Manila Standard - 2019 June 28 - Friday

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 134 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

RAIN, RAIN, COME TODAY. Menacing clouds in the national capital region’s pitch darkness sky threaten the metropolis with an impending tropical depression, one of the few to start browbeating the country which averages 21 cyclones per annum, while a maintenance worker at the Marikina Elementary School in Marikina City cleans Thursday 32 units of plastic drums as rain-catching facilities for the school’s students amid rotational water service interruptions. Sonny Espiritu, Manny Palmero

Water board keeps Metro allocation

By Rio N. Araja WATER allocation for Metro Manila will stay at 36 cubic meters per second until next week, the National Water Resources Board said Thursday while scattered rainshowers were falling on the metropolis..

The agency’s executive director, Sevillo David Jr., said although the water level at Angat Dam in Bulacan had continued to go plunge every day, the two water concessionaires of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System—Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc.—would still receive a daily water allocation of 36 cms.

“We have decided to maintain the allocation of 36 cms until the end of June and first week of July,” he said.

Meanwhile, the head of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Next page

Duterte chides ex-DFA secretary

China can’t fish in PH waters, Palace clarifies

Rody assured of united House

By Rio N. Araja LEYTE Rep.-elect Martin Romualdez has assured President Rodrigo Duterte of a united House of Representatives that will speed up the passage of all his priority bills, especially the 2020 national budget, and address the funding requirement of his flagship projects including the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

“I took the opportunity to report to him what was discussed a n d agreed

upon by the multi-party caucus hours ago. I assured him of a united House of Representatives,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez, president of the LakasChristian Muslim Democrats and Philippine Constitution Association, is a “serious and strong” contender for the House speakership in the upcoming 18th Congress.

“I told the President that my fellow congressmen, even before Congress opens session on July 22, have begun working on the measures Next page

FORMER Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has “no business” using a diplomatic passport now that he no longer works for the government, President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday night.

Duterte made this remark after Del Rosario was denied entry at the Hong Kong International Airport, where he was held and questioned for six hours on June 21.

“When he was detained in Hong Kong, he was using a passport that he should not have used,” Duterte said in a mix of English and Filipino, during a

‘‘

By Nat Mariano and Rey E. Requejo

T

HE government is not waiving the country’s sovereign rights and will enforce the law against illegal fishing by foreigners, the Palace said Thursday, after President Rodrigo Duterte drew heavy fire for saying he would continue to allow Chinese fishermen to operate in the country’s exclusive economic zone.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo again blamed the media for giving “a false interpretation” of the President’s remarks, after legal and maritime experts pointed out that allowing the Chinese to exploit the country’s resources in the EEZ would violate the Constitution.

While Panelo had defended the President’s remarks a day before, he shifted gears Thursday, saying that Duterte

meant that China would not allow its nationals to fish in the Philippine EEZ because they treat Filipinos as friends, and that doing so would result in “unwanted hostility leading to armed confrontation.”

President Duterte previously told the media on Monday night that given the friendly ties with China, he could not ban Chinese fishermen from the vicinity of Recto Bank.

Next page

Pinoy boat just ‘sideswiped’, no ramming victim—Du30

By Nat Mariano

Next page

IN SYNC.

Leyte Rep.-elect Martin Romualdez (right), a top contender for the post of House Speaker, assures President Rodrigo Duterte of a unified House of Representatives and the timely passage of the latter’s legislative agenda in the 18th Congress, particularly the national budget, if given the opportunity to lead the House.

It’s very difficult to say that there is exclusivity when it’s under water. The fish (in the Philippines) could be coming from China and the fish from the Philippines could be going to China.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte continued to play down the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat in the Recto Bank, suggesting Wednesday night that it had merely been “sideswiped” by a Chinese vessel on June 9.

Speaking to members of the Presidential Security Group on Wednesday evening, the President said most of his men agreed that the FB Gem-Vir 1was just sideswiped before it sank, leaving

22 Filipino fishermen in open water for hours before they were rescued by a Vietnamese vessel.

“You know, the collision of those two boats, that is a mere maritime accident or incident. You do not react violently [to that],” Duterte said.

“As a matter of fact, almost all of us [in the administration] we have agreed that [the Filipinos’ boat] was sideswiped.

It wasn’t rammed [on purpose]. If it was rammed, it would have sunk to the bottom [of the sea],” he added.

Next page

Pork from Laos banned—DA

By Othel V. Campos THE Agriculture department has issued a temporary ban on the pork and pork products from Laos due to the outbreak of the African Swine Fever there.

The department issued the ban even as the National Meat Inspection Service and the Department of Veterinary Medi-

cine and Fisheries set fire to 260 kilos of imported meat from Poland and Belgium, two of the countries affected by the African Swine Fever.

Agriculture secretary Emmanuel Piñol issued the ban on the pork products from Laos following the submission of a report informing the World Organization

—Senate President Vicente Sotto III

Agriculture head offers to resign

By Nat Mariano AGRICULTURE Secretary Emmanuel Piñol tendered his courtesy resignation following reports of supposed plans to transfer him to the Mindanao Development Authority, Senator-elect Christopher Go said.

Speaking to Palace reporters, Go said

‘Yolanda’ survivor goes to MIT

the Agriculture chief sent his courtesy resignation to President Rodrigo Duterte.

“With the best interest of the Department of Agriculture and its stakeholders in mind, may I request that I be relieved from my present position as Secretary of Agriculture and reassigned to whichever agency you believe I will be effective,

A GRADE 12 survivor of the 2013 Super Typhoon “Yolanda” has bagged a scholarship from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study astrophysics.

Hillary Andales, 18, earlier topped the 2017 Breakthrough Junior Challenge

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News

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Court resets hearing on WellMed with their transfer of detention from the National Bureau of Investigation to an ordinary jail facility on grounds QUEZON City Regional Trial Court on Friday ordered they have already been placed under the deferment of the arraignment of the owner of WellMed the Department of Justice’s witness Dialysis Center and two former employees tagged as behind protection program. the ghost claims involving Philippine Health Corp.

The two whistleblowers appealed to the court to dismiss the 17 counts of estafa filed against them.

Branch 219 reset the arraignment of ghost claims―to July 12.

On the other hand, Sy also filed the center’s owner, Bryan Sy, and two But the court would still have to hear former-staff―Edwin Roberto and Liez- the ex-parte motion to defer filed by a motion to quash the criminal suit el de Leon, who blew the whistle on the Roberto and De Leon in connection against him.

By Rio N. Araja

A

The Justice department found probable cause to indict Sy, Roberto and De Leon for estafa for falsifying the documents to collect payments from PhilHealth for the supposed medical services of patients who were dead.

It recommended a P72,000 bail for each count of estafa or a total of P12 million each.

The three accused have been placed in the custody of the NBI since then.

Duterte...

From A1

Free train rides and terminal fee for students

speech at the 122nd founding anniversary of the Presidential Security Group at Malacañang Park.

“When you are no longer an employee of government, you have no business using a government diplomatic passport,” he added.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo earlier maintained that Del Rosario “created his own problem” by using his courtesy diplomatic passport for his recent personal trip to Hong Kong.

“He created his own problem so why blame the government for what happened to him,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing on Tuesday.

Del Rosario experienced the same ordeal as former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales when she traveled to Hong Kong on May 21.

Carpio-Morales, however, did not use a diplomatic passport.

On March 13 this year, Del Rosario and Morales filed a complaint before the International Criminal Court against Chinese President Xi Jinping for alleged crimes against humanity in the disputed South China Sea. A day after Del Rosario was denied entry at Hong Kong, the Department of Foreign Affairs canceled courtesy diplomatic passports issued to all former ambassadors and DFA secretaries.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Del Rosario was “asking for it” when he used his courtesy diplomatic passport.

“I think he was asking for it. You filed a case against the President of their country and you try to enter their country, I think they would be very apprehensive about your presence there automatically,” Sotto told ANC. He added that Del Rosario’s courtesy diplomatic passport “was misused” because he was not on official mission when he went to Hong Kong. PNA

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Agriculture...

From A1 including the Mindanao Development Authority or MinDA,” Piñol said in his letter, a copy of which was read to the media by Go. “I am a loyal friend and supporter and I will always make sure that I will be able to contribute to the implementation of your priority programs in the last three years,” Piñol added.

“It seems he [Piñol] thinks that he could no longer be effective in his position,” Go said. “You know, the President is really sensitive to this position especially that his [Duterte] legacy in the next three years depends on it and he puts great importance to agriculture.”

“He [Piñol] recommended three undersecretaries to run the office for the next 30 days. He is willing to accept the decision of the President should he be reassigned to MinDA,” Go added.

The three undersecretaries recommended by Piñol are Ariel Cayanan, Waldo Carpio, and Francisco Villano.

Pork...

From A1 for Animal Health on the situation of the hog industry in Vientiane.

Director general of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Somphanh Champengxay submitted the report upon receiving the result of the assessment conducted by the local National Animal Health Laboratory.

‘Yolanda’ ...

From A1 international science competition for her video explaining Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity.

Andales, whose seaside town of Abuyog was inundated by flood waters during the onslaught of “Yolanda”, said she aims to do more science communi-

THE Transport department on Thursday announced free rides for students at the mass rail systems and exempt them from paying terminal fees at the government-owned airports and ports starting July 1.

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said students will get free rides from the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, Light Rail Transit Line 2 and the Philippine National Railways at select hours daily starting July 1.

For the LRT Line 2, students will get

China...

From A1

Several hours after that, Panelo backed Duterte’s pronouncement, saying the Chinese government will not allow their fishermen to be banned.

“He said they [China] will not allow it, but as far as they’re concerned, they have a historical right to that. Number two, we will allow it because we’re friends. We will meet half-way. That seems his point,” Panelo said Tuesday, June 25.

But Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said allowing Chinese fishermen to exploit resources in the country’s EEZ would violate the Constitution, which reserves those resources for the exclusive use by Filipinos.

Carpio also brought up the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations, which ruled with finality that the Philippines has jurisdiction over its EEZ in the West Philippine Sea, including the West Bank.

Maritime law expert professor Jay Batongbacal of the University of the Philippines argued that the mere presence of foreign vessels in the country’s EEZ is already a crime.

------------------------Former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert Del Rosario added that Duterte could be impeached for his failure to secure the country’s territorial waters.

“There are several questions that need to be asked: Is this to be viewed as a successful Chinese invasion without a shot being fired? Is this now a PH policy? Is this not a clear violation of our Constitution that madates our President and our military to defend what is ours?” Del Rosario said in a statement.

“To what extent will this embolden the Chinese militia vessels to further bully our fishermen? And what is to happen to our poor fishermen? How close are we now toward also giving up our exclusive rights to oil and gas within our EEZ? When will we stop giving our northern neighbor primacy over that of our own people?” he added.

------------------------In the face of this criticism, Duterte called Carpio “stupid.”

Speaking to members of the Presidential Security Group on Wednesday evening, Duterte said he wasn’t impressed with Carpio’s skills even before.

“You know Justice Carpio, you’re so stupid… That is why you’re still there,” he said, apparently referring to his failThe NAHL confirmed that the outbreak that started in Toumlan in Saravane, Laos, affected backyard swine farms.

Piñol has suspended the processing and evaluation of the application and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances to all swine and pork-based products.

All shipments carrying those products will be confiscated by veterinary quarantine officers in all the ports in the country.

cation and research.

“We were quite complacent when the storm surge hit us. We did not evacuate,” she said, adding that if scientific jargon was simplified, more people could have understood the implication of a storm surge.

“I was actually really disappointed in myself. Even though I was already interested in science, I didn’t know what a storm surge was,” she said.

free rides from 4:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and 3p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for MRT3.

The LRT runs across five cities in Metro Manila: Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila. It passes the major thoroughfares of Marcos Highway, Aurora Boulevard, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda Street and Recto Avenue.

MRT 3 runs along Edsa from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, serving more than 500,000 passengers a day or beyond its rated capacity of 350,000 passengers.

For PNR, the free rides are from 4:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m..

Tugade said students will also be exempted from paying terminal fees in the Philippine Ports Authority and the airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines starting July 16 and Aug. 1, respectively.

He said the project will run initially for three months and the government will revisit it to improve the implementation.

“The project aims to encourage students to go to school early as well as to go home early,” Tugade said.

ure to become chief justice.

But Panelo insisted that the President was misunderstood, and that he had committed no impeachable offense.

“From our point of view, our interpretation was different. That’s why many reacted that way. ‘Look, that’s unconstitutional.’ Their reactions to the wrong premise were correct,” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing.

“We stress assertively that the President will not relinquish, as he is not relinquishing or waiving our sovereign rights over our country’s EEZ in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

He then challenged critics to file impeachment complaints against Duterte, expressing confidence that Duterte did not commit any impeachable offense over his stance on China fishing within Philippine waters.

Panelo’s clarification Thursday contradicted Duterte’s remarks Wednesday night.

In a speech, he said Chinese vessels are allowed to fish in the country’s EEZ and that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping entered into a “mutual agreement” in 2016 following an issue over the Scarborough Shoal.

“They asked me, ‘Will you allow the Chinese to fish.’ I said, ‘Of course.’” the President said.

“That’s what we discussed before... We were allowed to fish again. It was a mutual agreement. Let’s give and take, you fish there, I’ll fish here,” he continued.

“Now, they said, ‘You have to ban China. Prohibit it.’ If I were to prohibit [them], how do I enforce my desire?

America is afraid, they don’t want to confront [China],” he added.

Duterte further said opposition senators and critics, who denounced his statement just want to create trouble by pressuring him to bar China from the country’s EEZ. “These opposition senators, they really want trouble... They really want to force me,” he added, saying he will not risk the lives of 110 million Filipinos.

Panelo on Thursday declined to give a categorical statement on Duterte’s general policy concerning the exploitation of the resources within the EEZ, saying he would talk to the President again.

Carpio, meanwhile, brushed aside the President’s tirade against him.

“Those personal attacks are not worth commenting [on],” Carpio said in a text message.

But he added: “I welcome the clarification of... Panelo that the President never meant to allow the Chinese to fish

with Philippine EEZ.” Three aspirants for an upcoming vacancy in the Supreme Court to be left by the retirement of Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo, however, rebutted Carpio’s opinion.

During public interview by the Judicial and Bar Council Wednesday, Court of Appeals Associate Justices Mario Lopez and Eduardo Peralta Jr. and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Alex Quiroz all believed that the reported decision of the President to allow Chinese fishermen to trawl in Recto Bank may be legally justified.

Lopez explained that the President has the discretion to allow China to operate within the Philippines’ EEZ. “That is a wisdom that can be determined by the executive in so far as entering into an agreement with another country. I would even think… that this may be a political issue because these foreign policies are entered into by the President and it is something that is conferred to the Chief Executive as part of his function as the leader of the state and the Court cannot possibly question the wisdom of the executive of whether or not to enter into an agreement with another country,” he told the JBC. But Lopez said such an arrangement could be declared unconstitutional if it would not benefit the country.

Peralta agreed that the President has the discretion to allow the Chinese fishermen in Recto Bank.

Quiroz, for his part, said Duterte’s move in favor of China was not a ground for impeachment.

“I don’t think it will constitute ground for impeachment because the betrayal of public trust must be coupled with grave offenses such as treason, bribery and graft and corruption, and grave violation of the Constitution,” he said.

Former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said any agreement to allow foreigners into the EEZ would need the approval of the people.

“The exclusive economic zone of the Philippines gives rights of the Philippines to have exclusive sovereignty over it. Since it is exclusive, you cannot allow other countries to fish in these areas which are covered by this economic zone without the consent of the people,” Morales told ANC’s Headstart.

Morales said Congress, and not the President alone, should grant permission to fish in Philippine waters.

In the same program, Del Rosario said allowing Chinese fishermen into the Philippines’ EEZ would only embolden the “bully.” With Macon Ramos-Araneta

Rody...

From A1

of President Duterte and the executive department. All have vowed to work double-time to shepherd the approval of the President’s legislative agenda,” Romualdez said.

“They have also agreed to set aside politics and pool resources to provide adequate funding for the President’s pet programs and projects that have a direct impact on our people’s lives. This includes the ambitious Build, Build, Build program which the President want completed and set in place before the end of his term in 2022.”

According to Romualdez, he told the President in his report that the approval on time of the proposed 2020 national budget remained on top of the 18th Congress’ priorities.

“I informed the President that House leaders have already established a reliable communication line with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and other economic managers to ensure that the 2020 national budget will be approved before the end of the year,” Romualdez said.

that need to be discussed as soon as possible,” he said.

He made the assurance in a private dinner with the President and Senatorelect Christopher Go shortly after they attended Wednesday night’s 122nd anniversary celebration of the Presidential Security Group in Malacañang.

Earlier, Romualdez also called for a multi-party caucus to discuss what congressional leaders from all political parties and influential blocs would want to prioritize in the 18th Congress.

The first of the series of caucuses, which was held at Seda Vertis Hotel in Quezon City, drew the attendance of 40 congressional leaders representing PDP-Laban, Lakas-CMD, National Unity Party, Nacionalista Party, Liberal Party and the Party-List Coalition.

“The congressional leaders are unanimous in saying that the 18th Congress will be a real working partner

Pinoy boat...

From A1 The President said nobody was hurt because the boat, just like cars in a road accident, was only sideswiped.

“Now you’re saying that it was done on purpose, then let us have an investigation... But that is no reason to go to war. You can’t say, ‘Send your ships there.’ Why would I send it there over a mere maritime [incident]?” he said.

“No one was stabbed, no one was shot. It was just an accident, and [they were] abandoned,” Duterte added.

The Palace previously said the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, and the Philippine Navy were tasked to investigate the Recto Bank incident. The concerned agencies have handed the preliminary results of the investigation to the President.

But the President said he awaits the results of the Beijing-conducted investigation.

“I’m hiding the final report because I want to see the report of China,” he said.

The Palace said the government will prosecute in accordance with the country’s law the Chinese nationals involved in the “sideswiping” incident.

“If they were found to have violations, [then] we will prosecute. That’s my answer to that,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday backed President Duterte’s call for the United States and other Western countries to help the Philippines make a stand against China and claim its territories in the disputed South China Sea. In a statement, Lacson said Duterte’s call on western allies to help check on China in the West Philippine Sea is “proper” given the prevailing circumstances, contrary to critics’ claims that such move is a “sure formula” for war.

“Maintaining the balance of power in the WPS will prevent rather than ignite a war. Why? No two superpowers would go to war in this day and age of nuclear technology for the simple reason of its ‘zero-sum’ outcome,” Lacson said.

Duterte challenged the United States, Great Britain, and France to “assemble” and help the country assert its claim over the WPS after clearly being frustrated by criticism that he has failed to confront China over its aggression in the contested waters.

Lacson also said it is a good development that the President has corrected himself by saying he cannot prevent incursions of foreign fishing vessels within the country’s exclusive economic zone. With PNA

Water...

From A1 on Thursday said he would recommend the use of paramilitary troops to stop the deforestation of watersheds, which environmentalists had blamed for the recurring water crisis in Metro Manila.

The deforestation of Angat and Ipo watersheds in Bulacan has been blamed by the Sagip Sierra Madre Environmentalist Society Inc. as key reasons for the decreasing water supply from the reservoirs.

At the same time, informed sources said informal settlers in the watersheds area had engaged in illegal logging and charcoal making.

As of 6 a.m. Thursday, the dam’s elevation went down to 158.15 meters.

The metro’s water allocation used to be at 46 cms.

Angat dam supplies 96 percent of the Metro’s safe and potable water.

Despite thunderstorm rains mostly in the afternoon, the dam’s level continued to dip by .025 meters or 25 centimeters.

David said they were hoping the southwest monsoon would spawn more rains this week until next week to help increase the water level of Angat Dam. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, monsoon rains would dampen many parts in the country.

Meanwhile, a reelected lawmaker on Thursday urged the leaders of political parties to liberate legislators from the rigid party stand in choosing the Speaker for the coming 18th Congress.

Bulacan Rep. Rida Robes said they needed to cast their “conscience vote” to elect a House leader who could truly represent the Filipino people.

Robes, a member of the ruling Partido Demokratiko-Lakas ng Bayan, backed the speakership bid of Romualdez.

“I am appealing to all leaders of political parties. Let democracy reign in the House of Representatives and give us the freedom to choose our own Speaker. We have to allow the congressmen to cast their conscience vote if we are to elect a House leader who is truly representative of the Filipino people’s will,” she said.

Former House Speaker and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, for his part, is blaming the absence of a consultation of the PDP-Laban in its decision to back the speakership bid of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.

News

A3

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Machines used to print fake cigarette labels seized

By Vito Barcelo CUSTOMS agents seized printing machines worth millions of pesos which were being used to print fake cigarette labels and packaging cartons and arrested five Chinese and a Filipino.

The BOC agents raided a warehouse in Valenzuela City after receiving information that a warehouse in Cantillon Street, Valenzuela is involved in the manufacturing of fake cigarette labels and packaging cartons.

Found inside the warehouse were illegally imported printing machines, cutting machines used for printing unauthorized cigarette pack labels and carton labels bearing the brands Fortune, Mark, Hope, More, and Jackpot trademarks.

The five Chinese citizens and the Filipino were brought to the police station and appropriate charges will be filed against them.

The pack labels and carton labels, otherwise known as “hinge lid blanks,” were examined by the representatives from Philip Morris Inc. confirmed that the seized items were fake and do not bear the characteristics of the original Fortune, Mark, More and Jackpot hinge lid blanks.

The six will face criminal charges for violation of the provisions of Republic Act 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines and pertinent provisions of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

DOH, PhilHealth prepare to go full blast on UHC

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Department of Health and PhilHealth are gearing up full speed for the implementation of Universal Health Care as Health Secretary Francisco Duque III led the 4th National Health Sector Meeting at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi, Albay to mobilize and align resources towards achieving the shared vision of UHC. The three-day event is a quarterly gathering of all key stakeholders in the Health Sector, to convey strategic direction, share best practices, and plan the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act. Anchored on the theme “Ensuring Equitable Health Care and Financial Sustainability,” speakers from the DOH, PhilHealth, other Government Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and the academe discussed the strategic and policy directions for the sector.

