Manila Standard - 2019 April 13 - Saturday

More areas reel from El Niño

By Alena Mae Flores and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THREE more areas were placed under a state of calamity due to the El Niño weather phenomenon— bringing the total across the country to 21—as parts of Metro Manila came to grips with

three-hour rotating power outages due to insufficient power generating capacity in the Luzon grid.

On Thursday, Albay province was placed under a state of calamity, following Camarines Sur, also in the Bicol region. The province reported agricultural damage from the dry spell at more Next page

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 62 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ANTI-DRUG OFFENSIVE.

The body of Michael Nadayao lies in the street after he was shot dead by unidentified men in front of mourners at a wake, in Quezon City, Philippines, on Aug. 31.

Pinoy fotog gets World Press nod

Rody makes jokes about Jim’s genitals

FILIPINO photojournalist Ezra Acayan has won second prize in the Spot News Singles category in the World Press Photo Awards for his photograph of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Acayan’s photo of an alleged

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte isn’t finished talking about genitals—not his own, but that of one of his staunch critics, musician and activist Jim Paredes.

On Thursday night in Bacolod City, Duterte

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Spratly Islands ours—China But Palace won’t back down on PH own claim

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HINA on Thursday repeated its claim over the Spratly Islands after Malacañang slammed the persistent presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. “The Nansha Islands are China’s territory, which is backed by sufficient historical and jurisprudential evidence,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing.

“For thousands of years, Chinese fishermen have been fishing in these waters in the South China Sea. Their rights should not be challenged.”

Lu made his statement after Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Philippines would always assert its sovereignty over the Spratlys in the wake of a report on the presence of Chinese vessels on Kota Island aside from those in the waters off Pag-asa Island.

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

In other developments: • Filipino and US troops held the last major exercises on Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro on Friday to test their skills in repulsing foreign invaders.

• The ability to retake Lu Kang an airfield captured by the enemy is an essential part of fighting terrorism, said Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, Philippine “Balikatan” exercise director.

• The just-concluded “Balikatan” exercises highlighted the need

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Senate backs Du30’s threat to veto budget

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Nat Mariano and Maricel V. Cruz THE Senate on Friday backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat to veto the 2019 appropriations bill over pork barrel insertions as his economic managers prepared to operate under a reenacted budget.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Friday said he initially proposed a veto of the P3.8-trillion national budget for 2019 due to an apparent deadlock over allegations of illegal pork barrel insertions.

“Do you remember that that was my original suggestion when it came to my attention that the House leaders were being difficult?” said Sotto when sought for comment on Duterte’s threat to veto the budget.

If the President vetoes the budget, Sotto said, outgoing lawmakers involved

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Fresh batch of corrupt gov’t officials to get the boot

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he would terminate more corrupt government officials next week be-

fore his trip to China.

Speaking at a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, the President announced the looming termination of corrupt officials next week before attending the second Belt

and Road Forum for International Cooperation this month.

“Next week, when I fly back to report to work before I leave for China, I will fire more people,” Duterte said.

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No voting yet in 3 ME places THE Commission on Elections is all set for the month-long overseas voting for the May midterm polls in 80 Philippine embassies and posts all over the world which begins on Saturday, April 13, but no voting will be held in conflict areas such as Damascus in Syria, Tripoli in Libya and Baghdad in Iraq.

“These three won’t have elections because of prevailing local conditions,” said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez.

“We don’t see elections happening there in the immediate foreseeable future.”

Duterte to state forces: Don’t intimidate dissenters PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday cited the importance of dissent in a democracy, saying there is no democracy where dissent is absent.

“If there is no right to dissent, people cannot dissent, there is no democracy. Remove that and you do not have a democracy,” Duterte said in his speech at the Partido Demokratiko PilipinoNext page

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TRIUMPHAL ENTRY. In predominantly Christian Philippines, the palm branch is associated particularly with Palm Sunday when, according to the four canonical gospels, palm branches were waved at the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It was adopted into Christian iconography to represent the victory of martyrs, or the victory of the spirit over the flesh.

PRESIDENTIAL PITCH. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan campaign rally at the Bacolod City Government Center Football Field in Negros Occidental on Thursday. Presidential Photo

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News

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Du30: No need to explain wealth P

By Nat Mariano

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday again questioned the need to explain his wealth following the “garbage” reports about his ballooning income, adding he could explain his wealth in “due time.”

In his speech during the PDP-Laban campaign rally, the President again slammed a three-part report from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism detailing the “sharp upticks” of his and his children’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

“I will tell you in due time. Wealth? I will hide it. Why would I tell you where I placed it?

Stupid... I might get robbed. Do I have money?

I have money, you fools,” Duterte said.

In its report, the PCIJ said the SALNs of the President and his children, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and former Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte all “confusingly”

increased during a 10-year span.

The PCIJ said the law firm Carpio & Duterte Lawyers, where Sara and her husband Mans Carpio are partners, had not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission since its establishment a decade ago.

The President has previously slammed the PCIJ for scrutinizing documents connected with his family’s wealth, accusing it of being paid just to pursue stories against his family.

“You know, I’ve been mayor for 23 years, I’ve been a prosecutor for nine years, I’ve been in the practice of law four years before

More areas...

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Spratly...

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than 170 million, affecting more than 5,000 farmers.

Cebu City and the town of T’Boli in South Cotabato also declared states of calamity, passing council resolutions to enable their local governments to tap their calamity funds.

They joined at least 18 other areas nationwide under similar states as the economic damage wrought by El Niño has passed P2.7 billion, according to estimates of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Meanwhile, the Luzon power grid was placed on red alert status for 13 hours on Friday, which resulted in three-hour rotating brownouts in the franchise area of Manila Electric Co., affecting over 1.38 million customers.

Other customers in the Luzon grid were also affected after grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines announced a red alert or insufficient power generating capacity for 13 hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday.

NGCP announced that available capacity went down to 10,220 megawatts versus peak demand 10,334 MW at 9 a.m. after more power plants went offline. As of 1 p.m., system demand soared to 10,623 MW versus 10,206 MW or a deficit of 417 MW. The brownout was caused by the recent unplanned outage of the San Miguel Consolidated Power Corp.

(SCPC) Unit 2 (150MW) at around 4:28 p.m. on Thursday.

Other plants that are also offline are the Sual Unit I of Team Energy and San Miguel (647MW); Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corp. (SLPGC) Unit 2 of DMCI (150 MW); Pagbilao Unit 3 of Team Energy and Aboitiz Power (420MW); and South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (SLTEC) Unit 1 of Ayala (135MW) while DMCI’s Calaca Unit 2 (100 MW) is operating below capacity.

for mutual cooperation in today’s complex security environment, said Armed Forces Chief of Staff Benjamin Madrigal Jr. He made the statement in a speech during the closing ceremonies for the annual joint military maneuvers of the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Madrigal said the yearly “Balikatan” exercises were one of the military’s measures to test strategies in combat operations. *The annual”Balikatan” exercises have always been fruitful for all participating militaries, Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman, said at the sidelines of the closing ceremonies for the 35th “Balikatan” in Camp Aguinaldo.

About 4,000 Filipinos, 3,500 Ameri-

Fresh...

From A1 Upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping last November, the President is set the visit China to participate in the said forum on April 24 to 27. This will mark the fourth time that the President will be in Beijing.

In the same speech, the President also appealed to the public to be “assertive” in reporting corrupt activities in the government.

“That corruption it’s because you guys are also not assertive. What crime would you do if you reveal [the corruption of] those fools? Some policemen would ask for anything, then tell them, ‘Why would I give you? I’m paying taxes then you would ask for money?’” he said.

“If they insist, then tell them, ‘Mayor Duterte said, f*** y**, I will slap you. I will call him and tell the truth, you will be charged for this’,” he added.

He then urged the public to directly inform him of corruption cases or call the government’s hotline 8888.

The President said he only awaits the confirmation of the allegations of corruption against the perceived corrupt officials.

“I vowed to lessen the corruption, but I will fire more next week. I am just waiting for [the] report,” he said.

“I told them, ‘You give me your report and if I find it justifiable, you can stay. But if there is corruption, I’m sorry,” he added.

Since 2016, the President has sacked several government officials amid serious allegations of graft and corruption.

Some of the officials, however, have been reassigned to other positions.

Senate...

From A1 in the illegal realignments will lose all their pork.

A reenacted budget, he added, would erase all pork barrel in the budget.

Sotto guaranteed support for the President’s decision. “Anyway, we can pass a new one [a budget] in the next Congress with new leaders,” he said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, who first criticized the House for pork barrel insertions, said it is well within the President’s legal authority to veto in whole or in parts the enrolled budget bill sent to his office.

Lacson said he is ready for the next budget battle when the 2020 spending plan is submitted by the President at the opening of the First Regular Session of the 18th Congress.

But he also shared the worries of the President’s economic team that a reenacted budget would slow down the economy.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, on the

Duterte...

From A1 Lakas ng Bayan rally in Bacolod City.

He called on government and state forces, especially the police, to never intimidate dissenters.

“Never intimidate [them] because the essence of democracy is the right to dis-

Pinoy...

From A1 male drug personality shot dead by unidentified gunmen in front of mourners at a wake won second behind eventual World Press Photo of the Year winner John Moore’s image of the North American immigrant crisis.

Acayan photographed police scene of the crime operatives viewing a body in a casket while working on the crime scene of an alleged victim of an extrajudicial killing in Quezon City in August 2018.

The Filipino lensman’s previous works on the drug war have been recognized by other award-giving bodies, such as the Ian Parry Scholarship

Rody...

From A1 slammed Paredes at a speech during a campaign rally, saying the APO Hiking Society singer, who often speaks out against his administration’s policies, has a small penis.

This came just a week after the President boasted in an event in Palawan

President won’t let Sara run for his post in 2022

that, and I never lost in an election until the presidency,” Duterte said.

“But when you said it... Look at their trash. I do not have transactions in government because I do not allow it to reach my table.”

Duterte said the report from the PCIJ was “garbage from the opposition.”

But the PCIJ has denied links with the opposition, adding it has independently looked into the wealth of former Presidents.

Under the Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the President, including government employees and officials, are mandated “to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests, including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.”

Submitting a SALN is also a yearly requirement under Section 8 of that

code and Article XI Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution.

The code requires them to submit wealth declarations, including their real properties (improvements, acquisition costs, assessed value and current fair market value), personal property and acquisition cost, all other assets (investments, cash on hand or in banks, stocks, bonds, etc.), and all business interests and financial connections.

Malacañang has already assured the public that the President has “properly” declared his wealth amid the report, challenging the PCIJ and even former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to file appropriate charges against the Dutertes.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea also came to the defense of the President, saying the President’s critics and detractors were just nitpicking on Duterte’s SALN and merely trying to make an issue out of even the “minutest detail” in hopes to pin the President for some wrongdoing but all “failed.”

cans and 50 Australian troops participated in the exercises that began on April 1.

Lu said they had “taken note of the remarks made by the Philippine officials.”

But he said it was China’s consistent belief that the disputes surrounding the South China Sea should be resolved through negotiations between China and the concerned countries including the Philippines.

“We are committed to upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea in concert with other regional countries,” Lu said.

He noted the “personal efforts” made

by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte.

“Thanks to the personal efforts of the two leaders, China and the Philippines have got back to the right track of properly handling and resolving the relevant disputes through negotiation and con-

sultation,” he said.

Lu claimed that the situation in the South China Sea “is generally stable.”

“Steady progress has been made in the consultations on the COC [Code of Conduct],” he said.

“China-Philippine relations have been turned around, consolidated and elevated to the comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship.

“This positive momentum is hardwon and shall be all the more cherished.

We hope that the Philippine side could work with us to properly deal with the South China Sea issue, uphold peace and tranquility on the sea and bring more benefits to the two peoples.”

Lu said Beijing was hoping that the Philippines would join them in strictly implementing the important consensus reached by the two leaders on properly resolving the South China Sea issue and safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea. PNA

other hand, said the country will survive a year without a budget by operating under the previous year’s budget.

“Vetoing this year’s entire budget can also be the executive’s way of saying to Congress to “get your act together,” he said.

Senator Loren Legarda, chairman of the Senate finance committee, said the veto is the President’s prerogative. “We will respect whatever his decision will be,” she said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon agreed.

“That is how our system is outlined in the Constitution—the President has the final say,” he said.

Senator Grace Poe, on the other hand, said she believes it would be better if the President vetoes only the objectionable provisions.

She said a reenacted budget id difficult because there are many programs that will be adversely affected.

Malacañang on Friday said the country’s economic managers are preparing for the possible repercussions of a reenacted budget.

“Our economic managers have contingency plans prepared, responsive to any conceivable event, and they will correspondingly adjust their targets, which include the execution of programs and projects relating to infrastructure as well as the delivery of basic services to the people,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

Panelo, also Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, clarified that Duterte’s remarks on vetoing the budget will only happen “ if there is a finding by him of any legal or constitutional infirmity relative to the provisions of the same transmitted to his office by Congress.”

“As a lawyer and strict enforcer of the rule of law, the President treads cautiously in performing his constitutional duty making sure that before he inks his signature to the document, the latter does not violate our Constitution, as well as related jurisprudence on the matter,” he said.

He noted the serious accusations hurled by the House of Representatives and the Senate against each other on certain unconstitutional insertions.

sent,” Duterte said.

He said he respects the people’s freedom to choose the candidates they want in an election.

“I will not get mad. Free choice.

That’s the only thing I ask. Let the people decide which candidates they like,” Duterte said.

He said he never entered police stations months before elections during his

stint as Davao City mayor.

“Months before [the elections], I did not enter police camps just to be fair,” he said.

Duterte earlier warned the 2019 midterm polls candidates, both from the administration and opposition parties, not to terrorize voters.

He also repeatedly ordered the police and the military to remain neutral during the conduct of the polls. PNA

Award for Achievement and the Lucie Award for Philippine Photographer of the Year.

Acayan’s work has focused on social issues and human rights in the last three years. His photographs of the drug war along with works by other journalists have been exhibited in other venues in the United States, Europe and Asia.

He has done multimedia work for various outfits such as Reuters, European Pressphoto Agency and Agence France-Presse and is a member of the Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the haunting image taken by John Moore of a little girl crying helplessly as she and her mother are taken into custody by US border officials won the prestigious World Press

Photo Award in Amsterdam on Thursday.

Judges said veteran Getty photographer Moore’s picture taken after Honduran mother Sandra Sanchez and her daughter Yanela illegally crossed the US-Mexico border last year showed “a different kind of violence that is psychological.”

The picture of the wailing toddler was published worldwide and caused a public outcry about Washington’s controversial policy to separate thousands of migrants and their children.

US Customs and Border Protection officials later said Yanela and her mom were not among those separated, but the public furore “resulted in President Donald Trump reversing the policy in June last year,” the judges said. AFP

Syria and Iraq have been marred by heavy fighting between armed groups and the Islamic State terror group.

Last week, the Presidential Council in Libya placed security forces on alert after units loyal to the rival Libyan National Army announced they have begun advancing towards Tripoli, triggering some limited clashes south of the capital that left one person dead.

The director of the Comelec Office for Overseas Voting, Eliza David, said the agency is “99 percent ready” for the April13 start of absentee voting.

A total of 41 cities or posts will be using the vote counting machines. These are in Agana, Calgary, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Ottawa, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, Washington, Brunei, Canberra, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taipei, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, Syndey, Tokyo, Wellington, Athens, London, Madrid, Milan, Rome, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Manama, Muscat, AlKhobar, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv.

Another mode of voting is the manual system, which entails personal voting or voting through the mail.

Postal voting will be used in Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Mexico, Santiago, Bangkok, Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Islamabad, Port Moresby, Yangon, Ankara, Berlin, Berne, Brussels, Budapest, Geneva, Lisbon, Moscow, Oslo, Paris, Prague, The Hague, Vienna, Warsaw, Abuja, Cairo, and Pretoria. Macon RamosAraneta, Rio N. Araja, PNA

that he has an impressively turgid penis, one that points all the way up.

Earlier this month, Paredes had admitted on his blog that a leaked video showing him apparently masturbating was real.

Referring to the video, Duterte said in Filipino: “That Jim Paredes said I’m immoral. [But] he showed his penis. Son of a b*tch, it was so small, like this.”

Using his fingers, the President

indicated to the Bacolod crowd how small he considered Paredes’ member to be. Apart from mocking its size, the President also described it as “soft.”

“That’s the kind of critics I have. I could be very obscene when I speak, but I’ve never shown [my genitals],” Duterte said.

While he has never shown his penis in a video, the President joked:

“I will let other people touch it as long as they’re beautiful. There’s no problem with that. But they can only touch it,” drawing laughter from the crowd.

Paredes has not reacted to Duterte’s comments as of presstime. While he said that his video was private and not meant for public consumption, the musician has apologized to his supporters and family.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday he will not allow another Duterte to run for president once his term ends in 2022.

He made the statement following the persistent speculation that his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, will succeed him.

In his speech during a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Bacolod City, Duterte said he would advise his daughter to “lay off” plans for the presidency.

“I will advise her to lay off. If I know Inday [Sara], she won’t run for president. Inday’s too wise. She just wants to shake the tree,” Duterte said.

“Shaking the tree and getting rid of the dry leaves and everything. I will not approve of it.

If you ask me, I will not allow her to run.”

Duterte said Sara was shaking the tree for the ripe fruits to fall off and the unripe ones to remain.

He had previously revealed that Sara “maneuvered” the ouster of former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez in July, paving the way for the speakership of Pampanga representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

He said the presidency had also taken a toll on him, and that his job as president “does not pay.”

“You know, in all honesty, and I apologize for saying this, it [the presidency] does not pay.

The exhaustion and the things you have to endure because you are there,” Duterte said.

“All the insults and the slurs. You know those aren’t true... I’m tired. I also want to go home.”

Months before the May 2019 elections, Duterte-Carpio has been leading the campaign of the regional coalition party Hugpong ng Pagbabago, touring the country to endorse 13 senatorial candidates for the midterm polls.

Some reports had previously quoted her as saying that, by 2021, she would be deciding on her presidential bid.

Duterte-Carpio’s organization of the administration-backed HNP, including a network of allies, has sparked speculation that she has been laying the groundwork for succeeding her father.

As talks about her supposed presidential run grew persistent, the Davao City mayor called on her supporters to stop naming her as the “next president.”

“I wish they would not talk about me like that because those who are eying the presidency as early as now, they would make me No. 1 in their hate list,” Duterte-Carpio told reporters in February.

“What I’m just doing is helping the President get through the remaining three years of his administration.”

The President himself has reiterated he does not plan to stay a minute longer in the presidency.

“On the day my term ends, I will step down and I will go home to Davao,” Duterte said. Nat Mariano

No voting...

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SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Be at the airport early for int’l, domestic flights, CEB tells travelers

‘Freak’ tornado hits Tacurong City TACURONG CITY—Officials of two villages hardest-hit by a freak tornado in this city on Tuesday are set to put their areas under a state of calamity.

This after the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that about 210 homes, mostly made of light materials, were destroyed by what residents described as a “freak tornado.”

Rodrigo Jamorabon, CDRMMC action officer, said that based on assessment, the number of affected homes, school buildings and roadside stalls could not go below 210.

“More than 210 homes were damaged, including those in the periphery of Tacurong City,” said Jamorabon, adding that the hardest-hit communities are San Emmanuel and San Pablo.

He said officials of the two villages are still gathering data needed before the village can be placed under a state of calamity. Aside from San Emmanuel and San Pablo, also hit were Barangays Poblacion and San Rafael.

Barangay San Pablo chairperson Rudy Jacob said many residents were caught by surprise as the weather was fine when the tornado struck. PNA

By Joel E. Zurbano BE AT the airport at least two hours before departure for domestic flights, and three hours for international flights.

The Cebu Pacific Air management made the reminders to air travelers in anticipation of the increase in number of passengers this coming Holy Week break.

CEB and its sister airline CebGo urged all passengers to allot ample time for security inspection, immigration screening, check-in, bag drop and other pre-departure requirements.

To speed up the check-in process at the airport, the airline urged passengers to: visit the Manage Booking section of the Cebu Pacific website (http://www.cebupacificair. com). For international flights, web check-in is available from seven days up to four hours before scheduled flight departure. Domestic flights passengers, meanwhile, can do web check-in up to one hour before their scheduled departure; and/or download the official Cebu Pacific Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play and tap on the Check-In option. CEB Mobile Check-in is available from seven days to four hours before an international flight, and up to one hour before a domestic flight.

