Manila Standard - 2019 May 25 - Saturday

MWSS okays Razon’s $300-m Wawa project

Story on B1

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 100 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Dirty cash’ also dumped in PH Criminal activities illicit funds source

By Julito G. Rada and Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE Anti-Money Laundering Council says the Philippines has become a destination of “dirty money” generated from criminal activities like kidnapping for ransom, terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism.

In a report posted on its website titled from criminal activities have been cir“A Risk Assessment on the Philippines’ culating in the financial system.

Exposure to External Threats based on The council says the other illegal acSubmitted Suspicious Transaction Re- tivities that are sources of dirty funds Next page port,” the AMLC says the dirty funds

GARBAGE, DRUG MONEY.

Members of Ban Toxics, a non-government organization, stage a rally Friday (right) in front of the Senate in Pasay City, demanding ratification of Basel Ban Amendment, a treaty prohibiting import of all kinds of wastes from rich to poorer countries like the garbage (inset) from Canada, from Australia, and plastic waste from Hong Kong. Meantime, the AntiMoney laundering Council, challenged by ‘dirty funds’ (left) from criminal activities, says the Philippines has become a destination of ‘dirty money.’ Lino Santos

Waste shipments flow roiled Palace

By Nat Mariano and Vito Barcelo dian company in 2013 and 2104.

THE Palace on Friday said the government would not allow other countries to turn the Philippines into a dumping ground for their garbage, even as the Bureau of Customs reported intercepting a shipment of residual waste from Hong Kong.

Reports of the new shipment of 25 tons of mixed plastic waste came as the government pushed to return to Canada tons of rotting garbage that had been shipped to the Port of Manila by a private Cana-

Waste shipments were also flagged from South Korea and Australia.

“The Philippines… will not allow its territory to be treated as a dumping ground for trash by any foreign country or entity,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“We call on concerned agencies of the government to continue exercising vigilance and hinder the entry of such shipments of garbage into our territorial jurisdiction at the first instance,” Next page

Duterte tags Trillanes ‘shameless’ over oust plot

By Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

following allegations that he was the brains behind a campaign to oust the Chief Executive.

President Duterte’s tirade came PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte slammed opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes after Peter Joemel Advincula, claimIV, calling the lawmaker shameless ing to be the “Bikoy” in the “Ang To-

toong Narco-list” online videos that smeared the President’s family and allies, accused Trillanes and other opposition leaders of being behind the black propaganda campaign.

Next page

SIGNATURE POSE. President Rodrigo Duterte, striking his fist sign with Senator-elect Christopher Go, is joined by supporters of the latter, who hosted a thanksgiving party for them at the Arcadia Event Center in Davao Center the other day. Malacañang Photo

3 out of 10 say Du30 sacks water agency exec, taps retired general for the job life improved in

past 12 months

By Nat Mariano

THREE in 10 Filipinos believed their personal quality of life has improved in the past 12 months, the latest Social Weather Stations’ survey revealed on Friday.

In its survey, SWS said 38 percent of Filipinos said the state of their lives improved while fewer Filipinos at 21 percent said the quality of their lives has worsened.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the latest figures was a wake-up Next page

By Nat Mariano and Jimbo Gulle

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is poised to install retired Army Brig.

Gen. Ricardo Morales as the new leader of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, the Chief Executive himself revealed on Thursday night.

Speaking at a thanksgiving party thrown by Senator-elect Christopher “Bong” Go, his longtime aid, in Davao City, Duterte revealed Morales would be the water agency’s new “chairman,” although the MWSS has one in Franklin J. Demonteverde.

The Palace, as of Friday night, has yet to confirm the termination

of Demonteverde or Reynaldo Velasco, the MWSS administrator.

“I got as MWSS chairman Dick Morales, Dick. But he is white, his mind is playful. But try him,” the President said, in the middle of making a point on how police and military generals didn’t need to overthrow him with a coup for allegations of corruption.

“He was the RAM [Reform the Armed Forces Movement] [member] arrested in Malacañang. Turned out he was a rebel. I think he’s... He’s the one who was Next page

Año: Narco-pol winners not off the hook yet, won’t drop cases INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday vowed to pursue the administrative cases filed against the politicians named in the narco list but who won in the May 13 elections.

“Kahit na pinalad silang manalo, tuloy pa rin ang administrative cases laban sa kanila,” Año told reporters.

“Hindi pa rin sila makakalusot kung sila ay mapapatunayang sangkot talaga sa iligal na droga.”

Año said they considered as a victory the defeat of some of the narco politicians who ran but lost.

“The purpose of President [Rodrigo] Duterte in releasing the names was to inform the public of the local officials who are linked to the drug trade,” Año said.

“The fact that some of them lost is already a substantial victory for us because if we didn’t release the names more, if not all, could have won the election.”

Of the 46 suspected narco politicians charged by the DILG, 37 ran for public office during the last election and 26 won.

Among them were two congressmen, one vice governor, 18 mayors,

three vice mayors, one councilor and one board member.

The suspected narco politicians are from CALABARZON, BARMM, Eastern Visayas, the Ilocos, Northern Mindanao, Western Visayas, Central Luzon, the Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCKSARGEN and CARAGA. In March, the DILG filed charges of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, conduct unbecoming of a public officer, and gross neglect of duty before the Office of the Ombudsman against the 46.

Año said the Philippine Drug En force m e n t Agency will pursue the Next page

Answered prayer: Boy gifted with papal cap POPE Francis has gifted a Filipino boy with his papal cap or zucchetto, after the 8-year-old asked to simply touch it during a visit last month in Rome.

Simon Caalaman was with dozens of other children to see the Next page

High-cut swimsuit stirs ‘monstrosity’ views THE fashion brand Topshop is gaining a lot of buzz online for a very high-cut swimsuit it is selling that has led shoppers to describe it as a “monstrosity.”

According to a Yahoo News UK report on Friday, the swimsuit’s designer, Jaded London, described the item as “super summery in style” Next page

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Party-lists eye ‘equal treatment’

By Maricel V. Cruz

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HE Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. in the House of Representatives on Friday demanded equal treatment and to be treated as district congressmen.

Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association and the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, recognized the great contribution of the party-list bloc in ensuring the swift passage of President Rodrigo Duterte’s legislative agenda in the 17th Congress, adding the group would continue to be a powerful partner for reforms in the next Congress.

Lawmakers belonging to the partylist groups have been considered marginalized because most of the committee chairmanships and memberships were given to district congressmen in the previous Congresses.

Only during the 17th Congress under Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that

the party-list congressmen were given due recognition.

Romero said the feeling of being left out or discriminated upon was common among the past and present crop of party-list representatives.

“We talked about being considered second class citizens in Congress and how to go about it. We are happy that we have this talk with the speakers,” he said.

Romero is the vice chairman of the House Committees on Housing and Urban Development and on Sports and Youth Development. He has also been elected vice chairman of the Special Committee on the East ASEAN Growth Area at the 17th Congress.

The group’s president, 1Pacman Party-list Rep. Michael Romero, made the appeal with the PLC after the group emerged as the second largest political bloc in the House. He said party-list congressmen were also elected by 30 million Filipinos.

“The party-list coalition bloc comprises 20 percent [of the House membership], and we are asking for 20 percent of the positions. Everything should

be a proportional share, and we believe this is fair because we represent 30 million Filipinos who voted during the last election,”Romero said.

Earlier, one of the contenders to the speakership in the 18th Congress, Representative-elect Martin Romualdez of Leyte, assured the newly constituted PLC of a fair and equitable distribution of the committee posts and budget allocations should he be elected Speaker.

Año:...

From A1

Duterte to discuss SCS concerns with Japan’s Abe

criminal cases against the suspected narco politicians.

He said the DILG was in close coordination with the Philippine National Police, PDEA and other national government agencies tasked to fight the war on illegal drugs.

He said there was a possibility that drug money was used during the election campaign amid the rampant votebuying incidents.

“It’s not impossible that drug money was used in the campaign, and that could have been a factor in their victory considering the prevalence of vote- buying in the last election,” Año said. Francisco Tuyay

3Fromout of 10...

A1 call to those who oppose the Duterte administration.

“This is yet another loud repudiation against, and yet another wake-up call to, the critics and detractors of the Duterte administration, which include the left-leaning groups, militant church members and the political opposition, who continuously and deliberately ignore our achievements which redound to the benefit of the Filipino masses,” Panelo said in a statement.

SWS said the latest figures revealed a five-point increase in net gainers’ score from “very high” + 12 in December 2018 to +17 in March 2019, which was classified by SWS as “very high.”

The five-point rise in the national net gainers’ score was due to increases in major areas.

Net Gainers rose by nine points in the Visayas, from +3 (high) in December to +12 (very high) in March. It also rose by seven points in Metro Manila, from +14 (very high) in December to +21 (excellent) in March.

In Balance Luzon, it rose by six points, from +13 (very high) in December to +19 (very high) in March.

However, it decreased by two points in Mindanao, from +18 (very high) in December 2018 to +16 (very high) in March 2019.

Net gainers increased among classes ABC and D. “It rose by 8 points among class ABC from +23 (excellent) in December 2018 to +31 (excellent) in March 2019. Among class D, it rose by seven points, from +11 (very high) in December 2018 to +18 (very high) this March,” it said.

It fell, however, among class E, registering a decline of four points from +12 (very high) in December 2018 to +8 (high) in March 2019.

Answered prayer...

From A1 pope on the 300th death anniversary of Saint John La Salle in Rome and managed to chat up the Roman Catholic leader, GMA News TV reported in its ‘Balitanghali’ program Friday.

Caalaman had seen other children touch the Pope’s holy cap and asked if he could do the same. But instead of merely letting the boy touch it, the prelate removed his zucchetto and put it on the Filipino’s head.

It was “an answered prayer,” Caalaman said, to be able to see let alone strike a conversation with the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

Pictures online also revealed the Filipino being lifted up while wearing the zucchetto by another man, displaying him to the crowd present.

Prelates often give away their skullcaps to the faithful. The practice, which was started in the modern era by Pope Pius XII, involves giving the zucchetto to the faithful, as a keepsake, if presented with a new one as a gift. Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis have continued the custom.

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will discuss issues concerning the disputed South China Sea with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his visit to Japan next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

In a press briefing, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Meynardo Montealegre said the President is set to meet with Abe on May 31 on the sidelines of a business forum in Tokyo. It will be their seventh meeting since 2016. “[The meeting] will be an opportunity

‘Dirty cash’...

From A1 are the proceeds from the violations of environmental laws and the illegal trafficking in people.

Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting regretted the council’s announcement, but said the good thing was that the government had tried its best to address the problem.

“I support the effort of our government to crack down on these illegal activities.

The Philippines cannot be a hotbed for criminals,” said Tambunting, chairman of the House committee on games and amusements.

The AMLC also said the Philippines “has become a source country of illicit funds generated from smuggling.”

“For the illicit funds generated from other predicate offenses included in the study, it was noted that the majority of the said proceeds are only circulating within the Philippine Financial System,” the council said.

The council categorized predicate crimes as trafficking in illegal drugs, plunder and corruption, investment scams and estafa, smuggling, violation of intellectual property rights, the ille-

High-cut...

From A1

before noting its “high leg design.”

Accented by a barely-there hemline, the trendy bandeau-style one-piece swimsuit also sports a tropical print, but left some customers fearing they would be left exposed.

The comments on social media were

Du30...

From A1 slapped by Imelda (Marcos) on TV. He’s from Davao but he’s... no one’s there...

Dick,” Duterte added of Morales, also a native of Davao City.

Although the President did not specifically name Velasco, the MWSS administrator said—in reaction to news reports of his firing Friday—he had no problem stepping down, and had clarified the matter with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, while awaiting for confirmation from Malacañang.

The President had previously threatened to replace all officials of the MWSS due to the water shortage in Metro Manila and for failing to prepare for El Niño, a weather pattern associated with reduced rainfall, which has led to drought in several parts of the country.

Duterte gave MWSS and other offi-

Duterte...

From A1 Before Advincula recanted the allegations in his videos, the Palace and the police had cast doubt on his credibility, saying he was wanted for cases of estafa and illegal recruitment, and that he was known for making up wild stories.

But speaking in Davao City, Duterte expressed confidence that the truth would come out soon enough, and

Eleazar: Help police fight drug menace

By Joel E. Zurbano METRO Manila Police Chief Guillermo Eleazar on Friday asked the public to help the government in its fight against the drug menace―and especially if the drug suspects were public officials or their relatives.

He made the appeal following the arrest of Benedict Carpio, reportedly a son of a village chairman in Tondo, Manila, who was caught in possession of P340,000 worth of shabu, a shotgun, live ammunition and drug materials.

Officials conducted the anti-drug police operation around 4:40 a.m. on Friday based on the search warrant issued

by Judge Carolina Sison of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18.

They arrested Carpio inside his residence on Molave Street in Zone 21 of Barangay 228.

Found inside the suspect’s house were four plastic sachets of shabu weighing 50 grams worth more than P340,000, a shotgun, 48 pieces of live ammunition of .40-caliber gun and drug materials.

The suspect is the son of barangay chairman Ricardo Cortez and is included in the narco list of “High Value Targets” by the Philippine National Police. Cortez is still at large.

The suspect is now detained while the pieces of evidence were turned over to the NCRPO Regional Drug Enforcement Unit office.

“We will continue to conduct police operations against those who are involved in illegal drugs, particularly those included in the government’s narco list and their relatives, and that’s why we’re asking the help and full cooperation of the public,” Eleazar said.

for the two leaders to take stock of the progress of our strengthened strategic partnership in such areas as defense and security, economic cooperation, infrastructure development, the entry of Filipino skilled workers in Japan, [and the] Japanese assistance for the development of the Bangsamoro region,” Montealegre said.

The two countries’ top officials will also exchange views on “regional issues of mutual concern, including the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea,” he added.

The DFA official said the South China Sea, which has been locked in a longstanding maritime dispute between the

Philippines and China, has also been a mutual concern for both Duterte and Abe. Even though it is not one of the six claimant countries who have signified claims in the disputed waterways, Japan still considers the South China Sea crucial to international trade.

“So, the Philippines, for its part, has always affirmed its commitment to uphold the principles of freedom of navigation and overflight, freedom of commerce and other lawful activities, the exercise of self-restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” Montealegre said. With PNA

gal manufacture and possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, violation of environment laws, web-related crimes, illegal trafficking of persons, kidnapping for ransom, financing for terrorism and terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism.

The study covered 161,650 suspicious transaction reports worth P17.895 trillion from January 2013 to December 2017 as submitted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The AMLC says the United States has posed the highest threats to the Philippines.

“With regard to STR volume, the majority of the inflows and outflows of all predicate crimes have been linked to the United States of America,” the AMLC report says.

The council says in terms of peso amounts, most of the incoming criminal proceeds were coursed through various banks in the United Kingdom, while large amounts of outgoing illicit funds were mostly sent to Hong Kong.

The report says commercial banks are the preferred financial channels for the majority of the predicate crimes such as illegal drugs, plunder and corruption, investment scams and estafa,

smuggling, violation of indigenous peoples’ rights, the illegal manufacture and possession of firearms and web-related crimes.

“Perpetrators of other predicate crimes primarily use money service businesses [MSBs] in moving the illicit funds,” the council said.

The government has been intensifying its campaign against money laundering in the aftermath of the $81-million money laundering scam that happened in early 2016, the biggest in the country’s history so far.

Cyber thieves stole $81 million from the account of Bank of Bangladesh in the Federal Reserve in New York. The dirty money entered the domestic financial system through the Jupiter Makati branch of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. using fictitious accounts of some individuals. The money was later on laundered in the local casinos.

For its involvement in the scam, RCBC was fined by the Bangko Sentral an unprecedented P1 billion that was paid by the bank in two tranches.

The Jupiter branch manager was later on convicted, while five other officials were charged in court for their alleged involvement in the scam.

just as cutting. One followed of Topshop quipped that the design includes just “two small triangles and a belt.” “[That’s] a nasty chafe waiting to happen,” observed one user. “What the everlasting f*** is this?” asked another—the same person who labeled the look “a monstrosity.”

“It’s like ASOS’ clear trousers, they just won’t work in real life,” another commenter said, mentioning the British on-

line fashion and cosmetic retailer that released pants that many have compared to cling wrap—often used to preserve food.

Despite its eye-catching glory, the bathing suit is far from the first to grab the public’s attention, Yahoo News UK noted.

“Earlier this year, a skimpy swimsuit caused a stir due to its low-cut sideboob top, while another memorable offering gained attention for just how little it left to the imagination,” it reported.

cials of water agencies 150 days to solve the water crisis.

Tens of thousands serviced by Ayala-led Manila Water in Metro Manila’s east zone grappled with a water crisis earlier this year.

Morales would be the latest addition to Duterte’s roster of former military or police officials appointed to government positions.

He is known for being part of a group of retired military and police generals called the Advocates for National Interest who in April called on voters in the recent midterm elections to choose candidates “who will protect Philippine democracy and serve as role models for the Filipino youth.”

In 2005 when he was still a colonel, Morales was relieved of command of the Philippine Army’s 404th Brigade based in Eastern Mindanao for criticizing military leadership.

In an e-mail posted on an online group, Morales had questioned the wisdom of the military brass and singled

out then-Armed Forces Central Command chief Marine Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio for the construction of a 60room resort in Boracay Island.

He was then moved to lead the Army’s 403rd Brigade based in Bukidnon by then-AFP chief Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon—currently President Duterte’s National Security Adviser.

When he took over as MWSS administrator in February 2017, Velasco had pledged to ensure affordable, clean and safe water for the 20-million consumers in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces and to pursue the agency’s flagship projects that will keep water supply flowing.

Earlier in the day, the agency had approved the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project proposal of Prime Infra, the infrastructure company led by billionaire tycoon Enrique Razon, and Ayala-led MWC during its board meetings last May 9 and 22 (See related story on B1).

he added.

Earlier, environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition slammed China’s attempt to dump a shipment of mixed plastic waste in Manila.

EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero denounced the entry of over 25 tons of mixed plastic waste from Hong Kong.

“We are shocked that the shipment originated from Hong Kong, which we find truly ironic since China has taken the unprecedented move to protect its own environment by banning waste imports, including electronic and plastic scraps and remnants,” Lucero said.

“We therefore request the Chinese government to seriously look into this matter,” she added.

Lucero said officials from the Bureau of Customs Region 10 had inspected a 40-foot container van, containing 22 slings bags with 25,610 kilograms of mixed plastic wastes, wrongly declared as “assorted electronic accessories.”

The shipment arrived at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Jan. 2 on board the SITC Fujian. The cargo was then shipped by Hin Yuen Tech. Env. Limited and was consigned to Crowd Win Industrial Ltd. “We are appalled by this attempt to bring mixed plastic scraps, shredded electronics and other residual waste materials in violation of our customs and environmental laws,” said BOC Region 10 Port Collector John Simon.

“As guardian of the gate, we cannot allow our country to be treated by others as a disposal or dumping site for the world’s garbage.”

The BOC official confirmed that the bureau will soon initiate the repatriation of the illegal shipment back to its port of origin in Hong Kong.

Panelo commended the BOC for detecting the waste shipment.

The bureau on Friday said the tons of trash shipped from Australia to the Philippines are non-recyclable and considered garbage, even as the consignee of the seven container vans, Holcim Phils., said it would use the garbage as an alternative fuel to coal for producing cement.

slammed Trillanes.

“The people paid for you to study at PMA [Philippine Military Academy],” he said, referring to Trillanes. “Socks, shoes, t-shirts, food, the public all shouldered it. Then you have the audacity to stage a mutiny?”

Trillanes had staged two unsuccessful attempts to oust then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when he was still with the military, but was later pardoned

by Arroyo’s successor, President Benigno Aquino III, and won a seat in the Senate.

“And what did you do? You ruined the Senate. You used that power to run after people,” Duterte said.

The President also accused Trillanes of owning several cars and properties illegally listed under the names of other people.

“Your fellow soldiers do not know that you have a lot of cars and properties that are under the names of other people. You are the topmost user of a dummy. But it will come out eventually,” he said.

“You are shameless. You are not even a man,” Duterte told Trillanes, who

graduated cum laude at the PMA. Trillanes quickly hit back at the 74-year-old President, slamming Duterte for accusing him of alleged unregistered properties.

“You’re back at it again. You haven’t even recovered from your failure to prove your invented offshore bank accounts you once alleged to me and those you said against my mother. Now, you have a new allegation. This time, you even used Bikoy as your source. You’re a genius, Duts,” he said in a statement.

