Manila Standard - 2019 July 6 - Saturday

ROMUALDEZ BACKS DUTERTE COALITION FOR A UNIFIED HOUSE

By Maricel V. Cruz and Nat Mariano

DAVAO City Rep. Paolo Duterte, President Rodrigo Duterte’s son, on Friday announced the establishment of a nine-member “Duterte Coalition” in the House of Representatives, in part to resist the apparent meddling of Cabinet members in the choice for the next Speaker.

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MARTIN ROMUALDEZ

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 142 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace slams UN meddling in drug war

PAOLO DUTERTE

By MJ Blancaflor, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo

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HE Palace on Friday rejected the call for a United Nations inquiry into the country’s war on drugs, calling it an “interference with the country’s sovereignty” and an “affront” to intellect.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the foreign countries that submitted a draft resolution asking the Human Rights Council to investigate the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign have been misled by untruthful narratives.

“Even as we expect this latest demonization attempt against the President and this administration to fail, we ask some state-members of the UN to be more circumspect in evaluating reports concerning the domestic affairs of other countries in order that they Next page

MOTHER’S GRIEF. This file photo, taken on Oct. 3, 2017, shows Nanette Castillo grieving over the body of her son Aldrin, an alleged drug user killed by unidentified assailants in Manila. On Jan. 11, 2018, five narcotics suspects were slain, with police resuming a drug war that has drawn warnings that President Rodrigo Duterte may be overseeing a crime against humanity. AFP

‘Bato’ promises to look into death of 3-year-old girl in buy-bust

By Nat Mariano

ment as police burned 1.4 tons of seized narcotics while warning that the nation still faces a flood of illegal drugs.

Authorities said the 3-year-old girl, Kateleen Myka Ulpina, was killed Sunday in a sting operation in Rodriguez, Rizal, on June 30. Manila. Her father, a drug suspect, as well as an undercover police officer were also shot dead.

“Of course you need to secure everything—no

SENATOR Ronald dela Rosa vowed Friday to investigate the death of a 3-year-old girl in a police drug raid last Sunday, after drawing widespread condemnation for saying “shit happens.”

Dela Rosa, who had led President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on illegal drugs when he was chief of the national police, made his com-

CBCP decries seizure of 1,400 OFW passports THE head of a Catholic bishops’ commission on migrants called Thursday for a probe of a Hong Kong lending company that seized some 1,400 passports from Filipino workers there.

“Overseas First Credit should be investigated [and] prosecuted,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People. “It is very sad story where, with their precarious and dire needs, our OFWs [overseas Filipino workers] become victims of heartless and scrupulous persons.”

He added that the company was using passports to blackmail workers into paying an excessively high interest rate.

collateral damage. But if you infiltrate, it’s not really possible,” Dela Rosa told a news conference, dismissing allegations by the dead girl’s family that the father had been unarmed.

Dela Rosa was police chief in the first 21 months of Duterte’s presidency. The crackdown has officially killed over 5,300 alleged users and dealers—a number rights groups say could be Next page

Bangsamoro chief vows to help hunt down extremists COTABATO CITY―The chief minister of the newly formed Bangsamoro Government said he was committed to “assist our law enforcement agencies in pursuing the perpetrators” of the suicide bomb attack in Indanan, Sulu, on Friday last week.

“I am personally outraged by the supposed suicide bombing incident in Indanan, Sulu, last June 28, and I am committed to assist our law enforcement agencies in pursuing the perpetrators, Chief Minister Ahod Al-Hadj Murad Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao told the local press.

He described the attack as “atrocious” and Next page

Tribal leader tells SC: Kapa founder under my turf

By Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo A TRIBAL leader from Mindanao on Friday claimed jurisdiction over Kapa Community Ministry International founder Pastor Joel Apolinario, saying he had already informed the Supreme Court about it through a formal communication.

At the weekly Nanka media forum in Quezon City, Datu Higyawan Hilag-ayan, who claimed to

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PASSPORT PROBE. Bishop Ruperto Santos, head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, wants an investigation must be launched against Overseas First Credit, a lending firm in Hong Kong, for seizing some 1,400 passports of Overseas Filipino Workers as collateral.

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ROWDY ROOSTER

KILLER TILAPIA

ROCHEFORT, France—A rooster named Maurice, whose early-morning crowing has got under the skin of neighbors on the French island of Oleron, was at the center of a court battle Thursday that has raised howls of protest in the countryside.

Maurice himself was not present for the proceedings in the western town of Rochefort, and nor were his accusers, a

A MAN trying to hold a tilapia fish in his mouth ended up swallowing it and dying from suffocation at a village in Bugasong, Antique province last Sunday, Coconuts Manila reported.

In a telephone interview, police in Bugasong told Coconuts that Roger Marcelino, 49, of Sitio Dam, Barangay Tagudtud South was declared dead

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June inflation softens to 22-month low of 2.7%

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SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019

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‘Impeachment won’t prosper’

By MJ Blancaflor

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O IMPEACHMENT raps against President Rodrigo Duterte will prosper, the Palace said Friday and advised Duterte’s critics to “conduct a reality check to avoid embarrassment.”

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo downplayed the impending impeachment case against the Chief Executive, calling it “misplaced” and “absolutely baseless.”

“As a friendly advice, we suggest that these people first conduct a reality check to avoid embarrassment,”

Panelo said.

He made the statement even as Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday expressed dismay over a Philippine Coast Guard report assigning blame to the Filipino fishermen who were abandoned in the waters off Recto Bank after their boat was rammed by a Chinese vessel.

“Tayo na nga ang binangga, hindi tinulungan at iniwanang halos mamatay sa gitna ng dagat ng isang dayuhang sasakyan na dapat ay wala sa ating teritoryo, tapos tayo pa ang may sala?”

Hontiveros said in a statement.

She said by placing the blame on the Filipino fishermen, the report ignored the fact that the Chinese hit an anchored and stationary Filipino fishing boat and left its 22 fishermen to fend for themselves at sea.

“This report seems like it was made in China,” Hontiveros said.

Panelo’s statement was in response

to a group of fishermen that marched from Morayta to Mendiola on Friday morning as a show of force in its plan to file an impeachment complaint against Duterte for supposedly allowing Chinese fishermen within the country’s EEZ. The group Pamalakaya cited treason and violation of the 1987 Constitution as grounds for impeachment.

Fernando Hicap, the national chairman of Pamalakaya, said Duterte had put the rights of Filipino fishermen in danger when he entered into a verbal deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Angat water Labor chief hits out at villification drive vs. PH inches down after the rains

‘Bato’...

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Human rights activists say the drug war killings could amount to crimes against humanity.

Although the Philippines has pulled out of the International Criminal Court, the war crimes body is pushing ahead with a preliminary examination of the crackdown.

Human Rights Watch condemned Dela Rosa’s comments.

“It is unfortunate that... Dela Rosa, the first chief enforcer of Duterte’s ‘drug war’ that has killed thousands, would display such uncaring, even contemptuous attitude to (the victim) and, by extension, the dozens of other children killed in the brutal campaign,” it said.

The Commission on Human Rights, an independent government agency, said Friday it will investigate the shooting.

“Minors caught in the crossfire of the government’s initiative in combatting illegal drugs in the country are simply not collateral damage. They are victims. Their hopes and dreams fall short once bullets enter their bodies,” the commission added.

On Friday, Dela Rosa told GMA News he would conduct a Senate hearing on the case once he is appointed chairman of the committee on public order and illegal drugs, a panel currently headed by Senator Panfilo Lacson. With AFP

Rowdy...

From A1 retired couple with a holiday home on the picturesque island who claim his dawn chorus rouses them from their slumber.

But feathered fans of the celebrity cockerel were on parade outside the courthouse, among them a chicken called Pompadour and giant Brahma rooster called Jean-Rene.

Killer tilapia...

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Bugasong is about 65 kilometers, or an hour and 40 minutes, away from San Jose de Buenavista, Antique’s capital.

Marcelino was fishing at the Paliwan River beside his home with his 11-year-

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice has started its preliminary investigation of the criminal complaint filed against Jacky Co and 16 others over their alleged involvement in the smuggling of P1.8-billion worth of shabu seized at the Manila International Container Port last March.

Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and only one of the respondents, Jane Abello Castillo, attended the closed-door hearing.

Co (Chinese name Zhijian Xu), whom Senator Panfilo Lacson had alleged was mainly responsible for the drug shipment, did not show up.

Apart from Co, named as respondents in the complaint filed by PDEA were Castillo, Brother Dong-An Dong, Julie Hao Gamboa, Fe Tamayosa, Alvin Bautista, Carlo Dale Zueta, Abraham Torecampo, Arwin Caparros, Leonardo Sucaldito, Mark Leo Magpayo, Brian Pabilona, Meldy Sayson, Rhea Tolosa, Edgardo Dominado, Jerry Siguenza, and Debbie Joy Aceron.

In its complaint, the PDEA accused the respondents, which include officers and directors of Wealth Lotus Empire Corp. and Fortuneyield Cargo Services, of importation of illegal drugs in violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Nonetheless, the DOJ investigating prosecutors ordered lawyers of the respondents to submit their counteraffidavits when the preliminary investigation resumes on July 10.

Duterte administration.

“It is unfortunate that ITUC failed to see the consistent efforts of the government in protecting the welfare of the Filipino workers,” Bello said.

He cited the Occupational Safety and Health Law and the Expanded Maternity Leave Law as examples of the government’s efforts to advance the rights and welfare of workers, including the intensified enforcement of labor laws and standards, particularly in ensuring every

worker’s right to safe and humane working conditions and to security of tenure.

Bello said his department was not sleeping on its job and responsibility to protect workers, in the same way it was mandated to encourage businesses to invest more.

“We remain committed in providing essence to our mandate despite these unwarranted accusations that undermine the genuine efforts of the administration,” he said.

ment sectors and inter-agency groups, to address this aspect in our bout against prohibited drugs,” he said. “We also have a robust judicial system which soundly operates.”

The Department of Justice on Friday said the government need not be told by anyone, including the United Nations, to sop extrajudicial executions because it is not state policy to allow the killing of drug suspects.

Nonetheless, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the government is ready to face any inquiry, if it is necessary, into its war on drugs.

Guevarra issued the statement after more than two dozen countries formally called on Thursday for a UN investigation into thousands of killings in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

Reports said Iceland submitted the draft resolution backed by mainly European States, basically urging the Philippine government to prevent extrajudicial executions. It marks the first time that the Human Rights Council is being asked to address the issue.

The Duterte administration maintained that the more than 5,000 suspected drug dealers killed by police during the anti-narcotics operations have all put up a fight.

Activists belonging to the group iDefend claimed that at least 27,000 have been killed since Duterte was elected in 2016, and that Myka Ulpina, a three-yearold shot during a police operation last weekend, is among the latest victims.

The Geneva forum is expected to vote

on the resolution before ending its threeweek session on July 12. The Philippines is among its current 47 members.

Opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan expressed hope that the UN resolution would make the administration “finally see the light and realize that the daily killings” are not the solution to the drug menace.

Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate on Friday welcomed the call of several countries for the United Nations to investigate Duterte’s drug war.

“It is high time now that the Duterte administration heed the loud call, locally and internationally, for a thorough impartial investigation into the bloody drug campaign that kills thousands,” Zarate said.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel echoed Zarate’s view.

“As a member of the community of nations, the government cannot—and, should not—skirt forever the call for accountability and justice for the victims of this bloody campaign, particularly the poor,” Pimentel said.

But he added: “I think they should not meddle in our affairs. We are an independent country and we must govern our country ourselves. They have no business interfering in how we run our country.”

Magdalo Party-list Rep. Manuel Cabotchan said he expects the government to reject the UN resolution calling for the investigation, but said this would only bolster the perception that under the Duterte administration, “no proper and fair investigation is being done on the thousands of drug-related killings.”

confiscated some 1,400 passports, which were supposedly used as collateral for loans of OFWs from the lending company.

Santos also urged the Philippine offiThe use of passport as collateral cials in the Chinese territory to help the is not allowed under Foreign Service workers obtain new travel documents.

Circular No. 2014-99 of the DepartOn Wednesday, Hong Kong police ment of Foreign Affairs. As a result of

the illegal act, the document will also be invalidated.

To apply for a new passport, the workers have to submit an affidavit stating that their old passport was used as collateral for a loan.

They will also be included on the watchlist of the DFA. PNA

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, one of the contenders for the speakership along with the younger Duterte, welcomed the creation of the coalition, as it would solidify the allies of the President in the House and push the administration’s legislative agenda.

“I join the call of Hugpong ng Pagbabago and Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod for Congressmen to unite under the banner of the reform agenda set by President Rodrigo Duterte,” Romualdez said in a statement.

“I join hands with the Duterte coalition in establishing a House of Representatives that truly reflects the will of our people.”

Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco, the ruling PDP-Laban party’s bet for Speaker, also endorsed the younger Duterte’s new group, made up of mostly Davao-based lawmakers.

Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, who had proposed the speakership term sharing with Velasco to the President, has admitted that he has little chance of bagging the House’s top position, saying Romualdez is a shoo-in for the speakership if voting were held this week.

In a television interview on Monday, Cayetano conceded that Romualdez has the biggest number of supporters among all the candidates for Speaker.

With Macon Ramos-Araneta

in Filipino authorities’ efforts to fight the remnants of the Jemaah Islamiah and other extremist groups, just days after suicide bombers blew up a military camp in Indanan, Sulu, last week, leaving eight people dead and at least 22 injured.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte has conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu to the 12 soldiers who were injured in the attack carried out by suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

At the same time, the President donned the new insignia, a three-star rank, on Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana,

the newly installed Western Mindanao Command chief, during his visit Wednesday to the Westmincom headquarters in Zamboanga City.

The BARMM Regional Police Office has reported that at about 12:10 pm of June 28, the tactical command post in Manpower in Indanan, Sulu, was attacked by two alleged suicide bombers.

Sobejana has confirmed the incident was a case of suicide bombing which, he said, was the first of its kind in the country.

Murad said: 鍍t was a senseless act of terror as the attack inflicted multiple casualties

and injuries to innocent civilians. We condemn that act as contrary to cherished human values such as the sanctity and protection of lives, properties and peaceful living.

“Even as we seek justice for the victims, let us take this sad moment to reiterate our resolve to do whatever is necessary and possible so that real and sustainable peace can be achieved in the Bangsamoro, Murad said.

“We condole with the families of the victims, and we are one with them in the search for justice and an end to this kind of violence. Nash B. Maulana

By Vito Barcelo

THE water level of Angat Dam in Bulacan went down slightly on Friday after rains earlier in the week helped it gain almost a meter above its critical level, the state weather bureau said.

Sonia Serrano, hydrologist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, noted Angat’s water level dipped to 161.69 meters as of 6 a.m. yesterday from 161.86 meters on Thursday.

Angat, which supplies most of the water needs of Metro Manila, was at 161.08 meters on Wednesday, Serrano noted.

She said there was no rainfall over the Angat watershed and the mountainous areas within the rivers of Matulid, Talaguio and Maputi in Bulacan since Monday.

The rainwater that fell over the mountainous parts of the three tributaries ended up at the Angat watershed, Serrano added.

“The level increased slightly [on Thursday], but it was just negligible,” she told Manila Standard.

Based on the rainfall stations in Talaguio and Maputi, there were only isolated rainshowers in the areas, she said.

According to PAGASA, the low water supply at Angat Dam will persist for the next few days. Rio N. Araja

Justice begins probe of P1.8-b shabu smuggle

THE Labor department on Friday slammed a report saying the Philippines is among the top 10 worst countries in the world for working people.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the Philippines had been “unjustly vilified” in the International Trade Union Confederation Global Rights Index 2019, adding Filipino workers actually enjoyed greater protection under the

Palace...

From A1 may demonstrate respect to the latter’s sovereignty and independence,” Panelo said in a statement.

“Any attempt therefore by any foreign country to interfere with how this government maintains its peace and order, not only is an affront to their intellect but an interference with the country’s sovereignty as well,” he said.

Malacañang has defended the antidrug campaign, saying that the deaths arising from it are “neither state-initiated nor sponsored.”

“These drug-related deaths are consequences of police operations when the subjects violently resist arrest that endanger the lives of the law enforcers who act on self-defense, which is sanctioned by law,” Panelo said.

He also noted that hundreds of policemen were killed during drug-operations.

Panelo also claimed that members of drug syndicates also kill each other.

However, he said that the Philippines respects human rights, noting that the country has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council with 165 out of 192 votes at the UN General Assembly, which he said, bespeaks the growing appreciation of the international community of the country’s policies with respect to human rights.

“The Philippines has working mechanisms and domestic processes, including those adopted by our law enforce-

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Bangsamoro...

From A1 called on the local leaders 鍍o be united in the fight against violent armed groups in their respective places.

The leader of the so-called 鍍eo-JI who was arrested last weekend in Jakarta communicated with terror networks in the Philippines and Al Qaida affiliated networks in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Indonesian police said.

This adds a worrisome new wrinkle The case has attracted attention not only because the rooster is one of France’s national emblems, but because the complaint is seen by some as an attack on the countryside’s traditional sounds and way of life.

The couple’s lawyer, however ,rejected the characterisation of the case as a battle between “bobos”-- bourgeois bohemians--and countryfolk.

“My clients live in a housing estate.

It’s not the countryside,” Vincent Hu-

berdeau argued.

Maurice’s owner, Corinne Fesseau, who has been living on Oleron island for 35 years, told French radio she had taken to locking up her bird at night and lined his shed with egg boxes to try to block the light and so stop him crowing--but all to no avail.

“Out of 40 neighbors there are only two who are bothered by it!” her lawyer Julien Papineau told the court.

Fesseau defended the cockerel’s right to make himself heard. AFP

old son and, as was his habit, put one tilapia in his mouth while he tried to catch more fish, his wife explained.

The wife, who was not named in the Coconuts report, added that Roger must have accidentally swallowed the writhing, live fish. His son did not see the event unfold as he was in a different part of the river, she added.

Mrs. Marcelino only found out about

it when Roger got out of the water and ran into their home, asking for help as he could not breathe with the fish stuck in his throat. The family tried but was unable to dislodge the tilapia, the report added.

With the cellphone signal weak by the Paliwan River, police explained it took a while for rescue workers to arrive at the Marcelino home. When they did, Roger had already passed out.

Tribal...

From A1 be the Federal Tribal Government of the Philippine governor general, said Kapa was operating within the jurisdiction of their ancestral land.

“Therefore, we have jurisdiction over it,” he said.

Hilag-ayan invoked the Indigenous People’s Rights Act or Republic Act 837 of 1997 recognizing and promoting the rights of all indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples.

Meanwhile, officials of Kapa did not show up on Friday at the Department of Justice for the preliminary investigation hearing on the criminal complaint filed against them by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Assistant State Prosecutor Zenamar Machacon-Caparros said they have sent out the summons to the respondents but

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have not received any return notice.

Named respondents in the complaint filed by the SEC are Kapa founder and president Apolinario, trustee Margie Danao, corporate secretary Reyna Apolinario and officers Marisol Diaz, Adelfa Fernandico, Moises Mopia, Catherine Evangelista and Rene Catubigan.

Only lawyer Jose P. Aquino of the SEC’s-Enforcement Investor Protection Department along with two witnesses, Lester Bautista and Bryant Symonde Chang, attended the hearing.

Caparros told the complainants that in case the respondents continue to ignore the DOJ preliminary investigations, the complaint will be resolved on the basis solely of the SEC complaint.

Meanwhile, Aquino revealed the SEC is working with other government agencies to go after an unnamed individual who reportedly is in possession of the bulk of the Kapa group’s funds.

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Workers’welfare remains Du30’s top priority —Palace

By Nat Mariano

‘BLACK FRIDAY ‘. A ‘Black Friday Protest‘ at the Mendiola Bridge in Manila, led by the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas was joined by around 500 members of Kasama-Timog Katagalugan, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Amihan, Uma and other peasant groups and advocates. Pamalakaya-Pilipinas has joined the public clamor to impeach President Rodrigo Duterte and decried him for treason, culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust, triggered by incidents of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Lino Santos

DAR, JICA grant P334m to ‘Minda‘ TO BOOST economic opportunities for agrarian reform beneficiaries in Mindanao, the Department of Agrarian Reform, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, turned over various infrastructure and crop and food production projects in support of the country’s rural development program.

The P334 million worth of support services includes solar dryers, farmto-market roads, bridges, communal irrigations, potable water systems, and production of rubber, coffee, abaca, pili, rice, and corn projects.

These were constructed and implemented in the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley, South, and North Cotabato.

DAR Secretary John Castriciones, who led the ceremonial turnover, said he expected a big economic turnaround for farm communities in Mindanao now that these infrastructure projects are completed and the food and crop production are ongoing.

“These projects are significant in achieving progress in rural communities.

These were implemented not only to make life easier for our farmers but also to sustain the development of their communities,” Castriciones said. PNA

FDA warns vs. fake anti-rabies BEWARE against fake anti-rabies.

This was the warning issued to the public by the Food and Drug Administration.

At the same time, the FDA also reminded distributors and retailers to only purchase Rabipur PCEC rabies vaccine from establishments with FDA license.

