Manila Standard - 2019 May 31 - Friday

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WARRIORS SEEK 3-PEAT, RAPTORS GUN FOR FIRST NBA CROWN VOL. XXXIII • NO. 106 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Trash returning to sender Garbage sails back to Canada 6 years after dumping in PH

NO DUMPSITE EH. Members of Green Peace International, Ecowaste Coalition, and Break Free from Plastic on Thursday sail past the MV Bavaria, the vessel which will carry back the Canadian trash, at the Subic Bay Freeport, while other members stage a rally (inset) at the Subic Bay Container Port. Revoli Cortez

Pentagon urges Villar sucked into Senate top post guessing game ‘collective action’ By Macon Ramos-Araneta to keep sea free WASHINGTON―The US military’s top general said Wednesday that Chinese President Xi Jingping reneged on his promises not to militarize the South China Sea and called for “collective action” to hold Beijing responsible.

General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Pentagon’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he was not calling for military action, but stressed that there was a need to enforce international laws.

“The fall of 2016, President Xi Jinping promised President Obama that they would not militarize the islands.

So what we see today are 10,000-foot runways, ammunition storage facilities, routine deployment of missile defense capabilities, aviation capabilities, and so forth,” he said in a talk on US security and defense at the Brooking institution.

“So clearly they have walked away from that commitment.”

“The South China Sea is in my judgment not a pile of rocks,” he continued, referring to the series of reefs and outcrops that have been claimed as territory

by China, reclaimed and expanded to accommodate military forces and large aircraft.

“What is at stake in the South China Sea and elsewhere where there are territorial claims is the rule of law, international laws, norms and standards.”

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SPECULATION swirled Thursday that reelected Senator Cynthia Villar, the front-runner in the senatorial race during the May 13 midterm elections, would challenge incumbent Senate President Vicente Sotto III for the post.

In an interview over ANC’s “Headstart,” Senator-elect Imee Marcos said there were moves to have Villar of the

Nacionalista Party “step in” to take over the Senate leadership.

“I heard Senator Villar’s name being floated as Senate President. I will support Senator Cynthia Villar because she is a party mate. It’s been asserted that once you hit the Senate, you are independent, but I think I will stick to my party,” Marcos added.She clarified, however, that there has been no “real effort” to campaign for Villar.

Marcos said Senator-elect Francis Tolentino from the ruling PDP-Laban suggested there was some kind of a move to push Villar.

While denying the supposed move, Villar told reporters she would “give it a thought.”

“No, nothing like that. We didn’t discuss anything, just preliminaries on the committees,” she said when sought for comment.

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TRASH shipment that strained ties between the Philippines and Canada was set to leave the port of Subic at midnight Friday, as the ship tasked to transport over 60 containers of toxic waste back to the North American country arrived at the former US naval base.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, the government’s officer-in-charge while President Rodrigo Duterte is on an official visit to Japan, said the containers were loaded onto the ship starting 5 p.m. Thursday.

The Canadian government will shoulder the estimated shipment cost of P10 million, Guevarra said.

In April, Duterte said he wanted the trash shipment returned to Canada and warned the issue, if unresolved, might spark a “war.”

In Tokyo, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Malacañang is hoping diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada will go back to normal.

“Hopefully it’s like that because it [trash] triggered the disruptive relations,” Panelo told reporters, while raising the possibility of reinstating the Philippine embassy officials recalled from Canada.

“Well if the reason for the recall was the trash, then if the trash has been brought back, so there’s no more reason.

That’s the logic,” the spokesman said.

Ties between the Ottawa and Manila also soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in 2017, raised concerns over Duterte’s drug war. Last year, the President canceled a $233-million military chopper deal with Canada.

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LGUs tapped in meat recall

‘Palace idle policy on speaker race favors Romualdez’

AGRICULTURE officials say they will request the Department of the Interior and Local Government to direct the local governments to assist the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration in seizing imported pork products that might have been contaminated by African Swine Fever.

At the same time, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said he would ask traders to voluntarily refrain from importing pigs and processed pork products from countries hit by the fever.

The virus, fatal to pigs and wild boars, spread across half of China’s provinces last year and was detected this week at a slaughterhouse along its border with Hong Kong.

Piñol, speaking in Filipino, told radio

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s handsoff policy in the election of Speaker of the House has cemented the win of Rep.elect. Martin Romualdez, House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said Thursday.

“If the Palace will not intervene, I think Martin has enough numbers to be elected as Speaker. He is the most popular among congressmen because he is sensitive to the needs of his fellow legislators as well as his malasakit [public service

By Maricel V. Cruz

with a heart] governance. His leadership has been tried and tested,” Suarez said.

House Majority Leader Fred Castro echoed Suarez’s view.

“Why should I doubt the words of the President? Because he is the President and being the President, we have to believe what he says, otherwise who else [is there] to believe?” Castro said.

Earlier, Suarez said a manifesto of support for Romualdez has reached the “magic number” of more than 153 signatories needed to win the post. Next page

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OCD scrimped on doleouts for Marawi

By Rio N. Araja THE Office of Civil Defense has spent only about P10,000 out of the P36.9million donation for the victims of the Marawi siege, according to the Commission on Audit.

Based on the commission’s 2018 audit report, the P10,000 went to the family of one of the victims who was killed during a firefight between government troops and the terrorists in 2017.

“Clearly, the donations were not uti-

lized to provide for the much-needed support of the Marawi siege victims,” the report says.

“The poor utilization of the donated funds defeated the purpose of the donation, and that the good intention of the donors for human consideration was not fully served.”

The National Disaster Coordinating Council Memorandum Order No.13 ordered the Office of Civil Defense to provide a disaster victim with P10,000 in financial assistance if a family member is killed and P5,000 if injured. Next page

BREATHER IN TOKYO. President Rodrigo Duterte does with common-law wife Honeylet Avanceña some quick shopping in the Japanese capital and buys a laptop and a watch for his daughter Veronica. Top photo shows Duterte sharing a selfie with Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who is part of the Philippine delegation on the invitation of the President, during a lull in the Chief Executive’s official visit to Japan. Photos by Sen. Bong Go via GMA/Twitter

Labia sizes matter to youth

Heirloom pearl valued at $90m

THE rise in labiaplasty surgery—an operation to reshape or shorten the lips of the vulva—is worrying confirmation that, for young people especially, the aesthetic of their vagina

A FILIPINO now living in Canada now owns one of the world’s largest pearls, a family heirloom that had sat in his family’s home in Manila—but is actually worth billions of pesos.

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Du30 shops for daughter PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte bought a laptop and a watch for his daughter Veronica as he and common-law wife Honeylet Avanceña sneaked in some shopping in Tokyo on Thursday during his four-day working visit to Japan.

This was the first time President Duterte went shopping abroad with his family Next page

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News

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Losing Lanao bets ask for special polls

By Vito Barcelo FOUR losing candidates in Lanao del Sur have asked the Commission on Elections to conduct a special election in the province on grounds there was massive cheating and vote-buying in the May 13 midterm polls.

Meanwhile, eight people were killed and 14 were injured in 51 incidents of violence after the May 13 elections, the Philippine National Police said Thursday.

PNP spokesman Bernard Banac said most of the victims were barangay officials and some were Sangguniang Kabataan officials.

As of Thursday, Banac said, 21 of the 51 cases had been solved while 22 were still under investigation.

The losing candidates led by Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong, Hatta Dimaporo, Agakhan “Binladen” Sharief and Sultan Bob Datimbang filed a petition with the Comelec seeking to nullify the election results in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

Named as respondent was Mamintal Adiong Jr. who was proclaimed the winning candidate.

In a 12-page petition, Mamondiong, a PDP Laban candidate for governor in Lanao del Sur and former TESDA director general; Hatta Dimaporo, former vice mayor; Agakan “Binladen” Sharief and Sultan Bob Datimbang claimed that the elections in the province were marred by violence, vote-buying and acts of “massive fraud” such as the pre-shading of ballots and the substitution of voters.

They also cited a viral video showing some people apparently pre-shading the ballots without the knowledge of the voters.

The petitioners said their complaints were supported by affidavits executed by a number of witnesses.

Labia...

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is a source of low self-esteem, the magazine Cosmopolitan UK reported.

“As reported by the Victoria Derbyshire Show last year, more than 200 girls under the age of 18 underwent the procedure on the NHS [National Health Service] in 2015-16—150 of whom were reportedly under 15,” the magazine said in a Yahoo News article.

To tackle this concerning issue, it’s vital that women understand exactly what is and isn’t normal when it comes to the vagina, the magazine said.

“Unless your vagina is causing you physical discomfort, then there’s absolutely nothing to worry about,” Dr. Mofid Ibraheim, an expert surgeon in gynaecological procedures at MYA, explained previously to Cosmopolitan UK. The topic came up in a recent thread on the social site Reddit, when people who would describe themselves as having large labia were asked how they feel about them, and whether they’re self conscious about how they look, the magazine added.

“No part of a woman’s body is exempt from unrealistically high standards—and that includes the vagina. Thanks to porn films showing generally hairless women with ‘perfect’ rosebud labia, both men and women alike have adopted an expectation that this is what every vagina should look like,” Cosmo UK said.

“But in the same way our faces look different, so do our genitals—and it’s completely natural to do so,” it added.

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while on an official visit, noted former aide and Senator-elect Christopher “Bong” Go, who in pictures taken by GMA News reporter Virgil Lopez was with the President in visiting the Apple store in Tokyo.

Duterte also hit the stores in Hong Kong last October 2018 and in February, but both were while he was on vacation with Veronica and Avancena.

The President is slated to speak at the 25th International Conference on The Future of Asia, also in Tokyo, and hold talks on Friday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Since becoming President, Duterte has visited Japan thrice, with his previous visits in 2016 and 2017―both in October.

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Now based in Mississauga, Ontario, Abraham Reyes said an uncle brought the heirloom, which was named “Giga Pearl,” from Camiguin to his aunt as a homecoming gift 60 years ago.

Reyes gained the 27.65-kilogram pearl in 2016 while his aunt was unloading her estate, he told Canadian broadcaster CTV News.

“The family members were more interested with the estate, the home; mine is the collection of art,” he said.

Now encased in a bronze octopus sculpture, the pearl is valued between $60 and $90 million (P3.13 to P4.7 billion) after Reyes had the pearl authenticated by the Gemologi-

NPAs ambush foreign IP observers

By Francisco Tuyay

F

OREIGN observers from Indigenous People’s communities in four Asian countries escaped unscathed after the military convoy they were traveling with was ambushed by New People’s Army rebels in a remote village in Bukidnon Thursday.

At least seven army soldiers were wounded in the attack, which sparked a brief exchange of fire.

Reports said the military entourage bearing foreigners from IP communities in Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and Ma-

laysia and local volunteers were traversing Sitio Nasandigan, Brgy. Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon when they were hit by a roadside bomb.

“We thought a tire exploded, then we heard a burst of fire, somebody shouted

duck,” one of the foreigner said.

“We were afraid but we are very thankful to Filipino soldiers for providing us protection” a female observer said.

The foreign IP representatives arrived in to the country to observe the activity of local IP community volunteers belonging to Higaonon Amamag Malandang Olandok Gagaw in Sitio Sitio Mintapod, Brgy.

Hagpa, Impasugong town.

“We denounced strongly this attack on foreign observers who were in the country to visit various projects of IPs in the locality. They are non-combatant civilians,” said

DOJ: Bikoy not qualified yet for witness protection

By Rey E. Requejo PETER Joemel Advincula, the self-confessed “Bikoy” in the “Ang Totoong Narco-List” videos who retracted his story and accused Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and other opposition people of plotting to oust President Rodrigo Duterte, may be admitted to the government’s Witness Protection Program,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Thursday.

But Advincula must meet the requirements for admission to the WPP, Guevarra said.

Guevarra, who was designated caretaker of the government while President Duterte is on an official visit to Japan, made the

Trash...

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As the country bid goodbye to the Canadian waste, six years after it was discovered in local ports, environmental groups called on the Duterte administration to ban all waste imports in the Philippines and ratify the Basel Ban Amendment.

This follows the discovery of several other waste shipments to the Philippines from South Korea in 2018 and Australia and Hong Kong, which were discovered last week.

From 2013 to 2014, 103 shipping containers from Canada were intercepted in the Port of Manila containing mixed wastes, including non-recyclable plastic, waste paper, household waste, electronic wastes, and used adult diapers, the groups said in a statement.

These materials are classified as hazardous, based on the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste and Control Act of 1990 or

statement even as the Justice department, through the National Bureau of Investigation, pursued its fact-finding probe on Advincula’s claims.

Guevarra said Advincula may apply for coverage under the WPP following the concerns on his safety.

“Nothing prevents Bikoy from applying for WPP coverage, but there are requirements that he has to meet for full coverage under the program,” Guevarra said.

“His eligibility will be subject to a careful evaluation by the DOJ.” Guevarra said Advincula would first have to cooperate with the NBI and submit a sworn affidavit detailing the allegations

he made when he surrendered to the Philippine National Police last week.

“We note that at this time he has not submitted any statements under oath, much less any evidence to support his allegations either before the PNP or the prosecutor’s office or any other investigative body,” Guevarra said.

However, upon application and submission of an affidavit, Advincula may be given protection under provisional coverage of the WPP. Guevarra said Advincula’s status under the program would then depend on the DOJ’s evaluation on his credibility as a possible prosecution witness.

Republic Act 6969, they noted.

“Moreover, the importation of the shipment violates the Basel Convention, as the contents of the cargo vans were misdeclared as ‘recyclable’,” the statement added.

The groups, including Ecowaste Coalition, Greenpeace Philippines, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, BAN Toxics, and the global Break Free from Plastic movement, reiterated their call for the Philippine government to ratify the Basel Ban Amendment, which prohibits the import of all waste for any reason, including “recycling.”

While the return of Canada’s waste is a positive development, they noted that only over half, or 69 containers, of the original waste is being shipped back.

Twenty-six containers were already landfilled in the Philippines at the time when Canada disowned responsibility for the shipment, while the other eight containers were also disposed of locally, they said.

Aside from the controversial Canadian waste, shipments containing garbage from

South Korea were discovered in October last year.

After campaigns from environmental groups in both the Philippines and South Korea, the Philippine government and its South Korean counterparts agreed to ship back part of the waste shipment in January.

The remaining 5,176.9 metric tons of waste are still in Misamis Oriental, awaiting repatriation.

In May 2019, the entry of wastes coming from Australia and Hong Kong in Mindanao Container Terminal became public.

Ever since China closed its doors to waste importation in January 2018, Southeast Asian countries have been the destination of waste exports from developed countries, the groups noted.

A report from Greenpeace revealed that the majority of ‘mixed recyclable plastics’ previously destined to China are being redirected to countries in the region with weak environmental regulations. With Butch Gunio and Jimbo Gulle

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo.

“That is a totally detestable act by the CPP-NPA that deserves widespread, global condemnation. It only shows that contrary to their portrayed role, they are anti-IP progress. The CPP wants our rural folks to remain poor and dejected,” Arevalo added.

Troops discovered two more unexploded anti-personnel mines left by the fleeing NPA rebels.

The foreign delegation left the country through Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro City for their next mission. With PNA

BI: No travel record of ‘Jacky Co’ with us

THE Bureau of Immigration on Thursday said Jacky Co, linked by Senator Panfilo Lacson to the P1.8-billion shabu smuggling, had no travel record with the bureau.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said Zhijian Xu, Jacky Co’s real Chinese name, had no travel record, indicating Co did not leave the country.

The BI official said Commissioner Jaime Morente ordered an immediate investigation of Co’s case following reports Co’s name was on the Interpol watch-list.

Sandoval said the bureau was verifying Co’s travel record, saying Co’s name did not appear in the bureau’s data base with interpol “hit list.”

The BI spokesperson said the bureau would look into Lacson’s claim Co was included in the Interpol watch-list but was able to get in and out of the country.

The senator also claimed Co, who allegedly owned the Bulacan-based Feidatong International Logistics Co., was not only involved in the illegal drug operations but also in kidnappings.

Sandoval assured the BI would provide the senator all the needed details regarding the alleged departure and arrival of Co “in the next few days.”

The BI spokesperson added Co could have assumed different names to leave and return to the country. Vito Barcelo

LGUs...

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Villar...

“When we ignore actions that are not in compliance with international rules, norms and standards, we have just set a new standard.”

“I’m not suggesting a military response,” the top US general said.

“What needs to happen ... is coherent collective action to those who violate international norms and standards. They need to be held accountable in some way so that future violations are deterred.”

Washington has been frustrated by an inability to stall China’s aggressive military colonization of the South China Sea, which rejects conflicting territorial claims by five other countries: Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Philippines.

The US has sent navy vessels through the areas claimed by China as “international freedom of navigation operations,” but otherwise has found responding difficult.

Dunford acknowledged that building on the Chinese-claimed reefs had slowed.

However, he said, “I assume that’s because the islands have now been developed to the point where they provide the military capability that the Chinese required them to have.” AFP

“Everything you have to think about when it comes. It doesn’t follow that you like it but you have to give it a thought,” the senator said.

The public should not immediately believe people floating such ideas, Villar stressed.

“It’s normal to float something like that, they are making stories even if they’re not true, It’s part of politics so it’s normal. All I know is that they’re all targeting [chairmanship of] committees,” she said.

Aside from Villar and Marcos, the other members of NP are Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senator-elect Pia Cayetano.

There will be five senators from the ruling PDP-Laban in the coming 18th Congress, which opens on July 1.

The five are Tolentino, PDP-Laban president Aquilino Pimentel III, incumbent Senator Manny Pacquiao, and incoming Senators Christopher Go and Ronaldo dela Rosa.

Marcos promised to stick with her party, especially to Villar, whom she said “has been so good to us.” “We always hitched on her airplane,” she said in Filipino.

In an earlier interview, Cayetano also said being an NP member, she would definitely throw her support behind Villar,

should she choose to contest the Senate presidency.

But Recto said Villar is not interested, and that Sotto was doing well.

Sotto’s camp said it has the support of not less than 12 senators.

Dela Rosa and Go said they were open to supporting Sotto, while Tolentino said he would wait for the decision of the party.

Sotto is counting on votes from Senators Panfilo Lacson and Senators-elect Grace Poe and Lito Lapid.

He is also likely to get the support of Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri and Senators-elect Nancy Binay and Juan Edgardo Angara, as well as Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Joel Villanueva and Richard Gordon.

Zubiri and Gatchalian said they are confident that Sotto will retain his post since Villar said she is not interested in the Senate presidency.

Earlier, Villar said becoming Senate president would mean she would have to give up the committees on agriculture and food and environment and natural resources, because managing the Senate was a full-time job.

The minority bloc composed of Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, and Senators Francis Pangilinan, Leila De Lima and Risa Hontiveros have been silent about who they would support.

A senator needs 13 votes to become Senate president.

OCD...

crisis were asked to present a death certificate, a barangay certificate, proof of filial relationship, a local disaster coordinating council police report and an endorsement for the payment of claims from the LDCC chairman.

The commission said the relatives of those who died as well as the survivors were only given a year from the time of the siege to claim the financial grant.

“The production alone of the above documents could be very burdensome for some victims, which could be one of the causes

of the low utilization of donated funds,” the commission said.

Armed fighters from the two ISIS-affiliated groups―the Maute and Abu Sayyaf jihadists―stormed Marawi, capturing key government buildings and setting fire on churches and schools on May 23, 2017.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military to attack the ISIS fighters, and that led to the destruction of thousands of homes and other structures and the death of civilians, soldiers and rebels.

dzMM, in a report heard nationwide, “I will meet with meat importers today and appeal to them to impose self-limitation on importing pigs and processed pork products from ASF-affected and high-risk countries.”

Piñol has defined high-risk countries as those “contiguous” to countries with ASF like Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam— all members of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

ASF, while not dangerous to humans but is fatal to pigs and wild boars has no known vaccine or cure.

According to Piñol, the Food and Drug Administration continued issuing import permits for canned and processed pork from China despite a ban from the DA last year.

In related developments: • Some local government units have begun inspecting grocery and retail stores in their areas for available pork and pork-based products amid reports on ASF outbreak in some European and Asian countries.

The FDA had recalled all pork and porkbased items from local markets to prevent the possible spread of the deadly pig virus.

Dr. Paul Toletino Foronda, municipal veterinarian of Dinalupihan, Bataan posted on his Facebook page images of their initiative to remind grocery stores to self-recall the prohibited items from their respective shelves pending turnover to the FDA. Foronda said they were able to convince store owners to pull out of more than 800 cans of ‘Ma Ling’ brand luncheon meat throughout their rounds.

• The National Economic and Development Authority earlier said it did not see any impact to inflation rate in the months ahead of the current FDA recall of all porkbased products manufactured in countries affected by the ASF virus.

“We are sticking with the government’s official target range of 2 to 4 percent inflation for 2019... It is probably not going to increase the prices of canned meats...,” NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines-Aboitiz economic forum held in Makati City Wednesday. With Julito Rada

‘Palace...

the second biggest bloc in the House, next to PDP-Laban’s 95, he said.

At the same time, Nograles pooh-poohed the allegation of ousted Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that lawmakers are being offered as much as P500,000 for their vote in the speakership race.

“No one has tried to buy my vote,” Nograles said.

Of the 302 members of the House of Representatives, 95 are PDP-Laban, 54 are PCFI, 37 are members of the Nacionalista Party (NP), 33 are members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), 28 are from the National Unity Party (NUP), 18 are from the Liberal Party (LP), five are Lakas-NUCD, six are from the Makabayan bloc, and the remaining 16 belong to other

parties, or are independents.

Nograles said if PCFI will act as one bloc in the event of a free-for-all in the fight for the speakership.

He said the group has not adopted any position yet, however.

“The work of the Speaker is to prepare the legislative agenda of the House of Representatives. Personally I would want a Speaker who would support the legislative agenda of my partylist and so far, no one has presented their legislative agenda,” Nograles said.

The race for the House speakership is crucial in pushing the President’s legislative agenda, said political science Professor Ranjit Rye of the University of the Philippines. With PNA

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The injured victims were asked to submit some documents, such as a medical certificate, a local disaster coordinating council police report and an endorsement for the payment of claims, hampering them to avail themselves of the government’s financial aid, state auditors said.