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Comelec says Duterte Youth case under its own jurisdiction

By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections has the jurisdiction to decide on the petition of former youth commissioner Ronald Cardema to be a substitute representative of party-list group Duterte Youth in the House of Representatives which is facing “at least 10” oppositions, and not Congress.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the Comelec’s en banc has yet to resolve the 10 petitions filed before the poll body opposing Cardema’s last-minute bid as first nominee of the party-list that clinched a seat in the recent May 13 midterm polls.

But according to party-list coalition president and 1-Pacman party-list Representative Michael Romero, Cardema’s case is considered out of Comelec’s jurisdiction and the case should be resolved by the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal.

“Duterte Youth was already proclaimed a winner in the recent elections and the matter was already out of the Comelec’s hands,” Romero explained.

It cited a law that the Senate and the House of Representatives’ respective electoral tribunals have jurisdiction over all protests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of their respective members.

Under House rules, an individual may only be deemed a member of the House of Representatives if there is a valid proclamation, a proper oath, and assumption of office.

But Jimenez said that what was proclaimed was the party-list and reminded the House to look at the jurisdiction of HRET. At this point, this is about nominations pa eh, so that’s still under Comelec’s jurisdiction,” Jimenez said.

“The proclamation of the Duterte Youth party-list as winner stays. The question is who will sit,” he added.

Jimenez insisted that the substitution bid has not been decided because of the opposition.

Cardema filed his substitution bid to replace his wife Ducielle Suarez as first nominee of Duterte Youth on May 12 at 5 p.m. or less than 24 hours before the May 13 elections.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. Committee on Accounts Chairman and Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (3rd from right, seated) poses with members of Party-list

Coalition Foundation Inc. led by its president Rep. Mikee Romero (center), Chairman Emeritus Rep. Sharon Garin (2nd right, seated), Secretary General Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy (right, seated) together with 1st termer, 2nd termer and 3rd termer congressmen during a get-together and meeting held recently at Seda Vertis Hotel in Quezon City. Ver Noveno

Task group set to probe slay of 5 Bulacan drug suspects

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HE police has created a special task group to investigate the deaths of five alleged drug suspects in San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.

According to an initial report by SJDM city chief Lt. Col. Orlando Castil Jr., the drug suspects were found dead with bullet wounds inside a house in Purok 4, Barangay San Pedro early Thursday morning.

Castil identified the victims as Juliet Fernandez, the alleged maintainer of the drug den; Norberto Oden, 63, identified as cohort of Fernandez; Manuelito Bergonio, who is reportedly included in the drug watchlist and with a pending case of carnapping; a certain alias Mel Diezel, also included in the unified drug list of PNP/PDEA and one still unidentified person.

Sergio Yumol, a resident of the place, discovered the lifeless bodies of the victims inside the living room of the said house around 6:10 a.m. and later reported the incident to a village watchman, who in turn, reported it to the police.

“Investigations showed that the

house is being used as a drug den of illegal drug personalities in the area and that some of the victims were reported to be responsible in the proliferation and distribution of illegal drugs in the city,” Castil said.

He added that interviews with relatives and neighbors disclosed that the victims are known personalities involved in illegal drug activities.

The Bulacan SOCO team led by Lt. Mario Lazaro checked out the crime scene at about 8:30 a.m. and retrieved 10 pieces of fired .45-caliber cartridges, six pieces .40-caliber cartridges, two pieces live ammunition for .45-caliber, two .40-caliber fired bullets and one big heat-sealed plastic sachet containing seven pieces of small plastic sachets of shabu.

Investigators are still looking for possible witnesses to the massacre and possible identifications of the suspects.

The police chief said that they are

Solons worried New DAR body for land conversion cases

By Rio N. Araja over DOH plan to devolve cancer care to barangays

By Maricel V. Cruz LAWMAKERS have opposed the Health department’s proposal to devolve primary cancer care to local governments.

At a hearing conducted by the House Committee on Health chaired

by Rep. Angelina Tan of Quezon, one of the lawmakers present, Rep. Micaela Violago of Nueva Ecija said barangay health workers may not be able do such as they are not equipped and trained to handle cancer cases.

“I don’t think the barangay health worker or the barangay health staff can diagnose or assess if the patient has cancer or not,” Violago said.

For her part, Tan said there is a need for specialized training at the local level to ensure that people are encouraged to seek cancer care at an early stage and that they are matched with the type of care they require.

“The most important thing siguro is that with the enactment of this law, ma-cascade ang information down the ground at makatulong sila, maeducate sila, and then ma-navigate kung saan pupunta,” Tan said.

However, officials of the DOH and oncology experts said that devolving these functions to the community level is vital in ensuring that health care is easily accessible to cancer patients throughout the country.

DOH Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained that the proposal works in tandem with the establishment of a health care provider network in each province-wide system under the newly enacted RA 11223 or the “Universal Health Care Act.” She added that the BHS, RHU or health centers are instrumental not only to extending primary care but to setting cancer patients on the right path to receive the care they need.

THE Department of Agrarian Reform on Friday ordered the creation of a new body to speed up land conversion cases.

DAR Secretary John Castriciones said there is a need to create a new collegial body deputized to act on applications for land use conversion.

The body dubbed as a land use cases committee is also authorized to grant or reject applications for exemption and exclusion of agricultural lands from the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Under the law, the DAR chief “shall be the approving authority for land use conversion applications involving lands with an area larger than five hectares,” according to the DAR chief.

Castriciones said he decided to delegate the power in deference to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive

“to streamline the conversion, exemption and exclusion processes for speedy resolution of the same.

Under Castriciones’ DAR Administrative Order No. 6 of 2019, the committee shall be composed of a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and three members each for the subcommittees on land use conversion, exemption and exclusion.

Castriciones tapped Assistant Secretary Jim Coleto of the adjudication board as chairperson of the LUCC and Assistant Secretary for Field Operations Elmer Distor as vice chairperson.

The two will sit as chairperson and vice chairperson to all three subcommittees.

A vote of three of the five-member committee, who are present during the deliberation, is sufficient for the approval or disapproval of the applications.

UNDERWATER FEAST. In celebration of Flores de Mayo, Manila Ocean Park featured a breathtaking Underwater Santacruzan featuring lovely mermaids and handsome mermen of the seven seas. Norman Cruz

reviewing the closed-circuit television footage in the area to identify the assailants, although he added that the incident may have resulted from a conflict related to illegal drugs.

“Nagkaroon po ng onsehan or away doon sa ibang grupo, doon sa ibang grupo, maybe nagkaroon ng atraso itong grupo na ito kaya gumanti yung kabila,” Castil said.

He added that, based on the wounds sustained by the suspects, there was definitely an intent to eliminate the drug suspects. “’Yung mga tama sa ulo doon sa mga biktima, pinagplanuhan po talaga patayin itong mga biktima.”

Aside from the bodies, the police said they also found seven sachets of suspected shabu.

According to the neighbors, the individuals had been renting out the house for around three months.

But the wife of one of the suspects remarked: “Sana ikinulong na lang habang buhay kinulong, baka matanggap ng anak ko.”

The special investigation task group that was formed to investigate the incident was already following a lead as of press time. With PNA

Ex-DA chief Alcala pleads not guilty in garlic cartel case FORMER Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala on Friday pleaded not guilty before the Sandiganbayan where he was charged with allowing garlic monopoly during his watch.

Alcala entered the plea during his arraignment at the anti-graft court’s Third Division.

His co-accused, Laila Matabang, also pleaded not guilty.

The arraignment of the other persons indicted in the case, namely former Bureau of Plant Industry director Clarito Barron, former National Plant Quarantine Services Division chief Luben Marasigan, and current NPQSD head Merle Palacpac, was postponed.

The court set the preliminary conference of Alcala’s case on July 5.

Private individuals, Lilia Matabang Cruz, Edmond Caguinguin, Rolan Galvez, Rochelle Diaz, Ma. Jackilou Ilagan, Jon Dino de Vera, Napoleon Baldueza, Jose Ollegue, Angelita Flores, Gaudioso Diato, Denia Matabang, Jose Angelo Jr., Raffy Torres, Mary Grace Sebastian, Renato Franciscno Jr., Rolando Manangan, Orestes Salon, Prudencio Ruedas, and Shiela Marie Cruz will also be arraigned on July 5.

The Ombudsman earlier filed graft charges against Alcala and 23 others for graft for allegedly manipulating the garlic supply that led to a surge in prices of garlic by controlling the importation permit.

It said 5,022 of the 8,810 import permits issued from 2010 to 2014 went to VIEVA l and approved by Alcala, Barron, Palacpac, and Marasigan despite the existing suspension in the garlic importation.

At the same time, from P165 to P170 per kilo, the price of imported garlic reached P260 to P400 per kilo from January to July 2014.

The prosecution also said that prices of local garlic rose to P250 to P450 per kilo from April to June 2014.

Maricel V. Cruz

Rapper hits PDEA over ‘Amatz’ song RAPPER Shanti Dope has slammed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for trying to ban his song “Amatz.”

“This is a brazen use of power and an affront to our right to think, write, create and talk freely about the state of the nation,” he said in his Facebook page.

The camp of Shanti Dope told PDEA director general Aaron Aquino that he should first listen to the song, instead of taking “a few lines out of context.”

“While anyone is welcome to interpret a song or any cultural text, it is also clear that for an interpretation to be valid, it needs to have basis, and must be within the context of the cultural text as a whole,” the rapper’s management said.

Shanti Dope’s camp, however, denied Aquino’s claim that the song “Amatz” was about drugs or marijuana, saying the music was about the song’s personal “fly.”

The “Amatz” music video was released last March.

The Concerned Artists of the Philippines yesterday said PDEA’s call to ban the song was “ridiculous.”

In a statement, the group said the song was “open to interpretation.”

Rio N. Araja

SC acquits Davao drug suspect anew THE Supreme Court has again acquitted a drug convict on ground of reasonable doubt after the prosecution failed to establish the essential element of delivery of dangerous drug by the accused to the poseur-buyer.

In a 19-page decision written by Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin, the SC’s First Division ordered the Davao Prison and Penal Farm to immediately release Rogelio Yagao from detention unless he is legally confined for another lawful cause.

Yagao was convicted in 2011 by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 25, Cagayan de Oro City for violation of Section 5, Article II of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The RTC decision was upheld by the Court of Appeals in 2014.

Yagao was caught with one transparent plastic bag containing 7.40 grams of dried marijuana during an alleged buy-bust operation in 2006 at Zone 4, Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City.

The tribunal ruled that the prosecution failed to establish the essential element of delivery of the dangerous drug by the accusedappellant to the poseur-buyer.

Rey E. Requejo

OFWs warned vs. fake tour operators THE Bureau of Immigration warned overseas Filipino workers from tour operators and travel agencies using their companies as fronts in sending undocumented OFWs abroad.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente issued the warning after learning that two Filipino women, allegedly recruited by a travel agency to work in Qatar, were recently intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Morente said travel agencies who send Filipinos disguised as tourists to work abroad can be held liable for violating the law as they are not authorized and licensed to recruit and deploy overseas job applicants.

According to BI port operations division chief Grifton Medina, the two were stopped by members of the bureau’s travel control and enforcement unit at the NAIA Terminal 3.

Medina said the two were initially bound for Bangkok, Thailand where they were instructed by their recruiter to wait for their working visas and job contracts before proceeding to their final destination in Doha, Qatar.

Vito Barcelo

A4

Opinion

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Peace be with all of us ON THE sixth Sunday of Easter, the Gospel of John tells us about Jesus, who before his ascension into Heaven to stay with his Father is giving his disciples final instructions. He tells them to love one another and not to be afraid as he promises to send them the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ command to love one another is the foundation and essence of all his teachings while his promise of the Holy Spirit is his eternal legacy to his followers. This significant events on this occasion—first the commandment to love one another and second the promise to send the Holy Spirit— are the two greatest foundations of Christianity.

That’s how we should greet each other after our divisive elections.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus intro introduces what should now be the way we greet each other: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Peace is the traditional Hebrew greeting shalom. Shalom signifies more than the absence of conflict; it is a profound and holistic sense of well-being. It is the kind of peace which the world cannot give, but can only come from God. This gift of peace accompanies the gift of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus breathes into his disciples as he sends them out in mission. Peace is a com-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

modity we sorely need in our world and is absent for far too many. But into this discourse about absence, Jesus reassures the disciples, who were rightly feeling fear about his departure, that they will not be left alone and bestows peace on them. Jesus promises not peaceful lives for their followers but peace unto itself. There is a difference.

One can be in so much pain, suffer persecution, or face all forms of difficulty but may be at peace at the same time.

This is not a passive peace. It is Christ’s brand of peace that is active and dynamic. It is this Spirit and peace will propel the disciples and later the church into active discipleship and mission. It is this peace that implies one to sacrifice for his fellowmen even at so much cost to himself. And this kind of peace—that is Christ’s brand of peace can be acquired only by giving out his kind of love as well.

The Son also announces the coming of the Spirit among the believers. During the time between his leave-taking and life in the New Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit “will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you” The Holy Spirit accompanies the church as it remembers. The Spirit guides the disciples and the church as we think back over what we have experienced of Jesus, and as we seek to let our love for him show up in the ways dis we relate to others. The Spirit helps disciples to understand Jesus and his word and to love Jesus by keeping his word on behalf of the world.

More than ever, we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the peace of Christ to reign in our hearts. We, too need this brand of peace and guidance to survive in this topsy turvy world of indifference, isolation and turmoil, within and without ourselves. We need this for our country.

Is it too much to hope that our newly elected officials of government and those now governing us work hard so

T

Snapping to attention

OMORROW, Sunday, we set aside our cups of coffee, tea, chocolate or milk or glasses of wine and present arms to the 263 Philippine Military Academy's Mabalasik—Mandirigma ng Bayan Lakas at Sarili Iaalay para sa Kapayapaan— Class of 2019.

The young men and women officers, topped by 21-year-old female cadet Dionne Mae Umalla from the upland town of Alilem in Ilocos Sur, and who demonstrated moral fiber and toughness as she shuffled feet along the corridors of the training school for future officers of the Armed Forces, will have their commander-in-chief President Rodrigo Duterte as guest of honor in Sunday's graduation rites in Baguio City.

Dionne looks up to her mother, retired public high school teacher Dominga who raised her four children, the oldest now a police major, by her lonesome after her

soldier-husband left them to start a new family when she was only in Grade 2.

The academically gaffed Dionne, also the class valedictorian in high school, has had her eyes and mind in sync when she entered the heretofore all-male institution, telling reporters eventually: “Its not about whether you're a male or a female.

“It's how you contribute to the betterment of PMA and how you strive for excellence, reason why I believe it's just how you perform.”

Umalla, who will join the Philippine Navy and who will receive the Presidential Saber,

among 14 special awards, is now in the company of four other female cadets to top her class since the academy started accepting women.

The four earlier topnotchers were Arlene dela Cruz (1999), Tara Velasco (2003), Andrelee Mojica (2007), and Rovi Mariel Martinez (2017).

In the Mabalasik Class, Umalla is joined by four other female cadets in the top 10: Cadet First Class Jahziel Gumapac Tandoc (La Trinidad, benguet); Marnel Dinihay Fundales (Leganes, Ilocilo); Glyn Elinor Buansi Marapao (Buguias, Benguet); and Ruth Angelique Ricardo Pasos (Pasig City, Metro Manila).

We congratulate as well the other graduates—73 of them female—who will become part of the sentinels of our Constitution and society.

After the heels together, now forward march.

Turn to A5

Fixing our politics (last part)

IN MY last piece I said that strategic changes in our electoral system and culture are needed to really fix our political problems. Stop-gap measures will not do.

Our system favors the rich and the popular. There is very little space for ordinary people who are capable and have solid track record in public service to win elections. Only those with a lot of money to spend emerge as winners, no matter where their riches come from.

Elections in the Philippines are very expensive. It is common knowledge that candidates for the Senate usually invest many millions of pesos during their campaign. This is even outside of the money some may use for vote-buying or other forms of cheating. Propaganda and TV and radio advertisements are very expensive that only those who are awash with money can afford.

This is a major reason why political dynasties abound. They are the ultrarich families who have the resources to spend. Our expensive elections encourage and strengthen dynasties. They treat the exercise like a business venture. In the recent elections we have seen families fielding candidates for different positions especially at the local level. For them, it is good business sense to have several members run.

They will spend for the campaign anyway, so why not go after several positions? If several win, like in the case of the Cayetanos and Pacquiaos, they strengthen their hold on their localities and constituents.

Popularity is another key advantage.

Thus, it is easy for movie stars, singers, athletes, and other personalities to shift to politics whether they possess the capability and track record needed for the post they vie for, or do not. People already know them by face and name.

They already have the name recall and will not have a hard time introducing themselves to the electorate.

The likes of Lapid, Revilla, Pacquiao will not win if not for their popularity and money.

Our system favors dynasties primarily again because of popularity and money. Add to these, because their

families are already in position, ordinary folks think that those in position possess the POWER over them. These factors ensure that they win elections and thus, further strengthening their political dynasties.

The anti-political dynasty provision of the Constitution remains unenforced because this will hurt existing dynasties. We cannot rely on them to make decisions unfavorable to themselves.

Political families like the Binays, Aquinos, Cayetanos, Angaras, Estradas, and many others both at the national and local levels would not have prospered IF our 1987 Constitution was followed.

This is not to say that all of these individual politicians are not deserving of their posts as there are those who performed well. The point here is, they have undue advantage over those with similar capacities but without the name they possess.

The work begins now.

Even the party-list system which repre was passed to give voice and representation to marginalized sectors (that otherwise will not be able to win seats in the House of Representatives) has been bastardized by political dynasties.

Those whose terms are finished are made to run under this system aimed at giving voice to marginalized sectors. A quick look at the nominees of winning PL groups will prove this.

There is hope in some of the cities in Metro Manila like Pasig, Manila, and San Juan where dynasties were voted out by the electorate. However, we may be breeding a new set if our electoral system and culture are not corrected.

Our election laws must be overhauled to level the playing field.

Turncoatism should be criminalized. It should be very difficult to switch parties because this is done SOLELY for vested and personal interests. In countries where political parties are based on ideologies and principles, political butterflies are frowned upon, shunned, and generally unwelcome. Membership in a particuTurn to A5

Sleepless in Berlin: Nightingales flock to scruffy city parks

By Hui Min Neo SARAH Darwin, the great-great granddaughter of British biologist Charles Darwin, was sleepless in Berlin when, to her “enormous surprise”, she heard a nightingale warbling merrily outside her window.

“It’s very, very rare in the UK, so to be living in the middle of a capital city in Europe and hearing a nightingale singing outside your bedroom window is quite an extraordinary experience,” the Berlin-based British botanist told AFP. The trills got Darwin thinking, and led to the launch of a citizens’ project examining why the nondescript-looking brown bird, with its distinctive song, has been flocking to the German capital.

The project by Berlin’s Natural History Museum, where Darwin works, asks city dwellers to go out and record

nightingales’ song with their smartphone and upload it onto an app.

Through the sound clips collected, scientists are also seeking to map out whether the birds take on “different dialects” in different parts of Berlin.

“What’s really exciting in Berlin is that, unlike for instance in England, where the population of nightingales has plunged by 90 percent in the last 60 years, in Berlin there’s in fact a positive trend,” said Silke Voigt-Heucke, who is coordinating the project.

Scientists estimate that the population has grown by six percent annually over the past 15 years in Berlin.

There are believed to be between 1,200 and 1,700 nightingale pairs in the capital now.

A little unkempt While urbanization has forced wildlife out of most European city and town centers, in sprawling Berlin large areas of often prime land are

still green.

But more attractive for the nightingale may be the German capital’s general scruffiness.

“We keep our parks and gardens in Berlin slightly more untidily, and the nightingales need this,” said Darwin.

“They nest on the ground, they need thick vegetation to protect them from foxes, cats, birds, dogs.

“If you clear your gardens and have nothing but grass and the occasional tree, then there’s nowhere for a nightingale to breed.

“So Berlin is very special in that way—a little bit unkempt—and we have to keep that. We have to learn to see the beauty in this kind of wildness.”

Get lost Take the 210-hectare (520-acre) Tiergarten park right in the center: just steps away from the German parliament, the Turn to A5

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Opinion Bikoy bares ‘Ang Totoong Plotters’ TRUTH finally prevailed over the whole hullabaloo about the video “Ang Totoong Narco-list” after this con artist Peter Joemel Advincula, alias “Bikoy,” admitted to a plot to discredit and “oust” President Rodrigo Duterte.

Good for Advincula to have come to his senses and unmasked the plotters, including former senator Antonio Trillanes, jailbird Laila de Lima, and the defeated Otso Diretso senatorial wannabes, among others.

One can just imagine how desperate and pathetic Trillanes and his cohorts were when they held clandestine “meetings” and promised Advincula P500,000 talent fee.