CEB officials said guests on domestic flights who have checked-in via the Cebu Pacific website or mobile app can get their boarding passes through their devices. Those with no check-in baggage can go straight to their boarding gate. Guests with check-in baggage, on the other hand, can drop these off at the bag drop counter at least 45 minutes before the flight.

The airline also said that guests on international flights may also check in via the website or mobile app, but will still need to show up at the checkin counters to present valid travel documents and drop their baggage at least one hour before their flight.

Passengers on international flights are strongly advised to immediately proceed to the immigration counters after completing check-in requirements. With PNA

9 ASG bandits killed in Sulu encounters, says military FOUR continuing encounters between government forces and Abu Sayyaf bandits resulted in the death of nine ASG members in Patikul, Sulu on Thursday.

A military statement said among those slain was sub-leader Julie Ikit, identified as the cousin and second in command of Radullan Sahiron.

Troops from the 32nd Infantry engaged about 120 Abu Sayyaf members at past 10 a.m. Thursday, prompting a 45-minute firefight, the Joint Task Force Sulu said.

The terrorists retreated, leaving behind one casualty, who was later identified as Ikit.

The clashes extended until late afternoon, which resulted in the death of another ASG member.

JTF Sulu said information it gathered from reliable sources revealed that seven other terrorists died, while 19 others were seriously injured due to the encounters.

The casualties came after four ASG members and three soldiers were killed in an earlier encounter last week in the same area.

In Misamis Occidental, meanwhile, six soldiers were wounded in two separate clashes against the New People’s Army rebels in Misamis Occidental, the military reported Thursday.

Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command information officer, said the first firefight occurred at around 5:20 a.m. Thursday in Barangay Nueva Vista, Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental.

Besana said the Alpha Company of the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion was on focused military operation when they clashed against some 40 NPA rebels.

Besana said the NPA rebels fled to the southeast direction of the clash site following a few minutes of firefight.

With PNA

Exercise caution, Pinoys in Sudan told BALDO’S DENIAL. Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, who claimed to have been getting death threats following the murder of party-

list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, faces the media to insist that he was not behind the killing and that other suspects are behind the ambushslay of ther former Ako Bikol representative. He also appealed to judicial authorities to change of venue of the case trial from Legaspi to Manila in the press conference held at the Max’s Restaurant in Manila. Lino Santos

Gov’t finally wins case vs. ex-AFP comptroller

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE Ombudsman finally scored a win in the cases it filed against retired Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot, a former comptroller of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The government earlier lost the P428-million tax the Ombudsman filed against Ligot and his wife Erlinda at the Court of Tax Appeals.

In addition, the Ligots have also filed a motion for the dismissal of the P55million forfeiture case against them due to the alleged forum shopping of government prosecutors.

On Friday, the Sandiganbayan declared Ligot guilty of six counts of perjury for the false declarations in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth for 10 years and sentenced him to one-year imprisonment for each count.

But even if the sentence were to be carried out consecutively (one after another), Ligot will still have to serve

for only six years and is thus qualified to seek probation. Thus, he will not serve a single-day in prison.

The Ombudsman originally indicted Ligot for 11 counts of perjury but he was cleared of two counts due to the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt, while the three other counts were dismissed “on the ground of prescription,” meaning the period within which they should have been filed has expired.

Ligot was ordered to post a P72,000 bail in case he appeals the verdict.

Ligot was the AFP deputy chief of staff for comptrollership (J-6) from July 1999 to March 2001.

The Ombudsman have filed several cases against Ligot and members

of his family for allegedly amassing P135,280,822.11 in unexplained wealth, including several hectares of land in Bukidnon and Rizal, high-end condominium units, houses and lots in the United States, motor vehicles, and millions of pesos in bank placements and deposits.

The anti-graft court’s decision said, “The evidence thus far presented all indicate that accused Ligot willfully and deliberately asserted a falsehood in his SALN by consciously and knowingly omitting in his SALN the properties he knows to be in his and his wife’s name.”

The Sandiganbayan explained, however, that it had to dismiss the three counts of perjury against Ligot in connection with his SALNs for 1993, 1994, 1995 after the eight-year prescription period lapsed. It said the complaint was only filed at the Ombudsman in 2005.

In addition, Ligot was acquitted on two counts since the prosecution failed to prove Erlinda’s brother, Edgardo Yambao, acted as a dummy of the couple.

PhilHealth, CoA tackle global budget system Crackdown vs.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta illegal wildlife trade stays—DENR

By Rio N. Araja ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu on Friday said that the Philippines will not tolerate illegal wildlife trade.

He said that the government has not changed its stance on wildlife protection, and would not ease its crackdown aginst illegal trafficking and trade of wildlife species.

“The Philippines is taking illegal wildlife trade seriously. We want to send a clear signal that the country does not tolerate illegal wildlife crime, trafficking and trade that is driving endangered species to the brink of extinction,” he said.

With a value of $23 billion annually, illegal wildlife trade is the fourth most lucrative global crime after illegal drugs, human trafficking and illicit arms trade, he noted.

According to Cimatu, the Philippines has been labeled as a consumer, source and transit point for illegal trade of wildlife and their byproducts, threatening endemic species populations, economic development and biodiversity.

He said the government would not waver in its commitment to end illegal wildlife trade.

“We are not going to stop. The fight against illegal wildlife trade is worth fighting,” he added.

SENIOR officers of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., led by its acting president and CEO Dr. Roy B. Ferrer met, with Commission on Audit’s chairman lawyer Michael G. Aguinaldo and tackled the global budget system, a new provider payment mechanism that the state agency adopted under the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.

The meeting is part of PhilHealth’s on-going preparations for the full implementation of the UHC when its Implementing Rules and Regulations are

completed.

The UHC Act provides that PhilHealth shall endeavor to shift to paying providers using performance-driven, close-end, prospective payments based on disease or diagnosis related groupings and validated costing methodologies .

It also states there is no differentiating facility and professional fees. It sill develop differential payment schemes that give due consideration to service quality, efficiency and equity and institute strong surveillance and audit mechanisms to ensure networks’ compliance to contractual obligations.

THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday called on overseas Filipinos in Sudan to exercise caution in light of the uncertainty caused by the current political crisis in the African country.

“The Department [echoes] the call of the Philippine Embassy in Cairo for Filipinos in Khartoum to avoid crowded areas and stay inside their homes while the protests are ongoing,” the DFA said in an advisory.

It also called on Filipinos to inform the embassy of any developments which may affect Filipinos in Sudan.

Filipinos in need of assistance are advised to contact the Philippine Embassy in Cairo through +202252-13062, the “Philippine Embassy in Egypt” Facebook Page, or the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Khartoum through the numbers +249-183-468717 or +249-183468716.

Demonstrations against the 30-year rule of President Omar al-Bashir began last year, with thousands recently marching outside the Sudanese army headquarters Khartoum.

According to reports, some military units have begun using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protest march. PNA

JPE thanks Pacquiao for endorsement FORMER Senate President and Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino senatorial candidate Juan Ponce Enrile thanked Senator Manny Pacquiao for his endorsement during Enrile’s visit to General Santos on Tuesday.

“I am thankful for the endorsement of Senator Manny Pacquiao, the People’s Champ, for my candidacy to the Senate. He is a hero to me and to all Filipinos,” the veteran lawmaker said.

“As part of my campaign here in General Santos City, I met with Senator Pacquiao to discuss our common objectives. We are in agreement that the government should speed up its efforts in providing adequate water supply and energy for Filipinos as well as in scrutinizing the privatization of companies concerning public services,” the four-term aenator said.

He added, “These are issues I intend to take up in the Senate.”

On his part, Pacquiao vowed the support of his local party for Enrile’s return for a fifth term in the Senate.

“Our local political party, People’s Champ Movement in (General Santos), Sarangani and South Cotabato will support Senator Enrile para maging senador siya ulit,” Pacquiao said.

PIRATED.

The Philippine National Police and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines led the destruction of over P65 million worth of pirated and counterfeited goods such as fake Rolex watches, pirated CDs, shirts and shoes in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday.

Manny Palmero

A4

Opinion

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Choosing between Barabbas and Jesus PALM Sunday is the day Christians commemorate the triumphant entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the eternal city. It is the start of the Holy Week, which is the week before his resurrection.

This applies in living our personal lives—and choosing our next batch of leaders.

On this day two millennia ago, Christ, astride a donkey, entered the Holy City and was met by a throng of worshippers, laying palm leaves and spreading their cloaks along the path and crying out in acclamation Hosanna! "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel." He was the Messiah, the long-awaited Ruler of Israel, and the culmination of all of God’s promises to his people. The people, aware of the miracles and wonders he had been performing, believed that he is the messiah, the promised savior who would free Israel from the Roman oppressors.

The entry into Jerusalem came after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. No small wonder the multitude was awestruck. They must have thought that if Jesus can raise a man from the dead and heal the sick, he can also drive the Romans away. But fickle as they are, this very same crowd will condemn him to be crucified and cry out for his blood, choosing Barabbas, a murderer and a known robber, to be freed. Pilate offers them a choice between a known criminal over a failed Messiah and they chose the former. Disenchanted that a while

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

ago he was performing wondrous deeds but now before the Sanhedrin and before Pilate, he is utterly helpless and cannot defend himself from his malicious accusers. Even Peter and the disciples who accompanied him during the three years of his earthly life, dare not lift a finger in his defense.

How the Jews of that time were sorely mistaken. Little did they know that the meek man before them was the Savior foretold by the prophet Isaiah who in 8th century B.C. described him as the man oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. But Jesus did not enter Jerusalem to be worshipped as an earthly king; in fact, it is the opposite—he came to be scourged, abused, spat on, mocked, rejected and finally suffered the humiliation of being nailed on the Cross like a common criminal. His kingdom is not temporary and finite but one that is everlasting. He promises a kingship that will free man from the bondage of sin. His throne is the Cross. He does not promise the absence of physical pain and hardship, but promises to liberate his followers from selfishness, greed, envy, and other vices. By his resurrection, man became free.

Looking around, we readily discern why Christ allowed himself to suffer and die on the Cross. Love of power, hatred, violence, economic conflicts that prey on the less fortunate, greed for money and power, divisions, crimes against human life and against creation! Jesus on the Cross took it upon himself to carry the weight of man’s iniquity and with the force of God’s love he conquers it, he defeats it with his resurrection. Christ’s Cross, while unappealing to those who hate and do not love, if embraced with humility and meekness with love leads to joy, to the joy of being saved.

In our desire to uplift our material and physical well being we often clutch at straws by clinging to false promises, singing Hallelujah to people who profess to serve our interests and instantaneously

A

Crusader’s hubris

T ONE point in history, the Australian Julian Assange was hailed as crusader, even a hero. He had founded the website WikiLeaks which, in 2010, published a series of leaks by a former US Army soldier, Chelsea Manning detailing alleged excesses of the US government.

In the same year, the website also released more than 255,000 diplomatic cables from the US, gathered between December 1966 and February 2010. These contained world leaders’ and diplomats’ views on numerous issues involving their host countries as well as the officials in these countries. The cables proved embarrassing, in some instances damning, to the officials identified.

Manning, the soldier who leaked the initial batch of files was convicted under the Espionage Act in 2013. Meanwhile, Assange was slapped with the unrelated charges of sexual asault—two cases, in fact—in Sweden. He fled to London, because he did not want to be extradited to the United States. In London, he sought refuge at the Ecuadorian Embassy, which under the government of then-President Rafael Correa, granted him unconditional asylum.

Over the years, WikiLeaks published many other sensitive communication and stories involving world leaders, including emails of the US Democrats as hacked by the Russian military intelligence agency. This as he settled into

life at the embassy, even after Ecuador’s transition into a new presidency in 2017, under Correa’s rival Lenin Moreno.

That was how things were until Thursday, when London authorities were allowed into the embassy to arrest Assange. He was arrested for skipping bail in connection with his sexual assault cases in Sweden (even though these cases had been dropped) and also on behalf of the United States which wants him for conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, in relation to Manning’s case.

What changed the Ecuadorians’ mind about providing shelter to Assange?

The underlying causes are many and documented. The Guardian reports that the foreign minister, Jose Valencia, in fact released a list of the reasons why it turned on Assange. He was rude, ungrateful and meddlesome, he said. The behavior ranged from skatebording and playing football in the embassy premises, failing to be hygienic in his personal space, to mistreating embassy staff and installing unauthorized electronic equipment in the embassy.

The proximate cause was Assange’s legal team’s press conference Tuesday claiming the government in Quito was illegally spying on him.

Nobody would argue that people would always deserve to know the truth about their officials and the people who claim to represent them before the world.

It’s a worthy cause to champion, especially when up against powerful officials and big business, who sing paeans to the truth but stifle it when it threatens their own self-interests, and who go after those who dare challenge the status quo.

WikiLeaks also presented a new model, whereby it is no longer just mainstream media who get to decide what is revealed to the people. Anybody who has proof to show is free to make that proof public—and it will be up to the receiver of the information to decide if it is credible or worthy enough.

Unfortunately, crusaders are human, too.

Assange’s example shows us what happens when champions begin to think that the fight is all about them, personally. They then act entitled, do as they please, and expect support from others on the back of their crusade.

In the end, they do their own advocacy a disservice because they take down its relevance and credibility—unfairly so—with them as they fall.

It’s a good reminder that no single individual is bigger than any truly noble cause.

Turn to A5

‘Life’ in Metro Manila I WRITE this in the middle of a brownout fervently hoping that the battery of my laptop is enough to finish this piece, or that power will be back soon.

We also have been waterless for more than a week and we survive by fetching water from my daughter’s house, or through Maynilad’s water rationing when it comes and we are home.

We drive and use gasoline each time we go to my daughter’s house. So our expenses increase besides the physical effort of carrying pails of water inside our house.

Our water provider, Manila Water posts schedules but these have never been followed. Per its latest published schedule, our place is supposed to have water from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. I stayed up last night in the hope of being able to collect water but there was nothing until midnight. I went to bed but awakened at about 1:30 a.m. to the sound of water gushing from a faucet. I stood up only to realize that it was just a dream. I even dream of water!

We use the “tabo” system when we take a bath and we stand on “palanggana” so the used water can be used for cleaning and flushing the toilet. We use paper plates and disposable cups and utensils when we eat. We are aware that this is not doing the environment any good but what choice do we have? We do not like piles of dirty dishes in the sink because of flies and insects.

We just have our laundry done outside because there is no water to use to do the laundry ourselves.

My plants are dying and I feel very sad because I am the one who planted them. We are not alone as I see that my neighbors’ plants are in similar state. I live in a place where people generally like plants and it’s distressing to see a lot of plants drying up.

I also no longer invite friends over.

Since I rarely go out, I liked friends coming over to eat, chat, and just vege out. But we do not do this anymore because it means cooking, using real dinnerware, etc., etc. Because we are waterless, I do not even think of doing this for as long as the situation does not change. So, my social life is also almost zero.

We all work in my household. We do not have a maid because we thought it would be better for us since we are all

This is how we are.

adults and no one needs special care.

So, we do all the household chores on top of our livelihood. You can just imagine how hard it is for us now. We need to schedule things, even our work to make sure that someone is home in case Maynilad ration comes, or water miraculously flows from our faucets.

We are all almost always tired and tempers are rising. How can you remain cool-headed with all these irritants?

The summer heat does not help. It is the time of the year when we want to take showers as frequently as possible.

And now, even power is problematic.

Imagine, no water, no electricity? I will not be surprised if more people will suffer from heatstroke.

And yet, my family is not poor. We are not rich but I am past that stage when I need to work my ass off to send my children to school, make sure that there’s food on the table, and have money to spend when someone gets sick.

My kids are all professionals and have their own careers. I no longer worry about their needs now.

I know I should not complain as much because millions of Filipino in Metro Manila have it worse than mine.

I can only imagine how they are coping with the ongoing shortage of water and

Turn to A5

Who’s really to blame?

Are we to believe the Senate’s allegations?

SO PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte had threatened to veto the 2019 national budget, an offshoot of Senate President Tito Sotto and Senator Ping Lacon’s incessant insinuation the House of Representatives had committed an illegal act when it inserted provisions in the proposed budget after both Houses of Congress had already approved it.

However, House officials have insisted they have not done anything wrong and on the contrary, it was their Senate counterpart which inserted provisions for their pet projects at the expense of the President’s priority programs.

Majority Leader Fredenil Castro in-

sists that the House of Representatives, under SGMA leadership, has clearly defined its legislative agenda to be always in accord with and always in full support of Duterte's priority bills and programs.

“Amid downright intrigues and bizarre accusations, the HoR worked hard to enhance transparency and accountability in the 2019 General Appropriations Bill,” Castro avers, adding their action is in sync with Duterte's strong and unflinching stance against corruption and wastage of public funds.

Minority Leader Danilo Suarez echoes Castro’s position saying the

budget was drafted and passed by the House of Representatives according to long-established and duly constituted legislative processes.

Maybe the Senate should commit itself to making public what it had done to the proposed budget and start itemizing their lump sum proposals.

Some sectors are beginning to raise doubts on the Senate’s allegations against the House leader over the budget, insinuating the senators might be the ones guilty of illegal acts and are trying to cover up for their misdeeds by pointing to the House instead.

Open up everything and let the people decide on who’s to blame for the budget mess. *** Amid the intrigues and allegations thrown in China’s way by the critics of this government, the world’s biggest Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

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Opinion Mail Matters

Taiwan-related article is misleading

I AM writing to share with you a disturbing concern on the 11 April 2019 edition of Manila Standard, which carried an article entitled "Speech of Taiwan President Tsai Ingwen," using “Taiwan’s president” while not the so-called “Taiwan’s leader.” The aforesaid article would most likely send out misleading message to the general public.

The Chinese Government consistently adheres to one China principle, and firmly opposes to any attempt to create “two Chi-

nas” or “one China and one Taiwan.” One China principle also serves as the political foundation of China-Philippines relations, as enshrined in the 1975 Joint Communique between our two countries upon establishing diplomatic ties and the Philippine governments have ever since been committed to this principle in real earnest.

Therefore, I sincerely hope that Manila Standard would take into serious consideration the position stated above, recog-

nize the sensitivity and complexity of the issue, and see to it that no such misconduct reoccur in the future. And more important, we should try our utmost to lay a friendly and appropriate foundation for our future cooperation.

LIU YIQUN Chief of Media and Public Relations Embassy of the People’s Republic of China-Philippines

What’s LPs next gimmick?

YOUR guess is as good as mine on what the so-called Opposition, particularly the “Otso-Diretso” senatorial slate, will do next for a gimmick to attract public attention and win support in next month’s midterm national elections.

Let’s just hope that it would not be anything close to Jim Paredes’ solo performance to reclaim fame as an entertainer.

But there’s really not much that the “Opposition,” a coalition of oligarchs, rightists and leftists, can do to win over the people, particularly the voters who are more enlightened and much wiser nowadays.

They can make up all tall tales against

Choosing...

From A4

solve our problems. Yet in doing so, we readily cast aside the Cross of Christ and to quick fixes and fast solution but destroy the sanctity of human life and environment. In the end, there is only misery and sadness.

One instance—in our desire to rid society of the scourge of drugs and criminality, many are more than willing to take the short cut—destroy life of the so-called undesirables and take recourse to barbarity; or even slaughter the unborn in the name of material prosperity.

Never mind rule of law and the intrinsic value of human life that, as a civilized people, we ought to respect. In a country that professes to be the only Christian country in this part of the world, it is a paradox why many acquiesce to impunity and wanton destruction that is diametrically opposed to everything we supposedly believe in.

If there is one important lesson that Palm Sunday teaches, it is to tell us that life often offers a myriad of choices; either choosing the quality of leaders, or the way we comport ourselves in private and in public, and in general how to live our lives. Making a choice is not easy. But the best choice can be achieved only if we allow the Spirit and wisdom of God to guide us. That’s true not only for our personal lives but also for our po-

Who’s...

From A4

economic power has never shown any sign of vacillating in its commitment to help the Duterte administration in its campaign against illegal drugs use.

Just last Monday, a Chinese government-financed drug treatment and rehabilitation center in southern Philippines' Agusan del Sur province was turned over to the local government on Monday.

The 6,750-square-meter facility on a three-hectare lot is the second Chinese government-aided drug rehabilitation center in the Philippines to support the Philippine government's anti-drug campaign.

In inaugurating the facility, Jin Yuan, Chinese embassy's Economic and Commercial Counselor, reiterated China’s strong commitment to meet everything it had promised the Philippines, which he described as their friendly neighbor, as he stressed that

‘Life’...

