Manila Standard - 2019 June 8 - Saturday

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CUBAO CROSSWALK.

Men and women, including minors, shuffle feet Friday along the newly coined crosswalk dubbed PRIDEestrian of Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City as the newly painted lane with rainbow colors usher in the celebration of Pride Month to support the LGBT community.

Manny Palmero VOL. XXXIII • NO. 114 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cut on House probes lead passage of all Palace bills

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s policy to do away with unnecessary investigations in aid of legislation was the reason the House was able to pass all of President Rodrigo Duterte’s legislative agenda in less than a year, an official said Friday.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said more than 700 resolutions for investigations were filed before the House of Representatives but only 14 were allowed to be taken up by the respective committees.

He said this enabled the lawmakers to concentrate on their real job―to create and pass Next page

Duterte: Prosecute all in dialysis mess ‘They shall reap harshest penalty imposed by law’

By Nat Mariano, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

P LEADERSHIP CHANGE. The Association of Women Legislators Foundation Inc. ends the 17th Congress—with a thanksgiving gettogether lunch on Monday—which marks the highest women membership to date. The fellowship of the 86-strong—nearly 29 percent women representation—signified the changing of the guard from outgoing AWLFI president and Meycauayan mayor-elect Linabelle Ruth Villarica to Interim President Deputy Speaker Rose Marie Arenas of the 3rd District of Pangasinan.

UN experts call Rody takes up cudgels for HUDCC over Hajj funding for independent By Nat Mariano inquiry into EJK A GROUP of UN rights experts called Friday for the Human Rights Council to establish an independent probe into violations in the Philippines, including alleged illegal killings in the government’s drug war.

A statement co-signed by 11 experts, who are independent and do not speak for the United Nations, said “the scale and seriousness” of the reported abuses demanded a thorough investigation.

“We have recorded a staggering number of unlawful deaths and police killings in the context of the so-called war on drugs, as well as killings of human rights defenders,” they said in a statement.

“We are extremely concerned over the high number of killings which are being carried out across the country in an apparent climate of official, institutional impunity,” they added.

The experts include the special rapporteur on summary or extrajudicial Next page

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday called on the Commission on Audit to reconsider its report flagging the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council for using P5 million intended for housing projects, to fund the Islamic pilgrimage of Muslim Filipinos last year.

Speaking to an audience of mostly Muslim Filipinos during the celebration of Eid’l Fitr in Davao City, the President said the Islamic pilgrimage, or Hajj, is more important for Muslims than government housing projects.

“I’m asking COA to reconsider. What is P5 million anyway? Actually, that P5 million is worth billions in terms of your kind generosity to finance the poor people, especially Muslims to perform Hajj,” he said.

“You can forget the housing there being planned by the government but to the individual Muslim believer, five mansions are nothing. A simple token of generosity [from the government] to help him do the PRESIDENTIAL INTERFACE. President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with Hajj, that’s more important for them,” he some of the guests Thursday during the 2019 Eid’l Fitr Celebration at the Arcadia Active added.

Next page Lifestyle Center in Davao City. Malacañang Photo

Madonna: I felt raped WASHINGTON—Pop icon Madonna said she felt “raped” by an in-depth profile of her in The New York Times, calling the newspaper “one of the founding fathers of the patriarchy.”

Next page

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the prosecution of all individuals involved in an alleged scam in which PhilHealth benefits were being paid for bogus kidney dialysis treatments for “ghost” or non-existent patients.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte expects the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to initiate criminal actions against those involved in the apparent misuse of funds.

“We will put a stop to this corruption and we will make sure that the law on universal health care is strictly enNext page forced,” Panelo said.

DSWD chief open to Tulfo’s apology DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista said on Thursday he is willing to forgive broadcaster Erwin Tulfo for his offensive remarks against him on national radio if he meets certain conditions.

In a statement posted on DSWD’s official website, Bautista said Tulfo should publish his apology in multiple platforms: 1) at least half-page advertisements in leading newspapers; 2) social media accounts—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube; and 3) radio stations dzBB, dzMM, Radio Singko, dzRH, and dzRB. Next page

‘Beware. Expect more trash shipments’

Egg tart origin: Brit HONG KONG—With their flaky pastry casing, creamy custard filling and brulee topping, Macau’s Portuguese egg tarts are as much of a part of the Chinese enclave’s fabric as its casinos—but their origin is surprisingly British.

Next page

By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE senior deputy minority leader and Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza has warned of a likely increase in containerized foreign garbage shipments headed to the Philippines.

“We’ve been targeted as a dumping

ground owing to our inadequate controls at the various ports of entry,’’ said Atienza, a former Environment secretary.

“North America and Europe are looking for new destinations for their unwanted materials after China banned the importation of used plastics and other Next page recyclables.”

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SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Funds not enough for pay hike

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HE government could use four sources to heed the clamor of public school teachers for a P10,000 pay increase, but Senator Francis Escudero said those would not be enough.

Malacañang has said President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered his economic advisers to look for resources to finance the teachers’ salary increase.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Friday stressed she was not against increasing the salary of public school teachers.

“As Education Secretary, and as an advocate, I am committed to the policy to pro-

Banned Chinese pork good, fake products seized

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Customs seized pork products from China and fake branded cellular phones, apparel, shoes, cosmetics, medicines and other goods amounting to more than P800 million in separate raids in Subic, Pasay and Manila.

In a statement, the BOC-Intelligence Group confiscated an estimated P740 million worth of fake goods in two separate raids in warehouses in Manila and Pasay City.

The BOC-IG raided warehouses in Baclaran, Pasay City after they received a tip that certain warehouses in the area contained various fake goods that would be sold in the market.

Among the seized items were fake branded footwear, apparel, cosmetics, toys, and cellphone accessories.

“These items were seized for violating Republic Act (R.A.) no. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines; and… the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016,” BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.

In Manila, the BOC inspected warehouses along Sta. Cruz in Manila and found hundreds of boxes of unregistered medical products.

Meanwhile, the banned meat products from China, were intercepted in Subic, Pampanga. Pork products from China have been banned because it has been hit by the Asian swine flu.

The Bureau of Animal Industry’s quarantine officers said the shipment was found to contain fish tofu and boxes of pork and pork products.

“The Port immediately issued Alert Order of the said shipment and was later found to contain pork meat products—pork balls with a declared value of P600,000,” the BOC said in a statement.

The BAI earlier extended its temporary ban on processed pork meat products from 16 countries believed to be affected by the ASF. The BAI said the ban now covers processed pork meat products from Vietnam, Zambia, South Africa, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Mongolia, Moldova, and Belgium.

The ban, which was first implemented in September 2018, initially covered only seven countries—China, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine.

Cut...

From A1 new laws for the benefit of the people.

“We had 744 resolutions for inquiry in aid of legislation, but only 14 got through. So we virtually had a suspension, a moratorium on inquiries so we could focus on legislation rather than investigation,” Salceda said.

He said Arroyo practiced what he said was “management by sitting in,” in which she sat in all the committees to make sure differences were settled so that the bills were passed on time.

“Legislation during her time was very efficient. She removed all obstacles in the process of legislation which is a lot of inquiries, 744 inquiries. She removed that,” Salceda said.

Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin of the partylist AAMBIS OWA said Arroyo’s exceptional

Madonna:...

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The New York Times article entitled “Madonna at Sixty” focused too much on her age, Madonna said, arguing it would not have done so were she a man.

“The journalist who wrote this article spent days and hours and months with me and was invited into a world which many people don’t get to see, but chose to focus on trivial and superficial matters such as the ethnicity of my stand in or the fabric of my curtains and never ending comments about my age which would never have been mentioned had I been a MAN!” Madonna said on her Instagram account.

mote and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their living and working conditions and their terms of employment,” Briones said in a statement.

“I am in full support of the President’s pronouncement to raise the salaries of teachers.”

Briones was reacting to news reports saying she was against increasing the teachers’ salaries when she said “Teaching is not all about money.”

Escudero said there were only four sources of funds―borrow, realign some items, increase taxes or use savings. But he said the funds to be raised from those would not be that big to address the much-needed salary increase.

“It’s not that there’s no chance [of a wage hike], but where to get the funding? said Escudero, head of the Senate education committee.

He said the funding for the salary hike would cost P150 billion for all teachers.

He said the salaries of teachers were lower

than those of policemen and the members Armed Forces.

He said the government follows a certain formula to compute the so-called living wage.

The income should be enough to spend for goods, food, housing, utilities and clothing.

He suggested there should be a separate law that would provide for the salary increase of teachers.

At the same time, Escudero supported the stand of the Department of Education to prioritize the construction of classrooms over faculty rooms to address the backlog that has adversely affected students.

He cited the current classrooms shortage in public schools nationwide, prompting schools to forgo assigning faculty rooms for teachers.

But once the classrooms were enough and there was still additional funding for other things, he said, that was the time schools could give faculty rooms to teachers as well as canteens and cafeterias.

Sought for his comment on the viral pho-

tos of teachers using an old restroom as a faculty room at the Bacoor National High School in Bacoor, Cavite, Escudero said it was the teachers’ decision to do so.

“For me, they could have used the classroom once classes were over. Our teachers have other options, he said.

A series of Facebook posts by BNHS faculty president Maricel Herrera showing 11 teachers using toilet cubicles as a faculty room due to lack of space had gone viral.

The viral photos have erupted into a bitter dispute between the Education department and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, the government-accredited teachers’ union.

Education Undersecretary Alain del Pascua accused ACT of spreading “propaganda” meant to denigrate Briones and President Duterte.

ACT, meanwhile, slammed the department’s alleged neglect and callousness toward teachers who, the group said, were only standing up for their rights. With PNA

Duterte:...

“All persons involved in the alleged fraud will be prosecuted and face accountability.

They shall reap the harshest penalty imposed by law,” he added. “Nothing can shield them from prosecution and punishment.”

Earlier reports said PhilHealth was unaware that some of the beneficiaries have long been dead and continued to make payments to a private dialysis center in Novaliches, Quezon City.

The state insurance fund said it has already filed 28 administrative complaints against the WellMed Dialysis Center and Laboratory Corp., saying it had strong evidence of fraud when the company began claiming benefits on behalf of dead patients in 2016.

Roy Ferrer, acting president of PhilHealth, said the fund has also filed complaints against some doctors for their possible involvement in fraud. PhilHealth is also looking into filing 12 cases of fraudulent claims.

Ferrer then said that falsification and misrepresentation cases against the Quezon Citybased medical center were already filed.

The Palace’s statement came after two whistleblowers, who are former employees of the WellMed dialysis center, exposed the fraud. Edwin Roberto, one of the whistleblowers, said PhilHealth turned them down when they sought assistance and protection.

Despite the complaints, PhilHealth still renewed WellMed’s accreditation for another year.

A spokesperson for PhilHealth said the bogus dialysis treatments were not isolated cases.

Interviewed on the GMA-7’s Unang Balita, Shirley Domingo said PhilHealth has been investigating more than 8,000 cases of fraudulent acts, involving ghost patients, false claims and misrepresentation of patients.

Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who has been assisting the whistleblowers, said negligent PhilHealth officials made the issue worse.

“This is gross negligence or they are playing blind,” he said, adding the two whistleblowers would file a case against PhilHealth officials over the issue.

If PhilHealth could not remove those officials engaged in alleged fraud and corruption from its ranks, Roque said he would call for the suspension of the Universal Health Care Act. “Instead of losing our money to the corrupt, let’s suspend the law and start a thorough cleanup of PhilHealth,” said Roque, saying that as long as there was corruption, the UHC law would be ineffective.

But Ferrer said the expose was aimed at unseating him.

“It could be [an attack] against me and PhilHealth because of my focus now is on anti-fraud and the mandate that was given to me by the President himself and Congress to check on these frauds that are happening,” Ferrer said.

“Attorney Roque wants my post, [but] he has to earn it. Now, I, the acting president and CEO, have to carry out what the President told me to do.”

He denied that PhilHealth officials were not

acting on the issue.

Outgoing Senator JV Ejercito, meanwhile, rejected Roque’s call to suspend the UHC Law. Roque, a former Kabayan party-list representative, was among the coauthors of the Universal Health Care bill in Congress.

“It will be unfair for the rest to be deprived of Philhealth’s services,” said Ejercito, chairman of the Senate committee on health and demography.

Ejercito was the principal sponsor and co-author of the UHC Law that would ensure health insurance coverage and expand benefit packages particularly for outpatient consultation and outpatient medicines for all Filipinos.

He said patients who badly need dialysis should not be made to suffer because of the allegations of fraudulent transactions within PhilHealth.

He said PhilHealth should continue providing health services, but it must ensure the authenticity of those who avail the services.

“The UHC Law just needs to be implemented,” Ejercito said, noting that the measure already provides stiff penalties for unethical and fraudulent transactions.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said that government must investigate the alleged anomalies and corruption surrounding the PhilHealth-supported dialysis treatments.

“After our initial win in the passage of the bill for free dialysis treatments for the poor in the House of Representatives, we are concerned with reports of opportunism in the dialysis treatments supported by PhilHealth,” Zarate said.

UN...

DSWD...

killings, Agnes Callamard, who has repeatedly criticized by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

Duterte’s drug war is his signature policy initiative and he defends it fiercely, especially from international critics and institutions which he says do not care about his country.

Police say they have killed more than 5,000 users or pushers who resisted arrest, but rights groups say the actual number of dead is at least three times higher.

Critics have alleged the crackdown amounts to a war on the poor that feeds an undercurrent of impunity and lawlessness in the nation of 106 million.

The UN human rights council, which opens a new session in Geneva this month, has the capacity to set up various types of probes, the most serious being a Commission of Inquiry.

Establishing a probe requires a resolution that gains support from a majority of the council’s 47 members. AFP

He is also asking Tulfo to donate a minimum of P300,000 to each of the 19 organizations he had identified, mostly for health, education, and welfare needs of soldiers and residents of Marawi City.

Bautista, a retired Army chief who had led the government body tasked to rehabilitate war-torn Marawi City, is an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy.

His comrades in the PMA, and government employees as well as non-governmental organizations backed Bautista and criticized Tulfo’s behavior. Supporters also came out with testimonies on Bautista’s character and service for the Filipino people made the rounds on social media.

Bautista thanked these organizations and individuals for “trust, faith, and respect” for him and, more importantly, the PMA, the Army, and the DSWD. On May 31, on his radio program, Tulfo called the DSWD Secretary “buang” (crazy) when the latter was not available for a live interview.

“Sino ba itong buang na ito? Pasensiya na muna ano ha. Maski tao ka ni Pangulong Duterte, le-lecture-an muna kita (Who is this crazy guy? I’m sorry but.. even if you are with President Duterte, I will have to lecture you),” an irate Tulfo said.

He threatened to slap Bautista if he ever saw him, and to dunk his head into a toilet bowl.

Tulfo had already apologized for his statement last week but reasoned that it was just a part of his job to criticize the government and its officials.

“Ang sasabihin ko lang po is ako at ang buong pamilyang Tulfo ay nagpapakumbabang humihingi ng kapatawaran kay retired general atSec. Rolando Bautista sa pagmumura at pangbabastos ko sa kanya noong nakaraang linggo on air (I just want to say that I and the whole family are humbly asking for Sec. Bautista’s forgiveness for my cursing and rude comments aimed at him on air),” he said in his recent apology.

The Philippine National Police and the Marines also took away Tulfo and his brothers’ security detail after ruckus.

On Friday, the broadcaster was ordered to surrender his firearms for expired licenses.

PNP spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac said Tulfo has been notified and that he should turn over all his firearms to the PNP for safekeeping prior to the renewal of his license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF).

“The PNP has ordered for the recall or temporary safekeeping of the firearms of Erwin Tulfo in as much as the license to own and possess firearms of Mr. Erwin Tulfo has already expired,” Banac told reporters during a press briefing.

“If the LTOPF is already expired, then there is no more reason for an individual to keep firearms even if these firearms are still valid, if the licenses are valid. They need to be surrendered for temporary safekeeping,” he said. PNA

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work ethic enabled them to do their job with speed, dedication and resolve.

“During the term of Speaker GMA, we passed more than 250 laws. It was a working Congress, we achieved a lot. You could see the performance,” Garin said.

House members led by Majority Leader Fredenil Castro and Minority Leader Danilo Suarez also praised Arroyo for her exceptional performance as leader of the 17th Congress in the House of Representatives.

“Speaker GMA is one of the most brilliant political and academic minds in recent Philippine history,” Castro said.

Said Suarez: “I would like to thank our venerable Speaker, Honorable Gloria MacapagalArroyo, for her dedication and competence in leading the members of Congress towards the achievement of the priority legislative measures of this administration.”

“Im sorry i spent 5 minutes with her,” the singer and dancer wrote about the author of the article, journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis. “It makes me feel raped. And yes I’m allowed to use that analogy having been raped at the age of 19.”

In the article, Madonna had told Grigoriadis that she had “felt raped” when her 2015 album “Rebel Heart” was leaked early.

The author said in the piece that “it didn’t feel right to explain that women these days were trying not to use that word metaphorically.”

The singer said the profile was “further proof that the venerable N.Y.T. Is one of the founding fathers of the Patriarchy. And I say—DEATH TO THE PATRIARCHY woven deep into the fabric of Society. I will never stop fighting to eradicate it.” AFP

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‘Beware,...

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Where are the other eight container vans of smuggled Canadian waste?

Meanwhile, various environmentalist groups on Friday asked where the other eight container vans of smuggled Canadian waste had gone on Friday, a week after 69 of the 103 seized container vans of garbage left the port of Subic on their way back to the North American country.

“The Bureau of Customs has to tell the people where the Canadian waste in eight container vans went, noting that only 26 were landfilled in Kalangitan, Capas, Tarlac,” said Ecowaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero.

Chinese recyclers used to import and process much of the Western world’s reusable waste, according to Atienza.

But Atienza said China’s “National Sword” policy, adopted in January 2018, put Chinese recyclers out of business.

“Just like prohibited drugs, contaminated trash in shipping containers are sneaking into our ports mainly due to corruption and ineffective checks,” said Atienza, a three-term mayor of Manila.

Canada recently pulled out 69 shipping

containers of garbage, mostly plastic and household kitchen waste, unlawfully deposited in the Philippines.

This was after President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to ship back and dump the trash in Canadian territorial waters, and after Manila began downgrading diplomatic ties with Ottawa.

The Philippines also recently shipped back 2.6 tons of shredded electronic and plastic waste from Hong Kong that arrived at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

Atienza urged the Bureau of Customs to enforce the compulsory pre-shipment inspection or PSI of containerized imports in order to thwart all contraband trying to enter the country, including illegal trash and narcotics.

PSI is the practice used by governments, mostly in developing countries, of requiring importers to engage accredited third-party surveyors to verify shipment details, such as the price, quantity and quality of goods, before cargoes depart the exporting country.

The practice compensates for inadequacies in the importing country’s customs and other administrative controls, and discourages the undervaluation of taxable shipments from abroad. With Joel E. Zurbano

Duque warns public vs. rainy season diseases HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque said Friday it is best to be armed with weapons against “rainy season diseases” before the onset of the rainy days.

He reminded the public to build a strong resistance against these illnesses and practice personal hygiene and environmental sanitation.

This early, he said, the public should be ready for the onset of illnesses that are common during the rainy season.

He said the coming diseases this time of year were diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, malaria and dengue.

Diarrhea, Duque said, is an increase in the frequency of loose or liquid bowel movements that are usually caused by a variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms.

Typhoid fever is an infectious disease commonly spread through contaminated food and water or through close contact with someone who is infected.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by food or water contaminated with the bacteria known as Vibrio cholera, and the same bacteria could cause watery diarrhea that can lead to severe dehydration and death.

Diarrhea, typhoid fever and cholera are all food- and water-borne diseases. These can be prevented by drinking water only from safe sources. If unsure, it is best to boil water for three minutes or chlorinate it “Cook food well and always have it covered to prevent contamination from flies and other insects. Always wash your hands before preparing or handling food and after using the toilet, Duque said.

On the other hand, leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by many animals, such as rodents and other vermin.

People should avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated flood waters, maintain cleanliness in the house and control rodents.

Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever―acute viral infections that are caused by the bite of the dengue-carrying mosquito.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that commonly infects certain types of mosquitoes.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Rody...

From A1

According to its 2018 report, the state auditor urged the HUDCC to return the P5 million taken from the Task Force Bangon Marawi. The fund was originally earmarked to fund the rehabilitation projects of the Marawi City.

The HUDDC, however, diverted P5 million to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos for the religious trip of displaced Marawi residents to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The state-run auditors said the said amount, which came from the P500-million budget given by the Office of the President to HUDCC, must only be used for the “recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the City of Marawi and other affected localities.”

The commission said sponsorship of trips is not allowed.

HUDCC chief Eduardo del Rosario earlier appealed to the COA to allow the fund transfer since it was properly dispensed by the NCMF. Del Rosario maintained “everything is above board and transparent.”

“We are writing an appeal to COA not to disallow this vital transaction since the P5 million was properly dispensed by NCMF,” he said.

“Besides, the funds used came from the President’s social fund and not from the funds appropriated by Congress,” he added.

Duterte urged COA to take another look at the matter, noting that the government allocates P15 million yearly to finance the pilgrimage of Muslim Filipinos.

“There is a fund set aside to enhance the travel of our brothers and sisters for the pilgrimage to fulfill a lifetime dream,” he said.

Egg tart...

From A1 Across the city it is not uncommon to see long lines of tourists patiently queuing for the sweet treats, a sight that might not seem all that surprising given the former Portuguese colony’s most famous desert is based on Lisbon’s equally renowned pastel de nata.

But the current craze for Portuguese-style egg tarts—which has spread across China and parts of Asia in recent years—owes much of its success to a Brit who blundered into the business.

