantasy mix of a Scandi noir cop show and Inspector Clouseau, with elements of Inspector Gadget and the deadpan surrealism of Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki thrown in for good measure.

Its creator, actor Vidar Magnussen, the brains behind the Mind Phallus spoofs of the British series Sherlock, told AFP that he has been “blown away” by the reaction to the series, already a huge hit in his homeland.

His Sherlock send-ups went viral in 2014 when one of the series’ stars Amanda Abbington shared them on

The show's eponymous hero Magnus is the failed inventor and the worst detective in a small snow-bound Norwegian country town

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, April 10, 2019

ACROSS 1 Actor — Wahlberg 5 England’s FBI 8 Crumbly cheese 12 Early stages 14 Deli-scale word 15 Styptic 16 Fido’s pal 17 Rumor mill 19 Direct 21 Heavy 22 Playful bark 23 — choy 24 Speaker’s pauses 25 Cozily 29 Bottomless depth 31 Yearns deeply 32 Razor feature 33 Hard benches 37 Before 38 Not in a whisper 39 By word of mouth 40 In a while 41 City near Zurich 42 Down Under denizen 43 Even up 45 Victorian garment 46 Privileged one 49 Ben & Jerry rival 50 Protective

compartment 51 Under Cupid’s spell (2 wds.)

53 Split into thin layers 58 Numerical datum 60 Hawk’s refuge 61 Portable shelter 62 Tree trunk 63 Tiny shrimp 64 Plus 65 So far 66 Equine fodder DOWN 1 Longer 2 Strong as — — 3 Invitation initials 4 Boat’s bottom 5 Wagon 6 Rollover subj.

7 Stationed, as troops 8 Broad bean 9 Skip a syllable 10 TV dial 11 Pious assents 13 Sports prelims 14 Happy-hour letters 18 Cartoon shrieks 20 Get misty-eyed 23 Air rifle (2 wds.)

25 Hot tubs 26 Barcelona boy 27 Till

towns and barangays, to become a beauty queen.

Mutya officially opens this year’s search in April with the coronation night set in August 2019. Winners get the right represent the country in the Miss Asia Pacific International, Miss Tourism International, Miss Global Beauty Queen and Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International pageants.

28 Ms. Davis of films 29 Beautify 30 Animal’s track 32 Poem of lament 34 Memorable times 35 Hull plank 36 Lath 38 Follows, as rules (2 wds.)

42 Brown bear 44 Strauss of denim fame 45 Web suffix 46 Panoramic view

47 Big chip producer 48 Schemes 50 Gait 52 Sarge’s pooch 53 Hum 54 Caligula’s nephew 55 La Scala highlight 56 Pinball no-no 57 Fish without scales 59 Dactyl

'Resident Evil' star Milla Jovovich as Nimue the Blood Queen in 'Hellboy'

Hellboy... social media.

They played on supposed homoerotic tensions between the famed fictional British detective played by Benedict Cumberbatch and his trusty sidekick Watson, played by her then husband Martin Freeman.

Norwegian state broadcaster NRK was so impressed it gave Magnussen “three and a half years to let my imagination run wild.”

Wacky twist on Nordic noir The result is a take off of cult Nordic crime dramas like The Bridge, Wallander or The Killing with a wacky supernatural twist.

Even though its eponymous hero Magnus is the failed inventor and the worst detective in a small snow-bound Norwegian country town, Magnussen insisted that the show “doesn’t set out to bully or mock anyone.”

Yet the writer, who plays the bungling policeman himself, is not afraid to have fun with Scandinavian stereotypes.

“I feel that Nordic noir has done it’s time,” he said, even as he admitted that his show had borrowed some of their dark edge.

“The challenge was to do very silly comedy and yet ground in something quite real and hard that would have leave people wanting to know more,” he told AFP in Cannes, where the show had its international premiere. AFP

From C3 As for Nimue the Blood Queen, she is depicted in the comics as a witch from Arthurian Britain who was cast out and trapped underground for 1500 years. This could be the reason she’s thirsting for vengeance.