The FDA said that Rabipur have two counterfeit versions as verified by its Marketing Authorization Holder, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines Inc. The box label of the fake version of the vaccine has a paler shade of gray compared to the original while its font is not in bold format and the QR code is printed in darker ink.

There is also an email address—‘EMail:CS@bd.com’—printed in the label of the sterile syringe and needle.

The original version has a darker shade of gray on its box label with a bold format. Its QR code should be printed in lighter ink. The ‘E-Mail:CS@ bd.com’ should not be in the label of the sterile syringe and needle.

The FDA also confirmed that Batch no. 3503 and Batch no. 3479 were counterfeited.

Killing of Grade 7 student slammed FOLLOWING the death of a Grade 7 student at Castor Alviar National High School in Masili, Calamba City in Laguna, the Department of Education said it is extending its condolences to the family of the victim, identified by the police as Mark Anthony Miranda, 15.

It also strongly denounced the killing, and added that its Schools Division Office in Calamba City, in coordination with the local police, is currently investigating the incident.

The DepEd added that school officials have already reached out to the family for the necessary financial assistance for medical and burial expenses.

The Castor Alviar National High School will also coordinate with other agencies to conduct psychological debriefing to address the traumatic effects of the incident to learners and school personnel, and look into strengthening security.

Petition to withdraw case vs. PNoy, 2 others in limbo

By Maricel V. Cruz

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HE petition of the Ombudsman for the withdrawal of the usurpation and graft charges against former President Benigno S Aquino III and former police officers Alan Purisima and Getulio Napeñas for usurpation of authority and graft in connection with the Mamasapano Massacre in January 2015 has been held in abeyance by the Sandiganbayan.

Ombudsman Samuel Martirez has asked the anti-graft court that he be allowed to withdraw the case against the three because he wanted to file the more serious charges of multiple homicide.

Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Alex Quiroz issued the ruling after Martires agreed to hold his motion to withdraw the complaints in abeyance until the Supreme Court lifts the temporary restraining order it issued in February 2018.

Aquino, his National Police chief Alan Purisima and former Special Action Force commander Getulio Napeñas were earlier charged with usurpation of authority and graft by then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales in connection with the killing of 44 SAF troopers by

Moro Islamic Liberation Front members and other gunmen in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, following an operation to neutralize two Islamic terrorists who sought sanctuary in the area.

The three were supposed to be arraigned on Feb. 15, 2018 but the Solicitor General asked the Supreme Court to cancel the arraignment and instead as the Court to order the filing of multiple homicide charges against Aquino and the two former police officers involved in the botched operation in January 2015.

Morales dropped the charge of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide against the three when she filed the case with the Sandiganbayan, prompting suspicions that she filed a weak case to have the three acquitted.

In legislative investigations following the massacre of the what are now called the SAF 44, senators were told that Aquino himself was involved in the planning of the operation against terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, a Malaysian bomb expert.

The legislators were also told that Aquino allowed Purisima, who was suspended at the time, to supervise the operation that was done without the knowledge of the acting National Police chief at the time, Lt. Gen. Leonardo Espina.

Napeñas, on the other hand, acted without the authority of his immediate superior, Espina, and instead, went over Espina’s head and reported directly to Aquino.

Solicitor General Jose Calida sought the TRO from the SC because he believed the charges that were filed were the wrong charges. After the SC issued the TRO, he said: “This is the first step to hold those responsible for the senseless killing of the SAF44. “ Calida was referring to 44 members of the Philippine National Police’s elite Special Action Force who were killed on Jan. 25, 2015.

Jason Aguilar, Aquino’s chief legal counsel, did not oppose Martires’s position.

“We are in favor of withdrawing the information, Your Honor,” Aguilar said.

‘Recall suspension Imee seeks to lower cost of text messaging order on new flights By Macon Ramos-Araneta to Kalibo, Caticlan’

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Philippine Hotel Owners Association Inc wants the government to recall an order, suspending new and additional flights to Kalibo and Caticlan.

“The suspension of the new flights effective immediately came as a surprise in the midst of the approaching low season of the island. It was likewise unexpected as the resorts had already confirmed bookings,” PHOAI said in a statement.

“Needless to say that this cancellation amounts to big losses for the island hotels,” it added.

PHOAI president Arthur M. Lopez urged the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Department of Tourism to lift the suspension of the flights, pending a thorough study of this directive.

The CAB said in a June 10 resolution its board imposed a moratorium on all new or additional scheduled and charter flights to Kalibo and Caticlan airports in order to keep tourist flows in check.

President Rodrigo Durtere earlier issued a directive that only 6,405 tourists can enter the island of Boracay daily to sustain environmental and other gains achieved during the island’s six-month closure when it was rehabilitated.

PHOAI recommended that the Department of Tourism and CAB study more closely the annual schedules of carriers and flights, considering the trends of the influx of visitors.

“This would allow them to promote and inform charter carriers and hotels of the inclusive periods they could still allow for additional flights,” PHOAI said.

SENATOR Imee Marcos wants the government to lower the cost of text messaging services from the “exorbitant” standard P1.00 to only one centavo per text message.

Marcos said that lowering the cost of text messaging services and the establishment of a strict rice ceiling for such services would benefit many people, especially those with limited incomes and relying on text messaging for their smallscale businesses.

In filing Senate Resolution No. 7, she called on the Department of Information and Communications Technology to direct the National Telecommunications Commission to immediately reduce the cost and establish a “strict price ceiling for text messaging services.”

“Now, therefore be it resolved as it is hereby resolved to strongly urge and demand that the DICT direct the NTC to immediately reduce the cost of text messaging services to not more than P0.01 or one centavo per text message and establish a strict price ceiling for such services,” concluded the resolution.

Marcos’ resolution noted that for decades, the standard price of a 160-character text message for Globe and Smart subscribers has been P1.00, which, it said, translates into huge profits for the two giant telecommunication firms.

She said a comparison of the price of a text message with the price of a byte data for data services of the two firms would show that they could sell data services for as low as P0.05 or five centavos per megabyte of data and “still earn profits.”

SAFE STEPS. Children experience actual teaching suvival and life saving tips from fire, earthquake flooding during the regional launch of Prudence Foundation’s SAFE STEPS Kids at the Manila Ocean Park (Main Atrium). Lino Santos

THE welfare of the Filipino workforce remains at the top of President Rodrigo Duterte’s priorities, Malacañang said even as it admitted that the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill is “still up in the air.”

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made the remark after Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III claimed that the said bill, which seeks to prohibit all means of illegal employment and subcontracting of Filipino workers, was enrolled last June 21.

According to Bello, the Labor department already anticipates the passage of the SOT Bill, which will become a “landmark legislation” under the Duterte administration.

“Ensuring the workers’ security of tenure is among the priorities of our President and we are hopeful that the President will soon sign the bill into law to enhance the enjoyment of their constitutional rights to job security,” Bello said.

“The Congress-approved measure will strengthen workers’ security of tenure by prohibiting unlawful contracting arrangements, and provide penalties for its violations,” the Labor chief added, hoping that the measure will be signed by Duterte before the latter delivers his 4th State of the Nation Address.

Sought for comment, Panelo said the Palace is still “unsure” whether Bello’s wish will be granted prior to the SONA. “Yes, that is his [Bello’s] wish. I don’t know whether his wish will be granted prior to the SONA,” he said in a Palace press briefing.

“But whether or not it will be signed before or subsequent to the SONA, the welfare of the people is still there, it’s in the mind of the President,” he added.

According to the Palace official, although the Chief Executive signed the said measure after the SONA, its passage will still benefit the Filipino laborers.

Almost two months ago, the President called on Congress to pass legislative measures for the Filipino workers.

Despite his administration’s strong actions to illegal contracting, Duterte bared the “plight” of workers “remains the same.”

Clark, NAIA airports gear up for SEAG air traffic

By Joel E. Zurbano TWO major airports—Manila and Clark—are now preparing proactive measures in anticipation of the increased number of air travelers in connection with the 30th Southeast Asian Games to be hosted by the Philippines this November.

This developed shortly following a meeting last Wednesday of airport, transportation department and sports officials who discussed the operational details of Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark International Airport in accommodating guests and delegates for the SEA Games.

Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo assured officials of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Committee and the Philippine Asean Paralympic Games Organizing Committee of a “hands-on and full support” of the Department of Transportation.

The management of Manila International Airport Authority and Clark International Airport Corp. also assured the readiness of the two international gateways for the expected surge of air passenger arrivals.

Joining Undersecretary Tamayo in the meeting were Clark Airport officerin-charge Jaime Alberto Melo and vice president for Operations Lt. Gen. Raul L. del Rosario (Ret.), as well as representatives from MIAA, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Office for Transportation Security and other DOTr officials and stakeholders.

The SEA Games will be held at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Tarlac, where more than 17,000 athletes, dignitaries and officials from various nations within the region, are expected to participate.

The Philippine government and sports officials earlier assured that all preparations for the 30th Southeast Asian Games are in full swing.

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Opinion

SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Our friendship with America and China EARLIER this week, on Thursday, July 4, the United States of America celebrated the 243rd year of its independence. Although the vote for actual independence took place two days earlier, on July 2, 1776, it was on the fourth that the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, written mainly by Thomas Jefferson.

We are more respected when we stand up for our rights and ask to be treated as equal.

It was also on the fourth of July, in 1946 after World War II and the Japanese occu occupation, that the United States of America granted independence to the Philippines through the Treaty of Manila.

Consequently, we celebrated Philippine Independence Day every July 4 until May 12,1962 when President Diosdado Macapagal issued Presidential Proclamation No. 28 declaring June 12, the day in 1898 when Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence from Spain, a special public holiday throughout the Philippines, “... in commemoration of our people’s declaration of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom and independence.”

This was followed by Republic Act No. 4166, enacted on Aug. 4, 1964, which renamed July 4 holiday as “Philippine Republic Day” and proclaimed June 12 as “Philippine Independence Day” and enjoined all citizens of the

Philippines to observe the latter with befitting rites. Finally, President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Proclamation No. 2346 in 1984 referring to July 4 as Philippine–American Friendship Day. It is this friendship with America, for sure one of the world’s superpowers, that we celebrated last Thursday.

We did this even as we are confronted by the aggressive behavior of China, the world’s other superpower.

While President Duterte considers China as our friend, polling by the Social Weather Stations have repeatedly shown that our people are skeptical about China and its intentions. To summarize from the Inquirer column of Mahar Mangahas: “Trust in China has always been weak—it was at net -6 last March, termed Neutral. From Sep September 2016 up to March 2019, the trust rating of China was negative in 10 out of 12 surveys. The March 2019 SWS survey found a Very Strong +32 net agreement that the suit filed at the International Criminal Court by former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales against Chinese President Xi Jinping, for wrongful destruction of the livelihood of Filipino fishermen, shows the world that China should leave the islands it occupied in the West Philippine Sea. However loud the administration’s claim that China is a friend, the Filipino people don’t believe it.”

Contrast that to the United States, which according to Mahar, has had a Very Good trust rating from the 1990s up to the present (net +60): “In the eyes of the Filipino people, the United States has always been their best foreign friend.”

In my view, there are many lessons that our relations with this old “best friend” can teach us in how we relate to the country that Duterte hopes will be our new “best friend.”

As a former American colony, the Philippines has always punctiliously nurtured a strong relationship with its

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

S

A perfect world

H*T happens in an imperfect world, says Senator Ronald dela Rosa, responding to the outrage fueled by the killing of a threeyear-old girl in the course of police operations in Rodriguez, Rizal on Saturday.

has come under fire from many sectors for the police’s lack of restraint in going after pushers.

After three years and thousands of dead, the campaign is as strong as ever.

And now Dela Rosa is senator, swept to power by the popularity of his political patron.

He has admitted he has much to learn as a lawmaker—but apparently that does not include learning to speak in ways befitting his office. He could have tried to temper his candor with circumspection. Or, if that were too much to ask, some sensitivity perhaps, if not to the general public, then at least to the grieving family of the child.

Palace Spokesman Salvador Panelo makes the statement rankle just a bit more. In a statement

Myka Ulpina was hit by a bullet in the neck during a shootout that ensued after a buy-bust operation. Police claim her father, Renato Ulpina, used the child as a human shield.

We can’t truly say we expected the senator to know better. After all, Dela Rosa owes his Senate victory to his prominence— some would argue, notoriety— as chief implementor of the administration’s war on drugs.

As we have said on numerous occasions, nobody questions the need to stamp out this menace. Drugs are creations of the devil. They destroy lives and pull families apart. They make bleak the future of the youth.

Implementing the campaign is another matter altogether, however. The administration

made Friday, Panelo said he was sad at what happened to the child, but what Dela Rosa said was just an expression.

"What he meant was accidents do happen,” Panelo said.

“Who would want the deaths of minors?"

Nobody, indeed. In fact, there are many other things we want—if this world were only perfect.

In a perfect world, how policies are implemented would be equally important as the rationale behind them.

The rights and lives of citizens—whether they live in gated communities or hovels—matter.

Callous and coarse statements have no place in public discourse. Public officials are judged exactly by what they say and how they say it. No annotations are required for damage control.

In a perfect world, those who mouth off like madmen do not get elected to public office in the first place.

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Human rights advocacy in the 18th Congress (Part 1) THE 18th Congress has commenced its work and we have started to hear about the priority bills filed or about to be filed mostly by the allies of President Duterte. As expected, these bills are the Duterte pet bills like the reinstatement of the death penalty and lowering of the age of criminal liability from 15 to 12 years old.

Duterte has the big majority of both Houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Knowing how much this president trashes human rights, coupled with the presence of very conservative legislators such as Sotto and Pacquiao in the Senate and a host of others in the HOR, prioritizing bills protecting and strengthening the rights of Filipinos may be a dream.

Still, progressive advocates and human rights defenders besides opposing bills that violate human rights, have also started the work of discussing with select legislators on progressive bills that they will support and push for passage. Indeed, there are progressive lawmakers, and there are also those who may be allied with this administration but have filed and worked on bills that advocates have been also working on.

Many of these bills have been previously filed and went through the legislative process and reached different levels. They will most probably be refiled this Congress. The network of civil society organizations (CSOs) my group works with already have the assurance that friendly legislators will refile most, if not all of the bills included in advocates’ legislative agenda. These are: the Magna Carta of Workers in the Informal Economy (MACWIE); divorce; Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) Equality; Prevention of Teen-age Pregnancy; Domestic Partnerships; and Anti-Child Marriage bills.

The Magna Carta of Workers in the

Informal Economy or MACWIE. This bill has been first filed in the thirteenth or fourteenth Congress, and has since been repeatedly refiled by various lawmakers. The bill is very important as it addresses the needs and welfare, and as well as provides for the rights of workers in the informal economy (WIE). MACWIE provides for social protection, representation of WIE in government bodies, labor standards only enjoyed by those formally employed like working hours, minimum wages, and overtime pay among others.

Most importantly, MACWIE provides for systems and mechanisms to transition them from informality to formality.

Hypocrisy and dogma aside un WIE are those workers who are unprotected by existing labor laws. They are the workers that you see day in and day out but do not really mind. Your magtataho; dirty ice cream vendors; magbabalut; market vendors; waste pickers; home-based workers; bus, jeepney, tricycle drivers; small farmers and fisherfolk like the 22 whose boat was rammed by a Chinese ship.

There are about 25 million WIE according to studies and most belong to the poorest of the poor. They form the big majority of the working Filipinos yet, they remain invisible and largely unprotected by law.

The previous Senate Committee on Labor has come out with a Committee Report after several meetings but this did not reach Second Reading on the Floor. The HOR Labor Committee only called one meeting on the bill and nothing else moved. It is time for MACWIE to be passed if we are after social justice.

Divorce. The Philippines remains as the only country in the world (outside of the Holy See which I hardly consider as a country) without a divorce law. Surveys show that the majority of Filipinos supports the passage of a divorce law. In the HOR, a progressive divorce law was Turn to A5

Ricochet NOW, who has the last laugh?

The case filed by former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales against former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, at the outset, was doomed for failure. The very purpose of the charges against Malacañang’s erstwhile resident bum was to immunize him from future cases arising from his uselessness as commander-in-chief with regard to the Mamasapano Operation, which he himself called for.

And that was what Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption legal

counsel, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, trooper killed in the ill-fated Mamasasaid yesterday at a news forum held at pano operation. the Nanka Japanese Latin Restaurant in However, Carpio-Morales downQuezon City. graded the charges against Aquino and instead filed Usurpation of Power and sus Graft charges against Aquino, then susdi pended Philippine National Police director General Alan Purisima and then PNoy should really SAF director, Getulio Napeñas. be packing his personal Fortunately, Carpio-Morales’ successor, Ombudsman Samuel Marbelongings. tirez, last week, moved for the withdrawal of graft and usurpation cases against Aquino.

Barely 24 hours after Aquino stepped And while Martirez said that his down from office noon of June 30, move to drop the charges against Aqui2016, VACC, through Topacio, filed no stemmed from the fact he “found 44 counts of cases of Reckless Impru- no sufficient ground and evidence” to dence Leading to Multiple Homicide charge Aquino with violation of Reagainst the former president. There was public Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Turn to A5 one case for each Special Action Force Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher

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Opinion Cuban centenarians, cheered on by family, aim for 120

By Katell Abiven LOOKING into a mirror, Delia Barrios applies blush and lipstick—she wants to look her best for her 102nd birthday celebration, when she will be surrounded by loved ones.

Barrios is one of more than 2,000 people in impoverished Cuba who are 100 years or old—a reality that has piqued the interest of experts, and led some to aim for even longer lives.

"I don't feel like I'm this old. I have a family... that loves me a lot. That helps me to feel good," said Barrios.

She deftly maneuvers her motorized wheelchair with her seven-year-old great-great-granddaughter Patricia on her lap.

Only two candles were placed on her birthday cake, which Barrios blew out to the applause of around 30 guests gathered in the courtyard of a building in Havana's Playa neighborhood.

When she was in her 60s, Barrios was diagnosed with colon cancer and told she had only a year to live.

She defied the odds and then left Cuba in 1993, when the island nation was in the throes of a major economic crisis, for the United States, where her son lives.

But two decades later, Barrios suffered several falls and her doctor said she could no longer live alone.

Barrios—who says she "danced a lot" when she was younger, smoked and drank on occasion—came home and moved in with her granddaughter Yumi, who is now 59.

120 Club There are currently 2,070 centenarians in Cuba out of a population of 11.2 million—in a country where the average life expectancy is 79.5 years.

Those figures are comparable to those in many wealthier nations, despite the fact that Cuba's average public salary is just $30 a month.

The socialist country, where health care is free and doctors are numerous,

Our...

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former colonizer amid accusations by Filipino nationalists that the country, despite acquiring independence in 1946, remained subservient to America and its economy and foreign policy inextricably connected to Uncle Sam. The Parity Amendment of the 1935 Constitution, which gave Americans equal rights with Filipinos in the exploitation of the country’s natural resources, exemplifies this lopsided relationship.

Duterte’s justification of his unconstitutional and illegal agreement to allow the Chinese to exploit our marine resources in our Exclusive Economic Zone echoes that of President Manuel Roxas’ support for parity rights, an argument based on inferiority with respect to a superpower: “The United States is one of the world’s greatest powers, perhaps the greatest. The Philippines is a small, war-devastated, and newly-arrived nation. Our total national income is less than that of the City of San Francisco. The United States treats with us as with an equal and deals with us as with an equal. But we are not actually an equal. How could we be?”

This unequal relationship persisted in the 40s through the 80s when the Republic entered into the Military Bases Agreement and giving U.S. authorities virtual territorial rights over the bases. Thankfully, that ended in 1992 when the Philippines Senate led by the statesman Jovito Salonga rejected a new military bases agreement. Today, we have an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States, an improvement over the Visiting Forces Agreement but far different and intrusive than the discredited Military Bases Agreement.

We still have the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America.

Theoretically, both countries can invoke this to assist the other in times of war and

Ricochet From A4

Corrupt Practices Act and usurpation of official functions under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, he was quick to stress that the withdrawal of the cases is without prejudice to the filing of appropriate charges once his office is finished conducting another investigation on the incident.

This means that chances of reverting to the original charges filed by Topacio and VACC against Aquino is still highly possible. Aquino could still face jail time, something which he could have escaped had the Ombudsman not withdrawn the case.

And Aquino has no one to blame but himself. Their gameplan backfired.

In his post in his social media account, former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo lauded Martirez for withdrawing the graft and usurpation

now has a "120 Club" that encourages residents to aim for that ripe old age.

"Biologically, it has been proven that humans can live for 120 to 125 years," said Raul Rodriguez, a doctor and president of the "120 Club," which was created in 2003 by Fidel Castro's personal doctor, Eugenio Selman-Housein.

The club "tries to promote healthy lifestyles for all, because that's the only way to get to that age," said Rodriguez.

The elderly generally receive a pension of just $10 a month.

But the government has set up cafeterias for those unable to supplement that meager amount with help from family members living abroad.

Centenarians are venerated and get special attention.

"We try to provide them with specific care," said Alina Gonzalez Moro from the Center for Research on Longevity (CITED).

"All centenarians in Havana can call us if they have a health problem and a specialist in geriatrics will immediately go see the patient."