The kin of those who died during the Marawi cal Institute of America in New York City.

Reyes said he has no plans of selling the pearl, and instead wants to showcase it in various museums.

“My goal is to have it brought to the museum or galleries for the world to see it. I want it to be used to create environmental awareness,” he said.

“A pearl is [possessed] by luck. Owning it is an honor, It’s such an accomplishment, [as if] you were chosen by fate. I want the world to enjoy it,” Reyes said.

Although the Giga Pearl is massive, a fisherman from Palawan still owns what is thought to be world’s largest pearl, which weighs 34 kilograms. It was put on display at the city hall of Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital of Palawan.

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“It is enough to win. The magic number is 153 and I think he has more than [that],” Suarez said.

A party-list lawmaker, meanwhile, said party-list groups will play a crucial role in the election of the next Speaker, as they now constitute the second biggest bloc in the House.

Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles, in an interview over the television talkshow “Agenda,” said there are 54 members of the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. now headed by 1Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero. This makes it

News House ratifies ‘Murang Kuryente’ Act THE House of Representatives on Wednesday ratified the proposed “Murang Kuryente” Act which seeks to reduce electricity rates by allocating the net government share from the Malampaya fund to clear the huge debts of the National Power Corp. being charged to the monthly electric bill of consumers.

Under the consolidated version of House Bill 8869 and Senate Bill 1950, some P208 billion from the net government share of the Malampaya fund will be allocated to cover payment for stranded contract costs and stranded debts of Napocor.

Stranded contract costs refer to the excess of NPC’s contracted cost of electricity with independent power producers over the actual selling

of the output.

On the other hand, stranded debts refer to any unpaid financial obligations which have not been liquidated by the proceeds from the sales and privatization of Napocor assets.

Payments for stranded contract costs and stranded debts are covered through the universal charge, a pass-on rate to consumers that is also used to finance missionary electrification and the environmental fund.

According to Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, chairman of the House committee on energy, the implementation of the measure will translate to a savings of P172 per household that consumes an average 200KwH per month. PNA

SC grants writs to Red-tagged groups THE Supreme Court has issued a writ of amparo and habeas data in favor of several cause-oriented organizations earlier tagged by the government as fronts of the communist movement in the country.

In a resolution released on Thursday, the SC ordered the government to file on or before June 13, its comment through a verified return to the petition filed by Karapatan Alliance Philippines Inc., Rural Missionaries of the Philippines Inc. and General Assembly of Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership and Action Inc. The petitioners are seeking court protection against threats to the lives, liberty and security of their members through a writ of amparo.

Writ of Amparo is a remedy available to

any person whose right to life, liberty and security has been violated or under threat while the writ of habeas data is a remedy available to any person whose right to privacy in life, liberty or security has been violated or under threat by the unlawful gathering of information about the person, his or her family and home.

The groups asked the SC to compel the government to disclose and destroy all files or records gathered against their members through a writ of habeas data.

Earlier, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers filed a similar petition which the Court also granted.

The case is currently with the Court of Appeals for presentation of evidence.

Rey E. Requejo

Du30 OKs auction of Marcos jewelry PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has approved the public auction of the P704.8 million worth of jewelry seized from former First Lady Imelda Marcos during the People Power Revolution more than three decades ago, Malacañang said Thursday.

In a chance interview with reporters in Japan, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President already gave his nod to sell the multi-million-peso jewelry for public benefit.

“The President said last night that he has agreed that the public should benefit from the jewelry. So, I asked him, ‘Are you going to give the go-signal?’ He said, ‘Yes’,” Panelo told reporters.

“What’s important is that the sales or proceeds go to the public,” he added.

The Palace official made the remark fol-

lowing the proposal of the Presidential Commission on Good Government to sell one of three jewelry collections of the Marcos matriarch through a public auction.

In earlier reports, at least three jewelry collections of the outgoing Ilocos Norte representative were priced at P1 billion at a reappraisal by British auction houses Christie’s and Sotheby’s in February 2017.

According to the list provided by the PCGG, the Hawaii Collection, which was under the safekeeping in the vaults of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, was worth P704.8 million.

The agency also lined up for disposal the real estate properties of the Marcos family and their close associates amounting to P336.014 million and shares of stocks in various corporations worth P40.35 million.

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FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Water level drops again SC revamps T membership

HE already depleted water level of Angat Dam went down to its lowest on Thursday at 169.63, which is 10 meters short of the required minimum operating level of 180 meters.

Angat Dam is the main water source of Metro Manila.

State weather bureau PAGASA said the measurement is the lowest level for the month of May as compared with records in the past 10 years.

PAGASA said the main cause of the problem is due to the effects of persistent El Niño phenomenon.

PAGASA Weather Specialist Richard Orendain recalled that in July 2010, Angat’s water level hit the lowest mark at 157.56 meters.

As this developed, National Water Resources Board Executive Director Sevillo David said they will reduce water allocation in Metro Manila to 46 cubic meters per second (cms) in June from the current 48 cms.

He added that irrigation may also suffer unless Angat Dam’s water level rise up back to its minimum operating level

of 180 meters.

“Sa ngayon po baka ma delay if hindi maka recover ng maayos ang level ng dam above 180 meters, [There might be delays if the dam’s level will not recover to above 180 meters],” David said.

Like Angat, the La Mesa Dam is also experiencing the same problem, as its water level remains low and still unable to supply for Metro Manila’s consumption.

“Ang tubig sa La Mesa Dam hindi parin natin mapapakinabangan sa ngayon dahil hindi pa siya nakakarating sa lebel ng 69 (meters) and above, (Water level in La Mesa Dam cannot yet supply unless it reaches the level of 69 meters and above,)” Orendain said.

The Bureau of Soil and Water Management, meanwhile, said it is still holding cloud seeding operations in specific areas which has so far yielded positive results.

House tackles DENR move to cut 3k trees near Angat

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Wednesday led lawmakers in conducting an oversight hearing on forest management in Region III following concerns over the issuance by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources of permits to cut 3,000 trees near the Angat Dam. The hearing conducted by the House Committee on Natural Resources was presided by Committee Vice Chairman Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II of Surigao Del Norte.

The Arroyo-led House committee meeting sought to assess the information brought forth by Jesus Santos, National Association of Lawyers for Justice and Peace founding chairman, that the DENR

granted a permit in 2016 to cut down 26,000 trees near the Angat Dam. Santos said that this was later reduced to 3,000 trees. The cut trees were deposited to and continue to remain at the compound of Hanjin Heavy Industries, which has since shuttered its operations in the Philippines.

Arroyo said the lawmakers have been accommodating and flexible by letting Santos talk lengthily about the matter.

DENR Assistant Regional Director Arthur Salazar also attended the committee hearing, saying that the Angat Hydropower Corp. contracted the cutting of trees in its efforts to retrofit the Angat Dam. In the terminal report of the DENR, of the 3,000 trees that the permit allowed to be cut, only 1,041 were cut and 230 saplings were boled.

of its three divisions

By Rey E. Requejo

The Supreme Court has revamped the membership of its three divisions composed of five justices each, following the assumption of Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting as its 15th member.

With the reorganization, the SC’s First Division is now composed of Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin as chairman, Associate Justice Mariano C. del Castillo as working chairman, and Associate Justices Francis H. Jardeleza, Alexander G. Gesmundo, and Rosmari D. Carandang as members.

The Court’s Second Division is now constituted by Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio as chairman and Associate Justices Estela M. Perlas Bernabe, Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Jose C. Reyes Jr., and Amy C. Lazaro Javier as members.

Associate Justice Diosdado M. Peralta chairs the Court’s Third Division with Associate Justices Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen, Andres B. Reyes Jr., Ramon Paul L. Hernando and Inting as members.

The three divisions hold sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays. The full court, headed by Chief Justice Bersamin, meets every Tuesday.

The 15-member bench month-long decision-writing period ends today, May 31. Regular sessions in both the divisions and the full court will resume next week.

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Opinion

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

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Corruption-free?

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte in his recent visit to Japan may have gone overboard in guaranteeing a corruption-free business environment for Japanese investors he was wooing to come to the country. Filipinos, including this columnist, wish him success. Who does not want a graftfree government which can draw in foreign investors who can provide jobs and economic stability?

But considering the institutionalized corruption in government, that

The President may have gone overboard.

is a pretty tall order. In the Bureau of Customs alone which is generally considered as the flagship of corruption among government agencies, Mr. Duterte, already in the middle of his six-year term, has yet to stamp out graft from the BOC officials to the rank and file. The billion peso shipment of shabu cleverly smuggled inside six magnetic lifters has yet to be solved and the culprits placed behind bars.

If it’s not smuggling, Japanese investors might encounter bureaucratic red tape in getting out their equipment necessary in undertaking their projects in the Philippines. There will probably be no problem in the

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

entry of Japanese workers as there was none with the Bureau of Immigration which allowed in illegal Chinese workers do jobs in the online gambling industry that can be done by Filipinos. The immigration bureau is another agency of the government that has to be cleaned up.

The mining industry is one area that can be explored by Japanese investors. Although the country is richly endowed with mineral resources like copper, gold and aluminum, mining is a moribund industry and has yet to be given the green light for full-blast operation by the government. It is said that copper is the cousin of gold and where there is copper there is gold. One obstacle to mining is the barriers put by local ba government officials down to the barangay level which want some of the al money to grant permits even if already approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

We hope that President Duterte, in his hubris during the Tokyo visit, can corrup deliver on his promise of a corruption-free business climate. Digong even threatened to kill those who commit graft as he said he staked his name and honor in his commitment to Japanese investors for a corruption-free business climate. Well, let us see..

His delegation alone was accompanied by most of the Cabinet members which drew criticism when Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V commented on it. The Philippine envoy was rebuked by the Palace but assured that he was not going to be replaced for his indiscreet remark that the Cabinet members were asked to join the presidential trip as

L

Budget lessons

AWMAKERS by now should realize the importance of approving the budget on time.

The Department of Budget this early has declared its intention to submit to Congress a record P4.1-trillion national government budget for 2020 on the same day President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address in July this year.

The proposed 2020 budget is over P300 billion higher than the P3.757-trillion expenditure plan for 2019, which Congress passed and President Duterte signed into law only in April.

The budget proposal is one package of legislation that also outlines the government's economic plan or targets for a particular year.

It lays down economic assumptions such as inflation rate, gross domestic product growth, exchange rate, em-

ployment rate and borrowing program.

Some of these macro-economic targets are presumed to be realized on the basis of the proposed expenditure program to be submitted to Congress. A major deviation from the proposed budget could cause the government to miss key economic targets.

Such deviation occurred early this year when Congress dilly-dallied on passing the 2019 budget. The government was forced to operate on a reenacted budget in the first quarter of the year until Duterte finally affixed his signature on the 2019 spending program after a long impasse between the two houses of Congress.

The delay in the approval of the national budget, as

we all know now, weighed on economic growth in the January-to-March period.

The GDP in the first quarter grew at a four-year low of 5.6 percent, slower than the 6.5-percent expansion a year ago and 6.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The budget impasse in Congress during the first three months of 2019, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, had set off a spending cutback, which, in turn, stifled economic activity. Another Finance official noted that an underspending of P69.5 billion in the first quarter reduced GDP growth by 1.6 percentage points.

The slower GDP growth meant that work on some infrastructure projects did not take off or simply slowed down because of lack of funding. The reduced growth rate also translated into lost job opportunities for thousands of Filipinos.

Turn to A5

Was COMELEC unfair to Dapitan City voters?

COMMISSION on Elections Commissioner Rowena Guanzon had one of the most quotable quotes in this year’s mid-term elections.

Asked by media about the mess created by the malfunction of more than 1,000 SD cards intended to be used in vote-counting machines, Guanzon answered with a feisty “lagot sila sa akin.”

Roughly translated to English, the phrase means “I will hold them accountable.”

Guanzon’s statement may have given the public some hope that the supplier may face some kind of punishment as a result of the mess.

That may be in the form of a fine or a withholding of payment. Maybe, the supplier may no longer be allowed to participate in public biddings for Comelec requirements.

However, the fact remains that before the supplier of the messedup SD cards faces the specter of an investigation and sanctions, Filipino voters have already been “punished.” Their precious votes may have ended up not being counted.

Worse, in some places in the country, the results of the voting may have been put under a cloud of doubt.

Was this another case of the Comelec acting too late or not taking the required action at all?

One of the seriously affected places appears to be historic Dapitan City in Mindanao.

The city had been in the public radar months prior to the elections. The public and media observers had been following the developments in the election contest for the mayoralty post of that city. It was supposed to be a bat-

tle royale pitting the Jalosjos clan against Evelyn Uy, former mayor of Dipolog City.

The contest attracted major attention because Dapitan City appeared to be the last political bastion of the once-powerful Jalosjos clan. The family had lost badly in recent elections, keeping just two elective posts. Dapitan City has a major symbolic value to the family, having kept its hold on city hall for decades.

The incumbent is Nene JalosjosJohnson. If Evelyn Uy were to defeat her in this election, the clan

What a way to deflect public doubt and anger.

would have lost its sole remaining stronghold and the last symbol of its political influence. The contest was made more interesting by the fact that the Jalosjoses had never won against Uy. A Jalosjos clan member reportedly challenged Uy for the mayoralty post of Dipolog City but ended up roundly defeated in that match.

The fight for the Dapitan City mayoralty seat was also made more interesting by the “technical” tactics used against Evelyn Uy. At the onset of the campaign period, her eligibility for inclusion in the city’s voters list was questioned.

The Dapitan City election registration board disqualified her. Uy’s eligibility, however, was upheld by the Regional Trial Court of Dipolog which ruled that she should be included in the voter’s list. The court also chided the registration Turn to A5

Choir helps Rio’s homeless sing a different tune

By Maira Renou/ Ana Porto FOR years, Edson Santos has slept in an abandoned taxi or on church steps in Rio de Janeiro. Now the 58-yearold is trying to sing a different tune in a choir for the homeless.

Santos is a member of the "With One Voice" singing group originally created by British performing arts charity Streetwise Opera for the 2016 Rio Olympics, but kept going by the city's government to help some of its most vulnerable residents.

Taking the stage to belt out tunes

about love and hard knocks with his fellow choristers, Santos says his heart beat accelerates when he sings, and then a feeling of "victory, greatness and pride" washes over him.

"It has enabled me to go back to school and now my life is getting better," says Santos, who ended up on the street in 2015 after his son was killed.

"I want to graduate from high school and then go to law school," he says, flicking through textbooks on history, geography, Portuguese and philosophy in front of the church where he sleeps on a piece of cardboard.

A voice The driving force behind the choir is Ricardo Branco de Vasconcelos, a 42-year-old musician whose nickname "Rico" ironically means "rich" in Portuguese.

"It's very necessary work for our country," Branco says at a performance inside the city's futuristic Museum of Tomorrow.

"When you go through Central Station [in Rio], you see dozens of people who have been abandoned like they Turn to A5

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Opinion Permanent workers IT WILL be difficult to hire a temporary worker. And workers no matter how incompetent, unproductive, and corrupt will be very difficult to fire.

Under such a situation, you might as well not hire people at all. Buy or lease a machine. Or install a robot.

According to studies, the more liberal or flexible a government is as regards employment rules, the higher employment is, and the greater is the manufacturing and business activity.

To be fair, labor is about 15 percent of production cost. Energy eats up a much higher ratio, 20 percent.

Followed by high cost of capital. So if government really wants to help workers, it can do better by lowering electricity prices (the second highest in the world) and lowering the cost of capital (Manila interest rates are the highest in ASEAN).

The Senate approved 15-0 last May 22, Senate Bill 1826, “An Act Strengthening Workers’ Right to Security of Tenure,” by amending the present Labor Code and banning oppressive forms of contractualization. The House has adopted SB 1826 as its own.

SB 1826 could be bad for workers, bad for business, and bad for the economy.

Endo is what industry calls 5-55. You hire temporary workers up to five months and rehire them for another five months after that, and so on until eternity, to avoid hiring them permanently. Under the Labor Code, a worker who has been with you for six months must be made permanent.

Permanent means the worker will be entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay, and holiday pay. Plus SSS and PhilHealth.

The Philippines has the most number of holidays in the world—more than 34 days in my count. That is equivalent to giving more than a month’s worth of salary, free cash, to a worker not working and simply enjoying his/her holiday while you scrounge for cash to pay him/her for not doing anything.

SB 1826 reiterates President Duterte’s ban on labor-only contracting and seeks to plug loopholes or uncertainties in existing laws and EO 51 that seem to allow employers to engage in labor subcontracting that circumvents the prohibition.

The unanimous vote of 15 senators

Choir...

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were nothing."

After talking to various people living on the street, Branco realized singing could give them what they seemed to need most: A voice.

"They said they would like to have a voice because sometimes when someone comes to offer food, they don't sit down to listen to what they have to say," he says.

Since taking on the project, Branco has found that his biggest challenge is not recruiting singers, but keeping them in the choir.

"Being there [in the choir] has to ignite pleasure in a person's heart," he explains.

His efforts seem to be paying off.

"It's like a family with marvelous teachers, and everyone respects each

Corruption...

From A4

reward for their efforts in making administration senatorial bets win in a total shutout of opposition candidates We thought all along the President made clear he did not want government officials campaigning or endorsing senatorial and congressional candidates. Which is which? So what was the reward for?

The Commission on Elections, on the other hand, needs a total revamp if not abolition. Not for corruption but for incompetence in the conduct of elections. There were so many glitches where the Vote Counting Machine did not accept ballots in-

present on the day of the SB 1826’s approval means no senator wants to be perceived as anti-labor. Also, I suspect none of the senators employ people using the senators’ own (not pork barrel or taxpayers’) money (except perhaps for property tycoon Cynthia Villar whose family has built more than 300,000 homes).

“We longed for this day to come, especially our workers who have suffered because of the evils of endo, a practice which corrupts the dignity of labor. We want to give all workers peace of mind when it comes to their employment status, that no worker can be dismissed

Robots, anyone?

rants. This is a problem that senators do not encounter in the Senate. Some of the senators are college dropouts or have skills or other occupation not fit for legislative work.

How can you legislate permanent work when there are ten million Filipinos who are either unemployed or are employed only part time?

Employers have denounced the noendo measure. They think it will lead to more, not reduce, unemployment.

“Employers might result to laying off workers outright or shift to mechanization or employ robots,” warns Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines.

“It [the measure] could make labor costs prohibitive,” argues Rizalina Mantaring of the Management Association of the Philippines. “Security of tenure is a double-edged sword. While it gives good employees security from being laid off without cause, it shields the bad and unproductive ones to the detriment of the employer and employees,” said the president of MAP which has 1,036 CEOs as members.

Mantaring warned of a “culture of mediocrity,” whereas, “a competitive job market and meritocracy foster higher professionalism, competence, and productivity.”

Jun Ortiz-Luis fears the inroads of the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Philippine labor market.

The four industrial revolutions are:1) steam-powered factories; 2) application of science to mass production and manufacturing; 3) start into digitization; and 4) technologies such as artificial intelligence, genome editing, augmented reality, robotics, and 3-D printing.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, according to World Economic Forum founder Charles Schwab, are rapidly changing the way humans create, exchange, and distribute value. As in the previous revolutions, this will profoundly transform institutions, industries, and individuals.

Schwab says IR4 “heralds a series of social, political, cultural, and economic upheavals that will unfold over the 21st century. Building on the widespread availability of digital technologies that were the result of the Third Industrial, or Digital, Revolution, the Fourth Industrial Revolution will be driven largely by the convergence of digital, biological, and physical innovations.”

without just or authorized cause, and Vil due process,” exults Senator Joel Villanueva, SB 1826’s author.

Under SB 1826, most workers will practically become regular or permanent. They can be removed only for a just cause.

Project and seasonal workers have the same rights as regular employees.

These benefits include the payment of minimum wage and social protection benefits.

The Philippines has the highest unemployment rate in ASEAN. One reason for this perhaps is that the country does not have a manufacturing industry to speak of. It only produces babies to the tune of 1.8-million a year, meaning 1.8 million Filipinos join the labor force a year.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Philippines had a labor force of 71.339 million as of 2018, the number of Filipinos above 15. Of that number, 60.9 percent is the so-called labor force participation rate or seeking work—60.9 percent of 71.339 million, or 43.445 million.

Of the 43.445 million, 94.7 percent or 41.14 million are employed leaving 5.3 percent or 2.3 million who are unemployed or jobless.

Filipinos who are underemployed— those who work part time or have work but are overqualified for their kind of work—constitute 16.4 percent or 7.124 million of the labor force.

Add the 2.3-million unemployed and you have 9.42 million who are either unemployed or jobless or who are working only part time or doing work for which they are overqualified. Like a law graduate or a doctorate degree holder doing messengerial work or waiting in restau- biznewsasia@gmail.com

other," says Vera Lucia da Silva, 57, who joined the choir two years ago.

"Living on the street is sad, but we have this outlet for happiness."

Apart from developing their singing talents, the project has introduced the vocalists to Rio's famous sites, including the grand Municipal Theatre, the Copacabana fort and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

I feel light One of the group's recent shows was at a beachside park in Arpoador, a small peninsula between the tourist hotspots of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Valeria Coelho, a 51-year-old grandmother, beamed as she stood shoulder to shoulder with her fellow choristers singing about friendship and overcoming obstacles.

For Coelho, the choir is therapeutic.

"When I arrive [at rehearsals], I feel heavy, but when I leave, I feel light

with my mind and body relaxed," she tells AFP, adding that stepping on stage makes her feel like she's "in the clouds."

People end up on the streets for different reasons, says Branco, underscoring the importance of seeing each member of the choir as an individual.

Many singers have been able to get off the streets, marry or find work.

"They start to recover their dignity, re-evaluate their life and realize that if they can sing, they can do a lot more by themselves," Branco says.

"With One Voice" is also helping drug users and people living in city shelters.

"The human life is the most valuable thing that exists," Branco says.

"The life of a famous person is worth the same as that of a person sleeping on cardboard or under an awning." AFP

serted into it including that of former Vice President Jejomar Binay. Aside from the mechanical glitches, many voters could not find their names in precincts where they are supposed to cast their ballots.

