Manila Standard - 2019 June 21 - Friday

Angat nears critical mark 157.56m Lowest level July 19, 2010 160m Critical level

0.57m water reduction every day

97%

Angat accounts for of Metro Manila water supply

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 127 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DOWN, DOWN, DOWN.

160.73m June 20, 2019

The water level in Angat dam has been receding slowly but steadily, with Greenpeace volunteers saying the reservoir’s waters are decreasing at a rate of one centimeter per hour, or one meter in less than five days—an alarming rate that can continue as the current El Nino weather phenomenon intensifies. Greenpeace Photo

By Rio N. Araja, Vito Barcelo and Alena Mae Flores

L

OSING more than half a meter of water a day, Angat Dam in Bulacan could hit its critical level in just a day or two, a hydrologist for the state-run weather bureau said Thursday.

“The dam’s level is expected to further dip to 160 meters or below by Saturday dawn, and lower by Sunday dawn,” said Richard Orendain, hydrologist at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

As of 6 a.m. Thursday, the water level was 160.73 meters—less than a meter from its critical level of 160 meters.

The government traces the dam’s dwindling supply to the lack of rainfall due to a weak El Niño phenomenon, high demand for water from Metro Manila residents, and the failure of past administrations to build other dams.

Angat Dam provides 97 percent of Metro Manila’s supply of potable water.

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China broaches joint probe on boat ramming

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta CHINA has proposed a joint investigation with the Philippine government of the ship-ramming incident where a Chinese vessel hit and sank a Filipino fishing boat anchored near Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea to achieve a “mutually recognized results” as soon a possible.

“To find a proper solution, we suggest a joint investigation at an early date so the two sides can exchange respective initial findings and properly Next page

Romualdez seeks more funds for AFP modern plan FRIENDLY MEETING. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte shares a light moment with House Speaker candidate and Leyte Rep.-elect Martin Romualdez and Davao City businessman Sammy Uy (right) during a short meeting at the French Baker Cafe at the SM Mall in Davao City. Ver Noveno

35 Chinese illegals nabbed, up for deportation

By Vito Barcelo IMMIGRATION authorities have arrested 35 Chinese for illegally working as construction workers in a subdivision in Parañaque, an official said Thursday.

Immigration Intelligence Division

Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the Chinese were arrested based on a complaint that they were causing trouble at the construction site.

“The location keeps on popping in different complaints, so this prompted us to conduct a surveillance in the area

and we indeed confirmed the presence of these illegal workers, Manahan said.

He said at least two local construction companies with building projects in three different streets in the village were involved in the hiring of the Chinese.

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US-China trade war dominates ASEAN agenda

Ahon Sa Kahirapan Movement, also spearheaded a unity walk along Visayas Avenue in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

He told reporters the operation of the Kapa Community was not illegal.

“Our lawyers are now addressing the suits filed against Kapa,” Mangahas said.

SOUTHEAST Asian leaders will dissect the impact of the US-China tariff war this weekend at a Bangkok summit, with Beijing determined to drive forward a trade pact sweeping in 40 percent of global commerce—but excluding America.

Disputes in the flashpoint South China Sea and Myanmar’s treatment of Rohingya Muslims are also likely to make the agenda at the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting starting Saturday in the Thai capital.

But commerce will dominate, with the trade war between the world’s two biggest economies pushing some major manufacturers to flee China to Southeast Asia and casting doubts over the future of free trade.

US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods, from sneakers and socks to washing machines and furniture, prompting Beijing to hit back with levies on $60 billion of American imports.

“One of the biggest beneficiaries is ASEAN,” said Drew Thompson, a

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SALE DOWN THE RIVER. Hundreds of KAPA members participate in a Unity Walk

allong Elliptical Road to show their support to the KAPA Ministry while blowing their whistles Thursday. Manny Palmero

Kapa members hold noise barrage in bid to ‘operate, share blessings’

By Rio N. Araja ABOUT 5,000 members of Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. on Thursday staged a noise barrage outside the Quezon Memorial Circle to dramatize their appeal to allow them to “operate and share their blessings.”

Danilo Mangahas, convenor of the

LEYTE―Rep.-elect Martin Romualdez has joined President Rodrigo Duterte in calling for more budget allocations for the Armed Forces modernization plan and for the improvement of the welfare programs for the families of military personnel.

Romualdez, an adopted honorary member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig class of 1991, said he would seek a meeting with top military officials to consult them on the legislative measures that must be given priority so the government could address the concerns of soldiers and their families.

“I was asked to join President Duterte in his working visit to the military camp in Samar and I saw the urgent need for Congress to act on the plight of our men and women in the battlefront, said Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association.

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MWSS board exec named to troubleshoot PhilHealth

By Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has named Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System board member Ricardo Morales to head the Phi lippine Health Insurance Corp., which is embroiled in a corruption scandal in which hundreds of millions were paid for ghost dialysis treatments for members that were already dead.

In a text message, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III confirmed to multiple online news sources that the former military general would be reassigned to the state-run health insurance company.

However, Duque did not say when Morales will assume the top post in PhilHealth. The Palace, on the other hand, has yet to release his appointment papers.

Duterte initially appointed Morales to fill in the vacancy left by MWSS administrator Reynaldo Velasco in the MWSS Board of Trustees. Morales, according to his appointment papers, was set to serve the rest of Velasco’s term until June 2019. Velasco would assume the MWSS chairmanship, according to the Palace.

Almost a week ago, the Chief Executive, upon hearing about the anomalies beleaguering the agency, demanded the Next page

Eddie ‘Manoy’ Garcia passes away, 90

By Nickie Wang ACTOR Eddie Garcia once said that a hearty meal would be wasted on someone who was about to be executed. “ T h e y should give that good meal to somebody Next page

‘Attack squirrel’ high on shabu POLICE in the US state of Alabama made an unusual seizure this week during a drug raid: A squirrel high on methamphetamine.

The apartment’s occupant wanted to make sure his caged “attack Next page

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News

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace sets performance criteria on GOCC execs THE Office of the President has approved the revised Interim Performance-Based Incentive System for the appointive directors of Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations as proposed by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), setting the limits and conditions on its grant.

The grant of the incentive was previously suspended following President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to study and control the allowances of GOCCs and other government entities for transparent and corrupt-free governance.

Under the revised system, an appointive director merits to receive PBI only if the GOCC achieved a weighted average of at least 90 percent in its Performance Scorecard for the applicable year; and if it complied with the good-governance conditions set by the Inter-Agency Task Force and the GCG. In addition, the appointive director must have attended at least 90 percent of all duly called for board and committee meetings; rendered at least three months of aggregate service as an appointive director in any GOCC for the applicable calendar year; submitted all the requirements for the Director Performance Review; and has not been found guilty of an administrative and/or criminal case related to his/her work.

The maximum PBI amount that an appointive director may receive varies depending on its asset and revenue sizes based on the GOCC’s classification under Executive Order 24, series of 2011.

With the revisions, the maximum PBI amount has decreased by 67 percent. For the largest GOCCs (Class A), the maximum PBI has been reduced to P512,000 from the previous maximum amount of P1,536,000. On the other hand, the maximum PBI for the smallest GOCCs (Class E) is now P64,000, compared to the previous P192,000.

The funding for the PBI shall be charged to the respective corporate funds of GOCCs, subject to the approval of their respective Governing Boards per applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

With the upcoming State of the Nation Address, the revised PBI is another accomplishment by the President from his 2017 SONA, stating that salaries, allowances, incentives, benefits and bonuses across the GOCCs will have to pass by the Office of the President.

The limitations set would allow these government corporations to allocate more funds to better serve the public. PNA

MWSS...

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resignations of PhilHealth acting president Roy Ferrer and the board members.

He did not ask for Duque’s resignation, however, as PhilHealth chairman.

The Palace said the President wanted PhilHealth to have “a clean slate absent [of] any taint of irregularity in rendering services as well as implementing pertinent policies on health, including the Universal Health Care Act.” Duque, meanwhile, said he is ready to face any investigation after Senator Panfilo Lacson said he would initiate a probe into the squandering of billions of pesos in PhilHealth funds.

“I welcome all forms of investigation.

I’m willing to undergo whatever investigation needs to take place,” Duque assured.

During last Thursday’s “Kapihan sa Senado,” Lacson said there was a clear case of conflict of interest as the regional office of PhilHealth in Dagupan City in Pangasinan is housed in a building owned

by Duque’s family.

Lacson said Duque is still listed in the general information sheet from the Securities and Exchange Commission as a member of the board of his family’s corporation.

Duque denied any conflict of interest and disclosed in his statement of assets and liabilities that the property was owned by his family.

Duque noted that when he was elected as president of the Lyceum Northwestern University whose corporate name is Education Medical Development Corporation, he was already a private citizen, having left government service in 2015.

He went back to Dagupan City as a private citizen. He then learned that their building had been leased by PhilHealth, but he did not initiate the leasing.

“I did not influence PhilHealth to preferentially lease the property of my family and I was not a public official,” Duque said.

In a statement, PhilHealth said that on June 1, 2012, PhilHealth Regional Office I transferred to Educational and Medical Development Corp. building in Tapuac District, Dagupan City after the successful public bidding compliant to Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Asean ban on trash imports sought

B

ANGKOK—Protestors in Bangkok on Thursday dumped plastic waste in front of a government building and called on Southeast Asian leaders to ban imports of trash from developed countries.

ing waste in 2018, and Greenpeace says plastic refuse imports have increased by a staggering 171 percent since 2016.

The imported waste is supposed to be recycled, but sometimes arrives mixed with unrecyclable items or is improperly handled and ends up being burnt or leaking into waterways and the sea.

The issue has been in the headlines recently after the Philippines sent a huge shipment of garbage back to Canada, sparking a diplomatic row.

And last week, Indonesia returned five containers of rubbish to the US, saying it refused to be a “dumping ground.”

Thailand currently imports waste from scores of countries, much of it ending up in landfills and waste disposal facilities that have prompted pollution complaints from residents.

“There is air, dust, and water pollution... it burdens the Thai people,” said Jorn Naowaopas, an activist from Chachoengsao province where several dumpsites are located.

The contaminated groundwater run-off and toxic fumes caused by disposing of plastic and electronic waste can cause serious environmental and health problems if not properly treated.

The ASEAN summit, which kicks off Saturday with a foreign ministers meeting, has not put the waste issue on its agenda.

But discussions will have as a “priority” the issue of marine waste because it affects “the food chain of people worldwide,” Thai government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said Wednesday. AFP

The protest comes ahead of a weekend meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with many countries struggling to deal with the flood of plastic waste unleashed by China’s decision last year to stop importing recyclables from abroad.

Countries in ASEAN now receive more than a quarter of global plastic waste, most of which comes from developed economies like Canada, the US, Australia, and Japan.

A group of about 50 Thai activists,

some holding placards reading “No Space for Waste”, joined Greenpeace campaigners to call for an end to all trash imports to Southeast Asia.

“The communities are here today to reclaim... the right to live in a sustainable environment in Thailand,” said Tara Buakamsri of Greenpeace Thailand.

They called for ASEAN countries to ban the export of waste “from anywhere in the world into the region,” Tara said.

The trash pile-up in Southeast Asia accelerated after China stopped accept-

Angat...

amount of rainfall is still not enough to boost the water level of the Angat Dam. “According to PAGASA, there will be no widespread rains but only localized rain showers for the next eight days,” said Jojo Garcia, MMDA general manager.

To facilitate the delivery of water to areas that may be affected, Lim said trucks of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Company Inc. are still exempted from the number coding scheme.

“We have a standing order authorizing tankers bringing water to affected areas, with no restrictions on number coding,” Lim said.

Maynilad handles the west zone or parts of Metro Manila and Cavite while Manila Water handles the east zone or parts of eastern Metro Manila and Rizal.

Garcia also called on the public to learn and practice responsible use of water.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu also urged residents in the National Capital Region to conserve water, urging them to harvest and recycle rainwater.

“Angat Dam can still benefit from the rains falling outside its watershed if these are collected for non-essential uses such as for car washing and flushing of toilets,” he said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources made the call amid insufficient rain over the 62,300-hectare Angat watershed reservation despite the rainfall in some parts of Metro Manila.

Water conservation measures could help lessen the demand for Angat Dam’s water in the millions of liters, Cimatu said.

On Thursday, some customers of Manila Electric Co. suffered rotating power outages at 3:25 p.m.

Meralco carried out manual load dropping in parts of Cavite such as General Trias, Naic, Maragondon, Tanza, Ternate, Trece Martirez, Bacoor and Imus, and Francisco in Tagaytay.

Grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines placed the Luzon grid on red alert from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday due to lack of generating capacity.

NGCP also placed the Luzon grid on yellow alert from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Four power plants with a combined capacity of 765 megawatts continued to be on forced outage due to technical problems while several plants including hydro-electric ones were operating at below capacity due to low water levels.

35 Chinese...

Thursday.

Guevarra said the proposal for a joint probe was made during a Cabinet cluster meeting in Malacanang.

“That’s my proposal. That is something for the DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs] to bring up to the attention of the Chinese side if they would prefer to conduct a joint inquiry with the Philippine side. I would prefer that so that there is only one investigation,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“It would be confusing if our findings and their findings are different, so why don’t they just conduct the investigation jointly?” he said.

A third party could help settle any disagreements, Guevarra added, without specifying who this party might be.

The investigation, Guevarra said, would be separate and distinct from the diplomatic steps being undertaken.

He said the Cabinet agreed to the proposal to be able to “establish the true facts, allocate responsibility for restitution, and adopt measures to prevent or avoid similar incidents in the future.”

A Vietnamese vessel rescued the 22 Filipino seamen after they were abandoned in the open water by the Chinese vessel.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. last week said he filed a diplomatic protest against the Chinese action of abandoning the 22 Filipino fishermen after their boat the F/B Gim-Ver 1 sank.

The DFA has also brought the matter of the abandonment of the Filipino fishermen to the International Maritime Organization.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has described the incident as an accidental collision of fishing boats at sea and said the Chinese government will “continue to earnestly investigate the matter.”

Nonetheless, it said Beijing is ready to enhance communication with Manila on the investigation so as to dispel mistrust and find out what actually happened.

China earlier said their vessel tried to rescue the Filipino fishermen but did not do so out of fear of being besieged by other Filipino fishing boats in the area.

The line was picked up by the Palace— but it did not say why any of the Filipino boats that were allegedly in the area did not rescue the fishemen, who were eventually rescued by a Vietnamese vessel.

President Rodrigo Duterte and his Cabinet members have sought to play down the incident as “a little maritime accident.”

But Senator Richard Gordon blasted government officials for trying to bribe the Filipino fishermen with gifts to get them to change their story.

He said the gifts only cheapen and exploit the vulnerability of the fishermen and simply show utter disrespect for their dignity and dire condition.

“What the fishermen need right now are justice and respect from the Chinese and not the government trying to mollify them by giving them gifts, and showing it to the whole world too,” Gordon said.

He said the government should stick to its strongest position that the Chinese abandoned the fishermen and they should apologize for it.

The Chinese version of events was belied by the Vietnamese who rescued the Filipino fishermen, he added.

The senator was obviously miffed by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol’s press conference with the fishermen and concluding for them that their captain was no longer sure if the incident was intentional or an accidental collision.

Senator-elect Christopher Go, a former aide to the President, said the matter should be discussed by the two countries in a diplomatic manner.

“Should there be findings that that there was a deliberate act to harm the Filipino fishing boat, the perpetrators should be made to answer for that,” he said. With PNA

US-China...

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The National Water Resources Board earlier announced that water allocation for domestic use was further reduced due to the low water level at Angat Dam. The Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is preparing a contingency plan for a possible water shortage as the water level at Angat continues to drop.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and concurrent MMDRRMC chairman Danilo Lim said the supply from water concessionaires will be reduced in the coming weeks.

“The public, especially those located in vulnerable areas, must know what to expect with the water level of Angat Dam now at critical level,” said Lim during a special MMDRRMC meeting on Thursday.

The meeting was attended by officials of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and the two private water concessionaires, PAGASA and other concerned government agencies.

PAGASA said that while it had declared the start of the rainy season last week, the

China...

From A1

handle the matter through friendly consultations based on mutually-recognized investigation results,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said, in a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

The Chinese official maintained that it was an “accidental collision” and that Filipino and Chinese fishermen “have long been friendly to each other, rendering mutual assistance to the best of their capabilities in times of need.”

“Once again, I would like to offer sympathy to the Filipino fishermen who were in distress after the accidental collision of a Chinese and a Filipino vessel in Liyue Tan, Nansha (the Chinese name for Recto Bank),” Lu said.

“We will continue to investigate the incident thoroughly and communicate with the Philippine side via bilateral channels,” he added.

On June 9, 22 Filipino crew were left adrift at the Recto Bank in the WPS after their fishing boat was rammed and sank by a Chinese vessel.

The fishermen claimed the Chinese vessel intentionally hit their boat and abandoned them.

However, after meeting with several Cabinet officials on Wednesday, the fishermen said the collision could have been an accident.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday suggested a joint probe as well, saying “legal action is, and should always be the last resort.”

“The DOJ [Department of Justice] will be awaiting the findings of the marine inquiry. One is being conducted already, and I am hoping that this could be done jointly with the Chinese side so whatever facts would be established would be mutually acceptable,” Guevarra said

Eddie...

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who’s living—somebody who’s not about to die,” he told a lifestyle magazine.

Garcia, who died Thursday at the age of 90, was a practical person who never got offended when asked about death.

In a previous interview, in fact, he said he wasn’t afraid to die, and if that day would come, he’d like to die doing the thing he loved—acting.

Garcia had been in a coma for two weeks after a fall on the set of his new TV show. On Thursday, at 4.55 p.m., he finally succumbed.

His condition worsened on Wednes-

‘Attack...

From A1

squirrel” was sufficiently aggressive so he fed it animal methamphetamine, the Limestone County’s sheriff’s office told The News Courier, a local newspaper.

day with “little sign of brain activity,” said family friend Bibeth Orteza and spokesman Tony Rebosa. A hospital report confirmed that he suffered a neck fracture.

He was officially diagnosed with a severe cervical fracture and was placed on “do-not-resuscitate” status on June 15.

Earlier this month, on June 8, the actor was rushed to hospital in Tondo, Manila after falling over a wire that was blocking his way and collapsing during a shoot for an upcoming show. The next day, his family described him as “in deep sleep” as he remained unconscious and was transferred to the intensive care unit. He was dependent on a ventilator.

Drugs and munitions also were seized during the raid Monday.

Alabama law forbids holding wild animals so, on the advice of environmental protection agents, the squirrel was set loose.

“It ran into the woods and did not attack the deputies who released it,” the sheriff’s office said on its Facebook page. AFP

Romualdez...

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He was referring to Duterte’s visit late Wednesday afternoon to the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division in Camp General Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City, Samar, where he also pinned medals for gallantry on nine soldiers who were wounded in action.

With the President and Romualdez during the military camp visit were newly elected Senator Bong Go and Presidential Adviser for the Visayas Michael Dino.

After seeing the condition of the soldiers recuperating in the hospital, Romualdez, president of the Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats, said the 18th Congress should consider as top priority the allocation of a bigger budget for the military personnel who are leading the fight against terrorists and extremists.

Duterte had earlier announced that the government was committed to pouring in P500 million in medical assistance for the troops in the battlefield. He also said the families of the wounded soldiers would also be taken care off.

From A1

The Chinese were caught doing manual labor, Manahan said, adding they were caught doing tile setting, finishing works, wood works and other construction activities, which is in clear violation of the conditions of their stay, Foreign nationals are not allowed to do manual labor in the Philippines.

In September, Immigration also arrested 34 Chinese construction workers in a building along Macapagal Avenue.

Manahan said the Chinese refused to identify themselves, but he said “a thorough biometric records check will reveal their true identities.”

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said ‘‘we will initiate deportation proceedings against these illegal aliens for blatantly disobeying the law.

They will be deported and barred from returning to the Philippines.’’

Morente urged the public to forward information about illegal aliens in their area.

“We urge the public to help us get rid of these illegal aliens by reporting those within your community,” he said.

From A1

research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, in reference to the gains Asia’s low-cost manufacturing nations stand to make from trade tensions between China and the United States.

Firms including Brooks Running Company and washing machine maker Haier have already started migrating from China, seeking friendlier, lowertariff markets in Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia.

With the spat grinding on, Beijing is intensifying its drive to sign a massive trade pact that sweeps in Southeast Asia.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership includes all 10 ASEAN economies, plus India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

It links about half the world’s population and is seen as a way for China to draft the architecture of Asian-Pacific trade, following a US retreat from the region.

Shortly after his election, Trump pulled the US from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)—which would have been the world’s largest trade deal— slamming it as an American “job killer.”

‘Bad news for everyone’ Backers hoped to sign the RCEP deal by the end of this year.

But negotiations have become sticky with Australia and New Zealand pushing for “high quality” environmental and labour protections.

India is also seeking guarantees the deal will not force its market open to duty-free goods from its main economic rival China through Southeast Asia.

In seeking to draw its own perimeters, New Delhi is the “glaring objector” to the free trade deal, Thompson added.

Expectations of concrete progress in Bangkok have dimmed—although RCEP negotiators are scheduled to meet on Saturday.

In the absence of a deal, observers worry the short-term gains forASEAN from the US-China trade war may soon be consumed by falling global growth rates. AFP

Kapa...

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“We are calling on President Rodrigo Duterte to allow us to operate so we could help the poor and share our blessings.”

According to the Kapa organizers, the Quezon City government refused to grant Kapa a permit to hold a prayer rally and a noise barrage inside the Quezon Memorial Circle.

A source said the Office of the Secretary to the Mayor received instructions not to allow Kapa members to hold a “peaceful” prayer vigil.

On June 12, the Kapa members held a prayer rally inside the park. Simultaneous prayer rallies were also held yesterday in General Santos City and Tagum City in Mindanao.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House approves GMA’s proposed ‘NEDA Act’on third reading THE House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pushed for the enactment of the bill institutionalizing the National Economic and Development Authority as the independent economic and planning agency of the Philippine government.

A total of 183 lawmakers approved on third and final reading House Bill 9204 or the proposed “The National Economic and Development Authority Act.” The bill is principally authored by Speaker Arroyo. It defines the functions of the NEDA and seeks to repeal for the purpose Executive Order No. 230, series of 1987.

The bill declares that the NEDA shall generate and provide impartial, objective, and evidence-based analyses and recommendations for the socioeconomic betterment of the nation, particularly to the President of the Philippines, the Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, and Filipinos in general.

To this end, the NEDA shall be transparent and proactive in engaging all Filipinos in the development of and discourse over the government’s socioeconomic policies, strategies, plans, programs and projects, and budgets.

The bill provides that NEDA shall consist of two distinct but functionally related entities: The NEDA Board and the NEDA Secretariat.

Among the powers, functions, and duties of the NEDA is to formulate continuing integrated and coordinated policies, plans, and programs for national and regional development in consultation with public agencies, people’s organizations, the academe, the private sector, and local government units. This includes long-term national development plans, medium-term and short-term national and regional development plans, medium-term national and regional public investment programs, inter-sectoral programs, and evaluation agenda.