Apparently, “Project Sodoma” was hatched by President Duterte’s worst enemies, the Yellow Liberal Party and the Magdalo group, who have targeted Manong Digong and his family all along since Day One. It’s a grand scenario of black pro-

paganda designed to undermine the government and the mandate of the President bestowed by the Filipino people, the immediate goal of which was to defeat the administration senatorial slate in the last elections.

But the ultimate goal of it all is to eventually force Manong Digong out of office and install pitiable Leni Robredo in his place as president. It’s seditious.

Unfortunately for them, the viral Bikoy video did not translate to votes the Otso Diretso needed to win in the senatorial race. Not one Otso Diretso bet made it, neither Bam Aquino nor Mar Roxas did.

Bikoy’s lies did not at all hurt the chances of Duterte’s candidates, particularly Bong Go. In fact the new senator may have benefited from the massive hateful black propaganda mounted against him who instead won the empathy of the people.

But with the elections over, they must realize that the administration’s winning slate does not stand to benefit from Advincula’s 180-degree turnaround from Bikoy lies. Neither can it do anything to hurt Manong Digong’s popularity.

It’s just proper this culprit publicly apologized to the Duterte family, as

well as to Senator Bong Go. Advincula repeatedly begged for forgiveness for not sparing 14-yearold Veronica “Kitty” Duterte from their malicious lies, implicating her in alleged funneling of money from the family’s illegal drugs business in secret Hong Kong bank accounts.

The truth about the plot turned out to be as intricate as the story they concocted for the titled as Ang Totoong Narco-List. In fact, it was more believable because he was not even reading from a prepared speech when he narrated the transactions with Trillanes and company.

As expected, Trillanes, Hontiveros and sore loser Gary Alejano were quick to disown Advincula alias Bikoy, and claim now that his latest statements were orchestrated by Malacañang.

How convenient for them to say that whereas they had sought a Senate inquiry into his earlier exposé.

Trillanes et al. must be charged accordingly, as Advincula testified when he surrendered to the Philippine National Police in connection with pending estafa cases and claimed that his life is threatened.

Nothing seems to work for these fools, anymore.

Tradition meets tech as Kenya's herders adapt to climate change

By Nick Perry FOR generations, Kaltuma Hassan's clan would study the sky over Kenya's arid north for any sign of rain—some wind here, a wisp of cloud there—to guide their parched livestock to water.

But such divination has been rendered hopeless by intensifying droughts. Days on foot can reveal nothing more than bone-dry riverbeds and grazing land baked to dust, sounding the death knell for their herd.

"You might go a long distance, and they die on the way... It is a very hard life," Hassan told AFP in Marsabit, a sparse and drought-prone expanse where millions of pastoral families depend entirely on livestock to survive.

Today, she leaves less to chance.

The 42-year-old relies on detailed rainfall forecasts received via text message from a Kenyan tech firm to plan her migrations, a simple but life-changing resource for an ancient community learning to adapt to increasing weather extremes.

Nomadic livestock herders in East Africa's drylands have endured climate variability for millennia, driving their relentless search for water and pasture in some of the world's most inhospitable terrain.

But their resilience is being severely tested by climate change, forcing a rethink to traditional wisdom passed down for generations.

Kenya endures a severe drought every three to five years, the World Bank says, but they are increasing in frequency and intensity, and temperatures are rising, too.

With conditions ever-more unreliable, Hassan no longer relies on warriors she once dispatched to scout for suitable grazing land for her cattle.

"They wake up very early in the morning and they look at the clouds, they look at the moon, to predict. I use this now," she said, scrolling through customized weather updates on her phone, sent via SMS in Rendille, a local language.

The service uses advanced weather

Sleepless...

From A4

extensive park is home to between seven and 10 nightingale nests.

One recent spring morning, a fox slunk past as Voigt-Heucke took a group to check if the Tiergarten nightingale inhabitants had returned from their winter hideout in Ghana.

Standing before an untidy patch of thicket, she sounded a singletone long whistle four times, and immediately received an agitated reply—composed of a variety of trills, whistles and what sounded like throbbing beats.

“In the daytime, the message is aimed at potential competitors, telling them to ‘get lost’,” said the scientist of the loud riposte from the nightingale inhabitant.

At night, the nightingales’ song is

data from US agricultural intelligence firm aWhere to provide subscribers with rain and forage conditions for the week ahead in their locality.

The forecasts are sent as text messages, so they are compatible with basic phones often used by pastoralists in remote areas.

Kenyan IT firm Amfratech, which launched the SMS service earlier this year, has also rolled out a more advanced app-based version. They hope to eventually sign up tens of thousands of pastoralists.

Dry skies Rainfall—the difference between feast and famine in East Africa and the Horn—is more erratic than ever, arriving late or not at all.

A long dry spell can set a pastoral amily back years and erode their capacity to handle future shocks, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization said in a 2018 report.

A second blow in quick succession can leave them teetering on starvation.

Such a crisis is already brewing in Kenya's pastoral country to the north and over its borders in neighboring arid regions.

This year's so-called long rains failed to arrive, putting millions at risk. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network has warned that hunger in pastoral areas will worsen in coming months.

"It doesn't rain like it once did," said Nandura Pokodo, at a dusty livestock market in Merille, an outpost in Kenya's northern pastoralist heartland.

Nobody wants his drought-weary animals, so he will return home emptyhanded.

"It's harder to find pasture... year after year."

As the rains failed, Pokodo, 55, wandered for days between March and April in search of grazing land but found nothing. He lost 20 goats and sheep—a ruinous outcome for nomads whose fortunes are intertwined with their beasts.

"Even if you have a million shillings but have no goats or sheep or

camel, they consider you very poor," said Daniel Kapana, the head of Merille market, and an intergenerational herder himself.

Turn to technology The text messages have also helped Samuel Lkiangis Lekorima protect not just his livestock, but the safety of his community.

Longer, harsher droughts have stoked intense competition between pastoralists for ever-scarcer water and pasture. A feud between two groups over a watering hole near Ethiopia left 11 dead in May, local media reported.

Lekorima, a 22-year-old herder from Marsabit, said advance knowledge of rainfall helped keep his people wandering far, and avoid any potential tensions with distant clans.

"When I get that message, I phone people (and) tell them... don't go far away, because there is rain soon," he told A FP. Other modern interventions are also playing a part, helping protect not just pastoralists but a sector that contributes more than 12 percent to Kenya's GDP, according to the World Bank.

The Nairobi-based International Livestock Research Institute uses satellite imagery to determine when pasture levels are critically low—a portent of livestock death.

Some insurance products are linked to this index and issue payments before drought hits, so pastoralists can buy enough fodder for lean times ahead. Tens of thousands of herders have signed up, industry groups say.

"A drought should no longer be an emergency," said Thomas Were, of CTA, an EU-funded institution that is driving a pastoralist-resilience project in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Helima Osman Bidu, a traditional herder and mother-of-three, has joined a women's collective that invests in non-livestock related enterprises, another approach to drought-proofing the family finances.

"It is good to have something on the side," she told AFP, nodding to a padlocked metal box nearby containing the group's seed money. AFP

aimed at attracting females to nest with them, with some birds known to sing for hours.

Bird dialects?

One of the research’s early findings is that the bird’s repertoire may be far broader than initially thought.

Voigt-Heucke said the catalogue consisted of 2,300 different socalled stanzas submitted as recordings by the public and confirmed by scientists but “the potential is that it could end up containing 8,000 stanzas.”

Scientists are now hoping to determine whether the birds adopt regional dialects.

“What we can already show is that some of these stanza types are more frequent in Berlin and Brandenburg,” the state that surrounds the city, said Voigt-Heucke.

“We hope that we can show that

other stanza types are seen in Bavaria or in the Ruhr region.”

Life changing While the citizen’s project is running into its second and final year, Darwin said that she was already hatching related plans.

For the scientist, the project has served a key purpose of “engaging people with nature”.

Over 18 months, “we’ve collected this extraordinary community of people who are celebrating the arrival of the nightingale and we are literally changing people’s lives,” said Darwin.

“One man said to me: ‘When I used to walk to work, I’d put my headphones on and listen to my music.

Now I take them off and I listen to the birds’.

“This is the sort of a big life-changing thing that people are doing.” AFP

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Not a trade war

sanction outside the issue of trade deficit. The decision to ban China’s tech giants like Huawei, ZTE and DJI, drone manufacturer that now controls 80 percent of the US market, is contrary to the rules of trade because one cannot impose a penalty ahead of the trade negotiations.

Third, when one decides to ban a (Continued from Monday) product, there has to be a specific ofDESPITE the consistent trade deficit, fense like violation of patent or intelUS companies persisted in outsourc- lectual property right, for piracy or ing their production to China. In fact, counterfeiting. In fact, violation cannot real wages for the last two decades be the subject to any negotiations. Only have stagnated in the US. Some believe the imposition of penalty is forthwith.

Fourth it is absurd, illegal and imoutsourcing is the culprit that led to the decline of trade unionism in the US. moral for the US to encourage its alDespite these symptoms, the US never lies to join in the banning of the use attempted to rectify by diversifying its of Huawei or preventing them from entering into imports because tele some kind of telethey see China communications as still the cheapIt est producer and This is gangsterism at agreement. violates the basic manufacturer of principle of free goods affordable its worst. trade to which to US consumers. hypo the US has hypoThe approach critically sworn by the Trump administration to demand from China that to uphold. But it seems the US has it should be given the advantage in the acted more like a gangster, imposing trade negotiations because of its huge sanctions and embargo on countries trade surplus is outlandish, not to say like Syria, Cuba, Venezuela, Russia amounting to blackmail. First, the trade and now China without any resoludeficit is not the result of any political tion passed by the WTO or by the UN or economic pressure. Free trade means Security Council. This is gangsterism the US is free to scout from other coun- at this worst.

Fifth, the US cannot demand an advantries willing to sell products possibly at lower cost than that offered by China. tage on the trade negotiations citing trade But to impose tariff to make prohibi- deficit as reason. For the US to insist that tive the entry of Chinese goods to the China can only negotiate less than that 50 US is no longer guided by the law on percent of the given parameter or even economics but one of gangsterism. The lesser is like demanding an unconditional US now stands as the biggest importer surrender. If indeed the US lost in trade, it of Chinese-made products incurring the cannot be counted in its favor because the biggest trade deficit, and equally stands deficit is not the result of cheating, theft or as the biggest debtor holding something any machinations. like $1.3 trillion in US treasury bonds.

Second, the US cannot impose trade rpkapunan@gmail.com

Peace...

From A4

I am particularly happy that Bayan Muna has been able to garner three seats and will be led again by my brilliant fellow Mindanawon Carlos Isagani Zarate, together with government workers’ union leader Ferdinand Gaite, and for the first time for Bayan Muna, a Lumad—Eufemia Cullamat—who has had the direct experience of relatives being killed and communities destroyed in the anti-insurgency campaign. I am very excited to have a Lumad like Eufemia in Congress. Her voice is unique and must be heard.

I welcome also the reelection of Gabriela and ACT-Teachers Representatives and especially Sarah Elago of Kabataan who was indefatigable in the campaign.

The lesson in the resilience of the Makabayan bloc: You can’t defeat idealism, love of country and a commitment to the poor and marginalized.

Peace requires working with these representatives in solving the country’s problems. I hope the police and military accepts that.

Peace be with you. That’s how we should greet each other after our divisive elections.

that peace and reconciliation happens?

Or as the latest development in the Bikoy saga seems to imply, are we in for another round of harassment against the opposition?

Frankly, I never believed in those Bikoy videos as I saw them as electionrelated propaganda. And when Mr. Advincula came out and revealed himself in the office of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and with his background as someone who had been charged and convicted with estafa disclosed, it seemed clear that his tales were tall, all lies. His is a case where the rule cited

by Presidential Spokesman Sal Panelo is completely applicable: “Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus” meaning “false in one thing, false in everything.” So please, enough of these lies so the country can find peace.

Is it also too much to ask the military and the police to stop redtagging? They tried very hard to destroy the Makabayan bloc in the last elections and the people fought back and rejected that, returning six of them to the House of Facebook Page: Professor Tony La Representatives.

Viña Twitter: tonylavs

Fixing...

From A4

I will not be able to understand things more thoroughly if I did not have the PRIVILEGE of being involved in the social democratic movement. I know what I now know because of my ideological exposure in communities we worked and continue to work with, and the opportunities I had dealing with progressive parties of other countries.

For as long as our people believe that politics is a game of ONLY the rich and the famous, we will not progress.

For as long as people do not OWN the issues we face as a country and as a people, political apathy and selling votes will continue.

For as long as people believe that they OWE politicians for the small ‘favors’ given them, instead of looking at these as fulfilling their roles as public servants, patronage politics will continue.

For as long as people do not understand that those in government are ACCOUNTABLE to them, we will continue to be subservient to these politicians and their abuses will not be checked.

Lastly, for as long as people do not believe in their POWER to shape the country’s direction, and check sitting politicians, we will always have a backward electorate.

EDUCATION, EDUCATION, and more EDUCATION is the key to change our political and electoral culture.

We should now stop blaming each other. We now have the task to protect the country and the people. We prepare for 2022 (I am assuming that there will be elections under the same Constitution we have).

The work to overhaul our electoral system and culture begins NOW.

lar party is important because it reflects their principles and values.

Our party system must be strengthened. Ideological and principle-based parties should be encouraged. Platforms of government must be given importance in the accreditation of parties, as well as in the conduct of campaigns.

Small parties should be financially supported based on the number of votes they garner. This will give them a fighting chance during elections.

A gender quota in their number of candidates, and Gender and Development agenda must be required of parties so more women are able to run, and the parties themselves have programs for empowering women. Doing this will encourage women to participate more substantially in politics, and help achieve gender balance and equity in our political life.

We need to address our political culture and EDUCATION is key to developing a mature, discerning, analytical electorate. Critical thinking is acutely lacking in our people.

I do not blame ordinary folks for the predicament we are in now. We, who understand politics must also check our privileges. Arrogance will bring us nowhere. We know what we know because we have the privilege of EDUCATION. And I do not just mean schooling. Political education is necessary.

It is also important to note that political education goes both ways. People learn from us, and we, from the masses.

We will better understand political issues through the lives and experiences @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook of people in communities.

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News

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Gatchalian: Freeport Area of Bataan to be strengthened

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE bill seeking to maximize the potential of the Freeport Area of Bataan as an investment destination got the nod of the senators, Sponsored by Senator Win Gatchalian, Senate Bill 2133, or “An Act Further Strengthening the Powers and Functions of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan,” intends to further strengthen the powers and functions of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, has secured the nod of the Senate on third and final reading.

Gatchalian said the bill also aim to maximize the potential of the Freeport Area of Bataan as an investment destination.

“The FAB has contributed not only to Bataan’s economy but also to the entire country over the past few years,” Gatchalian said.

“From 2010 to 2016, the FAB was able to contribute more than P74 billion to the Philippine economy, net of costs. In other words, the government has gained Php6.45 for every peso it has spent or foregone on the FAB.” “But this is just a snapshot of its potential,” he added.

“We are now getting close to unlocking the full potential of the FAB as an investment destination, now that the Senate has approved the bill on third and final reading.”

In a nutshell, SBN 2133 seeks to clarify and expand the FAB territory to create opportunities for more investment portfolios to come to Bataan.

The FAB is spread over an area of 1,600 hectares, although much of this is not ripe for development due to its mountainous nature.

Of the 456 hectares that are considered developed, 355 are occupied, leaving only 101 hectares for further development.

Under the proposed amendment, the FAB will now include the land territories in the Municipality of Mariveles that used to form part of the Bataan Economic Zone (referred to as the “FAB Main Zone”), as well as the rest of Mariveles not covered under the FAB Main Zone, all other expansion areas, and all municipal waters within the FAB Main Zone (referred to as the “Other FAB Zones”).

SCHOOL PREPARATION. Students, teachers and volunteers conduct Brigada Eskwela along Rafael Palma Elementary School in Vito Cruz, Manila in preparation for the school opening on June 3. Lino Santos

GMA’s ‘Corporate Social’ bill hurdles 3rd reading

By Maricel V. Cruz

A

RECENTLY passed measure authored by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urges corporations and business groups to enhance their social responsibility and contribute more in nation building.

Arroyo’s House Bill 9061 or the proposed unanimous vote.

“Corporate Social Responsibility Act” was Arroyo’s bill urges companies to take approved on third and final reading by a part in this measure, and the Department of

Over 195k PNP personnel get mid-year bonus THE Philippine National Police has released P6.3 billion for the mid-year bonus of its 195,561 active duty uniformed and non-uniformed personnel.

Brig. Gen. Joselito M. Vera Cruz, PNP Finance Service head, said the mid-year bonus had been credited to the individual ATM payroll accounts of PNP personnel with the Land Bank of the Philippines as of May 21, and is available for debit transactions.

Vera Cruz, however, said the release of bonus to PNP personnel with pending administrative and criminal cases was deferred.

PNP spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac emphasized that the swift release of mid-year bonus aimed to boost the morale of the 195,000-strong PNP force.

“At the same time, this is accorded to the vision of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in support to the PNP to provide their needs and will definitely be beneficial to their families,” Banac said. PNA Manila

Standard

TODAY

RIVER INSPECTION. Mayor-elect Marilyn Lambino ( in cap, second from left) of Mangaldan, Pangasinan, accompanied by barangay officials, inspects the now polluted old Mangaldan river in barangay Tebag, whose residents describe the river as once a vibrant, clean, and full of aquatic life that traverses eight reaching Dagupan City. During her visit, Lambino, who led the launching of the river ‘Ilog Ko Buhay Ko,’ vows to rehabilitate the river once she assumes office on June 30.

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION TRADEVISER PASIFIC INC.

Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of TRADEVISER PASIFIC INC. with the TIN of 009-860-567-000, shortening the term of its existence and thereby dissolving the said corporation as of May 1, 2019 a Balance Sheet showing that no creditors thereof will be affected by such dissolution, have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All persons having claims against the corporation are required to present the same at its principal office at U-2404 # 25 SAN MIGUEL AVE. MEDICAL PLAZA ORTIGAS, ORTIGAS CENTER, SAN ANTONIO PASIG CITY for immediate settlement.

TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION ATOZPRO IT SERVICES INC. Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of ATOZRO IT SERVICES INC. with the TIN of 009-593-401-000, shortening the term of its existence and thereby dissolving the said corporation as of May 1, 2019 a Balance Sheet showing that no creditors thereof will be affected by such dissolution, have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All persons having claims against the corporation are required to present the same at its principal office at U404 4th Floor Peninsula Court Bldg., 8735 Paseo De Roxas, Brgy. Bel Air, Makati City for immediate settlement.

The Company shall likewise provide the stockholders, upon written request, a hard copy of SEC Form 17-Q for the period ended 31 March 2019. For this purpose, stockholders may contact Ms. Kath Castro at (+632) 8863703.

Quezon City. Philippines. May 6, 2019 (SGD) RAVEN DENISE DE VERA Corporate Secretary

(MS-MAY 25, 2019)

This announcement will serve as a notice to all parties concerned of the legal dissolution of the said corporation.

Quezon City. Philippines. May 6, 2019 (SGD) ELEONOR B. LABOR Corporate Secretary (MS-MAY 25, 2019)

Trade and Industry shall recognize and reward business organizations for outstanding, innovative, and world-class CSR-reBy Joel E. Zurbano lated services, projects and programs.

Arroyo, a former Trade secretary, THE Metro Manila Development Ausaid her bill extended endorsements and thority is set to file a case against the encouragements to corporations, which organizers of a protest rally that caused are candidates for recognition in intermajor traffic during rush hours on both national award-giving bodies for their lanes of Circumferential Road 5 (C-5 initiatives.

Road) in Taguig City on Thursday.

Arroyo’s bill, which recognizes the MMDA general manager Jose Arturo vital role of the private sector in nation Garcia Jr. said the rally, conducted by building and thus, shall urge its active supporters of losing Taguig mayoralty participation in fostering sustainable candidate Arnel Cerafica, caused heavy economic development and environtraffic in the area from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. ment protection in the country.

He said the people who joined the ral“It is observed that many corporaly were protesting the results of the May tions and other business organizations 13 local elections in the city. have shown very little care for the welCarrying placards and posters, the fare of the society, community where protesters initially converged in front they operate, and the natural environof Petron Gasoline Station near Mcment around them. Their sole purpose Kinley Road and later blocked both is to maximize their respective returns lanes of C-5 Road, claiming there on investment totally disregarding the was cheating and other irregularities impact of their activities on customers, that happened during the elections in employees, shareholders, communities the city, where three members of the and environment,” Arroyo said.

Cayetano political clan won.