Yet Comelec spokesman James Jimenez declared the 2019 midterm elections “generally successful.”

Yeah, right.

Tracing the mess goes all the way back to the time of former Comelec Commissioner Sixto Brillantes who contracted the faulty Venezuelan company and renewed its contract to do the job in another election. The irony of it is that Venezuela, the base of Smartmatic, stopped using the equipment in their elections. Other countries reverted to doing manual

count because of the unreliability of the Venezuelan equipment, If so ,why then did Brillantes and the Comelec chiefs like Andres Bautista who followed him still renewed the contract of Smartmatic? Not so smart. Or are they smarter contrary to what we think? Just asking.

With the next presidential election coming up in 2022, there is still time to rethink and scrap Smartmatic and look at other options including a return to manual counting. Six years of a president elected through tampered and faulty vote counting machines is too much to bear for the Filipino people who have suffered enough. Let us give the people deliverance from a president erroneously elected because of electronic glitches.

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

A5

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Vietnam teacher arrested for Facebook posts ‘undermining state’ A VIETNAMESE music teacher has been arrested for posting material on Facebook "aimed at undermining" the state, his family and official media said Thursday in the communist country where a crackdown against online critics has gathered pace.

Activists, rights lawyers and bloggers have long been targeted in the one-party state where independent media and public protests are banned, with critics increasingly moving onto social media to voice discontent.

Amnesty International says there are currently 128 prisoners of conscience behind bars in Vietnam. About 10 percent of them were jailed for online commentary on platforms like Facebook.

Nguyen Nang Tinh was arrested for "producing, disseminating or spreading information and documents aimed at undermining" Vietnam, according to the official police newspaper in central Nghe An province where he was detained.

His father said Tinh was bundled into a car by police after taking his two young sons for breakfast on Wednesday morning.

"Police later phoned me so that I could go there and pick up the boys," Nguyen Dang Dinh told AFP, adding that he is barred from visiting him in jail.

Tinh is accused of posting "hostile thoughts" and "profound anti-government material" on his Facebook page, according to the Nghe An police newspaper.

He was accused of having links to "reactionary activists inside and outside" the country,

the report said.

The 42-year-old teacher allegedly posted about Viet Tan, a US-based activist group that Vietnam has labelled a terrorist organization.

His wife said Tinh, who teaches piano, organ and music theory at a local college, did not belong to Viet Tan and should not have been jailed.

"He raised his voice only for those who were mistreated... he never thought for himself, he only acted for the people," Nguyen Thi Tinh told AFP. She said he posted about a 2016 environmental disaster involving a Taiwanese steel company that dumped toxic sludge into the ocean, killing tonnes of fish and destroying the livelihoods of fishermen along the central coast.

Tinh could be held for several months until he is formally charged and faces up to 20 years in jail if convicted.

Vietnam has faced a chorus of criticism for a crackdown on activists since 2016 when a hardline administration took charge.

Last year the country passed a controversial cybersecurity law that requires Internet companies like Facebook and Google to hand over user data and remove content if requested by the government to do so.

Amnesty International decried Tinh's arrest and called for his immediate release.

"His so-called crime is just to have a peaceful political opinion," Amnesty's Vietnam campaigner Nguyen Truong Son said. AFP

ERRATUM IN WEDNESDAY’S issue, an The correct by-line is Maya BalEveryman article entitled “So tazar Herrera. Ms. Herrera is a busilong, Chief!” was attributed to ness columnist of this newspaper.

Miya Baltazar Herrera.

Our apologies for the oversight.

Was...

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been purely “accidental.” For our part, we hope this was purely accidental. Otherwise, the “unfairness” to the voters of the city would have reached gargantuan proportions.

Believe it or not, the inaction of the Comelec on the issue of Evelyn Uy’s eligibility to be included in the voters list of the city and the election day mess are also unfair to Jalosjos-Johnson herself.

We can only commiserate with the honorable mayor. Observers are now saying that her supposed win in the recent polls was like a basketball game where the referees and the technical committee were on the side of one team.

Uy has already reportedly filed a protest. Chances are her protest will be met with the same response as her earlier petition before the Comelec en banc.

Meanwhile, Guanzon has been loudly castigating the SD card supplier.

People wonder whether or not Guanzon and the other members of the Commission should have done their homework prior to election day. What would have happened if the Comelec had exercised greater prudence in the selection of the supplier?

Guanzon has been quick to pass on the blame to the public. She attributed the mess to the “lowest bidder” rule which she said the people wanted followed.

This is a brilliant way to deflect public doubt and anger.

This, however, does not change the fact that the situation has been unfair to many Filipinos.

board for singling out Uy and for apparently going out of its way to make sure that the rival of JalosjosJohnson was disqualified.

The issue was later brought to the Comelec en banc. The body, however, did not act on the matter. The inaction prevented Uy from going all-out in her campaign for the mayoralty post.

The inaction of the poll body put its intention and credibility under scrutiny from observers. Was the Comelec trying to hand over the mayoralty post to the incumbent on a silver platter? Was it depriving the people of Dapitan City a chance to have more options in this election? Was the fight for the mayoralty post of the city over even before the polling places opened last May 13? Was the Comelec unfair to the electorate of the historic city?

The “unfairness” of the situation seems to have been aggravated by reports that more than 40 percent of the SD cards of the vote-counting machines in Dapitan City malfunctioned. This followed earlier reports of harassment and votebuying.

“SD” means Secure Digital. It is the device in which the number of votes for each candidate is recorded as counted by the vote-counting machine. The SD card is crucial both for the transmission and the storage of that precious data.

With that number of SD cards allegedly malfunctioning in just one place–Dapitan City–it cannot be helped but for people to suspect that the situation may not have Email: ernhil@yahoo.com

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INC holds new humanity aid to Canada

“T

HE Iglesia Ni Cristo [INC] has set its sights on the global campaign against poverty. It’s a cause we’ve committed to champion and sustain as a church.”

This was the remark of Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo after the INC conducted recently its outreach activities in various Canadian cities, describing them as “much bigger than our initial Aid to Humanity efforts last year in North America.”

INC said in a statement the church provided assistance to needy and marginalized groups in Montreal, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver this May through the worldwide “Lingap” program of the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation.

INC General Auditor Glicerio Santos Jr. noted “We’ve heightened our assistance efforts for immigrants, indigenous peoples, female lone-parent families, members of racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and other sectors where poverty incidence is higher based on Canadian population statistics. Our focus, like before, is on the needy and vulnerable.”

In Winnipeg, Manitoba last May 19, INC gathered beneficiaries from the Turtle Island Recreation Center, Ma Mawi Chi Itata Center, Norquay Center Children’s Orphanage, and the Indigenous Children’s Orphanage and distributed 3,000 loot bags.

Montreal followed the next day with 500 loot bags benefiting the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Orphan

Sun (Soleil des Orphelins), La Société de Développement Social, YMCA, The Open Door, Old Brewery Mission Hall, La Maison Benoit Labre, Mile End Community Mission, and La rue de femme.

Aid recipients also received checks on top of packages which had fleece blankets, socks, hats, mittens, gloves, bath towels, soaps, hand sanitizers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, combs, ponchos, granola bars, canned foods, noodles, and ready-toeat meals.

The May 21 Ottawa leg, meanwhile, included the Matthew House Doreen and Ottawa Food Bank, as well as the Le Gîte Ami, L’Ami de l’Entraide and Moisson Outauais shelters, which all received similar financial assistance and care packages.

Similar well-attended initiatives were held in Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver on May 23, 25 and 26, respectively, the INC statement said.

Brief programs held at the venues included messages from local civic and political leaders.

A film showing on the INC’s global push for expansion followed.

The short audio-visual presentation highlighted the church’s various outreach activities in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Australia-New Zealand.

DRIVE VS. POVERTY. Part of a Canadian audience which received assistance from the Iglesia ni Cristo, which has set its sights on a worldwide campaign against poverty—in Montreal, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver earlier this month.

‘Sin tax imposes higher taxes’ REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TARIFF COMMISSION IN THE MATTER OF THE FORMAL INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPOSITION OF SAFEGUARD MEASURE AGAINST IMPORTATIONS OF CERAMIC FLOOR AND WALL TILES FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES (AHTN 2017 Subheading Nos. 6907.21.23, 6907.21.24, 6907.21.93, 6907.21.94, 6907.22.13, 6907.22.14, 6907.22.93, 6907.22.94, 6907.23.13, 6907.23.14, 6907.23.93, 6907.23.94, and 6907.40.92)

FOR: SAFEGUARD MEASURE (Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8800) Investigation No. SG-2019-OCCeramic Tiles

_________________________________ NOTICE OF FORMAL INVESTIGATION AND PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE Pursuant to Section 9 of R.A. 8800 (Safeguard Measures Act), notice is hereby given that the Tariff Commission commenced its Formal Investigation on the merits of the imposition of a definitive safeguard duty against importations of Ceramic Floor and Wall Tiles (AHTN 2017 Subheading Nos. 6907.21.23, 6907.21.24, 6907.21.93, 6907.21.94, 6907.22.13, 6907.22.14, 6907.22.93, 6907.22.94, 6907.23.13, 6907.23.14, 6907.23.93, 6907.23.94, and 6907.40.92)from various countries after endorsement by the Secretary of Trade and Industry on 27 May 2019.

All parties on record are required to appear at a preliminary conference which will be held on 11 June 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at the Tariff Commission Conference Room, 4th Floor, West Insula Condominium, No. 135 West Avenue, Quezon City. Matters for discussion include the timelines, nature of investigation, appearance of counsel and parties, number of witnesses, notification, accessibility of documents and public file, confidentiality of documents, submission of position paper/s and memoranda, adjustment plan, conduct of inspection and verification of data, schedules of public hearings and other activities, and other topics that may aid in the prompt disposition of the case.

For particulars, please contact Ms. Ma. Lourdes M. Saluta, Director II, Head of the Task Force on Ceramic Tiles, at telephone numbers 926-7476 and 928-8419, or at email address info@tariffcommission.gov.ph .

Issued this 30th day of May 2019, at Quezon City, Metro Manila.

MARILOU P. MENDOZA Chairperson (MS-MAY. 31, 2019)

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Thursday insisted revenues that would be raised under the proposed sin tax measure, which would impose higher taxes on tobacco products anew, should be exclusively and solely used to fund the Universal Health Care program and other health-related projects.

“I would propose that the increases in the excise tax on tobacco as a result of the sin tax that we are working on now should be devoted solely to the universal health program and benefit the entire country,” said Drilon, who expressed full support to the measure.

The Senate is expected to pass the measure before it adjourns next week. The bill was certified urgent by the President.

Drilon said that the funds to be generated under the new measure, estimated at around P15 billion, would not even be enough to support the UHC program.

Citing the Department of Finance’s report, Drilon said that the UHC program would need P257 billion for the first year of implementation, with P195 billion provided for in the General Appropriations Act. “Given the huge funding requirement of the UHC program and other health needs of millions of poor Filipinos, we

Republic of the Philippines

National Irrigation Administration

National Irrigation Administration

Email Address: niar03@yahoo.com Telefax No. (044) 766-2467 TIN No. 000-979-570-000

Invitation to Bid Construction of Diversion Works of North Lawis (Palongohon) Irrigation Project,Candelaria, Zambales ITB No. NIAR3-2019-NORTH LAWIS IP-13

(Pambansang Pangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No. III

Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Website :

1.

1.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, hereby invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered contractors to bid for the project, through the General Appropriations Act of CY 2019,intends to apply the sum of Ninety Nine Million Five Hundred Fifty One ThousandFour Hundred Sixty One Pesos and 81/100( P 99,551,461.81)being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)for the contract for NIAR3-2019-NORTH LAWIS IP-13. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from IMO Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Non compliance will be a ground for disqualification.

3.

3.

Only those Letter of Intent with a company profile, submitted by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding

4.

4.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for Construction of Diversion Works of North Lawis (Palongohon) Irrigation Project, Candelaria, Zambales.Completion of the Works is required within Four Hundred Fifty (450) calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

5.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

6.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

7.

2.

5.

6.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on May 24, 2019 to June 17, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Fridayand June18, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m except holidays from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Seventy Five Thousand Pesos (P75,000.00).

9.

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-2467 / 766-4839 / 816-6806 www.region3nia.gov.ph

Email Address: niar03@yahoo.com Telefax No. (044) 766-2467 TIN No. 000-979-570-000

InvItatIon to BId for (AMRIS) Modernization /Automation of the Constant Gate of North and South Main Canal ITB No. NIAR3-2019-AMRIS-AUTOMATION-G5 NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, through funds transferred by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to NIA under a Memorandum of Agreement (MAO) between NIA and MWSS, intends to apply the sum of Forty Seven Million Fifty Seven Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Pesos (P 47,057,220.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for (AMRIS) Modernization/Automation of the Constant Gates of North and South Main Canal, NIAR3-2019-AMRIS-AUTOMATION-G5. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from IMO Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Non compliance will be a ground for disqualification.

Only those submitted Document Request List (DRL) from Philgeps, Letter of Intent with a company profile, submitted by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for (AMRIS) Modernization / Automation of the Constant Gates of North and South Main Canal. Delivery of the Goods is required One Hundred Eighty (180) Calendar Day. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/ fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

1. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

2.

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on May 24, 2019 to June 17, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and June 18, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., except holidays from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Forty Seven Thousand Pesos (P 47,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

8.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 3, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 3, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan, which shall beopen only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:30 a.m. (PST) of June 18, 2019 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 10:00 a.m. (PST) of June 18, 2019. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on 10:30 a.m. (PST) of June 18, 2019 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy.

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bid opening shall be on 10:00a.m. (PST) of June 18, 2019 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy.

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

10.

All particulars relative to the eligibility screening, bid security, performance security, pre-bid conference/s, evaluation of bids, post qualification and award of contracts shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its revised IRR.

7.

All particulars relative to the eligibility screening, bid security, performance security, pre-bid conference/s, evaluation of bids, post qualification and award of contracts shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its revised IRR.

11.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

8.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3reserves the right toreject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

12.

For further information, please refer to: 9.

For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608

BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608

(SGD) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC - Chairperson

(SGD) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC-Chairperson

Noted by: Noted by: (SGD) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager ( M S - M AY 31, 2 019)

THE Commission on Human Rights on Thursday lauded the passage of the Safe Streets, Public Spaces and Workplace Act or the “Bawal Bastos” bill.

The agency’s lawyer-spokesperson, Jacqueline Ann de Guia, lamented that women and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersexed and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community have long been at the receiving end of catcalling, wolfwhistling, and obscene remarks in public spaces.

“While there are cities in the Philippines, such as Manila and Quezon City, that passed local ordinances punishing such acts, a national legislation further strengthens the commitment to curb gender-based sexual harassment in streets, schools, workplaces, and other similar places,” she said.

Law enforcement agencies must ensure that the new measure is fully implemented, the Commission said.

“To achieve its purpose, the Commission looks forward to its meaningful implementation to ensure that the rights of vulnerable and disadvantaged are protected in every part of the country,” De Guia said.

“The greater challenge to us all is to work on a society that is free from discrimination, a community safe to express one’s self, and a country with respect to everyone’s rights and dignity,” she added.

By Joel E. Zurbano

Republic of the Philippines

Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-2467 / 766-4839 / 816-6806 www.region3nia.gov.ph

By Rio N. Araja

Flag carrier PAL to air travelers: Don’t bring banned items

(Pambansang Pangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No. III

Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Website :

have to prioritize and make clear in the law where these new funds we expect to raise will go. The health of our people should be our number one priority,” Drilon said.

Drilon’s proposal would in effect freeze the entitlement to the sin tax law of tobacco-producing provinces under Republic Act 7171. Under the said law, local government units that produce Virginia-type cigarettes would receive 15-percent share of the tax collection.

The senator clarified, however, that the allocation due to these tobacco-producing provinces under the current law will not be affected.

Drilon also said there appears to be “inequitable and grossly disproportionate” in terms of the value of the Virginia leaf tobacco and native tobacco being produced by the provinces and their allocation under RA 7171.

A report by the Action for Economic Reforms based on the 2017 General Appropriations Act shows that while the value of tobacco production is at P3.8 billion, the earmarked funds amount to P14.4 billion under R.A. 7171 and P3.61 billion under R.A. 8240 or a total of P18.01 billion, he noted.

“Tobacco excise tax collection allocated for the tobacco-growing regions is more than four times bigger than the value of tobacco production in 2017,” Drilon said.

CHR lauds ‘Bawal Bastos’ bill passage

(SGD) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager

(M S-M AY. 31, 2 019)

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines on Thursday reminded air travelers, especially those bound for Hong Kong, not to bring banned items in their belongings.

In its advisory, PAL stated the Firearms and Ammunition Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region prohibited all passengers from carrying in their check-in luggage and hand-carry bags the devices which were considered as “arms.”

The banned items include stun guns, extendible batons, pepper spray, tear gas, bullets, flick knives and knuckle dusters.

“These devices are restricted unless appropriate licenses are presented upon entry in Hong Kong. All hand-carried and checked-in luggage of passengers transiting or entering Hong Republic of the Philippines Kong are subjected to REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region security screening at BRANCH 222, QUEZON CITY the airport terminals,” TAME CABINAN A.K.A. TAME the PAL management DEL CASTILLO CABINAN, SPEC. PRO CASE NO. R-QZN-18-15351-SP stated.

For: Legitimation and Change of Name The unlicensed THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR, Q.C. ET.AL., Petitioner. possession of these x----------------------------------------------------------x ORDER restricted items is punUpon motion by the counsel for the petitioner, considering that the latter has not yet complied with the publication requirements, let the initial hearing be ishable by a fine of reset on July 26, 2019 at 8:30 in the morning.

HK$100,000.00 and a Send a copy of this Order to the petitioner and the concerned government agencies. maximum sentence of SO ORDERED. 14 years imprisonment.

Quezon City, April 11, 2019.

(Sgd.) EDGAR DALMACIO SANTOS PAL has put in EDS/irish Judge place appropriate signs Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT at the check-in counNational Capital Judicial Region ters and boarding gates BRANCH 222, QUEZON CITY IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION TO USE THE SURNAME to help ensure passenOF THE FATHER OF TAME DEL CASTILLO TILLADA ger awareness.

TAME CABINAN TILLADA a.k.a TAME DEL CASTILLO CABINAN “Please comply with Petitioner this existing ordinance, -versusSPEC. PRO NO. R-QZN-18-15351-SP as advised by the PhilLOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF QUEZON CITY, ADMINISTRATOR AND CIVIL REGISTRAR ippine Consulate GenGENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA) formerly National Statistics Office, eral and the concerned NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE, ROMEO CORNEJO authorities in Hong NARCISO, MINDA ELOJA OPIDER, and ALL OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES, Kong,” the airline manRespondents x--------------------------------------------------x agement said.

ORDER This has reference to the verified Petition to allow TAME CABINAN Just recently, the TILLADA a.k.a TAME DEL CASTILLO CABINAN to use the surname of his father Antonio Mesa Tillada, filed by the petitioner, through counsel, on Manila International November 29, 2018.

Airport Authority came In the above-mentioned petition, herein petitioner prays to allow him to use the surname of his father TILLADA. up with the same adviFinding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the initial hearing of this case is set on APRIL 25, 2019 at 8:30 in the morning before this Court sory to all passengers. and all parties-in-interest are directed to appear before this Court and show The MIAA advicause why the petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order together with a copy of the petition be served upon sory came days after the Civil Registrar of Quezon City, the Philippine Statistics Authority (formerly NSO), the Office of the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office and the Office of the a Filipino student goSolicitor General. Lastly, let a copy of this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation to be chosen ing to Canada was by raffle by the Office of the Executive Judge, at petitioner’s expense. arrested and detained SO ORDERED. Given in Chambers this 15th day of January 2019 in Quezon City. in an airport in Hong (Sgd.) EDGAR DALMACIO SANTOS Kong after a restricted Judge Cc: -PAO -CIVIL REGISTRY OF QUEZON CITY - OSG item was found in his -PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY -ACP JOSLITO C. BACOLOR (MStandard-May 17, 24 & 31, 2019) luggage.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

Sports

TODAY

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

A7

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Canada unites at Jurassic Park for Raptors T

ORONTO—Thousands of passionate supporters will be roaring and dancing in “Jurassic Park” outside Scotiabank Arena during the NBA Finals while the Toronto Raptors hunt for Canada’s first NBA title.

The special atmosphere for devoted fans watching on a giant television screen on the west side of the arena has become a gathering place as Raptors backers from across Canada line up for six or seven hours just for the chance to watch games on TV with thousands of fellow supporters.

“These are the passionate fans,” said Jay Prateek, who lives in a condo in a nearby high-rise. “It’s crazy. It’s a lot of fun just because the atmosphere is so much fun.

You have the chance to be part of it.

“People are coming from all over, from London and Hamilton and other cities. You can watch at a restaurant with a dozen people or so or you can be out here with hundreds of people.”

It’s a sea of red-clad people waiting to be thrilled by Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry as they lead the Raptors in their first NBA Finals and looking to boo the defending champion Golden State Warriors.

People queue for hours—around the arena and through a tunnel to beyond the train station bringing people from all over to Toronto—just to make sure they have a place to stand in the area, usually a parking garage exit area with a few adjacent shops.

The Raptors call it tailgating, though it lacks autos or tailgates, but their slogan says it all—“Where The Loyal Get Loud.”

Once security opens the area, fans rush for the nearest spots to the big screen

and the pre-game television booths con- the most carnivorous hungers and thirsts. ahead of a special event.

