Manila Standard - 2019 June 29 - Saturday

Rody: Impeach me, I jail you

By Nat Mariano, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

Ombudsman pulls out graft, usurpation case against Noynoy

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to jail critics if they try to impeach him, as he faces accusations of defending Beijing after a boat crash in the disputed South China Sea.

Story on A3 After a string of small street protests, as well as criticism from opposition politicians and former officials, President Duterte lashed out while talking to reporters late Thursday.

“You will impeach me? I will deliver you all to jail. You try that. You want me not only to violate the Constitution,” Duterte told reporters.

“I tell these stupid people, I said I deal with reality,” he added.

Critics had raised the spectre of impeachment after Duterte, responding to the sinking controversy, said he allowed Chinese fishermen in Philippine waters because “we’re friends.”

Still, the President is confident that an impeachment case against him will not prosper in Congress, Malacañang said Friday, saying the Chief Executive’s actions are “constitutionally feasible.”

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo pointed out that Duterte had a supermajority of allies in Congress.

“How can a President be scared of an impeachment? An impeachment is a numbers

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 135 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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WB lends $300m to boost PH fund for 4Ps handout THE World Bank said Friday it has approved a $300 million (about P15.381 billion) loan to provide additional funding for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a conditional cash transfer program that benefits 4.2-million poor families.

“This additional financing shows the World Bank’s continuing commitment to the country’s social protection program as it grows with greater sophistication to tackle a broader array of development concerns, including child malnutrition,” Mara Warwick, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, said in a statement.

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PASIGLAHIN ANG PASIG. Algae, are simple, nonflowering, and typically aquatic plants of a large group that includes the seaweeds and many single-celled forms, and containing chlorophyll but lacking true stems, roots, leaves, and vascular tissue, have turned the water color of the Pasig River to dark green. Lino Santos

China’s ‘friendly’ warning: Explore oil in WPS and court trouble

By Nat Mariano, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

ble” over oil exploration in the West Philippine Sea was “more of a friendly advice than a threat.”

Insisting that Manila and Beijing MALACAÑANG said Friday Chi- are “friends,” Presidential Spokesnese President Xi Jinping’s warning person Salvador Panelo said Xi was to President Rodrigo Duterte of “trou- simply giving suggestions to Duterte

to avoid tensions in the resourcefilled waters.

“You know, when you’re friends and you give some suggestions, you are not dictating,” Panelo said, adding that the Chinese leader “personally admires our President.”

In other developments: • The Office of the Solicitor General has asked the Supreme Court to keep Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio from participating in a case involving a writ of protection for the Next page

‘Piñol not corrupt, just talkative’

By Nat Mariano AGRICULTURE Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Friday he will continue to do his duties in the department as President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to finalize his reassignment to the Mindanao Development Authority.

In a statement early Friday, Piñol, who submitted his courtesy resignation

Thursday night, said he will soldier on despite his alleged poor performance during the evaluation and assessment of Cabinet members.

“I am a soldier of the President and I believe that a warrior does not choose the battlefields or the battle. It is not the size of the battlefield or the odds that matters but it is how you fight to win Next page

Conscience vote for Speaker urged

By Rio N. Araja

SCARY SCENARIO. Soldiers walk past the body of a man slumped beside a tricycle following an armed attack in front of the temporary headquarters of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat team in Jolo on Friday. Five people including three soldiers died in the attack, with nine others wounded. AFP

Blast rocks military camp in Sulu; 5 dead, 9 injured ZAMBOANGA CITY—Five people including three soldiers were killed and nine other people were wounded in an explosion near a military camp in Tanjung in Indanan, Sulu on Friday afternoon, an official said.

The military was clearly the target

of the explosion, according to Lt. Col. Arvin John Encinas, the new spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command.

He could not say what kind of explosive was used, but government troops were still conducting clearing opera-

Crocs once a peaceful lot, vegans

tions in the area.

The attack was on a special Army counter-terrorism unit, military spokesmen and witnesses told Agence FrancePresse. The army deployed the unit to Indanan four weeks ago.

LEYTE Rep.-elect Martin Romualdez on Friday welcomed the stance of President Rodrigo Duterte not to endorse any candidate for the speakership in the upcoming 18th Congress.

“From the President’s latest announcement, we get the impression that he values more the independence of the House of the Representatives and the congressmen’s right to elect their own leaders,” Romualdez, a contender

BIRTHDAY BASH. House Speaker candidate and Leyte 1st District Rep.-elect Martin Romualdez (right) shares amenities with former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo during the latter’s birthday celebration at the Next page La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City. Ver Noveno

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Donkey cheese: Serbia’s wonder good

NEW YORK—Crocodiles are sometimes described as living fossils for their close resemblance to their forebears who roamed the Earth during the age of the dinosaurs.

But if you happened to find yourself a time machine

ZASAVICA, Serbia— White, dense and rich in flavor, Serbia’s one-of-akind donkey cheese is not only tasty but good for your health, says maker Slobodan Simic.

There’s only one catch—at 1,000 euros ($1,130) a kilo, it may well be the most expensive cheese in the world.

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Maynilad to refund every Las Piñas household P2.5k

By Rio N. Araja

THE Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System on Friday imposed financial penalties against West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Service Inc. for its failure to provide round-the-clock services to its customers in Las Piñas City.

“Maynilad has been ordered by the MWSS Board of Trustees to rebate to consumers that were severely affected in the identified area the amount of P2,500 per water service connection/household,” MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Ty said in a statement.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DA bans meat from N. Korea, too

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE Agriculture department has imposed another ban on imported swine, swine products, pork and pork products from North Korea―a few days after it banned swine products from Laos.

The Philippines does not import any Department ordered the ban as soon as pork products from Pyongyang, but the it received official communication from

WB...

From A1 The new funding will finance cash transfers to poor families for a period of two years as well as help combat malnutrition and promote early childhood development.

It will also provide technical assistance to the Philippine government to help strengthen implementation and impact, including more efficient payment systems, monitoring and evaluation, and family development sessions.

The 4Ps provides cash grants to poor families to ensure that children stay healthy and in school, thus reducing school dropout rates, discouraging child labor, and enabling them to break free from poverty in adulthood.

Pregnant mothers receiving grants are required to get pre- and postnatal checks to help ensure safe motherhood. Parents attend “family development sessions” where they strengthen their knowledge of child care and are empowered to demand better and expanded social services from the government.

The World Bank has been supporting 4Ps over the last decade. In 2016, the World Bank approved $450 million in funding to help finance the health and education grants for conditional cash transfer beneficiaries from 2016 to 2019, covering about 7 percent of the total cost of the program’s implementation.

Warwick said since 2008, the 4Ps has promoted safer birth deliveries and has improved poor children’s access to educational and health services.

“We are proud to support programs such as this that help millions of families overcome poverty,” she said.

Implemented in 145 cities and 1,483 municipalities in the country, the 4Ps is responsible for a quarter of total poverty reduction, according to the World Bank 2018 Poverty Assessment. Julito G. Rada and Othel V. Campos

Maynilad...

From A1

In other developments: • To help ease the water shortage in Metro Manila, House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is asking the National Water Regulatory Board and the Local Water Utilities Administration to start implementing short-term measures.

The former president made the appeal after LWUA Administrator Jeci Lapuz informed Arroyo that the level of Angat Dam continued to dip further.

• The southwest monsoon or “habagat” is bringing ”on-and-off” moderate to heavy rainfall of 30 to 100 mm across Luzon and Visayas until Saturday afternoon, the Weather Philippines website said Friday.

The rainfall will be felt in Metro Manila and in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Corregidor Island, Rizal, Quezon, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Maricaban Island, Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Calamian Island Group, Cabulauan Island Group, Quiniluban Island Group, Cagayancillo, Kalayaan Island Group, Romblon, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras and Negros Occidental, the website said.

Ty said Maynilad’s failure to provide 24/7 water services violated its service and obligations under the concession agreement with the agency as resolved by its board of trustees.

Crocs...

From A1 that sent you back to the Mesozoic Era, not all the crocs you’d come across would size you up as a tasty meal.

That’s according to a new study published in Cell Press on Thursday that fed high-res scans of 146 teeth from 16 extinct species into a computer model and determined that, unlike their modern progeny who renowned for their ferocity, some early crocodyliforms were an altogether more peaceful lot.

“What’s really fascinating about this is

the World Animal Health Organization confirming the reports of an outbreak of African Swine Fever.

The outbreak was traced from Buksang farm based on the report of the Central veterinary station of the Ministry of Agriculture and Veterinary Research Institute.

The Philippines’ Agriculture department upheld the importance of keeping

the local swine and hog industry safe by preventing the entry of the ASF virus.

The ban covers the importation of domestic and wild pigs and their products, including pork meat, pig skin and semen.

All swine and swine products from banned countries will be confiscated and held by veterinary quarantine officials as ordered by the Agriculture department.

Palace: Sara ‘most qualified’ to continue Du30 legacy

By Nat Mariano DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is the most qualified to continue the “legacy” of her father as president in 2022, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the presidential daughter had her father’s “intellect and political will.” “[It’s] Sara. They have the same character. They are both competent,” Panelo told reporters.

“If there was a [Gloria Macapaga] Arroyo and [a Diosdado] Macapa-

Rody:...

From A1 game. We have a supermajority in Congress. It might not even pass the committee on justice,” Panelo said.

Panelo said Duterte was “incensed” because his critics cannot understand or see that what he is doing is for the good of the country.

“The guy puts his life at stake yet some don’t appreciate him, that’s why he’s annoyed,” Panelo said.

In his speech after the oathtaking of Senator-elect Christopher Go on Thursday evening, the President threatened to jail those who would seek to impeach him.

“Try. I am challenging you to do it.

You really want me to force my hand?

Okay. Son of a b****, fine, file it. You’ll see where you’ll land,” Duterte added.

The issue has flared up since a Chinese fishing trawler hit and sank a Filipino boat on June 9 near Reed Bank, an area that is within the country’s exclusive economic zone but which is also claimed by Beijing.

Duterte has tried to downplay the case, calling it an “accident” and accepting Beijing’s offer to conduct a joint investigation.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and several other lawmakers said Duterte may be impeached for allowing Chinese fishermen to exploit the resources within the Philippines’ EEZ, which are reserved for Filipinos.

But Malacañang said this did not amount to an impeachable offense and dared critics to file a complaint against Duterte.

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday dismissed Duterte’s threat to jail those who would impeach him.

“We know he won’t do it,” Lacson said.

The problem of the President, he said,

China’s...

From A1 marine environment in the West Philippine Sea. The high court is set to hear oral arguments on a petition seeking the issuance of a writ of kalikasan for Scarborough Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, and Panganiban Reef on July 2.

Filed by Palawan and Zambales fishermen, the petition accuses the government of neglecting its duty of enforcing Philip-

Blast...

From A1 Friday’s blast blew the roof off the sentry gate of the military camp and blackened its concrete walls, according to photographs of the aftermath of the attack on local television.

“It was a bomb and a firefight,” army spokesman Colonel Ramon Zagala told AFP earlier. a lot of these teeth are unlike anything we see today,” Keegan Melstrom, a doctoral student at the University of Utah who conducted the research along with his supervisor Randall Irmis, told AFP. To determine what tooth complexity reveals about diet, Melstrom relied on previous work on heterodonty in mammals, and his own earlier findings about teeth differences in reptiles.

“Some were similar to living crocodylians and were primarily carnivorous, others were omnivores, and still others likely specialized in plants,” he said, adding that they lived on different continents and at different times.

Conscience vote...

From A1 in the race to be Speaker, said.

“All of us seeking the speakership post consider it a great privilege to be named the President’s choice. His endorsement would have sealed the victory of any candidate. Members of Congress give premium value to his endorsement for they all want a Speaker who will serve as a working partner of the President in our common quest to improve our people’s lives,” he said.

The President earlier urged ex-President and outgoing Speaker Gloria Arroyo to handpick her successor so he could avoid hurting the feelings of his allies, but she declined to do so.

“Now that the President has spoken, I appeal to my fellow aspirants for speakership to take the lead from the President and allow congressmen to vote in accordance with their conscience,” he said.

“Let not party affiliation be the basis of voting for Speaker. Better that we have a multi-party coalition which is geared toward a swift approval of the President’s legislative agenda. A unified Congress, after all, is what the President needs to help him realize his vision of stability and growth for our country,” he added.

Outgoing House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez on Friday said talk of term sharing for the position of Speaker would only be counterproductive.

“That won’t be good for the House,” he said in an ANC television interview.

“One work needs [continuity], no stalling. What happens if one has a new leader, there would be new committee chairmanships depending on who the allies of the speaker are,” he said.

Ex-House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez also rejected the term-sharing speakership.

“That’s foolishness,” he said.

gal, with a President father, and there was a [Benigno] Noynoy [Aquino III] and [Corazon] Cory [Aquino], I think there’s a Sara to Duterte.”

Panelo said the possibility that DuterteCarpio would run for the presidency in the next presidential elections depended on her and the people’s clamor.

“She gave herself a deadline for next year, right? Then, let’s wait... It still depends. The father doesn’t want [her to run], but if people want her to run, she might rise to the challenge. She has the intellectual wherewithal and the politi-

cal will,” Panelo said.

Asked if he would convince the presidential daughter to run just like what he did to the patriarch, Panelo said: “She doesn’t need convincing, people will make her run, I think, just like the father.”

Panelo made the remarks a day after Vice President Leni Robredo hinted the possibility of running for the country’s top post.

For Panelo, the vice president, unlike Duterte-Carpio who would win “overwhelmingly” if the presidential elections were held today, would have “no chance” of getting the top post.

would be if one third of the members of the House of Represenatives―the number needed to transmit an impeachment complaint to the Senate—feel more challenged than afraid of his threat.

He said the bigger problem would be if 16 senators or one third of the Senate, sitting as the jury in an impeachment trial, would find him guilty.

But all these are hypothetical scenarios, he said, adding that as it stands, any complaint based on Duterte’s media statements would not even get past the justice committee for lack of form and substance.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto also played down the President’s threat, saying he did not take it seriously.

He also pointed out that the President has a supermajority in the House, so any impeachment complaint is doomed to fail.

But Senator Richard Gordon said Duterte may be impeached if he agreed with China to allow its fishermen to trawl within the Philippines’ economic exclusive zone.

Gordon said this amounts to violation of the Constitution, but this must be proven first.

He pointed out that Duterte’s agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping for each side to continue fishing in the disputed areas was personal. “Our foreign policy can’t rely on personal friendship,” Gordon said.

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio also said there is overwhelming evidence to file an impeachment complaint against the Preesident for his failure to secure the Philippine territory.

Interviewed over ANC’s “Headstart” television program, however, Tinio acknowledged that such a complaint would not prosper in the 18th Congress because of the supermajority he enjoys.

Also on Friday, the wife of the cap-

tain of the ship that was sunk by a Chinese vessel on June 9 said she supported the impeachment of the President after he said he would not stop the Chinese from fishing in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Lanie Insigne said she was irked to hear the President’s defending Chinese poachers who intrude into Philippine waters.

“It seems like the Philippines has no rights there,” she said in Filipino, referring to the Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea. “He’s just obeying the Chinese. I was irked when I saw him on TV, and I thought, it would be better if he is impeached.”

Opposition politicians allege that violates a provision of the Philippine constitution mandating the government to protect its marine wealth, including its exclusive economic zone, “and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.”

Duterte enjoys firm popular backing but his setting aside of the standoff with China over the resource-rich waterway is criticized as weakness by some in the Philippines.

Duterte enjoys sky-high public popularity in the Philippines despite international disapproval of key policy measures, like his narcotics crackdown that has killed thousands.

His allies will hold the majority in the upcoming session of the legislature, which would be the authority in impeachment proceedings against any Philippine official.

However, segments of the public and press question whether Duterte’s pivot toward China has brought too little in hoped-for investment and infringed too much on the nation’s sovereignty.

China claims most of the waterway, through which billions in trade passes annually, and has rejected a 2016 international tribunal ruling that its claim was without basis in law. With AFP

pine environmental laws in those waters.

• The Palace on Friday said the landmark 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration serves as a “bargaining leverage” for Manila.

“We have a bargaining leverage. If we didn’t have that arbitral ruling, we can’t say, ‘What is the basis of your presence here?’

It’s not useless. The only problem now is the enforcement of the ruling,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

• The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. said the ramming incident that sank

a Filipino fishing boat off the Recto Bank last June 9 was no big deal for China.

“I think such was a big incident for the Philippines but not for China. Businessmen out there, I don’t think it is. They do not know anything about this,” said federation president Henry Bon Liong.

“It’s not a big issue for the Chinese press,” he added.

• In a radio interview, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said investments from China in the Philippines grew 20 times after President Duterte took a friendlier approach to Beijing.

the battle,” Piñol wrote in his Facebook account.

“Until such time, the President decides on where to field me to wage another battle. I will continue my advocacies and work in the Department of Agriculture.”

Speaking to reporters, Duterte said he was satisfied with the performance of the Agriculture department amid the controversies surrounding it.

“Yes, [I’m happy with his performance],” said Duterte. “Corruption, none.

It’s not corruption. He’s just talkative.”

Duterte said he was considering Piñol as the new head of MinDA, replacing the late Datu Abul Khayr Dangcal Alonto who died last month.

But he has to discuss Piñol’s reassignment with Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief Al Hajj Ebrahim Murad and other Bangsamoro officials.

“I cannot see anybody on the horizon except Piñol, who grew up in Mindanao. He’s a farmer and [a former] governor. That MinDA position is a Cabinet position,” Duterte said.

“I told him to go there and help me.

Get them started, hurry up, hurry them up, so that they will have a first regular organized government that they have long wished for... The problem is I have yet to see Murad and all officials of the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”

In his resignation letter, Piñol requested to have a one-month transition period for an “orderly turnover of all projects and programs” to his successor. He also said he would be ready to assume a new post by the start of August this year.

“This attack is meant to disrupt the intensified security operations and our operational tempo following series of recent operational gains in the area,” Zagala later said in a statement.

An AFP reporter on the scene saw a blood-soaked man slumped beside a motor tricycle on a street also stained with blood in front of the temporary headquarters of the army’s 1,500-member First Brigade Combat Team.

The authorities said they were not rul-

ing out the involvement of Abu Sayyaf militants in the noontime attack on the island of Jolo, a stronghold of the Islamic State-linked rebel group.

“We’re not discounting the possibility that it’s the handiwork of Abu Sayyaf Group,” regional military spokesman Major Arvin Arcinas told reporters after the attack on the unit’s temporary headquarters.

The Philippines has renewed its campaign against the militants on Jolo this

year after at least one suspected suicide bomber attacked the island’s Roman Catholic cathedral, killing 21 people.

Jolo and other remote areas of the southern Philippines are home to numerous armed groups including the Abu Sayyaf, which is notorious for kidnappings and bombings.

The militants, who demand large ransoms and have beheaded several hostages, have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. AFP

While some of these species probably looked a lot like modern-day alligators or crocodiles, others were smaller, lived entirely on land unlike their semiaquatic descendants, and had legs beneath their bodies.

“And I kind of think of these ones as a hairless, armored dog or cat,” he told AFP. What remains a mystery, however, is what evolutionary pressures led to crocodyliforms having plant-dominated diets, and why they disappeared.

Melstrom initially believed an absence of mammals led them toward herbivory, but he found that some of the species lived alongside mammals and proto-mammals while others did not. AFP

Donkey...