In response to what kind of power her character has, Jovovich says, “She is able to throw plague and sickness on people.”

In spite of this, the actress believes that the Blood Queen is “terribly misunderstood”.

She explains, “The Blood Queen’s plan is so beautiful, something that all people want to achieve and it’s actually very relevant to what’s happening in our world. It’s trying to bring people together even though they are very disparate communities, monsters and humans, and bring the world into one so that everybody is protecting each other…I come in peace. It’s not my fault I’m a strong woman.”

Being “a powerful and strong woman” was actually Harbour’s first impression of Jovovich whom he had only known from movies like The Fifth Element.

And because of that, the actor admitted to be “a little worried” working with her, but upon meeting her, he discovered that “she is such a pro” and he enjoyed the “level of love” she has for making a movie.

Other characters that are appearing for the first time are Alice Monaghan, played

by Sasha Lane (American Honey) and Ben Daimo, played by Daniel Dae Kim (Lost, The Divergent Series: Insurgent), Hellboy’s companions in saving the world.

Monaghan is depicted as a woman of Irish descent who retained some magical abilities after she was kidnapped by fairies as a baby. In the comics, she was rescued

by Hellboy from her kidnappers.

Daimo is a Japanese-American military member of B.P.R.D. who acquired the power to transform into a jaguar when angered or in pain after a supernatural encounter.

Hellboy is filled with incredible action and Harbour prepared well for it, saying that “It’s the most physical role (he’s) ever played.” Hollywood trainer Don Saladino put him through “a rigorous 10-week boot camp, involving kettlebells, medicine balls, machine weights, dumbbells, and weighted sleds―and that was just to kick things off”.

Harbour says, “I put on a lot of muscle and I got really strong and a lot of the training was power, because there’s a lot of stunts in the movie. There are two amazing Bulgarian Olympic wrestlers who did most of the Hellboy stunts, but there still was a lot of close up stuff that I had to do.”

As for his weapons, Harbour shares, “He’s got this big hand cannon and he’s also got this big Right Hand of Doom, so there’s a lot of big fights and there’s a lot of swinging that big right hand around.”

Hellboy opens in cinemas tomorrow, April 10.

From VIVA International Pictures and MVP Entertainment.

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

C4

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

'The Hows of us' lead actors Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo took home the Phenomenal Stars of Philippine Cinema award

Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber won Most Popular Loveteam for Movies

ABS-CBN dominates th

50 Box Office Awards

M

EDIA giant ABS-CBN triumphed at the 50th Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Awards, earning recognitions for its films, programs, artists, and personalities in more than half of the total awards categories.

Box office phenomenon The Hows of Us led the winners, winning the Golden Jury Award for Highest Grossing Film of All Time. Lead actors Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo took home awards for Phenomenal Stars of Philippine Cinema, while director Cathy Grace Molina won Most

Donny Pangilinan and Kisses Delavin won Most Promising Male and Female Stars for Movies, respectively.

THE legendary half-demon superhero is back this April, but not as a continuation to the 2004 and 2008 fantasy-heavy Hellboy films by visionary writer/ director Guillermo del Toro. Instead, this movie reboot has a darker tone, much more grounded in horror (Rated R in America), and is composed of a new cast and a new creative team that includes Mike Mignola, the creator of the Hellboy comic books, acting as a co-executive producer.

Now directed by award-winning director Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, The Descent, Game of Thrones), and stars two-time Emmy Award Best Supporting Actor nominee David Harbour (Chief Jim Hopper in Stranger Things) in the titular role, Hellboy is seen being called to the English countryside to battle a trio of rampaging giants. This is part of his job in the government organization called B.P.R.D. - Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense.

While in pursuit of the giants, Hellboy

encounters Nimue the Blood Queen, played by the stunning Resident Evil star Milla Jovovich. This vengeful 5th century sorceress wants to get him on her side so that together they can end mankind.

