Manila Standard - 2019 April 11 - Thursday

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SC ASKS PALACE TO EXPLAIN SINO DEAL ON CHICO RIVER

By Rey E. Requejo

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 60 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BAGUIO City—The Supreme Court on Wednesday required Malacañang to answer a petition of leftist lawmakers seeking to nullify the government’s $62-million loan agreement with China for the Chico River irrigation pump project in the Cordillera region.

During its summer session here, the Cout resolved to order the Palace and several departments to comment on the petition filed last week by party-list lawmakers under the Makabayan bloc led

by senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares seeking to strike down the loan agreement for being unconstitutional.

Court spokesman Brian Hosaka said the Court gave the respondents Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, National Economic and Development Authority head Ernesto Pernia and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra 10 days from receipt of notice to comply with the order.

The tribunal did not immediately rule on the plea of petitioners for a temporary Next page

PH takes a swipe at China Slams ‘assault on sovereignty’ as Chinese vessels swarm WPS

By Nat Mariano and Rey E. Requejo

W

HILE the Philippines remains on friendly terms with China, the government will continue to assert the country’s sovereignty if it comes under attack, the Palace said Wednesday, even as Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin declared that the West Philippine Sea “is ours” and that Beijing just took it.

The Palace on Wednesday made clear that China “has no business” in posting hundreds of ships near Pag-asa Island, and that doing so would be viewed as an assault on Philippine sovereignty.

In a Palace briefing, Panelo said the Philippines is considering filing a second protest.

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MILITARY EXERCISE. Philippine Army and Marines at the ready beside their armored personnel carriers and tanks as they maneuver during the live fire exercises in Capas town north of Manila on Tuesday, as part of the annual Philippine-US joint military exercises while US Marines and Army, using humvees mounted with machine guns (upper photo) and interim armored vehicles fire their weapons against their perceived enemy. AFP

Poverty incidence ‘Rotational brownouts’ amid hot summer days at three-year low ByandNatAlena Mariano Mae Flores

By Julito G. Rada and Nat Mariano

POVERTY incidence among Filipinos declined by 6.6 percentage points to 21 percent in the first half of 2018 from the adjusted 27.6 percent during the first half of 2015, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Wednesday.

Poverty incidence refers to the proportion of the population living below the poverty line to the total population.

The figures were contained in the preliminary report of the Family Income and Expenditure Survey, or FIES, for 2018 released by the PSA. Also, poverty incidence among Filipino families in the first semester of

THE effects of El Niño continued to bear down on the country on Wednesday as top power distributor Manila Electric Co. said it was forced to implement manual load dropping or rotating brownouts starting at 1 p.m. yesterday due to insufficient power generation capacity amid soaring temperatures.

Meralco implemented the MLD after power grid operator National Grid

Corporation of the Philippines issued a red alert notice in the Luzon grid.

The Luzon grid had been under a yellow alert for six days due to the unplanned and forced outage of power plants amid increased demand.

Meralco announced that affected areas are portions of Malolos City, Bustos, Plaridel, and Pulilan in Bulacan; Malabon, Navotas, Caloocan City, and Valenzuela in Metro Manila; Alfonso, Mendez-Nuñez, Tagaytay City, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Amadeo, Imus, Bacoor, Noveleta,

Kawit, and General Trias in Cavite; The Quezon City districts of Batasan, Fairview, Bago Bantay, Novaliches, San Jose, San Francisco del Monte, Pugad Lawin, and Kaunlaran; Las Piñas City; and Biñan, Bay, Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa, Calamba, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Pila, San Pedro, and Cabuyao in Laguna.

“Your power supply may have been affected by our MLD or rotational brownout due to insufficient operating reserve that may last for Next page

‘‘

The stand is that it [West Philippine Sea] is ours. And they [China] took it. World’s highest court ruled that.

Period. Now the question is how to take it back.”

— Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Twitter, answering a question on what the stand of the Department of Foreign Affairs is on the “clear evidence” of China’s power in the crucial waterway.

Total ban on Libyan deployment in force

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Rody confident ISIS won’t prosper in PH PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte says he is confident the Islamic State “will never gain foothold” in the Philippines because of the military’s efforts to counter violent extremism.

Duterte, in his Araw ng Kagitingan speech in Jolo, Sulu, on Tuesday night, praised the military’s accomplishments against the ISIS-inspired Abu Sayyaf bandits.

He made his statement even as the rescued Malaysian fisherman held captive by the Abu Sayyaf died while being treated in a hospital in Zamboanga City, an official said.

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PROTECTING THE TAWILIS. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Calabarzon is urging the public to report establishments and restaurants selling tawilis during the closed season—March 1 until April 30. Sardinella tawilis, a freshwater sardine found exclusively in the Philippines, is the only member of the genus Sardinella known to exist entirely in fresh water. DENR Photo

Exotic birds, animals seized

Socmed popular news source but...

DAVAO CITY—Authorities on Monday confiscated 447 exotic birds and animals worth P50 million in Barangay Dahican, Mati City, Davao Oriental.

Among the seized species are black palm cockatoos, wallabies,

ABOUT half of Americans and Canadians get their news primarily from social media, yet most don’t trust this source of information, according to a survey released Tuesday.

According to the Maru/Match-

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LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Wednesday ordered a total deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers bound to Libya on the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs, amid the violence bearing down on the North African country.

“Upon the advice of the DFA, we are imposing a deployment ban of workers to Libya to ensure their safety and security and to avoid getting caught in the escalating violence in Libya,” Bello said.

DFA on Monday raised Alert Level III in Tripoli and some areas within a 100-kilometer radius of the capital, which is considered as a voluntary repatriation phase.

Bello said DOLE is still in close coordination with DFA to monitor the situation and assess the possible repatriation Next page

Fil-Belgian lass ‘Face of Tourism’

By Nickie Wang FILIPINO-Belgian Roxanne Baeyens was crowned Face of Tourism Philippines 2019 earning her the right to represent the country at the annual Miss Tourism Culture Next page

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News

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Budget signed on April 15, Palace vows PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will sign the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019 on April 15, Malacañang said Wednesday.

The Palace made the announcement even as the chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations on Monday urged the Senate to explain the fund sourcing sufficiency of government employees’ salaries, bonuses and allowances under the 2019 budget after it allegedly unilaterally slashed P13.4-billion from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefit Fund.

Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. said the MPBF was being used to augment the budget shortage for the state workers’ financial benefits.

Andaya said Senate leaders led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Loren Legarda, chairman of the Senate committee on finance, must be able to explain what would happen to the benefits of employees should a shortage arise.

“The MPBF is one of three sources of money paid to government personnel,” Andaya said.

“The other two are the budgets lodged under each agency and the Pension and Gratuity Fund.”

Earlier, Senate President Vicente Sotto III urged President Duterte to veto the P75-billion allocation for programs and projects under the Local Infrastructure Program of the Department of Public Works and Highways, which was made through internal realignments after the bicameral conference report was ratified.

“The President may wish to consider disapproving these unconstitutional realignments pursuant to his constitutional power to veto particular items in the General Appropriations Bill,” Sotto said in a letter to Duterte dated March 26.

Duterte’s spokesman Salvador Panelo had repeatedly said the President would exercise his veto power if some items in the budget bill failed to comply with the Supreme Court ruling in 2013 that declared unconstitutional the pork barrel system. Maricel V. Cruz

Socmed...

From A1 box poll, 52 percent of Americans and 48 percent of Canadians said they find out what’s happening in the world through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Only television (64 percent) and news websites (49 percent) in the United States ranked higher as sources of news.

But while trust in traditional news services including radio and newspapers rated above 80 percent in both countries, trust in social media was lowest among all sources at 43 percent in the United States and 32 percent in Canada.

Political news is the most likely to contain misinformation, according to respondents.

That was a significant concern for Americans (84 percent) worried about “fake news” in the upcoming 2020 US presidential election. But half were confident they could easily spot false or inaccurate information.

“Social media is changing our relationship with the news,” said Sara Cappe of Maru/Matchbox.

“While it has become a common source of news and news-related information, people are less trusting of what they find there.

The upside is that many feel more engaged with the news than ever before.”

The pollster interviewed 1,516 Canadians and 1,523 Americans for the survey commissioned by the Canadian Journalism Foundation, with a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points. AFP

Fil-Belgian...

From A1 Universe to be held in Myanmar later this year.

The 22-year-old Cornerstone Entertainment artist edged out 14 other candidates in the tourism-driven pageant held on Sunday at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

During the Q and A round, finalists were asked a common question: “Why should you be the next Face of Tourism Philippines 2019?”

Baeyens, a tourism graduate at St. Louis University in Baguio City, said that she will encourage people to do small acts of goodness and be the answer to somebody else’s prayers.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose in the service of others. If I were to gain the crown tonight, I will encourage others to be like me not only to help the environment, contribute to the economy of the Philippines but teach them even with the small act of goodness, it could lead to something big,” the 5-foot-5 aspiring model answered.

Total ban...

From A1 of OFWs, as well as to ensure the workers’ safety and security.

“DOLE is ready to provide repatriation assistance to our Filipino workers who will signify interest to come home.

An augmentation team will be dispatched this week to ensure the welfare of our workers, and assist their possible repatriation. Also, we are prepared for

Comelec all set for absentee voting

By Vito Barcelo

T

HE Commission on Elections is all set for the conduct of the 30-day absentee voting for the 2019 midterm elections that starts on April 13 and ends on election day on May 13.

The Comelec has already coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs for the event.

The Palace said the political opposition could do their “worst” against the Duterte administration but assured the public it would do its best to counter the “black propaganda” against it.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made the remark after former presidential top aide and senatorial can-

didate Christopher Go rejected the allegations he is involved in illegal drugs.

“We’ve been saying all along that that was black propaganda. There are people who believe it hook, line and sinker, and it’s now showing that it’s not true. It’s never been true,” Panelo told reporters.

“One who alleges must prove. They have to prove what they are saying, that’s why we have been repeatedly saying it’s black propaganda.”

Go showed his back in Agusan del Sur Wednesday to belie the accusations that he has a tattoo with a supposed code linking him to the illegal drug trade.

He took off his white campaign shirt before reporters and put on a red one.

People inside the room laughed when someone pointed out that Go’s back had many “ventosa” marks.

Go expressed hope his showing of his back would finally end the speculations about his alleged drug links.

The Comelec is targeting an 80-percent turnout for the absentee voters abroad who total 1,822,173.

Hong Kong has the biggest number of registered Filipino voters with 87,000,

$1b lost to US healthcare fraud; telemarketing blamed WASHINGTON—One of the largest health care frauds in American history caused more than $1 billion in losses after hundreds of thousands of patients were lured into the scheme, US investigators said Tuesday, announcing charges against 24 people.

The alleged scheme involved the provision of wrist, knee and other braces to elderly and/ or disabled patients who did not need them, but who were covered by the Medicare public insurance system.

They were lured by an international telemarketing network involving call centers in the Philippines and Latin America, the Department of Justice said.

The defendants allegedly paid doctors to prescribe the braces without meeting patients.

“Proceeds of the fraudulent scheme were allegedly laundered through international shell corporations and used to purchase exotic automobiles, yachts and luxury real estate in the United States and abroad,” DOJ said in a statement.

Medicare got the bills that allegedly reached more than $1.7 billion in claims.

Those charged in the multi-state operation included CEOs and other executives with telemedicine companies, the owners of dozens of medical equipment firms, and doctors.

DOJ said the schemes involved “more than $1.2 billion in loss.”

Administrative penalties were also issued against 130 orthopedic equipment suppliers, DOJ said.

PH takes...

From A1 Meanwhile, reports said that Chinese vessels have also been near the islands of Kota (Loaita) and Panata (Lankiam Cay).

Authorities said they have monitored several Chinese vessels, believed to be maritime militia, in the West Philippine Sea last March 28.

“They cannot be intruding in our territorial property,” Panelo said.

The Palace official said the Chinese vessels should “go away.”

“While we remain friendly with respect to trade relations, we will always assert sovereignty when it is being impaired or assaulted,” he said.

Asked if the Palace views Beijing-registered ships in the West Philippine Sea as an “assault” to Philippine sovereignty, Panelo said: “Oh, it is.”

“If they continue to be present in our territory, then it is an assault on our sovereignty,” he added.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte “advised” the Chinese government to lay off Pag-asa Island, noting that once China “touches” the Philippine-occupied territory, “things would be different.”

The Palace said a note verbale was on its way to Beijing since last week. However, the Palace has not heard yet from the military and the DFA whether the Chinese government has responded to the diplomatic protest.

“We will give them reasonable time to respond to our protest,” he said.

Locsin, meanwhile, said Chinese actions in the West Philippine

SC asks...

From A1 restraining order stopping the implementation of the loan agreement.

The suit questions the legality and constitutionality of the loan deal where the Philippines stands to lose natural gas deposits in Recto Bank or Reed Bank as a collateral in case it defaults on the loan.

Petitioners argued that the agreement violates several provisions of the 1987 Constitution as it contains an express waiver of sovereign immunity over the country’s patrimonial assets in favor of China.

They said the contract specifically violates Section 2, Article XII of the Constitution, which reads: “All lands of the public domain, waters, minerals, coal, petroleum and other mineral oils, all forces of potential energy, fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, flora and fauna, and other natural resources are owned by the state.With the exception of agricultural lands, all other natural resources shall not be alienated. The exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the state.”

The petitioners said the assailed provisions of the agreement also violate Section

Poverty...

From A1 2018 was estimated at 16.1 percent. This is defined as the proportion of families whose income is below the poverty line to the total number of families. This was estimated at 22.2 percent in the same period in 2015.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, in a statement delivered by National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Adoracion Navarro, said the decline in poverty incidence could be attributed to “sustained economic growth and critical and broad-based reforms and investments that have translated to employment generation and social protection.”

“Over the course of three years, we can see that poverty decreased substantially—down by 6.6 percentage points...,” Pernia said. Pernia is currently representing the country at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. any exigency of forced repatriation if the situation deteriorates,” Bello said.

Around 2,600 documented OFWs are in Libya, who are mostly medical workers and skilled professionals.

Aside from repatriation aid, reintegration assistance from Overseas Workers Welfare Administration also awaits OFWs who may be repatriated from Libya.

The ban will stay until the situation normalizes, or until further advice by the DFA with which DOLE is closely coordinating with, the department said. PNA

“Today, one of the largest health care fraud schemes in US history came to an end,” said Robert Johnson, assistant director of the FBI, one of several agencies involved.

US Attorney Sherri Lydon of South Carolina added that white collar crime was not victimless.

“All taxpayers will endure the rising cost of health care premiums and out-of-pocket costs as a result of fraud on our Medicare system,” Lydon said.

The Medicare system was created in the 1960s to provide public health insurance for Americans older than 65. It has been extended to the poorest, disabled, children and military veterans, now covering 112 million people. AFP

Sea was “clear evidence” of its power in the South China Sea. “The stand is that it is ours. And they took it. World’s highest court ruled that. Period,” Locsin said, in his Twitter account.

“Now the question is how to take it back,” the country’s top diplomat added.

China has rejected a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal’s ruling that invalidated its sweeping 9-dash line claim over the South China Sea. The government has been raising its concerns over China’s activities in the South China Sea, particularly the building of military structures in the disputed maritime territories.

Duterte admitted that the Philippines could not afford to go to war against China, but Locsin said he has “no fear of war.”

“One attack on a public vessel triggers World War 3 with the USofA which is impervious to attack from Asia,” he warned. Locsin noted that the Philippines could not defend its maritime territory before because former US President Barack Obama “was in love with China” and told Beijing it was “okay to take what it wants from the Philippines.”

Manila and Washington are bound by a Mutual Defense Treaty.

However, the US role in the Philippines’ dispute with China over the South China Sea remains vague.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has sought a review of the MDT because under the US interpretation, the treaty covers only “metropolitan” Philippines and does not include the Filipino-occupied areas in the South China Sea.

7, Article II of the Constitution, which states: “The state shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be nationalsovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.”

Colmenares and company further stressed that this constitutional provision was violated by the “choice of China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission as tribunal and the choice of Chinese law as the governing law of the agreement.”

Petitioners also questioned the confidentiality clause in the agreement, which they said was “a brazen disregard of the constitutional right of the Filipino people to information on foreign loans obtained or guaranteed by the government, and is considered inimical to the national interest” under Section 21, Article XII of the Constitution The group added that the contract violated the constitutional preference for qualified Filipinos and existing procurement laws.

Lastly, they argued that the loan agreement violated Section 20, Article VII of the Constitution, which requires prior approval by the Monetary Board.

Petitioners cited the case of Ecuador which was forced to grant China control of 80 percent of its oil produce after it defaulted on a

Chinese loan for its Coca Codo Hydro Dam and also the case of Sri Lanka that surrendered to China the control of its Hambantota port also after failing to pay its loan.

Colmenares was joined by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao, Gabriela Representatives Emmy de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers Representatives Antonio Tinio and Francisca Castro, and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Jane Elago in filing the petition.

The Palace said it would respond to the petition filed by the opposition lawmakers, saying it respected the constitutional duties of other branches of government.

Two weeks ago, the Palace pagreed with Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio that there is indeed a law declaring Reed Bank as a patrimonial asset of the Philippines.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said a portion of the oil and gas deposits in the Philippine-claimed Reed Bank could be seized

by China should the Philippines fail to pay the multi-million-dollar loan agreement with Beijing. But Duterte’s economic managers said it was unlikely that the country would default on its loan, and that they have ensured there are safeguards in case an arbitral award is made in favor of China. With Nat Mariano

“For one, growth in the construction and manufacturing sectors created more employment opportunities for Filipinos. Second, we like to highlight the increase in income of Filipino households, as well as employment shifts to the industry and service sectors from agriculture,” Pernia said.

He said while inflation rose to 8.1 percent in the period of 2015-2018 from 7.8 percent in 2012-2015, the growth of average income accelerated considerably to 21.2 percent from 15.3 percent, respectively.

Importantly, he said growth in per capita income of the bottom 30 percent of households picked up significantly to 29.2 percent in the 2015-2018 period from only 20.6 percent in the 2012-2015 period.

“We note that the top contributor to the strong income growth for the poorest 30 percent of households was an increase in wage and salary incomes. A far second and third were domestic cash receipts/support (including from government) and entrepreneurial activities,” Pernia said.

He said this was an indication that the pace (average of 6.5 percent GDP growth in 20122018), the quality and consistency of economic growth over the past seven years continued to benefit the poor.

“In particular, the growing contribution of industry, particularly construction and manufacturing, to output and employment, are creating more income-earning opportunities that are accessible to the poor,” he said.

He said the implementation, expansion and enhancement of government’s social programs have also helped augment incomes.

One of these is the continued implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer Program, which now includes an additional P600-rice subsidy cash grant. Moreover, the P1,000-pension increase from the Social Security System, which was released in March 2017, added to Filipinos’ incomes.

The coverage of the Social Pension program widened to over 3.1 million in 2018 from only 930,000 indigent senior beneficiaries in 2015.

Rody...

From A1 Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command information officer, said Jari Abdullah, 34, died at 1:17 p.m. on Tuesday.

He said Abdullah’s death, caused by the gunshot wounds inflicted by his captors during a rescue operation, was witnessed by his family and officials of the Malaysian embassy and the International Monitoring Team.

He said Abdullah’s family executed a waiver consenting to the removal of his life support.

Duterte said the commemoration of the fall of Bataan was a fitting occasion to also honor the troops for their relentless effort to fight the lawless elements that threaten the nation.

“I am especially pleased with our military’s recent accomplishments against the Abu Sayyaf Group. Your efforts have brought us even closer to our ultimate objective of totally crushing violent extremism at its roots,” Duterte said.

followed by Singapore with 83,497.

However, Dubai has the largest number of Filipino voters with 119,838, followed by Riyadh with 118,384.

The Philippine Consul in Hong Kong has gathered the leaders of Filipino communities and asked them to remind their members about their responsibilities.

The voters abroad could cast their vote by using the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines that have been delivered to seven areas abroad, or either mail or personally deliver their ballots to Philippine diplomatic posts.

The PCOS machines will be used in Hong Kong, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Dubai, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. With Nat Mariano

Exotic...

From A1 and echidna that were believed to be smuggled from Indonesia, said Col. Marcial Magistrado, director of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office.

Monday’s operation led to the arrest of the two caretakers, identified as Jomar Lumakore Toledo, 34, and Rompas Manindig Lumakore, 25, both residents of Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City.

Magistrado said the police will be filing charges against the arrested persons for violation of Republic Act 9147 or Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitats.

Magistrado said the two suspects were reportedly being paid to feed the animals, which were already in the area for a week.

Each bird species and animals were identified and tagged by the team from the Biodiversity Management Bureau and the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesRegion 11, led by Dr. Rogelio Demelletes.

The species were identified according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species category. PNA

Rotational...

From A1 an hour,” Meralco said in its twitter advisory to consumers.

However, after failing to stop a weekslong water shortage in Metro Manila, the government said Wednesday that it was confident it could address any impending electricity crisis in Luzon.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Energy Department remains on top of the situation even after the NGCP placed the Luzon grid under red alert on Wednesday due to “insufficient operating reserves.”

“I’m sure the Energy department will have responses to whatever crisis we will have,” Panelo told Palace reporters.

A red alert, the highest warning, warns the public of the likelihood of power outages in the grid.

The NGCP, which operates the country’s transmission facilities, said the alert status was raised because of thinning power supply and degradation of some generators, putting them at below maximum capacity.

The red alert status, which was first raised this year, was enforced at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The yellow alert status was also raised at 10 a.m., 12 noon to 1 p.m., followed by 5 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m.

The NGCP then said that as 4:46 p.m., the red alert had been lifted for the Luzon grid.

According to the Department of Energy, the enforced red and yellow alerts were caused by “the high projected system demand and the outage and degradation of generators that resulted in the thinning of reserves.”

The DOE also said that corporations and commercial establishments participating in the Interruptible Load Program can activate their self-generating facilities.

Despite the thinning supply reserves, the DOE said that it does not expect any power interruptions because ILP participants will be activating their generator sets.

Meanwhile, ahead of the May elections, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi assured the public the government will provide uninterruptible energy supply to prevent outages during the May 13 polls.

Currently, the expected peak demand in Luzon is at 10,140 megawatts (MW), while available capacity it as 10,625 MW, with -138 available reserves as of this writing.

However, the Luzon grid remained under yellow alert from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

NGCP warned early Wednesday that MLD may be implemented to maintain the integrity of the power system, specifically parts of Bataan, parts of Banguio City and Benguet, parts of Isabela, San Fernando City, Pampanga, parts of Quezon, parts of Camarines Sur, Albay, parts of Ilocos Sur, Cabanatuan City, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Tarlac, parts of Pangasinan, parts of Camarines Sur, and parts of Metro Manila at various hours of the day.

NGCP said the schedule may be canceled if system conditions improve, such as if actual demand falls below projections.

“With this, I can confidently declare that ISIS will never gain foothold anywhere in the Philippines.”

Duterte said the ISIS was a cause for concern, but the military would continue to curb the movement of terrorists.

“There is the ISIS that we have to worry about here in this part of Sulu, up and down Basilan. We’ll just have to fight and fight,” Duterte said.

He also renewed his commitment to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and give priority to its needs. PNA

News

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THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Implement ConVERGE project for farmers—DAR

Manicad warns vs political grandstanding BROADCAST journalist and senatorial candidate Jiggy Manicad has warned against election candidates grandstanding in relation to sensitive diplomatic issues amid territorial disputes in Scarborough Shoal.