“As we are drafting the IRR of UHC, we are here at the National Health Sector Meeting to convene key stakeholders and recalibrate our efforts in preparation for the various changes we must make to implement UHC, particularly in health financing and funds sustainability,” said Duque.

The event also marks the first public appearance of newly appointed board member, Ret. Gen. Ricardo C. Morales, who is set to take on the PhilHealth leadership.

Duque shared the faith placed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Morales’s ability to regain the trust and confidence of the Filipino people in PhilHealth, and implement the key health financing aspects of the UHC Act—comprehensive membership, rational investments, and quality primary care services.

“PhilHealth is in high gear in the road towards achieving universal health care. We are one with our health sector partners in supporting unified efforts towards the achievement of UHC goals,” said Morales.

FAKE LABELS. Customs Police on Thursday, June 27, arrange the confiscated fake labels for different brands of cigarettes which were seized during a raid at a Valenzuela City warehouse on June 25. Five Chinese were arrested in the raid. Norman Cruz

State auditors flag GSIS for ‘illegal expenditures’

By Rio N. Araja

T

HE Commission on Audit has flagged the Government Service Insurance System, directing it to return P260.5 million in incentives it earlier granted to its employees.

State auditors said the incentives were considered “illegal expenditures.”

In a 2018 audit report, 2,615 employees got P100,000 each for service excellence under the GSIS Galing ng Pagkilala incentive without an approval from President Rodrigo Duterte as well as from the Budget department.

COA said the incentive grant needed a presidential approval since such was not an allowable incentive under the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989.

“Foregoing considered, the grant of Pagkilala incentive, without the prior recommendation and approval

David named head of Fleet Marine Warfare Center CAPT. Richard David has been appointed to head the Philippine Navy’s Fleet Marine Warfare Center located at the Naval Station Jose Francisco, Taguig City.

In a message, Capt. Jonathan Zata, PN spokesperson, said David was named FMWC chief last June 24.

Assumption ceremonies took place at Acero Hall, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown of the said facility.

David replaced Marine Col. Francisco Domingo R. Fernandez, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, who was transferred to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command Center in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Rear Adm. Allan Ferdinand Valdez Cusi, Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command chief, presided over the ceremonies.

Cusi, in his speech, lauded Fernandez for his exemplary leadership at the FMWC, adding that David “had big shoes to fill.” PNA

Register now for 2019 Manila Bay clean-up run MANILA Broadcasting Co. will mount the fourth Manila Bay Clean-Up Run on Sunday, July 7.

The event is open to all interested participants and will feature races in the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K divisions for both men and women. Medals and cash prizes will be given to the top three winners in each race division.

Interested runners may register at the designated registration desk at the lobby of Manila Broadcasting Company, Sotto Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City, daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration shall also be accepted at Olympic Village branches at Robinsons Forum, Festival

of the Department of Budget and Management, and Office of the President, respectively, resulted in illegal expenditure which is not allowed in audit,” its findings read.

“The grant of the aforesaid incentive, which is of significant amount… constitutes a new incentive to the System’s employees which requires approval by the President, upon recommendation of the DBM,” the commission said.

The computation of the incentives was “erroneous” since it should have been based on savings generated from “superior accomplishment of being an outstanding institution,” it added.

The GSIS management was not able to quantify such, it noted.

“The P100,000 for each qualified employee totaling to P260.53 million is substantial/significant that run beyond the recognition and reward for collective group efforts of officials ad employees which is not consistent with the intention of the CSC,” the COA said.

It ordered GSIS to return the money.

The GSIS, however, did not agree with the recommendation of COA, saying the grant of the incentives was done in good faith considering the program was submitted to and approved by the Civil Service Commission.

“However, management committed to review the provisions pertaining to Pagkilala incentive and strictly comply with our observation on the proper computation of savings to be considered as basis of the grant thereof,” the report stated.

On June 24, COA sent a copy of the report to GSIS president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas.

Mall, and Farmers Plaza from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Deadline is on June 30.

As a solid manifestation of corporate social responsibility, MBC volunteers have joined their counterparts from other establishments based along Roxas Boulevard for Land Bank’s Manila Bay Clean-Up Program since 2009. The fun run is one of many activities that have helped generate funds to institute systematic long-term solutions to environmental sanitation problems that have beset the country’s coastal resources and tributaries.

For detailed enquiries, call Runners Link at 0926.205.2787

SHOW CAUSE ORDER. The Social Security System on Thursday, June 27, issued show cause orders against 15 business establishments in Binondo, Manila, as part of its campaign against employers who failed to remit their employees’ contributions to the state pension fund. Norman Cruz

New solon’s eligibility, citizenship questioned A NEW member of the House of Representatives is now on the “hot seat” after a petition was filed at the Commission on Elections questioning his citizenship which could subsequently reverse his proclamation.

In a case filed at the COMELEC recently, petitioner Ruther Navera Flores, a Pasig City resident, sought the poll body to declare Marino, Samahan ng mga Seaman Inc. Party-list representative Jose Antonio G. Lopez as ineligible to be a member of the Lower House citing Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code and Section 9 of Republic Act No. 7941 also known as the Party-list System Act. Under the measure, any person who is a permanent resident of or an immigrant to a foreign country shall not be qualified to run for any elective office unless he or she has waived status of permanent resident or immigrant of a

foreign country.

In his pleadings, the petitioner stressed that Lopez failed to renounce his foreign citizenship making him ineligible to serve as a member of the House or any other elective post.

“Respondent Lopez is a permanent resident or immigrant of a foreign country, and, hence, clearly ineligible to run and hold public office as party-list representative for failure to satisfy the one-year residence requirement,” the petition read.

Lopez was also ineligible to hold public office for being a permanent resident and/or immigrant To the United States of America at the time of filing of certificate of candidacy and election as partylist representative, it further stated.

Number of cops facing ‘admin’ raps rises to 36% THE number of policemen charged with administrative complaints went up in the first five months of this year, the Philippine National Police said Thursday.

Data from the PNP Internal Affairs Service showed the number of complaints against police officers from January to May increased by 36 percent to 2,291, compared to 1,683 in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the average number of cases on a monthly basis also increased to 458, from 337 last year.

Lawyer Alfegar Triambulo, IAS inspector general, said most of the cops are with the rank of patrolman and are either involved in illegal drug activities, violations in police operational procedure, indiscriminate firing of their firearms, and votebuying in the recent elections.

Despite the increase in the number of complaints, Triambulo said IAS’s ‘resolved cases’ remained high with 1,454 from January to May this year, compared to 1,136 in the same period last year.

The same goes for the average number of resolved cases monthly at 291, compared to 227 last year.

Earlier, PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde reminded all police personnel that he would never tolerate illegal acts or wrongdoings committed by anyone within their ranks.

“When a recruit takes his oath as a professional police officer, he automatically loses or waives some of his rights in favor of organizational discipline, duties and responsibilities.

So, being scolded, reprimanded, bawled out, or dressed down for misdemeanor, misconduct or commission of crime is just part and parcel of his life being in the uniformed service,” Albayalde said in a statement.

He also reiterated that the PNP is serious in its aim to enforce culture change and character transformation among police officers.

“We continue to ask for the media’s help because this way, we can emphasize that we are true and serious in our drive in wiping out scalawags within our ranks,” Albayalde said in Filipino. PNA REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the ad interim appointments of the following officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs: Mr. Bolivar Laudet Bao and Ms. Mary Joy Ballecer Ramirez – Foreign Service Officer, Class I The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions in thirty two (32) copies on the above appointments to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings and any other inquiry, contact the CA Secretariat through telephone numbers 834-2713, 831-1824, 831-0527, 832-9830, 834-2706 and 551-1989.

27 June 2019.

(MS-JUNE 28, 2019)

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary

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Opinion

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

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Impeachable, if...

THE statement of President Rodrigo Duterte to allow China to fish in Philippine waters drew a warning from Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio that it is an impeachable act and violation of the 1987 Constitution.

Carpio, a constitutionalist who knows the charter provisions, cited Article 12, Section 2 of the Constitution which declares that “the State shall protect its marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone and reserve its use exclusively to Filipino citizens.”

Who has enough guts to confront Duterte given the vast power of the presidency?

To those who want to see President Duterte impeached, don’t get excited too soon as this depends on two big “ifs.” First, the impeachment will only have basis in form and substance if Duterte implements the plan and the Chinese avail themselves of the permission to fish in our water. The second “if” is if the administrationled super coalition in the House allows it and initiates the impeachment process. This is the bigger “if” as I doubt the members of Congress will bite the hand that feeds them—and

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

their district projects.

For the congressmen to have a change of heart is remote as local politicians are not known for having hearts and minds. They take of their own interest first—damn the people’s welfare.

Carpio has a point but his intent or basis for impeachment, it seems to us, is remote in light of the two big ifs we mentioned. This is also the why the choice of House Speaker is vital to Mr. Duterte. The Speakership race has narrowed down to Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco. Recall that then House Speaker Manny Villar, in one swift act, forwarded the impeachment of thenPresident Joseph Estrada. As they say, the rest is history.

Incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo, at the sidelines of her visit to the 22 fishermen who were rammed and abandoned by a larger Chinese fishing boat, said she is not planning nor preparing to be president.

“The presidency is a matter of destiny,” said Vice President Robredo which in a way showed she is not “boba” as alleged by Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. So who’s the dunce, VP Robredo or President Duterte who talks a lot but does not know the law?

Not protecting the people’s right and our territorial sovereignty is tantamount to treason. But who has enough guts to confront Duterte given the vast power of the presidency? I hear only deafening silence. Where is the opposition in this case?

We leave the answer to that question to Senior Justice Carpio and others more versed on the law.

Angat’s critical water level

E

L NIÑO has finally caught up with Angat Dam. Metro Manila's main water source is fast being depleted after months of no rainfall, and is nearing the lowest level of 157.56 meters recorded in 2010. not fulfilling their contractual obligations to the MWSS because of factors beyond their control—in this case Angat Dam's dwindling water stock.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration says Angat Dam will need over 300 millimeters of rainfall to normalize its water level. PAGASA hydrologist Sonia Serrano explains Metro Manila, in comparison, experiences about 140mm of rainfall on average every August.

Water authorities should now stop relying solely on Angat Dam as the major water source of Metro Manila.

The effects of El Niño, for

Angat Dam's declining water level is serious. It supplies 96 percent of the water requirements of the capital region, aside from providing electricity and irrigation to farmlands in nearby provinces. And the solution is nowhere near—the dam will need more storms to dump rain into the reservoir.

Angat Dam's receding water level has already prompted Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc., Metro Manila’s major water concessionaires, to file a “notice of force majeure” to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. This simply means the concessionaires could not be blamed for

one, is expected to affect the Philippines until August.

The weather phenomenon will likely persist until the first quarter of 2020 and it is likely that Angat Dam, a multi-purpose facility, will not adequately meet the water requirements of Metro Manila consumers. The dam also generates 246 megawatts of electricity and irrigates about 28,000 hectares of farmland in Bulacan and Pampanga.

The MWSS by now should have identified a new source of raw water after the crisis started in April this year. The Wawa Dam in Rodriguez, Rizal can provide the shortterm solution to the water shortage in the metropolis.

The MWSS should also go over the other proposals of the private sector in providing the medium- and longterm answers to the current water crisis.

Turn to A5

Bilateral ties assessed after 4 decades OUR Saturday Forum@Annabel’s last June 15 focused on the more than four decades of Philippines-China relations.

We established formal diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China on June 9, 1975. This came less than three years after the declaration of martial law in the entire country by President Marcos on Sept. 21, 1972.

One of the reasons cited by Marcos for the imposition of authoritarian rule was precisely to stem the tide of armed rebellion in the countryside by the communist-led New People’s Army.

One immediate result of the establishment of diplomatic ties with Beijing, as far as I can gather, was that the Chinese Communist Party stopped sending high-powered firearms to the NPA. This was a significant development since on two separate occasions in 1972 and 1974, the NPA tried to bring in firearms from China via rickety ships. The first was discovered early enough by the military and only about 2,000 rifles were off-loaded from the m/v Karagatan off Isabela province; the second maritime vessel that came from China foundered in rough seas off the western side of northern Luzon and had to be abandoned with its cache of firearms going down to the bottom of the ocean rather than to NPA rebels in the restive countryside.

But I digress.

University of the Philippines Professor Bobby Tuazon pointed out that the establishment of bilateral ties with China in 1975 with the signing of a joint communiqué by Chinese Premier Chou en-lai and President Marcos in 1975 with its promise of heightened friendship and cooperation has since then made significant progress.

Tuazon reiterated what Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sta. Romana had earlier said, that current bilateral ties have in fact now reached the stage of Strategic Comprehensive Partnership. This partnership now encompasses trade and commerce; official development assistance in the form of

grants, loans and technical assistance; security; cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.

Apart from all these, Tuazon said, the two countries are now directly addressing contentious issues involving territorial claims in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea through the establishment of the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism or BCM. Through this mechanism, such issues as Filipino fishermen’s access to their traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine are discussed and problems are threshed out. So far, there have been four BCMs, the last one was held in April and the fifth one to be held in the second half of this year.

Both the Philippines and China agree that the maritime territorial dispute does not represent the totality of bilateral relations, Tuazon pointed out.

Apart from the BCM, there are multilateral mechanisms that both countries

Both the Philippines and China agree that the maritime territorial dispute does not represent the totality of bilateral relations, this UP professor points out. now use to settle differences. For in instance, the China-ASEAN mechanism is now finalizing a proposed Code of Conduct in the South China Sea which would help in settling disputes over territory as well as maritime and fisheries resources.

Prominent Tsinoy businessman George Siy emphasized that the Philippines has benefited significantly from the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in1975. Our nextdoor neighbor is financing some of our infrastructure projects, such as dams and bridges. These projects, he emphasized, were selected by the Philippine government for funding by China based on what Filipinos actually need.

Turn to A5

The UN stands with Pride

By Ola Almgren THIS Pride Month, the United Nations in the Philippines stands in solidarity with the community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) Filipinos, their families, friends and allies in their pursuit of equality, inclusion and pride.

The struggle for the rights of LGBTQI people is a core part of the struggle for the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by all.

The very first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

All human beings—not some, not most, but all.

And yet, in the Philippines as in other parts of the world, members of the LGBTQI community continue to face barriers to equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and other rights that are guaranteed by national and international laws. The LGBTQI community contends with many of the same discrimi-

nations that stand in the way of women, indigenous people, Persons with Disabilities, Persons Living with HIV, and other groups as they stake their claim to their social, political and economic rights. It is essential that we defend and protect all of these groups from every kind of discrimination so that no one is left behind.

Since 1996 LGBTQI Filipinos have been celebrating Pride to advocate for greater promotion and recognition of their rights and freedoms that are protected under Philippine and international law, and for protection from prejudice, discrimination, and violence because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics (SOGIESC).

LGBTQI organizations in the Philippines, civil society organizations, the private sector, government agencies, and local government units have tirelessly worked together to address the challenges that LGBTQI Filipinos face, particularly through gender-responsive policies in education, SOGIESC-inclusive workplaces, and anti-discrimination legislation in var-

ious parts of the country, among others.

As a partner of these groups, organizations, and institutions, the UN Philippines supports initiatives to achieve full recognition of the rights of LGBTQI Filipinos.

We commend the cities and provinces in the Philippines that have adopted and are implementing ordinances that prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE). Unfortunately, these local government units are still in the minority. Only 21 of the 1,634 cities and municipalities and six out of the 81 provinces in the Philippines have antidiscrimination ordinances (ADOs). This leaves 79.2 percent of Filipinos, or close to 80-million people, without protection against SOGIE-based discrimination.

Furthermore, the protection afforded by these ADOs varies across different areas. Not all of the LGUs that have enacted ADOs have also passed Implementing Rules and Regulations. Thus, the ADOs could remain unenforceable.

The UN Philippines therefore affirms Turn to A5

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Opinion Dutertenomics SHORTLY after Rodrigo Roa Duterte took power on June 30, 2016, his National Economic and Development Authority revealed a study on the problems and aspirations of Filipinos in the next 25 years or by 2040.

Two of Filipinos’ most pressing problems—one, mobility, literal mobility; people cannot get to work fast and at a reasonable fare; two, corruption and red tape, from the top to the bottom of the government.

People want two things—comfort and security.

NEDA defines comfort (maginhawa) for Filipinos this way: “No one is poor, no one is ever hungry. Filipino families live in comfortable homes with the desired amenities and secure tenure. Families and friends are within reach because transport is convenient and affordable, and they can take a vacation together within the country and abroad. Children receive quality education so that they realize their full potentials and become productive members of society. Decent jobs that bring sustainable income are available, including opportunities for entrepreneurship.”

On the other hand, security (panatag na buhay) means security over their life time. “They expect to live long and enjoy a comfortable life upon retirement. There are resources to cover unexpected expenses, and there are savings. They feel safe in all places in the country. Filipinos trust their government because it is free of corruption and provides service to all its citizens equally,” explains NEDA. Why do Filipinos want comfort and security? There is a third aspiration, what NEDA calls “matatag na buhay,” having strong roots. The economic planning body explains: “Filipino families live together; there is work-life balance so that there is time to spend with family even for members who work. On weekends, families and friends enjoy time together in parks and recreational centers. It is a high-trust society with a strong sense of community. There are volunteer opportunities, and Filipinos spend time to serve the community, help others who are in need, and contribute to various causes.”

The NEDA study gave rise to Duterte’s fighting faith. He must fight crime—and corruption. This is the security aspect of Filipinos’ aspirations.

At the same time, Duterte must provide inclusive growth which means reducing poverty incidence from 21.6

The UN...

From A4

its support for the LGBTQI community’s call for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill and urges renewed efforts to push for its enactment by the 18th session of Congress.

The United Nations is committed to action.

Just two years ago, the Human Rights Council decided to appoint the first ever UN Independent Expert on the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Victor Madrigal-Borloz took up his mandate on Jan. 1 2018. This was a historic step.

We work with decision makers, human rights institutions and community leaders around the world to change discriminatory laws and put legal protections in place.

But as we all know, legal change is

Bilateral...

From A4

Amid fears that the dam projects outcry that would draw the country into a “debt trap,” Siy said we have to make up our minds because we really need more water supply for a growing population.

At present, the businessman said, some of the benefits from two-way trade are “invisible.” For instance, we can buy television sets made in China at far less cost or just one-third than those from the US, Japan and Korea, thus allowing Filipino consumers to have more disposable income to buy other goods

percent of the population in 2015 to 14 percent by the end of the President’s term in 2022. This is the “comfortable” aspect of the Filipino dream.

Fighting criminality means getting rid of illegal drugs. Accordingly, more than 5,000 have been killed in the first three years of the administration’s vigorous anti-illegal drugs campaign.

People want two things—comfort and security.

est average among all presidents since 1986.

Poverty is targeted to decline from 21.6 percent in 2015 to 14 percent by 2022; rural poverty from 30 percent to 20 percent.

The unemployment is to go down to 3-5 percent by 2022 from 5.5 percent in 2016.

Other targets are: higher trust in government and society, more resilient individuals and communities, and a greater drive for innovation.

In less than three years of his presidency, Duterte ushered in the most profound and far-reaching pieces of economic and social legislation in history.

The measures are designed to accelerate the country’s growth rate, make Filipinos middle to high income ahead of targets, and change the so socio-economic structure meaningfully by reaching out to those who have less in life in terms of income, education, health care, and social standing.

There are 10 centerpiece measures to bring about robust economic takeoff and inclusion: 1) TRAIN or theTax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act; 2) Build, Build, Build; 3) Free College Education; 4) Universal Health Care; 5) Rice Tarrification; 6) Expanded Value Added Tax; 7) the annual appropriations or budget; 8) Expanded Conditional Cash Transfer; 9) Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act (Republic Act 11032) which amended the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007; and 10) control of inflation.

Among the additional tax and economic reform measures pending in Congress are: 1) the TRABAHO (Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities (TRABAHO) Bill, which is Part II of TRAIN; 2) Public Service Act; 3) Retail Trade Liberalization; and the Foreign Investment Act. The centerpiece measures would not have been possible without the cooperation and hard work of Duterte’s allies in Congress.

Foremost among the allies is Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, 58, of the second district of Albay. He is the country’s best analyst having built a fortune with his dizzying depth of analysis and anticipation of economic trends. He is the House’s chief economist and planner.

He authored TRAIN (RA 10963), today, the landmark law that transferred enormous wealth to 99 percent of Filipino workers, at the rate of P111 billion a year.

Joey Salceda should be Duterte’s No. 1 choice as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations which prepares the annual budget. Taxpayers’ money will be in good hands and properly spent.

Duterte has embarked on what he calls “Build, Build, Build”—the largest and broadest infrastructure spending program ever undertaken by any Philippine government in the last 100 years.

Build, Build, Build will cost up to P9 trillion when Duterte ends his presidency in June 2022. The gargantuan sum will go to 75 priority infrastructure projects littered from north to south Philippines.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez calls the strategy Dutertenomics, an an “audacious” “catch-up strategy” with Manila’s its more vibrant neighbors by 2022 to achieve high-income status Filipinos in 25 years.

Dutertenomics is the present-day Philippine equivalent of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal (1933-1936), a series of programs, public works projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted in response to the need for relief, reform, and recovery from the Great Depression.

Under the presidency of BS Aquino, Filipinos had a massive depression, with scandals like having the worst airport in the world, Mamasapano, dengvaxia, MRT3 breakdown, an LRT to nowhere, to name some.

Aquino’s incompetence and corruption so enraged the populace that they elected as president a relatively unknown and untested candidate for a national office, Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte garnered 16.6-million votes, 6.6-million more votes than the 9.978 million of the Liberal Party’s Mar Roxas, incidentally, the cabinet minister in charge of MRT3.

In the elections of May 2019, Duterte’s coalition won 10 of 12 senatorial seats; none of the Liberal Party’s eight senatorial candidates won, including Mar Roxas, who landed 17th.

Under the Philippine Development Plan, economic growth is 7-8 percent per year until 2022. So far, Duterte has achieved 6.5 percent in three years, below target, but still the high- biznewsasia@gmail.com

not enough—we also need social and cultural change.