The organizational structure and staffing modifications, as necessary shall be submitted by the NEDA to the Department of Budget and Management for review and approval.

Maricel V. Cruz

Du30 urges NPA rebels to ‘choose a better fight in life’ PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday night urged communist rebels to “choose a better fight in life,” assuring them that the government will provide them with livelihood assistance as long as they laid down their arms.

He told members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army that the moment they surrender, he was willing to provide them with jobs, land, accommodation.

“Choose a better fight in life. Iyang makapabuti sa anak mo, kapwa tao mo, sa gobyerno mo (What’s better for your children, for your countrymen and your government),” President Duterte said during his visit to the 8th infantry division of the Philippine Army in Catbalogan, Samar on Wednesday.

He encouraged remaining rebels to “repudiate outdated ideology, abandon their extremist activities, and return to the folds of the law” since they are already being outnumbered by soldiers.

“I will never run out of soldiers because you are outnumbered. I think one is to 1,000. Iilan lang kayo (How many are you)? And you choose to fight,” Duterte said.

Duterte said that he felt pity for the communists, but said that they (NPAs) refused to sit down for talks.

“Ako naaawa rin ako sa inyo (I also pity you). But if you choose that way of life, bahala kayo. Pero ako hindi ako magsabi na—basta ako sabi ko ako peace lang (it’s up to you. But I’m saying all I want is peace),” Duterte said.

“Kung kaya ninyo makipag-usap, wala akong problema (If you can talk, I don’t have a problem). Just drop your weapon, stop fighting and we will talk,” he added.

Duterte earlier terminated peace talks with communist rebels but later issued Executive Order 70 which institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in attaining peace and created a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Duterte, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the government could end communist insurgency in Eastern Visayas “sooner rather than later.” PNA

WATER CRISIS.

A man had to fetch water from a deep well in Valenzuela City as water crisis looms after the water level in Angat Dam dropped to a critical level.

Andres Rabulan

House ratifies bicam report on anti-power line blockade

By Maricel V. Cruz

O

BSTRUCTING power lines will soon be a criminal offense.

This after the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ratified before it adjourned early June a bicameral conference committee report that ensures the continuous and uninterrupted transmission and distribution of electricity and the protection of the integrity and reliability of power lines.

The ratified measure, to be referred to as the “Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act,” reconciled the provisions of House Bill 6276 and Senate Bill 2098, authored

by Rep. Carlos Roman Uybarreta of I CARE Party-list and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, respectively.

The bill aims to ensure uninterrupted conveyance of electricity from generating plants to end-users, and protect the integrity and reliability of the country’s transmission, sub-transmission, and distribution systems by keeping the power line corridor clear of dangerous obstructions.

The proposed Act covers all power lines and other related facilities for the conveyance of electricity throughout the country.

The measure mandates that the power line corridor, which comprises the land beneath, the air spaces surrounding, and the area traversed by power lines includ-

ing its horizontal, vertical, and similar clearance requirements, shall at all times be kept clear and free from any power line obstructions, dangerous structures, hazardous activities and improvements and other similar circumstances in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The horizontal, vertical, and other similar clearance requirements that constitute the power line corridor shall be determined by the Board of Electrical Engineering and approved by the Department of Energy, and shall be in accordance with the current Philippine Electrical Code.

In case where the power line corridor is wholly or partially located within a private property not owned by the owner or operator of the power lines, it shall constitute a legal easement upon the private property in accordance with the relevant provisions under Book II, Title VII, Chapter 2 of the Civil Code of the Philippines or Republic Act No. 386, except if the owner or operator of the power lines shall acquire, lease, or enter into other gratuitous or onerous arrangement with the property owner.

In the case of legal easement, the owner of the private property shall be compensated with the proper legal easement

fee pursuant to the provisions of RA 386 and other relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

The bill prohibits any person, whether natural or juridical, private or public to: 1) plant or cause to be planted tall growing plants, including those of whatever kind, variety, or height within the power corridor; 2) construct or erect any hazardous improvements within the power line corridor; 3) conduct or perform any hazardous activities within the power line corridor; 4) prevent or refuse duly authorized agents of the owner or operator of the power lines, entry to the property in the performance of acts as provided under the Act; and 5) perform other analogous acts or activities which will impair the conveyance of electricity and cause damage to power lines.

Likewise, in cases where the power line corridor is wholly or partially located within public property or on property owned by the owner or operator of the power lines, the owner or operator of power lines shall have the right to enter the said property to a) prevent and remove any power line obstruction; b) conduct maintenance and inspection activities within the power line corridor; c) conduct repair or restoration activities within the power line corridor; d) stop, prevent or prohibit the conduct of hazardous activities; and e) perform other analogous acts or activities which will cause the prevention and removal of any power line obstruction, among others as provided under the Act.

CA greenlights NHA-RII firm’s P1.1-b ‘Smokey Mountain deal’

By Rey E. Requejo THE Court of Appeals has stamped its approval into the compromise agreement entered into by the National Housing Authority and property developer R-II Builders Inc. involving the controversial P6.7 billion Smokey Mountain mass housing project in Manila.

In a 25-page decision, the CA’s Special First Division through Presiding Justice Romeo F. Barza, has ordered the NHA and R-II Builders, owned by businessman Reghis M. Romero II, to comply with the compromise agreement they signed on Nov. 21, 2018 to settle the state agency’s

unpaid obligation to the latter amounting to P1.12 billion.

“Withal, this Court finds that the Compromise Agreement dated November 21, 2018 is not contrary to law, morals, good customs and public policy. Moreover, it appears to be freely executed by herein parties R-II and NHA. Thusly, no cogent reason exists for the Court to refuse to grant the prayer of the parties and hereby bestowed judicial approval of their compromise agreement,” the appellate court ruled.

Under the agreement, the R-II Builders will release NHA from any legal liabilities and obligations in connection with the project upon payment of the said amount.

The R-II Builders is also obliged under the agreement to cause the cancellation of the notice of levy on attachment issued by the trial court against NHA’s properties to answer for its unpaid obligations.

“In the case at bench, this Court finds for the validity of the herein Compromise Agreement and finds no distinct reason to deny the motion for approval thereof,” the CA said.

In its earlier comment, the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel had manifested that the NHA general manager’s authority was limited to negotiations only and that negotiations on specific additional properties should have a separate authority from the NHA board.

President adopts 4-year national plan for‘tech-voc’ skills development

By Nat Mariano IN A bid to attain global competitiveness and workforce readiness, President Rodrigo Duterte has adopted a four-year national plan for technical vocational skills development.

The President issued Executive Order 83 on June 17, a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Thursday.

According to EO 83, the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan 2018-2022 seeks to “mobilize, galvanize and strengthen” the Technical Vocational Education and Training sector in order to “attain global competitiveness and workforce readiness, as well as social equity for workforce inclusion and poverty reduction.”

The four-year development plan “shall serve as a blueprint of the TVET sector in coming up with responsive policies and implementing programs in support of the broader goals and objectives of the national government.”

To work on the full realization of the NTESDP 2018-2022, Duterte has called on national government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to adopt, disseminate, and support its implementation. The said plan shall be used as a guide in the development and implementation of their respective TVET programs, projects, and policies.

The EO also mandates the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to ensure that all skills development programs and schemes conform with the quantitative and qualitative objectives of the NTESDP 2018-2022 and all skills trainings and development are aligned with the Philippine Qualifications Framework all instituted national standards.

The TESDA must also monitor the implementation of the development plan and conduct a periodic review to evaluate its efficiency and effectivity.

Additionally, TESDA, through the Department of Trade and Industry, is required to submit semi-annual reports on the plan’s implementation to Malacañang.

As for the funding, resources to implement the said plan will be sourced from the budgets of the TESDA and concerned national government agencies, subject to budgeting and auditing rules and regulations. This order took effect immediately.

DOJ says its officials’ trips abroad ‘useful’

RECYCLABLE. A resident of Manila collects recyclable plastics from a pool of garbage at the Estero De Manila on Thursday. Norman Cruz

JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday defended the propriety of the travel expenses incurred by some officials of the Department of Justice earlier flagged by the Commission on Appointment, saying the participation of DOJ officials to international conferences is useful to the department and the government.

Guevarra made the statement after the COA audit report for 2018 showed that the DOJ spent a total of P7.83 million for the foreign travels of its officials and personnel who attended meetings, dialogues and conferences.

The COA said that of the amount, P5.5 million was spent on the travels of

the same group of people.

“They are on official travels to international conferences of a continuing nature, like periodic sessions of UN agencies, ASEAN regional meetings, and bilateral negotiations on legal cooperation agreements. Participation on those international events is useful to our government and to the DOJ in particular,” Guevarra explained.

Nonetheless, Guevarra vowed “to reduce the number of DOJ officials participating in any given delegation.”

The COA report also named the 14 most travelled DOJ officials who spent P6.192 million of the P7.83 million of the department’s foreign travel expenses for 2018. Rey E. Requejo

A4

Opinion

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Business and politics make strange bedfellows AMID a free-for-all for the Speakership of the House of Representatives, is it true that Big Business is among those providing financial support to some candidates for the country’s fourth-highest political position?

One prominent businessman is rumored to be funding the campaign of a congressman who supported a presidential candidate in 2016. Both switched their support to then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte when the latter ran under PDP-Laban.

Who else could give such funds to politicians except those identified with Big Business?

Duterte swept the presidential elections, but the other candidate landed first in the province of the congressman. This candidate repeated this feat in May this year.

In 2016, the businessman is said to have provided that candidate with a P1-billion initial campaign fund.

The rumored involvement of Big Business in the race for House Speaker raises questions on government’s regulatory functions considering the number of mega-projects

now undergoing bidding or review processes by various agencies.

These are big-ticket infrastructure projects under the Build Build Build program.

Observers feel that the involvement of Big Business in leadership contests could affect regulatory agencies of the government. The Cabinet economic cluster headed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez has complained that PSALM had to borrow P20 billion last year and another $1 billion last May to pay off its maturing obligations, and spent an additional P3 billion to pay interest and other costs for these loans, because of PSALM’s uncollected bills from power companies.

The role of Big Business in funding political campaigns was highlighted recently when former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez revealed that Speaker the top candidates for the Speakership are tapping the support of big funders because they must be willing to shell out between P500,000 and P1 million per vote for each of the 300 incoming House members, which he said he cannot do because he was not approached by any of the funders.

This was followed by the revelation of Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Sr. of PDP-Laban that some congressmen have received offers of as much as P7 million in exchange for securing the votes for some of the candidates for Speakership. 1Pacman Partylist Rep. Michael Romero, head of the group of party-list congressmen in the incoming 18th Congress, also con-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Water and power shortages

T

HE country's robust economic growth is taking its toll on its utilities. velop new sources of raw water much earlier. The National Water Resources Board, thus, reduced the allocation to water distributors to 40 cubic meters per second from 46 cms from June 19 to 21 amid the fast reduction in the level of Angat Dam—the main source of water in Metro Manila.

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, meanwhile, placed the Luzon grid on red alert from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, the second consecutive day, due to a shortage of power generation capacity.

NGCP, the operator of the electricity grid, placed the available power capacity at 10,962 megawatts compared with the peak demand of 11,134 MW. Luzon’s power supply is generally tight during the dry months when demand is high and the hydropower plants are forced to op-

A rising population and increased economic activities, along with the El Niño phenomenon, have raised the demand for water and electricity, but these should not serve as an excuse for the shortage and tight supply being experienced by consumers today.

Government regulators must have foreseen the situation where demand will soon outstrip supply given the 7 percent to 8-percent economic growth targets laid down by the state's economic planners over the medium- and longterm periods. They should have dispatched the perceived shortages by approving new water and power projects with a sense of urgency. The water supply shortage in Metro Manila, for one, could have been averted had authorities cleared private sector proposals to de-

erate below capacity due to the low water level of the dams.

The power shortage problem, or the prevailing thin reserves, however, stemmed partly from red tape or overzealous local government units. San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang, whose company is one of the major power generators in the Philippines, noted that reserves were thin because no new plants were built in the past three years.

Power developers, according to him, faced numerous challenges such as the delayed issuance of environment compliance certificate and other permits. He warned that the shortage in electricity supply was worsening and that the country “might have some problems soon.”

The demand for water and electricity, indeed, will become greater in the immediate future when the economy expands more and the population rises further.

Turn to A5

Creatures of the night 257 feet in length, with five openings. Early estimates pegged the population to 1.8 million bats.

The cave has remained healthy despite the limited space. The birthing cycle seems to go on all year round. Now Monfort estimates her bats to number 2.3 million—enough to be included in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the single colony. “I can claim to have the biggest brothel. My bats fornicate all the time!”

BATS have never really enjoyed good press. They are seen as dirty and dangerous, unpopular and undesirable. They are carriers of rabies and viruses. In popular culture, they are portents of evil.

Norma Monfort of the Island Garden City of Samal, however, has made it her mission to change peoBat benefits ple’s perception of bats.

Contrary to common notion, bats They’re actually angels, she says. are actually good for the environMonfort is founder and president ment. They provide value to the of the Monfort Bat Cave & Conser- region’s production of high-value vation Foundation, which seeks to raise awareness among policymakers and the general public on the life of Time to shed our bats, their habitat and their role in the ecosystem. dated view of these She also goes by “Bat Mama.” nocturnal animals.

A princely inheritance One could say Monfort was born into the role. She didn’t choose this advocacy. Rather, she was heiress to a piece of land where the bat cave sits. “My parents used to be absentee landowners,” she told a group of journalists who came to the sanctuary for a learning visit on June 5, World Environment Day. “I didn’t really get into it; I just inherited the land.”

When she first started coming to the island, she saw that the people living in the area were charging visitors for money to see the bats. “I got angry, but at that time I did not know any better. I scratched my head wondering what I was going to do with the bats.”

Slowly, inspiration came. Sometime in 2006, Monfort sent letters to a couple of organizations seeking advice on how best she could manage the sanctuary in her property.

Bat Conservation International responded, and soon Drs. Merlin Tuttle and David Waldien came down to the island for a scientific survey.

On the property was one big cave,

fruits. When they go out at night, they pollinate plants such as durian and wild banana.

Monfort says: “When you think about it, without bats there will be no healthy forests, there will be no food, people will compete for resources.

There will be war.”

Threatened, not threatening In popular culture, bats are alter egos of vampires. They are menacing. In reality, they are the ones who are threatened.

The threat comes from the species that claims to be wary of them—humans.

Monfort remembers one time she allowed an adventure challenge in the bat sanctuary. Because of the disturbance, several bats were found dead. There have also been attempts to harvest guanos—bats’ droppings which make for very good fertilizer—in the caves.

“The moment they sense threat, they leave,” Monfort said. “And Turn to A5

Skin deep: Japan’s ‘washi’ paper torn by modern life

By Natsuko Fukue ONCE an indispensable part of daily life in Japan, ultra-thin washi paper was used for everything from writing and painting to lampshades, umbrellas, and sliding doors, but demand has plunged as lifestyles have become more westernized.

Despite its 1,300-year history and UNESCO Intangible Cultural

Heritage status, washi paper is struggling to attract consumers and the market value has dropped by more than 50 percent in the past two decades.

But at a small workshop in western Japan, Hiroyoshi Chinzei, a fourth-generation traditional paper maker, creates washi with a unique purpose that may help revive interest—both at home and abroad.

Chinzei's product, the world's thinnest paper, has helped save historical documents at major museums and libraries—including the Louvre in Paris, the British Museum and Washington's Library of Congress—from decay.

"Washi paper is more flexible and durable" than what Japanese refer to as "western paper," which disintegrates into tiny pieces when Turn to A5

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Opinion Is it right? an agreement. But nobody is pushing and the intrusions as far as China is concerned it’s in their waters.”

“I love China. It has helped us a bit. But it behooves upon IN TOKYO, last May 31, 2019, us to ask: Is it right for a counaddressing the 25th Nikkei try to claim the whole ocean?”

Conference on “The Future of Asia,” President Rodrigo Duterte asked the existenPerhaps America tial question: “Is it right for a country to claim the whole can share its satellite ocean?” photos of how the He was referring to the incident of June 9 vigorous, if violent, attempts by China to claim as actually happened. a sphere of influence, if not outright sovereignty, over the vast entirety of the South As you probably know, the China Sea. In part of that sea, South China Sea sprawls over the Philippines has a glob- 3.5 million square kilometers. ally recognized 200-mile ex- Using its so-called nine-dash clusive economic zone. Ma- line map, Beijing claims up nila refers to its EEZ as the to 90 percent of the South West Philippine Sea. China Sea, a claim debunked In his Nikkei speech, by the Philippines winning in Duterte declared: 2016 an Arbitral Tribunal rul“We are friends with China. ing which said China has no I am the moderator country historical rights based on the for China and the ASEAN. nine-dash line. The tribunal, And the last thing I heard was however, refused to rule on that the [code on the] conduct the issue of sovereignty, and of the sea is just about two accordingly, did not delineate years away.” boundaries covering contest“I would not want to im- ed islands in the South China pose my own—it would be my Sea. last word—but if I get to get a History, however, is written chance to visit Beijing again, by the victors. Might is right.

I’ll try to talk to President Xi So per its version of history, Jinping.”

China owns most, if not all, of “And the longer it takes for the South China Sea. Hence, the issue to be there it is al- the Duterte question: “Is it ways a flashpoint for trouble. right for China to own the And not only that because of whole ocean?” the absence of the conduct of According to International the sea, France, Britain, Amer- Hydrographic Organization ica are testing the waters.”

Limits of Oceans and Seas, “This is not a testing of 3rd edition (1953), the South waters of temperature, my China Sea is south of China, God. It is really testing who west of the Philippines, east can fire the first shot. And I of Vietnam, and east of the am sad and bewildered, not Malay Peninsula and Sumaangry because I cannot do tra, up to the strait of Singaanything.” pore.

“I just hope that China The Philippines exercises would come up with (the code EEZ, not sovereignty, up to of) conduct of the sea soon 2.0 million square kms. EEZ and somebody should reach means the Philippines owns out to the United States. Be- the resources (fishery, macause if you leave it to them rine life, minerals, etc) under to talk, nothing will happen. the sea and above the sea, but There is so much animos- does not own the area as a ity covered by sweet-talking sovereign territory, meaning about how they desire to have other countries can fish in its

Skin deep:...

From A4

it becomes very old, the 50-yearold told AFP. The traditional hand-made paper is manufactured from plants called kozo, or mulberry, which has fibers that are much longer than materials used for paper in the west such as wood and cotton.

"Old Japanese books from the seventh or eighth century remain in good condition... thanks to the fibers of the kozo plants," the washi maker told AFP at his small factory in Hidaka, a village 640 kilometers (400 miles) southwest of Tokyo.

Wings of a mayfly The papermaking process begins with steaming the kozo plants and peeling off the bark, which is then boiled until soft, while impurities are removed by hand in clear water.

The fibers are then beaten and mixed with glue and water, before being placed on a wooden screen.

This screen is then dipped repeatedly in water with the fibers and shaken to spread the liquid evenly to make a sheet of paper, a technique which requires years to master.

Because washi is hard to break, damaged, old documents can be reinforced by attaching a piece of washi or sandwiching them between two sheets of the paper, Chinzei explained.

For documents, transparency

is key to be able to see the text, meaning the thinner the washi, the better.

Chinzei's washi, a type called tengu-joshi paper also known as "the wings of a mayfly," is 0.02 millimeters thick and weighs 1.6 grams per square meter.

This compared to a standard sheet of photocopy paper, which is about 0.09 millimeters thick and weighs 70 grams per square meter.

"It's a mesh-like paper mainly made with fibers... It's as thin as human skin," Chinzei said.

Using both machines and handmade techniques passed down for generations, the firm can create ultra-thin paper, which is also used by conservationists to restore and protect cultural objects.

Pure, strong and lasting One such conservationist, Takao Makino, carefully applies washi with a brush onto golden sticks representing the halo of a Buddhist statue estimated to be around 800 years old.

Makino said he used washi for the first time in 2007 to protect the surface of one of the two main statues at Tokyo's historic Sensoji Temple.

"The surface was damaged and peeled off. So we covered all of it [with washi] to contain the damage," the 68-year-old said.

"Washi naturally fits into intricately-shaped sculptures, but papers with chemical fibres or wrapping films don't," he said.

"The history proves washi is

waters,—but not to reclaim islands (as China has done) or attack fishing vessels of other countries in the area (as China has done).

An estimated US$3.37 trillion worth of global trade passes through the South China Sea annually, for a third of the global maritime trade; 80 percent of China´s energy imports and 39.5 percent of China´s total trade passes through the South China Sea, according to Wikipedia.

On near midnight of June 9, Beijing probably gave the answer to Duterte’s question: At the Reed Bank or rein Recto Bank, a heavily reinforced Chinese vessel suddenly appeared in the dark horizon and rammed the hapless wooden boat of 22 Filipino fishermen, all but one of whom were asleep at the time of the incident.

Adding insult to injury, and against the law on conduct of vessels in open sea, the Chinese ship Yuemaobinyu, after making sure it had sunk the Philippine boat, Gem Ver, left in a huff, in classic hit-and-run fashion.

The 22 Filipino fishermen waded and gasped for dear life in the middle of the ocean in total darkness and biting cold for about six hours before they were fished out of the water by a Vietnamese fishing boat. The Filipinos were fed rice and noodles, given dry clothes, and made to rest until another Filipino boat came to retrieve them.

Now, Duterte may ask: Is it right for an industrialgrade Chinese boat to ram a smaller wooden boat with 22 sleepy fishermen in the middle of the night, and abandon them? In a place that is claimed by the Philippines as its property?

Only the conscience of Beijing and the patience of Duterte can answer that. In the meantime, maybe, America can share its satellite photos of how the incident of June 9 actually happened. biznewsasia@gmail.com

very durable... The material is pure, strong and lasting. It's reliable."

The production of the Japanese paper peaked in the Edo period between the 17th and late 19th centuries but declined as papermaking was mechanized.

Now, due to the westernization of Japan, the washi market is shrinking again, Chinzei said.

"We have no tatami rooms and almost no space to display a hanging scroll in the current lifestyle," he said.

"Washi used for those things are now gone."

According to the industry ministry, the total value of handmade washi dropped to 1.78 billion yen in 2016 from 4.15 billion yen in 1998, while that of washi for calligraphy and shoji sliding screens fell to 5.86 billion yen from 25.1 billion yen.

Chinzei didn't plan on taking over his family trade and went to business school in Seattle to study finance.

"But I came back... because I felt responsible for passing the baton to the next generation," he said, hoping to find ways to expand the market.

The volume of washi used for restoration is still small, but it's been shipped to more than 40 countries and Chinzei is hopeful interest will grow.

He explained: "For restoring cultural assets and as a canvas for art... I think washi has the potential to be used more in the world of art." AFP

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

In Sudan, Internet users find ways to beat blackout

By Tony Gamal-Gabriel IN A lush garden cafe in Sudan's capital, a group of youngsters sit eyes glued to mobile phone screens, seeking ways to bypass an internet blackout imposed by army rulers.