To this end, the measure provides that “If they are not satisfied with or these business organizations, whether against the results of the elections, there foreign or domestic, shall be encouraged is the Comelec [Commission on Electo observe corporate social responsibiltions], a proper venue where they can ity in their operations. file a protest, not there blocking both The bill defines CSR as the commitlanes of the road seeking public attenment of a business to contribute on a tion,” said Garcia. voluntary basis to sustainable developThe MMDA said the traffic jam along ment by working with relevant stakeC-5 Road extended all the way to the holders to improve their lives in ways South Luzon Expressway exit on the that are also good for business, sustainable northbound side, and Julia Vargas Avdevelopment agenda, and the society. enue on the southbound direction.

In particular, CSR-related activities “There are a lot of people using that shall include (a) charitable programs and [C-5] road, not only residents of Taguprojects, (b) scientific research, (c) youth ig but also those coming to and from and sports development, (d) cultural and Makati, Cavite and Laguna. We will educational promotion, (e) services to not tolerate this nuisance. Definitely, veterans and senior citizens, (f) social we will file a case against them,” Garcia welfare, (g) environmental sustainsaid. ability, (h) health development, (i) Garcia said he already asked officials disaster relief and assistance, (j) soof the MMDA’s legal department to precialized and low-cost housing, and (k) pare the legal action to be filed against employee and worker welfare. the rally organizers.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Marawi on road to social healing In connection with the Company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to be held on 29 May 2019 and in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Resolution No. 196, s. 2015, the Company’s Interim Unaudited Financial Statements with Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the period ended 31 March 2019 (SEC Form 17-Q) have been posted on its website and can be accessed by and downloaded at http://www.harborstar.com. ph/investors/pse_disclosures.

This announcement will serve as a notice to all parties concerned of the legal dissolution of the said corporation.

MMDA to file case against protest rally organizers

(Originally Signed) IGNATIUS A. RODRIGUEZ Corporate Secretary (MS-MAy 25, 2019)

MARAWI CITY—“We are on our way to being well. We are finally learning what peace is all about,” Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra declared as residents here on Thursday commemorated the siege two years ago.

Although the full extent of the rehabilitation process has yet to be completed, Gandamra urged the people in Marawi to put more emphasis on social healing.

“Peace starts with us. Peace must be realized,” he said as the city celebrated the culmination of the Week of Peace festival.

The festival was held on the grounds of the city hall, where two years ago, the mayor and several of his security men stood firm for days preventing the Maute group from burning the city hall.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., who was then the chief of Western Mindanao Command, said just like their mayor who fought against the ISIS-linked group tooth and nail, the people of Marawi had shown their best by being resilient right at the height of the conflict.

“I was tasked to deliver an inspirational message today as we culminate the Marawi Week of Peace. But the reality is, it is you, the people of Marawi, who have inspired and strengthen my resolve to work for genuine and enduring peace,” he said.

“Truly, I am very inspired to know that as we observe the Holy Month of Ramadan, you are using the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the Marawi experience and apply them to your daily lives,” Galvez said, adding that “This is where the healing process can truly begin.”

Galvez emphasized that Marawi stand to benefit from the establishment of the Bangsamoro region.

“The opportunity for us to heal, rebuild, and recover is within reach. With the establishment of the Bangsamoro government, the fate of this beautiful city now rests not only in the hands of the new leadership but also in your hands,” he said. PNA

Sports

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SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang SEA Cup comes to PH on June 19 to 23 MOBILE Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup, the region’s elite Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament, is coming to Manila this June 19 to 23, 2019.

Happening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, MSC 2019 is going to be the biggest and most exciting MLBB esports event to take place in the Philippines.

“MLBB fans here in the Philippines have shown great love for the game and the level of MLBB esports talent here is outstanding. In fact, MSC 2018’s 1st and 2nd place winners were both Filipino teams. It is only fitting for us to have MSC, the region’s most prestigious MLBB esports tournament, right here in Manila. At Moonton, we are proud to have created a game that has resonated well in the SEA region. Much of that success is thanks to the passion shown by our community here, so this one’s for you,” said JJ Lin, Esports Manager, Moonton.

MSC 2019: Invited teams and format MSC will see a total of 12 invited teams from nine different Southeast Asian countries compete for the prestigious title of MSC Champion. Countries with their respective Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional Leagues such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar will each send two teams, with the exception of Malaysia and Singapore which will send one team each. Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are hosting local qualifiers with the winning team from each country qualifying for MSC. To date, the confirmed teams invited to MSC 2019 are Onic Esports and Louvre Esports from Indonesia (1st and 2nd place winners at MPLID Season 3), as well as Malaysia’s Geek Fam and Singapore’s EVOS Esports SG (1st and 2nd place winners at MPL-MY/SG Season 3).

MSC 2019 will kick off with a group stage draw on June 4, where all participating teams will be drawn into four groups. Fans can catch this draw live on MLBB’s Facebook page. On June 19 and 20, the group stage will take place to determine which teams get a spot in the upper bracket of the playoffs. The remaining teams will then face off in a play-in round to fight for the last four spots in the lower bracket of the playoffs. Both the play-in round and playoffs will happen on the big stage from June 21 to 23, at SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Big Boss Cement backs Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 THE Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay Philippines continues to draw not only a stellar international cast but also another chief backer in Big Boss Cement when it marks its fifth staging on June 2 in Subic Bay. A new player in the industry specializing in production of environment-friendly cement in the country, Big Boss Cement comes in as the event’s presenter at a time when local triathlon is enjoying tremendous boom with top-notch endurance races held regularly across the country the last decade or so.

Sunrise Events, Inc., organizer of the biggest, premier triathlon races in the land, recently inked a four-year pact with Big Boss Cement as presenting sponsor of the CT IRONMAN 70.3 up to 2022.

“The growth of triathlon in the country has considerably increased over the past few years. With Big Boss Cement’s support, we are assured of the sport’s continued advancement in line with our commitment to promote a healthy lifestyle among Filipinos,” said SEI general manager Princess Galura.

“Big Boss Cement represents innovation and environment conservation by producing super strong premier cement that is eco-friendly,” said BBC vice president and long-time triathlete Ishmael Ordoñez. “The CT IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay will be a test of human endurance but to be enjoyed in the surrounding nature which Big Boss Cement aspires to preserve through its products.”

Meanwhile, the Big Boss Cement Beach Clean Up starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow (Sunday) at the Boardwalk ushers in the busy the week of activities culminating in the CT IRONMAN 70.3. The two-hour public service activity will be also be held on June 3.

PBA Legends Face-Off slated

Malaysia’s Geek Fam, the members of which are shown here celebrating their victory at the MPL-MY/SG Season 3, is one of the confirmed teams invited to the MSC 2019.

IOC’s decision to include boxing in Olympics lauded

By Peter Atencio

P

HILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas heaved a sigh of relief after organizers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics welcomed a decision by the International Olympic Committee’s recommendation to include boxing at next year’s Olympiad.

The good news came after the IOC executive board recommended last Wednesday that while boxing should keep its place at the Tokyo Games, recognition of the International Amateur Boxing Association should be suspended.

“We must learn from the wisdom of the IOC. I am happy to note that the athletes are protected from the organizational and political issues AIBA faces,” said Vargas, who heads the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines.

AIBA is the world governing body of amateur boxing, and the ABAP is one of its member nations.

“I am also relieved that boxers are allowed to compete and boxing retains its rightful place in the Olympics. It is but fair to them. I only hope that by bringing in a third party to run the Games that the conduct, judging and officiating of the boxing competition will improve,” added Vargas.

According to reports, the recommendations to suspend came after the IOC published a 30-page report following an inquiry into the finances and governance of AIBA which has been in turmoil for years.

The IOC have instead set up a task force, led by IOC member and International Gymnastics Federation head Morinari Watanabe, to organize boxing in Tokyo.

Next month, the membership of the IOC is set Vargas to vote in their stand, if it would block the sport’s governing body, AIBA, from organizing bouts at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

The meeting is set during the IOC’s June 24 to 26 annual meeting.

Reports said the AIBA’s finances, governance and the integrity of judging and refereeing have been the focus of a six-month investigation, led by a panel of three IOC members.

The AIBA is at risk of being removed from the Olympics despite wide-ranging reforms since its longtime president C.K. Wu, an IOC member, was forced out in 2017.

AIBA’s president, Gafur Rakhimov has stepped during the probe and while on a United States Treasury Department sanctions list.

Rakhimov has denied links to organized crime in Uzbekistan and accusations of heroin trafficking.

On the local front, officials do not believe that ABAP’s standing with the POC will be affected since boxing will still be held in Tokyo under the care of the of IOC. As for the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games, the boxing event will go on without a hitch, under the supervision of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee.

IN WHAT could be a fitting follow-up to the blockbuster Return of the Rivals tournament last February, UNTV will stage another charity event dubbed as UNTV Cup PBA Legends Face-Off starting on June 2 at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The month-long tournament features the rivalries between Ginebra and Purefoods (now Magnolia) and that of San Miguel Beer and Alaska with all the prizes—from the champion to fourth placer—amounting to P2 million going to the PBA Legends Foundation.

This marks the fourth time UNTV will be holding this noble tournament – the first one benefited the legendary Samboy Lim of San Miguel Beer.

In 2017, public service advocate and UNTV Cup founder Daniel Razon granted P1 million seed money to the PBA Legends Foundation in its effort in helping former professional basketball players who are sick or have medical concerns.

A year after, the foundation organized the first ever PBA Legends Charity Golf Tournament and last year, the league extended assistance to former SMB and Welcoat (now Rain or Shine) player Joey Mente who succumbed to cancer and exCrispa guard Johnny Revilla.

San Miguel Beer will be bannered by Allan Caidic, Ato Agustin, Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Ildefonso and Olsen Racela, Alaska will have former MVP winners Johnny Abarrientos, Willie Miller and Kenneth Duremdes plus Bong Hawkins, Jeffrey Cariano and Jojo Lastimosa while Purefoods will be led by fourtime MVP Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codinera, Bong Ravena, Dindo Pumaren and Roger Yap. The crowd-favorite Ginebra will be bannered by Jayjay Helterbrand, Bal David, Pido Jarencio, Vince Hizon, Marlou Aquino and Rudy Distrito.

The Return of the Rivals event, according to Razon, was able to raise a P3-million cash donation.

P3M at stake in Philracom Triple’s Crown 1st leg at San Lazaro A WHOPPING P3-million pot will be up for grabs when eight of the country’s finest horses, led by favorites Obra Maestra and Real Gold mix it up in the first leg of the most prestigious racing extravaganza for three-year-old horses—the Philippine Racing Commission’s Triple Crown series on Sunday at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

The champion horse of the 1st leg gets the lion’s share champion’s purse of P1.8 million, with the runner-up and the third placer taking P675,000 and P375,000, respectively. Fourth placer receives P150,000 even as P100,000 is allotted to the breeder of the winning horse.

“We are very excited with thecoming 1st leg of the Triple Crown because of the caliber of the local horses participating in this year’s event with the eventual winner setting the pace for 2019. The horse that wins will not only earn its place in history, but will set the bar for the succeeding legs in the following months. We

wish all the runners the best of luck!” said Andrew Sanchez, Philracom chairman.

The overwhelming picks to snatch the title away are C&H Enterprises’ Rel Gold and and Leonardo Javier Jr.’s Obra Maestra, the undefeated Horse of the Year and Champion 2YO of the Year by the Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners after earning P3.48 million in prizes in 2018.

Standing in the way of the two are are Boss Emong (jockey JT Zarate, owner Edward Vincent M. Diokno); JAYZ (Ja Guce, SC Stockfarm, Inc.); My Jopay (RD Raquel Jr., Moises B. Villasenor); My Shelltex (JB Hernandez, Antonio V. Tan, Jr.); Toy for the Bigboy (JB Cardova, Alfredo Santos) and Westeros (AR Villegas, Juan Miguel D. Yulo).

As a runner-up to the Triple Crown, the 1st leg of the Philracom’s Hopeful Stakes Race highlights 12 outstanding local horses in Best Regards, Dugong Bughaw, Gepnits,

Gil’s Magic, Harapin ang Bukas, Kentucky Rain, Mood Swing, Phenomenal, Shanghai Noon, The Accountant, Two Timer and Turns Gold. Winner takes home his share of P1 million. Race distance is 1,600 meters.

Rounding up the Philracom races is the 1st leg of the Locally Bred Stakes Race featuring a full gate of fourteen runners namely coupled runners Always Ready and Sure Win, Caludia’s Pride, Coup d’ Etat, Electrify, Iikot Lang, Mona’s Mark, Oktubre Katorse, Ready Set Go, Serafina, Silab, Sultanov, Trust Worthy and Weather Lang.

Total prize of P500,000 will be given to the winners of this 1,600 meter distance race.

The last horse to win all three legs was Sepfourteen of SC Stockfarm in 2017. Prior to Sepfourteen’s Triple Crown achievement two years ago, the last time one horse won it all in one year was in 2014 when Emmanuel Santos’s colt Kid Molave (Into Mischief x Unsaid) scored the rare 3-peat.

AXA is Liverpool Football Club principal partner LIVERPOOL FC has announced that AXA, the world’s leading insurance brand, has been appointed Principal Partner and the club’s new Official Training Kit Partner for the 2019/20 season.

To launch the new partnership, Liverpool FC and New Balance have revealed the new collection of training apparel, which will feature AXA branding throughout the range.

The New Balance collection includes warm up jackets, hoodies and sweatshirts, amongst other products, and is available in both adult and children’s sizes. Designed in grey and red pepper and just like the 2019/20 home kit, each product has been inscribed with Bob Paisley’s iconic signature on the inside, paying homage to the Reds’ most successful manager in the year in which he would have turned 100.

The Reds will begin training in the new AXA training kit this summer ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Billy Hogan, Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer, Liverpool FC, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding

AXA Asia CEO Gordon Watson (center) with (from left) CEO of Liverpool Football Club Peter Moore, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, AXA brand director Paul Bennett and Liverpool chief commercial director Billy Hogan.

our partnership with AXA to see them become a Principal Partner and new Official Training Kit Partner.

“As a world-leader in its industry, AXA shares our ambitions and values, and we’ve already shared a lot of success

since our partnership began in 2018. We look forward to building on our special relationship and continuing to bring to life fantastic experiences for our fans around the world.”

AXA will also continue working closely

with the club’s men’s and women’s teams, managers, coaches and health professionals to support the shared goal of promoting healthy well-being and lifestyle. This is in line with AXA’s global tagline ‘Know You Can’which symbolizes AXA’s new promise to its customers, being an encouraging partner to help them feel more confident in achieving their goals and go further.

Thomas Buberl, Chief Executive Officer at AXA added: “We’re excited by this new important step in our partnership with Liverpool Football Club that started in 2018.

“Featuring the AXA logo on the Liverpool FC training kit is a great symbol of our strong ambition to strengthen the AXA brand consideration globally.

“By building on our similar values and vision with Liverpool FC, we will also be able to bring to life our new brand promise to our customers on self-belief with the tagline: ‘Know You Can’ The training kit range is available to purchase in store and online at http://store. liverpoolfc.com/.

Monster game from Lawal powers Bolts past Dyip five

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

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SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

By Jeric Lopez GANI Lawal proved his worth further, having a splendid outing with teamhighs of 25 points and 27 rebounds to lead Meralco to a comfortable 101-92 drubbing of Columbian Dyip for its first win in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Lawal already had a double-double right after the first 24 minutes, dropping 15 markers and 18 boards.

His solid play enabled Meralco to take control and zoom ahead big, 50-35, at halftime after a scintillating first half showing.

The Bolts outscored the Dyip, 27-17, in the second period to tighten its grip on the contest.

There was no looking back for Meralco, who led by as much as 17 points multiple times in the second half, as it stretched its onslaught into the second half to cruise to the easy victory.

As a result, Meralco evened its card at 1-1, while the Dyip remained winless, falling to 0-2 at the bottom.

The backcourt tandem of Trevis Jackson and Baser Amer provided Lawal with ample support, scoring 21 and 17 points, respectively.

Kyle Barone led the Dyip in another losing effort, scoring game-high 26 points and 16 rebounds.

Meanwhile, defending champion Barangay Ginebra, led by reigning Best Import Justin Brownlee, already started its title defense as it is at war with Blackwater (1-0) as of press time.

The scores: Meralco 101—Lawal 25, Amer 21, Jackson 17, Newsome 12, Hodge 10, Hugnatan 5, Tolomia 4, Pinto 3, De Ocampo 2, Salva 2, Faundo 0, Caram 0, Jamito 0, Quinto 0.

Columbian 92—Barone 26, Perez 22, McCarthy 13, Cahilig 11, Corpuz 11, Khobuntin 3, Agovida 3, Reyes 2, Calvo 1, Faundo 0, Camson 0, Celda 0, Escoto 0, Tabi 0.

Quarterscores: 23-18, 50-35, 79-71, 101-92.

Eric Bledsoe of the Milwaukee Bucks passes the ball while being guarded by Kawhi Leonard of the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AFP

Raptors a win away from finals

L

OS ANGELES—Kawhi Leonard scored 15 of his 35 points road in the best-of-seven series. VanVleet nailed seven baskets from beyond the arc. in the fourth quarter as Toronto beat Milwaukee 105-99, “This was a super-hard win tonight,” leaving the Raptors one win away from advancing to the Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. finals for the first time in franchise history.

Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered 24

The Raptors started Thursday’s pivotal game slowly and trailed 49-46 at the half, then kept it tight with the top-seeded Bucks before seizing command late in the fourth quarter to take a 3-2 series lead.

Leonard, who was favouring a sore left leg in game four, played 40 minutes Thursday, after putting in 52 minutes in Sunday’s double-overtime win by the Raptors.

A win at home Saturday would set up a finals match with NBA defending champions Golden State Warriors.

“We weathered a storm early and we are just excited to get the win to-

night,” Leonard said.

Leonard reached the 30-point mark for the 11th time in the playoffs, drained five three-pointers, grabbed seven rebounds and handed out nine assists.

It was the first time this season the Bucks have lost three straight games and it puts them on the brink of elimination from the postseason.

Fred VanVleet came off the bench to score 21 points, Pascal Siakam finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds and Kyle Lowry tallied 17 points for the Raptors, who became the first team to win on the

Sung charges to top with a 66

Perlas stays undefeated to advance

By Peter Atencio THE Perlas Pilipinas national women’s team remained undefeated in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Changsha, China.

Janine Pontejos unloaded 11 points for Perlas Pilipinas in their 22-5 triumph over Vanuatu in Pool A. Their third straight victory gave them a slot in the Group C of the main draw with Japan and Sri Lanka.

Thailand got the last ticket to the main draw after defeating India, 2115. Turkmenistan and Iran are up next for them in women’s Pool D. Also advancing to the main draw in Pool A are China, Australia and New Zealand.

In Pool B, Mongolia advanced with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

In the men’s division, top-seeded Japan, second seed China, thirdranked Mongolia have been given automatic slots.

They are joined by qualifiers Turkmenistan, Jordan, Qatar, New Zealand, South Korea, Australia, Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei.

The men’s team bannered by injured Ricci Rivero did not advance.

points, Eric Bledsoe scored 20 and Malcolm Brogdon finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Bucks, who at one point in the first quarter led by 14 points, and were up by 12 in the third quarter before carrying a three-point edge into the fourth.

Earlier in the day Antetokounmpo was named a unanimous first team All-NBA player.

“It’s first to four. We’ve got to go to Toronto, get a game. I think the group will be ready,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said.

A dunk by Siakam gave the Raptors an eight-point lead with 6:20 to play. The

Bucks pulled to within four on Brook Lopez’s driving layup with 5:31 left.

After Marc Gasol hit a shot from beyond the arc to make Toronto’s lead seven, Milwaukee cut the deficit to two on Antetokounmpo’s three-pointer with just over four minutes remaining.

Lopez tied the game with a threepointer with 2:44 to play, but the Raptors regained a three-point lead seconds later when VanVleet sank another three pointer.

Khris Middleton’s layup pulled the Bucks to within two with 59 seconds remaining.

Toronto led by three when Gasol made one of two foul shots with 34 seconds left.

After a Milwaukee turnover, Siakam’s dunk increased the lead to five and Toronto held on from there.

Sung Mao-Chang reacts after a superb chip shot on No. 17.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan—Local ace Sung MaoChang took charge with a six-under 66, going 2-up over erstwhile co-leader Tseng Tsu-Hao while Jay Bayron kept his hopes for a spot in the weekend play despite a 73 in the Daan TPGA Open at the Ching Chuan Kang Golf Club here yesterday.