The tale began three decades ago when Essex-born industrial pharmacist Andrew Stow opened Lord Stow’s bakery at the southern harborside village of Coloane.

“In 1989, recognizing there were no western street-side bakeries... he decided to do something for the local Portuguese community which was to create a pastel de nata for them,” said Eileen Stow, Andrew’s sister, who now manages the business.

With no original recipe for pastel de nata to use, Andrew experimented with a heavier British custard filling, based on a family recipe, and Portuguese pastry techniques.

The creation initially raised a few eyebrows among Andrew’s Portuguese friends in Macau, but the local Chinese community became hooked.

Courtesy of the British, Cantonese cuisine already had a version of an egg tart, made with shortcrust pastry and a more jelly-like filling.

“To differentiate it from what they recognized in dim sum, a ‘dan tart’ (eggtart in Cantonese), they call it a ‘po tart’... ‘Portuguese egg tart’,” Eileen told AFP. AFP

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SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Senate’s minority bloc to fight ‘tooth and nail’ —Drilon DESPITE their reduced number, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the minority bloc is ready to fight “tooth and nail” to uphold the Senate’s independence and block measures that would not benefit the country.

“Our number may have diminished, but we can assure the public we in the minority will be more vigilant and will do everything in our capacity to protect the institution, fight for the common good, and uphold the demoracy,” Drilon said.

“We are ready to listen and compromise as we had shown in the last Congress. But we are also prepared to fight ‘tooth and nail’ if need be,” he warned.

The public , Drilon said, should not fear having a smaller minority bloc in the next Congress, saying there are mechanisms in the Senate that empower the members of the minority.

“We have a no-closure rule that you cannot cut the debate. This rule is an effective tool that empowers the minority and prevents a bill from being railroaded,” he added.

Senator Chiz Escudero, meanwhile, said that “checks and balances” will prevail in the Senate although there will only be four opposition senators in the 18th Congress with the exit of two of their allies and the defeat of all “Otso Diretso” senatorial candidates.

Escudero atrributed this fact to the strong lineup comprising the opposition slate in the 24-member Senate. They are Drilon and Senators Francis Pangilinan, Leila De Lima and Risa Hontiveros.

Except for Hontiveros, all three are lawyers. Drilon and De Lima, who remained detained at the PNP Custodian Center in Camp Crame, were both former Justice secretary.

“Those left behind in the opposition are veterans,” said Escudero, who ran and won as Sorsogon governor.

The other members of the Minority Bloc in the previous Congress— Senators Antonio Trillanes is a “graduating senator” whose term will expire on June 30.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Foodborne illnesses sicken 275 million in Asia-Pacific BANGKOK—The Asia-Pacific region has a poor track record when it comes to preventing foodborne illnesses, resulting in the deaths of 225,000 people each year, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization said today, during an event marking the first World Food Safety Day. “Worldwide, each year, unsafe food or water kill more people than HIV, AIDS, malaria and measles combined, and it’s now time that everyone takes this issue more seriously,” said Kundhavi Kadiresan, FAO Assistant DirectorGeneral and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. “In so many cases the deaths and illnesses associated with consuming unsafe food were needless and could have been prevented.”

Globally, some 600-million cases of foodborne illnesses occur annually and 420,000 people, including 30 percent of them children below the age of five, die each year as a result of these illnesses.

In the Asia-Pacific region, more than 275-million people fall ill due to foodborne causes each year.

While this is clearly a public health issue, foodborne illnesses also result in lost productivity, damage livelihoods and hinder progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030.

While there are various ways that food can become contaminated, in the Asia-Pacific region poor hygiene and mishandling are among the main culprits. So, too, is exposure to the elements such as of street food and fresh produce that is left out for hours in open air markets and in hot climates.

Undercooking of food and lack of proper refrigeration also contribute to food that becomes unfit to eat.

Improving hygiene practices in the food and agricultural sectors helps to reduce the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance along the food chain and in the environment.

Investment in consumer food safety education has the potential to reduce foodborne disease and return savings of up to ten-fold for each dollar invested.

BINONDO MUSEUM.

Curator Janine Cabato expounds on the Binondo church exhibits during the formal launch of the newly opened Chinatown museum at the fourth floor of Lucky Chinatown Building A located along Reina Regente Street in Binondo, Manila.

Lino Santos

‘Tobacco farmers to gain revenues under sin tax’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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ENATOR Sonny Angara on Friday assured tobacco farmers will continue to benefit from the incremental revenues from the increased sin taxes in cigarettes since up to 20 percent from it will directly go to 23 tobacco producing provinces.

The incremental revenues from the higher excise tax would be used to finance programs that will provide support for tobacco farmers and workers.

Angara, chairman of the Senate ways and means committe which conducted hearings in proposed measures for sin tax increases on tobacco products, was provided in the bill approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Under the measure, 15 percent of excise tax on locally manufactured Virginia-type cigarettes but not exceeding P17 billion will go to Virginia tobacco producing provinces, while 5 percent but not exceeding P4 billion will be allocated to burley and native tobacco producing provinces,” Angara said.

Angara said the support for tobacco farmers can be in the form of inputs, trainings, safety nets, infrastructure,

livelihood and agri-industrial projects.

According to the National Tobacco Administration, at least three tobacco types are grown in 23 tobacco producing provinces in the Philippines. Virginia tobacco is grown in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union.

Burley tobacco is grown in Pangasinan, La Union, Abra, Isabela, Cagayan, Tarlac and Occidental Mindoro, while the native or dark tobacco is grown in Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Capiz, Iloilo, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, North Cotabato and Maguindanao.

The new tobacco tax measure will raise the excise tax for every cigarette pack from P35 to P60 for the next 4 years.

The starting rate of P45 will be

implemented in 2020, followed by a series of annual P5 increases until the rate reaches P60 in 2023. Thereafter, the rate automatically increases by 5 percent.

In resorting to gradual tax increase instead of an immediate P25 bump to the current rate, Angara said lawmakers did a delicate balancing act in considering a measure that will reconcile the competing interests of the government, health advocates, the cigarette industry and tobacco farmers.

Angara said the tobacco tax hike bill is an important legislation that would not only help reduce deaths and disabilities due to smoking, but also generate the much-needed revenues for the government’s universal health care program.

However, Angara said the impact of raising the excise tax on the livelihood of tobacco farmers must not also be ignored.

“Mahirap din naman po ang kalagayan ng mga kababayan nating tobacco farmers. Mula raw po nang ipinatupad ang sin tax law noong 2013, mahigit 20 milyong kilo ng tobacco ang ibinaba sa produksyon,” Angara said.

Angara said thousands of farmers, including their families and people depending on tobacco farming, were hit by the decrease in production.

CHR vows to take action to address climate change

By Rio N. Araja

CHINESE KIDNAPPERS. National Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin (right) questions the six Chinese nationals who were arrested in Parañaque for alleged kidnapping and violation of the Access Device Law on Friday, June 7. They were also charged for bribery. Norman Cruz

MWSS urged to set water security masterplan

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives is urging the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System as well as other agencies to formulate a national water security plan to ensure the uninterrupted supply of the vital commodity to households and other users.

Before it adjourned sine die on Tuesday, the House passed House Resolution 2593 authored by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo mandating government agencies involved in water supply and distribution to seek a long term solution to the water supply problem in Metro Manila and other major urban centers.

Arroyo filed the resolution at the height of the water crisis in the Ayala-led Manila

Water Company’s franchise area, where consumers were subjected to supply interruptions of up to 12 hours a day for several weeks.

While the water supply has normalized in many areas consumers still complain of low pressure in many areas.

The resolution states there is a need to safeguard and ensure the supply of important resource basic to human life such as water and abate the negative impacts of climate change, urbanization, as well as natural or man-induced disasters, through the identification of policies and programs to address these threats and the promotion of resource conservation practices.

It recognizes that the Philippines has a vast supply of water from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater, and rainfall.

DESPITE the non-participation of the Philippines in the United Nations climate change meetings by air travel, the Commission on Human Rights on Friday vowed to still take actions to address climate change.

“We hope that despite nonattendance, we will remain active in climate change prevention,” said Jacqueline Ann de Guia, CHR lawyerspokesperson.

She reacted to the statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin that DFA officials could no longer attend forums using air travel to take part in climate change discussions.

He, however, said the Philippines could still participate through online communication.

According to De Guia, the participation of the Philippines in climate change talks ensures “that we have a say on the climate discourse, which impacts us greatly.”

“Approximately 20 typhoons visit our country yearly. In 2013, we were ravaged by ‘‘Yolanda,’’ the strongest typhoon in recorded history,” she cited.

“Our participation in global discourse is not in vain. In 2015, as chairman of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, the Philippines led the advocacy for global warming threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius,” she said.

Such “ambitious” goal is enshrined in the Paris Agreement, “which is meant to strengthen and guide efforts for global climate action,” the CHR said.

SC says 2017 ruling on Las Piñas land final THE Supreme Court has declared with finality its 2017 decision that nullified the 1992 land titles issued in favor of Ayala Land Inc. over 135,000 square meters of land in Las Piñas City due to defective land surveys and technical descriptions presented to the trial court for land titling.

In a resolution dated April 10 but was made public only last June 4, the SC turned down the second motion for consideration filed by ALI seeking a reversal of the July 26, 2017 decision and December 4, 2017 resolution that denied the first motion for reconsideration.

In its 2017 decision, the SC upheld the land titles issued to spouses Yu Hwa Ping and Mary Gaw and spouses Andres and Josefa Mia Diaz.

The high court overturned the 2006 decision of the Court of Appeals in favor of ALI, which obtained its land titles from the purchase of the property from CPJ Corporation in 1992.

The disputed property had been converted into a golf course and materials depot of Ayala Corp’s Makati Development Corp.

ALI would have wanted the SC en banc to resolve its second motion for reconsideration, but the tribunal said “the SC, sitting en banc, is not an appellate court vis-a-vis its Divisions, and it exercises no appellate jurisdiction over the latter.” Rey E. Requejo

Workers group hits PSA on ‘report’ THE Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino on Friday hit the Philippine Statistics Agency for its report that fewer Filipinos were jobless in April.

“The PSA report is deceitful,” the group’s president Leody de Guzman said.

He reacted to the latest PSA data that there were 42.2-million employed Filipinos as of April.

The figure represented an employment rate of 94.9 percent or an equivalent of 40.9-million Filipinos, PSA noted.

De Guzman dismissed the claim of the PSA that employment rate rose to 94.9 percent from the previous report of 94.5 percent, and the that unemployment went down by 5.1 percent “was deceitful if not outright ridiculous.”

He said the report covered the months under the electoral campaign season which provided millions of temporary jobs as campaigners and poll watchers from late last year to mid-May. Rio N. Araja

‘Shopee’ says sorry to clients POPULAR online shopping platform Shopee, on Friday, issued a statement of apology to the public and more so to loyal Shopee clients over a meet-andgreet fiasco involving Korean pop idol Blackpink and multitude of Filipino avid fans.

“All of us at Shopee would like to sincerely apologize to users and fans of Shopee and BLACKPINK for the issues involving the Shopee x BLACKPINK meet-and-greet todayin Manila,” the online platform said in a statement.

The site admitted that the event fell short of the high standards that Shopee users and BLACKPINK fans expected.

“Although we took immediate steps as soon as we discovered our errors to ensure the rightful winners of our contest could claim their prizes, we know that the entire process caused confusion, disappointment, and upset for many Shopee users and BLACKPINK fans,” it said.

A4

Opinion

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Spirit of God TOMORROW is Pentecost Sunday. Traditionally, it is known as the birthday of the Catholic Church. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his ascension to heaven. The Holy Spirit, sometimes called the Holy Ghost or the Paraclete, takes the form of a dove in literature is the least known and most misunderstood person of the Holy Trinity. Sometimes He is referred as the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of the Son, the Spirit of Jesus. These terms imply a relation of the Spirit to the Son, which can only be a relation of origin.

Catholic dogma teaches us that the Holy Spirit though really distinct as a Person, from the Father and the Son, He is consubstantial with Them; being God like Them, He possesses with Them one and the same Divine Essence or Nature. As Saint Athanasius stated expressly that “the Holy

The Holy Spirit plays a critical role in man’s salvation.

Ghost comes from the Father and from the Son not made, not created, not generated, but proceeding. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit, ever since the birth of Christianity, is one principle of faith that have been the subject of much heresy. Thus, for instance the Monarchians held that the same Divine Person, according to His different operations or manifestations, is in turn called the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; so they recognized a purely nominal Trinity.

The Arians and their numerous heretical offspring while admitting the triple personality, denied consubstantiality.

The New Testament makes a few reference of the Holy Spirit. We read in John “And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with, you for ever. The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive”; and in John 15:26: “But when the Paraclete

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me.” St. Peter addresses his first epistle, “to the strangers dispersed . . . elect, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, unto the sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” The Spirit of consolation and of truth is also clearly distinguished in the Gospel of John, from the Son, from Whom He receives all He is to teach the Apostles, and from the Father, who has nothing that the Son also does not possess. Both send Him, but He is not separated from Them, for the Father and the Son come with Him when He descends into our souls.

The Holy Spirit plays a critical role in man’s salvation. While the Father is the creator, the Son the redeemer the Holy Spirit is the sanctifier. According to a noted theologian Herman Bavinck, the Holy Spirit “awakens in man that deeply hidden awareness of guilt. He convinces man of sin, even where previously no consciousness of sin was apparently present. The Holy Spirit uses the word of the preacher and touches the heart of the hearer, making it accessible to the word.”

When the Holy Spirit convinces people of their sin, of Jesus’ righteousness, and of certain judgment, He awakens the human heart to hear and see truth in a new way.

Upon seeing and perceiving, the human heart cries out for God. As sanctifier, He bestows gifts to the soul namely: wisdom which illumines the mind and instills an attraction to the divine; Understanding or the ability to grasp the truths of faith; Counsel which enables a person to judge promptly and rightly, especially in dif difficult situations; Fortitude or courage, Knowledge which allows a person to see things from the perspective of God; Piety or reverence and Fear of the Lord.

When the Spirit of God came down to the disciples on the day of the Pentecost, the disciples, who hitherto were cowering in fear because they though their Master had left, became infused with the Spirit of God and with full of courage and wisdom began to proclaim the gospel of the risen Lord. Since then Christianity began to spread like wildfire among the Jews and later among the gentiles.

In one of his reflections, Pope Francis identified the Holy Spirit as the fire of love burning in the Church and in our hearts, even though we often cover him with the

A lot of hot air

F

OREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin says the Philippines will no longer participate in international conferences on climate change, after President Rodrigo Duterte again criticized the United Nations for not being able to solve the crisis even as it issued a yet stronger position to mitigate the global menace.

Locsin says the Philippines will just vote without talking, and that our participation in such conferences will be limited to going online and doing video calls.

Every year, the United Nations gathers representatives of countries—both developed and developing ones—to hammer out ways on how global warming can be managed. The conferences deal with how each country can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and how advanced economies, who have historically contributed more to the current levels of GHGs, can help vulnerable countries adapt to the effects of climate change and achieve economic development through “cleaner” means.

But using air travel to talk about climate change, Locsin also said on social media, actually worsens climate change.

Environment groups say the decision to stop sending representatives to the talks is arrogant, self-righteous, myopic and misplaced.

In 2015, more than 190 countries committed to slash their emissions to keep the rise of global temperatures at bay. The Philippines is a party to this agreement.

Mr. Duterte is right to point out that there is no way any entity can ensure all parties keep their end of the deal. The Paris Agreement is not legally binding, and any country reneging on its commitment cannot be held accountable for its violation.

The talks, too, reveal many flaws in the system, not the least of which are myopia, double talk and power-tripping by some countries.

But it does not mean we should stop participating in talks. On the contrary, this is why the talks have to continue.

The Philippines has had some of the most knowledgeable, most persuasive and most articulate representatives to these talks. They have been able to tell real and compelling stories about how Filipinos have struggled to deal with the effects of

climate change. They have had the ear of their foreign counterparts.

By all means, limit the number of government-funded participants to these negotiations. Financial prudence on all trips is a policy that will serve us well. Apply a common standard, turn down the hypocrisy and stop bringing hordes on official trips, especially if their presence is justified only by their loyalty to the powers-that-be.

Absence from these talks will tell the world that we have given up on the process—imperfect, yes, but essential to global action. It will tell bigger economies that the solidarity of vulnerable developing countries is cracking, and may embolden some of them to be more duplicitous than they already are. It will dishearten smaller countries, especially those whose island sink just a little more every day, because Filipino negotiators have been perceived as leaders and unifiers. Defeatism is a characteristic never quite attached to them.

The Climate Change Commission, which issued a statement on the issue without directly addressing it, simply reiterated its call for countries to ramp up climate action and deliver more ambitious commitments. Then again, if the Palace were serious about its pronouncement, we will not even know the difference, will we?

Turn to A5

Gaming the Party-List Law

(Part 1) THE Party-List System Act, or Republic Act No. 7941 of 1995 was enacted to promote proportional representation in the election of members of the House of Representatives. This was to enable marginalized and underrepresented sectors, organizations, and parties to have representation, and thus, voice, in the legislative process.

The law hoped to democratize participation in Congress by providing space to groups that ordinarily would find it extremely difficult to get elected. The law was heralded as an empowering measure to marginalized sectors like women, youth, senior citizens, workers, farmers, etc. Twenty per centum (20 percent) of the total number of the members of the HOR shall come from the party-list (PL) system. A winning PL group may only have the maximum of three (3) sitting representatives.

Initially, only organizations of marginalized sectors and regional parties were allowed to participate in the party-list system. There was even a time when although not explicitly provided by law, only members of the marginalized group the PL sought to represent could become nominees of the said group. Except for the youth sector that still requires nominees to be between the ages of 25 and 30, the rule has since, changed.

The PL law is not without weaknesses. The requirement of garnering at least 2 percent of the total number of votes under the system to win significantly limited the number of seats that PL groups could occupy. There was a time in the first two elections for PL that those who won were less than the mandated 20 percent of HOR seats.

This has since been clarified by an earlier SC ruling. The 2 percent is now used to determine which PL groups are eligible for additional seats. Other groups that did not get 2 percent may still be allocated seats depending on their ranking based on number of votes received.

The cap of three seats per winning PL

does not allow for groups to expand its influence in the HOR. No matter how big the groups’ votes are, they can only have three seats. It also does not facilitate coalition-building among kindred groups. The reverse happened. To go around the three seat limit, groups with similar ideologies divided themselves into sectors and ran separately.

The Makabayan block is an example of this.

The wording of the law is also unclear. It allows for sectoral organizations, coalitions, regional and national parties to run. Thus, it really is not exclusively for organizations of marginalized sectors. This has caused varied interpretations, even confusion, in terms of which groups are eligible to participate under the system.

The law hoped to democratize participation in Congress by providing space to groups that ordinarily would find it extremely difficult to get elected.

The Supreme Court April 2013 deci decision made a more definitive ruling that radically changed the PL law implementation. The High Court said that, “National parties or organizations and regional parties or organizations do not need to organize along sectoral lines, and do not need to represent any marginalized and unrepresented sector” to qualify to run under the PL system.

While the SC made the rules clearer with this decision, its implications are enormous. This means that ANY group (except those explicitly prohibited by the law like religious groups and those advocating violence) can run under the system for as long as they submit the technical requirements.

This particular ruling opened the floodgates for traditional politicians, powerful political clans, politicians who have finished their terms, and big business to use the system to enter, or beat the term limits of membership to

Turn to A5

Beware of sneaking garbage FINALLY, after six long years, the country bid goodbye to Canada’s trash.

Not only did we get rid of an unwanted importation. By standing up to a powerful country like Canda, we now could hold our heads up high.

However, it seems imported trash still seems to be threatening us and the momo ment we lower our guards, we could find our country serving as dump for some other countries.

This was after outgoing House senior deputy minority leader and Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza warned of a likely increase in containerized foreign garbage shipments headed to the Philippines in the months ahead.

According to Atienza, the Philippines is being targeted as a dumping ground due mainly to our inadequate controls at various ports of entry.

Aggravating the situation, Atienza said, is China’s ban on the importation of used plastics and other recyclables, which North America and Europe are producing at a ginormous rate.

With Chinese recyclers who used to import and process much of the Western world’s reusable waste closing ships, North America and Europe are now looking for new destinations for their unwanted materials.

The Philippines is being targeted as a dumping ground due mainly to our inadequate controls at various ports of entry, according to a lawmaker.

This was put in effect after China adopted the “National Sword” policy, in January 2018.

As such, trash, just like prohibited drugs, are sneaking into our ports mainly due to corruption and ineffective checks, according to the former threeterm mayor of Manila.

Recall that Canada recently pulled out 69 shipping containers of garbage, mostly plastics and household kitchen waste, unlawfully deposited in the Philippines.

This was after President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to ship back and dump the trash in Canadian territorial waters, and after Manila began downgrading diplomatic ties with Ottawa.

The Philippines also recently shipped back 2.6 tons of shredded electronic and plastic waste from Hong Kong that arrived at the Mindanao Container Termi-

nal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

To prevent future occurrences, Atienenza urged the Bureau of Customs to en inforce the compulsory pre-shipment in spection (PSI) of containerized imports in order to thwart all contraband trying to enter the country, including illegal trash and narcotics.

PSI is the practice used by governments, mostly in developing countries, of requiring importers to engage accredited third-party surveyors to verify shipment details, such as the price, quantity and quality of goods, before cargoes depart the exporting country.

The practice compensates for inadcusequacies in the importing country’s cus toms and other administrative controls, and discourages the undervaluation of taxable shipments from abroad.

The PSI of containerized shipments would also put an end to chronic corruption at the BOC that costs the National Treasury tens of billions of pesos in lost import taxes every year, according to Atienza.

