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Sara in tears of joy: Davao delivers

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENTIAL daughter Sara DuterteCarpio said she wept when she learned that Davao City had delivered a 12-0 vote in the Senate races in favor of her Hugpong ng Pagbabago in the May 13 elections.

“I am not a person who cries easily but

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 91 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

#2019PHVOTE: SENATORIAL RACE AS OF 7:44 P.M.

1 VILLAR 24,798,379

2 POE 21,670,089

Congress sets June 4 probe of poll glitches

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo

3 GO 20,141,970

S

ENATOR Aquilino Pimentel III has set a June 4 hearing on the widespread technical problems that marred voting during the May 13 elections.

4 CAYETANO 19,390,756

5 DELA ROSA 18,513,551

6 ANGARA 17,826,369

7 LAPID 16,668,876

POST-ELECTION EYESORE. Torn down election materials form an ugly heap at the MMDA compound under the flyover at the EDSA in Quezon City after the agency removed all such materials in the National Capital Region following the election on Monday. Manny Palmero

Candidates told: Recycle or clean up tons of trash 8 MARCOS 15,555,957

9 TOLENTINO 15,143,455

10 REVILLA 14,337,510

11 PIMENTEL 14,334,588

12 BINAY 14,282,520

13 EJERCITO 14,045,547

14 AQUINO 13,930,330

when it was definite that Davao City delivered a 12-0 for senators of HNP, the tears flowed and the sobbing followed,” Duterte-Carpio, who was reelected to a third term as mayor, wrote on her Instagram account.

“I am bowed and humbled,” she said.

Duterte-Carpio visited almost 70 provinces across the nation as HNP’s camNext page paign manager.

By Joel E. Zurbano POLICE and volunteers have started removing campaign posters all over Metro Manila, even though it is the candidates who should be cleaning up their mess.

“Whether or not the candidates won the Monday’s elections, they should all serve as role models in cleaning up the campaign materials which came from them in the first place,” said Metro Manila police

chief Guillermo Eleazar.

A spokesperson for the Ecowaste Coalition agreed, and urged candidates to sort the materials and upcycle them when possible.

Aileen Lucero, a spokesperson, said upcycling, or the creative reuse of discards, is a practical way of saving resources from being burned or sent to the dumps and landfills for disposal.

So far, police and volunteers have re-

moved 654,859 posters that were outside the common poster areas.

“Let us do away with the bad practice in the past of just leaving behind the campaign materials,” Eleazar said.

He ordered his men to coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to conduct one final “Baklas” operation to rid the metropolis of posters and other campaign materials.

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Pimentel, chairman of the Senate committee on electoral reforms, said the date was set upon the request of his counterpart in the House of Representative.

He said the Comelec should reexamine the diagnostic tests they use to clear vote counting machines, since some 600 of these broke down on election day.

“This is already our fourth automated elections. Haven’t we learned yet?” he asked.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said about 400 to 600 out of the 85,000 VCMs in several precincts nationwide encountered glitches, about four times as much as those that encountered problems in the 2016 elections.

Comelec officials blamed the glitches on the poor quality of SD cards provided by their supplier, which offered the lowest bid.

Senator Panfilo Lacson supported an immediate inquiry, and said he wanted to ask the Comelec about the transmission problems related to their transparency server, which delayed the unofficial tally by about seven hours.

He also said he would quiz the Comelec on the procurement of low-quality SD cards.

Amid the strong showing of pro-administration candidates, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said he would do everything to maintain the Senate’s Next page independence.

COMELEC proclaims Romualdez; Tingog party-list has edge over rival

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Commission on Elections on Wednesday proclaimed Philippine Constitution Association president Martin Romualdez as the winning candidate in the first congressional district of Leyte.

Juan Bautista Beato, chairman of the Comelec provincial board of canvasser, declared Romualdez the winner after obtaining 157,382 votes.

Meanwhile, the Tingog Partylist is expected to get its first seat in the 18th Congress while its rival, An Waray, is poised to fail in

getting two congressional seats in the May 13 midterm elections based on the partial and unofficial results on May 15.

On its first attempt to win a seat in the 2016 national elections, Tingog was the 55th party-list among 115 other party-lists with 210,552 votes or 65 percent percent of the popular vote.

Unfazed by its first failure, Tingog was propelled to continue campaigning for regional development since the 2016 polls showed that Eastern Visayas was clamoring for more representation in Congress.

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Yedda Romualdez

ROMUALDEZ PROCLAIMED. Newly elected congressman of Leyte’s 1st District Martin Romualdez (second left) is proclaimed by Provincial Election Chairman Juan Bautista Beato (second right) at the Legislative Building of Leyte’s Provincial Comelec. Also in photo are Secretary Ronel Firmo (left) and Vice Chairman Maria Arlene Cordovez. Ver Noveno

Erap, four Otso senatorial bets concede; JV hopeful

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Joel Zurbano

known as Isko Moreno, with former Mayor Alfredo Lim placing third.

This developed as four senatorial candidates of the opposition Otso Diretso conceded defeat in the May 13 midterm elections as partial unofficial count showed an overwhelming finish by the administration-led coalition.

Political analysts said the downfall in politics of the Estrada-Ejercito clan loomed after the “magic wand” of Es-

trada failed to spell victory for himself in seeking his third and last term as Manila mayor and for his two sons who both ran for senator, among other defeated members of his own family.

Estrada can now be considered a “political heavyweight of the past” after he

Eight party-lists assured of seats

Monet fetches $110m at auction

G.O.T. spoiler from Russia

A CLAUDE Monet painting from his celebrated “Meules” (Haystacks) series fetched $110.7 million in New York on Tuesday in an auction record for the French Impressionist master.

STAND down Jon Snow, Daenerys and Sansa. As the hit series “Game of Thrones” draws to a close, Russian authorities say they have seized the “Iron Throne.”

OF THE 181 party-list groups that ran in the May 13 elections, at least eight were able to get at least 2 percent of the total number of votes cast for the system to entitle them to one seat in the House of Representatives.

Based on partial and unofficial results from Commission on Elections data and with 96.79 percent of the election returns transmitted, ACT-CIS took the lead with 2,584,037 votes or 9.48 percent.

This means the party-list group, which has veteran broadcaster Erwin Tulfo as first nominee, will have three seats in Congress.

Militant party-list group Bayan Muna came in second with 1,097,511 votes or 4.03 percent, which is good enough for two seats.

The other party-list groups that met the minimum requirement of 2 percent

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15 ESTRADA 11,156,574

OUTGOING Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada was “surprised” by the outcome of the capital city’s mayoralty race, but his lawyer George Garcia said Wednesday he had given no instructions to contest the results in the May 13 midterm polls.

Estrada was second to his former Vice Mayor Francisco Domagoso, popularly

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

’Bikoy’ a fugitive, coddlers warned face criminal charges since Advincula was now considered a fugitive due to the arrest warrants against him issued HE Justice by the courts in several provinces for estafa and illegal recruitment. department on “Coddlers of fugitives are criminally Wednesday warned liable for obstruction of justice. Those those coddling Peter who are proven to be helping Advincula Joemel Advincula, the self- hide from authorities will face cases,” Guevarra said. confessed “Bikoy” in the He said the government was not con“Ang Totoong Narco List” sidering putting up a bounty for Advinarrest―as in the case of former videos that accused several cula’s police official Eduardo Acierto―at this members of the presidential time as the authorities were confident of him. family of being linked to the arresting “There’s no need to put a bounty for illegal drug trade. his arrest. We’re confident that he will Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra be apprehended quite soon,” Guevarra said the coddlers of Advincula could said.

By Rey E. Requejo

T

The Justice department earlier alerted Immigration to prevent Advincula’s possible escape.

Guevarra said the Immigration offices in all international airports havd been alerted to prevent Advincula from leaving the country as he was not yet considered a fugitive.

He cited the outstanding warrants of arrest against Advincula issued by the regional trial courts in Baguio City and La Trinidad in Benguet over illegal recruitment and estafa.

He said his office was also considering seeking a hold-departure order for Advincula, but stressed the warrants would suffice to get him arrested at the airports.

On May 13, Advincula surfaced and held a press conference at the In-

tegrated Bar of the Philippines headquarters in Pasig City and repeated his story that several personalities supposedly belonging to the “Quadrangle” and “Davao” groups were involved in the illegal drug trade.

He stood by his claims that the President’s children Paolo and Sara and her husband Manases Carpio, as well as his partner Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña and their daughter Kitty, of benefiting from the illegal drug trade.

Advincula admitted that he served prison time from 2012 to 2016 after being convicted for illegal recruitment and estafa.

In Sept. 2007, Baguio RTC Judge Ruben Ayson issued an arrest warrant against Advincula for illegal recruitment.

US navy chief doesn’t want China tensions to ‘boil over’ THE US navy chief said Wednesday he did not want maritime tensions with China to "boil over," a week after Washington's latest challenge to Beijing's territorial claims in contested waters.

Beijing said last week two American warships sailed near disputed islands in the South China Sea without permission, prompting the Chinese Navy to ask them to leave.

The ships entered waters adjacent to Gaven and Chigua reefs in the Spratly Islands, which Beijing calls Nansha, on May 6, China's foreign ministry said.

Speaking on the sidelines of a maritime security conference in Singapore, Admiral John Richardson said Washington will continue such operations which are aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation.

The US will, however, ensure that communications with Beijing remain open to prevent any untoward incidents, he added.

"I really value the channel of communication that I have with Shen Jinlong," he told reporters, referring to his Chinese counterpart.

COMELEC...

From A1

Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, won over his rival Lino Dumas who received 9,621 votes.

“I am honored by the overwhelming support extended to me. Once again, thank you very much," said Romualdez, a lawyer and former House Independent Bloc Leader of the 16th Congress.

Romualdez, a three-term Leyte congressman, is the husband of Leyte First District Rep. Yedda Marie KittilstvedtRomualdez, the first nominee of the Tingog Party-list group that is expected to secure one seat.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, chairman of the Hugpong Ng Pagbabago, has endorsed Romualdez to be the Speaker of the 18th Congress.

Romualdez earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and studied law at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

He holds a Certificate for Special Studies in Administration and Management from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

During his stint as congressman of his district in Leyte, he supported the massive investments in infrastructure that spurred progress and development.

He championed small businesses and industries in his district and the plight of the disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors of society, people with disability, senior citizens, the sickly and the poor.

One of his benchmark legislations during the 16th Congress was the passage of House Bill 1039, a law exempting people with disability from paying value-added tax on certain goods and services.

"We just recently visited China, we had a chance to get to know each other, understand each other more thoroughly.

"We can continue to advocate that while we may not see things the same in all parts of the world, we've got to work through those differences in a way that doesn't boil over into conflict."

The US Navy regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations to challenge Beijing's vast claims in the sea, often angering China.

After last week's sail-by, a foreign ministry spokesman said "the Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" to the US action.

But Richardson insisted the patrols were routine.

"We haven't done anything increasingly provocative or anything else that we would not do anywhere else in the world," he said.

Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea, including on the Spratlys.

China claims nearly all of the sea, but Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it.

Erap,...

From A1

From A1 for one seat are Ako Bicol (3.83 percent), Cibac (3.36 percent), Ang Probinsyano (2.77 percent), 1Pacman (2.58 percent), Marino (2.43 percent), and Probinsyano Ako (2.28 percent).

Using Comelec’s algorithm, all the party-list groups that got at least 2 percent of the votes also stand to get a second seat.

The rest of the 59 seats will be distributed to the other party-list groups based on the votes they garnered.

was unseated by a wide margin posted by his former vice mayor.

On Tuesday night, the Commission on Elections proclaimed Domagoso, who resigned as Department of Social Welfare and Development undersecretary for his mayoral run, as the 27th elected mayor of Manila at the San Andres Sports Complex.

Domagoso also served as director of the North Luzon Railways Corp. He was Estrada’s vice mayor from 2013 to 2016.

He ran for senator in the 2016 elections and placed 15th in the race.

The winning mayor, a former member of the youth-oriented show That’s Entertainment, obtained 357,925 votes against Estrada’s 210,605 or a whooping difference of 147,320 votes.

Coming in as third placer with 138,923 votes was Alfredo Lim, who was also a former Manila mayor and a senator.

Estrada’s sons, returning Senator Jinggoy Estrada, did not make it to the “winning circle” although he consistently belonged to the top 12 senatorial candidates preferred by voters based on various preelection surveys.

Another son, reelectionist Senator JV Ejercito, has remained in the 13th spot as the votes of another reelectionist, Senator Nancy Binay, continued to widen.

Jinggoy is Estrada’s son with former Senator Loi Estrada while JV is his son with outgoing San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez.

Bad blood has continued to exist between the two siblings, Jinggoy and JV, whom political observers believed could be one factor to the end of their political career.

JV believes his running along with Jinggoy for the same position had made it difficult for him to enter the Magic 12.

He said this was also the reason why he left the Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino, the political party founded by his father along with former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Enrile lost for senator in the recently concluded elections while Binay lost his attempt in the congressional run in Makati City.

“We spread ourselves too thin. Which was what I was against, that is why I left PMP. I knew this might happen,” said Ejercito.

Monet...

From A1

Sara...

From A1

Eight...

The sale at Sotheby’s—the first time the work had come to auction since 1986— fetched one of the 10 highest prices ever seen at auction.

The total, which includes fees and the commission, was more than 44 times the previous record for the work.

It was the first time an Impressionist painting fetched more than $100 million.

Monet painted his 25 “Meules” compositions during the winter of 1890-1891 at his home in Giverny, in France’s Normandy region.

In each piece, Monet showed the light and surroundings of the same scene as they changed at different times of day, with the varying seasons and during various types of weather.

Another painting from the series was sold in November 2016 by the Christie’s auction house in New York for $81.4 million. AFP

The newly-proclaimed Davao City mayor also posted in Instagram photo of her kneeling inside a church.

She quoted a Bible verse, saying “To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.”

The mayor said the 12-0 win in Davao was a first for the city.

“Daghang Salamat sa inyong tanan, I have said that I feel alone everyday stressing over making sure Davao is ok but when I am in distress, Dabawenyos carry me on their back,” she said.

Among the candidates endorsed by HNP, only former journalist Jiggy Manicad did not win election.

Based on the latest official count of the Comelec, nine of the 13 HNP-backed candidates are poised to win a Senate seat.

Meanwhile, the returning representative

This photo taken on May 14 shows a Philippine coast guard ship sailing past a Chinese coast guardvessel during a joint search and rescue exercise between Philippine and US coastguards near Scarborough shoal in the South China Sea. Two Philippine coastguard ships, BRP Batangas and Kalanggaman and US coastguard cutter Bertholf participated in the exercise. AFP

Another opposition member, Senator Risa Hontiveros, urged the public to stop “vote-shaming” others by calling them stupid, simply because they did not see eye to eye on their candidates.

“Let’s not call our fellow voters stupid.

There’s a reason they voted the way they did,” she said in Filipino.

She said the challenge is for us to determine their reason for choosing these candidates.

“We must humbly listen, understand and respond to the reasons behind their choices,” she said.

Although the opposition Otso Diretso was shut out of the winner’s circle in the Senate races, Hontiveros said she was proud about campaigning for them.

She said the remaining opposition senators would continue to strive for an independent Senate, which she said is the last line of defense against continuing attempts to undermine democracy.

“The anti-democratic forces may have further entrenched themselves in power, but we will continue to push back. This is certainly not the endgame. We are used to difficult fights. We are prepared to fight the long game,” she said.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said she would agree to any investigations to be conducted by a third party to erase doubts about the elections caused by VCM breakdowns.

“We are willing to have a third party that would audit logs that contain [the] votes,” Guanzon said.

“I want to assure the public that we are open to inquiries or technical audit. I and Commissioner Guia prefer an independent third party to do this,” she added.

The Comelec official assured the public that there was no cheating during the elections, saying the technical glitches on several hundreds of VCMs did not affect the election results.

She also said a snag in the transmission of unofficial results was fixed immediately—though there was a seven-hour delay.

Earlier, Comelec Commissioner Luie Tito Guia said packet data issues caused the delay in the viewing of the running vote count shared by the media and other accredited organizations.

The glitch, Guia said was due to a java error, but said there was nothing wrong there.

Guanzon, meanwhile, said the Comelec would not pay for the 1,665 defective SD cards that were blamed for glitches in the VCMs. The poll watchdog National Citizen’s Movement for Free Elections on Wednes-

day said the Comelec should immediately transmit all the remaining 2.25 percent election returns that have not been transmitted yet, saying the remaining number could greatly affect the senatorial race from numbers 10 to 14.

In a statement, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting said the remaining numbers are critical in the senatorial contest where the figures among those in Numbers 10 to 14 positions are very close.

“The 2.25 percent is equivalent to 1,930 untransmitted local election returns and assuming a 75 percent turnout of voters in the May 13 elections, this means 1,043,721 votes should still be coming in,” the group said.

“This number is large enough to reorder the positions in the senatorial race, and most importantly, define without doubt the No. 12 or the last slot placer. The margin of votes between the current 10th to the 14th placer now stands at 398,000 well within the 1,043,721 unaccounted votes,” the PPCRV added.

The Comelec said canvassing of votes could be finished within the week and Senate winners could be proclaimed by Monday, May 20.

Guanzon said that at least 96 percent of the election returns have been transmitted for canvassing and expected to conclude the transmission by Friday, May 17.

“I think we can proclaim Monday, because we have to wait for everything,” she said.

The Comelec en banc will decide if they would do a partial proclamation this week, she added.

According to the latest update of poll results on the Comelec website, 97.82 percent of election returns nationwide been received by the poll body.

Meanwhile, the manual counting and tallying of votes in selected clustered precincts nationwide kicked off on Wednesday during the random manual audit in Manila.

The objective of the audit is to check the accuracy of the vote count, said Ona Caritos, executive director of the Legal Network for Truthful Elections.

Guia said the committee will be processing at least 60 of the total 715 clustered precincts initially picked for the audit.

Winning candidates in nine out of 11 towns, a city, and even provincial and congressional winners in Bataan were still not officially known on Tuesday after 36 SD cards proved defective in 10 areas.

Gilda Rodrigo, assistant provincial election supervisor, said only the towns of Bagac and Hermosa have finished transmitting the results and had the votes counted by the municipal and provincial board of canvassers. With PNA

of Leyte’s 1st District, Martin Romualdez, said the strong showing of administrationbacked candidates was a vote of confidence and an affirmation of the people’s continued support for President Rodrigo Duterte and his policies.

“The outstanding showing of President Duterte and Mayor Sara’s senatorial candidates only affirmed the solid support of majority of Filipino people to President Duterte,” Romualdez said.

The Palace said the public’s rejection of Otso Diretso should cause the opposition to reassess their cactions, and urged the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) to accept defeat instead of accusing the administration of cheating.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement after Bayan’s Secretary General Renato Reyes questioned the so-called “Duterte magic” in the midterm election.

He said that “magic” was delivered by way of the use of government resources to

favor administration bets and the use of the country’s’ armed forces to target and harass opposition groups, especially those on the left.

Reyes said the control over the Commission on Elections, the “hocus-pocus”of the automated polls, martial law in Mindanao, and the government-sponsored disinformation also contributed to the President’s big win in Monday’s polls.

“The so-called ‘Duterte magic’ mentioned above is the reason why the poll results are not credible. It was the systematic cheating and rigging of the elections which gave us these results,” Reyes said. “[Opposition senatorial candidate] Neri Colmenares is correct in refusing to concede due to the fraudulent nature of the polls. He is sounding off the call to denounce fraud and hold accountable those responsible,” he added.

Reyes then called on people to join the Black Friday protests on May 17 and stand against poll fraud.

Congress...

From A1

Palace trains gun on Netflix comedian PRESIDENTIAL Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday slammed the detractors of President Rodrigo Duterte for allegedly criticizing him globally through Netflix.

“We find it desperate that, on the eve of the Philippine midterm elections, the vociferous detractors of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte would use an American comedy show, aired on Netflix, to demonize the Chief Executive and his government in its episode entitled “Brazil, Corruption and the Rainforest” before the global audience,” Andanar said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Malacañang on Wednesday slammed the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s opinion piece entitled “Panelo’s flimflammery,” saying the newspaper had a “habit of twisting statements” from President Duterte and the Palace and putting up “screaming slanted headlines to put us in a bad light.”

On Tuesday, the Inquirer said in its editorial that seeing Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo “gnashing and whinging about the instant karma he got after peddling the amateurish” oust Duterte matrices was “downright comical.”

The paper wrote the editorial after Panelo hit the political meme of the Facebook page “Malacañang Events and Catering Services,” calling it “instant karma.” The satire and parody page edited a picture of Panelo purportedly endorsing the “Otso Diretso” senatorial candidates and others instead of the matrices.

Andanar was referring to Netflix’s political-satire show “Patriot Act” hosted by American comedian Hasan Minhaj.

He called Minhaj “gullible” for believing the drug war narrative of Duterte’s critics.

“We express outrage that such erroneous narratives, obviously peddled by anti-Duterte haters and trolls, would find their way to the gullible TV host and his comedy show and unwittingly parrot these falsehoods to an audience unaware of the real score in the Philippines,” Andanar said.

He cited the Filipino public’s continuous satisfaction in the performance of the Duterte administration in combating illegal drugs and poverty.

“For the information of Mr. Minhaj, six out of 10 Filipinos [have] pointed out that the illegal drug users in their areas have decreased based on independent pollsters, attesting that the campaign is effective.

Also, seven out of 10 Filipinos mentioned that the Duterte administration is serious in solving the killings in the country,” Andanar said.

“With regard to the root cause, which is poverty, the Duterte administration remains committed to bringing comfortable lives for all. The latest survey shows that the hunger incidence among Filipino families decreased to 9.5 percent while adult joblessness dropped to 19.7 percent.”

Andanar said Minhaj exaggerated the 27,000 drug war victims in his show.

He said only about 5,050 drug personalities died during the 115,435 anti-drug operations from July 2016 to November 2018.

