Manila Standard - 2019 July 8 - Monday

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 144 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CARRIEDO CLEANUP. What used to be a hawkers’ paradise (left panel) that was Carriedo—a bustling stretch overcrowded with vendors and their makeshift tents—is now a picture of order and sanity following Manila City hall’s cleanup campaign to dismantle illegal structures. Revoli Cortez, Ey Acasio

3 power blocs go for Martin Seek global aid, Romualdez ‘most logical choice’ among contenders for Speaker ward off China HREE powerful blocs in Congress are backing Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez as the “most logical choice” —Gordon for speaker of the House of Representatives.

By Rio N. Araja

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Philippines should seek help from international organizations rather than ask for assistance from the United States to protect the country’s sovereignty over territories in the West Philippine Sea, a key administration ally in the Senate said Sunday.

“What we should do is resort to diplomacy, go to ICJ (International Court of Justice), go to International Maritime Organization,” said Senator Richard Gordon in an interview over radio dzBB. Gordon said the Philippines could ask the United States to help by way of the Mutual Defense Treaty, but said the US has a history of veering away from battle, as they did in World War II, making them undependable.

Despite Japanese aggression at the time, the Americans only joined the war when its naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was attacked in December 1941, he said.

Gordon slammed China’ for intimidating nations, including those who claim territories in the West Philippine Next page Sea.

Korean medals for 2 PH war vets

By Ben Cal SEOUL―The Philippines is second among 21 Allied Forces to receive two “Taegeuk Medals” or Medals for Valor, South Korea’s highest military decoration given to a soldier for bravery in combat during the Korean War. Only 15 allied troopers were awarded the coveted “Taegeuk Medal” during the three-year war that broke out on June 25, 1950.

The United States topped the list with eight “Taegeuk Medals”. The Philippines was second with two and there was one each for Belgium, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Canada.

The two Filipino soldiers who were recipients of “Taegeuk Medal” were retired Maj. Maximo Young and the late Capt. Conrado D. Yap, both members of the famed 10th Battalion Combat Team of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea.

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Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro, National Unity Party president, said the Leyte lawmaker is the top choice of their constituents in the legislative districts.

While all of the candidates for the

speakership are deserving, Romualdez spells the difference as the most logical choice for the top House post, he said.

Romualdez is well-respected because of his vast experience in public service

and private sector governance, the Capiz lawmaker said.

He also cited the results of a recent survey showing Romualdez was the top choice.

Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, belonging to the 54-strong Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc., said Romualdez has the support of his colleagues to be the next speaker.

Over 160 members of the House of Representatives have already signed a manifesto of support for Romualdez, he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte may have a change of mind and eventually endorse Romualdez once he could validate the manifesto of support.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan believes Romualdez could make it to the speakership.

He said Romualdez is an Ivy League school graduate, with a Bachelor in Arts in Government from Cornell University Next page

Pyramid queen, husband meted 455 years in jail

By Rey E. Requejo

group welcomes the involvement of the Anti-Red Tape Authority and Civil Service Commission headed by former LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada.

Various leaders of the transport network vehicles services are sent to meet

THE Court of Appeals has affirmed the conviction of “pyramid queen” Rosario Baladjay and her husband Saturnino over the investment scam by their firm Multinational Telecoms Investors Corporation (Multitel) that duped thousands of victims in the 1990s.

In its decision, the CA’s Special 17th Division sustained the November 2015 judgment of the Rosario Baladjay Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 56 that sentenced the couple to at least 455 years in prison.

The appellate court dismissed Baladjay’s petition to reverse the RTC’s decision for lack of merit.

The court had found the Baladjays guilty of 65 counts of violating the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) for selling unregistered securities to the public, which carries a penalty of seven to 21 years in prison per count.

The CA also upheld the order of the

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CURTAIN RAISER. Fireworks, dance performances and the whole shebang give life to the MOA Arena as the 95th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association opens on Sunday. Manny Palmero

30,000 TNVS drivers poised for ‘transport holiday’

By Rio N. Araja ABOUT 30,000 drivers and operators belonging to the ride-hailing service Grab will go offline today, July 8, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. to protest the ban on hatchbacks imposed by the Land Transportation

Franchising Board (LTFRB).

In a statement, Leonardo de Leon Jr. of the Manila Hatchback Community said the move was not aimed at causing trouble for the riding public, but to express their dissent over the LTFRB regulation.

At the same time, De Leon said his

Bossa nova pioneer Joao Gilberto, 88

Biking finish line: Roof of the World

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil—Joao Gilberto, the legendary Brazilian musician and songwriter who pioneered the lilting, melodious music known as bossa nova, has died, his son Joao Marcelo announced Saturday.

KHUNJERAB, Pakistan—Finishing nearly 5,000 meters above sea level after hundreds of kilometers winding past blackened glaciers and snow-capped peaks: a new Pakistani race presents a world-class challenge for cyclists—climbing towards the “Roof of the World.”

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MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

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MILF, MNLF combatants may join PNP FORMER Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation combatants could become members of the Philippine National Police as long as they meet the requirements set by the National Police Commission.

This was agreed upon during a meeting on Friday between Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Bangsamoro Transition Authority Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. Under the agreement, the government will be waiving the age and height requirements of the MILF and MNLF applicants.

“We welcome the admission of MILF and MNLF members to the police force, provided that they meet the general requirements in the national level, and of course we will waive some requirements to accommodate our Moro brothers,” Año said.

“You can actually start the identification of MILF and MNLF members who are qualified for the immediate recruitment so we can make this arrangement and start training.”

Major General Jonas Calleja, PNP Director for Plans, said his agency is in the process of drafting the memorandum circular to operationalize the arrangement.

“We’re preparing the draft memo circular and it’s stated there that only age and height may be waived, provided the educational attainment requirement shall be applied within 15 years,” he said.

Under Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the age, height and educational requirements of the ex-fighters may be waived by the NAPOLCOM. The law also says those who want to be part of the police force should apply within five years from the ratification of the BOL, and that they should meet all the educational requirements within 15 years after joining the PNP. On the appointment of the Police Regional Director for the BARMM, Año said his office “shall be getting the recommendation of the Chief Minister as long as these police officers are qualified.

“Rest assured that I will respect your preference, including the fire and jail directors for the BARMM.” Ebrahim expressed his elation over the pronouncement, saying the former combatants will be given the chance to serve their communities and country.

The meeting also gave Año, Ebrahim and Galvez a chance to discuss ways to facilitate the smooth transition of the new Bangsamoro government, specifically the peace and security aspect of governance.

Año said the DILG “shall organize the PRO BARMM organization pursuant to NAPOLCOM Resolution 2019-009.”

“With that, we’ll also provide a regional police force battalion that can be used for special purposes. And for the provincial and police units, we also welcome the preference of the local government units under the BARMM,” he said.

Under the Normalization track, Galvez said at least 1,600 PNP members will be trained as members of the Joint Peace Security Teams.

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Pre-SONA: Cops summon pros, cons

W

ITH two weeks left before the fourth State-ofthe Nation address of President Rodrigo Duterte, the National Capital Region Police Office has set dialogues with groups of protesters to ensure safety and peace and order during the July 22 event.

NCRPO Chief Guillermo Eleazar said talks with the leaders of pro- and antiDuterte groups this coming week were part of the SONA preparations.

“We wanted to hear what the two forces want us to do to secure them. We don’t want them to be in the same place as shouting might ignite trouble,” Eleazar told the Philippine News Agency.

Eleazar said demonstrators will not be prevented from holding rallies “for as long as these are held peacefully.”

He warned that the police would not hesitate to use force if the protesters became unruly.

“As usual, our police will exercise maximum tolerance but at the same time we asked the militant groups to do their

share and police their ranks to ensure a peaceful and orderly SONA day,”Eleazar said.

He said policemen will not be armed with shields and truncheons as an act of goodwill while shipping containers and barbed wires will not be laid out just like they did for the past three years along Batasan Road and Commonwealth Avenue.

Eleazar said he will directly supervise the security preparations and operations in Metro Manila.

He directed all his police district directors to strengthen anti-criminality measures and police visibility operations all over the NCR, particularly during the SONA. He said they have yet to detect any

Seek...

vessels there in China, fire the first shot and we’ll be at the back,” Duterte said in his speech, saying he will be glad to do the next attack.

“We have the RP-US pact, then let us honor it. Do you want trouble? Okay let’s do it,” he added, referring to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

In a statement, the CPP said Duterte made another “faulty argument” that the only option for Manila to defend its claimed territory and exclusive economic zone is to head into a “losing war” with China or have the US military wage the war for the country.

“As pointed out by so many experts in international relations, academics and commentators, there is a wide range of political, diplomatic and military measures that the country can take to assert its rights recognized under the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas,” it said.

Duterte “only makes the ‘no option but

war’ to justify his kowtowing to China and his refusal to take action against Chinese incursions in Philippine seas which violate the country’s sovereign rights,” the CPP said.

“Duterte is making himself look foolish by his public dare for the US to fire the first shot against China and that he will back it,” the CPP continued.

“Indeed, Duterte is demonstrating clearly his double-sided subservience,” it added.

Although the Chief Executive’s dare is a “potshot against those who question his subservience to China,” the CPP believes Duterte is also “painting himself a charlatan by making people believe that the only other option is to turn the country into a US protectorate.”

The CPP then reminded the public that both the US and China are “imperialist superpowers” whose geopolitical policies are not in line with anything but their own interests.