“We must avoid turning these sensitive issues towards our advantage as political candidates. Hindi ito simpleng sortie o project na pwede po nating gamitin for publicity. The dispute is an extremely sensitive issue that should not be taken lightly,” Manicad said.

Manicad’s statement came a day after “Otso Diretso” candidates attempted to take a boat trip to Scarborough Shoal from Masinloc, Zambales for a symbolic planting of the Philippine flag.

Manicad, who is running as an independent for a Senate seat in the upcoming election, clarified that although the candidates’ stance on China taking control of certain areas within the Philippines’ jurisdiction should be discussed, candidates should still distance themselves from activities that could risk any provocation on the issue especially when the timing is “suspicious.”

“By all means, we should talk and debate about the issue because we are Filipinos and this concerns all of us. In fact, tama po ‘yung ginawa ng ating mga colleague sa media na sinubukan nilang kunin ang pahayag ng mga mangingisda roon,” Manicad said, referring to an attempt by a Filipino TV crew to conduct interviews in Scarborough Shoal documenting the plight of fishermen there last year.

‘Moto’ accidents cause deaths—study MOTORCYCLE accidents remain one of the three leading causes of death and injury on the roads in Metro Manila last year, a government road accident recording and analysis report showed.

Based on the 2018 Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System report, motorcycles have the “highest fatality accident rate” with 224 the total number of deaths, followed by trucks (100) and private cars (95).

Motorcycles also topped the list of vehicles with the most number of injuries, posting 13,594 shares followed by cars (8,121), vans (1,797) and public utility jeep (1,717).

The MMRAS, a program created by the Metro Manila Development Authority, aimed to improve road management in the metropolis, also stated that the number of deaths caused by road accidents went down last year.

The program recorded a total of 394 deaths in 2018, down by 45 compared to the 434 the number of deaths listed in 2017.

By Rio N. Araja

MARKET INSPECTION. The Department of Trade and Industry officials, led by Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, inspect the prices of vegetables and fishes at a market in Sampaloc, Manila on Wednesday. Norman Cruz

BI chief to probe personnel linked to human trafficking

By Vito Barcelo

I

MMIGRATION Commissioner Jaime Morente has ordered an investigation following serious allegations that certain airport personnel are involved in a human trafficking ring victimizing overseas Filipino workers.

The order stemmed from an information that some BI officials posted at the Port Operations Division may be involved in human trafficking. The BI chief said he will be looking into reports of corruption of some of their airport men.

“We will elevate this to the Department of Justice [DOJ], our mother department, for investigation,” Morente said.

“We suspect that other agencies may be included in this complaint as well, as antitrafficking efforts is a shared responsibility

Koreans, Chinese top PH visitors; foreign arrivals up 6% —DOT KOREANS and Chinese topped the nationalities who visited the country, according to data from the Department of Tourism.

The DOT also said that slightly more than a million and a half foreigners (1.6 million) visited the country in the first two months of 2019, or a six-percent increase from the 1.4 million tourists for the same period last year.

“Growth rate natin is about 6 percent. Maganda ang takbo natin so far,” Tourism Undersecretry Benito Bengzon Jr. said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum in Cafe Adriatico in Manila.

DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, for her part, said they are targeting 8.2 million visits by the end of the year.

DOT record said that Korea remains as the top visitors in the country with 180,890 visits in February 2019 alone, followed by China with 174,175 visits.

They are followed by USA, Japan, and Taiwan, which also made it to the top 5 international markets that made visits to the Philippines.

Their top destinations were Manila and Cebu.

Puyat also said that there was an increase in domestic tourism.

“Our domestic tourism is 97 million,” she said. “Right now, Filipinos like traveling all around the Philippines.”

Puyat added that the DOT have already surpassed the 2022 target, which was 89 million, as stated in the National Tourism Development Plan.

“But we’ve already reached 97 million so we are calibrating kung ano na yung bagong goal natin for 2022,” Puyat said.

The DOT attributed the boost in tourism to the improving access and connectivity around the country.

Puyat said the country now has more international gateways, and more are being built.

“It’s because of the access and connectivity. [It’s] better now. But of course we are continuously working with the Department of Transportation on rehabilitating the airports,” Puyat said.

MORE FUN.

Tourism Secretary Berna RomuloPuyat talks about Summer Destinations under the ‘More Fun in the Philippines’ program during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum at Cafe Adriatico in Malate, Manila.

Lino Santos

of all members of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking,” he added.

Morente, however, said that there will be no letup in their drive against trafficking.

“The BI has accomplished so much in preventing human trafficking. We have elevated our status from Tier 2 to Tier 1 in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons report, and have retained that good standing for three consecutive years,” he said.

Morente also emphasized the need to have an iron hand to be able to discipline personnel more effectively.

“We believe that disciplinary powers against erring personnel will enable the Bureau to take a more swift action when needed,” Morente said, adding that “this is one of the reasons why we are requesting the urgent passage of the Bureau of Immigration bill during the next congress.

“Currently, our Board of Discipline may only recommend action to the DOJ. It is the DOJ who has the power to hire and fire employees. We believe that the control over administrative matters should be delegated to the BI, for us to be able to enforce immediate sanctions,” he said.

“Our actions on previous incidents of alleged corruption show that we will not hesitate to weed out corrupt employees.

The President’s directive is clear.

Corruption has no place in BI, not on my watch,” he added.

THE Department of Agrarian Reform wants a speedy implementation of United Nations projects for the farmers.

Assistant regional director in the Caraga region Naylinda Narisma said the agency recently held a meeting, and conducted a review and evaluation under the Project ConVERGE of projects in the last three years and projects to be implemented until 2021.

She said that DAR has implemented various infrastructure and support service projects worth P62 million to over 1,400 farming households in the Caraga region.

These included provision on farm machines, farm facilities, agricultural inputs and infrastructure funded by DAR with loan proceeds from the International Fund for Agricultural Development implemented under Project ConVERGE which started in 2015 and will end in 2021.

“Project ConVERGE aims to reduce poverty by promoting sustainable livelihoods for farmers of abaca, rice, coco coir and coffee. So far, more than 1,400 households are now benefitting from the farm-to-market roads, postharvest facilities and potable water systems the project has implemented in the provinces of Caraga,” Narisma said.

“We aim to succeed in empowering farmers with knowledge, infrastructure and other support services to uplift their living condition,” IFAD special adviser Yolando Arban said.

IFAD is a specialized agency of the UN dedicated to eradicate rural poverty in developing countries.

RALLY AGAINST PLASTIC.

Break Free From Plastic Movement, a coalition of various environment advocates campaigning against the use of single use plastics, stages a rally in front of Nestle Philippines in Makati City, Wednesday April 10. The group brought a plastic monster shaped like a serpent which it created using plastic trash and an ‘invoice people‘ outlining the impact of Nestle’s single use plastic.

Norman Cruz

Piñol denies rumors that he quit as DA secretary AMID rumors that he has resigned, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol on Monday led the turnover of SolarPowered Irrigation System in Barangay D’Lotilla, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, to rice farmers.

The latest SPIS costs P5.3 million and the unit was completed within three months. It is expected to irrigate up to 60 hectares.

Rustom Catalan, a farmer-leader in rice-producing Barangay D’Lotiulla, said the farmers can now plant palay in three croppings as compared when they only plant and harvest once a year due

to lack of water.

With the solar-powered pre-harvest facility, the farmers could save at least P100,000 per cropping for fuel expenses.

Speaking to farmers, Piñol said: “While I was working in the field, rumor swirled that I have resigned following the ‘he is all air’ joke of President [Rodrigo] Rody Duterte, referring to me, during an event in Palawan last week.”

Piñol said he has not resigned, saying “Unless the President tells me he no longer needs my services, I will continue working.”

In a statement, Piñol said he was convinced the President was just joking having known him the past 25 years.

He recalled a previous incident where he said “linti ni si [damn this] Piñol,” and asked the President if the latter was angry at him.

“Murag wala man ka naanad sa ako.

Standard joke ko ‘yon (It’s as if you don’t know me for so long. It is just my standard joke),” the President told Piñol.

On the statement of the President that the country will never be rice sufficient, Piñol said he considers that as a challenge rather than a ridicule. PNA

Solon files bill to give new fathers 30 extra days of leave

By Maricel V. Cruz A FEW months after Republic Act 11210, which granted a 105-day maternity leave to women workers, was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte, a congressman wants men to get an additional 30 days of leave from work so that new fathers can enjoy their newborns with their wives longer.

Rep. Ronald “Bobby” Ang of Ako Bicol has filed a co-parenting bill that provides for a 30-day paternity leave for men that will be deducted from the

leave credits of the wife.

“The child will have a good start if the two [parents] take care of the baby.

That is the modern concept—shared responsibility,” Ang said during a dinner with select mediamen.

While the 17th Congress may not have enough time to deliberate on his proposal, Ang said he hopes his bill will be carried out in the next 18th Congress.

Congress will resume session on May 20 after the May 13 midterm elections.

It will adjourn sine die on June 7. The new 18th Congress will open in the

fourth week of July in time for the State of the Nation Address.

Ang’s proposal came after President Duterte signed last February RA 11210, which grants 105 days or over three months of paid maternity leave for female workers in both government and private sectors, regardless of the civil status or the legitimacy of her child.

The Labor department, together with the Civil Service Commission and Social Security System, are working on the law’s implementing rules and regulations.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

More memories of WWII BEFORE I continue with my recollections about the Japanese Occupation, I would like to acknowledge a letter of thanks sent me by the richest Filipina, according to Forbes.

Here is Teresita Sy-Coson, vice chair of SM Investments Corporation.

“On behalf of our family, I would like to thank you for remembering our father Henry Sy, Sr. in your column in Manila Standard on January 22 and February 7.

It means a lot to us to know how he touched people’s lives. The stories and memories you shared with your readers are priceless—from the time you met him in his downtown store, how you bought your pair of Bostonian shoes, and much later when he shared his dream about SM North EDSA over a cup of coffee at Cafe Elysees in Makati.

Those were dangerous times, indeed.

Thank you again for this gesture of kindness, condolence and sympathy.

The outpouring of your support has been a great comfort to us during this difficult time.” *** As I said in yesterday’s column, my two older brothers joined the guerilla movement against the Japanese in Northern Luzon. They both got commissioned as lieutenants, under the command of Major Conrado Rigor.

My family had to move around Abra when we wanted to see my brothers so we would not be detected by the Japanese. Alas, I caught malaria. I thought I would die because of my fever and chills. I did recover, but soon found myself getting yellow.

There were also instances we had to hide in mountain caves of Abra to avoid detection by the Japanese. We came to

live with some Igorots.

It was also the time I suggested to my brothers that I wanted to join the guerilla movement, too. I was already 16 at that time, and I wanted to do my share for the country. But my brothers said no.

During the war I saw the best and worst of Filipinos. The best—when I saw the Ilocanos and Igorots fighting the Japanese. The worst, when I saw with my own two eyes how the members of the movement were tortured and butchered by Filipino collaborators.

I also saw a town mayor killed by a faction of the movement for allegedly being appointed by the puppet government under President Laurel.

Indeed we lived in dangerous times.

Later, my father, mother and I settled in a town called Bucay, some 57 kilometers away from Bangued, the capital of Abra. The problem was that the town had a Japanese outpost in a brickhouse then owned by an American named Smith.

One afternoon as I was walking along the street, a Japanese patrol composed of two men shouted for me to stop. I wanted to run away, but I had second thoughts because I saw they had guns.

They tied my hands together with a rope and pulled me toward them. I was already saying my last prayers. I knew what could happen to me.

The two Japanese men got thirsty and walked into a house. They tied me to a post. I thought of doing something drastic—I untied my hands from the post and ran as fast as I could. I never looked back.

I told my father what had happened and he told me not to go outside. I hid under the house where we were staying, which had a poultry. I subsisted on eggs and chicken—not bad!

There was another incident in Abra that I couldn’t forget. There was once a guerilla leader named Emilio Escobar.

He would go around Ilocandia raping and killing people. People called him “sagad.”

Sagad Escobar was so feared that Col. Volckmann had to ask for help from the American headquarters to arrest him.

Col. Formoso Reyes, aside from being a West Pointer, was also a law student, school principal, Legion of Merit awardee. His son Bobby would eventually be executive secretary to strongman

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

“

F

The real battle

AKE news” should not even be a term.

News, ideally, should never be fake. It is its essence to be true.

Unfortunately, developments—degeneration, one could argue persuasively, too—in both technology and politics have brought us to a point where governments have to craft a law punishing the propagation of fake news and citizens have to be told to be circumspect because not everything they hear or read is true.

Singapore, for instance, which recently passed a law against fake news, has to defend the new piece of legislation from criticism from right groups saying provisions are too vague and may even be used to crack down against those criticizing the government.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long insists the law—which allows ministers to order sites like Facebook, Google and Twitter to put warnings next to posts they deem false, in extreme cases order them removed, and impose fines and jail terms in serious cases—is a step forward in the battle against falsehoods.

Lee said the problem of fake news was getting serious and even European countries are taking steps to combat it.

There is no argument with the fact that the problem has become alarming, but it is also possible for leaders who have a distaste for criticism to abuse the law for their own ends.

After all, who is to say exactly if an item is “fake news” or not?

For instance, United States President Donald Trump has liberally used the term to refer to and dismiss any story that is unfavorable to him—never mind if it comes from highly credible sources and vetted by the media organizations that publish them.

What are we to make, too, of government leaders who rely on the services of online trolls to boost their images or demolish that of their enemies? Aren’t they the type to, on one hand, fabricate stories, and on the other clamp down on their critics?

Critical to the implementation of

laws against fake news are the agencies and personalities who will actually implement them. Meanwhile, the real battle is in the minds of the people, who must learn to be discerning and responsible in the face of disinformation.

At a young age, children must be taught how to be dubious about the things they read online and to watch out for red flags that would indicate less-than-trustworthy sources.

Social media users must also be reminded to think not only twice but several times before they share anything they find on their feeds. They must also be warned against engaging with other users: They may believe they are having an intellectual discussion with similarly passionate citizens, but they will soon find that the arguments are rehearsed and the logic untenable. Trolls, after all, sow anything but truthfulness and respect of others’ point of view.

Governments are right to think of how to protect their citizens from this menace. The best protection, however, is to tell them to be discerning, and to think for themselves instead of parroting somebody else’s lines.

Turn to A5

SkinWhite ad and colorism POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE “DARK or white, you are beautiful.”

Admirable sentiment, isn’t it? What’s ironic is that it’s the tagline of a video commercial for a company that makes whitening lotions. What makes it more problematic is that they used brownface in the ad.

The ad for SkinWhite Philippines shows twins in their teens to 20s posing in various situations, one of each pair made up to look dark. When netizens pointed out on social media that this was brownface, SkinWhite replied that they meant everyone is attractive “whether they choose to be dark or white.”

That’s a stupid thing to say because we can’t choose our skin color; like many other physical attributes valorized by colonial mentality, it’s an accident of birth.

Why didn’t SkinWhite cast actual morenas for the ad? It would have made their “Dark or white, you are beautiful” message more credible.

People saw through the makeup and this deception reflected negatively on the brand. As Alexandria Perez commented on SkinWhite’s Facebook page: “Omg. Ang tanga po. Sana gumamit kayo ng talagang morena ano. Mahirap bang maghanap?” Rome Morales Infante’s comment was sarcastic: “May tanning creams na po ba skinwhite?”

The video lacks internal logic, said Kristinne Smk Santos: “Why do you promote that dark skin is beautiful while putting your whitening product to be used by someone who has dark skin? Where is the logic of it? I just can't find.”

The company’s advertising team should also check for consistency across all their marketing communication.

In addition to the confusing ad, there is a mismatch between their ad copy and packaging. Their #BeYourBrightest hashtag implies that their products provide ‘brighter’ skin, whatever that is, presumably regardless of skin color.

The soaps, however, are labeled ‘power whitening’ on the boxes. Is it ‘bright’ or ‘white’? They don’t mean the same thing.

Make up your mind, SkinWhite.

As Andrea Atienza pointed out on FB,

“It's like you guys don't understand your branding, your product, your market, and advocacy. You're so confused and your social media responses really show it.”

What’s wrong with brownface?

Like blackface, it perpetuates damaging stereotypes—that white skin is better than dark, that dark skin and nonCaucasian features are to be ashamed of and need to be corrected. This mindset is a manifestation of colorism, an attitude that privileges white or pale skin over dark.

What’s wrong with brownface?

This outcome of colonial mentality is so deeply embedded in our culture that there is a widespread urge to control skin color by bleaching and whitening, which has led to a demand for whitening products and services like bleaching and glutathione drips.

Colorism is manifested in the way morenas are ridiculed as ‘negra’, ‘maitim,’ or ‘pangit.’ Senator Nancy Binay, who has been the brunt of such insults, uses self-deprecating humor to defuse the cruelty. But it does hurt her, as she said in an interview in 2013: “I’m bothered.

Kasi, bakit nagiging isyu yong kulay ng balat ko? Di ba ho, borderline racist na yong comments?”

An example of brownface in media is the 2011 television show ‘Nita Negrita,’ starring actress Barbie Forteza’s with crudely darkened skin. It was strongly criticized for equating dark skin with poverty and for caricaturing dark-skinned people. The show was a fiasco and ran for only six months.

By employing Caucasian-looking models made up in brownface, Skin White is complicit in reifying colonial mentality. Ads like theirs erase darkskinned people from the conversation by making them out to be less worthy that they cannot even play themselves in an ad.

Celebrity Angelique Manto tweeted, Turn to A5

Is it all over but the shouting?

Here are the results of a recent survey.

IT’S less than 40 days before the midterm elections but based from almost all polling firms, it’s highly unlikely for the Ocho Diretso to score an upset, except maybe for 2016 losing presidential candidate, Mar Roxas.

In the latest survey conducted by The Center, four of the seven incumbent senators who are running for reelection in the scheduled May 13, 2019 national elections are deemed sure of getting reelected.

They will most likely be joined in the Senate when the 18th Congress opens in July, 2019 by three former senators and three newcomers from the executive department.

The Center released the results of its nationwide survey on senatorial preferences which was conducted on March

24-30, 2019 with some 1,800 respondents that cut across all demographic lines and has a confidence level of 98% and a margin of error of +3%.

The Center said that if the elections are to be held on the days the survey was extracted, the most likely winners will be: Sen. Grace Poe who continues to lead the field with 64%. Not far behind is Sen. Cynthia Villar in second spot with 57% while former Sen. Lito Lapid is at third with 51%. Sharing the fourth to fifth spots are Sen. Sonny Angara with 47% and Representative and former Sen. Pia Cayetano with 45%.

In 6th to 7th places are: Former Spe-

cial Assistant to the President Bong Go (44.7%) and Sen. Nancy Binay (43.4%), respectively. Sharing the 8th to 11thplaces are: Former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada (36.3%), former Presidential Political Adviser Francis Tolentino (35.4%), former Philippine National Police Director General Bato dela Rosa (34.7%) and, former Sen. Mar Roxas (34.3%). The Center pointed out that if the voting pattern based on the preferences of those surveyed will hold as the election nears, it is safe to conclude that those in the 8th to 11th places have more than an even chance of getting elected.

Ed Malay of The Center said that even if the cast of the 2019 senatorial elections begins to take shape with roughly 40 days to go before the polling booths open on May 13, 2019, the six other candidates who are lodged from the 12th to the 17th spots still have a mathematical chance of pulling it through to the winners’ bracket.

This will all depend on how their respective political strategies will adapt to the Turn to A5

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Opinion

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

Dwindling number of veterans LAST April 9, the country celebrated Araw ng Kagitingan which was the day Filipino-American forces surrendered Bataan to the Japanese forces under the command of General Masaharu Homma. A month later, Corregidor also surrendered marking the end of organized resistance against the Japanese forces in the Philippines. First to fall was Hong Kong followed by Singapore on February of 1942.

With more than 50,000 Filipino Commonwealth troops and 12,000 American soldiers, it was the largest surrender of American forces in history but dwarfed by the 100,000 British Commonwealth forces who surrendered in Singapore which was also the largest in British history.

I never really figured out why we celebrate the defeat instead of the victory when Japan signed the instrument of unconditional surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945.

Is it to emphasize the sacrifices of our soldiers? The symbolism of celebrating defeat may also be a better reminder to us all that the country is prepared to do it all over again if called upon to make another sacrifice.

Today, the number of World War II veterans are dwindling very fast. Very soon, all of them will be gone. Like in the United States, the generation that fought in the Second World War was our greatest generation and they deserve more support before they are all finally gone. Those Filipino soldiers who were part of the United States armed forces have been supported well enough but there were those who also fought in the war who never got the recognition they deserve. Our government should find a way to support them also.

Today, there are other veterans other than World War 2 veterans deserving of assistance. Soldiers for instance who fought in the long anti-insurgency

campaign and those retired service personnel who suffered service-related disabilities need more government support.

This is why it is timely to ask the question whether the country has sufficiently taken care of its fighting men as they grow to old age. In spite of all the rhetoric every time the Araw ng Kagitingan is upon us, the record is not consistent.

More still has to be done. In the United States, the Veterans Administration is one of the biggest bureaucracies in the Federal government if not the biggest.

There are veterans’ hospitals all over the

Rhetoric is not enough. country. Veterans with disabilities are paid depending on the severity of the disability. In this country, we only have one veterans hospital located in Quezon City. There should be at least a veterans’ hospital in the three major island groupings. It is expensive and difficult to bring a sick veteran needing hospitalization from Mindanao to Quezon City.

The ideal thing, of course, is to put up one hospital in every region to service veterans and their families.

Maybe a law could be passed to start the process.

The important thing is to start—and complete—the project, even if it takes time to finish. It must be said, however, that this year World War 2 veterans together with Korean and Vietnam War counterparts have been by a new law awarded a monthly additional pension of P20, 000. This however, cannot be passed on to the wife if the veteran dies.

This is in place of the Php 5,000 that a veteran gets when he reaches 65 years old and Php 6,700 upon reaching 70 years of age.

The bigger P20,000 pension is intended to provide more help to the veteran in the twilight of their lives. All World

War 2 veterans who are still alive must all be in their nineties. Korean War veterans on the other hand must be in their late eighties and early nineties while Vietnam War veterans must be in their late seventies and early eighties. Considering that the Filipino life expectancy is about 71, these veterans are living on borrowed time. The P20,000 additional pension should have included all those veterans who have reached the age of 70 and who fought in the anti-insurgency campaign beginning in the 1960s and those who fought in Mindanao secessionist campaign in the beginning of in the early 70s. They too are aging and can use more money just to keep up with their medical requirements.

Some members of Congress say that the next step will be to include other aging veterans but this will be in the future.

RA 11164 should have included other senior veterans who also fought in the anti-insurgency and Mindanao secessionist campaigns and those with serious service-connected disabilities.

It must be said however, that this administration has done more for the soldiers and policemen and women than most administrations. The military and police retiree pension has also increased like those still in the active service and as reports have it, will be effective this 16th of April. The treatment of veterans must however, not be dependent on a President who happens to value or like men and women in uniform. All administrations must strive to take care of their fighting men to the fullest extent of the capabilities of the government. It is the only moral thing to do. Rhetoric every time we celebrate the Araw ng Kagitingan is not enough. It must be translated into action.