From A1 Since 2012, Simic and his team of farmers have been milking a herd of more than 200 donkeys who live on a nature reserve northern Serbia called Zasavica.

Their milk has similar properties to breastmilk and is touted by Simic as a cure for a range of ailments, including asthma and bronchitis.

“A human baby can take this milk from the first day, without having it diluted,” he says, calling it a “wonder of nature.”

While a lack of scientific studies

‘Piñol...

From A1

make it difficult to assess its health properties, the milk is high in protein and has been recognised by the UN as a good alternative for those with allergies to cow’s milk.

But “what no one in the world does, and could never make, is the donkey cheese,” Simic says of his flagship product.

Donkey milk has low levels of casein―a type of protein that acts as a binding agent in cheese-making.

But a staff member at Zasavica discovered that portions of donkey milk could be mixed with some from goats in order to craft the crumbly mounds of cheese. AFP

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SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Ombudsman pulls out usurpation case vs. Noy

Wife of slain trader asks DOJ to deny plea of younger brother

By Rey E. Requejo

By Rio N. Araja OMBUDSMAN Samuel Martires has pulled out the graft and usurpation of official functions complaints filed against former President Benigno Aquino III with the Sandiganbayan after finding “no sufficient ground” to indict him.

“And thereafter the same be considered dismissed, without prejudice to the filing of appropriate charges against accused after the conduct of preliminary investigation,” the Office of the Ombudsman said in two-page motion to withdraw information.

“Other reliefs as may be deemed just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.”

In November 2017, then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales accused Aquino of graft and usurpation of authority in connection to the January 2015 Mamasapano massacre that killed 44 elite policemen.

The Ombudsman then alleged Aquino “willfully, unlawfully and feloniously” allowed former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima, then suspended, to take part in the planning of the operation.

The ex-President maintained his innocence, saying the botched anti-terror mission was not his fault, and instead blamed ex-Special Action Force director Getulio Napeñas for disobeying his orders to coordinate with the Philippine Army.

Imee: ‘Awkward’ to lead panel on electoral reforms

By Macon Ramos-Araneta INCOMING Senator Imee Marcos has disclosed that she feels ackward to sit as chairperson of the Senate committee on electoral reforms due to the pending election protest of her brother, former Senator Bongbong Marcos, against Vice President Leni Robredo.

In an interview during her Thanksgiving Party on Thursday night, Marcos told reporters the committee would be hers to lead when the 18th Congress opens in July.

“I feel awkward because my brother has a protest but I think it is important for the country to look again on the elections and system of Smartmatic,” said Marcos.

Bongbong Marcos, who lost to Robredo by around 200,000 votes, filed the protest before the Supreme Court, which acts as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

He repeatedly contested the integrity of the 2016 polls following the alleged violations committed by the Commission on Elections and Smartmatic when the technology provider changed a script in the transparency server in the evening of May 9, 2013.

While Smartmatic stressed that the alteration was merely “cosmetic” and did not have any effect on the election results, Bongbong claimed massive and “blatant” fraud took place, paving the way for administration candidate Robredo to win the vice presidential race.

Imee Marcos said she was being eyed to lead the Senate electoral reforms committee, which was chairdd

by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III during the 17th Congress.

Pimentel will now chair the Senate committee on foreign affairs to be vacated by outgoing Senator Loren Legarda, who was elected congresswoman of Antique province.

The former Ilocos Norte governor also hopes her brother’s electoral protest would be resolved before the 2022 national elections.

Robredo has said her camp already filed a motion before the PET seeking to resolve the protest, but she cannot disclose more information to the public regarding the case.

Sought for her comment on Robredo’s statement that “anything is possible in 2022” when pressed about her presidential plan, Marcos said everybody should focus first on their job before thinking about the next polls.

“There are many things that should be done. We just finished with the election, and yet, we again wanted to be in an election. It is much better that we work first,” Marcos said.

AID TO FISHERMEN. Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong (left), president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, hands a replica check for P250,000 to some of the 22 fishermen whose boat was rammed by a Chinese vessel at Recto Bank last June 9 in a press conference in Quezon City on Friday. The FFCCCI also turned over P1.2 million to the fishermen, led by F/B GenVir owner Felix de la Torre (third from left) to fix their fishing boat. Manny Palmero

Montano’s TPB project yet to liquidate P80m M ORE than a year after actor Cesar Montano resigned as chief operating officer of the Tourism and Promotions Board, the Commission on Audit is hot on his heels for alleged violation of the Procurement Law.

According to the COA, ‘Buhay Carinderia,’ Montano’s P80 million pet project under the TPB, has yet to liquidate its expenses, and was thus deemed funded in violation of Procurement law.

In a 2018 Audit report, state auditors said the TPB paid P80 million to contractor Marylindbert International Inc. without requiring the contractor to submit liquidation and utilization reports with supporting documents, such of official receipts, invoices and other pertinent documents, as proof of expenses paid in the preceding tranche before the release of the next additional tranche.

“Payments were based on the submission of documents/reports

prepared by MII such as Calendar of Events and Media Plan, Program Flow, Forum Content, Exhibit layout and final creatives,” the COA report read. “[In fact], TPB already paid a total of P80.640 million inclusive of VAT as of April 17, 2018 even without prior liquidation of the previous tranches paid as there was no previous stipulation in the MOA (memorandum of agreement) for the submission of liquidation/ utilization reports with supporting documents.”

The COA also questioned TPB’s agreement with MII, as it wondered why the TPB had only required the submission of a Summary of Expenses and Disbursements at the end of the project, and did not require the contractor

PPI at 55: Building better communities THIS year marks the 55th anniversary of the Philippine Press Institute, also known as the national association of newspapers. This milestone serves as a testament to the enduring two-pronged vision of PPI: 1) To defend press freedom; and 2) to promote ethical standards within the ranks of its member-publications.

“We do not only celebrate its longevity but remind ourselves of its relevance and mandate,” said Alfonso Pedroche, outgoing PPI chairmanpresident and retired former editor-in-chief of Pilipino Star Ngayon.

As in previous years, PPI is holding yet another edition of the National Press Forum on July 4 and 5 in Manila, not only in celebration of its founding but, more importantly, to bring together the members in a once-a-year opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion on an issue that matters to the public and all of the Philippine media.

The publishers and editors from the membernewspapers will be joined by guests from the academe, government, embassies, and civil society organizations.

The theme for this year is “Governance, Media, and Democracy: Building Better Communities”, around which the PPI aims to have a discussion that, among others, will highlight the role of media in both local and national affairs as the fourth estate and watchdog.

“Building Better Communities” is the slogan for PPI’s flagship program which is civic journalism.

“We couldn’t stress enough the role of the print media. PPI in fact has been a witness and participant in the evolving media landscapes which also saw the growth of community press since the inception of the organization fifty-five years ago,” said PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino. He also attested that newspapers have survived the tests of time.

Alex Pal, a publisher of a Dumaguete-based community newspaper and PPI vice chairman, said that it is even more challenging for a small paper to sustain its operations despite difficult times.

“The last time they said print was dying, we’re still here, active in our role as catalysts for change and a platform for civic engagement,” he said.

Pal’s weekly newspaper MetroPost is a finalist in this year’s Civic Journalism Community Press Awards.

The PPI Board took note of this year’s conference theme as timely and relevant “as we also try to have an insightful look at a new system of government that has been a subject of discourse for the longest time.”

to provide other necessary supporting documents to establish the existence or completion of the project.

The COA also flagged TPB for failing to deduct five percent of the final ValueAdded Tax or P3.6 million from MII, a clear violation of the the National Internal Revenue Code.

The TPB had envisioned Buhay Carinderia Program as a way to promote carinderia fare across the country.

The COA also expressed alarm over the cost of the Buhay Carinderia Program, as P50 million out of the total P80-million budget was spent on advertisements.

“The contract price for the project of P80.640 million plus VAT, was excessive as compared to other TPB project like the Madrid Fusion Manila 2017 with contract price of P43.417 million only,” COA said.

“The advertisement expenses for [Madrid Fusion Manila] amounted to P2.116 million or 4.87 percent, while Buhay Carenderia’s advertisements amounted to P50.152 million or 62.69 per cent of the total project cost.”

THE Department of Justice has been asked to deny the motion filed by a respondent in the murder of businessman Dominic Sytin seeking for inhibition of the head of the panel of prosecutors handling the case.

Ann Marieta Sytin, wife of slain businessman, opposed the motion of the victim’s younger brother, Dennis Sytin, for inhibition of Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera from hearing the case, saying the respondent’s claim of bias and hostility is “utterly baseless and purely speculative.”

The younger Sytin, Oliver D. Fuentes alias Ryan Rementilla Fuentes, and Edgardo Luib are facing murder and frustrated murder for the killing of Dominic and the wounding of his driver, Efren Espartero Jr. in front of the Light House Hotel inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone last Nov. 28, 2018.

The motion for inhibition filed by Dennis stated that Navera sought to stop him from exercising his right to travel through precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) even when the complaint is undergoing preliminary investigation declaring him “flight risks.”

The motion stated that Dennis cannot be a “flight risk” because he respects the proceedings by voluntarily cooperating with the authorities and even underwent a lie-detector test.

It also said that preventing Dennis from travelling is a violation of his constitutional right to travel and “would be an arrogation of power that the DOJ does not have.”

However, Ann insisted that the application for PHDO is in accordance with the rules issued by the Supreme Court.

She added that it was the Angeles Court, not the panel of prosecutors, that issued the PHDO against Dennis.

The same motion also said the panel of prosecutors chaired by Navera conducted an “irregular and unprocedural preliminary investigation” which has violated his substantive and due process rights.

He said that instead of ordering all respondents to simultaneously file the answer to the murder and frustrated murder complaints, Luib was allowed to file his response much later than them giving an advantage to even respond to their counter-affidavit.

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Opinion

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

Why the Constitution has to be defended FOR three years now, the Constitution has been under relentless attack, and ironically it is the President, whose oath of office commits him to execute and defend it, who is leading the assault.

Here’s Justice Vicente V. Mendoza in his own words.

Among others, the Bill of Rights has been disregarded in the conduct of the war against drugs, in the fight against insurgency, in retaliating against human rights defenders, and in suppressing political dissent by going after opposition figures like Senators Leila De Lima and Antonio Trillanes. The doctrine of separation of powers has been set aside, notably in the ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and in criticism by the President of independent accountability mechanisms like the Commission on Audit and the Commission on Human Rights.

And now, the sacred constitutional cow of our national territory is tossed aside in defense of a failed policy of appeasement with China.

We live in perilous times. Unfolding before us, the constitutional order is being destroyed. In the name of our children who must be saved from shabu, promising to eradicate all corruption and to end an insurgency without addressing its roots, and out of misplaced

EDITORIAL

friendship to and an unfounded fear of war against China, the Constitution is being buried by a lawyer-president aided by fellow lawyers trained in sophistry and not with Socratic wisdom.

Why should we care?

Fortunately for us, retired Supreme Court Justice Vicente V. Mendoza delivered last Tuesday, June 25, the commencement speech during the recognition rites for the graduating class of the University of the Philippines College of Law. I made sure to attend the recognition rites because we were also honoring Justice Mendoza, with the University conferring on him an honorary Doctor of Laws. The good Justice, then a member of the Court of Appeals, was my first year constitutional law professor. He taught me the basics of the constitution of governance and imbued in me an abiding and passionate love for the Bill of Rights. Since then, even as he joined and served the highest court, retiring from it in 2003, I have considered Mendoza one of my mentors in constitutional law, for sure a beacon of judicial wisdom and integrity. It was because of him, the late Professor Haydee Yorac, Dean Pacifico Agabin, the late Justice Florentino Feliciano, and Professor Owen Lynch that I decided to do my masteral and doctoral law studies in Yale Law School. As alumni of this great law school, Justice Mendoza and his colleagues introduced me to a policy science approach to constitutional law.

Thirty-three years have passed since I was in a classroom of Justice VV but I can still hear his voice rising when I recited on freedom of speech: almost shouting, this gentle intellectual urged me to speak with conviction about this great freedom. You have to love the Bill of Rights if you are to defend it successfully.

Pride

T

ODAY’S Pride March concludes the celebrations done all through the Pride Month of June, with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and their supporters asserting their common stand against discrimination and all other injustices that minorities face.

Numerous LGBTQ+ groups do more than wave rainbow flags as they raise awareness of the various issues faced by the community.

Pride March this year coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which began after a violent raid conducted by the New York police on Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. For the next six days, riots took place in front of the bar. The riots are widely regarded as a catalyst for gay rights movement in the United States and the world.

Here at home, the LGBTQ+ community continues to experience discrimination based on negative perceptions or moralistic views, even as we have many gay, lesbian or bisexual friends, acquaintances and even family members, and even as they are amply represented in popular culture.

Unfortunately for many, it does not come as an instinct that to be LGBTQ+ means to be accorded the same rights, respect and love as anybody, instead of being ridiculed, patronized or tolerated.

Often, too, we find it easy to mouth solidarity with the cause but difficult to walk the talk when they come too close—say, as a family member, or a colleague, with whom we have to interact constantly.

But Pride Month exists to remind us that everyone should be able to show one’s true self without fear of being singled out or judged, or be seen as an aberration, or as someone that must be “corrected.”

Pride Month is not just for the LGBTQ+ community, their loved ones and supporters. It is for all of us—so that we will always remember that to be “different” is not to be better or worse, that decency knows no bounds, and that gender should never be an issue because in the end, what matters is to be human.

Turn to A5

Only in the Philippines

THE June 9 ramming of a Filipino boat Gem-Vir by a Chinese ship in the West Philippine Sea continues to make more Filipinos realize just how bias this administration is towards China. Twenty-two Filipino fishers could have died if not for the rescue by friendly Vietnamese.

It stands to reason for Filipinos to expect this government to protect its citizens first and foremost. Since the Chinese committed the aggression in Recto Bank within the waters included in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, it is reasonable to expect this administration to rise in indignation against the Chinese. Not only did the Chinese ship ram a Filipino boat, the aggressors even turned back to see if the boat was sinking.

But as we now know, Filipino government officials headed by the President himself, have come to the defense of the Chinese. President Rodrigo Duterte’s “friends” need not do anything because the Philippines’ officials themselves are lawyering for them.

At first, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the Chinese ship rammed the Filipino boat. Even Navy Chief Vice Admiral Robert Emperdad said that, “The ship was rammed. This is not a normal accident because it was anchored…” The Filipino fishers led by the boat’s captain, June Insigne were very clear in their narration of what happened. And this was consistent with the statement made by Ngo Van Theng, the owner of the Vietnamese boat that saved the 22 Filipinos including Insigne.

While Filipinos were expressing indignation over what was done to our fishers, it took our own President eight long days before saying anything about it. And what President Duterte said dismayed not a few. It revealed volumes about what kind of a leader

of a sovereign nation he really is.

He said nothing about protecting our Filipino fishers. He trivialized the event and called it a small maritime incident in SOUTH CHINA SEA. Duterte resorted to his usual scare tactics and said that the Philippines cannot defeat China’s nuclear weapons. as if going to war is the only thing that the Philippine government can do to make China accountable.

This cannot continue for a long time.

Du After that pronouncement, Duterte’s allies started to close ranks to defend Duterte’s anti-Filipino remarks. There was a chorus saying that what happened could have been an accident. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol even attempted to divide the fishers by pitting the statement of Richard Blaza, the crew’s cook claimed by Piñol as the only one who was awake before the “accident” happened against that of Insigne and the other fishers.

Lorenzana and Emperdad also changed their tune to mimic the “it could have been an accident” line.

Piñol went to the fishers’ community for a “dialog” bearing gifts of small boats and loans to the affected families. He talked with the fishers “guarded” by intimidating lines and lines of policemen in full riot gear.

One wonders what the police were there for. Were they expecting a violent riot? Or was that a show of force to intimidate and threaten the community. It certainly looked like the latter. Members of the media were barred from the “dialog.”

When Piñol and Insigne faced the media, the boat captain was visibly nervous, unsure. He did not appear like he came from a fruitful dialog. He apologized to Duterte for an earlier statement about being invited by the Turn to A5

EvEryman

Will the President please defend his people?

CAN they or can’t they?

Malacañang will have to make a categorical statement on whether or not the Chinese can fish inside the Philippine’ Exclusive Economic Zone after issuing conflicting and confusing statements on the matter.

As he faced public outrage on his stand on the ramming of a Philippine fishing boat by a much bigger Chinese vessel—described by critics as “disheartening” and “feckless”—President Duterte continued lawyering for his friends up north by saying that he was allowing China to fish in Philippine waters because 1) “they are our friends,” 2) “we cannot drive them away because they have insisted that it is theirs,” 3) he has an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jin-ping to allow China to fish in Philippine waters after Beijing granted Filipino fishermen access to Scarborough Shoal, which by the way also falls within our EEZ, and 4) banning the Chinese would result

in a war we cannot win, as if it is the only option.

During a press conference in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo later confirmed Duterte’s statement that the Chinese are

The government should at least show outrage for the Chinese crew’s act. allowed to fish in the country’s EEZ Presi using the same reasons as the President. But even Panelo appeared not to be very certain how to interpret the President’s latest policy statement when asked by the reporters. Nonetheless, he confirmed it.

The backlash and the outrage grew even louder following the statement.

With some people insinuating treason, several critics—including Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario, and Senators Leila de Lima, Francis Pangilinan and Ping Lacson—said allowing the Chinese to fish in Philippine waters is a clear violation of the Constitution and the President should be impeached for it.

At first, Duterte was defiant, even calling the brilliant Justice Carpio “stupid,” saying that the EEZ provision in the Constitution was “thoughtless and senseless,” and threatening to jail all those who say he must be impeached.

But finally, a more sensible adviser was able to convince Duterte that the Constitution was very clear on Article XII, Section 2 that the country’s marine resources can only be used by Filipinos.

On Thursday, Panelo made an absolute U-turn, but again blamed the Turn to A5

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Opinion Red passport for an ‘ex-VP’ just in case?

LENI Robredo is one lucky lady to have Senator Kiko Pangilinan protecting her like she’s a child.

Robredo, on her radio show Biserbisyong Leni, had questioned Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin for his decision to cancel all “courtesy diplomatic passports (red passport)” issued to former or retired public officials.

The Vice President protested Locsin’s move which came in the wake of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario’s exclusion from entry in Hong Kong, the former British colony ceded to the People’s Republic of China in 1997.

Having failed or deliberately refused to acknowledge that the incident caused yet another embarrassment to the Philippine government, Locsin tweeted Robredo’s tantrums and called her “boba.” The DFA boss apologized shortly after.

According to the former DFA chief Perfecto Yasay, there happened to be a DFA regulation issued in 1993 that courtesy diplomatic passport can be

Only...

From A4

President to Malacañang and refusing to go. He said in a meek voice that he made a mistake. He was also no longer sure about what happened on June 9.

Still, he asked Duterte to make the Chinese ship accountable for what happened to them. Lastly, he asked Duterte to keep the Chinese away from the Recto Bank because this is their source of livelihood.

Duterte responded by saying that the Philippines does not have sovereignty over our Exclusive Economic Zone and cannot prevent the Chinese from fishing there. People asked what part of “Exclusive Economic Zone” is

Will...

From A4

media for allegedly falsely interpreting the President’s remarks despite the fact that he himself confirmed Duterte’s statement when asked by reporters.