“The Philippine National Police also reported that a large number of deaths were done by the hands of vigilantes due to the rivalry between drug gangs,” Andanar said.

“Mr. Hasan Minhaj, an American comedian and host, maliciously implied that President Duterte is an “autocrat” who “every so often goes on a killing spree.”

Andanar also slammed Minhaj for implying that the arrest of Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa and Senator Leila de Lima were solely due to their criticisms of Duterte.

“On Ms. Ressa and Senator De Lima, their cases underwent legal processes and their politics, or opposition to President Duterte, has nothing to do with the charges that they are now facing,” he said.

PNA with Nat Mariano

Candidates...

From A1

The MMDA on Wednesday said Manila, Paranaque and Quezon City produced the greatest volume of campaign materials.

Most of the 23.42 tons of campaign posters and other election-related materials it removed and collected after the May 13 midterm elections came from various areas of the three cities.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said the cleanup in major roads would take a week.

Public schools, which were used as election precincts, would also be spruced up for school opening early next month.

Francis Martinez, head of the MMDA Metro Parkway Clearing Group, said they collected a total of 168.84 tons of electionrelated trash since the campaign began.

Tarpaulins would be recycled into bags, place mats and other useful items, he said.

Martinez said this year’s collections were lower than the 206 tons of garbage collected in 2016.

G.O.T spoiler...

From A1

Traders set up a replica of the throne featured in the HBO drama in a main square of Saint Petersburg for passersby to take pictures with, city hall said Tuesday.

But during a raid, officials seized the seat, which they said was installed in the former imperial capital illegally.

They did not provide details of the throne’s location or whether it would be returned. AFP

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

GMA, Japanese envoy celebrate era under Japan’s new emperor

House okays bill all graduating students to plant 10 trees each

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives has supported a measure mandating all graduating elementary, high school, and college students to plant at least 10 trees each as a prerequisite for graduation.

House Bill 8728 or the “Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act” is authored by Reps. Gary Alejano and Strike Revilla has been approved on third and final reading at the Lower House, and shall be transmitted to the Senate for action.

In pushing for the measure’s enactment, the bill’s authors said “it is the policy of the State to pursue programs and projects that promote environmental protection, biodiversity, climate change mitigation, poverty reduction, and food security.”

“To this end, the educational system shall be a locus for propagating ethical and sustainable use of natural resources among the young to ensure the cultivation of a socially-responsible and conscious citizenry,” the bill said.

The trees planted by the graduating students shall be their living legacy to the environment and future generations of Filipinos.

In its explanatory note of HB 1154, one of the bills consolidated into HB 8728, Alejano said that while the right of the youth to a balanced and healthful ecology must be recognized, there is no reason why the youth cannot be made to contribute.

“With over 12 million students graduating from elementary and nearly five million students graduating from high school and almost 500,000 graduating from college each year, this initiative, if properly implemented, will ensure that at least 175 million new trees would be planted each year. In the course of one generation, no less than 525 billion can be planted under this initiative,” Alejano said. Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines His Excellency Koji Haneda celebrated on Tuesday the ascension of Emperor Naruhito to the Chrysanthemum Throne, marking it a new age of Philippine-Japanese friendship.

Together with Speaker Arroyo were former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and H.E. Haneda’s wife, Iheka Haneda.

The event was also attended by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Senator Aquilino Pimentel, former Prime Minister Cesar Virata, and other Filipino and Japanese dignitaries.

In his speech, Locsin said that the Philippines is one with Japan in looking forward to the Reiwa Era under the new emperor as time of peace and prosperity.

“We share the Japanese people’s hope that the Reiwa Era heralds a time of harmony for Japan and our region as we ride the wave of unbridled opportunity from gain and loss,” Locsin said.

He expects that this new era will further strengthen bilateral relations as Japan is considered a true ally of the Philippines.

“On the bilateral front, we are confident that the Reiwa Era will impart a stronger impetus to our strategic partnership. Japan has an important place in our pantheon of real friends. It is, in the words of His Excellency President Rodrigo Duterte, ‘a friend closer than a brother,’” he said.

Meanwhile, Haneda said that the robust diplomatic ties of the Philippines and Japan is at its golden age.

“Across the 30 years of the Heisei Era of His Majesty Emperor Emeritus Akihito, the relations between Japan and the Philippines were immensely strengthened. We are now here enjoying the golden age of our strategic partnership,” he said.

The Ambassador added that he is confident that the harmonious friendship of the Philippines and Japan will continue as Japan enters its Reiwa Era. The two countries are already collaborating on new labor initiatives on labor and deepening people to people relations, and have other cooperation projects in the pipeline.

“In the new era of labor, we will engage in our best efforts to further promote stronger ties with the people of the Philippines. We are already witnessing positive developments both at grassroots and high level. Opening of the Consulate General of Japan in Davao this year is expected to enhance people to people exchange between Mindanao and Japan,” Haneda said.

NGCP expects power supply to ‘normalize’

By Alena Mae S. Flores GRID operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines expects power supply to normalize by September once the hydropower plants come back online during the rainy season and when most power plants complete their maintenance operations.

NGCP division head for power network planning Fidel Dagsaan Jr. said the power situation will likely normalize by September as the power plants are expected to come online by August or September.

Dagsaan said rainy season arrives in June or July thus the hydro plants can then operate once water levels increase.

“During summer, coal plants are not on maintenance, it’s the hydros. When the hydros come back, it is the turn of the coal plants to do maintenance. It will normalize by September,” he said.

Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, for his part, said NGCP is projecting the highest demand of 11,400 megawatts during the week of May 20 to 24.

“The projection remains at 11,400 MW next week from May 20 to 24.

There is ample supply if no plants go on outage,” Fuentebella said, adding that supply is expected to reach 12,171 MW by next week.

Fuentebella said the Department of Energy will still revisit the causer’s pay mechanism, which provides penalties for power plants that go on forced outages.

However, he said DOE is still urging investors to continue to build more plants as demand is expected to continue to go up while there are also new markets for their available capacity.

TIME FOR COUNTING. COC, SOV and SD cards, sealed in ballot boxes which arrived from different provinces, were lined up for

counting at the Philippine International Convention Center, where the poll body, sitting as, National Board of Canvassers, tally the votes for candidates in the midterm polls. Inset photo shows Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon while updating the media on the latest news on the results and other concerns. Ey Acasio

Chiz, Loren score wins in their home provinces G

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

RADUATING senators Chiz Escudero and Loren Legarda scored landslide victories in their hometown in Sorsogon and Antique, respectively.

Escudero, an adopted candidate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, was proclaimed as the newly-elected governor of Sorsogon, while Legarda was proclaimed the new congresswoman of the lone district of Antique.

Escudero amassed 303,960 votes against rival Vladimir Frivaldo of PDPLaban who had 31,867 votes.

The outgoing senator said that as soon as he assumes his post, he will focus on the province’s livelihood and tourism programs to spur economic growth and improve the lives of residents.

Legarda’s victory, meanwhile, spelled the end of the 32-year rule of the Javier dynasty in her home province.

The outgoing chairman of the Senate finance committee swept all of the province’s 18 towns, with 199,187 votes (based on the certificate of canvass of votes) against the former governor and Congressman Exequiel Javier’s 69,716 votes, one of the largest margins of victory in the 2019 elections.

Javier sought to replace his son, incum-

bent Congressman Paolo Javier, who was defeated for governor by Rhodora Cadiao, marking the first election since 1987 that no Javier has won any position.

Despite facing a well-entrenched political dynasty, Legarda led all pre-election surveys, reflecting the overwhelming desire for change in Antique.

The province has the highest poverty incidence in Western Visayas according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

“By the grace of God, we have become victorious. I thank all Antiqueños who voted for me, especially those who supported me from the start. This victory is not for me alone, but for Antique and the Antiqueños. Now that the election is over, we should start working together. I extend my hand to every Antiqueño—let us unite to defeat the real enemy, which is poverty,” said Legarda.

“We are determined to do more in Antique in the next three years than has been done in the last 30 years, and prove that every province has the potential to bring prosperity to its people,” she added.

“I ran for Congress to bring my two decades of Senate work to the grassroots, and make Antique a role model for sustainable development for the rest of the country.”

This is Legarda’s first entry into local politics, being at the end of her second consecutive term in the Senate.

Legarda has served 18 years as a senator, championing causes such as environmental protection, sustainable development, and women and children’s rights.

As a three-term senator, Legarda has crafted laws on education, such as the Free College Education Law; on health, such as the National Health Insurance Act of 2013; and on livelihood, such as the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Barangay Kabuhayan Act, among many other laws that address the various needs of Filipinos.

Aside from funding these laws, she has also ensured that the government’s programs—free college education in state universities and colleges, free healthcare services, skills trainings, employment and livelihood programs from various agencies—reach all corners of the province.

Legarda said that as Congresswoman of Antique, she will ensure that her kasimanwas will continue to feel the improvement in their lives, as what is already happening in the province through her efforts to bring government services closer to the Antiqueños.

A million plant, animal species facing extinction—study ONE million plant and animal species are facing extinction due to human activities with agriculture as one of the biggest threats to biodiversity and ecosystems, according to the findings of the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

About 75 percent of land and 66 percent of oceans have been “significantly altered” by people, driven in large part by the production of food, the report said.

Crop and livestock operations currently co-opt more than 33 percent of the land surface and 75 percent of its freshwater resources, the report said.

Agricultural activities are some of the largest contributors to human emissions of greenhouse gases, it added.

Based on the report, the next biggest

threats to nature are the exploitation of plants and animals through harvesting, logging, hunting and fishing; climate change; pollution and the spread of invasive species.

The average abundance of native plants, animals and insects has fallen in most major ecosystems by at least 20 percent since 1900 because of invasive species.

According to Anne Larigauderie, IPBES executive secretary, biodiversity must at the top of the global agenda, alongside climate change as the two biggest threats to human and species survival.

“Without transformative changes to the world’s economic, social, and political systems to address this crisis, the IPBES panel predicts that major biodiversity losses will continue to 2050 and beyond.

We are eroding the very foundations of

our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide,” said Robert Watson, IPBES chairperson.

Theresa Mundita Lim, a high-ranking official of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Centre for Biodiversity, said “the global assessment provides useful figures and case illustrations that will allow policy makers all over the world, including in the ASEAN member states, to better visualise the state of the world’s and ASEAN’s biodiversity and natural resources, and their impacts to human survival. The report also provides good rationale, as well as suggestions for developing national, regional, and global policies and actions that can address gaps and guide future work that may possibly improve or reverse current situations.”

Rio N. Araja

PAO chief says she’s not liable for the creation of forensic lab

By Rio N. Araja PUBLIC Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta on Wednesday insisted that she cannot be held criminally liable for the creation of a forensic laboratory.

She reacted to an alleged complaint filed by one Wilfredo Garrido Jr. before the Office of the Ombudsman for putting up the PAO forensic laboratory without authority from the House of Representatives.

“The PAO forensic lab started out as room or workspace where forensic experts and volunteers worked. It was not a created unit or office,” Acosta said.

“The hiring of Dr. Erwin Erfe as PAO forensic consultant was authorized by [then] Department of Budget and Management Secretary [Emilia] Boncondin in 2004. This year, the DBM through Secretary [Benjamin] Diokno created the PAO forensic laboratory division with eight plantilla authorized positions under the office of the Chief Public Attorney with four physicians, nurse, medical technologist, dentist and laboratory assistant,” she said.

“The PAO chief did not create any position for the forensic laboratory,” she added.

Garrido said Acosta committed graft, and that she would use the PAO forensic laboratory to “prove her case” with regards to the Dengvaxia controversy.

Cebuano bishop picked as Malolos prelate CEBU CITY—The Diocese of Malolos in Bulacan has a new bishop after the Vatican has appointed a Cebuano bishop to head the Roman Catholic Church of the historical place, the archbishop of Cebu announced Tuesday night.

Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma said Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo has been appointed as the new bishop of Malolos.

Palma made the announcement in a gathering of priests, volunteers, and media at the Filipiniana Hall at the Archbishop’s Residence here.

“At 6 p.m., that’s 12 o’ clock [noon] in Rome, the announcement of the appointment of Most Rev. Dennis Villarojo as Bishop of Malolos [came],” Palma said.

“This morning during the birthday of Msgr. [Achielles] Dakay, Papal Nuncio Osvaldo Padilla was telling me ‘I don’t know if I have to say condolence or congratulations,’ because when a bishop is appointed bishop of Malolos he will be leaving Cebu and that’s what we mean

condolence,” Palma said in jest.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Cebu noted that the people of Malolos “has been longing for a bishop” since May last year after its prelate, Bishop Jose Oliveros, died at the age of 71 after a long fight with prostate cancer.

“From a certain perspective, I was saying that it’s easy for them to get bishops and it’s not easy to give us. So we wait for the new ones,” the prelate of Cebu said in a video posted by Rev. Fr. Felmar Fiel, SVD, over Youtube.

The Archdiocese of Cebu used to have two auxiliary bishops. However, Villarojo became the lone assistant bishop after Pope Francis appointed Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio as Bishop of the Military Ordinariate last March 2.

Since the appointment of Florencio, the Holy See has not assigned a replacement nor appointed a new one through ordination to bishop from the hundreds of priests and monsignors in the archdiocese. PNA

NEW MANILA MAYOR.

The City Board Canvassers of Manila proclaimed Isko Moreno and Honey Lacuna as the elected mayor and vice mayor of Manila at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

Norman Cruz

A4

Opinion

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A commendable job BARELY two hours after the 2019 midterm polls, 70 percent of the results had already been transmitted.

As someone who has lived through countless nightmarish manual elections that took as long as 40 days to finish, I know this feat is nothing sort of phenomenal.

Notwithstanding the usual hiccups in some areas, voters witnessed proclamations on election night—and concession after concession afterward.

Voters are trusting the system more and more.

Initially there were complains Maabout the VCMs—Vote Counting Ma chines. But they were, as I said, mere hiccups. These glitches did not make any difference in the results.

Let’s look at the bigger picture. The speedy transmission and the transparency of the results have eased the electoral tension and made the transfer of power seamless.

Compared to the “bad old days,” I can say Monday’s election was smooth and painless. If only the younger generation knew what we had to put up with back in the day!

All things considered, the Comelec has done a commendable job.

Its people went the extra mile to ensure that the public knew exactly what

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

preparations were being done, from public bidding to source code review to final testing and sealing—everything was transparent. This was probably why voter turnout was remarkably high.

It’s also worthwhile to point out that the number of electoral protests went down once automation was adopted.

Did you know that in 2010 there were 89 protests and in 2013 it went down to 83? And then in 2016, there were only 38 cases filed. Voters are trusting the system more and more.

I am most thankful for the decline in violent incidents. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are regarding the 2019 polls as the most peaceful elections in history.

In manual elections, you could see the protracted period of time before winners are determined, giving ample time to fraudsters to ply their nefarious trade. Nowadays, automation is simply too fast for anyone to even try and do their worst.

Teachers were able to go home safely after performing their duty.

The Comelec deserves to be commended, indeed! *** So what happened to Otso Diretso?

Taking everything into consideration, instead of bringing up issues that affect us as a people, they focused on President Duterte instead.

To me this was a big mistake considering the President’s high popularity ratings.

Being a smart politician, Duterte took it upon himself to endorse his favorite candidates. In effect, Duterte became the main issue as far as the opposition is concerned.

Patriotic act

S

UPPORTERS of President Duterte unleashed their collective online fury at political commentator and comedian Hasan Minhaj who, over the weekend, marveled at Mr. Duterte’s continued popularity despite his bloody war on drugs and cited his propensity to use the law to punish his critics.

Minhaj, in the latest episode of Patriot Act which aired on Netflix just before voters trooped to precincts Monday, poked dark fun at some of Mr. Duterte’s statements on illegal drugs and claimed that the war, despite its violence and its bias against the poor, had been ineffective.

As a result, one Duterte supporter asked Minhaj how much the political opposition paid him. Another told him to mind his own country and to focus on India instead. Yet another said

Minhaj should have done better research.

The reaction to the latest foreign criticism comes just after the release of two so-called matrices identifying lawyers and journalists as part of a destabilization plot against Mr. Duterte.

A recent version even included athletes—much to many people’s bewilderment, even amusement.

If the President has not had it so good, we wonder why he and his supporters even bother with

their critics in the first place.

He needs no better proof of this than the fact that his senatorial candidates dominated Monday’s elections.

Speculating about destabilization and badmouthing anybody who dares have a different, less rosy perception of the way things are here is not only useless; it is counterproductive. Congress will already be bereft of legitimate voices from the opposition. If the Executive wants at least an appearance of dissent, then it should not be vexed by the slightest criticism.

The President and his allies should instead channel their energy to delivering on their promises and assuring the masses that the sustained confidence—for some, adulation—is at least deserved.

Turn to A5

An ineluctable facet of Philippine elections POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE VOTE BUYING was rampant once again all over the country, and President Rodrigo Duterte called it “an integral part” of Philippine elections that will exist as long as there are poor Filipinos.

Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said education is essential to addressing these issues. “We have to make our country progressive so that everybody will have comfortable lives … But before that, we have to educate them first.

If we lack education, we will only have more problems,” he said.

While news reports say that “hundreds” have so far been arrested in connection with vote buying in the 2019 midterm elections, it’s more than likely that these are small fry and the politicians behind them will remain untouched. I would love to be proved wrong, though.

Was there a budget for vote buying that absolutely had to be spent in entirety? After she cast her vote, a friend of mine was slipped a five hundred peso bill by a person purporting to represent one of the mayoral candidates. Funnily enough, my friend already voted for that same candidate; the bribe was money for jam.

Here’s another droll story—my friend’s sister was brought over from the province where she lives now (hinakot) to her polling precinct in our city, and given money by a certain candidate. On election day, she voted for the opponent.

Isn’t it usual that paipit is given before election day rather than after, and that proof of the vote is required before money exchanges hands? It seems that in this confusing, chaotic era, even the usual rules for fraud are bent.

Electoral fraud, says Wikipedia, is the “illegal interference with the process of an election, either by increasing the vote share of the favored candidate, depressing the vote share of the rival

candidates, or both.”

In the Philippines, this is most often conducted in three ways—vote-buying, election rigging, and threatening and physical harassment of candidates and supporters.

As the President noted, the poor are the usual target for vote-buying. The mechanics are explained by Tristan A. Canare and Ronald U. Mendoza of Ateneo de Manila University and Mario Antonio Lopez of the Asian Institute of Management in their paper, ‘An empirical analysis of vote buying among the poor: Evidence from elections in the Philippines’ (South East Asia Research, March 2018).

From the abstract: “Data analysis shows that vote buying among the poor is indeed very common, but the

Cayosa’s change of character

Even education will be inadequate if people cannot tell the difference between right and wrong. incidence varies depending on the vote buying type. The most prevalent form uses more benign goods such as food and clothing, but offers of money [are] still reported by more than a quarter of respondents.

“Different vote buying types also have different correlates, including some socio-economic factors, suggesting that it is a finely targeted activity. In addition, money vote buying is predominant in tight elections, but buying votes using non-monetary offers is more common when there is a clear winner even before the election. Most of those who were offered accepted the goods or money, but only about two-thirds voted for the candidate.

“In addition, evidence suggests that the good or money is not the deciding factor in voting for the candidate. This

Turn to A5

What’s his motive?

IN THE aftermath of the Bikoy press conference, the ensuing actions of the Executive Vice President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines appear to deviate from the sense of unity with which the IBP has discharged its functions.

Egon Cayosa was one with the 23rd Board of Governors in tackling issues that, while politically charged, were critical to the IBP’s drive to uphold the rule of law. The IBP intervened in several high-stakes Supreme Court cases—the ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, the administration’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the extension of martial law in Mindanao. Cayosa, representing the IBP, even participated in a human rights forum organized by Manlaban sa EJK.

One would think that, with an IBP that’s remained unflinching against this administration’s tirades, the entire Board would stick it out like a band of brothers. Not with Cayosa, it appears.

Right after the May 6, 2019 press con, Cayosa already made several public pronouncements demanding accountability within the IBP. Curiously, it was only on May 12, 2019 when a screenshot surfaced showing that Cayosa asked for a formal investigation with the Board.

The screenshot is undated. However, if Cayosa’s request was made early on, why the need for public demands of accountability? Why was there no mention then of an impending investigation? Alternatively, if such request had been made at or around May 12, then an investigation would seem an

afterthought.

In other words, an IBP officer concerned with protecting the organiza organization would have prioritized internal housekeeping before airing out dirty laundry. Especially considering that Cayosa jointly faces a disbarment complaint with IBP president Ade Fajardo, it would seem that putting up a united front is what’s best for the organization’s integrity. Yet, Cayosa seems overeager to pre-empt the complaint with the Board’s own investigation, managing to secure his request even over Mother’s Day Sunday and election Monday.

Contrast these actions to former IBP president Jose Grapilon’s more tempered, more protective public statement. Grapilon mentioned that the National Center for Legal Aid, after adhering to its operations manual, had already denied Bikoy’s request for legal assistance. Grapilon went on to defend Bikoy’s freedom of speech and expression—as a champion of Turn to A5

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Opinion

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

Winners and losers THE 2019 midterm electoral exercise is all over and like what some surveys and pundits have predicted, the outcome followed the script especially in the senatorial race—even as there were some surprises in the local scene.

In the Senate race, it now appears that no opposition candidate would make it to the Magic 12. This has not happened in a very long time and is largely due to the strength of President Duterte’s coattails. What this means is that the President can now theoretically legislate any law he wants passed because the opposition basically disappeared in both houses of Congress. President Duterte will also be in a much stronger political position to implement his programs as he wishes.

Early in the campaign, no one gave Christopher Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa a chance of winning but Go is now in third place while Bato is in fifth.

Some of the old faces are also back.

Captain Barbell Bong Revilla is safely in seventh place and our local lone ranger Lito Lapid is all set to win.

Meanwhile, the two sons of former President Estrada appear to have both lost. Many believe that this was due to their inability to settle their differences.