"It's as if we have gone back in time—we are cut off from everything, even from the outside world," said Mohamed Omar, 25, sitting around a wooden table with his friends at the cafe in an upscale Khartoum district.

"Internet is what allows us to know what's happening inside the country and outside."

Internet on mobile phones and fixed land connections has been widely cut across Sudan since the violent dispersal of a protest camp outside army headquarters on June 3 that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded.

The ruling military council imposed the blackout to prevent further mobilization of protesters, according to users.

"They cut the Internet so that people can not communicate, to prevent [them from] gathering," said Omar, who has regularly attended the protests that rocked Khartoum for months.

Initial protests were sparked by a tripling of bread prices in December, and led to the downfall of longtime president Omar al-Bashir on April 11.

But the protesters did not stop there, quickly demanding that the military council that seized power hand over to civilian rule.

Even routine activities like checking social media or booking a taxi through an online app has now become nearly impossible.

"My parents live abroad, the internet was our only means of communication," said Omar, sporting a neat goatee and an elegant kneelength truffle grey tunic.

"Before, we could see each other by video, now I have to [make an international] call," he added.

Gross violation At the café, some sat around wooden tables, while others typed on their phones and some browsed on their laptops.

Here, an hour of Internet costs 50 Sudanese pounds, which is approximately one dollar.

Generally across Sudan, the Internet is now accessible only through land telephone lines or fibre optic cables, and the connection is erratic.

In one Khartoum mall, customers swarm several mobile shops and cyber cafes that offer rare access.

At the shops' entrances, men and women—sitting, standing or leaning against the walls—have their eyes fixed to their mobile phones.

"Cutting the Internet is one of the means by the military council

Business...

From A4

to widen the gap between [the protest movement] and the people," prominent protest leader Mohamed Naji al-Assam told reporters this week.

The impact of the blackout was felt Tuesday night when few came out onto the streets, even as protest leaders called for new night-time demonstrations.

Human Rights Watch slammed the blackout as a "gross violation".

"Governments that seek to repress peaceful political opposition have in many instances cut off internet access during times of political sensitivity and crisis," the rights group said in a report on June 12.

For the generals the internet and social media are a threat.

"Regarding social media, we see during this period that it represents a threat for the security of the country and we will not allow that," military council spokesman General Shamseddine Kabbashi told reporters last week.

And on Wednesday, the authorities prevented a consumer protection association from holding a press conference on the internet blackout.

People still communicate Businesses, hit by the blackout, are struggling to keep their services going.

Kamal, an employee of an international travel agency, said his company—which regularly books tickets for embassies and UN agencies—has been forced to make bookings through phone calls and text messages, because they can't access the Internet.

"We get calls from our clients, then we call our back office in Nairobi. It is they who book the ticket and text us the ticket number," he said.

"We forward the ticket number to the client, who then goes to the airport to take the boarding pass from the airport counter itself."

"If a ticket needs to be modified, we used to do it from our system itself... but now we [have to] send people to the airline office."

Other Sudanese travel agencies were shut for several days this month after protest leaders launched a civil disobedience movement, in the wake of the crackdown on protesters.

"Earlier, four, five, six or seven tickets could be booked in one day, but now it takes four days to book just one ticket," said travel agent Hoiam, whose agency was shut during the disobedience campaign.

The main factor was the "very poor" Internet connection at her office, she said.

The Internet blackout has been imposed by the generals "to put an end to the revolution," she said.

"But still, with or without Internet, people manage to communicate." AFP

win. At P1 million each, 153 votes could mean expenses of P153 million for the prospective Speaker.

At P7-million each, a new Speaker may need to shell out a staggering amount of P1.1 billion. And who else could give such funds to politicians except those identified with Big Business?

firmed that one party-list congressman has been offered a P7-million bribe in exchange for a commitment to vote for one of the candidates for Speaker.

With 303 members in the 18th Congress, a candidate for Speaker needs to secure at least 152 votes to ernhil@yahoo.com

Creatures...

From A4

when they go out of the safety of their caves, they are vulnerable to predators.”

Still, it’s getting crowded in the cave, so Monfort’s next project is to construct artificial ones. Used container vans will do, she says, and scientists will help her simulate conditions in the real cave. “We are going to copy the temperature and other conditions in the real bat cave.”

helps define her world view. According to her, bats are symbols of birth and rebirth. “Their upside down position signifies the need to transform, to let go of old habits or ways of life and to adopt new ones though difficult and painful. As nocturnal creatures they guide people through the darkness of confusion helping us face our fears,” she tells the BCI website.

In the same way, Monfort believes Filipinos should not wait for any savior to bring change. “We should stop complaining and simply become the change we want to be.”

Changing attitudes Monfort’s appreciation of bats adellechua@gmail.com

A6

News

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DoTR: NAIA operators misusing airport slots THE Department of Transportation on Thursday said airline operators at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport found misusing their airport slots would face tougher sanctions.

In a statement, the DoTr said a joint memorandum was signed by Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director General Jim Sydiongco and Civil Aeronautics Board Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla, and noted by Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo, aimed at the efficient utilization of airport slots to help decongest the NAIA. Under the memorandum, the slot misuse has been expanded to cover the holding of slots that the airline does not intend to operate, as well as the holding of slots for an operation other than planned for the purpose of denying capacity to another aircraft operator.

Also constituting slot misuse are the requisition of new slots that the airline does not intend to operate, and the requisition of slots for an operation other than indicated with the intention of gaining improved priority.

Stringent sanctions will be imposed “to provide teeth in the implementation of efficient slot utilization,” DoTr said, adding that a time slot committee will review the findings of the “slot coordinator”—who will initiate any disciplinary action against an airline that intentionally misuses its allocated slots.

“An airline that operates services without the corresponding time slots, on a regular basis, will not be entitled to historical precedence for either the actual times they operated or for the allocated times,” the Transportation department said.

“Further, an airline that continues to misuse or inefficiently use timeslots may be relegated to a lower priority in future slot allocations,” it added.

“If an airline, despite being sanctioned, continues to misuse or inefficiently use time slots, the [time slot committee] shall have the authority to recall slot approval and/or suspend or cancel slot allocations of the erring airline,” the statement further stated.

Vito Barcelo

1st section of C5 South Link opened

SHANTIES NO MORE. Workers from the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission demolish shanties along Estero Magdalena on Claro M. Recto Avenue in Manila’s Binondo district Thursday. About 270 families will be relocated to Trece Martirez, Cavite. The clearing operation is in preparation for the coming rainy season to declog the flow of the Pasig River. Norman Cruz

Eastern police director relieved for assaulting cop

Class suit prepared vs. Delgra

By Vito Barcelo

By Rio N. Araja

E

ASTERN Police District director Brig. General Christopher Tambungan was relieved from his post for allegedly assaulting a female police officer last month.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered the administrative relief of Tambungan, based on the complaint filed by police corporal April Santiago.

Eleazar said Tambungan hit Santiago in the head and deliberately opened his car door to hit the lady cop because Santiago failed to help him in a task.

The report said Tambungan also committed verbal abuse on Santiago, who is assigned at the Greenhills Police Community Precinct (PCP-1) of the San Juan City Police Station.

“Allegedly, Brig. Gen Tambungan confronted PCpl Santiago because she

couldn’t help him in a task given [to] her. Thereafter, he physically assaulted PCpl Santiago, hitting her on the head and later swinging his car door to hit her, while hurling verbal abuse at her,” the NCRPO chief said.

Eleazar showed a copy of the CCTV footage of the incident, which happened in front of the Greenhills PCP May 12.

“The report of this incident reached my office only June 19 because Cpl. Santiago hesitated to file a complaint due to her fear that she might be the one to get reprimanded,” he said.

“Based on Santiago’s complaint,

I made a partial investigation of the matter and I have come to believe the allegations of Cpl Santiago. I further believe that the physical actuations of Gen. Tambungan, including his alleged verbal abuse upon his victim are unjustified and completely unbecoming of an officer of the PNP,” he said.

Col. Florendo Quebuyen, EPD deputy district director for administration, was designated as the officer-in-charge while Tambungan was reassigned to the office of Eleazar.

Tambungan has been serving as EPD director for three months prior to his relief.

Tambungan, a member of PNPA Class 1987 and former Manila Police District Deputy Director for Administration, replaced Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba, who was relieved from the post after a member of the EPD’s District Drug Enforcement Unit was arrested for robbery extortion in March.

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Public Works and Highways and Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. on Thursday jointly announced the opening of the first section of the P10-billion C5 South Link Expressway by July this year.

“We are fast-tracking construction to be able to open the 2.2-kilometer segment 3A1 towards the end of July to immediately alleviate congestion and enable motorists to easily cross from Merville, Parañaque to Taguig and vice versa,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said.

Villar said this alignment featured the bridge that crosses over Skyway at grade and SLEX and aimed to decongest Sales Road as well as the East and East Service Roads.

“Vehicular traffic spends about 1.5 hours just to cross from Villamor to Taguig via Fort Bonifacio. This section alone will help about 5,000 vehicles easily cross in under three minutes,” he added.

The entire C5 South Link, expected to be completed by 2021, will seamlessly connect Circumferential Road 5 to Cavitex via Merville and Sucat in Parañaque.

“When completed, C5 South Link will seamlessly connect C5 and Cavitex via Merville and Sucat. It will benefit about 50,000 cars in key areas of Metro Manila such as Makati, Taguig, Las Pinas, Pasay and Parañaque ,as well as roads of EDSA, Sales, East and East Service Roads,” Bobby Bontia, president and general manager of CIC ,said.

“C5 South Link from CP Garcia, Taguig when connected to Cavitex, Parañaque maybe traverse in under 10 minutes,” he added.

CIC is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.

MPTC is also building the P35.43billion Cavite Laguna Expressway, a four-lane, 47-kilometer closed-system toll expressway connecting Cavitex (Manila–Cavite Expressway) and South Luzon Expressway.

Philippine Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier (left) accepts the Castilla y León Economica International Prize in recognition of the Philippines’ commercial relation with Spain from José Rolando Alvarez, president of Iberaval.

A GROUP of lawyers on Thursday threatened to file a class suit against Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for the disqualification of the hatchback cars from the list of transport network vehicle service (TNVS) providers.

At a news conference in Quezon City, Ariel Inton of the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection said they were prepared to file today a mandamus case against LTFRB chairperson Martin Delgra III before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

“We are filing a class suit. There have been too many hatchback providers whose applications [to operate as TNVS drivers] were rejected,” he said.

The case would urge the court to order the LTFRB to implement Memorandum Circular 2018-005 allowing hatchback vehicles as TNVS under a transition period from 2018 to 2021.

“The memorandum circular took effect Feb. 28, 2018. The transition period should start from that date, plus three years so that means the hatchbacks could still apply (Feb. 27, 2021,” he said.

Efren de Luna, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations chairperson, called for the resignation of Delgra.

Leonardo de Leon Jr., Manila Hatchback Community president, said 1,225 hatchback vehicles were deactivated this month, saying they were told by the LTFRB that hatchback vehicles were “unsafe” as TNVS. A hatchback is a car body configuration with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to a cargo area.

Hatchbacks may feature fold-down second row seating, where the interior can be flexibly reconfigured to prioritize passenger versus. cargo volume.

The distinguishing feature of a hatchback is a hatch-type rear door that opens upwards and is hinged at roof level (as opposed to the boot/trunk lid of a saloon/sedan, which which is hinged below the rear window).

Most hatchbacks use a two-box design body style, where the cargo area and passenger areas are a single volume.

PH envoy to Spain Lhuillier receives award for enhancing ties SPAIN’S Guadarrama Forum bestowed an award to Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe J. Lhuillier in recogition of the Philippines’ economic ties with Spain and his continued efforts to enhance these links recently in Madrid.

Guadarrama Forum is an annual conference considered the most important meeting point for companies in the regions of Madrid, Castille and León. The forum is regularly attended by high-level government and business sector representatives from both regions.

The Fifth Guadarrama Forum saw the

participation of over 300 people, including Madrid’s Vice Minister of Economy and the Secretary-General of the Board of Education. This year’s edition was organized by the business magazine Castilla y León Económica and was cosponsored by Bankia (Spain’s fourthlargest bank) and the Board and the Community of Madrid.

During the event, Javier Ruiz Santiago, Vice Minister of Economy and Competitiveness of Madrid, and Juan Casado, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education and Commissioner for Science and

Technology of Castille and León, both noted the importance of strengthening trade and business relations between the Madrid and Castille and León territories.

In this regard, the Vice Minister also stressed the need to “continue to promote meetings to strengthen the relationships of our productive tissues and enable the implementation of new forms of business.”

At the conference, great emphasis was placed on promoting the growth of companies to increase competitiveness, digitization and support for talent, as well as internationalization.

The latter part of the evening included a ceremony to confer awards to three countries in recognition of their economic ties to Spain and the efforts of their diplomatic missions to enhance these ties.

Aside from the Philippines, the other two awardees for this year included Brazil and the Czech Republic.

Lhuillier thanked the organizers for the award and expressed his commitment to continue the Embassy’s efforts to increase trade and investment between the Philippines and these two vital economic regions of Spain.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

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

TODAY

IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT (PSA) ENTERED INTO BY AND BETWEEN BOHOL I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (BOHECO I) AND SAN MIGUEL ENERGY CORPORATION (SMEC), WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY AND CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION

PHCPIo

-

Base Philippine Consumer Price Index, 111.00 (May 2017; 2012=100)

FOREX

-

Monthly Average of daily Philippine Peso to US Dollars Foreign Exchange rate for the calendar month within which the start of the current Billing Period occurs (Source: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)

ACUF

-

“DD”

“DD-1” Secretary Certificate of SMEC on the authority of the “DD-l” authorized representatives to appoint and designate representative to prosecute, defend, arbitrate, settle and/ or collect in behalf of the company.

“EE”

is the Applicable Capacity Utilization Factor between 70% and 100%, provided that if the actual CUF is below 70% (the “Minimum Capacity Utilization Factor”), the Capacity Price shall be calculated based on the Capacity Fee and quantity associated With the Minimum Capacity Utilization Factor

Board Resolution No. 123-2018 dated December 8, 2018, duly signed by Ms. Christine N. Maluenda, Board Secretary of BOHECO I and attested by Mr. Marcial P. Degamo, Board President/Presiding Officer, on authorizing BOHECO I to execute verification and certification against forum shopping in apropos to the PSA between BOHECO I and SMEC and further authorizing Engr. Dino Nicolas T. Roxas to sign for and on behalf of BOHECO I to any pertinent documents related to the application.

“FF” and Additional Documentary Requirements in relation to the 16 October 2018 letter of the Series ERC directing the Distribution Utilities to submit the following: - List of power suppliers per month from January 2015 to September 2018.

- Annual historical and forecasted demand-supply scenario from years 2009 to 2028.

- Approved generation charges.

- Average daily load curve per month from January 2018 to September 2018.

The Applicable Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) shall be computed as follows:

Where:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 07 March 2019, Bohol I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BOHECO I) and San Miguel Energy Corporation (SMEC) filed an Application (Application) dated 02 January 2019, seeking the approval of their Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with prayers for the issuance of provisional authority and confidential treatment of information.

AE

-

Associated Energy as defined in Section 1.1 of the Agreement

CC

-

Contracted Capacity, in kW, as set forth in Schedule 1

HT

-

Total number of hours in such Billing Period

EHTO

-

the sum of the duration, in Equivalent Hours, of Force Majeure in such Billing Period

12. Furthermore, the Joint Application is consistent and in accordance with the first (1st) and fifth (5th) “Whereas clauses” of the DOE Circular No. 2003-12-11 which are respectfully quoted hereunder, to wit: “WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9136, also known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or EPIRA, declared as a policy of the State, among others, [to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power;” (Underscoring supplied)

In their Application, BOHECO I and SMEC alleged, among others, the following: The Joint Applicants 1.

BOHECO I is an electric cooperative duly registered with the National Electrification Administration (“NEA”) pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, with principal office address at Brgy. Cabulijan, Tubigon, 6329 Bohol. It holds a franchise to operate light and power services in the Municipalities of Alburquerque, Anterquera, Baclayon, Balilihan, Batuan, Bilar, Calape, Carmen, Catigbian, Clarin, Corella, Cortes, Dauis, Dimiao, Inabanga, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, Sagbayan, San Isidro, Sevilla, Sikatuna, and Tubigon, all in the Province of Bohol (collectively, the Franchise Area).

2.

SMEC is a domestic corporation organized and existing under the Philippine laws, with office addresses at the 2nd Floor, 808 Building, MERALCO Avenue Corner Gen. Lim Street, Barangay San Antonio, Pasig City. It is the Independent Power Producer (IPP) Administrator of the 1,000 MW Net Contracted Capacity of the Sual Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant located in Barangay Pangascasan, Sual, Pangasinan.

3.

The Joint Applicants may be served with orders, notices and other processes of the Honorable Commission through their respective undersigned counsel at the addresses indicated herein.

“WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 23 of EPIRA, all distribution utilities, as defined in the law, SHALL HAVE THE OBLIGATION TO SUPPLY ELECTRICITY IN THE LEAST COST MANNER TO ITS CAPTIVE MARKET subject to the collection of retail rate duly approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission.”

(Underscoring supplied) 13. The Joint Application is, likewise, consistent with Section 1 of the same Department Circular which declares as State policy, that: “All distribution utilities must henceforth take cognizance and assume full responsibility to forecast. assure and contract for the supply of electric power in the respective franchise areas to meet their obligations as a distribution utility.” (Underscoring supplied)

Where: VOMF

-

Variable Operation and Maintenance Fee, PhP /kWh

IVOMLOCAL

-

Initial Local Component of Variable O&M Fee, PhP 0.0191/ kWh

Nature of the Application 4.

This Joint Application for approval of the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) dated 12 December 2018 entered into by and between BOHECO I and SMEC is being submitted to the Honorable Commission for its review and approval pursuant to Sections 25 and 45 (b) of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or the EPlRA, Rules 5, Sections 4 (e) and 11, Section 5 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), Rule 20 (B) of its Rules of Practice and Procedure, and other pertinent rules and regulations.

IVOMFOREIGN -

Statement of Facts 5.

BOHECO I conducted a Competitive Selection Process (CSP) through Comparative Proposals for 1.2 MW Baseload Power Supply for Medium-Term (CY2018-2023), as follows: On 28 April 2017, BOHECO I received an unsolicited proposal from Sta. Clara Power Corporation (SCPC), its existing supplier, to supply its additional medium term power requirements.

-

Current US Consumer Price Index, Billing Period

USCPIo

-

Base US Consumer Price Index, 244.733 (May 2017)

IEF

-

Initial Energy Fee, USD O.0408/kWh

CIFn

-

CIF Cost of Fuel for Billing Period n

CIFo

-

Base CIF Cost of Fuel equal to $74.7/MT

Allegations in Support of the Prayer for Provisional Authority 16. BOHECO I and SMEC replead the foregoing allegations in support of their prayer for the immediate issuance of provisional authority, anchored on the following grounds:

6.4.1

All existing and future taxes and duties, charges, including but not limited to value-added tax (VAT) and incremental taxes under Republic Act No. 10963 (TRAIN Law), shall be for the account of BOHECO I. Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses necessary, incidental to, or in connection with, this PSA, including legal and professional fees, if any.

BOHECO I also invited Generation Companies to participate in the bidding through written invitation letters sent to their mailing addresses of listed in the Department of Energy (“DOE”) website.

6.4.2

All WESM charges, including but not limited to Line Rental, Must Run Unit charges and imbalances, shall be for the account of the BOHECO I.

On 26 January 2018, BOHECO I sent an “Invitation to a Transaction Conference” to the Original Proponent and Comparative Proponents to discuss the bidding process, rules and evaluation methodology. It also invited the Energy Regulatory Commission (“ERC”), DOE, and NEA.

6.4.3

The DOE Fee per ER No. 1-94 shall be for the account of the SMEC.

On even date, the Board of Directors of BOHECO I issued Board Resolution No. 51-2018, entitled ‘’A Resolution Approving the Recommendation of BOHECO I CPSP BAC on the Results of the BOHECO I Competitive Selection Process (CSP) through Comparative Proposals for MediumTerm (CY2018-2023) on 1.2 MW Baseload Power Supply and the Declaration of SMEC as the Winning Proponent andfor Other Purposes”.

On 02 May 2018, BOHECO I issued a Notice of Award to SMEC which was acknowledged by SMEC on 07 May 2018.

The full details of the foregoing CSP activities are shown in the documents attached to the Application.

Under the PSA, SMEC shall, during the entire term of the PSA, make available, sell and deliver, or cause to be delivered to BOHECO I the Contracted Capacity and Associated Energy in accordance with Schedule 1 of the PSA at the Point of Delivery, whether sourced from the SMEC’s Plant, or from other electricity generators, including the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

16.2

BOHECO I is undergoing a significant increase and is expecting a further increase in its energy requirements due to a growth in the total demand of its member-consumers; and

16.3

Without the supply of SMEC, BOHECO I will be exposed to the unpredictable and expectedly higher prices in the WESM or worse, be unable to supply the required additional energy to its franchise area resulting in total blackout.

18. It bears stressing that pursuant to Rule 14, Section 3 of the Honorable Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, the Honorable Commission may issue a provisional authority pending approval of the Joint Application, to wit: “Section 3. Action on the Motion. - Motions for provisional authority or interim relief may be acted upon with or without hearing. The Commission shall act on the motion on the basis of the allegations of the application or petition and supporting documents and other evidences that applicant or petitioner has submitted and the comments or opposition filed by any interested person, if there be any.” (Emphasis provided) 19. To emphasize the necessity of the foregoing allegations, a judicial affidavit in support of the motion for provisional authority is attached to the Joint Application and made an integral part hereof.

Rate Impact on BOHECO I’s Overall Generation Rate 7.

Allegations in Support of the Confidential Treatment of Annex “U”and Annex “w”

The indicative rate impact on BOHECO I’s overall generation rate with the supply from SMEC is as follows:

20. Rule 4 of the Honorable Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure provides that BOHECO I and SMEC may request that information may not be disclosed.

BOHOL I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. Cabulijan, Tubigon, Bohol Generation Rate Impact

21. SMEC prays for the confidential treatment of the information contained in the following annexes, and not disclosed except to the officers and staff of the Honorable Commission:

Simulation of Generation Mix Rate without SMEC Power Supplier

Forecasted 20192023 Quantity (kWh) 465,375,000 43,077,185 66,922,100 2,864,732 0 509,770,179 245,558,957 1,333,568,152

CEDC BSMHP JMHP SPUG SMEC GNPD WESM TOTAL

Amount (Php)

Percent Share (%)

3,102,692,902 182,875,573 249,318,284 20,677,816 0 1,742,567,529 1,266,483,793 6,564,615,897

47.26% 2.79% 3.80% 0·31% 0.00% 26.54% 19.29% 100.00%

Resulting Utilization Capacity Factor (%) 75.89% 39·34% 30.56% 21.80% 0.00% 96.99%

Average Rae (P/kWh)

Annex

Documents and/or Information

“U”

Details of the Power Rate Calculations and Financial Model (Confidential).