3rd Infantry Division near Yeoncheon on the night of April 22 that trapped the 10th BCT and lost contact with the main PEFTOK headquarters.

Nevertheless, the Filipinos stood their ground and continued fighting and forced the enemy to retreat and allowed the US 3rd Division to withdraw.

It was the battle at Yultong that the Filipinos once again proved their bravery in combat and made real the words of Gen. Douglas McArthur during the fighting in Bataan in the Second World War when he said: “Give me 10,000 Filipino soldiers and I will conquer the world.”

At the height of the gun battle in Yultong, the Filipinos were pinned down but still managed to launch a counter-attack, driving the Chinese and North Koreans away.

When Yap learned that some members of the 10th BCT were killed and wounded a few distances from where he and other troopers held their position, he went to the area to rescue his comrades trapped in the war zone.

He was told not to proceed because of the very dangerous situation, but Yap insisted that he could not leave his men behind.

Yap ahead and fought the Chinese in close-quarters fighting, but unfortunately Yap was killed.

On the other hand, Young, now 97 years old but still strong and healthy, was invited by the South Korean government to visit South Korea in connection with the 69th anniversary of the Korean War, together with Undersecretary Nesty Carolina, administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office who headed the

group.

In his Korean War memoirs, Young wrote how the 10th BCT defeated the Chinese during the epic Battle at Yultong 69 years ago.

Young, who saw action in World War II, narrated his combat experience in the Korean War. “I have fought for the defense of freedom and democracy which are precepts that have been dear to our motherland against foreign enemies in three wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Young told the PNA. “I have been shot at and shelled. I have seen my friends die in battle and have killed my country’s enemies, in turn, he said, adding that ‘‘I have seen the worst of human nature in war. And my experience has taught me that there is nothing redeeming about war. War is only gruesome death and senseless destruction.

And it involves tremendous remorse.

“But by the grace of God I am still here.

Young thanked God that in all his battles during the Second World War against the Japanese and the Korean War against the Chinese and North Koreans, “I was never wounded.”

Young said he almost died in World War II when the boat M/V Legaspi that he was a crew member of, was sunk by the Japanese who captured them.

The ship was carrying supplies and Filipino soldiers from the Visayas to Luzon when it was intercepted and sunk by Japanese naval forces off Puerto Gallera, Mindoro.

But Young and other Filipinos managed to escape and rejoined the guerrilla forces. PNA

guitarist on a recording by Elizeth Cardoso, “Cancao do Amor Demais,” considered the first bossa nova album.

Later, known both for his smooth voice and his guitar style, Gilberto brought the sounds of bossa nova—meaning “new trend” or “new wave”—to jazz festivals and concert halls around the world, putting Brazilian music on the map.

Bernardo Araujo, a music critic for the daily O Globo newspaper, said last year that Gilberto’s importance was “immeasurable.”

“He was the leading voice of the bestknown Brazilian style in the world and a revolutionary without even really meaning to be,” Araujo told AFP. “He was the first singer, at least in Brazil, to demonstrate that you don’t need a big voice, that you can sing quietly, like in a whisper, while accompanied by virtuoso guitar.”

Among Gilberto’s dozens of albums, some of the most renowned were recorded with jazz greats Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock and fellow Brazilian Antonio Carlos Jobim.

The singer of “Desafinado,” “Corcovado” and “Chega de Saudade,”—which he often sang as a duet with his first wife Astrud Gilberto—was an obsessive perfectionist and then an eccentric recluse.

He is known for living in his pajamas and for reclusiveness, only opening the door of his home to get restaurant deliveries.

Family feud In his later years, he was caught in an ugly conflict pitting two of his three children—Joao Marcelo and daughter Bebel Gilberto, both musicians—against his last wife, Claudia Faissol, a journalist 40 years his junior from whom he had separated.

The two children accused Faissol of tak-

ing advantage of their father’s mental and physical decline and contributing to his financial ruin.

In late 2017, Bebel was named her father’s legal guardian as he was found no longer competent to manage on his own.

“In front of the microphone, he was a smashing success,” his biographer Ruy Castro said last year, “but offstage it was the opposite.”

As recently as last year, Gilberto was living alone in housing said to have been loaned by Paula Lavigne, wife of another Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso. He had to leave his previous lodgings in the seaside Leblon neighborhood because he missed months’ of rent.

In 2011, Faissol persuaded Gilberto to go on tour to mark his 80th birthday but he later pulled out, citing health problems. He was ordered to return an advance of about $600,000. AFP

many other cycling events.

But there is one fundamental difference: the Pakistani Tour starts at 1,500 meters above sea level, and never stops climbing.

The final day of this year’s event sums up the challenge.

Starting at 2,800 meters—higher than the Iseran Pass, the summit of the Tour de France—it ends at 4,700 meters, just over 100 meters short of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain.

The Khunjerab Tour must become “an attraction... for the most daring and adventurous cyclists in the world”, said Usman Ahmed, the top official for the northern Gilgit region, home to some of the planet’s tallest peaks and where the race was held.

The cyclists’ tires swallow up the asphalt of the Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world.

Named after the Karakoram mountain

range—just one of the ranges in Gilgit— the road passes through an extraordinary landscape.

Soaring, jagged peaks contrast with vertiginous ravines, glaciers driving a chill wind, and tumbling aquamarine rivers.

Landslides are common.

Guardrails are a flimsy suggestion of protection from steep falls of hundreds of feet.

“There is no place in the world that offers all these things,” said Ahmed.

“No doubt it is the toughest cycle race in the world. We are aiming to make it our trademark,” said Haroon General, president of the Pakistan Cycling Federation.

“The most difficult part of the race is the final stage where cyclists face shortage of oxygen and there is risk of heart issues...

At such an altitude a person falls down (faints) after running for 200 meters, but our cyclists traveled for almost 59 kilome-

ters,” he said.

Five ambulances were on standby in case of emergencies in the final stage, he said, adding: “A majority of the cyclists made it but the support staff needed ambulances.”

‘Breathless’ The winner of the event, Najeeb Ullah—a Pakistani from a hilltop village in the southwestern province of Balochistan who won three of the four stages—told AFP that breathing was a “problem” for him in the final climb.

“I had to face a lot of difficulties while reaching the finishing line,” located at the Khunjerab Pass, the border between Pakistan and China, he said.

Especially since altitude was not the only obstacle: On the final day, fierce winds drove snowflakes into the cyclists’ faces, forcing some already struggling to catch their breath to dismount. AFP

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“China is sort of a bully and arrogant.

They don’t mind the game of intimidation,” he said.

Gordon said the Philippines should also seek help from other countries, such as Israel, Japan and Korea.

On Sunday, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) mocked President Rodrigo Duterte for daring the United States to fire the first shot against China in a speech Friday, saying the statement was a demonstrated of his “double-sided subservience.”

Speaking in an engagement in Leyte Friday, the President challenged Washington to fire the first shot against Beijing amid public criticism of his soft stance over the recent maritime disputes with China.

“Now I said, bring your aircraft and

Korean...

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Young received the award during the anniversary of the Korean war last week.

According to the historical record of the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs about the Korean War made available to the Philippine News Agency, Young and Yap and their men stood their ground against all odds when they fought a numerically superior force of Chinese soldiers in the fierce battle at Yultong that lasted for two days on April 22 to 23, 1951.

In an interview, Kim Taehoon, KMPVA director, cited the heroism of the Filipino soldiers during the two-day battle that stopped the invasion of thousands of Chinese communist forces at the outset of the war.

Despite the huge disparity in numbers, the 900-man 10th BCT clashed with 40,000 Chinese and North Korean troops that forced the latter to retreat.

Exactly 61 years ago, from April 22 to 23, 1951, 900 Filipino soldiers of the 10th BCT of the PEFTOK successfully defended and threw back the numerically superior elements of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army’s 44th Infantry Division and the North Korean People’s Army numbering about 40,000 in non-stop fighting that drew widespread admiration even from the enemy.

The Chinese and North Korean invasion caught the South Korean and Allied Forces by surprise.

The Chinese 44th Division attacked the 65th Infantry Regiment of the US

30,000...

Bossa...

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with the Anti-Red Tape Authority officials Monday in Makati City, he said.

Ariel Inton, founding chairman of the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection, along with the leaders of the Laban TNVS and Defend Job Philippines, said they not forcing drivers and operators to go offline or online.

He said they respect and maintain the freedom of their colleagues to either join the protest or not.

De Leon said their groups would file administrative charges against LTFRB chairperson Martin Delgra III before the Office of the Ombudsman.

He also dismissed Delgra’s accusation that their planned transport holiday was aimed at holding commuters hostage.

“We are not terrorists! The transport holidy aims at expressing our just and legitimate demands against the inconsistencies on the application processes and problematic requirements for registration of the LTFRB,” Inton said in a statement.

He thanked Grab Philippines for “recognizing the rights of their peers to express grievances in a peaceful manner.”

De Leon said the LTFRB must lift the ban on hatchbacks, and remove policies that are difficult to comply with to be able to operate.

Hatchbacks were allowed to operate as TNVS units until 2021 based on Memorandum Circular 2018-005 issued in 2018, he said.

However, the LTFRB recently declared that hatchbacks would not be allowed in ride-sharing services because of safety reasons.

The legend was 88. The cause of death was not immediately known.

“My father has passed,” the son, who lives in the United States, wrote on Facebook. “His fight was noble, he tried to maintain his dignity.”