As shown in the public squabble between the House of Representatives and the Senate regarding pork barrel, the government is overflowing with money that they do not even know where to spend it. Money given to needy veterans will surely flow back to the economy unlike huge kickbacks being pocketed by unscrupulous government officials that end up in their bank accounts.

Speech of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen U.S. Presidential Office videoconference (Part 1) THANK you, and hello Washington, DC. Good morning from Taipei!

Rich, thank you for your kind introduction just now. It is such a privilege to address this conference, opened by Dr. Hamre. I want to thank CSIS, the Brookings Institution, and the Wilson Center, as well as Bonnie, Richard, and Abe, for organizing this event.

It is a pleasure to see many friends of Taiwan, including Michael Green, and Chairman Jim Moriarty, in the audience.

Here in Taipei, the clock will soon turn to April 10th. On this day 40 years ago, the Taiwan Relations Act was enacted, opening a new chapter in Taiwan-US relations.

The momentous events that led to the swift passage of the TRA 40 years ago marked a difficult time in Taiwan’s history. Many, both in the United States and here in Taiwan, were not optimistic about Taiwan’s future—or not clear as to whether that future could remain distinct from that of across the Strait.

Few could have imagined that the foresight and friendship shown by the drafters of the TRA would eventually allow this relationship to blossom again, this time based on our shared values.

And few could have imagined that the Taiwan-US partnership would become stronger than ever, and a force for good across the world.

With the US Congress’s steadfast support, the enactment of the TRA set out the guiding principles defining how the US engages with Taiwan, and honours our past agreements. The TRA also established the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). Today, there is no question that AIT, which is about to move into its new home in Neihu, has withstood the test of time.

By insisting on language that assures Taiwan’s security, Congress made sure that Taiwan would survive its darkest hour, and have the opportunity to trans-

Is it...

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political landscape that is far different from the previous electoral exercises.

The six candidates who share the 12th to 17th spots are: Former Sen. Bong Revilla (32.7%), Sen. Koko Pimentel (32%), Sen. Bam Aquino (31.4%), Gov. Imee Marcos (30.9%), Sen. JV Ejercito (29.4%) and former Sen. Serge Osmena (28.7%).

The Center said the lead and positioning of Ms. Poe which has been consistent since the campaign period started in February will most probably hold up to May 13, 2019. It said that the last-ditch efforts to improve on their standings will make the senatorial race interesting especially for those in the 8th to 12th places as the campaign period draws to a close two

form itself into the free society and robust democracy we are today.

What the TRA also reflects, is the United States’ commitment to our shared interests of peace, security, and stability in the Pacific. It has supported Taiwan’s development of the defence capabilities that we need, in order to resist any form of coercion.

And this commitment and support has been honoured by successive administrations and the US Congress.

It featured prominently in March 1996, when the Clinton administration sent two aircraft carriers to sail through the waters near Taiwan to stop China’s attempts to disrupt Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. At that historic moment, the US stood with Taiwan, showing the world its commitment to our shared democratic values.

And the people of Taiwan responded in kind, showing the world our resolve to exercise our right to vote, a fundamental democratic process, proving that we were capable of joining a global community of free and democratic nations.

So in 1996, our democracy took a big step forward. And twenty years later, Taiwan is one of the freest countries in the world, and the people of Taiwan elected their first female president.

With the benefit of hindsight from forty years of experience, I trust that everyone here today agrees that the TRA has helped create a force for good, and laid the foundations for Taiwan to become a beacon of democracy in the world.

Taiwan survived the challenges posed to us by history. We were not defeated.

We are an island of resilience. And we have been working tirelessly to contribute to a brighter tomorrow for our region, and the world as well.

Today, at this conference, we commemorate the achievements of the TRA,

but we should also recommit ourselves to our shared values, and common sense of purpose.

Foremost among them is ensuring that our global partnerships remain strong, particularly the special bond between Taiwan and the United States.

Over the past three years, we have made significant progress in advancing this relationship.

In terms of security, the TRA laid out a framework to not only “provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character,” but also “to consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including by boycotts or embargoes, a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States.”

Cooperation between our two countries has continued to fulfill the spirit of these articles. Already, a steady drumbeat of arms sales have been announced by the current US administration, and we have more in the pipeline.

The US has also continued to support the development of indigenous capabilities that we are capable of building here in Taiwan. And right now, the training and cooperation between our two countries could not be closer or more robust.

But all of this only works when Taiwan is capable and determined to defend ourselves. We can’t expect others to do what we are not willing to do by ourselves. So since 2016, part of my primary goals is to strengthen our defense capabilities.

Already, we have increased our defense budget over the past two years in a row. These funds will go into strategies, techniques, and capabilities that make our fighting force more nimble, agile, and survivable. These ideas are encompassed by the Overall Defense Concept, which has my support, one hundred percent.

[Continued tomorrow]

days before the elections.

At the same time, The Center also released its assessment of the what it calls the “Current Status of the Mayoralty Race in the National Capital Region.” In the same survey conducted

by The Center, it showed that most of the incumbent Local Chief Executives are winning with safe margins except for Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte whose single-digit lead (+6%) is being challenged by Rep. Bingbong Crisologo who is being backed financially by Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson.

The results of the survey for the NCR mayoralty race are as follows: Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan is almost unopposed with a +97%; Mayor Mel Aguilar is assured of another term with a +93% advantage in Las Pinas; Antolin Oreta III

enjoys a +59% lead over his nearest rival in Malabon; Makati Mayor Abby Binay has a +33.37% lead over her brother former Mayor Junjun Binay and a +49.60% lead over Ricky Yabut; It will also be Toby Tiangco in Navotas with a +69% advantage.

The elections in Mandaluyong City and Pasay City are all over except the shouting with Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos nursing a +94% lead and Rep. Emi Calixto Rubiano enjoying a comfortable +60% lead over Chet Cuneta in Pasay City.

In Manila, former Vice Mayor Isko Moreno continues to hold sway with a safe +20.28% lead over Mayor Erap Estrada and a +25.20% edge over former Mayor Alfredo Lim. In Marikina, Mayor Marcy Teodoro will surely be reelected

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Party-list system has been bastardized stranglehold on political power. What the high-minded Con-Com members clearly had in mind were the ‘marginalized’ sectors, such as the fisherfolk, the indigenous peoples (IPs), the small and micro-enterprises (SMEs) and the THE final stage of the drafting of the household helpers.

1973 Constitution took place after the What has happened to the partyplacement of the nation under martial list system provision of the Constilaw by President Ferdinand Marcos, tution of 1987—the year in which it and the finished document did not un- was ratified, properly, by the Filipino dergo the constitutionally prescribed people—is an example of the saying ratification process. Upon her installa- “The road to hell is paved with good tion as President following the success intentions.” Looking at the profile of of the EDSA Revolution, Corazon C. the long and ever-lengthening list of Aquino scrapped the 1973 Constitu- party-list Representatives, the Contion, promulgated a Revolutionary Com members who are still with us no Constitution and longer recognize, proceeded to apI am sure, their point 50 men well-intentioned and women to innovation.

Once again, voters a Constitutional When thinking Commission about the partywill be asked to (Con-Com) that system as it countenance what has list would draw up a stands today, the become the greatest new Basic Law. words that readThe marchily come to mind abomination in the ing order given are ‘bastardized’, 1987 Constitution. to the new mem‘perverted’, ‘disbers of the Contorted’ and ‘hiCom was to draft jacked’. With all a Constitution due respect to (1) that would remove the features of my Kapampangan friends, they have the 1973 Constitution that made possi- it right when they pronounce the P in ble Ferdinand Marcos’s assumption of party list like an F. dictatorial powers; (2) that would imWebster’s and the Oxford Dictionprove the nation’s governance struc- ary will have to be revised if one is to ture and (3) that would usher in a bet- accept that billionaire Mikee Rometer life for the majority of the Filipino ro’s segment of Philippine society— people. Composed of men and women which segment is that?—is a marginwho represented all the significant sec- alized sector. Given the reverence that tors of Philippine society—including the powerful Catholic Church accords individuals associated with Mr. Mar- to the human fetus—remember the cos, such as his Minister of Labor and Church’s virulent opposition to the Employment—the Con-Com went Reproductive Health law?—how can to work quickly in order to meet the Buhay be said to be representing a before-yearend deadline set by Presi- marginalized sector? And are not the dent Cory Aquino for the completion regular Representatives of Bicol and of their task.

Eastern Visayas meant to ensure that One of the areas of the nation’s their Ako Bicol and Ang Waray condemocratic structure that the Commis- stituents are not marginalized? Truly, sioners selected for quick remedial ac- the word ‘marginalized’ has ceased, tion was this country’s political party in the context of Philippine politics, system. Believing that the decades- to mean what the dictionaries say it old system of two dominant political means. Anyone can now claim that a parties—the Nacionalista Party and group of which he is a part is a marthe Liberal Party—had been largely ginalized sector—even if by no stretch responsible for the flaws and sins of of the imagination can it be so considPhilippine politics and having in mind ered—and get it included in the Comethe benefits derived by Western Euro- lec list of party-list entities. pean countries from the multiple-party On May 13 the nation’s registered political system, the Commissioners voters will once again be invited to included in the new Constitution a cast a ballot for a party-list entity. provision allowing the registration by Once again they will be asked to counthe Comelec (Commission on Elec- tenance what has become the greatest tions) of political parties representing abomination in the 1987 Constitution. sectors of Philippine society that stood Hopefully, the coming election will no chance of entry into the legisla- be the Filipino voters’ final encounter ture because of the two major parties’ with the party-list system of today.

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From A4

cans were coming, my brothers with their command left Abra. I joined the trek—and so did my mother. We all had leeches all over our body when we crossed creeks.

That was already during Liberation when the Americans assisted the 121st Infantry USAFIP-NL in engaging the enemy at Bessang Pass. That battle led to the surrender of General Yamashita.

The rest is history.

Ferdinand Marcos.

I was almost 18 when I heard the good news that the Americans were landing on Lingayen Gulf.

But I was up on the hill with my family when I saw twin-bodied US airplanes bombing Bangued where the Japanese were headquartered. They called it carpet bombing.

When they learned that the Ameri- www.emiljurado.weebly.com

SkinWhite...

From A4

“This whole SkinWhite fiasco only goes to show that there’s still no full grasp on the equality that colored/dark-skinned people are trying to achieve. We are not a fad you jump on to, to increase brand engagement or sales.”

One good outcome of the ad, albeit accidental, is that it spurred public discourse on the topic. It increased awareness about colorism and brownface, their manifestations and links to identity, and ill effects on society and individuals.

White culture has robbed us of so much—our ancient script, texts, stories, rituals, and more. We have to claim them

with a +92% advantage while Muntinlupa Mayor Jimmy Fresnedi is safe with a +18% lead over his rivals.

In Paranaque City, Mayor Edwin Olivarez is gunning for reelection and is enjoying a +28% advantage over former Mayor Jun Bernabe while Pasig City Mayor Bobby Eusebio continues to lead Vico Sotto with a +52% advantage. In Pateros, it will still be Mayor Ike Ponce who has a +38% lead over his nearest rival while former Rep. Lino Cayetano is looking to becoming Mayor of Taguig with a +15% lead over the other mayoral candidates. It will still be Mayor Rex Gatchalian in Valenzuela with a +95% advantage while Francis Zamora leads Janelle Estrada with +17% in San Juan. *** I would like to extend my sincerest

back and make them our own again, including our color. Our brownness makes us uniquely ourselves; we should not pin our identity on colonial standards. We must decolonize beauty standards and contest the mentality that Caucasian is better.

And, as Binay pointed out in her interview, “Majority of the Filipinos ay ganito ang kulay, e,” yet many still hanker after paler skin, taller noses, thinner lips. Ironic, sad, and totally unnecessary.

As a people we are still so damaged by colonial mentality. We need to construct a decolonized culture, and communicating about flashpoint topics enables the change. / FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

gratitude to Ms. Karen Joy Parada and her cousin-in-law, Minami Parada for being terrific hosts. True to their ad, their place was just about three minutes away from Vigan’s heritage site, Calle Crisologo.

And their Glasshouse accommodation exceeded our expectation.

One drawback in Vigan, however, I believe, is how the local government has given its consent for tricycle drivers to exploit the tourists.

In an ordinance enacted by the City Government of Vigan, it authorized tricycle drivers to charge P10 per passenger from 6:00 in the evening to 6:00 in the morning. I just can’t understand the logic why the additional charge when it still covers the same distance.

It’s just not the appropriate way to promote local tourism.

A6

News

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DOJ exec ‘interference’ in Daraga raps baseless J USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday dismissed as “totally unfounded” embattled Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo’s insinuation of interference by Undersecretary Markk Perete in the pending murder case against him.

“Usec Perete has no involvement whatsoever in the operations of the prosecution service, which is under the supervision of another undersecretary. His being a relative of Daraga vice mayor [Victor] Perete is purely [coincidental],” Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

“He has never talked about Mayor Baldo’s cases with anyone, much less with the investigating panel. Usec Perete is one of the most Manila

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TODAY

honest and respected officials of the DOJ,” Guevarra added.

Last week, the Camarines Sur Provincial Prosecutor’s Office ordered the filing of two counts of murder against Baldo and five others for the killing of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe and his police escort, Orlando S. Diaz, last Dec. 22.

Aside from Baldo, indicted for the twin kill-

by the State must be one that yields a fair return on the public utility upon the value of the property performing the service and one that is reasonable to the public for the services rendered. The fixing of just and reasonable rates involves a balancing of the investor and the consumer interests.” Emphasis supplied.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Pacific Center Building San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE SAME BILLING METHODOLOGY USING COINCIDENT PEAK DEMAND (CPD) IN THE CALCULATION OF TRANSMISSION CHARGES, AS APPROVED FOR SKK STEEL CORPORATION, STRONGHOLD STEEL CORPORATION AND MELTERS STEEL CORPORATION, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY OR INTERIM RELIEF

ings are Christopher Naval, alias Tuping; Emmanuel A. Rosello, alias Boboy; Jaywin I. Babor, alias Gie; Henry G. Yuson, alias Rommel Yuson; and Rolando Arimado, alias Lando.

Prosecutors said the plan to kill Batocabe was hatched sometime in June last year at Baldo’s compound and the group later moved to a safe house in Villahermosa, Daraga, Albay.

The group then regularly monitored Batocabe’s movement before deciding to attack.

Baldo’s group is also facing charges for attempted murder after bystanders Nelia Millena, Gregorio Mediavillo, Jesus Medez, Florencita Mendones, Ellen Mansos, and Haydie Llorca were wounded during the shootout between the group and authorities. PNA

III. COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS 21. Applicant manifests compliance with the pre-filing requirements mandated under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EPIRA and Rule 6 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to be established by the following: 21.1. Certifications acknowledging receipt of the Application with annexes to be issued by the Legislative Bodies of Quezon City, Municipality of San Simon, and the Province of Pampanga, to be appended as Annexes “D”, “D-1”, and “D-2”, respectively; 21.2. Notarized Affidavit of Publication stating that the Application was published in a newspaper of nationwide circulation, to be appended herein as Annex “E”; and; 21.3. Complete newspaper issue where the Application was published, to be appended herein as Annex “F-1”, and the relevant page thereof where the Application appears, as Annex “F-2”;

ERC Case No._________ RC

REAL STEEL CORPORATION (RSC) Applicant, - versus -

“Gica failed to file any answer to such Order despite the period A MAYOR in Cebu who is fac- of time given for him to do so; ing graft charges for alleged falsi- thus, the subject Informations are fication of restaurant receipts has deemed valid... The Court holds been suspended for 90 days by that the suspension pendente lite [during litigation] on Gica for a the Sandiganbayan.

Mayor Efren Gica of Du- period of 90 days is proper,” the manjug, Cebu, was ordered by court’s resolution read.

The Sandiganbayan explained the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division on Wednesday to “cease that the 90-day preventive susand desist from performing and/ pension for government officials or exercising the functions and facing graft charges is mandaduties, as well as receiving and/ tory under Section 13 of the Antior enjoying the salaries, benefits Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Earlier the Ombudsman and privileges of his current charged Gica with one count each public position.”

The Department of the Inte- of malversation of public funds rior and Local Government was and graft, and three counts of falof public documents. ordered to implement theMAGENTA sus- sification CYAN YELLOW BLACK The Ombudsman alleged at pension order.

During his arraignment on in 2014 Gica, who was the vice Jan. 23, Gica pleaded not guilty. mayor at the time, bloated restauDuring the same hearing, the rant receipts by P10,000 “for his court ordered him to explain why personal benefit.”

It was alleged that the original he should not be preventively amount spent for the meals of atsuspended.

However, Gica failed to sub- tendees of a barangay assembly mit an explanation within the amounted to P11,435, but Gica secured a refund of P21,435. given period of 10 days.

By Maricel V. Cruz

22. Applicant reserves its right to submit other documents, either in the course of the hearing or as may be required by this Honorable Commission.

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (NGCP), Respondent. x---------------------------------------------------------x

IV. PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY OR INTERIM RELIEF 23. All the foregoing allegations are re-pleaded by reference in support of herein Prayer for the issuance of Provisional Authority or Interim Relief to implement the subject billing methodology;

APPLICATION Applicant, REAL STEEL CORPORATION (RSC), by and through the undersigned Firm, unto this Honorable Commission, most respectfully avers: That1. RSC is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address at 08 Quezon Road, San Isidro, San Simon, Pampanga.

It is engaged in the business of manufacturing, wholesaling, trading, importation of steel, and other steel metal products. Copies of its Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and General Information Sheet for 2018 are hereto attached as Annexes “A” to “A-3” , respectively, to form integral parts hereof; 2. RSC may be served with orders, notices and other legal processes of this Honorable Commission through the undersigned Firm at its address indicated hereunder; 3. Meanwhile, Respondent National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City where it may be served with orders, notices and other legal processes of this Honorable Commission. It is the concessionaire which assumed the power transmission functions of the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA); 4. By and pursuant to Sections 43 (f) and (h) of the EPIRA, its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and other pertinent guidelines and rules, RSC submits the instant Application to the Honorable Commission for its due consideration and approval of RSC’s adoption of the same billing methodology using Coincident Peak Demand (CPD) in the calculation of its transmission charges, as approved for SKK Steel Corporation1, Stronghold Steel Corporation2 and Melters Steel Corporation3 I. STATEMENT OF FACTS 5. Iron and steel industry in the Philippines is a vital component in nation-building. It has a vast contribution in achieving the country’s inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

The industry contributes to the construction of infrastructure, power generation and distribution, transportation facilities and vehicles, manufacturing machinery, and equipment - which are all vital industries for the nation’s long-term growth4; 6. By 2030, the iron and steel industry aims to manufacture world-class products as a majority producer of high quality and safe steel products for domestic users by supplying 70% of the tonnage of required apparent steel consumption. To achieve this goal, the implementation of measures that would bring down the costs of importing raw materials and losses of revenue, reduce electricity and logistics costs, among others, to make the industry more attractive for local and foreign investors, are necessary5; 7. RSC files the instant Application to seek the Honorable Commission’s approval in allowing RSC to use, a billing methodology based on Coincident Peak Demand (CPD) in the calculation of its transmission charges. This will reduce its power costs and bring down its costs of production to effectively ensure its competitiveness in the market. Copy of its Board Resolution for filing of the instant Application and designating its representatives to the case is herewith attached as Annex “B” as an integral part hereof;

24. RSC prays for the issuance of a Provisional Authority or Interim Relief prior to final decision pursuant to Rule 14 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to wit: “Section 3. Action on the Motion. - Motions for provisional authority or interim relief may be acted upon with or without hearing. The Commission shall act on the motion on the basis of the allegations of the application or petition and supporting documents and other evidences that applicant or petitioner has submitted and the comments or opposition filed by any interested person, if there be any.

25. Under the current billing arrangement using NCPD, RSC has higher costs of electricity, resulting in higher production costs as compared to its competitors in the industry. This threatens the continuous operations and viability of RSC, considering that other manufacturing companies were able to avail of preferential billing methodologies that effectively brought down their production costs; 26. Thus, to maintain the competitiveness of RSC’s steel products, it respectfully prays that the Honorable Commission direct NGCP to adopt the same billing methodology granted to steel corporations SSK, SSC, and MSC. This is also in recognition of the contribution of steel industries to the country’s economic development and to promote global competitiveness of the country’s steel industry; 27. In light of the foregoing and in recognition of the fact that a substantial amount of time is customarily needed to evaluate the documents submitted to support the approval of herein Application, Applicant RSC seeks the kind consideration of the Honorable Commission to approve the instant Application, immediately, albeit, provisionally, at the soonest opportune time.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, the following are most respectfully prayed for of the Honorable Commission: (a) Pending hearing on the merits, DULY ISSUE a Provisional Authority or Interim Relief directing NGCP to adopt the same billing methodology using Coincident Peak Demand in the calculation of its transmission charges approved for SKK Steel Corporation, Stronghold Steel Corporation and Melters Steel Corporation; and (b) After due notice and hearing, DULY ISSUE a Final Authority directing NGCP to use RSC’s actual demand Coincident with the Luzon System Peak Demand as its billing determinant in the calculation of its transmission charges, as approved for SKK Steel Corporation, Stronghold Steel Corporation and Melters Steel Corporation.

Other reliefs as may be just and equitable under the premises are, likewise, most respectfully prayed for.

Pasig City, Philippines, 26 March 2019.