It was too much to expect that both would have won. One of them should have given way. Greed maybe? I do not know but their father also lost in the City of Manila and the Mayor of San Juan also lost. For the first time in about five decades, there will be no Estrada mayor of San Juan. In fact, the family of the former President have been wiped out in this election.

In Makati, the Jojo Binay the former Vice President also lost in the Congressional race but Abby Binay appear to have bested her younger brother. In Pasig, the reign of the Eusebio family has ended with the victory of Vico Sotto,

nephew of the Senate President.

Further from the metro Area, Mayor Maurice Domogan, the political kingpin of Baguio City, lost an election for the first time. For the better part of about 30 years, he was a councilor, vice mayor, mayor and congressman. In the last 27 years, he was either mayor or congressman. He lost in his bid to regain his congressional seat. Is it the end of the line for him? Maybe but once the political bug bites, it is hard for anyone to stop much like a boxer who will only stop when beaten to the pulp.

Regardless of the imperfections of our democracy, at least people had a say.

To many political clans, however, it is business as usual. Another three years is there for them to continue holding public office. This thing about political dynasties is a blackeye to our democratic institutions. Allowing political families to run and hold public office for decades allowing numbers to somehow inherit positions is scandalous. This needs to stop. The Constitution prohibits it but unless a law is passed that defines clearly this constitutional provision, this practice will continue.

But regardless of the imperfections of our democracy—think political violence, cheating and vote buying—having elections is one of the most important elements in any democratic process.

Being able to choose the people who will lead us no matter how flawed the system is at least allowing the people to have a final say on who should be leading the country.

And as the last exercise has shown, the people have not lost any of their enthusiasm in the exercise. In every election, more than 70 percent of the electorate always cast their votes in contrast

to other countries whose citizens are not always as enthusiastic as we are. The Filipino appetite for election has not diminished at all and with the midterms just completed, the big one in 2022 is just around the corner.

As the senatorial standing is telling us, 2022 does not bode well for the opposition. All the leading senatorial candidates are allies of the President. 2022 therefore is looking very good for the President himself. Barring any catastrophic political mistakes or the economy nose diving, it would seem that President Duterte can anoint his successor and the people will just simply agree.

It is elementary that in order for a democracy to be truly a democracy, there must be a dynamic and viable opposition. But in world politics today, the trend seem to be a move to the right. More and more countries are electing leaders coming from the far right who have the predisposition of doing away with the practice of checks and balances which is the hall hallmark of democracy.

As we have seen over the last 70 or so years, this is a cycle. For now, the move to the right is the trend. If we look at our recent political history also, Filipinos tend to put their faith more on the leader than the institutions of the system. Governance is leadership-based. Whether local or national, governance revolves around the leader which means that if we happen to have a corrupt, incompetent and lazy mayor, governor, or president, it is just too bad because this is reflected in the state of affairs of the country.

But if we happen to have a competent and incorruptible leader, the result is usually good. With the President winning the referendum on his leadership, he is now free to chart his efforts to crafting laws or policies that he wants such as reviving the death penalty, pivoting to China and accelerating his Build, Build, Build programs.

The President’s only stumbling block that I can see is his health. He has to stay healthy for the next three years.

Facebook to curb livestreaming amid pressure over Christchurch massacre their social media feeds.

By Adam Plowright with Glenn authorities.

Around 8,000 New Zealanders "We need to get in front of this (probChapman in San Francisco FACEBOOK announced Wednesday it would tighten access to its livestreaming feature as New Zealand's premier Jacinda Ardern and French leader Emmanuel Macron prepared to launch the global "Christchurch Call" initiative to tackle the spread of extremism online.

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg has been under intense pressure since March when a white supremacist gunman used Facebook Live to stream his rampage at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, which left 51 people dead.

The California-based platform said it would ban Facebook Live users who shared extremist content and seek to reinforce its own internal controls to stop the spread of offensive videos.

"Following the horrific recent terrorist attacks in New Zealand, we've been reviewing what more we can do to limit our services from being used to cause harm or spread hate," Facebook vicepresident of integrity Guy Rosen said in a statement.

Ardern and Macron will later issue the Christchurch Call to fight the spread of hateful and terror-related content along with leaders from Britain, Canada, Norway, Jordan and Senegal, who will also be in Paris.

The largely symbolic initiative is intended to keep up the pressure on social media companies who face growing calls from politicians across the world to stop their platforms being abused.

"It's an action plan, it's the start of something," Ardern told CNN in an interview on Wednesday.

Many countries have already tightened legislation to introduce penalties for companies that fail to take down offensive content once it is flagged by

An ineluctable...

From A4

supports the premise that vote buying is just part of a bigger effort by politicians to build clientelism and patronage among his/her constituencies. Dependency and loyalty is merely punctuated by election-related transfers, rather than an effort to completely change votes.”

Vote buying, then, is more than a

Horrifying new trend In an opinion piece in The New York Times over the weekend, Ardern said the Christchurch massacre underlined "a horrifying new trend" in extremist atrocities.

"It was designed to be broadcast on the internet. The entire event was livestreamed... the scale of this horrific video's reach was staggering," she wrote.

Ardern said Facebook removed 1.5 million copies of the video within 24 hours of the attack, but she still found herself among those who inadvertently saw the footage when it auto-played on

called a mental health hotline after seeing the video, she told CNN. "(We're) asking both nations and private corporations to make changes to prevent the posting of terrorist content online, to ensure its efficient and fast removal and to prevent the use of livestreaming as a tool for broadcasting terrorist attacks," she wrote in The Times.

In Wednesday's statement, Facebook acknowledged the inadequacy of its own systems.

"One of the challenges we faced in the days after the attack was a proliferation of many different variants of the video of the attack," vice-president of integrity Rosen said.

"People—not always intentionally—shared edited versions of the video which made it hard for our systems to detect."

New Zealand officials said Ardern found a natural partner for the fight against online extremism in Macron, who has repeatedly stated that the status quo is unacceptable.

"Macron was one of the first leaders to call the prime minister after the attack, and he has long made removing hateful online content a priority," New Zealand's ambassador to France, Jane Coombs, told journalists on Monday.

"It's a global problem that requires a global response," she said.

A French presidential source said it was time for tech companies to "anticipate how their features will be exploited."

Firms themselves will be urged to come up with concrete measures, the source said, for example by reserving live broadcasting to social media accounts whose owners have been identified. AFP

simple exchange of money for a vote.

Based on this study, I’d say it is part of a system that uses social capital to leverage loyalty to a personality.

Most voters choose candidates from whom they perceive they can obtain personal advantage (kung kanino sila makikinabang) rather than making merit-based selections.

But vote buying is only one aspect of electoral fraud. Some opposition candidates and supporters are questioning

the veracity of the results of the voting after Comelec botched the handling and transparency of the process.

Some precincts reported defective SD cards (Comelec bought them from the lowest bidder), and voters complained of machines that wouldn’t work. More alarming was the gap when the Comelec transparency server stopped sending results to the media and poll watchdogs. The agency claimed technical issues were

lem) before harm is done," Ardern added. "This is not just about regulation, but bringing companies to the table and saying they have a role too."

The political meeting in Paris will run in parallel to an initiative launched

by Macron called "Tech for Good" which will bring together 80 tech chiefs to discuss how to harness technologies for the common good.

The heads of US tech giants Wikipedia, Uber, Twitter, Microsoft and Google will attend, but not Zuckerberg who held private one-to-one talks with Macron last week.

The social network giant will instead be represented by its vice president for global affairs and communications Nick Clegg, the former British deputy premier.

"I've spoken to Mark Zuckerberg directly twice now... and he did give Facebook's support for this call to action," Ardern said.

The US government has not endorsed the Christchurch Call and will only be represented at a junior level at a meeting of G7 digital ministers which is also taking place on Wednesday in Paris.

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

2019 election: Winners won but Senate lost The total shutout of the eightmember Otso Diretso slate has deprived the Filipino people and their Senate of the services of eight independent-minded, talented and honest individuals who want to serve “WE WON” is the cry that has been their country well and recognize the heard from the supporters of Hug- place of the Senate in our political pong ng Pagbabago (HNP) and scheme of things. By shutting our PDP-Laban since the results of the Otso Diretso’s candidates, the votcontest for 12 Senate seats began to ers who followed Hugpong’s and come in from the 80,000-plus poll- PDP-Laban’s instructions caused ing stations during the hours im- this country and the Senate to be mediately following the end of the deprived of the services of goodMay 13 electoral exercise. The cry track-record former senators (Mar is a reference to the early returns’ Roxas and Bam Aquino), first-rate indication that candidates running legal minds (Chel Diokno and Pilo under the HNP and PDP-Laban Hilbay), a top-notch election lawbanners had yer (Romy captured all Macalintal), of the 12 an ardent up-for-grabs advocate of Who really won? Not Senate seats. the people of this country. Philippine agIf there riculture (Erin were winners Not the Filipino nation.

Tañada), a in the 2019 And certainly not the well-trained Senate elec- Senate. and couration, there geous military had to be officer (Gary losers. Who Alejano) and were the real losers? In strictly a seasoned promoter of women’s political-strength terms the Duterte social rights (Sam Gutoc). administration and its two major In exchange for these first-rate allies—HNP and PDP-Laban—are individuals, those are now shouting right in claiming that they won: “We won” have saddled the Senhow else can the capture of all the ate and the nation with second-rate positions at stake is a contest can be stuff—reelectionist and returning characterized? Yes, the Duterte ad- senators with mediocre Senate track ministration and its allies won, and records, individuals facing serious won big. judicial challenges and at least one How about the nation? How Class A list, and individuals whose about the Filipino people? How only claim to fame is closeness to about that august institution, the President Duterte.

Senate? Can they also shout “We That’s hardly a fair exchange. won” in the wake of outcome of the But it’s the exchange that the “We 2019 Senate election? won” brigade procured for the SenThe answer is a resounding No. ate and the Filipino people with The Filipino people, the Senate their victory in the 2019 Senatorial and, ultimately, the nation all end- election. ed up as the losers in this week’s We won, the administration and senatorial election. They lost (1) its partisans cry. But who really because of what that exercise has won? Not the people of this coundeprived them of and (2) because try. Not the Filipino nation. And of what it has saddled the Senate certainly not the Senate. They were with. big losers.

A commendable...

fears that we will have a rubber-stamp Senate. Still I believe that we can have From A4 an independent Senate. *** And it worked!

A big loss to the Senate is former Many factors contributed to the defeat of the opposition—lack of aware- Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. ness, lack of resources, among others.

I had hoped he would win despite But they should not have made the his old age of 94. He may be old, but President the main issue. he is still wise. He could still have a lot *** The big question that comes up to contribute to the Senate. *** with the President’s favorite candiI am not surprised that Lito Lapid dates’ win is this: Can the Senate constill made it to the Magic 12 despite tinue to be an independent body?

In my almost 70 years as a journal- his lack of advertisements. He did not ist, I have always known the Senate to have to, because many people know be independent. The president could not who he was. always have his way. But now there are only four minority senators. There are www.emiljurado.weebly.com

Cayosa’s change...

From A4

fundamental liberties, the IBP should be the last to deny Bikoy the opportunity to air out his grievances against the current administration.

What exactly is at stake for Cayosa?

Under the IBP bylaws, the EVP automatically becomes president after the incumbent one steps down.

This means that Cayosa will head the IBP for much of the remaining half of President Duterte’s term. Will he continue the present leadership’s legal crusades? Or will he squander such gains? If the former, his current actions seems counter-intuitive as he will be heading an IBP that he is presto blame.

As a consequence, and because many Filipinos find the new senatorial lineup unsatisfying, there are claims that the election was rigged. Again, this is nothing new; recall the 1986 snap elections and the ‘Hello Garci’ scandal in the 2004 presidential election that favored Gloria Arroyo.

Another method of electoral manipulation is threat and violence. In the months and weeks up to election day,

ently undermining.

One must recall that Cayosa is the spouse of lawyer Maria Milagros Fernan-Cayosa, a twice-appointed member of the Judicial and Bar Council, both appointments being made by President Benigno Aquino III. Just recently, Fernan-Cayosa had defended ousted Chief Justice Sereno before impeachment proceedings in the lower house. Moreover, her recent bid for Justice of the Court of Tax Appeals was junked.

Whatever his motives might be Cayosa’s forthcoming actions will be consequential for the entire IBP. Much as he has been commanding attention lately, then why not give him what he’s asking for? Scrutinize his every move from here on. candidates and incumbents alike were assassinated, harassed, and intimidated.

As Panelo says, education is needed to reform systemic ills. But even education will be inadequate if people cannot tell the difference between right and wrong. A reorientation of the Filipino’s moral compass is in order.

We need to change how we think about elections and their conduct. /FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard TODAY

TODAY

A6 THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Level 2, Multi Purpose Hall, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 2, Multi Purpose Hall, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 2, Multi Purpose Hall, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 2, Multi Purpose Hall, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

News

Police nab AWOL cop 14 years after elderly slay

By Joel E. Zurbano AUTHORITIES arrested a policeman who went into hiding and AWOL (absent without official leave) for 14 years after killing the 60-year-old aunt of international billiard player Efren “Bata” Reyes in Manila.

National Capital Region Police Office director Guillermo Eleazar identified the suspect Wednesday as Police Officer 1 Elias Gamboa, 45, formerly assigned at the Manila Police District—Meisic Police Station, Station 11 and resident of No. 12 Conception East Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija.

Gamboa, who was tagged as one of the country’s most wanted persons with a monetary reward of P145,000, was arrested following

a manhunt operation conducted by men from the NCRPO—Regional Intelligence Division in coordination with the Olongapo City police force at West Bajac Bajac Village in Olongapo Monday morning.

Judge Tita Bughao Alisuag of Regional Trial Court Branch 1 National Capital Judicial Region issued the warrant of arrest for the crime of murder committed by Gamboa in March 2005.

“The police operation stemmed from the information given by a confidential informant leading to the arrest of the suspect who was on his way to vote,” said Eleazar.

Court records showed that Gamboa was responsible in the killing of 60-year-old Victoria Pangilinan, aunt of Reyes, on March 20, 2005 in Manila.

Court orders arrest of Dayan daughter

By Rio N. Araja

Level 2, Multi Purpose Hall, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 2, Multi Purpose Hall, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

T

HE Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court on Wednesday ordered the arrest of the daughter of Ronnie Dayan, the former bodyguard-driver of detained Senator Leila de Lima, for her failure to testify in connection with De Lima’s disobedience to summons case.

Branch 34 Judge Ma. Ludmila de Pio Lim ordered the sheriff in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan to bring Hannah Mae Dayan to her sala.

The younger Dayan, through her lawyer Heidi Soriano from the Public Attorney’s Office, presented a medical certificate showing Hannah was three months pregnant, and that she was in a sensitive condition.

De Pio Lim, however, refused to

accept the certificate since it was not notarized.

Hannah was about to testify against De Lima, who had supposedly advised her father to ignore the summons of a congressional inquiry in relation to the alleged involvement of De Lima in the illegal drug trade inside the National Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City.

De Lima was then the Justice secretary.

Level 2, Multi Purpose Hall, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 2, Multi Purpose Hall, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

MOST WANTED. National Capital Region Police Office Director Maj. Level 2, Multi Purpose Hall, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1. Disposal of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) is through a competitive public bidding process. Acceptance of Purchase Offers shall start on the scheduled bidding date and time.

2. Dropping of bid envelopes will be on the date of bidding from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM only.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow. Late bid envelopes will not be accepted 3. Disposal of GSIS IP-RUs is on an “As-Is Where-Is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty. The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.

4. Strictly, “One bidder, One specific property” only, which means that a bidder cannot submit two (2) or more bids for one property. A bidder may submit one bid each to as many properties as he/she wants to buy, as long as, he/she posts the required 10% bid deposit of the total bid price for each property. The bidder must present valid government IDs upon registration on the date of public bidding.

5. Purchase offer may either be in Cash or an accredited through External Financing Institution (EFI).

MODE

6.

Cash

PAYMENT DUE DATE Payable either in cash or Manager’s Checks within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of bidding, without privilege of extension

EFI

Shall submit the Letter of Guarantee (LOG) within forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of bidding, without privilege of extension

Interested bidders through EFI must first secure a conditional loan approval with EFI accredited bank. Insert the document in the bid envelope along with the duly filled out and signed bid form 7. A downloadable bid form shall be properly accomplished with the following data: a. Date of Bidding b. Name of the bidder c.

Exact address of property you are interested to bid d. Transfer Certificate of Title No. e. Mode of Payment f.

Amount of bid (in numbers and in words) g. Signature of the bidder/representative 8. Bid proposal shall be written in words and in figures and must not be lower than the Minimum Acceptable Offer of the property. Should there be a difference in the amount in words and in figures, the amount in words shall prevail.

9. Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer shall be in the form of MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System.

10. The following shall be inserted on a sealed bid envelope: a. the properly accomplished bid form b. Manager’s Check payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer c.

Pro-forma Certificate of due diligence (for occupied or unoccupied) d. the Special Power of Attorney (SPA), if the bidder is an authorized representative e. Pre-conditional approval from PBCOM, if applicable f.

Two (2) proofs of occupancy, if applicable f.1. Barangay certificate that Bidder is occupying or residing in the subject property and any of the following: (1) Valid Government Issued IDs, or (2) Latest Billing Address under Bidder’s Name 11. The following information shall be clearly written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope)

12. The existing tenant or occupant or his duly authorized representative through a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) has the right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, provided: a. he/she is present during the bidding b. participated in actual bidding c. presently occupying the property subject of bidding supported by the following proofs of occupancy: c.1 Barangay certificate that he/she is occupying or residing in the subject property c.2. Any valid government identification document with his/her address similar to the address of the property he/.she is bidding.

13. If the occupant will exercise his/her Right to Match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/ she need not secure another bank pre-qualification corresponding to the matched offer. Instead, he/she shall pay the full 10% deposit based on the matched bid amount in cash on the day of bidding.

14. The declared highest/winning bidder shall submit within fourteen (14) calendar days of the actual bidding, the following documents: (a) duly accomplished Personal Profile/Company Profile/Corporate Profile, whichever is applicable (downloadable); (b) photocopies of two (2) valid IDs (one should be a government-issued ID); (c) Articles of Incorporation/Partnership, By-Laws and current General Information Sheet, for corporation/partnership, if applicable; (d) Registration Certificate from SEC for corporation/partnership, DTI for sole proprietorship and CDA for cooperatives, or any proof of such registration, if applicable; (e) current Mayor’s permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located, if applicable.

15. A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding. The Bidder’s deposit of the other non-winning bidder/s shall be returned immediately.

16. In case the bid is in CASH, the 90% balance of the bid amount shall be paid either in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without privilege of extension.

17 In case the bid is through EFI, winning bidder shall submit the Letter of Guarantee (LOG) within forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of bidding. The equity, if any, shall be paid in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of LOG by the GSIS. The equity is the amount corresponding to the difference between the Offered Bid Amount and LOG amount.

18. Non-compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the NOAS will result in the forfeiture of the 10% bidder’s deposit.

19. In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the said NOAS shall be deemed automatically revoked and the highest/winning bidder shall be informed in writing. The second highest bidder, if any, shall be informed in writing if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, GSIS require him/her to pay the nonrefundable deposit equivalent to ten percent (10%) of his/her previously submitted bid amount and will be issued a NOAS. 20. GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice.

21. For bidding inquiries, you may call the Real Property Accounts Management Department (RPAMD) at trunkline telephone numbers (02) 479-3500, (02) 479-3600 and (02) 976-4900 local numbers 3228, 3374, and 3396.

(MS-MAY 16,17,18, 2019)

Gen. Guillermo Eleazar presents Wednesday to the media the nation’s most wanted murder suspect, Patrolman Elias Gamboa y Valentino who, according to the police, killed 60-year-old Victoria Pangilinan, whom he stabbed 19 times. The suspect was arrested at West Bajac Bajac in Olongapo City on Monday. Manny Palmero

5 OFWs nabbed at Clark

By Vito Barcelo

IMMIGRATION officers Clark International Airport address at of the the respondent. petitioner request that have intercepted five Hence, overseas Filipino workers who attempted service of Summons upon to leave the country under the guise the respondent be of madetourists, officials said by publication, pursuant to Wednesday.

NICHOLAS ALEXANDER S. ROCAS Section 14 of Rule 14 of the BI port operations division chief Grifton Medina said the five Rules of Court.

Petitioner, passengers, all women, were intercepted—when they did not -versusFinding the grounds set CIVIL CASE NO. say—for attempting to board their flights to Malaysia and the forth therein to be well-taken, R-QZN-18-14269-CV United Arab Emirates. the Court resolves to grant For: Declaration of the same.

Accordingly, let Kinabalu where they Nullity of Marriage The three women were bound for Kota service of Summons upon IVELYN L. DELOS REYES-ROCAS, were hired to work asrespondent nightclub entertainers while the two were Ivelyn L. Delos Reyes-Rocas be effectedhelpers, by going toRespondent. work in Lebanon as domestic officials said. x-----------------------------------------------x publication once a week for TheORDER three, believedtwo victims of a human (2) consecutive weeks in trafficking syndicate, Filed with the Court on a by Newspaper NATIONAL were allegedly enticed a job ofoffer they received online, and April 2, 2019 is a Motion circulation in the Philippines met a certain mall in Quezon for Leave of Court to‘Danilo’ Serve forin theasaid Respondent to file City where they reSummons

by Publication with personallyfor with their this Court her portedly paid up to P10,000 recruitment.

Manifestation by the Petitioner written Answer/Responsive Theycounsel. admittedThe to have been offered to through pleading within a period ofwork in a pub in Kota petitioner avers and that Nelson thirty documents (30) days from the date be given to them in Kinabalu, that their would M. Sadullo, Process Server of of the last publication; and Hong Kong. the Office of the Clerk of Court importantly, let a copy of this of the Regional The two,Trial onCourt theofother hand, presented fake visas to UAE and Order, the petition, complete Caloocan City, attempted to with enclosure be sent to admitted to have offered jobs in Beirut, and were instructed serve the Summons upon been the the Respondent at her last respondent.

