Manila Standard - 2019 June 1 - Saturday

Dump Smartmatic—Rody Seeks fraud-free Comelec partner

By Nat Mariano, Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday urged the Commission on Elections to end its partnership with Venezuelan-owned poll technology provider Smartmatic amid numerous complaints about its efficiency, and find instead a “fraud-free” partner.

In his speech during a gathering of the Filipino community in Japan, the President said the countless complaints and allegations in recent midterm elections created a “hostile attitude” toward Smartmatic.

“I would like to advise Comelec, now, I wouldn’t wait anymore, dispose of Smartmatic and look for a new one that is free of fraud,” Duterte said.

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‘Romualdez has edge over rivals for Speakership’

By Maricel V. Cruz A LEADER of the House of Representatives on Friday said Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has the edge over the other candidates for the speakership.

“Romualdez, a lawyer, has the experience and leadership advantage compared to the other speaker-wannabes and the most acceptable to the overwhelming majority of their colleagues,” ANAC-IP Party-List Rep. Jose Panganiban Jr., chairman of the House committee on agriculture and food, said.

Panganiban said Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) and LakasChristian Muslim Democrats (CMD), “has the edge in leadership qualities, experience, and goodwill among House members” compared to the other candidates for the post.

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SPORTS / A8 Siakam sizzles VOL. XXXIII • NO. 107 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Du30 hits out at US, extols Japan virtues PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, on a four-day official visit to Tokyo, has slammed the United States for lacking in what he called “word of honor,” three years after the US State Department halted the planned sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the Next page

THEIR EXCELLENCIES.

Visiting President Rodrigo Duterte (left) shakes hands with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shortly before the start of their meeting Friday at the latter’s office, last day of the former’s four-day official visit to Tokyo, his third since assuming the presidency in 2016. AFP

Parojinog’s son draws life term in jail for shabu

By Rio N. Araja THE Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Friday found the son of the slain Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. guilty of illegal possession of prohibited drugs.

Branch 79 Judge Nadine Jessica Corazon Fama sentenced Reynaldo Parojinog Jr. to life in jail and to pay a P500,000 fine.

“The prosecution was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that on July 30, 2017, the accused was in possession of more than 50 grams of shabu,

a dangerous drug,” Fama’s 22-page decision read.

Fama said Parojinog failed to present evidence to rebut the accusations against him or his claim that the pieces of evidence against him were planted.

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DFA orders envoys to fly back to Canada

‘ASG’ CASUALTIES. In this military handout photo, soldiers stand beside the recovered bodies of Dutch wildlife photographer Elwold Horn—a hostage of the Abu Sayyaf Group for seven years—and others who were either killed by their captors after attempting to escape or at the height of fighting Friday in the jungles of Patikul in Sulu. Story on A2

‘Femininity marathon’ A RUSSIAN aluminum producer has come under fire for offering bonuses to women who came to work wearing skirts and makeup, in what it described as a month-long “femininity marathon.”

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Lacson vows reso, vouches for Sotto

By Macon Ramos-Araneta AMID talk of a change in the Senate leadership, Senator Panfilo Lacson said he would introduce a resolution Monday expressing confidence in Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Lacson said the resolution seeks to determine which senators want to retain Sotto as Senate president in the new Congress, as originally proposed

by Senator Manny Pacquiao.

“The resolution to be routed is about a vote of confidence in the leadership of [the Senate president]. I drafted Next page

Chinese trader sued for P1.8-b drug smuggle

By Rey E. Requejo, Rio N. Araja and Vito Barcelo

MALACAÑANG sees a possible reconciliation with Canada as Canada’s trash shipment begins its journey back to the North American country.

Tons of garbage sent to the Philippines years ago was shipped back to Canada on Friday after a festering diplomatic row, as Asian nations increasingly reject serving as dumping grounds for international trash.

After a long campaign to urge Canada to take back the rotting waste, President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out at Ottawa last week and ordered the

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency filed criminal charges against a suspected Chinese drug lord and several others, in connection with the smuggling in of P1.8 billion worth of illegal drugs.

Acting Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed that the complaints against suspected drug lord Xu Zhi Jian alias Jacky Co and his co-accused were filed by the PDEA before the Department of Justice.

Fadullon said the case has yet to be assigned to an investigating prosecutor who will conduct a preliminary investigation.

Fadullon said he will leave it up to Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva to assign a prosecutor who will be handling the case for the conduct of a preliminary investigation.

In its complaint, the PDEA accused the respondents, including the officers and directors of Wealth Lotus Empire

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LPG price rollback: Petron sets big-time cuts

By Alena Mae S. Flores PETRON Corp. on Friday announced it will cut the price of its cooking gas by P6.25 per kilo, or P68.75 per 11-kilo tank, effective June 1 to reflect the lower contract price of liquefied petroleum gas or LPG in the world market.

“Petron will implement a P6.25 per kg rollback in LPG prices effective 12:01 a.m. June 1,” the oil firm said in its advisory. Petron markets the Gasul brand nationwide.

“Auto LPG will likewise decrease

by P3.45 per liter at the same time.

These reflect the international price of LPG for the month of June,” the firm said.

This is the second price rollback after the firms cut the price of LPG last May 1 by P0.20 per kilo or equivalent to P2.20 per 11-kilo tank. MAJOR ROLLBACK. An unidentified man arranges tanks of liquefied Next page

petroleum gas along FB Harrison in Buendia, Pasay City on Friday as they prepare for a major rollback of LPG tanks worth P6 per kilo starting June 1. Lino Santos

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News

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

6.2 quake jolts Davao Oriental; PHIVOLCS rules out tsunami A MAGNITUDE 6.2 earthquake rocked Davao Oriental on Friday at 6:12 p.m.

Of tectonic origin, the quake happened 92 kilometers southeast of Governor Generoso town.

It had a depth a depth of 76 kilometers, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

Intensity 5 was felt in Mati City, and intensity 2 in Bislig City.

PHIVOLCS recorded instrumental intensities of 4 in Alabel and Kiamba, Sarangani; intensity 3 in Kidapawan City, and intensity 1 in Cagayan de Oro City and Bislig City.

The tremor was expected to cause aftershocks but will not cause damage, PHIVOLCS said.

“We haven’t seen any damage reports and with a quake as far from land as this, we don’t expect any damages,” said agency director Renato Solidum.

The quake won’t trigger tsunamis either, he added.

“Since this earthquake is in the ocean, not land, it’s not so strong, and we think because it’s deep, it won’t generate a tsunami,” Solidum said. Rio N. Araja

Chinese trader...

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Corp. and Fortuneyield Cargo Services of importing illegal drugs.

Also charged were one Brother DongAn Dong; Julie Hao Gamboa, both Chinese nationals; and Fe Tamayosa, Alvin Bautista, Jane Abello Castillo, Carlo Dale Zueta, Abraham Torecampo, Arwin Caparros, Leonardo Sucaldito, Mark Leo Magpayo, Brian Pabilona, Meldy Sayson, Rhea Tolosa, Edgardo Dominado, Jerry Siguenza and Debbie Joy Aceron, all Filipino citizens.

The officers and directors of the Wealth Lotus Empire Corp. located at Unit 305A Consuelo Building, No. 929 Nicanor Reyes St., Barangay 395, Sampaloc, Manila; and Fortuneyield Cargo Services Corp. located at Unit 888 Ground Floor B, The Centennial Building, 375 Escolta Street, Binondo, Manila, consignees of the illegal drugs, were also sued.

Some 276 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, worth P1.876 billion managed to slip into the country.

The PDEA discovered March 22 the shipment concealed in plastic resin due to information from its counterparts in Vietnam.

The PDEA also found that Lotus Empire Corp. and Fortuneyield Corp. were the consignees of the shipment.

Senator Panfilo Lacson assailed the PDEA and the Bureau of Customs for having allowed Co to leave the Philippines after the shipment was seized, consider he has been on the watch list of the International Criminal Police Organization.

The Bureau of Customs, meanwhile, clarified it was seized tapioca starch and not “shabu” that was auctioned off at the Manila International Container Port, which turned out to be P1.8 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride.

In a statement, the bureau agrees that the auction of prohibited items is not allowed under Republic Act 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. “As far as the BOC is concerned, what was auctioned in April 2019 was tapioca starch which is highly perishable in nature,” the BOC said.

Lacson didn’t accept the bureau’s explanation, however, after Goldwin Commodity in Santolan, Malabon City reported that the shipment actually contained shabu.

Parojinog’s son...

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“The denial of the accused cannot be given credence by the Court. The claim of the defense that the drugs found in the house of the accused were planted was unsubstantiated by clear and convincing evidence,Fama’s decision says.

“It must be emphasized that the finding of illicit drugs and paraphernalia in a house or a building owned or occupied by a particular person raises the presumption of knowledge and possession thereof which, standing alone, is sufficient to convict.”

On July 30, 2017, on the strength of a search warrant, Parojinog was arrested in a raid in his home in Sta. Cruz village, Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental for illegal possession of 116.9578 grams of shabu.

Also nabbed was Parojinog Jr.’s father, the son of slain mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr.; his mother and his sister, then Ozamiz vice mayor Nova Princess Parojinog; another family member and several others.

The older Parojinog was killed during the raid.

Dutch, ASG woman die in crossfire A

DUTCH birdwatcher held by Islamic State-linked militants was killed Friday during a firefight between his kidnappers and soldiers in Jolo, according to the military, which said he was shot by his captors as he tried to escape.

Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo said Ewold Horn, who was kidnapped in 2012, was killed by one of his captors during a 90-minute gun battle in Patikul.

The account could not be immediately confirmed.

“After an hour and thirty minutes of gun battle, troops recovered the remains of Horn and that of Mingayan Sahiron, the second wife of the Abu Sayyaf top leader,” Pabayo said in a statement.

Neither the Dutch Embassy in Manila

Dump...

“There’s nothing preventing local suppliers from joining the bidding but to limit the options to just local suppliers might not be the best solution nor might it be legal,” he added.

The May 13 polls were dominated by Duterte-backed bets, with nine out of 12 candidates he endorsed winning.

In the Palace, Duterte’s spokesman Salvador Panelo said the midterm elections were still credible despite the President’s advice on Smartmatic.

“The President’s remarks is a response to some concerns raised by both the opposition, the administration supporters as well as civic groups relative to the previous and present elections on certain technical glitches that precipitate questions on the technological competence of Smartmatic,” Panelo said.

“The President is not comfortable with these allegations that produce a whiff of fraud or delay in the announcing of the election results,” he added.

“The Comelec should take seriously the suggestion of the President, for after all it should be the first one that should be fiercely protective of its image being the constitutional body mandated to safeguard the sanctity of the ballots,” he added.

The Venezuela-based Smartmatic supplied 85,000 VCMs for the May 13 midterm elections, several hundreds of which malfunctioned on Election Day. The Comelec spokesperson said that the poll body is also studying the possibility of procuring a completely new set of VCMs or use the existing machines and procure additional ones for the 2022 presidential elections.

He said the Comelec bought the machines to Smartmatic for over ₱2.2 billion for the 2019 polls after leasing them for about ₱8 billion in 2016.

“Smartmatic has no hold on Comelec and any other company is welcome to compete in a public bidding,” he added.

Liberal Party president Senator Francis Pangilinan supported the call of the President to drop Smartmatic.

He said the Comelec has not given the opposition the complete list of precincts and areas where there were reported defective VCMs and corrupted SD cards even though they requested for them several times already during the canvassing of votes.

“We hope for electoral reforms, as well as for those responsible be held to account also for the administration allies’ barefaced violation of election laws on billboards, posters, and use of government resources and facilities during the campaign,” Pangilinan said.

At the same time, Pangilinan also rebuked the Comelec for denying their request that it conduct a debate during the campaign period so that voters are able to know more about all candidates’ qualifications.

Furthermore, he said the Comelec named a party allied with the majority as the “dominant minority.”

“This is contrary to our laws, common sense, and the spirit of democracy,” said the opposition leader.

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“Because the Liberal [party] said they were cheated. They also told me I was cheated. And you know it’s creating an environment of hostile attitude against that Smartmatic. You have three years. The election was just done. You should replace that because it is no longer acceptable to me, to the people, and even to the congressmen who are here,” he added.

Duterte wondered why the Comelec, an independent commission, still insists on dealing with Smartmatic despite allegations that it promotes cheating.

“Why are you insisting to Smartmatic?

Because [of the] bidding? You should remove that f*ck*ng bidding... The Filipinos’ votes are not being counted truthfully,” he said.

“And if you use that in the next election three years from now, I don’t know what will happen. Something has got to give.

Improve on the system. Stop using Smartmatic because many don’t want it. I don’t like to attribute corruption, but the problems are going back and forth, I just don’t know why Smartmatic continues when they cannot even count the votes, and then their machines malfunction when you use [them],” he continued.

“Kindly, I am now asking you as a coequal body. It’s just promoting turmoil please do not use it,” Duterte added.

Duterte said he was planning to make the point during his 4th State of the Nation Address in July.

“I was reserving that for the SONA. I will tell the Comelec, that’s an independent body, but I will really tell them,” he said.

“I will assure you, I will bring this matter before the nation. And I will them tell to stop it because you are creating a problem that will blow up.”

In the recently concluded midterm elections, both the Smartmatic and Comelec came under fire for the seven-hour delay in the release of election results from the poll body’s transparency server. At least 400 vote counting machines also experienced technical difficulties on Election Day, leading people to question the integrity of the election results.

In a statement on Friday, Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said that the President’s suggestion cannot be easily dismissed, a legal basis is still required to finally exclude Smartmatic in future public biddings for poll-related activities.

“The President speaks from a place of greater knowledge than I do. If he feels that’s a good solution, it deserves a lot of serious consideration,” Jimenez told the media during a forum.

“We are under the rules of COA [Commission on Audit)], we are under rules that require public bidding. If we can do something about that, why not?” he added.

But he said the Comelec needs a legal basis to ban any supplier.

“We are not averse to inviting local suppliers but the problem that we encountered over the past nine years is that local suppliers simply do not have the required experience,” Jimenez said.

DFA...

Lacson...

refuse returned immediately.

The 69 shipping containers of garbage were loaded onto a cargo vessel at Subic Bay, a former US naval base and shipping port northwest of Manila, and began the lengthy trip to Canada.

“We feel jubilant that 69 containers of Canadian rubbish are now homewardbound after being stranded here for so long,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition.

“The Philippines is not the world’s dump site. Never again shall we allow other countries to trash our dignity, our people’s health and the environment.”

On Friday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. tweeted images of the m/v Bavaria departing from the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp.

He again posted a message on Twitter advising the Philippine representatives to Canada to get ready for their flights back.

“To our recalled posts, get your flights back. Thanks and sorry for the trouble you went through to drive home a point,” he said in a separate tweet.

Earlier in Tokyo, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Malacañang was hoping the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada would go back to normal.

the resolution. We want to know who among our colleagues have doubts. I have a draft resolution which was undated so the new senators can also sign,” Lacson said.

“Of course this is a draft resolution so it can still be changed before July 22 or during the opening ng 18th Congress. At least, we will know those doubting the leadership of SP Sotto. Because when we were talking, we were one in saying that we are all happy [with] his [Sotto] leadership.”

Lacson also cited the increase in the trust and approval ratings of the Senate under Sotto.

“We have no basis to change the leadership,” Lacson said.

“It is quite simple though. All the two incoming members of the Senate have to do is convince 11 more senators of the incoming 18th Congress to side with them and their wish is automatically granted,” he said.

He said based on the declarations of the senators, Sotto has a sufficient number of supporters to constitute a majority.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said the last time he talked to Senator Cynthia Villar, she was not interested in the position.

He added that he would sign the manifesto of support for Sotto.

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nor officials in The Hague provided any immediate comment on the military’s account.

Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said Horn was shot by one of his captors under Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron.

Horn was on an expedition to photograph rare birds in Tawi-Tawi when he was abducted by unknown gunmen and turned over to the Abu Sayyaf.

Horn was seized along with Lorenzo Vinciguerra, a Swiss national who managed to escape in 2014 during a gun battle between soldiers and his captors.

The Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for the worst terror attacks in Philippine history, including repeated kidnappings of foreigners who are usually ransomed off for huge amounts.

Philippine officials assert the group was behind the deadly January bombing of a cathedral during Sunday mass that was the worst attack to hit the nation in years.

The bombing was claimed by the Islamic State, which has worked to maintain a presence in the Philippines as its caliphate crumbled in the Middle East.

AFP with Francisco Tuyay

Cebu stores rid of ASF-tainted brands CEBU CITY—The veterinary department of the city government here has removed more than a thousand banned canned meat products from the shelves of supermarkets and grocery stores.

Cebu City Veterinarian Alice Utlang said they conducted the inspection on nine establishments since Wednesday, in compliance with the advisory issued by the Food and Drug Administration on the ban of certain meat products coming from countries affected by African swine fever and manufactured on Aug. 25, 2018 onwards.

Utlang said Thursday her office had been visiting grocery stores and supermarkets displaying banned processed meat products from ASF-infected countries since last year, shortly after learning about the outbreak of the virus in several European and Asian countries.

She said she was surprised to learn that

to date, her staff from the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries continued to discover more canned meat products bearing the manufacturing date.

“I’m just happy that they withdrew the banned products even before my staff arrived. They cooperated,” Utlang said.

The city veterinarian noted that the virus affects wild boars and native pigs and does not affect humans.

Humans, however, may become carriers of the virus and infect local hogs, eventually affecting the country’s P200-billion hog industry.

“Let’s protect our borders from the virus because it’s already in neighboring countries like China,” Utlang said, adding that the virus could not be easily eliminated even if the infected meat is subjected to 70 degrees Centigrade heat while being cooked. PNA

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the promises he once vowed to the Filipino people, stressing he would spend the last three years at the helm to maintain peace and bring progress to the country.

The President, who previously gave himself a passing rate for leading the government, said his administration already delivered everything to the people.

“Where did we lack? I mean, I have given everything. I don’t have what you call unkept promises, there’s none,” Duterte said in his speech.

According to him, he already made good on the several promises he told the people such as the fight against drugs and corruption, free irrigation for farmers, the passage of universal health care, and providing a free college education.

“I said before I will get rid of drugs and crime. I also told the farmers there is no [problem with] irrigation... The universal health care is there already. Then the free college education,” he said.

“What else do I need to do? On my part, it’s just to maintain. Now, I will make the Philippines peaceful for the Japanese businessmen to enter the country,” he added.

Recently, Duterte encouraged Japanese business entities to invest and expand their operations in the Philippines.

The Chief Executive even assured Japanese investors that they will enjoy corruption-free deals once they venture in the country, stressing he would “kill” anything that hampers their businesses, no matter how small or big it is, in the Philippines.

“What do they need? No corruption and no kidnapping. So, it’s like that, corruption and their safety. That’s what I’m going to do,” he said in the same speech.

As for the continuous fight against drugs, Duterte initially promised to end the drug menace in his first three to six months in office.

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Philippine National Police.

The recall was apparently a message to Manila over alleged human rights violations, perceived after Duterte took over the presidency in 2016 when he launched an unrelenting campaign against illegal drugs in this country of 106-million people.

Then, in the same speech before the Filipino community in the Japanese capital on Thursday, President Duterte immediately compared the United States to Japan, saying the latter should be hailed for for having word of honor.

The United States, with the help of Filipino soldiers, liberated the Philippines from Japanese invasion during the second world war.

In 2016, the US State Department halted the planned sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the PNP after some American lawmakers said the weapons might be used in the government’s campaign against illegal drug users and peddlers.

Duterte, in the same speech said Russia and China, unlike the United States, helped the Philippines during the Marawi siege in 2017 without any conditions.

Duterte then encouraged Filipinos to support Japan, describing the ally as “kind.”

Japan is the Philippines’ top source of official development assistance and second top trading partner next to Asia’s economic giant China.

There are at least 280,000 Filipinos working and living in Japan.

At the same time, Duterte took pride, as he inches closer to the halfway mark of his six-year term, in the achievements of his administration, saying he had fulfilled all

‘Romualdez...

LPG...

Romualdez, head of the House independent bloc in the 16th Congress, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Cornell University, and a Certificate of Special Studies in Administration and Management from Harvard University.

He also earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines.

Panganiban, however, said many of his colleagues would choose whoever President Rodrigo Duterte picks, even if the candidate is perceived to be weak.

“The biggest trump card is closeness to the President, unfortunately,” Panganiban said.

“The congressmen will always abide even of the pick of the President is the weakest choice,” he added.