There was a line waiting Wednesday Greeters and sales clerks were happy to structed Wednesday, where shows will use the crowd as a backdrop for their when the adjacent Real Sports souvenir talk about the event atmosphere, offering shop opened—good luck getting any of an “It’s amazing” and “It’s incredible” analysis of events. the soldout “We The North” selections— before their managers told them they Three blocks of thrills Those who don’t make zone one have a and the next-door restaurant was packed can’t give interviews. AFP chance at zone two, which takes up the full block beyond the main staging area, or zone three, with the city closing another block further back to handle the masses In the April 15, 2019 and April 22, 2019 Issues of the Manila Standard Newspaper, the Energy Regulatory looking cheer with their friends Commission’s (ERC) Notice of Public Hearing dated February 18, 2019 in connection with ERC Case No. 2019007 RC, entitled “In the Matter of the Application for Approval of Capital Expenditure Program for Years 2015 and neighbors. to 2017, with Motion for Provisional Authority, Isabela I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ISELCO I), Applicant”, was “Usually you come in groups published. and yeah you will see poeple However, the Notice of Public Hearing inadvertently excluded the Table on Non-Network Projects which is you know or old friends,” part of the subjects of the Application. Thus, in compliance with the directive of the ERC issued during the hearing on the application on May 09, 2019, ISELCO I hereby publishes the following Table which was inadvertently Prateek said. “Some people omitted in the Notice of Public Hearing dated February 18, 2019: are planning to get here at 12 (noon) and the game is at 9.

PROPOSED NON-NETWORK Project Cost Nobody knows for sure. We’ve PROJECTS never made it this far.”

No. Project Title 2015 2016 2017 Total There are drink and hot dog Development and Improvement of 30 4,742,000.00 4,742,000.00 a Distribution Automation System vendors in the area to feed even

SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLICATION

Improvement of Communication 31 System and Communication Technology

2,174,500.00

1,801,200.00 14,167,750.00

18,143,450.00

32 Purchased of Tools and Instrument

3,707,444.40

1,807,131.00

3,249,583.00

8,764,158.40

33 Infrastructure Development

8,500,000.00

7,800,000.00

8,500,000.00

24,800,000.00

6,113,000.00 26,289,200.00 20,810,000.00

53,212,200.00

20,494,944.40 42,439,531.00 46,727,333.00

109,661,808.40

34

Purchased of additional Service and Maintenance Vehicle Total Non Network Project

M. Standard - May 31, 2019

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

001396

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF AMIT RANI SINGH to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

The Suha-Execration Punishers receive their prize of P400,000 from The Nationals commissioner Ren Vitug (left) after beating the CignalUltra Warriors in the finals of Dota 2 second conference last week. With them are Suha members Kimuel “Kimo” Rodis (captain), Marvin “Yaha” Canlas, James “Jamesy” John, Jobe Nkemakolam (Team Owner), Erin “Japoy” Ferrer, Arnold “Bhm” Garcia Jr., and coach Jeffrey “Foxx” Fortunato.

Suha Punishers rule Dota 2 conference SUHA-Execration Punishers completely outplayed Cignal Ultra Warriors in the grand finals of The Nationals’ second Dota 2 conference, closing out a best-offive series in a clean 3-0 sweep last Sunday at the Gariath Concepts Eastwood City, Libis in Quezon City.

What happened in the first conference is now history, as the Punishers have upended the results as Suha proved to be the winning team of the second Dota 2 conference of The Nationals.

The team has done it behind stellar play throughout the conference as it topped the group stage capped by a 2-1 tiebreaker win against the Warriors in the elimination round.

While results between the two teams were always close, the championship

was totally different. After an intense back-and-forth in Game 1, Suha capitalized on its momentum and never looked back by winning the grand finals via consecutive games.

The Warriors, who were no strangers to come-from-behind wins, weren’t able to close the gap as they fizzled out towards the end. Earlier, they were able to climb from a 0-1 hole against PLDT-Smart Omega in the semifinals.

With their victory, the Punishers secured the P400,000 cash prize, while the Warriors received P200,000 for their runner-up effort. Omega finished third this conference with P100,000.

Despite having a better record compared to the last conference, both Happy Feet Emperors and Bren Epro failed

to make the playoffs again.

Cignal and Suha will face off again this Saturday, with PLDT as wild card in Dota 2’s season finale, which has P600,000 prize pool of its own, with P300,000 going to the winner, P200,000 to second place, and P100,000 to third place.

After winning the first two conferences of Dota 2, the two teams will face off in a best-of-three series with the winner advancing to the finals, while the losing team takes on PLDT in three-game playoff to determine the last finals berth.

The Nationals, headed by its commissioner Ren Vitug, is the country’s premier esports league, and the aboutto-end Dota 2 competition is just one of the three games featured in the competition’s first year.

Local bets brace Romero to national sports execs: for Asian Elite duel Show your patriotism to country in Ironman 70.3 SEA Games gold medalist Claire Adorna headlines the compact cast of triathletes bracing for a fierce battle in the Asian Elite to be held side by side with the centerpiece pro division in the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay presented by Big Boss Cement which gets going Sunday (June 2).

Joining Adorna in the hunt for top honors and P50,000 prize in the endurance race is Alexandra Ganzon while veteran campaigner August Benedicto banners the men’s roster that also drew Mark Anthony Hosana, Banjo Norte, Benjamin Raña, Leonard Rondina and Jorry Ycong.

Keen competition is also seen in other age-group divisions with 142 vying for top honors in the 40-44 bracket and 125 and 112 disputing the titles in the 35-39 and 45-49 categories of the event organized and conducted by Sunrise Events Inc. Also on tap are the relay events featuring the male, female and mixed categories with a total of 76 teams chasing the crowns in the event also held to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among Filipinos.

For details, visit www.ironman703subicbay.com or the Facebook page Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay and @im703subicbay on Instagram and Twitter. Official event hashtags are #CenturyTunaIM703 #im703subicbay.

Close to thousand triathletes from 41 countries are all set for what promises to be another challenging race on a practically new course for the 1.9km swim-90km bike-21km run event with the race central now at Subic Bay Boardwalk.

REP. Mikee Romero (1-Pacman Partylist) yesterday called on the heads of the national sports associations (NSAs) to avoid “politicking” and think of the country first and foremost so as not to disrupt the athletes’ preparations for the 2019 SEA Games which the country will be hosting later this year.

“Show your patriotism to the country by helping the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee in their massive tasks to stage a successful event,” said Romero. “Remember, our neighbors are closely watching us.”

Romero Instead of sowing discord, Romero, who is chairman of the house sub-committee on Sports and vice chairman of the mother committee on Youth and Sports, said that as sports leaders they should work for a win-win solution knowing full well that the POC, under the leadership of Ricky Vargas, is doing its level best to make the coming SEA Games truly a memorable one in terms of hosting and achievements.

“I have known Mr. Vargas for quite some time now, he is an excellent leader and he has demonstrated this in the PBA Board,” said Romero, who owns NorthPort in the pro league aside from being the chair of the biggest polo association in the country.

“Our reputation is at stake here so better unite so you can help our athletes focus on their training instead of putting the POC in bad light,” said Romero. “You’re just destroying our image abroad.”

Romero, who served as Godfather of the 2007 Philippine national basketball team, was glad after Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez has accepted the challenge of the POC to become the country’s chef de mission for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Ramirez initially declined the offer, saying he’s already helping the country’s preparations as head of the government’s sports arm.

“Good thing Chairman Ramirez has accepted the position of chef de mission.” said Romero. “Our athletes are now in good hands.”

The sporting community was caught by surprise last Tuesday after Vargas stripped former POC chief Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, Jr. of his power as chairman of the constitution and bylaws committee and Monsour Del Rosario as chief of mission for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Romero said Filipinos—whether sports officials, athletes or even plain sports fans—should stand and fight as one.

SCN CASE NO. x------------------ x

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is AMIT RANI SINGH, but I have also been known since childhood as N/A or I have been judicially N/A . authorized to use the alias name(s) 2. My present place of residence is Blk 7, Lot 8, Camia St., Villa Josefina Matina Crossing, Davao City City/ Municipality of ________Province of Davao City and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 1996 to 2000 Jaime Valdez, Consuelo Alag 009, Sison Subd. Tagum City, Davao del Norte 2001 to 2003 Fulmar St, Balisario Heights, Lanang, Davao City 2004 to 2018 Champaca St. Aguho corner house# 639, Juna Subd.

Matina Davao Blk 7, Lot 8, Camia St., Villa Josefina Matina Crossing, Davao City 3. I was born on June 29, 1996, in Tagum, Davao, Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of India.

4. My father's name is Balbir Singh and he was born on December 21, 1966, in Jalandhar, India. He is a citizen or subject of India. My mother's name is Manhit Rani and she was born on May 10, 1973 in India. She is a citizen or subject of India.

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is Employee and from which I derive an average annual income of P580,000.00 , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A .

(Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained:Business Management, (2) name of school: Ateneo De Davao University and (3) years graduated: 04/01/2017 who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is SINGLE, I was married on N/A in N/A. My wife's/husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on in N/A. She/he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A.

am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy.

I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to INDIA of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

14. My character witnesses are Agustin G. Gonzales Jr. and Josefina T. Gejudo both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at Blk. 70 Lot 1 IMWA Dumoy, Terl Davao and 5th St. Phase 1 Ecoland Subd. Davao respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box): [ ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years 16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 29 day of JUNE, 2017.

8. I have N/A child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name N/A

Date of Birth N/A

Place of Birth N/A

Residence N/A

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of School Ateneo De Davao

Place of School Davao City

Dates of Highest Grade Study Completed 2004 to 2009 Primary

Ateneo De Davao Ateneo De Davao

Davao City Davao City

2009 to 2013 2013-2017

Secondary Business Management

AMIT RANI SINGH Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: Blk. 7 Lot 8, Casmia St., Villa Josefina, Matina Crossing, Davao City Telephone Number: 0927-3787124

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines:Visaya, Tagalog, English

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF QUEZON CITY) S.S.

11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

I, Amit Rani Singh of legal age and a resident of Blk. 7 Lot 8, Casmia St., Villa Josefina, Matina Crossing, Davao City. after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

Name of Child N/A

Name and Place of School N/A

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

AMIT RANI SINGH Name and Signature of Petitioner

SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at MANILA CITY, this 08 day of MAR 2019.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I (MS-MAY 17,24 & 31, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

Switzerland’s Roger Federer serves the ball to Germany’s Oscar Otte during their men’s singles second round match on day four of The Roland Garros 2019 French Open tennis tournament in Paris. AFP

Blackwater tries to sustain win run

By Jeric Lopez

B

LACKWATER looks to stay hot and regain sole possession of the top spot when it goes for a fourth straight win in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. Still unscathed after three games, the Elite (3-0) face a fresh challenge from debuting Phoenix Pulse at 4:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City today, even as Meralco (1-2) takes on another debuting team in Rain or Shine in the

nightcap at 7 p.m.

Currently, Blackwater shares the top spot with NorthPort but it can end the week at the top should it keep its hot streak alive.

Reinforced by hulking import Alex

Stepheson and highly-touted No. 2 pick Bobby Ray Parks, the Elite are making a splash early on with their fiery start.

Blackwater already victimized defending champion Barangay Ginebra, Meralco and most recently, Columbian Dyip just last Sunday, 118-110.

New Blackwater coach Aris Dimaunahan is thrilled of his team’s evident progress.

“These early wins are really nice to have,” said Dimaunahan, who is still yet to be defeated in his young coaching career. “We’re having a good start but we’re still far from our goals. We need to keep

the hunger and focus.”

After making the semifinals for the first time in franchise history last Philippine Cup, the Fuel Masters are now looking for more progress as they start a new campaign against the Elite.

The Bolts have been in consistent in three games thus far.

They last dropped an 85-99 decision to the Gin Kings last Sunday after leading big in the first half.

Meralco will look to even its slate against an Elasto Painters side that is seeking for a good start after also making the semis of the first conference.

Go For Gold support key to Sea Lions’ streetball title conquest ALL the Philippine Navy Sea Lions wanted was a training ground designed to toughen them in preparation for a big tournament.

But the determination and hard work rewarded the Go For Gold Philippines-backed Sea Lions with so much more after they ruled the King of Kings Basketball Challenge recently at the Taft Food by the Court.

The Sea Lions pulled off a huge surprise upset over the highly favored Singson’s Demigods in a championship five-on-five streetball style of competition where the first team that reached 21 points in a pair of 15-minute games was declared winner.

With the victory, the Sea Lions, whose stint was supported by Go For Gold godfather Jeremy Go, will don the national colors and represent the country in the King of Kings Basketball Challenge in Shanghai, China on Aug. 8-11. ``Hindi namin in-expect na mananalo kami.

From the start, our plan was to use the tournament to gain experience and as tuneup for the AFP-PNP-PCG Olympics,’’ said Philippine Navy Sea Lions headcoach Sn2 Valiant Pera PN. ``Bukod sa malalaki sila, most of them played in the big leagues. We just stuck sa gameplan na-

min and tried our best,’’ added Pera.

After using their speed against the taller Demigods to the hilt, they are now bound to compete with bigger opposition in Shanghai where powerhouse squads from China, United States, Russia and Europe will see action. ``We are happy to support our men and women in the armed forces. Their sacrifice inspires us and we want to help them in our small way,’’ said Go, vice president for marketing of Powerball Marketing & Logistics Corp., the prime mover behind Go For Gold Philippines.

Also supporting the team are top Philippine Navy Officials VADM Robert A. Empedrad (Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy), Commodore Adelius S. Bordado AFP (Commander, NIC), CDR Bernardo F. Manarpaac ( Director, DCSS) and LCDR Reimon T. Retaga PN (Officer In Charge, PN Sea Lions Team).

Team captain Lt Juan Tarroza, Sn2 Robert Faundo, Sn2 Kenneth Aljard, Sn2 Vincent Dalaten, Sn2 Rejeloed Cartel, Cpl Marvin Porquillo played superb ball in the fiveteam Globalhoops tourney with Asn Jeson Rey Cantos, Asn Chrismon Aquino and Asn Keneth De Vega.

PARIS—Roger Federer breezed into the third round of the French Open for the 15th time on Wednesday by seeing off German lucky loser Oscar Otte, while 11-time champion Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas also progressed, but women’s contender Kiki Bertens retired with illness.

The 37-year-old Federer held off a persistent world number 144 Otte, saving all four break points he faced in a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Next up for the 20-time Grand Slam title winner is a clash with Norway’s Casper Ruud who put out Italian 29th seed Matteo Berrettini 6-4, 7-5, 6-3.

“The Grand Slams are incredible. You can meet a player who qualified who (you) have not heard of before,” said Federer, who last played at Roland Garros in 2015.

“It was difficult, he really played a great match.”

Federer’s only French Open trophy came in 2009, and 10 years on he faces a daunting task to grab a second, potentially needing to beat Tsitsipas, Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic in order to come out on top.

Nadal continued the strong start to his bid for a record-extending 12th title with a comfortable victory over German qualifier Yannick Maden.

The 32-year-old Nadal was in near total control against world number 114 Maden bar some nervy moments in the third set, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

The 17-time major champion will play Belgian 27th seed David Goffin in the last 32.

“He (Maden) is a good player. He had already won four matches so was full of confidence,” said Nadal, whose Roland Garros win-loss record now reads an incredible 88-2.

The Spaniard wasted little time in wrapping up the first two sets on Court Suzanne Lenglen. AFP

Diaz confident of winning SEAG gold

By Peter Atencio

Members of the Philippine Navy Sea Lions are shown here. They are (standing, from left) Asn Jeson Rey Cantos PN, Cpl Marvin Porquillo PN(M), Asn Chrismon Aquino PN, Sn2 Robert Faundo PN, Sn2 Kenneth Aljard PN, Asn Keneth De Vega PN, Asn Julius Fabian PN, Asn Rocky Antonares, Asn Vinny Begaso PN, Asn Johnny Galabin PN, Sn2 Vincent Ďalaten PN, Sn2 Rejeloed Cartel PN, (seated, from left) PO3 Edmar S Aronce PN (Asst Coach), Sn2 Valiant M Pera PN (Head Coach), Go For Gold head Jeremy Randell Go (team manager), LCDR Reimon T. Retaga PN and LT Juan C. Tarroza (team captain).

BanKo Perlas hopes to finish strong in PVL

Photo shows Head Coach Apichat Kongsawat (6th from left) flanked by the Banko Perlas (from left): Mary Mae Tajima, Team Captain Nicole Tiamzon, Katherine Adrielle Bersola, Ma. Gizelle Jessica Tan, Turkish import Yasemin Yildirin, US import Lakia Bright, Jamenea Ferrer, Jeanette Villareal, Jorella Marie De Jesus, Roma Doromal, and Angeline Marie “Dzi” Gervacio.

Federer, Nadal power into 3rd round; Kiki out

WITH major changes in its coaching staff and player roster earlier this year, the BanKo Perlas are preparing more extensively for the Premier Volleyball League.

“It is a transition year for us since we have a new coach and new team members,” said Nicole Tiamzon, Team Captain of the BanKo Perlas, on the sidelines of the PVL Grand Fans Day. “We are really trying hard to give our best because this season is going to last a while. Actually, it will run for six months, so every day of training is

really important for us. In the previous year, we tried training twice a day.

We trained for two and a half hours or three hours maximum. Now, we extended our training. One hour before training, we already start to visualize what’s going to happen in the training,” Tiamzon added.

For this year, the former coach of Thailand’s Women’s Volleyball Team, Apichat Kongsawat, took on the challenge of leading the BanKo Perlas. The veteran coach first began his career in volleyball as a player in Bangkok

Bang Club when he was 15 years old, and eventually in National Thailand Team from 1991 to 1994. With years of proven experience, Kongsawat had his chance to serve as assistant coach to Bangkok Bank and National Youth World Championship, both for Men’s and Women’s divisions, among others.

He also served as the head coach of collegiate and professional volleyball teams in Thailand and Vietnam. Just last year, he became the head coach of renowned Indonesian volleyball team PGN Popsivo Polwan.

OLYMPIAN weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz said she is confident of winning a gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

But it will be a little challenging now that she has moved on to the women’s 55-kg category.

“Prepared ako. Alam ko mananalo ako sa SEA Games. Ang concern ko lang ay paano ako magka-qualify sa Olympics. Mahirap mag-qualify sa Olympics,” said Diaz, who has moved up from the 53 kg. weight class.

Diaz talked about her ongoing preparations during the Usapang Sports Forum of the Tabloid Organization of Philippine Sports at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila.

The 28-year-old Diaz recently returned from a training stint in China.

She spent weeks at the Wushishan Sports Training Center.

Diaz’s efforts paid off after she claimed a silver medal in the 55kg category of the recent Asian Championship.

Later this year, Diaz will have her own China training again with the help of the Philippine Sports Commission.

And this will help her get ready for the for the world championships in September in Pattaya, Thailand.

Meanwhile, 10 Filipino weightlifters are set to leave for Fujian on Monday to train there for more than a month in preparation for two important tournaments this year, as well as the 2019 SEA Games.

IN BRIEF

DOTr wants faster railway completion THE Department of Transportation wants the Japanese contractors of PNR Clark Phase 1 to accelerate the target date completion of the project from 2022 to the fourth quarter of 2021.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade met with Taisei Corp. chairman Takashi Yamauchi, Taisei Corp. president Yoshiyuki Murata and D.M. Consunji Inc. president and chief operating officer Jorge Consunji at the Taisei Corp. headquarters in Shinjuku, Tokyo and urged them to speed up the completion of the project.

PNR Clark Phase 1 will run from Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan. The first package consists of civil works for elevated structures, a depot in Valenzuela and the construction of six stations in Solis, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Meycauayan, Marilao and Bocaue.

Once the rail segment is operational, travel time from Manila to Bulacan will be reduced from one hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes. It is expected to accommodate 300,000 passengers daily.

Darwin G. Amojelar

New EO restores farm-out energy deals PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte signed an order rationalizing the rules for the engagement of third-party participants under petroleum service contracts.

The president issued Executive Order No. 80 on May 28, a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Thursday. Duterte’s new order repealed former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s EO 556.

Arroyo in 2006 did away with the “farm-in” or “farm-out” contracts in favor of a “strict bidding procedure” in forging a partnership with interested parties.

Under EO 80, President Duterte allowed Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corp. to enter into farm-in/farm-out agreements.

Farm-in/farm out refers to a practice, recognized and accepted in the oil and gas industry, of allowing third participation to spread the risks of inherent in oil and gas exploration, development and production.

“The entity acquiring the participating interest considers the transaction as a ‘farm-in,’ while the entity transferring such interest considers the transaction as a ‘farm-out’,” the EO stated.

Under the EO, third parties can participate in the service contracts awarded by the government to PNOC EC. The company can also participate in the service contracts awarded by the government to third parties. Nat Mariano

Robinsons Land eyes P12-b projects ROBINSONS Land Corp. plans to launch P12 billion worth of residential projects this year as demand for residential property remains robust.

RLC president Frederick Go said in an interview following the annual stockholders' meeting that the group lined up four new projects across its residential brands. These projects are located in Pasig and Parañaque.

Go said on top of the P12 billion worth of new projects, RLC would also have projects under the joint ventures with Hong Kong Land Group and Shang Properties Inc. Go said the company in partnership with SPI would launch a high-end residential project in Bonifacio Global City by the second half of the year. RLC in a joint venture with HKLG will also launch a highend residential project in Pasig in the second half.

Go said with the aggressive launches, the company was expecting reservation sales to exceed the P15.3 billion posted in 2018. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business Semiconductor makers put off $1-b investments

By Othel V. Campos

S

EMICONDUCTOR and electronics companies put off $1 billion worth of potential investments in the Philippines amid the uncertainties caused by the proposed Tax Reform for Attracting Better and HighQuality Opportunities, or Trabaho bill, an industry group said Thursday.

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. said prospective investors had a change of heart after learning the unclear status of the industry. The Trabaho bill, which represents the second package of the

tax reform program, is being debated in Congress.

The bill proposes to overhaul the tax incentives given to companies and reduce the corporate income tax from 30 percent to 25 percent.

“We’ve been in constant communication with the Senate and Congress to vent our concerns and we intend to continue that kind of engagement with the current and the newly-elected public officials,” SEIPI president Dan Lachica said in a news briefing at the sidelines of the 15th Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Lachica said with about $1 billion worth of potential investments gone, the country also lost the opportunity to create 10,000 direct jobs.

SEIPI asked the government to keep the current set of tax incentives given to locators intact.

The group said its proposal to in-

BEST MANAGED BANK.

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. is recognized as The Best Managed Bank in the Philippines at the Asian Banker Leadership Achievement Awards 2019. These awards are widely acknowledged by the financial services industry as the highest possible accolade given to companies and individuals within the Asia Pacific and Gulf regions.