However, the by their recruiter not to reveal their true destination. known address appearing in same was returned unserved the records via LBC Private “Obviously these women have been victimized by unscrupuon the ground that the Courier, at petitioner’s lous human trafficking syndicates that prey on the poor,” Medina respondent no longer resides expense. in the given address. That the said.

SO ORDERED. only address of the respondent Quezon City, Metro Manila, must against these illegal recruiters to prowhich“We he has on pursue record is cases April 17, 2019. that stated in the Petition tect our fellow Filipinos from exploitation in foreign lands and at 142 Bo. Sta. Rita South, (Sgd.) FERNANDO T. SAGUN, JR. fall Caloocan into prostitution, Tala, City. Thus, or be enslaved and given salaries far below Presiding Judge the petitioner standards,” has no other he said. industry Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Quezon City, Metro Manila BRANCH LXXVIII (78)

way of ascertaining the new

(MStandard-May 16 & 23, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

A7

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Tiger, Koepka hunt more major glory at Bethpage

Enriquez blasts foes, nails 2 PPS titles SYDNEY Enriquez came out of a month-long break in style, fashioning out two lopsided victories to share MVP honors with local bet Nash Agustines in the PPS-PEPP Oroquieta national age-group tennis tournament in Misamis Occidental recently.

Enriquez, 16, dominated her age bracket and the 18-and-under category in the Gen. Santos City, Kidapawan, Ozamiz and Tangub, Misamis Occidental legs of the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala circuit.

The Salug, Zamboanga del Norte ace then took a rest the last few weeks to toughen up before sweeping her way to a 6-3, 6-1 victory over doubles partner Judy Ann Padilla in 16-U play at the Oroquieta Lawn Tennis Association courts.

The recent Palarong Pambansa champ sustained her form in the premier division, dropping just five games, including a 6-1, 6-2 romp over Alessandra Quimbo to clinch the crown in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop. She and Padilla later bagged the 18-U doubles plum in the country’s biggest, long-running talent-search sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg, crushing Carmel Padilla and Angel Repaja, 8-2.

Agustines matched that three-title feat, overpowering Theo Montano, 6-0, 6-2, for the boys’ 14-U diadem then rallied to stun top seed Eric Tangub, 0-6, 6-4, 10-8, to snare the 16-U crown. He also teamed up with Mikael Jamal to rout Mark Palanas and Nicholas Tan, 8-3, for the doubles 14-U title.

Pete Bandala, meanwhile, kept his win run going, adding the 10-unisex trophy to his earlier victories in Liloy and Sindangan legs, among others.

The rising Dipolog City star repeated over doubles partner Rose Mesiona, 4-1, 5-3, before the duo clipped Zap Galleposo and Ferdinand Gica, 8-1, to pocket the doubles title.

“Enriquez and Agustines continue to serve as inspiration to their fellow players with their work ethics and determination while Bandala is reaping the fruits of his hard work with his string of victories in the circuit aimed at discovering and developing future stars,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Other winners were Dipolog’s Andrei Tan, who stopped Bandala, 7-6(3), 3-6, 10-4, for the boys’ 12-U diadem; Pagadian’s Nilo Ledama, who upended No. 1 Tangub, 6-4, 6-4, for the 18-U crown; top seed Angel Denopol of Kulambugan, Lanao, who held off Cielo Gonzales, 6-4, 6-0, for the girls’ 12-U plum; and Ozamiz’s Padilla, who halted giant-killer Christine Gulagula, 6-3, 6-2, for the girls’ 14-U crown.

PSC Women’s Martial Arts Festival slated WITH the bigger objective of involving Filipino women in sports, the Philippine Sports Commission is launching the sixth edition of the Women’s Martial Arts Festival on May 28 to 31 at the Harrison Plaza, Malate, Manila.

“We want to continue what we’ve started in last year’s edition, and that is engage with more than 1,600 women and children, playing sports and exercise their right to do so,” said PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram.

The martial arts festival is an initiative of the PSC, in support of Republic Act No. 9710, also known as the “Magna Carta of Women”, that spells out very woman’s right to equal participation in sports.

This includes measures to ensure that gender-based discrimination in competitive and non-competitive sports is removed so that women and girls can benefit from sports development.

“For this year, we will be featuring 10 sports namely, arnis, fencing, judo, karatedo, muay thai, pencak silat, taekwondo, wrestling and wushu,” added Kiram.

Further meetings and consultations with the 10 sports’ focal persons from the national sports associations are set this week in preparation for the upcoming event.

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Al-Farouq Aminuand CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. AFP

Curry lifts Durant-less Dubs over Trail Blazers

L

OS ANGELES—Stephen Curry draine nine three-pointers on the way to 36 points Tuesday to propel the Golden State Warriors to a 116-94 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in game one of the NBA Western Conference finals.

Curry added seven assists and six rebounds as the Warriors led all the way over a Trail Blazers team coming off a game-seven victory over Denver in the second round on Sunday.

Klay Thompson added 26 points and provided an imposing defensive presence as the Warriors shrugged off the absence of injured superstar Kevin Durant.

Draymond Green added 12 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocked shots for the two-time defending NBA champions, who are playing in their fifth straight Western Conference final.

Curry said he just took advantage of what a free-flowing Warriors offense gave him.

It was a nice flow,” Curry said. “It just puts so much pressure on the defense.

“You can’t key it on one guy and even if you try to somebody else is going to be open.”

The Trail Blazers connected on only 36.1 percent of their shots from the field,

making just seven of 28 three-point attempts as the Warriors drained 17 from beyond the arc.

Portland star Damian Lillard hit just four of 12 shots to score 19 points with six assists, four rebounds and seven turnovers.

CJ McCollum, who starred as Lillard struggled in game seven against the Nuggets, scored 17 points on seven-of-19 shooting.

“The schedule favored us,” acknowledged Golden State coach Steve Kerr, whose Warriors polished off the Houston Rockets on Friday.

“I thought we took advantage of the situation and got off to a good start.”

The Warriors pushed their lead to 10 in the second quarter before Portland put together a run that trimmed the deficit to 48-45.

Curry answered with a pair of late three-pointers -- abetted by a Lillard turnover -- to send the Warriors to the locker-

room leading 54-45.

The Trail Blazers made another push in the third period, cutting a 17-point deficit to six.

Rodney Hood and Seth Curry both had three-pointers in the Blazers’ 11-4 scoring run to end the quarter, but those were the only points of the night for the younger Curry brother -- a Portland reserve -- as the game marked the first time siblings have met in an NBA conference final.

The Warriors reserves opened strong in the fourth quarter to rebuild the cushion in a stretch that Kerr called key.

“Great job by our bench,” Kerr said. “If we can buy some time for our starters to rest and even extend the lead, that’s a huge deal for us.”

Turnovers cost Blazers Despite their shooting woes, the Trail Blazers managed to stay in touch much of the night thanks to making 27 of 31 free throws and out-rebounding the Warriors 47-42.

But their 21 turnovers led to 31 Warriors points—a gift no team can afford to give Golden State.

“You can’t allow that,” said Lillard, who admitted it was hard to come back from the emotional high of beating the Nuggets in Denver. AFP

PSC-backed barangay futsal launched DAVAO CITY—Some 200 children are participating in the Barangay 76-A Summer Futsal Clinic officially launched here last Saturday at the S.I.R. Phase 1 Gym in Matina.

Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, who graced the brief opening program, said they are happy to hold a barangay-based summer sports program for the children.

“Mandato ni President Duterte nga matagaan og oportunidad sa sports ang mga barangays pinaagi sa clinic og tournaments. Pasayloa mi nga dugay mi nakaanhi sa inyong lugar dapat sauna pa (It is the mandate of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to provide opportunities and bring sports to the barangays through clinics and tournament. Forgive us to have only come now),” Maxey said.

Participants are from S.I.R. 1 and 2, Kabacan, Times Beach, Bucana and Isla Verde.

PSC coordinator Melchor P. Anzures, coach of Davao Aguilas Football Club, spearheaded the clinic that is being supported by the Davao South Regional Football Association, Football for Humanity and Maharlika Sports Foundation, Inc., in cooperation with the Barangay 76-A officials led by barangay captain Rolando Trajera.

After the clinic, Anzures said they will conduct a two-day

LOCKER ROOM RANDY CALUAG WHY can’t National Sports Associations form a large pool of talents in spite of the presence of young discoveries emanating from grassroots programs like the Department of Education’s Palarong Pambansa and the Philippine Sports Commission’s Batang Pinoy.

This is particularly true in some combat sports, where athletes look forward to a professional career like boxing.

It could also be true in other martial arts disciplines like wushu, muay thai and kickboxing, which was recently recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Bright combat sports prospects from the provinces have emerged in this year’s Batang Pinoy, but when this Locker Room writer asked the coaches about their plan for their young wards, they said their athletes are being groomed to be-

BETHPAGE—Masters winner Tiger Woods, chasing a 16th major title, and defending champion Brooks Koepka lead a powerhouse field into Thursday’s opening round of the PGA Championship at rain-drenched Bethpage Black.

Woods, who ended an 11-year major title drought last month at Augusta National, and Koepka, who held off Woods to win last year’s PGA crown, join reigning British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy in the feature group of the first two days.

“I’m just looking forward to playing with him,” Koepka said of Woods. “I don’t think we’ve really been paired together too much, especially over the last couple years. It’ll definitely be interesting.”

It’s the same layout where Woods won the 2002 US Open and shared sixth behind winner Lucas Glover at a rainhit 2009 US Open, both times with the vocal support of New York crowds who made the Long Island trek.

“This week is going to be a lot of fun with the crowds, the excitement that we’ve had here,” Woods said. “The pairing I’m involved in, it’s going to be just a boatload of fun for all of us.”

Woods would match Sam Snead’s career US PGA Tour win record of 82 with a triumph and move within two of the all-time major win mark of 18 by Jack Nicklaus with a victory.

The 43-year-old American would become the 10th oldest major winner, two days older than Ted Ray when he won the 1920 US Open, and match record co-holders Nicklaus and Walter Hagen with a fifth Wanamaker Trophy.

He would also be halfway to a calendar year Grand Slam, the PGA shifting to May for the first time since 1949 in a revamped world golf calendar.

Woods won the first two majors of 2002 at the Masters and US Open at Bethpage, where two inches of rain has soaked the course.

“In order to win this one, driving is going to be at the forefront with the rough as lush as it is,” Woods said.

“Fairways are plenty wide because it’s wet. You’ve got to hit it not only straight but you’ve got to hit it far.”

Woods played a practice round last week but will have only two nine-hole sessions this week ahead of what could be an endurance test over the 7,459yard, par-70 layout.

“This is not only a big course, but this is going to be a long week the way the golf course is set up. This could be a hell of a championship,” Woods said. AFP

Serena...

From A8

Philippine Sports Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey (second from left) leads the launch of the Barangay 76-A Summer Futsal Clinic at the S.I.R. Phase 1 Gym in Matina, Davao City.

tournament on May 22 and 23, while the juggling and accuracy competition is set on May 24.

The awarding and closing ceremonies, which expect PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez as keynote speaker, is scheduled on May 25.

Four-time Rome winner Serena, 37, had eased through 6-4, 6-2 her first round match against Swedish qualifier Petersen.

Serena had also played Petersen in the second round at the Miami Open in March before withdrawing with a knee injury.

Her withdrawal sends Venus Williams, the 1999 winner, through to a third round meeting with either Johanna Konta of Britain or American seventh seed Sloane Stephens.

Serena—now ranked 11th—has completed just eight matches this year, also withdrawing from Indian Wells in March with illness. AFP

This NSA vows to do things differently come professionals.

They reasoned that they could not send their young players to Manila to train as juniors’ players for fear of being cultureshocked. And most of the time, those who leave their provincial clubs to become national players could not “remember” where they come from.

“Kahit umuuwi sila, pinagtataguan na kami (coaches) dahil akala hihingi kami sa kanila,” said a provincial coach, referring to their former players who get allowances as national boxers.

This has been the system since way back. Another reason for the practice was because the PSC only recognizes the national coaches appointed by the NSA. The coach who discovered and nurtured the athlete since he/she was child is left in the cold.

The national coach also gets the incentives when the athletes win medals in international competitions. Again the coach discoverer is not included in accolades or whatever ben-

efits in store for the coaching staff.

Not the usual practice Taking this into consideration, officials of the Samahang Kickboxing sa Pilipinas is aiming to walk a different path. They want to revolutionize the way martial arts club participates in the sport’s national affairs.

There is now a strong proposal to form a national coaching pool, composed of the head coaches from various martial arts clubs in they country. The pool will support, monitor and train the national reserve of athletes regardless of what club they came from.

These pool of coaches will share the benefits, financial or otherwise, when the athletes win in international competitions.

There is also a plan to have the national coaching staff rotated every year to give chances to all the members of the national pool of coaches.

National players will be allowed to train in their home gyms using the unified training system so they don’t have to

transfer to Manila or in Tagaytay, where the kickboxing national training camp is to be set up.

National athletes will only stay in the camp together for at least two or three months prior to a big international competition like the SEA Games, Asian Games or Championships.

The plan has gained support from the various martial arts clubs, especially from the Northern Luzon Kickboxing Alliances, which has nearly 30 member clubs.

SKP is doing away with the conventional in its bid to win majority of the eight medals at stake in kickboxing event of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, which the Philippines is hosting on Nov. 30 to Dec 11.

They will also lay out a comprehensive training system that will prepare the athletes for the biennial meet. Again, it will be different from what other NSAs are doing.

This system, though, will have to be kept under wraps—for now.

Sports

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

A8

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

The National University Bulldogs, led by Season 81 and Finals’ MVP Bryan Bagunas, celebrate after sweeping their best-of-three finals’ showdown with the FEU Tamaraws. They clinched a second straight crown in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. NU won, 24-26, 25-23, 25-23, 25-19. Dennis Abrina

Raymund Almazan

Almazan’s inclusion to Bolts’ roster excites Black

By Jeric Lopez AFTER the trade to get Raymund Almazan was finalized and completed, Meralco coach Normal Black now looks forward to the potential of the Bolts being a more well-rounded team.

It’s no secret that the Bolts’ biggest weakness the past few seasons is their lack to ceiling and talent at the slot position, prompting the team to roll the dice and complete a deal with Rain or Shine to acquire Almazan in exchange for two future first-round picks (2019 and 2021).

“We’ve been playing without a solid big man that can take charge in the paint for several years now,” described Black of his team’s problems inside the paint.

The versatile 6’7” center can do it all on both and and his versatility can be the asset that Meralco has been looking for.

“Almazan is certainly one of the best bigs in the country. He has size and he can play inside and out. Hopefully, he can come in for us and help us more inside the point with his scoring, rebounding and blocking there,” said Black.

The Meralco coach believes that Almazan’s presence can help the team perform better in the coming Commissioner’s Cup. “We want to win now and we wanted a guy who can help us win now,” said Black. “He can definitely help us get better.”

Meralco has missed the playoffs in the past two Philippine Cups after its difficulties in battling in the paint against much bigger teams.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer and Magnolia are battling for all the marbles and glory in Game 7 of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Finals.

The Beermen are gunning for an unprecedented fifth straight All-Filipino conference title while the Hotshots are aiming to cop their second straight championship.

Bulldogs capture 2 straight volley crown nd

By Peter Atencio

B

RYAN Bagunas provided the leadership again and his huge effort yielded 35 points for the National University Bulldogs as they clinched their second straight crown yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 6’5” Bagunas knocked in four of the fourth set’s last points to lift the Bulldogs to a 24-26, 25-23, 25-23, 25-19 triumph over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

This allowed the Bulldogs to complete a two-game sweep in their 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s volleyball best-of-three finals series.

With the Tams threatening by one, 1920, Bagunas found a way to score past FEU’s defense and helped NU retain the crown for another year.

During their final scoring run, Bagunas managed to get past Tams’ defender Peter Quiel’s blocks thrice with his kills.

“Masayang masaya ako sa championship namin. Ang performance namin

ay umangat nang umangat pagdating sa finals,” said Bulldogs coach Dante Alinsunurin Bagunas, on his sophomore year with the team, earned at least five awards for spearheading the Bulldogs to their third men’s plum. His awards included the Finals and Season MVP honors, best server, outside spiker and scorer.

Richard Solis tallied 18 points for the Tams, who have gone through 23 championship appearances.

The Tams were seeking their first crown since they last fought for the championship against NU in season 75.

The Bulldogs earlier took Game 1 with a 21–25, 25–23, 25–23, 25–18 win, with Bagunas making 18 points.

Determined to force a deciding Game

3, the Tams took the first set after Solis took charge in defending the frontline, with his blocks on Bagunas and Nico Almendras.

This allowed the Tams to work their way out of a 24-all deadlock.

In the second set, NU shattered a 22-all tie off two attack points from Almendras.

In the third, FEU stayed close, 23-24, behind blocks by Jude Garcia and Quiel on Bagunas.

But, Quiel and Garcia’s blocking error in the next play allowed NU to clinch the match point.

Meanwhile, fierce rivals Ateneo and De La Salle dispute the UAAP Season 81 men’s football championship Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The one-game final is set at 4:30 p.m.

Both teams have met four times in the Finals since 1996, as the Blue Eagles and the Green Archers are level at 2-2.

The most recent showdown was in 2006 at the Philsports pitch, with Ateneo winning 1-0 via Roger Lastimado’s late goal.

Foiled by Far Eastern University in the 2015 final, De La Salle hopes to end a long, 21-year championship drought.

Dormitorio shoots for cycling twin-kill CHAMPION rider Ariana Dormitorio hopes to score a twin-kill by the second half of the year.

The charming 22-year-old is seeking to earn an outright berth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she competes in the Asian Mountain Bike Continental Championship in Lebanon, before she caps 2019 by going for the gold in her firstever stint in the Southeast Asian Games to be held in the country.

“This will be a very crucial year because all of the things that we’ve really worked hard for, Heto na ‘yun—the final stretch to get there. We’re really looking forward to the Olympic qualifying, and especially din sa SEA Games kasi it’s going to be the first in my career,” said Dormitorio, who made her first appearance in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the Amelie Hotel-Manila.

First off her bucket list is the Olympic qualifier in Lebanon slated July 25 to 28

Dormitorio will be up against the same riders from around the region whom she faced during the Asian Games last year in Indonesia. The Filipina was favored to win the gold in the mountain bike event, but suffered a crash in the second lap of the five-lap race to bow out of the medal race.

The three-time former Asian Mountainbike Series champion knows it won’t be easy, but actually likes her chances based on the way he raced in the Asiad against top riders from China, Japan, Iran, and Kazakhstan.

“I was able to compete against those top athletes, and to be honest, I was surprised with how my race went before I crashed,” she said in the session presented by San Miguel Corp. Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming CorAriana Dormitorio poration. “I’m confident naman din that as winning the gold medal will earn her somehow I really have a fighting chance a slot as the first-ever Filipina cyclist to to win the gold in the upcoming Asian compete in the Summer Games.

Continental Championship.”

Ikeda wavers in heat, but grabs 1-shot lead TAGAYTAY—Chihiro Ikeda snapped a long run of poor form with a two-under 70 in sweltering heat here yesterday as she seized a one-stroke lead over amateur Eagle Ace Superal and Thai pro Tiranan Yoopan at the start of the ICTSI Tagaytay Midlands at the Midlands layout.

The power-hitting multi-titled shotmaker, who went on a slump with a slight hand injury after ruling the Eagle Ridge leg of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour early last year, used a combination of solid driving and iron play and steady putting though a late-hole stumble marred what could’ve been a superb start for the former SEA Games gold medalist.

But finishing with a 70 in hot conditions and finding herself in the lead were enough to make her day.

“I’m so exhausted, it was so hot out there,” said Ikeda, who birdied Nos. 6 and 9 from close range then drilled in an eightfoot side-hiller on the 16th storm ahead.

She, however, missed the 17th green and hit a poor chip shot for the lone black mark in an otherwise impressive 34-36 card under preferred lies rules.

“I’m just glad to be in the lead,” she added. “I was doing pretty well in the morning but when we reached the turn, it got nasty and I had to literally huff and puff for every shot.”

The way the rest did to survive the challenge in the early going of the P750,000 event serving as the ninth leg of the seventh LPGT season with Superal charging back from a double-bogey start to join Yoopan at second at 71; Thai Onkanok Soisuwan and Daniella Uy matching par 72s; and former leg winner Saruttaya Ngam-usawan, also of Thailand, Pauline del Rosario, Lucy Landicho and amateur Pamela Mariano turning in identical 74s.

Superal of Team The Country Club, who placed third in last week’s Asia-Pa-

cific Junior Championship in Singapore whose sister Princess ruled this event in record fashion (16 strokes) last year, recovered from that shaky start with three birdies in the last five holes, including the par-5 Nos. 16 and 18.

Due for a big win, Yoopan failed to sustain a birdie-birdie feat from No. 6 and dropped a stroke on the eighth before settling for a run of pars as she kept her bid for a breakthrough victory in the circuit put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “My driving and short game were okay but I couldn’t get a good read of the greens at the back,” said Yoopan.

Uy holed out with a birdie on the 18th to salvage a 72 and tie Soisuwan, a runaway winner at Mt. Malarayat leg last year, at 72 while Ngam-Usawan hit back-to-back birdies from No. 16 to save a 74 for joint sixth with del Rosario, Landicho and Mariano.

Chihiro Ikeda looks forward to ending a long title spell with an impressive start.

Petron to miss Rondina’s services in Superliga tilt LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—With the University Athletic Association of the Philippines finals still in full swing, Sisi Rondina will not be around to defend her title when the Philippine Superliga Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup fires off at the Capitol Beach Front Thursday here.

Two-time champion Petron will miss the services of the University of Santo Tomas star, but Bernadeth Pons will still be around and will team up with Floremel Rodriguez, a seasoned beach volley campaigner who once ruled the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. while playing for Southwestern University.