Gilberto, a small-town boy from Bahia state whose soft voice singing “The Girl From Ipanema” in the 1960s made him world famous, was living alone in a borrowed house in Rio de Janeiro at the end, deeply in debt.

He fell in love with music when he got his first guitar at the age of 14. After leaving his village, he made it onto local radio in Salvador de Bahia, and at age 19, arrived in Rio. In 1957, he made a name for himself as

Biking...

From A1

The Tour de Khunjerab—its name a homage to its more famous French counterpart, which began on Saturday—is still many years away from being another Big Loop, but with a solid claim to being the highest cycling race in the world, it has a lot to offer a certain type of athlete.

In the last week of June, some 88 cyclists, including two teams from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka as well as solo participants from Spain and Switzerland, took part in its second edition.

Less than half completed it within the allotted time.

The four stages—three ranging from 68 to 94 kilometers (42 to 58 miles) plus a shorter time trial—are much shorter than

threat to security in relation to Duterte’s upcoming SONA. Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde earlier said at least 9,000 policemen would secure the President’s 4th SONA. Albayalde said the PNP Civil Disturbance Management units, along with their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, had been holding competitions to hone their skills in dealing with protesters, not only in Metro Manila but in nearby police regional offices such as Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Special Action Force.

He noted no violent dispersal of protesters had been recorded since Duterte assumed the presidency in 2016. PNA

3 power...

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and special studies in Administration and Management from Harvard University.

Also, Romualdez is a lawyer, banker and economist, and a three-term member of the House of Representatives.

“Congressman Martin is primus inter pares material in Congress,” Salceda said.

He said Romualdez could help the President achieved his goals under his speakership.

“Rep. Martin Romualdez as a speaker is good for the economy as well as the economic and business leaders concerned,” he said.

Based on the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD Inc.) survey conducted in June, Romualdez was the people’s choice for speaker 30 percent, followed by Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano with 23 percent.

Ex-House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez got the third spot with 18 percent, while Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco had 14 percent.

Romualdez is also the Philippine Constitution Association president.

Pyramid...

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RTC for the couple to pay the complainants a total of P8 million.

While the couple were sentenced to a total of 455 years in prison, the sentence will be reduced to 40 years at most under the three-fold rule on penalties in criminal cases, which provides that the maximum duration of the convict’s sentence shall not be more than three-fold the length of time corresponding to the most severe of the penalties imposed upon him.

The appellate court had previously upheld the Baladjays’ conviction in several other criminal cases involving various complainants and also rejected similar petitions they filed.

The Supreme Court had also upheld the conviction of Baladjay in a July 2017 ruling.

Records showed that Multitel, which started operations the late 1980s until it was shut down by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2001, was able to attract investors by offering them a guaranteed 4 percent monthly interest or 48 percent per year, for a minimum investment of P10,000.

News Dinagat Island prov’l board member killed Surigao City—Riding-in-tandem gunmen shot dead a member of the Provincial Board member of Dinagat Islands Sunday morning here, police said.

Police identified the victim as Provincial Board Member Wenefredo R. Olofernes, 52, who was on a motorcycle with his unnamed live-in partner along a national road here when the gunmen’s black Honda motorcycle overtook them and shot the victim.

A police report said Olofernes, a second-term provincial lawmaker, succumbed to a lone bullet wound on the head.

He was brought to the Caraga Regional Hospital located barely a kilometer away from the crime scene but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Maj. Tessiel R. Moleta of the Surigao City Police Station said they immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation “for identification and arrest” of the suspects.

Moleta said Brig. Gen. Gilbert DC Cruz, Police Regional Office-13 director, has offered a reward of P50,000 to anyone who can lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.

Dinagat Islands Gov. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao immediately condemned the killing and called for justice.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal killing of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Wenefredo Olofernes,” Bag-ao said in a statement released hours after the incident.

“We will ensure the speedy resolution of this criminal act along with the prosecution and conviction of all those involved in the death of Board Member Wenefredo Olofernes,” the governor added.

According to the governor, Olofernes ran as an independent and emerged on top of the race in the 1st District with 13,141 votes from the municipalities of Basilisa, Libjo, Loreto, and Tubajon.”

“We are in contact with the Philippine National Police in Surigao City and the Caraga Region in order to provide any assistance in the investigation and to put into the light all the facts surrounding this incident,” Bagao said. PNA

Revilla seeks tax exemption for drugs for mental health

By Macon Ramos-Araneta A BILL seeking to exempt drugs and medicines prescribed for mental health conditions from value-added tax has been filed in the Senate.

Senate Bill 78, filed by Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., will amend Section 109 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 to include in the exemption drugs and medicines for mental health beginning January 1, 2020.

In the explanatory note, Rivera said the bill aims to make mental healthcare accessible and sustainable for all by lowering the cost of drugs and medicine.

He said the passage of Republic Act 11036 or Mental Health Act in 2018 made health services more accessible.

However, this did not cover the cost of drugs and medicines prescribed to sustain the treatment and prevention of mental health conditions.

Under the bill, within 30 days from effectivity of the Act, the Finance secretary shall, upon the recommendation of the Commission of Internal Revenue, promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for its effective implementation

MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

‘Divorce by agreement’ upheld

By Rey E. Requejo

C

A UPHOLDS ‘divorce by agreement’ between Filipino and foreign spouse

The Court of Appeals has ruled that the “divorce by agreement” issued to a Filipino and his or her foreign spouse is valid in the Philippines for as long as such mode of obtaining divorce is recognized in the country of the foreign spouse.

The CA made the ruling even as it dismissed the petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General assailing the 2016 judgment rendered by Binan, Laguna Regional Trial Court in favor of Fave Ebron Mora.

The RTC granted Mora’s petition for recognition of her foreign divorce. It de-

clared valid and confirmed the foreign divorce between Mora and her husband, Toshiyuki Montawa, and subsequently declared Mora to be “capacitated to remarry, pursuant to Article 26 (paragraph 2) of the Family Code.”

Citing jurisprudence, the appellate court ruled that “a divorce obtained abroad by an alien may be recognized in our jurisdiction provided the decree is valid according to the national law of the foreigner.”

In its decision penned by Associate Justice Ramon A. Cruz, the CA dis-

missed the OSG’s narrow interpretation of Article 26 as it disregards any agency on the part of the Filipino spouse who it presumes to be incapable of agreeing to the dissolution of the marital bond.

“Japanese laws allow for a divorce by agreement which does not involve any judgment from the Japanese courts. In the same manner that a divorce obtained by the Filipino spouse was deemed within the ambit of Article 26 of the Family Code based on the considerations of the equal protection clause, a divorce by agreement should be considered within the ambit of the same provision because it has no substantial distinction from judicial divorce,” the CA ruled.

“Both types of divorce (judicial divorce and divorce by agreement) are considered valid under the Japanese Law. It is the height of unfairness if

only judicial divorces are allowed to be recognized in our jurisdiction and not those amicable divorces. It would also run counter to the spirit of the law behind Article 26,” it said.

Article 26 of the Family Code provides that “all marriages solemnized outside the Philippines in accordance with the laws in force in the country where they were solemnized, and valid there as such, shall also be valid in this country, except those prohibited under Articles 35 (1), (4), (5) and (6), 36, 37 and 38.

It also provides in its second paragraph that “where a marriage between a Filipino citizen and a foreigner is validly celebrated and a divorce is thereafter validly obtained abroad by the alien spouse capacitating him or her to remarry, the Filipino spouse shall have capacity to remarry under Philippine law.”

CHILDREN AT PLAY.

Children enjoy playing on top of a culvert concrete pipe along NIA road in Brgy. Pinahan Quezon City. The concrete pipe will be installed in the said street in preparation for the rainy season.

Manny Palmero

Suspects in killing of Zambo del Norte judge indicted Police nab 1.2k

By Rey E. Requejo SUSPECTS in killing of Zamboanga del Norte judge indicted The Department of Justice has approved the indictment of the principal suspect in the killing of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte regional trial court Judge Reymar Lacaya last May. The DoJ, through the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, filed murder case against Juliver Cabating, a contractual court personnel, and two other persons last July 2 before the Liloy RTC.

Provincial Prosecutor Gabino Saavedra II approved the filing of the case in court after preliminary investigation showed probable cause in the murder charge filed by the judge’s widow, Violeta, through the National Bureau of Investigation.

In a three-page resolution, a copy of which furnished to the DOJ, Saavedra cited pieces of circumstantial evidence pointing to Cabating as perpetrator of Lacaya’s killing - including CCTV footages and testimonies of witnesses.

Cabating reportedly met with the two

individuals tagged by authorities as gunmen - identified only as Jerry and Ramil - few hours before the incident.

The two suspects were seen on CCTV footages running away from the crime scene after the incident. They were also seen by witnesses carrying firearm.

“Truly, the pieces of evidence on hand have sufficiently established that the two respondents, known only by their respective aliases and identified by witnesses, are indeed the triggermen who ended the victim’s life on that fateful day of May 9, 2019,” read the resolution.

OVERLOADED. A man is seen driving his tricycle overloaded with scrap wood along T.M. Kalaw Street in Manila. Lino Santos

Gordon bucks death penalty, says it is no crime ‘deterrent’ SINCE he does not believe that the death penalty is a deterrent to the commission of heinous crimes, Senator Richard Gordon will not support the capital punishment even if it is approved by his committee.