“I have evaluated that it appears that what the President meant was China would not allow their nationals from fishing in our EEZ since they treat us as their friends, knowing that permitting their fishermen to fish in our EEZ would only result in an unwanted hostility leading to an armed confrontation,” Panelo said almost a day after Duterte made the remarks. It took him almost a day to realize his President was violating the Constitution?

So here’s the final (let’s hope so) statement from Malacanang about fishing rights in Philippine EEZ: The government is not waiving the country’s sovereign rights and will enforce the law against illegal fishing by foreigners.

Since the ramming incident occurred well inside Philippine waters (80 miles from the nearest Philippine

Why...

From A4

There was no turning back for me after that. And today I urge my constitutional law students to do the same and love passionately all our great freedoms. \You have to believe in the constitutional order to defend it. Below are excerpts from the commencement speech of Justice Mendoza that argue with clarity why such belief is warranted and necessary: “Today, I would like to talk about the urgent need to take good care of the constitutional order, lest through abuse, misuse, neglect, or indifference, it breaks down. By ‘constitutional order,’ I mean the way things have been worked out in our society by which we have been able to live and cooperate with one another in relative peace.

“Like any mortal contrivance, the constitutional order is not of limitless capacity. It cannot abide the stress and strain in which it may be subjected by the relentless testing of the limits of in-

issued to former Presidents, Vice Presidents, former DFA secretaries, and former diplomats.

However, in 1998 a law was passed in Congress stating that only former Presidents and Vice-Presidents will be issued courtesy diplomatic passports after their term of office.

I would’ve called her “tanga” which we all know means the same thing as “boba,” and I would’ve readily apologized just the same. Ain’t no way to treat a lady, I agree.

Referring to Robredo as “inosente” might have sounded rather more acceptable to Sen. Pangilinan, the great advocate of juvenile justice of rather than “ignorante” or “tanga.”

In disrespecting the VP who’s a duly-elected like President Duterte, Kiko insists that Locsin be held accountable for “putting the country at risk and shame.”

Has Secretary Locsin, in fact, put our nation in greater danger by calling Robredo “boba” than Del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales already did in badmouthing Chinese President Xi Jinping for alleged “crimes against humanity before the International Court?”

That’s precisely why Del Rosario and Morales were blacklisted and

barred from admission in China. It’s their stupid propaganda ploy against Xi Jinping.

The 79-year-old Del Rosario proved wily as ever when he used his “revalidated” diplomatic passport in trying to sneak in Hong Kong, misrepresenting himself as if he’s on official government business. He must know fully well that any country has the right to refuse entry of any alien without having to explain why.

Did Del Rosario underestimate the intelligence of the Chinese authorities?

Now, can the Liberals and their supporters blame the Chinese authorities for suspecting they intended to either spy or mount their black propaganda against Beijing right inside its territory?

That would not certainly sit well with Xi Jinping, would it?

Kiko is probably worried, too, that Robredo may not be issued a courtesy red passport in case she loses her 2016 poll vote-recount to ex-senator Bongbong Marcos.

Just in case, do DFA current rules then provide for the issuance or revalidation of the red passport even to former “fake Vice President” , as some people would put it, or not?

That I’ve to check with Secretary Locsin.

not understood by the President. Duterte even said that he is unable to prevent the Chinese because of his earlier agreement with China’s President Xi Jinping. As if these statements are not enough, Senate President Tito Sotto even joined the fray saying that “It’s very difficult to say that there is exclusivity when it’s under water. The fish could be coming from China and fish from the Philippines could be going to China.” What comedy of errors! Only, their statements are not funny because they are giving away our sovereignty and natural resources to China.

Duterte’s statement drew flak from Constitutional experts Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Con-Con delegate lawyer Christian Monsod, and former Solicitor General Florin Hil-

bay. Monsod even said that Duterte can be impeached for allowing the Chinese fish in our EEZ because the Constitution is clear that all resources in the EEZ should only be for Filipinos. In retaliation, Duterte arrogantly threatened to jail all those who will try to impeach him.

Only in the Philippines will you find public officials who care more about a country other than their own. Only in the Philippines can foreigners harvest natural riches that do not belong to them and not meet opposition from government. But this cannot continue for a long time. The Filipino people is waking up. This is happening now.

land, way inside the 200-mile EEZ) and it is clearly established and affirmed by the Chinese crew that the Chinese vessel was fishing when it happened, will the Duterte administration go after the Chinese fishermen for violating our laws? Will the government start trial of the Chinese crew in the Philippines as demanded by Vice President Robredo and mandated by our laws?

After all, the Constitution clearly mandates the President to protect his country and his people, including the lowly fishermen, against those who violate their rights and trample our shores and our waters. Definitely, allowing the better-equipped Chinese to compete with the lowly Filipino fishermen in dilapidated boats and outriggers in our own waters would cost economic deprivation for these Filipinos who depend entirely on fishing for their daily subsistence. Is the President ready to allow that to happen to the people he swore to protect and defend?

If he really believes defending the fishermen from poachers and illegal fishers by sending our few Coast Guard patrol boats to the area

where Filipinos fish could lead to a war that would massacre his beloved soldiers and annihilate the country with a nuclear warhead that he said could reach us in seven minutes, the government can just protest and file a criminal case against the Chinese crew, instead of defending them.

The government should at least show outrage for the Chinese crew’s treacherous act.

Will the President himself please make the clarification—he can just read from a prepared statement so he won’t make another booboo—so that Panelo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin will get this time the official stand of the administration on the issue?

Will the President finally learn to be humble and swallow his pride if need be to clarify a confusing policy statement? Or will the Davao demagogue start calling again those who oppose him “stupid” and threaten again to jail those who dare defy him?

dividual rights or the limits of governmental power, or by the tit for tat and pettiness of “little minds”. It cannot survive the transformation of the market place and the public forum into dumpsites of noxious ideas and dangerous doctrines or the use of the internet for spreading hatred, gossip, malice, meanness, or falsehood.

“Shakespeare understood the importance of order and the awful consequences of disregarding it. What he said about the order of nature in Troilus and Cressida (I. iii, 85-100) applies as well to the constitutional order: “The heavens themselves, the planets, and this center/ Observe degree, priority, and place/ Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom, in all line of order . . . O, when degree is shared, Which is the ladder of all high designs, The enterprise is sick! How could. . . . The primogenity and due of birth,/ Prerogative of age, crowns, scepters, laurels,/ But by degree, stand in authentic place?, Take but degree away, untune that string,/ And hark, what dis-

cord follows.”

“Take but one degree out, and lo, what discord follows! The constitutional order is like the natural order. Shake it up and lo, what upheaval will follow.

“Order is needed because without order there can be no peace. Of course, peace may be brought about by a violent order or by an order maintained by force but that is not the peace we want. That’s the peace of the graveyard.

“What we want is peace which is the result of a constitutional order, the way of life we have chosen and hope succeeding generations will carry on.

“This order rests on a delicate balance of liberty and authority which requires for tis maintenance on alert and vigilant citizenry, to whom public discussion is a public duty and a public office a public trust. For, indeed, freedom isn’t freedom till it is exercised.

“Unfortunately, there are some who find freedom to be isolating. They find freedom to be the loss of guidance and support, and for this reason, are willing to exchange their freedom for the secu-

@bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

valabelgas@aol.com Mr. Abelgas is a former Managing Editor of Manila Standard. He now lives and works in the US.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019

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Reed Bank and US lateral involvement

Neither can we say that the routine patrol of the US navy is pursuant to the exercise of freedom of navigation or in anticipation to possible attack from China.

Rather, its role is to safeguard that portion in the SCS to prevent possible intrusion by any foreign power that may attempt US NAVAL presence in the South China to carry out exploration or exploit the Sea is not meant to keep open the inter- mineral resources that lie underneath the national waterway or to pre-empt China Reed Bank. from engulfing littoral states in the area It is our alliance that gives justificabut to ensure that the Reed or Recto Bank tion for the US to intervene in the event remains open to foreign investment un- of dispute with China. On the other hand, der the auspices of the US. The dispute should the Philippines decide to abrogate now simmering is not about the security the bases agreement, the US will have no of the countries in the region but one of more leg to stand on. The presence of the securing the economic interest of the US bases is the thin line that allows them to over that vast reserve of natural gas and hang on. oil recently discovered.

In fact, the signing of the MemoranThe report made by the US Energy In- dum of Understanding between the Philformation Administration revealed that ippines and China last November 2018 the Reed Bank could hold up to 5.4 bil- has complicated the issue. The MOU lion barrels of oil and 55.1 trillion cubic has a collateral effect of displacing US feet (tcf) of natural gas. Data from the US interest in the South China Sea, particuGeological Survey (USGS) show that larly the interest of its oil companies. the area contains This explains why significant deposthere has been a its of undiscovered heightened tension The US may decide hydrocarbons. It is between the PhilPhil estimated that any- to defend us if that will ippines and China where between 0.8 and both are fully and 5.4 (mean 2.5) serve its interest. aware that this is inbillion barrels of stigated by the local oil and between 7.6 opposition wanting and 55.1 (mean 25.5 tcf) of natural gas to play the role of proxy to US interest. lay underneath the seabed. The whole of Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Southeast Asia is estimated by the EIA to Albert del Rosario and Senior Justice contain approximately 11 billion barrels Antonio Carpio know that the Reed of oil and 190 tcf of natural gas in proved Bank is within the country’s excluand probable reserves. sive economize zone but is not part It is this discovery that caused the US of our territorial waters. The exclusivto refocus and redefine its geopolitical ity which Carpio is talking about has interest culminating in the return of the reference to the decision of the PerUS bases in the country in an era when manent Arbitration Court in 2016 that the Cold War has almost been forgotten. has never been recognized by China, The return of the US bases, which is the nor provided under our Constitution. only one of its kind, is foretelling that it President Duterte is right in saying that has nothing to do with the security ar- we cannot prevent the Chinese from rangement but pursuant to that redefined fishing in the area. His statement is security interest of the US of preventing not based on the misplaced allegation China from exploring, developing and that he is sympathetic to China but on exploiting of those resources to the exclu- what the Constitution provides. If truly sion of its corporations. the President violated the constitution, Apparently, this is why the US repo- Carpio is free to test his case before the sitioned its forces called by President very court he sits.

Obama as “Pivot to Asia” and pursued by To quote an important decision involvPresident Trump but dropping the slogan ing the disputed islands in the South Chifor obvious reasons. From then on, the na Sea, we need only to cite the MagalUS has been drumbeating the same the lona vs. Ermita case: “…UNCLOS III is line that its presence in the South China not a mode of acquiring or losing a terSea is to keep the sea lanes open. Even ritory as provided under the laws of naif the US has not categorically identified tions. UNCLOS III is a multilateral treaty the enemy, its presence in the Philippines that is a result of a long standing negois pivotal to protecting the area from any tiation to establish uniform sea-use rights possible incursion and provides justifica- over maritime zones.” tion to intervene in this part of the Pacific.

Finally, the agreement signed by the The military agreement entered into Philippines and China is pursuant to the by the B.S Aquino administration is 60-40 formula provided for in the Constiincoherent to the objective of why we tution. It would be odd for China’s stateallowed the return of the US bases. Fili- owned corporation to enter into joint pinos are wondering, considering that agreement with a private oil company the current tension is reminiscent of the that is largely own by aliens but operating Cold War. Political analysts know that in the Philippines. This now underscores China and the US, and even Russia and why Del Rosario has become restless that Japan, are no longer locked in ideologi- his conduct is telling he has become descal competition but are fiercely at log- perate in trying to prevent the Locsin-Yi gerheads in trade war which includes agreement from being implemented. the control of those mineral resources In fact, his conduct has given the in the South China Sea. Thus, it has media a chance to examine his connecbecome clear that the US is using the tion with PXP Energy Corp. revealing Philippines as port of call for its ships that the latter holds service contract no. that routinely ply the area.

72 located in the Reed Bank. To quote: Our signing of an executive agreement “PXP Energy has a 67.19% controlmeans the US will respond to an attack of ling interest in Forum Energy Plc with the Philippines not in accordance to the 48.76% held directly and 18.43% held covenant of a treaty but in accordance to indirectly through FEC Resources, Inc., the judgment of the US president’s de- a 54.99%-owned subsidiary. Forum Enfined foreign policy. The option to defend ergy is a UK incorporated upstream oil this country then becomes an open-ended and gas company with focus on the Philquestion. The US may decide to defend ippines. Its principal asset is a 70% interus if that will serve its interest, but not est in Service Contract 72 Reed Bank offcommitted under any treaty obligation. shore west Palawan, which contains the There we can draw the line that the treaty Sampaguita gas discovery…” is not really in defense of the country but in defense of its economic interest. rpkapunan@gmail.com

rity offered by authoritarianism. In his time, Claro M. Recto, president of the 1934 Constitution, railed against the “little minds”, who he said, needed to be told that after Independence the duty to think for themselves had begun. Justice Brandeis warned that the greatest menace to freedom is an inert people. Freedom should be an opportunity for realizing one’s dignity as an individual and one’s worth as a member of society . . .

“Indeed, intolerance, good will, good faith, and self-restraint in the exercise of rights and the use of powers are needed to maintain the balance of freedom and authority. There are neither absolute rights nor absolute powers in the constitutional order. And a society which fails to observe these norms will ultimately decay from anarchy or atrophy . . .

“The duty to care for and nurture the constitutional order is an imperative of our time. We can practice what the Greeks in ancient times did, by which, through reflection on their shared cultural inheritance, they created a normative universe or nomos. What we have to do

with our own values, traditions, and culture is to observe them constantly. The practice of civic virtues can develop into a culture of law observance and create a nomos. In turn, the nomos can change the growing culture of accountability, where every individual will be responsible to his fellowmen for his actions . . .

“Take care of the constitutional order and it will take good care of you. Abuse it and it will break down, then anarchy will follow and an authoritarian regime will not be far behind.

“I cannot think of any class in our society to whom the duty of protecting and taking care of the constitutional order should be especially addressed other than the lawyer class. By education and training, they are the special guardians of the constitution . . .

“To the graduates: With high hopes and fervent prayers, we may yet witness in our time the Reign of Law and Justice in our land.”

Facebook Page: Professor Tony La Viña Twitter: tonylavs

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Court approves Ampatuan transfer

IN BRIEF Over 10K pass PNP entrance exams A TOTAL 10,602 out of 46,419 examinees passed the latest Philippine National Police Entrance and Promotional Examinations, the National Police Commission said on Friday.

This translates to a 22.84-percent passing rate of the exams last April 28 at designated testing centers in all regions of the country.

The number of passers is distributed as: 5,121 passers of the PNP Entrance examination, representing 15.53 percent of the 32,972 PNPE examinees; and the combined 5,481 passers of the Police Officer (3,363), Senior Police Officer (1,735), Inspector (347) and Superintendent (36) examination categories, constituting 40.76 percent of the 13,447 in-service police officers who took the PNP promotional examinations.

The eligibility conferred upon passing the PNPE is one of the requirements for appointment in the PNP as a Patrolman/ Patrolwoman while passing a promotional examination is considered appropriate for promotion to a higher rank.

“The release of the results of police exams is in consonance with the Commission’s commitment to the Department of Budget and Management [DBM] to make available the examination results within 45 working days from the date of the examinations, and in sync with the recruitment process being undertaken by the PNP,” Napolcom vice chairman lawyer Rogelio Casurao said in a statement.

Casurao said the Napolcom was ready to detect and address examination anomalies using answer pattern analysis. PNA

A

QUEZON City Regional Trial Court has approved the requested transfer of 2009 Maguindanao Massacre top suspect, Datu Zaldy Unsay Ampatuan, to the Philippine Heart Center.

Ampatuan, former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has requested the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 to transfer him to the PHC from Taguig-Pateros District Hospital due to what he called his congestive heart failure.

Acting on the request, the court said it allowed Ampatuan’s transfer because the PHC had the complete set of equipment for tests as well as previous records of his confinement.

“The court deems it proper to grant the relief being prayed for in the Motion that

[Ampatuan] be transferred to the Philippine Heart Center where he has his medical records,” the court said.

Ampatuan had complained of shortness of breath, dizziness, and increase in blood pressure while in jail, which prompted jail authorities to bring him to the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital, where he was diagnosed with cardiovascular infarction, hypoglycemia secondary to oral hypoglycemia agents and congestive heart failure.

Medical sources said myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, oc-

curs when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle.

The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort which may travel into the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw.

Jail sources said Ampatuan had asked that he be transferred to the PHC in Quezon City for examination and recovery because he said it had “a complete set of equipment for tests” and “the records of his confinement in the past years.”

The court granted his motion, but denied his alternative request to be brought to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City should he be denied admission at the PHC. Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch

DOJ clears rights lawyer of kidnap

By Rey E. Requejo

Korean fugitive nabbed by BI IMMIGRATION agents arrested a Korean national wanted by authorities in Seoul for swindling a compatriot of more than 200 million won or equivalent to more than P8.8 million for an alleged non-existing movie project.

Arrested was identified as Kim Woo, who was cornered in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, according to BI’s fugitive search unit chief Bobby Raquepo. Kim was arrested at the request of the Korean Embassy in Manila.

Raquepo said Kim, who hid in the country for almost a year, was already an undocumented alien due to the cancellation of his passport by the Korean government.

A Korean court issued an arrest warrant against Kim who is also the subject of a red notice from Interpol.

Kim is wanted for swindling his victim of nearly 129 million won from 2013 to 2015 which he borrowed by falsely claiming he needed the money to finish a film that he was directing.

He was also accused of defrauding the said victim last year of more than 107 million won by enticing the latter to invest in a corporate business.

Investigation revealed that Kim fled to Manila on Aug. 5 last year and has not left the country since then. Vito Barcelo

1.

YESSIR! Valor Awardee Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (right) formally assumes office as the new Commander of the Western Mindanao Command at Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City Friday. Former WesMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega (left), opted to have his early retirement, nine months shy of his official retirement date, to pave the way to an equally competent junior officer. The turnover ceremony was presided by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, a fellow mistah of Dela Vega at the Philippine Military Academy class of 1985. Mark Navales

It’s decision-writing exam for SC applicants

ASPIRANTS to a Supreme Court vacancy must draft a decision as part of the application process, the first time the Judicial and Bar Council set the requirement.

The applicants, mostly Court of Appeals and Sandiganbayan justices, took a decision-writing exam last Friday, in which one of the cases they had to rule on was a young lawyer’s petition for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country.

Twenty-three applicants are vying for the associate justice post that will be vacated when Justice Mariano del Castillo reIn The Name Of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful tires next month.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO Court spokesman Brian PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN Keith Hosaka, replying to BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE questions, said “Before, it Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 was just a personal essay that SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF LAMITAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL was asked. I believe this was PHASE II AT LIMOOK, LAMITAN CITY BASILAN required by the JBC to assess UNDER BAC PUBLICATION 06-21-2019 the logical reasoning, organiThe Provincial Government of Basilan, with Memorandum of Agreement with ARMM HELP zation, and writing skill of the intends to apply the sum of Fourteen Million Fifty three Thousand and Eight Hundred Forty Four applicant, among others. After pesos (P14,053,844.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery of Construction Materials for the Proposed Construction of all, that is the primary work Lamitan District Hospital, Phase II at Limook, Lamitan City, Basilan . Bids received in excess 1

of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The Provincial Government of Basilan now invites bids for; Particular

PR#/LOT#

AMOUNT

1. Propose Cont. of Lamitan District Hospital, Phase II, Limook, Lamitan City, Basilan

E-062·2019

Php 13,015,798.00

2. Propose Cont. of Lamitan District Hospital, Phase II, Limook, Lamitan City, Basi/an

E-060-2019

1,038,046.00

TOTAL

Php 14,053,844.00

2.