At present, the BOC only requires the PSI of all bulk and break-bulk cargo, or commodities—mostly in liquid, granular or particulate form—shipped in large quantities, such as crude oil, petroleum, grain, coal and the like.

Atienza estimates that the BOC could easily increase its annual tax collection by 50 percent once PSI is in place for containerized imports.

We hope this could be put in place as surely don’t want to end up as another dump for another country.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion Philippines, a firm leader and voice of the developing countries at the UN climate talks

By Imelda V. Abano THE devastating impact of climate change does not respect borders. Most of the poorer countries, like the Philippines, are scrambling on how to protect their people from intensifying climate emergency such as intense drought, floods, storms, food and water shortages. These destroy many communities and even small islands located in coastal areas.

International efforts to address this issue go back more than two decades under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, starting with the Earth Summit in Ro de Janeiro in 1992 up to the present Conference of Parties. This is where most of the more than 20,000 people from 195 countries join in the decision process at climate talks which are complicated but consensus-based.

For the past 12 years, I have covered the annual UNFCCC climate change talks and have seen Philippine delegates work through the night, with fatigue taking toll, and enduring patience from lots of huddling in the corner of meeting rooms to resolve the impasse in the climate negotiations. The process is slow but necessary to secure the future generation from the devastating impact of climate change. Scientists reckoned we would need to keep the warming under 2 degrees Celsius.

But a new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change painted a sobering picture of what would happen if the world exceeds a new target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This means drastically reducing our carbon emissions. Agreeing on how, exactly, to do that is the rigorous job for the country delegations at the UN climate talks.

Climate Change Commission Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman said it is important for the Philippines to continue participating and stand as a leader and voice for developing countries in the international negotiations on climate change.

“Climate action and leadership resolve must be demonstrated by all.

Now is the time for firm leadership.

It is our moral duty to be clear about where we stand at the international climate talks,” De Guzman said adding that there is a need for clarity of commitments by all countries on mitigation and climate finance and to radically step up climate action.

Earlier, Department of Foreign Af-

fairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin announced that the Philippines will no longer send official representatives to the UN climate talks requiring air travel.

This came after President Rodrigo Duterte slammed the UN climate conferences saying that the conferences are just a waste of time and money.

The next round of climate talks will be held in Santiago, Chile in December where countries will work on the progress of climate action.

The Commission is the lead policymaking body of the government tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate government programs and ensure mainstreaming of climate change in national, local, and sectoral development plans towards a climate-resilient Philippines.

In preparation for the Paris Agreement taking full effect in 2020, the Commission’s focus this year must be on the development of the Nationally Determined Contributions as a ready reference for private and public sector investments on innovative and transformative lowcarbon and climate-adaptive projects for the country’s green economic growth.

Indeed, the need to move forward is greater than ever for the Philippines.

De Guzman said the Philippines is highly regarded in the climate negotiation process as a leader of developing countries. As Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum in 2015, the Philippines, on behalf of 48 developing countries, led the advocacy for the ambitious global warming threshold of 1.5C, now enshrined in the Paris Agreement as its long-term temperature goal (stated as: “limiting global average temperature to well below 2 °C and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C”).

De Guzman stressed that the Philippine advocacy for a highly ambitious climate goal has upheld the fundamental principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, as well as historical responsibilities, and climate justice.

“We are in a climate emergency. In the climate talks, ours is a leadership voice on behalf of the climate vulnerable. The Philippines championed climate justice and other fundamental principles in the climate talks and has succeeded. We, therefore, appeal to our developed country Partners to exhibit leadership and deliver on their commitments,” De Guzman said.

In the past climate change conferences, the Philippines has been highly regarded as a leader of climate vulnerable

nations, championing the principles on climate justice, human rights, ecosystems integrity, gender, climate finance, loss and damage, and comprehensive disaster management.

In 2013, the Philippines experienced the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Haiyan” that wiped out homes, killed more than 7,000 lives, displacing more than four-million people and destroyed infrastructure and agricultural lands leaving those who survived homeless and without any source of income.

Damage reached almost US$5 billion.

Jessica Dator-Bercilla, Climate Change Advisor for Asia and the Middle East for Christian Aid said, “President Duterte raises a good point about accountability here. He is calling for climate action.”

“Moreover, I agree that if we cannot or do not have any intent to tip the scale towards our cause, we should rethink whether our participation in conferences is the best way to spend the Filipino people’s money. We participate with purpose and determination.”

Bercilla, however, said the President must champion climate justice and action and join the negotiations with intent. “Our negotiators have done incredible work. Boycott should never be an option,” she said.

Moving forward in the country, Secretary De Guzman said the Climate Change Commission will continue to: 1) sustain efforts to enhance awareness and understanding on climate change and associated risks; 2) promote scienceand risk-based policy and development planning at the national and local level; 3) accelerate capacity-building for local government units; 4) invest in social preparation for low carbon transition of all sectors towards a green economy; and 5) facilitate efficient access to international climate finance.

Indeed, much work needs to be done if the Philippines is making a stand and giving all it can on climate action. A resilient low-carbon future is the only pathway that will secure inclusive, enduring development for all. Enough of indifference and inaction. While the UN process might be too slow, we need to start thinking about a more robust, local climate solution. This has already taken too long. So how do we step up climate action, then?

Imelda V. Abano is the president of the Philippine Network of Environmental Journalists.

Dragging the Smartmatic mess to 2022 THERE’S no way the Commission on Elections can say the delays that took place at the poll centers and in the transmission of vote results are “okay lang” as long as it appears that the outcome is accurate.

Some 1000 vote counting machines and 1,600 SD cards reportedly malfunctioned. Note that each VCM was used at a polling center for three or more voting precincts, affecting hundreds of voters.

That is why the malfunctioning of those 1000 VCMs that had to be replaced caused too much delay and unnecessary inconvenience to the voters, many of whom just decided to skip the whole thing.

Worse, the consequent delays in the canvassing of vote results fueled questions as to the credibility of the outcome of the polls.

COMELEC Commissioner Luie Guia announced that the Random Manual Audit of the last May 13 midterm elections had resulted in a 99.9953-percent accuracy rate.

But this nearly perfect accuracy just

Gaming...

From A4

the HOR. The 2016 and more severely, the results of recent midterm elections clearly show this.

Fifty-one (51) PL groups of the 181 that ran won in 2019. Almost half of the PL candidates had nominees from powerful political clans, related to incumbent officials both elected and appointed, or allied with the highest government officials. Surnames like Abaya, Sotto, Nograles, Romulo, De Venecia, Panganiban, Tomawis, Mangudadatu, are just a few of among these nominees.

There were even cases when several members of one family were nominees of a single PL group.

A significant number of nominees of

will not justify subjecting or risking the credibility of the coming elections, particularly the presidential race in 2022.

The issue on the calls for junking Smartmatic should be a no-brainer for the [Comelec] and do so not strictly to heed President Rodrigo Duterte’s piece of advice.

The President honors the independence of the COMELEC as a constitutional body that is why he referred to it as his “co-equal” when he suggested that Smartmatic be replaced with a more reliable one.

The chief executive merely echoed the public sentiment over the poor performance of a company that is based in Venezuela, of all places.

His recommendation was welcomed by lawmakers, including Senate President Tito Sotto and Senator Koko Pimentel, and watchdog groups like National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections.

As in previous national polls, Smartmatic’s automated election system proved inefficient. Hundreds of its vote counting machines that literally looked like “trash bins” turned out to be defective as soon as polling centers opened last May 13.

Malacañang clarified that it is not questioning the credibility of the results of the mid-term elections. However, too many glitches in automated counting

the winning groups are of the same class.

Some of those who will sit at the HOR are: Jocelyn Tulfo (ACT-CIS), wife of Raffy Tulfo and sister-in-law of former Tourism Secretary Tulfo-Teo; Eddie Villanueva (CIBAC), father of Sen. Joel Villanueva; Duterte allies Carlo Gonzales and Antonio Lopez (Marino); Rudy Caesar and Lira Fariñas (Probinsyano Ako), son and relative of former HOR Majority Leader Rudy Fariñas; Rodolfo Albano (LPGMA), former representative and father of Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III; Alberto Pacquiao (OFW Family Club), brother of Manny Pacquiao; Jericho Nograles (PBA), son of the late Speaker Prospero Nograles and brother of Cabinet Sec. Karlo Nograles; and Jose Padiernos (Galing sa Puso) who finished his term as Nueva Ecija Vice Governor. There are many more like them. Thus, many PL representa-

and transmission of votes that delayed the COMELEC canvassing is simply unacceptable.

Any delay in delivering the vote counts defeats the very purpose of using the automated election system. The reason for shifting to it from manual counting was, precisely, to conduct the whole electoral process quickly with the least “glitches.”

The messy Smartmatic system is another white elephant of the Aquino administration that is used to rig previous elections in cahoots with the previous COMELEC officials. This, however, failed to manipulate the insurmountable people’s support for Duterte in 2016 elections.

Still, it is widely believed that the same tactic was used in defrauding former Senator Bongbong Marcos of his supposed victory as vice presidentelect in favor of Liberal Party’s Leni Robredo.

COMELEC went on to purchase Smartmatic’s VCMs despite reports that Smartmatic’s AES was used in rigging election for Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez and botched elections in Illinois, Nevada and Mexico.

Smartmatic’s machines, that are nothing but garbage and have cost Filipino taxpayers billions of pesos, should be next to be shipped out of the country back to Venezuela ASAP.

tives are no longer much different from the usual politician.

It is hard to imagine how these representatives who either belong to powerful political clans, or are allied with the highest officials of this administration, will champion progressive legislative agenda and the interest of marginalized sectors who are supposed to benefit from the party-list system.

A particular case that has caught public attention is that of the Duterte Youth.

The group, more known as President Duterte’s defenders won a seat through the party-list system. However, this group has been accused of gaming the system and is the subject of an ongoing case at the Commission on Elections.

More on this next week. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The glitches are sufficient be punished despite the enormous amount of P10 billion paid to Smartmatic only to come out with dubious results, errors and possibly manipulated tabulations.

The right of the people as sovereign in determining their right to elect is THE issue revolving the threat by crucial and pivotal to a democratic President Duterte to cancel our con- election. To let the Comelec undertract with Smartmatic is not about stand what we are saying, the govthe “glitch” in the secure digital (SD) ernment remains omnipotent when it cards, but the integrity in the count- comes to determining the manner and ing of votes. Anyone who would say outcome of their political exercise. It that the 1,051 vote-counting ma- is an issue synonymous to their soverchines malfunctioned, and 2,246 of eign right to maintain our independthe SD cards were corrupted during ence. That right cannot be negotiated the May 13 midterm election did not with and entrusted to a private conthe affect the credibility of the elec- tractor. tion must be out of his mind. Glitches In our case, Smartmatic tricked us as a reason for the malfunction of the into accepting its offer to service our machines specialized in the counting electoral exercise demanding exorbivotes can never be treated as trivial. tant fees, an amount many believed The company that offered those ma- is much bigger than the budget allochines guaranteed that their count- cated to the Comelec itself. In fact, ing machines will the budget of the Comelec now never experience appears to be a sudden, unusual closely guarded and temporary malfunction or irWhat other evidence secret. Once the regularity. is the Comelec looking people discover The governthe amount, they ment has its spe- for? might take up cific purpose arms asking why are paying more when it purchased for a private con or leased those concomputer counting machines. Its concon tractor to conducts for us a not-sotract with Smartmatic is a guarantee clean electoral exercise than to a conabout the accuracy of the scanning, stitutionally instituted office. counting and transmission of votes in Despite all these guarantee, the the most efficient way at the shortest geniuses who voted for the contractpossible time. The Commission on ing out of our electoral system to a Elections has no right to say that the corporation suspected of alternately glitch, including the seven-hour delay playing the role of a spy for the US in the transmission of the data, was intelligence services in screening and trivial. Smartmatic should be the one tampering the results to favor candito explain that, and not the Comelec dates willing to lick US interest. spokesman James Jimenez, unless he Strangely enough, the Comelec’s admits being under the payroll of that contract with Smartmatic did not alprivate contractor. low it to entertain electoral protest to If the Comelec would accept glitch- determine accusation of fraud, proes as reason to justify the inefficiency test, and tampering of ballots to deterof the system, claiming the malfunc- mine who actually won the election. tion did not affect the outcome of the Their role is purely limited to superelection, or there was no evidence of vising the electoral exercise but paid cheating resulting in some of the can- handsomely an amount for their serdidates losing in the election, then that vices on an election that is held only closes down the door for anybody to every three years. file a complaint against Smartmatic.

The failure of the Comelec to inRemember, irregularity in the clude in the contract the liability in counting of ballots before we com- case of an election protest essentially puterized our electoral system was se- caused by the vote-counting maverely punished. We equate our votes chine operated by Smartmatic that as our sacred and sovereign right to resulted in the failure to resolve the determine who should govern and long-delayed protest of vice presidenrule us. This is why the term “sanctity tial candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong of the ballots” came about.

Marcos” amplifies the reality that the The computerization of our elec- computerization of our electoral systoral system may have hastened the tem is a myth. The rate Justice Bencounting in knowing the results at the jamin Caguioa is unreasonably delayfastest possible time. A glitch, being a ing the case proves that it takes much malfunction in the operating system, longer for a protestee to secure justice effectively means that there is no way if the election is computerized than by we can punish those machines that just doing it manually. caused us serious inconvenience and Smartmatic laughed all the way damage to our electoral system, un- to the bank because we were made less we can pinpoint the operator that to swallow the result presented by caused the machine to malfunction. If the shoddy and defective machines such is the case, the person respon- it installed. It leaves to the Comesible can be punished for electoral lec the burden of doing the recount sabotage. as what the head of the Presidential Smartmatic guaranteed the avoid- Electoral Tribunal (PET) presided ance of glitches. This is why it was by Caguioa—a classmate of Noynoy able to clinch the deal. Even if we Aquino—is doing. The inexplicable experienced numerous “glitches” as dilly-dallying of the protest case is a what happened in 2011, 2016, and clear; that we now have a person by again in 2019 election, we cannot the name Leni Robredo styling herenact a law punishing a machine for self the vice president whom the great “committing” those errors which to a majority of our people practically person is equivalent to one of incor- believed cheated her way to prevent rigible violator of their guarantee. We Marcos from winning. can only penalize the corporation by The contract which the Comelec cancelling the contract and imposing entered into with Smartmatic appears damages against the officers and op- more of a one-armed bandit. Whateverators of those shoddy machines. er happens, Smartmatic will be with Comelec spokesman Jimenez the gullible clients paying the incidenmakes us laugh when he insists there tal expenses for repairs and replacehas to be a legal basis before the gov- ment of all the shoddy and defective ernment can cancel the contract. He machines. The beauty of it, only the thinks the people are so stupid not to Comelec officials, the protesting and understand that the malfunctioning or losing candidates are allowed to roast glitch itself is evidence. themselves in a long and expensive We cannot hold on to that lopsided litigation. contract with an unreliable service record because they know nobody can rpkapunan@gmail.com

Spirit...

From A4

ash of our sins.

We reiterate the prayer of the Holy Father for the Holy Spirit to grant us the spirit of forgiveness in the midst of intolerance, hasty judgment, discrimination and rejection; for the spirit of unity in the midst of discord and violence; and the spirit of conversion in the midst of sinfulness. Today more than ever, we must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to enable each and every one of us, including our domestic institutions and the governments throughout the world, to always think and act according to His will. And so on Pentecost Sunday, to celebrate, lets all sing this familiar song: “Spirit of God in the clear running water/ Blowing to greatness the trees on the hill.

Spirit of God in the finger of morning: Fill the earth, bring it to birth, and blow where

you will. Blow, blow, blow till I be but the breath of the Spirit blowing in me.

Down in the meadow the willows are moaning, sheep in the pastureland cannot lie still. Spirit of God, creation is groaning: Fill the earth, bring it to birth, and blow where you will. Blow, blow, blow till I be, but the breath of the Spirit blowing in me.

I saw the scar of a year that lie dying heard the lament of a lone whip-poor-will.

Spirit of God, see the clouds that are crying: Fill the earth, bring it to birth, and blow where you will. Blow, blow, blow till I be, but the breath of the Spirit blowing in me.

Spirit of God everyone’s heart is lonely, watching and waiting and hungry until, Spirit of God, we long that you only fill the earth, bring it to birth, and blow where you will. Blow, blow, blow till I be, but the breath of the Spirit blowing in me.”

Facebook Page: Professor Tony La Viña

A6

News

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SC allows Bohol’s Yap to travel abroad THE Supreme Court has granted the appeal of Bohol governor-elect Arthur Yap to travel abroad until June 29 to attend a program on solid waste management and desalination, in the Netherlands and three more nations.

In a resolution dated June 3, the SC’s First Division resolved to allow Yap, who is facing graft case before the Sandiganbayan, to travel abroad on conditions that he would post a travel bond of P100,000 with the High Court.

The tribunal also imposed on Yap to designate in writing—in a form of a special power of attorney—his personal agent with authority to act for and on his behalf for the duration of his travel abroad, and has to file written notice of his arrival within 24 hours from his return to the Philippines.

Earlier, Yap has also elevated several issues on his Sandiganbayan case before the SC and his petition is still pending resolution.

Based on the itinerary, Yap submitted to the SC, the outgoing member of the House of Representatives, representing Bohol’s Third District and former secretary of the Department of Agriculture, said he and members of his family would travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan, and South Korea from June 6 until June 29.

In his appeal, Yap told the SC that his travel abroad would also be an opportunity to bond with his family before he would assume his new position as Bohol governor.

It was not known immediately if Yap and members of his family have left the country.

In his manifestation, Yap said that he was not a flight risk considering that he was an incumbent elected public official, and had been recently elected to a new post. Rey Requejo

NBI arrests 6 in casino scheme THE National Bureau of Investigation on Friday warned the public against individuals preying on tourists in local casinos by lending them gambling money but would detain them if they failed to immediately pay the borrowed amount.

NBI spokesman Ferdinand Lavin reminded the public that if approached by these individuals, “people playing in casinos should approach the hotel staff and security for help immediately.”

Six individuals, composed of five Chinese nationals and a Filipino-Chinese were presented by the NBI for abducting three of their compatriots and detaining them against their will inside a hotel room in Parañaque City.

The NBI said that the victims, all males and aged around 40 to 50 years old, were being asked to pay P7 million, which represents the principal and interest of a casino loan for P1.5 million.

Three of the abductors, Junrong Jia, Xuejian Li and Quijin Tian, were arrested in the NBI operation.

The three other suspects, Peter Lim Santos, Wang Liping and Au Pang Liang were arrested after they tried to bribe lawmen with P1 million inside the NBI Cyber Crime Division headquarters for the release of their compatriots. PNA

PVAO denies dead veterans got benefits STATE auditors have found that 5,721 veterans continued to be paid monthly pensions in 2018 even though they had long died.

But the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office denied dead veterans were paid benefits and said no pension money was missing.

In its report on its audit of the PVAO for 2018 released recently, the Commission on Audit said the veterans’ office spent about P70.25 million on benefits for deceased veterans and their beneficiaries last year.

The PVAO was trying to recover the money, but as of the end of 2018 it had recovered only P33.79 million, or less than half, of the wrong payouts, the COA said.

But the recovered money had yet to be turned over to the national coffers, a violation of Republic Act No. 10964, or the 2018 General Appropriations Act, the COA said.

The money, it said, remained in the servicing banks. Rio Araja

3 petition vs. provincial bus ban filed rd

By Rey E. Requejo

M

ILITANT Bayan Muna Party-list and members of the House Makabayan bloc have filed the third petition before the Supreme Court seeking to nullify the controversial provincial bus ban policy on EDSA. Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares and the House Makabayan bloc have sought the immediate issuance of temporary restraining order and subsequently rule to permanently void the regulation that bans provincial buses from plying along the major thoroughfare and moves provincial buses’ loading and unloading zone to the two integrated terminals in Santa Rosa, Laguna for those coming from

the south, and Valenzuela City for those from the north.

Regulation 19-002 Series of 2019 of the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Metro Manila Council also asks local governments to revoke or stop the issuance of business permits to provincial bus terminals along EDSA. Ako Bicol Reps. Ronald Ang and Alfredo Garbin Jr., and Albay 2nd District

Rep. Joey Salceda had lodged similar petitions.

Colmenares and his co-petitioners argued that the MMDA “exceeded its powers” when it issued the regulation “because it does not possess legislative nor police powers.”

They said Republic Act 7924 or An Act Creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Defining its Powers and Functions, Providing Funding Therefor and For Other Purposes, “did not grant the MMDA with police power, nor legislative power, and that all of MMDA’s functions are administrative in nature.”

The policy also “fails the test of a val-

id police power measure,” they stressed.

Considering that MMDA is not equipped with police and legislative powers, the petitioners said that it “verily it violates the due process rights not just of the affected buses but also the affected public.”

“MMDA’s failure to conduct consultations with the affected public and study options other than banning provincial buses also “violates equal protection rights,” the petitioners added.

The dry run of the policy started on April 23 but MMDA later suspended it on May 6, with traffic chief Edison “Bong” Nebrija admitting it still needs further review and studies.

May polls violence drops—PNP

IN HIGH GEAR. DPWH workers repair, clean and give a facelift to the surroundings of the bayside Quirino Grandstand in Manila’s sprawling Luneta Park ahead of the 121st Philippine Independence Day celebration on Tuesday. Lino Santos

Suspected pedophile wanted in Connecticut nabbed

By Vito Barcelo IMMIGRATION authorities arrested a suspected American pedophile wanted by authorities in Connecticut for child molestation and engaging in child pornography.