“W”

Details of the SMEC’s Fuel Procurement Process. (Confidential).

Weighted Average rate (P/kWh)

6.6671 4.2453 3.7255 7.2181 0.0000 3.4183 5.1576

22. Annex “U” and “W” contain the details of the power rate calculations and financial model of SMEC as well as the manner by which these were derived. These information is proprietary in nature and should be protected as trade secrets as contemplated by law and jurisprudence. In the case of Air Philippines Corporation us. Pennswell, Inc.4, the Supreme Court defined a trade secret, as follows:

5.3360

“A trade secret may consist of any formula,pattern, device, or compilation of information that: (1) is used in one’s business; and (2) gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not possess the information. Generally, a trade secret is a process or device intended for continuous use in the operation of the business, for example, a machine or formula, but can be a price list or catalogue or specialized customer list. It is indubitable that trade secrets constitute proprietary rights. The inventor, discoverer, or possessor of a trade secret or similar innovation has rights therein which may be treated as property, and ordinarily an injunction will be granted to prevent the disclosure of the trade secret by one who obtained the information “in confidence” or through a “confidential relationship”. American jurisprudence has utilized the following factors to determine if an information is a trade secret, to wit:

Simulation of Generation Mix Rate without SMEC Power Supplier

Forecasted 2018-2023 Quantity (kWh)

Salient Features of the PSA. 6.1 Contracted Capacity.

Considering the current limitations on the available capacity in the Luzon Grid, BOHECO I must source additional power from SMEC immediately to avoid power outage in its franchise area;

17. In the interest of the public, there is a necessity for the immediate and provisional approval of the Joint Application in order that there will be no undue disruption in the power supply to BOHECO I’s member-consumers.

Supply of Contracted Capacity shall be available at all times except for the interruption and/or reduction due to: (a) any Event of Force Majeure; or (b) other causes, including safety, as may be provided by law, rule or regulation or order of a competent authority. For the avoidance of doubt, the SMEC shall supply Contracted Capacity during Planned Outage and/or Forced Outage.

On 06 April 2018, the above four (4) generation companies submitted their respective Comparative Proposals and thereafter, the same were opened. SMEC’s proposal was the Lowest Calculated Price (LCP).

On 26 April 2018, SCPC declined the opportunity to match the price submitted by SMEC.

16.1

6.5 Availability of Capacity.

On 09 February 2018, BOHECO 1’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) conducted a Transaction Conference which was attended by SMEC, First Gen Corporation, 1590 Energy Corporation, and Solar Phils.

On 13 April 2018, BOHECO I issued to SCPC a Notice for a Right to Match the proposal of SMEC.

15. The PSC was entered into by BOHECO I and SMEC to ensure the continuous supply of power to BOHECO I’s franchise area. SMEC’s competitive pricing structure and other favorable terms in the PSA will redound to the benefit of BOHECO I and its memberconsumers in terms of reliable and affordable power supply.

6-4 Other Charges.

BOHECO I then caused the publication of the “Invitation for Comparative Proposals” in the 07 January 2018 and 16 January 2018 issues of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

6.

14. By way of emphasis, Resolution No. 21, Series of 2005 of the Honorable Commission dated 19 October 2005 had directed all distribution utilities “to enter into future bilateral power supply contract with power producers to be subjected to a review by the Commission.” (Underscoring supplied)

Initial Foreign Component of Variable O&M Fee, USD 0.0012/ kWh

USCPIn

BOHECO I accepted the unsolicited proposal of SCPC and declared it a status of “Original Proponent” of an Unsolicited Proposal which shall be subject to a CSP through Comparative Proposals (also known as Swiss Challenge).

From 09 April until 13 April, 2018, BOHECO I’s Technical Working Group (TWG) conducted post qualification, verification of value-added services and evaluation of technical proposal of SMEC and thereafter, issued a Report on the post qualification process. After the post-qualification and detailed evaluation, BOHECO I accepted SMEC’s Comparative Proposal and declared SMEC as the Qualified Comparative Proponent or Challenger whose proposal shall be matched by the Original Proponent, SCPC.

465,375,000 43,077,185 66,922,100 2,864,732 43,877,088 501,304,075 210,147,972 1,333,568,152

CEDC BSMHP JMHP SPUG SMEC GNPD WESM TOTAL

*

Amount (Php)

3,102,692,902 182,875,573 249,318,284 20,677,816 143,305.458 1,725,903,854 1,107,168,131 6,531,942,018

Percent Share (%) 47.50% 2.80% 3.82% 0.32% 2.19% 26.42% 16.95% 100.00%

Resulting Utilization Capacity Factor (%) 75.89% 39.34% 30.56% 21.80% 83.48% 95.38%

Average Rae (P/kWh)

Weighted Average rate (P/kWh)

6.6671 4.2453 3.7255 7.2181 3·2661 3.4428 5.2685

5.3251

(1) the extent to which the information is known outside of the employer’s business;

Generation Rate Impact -0.0109

The Contracted Capacity in 1.1 of Schedule 1 is as follows:

(2) the extent to which the information is known by employees and others involved in the business;

Assumptions: Contract Year (CY)

Duration

Contracted Capacity

2018-2023

June 26, 2018 to December 25, 2023, subject to the terms and conditions ofthe PSA

1.2 MW

1.

6.2

6.3

Analysis and simulations is based on BOHECO I’s forecasted 2019 to 2023 hourly load profile.

WESM hourly Prices are inflated from actual prices (with proxy removing outliers) of 2016 at the rate of 3.43% SMEC rate is based on the (i) Capacity Fee of the average resulting CUF; (ii) FOREX is based on the reference rate provided during evaluation of bid proposal; (iii) Energy Fee is based on the submitted fuel cost of SMEC’s bid proposal during evaluation; (iv) CPI is based on the reference rate provided during evaluation of proposal CEDC/SPUG prices are inflated at the rate of PH CPI of 3.43% Actual Prices of Existing Power Suppliers on September 2015 was used in the simulation.

2.

3.

BOHECO I shall nominate in every trading interval from a minimum of seventy percent (70%) to a maximum of one hundred percent (100%) Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of the Contracted Capacity. The Associated Energy to be used shall be the higher of (a) actual energy delivered or (b) energy equivalent to a seventy percent (70%) CUF for the billing period. Item (b) shall be the basis for the Minimum Charge as defined in Section 1.1 of the PSA, except during Events of Force Majeure.

The protocol for the delivery and receipt of the Contracted Capacity by the hour is attached as Schedule 3 of the PSA. Contract Term. The PSA shall take effect between the Parties immediately from Effective Date and shall remain in force and effect until December 25, 2023. In the event BOHECO I intends to extend the Agreement, it shall send a written notice to SMEC no later than June 25, 2023.

Capacity and Energy Fees. Under the PSA, BOHECO I shall pay the following Capacity and Energy Fees to SMEC: Basic Energy Charge The Basic Energy Charge shall be equal to:

4.

5.

8.

Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). On 8 November 2004, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (“DENR”) issued an ECC with Reference No. 9406-003-206 to Pangasinan Electric Corporation for the 1,200 MW Sual Coal-fired Power Project located at Sitios Bangayao, Buyog and Pao of Barangay Pangascasan, Sual, Pangasinan covering 280 hectares land area.

9.

Board of Investments (BOI) Certificate. On 26 January 2011, the Power Plant Project was registered with the BOI which issued Certificate of Registration No. 2011-024.

Capacity and O&M Fees for Specific Capacity Utilization Factors Capacity Utilization Factor (%) 99.50-100.00% 98.50-99.49% 97.50-98.49% 96.50-97.49% 95.50-96.49% 94.50-95.49% 93.50-96.49% 92.50-93.49% 91.50-92.49% 90.50-91.49% 89.50-90.49% 88.50-89.49% 87.50-88.49% 86.50-87.49% 85.50-86.49% 84.50-85.49% 83.50-84.49% 82.50-83.49% 81.50-82.49% 80.50-81.49% 79.50-80.49% 78.50-79.49% 77.50-78.49% 76.50-77.49% 75.50-76.49% 74.50-75.49% 73.50-74.49% 72.50-73.49% 71.50-72.49% 70.50-71.49% 70.00-70.49%

Capacity Fee (USD/kWh) 0.0143 0.0145 0.0146 0.0148 0.0149 0.0151 0.0152 0.0154 0.0156 0.0157 0.0159 0.0161 0.0163 0.0164 0.0166 0.0168 0.0170 0.0172 0.0175 0.0177 0.0179 0.0181 0.0183 0.0186 0.0188 0.0191 0.0193 0.0196 0.0199 0.0202 0.0204

O & M Fee (PhP/kWh) 0.1640 0.1657 0.1673 0.1691 0.1708 0.1726 0.1745 0.1763 0.1783 0.1802 0.1822 0.1843 0.1864 0.1885 0.1907 0.1929 0.1952 0.1976 0.2000 0.2025 0.2050 0.2076 0.2103 0.2130 0.2158 0.2187 0.2216 0.2247 0.2278 0.2310 0.2343

“A”

is the Capital Recovery Fee in PHP/kWh

FOMF ALF

-

is the Fixed Operation and Maintenance Fee in PHP/kWh

PHCPIn

-

Philippine Consumer Price Index of the calendar month within which the start of the current Billing Period occurs (Source: Philippine Statistics Authority)

(6) the extent to which the information could be easily or readily obtained through an independent source.” (citations omitted, emphasis supplied) 23. The interest of the consuming public is sufficiently protected by the review and evaluation of the rates under the PSA by the Honorable Commission, without the need to disclose the contents of Annex “U”. The reasonableness and transparency of the prices of electricity is to be assured by the Honorable Commission through its own review and verification of SMEC’s operating costs and expenses.

24. More importantly, competitors of SMEC, should they obtain the information in Annexes “U” and Annex “W”, will gain undue advantage thereon and have the opportunity to use the same in their operations. The negotiating power of SMEC with parties it plans to contract with or who it is currently doing business with, will clearly be thwarted if it is compelled to disclose such information.

25. Accordingly, BOHECO I and SMEC submit one (1) copy of Annexes “U” and Annex “W”, in a sealed envelope, with the said envelope and each page of the documents and/or information stamped with the word “Confidential”.

26. BOHECO I and SMEC pray of this Commission that, after due notice and hearing:

Articles of Incorporation of BOHECO I.

“A-1” “B” “C”

Amended By-Laws of BOHECO I. List of the Board of Directors of BOHECO I. Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of SMEC.

“C-1” “D”

Amended Articles of Incorporation of SMEC. Certification Stating the Applicability or Non-Applicability of a Shareholders’ Agreement of SMEC. Certificate of Registration of SMEC issued by the Securities to and Exchange Commission.

“E” to “E-1” “F” “G” “H” “I” “J” “K”

Latest General Information Sheet of SMEC. Corporate Structure of SMC Global Power and its subsidiaries.

BOI Certificate of Registration of SMEC. ECC issued by the DENR to the Sual Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant.

COC issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission in favor of SMEC. Certification of the Non-Applicability of Renewable Energy Service/Operating Contract from the Department of Energy (“DOE”);

“K-1”

Certification of the Non-Applicability of Certificate of Registration or Certification of Commerciality by an RE Developer and after due Confirmation by the DOE; and

Certification stating the Consistency/Inconsistency of the Sual Coal Fired Power Station with the DOE’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

Certification on the Demand Side Management (“DSM”) Program of BOHECO I. Contract for the Supply of Electric Energy (“CSEE”) between BOHECO I and National Power Corporation (“NPC”).

“N” Historical and Forecasted Supply and Demand Scenario, and Daily Load Curve of BOHECO I. “0” and CSP Documents of BOHECO I. Series “P” PSA dated 12 December 2018 entered into by and between BOHECO I and SMEC. “Q” Transmission Service Agreement between NGCP and BOHECO I “K-2” “L” “M”

“Q-l” “R” “S” “T” “U” “V” “W” “W -1” “X”

Metering Service Agreement between NGCP and BOHECO I Write-up on the IPPA Project of SMEC. Write-up on the details regarding the Transmission Projects or Grid Connection Proiects of SMEC Executive Summary of the BOHECO I and SMEC PSA. Details of the Power Rate Calculations and Financial Model of SMEC (Confidential).

Rate Impact Analysis of BOHECO I. Details of the Fuel Procurement Process of SMEC. (Confidential).

Affidavit of Competitive Procurement Process of SMEC. Relevant technical and economic characteristics of the generation capacity, installed capacity, mode of operation, dependable capacity, scheduled outage allowance, major maintenance outage, and forced outage allowance of SMEC. Cost Analysis of the Proposed Pricing Provisions of the PSA. Latest Audited Financial Statements (AFS), Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows of SMEC;

“Z-1”

Certification from the engine manufacturer of SMEC on the net heat rate in liters per kWh;

“Z-2”

Explanation on the Non-Applicability of Potential Cost of Ancillary Services; and

“Z-3”

Explanation on the Applicability of the Minimum Energy Off-Take (MEOT) provision on the BOHECO I and SMEC Contract

Where: -

(5) the amount of effort or money expended by the company in developing the information; and

Copies of the following documents and/or information are attached to the Joint Application as annexes and made integral parts hereof:

“Y” “Z”

CRF ALF

(4) the value of the information to the employer and to competitors;

COMPLIANCE WITH THE PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS 11.

CRFALF is the Capital Recovery Fee and FOMFALF is the Fixed Operation and Maintenance Fee with values for different Capacity Utilization Factors (CUF) or Applicable Load Factors (ALF), effective until December 25, 2023. The Capital Recovery Fees tabulated below shall be fixed throughout the term of the Agreement. However, the Fixed Operation and Maintenance Fee is subject to escalation as illustrated in equation for FOMF below:

(3) the extent of measures taken by the employer to guard the secrecy of the information;

10. Certificate of Compliance (COC). On 20 April 2009, the Honorable Commission issued a COC registered under the name of Team Sual for its 1,294 MW Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant. The said COC was a renewal of the previously issued COC on 17 December 2003 under the name of the power plant’s former owner, Mirant Sual Corporation.

BEC = (CRF ALF + FOM ALF + VOMF + Energy Fee) * AE Where:

Board Resolution No. 122-2018 dated December 8, 2018, duly signed by Ms. Christine N. Maluenda, Board Secretary of BOHECO I and attested by Mr. Marcial P. Degamo, Board President/Presiding Officer, on authorizing Atty. Elmer Salus B. Pozon as the legal counsel of BOHECO I, to file for the application of the PSA between BOHECO I and SMEC.

“EE-1”

ERC CASE NO. 2019-020 RC

BOHOL I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (BOHECO I) AND SAN MIGUEL ENERGY CORPORATION (SMEC), Applicants. x--------------------------------------------------x

Secretary Certificate of SMEC on the authorized personnel to sign and deliver contracts, agreements, instruments and/ or securities.

“AA” and Series “BB” and Series “CC”

a.

Pending hearing, ISSUE an Order provisionally approving the Joint Application and the PSA thereby authorizing BOHECO I and SMEC to immediately implement the rate structures therein;

b.

ISSUE an Order treating Annexes “U” and Annex “W”, and all the information contained therein as confidential, directing their non-disclosure to persons other than the officers and staff of the Honorable Commission, continuously protecting the said information from public disclosure by maintaining the same separate and apart from the records of the case, and ensuring that these are not divulged to unauthorized persons, pursuant to Rule 4 of its Rules of Practice and Procedure; and

c.

After due notice and hearing, ISSUE a Decision approving the Joint Application and the PSA between BOHECO I and SMEC, and authorizing BOHECO I to charge and collect the fees therein from its memberconsumers.

BOHECO I and SMEC pray for other relief deemed just and equitable under the premises.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and evidentiary hearing on 04 July 2019 (Thursday) at ten o’clock in the morning (10:00 AM) at BOHECO I’s Principal Office at Brgy.

Cabulijan, Tubigon, 6329 Bohol.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1)

The petitioner’s name and address;

2)

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

3)

A statement of the relief desired.

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

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement ofthe Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

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

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO AGNES VST DEVANADERA, and the Honorable Commissioners CATHERINE P. MACEDA and PAUL CHRISTIAN M. CERVANTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 8th day of April 2019 in Pasig City.

Proof of Service to the Sanggunian within the franchise area of BOHECO I and Sangguniang Panlungsod of Pasig City, of copies of the Joint Application including annexes.

Affidavit of Publication and complete issue of the newspapers where the Joint Application was published.

Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Alberto B. Reyes III in support of the Motion for Provisional Authority.

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal

4

G.R. No. 172835, December 13, 2007

(MS-JUNE 14, 21, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

KaTropa face Dyip, eye 7th PBA win

By Jeric Lopez

GRIND CONTINUES. Senator Manny Pacquiao continued his training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California, USA Wednesday afternoon, highlighted by 10 rounds of mitts with Freddie Roach. Pacquiao is preparing for his fight against American WBA welterweight super champion Keith Thurman at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 20. Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions

Phisgoc rightful body to organize SEA Games THE Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee Foundation, Inc. has no control over the staging of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Joey Romasanta clarified that they are the franchise-holder of the Games, making the Council as the rightful body to organize the prestigious biennial meet set from Nov. 30 to Dec. 15.

Romasanta asserted that all SEA Games-related decisions should emanate from them since they are empowered by the SEA Games Federation Council, the Olympic Council of Asia and the International Olympic Committee to stage major international tournaments in the country.

The discussion on which group should call the shots in the SEA Games has been a thorny issue.

After the country regained the hosting rights in 2017, former POC chief Jose “Peping” Cojuangco assigned Alan Peter Cayetano to be the chairman of an ad hoc committee that will run the Games.

But when boxing president Ricky Vargas replaced Cojuangco as POC president following a court-ordered election in February last year, the ad hoc committee was incorporated into a foundation with Vargas, POC secretary general Patrick Gregorio and POC communications director Ed Picson representing the POC. It was then called as the Phisgoc Foundation, which the POC said it does not recognize as it is a totally different body that the original Phisgoc they had formed.

Also included in the original incorporators of Phisgoc Foundation are former POC chairman Tom Carrasco, Donaldo Caringal, Ramon Suzara, Monica Mitra and Dexter Estacio.

With Vargas at the helm, Phisgoc Foundation took over the functions of the POC, including the selection of the Games’ official mascot, official logo and official theme as well as enter into deals with suppliers and contractors without board approval of the POC. It also aimed to host “future international competitions to be hosted by the Philippines,” based on its paper of incorporation.

Ramirez: Athletes must be isolated from issues

By Peter Atencio

T

HE ongoing preparations for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games and the training of national athletes for the said biennial meet must not be affected by ongoing leadership issues affecting the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Officials of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission said this some three days after the surprise resignation of POC President Ricky Vargas. some three days after the surprise resignation of POC President Ricky Vargas.

Since then, POC vice president Joey Romasanta has assumed the post that Vargas has vacated.

PHISGOC chairman and Taguig City congressman Allan Peter Cayetano said they are keen on making good the host-

ing of the biennial meet when it begins on Nov. 30.

“We will follow the President’s instructions. We will work hard to make good hosting and call for unity,” said Cayetano following a briefing yesteday at the Kabisera inside the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

Cayetano and Ramirez met with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday evening to appraise Medialdea on the status of the preparations of the Games in Malacanang.

Ramirez, on the other hand, said he

Juvic takes control with 66 as Suzuki slides BACOLOD—Juvic Pagunsan failed to cash in on a switch in times but kept his game on all throughout as he fired a bogey-free 66 to surge ahead by one over a hot-charging James Ryan Lam as Japanese Yudai Suzuki slipped with a 74 in the second round of the rich ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic here yesterday.

With erstwhile leader Suzuki turning from awesome (64) to awful and Jhonnel Ababa throwing away three strokes on the par-5 No. 18 and ending up a 68, the hometown hero took his familiar spot on top with a 36-hole aggregate of eight-under 132 as he kept his game on a competitive level while attending to his ailing wife.

“It’s a day-to-day struggle. Hati pa rin ang focus ko. I just hope to do better in the last two days,” said Pagunsan, who nipped reigning Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner but absentee Jobim Carlos on the second playoff to win this event last year.

But as Suzuki and Ababa fumbled and stumbled in hot conditions, Lam came out of nowhere to assume the challenger’s role at 133, spiking his fiery 64 with seven birdies, including two in the last four at the frontnine.

It was a big surge for Lam, who placed last in Club Filipino de Cebu Invitational

Juvic Pagunsan took his familiar spot on top with a 36-hole aggregate of eight-under 132

and missed the cut in last week’s Bacolod Classic. After an opening 69, the former PGT Asia leg winner at Luisita hit three birdies at the back then picked up strokes on the first two holes at the front. He took his first bogey on the fifth but birdied the sixth and eighth to threaten Pagunsan.

Zanieboy Gialon, winner here in 2012, also moved into contention with a 67,

Rosal gains solo lead with 75 ABE Rosal toughened up at the backside and saved a 36 for a 75 as he stormed to a two-stroke lead over erstwhile coleader Rolly Viray and a rallying William Houng-Lee of New Zealand in the second round of the Philippine Seniors and Mid-Amateur Open Championship at Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas yesterday.

Rosal actually yielded the lead to Viray with a 39 start and a bogey on the 10th but the 2017 champion fought back with a birdie on the par-5 14th and parred the rest to wrest control at 151 heading to the final 18 holes of the annual event for the country’s leading golfing seniors organized by National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Viray, who matched Rosal’s opening 76, surged ahead by two with a 38 and a par on No. 10 but bogeyed three of the last eight and hobbled with a 77, dropping to second

received instructions for the government sports agency to help “seclude and isolate” the athletes from the issues surrounding Vargas’ resignation.

“We must isolate our athletes from all these issues so they can focus on their mission,” said Ramirez in a separate briefing the PSC offices in Vito Cruz, Manila.

The Phisgoc is currently the numerous venues of the Games, with facilities in Metro Manila expected to be ready ahead of time.

Aside from venues at the New Clark City in Tarlac, Phisgoc officials said they are readying the venues for events that will be held in Metro Manila need not worry. That’s because the venues will be ready at least two months before the Games begin.

As the chef de mission of the national delegation, Ramirez has already met with eleven sports associations which have been consulted on their needs last week.

at 153 in a tie with Houng-Lee, who mixed two birdies with the same number of bogeys to put in the tournament-best 72.

Defending champion Abe Avena, Tommy Manotoc and Zaldy Villa all shot 80s as they shared fourth place at 158 with Singapore’s John Howard McKean and Mari Hechanova assembled identical 159s after an 80 and 82, respectively.

The rest stood too far behind to pose a threat in the final round with Damasus Wong at 160 after a 79 and Alan Alegre limping with an 83 for a 161, 10 strokes off the pace.