The Provincial Government of Basilan, now invites bids for Supply and Delivery of Construction Materials for the Proposed Construction of Lamitan District Hospital, Phase II at Limook, Lamitan City, Basilan,2 Delivery of the Goods is required [within the required delivery date or expected contract duration]. Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

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

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

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Provincial Government of Basilan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (during Office hours).

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on June 21, 2019 to July 16,2019 from the address below on the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (P 25,000,00) and another One thousand pesos (P 1,000.00) for the letter of intent. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (phiIGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

The Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference3 on 10:00 am, July 3, 2019 at BAC Office, Provincial Hostel, Isabela City, Basilan, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00 am, July 16,2019. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Claused. Opening shall be on 10:00 am, July 16,2019 at BAC Office, Provincial Hostel, PEO compound Eastside, Isabela City, Basilan Province. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representative who choose to attend at the address below. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

9.

The Provincial Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat 2nd Floor, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417 E-mail Add: tigerlily_diamond@yahoo.com (SGD) INTAN GORDANA A. ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Bids and Award Committee

and job of a justice of the Supreme Court.”

The JBC, which screens applicants to judiciary posts for recommendation to the president, wrapped up interviews of the aspirants to the upcoming vacancy this week.

Some of the issues raised in the three-day interviews were marriage equality, asserting Philippine sovereignty, and the constitutionality of allowing foreign fishing in the country’s exclusive economic zone.

CA justices Oscar Badelles, Manuel Barrios, Ramon Bato, Jr., Apolinario Bruselas, Jr., Ramon Cruz, Japar Dimaampao, Ramon Garcia, Jhosep Lopez, Mario Lopez, Eduardo Peralta, Jr., Pablito Perez, Ricardo Rosario, Edgardo Delos Santos, Maria Filomena Singh, Elihu Ybañez, and Rodil Zalameda have applied for the scheduled vacancy.

Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo CabotajeTang and Associate Justices Efren Dela Cruz and Alex Quiroz, Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, former Ateneo law school dean Cesar Villanueva, Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Lanee Cui-David, and law professor Jeremy Benigno Gatdula have also applied.

Appeals court justice Stephen Cruz applied but later withdrew his application.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC The following shipments which were exempted by DAO 17-05 from the Bureau of Philippine Standards’ (BPS) Certification Process for having been imported by a cement manufacturer with Integrated Cement Plants, did not undergo the new Certification Process as prescribed under DAO 17-06, Series of 2017.

Type Brand Batch Code No.

: : :

Manufacturing Date Manufacturer Address Importer Address

: : :

PNS Prescribed Distributors

: :

Incidents/Injuries

:

OPC Type 1 Holcim TCC20171023, TCC20171025, TCC20171102, TCC20171103, TCC20171110, TCC20171112, TCC20171118 October 1, 2017 to November 4, 2017 113 Chung Shan N. Road, Sec. 2 Taipei, Taiwan 7F Venice Corporate Center, 8 Turin St, Mckinley Town Center, Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, 1634, Philippines PNS 07:2005 GRJ Jaro Enterprise Incorporated, A. Macalindong Trading and Construction, Mega Orosteel Marketing Corporation, Bicol Bestrade Sales Center Inc, Sahara Batching Plant Corporation, Peaksun Enterprises & Export Corp, Megacem Incorporated, Raeken Marketing Co. Inc, Saturn Cement Marketing Corporation, High Performance Concrete Inc., New Golden Hub Corporation, Km. Seventeen General Merchandising, Jose Prissco Trading, Macrocem Trading, Chaper Trading & Trucking Services, Chiong Giok Trading Inc, Marc Alain General Merchandising, Marcbilt Construction Inc., Ahnex Builders & Ready Mix Corporat, XYZ Construction & Suppliers, Bauer Foundations Philippines Inc., Pacific Concrete Products Inc., House Technology Industries Pte Ltd None reported

The importer,Holcim Philippines, Inc., has executed a Sworn Undertaking assuring quality and safety standards of the subject goods, which are covered by a Philippine Standards (PS) License.

For Inquiries: Importer’s Contact Person Telephone/Mobile Number Address

10. For further information, please refer to:

(MS-JUNE 29, 2019)

221 also ordered the jail warden of Camp Bagong Diwa, where Ampatuan is jailed, to return the murder defendant to the detention facility after he completes medical examinations and confinement as recommended by his doctor.

Ampatuan’s lawyers were also ordered to submit to the court the result of his medical examinations and/or medical abstract within 48 hours of receipt.

Last year, the court allowed Ampatuan to attend his daughter’s wedding due to “humanitarian considerations.”

Ampatuan is facing murder charges in connection with the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre of 58 people, most of whom were journalists, who were on their way to cover the filing of the certificate of candidacy of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu.

: : :

DTI-FTEB Telephone No. : (Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau) DTI-BPS Telephone No. : (Bureau of Philippine Standards)

Hillary Luke Correa (+632)459 3333 7F Venice Corporate Center, 8 Turin St, Mckinley Town Center, Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, 1634, Philippines (+632) 811-8231 (+632) 751-4720 MS-JUNE 29 & 30, JULY 6 & 7, 2019

THE Department of Justice has cleared a human rights lawyer of the allegation of kidnapping a 14-year-old boy who survived the massacre of nine sugarcane farmers in Sagay City last year.

In a June 17 resolution, Assistant State Prosecutor Ferdinand Fernandez dismissed the kidnapping and serious illegal detention complaint against National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers lawyer Katherine Panguban for lack of probable cause.

The estranged father of the 14-year-old boy had accused Panguban of kidnapping his son.

Panguban denied the complaint, insisting that she had signed an agreement for legal services with the boy’s mother, as well as a turnover agreement that formalized the return of the minor, whom social workers took in after the massacre, to his mother’s custody.

In a resolution, the DOJ cited the admission of the mother and son during the preliminary investigation that they willingly submitted themselves to the custody of the lawyer.

The father, Vic Pedaso, did not show up at the hearing, the DOJ said.

“With this statement, the elements of kidnapping and serious illegal detention allegedly committed by respondent negated complainant’s statement in his complaintaffidavit,” the resolution stated.

“Unarguably, there is no kidnapping or serious illegal detention to speak of, as the minor victim [name withheld] was taken from the custody of his biological father Vic Pedaso, and given to his mother,” it said.

The prosecutor also noted that it was the mother who sought Panguban’s assistance.

“There is a lack of deprivation of liberty of Victor as he freely chose to be with... his biological mother,” the prosecutor said.

The case arose from the killing of nine sugarcane farmers in Sagay, Negros Occidental last Oct. 20.

Bello warns erring firms

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Labor and Employment slapped P20,000 fines to a number of erring private companies who failed to meet the requirements of the Occupation Safety and Health standards which amounted to P950,000 for the first five months of 2019.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III warned companies from violating the OSHS that they may face stiffer penalties after the department implemented Republic Act 11058.

The DOLE’s Bureau of Working Conditions said at least 22,774 establishments nationwide were inspected by the department from January to May this year.

Bello said that establishments, which will fail to register with the DOLE, or provide job safety instruction or orientation to their employees prior to work will be fined P20,000.

If a company fails to provide the necessary OSHS training to their workers, they could be assessed a fine of P25,000.

A P30,000 fine will be imposed for firms if they commit these infractions: failure to provide safety signage and devices; failure to provide the necessary medical supplies, equipment and facilities; and failure to submit reportorial requirements as prescribed by OSHS standards.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Pursuant to MARINA Circular No. 2013-02, NOTICE is hereby served to the public that the owner, ROAN C. MANLAPAS, sold the fishing vessel named FBca ‘LEVY ELISON-B” with Official No. 00-0003132 and Certificate of Ownership No REG-0089417 and Certificate of Philippine Registry No. REG-0089418 to CONCEPCION F. CRUZ per notarized Deed of Sale dated 25 June 2019. The Buyer proposed to change the name of the fishing vessel to CONCEPCION C. Any person(s)/entity(ies) who may have claims/ interests on the above-mentioned fishing vessel may submit your claims in writing with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Bonifacio Drive corner 20th Street, Port Area, Manila within seven (7) working days from the date of this publication (MS-JUNE 29, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 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

Pastor, Menor lead ICTSI Iloilo Golf

I

LOILO – Spain’s Marcos Pastor holed out with a six-foot birdie to highlight an eagle-spiked 68 and match local pride Rene Menor’s output for the third straight time yesterday as new leaders emerged in as many days in the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge heading to a gripping finish here today.

Pastor’s last feat complemented his birdie putt on the par-5 14th that checked a rollercoaster round that featured two birdies against two bogeys and an eagle against a double bogey that put the Spaniard to within reach of a dream victory on the Philippine Golf Tour after topping the PGT QSchool (foreign) at Splendido last February.

But it will take more than talent, skills and momentum to achieve that goal as Menor likewise pressed his bid for a second career win with his own version of a two-under card, aided by a four-birdie binge from No. 6, as the duo, who missed the cut in Marapara last week, surged ahead at seven-under 203 after 54 holes of what has been a fierce battle for top honors in this P3 million event sponsored by ICTSI. And if the first two rounds were

any indications, Pastor and Menor, who carded identical 69s and 66s in the first two days, will have to toughen up to foil the expected final round charge by a host of bidders, led by Sydney-based Filipino Fidel Concepcion, who also carded a 68 to seize solo third at 204, completing an unexpected troika in the championship flight.

Japanese Makoto Iwasaki opened with a 64 but tumbled with 76 and 77 and Thai Kammalas Namuangruk stumbled with a 74 after wresting the halfway lead with 66-68.

But looming large is Juvic Pagunsan, who broke a run of pars and a bogey on No. 7 with three birdies in the last six holes, netting him a second straight 68 for joint fourth with Reymon Jaraula (69) and Michael Bibat (70) at 205, just two strokes behind the new joint leaders.

Fil-Japanese karateka chases Olympic dream

By Reuel Vidal FIL-JAPANESE karateka Junna Tsukii moved one step closer to achieving her dream of representing the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after winning a bronze medal in the 2019 World Karate Federation Serie A—Barcelona in Spain last week.

With the explosive popularity of Mixed Martial Arts, karate is evolving with powerful blows and strikes given greater weight in scoring. Just hitting opponents won’t count for much. You have to hit them hard.

“You cannot win without strong blows in the current rules of karate. Formerly karate was a game of controlled power. But now it is changing. So I am determined to mix it up with my opponent,” said the Kumite (combat karate) practitioner who also earned a bronze medal for the Philippines during the 2018 Asian Games.

Even with the pads on the hands and feet of competitors Tsukii ended up with painful bruises on her face and body. She also had a deep gash on her left hand which was cut open by an opponent’s teeth.

She hit her opponent so hard, her teeth penetrated the rubber glove and the tape protecting Tsukii’s hand.

This is the second consecutive bronze medal for Tsukii in a WKF Serie A competition after she earned a similar finish in Montreal, Canada a few weeks ago.

“There are other Olympic qualifying tournaments. Among them, the Asian Karate Federation Championships in July which will receive the most Olympic points. If I can win a medal there, I will be closer to the Olympics,” said Tsukii.

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

Fil-Japanese Karateka Junna Tsukii shows off the bronze medal she earned in the 2019 WKF Serie A – Barcelona in Spain.

PacificTown battles Banko-Perlas PACIFICTOWN Army and BanKo-Perlas collide today (Saturday) for the third spot in the Final Four while Motolite tries to force a playoff for the last semis berth against PetroGazz in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The Lady Troopers subdued the Perlas Spikers, 25-22, 23-25, 27-29, 25-20, 15-7, in their first round elims clash last June 9 but the two teams will be heading to their 2 p.m. clash coming off contrasting results with the former reeling from back-to-back defeats, including a four-set loss to the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers and the latter posting two victories, including a sweep of the ousted BaliPure Water Defenders, both last Wednesday.

Though they are both assured of

at least a playoff for the last semis seat with identical 4-5 slates, the Lady Troopers and the Perlas Spikers are going all out for the victory that would formalize their Final Four stint with the loser facing the specter of going through a sudden death for the No. 4 berth.

PetroGazz and Creamline have secured the first two semis seats with 8-1 and 7-1 slates.

With a 3-6 card, the Motolite Power Builders remains hopeful of forcing a playoff although they would have to hurdle a fancied PetroGazz side in their 6 p.m. showdown to stay in the hunt.

Creamline, meanwhile, is tipped to get past winless BaliPure at 4 p.m. that would cap its remarkable comeback from an opening game loss to PetroGazz last May 26 via a ninegame sweep for the top seeding.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019

Festival Mall hosts SEA Games bowling

By Peter Atencio FESTIVAL MALL in Muntinlupa will host bowling competitions during the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The Philippine Sports Commission, following a board meeting, has agreed to shoulder the renovation of the 36-lane bowling center in the mall. The bowling lanes are inside the Gameworx Recreational Center.

Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee executive director Tom Carrasco said this after Philippine Bowling Congress officials made a proposal to help rehabilitate the bowling facilities of Gameworx, which is a privately owned establishment.

“This is very critical for the long term development of tenpin bowling,” stated Carrasco.

The facilities have been neglected for years.

Carrasco explained that interest in facilities was renewed after PBC secretary general Bong Coo visited it with competition manager Gina Avecilla and a representative from bowling equipment company, Brunswick.

Following the visit, ot was learned that its lane machines can still be fixed.

The PSC board, led by Chairman William Ramirez, has since approved funding for its repair, which will be done in the coming months, and right before the biennial meet starts.

The PBC plans to turn the facilities into a national training center afterwards.

For now, talks are scheduled with the owners on the lease of the property.

So far, the government sports agency will have more funds that it can use for the renovation and repair work for facilities that are under its care.

The agency has extra funds totaling around P854 million.

The funds were made available to the agency for such an undertaking as preparations continue for the country’s hosting of the biennial meet.

The PSC got a lift last Wednesday after Philippine Gaming Corporation chairwoman Andrea Domingo handed over an initial amount, a check worth P800-million.

So far, repair work will start with the gymnastics facilities inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila.

Makeovers will also be done at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and the Rizal Memorial football and track oval.

NLEX Road Warriors import Ola Ashaolu (with ball) drives strong to the hoop past Rain or Shine defenders, from right: Javee Mocon, Beau Belga and Ed Daquioag. PBA Media

Returning Ashaolu lifts NLEX past Rain or Shine

By Jeric Lopez

S

TILL looking for all the positives it can still get, erstwhile cellar-dweller NLEX was able to finally post another one in the win column after surviving Rain or Shine’s late-game rally to take a 100-97 squeaker in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

In his first game back, returning import Olu Ashaolu made his presence felt already, scattering team-highs of 26 points, 13 rebounds and six assists to

pace the Road Warriors.

After seeing almost all of its 17-point fourth quarter lead vanish, the Road Warriors were able to escape by a whisker in the closing seconds.

Kris Rosales’ triple completed an 11-4 Rain or Shine run as it pulled the Elasto Painters to within a single point, 97-98, with 33 seconds remaining after chipping away on its huge deficit.

Ashaolu’s two free throws with three seconds extended NLEX’s lead to 100-97 with Rain or Shine still having one crack to force the game to overtime.

However, Denzel Bowles misfired on a potential game-tying triple, enabling the Road Warriors to have a huge sigh of relief.

Though its chances remained bleak, NLEX kept its slim hopes of making the quarterfinals alive as it improved to 2-7 to move up to 11th place with two games remaining in its schedule.

Banario back in ONE World Grand Prix mix TEAM LAKAY’S Honorio “The Rock” Banario will return to the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila on August 2 to face Timofey Nastyukhin in the semifinals of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix at ONE: Dawn of Heroes.

Banario was eliminated from the tour-

nament when he failed to overcome Lowen Tynanes at ONE: Hero’s Ascent. Banario was beaten in the first round when he got caught in a mounted crucifix and Tynanes went on to advance to the semifinal round.

However, Tynanes has suffered anoth-

Eagles face Mavericks for NCR Rugby title FOR the last 12 weeks, the Eagles RFC have remained undefeated the 2019 JML Premiership Shield, the NCR Premiership Rugby Competition.

And the Eagles will try to keep their slate clean when they go up against the young Santos Knight Frank Mavericks.

The two are set to fight it out for the crown in a championship game that will be played at Southern Plains field Calamba, Laguna today at 10 a.m..

The Mavericks have been the most improved side this year, winning four of five games.

They are a team with up and coming youth players.

For the grand final however they face a huge task against a stacked Eagles RFC who have been the competition favorites from the beginning.

“This year we have a seen an improvement in competition structure, it’s allowed for a more competitive based system across the league. The Mavericks will be looking to cause upsets in both matches. It will be an entertaining day this Saturday” said Alex Menard, Competitions Manager for Philippine Rugby.

In the women’s division, the HMR Lady Eagles will face their rivals the Santos Knight Frank Mavericks in what looks to be the match of the day.

Peter Atencio

Rain or Shine, meanwhile, remained inconsistent as it fell to 3-4, still in seventh place.

Jericho Cruz provided NLEX with 15 points, five rebounds and six assists in another complete performance for more support.

NLEX maneuvered its way in the second frame with a burly outburst to grasp control.

With the teams tied at the end of one, the Road Warriors took the second quarter emphatically to take sizeable 51-38 cushion at the half.

The Road Warriors were able to even stretch their lead further to 17 points, 8164, heading to the fourth period.

In a last-ditch effort in the closing minutes, the Elasto Painters were able to close the gap in the end before eventually falling short.

Denzel Bowles led all scorers with a game-high 35 points for NLEX.

Honorio Banario (left) trades punches with Amir Khan at the center of the ring during their fight. ONE Championship

er back injury amidst his preparations for Nastyukhin and was forced to withdraw from the tournament. This paved the way for the former world champion to get back into the mix of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix.

Tynanes is the second to fall to injury in the tournament after Ariel Sexton was also sidelined on the other bracket.

“I’m truly grateful to be given this second chance at the Grand Prix by ONE Championship,” Banario said.

“Opportunities like these in the world of martial arts are diamonds in the rough and this is definitely something that I will not allow to pass me by. It’s truly unfortunate about what happened to Ariel (Sexton) and Lowen (Tynanes) and I wish for their fast recovery.”

Nastyukhin has proven to be a formidable striker in his ONE Championship stint to date, including a recent performance at ONE: A NEW ERA where he knocked out four-time lightweight world champion Eddie Alvarez in the first round.

Banario on the other hand has also had his fair share of highlight reel knockouts during his time in the ONE Circle. It will be difficult to distinguish who among the two powerful strikers will prevail, although Banario says he and Nastyukhin are quite different.

“I think Timofey and I have different striking skills,” Banario said.

PH Chooks sends 2 squads to 3X3 tourney THERE will be two teams from the Philippines that will see action in the 2019 Hongxiang Holdings Group Haining 3x3 Basketball Challenger this weekend in Zhejiang, China.

Balanga Chooks and Isabela City Chooks, also known as the Phenom-Basilan Steel are getting ready to fight it for slots in the quarterfinals, and maybe the semifinals, in this level 9-FIBA tournament.

The tournament is the qualifier for a higher level meet, the Montreal Masters.

Philippine 3x3 officials said their participation will help them to continue in their mission to rack up FIBA 3X3 points for the country.