The suspect, identified as Jason Eric Keller, was collared by immigration agents inside the BI’s district office in Davao City while he was applying for an extension of his stay as a tourist, according to Commissioner Jaime Morente.

“He seemed unaware that we already have information about his crimes, and that he is already in our watchlist

of wanted foreign fugitives,” Morente said.

“The American will be deported immediately as his presence here poses a serious threat to our children. Afterwards, he will be blacklisted and banned from reentering the Philippines,” the BI chief said.

Keller was issued an arrest warrant by a US district court in Connecticut in December last year after he was charged with enticing a child to engage in sexual activity and receiving child pornographic materials.

Morente said it was in April this year that the US government sought the BI’s

help in locating and arresting him which led to his inclusion in the BI watchlist and filing of deportation charges against him for being an undocumented and undesirable alien.

BI Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said that Keller, who used the alias ‘Eddie Buttered Toast’arrived in the country in February 2017.

“He is already an undocumented alien at the time of his arrest due to the cancellation of his passport by the State Department,” Manahan said.

Keller is temporarily detailed at the holding facility of the BI-Davao pending his deportation.

Reblocking of streets is resumed

DECAYING ALGAE.

A lakeshore resident cleans up his jurisdiction of decaying algae that has brought a disturbing stench to the residents in Laguna Lake’s nearby Barangay Bayanan in Muntinlupa on Friday. Officials say algae bloom yearly in Laguna Lake due to the heat brought by summer, and the decaying algae have emitted a foul smell that fish pen owners believe may affect oxygen level and cause possible fishkill to nearby fish pens. Norman Cruz

By Joel E. Zurbano

Solon urges gov’t to expedite 4Ps implementation SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday urged the government to expedite the full implementation of the recentlysigned Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Law amid the marginal rise in the country’s inflation rate.

This, after the Philippine Statistics Authority, has reported that the inflation rate rose to 3.2 percent in May from April’s 3 percent.

“This will shield our underprivileged countrymen from rising prices of basic commodities and help reduce the number of Filipino families that consider themselves poor,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

Gatchalian noted that several Filipinos suffered through last year’s rising prices due to the slow implementation of various social mitigating measures, including the government’s conditional cash transfer.

“Hopefully, there won’t be a repeat of the mis-

THE number of election-related violent incidents during the 2019 midterm elections dropped by 55 percent as compared to figures from 2016, the Philippine National Police said Friday.

PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said 60 ERVIs were recorded from Jan. 19 to June 6 this year, lower than the 133 ERVIs recorded in the last elections.

For the 2019 midterm polls, 51 election-related violence were recorded from Jan. 13 to May 12 while eight cases were reported during Election Day. Only one was reported so far after the elections.

Of the 113 victims reported for this year’s polls, 23 were killed, 46 were injured while 44 were unharmed while 50 people were reported killed during the 2016 presidential elections.

The election period, however, will end next week.

Banac added there had been 5,176 firearms of different types confiscated and some 49,438 deadly weapons seized in operations that also resulted in the arrests of 6,203 persons. He described operations as police response, checkpoint, gun check and the serving of search warrants from Jan. 13 to June 5.

The PNP leadership earlier attributed the reduction in the number of incidence of election violence to early preparations that started as early as July last year, a time when the number of elected officials killed was rising.

“This is a big decline. We cannot entirely say we are doing good but of course, with these incidents, we aim to fully implement our police interventions so that the number of ERVIs won’t increase,” said PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde earlier.

He said the sharp decrease in ERVIs can be attributed to the strict security measures implemented by both the PNP and the Armed Forces in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, and the cooperation of candidates to prevent violence. PNA

takes made in the implementation of these programs,” Gatchalian said.

The 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven years to improve the health, nutrition and education aspect of their lives.

The eligible beneficiaries of the 4Ps include farmers, fisherfolks, homeless families, indigenous peoples, those in the informal settler sector and those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas including those in areas without electricity.

All beneficiaries of 4Ps as identified by the standardized targeting system to be qualified household-beneficiaries of the 4Ps shall automatically be covered in the National Health Insurance Program. PNA

THE Metro Manila Development Authority announced on Friday the resumption of road reblocking and other repairs along major thoroughfares in the metropolis this weekend.

Personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region resumed the road works Friday night after the MMDA gave its go signal for the road works.

In its advisory, the MMDA public information office stated that the DPWH-NCR will undertake road reblocking and repairs beginning 11 p.m. of June 7 until 5 a.m. of June 10.

The road works cover the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue southbound directions from before Aurora Boulevard, 1st lane from the sidewalk; from after Aurora Boulevard to Arayat Street, 1st lane from the sidewalk; from fronting Guzent Construction Equipment, 1st lane from the sidewalk; and from Magallanes-Baclaran Bus Stop to Magallanes-Alabang Bus Stop, outer lane; and at the northbound direction from before General Roxas Avenue to after Aurora Boulevard, 1st and 2nd lane from the sidewalk, intermittent section.

Along Circumferential Road-5 (C-5 Road), repair works will be implemented at the southbound direction beside U-Turn Slot near Market Market, 2nd lane.

Sports

A7

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Warriors’ part-owner banned for a year, fined $500k for push OAKLAND—Golden State Warriors investor Mark Stevens was banned from NBA games and team activities for a year and fined $500,000 after shoving and cursing at Toronto guard Kyle Lowry in an NBA Finals game, the league announced Thursday.

But the punishment doesn’t go as far as Lowry wants, the Raptors playmaker saying he wants Stevens out of the league for his actions in Toronto’s 123109 game-three victory Wednesday.

“A guy like that shouldn’t be part of our league,” Lowry said.

The NBA and club bans were immediate and will last through the 2019-20 playoffs, a league statement said.

Lowry scored 23 points as Toronto seized a 2-1 lead in the series, but it was when he dove after a loose ball on the sideline in the fourth quarter that sparked the incident.

After Lowry tumbled into the courtside seats, he was shoved and cursed at

by Stevens, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist sitting in an adjacent seat. Lowry

Huge field vies in PPS Olivarez tilt CLOSE to 250 entries, headed by the top junior players in the National Capital Region and nearby cities, kick off their chase for top honors in various divisions as the PPS-PEPP Dr. Pablo Olivarez national age-group 2019 gets going today (Saturday, June 8) at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

Denise Bernardo, Julia Ignacio, Justine Maneja and Alaine Obra brace for a spirited duel in the girls’ 18-and-under class while Loucas Fernandez, Marcus del Rosario, Daniel Estanislao III and Jester Ocio banner the boys’ premier side of the Group I tournament which drew 32-player rosters in six age categories.

Maneja and Ignacio are also seeing action in the 16-U play that also features Gaby Zoleta and Melody Dizon while Ocio, JT Bernardo, Rafael Liangco and Lance Fernandez get the top billing in the boys’ 16-U bracket.

The organizing Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala set the event, sponsored by Dr. Pablo Olivarez, on two weekends (June 8-9 and June 1516) and on June 12, a holiday, so as not to disrupt the student-athletes’ classes.

“We always put on consideration the student-athletes’ commitment to education and we’re inspired by the huge turnout which only underscores these young players’ continued support to the circuit,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Keen competition is also expected in the other divisions with Bernardo, Joshua Diva, Jagat Sachdeva and France Dilao gearing up for a fierce battle in the boys’ 14-U class and Dizon, Mica Emana, Jiana Hernandez and Carrilyn Pesengco spearheading the 32-player draw in the girls’ 14-U play of the tournament presented by Dunlop.

Felicia Araneta and Alecsa Ilao, on the other hand, lead the cast in the girls’ 12-U category while a sibling rivalry looms in the boys’ 12-U section with John Prince and Kriz Roque Lim up against Frank and France Dilao.

Kriz Roque Lim is also the marked player in the 10-unisex side, which also lured the likes of Samuel Davila, Devin Yap and Rafael Llira in the tournament sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg.

complained to a referee and Stevens was eventually removed.

“He had no reason to touch me,” Lowry said after the game. “He had no reason to reach over two seats and then say some vulgar language to me.”

The NBA issued a statement calling Stevens’ moves “beyond unacceptable” and banned him from NBA games.

The Warriors issued an apology from the club and Stevens, saying they were “extremely disappointed” in his behavior and that he was prohibited from returning to NBA Finals games.

“I think more should be done,” Lowry said. “He’s not a good look for the ownership group they have.

“A guy like that showing his true class, he shouldn’t be part of our league.

There’s just no place for that.”

The league has forced out owners before, notably former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling after racist remarks were made public in 2014. He was banned from the NBA for life and the club was sold to Steve Ballmer. AFP

Golden State’s Klay Thompson will be back in Game 3 of the Dubs’ best-of-seven duel with the Toronto Raptors while Kevin Durant will still be out of commission.

Durant still out, but Klay to return O

AKLAND—Golden State star forward Kevin Durant will miss game four of the NBA Finals on Friday with a right calf injury, but guard Klay Thompson will return, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Thursday.

Both players were absent in Wednesday’s 123-109 loss to Toronto, which game the Raptors a 2-1 edge in the bestof-seven championship series entering game four Friday in Oakland.

“My body feels really good and that extra night of rest really helped,” Thompson said. “I just can’t wait.”

Two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Durant, the team’s leading playoff scorer with 32.5 points a game, did not have a setback, Kerr said, but trainers will not clear him for scrimmage work before Friday or Saturday.

“I was hoping today would be the day when he could get out on the floor,” Kerr

said. “It’s going to be probably the next couple of days. That’s the next step.

“So the hope would be that he could still make it back at the end of the series.”

Durant has missed a month with the injury, the Warriors going 6-2 without him in the playoffs.

“He will continue to get treatment and get on the court and continue to work,” Kerr said. “It’s just about when the training staff tells me he’s ready.”

The Warriors, whose latest loss came despite a career playoff high 47 points from Stephen Curry, will welcome back five-time All-Star guard Thompson, who sat out Wednesday with a strained left

hamstring, ending a career run of 120 consecutive playoff games without a miss.

“The risk was too great and being down 2-1 is not the end of the world,” Thompson said. “We’ve been in this position before so we can rely on our experience and we’re getting guys back.

“It just sucks missing a finals game.

This is what we work our whole lives for.

But I would rather miss one game than an entire series.”

The injury-hit defending NBA champions might even get back forward Kevon Looney, who had been declared out for the remainder of the best-of-seven series with a chest injury, according to Kerr.

“We’re gathering information, second opinion-type thing,” Kerr said. “It’s sort of an open question. At this point there’s not anything to report. We’re looking at all our options and his options.”

Tamayo, indigenous athletes celebrate 10th Tribal Games COL. Jeff Tamayo Jr., head of the Philippine Olympic Committee Indigenous Games, leads the 10th year anniversary celebration of the of the POC-PSC Indigenous Peoples Tribal Games at the Sitio Target, Barangay Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Tribal Games had given the Indigenous Peoples the rare opportunity to show off their sports prowess using the traditional sports equipment such as the bow and arrow (pana), spear (sibat) and blow pipe (sumpit) plus sturdiness in barefoot races.

Col. Jeff Tamayo and host Sablayan Municipality representative and Governor-elect Eduardo Gadiano share inspiring messages to the Mangyan tribal athletes of Occidental Mindoro during the POC PSC Indigenous Peoples Tribal Games—a prelude to the 10th Year Anniversary of the IP Tribal Games set June 8, 2019 at the Sapang Bato, Pampanga.

Since the birth of the Peoples’ Indigenous Tribal Games in 2009 at the Picnic Grounds of Clark Field in Pampanga, the forefathers of our Katutubo—the Aetas, Mangyans and the Dumagats —had proven their athletic prowess in the local competitions as well as in the international arenas.

Through the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippine Sports Commission, sports patron BGEN Dr. Antonio L. Tamayo of the University of Perpetual Help Systems DALTA and the lead agency Philippine Soft Tennis Association, Indigenous Peoples had represented the country in the 2010 Sabah Tribal Games in Malaysia; 2015 World IP Tribal Games in Tocantins, Brazil and was part of the organizing committee during the 2017 World IP in Canada.

Acknowledging its importance, the International Olympic Committee mandated the presence of the IP Tribal Games worldwide thru the IOC Agenda 21 Program.

The POC Indigenous Peoples committee is headed by its chairman and founding chief Col. Tamayo Jr., also the president of the PSTA and POC second vice president.

A closer look at fighters Cejudo, Moraes at UFC 238 on FOX+ ON June 9, Henry Cejudo and Marlon Moraes will go head to head for the UFC Bantamweight Championship in one of the year’s most awaited matches.

The headlining match on Sunday at the United Center in Chicago Illinois, is none other than the fight for the vacant UFC Bantamweight title between Cejudo and Moraes. Two of the most skilled fighters in MMA, both have been experiencing great momentum in their careers.

Here’s a closer look at the two Bantamweight hopefuls.

Henry Cejudo Currently #4 in the official UFC pound-for-pound rankings, it’s hard to ignore Cejudo’s many accomplishments. The Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medalist became the UFC Flyweight Champion after getting a decision over top pound-for-pound fighter Demetrious Johnson. He would later on defend this title against TJ Dillashaw, a bantamweight elite, who Cejudo swarmed in under a minute. Controversially however, plenty have called Cejudo’s quick knockout of Dillashaw a “fluke”.

While a rematch is off the table due to Dillashaw serving a two-year suspension for doping, it does add more attention to Cejudo’s match versus Moraes. People know Cejudo is formidable—but exactly just how formidable

will be discovered during this match.

Cejudo’s road to success has not been easy. One of the seven children of undocumented Mexican immigrants, Cejudo moved over 50 times all across California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Growing up, he was raised by a single mother. In high school, his success started picking up when he won the American Wrestling Federation’s national freestyle tournament. He went on to train full time under a residency program at the US Olympic center, where he was provided his own bed—the first time he would ever experience having one of his own.

After signing on with the UFC in 2014, Cejudo only

gained more and more momentum. With wins over Dustin Kimura, Chris Cariaso, and Chico Camus, and being one of the top picks of the MMA Prospect Report for UFC’s Flyweight or Bantamweight divisions, the world is waiting to see if Cejudo can pull a win over Moraes and enter the ranks of UFC elites.

Marlon Moraes The former World Series of Fighting Bantamweight Champion, Moraes is currently ranked #1 in the official UFC Bantamweight rankings. He shot straight to the top after defeating three elite contenders for a combined combat time of less than five minutes and has beat the likes of Raphael Assuncao and Jimmie Rivera. Currently the top bet for the Bantamweight title, this match against Cejudo is arguably Moraes’ to lose.

Moraes started fighting at age 7 with Thai boxing, and then learned Muay Thai at age 9, and then moved on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he was 15. He would later pick up two Brazilian Muay Thai national championships before choosing to engage in MMA full-time in 2017. He would do so with the help of his Muay Thai teacher’s father-in-law, Alex Davis, a respected MMA manager.

It leaves the Warriors with a mentality of daily having to look around and prepare to play with whoever is healthy.

“The way we’ve handled it to date is what’s the focus today, who is able to play, who is not, and how are we going to give our best effort,” Curry said.

“Knowing (Durant) is not playing game four, we know what our rotations are going to be, everybody will lock in and go win that game. And we hope at some point he will be back, and when he does we’ll be able to transition.”

Durant’s absence hits the team on defensive schemes as well as in scoring.

“He’s an All-World athlete who makes your team better, so it’s a tough blow,” Curry said. “But we still have a great opportunity in front of us and we’re going to lay it all out there on the line to try to get it done.” AFP

Brazil’s Neymar in trouble over intimate photos RIO DE JANEIRO—Brazil’s Neymar gave a statement at a Rio de Janeiro police station Thursday in a probe into whether he broke the law by posting intimate pictures of a woman who accused him of rape.

The football megastar—full name Neymar da Silva Santos Junior—went to the station in an attempt to defend himself, sitting in a wheelchair after spraining his ankle the night before in a pre-Copa America friendly that has ruled him out of the tournament.

As he made his way out through a media scrum after giving his statement to police, the star striker expressed gratitude to his fans for their support.

“I felt very loved,” he said.

The injury to the world’s most expensive player is a huge blow to host nation Brazil’s preparations for the South American continental championship, which begins on June 14.

Neymar hobbled off the field in the 20th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 win over Qatar in Brasilia on Wednesday. A large ice pack had been strapped to his lower right leg.

Neymar’s club, Paris Saint-Germain, tweeted Thursday that the player “suffered a severe sprain of the outer lateral ligament of his right ankle,” and will be “reassessed by the club’s medical department within the next 72 hours.”

The injury caps a troubled season on and off the field for Neymar, who faces accusations that he raped Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza, in a Paris hotel in May. AFP

Chessers...

From A8

In the absence of individual chess events in the SEA Games, team event slots will be disputed instead when the Philippines hosts the event at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The SEA Games chess competition will offer seven team categories.

Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorra is among the top candidates in the men’s division.

On the other hand, top female woodpusher Shaina Mae Mendoza is also among those expected to make it.

Peter Atencio

Sports

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

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019

Sotto rejoins Gilas PH youth 5 KAI Sotto returned to Manila yesterday to the rejoin the Gilas Pilipinas national team preparing for the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup. Teaming up with 6’10” AJ Edu in the shaded lane, Sotto will give Gilas Pilipinas Youth a strong presence inside as they head to Greece three weeks from now.

The world 30th-ranked Philippine youth team plunges into action in the World Cup from June 29 to July 7.

Edu arrived last Wednesday to join the team’s practices, while Sotto will join the scrimmages within the week.

The national youth team’s backcourt will be led by point guard Dalph Panopio.

Sotto spent more than two months in Atlanta, Georgia with his family to undergo training.

Five National University standouts like Dave Ildefonso and Migs Oczon will be be around, alongside Bullpups Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, and Carl Tamayo.

Also lined up are Ateneo de Manila University’s Geo Chiu, Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Joshua Ramirez, Far Eastern University’s Xyrus Torres and San Beda High School’s Rhayyan Amsali.

University of the Philippines’ James Spencer and University of Sto. Tomas’ Bismarck Lina are also there.

Gilas Youth will be coached by Sandy Arespacochaga, who will then be aided by Anton Altamirano, Ryan Betia, JB Sison, and Charles Tiu. They will see action in Group C alongside no. 9 Argentina, no. 15 Greece, and no.19 Russia.

Peter Atencio

Chan closes in on SEAG golf berth, tops Stage 1 elims AIDRIC Chan moved halfway through clinching a coveted berth in the national team vying in this year’s SEA Games as he topped the SEA Games men’s team Stage I qualifier at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac yesterday.

The reigning national junior champion, who took charge of the crack field with a 68 Thursday, blew a 34 start with a floundering finish but his 72 still put him three strokes ahead of three others after the first of the two-phase elims that will select the three members of the Philippine team.

Counting his two 73s, Chan, who also won the National pro-am with Rey Pagunsan at Splendido last month, assembled a two-under 286 as he built some cushion over three bidders and nine others who survived the second cut heading to Stage 2 set June 10-13, also at the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed layout.

Carl Corpus birdied the first three holes at the back and fought back with a 70, Luis Castro fumbled with a bogey on the 17th and finished with a 71, and Sean Ramos also squandered a two-under frontside card with a closing 38, settling for a 72 as the troika stayed in the hunt with identical 289s.

But first day co-leader Gab Manotoc also got back into the thick of things after a 77 and 75 in the middle rounds with a second 69 for a four-day total of 290, just four strokes behind Chan, guaranteeing a fierce showdown in the next stage where the top three will make the Phl squad for the SEA Games slated Nov. 30-Dec. 10.

But the rest of survivors, who made the 13-player cut, stood too far behind although they remained hopeful of striking back next week in the last part of the grueling elims conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines, sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, the PLDT Group, Cignal and Metro Pacific and hosted by Luisita.

Edward Dy carded a 73 and Kristoffer Arevalo hobbled with a 75 as they scored identical 296s, 10 shots off the pace, while Alexander Bisera and Paolo Wong shot a pair of 73s and Ivan Monsalve carded a 74 for 297s.

Lanz Uy made a 75 for a 299, Ryan Monsalve skied to a 77 for a 303 in a tie with Rolando Bregente, who groped for a 78.

Meralco’s Gani Lawal barrels his way inside as he rams into the defense of Phoenix’s Dave Marcelo in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game won by the Bolts, 101-95.

Monster Lawal 20-20 game powers Meralco

By Jeric Lopez

M

ERALCO came through in crucial stretches in the second half to out-steady Phoenix and earn a 10195 victory—its third win in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

Gani Lawal was splendid for the Bolts, turning in a 20-20 game with 28 points and 26 rebounds, while Baser Amer also had a fine night with 20 points with four rebounds and four assists.

Meralco improved to 3-2, while Phoenix fell to 1-2 in the process.

The Bolts hit key baskets in the payoff period to keep the threatening Fuel Masters at bay and eventually preserve their second win in their last three games.

Meralco led for most of the second

half, but Phoenix came within a single point, 93-94, with 1:32 left after a floating jumper from RJ Jazul.

However, the Bolts kept their poise and answered with four straight points in the next few seconds to make it 9893 with 55 seconds left.

Two freebies from Jazul once again gave Phoenix life, making it 95-98, still in favor of Meralco.

Lawal’s split from the stripes with 24 seconds remaining iced the game for Meralco, making it a two-possession game, 99-95.

China knocks PH out of Fiba 3x3 contention

Chris Newsome added 18 markers and Nico Salva 15 for the Bolts.

Meralco went on a 13-7 run to end the third canto to carry an 80-72 advantage into the fourth period.

The Fuel Masters played sans coach Louie Alas and Calvin Abueva, who both served suspensions.

Matthew Wright led Phoenix with 20 markers, while new import Richard Howell had an abysmal debut for the Fuel Masters, managing only eight points.