“Those who want to sponsor, they can sponsor. But I cannot sponsor that because I did not believe in the efficacy of death penalty,” said Gordon.

“I can conduct the hearing. But they

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should sponsor, they should defend when it comes to the floor,” also said Gordon.

According to Gordon, he is not in favor of the re-imposition of death penalty because he believes this does not deter criminality and drug use in the country.

“Unang-una, isang pagkakamali, lagot ka na, hindi mo na mababawi. At maraming napatanayan ‘yan na maraming nagkakamali,” he said.

“It is not sure to be effective now.

Many have died, but did drugs stop.?” he asked.

Four senators have already filed measures seeking death penalty, namely Senators Manny Pacquiao and Ronald dela Rosa for crimes involving illegal drugs, Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go for illegal drugs and plunder, and Senator Panfilo Lacson for other heinous crimes.

Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian

revealed that he too would be filing a bill seeking the re-imposition of the death penalty.

These bills are expected to be referred to the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights which Gordon chairs.

In the previous Congress, a subcomittee was established to hear the death penalty bills in the Senate, with Pacquiao leading the hearing and sponsoring the bill on the floor. Macon Ramos-Araneta

violators of city ordinances

By Rio N. Araja

CLOSE to 1,200,000 individuals have been arrested since the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) intensified the implementation of various ordinances in Metro Manila last year.

Based on data given to the media by NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, a total of 1,191,090 violators were apprehended from June 13, 2018 to July 5 this year.

“This is a proof that what we launched last year is not what is locally-termed as ‘ningas-kugon’. We will continue to help the local government units of Metro Manila to implement their ordinances because we all have the same goal which is to make the streets of Metro Manila safe,” Eleazar said.

Smoking ban violators topped the arrest list, with a total of 277,048that accounted for 23.26 percent of all the arrests.

Minors violating curfew hours had the next biggest number, although with a much lower figure of 74,547, or 6.26 percent of all those arrested all over Metro Manila during the said period.

Eleazar said the minors were turned over to the parents, who received a tongue-lashing from the police and barangay officials for their failure to discipline their children.

The NCRPO has also apprehended 63,844 individuals, or 5.36 percent of the total arrests, for going to public places “half-naked”.

Those drinking in public places came next, with 54,223 rounded up, accounting for 4.55 percent of the total number of violators.

The rest -- 721,428 people, or 60.57 percent of the total arrests, were violators of other city and municipal ordinances in the NCR. The Metro Manila top cop said his instruction to police commanders is to continue being relentless in implementing ordinances in Metro Manila especially against smoking, drinking in public places and against male bystanders who would go topless while hanging out of their homes.

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Opinion

MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

Speaking for whom?

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he will not endorse any candidate for Speaker of the House. But the tight speakership race is getting more muddled with the forming of a Duterte coalition force by presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte. Sara’s brother, Davao Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, has declared he’s also a candidate for the top House post.

Those in politics go into business while those in business go into politics to perpetuate their grip on power.

The three candidates for Speaker— Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Marinduque Rep. Lord Alan Velasco and Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano—and most of the House members know that whatever Inday Sara does or says has the approval of Dad Digong, albeit silently.

Paolo Duterte’s late entry into the race, purportedly to unite the PDP-Laban majority party that is now in disarray, makes it appear to many political observers that this a Duterte political family dynasty in the making. If so, then we cannot expect a constitutional amendment banning the prevalence of political families.

Was this why the President recently said he’s not pushing for federalism anymore but instead would focus

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

on charter change? Not precluding political dynasties will certainly get the support of most, if not all, congressmen. They have made political dynasties a family business to stay indefinitely in power.

It is a vicious turnstile or revolvingdoor politics. Those in politics go into business while those in business go into politics to perpetuate their grip on power. The people are merely pawns to be used over and over again with the hackneyed campaign promise of “meaningful change.”

There is actually no change in the political landscape of this benighted land. Only the players are changed but the game plan remains the same at the expense of the people. No one really speaks for the people.

President Duterte last June 30 marked the halfway point of his six-year term. This early, ambitious players are already making noise to project themselves as presidential contenders. The people should discern who these scoundrels are and make a wise choice in electing the next would-be savior of the people.

Velasco initially looked like the leader in the speakership race. But now seems relegated to the shadows after rejecting a term-sharing deal with Cayetano. This makes Romualdez and a growing group of supporters appear ahead.

The Speaker of the House, under the constitutional order of succession, is the fourth in line to the presidency.

He or she is the third to assume power in the event the president is incapacitated, is impeached, or meets an untimely death. The first successor to the President is Vice President Leni Robredo in this case, followed by the Senate President, the House Speaker and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. That is the pecking order. Under an orderly transition,

S

Timely legislation

ENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has filed a bill seeking to ban the importation of waste to the Philippines, a timely measure in the wake of recent events that show the country has become a dumping ground for garbage generated by other nations.

In 2013, for example, a private Canadian company shipped 103 containers with about 2,500 tons of waste—mislabeled as recycling plastics—to the Philippines. Customs inspection, however, revealed that two-third of the shipment to be ordinary household garbage, including electronic waste and used diapers.

Efforts to send back the garbage took all of six years and put a strain on diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada, whose government seemed in no hurry to take back the waste. In the end, the Philippines prevailed and most of the waste material was shipped back to Canada, but only after the fetid garbage languished in a Philippine port for six years, and 34 containers had been disposed of locally, despite the objections of local environment groups.

Other countries such as Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan have also made the country "a cross-boundary disposal site" of unwanted and toxic garbage.

"These incidents indicate that we have become a dumping ground for waste generated by other nations. We must fix our laws that allowed that to happen," Drilon said. "We must then prohibit the importation of all kinds of waste or scrap including recyclable materials. We should never allow our country to be a dumpsite."

Senate Bill No. 18, or the "Waste Importation Ban Act of 2019," imposes hefty fines of up to P15 million and jail terms of up to 12 years to make shipping garbage to the Philippines a most costly proposition.

The bill also targets recyclable

materials, because waste importers used them as an excuse to seek permission to bring their garbage into the country.

Under the proposed law, all waste imports must be returned immediately to its country of origin at the expense of the consignor or importer.

The group Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) observes that countries, especially in Southeast Asia, that do not have policies banning imports of plastic waste are at risk of being toxic dumpsites.

A report released in April 2019 shows plastic waste from highly-industrialized nations are rerouted to developing countries after China imposed a ban on importing and processing plastic waste in 2018.

Greenpeace, meanwhile, reports 178.88 percent jump in trash imports to the Philippines from 2017 to 2018—indicating that the time for legal and institutional action is now. We trust the 18th Congress gives this environmental protection measure the priority it deserves.

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Recto Bank

CONSIDERING the fact that I am assigned to represent the country in a state which also has claims on portions of the West Philippine or South China Sea, I have avoided writing on this issue. Besides, I claim no expertise on international or maritime law, and now write only after reading and listening to the various comments on the issue.

I have also talked to a few retired diplomat friends to enlighten me on the subject, which can really be confusing to the layman given the welter of interpretations advanced by so many sectors who wave the flag around the issue far too often to incite nationalist fervor, where perhaps a little bit of circumspection would be better.

First off, the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) was passed in 1982.

Among its salient pronouncements are the following: 1) The territorial sea, which is defined as 12 miles from the coastline is where coastal states like the Philippines have sovereignty; 2) Administrative control (for customs, quarantine, immigration, environmental and health control measures) are in the contiguous zone, limited to 24 miles from the baselines, thereby an additional 12 miles; 3) After the contiguous zone comes the much-debated EEZ or continental shelf, where we have rights over the living and non-living resources as well as jurisdiction over the establishment of artificial islands and the protection of the marine environment.

UNCLOS also seeks to “decriminalize” fishing activities, providing only administrative penalties for poachers.

Arrested crew members of vessels are to be promptly released upon the posting of reasonable bond or other security.

Penalties for violation of fisheries laws “may not include imprisonment, in the absence of agreements to the contrary by the states concerned, or any form of corporal punishment (Art. 73, UNCLOS).

Parenthetically, the Philippines and Taiwan are still currently negotiating for a new fisheries agreement after

the Balintang Channel incident in 2013 where some of our Coast Guard personnel are being tried in Philippine courts for the death of a Taiwanese fisherman. The issue of administrative penalties in the maritime territory or zones has till now been un-resolved.

UNCLOS in fine has put in place a regime of rules and regulations to put order and avoid conflicts at sea especially in the exploitation of marine resources. There is a spirit of fairness in these UNCLOS provisions.

A little bit of circumspection would be better.

It even allows “disadvantaged states,” such as landlocked or saddled with the inability to fully exploit their marine resources, to share in the bounty of the seas through bilateral or multilateral agreements with coastal states. UNCLOS has gained universal acceptance and states have learned to peacefully settle their differences in the context of its provisions even if many disputes remain unresolved.

Thus, UNCLOS is not only an ordinary agreement with local or regional ramifications, but is an agreement of global significance.

Worth noting here is that while the Philippines and China have both ratified it, among 160 states, the United States of America has not, and to date refuses to ratify UNCLOS. This writer is hence quite perplexed at suggestions made that the Philippines should ask the US of A, under our Mutual Defense Treaty (which is replete with conditions favorable to the US and not necessarily all-protective of Philippine territory, let alone the EEZ) to intervene in our behalf on the collision or allision of a Chinese vessel with our Mindoro fishermen.