The stigma perpetuating the abuses against LGBTQI people is often rooted in deeply held beliefs about gender, family, tradition and religion. And reactionary forces are not shying away from weaponizing people’s fears of the unfamiliar for their own political gains.

Moreover, equality cannot be won by the LGBTQI community alone—they need allies who will use their influence and voice to promote equality for the LGBTQI community.

Recognizing this need, the UN human rights office launched the UN Free & Equal campaign in July 2013—an unprecedented global UN public information campaign aimed at promoting equal rights and fair treatment of LGBTQI people. It is being implemented by UN and non-UN partners at the country level.

We are also looking at ourselves and what we can do better to ensure that members of the LGBTQI community among our staff enjoy an accepting and

equal workplace. UN Globe is a network of UN staff that advocates for the equality and non-discrimination of LGBTQI staff in the UN system and its peacekeeping operations.

We have momentum on our side. But we need to come together to address the remaining challenges. The Metro Manila Pride March and Festival this Saturday offers one such opportunity and the UN Philippines will join in the celebration under the banners of UN Free & Equal, and UN Globe.

You and I and people of conscience everywhere must keep pushing until we realize the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for all people. The freedom, dignity and equal rights that all people are born with— should and must be a living reality for the LGBTQI community each and every day of their lives.

they need.

As we get drawn more and more into the digital age, Siy said, our economy becomes more inclusive. Today, with China-made smartphones becoming more affordable, around 15 million Filipinos can now tap into the smart economy. At present, Filipinos spend an average of six hours a day browsing Facebook posts and entertainment news. But more people are now using the Internet and smartphones to conduct business.

Then there’s the tourism boom. For Siy, the country benefits from it as Chinese tourists here spend an average of

$1,000 during their stay, thus allowing the Philippines to earn about P70 billion a year from the tourism boom. This year we can expect about two-million tourists from China as compared to just 1.2 million last year.

There’s a spillover effect from our enhanced economic cooperation with China as Japan, Korea and European countries also want to invest here, Siy told media.

With regard to Chinese workers in the country, Siy said it’s not true that they are taking away jobs from Filipinos, as many of them are highly skilled and hold supervisory or managerial positions. He

Ola Almgren is the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

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Selfies and the self: What they say about us and society

By Pascale Trouillaud

more and more people, most of them young and scornful of societal ideals about beauty.

Some of these people have started "chinning"—taking unflattering shots of themselves from below, creating double chins.

Even deeply depressed people are part of the selfie phenomenon, "which allows them to exist too," said Godart.

There is also a growing trend of photobombing other people's selfies—sabotaging their message without them knowing.

Selfies are also a tool for activists—environmentalists posting 'before' and 'after' pictures of beaches for clean-up campaigns or supporters of breastfeeding posing with a suckling infant.

"It's very intimate but there is a real message behind it," said Escande-Gauquie.

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has used selfies as a political tool, to challenge the communist rulers in Beijing or show support for migrants risking death to cross the Mediterranean.

Celebrities deploy the selfie to promote their business interests—every time Kim Kardashian poses nude for her 141-million Instagram followers, it makes headlines.

More edgy are the "beautifulagony" selfies on flickr, which show the faces of people masturbating.

"It is by being seen by another that they will finish masturbating.

One makes love by a look, with the screen in between," said Godart.

Selfies snapped near the remains of relatives can challenge the concept of death—it's "a way of making a person who is no longer with us live again," said Godart.

"In the virtual world, there is no death."

THE selfie craze speaks volumes about the era in which we live: How images race around the globe and can dominate public discourse, eliciting strong emotions and even blurring the lines of reality.

Sometimes, that can be a very toxic mix, experts say.

"We are truly in the age of the picture, of the fleeting image," said psychoanalyst, essayist and philosophy professor Elsa Godart.

"The selfie marks the arrival of a new sort of language that plays on the way we see ourselves, on our emotions."

Selfies are everywhere you look on social media.

Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter are flooded with the knowing poses: A teenager with her kitten, a Chinese man in front of the Eiffel Tower, newlyweds at Disneyland, a fan with a movie star.

Selfies "put us in touch with a lot more people," said Brazilian psychoanalyst Christian Dunker.

For Pauline Escande-Gauquie, an expert in the study of signs or symbols, "the goal is above all to create or strengthen one's links with a particular community—with your fans if you're a celebrity, or with everyday citizens if you are a politician."

The selfie is designed to create a heightened memory of an experience: usually snapped from above, at flattering angles, with an interesting background, selfies allow the total control of one's image.

Selfie-takers often put themselves at the center of all things.

"It is not a narcissistic problem, because narcissism is very positive, but a problem of ego, and overvaluation of the self," said Godart, author of "I take selfies, therefore I am."

That overvaluation craves as many Selfie addiction "likes" as possible—and can betray In the end, selfies can become a a self-centered me-me-me mentality. powerful—and dangerous—ddiction.

From urban climbing to "Just like with any other phenom‘chinning’ enon, there are excesses," said EsSpectacular selfies allow a person cande-Gauquie, author of "Everyone to show off their best side because selfie!" they are often staged in phenomenal "For some people, it can become settings. compulsive, developing into a deRussia's Angela Nicolau—the pendence on being seen by others." queen of urban climbing—is known Some apps allow selfie-takers for her risky selfies at dizzying striving towards some ideal of beauheights—atop the Sagrada Familia ty to use filters that will eliminate in Barcelona, or the vertigo-induc- wrinkles and refine features. ing Shanghai Tower.

"It's a travesty," said EscandeFor Godart, "this is high-risk be- Gauquie. havior and gives the feeling of flirt"If not dealt with in a playful maning with death." ner, it can become something of a At the other end of the spectrum is disease ... an identity dissonance the selfie that actually devalues the that can be dangerous, especially for person taking it—a trend seducing teenagers." AFP

Impeachable,...

From A4

Meanwhile the 22 Filipino fishermen who survived the sinking of their boat in Recto Bank are probably wondering why the government, instead of helping their case, seems to be clearing the Chinese of any liability in the incident. The crux of the matter is not whether the Filipino fishing boat was rammed or it was an accidental collision as stated by by President Duterte The bigger issue is why the Chinese left and abandoned a boat and its distressed crew in dangerous waters. Fortunately, a more concerned Vietnamese fishing boat came to rescue the Filipinos.

Vice President Robredo, on the other hand, made it clear she visited the fishermen not to project herself as

said the Immigration Bureau has issued work permits for some 120,000 Chinese nationals. The Chinese here spend P70 billion a year on food and between P40 billion to P59 billion in rentals, thus benefiting the property development sector here.

Beyond all this, Chinese investments have also moved to the countryside despite the risks. The Chinese have built schoolhouses in Jolo and Sulu, according to Siy, and put up drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities in various parts of the country.

Siy emphasized that loans from China are not expensive compared to those

more helpful than the President but simply to find out whether the fishermen needed more aid in terms of funds for their fishing boat.

President Duterte also yesterday said he is not pushing for federalism anymore but was more favorable to charter change. Is he planning to introduce amendments that would keep him in power longer like shortening his six-year term to just five, with room for reelection?

Any change in the charter will have to be approved by the people in a plebiscite. But government can always harness its resources to get a favorable vote as it did in the last midterm elections where it steered all its senatorial candidates to win. This early, we urge the people to be vigilant on amendments to the charter that will perpetuate those in power.

extended by other countries. While Japan’s .05 percent interest rate is lower than the 2 percent interest charged by China, that’s because it’s pegged to the yen. But if you peg it to the US dollar, Japanese loans carry an effective interest rate of 2.7 percent. The World Bank is even worse as it charges a 4 to 6-percent interest rate. If you borrow from domestic banks, you will not get less than 6 to 7-percent interest rate. Japanese projects are five to 10 times more expensive than those of the Chinese, Siy stressed. ernhil@yahoo.com

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DPWH opens to motorists P724-m Cebu underpass

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Public Works and Highways opened to motorists on Thursday the P 724-million newly constructed N. Bacalso and F. Llamas Underpass in Cebu City where more than 20,000 vehicles will pass daily.

The two-lane underpass will ease traffic going to the southern part of the city, according to Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.

Villar said the newly completed underpass involved the construction of service road and transition approaches, drainage facilities, and pumping station.

The project also includes provision of curb and gutter, sidewalk, parapets, pavement markings, and traffic signages to ensure safe travel for motorists and pedestrians.

He said new interchange had helped ease traffic along the major choke point area that has a peak daily traffic of 40,000.

“Before, the area was heavily congested because of the number of jeeps that unload passengers along the way. Other vehicles would really get stuck in traffic especially during peak hours,” Chiese Basilisco, a public school teacher, has observed.

“We in DPWH would like to thank the people of Cebu for their understanding and patience during the construction of this high-impact project.

The convenience brought by this underpass wouldn’t have been possible without your support,” Villar added.

Waste recovery facility closed

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources has ordered the temporary closure of a waste recovery facility in Baguio City for failure to implement waste segregation program.

Undersecretary Benny Antiporda, the agency’s spokesperson, said the Irisan waste recovery facility in Baguio City was ordered closed, but gave the assurance it would not lead to a garbage crisis.

“We will be coming up with a temporary cease-and-desist order. That is subject to an explanation,” he said.

“If we do not do that, the people there would get affected,” he added.

Over four tons of biodegradable wastes daily were being dumped in the Irisan waste recovery facility.

DENR blamed the poor implementation of the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act by the local government to “reduce, reuse and recycle” wastes.

Antiporda assured the public that the dump’s closure would not lead to a garbage problem.

The local government could find ways to dispose of its solid wastes in nearby provinces.

According to the agency’s spokesperson, DENR and the city government would met to draw a more comprehensive rehabilitation plan for the country’s summer capital.

According to records, Irisan dumpsite was ordered closed in 2012 after five people died in a trash slide at the height of Typhoon 'Mina' the year before.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. romped off with four top honors from The Asset Triple A Asia Infrastructure Awards 2019, led by the top recognition as 'Sponsor of the Year' under the Institutional Awards category in the transport industry. Holding the plum awards at the Four Seasons Hotel in Singapore recently are: Romulo S. Quimbo, Jr., MPTC senior vice president (right), and Allan G. Alfon, Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation president and general manager (left), while at the center is Daniel Yu, editor-In-chief of The Asset, the award-giving Hong Kong-based financial publication.

MPTC reaps awards for P60-b projects

M

ETRO Pacific Tollways Corp, developer and operator of the longest network expressways in the Philippines, reaped a bumper harvest of awards for its Philippine financing deals in this year’s Triple A Infrastructure Awards, the Hong Kong-based financial publication The Asset announced recently.

Citing its leadership in the domestic and regional tollway industry, MPTC won the “Sponsor of the Year” award for 2019 under the institutional awards category—transport industry in the Asian region.

The Asset recognized MPTC as the sponsor for big-ticket PPP financing deals in 2018 for three major Philippine toll road projects, totalling P60 billion in financing.

On the Project Sponsor of the Year award MPTC president and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco said: “This award all

the more underscores shareholder belief and commitment in all our cited infrastructure projects.”

Aside from MPTC’s award, the three MPTC-led infrastructure financing that won in the ASEAN country category awards are: Cavite Laguna Expressway (CALAX) as “PPP Deal of the Year”; Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) as “Transport Deal of the Year” and Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) as “Transport Deal of the Year-Highly Commended.”

The CALAX 45-km toll P24.2 bil-

lion road project, as the PPP Deal of the Year, represented the largest financing in the Philippines for a toll road outside Metro Manila, aside from being the largest project finance deal in the country in 2018.

The Transport Deal of the Year went to the P19-billion financing for MPTC’s Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). The 8.5-km. toll bridge will connect Cebu City environs with Mactan Island.

The Transport Deal of the YearHighly Commended award went to the P16.2 billion loan facility to support the enhancement and capacity expansion works along MPTC’s Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX).

Christopher Daniel Lizo, MPTC chief finance officer, noted the significance of the awards: “Given the difficult financing environment in 2018, the financing transactions related to these infrastructure projects are proof of the lenders’ solid support.”

Ex-INC officer's 'partner' nabbed in Cebu over adultery complaint THE co-accused and alleged mistress of expelled Iglesia Ni Cristo evangelical worker Lowell Menorca II was nabbed in Cebu last June 22 for her failure to attend the mandatory court hearing in her adultery case, according to authorities.

Aedtnavye Juntilla “AJ” Lazo was taken into police custody by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Romeo Rabaca of the Manila Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 25.

She was a “no-show” at the arraignment and pre-trial for the adultery case filed against her and Menorca by David Flores, Lazo’s estranged husband.

Flores filed the adultery complaint three years ago after discovering the affair between the two paramours.

According to Flores, he himself intro-

The Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI) is holding its 39TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND ELECTION 2019 on July 23, 2019, Tuesday 1:00 – 5:00 P.M. at the Ballroom 2 of New World Manila Bay Hotel, 1588 Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF EWP PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of EWP Philippines Corporation (the “Corporation”), shortening the term of its existence and thereby dissolving the Corporation as of 15 October 2016 and a Balance Sheet showing that no creditors thereof will be affected by such dissolution, will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All persons having claims against the Corporation are requested to present the same at its principal office at V&A Law Center, 11th Avenue corner 39th Street, Bonifacio Triangle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Metro Manila, for immediate settlement.

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

Taguig City, Philippines. 27th June 2019.

(MS-JUNE 28, JULY 5 & 12, 2019)

duced Menorca and Lazo to each other about 2-3 months into his marriage.

Menorca, according to court records, is considered “at large” and a fugitive from justice after he secretly fled the country in 2016. He is facing a string of libel cases apart from the adultery charge.

He has eventually settled in Canada where he was granted political asylum in 2018. Reports indicate his wife and child remain in the country and Menorca has not made efforts for them to join him abroad.

Both public and private prosecutors handling the adultery case called on Menorca to “face the music and join his co-accused in court,” hinting that he unfairly abandoned his mistress to fend for her own in facing the criminal charge.

2 U-turn slots in QC and C5 Road South relocated

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced on Thursday the relocation of two U-turn slots along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and C5 Road-South Luzon Expressway this weekend.

MMDA general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. said the U-turn slot in Commonwealth in front of CW Home DeAUCTION SALE pot shall be transferred ACME PAWNSHOP to the area of Tandang 1 Level Glorietta 3 Ayala, Sora and Luzon flyover Makati and its branches in Majalco Bldg., Buenavidez on 12:01 a.m. Sunday, St., Legaspi Village, Makati June 30. and L & R Bldg., Pasay Road, Makati auction sale The Don Antonio on July 05, 2019, 3:00 pm Alabang Town Center, U-turn slot will also Alabang Zapote Road, MJ Holding Bldg., Almanza Las be opened for light vePiñas, Circle C G14, #17 hicles on the same date.

Congressional Ave., Bahay Toro D1, Quezon City at The adjustment, said 9:30 am. All items pawned February 28, 2019. Notary Garcia, will be made Public to give way to the const

(MS-JUNE. 28, 2019)

struction of the tunnel guide way for MRT (Metro Rail Transit) 7 and in preparation for President Rodrigo Duterte’s 4th State of the Nation Address next month.

“About 10,000 vehicles would be affected by the relocation of the U-turn slot,” said Garcia in a news briefing.

On Saturday (June 29), the existing U-turn slot located before the ramp/tollgate of C5SLEX will be relocated in front of the Heritage Park Gate Mortuary in Taguig City, about 300 meters distance away, This, according to Garcia, is in preparation for the construction of a ramp of C5 Cavitex flyover located along SLEX linking the existing C5 Road in Taguig and C5 Extension of the cities of Pasay and Taguig.

“The flyover would cut the travel time from C5 Road going to southern areas in the metro like Las Piñas and Parañaque cities. But there is a need to build a ramp before the flyover could be opened,” said Garcia.

TNVS appeal to Duterte: Grant amnesty to 5k accounts

By Rio N. Araja OPERATORS and drivers of the transport network vehicle services on Thursday appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to heed their call and to grant an amnesty for 5,000 deactivated accounts.

At a news conference in Quezon City, Saturnino Mopas, a leader of the TNVS Community Philippines, called on the President as well as Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade to step into the matter and address their plea to allow them to apply for certificate of public convenience and provisional authority with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

He said they had sent a formal communication to the Department of Transportation and Malacañang seeking a dialogue.

“What we are asking [for] is an amnesty for those accounts that have been deactivated.

And most importantly, we seek a uniform and systematic (sic) processing of the renewal of our provisional authority and certificate of public convenience without any discrimination on TNVS,” the group’s letter read.

On June 10, the mobile-app based Grab Philippines deactivated 5,000 of TNVS—an umbrella group of transport network services providers—for failure to submit proof of their provisional authority and certificate of public convenience issued by the LTFRB. Also on that day, the LTFRB opened to all transport network companies at least 10,000 slots to respond to the needs of ridehailing service customers.

Mopas reiterated their appeal for an amnesty, saying the LTFRB imposed other requirements, making it hard for them to comply with.

Aside from Grab, other accredited TNCs are Aztech Solution International Corp. (SnappyCab), E-Pick Me Up Inc., GoLag Inc., Hirna Mobility Solutions Inc., Hype Transport Systems Inc., Ipara Technologies and Solutions Inc., Micab Systems Corp., and RYD Global Inc.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 Manila

Republic of the Philippines Standard

A7

TODAY GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM

GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1308

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Camba, Sy lead BWC finalists A

VIRTUAL unknown and last year’s two Philippine representatives to the Bowling World Cup international event headed the list of 52 bowlers who initially earned slots in the national finals by qualifying in the recent first center finals in different centers.

Ramon Camba, a long time bowler who has yet to bag a major keg crown, tallied 2642 pinfalls in 12 games at SM Fairview to lead the 35 men’s finalists.

Last year’s men’s national WBC champon Merwin Tan emerged second best performer by scoring 2618, while defending ladies’ titlist Alexis Sy led the ladies’ group with 1921 pinfalls in 10 games.

The other qualifiers from the first center finals are: Men—RJ Bautista with a score of 2169, Cesar Marquez 2048, Duke Gella 2407, Joe Cabactulan 1876, Ronnie Javier 2292, Cezar Barranta Jr. 2144, Gener Autor 2098, Mark Varona 2097, Francis Jose 2451, Ramel Francisco 2340, Miguel Sto. Domingo 2225, Melvin Meneses 2186, Rodante Unay 2120, Santos Walang 2022, Eric Aranez 2344, RJ San Diego 2225, Wilson Sua 2129, Rene Boy Aranico 2128, Don Evangelista 2350, Edwin Dela Cruz 2229,

Don Tungala 2221, Tosi Alcasid 2178, Ding Malvar 2058, NIcco Olaivar 2577, Carl Lim 2467, Boy Roman 2184, RJ Arquiza 2064, Avel Villamin 2212, Rolendo Somuelo 2058, Bong Foronda 2053, Jaybee Vargas 2284, Rico Luga 2014, RJ Magana 2440.

Ladies—Dhel Marquez 1530, Leah Naorbe 1461, Arlena Bucao 1456, Aileen Roxas 1414, Anne Ramirez 1714, Abby Lanuza 1746, Cita Yumul 1703, Myls Creencia 1607, Nida Singson 1554, Gina Varilla 1772, Farah Onasa 1683, Pure Anselmo 1875, Josefina Enriquez 1716, Ivy Pagdanganan 1526, Rjoy Daval Santos 1733, Luzen Escoto 1519 Another set of national finalists will qualify from the second center finals sched next month.

The men’s and ladies’ winners of the national finals will represent the Philippines in the 2019 Bowling World Cup international finals set Nov. 16-24 in Palembang, Indonesia.

Participants of the San Carlos leg of the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis do the Cebuana Lhuillier pose at the San Carlos Tennis Courts.

Cebuana Lhuillier net tour concludes at Makati Circuit THE Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis kicked off its last leg for its summer tour at the Makati Sports Club.

This is part of the yearlong tennis tournaments sanctioned by Unified Tennis Philippines.

The Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis hosts numerous nationwide tennis tournaments in support of the grassroots development program of UTP. The program also aims to discover newtennis prodigies who will represent the country in the international tennis scene.

“I am happy with the number of participants who joined the summer tour of the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis.

Truly, this is a good avenue to

scout fresh talents who will surely achieve great things in this sport.” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier and is also the President of Unified Tennis Philippines.

The summer tour of the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis ran from April to June with a total of 1,060 participants signing up.

The summer tour was done in 10 provinces in the Philippines going as far as Kabacan, Cotabato.

For more information on the coming tournaments, you may visit the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CebuanaAgeGroupTennis/.

Brain disease found in Aussie rugby players SYDNEY—Post-mortem examinations have found a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head in two elite Australian rugby league players, the first cases found in the sport, researchers said Thursday.

The researchers said the players both had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which has been widely diagnosed among former US National Football League (NFL) players but is little studied elsewhere.

The Sydney-based study said the condition, once known as ‘punch drunk syndrome’ occurred when repeated brain trauma led to a long-term decline in cognitive function.

They said the two unnamed subjects were both middle-aged former professionals who had played more than 150 National Rugby League (NRL) games each.

The study said there were no other known cases of CTE among rugby league players and there had only been one reported previously involving an Australian athlete, who played the closely related code of rugby union.

It said they were the only cases of CTE the neuropathology department at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital had identified among 470 brain autopsies.

“It is difficult to assess whether these two CTE cases are serendipitous findings or emblematic of a more common issue with rugby league and other Australian football codes,” said the finding, published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica Communications.

“Our findings underscore the urgent need for further studies into CTE in sportspeople and other at-risk populations.”

CTE can only be identified through post-mortem brain examinations as it cannot be diagnosed in living people.

Symptoms appear similar to Alzheimer’s Disease, with short-term memory loss, occasional speech difficulties and mood swings. AFP

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1. Disposal of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) is through a competitive public bidding process.

Acceptance of Purchase Offers shall start on the scheduled bidding date and time.

2. Dropping of bid envelopes will be on the date of bidding from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM only. Opening of Bids will immediately follow. Late bid envelopes will not be accepted 3. Disposal of GSIS IP-RUs is on an “As-Is Where-Is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty. The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.