Taking care of family With a surprisingly smooth face and a mischievous look in her eye, Rigoberta Santovenia turned 102 in January.

"I didn't think I'd get to this age... and here I am," she said, sitting comfortably on a sofa.

Santovenia walks quickly despite her cane, and was still cooking until recently but doctors advised her to stop.

She also stopped sewing but can still thread a needle and reads the newspaper every day without using glasses.

What's her secret?

"I'm very family-oriented—I love my children, my grand-children, my six great-grandchildren. I've never been alone," she said.

Santovenia lives in the Vedado neighborhood with a grandson and her 68-year-old daughter Regla, who looks after her.

"It's my duty because she's given me everything," said Regla.

military conflict. As recent as July 3 this week, United States Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador Sung Kim was reported as saying: “If there is an armed attack on Philippine forces, Philippine aircraft [in the West Philippine Sea], it will trigger US obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty.”

There are four unfortunate periods in our relationship with America: The first is the manner by which it acquired the Philippines as a colony where subterfuge, misrepresentation, and trickery were employed; second, the PhilippineAmerican war which was cruel and vicious; third, the twisting of our leaders’ arms to get parity right through which led to intense social conflict (the Hukbalahap rebellion) in Central Luzon; and fourth when it propped up and gave its imprimatur to the Marcos dictatorship.

In my view, the slogan “Ibagsak ang diktadurang US-Marcos” (“Dismantle the US-Marcos dictatorship”) was an accurate sentiment. But frankly I do not understand the phrase “Rehimeng US-China Duterte” (US-China Duterte regime’). There seems to be no basis in fact for this latest slogan of activists.

Today, we have a good, mature relationship with the United States. There are still irritants, especially when American servicemen exploit our women, but by and large I find the United States government as a good partner in many things, on development and environmental cooperation for example. I enjoy working with American officials whether here in Manila or abroad when I engage with them on issues like climate change.

As for the American people, regardless of how I felt about America as a country and regardless of who governs it, I have always liked and respected.

Having lived three years in New England, when I was studying in Yale Law School, and for eight years in Washington DC and Maryland, I only have good

of power raps against Aquino. These, he said, were only filed to ensure failure.

“That case was filed to fail. It was to save PNoy. It’s his own stupid fault he delayed his arraignment. Had he pleaded ‘not guilty’ right away in his arraignment instead of delaying it, PNoy would be free as a bird. That case was made to fail and thus acquit him,” said the former First Gentleman.

At the Nanka Forum, Topacio explained the implication of Noynoy entering a plea.

The lawyer said had Aquino entered a plea, and had the case been eventually dismissed, there would have been no chance of filing other cases arising from the same incident. That would entail double jeopardy.

“How can he be convicted of Usurpation of Power when as president of the Philippines, he has been vested with all the power, as Chief Executive, as Commander-In-Chief?” said Topacio.

“So, had the former president been

"Now I have to thank her by taking care of her."

And she's convinced her mother will make it to 120.

"Her great-grandmother was a slave.

Slave blood seems to be stronger— that's why she's kept going so long."

Propaganda' myth?

Experts are a bit baffled as to why Cubans are living so long.

"The family support network tends to help with longevity. We see that in Japan too," said Robert Young, an expert at the US-based Gerontology Research Group.

Warm weather helps, too.

But Young says Cuba may not be telling the whole truth—claims that its people are living longer than elsewhere could be "a myth that's used for ideologic propaganda purposes."

Vincent Geloso, an economics professor at King's University College in Canada and author of an article on the subject for Oxford University, says Cuban doctors "have targets to reach or they're punished."

He suggested statistics could be manipulated as they once were in the Soviet Union, such as recording infant deaths as pre-natal in order to keep down mortality rates, which would reduce the life expectancy figures.

However, "even with the worst-case scenario of manipulation, Cuba remains a place with a high life expectancy in relation to revenue."

The conundrum could be explained by one key factor: car ownership is low in Cuba, and hence there are fewer car accidents.

He also cites food rationing during the economic crisis in the 1990s, which helped keep diabetes rates down.

"Cuba does very well in keeping people alive a long time," he said.

"But if you offered Cubans a choice between one more year and, for example, higher salaries or a different education, what do you think they would choose?" AFP

things to say about Americans.

When the Soviet Union collapsed and the Cold War ended, the US reduced its military presence in Asia. But this power vacuum created by the US withdrawal gave China the opportunity to fill in the gap. Realizing the dangers of power disequilibrium in the region, US President Obama in 2009 pledged to rebalance power in the region by adapting a policy known as the “Pivot to Asia” in order to contain China’s rise to power and hegemonistic intentions.

Today, these two superpowers, the largest economies in the world with the biggest militaries, are locking horns on trade and in supremacy over the South China Sea. The obvious stance is not to be caught between the two as they clash and in fact pro-actively to maximize opportunities that the conflict between the superpowers might provide.

It is foolhardy to engage in a shooting war with China. Yet, as a sovereign nation we cannot simply countenance China’s overbearing attitude towards our people and give tacit approval to its anti-Filipino activities. Short of military confrontation, we should raise the issue of China’s military expansionism and bullying tactics at every turn and let world opinion deter Beijing from continuing on its aggressive path. Instead of taking a defeatist attitude and placating Beijing’s every illegal move, we can use the favorable Hague ruling as leverage in asserting our sovereign rights and territorial claims.

The lesson I take away from our long friendship with the United States: We are more respected when we stand up for our rights and ask to be treated as equal. That is what we should do with China if it is to become our new best friend.

SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

An inordinate delay Alas, this is one aspect where Caguioa completely ignored.

If Marcos has every right to file a protest, that equally extends to the candidate who is the subject of a protest. However, for Robredo and her lawyer to cross the line in defense of the blatant destruction, IT HAS been three long years since Presi- tampering, vandalism and even loss of dent Rodrigo Duterte took his oath of of- ballots not committed is an implied adfice, and barely a month after Ferdinand mission that she was responsible for all “Bongbong” Marcos filed an electoral the electoral fraud that transpired. Robreprotest contesting the proclamation of do and her lawyer know she cannot deLeni Robredo as vice president. fend matters that she has no knowledge or Why it is taking so long for the Presi- idea. Even if Robredo benefited from that, dential Electoral Tribunal, chaired by a her lawyer should remain neutral because former classmate of B.S. Aquino, to de- the act is not directly imputed to her. cide the petition remains a mystery. The Taking these into account, what then is people want the petition to be resolved the basis for the COMELEC to dismiss now. What Supreme Court Justice Benja- the protest when it appears to have conmin Caguioa is doing is a travesty of the nived with Smartmatic and PPCRV in law which he is committed to uphold. The taking turns in vandalizing our electoral undue delay is an insult to the institution process? Allowing many of the ballot he represents and boxes to be dumped invariably to the in filthy ponds, present administrato be mixed with tion. If Duterte does nauseating dried The long wait for not know it yet, the fish, tempered or undue delay in the the decision on the destroyed to make dispensation of jus- Marcos petition is it impossible to tice is corruption in make a recount is working against the our justice system. the negligence of The appointee of administration. the COMELEC. It the past adminislooks like it acted tration who always as an accomplice to presents himself as the electoral fraud the epitome of honesty has been sitting committed by the followers and possibly on the case. This means that all those who supporters of Robredo. voted for the petitioner during the 2016 It now becomes a dilemma for the PET elections can wait until kingdom come. to make a decision. It would be foolhardy As Caguioa sits on the case, the person to decide the petition in favor of Robredo who is the subject of the petition styles just as it would be logically incompressherself as the vice president and makes a ible to accuse the petitioner of destroying parody of the Duterte administration. The the votes he seeks to be verified. It now insult she delivers gives her the propa- bears upon the PET to prove that that it ganda mileage, and who knows, gives her will decide not on the basis of rebutting the advantage to grab the presidency by the evidence argued by the lawyer of Rohook or by crook. Thus, while she savors bredo. This explains why the public is not the perks and privileges as vice president, pointing at her as the mastermind in this she has access to the media to lambast the greatest electoral fraud that happened unPresident. And the Republic of the Philip- der the auspices of a supposedly fanatical pines is funding this. lover of democracy.

Right-thinking Filipinos believe that Moreover, even if the PET decides to the malicious destruction, tampering, affirm the victory of Robredo, that would soaking wet the ballot boxes contain- not suffice to assuage the doubt of the ing the votes and loss of the election re- people. This pending protest is unfortuturns and other forms of vandalism have nately working fast to erode the image worked in the favor of this self-styled vice of the President, for whether he likes it or president. This is logical, for if there is not, it affects the administration of justice. anybody who will do everything to pro- As one wryly commits, the President may tect the sanctity of the ballot, it is the one have been hoodwinked to believing he who is the subject of an electoral protest. flushed into the toilet the Otso Diretso, While ballot boxes, election returns and but numbers tells that he got only half of all the paraphernalia used in the election his candidates. The opposition remains in are supposed to be under the custody of control of the Senate. the Comelec, their neglect, together with This underscores the reason why the their hired contractor Smartmatic, auto- President should exert his clout for PET to matically makes them liable as accom- speed up in deciding the case. He should plices to the systematic fraud committed be reminded that it will not do any favor against the Filipino people. for the President should the PET decided This column is not delivering a pastoral the case just before his term ends to prebeatitude but speaking from reality that vent Bongbong from either taking his the protection of the ballots did not end in post or from filing his candidacy for the the election but even after.This is to en- next election. It would even be far more sure that if there is protest, the right of the unthinkable for the President to allow protestant or protester and the protestee Robredo to win. The affirmation of her are equally protected. In the first place, proclamation will result in the surge of the winning candidates being protested the opposition, and could have a deep reare not the real parties in interest. It is the percussion to the unity of the ruling party.

COMELEC which has the duty to ensure It is not so much of bypassing the pea clean, honest and fair election. What tition of Bongbong but of rejecting our happened is that the COMELEC allowed chance for a peaceful transition. His the lawyer of Robredo to defend all those abeyance of that electoral verdict is an shenanigans committed during the elec- acknowledgment of the sentiment of the tion, which is supposed to be the duty of electorate. It would be worse if the Presithe COMELEC. dent decides in favor of his daughter who Lawyer Romy Macalintal was awk- is relatively a newcomer in national poliwardly allowed to freely defend the alle- tics. That could spell untimely schism gations which should be addressed to the within the ruling party and definitely, COMELEC, unless there are specific acts Robredo will capitalize on the split. Hugwhich Robredo as candidate committed pong ng Pagbabago, sad to say, would not the violation of the election code. Instead, be in a position the stop the avalanche that Macalintal acted as virtual lawyer for the will be triggered by the unexpected turn COMELEC which is an implied admis- of events. sion that her client committed or was responsible for those acts of electoral fraud. rpkapunan@gmail.com

Facebook Page: Professor Tony La Viña Twitter: tonylavs

Human...

able to enter a plea of not guilty in an arraignment, our hands would have been tied already as the Sandiganbayan would surely throw the case out of the window and we could no longer file charges against him,” the VACC legal counsel added.

And if ever he is convicted on all counts of Reckless Imprudence Leading to Multiple Homicide, Aquino would have to spend a total of 176 years noynoying all by himself inside his cell as each count carries a penalty of four years of imprisonment.

So, if he is partying now that the Ombudsman has dropped the charges against him, he should think all over again. Or better yet, he should start packing his personal belongings.

As the former First Gentleman puts it, this is no time to rejoice.

“Don’t be so happy PNoy. Your luck may run out when the appropriate charges are filed,” was Mr. Arroyo’s advice to Aquino.

filed by Rep. Edcel Lagman, also the principal author of the long-contested Reproductive Health (RH) Law. The bill received tremendous support from the Members, especially women legislators, who in the committee meetings unabashedly offered their own stories as testimonies on why divorce is needed here. Outside of the usual suspects, the women’s rights advocates, there was also a very strong push from overseas Filipino workers who find themselves in complicated situations, especially with the protracted, complicated, and very expensive annulment process here. A good number of women OFWs find their husbands already cohabiting with other women here when they come home pushing them to decide to legally terminate their marriage but find that there are plenty of major roadblocks along the way.

The divorce bill was promptly approved by the Committee on Women and Gender Equality. There were some debates after Rep. Lagman @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth sponsored the Committee Report on Angsioco on Facebook

From A4

the floor but this only lasted for a few weeks. The bill it was approved on Third and Final Reading by the HOR. Unfortunately, there was no counterpart bill in the Senate.

For the 18th Congress, one of the former co-authors in the House is reelected to the Senate, returning Senator Pia Cayetano. We expect her to file a progressive divorce bill early so processing of the bill will not be delayed.

Advocates also expect other progressive senators to file, or co-author, and then, work for the bill’s passage.

The time for a progressive divorce bill to be reenacted is past overdue. We have laws for legal separation which only settles domicile and property relations but does not cut the marriage bonds. We have annulment but this only applies to marriages that are void from the beginning. We do not have an option for legal marriages that have eventually broken down. Hypocrisy and dogma aside, everybody knows that this happens a lot. The 18th Congress must enact a progressive divorce law.

More next week.

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News

SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MRT 3 back to old grade by 2021 Q3

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation said the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 system was on track to being fixed and restored to its original, high-grade design state by the third quarter of 2021.

The DOTr said since the Duterte administration took office in 2016, a series of critical and strategic steps were taken to put the major rail line back on track.

These include the termination of non-performing service providers, establishment of a government maintenance transition team, and procurement of a Japanese Governmentbacked, JICA-funded, and experienced rehabilitation and maintenance service provider.

“Fixing MRT 3 requires a painstaking process that involves removing the cause— terminating BURI (Busan Universal Railways Inc); procuring the solution—return of Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy; and implementing the solution—the 26-month rehabilitation period,” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said.

In November 2017, the DOTr officially terminated its contract with MRT 3’s maintenance service provider, BURI, which was engaged by the previous administration in January 2016.

Through the ongoing comprehensive rehabilitation project, DOTr will raise the number of operating trains from 15 to 20 at peak hours, double train operating speed from 30 to 60 kilometers per hour, and slash by half the headway or waiting time between trains from seven to 10 minutes to just 3.5 minutes.

The system’s capacity will likewise double from the current 350,000 to 650,000 passengers per day.

DOTr said rail replacement works for the whole stretch of the MRT 3 mainline will begin in November 2019, and will be completed by February 2021, since rail replacement can only be done during the evening non-operating hours.

In a meeting with DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade on June 29, Sumitomo-MHI gave assurance that other spare parts are also due to arrive ahead of schedule.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Quezon City, Metro Manila BRANCH LXXVIII (78) IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION TO ADOPT JHON ERIC I. ECHAGUE AND TIMOTHY ERICSON B. ECHAGUE SP. PROC. CASE NO. R-QZN-19-06513-SP For: Adoption ERIC O. ECHAGUE AND MICHELLE LORIE D. BAYLON Petitioners. x--------------------------------------------------x

ORDER A verified petition for adoption was filed by the petitioners, Eric O. Echague and Michelle Lorie D Baylon, through counsel, praying that after due notice, publication and hearing: (a) decree of adoption be entered declaring that the minors namely: JHON I. ECHAGUE and TIMOTHY ERICSON B. ECHAGUE as the legitimate children of the petitioners with the full and complete exercise of the concomitant rights of such legitimate children of the aforesaid petitioners; and (2) the corresponding report of birth and birth certificate of the minor children be accordingly processed to indicate that they are now both the legitimate children of the petitioners.

Petitioners are both of legal age, Filipino citizens, living together as common-law husband and wife, with common residence at No. 100-R Century Compound, 10th Avenue, Barangay Tagumpay, Murphy, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Petitioners have looked forward to formally adopt the minor children namely: Jhon Eric I. Echague and Timothy Ericson B. Echague. Petitioners have treated both minor children as their own children as in fact Jhon, since his infancy at age five (5) months, and Timothy since birth have been within the petitioners’ care and custody. That both of the minors are affiliated by consanguinity unto petitioners, Jhon being the son of Eric from a former relationship while Timothy is the natural child of the petitioners. Moreover, petitioners desire to upgrade Timothy’s status as a legitimate child.

Petitioners are in possession of full civil capacity and legal rights, and they are both possessed of a good moral character, have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude and do not have any court derogatory record; emotionally and psychologically capable of caring for children as will be shown by the certifications issued by a clinical psychologist as well as by a medical doctor as will be further proved and testified to during the trial of the instant case.

Petitioners further allege that they are financially capable to adopt Jhon and Timothy as petitioners are lucratively employed with Eric as President and Director of Skyaire Airconditioning Center Corp. and Airmax Enterprises, Inc. while Michelle is Vice-President and Director of both Skyaire and Airmax where petitioners earn joint annual income of about Five Million Pesos (Php 5,000,000.00) The minors to be adopted, Jhon and Timothy, are as earlier declared, the child and son of Eric with another relationship particularly with Mona Liapar Ibañez with respect to Jhon and the petitioners’ own natural child and son with respect to Timothy, having been born out of wedlock. Thus, with respect in the petitioners’ desire to adopt Jhon. Mona has fully consented to the said adoption of Jhon. That since the minor Jhon’s infancy at five (5) months old from March 2009 up to and until today, the petitioners have been caring for the minor Jhon while with respect to minor Timothy, petitioner have been caring for the minor Timothy since birth up and until today. Anent the adoption of Jhon , Ms. Mona, Jhon’s biological mother is a native of Bacolod, Negros Occidental but has been working as a domestic helper in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is on vacation here in the Philippines. That in support of and as her full conformity to this adoption, Ms. Mona has given her written consent to the adoption thru her Sworn Affidavit. The adoption of the minors, namely Jhon and Timothy would be to their best interests and benefit and that the adoption is based on genuine and sincere intention of the petitioners to consider Jhon and Timothy as their own legitimate children.

As of date, minor Jhon is currently enrolled as an incoming 6th Grade pupil at the PAIL and SHOVEL Integrated School located at No. 107 14th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City. On the other hand, the minor Timothy is an incoming Grade 3 pupil at the La Salle Greenhills located along Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City. Both Jhon and Timothy are registering good scholastic records at their aforestated respective schools. The adoption is also the manifestation of petitioners’ love, affection and support to the minors as the fact they have been supporting the minors since infancy with respect to Jhon and since birth with respect to Timothy.

IN VIEW THEREOF, and finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is given due course.

Accordingly, let the instant petition be set for hearing on November 6, 2019 (Wednesday), at exactly 8:30 o’clock in the morning at Rooms B13-B14, Basement Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City. Notice is hereby given that anyone who has any objection to the petition should file his/her opposition hereto within fifteen (15) days from the last date of the publication of this Order or appear in Court on the above scheduled date of hearing and show cause, if any, why the petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioners, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of national circulation, to be chosen by raffle under the supervision of the Executive Judge, Regional Trial Court, this city, pursuant to P.D. 1079. The Court Social Worker, Ms. Mariebec Cariaga is hereby directed to conduct a case study on the petitioners and the minors subject of the adoption and to submit her report on or before the scheduled hearing.

Petitioners are hereby directed to coordinate with the Court Social Worker, Ms. Mariebec Cariaga, to facilitate the preparation of the case study.

Petitioners are further required to furnish a copy of the petition, together with its annexes, the Office of the Solicitor General, Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City, the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City, the Local Civil Registrar of Marikina City, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR), and to submit compliance therewith to this Court immediately.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, May 23, 2019.

(Sgd.) FERNANDO T. SAGUN, Jr. Presiding Judge (MStandard-July 6, 13 & 20, 2019)

ENLIGHTENED, THEY ARE. Persons

with disability and seniors get enlightenment on the proper response to calamities especially during earthquake and floods during the emergency preparedness forum Friday in SM City Dasmariñas in Cavite. Norman Cruz

MGB remains silent over OceanaGold operations

By Rio N. Araja and Ben Moses Ebreo

T

HE Mines and Geosciences Bureau under the direct supervision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday continued to remain silent over the operation of OceanaGold Philippines mining company with an expired financial and technical assistance agreement in Nueva Vizcaya as well as a restraining order from the provincial government.

When asked to comment, the office of MGB director Wilfredo Moncano through its staff Tess Obias said he was away for a meeting, and could not be interviewed.

She referred the Manila Standard to get in touch with the DENR central office.

On the other hand, the bureau’s Mining Tenement Division through Kenneth Chan, a contract of service employee, also told the Manila Standard that the division chief, engineer Larry Heradez, was also in a meeting.

However, a certain Cena Lagude from the same office said OceanaGold’s FTAA dossiers were already transmitted to the office of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu.

“I just don’t know what the contents are,” she said.

Manila Standard tried to reach Undersecretary for Climate Change Service and Mining Concerns Analiza Teh to clarify issues if OceanaGold local unit operated with an expired FTAA. Nelgie Belisario, a project evaluation officer, said Teh was on board her weekly radio program.

“As far as I know, the FTAA is already in Malacañang for consideration, but I am not familiar with the details of it,” she said.

Manila Standard was advised to send a request letter for an interview with Teh. DENR through its public information division suggested to interview the MGB chief, and not the central office itself.

In Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Rep. Luisa Cuaresma expressed her support to the overwhelming sentiments of anti-mining advocates to block the application of OceanaGold Philippines Inc. for a new FTAA with the Office of the President.

In a letter to Cimatu, Cuaresma reiterated her no mining stand as OGPI’s FTAA had expired last month.