The arguments now swirl around whether the Philippines can allow access of other states into our EEZ. Our Constitution states that “the State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone, and reserves its use and enjoyment Turn to A5

Ill will or noble intentions?

THERE is a world of difference between ill-will and noble intentions.

The two are at cross purposes. One seeks to destroy; the other seeks to protect and preserve.

I say this in light of allegations made by two purportedly consciencestricken former employees of a dialysis laboratory who claimed all they wanted was to make a clean breast of what they know about the firm.

To be candid about it and with all due respect, I have this disturbing reservations over the apparent haste with which the governmentowned Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PHIC) pulled the plug on the

There appears to be more to the WellMed whistleblowers than they want the public to know. accreditation of a dialysis center on the basis of a yarn dished out by two socalled whistleblowers.

It appeared that PHIC or PhilHealth, in an attempt to save its own skin and conceal its potential culpability for criminal neglect that gave rise to recurrent incidents of fake benefit claims, acted with political expediency in summarily suspending the accreditation of WellMed Dialysis and Laboratory Center Corp.

PhilHealth was shooting from the hip, so to speak, as it handed down the administrative measure on the heels of the whistleblowers’ raw testimony.

What if at the end of the day the story given by Edwin Roberto and Liezel Aileen de Leon turned out to be untrue?

Then, WellMed’s constitutionally guaranteed right to due process could have been grossly violated.

What if after an honest-to-goodness investigation and after giving the WellMed owners their day in court, it were proven that the center’s operations were aboveboard and beyond reproach?

The allegations against the dialysis clinic and PhilHealth’s reaction to the charges raised more questions than answers.

Even assuming that PhilHealth realizes its mistake and reinstates WellMed’s membership, the damage to the reputation and dignity of the center’s

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Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher can be accessed at: manilastandard.net Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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Opinion

MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

Borrowing and taxing for Build, Build, Build

Food on the table PUTTING food on the table, for most Filipino families, is already a challenge given the high cost of living. Putting the right food on the table is even more difficult—and it’s not an issue of cost.

Nutritionist/ dietitian Jake Brandon Andal says that nutrition is the most neglected part of health care.

“If we only put greater effort into minding what we eat, then perhaps we would not spend as much time and resources in overcoming diseases that come with our unhealthy lifestyles.”

Andal is now working with Greenpeace Philippines in spreading the word about how everything begins at home, indeed. Their team has gone to Pasig City and Davao City, and are about to go to Caloocan, conducting workshops among parents on how to start their children on good eating habits early on.

Vigie Benosa Llorin, Greenpeace campaigner, says the main obstacle is people’s mindsets—specifically, that healthy food is expensive, that children are naturally averse to vegetables, and that in this day and age, convenience rules.

“We want to focus on children, because the habits of adults are already difficult to break,” Llorin says.

But Andal says that the shift will not come overnight, and easily. One must first be aware that alternatives do exist and that they are doable right inside our simple kitchens and homes. This is exactly why their team is going around various cities, to take that first step and spread the word. Aside from basic nutrition information, they also conduct workshops on how to plan meals for, say, a one-week period.

Second, attitude. We change the

Ill will...

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owners has already been done.

Collaterally, its patients were unceremoniously displaced and its employees, particularly those performing odd jobs like janitorial services, were economically dislocated.

How do we rectify this potential error in judgment?

Documents furnished this corner

by WellMed’s legal counsels showed that Roberto and De Leon who were both formerly mid-level officers of the dialysis center had an axe to grind against their employer.

Roberto was hired in October 2015 as branch assistant manager with a job description of “over-all in-charge” of the clinic while De Leon was hired on July 27, 2015 as PhilHealth/billing officer and cashier.

The documents indicated that Roberto and De Leon cheated WellMed on cash payments from patients who have used

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exclusively to Filipino citizens (Sec. 2, Article XII).

On the other hand, the 1982 UNCLOS (from which the concept of an EEZ derives), allows the possibility of fishermen of other states to have access to the EEZ of coastal states, on the basis of agreements between them, under certain conditions, and in keeping with the spirit of fairness in the allocation of marine resources.

In the seeming conflict between UNCLOS and our Constitution, some legal experts espouse the view that our Constitution should prevail over international treaties or agreements where there is a conflict between the two. This does “sound” patriotic.

But let us take note of the dates.

UNCLOS (1982) predates our Constitution (1987).

The concept of the EEZ was given birth by UNCLOS. Until UNCLOS, the Philippines had no right to any EEZ. In fact, the concept of a coastal state having rights to living and non-living resources in the EEZ and continental shelf was only an abstract idea until the advent of UNCLOS. When our Constitution reflects the concept of an exclusive economic zone, there is no escaping the fact that it refers to the

way we think about vegetables.

They are not “corny.” They are not expensive. Many dishes are not difficult to prepare, even for those who have to rush out of the house at a certain time to go to work. And the change does not have to be drastic—small changes, so long as they are consistently introduced, will suffice.

Third, practice. You’ve bought into the idea that we must change the way we eat, that a shift is not too late. Then it is time to actually set everything in motion. Foremost, parents have to set a good example by living healthy, as well. Make a

Knowledge, check.

Attitude, check. Practice, how?

both)—likely poverty—and ramp up poverty alleviation programs.

“LGUs should really invest in nutrition and healthy lifestyles because prevention will save a lot of money in the long run,” Andal says.

“It is so much more cost effective to invest here rather than on medication and treatment of diseases that are preventable in the first place.” *** Meanwhile, writer and advocate Mabi David is using literature and art to spread the virtues of eating right among children. In her book “Paano Kumain ng Kulay?” translated into English by Karla Rey and beautifully illustrated by Yas tarDoctor, David encourages tar get readers between eight and 10 years old, to wonder how certain colors taste like.

She poses the questions: Does red tickle the tongue, is it surprising, and is green cool and sweet? Is yellow as delicious as blue, or is it rich and does it remind you of sunsun shine? Is white is fresh and restful, and is purple relaxing?

The book promotes the rainbow approach: If you eat as many colors, then you can be sure you get a wide variety of nutrients. Green cleanses the blood and removes toxins, red aids blood circulation, yellow fights inflammation, white builds resistance, orange fights infection and supports the immune system, and purple is rich in anti-oxidants as well as good for the heart.

“We’re encouraging children to be open to new experiences,” says David of her collaboration with Greenpeace in this project. “The book is an invitation to experience color in terms of the other senses. We encourage sensory play to tap into their imagination and curiosity.”

Launched in November last year, “Paano Kumain ng Kulay?” is available in Adarna House in Quezon City.

meal plan—and stick to it. When in the market, go to the fruits and vegetables section first. Begin with introducing, and subtly, a vegetable variety or two in a familiar dish.

Start with simple dishes. “You don’t have to whip up something really fancy like the ones we see on YouTube,” Andal says.

When dining out, consider restaurants that offer fruits and vegetable dishes as well.

Of course, individuals and families stand a better chance at changing their practices if they have help from outside. Local governments could encourage the trade and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Improve access to them. In schools and within a specified radius, enforce the prohibition of the sale of processed food. Serve only healthy meals in canteens. Teachers should also amplify the message against bringing processed food in lunch boxes.

Get to the root cause of malnutrition (undernutrition and obesity, adellechua@gmail.com

up their free 90-dialysis sessions.

“Mr. Roberto and Ms. De Leon would issue fake official receipts and acknowledgment receipts to patients paying in cash and receive their payments straight to their own pockets instead of depositing the same to WellMed’s bank account,” the document stated.

To cover up for the theft, the duo allegedly “connived in engaging in the corrupt scheme of falsifying dead patients signatures to file claims and thereafter receive reimbursements from PhilHealth that would then be deposited in WellMed’s account,” the same document revealed.

According to the documents, De Leon and Roberto were actually “livein” partners and have a child. “These cements this conspiracy and their motivation to commit the forgeries,” the owner of WellMed added. Incidentally, De Leon is married to another man.

Counsels said the irregularity began in 2017 after management turned down requests by Roberto and De Leon for salary increase on the ground of

poor performance and weak financial condition.

Since then, the couple’s performance started to be erratic and below par, prompting management to call their attention.

The lawyers said they also have evidence to prove that Roberto and De Leon who have since resigned plotted to sabotage WellMed through disparaging remarks and rumor-mongering.

“Roberto and De Leon also falsely claimed that WellMed owed its very survival to their efforts,” the owner of WellMed said.

“They are obviously pathological liars whose words should be taken at face value,” the owner of WellMed stressed.

As of this writing, this columnist has been trying to get the side of WellMed’s former employees—to no avail. We would welcome any response from the Roberto and De Leon and give them an equal space here should they send us any comment or reaction to their former employer’s version of the story.

concept of EEZ in UNCLOS. And needless to repeat: UNCLOS does allow coastal states to grant access to other states into their EEZ under certain conditions, such as when the coastal state is unable to fully utilize the marine resources in its EEZ. We cannot use the concept of the EEZ without accepting all its parameters, as defined by UNCLOS. To hold that our Constitution mandates exclusivity for Filipinos and for Filipinos only, over the resources of the EEZ, on the ground that our Constitution must prevail over our treaty obligations under international law, is “cherry picking” in an egregious way.

Two international principles are also at play here: 1.) A state cannot pass a domestic law to avoid an obligation under an international treaty (specially a treaty of global significance) to which it has acceded; and, 2.) Our Constitution itself states that the Philippines “adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land”. UNCLOS is now a part of international law.