Sharing the spotlight is Kirby Lachica, who carded a 74 to post a one-shot lead over Oliver Gan (75) at the start of the MidAmateur Open division of the event sponsored by MVP Sports Foundation, Cignal and Metro Pacific and held under the PLDT Group National Amateur Tour.

pooling a 135 for joint third with Pete Vilairata of the US, who also shot a threeunder card, while Japanese Ryui Hashimoto took over from Suzuki with a 136, also after a 67, in a tie with Nilo Salahog, who also fired a 67, keeping five players within four strokes off the pace with 36 holes to play in the P3 million event sponsored by ICTSI.

CURRENTLY the league’s hottest team, co-league leader TNT KaTropa aims to keep the fire burning as it looks to book a seat in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. The Terrence Jones-led Tropang Texters (6-1) will be heavily favored when they tango with Columbian Dyip (1-4) at 4:30 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

In the second game, a rivalry will be renewed as Alaska (4-3) locks horns with struggling San Miguel (1-3) at 7 p.m.

The Tropang Texters are riding high on their four-game winning streak and they are looking for more.

With the NBA veteran Jones backstopping TNT’s attack, the Tropang Texters are rolling up top, something they haven’t tasted for quite some time already.

Jones dropped a career-high 49 points in TNT’s 104-91 rout of Meralco last Saturday.

TNT coach Bong Ravena admitted that Jones’ scoring prowess makes it easier for his team.

However, he still seeks constant local support for them to keep piling up wins.

“Terrence is tremendous for us.

He makes every game easier,” said Ravena. “However, out locals still need to step-up and help.”

The Dyip fell short in its last outing, losing to Magnolia, 103110, last Sunday.

While it has been an up and down campaign for the Aces, the Beermen are yet to find their championship groove thus far.

The Philippine Cup champions have only managed a single win at this point and is looking to start turning things around.

Both Alaska and San Miguel have dropped their previous assignments.

Zamboanga aces stamp class in PPS Alabang tilt SYDNEY Enriquez and Eric Tangub imposed their will and fashioned out a pair of twin title feats as the Zamboanga bets shared the MVP honors in the PPSPEPP Alamada national age-group tennis tournament at the Alamada Tennis Club in Cotabato recently.

Enriquez, 16, powered her way past three rivals in shutout fashions then trounced Angel Denopol, 6-2, 6-3, in the finals to rule her age bracket. The Salug, Zambo del Norte star matched that romp in the premier 18-U division then overwhelmed Zykla Cervantes, 6-3, 6-0, in the championship to cap another strong showing in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.

Tangub also turned in a solid outing in boys’ play of the tournament that served as part of the Mindanao swing of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala circuit headed by president/CEO Bobby Castro, crushing Gene Espinosa, 6-1, 6-3, to top the 16-U class. The Tukuran, Zambo del Sur ace then rolled past Reyman Saldivar, 6-1, 6-1, to add the 18-U diadem.

Three campaigners from Kabacan (Jairo Ramirez and siblings Armando and Reyman Saldivar) and one each from Lanao del Norte (Denopol) and Ozamiz (Judy Ann Padilla) shared the spotlight by ruling their respective divisions in the four-day event sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg.

SMB, Alaska seek title duel

Purefoods forward Alvin Patrimonio (right) drives against Ginebra’s Bennett Palad during the UNTV Cup PBA Legends Faceoff match.

TOP seed San Miguel Beer and second seeded Alaska try to forge a title showdown when they battle their respective semis rivals on Sunday in the UNTV Cup PBA Legends Faceoff at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The Beermen collide with the win-less Purefoods Hotdogs at 1:30 p.m. following the 12 noon encounter between the Alaska Milkmen and the Ginebra San Miguel Kings.

The matches will be shown starting at 3 p.m. on UNTV. Both San Miguel and Alaska need only to beat their rivals once to arrange a title showdown after finishing 1-2 in the short elims of the four-team tournament that aims at helping the PBA Legends Foundation which is chaired by former PBA hotshot Atoy Co. UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel

Games Sunday

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

Razon said the combined prizes of P2 million will go to the PBA Legends Foundation which is helping former pro players who are either sick or are in need of financial help for the education of their children.

Out to lead San Miguel is Allan Caidic who erupted for 32 points on an impressive 9-of-13 shooting from the three-point zone on Father’s Day last Sunday where they demolished the Gin Kings, 135-107.

Expected to provide help are Nic Belasco and Chris Calaguio who combined for eight triples while Kiko Adriano, Danny Siegle and Danny Ildefonso are the other players to watch form the Beermen.

IN BRIEF

Business

JICA commits P432b more for rail projects

THE Japan International Cooperation Agency said it will provide an additional 900 billion yen or P432 billion in loans to the Philippines to support ongoing railway projects.

“We project to commit about 1.3 trillion yen for railway project. In total, we have only committed 400 billion yen so far. So for the railway sector, we still have 900 billion yen to complete the entire ongoing railway project,” Kayo Kawabuchi, JICA senior representative, told reporters in a press briefing.

JICA is currently supporting five priority railway projects of the Duterte administration, such as the first tranche of the Metro Manila Subway Project, North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project (and the first tranche of the Extension Project), Metro Rail Transit Line 3 Rehabilitation Project, Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension Project, and LRT Line 2 East Extension Project.

Darwin G. Amojelar

MRC Allied to boost solar rooftop capacity

LISTED MRC Allied plans a solar rooftop capacity of 12 megawatts in the next two years, while continuing to pursue 210 megawatts of ground-mounted solar projects.

MRC Allied through subsidiary Menlo Renewable Energy Corp. will also complete its rice mill and mall solar rooftop projects.

The company is laying the groundwork to become a major player in the renewable energy industry that will ultimately enhance shareholder value after successfully transitioning into a bigger and better company last year.

The company is now in the process of implementing its new vision and roadmap consistent with its focus to become a major RE player, under its new management team headed by its president and CEO Augusto Cosio Jr. “We are challenged to continuously work for MRC’s success and we are encouraged to deliver, produce results, exceed stockholder’s expectations as well as eventually improve shareholder’s value,” Cosio said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Taiwan’s I-Mei eyes faster FDA approval

TAIPEI,Taiwan—Taiwanese food manufacturer I-Mei Foods Co. Ltd. is seeking a faster approach to the approval system of the Food and Drug Authority for a number of products the company plans to bring in to the Philippines.

I-Mei Foods international business representative Emily Hsu said the Taiwanese manufacturer was pushing entry for at least two of its snack line category.

“We also want to promote other products to the Philippines but the process of application is very long. We have to get different kinds of permit before we can export,” she said at the the sidelines of the 2019 Food Taipei 5-in-1 Mega Expo held in Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1. Othel V. Campos

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

B1

Aboitiz unit, Frontier Tower teaming up in tower rollout

By Darwin G. Amojelar

DOTR bares tighter rules on airport slots

THE Department of Transportation has tightened the rules on airport slots at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to lessen decongestion in Manila’s international gateway.

The agency issued Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2019-01, which aims for the efficient utilization of airport slots to help decongest the NAIA. Under the JMC, the definition of slot misuse has been expanded to cover the holding of slots that the airline does not intend to operate, as well as the holding of slots for an operation other than planned for the purpose of denying capacity to another aircraft operator.

Also constituting slot misuse are the requisition of new slots that the airline does not intend to operate, and the requisition of slots for an operation.

Darwin G. Amojelar

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

POWER DEAL. Global Business Power Corp. through unit Global Energy Supply Corp. signs a power supply agreement with Century Peak Corp. under the Energy Regulatory Commission’s retail competition and open access scheme. GBP will supply 57 MW of power over a five-year period to CPC, which has interests in mining, cement, steel and minerals development. Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan (fourth from left) and CPC chief executive officer Wilfredo Keng (third from right) lead the signing ceremony, with (from left) GBP chief finance officer Rochel Gloria, GBP president Jaime Azurin, MPIC president and CEO Jose Ma. Lim, CPC executive vice president for operations Patricia Keng and CPC vice president for finance Katrina Keng.

Monetary Board keeps PH interest rates steady T

By Julito G. Rada

HE Monetary Board, the policymaking body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Thursday kept the benchmark policy rates steady at 4.5 percent, taking into account the benign inflation environment.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a briefing following the board meeting the interest rates on the overnight lending and deposit facilities were also maintained.

“Latest baseline forecasts indicate that inflation remains likely to settle within the target range of 2 to 4 percent both for 2029 and 2020, while inflation expectations have further moderated,” Diokno said.

He said the board noted that while real sector activity moderated in the first quarter, overall domestic economic activity was likely to remain firm, backed by a projected recovery in household spending and the continued implementation of the government’s infrastructure spending program.

“A prudent pause allows the BSP to observe and assess the impact of prior monetary adjustments including the phased reduction in the reserve requirements to be completed by the end of July,” Diokno said.

With the manageable inflation environment, the board cut the 2019 inflation forecast to 2.7 percent from the previous assumption of 2.9 percent during the May 9 meeting. The forecast for 2020 was also trimmed to 3 percent from 3.1 percent.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo cited some reasons for the lowering of inflation forecasts for this year and 2020. These are lower oil prices, the appreciation of the peso and the actual inflation in May 2019.

He said global oil prices were now seen at $64.56 per barrel for 2019 from $68.90 per barrel during the

May 9 meeting, and $61.35 per barrel from $67.10 per barrel for 2020.

The board now sees the peso closing the year at 52.01 per dollar and 51.50 in 2020. These are stronger than the 52.06 and 51.78 assumptions, respectively, made in the May 9 meeting.

The peso further strengthened to 51.645 per dollar Thursday, up P0.24 stronger from 51.89 on Wednesday.

Guinigundo also said the board considered the benign inflation in the first five months, which averaged at 3.6 percent, well within the target range of 2 to 4 percent.

From the external front, Guinigundo said the board considered the latest move of the US Fed of maintaining its policy rates steady.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa last week said the board would pause at the June meeting to await further confirmation that inflation would return to its downward path.

Monetary Board member Felipe Medalla earlier said he was expecting the BSP to maintain the benchmark policy rates of 4.5 percent in the “next two meetings,” taking into account the benign inflation environment. He said indicators on inflation “remained stable.”

ABOITIZ InfraCapital Inc., the infrastructure business unit of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., signed a cooperation agreement with Frontier Tower Associates Philippines Inc. to roll out new towers in the country.

“We are happy to announce our partnership with FTAP. Throughout our discussions, it has become clear that our values and objectives are strongly aligned,” Cosette Canilao, Aboitiz InfraCapital chief operating officer, said.

“We truly believe that we will be able to deliver a common tower solution that is fast and effective, paving the way for greater quality and coverage in the telecommunications sector,” Canilao said.

“Amid the country’s growth momentum and the government’s commitment to bolster further advancement, Aboitiz InfraCapital aims to build the right infrastructure that will advance business and communities,” she added.

Aboitiz InfraCapital will bring to the project the Aboitiz Group’s extensive experience in building and operating provincial utility networks, such as Visayan Electric Co., Davao Light and Power Co. and Cotabato Light and Power Co. FTAP is a member of the Frontier Tower Associates Group, an established international tower operator and service provider, specialized in rapidly building high-quality towers. FTAP’s chairman founded the largest tower company in Myanmar before launching operations in Indonesia and the Philippines.

“We are pleased to join Aboitiz, a Group with a long-established tradition of integrity and excellence in Filipino infrastructure, to provide best-of-class common tower solutions that help wireless network operators to meet their goals of expanding the availability and quality of wireless voice and data services in the Philippines,” FTAP chairman Patrick Tangney said.

WE ARE BUILDING OUR

Oscar Reyes elected to TeaM Energy board

Oscar Reyes

THE board of Directors of TeaM Energy Corp. recently elected Oscar Reyes to fill up the vacant seat in the company’s board effective June 1, 2019.

The board directors are composed of nominees from the company’s owners, leading Japanese firms JERA and Marubeni, and independent director, retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban.

John Alcordo, TeaM Energy chairman and chief executive officer, said Reyes’ decades of experience in the energy industry would further boost the company’s position as a leading provider of reliable and cost-effective electricity.

“With Mr. Reyes on board, we fortify our mission to be the nation’s growth partner by generating power that supports the country’s development. The addition of Mr. Reyes to our board will also push the development and execution of the company’s growth plans,” he said.

Reyes was president and chief executive officer of Manila Electric Co. from May

John Alcordo

2012 to May 2019 and senior executive vice president and chief operating officer from July 2010 to May 2012.

Prior to joining Meralco, he served from 1997 to 2001 as country chairman of the Shell Companies in the Philippines, and concurrently president of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and managing director from 1997 to 2004 of Shell Philippines Exploration, operator of the Malampaya Deep Water Natural Gas Facilities for the Malampaya Consortium. He also served in the boards of directors of other leading companies from 1999 up to this time.

TeaM Energy is the single largest Japanese investment in the country with over 2,000 MW of installed generating capacity in Luzon.

It operates two coal-fired power plants— the 735-megawatt Pagbilao Power Station in Quezon province and the 1,200-MW Sual Power Station in Pangasinan.

It also has a 50 percent stake in the 420-MW Pagbilao Unit 3 Power Project in Quezon, and a 20 percent interest in the Ilijan natural gas project in Batangas.

EVERY DAY Every step we take, every minute of our day, counts to making the tomorrow we envision come true.

At TeaM Energy, we are committed to being the nation’s partner in powering a better, brighter future.

With every megawatt we generate, every new plant we build, we are fueling our country’s growth—providing Filipinos with safe, reliable, and affordable energy through efficient and environmentally sound operations.

We energize industries and sustain development.

We power factories and fuel passions. We light homes and spark dreams.

For the past twelve years, our commitment to power progress has never wavered. We will continue to expand, we will continue to serve, because we know that today makes our tomorrow.

We are TeaM Energy. We are the nation’s growth partner.

TeaM Energy is one of the largest independent power producers in the country with more than 2,000 MW of installed generating capacity nationwide. It operates two coal-fired facilities: the 1,200 MW Sual Power Station in Pangasinan, and the 735 MW Pagbilao Power Station in Quezon.

It also has a 50% stake in the 420 MW Pagbilao Unit 3 Power Project in Quezon, and a 20% stake in the 1,200 MW natural gas-fired plant in Ilijan, Batangas.

B2

Business

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rises slightly; GT Capital up S TOCKS rose slightly Thursday in step with the rest of Asia, after the Federal Reserve indicated it could soon cut interest rates, adding to optimism of a breakthrough in the China-US trade row.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 5.41 points, or 0.07 percent, to 8,022.42 on a value turnover of P6.7 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 121 to 71, with 49 issues unchanged.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the Ty Group advanced 4.4 percent to P960, while Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. climbed 6.8 percent to 2.84.

First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group increased 4.1 percent to P25.45, while

conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. rose 3.1 percent to P4.72.

Oil prices, meanwhile, extended already strong gains after Iranian claims it had shot down a US drone in its airspace added to geopolitical tensions.

The softer slant from the US central bank provided more support to global investors, who were already in buoyant mood after Donald Trump flagged positive talks with China’s Xi Jinping and said they would meet next week.

The prospect of lower borrowing costs lifted equity markets on Wall Street, while the yield on US Treasuries fell below two percent for the first time since 2016—having been above three percent in November.

Tokyo ended 0.6 percent higher as traders shrugged off a stronger yen, Hong Kong rose 1.2 percent and Shanghai finished 2.4 percent higher, with Sydney up 0.6 percent.

Singapore added 0.8 percent, while Taipei gained 0.1 percent, though Wellington and Jakarta were slightly lower.

After a much-anticipated meeting, Fed boss Jerome Powell said officials felt the case for a reduction had “strengthened,” citing the trade standoff with China and weak inflation, adding it would “act as appropriate” to support growth.

The bank also dropped the word “patient” in describing its assessment of economic data, fueling speculation of a reduction as soon as July.

“The forward guidance from the Fed was no longer about being patient but being pragmatic,” said Kerry Craig, global market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management. “As inflation is taking longer to return to target and trade uncertainty is weighing on the global outlook, the Fed is singing a dovish

tune.”

He added that Powell “walked a fine line, highlighting a level of confidence in the US economy, even as growth is expected to slow and vulnerabilities from global politics increase”, which was enough not to cause concern to traders.

Analysts at NAB bank said “the change in the Fed’s bias has encouraged the market to increase its expectations that a new round of easing is just around the corner.”

The news hit the dollar, which fell across the board on foreign exchanges with higher-yielding units boosted by a pick-up in risk sentiment. The South African rand was 1.8 percent higher, South Korea’s won gained 1.2 percent and Canada’s dollar rose 1.1 percent. There were also big gains for China’s yuan, the Australian dollar, the Thai baht and Mexican peso. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2019

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

58.6 80.1 2.25 139.2 1.24 27.05 18.72 11.7 4.7 0.52 1.37 0.49 74.3 0.99 13.2 50.85 184 112 57.75 28.1 165 59 1.12

59 81 2.34 140 1.24 27.35 18.72 11.84 4.9 0.52 1.37 0.51 75.5 1.03 13.22 50.85 186 112 57.8 28.5 165.9 59.4 1.12

58.6 79.9 2.25 138 1.24 27 18.6 11.5 4.65 0.52 1.36 0.48 73.75 0.97 13.2 49.2 184 112 57.5 27.65 164.9 59 1.12

59 81 2.31 140 1.24 27.35 18.6 11.66 4.88 0.52 1.36 0.51 75 0.97 13.2 49.5 185 112 57.65 28.5 165.1 59 1.12

11,540 1,933,660 111,000 1,429,410 18,000 116,200 3,100 292,600 181,000 11,000 95,000 154,000 3,699,440 331,000 43,500 248,910 310 430 3,340 159,500 1,038,980 89,180 30,000

680,769 155,342,338.50 253,410 199,616,468 22,320 3,162,540 57,792 3,423,094 867,910 5,720 129,400 77,080 275,510,032 331,150 574,204 12,413,814 57,460 48,160 192,545.50 4,539,120 171,537,907 5,262,806.50 33,600

235,988 -44,704,155 53,477,403 345,855 -1,016,576 -129,400 -7,350 -89,599,784.50 -990 639,100.50 -30,632.50 -2,105,000 -18,735,564 179,449.50 -

INDUSTRIAL ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CONCEPCION CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR 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 SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VIVANT VULCAN INDL

35 14.36 0.75 1.39 0.29 2.67 15 22.6 44 2.03 5.3 5.64 10.5 15.9 10.2 7.54 24.45 76.75 50.8 2.46 13.78 10.1 1.66 281 4.17 3.49 9.28 24.1 13.86 19.8 385 0.186 5.96 1.33 4.58 5.94 9.05 2.6 11.96 37.7 4.95 5.05 1.49 1.2 14.18 104 6.5 0.124 1.25 174 2.54 1.26 17 1.3

35.6 14.44 0.76 1.4 0.29 2.84 15.12 22.85 44 2.08 5.4 5.7 10.58 16.18 10.48 7.6 25.6 78.6 54.95 2.49 13.86 10.18 1.68 284.8 4.17 3.49 9.48 24.1 14.3 19.98 385 0.186 5.96 1.4 4.58 5.95 9.05 2.61 12.16 39 5.02 5.05 1.49 1.2 14.18 104.2 6.5 0.124 1.33 174 2.85 1.28 17 1.33

34.95 14.2 0.74 1.38 0.275 2.64 14.9 22.2 44 2.03 5.3 5.5 10.48 15.9 10.2 7.52 24.05 76.7 50.2 2.43 13.76 10.1 1.65 279.4 4.17 3.4 9.24 23.7 13.86 19.6 380 0.186 5.95 1.31 4.37 5.88 9.05 2.53 11.96 37.7 4.95 4.85 1.44 1.15 13.9 103 6.48 0.124 1.24 172.6 2.54 1.22 17 1.28

35.6 14.4 0.76 1.38 0.275 2.84 15.04 22.2 44 2.08 5.4 5.5 10.56 16 10.36 7.54 25.45 78 54.95 2.49 13.86 10.1 1.68 284.8 4.17 3.49 9.24 23.7 14.26 19.76 383 0.186 5.95 1.4 4.5 5.92 9.05 2.57 12.16 38.5 5.02 4.85 1.45 1.16 14.14 104 6.5 0.124 1.27 173.4 2.8 1.27 17 1.32

381,900 592,500 601,000 780,000 8,710,000 34,094,000 47,700 44,900 600 559,000 25,500 67,000 4,423,900 105,000 1,211,300 1,279,500 6,202,600 106,760 500,060 5,676,000 1,293,400 118,900 169,000 455,850 1,000 14,000 14,200 213,200 1,520,300 240,600 302,250 510,000 2,400 9,463,000 39,000 1,810,400 22,100 14,669,000 46,600 723,900 33,000 4,000 1,036,000 68,000 154,700 121,150 20,500 100,000 1,857,000 1,042,480 70,000 3,315,000 4,000 7,416,000

13,554,300 8,525,790 450,890 1,088,470 2,414,550 94,559,890 716,752 1,010,595 26,400 1,152,120 136,100 374,290 46,640,296 1,680,286 12,593,496 9,650,168 156,539,360 8,274,707.50 26,574,392.50 14,009,320 17,841,638 1,204,830 281,690 129,158,778 4,170 48,590 131,617 5,083,625 21,400,724 4,747,306 115,752,588 94,860 14,290 12,956,000 174,280 10,690,197 200,005 37,770,010 559,466 27,940,205 163,670 20,000 1,503,730 78,550 2,182,202 12,593,447 133,136 12,400 2,392,110 180,853,073 187,080 4,164,920 68,000 9,631,910

7,632,830 357,324 30,550 2,790,370 536,534 20,565 -10,400 -82,650 -10,055,558 303,358.00 6,974,960 -1,543,265 54,266,405 -3,924,045.50 871,257 -3,471,070 -116,124 502,484 46,290,592 -764,710 4,453,722 -463,994 -55,196,374 217,480 22,500 -4,279,161 1,398,630 -14,184,120 43,500 171,234 -1,055,266 29,900 6,723,616 112,700 -64,600 103,300

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 FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.78 54.2 15.22 0.75 6.7 12.16 1.33 1.36 899 3.62 6.91 10.44 13.72 0.241 920 63.5 6.34 0.495 4.29 15.28 0.68 4.59 0.039 1.21 2.8 175.5 970 0.86 1.33 427.2 270 0.24 0.305

0.82 54.95 15.5 0.76 6.7 12.38 1.37 1.4 902 3.71 6.91 10.5 14.04 0.255 960 65 6.37 0.495 4.42 15.3 0.7 4.77 0.039 1.3 2.8 177.5 970 0.89 1.38 430 270 0.243 0.305

0.78 53.7 15.22 0.74 6.7 12 1.31 1.36 892 3.62 6.83 10.3 13.72 0.24 901 63.05 6.2 0.465 4.25 15.18 0.65 4.56 0.038 1.21 2.8 175.1 952 0.84 1.33 427.2 270 0.235 0.3

0.8 54.9 15.3 0.75 6.7 12.16 1.37 1.4 900 3.64 6.86 10.48 14.04 0.255 960 64 6.37 0.495 4.4 15.26 0.65 4.72 0.039 1.28 2.8 176 969.5 0.86 1.38 430 270 0.235 0.3