PDEA, Arellano U partner for scholarship grants THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Arellano University have partnered in providing educational scholarship grants to surviving children of PDEA personnel killed in action.

PDEA director general Aaron Aquino and Arellano University chairman and president Francisco Paulino Cayco inked Friday a memorandum of agreement at the PDEA headquarters to offer to the children of anti-narcotics personnel who are either left permanently incapacitated after undergoing complete disability

discharge proceedings, or by meritorious reasons a scholarship grant.

“Under the agreement, the educational scholarship grant is available in all of Arellano University’s seven campuses in Metro Manila for school years 2019 to 2023. The scholarship is for students studying in elementary, secondary and college,” Aquino said.

To be able to avail themselves of the educational benefit, PDEA must submit the necessary documentary proof that the grantee is indeed the surviving child of PDEA personnel who was

killed in action or left totally disabled while in the line of duty.

The admission of grantees to any of the university campuses is in accordance with the existing quota assigned and the programs offered subject to the existing laws and admission policies of the university.

A grantee must satisfactorily pass the course of instruction based on the approved standards of AU. If the grantee fails to pass a subject, his/ her benefit shall be considered suspended. The grantee has the option to retake the subject at his/ her own expense. Rio N. Araja

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

: : :

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

Legislator seeks limit to class hours

By Maricel V. Cruz A LAWMAKER wants to regulate school hours to minimize inconvenience to students who had to suffer from heavy traffic and the volume of their academic load as well as the poor accessibility of some schools, particularly in the rural areas.

Rep. Greg Gasataya of Bacolod City filed a bill mandating that school hours should not start earlier than 8:30 in the morning in schools under the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.

In filing House Bill 569, Gasataya said he became aware of this concern during the session break after a series of dialogues with students and parents within his district who believe that there is a need to consider adjusting the school hours.

He said school hours also start later in other countries because some studies conducted have correlated later school start times to improved student performance and achievement.

“This could also help parents, who have wake up earlier than they usually do to attend to their children’s needs, to be more productive at work, raise teacher quality, and help working students manage their time,” he added.

In filing his bill, Gasataya acknowledged the State’s policy to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development in schools.

“We must give priority to the physical, mental, and social well-being of students, among others, through a system of education which gives primordial interest and concern to the health and safety of students,” he said in the bill’s explanatory note.

Gasataya said said the 18th Congress which will open on July 22 will be able to prioritize the deliberations of his pet bill.

DILG: 85% of ‘Yolanda’ funds already liquidated THE Department of the Interior and Local Government said Friday 85 percent or P3.455 billion of the total P4.055 billion under the Recovery Assistance for Yolanda had been liquidated by concerned local government units and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the remaining 15 percent (P600.67 million), which remains unliquidated, “mostly represented current projects being implemented by the LGUs.” “There have been significant accomplishment in the implementation of the “Yolanda” projects in the concerned LGUs from January to June this year that were not captured in the Commission on Audit [COA] report whose cut-off date is December 31, 2018,” Año said.

In its report, state auditors flagged the DILG for its failure to liquidate P1.059 billion Yolanda funds as of December 2018.

This covered P219 million RAY funds transferred to the DPWH and P839.877 million funds transferred to LGUs. DILG spokesman Undersec-

retary Jonathan Malaya told a news conference there had been a significant implementation of the RAY projects from January to June of this year.

Malaya said: “From January to June this year, there has been significant implementation of the projects...”

Año said the task of liquidating the funds already was on the shoulders of the implementing agencies DPWH and LGUs as the DILG had transferred the funds to them.

“Nevertheless, we are still actively and continuously monitoring and coordinating with the DPWH and LGUs to fast track the liquidation of the funds entrusted to them,” the DILG chief said.

The RAY project covers the repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction of government facilities damaged by Typhoon Yolanda such as municipal halls, public markets, civic centers, barangay facilities, and similar infrastructure using the Build Back Better designs.

The DILG said the DPWH has completed all of their 25 RAY projects, while the LGUs have completed a total of 4,403 projects.

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SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Pasay outplays Imus; San Juan, Manila dispose rivals

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates beating Australia’s Nick Kyrgios during their men’s singles second round match on the fourth day of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 4, 2019. AFP

PASAY continued its impressive showing in the MPBL Lakan Season and on Thursday night as the Voyagers drubbed Jayjay Helterbrand and the Imus Bandera, 82-65, at the San Andres Gym. Jan Jamon and Ron Lasitmosa combined for 27 points, but the rest of the Voyagers showed up and competed as a team in handling the Bandera their second loss in three games. Pasay outplayed Imus, getting 21 points from its rivals turnovers while also having 17 second chance points.

“We used our loss to San Juan as a motivation,” said Pasay coach Marlon Keith Martin. “We saw the character of our team and their eagerness to bounce back was there.”

Manila and San Juan, two perennial powerhouse teams, easily disposed of their rivals.

The Stars of Manila turned back the General Santos City Warriors, 7972, behind a solid fourth quarter run as Aris Dionisio knocked in 11 of his 23 points in the final period, allowing his squad to outscore its rival, 25-16, on its way to scoring its third win in four games.

San Juan, on the other hand, kept its grip of the solo lead after its scored a 101-86 dumping of Rizal.

The Knights turned to ex-pro John Wilson, who knocked in 25 points, including four triples. He shot a steady 10-of-18 shooting from the field, steering the Go-For-Gold-backed squad to its third win in as many games.

Mike Ayonayon, the reigning Finals MVP, added 15 markers for the Knights.

Disgraced ex-US Olympic chief gets $2.4m payoff THE former chief executive of the United States Olympic Committee who was severely criticized for his handling of the Larry Nassar abuse scandal received $2.4 million in severance pay, official records revealed on Wednesday.

Scott Blackmun stepped down as chief of USOC in February last year, roughly one month after former national gymnastics team doctor Nassar was jailed for life for abusing more than 250 athletes, including several stars of the USA’s 2012 and 2016 gold medalwinning Olympic teams.

A subsequent independent report commissioned by the USOC, which is now known as the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), was scathing of Blackmun’s role in the scandal.

The report by outside investigators alleged Blackmun and other Olympic chiefs had failed to react swiftly when first warned of allegations surrounding Nassar, concealing the doctor’s crimes until the scandal erupted into the open in late 2016.

Blackmun told investigators he had “initiated an internal effort at the USOC to alert his SafeSport team to the allegations and to confirm that the USOC was taking all appropriate steps to respond to the allegations and ensure athlete safety.”

However, investigators later concluded “no such conversations were had, and no such steps were taken.”

His multi-million-dollar severance payment was revealed in a financial report made public on Wednesday.

USOPC chairman Susanne Lyons said the payoff was necessary to facilitate “new leadership to guide the organization forward, as well as Blackmun’s serious health challenges.”

Blackmun left his post after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2018.

Attorney John Manly, who represented many of Nassar’s abused patients, slammed the payout.

“Blackmun knew Larry Nassar was a child molester in summer 2015,” Manly wrote on Twitter. “He concealed that fact from the public, the media, police & worst of all the athletes & their parents.

“Instead of going to jail he’s been rewarded w/2.4 mill. by USOC leaders.

Enough!!” AFP

Nadal teaches Kyrgios a hard lesson R

AFAEL Nadal may not end up winning a third Wimbledon singles title but he will take joy from having beaten his ‘bete noire’ Nick Kyrgios in an engrossing but badtempered grudge match on Thursday.

The 33-year-old Spaniard came through in four sets 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3) which saw fiery but talented Australian Kyrgios receive a warning for unsportsmanlike behaviour after a running argument with the umpire while twice serving under-arm.

Nadal’s pleasure was evident when he sealed the match against a man he had accused of lacking respect for the sport as he fist-pumped and jumped in the air yelling to his camp seated on Centre Court.

“I was aware of everything,” said Nadal, who was winning his 50th match at Wimbledon.

“I was just next to him so I don’t want to comment on this but potentially he is a Grand Slam winner.”

Earlier, his great rival, eight-time champion Roger Federer had no such problems as he eased into the third round, beating British wild card Jay Clarke 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 to equal American legend Jimmy Connors’s record of 17 appearances in the last 32.

On the women’s side, there will be a new name adorning the trophy as defending champion Angelique Kerber went out in three sets to lucky loser Lauren Davis 2-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Federer said his game had not been perfect but Clarke had helped his cause.

“I struggled to take care of business a bit from the baseline,” said 37-year-old Federer who has now reached the third round at the Slams for the 70th time.

Federer and Nadal’s half of the draw lost two of the potentially more awkward customers in big serving duo John Isner and Marin Cilic.

Ninth-seeded Isner, who played in the epic semi-final last year with Kevin Anderson which lasted over six hours, fell in five sets to unseeded Kazakh Mikhail Kukushkin 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in just over three hours of play.

Cilic, the 13th seed and finalist in 2017, lost in straight sets to Portugal’s Joao Sousa, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Kerber looked in control after the first set but once she went 3-2 down in the second Davis—ranked outside the top 250 earlier this year—gained in confidence.

“Its been a tough journey and a process of learning and growing as a player and person,” said Davis.

“The drop in ranking has made this win even more fulfilling.”

There was a scare for seven-time champion Serena Williams, who dropped the first set against 18-year-old Slovenian qualifier Kaja Juvan before prevailing 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.

“It brings the best out of me the pres-

sure,” said 37-year-old Williams.

“I play best when I am down sometimes.

I am a fighter, I never give up.”

Ashleigh Barty’s bid to become the first woman since Williams in 2015 to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year stayed on track with a 6-1, 6-3 second round victory over Belgium’s Alison van Uytvanck.

Barty, only the second Australian woman after Evonne Goolagong Cawley over 40 years ago to be number one in the world, said the most pleasure she has had in her new status is when she speaks to her niece back in Australia.

“Over and over she tells me you can go to infinity and beyond,” sad Barty.

“She’s an incredible little girl who gives me so much inspiration.”

Barty’s next opponent British wild card Harriet Dart, for her part, could not contain her excitement at playing the world number one.

“Super exciting,” she said. “I have nothing to lose. I actually met her a few weeks ago at an LTA schools visit.

Home fans’ appetites were sated at the end of the day when Williams’s mixed doubles partner and former world number one Andy Murray made a victorious return after ‘life-changing hip surgery’.

The 32-year-old Scotsman and his French partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert gelled as the match went on winning in four sets over Marius Copil and Ugo Humbert, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-0.

“It was nice,” said Murray. “Great to get the win.” AFP

‘POC dispute not a cause for concern for athletes’ THE ongoing leadership dispute in the Philippine Olympic Committee is not a cause for concern for national athletes who are preparing for their stint in 30th Southeast Asian Games.

National team chef de mission and Philippine Sports Commission chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez made this assurance to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who visited more than 500 athletes during the Athletes General Assembly yesterday at the Philsports Complex in Pasig.

“He is bothered by the situation. But the matter in the POC is internal, now that the International Olympic Committee has intervened. Our focus is really on the athletes,” said Ramirez in his discussion with Medialdea, who represented President Rodrigo Duterte, along with PSC Commissioners Celia Kiram, Arnold Agustin, Charles Maxey and Ramon Fernandez.

Medialdea called off his trip to the province to join the gathering.

“I just want to relay to you the support of our President.

He is behind you para sa (laban sa) SEAG!” Medialdea said.

Track and field legend Elma Muros-Posadas and Olympic silver medalist Onyok Velasco were also around, and both encouraged the athletes to do their best.

Earlier, rugby official Ada Milby and taekwondo’s Stephen Fernandez were named deputy chefs de Mission of Team Philippines. They will be assisting Ramirez.

Milby and Fernandez will be assigned in two of the three main clusters in the biennial meet, namely the Subic, Clark and Manila clusters.

Other venues include those in Batangas, Cavite, La Union, Bulacan, Tagaytay and Calatagan.

“Ilayo natin lahat sa mga problema ang lahat ng ating gagawin. Laro lang tayo. Let us win as one and patuloy natin itaguyod and ating bansa sa larangan ng sports,” Medialdea said. Peter Atencio

Harding wants to establish himself as contender SENTOSA, Singapore, July 5: South Africa’s Justin Harding will be looking to establish himself as another genuine contender when he makes his second appearance at The Open at Royal Portrush from July 18-21.

Harding made his debut at The Open in 2013 after winning the African edition of International Final Qualifying (IFQ) but missed the cut in Muirfield then.

However, the world number 49 has since taken his game to new heights, with him notching back-to-back wins on the Asian Tour last year and emerging triumphant at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on the European Tour earlier this year.

He was propelled further into the global spotlight after posting a commendable tied-12th result in his Masters Tournament debut in April and could spring yet another surprise with a solid showing at Royal Portrush in a fortnight.

“I’ve been more consistent over the last 15 months and I’m becoming a little better mentally too. It’s no longer really going through the highs and lows and emotional roller coaster, so to speak.

“But that also comes with not really playing with the aggressive mindset game that I used to have in the past,” said the 33-year-old.

Harding made a spectacular entrance to the Asian Tour in July at the Bank BRI Indonesia Open last year.

He received an invitation to the tournament by virtue of his outstanding form on the Sunshine Tour, and he displayed that same blistering form en route to his maiden Asian Tour victory in Jakarta. The South African promptly took up membership with the Tour after his win.

Harding’s breakthrough in Indonesia was the catalyst that saw him going on to clinch another win at the Royal Cup in Thailand a fortnight later, making him the first golfer in Tour history to win two times in as many starts.

SOCKSARGEN Marlins to put up good fight in MPBL THE SOCCSKSARGEN Marlins may be one of the newest teams in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL),but they surely have the heart and the fighting spirit to compete -- and.win -- against the 30 other teams in the fast-growing regional league organized by Sen. Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend Kenneth Duremdes as commissioner.

In fact, the Armor on Philippines-supported Marlins hope to create a good first impression under team sponsors Kevin Espinosa and Norm Conti, head coach Biboy Simon and team manager Henry Serrano.

“We’re a new team hoping to make a difference in this MPBL Lakan Cup. With the help of our LGU and our new sponsor, we’re confident we’ll do well,” said Serrano during the 29th TOPS “Usapang Sports” at the National Press Club in Intramuros last Thursday.

“In the MPBL, we hope to focus a lot on defense, although our head coach (Simon) is a proven scorer during his playing days. Team effort lagi,” added Serra-

no, who was joined in the weekly forum

by Espinosa, Conti, and assistant coaches Manny Torralba and Danny Florano.

“Kahit first time namin mag-join sa MPBL, target namin talaga nakapasok sa playoffs. added Torralba. “Mahaba iting tournament. We have 30 games in all.”

Added Florano: “We can assure you na competitive itong team namin. Lalaban talaga.”

Leading the charge of the Marlins are former Talk N Text mainstay Aby Santos, ex-Philippine Christian University standout Ian Garrido, Davao find John Samigue and homegrown stars Mikko Estrellante and Excel Nocos.

Also with the team is ex-PBA star Norman Gonzales.

Espinosa admitted that the team still has a lot of work to do with the final line-up yet to be completed and their first game against Season 1 runner-up Muntinlupa scheduled on July 12 “Marami pang kailangan ayusin, peto tiwala naman kami sa kakatmyahan ng

aming coaching staff, pati na sa aming mga players,” said Espinosa, who took over the team only recently following problems encountered by.original owners.

The Marlins are presently holding their practice at the CCP gym in Sta. Mesa.

All five players present during the forum vowed to do their best to pull off surprises in the league.

“Yun leadership at experience ko ang pwede ko ibigay sa team bawat game,” said the 6-4 Santos during the forum also sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, PAGCOR, Community Basketball Association and GG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks.

Garrido, a veteran forward out of PCU, and Eman, younger brother of Samigue Eman of Davao, will provide the toughness that the team needs.Estrellante, a native of Davao Occidental, and Nocos, the pride of Saranggani, hope to make the most of their opportunity to excel despite being homegrown players.

Asked about the decision of Armor On

Team officials, coaches and players of the Soksargen Marlins pose with officials and members of the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) during its 29th session of Usapang Sports at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila.

to support the team, Espinosa said MPBLwill be a good advertising venue for the company.

“Malaking opportunity din itong

pagsali namin sa sa MPBL para maipakita yun produkto namin na Armor On sportswear. Hopefully magtuloy-tuloy kami,” said Espinosa.

Sports

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

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019

Letran seeks Final Four finish; starts bid vs Lyceum WITH new coach Bonnie Tan calling the shots, expect the Letran Knights to go for another Final Four finish when the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament reels off this Sunday.

The Knights will start their campaign by meeting last year’s runner Lyceum Pirates at 4 p.m., in one of two opening games at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Tan, who coached the Pirates three seasons ago, will try to steer the Knights against his former team, who made it to the finals in the past two seasons under coach Topex Robinson.

The Knights have missed the semifinals in the last two seasons, with former mentor Jeff Napa quitting when the season ended last year.

Still, the Knights finished with a respectable record of 13-5 (win-loss) at the close of elimination round last season.

“Right now, we’re still learning. Sinosolve pa namin lahat ng mga ginagawa naming mali kasi hindi pa maubos e. Pero kami naman, ang gusto namin sa team is we’re trying to improve every game.” said Tan, who is back in the league after a four-year absence.

Later, the defending champion San Beda Red Lions will take on host Arellano University Chiefs at 4 p.m.

Jerrick Balanza and Bonbon Batiller are considered as Letran’s heart-andsoul, with Larry Muyang and Jeo Ambohot taking turns in the middle.

Vast improvement in the game of Ato Ular in his game in the wings will make him another player to look out for.

Much is expected of Muyang, who was last year’s Rookie of the Year, along with Ambohot, a former Gilas Pilipinas cadet.

Also, the return of Balanza will boost the Knights’ morale. His career last year was sidelined by a brain tumor that forced him out of action.

The 6-foot-2 smooth-shooting Balanza has since recovered is expected to be one of the team’s leaders.

Peter Atencio

Petrogazz, Creamline seek finals seats Games today (Saturday)

(Ynares Center, Antipolo) 2 p.m. – BanKo-Perlas vs PetroGazz 4 p.m. – PacificTown Army vs Creamline

PETROGAZZ and Creamline set out for a repeat of their Game One feats, armed with firepower and momentum that BanKo-Perlas and PacificTown Army need to neutralize to avert what had long shaped up to be a blockbuster finale in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforce Conference.

The country’s leading players and eight imports with contrasting styles bring their act to the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo today (Saturday) with the Angels and the Cool Smashers all primed up to sweep their respective semifinal face-offs and head to the series that they had virtually wrapped after a dominant campaign in the double-round elims.

The Angels proved that they aren’t just a Wilma Salas-Janisa Johnson team as locals Cherry Nuñag and Jeanette Panaga put up a pair of solid games to backstop their high-scoring imports in repeating over the Perlas Spikers, 25-19, 25-15, 21-25. 25-12, in the opener of their Final Four series last Wednesday.

Nuñag finished with 12 points, highlighted by a number of quick hits, while Panaga came up with nine markers, spiced up by six aces. Steph Mercado, Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng and Relea Saet also combined for 10 points to more than underscore the Angels’ depth and cohesion.

The power-hitting Salas from Cuba and American Johnson sustained their form that anchored the team’s 9-1 stint in the elims, combining for 48 points, with the duo tipped to further raise the level of their play when they take on the Perlas Spikers again at 2 p.m.

But BanKo remains unfazed by PetroGazz, hopeful its new import in Stiix Horton would settle down after an 11-point, nine-dig debut Wednesday.

Sumang lifts Elite past Hotshots in overtime

By Jeric Lopez

Mike DiGregorio of Blackwater shoots over the outsretched hand of PJ Simon of Magnolia in this bit of action in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup match at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Elite outlasted the Hotshots in overtime, 104-99.

IOC tells Vargas, 5 others not to attend meeting

By Peter Atencio

T

HE International Olympic Committee has asked Philippine Olympic Committee officials who have already vacated their positions not to attend the special meeting set on Monday, purportedly in preparation for athe POC elections on July 28.

The letter was sent by IOC director for Olympic Solidarity and National Olympic Committee Relations James Macleod and Olympic Council of Asia director general Hussain al-Musallam to concerned officials, including Ricky Vargas, who quit as as POC president last June 18.

The IOC sent its latest communication after it learned that two sets of letters were sent out to invite members of the POC, including those who had already quit their posts. One of the letter of invitatioin letters came from secretary general Patrick Gregorio, and the other one originated from acting secretary general and legal counsel Charlie Ho. The IOC said the separate sets of invitations are “unfortunately adding confusion to the existing situation, ” and asked that “everyone should simply respect the collegial decision and resolutions taken by the competent governing bodies of the POC, be it the executive board or the general assembly, in line with the basic principles of good governance in the Olympic Movement.”

In response, Vargas, as per IOC advice, said he will not

attend the special meeting.

“I was prepared to attend the POC board meeting scheduled for July 8, 2019 until I read the last letter from IOC-OCA dated 04 July 2019, which I determined was unfavorable to my attendance,” Vargas said in a statement.

Vargas quit amid questions raised by the POC Board on the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee Foundation, which is under Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.

The spate of resignations by the top POC officials was spurred by questions raised by the POC Board against the eligibility of the Phisgoc Foundation led by Taguig Cong. Alan Peter Cayetano.