From A4

power supply. I especially feel sorry for families with small kids because it must be doubly hard for them. Imagine fetching water with kids in tow. In poor communities, they do not have the luxury of paying to have their laundry done. I feel for the mothers. If I complain of my life now, theirs must be much more difficult.

the President and his family but it will not be enough to dupe the masses by a simple smear campaign of the Yellowtards, who profess to be holier than thou.

Actually, they have already tried.

The three-part video series of one alias “Bikoy” went viral on social media recently, linking the President’s family to the illegal drug trade.

The supposed hooded whistleblower in that video claims Manong Digong’s family, particularly Paolo Duterte, is on the monthly payroll of the drug syndicate. Even the 14-year-old daughter of the President, Kitty, was not spared from that hilarious so-called “expose” or “confession” of a drug whistleblower.

Actually, it is not what they can do to demonize the image of Manong Digong as much as what his leadership has done to change our lives for the better that will count come May 13.

But these idiots refuse to accept the fact that the present administration has done

something for the people. Poverty incidence has gone down, prices have gone down, unemployment has gone down.

The Philippine Statistics Authority cannot possibly tell a lie the way some survey entities do. Over five million Filipinos have risen from poverty in the last three years.

While prices of commodities have steadily gone down, more Filipinos get employed due to the government’s Build, Build, Build program.

While there have been election-related incidents, the overall crime incidence has gone down. Well, the number of drug dealers has gone down, too.

Small wonder that Manong Digong’s satisfaction rating has gone up, still in “Very Good” range, according to the Social Weather Stations.

Small wonder, too, that these “OtsoDiretso” comedians cannot do much to win. They need to work harder on their comical skit next time.

litical choices where the choice between Barabbas and Jesus confronts us.

Last Jan.28, 2019, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines pointed out that 2019 is not just an ordinary election year. According to the Bishops in a statement entitled “Seek the Common Good’: “The midterm election on May 13 is in itself already crucial. In our country today the checks and balances in the government are being undermined. So far the Senate is the institution in the government that is holding out as our country is inching towards total control. It is very crucial therefore that we elect public officials who are principled, courageous and who have the common good as their main concern and not their own political interests. We encourage voters to be very discerning in their votes.”

The CBCP statement goes on to encourage lay groups to “engage in discernment circles to help one another know the candidates well and choose the candidates with the common good of the whole country in mind and not according to what the candidates promise, much less according to what voters have received from these candidates”. Quoting both Popes Benedict and Francis, the Bishops emphasized: “Participation in politics for Christian lay people is not just to be limited to non-partisan involvement. Christians are also encouraged to engage in principled partisan politics. This means that they can cam-

paign for good candidates as an exercise of their Christian faith.”

In this regard, an interfaith People’s Choice Movement PCM) developed a criteria—GabayKristo—that people could apply to select who to vote for in May 2019. The PCM, led by Catholic lay and Christian evangelicals looked at the character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service, and faithfulness to God, Constitution, and the law of the candidates for the senate. Applying the criteria, the group endored all candidates in the Otso Diretso opposition slate plus Grace Poe and Neri Colmenares. They also said that labor leader Leody de Guzman and former Senator Serge Osmeña were also considred but were not included so people would still be able to add other names in their final list.

Personally, I am not ready to endorse all the names in the PCM list as I am also considering a few names from the Hugpong and PDP-Laban list and will definitely be voting for De Guzman and Nancy Binay. But for sure I endorse the GabayKristo as a way of discerning one’s choices not only for the Senate but also for the local elections.

Whether in our personal lives or in the way we choose our leaders, let’s choose Jesus and reject Barabbas.

China firmly supports the Philippine government's effort in improving its people's health.

The newly inaugurated drug rehabilitation center is a 150-bed capacity facility with an administration and clinic building. There is also a multi-purpose covered court, dormitory buildings, and visitors' house in the center. The whole project was undertaken by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation.

The drug rehabilitation center project, which broke ground in February 2018, was initially expected to be completed within 21 months.

What’s impressive is that the work had been accomplished eight months earlier than the target date as both Chinese and Filipino workers worked double time to finish the facility ahead of schedule.

According to Liu Wei, General Manager of CSCEC Philippine branch, their company hired more than 400 local workers and administrative staff to ensure that residents around the prov-

ince benefit from the construction of the project.

To allay fears Chinese workers have been dominating their own projects, Liu averred they only hired 35 Chinese employees as their workload is only suited for Chinese nationals.

Department of Health Undersecretary Roger Tong-An, who represented the Philippine Government if the inauguration and turnover ceremony of the facility, said the Chinese-funded rehabilitation center is a clear manifestation of China’s unwavering support to the Philippines, contrary to critic’s claim China is only out to milk the country dry with a debt trap.

Edward Plaza, the governor of Agusan del Sur province, said this drug rehab center gives the local government a chance to solve the drug problem and to provide better help to the drug dependents in this province and provinces nearby.

"We would like to cooperate with our counterparts in DOH to address this issue," he added.

Yet, government says that there are less poor Filipino families now. According to the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA), the percentage of poor families living below poverty line dropped to 16.1% in January to June 2018 from 22.2% for the same period in 2015 in the entire country. It is a significant drop of 6.1%.

My first reaction when I read this news was, there must have been some

manipulation in the computations. Then I learned that the poverty threshold used by the PSA was P10,481.00 a month for a family of five. If the family earns P10,500.00, they are already above the poverty line, and therefore, no longer considered poor.

In Metro Manila and many other places, P10,500.00, is definitely not enough to need the food and non-food needs of a family of five. This translates to P70.00

Facebook Page: Professor Tony La Viña Twitter: tonylavs

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Fear of being eased out

assert our right over that portion of the Reed or Recto Bank that is our within the exclusive economic zone, example the enforcement of the 60-40 provision in our Constitution because China is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas. That portion is WE ARE the only country in the world well within the 200-mile limit set by Unmired in an economic problem due to the clos. Neither the Philippines nor China expected depletion of our natural gas for can impose their respective sovereignty which 40 percent of our electricity in the in the area, for as stated sovereignty canLuzon grid will be affected. Energy ex- not apply to an area that is submerged. If perts believe Malampaya would run out occasionally rocks resurface during low of natural gas by 2024. The unusual thing tide, still it cannot be claimed territories is that our politicians and some energy to assert sovereignty for it is incapable of experts have been so politicized that they human habitation. Moreover, should we are creating a problem rather than finding reach an agreement for joint venture with China, the governa solution to it. ment can insist that Our politicians any sharing in the and their acolyte gas or oil that can analysts should be extracted within China has not seriously take into the EEZ should be consideration the closed its door to any in accordance with fact that MalamSection 2, Article paya will soon run negotiations in the XII of the Constiout of gas. Know- seabed of South China tution. ing this, we would Sea. The catch howeither go through ever is that the it the hard way of 60-40 formula is importing natural a two-layered forgas, or reaching an agreement to work a solution to al- mula. First, the formula applies if there low both the Philippines and China to is a joint venture between Filipinos and exploit that resource under the principle aliens whether referring to citizens or of joint venture following the win-win corporations. Second, if the joint venture involves foreign government or their corapproach.

We cannot avoid dealing with our porations, the initial 40 percent shall be neighbor, and there is no reason why taken out in accordance to the provision we should avoid doing so.. China has of the Constitution/agreement provided it not closed its door to any negotiations is well within the country’s EEZ. Note that the percentage sharing in the seabed of South China Sea. Our politicians are in a quandary because of revenue in the Malampaya natural they politically preempted their position gas, Shell and Chevron each acquired a that dealing with China would compro- 45-percent share leaving the remaining mise our sovereignty, would economi- 10 percent to the state-owned PNOC. cally bury the country deeper in debt, and This was clearly violated the 60-40 sharing formula set out in Section 2, Article would take us for a ride.

According to the Center for Strategic XII of the Constitution. The share par& International Studies, it is estimated ticipation of PNOC should have been that SCS holds about 190 trillion cubic fixed to 60 percent. While some say, the feet of natural gas and 11 billion barrels majority of the stockholders are Filipino of oil, most of which is along the margins citizens, many suspect they are merely of the South China Sea. The US Geologi- acting as dummies to circumvent the recal Survey in 2012 estimated that there quirements of the constitution.

As a result, the 90-percent share could be another 160 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 12 billion barrels of oil holdings for both Shell and Chevron ultimately affected the revenue of the undiscovered in the South China Sea. Despite the contrast of hope and pes- government that today it is believe simism, many of our politicians and po- payment barely represents 3 percent litical soothsayers continue to churn out something of a paltry royalty fee long propaganda and disinformation rather discarded by the Marcos administration than work to convert our dispute into under P.D. No. 87 or Amending P.D. one of productive engagement. There are No. 8 Promulgation of an Amended Act several foundations and study institutes to Promote the Discovery and Producthat deal with the territorial, economic tion of Indigenous Petroleum.

The big question is, will China allow and political problems in the SCS. Aside from being openly identified as advocat- the application of the 60-40 formula ing the American view, none of them while its state-owned corporation, the have come out to translate the problem to China National Overseas Oil Corp. to operate alongside with foreign–owned one of benefit.

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary corporations based in the Philippines Albert del Rosario initiated moves to and get their bigger share because of make it impossible for this country to the 60-40 laid down in the Constitu“Work Together to Build a Community tion? While China may get intact its of Shared Future for Mankind.” In April 40 percent share of the agreement, the 1914, the country allowed the return and Philippines may not. The resulting situexpanded the US military bases two of ation would be odd for while the Philipwhich are facing the SCS. In July 2016, pines stands to get a bigger share than the Philippines through the DFA surpris- China because of the 60-40 formula, in ingly filed a case against China before the the end, it will only get an average of Permanent Court of Arbitration over the three (3) percent of the revenue.

Thus, alleging China’s bid to control disputed islands in the SCS. According to Dan Steinbock, Del the known oil and gas deposits in the Rosario organized the Stratbase In- SCS is in truth a smokescreen to push stitute for Strategic and International the Philippines as front to secure US and Studies alongside with the Asian Mari- their oil companies interest’s to get the a time Transparency Initiative and the vast but untapped oil and gas reserves.

Center for Strategic and International The Philippines now serves a lynchpin Studies, a major think-tank close to the for the US to take a more aggressive role State Department, Pentagon and Wall in containing China from what the US Street. CSIS and AMTI were supported media see as the alarming encroachment

by Del Rosario’s ADRi and the Philip- on our offshore islands.

This is clear in Steinbock’s obserpine Trade Foundation which is linked with the free market Foundation for vation, to quote him, “…CSIS/AMTI Economic Development, Australia’s releases a commentary and satellite Foreign Affairs Department, USAID, photos of contested sports in the South World Bank, and Grover Norquist, an China Sea. Which leads to commentaries by ARDi’s members, which are then ultra conservative tax lobby.

Can the country pursue a joint coop- promoted in the Philippines, especially eration with China without us invoking in the country’s foreign-owned media, sovereignty in the Reed or Recto Bank? such as Rappler (linked with the USI ask this because it seems we are more based North Based Media and billiondetermined in creating a problem than in aire Pierre Omidyar’s network) and by finding a solution. First, we can never es- media properties close to Pangilinan/ tablish our sovereign right over an area del Rosario and their allies. Next, these submerged in water. Second, we should articles are heavily headlined in internastop referring to the decision of the PCA tional media, which republish the pieces to justify our claim of jurisdiction in the or interview their authors as “indepenReed Bank. We can never refer to the de- dent” Filipino voices, even if they are cision even inferentially for the fact that ARDi’s non-resident fellows and CSIS/ China refuses to recognize that body, and AMTI authors in the US (e.g., Richard the PCA has no jurisdiction to enforce its J. Heydarian). decision.

To be more realistic, we can only rpkapunan@gmail.com

per family member, per day. You have to factor in rent, transportation, utilities, food, schooling expenses, clothing, and many other things. Clearly, to make it appear that there are less poor people, PSA manipulated the poverty threshold.

Instead of really addressing poverty through employment opportunities, and provision of basic services, government chooses to lie to the people. Just like this water and power shortage which

should have been seen in advance and addressed in advance before the problems reach the critical level, government chose to look the other way and allowed these to happen.

No wonder, for many, life in Metro Manila is not only bad, it has become almost inhumane. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

News

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 A6 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace won’t interfere with Rappler petition

P

RESIDENTIAL Spokesman Salvador Panelo on Thursday said Malacañang won’t interfere with the judiciary as online news website Rappler filed a petition, asking the Supreme Court to compel the government to allow it to cover President Rodrigo Duterte and his events.

“It’s a free country. We do not interfere with the judiciary,” Panelo said in a text message to Palace reporters.

Rappler on Thursday filed a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court to strike down the ban on presidential coverage imposed on it, arguing that it violated its press freedom and rights to free speech, equal protection, and due process.

The petitioners in the case are Rappler reporters and managers Pia Ranada, Mara Cepeda, Raymon Dullana, Frank Cimatu, Mauricio Victa, Camille Elemia, Ralf Rivas, and Baltazar Lagsa while the Office of the President, Office of the Executive Secretary, the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Media Accreditation Regulatory Office, and the Presidential

Security Group are named as respondents.

Rappler was barred from covering Malacañang since February 2018 due to its ownership issue at the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The SEC earlier said Rappler violated the Constitution’s restriction on foreign ownership of local media but Rappler denied this claim and said it is Filipinoowned.

President Duterte earlier said he was “invoking executive action” when he issued a directive to ban Ranada from covering Malacañang events.

Duterte said Rappler’s reporters would be allowed to cover again his events if the SEC would declare Rappler a 100-percent Filipino-owned online news outfit.

Rappler has taken a tough stance on Duterte’s signature narcotics crackdown that has killed thousands of alleged drug dealers and users, but also cast a critical eye on his leadership and controversial public statements.

“You are not only throwing toilet paper. You are throwing shit at us,” Duterte said in a 10-minute rant at a January 2018 news conference shortly before Rappler’s reporter was banned from the presidential palace.

Two months later, in a speech that singled out Rappler, Duterte instructed administration officials not to “talk to people who will produce lies out of your statements.”

In seeking the Supreme Court’s intervention to lift the coverage ban, Rappler Inc. and eight of its reporters said the Duterte administration had violated their constitutionally-guaranteed rights.

“The ban (is)... repugnant to the constitutional guarantee of free speech and a free press. Moreover, it creates a chilling effect on other news organizations and journalists,” a copy of the petition read.

A court spokesmen did not immedi-

ately comment on the case.

“It’s a free country. We do not interfere with the judiciary,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters Thursday when asked to comment.

Maria Ressa, Rappler’s chief executive and executive editor, was arrested twice this year over a series of criminal charges she says are government attacks. She is currently out on bail.

She pleaded not guilty last week to tax evasion charges stemming from a 2015 bond sale that raised money from a US-based investor for the news site she co-founded.

The Philippines’ corporate regulator revoked Rappler’s business licence last year over the investment, but the site continued operating as it appealed the case in the courts.

After her second arrest the United States urged the Philippines to quickly resolve the case against Ressa, who holds Filipino and US passports, and allow her and Rappler to “operate freely.”

The Duterte administration maintains the Rappler cases have nothing to do with press freedom. PNA and AFP

VOICE OF HOPE. Leyte 1st District Rep. and Tingog Party-List 1st Nominee Yedda Marie

Romualdez (right) delivers her ‘Malasakit’ message to more than 300 Barangay and Municipal Officials of Burauen, Leyte during their meet and greet and campaign sortie. Romualdez stresses that if elected, Tingog will push for regional development to uplift Eastern Visayas from poverty, intensified investments in infrastructure support especially in rural communities. Ver Noveno

Marinduque airport with new runway inaugurated

By Joel E. Zurbano THE government has inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Marinduque Airport which now features new passenger terminal building and extended runway.

The P9-million rehabilitation of the passenger terminal building, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, was implemented in April 2016 and was completed on March 4.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the project improved the 560 sqm building by dropping the height of its ceiling, installing air conditioning units and X-ray machines, and replacing its accordion walls with glass walls, making it more convenient, safer, and more secure, unlike its previous design. The facility is now also equipped with CCTV cameras.

On Nov. 9, 2018, the concreting project of the airport’s runway was also completed.

Makati City to enforce traffic scheme

Manicad pushes for AI services IF ELECTED in the 2019 midterm elections, broadcast journalist and senatorial candidate Jiggy Manicad said he would push for a bill aiming to develop the Business Process Outsourcing industry by enhancing workers’ skills and promoting services using artificial intelligence in the country.

“If we want our BPO industry to remain competitive, we have to level up by providing more AI solutions such as in facial and voice recognition, user communication and data processing,” Manicad, who is running independently for the Senate, said in a press statement.

“In the next three, five years, some call center workers will become jobless. Experts say that companies are expected to move their offshore services back home because they have no need for real people accomplishing tasks that can already be done by AI. The logical next step is to train our workers to be the people behind the AI,” he said.

A recent study by Pricewaterhouse Coopers estimates that AI would contribute $15.7 trillion annually to the global economy by 2030, eclipsing the combined output of China and India.

“We can’t afford to be left behind.

There are hundreds of thousands of BPO workers all over the country who will be affected because of new technologies. Our population growth is also not slowing down, so we have to push for new fields that can continue to provide good employment,” he said.

According to Manicad, since the Philippines is already a key global player in the BPO market, it is high time that the country invests in training, skills building, and research to upgrade the capabilities of Filipinos to innovate in the field.

“We need a bill that will institutionalize the steps to be taken to further develop the BPO industry. Ang kailangan natin dito ay budget para sa research at development, training and skills building, at pag-upgrade ng resources para sa mga schools at institutions natin dito,” Manicad shared.

‘Don’t close down provincial bus terminals’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

STRESSING the disadvantages of closing down provincial bus terminals to the commuting public, former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile urged the Metro Manila Development Authority to reconsider its decision to go ahead.

MMDA had decided to close down all provincial bus terminals on EDSA and transfer them to areas outside of Metro Manila.

But Enrile underscored the need for the MMDA to have a thorough discussion with commuters, bus companies, and provincial

transport services to see if there were less drastic measures that could be explored.

“If they really must close the EDSA terminals, they need to make sure that the alternative terminals to ferry provincial commuters in and around Metro Manila are completely operational,” he said.

Enrile, who is running for senator in the midterm elections in May, said commuters from the North including Cagayan—his home province—Isabela, the Ilocos provinces, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya would be greatly inconvenienced by the move to shut down all provincial bus terminals on Edsa.

He also noted that thousands of provincial commuters from Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Quezon, Bicol and other provinces in the South would likely be suffering the same inconvenience of transferring from one bus to another before reaching their final destination.

Fresh from his three-day campaign in the Bicol region, Enrile shared, “One of the primary complaints of the citizens in Bicolandia is the additional burden in terms of time, money, and comfort of the transfer in bus terminals from commuters from the South.”

“We have to take into account the struggle this would cause on the part of commuters,” Enrile said.

THE Makati City government announced on Friday it would enforce a traffic rerouting scheme in connection with the city’s traditional activity this Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

City chief information officer Romulo Salgado Jr. said several major streets in the city would be closed during the entire week from 6 a.m. (April 14) to 10 p.m. (April 21) to make way for the construction of makeshift chapels or kalbaryos and for the conduct of the annual religious events.

Streets to be closed include: Gen. Luna (From P. Burgos Street to Mercado Street), Enriquez (From Don Pedro Street to Fermina Street), San Marcos (From Pagulayan Street to P. Burgos Street), San Juan (From Pagulayan Street to P. Burgos Street), Don Pedro (From Gabaldon Street to Manalac Street), Guanzon (From P. Burgos Street to Makati Avenue), San Mateo (From D.M. Rivera Street to P. Gomez Street), Agno (From D.M. Rivera Street to P. Gomez Street), Doña Epifania (From A. Mabini Street to Agno Street) Joel E. Zurbano

Bail receipt shows ‘link’

AMID the exchange of tirades between the military and Karapatan, which persistently denies being a front organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army, a receipt for the bail payment of an NPA leader in 2015 seems to show otherwise.

A photocopy of official receipt No. 8369533 B, obtained Thursday from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, indicates that P200,000 cash bond was paid by then Karapatan-Southern Mindanao Region secretary general Honey May Suazo on July 7, 2015, for the release of arrested leader Zaldy Canete alias “Ka Jinggoy”.

The payment was received by the office of lawyer Albert A. Torrijos, of the Regional Trial Court in Tagum City.

Canete, who was arrested in Davao del Norte province in January 2010, is facing multiple murder charges in connection with several rebel attacks.