Sung, one of the few who had completed play in the rain-hit first round of the $100,000 championship Thursday, rattled off five birdies in a six-hole stretch from No. 12 then bucked a three-putt mishap on No. 2 with birdies on Nos. 6 and 7 to match Tseng’s opening sixunder card for the solo lead at 135.

“I played relaxed all throughout and the course was very easy. All my drives, irons and putting are all good,” said Sung, 41, a two-time winner on the PGA of Taiwan (TPGA) and currently at No. 4 in the Order of Merit rankings.

The weather had improved after a rainy opener with half of the starting 144-player field complet-

ing their first round play early yesterday, including Bayron, who groped for form with a 38 before play was stopped due to darkness Thursday but hit two birdies at resumption to save a 72.

With hardly a rest, the lone Filipino entry in the first PGT Asia event overseas struggled and lost steam, fumbling with three bogeys against two birdies to finish with a 73 for a 145.

That proved to be the current cutoff line when play has stopped due to darkness in another long day here with a number of players to complete their second round play early today.

Others with one-over total were Lin Wen-Ko (73), Yu Cheng-Yen (73), Kao Shang-Hung (72), Lin Chie-Hsiang (71), Chen Jung-Hsin (72), Chen Po Hao (73), Shen David (72), Thai Sriroj Thammanoon (72) and Chang Hsun Chen (71).

“I was feeling good after completing my first round. But I missed a number of greens and putts at resumption,” said Bayron, who birdied Nos. 13 and 15 to go even par after the first round.

Derek Ramsay to play for Batangas-Tanduay Athletics ACTOR Derek Ramsay will suit up for Batangas City-Tanduay Athletics for this season’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

This is not the first time for the television and movie personality to play basketball, as he was previously with Kettle Korn team in the now defunct Philippine Basketball League. Ramsay has also excelled in the sports of ultimate frisbee and beach football.

As an actor and host, he has appeared in numerous TV and film productions in three of the country’s top media networks. He recently signed a contract with GMA-7.

“Derek is not only a good actor, but a good basketball player as well. We are happy to have him on our team,” Batangas City-Tanduay Athletics team manager and Absolut Distillers, Inc. COO Gerry Tee said.

Ramsay has been an endorser of Tanduay since 2014. The talented actor and host has helped the World’s Number One Rum further expand its market in the Philippines and the global market.

Tee said that Ramsay will see action with in the opening game of the MPBL at the Mall of Asia Arena this June 12. He will also play in their Dubai game in September.

“I love the game of basketball. Joining Team Tanduay is an honor. I always considered myself an athlete before an actor. I know there will be haters and people who will doubt me, but that’s okay.

This is a challenge that I’ve decided to take on. I hope to help the team in any possible way I can,” Ramsay said.

The Batangas City-Tanduay Athletics was crowned the inaugural champions of the fastestgrowing regional amateur basketball league in the country. They reached the South Division Finals in the Datu Cup before falling to eventual runnerup Davao Occidental Tigers.

Ramsay

IN BRIEF Tax reform bill key to higher credit rating

THE recent investment grade rating upgrade of S&P Global Ratings of the Philippines to “BBB+” from “BBB” should convince the Senate to pass the TRABAHO Bill that aims to reform the corporate income tax system in the country, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Friday.

He said the congressional passage of the law overhauling taxation was among the top factors cited by the debt watcher in assigning the country’s highest investment grade ever.

Dominguez said the congressional approval of the first CTRP package— the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law—was cited by S&P as among the key strengths that led it to raise the Philippines’ long-term sovereign credit rating from BBB to BBB+ with a “stable” outlook, which is just a step away from an ‘A’ rating that is accorded only to the world’s most stable economies.

S&P also said the passage of the rest of the CTRP packages could lead to another credit rating upgrade, prompting Dominguez to say that President Duterte’s economic team would work on possibly getting a higher “A” rating in two years. Julito G. Rada

Business

SMC-Holcim merger not under review yet

THE Philippine Competition Commission said Friday it has not received a notification for the mandatory review of the proposed merger of San Miguel Corp. and Holcim Philippines Inc. The commission reminded merging companies that meet the notification thresholds to inform the Commission of their transaction within 30 days from signing of their definitive agreement.

As the country’s antitrust body, the commission is mandated under the Philippine Competition Act to review mergers and acquisitions to ensure these deals will not harm the interest of consumers.

The agency also clarified that the review of the SMC-Holcim transaction was different from the ongoing investigation on a possible cartel in the cement industry.

Unlike cartel investigations which look into past conducts, merger reviews are carried out to determine any competition concerns before the transaction is consummated to prevent potential damage to consumers.

Othel V. Campos

Cusi wants power retailers to submit demand estimates

By Alena Mae S. Flores ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi wants power distributors to submit their demand projections to ensure future security of supply following the Supreme Court ruling that directed them to conduct a competitive selection process, or public bidding, in their electricity purchases.

“We are also asking all DUs in the country to submit annual supply demand projections for the next three years, and from 2023 to 2030 to ensure that they have sufficient supplemental power supply levels to meet their respective franchise obligations in the years to come,” Cusi said in a statement on Friday.

The Department of Energy earlier welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court, which held that “all Power Supply Agreement applications submitted by Distribution Utilities to the Energy Regulatory Commission on or after 30 June 2015 shall comply with the Competitive Selection Process... ” ”We will be calling for immediate consultative meetings with Meralco (Manila Electric Co.), their project partners and those smaller contracts that have been affected by the SC ruling,” the energy chief said.

The ruling is seen to affect around 95 PSA. ”The highest court of the land has unequivocally spoken. Thus, in adherence to the SC’s judgement, we call for the exigent conduct of CSP for the PSAs of DUs, which include electric cooperatives and private corporations like Meralco,” Cusi said.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

B1

Govt posted April surplus of P86.9b after budget delay

By Julito G. Rada

Drive vs misleading vinegar brands up

THE vinegar making-industry will soon weed out misleading brands after consumer group Laban Konsyumer Inc. requested the government to subject all in the ongoing content test.

“This is to confirm and reiterate our pleading for the public disclosure of the brands of vinegar which were tested to contain synthetic acid. In this letter, our pleading is expanded to include all brands tested and to indicate which brands are tested positive with synthetic acid and brands with natural ingredients,” said LKI president Victorio Dimagiba in his letter to the Food and Srug Administration.

He cited the Consumer Act of the Philippines, which required additional labelling requirements for food products to determine “whether the ingredients used are natural or synthetic.”

The same law considers a food as mislabeled if its advertising is false or misleading in any way and if it bears or contains an artificial flavoring, artificial coloring or chemical preservatives.

Othel V. Campos

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

DTI CRACKDOWN. A government team led by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (right) finds steel products, particularly angle bars, that do not have licenses and are sold in the market. The Department of Trade and Industry-Fair Trade and Enforcement Bureau sealed all unlicensed products that will be under investigation. Lopez also inspected the licenses and PS marks of uPVC pipes used for water and electrical conduit, as well as cement to ensure quality and standards.

MWSS okays Razon’s $300-m Wawa project S

By Jenniffer B. Austria

TATE-RUN Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System approved the proposed Wawa bulk water supply project of port and casino tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.

Prime Metroline Infrastructure Holdings Corp., the infrastructure company of Razon Jr., earlier offered to invest $250 million to $300 million to develop the Wawa water supply project in Rizal province.

The project aims to deliver at least 80 million liters per day (MLD) to east zone water concessionaire Manila Water Company Inc., which will be the offtaker of the project, starting in 2021 and over 500 MLD by 2025.

The project aims address the current water supply deficit and ensure the future supply of water in Metro Manila.

MWSS administrator Reynaldo

Velasco said in a statement the 500 MLD volume of water from the Wawa Bulk Supply Project would boost Manila Water’s current water production by about 30 percent. It is considered the largest water supply project that will be implemented under the Duterte administration.

Velasco said the tariff impact on consumers is expected to be very minimal considering the strategic location of the water supply source within the east zone concession.

Velasco also noted that the project was an integral part of the government’s water security program.

“It is among the priority initiatives committed to President Rodrigo Duterte in addressing the current water supply deficit which government resources cannot afford, and this is the reason why a private sector-led development of bulk supply of water was sought,” said Velasco.

The Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project approval comes with the resolution of the long-standing legal issues between the MWSS and Prime Infra’s joint venture partner, businessman Oscar Violago’s San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders Group,

that has prevented the development for over 10 years Tapping Wawa Dam as water source is not new. It was the first source of potable water for the metropolitan area before Angat Dam, which now supplies 96 percent of water to Metro Manila and adjoining provinces such as Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan.

Meanwhile, Manila Water president and chief executive Ferdinand dela Cruz said the water utility firm supported the efforts of MWSS to realize its Water Security Roadmap to fulfill its mandate on new water sources development.

“Many proponents are coming forward which will allow MWSS to urgently select the best combination of projects for Metro Manila consumers,” de la Cruz said.

“As a key member of the MWSS Water Sources Development Technical Working Group, Manila Water will lend its technical and non-technical expertise in giving all the projects their best shot and in ensuring alignment of the proposals to the Approved Service Improvement Plan objectives of MWSS,” he added

SM Prime expands office portfolio, opens Iloilo City tower SM PRIME Holdings Inc., the Philippines’ leading integrated property company, has expanded its office portfolio with the opening of Strata Tower in Iloilo City.

SM Prime said in a statement Strata Tower, located across SM City Iloilo mall, would have 23,000 square meters of leasable space.

SM Prime said the newly-opened office tower aimed to establish the company’s business process outsourcing and office presence within the city and neighboring towns.

The 13-story Strata Tower is conveniently located along Iloilo City’s main highway and transport backbone, Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue. It is accessible through a second floor covered bridge way across SM City Iloilo Mall, providing ease of public transportation for employees 24/7.

SM Prime, through its unit commercial property development and management arm SM Offices, has been aggressively expanding its office portfolio by building office towers near its malls in Metro Manila as well as in the provinces.

SM Offices offers 35 operational office properties with a combined gross floor area of 642,000 sq. m. in 20 strategic locations across the Philippines.

SM Prime this year will launch NU Tower with 41,000 sq m of GFA. The three-tower FourE-Com Center, meanwhile, will be launched in 2020 with 192,000 sq. m. of GFA. Both office projects are located in Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

SM Prime’s office group delivered P1.1 billion in revenues and P900 million in operating income in the first quarter of the 2019.

SM Prime in September launched the Three E-Com Center with a total gross floor area of 115,000 sq. m., which is now 100 percent leased out.

The property developer in October also launched SM CDO Downtown Tower in Cagayan De Oro City.

SM Prime as of end March 2019 had an available land bank of 74 hectares for future office projects.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Strata Tower in Iloilo City

THE government posted a budget surplus of P86.9 billion in April, up by 88 percent or P40.6 billion from an excess of P46.3 billion year-onyear, as the delay in the passage of the 2019 national budget restricted the implementation new programs and projects.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the April excess was the “highest level of surplus... based on Bloomberg data posted from March 1994.”

The Treasury said the fiscal surplus in April reduced the cumulative budget deficit to P3.4 billion, far lower than P105.9 billion on year.

“In a year that the government targeted a substantial 3.2 percent deficit to GDP target, spending has taken a backseat in a big way and was a key reason for the first-quarter snafu,” Mapa said in a report.

But he said growth was seen to recover and zoom back to the 6-percent region with government spending seen to pick up. Gross domestic product growth in the first quarter slowed to a four-year low of 5.6 percent from 6.5 percent a year ago and 6.3 percent a quarter ago.

“With government set to pick up where they left off and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas priming rates for growth mode, the one-off blip of the April budget surplus will likely revert to deficits as the administration pushes on with its ‘Build, Build, Build” agenda,” Mapa said.

President Rodrigo Duterte in April finally signed the P3.7-trillion national budget for 2019 after an impasse between the two houses of Congress.

Government revenues in April reached P308.7 billion, up by just P1.1 billion or 0.4 percent from last years’ collections. Revenues of P996.4 billion in the first four months of 2019 were also higher 7.4 percent on year.

Tax collections contributed 90.8 percent of the total, while non-tax sources accounted for 9.2 percent.

Dominguez: PH should accelerate spending in 2019 THE government needs to increase its expenditures in the months ahead to achieve an economic growth of more than 6 percent this year, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Friday.

“To enable us to hit a GDP growth rate above 6 percent this year, national government needs to ramp up its spending. In 2019, national government disbursements are targeted to reach P3.774 trillion, equivalent to 19.6 percent of GDP. This is 10.7 percent higher than the actual disbursement in 2018,” Dominguez said after the Economic Development Cluster meeting held at the Department of Finance headquarters in Manila on Friday.

“For us to achieve this year’s disbursement target, the government must spend a total of around P2.996 trillion from the second to fourth quarters of the year,” Dominguez said.

He said infrastructure spending accounted for almost one-third of the amount of disbursements programmed for the suceeding quarters. Actual infrastructure disbursements in the first quarter of this year amounted to P207.2 billion.

“To reach our total infrastructure disbursement target of P1 trillion for the entire year, the government must disburse around P792.97 billion for infrastructure from the second to fourth quarters of the year,” he said.

He said total infrastructure disbursements must reach one P1 trillion, equivalent to 5.2 percent of the gross domestic product, with the national government accounting for P808.7 billion of targeted infrastructure spending,” he said.

The cluster held a meeting to formulate a carefully crafted and bold expenditure catch-up plan to hit a GDP growth rate of above 6 percent this year. Julito G. Rada

B2

Business

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market dips; Jollibee falls S HARE prices fell Friday on another bout of profit taking, with investors wary over the prospect of a global economic slowdown amid the rising trade tensions between the US and China.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index declined 56.94 points, or 0.7 percent, to 7,747.09 on a value turnover of P7.4 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 125 to 73, with 44 issues unchanged.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood chain, dropped 2.1 percent to P278, while ISM Communications Corp., a company owned by businessman Dennis Uy, lost 3.3 percent to P6.21.

LT Group Inc. of airline and tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan slumped 4.8 percent to P15.10, while Megawide Construc-

tion Corp. fell 2.3 percent to P21.50.

Meanwhile, the increasingly fractious trade row between China and the United States was the main focus of Asian investor angst Friday, with most markets down to extend the previous day’s steep losses, though oil edged back from a painful sell-off.

With little hope for a quick turnaround in the standoff the economic superpowers appear to be digging in their heels as they exchange barbs, blaming each other for the breakdown in tariff negotiations while the Huawei crisis shows no sign of letting up.

On top of that, investors have been spooked by weak economic data in Europe and the United States that reinforced concerns about a global slowdown, with the IMF warning the trade standoff will “jeopardize” 2019 growth.

“The trade war is going to cause growth to slow, both in the US and Chi-

na, and therefore globally—there is no doubt about that,” Komal Sri-Kumar, founder of Sri-Kumar Global Strategies, told Bloomberg TV. “The trade war is taking on new dimensions.”

Having taken a hammering on Thursday—with energy and tech firms among the worst hit–Asian markets continued to struggle Friday.

Tokyo closed 0.2 percent lower, Sydney lost 0.6 percent and Seoul fell 0.7 percent. Singapore and Wellington dipped 0.4 percent.

But Hong Kong rose 0.4 percent in the afternoon and Shanghai swung through the day to end marginally higher.

Mumbai climbed 0.9 percent, Taipei and Singapore each added 0.2 percent, and Jakarta and Bangkok both edged up slightly.

The tepid performance followed a sharp drop on Wall Street, where all three main indexes lost more than one

percent. Investors were also spooked by an index of US manufacturing activity hitting a nine-year low in May and Germany posting weak factory figures.

And there are warnings about the outlook for equities as China and the United States continue to hit out at each other.

“China’s stance on the talks has been clear—if the US wants to resume talks, they should show sincerity and correct their wrong practices,” commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng said Thursday.

Meanwhile US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejected Huawei’s statements about its relationship with China’s government and said any data touched by the company is “at risk” of falling into the wrong hands.

“To say that they don’t work with the Chinese government is a false statement,” he said. Huawei “is deeply tied not only to China but to the Chinese Communist Party.” With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59 17,230 81 2,021,660 2.23 20,000 133.7 2,714,850 1.25 3,000 26.5 103,400 18.8 8,100 11.5 211,500 4.59 4,000 1.37 166,000 775 90 72 2,015,680 1.04 211,000 13.2 35,000 59 774,940 185 2,140 110 2,630 57.75 330 26.6 29,300 170.4 240,210 59.6 210

1,016,349 163,457,189 44,750 363,002,507 3,750 2,739,830 152,250 2,436,104 18,360 232,630 69,350 144,703,772.50 212,270 462,000 45,366,578 396,750 289,778 19,057.50 779,495 41,081,982 12,503

1,003,000 -20,316,193 36,424,785.00 -914,330 -28,170 -806,882 -22,529,744 77,818.50 82,865 -19,149,276 -1,192

INDUSTRIAL 35.6 610,200 14.6 450,200 0.72 1,873,000 1.42 1,182,000 0.28 27,530,000 2.47 16,999,000 14.7 58,900 26.5 236,500 14.64 3,200 45 900,000 1.94 301,000 9.96 72,656,300 16.22 1,939,600 9.79 1,066,600 7.5 201,600 21.55 2,128,100 76.5 10,500 44.5 208,500 2.33 5,083,000 13.8 964,700 10.14 1,044,200 1.7 235,000 278 1,112,480 4.01 1,000 9.78 7,691,800 22.2 460,400 13 1,105,400 21.5 6,698,500 378 140,010 0.189 260,000 5.3 1,400 1.3 1,822,000 4.79 79,000 6.08 2,491,400 9.4 500,000 2.05 76,684,000 12.08 32,500 41.05 259,500 4.8 82,000 5.1 35,900 1.6 120,000 1.9 15,000 1.23 178,000 13 518,400 107 92,300 6.5 168,800 0.128 2,070,000 1.43 103,953,000 153.9 478,560 2.47 9,000 1.17 4,069,000 1.08 1,007,000

21,670,270 6,649,818 1,365,930 1,650,500 7,814,950 42,181,670 866,112 6,237,925 47,130 40,500,000 585,230 725,813,377 31,209,892 10,428,444 1,511,105 45,862,755 803,327 8,895,155 11,697,390 13,321,792 10,607,008 397,590 309,794,256 4,010 70,003,847 10,175,770 14,379,500 144,313,575 52,567,076 51,270 7,380 2,406,400 375,290 15,069,127 4,700,000 154,035,170 392,566 10,713,425 393,980 181,600 190,560 28,570 215,840 6,742,796 9,811,978 1,090,190 264,960 166,796,040 73,740,517 22,230 4,700,490 1,070,440

-8,170,780 -439,062 -120,700 687,250 14,940,190 285,208 -1,031,290 0 -5,820 -90,475,952.00 1,122,504 8,818,211.00 -122,775 10,113,160 -101,753 1,872,020 -877,580 773,228 -1,964,730 -176,074,298 1,000,915 -1,666,038 -70,161,235 -708,038 -330,640 -1,701,099 -64,354,670.00 -12,100 -9,088,705 -384,000 18,150 3,328,000 -2,129,270 -295,900 -21,267,948 22,230 10,530 -

4,788,530 68,731,561.50 42,066,346 17,632,000 29,448 534,806 987,450 28,980 457,883,330 18,395,080 3,281,493 23,483,482 3,816,734 66,990,640 126,130 128,889,874.50 44,309 4,960 39,417,160 153,044,016 458,650 40,067,530 239,900 133,760 39,349,910 159,160,310 65,666,660 6,062,120 140,740 8,664,050

297,460.00 -6,226,816.50 1,107,898 -330,700 -14,809,645 644,490 -1,046,405 -11,818,942 914,878 35,514,940 -29,946,185 -7,140,570 -76,851,544 -8,919,330 -21,227,362 -6,147,065 -57,810 -749,450 -105,500

47,356,376 669,380 11,716 244,200 194,040 407,537,590 261,080 12,030,103 9,530 48,557,640 48,600 1,750 97,400 71,100 6,711,697 21,278,805 384,150 14,361,570 12,568,090 54,182,616 6,643,800 202,300 4,109,440 584,550 3,225,830 28,875,245 170,530 98,700 320,122,450 5,867,530 856,295 52,320

670,862 78,000 -95,360,015 4,630 -2,654,640.00 -165,210 -2,396,008 -1,592,895 -97,500 -6,725,680 -14,636,478 -288,200 -813,580 -3,550,550 -173,435,390 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

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

58.9 81.05 2.26 133.2 1.25 26.5 18.8 11.52 4.59 1.4 750 72 1 13.2 58 185.5 110.5 57.75 27 171.7 59.2

59 81.3 2.26 135.8 1.25 26.7 18.8 11.58 4.59 1.5 780 72 1.04 13.2 59.4 185.5 110.5 57.75 27 171.7 61