The Phisgoc Foundation, which allegedly entered into private contracts including those for the athletes’ uniforms later found to be overpriced, was incorporated by Vargas and his staff, along with those of Cayetano, which the POC Board claimed has superceded the existence of the original Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee, ad hoc body to which Cayetano was appointed to act as chairman by former POC President Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

“I have decided against attending the said meeting. I had hoped to be of help in clarifying several issues currently confronting the POC, but I will accept the advise from the IOCOCA not to be at the said meeting,” added Vargas added.

Also with Vargas, those who are expected not to attend the meetingare chairman Abraham Tolentino, board members Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics and Clint Aranas of archery, and former acting president Joey Romasanta of volleyball.

Chang dominant in 5th leg of Phoenix Slalom ROD Chang of JAF Racing Team unleashed a dominant show in the 2019 Race Motorsports Club Phoenix Pulse Technology National Slalom Series fifth leg at Robinsons Sta. Rosa recently.

Chang won the overall, Front Wheel and novice best time of the day after clocking 39.68, followed by Joseph Ortega of Pongga Racing Team with 40.82.

Coming in third was Alfie Bince of G Spot Racing Team with 40.96, Sophia Munoz of RODLEA Racing Team placed 4th with 41.42 and July Dionson of Stage 1 Racing Team Cabanatuan City finished 5th with 42.28 Meanwhile, Ortega also ruled the Rear Wheel Production best time of 40.82 It was Chang’s fifth straight win in the novice category.

Bince placed second in the same division with 40.96, Sophia Munoz ranked third with 41.42, July Dionson was 4th with 42.28 and Lei Dominique Sarmiento completed the Top 5 with 44.94.

The 2019 RACE Motorsports Club Phoenix Plus Technology National Slalom Series with enhanced power and acceleration is also supported by major sponsors Federal Tyres, 3K Batteries and Robinsons Malls. It is also backed by Starbright Body Kits, Auto Transporter,

Rod Chang secures his 5th straight win in the Novice Division.

media partners Stoplight TV, C! Magazine, Auto Car Magazine, Power Wheels Magazine, Medical Team AEROMED and Walter Lights and Sounds.

The event was participated in by G Spot Racing Team, RODLEA Racing Team, PMMS Rennsport Racing Team, Pongga Racing Team, JAF Racing Team and Tough Gear

Racing Team.

The 6th leg will be held on July 7 at Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, while the 2nd Slalom Invitational will be on Aug. 11 at Robinsons Place Calasiao, Pangasinan.

For details, contact Bing Bang Dulce at tel. 09178119337 or like the event’s Facebook page racemotorsportsclub.

BLACKWATER outmuscled Magnolia down the stretch to earn a hard-fought 104-99 victory in overtime and snap its two-game losing skid in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last night.

In his best game this conference, Roi Sumang came off the bench to spark Blackwater, dropping a team-high 19 points and six assists and coming through in the clutch to make his presence felt.

Sumang waxed hot when it mattered the most in crunch time to carry the fight for the Elite.

A pivotal 7-0 run, all from Sumang’s hot hands, in the middle of overtime did the trick for Blackwater.

His triple with 2:23 remaining gave Blackwater a key 94-87 advantage.

That’s all it took for the Elite to finally take down the stubborn Hotshots.

Blackwater improved to 6-3 as it moves to third and takes a step closer from securing a spot in the quarterfinals.

On the other hand, Magnolia saw its five-game winning streak halted, dropping to 5-3 in the process.

Mike Digregorio added 15 markets while new import Stephon Blair and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. provided more support, scoring 14 points each for the Elite.

Blair added 14 rebounds as well, and Parks 10 as both registered double-doubles.

Paul Lee sent the game into overtime after squaring the score at 84-all with 9.4 seconds remaining in regulation after getting fouled.

Prior to that, the Elite held an 84-80 lead before the Hotshots scored the last four points in the fourth to force an extention.

The battling foes went toe-to-toe through the first three quarters as neither wanted to give any ground.

The teams were dead even at 61-all entering the payoff period.

Magnolia was led by James Farr’s 23 points and 20 rebounds in the losing cause.

Blu Girls loses back-to-back vs Japan, P. Rico THE Philippines absorbed back-to-back setbacks in the USA Softball International Cup on Thursday at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, Georgia, USA. The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls lose to powerhouse Japan, 2-12, before botching a winnable game against Puerto Rico, 1-2, later in the day.

Despite the setbacks, Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) president and Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier remains positive and patient with the development and improvement of the Blu Girls.

“Japan is the Asian champion. I cannot expect for us, at this time, to beat them but I would want to see closer games against them in the future,” Lhuillier said.

While the Japan game was a one-sided affair, the Puerto Rico match was a tight one that ended in dramatic fashion.

“We could have won against Puerto Rico but the breaks of the game did not go our way,” the ASAPHIL chief added.

Karla Claudio opened scoring for Puerto Rico with a single on a 0-1 count, scoring one run.

The Blu Girls, however, evened things up in the sixth inning when Hailey Decker’s sacrifice fly scored a run for the Philippines.

The game was tied at 1-1 with Puerto Rico batting in the bottom of the eighth when Adriana Otero was hit by a pitch, driving in another run for the Puerto Ricans.

Logan Caymol took the loss for the Philippines. She surrendered one run on seven hits over seven and a third innings. She also struck out one batter.

The Philippines’ next opponent is Chinese Taipei.

Orchard Golf League semifinals gets under way THE semifinals phase of the 10th Orchard Members Intraclub Golf League starts today with top seed Perry’s Group/TV Shop seeking their first ever championship to continue its winning ways in the members-only league put up organized yearly by The Orchard Golf & Country Club in Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

Perry’s Group, the heavy favorite, won 7 of 12 games in the eliminations and finished with 37 match points. It

will take on fourth seed SAGO Rover (with 34 match points) at The Orchard’s Palmer course on Saturday and Player course layout on Sunday.

From eighth in the standings, Ecostrong got through into the Final Four as the No. 2 seed after convincing victories in their last its two games in the elims.

It will face M.A.E.L.S., the third seed, first at the Player then at the Palmer in the next game.

Dethroned three-peat time champion

Team Borj (2016-2018, formerly named U-Freight/A-Plus Paints) failed to make the grade this time as It finished with 34 match points in a tie with Tee Jots/Red Devil at fifth place. Both lost to SAGO Rover on total ups.

ATM /Guthrie Jensen was among top 4 after 9 games with 27 match points but struggled in the next last 2 games.

It needed 4.5 match points to enter the semis but it came out flat on the last day and made only 3.5 match points

for seventh spot with 33.5 match points.

A total of 344 Orchard members representing 13 teams, including SMB, Under Armour, Magenta/Migo, Astig/ Easy TV, Team Cura and Solidforms, joined this year’s Intra Club, which the members always look forward to every weekend.

“This should be an exciting semis because teams are evenly matched,” said The Orchard General Manager Nilo Famy.

IN BRIEF Cusi pushes China oil deal

ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi said he expects to complete the framework on the oil and gas cooperation with China this year before the expiration of a memorandum of understanding the two countries signed in December 2018.

The Philippines and China agreed to cooperate on oil and gas development during the Manila visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping last year.

“We’re working on that... That’s why before it expires, something positive, something concrete must be reached between the two countries on how we can tap the resources and use it for the benefit of our people,” Cusi said.

Cusi said the Philippines could benefit from the possible oil and gas cooperation “if we play our cards right.” “[On] the West Philippine Sea, we are working in the spirit of cooperation and reaching out a common goal,” the energy chief said.

“I don’t like to speculate but our goal is that we want to finish it by November,” Cusi said when asked about the possibility of extending the MOU. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

Piñol criticizes meat processors AGRICULTURE Secretary Emmanuel Piñol expressed dismay over the reaction of some Filipino meat processors who warned that the temporary ban imposed on pork from Germany could result in higher prices of hotdog and bacon.

The ban was imposed after it was discovered that a shipment of pork supposedly coming from Germany was found to contain boxes of pork from Poland, a country which reported cases of the African swine fever.

“I am dismayed that our meat processors show more concern for the prices of hotdog and bacon than the possible devastation by the ASF on the P260-billion hog industry which provides livelihood to thousands of poor Filipino farmers,” said Piñol.

The entry of the dreaded ASF into the country could lead to the collapse of the local livestock industry and cause unquantifiable damage to the economy, he said.

The Agriculture Department said that when German exporter ProFood co-mingled German pork with pork from Poland which is affected by ASF and shipped this to the Philippines, the case brought to open other possible violations.

“We have to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that their system is safe. If and when the investigation will show that the violation was confined to that particular export company, then we will take the proper measure to lift the ban on all German pork shipment,” Piñol said. Othel V. Campos

Manufacturing contracted 4% in May—PSA FACTORY production fell 4 percent in May from a year ago, dragged down by the lower output of the food and furniture sectors, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show.

Preliminary results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries showed that the volume of production index decreased by 4 percent in May, following a 13-percent expansion a year ago.

The value of production index also dropped 2.1 percent in May, a reversal of the 14.8-percent growth in the same month last year.

The decline in VoPI was dragged down by the 35-percent drop in furniture and fixtures and the 14-percent decline in food manufacturing.

Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said a stronger push for policies and programs that improve food production and public spending and that capacitate MSMEs was needed to strengthen the manufacturing sector.

“Despite these negative figures, we note a positive development for this month’s manufacturing performance upon seeing that the number of gainers in both indices has outpaced the losers. For one, 14 subsectors trended upwards trend compared to last month’s 10 subsectors,” Pernia said.

He said the lower prices of rice and domestic oil prices, including downward adjustment in electricity rates, tempered inflation pressure in June, which bodes well with producers of manufactured goods.

Data showed that inflation in June 2eased to a 22-month low of 2.7 percent.

“More importantly, we need measures to boost the productivity of agriculture and strengthen supply chain linkages between local and foreign producers of raw food products and food manufacturers to increase food production. Food products, the largest subsector, has a significant impact on the overall performance of the manufacturing sector,” Pernia said. Julito G. Rada

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019

B1

GIR climbs to $85.4b near record level

Money supply rises to P11.7t

DOMESTIC liquidity or the money supply circulating in the financial system grew 6.4 percent year-on-year to about P11.7 trillion in May 2019, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday.

The growth in May, however, was slower than the 7-percent expansion registered in April 2019.

“Demand for credit eased slightly but remained the principal driver of money supply growth,” the BSP said in a statement.

Meanwhile, outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase placements with the BSP, grew 11.9 percent in May. This growth was also slower than the 12.7-percent expansion in April.

Loans for production activities which comprised 88.2 percent of banks’ aggregate loan portfolio increased 11.5 percent in May. This was driven by lending to real estate activities (13.6 percent); financial and insurance activities (21.2 percent); manufacturing (11.6 percent); electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (13.1 percent); construction (43.0 percent); and wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (9.3 percent).

Meanwhile, loans for household consumption grew by 14.6 percent in May, slower than the 15-percent increase in April.

Julito G. Rada

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

SM PRIME’S 25TH YEAR AT PSE. SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s top executives together with the Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. board and management commemorate SMPH’s silver listing anniversary with a special bell ringing ceremony at the PSE headquarters. Attending the occasion are (from left) SM Development Corp. project director Jan Catherine Sy; SM Engineering Design and Development president Hans Sy Jr.; SM Investments Corp. chairman Jose Sio; SMPH advisor to the board Teresita SyCoson; SMPH independent director Joselito Sibayan; SMPH director and president Jeffrey Lim; SMPH chairman Henry Sy Jr.; PSE chairman Jose Pardo; PSE directors Edgardo Lacson, Eddie Gobing and Emmanuel Bautista; PSE chief operating officer Roel Refran; and PSE directors Alejandro Yu and Wilson Sy.

June inflation softened to 22-month low of 2.7% I

By Julito G. Rada

NFLATION rate in June eased to a 22-month low of 2.7 percent from 3.2 percent in May on continuing softer price adjustments in some commodity groups such as food and non-alcoholic beverages, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday.

The June inflation was significantly slower than 5.2 percent registered a year ago. It was also the slowest in 22 months since it settled at 2.6 percent in August 2017.

This brought inflation in the first half of 2019 to 3.4 percent, or within the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

“We still need to caution against upside risks, including weather-related shocks and uncertainties in the global oil market,” National Economic and De-

velopment Authority director-general Ernesto Pernia said.

Pernia said the entry of more rice imports helped stabilize food prices. “We continue to experience the effects of the administrative measures the government had set in motion starting late last year.

Further, the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law allowed the entry of ample imported rice into the country that helped bring rice prices down,” he said.

“Since the effectivity of the law, private traders have applied for the sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances of 1.26 million metric tons of rice imports from the Bureau of Plant and Industry.

Of these, 576, 000 MT have already arrived in the Philippines as of June 7, 2019,” he said.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said the 2.7-percent inflation in June was consistent with the regulator’s assessment that inflation would firmly settle within the target range of 2 to 4 percent for 2019 and 2020.

“The BSP will keep close watch over latest economic developments to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with the BSP’s price stability

objective while being supportive of economic growth,” Diokno said.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said with inflation wellwithin target, the BSP would likely look to “tap on the accelerator once more after having slammed hard on the brakes in the previous year. ING is penciling in a policy rate cut by the BSP at its August meeting should inflation continue to show it will remain within target and second-quarter growth is projected to be soft.”

The benign inflation environment compelled the 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.

Pernia said the slower inflation comes with the optimism that the quality of life will improve along with the economy’s robust growth.

“The government will continue putting in place preemptive measures to mitigate the impact of weather-related shocks and uncertainties in the international oil market. The government will also implement measures to prevent the spread of the African swine fever in the country while moderating its effects on inflation,” he said.

VIA RODEO OPENING. Acienda

Designer Outlet endorser Isabelle Daza (third from left) and Silang, Cavite Mayor Corie Poblete (second from left) lead the opening of the Via Rodeo luxury store at Acienda Designer Outlet. They are joined by the mayor’s close friend Joan Santos (left) and Cathay Land corporate secretary Atty. Ronald Uy. Via Rodeo features designer bags such as Bvlgari, Prada and Gucci items starting at 30 percent off, with as much as 50-percent discount. Acienda Designer Outlet, the country’s first true international outlet mall, is located at Km 48 Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Cavite, a few minutes from Tagaytay City Rotunda.

Contact centers eye 4% revenue growth in 2019

By Othel V. Campos

GCash launches savings account with big interest earnings THE Philippines’ leading mobile wallet, GCash teamed up with CIMB, one of the largest investment banks in Asia, to introduce a digital savings account that offers the biggest interest earnings in the country.

GSave, accessible through the Save Money feature in the GCash app, gives unbanked Filipinos an opportunity to open a savings account with CIMB Bank which will earn 3-percent interest rate per annum―the highest in the country where regular savings accounts earn less than 1 percent.

The introduction of the mobile savings platform comes as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas celebrates Savings Consciousness Week on June 30 to July 6, pursuant to Proclamation No. 380 issued by former president Fidel Ramos in 1994 as part of efforts to hasten capital formation through savings.

THE country’s gross international reserves climbed to a 33-month high of $85.38 billion in June from $85.36 billion in May and near the record level of $86.139 billion recorded in September 2016, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a statement the increase in reserves was due mainly to inflows arising from the revaluation gains from the BSP’s gold holdings resulting from the increase in the price of gold and the national government’s net foreign currency deposits.

The value of BSP’s gold holdings as of end-June reached $8.855 billion, higher than $8.332 billion a month ago.

Other reasons cited for the spike in reserves were the Bangko Sentral’s foreign exchange operations and its income from investments abroad.

The increase in reserves was tempered by payments made by the government to service its foreign exchange obligations.

“The end-June 2019 level of GIR serves as an ample external liquidity buffer and is equivalent to 7.4 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It is also equivalent to 5.1 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.7 times based on residual maturity,” Diokno said.

Net international reserves or the difference between the BSP’s GIR and total short-term liabilities also increased by $0.02 billion to $85.36 billion in June from $85.34 billion in May. ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the GIR was nearing its pre-2018 level.

“Gross international reserves rose again to $85.4 billion as the central bank slowly rebuilds its buffer stock of foreign currency. Quickly rebuilding its defenses after a substantial drawdown in 2018, the BSP now boasts of a formidable cache of reserves to fend off any speculative attack on the currency,” Mapa said in a report.

He cited the previous statement of Diokno that the Philippines had “enough FX buffer” for any attack, indicating that the regulator merely intervenes should there be sharp flows, in either direction while simultaneously acting as insurance in the event of that “rainy day”. Julito G. Rada

In its Circular Letter No. 2019-038, the BSP urged the banking industry to “continuously encourage the public to save in banking institutions and further raise awareness on the vital role of savings in the country’s economic development.”

Around 66 percent of Filipinos do not have bank accounts and 34 percent of municipalities do not have access to physical banks, mainly due to the high cost of delivering financial services in the traditional manner such as opening more bank branches, especially in remote areas.

“Meanwhile, more and more Filipinos are getting digitally connected through smartphones. We saw this as an opportunity to deliver access to financial services through a mobile platform, which is how we came up with GSave,” said Anthony Thomas, chief executive f Mynt (Globe Fin-

tech Innovations), which operates GCash.

GSave is a digital savings account

by CIMB Bank which requires no initial deposit or maintaining balance.

Opening a CIMB account can be done through GCash’s Save Money feature.

Once users open an account, they can deposit and withdraw through GCash anytime, anywhere.

“The 3-percent interest rate is a big bonus. What we are really giving people is access to financial services that will help them build a better future for themselves and their loved-ones, no matter where they are. That is what financial inclusion is all about,” Thomas said.

Studies show that 42 percent of Filipinos use their savings accounts for emergencies, 31 percent for education, 29 percent for starting a business and 23 percent for safekeeping.

THE local contact center industry expects 4-percent revenue growth in 2019 following a 5.1-percent expansion in 2018.

Contact Center Association of the Philippines president Jojo Uligan said the industry continued to show signs of recovery. “We’re working on the figures. That’s the normal thing we do. We’re still verifying the information we got from members,” he said in a news briefing Friday in Makati City.

CCAP chairman Benedict Hernandez said the recovery was evidenced by an uptick in BPO real estate takeup in the first four months of 2019.

“In the first four months, we took up 126,000 sqm of space. And when you look at this figure, it’s back to more historical deals we had before. Usually, we consume 400,000 to 450,000 sqm a year,” he said.

Many BPO companies usually take up four to seven floors of a Peza-registered BPO building at any given time.

“And so it’s a good lead indicator. If our members and investors are buying real estate, that means they want to create more jobs. We’re trying to work on this initial information while the contact association survey and result are still ongoing,” Hernandez said.

The business process outsourcing sector reported a 5.1 percent growth in 2018, below the 8-percent annual growth target under Roadmap 2022.

The Philippines BPO sector, however, continued to grow faster than the average global market growth of 3 percent to 4 percent in 2018.

The BPO industry ended 2018 with 1.23 million employees in the Philippines.

Texas-based Everest Group said the Philippines continued to account for 16 percent to 18 percent of the estimated IT-BPM market of $83 billion.

B2

Business

SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rebounds; FPH advances S TOCKS rebounded Friday ahead of closely watched US jobs data which could determine the next policy move by the Federal Reserve.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, gained 53 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 8,117.94, the highest in more than five months.

The broader all-share index also advanced 13 points, or 0.3 percent, to settle at 4,945.68 on a value turnover of P5.5 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 116 to 80, while 53 issues were unchanged.

Eleven of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by First Philippine Holdings Corp. which climbed 4 percent to P91.65 after announcing a massive buyback program. Food manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. rose

2.3 percent to P176, while sister firm Robinsons Land Corp. went up 1.9 percent to P27.

Meanwhile, Asian markets fluctuated Friday as investors steeled themselves for the release of a crucial US jobs report that could have a major bearing on the size of an expected Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

With uncertainty over the China-US trade row put aside for now, this week has been dominated by speculation about the US central bank’s plans to address a weakening economic outlook, both at home and globally.

The jobs report is a closely watched gauge of the state of the world’s biggest economy and a below-forecast reading would ramp up hopes the Fed will announce a 50-basis-point reduction.

“Today’s US payrolls report has the potential to upset the apple cart when it comes to whether or not we can expect

to see a Fed rate cut later this month, and if we do whether it will be 25 or 50 basis points,” said Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK. And Pepperstone Group head of research Chris Weston said that “a number in line with consensus probably delivers that July cut and I think that’s what the market wants to see”.

“If we get a really strong number, I think risk could really come off the table,” he told Bloomberg News.

The clamour for a Fed rate cut comes as central banks around the world take a more accommodative position to offset economic weakness blamed on trade uncertainty, particularly the China-US standoff.

Equities swung back and forth ahead of the jobs release, with most markets bouncing back from morning losses.

Tokyo and Shanghai each closed 0.2 percent higher while Hong Kong was

flat in the afternoon.

Taipei and Seoul both finished 0.1 percent higher while Sydney, Wellington, Manila and Bangkok were also in positive territory. But Singapore, Mumbai and Jakarta edged down.

In early trade London, Paris and Frankfurt all dipped 0.1 percent.

Adding to the cautious trading environment was the lack of a lead from Wall Street, which was closed for the Independence Day celebrations.