DICCION LAW FIRM Unit 1708 Jollibee Plaza Building F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center Pasig City Tel. Nos. 633-5359; 683-0612 Email: diccionlawfirm@diccionlaw.com

8. The Honorable Commission has approved a similar billing methodology for SKK Steel Corporation in its Decision in ERC Case No. 2004-479 MC dated 05 October 2005, stating that there should be no discrimination in case TRANSCO’s other customers are found deserving of the same privilege granted to SKK;

By:

9. Subsequently, the Honorable Commission also granted Stronghold Steel Corporation (SSC) the same billing methodology with TRANSCO, in its Decision in ERC Case No. 2005-230 dated 04 July 2007 allowing transmission charges to be calculated based on the actual demand coincident with the Luzon System Peak Demand. SSC’s payment of transmission charges to NGCP, as TRANSCO’s concessionaire, on the basis of CPD of the Luzon System Peak Demand was confirmed in the Decision in ERC Case No. 2011-060 MC6 dated 26 November 2012;

MARY ANN C. DICCION Roll No. 43713 IBP Lifetime No. 03244/01.02.03/Quezon City PTR No. 5227006/01.03.19/ Pasig City MCLE No. VI Compliant - Certification under Process

10. Finally, in its Decision in ERC Case No. 2008-062 MC dated 26 November 2012, Melters Steel Corporation (MSC) was allowed to adopt the same billing methodology approved for SKK and SSC, directing NGCP to use MSC’s actual demand coincident with the Luzon System Peak demand as its billing determinant in the calculation of its transmission charges; 11. RSC’s steel plant is located in San Simon, Pampanga, where SKK and MSC are also located. The Honorable Commission has already established that demand for transmission capacity continuously increases in the area of San Simon, Pampanga, where big industries, majority of which are steel companies, operate 24-hours a day. Their major operations during the Luzon Peak pose risks on transmission, and outages also affect the bulk of electricity end-users7;

ANNA TRICIA P. EVANGELISTA Roll No. 58063 IBP No. 057806/12.27.18/RSM Chapter PTR No.5227005/01.03.19/Pasig City MCLE No. VI Compliant - Certification under Process

12. RSC’s manufacturing plant uses induction furnaces, which consume a very substantial amount of electric power when producing steel billets. The capacity with which it utilizes power greatly affects the stability of the transmission lines or grid to which it is connected. With big volumes of power drawn from the system if operated during the peak hours of Luzon Grid, it adds burden to the entire system during this period;

JOSHUA JAMES R. REYES Roll No. 66376 IBP No. 057808/ 12.27.18/Bulacan PTR No. 5174341/ 01.04.19/Pasig City MCLE Compliance No. VI-0012102

13. Currently, RSC directly sources its power requirements through the transmission system of the NGCP by virtue of a Transmission Service Agreement (TSA) and Metering Service Agreement (MSA); 14. The TSA took effect on 26 December 2018 and will be valid until 25 December 2023, unless terminated earlier. Under the TSA, RSC currently pays NGCP applicable charges in accordance with the OATS Rules and the Philippine Grid Code (PGC). As such, NGCP is using Non-Coincident Peak Demand as its billing determinant as shown by the billings provided by NGCP; 15. As shown in the NGCP’s 2018 Billing Statement, RSC’s Billing Determinants are as follows: MONTH (2018) January February March April May June July August September October November December

Sandiganbayan suspends Dumanjug, Cebu mayor

BILLING DETERMINANT(in kW) 29,508 30,504 31,571 32,861 32,822 33,692 34,007 34,719 35,178 35,251 35,389 35,738

Copies of NGCP’s January to December 2018 Billing Statements are hereto attached as Annexes “C” to “C-11” to form integral parts hereof; 16. RSC is operating during peak and off-peak hours of the grid and is spending considerable amount of money for its continuous operation under the current scheme. When granted the authority to use the same billing methodology based on CPD, RSC will migrate its full operations during offpeak hours and less during peak hours, similar to the aforesaid steel corporations which were granted preferential rate by the Honorable Commission, so as not to jeopardize transmission capacities that are critically needed by other transmission customers; II. LEGAL BASIS 17. Section 7 of the EPIRA provides that the “transmission of electric power shall be a regulated common electricity carrier business, subject to the rate making powers of the ERC”;

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur—Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s Facebook account has been purged for good, a claim denied by the social networking site.

Sara, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, disclosed this one week after she said she had been temporarily locked out of her Facebook account.

“Yes, I no longer have access to my Facebook account. My friends also tell me they cannot access me on my account,” Carpio said.

But she said she would not appeal to Facebook, adding Facebook was not a public property and therefore the site could do anything in connection with their business.

Carpio, who uses photosharing app Instagram regulary, said she was not splitting hairs over the issue since creating a new account is always an option.

Facebook, in a statement on

Wednesday, said Carpio’s account was placed under security checkpoint due to possible hacking.

“The account was placed on a security checkpoint after our systems detected suspicious attempts to gain access to her account. We are helping Mayor Sara Duterte regain access to her account on Facebook,” Facebook said in a statement.

In a separate Facebook post, Jefry Tupas who serves as Davao City Information Officer, confirmed Facebook’s denial it purged Sara’s account and said that their camp was assured by Facebook that steps taken on Sara’s account “has nothing to do with the takedowns we conducted last week.”

Tupas was referring to the incident last March where at least 200 accounts associated with Nic Gabunada were taken down

by Facebook due to their “use of network of fake accounts to mislead people.”

By Rey E. Requejo

“Sec. 43 (f) In the public interest, establish and enforce a methodology for setting transmission and distribution wheeling rates and retail rates for the captive market of a distribution utility, taking into account all relevant considerations, including the efficiency or inefficiency of the regulated entities.

The rates must be such as to allow the recovery of just and reasonable costs and a reasonable return on rate base (RORB) to enable the entity to operate viably. The rate-setting methodology so adopted and applied must ensure a reasonable price of electricity. The rates prescribed shall be nondiscriminatory. xxx Sec. 43 (h) Review and approve any changes on the terms and conditions of service of the TRANSCO or any distribution utility;” 19. The Supreme Court in Republic of the Philippines, represented by Energy Regulatory Board vs. Manila Electric Company8, provided that: “The regulation of rates to be charged by public utilities is founded upon the police powers of the State and statutes prescribing rules for the control and regulation of public utilities are a valid exercise thereof.

When private property is used for a public purpose and is affected with public interest, it ceases to be juris privati only and becomes subject to regulation. The regulation is to promote the common good. Submission to regulation may be withdrawn by the owner by discontinuing use; but as long as use of the property is continued, the same is subject to public regulation.” (Emphasis supplied) 1 2 3

“In regulating rates charged by public utilities, the State protects the public against arbitrary and excessive rates while maintaining the efficiency and quality of services rendered. However, the power to regulate rates does not give the State the right to prescribe rates which are so low as to deprive the public utility of a reasonable return on investment. Thus, the rates prescribed

Sara says Facebook account purged; FB says for security

SM Baguio can’t cut trees—SC

18. Accordingly, under Section 43 (f) and (h) of the EPIRA, the Honorable Commission is empowered to establish and enforce a methodology for setting transmission and distribution wheeling rates and to review and approve the changes in the terms and conditions of service of NGCP or any distribution utility, to wit:

20. The Supreme Court in the same case, declared that while the State has the duty to protect the public against arbitrary and excessive rates it does not have the right to prescribe rates which are so low depriving the public utility of a reasonable return of investment, to wit:

COOPERATIVE CYBORG. Cyberdyne CEO Dr. Yoshiyuki Sankai demonstrates the use of Hybrid Assistive Limb, the first cyborg-type robot that provides support and improves bodily functions of the wearer. Sankai says he wants to strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and Japan in the medical field. Lino Santos

4 5 6

7 8

ERC Case No. 2004-479. “In the Matter of the Application for Approval of the Preferential Rate of 20% Lower than the Prevailing Rate of NPC and TRANSCO to Applicant, with Prayer for provisional Authority” ERC Case No. 2005-230. “Petition for Approval of Preferential Rate of 20% Lower than the Prevailing Average Rate of the NPC and TRANSCO, with Prayer for Provisional Authority” ERC Case No. 2008-062 MC. “In the Matter of the Application ‘ for the Adoption of the Same Billing Methodology Approved for SKK Steel Corporation and Stronghold Steel Corporation by the National Transmission Corporation, with Prayer for Provisional Authority.”

Securing the Future of Philippine Industries, http://industry,gov.ph/industrv/iron-and-steel/ Ibid, In the Matter of the Petition for Dispute Resolution Relative to the Billing Determinant Arrangement of Stronghold Steel Corporation and National Transmission Corporation, with Prayer for Issuance of a Cease and Desist/Status Quo Order ERC Case No. 2008-062 MC, Decision, Page 12 and ERC Case No. 2011-060 MC, Decision, Page 15 GR No. 141314, 15 November 2002 (MS-APR. 11, 2019)

BAGUIO CITY—The Supreme Court has permanently prohibited the cutting of trees on Luneta Hill in Baguio City, which was supposedly being undertaken by mall giant SM as part of its expansion.

“The Supreme Court in its en banc session today made permanent the temporary restraining order issued on March 24, 2015, prohibiting the cutting and bailing of the trees on Luneta Hill in Baguio City, where SM is expanding its shopping mall,” SC spokesperson Brian Hosaka said in a media briefing here.

Hosaka said the decision was reached on Wednesday during its summer en banc session at SC compound here.

When sought for comment, SMPHI legal counsel Ryan San Juan said: ”We have not received any resolution on this matter from the Supreme Court. “ Hosaka clarified the SC decision “is without prejudice to the filing of another application for and environmental compliance certificate in accordance with existing laws and regulation.”

The petition, which sought to bar SM Baguio City from cutting and balling of 182 pine and alnus trees, was filed by the Cordillera Global Network and several residents.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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Sports

TODAY

Magic steps down as LA Lakers chief LOS ANGELES, United States—Magic Johnson stunned the basketball world on Tuesday, abruptly resigning from his management role with the Los Angeles Lakers and plunging the ailing NBA franchise into fresh turmoil.

In a dramatic announcement which came shortly before the Lakers’ final game of the season, an emotional Johnson said he was stepping down after a two-year reign as president of basketball operations with the 16-time NBA champions.

The 59-year-old Lakers legend’s decision followed a disappointing campaign which saw the once-mighty Los Angeles franchise fail to make the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year.

“Today, I’m gonna step down as the president,” Johnson told reporters at an impromptu press conference.

Johnson had been saddled with the task of reviving the Lakers and played a pivotal role in persuading LeBron James to join the team last year in a blockbuster move.

However, the Lakers’ revival stalled this season when James was injured, triggering a slump which saw the team fall from playoff contention.

Johnson also attracted criticism for an unsuccessful pursuit of New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis, a move which was widely reported to have destabilized the Lakers locker room.

He told reporters he was stepping down in order to preserve his friendship with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, describing her as “like a sister.”

The former Lakers star also revealed he had been wearied by the responsibilities of his position, saying he had not enjoyed the process of hiring and firing personnel. “(Jeanie Buss) and I have such an amazing relationship,” Johnson said. “She gave me full power to do what I wanted to do, but I think that with her and I, I want to always preserve our relationship.

“I had more fun when I was able to be the big brother and the ambassador to everybody. I had more fun on the other side than on this side.”

The Lakers meanwhile paid tribute to Johnson in a brief statement. AFP

A7

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

AUGUSTA, United States—Tiger Woods enters the Masters confident he can capture his 15th major title and fifth green jacket after contending in the past two majors and ending a fiveyear victory drought.

The 14-time major winner rebounded from spinal fusion surgery to win his 80th career US PGA title in last year’s Tour Championship after threatening at the British Open and PGA Championship.

“It proved to me that I could win again,” Woods said. “To lead it wireto-wire, that made it that much more special.”

For the first time since 2013, Woods arrives at Augusta National healthy and boosted by a recent victory.

“I feel like I can win,” Woods said.

“I’ve proven that I can do it and I put myself there with a chance to win the last two major championships. I was right there.

“I’ve improved a lot over the past 12, 14 months, but I’ve more than anything just proven to myself that I can play at this level again. I’ve worked my way back into (being) one of the players that can win events.”

Rivals are convinced the 43-yearold US star still has what it takes.

Five-time major winner Phil Mickelson sees Woods, who hasn’t won a major since the 2008 US Open nor a Masters since 2005, threatening the all-time record of 18 major wins by Jack Nicklaus.

“Greatness is still in him,” said Mickelson. “And I would never rule him out.”

Brooks Koepka, who outdueled Woods on Sunday to win last year’s PGA, knows the excitement a Woods major win would bring.

“It would be absolutely incredible to watch,” Koepka said. “We all know he’s back. There’s no doubt about that.

Can he get it done? He seems like he’s competing. With the Open and the PGA, he has been very close. I wouldn’t be surprised this week if he’s knocking on the door.”

Asked if he needed to win another Masters, Woods replied, “I don’t really need to win again. I really want to.”

After years of nagging back pain, Woods doubted at one stage if he might ever have a normal life much less play golf again, much less win. But even he bows to Father Time when it comes to practice.

“The hardest part is I just can’t practice like I used to. My back gets sore,” Woods said. “I just can’t log in the time that I used to and that goes with every part of my game. That’s the challenge I face going forward.”

Where Woods once outdrove all foes and used easier iron shots to set up shorter putts on Augusta National’s infamous lightning-fast greens, now he relies on experience to give him an edge on longer and younger ball-bashers. AFP

Tiger back on the prowl at Masters

A confident Tiger Woods practices another round ahead of the Augusta National where he hopes to capture his 15th major title and fifth green jacket after contending in the past two majors and ending a five-year victory drought. AFP

Benguet to host 2019 Pilipinas Para Games T

HE Philippine Sports Commission will hold the first 2019 Pilipinas Para Games in the province of Benguet on May 9 to 11 with about 1,500 athletes expected to participate.

PSC Oversight Commissioner for para-athletes Arnold Agustin said that the sporting event is the successor of the Differently-Abled Sports for Life (DAS4Life) program from last year.

“From last year’s DAS4Life program that was city-wide, this year’s Pilipinas Para Games will now have a country-wide scope that will reach more talents and promising

para-athletes across the country,” said Agustin.

Thirteen municipalities in Benguet will compete in eight sports namely; chess, badminton, volleyball for the deaf, powerlifting, table tennis, athletics and goalball, with archery and wheelchair basketball as demo sports.

“We have added more sports events in the program to encourage and cater more para-athletes in sports,” said Agustin.

A coordination meeting was conducted between the PSC and the local government of Benguet last month in preparation for the games, that is also in partnership with the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC).

Agustin will grace the ‘PSC Hour’ on Radyo Pilipinas 2 on Friday to discuss this new project.

NBA superstars Wade and Nowitzki sign off Magic Johnson speaks to the press after resigning as Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations. AFP

PH women’s footbal team routs Palestine

LOS ANGELES, United States—Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki bade emotional farewells to the NBA on Tuesday as the regular season neared its finale with Magic Johnson’s resignation plunging the Los Angeles Lakers into fresh turmoil.

Miami Heat star Wade and beloved Dallas Mavericks forward Nowitzki both played their final games at home after a combined total of nearly 40 years in the sport.

While Wade’s last home game for the Heat had been planned, Nowitzki only finally confirmed his exit on Tuesday after 21 seasons with Dallas.

“As you guys might expect, this is my last home game,” Nowitzki told the crowd at the

American Airlines Center.

“I’ve put you guys on a hell of a ride with a lot of ups and downs and you guys always stuck with me and supported me, and I appreciate it,” the 40-year-old added.

There was a similarly heartfelt send-off in Miami, where the Heat were eliminated from playoff contention despite beating the Philadelphia 76ers 122-99.

“I love y’all, man,” Wade told the crowd after scoring 30 points in the loss. “I thank you guys for dancing with me this year. I thank y’all for your patience this year. I thank y’all for the love,” the 37-year-old three-time NBA champion said.

InvItatIon to BId no. 08-2019

By Peter Atencio THE Philippine national women’s football team clobbered Palestine, 7-0, Tuesday evening in a bid to earn a slot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

But, with Chinese Taipei turning back Iran, 4-1, the Philippines missed a slot to the final round of the 2020 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Asian Qualifiers.

The Filipinas sped to a 3-0 lead in the first half, with Joyce Semacio converting from the penalty spot in the 17th minute.

Goals from Alisha del Camp and Eva Madarang in the 29th and 31st minutes then followed.

In the second half, the Philippines on their score from within a 10-minute span.

Madarang struck for the second time in the 60th minute before team captain Patrice Impelido also made her mark in 62nd minute.

Sara Castañeda added two more goals in the 66th and 70th minutes.

The Marnelli Dinzon-coached Philippines finished Group C in second place with two wins and one loss.

The Olympic qualifiers is the first of at least three tournaments that the Philippines will participate this year with the AFF Women’s Championship 2019 set this August and the 30th Southeast Asian Games this November.

“The team may not have advanced to the next round, but their performance on the field is a testament on how far Women’s football has improved in the country in recent years,” said Philippine Football Federation general secretary Edwin Gastanes.

Earlier, the Philippine national women’s team lost to Chinese Taipei, 2-4.

Miami were eliminated after Detroit defeated Memphis 100-93.

The German power forward is the most successful European ever to grace the NBA, ranking sixth on the all-time scorers list with more than 31,000 points.

After watching Nowitzki become the oldest player to score 30 points in the Mavs’ 120-109 defeat of Phoenix, Dallas owner Mark Cuban told the veteran forward: “I promise we’ll put up the biggest, most badass statue ever.” AFP

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Biliran-Leyte del Norte-Leyte del Sur Irrigation Management Office, Marasbaras, Tacloban City through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2019, intends to apply the sum of Seventeen Million Seven Hundred Eighteen Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Pesos & 52/100 (P17,718,750.52) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC), to payment under the contract for Mansalip CIP, Matag-ob, Leyte.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) now invites bids for: Contract No. Project Description

NOTICE

: BNLSL-LCB-13-2019 : Construction of Diversion Works, Canal, Farm Level, Road and Drainage System : 360 Calendar Days

Work completion Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) : P 17,718,750.52

SUBJECT

: COLLECTION OF DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAXES (DST) _____________________________________________ Effective April 22, 2019, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in compliance with Section 188 of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law and as approved during Commission En Banc meeting on April 3, 2019, shall collect Documentary Stamp Tax amounting to Thirty Pesos (P30.00) for every certificate the SEC will issue.

Issued this April 8, 2019 at Pasay City, Philippines.

Bidding will be conducted in accordance with relevant procedures for open competitive bidding as specified in the IRR of RA 9184. Bids received in excess of ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The contract shall be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as such during postqualification.

Interested bidders must submit a Letter of Intent and may submit the Class “A” documents addressed to the Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee, NIA, Biliran-Leyte del Norte-Leyte del Sur Irrigation Management Office, Marasbaras, Tacloban City.

Interested bidders must submit bid proposals in three (3) copies, one (1) original copy and two (2) duplicate copies.

The schedules of BAC activities are as follows: BAC Activities 1. Issuance of Bid Documents 2. Pre-Bid Conference 3. Receipt and Opening of Bids

Schedule Starting April 11 - 29, 2019 April 18, 2019 April 30, 2019

Time 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m 9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by the interested bidders from the address above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of P25,000.00 to the Cashier.

The NIA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

For the Commission

CATHERINE G. MACANIP National Irrigation Administration Marasbaras, Tacloban City (053) 888-1514

COMMISSIONER ANTONIETA F. IBE Officer-In-Charge (MS-APR. 11, 2019)

Sgd. CATHERINE G. MACANIP BAC Chairperson Noted: Sgd. CONRADO M. SAMSON Acting Division Manager (MS-APR. 11, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

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

A8

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

Alcantara rules girls’ U-20 chess MAY ANN ALCANTARA outlasted Bhea Buen Ecal in 69 moves of a Sicilian Defense to claim the premier girls’ Under-20 division of the Gov. Amor Deloso National Age Group Chess Championships at the Zambales Sports Complex in Iba, Zambales Friday night.

Alcantara, a native of Bulacan who plays for University of Santo Tomas, ran away with the title with 10 points, or a whopping three points ahead of Rizalyn Jasmine Tejada and Viona Nepascua, who finished second and third with seven points apiece.

Alcantara along with both Tejada and Nepascua thus booked spots in the national team seeing action in June’s ASEAN Age Group tournament in Myanmar where they have a chance to clinch Woman FIDE Master and Woman International Master titles and Woman Grandmaster norms.

Letran’s Melito Ocsan, Jr. downed Romulo Curioso and then edged Jhoemar Mendiogarin in a tiebreaker to snare the boys’ U-20 crown in this event sponsored by Gov. Amor Deloso, Congresswoman Cheryl Deloso, the Philippine Sports Commission and National Chess Federation of the Philippines’ Butch Pichay.

Ocsan and Mendiogarin, who dumped Jeremiah Luis Cruz, both ended up at the helm with 8.5 points but the former edged the latter, 40.75-38.75, via the first tiebreaker to end up as champion.

Eric Labog, Jr. trounced Duane Borgonia to rule the boys’ U-18 class with eight points while Vic Glysen Derotas waylaid Jinym Santos to sweep the girls’ U-18 category with 10 points.

Leonel Escote halved the point with Clyde Harris Saraos to snare the boys’ U-16 crown while Ma. Elayza Villa drew with Mary Joy Tan and then edged Ruth Joy Vinuya, who bashed Marian Calimbo, via a winover-the-other tiebreak to emerge the girls’ U-16 winner.

San Miguel Beer guard Terrence Romeo (7) dribbles past Talk N Text KaTropa counterpart Brian Heruela (10) during their match eventually won by SMB. PBA Media

SMB boots out KaTropa to advance to semifinals

By Jeric Lopez

J

UNE MAR FAJARDO was all business.

The five-time reigning Most Valuable Player carried San Miguel Beer on his broad shoulders, pouring in gamehighs of 32 points and 14 rebounds as the title defense continued for his squad.

SMB trounced TNT Katropa, 96-86, in Game 3 to advance to the semifinals after winning their best-of-three quarterfinals series in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Fajardo scattered 10 of his total points in the first five minutes of the contest to set the tone early and lead the Beermen to the comfortable, wire-to-wire victory

to keep their bid for a fifth straight AllFilipino championship alive.

The behemoth from Cebu was simply unstoppable, making all of his 11 shot attempts for a perfect shooting clip.

“Gusto namin makabalik talaga sa finals. Lahat naman nag-step up and naexecute namin ‘yung game plan namin ng maayos,” said Fajardo of his team’s lopsided triumph.

San Miguel will move on to defend its crown against top seed Phoenix, who won their elimination round meeting, in a best-of-seven affair in the semifinals.

It was all San Miguel from start to finish.

The Beermen flexed their championship muscles hard to show why they are the four-time defending champions by mercilessly pounding on the shocked and helpless Tropang Texters.

Led by Fajardo’s early offensive exploits, San Miguel instantly grabbed an 11-point lead, 13-2, after the game’s first five minutes.

Firing from all cylinders, the Beer-

men extended their advantage further to 16 points. 23-7, in the closing minutes of the opening frame to gain full control of the game.

That was the beginning of the end for TNT KaTropa as it was not able to establish any sort of run, absorbing San Miguel’s ferocious onslaught until the final buzzer.

San Miguel posted its biggest lead of 26 points, 53-27, at the half.

At that point, the game was already decided. The final score was not indicative of how one-sided the game was.

Christian Standhardinger added 17 points and nine boards for the Beermen.

As of this writing, the final spot in the semifinals is being disputed by Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia as the rivals figure in their own do-or-die Game 3 battle.

The victor between them will face the waiting Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the next phase.

RR Pogoy led the exiting TNT KaTropa with his team-high 16 points.

Blazing finish powers Saso to two-shot lead

By Peter Atencio

YUKA SASO just wanted to have fun.

And her relaxed outlook, allowed Saso to birdie four of the last six holes to overtake two Taiwanese rivals in the last three holes and grab the early lead at the start of the ICTSI-Manila Golf Ladies Masters at the Manila Golf Club course in Makati City.

The 17-year-old Saso, who had just accepted an athletic scholarship at the University of Georgia, went on to submit a four under 67 after round 1 on the 6,368-yard long course.

“Relax lang ako today. I just wanted to have fun. Yun lang goal ko. Yun ang nangyari,” said Saso, who had subpar totals of 36 and 31.

She was on equal terms with Taiwanese pros Ching Ling Chang and Hsuan Chen in the last three holes.

Ching and Hsuan, who dropped to share of second spot, were supposed to take the early after they both finished with a 2-under par 69.

Then two birdies off a 20-foot putt in the 16th, followed by five-footer on the 18th hole,

Reymark Begornia (right) prepares to execute a shot against his rival during the 5th Southeast Asian Cup Squash Championships at the Kerrys Sports courts inside the Shangrila at the Fort Hotel in Taguig City.

allowed Saso to wrest the lead from her Taiwanese foes.

“Maganda naman ang kundisyon ng greens.

Pero meron akong holes na di ko matira dahil nasa gilid sila ng greens,” added Saso, who is seeking a slot with the national team that is being assembled for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

She birdied five holes for the day to recover from a bogey in the third hole.

After a four-foot putt and nine-foot putt for birdies in the 4th and third, Saso went on to have an even par 36 score in the front nine.