Now therefore, whether the pronouncement of President Duterte on allowing Chinese fishermen to fish in our EEZ can be a ground for impeachment, as some quarters warn, must be viewed in the context of our obligations under UNCLOS specifically its provision on

the utilization of marine resources.

The presidential pronouncement needs fleshing out and should be formalized, but the concept is not an outright violation of our laws. It is not and cannot be a culpable violation of the Constitution.

I recall that then DA Usec Cesar Drilon, as head of a delegation of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), was able to negotiate a “sharing agreement” with Indonesia way back in 2002. Under this arrangement, our fishermen were allowed access into the EEZ of Indonesia subject to catch limits and the condition that the catch should be unloaded in an Indonesian port.

That arrangement was entitled “Arrangement between the Department of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia on the Utilization of Part of the Total Allowable Catch in the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone” signed on 10 January 2002. This could serve as a precedent in forging bilateral arrangements with other claimants of the WPS/SCS. Given the correct interpretation, the provisions of UNCLOS and our Constitution can be reconciled to enable us to be compliant with our treaty obligations while upholding our Constitution.

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debt trap. Former Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares has called attention to, for instance, the “onerous” Chico River project, which is not only covered by loan terms that are severely disadvantageous to the country, but also surrenders Philippine sovereignty and AS THE Duterte administration crosses patrimonial assets should we be unable the halfway mark, all eyes are on one to pay off the loan.

Meanwhile, introducing changes to of the President’s most anticipated campaign promises: the “golden age taxation is also a thorny issue, in parof infrastructure” in the country via ticular plans to lower corporate income his much vaunted Build, Build, Build taxes, rationalize tax incentives, as well program. These include long-term, as those involving mining or sin taxes. big-ticket projects, and so the last three Calibrated rashly, this may have severe years of what is proving to be an im- implications on the broader economy.

For instance, the much talked about mensely controversial presidency put heavy pressure on Duterte to deliver on and controversial Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Ophis commitment.

This massive infrastructure push portunities or TRABAHO Bill, meant sees the government aiming to spend to rationalize incentives by making some P2.18 trillion in 75 flagship proj- them more time-bound and perforects, 37 of which have already secured mance-based, failed to pass the last approval from the National Economic session of Congress despite consisand Development Authority (NEDA). tent championing by the Department Of the 37, 13 are envisioned to be com- of Finance and the administration’s pleted by the end of the Duterte presi- economic managers.

Some business sectors have prodency in 2022, with the rest being comtested the proposed removal of the pleted beyond.

With just three years left to fulfill preferential 5 percent gross income such a massive undertaking, time is earned currently on offer by Investment of the essence, and the timely rollout Promotion Agencies. These include and implementation of such projects the Philippine Economic Zone Authorwill make or break a critical cam- ity, whose many locators were among those who warned that, if enacted, the paign promise.

The budget impasse at the beginning bill would dampen investor confidence and thus lead to of the year was a large-scale revenue discouraging ecoreduction and job nomic spoiler. Aclosses. cording to figures We should closely This will shrink from the Bangko watch these trillion-peso the tax base and Sentral’s First therefore fail to Quarter 2019 Redeals. generate revenue, port on Economic one of its most saand Financial lient intentions.

Developments, Also, worth watching is the easthe protracted stalemate resulted in an eas underspending of about P1 billion per ing of bank secrecy laws, which the day, which was largely responsible for Department of Finance hopes to be the sharp decline in public construction implemented within the year. This will activities in the same period, from 22.6 pave the way for the implementation percent a year ago and 11.8 percent last of a general tax amnesty, seen to generate billions for the country’s coffers. quarter to a low 8.6 percent.

The same slowdown was reflected in Duterte has vetoed the relevant provithe gross domestic product (GDP). Data sion in a recent bill as he wanted more from the Philippine Statistics Authority state authority to run after tax evaders, showed a near 1 percent drop in GDP in particular the relaxation of bank segrowth year-on-year to 5.6 percent from crecy protection.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson had filed a bill 6.5 percent in the same period last year.

Moving forward, the envisioned multi- precisely to exempt government emtrillion government spending on infra- ployees and officials, including unistructure will require the adoption of an formed servicemen and employees of expansive fiscal policy that can help guar- government-owned and controlled corporations, from supposedly exploiting antee a reliable stream of funds.

Because two-thirds of projects in the decades-old Bank Secrecy Act to the pipeline are to be funded by gov- hide ill-gotten wealth.

Two potentially potent sources of ernment money, this means we need to keep a vigilant eye on the government’s funding are worth looking at but also dealings with regards to loans as well as require careful calibration. House Bill 8400, which sought to rationalize and its proposed tax-related reforms.

Top of mind when it comes to loans institute a single fiscal regime governis of course China. An offshoot of Ma- ing all mining operations, could have nila’s controversial pivot to Beijing and allowed the country to make use of its warming of its ties with the Asian su- massive untapped mineral resources. perpower, the Duterte administration If truly maximized, the mining sector had not been shy about its looking to could single-handedly provide the fisChina to finance some of its big-ticket cal muscle to implement Build, Build, infrastructure projects. Of the 35 flag- Build.

Finally, the passage of two landmark ship projects, 12 will be reportedly fipieces of health legislation, the Uninanced by Chinese loans and grants.

Among the biggest are the P175- versal Healthcare Act and the National billion Philippine National Railways Integrated Cancer Control Act, would (PNR) South Long-Haul aimed at con- need a consistent source of funding, necting Metro Manila to Bicol, fol- which in turn makes increasing sin taxlowed by the P50-billion Subic-Clark es tempting. While this is laudable on Railway seen to connect the two free paper, the country’s recent experience port zones in Central Luzon. Two loan with TRAIN, for instance, teaches us agreements with China have already that these things need to be approached been signed: the P4.37-billion Chico with caution because of the risk of trigRiver Pump Irrigation Project and the gering inflation.

While there is no question that an P12.2-billion New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam. Both projects infrastructure push is long overdue, have been criticized for posing a risk to the sheer size of the projects involved the way of life of indigenous peoples in also make it imperative that we closely watch these trillion-peso deals. After their proposed areas of operation.

Many have also warned that the all, for every loan and every new tax country is, like some developing coun- measure, the burden inevitably accrues tries, potentially falling into a Chinese to the ordinary Filipino.

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there will be nonetheless an upheaval in the government with all Cabinet members to be replaced by Robredo’s people.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo who can be more popish than the President undoubtedly will be the first to fall. We are not pining for the early demise of the President but we hope that he mends his ways and style of governance in the next three years so he can leave a lasting legacy for the people to remember him as a man of the people—not as the anti-Christ, anti-US, anti-EU and anti-anything.

Or as someone from Davao who has been demonized by his critics. Then again, this portrayal of the man is also of his own making with his aberrant and abusive language.

So who are the presidential players

waiting in the wings? Not my choices but the name are those that come out of the coffee shop habitués who fancy themselves as political analysts, These name so far include industrialist Ramon Ang, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, senatorial topnotcher Cynthia Villar, Sara Duterte and even Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. This is why Pacquiao has to win his world welterweight title fight with undefeated American Kieth Thurman on July 20 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Winning that fight in grand fashion would be his springboard for whatever bigger political plan he has in mind.

At least we all know that whatever billions in funds Manny has, he earned through his own blood, sweat and tears—mostly his fists. It’s hard, honest work for 12 rounds or less, if Manny can dispose of loudmouth Thurman early.

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News

MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Mindoro power plan extension sought Filipino sailors’ T HE Department of Energy and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan are looking to review Mindoro’s Power Development Master Plan as a continuation of the power sector Technical Cooperation Agreement signed in June 2018.

“Providing stable and reliable power in off-grid areas remains a considerable challenge to our goal of total electrification. Mindoro is one of those island provinces that has been plagued with power problems for decades,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

“With the help of METI, we will be able to undertake a comprehensive study of the Mindoro grid, and assess the feasibility of introducing a micro-grid system as a source of stable power. If everything goes well, Mindoro would serve as an electrification model for the rest of the offgrid islands in the Philippines,” he added.

Mindoro is the seventh largest island in the Philippines with a total land area of 10,571 square kilometers and a population of about two million people.

Many communities, however, remain without access power, while those with electricity suffer from unreliable services.

Under the proposal, the DOE has requested METI, together with Japanese firm, KPMG AZSA LLC, to provide technical assistance for the formulation of a comprehensive and integrated Power System Development and Operational PIan for Mindoro.

This will help build capacity toward the total electrification of all households in the island, especially the poor villages and communities in the peripheries of the remote uplands and coastal areas through the introduction of the micro-grid system.

A micro-grid is a small-scale power system able to provide stable power supply to off-grid areas by combining distributed power sources such as diesel generators, solar power, wind power, and storage batteries.

Under the 2018 TCA, the Japanese ministry, through KPMG AZSA LLC and NEWJEC Inc. held seminars and trainings on power operation and maintenance.

They also sent their specialists to gather information on the DOE’s initiatives on conducting performance audits of power generation and distribution system facilities.

This will serve as take off point for the next phase of the TCA, Cusi said.

Both parties are optimistic that the extension agreement will be signed within the year.

cash remittance reach $2.14b from Jan.-April

HAUL. Natives of Nasugbu gather fine black sand using improvised rafts. These will be sold to nearby gravel and sand dealers at Barangay Palico in Batangas. Ey Acasio

CAB eyes lifting of suspension on new flights to Kalibo, Caticlan

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Civil Aeronautics Board said it is studying to lift the suspension order on new and additional flights to Kalibo and Caticlan amid opposition from the hotel owners association.