90,516,000 478,230 7,200,800 1,268,000 117,500 105,300 4,369,000 713,000 969,520 3,529,000 1,632,100 4,814,600 92,500 190,000 128,600 1,155,730 22,200 30,000 576,000 891,200 9,511,000 37,685,000 12,700,000 884,000 1,000 255,110 171,090 110,000 51,000 20 5,000 780,000 5,750,000

72,532,600 26,155,730 110,742,322 948,590 787,250 1,276,152 5,930,260 974,510 872,187,470 12,965,510 11,220,701 50,285,448 1,296,104 47,740 121,458,800 74,005,908 140,731 14,550 2,504,420 13,578,066 6,307,480 177,113,580 487,900 1,090,060 2,800 44,915,093 164,623,715 94,630 70,150 8,572 1,350,000 187,020 1,726,700

16,202,870 12,364,699.50 -3,557,490 67,000 88,048 -408,000 -278,929,290 1,513,700 -330,391 -15,014,094 210,776 34,523,505 -22,891,264 -665,410 -12,417,416 66,000 35,913,760 -40,103,648 19,843,090 -81,000 540,000

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

15.6 0.79 0.85 50.4 2.33 4.91 6.1 0.58 0.85 0.94 0.226 0.455 9.8 26 0.475 0.125 1.73 1.33 6 0.32 0.465 1.87 0.42

15.92 0.81 0.9 50.8 2.34 5 6.35 0.6 0.86 0.94 0.23 0.455 9.99 26.05 0.475 0.125 1.74 1.34 6.02 0.325 0.47 1.87 0.42

15.6 0.79 0.85 50.35 2.3 4.89 6.1 0.58 0.83 0.94 0.225 0.435 9.8 25.5 0.47 0.125 1.72 1.31 5.9 0.315 0.465 1.8 0.42

15.92 0.81 0.88 50.55 2.3 4.98 6.2 0.6 0.83 0.94 0.228 0.44 9.87 25.8 0.475 0.125 1.73 1.34 5.9 0.32 0.47 1.83 0.42

569,300 2,168,000 6,790,000 9,349,280 275,000 966,000 28,600 20,828,000 129,000 1,000 1,040,000 6,800,000 26,700 209,900 2,990,000 20,000 20,707,000 1,890,000 14,325,400 5,840,000 40,000 5,933,000 310,000

8,959,100 1,730,850 5,966,930 472,362,109 636,500 4,785,730 175,645 12,279,800 108,560 940 236,120 3,013,400 264,654 5,392,290 1,418,400 2,500 35,852,170 2,510,350 85,248,242 1,861,800 18,650 10,843,330 130,200

-743,186 -22,380 -95,920 -6,004,949 -39,310 -82,300 175,240 18,000 -246,000 -5,112 2,303,525 -1,225,500 -22,896,170 55,060 -13,861,563 6,600 2,168,130 -

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PRIMEX CORP PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

2.12 46 25.5 2.14 3 38.2 1.93 6.1 0.75 7.05

2.16 46 26.2 2.15 3 38.5 1.98 6.29 0.75 7.14

2.1 46 25.5 2.12 2.95 38.2 1.91 6.1 0.75 7.04

2.12 46 26.1 2.15 3 38.35 1.96 6.29 0.75 7.14

1,910,000 100 2,366,600 206,000 129,000 8,634,300 468,000 67,200 43,000 7,177,300

4,068,090 4,600 61,553,880 441,260 384,880 331,205,335 905,910 418,553 32,250 51,179,496

10,796,985 6,410 -51,571,245 17,700 -31,905,934

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

10.98 17.12 1.39 0.475 0.043 20.65 2.74 11.7 0.058 88.3 6.99 8.05 5.8 2.05 10.12 2,260 5.38 408 2.27 145.1 5.85 0.118 7.05 2.95 14 4.2 0.83 19.24 0.55 3.21 2.45 1.74 1.59 2.41 3.1 9.3 5 9 132 3.69 1,232 0.82 0.82 44.95 76.65 9.3 3.43 0.74 0.4 5.1 0.74 16.92

10.98 17.8 1.41 0.5 0.044 20.7 2.78 11.7 0.058 89.9 7 8.05 5.8 2.18 10.38 2,260 5.38 413 2.33 147.3 5.85 0.121 7.13 2.95 15 4.29 0.84 19.36 0.55 3.21 2.51 1.77 1.63 2.43 3.12 9.3 5 9.49 132 3.74 1,265 0.83 0.85 45.2 77 9.68 3.5 0.74 0.405 5.12 0.79 17.06

10.8 17.12 1.38 0.47 0.043 20.65 2.65 11.48 0.056 88.3 6.99 7.82 5.8 2.05 10.1 2,208 5.36 406 2.25 143.3 5.85 0.118 6.81 2.88 14 4.15 0.8 19.2 0.53 3.11 2.44 1.7 1.59 2.37 3.07 9.25 4.81 9 131 3.63 1,232 0.81 0.81 44 76.5 9.03 3.4 0.72 0.385 5.1 0.72 16.9

10.98 17.44 1.41 0.5 0.044 20.65 2.71 11.52 0.058 89.4 7 7.97 5.8 2.17 10.18 2,214 5.37 412.4 2.28 144 5.85 0.118 6.86 2.88 15 4.2 0.84 19.26 0.54 3.2 2.48 1.71 1.63 2.43 3.09 9.29 4.87 9.49 132 3.65 1,251 0.81 0.84 44.6 76.65 9.65 3.47 0.73 0.395 5.11 0.76 17

28,000 72,300 195,000 9,440,000 11,500,000 5,500 1,025,000 1,883,900 51,350,000 229,660 4,100 5,737,700 10,000 6,000 36,700 39,960 79,700 1,050 1,191,000 1,853,880 1,500 7,760,000 69,310,700 29,000 1,200 610,000 307,000 1,041,500 533,000 264,000 7,761,000 91,000 201,000 1,892,000 125,000 4,100 30,900 400 2,070 773,000 174,075 5,656,000 18,611,000 914,200 1,382,040 1,187,600 7,457,000 4,465,000 8,990,000 1,915,600 10,852,000 3,023,100

303,462 1,259,108 272,930 4,660,450 504,600 113,625 2,766,830 21,697,314 2,925,720 20,547,578.50 28,685 45,377,660 58,000 12,940 373,506 88,596,190 427,219 427,966 2,717,780 267,177,401 8,775 916,120 477,539,970 84,220 17,500 2,554,090 250,590 20,059,282 289,450 836,660 19,248,000 157,410 321,730 4,542,140 385,690 38,091 152,849 3,698 271,680 2,832,980 217,686,320 4,602,100 15,459,480 40,702,180 105,869,660.50 10,847,838 25,706,080 3,267,150 3,540,500 9,778,848 8,295,190 51,391,290

16,276 -110,000 242,420 -6,028,768 9,104,135.50 -8,400 -933,725 -27,624,640 -8,160 -91,213,958 -4,219,407 -1,400 319,670 10,778,512 -688,220 193,910 490,070 -151,180 207,190 314,130 -7,124,325 -909,940 -901,150 -12,214,255 3,781,224 -9,043,752 5,435,650 1,053,050 750 -9,153,704 -390,000 30,574,896

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

0.0018 1.22 2.75 12.34 1.2 1.15 2.79 7.6 1.44 0.223 0.113 0.119 0.0081 0.0074 1.06 2.12 1 0.88 0.011 0.011 4.39 3.18 8.04 21.3 0.0065

0.0019 1.28 2.75 12.38 1.2 1.15 2.8 7.61 1.47 0.224 0.114 0.128 0.0081 0.008 1.06 2.15 1 0.88 0.011 0.011 4.4 3.33 8.35 22.15 0.0065

0.0018 1.22 2.75 12 1.18 1.14 2.77 7.42 1.44 0.218 0.11 0.119 0.008 0.0074 1.04 2.12 0.97 0.85 0.011 0.01 4.21 3.18 8.04 21.3 0.0065

0.0019 1.27 2.75 12.38 1.18 1.14 2.77 7.42 1.45 0.224 0.111 0.119 0.008 0.008 1.04 2.13 1 0.87 0.011 0.011 4.35 3.25 8.26 22 0.0065

1,023,000,000 8,455,000 6,000 6,900 250,000 30,000 2,141,000 2,200 208,000 150,000 2,110,000 520,000 7,000,000 107,000,000 797,000 5,978,000 9,000 36,000 500,000 17,400,000 260,000 2,668,000 5,090,200 2,138,600 1,000,000

1,843,700 10,686,370 16,500 85,088 298,000 34,350 5,950,720 16,667 302,960 32,980 238,280 62,680 56,600 800,900 837,430 12,743,550 8,850 30,930 5,500 185,200 1,114,460 8,757,990 41,805,056 46,903,535 6,500

37,800 -313,940 -48,790 -629,000 596,720 -7,095,750 -2,925,730 3,215,529 -14,519,560 -

PREFERRED ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

17 460.8 499 99.9 98 109.4 5.49 100.5 1,000 975 75 75.9 74 73.5 73 74

17.2 460.8 499 100 98.5 111 5.49 100.5 1,000 975 75 76 74 73.5 73 74

16.8 460 499 99.9 97.15 105 5.49 100.4 1,000 975 75 75.65 73.5 73.5 73 74

17.1 460 499 100 98.5 109.6 5.49 100.4 1,000 975 75 75.65 73.5 73.5 73 74

135,800 2,000 10 10,070 2,310 69,280 100 4,950 40 40 150 29,280 10,860 9,500 13,900 1,360

2,319,240 920,008 4,990 1,006,800 226,240 7,592,464 549 497,467 40,000 39,000 11,250 2,220,930 802,335 698,250 1,014,700 100,640

-1,251,200 -

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.96

2.01

1.96

1.97

104,000

205,650

-

SME ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

4.9 2.41 1.05

4.92 2.41 1.1

4.86 2.4 1.04

4.86 2.4 1.08

378,000 10,000 9,631,000

1,842,950 24,040 10,331,820

-14,610 -551,150

120

119.6

120

2,740

328,280

29,900

NAME

MS EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF 120

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

11,485,774

INDUSTRIAL

112,383,356

HOLDING FIRMS

195,689,424

PROPERTY

124,157,897

SERVICES

241,674,835

MINING & OIL

1,186,869,599

GRAND TOTAL

1,882,285,892

VALUE 1,743.24 (up) 11.13 966,753,557.49 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,777.60 (up) 87.32 1,008,259,632.268 HOLDING FIRMS 7,668.32 (up) 11.88 1,933,842,811.42 PROPERTY 4,304.55 (down) 16.89 1,692.40 (down) 6.47 1,174,374,862.515 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,291.35 (up) 134.01 1,512,937,882.306 PSEI 8,022.42 (up) 5.41 132,840,292.755 All Shares Index 4,891.38 (up) 8.81 6,741,549,005.45 Gainers: 121; Losers: 71; Unchanged: 49; Total: 241

Shell refinery normal amid notice of strike from laborers

By Alena Mae S. Flores PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. on Thursday assured its customers and the public that its Tabangao refinery in Batangas continues to operate and its supply of quality fuels remain undisrupted despite the ongoing labor dispute.

Pilipinas Shell said it received a notice of strike on June 18 from a labor union of its Tabangao refinery, which has a capacity of 110,000 barrels a day. The union has around 100 member-employees The oil company and the Tabangao Shell Refinery Employees Association– PTGWO committed to advance negotiations in their collective bargaining agreement before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board.

“In the meantime, no actual strike may be staged,” Pilipinas Shell said.

The notice of strike was served as no agreement on the economic provisions was reached by the parties.

Pilipinas Shell, the country’s second largest oil company, said plans were under way for a hydrogen optimization project in its Tabangao refinery.

The company set a capital expenditure budget of P6 billion for the hydrogen project and retail network expansion this year.

“This year, 2019, we are increasing our planned capital expenditure to P6 billion.

This is to support the further expansion of our retail business and improve the flexibility of our Tabangao refinery,” Jose Jerome Pascual III, Pilipinas Shell chief financial officer, said earlier.

Pascual said the refinery would be more aggressive in looking for improvements and opportunities to eliminate waste this year.

“Our refinery will start investing on its hydrogen optimization project that will allow it to improve flexibility of its crude intake and product slate,” he said.

Pilipinas Shell president Cesar Romero said “the availability of more hydrogen will allow us to process more advantage crude, more exotic crude.”

“If we are able to process more grades of crude, it will also lead to production of more middle distillates... t’s not primarily intended to be a main capacity increasing option but it will yield to some improvements in capacity as well,” he said.

Shakey’s Pizza sees hefty growth in sales and profit

By Jenniffer B. Austria SHAKEY’S Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., the Philippines’ leading chained full-service restaurant, expects sales and net income to rise annually by double digits over the next five years amid store expansion both here and abroad.

SPAVI chairman Christopher Po said the company aimed to increase the domestic business not only through store expansion but also through acquisitions and international expansion.

“As the scale of the business grows, with competition coming in from all directions, it has gotten noticeably difficult in the recent years to maintain the pace,” Po said.

“Nonetheless, our team is setting our sights higher and is now aiming to go for 20 years of consecutive double digit growth as the next milestone,” he added.

SPAVI in 2018 posted its 15th consecutive year of double-digit growth in terms of system-wide sales and net income, as cost pressures were partially offset by efficiency gains and tactics price increases.

SPAVI president and chief executive Vicente Gregorio said the company planned to open 20 Shakeys stores in 2019 to end the year with 248 outlets.

It is also set to open five to six branches of newly-acquired Peri-Peri stores, mostly in Metro Manila.

“We are excited by the potential of Peri-Peri to scale. We expect it to be an important future growth driver for our cast casual chain restaurant business,” Gregorio said.

“Our deep insights into how to best serve fast casual restaurant guest should allow us to further grow the Peri-Peri brand,” he added. Peri-Peri plans to open four to six international stores this year.

SPAVI earlier signed two international agreements that would boost overseas pipeline to 18 stores over the next few years.

World

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FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Trump reelection bid signals a scorched-earth campaign

A CLEAR DAY IN HONG KONG. Two men spar under the shade of a tree in Tamar Park in Hong Hong on June 20, 2019.

HK turmoil may boost Singapore SINGAPORE―Hong Kong’s reputation as a stable financial hub has been shaken by a controversial extradition bill that prompted massive protests, and its loss might just be Singapore’s gain, experts say.

The Chinese territory and the South Asian city-state have long vied for the title of Asia’s top financial destination, attracting international business from around the world.

But a decision by Hong Kong’s Beijing-backed government to introduce a bill allowing extradition to the mainland sparked concern among the business community and brought up to two million protesters into the street.

Hong Kong’s political crisis is “definitely a dent in its reputation,” said Lawrence Loh, director of the Center for Governance, Institutions and Organizations at the National University of Singapore’s Business School.

“There will be some immediate benefits [for Singapore],” he added, pointing to reports that tycoons were already shifting money from Hong Kong.

Hong Kong offers access to China, but it enjoys freedoms unseen in the mainland under the terms of its 1997 handover from Britain to Beijing.

It has a large expatriate community and prides itself on its reputation as a financial capital in the region.

But its status is temporary―the handover agreement expires in 2047―and in recent years there has been increasing concern about Beijing’s influence.

Companies were unsettled not only by the massive demonstrations, but also by the proposed law, which they feared could undermine Hong Kong’s reputation as a safe place to do business.

Opponents of the proposal worry it will entangle people in China’s notoriously opaque and politicized justice system, and threaten those critical of Beijing’s policies.

“Enacting such an open-ended law by fiat will only drive business to places like Singapore,” Richard Harris, chief executive of Port Shelter Investment, wrote in Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post.

The territory’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam has now suspended the bill, but she has declined so far to fully withdraw it from consideration.

And that uncertainty could mean firms looking for a first-time base in the region will lean away from Hong Kong and towards Singapore, said David Webb, a Hong Kong-based investor who advocates for stronger corporate governance.

“If you are considering doing it [opening an office] for the first time... then you would probably look at the potential for these laws to be resurrected,” he told AFP. Singapore has sought to promote itself as a less crowded, more orderly alternative to Hong Kong, though it is sometimes mocked as dull and criticized for its restrictions on civil liberties. AFP

AFP

WASHINGTON―With a 2020 campaign launch painting opponents in almost apocalyptic terms, President Donald Trump showed Democrats the scorched earth treatment they can expect in his fight for reelection.

And Democrats―barring Trump’s most fiery leftist rival Bernie Sanders―showed Thursday how they might respond: with a collective shrug.

Even for a showman president renowned for exaggerating achievements, insulting opponents and making wildly inaccurate claims, Trump’s speech to 20,000 people at an Orlando, Florida arena stood out.

From the opening minutes, he attacked journalists at the venue, encouraging the excited crowd to hurl verbal abuse.

He branded Democrats “driven by hatred” and bent on “radical socialism.”

He claimed that illegal immigrants threaten working class Americans, “cutting off their path to the American dream.”

Over nearly 80 minutes, the president delivered no new ideas. Neither did he make the slightest effort to reach beyond his right-wing base.

This was about firing up Republican shock troops for what will be a toxic campaign.

“He excited the base and it sends a

pretty strong message to the Democrats that this is going to be a pretty tough race,” Committee to Defend the President chairman Ted Harvey said on Trump’s go-to TV channel Fox News.

Trump later dismissed his Democratic candidates in a television interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Wednesday night.

“I look at some of them, I don’t see George Washington. I don’t see Churchill. I don’t see anybody in particular that I worry about,” he said.

He also justified his use of social media by claiming “it’s really a way of getting the truth out because the media has just gone loco, they have lost all control”, adding that without it “I don’t know that I would’ve been successful”.

The 23 Democrats vying for their party’s nomination in the November 2020 vote are facing the conundrum of how to compete with such a rule-breaking player.

Do they get down in the pit and wrestle? Do they debate the false claims? Or do they stay completely aloof?

Sanders, sometimes compared to a leftist version of the bomb-throwing right-winger Trump, went for the first option. No doubt his passionate supporters would have been disappointed with anything else. AFP

Hong Kong residents threaten another major demonstration H ONG KONG― Hong Kong student groups were mobilizing support for another major demonstration, a union leader said, as a Thursday deadline approached for the pro-Beijing government to respond to the demands of protesters who have shaken the city with massive rallies.

Millions have marched this month to oppose a proposed law that would have allowed extraditions to the Chinese mainland, but the huge protest movement has morphed into a larger rebuke

of Hong Kong’s administration.

Under-fire chief executive Carrie Lam has apologized and suspended the controversial bill, but that has failed to quell the opposition, with protesters demanding she step down and completely withdraw the legislation.

A network of students at universities and higher education institutions is preparing to mobilize based on a 5:00 pm (0900 GMT) Thursday deadline circulating online for several demands to be met, said So Tsun Fung, president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Students Union.

In addition to Lam’s ouster and the extradition law’s withdrawal, protesters have also demanded the release of those detained during sporadic clashes with police last week, and an investigation into allegations of police brutality.

So told AFP the student network would call for people to surround Hong Kong’s

main government offices at 7:00 am Friday (2300 GMT Thursday) if the Lam administration does not respond to demands.

“The hope is to apply pressure before civil servants go to work if we have a certain amount of people,” he added.

In a chat group seen by AFP on the messaging app Telegram, some users posted anonymous polls asking its more than 34,000 members how they wanted to protest Friday, with options including a peaceful sit-in, forming a human chain, or surrounding Lam’s residence.

Lam has defied calls from protesters and vowed to stay on as chief executive.

A Hong Kong government press representative asked AFP to direct queries about the demands to Lam’s office, which could not be immediately reached for comment.

The Civil Human Rights Front, a group that helped facilitate the massive June 9 and June 16 rallies, said it would support any lawful and peaceful protest

by student groups.

The ongoing protests have been largely “leaderless”, with no one group or individual articulating demands or negotiating with authorities on the demonstrators’ behalf.

The minority pro-democracy bloc in Hong Kong’s legislature would also back the students and urges them to remain peaceful, opposition lawmaker Claudia Mo told AFP. “We will stand by any time, anywhere to make sure that there won’t be any repeat of police brutality,” she said, referring to the violence last week.

Opponents of the extradition bill that sparked the crisis have said they fear the proposal will ensnare the people of Hong Kong in mainland China’s opaque and politicized justice system and also give Beijing a tool to target its critics based in the semi-autonomous territory. AFP

Himalayan glaciers are melting twice as fast, says a new study WASHINGTON―Himalayan glaciers are melting twice as fast now as they were before the turn of the century, according to a new study that relied on recently declassified Cold War-era satellite imagery.

The study, which appeared in Science Advances on Wednesday, is the latest indication that climate change is eating the Himalayan glaciers, threatening water supplies for hundreds of millions of people downstream across South Asia.

“This is the clearest picture yet of how fast Himalayan glaciers are melting over this time interval, and why,” said lead author Joshua Maurer, a doctoral candidate at Columbia University in New York.

Scientists combed 40 years of satellite

observations spanning 2,000 kilometers across India, China, Nepal and Bhutan, and found that the glaciers have been losing the equivalent of a foot-and-ahalf of ice each year since 2000.

Many of the 20th-century observations came from recently declassified US spy satellite imagery.

The figure is double the amount of melting that took place from 1975 to 2000.

Past research has found similar trends, but the latest work is bigger in its geographic and historic scope.

It concluded that rising temperatures are the biggest factor.

Though temperatures vary from place to place, the average temperatures were one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahr-

enheit) higher between 2000 and 2016 than they were between 1975 and 2000.

Other factors the researchers blamed were changes in rainfall, with reductions tending to reduce ice cover, and the burning of fossil fuels that lead to soot that lands on snowy glacier surfaces, absorbing sunlight and hastening melting.

“It shows how endangered [the Himalayas] are if climate change continues at the same pace in the coming decades,” said Etienne Berthier, a glaciologist at France’s Laboratory for Studies in Geophysics and Spatial Oceanography, who was not involved in the study.

A separate study also published Wednesday found Greenland’s ice sheet

may have completely melted within the next millennium if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate.

The Greenland ice sheet holds the equivalent of seven meters of sea level.

“If we continue as usual, Greenland will melt,” said lead author Andy Aschwanden, a research associate professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute.

It is the most recent warning about warming in the world’s coldest regions.

“What we are doing right now in terms of emissions, in the very near future, will have a big long-term impact on the Greenland ice sheet, and by extension, if it melts, to sea level and human society,” Aschwanden said. AFP

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Spirit of Communications Centre, 106 Carlos Palanca Jr. St. Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229 (+632) 726-8888

PHILIPPINE TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

PREMIERE.

Mark Hamill arrives at the premiere of Orion Pictures and United Artists Releasings’ ‘Child’s Play’ at ArcLight Hollywood on June 19, 2019, in Hollywood, California. AFP

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (“Company”) will be held on 28 June 2019, 11:00 A.M. at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel (Manila Room A&B) Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, Philippines.