“If there is one thing financial markets hate it’s a delicate balance between riskon and off, suggesting something will give shortly,” said Stephen Innes at Vanguard Markets.

“Over the short run, ‘risk-on’ sentiment should prevail on the back of the deluge on central banks easing. The Fed is critical to the ‘risk-on’ fever,” he said, adding that “now is the time to shift easing policy into high gear”. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

NAME

OPEN

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LOW

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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 FILIPINO FUND IREMIT MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK

58.5 79 2.44 139 1.28 27.25 18.7 12.14 4.85 7.84 1.34 0.52 71.9 0.98 13.24 54.5 189.1 58.1 27.3 171.5 1,800 62

58.9 79.35 2.44 143 1.28 27.25 18.76 12.2 4.9 7.84 1.34 0.53 72.35 0.99 13.24 56.15 190 58.1 27.7 172.6 1,800 62.3

58.5 78.6 2.31 139 1.2 27.05 18.7 12.1 4.75 7.71 1.34 0.49 71.7 0.98 13.24 54.5 189.1 58.05 27.15 171.4 1,750 61.9

58.9 78.6 2.43 143 1.26 27.15 18.76 12.12 4.84 7.71 1.34 0.5 71.75 0.98 13.24 55.8 190 58.05 27.15 172 1,750 61.95

4,870 1,711,550 300,000 2,483,140 305,000 100,000 1,600 2,273,700 41,000 1,800 2,000 713,000 2,683,230 259,000 14,400 257,840 180 4,920 84,300 1,306,450 240 40,570

286,623 134,948,677.50 728,500 353,321,494 379,730 2,714,725 30,010 27,672,474 199,060 13,893 2,680 354,440 192,822,286 253,990 190,656 14,390,670 34,182 285,610.50 2,294,555 224,524,597 421,150 2,513,566.50

264,950 11,325,239.50 83,804,616 -1,050,765 -4,281,962 -27,715,918.50 -9,800 4,497,235.50 -278,640 -40,735 1,724,814 9,000 171,915.50

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

37 14.96 0.84 1.39 0.27 3.11 14.4 17.98 17.48 40.15 105.5 115.2 2.09 6.27 10.54 15.6 11.04 7.68 1.7 27 90 61 2.59 13.6 10.32 1.74 285.8 3.3 9.8 25.55 14.7 18.3 381.2 0.186 5.87 1.94 4.64 5.9 9.3 2.37 12.08 38.95 5.1 1.4 2.07 1.16 13.7 105.1 6.56 0.127 1.21 172 2.5 1.26 16 1.47

37 14.96 0.86 1.39 0.27 3.14 14.5 17.98 17.48 41 107.8 121 2.09 6.45 10.54 15.6 11.16 7.68 1.7 27.05 92.5 61.1 2.6 13.6 10.32 1.75 286 3.44 9.85 25.55 14.76 18.3 386 0.187 5.87 2 4.75 5.95 9.3 2.38 12.08 39 5.1 1.4 2.1 1.17 14.04 105.2 6.58 0.127 1.24 176.9 2.55 1.28 16 1.49

36.6 14.58 0.84 1.36 0.255 3.05 14.3 16.3 17.46 40.15 95 110 2.09 6.27 10.48 15.56 11 7.56 1.7 26.95 89 57.4 2.55 13.5 10.24 1.69 284.6 3.3 9.2 25.1 14.5 17.94 381.2 0.186 5.87 1.9 4.6 5.86 9.3 2.2 11.96 38.75 4.91 1.38 1.91 1.14 13.7 103.9 6.54 0.127 1.2 171.3 2.48 1.25 16 1.43

37 14.58 0.85 1.36 0.26 3.07 14.48 16.5 17.46 40.6 100.5 110.3 2.09 6.4 10.5 15.58 11 7.62 1.7 26.95 91.65 57.4 2.59 13.6 10.24 1.7 285 3.44 9.59 25.45 14.56 18 386 0.186 5.87 1.91 4.75 5.87 9.3 2.2 12.08 38.8 4.91 1.38 1.91 1.14 14 104.1 6.58 0.127 1.23 176 2.48 1.28 16 1.43

378,400 475,700 1,528,000 891,000 4,800,000 14,583,000 479,700 696,600 1,500 9,400 28,350 6,450 46,000 523,600 2,349,900 2,477,400 593,400 1,276,200 20,000 5,271,000 1,553,650 725,660 4,783,000 399,800 257,200 2,041,000 335,280 4,000 43,300 609,000 267,500 2,987,000 54,790 2,020,000 400 14,474,000 121,000 1,515,500 210,000 32,177,000 13,300 306,500 8,600 119,000 27,000 1,299,000 178,500 52,280 31,600 10,000 571,000 990,480 65,000 3,259,000 100 10,769,000

13,960,695 7,030,392 1,298,410 1,235,910 1,244,300 44,702,250 6,917,138 11,784,848 26,204 381,590 2,828,856 737,752 96,140 3,340,882 24,674,786 38,613,958 6,545,096 9,685,431 34,000 142,301,535 141,435,242 42,737,611.50 12,299,380 5,420,314 2,641,836 3,488,630 95,619,752 13,480 413,060 15,346,490 3,916,502 53,847,090 21,088,168 375,990 2,348 28,214,940 563,450 8,924,819 1,953,000 73,139,700 160,460 11,910,315 42,245 164,880 56,280 1,491,650 2,497,298 5,468,119 207,244 1,270 691,710 173,682,987 161,920 4,147,030 1,600 15,679,210

1,587,640 1,807,570 -37,400 29,504,760 -491,992 -1,053,744.00 361,300 -95,701 -6,168,514 6,474,262 4,966,174 41,205,425 -1,015,927.50 16,910,868.50 -1,191,360 -2,230,012 -596,874 8,550 -13,081,574 829,445 7,330 -18,665,634 15,117,922 -2,313,650 4,806,929 -582,200 -850,155 -31,350.00 41,900 -967,861 77,488,293 -194,520 -45,900

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 BHI HLDG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV MJC INVESTMENTS PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

1.05 56 15.68 0.8 6.55 13 1.3 1.31 901 3.94 1,251 6.82 10.3 14 0.225 878 6.42 68 0.495 4.1 15.76 0.63 4.8 2.89 0.039 1.5 176 978 0.82 1.44 433.2 266 0.232 0.34

1.1 56 15.78 0.8 7.1 13.22 1.31 1.34 915 3.95 1,251 6.87 10.38 14.02 0.242 878 6.42 68.75 0.495 4.25 15.92 0.65 4.82 2.89 0.04 1.68 177 992.5 0.82 1.44 465.6 267 0.24 0.34

0.99 55 15.56 0.74 6.55 12.9 1.29 1.3 900 3.83 1,251 6.82 10.22 13.9 0.223 855 6.39 66.8 0.485 4.1 15.72 0.62 4.74 2.89 0.039 1.48 174.8 978 0.82 1.37 433 260.2 0.231 0.325

1.02 55.5 15.7 0.77 7 12.98 1.29 1.3 910 3.86 1,251 6.87 10.22 14 0.24 855 6.4 68.75 0.485 4.24 15.88 0.64 4.78 2.89 0.04 1.51 174.9 983 0.82 1.37 465.6 260.2 0.237 0.335

127,516,000 1,897,380 5,698,200 1,977,000 32,500 15,100 4,245,000 841,000 288,460 2,776,000 10 8,337,600 4,303,600 103,100 580,000 65,630 300,100 611,960 30,000 1,443,000 5,098,100 1,441,000 14,644,000 4,000 7,800,000 17,746,000 350,090 70,090 165,000 352,000 110 1,340 3,490,000 3,790,000

133,227,260 104,881,745.50 89,358,866 1,517,210 227,919 196,406 5,509,520 1,099,940 262,368,475 10,715,070 12,510 57,055,567 44,094,726 1,441,938 130,640 56,443,825 1,922,131 41,845,930.50 14,750 6,070,900 80,835,872 917,780 70,010,620 11,560 310,300 27,693,440 61,282,341 68,913,325 135,300 490,320 47,960 349,940 830,090 1,258,400

622,980 -79,240,740 20,006,288 67,000 135,800 762,500 -11,043,885 702,250 -77,969 -25,399,394 -418,518 2,230 -19,462,970 -1,281,931 34,859,605 -778,840 -2,503,276 19,788,470 -818,350 7,698,361 15,072,890 16,400 26,120 -31,246 -144,000

PROPERTY 8990 HLDG A BROWN 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 PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL

15.62 0.84 2.01 0.97 51.5 2.34 5.19 6.06 0.63 0.85 0.91 0.239 0.45 10.18 25.2 0.475 1.88 1.4 6.16 0.345 0.48 1.81 0.405 2.25 46 26.5 2.22

15.62 0.85 2.05 0.97 52.45 2.37 5.23 6.1 0.64 0.85 0.94 0.24 0.47 10.66 25.5 0.475 1.93 1.41 6.18 0.35 0.48 1.84 0.415 2.25 46 27.2 2.26

15.3 0.84 2.01 0.94 51.5 2.34 5.17 6.06 0.62 0.83 0.9 0.238 0.45 10.18 24.9 0.47 1.88 1.38 6.09 0.34 0.48 1.8 0.405 2.19 46 26.1 2.22

15.3 0.85 2.05 0.97 52.2 2.35 5.17 6.1 0.63 0.85 0.93 0.238 0.46 10.58 25.2 0.475 1.9 1.38 6.1 0.34 0.48 1.8 0.405 2.24 46 27 2.22

230,500 1,787,000 154,000 4,011,000 12,579,070 609,000 1,522,600 39,400 38,915,000 327,000 225,000 1,270,000 1,330,000 1,131,900 410,000 1,770,000 96,414,000 2,288,000 9,905,000 10,900,000 480,000 2,493,000 520,000 1,093,000 500 2,866,300 346,000

3,538,188 1,504,200 314,940 3,843,930 655,803,535.50 1,433,640 7,916,854 240,160 24,295,960 276,480 208,710 302,590 615,950 11,815,952 10,342,710 835,150 183,506,060 3,182,860 60,714,781 3,738,250 230,400 4,508,630 210,950 2,440,510 23,000 77,355,275 775,410

1,042,362 42,500 -192,000 10,800,159 1,172,300.00 514,330 -197,640 -498,190 -3,753,286 1,271,620 -195,000 -58,453,980 -125,400 -31,431,509 -387,100 -7,320 -40,500 4,564,965 -

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS VISTA LAND

3.12 38 1.95 6.43 7.14

3.2 38.4 1.96 6.48 7.26

3.12 38 1.93 6.27 7.12

3.14 38.25 1.96 6.32 7.23

607,000 4,983,200 725,000 30,800 7,657,500

1,909,050 190,304,725 1,411,260 194,473 55,143,440

-18,840 -16,227,565 39,000 -10,815,973

SERVICES 2GO GROUP ABS CBN 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 IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PH RESORTS GRP PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

11.22 18 0.54 0.045 21.5 2.75 11.6 0.058 91.2 7 8.38 6.23 10.46 2,260 5.35 426 2.24 1.99 145.9 10.1 5.85 0.117 6.74 3 14.78 3.76 0.86 19.5 0.51 3.16 2.63 1.55 1.6 14.6 2.66 3.08 9.05 5.3 136 4.03 1,246 0.78 0.91 44 76.85 9.1 3.3 0.75 0.39 5.49 0.75 16.94

11.6 18.18 0.54 0.046 21.5 2.77 11.74 0.058 92.9 7 8.63 6.23 10.46 2,260 5.46 443 2.24 1.99 146 10.1 5.85 0.12 6.88 3 14.78 3.8 0.86 19.52 0.53 3.16 2.67 1.6 1.6 15.4 2.7 3.08 9.12 5.55 136 4.11 1,267 0.79 0.93 44.15 77.3 9.27 3.37 0.76 0.39 5.54 0.78 17

11.22 17.5 0.51 0.045 21.05 2.68 11.58 0.056 91.1 7 8.38 6.18 10.04 2,236 5.35 410 2.21 1.91 144 9.8 5.75 0.116 6.73 3 14.08 3.72 0.83 19.4 0.51 3.16 2.61 1.54 1.56 14.5 2.45 3.03 9.01 5.3 136 3.88 1,240 0.74 0.89 43.8 76.85 8.98 3.27 0.74 0.385 5.45 0.75 16.92

11.3 17.5 0.53 0.046 21.5 2.74 11.66 0.057 92.75 7 8.59 6.18 10.06 2,258 5.46 420 2.21 1.98 144.7 9.8 5.75 0.12 6.79 3 14.08 3.8 0.85 19.44 0.53 3.16 2.65 1.55 1.56 15.4 2.5 3.04 9.01 5.53 136 3.88 1,240 0.75 0.89 43.8 77 8.98 3.36 0.76 0.39 5.49 0.77 16.94

11,300 91,900 6,251,000 3,800,000 34,000 220,000 5,435,800 12,570,000 338,390 1,200 2,786,900 51,300 51,000 32,970 448,500 2,410 1,116,000 136,000 348,290 4,600 16,000 660,000 5,536,800 5,000 2,500 610,000 101,000 198,400 744,000 1,000 3,427,000 189,000 204,000 1,400 4,373,000 300,000 25,300 60,500 50 7,005,000 68,375 17,638,000 38,311,000 1,375,700 463,010 71,300 5,056,000 4,060,000 4,080,000 2,732,600 3,489,000 245,800

129,348 1,636,722 3,258,940 171,300 730,955 600,740 63,426,860 713,710 31,250,619 8,400 23,759,632 318,534 513,456 74,384,970 2,435,864 1,022,774 2,473,560 261,620 50,504,513 46,066 92,950 77,370 37,611,736 15,000 35,534 2,298,340 85,190 3,861,702 389,970 3,160 9,059,460 296,580 326,240 20,420 11,189,440 913,380 228,941 322,135 6,800 28,058,390 85,350,875 13,371,540 34,592,460 60,454,705 35,658,867 646,946 16,809,970 3,057,560 1,582,750 15,023,864 2,669,280 4,167,458

15,600 -692,300 -47,439,410 -1,938,706 2,926,863 31,198,370 38,610 26,981,170 -3,030 -2,159,717 295,690 1,363,026 289,720 83,640 -459,850 2,736.00 28,320 -4,305,950 -1,769,110 -247,990 10,193,015 -80,389.50 6,640,660 745,620 -8,572,403 -1,151,620

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

0.0018 1.23 2.78 12.48 1.2 2.75 0.28 7.82 1.5 0.226 0.107 0.12 0.0075 0.0076 1.22 2.27 1.04 0.54 0.87 0.012 0.01 4.95 3.59 7.39 22.8

0.0018 1.23 2.78 12.48 1.2 2.75 0.29 7.85 1.52 0.226 0.11 0.121 0.0075 0.0076 1.3 2.28 1.04 0.54 0.9 0.013 0.01 4.95 3.59 7.4 23.1

0.0018 1.15 2.68 12.48 1.19 2.73 0.28 7.82 1.47 0.22 0.105 0.12 0.0075 0.0076 1.17 2.24 1 0.53 0.87 0.012 0.01 4.65 3.51 7.3 22.5

0.0018 1.18 2.78 12.48 1.19 2.73 0.29 7.85 1.47 0.222 0.11 0.121 0.0075 0.0076 1.18 2.25 1.02 0.53 0.87 0.012 0.01 4.84 3.51 7.35 22.7

1,000,000 4,097,000 38,000 500 47,000 703,000 510,000 600 13,726,000 1,080,000 2,870,000 50,000 3,000,000 1,000,000 2,658,000 2,043,000 42,000 29,000 112,000 13,700,000 10,900,000 292,000 209,000 459,500 1,119,400

1,800 4,826,720 103,710 6,240 56,180 1,923,890 143,400 4,701 20,679,270 238,260 303,130 6,010 22,500 7,600 3,277,110 4,627,050 42,140 15,390 97,760 167,700 109,000 1,403,040 734,320 3,378,168 25,417,690

-3,058,330 38,320 36,000 110,000 -1,210 -53,180 -1,211,400 27,000 8,000 -196,620 -457,221 -9,478,595

PREFERRED ABS HLDG PDR ALCO PREF B ALCO PREF C DD PREF GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF A HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

17.1 100 98 99 496 899.5 94.15 1 99.7 1,011 1,012 100 107.5 965 75 76.1 72.5 73 73.9 72.05 73.7

17.22 100 98 99 500 900 94.15 1 99.7 1,011 1,012 100 107.5 965 75 76.1 72.5 73 74 73.9 73.7

17.1 100 98 98.1 496 899.5 94.15 0.98 99.7 1,011 1,010 99.5 107.5 960 75 76 72.5 73 73.75 70.8 73.7

17.1 100 98 98.1 500 900 94.15 1 99.7 1,011 1,010 100 107.5 965 75 76.05 72.5 73 74 73.9 73.7

140,000 10 500 6,340 14,000 50 30 48,000 60 1,990 235 14,890 100 8,300 20,000 69,700 30 28,000 13,640 14,070 1,410

2,399,854 1,000 49,000 627,642 6,989,390 44,990 2,824.50 47,960 5,982 2,011,890 237,580 1,488,980 10,750 8,001,950 1,500,000 5,303,413 2,175 2,044,000 1,007,195 1,003,935 103,917

-575,126 -1,500,000 301,356 -

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.87

1.92

1.85

1.86

106,000

197,750

-

SME ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

4.83 2.48 1.18

5.04 2.48 1.19

4.83 2.48 1.15

5.01 2.48 1.18

450,000 5,000 5,749,000

2,237,650 12,400 6,703,050

-25,000 -6,940

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF 120.9

121.7

119.6

121.7

13,930

1,683,062

1,205

DDS USD DMPL A1 USD TECH B2

10.1 1

10.1 0.99

10.1 1

1,100 115,100

11,110 114,815

11,110 -

NAME

MS 10.1 0.99

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

13,089,759

INDUSTRIAL

119,097,108

HOLDING FIRMS

216,334,949

PROPERTY

208,678,160

SERVICES

135,128,875

MINING & OIL

60,690,783

GRAND TOTAL

759,240,609

VALUE 1,742.01 (UP) 5.53 1,027,866,477.27 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,988.32 (UP) 82.78 1,101,114,094.231 HOLDING FIRMS 7,797.21 (UP) 59.20 1,253,425,960.57 PROPERTY 4,379.75 (UP) 39.41 1,699.04 (DOWN) 3.80 1,347,706,003.405 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,439.29 (DOWN) 54.02 681,554,397.49 PSEI 8,117.94 (UP) 53.02 67,620,482.1108 All Shares Index 4,945.68 (UP) 13.69 5,489,938,779.37 Gainers: 80; Losers: 116; Unchanged: 53; Total: 249

EEI, Hanjin sign partnership deal on construction

By Jenniffer B. Austria EEI Corp., one of the largest construction companies in the Philippines owned by the Yuchengco group, said it formed a strategic alliance with Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd. of South Korea.

EEI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it formed a partnership with HHIC for upcoming construction projects. No other details were provided by both companies regarding the deal.

EEI successfully participated in numerous infrastructure, electromechanical and building projects, with substantial operations in the Philippines and other countries.

HHIC, meanwhile, has completed more than 100 construction projects in the Philippines since 1973.

HHIC’s local unit Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines Inc. in January this year filed a petition for rehabilitation with the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court over its failure to meet financial obligations with creditor banks.

The creditor banks of HHIC-Phil are now in the process of converting the debts into equity.

Both EEI and HHIC previously worked together on projects including Berth 6 of Manila International Container Project. The joint venture partnership with HHIC is the second strategic alliance formed by EEI since June.

Last week, the 88-year old construction company signed a partnership agreement with Showa Leasing Co. Ltd. of the Shinsei Bank Group and Saiga Co. Ltd. of Japan.

Showa Leasing is a respected player in the equipment finance space which aims to expand its business overseas while Saiga and is a leading crane rental company with operations worldwide that also looks to expand its presence in the Philippines.

“The parties have agreed to set up a new Philippine based joint venture corporation primarily for the purpose of managing new and second hand construction equipment with the vision to expand its services to Southeast Asia,” EEI said.

EEI is also co-owner of several joint venture firms including Al Rushaid Construction Company Ltd. which has projects in Saudi Arabia; Petro Solar Corp. for the operation of the 50-MW Tarlac Solar Power Project; and Petro Wind Energy Inc. which engages in the general business of generating and distributing power from renewable energy sources.

PPA to inaugurate largest seaport passenger terminal

By Darwin G. Amojelar STATE-RUN Philippine Ports Authority said it is set to inaugurate the country’s biggest seaport passenger terminal building at the Port of Cagayan de Oro on July 15.

Lodged in a two-story building with a total floor area of 5,597 square meters, the new CDO Port PTB boasts of a 1,176-passenger seating capacity at the ground floor and a 1,221-passenger seating capacity at the second floor.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the new facility was expected to boost opportunities for economic growth and tourism not only in the province of Misamis Oriental but also for the whole Northern Mindanao.

“The construction of this brand-new building will greatly strengthen the region as the global gateway to Mindanao. Once we inaugurate this on July 15, we are opening Cagayan De Oro to the nation and to the rest of the world as we pursue progress for our seaports,” Santiago said.