Well-placed sources bared that President Duterte met three candidates— Romualdez, Reps. Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque and Alan Peter Cayetano of Taguig—in Japan where they discussed the speakership race, but did not give a commitment to any of them.

This was consistent with President Duterte’s speech before his Japan trip that he will not meddle in the speakership fight.

Earlier, House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said Romualdez is a sure winner in the speakership race following the declaration of President Duterte that he will let lawmakers elect their own leader.

Earlier, Suarez said a manifesto of support for Romualdez has already garnered more than the 153 names needed to win the speakership race.

Other oil companies are expected to implement the big-time LPG rollback, but have not issued price announcements as of press time.

Prior to the increase, an 11-kilo LPG tank sold from P613.50 to P798 in Metro Manila.

Gasoline sells from P50.85 to P61.96 per liter, diesel from P41.10 to P49.74 per liter and kerosene from P47.92 to P55.65 per liter.

The oil firms adjust LPG prices monthly, while gasoline, diesel and kerosene prices are adjusted every Tuesday.

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Feminity...

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Online commentators ridiculed the initiative, with one popular social media channel saying it was something from “the dark ages” and another Twitter user crudely inviting management to wear makeup themselves.

But Tatprof, based in the republic of Tatarstan, defended the initiative, telling Russian media it “brightened up” the workplace.

In social media posts, the company announced it would pay women an extra 100 rubles ($1.50) a day if they met conditions that also included wearing their hair up.

Female employees were invited to send photos of themselves to a given number in order to receive the bonus, in a scheme advertised to run until the end of June. AFP

Manila

Standard

TODAY

he City of Makati today is forging full speed ahead with its goal of becoming the country’s first certified Smart City, as Mayor Abby Binay has earned a fresh mandate from Makatizens in the May 13 elections.

“After laying down the foundations for the city’s digital transformation, we are now all set to bring our mission to the next level and achieve our targets in the next three years,” the mayor stated.

The mayor said the city’s strong and stable financial base has given her administration the leverage to push through with more technology-driven innovations in the city’s programs and services, especially in health, education, social welfare and disaster resiliency.

MILESTONES IN FISCAL GOVERNANCE

Under Mayor Abby’s watch, Makati earned notable distinctions for reforms and innovations introduced to make transactions at city hall more convenient, and its services more accessible to taxpayers and residents.

The city obtained its very first “unqualified opinion” – the highest audit rating given by the Commission on Audit (COA), after finding its 2017 financial statements to be fully compliant with accounting and auditing standards.

The Department of the Interior and Local Govern ment granted the Seal of Good Financial Housekeep ing, which validated the city’s efforts to ensure trans parency and honesty in spending public funds.

The city’s Accounting Department was also named one of the Most Outstanding Accounting Offices by the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines.

Makati has reclaimed its title as the country’s richest city based on the latest report of COA, which showed its total assets at P196.57 billion, or more than double the figure in 2016. According to COA, the city is also the first LGU to breach the P100-billion mark in terms of assets.

For the first time in over a decade, the city posted double-digit revenue growth on a year-on-year basis, and consistently surpassed annual targets in the last three years.

As of March this year, the city has achieved 59 percent of its full-year revenue target of P17.12 billion after its total collection reached P10.04 billion, or a 10 percent increase over the same period last year.

Frontline offices have streamlined the process of renewal and application for new business permits to only three easy steps, so that applicants with complete requirements can be issued a business permit within an hour.

To boost its competitiveness and in compliance with the new Ease of Doing Business Act, the city estab lished its “Business One-Stop Shop” (BOSS), designat ing the ground floor of Makati City Hall Building II as a common site to process applications and payments and issue licenses, clearances and permits.

Also being developed is an enhanced business permit and licensing system or e-BPLS, a computerized system that will provide easy access to business per mits through different platforms.

MODERNIZED AND EXPANDED HEALTH SERVICES

The city has acquired modern equipment to upgrade the diagnostic capabilities of the city-run Ospital ng Makati (OsMak), including a digital mammography ma chine, a portable X-ray machine, a laparoscopy tower, and a drug testing analyzer.

Through a MOA signed by Mayor Abby expanding the services under the Yellow Card, Makatizens can now access advanced diagnostics and specialized treatment and surgical procedures at the Makati Medical Center, free of charge.

Another tie-up with a private company has provid ed Yellow Card members access to free “unli-dialysis treatments” at designated private freestanding dialysis centers, to ease congestion at the hemodialysis unit of OsMak and make treatment more convenient for patients living far from the hospital.

Recently, OsMak launched the Palliative and Hospice Care Program to improve the quality of life of patients

with serious and chronic illnesses and provide psychoso cial and spiritual support to their family members.

On certain days of the week, the city-run hospital deploys pediatricians, gynecologists, and surgeons to the health centers in barangays Pio del Pilar, Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, and San Antonio to bring specialized medical services closer to residents.

NEW INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION

To further raise the standards of the public educa tion system in Makati, the city government has funded the implementation of Project MILES (Mathematics Intensive Learning Enhancement for Students) that uses Koobits, a popular Singaporean Math software, to improve the competency of Grade 1 to 10 students in Math.

Mayor Abby initiated the implementation of free educational field trips for public elementary students to “help stimulate their thirst for learning”. The project has been expanded to cover students up to senior high school.

In addition to free rubber shoes dubbed “Air Binay”, raincoats, rain boots, school supplies, uniforms, leath er shoes, school bags, hygiene kits, and dental kits, Mayor Abby will start giving Makati public school students free school socks as part of the expanded Project FREE (Free Relevant and Excellent Education) this school year.

BOOSTING RESILIENCY

After it established the country’s first Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Academy at the University of Makati, the city government sent some 13 personnel to Japan for the training of trainers for first responders.

The city is also upgrading the Makati C3 to become an Internet-of-Things (I.O.T.) platform to be used in the development of an integrated DRR data and informa tion management system.

To enhance its own weather monitoring and forecast ing system, Makati upgraded its early warning system for rain showers and thunderstorms, and procured 16 rain gauges and two new automated weather stations that will soon be installed.

The city has also strengthened its protective sector by providing new vehicles and equipment. New patrol cars and emergency response vehicles have boosted police visibility and response, and improved crime solution efficiency. Advanced firefighting equipment, including a chemical fire truck, aerial fire ladder, super tanker and mobile suppression units, have im proved response time and overall performance of the city fire bureau.

Lapel cameras provided to the police and traffic enforcers also helped promote transparency in the apprehension of errant motorists and other violators.

The city distributed tens of thousands of emergency go bags and hard hats to public school students. It also installed 136 automated external defibrillators in strategic places in public schools and City Hall for emergency use.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Inspired by her vision of a “Digital Makati” where Makatizens can have instant access to government services using digital devices, Mayor Abby has en gaged in a number of public-private partnership (PPP)

agreements aimed to make life easier and better for city residents and other stakeholders.

The Makatizen Card is an all-purpose, valid govern ment ID card designed to consolidate all health and social benefits for residents, including cash gifts for senior citizens, and to enable them to experience the convenience and advantages of a fast-growing cash less ecosystem.

The Makatizen App now gives thousands of users instant access to the latest updates about events and programs of the city, and allows them to communicate their concerns directly to City Hall. Free internet con nection is now available in 19 barangays through the Makati Public Wi-Fi System.

Makati is also poised to make history with the Makati Subway, the first-ever subway in the Philip pines, through a PPP agreement inked by Mayor Abby with a consortium of local and foreign investors. The $3.7-million intra-city subway will be built at no cost to the city, and is projected to create around 10,000 jobs during its construction and up to its operation.

The Makati Subway is envisioned to deliver great er convenience and mobility that will translate to increased productivity among workers, greater prof itability for businesses including small and medium enterprises, and overall sustainable development and economic stability for the city.

PRIORITY PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE

For her second term in office, Mayor Abby has laid out some priority projects meant to further improve quality of life of Makatizens.

Soon, the city will provide nutritious meals for public school students to relieve parents of expenses for their daily allowance.

The mayor also plans to establish a school that befits a digital city, fully equipped with fast and reliable wi-fi connection and modern computers to teach students the latest technology. “I want young Makatizens to be competitive, to be proud of graduating from our public schools,” she said.

Aside from the continuing modernization of OsMak, the city government will prioritize the establishment of Urgent Care services in barangay health centers to provide immediate relief to patients.

Makatizens can look forward to better and more convenient medical services as priority will be given to the completion and opening of the new Ospital ng Makati in Malugay, District 1 within the next three years.

Also in the pipeline is the construction of a public columbarium offering free cremation and inurnment services to city residents. “We want to relieve the be reaved family of the burden of costly funeral expens es. At the same time, we want to provide an innovative solution to the shortage of space for interment in Makati,” Mayor Abby said.

Even before she begins her second term this July, Mayor Abby clearly has her heart set on making everyone proud of being Makatizens, standing tall as citizens of neighboring locales say in awe, “Iba tala ga, kapag taga-Makati ka.”

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Opinion

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019

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Ascension Sunday and the climate strike THIS Sunday, we commemorate the ascension of Christ to heaven. It is a familiar story. As Jesus disappears from their sight, the disciples continue to gaze upwards into the sky. It is then that two men wearing white clothes stand beside them and say: “Men of Galilee, what are you doing looking at the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” And assured of their Master’s abiding care they went back to Jerusalem, ecstatic.

Today, in the Philippines, we are all called to be witnesses— to justice, to love, to be united as a people, and to take care of our planet.

While Jesus’ glorified body de dephysi parted to signal the end of his physical presence on earth, it was also the beginning of his presence in a new way. He promised them the Paraclete that would anoint them on the Feast of the Pentecost and to guide his church until the end of time. Indeed, it was an occasion of rejoicing, for their Master died and on the third day rose from the dead. His disciples, who were once fearful of their fate,

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

are emboldened by the guarantees of their Lord the Savior. They are imbued with boundless hope and happiness, ready and willing to embark on the mission that the Lord has given them, ready to face the perils of propagating the new faith to pagans and unbelievers. This is also the commission given by Christ to all the members of the church—to be heralds of the good news and witnesses for Jesus Christ, the only savior of the world. In accomplishing this mission, we will be accompanied by the Holy Spirit for effective ministry.

Each person follows different avenues towards Christ. As a father, mother, child, and in whatever situation one finds himself of herself in, the mission is the same —witness to Christ while following different routes. We may not be called to follow the footsteps of the Apostles who with great vigor preached the Good News to all peoples and in the end offered their lives as martyrs but we can do so in obeying the will of the Father in our own personal capacity.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus, the saint of the ordinary, teaches us how to be little yet great in the eyes of the Lord, saying—“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” Without love, even the greatest of deed means nothing. A true believer in Christ is one who finds Christ in every person no matter how repulsive that person is, sees the hand of Christ in every situation no matter how despicable and wretched the situation is. One may say—this is easier said than done. Yet we often forget the power of the Holy Spirit which Christ promised his church until the end of time.

P

An appeal most sensible

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has asked the Commission on Elections to do away with its current service provider, Venezuelan company Smartmatic, and find one that is fraud-free.

Mr. Duterte acknowledged that the Comelec, as a constitutional commission, is independent of any branch of government, hence the appeal.

In the May 13 elections, there was a seven-hour delay in the transmission of results from the transparency server, making a mockery of the machine’s name. During the voting, hundreds of vote counting machines encountered various technical issues.

In making his case before the poll body, Mr. Duterte said Smartmatic was “creating turmoil” and has bred “an environment of hostile attitude” toward itself.

Of course, when the President became agitated later in his speech and said

"Why are you insisting to Smartmatic? Because [of the] bidding? You should remove that f*ck*ng bidding,” the public would be well-advised to not believe Mr. Duterte really wanted to eliminate the standard government procurement process. We should anticipate his aides chalking this up to heightened emotion, even exaggeration for effect.

We don’t think, however, that anybody who has observed the past few elections could say he or she was ever happy with the way the elections were held using Smartmatic technology. In fact, even Liberal Party president Francis Pangilinan agrees with Mr. Duterte on this note.

The Comelec, for its part,

has said it would not have legal basis to bar Smartmatic from a subsequent bidding. The agency’s spokesman, James Jimenez, also said there was a dearth of local tech companies that can offer a level of expertise and experience prescribed by election laws.

But if past shoddy performance were not basis for disqualifying an organization from the bidding, we cringe to imagine what could be.

We are sure that our brilliant election authorities could find a way to encourage competent and reputable companies to bid for the next elections. Admittedly, the stakes then would be so much higher, as 2022 would be a year we would elect the next president.

“Filipinos' votes are not being counted truthfully," said the President. In the name of democracy, there is no argument as simple, yet as compelling, as this.

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Consumer rights in the Philippines?

WHAT is it like to be a consumer in this country? Do we know our rights as consumers? Where do we go if we are victimized or shortchanged by unscrupulous companies and sales persons?

Everyone, no matter our status in life, is a consumer. We buy and pay for the things and services that we need to get by in life. No one is immune to sales pitch of sellers, big and small.

Many times, we are captive consumers especially by businesses who supply us with necessities such as water, electricity, and in this web-based world, telecommunications including Internet service.

Surely, we all have horror stories to tell. How many times have we been induced to buy products that do not work as claimed by manufacturers and sellers? How many times have we been sweet-talked into paying for lousy service? How many times have we been promised after-sales service that turn out to be non-existent? How many times have we complained to sellers about products that we bought only to be given the runaround to tire us, and eventually give up? Times like these, one cannot help but feel helpless.

Sometimes, consumer issues happen on a massive scale like what happened recently when Manila Water failed millions of its consumers. The acute water shortage made life quite difficult for months. I know because my family was victimized. I never thought that this kind of a problem could disrupt lives, but it did. What could consumers do besides rant? No one seemed to know.

We were virtually paralyzed.

Another company that provides lousy service and customer relations is the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT). For the longest time, we have been complaining about the quality of Internet service available in this country. Internet is no

longer a luxury. It has become a necessity in our lives. We use if for almost everything. I need Internet to get in touch with family and friends, for personal matters, and for work.

I have been a loyal client of PLDT for almost 25 years. It has been my and my office’s Internet service provider since the first day we had the service.

We have had problems with PLDT but I have never been as irate as I am now.

Our plan in our house is worth almost P2,100 monthly. Last month, my son received a delivery of a new unit of telpad. We did not order this because our unit works perfectly. The delivery person merely had my son sign a delivery slip. When asked for what the telpad was, my son was told that it was just an upgrade so he received it. There was no letter or any notification from PLDT about this.

We often feel helpless.

When I learned about the delivery, I simply thought that perhaps it was already time to change our old unit so I was not bothered. After all, in the past, PLDT would change telephone units with newer models and we never had any problem. Still, we did not use the new telpad.

Last week our Internet service in the house was cut. When I asked PLDT on Twitter, I was informed that we needed to pay an unpaid bill of P400+ before the service could be reconnected. I knew that we were up-to-date with our payments but still checked our receipts.

We called customer service (those familiar with PLDT would know how hard it is to get through and how circuitous their system is) and explained our problem. We were told that the extra charge was for the new telpad that we neither need nor ordered.

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Fighting an invisible war POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE THE country is at war.

It is a civil war pitting Filipino against Filipino. It is an invisible war waged online and in traditional media, in the streets, in the halls of Malacañang Palace, in hearts and minds.

Since the rise of President Rodrigo Duterte, the citizens of this country have been fighting a culture war that

The stakes are higher than ever before. pits conservative, right-wing ideas against progressive, liberal values.

This phenomenon is not new. It is a constant struggle among the different groups of society. However, the conflict has become increasingly intense over the last three years as social media

is used as a weapon for disinformation and as a platform for strident polemics.

Among the issues that have become hot-button topics in this ongoing war is capital punishment. The gangland-style death sentence meted out in tokhang and attitudes favoring summary execution are reinforced by the President’s unwavering pronouncements on killing being necessary to instill peace and order.

This is contrary to laws that provide for due process.

There is also debate on the lowering of the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12, a legislative Turn to A5

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A5

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Magna Carta signing fulfills Duterte’s promises Denying the late Chief Justice Corona his day in court PRESIDENT Duterte in signing into law the Magna Carta of the Poor has reaffirmed this government’s commitment to improve the quality of life of Filipinos, particularly those of the less fortunate. It’s a step toward fulfilling what he promised in answering his calling in 2016.

Although there’s nothing in the Magna Carta for the Poor that is not already provided for in the Constitution, it specifically directs the various government agencies to address the basic needs of the poorest of the poor.

The President believes in the wisdom of the measure that no Filipino should be suffer due to lack of food, unemployment, lack of education, homelessness and poor health if the government simply does it job and use public funds to the purposes they were appropriated for.

That being said, the revolting scandal in the delay in passing this year’s national budget might have overshadowed the accomplishments of the 17th Congress altogether.

Thanks to the President’s decision to sign into law the General Appro-

Fighting...

From A4

priority of Duterte that was greenlighted by the House of Representatives last January when they passed House Bill 8858 on third and final reading.

This law contravenes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by the Philippines in 1990. It commits the country to giving primary importance to the welfare and rights of children. The House, anxious to please Duterte, passed the bill despite the contrary opinion of experts in the fields of medicine, psychology, education, and human rights, among others.

LGBT rights are also a contentious issue. Congress recently posted a poll on their website asking the public’s opinion on same-sex unions as civil partnerships. As of this writing, ‘yes’ has garnered 464,690 votes or 64 percent of 723,608 total votes. ‘No’ votes were 256,532 (35 percent), ‘undecided’ 2,386 votes.

The week the poll came out, people on both sides of the fence rallied supporters to vote. I got messages asking me to choose ‘no’; one was from a Roman Catholic nun.

Ascension...

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The Spirit of God makes us endure the impossible, to do the impossible.

This is no empty promise because it has been demonstrated by thousands of men and women who, through the action of the Holy Spirit, offered their lives in obedience to Christ.

Our very own Filipino saints Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod accepted martyrdom with joy, faithful to the Lord, filled with desire to follow Him to heaven.

“You are witnesses.” We are all called to be that.

Although the word “witness” may imply merely the experiences as eyewitness, the word witness implies a more active kind of witnessing not much like a spectator in a sport or an audience in a concert or as mere bystanders in a spectacle. It is witnessing in an active sense. Acting, saying, hearing and using all our senses to perform acts that will promote the mission that Christ has commissioned us to accomplish. One cannot say that he is righteous because

Consumer...

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After four hours of more calls and transfers to different departments, we reached an agreement that: the extra charges will be removed, they will retrieve the telpad they delivered, and our internet connection would be restored. And it was.

We thought the problem was over.

However, on Thursday morning, our connection was again cut. I was on my way for work so I could not do any-

priations Act—but not after he vetoed items that slashed P95 billion in “pork barrel” funds, the cause of shameless bickering among the lawmakers and delayed the P3.7-trillion national budget for over four months.

One might say the enactment of the Magna Carta for the Poor (RA 11291) is the saving grace in the wake of the national budget blunder that made Congress deservingly looked bad.

Other notable legislations passed by the outgoing Congress are: Free Tertiary Education (RA 10931), Universal Health Care (RA 11223) and the Institutionalizing the 4Ps (RA11310), among others.

The enactment of the Magna Carta for the Poor recently surprised not quite a few people not only because it’s long overdue. It was proposed way back in 2015 but elitist Noynoy Aquino, who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, simply found the proposed law nauseating and refused to sign it then.

But this time President Duterte signed into law the combined versions of the Magna Carta for the Poor in the Senate and the House sponsored, respectively by jailbird Senator Leila de Lima and hotel mutineer Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, among Manong Digong’s most rabid critics.

It dramatically shows the Presi-

dent’s statesmanship and sincerity in his advocacy for the rights and welfare of the less fortunate Filipinos, shackled in poverty all their life.

Manong Digong places importance on the people’s interest than partisan politics.

And, signing the Magna Carta for the Poor cannot be construed as a gimmick since he did it after the midterm polls.

The Magna Carta guarantees the poor unconditional access to public services and provides for establishing the system to ensure: Adequate food, decent work, relevant and quality education, adequate housing, and the highest attainable standard of health.

The Magna Carta for the Poor is more meaningful now against the backdrop of the country’s surging economy, improved credit standing, pouring foreign investment, dropping unemployment, easing inflation, and massive development and infrastructure, stronger diplomatic ties, and improved peace and order.

For the past three years, Manong Digong and his Cabinet have risen to the occasion to the cries for social justice and fulfill this leadership’s mandate as reaffirmed overwhelmingly in the last national elections.

The Magna Carta is certainly a longtime-coming icing on the cake!