The scores: Meralco 101—Lawal 28, Amer 20, Newsome 18, Salva 15, Quinto 8, De Ocampo 6, Almazan 3, Pinto 3, Hodge 0, Jackson 0, Caram 0, Hugnatan 0.

Phoenix 95—Wright 20, Perkins 16, Jazul 12, Marcelo 10, Howell 8, Mallari 7, Chua 6, Dennison 5, Intal 5, Kramer 4, Revilla 2, Wilson 0.

Quarters: 21-19, 46-47, 80-72, 101-95.

Van der Valk hobbles, but clings to lead DANAO City, Cebu—Guido Van der Valk blew what had appeared to be another fine start with a floundering finish, hobbling with a two-over 73 and enabling a curious mix of rivals to pull within striking distance after three rounds of the ICTSI Club Filipino de Cebu Invitational at the CFdC layout here yesterday.

Up by six with an impressive opening 66 and a record 65 in the second round, Van der Valk kept his rivals at a safe distance with two birdies in the first eight holes in searing heat. But just when he thought he had mastered the par-71 up-and-down layout and his pursuers held in check, he stumbled with a bogey on the ninth, dropped another stroke on No. 12 and double bogeyed the tricky par-4 14th.

He flubbed a birdie putt on No. 16 and ended up with a 73 and a nine-under 204 total, allowing a horde of others to get a crack at the top P550,000 purse in the P3 million event serving as the third leg of the milestone 10th season of the Philippine Golf Tour sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. Albin Engino, still in search for a maiden victory in nine years, eagled the par-5 15th and sizzled with his putter to produce four birdies against two bogeys as he battled back from eight down to within two at 206 after a 67, and former PGT Asia leg winner Justin Quiban birdied four of the l a s t eight holes to

By Peter Atencio TOP seed China knocked the Philippines out of contention yesterday in the women’s quarterfinals of the 2019 FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The Gilas Pilipinas Girls’ 3×3 teams took a 12-21 loss with 22.7 seconds to go in the race-to-21 contest.

With the setback, the Philippines will most likely fall to eighth place.

It was the trio of Xianglin Wu, Bei Liu, and Zhou He who got China off to a hot start and into a 5-0 lead.

The Philippines scored its first basket with 8:11 on the clock courtesy of Camille Clarin.

But China moved further away with a 7-1 lead.

The Philippines, through Ella Fajardo went for a late Philippine rally that saw Karl Ann Pingol scoring on a free throw and Angelica Surada hitting a two-pointer that sliced the lead to just three, 12-15, with 1:16 left.

He caught fire late, scoring back-toback deuces(outside shots worth two point each) to stop the Filipinas.

With 22.7 seconds remaining, Xianglin Wu found a wide-open Bei Liu for the game-sealing basket to end the Philippines’ campaign.

China, which will now await the winner of the Japan-New Zealand match in the semis, got 12 points from He.

Chessers to vie for SEAG slots Van Der Valk stumbles with a bogey on the ninth.

shoot a 67 and tie Michael Bibat, who carded a 68, and Elmer Salvador, who turned in a 69, at 207, just three strokes off the leader.

“My putting clicked and I hope to sustain my form tomorrow (today),” said the Engino, who rolled in a 10-foot eagle off a superb rescue shot from 200 yards on the 15th and buried birdie putts from 15 feet on Nos. 16 and 18.

Despite the shaky finish, the Dutchman insisted he didn’t lose his focus or his touch and remained confident of pre-

vailing in the end.

“I had no problem with my game. It happens, the breaks just went against me down the stretch,” said Van der Valk. “But no predictions but I will play my usual game.”

The Dutchman didn’t only see his huge ead reduce to two but also his record 65 shatter by Aussie David Gleeson, who grabbed some of the spotlight by churning out a brilliant eight-under 63 sparked by an eagle on No. 11 where he started and capped by a stirring six-birdie roll from No. 3.

THE country’s top chessers will start vying for slots in the national team during a grand finals event that will be held this July.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines project director Jayson Gonzales said this following a meeting with Philippine delegation chef de mission and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez last Tuesday.

The final selection process for members of the national men’s and women’s team will held from July 11 to 15 at the Alphaland Suites in Makati City.

“It will be a selection for members of blitz and standard chess event. This tournament will determine who will advance to the core group of players,” Turn to A7 said Gonzales.

Tiger confident heading into US Open

Tiger Woods

LOS ANGELES—Tiger Woods, his 15th major secured at the Masters, is on the rise again heading into the US Open at Pebble Beach, scene of one of the US superstar’s most dominant triumphs.

“My game is right where I feel like it needs to be,” Woods said after firing a final-round 67 at the Memorial on Sunday.

“Each day I got a little more crisp,” said Woods, who was out of the running for a sixth Memorial title heading into Sunday, but lit up the front nine with five birdies at Muirfield Village before coming home in even par to sneak into

the top 10—albeit 10 shots behind winner Patrick Cantlay.

“I was hoping I could get something positive going into the Open and I was able to accomplish that,” said Woods, who opted not to play between his Masters victory and the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black where he missed the cut.

There’s no doubt that Woods will be better prepared for the 119th US Open, which tees off on June 13 on the iconic California coastal course where he won by a record 15 strokes in 2000.

“I drove it great,” Woods said of his

week at Memorial, and that will be a key factor on the tight fairways at Pebble Beach. If he can tidy up a few things —he twice caught the lip of fairway bunkers and twice came away with bogeys at Muirfield’s 14th despite having wedges in his hand—Woods was optimistic he could contend.

“Those are loose things you can’t afford to have happen in an Open,” he said. “If I can clean those up, I should be all right.”

Iron play remains a strength for the 43-year-old Woods, who led the Masters field in greens in regulation. AFP

IN BRIEF

AirAsia to start Kaohsiung flights

THE Philippine unit of Southeast Asia’s largest budget carrier is expanding its international network from Clark and Cebu in the Philippines with a new service to Kaohsiung, Taiwan starting Aug. 1.

“The Philippines continues to be one of the top holiday destinations for Taiwanese. As the only Philippine airline to connect Cebu and Clark directly to Kaohsiung, we are pleased to be able to contribute to Philippine tourism and bring Cebuanos and Kapampangans closer to southern Taiwan as well,” AirAsia Philippines president and chief executive Dexter Comendador said.

AirAsia is offering all-in promotional fares from Cebu and Clark to Kaohsiung from P990.

AirAsia now flies to 13 destinations.

F&S Holdings, owned by Rep. Michael Romero and his wife Sheila earlier acquired 28.8-percent shares in AirAsia Inc., bringing their total shares to 44.4 percent from only 15.7 percent.

The company acquired 13-percent share and 15.7-percent shares of AAI from Ambassador Alfredo Yao and Maan Hontiveros, respectively. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

Singapore company promotes blockchain

SINGAPORE-BASED BCB Blockchain is creating a platform of solutions for smart cities in the Philippines in partnership with QBO Innovation Hub and Animo Labs.

“We hope to attract Filipino developers who are using the cutting-edge technology that is melded into building smart cities,” BCB Blockchain founder and chief executive Douglas Gan said in a news briefing Friday.

BCB Blockchain is a platform designed by GBCI Ventures, a smart city solutions provider that serves a whole gamut of technology expertise from Internet of Things to the integration of financial technology, infrastructure technology and even applications in agriculture.

The partnership with local incubators is a commitment to work closely in critical areas for co-incubation projects, research and development, seminars and trainings, promotional activities, competitions, hackathons and collaborative endeavors for smart city or blockchain development.

BCB will work with the leading technology business incubators to contribute to the breakthrough of blockchain technology as a strategic platform to accelerate the development of the next generation of smart city applications and projects in emerging countries.

Othel V. Campos

Grab PH vehicles traveled 300b km since 2013 launch

By Darwin G. Amojelar GRAB, the leading mobile app in Southeast Asia, said GrabPay’s user base grew 30 percent per quarter in the Philippines.

It said about 25 percent of all Grab transactions in the Philippines were paid through GrabPay’s cashless services.

GrabPay said it would be available for both online and offline transactions nationwide this year once its strategic partnership with SM Investments Corp. came into full play.

Grab said it would also explore more partnerships with other retailers and micro, small and medium enterprises to expand its digital wallet capabilities to the mass market.

This supports the vision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to migrate 20 percent of total cash transactions into noncash by 2020.

“Grab has always made its mission to improve the quality of lives of millions of Filipinos―from consumers to our partners –through its everyday super app services,” Grab Philippines president Brian Cu said.

“Since day one, we have vowed to help the country achieve our shared goal of driving greater mobility, financial inclusivity, and better logistics through an interconnected ecosystem of digital services,” Cu said.

Grab, introduced in the Philippines in 2013, has traveled more than 300 billion kilometers in the country, enough to go around the world 7.5 million times. It is equal to traveling to the moon and back for more than 780,000 times.

Grab’s average monthly rides have been growing by 150 percent annually, helping provide more seamless mobility to commuters and uplifting the lives of its 60,000 active drive-partners.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019

B1

PCC set to begin review of merger between Holcim and San Miguel

By Othel V. Campos

Food firms want open sugar trade

FOOD producers and manufacturers asked the government to address the high cost of domestic sugar by deregulating the industry and allowing the open importation of the commodity.

“Our domestics processors comprised mostly of small entrepreneurs are really hurting from Asean competition. The high cost of sugar in the local market is killing the local industry but favoring foreign competition,” said Philippine Food Exporters Inc. president Roberto Amores.

He said Philippine confectionery products could not compete in Asean amid the prohibitive cost of sugar which is an important ingredient in food processing.

He said Thailand’s refined sugar in the retail market was only P31 to 34 per kilogram compared to P60 to P65 a kilo in the Philippines.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest business organization in the country, also expressed support for the opening of sugar importation to make the industry more competitive.

Othel V. Campos

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

BANK OF CHINA-PRUDENTIAL DEAL. Bank of China Manila teams up with Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Inc., one of the largest non-life insurance companies in the Philippines, to explore opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.

Leading the signing of a memorandum of understanding at the Bank of China Manila headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City are (from left) Prudential Guarantee chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr. and Bank of China Manila country head Deng Jun.

Japanese firm to build 1,000-MW LNG project A

By Alena Mae S. Flores

JAPANESE company expressed interest to put up a 1,000-megawatt power project that will run on liquefied natural gas in the Philippines, according to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Cusi said the Japan International Cooperation Agency was also interested in funding the construction of the LNG facility. He said this was one of the positive commitments received by the Philippine government during the recent Tokyo visit of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“A Japanese company will be the one [to put up the power plant],” Cusi said.

The power plant could be deployed in 18 to 24 months, he said.

FGen LNG Corp., a joint venture of

First Gen Corp. and Tokyo Gas of Japan, last month broke ground on the $1-billion LNG terminal project and announced plan to build a 1,200-MW power project in Batangas City.

Once completed, the LNG terminal will allow the Philippines to import and store LNG and ensure a stable supply of clean energy once the Malampaya natural gas field in northwest Palawan is depleted by 2024.

Cusi said in a statement that the Energy Department would fast-track the contracting of new generating capacities for 2023 to 2030.

“We have the next three years to help President Duterte realize his vision of helping Filipinos lead stable and comfortable lives. As we revisit the DoE’s mid-term action plan, we must think, serve and formulate the appropriate policies in accordance to what will help bring accessible, reliable and affordable energy throughout the entire country,” he said.

Cusi said the department would remain relentless in finding ways to help

bring down the costs of power in the country, following the Supreme Court ruling on subjecting power supply contracts to the competitive selection process to protect the consumers.

He also said the missionary electrification and the attainment of 100-percent household electrification all over the Philippines would remain the top priority of the agency in cooperation with the National Electrification Administration, National Power Corp. and the private industry players.

Cusi said the DoE “will ensure the sustainable implementation of the rules and laws for the security of our energy supply through competition, access to bilateral markets, anti-monopoly measures, least-cost power, and the protection of the environment.”

He said that despite being technology-neutral, the department would continue to help protect the environment and address climate change concerns by exploring the utilization of the latest technologies that are environmentally sustainable.

LOWER POWER RATES. Manila Electric

Co. announces that power rates decreased by P0.19 per kilowatt-hour this month which would translate into P39 in monthly bill savings of a typical household consuming 200 kWh per month. The second straight month of electricity rate decrease represents a total downward adjustment of around P0.47 per kWh since May 2019. Meralco public information office head Joe Zaldarriaga explains that the over-all rate decrease can be attributed to lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market despite the continued tight supply.

Diokno remains optimistic on local economy

By Julito G. Rada

NGCP declares ‘red alert’ amid high power demand GRID operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines placed Luzon grid under “red alert” for several hours Friday because of the insufficient generating capacity amid high demand.

NGCP announced that the grid was placed on red alert from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. while the yellow alert was raised from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 7.

NGCP said the available capacity for Luzon was placed at 11,376 megawatts versus a peak demand of 11,237 MW. The company said manual load dropping or rotating brownouts would be implemented in selected areas including the franchise area of Manila Electric Co. at different hours of the day affected by the red alert to maintain the integrity of the power system.

THE Philippine Competition Commission said it will soon start the review of the merger between San Miguel Corp. and Holcim Philippines Inc. after both parties issued a notification to the antitrust body on June 6.

The agency said the Mergers & Acquisitions Office was evaluating the sufficiency of the parties’ submissions prior to phase 1 of the merger review.

San Miguel has a pending proposal to acquire the assets of multinational cement conglomerate Holcim in the Philippines.

PCC is mandated under the Philippine Competition Act to review mergers and acquisitions to ensure that they will not result in the substantial lessening of the competition in the relevant market and harm the interest of consumers The agency clarified that the merger-specific review of the SMC-Holcim transaction was different from the ongoing investigation on the possible cartel in the cement industry.

San Miguel earlier expressed optimism the PCC approve the acquisition of an 87.5-percent stake in Holcim Philippines Inc. by unit First Stronghold Cement Industries Inc. FSCII, a wholly owned unit of San Miguel-owned San Miguel Equity Investments Inc., signed last month an agreement to acquire an 87.5-percent interest in Holcim Philippines, the local unit of Switzerland-based LafargeHolcim Ltd. San Miguel said Holcim Philippines had an enterprise value of $2.15 billion.

“Do you know that 35 percent of cement being sold in the Philippines today are imported cement? And the major players in the Philippines― Holcim, Cemex, Lafarge-CRH and Japanese firm Taiyo, and another Taiwanese―they are all foreigners. Don’t you want a Filipino to acquire it?” Ang said.

Ang said Holcim controlled less than 20 percent of the cement market in the country which should not pose a problem.

NGCP, however, said the MLD schedule could be canceled if system condition improved such as when actual demand fell below projections.

“NGCP encourages everyone to exercise prudence in using electricity,” it said.

Data showed that while there was a series of yellow and red alerts, the Luzon grid did not reach its projected peak demand of 11,400 MW. The Luzon grid’s demand peaked at 11,245 MW on May 15.

This was the 10th red alert status and the 26th yellow alert status for the Luzon grid since January.

The Energy Department said seven power plants were on forced outages with an installed capacity of 1,203 MW on Friday due to various reasons.

These plants are SEM-Calaca Power Corp.’s Calaca unit 2 (300 MW), SMC Consolidated Power Corp.’s Limay coal plant unit 4 (150 MW), GN Power Mariveles coal plant’s Limay unit 2 (150 MW), AP Renewables Inc.’s Makban geothermal unit 1 (63MW) and Tiwi geothermal unit 1 (60 MW) and South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp.’s unit 2 (135 MW).

Nine power plants, mostly hydro, were also operating on a derated or below capacity status while some power plants were on maintenance shutdown.

NGCP earlier said power supply was expected to normalize in September once the hydropower plants went back online during the rainy season and once other power plants completed their maintenance operations.

Alena Mae S. Flores

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said he remains optimistic on the growth prospects of the Philippine economy but said some reforms should be pursued to ward off the negative impact of external risks.

He said such external risks included the slowing global growth and the lingering trade tensions between the United States and China.

Diokno said while the external environment was challenging, he was “cautiously optimistic” about the current state of the Philippine economy.

“Keeping our house in order remains the first and best line of defense. We are improving economic openness through liberalization of trade and foreign direct investment, we are enhancing external competitiveness by strengthening domestic industries; we are diversifying products and markets to non-traditional growing economies; and we are sustaining domestic economic resilience by building adequate buffers,” Diokno said in a speech during the Rotary Club of Manila centennial celebration on June 6.

“These are some of the policy actions and reforms that we can pursue or continue to pursue in order to ward off the potential negative effects of external shocks, especially from rising protectionist measures and heightened policy uncertainty,” he said.

He said local monetary authorities continued to recognize the uncertainty in the global economic environment, with the International Monetary Fund further revising down its global growth prospects due to volatilities in commodity prices, uncertainty over advanced economies’ policy normalization and the ongoing trade tensions as a result of the US-China trade war.

B2

Business

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market climbs; SSI leads gainers S TOCKS rose for a second day, tracking the gains on Wall Street following a report that the United States could delay its plan to hit Mexico with tariffs.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, picked up 24 points, or 0.3 percent, to close at 7,983.98 on Friday. This also pushed up total gains since the start of the year to 6.9 percent.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also rose 5 points, or 0.1 percent, to settle at 4,890.79, on a value turnover of P4.3 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 103 to 86, while 48 issues were unchanged.

Eleven of the 20 most active stocks

ended in the green, led by retailer SSI Group Inc. which climbed 3.8 percent to P3.51. BDO Unibank Inc., the largest lender, rose 1.3 percent to P139.80, while conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc. of the Gokongwei family went up 1.2 percent to P63.40.

Meanwhile, other Asian markets also traded higher Friday after Bloomberg News reported that Washington could push back its plan to impose tariffs on Mexico on June 10 to allow more time for talks on illegal immigration.

Upbeat comments from Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who said the talks with US officials had yielded progress, added to the positive mood.

Export-dependent Mexico has been scrambling to stem the flow of Central American migrants to the US— deploying troops along its border with Guatemala, blocking a new caravan and

freezing the bank accounts of suspected human traffickers—in a bid to appease Washington.

“The slightly better tone to the Mexico immigration negotiations has seen all US major equity indices end the day in positive territory,” Rodrigo Catril, strategist at National Australia Bank, said in a commentary.

Tokyo closed 0.5 percent higher Friday. Sydney jumped 1.0 percent and Seoul edged up 0.2 percent while Singapore climbed 0.4 percent. Markets in Hong Kong and mainland China were closed for a public holiday.

European markets made modest gains in early trade, with London and Paris rising 0.5 percent while Frankfurt was up 0.4 percent.

Amid mounting concern for the health of the global economy, central bankers have taken a dovish stance to head off a recession.

The European Central Bank

announced on Thursday that it would extend its key interest rates for the eurozone—currently at historic lows— for at least the next six months.

The signals from the ECB have brought relief to investors as the eurozone battles rising worries about growth and inflation.

The trade tensions have lowered overall growth forecasts, with no date set for negotiations to resolve the USChina spat.

“The US-China dispute will drag on, with the next round of talks unclear, with a chance of a meeting of the two leaders in Japan as part of the G20 at the end of June,” said OANDA senior market analyst Alfonso Esparza, adding that the summit could yield “good news”.