Receiving the award is Metrobank chairman Arthur Ty (second from right) from the Asian Banker Leadership Achievement Awards council in Bangkok, Thailand.

Pagcor’s revenues rise 11% to P25b

STATE-RUN Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said Thursday revenue grew 11.44 percent in the first four months to P25.09 billion from P22.51 billion a year ago, driven by income from gaming and fees from licensees and offshore gaming operators.

Pagcor chairman and chief executive Andrea Domingo said in a statement the gaming agency surpassed its P23.57-billion target for the period by 6.45 percent or P1.51 billion.

She said a bulk of Pagcor’s revenues amounting to P23.84 billion came from its income from gaming including fees from licensees and offshore gaming operators. Other income including those from related services amounted to P1.24 billion.

Domingo said she was hopeful that the stategaming agency would again exceed its revenue target for the year. “Right now, we are recording a monthly average of P6.27 billion revenues. Of this amount, we remit an average of P4.57 billion to the national coffers and Pagcor’s other mandated beneficiaries,” she said.

“We will do our best to sustain this momentum so that the agency can be able to touch the lives of more Filipinos,” she said. Julito G. Rada

MRC postpones LNG venture with 2 Chinese firms

MRC Allied Inc. said Thursday it put on hold its planned liquefied natural gas projects with China Engineering Corporation Limited and China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Co. Ltd. MRC earlier announced that its oneyear memorandum of understanding with CEEC and GPEC expired in December 2018 and that it was studying the way forward for the LNG project.

“It has been recommended by the technical team of MRC that the LNG projects of the company be put on hold considering that the Department of Energy is finalizing its guidelines and implementing rules and regulations governing liquefied natural gas projects,” the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The parties were supposed to conduct project evaluation and due diligence to determine the feasibility of pursuing an LNG project during the one-year MOU period.

The MOU was for the parties to explore the possibility of investing, constructing, developing and operating LNG projects in the Philippines.

“In the meantime, MRC will be focusing its efforts on completing its existing Solar PV Projects,” it said.

MRC and GPEC also have a separate a memorandum of understanding for the development of renewable energy projects in the Philippines.

GPEC is a foreign company based in Guangzhou which is engaged in the business of exploration, development and construction of energy projects.

CEEC is a company established and incorporated in Beijing which is in the business of exploration, development and construction of energy projects.

Alena Mae S. Flores

crease the gross income earned (GIE) ratio to 7 percent from 5 percent could be a crucial factor for investors to stay if the reduction of the corporate income tax to 18 percent was not feasible.

Lachica said the proposed 7 percent in GIE would be crucial in sustaining the support for the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

The industry group said given the current lackluster foreign demand, electronics exports were expected to grow by just 3 percent in 2019, slower than the performance in the previous years.

SEIPI said the industry was even bracing for a possible flat growth this year, as the first-quarter figures were in the negative territory. Lachica said there were indications that exports could improve in the second half.

The shrinking demand was partially due to declining orders for some smartphone parts.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

B1

PAL to reduce unprofitable Middle East, domestic flights

By Darwin G. Amojelar PAL Holdings Inc. said Thursday it plans to reduce unprofitable domestic routes and capacity in the Middle East to improve profitability in 2019.

“We are losing money for the last two years because of the high operating costs and very stiff competition.

There is excess capacity right now where we operate,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista told reporters after the company’s stockholders meeting.

“This year, we hope that we will able to improve our operations, our profitability as we are managing the capacity. We will reduce flights to destinations where there is excess capacity like the Middle East. We will also stop flying to some domestic routes where we are not able to recover all our expenses,” he said.

Bautista said PAL would also implement strict costs savings measures to reduce expenses and be profitable this year.

PAL Holdings incurred a comprehensive loss of $65.78 million in 2018, down from $129-million losses in 2017. Revenues went up to $2.92 billion last year from $2.62 billion in 2017 while expenses increased to $3.06 billion from $2.76 billion.

PAL Holdings filed an application for an increase in its authorized capital stock from the current P13.5 billion to P20 billion to support the ongoing network and fleet expansion initiatives to position the airline as a strong market player.

“This is in preparation for a possible re-IPO because for us to be able to do that, we’ll have to prepare a prospectus. We’ll have to prepare all the terms and conditions of the IPO. So we’ll have to appoint a financial adviser to help us,” Bautista said.

He said that the company planned to hold a re-IPO next year.

PAL Holdings tapped Ryuhei Maeda, a senior advisor at ANA and member of the board of Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd. as a new member of the board of directors of PAL. He represents ANA Holdings Inc., the parent company of ANA which acquired 9.5-percent shares in PAL Holdings on Jan. 29, 2019.

Energy issues circular on unbundling of petroleum product prices

By Alena Mae S. Flores ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi signed a department circular providing for the unbundling of petroleum product prices to improve price transparency among oil industry players.

“Consistent with the mandate of the Department of Energy on effective datadriven policymaking as well as ensuring greater market transparency, we have amended our guidelines for the reporting of price adjustments by oil companies in the downstream oil industry in the Philippines,” Cusi said.

Cusi signed DC 2019-05-008, titled Revised Guidelines for the Monitoring of Prices in the Sale of Petroleum Products by the Downstream Oil Industry on May 28.

“In accordance with existing guidelines, oil companies will continue to report to the DoE any adjustments in the retail prices of gasoline, automotive and industrial diesel, kerosene, jet fuel and aviation gas, and household and automotive liquefied petroleum gas,” Cusi said.

The energy chief said under the new guidelines, oil companies would also be required to report their “unbundled price adjustments” to include import costs, tax burdens, biofuel costs and other essential components that contribute to the changes in retail prices.

“These enhancements will provide the DoE and other relevant government agencies with the necessary data to formulate proactive and appropriate policy initiatives for the benefit of consumers and the downstream oil industry,” Cusi

said.

“Furthermore, the data provided will support the Department of Energy-Department of Justice Task Force investigations on reported incidents of anticompetitive behavior,” he said.

Cusi said the utilization of the data collected would be subjected to the strict confidentiality requirements under the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act, the Freedom of Information Act and the Philippine Competition Commission laws.

The oil firms had yet to issue comment as of press time.

Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella earlier said the unbundling circular was meant to determine the oil companies’ industry profit.

“This is a way to address industry

take,” he said, adding that oil companies needed to compete in terms of services and prices giving consumers the power of choice.

Under the circular, oil companies are required to unbundle and provide an explanation for the oil price adjustment.

“Oil companies shall strictly comply with the submission of the formal notice to OIMB [Oil Industry Management Bureau]…for any price adjustments or no adjustment of petroleum products subject of sale on a per liter basis for liquid fuel and automotive LPG and on per kilogram basis for household LPG, containing the detailed computation and corresponding explanation and supporting documents on the cause/s or reason/s of the movement of the individual unbundled price adjustment,” it said.

Savings of Pag-IBIG members hit P11b PAG-IBIG Fund members saved more than P11.15 billion in the first three months, up 16 percent year-on-year and representing a new record for the highest amount saved by members in any quarter.

“Last year, we encouraged Pag-IBIG Fund members to save more and we are happy to note that many saw the merit of this campaign. Our members’ savings collections from January to March 2019 reached a record high, increasing

by P1.5 billion compared to the P9.65 billion we collected during the same quarter last year and is higher than any quarter in the previous years,” said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees.

“This is good news because the amount of members’ savings collected finances the programs we provide to our members. More collections mean more funds that we can utilize for our

short-term loans and home financing programs, in line with the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to provide social benefits to more Filipinos,” said del Rosario.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Acmad Rizaldy Moti said the increase in savings was not confined to its regular savings program. The amount saved under the Modified Pag-IBIG 2 Savings Program also surged 150 percent in the first three months to P1.93 billion from P771.7 million collected in the same period in 2018. This is by far the highest amount saved by members under the MP2 program.

MP2 is a voluntary savings program that provides active members and retirees who are former Pag-IBIG members with another savings option that has a term of only five years.

With a minimum savings amount of P500, the MP2 yields higher dividend earnings compared to other offerings in the market.

POLLUTION WATCH. Resorts World Manila teams up with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. Bantay Kalikasan for the Bantay Langis Project to inform the public of the dangers of improper handling and disposal of used industrial and engine oil. Leading the partnership are (from left) Environmental Management BureauNCR regional director Domingo Clemente Jr., Pollution Control Association of the Philippines vice president for external affairs Gretchen Fontejon-Enarle, Resorts World Manila chief operating officer Stephen Reilly, EMB hazardous waste section chief GeriGeronimo Sañez, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation managing director Susan Afan and Genetron International Marketing technical sales director Jocelyn Panen.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks up; Jollibee, URC advance T HE stock market climbed for the third straight day Thursday, boosted by buying on consumer-related stocks that are expected to benefit from government’s catch-up plan on infrastructure spending.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 38.80 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,836.55 on a value turnover of P6.6 billion. Gainers beat losers, 97 to 80, with 53 issues unchanged.

The government plans 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 has said. The plan to ramp up spending is expected to boost consumer spending in the next three quarters.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fast-food chain, gained 3.3 percent to P282, while Universal Robina Corp., the largest snack food maker, added 2.5 percent to P163.

First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group advanced 5.3 percent to P22.95 after unit FGen LNG Corp. broke ground on the $1-billion liquefied natural gas terminal project in Batangas City and announced a plan to build additional gas power plants with a combined capacity of 1,200 megawatts.

Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, climbed 5.3 percent to P5.92.

The rest of Asian markets, meanwhile, largely fell Thursday as Beijing ratcheted up its rhetoric against Washington, fanning investor anxiety over the USChina trade war and a potential global economic slowdown.

With no date set for tariff talks to resume in the US-China trade war,

and Beijing accusing Washington of “naked economic terrorism” on Thursday in its handling of the dispute, investors appeared resigned to the prospect of the spat extending into the summer.

“We are against the trade war, but we are not afraid of it,” Chinese vice foreign minister Zhang Hanhui said at a press briefing.

“This premeditated instigation of a trade conflict is naked economic terrorism, economic chauvinism, and economic bullying,” Zhang added.

Tokyo and Shanghai ended 0.3 percent lower while Hong Kong dropped 0.4 percent. Singapore lost 0.8 percent, while Sydney fell 0.7 percent. But Seoul rose 0.8 percent.

A veiled threat by Beijing on Wednesday to cut critical exports of rare earths to the United States intensified concerns.

It was the latest salvo in a months-

long row that has seen Washington and Beijing slap tit-for-tat tariffs on imports, with US President Donald Trump upping the ante in recent weeks by blacklisting Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

Any move by China, which produces 95 percent of the world’s rare earths, to restrict exports to the US would have a devastating impact on manufacturers of everything from smartphones to computers to lightbulbs.

In bond markets a push towards safe-haven purchases saw the yield, or rate of return, on 10-year US Treasury notes plummet to the lowest level since September 2017.

“With the skirmish on the cusp of escalating into a more extensive drawnout attritional campaign, the fall in bond yields has accelerated, forcing global growth bastions of optimism such as stocks and oil to rethink their strategies,” said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.5 16,450 79.2 2,095,270 2.25 14,000 136.7 2,690,520 1.17 4,000 26.7 119,700 18.8 400 11.44 518,400 4.56 36,000 1.34 2,000 0.49 2,430,000 72 2,163,570 1.01 237,000 13.2 1,800 59.75 241,280 182.5 600 57 2,190 26.5 31,000 175.3 310,900 59.6 30,870

965,442.50 166,416,138 31,450 367,845,000 4,680 3,190,710 7,520 5,964,730 161,930 2,680 1,169,100 156,090,030.50 239,740 23,760 14,326,130.50 110,130 125,205 821,700 54,697,710 1,855,809.50

456,799 -30,761,214 7,311,239 315,360 -4,282,166 -52,523,283.50 5,363,381.50 265,000 18,827,395 -1,654,501.50

35.3 14.3 0.7 1.38 0.29 2.5 14.1 110 25.05 15.98 65.5 2.02 5.7 10.12 15.88 9.86 7.48 1.62 21.7 77.2 42.5 2.38 13.46 10.1 1.65 274.6 4.08 9.5 21.9 12.92 20.25 377.8 0.19 5.68 1.23 4.75 6.07 9.08 2.2 12.1 41.65 4.81 5 1.54 1.95 1.18 13.12 104 6.48 1.19 159 2.5 1.2 15.98 1.22

INDUSTRIAL 35.3 3,457,600 14.4 334,900 0.72 608,000 1.38 30,000 0.295 17,680,000 2.5 12,961,000 14.14 650,200 110 100 25.5 268,700 16 4,600 65.5 440 2.05 1,064,000 5.75 3,300 10.16 2,943,500 16.02 140,700 9.97 486,500 7.5 1,610,900 1.69 15,000 22.95 7,558,300 78.75 83,350 43 84,800 2.4 7,570,000 13.78 318,000 10.2 1,571,800 1.71 236,000 282 933,720 4.45 12,000 9.5 395,100 22.5 1,611,400 12.92 526,300 20.25 988,000 379 255,190 0.191 190,000 5.7 7,800 1.23 3,206,000 4.76 53,000 6.12 706,100 9.08 1,500 2.35 55,501,000 12.1 2,700 41.65 77,900 4.81 22,000 5 2,600 1.54 266,000 1.95 9,000 1.19 136,000 13.16 1,787,500 105.4 268,610 6.5 28,300 1.2 1,894,000 163 1,431,050 2.5 29,000 1.24 2,569,000 17 51,500 1.24 21,008,000

122,439,270 4,818,662 430,570 41,400 5,278,600 32,902,280 9,279,084 11,000 6,819,440 73,930 29,587.50 2,175,940 18,905 30,110,502 2,254,432 4,857,288 12,084,776 24,650 171,657,365 6,561,589 3,670,995 18,150,530 4,335,962 15,998,722 399,760 262,097,150 50,780 4,111,710 36,139,300 6,852,634 20,071,495 96,793,854 36,110 44,397 3,989,410 252,850 4,314,560 13,620 127,138,570 32,676 3,259,475 106,380 13,010 409,750 17,550 160,870 23,487,000 28,189,010 185,042 2,290,240 232,342,279 73,350 3,157,800 875,074 26,442,070

7,768,845 -1,450,348 43,200 3,000 6,358,350 -140,518 333,700 -12,452,376 2,123,146 79,593 -6,602,731 83,862,170 -480,684 1,811,610 -519,690 22,950 10,881,894 48,855,656 100,000 -8,839,370 -430,524 -12,842,415 9,684,684 -1,511,650 -740,566 573,780.00 -800,780 -15,001,430 -11,140,351 -20,799,683 -12,750 -244,000 -850,000 -298,420

0.62 55.35 15.46 0.76 6.79 12.9 1.25 1.26 912 3.45 6.85 10.6 14.48 4.5 0.26 886 6.15 62.25 6.18 0.52 4.65 15.34 0.52 4.48 0.039 1.06 183.2 942 1 1.36 270 0.239 0.305

0.6 54.05 15.1 0.74 6.7 12.5 1.22 1.24 898.5 3.37 6.75 10.3 14 4.5 0.249 870 6.14 61.05 6 0.5 4.61 14.72 0.51 4.34 0.039 1.06 179.2 929 0.94 1.36 265.4 0.234 0.285

HOLDING FIRMS 0.6 9,583,000 54.5 1,181,280 15.28 5,516,400 0.76 1,091,000 6.79 3,200 12.68 127,200 1.23 1,713,000 1.24 256,000 909 449,820 3.42 1,587,000 6.8 602,900 10.4 5,722,300 14.2 123,000 4.5 3,000 0.26 290,000 872 51,080 6.14 44,000 61.1 1,839,160 6.18 10,200 0.51 4,000 4.65 2,154,000 14.92 5,595,300 0.52 252,000 4.44 20,216,000 0.039 600,000 1.06 18,000 182 182,760 929 348,170 0.94 2,690,000 1.36 70,000 270 1,480 0.238 460,000 0.3 12,300,000

5,818,750 64,530,664 84,311,678 810,550 21,575 1,601,748 2,107,700 320,950 408,469,005 5,413,360 4,088,799 59,879,572 1,748,916 13,500 72,320 44,775,825 270,550 113,066,030 61,290 2,030 10,014,630 83,829,970 128,880 89,694,240 23,400 19,080 33,204,697 325,395,795 2,592,480 95,200 396,364 108,690 3,637,950

-256,400 -2,083,861.50 29,388,664 11,390 87,980 68,200 71,314,300 -20,480 -1,354,355 -19,425,820 535,186 3,794,880 -17,171,709.50 -3,762,100 -14,415,890 -2,884,350 -11,199,923 73,012,835 -295,018 -1,336,750

15.86 0.79 10.96 2.1 0.8 49.45 2.26 5.05 6.4 0.62 0.82 0.94 0.226 0.38 9.88 25.25 0.475 1.67 1.43 5.92

15.56 0.77 10.22 2 0.77 48.2 2.21 4.95 6.2 0.59 0.82 0.85 0.225 0.37 9.57 24.7 0.475 1.6 1.39 5.67

6,140,732 281,960 153,760 509,660 955,900 559,589,610 2,864,820 3,192,609 9,494 24,056,830 7,380 722,550 578,450 226,500 3,794,262 16,997,685 280,250 57,038,060 4,786,630 391,537,454

-1,135,318 -7,800 225,094,070 -1,110,580.00 23,630 659,062 -896,475 -11,262,770 701,200 128,115,942

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

57.5 78 2.2 135 1.17 26.75 18.8 11.5 4.49 1.34 0.45 71.8 1.01 13.2 58.9 185 57.6 26.55 175 60

59.5 80.15 2.25 138.3 1.17 26.75 18.8 11.58 4.56 1.34 0.495 72.55 1.03 13.2 60 185 57.75 26.55 177 61

57.05 77.95 2.2 133.8 1.17 26.6 18.8 11.44 4.43 1.34 0.45 71.8 0.99 13.2 58.8 182.5 57 26.5 175 59.55

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR EUROMED 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 TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VIVANT VULCAN INDL

35.7 14.42 0.73 1.38 0.29 2.58 14.5 110 25.2 15.98 69.95 2.05 5.8 10.4 15.88 9.86 7.5 1.62 21.8 78.35 43.05 2.38 13.48 10.5 1.67 274.6 4.21 9.6 21.9 13.1 20.35 378.2 0.19 5.68 1.25 4.76 6.07 9.08 2.22 12.12 41.85 4.85 5.1 1.54 1.95 1.18 13.16 105 6.58 1.27 159.5 2.6 1.21 15.98 1.35

35.85 14.42 0.73 1.38 0.305 2.63 14.5 110 25.5 16.2 69.95 2.08 5.8 10.44 16.2 10.06 7.52 1.69 22.95 79.2 43.6 2.42 13.78 10.5 1.71 284.4 4.45 11.2 22.5 13.1 20.5 381 0.191 5.7 1.26 4.82 6.13 9.08 2.36 12.12 41.95 4.85 5.1 1.55 1.95 1.19 13.22 106 6.58 1.27 164 2.6 1.25 17 1.35

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 FJ PRINCE A FORUM PACIFIC 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 SOLID GROUP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.61 54.8 15.1 0.74 6.7 12.9 1.25 1.26 899 3.37 6.81 10.52 14.2 4.5 0.249 875 6.15 61.6 6 0.52 4.65 14.72 0.51 4.34 0.039 1.06 181.7 936 0.96 1.36 266.2 0.234 0.29

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

15.86 0.77 10.22 2.09 0.8 48.5 2.26 5 6.22 0.6 0.82 0.85 0.225 0.38 9.7 25.15 0.475 1.6 1.4 5.67

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

0.325 0.465 1.88 0.415 25 2.07 2.99 38.9 1.94 6.38 0.79 7.12

0.33 0.475 1.93 0.415 26.15 2.08 3 40 1.94 6.38 0.79 7.16

0.31 0.465 1.88 0.41 24.6 2.07 2.99 38.9 1.86 6.3 0.78 7.07

0.315 0.475 1.89 0.415 24.6 2.07 2.99 39 1.9 6.3 0.78 7.09

16,520,000 50,000 8,295,000 190,000 2,725,400 207,000 66,000 12,290,300 3,587,000 188,200 6,000 1,942,300

5,250,950 23,600 15,749,840 78,550 68,368,055 428,540 197,640 484,124,530 6,770,300 1,190,512 4,690 13,785,073

194,500 1,194,430 -9,757,115 -229,360,750.00 -4,841,112

2GO GROUP ABS CBN APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE 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 PH RESORTS GRP PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

11.5 18.18 0.42 0.046 3.05 11.6 0.06 88.5 6.78 5.62 10.48 895 2,192 5.35 402.6 2.2 136 10.2 0.125 6.15 3.06 14 4.49 0.82 20.6 0.55 3.66 2.72 1.58 15.8 2.27 3.21 9.65 4.73 121 3.25 1,274 0.74 0.8 45.8 72.2 9.4 3.15 0.68 0.36 5.3 0.68 16.9

11.6 18.4 0.42 0.046 3.05 11.98 0.061 90.2 6.79 6.2 10.7 895 2,230 5.39 417 2.27 137 10.3 0.125 6.19 3.07 14.02 4.63 0.9 20.8 0.58 3.74 2.73 1.58 15.9 2.4 3.21 9.9 5.16 125.8 3.32 1,317 0.78 0.83 46.2 72.2 9.64 3.2 0.68 0.375 5.39 0.7 17

11.36 18.14 0.42 0.044 2.91 11.52 0.058 88 6.52 5.62 10.42 895 2,128 5.35 402.6 2.17 135.1 10.2 0.12 5.96 2.9 14 4.43 0.82 20.5 0.55 3.66 2.65 1.56 15.8 2.22 3.19 9.5 4.73 121 3.21 1,271 0.74 0.79 43.4 71 9.38 3.12 0.66 0.355 5.27 0.68 16.74

SERVICES 11.36 18.3 0.42 0.046 2.98 11.8 0.059 89.95 6.69 5.9 10.46 895 2,210 5.38 410 2.18 135.9 10.3 0.123 6.01 2.92 14.02 4.6 0.87 20.8 0.58 3.74 2.73 1.56 15.9 2.32 3.2 9.61 5 125.8 3.32 1,280 0.77 0.81 43.4 71 9.6 3.14 0.67 0.36 5.35 0.69 17