This conflict over cultural, moral, or religious values extends into reproductive health, with abortion largely undiscussed because of vehement opposition from the Church, which also fought against the RH law of the previous administration.

Feminism in this day and age still has foes. The anti-feminists I encounter through messages and in person are all men. The misogynistic and sexist attitudes in society are reinforced by the President himself through his many rape jokes and kissing women on stage, behavior he himself has said he cannot modify.

Duterte is not the only Filipino male who speaks and acts this way, but because of his popularity, he wields great influence over others, who will use his example to justify their own misogyny. The reinforcement of rape culture is compounded by his spokesmen Harry Roque and Salvador Panelo, who make excuses for all Duterte’s egregious conduct.

The spate of killings of elected officials and candidates just before the midterm elections in May illustrates the accelerating ascendancy of the culture of impunity, as does the rampant vote buying and intimidation of voters.

Calls for accountability and culpability, long lacking in many politicians, are

largely ignored.

Not even discussed are issues like the right-to-die. Assisted euthanasia is for the terminally ill who wish to pass on at a time and place of their choosing before they deteriorate too badly that they no longer enjoy quality of life. The debate on this topic would be ferocious.

Creeping moral relativism is expanding gray areas, and virtues once held in an absolutist framework are devalued. An example of this relativism is the attitude that politicians are not required to be honest; one may lie about their educational attainment, another may steal hundreds of millions from the people, and yet still be elected to office. Honesty for politicians has been rendered malleable.

Culture wars have always been fought but the stakes today are higher than ever before—the heart and soul of the country. As a liberal and a progressive, I will always be on the side that promotes social justice, that sees women and LGBT as deserving of equal rights, that firmly believes politicians are accountable to the people who elected them to serve.

he has not sinned, or done evil things, Yet sin can also come in the form of omission for it is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.

Today, in the Philippines, we are all called to be witnesses—to justice, to love, to be united as a people, and to take care of our planet.

With regard to the environment, I support fully the global student climate strike movement. I make mine the words of its leader, Swedish student Greta Thunberg: “If people really knew about these things, they wouldn’t need to ask me why I am so passionate about climate change. If people really were aware of these [things], they wouldn’t ask why we are school striking for the climate and taking it to the streets. If people really knew the full consequences of the climate crisis, they would join us on the streets, striking from their work, moving on from words to action.”

“This is an emergency. And world leaders are not acting accordingly.

But if they won’t do anything, we will. We will try to do everything we can to make them act.

It is we children and future generations that are going to suffer the most from these consequences if we fail. It should not be up to us to take responsibility. But since most world leaders are behaving like children, we have no other choice. The older generations have failed us. Our political leaders have failed us . . .

Our political leaders can’t seem to think beyond the next election, and that must come to an end. This ongoing inaction of people in power, and the companies responsible will in the future no doubt be remembered as a crime against humanity. Those who know of the consequences of business as usual for all living species must be held accountable if they’re still not doing anything.

During the last months, we have shown that activism works. So I’m asking you to act.”

Yes, we are called to follow Jesus in heaven. But that starts by following His commands to love people and planet here on earth.

thing. When I came home in the evening, we still did not have connection so I again spoke with PLDT through Twitter because their customer service only operates during office hours.

I was furious when I was told the same thing said to me a week earlier when the problem started. Again I had to do the tedious explaining of what has transpired, and the agreement with their customer service. Still, I was told that the case was being “investigated” and for the connection to resume, I now had to pay P3,200+!

I stood my ground. I was only will-

ing to pay for my plan, nothing more.

This is not even about the money because I could readily pay the amount.

This was about PLDT abusing me as a consumer and I will not tolerate this.

I repeatedly asked for the name of the person I was talking with and was repeatedly ignored.

Why would I pay for something I did not order but was imposed on me? Why does PLDT punish consumers for their lousy work? Clearly, this is unfair and abusive business practice.

This led me to search for a law that protects Filipino consumers. And I

It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. ~ Jose Rizal/FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

Facebook Page: Professor Tony La Viña Twitter: tonylavs

Noynoy wanted to ensure that his enemy, the chief justice, is impeached from office by hook or by crook.

Because our democracy and due process are closely intertwined, they muddle everything that they inserted THERE is no question, the late Chief an oxymoron clause in the ConstituJustice Renato C. Corona was im- tion. They rejected the idea that when peached in 2012 by the House of Rep- one is being tried for impeachment, resentatives. The trial for his impeach- they would be punishing him again for ment that was carried out by the Senate, the same offense but applying the penal acting as impeachment court, was code. They refuse to accept that they treated as a political act, much that the will be forcing the accused to undergo consequence was his removal from of- double jeopardy for the fact that he will fice. Such action, however, is limited to be tried for the same offense, will be public officials enumerated in the Con- confronted by the same witnesses to stitution. Hence, while they hold public testify for or against him, and presentoffice they cannot be sued, which rea- ed with the same evidence only to say son why the framers of the Constitution the case is different.

But how could the court possibly devised a process that impeachable officials must first be removed from office proceed to acquit him when his imbefore the government can institute the peachment already amounted to a conproper criminal case for the imposition viction? The institution of a criminal proceeding after of the appropriate offi the accused offipenalty. im cial has been imCorona’s reman peached is manmoval from office His conviction datory because was decided by his removal from the majority of the unavoidably exposed office now opens members of the him to public for trial the charge Senate Impeach- humiliation, ridicule against him. ment Court. That But whatdecision should and deprived him of ever semantics have opened the all his emoluments the hypocritical door for his prosas public official and constitutionalists ecution for the would use, they specific offense he retirement benefits. cannot deny that allegedly violated his removal from before the Omoffice is a form budsman. of punishment, Impeachment is considered a popolitical act or as constitutionalists would worst, for it unavoidably exposed him put it, a political question because it has to public humiliation, ridicule and dereference to the sovereign power of the prived him of all his emoluments as state to act, being omnipotent, immu- public official and retirement benefits. table, indivisible, plenary and beyond Section 3, subsection 7 of Article XI reproach. This is the theory about the of the Constitution is clear to quote: “(7) Judgment in cases of impeachsovereign power of the state.

Many, however, could not under- ment shall not extend further than restand this process of removing public moval from office and disqualification officials from office and later prosecut- to hold any office under the Republic of ing them in court for the offense they the Philippines, but the party convicted committed which the same impeach- shall nevertheless be liable and subject ment court could do to simplify the to prosecution, trial, and punishment, process and for the speedy disposition according to law.”

This means, the Aquino government of justice. They forgot that even if impeachment is a political question, and was duty-bound to institute criminal the removal of a public official can be proceeding against Corona because his removed without a cause like a vote for impeachment was a condition precedent no confidence, that sovereign exercise that must be complied with. Remember, of power can never be questioned be- Corona’s immunity from suit provided in Section 2, Article XI was the one cause it is plenary and omnipotent.

Such is accepted but the hypocrites that prevented the court from institutrefuse to concede. In the military, they ing criminal proceedings against him. can even remove any leader they wish The court was rather remiss in failing and call the process coup d’ etat, putsch to file the appropriate criminal charges or install their puppet civilian leader against the impeached Chief Justice like those soldiers that served as mer- such that it equally rendered injustice cenaries of the CIA. Only after the to him after the Ombudsman failed to leader that grabbed power is elected take the necessary and proper action.

They impeached the accused becan his title be changed from that of a de facto to a de jure president, if that be cause the majority voted for his removal. But to try him in a criminal the case.

Because the hypocrites are adamant in case, they in effect placed the accused making it appear they would be render- in double jeopardy because he would ing justice to their political enemy, they be tried for the same offense for which segregated the process; that impeach- he was removed. But there is no way ment should be made separate from pros- the court could acquit him because that ecuting an official for the alleged offense would be tantamount to overriding the he committed. His impeachment only decision of the Impeachment Court. It means his removal from office for ac- is not so much that the Senate Impeachcordingly, he is immune from suit. They ment Court is different from the judirefuse to admit he is being impeached cial courts, but of the likelihood that because he cannot be sued even if there the politicians will never admit they are allegations of culpable violation of the committed an error to result in a serious constitutional impasse leading to Constitution.

However, prosecuting him for the constitutional crisis.

Since, the impeached chief justice offense must be made separate much that the evidence that will be present- died without being charged of the ofed against must be beyond reasonable fense or has a pending case filed against doubt, while his removal from office him in court, the presumption of inmerely requires the majority vote of the nocence remains that Corona was not members of the Senate Impeachment guilty of any crime. While impeachment operates in a different parameter Court.

It is the vote of the majority and not from that of a criminal case, the guilt the evidence that determines the fate of the accused must be proven beyond of the accused official. This backwater reasonable doubt. It is not even his conjudicial procedure only opens the Pan- viction that is important but the obserdora’s Box to corruption like bribing vance of a due process of being tried politicians to vote in favor of one whom and to rebut the charges against him in their God wish to destroy. This explains the court of law. Ironically, we ousted why suddenly President Aquino acted our chief justice and denied him of his like Santa Claus giving every member day in court, by forfeiting his retireof the Senate Impeachment Court their ment benefits motu proprio. allotment of the so-called Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). rpkapunan@gmail.com

found Republic Act 7394, or the Consumer Act of The Philippines. This law is aimed at protecting the interests of Filipino consumers and to establish standards for business and industry.

Among other things, the law says that the State shall implement measures to achieve that will protect consumers against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices; and provide of adequate consumer rights and means of redress. The law created the National Consumer Affairs Council that aims to “improve the management, coordination, and effectiveness of con-

sumer programs.”

So there is a law that we, consumers can use. Instead of feeling helpless, I will study this very long law and will find out about how this law is being implemented. Consumers do not even know that there is a law that should protect us. Let us all stand up for our rights as consumers and refuse to be victimized by businesses that will do everything to cheat us out of our hard-earned money. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

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SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019

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Advocates of sin tax upbeat on senators’ vote

IN BRIEF Bill on kids with special needs passes THE House of Representatives led by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had pushed for the enactment of a bill instituting inclusive education and establish inclusive learning resource centers for children and youth with special needs in all public school divisions.

HB 9104, authored by Rep. Alfredo Vargas III of Quezon City was approved on third and final reading last week.

The bill recognizes the State policy to protect and promote the rights of CYSNs to make quality education accessible to them, as well as give full support for their welfare and development.

“Children have a right to education regardless of any difficulties or differences they have…According to the Department of Education [DepEd], only 2 percent of the 5.49-million children with special needs are getting government assistance and 97 percent of seven to 12 years old children are not in school. There are some parents who tend to keep their CYSNs out of school because of fear that their children may be subjected to bullying and discrimination,” said Vargas, vice chairman of the House committee on appropriations. Maricel V. Cruz

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SIN tax advocates remain confident that the senators, who are expected to vote on Monday on the bill to increase cigarette taxes earlier certified urgent by President Rodrigo Duterte, will not be swayed by strong lobbying from tobacco companies and reject any offer or promise.

Dr. Anthony Leachon and Dr. Antonio Dans, lead convenors of the National Sin Tax Coalition expressed hopes that the reported intense lobbying of cigarette companies would not affect the votes of the senators on the measure.

The two doctors said that the funds to be generated from the increase provided under Senate Bill 2233 would be very crucial in addressing the P62-billion funding gap in the first year of implementation of the Universal Health Care program.

The increase, the doctors said, would also ensure a significant decrease of new smokers while dissuading new smokers from smoking.

In a letter sent to Senate President Vicente Sotto III, dated May 29, President Rodrigo Duterte certified to the “necessity to the enactment of Senate Bill 2233.”

In the same communication, the President underscored the urgent need to further protect the right of the health of the people and to maintain a broader fiscal space to support the effective implementation of the UHC Act. Saying that “health is wealth,” Leachon, former president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said the onus lies in the votes of the senators.

He said that the senators will decide the destiny of the UHC and the healthcare of Filipinos for the next generation.

“That’s the defining moment. That’s a test of character and symbol of their commitment in their campaign promises,” added Leachon, formerly a PhilHealth director.

Dans, also of the UP College of Medicine, debunked the arguments of some senators questioning the increase, citing various reasons.

“What they said in 2012 against tobacco tax, the same people are saying again. The number of smokers will not go down? It did! The tobacco industry will collapse?

It didn't! Government earnings will go down? It soared!” he said.

Magna Carta for Poor bill’s signing lauded

Traffic woes as EDSA road repair starts

SCHOOL INSPECTION. NCRPO chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar made a visit and inspection of the West High School in Pasay City, assisted by school principal Myrna Gaza (left) and other teachers during the orientation and dry run for the opening of classes on June 3. Lino Santos

MMDA to deploy 2,000 men for school opening

By Joel E. Zurbano

C

HAIRMAN Danilo Lim of the Metro Manila Development Authority ordered the deployment of more than 2,000 traffic personnel to ensure a safe and orderly opening of classes in Metro Manila on Monday.

Lim said 2,500 traffic personnel are set for deployment before 5 a.m. on June 3 and the succeeding days when other schools start to open to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the metropolis.

“We shall field traffic personnel in traffic-prone areas around the metropolis and monitor traffic situation on roads leading to schools so we can easily augment personnel when needed,” he said.

Teroy Taguinod, head of the MMDA Traffic Discipline Office, said district traffic heads were reminded to coor-

dinate with school authorities, barangays, and local traffic officials to discuss measures on how to ease traffic within the vicinity of schools.

“We have coordination with some school administrators to allow picking up and dropping off of students inside school premises so as not to obstruct vehicular flow on school zones,” said Taguinod.

He also ordered his men to be at their designated areas, be courteous and strictly enforce existing traffic

By Maricel V. Cruz A HOUSE leader on Friday said the full implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11291 or the Magna Carta for the Poor will empower farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural workers in the informal sector.

Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin of AAMBIS-Owa party-list the measure shall give them a stronger claim to sustained opportunities for growth and development.

The Magna Carta for the Poor was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last May 27. The measure shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

The recently signed law aims to empower poor Filipinos to meet the minimum basic needs and uplift their standard of living and quality of life. The poor, as defined in the measure, refers to the “individuals or families whose income falls below the poverty threshold as defined by the National Economic and Development Authority [NEDA] and/or cannot afford in a sustained manner to provide their minimum basic needs of food, health, education, housing, or other amenities in life.”

As co-author of the bill, Garin said "the Magna Carta for the Poor is a step closer to ensuring that no Filipino gets left behind. Further, the measure shall advance the rights of workers in the agriculture sector."

Citing the Poverty Statistics for Basic Sectors published by the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2017, Garin said farmers and fishermen have consistently been registered as the two of the three sectors with the highest poverty incidence in 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015.

rules and regulations at all times, citing that presence of traffic enforcers signify order on the road.

During school days, traffic congestion in the vicinity of schools usually causes spillover of vehicles on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and other major roads in the metropolis, so there is a need to work together with the stakeholders, he added.

The MMDA is one of the partneragencies of Department of Education’s Inter-Agency Task Force for this year’s Oplan Balik Eskwela.

Under the program, workers of the agency participated in sprucing up schools, teaching school authorities and students about disaster preparedness, and repainting faded pedestrian lanes in some schools for the safety of the students.

SHOPPING AT DIVISORIA.

Parents and their children trooped to Divisoria in Manila to buy notebooks, uniforms, bags, shoes and other school supplies in time for the resumption of classes on Monday, June 3.

Lino Santos

‘Focus crimes in NCR down by 57% in last 35 months’ FOCUS crimes in Metro Manila decreased by 57 percent on the first 35 months of the Duterte administration compared to the last 35 months of the previous administration.

Based on figures released by the National Capital Region Police Office obtained by the Philippine News Agency, NCRPO chief, Major Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the number of crimes against persons and crimes against property decreased to 49,115 from July 2016 to May 2019.

This translates to a 57.69-percent decrease from the 116,089 cases from August 2013 to June 2016, during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. Crimes against persons include murder, homicide, physical injuries and rape while crimes against property are

robbery, theft, motor vehicle and motorcycle theft.

The NCRPO also noted a steady decline in the number of these crimes from 21,782 in 2016; 18,580 in 2017; 14,911 in 2018.

From January to May this year, a total of 5,277 incidents of focus crimes have so far been recorded.

Eleazar attributed the decrease in the volume of crimes to the public reporting to the police of untoward incidents, as well as the police force's aggressive and intelligence-driven drive against criminal gangs, terrorists, and lawless elements.

"Because of our cooperation and collaboration, we have improved our security and because of the efforts of this administration, the Duterte administration through its intensified campaign of

all forms of criminality particularly the campaign against illegal drugs," Eleazar said.

"We can say in honesty that we are winning this war as can be shown by [more than] 50 percent reduction of crime in Metro Manila," he added.

He urged the public to help and cooperate with authorities in apprehending those involved in criminal activities.

“I would like to encourage the public to immediately report any suspicious person or activities to the nearest police station and police assistance desk.

“They can also contact the NCRPO through social media accounts: Facebook pio ncrpo; facebook page@pioncrpo2019; twitter@pioncrpo2019; and Isumbong Mo sa Team NCRPO hotlines 0999-901-8181 or 0915-888-8181,” Metro Manila’s top cop said. PNA

THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Friday advised commuters and motorists to brace for a weekend traffic along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and Circumferential Road 5.

The MMDA gave the go signal to the Department of Public Works and Highways to resume its weekend road repair in the area beginning at 11 p.m. Friday (May 31) until 5 a.m. on Monday (June 3).

With clearance from the MMDA, the road repair and reblocking activities of the DPWH—National Capital Region will cover the areas at EDSA, specifically the southbound directions from Monte de Piedad to Aurora Boulevard—Service Road, third lane from the sidewalk; from corner New York Street, first lane from the sidewalk; from corner Bansalangin Street, fronting Shell, third lane from the center island; from Magallanes to Baclaran Bus Stop, outer lane; and from Magallanes to Alabang Bus Stop, outer lane.

Repair works will also be undertaken at C-5 Road covering southbound direction fronting Market Market, outermost lane and from beside U-Turn slot near Market Market. Joel E. Zurbano

BI agents seize live tarantulas at NAIA GOVERNMENT agents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have intercepted smuggled shipment of live tarantulas and preserved animals from various countries.

NAIA Customs chief Carmelita Talusan said her men seized the six illegally imported wildlife packages at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City last Tuesday.

Two boxes contained 100 live venomous tarantulas placed in transparent plastic containers and were declared as “mails and toys” from Poland and Malaysia.

The seized shipment was turned over to Wildlife Trafficking Management Unit, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Bureau of Animal Industry for proper custody.

Also intercepted was a shipment of 71 pieces of stingray skin found in a package from Jakarta, Indonesia as well as packages containing camel hide, stuffed moose head and fox which came from United Arab of Emirates, Norway and France. Joel E. Zurbano

Andaya arraignment moved to July 12 THE Sandiganbayan on Friday postponed to July 12 arraignment of Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. in connection with the alleged P900-million Malampaya fund scam.

The court postponed the arraignment because of Andaya's pending petition at the Supreme Court to stop the trial.

Andaya's defense lawyers told the court's Third Division that he has filed a petition for certiorari, with a prayer for a temporary restraining order, with the SC to stop the trial owing to certain defects in the Ombudsman's appreciation of the case that led it to file the case in court.

The prosecution, for its part, asked for 10 days to file its comment on the petition.

Division chief Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang deferred the formal reading of charges against Andaya on July 12 at 8:30 a.m. which is transferable unless the SC issues a TRO. The Ombudsman earlier opposed the plea of Andaya for the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the graft and malversation charges filed against him in connection with the alleged P900-million Malampaya fund scam.

In a 15-page opposition filed on April 10, Ombudsman prosecutors said Andaya's motion for reconsideration should be denied as the plea was filed beyond the five-day period reglementary period stated under the Guidelines for Continuous Trial.

Andaya earlier filed a motion to dismiss the cases but the anti-graft court denied his plea, thus Andaya filed a motion for reconsideration.

Andaya only filed his motion for reconsideration in late March when the resolution denying his original motion to dismiss was promulgated on March 6, the Ombudsman said. Maricel V. Cruz

Sports

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SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Tiger makes solid start at Memorial golf WASHINGTON—Tiger Woods launched his latest tilt at Sam Snead’s record for US PGA Tour victories with a two-under-par 70 Thursday that left him five off the pace set by Ryan Moore at the Memorial Tournament.

Former world number one Woods, playing for the first time since missing the cut at the PGA Championship, made birdies at two of his three closing holes to stay within shouting distance of Moore, who carded a seven-under 65.

The 43-year-old Woods, a fivetime winner at Memorial, could equal Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour wins with a victory this week at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio.