Tipped to give the Blaze Spikers a tough time are their bitter rivals in F2 Logistics and Generika-Ayala A as well as PDT Home Fibr A, UVC A and Sta. Lucia Splendido.

Michelle Morente and Fritz Gallenero will represent the Cargo Movers while Patty Orendain and Fiola Ceballos, who gave Rondina and Pons a tough time in the 2017 edition, will banner the Lifesavers.

Former National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player Gretchel Soltones and Shola Alvarez will don the colors of PLDT Home Fibr A while veteran beach volley bidder Bang Pineda and Jinggay Bangad as well as Jackie Estoquia and Dhanylaine Demontano will suit up for Sta. Lucia Splendido.

Also part of the 15-team women’s field are Pangasinan Teams A and B, Cignal Teams A and B, Sta. Lucia Aquamira, PLDT Home Fibr B, Petron-UST, Generika-Ayala B and UVC B. In the men’s side, Philippine Army and Philippine National Police will test the mettle of Pangasinan, Cignal, Volleyball Never Stops, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Perpetual and Foton.

A celebrity match between Team Rachel of Rachel Anne Daquis and Team Amanda of Amanda Villanueva is set before the finals on May 18.

Serena pulls out of Italian Open with ailing knee ROME—-Serena Williams withdrew from the Italian Open on Tuesday with a recurring left knee injury handing sister Venus a walkover into the third round.

In Tuesday’s statement the 23-time Grand Slam winner insisted she would still be competing in the French Open later this month.

“I must withdraw from the Italian Open due to pain in my left knee,” Serena said in a statement.

“I will miss the fans and competition at one of my favourite tournaments.

“I’ll be concentrating on rehab and look forward to seeing you all at the French Open and next year in Rome.”

The French Open starts on May 26.

Serena’s withdrawal comes a day after she beat Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson in straight sets to set up a second round meeting with her older sister Venus.

She had been returning after more than two months out with a knee problem, in the final warm-up clay-court tournament before the French Open.

Turn to A7

IN BRIEF

RCBC begins offer of P5-b Asean bonds RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp., the 10th largest lender in terms of assets, started on Tuesday the offering period for its P5-billion Asean sustainability bonds, the first issuance of such kind from the Philippines under the Asean Sustainability Bond Standards 2018.

The bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday it had set the coupon rate for the bonds—with a tenor of two years—at 6.15 percent yearly.

The public offering period will last until May 28, 2019, unless such date is adjusted by RCBC in its sole discretion.

The bonds will be listed on PDEx on or around June 4, 2019.

RCBC tapped ING Bank Manila branch as sole arranger for the issuance and sustainable structuring advisor for its sustainable finance framework.

RCBC senior executive vice president and treasurer Horacio Cebrero III said the bank was pioneering another first in the Philippine capital markets after its issuance of green bonds earlier this year.

“Proceeds from the Asean sustainability bond will go towards strengthening RCBC’s commitment to the sustainable initiatives of its customers,” he said.

Julito G. Rada

Business

Electronics sector predicts flat growth THE electronics industry expects a 0 to 3 percent increase in exports in 2019 because of lackluster demand.

Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. president Dan Lachica said exports would likely register a flat growth with the decline in world demand for semiconductors and electronics parts.

“In our first quarter meeting, the SEIPI board agreed to a 0 to 3 percent range for 2019. Maybe closer to flat growth,” said Lachica.

The group noted that demand in the global semiconductor market had been flat to negative recently.

It attributed the sluggish performance to the declining demand for some smart phone parts.

Lachica said it was the first time that the industry would be seeing flat growth “but we’ve had negative years before, in 2008 and 2011.”

Philippine exports in the first quarter of 2019 declined 3.1 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Electronics exports, which comprise more than half of the merchandise shipments, dipped 1.7 percent to $8.8 billion. Othel V. Campos

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

B1

By Darwin G. Amojelar

INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP. The Philippine Food and Drug Administration successfully qualifies as the 5th Asean Listed Inspection Service with the completion of the onsite audit by the panel of experts in April 2019. It is now preparing to submit its intent to apply for membership to the prestigious Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme. FDA director-general Nela Charade Puno (second from right) attends the committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland to signify FDA’s intent to submit its application for membership. With Puno are (from left) FDA officer-in-charge deputy director-general for field regulatory operations office Emilio Polig Jr., PICS chairman Boon Meow Hoe and incoming PICS chairman Anne Hayes.

Megaworld, Filinvest, Vista Land boost profits P

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ROPERTY developers Megaworld Corp., Filinvest Land Inc. and Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. posted double-digit growth in profits in the first quarter, boosted by strong contributions from core residential and leasing businesses.

Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net income jumped 18 percent to P4.1 billion in the first quarter from P3.5 billion in the same period last year. Excluding a non-recurring gain of about P189 million in the first three months of 2019, the company saw a 13-percent growth in net income com-

pared to the same figure last year.

Consolidated revenues grew 15 percent in the first three months to P14.9 billion from P13 billion in the same period last year. Around 64 percent of total revenues came from the company’s residential business while 26 percent came from rentals and four percent from hotel operations. The rest came from the company’s non-core revenues.

“It is always encouraging to see all of our core businesses exhibiting positive growth during the first quarter as this sets our pace for the rest of the year. We will be working towards maintaining the growth momentum until year-end.

We are confident that stronger numbers will be achievable given our pipeline of projects this year,” said Megaworld chief strategy officer Kevin Tan. Meanwhile, FLI also reported a 24-percent increase in first-quarter net income to P1.84 billion from P1.49 billion a year ago as revenues climbed 15 percent to P7.2 billion, driven by a

42-percent increase in rental revenue to P1.72 billion and a 10-percent increase in real estate sales to P5.11 billion.

“We are pleased with the first-quarter results as we continue to experience growth in our recurring income business,” FLI president and chief executive Josephine Gotianun Yap said.

Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. of the Villar family delivered a 12-percent growth in first-quarter profit to P2.93 billion from P2.6 billion on sustained growth of residential and mall businesses.

Vista Land said consolidated revenues in January to March reached P11.4 billion, or 14 percent higher than P10.1 billion in the same period last year.

The company recorded P8.78 billion in residential sales, an increase of 12 percent year-on-year. Sales from its low-cost and affordable housing units under Camella and Communities Philippines Inc. jumped 33 percent and 28 percent, respectively in the first three months.

OFW remittances increased by 6.6% to $2.5b in March MONEY sent home by Filipinos working overseas climbed 6.6 percent in March to $2.5 billion from $2.4 billion a year ago, led by higher remittances from the United States.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said the figure was the fastest growth in cash remittances since inflows grew 8.7 percent in October 2018. The amount was also the highest this year.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, increased at a fivemonth high of 6.4 percent year-onyear to $2.8 billion in March from $2.6 billion a year earlier.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said remittances rose 4.2 percent in the first quarter to $7.3 billion from $7 billion a year ago, driven by higher remittances both from land-based and sea-based workers.

Data showed that remittances from land-based workers increased 2.5 percent to $5.71 billion while money sent by sea-based workers climbed 10.8 percent to $1.58 billion in the threemonth period.

“By country source, the US registered the highest share of overall remittances for the period at 35.1 percent. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, the UK, Japan, Canada, Qatar, Hong Kong, and Kuwait,” Diokno said in a statement.

“The combined remittances from these countries accounted for almost 78 percent of total cash remittances from January to March 2019,” he said.

Personal remittances also increased 3.7 percent in the first quarter to $8.1 billion from $7.8 billion posted in the same period last year.

Julito G. Rada

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Political ads lifted income of GMA Network to P721m in Q1

Wilcon Depot says Q1 income up 18% WILCON Depot Inc., the country’s leading home improvement and finishing construction supplies retailer, reported Wednesday a net income of ₱484 million in the first quarter of 2019, up 18.2 percent year-on-year, mainly due to a strong net sales growth and healthy gross profit margin expansion.

Wilcon said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net sales rose 21.9 percent to ₱5.734 billion for the period, on the back of a 7.9-percent same-store-sales growth and contribution from new stores that accounted for the remaining 14 percent of the Sales from depot format stores totaled P5.5 billion, representing 96.1 percent of total sales for the period. The figure is 22.5 percent higher than P4.5 billion in net sales in the first quarter of 2018 due to the contribution of new depots and the eight percent same-store-sales growth.

Sales of the smaller format Home Essentials’ also rose9 .7 percent to P161 million from the prior year’s P147 million. Jenniffer B. Austria

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

BUILDING MATERIALS SUPPLIER. Starken Philippines Inc. signs partnerships with leading property developers, contractors and architects to change the way the Philippine construction industry builds. Starken AAC Sdn. Bhd., which started as a building materials trader in Malaysia, has grown to be the leading manufacturer of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete building materials in Southeast Asia. SPI is the exclusive national distributor of Starken ACC products in the Philippines. Celebrating the partnership are (from left) SPI member of the board Larry Angping, SPI president and chief executive Joey Carlos, Starken ACC president and chief executive Ng Wai Luen and Starken ACC general manager of international business Chua Swee Hock.

Fitch: Weaker Senate opposition to reduce ‘checks and balances’

By Julito G. Rada THE reduced opposition in the Senate with the imminent victory of candidates endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte in the May 13 elections may not be good for the country in the long term, a unit of Fitch Group said Wednesday.

Fitch Solutions Macro Research said in a report that with increased support in the Senate, Duterte’s reforms and fiscal plans would face less obstacles.

“Key reforms include shifting towards a federal system of governance, cutting corporate tax rates and the reinstating of the death penalty. As a result, if Duterte is confirmed to have consolidated power in final results expected to be announced by May 19, we at Fitch Solutions will revise up the ‘policymaking’ sub-component of our shortterm political risk index score of 63.1

out of 100 for the Philippines,” Fitch Solutions said.

“However, reduced opposition within the Senate lowers the potential for ‘checks and balances’ on Duterte’s administration and may over time see a decline in our Long-Term Political Risk Index score of 65.4 out of 100 for the country,” it said.

“The strong show of support for Duterte will both give him the confidence and ability to push ahead with his reform program. The Senate has proved a sticking point for Duterte, as seen by the delay to the passing of the 2019 budget,” Fitch said.

The budget impasse between the two houses of Congress resulted in a slowdown in economic growth in the first quarter to a four-year low of 5.6 percent from 6.5 percent recorded a year ago. It was also slower than 6.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018.

“We would expect Duterte to begin work to push through his reforms, most significantly support for his federal governance plans, which would need the backing of both houses and voters.

Duterte will also face increased domestic pressure over his relations with China, with the majority of Philippine voters distrusting of growing Chinese influence,” Fitch said.

“Moreover, in May the Philippine Supreme Court ordered the government to protect the country’s interests in the South China Sea, and increased Chinese activities around the disputed islands will force Duterte to take a tougher stance with Beijing, potentially forgoing some investment,” it said.

Fitch Solutions said this, along with slowing economic growth, would “provide challenges for Duterte over the final half of his term as he looks to secure his legacy via an appointed successor.”

GMA Network Inc. said Wednesday net income climbed 69 percent in the first quarter from a year ago, boosted by election-related spending.

The broadcasting company said net income reached P721.76 million in January to March, up from P426.3 million in the same period last year.

Consolidated revenues rose 14 percent in the three-month period to P3.7 billion from last year’s P3.3 billion.

GMA-7 said the main driver for the top-line growth was the presence of political advocacies and advertisements aggregating to more than P300 million in the three-month period.

It said discounting the impact of election-related placements, consolidated sales from recurring revenues still yielded a 4-percent growth from a year ago.

The network’s efficient cost management minimized total operating expenses to P12 billion, or 0.6 percent less than 2017’s spending.

“While the network experienced slight declines in revenues in 2018, I am confident that this year will bring better financial results because of election-related revenues as well as those from our recurring advertising sales,” said GMA chairman and chief executive Felipe Gozon.

“We target to increase our 2019 revenues by 12 percent,” he said.

Gozon said the company would launch MyGMA Go, its mobile digital terrestrial television service by the second half of the year.

The network’s affordable and compact end-user device can act as a digital TV receiver when connected to an Android smartphone.

Complementary to the device is a mobile application that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store where users can watch GMA’s exclusive channels that include an Asian telenovela channel, Korean music and variety channel, a concert channel and other free-to-air channels without a need for an active Internet connection.

Cebu Pacific told to submit corrective plan in one month The Civil Aeronautics Board ordered low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific to submit within 30 days a concrete plan detailing corrective measures in its operations to prevent further inconvenience to passengers amid the airline’s mass flight cancellations.

CAB said it would issue a stern warning to Cebu Pacific to exercise diligence necessary in maintaining stability and reliability of air transport service to the riding public.

Cebu Pacific applied for cancellation of 172 one-way domestic flights from April 28 to May 10, 2019. This is equivalent to about 14 flights a day, out of its more or less 400 daily domestic flights.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the formulation of a concrete plan would help the whole airline sector to address similar issues that might occur in the future.

“We are hoping that Cebu Pacific will immediately comply with the order to resolve this issue. We would no longer reverse the inconvenience these cancellations have caused. But moving forward, we aim to have more substantial actions so that our passengers will not have to suffer,” Tugade said.

Cebu Pacific said in hearings held on May 2 and May 6 that ongoing efforts to improve on-time performance led to the decision to cancel hundreds of flights.

Tugade also directed the daily publication of airline OTP in major airports nationwide.

Cebu Pacific noted the reasons for the downturn in on-time performance.

It explained that the time it takes from the aircraft’s closing of doors to actual lift-off can reach as long as 66 minutes: 19.6 minutes of which is spent from the closing the doors to the “blocks off” or the time the aircraft vacates the parking position; while 46.6 minutes from the blocks off to the lift-off.

Meanwhile, the shortest time between the closing of doors and actual lift-off is 49 minutes. Darwin G. Amojelar

B2

Business

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market declines for 4 straight day th

S

HARE prices extended their slump Thursday for the fourth consecutive day as investors re-arranged their portfolios in cautious trading amid the trade war between the US and China.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 69.95 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,576.71 on a value turnover of P7.2 billion. Losers edged gainers, 98 to 92, with 52 issues unchanged.

Holcim Philippines Inc., the local unit of Switzerland-based cement giant LafargeHolcim Ltd., fell 4.3 percent to P14.36, while DMCI Holdings Inc. declined 3.1 percent to P9.86.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fast-

food chain lost 3.2 percent to P293, but casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. rallied 5.6 percent to P10.98.

Meanwhile, a series of tweets by Donald Trump playing up the chances of a trade deal with China provided a much-needed boost to Asian equities Wednesday but investors trod cautiously as analysts warned of more volatility to come.

After more than doubling tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods last week—sparking retaliation from Beijing—the US president has threatened to hit a further $300 billion with more levies if he does not get his way in high-stakes talks.

However, in a series of tweets Tuesday, Trump gave markets some hope that a deal between the economic titans will eventually be struck.

“When the time is right we will make a deal with China,” he wrote, adding

that his “respect and friendship with President Xi (Jinping) is unlimited.”

He went on to say: “We can make a deal with China tomorrow, before their companies start leaving so as not to lose USA business” and said it would be “game over” if the Federal Reserve “matched” Chinese support measures.

The remarks, while again accusing China of backsliding in the trade talks, provided some optimism, while weak data out of China on industrial output, retail sales and investment highlighted weakness in the economy but fuelled hopes for growth-boosting measures.

Shanghai ended 1.9 percent higher and Hong Kong put on one percent in the afternoon.

“This sharp slowdown increases the likelihood that we will probably see further attempts by China to help stimulate its economy, as well as raising concerns that any hopes of a Chinese

economic rebound helping to prompt a global pickup in economic activity look a little bit forlorn at this point in time,” said Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK. Tokyo climbed 0.6 percent, Sydney rose 0.7 percent and Seoul added 0.5 percent.

Seoul, Taipei, Wellington and Mumbai were also well in positive territory but Singapore and Jakarta fell.

Both the US and China have said they will resume talks in Beijing but with no date yet set, dealers are looking ahead to a possible meeting between Trump and Xi at the G20 in Japan at the end of June.

“It’s just too early to tell if this is a buy (on equity markets), on slightly oversold conditions, or if it’s the start of stabilization,” Gina Martin Adams, chief equity strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence, told Bloomberg TV. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 0.46 430,000 0.89 57,000 1.2 481,000 1.36 4,000 2.15 59,000 4.65 31,000 7.87 1,000 10.98 679,700 13 237,900 18.9 71,400 21.35 9,000 26.2 2,711,200 26.5 35,900 52.55 171,580 57.25 4,530 59.3 6,050 70.7 2,451,250 80.9 1,879,620 131.5 1,871,430 166 445,110 182.9 270

197,300 50,750 582,500 5,440 126,340 140,110 7,876 7,474,420 3,078,970 1,348,226 192,150 71,031,625 954,135 9,015,970.50 259,238 358,534.50 178,285,868 153,171,776.50 245,971,467 74,281,714 48,793

19,578 -3,011,830 741,686 -69,327,815 5,987,667 -145,070.50 -33,208 -21,860,332 -13,953,039 4,039,079 -45,454,985 -

0.188 0.241 0.74 0.87 1.01 1.13 1.23 1.23 1.36 1.62 1.71 1.85 2.02 2.1 2.29 2.51 2.74 3.4 3.92 4.36 4.83 4.9 5.3 5.63 5.8 5.95 6.75 7.5 8.85 10.3 10.1 10.1 11.78 12.78 13.46 13.78 14.2 15.04 15.86 15.84 20.85 21.1 21.75 25.55 34.6 36.1 42 45 49.45 65.8 76.8 89.4 108.1 118.2 156.8 293 359

INDUSTRIAL 0.188 40,000 0.255 10,880,000 0.77 1,319,000 0.89 658,000 1.08 3,133,000 1.23 7,049,000 1.23 58,000 1.26 2,325,000 1.37 801,000 1.71 57,000 1.71 118,000 1.89 207,000 2.02 12,000 2.14 51,405,000 2.29 11,544,000 2.51 21,000 2.8 19,485,000 3.4 11,000 4.28 7,000 4.52 59,000 4.83 104,000 4.99 6,858,000 5.3 2,100 5.65 29,400 5.8 17,500 5.95 2,484,800 6.8 55,400 7.52 1,243,100 8.94 241,500 10.4 2,504,700 10.4 514,000 10.7 237,300 12 14,000 12.84 141,900 14.02 988,700 13.78 559,800 14.36 10,413,600 15.3 594,000 15.9 2,500 15.84 533,100 21.2 2,398,700 21.6 2,508,000 22 2,315,900 25.95 252,600 34.65 2,103,800 37.45 504,200 42 146,300 45 275,000 49.5 600 65.8 130 76.8 71,650 96.75 70 109.3 912,830 118.2 10 156.8 945,320 293 1,913,390 359 376,900

7,520 2,740,500 997,720 585,970 3,380,180 8,421,130(2, 71,340 2,921,640 1,101,400 94,330 208,490 383,170 24,240 111,075,570 27,064,480 52,710 54,634,180 37,760 27,800 268,080 504,120 33,617,960 11,130 165,988 101,500 14,826,742 377,294 9,348,777 2,159,704 25,977,320 5,308,218 2,542,790 167,934 1,817,992 13,897,382 7,938,216 154,049,398 9,098,584 39,704 8,494,990 50,535,535 53,372,765 15 51,125,925 6,603,145 73,163,440 18,495,500 6,196,410 12,375,000 29,685 8,565 5,513,523 6,331.50 99,425,842 1,182 150,280,213 567,816,324 136,648,338

6,870 99,000 10,560 913,390.0004) -611,980 -880,210 7,116,060 -1,586,840 23,599,430 -504,120 25,492,580 -6,772 2,904,241 -5,212,787 -6,203 -263,298 271,230 18,000 -153,360 -4,673,292 -5,216,690 40,892,144 -833,306 -3,779,386 -3,208,945 ,937,454.9999 4,197,960 -31,897,035 1,756,490 -4,364,930 0 -4,807,715 57,558,820 -53,038,729 -131,981,310 -80,031,588

0.039 0.232 0.25 0.325 0.48 0.55 0.63 0.73 0.81 1.14 1.25 1.3 1.33 3 4.2 4.29 4.49 5.85 6.5 7.15 9.78 13 13.6 14.3 16.7 46.7 58.4 182.5 275 797 880 890

HOLDING FIRMS 0.04 58,600,000 0.234 690,000 0.27 580,000 0.335 2,030,000 0.51 253,000 0.55 200,000 0.64 6,818,000 0.75 250,000 0.84 441,000 1.16 514,000 1.25 5,562,000 1.3 587,000 1.35 102,000 3.04 326,000 4.2 10,549,000 4.34 1,771,000 4.49 1,000 5.85 3,000 6.5 40,300 7.19 649,800 9.86 12,943,700 13.46 37,100 13.6 5,080,600 14.88 40,300 16.84 1,525,300 46.7 2,754,700 58.4 1,733,450 187.7 919,750 275 150 797 113,560 880 464,510 890 375,270

2,381,100 161,810 150,000 660,100 122,560 110,000 4,321,680 184,320 364,570 590,150 7,131,850 763,130 135,930 986,330 44,436,660 7,726,940 4,490 17,550 261,950 4,684,629 128,796,780 499,118 70,000,622 602,884 25,750,714 129,297,040(75 102,564,379.5 ( 172,189,817 41,250 91,401,665 411,356,130 338,107,915

-82,000 -3,300 110,000 13,300 -97,600 -12,058,310 -2,800,680 -1,456,278 -104,407,453 -11,020 -22,385,832 19,084 9,496,770 ,167,230.0004) 57,948,621.5) 22,373,887 -77,364,600 -144,680,360 -201,029,965

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

MEDCO HLDG NTL REINSURANCE BRIGHT KINDLE IREMIT BDO LEASING FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND EAST WEST BANK PB BANK COL FINANCIAL PBCOM RCBC CHINABANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK UNION BANK METROBANK BANK PH ISLANDS BDO UNIBANK SECURITY BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH

0.46 0.89 1.22 1.36 2.14 4.66 7.88 10.84 12.9 18.88 21.35 26.1 26.7 52.7 57.05 59.3 72.1 82 130.3 168.2 180.6

0.46 0.91 1.25 1.36 2.16 4.66 7.88 11 13 18.9 21.35 26.2 26.75 53.9 57.45 59.4 74.95 82.25 132.5 169 182.9

0.455 0.89 1.2 1.36 2.14 4.5 7.87 10.84 12.9 18.82 21.35 26.1 26.4 52 57 59 70.7 80.9 130.3 165.5 180.5

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

0.188 0.242 0.75 0.9 1.02 1.15 1.23 1.24 1.39 1.62 1.82 1.85 2.02 2.11 2.4 2.51 2.75 3.49 3.92 4.46 4.85 4.9 5.3 5.65 5.8 6 6.94 7.5 8.9 10.4 10.5 11.84 12 12.78 13.46 14.5 14.96 15.2 15.86 15.96 21 21.85 21.9 26.8 35.4 36.55 42.2 45 49.45 66.1 77 89.4 108.1 118.2 160 302.6 372

0.188 0.26 0.78 0.9 1.11 1.24 1.23 1.27 1.39 1.75 1.82 1.89 2.02 2.22 2.42 2.51 2.84 3.49 4.28 4.63 4.85 4.99 5.3 5.65 5.8 6 6.94 7.59 9 10.4 10.5 11.84 12 12.98 14.26 14.52 15.16 15.5 15.9 15.98 21.3 22 22.4 26.95 35.4 38 43.2 45 49.5 66.1 77.1 96.75 110 118.2 160.9 305.6 372

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

0.039 0.232 0.255 0.325 0.51 0.55 0.64 0.73 0.81 1.14 1.29 1.33 1.33 3.04 4.2 4.36 4.49 5.85 6.5 7.29 10.2 13 13.92 14.3 16.88 46.85 60 185 275 816.5 887 905

0.042 0.238 0.27 0.335 0.51 0.55 0.64 0.75 0.86 1.16 1.33 1.33 1.36 3.05 4.25 4.56 4.49 5.85 6.5 7.29 10.48 13.68 14 16 17.2 48 60.45 188.4 275 822 895 917

EVER GOTESCO CROWN EQUITIES MRC ALLIED PHIL REALTY EMPIRE EAST PHIL ESTATES CENTURY PROP A BROWN ARTHALAND CORP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT GLOBAL ESTATE FILINVEST LAND PHIL INFRADEV STA LUCIA LAND ROCKWELL ARANETA PROP BELLE CORP PRIMEX CORP CEB LANDMASTERS MEGAWORLD CEBU HLDG STARMALLS VISTA LAND DM WENCESLAO

0.125 0.231 0.34 0.43 0.47 0.48 0.51 0.72 0.74 0.8 0.91 1.34 1.58 1.78 1.9 1.96 2.22 2.39 2.49 4.69 5.45 6.45 6.65 7.14 10.12

0.125 0.232 0.34 0.455 0.48 0.49 0.53 0.73 0.84 0.83 0.92 1.35 1.6 1.79 1.9 2.03 2.22 2.39 2.54 4.94 5.45 6.45 6.86 7.23 10.2

0.125 0.229 0.33 0.42 0.47 0.465 0.51 0.7 0.74 0.8 0.88 1.33 1.56 1.7 1.83 1.96 2.14 2.34 2.39 4.69 5.31 6.38 6.65 7.11 9.7

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

8990 HLDG DOUBLEDRAGON ROBINSONS LAND SM PRIME HLDG AYALA LAND

14.4 24.2 24.4 38.55 47.95

14.5 24.8 24.45 38.85 47.95

14.2 23.65 23.8 37.5 47

14.26 23.85 23.8 37.5 47

767,000 744,000 937,600 7,148,600 10,143,000

10,946,036 17,828,890 22,463,410 271,466,500 481,487,715

-778,884 -4,254,425 -4,600,770 -77,712,975 -35,264,990

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

0.044 0.066 0.125 0.32 0.41 0.52 0.66 0.66 0.67 0.75 1 1.26 1.74 1.78 2 2.44 2.6 2.62 2.87 2.97 3.12 3.16 3.86 3.89 4.18 5.17 5.61 6.01 6.03 6.6 7.04 9.25 10 10.44 10.48 10.98 12 15.48 16.48 16.76 18.94 19.28 44.05 69 83 117 136.9 416.6 1,225 1,995

0.045 0.066 0.125 0.33 0.42 0.55 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.79 1.02 1.26 1.74 1.78 2.2 2.5 2.6 2.75 2.98 2.97 3.43 3.17 3.99 3.93 4.18 5.31 5.63 6.12 6.15 6.6 7.43 9.25 10.4 10.98 10.68 10.98 12 15.48 16.78 16.92 19 19.78 45.3 70 83 123 144.5 416.6 1,244 2,018

0.043 0.065 0.121 0.31 0.41 0.52 0.66 0.65 0.65 0.75 0.91 1.26 1.74 1.78 2 2.37 2.41 2.62 2.85 2.95 3.07 3.15 3.85 3.7 4.13 5.16 5.61 5.95 6.03 6.4 7.04 9.2 9.8 10.44 10.48 10.98 12 15.48 16.48 16.76 18.94 19.16 44.05 68.55 82 117 136.7 397 1,213 1,981

SERVICES 0.044 0.066 0.125 0.33 0.42 0.53 0.7 0.67 0.66 0.79 0.94 1.26 1.74 1.78 2.16 2.38 2.41 2.73 2.97 2.95 3.36 3.15 3.98 3.93 4.15 5.26 5.63 6.05 6.13 6.4 7.43 9.24 9.92 10.98 10.48 10.98 12 15.48 16.52 16.92 18.96 19.2 44.9 69 82 123 141.5 410 1,221 1,985

12,000,000 5,690,000 820,000 3,660,000 1,200,000 426,000 2,624,000 3,770,000 6,912,000 104,000 137,436,000 22,000 4,000 22,000 5,602,000 2,058,000 972,000 3,890,000 1,013,000 50,000 28,458,000 101,000 2,409,000 36,000 28,000 359,100 479,900 5,041,800 1,476,700 5,100 2,100 42,800 22,500 16,105,400 88,800 100 10,500 8,300 3,130,800 19,600 97,600 2,965,200 1,823,900 1,300,980 51,550 5,330 2,955,180 2,690 121,270 61,555

527,200 371,230 99,500 1,184,800 503,000 225,760 1,805,320 2,562,840 4,677,820 78,100 132,789,010 27,720 6,960 39,160 11,678,870 4,967,390 2,380,440 10,494,420 2,965,020 147,590 94,240,200 318,510 9,533,340 134,760 116,680 1,882,076 2,699,287 30,530,629 9,019,410 33,020 15,564 395,460 226,984 173,224,000 934,218 1,098 126,000 128,484 52,159,714 329,410 1,850,934 57,352,186 81,814,790 89,884,193.5 ( 4,229,605 638,115 417,566,369 1,097,578 148,425,020 123,232,135

198,000 269,320 -1,289,050 -83,150 -364,480 36,900 36,600 969,530 -121,940 3,141,990 -25,240 -489,730 220,886 -19,301 -38,650,654 24,938,640 235,314 15,425,706 64,293,860 17,066,492.5) -2,535,904 184,468 132,099,545 36,845,990 19,044,935

47,800 24,100 40,000 206,600 3,300 34,100 329,830 112,000 251,790 145,650 30,880 261,730 56,620 7,000 1,240,530 13,070 19,366,190 2,886,170 2,902,780 2,068,240 338,640 141,924 19,890,460 26,358 95,283,490

1,800 -21,250 -96,000 44,510.00 54,800 -291,290 1,423,742 30,178,325

MS

PROPERTY 0.125 0.232 0.34 0.43 0.47 0.48 0.52 0.72 0.78 0.83 0.91 1.33 1.58 1.74 1.87 2.03 2.2 2.34 2.4 4.9 5.37 6.4 6.83 7.12 9.89

1,860,000 23,690,000 4,890,000 1,520,000 260,000 1,930,000 8,279,000 339,000 6,230,000 4,000 336,000 824,000 7,480,000 2,274,000 772,000 907,000 188,000 252,000 1,173,000 3,810,000 23,800,500 800 66,200 1,976,300 1,412,000

232,500 5,449,520 1,634,750 651,150 123,000 906,050 4,277,580 244,080 4,949,570 3,230 306,170 1,100,410 11,834,340 3,937,900 1,440,900 1,824,620 403,790 593,520 2,851,360 18,452,870 128,069,857 5,126 446,252 14,082,385 14,038,569

-10,050 -321,250 4,800 -74,880 240,000 9,200 -6,758,690 3,480 1,850 -172,000 -50,540 107,590 -63,375,663 -3,182,398 933,323

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

0.0019 0.006 0.008 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.105 0.112 0.239 0.285 0.55 0.88 1.01 1.02 1.28 1.3 1.6 2.24 2.81 3.04 3.57 7.85 8.33 11.98 22.5

0.0019 0.0061 0.008 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.114 0.112 0.239 0.29 0.59 0.88 1.02 1.02 1.29 1.39 1.61 2.3 2.81 3.04 3.69 8.08 8.75 12 22.5

0.0018 0.006 0.008 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.105 0.112 0.23 0.285 0.55 0.87 1.01 0.97 1.24 1.26 1.56 2.24 2.73 3 3.56 7.77 8.33 11.98 21.8

MINING & OIL 0.0018 26,000,000 0.0061 4,000,000 0.008 5,000,000 0.012 18,100,000 0.011 300,000 0.011 3,100,000 0.11 3,040,000 0.112 1,000,000 0.235 1,090,000 0.29 510,000 0.59 56,000 0.88 298,000 1.01 56,000 1 7,000 1.25 983,000 1.26 10,000 1.57 12,069,000 2.24 1,277,000 2.74 1,058,000 3.02 688,000 3.69 94,000 7.95 17,900 8.61 2,315,700 12 2,200 22 4,320,000

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

1 5.26 19.1 71.85 72.65 73.5 73.75 73.75 75 76.1 93 98 100.1 100.4 104.1 105.9 474.8 490 493 970 975

1 5.3 19.1 71.85 72.65 73.5 74 73.8 75 76.1 93 98 100.1 100.4 104.1 105.9 474.8 500 493 970 975

0.97 5 18.62 71.85 72.65 73.5 73.75 73.75 75 76 93 97 100.1 100.4 104.1 105.5 474 485 493 910 975

PREFERRED 0.98 413,000 5.3 136,300 18.62 3,700 71.85 36,140 72.65 4,130 73.5 880 74 7,400 73.8 1,860 75 340 76.1 21,170 93 250 97 1,020 100.1 10 100.4 1,000 104.1 400 105.9 550 474.8 610 500 1,010 493 50 910 850 975 170

405,640 718,375 69,502 2,596,659 300,044.50 64,680 546,522.50 137,225 25,500 1,610,933 23,250 98,960 1,001 100,400 41,640 58,229 289,484 490,050 24,650 808,100 165,750

-105,800 4,930 -

LR WARRANT

1.93

1.97

1.9

WARRANTS 1.95 147,000

284,880

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.07 0.93

5.15 1.06

4.94 0.93

4.98 1.03

3,016,383 16,973,350

24,290 -476,450

FIRST METRO ETF

114.5

115.8

114

1,842,046

-219,734

10,200 1,000

-

USD DMPL A1 USD TECH B2

10.2 1

10.2 1

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL

SHARES

11,648,653 151,8111,812

HOLDING FIRMS

116,165,310

PROPERTY

118,217,992

SERVICES

259,734,111

MINING & OIL

64,010,836

GRAND TOTAL

761,081,819

10.2 1

SME

598,900 16,877,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 114.6 16,050 10.2 1

DDS

1,000 1,000

VALUE 1,681.01 (down) 4.87 746,599,905.60 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,290.42 (down) 155.41 1,815,215,985.84 HOLDING FIRMS 7,114.44 (down) 61.94 1,663,789,925.10 PROPERTY 4,076.47 (down) 80.34 SERVICES 1,620.78 (up) 25.61 1,071,393,557.615 MINING & OIL 7,359.85 (down) 52.24 1,766,833,400.41 PSEI 7,576.71 (down) 69.95 145,722,433.631 All Shares Index 4,708.17 (down) 28.37 7,231,389,603.00 Gainers: 92; Losers: 98; Unchanged: 52; Total: 242

Jollibee’s net profit declined 14.7% to P1.5b in first quarter

By Jenniffer B. Austria JOLLIBEE Foods Corp., the largest fast-food chain, said Wednesday net income in the first quarter of the year declined 14.7 percent to P1.53 billion due to losses from its Smashbuger business in the United States and weak domestic purchasing power.

JFC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange system wide sales, a measure of all sales to consumers both from company-owned and franchised stores rose, rose 18.1 percent in the first quarter of 2019 to P54.3 billion.

Sales in the Philippines, which accounts for 73 percent of the group’s total system-wide sales, grew 9.5 percent from year ago, mostly from new stores.

Sales from the foreign business also increased 48.6 percent with the consolidation of Smashburger.

Smashburger was consolidated in the financial statements of JFC in April 2018 when the company assumed 85 percent of the equity shares of the USbased hamburger chain.

Same store sales of the Philippine brands rose 1.7 percent while worldwide same store sales increased 1.9 percent.

JFC chief financial officer Ysmael Baysa cautioned that the company’s financial performance in 2019 by quarter would be mixed.

“Our sales and profit performance in the first and second quarters will not be as strong as in previous years. Same store sales growth of our brands in the Philippines in the first half will not be as strong as last year’s. Our profit is also being affected by the performance of Smashburger in the United States,” Baysa said.

“We look forward to sales and profit recovery in the 3rd and 4th quarters as consumers in the Philippines slowly regain their purchasing power after being adversely affected by high inflation in 2018. More importantly, we look forward to at least sustaining our historical sales and profit growth rates over the medium term, both in the Philippines and abroad, and transforming Smashburger into a much stronger business, as we had done with practically all our acquired businesses,” he added.

Melco Resorts faces automatic delisting—PSE THE Philippine Stock Exchange said it will automatically delist Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corp. on June 11 if the company remains noncompliant with the 10-percent minimum public ownership requirements.

“Given the foregoing, should the company remain non-compliant with the minimum public ownership requirement after the lapse of the 6-month suspension period or effective June 11, 2019, MRP shall be automatically delisted from the Official Registry of the Exchange,” said PSE president Ramon Monzon. The exchange suspended the trading of Melco’s shares in Dec. 10.

The public ownership of Melco fell to 3.9 percent in December 10 following the completion of the tender offer conducted by the company’s major shareholder, MCO (Philippines) Investments Ltd. Melco was listed in the PSE through a backdoor listing when it acquired Manchester International Holdings Unlimited Corp. in 2012.

It operates City of Dreams Manila, an integrated casino resort on a 6.32-hectare property at the government-sponsored Entertainment City in Parañaque City.

MCO Investments originally intended to voluntarily delist Melco from the PSE in September last year, citing an inability to raise funds through the local bourse despite efforts to maintain its listed status.

But after receiving strong opposition from minority shareholders over the valuation of the tender offer, MCO Investments withdrew the petition for voluntary delisting.

However, it pushed through with the tender offer, resulting in the acquisition of an additional 1.33 million Melco common shares that were tendered by minority shareholders of Melco Resorts.

After the crossing of the tendered Shares, MCO Investments acquired, directly and indirectly, a total of 5.462 billion common shares, representing approximately 96.1 percent of the total outstanding capital stock of Melco Resorts, with the balance of 3.9 percent shareholding interest held by the public.

Jenniffer B. Austria

World

B3

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pilots pushed Boeing to act after deadly Lion Air crash W

ASHINGTON―After a deadly crash in Indonesia, American Airlines pilots called a meeting to press Boeing executives for safety changes to the 737 MAX aircraft, US media reported Tuesday.

GENERAL AUDIENCE. Pope Francis caresses a baby as he arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square on May 15.

AFP

Murder highlights plight of Afghan women KABUL―When gunmen killed former journalist Mena Mangal on a busy Kabul street, observers first wondered if she had been murdered by the Taliban, the Islamist extremists who have long marginalised women.

But police quickly said they were looking at Mangal’s broad-daylight killing as the result of a family dispute, saying her ex-husband had “probably” played a role.

The brazen attack last weekend sparked global outrage over the plight of Afghan women, who still suffer rampant levels of physical and mental abuse, sexual violence and discrimination.

Authorities say Mangal’s death came amid the type of suffocating marital dispute that is common for many women in Afghanistan, a country where domestic abuse can seem like the norm and women are often seen as little more than household chattel.

Her killing has garnered broad condemnation―including from the US and from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

In Kabul, the attorney general’s office said Mangal had filed a complaint saying she was mistreated by her husband,

whom she had felt pressured into marrying after a 10-year engagement.

“She was not happy about her relationship from the very beginning,” Jamshid Rasuli, a spokesman for the attorney general’s office, told AFP. Rasuli said Mangal’s husband had threatened to kill her, and she was eventually granted a divorce―no easy feat in a strictly Islamic country whose male-dominated courts favor men.

The ex-husband remains at large and is being sought by police, who have vowed a thorough investigation.

But Mangal’s father, Talib Jan Mangal, said he thought police were not doing enough.

“If he is not arrested, he can threaten our lives too,” he told AFP. Mangal, who reportedly was 27, posted a message on social media days before she died saying she had received a death threat -- though she did not say who it was from.

She was relatively well known in Kabul thanks to her experience as a broadcast journalist and her work as an activist.

Mangal was also known in political circles, having quit journalism three years ago to work as an adviser for the

US Catholic abuse victims sue Vatican

Senate in Alabama approves toughest anti-abortion bill

WASHINGTON―Five Americans who say they were sexually molested by Catholic priests filed a lawsuit against the Vatican on Tuesday to compel the church to open its archives and hand over the names and details of abusive clergy.

The plaintiffs “were harmed as a result of the Defendant Holy See’s practice and policy of not reporting suspected child abuse to law enforcement officials,” stated the lawsuit filed in US federal court in the state of Minnesota.

“Holy See’s practices of retaining, hiding, and concealing evidence of crimes of its agents and former agents has endangered numerous children and continues to put children in peril,” it added.

Stephen Hoffman, one of three brothers who are plaintiffs for the case, said at a press conference the suit’s intention is to “let something like this never happen anymore.”

“I don’t want anyone to go through what I and my brothers went through...

I just want the Vatican to do what’s right,” he said.

Hoffman and his brothers Luke and Benedict say they were molested by Curtis Wehmeyer, a Catholic priest arrested in 2012 and sentenced to five years in prison after the siblings’ mother reported the case, sparking a scandal that caused the resignation of an archbishop in 2015.

Another plaintiff, 51-year-old Jim Keenan, said he was assaulted throughout the 1970s by a priest whose actions were documented in secret by the church.

“I come forward today to sue the Pope and the Vatican, because it needs to stop. They are not above us,” he told reporters.

The fifth plaintiff, Manuel Vega, said he was one of 30 victims of a Mexican priest who he believes returned to his home country after being accused of abuse in the US. “He is nowhere to be found,” the 53-year-old said. “From what I heard, he is somewhere in Mexico, or in Spain, still practicing, still dangerous.” AFP

MIAMI―The Alabama senate on Tuesday passed the most restrictive abortion bill in the United States, which places a near-total ban on the termination of pregnancy―even in cases of rape and incest―and could punish doctors who perform the procedure with life in prison.

The text passed by the Republicanled senate has been sent to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk for signature into law and, if approved is expected to trigger a legal battle which could reach the Supreme Court.

Under the bill, performing an abortion is a crime that could land doctors who perform it in prison for 10 to 99 years. Abortions would only be legal if the life of the mother is in danger or the fetus has a fatal condition.

The largest human rights defense organization in the United States, the ACLU, promised to file a lawsuit to block its implementation, saying the vote showed “how little they [conservative lawmakers] regard bodily autonomy.”

“This bill punishes victims of rape

Afghan parliament’s religious and cultural affairs committee.

Gender equality in Afghanistan has improved somewhat since a US-led coalition toppled the hardline Taliban regime in 2001.

The insurgents were notorious for denying women and girls any education, forcing women to wear burqas and for stoning them to death on trumped-up charges.

Women today -- particularly in urban areas -- hold professional jobs, as well as about a quarter of the seats in parliament.

But major challenges remain, with forced marriages and child marriages still common.

Samira Hamidi, a South Asia campaigner for Amnesty International, said Afghan women remain vulnerable, and authorities are ill-equipped to investigate crimes.

“Unfortunately Mena’s killing is not the first one,” Hamidi told AFP. “There have been many women intimidated, harassed, abducted, threatened and eventually killed -- but there has not been a mechanism to investigate the crime and bring perpetrators to justice.” AFP

and incest by further taking away control over their own bodies and forcing them to give birth,” it added.

The National Organization for Women called the bill “unconstitutional” and said its passage would “send women in the state back to the dark days of policymakers having control over their bodies, health, and lives.”

Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, who also presides over the state senate, greeted the bill’s passage as a “strong step toward defending the rights of the unborn.”

“With liberal states approving radical late-term and post-birth abortions, Roe must be challenged, and I am proud that Alabama is leading the way,” he added.

The bill’s backers have expressly said they want to bring the case to the Supreme Court.

Now that the top US court has a conservative majority in the wake of President Donald Trump’s election, some Republicans want to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that recognized women’s right to abortion. AFP

The call for changes, which could have required the best-selling aircraft model to be temporarily grounded, were reported by The New York Times and CBS News after they obtained an audio recording of the November 27 meeting between the American Airlines pilots union and officials from the aircraft manufacturer.

The 737 MAX 8 is currently grounded worldwide after the March crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 that killed all 157 people on board and drew scrutiny to the new Boeing model’s anti-stall system, which investigators believe may have brought the jet down.

But the meeting shows that pilots were already worried about the safety of the model following the October 2018 crash in Indonesia of a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 that left no survivors of the 189 people on board.