“Then again, we have been here before, where an agreement was within reach, only to be snatched away at the last second,” he said. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

59.5 81.5 2.23 139 1.18 26.9 18.74 11.54 4.5 7.83 755 0.495 70.65 0.99 13.98 57.9 184 110 57.75 27.6 172 59.9

59.5 81.95 2.25 139.8 1.22 26.9 18.78 11.54 4.5 7.83 800 0.52 71.15 1 13.98 57.95 184.9 110 57.75 27.6 172.5 60.5

59 81.4 2.23 138.2 1.17 26.75 18.74 11.48 4.35 7.8 755 0.49 70.55 0.97 13.98 57.05 184 110 57.3 26.85 170 59.9

59 81.8 2.25 139.8 1.22 26.9 18.76 11.5 4.49 7.8 785 0.5 70.95 1 13.98 57.2 184.9 110 57.3 27.5 171.9 60.25

8,460 1,663,450 278,000 1,343,610 61,000 108,200 1,100 103,900 66,000 85,700 70 1,360,000 821,680 168,000 3,100 491,360 160 130 1,470 33,000 116,120 3,360

499,145 135,912,070 625,300 186,968,990 72,270 2,905,240 20,640 1,195,166 289,290 670,391 55,150 684,200 58,232,845.50 166,370 43,338 28,107,789 29,494 14,300 84,717.50 887,970 19,946,539 201,380.50

145,140 -14,028,282.50 30,853,467 3,540 381,320 -453,106 62,400 -43,967,147 -2,413,478 -58,905 -9,196,410 -17,973.50

INDUSTRIAL ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LMG CHEMICALS 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 SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

35.5 14.5 0.73 1.38 0.285 2.46 14.56 109 24.05 16.94 65.5 2 5.7 10.2 16 10.34 7.6 1.61 24 76.6 42.8 2.55 13.54 10.5 1.66 278 4.2 3.5 9.48 23.6 12.38 20.1 389 0.188 5.44 1.22 4.54 6.05 9.1 2.54 12.02 42 4.91 2.51 1.52 1.95 1.19 14.16 106 6.53 0.127 1.39 167.8 2.5 1.25 1.33

36 14.7 0.74 1.4 0.29 2.47 14.62 109 24.95 16.94 65.5 2 5.81 10.24 16.1 10.34 7.61 1.61 24.1 76.95 42.8 2.64 13.56 10.5 1.68 279 4.2 3.5 9.78 23.6 12.56 20.85 389.8 0.188 5.71 1.25 4.58 6.1 9.1 2.6 12.28 42 4.94 5 1.55 1.95 1.19 14.16 107 6.53 0.127 1.42 169 2.52 1.3 1.36

35.05 14.32 0.71 1.38 0.28 2.36 14.52 109 24.05 16.94 65.5 1.98 5.5 10.16 15.9 10.06 7.56 1.6 23.4 76.6 42.35 2.51 13.46 10.08 1.66 275.2 4.19 3.5 9.48 23.3 12.38 19.76 382.6 0.186 5.44 1.21 4.54 6.04 9.1 2.46 12 41.05 4.9 2.51 1.51 1.95 1.17 13.8 105.5 6.5 0.125 1.28 166.7 2.5 1.23 1.29

35.1 14.54 0.74 1.4 0.28 2.36 14.56 109 24.9 16.94 65.5 2 5.5 10.2 16 10.3 7.59 1.6 24.05 76.9 42.45 2.61 13.54 10.2 1.68 275.2 4.19 3.5 9.78 23.35 12.44 19.8 388.8 0.186 5.71 1.23 4.57 6.08 9.1 2.52 12.24 41.25 4.94 5 1.52 1.95 1.18 14.08 106.2 6.52 0.126 1.31 169 2.5 1.29 1.33

759,100 212,300 1,084,000 14,000 4,170,000 19,296,000 747,600 10 87,400 100 150 65,000 18,400 1,914,300 307,700 155,600 84,400 24,000 2,014,000 39,600 266,200 17,219,000 575,500 321,000 205,000 542,820 3,000 30,000 7,700 7,086,500 695,300 1,109,500 90,570 720,000 1,000 1,064,000 40,000 456,800 5,000 45,082,000 26,400 330,900 12,000 38,400 1,313,000 20,000 195,000 869,700 271,880 128,200 1,530,000 6,589,000 468,410 1,075,000 5,095,000 5,977,000

26,691,145 3,084,978 785,220 19,570 1,177,800 46,230,460 10,877,026 1,090 2,165,210 1,694 9,825 129,500 103,574 19,510,388 4,910,868 1,580,728 639,649 38,480 48,118,855 3,045,124.50 11,305,405 44,681,750 7,775,804 3,262,522 343,060 149,589,436 12,580 105,000 73,086 166,125,695 8,669,958 22,034,220 35,073,496 134,440 5,467 1,295,820 182,870 2,772,953 45,500 113,816,700 321,558 13,644,280 58,890 191,004 2,003,130 39,000 229,160 12,217,046 28,866,104 835,780 192,620 8,805,300 78,676,067 2,689,620 6,512,490 7,935,330

-5,466,970 -243,480 11,352,210 572,838 -87,879 272,604.00 2,384,670.00 297,996 -423,500 16,763,420 -2,244,045.50 1,819,965 -116,940.00 1,813,116 -64,832 -78,739,110 120,523,635 -2,052,154 -14,352,912 -5,100,632 -714,250 -1,085,472 -9,653,750 -3,654,725 167,200 5,274,572 -5,269,807 -274,480 -4,446,187 2,077,500 -7,070 -

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

0.62 54.8 15.56 0.75 6.7 14.2 1.27 1.29 928 3.7 6.94 10.38 14 861 62.65 6.16 0.51 4.7 15.1 0.57 4.43 0.038 185.4 2.38 951 0.94 1.36 266 0.232 0.31

0.67 55.35 15.6 0.78 6.7 14.2 1.29 1.32 928 3.7 6.94 10.46 14 879 63.5 6.23 0.51 4.7 15.48 0.59 4.46 0.039 186.9 2.38 963 0.97 1.37 270 0.235 0.315

0.62 54.15 15.4 0.75 6.7 13.84 1.26 1.29 919 3.52 6.81 10.36 13.8 858.5 62 6.16 0.5 4.64 15.04 0.56 4.37 0.038 181 2.38 942 0.92 1.36 264.2 0.23 0.3

0.65 55.35 15.52 0.78 6.7 13.86 1.28 1.32 923 3.62 6.82 10.44 13.98 879 63.4 6.23 0.5 4.67 15.38 0.59 4.45 0.038 183 2.38 963 0.93 1.37 270 0.235 0.3

73,047,000 458,450 901,200 208,000 15,800 70,500 1,108,000 146,000 171,120 3,434,000 70,500 494,700 123,300 26,870 925,150 12,400 20,000 6,217,000 1,438,500 425,000 13,261,000 6,400,000 402,040 2,000 102,590 1,563,000 13,000 7,720 570,000 6,830,000

47,422,630 25,081,317.50 13,975,238 156,410 105,860 978,376 1,409,480 190,590 157,902,140 12,412,030 482,470 5,151,278 1,707,394 23,229,190 57,949,648.50 76,927 10,100 28,920,870 22,052,396 246,200 58,528,230 243,500 73,522,279 4,760 97,820,570 1,454,750 17,690 2,064,158 131,550 2,078,900

-252,440 -3,419,781 -5,535,378 105,860 5,951,315 400,570 -141,568 -2,746,458 -299,982 -348,480 -44,386,476 -11,263,450 12,708 25,553,810.00 -1,053,539 -4,760 -26,846,665 389,928 6,300

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

16.24 0.81 10.18 2.1 0.81 50.1 2.33 4.85 6.14 0.58 0.84 0.97 0.226 0.38 10.1 25.95 0.475 1.79 1.43 6.15 0.315 0.465 2.03 0.41 2.16

16.3 0.81 11.06 2.1 0.81 50.75 2.35 4.85 6.35 0.59 0.88 0.97 0.228 0.38 10.16 26 0.475 1.83 1.43 6.15 0.32 0.48 2.03 0.41 2.2

15.52 0.79 10.18 2.1 0.76 49.7 2.31 4.73 6.14 0.57 0.84 0.96 0.226 0.375 9.95 25.55 0.475 1.76 1.4 6.05 0.31 0.46 1.96 0.41 2.09

15.98 0.8 11.06 2.1 0.78 49.8 2.31 4.79 6.35 0.58 0.87 0.97 0.227 0.375 9.95 25.8 0.475 1.8 1.4 6.07 0.32 0.48 1.99 0.41 2.2

1,105,800 290,000 7,400 47,000 663,000 8,418,480 436,000 852,000 23,800 33,781,000 476,000 114,000 970,000 50,000 244,700 329,600 40,000 48,533,000 3,126,000 20,240,700 10,650,000 270,000 6,131,000 100,000 1,238,000

17,521,686 229,320 77,304 98,700 516,970 421,199,450 1,016,410 4,075,150 146,316 19,592,550 404,160 110,440 220,980 18,850 2,448,726 8,503,530 19,000 87,233,990 4,392,840 123,262,458 3,360,350 129,050 12,210,600 41,000 2,645,750

1,142,108.00 -180,510,987 -48,810 -2,218,510 1,042,840.00 6,780 789,283 3,812,335 634,640 61,630 13,208,242 120,200 738,220 -335,800

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

26.05 2.07 2.99 39.15 1.94 6.32 0.74 7.11

26.5 2.14 3 39.5 1.96 6.5 0.74 7.15

26.05 2.07 2.98 38.95 1.92 6.31 0.73 7.05

26.3 2.13 2.99 39.35 1.95 6.31 0.73 7.15

1,208,200 366,000 208,000 2,753,100 856,000 86,800 275,000 4,499,300

31,667,760 771,990 622,780 107,925,110 1,664,920 554,409 202,050 32,065,624

10,985,830 -2,120 -36,177,125 26,490 -10,422,791

SERVICES 2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD EASYCALL 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 METROALLIANCE B MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PH RESORTS GRP PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

11.34 18.48 1.31 0.44 21.45 2.84 11.84 0.057 91.5 7.05 6.46 5.7 2.18 10.48 2,230 5.4 400.2 2.22 1.9 136.5 10.3 0.122 6 15 4.11 0.88 20.3 0.55 3.68 2.66 1.53 1.52 14.5 2.5 3.2 9.5 4.87 125.8 3.36 1,232 0.78 0.84 46 72.95 9.2 3.43 0.72 0.375 5.24 0.72 17

11.4 18.48 1.31 0.445 21.5 2.94 11.98 0.059 94.15 7.05 6.6 5.88 2.18 10.5 2,272 5.4 430 2.24 1.94 138 10.3 0.124 6.12 15.5 4.43 0.88 20.5 0.56 3.68 2.66 1.55 1.67 14.5 2.5 3.21 9.65 4.95 125.9 3.4 1,239 0.78 0.89 46.35 73 9.46 3.55 0.72 0.385 5.24 0.73 17.16

11.32 18.4 1.31 0.44 21.45 2.84 11.84 0.056 91.5 7 6.46 5.7 2.18 10.34 2,230 5.23 378 2.2 1.8 136 10.3 0.12 6 15 4.11 0.83 20 0.54 3.65 2.62 1.53 1.52 14.5 2.33 3.11 9.5 4.87 124 3.31 1,230 0.77 0.84 45.45 71.5 9.2 3.39 0.69 0.365 5.19 0.7 16.98

11.36 18.46 1.31 0.44 21.5 2.91 11.98 0.058 93.3 7 6.54 5.88 2.18 10.5 2,240 5.3 412 2.2 1.92 137.5 10.3 0.123 6.1 15.5 4.28 0.88 20.3 0.55 3.65 2.63 1.53 1.67 14.5 2.34 3.19 9.5 4.95 125.8 3.4 1,230 0.78 0.86 46.35 73 9.46 3.51 0.71 0.385 5.19 0.72 17

11,800 42,300 85,000 2,170,000 2,100 1,361,000 1,083,000 20,140,000 491,330 35,500 536,900 14,900 5,000 21,600 30,235 155,900 33,980 653,000 50,000 1,219,190 1,100 1,160,000 1,379,300 22,100 2,619,000 360,000 1,171,600 1,542,000 40,000 2,697,000 28,000 4,000 100 5,415,000 154,000 12,200 9,000 152,230 1,220,000 122,420 3,595,000 27,840,000 297,500 271,800 18,500 17,178,000 2,103,000 10,240,000 88,400 959,000 492,300

133,926 780,152 111,350 955,000 45,130 3,941,210 12,884,854 1,167,000 45,906,979 248,750 3,508,750 86,970 10,900 224,540 67,729,890 824,983 13,609,248 1,445,080 93,240 167,257,984 11,330 140,620 8,378,907 338,012 11,252,010 307,340 23,880,295 838,580 146,570 7,090,590 43,020 6,340 1,450 13,110,880 487,630 116,760 44,070 18,880,447 4,097,470 151,000,080 2,779,220 23,987,200 13,675,070 19,666,040 174,759 59,964,220 1,484,660 3,865,300 459,337 684,150 8,383,360

11,324 -36,550 40,560 -6,413,810 3,866,827 89,060 -87,992 -58,800 6,595,310 8,880 20,094,547 -136,723 -3,371,750 20,101,545 -134,080 90,190 247,790 -1,141,060 -59,839,070 431,200 -1,491,940 -6,786,195 -10,302,304 7,195,720 205,230 -365,047 4,858,776

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

0.0019 1.14 2.71 12.38 2.8 0.28 7.75 1.46 0.241 0.112 0.124 0.0075 1.03 2.31 1.01 0.54 0.88 0.011 0.011 3.8 3.34 7.99 21.75

0.0019 1.17 2.71 12.38 2.86 0.28 7.75 1.5 0.241 0.114 0.124 0.0075 1.03 2.31 1.01 0.58 0.88 0.012 0.011 4 3.34 8.05 21.95

0.0018 1.14 2.7 12.38 2.8 0.28 7.65 1.46 0.228 0.11 0.124 0.0075 1.03 2.22 0.96 0.54 0.87 0.011 0.01 3.75 3.22 7.89 21.6

0.0019 1.15 2.7 12.38 2.86 0.28 7.65 1.5 0.233 0.11 0.124 0.0075 1.03 2.23 1 0.58 0.87 0.012 0.011 3.98 3.23 7.89 21.9

256,000,000 719,000 4,000 600 217,000 50,000 8,500 1,711,000 410,000 2,510,000 450,000 1,000,000 41,000 1,101,000 20,000 117,000 19,000 500,000 2,700,000 542,000 536,000 1,422,400 601,600

485,900 824,420 10,810 7,428 616,240 14,000 65,187 2,521,430 94,970 282,010 55,800 7,500 42,230 2,473,550 19,350 66,040 16,600 5,900 29,400 2,124,050 1,747,200 11,288,412 13,150,950

-345,000.00 -303,260 625,270 -408,040 -97,280 235,144 714,795

PREFERRED ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 FPH PREF C GMA HLDG PDR HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B PNX PREF 3B SFI PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2I

17.96 496 456 5.29 97 0.99 100.4 985 960 107 1.36 974.5 77 72 72.15 73.5

17.96 496 456 5.29 97 1.01 100.4 995 960 107 1.36 975 77.8 72 72.15 73.6

17.96 496 456 5.2 96.9 0.99 100.4 985 911 107 1.36 963.5 77 72 72.1 73.5

17.96 496 456 5.2 96.9 1 100.4 995 911 107 1.36 975 77.8 72 72.1 73.6

300 1,050 20 47,600 230 196,000 800 170 60 470 4,000 1,610 1,710 22,700 34,730 46,100

5,388 520,800 9,120 250,588 22,304 196,050 80,320 168,150 55,150 50,290 5,440 1,557,950 131,918 1,634,400 2,504,264.50 3,389,210

-163,800 721,000 -

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.96

2.07

1.96

2.07

217,000

441,040

-

SME ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.8 1.01

4.99 1.04

4.8 1.01

4.97 1.03

788,000 3,119,000

3,873,310 3,193,810

24,700 -213,800

MS EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

119

119.6

118.4

119.6

6,280

745,965

-

DDS USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.2 10.2

10.2 10.2

10.18 10.2

10.18 10.2

161,390 8,000

1,643,178 81,600

-

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES 7,014,072

INDUSTRIAL

135,539,272

HOLDING FIRMS

119,465,705

PROPERTY

154,185,982

SERVICES

109,827,767

MINING & OIL

271,247,707

GRAND TOTAL

801,196,052

VALUE 1,736.83 (up) 14.09 487,756,403.37 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,554.03 (down) 13.96 1,294,387,446.83 HOLDING FIRMS 7,645.15 (up) 19.37 762,238,781.505 PROPERTY 4,333.66 (down) 2.34 1,670.68 (up) 6.21 954,316,681.87 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,296.45 (down) 40.48 697,210,221.04 PSEI 7,983.98 (up) 24.12 35,985,393.899 All Shares Index 4,890.79 (up) 5.92 4,239,717,856.91 Gainers: 103; Losers: 86; Unchanged: 48; Total: 237

Italpinas files application to sell 43m shares

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Italpinas Development Corp. filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission to sell 33.333 million preferred shares with an option for another 10 million shares at P15 apiece.

The fundraising activity will enable the property firm to raise as much as P650 million in proceeds if the overallotment shares are exercised to fund expansion projects.

IDC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 33,333 million preferred shares and the 10 million over-allotment shares would come from the unissued authorized capital stock.

IDC earlier said proceeds from the planned preferred shares offering would be used to finance land acquisitions and working capital requirements.

The company is currently looking at sites in the Visayas and Luzon which could be developed into horizontal housing projects.

The company also said it was planning to spend P2 billion to 3 billion to expand two projects next year including Primavera City in Cagayan de Oro City and Miramonti in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Primavera City, the company’s first project, will be implemented in four phases. Phase 1 is comprised of Towers A and B and Podium C, which is the commercial area and the basement parking.

Tower A and Tower B sold 92 percent and 86 percent of their available units, respectively, as of end-March 2019.

Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2019.

Meanwhile, Phase 2 of Primavera City will be launched in the second quarter.

IDC more than doubled its net income in the first quarter to P9.26 million from P4.21 million a year ago.

Megaworld opens museum in world’s oldest Chinatown PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. is developing three new museums as a part of its strategy to integrate them in township developments across the country.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls vice president for marketing and business development Tefel Pesignan-Valentino said in an interview at the sidelines of the launching of a museum in Binondo, Manila that three more museums would rise in Cebu City, Pampanga province and Pasig City.

Valentino said the museum in Cebu was expected to open in March 2021 in line with the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Philippines by European explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

Megaworld on Friday launched the country’s first cultural museum dedicated to the “world’s oldest Chinatown” inside Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo.

Megaworld said the Chinatown Museum features 18 galleries with each focusing on various influences and historical events that shaped the cultural, social and economic threads of Binondo―from its establishment as a settlement for Chinese to the height of downtown Escolta on its way to becoming a bustling commercial downtown of colonial Manila.

“It has always been our goal to integrate arts, culture, history and heritage in the overall character of our developments. With Lucky Chinatown being at the center of a community characterized by its rich history, we wanted to extend this passion for the arts and culture to the mall experience and eventually boost tourism in this part of Manila,” Megaworld chief strategy officer Kevin Tan said.

The new cultural landmark, recognized by the National Historical Commission and National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, is envisioned as a community space and heritage project that lends a visual retelling of the rich history of Binondo.

Chinatown Museum is the second museum venture of Megaworld following the opening of the Iloilo Museum for Contemporary Art at Iloilo Business Park township in Mandurriao, Iloilo last year.

“We conducted thorough research and consultations for this project, and we collaborated with members of the academe, respected historians and prominent figures in the community in order to provide an accurate and comprehensive representation of Binondo’s rich history. We went beyond a historical presentation of facts and we even developed the museum’s very own app to make it educational and at the same time entertaining especially to the young audience,” said Tan. Jenniffer B. Austria

World IN BRIEF UK’s May quits as party leader LONDON―British Prime Minister Theresa May steps down as leader of her Conservative Party on Friday, formally triggering the race for a successor who will try where she failed to deliver Brexit.

May will remain prime minister until a new leader is chosen, likely in late July, but has relinquished control over the direction of Britain’s tortuous departure from the European Union.

Brexit is still scheduled for October 31 but while her rivals thrash it out, the project remains stuck, with the only divorce plan agreed with Brussels stuck in parliament.

May took office after the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU and has spent the past three years working on the plan, delaying Brexit twice to try to get it through.

But she finally acknowledged defeat in a tearful resignation speech last month, the culmination of months of political turmoil that has slowly sapped all her authority.

Eleven Conservative MPs are currently vying to replace her, including former foreign minister Boris Johnson, but some are expected to drop out before Monday’s deadline for nominations.

The winner will have only a few months to decide whether to try to salvage May’s plan, delay Brexit again―or sever ties with Britain’s closest trading partner with no agreement at all.

They are under pressure from euroskeptic figurehead Nigel Farage, who has called for a “no deal” option and whose Brexit party topped European polls last month.

His party suffered a setback on Friday after narrowly missing out on winning its first parliamentary seat, losing to Labour in a by-election in the eastern city of Peterborough.

Despite winning, Labour’s vote share fell by 17 percent while the Tories plummeted by 25 percent, highlighting the task facing May’s successor.

Polling guru John Curtice told the BBC that the result showed Britain was now in a “different political world.”

“A lot of constituencies are now looking at four-party politics, and perhaps in others fiveparty politics,” said a disappointed Farage.

May will formally relinquish her leadership in a private letter to her party on Friday, but no official events are planned to mark the day. AFP

Hollywood toasts Denzel Washington HOLLYWOOD―Actor Denzel Washington was honored by Hollywood Thursday for a pioneering career spanning five decades and two Oscars that opened the door for a generation of black movie stars.

Director and frequent collaborator Spike Lee presented the 64-year-old with the American Film Institute (AFI) Life Achievement award―billed as “the highest honor for a career in film”―at a gala event at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

Hollywood’s small elite of A-list black leading men paid tribute to Washington’s trailblazing career―fellow Oscar winners Morgan Freeman, Jamie Foxx and Mahershala Ali took to the stage, as did “Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan.

“You paved the way. You showed us the path. But what’s truly monumental is that your influence, your reach, transcends race without ever denying it,” said Ali. He added: “We are here because we stand on the shoulders of a giant.”

“There is no ‘Black Panther’ without Denzel Washington,” said Boseman, referring to Marvel Studios’ first film to focus on a black superhero.

Predominantly white Hollywood has been heavily criticized for its diversity problem, notably in the #OscarsSoWhite campaign surrounding the 2016 Academy Awards.

Washington is one of only four black stars to win a best actor Oscar.

He won a best supporting actor Oscar for the American Civil War epic “Glory” (1989) and a best actor statuette for his bad cop character in Antoine Fuqua’s crime thriller “Training Day” (2001).

One of cinema’s most versatile actors, Washington has received acclaim for both cerebral, nuanced roles and action parts in movies such as “Man on Fire,” “American Gangster” and “Remember the Titans.”

He portrayed the American Muslim minister and civil rights campaigner Malcolm X in Lee’s 1992 biopic.

Other recent recipients of the annual AFI lifetime achievement award include George Clooney, Al Pacino and Meryl Streep. Freeman and Sidney Poitier have also been honored.

The gala, which also featured a surprise appearance by Beyonce, will be broadcast

by TNT on June 20. AFP

Hopes dim for migrants at Mexico’s south border

FESTIVAL. Actors perform in the

play ‘Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme’

by French director Jerome Deschamps during the ‘Printemps des Comediens’ festival at the Opera Comedie in Montpellier, southern France, on June 6, 2019. AFP

Mexico slows the flow as Trump’s tariffs loom

W

ASHINGTON―Mexico scrambled Thursday to slow the flow of Central American migrants to the United States as talks continued in Washington to head off President Donald Trump’s threat of potentially catastrophic tariffs on Mexican goods.

Mexico City was deploying 6,000 National Guard troops to its southern border with Guatemala, blocked hundreds of migrants in a new caravan and froze the bank accounts of suspected human traffickers in hopes of appeasing Washington’s demands.

But in the US capital, negotiators holding a second day of talks were still trying to find agreement on issues including asylum application procedures and financial aid to the Central American countries that are the source of most of the migrants.