The 15-time major winner, who crowned his comeback from a nearly two-year injury layoff by winning the Masters in April, looked comfortable throughout Thursday’s first round.

After teeing off on the back nine, Woods made a fast start with a birdie on the par-5 11th hole, drilling his third shot to eight feet and then draining the putt.

A bogey checked his progress on his fourth hole of the round, the 13th, before a run of nine straight pars.

A birdie followed by a bogey on the fifth and sixth holes threatened to leave Woods at level par for the day, before he birdied seven and eight.

A smiling Woods was satisfied with his round, although he said he could have made better use of the soft conditions.

“It was one of those days where it could have easily flipped,” Woods said.

“I feel like I could have got a few more out of it. It’s so soft out there. It’s definitely gettable.

“And if you look at some of the scores today, the guys are doing it.”

Moore, a native of the rainy Pacific Northwest, said the rain softened course suited him.

The 36-year-old cut loose with a dazzling display over the front nine of his round, reeling off four consecutive birdies to reach the turn at five under.

Two more birdies and seven pars down the stretch completed the world number 79s best round ever at Muirfield.

Moore, who claimed the most recent of his five tour titles in 2016, said putting consistency was the key to his stellar round.

He made 16 of 16 putts inside the 10-feet range on Thursday, including a birdie putt at the par-3 fourth that lipped all the way around the cup before dropping in. AFP

Pueblo ladies grab Luzvimin 2-pt golf lead PUEBLO de Oro drew a couple of 50 points from Pamela Mariano and Alethea Gaccion as it assembled a 181 to snatch a two-point lead after two rounds of the 2019 Champion Luzvimin Invitational golf tournament at the Cebu Country Club late Thursday.

Mariano, now the lead player of Pueblo after anchoring Del Monte’s title romp at Taal Splendido last year, sustained her 53-point output in the first round, scoring 51 Molave points and Gaccion turned in a second straight 50-point game while Juliane Borlongan and Marife Carmichael carded identical 40 points as the Pueblo ladies outdueled the hosts, 181-178, to surge ahead heading to the last 18 holes of the annual championship sponsored by Champion.

Cebu Country Club slowed down after a lead-grabbing 187-point output Wednesday, settling for a 178 behind Riko Nagai’s 47 points and Crytal Neri, Catrina Martinez and Mary Kim Hong’s 46, 45 and 40 points, respectively.

Despite yielding the lead, the hosts remained confident of reigning at home with the rest of the contenders in the premier Diamond division all but bowing out with mediocre outputs.

Valley Golf, with Mariel Tee firing another 55 points, actually improved from 170 with a 180 but stood 17 points off Pueblo with a 350 while Del Monte, led

by Sofia Abarcas’ 50 points, all but kissed its title-retention bid goodbye despite rebounding with a 180 from 167 for a 347 in the event organized and conducted by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines.

Many-time champion Manila Southwoods, with Laia Barro also carding 50 points, likewise failed to make its vaunted charge though it put in a 174 for a 337 while Fernando Air Base pooled a 274 after a 127 for sixth followed by Club Filipino (122264), Rancho Palos Verdes (122-253), Eagle Ridge (112-212) and Sta. Elena (97-211).

Vermosa Sports Sprint Triathlon slated on June 9

Blackwater’s Bobby Ray Parks collars the rebound during the Elite’s game against Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday

Phoenix lists 1st victory, sends Elite back to Earth

By Jeric Lopez

P

HOENIX Pulse dodged a huge threat down the stretch to hold off Blackwater, 103-98, in its debut for its first win in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last night.

Led by ace gunner Matthew Wright, five Phoenix chargers scored in twin-digits for a balanced attack to hold off Blackwater despite its late-game blitz.

Wright finished with a team-high 22 points on top of seven rebounds and six assists to pace the Fuel Masters.

As Phoenix opened up its run at 1-0, Blackwater had its three-game winning streak snapped as it tasted its first defeat, slipping to 3-1 for second place.

The Fuel Masters needed to hold its ground in the closing minutes after the Elite made a furious rally to make it entertaining.

After seeing almost of its 19-point

lead vanish, Phoenix banked in some key free throws in the final seconds to ice the win and have a huge sigh of relief.

Blackwater inched within just two, 98-100, after a split from Mac Belo with 11 seconds.

However, Phoenix sank three insuring freebies down the stretch to put itself out of harm’s way.

Import Rob Dozier had a doubledouble with 18 markers and 16 boards, while RJ Jazul added 17 and Jason Perkins had 16 for the Fuel Masters.

Uncorking a 16-6 surge in the middle of the third, Phoenix was able to seize control by opening up a double-digit lead, 73-62, after a Wright triple at the

2:50 mark of the period.

The Fuel Masters kept their advantage going to the fourth, 80-71.

The Fuel Masters apexed their lead to 19 points, 93-74, with 8:02 remaining after a completed alley-oop by Dozier.

In a last-ditch effort, Blackwater made that dazzling rally to threaten in the final minute.

Blackwater was led by Bobby Ray Parks Jr. with his game-high 25 points while Alex Stepheson dished out 24 points and 18 boards in the losing cause.

The scores: Phoenix 103—Wright 22, Dozier 18, Jazul 17, Perkins 16, Abueva 13, Mallari 8, Chua 7, Kramer 2, Revilla 0, Intal 0, Marcelo 0, Wilson 0.

Blackwater 98—Parks 25, Stepheson 24, Belo 12, Sumang 10, Tratter 7, Maliksi 6, Al-Hussaini 6, Digregorio 4, Cortez 2, Alolino 2, Salem 0.

Quarterscores: 15-17, 41-41, 80-71, 103-98.

TRIATHLON newcomers and multisport veterans test their all-out speed and bursts of power in the first-ever Vermosa Sports Hub Sprint Tri in Imus, Cavite on June 9.

Title sponsor Vermosa Sports Hub is also the venue of this mid-year sprint distance race on the Philippine triathlon calendar: a 500-meter swim in Vermosa’s FINA-standard Olympic-size pool, followed by 20 kms of cycling and 5 kms of running through the grounds and on the world-class 400-meter track oval for participants aged 15 and above.

The Vermosa Sports Hub Sprint Tri, organized by Bike King Philippines, also features age-appropriate, shorter distances for kids aged 7 to 14, guaranteeing a family-and-beginnerfriendly experience.

At stake in the event supported

by Blackmores Philippines, Smart, hydration partners Pocari Sweat and Sip Purified Water, and official timer Garmin are specially designed medals and gifts for winners in the age group and relay categories. The Vermosa Sports Hub Sprint Tri hosts an Event Expo onsite on race day, featuring gear and products from sponsors and multisport partners for spectators and supporters to check out.

The triathlon is the latest sports event to take place at the Vermosa Sports Hub, the nation’s first one-stop training complex catering to athletes competing in international sporting events and serious sports enthusiasts. It features a 50-meter swimming pool based on FINA (International Swimming Federation) standards and the country’s only International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF)-certified 400m track oval, a complete indoor training facility, and the 600-sq,m. Sante Fitness Lab, staffed by expert coaches, trainers, and visiting sports institutes.

VSH is an Ayala Land Development borne out of emerging trends: the rise in health consciousness and growing interest in multisport.

“People are spending more time and money to engage in physical activities, specifically sports,” said Ayala Land Vice President and Vermosa estate head Jay Teodoro. “We wanted to provide a venue for training for this market. Our bigger vision also is to provide a training venue for the next Philippine champion,” he adds.

Baldwin upbeat but wary in Ironman 70.3 Sunday NICK Baldwin admits there’s a lot of difference racing in full IRONMAN and 70.3 but the ace triathlete from Seychelles remains confident of scoring another victory in Subic when the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay presented by Big Boss Cement is fired off tomorrow (Sunday, June 2).

Baldwin crowned himself the first full IRONMAN king when he bested an elite field in Subic last year, clocking eight hours, 50 minutes and 13 seconds over the punishing 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42k run race.

Ranged against the best bets in 70.3 (1.9km swim90km bike-21km run), Baldwin hopes to put up a stronger performance coming off a rigid training in the run-up to the keenly awaited race organized

by Sunrise Events, Inc. that drew participants in 41 countries vying in various categories.

“I consider myself stronger over the longer IRONMAN distance compared to 70.3. But I’ve recently been working extremely hard on my running and have improved my speed over the shorter distances considerably,” said Baldwin, who braces for a spirited duel for top honors and the top $3,000 purse against the likes of Aussies Tim Reed, Sam Betten, Tim Van Berkel and Conor McKay and Colombia’s Rodrigo Acev-

edo and Oli Stenning of Great Britain.

“The IRONMAN 70.3 Subic will be my first 70.3 since August last year and I’m just really excited to get out and race,” said Baldwin. “The memories of last year’s IRONMAN win in Subic will definitely spur me on and I’ll be coming into the race with confidence and nothing to lose.”

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.

An equally thrilling duel is expected in the women’s pro division among Swiss Caroline Steffen, Aussie Dimity Lee Duke, New Zealand’s Laura Wood, Manami Iijima of Guam and Lisa Tyack, also from Australia.

Meanwhile, close to 300 kids dispute the crowns in various age categories in the Alaska Fortified IronKids starting at 6 a.m. today (Saturday) at the WOW Recreation and Activity Center in Subic Bay Freeport Zone held as part of Alaska’s commitment to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among Filipinos.

Nick Baldwin is banking on a strong performance in the bike stage in pursuit of the 70.3 crown after topping the full IRONMAN last year, also in Subic.

Defending champion Halep stumbles into round 3

Romania’s Simona Halep celebrates after winning against Poland’s Magda Linette during their women’s singles second round match on day five of The Roland Garros 2019 French Open tennis tournament in Paris. AFP

PARIS—Defending champion Simona Halep stuttered into the French Open third round, needing four match points to seal a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 win over Poland’s Magda Linette on Thursday.

Romanian third seed Halep looked in total control when 5-3 ahead in the second set, but saw three match points come and go as world number 87 Linette levelled at 5-5 before breaking again to force a decider.

Halep rediscovered her form to race into a 5-1 third-set lead, but she stumbled again at the finish line and was broken to love when serving for the match for a second time.

She finally booked a last-32 clash with either Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic or Ukrainian 27th seed Lesia Tsurenko with

a break in the next game on her fourth match point.

Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka staged a second successive Roland Garros great escape on Thursday as fellow top seed Novak Djokovic, playing in front of his four-year-old son for the first time, and Serena Williams strolled into the last 32.

World number one Osaka, bidding to add the French Open to her US and Australian Open titles, came back from a set and 2-4 down to defeat former world number one Victoria Azarenka 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

Her win came on the back of being just two points from defeat in her tournament opener against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.

The 21-year-old held her nerve, despite squandering two match points late in the deciding set, to secure a clash against Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.

“I was lucky to have played Victoria twice before. I knew she had been playing well coming into the tournament,” said Osaka.

“It was an unfortunate second round draw for me so I am happy to win.”

Osaka finished the two-hour 50-minute encounter on Court Suzanne Lenglen with 52 winners and 43 unforced errors.

She becomes the first top seed to win her two opening matches at Roland Garros after losing the first set since Lindsay Davenport in 2005. AFP

Sports

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

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

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SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019

Samboy’s daughter a karate champ

By Peter Atencio JAMIE Lim came back after a four-year absence with a bang.

The 22-year-old Jamie, the only daughter of PBA legend Samboy Lim, felt rusty.

But this did not stop her from earning a gold medal in the karatedo event of the 6th Women’s Martial Arts Jamie Lim Festival at the Harrison Plaza open area in Manila.

“A bit rusty. But it was a natural thing,” said the 5’8” Lim, a math major who graduated summa cum laude at the University of the Philippines.

Lim, wielding a mean jab and front kick combinations, pulled off a 10-1 win for her club, the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo, in repulsing Black Diamond fighter Darlen Ferrer, in the -68 kg. kumite class.

It was Lim’s first tournament in four years after she decided to concentrate on her studies.

During the year Jamie entered college, her dad suffered a cardiac arrest and lost consciousness during a basketball game at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

These days, Samboy is cared for by a nurse and undergoes physical therapy.

Cheered on by her mom, lawyer Lelen Berberabe, Jamie received her medal from Karatedo Pilipinas president Richard Lim. “Her training period was adjusted for her to be able join a tournament as fast as possible. Her game today was not 100 percent of what she can do. But she will continue practicing. Her performance was not bad after scoring 10-1,” said Lim’s coach Alwyn Batican.

During the festival that was organized by the Philippine Sports Commission, Leigh Angela Cuadra of MKKPI took the senior kata open honors from silver medallist Nadja Formentera of JNH. Cuadra took another gold medal after for Taguig City in the -61 kg. kumite, while her sister Lyca ruled the -55 kgs. Senior kumite.

Camille Lachica of the Pasig Karatedo dominated -50 kgs. senior kumite after repulsing Mariah Paglingayen (MKKPI region 3), while her sister Clarence (JKO) prevailed over Andrea Dulano of Pasig) in +68 kg class.

In the cadets’ side, Marie June Adrian and MKKPI teammate came up with a 1-2 finish in the -54 kg kumite, while Ysabelle Abrogrante earned one for Malabon City in +54 side.

Power Builders debut vs Troopers Games today

2 p.m. – BaliPure vs Banko-Perlas 4 p.m. – PacificTown Army vs Motolite

POWER hitter Myla Pablo gets the chance to showcase her wares as Motolite kicks off its campaign against PacificTown Army today (Saturday) even as BaliPure and Banko-Perlas tangle in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Flying V Center in San Juan.

The Power Builders look formidable with Pablo, a two-time Conference MVP and three-time Finals MVP with Pocari Sweat, and imports Edina Selimovic of Bosnia and Trinidad and Tobago’s Channon Thompson as spearheads of the powerhouse squad that also includes Isa Molde, Joy Soyud, Fenela Emnas and Diana Carlos.

The Army Lady Troopers actually made quite an impression with a four-set victory over the BaliPure Water Defenders in the inaugurals of the third season of the country’s premier league last Sunday, only to yield a stinging straight-set defeat to a resurgent Creamline side last Wednesday.

But imports Olena Lymareva-Flink and Jennele Jordan and locals Jovelyn Gonzaga, Nene Bautista, MJ Balse-Pabayo, Royse Tubino and Jeannie delos Reyes are expected to regroup and put the Lady Troopers back on the winning track again in their 4 p.m. encounter.

The Water Defenders and the Perlas Spikers, meanwhile, try to get into the win column at each other’s expense as they collide in the 2 p.m. opener of another explosive twinbill in the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and sponsored by Mikasa, Asics and KFC.

Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a lay up against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. AFP

Siakam ignites Raptors to stunning Game 1 win T

ORONTO—Pascal Siakam never dreamed of being an NBA hero growing up in Cameroon, but the lanky forward discovered in a youth basketball camp delivered a stellar performance in his NBA Finals debut.

Siakam scored a playoff career-best 32 points and powered the Raptors over defending champion Golden State 118109 in Thursday’s opening game of the best-of-seven championship final.

Siakam, his homeland’s first NBA Finals player, sank 14-of-17 shots from the floor, attacking one of the NBA’s top defensive squads in moves unexpected when he was discovered in a Basketball Without Borders camp.

“At that time I didn’t even know if I really dreamed of being at this level,” Siakam said. “I couldn’t even think about this moment because it wasn’t reachable for me. But I think once I got to the point where I felt like I had a chance, I put everything forward and I just worked really hard.”

It paid off for Siakam and showed what talent Africa might yet produce

for the NBA. “It’s amazing. It just shows the growth of the continent,” Siakam said.

“Being at this stage and representing the continent is amazing. I just want the game to continue to grow in Africa and for kids to see this and hopefully it inspires them.”

Siakam’s effort and journey drew praise from Golden State’s Draymond Green, the defender he outshined.

“You got to take your hat off to him of what he has been able to accomplish,” Green said. “He has become a guy. He put a lot of work in to get there and I respect that.”

Toronto’s Kyle Lowry was amazed by his teammate as well.

“Hard work and dedication and knowing the type of talent that he has,” Lowry said. “Never settling for

anything but being the best basketball player he can be.”

Super committed Raptors coach Nick Nurse remains stunned by Siakam’s journey.

“It’s pretty incredible,” Nurse said.

“Two years ago when we got bounced out of the playoffs, he literally went in the gym the next day and he was like, ‘Listen, I need to learn how to shoot. I see that in playoff basketball you better be able to shoot.’ He took it and absolutely ran with it. He was super committed to finding a place in this league and improving his game.

“He believes in himself and he went to work at it. I think that’s a powerful statement.”

Raptors president Masai Ujiri, who never imagined his own career path when he was growing up in Nigeria, said he couldn’t have guessed Siakam would rise to NBA stardom.

“When I saw him in Basketball Without Borders, no,” Ujiri said. “That guy has been incredible. He’s been an unbelievable revelation for us. AFP

C and H Enterprises back to prominence

THE stable of C and H Enterprises has been synonymous to stakes race winning horses such as the legendary Fair and Square, Fair Start, Westbound and Cover Girl and during the rainy afternoon of May 26, 2019 at San Lazaro Leisure Park, another name was added to their roster of champion thoroughbreds.

Jockey John Paul A. Guce masterfully guided his 3-year-old champion colt REAL GOLD against 7 equally skilled opponents to bag the 1st Leg of the 2019 Triple Crown Series sponsored by the Philippine Racing Commission. Strategically trailing on most part of the race, JPA Guce kicked the gear in the final turn and swiftly edging the pack to win the 1,600 meter race in an impressive time of 1:40 on a heavy track.

SC Stockfarm’s JayZ placed second while Alfredo Santos’ Toyforthebigboy ended in third. Heavy favorite and unbeaten horse Obra Maestra of Leonardo “Sandy” Javier Jr. only managed to finished fourth. A total of P3,000,000 was given to the winners with the winning connections of Real Gold claiming P1,800,000 with an additional breeder’s purse of P100,000 to be awarded to its breeder, Mr. Joseph Dyhengco.

Real Gold is a syndicated horse of Butch and Alex Mamon, Jing Javier, Joseph Dyhengco and Robert Ramirez. Butch Mamon said “We were very happy with the

John Paul A. Guce crossing the wire first during the 1st Leg of the Triple Crown at San Lazaro Leisure Park.

performance of our horse and we are now looking forward to the next leg”.

Emmanuel Santos’ longshot horse Shanghai Noon emerged as the winner of the 1st leg of the Hopeful Stakes Race while horse racing newcomer Paul Aguila’s Serafina captured the 1st Leg of the 3 Year Old Locally Bred Stakes Race.

Several trophy races were also held during the same day. Sponsors of the event include PHILTOBO, HAPI, Manila Horsepower, Cool Summer Farm, Krah

Pipes Manila, Mr. Bing Tecson, Mayor Antonino Calixto, Manila Cockers Club and Alpine Motors Corporation.

“It was indeed a successful day of horse racing and hopefully this has set the bar in the succeeding legs of the Triple Crown” according to MJCI Racing Manager Jose Ramon Magboo. The second leg of the Triple Crown series will take place on June 23 at Santa Ana Park while the final leg will culminate on July 21 at Metro Manila Turf Club.

UNTV Cup PBA Legends Faceoff slated Games Sunday

(Pasig City Sports Center) 12 noon – Purefoods vs San Miguel 1:30 p.m. – Alaska vs Ginebra

THE stars of the not too distant past take center stage as UNTV Cup PBA Legends Faceoff opens shop with an exciting pair of matches on Sunday at the Pasig Sports Center.

With Dondon Hontiveros back in its fold, San Miguel Beer looms as the overwhelming favorite to rule the four-team, monthlong tournament presented and organized

by UNTV through its president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon in cooperation with Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista ng Pilipinas Foundation Inc., (formerly PBA Legends Foundation).

Hontiveros and former MVP winners Allan Caidic, Ato Agustin and Danny Ildefonso form a potent first unit along with Olsen Racela.

The Beermen will face the Purefoods Hotdogs at 12 noon before the Jayjay Helterbrand and the Ginebra Kings take on the Johnny Abarrientos-led Alaska Aces at 1:30 p.m. of the event that aims to help former PBA players who are either sick or in need of financial help.

A tax-free P2 million in prizes will go to the Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista ng Pilipinas Foundation Inc., (formerly PBA Legends Foundation) after the tournament.

“After the tournament, the UNTV Cup will donate P2 million to the foundation, kaya madadagdagan ang pondo namin,” said foundation chairman Atoy Co. “Mas maraming pera, mas marami tayong matutulungan.”