But Ching managed to challenge her with a birdie in the fourth hole that allowed her to take a one-under par 35 and a one-stroke lead after the front nine.

Chen pulled even with Saso in the first 18 holes with a 36 before hitting a 33 in the back nine.

Thai bets Pimpadsorn Sangkagaro, Chommapat Pongthanakarak and Arpichaya Yubol share fourth to seventh places with Singapore’s Sock Hwee Ko with similar scores of 70.

Filipina pro Pauline del Rosario is ninth with 71 tally.

Yuka Saso watches the flight of her ball after teeing off at the start of the ICTSIManila Golf Ladies Masters at the Manila Golf Club course in Makati City.

Knights, Tigers battle in MPBL National Finals DAVAO—The kings of the south, Davao Occidental Tigers, battle the champions of the north, the San Juan Knights, as the two teams begin their best-of-five series of the MPBL Datu Cup National Finals to be held at the Almendras Gym in Davao Occidental.

Game time is 7 p.m. as the two teams plunge back to action after getting a two-day rest.

For both squads, the two-day rest is a luxury, especially after they both came off a pair of grueling three-game series against their respective division finals rivals. Davao Occidental hurdled inaugural staging champion Batangas City in the south finale while San Juan defeated Manila in the north side.

“We really need this (two-day break). Actually, both teams need this.

We are now in the final stretch of the long season and there’s no reason for us to be tired. But the two-day break will somehow enable both squads to recharge a bit and prepare for the bigger battle,” added Davao Occidental coach Don Dulay.

The Cocolife-backed Tigers will bank on his players who are used to playing “Ligang Labas.”

“One good thing about players competing in ‘Ligang Labas’, they are determined to win—every game. Because a lot of times they are being paid on a game by game basis. They have that winning mentality with them every game. But more than that, these players had learned to adopt playing in a system and that’s one of the reasons why we’re successful,” said Dulay.

The Tigers will be facing the Big J Sports-supported Knights squad also loaded with talent.

Behind ex-PBA players Mac Cardona, John Wilson and Larry Rodriguez, and up and coming players Larry Muyang, Mike Ayonayon and Orlan Wamar, the Knights were able to make it all the way the national finals.

Returning to glory is one of the objectives of this San Juan squad, which is out to duplicate the feat in Year 2000 when the team ruled the MBA, the precursor of the MPBL. Two of those members are still with the squad—Randy Alcantara and Gherome Ejercito, who are now playing different roles as members of the coaching staff.

Begornia rallies to reach finals of 5th SEA Cup Squash REYMARK Begornia came back from the grave yesterday, rallying past fancied Malaysian Muhammad Amir Aminul bin Azhar, 7-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-8, 11-6 to reach the men’s singles finals of the 5th Southeast Asian Cup Squash Championships at the Kerrys Sports courts inside the Shangri-la at the Fort Hotel in Taguig City.

Living up to the PH squad’s moniker of “Kayod Pilipinas,” Begornia scrambled out of a 0-2 hole in outlasting Azhar in 61 minutes of riveting play in the singles semifinals to gain a crack at the country’s first gold in the six-nation competition organized by the Philippine Squash Academy.

It was a splendid follow-up win for the Pinoy racket-wielder, who ousted top seed and

compatriot Robert Begornia in the quarterfinals last Tuesday, and will try to sustain his amazing run in the tourney backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Oympic Committee and the MVP Sports Foundation.

Begornia will gun for his first ever major title later in the evening against Singaporean 13th seed Benedict Chan, who subdued Indonesia’s Satria Bagus Laksana, 11-5, 2-11, 11-9, 11-3, in the meet also backed by Alaska, Salming, TV 5, DOOH, Jollibee, Meralco and Dunlop, the official ball.

Yvonne Alisa Dalida absorbed a straightset 6-11, 4-11, 5-11 setback to Malaysian No. 5 seed Noor Ainaa Amani Binti Ampandi in women’s singles semis. Nevertheless, her finish was worth a bronze for the country first medal in the competition serving as a test event for the 30th Philippine Southeast Asian Games.

“I never gave up so I am very happy for this result because I never thought I could get this far,” said Begornia after his thrilling comeback triumph over the 16-year-old Malaysian, who wilted in the face of the hometown bet’s endgame onslaught.

He could have made the match shorter had he not squandered leads of 9-5 and 10-8 in the second set, allowing the Malaysian to stage his own rally in reeling off fourth straight points and move within a set of advancing to the championship round.

“Begornia showed a lot of self-belief by not getting himself down after that close loss in the second set,” noted national coach Manu Yam. “I merely told him to move on and play it patiently because I knew the Malaysian would eventually break down once Macmac (Begornia’s nickname) applied the pressure.”

IN BRIEF

ERC okays NGCP’s P644-m Benguet line THE Energy Regulatory Commission approved the P644-million La TrinidadCalot 69 kV Line Project of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines that will improve reliability of power in Benguet province.

The transmission line project aims to provide a single outage contingency as required in the Philippine Grid Code and improve the reliability and transfer capacity of the transmission line.

“The NGCP’s new La Trinidad–Calot 69 kV Transmission Line will address the expected transmission overloading and will serve as a back-up in times of contingency or a failure in the transmission system. The project involves the construction of a transmission line using new right-of-way and de-commissioning of some portions of the old circuit line,” said ERC chairperson and chief executive officer Agnes Devanadera.

The ERC approved the project subject to optimization based on its actual use or implementation during the reset process for the next regulatory period.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

EU leaders meeting to decide Brexit delay BRUSSELS, Belgium—European leaders gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to decide how long a Brexit delay to grant British Prime Minister Theresa May— and under what conditions.

Without a postponement, Britain is due to crash out of the European Union at midnight on Friday under a “no-deal” Brexit that could trigger economic chaos.

May has embarked on a last-ditch battle to postpone Brexit from April 12 to June 30 to arrange an orderly departure—but European leaders are expected to offer her a longer delay of up to a year.

“There are times when you need to give time,” EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted, as he issued summit invitations.

Summit host Tusk said the evidence of recent months gave EU leaders “little reason to believe” that British lawmakers will ratify the Brexit withdrawal treaty before May’s preferred June 30 departure.

“In reality, granting such an extension would increase the risk of a rolling series of short extensions and emergency summits, creating new cliff-edge dates,” he said, reflecting concern in EU capitals.

AFP

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

B1

January FDI inflows dipped 38% to $609m

By Julito G. Rada

ICTSI Argentina opens new terminal TECPLATA, the new container terminal located in Argentina’s Puerto de La Plata, began operations, with an opening ceremony attended by the vice governor of the province of Buenos Aires, the Minister of Production and several other national, provincial and municipal officials.

The opening rites were highlighted by the arrival of Jacarandá, a vessel of LogIn, a Brazilian shipping line specializing in door-to-door logistics solutions which recently signed an agreement with TecPlata, a unit of Philippine-based port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. The arrival of the vessel, which has an overall length of 218 meters and a cargo capacity of almost 38 tons, marked the start of Log-In’s fortnightly operations at the terminal.

“This a first step for the company, and we firmly believe that this will pave the way for new agreements with more operators to maximize our current installed capacity of 450,000 TEUs,” said TecPlata CEO Bruno Porchietto.

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

NEW NESTLE PLANT. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (second from left) leads the inauguration of Nestle’s P2.8-billion manufacturing facility in Tanauan City. The ready-to-drink plant, which produces Chuckie, is an expansion project of Nestle’s 27-hectare facility in the city. It has generated 2,000 jobs during its construction and employs 80 staff for its operations. Lopez expressed his appreciation to Nestle for producing 94 percent locally of what they sell in the country. The Tanauan factory also manufactures other Nestle products such as milk and coffee creamer.

Aboitiz secures $300-m loan from foreign banks

By Alena Mae S. Flores

A

BOITIZ Power Corp. said Wednesday it secured a $300-million loan from four foreign banks to partly finance the acquisition of AA Thermal Inc.’s coal assets worth $579.2 million.

“Aboitiz Power signed a facility agreement with DBS Bank Ltd., Mizuho Bank Ltd., MUFG Bank Ltd., and Standard Chartered Bank to obtain an acquisition loan in the amount of up to $300 million,” the company said.

It said the proceeds of the loan would be used to partially finance

the acquisition by Aboitiz Power of a 49-percent voting stake and 60-percent economic stake in AA Thermal Inc., the coal arm of AC Energy Inc. of the Ayala Group.

The board of Aboitiz Power approved in January the issuance of up to P16.8billion fixed-rate retail bonds by the second half of the year, representing the third tranche bonds of the P30-billion bonds registered in 2017 under the shelf registration program of the Securities Exchange Commission.

The company issued the first tranche out of the shelf-registered bonds on July 3, 2017 worth P3 billion, and the second tranche on Oct. 25, 2018 amounting to P10.2 billion.

Aboitiz Power said it would use the proceeds from the bonds “to finance planned acquisitions, future investments and/or other corporate requirements.”

Aboitiz Power and Arlington Mariveles Netherlands Holding B.V., an af-

filiate of AC Energy signed a share purchase agreement on Sept. 26, 2018 for the acquisition value at $579.2 million (P31.4 billion).

The AA Thermal platform acquired

by Aboitiz Power initially consisted of AC Energy’s limited partnership interests in GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd. Co., the owner and operator of the operating 632-MW coal plant in Mariveles, Bataan and in GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., the developer and owner of a 1,336-MW supercritical coal plant project in Dinginin, Bataan which is currently under construction.

Once completed, the acquisition will increase Aboitiz Power’s ownership in the Mariveles coal plant to 78.325 percent and in the Dinginin coal plant project to 70 percent.

The Mariveles coal plant has been operating since 2013 while the first unit of the Dinginin coal plant project is scheduled to go online this year.

NET inflows of foreign direct investments fell 38.2 percent in January 2019 to $609 million from $986 million a year ago on lower equity capital placements, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday.

“The decline in FDI net inflows reflected the 65.3-percent drop in equity capital placements to $184 million during the month from $531 million for the same period a year ago,” the BSP said in a statement.

Equity capital placements came mostly from Mauritius, South Korea, the United States, Singapore and the Netherlands. These were invested in financial and insurance, administrative and support services, real estate, electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply and information and communication industries.

“Further, the increase in equity capital withdrawals to $229 million in January 2019 from $58 million in January 2018 contributed to the decrease in FDI net inflows,” it said.

Equity capital withdrawals in January 2019 were mainly from Japan.

Meanwhile, net investments in debt instruments, mainly inter-company borrowings/lending between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries/ affiliates in the Philippines, increased 31 percent to $577 million from the year-ago level of $441 million.

Reinvestment of earnings rose to $76 million from $71 million in the same month in 2018.

Net inflows of foreign direct investments reached $9.802 billion in 2018, slightly lower than the record $10.256 billion in 2017.

The full-year number missed the official target of $10.4-billion net inflows set by the Bangko Sentral.

Data showed that net investments of equity capital in 2018 declined 32 percent to $2.3 billion from $3.4 billion recorded in 2017. The bulk of equity capital placements were sourced mainly from Singapore, the United States, Hong Kong, Japan and China.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa earlier said the contraction in the so-called “fresh FDI” or the “equity other than reinvestment of earnings” account in 2018 was likely due to base effects after seeing fresh FDI pour for three straight years.

Hybrid power plant in Puerto Princesa set to be completed

Torre Lorenzo eyes 90% growth in sales to P3.8b

SABANG Renewable Energy Corp. is set to complete next month the construction of a hybrid mini-grid system that will provide stable, reliable and renewable energy to support economic growth in Puerto Princesa City.

SREC, a consortium of Vivant Energy Corp., Gigawatt Power Inc. and WEnergy Global, will operate a hybrid power plant―combining solar panels and diesel engines―and an electric distribution system.

The consortium aims to address the lack of power infrastructure in remote rural areas in the country. Some of these areas rely entirely on generators that are harmful to the environment and expensive in the long run.

Sitio Sabang in Barangay Cabayugan, where the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park is located, is one of these areas.

“We are not merely installing four diesel engines and a 1.4-megawatt peak solar energy system. We’ve been building our own grid from the ground up and erecting electrical poles and cables spanning 14 kilometers since April 2018, “ SREC chairman Emil Garcia in a statement.

The hybrid plant will generate as much as 2.6 MW once it is completed.

This will allow the mini-grid to provide power to approximately 10 public buildings, 18 small businesses, 19 hotels and restaurants and 583 households.

“By combining solar panels and diesel-fueled power generation, SREC will save the environment from over 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide while providing stable and reliable energy that will improve everyday living in Cabayugan,” Garcia said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

TORRE Lorenzo Development Corp. expects to generate up to P3.8 billion in revenues in 2019, up by 90 percent from P2 billion in 2018, company president and chief executive Tomas Lorenzo said Wednesday.

He said with three to four projects in the pipeline, the company would likely sustain a 25-percent growth in revenues in the next three to five years.

“Real estate is still very strong. In this field, competition is fierce but we make sure that we are one step ahead of everyone,” Lorenzo said in a briefing Monday.

“2018 proved to be a milestone year for TLDC. Since last year, we have expanded our portfolio to include more Torre Lorenzo Premium University Residences, Torre Lorenzo Premium Residences, Tierra Lorenzo Premium Lifestyle Developments and TLDC Townships,” he said.

He said Torre Lorenzo would spend P3 billion for two projects this year and another P5 billion in 2020 for the construction of Torre Lorenzo Loyola and another premium university residence at University Belt in Manila.

Anticipating the success of the Torre Lorenzo Loyola project, the company is scouting for the site of a new building in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

Torre Lorenzo finance officer Noel Rapadas said university residences would remain the bread and butter of the company alongside other major growth drivers like township projects and partnerships with international hotel brands.

By Othel V. Campos

RCBC PROMO WINNERS. Four lucky winners of RCBC and RCBC Savings Bank’s Deposit and Drive promo can now drive their brand new cars this year. The promo encourages account holders to deposit ‘fresh funds’ in their RCBC and RSB accounts to get a chance to win a new Honda Civic sedan or an Isuzu MU-X SUV. Shown are (from left) RCBC vice presidents Martin Gumayan and Wilson Chua; RSB president and chief executive Rommel Latinazo, Evelyn Ona and Mary Grace Ona (wife and daughter of winner Rodolfo Ona), RCBC president and chief executive Gil, winners Antesa Paraon and Marco Alcantara, RCBC deputy chief executive Eugene Acevedo and retail banking group head Richard Lim.

Govt asks Meralco, PLDT to relocate facilities in infrastructure sites

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation is in talks with power retailer Manila Electric Co. and PLDT Inc. to expedite the relocation of electric and telecommunication lines that will be affected by infrastructure projects.

The agency said these projects included Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension Project, MRT-7, North-South Commuter Railway and Metro Manila Subway.

Light Rail Manila Corp., a joint venture of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Ayala Corp., is constructing the P35-billion LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project.

The Cavite extension will connect into the existing system immediately

south of the Baclaran station and will extend to Niog, Bacoor, Cavite.

San Miguel Holdings Inc. is building the P69.3-billion MRT 7 project which will have 14 stations.

Once the MRT-7 is built, it would take only 30 minutes to commute from North Ave. in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, compared to the current two-hour travel time.

The project also has a road component―a 23-kilometer stretch that would start at the Balagtas Interchange of North Luzon Expressway and end in an intermodal terminal in San Jose Del Monte.

The Philippines earlier signed a P78billion loan agreement with the government of Japan for the construction of North-South Commuter Railway Exten-

sion Project.

Previously divided into three different projects, the NSCR System Project will seamlessly integrate the 38-km PNR 1 from Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan; the 53-km PNR 2 from Malolos to Clark International Airport; and the 56-km PNR 3 from Solis to Calamba.

The NSCR System, with a total project cost of P777.55 billion, will have 36 stations, 58 eight-car trains (inclusive of 7 airport express trains) and a doubletrack fully elevated railway system that will connect Central Luzon, the National Capital Region and Calabarzon.

The Metro Manila Subway Project, a 36-kilometer underground railway system dubbed as the “project of the century,” broke ground on Feb. 27.

B2

Business

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market index climbs above 8,000

S

HARE prices surged Wednesday, lifted by select buying of blue chip issues, to send the benchmark index past 8,000 points again.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 92.90 points, or 1.2 percent, to 8,008.53 on a value turnover of P9.8 billion. Gainers beat losers, 110 to 96, with 42 issues unchanged.

Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, advanced 2.9 percent to P385, while International Container Terminal Services Inc., the largest port operator, rose 2.8 percent to P133.30.

Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. gained 2.3 percent to P179.60, while Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, added 2.3 percent to P159.60.

The rest of Asian markets mostly re-

versed early losses Wednesday but investors remain nervous as the possibility of a US-EU trade war shifted into focus after Washington’s tariffs threat, while they were also spooked by Brexit uncertainty.

The warning from US President Donald Trump’s administration that it would impose levies on more than $11 billion of European imports jolted investors, who had been enjoying a positive run of late thanks to optimism over China-US trade talks.

The development—linked to EU subsidies for plane maker Airbus that Trump says hurt US giant Boeing—stoked concerns about the White House’s hardline protectionist agenda that has taken aim at its biggest trading partners since the tycoon’s election.

It also comes despite negotiators holding a series of meetings since last year ahead of proposed trade talks to

resolve the dispute.

“The primary market issues are that this could unwind much of the positivity around a comprehensive trade resolution as the US trade hawks continue to apply pressure on longtime allies,” said Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management.

“Friend or foe, the latest headline suggests no country is exempt from the wrath of President Trump’s trade agenda.”

The move could dent a rally that has seen markets across the globe enjoy a blockbuster start to the year with most up at multi-month highs.

All three main Wall Street indexes ended lower Tuesday and while the losses seeped through to Asia in the morning the region’s markets picked up as the day wore on.

Hong Kong dipped 0.1 percent and Tokyo ended off 0.5 percent, while there were also losses in Wellington

and Jakarta.

However, Shanghai ended up 0.1 percent, Seoul rose 0.5 percent and Singapore gained 0.1 percent with Sydney, Taipei and Bangkok also in the ascendance.

Upheaval in world trade was among the major reasons the International Monetary Fund trimmed its 2019 global growth forecast, with Brexit adding to its worries.

Prime Minister Theresa May will on Wednesday hear at a showdown summit the EU’s decision on her request for an extension to Britain’s exit, which is due Friday, and to avoid an economically calamitous no-deal divorce.

While she has asked for a delay until the end of June, EU heads fear that will not be enough and Council President Donald Tusk has suggested up to a year to find a new way around the crisis.

With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58.5 74,340 82.25 2,013,800 130.9 2,691,270 1.3 15,000 27.25 145,700 19.14 1,740,900 12.22 122,400 4.52 87,000 0.61 330,000 1.43 56,000 800 100 0.46 20,000 78.5 3,125,820 0.91 148,000 13.8 10,000 21.4 4,500 56.9 282,990 189 8,060 57.2 1,080 26 48,900 180.5 452,300 1,800 295 61.7 4,230 1.13 207,000

4,348,088 165,560,035 352,567,143 19,600 3,965,250 33,424,582 1,498,022 391,990 196,140 78,530 80,000 9,200 245,926,631 134,610 138,000 96,305 16,161,326.50 1,483,833 61,776 1,276,360 81,623,336 531,000 260,996 233,910

4,124,765 32,952,984 110,884,298 -1,154,440 32,486,880 -217,114 -101,015,251 3,385,425 18,200 -287,185 47,598,014 32,727 -

35.9 16.3 0.94 1.39 0.24 2.04 16.08 108.1 28.8 15.1 43.95 1.95 5.23 5.99 11.46 15.76 9.52 7.25 21.55 79.5 29.6 2.65 10.6 12.98 1.73 320.4 52 3.85 10.3 23.8 15.18 20.55 378.2 0.19 6.04 1.38 4.3 6.4 9.25 1.59 11.62 46.05 5.3 4.45 1.67 2.38 1.3 13.18 104.5 7.45 0.128 1.02 156 2.5 1.69 1.19

INDUSTRIAL 36.6 1,921,100 16.42 548,000 0.96 3,064,000 1.4 318,000 0.247 770,000 2.06 31,899,000 16.2 792,700 108.1 40 29.5 70,900 15.98 5,700 45 3,300 2 2,085,000 5.25 25,600 5.99 37,900 11.54 2,496,700 15.96 180,700 9.6 484,000 7.26 4,128,400 21.7 450,800 79.75 58,120 29.7 59,100 2.7 10,499,000 10.94 1,358,300 13 404,700 1.79 182,000 322 790,720 52 3,580 3.86 238,000 10.58 5,400 23.85 1,793,200 15.26 1,230,200 21.1 5,326,900 385 357,830 0.19 60,000 6.95 69,200 1.41 4,417,000 4.33 26,000 6.4 1,658,900 9.25 8,100 1.6 7,574,000 11.76 89,900 46.05 146,800 5.3 86,600 4.72 5,490,000 1.7 138,000 2.38 27,000 1.32 6,000 13.26 1,190,900 106 194,610 7.65 245,300 0.128 120,000 1.07 764,000 159.6 914,500 2.5 6,000 1.74 3,909,000 1.26 6,782,000

70,252,000 9,002,732 2,926,620 443,610 188,980 65,553,420 12,838,452 4,324 2,075,050 86,616 147,555 4,183,030 134,228 227,358 28,837,496 2,884,552 4,642,403 29,930,929 9,800,290 4,631,192 1,752,830 28,537,020 14,727,318 5,269,604 325,160 254,266,656 186,476 920,430 55,892 42,816,795 18,768,402 113,129,375 137,357,498 11,400 455,703 6,168,940 112,340 10,644,335 74,973 12,144,230 1,054,110 6,778,935 462,297 24,732,890 233,680 64,290 7,820 15,848,812 20,709,336 1,863,606 15,560 787,890 145,384,387 15,000 6,735,070 8,516,690

32,164,765 -390,980 -28,800 150,120 98,800 -4,215,240 -3,078,276 -64,825 116,440 2,737,670.00 6,000 -10,130,570 430,894 690,426 -29,901,922 5,946,805 1,979,089.00 474,555 5,981,220 -4,917,432 -1,044,928 -788,742 2,060 -13,465,695 9,376,998 -22,609,105 26,412,590 2,022,100.00 -1,354,808 984,500 418,215 -398,097 -24,686,800 -1,509,626 1,991,814 88,793,167 15,000 322,740 -229,320

0.57 60.95 16.38 0.81 6.6 20.4 1.41 1.42 924 7.79 12.1 15.2 909.5 6.97 66.5 5.1 0.52 5.24 16.88 0.55 4.75 0.04 3.01 179.8 2.45 971 1.04 1.36 487 273 0.24 0.375

0.53 59.95 15.84 0.78 6.5 19.98 1.38 1.39 913 7.68 11.82 15.02 890 6.9 65.5 5.07 0.51 5.16 16.7 0.55 4.67 0.039 2.96 175.4 2.44 957 0.96 1.32 430 268 0.234 0.365

HOLDING FIRMS 0.57 9,819,000 60.95 772,230 16.32 34,444,600 0.8 579,000 6.5 249,600 20.1 27,000 1.41 4,194,000 1.42 219,000 924 337,230 7.7 3,933,600 12.1 5,065,400 15.18 343,600 900 203,330 6.9 12,800 66.45 1,495,030 5.07 2,800 0.52 7,000 5.17 322,600 16.7 1,680,100 0.55 185,000 4.7 13,794,000 0.039 17,200,000 3.01 804,000 179.6 599,850 2.45 10,000 967 344,610 0.98 2,532,000 1.33 1,216,000 487 1,280 272.8 11,280 0.24 140,000 0.375 5,170,000