The order of business will be as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Call to Order Certification of the existence of quorum and sending of notices Approval of the minutes of the last Stockholders’ Meeting held on 20 September 2018 Report of the President Election of the members of the Board of Directors Ratification of actions taken by the Board of Director and officers since 20 September 2018 Appointment of Alas Oplas & Co. CPAs as external auditor Approval of the Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ending 30 June 2018 and Six Months Short Term Audited Financial Statements ending 31 December 2018 Adjournment

For purposes of the meeting, the close of business on 20 May 2019 has been fixed as the Record Date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice and to vote during the meeting.

The Company is not soliciting your proxy. If you cannot personally attend the meeting and you wish to be represented thereat, you may designate your authorized representative by submitting a proxy instrument to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, Spirit of Communications Center, 106 C. Palanca St., Legaspi Village, Makati City not later than five (5) days before the date of the meeting. Validation of the proxies shall be done immediately after the end of the period for the submission of the proxy instrument.

(SGD) ATTY. KENNETH JOEY H. MACEREN Corporate Secretary (MS-JUNE21, 2019)

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

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FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

‘Save kids’ group cites Caloocan for 1k Days measure SAVE the Children Philippines has welcomed the passage of Caloocan City’s First 1,000 Days Ordinance that aims to reduce cases of preventable malnutrition and deaths of children in deprived areas.

Lawyer Albert Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines, said local governments have a critical role in implementing high impact and life saving measures such as the First 1,000 Days ordinance to improve health and nutrition of children.

Caloocan is the third city to adopt the First 1,000 Days Ordinance, after Malabon and Navotas. The ordinance, passed by the Caloocan City Council on June 14, 2019 is in line with Republic Act 11148 or Kalusugan ng Magnanay Act- known as the First 1,000 Days Law that mandates an integrated strategy for maternal and child health and nutrition in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

“Malnutrition has devastating and irreversible impact to the child’s physical growth and brain development, we must do all we can to allow children to survive and thrive,” said Muyot in a statement.

Save the Children Philippines lobbied for the passage of the First 1,000 Days Law due to rise in child deaths from malnutrition, surpassing global average.

In 2015, at least 48 percent of the deaths of children below 5 years old was due to their being underweight, a condition indicating that they were malnourished. The rate is higher than the global average of 45 percent.

Led by Padilla, NV hits miner’s license renewal BAYOMBONG—Hundreds of citizens of Nueva Vizcaya province gathered at the Provincial Capitol on Thursday to protest and call on President Rodrigo Duterte to deny an Australian-Canadian large-scale miner’s petition for a renewed license to operate.

The protesters were reacting to news that the application for renewal of the Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement license of the OceanaGold mining firm has already been endorsed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to the Office of the President.

Led by Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos Padilla, the anti-mining protesters presented Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu with a list of “lapses, human rights abuses, non-compliances to memoranda of agreements, and others like violations,” the group said in a statement.

Padilla met with Cimatu Wednesday night with Bishop Elmer Mangalinao of the Archdiocese of Bayombong, Liga ng mga Barangay Federation Chair Vic Gines and other anti-mining advocates.

OceanaGold’s supposed violations, the group said, are in open-pit mining, Provincial Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Provincial Physical Framework and Development Plan that prioritizes Nueva Vizcaya as the watershed haven that supports the irrigation for neighboring provinces like Quirino, Isabela, Cagayan and Nueva Ecija.

The governor even lamented that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Region 2 were the ones giving support to OceanaGold, who could not be contacted for a statement at press time.

Brenda Jocson

STUDENT INCENTIVES.

Navotas Mayorelect Toby Tiangco, together with Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo, leads the distribution of P1,500 in cash incentives to each of the 1,097 graduates of Navotas Polytechnic College. Some 6,098 graduates of public elementary and senior high schools will also receive P500 and P1,000, respectively. Jun David

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

DEAL CLINCHED. Cagayan Economic Zone Authority Administrator and CEO Secretary Raul L. Lambino (4th from left) poses with delegates each doing the trademark clenched fist of

President Rodrigo Duterte during the signing of the 1st Philippines-Indonesia Economic and Investment Summit held in Westin Jakarta Hotel, Indonesia on June 18. With Lambino are (from left) Malou Aranque of the Philippine Embassy, Estella Arungayan of Sinar Mas World Academy, Board of Investment Governor Atty. Marjorie Ramos Samaniego, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong Wee, PT Sentul Rickey Leuterio, Philippine Business Club Indonesia (PBCI) Chairman and PT Manila Water Indonesia President Tony Capati, PT Asia Select/Ward Howell Country Director Dinna Leuterio, and Mark Castro, Secretary General PBCI, and Organizing Committee Chairman.

Makati rewards honor grads 120 Olongapo T farmer-grads

HE city government of Makati has granted cash incentives ranging from P6,000 to P10,000 to some 2,014 honor graduates from the city’s public elementary and senior high schools for school year 2018-2019.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay led the Gawad Parangal ceremony held on June 18 and 19 at the A. Venue Hotel along Makati Avenue, where she handed each awardee a voucher for claiming the cash incentive at the Cash Division at City Hall. She also raffled off 60 brand new laptops among them.

The mayor congratulated the honor graduates and commended their parents for their children’s achievements.

“Congratulations to our public school students who graduated with honors in the past school year! We also thank and honor their parents and guardians for having raised them well. They have helped us cultivate excellence and good character which are essential to their

development as great leaders of the future,” Mayor Abby said.

City schools division superintendent Rita Riddle said the cash incentives were given as follows: P6,000 each for those who graduated with honors; P8,000 for those with high honors; and P10,000 for those with the highest honors.

The Gawad Parangal last June 18 was attended by three batches of honor graduates from the city’s public elementary and senior high schools under the supervision of DepEd Makati.

Last June 19, all 756 honor graduates from the Higher School ng UMak (HSU), the senior high school under the auspices of the city-run University of Makati, joined the fourth and fifth

batches under DepEd at the ceremony.

In all, there were 733 honor graduates in elementary and 525 in senior high school under DepEd Makati.

Based on DepEd Makati’s records for elementary, East Rembo Elementary School (ES) had the most honor graduates, one with high honors and 65 with honors. It was followed by Rizal ES, one with high honors and 63 with honors, while Comembo ES and Pembo ES tied at 61 awardees each.

Comembo produced three with high honors and 58 with honors; and Pembo ES, two with high honors and 59 with honors.

Fort Bonifacio ES, two with high honors and 56 with honors; Cembo ES, two with high honors and 31 with honors; Palanan ES, 28 with honors; La Paz ES, one with high honors, 25 with honors; Francisco Benitez III, 39 with honors; Cembo ES, two with high honors and 31 with honors; South Cembo ES, two with high honors and 28 with honors; Jose Magsaysay ES, 24 with honors; and Pitogo ES, two with high honors and 22 with honors.

RUNNING FOR REFUGEES. To commemorate the upcoming World Refugee Day 2019, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the Philippines has partnered with Gold's Gym Philippines for 'The 10-Minute Run Challenge.' All Gold's Gym trainers, employees, and gym members are challenged to run as many kilometers as possible in 10 minutes and create awareness about the plight of all 7.8 million refugees across the world and attract support for them. Diana Noche

HealthServ medical center marks 17th year in Laguna LOS BAÑOS, Laguna—HealthServ Los Banos Medical Center recently celebrated its 17th anniversary with the theme: T.E.A.M HealthServ @17: Bigger. Brighter. Better.

The word T.E.A.M stands for “Together Everyone Achieves More” and emphasizes the organization’s belief that its employees, doctors and other team members,

led by a proactive and dynamic management, play an important role toward the attainment of its goals and aspirations, the company said in a statement.

Its two-day celebration on June 20 and 21 included activities such as screening of HealthServ Healing Stories, mascot and jingle launch, Thanksgiving Mass, and blessing of its new facilities and services.

HealthServ has a new Hospital Annex Building, housing the new Operating Room, Laboratory Department, Laboratory Extraction Area, BillingCashier Section and Inpatient Pharmacy. It also built a connecting bridge from the Medical Arts Building to the Hospital Annex and the MedExpress Pharmacy. Roy Tomandao

in SM KSK rites

OLONGAPO CITY—Around 120 farmer-graduates in Olongapo under the SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farmers’ Training Program Batch 200 recently expressed their gratitude to the Foundation and its partners here.

The graduates thanked SM for teaching them innovative farming methods they can use in ensuring food for their table, which they can also share with their community and will open doors for potential business opportunities.

Conducted at the SM City Olongapo, the graduation ceremony of the trainees was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Technical Education for Skills and Development Authority, City Agriculture Office, and partner Harbest Agribusiness.

Prior to their graduation, farmerparticipants harvested their high value vegetable and fruit crops, some of which were cooked for their boodle fight lunch, while some were brought home to their respective families.

Their produce included honeydew melon, upo, patola, tomatoes, sili, okra, pipino, ampalaya, sitaw, and kangkong, among others.

They were also toured around the supermarket in SM City Olongapo to better know and appreciate the pricing and quality standards of products on the ground.

With the sustainable farming techniques instilled in them, the Foundation hopes and encourages the farmers to continue to use this knowledge to produce high quality harvest not only for their families, but also to become suppliers for SM Markets in the future.

Rogelio Panganiban, a heavy equipment operator, said he learned various ways to farm optimally which he would proudly share with his family and community.

Esmeralda Tombaga, a 55-yearold master teacher, vowed to share her learnings from the program to her fellow schoolteachers, with the hopes that the knowledge can be further passed to the students. She also mentioned she can use these innovative farming techniques in the school vegetable garden where she teaches. Butch Gunio

RC Liga ng Bayan brings out best stars ARC Refreshments Corp. (ARC), maker of the well-loved beverage RC Cola, has continued to bring out the best in young, aspiring basketball athletes through its just-concluded “RC Cola Liga ng Bayan” 3x3 street basketball tournament.

To help hone the participants’ skills, ARC held basketball clinics with veteran basketball coaches prior to each qualifying game. The clinics took place at select barangays in Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Makati, Cavite, Las Pinas, Caloocan, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Batangas and Laguna.

“RC Cola Liga ng Bayan is a good program that brings in the official FIBA 3x3 rules to the community level,” be-

gins Butch Aves, EVP-COO of ARC. “It is also the biggest 3x3 basketball tournament nationwide.”

Aves explained that the game helps the youth build their dreams because this is the first step for kids towards becoming professional basketball players or simply encourage them to keep on playing for the love of the game.

“From backyard basketball, this is the next step. This is where development truly happens. In teams of 5, not everyone can play. In 3x3 games, more players get more opportunities. Since you are playing on a half-court setting, lesser players mean more touches for the players and it makes the team work harder,” he added.

Life CULTURE AND MEDIA

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

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A glimpse into the history of Binondo LIFE IN BINONDO. Township developer Megaworld opens Chinatown Museum which features 18 galleries that showcase various influences and historical events that shaped the 'World's Oldest Chinatown.'

I

F WALLS and roads and buildings could talk, those in Binondo would be busy telling stories about Chinese commerce and trade and the lives of its residents before, during, and after the Spanish colonial period. A newly opened museum offers a glimpse into the glorious past of the “World’s Oldest Chinatown.”

Township developer Megaworld has recently opened the doors of Chinatown Museum, the country’s first cultural museum dedicated to Binondo.

Located on the 4th level of Lucky Chinatown’s Building A, the Chinatown Museum features 18 galleries, each focusing on various influences and historical events that have shaped the cultural, social, and economic threads of Binondo—from its establishment as a settlement for Christianized Chinese immigrants in 1594 to the height of downtown Escolta on its way to becoming a bustling commercial downtown of colonial Manila.

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.

“It has always been our goal to integrate arts, culture, history, and heritage in the overall character of our developments. With Lucky Chinatown 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,” said Megaworld chief strategy officer Kevin L. Tan. Among the notable displays at the museum are the Escolta gallery which features paintings of heritage buildings where visitors can also draw using a tablet with a Chinese calligraphy brush dipped in disappearing ink; a gallery of Botica de San Fernando where guests may check out a drawer of 25 medicinal herbs and flowers; and a Tranvia de Filipinas display which features a stationary train on which visitors can sit and watch a

WITH the founding vision of “music everywhere and the concert nowhere,” celebrated French composer and music journalist Maurice Fleuret and France’s then-Minister of Culture Jack Lang organized the first ever Fête de la Musique in Paris in June 1982.

Since then, Fête de la Musique— also known as Music Day or World Music Day—has become an international affair that continues to promote music through a free-for-all events in more than 700 cities in 120 countries every year.

Now celebrating its 25th anniversary in the Philippines, the event showcases the best of the best in the local music scene, while providing a generous cross cultural experience between the Filipino and French people, forging friendships and building a community.

“2019 is a big year for Fête de la Musique and we wanted to make sure that this year’s event will be a special one,” said Jean-Pierre Dumont, executive director of Alliance Française de Manille.

For its 2019 edition, Fête de la Musique continues its tradition of producing several main stages across Metro Manila and in six other cities all over the country. As a special treat, there will

video chronicling its history.

“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,” shared Tan. Chinatown Museum is the second museum venture of the property giant following the opening of the Iloilo Museum for Contemporary Art, the first museum of its kind in the Visayas and Mindanao region, inside its Iloilo Business Park township in Mandurriao last year.

Part of the company’s tourism initiatives is to integrate museum projects in its township developments across the country. Currently, it is curating museums for its townships in Cebu, Pampanga, and Pasig City.

“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,” added Tan. The Chinatown Museum App, available for download on Google Play and App Store, aims to provide easy access to the museum’s gallery information. It utilizes Bluetooth technology and allows smoother transition between topics and information while inside the museum.

Chinatown Museum is connected to the main mall of Lucky Chinatown via a bridgeway on the fourth level. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission for regular visitors is priced at P150, for senior citizens at P120, and for students at P100. Kids below four feet are free of charge.

The galleries and artifacts in the museum were developed and curated with the help of members of the academe, respected historians, and prominent figures in Binondo.

Fête de la Musique marks 25 years in Manila

Gomez, Bea Lorenzo, Zsaris, Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas, and more.

June 22 will be a big day as the concert goes to the Greenbelt main stage and to the 52 pocket stages featuring various music genres.

There will also be a special all-female French-Filipino medley on June 28 at the Intramuros main stage, led by Pinay musician Radha, and in collaboration with Vanessa Monot, Fatima PalmaLoo, and more.

Fête de la Musique is also expanding to more venues outside the metro on June 29, with main stages set up in Baguio, Batangas, Bulacan, Laguna, Palawan, and Pampanga.

To cap off the anniversary festivities, DocDef and Gabi Na Naman Productions will hold a closing party on June 29 at 20:20 in Chino Roces Avenue, Makati.

Fans also get a chance to win round-trip tickets to France through the #FeteStories Fête de la Musique 2019 in Manila features local music artists on several stages in Metro Manila and six provinces. social media contest. They simply need to share a 25-second video of their fondest be an addition of over 50 pocket stages power of music. On June 15, three pre- ute performance at A-Venue, Makati Fête de la Musique memories through the Fête de la Musique parties simultane- main stage. The multi-genre medley, years to enter the contest. that will host different music genres.

Starting a new annual tradition, this ously took place to kick off the anni- led by Francis De Veyra, features artists year’s staging introduced on June 8 versary celebrations. such as Bituin Escalante, Aia de Leon, Go to www.facebook.com/FetePH or Happening today is the #GlobeFete Vic Facultad, Cooky Chua, Bayang download the FetePH mobile app to the Music Heals: Fête de la Musique Pop-Up, which highlighted the healing Production Number, a special 25-min- Barrios, Tarsius, Kat Agarrado, Jensen know more.

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Entertainment

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

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OBOL B sa News TV, which now airs from Monday to Sunday at 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, is amped up with an exciting line-up of programs anchored by the country’s most trusted radio broadcasters.

Jumpstarting weekday mornings is anchorman Melo del Prado with the freshest news of the day on Melo Del Prado sa Super Radyo DZBB at 6:00 a.m..GMA News pillar Mike Enriquez and Joel Reyes Zobel deliver the biggest news stories and latest news updates on Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide at 7:00 a.m..

Enriquez later on provides the public with more information about the issues at hand through interviews with key personalities on Saksi sa Dobol B at 8:00 a.m. while Zobel returns at 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. with Anong Say N’yo?.

At 9:30 a.m., Arnold Clavio together with Ali Sotto tickle the viewers and listeners’ minds through their juicy blind items in Sino?. Later on at 10:00 a.m., the tandem further dissects the issues that made it to the news that day on Dobol A Sa Dobol B. For the final slot at 11:00 a.m., Kay Susan Tayo! Sa Super Radyo DZBB, anchored by Susan Enriquez, returns to the small screen.

On Saturdays, Melo del Prado hosts Super Radyo Nationwide at 6:00 a.m. followed by Super Balita sa Umaga with Sam Nielsen and Rowena Salvacion at 7:00 a.m.. In the next hour,

Bigger, better ‘Dobol B sa News TV’ ‘Dobol B sa News TV’ anchors led by Mike Enriquez (second from right), along with (L-R) Melo del Prado, Joel Reyes Zobel, Nathaniel ‘Mang Tani’ Cruz, Connie Sison, Susan Enriquez, Arnold Clavio, Ali Sotto, and Rowena Salvacion.

Salvacion also anchors Isyu Atbp. while I M Ready sa Dobol B, with resident meteorologist Nathaniel ‘Mang Tani’ Cruz, comes next at 9:00 a.m..

Meanwhile, one of the newest additions to DZBB is the well-loved health program presented by Connie Sison–Pinoy M.D. sa Super Radyo DZBB—which airs at 10:00 a.m. It is followed by DZBB Super Serbisyo: Buhay, Trabaho at Negosyo at 11:00 a.m. with Norilyn Temblor, Tootie, and Lala Roque.

On Sundays, Orly Trinidad opens the morning line-up with Buena Manong Balita at 6:00 a.m., followed by Super Balita sa Umaga, with Sam Nielsen and Nimfa Ravelo, at 7:00 a.m.. Ravelo also hosts Dobol B: Bantay Balita (Bantay sa Senado) at 8:00 a.m..

At 9:00 a.m., GMA News TV viewers can catch Benjie Liwanag’s Liwanag sa Balita followed by Divine Reyes’ Dobol B: Bantay Balita (Bantay sa Kamara).

From 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Trinidad returns with MMDA sa

ABS-CBN chief financial officer Aldrin Cerrado with ICD CEO Alfredo Pascual and SEC chairman Emilio B. Aquino

“We recognize in ABS-CBN that to be able to fulfill our mission of being in the service of the Filipino, we have to retain the trust of our stakeholders and remain attractive to investors. It is very important that the company is run well to ensure our long term success. We have been able to do that through corporate governance and compliance practices that are aligned with the standards promoted by the ICD,” he explained.

Joining ABS-CBN among this year’s awardees are other companies under the Lopez Group, namely the Lopez Holdings

Corporation and First Gen Corporation.

A non-stock, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the professionalization of Philippine corporate directorship, the ICD aims to raise the level of corporate governance policy and practice to be at par with the best in the world.

It assesses publicly listed companies like ABS-CBN in terms of their policies and practices on the rights and role of shareholders, responsibilities of the Board, disclosure, and transparency, among others, and awards the outstanding ones with the ACGS recognition trophy.

Free self-care workshop at Centuria Medical WE’VE all heard it before, and we say it again: Wellness starts with self-love. Before we can take care of our loved ones, we must first take care of ourselves.

This is what Centuria Medical Makati at Century City in Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City champions in its newest campaign dubbed #WeSelfLove, a free self-care workshop series until tomorrow, featuring some of the country’s top healthcare and wellness experts with the special participation of health and wellness advocate, Pia Wurtzbach.

Yesterday, the spotlight is on Self Love For Men with a doctor’s symposium on men’s health from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the HAUS Connexxion in Centuria. This was followed by a workshop series from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the lobby from Dr. Quincy Raya, Dr. Wilfredo Tagle, Dr. Raynald Torres, Pinnacle Performance and Prohealth Sports and Spinal Pyshiotherapists.

Topics included top diseases for men to guard against, the truth about fad diets, face and body boost solutions, practical tip for sports injuries and the latest in men’s health. A mindfulness workshop will be led by mindfulness teacher, Dax Cobarrubias, at 4:00 p.m..

Today, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. is dedicated to Self-Love SOME Filipino talents don’t get the recognition they deserve until they make heads turn abroad and news of it reaches home. I recall the late Arthur Manuntag somewhat lament over the fact he experienced more appreciation singing in front of foreign audiences than doing it here. He told me that when I interviewed him at then Hardrock Cafe in Makati and over some notcheap wine he brought.

You bet I felt glad when I saw him featured on a primetime local newscast which tackled his exploits elsewhere.

So it’s natural for me to relate such matter to the apparent rising star of one named Marvin Velasquez whose singing talent is

week. This is all for our loyal viewers who made the success of Dobol B sa News TV possible,” says Mike Enriquez.

Catch the successful collaboration of GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz and the country’s leading local news channel GMA News TV via Dobol B Sa News TV. GMA News TV is now also seen on free TV via Channel 27; while viewers abroad can also catch Dobol B Sa News TV on GMA News TV International.

’King Julien Dance Off ’ opens its doors to young talents anew

ABS-CBN, among PH’s top performing companies MEDIA giant ABS-CBN once again cited as one of the top organizations in the Philippines after being the only media network awarded by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) for outstanding corporate governance.

ABS-CBN chief financial officer Aldrin Cerrado accepted the trophy for the Kapamilya network at the recent ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) Recognition Ceremony, where companies that are well-managed and compliant with government regulations are honored.

Cerrado emphasized the importance of embracing and promoting a culture of good governance in the continued success of the 65-year-old media and entertainment company.

GMA, which is in cooperation with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

“We are very happy with the feedback we are getting not just from our listeners but from our viewers as well. Two years ago, we started Dobol B sa News TV as a collaboration of GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB and the country’s leading local news channel, GMA News TV. Fast forward to 2019, and here we are, giving our Kapuso viewers more programs, seven days a

For Women. Workshop topics include Best for Your Breast by Dr. Norman San Agustin of the Asian Breast Center, Understanding and Preventing Burnout by Prescription Psychiatrist’s Katherine Dela Cruz, Oral health for overall Health by Dr. Kino Resabal, Best Workout for Your Body Type, What Women Should Look Out for in their 30s, 40s and 50s, beauty tips and live demos.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach will lead participants to recite a Manifesto on Self Love. At 6:00 p.m., a pound workout class follows with Marge Camacho and participants are invited to attend in ‘athleisure’ attire.

Tomorrow, June 22, is dedicated to Self-Love For Parents. The workshop series starts at 9:00 a.m. with presentations from Dr. Anna Ong Lim (Parenting 101), Michelle Aventajado(The How-To’s of Parenting), Christine Dychiao (Decluttering Life through the KonMarie Method), and theater actress Leslie Leveriza (De-stress Workshop).

Centuria Medical Makati will also inaugurate its Breastfeeding Station at 12:00 noon in partnership with Philips and LATCH. Registration is free. Sign up at www.centuriamedical.com.ph/ weselflove/. For information, contact Centuria Medical Makati at 0917 610 6267.

arguably more embraced outside the Philippines.