4. Strictly, “One bidder, One specific property” only, which means that a bidder cannot submit two (2) or more bids for one property. A bidder may submit one bid each to as many properties as he/she wants to buy, as long as, he/she posts the required 10% bid deposit of the total bid price for each property. The bidder must present valid government IDs upon registration on the date of public bidding.

5. Purchase offer may either be in Cash or an accredited through External Financing Institution (EFI).

MODE

PAYMENT DUE DATE

Cash

Payable either in cash or Manager’s Checks within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of bidding, without privilege of extension

EFI

Shall submit the Letter of Guarantee (LOG) within forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of bidding, without privilege of extension

6. Interested bidders planning to purchase the GSIS property through EFI shall first secure certification from accredited banks stating that he/she is qualified to avail of a loan from EFI and insert inside the bid envelope.

7. A downloadable bid form shall be properly accomplished with the following data: a. Date of Bidding b. Name of the bidder c. Exact address of property you are interested to bid d. Transfer Certificate of Title No. e. Mode of Payment f. Amount of bid (in numbers and in words) g. Signature of the bidder/representative 8. Bid proposal shall be written in words and in figures and must not be lower than the Minimum Acceptable Offer of the property. Should there be a difference in the amount in words and in figures, the amount in words shall prevail.

9. Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer shall be in the form of MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System.

10. The following shall be inserted on a sealed bid envelope: a. the properly accomplished bid form b. Manager’s Check payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer c. Pro-forma Certificate of due diligence (for occupied or unoccupied) d. the Special Power of Attorney (SPA), if the bidder is an authorized representative e. Pre-conditional approval from PBCOM, if applicable f. Two (2) proofs of occupancy, if applicable f.1. Barangay certificate that Bidder is occupying or residing in the subject property and any of the following: (1) Valid Government Issued IDs, or (2) Latest Billing Address under Bidder’s Name 11. The following information shall be clearly written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope)

12. The existing tenant or occupant or his duly authorized representative through a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) has the right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, provided: a. he/she is present during the bidding b. participated in actual bidding c. presently occupying the property subject of bidding supported by the following proofs of occupancy: c.1 Barangay certificate that he/she is occupying or residing in the subject property c.2. Any valid government identification document with his/her address similar to the address of the property he/.she is bidding.

13. If the occupant will exercise his/her Right to Match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/she need not secure another bank pre-qualification corresponding to the matched offer. Instead, he/she shall pay the full 10% deposit based on the matched bid amount in cash on the day of bidding.

14. The declared highest/winning bidder shall submit within fourteen (14) calendar days of the actual bidding, the following documents: (a) duly accomplished Personal Profile/Company Profile/Corporate Profile, whichever is applicable (downloadable); (b) photocopies of two (2) valid IDs (one should be a government-issued ID); (c) Articles of Incorporation/Partnership, By-Laws and current General Information Sheet, for corporation/ partnership, if applicable; (d) Registration Certificate from SEC for corporation/partnership, DTI for sole proprietorship and CDA for cooperatives, or any proof of such registration, if applicable; (e) current Mayor’s permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located, if applicable.

15. A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding. The Bidder’s deposit of the other non-winning bidder/s shall be returned immediately.

16. In case the bid is in CASH, the 90% balance of the bid amount shall be paid either in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without privilege of extension.

17. In case the bid is through EFI, winning bidder shall submit the Letter of Guarantee (LOG) within forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of bidding. The equity, if any, shall be paid in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of LOG by the GSIS. The equity is the amount corresponding to the difference between the Offered Bid Amount and LOG amount.

18. Non-compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the NOAS will result in the forfeiture of the 10% bidder’s deposit.

19. In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the said NOAS shall be deemed automatically revoked and the highest/winning bidder shall be informed in writing. The second highest bidder, if any, shall be informed in writing if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, GSIS require him/her to pay the non-refundable deposit equivalent to ten percent (10%) of his/her previously submitted bid amount and will be issued a NOAS. 20. GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice.

21. For bidding inquiries, you may call the Real Property Accounts Management Department (RPAMD) at trunkline telephone numbers (02) 479-3500, (02) 479-3600 and (02) 976-4900 local numbers 3228, 3374, and 3396.

(MS-JUNE 28, 29 & 30, 2019)

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

With a host of pursuers, Thai Kammalas Namuangruk needs to toughen up in the last 36 holes to realize a dream PGT breakthrough.

Gin Kings gun for 3rd straight win

By Jeric Lopez TEAMS in the middle of the pack continue to jockey for better positioning as the chase for the remaining berths in the quarterfinals intensifies in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. Streaking Barangay Ginebra (43) looks to continue its ascent as it shoots for a third straight win when it battles Phoenix (3-4) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today at 7 p.m.

In the appetizer, Rain or Shine (3-3) dukes it out with NLEX (1-7) at 4:30 p.m.

With both their teams coming off wins, tacticians Tim Cone of Ginebra and Louie Alas of Phoenix expect their respective teams to extend their progress when they go head to head.

“We’re starting to play better with more fluidity now,” said Cone. “Justin (Brownlee) has been leading us and we expect the others to continue following his play.”

“Our rebounding and defense improved in our last game. Those are the battles we are looking forward to win,” said Alas.

The Gin Kings won their second straight after annihilating the Road Warriors, 100-85, last Sunday.

The Fuel Masters followed suit by stunning ertswhile league-leader NorthPort, 97-87, just last Wednesday.

Like Ginebra and Phoenix, Rain or Shine is another team in the middle looking to move up.

The Elasto Painters escaped with an 88-86 squeaker over Columbian also last Sunday.

NLEX needs to practically sweep its remaining three games to keep its slim hopes of still making the top eight.

44 venues to host SEA Games events T

HERE are now 44 venues which will hold events of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The Centro Mall in Los Banos, Laguna will now play host to the floor ball and indoor hockey.

Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee executive director Tom Carrasco gave this update yesterday following a top level management meeting.

Carrasco got this update following a meeting with venues coordinator Dave Carter.

“Bago lang ito. It was the competition managers who found the new venues and did an ocular inspection,” said Carrasco.

Only swimming and athletics are sure to be held inside the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

When the biennial meet set from Nov. 30 to Dec. 10 is held, competitions will be spread out in different venues in Clark Field, Manila, Tagaytay, Laguna and Subic.

Earlier, Carrasco made assurances that the technical handbooks that will be used in the 30th Southeast Asian Games will be ready by the end of the month.

Carrasco said this after many national sports associations sought a review of the rulebooks that will be used for the Games.

He added that 46 of 61 copies of the technical manuals are ready for printing.

San Beda Cubs crowned Milcu champions SAN Beda University’s young cagers reigned supreme in the MILCU Got Skills 14-Under Basketball Championship held Sunday at Trinity Gymnasium, beating La Salle Lipa, 79-58, for the title.

Nathaniel Manarang, Lanze Ronquillo and Tonchi Conde combined for 54 points to help the reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association Pacific Rim Champion (San Beda Pilipinas) to victory.

Other members of the Cubs’ team are Simon Fulgado, Carlos Cantona, Martin Bacani, Ram Reyes, Zu Sahali, Benjo Agbayani, Marco Bolactia, Bren Lacsamana, Matthew Acha with head coach Andy Mejos, assistant coach VL Sandalo and Onelle Bienn.

Search for next PH chess prodigy is on CAN the Philippines produce another chess player in the caliber of GM Wesley So? Martin ‘Binky’ Gaticales, a National Chess Federation of the Philippines director, said that with the support of the private sector, it is more than possible to discover and develop another ‘super’ GM who can be at par with the best in the world.

To this end, Gaticales said he plans to organize an event whose main objective is to search for the next Filipino chess prodigy in the next five years.

“I think that with Wesley So migrating in the US, it’s about time we discovered young chess players who can follow in Wesley’s footsteps,” said Gaticales, also a director of the Philippine Executive Chess Association,in Thursday’s Usapang Sports session of the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports Usapang Sports session sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commisison, National Press Club, PAGCOR, Community Basketball Association and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks.

“As of now, may mga kinakausap na tayong possibleng sponsors which we will tap to fund the tournament. I think it’s just right that we approach people from the private sector at huwag lang tayo basta umasa sa gobyerno,” Gaticales said, adding that the search for the next super GM will not only be concentrated in Metro Manila but in other provinces as well.

“This is going to be a genuine grassroots program, because we intend to search for chess talents even in the farthest barangays of the country,” Gaticales added.

Gaticales also issued a call to corporate firms to sponsor the event, saying that training young minds will result in a better future for the country, since playing chess will help young men to develop discipline, focus and mental toughness.

Thai ace Kammalas grabs lead ILOILO—Thai Kammalas Namuangruk emerged on top of a crowded leaderboard that kept changing names up to the last putt, his run of closing even-par cards at the front preserving a twounder 68 and netting him a one-stroke lead over Michael Bibat and three others halfway through the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge here yesterday.

As first round leader Makoto Iwasaki of Japan turned from awesome (64) to awful (76) at the short but tricky Iloilo Golf and Country Club layout, Namuangruk took command with a four birdie-two bogey effort under drizzle although the lead changed hands a lot of times before the Thai found himself on top at 134 at the end of the topsy-turvy day.

But a slew of others lay just a stroke, two or three behind, guaranteeing a shootout in the last 36 holes of the P3 million tournament wrapping up the four-stage Visayan swing of the circuit put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “I hit it well and my putting was relatively good although the greens are difficult,” said Namuangruk, 27, who struggled and finished down at joint 29th in Negros Occidental last week.

“But I have to make two more good rounds to win.”

Bibat shared the lead in one stretch with an eagle on one of the two par-5s on No. 4 and a birdie on the sixth but fumbled with three bogeys to settle for an even par 70. He dropped back to where he started—in joint second at 135, this time with Rene Menor and Spain’s Marcos Pastor, who submitted identical 66s, and Aussie Tim Stewart, who rallied with a 68.

Menor, seeking a follow-up to his surprise PGT Asia leg playoff win over two foreign rivals at Splendido in 2017, fired a bogey-free 34-32 round while Pastor, went five-under after 14 holes but missed joining Namuangruk at the helm with a second straight bogey on the tough par-4 15th.

The big-hitting Stewart forced a fourway tie at second, coming in one of the late flights with three birdies in the last six holes at the front, saving a 68 and putting himself in contention again for the second straight time after losing by two to absentee Jobim Carlos last year.

Art Arbole took charge with a solid four-under 30 at the back but faltered with two bogeys against a birdie in the last six holes at the front. He wound up with a 67 to slip to joint sixth with Reymon Jaraula (66), Albin Engino (67) and Aussie Fidel Concepcion (70).

Juvic Pagunsan, who opened with a so-so 69 Wednesday, moved up from joint 12th and threatened the leaders by going three-under in the day on back-toback birdies from No. 14. But the fancied Negrense, eyeing a third straight victory after sweeping the Bacolod legs in Binitin and Marapara, bogeyed the par-3 16th and fell to joint 10th at 137 with JR Salahog (68), just three strokes off the Thai.

Lady Volcanoes on rise despite recent setback Members of the SBU team are shown here.

Rockets eye deal for Butler with Sixers NEW YORK—NBA scoring champion James Harden and playmaker Chris Paul would have Philadelphia star Jimmy Butler as a new teammate if the Houston Rockets get their way, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Unnamed league sources told the US-based telecaster that the Rockets want Butler to push the 76ers for a sign-

In this file photo, Jimmy Butler of the Philadelphia 76ers points against the Toronto Raptors in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. - NBA scoring champion James Harden and playmaker Chris Paul would have Philadelphia star Jimmy Butler as a new teammate if the Houston Rockets get their way, ESPN reported. Unnamed league sources told the US-based telecaster that the Rockets want Butler to push the 76ers for a sign-and-trade deal that would let the All-Star forward move to Houston. AFP

and-trade deal that would let the All-Star forward move to Houston.

The Rockets, who lack salary cap room for the deal, would potentially have to involve a third team in the deal and potentially part with center Clint Capela, forward P.J. Tucker or guard Eric Gordon to make any swap work under NBA contract rules.

The Sixers would see some compensation for Butler compared to if he departed as a free agent but they also could sign him to a long-term deal of their own.

NBA free agency opens Sunday and the 76ers can offer Butler the best possible terms at $190 million over five years.

The Rockets could pitch $140 million over four seasons.

Philadelphia obtained Butler last November in a trade with Minnesota and he produced 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals a game for the 76ers.

The Sixers lost to eventual champion Toronto in the second round of the NBA playoffs on a seventh-game buzzer beater by Kawhi Leonard that bounced off the rim four times before dropping into the hoop.

Under NBA free agency rules, teams can agree upon terms of deals but no contracts can be signed until July 6, although reports on most deals leak out well before teams can confirm them.

Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors star forward Kevin Durant has declined a $31.5 million option for next season and will become an unrestricted NBA free agent, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Durant, the 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player and 2014 NBA MVP, ruptured his right Achilles tendon in the second quarter of game five of the NBA Finals earlier this month and underwent surgery to repair the injury. AFP

THE Philippine Lady Volcanoes may have lost the Division 1 crown of the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship last Sunday to China.

But the team is confident that the competition they joined is another step forward for the Philippine Rugby Football Union.

General Manager Jake Letts said this following the Lady Volcanoes’ 0-68 setback at the Southern Plains in Laguna.

The Lady Volcanoes reached the finals following a 32-27 win over India in the semifinals.

“Coming into this competition we were ahead of India but behind Singapore, after last weekends result we stayed ahead of India and passed Singapore. China were very dominant, they proved a class above all and finished in first place,” said Letts.

China, though YuanYua Lu, displayed excellent speed and power in providing points during the game, before Yan Zhou and Weiyan Wang added further tries as China took a big lead into the break.

World Rugby Council Member and Philippines’ hooker Ada Milby was proud of her side despite the defeat.

The Lady Volcanoes have been on a steady rise over the last two years, successfully achieving two silver-medal finishes last year and winning one this year. The main aim for the program this year was to provide similar opportunities to what the national men’s team have had access to over the years.

Letts said the women’s program over the last two years has been boosted by the support of both MVP Sports Foundation through the company of First Pacific and the Philippine Ssports Commission.

Business

Manila

Standard

TODAY

MPHHI has offered to acquire up to Five Hundred Sixty Three Thousand (563,000) outstanding common shares of MDI, which represent approximately 16.6% of the total outstanding shares of MDI, which will bring the Offeror’s ownership to no more than 49.9%.

Accordingly on May 24, 2019, MPHHI filed with the SEC a Tender Offer Report (SEC Form 19-1) in compliance with Rule 19 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Securities Regulation Code.

The Tender offer will commence on June 28, 2019 and the same shall last for a period of at least twenty (20) business days from June 28, 2019 to July 26, 2019. All of the shares tendered shall be purchased by MPHHI in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the summary below:

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE TENDER OFFER

B1

Meralco agrees to hold power supply auctions

By Alena Mae S. Flores

P

OWER retailer Manila Electric Co. is set to issue the guidelines for the competitive selection process for 2,000 megawatts of power requirements by the end of this month as mandated by the Supreme Court, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Thursday.

“I had a meeting with Meralco and we prepared the timeframe and the roadmap that there is an urgency to do a CSP on the two power plants—Atimonan and Redondo, I think. That has to be subjected to CSP already,” Cusi said.

“We are going to already subject to CSP around 2,000 megawatts by the end of this month,” he said.

Meralco earlier signed power supply agreements with seven generators in April 2016 to secure 3,551 MW of capacity needed in its franchise area, which was the subject of the Supreme Court case.

The SC ruled that all PSAs submitted by distribution

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDICAL DOCTORS, INC.

Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (“MPHHI” or the “Offeror”) is currently the shareholder of One Million One Hundred Twenty Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Fifteen (1,128,715) outstanding common shares of Medical Doctors, Inc. (“MDI”), owner and operator of Makati Medical Center, which represent approximately 33.3% of the outstanding MDI shares.

utilities to ERC on or after June 30, 2015 including those of Meralco should undergo CSP, a form of competitive public bidding for the purchase of electricity by DUs. Cusi said Meralco should conduct the CSP to ensure that is an adequate power supply to meet the country’s economic growth.

“We need that for our capacity building. That’s what we are doing. We are giving priority now to capacity building…With the improving economy, the growing economy, the demand for electricity is growing. People are consuming more because they want a better life,” he said.

He said Meralco would publish the invitations to bidders.

“I think the publication will be within this week the timeline... They need the publication and they present to me the TOR anytime now. They want it done simultaneously but I am looking at the urgency of the two [Atimonan and RP Energy],” Cusi said.

Meralco’s PSAs include the 1,200-MW Atimonan coal-fired power in Quezon and the 600-MW Redondo Power Energy coal plant in Subic. Meralco’s power arm Meralco PowerGen Corp. owns a stake in the two projects.

Target Company

Medical Doctors, Inc. (“MDI” or the “Company”)

Offeror

Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (“MPHHI”)

Subject Shares

Up to a maximum of 563,000 MDI common shares, which comprise approximately 16.6% of the total outstanding shares of MDI (“Tender Offer Shares” or “MDI Shares”), which will bring the Offeror’s ownership to no more than 49.9% of MDI

Tender Offer Price

The Offeror is offering to acquire the Tender Offer Shares at a price of Philippine Pesos: Four Thousand Sixteen (Php 4,016.00) per share.

Entitlement

Every registered owner of the Tender Offer Shares as of any date during the Tender Offer Period is entitled to sell his/her/its Tender Offer Shares to the Offeror in accordance with these Terms of the Tender Offer.

Tender Offer Period

The Tender Offer period will commence at 9:00 a.m. of June 28, 2019 until 5:00 p.m. of July 26, 2019 (“Tender Offer Period”). In the event that a holiday(s) will be declared during the Tender Offer Period, said Tender Offer Period will automatically be extended by the corresponding number of days of holiday.

Tender Offer Agent

Atty. Jane Catherine C. Rojo 10F MGO Building, Legazpi corner Dela Rosa Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City Telephone No : (+632) 804-2855 Mobile No : +63 949 9942305 Email Address: jcrojo@mpic.com.ph

Applications

Tendering stockholders who wish to offer all or a portion of their shares for sale to the Offeror may do so by submitting a duly accomplished Application to Tender Shares form and must accomplish and submit all the relevant attachments and supporting documents to the Tender Offer Agent not later than 5:00 p.m. of July 26, 2019 at the following address: Atty. Jane Catherine C. Rojo 10F MGO Building, Legazpi corner Dela Rosa Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City Telephone No : (+632) 804-2855 Mobile No : +63 949 9942305 Email Address: jcrojo@mpic.com.ph Applications presented after the end of the Tender Offer Period shall not be accepted, unless the Tender Offer Period is extended by MPHHI with the approval of the SEC. Applications that are not properly filled up, or lacking any of the required attachments, will also not be accepted. The Tender Offer Agent will likewise not accept an Application if it cannot verify the signature of the stockholder on the Application or the endorsement of the stock certificate.

Acceptance of Tendered Shares

Only MDI Shares validly tendered by the shareholders of record of MDI shall be accepted for payment by MPHHI. All tendered MDI Shares must be free from any claims, liens, encumbrances or restrictions, whether or not valid. Only fully paid, non-assessable and unencumbered MDI Shares shall be accepted and paid for

by MPHHI during the tender offer. By tendering their Tender Offer Shares, the tendering shareholders are making the representations and warranties contained in the Application to Tender Shares in Medical Doctors, Inc. to MPHHI. Acceptance of tendered shares shall be conditioned on MPHHI having obtained all corporate and regulatory approvals, consents and authorizations for the purchase by MPHHI of the tendered MDI Shares, including the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission (“PCC”).

The Tender Offer may require the approval of the PCC pursuant to R.A. 10667, otherwise known as the Philippine Competition Act and its implementing rules and regulations (“PCA”). The Settlement Date (as defined below) may be delayed in case the approval of the PCC is not obtained before the target Settlement Date. Furthermore, in case the PCC does not approve the Tender Offer, it shall be deemed withdrawn and the stock certificates comprising the tendered MDI Shares shall be returned to the relevant stockholders, and the Offeror shall have no obligation to proceed with the Tender Offer.

Pro-rata Acceptance of Tendered Shares in case of Over-subscription

If the tender offer is oversubscribed, the validly tendered MDI Shares shall be proportionately reduced in accordance with Rule 19.2.2 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Securities Regulation Code (“SRC IRR”)1 . The formula for the pro-rata distribution shall be as follows: [No. of Tendered Shares of Applicant/Total Number of Tendered Shares] x 563,0002 . Provided that fractions shall be disregarded and ultimate result shall be rounded down.

Settlement Date

Within ten (10) business days after the termination of the Tender Offer period (July 29, 2019 to August 9, 2019) (unless validly extended) or after obtaining the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission, whichever comes later (“Settlement Date”).

Documentary Requirements

The following documents must be executed and submitted to the Tender Offer Agent during the Tender Offer Period: REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS TO THE APPLICATION TO TENDER SHARES IN MDI TO MPHHI

NEXT GROWTH AREAS. Global real estate services leader and provider Santos Knight Frank presents opportunities for the office, hospitality and logistics sectors within the next five years. The hospitality industry expects to see over 10,800 new hotel rooms between 2019 and 2023, while the logistics market is expected to rise along with the advent of e-commerce. The office sector is also seen to flourish. Presenting the report on the next growth areas in a news briefing at Makati Shangri-La Hotel are (from left) Santos Knight Frank investment and capital markets director Kash Salvador, chairman and chief executive Rick Santos, senior research director Jan Custodio and occupier services director Ian Perez.

Popeyes set to invest P1.5b to put up 15 stores in Luzon

By Othel V. Campos AMERICAN diner Popeyes is investing P1.5 billion to put up at least 15 stores in Luzon this year in an aggressive effort to capture a decent market share in the quick served restaurant dining category.

Winglip Chang, president of Kuya J Group which holds the Philippine franchise of Popeyes, said the American fastfood brand became an instant craze in the country and broke records in terms of opening sales by a Popeye store globally.

“We have faith in this brand. Up to now, our first branch in Arcovia, Pasig City is taking in more than a thousand transactions each day since it opened six weeks ago,” Chang said during the partnership signing with Coca-Cola Philippines.