After his release, Canete reportedly became commander of the NPA’s 1st Pulang Bagani Command in Southern Mindanao, replacing Leoncio Pitao alias “Ka Parago”, who was killed in an encounter with Army soldiers in Barangay Pañalum, Paquibato District in Davao City at around 2:30 p.m. of June 28, 2015.

Canete, who reportedly joined the NPA when he was 13 years old, has been tagged by law enforcers in the death of Loreto, Agusan del Sur Mayor Dario Otaza, 57, and his son, Darryl, 20, who were forcibly taken by suspected members of NPA disguised as National Bureau of Investigation agents from their house at around 6:50 of Oct. 19, 2015.

GRATEFUL CANDIDATE. Former Senate president and Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino Senatorial candidate Juan Ponce Enrile thanks Senator Manny Pacquiao for his endorsement during Enrile’s visit to General Santos on Tuesday. ‘I am thankful for the endorsement of Senator Manny Pacquiao, the People’s Champ, for my candidacy to the Senate. He is a hero to me and to all

Local communists undesirable in Zambo IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay—The Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drugs Council recently have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army as “persona non grata” in the province.

The resolutions was passed during the joint second quarter meeting of the PPOC and PADAC presided by Gov. Wilter Yap Palma last Monday.

This was attended by Army’s

102nd Infantry Battalion Commander Brigadier General Bagnus Gaerlan, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Commander Police Col. Jerry V. Protacio, DILG Provincial Director Oliver Ombos and all members of PPOC and Anti-Drug Council and chiefs of Police from the 16 municipalities of the province.

According to Gaerlan, the approach would cut insurgency as its roots with the support of all sectors in the commu-

nity and government agencies.

Palma said declaring persona non grata against NPA is the first step to institutionalize the whole nation approach to end the communist insurgency and attain inclusive and sustainable peace.

The province’s peace and order, major programs and concern on May 13 midterm elections were also discussed during the joint council meeting.

Sports

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SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Generika, PLDT dispute last semis slot in Superliga

Warriors gunning for more NBA playoff glory LOS ANGELES—-The top seeded Golden State Warriors face the first challenge in their quest for a NBA three-peat, which begins on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The back-to-back league champions hope to use home court to their advantage when they open their first round playoff series against Clippers at Oracle Arena. Game two is Monday.

“This is what we have been waiting for and we know what is at stake,” forward Klay Thompson said.

There is a sense among the Warriors they need to get the job done before Kevin Durant and Thompson’s pending free agency this summer.

Golden State have a lot going for them—including winning the season series over the Clippers 3-1 and a 27-point blowout in their most recent contest.

The Warriors hardly broke a sweat in that game and it has been similar in the opening round where they have won 16 and lost just two games in the first round in the coach Steve Kerr era.

“It is a good matchup geographically, but it is a hell of an opponent,” said Kerr.

Golden State finished the regular season with the top seed in the Western Conference after finishing with 57 wins and 25 losses.

The Warriors are making their seventh-straight playoff appearance, winning three NBA championships in the last four seasons (2015, 2017, 2018).

They have earned four consecutive NBA finals appearances since their return to the playoffs in 2013.

“I like where we are, I think everybody has their roles in place,” said Durant. “We established those in the last couple of weeks in the season.

“The last month of the season we really put our game into playoff preparation. We were thinking about it every game.

“We were trying to test the limits mentally to see how far we could take it in the regular season so we could get prepared for the playoffs.”

The Warriors are a much different team than the one that lost to the Clippers in the playoffs in 2014, the last time they failed to reach the finals.

Elsewhere, the Toronto Raptors are itching to exorcise some of their playoff demons when their path to a new playoff fate begins with the Orlando Magic.

When you think of the Raptors’ recent playoff history what stands out the most is teams that failed to live up to expectations. They have two first round exits, two ousters in the league quarter-finals and one in the semis in the past five seasons. AFP

Pila, Gabasa share MVPSF golf honors ROLANDO Pila fought back from three holes down in morning play then unleashed a strong finishing kick to turn back Harvey Sytiongsa, 2-up, while Junia Gabasa outlasted Pamela Mariano to fashion out a 5&4 triumph in the finals of the fourth MVPSF Visayas Regional Match Play Champioanships at Cebu Country Club yesterday.

Pila struggled in the early going of their marathon 36-hole duel and still trailed his fellow club bet by three with only 10 holes left. But he birdied Nos. 9 and 11 to pull within, yielded another hole on the 12th but took three straight holes from No. 14 to go 1-up before birdying the last hole to complete a come-from-behind 2-up victory in men’s play.

The top-seeded Gabasa, on other hand, fought it out on even terms with the No. 2 Mariano after 18 holes but won Nos. 5, 6 and 8 before winning Nos. 13 and 14 to wrap up the ladies crown in the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT Group, Cignal and Metro Pacific and hosted by CCC. Earlier, Masaichi Otake birdied the 17th to force an all-square match with Aidric Chan then parred the last to steal a 1-up victory over last week’s Philippine Junior champion in their duel for third place in the event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Game Today (Filoil Flying V Centre) 4 p.m. – Generika-Ayala vs PLDT

Brooks Koepka of the United States reacts to a missed birdie putt on the 18th green during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. AFP

Koepka, DeChambeau share Masters’ golf lead

A

UGUSTA—Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau burst out of the crowd Thursday at Augusta National, firing sixunder par 66s to share a one-shot lead over Phil Mickelson after the first round of the Masters.

Hours after 14-time major champion Tiger Woods electrified fans by briefly putting his name atop the leaderboard, Koepka lit up the fabled course with five birdies in the space of six holes to break free atop a crowded leaderboard that at one point saw nine players sharing the lead.

But DeChambeau had an answer, roaring home with four straight birdies—and six birdies in his last seven holes.

Mickelson, the three-time Masters winner who at 48 could become the oldest major winner ever, kept pace with the 20-something leaders with five birdies in the last seven holes in his five-under 67.

That matched his opening round in 2010—the year Mickelson claimed his third green jacket.

He nearly aced the par-three 16th and a birdie at 18 put Mickelson one shot in front of 43-year-old Ian Poulter and

34-year-old Dustin Johnson, who shared fourth place on 68.

Former champion Adam Scott of Australia, Spain’s Jon Rahm, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, South African Justin Harding and American Kevin Kiser were a shot back on three-under 69, with Woods heading a big group on 70.

Red-hot Rory McIlroy, seeking a breakthrough Masters that would make him just the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam, was left regretting six bogeys in a one-over par 73.

But as he departed the course, the Northern Ireland star expressed surprise that no one was taking advantage of the rain-softened layout.

“It’s there for the taking,” McIlroy said.

“I’m surprised someone hasn’t run off.

Cue Koepka and DeChambeau.

Koepka, winner of a second straight US Open title last year along with the PGA Championship, didn’t put a foot wrong.

He nabbed the first of his six birdies at the par-five second to make the turn at one-under.

Koepka rolled in a five-footer at the 10th and after a par at 11, he drained a putt from off the green at 12, rolled in a four-footer at 13 and curled in a 16-footer at 14. He hit his third shot to two feet for a birdie at 15 as he stretched his lead to as many as two strokes.

“I don’t want to say you kind of black out, but you’re not really thinking about anything,” he said of his hot stretch. “You make it kind of a reaction sport. You kind of see your shot, and then whatever you see just pull the trigger and go.

“It seems like an hour period where that goes by in about five, 10 minutes.”

‘Magical back nine’ DeChambeau, however, kept the pressure on. He, too, nearly aced 16, he chipped in at 17 and his 195-yard second shot at 18 rattled the flagstick but didn’t drop, leaving him a last tap-in birdie.

“What a magical back nine,” said DeChambeau, who had never posted a round in the 60s at Augusta. “Wind started to pick up, right around Amen Corner, and it was tough. AFP

IT’S now or never for Generika-Ayala and PLDT Home Fibr as they dispute the last semifinal seat in a suddendeath battle in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Action starts at 4 p.m. with both the Lifesavers and the Power Hitters looking to catch the last bus to the next round of this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled

by Asics, Mueller, Mikasa, Senoh, Team Rebel Sports, Bizooku, UCPB Gen, Cocolife, Hotel Sogo and Data Project.

Reigning champion Petron was the first to book a seat in the semifinals when it crushed Sta. Lucia in straight sets. Then, Cignal followed with a masterful conquest of United VC in the second game.

On the contrary, F2 Logistics threaded the eye of a needle before surviving a rejuvenated Foton side, 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-19, in a quarterfinal showdown late Thursday that has ESPN5 and 5Plus as broadcast partners.

Lindsay Stalzer and MJ Perez— two of the best foreign players ever to compete in the country—displayed their championship form to deliver the crucial blows down the stretch.

Stalzer finished with 26 points while Perez notched 21 hits for the Cargo Movers, who also banked on the local crew of Aby Marano, Alex Cabanos, Dawn Macandili and Ara Galang in completing the great escape.

The Cargo Movers are now waiting for their foes in the best-of-three semifinal series, making the kill-or-be killed battle between the Lifesavers and Power Hitters a must-watch.

PLDT marched into the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage after finishing fourth in the doubleround classification.

But that edge was completely washed away after Generika-Ayala pulled off a four-set conquest in their first quarterfinal encounter last Tuesday.

Generika-Ayala coach Sherwin Meneses said there’s no assurance that they can duplicate that feat, but they will go all out to advance to the semifinals and match their finish in the All-Filipino Conference last year.

Globe’s Team Liyab nails 2 titles at PH Pro Gaming League TEAM Liyab, the professional esports team of Globe in partnership with Mineski, secured their first Philippine Pro Gaming League titles at the League of Legends and Arena of Valor events.

The team defeated fellow local greats TNC, Resurgence and Kidlat in last weekend’s tournament held at Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig to take home the crown and a total of P400,000 in prizes.

The Liyab LoL squad faced fellow powerhouse Arkangel in the semifinals of the first day. Arkangel managed to surprise Liyab in the opening game, and took the lead of the series. Nonetheless, the team’s championship experience led them to reign supreme over competition and took over the next two games in dominating fashion to book their spot in the grand finals.

In the finals, Team Liyab LoL went against TNC, the same squad that defeated them in last year’s PPGL. The team came out prepared and swinging, as they took out TNC with two quick victories to grab the PPGL 2019 - Season

Members of Team Liyab

1 LoL championship title.

The team’s bid for the Arena of Valor crown took off with a very challenging semifinals. Liyab-AOV faced Resurgence during the semifinals which saw them go head-to-head against a roster

that included two former members of last year’s champions, Clutch Guild, and three members of Resurgence Malaysia Superteam who were two-time champions at Valor Cup Malaysia Seasons 2 and 3. After a heart-stopping first game

Holloway-Poirier’s UFC 236 to air on FOX+ THE big event for UFC 236 is none other than the Main Card bout between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier.

The Interim Lightweight Title is up for grabs in this all-or-nothing event and these fighters will stop at nothing to win it all.

Initially, there are no outstanding differences between these two terrific fighters. Both have had successful careers and a good overall record.

It should be anybody’s game. But it should be said that Holloway is currently coming from a whopping 13-win streak. His last loss came at the hands of the legendary Connor McGregor, and that was way back in 2013. Since then he has been unstoppable. Holloway is also riding his own 5-match streak without a loss. And has beaten fighters such as Pettis, Medeiros, and Alvarez. Both are

great strikers and we can expect a lightning-fast match between the two.

But the betting world has already made their stakes known. Poirier stands at around +170 and Holloway at a -200.

Many claim that by the end of the bout, Holloway will have his fists raised in the octagon as the champion.

Which way will you throw your support? The match is still hard to determine and anything goes. Can’t wait to find out? Tune in to FOX+ and stream the main event this April 13 only on FOX+! Download FOX+ from Google Play Store or the App Store. New subscribers get a 30-day free trial. For more information, visit foxplus.com.

FOX Networks Group Asia (FNG Asia) is 21st Century Fox’s multi-media business in Asia Pacific and the Middle

East. FNG Asia develops, produces and distributes entertainment, sports, factual and movie channels in 14 languages. The FNG Asia portfolio includes over 30 channel brands, on both linear and nonlinear platforms, including FOX Sports, FOX Life, FOX Movies, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo People, SCM (formerly STAR Chinese Movies) and SCC (formerly STAR Chinese Channel) and its on-demand video-streaming service FOX+. As the region’s leading broadcaster, FNG Asia reaches more than 580 million cumulative homes with offices in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Australia and the UAE. FNG Asia is a fully owned subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

defeat, Liyab cruised through the final round with two consecutive wins in the last two games.

The AoV Grand Finals set the stage for a thrilling battle of the elements between Liyab and Kidlat Esports. Team Liyab AOV stunned their good friends and long-time pros from Kidlat with a sweeping 3-0 win.

This groundbreaking performance also earned the team a fitting celebration of the first anniversary of their regional championship Valor Cup Season 1 in 2018 where they bested top teams from Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines to become the region’s best team.

The team is set to continue their bid for local and regional esports domination with the upcoming Hearthstone tournaments this month. Liyab’s Cara Cute is gearing up to qualify for two big Hearthstone tournaments later this April. She will be participating at the Asia-Pacific Hearthstone Nationals Qualifier, as she aims to claim one of the two coveted spots for the Philippines in WCG Hearthstone leg on April 21.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

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SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

Phoenix, SMB start semifinal showdown

By Jeric Lopez TOP seed Phoenix will finally get its acid test as it plunges into action against four-time defending champion San Miguel Beer in the semifinals of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. The Fuel Masters and the Beermen open their best-of-seven semis series with Game 1 slated at 6:30 p.m. today at the Mall of Asia Arena with both of them seeking for the driver seat.

Phoenix is enjoying a splendid campaign so far, having their firstever semis stint, while San Miguel is back in familiar territory.

“We’re serious in what we’re trying to achieve. We’re here to win it all,” said Jason Perkins, who is a steady force for the Fuel Masters.

“Our core players are used to this.

We’re back here in the semifinals and we hope our experience can be our weapon,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.

Phoenix dispatched Alaska, 9176, right away in the quarterfinals on its first try to move forward while San Miguel, led by five-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, got pushed to the limit before fully flexing its championship muscle.

The Beermen showed their championship swag by dominating TNT KaTropa, 96-86, in Game 3 of their best-ofthree quarters series to advance.

If the two teams’ lone meeting in the conference thus far serves as a preview, then a barn-burner should be expected.

In one of the most thrilling games of the elimination round, Phoenix was able to top San Miguel, 96-93, to claim the top seed and show that it is ready for the big time.

Ferrari chief sees shades of father in Mick Schumacher SHANGHAI—Mick Schumacher is “very similar” to his famous father in how he conducts himself off the track, said Ferrari’s Formula One team principal on Friday.

The 20-year-old son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher got his first full experience of driving an F1 car during testing in Bahrain earlier this month.

Mick followed in the footsteps of his legendary father in getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari, completing 56 laps on an emotional occasion for his watching mother Corinna.

Michael has not been seen in public since suffering a severe head injury while skiing in December 2013.

“The first time I saw him (Mick) after many years when he came back, I looked at him and don’t think he really looked similar to Michael,” said Ferrari’s Mattia Binotto.

“But the way he’s behaving is very similar—the approach, the way he’s interested in the car, discussing conditions.

“He was always looking at the car, speaking to the mechanics. That’s very similar to his father.”

Speaking in Shanghai ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Binotto was keen not to lumber Mick with even higher expectations, with interest already intense interest in the youngster.

“The objective was not really to assess the performance in the very first day in an F1 car,” said Binotto.

“More important for him is the learning phase. Day by day he is advancing a completely new challenge in his F2 season.”

Following his European Formula 3 title last year, Mick made his Formula 2 debut in Bahrain, finishing eighth and sixth in the two races.

He joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in January, entering into a partnership with the team that helped his father win five F1 championships.

Thai Arpichaya Yubol celebrates her breakthrough win on the LPGT.

Thai teen upstages Saso at Manila Golf

By Peter Atencio

T

HAILAND’S Aprichaya Yubol had a great game all afternoon as she prevailed in a close encounter with Fil-Japanese sensation Yuka Saso yesterday in the ICTSI Manila Golf Ladies’ Classic at the windswept Manila Golf and Country Club Course in Makati City.

The 17-year-old golfer hit a 5-foot birdie putt in the 534-yard, par 5 18th hole to submit an even-par 71 score and finish with a 54-hole tally of four under 209.

Saso, who was in the same flight with Yubol, had a two over par 3 score after nine holes and struggled from four bogeys in the backnine. Scoring a couple of pars in the last two holes for a oneover 72 enabled Saso to settle for second spot with a 210.

“I’m really happy for this win. This is a new experience for me,” said Yubol, who came from a her second interna-

tional title since winning the Singapore Junior Championship.

Yubol, who hails from Bangkok, went on to claim the net prize of $13,125 after coming up with rounds of 70, 68, 71.

Yubol’s victory also underscored Thailand’s domination of the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., joining compatriots Yupaporn Kawinpakorn (Pradera Verde) and Thanutra Boonraksasat (Southwoods) in the winners’ circle with six legs left in the seventh season of LPGT. The Thais also won six of 11 tournaments last season.

Saso, who said there was nothing

wrong with her game that afternoon, got a trophy for her runnerup finish, and no cash award due to her amateur status.

“There was no problem with my game today. Sometimes things go your way, sometimes, it doesn’t,” said Saso, who had rounds of 67, 71 and 72.

Taiwanese bets Hsuan Chen and TzuYi Chang settled for third and fourth, respectively, with similar 212 totals.

Sock Hwee Koh of Singapore was fifth (213).

Saso started her day by scoring pars on the first three holes to take a one-stroke lead over Yubol and Chang.

Thai Pimpadsorn Sangkagaro limped with a 73 and dropped to sixth at 214 while 2017 LPGT Order of Merit champion Pauline del Rosario carded a second straight 72 and tied for seventh at 215 with Thai Chommapat Pongthanarak (72) and Japanese Mina Nakayama (75).

Miranda best Asian driver in TCR Asia Series IT WAS a dream debut for Daniel Miranda following his recent victory on his very first race weekend in the TCR Asia Series.

Supported by Cebuana Lhuillier, the driver from Cebu delivered a masterclass performance during the season opener at the Sepang International Circuit last April 5 to 7, with him being hailed as the top Asian driver of the series.

“Cebuana Lhuillier is proud to support an exceptional and talented athlete like Daniel. His strong showing and exceptional finish on his very first race is a testament of his talent and determination to raise the Philippine flag on the racing circuit. We are honored to be on Daniel’s team and we look forward to his succeeding races,” said Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

The promising racer, meanwhile, was thankful for his feat and is already looking forward to conquering the next track.

“This is my first race in TCR Series Asia together with Eurasia and it has been quite a learning experience so far.

I’m very happy with our podium finish on my debut and definitely looking forward to the next round at Zhuhai. We’re hoping to land on the podium again and score points for the championship. Thank you Cebuana Lhuillier for the support and everyone in the team and the family,” said Miranda.

The Filipino driver initially struggled with setup and electrical issues on the #20 Hyundai i30 N TCR of Eurasia Motorsport. This prevented him from Qualifying higher than P5 in QTT1 and P9 in QTT2 out of a 15-car grid.

The slight setback, however, didn’t stop Miranda from charging to the front of the pack in Race 1. A lightning quick start allowed him to move up from P9 up to P6 on the opening lap. He

Daniel Miranda and his #20 Hyundai i30 N TCR is all set to conquer the international circuit.

then had to defend his position for 11 grueling laps, which included a Safety Car period, and ensured that he safely crossed the finish line 6th overall and 2nd out of the Asian drivers.

Everything then came together for Miranda and Eurasia Motorsport in Race 2 on Sunday. Now with his car setup sorted and a front row start, the 22-year-old rocketed into the lead on the run to the first turn. He then opened an advantage in the opening laps until Diego Moran caught up and forced his way through on lap 5.

Miranda put pressure on the Ecuadorian driver, but didn’t get the opportunity to overtake before the chequered flag dropped.

Knights rout Tigers, take 1-0 lead in MPBL finals DAVAO—San Juan invaded Davao like a conqueror and its Knights were able to run roughshod over the Tigers, 84-74, to take the head start in the MPBL Datu Cup National Finals at the Almendras Gym here late Thursday night.

The Knights banked on their torrid shooting all game long to torch the home team, shooting 52 percent from the field. In the first half alone, they had a steady 63-percent shooting, including a 72-percent clip from the two-point region.