“We were invited to the tournament with just a one-week notice. But we need to join this tournament to continue to gather more points for the country,” said Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 league owner Ronald Mascariñas.

The Philippines now has a world ranking no. 34 in the men’s division.

Alvin Pasaol, Karl Dehesa, Chris De Chavez, and Travis Franklin will make up Balanga.

Isabela City will have Roosevelt Adams, Franky Johnson, Marcus Hammonds, and Gab Banal.

Banal was tapped as a guest player as Troy Rike is currently registered to play for Pasig in the FIBA 3×3 circuit.

“Kami ng Chooks-to-Go, pareho yung mission namin which is to represent our country well,” said Basilan team manager Jackson Chua.

Balanga is seeded in the main draw together with top seed Liman of Serbia, which they will meet June 29 at 2:30 p.m.

Eighth seeded Sosnovy Bor will take on Balanga at 4:15 pm in another Pool A encounter.

Isabela City will clash with Mongolian clubs Sukhbaatar at 9:00 am and Taikhar at 10:40 am.

Pool B. Peter Atencio

LeBron gives 23 to Davis as Lakers eye NBA free agency LOS ANGELES, United States—LeBron James will give up his number 23 jersey to new Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, who will sacrifice a trade bonus to help finance NBA free agency moves, ESPN reported Thursday.

James has worn number 23 during both stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and with the Lakers last season after he departed his hometown club a year ago in free agency.

Davis wore number 23 for seven seasons while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Citing unnamed sources, ESPN said James will return to wearing the num-

ber 6 jersey he used while winning his first two NBA crowns during a fourseason stint with the Miami Heat.

Photos from the set of “Space Jam 2”—a sequel to the 1996 film starring NBA legend Michael Jordan and animated cartoon icon Bugs Bunny—show James wearing a number 6 jersey.

A trade deal for Davis will be completed on July 6, when free agent contract signings can be announced, but details about the move revealed Thursday indicated the Washington Wizards are now involved in the transaction.

The Lakers will have $32 million to spend in free agency under NBA salary

cap rules, according to ESPN, after the Lakers sent Mo Wagner, Isaac Bonga and Jemerrio Jones to Washington to maximum clear salary-cap space.

Davis has also agreed to waive a $4 million trade bonus to create additional salary cap space that would enable the Lakers to pursue another maximum level NBA free agent.

The move allows the Lakers to build a supporting cast around James and Davis, who could combine into a formidable Lakers duo in the mold of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant or the Lakers’ Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James 1980s “Showtime” era stars Magic John- wears his jersey number 23 during a Lakers game. AFP son and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. AFP

Business

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2019

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: SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE TENDER OFFER

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

BSP sees June inflation falling to as low as 2.2%

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said inflation in June likely dropped to as low as 2.2 percent from 3.2 percent a month ago mainly due to lower rice and oil prices.

The BSP Department of Economic Research in a statement Friday estimated the June inflation settling within the range of 2.2 percent to 3.0 percent.

“Lower rice and domestic oil prices along with downward adjustment in electricity rates and recent peso appreciation are seen to temper inflation pressure during the month,” it said.

“Going forward, the BSP will remain watchful of the evolving inflation environment to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with the BSP’s price stability mandate,” it said.

Inflation in May rose to 3.2 percent from 3 percent in April, bringing the first five months’ average to 3.6 percent, still within the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

The benign inflation environment compelled the

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.

Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, to keep the benchmark policy rates steady at 4.5 percent on June 20.

The interest rates on the overnight lending and deposit facilities were also maintained.

Latest baseline forecasts indicated that inflation remained likely to settle within the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent both for 2029 and 2020, while inflation expectations had further moderated.

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

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

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

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

CAGAYAN DE ORO PARTNER. SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, signs a memorandum of understanding with Cagayan de Oro City and the National Resilience Council as part of NRC’s new Adopt-A-City Campaign. By supporting NRC’s three-year program, corporations can directly invest in reducing the city’s risks, and in supporting the partnership’s long-term resilience programs. Shown at the signing ceremony are (standing from left) SM Supermalls’ vice president for corporate compliance Liza Silerio and chief operating officers Steven Tan, CDO local economic investment promotions officer Eileen San Juan and NRC executive director Malu Erni; (seated from left) SM Prime executive committee chairman Hans Sy, CDO Mayor Oscar Moreno and NRC president Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.

Century Properties bullish, allots P30b for three years

By Jenniffer B. Austria CENTURY Properties Group Inc. said it will spend P30 billion over the next three years as it further expands its residential portfolio with the development of mid-rise condominiums.

CPG chairman Jose E.B. Antonio said in an interview following the annual stockholders’ meeting Friday it identified properties in Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Pampanga as future sites for the planned venture. The company plans to launch four midrise development projects over the next 12 months.

Antonio said the planned urban villages were expected to be another high-growth segment in the company’s residential business after after a recent venture into affordable housing segment.

“Rising in central business districts and its peripheries, these residential communities will be CPG’s answer to the urgent need for conveniently-located and well-planned homes fitted with modern social spaces at attainable prices,” Antonio said.

Aside from venturing into mid-rise development, Antonio said the company was also focused on increasing the recurring income portfolio to achieve a target of P2 billion in leasing revenues by 2020.

BCDA opens P12-b resort in Clark to Swiss challenge

By Othel V. Campos

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority has opened the proposed P12-billion luxury mountain resort in New Clark City to a Swiss challenge.

The BCDA in a notice published Thursday invited interested participants to join a competitive challenge for the long-term lease of a 450-hectare development inside the New Clark City.

New Clark City, a 9,450-hectare area situated 100 kilometers north of Metro Manila, is envisioned to be the first smart, green and sustainable metropolis in the country.

“The unsolicited proposal includes phase 1 development of the property comprising 5-star luxury hotel managed by an international hotel brand, a 18-hole championship golf course and 1 clubhouse,” the notice said.

Unsolicited proposals are subject to a Swiss challenge to allow competing bids from private groups, while giving the original proponent the right to submit a counter-proposal.

Widus Philippines Inc. earlier submitted an unsolicited proposal to the BCDA to develop a luxury resort.

Interested proponents may participate in the competitive challenge by purchasing the terms of reference that started Friday at the BCDA Clark office in One West Aeropark in Clark Global City for a non-refundable fee of P300,000.

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.

Oriental Petroleum bares cash dividend

THE board of Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corp.approved the declaration of cash dividend of one twentieth of a centavo (P0.0005) per share during the annual stockholders’ meeting.

OPMC president Robert Coyiuto Jr. made the announcement as he reminded stockholders about the company’s 50th year anniversary this year.

“This year, we are celebrating five decades of being one of the country’s pioneers in oil and gas exploration and production. More importantly, we have been a significant participant in all the numerous offshore commercial oil discoveries in the country,” he said.

Coyiuto noted that 2018 saw an improvement in the prices of the company’s Galoc oilfield in Palawan.

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

Small oil firms buck oil price unbundling

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.

THE Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association, the country’s association of small oil players, asked the Department of Energy to withdraw a department circular on oil price unbundling, saying as it runs counter to the spirit of the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998.

“After going over its provisions, we are of the view that its implementation would greatly affect the viability of our business and run counter to the provisions of R.A. No. 8479, otherwise known as the Downstream Oil Deregulation Act,” IPPCA president Jesus Suntay said in a letter to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

The department delayed the implementation of the circular following an advice to re-publish the circular. Alena Mae S. Flores

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 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.

SN Aboitiz Power turns on solar plant

RAMON, Isabela—Renewable energy company SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) switched on Thursday its 200-kilowatt pilot floating solar project at the Magat reservoir here, the biggest in the country so far.

SNAP-Magat invested nearly P24 million for the facility, which is placed over a 2,500-square meter area over the Magat reservoir. The project supplies most of the internal household load of the Magat facility, such as the control room, lights and airconditioning.

The circular floating solar installation— whose design is inspired by the Amazon water lily—is made up of 720 solar panels held in place by four mooring systems.

This is the first non-hydro renewable energy project of SNAP. Alena Mae S. Flores

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:

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks retreat; BDO, URC decline T HE stock market fell Friday as investors keep a nervous watch on developments in the G20 summit, with trade top of the agenda and a key focus on the much-anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 57.93 points, or 0.7 percent, to 7,999.71 on a value turnover of P19.6 billion. Losers beat gainers, 107 to 89, with 53 issues unchanged.

BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, dropped 1.8 percent to P140, while sister SM Prime Holdings Inc. slipped 2.1 percent to P37.10.

Universal Robina Corp., the largest

snack food maker, fell 4.6 percent to P166, while while Ayala Land Logistics Holdings Corp., a unit of major property developer Ayala Land Inc., declined 4.3 percent to P3.81 on profit-taking.

The rest of Asian markets dropped on Friday after enjoying a largely positive couple of weeks on hopes for progress in the head-to-head between the leaders of the world’s top two economies, though the possibility of failure continues to make dealers nervous.

As heads of the 20 leading economies started the summit in Osaka, Trump said he was hopeful for Saturday’s talks with Xi, saying “I think it will be productive,” adding that “it will be a very exciting day.”

Traders were biding their time, pushing regional markets lower, with Shanghai ending down 0.6 percent while Tokyo and Hong Kong were each off 0.3 percent.

Sydney shed 0.7 percent, Singapore and Seoul slipped 0.2 percent apiece, while Taipei and Mumbai were also down, though Wellington and Jakarta edged up.

While most observers are not expecting a final deal to come out of the Trump-Xi talks, the broad consensus is for some sort of agreement to press on with negotiations, which stalled last month when the US president hiked tariffs on some Chinese goods.

“The Trump-Xi meeting at the G20 is front and centre,” said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com.

“I would think that for Trump and Xi to agree to delay the additional tariffs and for detailed talks to resume would be sufficient to leave investors happy that things are moving, albeit simply kicking the can down the road a little longer so it’s closer to the 2020 White House election for Trump.”

But there remains some uncertainty about how the meeting will go, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that Xi plans to demand the US reverse a ban on doing business with Huawei as a condition for kickstarting talks.

The White House, however, said there were “no preconditions to these talks.”

Hannah Anderson, JP Morgan Asset Management global market strategist, was also cautious.

“We have watched this movie before: China and the US talk, leaks from policymakers on both sides encourage speculation we are close to a deal, things fall apart, the US presses forward with higher tariffs and markets express their displeasure with corrections and higher volatility.”

While the China-US trade row is the major issue, Trump’s spats with Japan and India over tariffs are also in focus.

With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019

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VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

57.5 79 2.42 141.5 1.15 27.5 18.7 11.6 5.12 1.36 0.49 72 1 13.24 20.6 50 190 115 58 28.4 171.9 1,755 61.25 1.12

58.4 79.4 2.42 141.5 1.19 27.75 18.7 11.68 5.3 1.36 0.51 72.75 1.04 13.28 21.4 50 190 115 58 28.4 171.9 1,755 62.25 1.12

57.5 77.4 2.32 138.9 1.15 27.45 18.7 11.6 4.91 1.35 0.49 71.25 0.96 13.2 20.5 49.05 185.9 115 58 28.1 168 1,750 61.25 1.12

58.4 78.5 2.41 140 1.19 27.45 18.7 11.62 4.99 1.35 0.5 71.25 0.97 13.26 21.4 49.25 190 115 58 28.1 170 1,750 61.25 1.12

3,060 2,659,130 277,000 9,138,120 76,000 30,900 37,900 3,190,100 1,154,100 65,000 235,000 2,089,620 1,527,000 146,900 4,000 149,700 1,060 150 660 32,400 492,910 155 329,730 5,000

177,975 208,166,558 644,510 1,277,018,499 87,800 849,685 708,730 37,190,040 5,897,305 87,900 118,340 150,344,112 1,529,420 1,940,584 82,460 7,383,540 200,900 17,250 38,280 910,535 83,307,405 271,645 20,210,388 5,600

-30 -112,680,110.50 -102,595,891 -11,060 -34,931,990 -30,748,819.50 -99,980 5,304 6,420 -271,670 18,650 -528,280 -1,013,807 5,908,976.50 -

INDUSTRIAL ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL RFM 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 0.8 1.37 0.265 94.5 2.99 15.04 20.1 16.76 42 87.2 97 2.1 5.05 6.05 10.48 15.5 11 7.68 27.05 83 63.5 2.56 13.5 10.18 1.68 284.2 9.44 25 14.1 19 386 0.186 5.89 1.73 4.66 5.89 9.3 2.68 12.18 38.5 4.9 1.39 1.9 1.27 14.04 109 6.56 1.23 172.5 2.62 1.26 1.5

35.5 14.5 0.85 1.39 0.275 115 3 15.22 21.2 18.7 42 133.3 150 2.11 5.3 6.06 10.52 15.88 11.06 7.69 27.05 84 63.9 2.6 13.7 10.2 1.73 284.2 9.44 25.15 14.1 19.48 387 0.186 5.89 1.82 4.78 5.94 9.3 2.68 12.2 39.05 4.9 1.39 2 1.28 14.04 109.2 6.56 1.25 174 2.7 1.28 1.55

34.8 14.4 0.8 1.35 0.265 94.5 2.91 15 19.2 16.74 42 83 91 2.01 5.05 6.01 10.44 15.5 10.9 7.59 26.7 82.8 63 2.51 13.42 10.04 1.68 280.8 8 24.6 13.8 19 382.2 0.186 5.89 1.72 4.54 5.82 9.18 2.49 12 38.5 4.9 1.36 1.89 1.18 13.9 106 6.47 1.19 166 2.54 1.26 1.48

34.8 14.5 0.84 1.39 0.265 110 2.92 15.02 19.28 16.8 42 133.3 150 2.02 5.3 6.03 10.46 15.6 10.92 7.64 26.8 83 63.5 2.54 13.7 10.06 1.7 281.8 9.25 25.05 13.8 19.02 387 0.186 5.89 1.82 4.54 5.82 9.18 2.55 12.1 38.75 4.9 1.37 2 1.21 13.9 106 6.56 1.2 166 2.7 1.28 1.52

686,900 1,048,200 13,588,000 1,571,000 4,940,000 2,340 19,624,000 5,523,400 225,600 148,200 300 780,090 212,200 209,000 200 95,800 4,626,600 36,400 653,500 1,967,500 7,497,300 172,510 176,270 7,865,000 167,100 151,800 884,000 587,180 54,000 3,252,600 476,300 2,449,800 195,550 1,100,000 200 26,660,000 242,000 980,300 11,000 39,672,000 6,300 121,300 18,000 718,000 100,000 664,000 86,100 246,450 74,700 2,292,000 1,462,400 40,000 3,110,000 13,014,000

23,990,440 15,164,890 11,399,900 2,181,170 1,336,650 229,151.50 57,664,880 83,082,958 4,491,324 2,572,358 12,600 95,615,465.50 28,502,375 430,540 1,035 578,889 48,466,612 570,330 7,171,492 14,994,960 201,079,795 14,329,475 11,169,493.50 20,092,050 2,272,364 1,533,926 1,502,240 165,703,942 479,576 81,344,795 6,598,356 47,092,022 75,347,660 204,600 1,178 47,320,250 1,115,050 5,732,603 102,180 101,226,250 76,398 4,712,155 88,200 984,980 190,460 811,880 1,199,324 26,214,294 484,622 2,768,990 244,876,077 102,530 3,963,040 19,857,450

-2,740,785 1,278,574 -32,380 -198,300 17,515,280 797,832 -8,480 -190,160 -141,550 505 -44,138 11,010,936 -153,914 3,011,922 -6,453,609 138,095,055 6,286,808.50 3,915,678 -250,130 854,458 -111,140.00 -13,159,110 10,820 3,204,620 64,912 1,395,338 31,644,170.00 10,862,720 -647,797 -2,979,660 753,955 88,200 48,950 19,150 37,884 -18,820,218 6,495 -163,470,444 -176,820 -304,400

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 SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.94 55 15.46 0.73 6.78 14.44 1.4 1.42 899.5 3.99 6.75 10.38 14.16 3.9 0.24 940 6.41 66.95 6.24 5.29 0.495 4.15 15.28 0.66 4.82 0.04 1.4 178 2.38 957 0.84 1.37 459.8 265 0.235 0.33

1.06 55.9 15.7 0.77 6.78 14.54 1.46 1.46 899.5 4.06 6.88 10.4 14.16 4.48 0.245 944 6.41 67.4 6.36 5.29 0.5 4.15 15.3 0.67 4.82 0.044 1.4 180 2.38 969 0.86 1.37 480 267 0.235 0.33

0.94 53.8 15.28 0.72 6.7 13.72 1.36 1.37 893.5 3.76 6.7 10.22 13.86 3.9 0.234 923 6.32 65.05 6.24 5.29 0.485 4.04 15.18 0.65 4.77 0.04 1.33 175.2 2.38 957 0.82 1.37 459.8 265 0.231 0.32

1.05 55 15.44 0.73 6.7 13.74 1.37 1.37 894 3.81 6.88 10.3 14 4.48 0.234 940 6.4 67.4 6.36 5.29 0.5 4.13 15.2 0.66 4.8 0.042 1.36 175.2 2.38 969 0.85 1.37 480 267 0.232 0.33

175,749,000 861,200 5,802,300 626,000 5,900 177,400 31,924,000 2,582,000 437,640 26,872,000 1,674,100 3,163,900 102,400 2,000 140,000 44,670 61,000 1,341,230 13,000 1,000 70,000 829,000 4,169,700 2,455,000 29,890,000 204,900,000 1,739,000 124,230 17,000 279,190 1,041,000 67,000 60 380,520 550,000 5,660,000

178,930,610 47,212,902 89,524,346 454,710 39,722 2,486,170 45,385,130 3,665,200 391,713,435 104,462,410 11,424,503 32,571,682 1,432,662 8,380 33,530 41,802,715 390,426 89,144,904.50 81,692 5,290 34,550 3,391,500 63,501,484 1,620,910 143,422,960 8,694,800 2,360,550 21,957,205 40,460 269,665,305 868,010 91,790 27,794 101,298,510 128,540 1,843,950

22,688,200 11,607,755.50 553,040 1,340 2,096 1,214,160 -77,275,545 2,518,580 4,309,024 -15,234,244 -190,250 -14,025,675 -43,684 20,104,547 -2,182,210 -3,446,746 -68,340 72,507,970 58,800 -3,902,685 38,669,105 21,303,980 -74,100

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

15.5 0.85 11 2.02 0.88 50.7 2.31 4.8 6.1 0.6 0.83 0.92 0.237 0.47 9.7 24.65 0.475 1.92 1.39 6.1 0.345 0.46 1.95 0.4 2.15

15.68 0.85 11.02 2.08 0.88 50.8 2.37 4.89 6.1 0.61 0.83 0.93 0.238 0.47 9.85 25 0.475 1.94 1.41 6.11 0.345 0.46 1.95 0.4 2.15

15.26 0.82 11 2.02 0.84 50.4 2.31 4.8 6.08 0.58 0.79 0.9 0.237 0.445 9.65 24.5 0.47 1.88 1.38 5.99 0.335 0.46 1.83 0.4 2.1

15.5 0.83 11 2.08 0.85 50.8 2.33 4.83 6.08 0.61 0.82 0.92 0.237 0.45 9.75 24.5 0.47 1.88 1.4 6.1 0.34 0.46 1.86 0.4 2.13