The new PTB can now accommodate up to 3,000 sea passengers daily, triple its previous passenger capacity of 1,000.

The Philippines’ largest port PTB also boasts of facilities and amenities that cater to the safety and comfort of sea passengers. These include security checkpoints with X-ray scanners for luggage, body scanners, security cameras, passenger boarding stations, assistance desks, designated green areas, play area for children and a child care station.

Construction of the PTB was completed in April this year.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade commended the PPA for its efforts to complete the massive port project for the people of Cagayan de Oro.

World

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SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Southern California rocked by strong quake

IN BRIEF Sex slave fund dissolved SEOUL―A foundation set up to compensate the victims of Japan’s wartime sex slavery has been formally dissolved, South Korean officials said Friday, the latest chapter in a bitter dispute over the two countries’ shared history.

The $8.8-million fund was established in 2015 as Tokyo and Seoul made a renewed effort to push past their continuing row over Japan’s brutal 1910―1945 occupation.

The money―which the two sides agreed at the time was a final settlement― was intended to compensate the so-called “comfort women”―a euphemism for those forced to provide sex for Japanese troops during World War II. Around half of the money has been claimed by a dwindling number of survivors or their families.

But ties have since frayed, with some in South Korea insisting the 2015 deal did not hold Japan sufficiently accountable for its past abuses.

Seoul’s Gender Equality Ministry, the government body in charge of issues related to former sex slaves, said Friday the foundation had been put into liquidation.

“We have yet to decide on what to do with the funds provided by Tokyo,” an official said.

Japan urged South Korea to return to the deal.

“The South Korean government’s plan to liquidate the foundation goes against the Japan-South Korea agreement and is extremely problematic. We have said this repeatedly,” said Tokyo’s deputy chief cabinet secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura.

The dissolution of the foundation comes after Tokyo restricted some exports to South Korea in a row over compensating those forced to work in Japanese factories more than seven decades earlier.

Despite close economic ties and a vibrant inter-cultural exchange, the neighboring countries have struggled to get past their history. AFP

First charges against HK protester HONG KONG―A Hong Kong street artist was charged on Friday with assaulting a police officer and criminal damage, the first prosecution against an anti-government protester since the city was rocked by unprecedented demonstrations.

Sparked by a law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, the city has witnessed three huge peaceful rallies as well as civil disobedience and violence from a hard core of younger protesters who have besieged the police headquarters, and on Monday stormed and ransacked the city’s parliament.

Authorities have vowed to hunt those behind the unrest that has plunged the semi-autonomous city’s Beijing-backed government into crisis.

Pun Ho-chiu, 31, appeared in court on Friday over his alleged involvement in the blockade of the city’s police headquarters on 21 June.

He was also charged with disorderly behavior for throwing eggs at police outside the headquarters during the six-hour siege.

A well-known activist nicknamed “Painter” for his street art, Pun was remanded into custody and faces up to ten years in jail if convicted.

Forensic investigators have been combing through the trashed parliament for fingerprint and DNA evidence that might help them uncover which protesters were involved in the breach that left the building wrecked, its walls daubed with slogans such as “HK is not China” and a colonial era flag pinned to the legislature’s podium.

Police have yet to release a tally on how many have been arrested over the month of protests but local media have reported dozens have been detained so far.

The protests present the most severe challenge to Beijing and Hong Kong’s leaders since the city’s handover to China. AFP

NEAR THE BORDER. A pair of young boys play in the Rio Grande in Piedras Negras, Mexico, on July 4, 2019. Many parts of the river in Mexico used to be open to the public, where many would go to swim or fish, but due to an increase in illegal crossings by undocumented migrants the Mexican Federal police now have closed off areas and patrols to keep people out. AFP

Iran demands Britain release its oil tanker

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EHRAN―Iran demanded Friday that Britain immediately release an oil tanker it has detained in Gibraltar, accusing it of acting at the bidding of the United States.

A senior foreign ministry official “described the UK move as unacceptable” in a meeting with British ambassador Rob Macaire, who had been summoned to hear a formal protest, the ministry said in a statement.

He “called for the immediate release of the oil tanker, given that it has been seized at the request of the US, based on the information currently available”, the statement added.

Authorities in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory on Spain’s southern tip at the western entrance to the Mediterranean, said they suspected the tanker was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions.

The detention of the 1,000-foot Grace 1 vessel comes at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran announcing it is poised to breach the uranium enrichment limit it agreed to in a troubled 2015 nuclear deal.

The Grace 1 tanker was halted in

US scrambles for a deal with the Taliban but Afghan peace looks far more elusive WASHINGTON―After nearly two decades in Afghanistan, the United States is racing to reach an agreement with the Taliban within two months but a broader peace deal for the war-ravaged country looks far more elusive.

President Donald Trump, in a rare position widely backed by the rival Democratic Party, is impatient to pull the remaining 14,000 US troops out of Afghanistan, believing nothing more can be achieved from the military operation launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

On a visit to Kabul in late June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US is seeking a deal with the Islamist extremist Taliban by September 1―before Afghanistan’s elections, which could throw in a new element of chaos.

US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has met seven times with the Taliban and, in a potentially major first step, the insurgents have agreed to meet a wide range of Afghans starting Sunday in Qatar.

The Taliban have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the internationally recognized government in Kabul.

In Doha, any Afghan officials will participate in “personal capacity and on equal footing” with the Taliban, according to Germany, which organized the

meeting alongside Qatar.

“I think there is a strong possibility that there could be an agreement between the US and the Taliban even sooner than September, but an agreement that is just between the US and the Taliban is not a peace agreement for Afghanistan,” said Laurel Miller, who served as the US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan under both Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama.

“It doesn’t address the really hard questions of what role the Taliban is going to play or not play in governing Afghanistan and what happens to the current government and system of government that the United States helped set up,” said Miller, now the Asia program director at the International Crisis Group.

The apparent US breakthrough with the Taliban is simply because the Trump administration made a concession by agreeing to negotiate even though the insurgents are not talking to Kabul, she said.

An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main points— a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the militants not to provide a base for terrorists, the main reason for the US invasion 18 years ago. AFP

the early hours of Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines.

The ship was detained four kilometers south of Gibraltar in what it considers British waters, although Spain, which lays claim to the territory, says they are Spanish.

It was boarded when it slowed down in a designated area used by shipping agencies to ferry goods to vessels.

“We have reason to believe that the Grace 1 was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas refinery in Syria,” Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a statement.

“That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria.

“We have detained the vessel and its cargo,” Picardo said.

Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told reporters the vessel was detained at the request of the United

ONSTAGE. Danish singer Moe performs at the Orange Scene during the Roskilde Festival on July 4, 2019, in Roskilde, Denmark. AFP

States.

In a statement, Britain’s Foreign Office said “we welcome this firm action by the Gibraltarian authorities, acting to enforce the EU Syria Sanctions regime”.

European Union sanctions against war-torn Syria have been in force since late 2011.

The 28-member bloc has imposed sanctions on Syrian officials including government ministers over their role in the “violent repression” of civilians.

It has frozen the assets of around 70 entities and introduced an embargo on Syrian oil, investment restrictions and a freeze on Syrian central bank assets within the EU. The tanker’s detention comes just days after Iran announced it would exceed the uranium enrichment limit set up as part of the 2015 deal to avoid it building up to the level required for a nuclear warhead.

Tehran took the action in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran’s crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions. AFP

LOS ANGELES―Southern California was rocked by its largest earthquake in two decades on Thursday, a 6.4-magnitude temblor that caused “substantial damage” at a military facility but otherwise only minor injuries in the sparsely populated area.

The shallow quake, followed by dozens of aftershocks, struck in the Mojave Desert 10 kilometers from the small city of Ridgecrest at 10:33 am (1733 GMT).

It was felt 160 miles away in Los Angeles and even as far afield as Las Vegas in the neighboring state of Nevada, as the United States celebrated its July 4 Independence Day holiday.

Although the quake in the most populous US state of California revived fears of the “Big One”―a powerful tremor along the San Andreas Fault that could devastate major cities in Southern California―President Trump was quick to reassure that this wasn’t it.

“All seems to be very much under control!” he tweeted two hours after the quake in the Searles Valley of San Bernardino County.

The area “will continue having a lot of aftershocks,” some maybe as strong as magnitude five, California Institute of Technology seismologist Lucy Jones told a press conference.

The earthquake was the largest in Southern California since 1999 when a 7.1-magnitude quake struck the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Thursday’s epicenter was in or on the edge of the US Navy’s sprawling desert bomb testing range known as China Lake.

The Naval Air Weapons Station covers 1.1 million acres (445,000 hectares) and strictly controls the airspace above it. Inside, the Navy develops and tests missiles, bombs, artillery shells and other war ordnance, and the aircraft used to deliver it.

An official at China Lake told AFP there was “substantial damage” to their facilities, including fires, water leaks and spills of hazardous materials.

Paul Dale, the station’s commanding officer, said later at a news conference that officials were making “damage assessments,” and declined to elaborate.

AFP

Held Australian says he’ll return to normal life TOKYO―A 29-year-old Australian student held in North Korea said Friday he was planning to “return to normal life” after being freed and flying to Japan but offered no details of his detention.

Alek Sigley, who disappeared without a trace around June 23 prompting a week of deep concern about his fate, said he was “okay” but declined to disclose why he was held and how he was treated.

Sigley, one of just a handful of Westerners living and studying in North Korea, emerged suddenly in Beijing on Thursday afternoon, where he told reporters he felt “great”.

Hours later, he flew to Tokyo where his wife lives, declining to answer questions on his arrival but smiling broadly as he walked through the airport.

A statement released by representatives of his family on Friday said he had been reunited with his wife Yuka and would not be conducting any interviews or holding a press conference.

“I just want everyone to know I am OK, and to thank them for their concern for my wellbeing and their support for my family over the past week,” the statement said.

“I intend now to return to normal life but wanted to first publicly thank everyone who worked to ensure I was safe and well.”

Sigley specifically thanked Sweden’s envoy to North Korea, who helped negotiate his release because Australia does not have diplomatic representation in Pyongyang.

But the statement gave no indication of why Sigley was held, how he was treated or why he was released. It said he would not make any further comment “at this time or later”.

Sigley’s release was announced on Thursday by Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who told lawmakers the student was “safe and well” after his release. AFP

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SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

NTERIOR designer Jigs Adefuin recently designed this two-bedroom condominium at the Grove Rockwell, for a Filipino couple who travel a lot, but look forward to warmth and familiarity when they come home.

The 120-square meter unit was laid out by Adefuin with a touch of modernism, and subtle hints of art deco.

Cohesive elements Units in the Grove Rockwell follow the usual template where the front door opens directly to the kitchen, so Adefuin modified the unit to suit his client’s wishes. A solid wood wall was built to hide the kitchen area from view as soon one enters. To the right of the doorway is the dining area.

Different hues of blue dominate the entire space, prominently seen in the art deco-inspired dining chairs with gold-embroidered net pattern and metallic rivets. These blend with the walnut wood flooring and walls in Venetian plaster finish.

Some walls are clad in walnut veneer for added texture.

Paintings by Tiny Nuyda and Arturo Luz adorn the walls of the dining area. The chandeliers,

bought by the owners from the US, provides additional visual elements to the space. The customized tea cart provides additional space for wine bottles and condiments.

A small bar was built on one side of the kitchen, for an intimate dining experience and easy access to the kitchen.

Adefuin continued the design motif of the dining area to the living room, maintaining cohesiveness with different hues of blue and art deco details. The blue velvet fabric of the armchairs adds elegance to the space, while the sofa has Art Deco-inspired lines. The ottomans spell comfort and provide additional seating for guests.

Space solutions The living room is a relaxing area, courtesy of some delicate cove lighting by Adefuin. Built to hide the exposed ceiling beams, these recesses conveniently blend with the overall design.

“That was one of the challenges when I was designing the unit--it had many exposed beams and columns. I needed to find solutions to hide the eyesores, while making sure that everything would look cohesive,” Adefuin explained.

Wooden slats and panels were creatively used for columns, tubes for wiring, metal grates for plumbing as space solutions to hide the unsightly elements. The wooden slats even introduced balance to the living room.

Adefuin used rustic tiles in the bathroom, imported from

Spain, spruced up with gold glass elements. For the wall, he created a mosaic by cutting some panels into several pieces and creating a unique metallic pattern. He used marble for the bathroom counter,

which perfectly matches with the laminated cabinet.

Adefuin Design Studio is located at Suite 309, 3rd Floor LRI Design Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia St., Bel Air II, Makati City.

NORTHERN EXPOSURE.

CELEBRATING THE TRAILBLAZERS. The country’s leading online real estate platform is once again giving credit to the trailblazers of the local real estate industry. The Outlook, Lamudi’s awards gala that honors the best real estate projects and developers of the country, will be held at Makati Shangri-la on November 14, 2019. Nominations kicked off early January this year and ended on May 31. Like last year, the judging and shortlisting of nominees will be facilitated by a reputable panel of judges. After shortlisting the nominees, a survey among 10,000 active property seekers on the Lamudi platform, under categories that match their search preferences, will kick off. Prior to the awards gala, Lamudi will also be hosting the Outlook Conference on October 17 at Makati Shangri-La. The conference aims to highlight key trends and important conversations surrounding the present property sector. Outlook 2019 will award the top real estate developers and projects under house, condo, and mixed-use categories.

Amaia Scapes Bulacan is set to open a fourth sector in August, in the heart of Sta. Maria, Bulacan. The new development will offer spaces that suit the needs of aspiring homeowners with 108 60-squaremeter units, with lot areas ranging from 93 to 153 square meters, and 108 80-square-meter units with lot areas ranging from 119 to 217 square meters. Prices of the units go from Php 2.9 million to P 3.9 million for 60-square-meter units, and P 3.8 million to P 5.4 million for 80-square-meter units. Located in Barangay Manggahan, Amaia Scapes Bulacan is a 15-minute drive from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Bocaue exit. Shown here is the development’s twin home unit that has a 30-sqm ground floor area, and a 22-sqm second floor area, on a total lot area of 56 sqm.

At the launch of 10 Acacia Place were (from left) executive director Antonio Martin Albert; chief executive officer Lily Chan; managing director/architect Monique Albert-Lopez, board director Greg yang; and special guest Carlo Lopez.

Getting a Pacific modern feel LIVINGSPRINGS Communities Realty and Development Corp. recently bagged 5 Stars for best apartment/ condominium and architecture multiple residence at the 2019 Asia Pacific Property Awards, for 10 Acacia Place, its low-density residential development in Quezon City.

The development, which only has 184 units, was designed by Monique Albert-Lopez, managing director and principal architect of M.Cal Architecture & Design “We designed 10 Acacia Place with a Pacific modern aesthetic,”

she said.”

This theme is specifically found in tropical countries throughout the Pacific like the Philippines with wood finish and glass. 10 Acacia Place offers studio, one-bedroom, and twobedroom units that can be easily converted to accommodate one more room.

A newly unveiled showroom features a 40.08 sqm one-bedroom apartment with wooden furnishing inspired by and consistent with the condominium’s Pacific-modern design.

Life

Bernadette lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MstandardlIFE

young life

saturday, july 6, 2019

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LOUD AND PROUD. Armed with rainbow flags and banners, student organization BHIVE and (inset, top) advertising and public relations firm Ogilvy Manila march for equality during the recent Pride March in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, multinational corporation Procter & Gamble hosted a Pride Summit (inset, bottom) which featured ‘coming out’ stories and insights on how to create a culture of equality.

Pride in the streets and beyond

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HE streets of Metro Manila were bathed in bright colors as members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) community celebrated pride and commemorated those who fought and continuously fight for equality in this year’s Metro Manila Pride March.

The downpour did not deter the over 70,000 attendees—nearly thrice the number of participants last year, according to the event organizer—to express themselves and to #resistTogether and protest discrimination.

“This wasn’t the easiest of Pride Marches. The weather wasn’t on our side. Despite the contingencies we had planned and implemented, we had to do our best to make sure that everyone was able to march,” said Metro Manila Pride in a Facebook post.

Pride parades across the globe commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New york City, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ movements marked by a series of demonstrations against a police crackdown on Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Manhattan.

Taking their stand in the street

Among the thousands who participated in this year’s Pride marches was the student organization BHIVE (Benilde Hive).

VArIETy store Miniso brings its school supplies and other colorful and functional goods to its 76th branch and first standalone franchised store in the Philippines at Total South Luzon Expressway in Santa rosa, Laguna.

Travelers along the northbound lane of SLEx can now stop by Total and choose from Miniso’s wide selection of creative and low-priced products ranging from Creative Home Necessities, Health & Beauty, Fashion Accessories, Stylistic Gifts, Office Supplies, Stationery Gifts, Seasonal Products, Boutique Package Decoration, Digital Accessories, and Food and Drink.

Just in time for the back-to-school season, Miniso also has creative and affordable school supplies such as We Bare Bears-inspired notebooks, colorful pens and notepads, and Adventure Time-inspired backpacks and pencil cases, among many others.

The store opened with a Kagami Biraki (Opening the Mirror) ceremony led by Miniso Total SLEx franchisees Ariel and Gina De Dios together with Miniso executives yuan (Miniso international representative), John Agner (assistant vice president for franchising), and Melody Hao (senior merchandising manager).

Also present were Total executives: managing director Laurent Stouffe, vice president for retail business raymond Decena, vice president for finance Cecil roccon, and vice president for marketing Malou Espina.

Miniso targets to end this year with a total of 100 stores nationwide.

“Spreading Love with Color.”

The parade saw rainbow banners, streamers, and flags which showcased the participants’ different identities.

It served as step toward the advocacy to call for equal rights and to end the discrimination against t h e members of the L G B T Q I A+

The first LGBTQIA+ org of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde organized a march with students, faculty, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, dubbed

community.

Advertising and public relations agency Ogilvy Manila likewise showed support for the community when its employees joined the 70,000-strong Metro Manila Pride March on June 29.

“Ogilvy champions diversity and inclusion year round,

Members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community spread the love.

starting with policies covering sexual orientation and gender identity,” the firm said in a statement.

In celebration of 25 years of LGBT+ inclusion within the company, multinational corporation Procter & Gamble Philippines sponsored World Pride and the Metro Manila Pride.

It is an ongoing journey of milestones and achievements from the LGBT+ community, and we are excited to be part of the celebrations,” said Louie Morante, P&G Asia Pacific regional brand manager.

The multinational company’s support to its LGBT+ community began in 1994 through its affinity group called GABLE or Gay, Ally, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Transgender Employees. GABLE is part of the company’s commitment to create a safe environment for all its employees regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, among others.

Aside from sponsoring this year’s local Pride March, P&G Philippines hosted the P&G Pride Summit which featured TV host and author of Mama’s Gay Boy, Boy Abunda, who shared his coming out story and his experience in surpassing others’ bias.

Abunda also shared insights on how to create a culture and environment of Turn to C2

School supplies, more at Miniso Total SLEx

Variety store Miniso opens its 76th branch at Total SLEx in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Miniso and Total executives with franchisees Ariel and Gina De Dios

Shining light on their colorful journey

Adventure Time-inspired backpacks and pouches and pastel-colored notepads.

Life

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saturday, ju juLy 6, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Football star brings joy to young Yolanda survivors Students at Kapuso Village Integrated School in Tacloban North welcome Japanese footballer Shinji Kagawa.

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HINJI Kagawa, former Manchester united and current Borussia Dortmund professional football player, made a special visit to Tacloban to meet young Yolanda survivors supported by FundLife.

FundLife is a local non-government organization that utilizes football to support children’s personal growth and educational development.

Kagawa met and played football with children from Anibong, one of the most devastated communities in Tacloban after super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

“It was very important for me to spend time in Tacloban with these children. Seeing how the game of football has had such a positive impact on their life truly shows how important the game is and how effective it can be used as

a tool to help communities around the world,” said Kagawa.

As part of his visit to Tacloban, the fivefoot-eight Japanese footballer also visited the resettlement communities in Tacloban North to see how challenging life can be for children from vulnerable communities Kagawa also had a special signed shirt for Sandara, a 14-year-old girl from Anibong whose house was destroyed by the typhoon. She joined the Football For Life program with FundLife in 2014.

She is also playing in the Girls Community League, which works with the Kagawa presents a special signed shirt he gave to a 14-yearold footballer from Anibong.

Shinji Kagawa celebrates with his young teammates after they scored a goal.

Department of Education to motivate children to commit to their studies as much as they do to their football.

Sandara recalled, “It was very memorable because it was my first ever time to meet a professional football player, so I feel very lucky. At the same time, it will help me to become a better version of myself—to have dedication, determination, and discipline.”

“I want him to know that just because we live with some challenges, it does not stop us showcasing our skills and capabilities as a player or a community,” she added.

Kagawa’s visit was made possible through Common Goal, a global movement of professional football players supporting NGOs using football to improve lives.

Commenting on his visit to the Philippines, Common Goal chief operations officer Thomas Preiss said, “It’s fantastic to see such a player of Shinji’s calibre take the time to visit one of the organizations he teams up with through Common Goal. It’s important that Shinji and the organization have this experience together so both realize how vital each of their roles are, and that only team-

Say cheese!