They’re form from beyond the arc was also high in the first 20 minutes of play, making four-of-10 shots. It was the highest field-goal percentage by a visiting team this season.

After 20 minutes, three players already tallied double-digit outputs, with Mac Cardona and Mike Ayonayon scoring 11 apiece and John Wilson producing 10.

Despite repeated uprisings of the Tigers, the Knights were able to hold on as Wilson knocked in nine of his 21 points in the third period to keep their rivals at bay.

“We were able to shoot well because we played good defense. Nag-concentrate kami sa mga key players nila, ‘yung ex-pros, si (Eman) Calo. I have to give credit to the players namin— gamit man or reserves. Nagtrabaho talaga sila ng husto,” said San Juan coach Randy Alcantara.

San Juan’s win allowed the squad to take away the home-court advantage of Davao Occidental. The Knights will play the host Tigers on Saturday at the more spacious Rizal Memorial College Gymnasium here where they gun for a commanding 2-0 lead.

More importantly, the Knights put themselves in a better position to win the series at home as Games 3 and 4 will be held at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Davao Occidental needs to win at home on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial College at 3:30 p.m. to at least get a chance of playing back at its home court once the series reaches Game 5.

San Juan’s bench production had 41 points, 20 more than its rivals.

PH advances to mixed team semis at SEA squash

Jemyca Aribado hits a forehand against Thailand’s Anantana Prasertratanakul in the mixed team event of the 5th SEA Cup Suash championships at the Kerry Sports courts in Taguig City last Thursday.

THE Philippines swept its Group A matches against Thailand and Indonesia, respectively, late Thursday night to advance to the mixed team event semifinals of the 5th Southeast Asian Cup Squash Cup Championships at the Kerry Sports Courts inside the Shangri-la Hotel at the Fort in Taguig City.

The Kayod Pilipinas bets blanked the Thais, 5-0, then subdued the Indonesians, 4-1, in topping the group and a place in the semis scheduled late today in the six-nation tournament organized by the Philippine Squash Academy and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The Filipinos were expected to

play the Singaporeans, who fell, 2-3, to Malaysia in the Group B match also the same night to finish second in the group with 1-1 win-loss slate after earlier blanking Brunei, 5-0, earlier in the meet also backed by Alaska Fortified, MVP Sports Foundation, Meralco, PLDT and Smart.

Malaysia was set to pick up its second straight win to lord it over Group B at the expense of winless Brunei in the remaining match still playing at presstime of the tourney serving as a test event of the 30th Philippine Southeast Asian Games.

Playing a pivotal role in both PH squad wins was Jamyca Aribado, who prevailed over her women’s singles opponents in the best-of-5

tie despite playing with a sprained ankle suffered during practice last week before the tournament also supported by Salming and Dunlop, the official ball.

Down, 0-2, to Anantana Prasertanakul in the PH-Thailand tie, Aribado took off the tape on her ankle that limited her mobility to step up and fashion a rousing 6-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 comeback win after 36 minutes of play.

Given an eight-hour break, Aribado, currently ranked No. 88 in the Professional Squash Association world ratings, sprung back into action to subdue Indonesia’s Catur Yliana, 11-4, 11-6, 12-10, much to the delight of the small hometown gallery that stayed on to watch her play late into the night.

IN BRIEF

Yamamoto is new NEC Philippines chief

NEC Philippines announced the appointment of a new president effective April 1 this year.

Joji Yamamoto has been promoted to president from his prior appointment as deputy president of NECPH. Yamamoto has amassed over 20 years of experience in Asia’s ICT industry since joining NEC Corp. in 1995.

This includes his stint in NEC Corp.’s Carrier Sales Division from 1995 to 2006 and his role as vice president at NEC Thailand’s Carrier and Public Safety Division from 2013 to 2017.

“Mr. Yamamoto brings with him a wealth of experience in navigating Asia’s business climate. We are confident that NECPH will prosper under his stewardship and usher in an exciting future for all of us,” said NEC Asia Pacific chief executive Tetsuro Akagi.

Yamamoto said, he was honored to take on the new role and continue advancing NEC’s business in Philippines.

“Philippines have been taking massive steps in enhancing its digital capabilities and NEC’s portfolio of industry-leading ICT solutions are well placed to help Philippines thrive and overcome any challenges in its way,” he added.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

Bangsamoro co-ops get 16 boom trucks

CALACA, Batangas—Sixteen brand new units of boom trucks intended to improve the stability of power supply in the Bangsamoro region were turned over by the National Electrification Administration and the Japan International Cooperation Agency to six electric cooperatives on April 10.

The boom trucks were part of the 771-million yen grant aid provided by the Japanese government through JICA to the Philippine government for the “Project for Improvement of Equipment for Power Distribution in Bangsamoro Area,” which was signed on March 30, 2017.

Recipients of the project were the Basilan Electric Cooperative Inc., Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc., Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Inc., Siasi Electric Cooperative Inc., Sulu Electric Cooperative Inc. and Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperativ, Inc. The ECs were chosen as beneficiaries of the project due to their low electrification connection, high power distribution loss, frequent outages, old and dilapidated equipment and materials, which have affected their operational efficiencies, and delivery of services to the consumers.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

B1

By Darwin G. Amojelar

BPI-EMIRATES DEAL. Emirates Philippines country manager Satish Sethi (left) and Bank of the Philippine Islands head of credit cards and personal loans Jenny Lacerna seal their exclusive partnership to offer special discounted rates to BPI credit cardholders for flights to UAE, Europe, North and South America and South Africa. BPI Cardholders can enjoy round-trip fares for as low as $864 for flights to Europe, $960 to Dubai, $1,134 to South Africa and $ 1,284 to the United States, with the option to fly out from Manila, Clark or Cebu. The promo runs until April 14, 2019, with travel period starting from April 2 to December 31, 2019.

BSP likely to trim bank reserves soon, says ING I

By Julito G. Rada

NG Bank Manila expects the resumption of reserve requirement reduction to occur soon, judging from the statements made by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno at the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund’s Spring meeting in Washington.

Diokno said in an interview in Washington he remained open to easing monetary policy, adding all moves would remain data dependent and “evidence based.” Asked whether it was time to cut policy rates in May, Diokno replied the real question was not “whether we cut, it is when.”

Asked on whether RRR cuts were also on the agenda in May, Diokno con-

firmed such moves, which have been relegated to the “non-policy” space during the late governor Nestor Espenilla’s term, were on the table “all the time.”

“This shows that cuts to RRR can be carried out at non-policy meetings, just as they were delivered in 2018 and even at a time wherein inflation was accelerating past target,” ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said in a report Friday.

“The word that comes out as the most crucial from all this is ‘timing.’ Previously, Deputy Governor Guinigundo indicated that RRR cuts would happen eventually, with the BSP gauging the best “timing’ to do so,” Mapa said.

“Diokno now brings out the ‘timing issue’ to both the RRP and RRR during his interview in Washington. It looks like the BSP will have to determine which move will come first with market fully anticipating that RRR cuts to come first at a non-policy meeting, to eventually be followed by a cut to the policy rate as inflation cools,” Mapa said.

“ING maintains our expectation that re-

ductions to the RRR will be conducted in the near term at a non-policy meeting while the BSP will seriously consider slashing policy rates (the RRP) as inflation cools and as more and more signs point to a weak firstquarter GDP print,” Mapa said.

Earlier, Diokno said the Monetary Board would continue to be data-dependent in deciding when to resume the reduction in reserve requirement ratios of banks, one of the highest in the region.

The reserve requirement (or cash reserve ratio) is a central bank regulation employed by most, but not all, of the world’s central banks, that sets the minimum amount of reserves that must be held by a commercial bank.

The Monetary Board in February 2018 made a one-percentage point cut in the reserve requirement of banks from 20 percent to 19 percent.

The board said the operational adjustment would support the Bangko Sentral’s shift toward a more market-based implementation of monetary policy as well as its broad financial market reform agenda.

THE Department of Transportation and the Philippine Ports Authority will rehabilitate the Pasig River ferry terminal project.

Dubbed as the “Bagong Tawiran ng Bayan,” the development of the Pasig River Ferry Terminal aims to rehabilitate the current “tawiran” stations where passengers take a ferry to cross the river.

Construction works will soon begin, with the project expected for completion by the middle of 2020.

Four more stations are looking to be added in the future.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the rehabilitation project aims to improve the facilities of the “tawiran” stations for a better commuting experience, especially for longtime users.

“I am very pleased that the Pasig River Ferry Terminal development project will now push through, thanks to the efforts of the PPA and the Local Government of Manila. Tuloy na tuloy na po ito para sa ikagiginhawa ng ating mga kababayan,” Tugade said.

Currently, ‘bangkas’ transport commuters across the Pasig River from one station to another in just under one minute and 30 seconds at a fare of P4.

DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Fernando Juan Perez said the rehabilitation of “tawiran” stations was seen to encourage public use of the major waterway to help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

“Every day, almost a thousand Filipinos, particularly those who are part of the working class of our country, primarily depend on the transportation offered by ‘bangkas’ in Sta. Ana,” Perez said.

“We believe that this project is very important and timely, since the DOTr is currently making ways to efficiently use our inland waters as a means of transportation to ease up congestion on our roads,” he said.

Nissan names Atsushi as new president in PH

By Othel V. Campos

WESM operator readies Mindanao electricity market

By Alena Mae S. Flores

INDEPENDENT Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, is laying the groundwork for the eventual operations of the Mindanao electricity spot market this year.

IEMOP recently conducted its firstever Market Participants Update since assuming WESM operations from Philippine Electricity Market Corp. in September last year.

IEMOP during the market participants’ meeting stressed the imminent implementation of WESM in Mindanao to enable more participants to reap the benefits of a robust and competitive electricity market.

The WESM is the country trading floor of electricity. It is a centralized venue for buyers and sellers to trade electricity as a commodity, where prices are based on actual use (demand) and availability (supply).

IEMOP also underscored the importance of promoting market development and enhancing customer experience through open and continuous stakeholder dialogue and effective feedback mechanisms.

“In 2019, we plan to continue these meaningful undertakings to make sure that our participants get more value out of their WESM membership. As operator of the WESM, IEMOP will be a liable service provider, ever ready to meet the needs and exceed expectations of our stakeholders,” IEMOP president Francis Saturnino Juan said.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

DOTr, PPA set to restore ferry terminals of Pasig River

PH to keep market access post-Brexit

THE Philippines has secured a commitment from the United Kingdom to keep the same level of market access to Britain post-Brexit under any scenario, including a no-deal Brexit.

The Department of Trade and Industry said the arrangement would be similar to the preferential market access currently enjoyed under the European Union Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said any post-Brexit scenario would not have a significant effect on the Philippines.

Lopez’s assessment is in contrast to the recent study of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development showing that the Philippines would be the 12th trading partner most affected in a post-Brexit scenario. The study did not take into consideration current bilateral talks between the Philippines and the UK. The Philippines in the past two months PH has engaged the UK on three high level dialogues.

The UK has given reassurances about the continuation of Philippines’ GSP+ level market access to the UK post-Brexit. Othel V. Campos

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

METRO RETAIL IN BACOLOD. Cebu retailer Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. opens the Metro Supermarket and Department Store at Ayala Capitol Central in Bacolod City. Metro Ayala Capitol Supermarket and Department Store, MRSGI’s 54th store, strengthens its presence in the region and underscores its commitment to grow through operational excellence and quality customer service. Leading the opening ceremonies are (from left) Barangay Captain Joana Magalona, Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, MRSGI chairman and Cchief executive Frank Gaisano, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, MRSGI president and chief operating officer Manuel Alberto and Ayala Malls general manager Sharon Ciocon.

Local manufacturing sector to benefit from US-China row

THE domestic manufacturing sector will benefit from the ongoing trade war between the world’s top economic powerhouse, the United States and China, an Asian Development Bank official said.

Mahinthan Joseph Mariasingham, an ADB statistician who spoke in a recent symposium jointly organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Philippine APEC Study Center Network, and Chung Hua Institution for Economic Research, said the Philippine manufacturing could see a boost of 0.2 percent to 0.7 percent, mainly in electronics.

“The assumption is that [the] PH economy is able to attract more trade from tariff-affected economies,” Mariasingham said, adding electronics was one of the manufacturing sub-sectors highly integrated into the global value

chain.

He said from the imposition of tariffs on selected products such as solar panels, washers, steel, and aluminum, globally, the US started imposing duties on a wide range of products imported from China.

Mariasingham said the US imports nearly $600 billion worth of goods and services from China, while the latter only buys about $130 billion worth of goods, making it the more affected between the two countries.

Globally, these trade conflicts “would have a small impact on the world’s gross domestic product,” but could present substantial risks once they escalate. On the other hand, the regional impacts could be offset “by potential redirection of trade and production,” he said.

Mariasingham said countries not af-

fected by the imposition of tariffs could absorb imports and exports both from China and the US, which would have been affected by the ongoing trade war.

He added this could be beneficial for developing Asian countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.

“Do you know why these three countries stand out today much higher than the rest of the [other] countries? Simply because they have the infrastructure to absorb the excess demand that would arise as a result of the imposition of tariffs by the US on Chinese products, mainly on electronic goods,” Mariasingham said.

In the Philippines, he said the manufacturing sector would gain more as a result of the trade conflict because of the huge electronics component sector of the country.Julito G. Rada

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. announced late Thursday the appointment of Atsushi Najima as the new president and managing director for Nissan Philippines Inc. effective April 1, 2019.

Atsushi will report to Vincent Wijnen, senior vice president for sales and for marketing at Nissan Asia & Oceania. He will be based in Manila.

The new company president will be responsible for developing business strategies to maximize Nissan’s overall performance, managing product introductions and expanding the availability of the Nissan brand in the Philippines under its midterm plan Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022.

“With his rich experience in managing teams across multiple countries, I am confident that Atsushi will continue to drive the strong growth trajectory established by the current leadership team,” said Wijnen.

“Under the strong leadership of Ramesh Narasimhan, Nissan has seen significant growth in the promising Philippines market. In calendar year 2018, Nissan’s sales volume in the Philippines grew by 40 percent to an 8.7 percent market share,” he added.

Sales in 2018 hit 34,952 units in 2018, making the company the third top automotive seller and manufacturer.

The company in the last two years reported an average expansion of 58 percent when industry growth was only 20 percent.

Like his predecessor Narasimhan, Atsushi has confidence to expand the brand with support.

Atsushi joined Nissan in 2016 as deputy general manager of Nissan’s regional financial management group in Japan.

Prior to the stint, he spent 18 years at Procter & Gamble across Asia, holding various finance and general management roles in the Philippines, Singapore and Japan.

B2

Business

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market declines; Bloomberry drops T HE stock market retreated for a second straight day Friday, weighed down by the delay in the passage of the proposed 2019 budget that threatens to curtail economic growth.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 74.98 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,880.82 on a value turnover of P7 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 121 to 71, withy 45 issues unchanged.

The International Monetary Fund said Thursday it reduced the 2019 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.5 percent from 6.6 percent due to the delayed approval of the 2019 government budget.

Bloomberry Resorts Corp., the

owner and operator of Solaire Resort & Casino, declined 3.3 percent to P12.42 on profit-taking. The company said Thursday it was set to start construction of a $308-million cruise port in Parañaque City in the third quarter of the year.

International Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator, dropped 3 percent to P127.30, while Puregold Price Club Inc. of retail tycoon Lucio Co lost 2.6 percent to P47.70.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group slipped 1.6 percent to P39.

The rest of Asian markets were mixed Friday as a volatile week drew to a close with investors preparing for the start of the corporate earnings season.

With few fresh developments on the China-US trade talks, the rally that characterized the first three months of the year appears to be running out of steam, while Donald Trump’s threats

of tariffs against Europe has jolted confidence.

With Wall Street providing a weak lead, Asian equities struggled for direction.

Tokyo finished 0.7 percent higher as the dollar’s rebound encouraged buying, while Shanghai pared earlier losses to close marginally down.

Hong Kong was off 0.2 percent in late trade, while Sydney and Seoul both ended the day well into positive territory.

Singapore was down in late trade.

Data Friday showed China’s imports falling more than expected in March, signaling ongoing fragility in the world’s number two economy, even as exports enjoyed a sharp rise.

Total imports sank 7.6 percent onyear last month while exports rose 14.2 percent, the data from China’s customs administration showed.

Economists polled by Bloomberg had expected a slight 0.2 percent rise in

imports with exports projected to grow 6.5 percent.

The readings come after a run of positive releases from Beijing including forecast-beating factory activity and a jump in inflation in the world’s second largest economy.

“Recent improvements in China activity data... expectations of further feed-through from policy stimulus to the real economy and signs of some partial form of US-China trade truce have all given rise to a more bullish China sentiment,” said Jasslyn Yeo, global market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management.

The business reporting season gets underway Friday in the United States and observers will be looking for a read of the corporate landscape in the first three months of the year.

The firms’ forecasts will be pored over but overall expectations for the quarter are low. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58.65 6,560 81.5 2,147,750 2.26 329,000 132 520,530 1.3 119,000 26.6 312,400 18.5 14,700 12.1 268,900 4.56 7,000 1.39 3,000 0.465 10,000 77.9 3,955,180 13.72 130,100 56.65 83,780 184 2,230 57.8 270 25.85 20,700 176 71,800 60.9 5,350

383,978 176,457,678.50 721,690 68,572,284 154,460 8,355,610 270,558 3,249,384 31,820 4,170 4,650 309,621,258 1,782,372 4,757,161.50 415,943 15,584 536,850 12,755,612 326,661

374,071 -42,412,741 2,169,304 -6,284,365 -921,300 -273,608,735 2,235,894.50 -94,000 -158,480 -2,825 -37,822

36.2 16 0.95 1.4 0.242 89.25 1.94 15.7 28.85 15.9 46 87 1.94 5.25 5.85 11.6 15.74 9.64 7.25 21.5 79.95 29.4 2.75 10.88 12.9 1.78 310 10.24 23.2 14.7 20.9 378.4 6 1.38 4.2 6.42 9.01 1.59 11.98 45.7 5.2 1.69 2.26 12.8 108.8 7.5 0.13 1.01 155.8 2.5 1.7 1.2

INDUSTRIAL 36.3 1,281,900 16.1 210,300 0.97 1,308,000 1.43 774,000 0.244 1,430,000 97.35 140 1.94 22,156,000 15.7 1,880,000 29.4 42,100 15.94 2,000 46.25 5,700 87 1,000 1.95 248,000 5.25 2,000 6 32,000 11.6 2,462,900 15.96 263,500 9.78 665,700 7.28 33,400 21.8 916,500 82.25 210,210 29.8 26,300 2.81 7,311,000 11 2,151,100 13.06 317,300 1.8 368,000 310 1,671,610 10.28 10,400 23.25 4,745,300 15.02 1,113,400 21 7,986,500 378.4 363,840 6.3 390,000 1.4 2,483,000 4.4 2,965,000 6.42 1,825,400 9.03 19,600 1.62 28,640,000 11.98 13,100 45.95 173,400 5.2 115,600 1.69 44,000 2.26 23,000 12.8 168,000 112 898,490 7.5 147,600 0.13 110,000 1.03 236,000 157 1,156,160 2.5 43,000 1.75 2,192,000 1.21 1,215,000

46,634,580 3,384,924 1,257,080 1,107,590 352,670 12,576 43,787,240 29,688,362 1,235,280 31,852 268,575 87,000 484,140 10,500 187,640 28,641,486 4,199,620 6,459,472 243,110 19,916,390 17,179,364 785,320 20,413,590 23,678,704 4,120,792 662,270 526,382,822 106,746 110,550,065 16,620,954 169,525,995 137,858,754 2,375,129 3,456,540 12,460,850 11,792,498 180,994 46,484,740 157,030 7,969,535 601,153 74,770 52,110 2,159,558 99,255,412 1,111,118 14,300 240,050 181,603,426 107,520 3,762,990 1,472,460

-27,464,170 -645,718 123,860 -18,445,530 -10,374,154 -64,450 -18,270 -175,715 1,157,806 -268,382 -4,815,300 -50,816 6,538,160 -631,219.50 -717,860 -5,219,206 -485,308 -156,193,864 -543,690 5,220,806 10,747,065 -78,716,998 1,803,550.00 -1,516,563 296,740 1,751,140 -225,193 12,966,647 -101,255 2,060 30,598,343 97,500 31,120 363,000

0.54 58.95 15.38 0.77 6.4 19.6 1.44 1.44 909 7.66 12.08 15.08 0.233 866 6.9 62.1 0.5 5.14 16 0.55 4.6 0.039 1.12 2.93 178.5 2.39 943 0.93 1.32 450.2 260.6 0.24 0.365