“Its under review. We will come up something within the month,” Carmelo Arcilla, executive director of CAB, said.

“The moratorium is only temporary,” he added.

Arcilla said the agency is set to meet with the hotel owners association

and other stakeholders this month to address the issue on the moratorium on new and additional flights to Boracay.

The Philippine Hotel Owners Association Inc. earlier urged the CAB and the Department of Tourism to recall the 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.

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

PHOAI president Arthur Lopez the suspension of the flights must be lifted pending a thorough study of the directive.

The CAB said in a June 10 resolution that the suspension order was meant 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 for its rehabilitation.

PHOAI urged the Department of Tourism and CAB to 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,” the association said.

Since the reopening of Boracay in October 2018, tourist arrivals have slowly crept up past the 6,405-daily tourist arrival limit, especially in April.

FILIPINO sailors on international ocean-going vessels wired home a total of $2.14 billion in cash via the banking system from January to April this year.

The figure is up by $210 million, or 10.7 percent, from the $1.93 billion in the same four-month period in 2018, the ACTS-OFW coalition said on Sunday.

Cash remittances from Filipino sailors remain buoyant amid strong demand for their skills and sustained deployment, ACTS-OFW chairman Aniceto Bertiz III said.

“Fund transfers from sea-based Filipino workers abroad are actually rising at a rate five times faster than remittances coming from those based on land,” added Bertiz.

He identified the top 10 sources of remittances from Filipino sailors in the period under review as follows: United States ($770.1 million); Singapore ($214.4 million); Germany ($186.6 million); Japan ($184.3 million); United Kingdom ($105.9 million); The Netherlands ($96.69 million); Hong Kong ($93.7 million); Panama ($58.7 million); Cyprus ($55.9 million); and Norway ($39.9 million).

Bertiz urged the Commission on Higher Education to encourage high school graduates from disadvantaged families to enroll either in Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation or Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering programs.

“They should be favored in the grant of full scholarships in private maritime schools,” Bertiz said.

Bertiz also urged the country’s tuition-free state universities and colleges that currently do not offer the BSMT and BSMarE programs to start supplying them.

Graduates of the two programs, once licensed and certified, may qualify as ship officers—masters, chief mates, officers-in-charge of a navigational watch, chief engineers, second engineers and officers-incharge of engineering watch.

Filipino sailors serve on bulk carriers, container ships, oil, gas, chemical and other product tankers, general cargo ships, pure car carriers, cruise ships and tugboats around the world.

Regulate supplemental meds—solon

By Rio N. Araja

THE MAJESTY OF THE LAW. Supreme Court associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguiao administers the lawyer’s oath for 21

newly-inducted members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Bulacan chapter. Among the new lawyer-members is Olivia Paula Mauricio, daughter of Manila Standard correspondent for Bulacan Orlan Mauricio.

Angara bill seeks to double indigent seniors’ pension

By Macon Ramos-Araneta FOR most individuals, hitting the age of 60 means enjoying the rest of your life free from work and stress. But not everyone is so lucky, said Senator Sonny Angara.

Citing a study by the Coalition of Services of the Elderly, he said more than half of the country’s senior citizens do not receive any form of pension.

“They took care of us when we were young, made several sacrifices to provide for our needs and when they reach their twilight years, many are left to fend for themselves,” Angara said.

“They are already retired. If they have savings, these are not enough for their daily expenses. The payment for their check-up and for medicines are not enough,” he added.

At present, he said indigent senior citizens are provided with a social pension amounting to P500 per month or P6,000 a year.

Making good on his campaign promise, Angara has filed Senate Bill No. 133 that would amend the Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act of 2010 to increase the social pension granted to senior citizens by 100 percent or P12,000 a year.

The bill also widens the coverage to include senior citizens who do not receive any form of pension.

He said review of the social pension system will be done every two years after the effectivity of the law, with the intent of raising the monthly stipend as necessary.

“We have to take into account factors such as inflation in reviewing the social pension of our senior citizens,” said Angara.

The coverage of the program, he said, can also be expanded further to include those who are receiving below basic pension.

PARAÑAQUE City Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting is batting for the regulation of the proliferation of supplemental medicine and other related preparations in the market in a bid to protect the welfare of the consumers.

She filed House Bill No. 1038 to put in place adequate safeguards for the protection of consumers against aggressive and exaggerated therapeutic claims of unscrupulous manufacturers in their advertisement.

Most drug manufacturers of supplements and other dietary preparations bearing the “No Therapeutic Claim” on their packaging and promotion of their products have been capitalizing on the fine print and disclaimers, she said.

“Thus, unqualified substitution is

allowed and the law cannot hold the physician responsible for adverse consequences,” Tambunting added.

The therapeutic decisions reached by physicians are based on a complex body of medical information relevant to a specific patient, she said.

“It is not denied that therapeutic failure or toxicity may result from improper substitution of a drug at the pharmacy counter,” Tambunting said in the bill’s explanatory part.

Supplemental medicine as defined under the bill covers supplemental medicines, dietary preparations, and other related supplements including herbal preparations.

The measure, if passed, would empower a consumer to file a civil suit against the person who has engaged or is engaging in prohibited acts stipulated in the bill, Tambunting said.

Robert Saret, 53 ROBERT Saret of the Ligao City environmental office passed away yesterday, July 7, due to diabetes complications. He was 53.

Robert had been a public servant for over two decades, dabbling in local politics and working for the local government for the last ten years. Colleagues fondly remember him for being a straight and strict environmental inspector. He was also known for his exceptional basketball skills in his younger years.

He is survived by his mother, Zenaida; his wife, Thelma Arnival;

children Paula, Nino Bryzon, Peter, Villy, Claudine, Jester and YanRey; and siblings Judith Sanchez, Mary Vivian Jimenez, Mary Agnes Rivera, Rosemarie Santos and Dulce Marie.

His body lies in state at the Nuestra Señora de Salvacion in Centro, Ligao City.

He will be transferred to the Saret residence in Diaz St., Tinago, Ligao City, on Wednesday, July 10.

Interment will be on Monday, July 15. He will be laid to rest at the Ligao Catholic Cemetery in Guilid, Ligao City.

Sports

A7

MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

POC board to decide on special polls committee

PhilCycling holds national road tourney in Tagaytay THE PhilCycling National Road Championships for 2019 unwrap July 23 and 24 in Tagaytay City with stakeholders from the private sector pooling their support for the final event that would determine the composition of the cycling team to the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

PhilCycling president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said competitions will be in massed start (road race), individual time trial (ITT) and team time trial (TTT) for Men and Women Elite and Junior (17-18 years old).

The country’s elite riders are expected to race for the coveted national champions jerseys in the Men Elite and Under-23 18-km ITT; Women Elite and Under-23 and Men and Women Junior 12-km ITT; Men Elite 40-km TTT; Women Elite and Under-23 and Men and Women Junior 91.35-km Road Race; and Men Elite and Under-23 132.08-km Road Race.

Standard Insurance is throwing its full support for the championships along with Go For Gold, One LGC (Air21, Ube Media Inc. and IWMI), MVP Sports Foundation and 7-Eleven Cliqq Air21 by Roadbike Philippines.

Registration is only through online via national coach Ednalyn Calitis Hualda’s facebook page. Riders with International Cycling Union licenses—which could obtained through PhilCycling director Jojo Villa’s facebook page-will be allowed to race.

The national championships for youth men and women—aged 16 and under— will be incorporated in the Batang Pinoy National Finals in Puerto Princesa next month.

Tagaytay City will also be the main hub of the 30th SEA Games cycling competitions which also includes mountain bike and BMX race and freestyle.

Makati Football Club makes 37th stint in Gothia World Youth Cup MAKATI FC is currently in Europe to compete for two major youth competitions.

The club will make its 37th consecutive stint in the Gothia World Youth Cup scheduled on July 14 to 20 in Gothenburg, Sweden right after its debut in the Paris World Games.

With its good performance in the past few years, Makati FC has been getting a lot of invitations from several countries to compete in their tournaments.

And for the first time this year, the club is invited to the Paris World Games, which will serve as a buildup to the Gothia Cup. The club, which brought over 70 players from five teams: (boys born 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and girls born 2005) left the country last Saturday.

Tomas Lozano, theMakati FC Founder, who just turned 70 last week, has been bringing teams to compete in Gothia Cup since 1983. He received the Gothia Cup Hall of Fame award last 2007 in Sweden for 25 years of continuous participation and received another in 2012 for 30 years participation.

“The Gothia Cup is the world’s largest youth football tournament. Each year, around 1,700 teams from 80 countries take part and they play 4,500 games on 110 fields,” said SeLu Lozano, son of Tomas Lozano and CEO of Makati FC’s.

“It’s the teams, and participants from around the world that make the tournament unique. And having to be part of something as big as Gothia Cup, bringing 5 teams from the Philippines this year is something that the Club is very proud of. What our players get to experience is nothing short of spectacular not just in terms of exposure for football but as growing individuals who has the potential to be future leaders of our country.

Empowering our youth through football is what Makati FC is all about.” he added.

The players are looking forward to participating in the tournament. One of them is Lance Locsin, a Makati FC Boys 14 standout, who was discovered from Bacolod and is now a scholar of Makati FC studying in De La Salle Zobel.