Both companies signed Thursday a memorandum of understanding where Coca-Cola will be the official beverage provider of all Popeyes restaurants in the country.

Kuya J, the holdings company, plans to put up at least 15 stores in 2019 from Marikina City to Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The second branch is set to open in two weeks at Alabang Town Center. Within the next three years, the brand targets to have as many as 100 stores all over the country.

Customs field officers face technical smuggling charges SEVERAL field officers of the Bureau of Customs, including a district collector, are in hot water for alleged complicity in what appeared to be systemic technical smuggling resulting in huge revenue losses for the government, sources said.

An investigation committee created by Customs commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero completed its task and recommended the filing of criminal and administrative cases against the erring officials. A copy of the panel’s final report is now with Guerrero for appropriate action.

Guerrero formed the committee earlier this year amid observations about last year’s suspicious rise in the incidence of cargoes being released by the Port of Manila through the so-called “ship spares” scheme.

BoC insiders said the probers found substantial evidence of the irregularities tantamount to technical smuggling as repeatedly committed by certain unscrupulous officials in cahoots with outsiders, specifically owners of a private brokerage firm and an importing company.

Sources said the probe team identified members of an alleged alliance that worked on the illegal release of some 650 crates without paying tariffs and duties.

IN BRIEF

1.

Duly executed tender offer application form (Two original copies).

2.

Original MDI stock certificate/s duly endorsed, which shall be verified by the Tender Offer Agent with the Office of the Corporate Secretary of MDI as valid and authentic certificates3.

3.

Duly executed Deed of Absolute Sale of Shares indicating all the required details. The price and number of shares will be inserted and the Deed of Sale will be notarized after the Tender Offer Period. For this purpose, the signatory to the Deed of Absolute Sale will have to appear before the notary public for purposes of notarizing the Deed of Absolute Sale on Settlement Date. (Two original copies. Form to be secured from the Tender Offer Agent.)

4.

Photocopies of two (2) valid identification cards issued by an official agency of the government, showing the applicant’s signature and photograph (i.e., driver’s license, SSS/GSIS card, or passport, etc.). In the absence of such government-issued ID, a duly accomplished signature card containing the specimen signature of the Applicant and verified by an officer of the bank where the Applicant maintains an account.

5.

Copies of the proof of acquisition cost of the MDI Shares tendered by the tendering shareholder sufficient for purposes of obtaining a Certificate Authorizing Registration (which will be used by the tendering shareholder in applying for a Certificate Authorizing Registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue), including among others, the official receipt, Subscription Agreement or Deed of Sale for the purchase of the tendered MDI Shares by the tendering shareholder 4.

6.

Irrevocable Proxy in the form prescribed. (Two original copies. Form to be secured from the Tender Offer Agent.)

7.

If the individual shareholder will tender his/her shares through a representative, an original notarized irrevocable Special Power of Attorney (Form to be secured from the Tender Offer Agent) authorizing the stockholder’s attorney-in-fact to enter into all transactions and to sign, execute and deliver the documents and agreements enumerated herein shall also be submitted as part of the documents.

8.

In case of corporate stockholders, (i) an original notarized certification from the corporate stockholder’s duly elected and incumbent corporate secretary attesting to the approval by the board of directors and stockholders (if necessary) to tender the MDI Shares and to sign, execute and deliver all documents and agreements, and to perform such acts as may be necessary for the tender of the MDI Shares to MPHHI in the form prescribed (two original copies and form to be secured from the Tender Offer Agent.); (ii) copy of SEC Registration and latest Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws or equivalent constitutive documents and General Information Sheet certified as true copy of the original by the corporate secretary or equivalent person having official custody of the company records, and (iii) a valid government-issued identification card containing the picture and signature of the Applicant’s authorized signatory or, in the absence thereof, a duly accomplished signature card containing the specimen signature of the Applicant’s authorized signatory and verified by an officer of the bank where the Applicant/authorized representative maintains an account.

9.

In case of partnerships: (i) an original notarized certification from the partnership’s duly elected and incumbent partnership secretary attesting to the approval by the partnership to tender the MDI Shares and to sign, execute and deliver all documents and agreements, and to perform such acts as may be necessary for the tender of the MDI Shares to MPHHI in the form prescribed (two original copies and form to be secured from the Tender Offer Agent.); (ii) copy of SEC Registration, latest Articles of Partnership and/or equivalent constitutive documents and General Information Sheet (or equivalent) certified as true copy of the original by the partnership secretary or equivalent person having official custody of the partnership records or a valid government-issued identification card containing the picture and signature of the Applicant’s authorized signatory or, in the absence thereof, a duly accomplished signature card containing the specimen signature of the Applicant’s authorized signatory and verified by an officer of the bank where the Applicant/authorized representative maintains an account.

Isoc, Edotco sign contract with DICT

ISOC Infrastructure Inc. and Malaysian partner Edotco Group Sdn. Bhd. signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to construct common towers in the Philippines.

The agreement with DICT came a week after Isoc and Edotco agreed to collaborate with Globe Telecom Inc., making the latter the first local telecommunication operator to adopt the government’s common tower policy.

“We commend the DICT through the leadership of Information and Communications Technology acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. in ensuring this initiative takes off as it is vital to state interest that common towers be made available,” Isoc chairman Michael Cosiquien said in a statement.

“This landmark agreement affirms ISOC’s contribution to the Duterte administration’s vision of improving telecommunications infrastructure and services in the country,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

NOTE: Documents executed abroad must be consularized. In case of married shareholders who are Philippine citizens, the special power of attorney must likewise be signed by the spouse of such stockholder to indicate his/her consent to the appointment of the attorney-in-fact for purposes of disposing of the Tender Offer Shares.

Settlement

1.

Initial payment of 75% of the purchase price (“Initial Payment”), payable on Settlement Date. It is expected that part of the Initial Payment will be used by the tendering shareholders to pay for the capital gains tax due on the sale of the MDI Shares.

2.

The balance equivalent to 25% of the purchase price (“Balance Amount”) shall be paid within five (5) calendar days from delivery to the Offeror of the original and valid Certificate Authorizing Registration from the relevant Revenue District Office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue authorizing the transfer of the MDI Shares from the tendering stockholder to MPHHI.

All payments shall be made through check payable in the name of the stockholder of record who made a valid tender of MDI Shares. When collecting payment, the tendering stockholder (or his/her authorized representative) shall present the “Applicant’s Copy” of the application together with a certification duly signed by the Tender Offer Agent or her authorized representative, as well as proper identification (e.g. driver’s license, passport). Duly authorized representatives shall be required to present an authorization from the tendering stockholder.

In case the stockholder fails to submit the Certificate Authorizing Registration to MPHHI within six (6) months after the Settlement Date, MPHHI and/or the Tender Offer Agent is hereby authorized to file the Capital Gains Tax Return, pay the Capital Gains Tax (together with any applicable penalties, interests and surcharges as the Bureau of Internal Revenue may assess) and apply for Certificate Authorizing Registration for the transfer of legal title over the shares to the Bidder, and all expenses incurred in undertaking such activity/ies shall be deducted from the Balance Amount

The Estate Makati now 40% sold-out

THE Estate Makati, an ultra high-end residential development of SM Development Corp. and Federal Land Inc. with an average cost of more than P600,000 per square meter, is now 40-percent sold-out on strong demand from domestic buyers.

Federal Land Inc. president Pascual Garcia III said The Estate Makati, envisioned to be the future home of the captains of the industry, was experiencing a positive response from buyers as the eight penthouse units worth roughly P400 million each were sold out ahead of the project’s official launch.

Garcia said the project was attracting a lot of interests from discerning buyers not only because it was the last available plot of land along Ayala Avenue, but also because it would be the first project in the country of award-winning architectural firm Foster + Partners led by renowned British architect Norman Foster.

Set to be the tallest building along Ayala central business district, The Estate Makati will rise 54 floors above ground, housing 188 residential units that have two to four bedrooms each. Jenniffer B. Austria

Subject to MPHHI’s receipt of confirmation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), MDI Shares that are validly tendered shall be paid for by MPHHI under the following terms:

Withdrawal

Any MDI Shares tendered may be withdrawn by the tendering stockholder at any time during the Tender Offer Period upon submission of an original written request to withdraw the tendered shares from the tender offer. All written requests for withdrawal must be received by the Tender Offer Agent before 5:00 p.m. of July 26, 2019.

The request to withdraw from the tender offer must clearly state the name of the tendering shareholder and the number of shares to be withdrawn from the tender offer. MPHHI shall have the right to exercise discretion in determining the validity of any written request to withdraw from the tender offer.

Furthermore, in case the PCC does not approve the Tender Offer, it shall be deemed withdrawn and the stock certificates comprising the tendered MDI Shares shall be returned to the relevant stockholders, and the Offeror shall have no obligation to proceed with the Tender Offer.

Taxes and Expenses

The tendering shareholder shall be responsible for the filing of the Capital Gains Tax Return, payment of the applicable capital gains tax within the period provided by law and securing the Certificate Authorizing Registration. MPHHI shall shoulder the payment of the documentary stamp tax and filing of the appropriate return. The tendering shareholder shall shoulder all of its own costs and expenses for the sale of the MDI Shares to MPHHI under the tender offer.

Inquiries and Request for Documents and Other Prescribed Forms

For copies of prescribed forms and other related documents, including a copy of SEC Form 19-1 filed with the SEC, and for any inquiries regarding the tender offer, please contact the Tender Offer Agent as follows: Atty. Jane Catherine C. Rojo 10F MGO Building, Legazpi corner Dela Rosa Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City Telephone No : (+632) 804-2855 Mobile No : +63 949 9942305 Email Address: jcrojo@mpic.com.ph

The following banks confirmed that collective resources available to MPHHI are sufficient to satisfy the full acceptance of the Tender Offer: Bank of Philippine Islands, Banco de Oro, Security Bank, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation

1 2 3 4

Rule 19.2.2, SRC IRR: “If the tender offer is oversubscribed, the aggregate amount of securities to be acquired at the close of such tender offer shall be proportionately distributed across selling shareholders with whom the acquirer may have been in private negotiations and other shareholders.”

Tender Offer Shares or 16.6% of the total outstanding shares of MDI, which is the maximum number of MDI shares that the Offeror is willing to acquire.

For corporate/partnership stockholders, the stock certificates must be endorsed by its authorized signatory/ies whose name and specimen signature/s is/are on file with the Corporate Secretary of MDI. This is to enable the Offeror to apply for, and obtain the Certificate Authorizing Registration with the BIR in case the stockholder fails to submit the Certificate Authorizing Registration to MPHHI within six (6) months after the Settlement Date.

(MS-JUNE 28, 29 & 30, 2019)

B2

Business

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market gains; First Gen, Meralco up

S

TOCKS rose Thursday on improving growth prospects after Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said he expects the gross domestic product to expand beyond 6 percent this year following the resolution of the budget impasse.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 44.07 points, or 0.6 percent, to 8,057.64 on a value turnover of P8.4 billion. Gainers beat losers, 115 to 86, with 48 issues unchanged.

“Even though the 5.6-percent GDP growth in the first quarter was lower than expected, now the national budget for 2019 has been enacted, the DoF continues to expect GDP growth to surpass 6 percent by the end of the year,” Dominguez said in a recent discussion with representatives of the Oxford Business Group.

First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group climbed 3.6 percent to P27.05, while Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, rose 1.6 percent to P387.

SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group advanced 2.6 percent to P975, while International Container Terminal Services Inc., the largest port operator, added 1.7 percent to P146.90.

The rest of Asian markets rose Thursday as investors brushed off Donald Trump’s latest dig at China and threat to impose more tariffs on the country’s goods if crunch talks with Xi Jinping fail this weekend.

Hong Kong added 1.4 percent, Shanghai jumped 0.7 percent and Tokyo ended up 1.2 percent.

Sydney was 0.4 percent higher, Singapore rose 0.7 percent, Seoul put on 0.6 percent and Taipei jumped 1.1 percent.

Wellington, Mumbai and Jakarta also rose.

Before setting off for the G20 summit in Japan, the president said in an interview that he had a “Plan B” in case the face-to-face talks show no progress, adding he would “take in billions and billions of dollars a month and we’ll do less and less business with them.”

He said Xi wanted to make a deal as “China’s economy is going down the tubes.”

His remarks on Fox Business Network came soon after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the two sides were “90 percent” of the way to an agreement when talks broke down last month, with the US blaming Beijing for backsliding.

Still, observers said traders were taking the latest developments with a pinch of salt.

“The market is unreactive to these types of headlines given that Trump has continued to adopt a ‘good cop/bad cop’ strategy with... Mnuchin,” said Stephen Innes at Vanguard Markets.

“Instead, market participants are content to wait for Saturday’s meeting to unfold where the proof will be in the pudding.

“A harmonious photo op could go a long way to soothing investors’ concerns at the market open on Monday.”

However, while there is optimism for an eventual agreement, analysts say they are not expecting anything major to come out of the Osaka meeting.

OANDA senior market analyst Alfonso Esparza said: “The G20 is looking to be a disappointment to investors looking for a blockbuster trade deal to be announced and is now expected to yield a new round of talks between the US and China to be held later this year.”

And Eli Lee, head of investment strategy at Bank of Singapore, added: “Our baseline scenario is that both sides will commit to re-engage in trade negotiations while Trump puts the final round of tariffs on hold for a few months.” With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

58 79 2.4 142 1.19 27.6 7.99 18.72 11.6 5.04 7.71 765.5 0.51 72 0.96 13.24 49.8 191 57.9 28.3 171.9 62

58.4 79.75 2.42 142.8 1.19 27.65 7.99 18.72 11.7 5.14 7.71 765.5 0.52 72.45 0.97 13.26 50.1 191 57.95 29 171.9 62

58 78.8 2.4 141.6 1.15 27.5 7.99 18.68 11.6 5.01 7.71 765 0.49 71.95 0.96 13.24 49.1 190 57.85 27.8 170.1 61.25

58.4 78.8 2.42 142.5 1.15 27.5 7.99 18.68 11.6 5.12 7.71 765 0.51 71.95 0.97 13.24 49.95 190 57.95 28.5 171.5 61.25

3,000 2,697,940 49,000 2,225,000 100,000 178,400 200 14,500 977,700 244,400 6,000 200 347,000 2,280,580 134,000 101,400 217,000 1,240 1,260 1,108,500 97,570 21,450

174,800 213,474,403.50 117,940 316,518,157 116,920 4,913,605 1,598 270,868 11,376,410 1,245,565 46,260 153,015 170,800 164,365,047.50 129,630 1,342,550 10,826,315 236,160 72,984 31,375,900 16,718,022 1,324,342.50

0 -73,194,006 107,394,804 -1,100,350 -1,189,918 -46,260 -31,333,446 -9,600 6,208,030 129,200 -8,692.50 -601,355 3,002,556 762,815

INDUSTRIAL ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

35.2 14.42 0.77 1.36 0.27 95 3.08 15 105 20.4 16.7 41.95 110 148 2.02 5.21 6.05 10.38 15.78 11.02 7.67 1.75 26 83.9 61 2.52 13.44 10.14 1.67 285 3.46 9.13 25 14.2 18.92 381 0.186 1.54 4.58 5.95 2.65 12.12 38.35 5.09 1.38 1.87 1.18 13.9 106.1 6.55 1.25 173.2 2.64 1.24 1.49

35.2 14.42 0.82 1.38 0.275 95 3.22 15.2 113.8 20.4 16.7 42 120 148 2.1 5.21 6.1 10.52 15.78 11.02 7.7 1.75 27.4 84.1 64 2.56 13.64 10.18 1.71 286 3.46 9.5 25.15 14.22 19 387 0.186 1.75 4.72 5.95 2.7 12.2 38.9 5.09 1.4 1.9 1.29 14.22 109 6.57 1.25 174.3 2.76 1.28 1.53

34.95 14.28 0.76 1.35 0.26 95 2.96 15 105 20 16.7 41.95 80 88 2.02 5.01 6.01 10.36 15.5 10.66 7.63 1.75 26 82 60.95 2.49 13.42 10.04 1.66 283.4 3.46 9.13 24.45 14 18.9 381 0.186 1.54 4.58 5.87 2.59 11.98 38.05 5.09 1.38 1.87 1.18 13.9 106.1 6.48 1.22 172.2 2.63 1.23 1.46

35 14.42 0.8 1.38 0.265 95 2.99 15 113.8 20.05 16.7 42 88.9 100 2.1 5.01 6.01 10.4 15.7 10.84 7.68 1.75 27.05 83.1 63.5 2.56 13.6 10.18 1.7 284 3.46 9.45 25 14.1 19 387 0.186 1.7 4.66 5.88 2.65 12.2 38.5 5.09 1.4 1.9 1.26 14.04 109 6.56 1.24 174 2.63 1.25 1.5

1,317,000 928,200 5,168,000 77,000 6,080,000 200 56,203,000 12,600 810 193,600 1,200 53,100 159,930 177,680 185,000 110,000 105,700 4,781,600 1,238,300 544,600 8,297,300 5,000 10,793,600 1,029,740 377,050 6,229,000 445,300 150,500 625,000 358,860 1,000 30,500 898,500 468,400 1,670,200 230,560 20,000 28,599,000 126,000 1,626,600 26,377,000 138,200 261,000 2,000 365,000 7,000 1,609,000 454,700 269,160 182,300 592,000 811,500 35,000 22,111,000 7,654,000

46,111,195 13,359,934 4,126,810 104,310 1,629,150 19,000 172,444,790 189,176 89,038 3,883,940 ( 20,040 2,230,065 14,972,665.50 17,593,335.50 385,370 554,966 637,728 49,859,562 19,406,304 5,873,034 63,482,616 8,750 290,367,970 85,198,803.50 23,660,408 15,763,130 6,039,844 1,525,800 1,061,420 101,981,494 3,460 279,724 22,381,330 6,594,504 31,727,758 88,696,648 3,720 47,497,920 590,500 9,593,871 69,511,660 1,675,618 10,049,645 10,180 506,760 13,120 1,979,130 6,379,640 28,720,968 1,183,834 729,210 140,990,105 93,500 27,621,180 11,419,330

-21,153,980 6,838,144 -64,800 45,086,750 -53,992 521,429.9998) -16,905 -37,875 7,142,342 -5,933,970 1,232,024 21,834,863 97,250,095 133,638 4,157,451.50 531,840 217,394 769,062 -13,975,780 5,056,355 1,197,826 -1,421,660 33,979,036 3,091,330 -2,489,400 6,420,310 -71,610.00 -3,138,005 -4,451,608 -94,687 -7,440 -7,726,038 -6,941,630 -4,110

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 FJ PRINCE A FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.87 54.5 15.24 0.74 6.78 13.38 1.34 1.39 896 3.98 6.61 10.46 14.04 4.49 0.24 920 6.23 67 6.03 5.29 0.5 4.1 15.28 0.65 4.83 0.038 1.21 175.9 952 0.89 1.37 427.2 0.232 0.315

0.97 55.9 15.46 0.74 6.78 14.32 1.41 1.42 899 3.99 6.75 10.52 14.2 4.49 0.249 940 6.3 67 6.24 5.29 0.51 4.14 15.32 0.66 4.83 0.041 1.39 178 975.5 0.89 1.37 440 0.235 0.335

0.87 54.45 15.2 0.72 6.78 13.2 1.34 1.39 894 3.9 6.61 10.26 13.82 4.49 0.24 919 6.23 66.2 6.03 5.29 0.48 4.01 15.22 0.64 4.77 0.038 1.21 175.9 951.5 0.85 1.37 427.2 0.232 0.31

0.93 55 15.32 0.73 6.78 14.3 1.4 1.42 896 3.98 6.7 10.46 14.1 4.49 0.249 940 6.3 67 6.24 5.29 0.49 4.14 15.28 0.66 4.81 0.04 1.39 178 975 0.87 1.37 440 0.235 0.33

138,199,000 1,383,150 5,658,200 2,710,000 1,500 231,000 13,208,000 841,000 421,470 13,068,000 1,812,300 3,328,600 222,600 19,000 1,010,000 61,660 489,000 992,920 300 100 140,000 890,000 2,320,700 2,635,000 15,722,000 36,900,000 5,845,000 66,330 258,740 150,000 51,000 50 630,000 72,550,000

128,214,270 76,073,147.50 86,924,846 1,973,020 10,170 3,214,332 18,250,360 1,177,600 377,950,080 51,556,500 12,115,321 34,554,428 3,126,034 85,310 242,490 57,831,975 3,048,010 66,358,382.5 23 1,830 529 68,415 3,648,110 35,426,918 1,712,500 75,577,270 1,457,600 7,897,070 11,735,206 251,469,690 127,750 69,870 21,744 146,220 23,313,650

33,950,170 21,167,691 -43,417,202 -167,208 -67,984,005 2,110,380 4,524,551 -9,284,478 -61,368 32,936,090 -2,830,940 ,608,075.9996 -1,495,020 7,210,224 99,000 18,765,270 -66,500 -465,944 177,980,235 -1,590,650

PROPERTY 8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND 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 PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP

15.52 0.85 10.58 0.85 50.65 2.32 4.8 6.15 0.6 0.81 0.93 0.24 0.45 9.75 25 0.48 0.125 1.98 1.31 6.03 0.35 0.465 1.83 0.405 2.12 26.05 2.12 2.99

15.7 0.85 11 0.88 50.9 2.34 4.85 6.25 0.6 0.82 0.93 0.24 0.475 9.9 25.25 0.48 0.125 1.99 1.38 6.13 0.355 0.465 1.92 0.405 2.15 26.45 2.12 2.99

15.5 0.84 10.58 0.85 50.45 2.31 4.8 6.1 0.58 0.79 0.93 0.237 0.445 9.7 24.65 0.47 0.125 1.87 1.31 6.03 0.345 0.465 1.83 0.4 2.09 26.05 2.1 2.97

15.66 0.85 11 0.86 50.6 2.31 4.8 6.1 0.6 0.82 0.93 0.237 0.46 9.7 24.8 0.47 0.125 1.89 1.38 6.1 0.345 0.465 1.91 0.4 2.13 26.45 2.11 2.97