Though both Hontiveros and Helterbrand retired only two years ago, they are qualified to lead their respective teams under the age bracket of 40-yearold and above.

And the two are expected to provide additional firepower and excitement just like the successful staging of the ‘Return of the Rivals’ event last February.

Apart from Helterbrand, also playing for Ginebra are Bal David, Vince Hizon, Rudy Distrito, Edward Joseph Feihl, Marlou Aquino, Bobby Jose, Benny Cheng, Mike Orquillas, Banjo Calpito, and Pido Jarencio.

Joining four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio at Purefoods are long-time frontcourt partner Jerry Codinera, Dindo Pumaren, Glenn Capacio, Bong Ravena, Richard Yee, Joey Santamaria, Bonel Balingit, Tony Boy Espinosa, Dwight Lago, Roger Yap, and Rommel Adducul.

‘The Prince’ joins San Beda Red Cubs

Prince Ray Alao

YOUNG cage sensation Prince Ray Alao will don the San Beda Red Cubs’ uniform in the coming 95th Season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association San Beda University Basketball Operations’ head Ato Badolato confirmed this latest basketball update on Alao’s inclusion into a junior team aiming to strengthen its frontline and reach the goal of advancing to the finals and win a title.

“Prince’s [Alao] addition to our junior team is a welcome development in the quest of the Red Cubs for supremacy in this

NCAA younger division. His talent easily fits our system in the Lion’s den and he can contribute to our winning tradition,” said Badolato, who also named Davao Cocolife Tigers’ [MPBL] assistant mentor Manu Inigo as the new head coach of San Beda Red Cubs.

The 15-year-old Alao actually is a proud Bedan from the start as his talent was molded in San Beda-Taytay, highlighted by the young team’s back-to-back triumph in the Pacific Rim Basketball Championship age category in Bangkok, Thailand in 2018 and 2019.

Arao, one of a few selected young talents in the Jr. NBA won the Most Valuable Player plum in the tournament before he was called to join the Batang Gilas training pool.

“Chemistry, maturity and experience make up the true character of this San Beda junior team that is looking forward to a best finish in the coming NCAA junior tilt. Prince is the new kid in the block that can easily jell with our holdover and mainstays,” said coach Inigo, who will be assisted by deputy coaches Noli Mejos, Andy Mejos, VL Sandalo and Onelle Balinton.

IN BRIEF NGCP offers to link Palawan and Mindoro

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines asked the Energy Regulatory Commission to approve the first stage of the Palawan-Mindoro Interconnection project that will secure the future power supply of Palawan.

NGCP said in an application with the ERC that Palawan had long been suffering from power outages.

It said the best and long-term solution was the interconnection of the island to the Luzon grid through the Mindoro grid.

“Thus, NGCP proposes the immediate approval of the proposed Palawan-Mindoro Interconnection Project Stage 1. This project will serve for the preparatory stage for the interconnection of the Palawan islands to the Luzon grid,” it said.

The project, which has an estimated project cost of P6.4 billion, involves the feasibility studies of the area to assess risks, describe the landing sites for the submarine cable interconnection and data that could affect the system.

“With the interconnection, Palawan can already source adequate and reliable power supply and access to a more competitive generation sources in the Luzon grid,” NGCP said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

Salceda files bill, eyes schools of technology

ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda recently filed a bill in Congress seeking the establishment of Schools of the Future in Technology that will serve as pillars of basic Philippine education and provide “Filipino students the benefit of technological innovations and prepare them for the challenges of future economic and employment realities.”

Titled the Philippine Schools of the Future Technology Act of 2019, Salceda said his proposal (HB 9142) answered the need to “close the technological and knowledge gap,” with the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that is expected to “disrupt traditional business and employment models, render certain professions obsolete and displace some sectors of the workforce whose jobs are bound to be automated.”

Citing various researches, Salceda said half of today’s activities could be digitally enabled by 2025, technology being an indispensable tool in almost all facets of human activity. “About 65 percent of current work skills become obsolete in two years due to technological innovations… and this phase is seen to intensify in the years ahead,” he added.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019

B1

By Jenniffer B. Austria

YEN-PESO FRAMEWORK. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno (right) and Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso (left) sign Friday a letter of intent signifying the mutual interest of the Philippine central bank and the Japanese ministry to explore the establishment of a Japanese Yen-Philippine Peso Direct Trading Framework. Under the envisioned trading framework, the yen can be directly priced against the peso and vice versa, reducing foreign exchange risks and encouraging wider use of both currencies. In the middle is Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

Fitch Ratings affirms credit grade of ‘BBB’ G ernment revenue,” Fitch said.

“We expect the economy to expand at more than 6 percent per year over the LOBAL debt medium term, well above the current peer median. We estimate growth of 6.1 watcher Fitch percent in 2019 as momentum is likely to Ratings on Friday recover after a slowdown to 5.6 percent in affirmed the Philippines’ the first quarter from weaker exports and government spending due to the delay in investment grade rating of the passage of the 2019 budget,” it said.

“BBB,” citing the country’s Fitch said growth would remain supported by strong private consumption and the sustainable economic government’s public-investment program, growth and strong external which aims to increase infrastructure spendposition despite foreign and ing to about 7 percent of the gross domestic by 2022 from 4.5 percent in 2017. domestic risks that threaten product But Fitch cited the downside risks to further expansion. growth, such as those coming from the Fitch said in a statement the economy slowdown in China and spillovers from was poised to recover this year, growing by the escalating US-China trade tensions.

6.1 percent and likely negate the sluggish “Fitch believes overheating risks have 5.6-percent expansion in the first quarter. subsided following the cumulative rate hikes The outlook for the rating was stable. of 175 basis points last year by the Bangko “The ratings balance the Philippines’ Sentral ng Pilipinas. Inflation slowed to 3 prospects of strong sustainable growth percent (within the BSP’s target range of and high levels of foreign-exchange re- 2 percent to 4 percent) in April 2019 from serves against relatively low per-capita a peak of 6.7 percent late last year, faciliincome, governance indicators, and gov- tated by the passage of the rice tariffication

By Julito G. Rada

law that lifts import restrictions, and credit growth slowed significantly,” it said.

The Bangko Sentral has cut the policy rate by 25 basis points so far this year and announced a reduction in the reserve requirement by 200 basis points.

“The agency expects average inflation to decline to 3.4 percent in 2019 from 5.2 percent in 2018,” Fitch said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III welcomed the move of Fitch, which noted the Philippine economy’s resilience to both external and domestic headwinds.

“In part, the strength of the economy is credited to the decisive leadership of President Duterte who has demonstrated strong political will in implementing unpopular game-changing reforms to sustain the growth momentum and achieve financial inclusion for all,” Dominguez said “The first package of the comprehensive tax reform program and the liberalization of the rice sector, among a long list of reforms implemented recently, are vital structural changes that will keep the economy on its high growth path, create more jobs, and improve the living standards of Filipinos,” Dominguez said.

PNOC, Energy bullish on revised exploration rule

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy and PNOC Exploration Corp. are optimistic newlysigned Executive Order 80 will revitalize the country’s oil and gas industry.

“This will enable us to start our exploration activity for oil and gas,” PNOC Exploration president Pedro Aquino said.

PNOC Exploration, the oil and gas unit of state-run Philippine National Oil Co., had been unable to pursue other exploration projects due to Executive Order 556 requiring the company to conduct a bidding on oil and gas exploration ventures.

EO 80, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 28, repealed EO 556 signed by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

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 PNOC Exploration to enter into farm-in/farm-out agreements.

“We will wait for the DoE [Department of Energy] to come up with the implementing rules. By and large, we can now get a partner without going through public bidding,” Aquino said.

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 inherent in oil and gas exploration, development and production.

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.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

JG Summit allots P87.5b to fund ‘19 expansion

SSS welcomes CA decision vs Mendez

THE state-run Social Security System lauded the decision of the Court of Appeals, affirming the prison term imposed by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on celebrity dermatologist Joel Mendez for his failure to remit over P1.8 million in monthly premiums to the pension fund.

The pension fund also urged delinquent employers to apply for the ongoing contributions condonation penalty program.

SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said the decision of the CA to uphold the seven-year jail term for for Mendez’s violation of the Social Security Law of 1997 was a clear indication that no one was above the law.

“We are very pleased that the CA upheld the decision of the QC RTC. This serves as a reminder to employers on their obligations under the law to religiously remit to the SSS the monthly premiums of their employees,” said Ignacio.

Associate Justice Edwin Sorongon denied the appeal of Mendez and his plea to inhibit the appellate court justices from resolving his case.

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

NEW CLARK CASINO. Fortunegate Clark Casino manager Eduardo Dacanay(right) holds a media briefing prior to the soft opening of the casino at the Hacienda Hotel Stotsenberg. Joining him are VIP assistant manager Rona Nina Lim (left) and VIP supervisor John Paul Yusikee. Hotel Stotsenberg (inset) will soon open its first ever mass gaming casino that will cater to locals and transients under the management of Fortunegate Clark Casino, formerly Casablanca Casino. Jess Malabanan

Gcash eyes growing $840-m e-commerce industry in PH GCASH, the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet, is stepping up alongside micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises to promote e-commerce in the country, which hosts some of the world’s most active smartphone and social media users.

With its 65,000 merchant partners and 20 million users, GCash is well-positioned as a pillar to support the expansion of e-commerce, which brought in $840 million in revenues in 2018 alone.

At the recent TrainForTrade talk copresented by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the Department of Trade and Industry, GCash highlighted the role of fintech companies in developing a cashless ecosystem that allows more Filipinos to participate in the economy.

“For a cashless ecosystem to become a reality for Filipinos, you have to look through the consumer’s daily journey.

Where does he/she interact with payments? Where does he/she interact with cash?” said JM Aujero, vice president for merchant solutions and sales at Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations Inc.), which operates GCash, at the May 20 UNCTAD event held in Dusit Thani, Makati.

“For GCash, answering these questions not only means maintaining market leadership; it is also the key to a more inclusive financial system that offers opportunities even to the most largely ignored segments,” he said.

An economic segment that will benefit from a cashless ecosystem are MSMEs, which make up 99.6 percent of all local

enterprises and contribute 25 percent to the Philippines’ gross domestic product. E-commerce is seen as a way for MSMEs to become more competitive.

By 2025, e-commerce is expected to account for 4.7 percent of all retail sales in the Philippines, according to Statista. This is consistent with studies that show more and more Filipinos are making purchases online.

A report by ASEAN UP 2018 showed Lazada as the top online merchant in the Philippines, with a monthly traffic estimate of 67.8 million. It is followed

by Shopee, with 9.85 million; Zalora with 2.95 million; Metrodeal with 2.89 million; Globe with 2.15 million; ebay with 1.9 million; and Carousel, Galleon, cd-r king, and VillMan with a combined monthly traffic of about 2.1 million.

CONGLOMERATE JG Summit Holdings Inc. is spending P87.5 billion this year mainly to fund the expansion of its petrochemical, airline, property and food businesses.

JG Summit president Lance Gokongwei said in an interview following the annual stockholders’ meeting Thursday the company would spend P32 billion this year for the expansion of its petrochemical plant in Batangas.

The $1-billion naphtha cracker facility, which will be completed by 2020, will increase the production capacity to 480,000 tons from 320,000 tons.

Gokongwei said the expansion would maximize the value from the cracker and polymer product portfolio, and potentially double the profitability in the following years.

The company is spending P27 billion for the airline business as it takes the delivery of new aircraft in line with an overall fleet modernization program.

The group is earmarking P18 billion for the property business, which is expanding its office, malls, retail and hotels businesses.

JG Summit will also spend P9 billion for the expansion of the food business, including turnaround the coffee category by launching new products to regain dominance in the white space, as well as reinvest in brand building to effectively reach target customers.

Gokongwei said banking unit Robinsons Bank would continue to strengthen its account acquisition and product conversion, while focusing on geographic expansion by increasing its branches from 160 to 200.

Robinsons Bank is focused on expanding its corporate banking, loans and retail segment, increasing credit card base through marketing and merchant acquisition, as it aims to become a universal bank in the next five years.

Gokongwei said the group would remain on the lookout for potential investments while strengthening its diverse businesses to achieve balanced sources of profitability.

BSP may further cut interest rates, lower loan ratios THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may consider further reductions in policy rates and the reserve requirement ratios of banks in the second half of the year to make sure the momentum of economic growth is sustained, ING Bank Manila said in a report Friday.

Nicholas Mapa, senior economist of the local unit of Dutch financial giant ING Bank, said with the price objective in hand and growth hitting a speed bump in the first quarter, the Bangko Sentral would look “to help ease off the brakes further and tap on the accelerator to zoom and achieve our growth potential.”

“BSP’s dot plot moves in line with ING’s forecast for a rate cut by the second half and further reductions to RRR to help support growth while still keeping an eye out for inflationary pressures,” Mapa said.

The economy grew by a four-year low of 5.6 percent in the first quarter, slower than 6.5 percent a year ago and 6.3 percent a quarter ago, pulled down mainly by the delay in the approval of the national budget for 2019.

President Rodrigo Duterte in april signed the 2019 budget after months of impasse between the two houses of Congress.

Monetary authorities were compelled to implement an aggressive rate hike cycle in 2018, raising the policy rates by a total of 175 basis points to rein in inflation that hit a peak at 6.7 percent both in September and October.

But inflation eased to 6 percent in November and 5.1 percent in December as the immediate measures implemented by the government took effect. The figures brought the average inflation in 2018 to 5.2 percent, well over the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

Inflation further eased to 4.4 percent in January, 3.8 percent in February, 3.3 percent in March and 3 percent in April, bringing the first four months’ average to 3.6 percent, or within the government’s target range.

Mapa said with inflation stalling, “the Governor found little reason to keep rates at ‘crisis mode’ for much longer with supply side measures in place to combat inflation,” referring to previous statements of Bangko Sentral Governor Benjamin Diokno.

B2

Business

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks jump; PLDT, RLC climb

T

HE stock market surged Friday on prospects of a stronger economy after global debt watcher Fitch Ratings affirmed the Philippines’ investment grade rating of “BBB” with a stable outlook.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 133.47 points, or 1.7 percent, to 7,970.02 on a value turnover of P8.5 billion. Gainers beat losers, 105 to 72, with 52 issues unchanged.

Fitch said in a statement Friday the Philippine economy was poised to recover this year, growing by 6.1 percent and would likely negate the sluggish 5.6-percent expansion in the first quarter.

PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications company, advanced 5.5 percent to P1,350, while Robinsons Land Corp. of the Gokongwei Group climbed 5.7 percent to P26.

Filinvest Land Inc. of the Gotianun Group rose 4.3 percent to P1.71, while Aboitiz Power Corp. of the Aboitiz Group gained 3.4 percent to P36.50.

The rest of Asian stocks edged down Friday, despite modest gains on Wall Street overnight, as US President Donald Trump’s sudden announcement of tariffs on all Mexican imports saw Tokyo shares drop.

Trump’s Twitter announcement of a five-percent tariff on all goods from Mexico starting June 10 sent shares in automakers with plants in the North American country falling sharply.

Trump said the duties would gradually increase until “illegal migrants” stop coming into the United States through Mexico.

Mexico’s under-secretary for North American affairs called the move “disastrous” and vowed to retaliate.

The announcement saw shares in Japanese automakers plunge in early trade, with Honda dropping 4.26 percent to 2,651 yen, Mazda plummeting 7.13 percent to 1,061.5 yen, Nissan down 5.31 percent to 734.6 yen, and Toyota slipping 2.84 percent to 6,384 yen.

Tokyo’s main index fell 1.6 percent, while Hong Kong shed 0.8 percent.

Shanghai edged down 0.2 percent and Singapore lost 0.8 percent. Sydney and Seoul managed a 0.1 percent gain.

Trump’s announcement has put the new North American trade pact between the US, Canada and Mexico at risk—with the agreement still awaiting ratification by the legislatures of the three countries.

In a letter to Trump after the announcement, Mexican President

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador struck a conciliatory tone.

“I express to you that I don’t want confrontation,” he wrote. “I propose deepening our dialogue, to look for other alternatives to the migration problem.”

Coming amidst a protracted trade war between the United States and China, the announcement will do little to soothe investors’ anxieties.

“A US-China trade deal will be even less likely,” said Khoon Goh, head of research at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. in Singapore.

“At the end of the day, what’s the point of doing a deal if the US can just impose tariffs arbitrarily?”

In recent days China and the US have ramped up their rhetoric, with Beijing accusing Washington of “naked economic terrorism” and Trump dismissing the Asian superpower as “a very weakened nation.” With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.5 18,450 80.8 3,347,780 2.25 10,000 138 5,115,690 26.7 55,200 18.8 600 11.46 149,900 4.56 8,000 1.34 10,000 0.49 180,000 71.75 2,302,840 1 506,000 13.7 1,700 57.6 1,196,480 185 190 57.75 2,270 26.45 13,100 175 264,570 1,750 95 59.8 30,970 1.12 1,000

1,097,316 269,927,076.50 22,500 704,191,146 1,475,130 11,276 1,717,584 36,490 13,400 86,650 166,296,761.50 500,650 22,972 69,237,115 35,075 129,517 346,455 46,396,776 166,950 1,861,426 1,120

1,069,819 54,413,952.50 -50,637,797 451,505 -168,344 -48,169,291 -45,100 16,660,256.50 26,520 -6,738,116 1,369,985.50 -

35.3 14.1 0.7 1.38 0.285 2.43 14.04 25.05 44 2.05 5.75 10.1 15.96 10 7.48 1.69 22.75 78 42.5 2.3 13.6 10.08 1.69 283 49.95 4.17 3.4 9.4 22.15 12.74 20.1 375.4 0.189 5.69 1.2 4.75 6.07 9.05 2.32 11.88 41.5 4.8 4.99 1.52 1.91 1.19 13.04 105.4 6.55 1.19 162 2.5 1.21 17 1.19

INDUSTRIAL 36.5 3,007,900 14.1 1,088,400 0.72 531,000 1.38 72,000 0.29 9,760,000 2.5 5,102,000 14.6 1,744,300 25.6 346,500 44 800 2.05 88,000 5.75 12,300 10.14 3,770,400 15.96 350,800 10.08 2,581,300 7.67 5,488,400 1.69 117,000 23.1 5,551,900 78 37,100 43 137,200 2.34 5,792,000 13.74 298,400 10.22 203,000 1.71 93,000 288 1,111,730 50 1,000 4.2 5,000 3.49 11,000 9.5 75,100 22.6 1,077,000 12.76 739,000 20.2 2,486,500 385 154,820 0.189 120,000 5.69 200 1.23 2,884,000 4.79 35,000 6.12 3,746,300 9.07 2,000 2.34 31,531,000 12.18 64,800 41.85 285,800 4.95 82,000 4.99 1,200 1.55 470,000 1.91 42,000 1.2 169,000 13.5 1,139,900 107.4 180,270 6.55 31,900 1.47 33,775,000 167 2,121,770 2.5 438,000 1.28 12,390,000 17 300 1.2 9,433,000

109,296,265 15,565,558 377,500 99,440 2,887,400 12,739,410 25,595,466 8,813,165 35,370 180,450 71,301 38,292,098 5,621,250 1 26,232,142 41,850,592 197,730 127,802,405 2,901,996 5,906,545 13,660,290 4,114,500 2,081,064 158,810 316,861,106 49,980 20,880 37,570 720,621 24,316,890 9,451,226 50,240,400 59,374,688 22,720 1,138 3,525,150 167,680 23,259,369 18,120 74,775,210 785,098 11,969,560 396,270 5,999 720,370 80,910 201,470 15,380,822 19,133,155 210,340 52,554,020 350,271,202 1,095,540 15,776,120 5,100 11,452,300

45,372,155 -527,438 1,205,000 2,471,850 -884,414 -29,000 -13,014,926 ,428,944.0003 6,495,332 9,376,155 49,867,125 -296,071 107,550.00 835,990 761,608 561,882 -22,463,964 -1,665,080 -467,874 -43,308,405 44,392,272 29,640 4,230,359 376,630 264,410 13,956,396 3,416,447 -93,550 -55,171,436 955,000 -2,194,020 -5,100 -5,500

0.58 54.5 15.2 0.74 12.62 1.22 906.5 3.42 6.78 10.4 14.16 0.265 863 6.15 61.15 6.18 5 0.48 4.62 14.94 0.52 4.35 0.038 1.07 2.6 182.1 2.38 929.5 0.9 1.35 0.29