15,700 46,500 30,000 5,600,000 950,000 3,585,200 29,790,000 222,000 1,009,400 251,600 43,700 10 81,405 85,700 1,640 3,322,000 1,571,580 6,200 1,340,000 4,211,200 7,000 9,200 1,580,000 1,229,000 1,129,600 771,000 69,000 1,402,000 47,000 1,000 3,198,000 106,000 36,400 632,000 500,010 1,309,000 196,310 6,602,000 13,848,000 461,900 482,750 59,700 2,283,000 686,000 26,230,000 817,700 1,656,000 1,189,900

180,212 850,326 12,600 249,000 2,825,290 42,377,046 1,763,610 19,973,436.50 6,747,174 1,442,390 458,694 8,950 180,227,610 459,877 669,584 7,312,320 213,752,925 63,440 163,140 25,434,440 21,130 128,804 7,204,180 1,050,740 23,369,760 438,550 255,700 3,770,730 73,860 15,868 7,366,870 339,440 349,180 3,176,670 60,501,258 4,299,520 253,979,295 5,044,840 11,292,100 20,450,645 34,405,261 570,840 7,203,240 459,640 9,592,050 4,349,362 1,144,900 20,061,374

2,276 50,500 -7,397,382 3,552,582.50 91,800 -1,136,126 53,221,130 18,600 8,083,785 -20,930 2,523,933 -2,164,160 14,935,295 -101,600 54,770.00 0 -1,145,860 59,858,365 -63,950 -522,260 -6,322,695 -14,301,712 -468,350 -13,180 613,100 -1,809,448 1,455,770

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

0.0018 1.1 11.9 2.8 0.295 7.7 1.47 0.245 0.104 0.109 0.0075 1.02 2.14 1.01 0.56 0.9 0.012 0.011 3.72 2.9 8 21.95 0.0069

0.0018 1.15 11.9 2.8 0.295 7.82 1.55 0.245 0.105 0.109 0.0075 1.04 2.22 1.01 0.56 0.91 0.012 0.011 3.72 2.91 8.14 22.2 0.0069

0.0018 1.09 11.9 2.8 0.295 7.68 1.46 0.23 0.102 0.104 0.0075 1.02 2.14 1 0.56 0.9 0.012 0.011 3.55 2.9 7.91 21.3 0.0069

MINING & OIL 0.0018 10,000,000 1.15 865,000 11.9 600 2.8 49,000 0.295 10,000 7.71 2,700 1.55 2,666,000 0.239 170,000 0.102 2,550,000 0.104 3,680,000 0.0075 1,000,000 1.04 28,000 2.2 2,716,000 1.01 4,000 0.56 70,000 0.91 80,000 0.012 100,000 0.011 76,000,000 3.58 466,000 2.9 157,000 8.12 524,400 21.3 2,725,100 0.0069 1,000,000

18,000 966,210 7,140 137,200 2,950 20,832 4,047,740 39,740 262,230 397,790 7,500 28,900 5,894,110 4,030 39,200 72,010 1,200 836,000 1,689,670 455,810 4,204,568 58,806,360 6,900

-5,600 2,940 -397,790 -2,581,700 -1,200 -455,810 459,568 -19,209,345 -

ABS HLDG PDR DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2G

18 97.5 104 487 5.35 95 0.98 100.1 996 75.45 76.95 72.45 73 73.85

18 98 104 487 5.35 95 1 100.1 996 75.45 77 72.45 73.5 73.85

17.92 97.5 104 486 5.35 95 0.98 100.1 996 75.45 76.95 72.45 73 72.8

PREFERRED 17.94 45,200 98 1,020 104 700 486 2,000 5.35 35,100 95 500 1 36,000 100.1 3,000 996 10 75.45 700 76.95 1,230 72.45 5,000 73.5 7,610 72.8 83,670

813,572 99,955 72,800 972,100 187,785 47,500 35,400 300,300 9,960 52,815 94,658.50 362,250 559,280 6,105,785

-811,772 -187,250 15,090 -73,500 -

LR WARRANT

2.09

2.17

2.05

WARRANTS 2.12 432,000

903,920

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.82 1.02

4.82 1.03

4.76 0.99

4.8 1

934,300 3,915,840

29,000

FIRST METRO ETF

117

117.9

117

356,616

-

USD DMPL A2

10

10.1

10

131,450

-

MS

PROPERTY 15.76 0.79 10.96 2.02 0.78 48.2 2.25 4.97 6.4 0.6 0.82 0.94 0.225 0.37 9.85 24.8 0.475 1.64 1.41 5.92

391,800 359,000 14,300 251,000 1,211,000 11,443,900 1,280,000 641,800 1,500 39,722,000 9,000 791,000 2,570,000 600,000 386,200 684,500 590,000 34,719,000 3,402,000 66,652,000

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

10,973,692

INDUSTRIAL

155,500,278

HOLDING FIRMS PROPERTY

86,865,249 213,187,467

SERVICES

119,269,894

MINING & OIL

104,875,666

GRAND TOTAL

694,774,149

SME

195,000 3,903,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.9 3,030 10.1

DDS

13,060

VALUE 1,717,41 (up) 24.38 774,080,165.80 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,438.51 (up) 154.53 1,396,402,650.65 HOLDING FIRMS 7,463.72 (down) 1.23 1,602,891,181.66 PROPERTY 4,229.25 (down) 8.56 SERVICES 1,661.87 (up) 9.15 1,723,352,332.12 MINING & OIL 7,132.22 (down) 8.43 988,852,729.57 PSEI 7,836.55 (up) 38.80 77,966,442.07 All Shares Index 4,822.06 (up) 17.27 6,568,756,689.47 Gainers: 97; Losers: 80; Unchanged: 53; Total: 230

MBDC buys dormant firm in backdoor listing move

By Jenniffer B. Austria MANILA Bay Development Corp., a real estate firm that owns a property within the reclamation area in Parañaque City, is listing with the Philippine Stock Exchange through Supercity Realty Development Corp., a dormant company.

Supercity said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board approved the issuance of 990 million new common shares to MBDC and George Chua, which are equivalent to a 90-percent stake in the company.

In exchange for the 990 million new common shares, MDBC and Chua will contribute 12 parcels of land in Parañaque City with a total area of 227,510 square meters.

The new shares to be issued will come from the proposed increase in the company’s authorized capital stock to P1.5 billion from P155 million.

“The increase in authorized capital stock shall be enable the corporation to secure properties along Roxas Boulevard, within the Reclamation Area of the Bay City (Boulevard 2000) development in Parañaque City, which would be a source of recurring rental income or future income from development projects,” SRDC said.

The corporate moves will be submitted for approval to the stockholders during the annual meeting scheduled on June 26.

Following the disclosure, the Philippine Stock Exchange suspended the trading of SRDC, saying the transaction involved the exchange’s rules on backdoor listing.

Shares of SRDC were last traded on May 11, 2009 when it closed at P1.32 per share.

SRDC was listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2003 to engage in the business of construction and related services and activities.

The SRDC board in February 2008 decided to wind down the company’s construction business and re-focus its activities into real estate development.

SRDC to date has not yet started any real development projects and remains engaged in the business of construction.

MBDC owns the 43-hectare area that is home to Uniwide Coastal Mall and Metro Manila Development Authority’s Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport Terminal.

Bourse accounts exceed 1-m level, says PSE report THE number of stock market accounts broke past the one million mark based on the 2018 Stock Market Investor Profile report of Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. Total stock market accounts reached 1,089,443, up 25 percent from 868,810 in 2017. The rise was spurred by a 60.9-percent increase in the number of online accounts to 625,763 this year from 388,864 in the previous year.

“It may have taken some time to breach this one million milestone but as they say better late than never. The advent of online trading has proven to be the catalyst for the rapid growth of stock market investors in the last five years,” said PSE president and chief executive officer Ramon Monzon.

“While one million is a big number in absolute terms, it is just a small percentage of our population. We need to continue and intensify our investment literacy initiatives and target to get an additional million of stock market investors in a shorter period of time,” Monzon added.

Retail investors owned most of the stock market accounts, cornering 97.5 percent, while institutional investors held 2.5 percent. About 98 percent of the total accounts were held by domestic investors while the rest were owned by foreign investors.

The 2018 report provided information on the demographic of Philippine stock market investors. The gap between male and female investors was further reduced with 51.6 percent male investors compared with 48.4 percent female investors. In 2017, there were 54.6 percent and 45.4 percent male and female investors, respectively.

In terms of age, the most notable change was the increase in the percentage share of investors in the 18 to 29 age group. They comprised 21.5 percent of total stock market account holders from just 16.2 percent in 2017. Those in the 30 to 44 age range accounted for 43.1 percent of investors, while the 45 to 59 and 60 and above had a 21.6 percent and 13.9 percent representation, respectively.

World

Boat sinking kills seven South Koreans

WELCOMING CEREMONY.

Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is escorted by Japan’s Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya during a welcoming ceremony at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on May 30, 2019. AFP

Congress must now investigate Trump case

B3

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BUDAPEST—Seven South Korean tourists died and 21 others are missing after a sightseeing boat sank in driving rain on the Danube river in the heart of Budapest, officials said Thursday.

The boat capsized near the parliament building in the Hungarian capital after a collision with a larger cruise boat on Wednesday evening, officials and media reports said.

Army divers joined police in the hunt for survivors, which continued through the night.

The search operation has been extended the length of the Danube in Hungary, officials said, as weeks of heavy rainfall has led to high water levels and a fastmoving current, complicating rescue efforts.

Local media reported that

one body was found several kiPolice spokesman Kristof Gal lometers south of the site of the told AFP that a further 21 were sinking, although this was not missing. confirmed by the emergency ser“The government expresses vices. its condolences to the families A total of 33 South Koreans of the South Korean victims of including 30 tourists and three the Danube boat accident,” the guides were on board the Mer- Hungarian government said on maid, Seoul’s foreign ministry its Facebook page. said, confirming the seven dead “The government is providing were Korean. all possible help to the police, The youngest on board was a emergency services, divers, amsix-year-old girl, travel agency bulance staff and doctors treatofficials said. ing the survivors.”

The 26-meter boat was also South Korean Foreign Mincarrying two Hungarian crew ister Kang Kyung-wha was to members when it went down at leave later Thursday for Buda9:15 pm (1915 GMT). pest as head of a government Emergency services spokes- task force, his office said. man Pal Gyorfi said that in adA witness told the Index. dition to the seven dead, another hu news site that the Mermaid, seven people were taken to hos- which could carry up to 60 peopital with symptoms of hypo- ple, had been hit from behind by thermia and shock. a large cruise boat. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

Standard

W

ASHINGTON―Robert Mueller said Wednesday his two-year Russia investigation had not exonerated Donald Trump, but that he had lacked the power to charge a sitting president―passing the baton to Congress where a growing chorus is clamoring for impeachment.

Making his first public statement on the high-stakes probe into Moscow’s interference in the 2016 election, the special counsel said longstanding Justice Department guidelines prevented him from charging Trump, despite at least 10 possible acts of criminal obstruction by the president.

But not indicting Trump was not equivalent to clearing him, Mueller said, suggesting Congress has both the constitutional powers and the responsibility to pursue the case.

“If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so,” he said.

Mueller’s oblique allegation of serious wrongdoing sparked a new firestorm in Washington, with Trump again claiming vindication and a rising number of Democrats demanding to open impeachment proceedings.

“Nothing changes from the Mueller Report. There was insufficient evidence and therefore, in our Country, a person is innocent,” the president tweeted minutes after Mueller finished speaking.

“The case is closed! Thank you.”

But Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren was one of half a dozen White House hopefuls who seized upon Mueller’s remarks, to urge Congress to impeach Trump.

“Mueller leaves no doubt,” she tweeted. “The Constitution leaves it up to Congress to act―and that’s impeachment.”

The taciturn Mueller took to the podium to clarify his original conclusions more than two months after a summary of his report was first released by the Justice Department.

“Russian intelligence officers who were part of the Russian military launched a concerted attack on our political system,” forming the basis for the investigation, said the 74-year-old, long one of the most respected members of the Washington justice establishment.

Mueller’s 448-page report, finally released in redacted form on April 18, detailed multiple contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia, including efforts to take advantage of Moscow’s claimed possession of dirt on Trump’s Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

But in the end, Mueller said, “There was insufficient evidence to charge a broader conspiracy” of collusion. AFP

Another Tiananmen protest called ‘impossible’ in China BEIJING―Thirty years after the crackdown on Tiananmen protesters, the tanks that lined Beijing’s central avenue have been replaced by countless surveillance cameras perched like hawks on lampposts to keep the population in check.

The Chinese Communist Party has gone to great lengths to prevent another pro-democracy movement, clamping down on student activists, labor movements and lawyers with the help of high-tech surveillance.

But the party has also pushed economic reforms that have made millions of people wealthier―and less interested in rebelling like the students whose protest ended with hundreds killed on June 4, 1989.

Over the past decade, small police booths have been set up block by block across the coun-

try to monitor neighborhood disputes, prevent crime, and keep tabs on anyone suspected of disturbing social order.

Now China’s obsession with artificial intelligence and facial recognition adds another layer of sophistication to this intricate surveillance web, allowing police to pound on the door of any perceived troublemaker, several activists told AFP. Others said the party’s infiltration of universities and a crackdown on “liberal spaces” including independent bookstores has made it difficult for people to even discuss reform.

“Enhanced surveillance technology makes it much more difficult to see any mass demonstrations like the Tiananmen protests in 1989 to happen nowadays,” said Patrick Poon, China researcher at Amnesty International. AFP

for the captive market of a distribution utility, taking into account all relevant considerations, including the efficiency or inefficiency of the regulated entities. The rates must be such as to allow the recovery of just and reasonable costs and a reasonable return on rate base (RORB) to enable the entity to operate viably. The rate-setting methodology so adopted and applied must ensure a reasonable price of electricity. The rates prescribed shall be non-discriminatory. xxx

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

TODAY

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

Sec. 43 (h) Review and approve any changes on the terms and conditions of service of the TRANSCO or any distribution utility;” 19. The Supreme Court in Republic of the Philippines, represented by Energy Regulatory Board vs. Manila Electric Company8, provided that: “The regulation of rates to be charged by public utilities is founded upon the police powers of the State and statutes prescribing rules for the control and regulation of public utilities are a valid exercise thereof. When private property is used for a public purpose and is affected with public interest, it ceases to be juris privati only and becomes subject to regulation. The regulation is to promote the common good. Submission to regulation may be withdrawn by the owner by discontinuing use; but as long as use of the property is continued, the same is subject to public regulation.”

REAL STEEL CORPORATION (RSC) , Applicant, -versus-

ERC CASE NO. 2019-008 MC

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

(Emphasis supplied)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 15 April 2019, Real Steel Corporation (RSC) filed an Application for the adoption of the same Billing Methodology using coincident peak demand (CPD), as approved for SKK Steel Corporation and Melters Steel Corporation, with prayer for provisional authority or interim relief.

“In regulating rates charged by public utilities, the State protects the public against arbitrary and excessive rates while maintaining the efficiency and quality of services rendered. However, the power to regulate rates does not give the State the right to prescribe rates which are so low as to deprive the public utility of a reasonable return on investment. Thus, the rates prescribed by the State must be one that yields a fair return on the public utility upon the value of the property performing the service and one that is reasonable to the public for the services rendered. The fixing of just and reasonable rates involves a balancing of the investor and the consumer interests.”

The pertinent allegations of the said Petition are hereunder quoted as follows: 1.

RSC is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address at 08 Quezon Road, San Isidro, San Simon, Pampanga. It is engaged in the business of manufacturing, wholesaling, trading, importation of steel, and other steel metal products. Copies of its Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and General Information Sheet for 2018 are hereto attached as Annexes “A” to “A-3” , respectively, to form integral parts hereof;

Emphasis supplied.

2.

RSC may be served with orders, notices and other legal processes of this Honorable Commission through the undersigned Firm at its address indicated hereunder;

III. COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS

3.

Meanwhile, Respondent National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City where it may be served with orders, notices and other legal processes of this Honorable Commission. It is the concessionaire which assumed the power transmission functions of the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA);

21. Applicant manifests compliance with the pre-filing requirements mandated under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EPIRA and Rule 6 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to be established by the following:

By and pursuant to Sections 43; (f) and (h) of the EPIRA, its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and other pertinent guidelines and rules, RSC submits the instant Application to the Honorable Commission for its due consideration and approval of RSC’s adoption of the same billing methodology using Coincident Peak Demand (CPD), as approved for SKK Steel Corporation1, Stronghold Steel Corporation2 and Melters Steel Corporation3;

21.2 Notarized Affidavit of Publication stating that the Application was published in a newspaper of nationwide circulation, to be appended herein as Annex -”G,”; and

4.

21.1

21.3

I. STATEMENT OF FACTS 5.

6.

7.

Certifications acknowledging receipt of the Application with annexes to be issued by the Legislative Bodies of the Quezon City, Municipalities of San Simon, and the Province of Pampanga, to be appended as Annexes “F”, “F1”, and “F-2”, respectively;

Complete newspaper issue where the Application was published, to be appended herein as Annex “H-l”, and the relevant page thereof where the Application appears, as Annex “H-2”;

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

Iron and steel industry in the Philippines is a vital component in nation-building.

It has a vast contribution in achieving the country’s inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. The industry contributes to the construction of infrastructure, power generation and distribution, transportation facilities and vehicles, manufacturing machinery, and equipment - which are all vital industries for the nation’s long-term growth4;

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

By 2030, the iron and steel industry aims to manufacture world-class products as a majority producer of high quality and safe steel products for domestic users by supplying 70% of the tonnage of required apparent steel consumption. To achieve this goal, the implementation of measures that would bring down the costs of importing raw materials and losses of revenue, reduce electricity and logistics costs, among others, to make the industry more attractive for local and foreign investors, are necessary5;

24. RSC prays for the issuance of a Provisional Authority or Interim Relief prior to final decision pursuant to Rule 15 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to wit: “Section 3. Action on the Motion. - Motions for provisional authority or interim relief may be acted upon with or without hearing. The Commission shall act on the motion on the basis of the allegations of the application or petition and supporting documents and other evidences that applicant or petitioner has submitted and the comments or opposition filed by any interested person, if there be any.”

RSC files the instant Application to seek the Honorable Commission’s approval in allowing RSC to use a billing methodology based on Coincident Peak Demand (CPD) in the calculation of its transmission charges. This will reduce its power costs and bring down its costs of production to effectively ensure its competitiveness in the market. Copy of its Board Resolution, for filing of the Application, designation of representative to sign the Verification and Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping; and engaging the services of Diccion Law Firm to represent RSC, is hereto attached as Annex “B” as an integral part hereof;

25. Under the current billing arrangement using NCPD, RSC has higher costs of electricity, resulting in higher production costs as compared to its competitors in the industry. This threatens the continuous operations and viability of RSC, considering that other manufacturing companies were able to avail of preferential billing methodologies that effectively brought down their production costs;

8.

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

26. Hence, in recognition of the contribution of steel industries to the country’s economic development and to promote global competitiveness of the country’s steel industry, RSC prays that the Honorable Commission direct NGCP to adopt the same billing methodology granted to steel corporations SSK, SSC, and MSC;

9.

Subsequently, the Honorable Commission also granted Stronghold Steel Corporation (SSC) the same billing methodology with TRANSCO, in its Decision in ERC Case No. 2005-230 dated 04 July 2007 allowing transmission charges to be calculated based on the actual demand coincident with the Luzon System Peak Demand.

SSC’s payment of transmission charges to NGCP, as TRANSCO’s concessionaire, on the basis of CPD of the Luzon System Peak Demand was confirmed in the Decision in ERC Case No. 2011-060 MC6 dated 26 November 2012;

27. In light of the foregoing and in recognition of the fact that a substantial amount of time is customarily needed to evaluate the documents submitted to support the approval of herein Application, Applicant RSC seeks the kind consideration of the Honorable Commission to approve the instant Application, immediately, albeit, provisionally, at the soonest opportune time.

10. Finally, in its Decision in ERC Case No. 2008-062 MC dated 26 November 2012, Melters Steel Corporation (MSC) was allowed to adopt the same billing methodology approved for SKK and SSC, directing NGCP to use MSC’s actual demand coincident with the Luzon System Peak demand as its billing determinant in the calculation of its transmission charges;

WHEREFORE, premises considered, the following are most respectfully prayed for of the Honorable Commission:

PRAYER

(a) Pending hearing on the merits, DULY ISSUE a Provisional Authority or Interim Relief directing NGCP to adopt the same billing methodology using Coincident Peak Demand approved for SKK Steel Corporation and Stronghold Steel Corporation, and Melters Steel Corporation as applied; and

11. RSC’s steel plant is located in San Simon, Pampanga, where SKK and MSC are also located. The Honorable Commission has already established that demand for transmission capacity continuously increases in the area of San Simon, Pampanga, where big industries, majority of which are steel companies, operate 24-hours a day. Their major operations during the Luzon Peak pose risks on transmission, and outages also affect the bulk of electricity end-users7; 12. RSC’s manufacturing plant uses induction furnaces, which consume a very substantial amount of electric power when producing steel billets. The capacity with which it utilizes power greatly affects the stability of the transmission lines or grid to which it is connected. With big volumes of power drawn from the system if operated during the peak hours of Luzon Grid, it adds burden to the entire system during this period; 13. Currently, RSC directly sources its power requirements through the transmission system of the NGCP by virtue of a Transmission Service Agreement (TSA) executed on _________and Metering Service Agreement (MSA) executed on _______ . Copy of its TSA and MSA are hereto attached as Annexes “D” and “E” to form integral parts hereof; 14. The TSA took effect on 26 December 2018 and will be valid until 25 December 2023, unless terminated earlier. Under the TSA, RSC currently pays NGCP applicable charges in accordance with the OATS Rules and the Philippine Grid Code (PGC).

As provided in the OATS Rules, NGCP is using Non-Coincident Peak Demand as its billing determinant as shown by the billings provided by NGCP;

(b) After due notice and hearing, direct NGCP to use RSC’s actual demand coincident with the Luzon System Peak Demand as its billing determinant in the calculation of its transmission charges.