58 80 2.23 131 1.25 26.45 18.78 11.48 4.59 1.37 750 70.8 0.99 13.2 57.6 185 110 57.75 26.5 170.1 59.2

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

36 14.9 0.72 1.39 0.29 2.52 15 26.75 14.82 45 1.95 10.06 16.1 9.8 7.5 21.35 77 41.7 2.28 14 10.3 1.71 284 4.01 9.11 22.25 13.28 22 378.8 0.202 5.26 1.3 4.75 6.12 9.4 2.06 12 42 4.99 5.05 1.58 1.92 1.2 13 106.9 6.51 0.128 1.42 155.8 2.47 1.16 1.07

36.3 14.9 0.77 1.42 0.3 2.58 15 26.8 14.84 45 1.95 10.06 16.3 9.8 7.5 21.9 77 44.5 2.34 14.08 10.32 1.71 284 4.01 9.82 22.45 13.28 22 379 0.202 5.3 1.34 4.8 6.12 9.4 2.06 12.1 42.05 4.99 5.1 1.6 1.92 1.23 13.2 107 6.57 0.128 1.8 155.8 2.47 1.18 1.08

35.3 14.5 0.72 1.38 0.27 2.45 14.5 25.75 14.62 45 1.94 9.8 16 9.6 7.49 20.85 76.5 41 2.27 13.62 10.02 1.68 277 4.01 9.02 21.6 12.88 21.45 369 0.189 5.26 1.29 4.73 5.93 9.4 1.97 12 41 4.8 5.05 1.57 1.9 1.2 13 105 6.41 0.128 1.38 153.5 2.47 1.14 1.03

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

0.56 52.25 14.66 0.75 6.84 13.28 1.25 1.26 895 3.35 7.02 10.32 14.2 885 6.17 59.9 5.9 0.5 4.65 15.76 0.53 4.36 0.039 1.06 179.6 922 0.89 269 0.233 0.285

0.58 53.5 14.74 0.93 6.85 13.28 1.27 1.26 900 3.35 7.03 10.32 14.5 885 6.17 60.95 6.21 0.5 4.74 15.76 0.56 4.37 0.04 1.07 182.9 922 1.28 270 0.237 0.285

0.56 50.2 14.28 0.75 6.84 12.88 1.22 1.26 870 3.11 6.92 10.06 14.2 860 6.15 59.3 5.9 0.49 4.6 15.08 0.51 4.3 0.039 1.06 178.8 900 0.88 268 0.232 0.275

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

15.3 0.78 10.04 2.13 0.73 48.45 2.3 5.07 6.35 0.59 0.81 0.86 0.226 0.395 9.99 24.15 0.485 1.59 1.4 5.45 0.305 0.47 1.79 0.415 2.16 24.4 2.08 2.98 39.3 1.84 6.45 0.72

15.8 0.79 11 2.18 0.75 48.45 2.34 5.07 6.4 0.61 0.81 0.89 0.227 0.395 10 24.2 0.49 1.6 1.46 5.47 0.31 0.48 1.79 0.43 2.16 24.4 2.08 3 39.3 1.96 6.59 0.76

15.22 0.77 10.04 2.07 0.73 47.4 2.29 4.94 6.35 0.58 0.81 0.86 0.226 0.395 9.68 23.2 0.485 1.56 1.37 5.37 0.3 0.46 1.73 0.41 2.01 23.7 2.01 2.98 38.75 1.78 6.37 0.72

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

VISTA LAND

7.08

7.21

6.94

7.21

5,947,500

42,037,127

-22,190,157

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

11.5 18.56 1.31 0.415 0.044 21 2.85 11.12 0.06 88 7.59 6.7 6.1 10.52 890 2,050 5.33 398.2 2.54 1.76 135.4 11.24 6 0.121 6.5 2.95 14.7 4.55 0.85 19.7 0.57 3.86 2.76 1.61 14.16 2.11 3.26 9.63 3 4.52 8.44 120 3.24 1,301 0.76 0.81 45.35 71.3 9.5 3.1 0.64 0.325 5.44 0.72 16.38

11.88 18.6 1.4 0.415 0.044 21.3 2.85 11.2 0.061 90 7.59 6.7 6.1 10.52 890 2,102 5.39 407 2.54 1.76 136 11.24 6 0.122 6.5 2.95 14.7 4.68 0.93 19.94 0.57 3.91 2.76 1.61 14.16 2.11 3.35 9.65 3 4.52 9.5 125 3.24 1,350 0.76 0.81 45.35 71.3 9.65 3.19 0.65 0.325 5.44 0.72 16.52

11.42 18.3 1.31 0.4 0.042 21 2.58 10.88 0.058 87.6 7.59 6.38 5.5 10.2 890 2,050 5.3 398.2 2.38 1.76 134.3 11.24 5.7 0.12 6.16 2.94 14.42 4.41 0.83 19.48 0.54 3.79 2.72 1.59 14.16 2.05 3.2 9.6 3 4.26 8.44 120 3.09 1,280 0.73 0.76 45.1 70.15 9.39 3.04 0.64 0.315 5.33 0.68 16.34

SERVICES 11.44 18.6 1.38 0.4 0.042 21.3 2.82 11.1 0.061 89 7.59 6.58 5.9 10.5 890 2,088 5.36 405 2.45 1.76 134.9 11.24 5.7 0.122 6.21 2.94 14.42 4.51 0.9 19.9 0.56 3.79 2.73 1.59 14.16 2.05 3.35 9.65 3 4.44 9.5 124 3.16 1,350 0.75 0.78 45.1 71.05 9.65 3.15 0.64 0.32 5.4 0.71 16.42

16,400 53,900 102,000 210,000 5,500,000 13,900 1,489,000 13,174,500 66,640,000 705,170 400 1,489,700 285,000 58,900 410 73,395 224,400 1,260 1,499,000 9,000 2,325,740 700 7,200 660,000 12,139,900 17,000 5,500 1,969,000 4,199,000 719,400 1,187,000 148,000 2,076,000 24,000 100 844,000 280,000 10,400 4,000 272,000 11,500 162,110 2,095,000 168,195 3,420,000 60,387,000 1,377,500 452,030 244,800 6,049,000 1,345,000 4,340,000 301,500 3,739,000 430,700

188,410 997,304 134,450 84,850 234,700 292,730 4,050,230 144,154,256 3,978,620 62,727,843.50 3,036 9,747,539 1,613,684 609,816 364,900 153,154,500 1,198,612 509,038 3,634,860 15,840 314,765,334 7,868 41,310 80,020 76,406,673 50,050 79,470 8,859,850 3,682,780 14,176,324 657,080 568,140 5,674,870 38,420 1,416 1,749,030 912,910 100,106 12,000 1,171,300 104,712 19,457,288 6,597,940 223,127,415 2,535,720 47,290,110 62,187,955 31,834,975 2,347,162 18,821,110 862,570 1,395,250 1,616,723 2,609,500 7,078,050

-30,030 84,800 -13,069,404.00 -85,560 1,440,283.50 465,418 46,826,160 180,530 -9,481,293 1,894,282 2,246,490 -164,300 6,169,290 -117,970 -38,950 -6,640 3,000 2,102 -910,700 84,949,985 -172,690 -1,682,000 20,784,305 -723,075.50 4,865,970 98,560 -32,500 -263,014 -2,840 -245,088

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

0.0019 1.07 2.7 11.74 1.1 1.14 2.82 0.29 7.73 1.59 0.222 0.111 0.104 0.0077 0.0078 1.03 2.16 0.99 0.61 0.87 0.012 0.011 0.012 3.95 2.89 7.85 22.65 0.0065

0.0019 1.12 2.71 11.84 1.1 1.14 2.82 0.29 7.9 1.59 0.232 0.111 0.104 0.0077 0.0078 1.03 2.16 0.99 0.61 0.88 0.012 0.011 0.012 4.1 2.94 7.85 22.65 0.0065

0.0018 1.04 2.7 10.62 1.09 1.11 2.77 0.285 7.63 1.53 0.219 0.108 0.104 0.0077 0.0078 1.03 2.14 0.98 0.55 0.87 0.011 0.011 0.01 3.8 2.86 7.68 22.3 0.0064

MINING & OIL 0.0019 469,000,000 1.07 4,316,000 2.71 71,000 11.68 6,000 1.1 10,000 1.11 31,000 2.81 221,000 0.29 250,000 7.8 3,100 1.55 485,863,000 0.232 480,000 0.108 190,000 0.104 390,000 0.0077 10,000,000 0.0078 2,000,000 1.03 2,000 2.15 694,000 0.99 4,000 0.61 45,000 0.87 63,000 0.011 19,500,000 0.011 500,000 0.011 989,500,000 3.94 77,000 2.87 321,000 7.68 1,401,400 22.35 2,514,800 0.0064 5,000,000

891,000 4,669,740 191,710 68,018 10,930 34,680 616,660 72,350 24,092 751,399,650 109,870 20,640 40,560 77,000 15,600 2,060 1,493,410 3,940 26,660 54,820 214,600 5,500 10,872,800 295,740 933,250 10,814,303 56,361,460 32,100

-3,147,140 -2,710 -28,100 692,590 -272,780 122,000 -17,450 -367,670 29,075,645 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PNX PREF 3A SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

18 485 96.5 104 5.35 899 97.5 0.99 100.6 101.9 970 75 76.3 72.5 73.9 73 72.25

18 485 96.5 104 5.35 899 97.5 0.99 100.6 101.9 970 75 76.9 72.5 73.9 73 73.5

17.9 485 96.5 104 5.35 899 97.5 0.98 100.5 101.9 970 75 76.2 72.5 73.85 73 72.25

PREFERRED 18 21,000 485 1,200 96.5 380 104 80 5.35 100 899 10 97.5 10 0.98 156,000 100.5 9,500 101.9 100 970 1,530 75 2,470 76.9 3,710 72.5 60 73.85 11,290 73 3,400 73.5 390

377,628 582,000 36,670 8,320 535 8,990 975 153,980 954,760 10,190 1,484,100 185,250 282,948 4,350 834,016.50 248,200 28,585

-291,580 15,000 -

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

2.08

2.15

2.03

2.13

520,000

1,090,550

-

176,000 2,524,000

826,240 2,506,260

-230,000

356,799

91,640

11,210 74,460

-

NAME

MS

HOLDING FIRMS 0.57 8,428,000 52.7 1,310,260 14.7 2,877,000 0.79 20,848,000 6.85 4,300 12.88 41,000 1.23 803,000 1.26 23,000 900 511,720 3.28 5,635,000 6.94 472,000 10.12 2,308,900 14.48 267,000 883.5 76,140 6.15 20,500 60.7 2,133,240 6.21 7,300 0.5 10,000 4.65 8,531,000 15.1 10,079,200 0.56 886,000 4.32 9,265,000 0.04 6,100,000 1.07 126,000 179 219,020 920.5 174,600 0.94 61,980,000 270 22,540 0.235 600,000 0.28 31,220,000 PROPERTY 15.78 0.79 11 2.15 0.75 47.7 2.31 5.04 6.4 0.6 0.81 0.89 0.227 0.395 9.76 24.1 0.49 1.58 1.46 5.44 0.305 0.48 1.76 0.415 2.03 23.9 2.01 3 38.8 1.92 6.37 0.76

3,085,300 858,000 1,100 114,000 263,000 8,521,800 113,000 2,396,000 1,500 81,627,000 60,000 2,000 430,000 180,000 684,400 899,600 790,000 9,076,000 8,820,000 9,986,900 22,030,000 430,000 2,340,000 1,410,000 1,564,000 1,206,800 84,000 33,000 8,233,100 3,151,000 133,900 69,000

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.68 1

4.82 1

4.62 0.98

FIRST METRO ETF

117

117

115

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.2 10.2

10.2 10.2

10.1 10.2

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES 9,312,949

INDUSTRIAL

347,994,571

HOLDING FIRMS

175,005,982

PROPERTY

174,551,962

SERVICES

203,673,014

MINING & OIL

1,994,149,738

GRAND TOTAL

2,907,397,226

4.75 1

SME

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 116.3 3,080 10.1 10.2

DDS

1,100 7,300

VALUE 1,706.79 (down) 5.36 864,611,568.77 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,215.73 (down) 146.44 2,074,799,263.468 HOLDING FIRMS 7,376.01 (down) 32.29 1,352,322,876.30 PROPERTY 4,172.31 (down) 55.83 1,657.47 (up) 4.80 1,039,489,904.06 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,197.18 (down) 35.36 1,246,250,271.006 PSEI 7,747.09 (down) 56.94 839,381,403.855 All Shares Index 4,781.85 (down) 27.41 7,420,564,671.76 Gainers: 73; Losers: 125; Unchanged: 44; Total: 242

Peco obtains interim permit to retail power in Iloilo City

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission granted a provisional certificate of public convenience and necessity to Panay Electric Co. to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity in Iloilo City.

“Under the law, we (the ERC) are authorized to grant Peco the necessary provisional CPCN during the interim period or until More Electric and Power Corporation, the legislative franchisee, has established and can fully operate its own distribution system”, ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera said.

Peco’s franchise has already expired while President Rodrigo Duterte signed in February this year a law granting More a 25-year power distribution franchise in Iloilo City.

ERC said Peco in the meantime was authorized to operate the existing distribution system within the franchise area, as well as implement its existing power supply agreements with generation companies that had been provisionally or finally approved by the ERC. ERC said Peco would operate the distribution system until the establishment or acquisition by More of its own distribution system and the complete transition toward full operations within two years.

ERC said Peco’s license was subject to the certain conditions to ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity in Iloilo City. The regulator also ordered Peco to settle the full amount of a refund not later than June 30, 2019.

“I would like to underscore the provision of the law that the provisional CPCN granted to Peco during the transition period shall not be construed as extending the franchise of Peco which has expired on January 18, 2019,” Devanadera said. ”More, on the other hand, can exercise its right of eminent domain whereby it may acquire such private property that is actually necessary to enable it to perform its obligation to provide uninterrupted supply of electricity in Iloilo City,” she added.

Globe in digital tie-up with Antique, Semirara Mining

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. has teamed up with Semirara Mining and Power Corp. and the local government unit to digitally transform the Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique.

“Digital inclusion is a huge undertaking because it requires cooperation from a broad set of stakeholders—private enterprises, local residents, and local government,” said Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu. “We are happy that the stakeholders have given their support so we can bring about change that would eventually result to a more progressive island community,” he added.

To improve voice and video communication, Globe teamed up with SMPC to upgrade all cell towers in the island with LTE technology.

As a result, better network connectivity serves as a bridge between Semirara Island and the outside world. Forecasts about typhoons become readily available for the fisherfolk community.

Mynt, a financial tech startup of Ant Financial, Globe, and Ayala Corp., meanwhile, is providing SMPC with a modern payroll solution that allows the company to easily disburse salaries, loans or allowances. SMPC is the single biggest employer in Semirara island and its nearby areas, providing jobs to over 3,300 individuals with over P1 billion in annual value.

Through GCash, SMPC employees can send money to other GCash users anywhere in the Philippines, or to their relatives in other parts of the country,for free and within seconds. It also allows them to pay bills at the comfort of their homes, and without falling in line at automated teller machines.

Globe is working closely with public and private high schools in the island to promote responsible online citizenship to the youth and teachers of Semirara.

Globe Bridging Communities will roll out the Digital Thumbprint Program to public schools Semirara National High School and Tinogboc National High School, and a private school Divine Word School of Semirara Island Inc. in June 2019.

World IN BRIEF

WAITING FOR MAY. Members of the press stand outside Downing street in central London on May 24, 2019. Beleaguered British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to announce when she will resign, according to reports, following a Conservative Party mutiny over her remaining in power. AFP

‘Black Widow’ sentence upheld TOKYO―A Japanese court on Friday upheld the death sentence on a woman dubbed the “Black Widow”, who used cyanide to kill a string of elderly and rich lovers and pocketed millions in insurance payouts and inheritance.

The Osaka High Court rejected an appeal by Chisako Kakehi, 72, to overturn her sentence of death by hanging for the murder of three men―including a husband―and the attempted murder of another, in a case that gripped Japan.

Kakehi became notorious after using poison to dispatch a number of elderly men she was involved with, drawing comparisons with the spider that kills its mate after copulation.

The court “turned down the appeal” made by defense lawyers, according to a spokesman.

Her lawyers launched a final appeal, according to local news agency Jiji Press.

Handing down the death sentence in 2017, presiding judge Ayako Nakagawa said the murders were “cunning and malicious” and Kakehi made her victims drink cyanide “with a murderous intention.”

The judge rejected defense arguments that she was not criminally liable because she was suffering from dementia.

The trial lasted a marathon 135 days and captured the imagination of the Japanese public, with more than 560 people lining up for 51 seats in the courtroom.

Kakehi reportedly amassed one billion yen ($8.8 million) in payouts over 10 years but subsequently lost most of the fortune through unsuccessful financial trading. AFP

Florida executes serial killer WASHINGTON―A serial killer was put to death on Thursday in the US state of Florida, 35 years after he raped and killed at least eight young women in the Tampa Bay region.

Robert “Bobby” Long, 65, was executed at 6:55 pm (2255 GMT) at the Florida State Prison in Raiford, the state’s Department of Corrections said.

“The execution took place without incident,” Michelle Glady, the department’s director of communications, said in a statement.

He was sentenced to death in September 1985 for killing a woman the year before.

During the investigation, he confessed to killing seven others as well as to committing multiple rapes, according to the execution order.

The then recently divorced father of two began his violent spree in the early 1980s.

He first chose his victims from the classifieds section in local newspapers. He contacted women who were selling items, went to their homes and raped them before fleeing.

That earned him the nickname of “classified ad rapist.”

In 1984, Long started murdering.

Over the course of eight months, he kidnapped at least as many women, tied them up, raped them, choked them or slit their throats before abandoning their bodies.

He kidnapped a 17-year-old girl who was returning home on her bike in September of that year. After raping her repeatedly, she managed to convince him to let her go, and later notified police. AFP

Three more climbers die on Everest KATHMANDU―Three more climbers have died on Everest, expedition organizers and officials said Friday, taking the toll from a deadly week on the overcrowded peak of the world’s tallest mountain to seven.

Nepal has issued a record 381 permits costing $11,000 each for this year’s spring climbing season, triggering bottlenecks en route to the summit after poor weather cut down the number of climbing days.

“Two more Indian climbers have died on Everest yesterday,” Mira Acharya, spokeswoman for Nepal’s Tourism Department, told AFP, while expedition organizers confirmed the third fatality.

Kalpana Das, 52, reached the summit but died on Thursday afternoon while descending, as a huge number of climbers queued near the top of Mount Everest.

Another Indian climber, 27-year-old Nihal Bagwan, also died on his way back from the summit.

“He was stuck in the traffic for more than 12 hours and was exhausted. Sherpa guides carried him down to Camp 4 but he breathed his last there,” said Keshav Paudel of Peak Promotion.

An Austrian climber died on the northern Tibet side of the mountain, his expedition organizer said.

The 65-year-old died close to the summit on his descent.

Wednesday saw an Indian and American climber die on the mountain. Last week, an Indian climber died and an Irish mountaineer is presumed dead after he slipped and fell close to the summit. AFP

B3

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

No date set for return to service of 737 MAX F ORTH WORTH―Civil aviation regulators from around the world failed to make a determination Thursday on when Boeing’s popular 737 MAX aircraft can return to the skies after being grounded following two deadly crashes.

“The only timetable is to make sure the aircraft is safe to fly,” Daniel Elwell, acting head of the US Federal Aviation Administration, said at the conclusion of the day-long meeting in Texas.

There was “enthusiastic agreement to continue the dialogue,” he said, but acknowledged that “each country has to make its own decision.”

“If they unground relatively close to when we unground I think it would help with public confidence,” Elwell said, while adding that: “We can’t be driven by some arbitrary time line.”

Until the 737 MAX crashes in Ethiopia in March and Indonesia in October that left a combined 346 people dead, the common practice was that air regulators would follow the assessment of the agency overseeing the model, in this case the FAA. On Wednesday, Elwell threw cold water on the hopes for a speedy resolution, after revealing Boeing had held off submitting a proposed software fix for review after his agency raised additional questions.

“Once we have addressed the information requests from the FAA, we will be ready to schedule a certification test flight and submit final certification documentation,” Boeing said in a statement.

Investigators have focused on the MAX’s anti-stall Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation

System in inquiries into the two deadly crashes.

Boeing last week said the MCAS update was ready for the certification process, and US airlines were hoping the planes could be back in the skies in time for part of the summer travel season.

But Elwell on Thursday said the process could take one month, two months or longer.