HOLDING FIRMS 0.58 10,657,000 55.9 1,150,070 15.6 11,671,400 0.74 1,316,000 12.9 80,300 1.24 609,000 919 390,140 3.59 10,914,000 6.82 225,800 10.58 3,833,100 14.16 9,100 0.27 40,000 863 117,960 6.16 46,000 62.6 1,661,820 6.21 39,100 5 100 0.5 54,000 4.65 1,763,000 14.94 304,300 0.52 167,000 4.5 23,475,000 0.039 8,800,000 1.1 50,000 2.6 8,000 187.5 277,240 2.38 2,000 942 378,160 0.92 1,562,000 1.36 31,000 0.295 3,430,000

6,339,110 63,849,180 180,486,964 979,840 1,022,898 748,550 357,162,415 39,011,280 1,540,658 40,493,440 129,182 10,750 102,545,500 283,520 103,825,325.50 241,788 500 26,810 8,198,610 4,569,368 86,840 104,780,630 343,100 53,950 20,800 51,330,957 4,760 354,380,270 1,428,650 42,150 1,006,200

5,070 20,677,709 91,583,838 95,629,180 -621,960 -54,382 18,849,548 -11,342 -1,895,130 27,735,429.50 -7,445,410 -1,691,530 30,243,740 23,515,051 -4,982,615 147,750

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK 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 SUN LIFE UNION BANK VANTAGE

58.1 79.45 2.25 136 26.8 18.76 11.44 4.55 1.34 0.49 72 1.02 13.46 58.8 182.5 57.15 26.45 176 1,819 60 1.12

59.5 80.9 2.25 138.4 26.8 18.8 11.5 4.57 1.34 0.49 72.95 1.02 13.7 58.8 185 57.75 26.5 176.3 1,819 60.75 1.12

58.1 79.45 2.25 135.6 26.65 18.76 11.42 4.55 1.34 0.47 71.75 0.98 13.2 57.3 182.5 57 26.4 175 1,750 59.6 1.12

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CONCEPCION CROWN ASIA DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL 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

35.3 14.4 0.7 1.39 0.3 2.5 14.18 25.25 44.85 2.05 5.81 10.16 16.02 10.1 7.5 1.69 22.9 78.75 42.55 2.4 13.8 10.2 1.71 283 49.95 4.17 3.41 9.4 22.15 12.92 20.25 378.8 0.19 5.69 1.26 4.75 6.13 9.07 2.37 12.1 41.65 4.81 5 1.54 1.95 1.19 13.1 105.4 6.6 1.22 164 2.5 1.24 17 1.24

36.7 14.4 0.72 1.39 0.305 2.53 14.9 25.65 44.85 2.06 5.81 10.28 16.16 10.34 7.69 1.69 23.25 78.75 44 2.41 13.82 10.46 1.73 288 50 4.2 3.49 10 22.85 12.94 20.4 385 0.19 5.69 1.26 4.8 6.27 9.07 2.42 12.18 42.15 4.95 5 1.56 1.95 1.2 13.6 107.4 6.6 1.67 167 2.51 1.3 17 1.27

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG KEPPEL HLDG B LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP ZEUS HLDG

0.61 54.5 15.28 0.74 12.78 1.23 908.5 3.42 6.78 10.4 14.2 0.265 873 6.15 61.5 6.18 5 0.51 4.64 15.26 0.52 4.44 0.038 1.07 2.6 183.2 2.38 935 0.95 1.35 0.3

0.61 55.9 15.6 0.77 12.98 1.24 919 3.65 6.9 10.6 14.2 0.27 888 6.2 62.7 6.21 5 0.51 4.7 15.26 0.52 4.5 0.039 1.1 2.6 187.5 2.38 942 0.95 1.36 0.3

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 EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE

15.72 0.8 11 2.02 0.8 48.6 2.29 4.97 6.2 0.6 0.81 0.96 0.226 0.375 9.85 24.9 0.475 0.125 1.64 1.41

15.98 0.82 11.88 2.09 0.8 49.6 2.29 5 6.4 0.6 0.82 0.96 0.237 0.375 9.91 25.65 0.48 0.132 1.71 1.42

15.72 0.78 11 2.02 0.75 48.5 2.25 4.95 6.2 0.58 0.79 0.92 0.226 0.375 9.71 24.75 0.475 0.125 1.63 1.39

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

5.95 0.315 0.47 1.88 0.415 25.35 2.08 2.99 39.3 1.93 6.3 0.78 7.09

6.08 0.32 0.47 1.88 0.415 26 2.08 2.99 39.8 1.95 6.3 0.78 7.18

5.81 0.305 0.47 1.77 0.41 25.15 2.06 2.98 39.15 1.87 6.27 0.78 7.09

5.9 0.315 0.47 1.78 0.41 26 2.06 2.99 39.8 1.87 6.29 0.78 7.18

37,823,500 11,090,000 310,000 6,704,000 270,000 8,480,100 98,000 1,582,000 7,313,100 2,086,000 128,300 10,000 4,861,900

224,397,422 3,455,900 145,700 12,117,550 111,550 217,072,290 202,860 4,714,960 289,554,955 3,958,580 805,980 7,800 34,757,536

64,569,768 15,750 348,740 70,107,410 -27,537,490 9,650 2,180,067

2GO GROUP ABS CBN APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE ISLAND INFO ISM COMM LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A 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 18.3 0.41 0.045 20.8 2.98 11.8 0.059 89.9 7.03 6.68 5.9 10.76 895 2,220 5.4 402.4 2.18 1.75 136 10.16 0.122 6 14 4.5 0.85 20.85 0.58 3.67 2.73 1.56 2.31 3.2 9.9 5 123.4 3.32 1,293 0.79 0.82 44.2 72.2 9.4 3.14 0.67 0.36 5.4 0.69 17

11.52 18.4 0.425 0.046 21 2.98 11.9 0.059 90.5 7.4 6.69 5.91 10.76 895 2,238 5.4 415 2.23 1.75 137.2 10.16 0.122 6.07 15 4.58 0.86 21 0.58 3.7 2.73 1.56 2.44 3.2 9.9 5 124 3.41 1,350 0.81 0.83 45.3 73.3 9.6 3.19 0.68 0.365 5.4 0.71 17.1

11.5 18.26 0.41 0.044 20.8 2.85 11.8 0.058 88.5 7 6.5 5.73 10.42 890 2,170 5.36 376 2.15 1.75 134.8 10.1 0.122 5.95 14 4.46 0.81 20.65 0.55 3.52 2.67 1.53 2.28 3.18 9.88 4.86 123.4 3.3 1,293 0.78 0.8 44.2 72 9.4 3.11 0.66 0.35 5.27 0.69 16.8

SERVICES 11.52 18.26 0.425 0.046 21 2.91 11.84 0.059 90 7.4 6.6 5.9 10.44 890 2,170 5.37 413 2.22 1.75 136 10.16 0.122 6.06 15 4.49 0.86 21 0.55 3.7 2.69 1.54 2.4 3.2 9.88 4.99 124 3.35 1,350 0.79 0.81 44.6 73 9.6 3.16 0.67 0.365 5.3 0.71 16.98

10,400 55,700 880,000 4,200,000 2,100 922,000 1,030,000 9,410,000 513,850 45,400 744,700 7,100 32,600 250 82,375 57,200 22,730 2,428,000 1,000 2,083,810 6,500 460,000 2,280,700 5,400 1,724,000 94,000 372,600 700,000 36,000 2,407,000 131,000 4,958,000 30,000 8,600 68,700 3,850 2,069,000 220,625 12,710,000 7,675,000 837,900 292,680 17,300 7,204,000 2,019,000 16,710,000 1,011,600 921,000 1,277,700

119,668 1,018,882 367,800 185,700 43,700 2,657,300 12,179,416 554,640 46,236,871 321,200 4,892,232 41,723 343,168 222,750 181,172,230 307,352 8,999,926 5,335,020 1,750 282,948,043 65,800 56,120 13,743,040 75,800 7,756,060 77,660 7,795,695 387,300 132,150 6,473,940 201,390 11,857,060 95,920 85,049 340,091 475,214 6,958,220 296,017,650 10,084,650 6,256,650 37,543,150 21,369,600.50 163,839 22,600,160 1,354,310 5,925,200 5,361,640 641,290 21,682,638

1,152 8,200 5,010 -3,628,012 104,665 109,937 -16,520 82,240,650 -930,070 14,961,084 1,802,750 -398,440 2,364,985 -300,760 250,770.00 3,200 6,175 -964,640 122,260,090 -245,930 -749,230 12,445,720 -153,993.50 677,320 126,870 -5,296,838 2,729,764

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

0.0018 1.16 11.9 2.8 0.295 7.79 1.55 0.24 0.0074 1.05 2.21 1.01 0.56 0.91 0.012 0.011 0.011 3.58 2.93 8.6 21.8 0.0069

0.0018 1.23 12.38 2.83 0.295 7.85 1.55 0.24 0.0074 1.05 2.34 1.02 0.61 0.91 0.012 0.012 0.011 3.7 3.01 9.25 22.25 0.0069

0.0018 1.16 11.9 2.79 0.285 7.75 1.51 0.232 0.0074 1.03 2.21 1 0.56 0.87 0.011 0.011 0.011 3.57 2.91 8.55 21.5 0.0069

MINING & OIL 0.0018 23,000,000 1.19 6,046,000 12.38 12,700 2.79 240,000 0.285 160,000 7.85 12,300 1.51 2,732,000 0.239 60,000 0.0074 3,000,000 1.05 148,000 2.26 2,217,000 1.02 8,000 0.59 56,000 0.91 80,000 0.012 9,300,000 0.012 1,100,000 0.011 32,900,000 3.64 271,000 2.99 957,000 9.25 7,346,400 22 1,648,200 0.0069 3,000,000

41,400 7,255,500 ( 153,000 671,410 45,700 95,885 4,206,740 14,150 22,200 154,480 5,060,750 8,090 32,490 71,430 111,500 13,100 361,900 976,000 2,858,000 65,701,687 36,157,035 20,700

435,089.9999) -922,190 -12,000 -401,480 2,788,696 13,080,250 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF PCOR PREF 2B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

18 490 98.5 98 5.34 959 97 1 1,015 75.45 76.95 71.7 73.5 73

18 490 98.5 98 5.34 959 97 1 1,015 75.45 77 71.7 73.5 73.7

17.96 489.8 98 97 5.3 959 97 0.98 1,015 75.35 76.95 71.65 73.5 73

PREFERRED 17.96 45,600 490 250 98 5,170 98 10,280 5.34 50,000 959 50 97 10 0.99 47,000 1,015 1,440 75.35 350 77 6,300 71.65 8,190 73.5 6,100 73.7 9,050

820,776 122,498 509,174 997,330 265,540 47,950 970 46,410 1,461,600 26,389.50 485,090 587,123.50 448,350 664,220

-802,776 -72,090 -

LR WARRANT

2.19

2.2

2.06

WARRANTS 2.1 511,000

1,094,690

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.89 1.01

4.89 1.04

4.8 1

4.81 1.02

1,284,970 4,465,310

4,860 188,430

FIRST METRO ETF

117.9

119.5

117.5

757,865

-

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 15.96 0.81 11.88 2.03 0.77 49.5 2.28 4.98 6.4 0.6 0.81 0.94 0.231 0.375 9.9 25.4 0.48 0.132 1.71 1.41

1,426,900 2,263,000 300 34,000 826,000 27,118,400 367,000 865,000 9,200 24,874,000 284,000 90,000 3,430,000 190,000 237,000 563,500 110,000 130,000 78,625,000 2,936,000

22,643,978 1,816,750 3,388 70,170 629,170 1,338,488,325 831,640 4,299,500 57,080 14,763,750 226,450 85,610 780,370 71,250 2,339,334 14,271,300 52,550 16,460 133,076,920 4,128,560

842,492 656,200 144,688,115 -27,230 189,750 -294,880 227,000 46,761 2,010,245 -3,960 53,177,460 209,210.00

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

17,403,572

INDUSTRIAL

150,865,181

HOLDING FIRMS

83,633,169

PROPERTY

229,035,994

SERVICES

89,497,824

MINING & OIL

94,406,022

GRAND TOTAL

669,506,441

SME

266,000 4,387,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 119.5 6,370

VALUE 1,728.59 (up) 11.18 1,836,248,934.06 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,634.44 (up) 195.93 1,516,767,127.96 HOLDING FIRMS 7,577.31 (up) 113.59 1,485,838,186.758 PROPERTY 4,325.82 (up) 96.57 1,683.12 (up) 21.25 2,483,816,736.56 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,388.40 (up) 256.18 1,035,828,862.94 PSEI 7,970.02 (up) 133.47 124,062,911.706 All Shares Index 4,890.37 (up) 68.31 8,489,091,082.09 Gainers: 105; Losers: 72; Unchanged: 52; Total: 229

Aboitiz Equity obtains SEC nod to sell P30b of fixed-rate bonds

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the P30-billion bond shelf registration of conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. The SEC in a meeting on May 30 rendered effective the company’s registration statement and issued a permit to Aboitiz Equity to sell P30 billion of fixed-rate bonds starting with an initial offering of P3 billion and with an oversubscription for another P2 billion.

Aboitiz Equity plans to use the proceeds of the bond sale to refinance the medium-term loan of wholly-owned subsidiary AEV International Pte. Ltd. In case the oversubscription option is partly or not exercised during the offering period, the unissued bonds will remain under shelf registration and may be issued in tranches within three years from the effective date of the registration statement.

Aboitiz Equity may issue a mix of Series A Bonds and Series B Bonds for the first tranche in scripless form and in minimum denominations of P50,000 each and in multiples of P10,0000 thereafter.

The Series A Bonds will mature in five years while the Series B Bonds will be due in 10 years.

Aboitiz Equity has the option to redeem in advance any series of the bonds in whole.

The conglomerate tapped BDO Capital & Investment Corp. and First Metro Investment Corp. as joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters and joint book runners of the bond offering.

The company plans to list the first tranche bonds on Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

Aboitiz Equity last tapped the local bond market in 2015, when it raised P24 billion worth of fixed-rate bonds that would mature in October 2020, 2022 and 2027.

The company earmarked P81 billion in capital expenditures this year, up from the actual spending of P49 billion in 2018.

PAL not likely to resume flights to India this year

By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE Airlines said it is unlikely to resume operations to India this year as it focuses on the Australian and Japanese markets.

“I don’t think it will happen within the year... the A321 neo we are using this to our Australia operations, and we are using it to our flights to Sapporo and Chitose in Japan,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista.

PAL in March announced it was temporarily suspending the launch of the Manila-New Delhi service amid the India-Pakistan border tensions.

The airline said earlier it would start four times weekly nonstop flights between Manila and New Delhi next month, using the brand-new Airbus 321neo aircraft.

PAL had said its return to the Indian market would boost the tourism industries of both the Philippines and India.

The airline previously operated the Manila-Delhi route from 2011 to 2013, with most flights incurring costly stopovers in Bangkok because of the limited range of the Airbus A320 aircraft that was then in use.

PAL’s parent, PAL Holdings Inc., earlier reported a net loss of P60.81 million in the first three months of 2019 from P201.63 million in the same period last year.

Consolidated revenues in the first quarter of 2019 amounted to P39.27 billion, up 7.2 percent from P36.62 billion year-on-year.

The company’s expenses in the quarter increased to P36.81 billion, 0.2 percent higher than the previous year’s same quarter total of P36.74 billion, mainly on account of higher maintenance, aircraft and traffic servicing and reservation and sales.

Flying operations expenses decreased 3.4 percent to P19.15 billion from P19.82 billion in the three months ending March last year, mainly due to lower fuel expenses.

Fuel costs dropped 10.2 percent following the decrease in the average fuel price from $88.36 per barrel in 2018 to $85.04 in 2019, partially offset by the increase in fuel consumption as a consequence of the increase in the number of flights operated.

World HISTORIC HARBOR. This picture taken in Arromanches-les-Bains, northwestern France on May 30, 2019, shows a view

of the remains of ‘Mulberry Harbour’, a temporary harbor built off the coast of Normandy by the British during World War II in 1944, in the days following the Normandy landings. The D-Day ceremonies on June 6, 2019, will mark the 75th anniversary since the launch of 'Operation Overlord', a vast military operation by Allied forces in Normandy that turned the tide of World War II, eventually leading to the liberation of occupied France and the end of the war against Nazi Germany. AFP

B3

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Life lessons for South Korea’s octogenarian school pupils SUNCHEON, South Korea―When the tune of “Twinkle twinkle little star” plays in her South Korean classroom, octogenarian pupil Nam Yang-soon sings along with classmates more than 70 years her junior.

With South Korea’s population aging rapidly and families migrating from the countryside to the cities for decades, rural primary schools are facing falling pupil numbers.

Now some are targeting the opposite end of the age spectrum and recruiting elderly illiterate grandmothers―who were denied education on gender grounds during their own childhoods―to stave off the threat of closure and teach them to read and write.

“I have often felt like others looked down on me because of my illiteracy,” Nam, who at 84 is the oldest of three grandmothers in second grade at Woldeung Elementary School, told AFP. Her favorite subject is mathematics.

“It is so much fun adding and subtracting numbers,” she chuckled, adding: “I want to be in school as long as my health allows me.”

IN BRIEF North Korean officials reported executed SEOUL―North Korea executed its special envoy to the United States following the collapse of the second summit between leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump, a South Korean newspaper reported Friday.

The Chosun Ilbo said Kim Hyok Chol, who laid the groundwork for the Hanoi meeting and accompanied Kim on his private train, was executed by firing squad for “betraying the supreme leader” after he was “won over to the US” during the pre-summit negotiations.

“Kim Hyok Chol was executed in March at Mirim Airport along with four senior foreign ministry officials following an investigation,” the newspaper quoted an unidentified source as saying.

The other officials were not named.

Kim Hyok Chol was the North’s counterpart of US special representative Stephen Biegun in the run-up to the Hanoi summit in February.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean relations, declined to comment on the report.

Some previous South Korean reports of North Korean purges and executions have later proved inaccurate.

The paper also said Kim Jong Un’s interpreter Shin Hye Yong was sent to a prison camp for a mistake at the summit.

She failed to translate Kim’s new proposal when Trump declared “no deal” and walked away from the table, Chosun reported, citing another unnamed diplomatic source.

Kim Jong Un and Trump left the Vietnamese capital without a deal after they failed to reach an agreement on rolling back Pyongyang’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

The North has since sought to raise the pressure and carried out two short-range missile tests in May. Senior party official Kim Yong Chol, the North’s counterpart to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in nuclear talks, was also sent to a labor camp, the paper said. AFP

Thousands protest over education cut BRASILIA―Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in dozens of cities in Brazil on Thursday for a second nationwide demonstration in as many weeks over the government’s plan to slash education spending.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro’s government has provoked outrage Manila among students and teachers over its Standard proposalTODAY to freeze 30 percent of discretionary spending for public universities in the second half of this year.

A suspension of post-graduate scholarships for students in science and the humanities has also fueled anger.

Protests began in the capital Brasilia in the morning and spread across the country to about 100 cities and in some cases occupied entire city blocks, according to AFP reporters and local media.

“The main message is that a 30 percent cut to education is absurd and makes it impossible for higher education in this country,” said Lina Vilela, a teacher at the Brasilia rally, where protesters held posters with messages such as “Our books and pencils are our weapons.”

Karina Afonseca said she was protesting against “the intellectual setback” Bolsonaro’s actions would cause in Brazil.

“I’m here for those who are poor and deserve the right to quality public education,” social services student Kaio Duarte said.

“I’m worried that the next generation won’t have all of the rights to education that I have had.”

In Rio de Janeiro, protesters carried signs describing Bolsonaro as “the enemy of education.”

“We can’t simply pretend everything is OK—it is not OK,” said university student Isadora Duarte, 24.

The Ministry of Education had warned in a statement Thursday that teachers, students and even parents were not permitted to participate in protests during school hours.

Some students and school officials at the demonstration in Rio declined to speak to AFP, hoping to avoid any potential penalties.

But Duarte sees it differently. AFP

Korea has been a patriarchal society for centuries, with a long-ingrained preference for sons over daughters: Obstetricians in the South are still banned from telling parents the sex of a fetus.

Even as late as the 1960s, some South Korean girls did not to go to school, especially in the countryside.

“My grandfather insisted girls like me had no use for education, said Park Young-ae, 70, one of Nam’s classmates at the school in Suncheon, in the southeast corner of the country.

“I always regretted I couldn’t set foot in school as a young girl,” she said.