2,277,500 373,000 7,200 2,141,000 10,739,880 250,000 627,000 34,200 8,882,000 878,000 18,000 3,150,000 4,070,000 471,100 652,600 2,540,000 500,000 139,139,000 5,064,000 11,467,500 25,850,000 50,000 9,683,000 2,340,000 730,000 1,492,300 213,000 149,000

35,314,184 313,930 77,032 1,850,670 543,645,252 578,350 3,012,520 208,823 5,241,190 707,240 16,740 746,770 1,867,200 4,577,431 16,265,140 1,198,500 62,500 269,398,670 6,856,460 69,677,069 9,029,050 23,250 18,221,150 946,100 1,542,370 39,370,530 448,500 444,110

-1,068,786 -25,200 -43,500 -7,758,878 -60,120 -189,823 -182,900 2,050 1,558,484 4,439,545 -977,500 -75,534,560 448,160 4,365,629 379,700.00 -2,333,980 -132,200 20,442,800 -393,470 2,980

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

37.8 1.93 6.5 0.75 7.08

38.15 1.99 6.5 0.76 7.13

37.8 1.89 6.31 0.75 7.05

37.9 1.91 6.4 0.76 7.13

20,349,200 1,078,000 93,400 40,000 3,854,800

771,548,620(34 2,081,450 598,623 30,330 27,409,315

2,352,744.9995) -7,418,712

SERVICES 2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPM HLDG 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

11.12 17.1 1.38 0.48 0.043 20.8 2.72 11.28 0.055 89 7.22 8.11 5.85 10.28 2,240 5.39 407 2.25 1.8 144.8 6 6.91 3.04 14.9 4.16 0.81 19.3 0.53 3.15 2.58 1.68 1.55 2.5 3.07 9.2 5.68 9.19 136 3.6 1,280 0.79 0.83 44.3 75.8 9.27 3.6 0.74 0.4 5.22 0.75 17.42

11.18 17.24 1.43 0.48 0.045 20.8 2.77 11.44 0.056 92 7.22 8.3 6.35 10.3 2,280 5.4 407 2.25 1.8 147 6 6.91 3.2 14.9 4.19 0.82 19.3 0.54 3.2 2.59 1.68 1.55 2.54 3.1 9.35 5.69 9.19 137 3.72 1,304 0.8 0.84 45 75.8 9.36 3.64 0.76 0.405 5.33 0.8 17.5

11.12 17.08 1.35 0.47 0.043 20.65 2.7 11.2 0.054 88.9 6.99 8.1 5.85 10.14 2,240 5.38 392.6 2.18 1.8 144.4 6 6.7 3.04 14 4.13 0.8 19.04 0.52 3.15 2.53 1.6 1.55 2.41 3.06 9.15 5.22 9.19 136 3.55 1,280 0.78 0.82 44.3 73 9.26 3.51 0.74 0.385 5.19 0.74 16.9

11.18 17.24 1.43 0.48 0.045 20.65 2.77 11.3 0.055 91.2 6.99 8.29 6.35 10.18 2,280 5.39 407 2.19 1.8 146.9 6 6.75 3.2 14.26 4.15 0.82 19.28 0.53 3.2 2.55 1.6 1.55 2.53 3.1 9.35 5.54 9.19 136 3.64 1,303 0.78 0.83 44.35 73.7 9.29 3.59 0.74 0.395 5.3 0.77 17

21,700 94,800 64,000 1,860,000 1,500,000 10,600 437,000 5,493,300 59,960,000 265,510 600 2,655,600 200 54,100 64,360 164,600 2,640 3,079,000 21,000 1,492,130 100 10,551,100 7,000 2,200 378,000 409,000 1,680,300 362,000 29,000 2,211,000 20,000 30,000 2,163,000 71,000 28,900 773,200 800 2,850 3,620,000 118,600 1,346,000 11,214,000 577,000 777,680 113,600 6,053,000 4,831,000 10,650,000 4,013,400 9,520,000 2,666,400

241,850 1,627,366 86,700 885,250 66,200 220,265 1,188,890 61,989,334 3,297,870 24,189,042 4,217 21,841,169 1 1,220 551,798 145,992,440 887,343 1,074,176 6,799,630 37,800 218,336,993 600 71,427,071 22,020 31,066 1,569,820 332,260 32,346,620 191,940 92,700 5,652,700 32,240 46,500 5,341,720 217,520 267,715 4,377,015 7,352 388,130 13,205,800 153,915,470 1,055,750 9,239,060 25,616,100 57,241,015.5 ( 1,056,329 21,605,570 3,586,020 4,177,650 21,028,876 7,335,590 45,848,120

1,112 -47,500 -15,764,154 55,000 -6,115,357.50 ,801,537.0001 25,594,470 124,260 69,537,123 -5,889,432 18,354,740 -57,110 20,310 -48,970 11,960 3,967,376 252,130 366,750 32,862,075 -309,260 1,681,000 -13,930,600 15,957,353.5) 5,698,560 1,923,020 19,750 -13,657,579 2,370 -1,030,320

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

0.002 1.24 2.69 12.38 2.81 0.285 7.97 1.49 0.229 0.117 0.121 0.008 1.03 2.29 1.02 0.55 0.9 0.012 0.012 0.011 4.69 3.63 7.71 22.75 0.007

0.002 1.27 2.79 12.38 2.85 0.285 7.97 1.5 0.229 0.119 0.129 0.008 1.03 2.31 1.02 0.55 0.9 0.012 0.012 0.011 4.98 3.63 7.86 23.15 0.007

0.002 1.23 2.65 12.38 2.78 0.285 7.66 1.48 0.22 0.113 0.121 0.008 1.02 2.21 0.99 0.54 0.87 0.012 0.011 0.01 4.59 3.56 7.68 22.65 0.006

0.002 1.23 2.79 12.38 2.84 0.285 7.69 1.5 0.228 0.119 0.129 0.008 1.03 2.24 0.99 0.55 0.88 0.012 0.012 0.011 4.8 3.57 7.71 22.8 0.007

9,000,000 1,994,000 116,000 200 813,000 20,000 60,100 792,000 200,000 2,970,000 350,000 8,000,000 181,000 1,862,000 17,000 175,000 322,000 4,700,000 23,900,000 12,500,000 379,000 1,471,000 468,800 4,439,500 17,000,000

16,900 2,483,190 308,810 2,476 2,282,280 5,700 467,114 1,182,560 44,620 340,050 43,540 62,600 185,980 4,197,060 16,890 95,190 284,740 56,400 286,700 131,300 1,800,630 5,272,950 3,629,923 101,225,055 110,500

-1,637,040 -244,660 74,500 77,000 -883,930 27,540 -30,000 -24,000 656,610 117,590 -11,835,565 -

PREFERRED ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B ALCO PREF C DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

17.2 487 99 100 99.9 105.1 480 5.4 900 925 95 102.3 998 1,000 1,005 106.8 963 76 72 73.25 73.75 73

17.2 492 99 100 99.95 105.1 495 5.4 900 925 96.9 102.3 998 1,000 1,008 106.8 963 76 72 73.5 73.75 73

17.2 487 99 100 99.9 105.1 480 5.4 900 900 94 102.3 998 1,000 1,005 103.1 963 76 72 73.25 73.75 72

17.2 492 99 100 99.95 105.1 495 5.4 900 900 96.9 102.3 998 1,000 1,008 103.1 963 76 72 73.5 73.75 72

500 60 90 25,000 860 20 4,050 10,000,000 40 310 3,480 10 200 1,000 190 50 150,000 1,000 1,000,000 1,860 1,500 775,420

8,600 29,270 8,910 2,500,000 85,920 2,102 2,004,450 54,000,000 36,000 281,760 327,635 1,023 199,600 1,000,000 191,310 5,229 144,450,000 76,000 72,000,000 136,585 110,625 56,593,614.50

11,994 -54,000,000 -199,600 -

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.94

1.94

1.91

1.91

131,000

250,900

-

SME ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.88 1.07

4.91 1.11

4.86 1.07

4.88 1.09

300,000 6,148,000

1,463,280 6,745,660

395,200

NAME

MS EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

119.9

120.5

119.4

120.5

4,570

548,547

-1,219

DDS USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.2 10.1 1

10.2 10.1 1

10.2 10.1 0.99

10.2 10.1 0.99

5,310 4,990 99,780

54,162 50,399 99,779.20

50,399 -

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

11,117,037

INDUSTRIAL

218,750,873

HOLDING FIRMS

323,664,735

PROPERTY

259,271,461

SERVICES

161,625,218

MINING & OIL

91,758,193

GRAND TOTAL

1,072,643,380

VALUE 1,738.57 (down) -0.31 797,365,363.98 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,873.82 (up) 33.71 3,083,810,224.95 HOLDING FIRMS 7,725.34 (up) 92.83 1,520,150,615.73 PROPERTY 4,302.79 (up) 0.04 SERVICES 1,717.06 (up) 9.21 1,836,274,441.53 MINING & OIL 7,527.47 (down) -55.11 1,032,906,897.228 PSEI 8,057.64 (up) 44.07 124,550,566.312 All Shares Index 4,924.31 (up) 26.8 8,403,827,231.16 Gainers: 115; Losers: 86; Unchanged: 48; Total: 249

GERI expects net income to increase this year to P1.4b

By Jenniffer B. Austria GLOBAL-ESTATE Resorts Inc. (GERI), the leisure and tourism subsidiary of Megaworld Corp., expects to double its rental and hotel income this year to P1.4 billion from P651 million in 2018 as it continues to roll out more projects across township developments.

GERI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday the main contributors to the company’s growth in rental income would come from office developments in Southwoods, Alabang, as well as from the new rental properties set to be launched this year.

“We expect another banner year for GERI as we see both leasing and hotel income to be the major drivers of our growth. Our residential sales remain strong, as we also expect new launches of residential properties in Twin Lakes and Boracay Newcoast this year,” said GERI president Monica Salomon.

GERI this year expects to open around 10,000 square meters of leasable spaces, which include Alabang West Parade, a retail strip in the 62-hectare Alabang West township in Las Piñas City; the Holland Park Retail in Southwoods City, Laguna; Savoy Hotel Boracay retail area in Boracay Newcoast; and a land lease in Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal.

Salomon said GERI was also expected to quadruple its income from the hotel business due to the opening of three new towers in Boracay Newcoast under the Megaworld Hotels brand, and the full-year income of the newly-opened Twin Lakes Hotel in Laurel, Batangas.

GERI in 2018 opened the 126-room Twin Lakes Hotel inside its 1,200-hectare tourism estate in Laurel, Batangas. It also opened in 2017 its first hotel in Boracay Newcoast, the Savoy Hotel Boracay, which offers 559 rooms and suites.

“Through our hotel developments, we hope to contribute to the growth of the country’s booming tourism sector, especially in key tourism destinations like Boracay and Tagaytay. Aside from just hotel rooms, we are also providing facilities for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) in these areas,” Salomon said.

Anchor Land to spend P35b for expansion NICHE property developer Anchor Land Holdings Inc. has earmarked P35 billion in capital expenditures from 2019 to 2021 to fund six new residential and leasing projects.

Anchor Land vice president and chief executive Steven Li said in an interview following the annual stockholders’ meeting Thursday the company had lined up two residential, two new logistics and two logistics tower for launching this year.

Funding for the planned capital spending will come from internally generated funds and bank loans.

The two residential projects are Opus Tower and Cornell Parksuites, which are both located in Binondo Manila.

Li said the company remained aggressive with its residential launches amid a strong demand and the low interest rate environment that augured well with residential buyers.

Anchor Land is developing two logistics towers, both in Binondo, which will cater to the entrepreneurs in the area.

Two new office projects, one in Binondo and another one in Aseana Parañaque City, are also slated for unveiling this year.

With these projects in the pipeline, Li expects leasing revenues to hit P2 billion by 2022 from P604 million in 2018. By 2022, rental income will account for 20 percent of the company’s total profit.

From the current 89,000 square meters of rental space, Anchor Land aims build 273,000 sq. m. of rental space by 2021 from the planned office, hotels and logistics projects.

Two hotel projects, one in Boracay and the other one in Coron, Palawan, are in the drawing board for launching this year.

“I think we have achieved what we have planned which is diversify from being a residential residential to hotel resorts, commercial developments and logistics. These are the four pillars that we want to concentrate on,” Li said.

Anchor Land has eight ongoing projects, including Peaklane 202, is the company’s first project in Davao. It is a two-tower residential development near Ateneo de Davao University and Marco Polo Davao. Jenniffer B. Austria

World WAITING. A Kashmiri boatman waits for customers in the Dal lake in Srinagar on June 26, 2019. AFP

B3

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Aussie student and tour guide feared detained in North Korea SYDNEY-Australia said it was “urgently seeking clarification” Thursday on the fate of a 29-year-old tour guide and student feared detained in North Korea.

Alek Sigley-who speaks fluent Korean and is one of only a handful of Western students living in Pyongyang―is believed to have been detained sometime in the last three days.

In a statement, Sigley’s family said there was no confirmation yet that he had been arrested.

“The situation is that Alek has not been in digital contact with friends and family since Tuesday morning Australian time, which is unusual for him,” the statement said.

Sigley, from Perth in Western Australia, had been studying Korean literature at Kim Il Sung University since 2018, while running a company specializing in tours of North Korea.

He married a Japanese woman in a ceremony in Pyongyang last year.

Sigley has written various blog posts and articles about everyday life in Pyongyang―focusing on everything from the city’s dining scene to North Korean app reviews and steering well clear of sensitive political issues.

His friend Crispin Rovere described

him as “the nicest guy on Earth” and said that he was “only ever interested in sharing North Korea’s culture with the world and improving people-topeople connections.”

Canberra said it was “urgently seeking clarification” on a man “who has been reported as being detained in North Korea.”

News of Sigley’s disappearance came just hours before Prime Minister Scott Morrison was to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan.

Trump―who will go on to South Korea amid rumors of renewed talks with the North-had been intimately involved in the case of Otto Warmbier, a University of Virginia student who was imprisoned during a tour of the authoritarian state after being accused of taking down a propaganda poster.

Doctors said he suffered severe brain damage while in detention, fell into a coma and died days after arriving back in the United States in June 2017. He was 22.

Australia has no diplomatic mission of its own in Pyongyang and is represented in North Korea by the Swedish embassy. AFP

Hong kong tycoon drops $117 m for luxury home

Heatwave intensifies in Europe B

HONG KONG―The 22-year-old son of a business tycoon has dropped US$117 million on a luxury home in Hong Kong, the latest purchase to highlight the huge wealth gap in a city currently rocked by political protests.

The crammed financial hub regularly tops various rankings of cities with the least affordable housing in the world, with even the cheapest apartments far out of the reach of most regular workers.

Rising inequality and a shortage of housing has helped fuel anti-government protests, the latest manifestation in a series of huge youth-led demonstrations earlier this month demanding the withdrawal of a bill that would allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland.

Matthew Cheung Siu-woon spent HK$916m on the 8,674-square-foot (806-square-meter) house, which was listed on the market in May and completed on Tuesday, according to a Land Registry document seen by AFP. Located on The Peak on Hong Kong island, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city, the six-story house includes a swimming pool, garden, rooftop and private lift, according to a sales brochure.

Local media identified Siu as the 22-year-old CEO of an education company under his family’s holdings and investment company, Cheung & Sons, a conglomerate involved in real estate, agribusiness, education and construction.

The company did not respond to AFP’s request for information about the purchase.

Its website lists a Matthew Cheung Siu-woon on its senior management team and says he started a company teaching Mandarin at the age of 19 while studying at a London university.

Hong Kong is a city of stark contrasts where impoverished elderly people can be seen collecting cardboard to recycle on streets that boast one of the highest ratio of billionaires in the world.

A recent report by real estate firm CBRE ranked Hong Kong as the most expensive residential city, with an average price of US$2,091 per square foot.

It listed the average property price in Hong Kong as US$1.2 million― far above second-placed Singapore at $874,372.

A September report by UBS said a “skilled worker” needed 22 years of income to afford a 60 square meter (645 square feet) flat, up from 12 years a decade ago, with salaries staying largely the same since 2008.

But the ultra wealthy have seen their fortunes continue to grow.

According to Knight Frank’s global wealth report, the number of billionaires in Hong Kong has grown from 40 in 2013 to 64 last year.

The most expensive property in the city currently on sale is a four bedroom mansion listed by Christies that carries a HK$448 million (US$57 million) asking price. AFP

The stifling heat has prompted traffic restrictions in France, sparked forest fires in Spain and fanned debate in Germany over public nudity as sweltering residents stripped off.

Meteorologists blame a blast of hot air from northern Africa for the heat this week, which has already set new records in Europe for June.

Exceptional for arriving so early in summer, the heatwave will on Thursday and Friday likely send thermometers above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in France, Spain and Greece.

In Spain, hundreds of firefighters and soldiers, backed by water-dropping aircraft, battled on Wednesday to put out a wind-fueled forest fire that erupted in

ERLIN―Europe’s record-breaking heatwave was forecast to intensify Thursday, with authorities on alert as temperatures threaten to surpass 40 degrees Celsius in some regions.

Torre del Espanol in the northeastern region of Catalonia.

The worst is expected Friday when 33 of the 50 Spanish provinces face extreme temperatures, which could reach 44 degrees in Girona.

“Hell is coming,” one Spanish TV weather presenter tweeted Wednesday.

In France, temperatures “unprecedented” for their timing and intensity―since 1947 when detailed surveys started―were expected to reach at least 39 degrees over two-thirds of the country, said weather service MeteoFrance.

Health official Jerome Saloman said the impact of the extreme heat was starting to be felt in France, with an increase in weather-related calls to emer-

gency medical services.

Some schools are expected to close Thursday and Friday, while several cities―including Paris and Lyon― restricted traffic to limit a build-up of air pollution.

French authorities were taking no chances after the August 2003 heatwave was blamed for 15,000 deaths in the country, with television and radio broadcasts issuing warnings.

In Greece, where around 100 people died in last year’s deadly fires at the Mati coastal resort, hospitals and officials were on red alert with temperatures of around 45 degrees nationwide.

Scientists warn that global warming linked to human fossil fuel use could make such scorchers more frequent.

“Global temperatures are increasing due to climate change,” said Len Shaffrey, professor of climate science at the University of Reading.

“The global rise in temperatures

means the probability that an extreme heatwave will occur is also increasing.”

But French wine makers said the hot weather was more than welcome as it could produce a superior vintage.

“Two of three days of heatwave in Bordeaux at this time, it’s magic!”

Philippe Bardet, head of the Bordeaux Wine Council, told AFP. Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius would help burn off any of the mildew caused by residual damp, which is “very, very good for quality”, Bardet said.

The 70-year-old record for the highest temperature recorded for June was beaten in Germany as 38.6 degrees Celsius was recorded in Brandenburg, the German Weather Service (DWD) confirmed Wednesday.

Meanwhile, police in Brandenburg cautioned a naked man for driving his moped wearing only his helmet and sandals. AFP

Zuckerberg says US govt inaction allowed the spread of fake news

PREMIERE. Jessica Vill attends the Premiere Of Sony Pictures' ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home, at TCL Chinese Theater on June 26, 2019, in Hollywood, California. AFP

SAN FRANCISCO―Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg said Wednesday a lack of action by US authorities on fake political content on the platform after the 2016 US election helped pave the way for a subsequent avalanche of online disinformation.

The CEO―who has himself been widely criticized for a lackluster response to fake news―also called on governments to further regulate private data, political advertising and step up efforts to prevent state actors from interfering in US elections.

“As a private company we don’t have the tools to make the Russian government stop... our government is the one that has the tools to apply pressure to Russia,” he said during an on-stage interview at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado.

“After 2016 when the government didn’t take any kind of counter action, the signal that was sent to the world was

that ‘ok we’re open for business’, countries can try to do this stuff... fundamentally there isn’t going to be a major recourse from the American government.”

Zuckerberg also said the leading social network is struggling to find ways to deal with “deepfake” videos which have the potential to deceive and manipulate users on a massive scale.

The comments come amid growing concern over deepfakes―which are altered by using artificial intelligence to appear genuine―being used to manipulate elections or potentially spark unrest.

Earlier this month, Facebook’s Instagram network decided not to take down a fake video of Zuckerberg himself, saying the CEO would not get special treatment.

Online platforms have been walking a fine line, working to root out misinformation and manipulation efforts while keeping open to free speech. AFP

Taiwan braces for pro-China fake news deluge as elections loom TAIPEI―With a presidential election looming Taiwan is bracing for a deluge of fake news and disinformation―much of it emanating from China and aimed at making sure Beijing’s preferred party wins the day, analysts say.

Torrential rain did little to put off tens of thousands of people rallying in Taipei last Sunday against what they have dubbed the “red media”.

The term is used to describe both legitimate news outlets and more opaque online sources that flood the democratic island with either pro-China coverage or outright disinformation.

“I don’t want to see ‘red forces’ invading Taiwan to control the media

and manipulate what people think, to fool the public,” Alan Chang, a 30-year-old businessman attending the rally, told AFP. Taiwan goes to the polls in January and the contest is set to be dominated by relations with China.

The island has been a self-ruled de facto nation in charge of its own affairs and borders for the last 70 years.

But Beijing maintains Taiwan is part of its territory and has never given up its threat to retake it, by force if necessary.

It has stopped communication with the government of President Tsai Ingwen, who is seeking a second term, because she refuses to acknowledge

the island is part of “one China”, while ramping up military drills and poaching Taiwan’s dwindling diplomatic allies.

Tsai’s main challenger is the Kuomintang, which favors much warmer ties with the Chinese mainland and is the party Beijing wants to see back in power.

“The stakes for the 2020 elections are high, as they will determine Taiwan’s future direction,” J Michael Cole, a Taipei-based expert at the University of Nottingham’s Taiwan Studies Program, told AFP, adding fake news was already at “alarming levels”.

“So [Beijing] will intensify its influence operations―including fake newsto increase the odds that someone other

than Tsai is elected,” he added.