While the movie will show some explanation on the background of Hellboy – that he was summoned from the depths of hell on a stormy island off the coast of Scotland – it begins right in the middle of the action. It is also “truer to the comic,” says Mike Mingle, “in that Hellboy’s been out in the world, not a top-secret, hidden away guy”. He has a “been there, done that vibe”, a trait that Mignola patterned after his father, a Korean War veteran.

David Harbour says, “In our movie, he’s very much dealing with his own being ostracized from society.” He is a lot more “emotionally explosive” compared to the Hellboy version of Ron Perlman. Harbour expounds, “It’s a classically complicated hero. He’s a

creature that was meant to bring about the end of the world, and he just sort of wants to be a good guy. He’s got that complexity to him. He’s also a monster who lives among human beings, so he’s in a sense fighting for human beings against his fellow monsters, and yet the humans hate him because they fear him and they think he’s weird-looking and everything.”

Having a big role in Hellboy’s life is Trevor Brutteholm, his adoptive father and founder of the B.P.R.D. Played by Golden Globe Best Actor Ian McShane (Deadwood), his version of Brutteholm is “a much harder character who doesn’t sympathize with Hellboy questioning his place in the world”.

McShane calls it “nice and bittersweet” taking over the role from “his dear old friend” John Hurt, but he was pleased to have worked with Harbour in Bulgaria for three weeks. He is proud to say that the filmmakers “picked the right guy” in Harbour. Continued on C3

Popular Director.

Molina, along with fellow The Hows of Us screen writers Carmi Raymundo, Crystal San Miguel, and Gillian Ebreo, also took home the award for Most Popular Screenwriters. Film producer Star Cinema won Most Popular Film Producer.

Meanwhile, Vice Ganda, Dingdong Dantes, and Richard Gutierrez each won a Phenomenal Star of Philippine Cinema Award for their performance in audience favorite Fantastica.

Kim Chiu, meanwhile, won Film Actress of the Year while stars of hit comedy Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban were both named Comedy Actress of the Year for Movies. Co-star JC De Vera, on the other hand, was named Movie Supporting Actor of the Year.

Halik stars Jericho Rosales and Yam Conception won TV Actor and Actress of the Year (Primetime Drama) respectively, while its cast collectively won Best Acting Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Piolo Pascual won Comedy Actor for Television while Matteo Guidicelli and Yassi Pressman won TV Supporting Actor and Actress for the Year, respectively.

Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto, who starred in movie I Love You Hater and TV drama Ngayon at Kailanman won Prince and Princess of Philippine Movies and Television.

Loveteams James Reid and Nadine Lustre, and Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber, each won Most Popular Loveteam for Movies, while Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte won Most Popular Loveteam for Television.

Playhouse stars Donny Pangilinan and Kisses Delavin on the other hand won Most Promising Male and Female Stars for Movies, respectively. Hashtags

member Jameson Blake won Most Promising Male Star for Television.

Meanwhile, in the programs category, primetime hit FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano won Popular TV Program while I Can See Your Voice won Popular TV Program (Talent Search/Reality/Talk/ Gameshow). Kapamilya hosts Luis Manzano and Toni Gonzaga also took home awards for Male and Female TV Hosts of the Year, respectively.

Industry veteran Eddie Garcia, who last appeared on FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, led the special awardees, winning a Golden Jury Award for All Time Favorite Actor. It’s Showtime host Anne Curtis. on the other hand, won a Golden Jury Award for Excellence as Millennial Entertainer.

Also earning a special nod were DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo anchors Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja, who won the Public Service Award for Dos por Dos. In the music category, Ogie Alcasid won Male Concert Performance of the Year while new Kapamilya Regine Velasquez won Female Concert Performance of the Year. Moira Dela Torre won Female Recording Artist of the Year while Alex Gonzaga and Juan Karlos “JK” Labajo won Promising Female and Male Recording Artist of the Year.

International singing sensation TNT Boys won Promising Male Concert Performers of the Year while Xia Vigor won Most Popular Female Child Performer.

Now on its 50th year, the prestigious Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Awards is an awarding ceremony honoring the actors, actresses, showbiz personalities, movies and TV programs in the Philippines.