Now she is enjoying the “best moments” of her life with four young classmates, she added, whether its taking spelling tests or singing songs together.

Eight-year-old fellow pupil Kim Seung-hyun addresses his aging friends with the honorific terms that Korean requires for elders, but hopes they will continue all the way through sixth grade, when primary school finishes in the South, and on to middle school with him. AFP

Youth split over Tiananmen vigil H ONG KONG―Hong Kong’s youth are shunning their city’s annual Tiananmen vigil, focused on fighting their own pro-democracy battles instead of commemorating a historical atrocity against compatriots from whom they feel steadily more alienated.

Students and youngsters have been at the vanguard of democracy protests that have convulsed Hong Kong in recent years as anger rises over inequality and Beijing’s moves to chip away at the financial hub’s unique freedoms.

A vivid illustration of those freedoms has long been the annual Tiananmen vigil on June 4, an emotion-tinged spectacle where more than one hundred thousand people gather in a park holding candles.

Hong Kong is the only place inside Chi-

na where public commemorations can be safely held. Yet youngsters are becoming a rarer sight.

The proportion of those attending the vigil aged under 30 dropped from 55 percent to 31 percent between 2010 and 2018, the same period the city’s youth leaders burst onto the political scene, according to a survey by local academic Edmund Cheng.

And for the last five years, the city’s main student unions have boycotted the vigil.

Many of Hong Kong’s youngsters say

they feel less affinity for the Chinese mainland which they fear is subsuming their city.

The failure of the 2014 pro-democracy protests to win concessions from Beijing has hardened sentiment, pushing many to embrace “localist” ideologies that prioritize preserving Hong Kong’s Cantonese culture and freedoms -- or even advocating independence.

“Given that most people in Hong Kong identify themselves as Hong Kongers, instead of Chinese, we don’t feel the responsibility or urge to fight for democracy in China any more,” Frances Hui, a 19-year-old currently studying in the US, told AFP. William Chan, a 21-year-old student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, sees Tiananmen as a political tragedy that

happened to someone else.

“As a Hong Konger, I don’t have a strong feeling that they were my compatriots and I should feel angry for their hardship,” he said. “Instead, I view what happened as a humanitarian tragedy.”

Since 2010, the number of people identifying as “Hong Kongers” has risen from 25 to 40 percent, according to a poll carried out by the University of Hong Kong. Those calling themselves “Chinese” dropped from 28 to 15 percent.

And youngsters are more likely to hold more stridently anti-Chinese views.

Many older activists have criticized students for not showing solidarity, but some youngsters say they find the “panChinese” goals of the Tiananmen vigil uncomfortable. AFP

Libya’s electricians fight to keep Tripoli’s lights on TRIPOLI―Precariously perched 50 meters up an electricity pylon providing power to Libya’s capital, Mohamad Dahman attempts to fix damage caused by fighting―but hastily descends when a rocket explodes nearby.

“We’re used to working under bombing,” he says.

“Our repair teams have been at high risk since 2011”, the year a NATO-backed uprising toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi, plunging the country into years of bloody chaos.

On the road leading to Tripoli’s long-disused international airport, fighting has raged since early April when eastern-based military strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an assault to seize the capital from Libya’s unity government.

The only traffic on the highway today consists of tanks and armored vehicles. Most residents have fled.

High-voltage cables run along the road for 30 kilometers, carrying electricity to the capital, but they are regularly damaged by the fighting.

Despite the heat, the Ramadan fast and “the danger of being hit by random rockets”, Dahman says he keeps coming back to fix them.

“Hopefully we can make things easier for people by shortening the blackouts.” AFP

REFRESHING DIP. An Indian youth dives into the Ana Sagar lake during a hot day in Ajmer, in the Indian state of Rjasthan, on May 31, 2019. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Death verdict for Venezuelan children CARACAS―Gilberto Altuve places his son Erick’s toys on a white cloth alongside cards from friends and the mask he used while waiting for a desperately needed bone marrow transplant that never came.

He died aged 11 on May 26 while waiting in a Venezuelan hospital, after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in February.

He was not the only child in May to lose his battle with the disease. So too did Giovanny Figuera, Robert Redondo and Yeiderberth Requena.

“He needed a bone marrow transplant, the disease was advancing every day,” Altuve, 38, told AFP, adding that his son had suffered from immunodeficiency since he was very young.

That was the problem that sent him to the J. M. de los Rios children’s hospital in Caracas in January.

The hospital detected his cancer and kept him under observation in the hope of being able to send him to Italy for the transplant that could have saved his life.

But the program agreed in 2010 between Italy and Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA was suspended last year with Caracas owing Rome 10.7 million euros (around $12 million).

“We have a government that helps the whole world, but what does it give children?” said Altuve, fighting back tears at his son’s wake in his simple home in Petare, a poor Caracas neighborhood.

Venezuela president Nicolas Maduro blamed the unpaid Italian debt on a Portuguese bank blocking payments due to US sanctions aimed at trying to force him from power.

But Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido claims the initiative had already run into problems in 2016 due to “a lack of supplies and bureaucratic obstacles.”

US sanctions were only applied in 2017.

While Maduro and Guaido trade accusations, Altuve says “you shouldn’t look for culprits where there are none.”

“But neither should you be ignorant, knowing that they have the abilities to provide help,” he added, his face swollen from crying.

A builder by trade, Altuve learned to manicure to survive Venezuela’s economic meltdown under Maduro.

The country has suffered five years of recession while a quarter of its 30 million population is in need of aid, the United Nations says.

Inflation that the International Monetary Fund predicts will reach a staggering 10 million percent this year has left salaries and savings virtually worthless while people face shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicine.

Oil production, on which the country is almost entirely dependent, has crashed from a high of 3.2 million barrels per day in 2008 to just 840,000 in March.

Altuve’s family depends on a government food box and other subsidies to survive.

At the J. M. de los Rios hospital, 26 children need transplants.

There, Siolis Alvarez is terrified that her nineyear-old son Alejandro, suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia, will be the next victim.

“The same thing could happen to all of us. You live with that fear,” Alvarez told AFP as she tried to calm her worried son. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TARIFF COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION Pursuant to Section 1609 of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and in relation to Sections 1603(g) and 1603 (h) of the same, this Commission will hold a public consultation for the Philippines-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (PH-ROK FTA) Negotiations. The consultation shall cover products under Chapters 1 to 97 of the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) 2017.

The public consultation will be held on 11 June 2019, 2:00 P.M. at the Tariff Commission Conference Room, 4th Floor, West Insula Condominium, 135 West Avenue, Quezon City.

Interested parties are requested to submit to the Commission their comments, inputs and/or positions on the subject matter on or before 24 June 2019 using the position paper template provided on the Commission’s websitewww.tariffcommission.gov.ph.

For inquiries, Ms. Nydia O. Cometa of the International Trade Studies Division, Research, Investigation and International Trade Analysis Service (RIITAS), may be reached at Telephone Number 936-3315or at info@tariffcommission.gov.ph .

Issued this 31st day of May 2019, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

MARILOU P. MENDOZA Chairperson

(MS-JUNE 1, 2019)

B4

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

LIVIN’ LA VIDA VERMOSA

Buying a house and lot + lot, just got easier at Avida’s latest project in Cavite

A

VIDA Land Corp., Ayala Land’s midrange brand, Inc.is building its first residential subdivision within the Vermosa estate in Imus, Cavite.

lot option, bringing up the lot size to a minimum of 250 sqm. The option addresses the changing needs of home owners who want to buy a home that can be adjusted to the family’s increasing need for space over time.

“This option allows buyers to expand, and customize their living or outdoor spaces as they see fit,” said Anne Jara, Avida Land South Luzon project strategic management group head.

“For example, they can choose to Avida Verra Settings Vermosa will feature a house and lot with an adjacent expand the house with additional rooms,

a balcony or porch or use the lot for gardens, a greenhouse, gazebo or other outdoor features,” she explained.

For upgraders on the prowl Houses at Vermosa are in a modern contemporary design with three bedrooms and two toilet and baths.

The Macy house design has a standard floor plan of 67 sqm with a minimum lot size of 125 sqm. The Trista house design will have a floor size of 85 sqm with a minimum lot size of 138 sqm.

If a buyer chooses the house and lot with adjacent lot option, the Macy

house goes up to a lot size of 250 sqm while the Trista will reach up to 276 sqm.

“Our target market for Avida Verra Settings is comprised mostly of upgraders,” Jara told the Manila Standard. We’re looking at Cavitebased families seeking to live in a more secure and complete community, and at some Metro Manila residents who want to relocate to a suburban environment,” she pointed out.

The Macy model with adjacent lot option is priced at P12.5 million. The

Trista model with adjacent lot option goes for P14 million.

For a house and lot, the price starts at P7.6 million. A lot only option will cost buyers P5.7 million.

Avida Verra Settings will have a central amenity area, with adult and children’s swimming pools, a basketball court, children’s park, and clubhouse.

The village is set for completion by 2021.

Vermosa can be accessed via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) through the Muntinlupa Cavite Expressway exit.

LAGUNA RISING. Cementaid Philippines, Inc.

ENCLAVE IN THE SOUTH. Luxury real estate brand Filigree is known for exclusivity, good craftsmanship, and solid property values. From high-rise condominiums to low-density horizontal developments, Filigree challenges the definition of what luxury should be—each project a prime investment offering blue chip returns. One example is The Enclave Alabang, located along the growth corridor of Daang Hari, south of Metro Manila. Conceptualized and executed by leading architects, planners, and interior designers including, H1 architecture, AECOM, and BUDJI+ROYAL architecture+design, the project is a community showcasing a stylish tropical design (Seen here).

Nestled in a verdant, low-density environment just over 10 hectares, the Enclave Alabang is a development that is dedicated to greenery—up to 40 percent—the hallmark of which is its central park, teeming with flora.

recently inaugurated a newly expanded warehouse adjacent to its manufacturing plant in Barangay San Antonio in San Pedro, Laguna. The 470-square-meter facility was built to meet the increased demand in the construction industry for concrete admixtures, said Rodillo dela Pasion, senior manager for Cementaid Philippines and Indonesia. “We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for quality concrete waterproofing products as infrastructure continues to be a high priority in public works,” dela Pasion explained. Cementaid International, an Australian-based firm, pioneered a type of permanent waterproofing admixture called hydrophobic pore-blocking ingredient (HPI) that prevents the absorption of moisture, and helps maintain the structural integrity of concrete. At the opening of the new facility were (from left): president and chairman of the board of Cementaid Philippines Inc. John Lindsay Aldred; San Pedro City councilor Bobot Berroya; associate director for sales-Asia Anthony Sung; associate director for admin and finance Estella Fung; dela Pasion; and managing director of Cementaid group of companies Michael John Aldred.

Governor-elect Suarez eyes infrastructure, tourism growth in Quezon LUCENA CITY — The Quezon provincial government is gearing to start an all-out effort for the economic development of the province. Tourism is a major strategy here, particularly in the Northern part of Quezon, such as the Polillo Group of Islands, comprising the towns of Polillo, Burdeos, Patnanungan, Panukulan and Jomalig.

Former 3rd District representative, now Governor-elect Danilo Suarez, plans to strengthen the northern Quezon development cluster to realize the tourism potential of the island towns alongside the adjacent mainland towns of Real, Infanta and General Nakar.

“We plan push through our development projects in Northern Quezon, especially the Polillo Group of Islands,” said the former minority floor leader. “Right now, I am looking at our strategies for our tourism sector regarding our island-tourism destinations, and how to improve these to further tap into our tourism potential and attract more tourists.”

24/7 power needed for growth In an ambush interview at his proclamation, Suarez said he will also look into funding allocations for roads, bridges and ports for the province in pursuit of the realization of Quezon as the “next frontier of development in Luzon.”

But the governor acknowledged the need for 24/7 electricity supply in the province, specifically its island towns, to initiate new development plans with long-lasting domestic, as well as national benefits.

“As the new governor of Quezon province, I will work to influence the

Bats for environment-friendly power plants to prop up province

province’s socio-economic development plans, including the construction of new power plants that are compliant with standards provided for by our laws, to address the looming power shortage, not only in Quezon, but on a national level,” he told the press in a briefing.

Suarez had been a vocal advocate during his term as representative of Quezon in pressing the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to expand its network, and to improve the country’s energy infrastructure.

This, he said, to provide sufficient electricity in rural areas where there is inadequate power supply.

Reaching out to the church, NGOs Reminded about the energetic opposition from Quezon’s church leaders and nongovernment organizations, about the construction of modern power plants in the province, particularly in Atimonan and Mauban, Suarez said “our clergy must be realistic with regards to the need for energy infrastructure in the country.”

“While we do not disregard their environmental concerns, we cannot be paralyzed by this fear,” he explained.

“Technology is available to clean coal emissions. The transition to an entirely renewable energy structure will take time,”

he said.

“An acceptable interim is to allow construction and operation of power plants that produce cheap energy and utilize clean technology,” he added. “To me, this is a winwin situation as we take steps to implement a 100-percent renewable energy system.”

Suarez urged the government to have an open mind and consider practical solutions, particularly in light of the rising cost of energy and power shortages experienced in our country. “Projects such as the Atimonan Power Plant should be allowed, having guaranteed that these take into consideration the energy needs of the country without

compromising strict environmental standards,” he averred.

Moving on The governor-elect endorsed a recent Supreme Court ruling ordering energy companies to undergo a competitive selection process for power supply agreements in the country.

“Let us move on, and follow the decision of the Supreme Court,” he advised. “The ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) will now provide terms of reference of the CSP, and that’s good. Everything should now be clear.”

Earlier this month, the SC ruled that all Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) submitted by distribution utilities to ERC on or after June 30, 2015 should undergo a competitive selection process―a form of competitive public bidding for the purchase of electricity.

For now, Suarez is enthusiastic about his role to spur economic growth in Quezon, and initiate new development plans.

But he is just as determined to secure the bottomline anchor for his vision: the need for baseload power plants to provide reliable, stable, and quality electricity to meet his constituents’ energy requirements, and support the country’s growing economy.

“Without the assurance of adequate and reliable power supply, foreign investors will continue to place their investments elsewhere in the region and ignore business opportunities in my region, as well as the whole country,” he warned.

Life

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

YOUNG LIFE

@MStandardLIFE SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019

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The One: Filipinos believe in soulmates —survey YOUNG LOVE. A Netflix-conducted survey revealed that Filipinos love watching romance and rom-com films and TV shows, such as the Noah Centineo and Lana Condor-starrer To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

F

It’s fun outside

ILIPINOS love love. From the highs of kilig to the lows of hugot and TOTGA (the one that got away), we embrace love in every stage and situation.

And as if we are not hopeless romantic enough, a new survey revealed majority of Pinoys believe in soulmates.

The online survey Netflix conducted found that 72 percent—even those who said they were NGSB/NBSB (no boyfriend/girlfriend since birth)—believe in “The One,” that elusive half that a person is meant to be with.

Respondents were composed of 800 Filipino video streamers, aged 18 to 34, across Metro Manila, North and Central Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Aside from believing in soulmates, it turns out that a majority of Filipinos online (85 percent) said that love rules, while 89 percent said romance is very much alive in the Philippines.

Love sucks, too

But let’s face it: when love rules, it can sometimes suck, too. Although more than half, or 68 percent of those in a relationship said they’ve found “The One,” one in five Filipinos in a relationship also confessed that they do not see their partners as their soulmates. Meanwhile, 65 percent said that they’ve been heartbroken by someone they didn’t even officially date (no labels, ouch!).

When love sucks, 52 percent turn to friends and family The Netflix survey found that Filipinos are a hopeless romantic lot. for comfort, and 29 percent watch romantic movies and shows to nurse their broken heart. In fact, 63 percent prefer to laugh off the pain with comedies.

Sawi men go for action and sci-fi, while heartbroken ladies watch more romance and dramas.

Netflix and chill

But no matter what the state of the heart is, Pinoys just really love onscreen romance. A whopping 80 percent said romantic movies cheer them up when they’re down, and 71 percent feel butterflies in their stomach when watching romantic films.

Apparently we love to share the love, too: more than half of the respondents watch romance (53 percent) and romcoms (55 percent) with their significant other. In fact, they love romance so much that two out of three Filipinos said they tend to compare their relationships with the ones they see onscreen.

And speaking of sharing the love, 82 percent said they prefer to watch Netflix with somebody—with 63 percent opting for their partners as their viewing companions. The Internet entertainment service is helping up the courtship game, too—44 percent of men and 23 percent of women have used Netflix to flirt.

Disney Frozen-inspired bicycle and helmet

SMART gadgets and other electronic devices undeniably provide young ones with hours of interactive fun and learning.

But despite the many benefits of technology, playing outside is an experience that no fancyschmancy gizmo can replace.

Toy Kingdom offers a variety of quality and exciting toys that will bring kids outside.

There are Disney-inspired bicycles, scooters, and protection sets for active kids on the go, as well as child-friendly Go Karts and cars inspired by various brands.

These can help kids learn the basics of driving and at

Love on screen

The top 5 rom-coms Filipinos “would want to find themselves in” are “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “The Kissing Booth,” “The Perfect Date,” “Isn’t It Romantic,” and “Set It Up.” Turn to C2

the same time experience an exhilarating ride.

Backyard playdate with friends goes notches higher with play houses and tents, as well as bouncers, Nerf guns, and Tire Stuck. Inflatable slides and bouncers and classic castle playhouse provide several hours of outdoor fun.

These toys and more are available at Toy Kingdom stores and Toy Kingdom Express outlets nationwide.

Streaming romantic movies and TV series helps cheer people up.

X Shot ExcelXcess TK-12 Nerf gun

Rebel Wilson (Natalie) and Liam Hemsworth (Blake) in the 2019 film Isn’t It Romantic.

Lightweight and portable Drift W1

Playground Tropical with large sliding board, ladders, and tunnels

Life

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SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

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OR many school-aged children, mathematics is a “challenging” subject.

An authentic math enrichment program that originated in Singapore provides an effective intervention program that helps students develop their abilities and gain positive attitude towards math learning.

Seriously Addictive Math (S.A.M.), founded in 2010 by Samuel Chia and Lau Chin Loong, is a multi-awarded international Singapore Math enrichment program developed by experienced Singapore Ministry of Education teachers.

It was the deep aspiration to provide the best educational foundation for kids struggling in math that urged Joni Jocson to become one of S.A.M.’s first franchisees in the country back in 2016. Her S.A.M. Center-Marikina Branch currently accommodates students from Kinder to Grade 8.

“My daughter in her younger years had Singapore Math in her school. I was really amazed how she answered math problems especially ratio. We had our struggles with her assignments, like the modeling and explaining to her how I arrived at the answer considering how I usually solved the problems is the algebra way,” related Jocson.

She continued, “How do I explain X to her? She would always tell me, ‘Mommy, that’s not how we solve it with our teacher.’ Now, I understand better. I really want to make kids and parents appreciate math minus the struggles. And S.A.M. is really the best way because it makes math more fun, more colorful, and easier to understand.”

Jocson cites S.A.M.’s unique teaching methods which motivate pupils to genuinely understand math concepts through engaging, independent, and “disciplined” learning. The program, according to her, suits kids struggling in their studies as well as those who simply love math and want to take their learning to the next level of mastery.

“S.A.M. does not make your child memorize. We make your child understand math. Once they understand, then they will be more confident in facing the math questions and the problems,” she said.

Jocson further explained, “We also teach them independence and discipline.

Kids have take-home worksheets that they need to work on. They just need to answer a few questions every day so that they can hone their math skills. They need to know how to balance their time between their homework in school and their worksheets with us.

“We usually tell parents to let the kids on their own when answering their work-

Program makes learning math

‘seriously addictive’

S.A.M.’s teaching methods motivate pupils to understand math concepts through engaging, independent, and ‘disciplined’ learning.

Seriously Addictive Math (S.A.M.) is a Singapore Math enrichment program designed for children aged 3 to 12 years old.

sheets. If they commit mistakes or if they miss answering their worksheets, they will learn from their experience. Parents should not get stressed too much with S.A.M. More often than not, kids would usually finish their worksheets in one sitting because the sheets are so colorful and so challenging,” she added.

On a personal level, Jocson regards her franchise as a “meaningful accomplishment.”

“S.A.M. franchisees are not only given an income-generating opportunity. Running your own tutorial center does offer life-changing benefits for students, like helping them get improved grades, better appreciation of math concepts and accelerated learning; the perks go beyond as they give kids and their parents real results. I’m truly honored to be among the first ones to bring S.A.M. here in the Philippines,” she mused.