5,484,830 46,802,764 559,239,782 455,060 1,622,700 540,839 5,865,170 306,460 309,806,200 30,347,789 60,676,602 5,209,824 182,639,395 88,910 98,844,662.50 14,256 3,630 1,669,046 28,316,526 101,750 64,854,180 671,100 2,402,530 107,039,361 24,490 332,903,020 2,540,840 1,606,420 589,692 3,047,904 33,060 1,921,950

44,800 29,073,736.50 -17,378,952 286,650 59,145,270 173,492 -11,376,256 -2,786,630 -21,750,185 64,876,457.50 -168,396 -2,704,572 78,100 -8,037,290 728,430 32,115,734 109,834,750 -147,000 13,200 82,170 -520,328 -7,450

13.06 0.79 11.4 1.97 0.78 45.5 2.46 4.21 6.49 0.55 0.9 0.241 0.425 11.86 24.1 0.52 1.55 1.42 5.84 0.37 0.51 1.78 0.425 2.7 24.5 2

12.98 0.77 11.38 1.91 0.75 44.95 2.39 4.16 6.49 0.53 0.89 0.24 0.4 11.52 23 0.5 1.51 1.38 5.77 0.36 0.49 1.73 0.42 2.59 24 1.98

8,986,352 669,910 125,194 475,140 786,280 1,872,021,385 5,082,260 1,197,920 3,894 9,123,970 72,220 314,660 86,000 8,283,432 33,533,650 2,124,440 35,572,020 1,517,720 197,756,573 2,273,800 62,995 1,722,780 71,750 2,162,800 29,120,755 347,360

-1,446,672 -19,100 13,680 -99,145,360 186,000 -624,000 -3,240 -2,220,550 -1,103,260 -8,295,860 1,380 69,923,804 -18,250 -22,620 -323,100 6,226,155 -21,990

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58 81.95 131.9 1.31 27.3 19.2 12.14 4.57 0.67 1.41 800 0.46 79 0.91 13.8 21.4 58 190 57.2 26.25 179.7 1,800 60.9 1.13

58.65 82.85 131.9 1.31 27.35 19.22 12.32 4.57 0.67 1.43 800 0.46 79.2 0.92 13.8 21.45 58 190 57.2 26.25 181.1 1,800 62 1.13

58 80.9 130 1.3 26.95 19 12.1 4.49 0.59 1.4 800 0.46 78.4 0.9 13.8 21.4 56.8 181 57.2 26 179.5 1,800 60.9 1.13

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

36.25 16.62 0.97 1.39 0.247 2.05 16.28 108.1 28.85 15.14 43.95 1.98 5.23 6 11.7 15.92 9.67 7.25 22 79.6 29.6 2.67 10.92 13.18 1.73 322 52.2 3.89 10.4 24 15.36 22.55 380 0.19 6.04 1.38 4.3 6.4 9.26 1.59 11.68 46.5 5.36 4.67 1.7 2.39 1.3 13.22 106 7.59 0.13 1.04 157.2 2.5 1.69 1.2

36.95 16.78 0.97 1.4 0.247 2.09 16.3 108.1 29.5 15.98 45 2.05 5.25 6 11.7 15.98 9.67 7.26 22 79.9 29.75 2.76 10.98 13.2 1.8 322.6 52.2 3.89 10.58 24 15.36 22.55 386 0.19 6.95 1.42 4.33 6.48 9.26 1.62 11.76 46.65 5.36 4.72 1.7 2.39 1.32 13.48 107.9 7.65 0.13 1.09 159.6 2.5 1.74 1.29

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

0.55 60.2 16.14 0.81 6.5 20.4 1.39 1.39 919.5 7.7 11.82 15.1 905 6.95 66 5.1 0.52 5.24 16.78 0.55 4.74 0.039 2.98 175.5 2.44 965 0.97 1.33 430 270 0.234 0.365

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

13.06 0.79 11.4 1.97 0.77 45.1 2.43 4.16 6.49 0.54 0.9 0.241 0.42 11.6 23 0.52 1.53 1.42 5.8 0.37 0.49 1.75 0.425 2.59 24.45 2

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

3.05 39.9 1.63 7.1 0.73 7.29

3.05 40.1 1.65 7.2 0.74 7.35

3 39.3 1.62 6.92 0.73 7.22

3 39.95 1.65 7.05 0.74 7.25

206,000 10,922,500 2,527,000 436,200 89,000 7,457,100

619,060 434,547,910 4,140,940 3,095,631 65,740 54,133,349

6,000 85,034,040 626,326 42,180 -23,078,294

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

12.5 20 1.34 0.43 0.041 16.68 2.49 12.84 0.072 84.5 5.4 6.68 2.05 10.14 890 1,923 5.81 395 3.03 1.86 129.9 11.8 7.09 0.13 4.94 3.05 15.42 3.9 0.92 22.95 0.72 3.36 1.79 1.71 16.98 2.52 4.5 10.4 4.6 120 2.86 1,165 0.85 0.98 49.5 80 8.61 2.46 0.68 0.39 5.65 0.71 15.6

12.5 20.2 1.34 0.43 0.043 16.68 2.53 13.04 0.072 85 5.58 6.68 2.05 10.24 890 1,923 5.81 400 3.04 1.86 133.5 11.8 7.09 0.13 5.28 3.05 15.78 3.99 0.94 22.95 0.73 3.54 1.79 1.71 16.98 2.52 4.5 10.4 4.88 121 2.89 1,168 0.85 1.05 50.3 80.05 8.7 2.49 0.68 0.405 5.69 0.72 15.6

12.28 19.98 1.34 0.425 0.041 16.68 2.48 12.76 0.07 84 5.4 6.67 2.05 10 890 1,900 5.78 388 2.97 1.82 129 11.8 7.09 0.128 4.94 3.04 15.42 3.71 0.91 22.6 0.68 3.36 1.77 1.7 16.98 2.46 4.4 10.2 4.6 120 2.85 1,150 0.83 0.96 49.5 79.6 8.61 2.44 0.67 0.39 5.59 0.7 15.36

SERVICES 12.28 20.2 1.34 0.425 0.041 16.68 2.48 12.86 0.07 85 5.45 6.67 2.05 10.08 890 1,910 5.79 400 3 1.82 133.3 11.8 7.09 0.129 5.1 3.04 15.78 3.71 0.94 22.6 0.71 3.5 1.78 1.7 16.98 2.48 4.5 10.2 4.65 120 2.87 1,165 0.85 1.02 49.75 80 8.7 2.47 0.68 0.4 5.69 0.7 15.4

43,900 204,600 1,000 250,000 7,700,000 1,800 140,000 10,078,500 41,860,000 209,630 445,600 22,000 1,000 125,900 250 39,640 2,024,500 1,360 739,000 15,000 3,870,830 100 12,500 220,000 3,771,000 41,000 3,400 3,897,000 1,172,000 843,300 6,320,000 5,839,000 31,000 14,000 100 1,434,000 36,000 20,000 29,000 49,460 477,000 243,265 3,961,000 102,063,000 3,112,600 531,400 900 2,627,000 2,374,000 7,800,000 7,427,200 1,727,000 5,305,900

546,252 4,112,280 1,340 106,300 323,100 30,024 348,940 129,942,752 2,957,410 17,668,330 2,429,277 146,840 2,050 1,268,882 222,500 75,661,490 11,737,128 543,724 2,206,770 27,560 513,266,144 1,180 88,625 28,350 19,459,730 124,850 52,464 14,809,730 1,079,170 19,139,660 4,479,360 20,160,510 55,040 23,900 1,698 3,553,420 159,680 204,540 136,830 5,935,370 1,368,250 283,247,735 3,338,040 103,236,480 154,987,535 42,506,478 7,758 6,501,780 1,593,890 3,109,200 41,769,464 1,225,750 81,703,236

-368,766 30,024 -27,360 152,808 38,340 -2,277,321.50 679,513 -14,054,405 3,000 122,816,220 -873,800 2,269,300 4,837,690 3,981,450 2,440 8,960 -132,170 -133,330,235 504,950 -1,298,000 74,777,115 -12,606,852.50 -52,600 574,880 -4,100 -16,370,018.00 -37,844,316

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

0.002 1.35 2.94 13 1.44 1.34 2.72 0.3 8.19 1.61 0.25 0.118 0.129 0.0084 0.0083 1.09 2.57 1.03 0.59 0.91 0.013 0.012 0.011 3.4 8.84 22.1 0.0074

0.0021 1.35 3.02 13 1.45 1.34 2.72 0.3 8.21 1.67 0.26 0.118 0.129 0.0084 0.0083 1.1 2.61 1.07 0.63 0.92 0.013 0.013 0.012 3.45 8.84 22.65 0.0076

0.002 1.27 2.9 12.9 1.25 1.34 2.69 0.295 8.11 1.6 0.25 0.117 0.129 0.0083 0.0083 1.07 2.54 1.03 0.59 0.9 0.012 0.012 0.011 3.39 7.73 22.1 0.0069

MINING & OIL 0.002 1,307,000,000 1.27 3,461,000 2.92 1,036,000 12.9 200 1.45 85,000 1.34 3,000 2.69 610,000 0.295 640,000 8.18 2,900 1.64 10,776,000 0.255 4,810,000 0.117 1,420,000 0.129 610,000 0.0083 16,000,000 0.0083 1,000,000 1.09 208,000 2.58 5,070,000 1.04 55,000 0.62 236,000 0.92 515,000 0.012 3,200,000 0.013 2,900,000 0.012 67,200,000 3.43 3,567,000 7.74 10,865,700 22.35 969,800 0.0073 29,000,000

2,614,100 4,497,990 3,030,450 2,590 110,900 4,020 1,646,570 189,650 23,619 17,719,330 1,228,100 166,860 78,690 132,900 8,300 224,180 13,155,210 56,930 139,730 464,430 39,200 35,800 740,900 12,233,690 87,859,491 21,700,285 211,300

-986,370 -2,933,990 -297,000 -162,930 -3,944,240 -7,702,280 -1,046,267.00 10,468,430 -

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

1.01 5.63 19.52 72.85 73.2 73.5 74.7 75 76.95 96.4 101 102.7 106 478.8 495.8 900 924.5 972

1.01 5.65 19.52 72.85 73.5 73.95 74.7 75 76.95 96.4 101 102.7 106 479 495.8 900 925 972

1.01 5.62 19.4 72.85 72.5 71.9 74 74.9 75.75 96.4 100.8 100 106 478.8 495.8 900 924.5 971

PREFERRED 1.01 20,000 5.65 1,712,300 19.4 560,800 72.85 120 73 14,020 73 7,760 74 11,000 74.9 2,330 76 22,080 96.4 130 100.8 500 100 8,010 106 10 479 150 495.8 10 900 40 925 2,000 971 220

20,200 9,639,169 10,911,818 8,742 1,023,094 560,332 815,180 174,589 1,678,505.50 12,532 50,430 801,027 1,060 71,830 4,958 36,000 1,849,965 213,720

-3,209,100 -670,020 36,400 60,772.50 -

LR WARRANT

2.03

2.03

1.9

WARRANTS 1.91 198,000

383,180

-

1,787,570 37,390,260

-8,583,300

3,097,711

-48,995

50,696 69,799.20

-

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 13 0.77 11.38 1.95 0.76 45.35 2.42 4.19 6.49 0.54 0.89 0.241 0.4 11.52 23.25 0.51 1.52 1.4 5.82 0.365 0.49 1.76 0.42 2.6 24.5 1.98

690,900 862,000 11,000 247,000 1,040,000 41,430,400 2,106,000 287,000 600 16,904,000 81,000 1,310,000 210,000 711,600 1,420,200 4,156,000 23,246,000 1,094,000 34,049,500 6,270,000 128,000 981,000 170,000 825,000 1,195,200 175,000

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.85 1.35

4.9 1.35

4.79 1.22

FIRST METRO ETF

117.8

119.5

117.8

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.1 10.16

TRADING SUMMARY

10.1 10.16

SHARES

FINANCIAL

11,931,269

INDUSTRIAL

107,098,120

HOLDING FIRMS

105,780,723

PROPERTY

186,085,468

SERVICES

231,696,436

MINING & OIL

1,471,590,581

GRAND TOTAL

2,144,161,362

10.04 10.16

4.82 1.24

SME

371,000 29,578,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 119.5 26,160 DDS

10.1 10.16

5,020 6,870

VALUE 1,742.48 (up) 2.68 953,431,763.38 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,953.64 (up) 137.21 1,381,494,182.698 HOLDING FIRMS 7,873.90 (up) 100.94 1,861,977,768.96 PROPERTY 4,139.09 (up) 46.11 SERVICES 1,630.98 (up) 17.01 3,821,818,407.03 MINING & OIL 7,679.39 (down) 36.25 1,598,741,366.68 PSEI 8,008.53 (up) 92.90 168,339,011.166 All Shares Index 4,909.88 (up) 42.92 9,828,093,436.70 Gainers: 110; Losers: 96; Unchanged: 42; Total: 248

Megaworld opens newest Binondo hotel

By Jenniffer B. Austria MEGAWORLD Corp. opened its newest hotel, Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila.

Megaworld said in a statement the 93-room Hotel Lucky Chinatown is the eighth hotel property to open under its four home-grown hotel brands that include Richmonde, Belmont, Savoy and Twin Lakes.

The P750-million Hotel Lucky Chinatown is directly connected to Lucky Chinatown Mall, which is also owned

by Megaworld.

“We take great pride in continuing to bring more excitement here in the ‘world’s oldest Chinatown’ with the opening of Hotel Lucky Chinatown.

With the hotel directly connected to Manila Chinatown’s biggest mall, guests will be able to savor the distinct, dynamic vibe of the Chinatown culture as they enjoy the sights and sounds of this bustling hub,” said Hotel Lucky Chinatown resident manager Jeremy Russell Go. Go said the Hotel Lucky Chinatown would target Chinese travelers and tourists seeking to explore Chinatown in Binondo.

Go said the standard room would have an introductory price of P3,188 while executive suites was to be offered at P5,888. The promotional rate is good until December 2019.

The hotel along Reina Regente Street has its own all-day dining restaurant, the Café de Chinatown, to be managed and operated by the Raintree Group of Companies, the company that owns and operates Museum Café and Terraz in Makati, and Chelsea Kitchen.

The hotel will also have a spacious, high-ceiling grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 350 guests in banquet setting, and can be divided into three smaller ballrooms. It also has a boardroom and three meeting rooms for smaller groups.

“Our idea is to blend modernity with Binondo’s heritage. While Hotel Lucky Chinatown features a modern contemporary design, the moment our guests get out of the hotel, they will feel the culture that is truly Chinatown. We want to provide that distinction so the experience becomes richer,” Go said.

Megawide says income down by 23% to P1.37b MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. posted a net income of P1.37 billion in 2018, down 23 percent from P1.78 billion in 2017, on lower revenues from the construction business.

Megawide said in a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated revenues dropped 21 percent to P15.1 billion from P19.1 billion a year ago as construction revenues, which accounted for 78 percent total revenues, fell 29 percent to P11.8 billion.

The drop in construction revenues was primarily due to timing of project completion.

The company, however, remains optimistic about the construction business after securing P29.5 billion worth of projects in 2018.

The order backlog amounted to P50.9 billion at the end of 2018, the highest level by far in Megawide’s history.

“We remain highly optimistic in our construction business, especially with such a robust order book which gives us visibility for the next two to three years,” said Megawide chairman and chief executive Edgar Saavedra.

Revenues from airport operations, meanwhile, rose 30 percent to P2.99 billion from P2.29 billion in 2017 on the 15-percent growth in passenger volume.

Megawide reported that MactanCebu International Airport registered a 15-percent growth in total passenger volume to 11.5 million from 10 million passengers in 2017, with international and domestic passengers rising 23 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

Domestic passengers comprised 67 percent of the total mix while international accounted for 33 percent.

Air traffic volume likewise increased 15 percent with international traffic rising 19 percent and domestic traffic improving 14 percent.

The overall improvement in passenger and air traffic was attributed to additional airline partners and the increased number of domestic and international flights.

MCIA in 2018 opened 12 new international routes, eight of those to China, and two new domestic routes to Ormoc and Catbalogan via AirJuan.

Jenniffer B. Austria

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

B3

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Netanyahu expected to win close polls in Israel J

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF SMC CONSOLIDATED POWER CORPORATION’S (SCPC) 1) BUSINESS SEPARATION AND UNBUNDLING PLAN (BSUP) AND 2) ACCOUNTING AND COST ALLOCATION MANUAL (ACAM) IN COMPLIANCE WITH REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9136 AND ITS IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS SMC CONSOLIDATED CORPORATION (SCPC),

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 twostate solution with the Palestinians.

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

of this Application are all in accordance with the BSG issued by the Honorable Commission. Corollary thereto, SCPC hereby incorporates by way of reference the following provisions of the Business Separation Guidelines: Article II (General Principles for Accounting Separation), Article III (Information Requirements for Accounting Separation), and Article IV (Business Segments).

For this purpose, attached is the Accounting and Cost Allocation Manual of SCPC marked as “Annex B”. The preceding attachment is coupled with the commitment of SCPC to comply with all the prevailing legal and reasonable standards in relation thereof.

D. Description of Separation: SCPC hereby describes for the perusal of the Honorable Commission its accounts and related business segments and/ or activities as well as the organizational plan it will implement under its BSUP and ACAM in accordance with the BSG issued by ERC are as follows:

ERC CASE NO. 2019-003 MC

POWER

Applicant. x-----------------------------------------------------------x

i. Separation of Accounts: As of date, SCPC as a single entity identifies and records its business activities based on its business segments. Books of accounts are maintained to ensure that activities per business segments are separately recorded.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Business activities which cover multiple business segments, will be governed by the appropriate allocation methodologies and policies adopted by SCPC. These allocation procedures as set forth in the ACAM, will ensure that assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses from the business activities are reasonably allocated to its specific business segments.

Notice is hereby given that on 28 February 2019, Applicant SMC Consolidated Power Corporation (SCPC) filed an Application dated 22 February 2019, seeking the Commission’s approval of its Business Separation and Unbundling Plan (BSUP), and Accounting Cost Allocation Manual (ACAM), in compliance with Republic Act No. 9136 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

The pertinent allegations of the said Application are hereunder quoted as follows: I. Nature of the Case

ii. Organizational Plan: The organizational plan which SCPC will pursue relative to its BSUP and ACAM through this Application are as follows:

This is an Application filed by SCPC pursuant to Section 36 of Republic Act No. 9136 otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (“EPIRA”) and Rule 10 (Structural and Functional Unbundling of Electric Power Industry Participants) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (“IRR”) of the EPIRA, for the evaluation and approval of its: 1.

2.

II.

a.

Organizational Structure - A Retail Electricity Supply Department (“RESD”) is created solely for SCPC’s RES business segment. The RES Department is one of the departments directly under the General Manager (“GM”) of SCPC. The RES Department is composed of the following:

Accounting and Cost Allocation Manual (“ACAM”).

1)

The EPIRA and its IRR require SCPC, as an electric/power participant in the industry to structurally and functionally unbundle its related/allied business activities.

RES Department Manager - responsible for the overall management and coordination of the day to day operations of SCPC-RES;

2)

RES Marketing Division Manager - responsible for the overall administration of RES supply contracts; monitor contract implementation and maintain close coordination and relations with Contestable Customers;

3)

Account Officers - responsible for the day-to-day concerns of and coordination with the Contestable Customers assigned to them;

4)

Trading Manager - responsible for the supervision of the trading activities of SCPC in excess of the volume supplied to its Contestable Customers. He is in charged with the declaration of the Bilateral Contract Quantities nominated by the Contestable Customers of SCPC. He is expected to assist in the trading activities of said Contestable Customers;

5)

Trading Officers - There are three (3) trading officers responsible for trading the excess energy of SCPC. They will also be in charge for the declaration of the Bilateral Contract Quantities nominated by Contestable Customers of SCPC. They are expected to provide assistance in the trading activities of the Contestable Customers of SCPC;

6)

Utility Economics Manager - responsible for the review and approval of the calculation and development of appropriate contract rates and cost adjustment mechanisms/escalation clause/s offered to customers interested in entering into bilateral power supply contracts as well as the provision of assistance during negotiations with potential customers for the supply of energy and subsequent execution of a bilateral power supply contract;

7)

Utility Economics Associates - There are three (3) associates responsible for among others, the calculation and development of appropriate contract rates and cost adjustment mechanisms/escalation clause/s offered to customers interested in entering into bilateral power supply contracts as well as the provision of assistance during negotiations with potential customers for the supply of energy and subsequent execution of a bilateral power supply contract;

8)

Billing and Settlement Manager - responsible for the timely and accurate billing of SCPC’s Contestable Customers and management of each Contestable Customers’ account;

9)

Billing and Settlement Officer - responsible to provide assistance to the Billing and Settlement Manager in the preparation of the monthly statement of account, invoice, credit/debit memo;

10)

Finance Manager - responsible for the development and administration of SCPC’s accounting system and procedure for the systematic collection of all receivables, deposits and transfer of funds;

11)

Accounting Officer - responsible for the maintenance and safekeeping of financial records in accordance with the regular method prescribed

by SCPC to ensure that all business transactions are properly recorded, managed and consolidated for the regular submission of ERC. He is also tasked to assist the Finance Manager in monitoring its escrow facility as well as in processing payment to Contestable Customers on the annual interests earned on the collected deposits of each Contestable Customer equivalent to the interest earnings of the amount in escrow;

12)

Legal Officer - responsible for contract review, monitoring and management. He shall be responsible for the resolution of legal issues that may arise from time to time and ensures that implementation of the contracts is in compliance with applicable laws;

13)

Regulatory Compliance Officer - ensures compliance of SCPC with all the ERC requirements on RES as well as other regulatory and tax requirements. He is responsible for the preparation of the monthly reportorial requirements to be submitted by SCPC to ERC;

14)

IT Officer - responsible for managing and updating the website of SCPC;

15)

Administrative Assistants - these personnel provide administrative and encoding assistance to carry on the daily activities of the department.

Business Separation and Unbundling Plan (“BSUP”); and,

Factual Antecedents 1.

ERUSALEM―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.”

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

Applicant SCPC is a corporation duly created and existing by and under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at Roman Highway, Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan where it may be served with summons, correspondence and other legal processes;

2.

SCPC is the owner of a 4 x 150 MW Circulating Fluidized Bed Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant (the “Limay Plant”) situated in the above-cited address and is a wholly owned generation company of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. (“SMC Global” or “Parent Company”);

3.

The Limay Plant has four (4) units. As of date, only unit 4 is undergoing construction/completion while the three (3) units have already attained commercial operations on the following dates, to wit: i. ii.

Ill.

III.

Unit 1 - 26th May 2017; Unit 2 - 26th September 2017; and, Unit 3 - 26th March 2018.

4.

On 24th August 2016, Retail Electricity Supplier (“RES”) License No. RES08-2016-007 (“RES License”) was issued in favor of SCPC by the Honorable Commission which authorizes herein Applicant to engage in the business of retail electricity supply to the contestable market;

5.