“It is all determined by what we find in our analysis of the application,” he said on CNBC. Once Boeing has submitted all documentation, the FAA will conduct a test flight and detailed analysis to evaluate the safety of the software.

Richard Aboulafia, an aviation analyst at Teal Group, said Boeing wants to avoid having to repeat the process.

“There’s a lot at stake in terms of the first impression by the world’s regulators,” he told AFP. US air carriers that operate the 737 MAX, including American Airlines, Southwest and United, have said they hope to have the planes flying again by mid-August at the latest.

The FAA’s reputation has taken a beating since the March crash, and faced accusations of an overly cozy relationship with the aviation giant. Other aviation authorities now appear less likely to follow the US agency.

Michel Merluzeau of Air Insight Research, said American officials could end the 737 MAX’s grounding toward the end of summer, with authorities in other countries following suit “several months” later.

“We’re headed for a return to service that could drag on in time,” he said.

Elwell said regulators also have yet to decide on changes to pilot training once the adjustments have been approved.

The United States has differed with a number of countries on this issue, including Canada. Washington believes training on computers or tablets is sufficient for seasoned pilots but Ottawa wants to require training on flight simulators.

Transport Canada said it had “full confidence” in the FAA and its processes, but did not rule out the possibility that pilots of 737 MAX jets would be required to receive simulator training.

Nicholas WRobinson, director-general of civil aviation, told Canadian media the training was a “possible option” but added it was too early to say if it would be mandatory.

The European Aviation Safety Agency, Canada and Brazil are among countries saying they will conduct their own evaluations of the MCAS fix.

What China, the first country to ground the 737 MAX, will do is also an unknown given the flare-up in trade frictions with the United States.

About five dozen representatives from 33 countries accepted the FAA’s invitation to attend the regulators’ conference in Texas. AFP

Britain’s May says she will step down on June 7 LONDON―British Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation in an emotional address on Friday, ending a dramatic three-year tenure of near-constant crisis over Brexit.

“It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit,” May, her voice breaking, said outside her Downing Street office.

May, 62, said she would step down as Conservative Party leader on June 7.

She would remain as prime minister in a caretaker role until a replacement is elected by the party.

The leader of the party automatically becomes prime minister.

May, who took charge in the aftermath of the 2016 EU referendum, was forced to make way following a mutiny in her cabinet and Conservative Party over her ill-fated strategy to take Britain out of the European Union.

She will become one of Britain’s shortest-serving post-WWII prime ministers, remembered for presiding over one of the most chaotic periods in the country’s modern political history and for her inability to deliver Brexit.

“I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour of my life to hold―the second female prime minister but certainly not the last,” May said.

“I do so with no ill-will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love,” she said, appearing close to tears as she turned back abruptly and walked back into her office.

May was pushed into the humiliating spectacle of announcing her departure from office following a meeting with the head of the Conservative Party committee in charge of leadership elections.

She had previously said she would step aside once her unpopular EU divorce deal had been passed by parliament, and this week launched a shortlived bid for lawmakers to approve it in early June, that has now been postponed.

MPs have overwhelmingly rejected the withdrawal agreement she struck with European Union leaders last year three times, brutally weakening May on each occasion.

With her resignation, the manner of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union appears more uncertain than ever.

She had been under growing pressure to quit following months of political paralysis over Brexit, which have intensified in recent weeks following disastrous results in the May 2 English local elections.

The Conservatives are expected to fare similarly badly in this week’s European Parliament elections when the results are announced late Sunday.

May’s latest effort to force through her despised Brexit deal, which included giving MPs the option of holding a referendum on the agreement, proved her final undoing. AFP

50 years later, Montreal toasts Lennon-Ono ‘ bed-in’ for peace

CELEBRATION. Valery Ortiz attends People En Español's ‘Most Beautiful’ Celebration at 1 Hotel West Hollywood on May 23, 2019 in West Hollywood, California. AFP

MONTREAL―John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent a week in pajamas in 1969 at The Queen Elizabeth hotel in Montreal, welcoming journalists and recording “Give Peace a Chance” as the Vietnam War raged.

Fifty years later, the hotel is celebrating their fabled experiment in pacifism with a series of special events including guided tours of the couple’s room.

“We’re still talking about it 50 years later, but at the time we had no idea the impact that it would have,” Joanne Papineau, spokeswoman for the hotel, told AFP. “After the couple left, for years we didn’t talk about the bed-in, but then John was murdered, other wars continued and people started showing up wanting to see where it all happened,” she said. “Many years later, they suddenly found meaning in what the couple had done.”

From May 26 to June 2, 1969, Lennon and Ono received journalists from around the world who interviewed the couple in bed, as well as fans and fellow artists who helped to create a chirpy ambience and send a simple message: Stop the Vietnam war.

The idea derived from sit-ins, in which protesters sit in front of or inside an establishment until their demands are met or they are arrested.

Amid this merry chaos and with limited technical means, Lennon composed

and recorded his famous hymn to peace, “Give Peace a Chance.”

His entourage, which included psychedelic drug advocate Timothy Leary and writer Allen Ginsberg, not always singing in tune, provided the chorus. The song would later be remixed in a professional sound studio.

“This is certainly one of the most remarkable and influential songs of contemporary music,” Genevieve Bornesaid, host of the upcoming festivities, told a news conference on Thursday.

“This bed-in for peace was also one of the first acts of activism by artists.”

The special events at the Fairmount Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal will kick off on Saturday and continue through Lennon’s birthday on June 9.

They will include the unveiling of an exhibit of photographs taken during the bed-in, guided tours of the famous Room 1742, a “hippie” night and a concert for peace.

The Phi Foundation will also host an exhibit of the works of the widow of Lennon, the Beatles singer who was tragically gunned down outside their New York apartment in 1980.

The couple had actually rented four adjacent rooms in the hotel (1738, 1740, 1742 and 1744) for their stay in 1969.

AFP

Bringing architecture to the ‘Nex’ level B4

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

Soulful haven at Wack Wack

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HE landscape of Ayala Avenue is beginning to look different—and better—since the 28-storey NEX Tower was opened last week by property developer, the Nova Group.

The gleaming skyscraper, built on one of the last two vacant lots along Ayala Avenue in Makati City, has been quietly hosting construction activities over the past two years along the street that hosts the country’s most expensive business addresses.

The Nex Tower sits on what what used to be a vacant lot between Rufino Tower and the 6788 building, which houses the Philippine office of Standard Chartered Bank.

Incidentally, the last vacant lot along Ayala is situated just a few meters away, on the other side of 6788, and right next to the unfinished Jaka Tower which was acquired by Ayala Land Inc. ALI’s structure, when completed, marks the first time that properties will be fully occupied on either side of the pricey road, that is still considered the center of Philippine business.

Tenants moving in One may pooh-pooh the Nex Tower’s seemingly relative low height, but take note: this building will be taller than 6788 on its left, but slightly shorter than Rufino Tower on its right.

Already, tenants are moving in, most of them multinational companies, financial institutions and smattering of local firms.

“We are already “about 65% leased out,” Ricardo Cuerva, managing director of Nova Group (Seen in photo at the tower opening) told the Manila Standard.

“There’s a lot of interest ever since we finished the building.

And we’re confident that more will be leased out very soon,” Cuerva said. A typical floor area is 1,400 square meters, and the floor-to-ceiling height is three meters or nearly 10 feet. The rent

can go for P1,600 per square meter.

Nova collaborated with the international architectural and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) on NEX Tower. SOM famously designed Burj Khalifa, currently the world’s tallest building, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the One World Trade Center in New York City.

“SOM is really well known for office towers,” Cuerva pointed out. “We just thought that if we’re building a premium corporate office building, SOM is certainly one of the best companies to work with.”

NEX Tower has a “crystalline” exterior and a “unique slice” that affords wide views of the cityscape. It features common areas landscaped with greenery, multi-level parking for hundreds of vehicles and a vast lobby with a 16-meter floor-to-ceiling height.

Designed to be energy- and resource-efficient, the tower uses highly efficient air conditioners on the market, low-flow fixtures and double-pane curtain wall with low emissivity. It is pre-certified for a gold-level LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Green and closer to nature When one enters NEX Tower’s lobby, a massive 11 meter living green wall greets you. The wall provides fresh air, natural elements, and grand scale to a city that has become ostensibly detached from nature.

The building carefully manages natural resources, achieving the highest sustainability criteria by using the highest efficiency air conditioning equipment available on the market, and a low emissivity, double pane curtain wall throughout the building. NEX Tower is targeting to save at least 50% in water consumption through rainwater collection and low-flow water fixtures. The building is pre certified at Gold level LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Beyond LEED certification, the building offers multiple landscaped areas for occupants to commune with nature. In addition to the living green wall, there are three other landscaped outdoor spaces within the tower where building tenants can be around plants, including the top floor roof garden.

A better workplace The Nova Group is confident that the NEX Tower offers the best workplace in the market to serve its occupants, their businesses, and the community around it.

Nova Group advocates “an attitude of engagement with the city and its citizens,” described Cuerva. Indeed, a a soaring quasi-public lobby was created inside the tower to connect Ayala Avenue and de la Rosa Street. Distinguished Filipino artists were commissioned to create site specific artwork, which seek to enhance the architectural experience and foster a strong sense of place.

“We believe that good place-making is an important responsibility for a developer. Buildings need to integrate with and enhance the community that they are sited within,” Cuerva explained.

TUCKED inside an upscale neighborhood in Mandaluyong City is the Shang Residences at Wack Wack. Shang Properties, developer of residential condos such as Horizons Homes at Shangri-La at the Fort, One Shangri-La Place and St. Francis Shangri-La place in Ortigas, and Shang Salcedo Place in Makati, has given the project a subdued, tasteful

feel, highlighting its cozy vibe.

Tropical resort elements and understated luxury prevail in the amenities, which are both sophisticated and cozy. A relaxed feel pervades every facility, complementing residents’ busy lifestyles with an oasis of comfort.

Designed by BTR (HK), the interiors are effortlessly sophisticated. The design isn’t the fully fitted out, glamorous kind of luxe, rather it is the comfort of being at peace in one’s home. Shang Residences’ design centers on creating a space that makes people feel calm when they enter, where their souls can be refreshed, and their hearts rejuvenated.

With such well-thought-out design, a prime location, and amenities suited for every lifestyle, Shang Residences at Wack Wack gives residents an urban living experience that lets them rest, recharge, and most importantly, feel at home.

ACTIVE, WORKING SPACE CHAMP. Office infrastructure developer Daiichi Properties was recently awarded the five star best office development Philippines award for its Fifty Six Central project at the 2019 Asia Pacific Property Awards in Bangkok, Thailand. The project is Daiichi Properties’ newest endeavour at the emerging business district of ARCA South in Taguig. Fifty Six Central’s recognition follows four other International Property Awards wins that Daiichi Properties received for its other building projects – One World Place in 2013-2014, World Plaza in 2015-2016, and The Finance Centre in 20162017. It was also awarded the Best Developer Website for property developers in the Philippines in 2017-2018. The buildings developed by Daiichi Properties, including Fifty Six Central, have been designed in close collaboration with Gensler, an international design firm that was ranked the number one firm for the third year running in Building Design’s 2018 World Architecture 100. Fifty Six Central is a pre-certified Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver project. At the awards night were (from left to right): Stuart Shield, president and founder, International Property Awards; Arch. Georgina de Vera, manager architect and Marjorie Ann Roco-Ojeda, sales and leasing manager, Daiichi Properties.

GEARING UP FOR “BUILD, BUILD, BUILD.” Republic Cement

NEW OFFERINGS, INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE. KMC Savills, one of the country’s fastest growing property consultancy firms, is building up its capabilities not only to keep pace with the industry’s growth but also to stay ahead in this highly competitive environment. With its latest service innovations, like labor and location analytics, property and facilities management, and the use of Artificial Intelligence powered K3, the company is expected to expand its market share in the BPO, IT, finance, hospitality, and gaming sectors. KMC Savills’ worldwide occupier services team is responsible for supporting and driving the firm’s international business development, client relationship management, and implementing growth initiatives and innovation. The team, from left: manager Abraham Puno; director Carlo Pineda; executive director John Corpus and manager Mike Coronado.

recently launched a new high-strength masonry cement, Kapit-Balay masonry, to address the needs of Cebu’s construction industry. Kapit-Balay masonry is a Type S high-strength cement tailored for ease of application and adhesion, where mortar masonry is required. This hydraulic cement is designed to be used for plastering, brick or block laying, and block filling with minimal wastage. Utilizing less clinker due to its use of light micro-materials, it is a welcome addition to Republic Cement’s roster of more sustainable cement. Kapit-Balay masonry cement is manufactured in Danao, Cebu, and is available in retailers and hardware stores within the province.

Life

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

YOUNG LIFE

@MStandardLIFE SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

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‘It’ boys and girls on the runway T

HE future of Philippine fashion is bright and colorful as seen in a presentation that celebrated the childhood joys of summer.

Proud parents and their stylish tots strutted the runway of the show staged by SM Kids in collaboration with Toy Kingdom.

Gian and Joy Sotto’s brood, Janice de Belen’s grandchildren, Joel Cruz’ twins, Kathryn Bernardo’s niece, among other celebrity children and young social media influencers showcased pieces from SM Kids’ summer collection.

The kids collection consists of staples from Swimwear, LOL Surprise, Tees & Denim in vibrant colors ranging from marigold to sugary pastels inspired by the ocean. Bold stripes, artsy graphics, Fun fruits and f lorals come alongside those colors for an exciting array of designs. The kids showed that pairing print with print is the key to a stylishly fun summer look.

The SM Kids Swimwear collection highlights the vibrancy of colors and playfulness of prints in a wide range of florals, fruits, and lovable animals. Swimming in style, these designs come in different silhouettes that come in one piece or two-piece combos that can be mixed and matched.

LOL Surprise! is inspired by funky dolls with a unique sense of style and personality, where kids can have fun pairing different trends together.

Tees & Denim puts a twist on basics. Boys’ tees offer novelty graphics that echo their favorite comics, while girls’ tees are embellished with fantasy details such as appliqués of unicorn and mermaids. These dreamy tops are perfectly paired with classic denim in different trend washes, offering stretch for comfort and playground wearable.

LIKE A DOLL.

Social media influencer Victoria Serrah Tonin in stylish, vibrant summer dress from SM Kids’ latest collection.

Proud mom Joy Sotto with kids Igu, Sandro, Rosanno, and Amari, who all join the fashion show.

Noah Alcaraz knows how to have fun on the runway.

LJ Cheng is summer ready.

Furla meets Hello Kitty, My Melody HELLO Kitty and My Melody fans will be treated to a cute collection of bags as Sanrio and Furla renew their friendship.

The stars of this new collection tell the story of a journey into infinite space.

My Melody is a bunny born in The Forest, Maryland. Her long ears are antennas for friendship and she knows straight away when people are happy or sad. Cheerful and honest, she loves baking cookies with her mama and is protective of her little brother. Among her favorite things are almond pound cake and the hood her grandma made for her.

The Stars print depicts My Melody sitting on Saturn’s rings, surrounded by constellations on a dark blue background. In another print, Hello Kitty hides behind Saturn in the Planets pattern, surrounded by stars, which orbit her on a Camelia background.

The third print sees Hello Kitty aboard a large, colorful rocket, flying through space.

All of the prints, created using a digitally stylized cartoon graphic, come alive on the Metropolis—the iconic Furla crossbody bag available in small, in Ares calfskin leather, and in Mini in Saffiano with the chain and closure in classic metallic gold.

Two Metropolis bags featuring the faces of Hello Kitty and My Melody complete the capsule collection. The specially treated materials enhance the bags’ exterior with pearl effect details and three-dimensional applications like the small bow embellishment on both.

Also in this collection are printed fabric bands made to enrich the bags or to be worn as bracelets. Completing the Hello Kitty line are the My Play Furla flaps, wallets, and card cases.

The Furla Hello Kitty collection is now available in select Furla stores.

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER. Bags couldn’t get any cuter than these Furla crossbody bags featuring best friends Hello Kitty and My Melody.

Life

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SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

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A fresh grad’s guide to job searching

ILIPINO fresh graduates entering the workforce and young professionals starting their careers are concerned about the availability of opportunities for them, according to LinkedIn Opportunity Index.

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, found that almost half of young people aged 18 to 29 years old in the Philippines feared that there might not be enough opportunities available for them, although, on the contrary, new jobs are emerging.

Here at home, the top five emerging jobs are data scientist, application development analyst, back-end developer, full stack engineer, and sales development representative. These are jobs, which did not exist five years ago, are driven by technology.

To help job seekers hoping to improve their chances of finding and connecting to opportunities, LinkedIn shares the following tips:

Establish a digital presence that reflects your values

Ask yourself, what are you ‘in it’ for?

Why do you do what you do? Knowing this answer is crucial to finding the right job for you. Once you have thought this through, use it to create a LinkedIn profile and write your ideal job description.

It’s a practice that some companies are starting to attract top talent.

Explore jobs on LinkedIn

Take advantage of LinkedIn’s job search filters to narrow your search by industry, function, and experience, and then use the open search box to add key phrases to find the right job for you. Discovering new jobs on the network is easier with Instant Job Notification and Job Title Highlights.

Make sure you shine through

After you’ve thought about what you’re ‘in it’ for, maximize your online presence, such as using LinkedIn’s summary section to share a little bit more about yourself

GET THAT JOB. The world’s largest professional network LinkedIn shares useful tips fresh graduates and young professionals can do to maximize available resources in their job hunting. and the skills and experiences that make you unique as a professional. It’s one of the top things the 2.8 million recruiters using LinkedIn every day look at when viewing profiles.

community to see if you have any connections who work at companies that interest you. These professionals can be key in helping you find—and land—the job you want. According to LinkedIn, professionals on the platform are four Connect with people in your times more likely to get a call with a recruiter, and nine times more likely to network who can help Take a good look at your LinkedIn get hired when they’ve been referred by

a connection than if they apply without line resources can provide rich informaa referral. tion and background.

“What’s important is that you know Make a good impression the steps to take on your journey to a Getting to know more about the com- successful and rewarding career. Be pany you wish to be part of can guide authentic and stay true to your values,” you on what it takes to get hired and advised Linda Lee, head of communicasucceed there. The company’s website, tions for LinkedIn Southeast Asia and LinkedIn Company Page, and other on- North Asia.

Kidzania Manila citizens elect leaders

AFTER Filipinos voted for their chosen leaders in the previous midterm elections, KidZania Manila citiZens were also able to cast their votes in an election where 14 children emerged as the new CongreZZ representatives.

The CongreZZ reps take on leadership roles to help the play city work towards a better world.

Senator Francis Pangilinan joined the induction of Happy Aguilar, Kim Ama-

rille, Kate Amarille, Patricia Balatbat, Liz Castigo, Riley Catral, Gian Cera, Juhi Chandiramani, Angela de Guzman, Renz Emperador, Jiada Javier, Kian Jimenez, Jillian Salinas, and Andrea Sta. Maria as the new CongreZZ Kids.

“Each of you is a winner. True victory comes when you cooperate with other leaders to reach your shared goals,” said Sen. Pangilinan during the children’s inauguration rites.

The outgoing and newly elected CongreZZ Kids with KidZania Manila Governor and chief executive Cookie Bartolome, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, and KidZania Manila chief operating officer Tourino Dilaga.

KidZania Manila Governor Cookie Bartolome stressed the important role of the newly elected kids. She said, “As a CongreZZ member, you are also a servant leader. It is your duty now not just to listen to other kids but to be their voice that affects change. We are aiming to build a better world and it starts here at KidZania Manila.”

Representing the play city’s legislative branch, these CongreZZ Kids, ages 8 to 15 years old, will discuss trends that affect their generation, exchange ideas and opinions, and hone their leadership skills during their three-year term.

Together they will apply lessons and learnings in real life, and share their passions and talents as they work for the welfare of KidZania Manila and its CitiZens, in line with the “Generation KidZania: Kids building a better world” campaign.

The 14 representatives will also get to try new jobs at KidZania Manila, grace special events, connect with other CongreZZ Kids from other KidZania facilities in other countries, and participate in other KidZania programs as the play city’s official ambassadors.

Agrabah in Manila

Bitmoji characters change based on what the Fitbit wearer’s doing and weather, among others.

Need motivation? Bitmoji clock face on Fitbit smartwatches

GLOBE Postpaid show us a whole new world today until tomorrow with A Wondrous Place event at SM Aura.

A Wondrous Place, which is open to all, lets guests experience the streets of Agrabah and get a chance to win movie passes to Disney’s Aladdin. Here are the exciting things happening at the event

Agrabah-themed Marketplace

Locally made, sustainable products from OIAM, Dream Wide Awake, Home Seek MNL, and Brand New Dailies can be purchased using GCash. Guests can also experience a festival of flavors and taste the essence of the Arabian peninsula at the Festive Food stalls.