HOLDING FIRMS 0.54 3,133,000 59 171,170 15.4 8,040,500 0.79 189,000 6.5 122,100 19.6 52,400 1.44 7,307,000 1.46 329,000 913 276,360 7.67 690,900 12.08 5,635,300 15.08 320,100 0.242 260,000 870 45,720 6.95 42,000 62.35 753,010 0.52 120,000 5.25 594,500 16.3 1,573,800 0.55 20,000 4.6 16,220,000 0.039 4,500,000 1.12 75,000 2.93 3,091,000 181.4 1,226,320 2.39 1,000 943 223,640 0.93 2,730,000 1.36 6,000 569 4,290 268 3,510 0.245 1,990,000 0.365 3,470,000

1,713,200 10,151,682 124,756,122 147,200 791,150 1,038,651 10,584,450 476,960 252,038,090 5,324,529 69,396,418 4,833,394 60,670 39,852,320 291,472 47,297,261.50 62,220 3,094,977 25,671,622 11,000 74,844,420 175,500 84,180 9,361,780 221,498,868 2,390 211,978,055 2,552,070 7,960 2,367,490 938,030 487,840 1,280,250

-169,400 347,327.50 501,346 227,000 -6,676,730 -777,076 -3,263,446 -4,091,668 -25,419,985 277,672 1,289,899.50 500 -251,346 -7,337,646 10,450 -50,237,120 -31,200 -56,180.00 1,516,380 49,090,951 19,743,935 756,575 -10,600 -

2,902,480 259,570 12,984 96,030 197,710 662,430,315 68,195,920 9,753,430 130,248 5,183,790 123,250 9,900 1,274,900 909,650 6,096,396 7,102,620 663,850 4,897,110 855,430 482,290 62,502,159 2,030,500 12,821,620 3,580,950 60,100 3,316,280 27,450 28,657,020 63,690

-540,172 -2,364 61,141,020 81,380 -668,050.00 -3,180 1,091,286 449,350 -2,695,430 -3,916,776 -323,050 -5,400 36,400 7,650.00 7,297,150 -2,000

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58.6 83.5 2.2 132.4 1.3 27.1 18.4 12.1 4.5 1.39 0.465 78.9 13.7 56.6 188 57.6 25.9 180 61

58.65 83.55 2.26 132.4 1.3 27.1 18.5 12.14 4.57 1.39 0.465 79 13.72 57.5 188.1 57.8 26.05 180.5 62

58 81.5 2.18 131.2 1.29 26.6 18.4 12.04 4.49 1.39 0.465 77.9 13.7 56.5 184 57.6 25.8 175.5 60.9

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

36.4 16.02 0.96 1.4 0.247 89.25 1.99 15.84 29.35 15.96 48 87 1.96 5.25 6 11.66 15.8 9.7 7.27 21.85 79.95 30 2.78 10.92 13 1.78 318 10.26 23.25 15.24 21.1 382 6.35 1.4 4.2 6.47 9.4 1.62 11.98 46.15 5.22 1.72 2.28 13 109 7.5 0.13 1.01 157.3 2.5 1.74 1.23

36.55 16.2 0.97 1.44 0.248 97.35 2.02 15.84 29.4 15.96 48.9 87 1.96 5.25 6 11.66 15.98 9.79 7.3 22 82.75 30.1 2.82 11.12 13.1 1.8 319.8 10.3 23.4 15.3 21.7 382.8 6.35 1.4 4.4 6.5 9.4 1.67 12 46.15 5.22 1.72 2.28 13 112 7.65 0.13 1.03 157.8 2.51 1.75 1.24

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

0.55 59.2 15.7 0.78 6.5 20 1.44 1.45 915 7.74 12.16 15.12 0.233 873 6.9 64.05 0.52 5.15 16.6 0.55 4.69 0.039 1.13 3.07 178.9 2.39 959 0.95 1.32 498 266.2 0.245 0.375

0.57 59.75 15.7 0.79 6.5 20.25 1.46 1.46 917 7.77 12.42 15.12 0.242 882.5 6.95 64.9 0.52 5.25 16.6 0.55 4.7 0.039 1.13 3.12 182 2.39 960 0.96 1.36 574 268 0.248 0.375

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

12.96 0.76 11.82 1.93 0.77 46.7 2.43 4.24 6.49 0.54 0.85 0.9 0.24 0.395 11.5 23.5 0.5 1.53 1.39 4.82 5.81 0.36 0.5 1.86 0.435 2.5 47.9 24.05 2

13 0.78 11.82 1.93 0.79 46.75 2.47 4.34 6.5 0.54 0.85 0.9 0.241 0.395 11.7 24 0.52 1.53 1.39 4.83 5.82 0.36 0.55 1.86 0.44 2.58 47.9 24.5 2

12.88 0.76 11.8 1.92 0.75 46.4 2.42 4.24 6.3 0.52 0.85 0.9 0.24 0.385 11.4 23.25 0.5 1.52 1.38 4.82 5.71 0.355 0.5 1.79 0.42 2.49 45.3 23.7 1.99

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 39.6 1.66 6.98 0.73 7.2

3.05 39.65 1.66 6.98 0.73 7.25

3 38.85 1.65 6.75 0.73 7.17

3 39 1.66 6.85 0.73 7.25

74,000 6,895,000 549,000 220,300 19,000 1,928,500

222,350 269,862,180 909,920 1,512,222 13,870 13,941,644

-72,496,770 -36,520 -1,914,224

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PH RESORTS GRP PHIL RACING 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 19.98 1.29 0.425 0.04 16.66 2.44 12.84 0.072 86.95 5.45 6.75 10.78 890.5 1,894 5.82 389.8 2.93 131 11 7.08 0.13 5.16 2.98 15.4 3.68 0.93 22.7 0.64 3.52 1.68 2.44 4.48 10.24 4.5 7.11 119.6 2.93 1,163 0.86 1.05 49.1 80 8.7 2.5 0.68 0.4 5.67 0.72 15.86

12.8 20.35 1.35 0.425 0.041 16.66 2.44 12.88 0.073 87 5.45 6.8 10.96 890.5 1,920 5.82 399.8 3 131.2 11.78 7.08 0.13 5.16 2.98 15.78 3.8 0.94 22.75 0.67 3.52 1.75 2.46 4.5 10.24 4.5 7.11 119.8 2.98 1,180 0.87 1.06 49.5 80 8.7 2.51 0.69 0.4 5.67 0.72 16.28

12.3 19.98 1.29 0.425 0.04 16.66 2.41 12.4 0.071 84 5.31 6.73 10.36 890 1,890 5.8 389.8 2.93 125.8 11 7.06 0.127 5.02 2.98 15.4 3.65 0.91 21.6 0.64 3.42 1.68 2.4 4.33 10.14 4.45 7.11 119.6 2.93 1,162 0.85 0.99 47.55 79.9 8.7 2.49 0.67 0.385 5.66 0.71 15.86

SERVICES 12.7 19.98 1.35 0.425 0.041 16.66 2.41 12.42 0.071 84 5.31 6.8 10.36 890 1,890 5.8 399.6 2.94 127.3 11.04 7.06 0.13 5.02 2.98 15.78 3.7 0.91 22 0.67 3.5 1.75 2.42 4.46 10.14 4.5 7.11 119.6 2.95 1,179 0.86 1.02 47.7 79.9 8.7 2.51 0.69 0.385 5.66 0.71 16

25,900 180,100 36,000 1,580,000 1,200,000 200 98,000 9,313,300 18,130,000 426,760 326,300 30,300 96,300 100 19,140 3,492,100 1,710 362,000 2,476,700 29,500 11,500 180,000 1,227,000 1,000 8,400 641,000 988,000 1,171,900 2,318,000 1,622,000 15,000 837,000 91,000 4,600 30,000 300 27,130 469,000 156,820 1,827,000 41,215,000 3,290,900 38,450 1,000 4,963,000 1,672,000 4,900,000 245,900 1,164,000 3,413,100

326,586 3,613,579 48,220 671,500 49,100 3,332 237,680 117,396,520 1,297,000 36,750,103 1,749,318 204,840 1,016,116 89,030 36,313,690 20,284,091 683,252 1,070,980 315,688,664 324,618 81,325 23,070 6,196,229 2,980 130,652 2,374,400 913,710 25,776,305 1,510,500 5,626,250 25,270 2,037,330 397,880 46,814 134,950 2,133 3,244,750 1,385,420 184,434,495 1,572,250 42,294,570 158,516,375 3,073,029 8,700 12,415,660 1,127,910 1,919,200 1,393,586 826,740 54,877,880

-12,700 -31,380 715,058 -56,800.00 -9,052,330.50 10,360 53,430 -9,009,870 40,796,813 -26,116 47,340 -63,820 1,103,285 106,770 -4,760 16,744 146,780 -18,798,665 -307,020 -3,321,670 -14,948,285 911,684.50 -449,840.00 206,760 354,900 -240,694 20,194,910

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

0.002 1.32 2.87 12.88 1.28 1.3 2.69 8.01 1.55 0.27 0.117 1.1 2.56 1.03 0.58 0.9 0.012 0.011 3.03 3.44 8 23.3 0.007

0.002 1.32 2.9 12.88 1.29 1.3 2.7 8.17 1.55 0.28 0.117 1.11 2.6 1.06 0.62 0.92 0.012 0.011 3.13 3.44 8.3 23.45 0.007

0.0019 1.29 2.87 12.88 1.28 1.3 2.69 8.01 1.48 0.265 0.116 1.09 2.39 1 0.58 0.9 0.012 0.011 3.03 3.35 7.62 23 0.007

MINING & OIL 0.002 20,000,000 1.3 2,202,000 2.87 12,000 12.88 100 1.29 87,000 1.3 15,000 2.69 579,000 8.17 2,700 1.49 8,920,000 0.27 4,120,000 0.117 670,000 1.09 87,000 2.42 5,022,000 1.04 104,000 0.62 50,000 0.9 38,000 0.012 200,000 0.011 60,000,000 3.13 2,000 3.35 1,020,000 7.62 5,515,100 23.35 1,706,700 0.007 38,000,000

39,400 2,878,570 34,540 1,288 112,190 19,500 1,561,190 21,862 13,421,770 1,123,300 78,250 95,320 12,505,330 106,380 29,040 34,240 2,400 660,000 6,160 3,459,010 44,005,904 39,683,375 266,000

-1,583,860 1,229,800 -7,765,590 -2,124,890 -2,670,841 23,165,270 -

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

19.4 477 490 98.1 98 103 451 5.68 900 94.95 1.01 990 104 980 75.8 73 72.65 74.5 73.75

19.4 477 497 98.1 98 103 451 5.68 900 95 1.01 990 104 980 75.8 73 72.65 74.5 73.75

19 467 490 97 96 103 451 5.68 880 91 1.01 990 104 980 75.75 72.5 72.65 74 72.25

PREFERRED 19 344,800 467 1,120 497 6,500 97 10,000 98 5,150 103 45,020 451 740 5.68 313,500 880 1,000 91 1,860 1.01 1,000 990 500 104 500 980 50 75.8 4,100 72.5 17,000 72.65 4,800 74 16,330 72.25 1,100

6,583,216 523,746 3,228,308 973,630 496,554 4,637,060 333,740 1,780,680 882,000 174,269.50 1,010 495,000 52,000 49,000 310,610 1,239,500 348,720 1,209,434.50 80,825

-6,379,516.00 20,800 -

LR WARRANT

1.94

1.94

1.89

WARRANTS 1.9 99,000

189,480

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.75 1.25

4.76 1.26

4.7 1.18

4.72 1.2

1,361,070 7,778,770

9,420 -1,712,080

FIRST METRO ETF

118.9

118.9

117.6

561,936

-

109,236 7,400

-

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 12.96 0.78 11.8 1.92 0.78 46.6 2.47 4.31 6.5 0.53 0.85 0.9 0.241 0.395 11.7 23.25 0.52 1.53 1.38 4.82 5.77 0.36 0.53 1.8 0.42 2.5 45.3 23.7 1.99

224,500 338,000 1,100 50,000 258,000 14,220,900 28,166,000 2,283,000 20,600 9,867,000 145,000 11,000 5,310,000 2,330,000 525,100 301,800 1,302,000 3,218,000 619,000 100,000 10,823,800 5,690,000 24,260,000 1,970,000 140,000 1,320,000 600 1,196,200 32,000

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.04 10

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS

10.04 10

SHARES 8,008,542

104,403,494 63,321,404

PROPERTY

153,181,986

SERVICES

115,517,269

MINING & OIL

148,599,475

GRAND TOTAL

595,778,928

10.02 10

SME

288,000 6,451,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.6 4,760 DDS 10.02 10

10,900 740

VALUE 1,733.24 (down) 12.59 588,435,252.80 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,757.43 (down) 79.77 1,837,576,906.82 HOLDING FIRMS 7,664.29 (down) 71.39 1,170,095,371.80 PROPERTY 4,134.37 (down) 33.81 1,604.60 (down) 19.49 2,194,328,720.28 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,668.88 (down) 149.82 1,109,965,355.30 PSEI 7,880.82 (down) 74.98 120,160,005.1819 All Shares Index 4,863.15 (down) 25.77 7,030,270,908.32 Gainers: 71; Losers: 121; Unchanged: 45; Total: 237

ADB, Indian equity fund get 20.3% stake in Phinma unit

By Jenniffer B. Austria KAIZEN Private Equity II Pte. Ltd. and the Asian Development Bank are acquiring a combined 20.28-percent stake in Phinma Education Holdings Inc., a unit of listed Phinma Corp., for P1.625 billion.

Phinma said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board approved the signing of an investment agreement that will involve the issuance of P1.625 billion worth of PEHI shares to Kaizen Private Equity and the ADB. “Upon closing of the transaction which is expected on or before September 30, 2019, subject to the fulfillment of certain closing conditions, Phinma will remain as the majority shareholder of PEHI,” Phinma said.

PEHI is the holding company for Phinma’s investments in educational institutions.

It owns Araullo University, Cagayan de Oro College, University of Pangasinan, University of Iloilo, Southwestern University and St. Jude College. It has a 50-percent stake in Phinma Saytanar Education Ltd. in Myanmar.

Philippine Investment Management Inc. under the agreement will swap its shares in AU and COC for a 9.06-percent stake in PEHI. Phinma’s interest in PEHI will rise to 68.6 percent after the completion of the transaction.

Kaizen Private Equity is s India’s first private equity fund focused on education sector.

PEHI last month signed a joint venture agreement with an Indonesian partner, PT Tripersada Global Manajemen, to form Ind-Phil Management Co. PEHI and Tripersada under the joint venture agreement will form PT Ind Phil Management, which will manage tertiary institutions for Yayasan Triputra Persada Horizon Education, with the first situated in West Java, Indonesia.

The investment marks PEHI’s entry into Indonesia in line with its regional strategy.

Indonesia, with a population of over 260 million, provides the company with a new market to serve and a new source of income.

Puregold hiked 2018 income by 12% to P6.52b SUPERMARKET operator Puregold Price Club Inc. reported a consolidated net income of P6.52 billion in 2018, up 11.6 percent from P5.8 billion in 2017, on double-digit growth in revenues.

Puregold said in a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated net sales increased 13.2 percent to P140.9 billion in 2018.

Puregold stores, which accounted for 78 percent of total revenues, posted stronger-than-expected same store sales growth of 5.8 percent in 2018 while S&R Membership Club stores registered an 8.4-percent increase in the same period.

“We were able to sustain our SSSG in the last quarter of 2018 driven by higher consumer spending fueled both by minimum wage inflation and higher takehome pay as a result of the tax reform law passed early 2018,” Puregold said.

Income from operations rose 3.3 percent to P8.94 billion in 2018 from P8.65 billion in the previous year..

The Puregold group had 408 stores nationwide as of end 2018. These include 354 Puregold stores, 16 S&R membership shopping warehouses and 39 S&R New York Style QSR. Puregold plans to open a 25 new Puregold stores and four new S&R warehouses as part of a network expansion.

Online brokerage Philstocks Inc. said Puregold sustained its sound fundamentals in 2018 despite the high inflation rate.

“Moving forward, good prospects are seen for the retail giant backed by its target expansion which is expected to generate more revenues coupled with easing inflation,” Philstocks said.

Puregold earlier said it would increase its capital stock to P5 billion from P3 billion in preparation for possible investment opportunities in the future.

Puregold said after the recent top-up placement of the company, only around 100 million shares were left in the unissued portion of the capital stock.

The supermarket operator said the higher capital stock would prepare the company in case of an opportunity to raise fund in the future. Jenniffer B. Austria

World

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Muslims avoiding mosques after attacks

IN BRIEF Game with house as prize stopped

BORDEAUX―A French couple hoping to sell their luxurious countryside resort via a quiz has been forced to suspend the competition after France’s online gaming authorities stepped in.

Brigitte and Christophe Demassougne originally put their sprawling guest house in Cenac-et-Saint-Julien, around 80 kilometers southeast of Perigueux in the Dordogne region, on the market with an estimated value of more than 1.5 million euros ($1.7 million).

The 18th-century residence, known as a Chartreuse, includes stables, a tennis court and a private pool amid lush gardens.

To drum up wider interest they launched an online quiz offering the resort to the lucky winner.

After purchasing a 13-euro ticket, contestants were given two questions and shown three objects whose value they had to estimate.

The not-exactly-brainteasers sought the names of a castle in the northern Perigord region (“Versailles” isn’t the correct answer) and the name of the river that runs through the town of Roque-Gageac―it’s the Dordogne.

The objects were trickier: An antique book of calligraphy, a pair of polished Chelsea boots, and a 18-Karat gold bracelet.

Since its launch on April 1, nearly 20,000 people had signed up, raising 260,000 euros, from as far away as Canada and Australia, as well as Britain where holidaymakers have long favored the Dordogne region, Brigitte Demassougne told AFP. AFP

Dalai Lama out of hospital NEW DELHI―The Dalai Lama left a New Delhi hospital Friday after three days of treatment for a chest infection, but the 83-year-old will need several days of rest before returning to his Himalayan base, his spokesman said.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama was discharged from the hospital this morning,” Tenzin Taklha told AFP. “He is doing very well now.”

“He has recovered from the chest infection he had suffered from and will be taking several days of rest in Delhi before returning to Dharamsala,” he added.

The Buddhist monk, Tibetan spiritual leader and thorn in China’s side was admitted to the Max hospital in the Indian capital on Tuesday.

On Thursday Taklha had said that the Nobel Peace Prize winner was already back to his “normal routine” and doing some exercise.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner lives in the northern Indian hill station of Dharamsala, where he has been in permanent exile for six decades along with thousands of others.

In 1959, at the age of 23, he fled the Tibetan capital Lhasa and across the frozen Himalayan border, disguised as a soldier, as Chinese troops poured into the region to crush an uprising.

In India he set up a government-in-exile and launched a campaign to reclaim Tibet that gradually evolved into an appeal for greater autonomy—the so-called “middle way” approach.

The self-described “simple Buddhist monk” has spent decades criss-crossing the globe mixing with monarchs, politicians and Hollywood actors pressing his

Cows come home to haunt Modi PILANI, India―One of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s signature policies has been protecting cows, but for Raghuvir Singh Meena―a Hindu farmer struggling to protect his crop of chickpeas from roaming cattle―it has gone too far.

Farmers overwhelmingly supported Modi’s nationalist party when he swept to power in 2014 but the strict measures on cows, which are sacred to Hindus, have caused major headaches for rural communities.

“We have tried everything―scarecrows and barbed wire―but the stray animals never miss a chance to eat away our crop,” Meena told AFP, looking askance at his lush fields in the Pilani district of Rajasthan in western India.

“They [the government] are playing their politics, they don’t care about poor farmers,” he said ahead of elections that began on April 11, with Modi running for a second term.

Even before Modi came to power, cow slaughter and the consumption of beef was banned in Rajasthan and many other states in officially secular India, which also has substantial Muslim and Christian populations.

But laws are now applied more strictly and punishments have increased. In 2017 the government tried to ban the cattle trade for slaughter nationwide, only for it to be rejected by the Supreme Court.