“We have been working this afternoon, we still do not have an agreement,” Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said as talks wrapped for the day. “Tomorrow we have another session in the morning and we will continue forward.”

With migrant apprehensions at the bor-

der with Mexico soaring to 144,000 in May, the highest number in 13 years, the Trump administration has threatened to hit all imports from Mexico with a five percent tariff starting Monday, a move that could savage the export-dependent Mexican economy.

Trump made the threat last week, saying that the tariffs would rise by five percentage points each month to a high of 25 percent if the southern US neighbor fails to halt the northward flow of migrants.

In an interview that aired late Thursday with Fox News from France where he is attending D-Day commemorations, Trump defended his tariff plan as “a beautiful thing” and complained about “this onslaught, this invasion” of undocumented migrants.

“That’s really an invasion without

guns,” Trump told interviewer Laura Ingraham.

The president hesitated when Ingraham pointed out that Mexico was an important US trade ally.

“How do you define ally?” he asked, then talked about violence and drugs coming into the United States from Mexico.

“They shouldn’t be allowing people to come through their country from Central [America], from Honduras and Guatemala, [and] El Salvador,” he said.

Trump was unconcerned that pushback in Congress over the tariffs could sink his new North America trade deal, the USMCA, which needs legislative approval. “I’m not worried about it because they need us, we don’t need them,” he said.

Ebrard declined to comment on whether the talks at the State Department revisited the so-called “safe third-country” option proposed by the United States, which aims at having Central American migrants fleeing chronic poverty and violence apply for asylum from Mexico rather than in the United States. AFP

SHOW. A model presents a creation during the Saint Laurent Men's Spring-Summer 2020 runway show in Malibu on June 6. AFP

Raids on Aussie media fuel calls for journalist protections SYDNEY―Australia’s democratic credentials have been called into question following police raids on major media organizations this week, sparking urgent calls for greater protection of journalists and their sources.

Police searched the home of a prominent Canberra journalist on Tuesday, hunting for information linked to a story she wrote last year on secret government plans to spy on Australian citizens.

The following day they raided the headquarters of the country’s venerable national broadcaster, the ABC. Agents spent eight hours trawling through emails, article drafts and journalist notes relating to an investigative report that showed Australian special forces had killed unarmed civilians in Afghanistan.

They walked away with scores of documents on two USB sticks, sparking

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FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

a political uproar and accusations that eroding government accountability had reached a tipping point.

“It’s revealing that Australia is one of the most―if not the most―secretive administrations of the democratic world,” Peter Manning, an adjunct professor at the University of Technology Sydney, told AFP. He said the government was able to avoid transparency to an extraordinary degree using a build-up of more than 50 laws or amendments related to privacy, national security and counter-terrorism introduced since 2001.

“That is not democracy. That is an authoritarian state choosing which implement they will use to bastardize the media and bring them to heel,” said Manning, the former head of ABC’s flagship News and Current Affairs division.

Elsewhere the raids drew international news coverage and were roundly condemned by press freedom and civil liberties groups.

“Straight from the playbook of authoritarian thugs,” decried an editorial in The New York Times.

“It is a danger to democracy when professional news reporting is at risk of being criminalized,” said Michael Miller, chairman of the Australian operations of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, which was targeted in the first raid.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, whose conservative government has implemented a series of controversial lawand-order measures in recent months, insisted there was no political involvement in the police investigation.

“My government is absolutely committed to freedom of the press,” he told reporters Thursday. AFP

CIUDAD HIDALGO—A graffiti mural welcomes Central Americans who cross the Suchiate River from Guatemala to Mexico: a roaring jaguar protecting a group of trekking migrants, beneath the words: “May nothing on Earth stop us.”

But the real-life migrants being deported across the border in the other direction are a testament to the fact that, under growing pressure from US President Donald Trump, Mexico is intensifying its efforts to do just that.

Mexico’s southern border is 1,138 kilometers of porous, largely unpoliced territory, much of it stretching through the jungle.

It is not very hard to cross for the undocumented Central Americans who have been heading toward the United States in a growing exodus in recent months.

That has provoked the wrath of Trump, who is using the threat of tariffs to force the Mexican government to do more to stop them.

The strategy appears to be working: Mexico has increased migrant detentions, dramatically restricted visas, stepped up military and police patrols in the border region, and agreed Thursday to deploy 6,000 members of its newly created National Guard to reinforce the border.

The crackdown has made reaching the United States an increasingly impossible dream for migrants like Jose Mario, a 53-year-old Honduran man who has just crossed legally into Mexico—with a visa that restricts his movement to the south of the country, far from the US border.

“We decided we’d rather come legally,” he tells AFP on the bridge that spans the river to the Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo, in the southern state of Chiapas.

“The migrants who ford the river get caught and deported.”

As if to punctuate his sentence, three buses pull up to take a group of migrants back where they came from.

Their expressionless faces—most of them very young—look out from behind the buses’ tinted windows.

Jose Mario came in a group of around 100 migrants who arrived early Thursday.

He is waiting on the bridge with friends who also plan to apply for a temporary “regional visitor visa,” which will restrict their movement to the southern states—one of the government’s latest initiatives to keep migrants away from the US. Other migrants wait in a makeshift shelter set up by the authorities, their laundry drying in the sun as their children play outside.

The exodus is being driven by desolate poverty and brutal gang violence in Central America’s “Northern Triangle”—El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

Some 300,000 migrants have entered Mexico so far this year, according to the government.

Under pressure from Trump, the Mexican authorities have detained 51,000 of them—a 17-percent increase from the same period last year.

“Trump is right,” a Mexican border officer told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Mexico lets them in, gives them benefits. It shouldn’t.”

Mexico’s leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office in December promising to welcome migrants and protect their rights.

But as Trump lashed out, the leader known as “AMLO” changed tack.

In recent weeks, the police presence in southern Mexico has surged. The authorities have staged unprecedented raids to round up undocumented migrants, and put up highway checkpoints. AFP

Grand Canyon offers beauty but sometimes deadly risk GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK―Attention, Grand Canyon visitors―watch your step before attempting a selfie from the edge of the vertiginously deep and perilously steep US landmark.

The national park surrounding the enormous canyon―the second-most visited US national park, after the Great Smoky Mountains in the country’s southeast―has experienced a distressing surge in fatal accidents, with at least four visitors dying in as many weeks in March and April.

The views that draw millions to the park in the high Arizona desert are stunning, to be sure, both in their rich earth hues and in the sheer immensity of the gap cleaved over eons by the unceasing Colorado River as it winds sinuously through the canyon bottom.

But the views can also distract or disorient visitors―some of whom take risks despite park rangers’ constant warnings―and the result can be fatal.

The body of a Japanese tourist was the first one found this spring, located in a wooded area some distance from the rocky cliffs.

Then came three fatal falls, including that of a fifty-something tourist from Hong Kong who toppled over the edge while snapping photos.

The park has placed protective barriers at some popular vista points, but “we don’t want to put barriers everywhere,” park spokeswoman Kris Fister told AFP. “The specialness about parks is not being enclosed.”

“You don’t have a barrier between you and this amazing place,” she added, “but you have to pay attention.” AFP

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SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

IT’S NOT DOG HAIR; IT’S CANINE CONFETTI

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Making your home dog-friendly

E LOVE our pets unconditionally.

So why not introduce a few dog-friendly measures in your home?

Here are some ways to turn your home environment from hapless to happy.

Which flooring is best?

With dogs running through your house on a regular basis, the rule of flooring is the harder the better. Tiles are virtually scratch proof and it also provides a cool place for your dog to nap during hot weather. Carpeting is generally something you want to avoid. It harbors host bacteria and hair. It can be a major contributor to human allergy issues within the home, too. Wood or stone flooring is a good choice. Meanwhile, ensure that your floor remains in good condition by regularly keeping your dogs nails trimmed.

White, a no-no?

If you have a dog in your home, avoid upholstering in light colours and delicate fabric. Leather is a good choice because it is hardy, does not absorb odour, and can easily be wiped clean.

Keep treasured items out of reach Store all fragile, breakable items behind closed doors. Dogs are often excitable animals, and will play with just about anything.

Invest in a good vacuum cleaner If you own a shedding breed that needs it’s fair share of dog grooming, you will understand the need for vacuuming at least twice a week. Brushing your pet (probably outdoors) on a regular basis will help cut down on the amount of dead hair that ends up stuck on your carpets and furniture.

Keep it down Switch to a non-toxic cleanser, and close the toilet lid after each use, as some dogs can be fond of drinking from the toilet Are your kitchen doors dog safe?

In a lot of homes, household products with chemicals, such as bleach or kitchen cleaner, live in the kitchen. And not just

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPER BAGS AWARD. Italpinas Development Corporation (IDCTM) was recently recognized at the Asia Pacific Property Awards in Bangkok, winning the best mixed-use development category for its Miramonti Green Residences project.

Miramonti Green Residences is a mixed-use eco-friendly development currently being built in against the backdrop of Mt. Makiling in Sto. Tomas Batangas. The project will consist of three 21-storey towers and will be developed in two phases. The first phase, under construction comprises of one tower sitting atop a podium structure, will occupy a 2,057-square meter area. It will offer 352 residential units, 18 commercial units, and 89 parking units alongside amenities, such as fitness center, swimming pool, playground, among others. The design of Miramonti Green Residences integrates passive and active green strategies, and systems that aim to reduce overall energy consumption in all towers. At the ceremonies were (from left to right): Stuart Field, president and founder of the International Property Awards; Architect Romolo Valentino Nati, chairman and CEO IDC; Giovanni Gusella, IDC PR consultant; and IDC project director for engineering, Guiseppe Garofalo. Alena Mae Flores

these, some foods we don’t think twice about leaving in easily accessible cupboards or on kitchen counters pose a risk to dogs, too.

When a home is child and dog free, it’s not really an issue. But for inquisitive dogs, these things all have potentially serious consequences if they can access.

A lot of these potential dangers are things

your pet will probably ignore, but some—such as food, will always gather interest. Whether it’s up high or behind a secure cupboard door, all food should be kept out of your pet’s reach.

So consider fitting child locks or moving the products to a higher cupboard, out of sight and out of a nosey dog’s nose.

Are there any small items that dogs may be tempted to chew?

This sounds like a fairly broad consideration, but what you’re really looking to avoid is something that may be within a dog’s reach, in any room that your dog may have access to, and is small enough to be chewed (and could be toxic) or swallowed (and cause a blockage, which could be fatal).

Are your windows and doors safe?

Dogs have been known to escape through ground and first-floor windows, so if your dog shows signs of being overly curious towards your windows or you

think a window has a weak spot, consider buying a locking system.

Typically, locking systems allow a window to be partially open and locked at the same time, which means you can have the window open a little to allow some fresh air in, but not wide enough that your dog can fit through. The locking system will also prevent your dog from being able to nudge open.

Are your electrical wires concealed?

If you’re bringing a puppy into your home, or your dog develops a habit of chewing, then electrical items and their wires should be at the top of your ‘let’s move this’ list.

The damage caused by gnawing through to the inside wiring of these cords can cause a mild shock, thirddegree burns, or worse. Try to move all electrical objects and loose wires out of reach, and conceal floor height wires beneath carpets where possible.

ELECTRIFICATION FOR FAR-FLUNG COMMUNITIES, INDUSTRIES, A PIPE DREAM NO MORE

New Meralco boss bats for more power plants, ‘RE’ initiatives, smaller carbon footprint

EARLY this year, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) switched on its first micro-grid project in Isla Verde, Batangas, a magnet to foreign visitors and a haven for divers.

Residents of the island have been subsisting on diesel generator sets from six to ten p.m. for electricity for years.

Meralco joined forces with the Batangas City local government unit (LGU) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the company’s first solar microgrid, a small-scale power grid that can be operated independently from the country’s interconnected network of power transmission facilities.

The project supports the distribution utility’s (DU’s) initiatives towards using more sustainable energy sources and highlights efforts on rural electrification, a point of focus by President Rodrigo S. Duterte, who said that he wanted to put a stop to hurdles in the electrification of rural areas.

Preventing climate change Meralco is expected to do more of these projects with the assumption recently of Atty. Ray C. Espinosa of the post of president and CEO of Meralco.

“We are conscious of our corporate citizen duty to reduce carbon footprints,” Espinosa said in his first briefing with the press.

“We are very mindful of the impact that we have on the environment, how we can contribute to initiatives that will prevent climate change from happening sooner rather than later.”

Meralco’s power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen (MGen), is adding renewable energy (RE) into its portfolio by securing sites for both wind and solar, and looking to make the sites operational by year end, and hopefully generate bigger capacities next year.

“As we celebrate World Environment Day, we are developing 1,000 MW of RE projects in the next five years to seven years, joining the inexorable shift to renewable energy and the adoption of sustainable practices in everything we do,” Espinosa revealed.

At the same time, he said Meralco would continue to utilize coal for as long as there is no state policy prohibiting it because it has the obligation to secure sources of supply that has the least cost.

“We should not demonize Meralco because of the way supply is sourced. To begin with the government has not come up with any law or regulation that prohibits absolutely the use of coal,” he said.

Espinosa acknowledged that the company continues to face regulatory challenges. Many of its power supply applications have been stuck with the Energy Regulatory

HOW GREEN IS MY ISLAND.

Isla Verde folks in Batangas bid adieu to generators, with their own solar microgrid.

‘GREENIE’ FISH IN CORPORATE WATERS. Meralco CEO Atty. Ray Espinosa Commission (ERC).

“We want to see a more vibrant and active regulator,” he said.

But Meralco, he vowed, would heed the decision of the Supreme Court, which ruled that all power supply agreements submitted by the DUs with the ERC must undergo a competitive selection process.

“Build, Build Build” needs power Aside from the fisherfolk and touristoriented community in Isla Verde, which is now powered by a 32-kW solar microgrid, plus a 192-kWh battery storage, Meralco’s subsidiaries, Spectrum and eSakay, are also working towards a greener business thrust, the former offering solar panel installations for both home and business, while the latter operates a fleet of e-jeepneys that have zero emissions in Makati and Mandaluyong.

It also provides shuttle services in its compound in Ortigas, the ADMU compound in Katipunan, Quezon City; and La Salle in Canlubang.

But as attractive as RE seems, Espinosa opined that these sources of power really “cannot stand on their own for now”, due to a number of reasons. “For one, RE is intermittent,” he said. “The sun doesn’t shine all the time, and neither does the wind continue to blow perpetually.”

Espinosa explained that going green does not necessarily utilize only RE. “There are newer and state-of-the-art supercritical and ultra-supercritical technologies now that make even coal-based plants more efficient and provide low carbon emissions,” he said.

An example is MGen’s new supercritical coal-fired power plant in Mauban, Quezon, which is stated to go online this year, providing 500-MW of additional power to the Luzon Grid.

San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co., MGen’s joint-venture with New Growth BV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thailand’s Energy Generating Public Co. Limited (EGCO), will operate this first supercritical coal plant in the Philippines.

President Duterte, in his first SoNA in 2015 acknowledged that with the advent of advanced technologies for coal-fired power generation, production of reliable, costcompetitive and highly efficient supply with minimal impact to the environment is now highly achievable.

Espinosa agrees. “With significant advances in technology, I believe we can both have renewables and ultra-supercritical coalfired power plants to provide the country’s much needed power supply to push the President’s industrialization goals,” he said.

“Hopefully we can all put our pitchforks down and start to work together,” Espinosa said. “The country needs both traditional and renewable sources, to provide power, without sacrificing our environment, for this generation, and the future generations to come.”

Life YOUNG LIFE

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

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The teens are alright SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019

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VERY generation’s teenager has different personalities. Today’s teens come from the generation that grew up playing their parents’ mobile phones and tablets, the generation that spends a lot of time on YouTube and Snapchat, the generation of “woke” and equality. Gen Z.

TEEN TRENDS. Always the pioneers in style, teenagers inspired a fashion company to create a collection composed of pieces inspired by various decades, from ‘60s to 2000s

WOW!

A 16-YEAR-OLD student from the Iloilo National High School has discovered the potential antidiabetic components in Jamaica cherry, locally known as the aratiles fruit.

Maria Isabel Layson’s research, entitled “Bioactive Component, Antioxidant Activity, and Antidiabetic Properties of Muntingia calabura Linn. An In Vitro Study,” looked into the medicinal properties of the fruit which grew abundantly in their backyard.

Layson said her research found bioactive compounds like anthocyanin, flavonoid, and polyphenol―that may be useful as cure for diabetes―in aratiles.

She presented her discovery to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Arizona in May as part of the Philippine del- 16-year-old scientist Maria Isabel Layson egation.

(Photo from PhilNewsToday) Although she did not win the competition, the incoming Grade 11 student is optimistic that her research could lead to the development of a cost-effective cure for diabetes.

But much like their predecessors, they speak their own language, write their own rules, and wear outfits two years before they become trendy.

In celebration of this pioneering individuals, a fashion label created a special collection consisting of “trends that haven’t even become trends yet.”

Bershka calls it BSK―pieces great for skate parks, schoolyards after hours, hanging with friends.

The vibe is relaxed and put together, kind of like you didn’t study for the test but aced it anyway. These are the styles one can literally throw on in the morning and look amazing in the whole day.

For girls, BSK goes all in on showing off that slice of skin above their jeans and below their shirt. All hail the midriff, basically. Crop-tops are mega, and the more cropped the better. Case in point is the ultracropped sweat with its surfer vibes, worn with a sopretty-it’s-edgy floral print skirt.

Ensembles ready for hanging out include a skatestyle crop-top with graffiti print paired with lilac trousers (and BYO board), lime green romper with punk-inspired chunky boots, and white tee and denim Bermuda shorts with a set of iconic flame-print sneakers.

Other major looks for girls feature souvenir shirts― menswear style with short sleeves and old-school prints, like something dads might bring back from vacay. Work them with denim shorts, a crocheted crop-

top, and seashell choker and, voila! A trend is born!

Knit tops and seashells are all tapping into the ‘60s and ‘70s vibes. Also in the mix are tie-dye flared trousers and denim shorts, knitted Bardot tops and mini dresses, but revamped for the pulse of today, with chunky platform sneaks, micro-sunnies and silver chains, mixing up the decades and giving them a newage spin.

The ‘90s nostalgia goes on with looks featuring denim dungarees, halter tops and bucket hats, and bike shorts worn with an oversized tee, but BSK keeps it “next gen” with extra-sporty high-octane colors, reflective detailing and the latest chunky trek sandals.

Styles also take a trip to Miami with a total-white look including a souvenir Miami tee, white cargos and kicks with neon bits. Gray tracksuit shorts worn with a flower print asymmetric top are great for lounging. And a workwear-style romper taps into the safari trend but freshens up with sporty accessories.

Sure, Gen Z is too young to remember the early 2000s but that doesn’t stop them completely owning the style. Check out the Too Fast Too Furious tee, mmatched with bandana print flares―worn like everyone’s watching.

Bershka is located at Glorietta 2, SM Aura Premier, Mega Fashion Hall, and Ayala Center Cebu.

Smiley summer SMILES abound SM Megamall, quite literally, with installations that encourage everyone to be happy and smile.

Through its partnership with Smiley World, a lifestyle brand committed to sharing happiness through Smileybranded collection, SM Megamall has created a happy summer experience, bringing in smiley activations and installations that made shopping more fun and exciting for all.

The Smiley Steps at the Mega Fashion Hall entrance was a picture-perfect display of different emojis. Mallgoers can lounge around at the Smiley Beach or dive into the ball pit which are located at the Mega Fashion Hall. Everyone is free to take snapshots at the larger-than-life Smiley Chairs which can be found around the mall.

Smiley World’s signature smiley, which closely resembles the smiley face created by US graphic artist Harvey Ross Ball in 1963, was created by French journalist Franklin Loufrani in 1971 as a way to indicate to readers of the French newspaper France-Soir which stories

held good news.

Before the campaign started in 1971, Loufrani registered his smiley face with the French trademark office, and by the 1990s, he a n d his

son Nicolas held trademarks for the symbol in around 70 countries.

In 1996, the Loufranis founded the Smiley Company in London, England built around the Smiley brand. In 1997, Nicolas created hundreds of emoticons, including a 3D smiley logo. His images, registered with the United States Copyright Office in 1997, were first published as GIF files on the internet in 1998, making them the first graphical emoticons used in technology. He launched the Smiley World brand shortly hereafter.

During the launch, Smiley World’s Asia Pacific senior manager Suleeporn Palawechakij graced the event. Influencers including Sirene Sutton, Culver Padilla, and actor Lance Raymundo also joined in the fun.

Sit and smile on larger-than-life Smiley Chairs around the mall.

Life

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SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Guide to going ‘live’ on the ‘Gram

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CCORDING to an article on Forbes. com, of all the social media platforms available, Instagram is the most popular photo-sharing platform with Generation Z (or those born between 1995 and 2015). It’s a hit because it’s visual, allowing ordinary people to become the star of their own reality show.

Before starting a live video, make sure to frame it well and figure out what will be included.

IG is also becoming popular for its ‘live’ video feature, which allows users to stream videos to their followers and engage with them in real time. If you’re a newbie who want to give this a try or a relatively old user who wants to up your game, here are tips for creating a rocking broadcast:

Have a niche

Choose a topic that will be the central theme of all broadcasts. This way, followers will know what to expect and those interested in the topic can become new fans.

There are hundreds of subjects to select from such as food, beauty, or travel.

Compose the shot

Before starting the live video, frame it and study what will be included. Consider the background as it can add an interesting layer to the content. It can be as simple as a bedroom, but those looking to add something extra can shoot in a garden, a coffee shop, or an intriguing piece of urban art.