One particularly egregious example that sparked criticism of the government was a widely shared, but patently false, report that China rescued Taiwanese tourists stranded in a Japanese airport during a typhoon.

Last week Tsai’s office also asked police to investigate false claims on social media that her government had given US$32 million to finance huge antigovernment rallies in Hong Kong.

Hu Yuan-hui, head of the Fact Checking Center in Taipei, said the viral nature of disinformation is aided by many Taiwanese people using Chinese social media and messaging services. AFP

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

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FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

UMak hits 80% passing rate in nursing boards THE University of Makati posted an 80.65 percent passing rate in the recent Nurse Licensure Examination after 25 out of 31 examinees from its College of Allied Health Studies (COAHS) passed, the city government announced Thursday.

Mayor Abigail Binay said she was proud of the latest achievement of the city-run university, which she regarded as “a validation of the city’s strong commitment to educational excellence.”

“I am proud to note that aside from an impressive overall passing rate that is way above the national rate, all 24 firsttime board takers succeeded,” she said.

The Professional Regulation Commission has reported that 5,059 out of 9,691 examinees nationwide passed the said board exam, or a 52.2 percent passing rate.

The city chief executive also encouraged the new nurses to apply at the Ospital ng Makati (OsMak) where they can hone their skills and, at the same time, be of service to city residents.

Based on a list provided by the COAHS Center of Nursing at UMak, the 25 newly-licensed nurses include Lenneth Jane Abundo, Crismarfel Adame, Khim Dorothy Alcarde, Mary Rose Amper, Licca May Andrada (Cum Laude), Fate Carmela Baselio, Aimah Cabugatan, Raven Catipay, Emmylisa Cato, Cathyrine Ceria (Cum Laude).

Completing the list are Gwendolene Yzavelle Cruz, Grace Eria, Maria Leorita Escala, Raul Escasinas, Jr., Ara Regine Bianca Festin, Jammy Ann La Compte, Jemima Keshia Laynesa, Kishie Ann Mabbagu, Jasmine Maqui, Melissa Jane Murao, April Joy Presto, Maria Genina Siriban, Patricia Ann Villanueva, Anne Bernadette Macalindong, and Junna Lee Plant.

Successful examinees are advised to register online from July 3 and 12 on the PRC website for the issuance of their professional identification card and certificate of registration.

Joel E. Zurbano

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

The Chinli Eatery in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, registered under a certain Timoteo de ver Lajara, is shuttered after the city government ordered it closed along with 17 other restaurants reportedly owned or managed by Chinese citizens on Wednesday. Another 15 restaurants were ordered closed on Thursday for operating without necessary permits and for violating several city ordinances.

More Chinese restos barred

By Joel E. Zurbano

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IFTEEN more establishments owned and operated by Chinese businessmen in Paranaque City were ordered closed for various violations.

City chief business permits and license officer Melanie Soriano-Malaya said the business establishments this time are situated near exclusive subdivisions in Barangay Moonwalk.

Ordered closed were Shangyin Restaurant, operated by James Wong; YY Shabu Shabu and Grill, registered to

Zhao Wie; Sticklove Restaurant, registered under the name of Maria Luisa Timon; Parkson Mart, a convenience store registered to Jackie Chan; LSSA Entrance Food Mart, operated by Carolyn Techeco; and All Things Supermart named to Robert Ong. The six establishments situated in

Multinational Village in Barangay Moonwalk were ordered padlocked for violating city ordinances.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez ordered Malaya to padlock seven more business establishments in Barangay Tambo.

These are Zan Cuo Restaurant, registered to Rex Sangga Dadezon; Ja Borja Restaurant; Aimai Minimart, owned by Jessica Frias; Golden Spring Restaurant, registered to Wilbert Ong; Tming’s Guilin Noodle House, registered to Sadie Wright; Nava Restaurant; and Mountain Fire BBQ Restaurant, owned by Regine Umipig.

BARMM eyes Wi-Fi for 1,000 schools, LGUs

By Nash B. Maulana

NavoHimlayan crematorium inaugurated

By Jun David

THE City Government of Navotas has inaugurated the NavoHimlayan crematorium, columbarium and funeral chapel in line with the celebration of its 12th cityhood anniversary.

Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo, together with city and barangay officials, led the ceremony at the Navotas City Cemetery.

Tiangco said instead of free burial services, the city will now offer free cremation for deceased Navoteño indigents.

Navoteños who can afford the services of NavoHimlayan may lease a columbarium niche for 25 years.

The city columbarium currently has 3,632 niches and can accommodate up to 19,000 urns.

“The NavoHimlayan is the fulfillment of our city government’s promise that we will take care of our people from womb to tomb,” he said.

Tiangco, who has served Navotas for nine years as mayor, has been elected district representative.

Two more Chinese-only establishments in Barangay Baclaran with incomplete requirements from the city government were closed—All Things Supermart owned by Robert Ong and Tengmeng Mini Mart, a food commissary, owned by Lelybeth Buitizon.

“This will be a citywide crackdown against erring foreign-owned restaurants and stores. Promise, no ningas kugon,” said Olivarez, reminding them that foreign nationals cannot work in the city without the necessary permits and this includes blue collar jobs that our countrymen can do themselves.

Cagayan Gov. Manuel N. Mamba (left) leads the cutting of the ribbon during the inauguration of the Visitors Pavillion in Gattaran, Cagayan, with Archbishop Sergio L. Utleg (center), Provincial Administrator Rodolfo Alvarado, consultant Ignacio Taruc, and department heads during the weeklong celebration of the Aggao Nac Cagayan. Jessica M. Bacud/CPIO

Mamba: ‘Aggao Nac Cagayan’ fest marks triumph

By Jessica M. Bacud TUGUEGARAO CITY—This year’s Aggao Nac Cagayan celebration commemorates the 436th founding anniversary of the civil government of Cagayan and the “astonishing victory” of Cagayanos.

Its theme, “Agkaykaysa Cagayano Panalo” manifests the economic, social, cultural and political victories of the province, Governor Manuel N.

Mamba said.

“Considering our locales rich resources, natural charms of our local culture, colorful heritage, diligent people and dynamic talents we have the potential to become one of the bustling provinces in the country,” Mamba said.

“Our focus now is ‘Cagayan Looking Northward’ eyes for a reconnection with the Asian countries like China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan as a lee-way to lift up Cagayan in the international in-

vestment and market,” he added.

“We will open the gates for progress and development, bringing in more investors in the province and continuing our development agenda, especially in the countryside,” Mamba stressed.

The governor noted that the city of Manila “is only 12 years older than our province; Cagayan now on its 436 years is still left behind. Since then, Cagayan is a premier province and let us bring it back to be one.”

COTABATO CITY—Schools and local government units of 1,000 barangays in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will benefit first from the government’s Tech-for-Aid Centers program.

The BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government entered into a working agreement on Wednesday with the Department of Information, Communication and Technology and the United Nations Development Programme or the establishment of Tech-for-Aid Centers for BARMM LGUs and school sites.

Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the MILG-BARMM said they were looking at digitalizing 1,000 barangay LGUs, initially in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. Fahad Zahid Sheikh, chief strategist of the Access to Information (A2I) in Bangladesh, said he believed that better access to information improves the Human Development Index of the benefitting communities.

Sheikh’s team met BARMM LGU representatives on Wednesday for a consultation on adopting the A2I Bangladesh concept, as they also serve as the UNDP consultant group for a similar information technology project in Bangsamoro areas.

Villarica to lead mass oathtaking

By Orlan L. Mauricio

PROTECTED TOGETHER. Vaccines work! This was the theme and battlecry of the

DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development Parent’s Forum held at The Lakeshore Hall Taguig, to reiterate to parents, teachers, community representatives and the private sector just how easily preventable certain diseases are with the help of vaccines. Photo shows the ceremonial vaccination of students from Grades 1 and 5, plus senior citizens receiving vaccines against diseases such as measles, HPV, and pneumonia to give them a better ‘health shield.’

MALOLOS CITY—Outgoing Deputy House Speaker Linabelle R. Villarica leads local city and municipal officials of Bulacan in a mass oathtaking ceremony today, to be presided over by Bulacan Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Olivia V. Escubio-Samar at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium.

Villarica, who has completed her three terms as congresswoman of the 4th District of Bulacan and president of the Central Luzon bloc of legislators at the House of Representatives, will take her oath for the first time as city mayor of Meycauayan, the jewelry capital of the country.

Easily the most elegant and best-

dressed political figure in today’s ceremony, Villarica vowed to continue the remarkable growth of Meycauayan’s industrial estates through the dynamic leadership of outgoing City Mayor Atty. Henry R. Villarica, who was elected unopposed to replace his wife as 4th District representative.

Mayor Linabelle told Manila Standard she will prioritize a solution to the flooding and garbage problems of the city and try her best to harness the cooperation of all Meycauayeños to clean up and revive the rivers and waterways of the city to become “the Venice of Bulacan.”

Villarica is one of the seven women mayors in Bulacan who won in the May

Villarica

13 local elections. The others are Mayor Maryann Marcos of Paombong; Mayor Marie Flores of Doña Remedios Trinidad; Mayor Carla Galvez-Tan of San Ildefonso; Mayor Maritz Montejo of Pulilan; Mayor Tess Vistan of Plaridel; and Mayor Joni Villanueva of Bocaue.

Life

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

CULTURE AND MEDIA

@MStandardLIFE FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

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‘The City Who Had Two Navels’ returns to Manila The Philippine Pavilion presented in the 16th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in Venice, Italy returns to the country and will be on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila starting July 2.

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HE Philippine Pavilion presented in the prestigious 16th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in Venice, Italy last year is coming home and will be on view starting July.

Known as “The City Who Had Two Navels,” which drew inspiration from Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s classic novel The Woman Who Had Two Navels published in 1961, our country’s contribution to the exhibition highlighted two “navels”—how colonialism impacts the formation of the built environment and how the process of neoliberalization alters the urban landscape.

Curated by Architect Edson Cabalfin, it featured works by contemporary artist and filmmaker Yason Banal, and selected students from the University of San Carlos’ School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design; University of the Philippines Diliman College of Architecture; University of the Philippines Mindanao Department of Architecture; and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, plus the sole association Technical Assistant Organization Pilipinas, Inc. The participating artists, innovators, and organizations took part in a thinkthank consortium and were commissioned to research on the present state of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao. They tackled the questions posed by the curator: Can we escape the colonization we’ve been through? (1) and Is neoliberalism the new colonization? (2) After months of conceptualization, analysis, and discussion, the team from DLS-CSB, mentored by its roster of sterling faculty, including Environmental Studies Associate Dean Architect Cynthia Funk, Arts Management Program Chairperson Din Din Araneta, Architect H a r ry Serrano, and Architect Walther Ocampo, posited the

query “Can architecture be a vessel to transcend the global colonial presumptions of our nation?”

They came up with a well-documented study and successfully produced “Futures of a Past,” a 3D-printed piece that reflects specific turning points in Philippine history designed as alternate realities. It engaged the viewers in dialogue about the country’s urban condition with theoretical patterns that addressed Filipinos’ relationship with their colonial roots.

In Lusong 2050 narrative, Raja Sulayman defeated the Spaniards at the first battle of Manila, and the sovereign Philippines was born. The trade relationships with other Southeast Asian nations flourished, and the Pasig River became a major thoroughfare. The prevailing Malay and Chinese influences dominated cultural developments, and large cantilevered spaces provided calm public areas and shaded walkways.

In Intramuros 2050, Spain won the Spanish-American War in 1898 and the Philippines returned to Spanish rule.

Heavily influenced by the Catholic Church, Intramuros adopted the urban planning system of walls torn down and city streets in supreme favor of pedestrians. Zoning laws enforced height restrictions with the exception of cathedrals, and these dotted the Baroque architectural style skyline. As a testament of the Church’s impact, a site was destroyed to give way t o a huge monument named The Sky Cathedral.

In Manira 2050, the Axis won the war and the formation of the Japanese South East Asian states ensued. Fully decimated by American artillery and carpet bombings, Manila was ripe for Japan’s experimentation. Thus, the birth of the Japanese Manira, a highly industrialized port city with strategic military and commercial locations, and with Panopticon-like sentries that governed and monitored all the urban activities. Industry became the top priority with rapid rail transit systems, and elevated pedestrian walks.

In Manila 2050, neo-liberalist functionalism became the new dominant architectural paradigm due to mass adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The notion that typology and form are related have been destroyed and the concept of form, dead. The disregard for exterior treatment resulted in pure white facades that served as canvases for the city. The gaming, casino, and entertainment industry transformed Manila into the Las Vegas of Asia and overpopulation welcomed the production of vertical super blocks that formed a new type of tourism: Augmented Reality Tourism. The realities of AR and AI generated a dynamic urban experience tailored to each pedestrian.

The City Who Had Two Navels will open its homecoming exhibition on July 2 at 6:00 p.m. Regular viewing starts on July 3 and will run until October 19, Mondays to Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila. Admission fee is P100 for adults and students and P80 for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals.

Benilde's 'Futures of a Past,' a 3D-printed piece that reflects specific turning points in Philippine history designed as alternate realities.

Art flourishes in combat

By Diana B. Noche MOST people prodded to go see an art exhibit in a museum liken the trip to entering a hallowed place, as inside a church, where there is a bit of somberness and reverent cognizance for the time and effort that an artist had put into his exhibited piece.

And happily, sometimes, under the best of circumstances, people as they get out of a museum, feel warmed by the realization that inanimate objects such as framed work can be resuscitating.

It has been part of the visionary initiatives of the Makati Arts and Cultural Affairs Office (MACAO) to establish a progressive art policy to meet the growing needs for more diverse artistic options. There are many artists—entrenched or still struggling—and knowledgeable curators with excellent credentials who need the boost of commercial sponsors.

When such art angels are reluctant to flap their wings, the Museo ng Makati, still as regal as it was first designed as Makati City’s original municipio during the Spanish times, is the positive venue for artists and lovers of art. Located smack along J.P. Rizal Street, the Museo’s busiest roadway location offers to the common man an unaffected approachability. There are no sentry-like doorman standing by the Museo’s age-old door.

The CCTV cameras are there to provide an assuring feel.

Called “Makati Art Kombat,” the creative fair was a three-day MACAO initiative, seen as a kind of backlash against today’s highly manipulated, computerized art images.

The fair had two main features: the first inter-barangay live art competition open to all Makatizens 18 years old and above, and an exhibit of artworks and various handcrafted art objects by Makati City career artists.

The 18 participants in the live art competition were predominantly young enthusiasts (which also attracted a 46-year-old contestant) thus the resulting images, done in compelling color mixes, with the exception of one black-and-white entry, breathe life’s vitality and motion, a desire to portray and provoke reality as they see it.

“Kombat” was divided into three rounds: the 10 winners of the first round were Diwata Datu Cacdac, Isabel Po,

First prize winner Eumer Comoda's artwork

James Gallardo, Eruel Alvarez, Elvira Eala, Joshua Saromo, Eric Eala, Kevin Ortega, Eumer Comodo, and Sherwin Cairas. The first round had a 30-minute limit to work on the canvas. No pencil draft sketch was allowed.

The second round of two groups were composed of five participants from the 10 round one winners, they worked on an 8x8 canvas with the theme “Makati City 2025: The 349th Araw ng Makati Fast-tracking Progress.” Group 2 won the second round on a time limit of one hour.

The third round of the “Kombat” saw each of this winning group competing against each other. Round three winners were Eumer Comoda, 1st place; Joshua Samoro, 2nd place; and Isabel Po, 3rd place.

All in a night’s work, the budding artists demonstrated a precocious ease and facility that even the most commonplace subjects became significant gushes of entertainment as well as of happy candid escapism.

The paintings rendered during the “Makati Art Kombat” were genuinely arresting, with images opening themselves to easy interpretation so that the artists need not speak a word.

There were no images to jellify the mind. No tonic bites and commentaries on social ills and injustices or conceptual hijinks. Only simple strokes and baths of colors. It was purely a beautiful and convivial night. Our Filipino Masters would be very proud.

Photos by Diana B. Noche

The Women of the World exhibition features portraits of 30 women who worked hard and succeeded in their respective fields.

Exhibit celebrates ‘women of the world’ AS PART of its 30th anniversary celebration, Philippine Wacoal Corporation is staging a five-day interactive exhibit coinciding with the launch of its latest campaign dubbed Wacoal’s Women of the World.

Anchored on the anniversary theme “Uplifting Women for 30 Years,” the exhibition, running from June 26 to 30, features portraits of 30 remarkable women

from different fields, as well as their stories and of hard work and success.

Included in the roster of amazing women are sports broadcaster and enthusiast Dyan Castillejo, renewable energy advocate Ruth Yu Owen, designer Zarah Juan, and visual artist Celeste Lecaroz.

The exhibit aims to embody the intimate apparel company’s persis-

tence in helping women realize their significance and excellence, no matter what lifestyle they have chosen to live and pursue.

“From the products that we offer to the advocacies we promote, our brand guarantees that every single Filipina realizes their beauty and worth,” said Philippine Wacoal Corporation president Ann Christine Palisoc.

Isabel Po's creation takes home the third spot.

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Entertainment

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

First look at Spielberg’s

‘WEST SIDE STORY’

NatGeo bids for world record in new series

In the two-part series, radio DJ KC Montero (left) against race car driver Natasha Chang (center)

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Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ remake shares its first cast photo

HE first look at Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, which is now in production for Twentieth Century Fox, has been revealed.

An adaptation of the original Broadway musical, West Side Story explores young love and tensions between rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks on the streets of 1957 New York.

The cast also includes Ariana DeBose (Anita), Ana Isabelle (Rosalia), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank), Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke), Curtiss Cook (Abe) and Academy Award® winner Rita Moreno, who plays Valentina and also serves as one of the film’s Executive Producers.

West Side Story is produced and di-

rected by Steven Spielberg from a script by Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner. The film has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway musical, which was written by Arthur Laurents with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics

by Stephen Sondheimand concept, direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins.

Tony Award® winner Justin Peck will choreograph the musical numbers in the film. Also leading the production are

Tony Award®-winning producer Kevin McCollum and Academy Award®nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger.

The film’s music team includes renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who will helm the recording of Bernstein’s iconic score; Academy Award®nominated composer and conductor David Newman (Anastasia) who will be arranging the score for the new adaptation; Tony Award®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (Broadway’s Fun Home and Thoroughly Modern Millie), who will be working with the cast on vocals; and Grammy®-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (Beauty and the Beast, Chicago), who will serve as executive music producer for the film.

West Side Story will be released by The Walt Disney Studios in 2020.

Soundtrack of Batch ‘95 THE soundtrack of your youth is typically the era of music you feel best associated to.

Thus, the music that came out first half of 1990s was extra special since it was my high school years in St. James College of Quezon City.

The noise began with Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” bursting into the scene and ushering in the grunge movement. But personally, it was R.E.M’s “Losing My Religion” that first made me feel I was no longer a kid and music started to deeply matter. That campus radio (97.1 WLS FM) and its daily countdown ensured what was popular and hip got covered.

Sometime after Extreme’s “More Than Words” lorded over the airwaves, Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses” ruled the charts for God knows how long. Call it strange but I do treasure forgotten old hits like Acosta Russell’s “Deep In My Soul” and Cinema’s “Strangers Again.”

These are exclusively owned by our time; heard on mainstream radio just within that span.

Most significantly, our stretch saw the royal rule of perhaps the greatest

Pinoy band scene explosion. I was in third year high when I heard a schoolmate hum something called “Pare Ko.” Prior to that, we were at this flag ceremony when somebody mistakenly played Introvoys’ “Will I Survive” instead of “Lupang Hinirang.”

The collective oohs was classic and organic. It was then the cutest song to dedicate to a crush.

Color It Red’s Cooky Chua was likewise the hottest songstress on the strength of “Paglisan” while Teeth’s “Laklak” became instant singalong even if we were too young to drinkserbesa.

Not surprisingly, almost nobody thought Alamid’s “Your Love” was really about God, as I found out myself years later from its composer Dex Facelo whom I got along with while traversing the music scene as journalist.

For us beaming that glow of youth, it

was pure romantic love song, period.

Of course, in those days, most of us boys wanted to be guitarists and it was common to hear somebody play the opening riff to Afterimage’s “TagUlan” or GN’R’s “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”

At a school program before graduation, a cool pool from the batch performed plugged-in White Lion’s “You’re All I Need.” Watching from afar I vowed to play in a band myself. In college, I did do and I am in a musical group to this day.

Those ‘90s hits are dependable allies when being nostalgic about that period in my life.

Last June 1, our batch and others who spent their yesteryears in St. James gathered to bid farewell to our alma mater for the last time. I’d rather not discuss why it closed shops, or in essence, why we are to lose that big memory capsule of our youth. That has nothing to do with the beautiful music to remember.

Our school may be no more. But the songs of our generation remain resounding in us within, melodically keeping us forever connected and young at heart.

Some of us Jamesians high school Batch ‘95 reunited at St. James College (of Quezon City) grounds last June 1 for a final grand alumni homecoming—a music fest poignantly titled ‘Farewell To Thee.’

AUTOMOTIVE reality entertainment series, Record Rides, pits adrenaline junkie and radio DJ, KC Montero, against race car driver Natasha Chang, also known as Chiney Dolly.

The gambit is simple: KC and Natasha aim to write their names into the record books as the fastest ascent of Doi Chang mountain by car. The catch: there will be no rocket ships or supercars: KC and Natasha will need to prove their ingenuity in sourcing and souping up their own speedsters for the showdown on an impossible timeline. Whether or not they end up with their name in the record books, the pair will be breaking new ground - there is no such existing record, and indeed, no similar effort made in an everyday car.

Chiang Mai is the historical capital of the old Lanna Kingdom: home to misty mountains, colorful hill tribes and picturepostcard ancient Thai temples framed by blue skies and lush greenery.

Doi Chang mountain in this Thai province is the location of the showdown.

It will bear witness to feats of ingenuity, of power, control, and of speed, as KC and Natasha hurtle up the slopes in a battle to carve their names in the record books as the fastest ascent of Doi Chang mountain by car.