According to the reports, the pilots were particularly concerned about the MCAS anti-stall system that investigators in both Indonesia and Ethiopia have blamed for the crashes.

“No one has yet to conclude that the sole cause of this was this function on the airplane,” Boeing vice-president Mike Sinnett told the meeting.

“The worst thing that can ever happen is a tragedy like this, and the even worse thing would be another one,” he said later in the meeting held four

ONSTAGE.

A model presents a creation by designer Thurley during Fashion Week Australia in Sydney on May 15, 2019. AFP

Escalating Sri Lanka anti-Muslim riots claim first life MINUWANGODA, Sri Lanka―Sri Lanka announced Tuesday a curfew for a second straight night after a man was killed by sword-wielding rioters in an escalating anti-Muslim backlash following the Easter terror attacks.

Violence broke out late Monday, three weeks after Islamist extremist bombings killed 258 people, with rampaging mobs carrying out arson attacks and 2,000 people vandalizing a mosque, witnesses said.

Police announced another nationwide curfew for a second night to try and stop the violence, beginning at 9:00 pm (15:30 GMT).

The curfew had been in place all day in North-Western Province (NWP), where police said a 45-year-old Muslim man was slaughtered in his carpentry shop late Monday by a crowd carrying swords.

Fauzul Ameen was buried Tuesday at a Muslim cemetery in Nattandiya

under tight security. Heavily armed troops and police backed by armored personnel carriers guarded a service attended by around 100 people.

Police said Tuesday that just over 80 people had been arrested including Amith Weerasinghe, a man from Sri Lanka’s majority Buddhist Sinhalese community on bail for his role in similar riots in March last year.

The suspects were being held under emergency laws and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights under which convicts could be jailed up to 10 years.

Elsewhere in NWP, north of Colombo, attackers outnumbering police and security forces set fire to Muslimowned shops, vandalized homes and smashed windows, furniture and fittings inside several mosques.

In the adjoining Gampaha district, men on motorbikes led arson attacks in

months before the Ethiopian Airlines disaster.

Meanwhile, the pilots in the meeting said they felt they weren’t told enough about the MCAS system, which was new to the 737 MAX 8.

“These guys didn’t even know the damn system was on the airplane, nor did anybody else,” said Mike Michaelis, head of safety for the pilot’s union.

Following the Lion Air crash, Boeing had issued additional instructions to pilots in case they faced a malfunction of the MCAS. But in a letter obtained by AFP, Michaelis said the instructions weren’t sufficient for pilots to know how to handle malfunctions with the anti-stall system.

The New York Times said Michaelis asked Boeing executives at the meeting to consider a software upgrade to the 737 MAX 8—which probably would have required the planes be grounded for some time.

Airlines and governments worldwide ordered the 737 MAX 8 to stop flying in the days after the Ethiopian Airlines crash.

Boeing has been working on a software fix for the flight system and hoping for quick approval from regulators, but it is unclear if the planes will be back in the air before the end of the critical summer travel season. AFP

the town of Minuwangoda, 45 kilometers north of Colombo, local residents told AFP. “They were from out of town,” an owner of an electronic goods store told AFP by telephone.

“After they started smashing Muslim shops and throwing petrol bombs, the locals joined in.”

He said police and security forces appeared to be overwhelmed and that by the time troops fired in the air to disperse the mobs it was too late.

A pasta factory owned by a Muslim businessman burned to the ground after unidentified attackers threw burning tyres inside.

“Police and security forces also did not do anything to put out the fire,” the owner of Diamond Pasta, Ashraf Jifthy, told AFP by telephone. “Three of my Muslim workers were injured while trying to escape from the burning factory.” AFP

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Quezon City, Metro Manila BRANCH LXXVIII (78) NICHOLAS ALEXANDER S. ROCAS Petitioner, -versusCIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-18-14269-CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage IVELYN L. DELOS REYES-ROCAS, Respondent. x-----------------------------------------------x

ORDER

Filed with the Court on April 2, 2019 is a Motion for Leave of Court to Serve Summons by Publication with Manifestation by the Petitioner through counsel.

The petitioner avers that Nelson M. Sadullo, Process Server of the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court of Caloocan City, attempted to serve the Summons upon the respondent.

However, the same was returned unserved on the ground that the respondent no longer resides in the given address. That the only address of the respondent which he has on record is that stated in the Petition at 142 Bo. Sta. Rita South, Tala, Caloocan City. Thus, the petitioner has no other way of ascertaining the new

address of the respondent.

Hence, petitioner request that service of Summons upon the respondent be made by publication, pursuant to Section 14 of Rule 14 of the Rules of Court.

Finding the grounds set forth therein to be well-taken, the Court resolves to grant the same.

Accordingly, let service of Summons upon respondent Ivelyn L. Delos Reyes-Rocas be effected by publication once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in a Newspaper of NATIONAL circulation in the Philippines for the said Respondent to file personally with this Court her written Answer/Responsive pleading within a period of thirty (30) days from the date of the last publication; and importantly, let a copy of this Order, the petition, complete with enclosure be sent to the Respondent at her last known address appearing in the records via LBC Private Courier, at petitioner’s expense.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, April 17, 2019.

(Sgd.) FERNANDO T. SAGUN, JR. Presiding Judge (MStandard-May 16 & 23, 2019)

LGUs

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

B4

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Top clans lose Davao Norte D

AVAO CITY—A neophyte politician ended the 40-year rule of the Del Rosario family over Davao del Norte province as the Commission on Elections proclaimed on Tuesday the winners in the May 13 elections.

Proclaimed winner for governor of Davao del Norte is Edwin Jubahib, winning over Rodney del Rosario, the son of former congressman and governor Rodolfo del Rosario, who retired from politics in 2016.

The senior del Rosario held many positions as a former assemblyman, congressman, and former minister of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Jubahib got 275,984 votes against the 166,870 votes of Rodney. Rodney’s brother, incumbent Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario, lost to

Pantaleon Alvarez as 1st District representative of the province.

Jubahib and Alvarez were proclaimed winners for governor and first district representative, respectively, on Tuesday afternoon. Both Jubahib and Alvarez ran under the ticket of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan.

In a statement on Tuesday, Jubahib said his victory is the victory of people of Davao del Norte, especially the poor.

“I thank the people of Davao del Norte, their love for the province. I will fulfill the promise I made to the people

during the election for better service in Davao del Norte that they have been dreaming,” Jubahib said.

“I will never forget my indebtedness to the people,” he added.

Incumbent 2nd District Rep. Antonio Floirendo also lost to PDP-Laban’s Aldu Dujali.

Floirendo said he was asked by his supporters what possibly went wrong after the surprising defeat of many HNP candidates in Davao del Norte.

“To this I say—nothing went wrong.

Only that money overflowed a day before election and voters chose money over principle, over their future. As they say, voters deserve the government they choose. The people have spoken, so be it,” Floirendo said.

He appealed to the people of Davao

Norte’s second district to be vigilant.

“Be wary and keep watch of the officials you voted for. For I do not know for certain how they would be able to recoup the money they spent in this election,” he said.

Floirendo, who served a total of 12 years as a member of the House of Representatives and 10 years as barangay captain, said his family has shared with the people of Davao del Norte, for the past half century, “the best we could offer.”

“I pray that our province would continue to prosper under the new leaders the majority voted for,” he said.

Floirendo vowed to continue to be of service to the people of Davao del Norte for the remaining weeks of his term as congressman, seeing to it that all projects lined up for this year would not be hampered. PNA

Rody’s bets lead race for top 3 Bacolod posts BACOLOD CITY—The three reelectionists personally endorsed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte are leading the race for the top posts in this city, based on the initial canvass reports released by the Commission on Elections on Tuesday night.

Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, who are running under the Grupo Progreso alliance, are ahead of their respective rivals by wide margins as shown in the transmitted results from 349 out of the total 353 clustered precincts.

The three, who are just awaiting proclamation, received the support of the President in separate endorsements he recorded on video released during the campaign period.

So far, Gasataya has garnered 133,822 votes followed by Monico Puentevella with 83,638 votes, and Kevin Moises with 3,697 votes.

Leonardia got 143,115 votes against Jocelle Batapa-Sigue’s 80,224 and Ray Carmona’s 1,740 while Familiaran amassed 124,707 votes against Jude Thaddeus Sayson’s 90,803 votes.

The City Board of Election Canvassers, chaired by election officer Anjanette Lamban, was scheduled to resume its session at 3 p.m. Wednesday to continue the canvassing of the remaining election returns.

Lamban said they are still awaiting the replacement of two of the four corrupted secure digital cards.

With about 98 percent of the election results already transmitted, the legal team of Grupo Progreso filed a motion before the CBOC to lower the canvassing threshold to allow the proclamation of Gasataya, Leonardia, and Familiaran before the defective SD cards are replaced.

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Reelectionist Gov. Carlos Padilla, Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, and political newcomer Jose Tomas Jr. ruled over their rivals after the peaceful and orderly May 13 polls here.

Officials of the Provincial Board of Canvassers headed by Commission on Elections provincial chief lawyer Er-

Luzon: Gov. Bernos, Balao-as win in Abra BANGUED, Abra—The Provincial Electoral Board of Canvassers on Tuesday proclaimed Joseph Sto. Niño “JB” Bernos, Maria Jocelyn “Joy” Bernos and Ronald Balao-as as the winning candidates for congressman, governor, and vice governor, respectively, of this province.

The three incumbent officials got their second mandates from constituents during Monday’s midterm polls.

JB Bernos won against congressional bets Vicky Cortes and Derdrei Ifurung.

Joy Bernos bested Robert Seares Jr. for the gubernatorial post while Balaoas won against Ann Bersamin.

Also proclaimed were District 1 board members Leonard Andanan, Antonio Dayag, Rudy dela Paz, and Arturo Gayao.

The early proclamation came in an en banc decision of the Comelec around 7:00 p.m. Tuesday after lawyer Estelita Cordero, counsel of the three officials under their ASENSO party, filed a formal petition asking the Comelec for the proclamation as the canvassing of votes is almost over. PNA

Visayas: Torres-Gomez clan expands turf TACLOBAN CITY—This year’s mid-term elections ended the 27-year dynasty of the Codilla family in northwestern Leyte as the Torres-Gomez clan succeeded in expanding their turf.

The clan took the last bailiwick of the Codilla family—the town of Kananga, Leyte—after Board Member Matt Torres beat incumbent Mayor Rowena Codilla in the mayoral race. It was a tight race with 15,350 votes gained by Matt against 13,310 obtained by Rowena.

The election in Kananga town is crucial since it is the remaining area in western Leyte controlled by the Codillas, a political clan established by Elmer’s father, Eufrocino Codilla Sr. Rowena’s husband Elmer, mayor of Kananga from 2007 to 2016, also lost in the vice mayoral race after Matt’s running mate, Miguel Tan, garnered 13,911 votes, slightly higher than the 13,672 votes received by Elmer. PNA

Mindanao: Sayadi still Cotabato mayor

TAWILIS HARVEST. A fisherman shows his basket full of tawilis and other fish caught from the waters of Taal Lake after the closed fishing season at the water body was lifted last April 30. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Calabarzon had received complaints of illegal commercial fishers all throughout the closed season that started March 1—the most active spawning period for the tawilis based on studies discussed during the recent Tawilis Summit 2019. As the closed season ended, Lito De Villa, a private citizen residing in the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape, said he is impressed with the increased sizes of the Tawilis.

Malapitan wins in landslide; ‘Team Oca’ bets, too

By Jun David CALOOCAN City Mayor Oca Malapitan has registered a landslide victory in the May 13 midterm polls, securing his third and final term as the city’s chief executive.

The Caloocan City Board of Canvassers proclaimed Mayor Oca around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, after he garnered 428,954 votes or more than 90 percent of the total number of votes.

The four other mayoral challengers ― independent candidates Emil Trinidad, Ruffy Bayon-on, Ed Sevilla, and

WPP’s Ronnie Malunes—combined for just under 14,000 votes.

“I want to thank the Caloocan residents. We are truly grateful for their support and trust,” Mayor Oca said.

The mayor vowed to create programs and projects for the welfare of his constituents and to make Caloocan a progressive city.

“We will continue what we have started. We will make sure that through unity and good governance, all promises in different sectors are fulfilled,” Malapitan emphasized.

Meanwhile, Mayor Oca’s runningmate,

Vice Mayor Maca Asistio, got 375,020 votes as an unopposed candidate.

Congressman Along Malapitan was also unopposed and was reelected as 1st District representative with 283,693 votes.

Also a winner was Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Egay Erice, who got 124,233 votes, beating Noel Cabuhat of the NUP handily.

Other victories for Team Oca saw newly-elected Councilor Enteng Malapitan getting the highest vote as councilor for first district with 252,118 votes.

Carlos Padilla gets new term as governor; wife loses to Cuaresma

By Ben Moses Ebreo

IN BRIEF

win Valeroso proclaimed the winning provincial candidates last night at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall at the provincial capitol.

Also proclaimed were winning provincial board members Patricio Dumlao,Jr., Nestor Sevillena, Eunice Galima-Gambol, lawyer Primo Percival Marcos, and Roland Carub for the province’s north district, and Delbert Tidang Jr., Flodemonte Gerdan, Elma

Pinao-an-Lejao, lawyer Edgardo Balgos and Dr. Cirilo Galindez, a retired chief of the Veterans Regional Hospital, now called the Cagayan Valley Medical and Trauma Center.

Cuaresma beat the incumbent governor’s wife, former Governor Ruth Padilla, while Carlos Padilla won by a landslide over lawyer and former vice governor Jose Gambito.

Incumbent Vice Governor Lambert

Galima Jr. lost to Tomas Jr. the Chief Executive Officer of Tam-an MultiPurpose Cooperative here.

Supporters of the winning provincial candidates trooped to the provincial capitol yesterday to witness the official proclamation by the Comelec.

Supporters of vice governor-elect Tomas Jr., an Ifugao native, also performed and offered cultural dances for his victory.

NEW BAGUIO MAYOR.

Benjamin Magalong (top row, center), former chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and newly elected Baguio City mayor, stands with the staff of Holiday Inn Baguio City Centre after having a victory meal with family at the hotel’s Lamisaan Dining & Bar. Located along Legarda Road, Holiday Inn Baguio Centre, is fast becoming a favorite meeting and hangout for families and groups.

COTABATO CITY—The Commission on Elections has proclaimed incumbent Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi as the winner in this year’s mayoral race.

Guiani-Sayadi garnered 34,753 votes to win over rival Bai Sandra Sema, who got 21,655 votes, to clinch the city’s mayoral post.

Guiani-Sayadi was then vice mayor of this city when she took over the mayoralty position from her late brother, Mayor Japal Guiani Jr., who died from a lingering illness in 2016.

“Let there be peace now in Cotabato City,” she told reporters here shortly after her proclamation at 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday inside Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the seat of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in this city. PNA

Mindanao: GenSan’s Rivera earns 3rd term GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The city’s board of canvassers formally proclaimed on Tuesday night reelectionist City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and other winning candidates here following hours of delay due to a corrupt secure digital card.

The board reconvened and proclaimed the winners at about 9:45 p.m. after completing the canvassing of votes for the last remaining clustered precinct in Barangay Upper Labay here that earlier failed to transmit the election results.

The canvassing of votes at the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall here was suspended temporarily at about midnight last Monday with 99.7 percent already counted.

Lawyer April Mitchor-Miguel, city election officer and CBOC chairman, said Rivera, who ran under local political party People’s Champ Movement, topped the mayoralty race with total votes of 111,761. PNA

Hausland reaps real estate gold SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga―The Hausland Group added a feather in its cap as the leading Kapampangan homegrown developer in North and Central Luzon bagging twin awards in the recently concluded Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards.

Company media officer Decima Cacdac said Mansfield Residences, a project of Hausland Development Corporation, gained the gold in Residential Low-Rise Category while its affiliate company, FIESTA Communities, Inc., received gold in Residential-Affordable Housing Category with FIESTA

Communities Castillejos as the winning project.

Cacdac said the recognition marked the second win for both companies as they have won last year in the same categories for two other residential developments.

The awards serve as Hausland Group’s crusade in fulfilling their vision of enriching lives and empowering the Filipino family, she added.

The awarding event held in Makati City was organized by the International Real Estate Federation Philippines Inc. or FIABCI Philippines. Butch Gunio

Life

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

HOUSEHOLD

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

C1

4 reminders from mothers THEY say mothers know best. But perhaps the more accurate phrase is, “Mothers only want the best for their children.”

They want them to be able to navigate through the ups and downs of life happily and healthily, hence they enforce wellness routines and habits that seem annoying at first, but actually have benefits in the long run.

Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz got the chance to interact with some people who cherish the reminders their moms gave them when they were younger, and still carry those habits to this day.

Eating healthy

HOT MOMMA. Keri Zamora, wife and mother of four, pursues her personal goals and passions while raising a family.

Keri Zamora: A modern mama

It’s a struggle to get kids to eat their vegetables, even though it’s good for them. College student Missy (not her real name), grew up with a lot of vegetables in her diet. “Sometimes they tasted a little bland,” she recounted, “but I can hardly tell, growing up eating them. It was never a bother. Her meals are wonderful and irreplaceable.”

For one working girl who wishes to remain anonymous, this routine of eating healthy food made her aware of its many benefits. “When I was younger, I was rarely sick and had no digestive problems,” she shared.

K

ERI ZAMORA is one of this generation’s modern mothers—goal-oriented and multifaceted yet in every way caring, doting, hands-on.

Much like many moms, she juggles several responsibilities, but unlike most, she’s able to allow some breathing space to pursue personal goals and hobbies.

Raising four lovely kids in ages 17, 14, eight, and six, Zamora makes sure she is involved in their various activities and interests—attending daughter Amanda’s fashion shows and son Rocco’s basketball games; waking up early for Noah’s soccer practices; and joining Nic in his golf lessons.

Zamora’s other persona is that of an entrepreneur. Together with two other friends, she founded Style Trio, an online clothing business.

“Having my good friends as partners in my business makes things easier. We divide our tasks so I can work from home and have more quality time with the family,” she shares.

As if those weren’t enough, this stylish mother is also a lifestyle blogger with her site Flats & Stilettos, which caters to young and passionate moms who, like her, are “always out and about—be it for our family or for our own personal growth and interests.”

Zamora wants to make it known to other moms that they need not give up pursuing their personal passions even as they raise a growing family. She also stresses the importance of “me time”—the chance to relax, unwind, and pamper one’s self.

In her case, she turns to gym sessions, online shopping, Netflix, and answering messages on her blog.

“Allow yourself to relax, enjoy, and recharge—take that trip with your girlfriends, go to the spa, or gift yourself with something you’ve always wanted,” she shares.

U n d e n i a bl y, fashion is one of

Drinking a lot of water

Aside from eating greens, moms always remind their children to drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water each day. A habit that Lisa Navidad, who is now a mother herself, picked up from her own mom.

“It’s hard to get my kids to drink water now because they prefer soft drinks or juice, which I can understand because I’ve been there,” she admitted. Still, she stressed the importance of staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Keri with her brood: Amanda, Rocco, Noah, and Nic.

Zamora’s serious passions and serves as another self-care outlet for her.

She describes her personal style as “classic with a twist.”

“Matching the right accessories is essential too,” she says, “and

that includes diamond jewelry from MyDiamond’s Signature Collection.”

For her, the must-have piece of jewelry for every woman is a pair of diamond stud earrings. “I think it’s the most classic and elegant go-to earring which you can wear every day at any occasion.”

She also shares that one should choose jewelry that is attuned to one’si ndividuality.

To be truly successful in nurturing a home and personal self, Zamora stresses the importance of finding the right balance.

“Motherhood has taught me to be selfless and to be more patient. I may have a lot on my plate right now, but I know my priorities. And that is why I always put my children’s needs before mine.”

Playing sports and exercising

Keeping active through sports and exercise was a routine that was very beneficial to LJ Dominguez, a former student athlete. Which was why he didn’t mind doing it. “I grew taller,” he shared “[Now] I do it on my own.

It became a habit.”

Mikhaila Ilano, a freelance artist, shares this sentiment. “It helps me become comfortable with physical activity,” she said. She also shared that it was a habit that promotes good discipline. “Even though she [my mom] did not have time to care for me, she tried her best to raise me with discipline,” added Ilano.

Keri shares her passion for fashion with her daughter, Amanda.

Maintaining proper hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene is always a good habit to have. The mother of Anne Jordan, a college student, encouraged her to diligently and routinely brush her teeth. While she admits that she was annoyed about it at first, she agreed that it paid off well as she grew older. “I now have a healthy set of teeth [and] I don’t have any dental complications,” she said proudly.

The mom of an anonymous high school student makes her and her sister wash their hair with head lice shampoo. “They were kind of tedious to do, but whenever my mom would take the time to patiently brush the nits in my hair, I realized I couldn’t complain.” She realized that eventually she will have to keep track of her own health, so she is grateful that her mom is still there to give her reminders.

Life

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

R

Keeping food fresh for longer EGULAR refrigerators allow households to keep food last longer.

Innovative refrigerators not only keep food last longer, but fresh and healthy, too.

The new Electrolux NutriFresh Inverter Refrigerator line boasts settings that allow owners to chill meat and fish without having to defrost, and a crisper that optimizes vitamin C levels to lock in nutrients, among others.

Fresh not frozen

To keep meat and fish fresh, many people resort to deep freezing. The new Electrolux NutriFresh Inverter French Door Refrigerator with FlexFresh comes with the UltraChill setting at -2° Celsius which keeps items very cold but not frozen. This helps to preserve the texture of food for longer and reduces the need to defrost.

Different food types require unique storage conditions to stay fresh. Deli snacks such as cold cuts and cheese should be kept at a temperature of 3° Celsius while the optimal temperature for frozen

food is between -18° Celsius and -23° Celsius.