Via an award-winning curriculum modelled after the world-renowned Singapore Mathematics syllabus and peda-

gogy, the program is specially tailored and designed for children aged 3 to 12 years old.

Its aim is to build students’ core foundation in Singapore Math and enhance their thinking abilities. All the centers are franchised, and the franchisees are personally selected by the Singaporean franchise director, and trained by the S.A.M. head trainer to ensure that the quality of the teachers are up to international standards.

Since its establishment, S.A.M. has successfully expanded to over 150 centers in 16 countries around the world, including the US, Australia, and Canada.

In the Philippines, S.A.M. has become a thriving after-school enrichment program and is currently one of the fastest-growing global education franchise chains in the country. S.A.M. now has over 45 branches nationwide.

Call (02) 634-0586 or 634-3717 or email franchising@ufranchiseasia.com for inquiries.

i-Shine 7 recital features gifted kids on stage

JCI Philippines opens nomination for TOYM 2019

THE search is on for the next generation of inspiring young men and women as the Junior Chamber International Philippines formally opened the nomination for the 2019 honorees of The Outstanding Young Men and Women of the Philippines (TOYM).

Gracing the event were JCI Philippines national president Paul Jess Estrellao and TOYM national chairman Raymond Salazar, together with notable awardees: Maria Anthonette Allones, Therese Gang Capati, Arch.

Gerard Rey Lico, Samira Gutoc, Emerson Atanacio, Raymond Abrea, Rogelio Vonz Santos, and Rodne Galicha.

Following this year’s theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Filipinos,” the award aims to recognize selfless countrymen aged 18-40 who had contributed to the development of their community or industry.

“We believe that youth is very important as they serve as the catalyst of change in our country,” Salazar said during the media launch. He added, “We intend to look for more Filipinos who have been giving their best in whatever fields that they are in.”

The honorees, as distinguished members of society, would inspire the youth to be the catalyst of change by spreading positivity and initiating goodwill as they play

a vital role in nation-building and role models to the next generations.

“As a past honoree, I also believe that the youth has the potential to be gamechanger of our country,” shared Gutoc, a recipient of the recognition back in 2001 for her contributions in youth development programs.

The organization and its partners are geared to make the nomination process more accessible to underrepresented sectors and demographics. For the weeks to come, a series of stakeholders’ fora will be conducted in various locations around the country to strengthen the search for the most deserving individuals.

Charles Dantes

2001 TOYM Awardee Samira Gutoc believes the youth can be a gamechanger of the country.

Dance Camp members showing their dance moves during the Celebrate the Gift Recital at SMX Aura.

THE latest batch of Promil Four i-Shine took the stage and wowed the audience with their amazing creations and inspiring performances during the Celebrate the Gift Recital at SMX Aura.

Parents, relatives, mentors, and other kids filled the venue with cheers and applause as they witnessed over 270 future artists, dancers, musicians, ballerinas, and actors conquer the stage. Seasoned actress Dimples Romana, who has been hosting Promil Four’s i-Shine ever since its beginning in 2009, once again hosted the recital.

The program started with members of the Art Camp, under the mentorship of Teacher Robert Alejandro of Papemelroti and Teacher Kara of Masterpiece

Movement, showcasing a lovely mural and tunnel that they worked on during their workshop, a reflection of imagination through creative exploration and self-expression.

Participants of the Dance Camp, mentored by G-Force choreographers and guided by Teacher Georcelle DapatSy, brought the house down with well choreographed beginner and intermediate hip-hop moves that showcased the value of teamwork and how they can work together while also expressing individuality in their performance.

Meanwhile, the little ballerinas melted the audience’s hearts with their smooth and delicate movements. Personally taught and led by prima balle-

Promil Four i-Shine 7 participants from (clockwise) Theater, Art, Music, and Ballet camps performing at the batch’s recital.

rina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde of Ballet Manila, the little ballerinas demonstrated the value of discipline that they surely took with them beyond the workshop.

The Theatre Camp i-Shiners showed off their confident, gregarious, and versatile selves as they performed the popular fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” directed by coaches from Trumpets Playshop.

And members of the Music Camp showcased their gift through a lively performance of voices and instruments in perfect harmony, guided by National Artist Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

Promil Four’s i-Shine 7 camps ran from April to May. This year’s camp locations expanded beyond Metro Manila with the addition of Batangas, Cebu, and Davao.

The Kissing Booth

Set It Up

The Perfect Date

The One:...

From C1

Among the male stars of movies and TV series showing on Netflix, “The Perfect Date’s” Noah Centineo, “Riverdale’s” Cole Sprouse, “Romance is a Bonus Book’s” Lee Jong Suk, “The Kissing Booth’s” Jacob Elordi, “Riverd-

ale” and “The Last Summer’s” KJ Apa, generate the most kilig.

Meanwhile, “The Princess Switch’s” Vanessa Hudgens, “The Kissing Booth’s” Joey King, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’s” Lana Condor, “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’s” Kiernan Shipka, and “YOU’s” Shay Mitchell are the female sweethearts that make viewers’ hearts flutter.

Entertainment

May Valle-Ceniza and Atty. Joey Lina from DZMM's 'Magpayo Nga Kayo'

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HE voice of the people is heard loud and clear even on weekends on DZMM, with anchors of programs like Magpayo Nga Kayo, Sagot Ko ‘Yan, and Fastbreak on board.

Every Saturday at 9:30 a.m., the tried and tested tandem of May Valle-Ceniza and Atty. Joey Lina offers Filipinos the opportunity to speak their mind about issues close to their heart, recognizing the wisdom that they can offer to our country’s leaders and policy-makers.

Joey’s other weekend program on DZMM, Sagot Ko ‘Yan, airing every Sunday at 8:00 a.m., has a similar interactive format, where viewers and listeners are encouraged to participate in the discussion, and start something like a Barangay Hall assembly live on air, after the former senator explains to them the issue at hand.

Meanwhile, well-loved sports anchors Freddie Webb and Boyet Sison work hard to fulfill the requests and wish lists of sports fans, who tune in to their program Fastbreak every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and analysis in the world of sports.

DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo held a

Freddie Webb and Boyet Sison of DZMM's 'Fastbreak'

presscon on May 24 for these three long-running shows at Novotel Manila Araneta Center to reveal each program’s new offerings and extend their gratitude to its loyal viewers, listeners, partners, and supporters throughout the years.

For May and Joey, the strength of their program remains its emphasis on making the people think and propose solutions to issues that may directly affect them or their families, such as the rice shortage, minimum age of criminal responsibility, or whether to allow your kid to undergo immunization, and even the changing the name of the country to Maharlika.

Sagot Ko ‘Yan, the Best Radio Public Affairs Program at the 8th Makatao Awards for Media Excellence, meanwhile, is known for bringing together ordinary Filipinos and people of authority to engage in more personal and deeper conversations on how to help society live a better life. As Joey would say every week in the show, “Para sa Diyos, Para sa Bayan, Sagot Ko Yan! On the other hand, Fastbreak, continues to bank on the credibility of its power duo of Freddie, a basketball legend and former senator, and Boyet, a veteran sportscaster, to keep the people tuning in. The free-wheeling format of the 25th Golden Dove Awards’ Best Radio Sports Program, where the anchors get to interact like friends with guest analysts and athletes, makes for a light and enjoyable, but also informative and inspiring sports experience during the weekend.

Kiray Celis searches for Mr. Right TOMORROW (June 2), join Love You Two star Kiray Celis as she attempts to find her perfect match in a humorous dating game in GMA’s top-rating comedy program The Boobay and Tekla Show (TBATS).

Laugh your hearts out as Kiray with fellow comedienne Jessa Chichirita choose among the three “almost” gorgeous and mysterious hunks on “Love Chain Forever.”

On “TBATS on the Street”, Boobay and Tekla roam the streets to ask PUV Drivers on how much they know about common traffic signs and symbols.

In the crowd favorite segment “Pranking in Tandem”, GMA News and Public Affairs’ showbiz correspondent Aubrey Carampel attempts to pull a prank on unsuspecting Mass Communication students with a lecture on the basics of reporting. Can Aubrey’s journalistic guts outsmart the students?

Finally, in the satirical “Dear Boobay and Tekla,” how will the hilarious duo respond to this letter sender’s problem, “Gusto ko na pong mag-asawa pero ayaw ko pong magka-biyenan. Anong dapat kong gawin?”

The Boobay and Tekla Show airs every Sunday night right after Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA.

fully 27 Split 28 “Aloha!”

30 “Citizen Kane” director — Welles 31 Kind of syrup 32 Bread-maker’s buy 34 Cel characters 35 Cast a vote 38 Pony noise 41 Hat feature 42 Trends 43 Eloquent speakers

NOW that Pride Month is just around the corner, a pink production that must be part of the Beautiful Ones must-see is Laro, a play written by Floy Quintos with additional material byMiguel Castro, an adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s La Ronde.

Director John Mark Yap breathes new life to this play that highlights interlocking encounters between men who have sex with other men from different societal groups who are on the look-out for bliss after every tryst, true love, happiness, and validation.

First produced by Theater Now!, former experimental arm of Gantimpala Theater, in November 2004, six performances were performed in Luneta and additional six performances at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Cast members of the original production were Marcus Madrigal, Andoy Ranay, Dexter Santos, Peter Serrano, Juliene Mendoza, JoMari Jose, Miguel Castro, Perry Escano. Neil Ryan Sese, and Roli Inocencio.

For this millennial reincarnation, André Miguel plays the Call Boy who believes and hopes for true love. Paul Jake Paule is the flip-flopping Pulis.

Phi Palmos is the Lady Boy who does not know how to compute plays. Gio Gahol and Mike Liwag alternate the role of the bad boy we just cannot get enough of, the Manggagamit.

MC Dela Cruz portrays the role of the Kalaguyo with Al Gatmaitan and Victor Sy alternate the role of the Ideal, the supposedly aspirational gay coupling. Ross Pesigan plays the Estudyante, the nubile delight while Jon Abella and Vincent Pajara alternate

Hollywood...

From C4

Young comedienne Kiray Celis

Saturday, June 1, 2019

48 Carbonated water 49 Economize 52 Sci-fi arms 56 “Supercop” martial artist Jackie — 57 Goofy one 59 Sign of what’s to come 60 Sound piggish 61 Push gently with the elbow 62 Beatles’ meter maid 63 Youngsters 64 Water birds 65 Dance movement DOWN 1 Gasp 2 Bradley or Sharif 3 “— Lisa” 4 Stipulation 5 Piano practice 6 Sword handles 7 Mental picture 8 Zoo staffer 9 Spider 10 Most certain 11 Opera highlight 12 Library sound 13 Purpose 21 Range part 23 Tatum’s dad 25 Increases 26 Groom care-

nickie.standard@gmail.com

the role of the closeted Manunulat.

Jonathan Ivan Rivera and Jay Gonzaga alternate the role of the coveted Modelo. Vincent A. DeJesus portrays the role of the predatory Pilantropo.

The biggest challenge of the script

by Quintos and Castro, says director John Mark, “It was really understanding these 10 characters. These 10 complex characters who come from different walks of life but are all broken in their own way.

Luckily, with the help of my talented actors, we were able to discuss and create the backstories of these characters and make them as real as possible. They’re grounded to reality so we really tried our best to let that be seen on stage.”

From what I witnessed during the press preview, Laro is emotionally violent. Your baser instincts will be titillated but at the same time, you cannot help but feel all the anger, ambivalence, sexual predation, and an innocence so pure you cannot help but wonder if you need to believe and cling to it knowing that the wish comes from a juvenile corrupted by the lure of easy money and the giving in to the calling of one’s loins. And yes, brace yourself for the ending, this descent from gay hell will make appalled and turned on at the same time.

Laro will run on the first two weekends of the Pride Month for 8 shows only: today and tomorrow, on June 8, and 9, with 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on all show dates. It will be staged at Arts Above, Penthouse of West Venue Building (BIR), West Avenue, Quezon City.

Tickets can be purchased at Ticket2Me. net. For more inquiries, contact Ira at 0915-832-9579.

The cast of 'Laro,' a millennial adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler’s controversial play with provocative sexual themes, 'La Ronde.'

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Splendor 5 Hindu deity 10 Weakens gradually 14 Love, to Pablo 15 Fruity drink 16 Livy’s bear 17 Prefix for second 18 Prince Val’s wife 19 Take a chance 20 John of “Hairspray” 22 Build 24 Currier and — 25 Motives 26 Aspects 29 Art school subject 33 Harmful gas 34 Snake venom 36 Funny Charlotte — 37 Lilly of pharmaceuticals 38 Managed somehow 39 Sauna site 40 Twilight, to a poet 41 Pats dry 42 Hoodwinks 44 Uncharged particle 46 Red gem 47 Rose fruit

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Games of gays

‘Sagot Ko ‘Yan’ has the answers

Pinoys come first for DZMM’s ‘Magpayo Nga Kayo,’ ‘Fastbreak’ tandems

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019

45 Concentrates 46 Type of beard 48 Wades through 49 Glasgow citizen 50 “Wool” on clay sheep 51 South African money 52 Linger 53 Put out heat 54 Solar plexus 55 Purse closer 58 Scheduled to arrive

It drew on the same data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as another paper with similar findings published a month ago in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

That study estimated an additional 195 suicide deaths—an increase of nearly 29 percent—among 10- to 17-year-olds in the nine months after the show’s release.

The new research was conducted by a team led by Thomas Niederkrotenthaler of the Medical University of Vienna’s Center for Public Health.

“The associations identified here must be interpreted with a substantial

degree of caution, but they do appear to demonstrate an increase in suicides that is consistent with potential contagion by media,” they wrote.

The team looked at suicides from 1999 to 2017 to establish a model that controlled for variables such as seasonal variations, like known spring peaks in adolescent suicides.

Since Netflix does not publicly share its viewership data, the researchers established a proxy to estimate its popularity via the buzz the show generated on social media platforms Twitter and Instagram, which is especially popular among US youths.

The show was released on March 31, 2017, and generated some 11 million tweets within the first three weeks alone, before tailing off.

“Because of the absence of social media attention after June 2017, we defined the exposure window as April to June,” the researchers wrote.

The estimated 13.3 percent increase in deaths corresponds to 94 more suicides for the age category than would otherwise be expected over the time period.

The proportion was higher among girls, which the authors attributed to the show’s focus on the suicide of 17-yearold student Hannah Baker.

No similar increase in suicide was seen among the other age groups.

The authors cautioned that the research’s reliance on so-called “ecological data”—that is to say, estimates based on proxy measures —was a limitation, noting “it was not possible to ascertain whether the excess suicide decedents had actually watched 13 Reasons Why.” Netflix said in a statement: “Experts agree that there’s no single reason people take their own lives - and that rates for teenagers have tragically been increasing for years.” The company added that it was difficult to extract causality for spikes, including increases seen among girls in November 2016 and March 2017, which both predated the show.

A study commissioned by Netflix and carried out by Northwestern University last year found that a majority of teens said the show helped them understand depression better and empathize with victims of bullying. AFP

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

Entertainment

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019

VERY WANG NICKIE WANG

“I

HAVE never seen anything like this before.”

The statement of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.’s (BPCI) Stella MarquezAraneta sums up the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 National Costume parade held Wednesday night at the New Frontier Theater at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

The crowd, including the panel of judges, was in awe as the entire show, a run-up to the coronation night on June 9 where Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will crown her successor, showcased hometown-inspired creations that pay tribute to the Philippines’ diverse heritage and rich culture.

“I want to thank all the designers that came out with these beautiful creations. I think we should try to send these to some countries in Asia for them to see what we have in this country,” Marquez-Araneta said of the Filipino designers’ ingenuity.

Forty candidates paraded on the New Frontier Theater stage. The themes for the costumes wore by the candidates were diverse. Some candidates paid homage to the warriors and princesses known to their provinces, others made creative statements to highlight their advocacies like the Ibong Adarna costume with a tail that symbolizes the LGBT flag. There were deities and fairies in sparkling gold costumes, virgins, hacienderas, a modern and female version of Emilio Aguinaldo’s uniform, a WhangOd inspired costume, a Tausug tribeinspired ensemble, gowns that resemble rice cake, sugar cane, flowers and corals, modern and traditional Filipiniana made using indigenous fabrics, and a few more cultural references that feature the country’s rich culture.

At the end of the show, 10 Binibinis were chosen to compete for the Best in National Costume award.

They were: Leren Mae Bautista of Maria A n d r e a Laguna; Abesamis of P a s i g C i t y ; Vi c k i e M a r i e

Cassandra Chan (Bacolod) Tony De Ramos, designer

Hannah Arnold (Masbate), Benj Lguiab, designer

Aya Abesamis (Pasig), Amir Sali, designer

Binibini pays homage to Philippines’

rich culture and heritage Rushton of Negros Occidental; Hannah Arnold of Masbate; Samantha Bernardo of Palawan; Cassandra Chan of Bacolod; Samantha Lo of Cebu City; Jessarie Dumaguing of Puerto Princesa; Resham Saeed of Maguindanao; and Emma Tiglao of Pampanga.

According to the organizers, these candidates will be the ones who will compete for the National Costume competition and the winners will be decided by the audience. Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite finalist on the Bb. Pilipinas website.

Meanwhile, Bb. Pilipinas also announced the Top 3 finalists for its talent competition: Samantha Mae Bernardo of Palawan, Cassandra Chan of Bacolod, and Alannis Reign Binoya of Batangas.

The winner of the Best in Talent award will be announced during the Bb. Pilipinas 2019 coronation night at the Araneta Coliseum on June 9. ***

Emma Tiglao (Pampanga), Richie Sabinian, designer

A report came out early this week that operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested a TV network stuntman for illegal recruitment and possession of illegal firearms. The suspect was identified as Ryan Cabañas.

He was arrested via a search warrant operation served at his residence in Pagibig Homes Subdivision in Cainta, Rizal on Monday. The report also said that he works as a stuntman for ABS-CBN. In a statement sent to Manila Standard by Kane Errol Choa, ABS-CBN’s Head of Corporate Communications, the executive clarified that Cabañas is not in a way connected with the network.

“We would like to clarify that the alleged stuntman who was arrested last Monday by the police for illegal possession of firearms and illegal recruitment as cited in some news reports, is not in any way connected with ABS-CBN and has not been part of any of its shows or films,” the statement said.

Samantha Bernardo (Palawan), Patrick Isorena, designer

Vicky Rushton of Negros Occindental in a golden 'diwata' ensemble by Jomar Peralta.

Images by Sonny Espiritu

Samantha Lo (Cebu), Edwin Uy, designer

Leren Mae M. Bautista (Laguna), Chico Estiva and Renee Salud, designers

Resham Ramirez Saeed (Maguindanao), Ryan June Castillo, designer

Jessarie Dumaguing (Puerto Princesa) Joey Silvestre, designer

SNAPSHOT

Manila Overseas Press Club Board of Governors takes oath SPEAKER of the House of Representatives of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administered the oath of office of the 2019 officers and board of governors of the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) at the Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City last May 21.

Present during the oathtaking were MOPC Chairman Emeritus Emil Jurado of the Manila Standard, Chairman Antonio S. Lopez of BizNews Asia Publisher, Treasurer Nelia T. Gonzalez of Asiaworld Properties, Secretary Maloli Espinosa-Supnet of Masbate Community Broadcasting Company with the Board of Governors Angela Javier Cruz of GMA Network, Elizabeth Lee of E Motors, Arthur Lopez of AML Hotel Consultancy, and Consul General Atsushi

‘13 Reasons Why’ linked to uptick in US adolescent suicides: study ANOTHER study about 13 Reasons Why, which follows the story of a high school girl who takes her own life, has found that suicides among US youths rose significantly in the months following the popular Netflix show’s release.

The latest paper, which was published in JAMA Psychiatry on Wednesday, estimated a 13 percent spike in suicides among 10 to 19-yearolds between April and June of 2017, with a higher proportion among females. Continued on C3

House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (center) with the 2019 MOPC officers and board of governors (L-R) Maloli Espinosa-Supnet, Elizabeth Lee, Nelia T. Gonzalez, Emil Jurado, Antonio S. Lopez, Arthur Lopez, Angela Javier Cruz, and Consul General Atsushi Kuwabara.

Kuwabara of the Japanese Embassy.

Not in photo are MOPC Vice Chairman Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and President Eric

Canoy who were out of the country and other members of the board who were not present during the ceremony.

The cast of '13 Reasons Why' poses in the press room during the 2017 MTV Movie And TV Awards.