Make the most of natural light

Lighting is key to a great live video― and natural is the best way to go. Shoot outdoors or next to a window to take the best possible video. Photographers also recommend the “golden hour,” or the time after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft. Cloudy skies are also helpful since it diffuses sunlight to make livestreams look less harsh.

Instagram Live feature lets users broadcast videos to their followers and engage with them in real time.

Create an outline

While it’s tempting to just stream without any solid plan, it’s best to come up with a blueprint of what to talk about to avoid rambling. It doesn’t have to be a script, but a list of talking points can help the broadcast sound coherent yet natural.

Add depth to keep it interesting

Depth is about setting the scene. A good idea is to add layers by using other objects in the background or the foreground. This can be visually pleasing, especially if the elements complement each other. This is perfect for product review videos.

Test sound and video quality

Before going live with followers, it’s a good idea to check the quality of the broadcast to ensure that viewers will be able to watch and listen clearly. Avoid crowded places so it doesn’t distract the video.

Be yourself

Livestreaming may be a performative act but viewers will gravitate towards those who keep it simple and genuine.

Crack a few jokes or interact with them to make it feel like a conversation.

Start with the right equipment

Making videos for Instagram Live does not require fancy equipment. The right smartphone can also help in creating the perfect video and Instagram feed.

The Galaxy A50’s all-around triple camera lets one take gorgeous images, whatever the environment. Its 25MP low

BULLETIN BOARD

Hospitality arts school celebrates 10 years

light camera allows for the perfect photo even in dim settings. Outdoor shots can be shown without any obstructions with the 8MP ultra-wide lens, while professional-looking bokeh portraits can be achieved with the 5MP live focus camera. Each snap is ready for Instagram with its Scene Optimizer feature. Videos

can be elevated with its Slow-mo and Hyperlapse features. Vloggers can also shoot with the smartphone’s 123-degree ultra-wide video lens.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A30 is powered by a dual-camera that offers a 16MP main camera, a 5MP live focus camera, and an ultra wide-angle lens.

Real-life couples on modern love ON SOME days, love rules; on other days, it sucks. The best way to understand it is to get insights from couples who share what real relationships are like.

As part of its Love Sucks, Love Rules promotions, Netflix sat down with three Pinoy celebrity couples: BJ Pascual and Mike Lavarez, Jim Bacarro and Saab Magalona, and Niko Del Rosario and Emmanuelle Vera, who candidly talked about the ups and downs of their own relationships.

BJ Pascual and Mike Lavarez

“It doesn’t matter if it’s two guys, two girls, a guy and a girl,” said Mike. “It’s genuine. It’s true. It’s love.”

More than being an artistic and creative couple (BJ is a celebrity and fashion photographer, while Mike is a DJ and art director), they use their platforms to speak up about LGBTQ+ equality. They shared how their relationship has changed them for their better.

Asian School of Hospitality Arts Batch 2019 with The Cravings Group chief executive Marinela Trinidad, Culinary Education Foundation president emeritus Susana Guerrero, ASHA Dean Angelina Blanco, and CCA Manila chancellor for education Dr. Veritas Luna

IN 2009, the Asian School of Hospitality Arts (ASHA) had a vision to improve the lives of those who aspire to be in the hotel and restaurant industry by honing their skills and increasing their employability.

A decade later, ASHA has become the top training center for those who want to become globally competitive hospitality leaders of the future.

“For the last 10 years, we have exposed our students to the real world and ensured high-quality training for them to be ready and fully equipped,” said Angelina Blanco, dean and director of Career Development and Placement at ASHA. The tourism industry is booming so is the demand for services from these fields.

To fill in the gap, ASHA has been taking a holistic approach in providing hospitality education through the years. From theories, skills, and the right working attitude, its trains its students to be highly competitive through its courses and training.

“ASHA offers ‘a real world’ education, meaning what we teach is actually what’s really going on in the industry.

Our instructors are industry practitioners. For example, we have an executive housekeeper who’s teaching housekeep-

ing; we have an actual f&b manager who’s teaching food and beverage service,” said Dean Blanco.

ASHA school offers both college and short courses in its two branches: Antipolo City, and Kamias, Quezon City. It offers two four-year courses and certificate programs.

For its 10th year, ASHA has been granted the permission to operate the Senior High School Grades 11 and 12 with the ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management) track, as well as the technical vocational track in hospitality arts which includes culinary, f&b service, housekeeping, and front office.

Also in line with ASHA’s 10-year milestone is the strengthening of partnerships with government agencies, such as the Department of Tourism, TESDA, and the Commission on Higher Education. The institution also continues its strong relationships with different private companies regarding internships abroad for its students.

Keeping a small student-and-teacher ratio offers a more focus session with the instructor and its students in the classroom. The school has students coming from different backgrounds, and are

fueled with same dreams and passion with the institution.

Misha Musngi, a 35-year-old student of Batch 2019, is one of the students that can attest to its good environment. Breaking the barriers and defying the odds as she’s a living proof that age will not stop one in achieving their dreams.

“I admit, the hospitality industry is a glamorous field and some industries are discriminating when it comes to age.

But when I entered ASHA, I learned from Dean Angie that age is just a number. ASHA will help you pursue your dreams,” said Musngi.

Marcial Pimentel, who’s also part of Batch 2019 and is the recipient of ASHA’s Environmental Management System Award, also has a story to share about his experience. Pimentel who was once a medical technology student found himself changing hearts in the middle of the semester to pursue hotel and restaurant management.

“I just felt that it wasn’t for me so I went back to my first love and my passion which is cooking,” he shared.

Go to www.asha.edu.ph to know more.

Jim Bacarro and Saab Magalona

Musicians Jim and Saab chatted with the entertainment service about who made the first move and taking the leap from friendship to something so much more, which helped them see through struggles they face.

“My version of love is friendship,” shared Jim. “And then, ‘hey, can you be my friend when we raise another human being?’”

Niko Del Rosario and Emmanuelle Vera

Newly engaged couple Niko and Emmanuelle might still be in the honeymoon phase, but they view relationships with wisdom that’s beyond their years.

They shared how they got engaged and how they both handle the downsides that often come with love.

“Love is always so romanticized by everyone, but love is tough. It’s probably the biggest struggle you’ll ever go through in life, it’ll pose the biggest challenge you’ll ever face, but at the same time, it’s the most rewarding thing ever,” said Emmanuelle.

Entertainment

ILENE DE VERA

wants to be Cebu’s next Pilar Pilapil

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

DAIANA launches new songs

By Eton Concepcion

F

IELDING questions from a small group of pageant press, Ilene Astrid De Vera was cool, calm and collected, her strongest weapon come Binibining Pilipinas 2019 coronation night.

One of the top favorites, Ilene always exudes a friendly and warm disposition, easily the darling of the press in public appearances of this year’s candidates.

The statuesque, 23-year-old native of Mandaue City, who only had the Miss UP 2015 title when she tried and won at Mutya ng Pilipinas, and eventually finished as 4th runner-up in the Miss Asia-Pacific International 2017, said the experience has given her self-confidence and a great source of emotional strength.

“This world is a jungle. You either fight or run forever.

To be Miss Universe Philippines, one must be strongwilled, dauntless and limitless. There is nothing I want more than to represent my province,” said the 5-foot-9 model and aspiring broadcaster.

Ilene hoped to become the first Miss Philippines Universe from Cebu since Pilar Pilapil took the title in 1967.

“It has been an amazing experience. All of this has taught me to never give up on my dreams no matter what other people say. I want to thank everyone who is supporting me on this journey,” said the BA Mass Communication graduate of University of the Philippines-Cebu.

Ilene confessed that she feels some pressure from being a former titlist and runner-up in an international pageant. But she added that she is learning to trust herself and just enjoy the whole experience. More driven, determined and disciplined this time, the Cebuana has been seriously training under the tutelage of the Kagandahang Flores, repackaging herself, polishing her catwalk skills, and brushing up on her knowledge of social and current events the past several months.

Ilene, who grew up with a single mother, wants to have a platform for her advocacy to support women, especially, single parent. She supports the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency working as a volunteer.

“Volunteerism is something that I am very passionate about, and one that I’m most proud of. I want others to realize that small things, like lending a hand to others and making a difference in somebody’s lives, will really go a long way,” said the beach-lover and surfing enthusiast.

Watch out for Ilene on coronation night of Bb. Pilipinas tomorrow at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Hollywood...

From C4 Despite the fact that the franchise is about toys, manufacturers like Mattel and Hasbro passed on the chance to have products such as Barbie and GI Joe featured in the cast of the original.

Each sequel has been loved by critics and audiences alike, and the fourth— which opens on June 21 in North America —appears to be no exception. Skyhigh box office totals are already being predicted.

“Pixar’s foundation is Toy Story,” said Cooley, describing Woody, Buzz and Rex as the studio’s “Mickey, Donald and Goofy.”

“I felt a great pressure, I could not sleep. But at the same time it was an honor because I love these characters very much,” he added.

It is the same pressure Bret Parker felt every time she worked on the animation for Woody or Buzz.

Daiana Menezes onstage with the member of 8ONE

By Robbie Pangilinan BRAZILIAN TV host, singer, and actress Daiana Menezes is excited to launch two new singles and music videos.

“These two new songs of 8ONE are all about good vibes and bringing happiness and joy as you listen,” beams the international endorser, painter, pianist, performer, and designer.

For the single “Low,” 8ONE wanted a “DJ feel” so Daiana approached her good friend DJ Luane for a collaboration.

“The other song, ‘Back to the Crib,’ is a feel-good danceable song that we had so much fun making, from the lyrics written by Tommie King, to recording it,” shares Daiana, who runs the production Ikon worldwide, a lifestyle entertainment company that books and brings international artists here and to other countries.

“Low was shot at the beach, I won’t give much away because you

Ilene de Vera is one of the frontrunners in this year’s batch of Binibining Pilipinas candidates.

“Everyone knows their personalities, how they move,” she said.

Strong, innovative, daring The original creator of these characters, John Lasseter, will not be in a position to say farewell.

Lasseter—known for transforming Pixar from a small Lucasfilm graphics department into the world’s most successful animation studio—resigned from Disney last year after several allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him.

Producer Jonas Rivera said that the “DNA and love of the toy and characters” created by Lasseter remain, but that the saga has evolved.

“We’ve taken over, the second and third generation of Pixar filmmakers—we’ve made it a little our own,” Rivera said.

Just over a year after the departure of Lasseter—who now heads Skydance Media’s new animation unit—Toy Story 4 hits screens with Bo Peep in a leading role.

The porcelain figurine, who once

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, June 8, 2019

ACROSS 1 Box lightly 5 Herr’s abode 9 Happen 14 Brat in “Blondie” 15 Montreal player, once 16 Transported 17 Company VIPs 18 Costa — 19 Barter 20 Hires (2 wds.)

22 In braids 24 Thin offshoot of a branch 25 Cruise ships 26 Strategy 29 Breezy talk 31 Flute cousins 32 Piece of news 33 College degrees 36 — Montgomery of jazz 37 Environment 40 Boxing legend 41 Extreme degree 42 Rackets 43 Colder and wetter 45 Fewest 47 Female charmers 48 Salting away 51 “Uptown Girl” singer Billy — 52 Schemed 54 Naturalist who

painted birds 58 Baseball’s — Clemens 59 Quite similar 61 Former ruler of Venice 62 Become acclimated 63 Kept in one’s hand 64 She, in Seville 65 Aquatic birds 66 Lad’s sister 67 Short distance DOWN 1 Denomination 2 Tearful request 3 Out of control 4 Ribbon ornament 5 Dauntless 6 Hacking 7 Checkout scan 8 Shower bar 9 Come by 10 Preparing apples 11 Shipping container 12 Hypnotized 13 Long grasses 21 Rustle 23 Alpaca kin 26 Burg 27 Foster a felon 28 Blackjack 29 Be frugal

30 Rents 32 Wading bird 33 Cry loudly 34 Toward shelter 35 Business salutation 38 Familiar saying 39 At bay 44 Refers to 45 Pop bottle sizes, perhaps 46 Menu choice 47 By leaps and — 48 Bit of holly 49 Solitary 50 Fashion

have to watch it, and Back to the Crib was shot in an upside-down set.

We are very excited for everyone to watch it!” adds Daiana.

8ONE members are freestyler rapper and writer KXNG, rapper Tommie King, music producersinger Ryan Klos, and Daiana.

8ONE hit singles include “Therapy,” “November,” “Mango” and “Simon AF.” Their next stop is Vestiville, Belgium before the summer ends.

“In our group, Tommie does the most writing but everyone collaborates. Ryan Sings his part and writes, too. I intrude or ‘nakikialam’ on their creative mind and make my part suitable for myself,” laughs Daiana.

8ONE is mixing genres and making their songs suitable for every age group. Because the members are of different nationalities, they hope to unite the listeners as one and end discrimination of what’s cool and what isn’t.

51 Puts away 53 Arlene of old films 55 Crossbow arrow 56 Look at impertinently 57 First-quarter tide 60 Type of parrot

adorned a lamp, is childless—omething which in Woody’s eyes is a tragedy. But she doesn’t care.

Discarded by her last owner after becoming chipped, Bo has gracefully seized her newfound freedom, driving a battery-powered car and wielding her shepherdess cane with skill—the sort of empowered, independent woman audiences increasingly want to see on the silver screen.

Becki Tower, who worked on Bo’s animation, said she was “excited” by a character who represents a “strong, innovative, daring” woman.

But she clarified that Bo, who appeared in the first two films, did not return with her new attitude simply in response to the pressures of movements like Time’s Up, which demand full gender equality.

The film was already in development long before that movement began, Tower said.

“We’re in an era where it’s a hot topic, but that’s not why we did it. We wanted to tell a great story,” she said. AFP

Singer-songwriter William Elvin

William Elvin returns to indie roots with new record BEFORE gaining recognition with the recently produced original musical Mula Sa Buwan and touching the hearts and minds of Philippine theater fans in Metro Manila, singer-songwriterWilliam Elvin was selling self-produced CDs to anyone willing to listen.

In fact, his musical talent was first noticed by his theater classmates and mentors through these home-recorded albums in the late 2000s, which gave him the chance to write several Filipino

musicals from 2009 to 2016.

“Social media wasn’t as big then as it is today, so we had to rely on friends and families to sell the few copies that we personally handed over to them,” recalls William.

“Every CD sold, and every positive comment we got felt like hard-earned personal achievements.”

In 2019, coming off of his theater songwriting career in the past decade, William Elvin has returned to the do-ityourself, free-spirited musical approach in his new albumSacred/Profane/ Mundane.

The album is a collection of original compositions that highlight introspective, emotional and carefully crafted lyricism; dreamy and whimsical melodies; as well as raw, visceral and intuitive musical arrangements – drawing from various influences such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Filipino alternative pop/rock acts.

Described as “brilliant”, “soulful, propulsively melodic” and “theatrical but authentic” by critics, William Elvin’s unique sound is exemplified by the album’s promotional singles: the country/folk-inspired “(I Will Be) The Happy, Shiny One (For You),” “The Last Lovers on Earth” as well as the haunting ballad “Ang Sabi Nila,” which are now gaining a growing number of listeners on Spotify and Apple Music.

Watch William Elvin perform live, with fellow musicians Roger Alcantara, Rigil Borromeo, Dana Marquez, and Satur Tiamson, to launch Sacred/Profane/Mundane at the Black Box Theater of the PARC Foundation on June 25, 7:00 p.m..

Tickets are available at Ticket2Me.net.

Listen to William Elvin’s music and get more updates and information by visiting his official homepage at www. williamelvin.com.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

Entertainment

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019

GMA keeps TV ratings lead in Urban Luzon

Migo Adecer, Bianca Umali, and Miguel Tanfelix of the top-rating primetime drama, ‘Sahaya’

GMA Network remained to be the viewers’ preferred channel in Urban Luzon according to the latest data from ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the month of May (with May 26 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA registered an average total day people audience share of 36.3 percent, beating ABS-CBN’s 30.7 percent in Urban Luzon, which accounts for 72 percent of all urban TV viewers in the country.

Per day part, GMA posted 29.3 percent audience share in the morning block while its rival network only got 23.8 percent.

The Kapuso Network continued to lead in the afternoon block with 36.2 percent audience share, versus ABSCBN’s 32.7 percent.

GMA Network won in the evening block as well with 39.5 percent as against competition’s 32.2 percent.

Kapuso shows likewise ruled the list of top-rating programs in Urban Luzon for the month of May with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) again securing the number one spot. The award-winning magazine show similarly remained as the most watched program in National Urban Philippines.

KMJS was followed by Sahaya, Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Kara Mia, Daddy’s Gurl, Pepito Manaloto, Love You Two, Studio 7, and Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko. Completing the list were Eat

Bulaga, Amazing Earth, The Crown Princess, The Boobay and Tekla Show, Dragon Lady, Bubble Gang, Wowowin, Bihag, Are You Human? and 24 Oras Weekend.

The network also maintained its dominance in Mega Manila, which accounts for 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

Based on official data from May 1 to 25, GMA registered an average total day people audience share of 38 percent outscoring ABS-CBN’s 27.8 percent. In the list of top-rating programs in Mega Manila, 22 out of the top 30 shows were from GMA. Meanwhile, GMA Network’s Eleksyon 2019: The GMA News and Public Affairs Special Coverage was the top news source during the 2019 Midterm Elections.

Overall, the Kapuso Network’s special coverage from May 13 to 14 recorded an average people rating of 3.2 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), winning against ABSCBN’s Halalan 2019, which only got 2.8 percent.

Nielsen TV Audience Measurement’s client pool covers a total of 32 clients/subscribers consisting of 6 local TV networks including ABS-CBN, TV5, Aksyon TV and CNN Philippines, among others; 3 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; and 21 agencies (17 media agencies, 3 consulting agencies, and 1 digital agency).

VERY WANG

T

NICKIE WANG

HERE’S nothing sweeter than a well-deserved and much-awaited victory. Such was the case for KathNiel fans when phenomenal box office queen Kathryn Bernardo finally bagged her first ever Movie Actress of the Year trophy from the recent PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

Kathryn’s leading lady status was cemented by her powerful and perceptive performance as the devoted pre-med student George in the highest grossing Filipino film The Hows of Ustogether with her reel and real-life partner Daniel Padilla.

The actress, who was also one of the esteemed hosts of this year’s award’s night, accepted the trophy herself with an inspiring acceptance speech that talked about doubts, dreams, and direction.

“I had a lot of ‘whys’ last year before we shot The Hows of Us. And then ‘yung pinakabaon na natutunan ko siguro while making this film and ‘yung [itinuro] sa akin ng universe, is that life is not perfect.

It doesn’t always go the way we want it to be. This award...this is a validation that true dedication really does pay off,” she said.

She underscored how failures are part of “the journey” and how important it is to continuously try despite facing huge stumbling blocks along the way.

In the end, she shared the trophy to the dreamers and reminded them that “it’s okay

KATHNIEL. Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla in ‘The Hows of Us,’ which raked in almost P1 billion at the tills.

KATHRYN BERNARDO

From box office queen to best actress of her generation to dream big, there’s no problem with that, what’s important is you try, and try again kahit na mag-fail ka. Just try again. Always remember that you will always have a shot at making that dream come true.”

Kathryn and Daniel were also hailed as the Movie Loveteam of the Year, thanks to their commendable performance on their recordbreaking film.

Their romance-comedy film The Hows of Us has been noted for its phenomenal feat of earning almost P1 billion pesos, which catapulted it to the top spot as the highest earning film of all time.

Kathryn, along with Daniel, received the Camera Obscura award from the Film Development Council of the Philippines this year for their film’s astonishing box office performance. Apart from that they also bagged the Golden Jury Award for the Highest Grossing Film of All Time and the 2019 Phenomenal Stars of Philippine Cinema award from the recently-concluded Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation for their performance in The Hows of Us. The year 2019 has been a year of firsts and feats for Kathryn as she likewise earned her first Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Favorite Trending Pinoy win early this year, following her Favorite Personality nomination in the same international youth award-giving body back in 2016.

What sets Kathryn apart are her bold career moves including accepting projects that involve her shining on her own. Starting off with her 2018 film Three Words to Forever together with seasoned actors Sharon Cuneta and Richard Gomez, Kathryn also stretches her acting prowess further this year with a new leading man in the upcoming Cathy Garcia-Molina OFW drama film Hello Love Goodbye, which premieres in cinemas this July.

A scene from the latest installment of ‘Toy Story’ featuring the lead toys and their new pal.

Growing gang of ‘Toy Story’ CREATING toys out of everyday objects is a staple of any imaginative child’s playtime: a cardboard box becomes a car; a piece of wood transforms into a sword; and a plastic fork... becomes Forky.

And so a discarded piece of cutlery is set to become the latest addition to Bonnie’s toy chest-- along with Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of the adorable animated gang--when Toy Story 4 hits movie theaters worldwide this month.The much-anticipated sequel also features the return of the plucky Bo Peep (Annie Potts) as a leading character, and the arrival of ‘70s action figure Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves). Many, including Pixar’s own animators, were convinced that the saga would end as a trilogy after its third installment in 2010.But the question “What’s next for Woody?” kept coming up, director Josh Cooley told AFP during a visit to the studios in Emeryville, just outside San Francisco.Toy Story 3 ended with Woody being passed by Andy -- his former boy owner, now all grown up -- to Bonnie.

Woody finds himself “in a different room with a different girl, different toys ... something he’s never lived through, and we felt we had the beginning of another story,” Cooley said.

Pixar says this will be the last movie in the highly successful saga, which began in 1995 as its first feature film, back when it was an unknown studio that not everyone was ready to take a chance on.

Since then, Pixar has won nine Oscars for best animated feature and has become a subsidiary of Disney. Continued on C3

After her Movie Actress of the Year win at the recently concluded Star Awards, Kathryn Bernardo can easily be considered as one of the best actresses of her generation.