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

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, pre-trial conference, and presentation of evidence on 18 June 2019 (Tuesday) at ten o’clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following:

15. As shown in the NGCP’s 2018 Billing Statement, RSC’s Billing Determinant are as follows: MONTH (2018) January February March April May June July August September October November December

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

Copies of the NGCP January to December 2018 Billing Statements are hereto attached as Annexes “C” to “C-11” to form integral parts hereof; 16. RSC is operating during peak and off-peak hours of the grid and is spending considerable amount of money for its continuous operation under the current scheme. When granted the authority to use the same billing methodology based on CPD, RSC will migrate its full operations during off-peak hours and less during peak hours, similar to the aforesaid steel corporations which were granted preferential rate by the Honorable Commission, so as not to jeopardize transmission capacities that are critically needed by other transmission customers;

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

The petitioner’s name and address;

2)

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

3)

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicant rests its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from RSC that it be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. RSC is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO AGNES VST DEVANADERA and the Honorable Commissioners ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN, CATHERINE P. MACEDA and PAUL CHRISTIAN M. CERVANTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 16th day of May 2019 in Pasig City.

II. LEGAL BASIS 17. Section 7 of the EPlRA provides that the “transmission of electric power shall be a regulated common electricity carrier business, subject to the rate making powers of the ERC”;

1)

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Commissioner 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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

Securing the Future of Philippine Industries. http://industry.gov.ph/industry/iron-and-steell Ibid In the Matter of the Petition for Dispute Resolution Relative to the Billing Determinant Arrangement of Stronghold Steel Corporation and National Transmission Corporation, with Prayer for Issuance of a Cease and Desist/Status Quo Order ERC Case No. 2008-062 MC, Decision, Page 12 and ERC Case No. 2011-060 MC, Decision, Page 15 GR No. 141314, 15 November 2002 (MS-MAY 31, 2019)

LGUs

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

B4

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Malampaya volunteers join ‘Brigada’ work SETTING high importance on the future of the next generation, Malampaya volunteers joined hands for this year’s Brigada Eskwela across eight schools in five barangays of Talim, Batangas.

The Department of Education kicked off the 16th Brigada Eskwela, also known as National Schools Maintenance Week with the theme “Matatag na Bayan para sa Maunlad na Paaralan.”

Volunteers were deployed to five elementary schools and three high schools located in barangays Tabangao, Ambulong, Libjo, San Isidro, and Malitam.

They are Tabangao Elementary School, Tabangao Integrated School, Malampaya volunteers from the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., Malampaya Foundation Inc., Contractors Safety Officers (inset), and Shell Philippines staff, spent half a day repainting school Ambulong Elementary School, Libjo desks, gardening, and ensuring that electrical connections are in good condition.

Elementary School, Libjo National High School, San Isidro Elementary School, Malitam Elementary School, and Malitam National High School.

The Malampaya volunteers, led

by Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., Malampaya Foundation Inc., Contractors Safety Officers Foundation, and Shell Philippines staff spent half a day repainting the school desks, gardenand campaign freely in a certain area. ter to the Sangguniang Panglungsod LOILO CITY—Newly-elected government officials who ing, and ensuring that electrical con“We continue our monitoring on and recommending the declaration of continue to support the New People’s Army can be charged with nections are in good condition. officials and if we have concrete the NPA as persona non-grata. financing terrorism, the top official of the 61st Infantry Battalion these “This commitment to help clean pieces of evidence, there would be “It is included in our line of efforts, of the Philippine Army warned on Thursday. up the schools’ facilities will enable appropriate cases to be filed against our line of actions. We also encourage young students to attend classes with them,” Batara said. other LGUs to do the same,” he said, a fit for purpose facilities, bringing Violations of Republic Act 10168 or adding that the Department of the InLt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, 61IB porting the rebels, based on the reports out the best in their potential. Most the Terrorism Financing Prevention and terior and Local Government had been commander, said they monitored 37 of other government agencies. of all to maximize learnings from politicians who ran for the midterm “For the past months, there were Suppression Act of 2012 can be filed incessantly urging the declaration of time spent in schools,” shared Bong NPAs as persona non-grata in all mupolls and were also backing the NPA. candidates consistently monitored to against these officials, he said.

Bustamante, one of the volunteers Furthermore, Batara said the local nicipalities nationwide.

Fifteen of these officials were elect- have been giving support to the NPA, and the HSSE Operational Safety Declaring the NPA as persona noned as either mayors or Sangguniang including some candidates who gave government units, particularly the loLead of Malampaya.

Bayan members in the provinces of in on the rebels’ ‘permit’ to win and cal chief executives, should spearhead grata means “containing the rebels in The activity encourages education Iloilo and Capiz. ‘permit’ to campaign [fees],” Batara the efforts to end the insurgency in other definite areas,” he said. “It means stakeholders to participate and gather the country. they are not welcome in a certain place.

He added that 15 is still a “running said in a phone interview. together to help ensure that schools He appreciated the move of the Iloilo NPA [rebels] are mobile and can go number” because there were additional The communist rebels demanded monare safe, clean, conducive to learnelected officials suspected to be sup- ey from the candidates for them to enter City Police Office in submitting a let- anywhere even in the city,” he added. ing, and ready for the opening of the school year in June.

Army warns Red coddlers

I

Former Pasay police chief new Caloocan boss

Verzosa picked as Reyna Elena in Makati parade

By Jun David

By Joel E. Zurbano THE City of Makati has chosen Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa as Mayflower Queen in this year’s Flores de Mayo procession to be held Friday afternoon.

Verzosa will be escorted by fellow actor-model Marco Gumabao.

Mayor Abigail Binay, accompanied

by Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo and Rep. Luis Campos, will lead the coronation rites for the city’s Mayflower Queen.

Romulo Salgado Jr., city chief information officer, said the coronation will start at 4 p.m. and it will be followed by the Flores de Mayo procession with a parade of floweradorned floats carrying the Mayflower Queen, sagalas (princesses) and their escorts at 5 p.m.

He said the sagalas will be representing the different barangays of Makati, City Hall Offices and partners from the private sector.

Last year, the city government chose celebrity model and actress Sofia Louise Andres as Mayflower Queen.

The city government will impose road closure and traffic rerouting scheme in connection with the annual event.

TOURISM AWARDEES.

GIFT OF SIGHT. First Metro Investment Corp., the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, made the vision of 257 public elementary school students clearer and brighter through its Bigay Liwanag project. Students of Dr. Benigno Aldana Elementary School and Legarda Elementary School in Manila receive free eye check-ups and prescription glasses from the investment bank. Bigay Liwanag is a vision care project under its CSR platform dubbed “First Metro Inspires Cares” and has benefitted over 3,000 public school students.

PCAARRD aims to boost CV seaweed production

By Butch Gunio

TAGBILARAN—The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development aims to improve the economic condition of seaweed farmers in Central Visayas by boosting their production.

“PCAARRD and consortium members

here in Region 7 have developed various technologies and innovations to improve seaweed production,” Dr. Edwin Villar, PCAARRD executive director for Research and Development, said Wednesday.

Villar spoke during the opening program here of the two-day Farms and Industry Encounters through Science and Technology Agenda hosted by Central

The recipients of the 15th Tourism Awardees stand with Rotary Club of Manila director and Committee chairman Robert Lim Joseph (4th from left) and RCM’s Susing Pineda (6th from left). Awardees (from left) are Kevin Andrew L. Tan, CEO, Alliance Global Group, Inc. (Integrated Tourism); Jesli Lapus, founder, AIM International Business Education Tourism (International Business Education Tourism); Oscar del Rosario Sr., founder, Lilim Forest Reserve (Farm Tourism); Senator Cynthia A. Villar (Ecotourism), Dr. Jikyeong Kang, president of AIM (International Business Education Tourism); Felicito Payumo, founder, Sinagtala Resort, Dinalupuhan, Bataan; Cynthia Carreon, Chairman/CEO, Corregidor Foundation, Inc. (Heritage Tourism); Paul Arcenas, vice president, SM Investments representing Teresita Sy-Coson, vice chairman SM Investments (Kultura Shopping Tourism); Dr. Mina Gabor, founder and president, International School of Sustainable Tourism (Sustainable & Farm Tourism); Frederick D. Go, president, Robinson’s Land Corp. (Affordable Local Hotel Chain); Antonio Meloto, founder, Paraiso Farm (Social Tourism) and DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing for Secretary Eduardo Año (Sustainable Tourism). Not in photo is DENR Assistant Secretary Daniel Nicer (Sustainable Tourism)

Visayas and Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium.

“Seaweed production has high potential to contribute to the economic development in the region. Seaweed farming must be a sustainble enterprise. There are new technologies available to seaweed farmers and producers,” he added.

FORMER Pasay City Police chief P/Col. Noel Flores has taken over the reins of the Caloocan City Police from P/Col. Restituto Arcanghel, whose designation lasted for one year and four months.

The appointment of Col. Flores was confirmed by Caloocan City Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan in an interview with reporters during the blessing and inauguration of the more than 6,000-square meter People’s Park located at the back of the New Caloocan City Hall on Wednesday evening.

Malapitan said the three-month temporary appointment of Col. Flores as the city chief of police will be evaluated.

If the mayor is not contented with his performance, the Philippine National Police will submit names of eligible officers to his office for his selection, which Malapitan said was his legal right under Republic Act 6975 or the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990.

However, the city chief executive said he already gave his marching order to Col. Flores to continue Caloocan’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs, illegal gambling and other forms of criminality.

Vizcayano wins pollution control award KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya—The Pollution Control to save our environment,” PCAPI’s president, Association of the Philippines, Inc. bestowed The Jeremiah Dwight Sebastian said, while welOutstanding Pollution Control Officer coming PCOs and delegates from award to Oliver Donato, a Didipio residifferent regions of the Philippines. dent and the first Novo Vizcayano to Donato is an Environment superreceive such prestigious award. visor of OceanaGold’s Didipio Mine Donato was selected to receive the and an Environment Science graduate award during the 39th National Annual of Nueva Vizcaya State University Convention and General Assembly of in Bayombong. the PCAPI in Cebu City last May 8-9.

He is part of an environment team This year’s theme, “PCO’s: Our Enthat mitigates the impacts of largevironmental Heroes,” reiterated the scale mining in Nueva Vizcaya insignificance of private sector mainly Oliver Donato cluding water quality improvement, its Pollution Control Officers and their reforestation and mine progressive partnership with the Philippine Government in rehabilitation, energy efficiency, biodiversity minimizing the negative impacts of pollution by conservation, among others. aiming to put an end to its very cause.

“As Didipio residents, we have a respon“As PCOs and Environment manager, we sibility to ensure all activities that happen are burdened with the glorious task of find- within our community are compliant to existing and implementing solutions and more im- ing laws to protect and enhance our environportantly to inspire others to join our efforts ment,” Donato said. Abe Almirol

Life

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

CULTURE AND MEDIA

@MStandardLIFE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

Salcedo Auctions finds ‘paradise’ in new gallery

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A late 19th-century 'Sous le palmier' sterling silver ornament

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UCTION house Salcedo Auctions stages “Paradise Found,” a housewarming of sorts and the inaugural exhibit in its new address, a 500-square-meter gallery at the NEX Tower along Ayala Avenue.

“Paradise Found” plays on nostalgia and the desire to return to an idyllic past, taking its cue from objects of beauty that were once “lost” and have now returned to the spotlight.

Bringing this paradise to life are fine art, headlined by an extensive collection of contemporary Philippine art from an important Asian collection that includes Rodel Tapaya’s monumental canvas painting “Baston ni Kabunian, Bilang pero di Mabilang,” which won the Grand Prize at the 2011 APB Foundation Signature Art Prize held at the Singapore Art Museum.

The collection also includes pieces

by Jose John Santos III, Buen Calubayan, Jigger Cruz, Geraldine Javier, Leslie de Chavez, Alfredo Esquillo, and Winner Jumalon.

Other major highlights of the sale include Félix Resurrección Hidalgo’s “Rooftop in Paris” (undated ca. 1890s, oil on canvas) and Jorge Pineda’s depiction of a rice field before the harvest (1929, oil on canvas). Meanwhile, Lao Lianben’s “Man of Few Words” (2008, acrylic on canvas) is a more meditative take on paradise executed in gold and silver.

Also featured are Juvenal Sansó’s “Blooms in Poetry,” a rare acrylic with a solid yellow background; National Artist Vicente Manansala’s early water-

colors from 1951 and 1953; and pieces by Fabian dela Rosa and Danilo Dalena, Solomon Saprid, and National Artists Napoleon Abueva and Arturo Luz. Rare antique furniture part of the auction includes a 19th-century, full-size, all kamagong wardrobe closet. It is widely believed that only a handful of them exist today, mostly in museums or in private collections.

There is also an escritorio with a chest of drawers, made of highly prized dark kamagong wood and narra wood, and with lanite and carabao bone inlays, and brass mounts. The large dummy drawer conceals a fall-front writing desk equipped with ample compartments for paper, documents, and other supplies.

Its design elements are of the Neoclassical style that was revived in Europe in the early 19th century.

Other exquisite works included in the auction are pieces formerly from the renowned collection of Romy and Nini Jorge including a 19th-century Hepplewhitestyle Baliuag altar table in kamagong with

An artwork by Fabian dela Rosa

narra and lanite inlays, and silver mounts, a solid ivory “Mother & Child,” and a pair of magnificent late 18th-century molave altar pillars from Bohol.

Rounding out the sale are precious heirloom diamond jewelry and collectible timepieces by Patek Philippe, Breguet, IWC, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

As the inaugural exhibit in its new address, “Paradise Found” is, in many ways, a metaphor for coming home.

The NEX Tower is a modern landmark in itself, with its crystalline structure encasing the country’s largest indoor vertical garden.

Clockwise: A chest drawer made of kamagong, a sculpture by Napoleon Abueva, a 19th-century Hepplewhite-style Baliuag altar table

A 19th-century, full-size all kamagong wardrobe closet

The Paradise Found auction event is happening on June 1 at the new Salcedo Auctions Showroom ground and podium levels, NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. The online catalogue is available at www.salcedoauctions.com.

Juvenal Sansó’s 'Blooms in Poetry' (left) and National Artist Vicente Manansala's watercolor from 1951

100 women keep Filipino heritage alive

By Diana B. Noche AS PART of the observance of the National Heritage Month in May, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. staged 100 Women: 100 Ways of Life exhibition.

The 100 Women: 100 Ways of Life was a threeday restrengthening of something we already know but not fully think much of: That our women have been steadfast cultural agitators the moment they realized their inwrought value and their fixity of purpose.

It featured a collage of 100 photographs of Filipino women displayed at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. The 37 photographers

showcased the many practices by which the women have, through the ages and in varied circumstances, done to sustain and extend the conceptions of “heritage” and the appreciation for it.

The women in the photographs are little women, unheralded, leading ordinary lives, toiling with their hands under customary workaday situations—woodcarver, fisherwoman, weaver, farmer, lambanog maker, tricycle driver, potter, jeweler— and women who have become estimable and are celebrated in their fields of expertise—choreographer, ballerina, pediatrician, surgeon, dentist, teacher, athlete, artist, veterinarian.

There are also the women who are in activities usually reserved for men of sterner stuff: pilot, firefighter, surfer, traffic enforcer, and soldier—

notably the “Hijab Troopers,” Maranao and Muslim women in Marawi, Lanao del Sur who were deployed by the Philippine Army to assist in the peace, education, and social welfare of those displaced in Marawi.

The Filipino Heritage Festival is a month-long calendar of cultural activities whose purpose is to bring the many-sided aspects of our heritage to a wider audience. The events include performances, visual arts, exhibits (such as the 100 Women: 100 Ways of Life), regional culinary lectures/demonstrations, and other projects intentionally shown at public malls and heritage sites, all easily accessible, for a broader range of viewers.

Photos by Diana B. Noche

The '100 Women: 100 Ways of Life' features a collage of 100 photographs of Filipino women who sustain and extend the conceptions of heritage and the appreciation for it in their everyday lives.

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Entertainment

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Rayver Cruz showed off his dance moves to the Pinoys in New York.

Christian Bautista proved why he is one of GMA’s most powerful vocalists through his heart-fluttering songs.

Julie Anne San Jose captivated the audience with her powerhouse vocals and moves.

Kyline Alcantara brought her A-game in New York.

Betong Sumaya livened up the night with his song medleys.

Rockin’ Brooklyn

‘STUDIO 7 MUSIKALYE’ captivates East Coast Fil-Ams

Pambansang Bae Alden Richards warmed the hearts of the audience.

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ILIPINOS from all over the US trooped to the Kings’ Theatre to witness a night of pure entertainment from some of GMA Network’s sought-after stars—Christian Bautista, Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Kyline Alcantara, Golden Cañedo, Betong Sumaya, and Alden Richards.

The successful show, dubbed Kapusong Pinoy Studio 7 Musikalye sa Brooklyn, was filled with a variety of performances—from high-energy dance numbers, powerhouse vocal sets, duet performances, and heartfelt moments that

VETERAN OPM band, Mayonnaise, is staging its first major show and opening this year’s One Music concert series with a blast with the Akalain Mo Yun: Mayonnaise Live at the Music Museum on June 29.

Fresh off the band’s recently released album, Gusto Ko Lang Kasama Ka Palagi Pero Hindi Pwede, and nationwide tour, the pop-rock group culminates its 17th anniversary in the industry with a headliner concert filled with their greatest hits and other musical surprises.

“When Gabi Na Naman and One Music emailed us, I was like wow. . . . It felt good because when we usually produce a show, we know what to expect. We sell ourselves. Now, the fact that a certain entity is willing to risk and produce our concert, it is just surreal,” Monty Macalino, the lead vocalist, shared.

He also revealed the reason why it took them 17 years to hold the muchawaited concert.

“Some people say we are an underrated band. Everybody loves an underdog story. We were known as a band who plays in the bar gigs, fairs,

kept the Kapuso abroad in high spirits.

One of the show’s highlights was when the stars took the opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day by serenading while giving out roses to the moms in the audience.

The Studio 7 squad expressed their utmost gratitude for making their first international Musikalye show a huge success.

Christian, who exhibited why he is one of GMA’s most powerful singers with his stellar performances, feels grateful for the overwhelming support of the Kapuso abroad, “Thank you so much for spending time with us.”

“We’re very fortunate because we’re able to bring Studio 7 on the international stage. Hopefully, we can have more shows to bring here,” Julie Anne said.

Alden also shared how the moms he met during the concert made him feel sentimental in time for the Mother’s Day celebration. “We enjoyed the show a lot and I’m sure masaya yung mga mommy namin ni Rayver sa heaven na we’re making people happy.”

The concert also received praises from netizens. NYC YouTubers Roy Flores and David Kirsch, whose YouTube Channel is called “Pinoy and a Jew,” said in their vlog, “All of them are great! It’s a true representation of the Filipino artistry.”

One of GMA Pinoy TV’s Facebook followers, meanwhile, said the show was worth the wait, “It was nice seeing you all and so glad I was able to attend the concert. We drove from Rhode Island just to attend the concert and see them.”

A Twitter user, on the other hand, tweeted, “Great show GMA Pinoy TV. Hope to see more like this in different countries around the globe.”

Due to positive feedback the show received online, the hashtag #ALDENxKPS7Brooklyn even made it to Twitter Philippines’ trend list and ranked as the third most talked about topic on May 11, same day of the show.

“We are glad to have brought the ultimate music tambayan experience of Studio 7 in New York,” says GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia.

“It affirms our mission to bring our Kapuso abroad feel closer to home and provide them with great entertainment they deserve from no less than some of the Network’s multi-talented performers,” he added.

Kapusong Pinoy Studio 7 Musikalye sa Brooklyn was presented by GMA Pinoy TV in coordination with GMA Entertainment Group, under the supervision of GMA Vice President for Business Development and Department III Darling de Jesus-Bodegon.

The concert was directed

by Mark A. Reyes V and in association with Synergy Production & Marketing Inc. headed by Grace Labaguis.

Mayonnaise stages first major concert Alternative rock band Mayonnaise

and music festivals, I guess we are just waiting for the right time,” he said.

Mayonnaise—which has released seven studio albums and three EPs and topped the charts with smash singles “Jopay,” “Bakit Part 2,” “Paraan,” “Tayo Na Lang Dalawa,” and “Kathryn”—is

all set for this one-night show that will feature exciting collaborations with some of the biggest names in Pinoy rock, as well as special numbers backed

by The Manila String Machine.

Akalain Mo Yun: Mayonnaise Live at the Music Museum is co-presented

by Gabi Na Naman Productions, a company behind memorable concerts in the last three years, from Johnoy Danao, Ebe Dancel, and Bullet Dumas’ IISA concert at the Kia Theatre to the collaborative show of Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, and Kitchie

‘The Clash’ champion Golden Cañedo belted out OPM classics.

Nadal entitled Secrets.

ABS-CBN’s music portal One Music PH continues to connect the multitalented Filipino artists and their fans in the digital world. One Music’s concert series kicked off in June 2016 withYeng Constantino, who celebrated her 10th anniversary in the music industry and performed her greatest hits on the One Music stage. Since then, KZ Tandingan, Ebe Dancel, Janella Salvador, Inigo Pascual, Darren Espanto, Ylona Garcia, The Dawn, and the quartet of Loisa Andalio, Maris Racal, Sue Ramirez, and Kristel Fulgar have followed suit, each coming out with a different set, theme, and special guests.

One Music is only one of the digital initiatives of ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ leading media and entertainment company, which is rapidly transitioning into an agile digital company with the biggest online presence among all media companies and a growing list of digital properties.

Tickets to Akalain Mo ‘Yun: Mayonnaise Live at the Music Museum concert are now available via bit.ly/ AkalainMoYun2019.

Who will win Miss Teen Tourism 2019 crown?

By Eton Concepcion

Young beauty queens of the inaugural Miss Teen Tourism which the Philippines is hosting.

THIRTEEN of the 15 candidates of Miss Teen Tourism 2019 were presented to the press last week. Tonight, one of these young empowered teen women will be crowned at the pageant’s culminating event to held at Primus Hotel and Resort in Naga City.