Critics say Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on a mission to impose “Hindutva”, the hegemony of Hindus, on 1.25-billion-strong India. AFP

B3

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

VISIT. In this photo taken and released on April 11, 2019 by the Vatican Press Office, Vatican Media, Pope Francis kneels to kiss the feet of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit (C) and South Sudan opposition leader Riek Machar (R) at the Pope’s Santa Marta residence in the Vatican. Pope Francis on April 11 knelt and kissed the feet of leaders of South Sudan at the end of a two-day retreat to help them solidify a peace agreement. AFP

An emotional memorial for rapper Nipsey Hussle L OS ANGELES―Tens of thousands of people took part in an emotional memorial Thursday in Los Angeles for the slain rapper Nipsey Hussle, praising his efforts to end violence and improve troubled neighborhoods.

The Staples Center arena was packed to the rafters for the ceremony, while many others watched on television and online as the city bid farewell to the Grammy-nominated artist, shot dead in broad daylight outside his own clothing store on March 31.

Police have said the killing, which triggered an outpouring of grief in Los Angeles and among Hussle’s music industry peers, was gang related and personal in nature.

Crowds of mostly young black and Latino people wearing T-shirts with pictures of the 33-year-old bearded rapper started early Thursday to flow toward the Staples Center, the sports arena which hosted a memorial service for Michael Jackson in 2009.

A giant portrait of Hussle, who had Eritrean roots and was born Ermias Asghedom, adorned the stadium’s facade.

About 21,000 seats offered for free on the internet were snapped up in a matter of minutes.

The crowd was so big the commemoration started an hour late—with a DJ playing Hussle’s 2018 debut album “Victory Lap,” which earned him a Grammy nomination.

Some mourners, like Atlanta resident Ron Solomon, had travelled far.

“Everything he lived is what I believe in, too,” he told The New York Times.

“Uplifting his people. Not letting the system beat us.”

Tanika Johnson, who works in a hair salon close to the clothing store which Hussle owned, said the rapper grew up in a gang environment, “where people don’t get out alive.

“But he came from a loving, caring family and he gave back to the community. He gave jobs to people in the community. What more could you want?”

One after another, speakers took to the podium to remember the singer as pictures of his life were shown on a screen to the sound of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra.

Numerous celebrities were present including fellow rapper Snoop Dogg as well as singers Anthony Hamilton and Stevie Wonder.

Hussle found minor commercial success but was highly revered among his peers, and his shock death triggered an outpouring of tributes from hip hop royalty.

Snoop Dogg noted that Hussle had composed songs for rival gangs -- both the Crips to which he belonged but also for their enemies the Bloods.

Himself a member of the Crips,

Snoop Dogg was dressed in the gang’s blue colors and hailed Hussle’s efforts to bring peace to the violence-plagued streets.

The rapper’s coffin, surrounded by hundreds of flowers, was placed in the middle of the stage where members of his family took turns to speak.

“Everything he said in the music was who he was,” his brother Samuel Asghedom said.

In a letter read out at the ceremony, former president Barack Obama remembered Hussle, whose music he got to know through his two daughters.

“He set an example for young people to follow and is a legacy worthy to follow,” Obama wrote, alluding to the rapper’s social work in the poor and mainly black Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles.

“While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets and despair, Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope,” Obama said.

“He saw a community that, even through its flaws, taught him to always keep going.”

After the ceremony a procession began winding its way through that neighborhood, where thousands of fans already lined the 40-kilometer (25-mile) route waiting to pay their last respects.

Eric Holder, 29, has been arrested for the murder and has pleaded not guilty. The reasons for the killing are not known. AFP

CHRISTCHURCH―Four weeks on from the New Zealand mosques massacre, the Christchurch Muslim community was struggling to get worshipers to overcome their fears and return to Friday prayers.

“They are still very scared,” Linwood mosque Imam Ibrahim Abdelhalim told AFP. “Normally we would expect around 100, but now it’s about 30.”

A 28-year-old Australian, Brenton Tarrant, a self-avowed white supremacist, has been charged with 50 counts of murder and 39 of attempted murder after opening fire at the Linwood and Al Noor mosques on March 15.

The Muslim community was further shaken this week when a 33-year-old man, wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the name of US President Donald Trump, shouted abuse at worshipers at the Al Noor mosque.

Daniel Nicholas Tuapawa, who pleaded guilty in court Friday to acting in a manner “likely to cause violence,” said he did not realise what he had done until police showed him a video of him yelling abusive comments including “all Muslims are terrorists”.

“I can’t believe this is actually me,” he told reporters after being remanded on bail until July 31 for sentencing.

Tuapawa said he suffered from mental health issues and had nothing against Muslims.

“It’s just because it’s been in the news and in my head,” he said.

Abdelhalim said many Muslims who wanted to return to the mosques “are having flashbacks and that’s not good.”

New Zealand police have issued a statement saying the national threat level “remains high” a month after the slaughter, even though the gunman is thought to have acted alone.

The security fears have led to a drastic reduction in the number of services later this month on Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance to commemorate New Zealanders and Australians who served in wars and peacekeeping operations.

In Auckland, only 26 will take place —down from nearly 90 last year — which the city’s police commander Karyn Malthus said would make it easier for police to maintain public safety.

“There is no information about a specific threat to ANZAC events at this time, however, it’s important that the public be safe and feel safe at events in the current environment,” she said.

In the wake of the shootings, NOTICE New Zealand has rushed through Taiyo Sangyo legislation to tight- Trading and en firearms regu- Marine Service lations, removing Ltd. Philippine semi-automatic branch.

WIll weapons from cir- close effective 20, culation through a February buy-back scheme, 2019 and will as prohibition and operate Headquarter harsh prison sen- instead. tences. AFP (MS-APR. 5, 13 & 22, 2019)

ORIE NTA L MINDORO E LEC TRIC COOPE R ATIV E , INC. (O R M E C O) Simaron, Calapan Cit y INVITATION TO BID All interested bidders are invited to participate in the actual bidding for these two (2) LOTs detailed as follows:

PREMIERE.

Roma Downey attends the premiere of 20th Century Fox’s ‘Breakthrough’ at Westwood Regency Theater on April 11, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

LOT - I

Supply of Pole Line Materials Approved Budget Cost: Php6,847,500.00 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: 5% Reinvestment Fund Mode of Payment: Staggered Payment Upon the Availability of Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT

LOT - II

Supply of Steel Crossarms and Steel Poles Approved Budget Cost: Php3,552,500.00 (VAT-Inclusive Source of Funding: 5% Reinvestment Fund Mode of Payment: Staggered Payment Upon the Availability of Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

AWARDING: PER LOT GENERAL GUIDELINES

1

Interested bidders may secure BID DOCUMENTS and obtain further INFORMATIONS from the ORMECO, Inc. Bids and Award Committee (BAC)/Procurement Section, ORMECO, Inc., Simaron, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. A non-refundable fee in the amount of Php25,000.00 for LOT - I and LOT - II and shall be collected as payment for BID DOCUMENTS.

2

Interested bidders must be accredited as supplier before joining the pre-bidding conference and accreditation will start on April 15, 2019 at 8:00am until 5:00p.m. of April 22, 2019. You can call at telephone numbers 043-2882349/043-2869375 or send an email at ormeco_coop@yahoo.com.

3

PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at ORMECO, Inc. Board Room, Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro at 2:00 p.m. of April 23, 2019 for LOT - I and LOT - II.

4

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received at 2:00 p.m. of May 7, 2019 for LOT - I and LOT - II, immediately after which, the said proposals will be opened during the actual bidding in the presence of the attending bidders.

5

ALL BIDS must be accompanied by a BID BOND payable to ORMECO, Inc. in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT issued by a reputable bank equivalent to TWO PERCENT (2%) of the Approved Budget Cost (ABC). No Bid Bond in the form of Surety Bond shall be accepted. The bidder with the lowest calculated bid will be considered the winning bidder.

6 The winning bidder shall issue FIVE PERCENT (5%) in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT from a reputable bank, representing the PERFORMANCE BOND. 7

If the bidder who submitted the best offer refuses to push through with his / her proposed BID during and after the bidding, his / her Bid Bond shall be forfeited, and failure of bidding shall be declared.

8

ORMECO, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any Bids, declare failure of bidding and not to award the contract without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

ORMECO, Inc. also has no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnity bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids.

ORMECO, INC. (SND) ENGR. MICHAEL O. GUICO BAC-Chairperson

(MS-APR. 13, 2019)

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SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

Less is more Zen lifestyle at BGC

T

HE Seasons Residences showcases the synergy between Japanese aesthetics and technology. This new development

by Federal Land, Inc., in partnership with Japanese firms, Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Ltd., will be a Japanese-inspired residential condominium in the Philippines, and home of the first Mitsukoshi mall in the country.

Located in the northern part of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the Seasons Residences will comprise four residential towers reaching up to 41 to 50 levels. The first tower, Haru, will have 304 residential units, with areas from 49 up to 175 square meters each.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN Each unit will bear the Japanese hallmarks of balance and design efficiency. These can be seen

LAID-BACK

in space-maximizing fixtures such as the distinct and spacious kitchen and bedroom cabinets. The shoe cabinet at the foyer, the kitchen floor storage, kitchen sink will be fitted with accessories to make

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com food preparation more convenient, while a below-floor drainage system in the bathroom will allow for easier pipe maintenance and water leakage protection.

In the bigger units, a separate shower and bathtub highlights the Japanese tradition of ofuro (which means “bath” in Japanese). To the Japanese, bathing is almost a sacred ritual, and is used to alleviate physical stress and boost mental wellness.

CLEAN LIVING The units in The Seasons Residences are all equipped with a rangehood with Japanese oil-filter technology, as well as air-washing tiles that minimize excess humidity, unpleasant odors, and harmful substances in the air.

For conservation and resourcesaving purposes, bathrooms in each unit will be fitted with the multifunctional Toto washlet and ecowasher that allows residents to fully adjust water settings when using their toilets.

Specific common areas will also be equipped with motion-sense lighting for better energy efficiency.

SETTING SAFETY MEASURES The entire development will feature a damper system or vibration control technology to minimize vibrations from both strong winds and earthquakes, as well as fire detection and alarm systems to prevent accidents. Personal key card access for the main door and elevators will be provided to unit owners, while audio-video guest annunciator systems will also be in all units for additional privacy and protection.

PREMIUM AMENITIES The amenity floor of The Seasons Residences will be divided into zones that reflect the four seasons of Japan.

Active spring will house a wellequipped gym and day care for kids, as well as a tranquil garden where residents can enjoy greenery and find their inner zen, while breezy summer will feature separate pools for kids and adults, children’s playground and a room for karaoke (a favorite Japanese pastime) and a game room for teens.

“The Seasons Residences presents a great opportunity to bring the Japanese way of life into Philippine real estate,” said Cherie Fernandez, project development head at Federal Land, Inc. “It will showcase the strengths of the Japanese when it comes to design, development and technology, and also highlight Filipino workmanship and commitment to quality.”

The first tower of The Seasons Residences, Haru, is targeted for completion in 2023.

SOUTH.

Living south of the Metro has always been equated with a laid-back lifestyle, with more open spaces, community retail and restaurant rows, and less of the everyday congestion experienced in the main central business districts (CBD). This is the type of lifestyle that Cathay Land is offering at its latest real estate development project, Anantara Square, located along Alabang-Zapote Road in Las Piñas City, between SM South Mall and Robinsons Place Las Piñas. The project’s first tower, a 20-storey mixed-use building, will feature about 700 units, comprised mainly of studio units and one-bedroom suites.

Bigger units are offered at the two penthouse floors via combining adjacent units. Greenery will be an important aspect of the project, with pocket gardens, an open-air courtyard, with a beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset to bookend the day. “Through Anantara Square, we will be able

to offer that relaxed style of living that the southern suburbs are famous for, while giving our future residents the accessibility to the growing CBD in the Alabang area, and even further south,“ said Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng.

ESCAPE TO SAN FERNANDO. Affordable housing developer P.A. Alvarez Properties, recently broke ground on phase 3 of its 33-hectare project, Bridgepointe Place in San Fernando, Pampanga. This kicks off the construction of 158 bungalow-type housing units: the Iris model, which has a 60-square meter lot area and Natalya model, a 96 square meter lot area. Bridgepointe Place is envisioned to be a community with 3 enclaves: phase 1 is 14-hectare Sandsfield which is an Asian inspired community; 10-hectare Midori Garden which comprises phase 2, which has a Japanese-themed architectural design; and 9-hectare Trillium Park, or Phase 3, which will feature a contemporary design. Bridgepointe Place is P.A. Properties’ first project in Pampanga and its third project North Luzon. At the groundbreaking were P.A Properties’ SVP Lilit Tabuzo (third from left); and senior executive vice president Reynaldo Ascaño (third from right).

Guests included former basketball players Nelson Asaytono and Vince Hizon.

PARBUSTING GENTRY. Ayala Land Premier, (ALP) recently took to the fairways with its first golf invitational at the Ayala Greenfield Estates in Calamba, Laguna. ALP clients, business partners and media friends chased birdies, pars and agonizing bogeys, and more, on the 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., hemmed in by stunning views of Mt. Makiling and Laguna de Bay. Major sponsors included El Nido Resorts, Lucerne, Focus Global Inc, Smeg, Bang & Olufsen, among others. Augusto Bengzon, senior vice president and chief finance officer of Ayala Land Inc. (shown here), and Paolo Viray, head of sales and marketing of ALP, led the ceremonial tee-off.

FINISHING STRONG. Real estate developer Century Properties Group, Inc. (CPG) capped off the first quarter of 2019 with a total of 24 buildings completed since the company’s first public listing in 2012. CPG has topped off 31 buildings overall, marking the home stretch in its target to complete 32 buildings by 2020. Completed projects include Century’s flagship Makati mixed-use development, Century City: the Gramercy Residences, Knightsbridge Residences, Milano Residences, Trump Tower Philippines, Century City Mall and Centuria Medical Makati. At Azure Urban Resort Residences in Parañaque City (Shown in photo), eight buildings have been completed, while five towers have been delivered at Acqua Private Residences in Mandaluyong City. The Residences at Commonwealth by Century, CPG’s eight-tower residential complex in Quezon City, has turned over four towers. Adding to the list is the Asian Century Center in Bonifacio Global City. Developed in partnership with Asian Carmakers Corporation, the 21-story LEED pre-certified and PEZA-accredited office building officially opened its doors last December.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife

YOUNG LIFE

@MStandardLIFE SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

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James Reid goes places

LET’S GO! James Reid, whose perenially packed schedule doesn’t stop him from embarking on adventures, has been tapped to be the newest ambassador of outdoor shoe brand Merrell for which he created vlogs for the Choprock collection.

W

James Reid with his constant travel companion, reel-life and real-life partner Nadine Lustre.

ITH his love of traveling and adventure, mostly with his significant other, James Reid has been tapped to be the newest ambassador of an outdoor shoe brand.

Merrell recently launched its “Let’s Getaway” campaign in conjunction with the introduction of its new Choprock collection.

The “Let’s Getaway” campaign inspires individuals to pause, take a break, enjoy life, and get away from it all. It encourages everyone to pursue their own adventures—whether it’s a quick escape or a big journey.

According to the brand, Reid personifies this same adventurous spirit. Being an actor, singersongwriter, and record producer, the 25-year-old heartthrob is known to pursue varied interests. He also knows that it’s easy to get burned out or overwhelmed by the hustle of the daily grind.

Hence, despite having a perennially full schedule, Reid said he always finds time to get away, be it a quick weekend trip to the mountains or the beach with friends or adding vacation days to his professional stints overseas, as his Instagram account clearly shows.

Sometimes it really gets crazy in the city and in showbiz, but when I’m out in the nature, it helps me relax,” shared Reid.

Equipping James Reid’s kindred spirit in the “Let’s Getaway” campaign is the Choprock collection, a versatile and sleek footwear that crosses between urban and outdoor adventure style.

This active-lifestyle shoe is packed with materials that dry out fast, grip on slick terrain, and protect feet from debris. “It’s a must-have for urban dwellers who occasionally find themselves on the open road,” the brand said in a statement.

As the brand ambassador, the actor-singer, made vlogs showing how he took his Merrell Choprock from the city streets to the mountains to the sea shore, all in one day.

Merrell also introduced “The Pack,” a group of diverse adventure-seekers who are passionate about the great outdoors. Some of The Pack members include Trail Adventours co-founder Gudio Sarreal, PH Mountains app developer Miko Santos, trail runner and race director Raymandelos Angeles, the Lakwatsero’s Angel Juarez, adventure photographer Gerald Tipones, artist Pocholo Barretto, and the NU Mountaineering Club.

Spotify presents Game of Thrones playlists THE end is coming, and Game of Thrones fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for the first episode of the eighth and final season of the hit TV series on April 14.

As fans prepare to return to Westeros, Spotify unveiled a refresh of its rock-influenced playlist, “Game of Thrones: The End Is Coming” (formerly named “Songs of Ice and Fire”), a collaboration between Game of Thrones co-creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, and Spotify.

“We were looking for songs that made us feel the way the show made us feel,” Benioff and Weiss told For The Record, Spotify’s blog.

Also available on the music streaming platform

are seven house-themed playlists curated by HBO and featuring composer Ramin Djawadi score songs that relate to each family’s journey on Game of Thrones.

Check out the playlists on Spotify, which include House Baratheon, House Targaryen, House Stark, House Lannister, The White Walkers, The Night’s Watch, and the Great Houses.

In addition to the playlists, Spotify also revealed a couple of GoT fans’ listening habits.

According to the music streaming subscription service, more than 250,000 listeners have created their own Game of Thrones-themed playlists as well as character playlists. In fact, with what could

All men must... listen to Spotify’s new Game of Thronesthemed playlists.

be a hint as to whom Spotify listeners think should sit on the Iron Throne, Tyrion Lannister has the most fan-made playlists, with more than 7,700.

He’s followed by Hodor, Jon Snow, Cersei Lannister, and Arya Stark.

Meanwhile, “Light of the Seven,” the piece playing when Cersei blows up the Sept of Baelor in the hair-raising Season 6 finale, is the most-streamed Djawadi composition since January 1, 2016, followed by the show’s eponymous “Main Title,” and “The Winds Of Winter,” which accompanies Arya as she sails to Braavos at the conclusion of Season 4.

Press play because winter is here.

Life

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SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

REP holds summer workshops

for aspiring performers

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HILDREN and adults looking to unlock their artistic talents on stage are invited to join Repertory Philippines Workshop for the Performing Arts classes starting this summer.

From April to July, REP is holding its annual summer series of intensive courses in Performing Arts, ranging from basic to advanced, giving everyone a chance to shine under the spotlight.

The workshop trains participants in all aspects of musical theater including singing, acting, and dancing; alongside instilling habits of self-discipline, developing the imagination, and enhancing self-confidence.

The first batch of workshops runs from April 22 until June 8, while the second round starts June 10 to July 19. They will be facilitated by some of the country’s most outstanding thespians and practitioners.

All classes will be held from Monday to Friday at the Active Fun Building, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The Kiddie Classes are open for children aged 4 to 8 years old, the Pre-Teens Classes for kids 9 to 12 years old, and the Teens Classes for 13- to 16-year-old students.

Meanwhile, those who have acting experience and want to take their theater skills to the next level may audition for REP’s Junior Masterclass, an intensive seven-week workshop for performers aged 12-18. At the end of this workshop, students will be performing in an all-new musical to be conducted by award-winning actor and director Joel Trinidad and Nicky Triviño, the only Filipino who have joined the 2018 Lincoln Center Director’s Lab in New York City.

Participants aged 17 and older may sign up for the Adults Class, under the tutelage of respected stage veteran Meynard Peñalosa, to help tap into their creative side and discover how performing skills can have a positive impact on their daily lives or personal development.

The Adults Masterclass is an acting program designed to expose participants to advanced acting principles and skills. It will be facilitated by

The Kiddie Classes are open for children aged 4 to 8 years old.

The Junior Masterclass is an intensive seven-week workshop for students aged 12-18.

The Pre-Teens Classes are open for performers 9 to 12 years old.

Teenagers, 13 to 16 years old, may join the Teens Classes.

seasoned stage actor and director Jeremy Domingo from June 10 to July 19.

Another exciting workshop opening this summer is the Triple Threat Masterclass. The program uses a musical theater syllabus that teaches breathing techniques to better handle the strenuous training of acting, singing, and dancing, with a ballet,

jazz, and tap foundation.

The class also has added training in hip hop and flamenco, and production work. Running from April 22 to June 8, Monday to Friday, the Triple Threat Masterclass will be held at 188 A. Mabini St., Addition Hills, San Juan, Rizal and will be taught by triple threat Maricar Aragon.

On the seventh week, students will be showcasing the theater skills they’ve gained in a culminating production at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt.

Workshop enrollment fees are at P10,000, except for the Adults Masterclass which is at P12,000.