Considering the involvement of SCPC in the business of power generation and retail electricity supply, it is required under the EPIRA, the latter’s IRR, and Resolution No. 49, Series of 2006 dated 21st June 2006, otherwise known as the ERC Business Separation Guidelines (“BSG”) as amended to pursue and or implement the business separation and structural and functional unbundling of its business activities;

6. Hence, this Application.

Discussions SCPC hereby repleads and by way of incorporation will reiterate the foregoing allegations to substantiate the instant Application: Section 36 ofthe EPIRA provides that: “Any electric power industry participant shall functionally and structurally unbundle its business activities and rates in accordance with the sectors as identified in Section 5 hereof. The ERC shall ensure full compliance with this provision;” In the same context, Rule 10, Section 3(b) of the EPIRA IRR provides that: ‘’An Electric Power Industry Participant shall prepare and submit for approval by the ERC its Business Separation and Unbundling Plan (BSUP) on or before 31 December 2002.”

Pursuant to the preceding provisions and the BSG as mentioned above, SCPC hereby submits for the evaluation and approval of the Honorable Commission through this Application, its BSUP and ACAM attached as Annexes “A” and “B” hereof.

The BSUP of SCPC is composed of the following sections as reflected in the annexes hereof and as will be discussed below, thus: A. Current Structure; B. Definition of Business Segments; C. Accounting Separation; D. Description of Separation; E. Milestones and Highlights; and, F. Code of Conduct.

A. Current Structure: SCPC is a wholly owned generation company of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. as shown in the Diagram 1 of the BSUP. SCPC was incorporated and was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on 19th August 2011 with company registration number CS201114451.

The primary business of SCPC is to carry on the business of generating electricity and processing for power generation, including expanded operation of energy supply base and the generation and cogeneration of electric power, as well as the supply and consolidation of the electric power demand of end-users, and to carry on all business and services incident and/or ancillary to the above.

While SCPC is manned in the meantime by the officers of SMC Global who have the necessary technical and managerial qualifications and capability to operate and manage an electricity supply business, SCPC endeavors to bolster its ranks by hiring or internally transitioning qualified staff and officers who will perform the duties and responsibilities of their respective positions under the organizational chart. The manning complement shall be further increased or streamlined by SCPC depending on its subsequent needs.

The current administrative and other material business related activities essential for SCPC’s operational existence are being performed by its parent company SMC Global. These activities include the following: i. ii.

Ill. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi.

XII. xiii. xiv. xv. xvi. xvii.

PREMIERE. Cynthia Alesco attends the LA premiere of Telemundo’s ‘La Reina Del Sur’ Season 2 at Avalon Hollywood on April 09, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Corporate; Legal; Internal Audit; Regulatory and Compliance; Risk Management; Human Resources and Administrative Department; Acquisition; Payroll; Treasury; Financial Planning; Comptrollership; Investor Relations; Energy Sourcing; Sales and Marketing; Utility Economics; Billing and Settlement; and, Other General and Administrative Services.

It should likewise be stressed that the officers of the Parent Company are only provisionally assigned to provide the necessary corporate support services such as administrative, marketing, trading, billing and settlement, legal and regulatory, financial, accounting, audit, IT services, and human resources. For this purpose, strict financial separation will be observed throughout the duration of the shared services agreement for proper delineation and accountability of the RES business of SCPC. E. Milestones and Highlights:

B. Definition of Business Segments:

Through this Application, SCPC hereby commits to implement the plans, programs, and allocation procedures/methodologies as stated in the BSUP and ACAM which are attached as integral parts hereof. Further, SCPC undertakes to faithfully implement said programs to ensure that the separation of its business segments through its BSUP and ACAM will be fully compliant with the BSG. Further, SCPC obligates itself to pursue the following immediately after the approval of this Application by the Honorable Commission, thus:

SCPC has two (2) business segments which include the following:

i.

i.

ii.

Generation of Electricity (“Generation”):

As mentioned above, SCPC as a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of its parent company SMC Global, is the owner of the 4 X 150MW Limay Plant. Currently, SCPC operates Units 1 to 3 of the Limay Plant which have been given separate Provisional Authority to Operate by the Honorable Commission as follows: a.

Unit 1 - issued on 30th March 2017; b.

Unit 2 - issued on 16th August 2017; and c.

Unit 3 - issued on 15th March 2018.

The scope of services of SCPC under this business segment was patterned from the provisions of the BSG issued by the Honorable Commission as defined under Section 4.2 (Generation Business Segments). This business segment of SCPC is comprised of the generation of electricity and the provision of ancillary services with the utilization of generation assets. ii.

iii. iv.

v.

Attendance to annual conventions and conferences of the relevant group organizations of the SCPC employees will be encouraged in order for them to be informed of the latest market updates and developments. For its continuing compliance with the requirement on technical and managerial ability of its officers and personnel, SCPC shall require its officers and employees to attend seminars and trainings related to the competitive retail electricity market.

Supply Services or Retail Electricity Supply (“RES”):

The scope of services under this business segment is defined under Section 4.5.2 (Supply Services Business Segment) of the BSG. This segment is comprised of the sale of electricity by a generating company as a licensed RES, to end-users in the contestable market. It includes the following: a.

IN BRIEF

New blackout hits large parts of Venezuela CARACAS―A new blackout across large parts of crisis-hit Venezuela, including the capital Caracas, forced many to spend another night in the dark on Tuesday.

The electricity shortage―the biggest in a week―hit a large section of the capital, with social media posts from residents across the country suggesting significant areas in at least 20 of the 23 states of Venezuela were also affected.

No reason for the blackout was immediately given by the government or the state electricity company Corpoelec.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido―whose claim to be interim president is supported by around 50 nations―had previously called for protests against public service failures to be held Wednesday.

Power cuts have occurred sporadically since the massive blackout of March 7 left the country in the dark for five days, with electricity being rationed outside of Caracas.

Water supplies have also been interrupted, along with transport and communications, forcing many people to trim their work days to six hours.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro has blamed US-backed sabotage for the massive blackouts that have deprived millions of power, blaming “electromagnetic, cyber and physical” attacks against the Guri hydroelectric power plant, which produces 80 percent of the country’s energy.

The opposition blames a failure to maintain critical infrastructure and Guaido on Saturday launched what he promised will be a “definitive” escalation of pressure to force the country’s embattled leftist leader from office.

He called for a huge nationwide turnout on Wednesday, urging his followers to redouble their efforts to maintain pressure. AFP

Savants to unveil true image of a black hole PARIS―The world is finally about to see a black hole―not an artist’s impression or a computer-generated likeness, but the real thing.

At six press conferences across the globe scheduled for 1300 GMT on Wednesday, scientists will unveil the first results from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), conceived precisely for that purpose.

It has been a long wait.

Of all the forces in the Universe that we cannot see―including dark energy and dark matter―none has frustrated human curiosity as thoroughly as the invisible, stardevouring monsters known as black holes.

Yet, the phenomena are so powerful that nothing nearby―not even light―can escape their gravitational pull.

“Over the years, we accumulated indirect observational evidence,” said Paul McNamara, an astrophysicist at the European Space Agency and project scientist for the LISA mission that will track massive black hole mergers from space.

In September 2015, for example, the LIGO gravitational wave detectors in the United States measured two black holes smashing together.

“X-rays, radio-waves, light―they all point to very compact objects, and the gravitational waves confirmed that they really are black holes, even if we have never actually seen one,” McNamara told AFP. Two candidates are vying to be in the first-ever image.

Oddsmakers favor Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of our own spiral galaxy, the Milky Way.AFP

b. c. d.

Furthermore, SCPC commits to continuously improve its business processes and ensure proper monitoring or allocation of business activities per business segment.

Billing, collection and the provision of customer services to such end-users in their capacity as electricity consumers or to such other customers in their capacity as purchasers of electricity; Energy trading (including the purchase of electricity and hedging activities) undertaken in connection with the sale of electricity to endusers who are included in the contestable market; Sale of electricity to end-users who are included in the Contestable market; and, Value-Added Services as may be required by endusers in the Contestable market.

F. Code of Conduct: SCPC undertakes to develop a plan, in compliance with the Code of Conduct for competitive Retail Market Participants to regulate matters relating to end-users, which plan shall include training and developmental programs for employees to help ensure compliance with the said code.

Lastly, SCPC submits the following documents which may aid the Honorable Commission in the evaluation of this Application and for the purpose of fortifying the allegations averred hereof, thus:

Likewise submitted in furtherance of the foregoing are the individual SCPC personnel who are servicing a specific or multiple business segments.

ANNEX DOCUMENTS “A” Business Separation and Unbundling Plan (“BSUP”) “B” Accounting and Cost Allocation Manual (“ACAM”) “C” Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Certificate of Incorporation and Amended Articles of Incorporation “D” Latest General Information Sheet (“GIS”) “E” Latest Audited Financial Statements “F” Retail Electricity Supplier’s License No. RES-08-2016-007 “G” RES Information Sheet (RES Form 2) “H” Mayor’s Permit “I” Technical and Managerial Requirements “J” Affidavit - Compliance with Articles II, III, and IV of the ERC Business Separation Guidelines “K” Undertaking - Compliance with Code of Conduct for Competitive Retail Market Participants “L” Secretary’s Certificate

Notably, all personnel are currently servicing both the Generation and RES business segments of SCPC. Costs of these personnel shall be allocated in accordance with the allocation methodology approved by SCPC management.

Below is the table of the subject SCPC personnel, thus:

Department Finance Human Resources, Community Relations, IT, Security Quality, Environment, Safety and Health Procurement and Logistic Total Personnel

Total Number of Personnel 13 8

Number of Personnel Servicing Generation Supply -

Engaged in both Business Segments 13 8

14

-

-

14

10 45

-

-

10 45

Moreover, the plant operations and maintenance have been outsourced to Mantech Power Dynamics Services Inc. (“Mantech”) a valid and existing corporation engaged in, among others, operation and maintenance of power plants. The provision of commercial-related services, such as marketing & trading, and general corporate services have been outsourced to SMC Global.

Concerning the exclusive and/or shared assets which will be involved for the business segments mentioned above, SCPC hereby submits that asset ownership will be determined based on the predominant use of the asset and its physical location. The determination will be based on the purpose for which the assets were acquired or incurred.

In general, all existing power generation and electric delivery assets will remain recorded under SCPC’s Generation business segment. The assets which will be used in multiple segments are as follows: Account

Description

Cash and cash equivalent

Includes peso and dollar-denominated accounts for collections and disbursements pertaining to operations and other activities. Also includes shortterm investments.

Includes outstanding billings from customers for sale of electricity, inclusive of VAT. Other receivables consist of advances to suppliers.

Consists of coal, fuel oil, other consumables used for generation of electricity. Also included is spare parts for use in the operations of SCPC. Description

Trade and other receivables Inventories

Account

Business Segments Generation Supply x x

x

x

x

-

Business Segments Generation Supply Prepayment Consists of prepayments for taxes, x x and other insurances, rent and others. Also included current assets is Input VAT from purchases of goods and services.

Property, Includes the power plant, leasehold x plant and improvements, machinery & equipment, equipment transportation equipment, furniture & fixtures, office equipment, tools & small equipment & capital projects in progress with useful life ranging from 3-25 years.

Other non- Consists of restricted cash as required x x current assets under SCPC’s loan agreement and deferred Input VAT.

C. Accounting Separation: The accounting procedures, principles and policies of SCPC in support

Week One (1) - Re-orient employees involved in BSUP on the Company’s approved ACAM; Week Two (2) - Send employees to trainings related to the competitive retail electricity market for their knowledge enhancement; and, Week Three (3) - Creation or separation of accounts for the RES business segments.

Five-Year Staffing and Hiring Requirements - Eventually within the period of five (5) years from the approval hereof by the Honorable Commission and depending on the operational requirements of SCPC, it will engage experienced individuals to further fill up the plantilla positions under the organizational chart who shall be trained and mentored by the officers of SMC Global.

Five-Year Training Plan for Employees and Staff - Within the period of five (5) years from the approval hereof by the Honorable Commission and depending on the operational requirements of SCPC, it will also conduct mentorship and coaching program for its new entrants.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, the foregoing premises considered, Applicant SMC Consolidated Power Corporation (“SCPC”) most respectfully prays to the Honorable Commission that after due notice and hearing, issue a Decision approving the Application for Business Separation and Unbundling Plan (“BSUP”) and Accounting Cost Allocation Manual (“ACAM”) of SCPC. Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are, likewise, prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, pre-trial conference, and evidentiary hearing on 25 April 2019 (Thursday) at ten o’clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.) at 15th Floor, ERC Hearing Room, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1) 2) 3)

The petitioner’s name and address; The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicant rests its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1) The name and address of such person; 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 3) The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO AGNES VST DEVANADERA and the Honorable Commissioners ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN and PAUL CHRISTIAN M. CERVANTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 6th day of March 2019 in Pasig City.

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Commissioner (MS-APR. 11,2019)

LGUs

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

B4

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

‘HABAL-HABAL’ LIFE. Women balance precariously on either side of a ‘habal-habal’ motorcycle traversing the highway in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur on Wednesday. This means of transportation is a way of life in cities and towns outside Metro Manila, despite its dangers. Revoli Cortez

SC: Higher IRA for LGUs Council boosts Darag chicken WV production

By Butch Gunio ROXAS CITY, Capiz—The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources, Research and Development and local partners aim to assist Darag native chicken growers in the Panay region improve their production and expand market.

“Feeding Darag native chicken requires minimal intervention,” Central Philippines University Dean Dr. Jaime C. Cabales told growers during the Pitching Technology Forum held at Capiz State University.

The forum was part of the threeday Farmers Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda featuring Region 6 commodities hosted by Visayas Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium.

Cabales recommended corn grits, “paco” (seaweeds), and “kangkong” (water spinach) as the most common home-mixed feeds aside from palay.

He also cautioned Darag growers in Western Visayas that abrupt changing of feeds stresses chickens, and may result in low egg production.

“Age, immune response, climate, and population density are among the factors to consider to prevent chicken from acquiring diseases,” said another resource speaker at the forum, Department of Agriculture Region 6 Regulatory Division Chief Dr. Jonic Natividad.

“Chickens are more prone to anorexia, ruffled feathers, and depression during wet season,” Natividad said.

Raisers should vaccinate their fowl, and deworming should be done every two months, he added.

Ana S. Celiz, Panay Darag Breeders Association officer, also discussed the process of production of eggs and breeders from incubation to hatching.

“PADABA can assist growers and help them properly manage the eggs until ready for market,” she said.

PCAARRD has provided funding for the research of WESVAARRDEC members for five commodities that included Darag chicken.

The council funded the purification process of the Darag breed that took several years.

Darag chicken is more nutritious and tastier compared to commercial chicken, the council said.

By Rey E. Requejo

B

AGUIO City—The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld with finality its earlier decision increasing the Internal Revenue Allotment of local government units.

In its summer en banc session, the 15-member bench voted 8-3 to deny the motions for reconsideration on its decision last July that expanded the IRA allotment for LGUs to include tax collections of other agencies apart from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Besides the BIR, the SC ruled that the IRA of LGUs should include tariff and duties collected by the Bureau of Customs, 50 percent of value-added tax, 30 percent of national taxes collected in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 60 percent of national taxes collected from the exploitation and development of national wealth, 85 percent of excise tax from tobacco products, and a portion of franchise tax under Republic Acts 6631 and 6632 (Horse Racing Laws), among others.

Navotas names 34 new scholars

By Jun David THE city government of Navotas has named 34 new scholars during the graduation ceremonies of the city’s public schools.

Of this number, 15 are incoming high school freshmen, 12 are incoming freshmen of Navotas Polytechnic College (NPC), one is an incoming college freshman, and six are teachers seeking higher education.

In his speech, Mayor John Rey Tiangco stressed the importance of education in achieving success in life.

“Education plays a vital role in achieving success. Through scholarships, we want to help Navoteño youth earn their diploma. This, in turn, will open doors of opportunities for them to fulfill their potential and succeed in life,” he said.

“We also hope to inspire and encourage our youth to keep on dreaming. We want them to aim high and work towards achieving their dreams not only for themselves but also for their family and loved ones,” Tiangco added.

High school scholars will receive P18,000 per academic year for books, transportation and food allowance.

NPC scholars will get P22,000 per academic year for tuition, books, transportation and food allowance. Scholars of other colleges or universities will be given P26,000 for the same.

Teacher scholars will receive P75,000 every academic year for their tuition, books, transportation and food allowance, and research grant.

The high court turned down the MRs filed by the Solicitor General and Bataan Rep. Enrique Garcia Jr., one of the petitioners in the case.

“In denying both motions for reconsideration, the Supreme Court clarified that the adjusted amounts of the IRAs is deemed effective only after the finality of the ruling of the Court. Hence, the adjusted amounts will be given to the LGUs starting with the 2022 budget cycle,” SC spokesman lawyer Brian Hosaka explained in a press conference.

Hosaka said the High Court applied the “operative fact” doctrine in ordering prospective application of the ruling.

The latest ruling addressed the concerns that such increase in IRA allocations for LGUs would cost the national

government some P1.5 trillion in funds.

In its ruling promulgated, the SC voted 10-3 to partially grant the petition of Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas, who had questioned the process of allocating IRA funds for the LGUs. Section 284 of Republic Act 7160, which created LGUs, stated that provincial, city and municipal governments should receive 40 percent of total national internal revenue taxes collected by the national government.

But the SC rejected the petitioner’s plea for retroactive application of the increase of IRA for LGU for the past 26 years, or since the Local Government Code was implemented in 1992.

“Logic demands that LGUs should receive the difference between the just share they should have received had the Local Government Code properly reckoned such just share from all national taxes on the one hand, and the share... the LGUs have actually received since the effectivity of IRA under the LGC, on the other,” read the ruling penned by thenAssociate Justice and now Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin.

LANI scholarship to continue, says Taguig mayor

By Joel E. Zurbano TAGUIG City Mayor Laarni Cayetano said Wednesday the city government will continue implementing its Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors In-Need, a scholarship program designed to cater the youth in the city.

Cayetano made the assurance as she, Vice Mayor Ricardo Cruz Jr., and other city officials praised more than 22,000 public school graduating students and completers as they were conferred their diplomas and awards in their recent graduation and moving-up ceremonies.

The city government also distributed scholarship voucher certificates to qualified senior high students from Taguig public schools, along with the revised LANI Scholarship Application Form series of 2019 and summary of benefits, which will depend on the type of scholarship they will avail.

The LANI program coverage has increased through the years as the city government raised scholars’ allowances in July 2017. The packages now range from P15,000 to P60,000, depending on the type of scholarship a student has availed.

In addition, students in public schools in the city receive free school supplies before the start of each school year.

These freebies include shoes, school bags, uniforms, raincoats, notebooks, hygiene kits, and emergency grab bags.

Cayetano noted that all the initiatives in education were toward a vision of a more progressive Taguig.

Belmonte vows in-city relocation for ISFs in QC

By Rio N. Araja IF ELECTED as next mayor, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday promised to implement in-city relocation for the city’s informal settlers.

Belmonte said the city government would continue to uphold the rights of its residents for affordable housing through the stricter implementation of QC’s own socialized housing code.

“Through the Comprehensive Socialized Housing Code of Quezon City, we are able to protect your rights for efficient housing. That’s why if there are any national projects that will affect your vicinities, you have the right to be compensated. And the city government will assure that your rights will not be compromised,” she said.

The city government has been wanting to take over the housing programs for informal settler families to make sure that the best interest of the residents is being served, the vice mayor added.

In another development, John Chiong, founder of Katilingban Sang Nag-Hiluisa (Kasanag) Inc. (Unity Makes Friends), yesterday filed a formal graft complaint against Belmonte with the Office of the Ombudsman to challenge the passage of the Quezon City Gambling Ordinance by the 37-member city council.

Health centers level up through BDO Foundation POTOTAN, Iloilo―Dr. Rodina Mondragon, municipal health officer of this town, has been looking for generous donors who would help improve the Pototan Rural Health Unit and Birthing Center.

As a public health official, Mondragon was deeply concerned about the well-being of her constituents. She wanted their health facilities to level up so their nurses and midwives could serve the community better.

In dire need of rehabilitation, the health center was not an ideal place where health workers could provide the best patient care possible.

When she first learned that BDO Foundation was going to rehabilitate Pototan’s rural health unit, Dr. Mondragon was elated. With the rehabilitation work completed, her health workers are now able to provide high-quality healthcare services to the people.

“The rehabilitation of Pototan Rural Health Unit and Birthing Center motivates and reinvigorates us to address the healthcare needs of the community more effectively,” said Mondragon as she graciously accepted the health center during inaugural ceremonies led by BDO Foundation.

“On behalf of more than 70,000 Pototanons, I would like to thank you for rehabilitating our rural health unit. Rest assured we will take good care of this building,” the doctor said.

The project is “a great example of public-private partnership,” she added.

The rehabilitation included the improvement of its layout, waiting areas, offices, consultation rooms, clinics, and treatment rooms. It also included the provision of spaces for a children’s play area, waiting area for senior citi-

As part of its ongoing efforts to help improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged Filipinos, BDO Foundation recently rehabilitated rural health units in Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Aklan (inset).

zens, breastfeeding area for mothers and babies, and access for persons with disabilities. New furniture and fixtures were also provided.

The health center is one of the projects recently completed by BDO Foundation as part of its ongoing efforts to help improve the healthcare delivery system in the Philippines.

The corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank has also renovat-

ed the Toboso Municipal Health Office in Negros Occidental as well as Banga Health Center Annex—Animal Bite Treatment Center and Clinical Laboratory in Aklan.

The newly rehabilitated facilities were turned over to local officials by BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito and BDO Foundation program director Rose Espinosa, together with officers of BDO and One Network Bank branches.

Life

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

HOUSEHOLD

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY DAYS

I

N A bid to encourage and teach parents how playtime can help children learn, a brand of baby and kids products stages the Play Days program.

An effort created in 2012, Johnson’s Baby’s Play Days program brings to light the importance of play in children’s learning.

“Active play allows your children to learn firsthand about the ever-changing world and gives them the opportunity to have a multi-sensory understanding of the beautiful planet they live in,” Johnson’s Baby said in a statement.

Every year, the brand has made it its mission to make playtime more meaningful. The recent staging held on March 24 put focus on the idea of “Play to learn” (Sa laro natututo).

“We have noticed that gadget time has replaced playtime for a lot of parents and kids. However, it is actually during play-

time that children build many foundational life skills they need,” shared Johnson’s Baby senior brand manager Aldellyn Po. She added, “We want to bring the fun into learning with an event that teaches parents how playtime can be enjoyable and educational as well.”

“Play Days 2019: Sa Laro Natututo” featured different play zones like the Blue Think Tub, Pink Showdance Zone, Yellow Imagiland, and Free Play Teamwork Zone that combined learning experiences and entertaining adventures for all the wide-eyed toddlers present.

The four zones highlighted how a child can learn different skills like problem-solving, self-expression, commu-

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LEARN AND PLAY.

Johnson’s Baby Play Days 2019: Sa Laro Natututo features play zones that combine learning experiences and entertaining adventures for kids.

nication, and flexibility. It was also in each play zone that guests were given various play hacks on how they could bring home the fun that they experienced at the event.