1,075,600 1,303,000 8,900 130,000 1,840,000 10,811,670 235,000 288,000 151,900 41,151,000 963,000 225,000 2,340,000 2,010,000 364,600 425,400 4,910,000 81,277,000 5,827,000 13,297,400 20,370,000 490,000 8,076,000 360,000 429,000

16,674,390 1,085,210 97,920 264,360 1,580,850 547,599,852.50 547,990 1,387,800 926,307 24,770,790 769,400 203,370 554,940 916,900 3,532,287 10,494,450 2,309,200 154,135,770 8,140,970 80,693,708 6,929,050 225,400 15,413,080 144,000 907,350

-569,998 207,500 50,180,361.50 -25,590 -839,290 -1,040,920 17,388 73,110 -2,186,650 -88,662,970 31,970.00 929,797 329,800 -303,310 -2,150

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

26.45 2.12 2.99 38 1.91 6.4 0.76 7.13

26.45 2.23 3 38.2 1.98 6.44 0.76 7.19

25.65 2.11 2.95 37.1 1.88 6.32 0.76 7.1

26.35 2.23 2.95 37.1 1.95 6.4 0.76 7.13

809,900 1,486,000 449,000 21,544,000 646,000 66,900 16,000 7,713,500

21,212,540 3,247,330 1,330,050 805,609,730 1,258,340 428,220 12,160 55,047,926

2,217,885 -275,750 14,770 -417,681,455 11,580 -15,850,628

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 ISLAND INFO ISM COMM LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS 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

11.18 17.1 1.39 0.485 0.044 21.5 2.77 11.3 0.054 91.2 6.98 8.31 5.9 10.2 2,260 5.4 400 2.19 1.81 144.2 0.116 6.75 14.28 4.15 0.82 19.28 0.54 3.21 2.55 1.59 2.59 3.1 9.3 2.92 5.4 9 136 3.65 1,300 0.78 0.83 45 73.7 9.28 3.55 0.74 0.39 5.3 0.77 17

11.18 17.24 1.39 0.5 0.045 21.5 2.88 11.4 0.056 91.55 6.98 8.4 5.9 10.3 2,270 5.41 407.8 2.24 2.03 146.4 0.119 6.92 14.28 4.15 0.83 19.28 0.54 3.24 2.55 1.6 2.63 3.12 9.3 2.92 5.4 9 136 3.69 1,318 0.8 0.84 45 74.95 9.36 3.55 0.75 0.395 5.5 0.78 17.24

11.16 17.1 1.39 0.48 0.044 21.3 2.69 11.26 0.054 91 6.98 8.31 5.9 10.1 2,232 5.37 395.2 2.19 1.81 143 0.116 6.72 14.28 4.07 0.81 19.08 0.52 3.21 2.53 1.58 2.53 3.09 9.18 2.92 5.32 9 136 3.61 1,274 0.78 0.8 44.25 73.7 9.2 3.45 0.72 0.38 5.3 0.75 16.8

11.16 17.18 1.39 0.5 0.045 21.3 2.78 11.3 0.056 91 6.98 8.39 5.9 10.1 2,262 5.38 407.8 2.21 1.92 146.4 0.116 6.92 14.28 4.12 0.83 19.08 0.52 3.24 2.53 1.58 2.53 3.1 9.18 2.92 5.4 9 136 3.65 1,290 0.8 0.83 44.95 74 9.2 3.45 0.74 0.39 5.48 0.75 16.8

2,900 39,300 1,000 8,190,000 300,000 1,800 1,969,000 5,534,000 42,070,000 183,800 2,500 2,020,200 1,500 81,500 135,600 64,300 3,750 711,000 46,000 1,228,960 550,000 4,547,700 300 800,000 63,000 332,200 675,000 17,000 1,594,000 22,000 2,045,000 45,000 19,600 12,000 18,100 700 390 1,156,000 99,280 2,259,000 18,572,000 152,300 290,150 69,900 18,635,000 6,367,000 8,080,000 7,409,000 3,404,000 2,353,800

32,370 676,042 1,390 4,010,700 13,300 38,440 5,469,640 62,564,870 2,309,510 16,795,216 17,450 16,891,724 8,850 826,592 305,491,830 346,501 1,525,278 1,575,650 87,210 178,337,114 63,860 31,062,134 4,284 3,278,960 51,690 6,348,616 354,330 54,990 4,040,290 34,940 5,260,040 139,630 181,128 35,040 97,012 6,300 53,040 4,209,160 128,708,480 1,778,730 15,200,010 6,804,815 21,466,528.50 647,862 64,896,920 4,650,090 3,136,550 40,651,476 2,575,380 40,124,024

-175,000 -27,690 46,070 -14,486,092 77,190 6,667,921.50 17,450 1,933,876 -30,452,680 8,940 -55,005,763 11,600 -3,308,673 27,940 66,820 -62,120 -35,040 50,320 -342,550 22,158,155 -299,750 -1,308,310 -3,752,885 -6,098,282 4,882,180 1,375,210 -1,251,009 75,000 11,010,602

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

0.0018 1.23 2.79 12.5 1.21 1.33 2.84 0.285 7.71 1.5 0.229 0.115 1.02 2.26 1.02 0.55 0.87 0.012 0.012 0.011 4.9 3.69 7.85 22.9

0.0019 1.28 2.79 12.8 1.21 1.33 2.84 0.29 7.9 1.51 0.229 0.12 1.04 2.29 1.02 0.55 0.89 0.013 0.012 0.011 4.9 3.69 7.85 23.2

0.0018 1.23 2.79 12.38 1.2 1.33 2.81 0.28 7.64 1.49 0.22 0.115 1.02 2.22 1 0.55 0.87 0.011 0.012 0.01 4.5 3.6 7.66 22.9

0.0019 1.24 2.79 12.6 1.2 1.33 2.82 0.29 7.87 1.5 0.227 0.12 1.04 2.25 1.02 0.55 0.88 0.011 0.012 0.011 4.7 3.6 7.66 23.15

39,000,000 3,145,000 50,000 3,700 5,000 1,000 107,000 260,000 13,700 617,000 2,240,000 3,860,000 300,000 956,000 65,000 38,000 67,000 42,400,000 2,800,000 6,800,000 503,000 552,000 395,800 1,017,600

73,600 3,909,530 139,500 46,348 6,010 1,330 301,820 73,250 105,526 925,950 493,560 451,750 306,820 2,154,650 65,250 20,900 58,610 508,200 33,600 69,700 2,337,420 2,002,960 3,046,390 23,445,145

24,800 63,240 -366,930 -105,580 -397,311 4,848,100

PREFERRED ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF C DD PREF FPH PREF C GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

17 484.6 493 100.1 99.95 450 480 5.18 94.05 0.98 102.5 998 1,010 1,008 961 75.5 72 73.9 74.9 73.5 72.05 73

17 484.6 497 100.1 99.95 450 480 5.49 96.85 0.98 102.5 998 1,010 1,008 961 75.5 72 73.9 75 73.5 73.7 73

16.84 484.6 493 100.1 99.95 450 480 5.18 94 0.98 102.5 998 1,000 1,008 960 75 72 73 73.7 73.5 70 73

16.84 484.6 497 100.1 99.95 450 480 5.49 96.85 0.98 102.5 998 1,000 1,008 960 75 72 73 73.7 73.5 73.7 73

66,200 10 1,990 2,750 10 10 30 21,200 830 5,000 10 200 5,040 310 2,100 1,490 8,800 701,030 1,014,800 100 816,440 57,030

1,118,328 4,846 981,110 275,275 999.5 4,500 14,400 115,553 78,053 4,900 1,025 199,600 5,081,090 312,480 2,016,010 111,865 633,600 51,175,460 75,603,848 7,350 60,130,638 4,163,190

-1,033,328 -1,025 -199,600 9,600 -

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.91

1.94

1.89

1.94

242,000

460,290

-

SME ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

4.88 2.48 1.09

4.94 2.48 1.17

4.85 2.48 1.08

4.86 2.48 1.16

250,000 2,000 23,774,000

1,216,350 4,960 26,981,880

-127,100 96,680

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF 120.5

120.5

119

119.6

3,420

408,889

12,000

DDS USD DMPL A1

10.2

10.2

10.2

2,500

25,500

-

MS 10.2

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

104,608,796

INDUSTRIAL

170,511,718

HOLDING FIRMS

506,507,302

PROPERTY

240,026,542

SERVICES

146,437,524

MINING & OIL

106,839,331

GRAND TOTAL

1,298,962,401

VALUE 1,720.08 (down) 18.49 13,146,493,809.80 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,701.75 (down) 172.07 1,498,006,230.408 HOLDING FIRMS 7,703.01 (down) 22.33 1,957,074,670.59 PROPERTY 4,273.77 (down) 29.02 1,711.29 (down) 5.77 1,860,766,623.31 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,591.21 (up) 63.74 1,028,503,235.36 PSEI 7,999.71 (down) 57.93 40,615,568.621 All Shares Index 4,893.78 (down) 30.53 19,560,075,960.64 Gainers: 89; Losers: 107; Unchanged: 53; Total: 249

Security Bank sells P18b in bonds after a huge demand

By Julito G. Rada SECURITY Bank Corp., the sixthlargest lender in terms of assets, successfully raised P18 billion through the issuance of fixed-rate peso corporate bonds due 2021 in a bid to diversify its funding sources.

The bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday the bonds had a tenor of two years and settled at the lower end of its pricing range at 5.875 percent annually.

Due to strong demand for the bonds, Security Bank exercised its oversubscription option and accepted offers above the initially announced P5-billion issue size. Minimum denominations were set at P500,000 and increments of P100,000 thereafter.

The bonds were listed Thursday at Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. to provide secondary market liquidity to investors who would like to trade the instruments. Security Bank offered the bonds to support lending activities and expand its funding base.

Security Bank executive vice president and treasurer Raul Pedro said the successful issuance and oversubscription was testament to investor confidence in Security Bank and its commitment to provide “Over the last few years, Security Bank has made the right moves to provide value to our customers—consistently growing our customer base and winning awards both locally and abroad,” Pedro said.

“This maiden issuance in the peso bond market is meant to diversify our funding sources, creating a path to tap the capital markets again in the near future in order to optimize our funding costs and continue our focus on delivering best in class returns to our shareholders,” he said.

The transaction was a joint effort of Security Bank and sole arranger and book runner Deutsche Bank.

Security Bank remains one of the leading commercial and universal banks in the country.

The bank’s net income in the first quarter rose 1.5 percent year-on-year to P2.38 billion, fueled mainly by sustained strength in loans and deposits.

Jollibee delays public offering of SuperFoods

By Jenniffer B. Austria JOLLIBEE Foods Corp., the biggest fast-food chain, is delaying the planned initial public offering of majority-owned unit SuperFoods Group in Vietnam because of the strong performance of the company.

JFC chairman Tony Tancaktiong said in an interview at the sidelines of the annual stockholders’ meeting Friday that Superfoods was currently doing well, registering one of the fastest growths in terms of profitability, margin and return in investment.

“We are reviewing the timetable for that. Because the company is very profitable, there is less pressure for us to raise funds,” Tancaktiong said.

“The later we go public the higher valuation we will get,” he added.

Superfoods is a joint venture between JFC and Viet Thai International Joint Stock Company (VTI). It owns and operates the brands Highlands Coffee and Pho24, and is a franchisee of Hard Rock Cafe in Vietnam.

JFC and VTI were originally planned to conduct the Superfoods IPO in July 2019.

JFC chief finance officer Ysmael Baysa said Superfoods was aggressive with the store expansion in Vietnam, aiming to open 100 Highlands Coffee stores annually over the next five years.

Superfoods also plans to bring Pho 24 stores outside Vietnam, especially in the United States, Hong Kong and Europe.

“Pho 24 has very high same-storesales in Vietnam. But we think we can create more value if we open Pho 24 stores outside Vietnam. It is very attractive in metropolitan places because it is very healthy Vietnamese food,” Baysa said.

Highlands Coffee serves Vietnamese coffee and light meals in trendy coffee shops. It also sells packaged coffee through retail outlets.

Pho 24, meanwhile, serves traditional Vietnamese dishes with rice noodles as core products.

World

B3

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Spain wildfire out of control as heatwave fries Europe

IN BRIEF Concern over missing Australian SYDNEY―The wife of an Australian man who has gone missing and is feared detained in North Korea said she had no hint that anything was wrong before his disappearance.

Japanese Yuka Morinaga, 26, told Australia’s News Corp that Alek Sigley’s disappearance in Pyongyang was “very concerning” and there was not “anything weird” last time they spoke on Monday.

Sigley, who speaks fluent Korean and is one of only a handful of Western students living in Pyongyang, has not been heard from since Tuesday.

His family said Friday they have no news about whether he has been detained.

The 29-year-old’s social media sites― which usually have a stream of apolitical content about everyday life in one of the world’s most secretive nations―have fallen silent since Tuesday.

“He is always trying to demystify North Korea unlike the typical Western media. He tries to understand the people there,” Morinaga said.

The pair married at an elaborate ceremony in Pyongyang last year.

Morinaga is a software developer living in Tokyo and usually communicates with her husband daily via WhatsApp messages.

Sigley’s family said they had begun taking down some of his social media posts “to limit unnecessary speculation and commentary on those channels.”

His disappearance comes at a time of heightened tensions with North Korea and as world leaders gather in Osaka, Japan for a G20 summit.

Speaking at the summit, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his “key focus is to ascertain precisely where Alek Sigley is and in what circumstances.”

Morrison said he had raised the issue with countries that “have insights and abilities to assist us.” AFP

Stuck migrants settling in TAPACHULA, Mexico―A determined clutch of Haitians and Africans have set up an impromptu village outside the Century XXI migrant detention center in southern Mexico, hoping to defy the worsening odds and reach the United States.

Sleeping on the ground or in dirt-cheap hotel rooms, selling manicures, metalwork and home-made food to get by, these several dozen migrants-once a tiny drop in the sea of mostly Central American travelers trekking north―suddenly stand out in the border town of Tapachula.

Under pressure from US President Donald Trump, Mexico has deployed thousands of National Guardsmen to reinforce its southern border, and launched a crack down on undocumented migration.

That has caused Guatemalan, Honduran and Salvadoran migrants—who swarmed this town in massive caravans just months ago—to virtually disappear from sight, hiding out on remote routes or biding their time south of the border.

But that is not an option for the Haitians and Africans, who crossed an ocean to get here and who typically speak too little Spanish to strike out on their own through the countryside.

Still, they are not giving up on their American dream.

“The United States is helping the Congo, they know the Congo is at war,” said Moises Bumba, 33, explaining his dogged hope of reaching the US and requesting asylum from the conflict racking his country, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He arrived here in March with his wife and son, after a six-month journey overland from Brazil. With little money and no sign they will get visas soon, they are sleeping on the street.

He said they do not want to be a burden on Mexico.

“The only help we are asking from the Mexican government is documents to let us through. We don’t want anything else,” he said.

But for many, Tapachula is the end of the road.

Inside the detention center, hundreds of migrants are waiting to be deported. AFP

BABY TRUMP. A South Korean environmental activist holds balloons depicting US President Donald Trump as a baby during a rally urging him to take an active role in climate change near the US embassy in Seoul on June 28, 2019, a day before the US President's visit to South Korea. AFP

Trump plays nice guy as divisive G20 opens

O

SAKA-US President Donald Trump on Friday struck a conciliatory tone with fellow world leaders at one of the most high-stakes G20 meetings in years, despite the deep divisions on trade and climate change.

Host Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister, appealed for unity among the bickering world leaders at the start of Japan’s new era of “Reiwa” or “beautiful harmony”, with the long-running trade row between China and the United States threatening to overshadow the event.

“With your help, I hope we will realize beautiful harmony in Osaka... rather than highlight our confrontations, let us seek out what unites us,” said Abe as he opened the talks.

The appeal seemed to have chimed with arguably the club’s most volatile member, as Trump dialed down his previously feisty rhetoric against traditional US allies.

Fresh from describing Germany as “delinquent” for not paying enough into the NATO budget, he

‘Mona Liza’ to be moved so her room in the Louvre can be spruced up PARIS―The world’s most famous painting, the “Mona Lisa”, is to be moved so her room in the Louvre can be spruced up, the Paris museum said on Friday.

Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece will be carried less than “100 paces” to the adjoining Medici gallery during the night of July 16, the museum’s director Jean-Luc Martinez told AFP. The fragile 500-year-old painting is very rarely handled, and will remain protected by bulletproof glass in its temporary home.

The portrait of a Florentine noble will be returned to her spot in the States Room just before a blockbuster Leonardo exhibition opens at the world’s biggest museum in October.

The Louvre holds the largest collection of the Italian artist’s work.

Martinez said the move was part of an immense rolling renovation of the museum, which is struggling to cope with more than 10 million visitors a year.

Tens of thousands of people each day pass through the room in which the painting is shown opposite Paolo Veronese’s giant canvass, “The Wedding Feast at Cana.”

It has been sealed inside protective wooden shuttering while the work goes on.

“The population of a town” passes ev-

ery day through the room, said Martinez, which hasn’t been redecorated since the early 2000s.

He said the “Mona Lisa” will stay in its original place for the Leonardo show― which begins on October 24―as hanging it with the polymath’s other works would have caused such bottlenecks that visitor numbers would have to be limited.

“We could not deprive 15,000 people a day from seeing the ‘Mona Lisa’,” the director insisted.

The painting, thought to have been begun in the first years of the 16th century, has been moved very rarely since it was first housed in the Louvre in 1804.

Indeed, it hasn’t left its walls in 45 years, and curators are strongly opposed to it doing so again, citing its fragility.

The painting was done on a thin panel of poplar, which has buckled over time, revealing a thin slit.

It last traveled in 1974 to Russia and Japan, having crossed the Atlantic in 1964 to be shown in the United States despite the fierce protests of the Louvre’s curators.

France’s last culture minister, Francoise Nyssen, had hinted that it might tour during the refurbishment work.

Locals in Lens, a former mining town in the north of France which houses an outpost of the Louvre, campaigned for the “Mona Lisa” to be exhibited there. AFP

was effusive when meeting Chancellor Angela Merkel.

“She’s a fantastic person, a fantastic woman and I’m glad to have her as a friend,” he said.

Merkel appeared well during the talks, a day after a second public shaking attack raised fears about her health. German officials insist she is not ill.

Likewise, Trump hailed Abe, for sending “many automobile companies” to the United States, apparently heartened by a document Abe gave him showing investment into the US. Only two days earlier, he had seemed to question the US-Japan alliance, saying that Washington was committed to protecting Japan but if America was attacked, the Japanese could just “watch it on a Sony television.”

As the meeting opened, world leaders jostled and greeted each other during the family photo with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker whispering extensively into Trump’s ear.

Trump entered with President Vladimir Putin, chatting amicably, and the Russian leader patted his American counterpart gently on the back as they parted ways.

The pair met later for the first face-to-face talks since Helsinki in July with Trump hailing a “very, very good relationship”.

Despite the warm words in public, the meeting could be one of the most explosive in years, with clashes possible over trade, Iran, and climate change.

The most eagerly anticipated part of the meeting will be on Saturday when Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold their first face-to-face since the last G20, to thrash out a truce in a long-running trade war that has stymied the world economy. AFP

MEETING. French President

Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting on the world economy at the G20 Summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019. AFP

TORRE DEL ESPAÑOL-Hundreds of firefighters on Thursday battled an out-of-control wildfire in Spain that authorities believe started after a heap of manure self-ignited amid a European heatwave.