The inaugural Miss Teen Tourism pageant, which aims to open opportunities to young women from around the world under the campaign motto “Yes We Can!”, is presented by MegaStar Productions, led by Jeffrey Caballero and Ovette Ricalde, chairman and president of Miss Teen Tourism organization, respectively.

Miss Teen Tourism South Africa Portia Aichana Mkhize was voted Darling of the Press. Preliminary activities are scheduled in Quezon Province, Camarines

Sur, and Legaspi City.

The Philippine bet is 15-year-old student and commercial model Kira Eowyn Manansala who hails from Valenzuela City. The rest of the candidates are Miss USA Rinoa Felix, Miss India Prerna Rajesh Dwivedi, Miss New Zealand Simran Madan, Miss Ghana Okivia Naa-Tsotsoo Badu, Miss Myanmar Nan San Noon Khan, Miss Indonesia Ni Komang Ayu Ratna Dewi, Miss Indonesia Kharisma Dafani, Miss South Africa Zihlovo Liticia Mkhavele, Miss South Africa Globe Givem Madlala, Miss South Africa Universe Siziphiwe Jali, and Miss Batangas Zandra Nicole Liwanag.

Five titles are at stake: Miss Teen Tourism Universe, Miss Teen Tourism World, Miss Teen Tourism International, Miss Teen Tourism Earth, and Miss Teen Tourism Globe. Prepageant activities were held in Quezon provinces, Camsur.

Motoring Txt and photo

by Lester Dizon

W

HEN the FOTON Toano highroof passenger van was first introduced to the Philippine market, we heard some talk about it being an “imitation” of the second generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. In spite of the fact that the Sprinter has been sold under various nameplates aside from Mercedes-Benz like Dodge, Freightliner, and Volkswagen (as the VW LT and VW Crafter), some critics shunned the Toano because of its country of origin— China.

But unknown to these critics, FOTON Motors is part of the Beijing Automotive Industries Corporation (BAIC) group of companies, which also assembles and distributes MercedesBenz, MAN, and Hyundai among other international car brands in China. So, sharing the platform of the Sprinter is not a far-flung idea. In fact, badge engineering has been a staple of most auto manufacturers since multi-branding became an ideal marketing strategy to cast a bigger net over car buyers. We later realized that any similarities between the Sprinter and the Toano is strictly intentional.

The Toano is NOT an imitation of the MB Sprinter. It is actually a Sprinter with some minor differences.

Even the exclusive local distributor, FOTON Motor Philippines, which is under the umbrella of the United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), is proud of the Toano’s origins. They flaunt the van as “specially designed by the original Mercedes-Benz Sprinter car design team based in Stuttgart, Germany”. With that issue set aside, the Toano is actually an easy-to-drive and easy-on-the-pocket luxury van with an elegant and expansive interior propelled by a powerful yet economical Cummins turbo diesel engine.

Looking at it another way, this highroof FOTON van is an affordable way to getting a luxurious ride with ample and comfortable seating for 15 passengers comparable to a Mercedes-Benz without the price penalty of the European luxury brand. It’s like having your cake and eating it, too, except that it’s a tall 2.4-meterhigh and 6-meter-long cake on wheels.

Now, try eating that!

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

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Foton Toano vs MB:

Any similarity is strictly intentional

The Toano is NOT an imitation of the MB Sprinter. It is actually a Sprinter with some minor differences.

Improving on the Original Whoever wrote the tagline “The original is always the best” for a food product must have forgotten the process of evolution, which tends to improve on the original. The Toano proves that it can improve on the bones of the 2006-2018 Sprinter as much as the third generation MercedesBenz van has improved on its previous iteration. First and foremost, FOTON installed a 2.8-liter ISF-series Cummins turbocharged diesel engine with common rail fuel injection system (CRDi) that churns out 160 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 360 Newton-meters of torque between 1,800 and 3,000 rpm.

2.8-liter Cummins ISF CRDi turbo diesel With the Cummins ISF CRDi 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, the Toano has more power and torque than the Sprinter fitted with a 156-hp 2.7-liter MercedesBenz OM 612/647 inline five-cylinder diesel engine. Add a 6-speed manual transmission and you’ve got the makings of an economical touring van that is environmentally-conscious as well, since it complies with Euro 4 emission stan-

dards. Power is delivered to a live rear axle sprung by progressive leaf springs and transmitted to the ground via 215/7516 tires wrapped around 10-spoke 16inch aluminum alloy wheels. Disc brakes on all four corners ensure safe, fade-free stops every time.

When we went to the Foton Motor Philippines offices in Balintawak, Quezon City on a Wednesday to pick up our 2019 Foton Toano S test drive unit, we were initially intimidated by its size. But after a few minutes of driving it along A. Bonifacio Avenue and through EDSA and then parking it at the Trinoma Mall, where we had lunch with visiting relatives, it didn’t seem that big. Until, of course, you realized that you can only park it in open parking spaces because it’s too tall to fit in parking structures.

And that it’s longer by a meter than most vans it’s parked alongside with.

We initially were intimidated by the Toano’s size since we looked small next to it.

Wednesday and Thursday found us driving the van around Metro Manila while Friday saw us driving to Mt. Samat in Bataan for some historical sightseeing

and to Subic Bay in Olongapo, where we stayed at the exclusive ACEA Beach Resort. By sheer coincidence, our friends from Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) were having their team building activities at ACEA. When we parked our Toano alongside their fleet of high-roof Nissan NV350 vans, our Foton van still stood out – because of its height and length.

Believe it or not, there’s a full-size SUV parked at the right side of our van.

Comfortable Touring Machine Foton engineers took advantage of the Toano’s high ceiling and long 3.75-meter wheelbase by fitting five rows and fifteen seats with generous legroom and headroom for a stately, comfortable and relaxing ride. Our passengers enjoyed the spacious interior and comfortable light-colored fabric seats with individual head, back rests and seat belts.

They also got entertained with the music emanating from the AM/FM radio, CD player, and AUX and USB inputs. The long drive on the highways and around traffic seemed like a breeze inside the Toano S. Separate controls for the rear aircon en-

sures the occupants’ cooling comfort.

Getting on and off the van is likewise a breeze with an automatic retractable footboard, except for the driver and front passenger who have to climb to their respective high seats. Foton recommends a chauffeur to pilot the Toano S to fully enjoy the ride but we enjoyed piloting the van ourselves, especially with its tight turning circle, uncanny maneuverability (for a long vehicle) and built-in driver’s aids such as reverse cameras and sensors, large side mirrors, and anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Our time with the Toano S was filled with great memories of pleasant rides and happy family moments inside its comfortable interior. But we got a bigger surprise with our Amber Bronze 15-seater FOTON Toano S. It only costs P1,970,000 and comes with a 5-year / 150,000-kilometer warranty, which makes for great value-for-money and affordability, something that its glitzy and more expensive Mercedes-Benz counterpart won’t be able to offer. And that’s where the comparison, and any similarity, ends.

Isuzu open house features D-MAX Boondock A MONTH after the festive and successful launch of the “I Love Isuzu” campaign last April 25 at the Festival Supermall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Isuzu Philippines Corporation ( shifts the celebration a bit further south at Isuzu Santa Rosa.

The focus of the “Open House” has now been the launch of the new Isuzu DMAX Boondock.

The “Open House” concept, part of the “I Love Isuzu” campaign, makes Isuzu Santa Rosa dealership, its vehicle roster and aftermarket services, closer to its customers and potential buyers by way of fun and engaging activities, contests and promotions; the introduction of the new D-MAX Boondock.

The festivities started early with the motorcade of 24 vehicles drumming up excitement along the designated route from a SHELL station in Biñan going to the dealership.

The D-MAX Boondock was finally revealed after IPC Product Planning Head

Robert Carlos described the new and exciting details about the pick-up.

And based on initial feedback by customers and members of the D-MAX Club coming from Team Isuzu Pilipinas and Team ICE in attendance, the D-MAX Boondock Edition packs in more of the tough, durable, and powerful persona that truly befits its name, its intended natural habitat.

The D-MAX Boondock Edition fits the utilitarian vehicle profile sought after by the premium lifestyle, with its higher ride height of 247 mm, 1, 900 mm overall height, off-road look, and a muscular stance that looks tough enough for any-

thing that comes its way.

Based on the popular D-MAX 3.0L LS, the D-MAX Boondock Edition is fitted with 265/70 R 17 All-terrain tires wrapped around black alloy wheel R17 rims. This all-terrain tire has been engineered to provide ultimate traction across various conditions, whether rolling down the highway or leaving the pavement behind.

Monotube nitrogen-charged performance shock absorbers ensure instantaneous response to changing road conditions and offering faster damping reaction. As a result, improved steering control on different terrain and driving

conditions is achieved.

The steel side steps not only give easy access but offer valuable protection to the pick-up body. The honeycomb design with the Boondock logo also helps in nofuss cleaning and provides better traction during ingress and egress.

To complement the overall look, the D-MAX Boondock Edition is equipped with roof rail, cargo extender, rocker panel, over fender, and a massive Boondock decal installed at the tailgate.

Of course, the D-MAX Boondock Edition walks the talk, with its powerful, Euro-4 emissions rated 4JJ1-TCX 4-Cylinder in-line Blue Power 3.0-liter diesel engine with turbo intercooler and VGS Turbo Charger mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with gearshift indicator or a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. The DMAX Boondock Edition is able to generate maximum power outputs of 177 PS at 3,600 RPM and 380 Nm of torque

OPENHOUSE: The Isuzu Executives and the new Isuzu D-MAX Boondock. From Left:Joseph Bautista (IPC Sales Division Head), Shojiro Sakoda (IPC Executive Vice President), Yasuhiko Oyama (IPC Vice President For Sales),Hiroto Nakaguro (IPC Sales Assistant Division Head)

at 1,800 to 2,800 RPM. Available in Cosmic Black and Galena Gray colors, the Isuzu D-MAX Boondock Edition is priced at P1.390 million for the D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS MT Boondock, and P1.455 million for the D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS AT Boondock.

Beyond the debut of the Isuzu D-MAX Boondock Edition, the “Open House” in Isuzu Sta. Rosa underscores how valuable Isuzu customers and the Filipino motoring public are to IPC, and it shows once more in the “I Love Isuzu” campaign in the dealership.

The “I Love Isuzu” campaign has entailed months of research, planning, and collaboration among IPC and its dealers, business partners, suppliers, and the various Isuzu auto clubs across the country.

The campaign perfectly represents IPC and continues the good relationship with long-time clients and partners.

The “I Love Isuzu” campaign has hinged on not just Isuzu vehicles’ exceptional durability, reliability, power, performance, and fuel-efficiency, but also on the entire motoring lifestyle experience of their owners and their families and friends, the kind of lifestyle experiences that have evolved into fond memories throughout the decades.

Isuzu Sta. Rosa’s “Open House” as an integral part of the campaign, has lined up various activities and rewards schemes for its clients, customers and stakeholders, including: Special 10K worth of Isuzu Parts Coupon for closed transactions, 3K worth of SHELL Fuel Voucher for every successful referral offered to existing clients and 20% Isuzu Genuine Parts Discount. In addition to this, a whole day of bankers’ and client test drive, Fleet Service Clinic and open service shop for clients.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4 FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

Motoring Toyota PH jumpstarts expansion of hybrid cars

Txt and photos

by Lester Dizon

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HILE driving the latest iteration of the Honda CR-V, I was reminded of my long association with Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) as a motoring journalist. You see, one of my first test drives was that of a first generation CR-V, which was introduced in 1995.

The second generation CR-V was introduced in 2002 and I was one of the local journalists invited by HCPI to the “CR-V Peak Drive” to the highest point in Luzon.

The third generation bowed in 2006 while the fourth iteration debuted in 2012. The one I’m driving, a fifth generation CR-V, was launched in 2017 but it was its dieselpowered 7-seater variant that hogged the motoring pages of local publications.

For the uninitated, the CR-V mates a sport utility vehicles body with a Honda Civic platform to become the company’s mid-range crossover SUV, slotting between the smaller Honda HR-V and the larger Honda Pilot.

Depending on where it is marketed, Honda coined the term “CR-V” for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle” in the Asian and American markets while quoting “Compact Recreational Vehicle” in British and European markets. In the Philippines, the Honda CR-V whetted the buyers’ appetite for compact sporty SUVs that could fit the average Filipino family while fitting through the tight and small streets.

The latest CR-V is available as a gasoline-powered 5-seater or a diesel-powered 7-seater with a 9-speed automatic transmission and three model trims – the top-of-the-line SX Diesel 9AT with allwheel-drive (AWD), the luxurious S Diesel 9AT, and the base model V Diesel 9AT, both with front-wheel-drive (FWD).

For our “Driven” test drive story, we were lent a Dark Olive Metallic Honda CR-V 2.0 S CVT powered by a 1,999cc inline four-cylinder gasoline engine fitted with i-VTEC, Honda’s intelligent variable valve timing with electronic control, and, as the label suggests, a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It surely transported me back to my first time behind the wheel of a gasoline-powered CR-V. Like the earlier CR-Vs, our “base model” test drive unit does the job quite well,

2019 HONDA CR-V 2.0 S CVT:

The song

remains

the same

transporting its occupants from Point A to Point B comfortably and reliably. Of course, the definition of “comfort” has changed since the early 2000s with automatic air-conditioning and connectibility becoming a big part of the buyers’ consideration as much as seating, legroom and headroom. Additionally, our CR-V 2.0 S sports 18-inch wheels, chrome garnishing, LED daytime running lights, full LED headlamps and taillights, shark’s fin antenna, and a deep metallic paint that erases any notion that it is a “base model”.

Under The Hood Despite the “base model” classification, our CR-V 2.0 S has a lot of high-tech stuff under the hood. Its 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine has the aforementioned electronically-controlled intelligent variable valve timing system and an advanced electronic fuel injection that churns out more-thanadequate power with thrifty real-world fuel economy and environment-friendly emissions. The CVT automatically selects the right gear for the driving situation almost seamlessly while the paddle shifters are ready to hold the gear at the driver’s command.

Since we drove it around the metropolis with the frustratingly slow and crawling traffic, we decided to leave the CVT in full automatic mode. We were not able to fully experience our CR-V 2.0 S’ 154 horsepower and 189 Newton-meters of torque, but we managed to drive around for a whole week without refilling the fuel tank. We realized that having that “ECON” drive indicator lighting up while driving economically is far better than watching the tachometer rev up to its redline. Yes, the CR-V is based on the racier Civic but it’s also a family-oriented SUV, so we drove it as any family patriarch would. We were often passed by some faster drivers but we often passed

them when they had to stop for gas. Ha! Inside Is Where It Counts After almost two decades of writing about cars, I’ve come to the age where I appreciate the interior more than other features. After all, this where everybody spends more time in any vehicle, especially if you drive around for hours going to a nearby destination, thanks to Metro Manila’s horrendous traffic situation. Inside the CR-V 2.0 S, the first thing you’ll notice is that it is anything but a “base model”.

The seats and the dash are ergonomic and well designed. The controls are within easy reach, especially the high-mounted CVT shifter. The instruments are very legible, and the driving position is very comfortable for long shifts at the wheel.

Convenience features like the electronic parking brake with hold function, auto-leveling headlights, and the blind spot monitor that eliminates blind spots by showing the right-side lanes when the right turn signal is activated or the button at the tip of the left stick is pressed. The

head unit with its seven-inch display monitor is like easy to operate and connect to your gadget using Bluetooth or USB. As a 5-seater, our CR-V 2.0 S has plenty of legroom and a large cargo compartment at the back. A removable trunk cover hides stuff at the back from prying eyes.

Ideal Metropolitan Crossover Of course, the CR-V is not without fault.

Our test unit has traveled nearly 15,000 kilometers, mostly with different drivers since it is a media car. The accelerator and brakes are a bit sensitive to the touch that some abrupt inputs may result in a lessthan-smooth drive while the steering feels a bit too isolated from the road. But once you adjust to it, the CR-V 2.0 S will reward you with a pleasant, comfortable ride that can swallow all the road undulations that Metro Manila can throw at it.

Wide bulky items can be carried with both rear seats folded.

As far as a gasoline-powered car-based crossover SUV goes, our CR-V 2.0 S is almost economical. While it may not have the fuel mileage of its oil-burning stable mates, we were able to register 7.5 kilometers per liter driving around the traffic-snarled city and around 14.2 km/L when we drove it off-hours when traffic was unusually light. That we were able to drive it around for a week without consuming all the fuel in its 57-liter tank is one for the books. Or our books, at least.

At P1,658,000, the CR-V 2.0 S represents a lot of value for the money, as it was with the first-generation CR-V that I test drove in 2001. My wife Shawie, my then 1-year-old daughter Vette, and I found the first generation CR-V ideal for our small family. Years later, my family has grown and so has the CR-V. Still, my wife, my now 19-year-old daughter, my tall 13-year-old son Chevy, and I find the 2019 Honda CR-V 2.0 S CVT an ideal family car. Although, like it was eighteen years ago, my finances still cannot afford me a brand-new CR-V. I guess the more things change, the more they remain the same. And that’s a good thing!

Right side camera sees the blind spot when turning right.

Shell launches #BabaeKasi campaign to address stigma on female drivers TAKING part in the worldwide observance of International Women’s Day (IWD) in March, Pilipinas Shell expressed support for Filipinas who brave the roads every day. Jumpstarting the campaign with the Women Drive the Future! bootcamp, Shell brought together various women leaders and role models in a show of solidarity with other women

who experience gender prejudice.

Professional race car driver Michele Bumgarner admitted that in the motoring world, men are still favored. “I just let my driving do the talking,” she says. “I always say- just keep working hard and believe that you are just as capable as anybody else in reaching for your goals,” the Pinay racer who dreams of becoming

the first Filipino to finish the Indy 500 also added.

Held at Blackbird at the Nielson Tower in Makati City, the panel featured Baby Barangay members Kelly Misa-Fernandez, Patty Laurel-Filart, and Bianca Santiago-Reynoso. They were also joined by Rowie Abracero, Directress of the Girls Racers club—the first all-female car enthusiast club in the Philippines.

Abracero noted how women drivers are often stereotyped as weaker. “From experience, I find that women just tend to be more cautious, and this is not a bad thing.”

Participants of the boot camp were also treated to a hands-on demonstration of A-1 Driving School, where they had a refresher on tire changing, dealing with a dead battery, and performing a lubricant check.

“Driving is a complex life skill. It entails a lot of multi-tasking, which we know women to be good at. For anyone to be proficient at it, we also need to educate ourselves,” said Luna Garcia, A-1 Driving School Business Development Head.

For Shell, the Manila bootcamp is only the beginning, and will be rolled out to

different regions nationwide. “We are very positive that through these efforts, we will be able to create a platform to help women take control of their future and gain confidence on the road and beyond,” said Vanessa Ejercito, Shell FuelSave Brand Manager.

She also noted how Shell has been actively serving the interests of female customers even prior to the campaign.

“We are partners with SM, the country’s biggest retailer, to reward our loyal female shoppers with exciting shopping opportunities every time they gas up. Shell stations are also designed to provide a convenient, refreshing retail experience - from putting up well-appointed comfort rooms to offering a wide range of healthy products at Shell Select and deli2go.”

To celebrate the many meaningful journeys that they embark on every day, Shell has also recently released an online video featuring female drivers. With currently over 2 million views, the material has successfully sparked conversation about gender stereotypes and has encouraged both men and women to vocalize their encouragement for women who drive.

FOLLOWING the lead of Toyota Motor Corporatio in its global initiative to steer the company as a sustainable mobility provider, Toyota Motor Philippines reinforced its call to position vehicle electrification as one of its long-term solutions for a greener and more energy-efficient local automotive landscape.

Toyota aims to propel the country into this paradigm shift through its lineup of self-charging Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV). Toyota officials and tech experts suggest that hybrid is currently the most suitable electric vehicle platform for the local market.

As one of its initial steps, TMP launched the Toyota Hybrid Electric Technology Conference with the theme “TOWARD SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY”. The event was jumpstarted by TMP in an effort to openly discuss the consequential effects of HEVs in the local and current landscape, aimed at promoting wider adoption of hybrids as the future of local transportation.

Partnering with government representatives, environment groups, the media, and other stakeholders, TMP has intensified its drive to push usage of its environment-friendly and energy-saving hybrid electric vehicles locally, which in the long run benefits many sectors of society such as energy, transportation, environment, and health.

Toyota highlighted the importance of partnership and mutual understanding between the public and private sectors in order to adapt to quickly changing times.

“Toyota has a whole range of electrified vehicle (xEV) technology that can help achieve sustainable mobility goals. But xEV popularization depends on many factors and varies by market. Based on current Philippine conditions, it is most appropriate to start with HEV popularization in order to accelerate the reduction of emissions and fuel consumption,” said TMP President Mr. Satoru Suzuki during his keynote address.

In attendance were TMP Vice Chairman Dr. David Go, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific EVP Mr. Vince Socco, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, and Clean Air Asia Deputy Executive Director Atty. Glynda Bathan, among others.

TMP’s stance on hybrid electric technology is strongly supported by the environmental philosophy of the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, aimed at eliminating Toyota’s carbon emissions by the next three decades. Vince Socco of TMAP reiterated: “Toyota is committed to be a part of the solution ahead of future challenges with “Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050”, where People, Cars and Nature can co- exist in harmony. Towards this direction, Toyota challenges ourselves to achieve not just ZERO environmental impact but also a NET POSITIVE impact on Earth and Society.”

HEVs are widely known to be more fuel efficient than traditional petrol engines, and their self-charging capability require no additional infrastructure to be built in order to seamlessly start the transition. These practical and proven factors make Toyota hybrids the viable option as the Philippine transportation alternative for a sustainable future.

Aside from the conference, Toyota Motor Philippines has special projects lined up for the year to raise public awareness on hybrids, such as educational campus tours in top engineering schools in the country.

TMP was the first automotive brand to make hybrid electric vehicles locally accessible in the Philippines with the introduction of the second generation Prius in 2009.

Currently, TMP offers two hybrid models in its Toyota vehicle lineup— the Prius and Prius C; and six hybrid models under the Lexus brand—GS 450h, NX 300h, RX 450h, CT 200h, CT 200h F Sport, LS 500h. Official plans on expanding this selection to meet consumer and environment demand will be announced soon.