“To a child, the world is a huge playground where they can create and imagine anything they want. What we at Johnson’s want to highlight is that playing doesn’t end at fun. It really is about learning through active play where they can gain skills like teamwork, creativity, problem solving and body coordination,” added Po. To help make it easier for parents to recognize the importance of their kids playing outside while the little ones stay fresh, Johnson’s launches its newest limited edition Powder Blossoms.

The Shiny Drops Shampoo and Summer Blooms Powder keep children fragrant up to eight hours.

Active play allows children to learn different skills and provides them a multi-sensory understanding of their environment.

Sarah Geronimo’s new love POPSTAR Sarah Geronimo recently revealed she has found a new love. Well, not a romantic love, but a love that grows stronger even when the environment gets hotter.

Speaking at the launch of Phoenix Petroleum’s latest product, the singeractor shared that she has learned how to cook. Although it took her a while, she said she really wanted to learn how to whip up culinary hits in the kitchen.

“Ginusto ko po talagang matutong magluto. Parang ang sarap kasi sa pakiramdam na kaya mong ipagluto ‘yung pamilya mo and mga friends mo (I really wanted to learn how to cook. It feels good to be able to cook for your family and friends),” shared Geronimo.

Having discovered the joys of cooking, Geronimo took culinary classes to further her newfound passion. She started with little experiments—from whipping eggs correctly, to cooking simple dishes. Eventually, she learned to make Filipino favorites such as adobo and sinigang.

“Marunong na rin po akong gumawa ng iba’t ibang sauces (I also know now how to make different sauces),” she shared.

When asked for her recipe for success, Geronimo said nothing beats preparation and hard work when it comes to

pursuing any interest. This has always been her magic formula to succeed in whatever she chooses to do.

She also emphasized the importance of having help or assistance available whenever needed. For this, she counts on her mentors who help bring out her best, whether she’s performing onstage or acting onscreen.

Even when it comes to cooking, she admitted to getting some assistance.

She said, “Syempre kailangan natin ng safe and simple tool to help me, ‘di ba?

Especially when I was just starting, medyo kabado po ako magluto (I need a safe and simple tool to help me, right?

Especially when I was just starting, I was really nervous).”

Geronimo swears by Phoenix Super LPG, which promises a safe and simple cooking experience. It uses a German-made SRG regulator with an inlet safety valve, a reserve indicator, and snap-on mechanism.

With features that highlight safety, certainty, and simplicity, Phoenix Super LPG helps Geronimo pursue her new passion and discover the joys of cooking.

“We are happy to be partners with Sarah as she expands her passion from the stage to the kitchen,” enthused Phoenix Petroleum assistant vice president for brand and marketing Celina Matias.

Sarah Geronimo whips up culinary hits in the kitchen with the help of Phoenix Super LPG.

Life

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THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Protecting home from fire

3 ways to keep family healthy and entertained this summer SUN’S out and school’s on break, which for many parents mean having the kids around at home much more.

However, this is also the time when health often takes a back seat since it is the season when families often go on vacations.

Here are three ways moms and dads can ensure the whole family stays healthy while having fun this summer.

Trade candies and chocolates for inseason fruits.

Stock up on fruits

Keep your home and family protected from fire by practicing responsible handling of flammable materials and investing in fire extinguisher and a comprehensive property insurance package.

Instead of getting chocolates, cakes, and other sweet treats, buy in-season fruits like avocado, pineapple, mango, watermelon, coconut, and banana instead. These fruits can be enjoyed on their own or made into smoothies which are a healthy way to beat the heat this season.

W

ITH the high heat and humidity that summer brings, Invest in a fire extinguisher and smoke alarms the risk of fire-related disasters grows higher. A leading Taking precautionary measures can save insurance company shares these steps on how to avoid fire everyone’s life. Keeping a fire extinguisher accidents at home. at home and installing smoke alarms can

help provide early warning and prevent vent a power surge or overheating. Do not small fires from becoming disastrous.

Leaving cooking unattended is the overcrowd electrical outlets or extension number one cause of fire in the house- sockets to prevent overheating.

Keep your home protected hold. When using a stove or other cookCalamities like earthquakes, floods, Do not smoke inside ing equipment, it’s vital to keep an eye and even fire are difficult to control the house on whatever’s cooking and stay alert. and can destroy homes. Protect propNot only is smoking hazardous to erty with Axa’s Home Security, a Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove top, this includes mit- health, cigarettes, pipes, and cigars are comprehensive insurance package for tens, towels, plastic or wooden utensils, flammable materials. Those who have home that provides coverage against to smoke are advised to do it outside fire and lightning and acts of nature and food packaging. to prevent flammable materials from (earthquake, typhoon, floods). Added Use electronic devices wisely touching items that can catch fire. Make coverage includes rental and relocation Plugged and powered electronic de- sure cigarette butts and ashes are com- expense, personal liability insurance, vices may cause fire. Turn off and unplug pletely out, or douse them with wa- and personal accident insurance for the electronic devices when not in use to pre- ter before throwing them away. policyholder, their spouse and children.

Engage in outdoor activities

Since the days are longer, summer is the perfect time to do outdoor activities like swimming or hiking. Doing physical activities or exercise not only helps reduce the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease but also offers immediate and long-term health benefits to the body.

Be alert when cooking

Fire-related accidents can destroy homes, but they can be prevented.

Play and exercise outside.

Ask the kids to help around

No school leaves kids plenty of time to engage in activities. When they’re not out playing or learning other things, parents must let them get involved in household chores like cooking. It not only makes for a good bonding moment but also helps children veer away from making unhealthy food choices like junk food and sweets.

While cooking with the family is a great way to spend time during the summer, it is important to note that the hot weather can cause food to spoil quickly. To avoid food spoilage, consider using Beko’s 14.6-cu. ft., Top Mount No Frost, Dual Cooling Inverter Refrigerator.

The refrigerator has an Let kids help in the kitchen.

EverFresh+ technology, which is perfect for those diet-delayers. It allows unconsumed fruit and vegetables to sit comfortably in a special crisper compartment for up to 30 days. It also has NeoFrost dual cooling technology that helps maintain high humidity, Beko Active Fresh Blue Light technology that protects vitamin C intensity in vegetables, and IonGuard technology that helps remove odors in fridge.

BPI Sinag Year 5 calls for applications BPI Foundation, the social innovation arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, is once again on the lookout for 10 of the country’s most promising social enterprises as it announces the launch of BPI Sinag Year 5.

To reach more social enterprises around the country, BPI Sinag will hold roadshows in Davao, Iloilo, Pampanga, and Laguna. At these roadshows, social entrepreneurs can present a seven-minute business pitch to fast-track their entries and be shortlisted as one of the top 40.

The top 40 will then participate in boot camps, which will include train-

Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Giorgio Gulielmino presents the Order of the Star of Italy to Bacchus International founder Alex Lichaytoo.

Bacchus founder receives Order of the Star Italy ALEX Lichaytoo, co-founder of Bacchus International, was recently knighted by the Italian government with a Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Order of the Star of Italy) in recognition for his contributions in bridging Philippine and Italian cultures.

Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Giorgio Gulielmino presented Lichaytoo with his award.

Lichaytoo, together with his brother Clifford, established Bacchus International, Inc. in 1995 with the goal of bringing premium wines to the country. Over the years, Bacchus became a

household name in the Philippines for its excellent collection, which prompted the brothers to expand their business to introduce the best Italian food products to the Philippine market.

Bacchus International then brought Lavazza coffee, De Cecco pasta, Venchi chocolates, and Caputo 00 Pizza flour among others to our shores.

Bacchus International has continued to expand. Lichaytoo has worked tirelessly to establish significant collaborations with renowned chefs such as Chef Margarita Fores, herself a newly knighted Filipino from the Italian government.

From left: Start-up Village director Carlo Calimon, BPI Direct BanKo regional area manager Carlo Ragaza, Villgro Philippines chief executive officer Priya Thachadi, BPI Foundation executive director Maricris San Diego, Business Banking vice president Jessymel Cruz, Globe Citizenship Team head Miguel Bermundo, and Bayan Academy for Social Entrepreneurship and Human Resources executive director Philip Felipe at the launch of BPI Sinag Year 5.

ings on business strategy and planning, marketing, operations, finance, organization and HR development, and social innovation, among others.

Ten social enterprises who are best able to showcase their business viability and social impact will be named as awardees of BPI Sinag, with the top one to five receiving P500,000 and top six to 10 accepting P100,000 cash grants.

Other awards are Online People’s Choice Awards with P20,000 cash grant from BPI Business Banking, Most Viable Social Enterprise Development Plan Award with 50,000 cash grant from BPI

Business Banking, Negosyo Ko Award with P20,000 cash grant from BPI BanKo, and Tech for Good Award with P100,000 worth of Globe services from Globe Telecom. Mentorship opportunities will also be given to two social enterprises by Start-up Village.

It is open to social entrepreneurs who are 18 years old and above and have been operating their social enterprises for at least two years. Applicants may go to www. sinag.bpifoundation.org to download the application form and submit the accomplished form to info.bpisinag@gmail.com.

Deadline for entries is on May 27.

Entertainment

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Students find mentors in Kapamilya journalists at

S

13th PMC

Pinoy Media Congress Year 13 host Robi Domingo

Roxy Liquigan talks about how Star Music digitized the music industry

TUDENT-DELEGATES had the time of their lives when they got to meet and learn from multi-awarded veteran journalists like Jeff Canoy, Chiara Zambrano, Zhander Cayabyab, and Ricky Rosales in the last day of the ABS-CBN Pinoy Media Congress Year 13 (PMC 13) that featured free workshops and film screenings inside the Kapamilya network’s compousnd.

After two days of talks and discussions on media issues and trends in PMC 13, the young communicators got a more in-depth look and hands-on training on different skills in the industry, such as newsgathering, newscasting, and documentary-making from ABSCBN’s respected media practitioners.

In the DocuCentral workshop with Jeff and Chiara, students took home the finer points of creating a compelling documentary with Jeff sharing stories behind the making of their award-winning docu Di Ka Pasisiil, with accounts on the terrorist leaders in the Marawi Siege. Chiara, on the other hand, gave guidelines on how to make and film a good documentary.

In the DZMM workshops, they got a taste of how a radio program is put together with Zhander lecturing about the basics of radio reporting as well as writing one’s own news, and Ricky demonstrating to them how to deliver news, from how to modulate one’s voice, how to read the stories, and cue stingers or flash reports.

Other delegates, meanwhile, chose to participate in the Basic Writing for TV workshop with The Greatest Love head writer Jerry Gracio, who explained the history of soap operas in the Philippines, the difference of writing for radio, film, and TV, and how they write scripts for ABS-CBN teleseryes. Lastly, they got a chance to see how Adober Studios produce their videos by creating a brand that will stand out, emphasizing on the importance of having a unique selling point and skill to earn viewers.

Hundreds also availed of discounted tickets to the ABS-CBN Studio Tours and Studio XP, while some attended the free film screenings of restored classis at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater in Manila, and the University of San Agustin auditorium in Iloilo.

The workshop day was fulfilling not just for the students, but also for their “media mentors” for the day. In a tweet, Jeff said, “Fun Saturday morning in a documentary workshop arranged by @DocuCentral with young filmmakers. Here’s hoping you guys learned something new and awesome today.” Chiara also posted, “Had fun talking about my favorite thing today - documentaries - with a group of vibrant students from different parts of the country. Thanks for being an engaging crowd, and I hope you learned a thing or two.”

Students, likewise, expressed their excitement with new knowledge and burning passion to pursue their dreams gained from the workshops.

Over 1,500 students from all over the country attended the Pinoy Media Congress held on March 7 and 8 at the College of Holy Spirit Manila and University of San Agustin in Iloilo City through an interactive live broadcast, with almost 500 attending the activities on March 9. Gretchen Ho hosted day one, while Robi Domingo hosted day two, with ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe serving as guest moderator on the second day.

The yearly media conference, which has served over 10,000 students since its launch, is a project of ABS-CBN in partnership with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators. It brings together leading media practitioners, subject matter experts, communication professors, and students to help students gain a critical understanding of media and help them prepare them for a career in the industry.

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

Get first dibs on the highly anticipated movie of the year GET ready to suit up and complete the mission for this year’s biggest blockbuster, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame. Globe Prepaid is giving its customers a special surprise with a total of 200 GMovies tickets up for grabs every week!

Globe Prepaid customers can get in on the Avengers action with GoSAKTO! They just need to subscribe to GoSAKTO90 until April 30,, and register for the raffle promo by texting PROMO AVENGERS <Name/ Birthday/Email/Address> to 2600. One hundred (100) winners of GMovies tickets for two to Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame will be drawn every week.

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The cast of the highly-anticipated superhero film, 'Avengers: Endgame'

GoSAKTO90.

The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, Avengers: Endgame.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, April 11, 2019

ACROSS 1 Principal 5 Verve 9 Harvest machine 14 Dry and withered 15 Cleopatra’s river 16 Full of energy 17 “Faster — a speeding bullet” 18 Clueless 19 Weighty books 20 Like sushi 21 Fresh 23 Helps out 25 Barely makes do 26 Running a fever 27 Canvas beds 29 Peculiarity 32 Video companion 35 Drifter 36 Fish-to-be 37 Eland cousin 38 Job slot 41 Take into custody 42 Holed up 43 Scroll cabinets 44 Claims on property 46 Wood chopper (var.)

47 Swiss cheese

holes 48 Punch with short, quick blows 49 Viking letter 51 From Rangoon 55 Secret 59 Wheel buy (2 wds.)

60 Shiva devotee 61 Follow a trail 62 Operatic prince 63 Become liable 64 Think-tank output 65 “Jurassic Park” co-star 66 Giggle (hyph.)

67 Llama country 68 Sculpture and painting DOWN 1 Houston pro 2 Fixed-up building 3 Inch along 4 Squawker 5 Tooth coating 6 Mispronounces 7 Away from the wind 8 Within sight 9 Hand-dyes with wax 10 Solitary 11 Rock found in caves 12 Tied

13 Remainder 21 Snow house 22 Wyoming range 24 A crowd, for Caesar?

27 — out (fails) 28 Sapporo sashes 30 Russian tsar 31 Hansoms 32 — Khan 33 DOS alternative 34 Western resort (2 wds.)

35 Dog-owner’s shout 39 Check endorser

40 Driving hazard 45 PC maker 47 Put up with 48 Capital of Alaska 50 Not deserved 51 Harley owner 52 Fired up 53 Horse’s sound 54 Yields, as interest 55 Voucher 56 Bus route 57 Use FedEx 58 Lunar effect 62 NW state

Kevin Feige produces Avengers: Endgame, and Anthony and Joe Russo are the directors. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Trinh Tran, Jon Favreau, and Stan Lee are the executive producers, and Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay. Marvel Studios’ Avengers:

Endgame is in Philippine theaters on April 24.

Get ready to avenge the fallen and complete the mission with Globe and Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame!

Visitglobe.com.ph/avengersendgame for more information and follow Globe ICON on Facebook and Instagram.

International...

From C4

Best dealer in Europe “He was the best dealer in Europe and he didn’t just do it in the Darknet (that part of the internet hidden from public view), he did it in the clearweb,” Murmann said.

“You could find his site on a normal browser. It had customer reviews and everything: ‘If you liked this drug, you might like to try this...’”

The young man they would later know as “Max”—who was treated as a juvenile by the courts—turned up one day at their offices when the series was still being shot after he heard his story had been picked up.

“We thought he was making it up. But it was him,” said Murmann, a self-confessed geek himself.

“He had to sleep in jail but he could travel around during the day. It was interesting to get his mindset,” and to find out how proud he was of the “customer experience”.

He even showed the director “how he arranged the MDMA in boxes. ‘No, I did it like this,’ he said. It as a real headspin for the actors,” Murmann recalled.

By that point, shooting had already begun of the show, which they had turned into a buddy story of a 17-year-old high school student who sets up a drugs site with his wheelchair-bound best friend to try to win back his girlfriend, who has returned for a year out in the US as pillpopping party animal.

He was a bit too smart “It was inspired rather than based on him because when we dug into his true story we found it was very short and boring,” Kassbohrer added.

“He was a little bit too smart. He only made one big mistake and that’s why he got arrested... but when he turned up, it was a weird bridge with reality.”

The pair, whose BTF studio makes latenight TV shows and computer games, used fast editing and smartphone-style pop-ups to recreate the superconnected lifestyles of Generation Z teenagers.

Kassbohrer said “Max” was like many of this age group, trying to make their mark but in his own terribly misguided way.

“He really is a nice guy but you cannot forget that he did something very criminal and he was connected to people who were doing even bigger criminal things.

“He didn’t think it through, he was just focusing on the user experience and the technical side,” Kassbohrer added.

In fact he was so proud of his “customer experience” that he gave an interview to “a journalist friend of ours when he was still dealing and told her that he even had a customer services and marketing department, when it was just him in his room.”

He had that “Steve Jobs thing” of not fully thinking through the consequences, Kassbohrer said, “just like Jobs hadn’t worried about people dying in China to make iPhones.”

How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) goes online on May 31.

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

C4

Entertainment

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

GMA bags four world medals

at 2019 New York Fest

By Nickie Wang

G

MA Network continues to bring honor to the country for still being the most decorated Philippine media network at the prestigious New York Festivals “World’s Best TV and Films.”

At the awarding ceremonies held on April 9 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the leading media organization took home four world medals and a finalist certificate.

The monthly documentary program The Atom Araullo Specials was conferred the Silver World Medal in the Social Issues category for its “No Leftovers” episode. The winning piece showed that food wastage remains a big problem in the Philippines by tracing how food is wasted from production to consumption.

Broadcast journalist Atom Araullo flew to Las Vegas with GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP and “No Leftovers” Program Manager Neil Gumban to personally receive the award.

Beginning April 15, Araullo will also banner the GMA News and Public Affairs’ online newscast Stand for Truth.

Earning another Silver World Medal for the country was the “Batang Maestro” episode of GMA News TV’s Reel Time, this time for the Heroes category. “Batang Maestro” featured the story of 12-year-old Da-

gul and his fellow volunteer ‘little teachers’ in the province of Sorsogon who cross the river of Donsol on board a bamboo raft just to reach children in remote areas.

Receiving the award for Reel Time was Executive Producer and writer Mark Norella.

Top-rating and award-winning news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) adds another laurel in its cap after it was

Broadcast journalist Atom Araullo (left) flew to Las Vegas with GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP and 'No Leftovers' Program Manager Neil Gumban (center) and 'No Leftovers' Director Aaron Mendoza (right) to personally receive the award.

awarded the Bronze World Medal for its “Salay” feature in the Community Portraits category.

The segment showed how students and teachers from Caraga, Davao Oriental risk their lives as they cross the river using an improvised cable car made from rattan called ‘salay’ just to go to school and buy basic needs.

KMJS Program Manager LJ Castel, Executive Producer Ariane Betita, and Segment Producer Justin Baluyot were on hand to receive the medal.

Meanwhile, Kara David’s I-Witness documentary “Bilanggo ng Isipan” took home the Bronze World Medal in the Health/Medical Information category. The documentary showed the current state of mental health in the Philippines.

Completing this year’s list of Kapuso awardees is San'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho' wins the Bronze World Medal in the Community Portraits category for its 'Salay' feature.

Kara David’s 'I-Witness' documentary 'Bilanggo ng Isipan' takes home the Bronze World Medal in the Health/ Medical Information category.

'Reel Time' Executive Producer and writer Mark Norella receives the Silver World Medal for the docu's 'Batang Maestro' episode.

dra Aguinaldo’s I-Witness documentary, “War Zone ER”, which received a Finalist Certificate in the Current Affairs category.

Receiving the awards was I-witness host Kara David.

GMA Network holds the distinction of being the most awarded Philippine organization at the New York Festivals “World’s Best TV and Films” competition. This year’s entries from the Network were all produced by GMA News and Public Affairs—home to the most internationally-awarded Philippine documentary programs.

What makes a good vocalist YUGEL LOSORATA TAKE It from someone who has been in the band business for long and witnessed what it takes to be a good frontman.

Naldy Gonzalez, the keyboard player and mainstay of iconic live gig band Side A, places his bet on a guy he describes as a vocalist who “truly puts in all his heart and has the soul.”

The man in question is Eich Abando, son of singer Joey Abando of Boyfriends fame. He is the frontman of upcoming band reasonably calling itself Heart & Soul and which credible music insiders hail as one “ready to conquer local RnB territory.”

“First time I heard Eich and his music, I knew right then and there that it’s just a matter of time before he becomes an added boost to OPM and to the rest of the music world,” assured Naldy, himself an OPM stalwart having steered Side A to its legendary status by way of longevity, some hit songs, and great reputation in

terms of tight live-playing.

He has mentored his “brother in the business” and “fellow keyboard player” largely in part because he believes he has the “key ingredients in making really good music.”

Heart & Soul’s soon-to-be released debut single “Kailan Kaya” is said to possess a relatable sound reminiscent of topnotch RnB bands South Border and Freestyle.

The song’s composer himself, Eich said of the piece, “All of us have experienced heartbreak at some point in our lives. It’s pretty relatable in that way as it reaches out to everyone who has lost a great love, but still waits for that love to come back.”

Heart & Soul’s management Actualizer Global informed that with “the band’s soulful vocal lines, sensual saxophone riffs, and spine-tingling falsetto notes,” the song “pierces the mournful Filipino heart in all the right places.” That it is published by Universal Music Publishing Philippines points to it being a piece bound for good mainstream exposure.

For listeners observing that pop, ballad and the indies dominate lately, this track

is poised to take the RnB crowd by storm and into the 2020s with a good dosage of curly notes, pure mastery of the genre, and the right attitude.

Eich may be touted as a lead vocalist to watch for, but he’d rather share equal spotlight with Filipino-American Solomon “Sol” Glass, a former member of South Border, Mulatto, and Voices of Five. Together they form a strong singing duo complementing each other, instead of vocally clashing.

The group’s pool of instrumentalists, namely, guitarist Prince Verginiza, bassist Edgar Prieto, drummer Ramon Ramos, and saxophonist Ferdinand Daus is likewise a support system founded on considerable track records.

All of them have played for local and international music greats.

Musical director Adonis Tabanda is also a welcome collaborator for the band.

To go along “Kailan Kaya’s” music and lyrics is a video directed by awardwinning filmmaker Ice Idanan (Sakaling Hindi Makarating, Stranded), and featuring Miss Philippines Earth-Water Samantha Purvor.

Heart & Soul is bound to make waves on the local R&B music scene with its first single ’Kailan Kaya.’

INTERNATIONAL

Teenage ‘Breaking Bad’

A NEW Netflix series billed as the teenage Breaking Bad is inspired by a real-life German youth who ran an online drug empire from his bedroom, its creators told AFP. The makers of How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) even met up with Maximilian S. on one of his days out of prison where he is serving seven years for “running the Amazon of illegal drugs”—selling everything from MDMA to marijuana.

While his mother thought of him as a “lazy and grumpy” 19-year-old who wouldn’t leave his room, he made 4.4 million euros ($4.9 million) worth of

Bitcoin in little over a year from his Shiny Flakes online store.

Police still couldn’t access all of his Bitcoin accounts when he was jailed in 2015.

“When you think of the drug business, you think of the Cali cartel and Pablo Escobar,” said the series’ makers Philipp Kassbohrer and Matthias Murmann Sunday as it was premiered at the Canneseries festival in the French Riviera resort.

“But this young German weirdo guy who was doing this himself was having a big effect on the European drug market. Continued on C3