The blaze, which broke out Wednesday afternoon in Torre del Español in the northeastern region of Catalonia, has so far affected more than 6,500 hectares, the regional government said, an area about 19 times the size of Central Park.

The flames raging across a hilly area roughly 80 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean coastal town of Tarragona could eventually devour 20,000 hectares in what was presented as an “extreme risk”, a statement said.

Regional interior minister Miquel Buch said the firefighters would likely have to work through the night as they attempted to bring the conflagration under control while chief firefighter Antonio Ramos said “you’d have to go back 20 years to see a similar fire” of such dimension in the region.

Some 350 firefighters backed by around 230 soldiers and 15 aerial tanker aircraft were at the scene of the blaze.

The fire raged several kilometers from the Asco nuclear plant but officials said the site was not at risk since winds were blowing the flames away from it and it is located on the other side of a river.

Firefighters said that steep terrain was hampering efforts to control the blaze, which spread quickly due to strong winds and soaring temperatures which neared 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and were forecast to hit 42 Celsius on Friday.

“It’s complicated. We won’t get it stabilized today,” regional firefighting chief Manuel Pardo told Spanish public television.

Catalonia’s forest agent service said the fire likely began when an “improperly managed” pile of manure at a chicken farm self-combusted in the extreme heat.

Around 50 people have been evacuated from their homes and five roads have been shut, the regional government said. Many evacuees told Spanish media they fled with just the clothes on their backs. AFP

EU’s Tusk slams Putin over democracy OSAKA―EU President Donald Tusk on Friday lashed out at his Russian counterpart in unusually undiplomatic language, saying he “strongly disagreed” with Vladimir Putin when he said liberalism was “obsolete.”

In an interview with the Financial Times, the Kremlin strongman said the “liberal idea” was now “in conflict” with what people around the world want. “[Liberals] cannot simply dictate anything to anyone just like they have been attempting to do over the recent decades,” he told the newspaper, as populist movements gather support across Europe and in the US. Putin criticized German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to allow more than one million refugees into Germany as a “cardinal mistake” and praised US President Donald Trump for his efforts to stop the flow of migrants from Mexico.

“This liberal idea presupposes that nothing needs to be done. That migrants can kill, plunder and rape with impunity because their rights as migrants have to be protected,” he said.

“The liberal idea has become obsolete. It has come into conflict with the interests of the overwhelming majority of the population.”

The Russian president concluded in the interview that liberal ideology had “outlived its purpose”.

Tusk, in Osaka for the G20 gathering of the world’s leading economies, took Putin to task for the comments.

“I have to say that I strongly disagree with the main argument that liberalism is obsolete,” the EU President said.

“Whoever claims that liberal democracy is obsolete also claims that freedoms are obsolete, that the rule of law is obsolete and that human rights are obsolete,” he added.

These are “essential and vibrant values” for Europeans, said Tusk. AFP

T

Affordable housing in the limelight at upcoming Lamudi fair

HE biggest gathering of affordable property brands in the country is set to take place as Philippine online real estate platform Lamudi takes over the Glorietta Activity Center this July 20 to 21.

The Lamudi affordable housing fair will give property buyers the opportunity to check out some of the Philippines’ most popular developers’ collection of reasonably priced homes, and avail of discounts.

The two-day event will bring together individuals and groups from all ends of the real estate industry, with property developers, buyers, financials and government institutions participating. Industry professionals will have a chance to elevate their footing in the industry, through the various learning opportunities on tap.

“Hardworking Filipinos deserve to make the big move from renting to owning a home, and Lamudi hopes to connect these aspiring homeowners to the best affordable property developers in the country to make that dream happen,” Lamudi Managing Director Bhavna Suresh Chathambeth said.

The fair follows the successful housing fair that was held in TriNoma last April 6 and 7, which was attended by more than 3,000 property seekers and brokers.

HOME BUYING SEMINAR Like previous Lamudi housing fairs, there will be a free home buying seminar for aspiring homeowners and real estate investors. To be conducted by industry experts, participants can

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Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019

tap the deep well of knowledge on the course will give the low down on each right way to approach the process of digital channel and will provide tips on purchasing a home. how one can use them.

Academy coaches will also teach PROPERTY DISCOUNTS, participants how to make the most of AUCTION Lamudi, particularly how to use it to For those who are looking for your advantage by ensuring that homemore affordable options, the fair buyers will trust you, a key step for will also host an auction, with selling them your property listings. various freebies and exclusive discounts offered in the booths set up NETWORKING during the two-day event.

The fair will also be a convergence point for the biggest players in the local LEAD GENERATION property sector—from property develOnline real estate marketing experts opers, financing institutions, and govfrom the Lamudi Academy will teach ernment agencies. attending real estate brokers and agents According to Lamudi’s visitor data how to make the most out of the vari- for 2018, property seekers from Makati ous digital channels that today’s prop- account for the second largest market erty buyers are exploring. One course of visitors, as well in leads. Organizers

of the fair expect a sizable number of users in the city who repeatedly go the website to look for property, to drop by the event to further explore the real estate options available to them.

Some of the developers and financial institutions that will be exhibiting their offerings are SMDC, Lancaster New City by ProFriends, Federal Land, DMCI Homes, BPI Family Housing Loan, Aboitiz Land, Grand Monaco, PA Properties, Megaworld Prime RFO, Camella Homes, Polintan - Agpasa Engineering and Architectural Design, UnionBank Credit Cards, Phinma Properties, Calmar Land Development Corporation, Aspire by Filinvest, RCD Land, CDC Holdings, Inc., Futura Homes by Filinvest, and Food Panda.

POSITIVELY CHINA. GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), the private company managing the terminal operations of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), recently welcomed the newest service of Xiamen Air (MF) to Chengdu, China. Xiamen Air kicked off its direct service to Chengdu from MCIA last Thursday.

“Through this partnership with Xiamen Air, we aim to achieve a common goal which is to increase connectivity between Cebu to international destinations,” said Louie Ferrer, GMCAC president. Xiamen Air will service the Cebu-Chengdu route thrice weekly every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday using a Boeing 737-800 with 22 seats in Business class, and 161 seats in Economy class. This is the first time that Cebu will have regular scheduled flights to Chengdu. Aside from Chengdu, MCIA is connected to other key destinations in China namely, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen.

BEST OF THE BEST THE Philippines’s 10 most active architecture firms and property developers were recently awarded the BCI Asia’s Top 10 Awards at the annual BCI Asia Awards ceremony at Grand Hyatt Manila.

The portfolios of these architecture firms comprise USD22.58 billion worth of properties scheduled to start construction in Philippines this year, while the portfolios of the top developers are valued at USD4.03 billion.

The firms were chosen based on the greatest aggregate value of projects under construction during the last full calendar year, weighted by the extent of their sustainability efforts.

Developers who garnered presti-

gious awards included: Stanny Pamintuan, general manager (BCI Asia Philippines); Engr. Alexander Ace Sotto, COO (8990 Holdings Inc.); Melchor Saribay, division manager - SMLG-IDG (Ayala Land Inc.); Ar. Gilbert Berba, head of urban planning (Ayala Land Inc.); Mathias Bergundthal, director of Asset (Cebu Landmasters Inc.); Joanna Soberano-Bergundthal, marketing director (Cebu Landmasters Inc.); Michael Dauden, director, commercial airconditioning group (Concepcion Midea Inc.); Clarinda LunaMagtulis, vice president for SMDC Marketing (SM Prime Holdings Inc.); Dr. Matthias Krups, Founder

& Chairman (BCI Media Group); Mr. Manny Arce, Vice President Construction & Design (Robinsons Land); John Evangelista, general manager - commercial centre division (Robinsons Land); Thomas F. Mirasol, general manager (Federal Land Inc.); John Frederick C. Cabato - SVP of sales and marketing (Federal Land Inc.); Sherilynne Santos, senior project development manager (Filinvest Alabang, Inc.); Bonna Crisostomo, asst. project development manager (Filinvest Alabang, Inc.); Juan Antonio Gatuslao, deputy, COO (Eton Properties); and Johnson Tan, marketing manager (DMCI Homes).

DRAWING A BEAD ON THE WATER CRISIS.

ArthaLand recently partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines to support its Forests For Water program. ArthaLand will adopt 10 hectares within the Ipo watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan and assist in the natural regeneration of existing tree species, thus contributing to water sustainability for the 12 million residents of Metro Manila. “With the looming water shortage in Metro Manila and with water scarcity foreseen as the next major global crisis, it is imperative for us as a green developer to reach out and do our part to boost other water conservation initiatives,” said Leo T. Po, executive vice president and treasurer of ArthaLand. The tie-up signing coincided with the groundbreaking ceremonies for Sevina Park—ArthaLand’s mixed-use horizontal development in Binan, Laguna. A tree-planting activity of endemic and endangered trees was conducted to open Sevina Park’s tree nursery and composting facility. The management team of ArthaLand, VIPs from WWF, LV Locsin and Partners, and directors of the Philippine Green Building Council, participated in the event (Shown here)

Life

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

YOUNG LIFE

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019

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They’re fresh, they’re young, they’re Forever 21

H

ERE are the newest faces to watch out for: Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 6 contestant Jach Manere, social media personality Janica Nam Floresca, and Filipino-Swedish footballer Patrik Franksson.

These three twenty-somethings were recently introduced as the new brand ambassadors of youth’s favorite apparel label Forever 21.

Jach, who bears a resemblance to Kris Bernal and Pia Wurtzbach, is a frequent sight on Philippine runways even prior to joining AsNTM 6. Meanwhile, Nam is a social media star who currently has more than 1 million followers on Instagram.

Finally, model and JPV Marikina striker Patrik makes fans swoon with his pretty boy appeal.

Coinciding with the introduction of new ambassadors was the launch of Forever 21’s latest collection. Chic resort wear pieces include bright, flowy maxis; palazzo pants; and sarong skirts. Satu-

rated colors and tropical prints reign supreme in this category.

Also showcased were fab workwear in neutral and earth tones. Denim, beige, white, olive, rust, and a pop of variegated stripes add a chic twist to athleisure.

Casual cool summer street outfits in relax California style, as in tropical cutoff shorts and relaxed polos over graphic tees a m o n g others, are offered for men.

FRESH FACE.

‘Asia’s Next Top Model’ Cycle 6 contestant Jach Manere is one of the newest faces of a youthfavorite fashion label.

American apparel label Forever 21 introduces its new brand ambassadors, including (from left) FilipinoSwedish footballer Patrik Franksson, model Jach Manere, and social media personality Janica Nam Floresca.

What would children legislators do?

IF CHILDREN were the people responsible for creating the laws, they would focus on fair compensation, safe and clean environment, quality education, culture and history, and technological advancement.

The aforementioned “platforms” were conveyed by the newly elected kids representing the KidZania Manila CongreZZ when they visited the Senate of the Philippines earlier this month.

Fourteen children, aged 8 to 15 years old, who will serve as KidZania Manila’s legislators for the next two years, presented their manifestos to Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan during their Senate tour.

The CongreZZ Kids are tasked to help govern the recreation center, discuss trends affecting their generation, and propose rules and innovations to help continue making the play city an ideal place for children where they can learn the value of hard work through the power of role play.

Andrea Sta. Maria, 10 years old, Kian Jimenez, 11, and Liz Castigo, 9, regard the importance of hard work and they want to have regulations that stand by its value, particularly on fair labor compensation.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Angela de Guzman and 10-year-old Gian Cera and Juhi Chandiramani want stricter rules

governing the environment “because we only have one world to live in and we should save it.”

Happy Aguilar, 11, Jiada Javier, 9, and Renz Emperador, 15, emphasized that learning should be adaptable to capture the attention of today’s children.

“We should have something that interests the children and suitable for the generation in today’s world. If something interests the child, they would enjoy learning it,” said Happy.

Young legislators Jillian Salina, 9, Kate Amarille, 10, and Kim Amarille, 8, believe in the importance of the Filipino language, Philippine history, and culture in connecting citizens. While Patricia

Balatbat, 13, and Riley Catral, 10 see today’s digital world as key in providing more jobs for Filipinos.

Together these children will work for the welfare of KidZania Manila and its young CitiZens in line with the “Generation KidZania: Kids building a better world” campaign.

Kidzania Manila has an ongoing online sale: Buy 1 Kid and 1 Adult weekday tickets for P900 or get 30 percent off on weekend tickets valid until July 31 at ktx. abs-cbn.com, klook.com, and ticketworld.com.ph.

e by ck fac lo c e Prid miah Lee Jere

Pride

on your wrist

KidZania Manila CongreZZ Kids presenting their manifestos to the audience at the Senate of the Philippines.

CongreZZ Kids Juhi Chandiramani and Gian Cera want stricter rules governing the environment.

LEADING global fitness tracker brand Fitbit promotes inclusivity and pride with its #FitForPride initiative.

The brand has tapped members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community to take to social media and inspire their fellow members to start taking small steps to a healthier lifestyle, all while wearing the limited-time Pride clock face by Jeremiah Lee on their wrists.

Life

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SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Pinoy alt-rock bands on past and present OPM

A

S OF January 1 this year, OPM has garnered nearly 10 billion streams on Spotify globally, cementing its place as an immensely popular genre, especially in the Philippines.

To show its support for Original Pilipino Music, Spotify rolls out a three-part video series that trains the spotlight on Pinoy Rock musicians of the past and present.

The series, available on Spotify Philippines’ Facebook page, brings together Sponge Cola, Hale, Callalily, This Band, December Avenue, and I Belong to the Zoo to talk about the OPM rock scene, their struggles as artists, and what they want to see in the local music scene in the next few years.

On Pinoy alt-rock

Sponge Cola attributes the rise of Filipino alternative rock to the groundwork laid by bands like Eraserheads, Rivermaya, and Parokya Ni Edgar,

Sponge Cola attributes the rise of Filipino alt-rock to the groundwork laid by E-heads among others.

December Avenue says Spotify is especially helpful to independent bands like them.

who performed in Manila’s iconic Club tong lungkot na may galit (the right balDredd during the ‘90s. Callalily and ance of sadness and anger).”

December Avenue echo the sentiment.

Meanwhile, the members of This On the best song they’ve ever Band describe Pinoy alt-rock as “sakreleased

This Band considers “Kahit Ayaw Mo Na,” as the best song they’ve released so far. The track is their first single, which hit no. 1 on Spotify Philippines Top 50 and Viral Charts and has

consistently trended on the Philippines Top 50 Charts since its release. It even entered the Global Viral 50 Charts in December 2018 and has more than 54 million streams to date.

For Sponge Cola, “The best song we released would have to be ‘Jeepney’,” says frontman Yael Yuzon, adding “It embodies who we are; we are very sentimental people.”

Callalily says 2006’s “Magbalik” is the best song because of how “lifechanging” it was, while Hale jests that their 2005 hit “The Day You Said Goodnight” changed their lives so much that they “had to stop school.”

On the alt-rock music scene in the ‘00s and today

I Belong To The Zoo credits technology for changing the way fans listens to his music.

Hale relates their 2005 hit ‘The Day You Said Goodnight’ changed their lives so much.

Callalily appreciates the mileage a song could reach thanks to streaming platforms like Spotify.

The Band considers the hit ‘Kahit Ayaw Mo Na’ as the best song they’ve released so far.

HAPPY FEET

Nike launches an upgraded Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Zoom like the wind A NEW upgrade to Nike’s best-selling running shoe promises to take wearers further.

The Air Zoom Pegasus 36 returns with updates on the upper part that improves overall fit and comfort. Its latest engineered mesh material strategically targets breathability across high-heat areas such as the forefoot and arch for additional cooling.

Pegasus 36 has a slimmer design in the heel collar and tongue, reducing bulk for a more comfortable and conforming fit. The exposed Flywire cables in the mid-foot create a snug fit at higher speeds.

First introduced in 1983, Pegasus was intended to be the shoe for every runner. “It is so special that even Nike chief executive officer Mark Parker

was part of the design team,” Nike said in a statement.

Champion runners such as Joan Benoit Samuelson and Eliud Kipchoge have used the Pegasus as a key part of their training.

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is available at Nike Park UP Town Center, Alabang Town Center, Glorietta, Greenbelt 3, The Fort, Podium, North Triangle, Circuit, Robinsons Ermita, Eastwood, Festival Mall, Ayala Feliz, Ayala Center Cebu, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, Fairview Terraces, SM Fairview, Limketkai Mall Cagayan De Oro, The District Imus, Nike Forum Harbor Point, and Robinsons Magnolia.

I Belong to the Zoo credits technology for changing the way fans listen to his music. “May resibo ka na. Dito pinapakinggan, ganito pinapakinggan, dito ako gusto ng mga tao (Now you can see who listens to you. I can see where they’re listening, how they’re listening, and where I’m most listened to).”

“Back then, it was very traditional.

You really need to be signed by a big label because everything is expensive when produced,” relates Hale frontman Champ Lui Pio. Callalily seconds, “Before, for you to be able to release something, it has to be part of an album. Pero ngayon, magsusulat ka ng kanta, ang layo ng mileage kaagad because of Spotify (But now, you can write and release a song, and the mileage gets so far because of Spotify).”

December Avenue also shared their experience as an independent band.

“Wala kaming radio presence, wala kaming TV presence. Kailangan lang namin mag-resort sa mga tools na available sa amin, like the Internet. Sobrang laking tulong ng Spotify, actually. Parang ‘yon na yung naging form of distribution namin (We didn’t have radio or TV presence, so we resort to the tools available at our disposal, like the Internet. Spotify is a huge help, actually. It became like a form of distribution for us).”

Inspiring dreams, one school kit at a time NINE-YEAR old Shane wakes up every day at 4:00 a.m. so she can prepare and take the hour-long hike just to be in school. Unfazed by the daily dusty and daunting trail, she is determined to learn and be closer to her dream.

“I love going to school because I get to learn and be with my friends. I want to become a teacher someday so I can earn and buy a house for my family,” she shared.

Shane is just one of the thousands of children supported by World Vision through its Back to School campaign which intends to provide school kits to at least 34,000 school-aged Filipino children this year.

“Last year, I was happy to receive a bag and several school supplies,” related Shane. She said, receiving a school kit inspired her to give her best in her studies.

World Vision recently held their Learner’s Kit Distribution to several schools in the Philippines including Malabon and Baseco in Manila.

Among the World Vision celebrity ambassadors and influencers who

The children sponsored by World Vision receive their back to school kits.

participated included Jasmine CurtisSmith, Marc Nelson, Jinno Rufino, and child ambassador JJ Dolor, the star of “The Lion King” musical.

“I’ve seen how the provision of school supplies has helped motivate the children in their studies and how this has helped encourage parents to send their

Jasmine Curtis-Smith hands out school bags and school supplies during the recent Learner’s Kit Distribution.

children to school,” shared Gina, a community leader who volunteered in the school kit distribution facilitated by World Vision in her barangay.

A recent survey (Flemms, 2013) among school-aged children found that two of the things that hinder them to attend school were lack of interest and the limited means of parents to support their kid’s schooling.

In a separate survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2017, almost 3 million school-aged children in the Philippines are out of school.

World Vision, as a child-focused organization, is committed to promote education for all, especially the children.

Through its Back to School campaign, and with the help of generous individuals and groups, more children will be provided with school kits and be given a chance to experience the joy of learning in school.

For a donation of P500, one child receives a school bag and school supplies from World Vision. Go to campaigns.worldvision.org.ph/back-to-school to donate.