On track to becoming the next OPM star

Filipino millennials, youngest denture wearers in SEA A STuDY shows the Philippines has the highest number of denture wearers in Southeast Asia, with one in three adults or nearly 30 million Filipinos smiling with the help of reinforcements.

But what’s more surprising is that almost half or 41 percent of Filipino denture wearers are millennials, or those aged 18 to 35. Not senior citizens.

GSK Consumer Healthcare general manager Ritesh Pandey

work can help us solve the problems that are affecting communities like Tacloban and others over the world.”

“We hope Shinji’s visit will inspire children to believe in themselves and their potential. There is so much adversity that these children face everyday that it’s easy to sometimes lose hope. To have a football hero they have only seen on YouTube scoring goals in packed stadiums, actually talking to them and playing with them is something they will never forget and something that will always give hope,” enthused FundLife founder Marko Kasic.

Young denture wearers talk about how proper oral hygiene plays a big role in overcoming barriers and limitations of wearing false teeth.

Despite the prevalence of false teeth, the stigma attached to wearing them results in lack of discussion about the topic. Younger people in general have to deal with a lot of insecurities when it comes to their appearance. Embarrassed wearers are reduced to hiding the fact they have dentures.

Further, most denture wearers exercise poor cleansing and maintenance: approximately 16 percent of this population do not clean their dentures, according to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare “Filipinos perceive having dentures as hindrance in doing even the simplest things such as eating, laughing, and getting intimate with their partners,” said GSK Consumer Healthcare Philippines general manager Ritesh Pandey.

Pandey added, “We want to give young denture wearers a new kind of confidence to go about their everyday lives carefree and without distractions by providing specialized denture care solutions.”

To educate the public on proper denture care and hygiene, GSK has partnered with Philippine Prosthodontic Society to launch the public education campaign #NewKindOfConfidence, which aims to jumpstart conversations on this subject and teach the importance of taking care of dentures.

As part of the awareness and educational campaign, GSK and PPS launched the first-ever Denture Care Day in the country, marking June 25 as the annual celebration. The event featured a series of informative and personal talks that highlighted what wearers face every day.

Young denture wearers shared their insights on how proper denture care and hygiene plays a big role in overcoming the barriers and limitations of wearing dentures.

Leading denture brand Polident has developed innovative solutions to address common distractions of having false teeth.

GSK said using toothpaste when cleaning dentures can cause microscopic abrasions where food and plaque builds up. This causes stains and deterioration of the denture frame, compromising the support it gives to the wearer.

Polident’s cleanser tablet has a 4-in-1 cleansing system that is gentle on denture material, cleans without scratching, kills 10 times more bacteria, and provides deep clean in just 10 minutes.

The brand also offers adhesives to close the spaces and keep dentures in place for a natural feel and look of the teeth, as well preventing food from getting trapped in gaps, which could cause gum irritation and bad breath.

THE next OPM star could be singing not on stage but along the railway tracks as Light Rail Manila Corporation and ikotMNL, together with the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit hosted a unique series of shows at LRT-1 stations.

Filipino music was in spotlight at Railway Jam, a series of busking sessions wherein local musicians and acts performed at the Baclaran, Doroteo Jose, and Monumento LRT-1 stations for the commuters’ entertainment.

“We recognize the wealth of musical talent in our local OPM musicians, and we wanted to give them an open space to showcase those gifts,” said LRMC president and chief executive Juan Felipe Alfonso.

He added, “In doing so, we also wanted to entertain our riding public and ease the stresses of commuting.”

In May 16, local artist Miss Ramonne belted out OPM hits, both covered and original, at the Baclaran station. The LRT-1 station hosted more performances until last month.

Miss Ramone sings for LRT-1 passengers.

Pride...

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equality. He started by sharing relevant historical accounts of various LGBT+ social movements to give the audience a better understanding and appreciation of their journey.

As an influential public figure, he also encouraged everyone to continue the dialogue on several issues that still recur to this day.

Finally, he celebrated the progress of the LGBT+ community, and highlighted the important role of allies in the

journey toward full gender equality.

In a panel discussion, Bianca Gonzalez, BJ Pascual, Angie Mead King, Missy Maramara, Louie Morante, and Kat Quinon talked about their discovery journeys and coming out stories, and how they were able to maximize self-expression and achieve their dreams with the help of the allies in their lives.

During the Pride Summit, P&G also launched the sequel to “The Words Matter” film, titled “Out of the Shadows,” highlighting the courageous P&G employees who rallied against intolerance and turned the tide of prejudice.

Entertainment

SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

MATTEO GUIDICELLI

Maturity becomes him DURING my first up close and personal encounter with Matteo Guidicelli, Sarah Geronimo was not yet his inamorata. So, it’s still difficult to picture him skinhead because I always remember this young man, whom I interviewed for a book about Wenn Deramas, having this boy-next-door look.

During our short and sweet conversation, Guidicelli considered the late director not only as a mentor but as a “mother” of sorts and felt fortunate that Deramas trusted him to be part of drama or comedy television or motion picture under his tutelage.

As a matter fact, the former director was his person to reach out and talk to when it comes to advice that concerned love and its many kilig and tribulations, Guidicelli shares.

Since that initial encounter, in the many showbiz events he is part of and gets the opportunity to see me, Guidicelli is always cordial and gives out his sweetest smile, as he inquires, “How are you?” like you are his friend rarely seen. His act of asking is an indicator of his sincerity and congeniality as the Filipino Italian matinee idol who makes all of us giddy.

I don’t get every day from actors and performers—a genuine query about your day, welfare and what have you been doing lately—it feels good that you know, there is someone like him who treats you well.

In an Instagram post, he discloses a little bit of his Scout Ranger training as: “trained like a panther, silent, swift and fearless.”He adds in an interview as well that his family and beloved Geronimo were not so keen on the idea of him joining the Rangers because of his showbiz career.

In the end, he gained their respect and support because the be all and end all of this training is, “I love my country.”

When news came out that he is the newest brand ambassador of Primera Light Brandy, this eventuality, of course, is a no brainer.

Guidicelli reveals: “I like engaging myself into extreme sports such as sky diving, car racing, and triathlon. You know, I like adventurous stuff.

I like trying new things and facing my fears all the time. I like the adrenaline high and challenging myself, that is why I do all these things. If I feel can’t do something, I will do it.”

Being a Guidicelli is, of course, no walk in the park. Prior to his scout ranger training, to say that he has a hectic schedule is an understatement—managing his Italian restaurant, attending to his showbiz commitments and being a dutiful and loving boyfriend to Geronimo.

How does he unwind then?

“I like to hang out at my restaurant, to chill and have a couple of drinks. My dad is my drinking partner. Of course, we drink in moderation.”

Without an iota of doubt, Matteo Guidecelli is living proof that when Prince Charming becomes for real, it is like him.

Indeed, maturity becomes him.

Matteo Guidicelli has finally finished his 30-day Scout Ranger Orientation and Leadership Development Course with PMA Class of 2021 at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan.

Lucky Ginebra fans meet their idols in ’Wish Ko Lang’ AFTER throwing a successful surprise fact, a child was able to reach out to the debut party for the daughter of an OFW stepfather because of watching Ginebra last week, pioneering public service pro- play. gram Wish Ko Lang! continues to grant What happens when these two famiwishes and make dreams come true. lies get to meet the entire Ginebra team In today’s episode, Wish Ko and watch them play live? Will they be Lang! makes another wish come true by able to hold back their emotion as they making it possible for die-hard Ginebra get up-close with their basketball idols? fans to meet their idols.

This week, Wish Ko Lang! also unFilipinos love basketball so much that veils “Wheels Ko Lang”—a roaming the Philippines has been dubbed as “bas- vehicle that aims to give various gifts and ketball country.” Pinoy basketball fans surprises to Kapuso viewers in different really have a way of showing their fer- barangays. vent support to their favorite teams.

All these and more as Wish Ko Lang In the Philippines Basketball Associa- continues to spread goodness and hope tion (PBA), one team is considered to be among Filipinos here and abroad. the “most loved” over the years—the BaWatch Wish Ko Lang! with Vicky Morangay Ginebra, with Filipinos regarding rales, every Saturday after Tadhana on themselves as part of the “Barangay” or GMA-7. the community of Ginebra fans.

Like them, two families regard themselves “ultimate die-hard barangay Ginebra fanatics.” One family considers it a family day when Ginebra is playing because everyone is glued to the game—from the father to the grandson.

On the other hand, a broken family not only made watching the Gin Kings play their bonding moment, but a means of being able to L.A. Tenorio meets the father and son who are both connect to one another. In Ginebra fans.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, July 6, 2019

ACROSS 1 Exercise system 5 Major conflicts 9 Go in reverse 13 Senator — Cranston 14 Burnt up 16 Lotion ingredient 17 Shed tears 18 Seafood garnish 19 Good-natured 20 Raided the fridge 22 Algae 24 And so on 25 Playwright Neil — 26 Kernel 30 Busted 34 Bonfire remains 35 Haul to a garage 37 Soapsuds 38 IOUs 41 Bumped into 43 Name in tractors 44 Long-legged waders 46 Family mem.

48 Sticky fruit 49 Decrees 51 Makes 54 Mild quarrels 56 Model Carol — 57 Wave

60 Paris and Tokyo 64 Insect colony 65 Newsstand 67 Coy 68 Nowhere near 69 Sleep noisily 70 Salmon variety 71 Pie pans 72 Bed support 73 Cluster DOWN 1 Bored response 2 Tub in the fridge 3 Fence flaws 4 Ball game opener 5 Explore for oil 6 “— we having fun yet?”

7 Freeway accesses 8 Impassive 9 Currency 10 Dismounted 11 Chanel’s nickname 12 Piercing 15 Glossy paint 21 Hot time in Quebec 23 Wandering one 26 Cheesy munchie 27 Find seats 28 Ring finger 29 Mix of oaters 31 Act of stealing

32 Like a wolf’s howl 33 Bottom-of-thebarrel sediment 36 Craven or Unseld 39 Kitchen appliances 40 Make catty remarks 42 Nervous twitch 45 Pretzels and chips 47 Tax category 50 Wood finishes 52 Auto pioneer

Ransom — Olds 53 Charge 55 Sewing-kit item 57 Query starter 58 Stereo system (hyph.)

59 Tsar name 61 Common metal 62 Repeat 63 Worn out 66 Tijuana “Mrs.”

Situated at the heart of the Mall of Asia Complex, the MOA Arena has hosted a variety of events since its inauguration in 2012.

Mall of Asia Arena turns 7 D URING the past seven years, the SM Mall of Asia Arena has hosted historical and international sports events, and been the venue of world-class entertainment and heartstopping performances viewed by over eight million patrons.

Located at the heart of the Mall of Asia complex, SM Mall of Asia Arena was a dream built into reality by the late Henry Sy Sr. as a thank you to the Filipino people for their continued patronage of the SM Group. The SM MOA Arena is a part of the vision of SM in improving tourism for the country through staging world-class events.

Constructed as an eye-shaped facade, the venue symbolizes the message of being a “feast for the eye” for its patrons and partners. Unveiled to the public on June 16, 2012 SM MOA Arena has made a mark in the industry by showcasing both international and local world-class talents for both entertainment and sports.

MOA Arena is the first and only venue in Southeast Asia with Premier Suites located at the third floor, and has a Premier Café where Premier Suite guests and owners can look forward to gastronomic delights from the Moment Group.

“For all these years, the SM Mall of Asia Arena has stood to become an ‘eye-con’ to all the local and international artists and athletes we have welcomed, as well as to the 8 Million patrons who have walked through our doors,” says Herman Medina-Cue, Chief Operations Officer of SM Lifestyle Inc., the operating company behind the Arena.

“It is because of them that we are able to make a mark in the world of entertainment.”

The SM MOA Arena still has a lot

Couch Potato...

From C4

The Philippines is not only Taiwan’s closest neighbor but also a priority partner for Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy” which aims to build stronger bilateral relations and closer people-topeople connectivity with its neighboring countries in the region.

The implementation of the visa-free

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to her successor Miss France Iris Mittenaere during the 65th Miss Universe pageant in 2016.

Josh Groban with Lea Salonga wowed the crowd with their ‘All I Ask of You’ and ‘The Prayer’ during the ‘Josh Groban: Bridges Tour.’

in store for patrons and fans in the coming months, as numerous worldclass artists and athletes showcase their talents: NCAA Season 82 Opening and LANY will be lighting up July; August sees the comeback of ONE Championship and the JGYD Conference; September hosts for the UAAP Season Opening, Mr. & Mrs. Chinatown and 1975. treatment since Nov. 1, 2017 has resulted in a rapid increase of Filipinos visiting Taiwan. In 2018, visitors from the Philippines reached 419,000, recording a 44 percent increase as compared to the number in 2017.

Furthermore, regional airlines both from Taiwan and the Philippines have launched more direct flights and opened new routes to the major cities between the two countries. Filipinos have more choices as they could now depart for

October is a big month for entertainment with Shawn Mendes, GOT7, and Backstreet Boys all coming to the Arena. Capping the year’s activities will be the muchanticipated SEA Games 2019 and Disney On Ice in December.

All tickets to the Arena’s events are now available at the SM Tickets Website (www.smtickets.com) Taiwan from Manila, Puerto Princesa, Clark, Cebu, and Kalibo, helping Philippine travelers save more time and money.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines encourages more Filipino friends to maximize the visa-free status and to visit Taiwan as often as possible to enjoy its beautiful attractions, the wide variety of shopping and dining options and the warm hospitality. At the same time, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines urges the Philippine government to grant visa-free treatment to the nationals of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on the basis of reciprocity, so as to attract more Taiwanese tourists and businessmen to visit the Philippines. It will surely strengthen bilateral ties and mutually benefit our two countries.

Philippine travelers may enter Taiwan and stay for up to 14 days without having to apply for a visa should they comply with the conditions listed below: Possess an ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry; Hold a confirmed return plane or boat ticket, or a confirmed plane or boat ticket, along with a valid visa, for an onward destination; Provide the confirmation of hotel reservations or an address and contact details for their stay in Taiwan, as well as a financial statement; Have a clean criminal record, as verified by immigration upon arrival at an airport or seaport in Taiwan.

The duration of the 14-day visa-free is not extendable and begins on the following day of arrival in Taiwan.

For more visa information regarding the Republic of China (Taiwan), please visit the following website: http://www. roc-taiwan.org/ph or follow Facebook @ Taiwan in the Philippines.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019

Ilonggos and Spanish films *** TODAY is the Visa-free last day for travel to Ilonggos in Taiwan Iloilo City and extended nearby towns to IVY ROSSINI The Taipei enjoy Spanish Economic and films being Cultural Office screened at the FDCP Cinematheque Centre in the in the Philippines announced the city since Wednesday, July 3. The is extension of 14-day visa-free entry courtesy of Instituto Cervantes and program for the Philippines until the Embassy of Spain in cooperation July 31, 2020.

The government of the Republic with The Film Development Counci of China (Taiwan) announced on of the Philippines.

The film series opened with No sé July 2 that the visa-free privilege for decir adios (2017) directed by Lino Filipinos will continue for another Escalera. In the film, Clara receives year from Aug. 1, 2019, through a call from her father, with whom July 31, 2020.

This privilege is a display of she has not spoken for a long time.

He is suffering from a terminal Taiwan’s amity with the Philippines illness, which Clara refuses to as the country continues to boost the accept. Against everyone’s advice, travel convenience for Filipinos to she takes her father to be treated, visit Taiwan for leisure, business, or both escaping the reality which other short-term purposes. The visafree privilege also aims to deepen neither can accept.

Elena Martín’s Julia Ist (2017) Taiwan’s multifaceted relations was screened on July 4. The film with the Philippines, particularly tells the story of Julia, whose future in the fields of tourism, trade, had been very clear until she joined investment, education, agriculture, the Erasmus program in Berlin fisheries, and healthcare, to name a few. Continued on C3 where she was completely alone. She realized that she did not know herself that well nor did she know what she wanted to do with her life.

The documentary Saura(s) (2017) by Félix Viscarret was shown on July 5. It features filmmaker and writer Carlos Saura through his conversations with his seven children.

The film cycle closes at 4:00 p.m. today with the drama María y los demás (2016). In the film, María has been taking care of her family ever since her mother died. She is responsible yet controlling, and when her father falls in love with his nurse and announces his engagement to her, María feels as though her life is falling apart.

The film screenings were free on ‘Maria y los Demas’ closes the Spanish a first-come, first-served basis. film series at Cinematheque in Iloilo.

COUCH POTATO

SNAPSHOT

Spider-Man comes home AFTER the events of Avengers: Endgame, Peter Parker heads off to Europe with his high school friends. He hopes for a chance to get closer to MJ but it turns out that there are more urgent matters to attend to when Avengers handler Nick Fury, new superhero Mysterio, and some destructive elemental beings turn up.

Starring Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon (SpiderMan: Homecoming), and Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko, Everest), and directed

by Jon Watts (Spider-Man: Homecoming), Spider-Man: Far From Home opened in Philippine theaters on Wednesday, July 3.

'Spider-Man: Far From Home' cosplayers entertain moviegoers at Century Mall's VIP Cinema during a special screening hosted for the cinema's special patrons.

Sue ready

Actress-singer Sue Ramirez headlines a one-night solo concert entitled ‘Rock Chic’ on July 19 at the Music Museum.

VERY WANG

Y

NICKIE WANG

OU may or may not have known Sue Ramirez actually came out with a single at one point and shared the stage with other young artists in a concert some two years back.

Although people know her more as an actor than a singer, it’s true that she can hit some decent notes and belt out songs like a pro. So, it’s not hard to embrace the 22-year-old Star Magic artist as someone who can charm a crowd.

For those who aren’t convinced yet, listen to her sultry rendition of Alamid’s “Your Love,” which has amassed more than 50 million views on YouTube.

“It’s so inspiring to see people watching that video. It inspires me more to share my passion for singing.

It kind of boosted my confidence. The positive feedback I get because of that video is just overwhelming,” Sue said in a recent interview.

After years of proving her mettle in acting, Sue is now embracing her unwavering love for music and performance through her first ever solo concert dubbed as Rock Chic slated July 19 at the Music Museum While she admits that there is some pressure to put up a good show for those who would make time to see her, she is very much thrilled to be finally ticking off this goal off of her bucket list.

The one-night-only show directed and produced by Frank Lloyd Mamaril is a set to be a spectacle of all things Sue—her edgy yet carefree persona along with her undeniable passion for music.

Making the concert even more special is the presence of Sue’s good friends Kristel Fulgar and Maris Racal, with whom she first shared the stage with in the 2017 concert 4 of a Kind: The Un4gettable Concert.

Also joining Sue for a first-time

to rock your

world

The Star Magic talent with the concert’s director and producer Frank Lloyd Mamaril

collaboration during the show is crooner Michael Pangilinan.

Since it’s a first for her, Sue claims that her official hashtag while prepping for it is “#TiwalaLang,” pertaining to the guidance that she’s getting from her directors.

“Right now nagbi-binge listening ako ng mga songs and iniisip ko kung paano kong gagawing ako, rather yung gayahin ko lang kung paano siya kinanta ng singer,” she said.

Meanwhile, Frank was all praises to Sue after seeing her potential when he directed the concert with the four friends.

“Having known that Sue actually auditioned for Star Magic as a singer.

And because she has definitely proven her spot in acting, I believe, she just needs an avenue to showcase her singing talent,” he said.

Her repertoire is set to be a chill, trip down the memory lane for it would have a mix of new hits and good ol’ 90s

vibes from her idols in the local and international scene. According to Sue, those who are watching the show must be ready with their dancing shoes as she too will be unleashing that side of hers on the show.

In the end, the singer-actress vowed to do her best, especially for the people who believed in her capacity to perform since the beginning.

“It would be very personal and close to the heart. And we’re all gonna have a good time, that’s for sure,” Sue said.

Sue’s Rock Chic concert is produced

by FLM Creatives and Productions Inc. with Frank Lloyd Mamaril as director and Marvin Querido as musical director.

The concert is co-presented by Top-O together with major sponsor Natasha and minor sponsors I Love My Sisters, Faber Castell, GSM Blue, GAOC and Belo Medical Group.

For tickets just call Ticketworld at 891-9999 and FLM Creatives and Productions Inc. at 573-9022.

Biggest YouTube surprise THE major led walls on Edsa simultaneously flashed Smart Communications’ latest digital service promo that gives subscribers free access to YouTube.

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 resource for life hacks,” PLDT-Smart

SVP and Consumer Business Market Development Head Oscar A. Reyes, Jr. said.

“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.Subscribers may get a free additional 1 hour (1 GB) of YouTube on top of their GIGA VIDEO or GIGA VIDEO+ subscriptions. On the other hand, Non-LTE subscribers who upgrade to LTE may get up to 1 hour (1GB) of Free YouTube daily, for

up to 60 days.

Smart, Sun and TNT subscribers can use up their Free YouTube For All in one sitting or in several short sessions throughout the day without having to worry about deductions on data allocation for other online activities.

Subscribers who avail of the Free YouTube promo can also use the free access to watch their favorite shows on iflix, iWant, Cignal Play and NBA League Pass. For more info on how to get your free YouTube, visit https://smart.com. ph/prepaid/freeyoutubeforall.

Smart’s latest promo allows subscribers to access YouTube for free