Call REP at (02) 451-1474 or email Repphilfoundation@gmail.com for inquiries and more details.

Laborers gear up for a brighter future A BLUE-COLLAR worker from the province pedals toward a brighter future for himself and his family, with the help of a recently-inked technical-vocational partnership between the Aboitiz Foundation and Dualtech Training Center in Calamba, Laguna.

“Isa akong laborer bago ko nalaman ang Dualtech. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Aboitiz Foundation sa malaking tulong na ito sa akin para makapagtapos ako sa aking pag-aaral. Dahil dito, alam kong magbabago ang aking buhay (I was a labor worker before I found out about Dualtech and its program. I would like to thank the Aboitiz Foundation because this [scholarship] will be a great help for me to finish my studies. With this assistance, I am about to change the course of my life),” shared Zaldy Gavica, a Camarines Sur native and a Dualtech Electromechanics Technology major at Dualtech.

Currently on his third month as a Dualtech scholar, Gavica dreams of finishing his studies to help achieve a better life for his family. Because his parents do not earn enough to support his schooling, he works as a laborer and moonlights as a pedicab driver.

Like Gavica, 19 other Dualtech techvoc scholars are guaranteed full support for their education through a partnership.

Selected based on academic excellence, skills, and attitude toward completing a six-month training, the Aboitiz

Lolito Baldones, Jr., a ramen house cook

Zaldy Gavica, a laborer and pedicab driver

Foundation recently turned over Electromechanics Technology scholarships to 20 Dualtech students from various provinces in the country such as Aklan, Bohol, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes. The grant covers the tuition fee and training costs of the scholars.

Lolito Baldones, Jr., an assistant welder and painter of Cebu, also aims to finish an education despite not being able to go to college.

Currently on his fourth month as a Dualtech scholar and working as a parttime ramen house cook, Baldones said the Aboitiz Foundation’s scholarship will now make it easier for him to make ends meet and achieve his goal.

Gavica and Baldones are just two of the many inspiring scholars benefiting from this partnership.

“Today, through the Aboitiz Foundation’s partnership with Dualtech, the scholars are given an opportunity to discover a new skill and hone their abilities. But with that opportunity is also a responsibility to take part in our advocacy and brand promise of advancing business and communities,” said Aboitiz Foundation’s first vice president and chief operating officer Maribeth L. Marasigan.

Dualtech is a pioneer of the DualTraining System in the Philippines, wherein schools and industries train students in real-life work experience in the technical and vocational fields.

In the training program, Dualtech’s mode of training delivery involves a combined learning experience for the students—they learn in the classrooms through lectures and school-related activities, and outside of school through actual industry work.

L’Oréal Brandstorm 2018 National Champion went to Paris, France to present their concept.

A battle of innovative ideas

COLLEGE-LEVEL business competition L’Oréal Brandstorm introduces the top eight teams competing in the National Finals on April 25. This year, teams are tasked to develop a disruptive innovation for skincare to attract and engage health-conscious consumers online and offline.

Teams include BrandBabes (University of the Philippines Diliman), Into Your Genes (UP Diliman), Brandhurricane (De La Salle University Manila), Innovature (Enderun College / UP Diliman), Skin Queens (DLSU Manila), RegSteffiJe (UP Diliman), Beauty Fixers (UP Visayas), and Teamnovate (DLSU Manila).

The winning team will fly to Paris, France, where they will be mentored by L’Oréal experts at Station F. They will demonstrate the feasibility of their concept to a collection of decision-makers for a chance to develop a prototype of their project as a brand under the L’Oréal Active Cosmetics Division.

Created 27 years ago, L’Oréal Brandstorm has enabled L’Oréal to discover new, homegrown talent by putting students through real-life situations to reveal skills that are daring, tenacious, innovative, and entrepreneurial in spirit.

Life after Brandstorm

Aboitiz Foundation and Dualtech officials together with the 20 selected scholars from Dualtech Training Center.

For Sarah Santos, 2009 Champion from DLSU Manila, her decade-long career at L’Oréal began as part of Team Bang, the first-ever Philippine representative at the Brandstorm Global Finals in Paris. Teams were tasked to create the first fragrance line for Maybelline New York. Santos and her team pitched Maybelline Disco, a “mix-your-own” perfume line which allows customers to curate a scent that perfectly complements their personality and mood.

“Brandstorm basically jumpstarted my career. After the competition, I was

hired by L’Oréal and the rest was history!” enthused Santos.

Having made it as far as the Brandstorm semi-finals in her junior year of college, Joan Hwang returned the following year as part of Team Istas from UP Diliman, during which they won as the 2013 Champion.

They were tasked to develop an innovative breakthrough plan for L’Oréal Paris hair care in Southeast Asia. After noticing the over-saturation of hair care products that catered to women, Hwang and her teammates created a line for L’Oréal Men Expert. The final product, Ultra Chrome, was a full hair care line that boasted three variants to address the most common concerns among men.

“The world finals was really aweinspiring, because L’Oréal never does things on a small scale,” recalled Hwang. “The competition showed me that even though the Philippines is a small country, we do have the capability to compete on a worldwide platform and hold our own among so much cultural diversity.”

For Hwang, Brandstorm was her door into L’Oréal. “Brandstorm was that opportunity for me. I’ve been working for L’Oreal for almost six years already.”

As part of the Little Lion, Katrina Lim and her teammates from Ateneo de Manila University proved themselves to be the “little team that could” of the 2016 Brandstorm. Inspired by their experiences as millennials and the ever-evolving outlook on natural beauty, Little Lion wanted to empower consumers to bare it all with La Roche Posay.

“Having participated in Brandstorm gave me a better picture of what it’s really like in the real marketing world, which helped me in choosing the job I wanted when it came to job hunting,” shared Lim.

Entertainment

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

GMA Network declares P2.187 B cash dividends

A passionate homage to theater Two legendary theater veterans, Teroy Guzman (left) and Audie Gemora, join forces in The Dresser.

Migo Adecer, Bianca Umali, and Miguel Tanfelix are the main stars of 'Sahaya,' one of the top rating programs of GMA Network for the month of March.

G

MA Network’s Board of Directors approved the declaration of cash dividends totaling P2.187 billion or P0.45 per share, during a meeting held at the GMA Network Center on March 29.

The dividend will be paid on May 14, 2019 to shareholders of record as of April 22, 2019.

The Network has declared total dividend per share and total dividends amounting to P5.26 and P24.933 billion, respectively, from 2008 to 2019.

GMA Network has consistently declared cash dividends each year since its IPO launch in 2007 and has been paying out cash dividends equivalent to almost 100 percent of the Company’s net income every year.

In terms of ratings performance, the Kapuso Network is still the viewers’ station of choice based on the latest data from the industry’s widelytrusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

GMA registered an average total day people audience share of 36.4 percent in the National Urban Television Audience

Measurement (NUTAM) for partial March (March 1 to 27; with March 24 to 27 based on overnight data), which outscored ABSCBN’s 35.5 percent.

In the morning block, the network posted a 32 percent people audience share, versus rival’s 29.2 percent.

GMA also maintained its lead in the evening block, including primetime, with 38.4 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 37.1 percent.

Similarly, the Kapuso Network continued to dominate in its bailiwicks Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

GMA got an average total day people audience share of 39.8 percent in Urban Luzon, compared to ABS-CBN’s 30 percent.

In Mega Manila, based on official data from March 1 to 23, the Network

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, April 13, 2019

ACROSS 1 Chokes 5 Zeppelin 10 Leap in a tutu 14 Provo’s place 15 Fast-moving snake 16 Some poems 17 Diva — Ponselle 18 Battery’s “+” end 19 Scholarly org.

20 Not yet validated 22 Fiesta item 24 Crusty dessert 25 Diplomacy 26 Book appendixes 30 Trying 34 Lemonade or iced tea 35 Intuition 37 Library abbr.

38 Auric’s creator 39 Grounds 40 Monsieur’s summer 41 Farm animal 42 Meter maid of song 43 Element no. 5 45 Solve 48 Prism bands 50 Zoo staffers 51 Sooner than

52 “Jingle Bells” conveyance 55 Unseen troublemakers 60 Dramatic intro (hyph.)

61 Pencil-box item 63 “Garfield” pooch 64 Give off light 65 Wax theatrical 66 Answering machine sound 67 “Our Gang” dog 68 Designated 69 Shut with force DOWN 1 Meditation guide 2 “This must weigh — —!”

3 Pant 4 Hone 5 Met with courage 6 Path 7 Computer graphic 8 Sz. option 9 Fixes 10 Knees and elbows 11 Novelist — Ferber 12 Semester ender 13 “Como — ust-

ed?”

21 Sty noise 23 Gross!

25 Leg bones 26 “Ciao!”

27 Haggard 28 Greasy spoon 29 Is of use 31 Not secret 32 Tool along 33 Ms. Verdugo 36 Hobby ender 39 Fellow members 43 Road shoulder

44 Wild felines 46 Fly a plane 47 — out (relax) 49 Squinted at 52 Footfall 53 Glittery fabric 54 Touch up 55 Latch onto 56 Solar plexus 57 Superstar 58 Ricci or Foch 59 Give the impression 62 Ms. Thurman

kept its winning streak with an average total day people audience share of 41.6 percent, versus competition’s 27.1 percent.

Furthermore, Kapuso shows also ruled the list of NUTAM’s overall top-rating programs for partial March with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) remaining unbeatable in the number one spot.

KMJS was followed by Onanay, Magpakailanman, Daddy’s Gurl, Sahaya, Kara Mia, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, and Studio 7.

Completing the list were Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, TODA One I Love, Amazing Earth, Asawa Ko Karibal Ko, Bubble Gang, Kapuso Movie Night, Eat Bulaga, 24 Oras Weekend, and Wowowin.

GMA dominated both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists as well, taking 8 and 9 spots out of the top 10 programs, respectively.

FOR the third play of its 2019 season, Repertory Philippines takes audiences behind-the-scenes of the theater, exposing its vivid inner workings and hidden secrets.

Running from May 3 to 26 at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, The Dresser is drama at its finest, bringing together brilliant writing, directing, and acting to tell a story about devoting your entire life to your craft.

REP’s production of The Dresser will star none other than legendary veterans Audie Gemora and Teroy Guzman.

These two thespians’ experience with Shakespeare make them ideal fits for the layered script, which celebrates classical theater. Sitting in the director’s chair is Loy Arcenas, whose movie musical Ang Larawan, an adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, won Best Picture at the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival.

A critically acclaimed British play that has been staged on both West End and Broadway, The Dresser has also been adapted into a film starring Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen. Written

by Academy Award winner Sir Ronald Harwood, the play has a strong pedigree, having been interpreted by the best actors and directors around the world.

Following Sir, a troubled thespian, and his loyal dresser Norman, The Dresser takes place during a wartime production

of King Lear. Sir arrives on set in a delusional state, while Norman does all he can to ensure that the show goes on, much to the disapproval of the company, who have had enough of Sir’s erratic behavior. As the theater fills up and an air-raid commences, Sir steps onstage as Lear while the company crosses its fingers. Meanwhile, Norman and the other characters question whether their dedication to the theater—and even the people they love—is worth the hardship and heartbreak.

Don’t miss Gemora play the gentle Norman to Guzman’s tormented Sir. Joining them in the cast are Justine Narciso as Irene, Jeremy Domingo as Oxenby, Missy Maramara as Her Ladyship, Tami Monsod as Madge, and Jaime Del Mundo as Geoffrey.

After The Dresser’s run, catch The Quest for the Adarna in September.

Perfect for kids and kids at heart, this original REP play transforms the beloved Ibong Adarna tale into a colorful English musical. Grab REP season passes to watch these two plays at discounted prices.

Purchase your tickets now by calling REP at 451-1474, Ticketworld at 891-9999, or by logging on to www. ticketworld.com.ph.

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Man from Makati PARDON me for the somewhat unoriginal title. Not denying that it reads and sounds like the “Man from Manila” rap number of the late, great Francis Magalona. Yes, it was inspired by it.

I do believe this title is most fit for Monsour del Rosario, the former Olympian, Philippine Team’s Chef de Mission in the 2019 SEA Games, Congressman of the 1st District of Makati, and a former actor.

In the instances that I became part of the team of people he brings to the many barangays to meet and interact with the people, Del Rosario treats them well, oblivious of their political affiliation or leanings.

Upon observation, Del Rosario strikes an authoritative and gentle-hearted figure as he walks under the scorching sun.

He exudes a sincere congeniality, a natural charmer, that the elderly, women, ALWIN mothers, fathers, IGNACIO young ladies, teens, even kids, cannot resist.

You spot faces light up. Smiles, both from the giver and receivers, whole hearted. Hugs and embraces they share with the Makati Vice Mayoral candidate, tighter than tight, he instantly becomes a family member they missed so much.

Firm handshakes and high fives are often exchanged. Adding more premium to the intermingling, the fact that Monsour gives each and every individual the time to speak. He offers a listening ear to their daily situation, struggles and triumphs, woes, worries, wins and the reasons why they wake up and are thankful for another day.

As all these happens, the Man from Makati directs his gaze to the person he converses and assures them that with him, better days are coming, their futures, are indeed are brighter than ever.

Prior to the beginning of the program, when a handful of media crew were about to interview him, he wipes off his face with a white towel and asks, “Guapo na ba?” He smiles and talks to the media men and women present. All queries, he answers, never ever undermining his opponent despite some leading questions.

He punctuates the interview, and wows the media in attendance with his trademark power kicks.

During their party’s first motorcade and official campaign kickoff, the Makati denizens response and reaction to him, is not only enthusiastic, it can be described as electric.

When the public chants and shouts his name, one can easily assert that the people of Makati adores and loves him.

Says Monsour: “It’s touching to see this kind of enthusiasm from our friends here in Makati. Some people come to us thanking us for staying in Makati instead of going for a Senatorial seat.

Some people are also thanking us for having helped them. We cannot forget about them. The people on ground are the people we must serve. Every candidate must never forget that amidst the political conflicts.”

ARIAS

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

C4

Entertainment

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

So much to be thankful for SEASONED actress Sylvia Sanchez and her children Arjo and Ria Atayde hosted a thanksgiving lunch with members of the entertainment press on Tuesday at Lazat on Scout Limbaga in Quezon City.

The family of talented TV and movie actors had just one message -- they are thankful for the unparalleled support the the writers and reporters have been giving them.

Sylvia has just won her 29th Best Actress award at the independent film festival Sinag Maynila for her role in the

film Jesusa. She’s doing another series entitled Project Kapalaran with JM De Guzman and Arci Muñoz. On Thursday, she left for Dubai to start filming OFW. Arjo is getting rave reviews for his performance in the iWant original series, Bagman. His film, Stranded (Regal Entertainment), opposite Jessy Mendiola is now in cinemas nationwide. He’s also part of the top-rating primetime action drama, The General’s Daughter topbilled

by Angel Locsin.

Meanwhile, Ria is doing well in the

Ria and Arjo Atayde with mom Sylvia Sanchez

primetime series, Halik. She said that the series will soon air its final episodes and with that she’d be able to embark on another TV project.

“We’re just here to thank you for all

the support you’ve been giving me and my children. I’d like to thank God for the blessings our family continuously receive, the public and to all of you who believe in our talent as actors,” Sylvia said.

What in tarnation is Maledicto?

A scene from the highly anticipated summer horror thriller which unspools in cinemas nationwide on Labor Day.

T

HAT was my question, VERY too, when I and some WANG select members of NICKIE the press met with Jude WANG Turcuato, FOX Networks Group Philippines’ senior vice president and general manager, during a roundtable interview the network hosted at its headquarters in BGC a few weeks ago.

Jude, obviously a film buff, said that they spent at least two years on studying nearly 100 scripts and pitches before going for Maledicto. They started filming the original production in March 2018. And if the film does well at the tills, it already has a ready sequel. So, it’s safe to say that we’re talking about a “very good” material here.

“I felt like that it would entertain people differently as a genre. It’s a horror-thriller. I think most of the Philippine horror, is just horror. There’s no thriller aspect to it. That combination, for this one, was the one we felt would give us a really good shot,” the executive shared.

He continued talking about the summer horror film saying, “I can tell

you this or you can watch the trailer but really, you can’t get the entire story by watchingthe trailer alone. The film centers on how people get possessed, what happens during the possession, and how the demons are cast out.”

Maledicto tells the story of Fr. Xavi (played by Tom Rodriguez), a former psychologist who becomes an exorcist after the tragic and mysterious death of his sister, Mara (Inah de Belen). He meets Sister Barbie (played by Jasmine Curtis-Smith), a young nun who has the special gift of charism. Together, they deal with the case of Agnes (Miles Ocampo), a seemingly perfect teenager who starts manifesting demonic behavior that will rock the foundations of the church and put one’s faith to test.

But what does Maledicto specifically mean? The foreign world doesn’t ring a bell.

“Maledicto means to talk badly,” Jude said. “The root word is male which means bad just like in Maleficent.”

The network executive divulged that plenty of bad words are spoken in the film especially during the scene where one of the characters is possessed by a demon. Hence, the title of the film.

Maledicto is the first-ever Filipino film Fox Philippines is producing and it’s financed by its mother company, 20th Century Fox studios, in Hollywood.

“We didn’t need to do this because our parent company is already very successful in Hollywood doing it. But we wanted to be able to kind of take that learning and bring it here, and maybe to a certain extent, improve and upgrade the quality of Philippine cinema as well, if we do it,” Jude said.

Meanwhile, during the press conference for the film, the lead cast talk about what people can expect from the film, and shared some behind the scenes stories.

“My character here is not the typical priest that you’d normally encounter.

Fr. Xavi used to be a psychiatrist. He’s a skeptic, he doesn’t believe in demon

Fox Philippines' Jude Turcuato with 'Maledicto' lead stars Tom Rodriguez, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Miles Ocampo, and Inah de Belen.

possessions or anything supernatural.

Even if there’s an evidence he would still dismiss the idea,” the Kapuso actor said.

“He became an exorcist because he wanted to immerse himself in a world that he doesn’t understand. In the film, he encounters a situation that he can’t explain,” Tom added.

For Miles, who portrayed the possessed student in the film, admitted that she had second thoughts when the role was offered to her.

“At first, natakot ako. I wasn’t comfortable but when I started reading the script I realized that it’s a great story and it’s a collaboration between Cignal and Fox so I believe I was in good hands,” Miles shared.

For Jasmine, she portrays an unconventional role in Maledicto. It’s her first time to play the role of a nun, in a horrorthriller at that.

Asked if she believes in modern-day demon possessions she said: “I believe so especially in some rural areas. With some tribes, perhaps, these supernatural things are even part of their tradition and culture.”

The 24-year-old actress added that she felt secured throughout the shoot as they always prayed before taping their scenes.

Directed by Mark Meily, Maledicto is co-produced by Cignal Entertainment and Unitel. The other cast members are Eric Quizon, Martin Escudero, Franco Laurel, Nonie Buencamino, Liza Lorena, and Menggie Cobarrubias. The movie unspools in cinemas nationwide on May 1.

‘Havana’ singer to star in ‘Cinderella’ remake CUBAN-AMERICAN singer Camila Cabello will try on the glass slipper when she takes on the lead role in a remake of Cinderella, a source close to the project said Tuesday.

The decision to cast a Hispanic woman is a significant break from a long tradition of white and usually blonde Cinderellas.

Cabello, a multiplatinum selling and Grammy-nominated singer/ songwriter, will also help write the film’s songs.

The project grew out of an original idea from late-night television host James Corden, the source told AFP. The remake was first reported by the entertainment magazine The Hollywood Reporter.

Corden, best known for The Late Late Show and his Carpool Karaoke series, will co-produce the film through the company Fulwell 73, of which he is a partner. At the helm will be director Kay Cannon, who is no stranger to breaking the Hollywood mold with female-driven narratives. Cannon wrote the box office hit Pitch Perfect franchise, which tells the story of female friendships through a humorous take on competitive college a capella.

She made her directorial debut in 2018 with the critically acclaimed comedy Blockers, which flipped the typically male-oriented teen coming-of-age script and grossed over $93 million worldwide.

The iconic princess role is the latest chapter in Cabello’s own Cinderella story: she gained recognition at age 16 as part of the girl group Fifth Harmony. She left the group in 2016 to pursue a solo career and became a global household name in August the following year when her hit song “Havana” soared to the top of the pop radio chart.

Cabello, now 22, released her self-titled album in January 2018, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

The film, which will be made by Sony affiliate Columbia, is on the fast track for production. AFP International pop star Camila Cabello