Entertainment

CCP turns GOLD CULTURAL MECCA. The Cultural Center of the Philippines reaches another milestone as it celebrates its golden anniversary.

I

F MY recollection serves me right, the first time I stepped inside the cavernous edifice that is Cultural Center of the Philippines happened during my wonder years.

In high school, as part of our English Literature class, our whole section watched Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, translated into Filipino as Ang Importansya ng pagiging Masigasig by Rolando Tinio (who in 1997 was posthumously declared as National Artist for Theater and Literature).

What I can still remember most about the play produced by Teatro Pililipino then, were the lavish costumes (it was set during the Victorian era) and

sets and the scintillating performance of Mr. Tinio’s all-time favorite muse and immortal beloved, the late, great Ella Luansing.

A little fast forward, from that first experience, officially, I worked at the CCP, in one of its artistic companies, Ballet Philippines. It was three-month-old sweet, memorable stay. Edna Vida was the artistic director then, Sandy Hontiveros was the Executive Director. The Marketing and PR team were composed of Monica

Couch Potato...

“We believe that the success of the country starts with the health and wellness of every Filipino. To help achieve this, we have a segment that offers free consultations with some of the best doctors in the land for our kababayans, especially those who are in far-flung areas and without access to proper health care,” explained Niña, an award-winning journalist.

Dra. Luisa, who joins the program every Wednesday and Thursday, added that they also highlight stories of ordinary Filipinos whose achievements or kindness can uplift the spirits of their listeners and viewers.

“With all the bad news that we get to read or watch, our program is here to share the good news and stories of modern-day heroes that can make people smile, inspire them, and teach them to be kind,” she said.

On Fridays, Good Vibes also has Papa Ahwel, who promises to bring more fun in the program apart from his usual creative ideas on how families can bond in the weekend. “Expect news about your favorite stars that bring good vibes. We know many fans find joy in hearing good stories about their idols,” he said.

As ABS-CBN celebrates its 65th year in public service, Filipinos can expect even better reporting and service from Kapamilya Konek, Good Vibes and the other programs of DZMM.Kapamilya Konek airs every Sunday at 5 pm, and Good Vibes, Monday to Friday,1 pm on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo. Listen or watch the programs online through audio streaming on dzmm. com.ph and livestreaming on iWant.

From C4

Jing, a seasoned journalist who is also known now as “Mommy Jing” for her active discussion of family-related topics on TV, radio, and online, said that it is important to have programs like Kapamilya Konek that guides Filipinos on how to handle and deal with different issues affecting them.

“Being a parent nowadays is more complicated than before. You have to be armed with information that will help ensure the safety, good health, and happiness of the entire family,” said Jing, who is also the current head of Bantay Bata 163 under the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. (ALKFI).

In the program, she and Susan get to discuss some of their programs in ALKFI, OFW concerns, as well as tackle sensitive and controversial topics like mental health, HIV, and usual issues within families so Filipinos will also know how to face and find solutions for these problems.

“Family-related topics are always relevant and we will always be here to guide Filipinos and give them information and inspiration that they need,” said Susan, who also serves as the managing director of ALKFI. Meanwhile, it is the goal of Good Vibes to also care for the family by providing them positive stories as well as reliable medical information needed to ensure the well-being of each member of the family.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, June 29, 2019

ACROSS 1 Computer info 5 Prince Val’s wife 10 Clean the deck 14 By Jove!

15 Pythias’ friend 16 Rate of speed 17 Coupe or sedan 18 Jeweler’s lens 19 Frosty coating 20 Close call (2 wds.)

22 Alpine dwelling 24 Head, slangily 25 Norse Zeus 26 Brand names 29 Boarding house guests 33 Battery post 34 Mini-play 36 Library abbr.

37 Cooper’s channel 38 Spud garnish 39 Wide st.

40 Tease goodnaturedly 41 Whitewash component 42 Lost color 44 Meeting 47 Cuts, as ties 48 Nile wader 49 Want-ad letters 50 Waker-uppers 53 Most convenient

58 Certain 59 Leaflet 61 Casino supply 62 No —, no gain 63 Upper regions of space 64 Distinct periods 65 Foam 66 All geared up 67 Red ink DOWN 1 Dizzy of baseball 2 Shivery feeling 3 Bye, in Bristol (hyph.)

4 Decorated 5 Improvises (hyph.)

6 Country in Asia 7 Rhea cousins 8 Sleep like a — 9 Story 10 Pounced 11 Lament loudly 12 Pinnacle 13 Purple vegetable 21 Lawn pest 23 Stashed away 25 Pimiento holder 26 Needs 27 Ms. Lennox of the Eurythmics 28 Wall Street holdings 30 Get away from

31 Mars explorer 32 Winter vehicles 34 Climbs a rope 35 Rapper Lil’ — 38 Convent 42 Alfalfa or oats 43 Shunned 45 Fire truck fixtures 46 Apple rival 47 Guard 50 Sacred snakes of Egypt 51 Kauai feast 52 Like the Gobi 53 Big laugh

(hyph.)

54 Made a hole in one 55 Ireland 56 Nature’s bandage 57 Put through the paces 60 Road map no.

Llamas, Saki Ramos, and this Manila Standard columnist.

Prior to being part of BP, I was a regular viewer of their modern ballet and contemporary production. Viewed many plays produced by Tanghalang Pilipino, were amazed and awed by the cultural community dances given life on the CCP stage by the Bayanihan and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Dance Group.

My first opera, Madame Butterfly, I watched at the Nicanor Abelardo. And the many firsts – being enthralled by prima ballerina Maniya Barredo as Giselle, the magnificent Swan Lake, Lea Salonga in the Manila run of Miss Saigon, which caused such a furor, and Phantom of the Opera.

Now, the CCP celebrates its 50th year. Five decades of championing and bringing the arts closer to the people. So many memories, productions, artistic collaborations, performers, composers,

dancers, singers, conductors, musicians, visual, literary and cinematic artists have shared their souls and hearts in the many venues of the center of Philippine arts.

For this golden harvest season, a year-long fiesta will happen at the Sentrong Pangkultura Ng Pilipinas anchored to three main components namely, “Exemplifying Excellence in the Arts,” “Partnering for leadership in the arts” and “Broadening the reach for the arts.”

Each component has programs and activities that will be highlighted and put emphasis and importance to the given component.

Some fine examples, in the “Exemplifying Excellence” component, the public may expect the collaboration of traditional and contemporary visual artists, who will be creating a light installation and performance event Ginintuang Sining.

A Black Box theater and performing arts venue called the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez or the CCP Black Box Theater will be launched.

An anniversary gala will be presented in September this year and the succeeding year.

For the “leadership in the arts” part, CCP will host the following: Conference of the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres, Federation of Asia Cultural Promoters, Manila International Performing Arts Markets, among others.

For the “Broadening the reach” component, some of the most noteworthy activities are the on-going Virgin Labfest 16, the forthcoming Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, CCP Libre, 50 free shows av he CCP and SiningKwenta: Show tickets for P50.

There was a moment in CCP’s history that it was deemed as nothing more but a manifestation of anything and everything that was “true, good and beautiful.” But the Muses and Fates, and most people who believe anything and everything that is Filipino, have been kind to the center of Philippine arts and culture that is why, in its golden anniversary, it continues to be relevant, abreast with the changing times and all the more passionate in feeding and nurturing the Filipino’s soul.

Mabuhay ang Sentrong Pangkutura ng Pilipinas!

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Free...

From C4

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Where great talents come in small packages

Finalists of the Ever Kiddie Stars Year 16

ALTHEA Ruedas, 6, and Angelo Rhein Chanyongco, 7, two of the youngest contestants in Ever Kiddie Stars tilt emerged as the grand winners of the annual talents search’s 16th edition, which was held on June 2.

All contestants (seven charming boys and seven bubbly girls) presented themselves in themed costume and formal wear, then amused the audience with their talents in singing, dancing,

and acting.

Each kid—amidst the intense pressure and under glaring lights – performed beyond expectations and being shortlisted in the contest was already a big achievement for them.

“Ever Malls is very happy to once again give talented kids from all over the country this wonderful, once-in-alifetime opportunity to shine and get their ‘artista’ potentials discovered. Just

the sight of these kids on stage gives a huge amount of joy to their parents, relatives, friends, and shoppers of Ever Malls,” said Chie Arao-Santos, Ever Group of Companies Corporate Marketing Head.

Santos, who was also part of the judging panel, was very impressed with the level of talent shown by this year’s batch of contestants.

Eventually, it was Althea and Angelo who reigned supreme, impressing not only the judges but also the mallgoers.

The two grand winners were each given P350,000 worth of prizes including cash and gift certificates, one year supply of Mogu Mogu and Ceelin products, Senior High School scholarship from the Metropolitan Medical Center College of Arts Science and Technology, singing workshop from Artist League, and a trip to Hong Kong for their families.

“We are pleased to produce a platform where kids can find and start their big break. Finding young talents is not only the goal of this event but also to provide new experiences and inspire young minds to explore their talents and hone them in its early stages,” said Santos.

“Being a family-oriented mall, Ever aims to bring families closer together.

Ever Kiddie Stars is one of the events where parents and their child can bond together as the show can also be enjoyed by the entire family,” she added.

For 16 years, the Ever Kiddie Stars has established a name in being a leading platform for discovering youngsters with “artista” potential.

And as it continues its search, it is opening its doors once again to the next batch of kiddie stars. For more details, visit the official Facebook page: Ever Gotesco Malls.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019

‘Wish Ko Lang’ gives OFW’s daughter a star-studded debut party

Chinito heartthrob David Licauco serves as Errie's escort during her star-studded debut party

FOR 16 years, pioneering public service program Wish Ko Lang has been inspiring viewers here and abroad with stories of hope and transformation. Hosted by Vicky Morales, the program is one of the longest-running legacy shows of GMA News and Public Affairs that made a mark in television with its wishgranting advocacy throughout the years.

This afternoon, Wish Ko Lang goes back to this well-loved realitywish-granting format as the awardwinning show helps an OFW from Dubai give his daughter a surprise debut celebration with no less than David Licauco, Michelle Dy, and Spongecola joining the party.

As a single dad, Ernesto Flores has endured being away from his family in Pampanga. In the span of 10 years, he has labored hard in Dubai dabbling various jobs—from working in construction, cooking in hotels, and getting involved in events as photographer and production crew, to name a few.

This June, Ernesto’s eldest daughter Errie—whom he has not seen for a decade—is turning 18.

Errie has no idea that all the way from Dubai, her father has been cooking up a surprise for her with the help of Wish Ko Lang. On the day of Errie’s 18th birthday, it turns out that her dad’s phone call is just a few steps away from her.

Errie’s surprise debut party becomes extra special with the presence of her escort—Chinito heartthrob David Licauco. She gets dolled up as well by social media influencer Michelle Dy who serves as her stylist and makeup artist for her special day. Errie’s beauty is further highlighted as she wears a creation by Mak Tumang, the genius behind 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray’s winning gowns.

And to make Errie’s debut a night to remember, Wish Ko Lang even invited Spongecola as the party’s guest band.

The outpouring of blessings does not end here as the debutante gets a brand new car from her dad! Ernesto says he worked hard and saved up for this gift for years.

Wish Ko Lang will continue to spread goodness and hope among Filipinos here and abroad in the succeeding episodes, as the wish-granting program reaches out to more Kapuso viewers in its next episodes.

Watch Wish Ko Lang with Vicky Morales at 4:10 p.m. on GMA 7.

COUCH POTATO IVY ROSSINI

NEW LOVE TEAM.

Heartthrob David Licauco pairs up with fellow Kapuso artist Shaira Diaz in ‘Because I Love You,’ which centers on a millennial twist to the rich boy-poor girl love story.

Banking on a new love team

L

OCAL showbiz is so VERY obsessed with love WANG teams. And we are NICKIE constantly on the lookout for WANG a new pair of stars who can somehow satisfy our cravings for the kind of onscreen “kilig” that they can bring.

Case in point, ALV Films President Arnold Vegafria is banking on the initial pairing of Kapuso talents David Licauco and Shaira Diaz. They are the main stars in Because I Love You,AVL’s followup offering for 2019.

“For this project, I wanted to launch new artists, new faces, a new love team. I know it’s a big risk, but I strongly believe in the movie’s potential. It’s fresh content and a very aspirational story, and I hope the movie spreads through word-ofmouth,” says Vegafria.

“With their combined strengths as influencers and exemplary role models for the youth, they can rightfully be hailed as today’s fastrising millennial icons. I have always believed in David and Shaira’s acting potential, and it’s high time that they get their first big breakthrough this launching movie,” he adds.

AVL’s head honcho has always been excited about producing movies because it’s his way of giving back to the industry.

“We hope to create more jobs and make the industry flourish, and make our films competitive in foreign film festivals,” Vegafria states.

For some of the movie’s pivotal scenes, the producers spared no expense in recreating the lavish and opulent cinematic backdrops

reminiscent of the acclaimed 1990 romcom Pretty Woman, which starred Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

In the romantic film, which started its commercial run June 26, David plays Rael, the cool, quiet and reserved executive and heir to his family’s business empire. His conservative roots have shaped him into stereotyped thinking, including matters of the heart.

For her part, Shaira plays Summer, the tenacious, street-smart firefighter who proudly continues her departed dad’s heroic legacy, much to the chagrin of her mom who wishes her to be a flight attendant or a beauty queen.

People first noticed the chemistry between Da-

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“Now, more and more Filipinos can pursue their passions anytime and anywhere through watching their favorite content on YouTube, now made easier with Smart’s Free YouTube For All,” he added.

To enjoy free YouTube, subscribers would simply have to dial *123#, choose option 1, and follow the on-screen instructions. Continued on C3

Free YouTube for all With Free YouTube for all, Smart provides subscribers a convenient way to enjoy video streaming.

vid and Shaira as early as last year, when they guested for Magpakailanman’s ‘Nakawin Natin Ang Bawat Sandali’ episode last July 2018. The couple became one of the top trending topics on social media.

Their “kilig-worthy” tandem was heightened all the more during their guesting for One Hugot Away, GMA-7’s web/TV project last March.

The two Kapuso artists have figured prominently in GMA-7’s top-rating TV series. Some of Shaira’s more recent projects include Contessa (2017), Pamilya Roces (2018) and Love You Two (2019).

David’s recent outings include Mulawin vs. Ravena (2017), Kapag Nahati Ang Puso (2018) and TODA One I Love (2019).

Because I Love You also stars Martin del Rosario, Michelle Dee, Samantha Lopez, Bernadette Allyson, Monsour del Rosario, Mr. World Philippines 2018 JB Saliba, Timothy Lawrence Yap, Bryan Benedict, IC Mendoza, Victor Basa, Rob Sy, Chris Leonardo, LM Mercado, Afi Africa, Melo Merkona, Jao Mapa, and Mosang, with special cameo appearances by Miss Multinational 2017 Sophia Senoron, Miss Eco International 2018 Cynthia Thomalla, RJ Ledesma and newly-elect Senator Francis Tolentino.

The feel-good romcom, written

by Charlotte Dianco, a popular Wattpad writer and TV director, also marks the second offering of ALV Films for this year.

The movie’s theme song is a remake of the Dave Clark Five and Julian Lennon hit of the same title, rearranged

by Vincent de Jesus and performed by Kris Lawrence.

Because I Love You is produced in cooperation with Garahe Films, distributed by Regal Films The cast of the film directed by Joel Lamangan.

DIGITAL MEDIA

FOLLOWING the massive success of its Video Every Day campaign, digital service provider Smart Communications ups the ante with a bigger and more accessible free YouTube treat for millions of Filipinos.

Now, all prepaid subscribers of Smart, Sun and TNT simply have to dial *123#— Smart’s easy-access portal for promos—to enjoy more hours of YouTube every day.

“Filipinos love YouTube and it has evolved to become more than just a platform. For many, it is an educational tool, an entertainment hub or a handy

Nils Tavernier at the 24th French Film Festival

‘MMK’ pays tribute to Filipino soldiers Joshua Garcia as a brave soldier in the last week's episode of ‘MMK’

MAALAALA Mo Kaya’s tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of our country’s soldiers last Saturday (June 22) broke records as it registered its highest rating this year and topped the trending topics list on social media.

Theepisoderecorded30.8percentormore than double that of Magpakailanman’s 14.6 percent. The show’s official hashtag #MMKMedalOfValor also topped the trending list on Twitter, earning thousands of tweets.

The episode that starred Joshua Garcia, who played Ian Paquit, the brave soldier who fought for peace during the Zamboanga siege in 2013, showed viewers the many struggles, sacrifices, bravery, and dedication of the military for the country, even if it cost them their lives.

The hurt felt by soldiers’ parents was also highlighted in the show in

the emotional portrayal of Janice de Belen as Ian’s mother, Teba, who spent every moment in anguish and fear for her son’s life since he left to fight in Mindanao.

Along with MMK’s tribute to Filipino soldiers on television, ABS-CBN also held a thanksgiving event for over 500 soldiers at the “Saludo sa Sundalong Pilipino” on June 21 at the Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena. They were warmly greeted by various Kapamilya stars, played games with their colleagues, and brought home special prizes.

Now on its third year, the “Saludo sa Sundalong Pilipino” was first held at the AFP Medical Center in Quezon City and Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija last 2017. It was then relaunched Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Command in Tarlac in 2018.

FRENCH director Nils Tavernier was the guest of honor at the red carpet opening night of the 24th French Film Festival in the Philippines at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City on June 11. As a yearly homage to French and Filipino cinema, the opening reception of the French Film Festival gathered film professionals, the diplomatic corps, government officials, businessmen, the media, francophones, and francophiles for an elegant evening of the French art de vivre.

Present at the event were French Ambassador Nicolas Galey, Film Development Council of the Philippines chairperson Liza Diño, Filipino filmmakers Raymond Red, Joey Romero,Babyruth Villarama, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Nerissa Picadizo, Atom Magadia, actors Mon Confiado and Andrea del Rosario, and National Artist Benedicto Cabrera.

The son of renowned French director Bertrand Tavernier, Nils Tavernier presented his latest work, L’Incroyable Histoire du Facteur Cheval (The Ideal Palace), as the opening film of the festival, and his 2014 film De Toutes nos Forces (The Finishers) on the occasion of Fathers’ Day. While in Manila, he also led a masterclass on acting and directing with young and aspiring filmmakers at the University of the Philippines Film Institute.

French director Niels Tavernier

The French Film Festival once again paid tribute to Philippine cinema on June 12, Philippine Independence Day, with the screening of Pepe Diokno’s Above the Clouds.

National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik was also present to interact with the audience following the screening of his 1977 film, Mababangong Bangungot (Perfumed Nightmare).

Following its run at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas and the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Metro Manila on June 12 to 18 and at the Ayala Center Cebu on June 20 to 22, the French Film Festival will continue to offer audiences an alternative form of cinema that explores the depths of human relationships and the importance of family as it makes its way to the Abreeza Mall in Davao City, June 28 to 30 and to the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City from July 10 to 12.

The Filipino family’s interest through ‘Kapamilya Konek’ and ‘Good Vibes’ DZMM continues to look after the interest of Filipino families through programs that provide them information and assistance to enrich their lives with knowledge, wellness, and happiness.

Two of these shows are Kapamilya Konek with anchors Jing Castaneda and Susan Afan, and Good Vibes with Niña Corpuz, Dra. Luisa Ticzon-Puyat, and Ahwel Paz, that both raise and address the needs and concerns of the family. Continued on C3