Pledge wall

Be a part of a better, whole new world by donating a tree to the Hineleban Foundation—a local organization that promotes environmental conservation through reforestation efforts in Mount Kitanglad, Bukidnon. For only P100 using Globe Rewards points or GCash, guests can donate and name their own tree which will help preserve the primary rainforests in Mindanao.

Magical activities

Gather the gang and strike your best pose as you ride on a magic carpet, assemble your enchanted gems from the Cave of Wonders, and build your dream castle. Get gold coins from select activities and exchange them for tickets to Disney’s Aladdin.

A whole new world awaits at Globe’s A Wondrous Place event.

Grants wheel to get a chance to win exclusive freebies from Magic lamp hunt Feeling lucky? Find the magic lamp and spin the Genie Globe, like 0917 Aladdin apparel and Funko Pop figures.

GETTING active and healthy becomes more fun and motivating with the first-ever Bitmoji smartwatch clock face that dynamically updates throughout the day based on personal health and fitness data, activity, time of day, and weather.

The Bitmoji smartwatch clock face was developed through the partnership of Fitbit and Snap, Inc., the company behind Snapchat.

Bitmoji character changes based on what the smartwatch wearer’s doing, time of day, weather, and personal stats tracked by the device and synced within the Fitbit App. There are more than 50 Bitmoji clock face variations of the Bitmojis, including: Waving hello to start your day; Dancing with your alarm clock when it’s time to rise and shine; Throwing confetti after you crush your daily step goal; Relaxing when you’ve binged too many of your favorite shows; Meditating when you’re totally relaxed and zen; On the treadmill after a great run; Becoming an avocado when you

log food; Carrying an umbrella when there’s a chance of rain so you don’t get caught in a downpour; and Sleep walking when it’s time to catch some Zzs; among others.

“Giving our users experiences that are personalized, engaging, and delightful is at the core of what we do at Fitbit,” said Tim Rosa, chief marketing officer of Fitbit.

Rosa continued, “We’re thrilled to partner with Snap to give our millions of users around the globe a creative, shareable depiction of their health and fitness progress through this imaginative concept. The Fitbit x Bitmoji dynamic clock face is the collective result from both Fitbit and Snap teams, to create a new way to help motivate people to be healthier and have lots of fun doing it.”

The Bitmoji clock face is now available for download in the Fitbit App Gallery on the following Fitbit smartwatches: Fitbit Versa, Fitbit Versa Special Edition, Fitbit Ionic, and Fitbit Ionic: adidas Edition.

Entertainment

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

BOBREY in a special concert A

VID fans of the phenomenal tandem of Ken Chan and Rita Daniela will have a blast as GMA Network airs their concert My Special Love #BoBreyinCONCERT tomorrow night on Sunday Night Box Office (SNBO).

The concert is set to start in high spirits as Ken and Rita portray their well-loved characters in the hit afternoon soap My Special Tatay - Boyet and Aubrey while they make their way to the stage.

Their hilarious banters drew hearty cheers from the audience, who couldn’t

help but sing along to their single “Almusal.” Viewers will see a different side of Ken and Rita as they groove and sing to “Hataw Na.” In their solo spots, Ken will spread kilig vibes in his performance of his debut single under GMA Music

Expect to get a strong dose of 'kilig' with Ken and Rita's heartfelt duets and production numbers. (Inset) The onscreen tandem onstage with differently abled children as their special guests.

entitled “1 Like.”

Meanwhile, Rita will relive precious moments in her 13 years in the show business. She will touch the hearts of the fans through her single “Florita.”

One of the show’s highlights is the heartwarming song number of Ken and Rita with people with intellectual disabilities.

Ken and Rita’s co-stars in My Special Tatay - Lilet, Teresa Loyzaga, Baby Angelo, and the show’s director LA Madridejos - were also present

CCP, Bench gear up for TernoCon 2020

Game changer WHEN one hears the late, great Manuel L. Quezon’s name, president of the Philippine Republic during the Commonwealth times, majority of people associate him with being the father of Tagalog language and the man responsible for the annual Linggo ng Wika celebration.

His last name, conjures the imposing image of what seems like an edifice from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, from Mordor, the Quezon Memorial Circle where his remains are buried.

It has also become the city of the stars and one of the richest in the metro and the province named after his family name, adjectives such as bucolic, provincial, rustic and vacation comes to mind instantaneously.

Now, as it comes to the cinemas this May 29, a not so popular historical moment that transpired during his term of office as the President will unfold in the film aptly billed as Quezon’s Game.

With Matthew E. Rosen as its director and produced by ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema, Quezon’s Game tells the story of President Quezon’s hand and resolve to assist and help more than a thousand Jews escape the Holocaust by persuading American authorities to issue Philippine visas to the refugees.

Google it and you will be made aware that in the late 1930s that Adolf Hitler systematically massacred six million Jews during the Holocaust. While other world leaders ignored the plight of Jewish refugees, Quezon, despite heavy opposition, did the unthinkable, he created an open-door policy which was meant to welcome more than 10,000 Jews to the country though he had originally planned to welcome more.

Per the film’s official press release: “President’s Quezon’s compassion has been compared to Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who inspired the Oscar Best Picture Schindler’s List (1993).”

The Philippines initially issued 10,000 visas but plans were halted when Japan invaded and occupied the Philippines during the Second World War. In the end, only about 1,200 Jews reached the country’s shores.

Raymond Bagatsing plays former President Manuel L. Quezon in 'Quezon's Game.'

In what seemed like a heated verbal exchange which between Vice-President Sergio Osmena, Sr., played by Audie Gemora, and Quezon, played by Raymond Bagatsing, which audiences may view its official movie trailer: VP Sergio said, “Mr. President, why are you doing this? It’s not that we’re belittling the Jews but should the Filipinos be concerned about this?”

Quezon replied: “I can’t turn a blind eye, Sergio. … This is the Philippines. We will stand against Hitler.”

Bagatsing’s thoughts on giving life to a revered President, “As an actor, it can make or break you. Portraying him, I believe is my biggest acting challenge to date. Honestly, it made me feel nervous and excited at the same time. I know I must trust my instruments as an actor, I must make this iconic man, a living, breathing figure.”

People can expect, “A Quezon who is a very lively speaker, he really gives his heart and his whole body when he speaks.

Audiences will see him smile, what makes him smile. He loves telling jokes. No doubt he’s a great man.”

Providing stellar support to Bagatsing and Zamora in the film are Rachel Alejandro who plays Aurora Quezon, the President’s wife and the nation’s First Lady. Other cast members are David Bianco as Dwight Eisenhower, Billy Ray Gallion, and Tony Ahn as Alex Frieder and Herbert Frieder, Kate Alejandrino as Baby Quezon and James Paoleli as Paul McNutt.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, May 25, 2019

ACROSS 1 Bring to an end 5 Frothy 10 Whacks 14 Horde 15 Karnak neighbor 16 Singer — Adams 17 Backpack contents 18 Map book 19 Dig for ore 20 Exam smudge 22 Wine-barrel stoppers 23 Thick head of hair 24 Has a fever 26 Dim 28 Zipped through 32 Oscar or Cornel 33 Push rudely 35 Ms. Thurman of “Gattaca” 36 Pamplona shouts 37 Vail competitor 38 Answered a judge 39 Clammy 40 Finicky 41 Comes down hard 42 Law 44 — -craftsy 45 “Famous” cookie maker

46 Almond-shaped 47 Licorice flavoring 50 Sights and sounds 53 Boors 54 Japanese canine 56 Bake 58 Pentathlon event 59 Individualist 60 Paper toy 61 Official imprint 62 Tempestuous 63 Pitfall DOWN 1 Mattress problem 2 House shader 3 General — Bradley 4 Pharaohs’ tombs 5 Brag about 6 Unconventional 7 Wheel part 8 Flightless bird 9 Cen. fractions 10 Confound 11 Norse deity 12 Tinny sound 13 Takes notice of 21 Rational 22 Spent unwisely 24 Friar’s home 25 Golf club item 26 Piece of fish

27 Prince Val’s wife 29 Many South Africans 30 Grinding material 31 Many parents 32 Goes over big 33 Mountain curves 34 DJ’s albums 37 Wheels 38 Community get-togethers 40 Emit smoke 41 Tot’s wheels

in the audience to support the pair.

Meanwhile, John Kenneth Giducos, who portrayed “Dekdek” in the series, will join Ken on stage for a special duet performance.

Directed by Louie Ignacio for television, My Special Love #BoBreyinCONCERT is co-presented

by GMA Music, GMA Network, and Starmedia Entertainment, with Barangay LS 97.1 as media partner.

The creative direction is by Mcoy Fundales with musical direction

by Marc Lopez.

43 Mortarboard feature 44 Place for birds 46 Furry swimmer 47 Makes top honors 48 Collar site 49 Glimmering 50 Trig function 51 Steak cut 52 Theta follower 54 Visitor from Melmac 55 Garden pond fish 57 Tapped item

INSPIRED by the successful outcome of TernoCon 2018, the first-ever Terno Making Convention and Contest held last year at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the CCP and Bench/ Suyen Corporation join efforts again to pursue its mission of preserving and promoting the Philippine national dress with T TernoCon 2020 on Jan. 26 next year.

The 2020 edition aims to encourage the use of the terno as a popular form of formal dress, and to inspire and motivate emerging designers to create ternos that are at par with the creations of senior designers.

Fourteen designers were chosen as finalists for the competition this year. They are: Abdul Gaffar A. Dianalan (Laguna), Christian Jay P. Martin (Nueva Vizcaya), Xernan A. Orticio (Camarines Sur), Rogelio Samson Pugat, Jr. (Ilocos Norte), Renz Edward L. Reyes (Cavite), Hanz Herzl Pableo (Cebu City), Christopher L. Zamora (Davao City), Hannah Francesca L. Adrias (Pasay), Jennifer Jean A. Dee (Sta. Ana, Manila), Jayson A. Glarino (Valenzuela City), Krizia Kaita A. Jimenez (Quezon City), Windell B. Madis (Makati City), Dinnes Obusan (Makati City), and John Gavin B. Ruffy (Las Piñas City).

Each finalist is required to design and execute a capsule collection

of three ternos which can either be cocktail or evening ternos.

From May 27 to 31, the 14 finalists will be gathered to attend a weeklong workshop, mentoring and convention at the CCP Silangan Hall.

Notable resource speakers who have enormous contributions to art, culture, design, and fashion will talk on specific topics relevant to the program.

Among the speakers are Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson (professor & editor of the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art), Felice Sta. Maria (Filipiniana author), Sandra Castro Baker(expert in Philippine fabrics), Cholo Ayuyao (doll couturier), Lenora Cabili (designer of contemporary Filipiniana), Mark Lewis Lim Higgins (painter & fashion educator), Rafael del Casal (portrait artist & ecclesiastical designer).

TernoCon 2020 will have as mentors Inno Sotto (chief mentor), Philip Rodriguez (Cebu’s preeminent designer), Ivarluski Aseron (modernist designer), and Lesley Mobo (international designer) with Gino Gonzales as the Project Director. A series of individual consultations with the mentors will also happen from August to September 2019.

The final competition judging and showcase with cultural program is set for Jan. 26, 2020 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (main theater) of the CCP. The mentors together with the First Prize Winner of TernoCon 2018, Marlon Tuazon of Pampanga, will showcase their special terno collections during the final competition night on Jan. 26. The criteria for judging are adherence to competition guidelines, craftsmanship / execution of design/fabrication, creativity, and wearability / functionality.

The 14 finalists will receive a Plaque of Participation and the top three winners will receive cash prizes from Bench/Suyen Corporation.

For more information, contact the CCP Cultural Exchange Department at tel. nos. 832-1125 locals 1708-1709.

The 2020 edition of TernoCon aims to encourage the use of the terno as a popular form of formal dress.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

BlueWater’s star-studded opening BLUEWATER Day Spa celebrated another successful grand opening with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for its sixth branch along Ortigas Avenue.

Spotted at the ribbon cutting ceremonies were Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, international car racer Marlon Stockinger, balladeer Christian Bautista, David Licauco, Harry Morris, Fabio Ide, Ervic Vijandre and new brand ambassadors Raymund Isaac, Enzo Mondejar, Jay Buen, Sidney Yap, Ton Lao, Cez Young, Leo Posadas, Jake Galvez, and Dino Lazado.

BlueWater Day Spa started its dedication to cater to beauty and wellness needs in 2005. It offers a wide array of pampering services that include, facial treatments like the Oxygen

Infusion Therapy, unique massages like the Manual Lymphatic Drainage and the 4-Hand Massage, machine treatments like the Diamond Peel and the Phototherapy Flash, hand and foot treatments and spa packages for couples and brides-to-be.

Bluewater Day Spa is open from 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 mn on Mondays to Thursdays and from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Fridays to Sundays. The new branch is located at Eton Square, Ortigas Ave. (425 Ortigas Ave, Greenhills San Juan). You may contact the following numbers for reservations or inquiries 727-8420, 7240426, 0917-8156659 and for franchising inquiries, contact no is 0917-5715886.

Follow them on their Facebook page: @ bluewaterdayspaortigas and Instagram page: @bluewater_day_spa.

SNAPSHOT From left: Father Richard of Mary the Queen Parish, Arnold Vegafria, Mary Simisim, Pia Wurtzbach, Marlon Stockinger, Bing Limjoco, Blanca Mercado, Carlo Orosa, and (from left, back row) David Licauco, Fabio Ide, Ervic Vijandre, Christian Bautista, and Harry Morris.

INTERNATIONAL Football scandal girl scores Cannes hit in film debut SHE is notorious as the under-age escort at the heart of a scandal that shook the French football team, but Zahia Dehar has confounded her critics with a startling big screen debut at the Cannes film festival.

The former escort who was allegedly paid for sex by French football stars Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema in 2009 when she was still 17, was hailed as the “main power source” in the acclaimed French film An Easy Girl.

Algerian-born Dehar—who is known in France simply as Zahia—has since traded her trashy reputation for social media fame and her own lingerie brand.

But Easy Girl—whose title plays on Zahia’s sulphurous celebrity—reveals impressive acting talent way beyond red carpet and photocall pouting which makes her a regular in gossip magazines.

The Hollywood Reporter compared her to 1960s French screen siren Brigitte Bardot, with one scene on a beach echoing the opening of Jean-Luc Godard’s classic, Contempt.

“Her pouty, performative femininity

brings to mind a young Bardot,” critic Jon Frosch wrote.

Zahia, now 27, told AFP she wasn’t in the slightest worried that people would draw parallels between the party-girl character she plays and her own life. AFP

BUSTY DISPLAY. Zahia Dehar hit the headlines 10 years ago as the underage escort who was allegedly paid for sex by top French footballers

DiCaprio, Pitt want to team up again after Tarantino hit

JEROME and JANE’s

VERY WANG

Y

NICKIE WANG

OUNG actress Jane Oineza finally breaks her silence regarding the alleged relationship that she and Jerome Ponce had in the past. She cleared the cobwebs and explained why people thought they were an item.

romantic past

At the press launch of Finding You, a film the two are top-billing, the 22-yearold actress said that she’s happy that she’s given another opportunity to work with Jerome. They last worked together in the 2015 series Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita (NKNKK).

“We did not date, to begin with,” she clarified.

However, she revealed that she and Jerome developed a special bond that is more than friends “but less than lovers.”

“The relationship just didn’t develop into something else. It didn’t bloom.

It’s like we were getting there, there’s a potential for us to get there but it just didn’t happen,” she vaguely explained.

She couldn’t further describe the kind of friendship that they have so she just enumerated the good qualities she likes about her leading man.

“He is so sweet as a person. I just couldn’t remember if he expressed any sweet gestures to me in the past but he’s sweet, kind and thoughtful,” Jane shared.

“I also like his humor. Yun yung mahalaga sa ‘kin.

Yung comfortable ako at ikaw. Ganon lang, walang pretensions,” she added.

Though their connection did not lead to a romantic relationship, Jane said that she and Jerome would bump into each other every now and then, since they are both artists of Star Magic.

Leonardo DiCaprio said there was "an incredible ease" between him and Brad Pitt as they worked together on 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood.'

Jane Oineza and Jerome Ponce reunited in a Regal Entertainment film, 'Finding You.' (Left) Jerome with co-star Barbie Imperial.

“Our friendship is always there, we have constant communication. Hindi naman parang after NKNKK hindi na kami nagusap at all,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jane is happy to be given substantial roles in movies especially in the Regal Entertainment project she’s starring in opposite Jerome.

“I always try to give my best in any role I portray. I think that’s what they see in me, my being dedicated to my craft that’s why they always entrust me with good roles.

And I couldn’t be any less thankful.”

Jerome, on the other hand, was more elusive when asked about the past that he and Jane had. When asked about the issue, the actor was reluctant to answer.

“Wala naman yata kaming ... We’re friends, yung lang,” was his succinct response.

Nevertheless, Jerome confirmed that he and Jane never lost their friendship.

“We remained friends even after our last

project together. Whenever we bump into each other, we would catch up and talk for a while, tapos nagkakayayaan lumabas with other friends.”

What is definite though is that the actor got excited upon knowing that he would work again with Jane in an acting project.

“I felt really excited when the role was offered. I felt pressured as well because the last time we worked, siya ang nagdala lahat ng eksena don sa teleserye namin.”

Meantime, Jerome does not mind being tagged as an underrated actor. He is just thankful that he gets numerous showbiz offers that make him busy.

“I can just be thankful and if there’s another project for me, I would really be glad. I’m content with what I have ever since,” he ended.

Directed by Easy Ferrer, Finding You also stars Barbie Imperial. The film opens in cinemas on May 29.

HOLLYWOOD A-listers Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt said Wednesday they had to tap into distant memories of being Hollywood outsiders for their star turns in Quentin Tarantino’s new movie, calling it a “love letter” to the industry’s dreamers.

Speaking after their movie Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood was rapturously received at the Cannes film festival, the actors said they bonded on set over fame’s surreal strangeness and hoped to work together again.

“There was an incredible ease and comfort getting to work alongside Brad, we kind of grew up in the same generation, got our start around the same time,” Di Caprio said.

“Quentin gave us this incredible back story for our characters... their work

together, their friendship together, what they’ve been through in the industry together.

“All that fed into the incredible comfort and ease that I think he and I had with one another.”

In the dark fairytale set in the Los Angeles of 1969 just before the Manson murders, DiCaprio, 44, plays a fading television western star with Pitt, 55, his stunt double and offscreen sidekick.

DiCaprio called the movie by the director of Pulp Fiction and the Kill Bill movies a “love letter to the outsiders of the industry.” AFP

THE Idol hopefuls of Search for the Idol Philippines are making waves on the international scene as they earn praises from various foreign singers and YouTube reactors for their impressive audition performances.

Despite his audition only aired last May 12, Lance Busa already caught the attention of the American singing legend Anita Baker, who followed him on Twitter and tweeted “Soul music alive and well with our friends in the Philippines.” Another American singer Brian McKnight also became Lance’s instant fan as the RnB star followed him on Instagram.

Lance’s audition piece also earned approval from American Idol season 7 alumnus David Hernandez, who

‘Idol’ hopefuls get praises from foreign singers, YouTube reactors commented on one of his online posts, and was reposted by the foreign Instagram account @theyhavetherange.

Meanwhile, several reaction videos of YouTube reactors showing how they were impressed by the Idol hopefuls’ audition performances also surfaced online, with some of the even earning hundred thousands of views.

Juancho Gabriel’s performance of the song “Your Man” left the reactor from the Music Games News channel, which has 475,000 subscribers, in awe and commented that “it was surprising and

it was different” as he praised Juancho’s unique baritone voice.

“She has so much emotion and she was singing from her heart,” said the reactor from the Brothers channel, which has 442,000 subscribers, as he felt the emotional performance ofAngie Kristine who sang “Jar of Hearts.”

Partners Yani and Fabio, who has 136,000 subscribers, were thrilled with Matty Juniosa’s rendition of “Natural Woman” as they admired his “technique” and “sass” while performing.

Meanwhile, Search for the Idol

Philippines continues to reign on weekends. Last Saturday (May 11), it recorded a national TV rating of 31.3 percent versus Daddy’s Gurl (16.9 percent), according to data from Kantar Media. It also won on May 12 with 27.8 percent, beating Studio 7 (14 percent).

Another set of Idol hopefuls will try to impress and touch viewers’ hearts this weekend. Who among them will get the chance to step on the Idol City? Tune in to the idol hopefuls’ journey on “Search for the Idol Philippines” on ABS-CBN.

Popular YouTuber reacting to Idol hopeful Juancho Gabriel’s performance.