The FlexFresh drawer is an optimal storage compartment with five temperature settings (-23° Celsius to 7° Celsius). This enables storage all types of food—from cheese, wine, meat, and seafood to cold drinks and frozen items—at the right temperature to help them stay fresh.

To help retain the juiciness of produce, the TasteLock Crisper with AutoHumidity Control automatically adjusts humidity levels depending on the contents of the drawer. It releases excess moisture from the compartment to help keep fruits and vegetables fresh for up to seven days.

It also has a TwinTech Cooling System that cools the fridge and freezer compartments separately, so food stays fresher and odors don’t mix. The independent systems ensure optimal cooling and humidity to keep items in their freshest condition.

The Electrolux NutriFresh Inverter French Door Refrigerator with FlexFresh keeps items very cold but not frozen.

Fresh and healthy

Food items stay fresh for longer thanks to the innovative features of Electrolux’s NutriFresh line of refrigerators.

The Electrolux NutriFresh Black Quattro French Door Refrigerator helps keep produce fresh for longer with its unique TasteLock Crisper with NutriPlus filter. This special crisper creates a humid environment with optimal vitamin C levels to lock in the vitamins and nutrients of fruits and vegetables, keeping them fresh for seven days.

It also has 360 Cooling, which circulates air throughout the fridge at a constant temperature, so each shelf is cooled individually, and food is prop-

Lifestyle aspirations

Condo in Bacolod

to drive property buyers’ preferences

targets millennials

The South Building of Amaia Steps Capitol Central in Bacolod City consists of 276 residential units that offer stunning views of Guimaras strait and the town of Talisay.

THE young generation in the City of Smiles has one more reason to beam as Amaia Steps Capitol Central takes root in the heart of Bacolod City.

Amaia Steps Capitol Central takes notice of what’s on top of millennial would-be condo owners’ priority list.

Located at the heart of the Capitol of Bacolod City, it is highly accessible

to land, sea, and air transport hubs, schools, commercial establishments, leisure destinations, and the central business district. It provides a safe and secure community.

The South Building consists of 276 residential units (with balconies in selected units) that offer stunning views of Guimaras strait and the town of Talisay.

Units range in size, depending on the inclusion of a balcony: Studio type (2429 sqm), Deluxe Unit (30-34.84 sqm), Premiere Unit (36.9-51.18 sqm) Amenities include swimming pool, jogging path, children’s playground, landscaped gardens, a guard house for security, and a multipurpose hall for business meetings and social events.

Shangri-La Plaza caters to all travel needs PREMIER shopping destination Shangri-La Plaza’s got every traveler’s needs covered.

Plane tickets – Catch the Cathay Pacific-Citi Summer Sale at the Shang’s Grand Atrium on May 17 to 19 to take advantage of the premium airline’s special offers on international destinations.

This travel sale also brings together five trusted tour agencies to help travelers come up with their ideal itineraries.

Quality luggage – Travel luggage secures belongings and allows vacationers to move around faster and enjoy their trips more, hence the importance of investing in a durable one. Samsonite, Rimowa and Tumi have a wide selection that promises to last years—or even a lifetime.

Smart accessories – Avoid unnecessary hassles by equipping oneself with RFID-blocking wallets, anti-theft bags, garment cases, and travel containers from Flight 101 and MUJI. Shoes for traveling – Shoes can make or break adventures, so go with a pair that’s lightweight, flexible and durable. Sneak Peek carries iconic and edgy collections of the most soughtafter sneaker brands that can survive

Travel essentials—even plane tickets—are available at Shangri-La Plaza.

traveling while staying in style.

Pasalubong – Drop by the Bicol Trade and Travel Fair on May 22 to 26 at the Grand Atrium, Level 2, to grab well-loved snacks and craft products from southern Luzon. Also featuring cultural performances and promoting

erly preserved no matter where it is stored.

The different models in this collection also has special features depending on the family’s lifestyle. The top freezer model comes with a Chill Room, an enclosed shelf that makes it the ideal spot to store special items and deli snacks as it has a slightly lower temperature perfect for keeping these items fresh and tasty for longer.

The bottom freezer model also comes with an extra large freezer, offering more room for frozen snacks and refreshing cool drinks.

the newest tourist spots, this fair at the Shang is determined to inspire one’s next local travel adventure.

Go to Shangri-La Plaza’s official Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.

IN THE age of online sharing and tion and influence that they receive onsocial media, lifestyle aspirations are line also grows. That is why Bautista driving consumer preferences in the advises companies to adapt swiftly to real estate industry. these developments.

This is according to Tina Bautista, “In our case, we are constantly head of Property24, one of the most working with our Product and Engipowerful online enablers for property neering teams, including enhancing buyers and sellers. Bautista cites, in our chat and contact form features, particular, upper mid and luxury prop- to make communication easier and erties are expected to be in high de- faster between buyers and sellers. mand this year.

We also fine tune our search algoThe Philippines continues to lead the rithms and filters to be able to reworld in social media usage, spending f lect better user behavior and preferthe most amount of time online, about ences,” she says. four hours and 12 minutes a day. The She adds, “Buyers today have number of social media users in the many options and resources at their country grew by 13 percent, with more than 9 million users added since January 2018.

Bautista, who has 12 years of experience in creating strategies for online products and studying online consumer consumption, foresees a shift in buyer preferences, especially in the real estate industry, over the next five years.

“The major shift that may happen over the next five years is that technology will enable more than just searching and communication between property buyers and sell- Upper mid and luxury properties are expected to be in high demand ers. Technol- this year, according to Property24 head Tina Bautista. ogy will be able to change even how properties fingertips. It’s best for them to comare bought and rented or financed pare across all of these to be able to by banks. We see this happening in make the best decision. At the same time, they also have to exercise caumore advanced markets,” she says.

Bautista continues, “Generally as tion and judgment to ensure they well, because of consumer preferences, are transacting with trusted brokers we can also expect property developers and agents.”

The Porperty24 head asserts that to cater to emerging technology needs, such as high speed Internet connectiv- brand identity is the most effective ity, online delivery and receiving hubs, way to gain a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace. and smart home technologies.”

In the real estate industry, the speed Image and perception on social meof transactions and the expectations of dia and branding of property develpotential property buyers are increas- opers are the key factors for property ing rapidly, as the amount of informa- buyers and investors.

Entertainment

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Metro Channel wins big

at 17th Gawad Tanglaw Mr. Gay World 2019 Janjep Carlos

Janjep Carlos

wins PH’s 2nd Mr. Gay World title

Chef Sandy Daza, Anton Barretto, Joey Mead King, Chef Claude Tayag, ANCX executive editor Ces Drilon and ABS-CBN Lifestyle Ecosystem head Paolo Pineda

A

BS-CBN lifestyle channel received five accolades at the 17th Gawad Tanglaw for fostering the country’s cultural development, sustainability, and gender empowerment in its programs, a welcome recognition just a year after the channel was launched on cable.

“When we were tasked to launch Metro Channel we made sure to stay faithful to the Metro DNA with regards to production quality and curation. Storytelling and serving our market remains to be the heart and soul of why we do what we do. So we are truly grateful to have our efforts recognized by no less than Gawad Tanglaw on our first year of operation,” said Metro Group head Christina Lopez.

Three of Metro Channel’s food shows that showcase rich Filipino culture and dishes— Chasing Flavors hosted by renowned chef Claude Tayag, Food Prints with restaurateur Sandy Daza, and Show Me The Market with Chef JP Anglo and The Marketman Joel Binamira—won the Jury Award for Cultural Development and Sustainability.

ANCX executive editor Ces Drilon, shared on her Instagram account, “Thank you Gawad Tanglaw for honoring Show Me The Market. Since turning my back on being on camera, it has been my absolute joy working with the guardians of our heritage, culture, history and the arts.”

Joey Mead-King’s show Women of Style, meanwhile, received the Jury Award for Gender and Development. The empowering program, which premiered in August last year, has featured outstanding Filipinas who embody confidence, substance, and passion.

Metro Home, a Metro Channel show that inspires viewers to add beautiful touches to their own abodes, is awarded the Jury Award for Sustainable Design and Innovation. It is hosted by

furniture executive Stephanie KienleGonzales and Metro Home magazine editor-in-chief Anton Barretto.

“A great honor for Metro Home’(TV) to be recognized by Gawad Tanglaw and the esteemed jury. We work hard to showcase Filipino talent in the architecture and design industry, to inspire our audience and promote sustainable living,” said Anton on his Instagram post.

Gawad Tanglaw (Gawad Tagapuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw) is an award-giving body composed of film critics, scholars, historians, and professors of humanities from different universities, honoring exemplary work in film and television.

The 17th Gawad Tanglaw awarding ceremony was held on May 8 at the Museo ng Muntinlupa.

Catch Food Prints, Chasing Flavors, Metro Home, Show Me The Market, and Women Of Style on Metro Channel(SKYcable ch. 52 and ch. 174 on HD), the home of chic living from the country’s authority in style, Metro.

4th UNIV...

DRRMO, Place Palawan PDRRMO, and Bulacan PDRRMO took the 7th, 8th, and 9th place, respectively, and received P50,000 each. Meanwhile, over 2,000 attended the rescue and disaster preparedness seminar.

The free seminar aims to raise awareness about the “The Big One” or the potential massive earthquake that would result in the movement of the West Valley Fault.

Public Service Advocate and BMPIUNTV President-CEO Kuya Daniel Razon highlighted the importance of helping others and commended the

volunteers for risking their lives to save others.

“What’s most important is to always have a desire in our hearts to help others despite the risks. And I would like to commend everybody. The willingness to risk your lives to save others cannot be repaid by any amount of money,” he said.

The whole-day event was capped with the concert organized by Wish 107.5 with OPM’s hitmakers and up and coming artists like Sponge Cola, Shamrock, Grace Note, Plethora, Bradz, Wishfuls, Rhea Basco, Mark Michael Garcia, and Le Chazz.

From C4

The former rescue champion, Nueva Vizcaya PDRRMO took home the second prize of P1,500,000. In third place, Balanga City, Bataan DRRMO received P1,000,000. Laguna PDRRMO took home P500,000 for landing on the 4th spot.

In 5th and 6th place were Ilocos Sur PDRRMO and Cagayan PDRRMO who received P100,000 each. San Pedro City

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, May 16, 2019

ACROSS 1 Count on 5 Sleeve features 10 Seance sounds 14 Helm position 15 Complete reversal (hyph.)

16 Lamb’s alias 17 Lock up 18 — Lama 19 — the line (obeyed) 20 Not digital 22 Sassier 24 “Sign here” maxrks 26 Trotsky or Uris 27 Roughly 30 Isn’t sure about 34 Term of endearment 35 Computer whizzes 38 Valentine symbol 39 Ego companions 40 Fool 42 Wish undone 43 Hanger-on 46 Analyze grammatically 48 Hairstyling goo 49 Fishing boats 51 Knickknack stand 53 Mallard cousin 55 Like a sage

56 59 63 64 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

Highly adept Pasture Yvette’s home Sweater letter Go on horseback Superman wear Saddle horse Malevolent Climb up a pole Come afterward Lockbox document

DOWN 1 Prince of India 2 Vitality 3 Spunky movie princess 4 Raised one’s voice 5 Hit with a stick 6 Actress — Hagen 7 Brimming over 8 Physically weak 9 Made catty remarks 10 Entourage 11 Shampoo additive 12 Dock 13 In the doldrums 21 Strong haulers 23 Hogwash!

25 Pancake gowith 27 Tot

28 Bronco-riding event 29 Car-racer Al — 31 Canal sight 32 More accurate 33 Stone pillar 36 Molecular biology topic 37 Hardware item 41 Ballpark figure 44 Passport possessor 45 Foot part 47 Pave the way 50 Seven-veil dancer

52 54 56 57 58 60 61 62 63 65

Equipped Fresh scent Deposed ruler French Legion headgear — ex machina Use a springboard “Garfield” pooch Fuse together Shot meas.

Large antelope

THE Filipino gay community has reason to celebrate with the victory of John Jeffrey “Janjep” Carlos at the Mr. Gay World 2019 pageant held in Capetown, South Africa besting 21 representatives from all over the world.

Carlos reclaimed the title won by fellow countrymen John Raspado in 2017 and succeeded Jordan Bruno of Australia.

The 41-year-old native of General Trias, Cavite also bagged the Best in Written Exam and Best in National Costume special awards. Carlos wore a colorful Sarimanok-inspired costume, with Salakot top, created by designer

by Razen Montero. It showcases the rich culture of the Philippines and embracing gender diversity.

“I still could not believe I won Mr. Gay World 2019. I have so many people to thank for who are behind this triumph. I want to thank God, my national director, my trainers, my family, and partner for their love and support,” Carlos posted on Instagram shortly after clinching the title.

Carlos, a Hotel and Restaurant

Management graduate and businessman, also thanked the Filipino community and the Consulate General of the Philippines in Capetown, and the Mr. Gay World organization for which he is expected to be working in future projects and collaboration on his advocacies.

Aside from helping spread awareness for LGBTIQ equality, Carlos promotes his mental health awareness campaign #IllnessTo Wellness and has partnered with Mental Health PH, an organization that promotes mental health awareness throughout social media. “I will use my title to highlight mental health issues, particularly, depression faced by the LGBTIQ community on the global level,” Carlos said.

The 11th Mr. Gay World pageant was hosted by former Expresso presenter Ewan Strydom with guest performances by American boy band 5West and South African Tamara Dey. The Mr. Gay World pageant included a written evaluation on LGBTIQ issues, photo, sports and swimsuit challenge competition.

Benilde @ 30 celebrates music and arts in week-long fest EMERGING bands and budding young artists gather as De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) celebrates its 30th year with the firstever Benilde Music and Arts Festival: Best of Benilde @ 30 from May 18 to 24 at the College’s School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus.

Spearheaded by Benilde Arts Culture Cluster (BACC) and the Music

Production (MP) Program, the weeklong event will be launched with stunning performances by homegrown Benildean music artists.

Jensen and the Flips, Wilderness, Banna Harbera, Mark Atienza, and Bagong Luto ni Enriquez will headline the Café Jam starting 12:00 noon at the SDA Cafeteria.

Agsunta, Miguel Mendoza, St.

Wolf, The Juans, Nathan Mercury, Roxanne Miranda, and Mikee Misalucha will star at the special Plug-in Concert on May 18, 7:30 p.m. at the SDA Theater.

In addition to the main music performances, the festival will also highlight and exhibit the creativity and talents of Benildean alumni, students, and associates through a wide array of exhibitions featuring exquisite and award-winning works in the fields of Fashion Design and Merchandising, Photography, Animation, Multimedia Arts, Design Foundation, Interior Design, Industrial Design, and Architecture from the 7th to the 14th floor of the SDA Campus.

A series of theater performances, arts management talks, workshops on songwriting and the business of music, and digital film and animation screenings will likewise be hosted.

The Benilde Music and Arts Festival: Best of Benilde @ 30 exhibitions, screenings, workshops, and theater and music performances are open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Admission is free except for the Plug-in Concert. Tickets for the evening show are at P300 each, with a discounted rate of P 200 for Benildeans.

For inquiries, contact +63905 452 2858 or email benildeartsandculturecluster@benilde.edu.ph.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

Keanu Reeves sinks hands, feet at Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre

LORNA’S golden secret

The grand slam queen with Beautederm CEO Rhea Anicoche-Tan

VERY WANG

Regarded as the “grand slam queen,” for being honored by every major award-giving body a much-deserved Best Actress accolade for her role in Narito And Puso Ko (1993) where she plays a mother seeking justice for the murder of her son, Lorna shared a little secret about her career that spans five decades.

“I’m so happy that I’m still here after being in the industry for 50 years. I think people see that I don’t neglect my career and I’m easy to work with. Nakikita nila na nakikisama ako,” LT said of her career’s longevity.

Her prodigious career started in 1969 when she was featured in the film Uhaw Sa Kalayaan as a 7-year-old child actress.

She then conquered both television and film with a consistent string of blockbuster hits and top-rating series, giving her a rightful spot in the highest and most respected echelon of the industry.

Currently, Lorna has been commissioned to be part of the ensemble cast of ABS-CBN’s long-running and top-rating action-drama primetime series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano where she is featured alongside fellow-acting heavyweights such as Coco Martin, John Arcilla, Eddie Garcia, and Susan Roces among many others.

“I started on March 1. I’m supposed to be in the series for only one month. But they got intrigued with the character so they wanted me to extend until September,” she revealed.

A certified icon of beauty, Lorna has been regarded as the ultimate template of the gold standard of beauty and elegance. She has also been hailed as the pictorial queen of the ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s as she became an industry leader in beauty and fashion with the chic and stylish looks that she has made popular for three glorious decades.

“Apart from taking care of yourself, it’s also about your attitude and how you feel inside. It also matters that you feel beautiful inside and out,” she said The grand slam queen was officially welcomed by Beutederm Corporation as its newest brand ambassador. The company was founded and established in 2009 by its President and CEORhea Anicoche-Tan. Beautederm embodies Rhea’s principle that beauty begins by taking care of one’s self, and by doing so a person will become more healthy and shall exude beauty not only in the outside but in the inside as well—just exactly the same principle that Lorna lives by.

“I am honored and extremely happy now that I am finally part of the Beautederm family. I have been a loyal user of Beautederm for years and this is just a formality since I have always trusted this amazing product,” LT shared to which Rhea replied, “She is a remarkable human being and her beauty is striking as ever. A lot of people, including myself, are huge fans of her body of work as an actress as well as her legendary beauty. We are elated to have her onboard.”

NICKIE WANG Reeves's handprints, footprints and signature are seen during a ceremony in his honor at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX forecourt

ACTOR Keanu Reeves signed his name and sunk his hands and feet in fresh cement Tuesday in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

More than 30 years have passed since the star of The Matrix, Speed, and Point Break tried his luck by taking his car from Toronto to Hollywood to become an actor.

“It is a great honor to be here and to be invited to this remarkable, historical, magical place,” Reeves told a crowd gathered for the ceremony at the Chinese Theatre.

“To be included among all of the incredible artists who have made their mark here over the past 92 years, to be a part of this Hollywood tradition started

by Sid Grauman all those years ago and which continues to this day, I thank you. Thank you very much,” he continued.

Born in Lebanon’s capital Beirut in 1964 but raised in New York and Toronto, Reeves left high school to become an actor. He came to Hollywood in 1986 to work on the film Youngblood, also starring Rob Lowe.

Reeves rose to fame with Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and its sequel, but is best known for his role as Neo in The Matrix trilogy.

Friday will see the release of his latest starring role, in another trilogy, John Wick: Chapter 3— Parabellum.

Reeves’ marks in front of the Chinese Theatre come after he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005. AFP

I

CONIC! That’s how seasoned actress Lorna Tolentino was introduced during a recent public outing where she was named the newest face of a brand known as a leader in wellness and beauty industry.

Lorna Tolentino, 57, shares her secret to her youthful look and how she maintains a lustrous showbiz career that spans five decades.

Marion’s honor

4th UNTV

Rescue Summit a huge success OVER 15,000 individuals trooped to the Marikina Sports Complex on April 28 for the 4th UNTV Rescue Summit, which showcased rescue and disaster preparedness seminars, as well as equipment and gears from different rescue units both in national and local government.

Organized by UNTV, in partnership with the Marikina Government, the 4th UNTV Rescue Summit Rescue groups that participated in the summit showed off their skills in the rescue competition topped by Camarines Sur’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Office after it took home the championship.

CamSur’s Search and Rescue and Fire Rescue unit head, John Manaog, attributed team effort and coordination to their win. According to Manaog, their team remained determined no matter what obstacles they faced. The team received a cash prize of P2,000,000.

“Team effort and coordination was our key in winning. We have one command and we had good communication and distribution of task,” he said. Continued on C3

Awarding of prize to Camarines Sur’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the rescue race champion for the 4th UNTV Rescue Summit.

YUGEL LOSORATA THAT you would find her name on Spotify surname-less is reflective of how singer-songwriter Marion Aunor is carving a career on her own. Not, as one may expect, heavily banked on the privilege of being the niece of Superstar Nora Aunor.

Credit goes to her firm grasp of “hugot” songs anchored expressively on a female singing voice style that is currently in.

“I make sure to put in my own experiences as inspiration for my songs. It becomes relatable that way,” shared Marion backstage after her much-applauded set at the Music Hall in Metrowalk last April 26.

April is her birthday month and she celebrated it with a Friday night show attended by some of her closest friends and avid fans. She did mention that stories she hears from friends, along with movies and TV series she watches, serve as key source of inspiration when song-writing.

Marion, having signed under Viva Artists Agency, and therefore now affiliated with Viva Records, revealed she is recording “a lot of new songs

for an EP” to be put out soon. After some detouring with EDM and jazz, she has returned to her roots which her fans largely admire her for.

The haunting ballad “Akala,” her theme to the movie The Day After Valentine, puts that on display solidly, with its chorus that grips within with the help of a piano hook. Small wonder a lyric video of the song uploaded July last year has now garnered more than nine million views on YouTube.

She shared, “For that song, I started with the piano part. Then I started thinking about a sad past, yung how I was feeling breaking up with someone.”

Asked if she would qualify herself as a sad person, she replied by saying she just loves “emotional things.” But then she quickly recalled having found out that her name’s meaning is “sea of bitterness.”

She couldn’t resist to make a joke: “And so I was born to be a hugot person!”

After scoring her breakthrough in 2013 through the Himig Handog contest, wherein her song “If You Ever Change Your Mind” was among the 12 finalists, Marion has led a steady career of writing and recording songs for movies and even competently covering the popular pop tune “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis. Some of her songs include “Maling Pag-ibig,” from the film “Hanggang Kailan?,” and “Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin

Ko,” off “Pambansang Third Wheel.”

One of her goals is to write a song or sing in duet with her beloved singeractress aunt.

Her recent show at the Music Hall should be an indication of the high level of confidence she has developed when on stage. A spoken word artist-friend of her joined as she planted her fingers on the keys for that “Akala” hook to touchingly carry the poetry lines through. Then she let her singing intensely take the spotlight.

Singersongwriter Marion Aunor