A few days ago, he was declared Recording Artist of the Year during the Side Projects Music Awards held at FM Bar, Shepherds Bush, London. The trophy was given on the strength of his recordings for songs “Limelights,” which is included in a compilation dubbed Seryoso Po Kami released late last year, and “Tabing Dagat” written by the talent-managing songwriter Erasmo Mallillin.

Velasquez is a native of Talugtog, Nueva Ecija and currently based in Metro Manila. Through invites from contacts, he flies in to London from time to time for singing engagements. Over time he has gotten quite a following from the

THE fourth-anniversary celebration of City of Dreams Manila’s DreamPlay, the only DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space in the world, is in full swing with the staging of the annual King Julien Dance Off competition.

The competition is opening its doors to dance groups composed of children ages 7 to 14 years old. Following a preliminary screening, the top eight groups will vie for the “King Julien Dance Off Champion” title, with a total of P185, 000 in cash for the winners and other exciting prizes at stake on the Grand Final stage on June 29, 2:00 p.m. at City of Dreams Manila’s Grand Ballroom.

The preliminary round took place on June 15, wherein contestants were required to perform a dance routine with any English song that should not exceed four minutes. Eight finalists were chosen to compete at the Grand Finals, showcasing their creative routines with any English song or a mash-up of songs from DreamWorks Animation movies, such as Trolls, How To Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Puss in Boots, or Madagascar.

The contestants were judged based on choreography (40 percent), execution (30 percent), costume (10 percent), audience impact (10 percent), and overall impact (10 percent).

King Julien’s Year 4 grand champion will receive P120,000 cash and a DreamPlay trophy. The first runner up will be rewarded with P30,000 cash and a DreamPlay Plaque; while the second runner up will be given P20,000 cash and

a DreamPlay Plaque. Each of the finalists will be given P5,000 and a certificate.

Since its launching in 2016, DreamPlay’s King Julien Dance Off has served as a platform in discovering talented children from around the country, and as a springboard for them to perform in local and international stages.

Past grand winners include: Junior FMD Extreme (2016 Grand Champion), an all-boys group of former street children; Higher Level Kids (2017 Grand Champion), an all-boys group from Cavite; and GFAM (2018 Grand Champion), who went on to win in other dance competitions such as First Place in World Supremacy Battle Ground (Young Guns Division) in 2018, and a back-to-back championship title in the Inter School Dance Sports Competition (National Capital Region 2017 to 2018).

DreamPlay by DreamWorks at City of Dreams Manila, a first-of-itskind indoor, interactive play and creativity center, also stages the annual Sing Off Competition. Built upon the incredible stories of DreamWorks and brought to life through the latest digital technologies, DreamPlay allows kids to experience their wildest dreams.

Located at the Upper Ground Floor at The Shops at the Boulevard, DreamPlay is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays (Monday to Thursday), and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends (Friday to Sunday, and on Holidays).

For inquiries, call 800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

DreamPlay animation characters Troll’s Poppy and Branch, Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress and Shrek together with the Dreamers performed a special dance number at the DreamPlay Sing Off Grand Finals.

London calling

Singer Marvin Velasquez shines in London where the Filipino-run Side Projects Productions hails him for his performances and recordings.

Filipino community there. He has performed in neighboring Asian lands, including Singapore and Hong Kong.

“I wish to make people happy through singing,” he once said, having devoted himself to propagating the bossa nova genre.

Another of his tracks, “Mambo,” “Samba,” “Cha-cha” attests to that inclination as some of his supporters already dubbed him Bossa Nova Prince. Titles matter these days and he must be taking it to his advantage.

A couple of years ago, I witnessed live the strength of Marvin’s voice after watching him at a concert in Teatrino, Greenhills. His diaphragmsinging surely attracts, and it’s not surprising that he triumphed in a contest at age 14 and in later years got good exposure at Star Quest and Star in a Million.

As often the case, he struggled

during his younger days and even lost a dear one in his quest for singing glory. Thus, he also wrote a personally vital song called “Pusong Bigo.”

In a recent Facebook post, he related, “Naaalala ko ang struggles ko bago ako grumadweyt noon sa kolehiyo.” Then he segued to his flight to victory: “I must say hindi na lamang ang aking ‘INA’ at pamilya ang tanging kong tagahanga ngayon.

Pati na rin sa ibat-ibang panig ng mundo.”

Earlier this year he spearheaded Awit Ng Tanghalan Season 1, which held its grand finals at Historia bar, Q.C. won by 24-year-old Dan Ezekiel Sajul and tween Arm Angel Ruiz.

Today, Marvin returns to London’s FM bar where he is again expected to do his live cover version of that song “...sa ilalim ng puting ilaw.”

Motoring Hyundai, AVID make big push for EVs HYUNDAI Asia Resources, Inc. has committed to ramping up the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines at the first Landscape automotive industry briefing of 2019. The forum was organized by HARI and the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors.

Alongside Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (eVAP) Executive Director Jose Bienvenido Manuel Biona, who was invited to speak at the briefing, HARI called for increased collaboration among automakers, a viable roadmap for EV adoption, and competitive incentive packages from the government to encourage investment in the industry.

Dr. Biona, a full-time professor at the Gokongwei College of Engineering of the De La Salle University, argued that it is high time to begin adopting EVs in the Philippines. In his presentation to auto industry executives, he discussed how the country’s ASEAN neighbors have already laid out ambitious EV programs.

For example, Indonesia has targeted 2.1 million (M) electric motorcycles and 2,200 electric cars by 2025. Likewise, Thailand aims to have 1.2 M electric vehicles plying its roads by 2036. By 2030, Malaysia hopes to have 100,000 electric cars, 100,000 motorcycles, and 2,000 e-buses over the next 10 years.

While electric vehicles currently can cost more than their internal combustion counterparts, many governments, like South Korea, India, and China have introduced purchase subsidies, tax cuts, and incentives programs that encour-

age drivers to make the switch.

These countries have taken a stand for EVs because these vehicles benefit a nation’s economy apart from reducing emissions.

More electric vehicles translate to reduced energy imports, as well as opportunities for job creation in parts and battery manufacturing.

When asked how to kick start the adoption of EVs in the Philippines, Dr. Biona noted that, apart from fiscal incentives and non-fiscal perks, China and South Korea innovated the development of “lead cities,” or communities where the government can meet the demand for transport by introducing electric vehicles and the accompanying infrastructure.

Notably, he suggested Boracay as an area where the government can make a positive impact on tourism with EVs. Hyundai’s EV push The government is already working with South Korean automotive players like Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) to invest in the local electric vehicle industry. The two countries have also worked to forge a free trade agreement (FTA) seeking to increase market access. Over the past few months, HARI has made a concerted effort to help the administration foster a welcoming environment for investment in EVs. In April 2018, Hyundai introduced the Ioniq Hybrid to the Philippine market, making it the country’s first mass-market hybrid. HARI then debuted the Kona Electric, the country’s first commercially-available fully electric vehicle, in April 2019.

Said HARI President and CEO

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE • Tara Laconico: Fifteen year-old karting star

A

T ONLY fifteen years old, Filipino karting sensation Tara Laconico has seen a lot of the world from behind the driver’s wheel.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Fifteen-year-old Tara Laconico crosses over from karting to car racing thanks to the Phoenix Young Drivers’Program.

Only last year, the incoming OB Montessori 8th grader achieved what she considers as her greatest professional feat to date—qualifyingfor the Sodi World Finals held at the Lignano Circuit in Venice.

In previousyears, she vied for the Rotax Max Asia Championship in Malaysia, as well as theSodi World Series in the United Arab Emirates.

All these accomplishments have made Tara a risingstar in the local karting scene, and she is nowhere near slowing down. In fact,she is just getting started on a new chapter of her racing career.

Onlyrecently, she was selected as one of the trio representing Phoenix Petroleum atthe Giti-Formula V1 Challenge. It’s a feat she earned by being one of the topcontenders of the Phoenix Young Drivers’ Program, the homegrown petroleumcompany’s search for the next generation of Filipino racing superstars.

Tara was among 300 young racing hopefulstested not only for their driving skills, but also for their personalities andproficiency

in facing the media. At the end of the search, Tara was selected asa stand-in driver for the Phoenix Formula V1 racing team. She will be drivingalongside Raffy Rabe, the Phoenix team’s main driver, and Patrichk dela Rosa,her fellow alternate, for a four-hour endurance race scheduled in November atClark, Pampanga.

For Tara, being part of the Phoenix Formula V1team is not just another achievement as a racer, but a personal milestone, aswell.

Her participation in the Phoenix Young Drivers’ Program marks the firsttime she has driven a race car on a track. Now that she has made it to thePhoenix racing team, Tara is grateful for the opportunity to further her racingcareer, going from karts to race cars.

“Now that I am a competitor for Formula V1,even as a reserve driver, I am ready to take the next step in my racingcareer,” she said.

“I will try to help in every way I could. I really want ourteam to do well. We will show people how age doesn’t matter.”

Isuzu adds luster to Pahiyas capital For an EV-competitive Philippines. From left: Ateneo de Manila Dean of the School of Social Sciences Dr. Fernando Aldaba, eVAP Executive Director Dr. Jose Bienvenido Manuel Biona and HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe PerezAgudo at the 1st Landscape automotive industry briefing with the theme “Are we busted or built for the future?” The forum was organized by HARI and the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors.

TIPS: For a safer bike ride HEAVY traffic, air and noise pollution, and road rage are some of the challenging realities every city dweller faces.

Traveling on a motorcycle, therefore, has become a practical choice for many to help them overcome these daily struggles and to avoid sitting on congested roads for hours.

To save time, bike riders often weave between trucks, cars, and other motorbikes—making them even more susceptible to accidents such as crashing into or getting sideswiped by other vehicles, slamming into lamp posts and other objects on the road, or worse, hitting and hurting pedestrians.

To ensure a hassle-free and safer drive on traffic-choked streets, here are some points to take note of when riding your motorbike: Be alert. You are in the best state to bike when you’re awake and alert. Avoid riding when you’re sleepy, had even a sip of alcohol, or are already exhausted from a long day at work.

Be familiar with traffic rules.

Knowing the to-do’s while on the road can save lives, especially yours. There are wise reasons behind most traffic regulations, so sticking to the rules is a must.

Check your tires. It’s vital to check and cross-check your bike’s condition before hitting the road.

Check for any bulges or cracks on your tires. Your tire pressure affects the handling of your bike, so it is best to follow the recommended pressure for your tires.

Adjust your chain. Give that chain a quick pull with your finger to ensure it’s not too tight or too loose. Long-distance trips accelerate the wearing of your chains.

Replace the entire assembly if it’s already worn out.

Change your oil. Engine oil is the life blood of a motorcycle.

Check your oil levels before going on a ride, and change it religiously.

Regular oil changes, along with choosing the right brand, ensures engine protection from overheating and abuse, and leads to better bike performance.

Tune up the engine. Clean up those filters, tighten your valves, and address all leaks. Losing a grip on your bike while in motion is not something you’d want to happen, so before going anywhere, ensure that your engine parts are on point.

Check the brakes. Test your front and rear brakes. Ensure that they feel firm and are able to hold the motorcycle still when fully applied.

Wear the proper gear. Riding responsibly is never a waste of time.

Wearing helmets and motorcycle clothing can make a big difference and protect you from potential harm.

Filipinos pride themselves on having a sense of “Walang Bibitaw,” the attitude of never letting go despite all hardships and challenges. By adapting these tips to their daily ride, you not only win your daily road battles, but also help keep your communities safe.

THE municipality of Lucban, the thriving “art capital town” in Quezon province most famous for its colorful Pahiyas Festival, can now also boast its own modernized fleet of public utility vehicles ) that will transport its visitors and residents in safety, comfort, and convenience.

In a formal turnover ceremony held last May 22 at Lucban Municipal Hall ground, Isuzu Philippines Corporation turned over the initial 15 units of Class 2 modernized PUVs to officers and members of the Lucban Genesis Transport Service and Multipurpose Cooperative.

The formal turnover was witnessed by officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Lucban OIC Mayor Armando Abutal, Land Transportation Office District Officer Wilma De Castro, Office of Transportation Cooperatives Executive Director Eugene M. Pabualan, and executives of IPC led by its Sales Division Head Joseph Bautista, and Isuzu Pagbilao General Manager Marcel Tolentino.

The turnover of 15 modernized PUVs to LGTSMPC represents the start of what would eventually be a total of 88 modernized PUVs plying the 60-km route between

C3

Lucban to Tayabas town in Quezon, as well as the Mauban to Lucena City route.

LGTSMPC, one of the province’s largest transport cooperatives, ordered the brand-new PUV units from Isuzu for the first time, and expressed its utmost confidence that the vehicles will provide years of reliable, safe, convenient, and comfortable performance to its commuters, and will be a proud example of the government’s PUV Modernization Program.

Bautista explained that the Isuzu modern PUV is roomier, safer, and more convenient to ride in.

“Our modernized PUVs using the QKR 77 truck platform with body designed and built by Almazora can accommodate up to 23 passengers. Commuters can now travel comfortably with enough legroom, headroom, and seat space in this Class 2 vehicle.”

He added, “The vehicle is also equipped with features required by the PUVMP vehicle guidelines. There’s the automatic fare collection system. There are three CCTV cameras installed in the vehicle, and LED destination displays.”

The Isuzu QKR77 platform is assembled in the Philippines and is equipped with the Euro

IV-compliant 3.0-liter 4JH1-TC CRDI diesel engine that delivers better fuel economy and cleaner emissions.

The vehicle is also built lighter to be able to run more efficiently.

The body and panels, designed and produced by IPC’s partner body builder Almazora Motors, is also made of lightweight but durable materials.

Bautista expressed his thanks to LGTSMPC for believing in the Isuzu brand for its landmark rollout of modernized PUVs. “IPC strives to do its very best to be every Filipino motorist’s responsible partner. We have proven this time and again with our world-class roster of trucks, commercial vehicles and light commercial vehicles, and at the same time our aftersales service and parts availability have made the Isuzu ownership experience truly wonderful and worthwhile.

IPC, in collaboration with wholly Filipino-owned Almazora Motors Corp, and in partnership with our financing institutions and the local government, is very glad that the people of this happy, creative town of Lucban will now get to experience a commute that truly befits their community spirit, enhanced with today’s modern technologies.”

Isuzu hands over the keys to 15 units of modernized PUVs to Lucban Genesis Transport in turnover ceremony held on May 22, 2019 at the Lucban Municipal Hall ground.

She also believes that like age, gender is notgetting in her way to becoming a topnotch driver. “With our helmets on, thefirst thing you notice isn’t whether you are a boy or girl. It is whether youare fast or not,” explained Tara.

For now, she intends to keep practicing forher upcoming races, which means doing laps over and over. Tara believes she hasa long way to go but she is optimistic because she is in a good spot,especially with solid support from Phoenix. Her practice has greatly improvedand she has felt a big difference racing on the power of Phoenix PULSETechnology found in Phoenix fuels.

Every time she has agood practice run, going into the pit always gives her a good feeling.

As sheworks further to fulfil her dreams, Tara only has this to say, “I will keep myhead down and work hard until you see me on the podium.” Consider it fairwarning that the country and the rest of the world will see more of this youngFilipino racing talent.

Cleanfuel renews deal with celeb racer NDEPENDENT fuel company Cleanfuel has renewed its partnership with celebrity race car driver Dominic Roque to further compete in Cleanfuel’s line-up of races in this year’s highly-anticipated Formula V1 Series.

The signing of the contract was done at the heels of the second leg of the race series of what is considered to be the highest form of motorsport event locally.

During the signing, Roque expressed gratitude for the continued partnership between him and the country’s leading supplier of eco-friendly fuels.

“I am very thankful for the continued support that Cleanfuel is providing me. Rest assured that I will be doing my best in the coming Formula V1 series,” he said.

Roque will be driving under Cleanfuel-Motul Racing Team.

Right now, they are preparing for the next round of the race which is scheduled on July 20 and 21 at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Meanwhile, CleanFuel president Bong Suntay expressed his confidence with Roque on the upcoming race.

“We believe that Dominic is a perfect representation of our brand.

We share the same beliefs in providing our customers with quality and economical fuel. We hope to further get the message across that we are all in this crusade in providing a greener environment for everyone,” Suntay said.

The chief executive said that they are also elevating the business in strengthening and expanding its service station network, with around 15 stations to be opened this year, which will add to the 55 existing stations within the Luzon region.

“As we expand our business, this is also a perfect time that private car users would identify Cleanfuel not only as an AutoLPG provider, but also as a provider of everyday fuel with high quality Euro 4 Diesel, Clean 91, and Premium 95 octane gasoline, which they use daily on the road,” explained Suntay.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4 FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Motoring GM ready to roll out mid-engine Corvette C8

By Lester Dizon

LORD of the WHEELS Text and Photos by Diana B. Noche

T

HE first automobile touched Philippine soil around the 1900s—a Richard Brasier Roadster 9-h 2 cyl engine built

by French and Belgian manufacturers George Richard and Henri Brasier.

Since then, cars in all shapes and sizes have studded our streets, changed the lifestyle of the people, and transformed the country’s mercantile history.

Recently, the Circuit Makati parking grounds became the mecca for the country’s goodvibes car club, as it did last year, to congregate and reconnect, have a peek at the latest modifications and one-of-a-kind specs potential of a car. Now on its 4th year, the United Car Clubs of the Philippines through its founder and president Yuyu de Guzman, who has been in a perpetual drive when it comes to UCCP affairs, continues to whet the fascination for cars that the Richard Brasier Roadster had instated into the Filipino psyche.

What instantly draws you to the 2015 Chevrolet Duramax Pick up owned byLucizo Cabrera, Jr. is its refreshed design elements, plus added innovative technologies on it like the off-road orientated tires that provide satisfactory traction to blunt jiggly rides when he goes fish farming all over town. It’s an eye-popping mammoth of a truck that had the crowd spending more than a few minutes hawking over it.

A purple Toyota owned by Eric Hermano of Los Arcos Resort and Events was easily the creampuff of the bunch. With a come-hither cutesy styling, you almost want to fall over it and give it a hug. There were some functional additions that complement its sleek design and a highly spirited zounds performance that assures its owner an intensely euphonic ride.

There is that Honda Civic that is a compact car with big-car sensibility yet it does not give up small-car goodness with its

youthful spirit that makes it quite visually arresting. This Honda boasts easy-to-master controls and simpler maneuverability, zounds, and TV monitors in all places --enough reasons to hold its owner a tight attachment to this powerfully serious little missy.

The Kobe Bryant-themed blue Hyundai, a standout in last year’s UCCP reunion, never disappoints. The “Black Mamba”, gone from the NBA cheers and spotlight, like this blue car will definitely age well, proving once more that past glories like that of Kobe’s are always here and now, that they are never over and done.

The Honda Civic RS owned by Jophel Concepcion is a brilliant play of seven pink tints, executed

by Don Euro which specializes in transforming the ho-hum to hoohah! The car captures the day’s sunlight and reflects the night’s dazzle from the moon and the neon’s iridescence. It’s a blur when this Honda goes past you but the glow of that whiz stays to awe.

In the four years since UCCP’s inception the club has attracted more buzz and participants than last year’s and has drawn up more copartners that can claim a well-earned repute for reliability. Names like Notorious Motor Sports, Lexianne Auto Car Services, Tagasouth Garage Auto Painting and Body Repair, Alver Sticker Works, and Team Zorwis Car Accessories with their inventory of high-quality auto components, engineering knowhow, furnishment kits that will upgrade the dependability and suitability of a motor vehicle, plus a substantial aftermarket support to get the unit ready for everything, notably a solid braking decisiveness (and tires to support it) to deflect an imminent kiss with an electric post or with an MMDA orange cone on the highway.

The UCCP beachhead has been certainly established and thus proved wrong cynics who claimed Yuyu de Guzman was all bluff during its formative years.

It’s time to clink mugs and cheer.

Time to rock again.

GENERAL Motors is set to debut the eighth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette on July 18, 2019.

The mid-engine Corvette C8, one of the most highly-anticipated cars in the history of the automobile, will be unveiled to the public with a planned special event at Orange County, Southern California, USA. A heavily-camouflaged Corvette C8 was shown doing its rounds at Nurburgring… … at the National Corvette Museum (NCM) in Bowling Green, Kentucky… … and around New York City.

General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra and the camouflaged Corvette C8.

GM is taking a totally new approach with the new Corvette’s layout, which underwent completely different changes in styling and proportions. The previous seven generations of the Corvette were Grand Touring (GT) machines with long hoods, cab-back greenhouse and short decks with designs that were striking, imposing, and gorgeous for their time.

In contrast, the Corvette C8 has a short hood, cab-forward greenhouse, and a long deck to accommodate the mid-mounted engine.

Thus, is overall profile is more or less the same as any other mid-engine V8 exotics like the Audi R8, Ferrari 488 Pista and F8 Tributo, Lamborghini Huracan Evo, and McLaren 720S.

The C8 will compete with such mid-engine V8 exotics such as the Audi R8… … the Ferrari F8 Tributo… … Huracan Evo… … and McLaren 720S. With exotic company such as these, the Corvette C8 will obviously be more biased towards performance than touring comfort. Like the European exotic cars, there will be less space for people and things, and more space for the engine. Speculative reports suggest the C8 could come with three engine options—an entry-level normally-aspirated 6.2-liter overheadvalve (OHV) small-block V8 with around 460 horsepower; a new twin-turbo 5.0-liter doubleoverhead-cam (DOHC) V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft producing around 650 hp and a twin-turbo 5.5-liter DOHC V8 with 850 hp.

Other rumors hint at a 1,000 hp all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid version but there is no proof of this just yet. GM’s patent for a new clutch-by-wire system means the C8 could get a new dual-clutch gearbox.

Leaked CAD drawings show several exotic engineering innovations for the C8.

The decision to change the Corvette’s layout from a frontengine rear-drive GT to a midengine sports car wasn’t conjured overnight. Zora Arkus-Duntov, known popularly as the “Father of the Corvette”, was constantly proposing to GM management

A computer rendering of the Corvette C8 with the camouflage removed.

to improve the performance of America’s sports car. Zora was a Belgian-born American engineer and race driver who joined GM in 1953 as an assistant staff engineer.

Given his racing background, which included several class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it’s no surprise that he was an immediate fan of the Corvette.

Although he found the Corvette visually attractive, he also felt that its underpinnings could use improvement. Arkus-Duntov helped broaden Chevrolet’s motorsport offerings and performance catalogue, helped usher in

the small block Chevy V8 to the Corvette in 1955, and launched the Grand Sport program in 1962.

Upon his promotion as the director of Chevy’s high-performance vehicles, he sought to move the Corvette from a front-engine layout to a midengine layout. He created prototype vehicles that were mostly mid-engine creations, including the 1962 XP 817, the 1976 XP 882 Aerovette and the Chevrolet Experimental Research Vehicles (CERV), all of which led to the development of the modern midengine Corvette C8.