KC is a car nut with a need for speed and Natasha is no slouch in the driver’s

New, upcoming music acts among headliners at #FetePH25

Where’s Ramona performing at the #FetePH25 Sony Music stage at Pedro Tap House in Poblacion.

ON JUNE 21, Pinoy favorites Unique, Apartel, Ang Bandang Shirley, Dicta License, and Ebe Dancel performed at the A-Venue Main Stage in Makati City. They were joined by electronic music producer and multi-instrumentalist SAË, who flew all the way from Paris to join the Fete-stivities in Manila.

Another eargasmic highlight of the A-Venue Main Stage is the #GlobeFete Production Number led by Francis de Veyra as musical director and Daniel Darwin as creative director.

The multi-genre medley of OPM classics paid tribute to the 25 years of Fete de la Musique in the country as a platform that honors and highlights Filipino artistry.

This featured artists such as Abra, Bituin Escalante, Bayang Barrios, Barbie Almalbis, Cooky Chua, Jensen Gomez, Joey Ayala, Kat Agarrado, Ron Henley, and Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas, among others.

The Fete fun continued on June 22

‘BTS World’ to be released in 176 countries, 14 languages

A MILLION fans of K-pop boy band BTS have signed up to have the singers at their fingertips when a mobile game about them is released this week, according to reports.

BTS World—set to be released in 176 countries in 14 languages—is a role-playing game where the user is the band manager, recruiting and training the musicians and guiding the group in their quest for stardom.

Managers and agents are the driving force behind the K-pop industry, exerting extensive control over their stables of stars, rather than musicians forming bands themselves and working to get spotted.

BTS has developed a global following in recent years, becoming the first K-pop group to top charts in the US and Britain with a string of sold-out shows in Los Angeles, Chicago and London’s Wembley Stadium.

The floppy-haired musicians, whose ages range from 21 to 26 and who often sport earrings and lipstick, appeal to a generation that feels The BTS Army can dress up the K-Pop group in BTS World mobile gaming app

INTERNATIONAL

seat either, bringing her racing experience to the table, but neither will attempt the record ride alone. They will get local help on their quest for the Guinness World Records™ attempt from Phat aka ‘Golf’, an expert of the Chiang Mai racing scene, and his motorhead crew at Phat Garage plus a boost from Caltex with Techron® fuel as they race up the mountain and into the record books.

“National Geographic has always believed in adventure, exploration and pushing boundaries. With Record Rides, we are pleased to be a part of this attempt at a new world record,” says Con Apostolopoulos, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific & Middle East, National Geographic Partners.

“As a leading visual storyteller, National Geographic’s programming pillars of exploration, education, and science resonate well with the Caltex brand. Hence, we are proud to partner with the channel to create Record Rides for our viewers and motorists in Asia,” says Brian Fisher, Caltex Brand Manager.

Record Rides premiered on June 23.

The concluding part airs on June 30, 8:00 p.m., in South East Asia and Hong Kong on National Geographic (Skycable Ch. 41 / Cignal Ch. 141 / Cable Link Ch. 62 / GSAT Ch. 55).

at the Greenbelt Main Stage and in 52 pocket stages happening all at the same time all over Makati City. From rock ’n roll and jazz to blues and funk and many more music genres, there was music for everyone.

The Greenbelt Main Stage featured Dayaw, Pinkmen, CRWN x August Wahh, Todo Pasa, She’s Only Sixteen, The Ransom Collective, Project Yazz x Skarlet Brown, Hernandez Brothers x Quest, Ciudad, Autotelic, and Urbandub.

Also on June 22, acts like Kithara, Kremesoda, Dionela,Ace Banzuelo,Alex Bruce, Nathan & Mercury, Syd Hartha, The Vowels They Orbit, Bea Lorenzo, Where’s Ramona, and Frio enlivened the Sony Music stage at Pedro Tap House in Poblacion.

For the full lineup of performances and to know more about this year’s exciting celebration of music, download the FetePH mobile App or visit www. facebook.com/FetePH.

comfortable with the idea of fluid gender identity.

Their hit single “Boy With Luv” broke the YouTube record for the most views in 24 hours, with 74.6 million hits when it was released in April.

BTS World includes exclusive photos and videos of BTS and video calls with the band members.

Using another mode within the game, a player can select a BTS member to go back to his childhood and a life away from the stage - perhaps even as a strawberry farmer.

BTS—or Bangtan Sonyeondan, which translates as Bulletproof Boy Scouts—maintain close relationships with their fans, flooding social media with selfies, videos, and tweets in Korean and English.

Their popularity has translated into billions of dollars in profits for their company, Big Hit, which is even collaborating with Barbie maker Mattel for BTS dolls.

South Korean performers such as Psy—whose 2012 hit “Gangnam Style” became the first video to top a billion views on YouTube—have previously broken into Western markets, but none have achieved BTS’ sustained success. AFP

Motoring

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

C3

Sedans top choice among millennials — survey

Honda Cars Product Planning Adviser Koki Hattori-san HCPI President- GM Noriyuki Takakura take the wraps off Honda’s latest offering.

Honda BR-V refreshed:

Proudly Philippine made Text and photos by Lester Dizon

H

ONDA Cars Philippines, Inc unveiled the new and refreshed Honda BR-V compact sport utility vehicle on June 25, 2019 at the Grand Ballroom of the City of Dreams Hotel in Paranaque City.

Before unveiling the vehicle, HCPI President and General Manager Noriyuki Takakura said more than 14,500 BR-Vs have been sold since its introduction at the 6th Philippine International Motor Show in September 2016, with numerous Philippine awards to boot, such as the 2017 People’s Choice Award for the Subcompact SUV of the Year and 2017 Best Compact Crossover for Two Wheel-Drive.

Because of the overwhelming demand, HCPI decided to produce the BR-V here in the Philippines as part of the company’s commitment to help the Philippine automotive industry. The locally-made Honda BR-V is available in two variants—the 1.5 S and the 1.5 V—both with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology continuously variable transmissions (CVT).

HCPI President and GM Noriyuki Takakura stands proud with the new Honda BR-V. Honda’s Product Planning Adviser Koki Hattori explained that the new Honda BR-V revolves around the grand concept of “Enhanced SUV Image” with its masculine and premium look. He pointed to the new, more

muscular chrome front grille and new front bumper, halogen headlights and fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rail, and newly-designed rear bumpers as the focal points of these new design concepts. The 1.5 V CVT variant further enhances the masculine and premium look of the BR-V with its new LED daytime running lights, power folding door mirrors with integrated turn signal lamps, and shark fin antenna.

Hattori-san continued to showcase the interior of the new Honda BR-V, which remains spacious and comfortable. The new Dark Steel decoration adds first-class cabin refinement while 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display infotainment system and reverse camera is now standard to improve driving and parking ease. The 1.5 V CVT’s infotainment system is further enhanced with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while a new stylish leather interior, red leather accents on the door panel armrest, red stickers on steering wheel and shift knob differentiate its cabin.

Powered by the same tried-and-tested 1.5-liter i-VTEC single overhead cam (SOHC) inline 4-cylinder that churns out 120 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 New-

ton-meter of torque at 4,600 rpm, the new Honda BR-V promises to deliver a smooth, refined and fuel-efficient drive. Its Eco Assist System, which consists of the ECON mode and EcoCoaching ambient light, is designed to promote driving efficiency. The 1.5 V CVT variant comes with Smart Entry with push start system and paddle shifters. Both variants feature Honda’s G-force Control (G-CON) collision safety body, driver and front passenger SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), speed-sensing auto door locks, and ISO-FIX anchors. The new Honda BR-V was awarded a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating in the Adult Occupancy Protection (AOP) category.

Hattori-san added that the new BR-V will be available in six exciting colors— Taffeta White (1.5 S CVT only), Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Premium Amber Metallic (now also available for 1.5 S CVT), Platinum White Pearl (1.5 V CVT only) and Passion Red Pearl (1.5 V CVT only). HCPI Sales Division Head Louie Soriano announced that the new BR-V will be available at all the thirty-eight (38) Honda Cars dealerships across the country starting June 26, 2019 and the suggested retail prices (SRP) are P1,035,000 for the new Honda BR-V 1.5 S CVT and P1,155,000 for the new BR-V 1.5 V CVT. He invited everyone to visit the nearest Honda Cars dealership to view the enhanced masculine and premium look of the new, refreshed and proudly Philippine-made Honda BR-V.

YOKOHAMA—Nissan is doubling down on sedans with a growing global lineup of all-new models as research shows the segment retains strong appeal—especially for younger buyers.

Among drivers who don’t own a sedan, 75% would consider buying one now or in the future, according to a recent Nissan survey of car owners and would-be buyers around the world. For millennials, the number rises to eight in 10.1 Nissan is introducing a series of new sedan models globally that cater to these potential customers. Sixty years after launching the Skyline, the company is continuing to reinvent sedans with bold new designs, the latest advanced safety technologies, and fuel-efficient powertrains.

“Our newest sedans speak directly to the needs of buyers, particularly young people who may be looking to buy their first car,” said Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s corporate vice president of global product strategy and planning. “As some of our competitors walk away from sedans, we’re seizing the opportunity.”

Last year, Nissan introduced the allnew Altima, a global model that sports lower, wider and more athletic proportions. The sixth generation of the popular model is the first sedan to offer Nissan’s ProPILOT driver assistance system, known in the U.S. as ProPILOT Assist.

It’s also available with VC-Turbo, the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine—representing a breakthrough in combining power and high efficiency.

In April this year, the all-new Nissan Sylphy sedan debuted at Auto Shanghai 2019 with a new and more fuel-efficient powertrain, a wider stance, improved aerodynamics, seamless connectivity features and a full suite of active safety technologies.

ProPILOT 2.0, the next generation of Nissan’s driver assistance system, will also debut on a sedan—the new Skyline, which goes on sale in Japan this fall.

“Nissan cars are offering customers more advanced features than ever,” said Espinosa. “In the months and years to come, Nissan sedan drivers will enjoy more autonomous technologies, more advanced and electrified powertrains, and more connectivity.”

A look at sedan drivers today Nissan surveyed car owners and nonowners around the world, between the ages of 18 and 65, and found: Nissan commissioned Edelman Intelligence, an independent market research firm, to survey 11,000 car drivers across Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand, UAE and the U.S. (1,000 per market).

The survey focused on understanding customers and their mindset as it relates to sedan automobiles. The survey sample included sedan owners (50%), sedan considerers (minimum 10%), and sedan rejecters (minimum 10%). Respondents were aged 18-65 and own, or jointly own/ lease, a car. This 10-minute online survey was conducted between Sept. 17 and Oct. 15, 2018, except for Malaysia, Thailand and UAE which were surveyed between April 30 and May 09 2019.

A top choice: 75% of drivers who don’t own a sedan would consider buying one now or in the future.

Choice of younger generations: Eight in 10 millennials who don’t own a sedan (80%) would consider buying one now or in the future. The same is true for Generation Z: nearly seven in 10 (68%) would consider a sedan as their next car.

Driven by passionate explorers: Sedan drivers care about more than the daily commute. Seventy-one percent said they’re passionate about travel and adventure, and 62% said their passions lie in exploring nature and the outdoors.

Adored by owners: Forty-two percent of sedan drivers believe their car has its own personality. More than a quarter (31%) admitted talking to their car or even naming it (31%).

‘Eight in 10 millennials would consider buying a sedan now or in the near future.’

BPI Family revs up partnership with new auto brand BPI FAMILY Savings Bank in partnership with Maxus Philippines, treated select BPI and BFSB Preferred clients to an exclusive preview of the global vehicle brand and its flagship model—the Maxus G10—ahead of its media launch. Invited BPI and BFSB clients were the first in the country to test drive and explore the features and amenities of the 9-seater Maxus G10. BFSB and Maxus also offered exclusive deals to clients who availed of a BPI Family Auto Loan for the Maxus G10.

The exclusive event for BPI and BFSB clients was led by (photo, from left) General Manager of Maxus Philippines Reginald See, KTM Philippines President and COO Dino Santos, President of Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. Felipe Estrella, South Metro Manila Division Head Olga Ang, BPI Family Savings Bank Retail Lending Group Head Dennis Fronda, BPI Family Auto Loan Division Head Maki Panizales, and Marketing Director of AC Motors Franz Decloedt.

New chrome grille augments the BR-V’s masculine and premium look.

Road safety app: Borne out of a mission Text and photo by Lester Dizon FILIPINO balikbayan (returning resident) and entrepreneur Debbie Anne Macariola-St. John is a woman on a mission. She wants to prevent deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents, or at the very least, minimize these incidents by warning the drivers and the pedestrians ahead of time. She paints a grim picture of road safety in the city.

“Anybody who ventures out into the streets can be a potential target. As pedestrians, we can be hit by motorists, causing us severe injuries. Many pedestrians have figured in accidents that

have resulted in terrible disabilities, unimaginable injuries, and countless loss of lives,” she warned. Indeed, statistics show that over 34 Filipinos die due to road accidents everyday. In Metro Manila alone, collisions average more than 200 incidents daily. Macariola-St. John likens a Philippine drivers’ license as a license to brandish a deadly weapon— the automobile.

With such grim statistics, everybody hopes for the day when pedestrian rights are prioritized and pedestrians are no longer threatened as “moving targets“.

Macariola-St. John believes that road safety can be guaranteed for every road user, be it pedestrian or motorist. Thus,

Debbie Anne Macariola-St. John, President and CEO of Djanco Information Technology Solutions

she left her home in the Bay Area in the United States and chose the Philippines as the pilot market of CROXTEC, which is pronounced as “cross tech.’’

This pedestrian safety app is the flagship product of her technology ventures company, Djanco Information Technology Solutions, and she’s on a mission to make this app a game changer.

Digital EWD CROXTEC is envisioned to help stem and stop the rising number of road fatalities by providing an alert system to its users and providing an early warning alert to both driver and pedestrian if there is an impending danger. It is meant to help users become more mindful of the vehicles and pedestrians in the immediate vicinity. Once you sign in as a user, CROXTEC immediately identifies

you as either a motorist or pedestrian and sends you alerts on whether you are in the Safe Zone, Caution Zone, or Unsafe Zone. CROXTEC is a free downloadable app available on Google play for Android phones. The catch is that it needs data for it to work effectively.

Macariola-St. John envisions CROXTEC to drive the Philippines, which has some of the busiest streets, thoroughfares and highways in Asia, into a future where the roads are safer for pedestrians and motorists every day. She is driven to push her company to create digital products and applications that will enhance smart city living and promote a more organized and safer urban environment.

She hopes to spread CROXTEC’s application around Asia, and then the rest of the world in the foreseeable future.

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4 FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

AFTER-SALES AUTO SERVICE

Satisfaction dips as wait time increases

P

RIMARILY driven by challenges in the service centre, overall customer satisfaction among vehicle owners in the Philippines decreases to 803 (on a 1,000-point scale) in 2019 from 812 in 2018, according to the J.D. Power 2019 Philippines Customer Service Index (CSI) StudySM. The study finds that customer wait times have increased compared with 2018. More than one-third (35%) of customers experience wait times of more than 30 minutes to handover their vehicle for service, an increase of 11 percentage points from 2018. Satisfaction among these customers is lower than those who experienced a shorter hand-over time (787 vs. 812, respectively).

“This situation is not new to the industry, the time spent by customers to dropoff a vehicle for service is a key contributor towards their overall satisfaction,” said Sigfred M. Doloroso, Country Manager for the Philippines, J.D. Power. “However, this is an issue that can be mitigated through the effi-

cient use of a proper appointment system. Dealers need to actively encourage the scheduling of appointments and ensure they consistently deliver not only a more personalised service to after-sales customers but also a faster turnaround from drop-off to pick-up.”

Findings from the study also show that the service process is slower, with 69% customers indicating that service took three hours or more to finish, an increase of 11 percentage points from 2018. Furthermore, 72% of customers indicate that paperwork completion took more than 10 minutes during the vehicle pick-up. Customers who spent more than 10 minutes doing paperwork are less satisfied than those who experienced a faster paperwork process (793

TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID

vs. 831, respectively).

Following are additional key findings of the 2019 study: Encourage appointment setting: Nearly three-fourths (73%) of customers scheduled an appointment for their vehicle service, which is 10 percentage points lower than in 2018. Customer satisfaction is higher when customers make an appointment vs. when they do not (807 vs. 793, respectively). Nearly two-thirds (62%) of customers indicate a preference in making appointments over the phone.

Promote quick/ express service: Only 39% of customers were offered the option of an express service, a drop of 16 percentage points from 2018. Notably, among customers who made service appointments, satisfaction is 23 points higher when they were offered express service than when they weren’t (820 vs.

797, respectively).

Keeping customers in the know from the start: More than half (59%) of customers were informed of the time needed for service during drop-off, a decline of 13 percentage points from 2018. Satisfaction is 31 points higher when customers are informed earlier, compared

to when informed later (815 vs. 784, respectively).

Study Rankings Mazda ranks highest, with an overall score of 824. Mazda performs particularly well in four of the five factors: service initiation; service facility; vehicle pickup; and service quality. Nissan ranks second with a score of 814 and Hyundai ranks third with a score of 811.

The J.D. Power 2019 Philippines Customer Service Index (CSI) StudySM measures customer satisfaction with the servicing and vehicle-return process.

The study is based on responses from 2,384 new-vehicle owners who pur-

chased their vehicle between January 2016 and April 2018 and took their vehicle for service to an authorized dealer or service center between January 2018 and April 2019.

Now in its 19th year, the study measures overall satisfaction among vehicle owners who visited an authorized service center for maintenance or repair work during the first 12 to 36 months of ownership based on five factors (in order of importance): service quality (28%); service initiation (20%); service facility (20%); vehicle pick-up (17%); and service advisor (16%). Overall satisfaction for the industry is 803 points.

the 71-horsepower 163-Newton-meter electric motor for propulsion as long the batteries are sufficiently charged. Once the battery power is low, the 95-horsepower 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder gasoline engine will automatically start. At low speeds, the engine will just charge the batteries but at faster paces, it will also be used to propel the car. At high speeds, the electric motor and the gas engine combine to give the car 121 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, which may not look like much, but given the seamless manner with which the engine engages plus the torque of the electric motor and the smooth CVT shifts, the Prius feels quick enough to pass most cars on the road.

Regenerative braking charges the batteries when you let off the gas or step on the brakes.

Family Fastback Our Prius Hybrid test drive unit is a 2016 model and is bolder and more daring than its predecessors. It rides on the Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform that extensively uses

lighter high-strength steel while the suspension includes a double wishbone rear end that replaced the old torsion-beam setup. These features improve the Prius’ handling and ride comfort, and increase the interior space to fit five occupants comfortably.

The view through the rear hatch, with the lower window, is excellent.

The cabin features a futuristic design with glossy white surfaces that may look like bathroom fixture to some. The seats are covered in perforated leather-like material with the front seats amply bolstered and the rear seat back featuring a 40:20:40 split to allow different shapes and sizes of luggage or cargo to be loaded at the back. Our Prius featured a proximity key with push-button start, cruise control, a clear display infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a reverse camera, and JBL speakers.

Primus inter pares.

Appropriately named, the Prius is first among its e quals.

Indulging my inner environmentalist

By Lester Dizon HERE’S a fun fact: “Prius” is a Latin word meaning “first,” “original,” “superior” or “to go before,” which is quite apt because the Toyota Motor Corpora tion was the “first” major car manufacturer to offer a mass-production hybrid electric vehicle.

The “original” body style of the first-generation Toyota Prius (NHW10), which was introduced in 1997, was a 4-door sedan, while the succeeding generations – XW20 (2003-2009), XW30 (2009-2015) and XW40 (2015-present)—were all produced with a 5-door liftback body style. It also uses an all-electric scroll compressor for the climate control system, which is another industry “first.”

The Prius showed its “superior” side when it won the Car of the Year Japan award twice in 1997 and 2009, the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference Car of the Year award in 1998, and the Consumer Reports’ “Best Value” award in 2013. Sold in over 90 markets around the globe, the Prius is the world’s

top-selling hybrid with more than 4 million units sold since its debut. It is also rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) as among the cleanest vehicles sold in America and as the second most fuel-efficient gasolinepowered car without plug-in capability.

Despite these many firsts and numerous awards, why is this HEV not generally well-accepted by the Filipino motoring public? We borrowed a current model Prius XW40 from Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) to find out why.

High prices, unfounded myths The slow sales of the Prius can be blamed on two factors—high prices and unsubstantiated myths. In the Philippines, the high price of the Prius is caused by high tariff and custom duties imposed on it and the lack of government incentives to own and operate an HEV with ultra low emission ratings. At P2.2 Million, the Prius is simply priced beyond the range of most compact sedan buyers. Pundits will

Under the hood is a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine.

argue that it’s better to buy a gasoline- or diesel-powered compact sedan or SUV between P1.2M and P1.5M, and use the difference to buy fuel for the next four to five years.

Because of taxes and lack of government incentives, the Prius is too expensive for most Filipinos.

Then, there are those unbelievable housewives’ tales: The supposed electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by the electricity traveling between the hybrid’s battery array at the back and the electric motor at the front can cause a pacemaker to short out, killing the person wearing the heartbeat-assistance device; supposedly, occupants can be electrocuted when the car passes through flood waters; and there’s no mechanic who can repair an HEV if it stalls on Philippine roads. Of course, all of these myths have been debunked, especially with more than 4 million Toyota Prius owners worldwide… with no pacemaker outages or electrocuted passengers reported.

Some police forces around the world even uses the Prius as patrol cars.

Driving the Prius Driving a Toyota Prius Hybrid is just like driving any other compact sedan.

The only difference is that the Prius uses its electric motor for low speed operation so it’s really, really quiet. So much so, that you’ll find yourself checking if the ignition is on… uh, if the car is ready to go. The small shifter is like a big toggle switch that electronically shifts the continuously variable transmission (CVT) from neutral (N) to drive (D) or reverse (R). Park (P) is engaged by pushing a button and is automatically disengaged when you shift from N to D or R. There are three optional user-selectable driving modes—Normal mode for ordinary driving operation, Eco mode for best fuel efficiency, and Power mode for better performance.

In traffic and city speeds, the Prius uses

Abundant space in the cargo bay.