“We will do our best to win in Gothia Cup and Paris. Football has given me everything in my life. The better I do in my football career around the world, the more opportunities will open up for me.

My family back home is also helped by the club because of football,” said Locsin. “My dream is to play professional football abroad through Makati FC, I have a realistic chance.”

PACT RENEWED. Davao Occidental Cocolife Tigers’ team owner Rep. Claudine Bautista and main backer Cocolife President Atty. Jose Martin Loon show their signed renewed partnership contract for the Lakan Season of 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League during the team presentation at the Cocolife Function Hall in Ayala Avenue, Makati City last Friday. In photo during the ceremony were [seated from left] coach Arvin Bonleon, coach Rob Wainright, team manager Bong Baribar, Cocolife SVP Franz Joie Araque, [standing from right] AVP James Dellava, AVP Rowena Asnan, FVP Joseph Ronquillo, assistant team manager Ray Alao and coach Manu Inigo.

Local aces boost PH Golf Tour Asia Southwoods cast A NGELO Que and Miguel Tabuena take a break from their hectic campaign abroad and Jobim Carlos returns from a layoff as the troika joins a streaking Juvic Pagunsan in what promises to be a shootout with a slew of foreign aces in the ICTSI Manila Southwoods Championship firing off tomorrow (Tuesday, July 9) at the Legends course in Carmona, Cavite.

The $100,000 event serving as the third leg of PGT Asia put up by ICTSI marks a rare gathering of the Filipino talents all primed up for four days of battle of shotmaking, iron play and putting against a strong foreign contingent out to keep its early control of the region’s emerging circuit.

Que arrives today from his Japan PGA Tour campaign, Tabuena plays in his first local tournament this year after an injury and a couple of events in Europe recently, and Carlos, the reigning Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit champion, is back, also from an injury, and ready to recall his form.

Still, focus will be on Pagunsan, who swept the last three legs of the four-stage Visayan swing of the PGT last month, making him the marked player in the 72 hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Reigning Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla is also in the fold, fourtime PGT Asia leg winner Jhonnel Ababa hopes to sneak into the title race and

extend his run of luck in the circuit and Jay Bayron is upbeat of scoring a repeat here after edging American John Michael O’Toole by one on a 26-under total last year.

The elite field, however, may find it a bit tougher to match that total output with the bunker-laden layout now set as a par71 and which could play a little longer in soft conditions.

Still, a fiery duel is up right on the first shot with Namchok Tantipokhakul and Wisut Artjanawat hoping to stretch Thailand’s hot start in the circuit after the former topped this year’s PGTA kickoff leg at Luisita last April and the latter snared the Taiwan PGA Open crown last May, the first PGT Asia co-sanctioned event abroad.

But they are just two of the foreign bets, who make half of the 121-player field, who are itching to slug it out with the local shotmakers with others coming from Singapore, Laos, England, Korea, Japan, Australia, Syria, Malaysia, Colombia, India, Argentina, Venezuela, Spain,

Miguel Tabuena

Finland, Macedonia, South Africa, the Netherlands and the US. Meanwhile, a select roster of pros test the course one last time in today’s (Monday) pro-am where they will be paired with guests and officials of the event’s chief backers, including ICTSI, PLDT Enterprise, Meralco, BDO and PGT Asia official apparel Pin High.

Others fancied to get into the early mix are former The Country Club Invitational champion Micah Shin of the US and former PGTA leg winners David Gleeson of Australia along with the power-hitting Tim Stewart, also from Down Under, two-time PGT leg titlist and Manilabased Dutch Guido Van der Valk, Spain’s Marcos Pastor, comebacking Brett Munson of the US and Singapore’s Koh Deng Shan and Gregory Foo. -

Beach volley returns to Tanduay Athletics Center

PVF official Gerald Cantada joins beach volley ‘Godfather’ Lucio ‘Bong’ Tan, Jr. (left) during an international trip.

BEACH Volleyball returned to the Tanduay Athletics Volleyball Center (formerly Cantada Sports Center) in Taguig on Sunday.

Competitions were held in both boys and girls in U15 and U18 age divisions.

The center boasts of two sandcourts (indoor and outdoor), a swimming pool, immaculately clean shower and changing facilities, lounging area and dining facilities, available to participants and officials.

Out-of-town participants needing accommodations are given free board and lodging starting July 6. PVF and FIVB licensed international referees and national referees are officiating.

As part of the tradition, all

PVF tournaments under the leadership of PVF president Edgardo ‘Tito Boy’ Cantada and chairman Mikey Arroyo, have no entry fees.

Complimentary meals starting with breakfast until dinner (if necessary) and everything in between are served to all participants, officials and invited guests. Complimentary drinks also flowed all day.

To be eligible, participants must have turned 15 only on July 8 or later for U15 and must have turned 18 only on July 8, 2019 or later for the U18 class.

The tournament is generously supported by Lucio “Bong”Tan, Jr., Asia Brewery, Inc., Tanduay Athletics and Philippine Airlines.

MAJORITY of the members of the Philippine Olympic Committee executive board will take the first step in preparing for the coming elections on July 28.

Only seven members of the executive board will attend a special meeting meeting of the executive board scheduled at 10 a.m. today at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.

Guided by the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, the board will tackle and the decide on the creation of a special election committee and the call for an Extraordinary General Assembly on July 18.

“I am thankful for IOC/OCA guidance on our POC special election to fill up vacated positions. We are hopeful we can fulfill our procedural steps leading to an orderly election befitting a National Olympic Committee,” said acting president Joey Romasanta.

Romasanta, who is returning from a short trip to Singapore, is among the eight remaining members of the executive board.

The others are former president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., IOC representative Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, Robert Mananquil of billiards and snooker, Julian Camacho of wushu, Jonee Go of canoe/kayak, Prospero Pichay of chess and Jeff Tamayo of soft tennis.

Last Friday, the IOC asked Philippine Olympic Committee officials who have already vacated their positions not to attend the special meeting set.

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.

This includes Ricky Vargas, who quit as as POC president last June 18.

The IOC sent its latest communication and requested at least five officials not to show up.This was 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 invitation letters came from secretary general Patrick Gregorio, and the other one originated from acting secretary general and legal counsel Charlie Ho. Ho is expected to attend the gathering since he was appointed by the executive board to the post.

Vargas won’t be attending with archery’s Clint Aranas, Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics and chairman Abraham Tolentino since they have already forwarded their letters of resignation.

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

Peter Atencio

Czech...

From A8

“Then it’s the run again. It’s a little bit different. The run has to be controlled again. Definitely different strategy. Different process of how you manage yourself. Even hydration point of view is totally different.”

Raymund Torio finished second to Chicano. They were followed by Jorry Ycong, Juan Carlos Abad, Leonard Rondina and Andrew Kim Remolino.

Renz Wynn None Corbin was second to Taylor. They were followed by Charles Jeremiah Alejano Lipura, Eros Satchi Molit Navio and Justice Famat Wee. Nicole Marie Seares Del Rosario and Frency Mae Bayking Eduria followed Erediano.

Phenom, Gilas women’s team crowned Red Bull Reign champs TWO Philippine champions emerged victorious at the Red Bull Reign Finals on recently at Kerry Sports Manila in Bonifacio Global City—Men’s Champion Phenom and Women’s Champion Team Gilas Women’s.

Both teams advanced to the Red Bull Reign Global Finals in Toronto, Canada, this August as they will represent the Philippines against 15 other nations from around the globe.

Red Bull Reign is a high-endurance, offense-driven 3-on-3 street basketball tournament that brings the best ballers in the world together.

Each game is contested under strict rules inspired

by FIBA’s (International Basketball Federation) 3-on-3 rules: Teams consist of 3 players (+1 reserve) age 18 and above. Games take place back-to-back on opposite halves of the court, with the first team to score 21 points or the most points in 10 minutes winning the match.

In total, 14 male teams and eight female teams competed this year.

Women’s Red Bull Reign Tournament Red Bull Reign 2019 introduced a standalone tour-

nament exclusively dedicated to women. Teams from countries including Russia, United Kingdom, and the Canada held local tournaments to find representatives for the Global Finals.

This year’s installment saw several local teams all vying for a spot in the Finals. The opening games took place in the morning and progressed over the course of the day, until only two teams remained: Zamboanga Valientes and Team Gilas Women’s, with the later taking the victory with a final score of 21 – 06.

Team Gilas Women’s is comprised of Jack Daniel Animam, Claire Castro, Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino. They are members of the Philippines’ national women’s basketball team, with years of experience under their belt.

“We train everyday”, said power forward Animam.

“We’ve known each other for so long that our teamwork is top notch. And now, it’s a privilege to represent the Philippines in the World Finals in Toronto!”

Men’s Red Bull Reign Tournament Teams Phenom and Basilan both won their respective games to meet in a thrilling finals showdown. With amazing shooting and tenacity, the Phenom edged its

competition to a final score of 22-to-19. As three-time Red Bull Reign Philippine Champions, the Phenom this year consisted of former NCAA and PBA D-League players Shaq Alanes, Junjie Hallare, and Micole Sorela.

Members of the Phenom and Gilas Women’s Team celebrate their title conquests.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@thestandard.com.ph; sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

Alaska, SMB dispute UNTV Faceoff cage title Games Today

(Smart Araneta Coliseum) 6 p.m. – Ginebra vs Purefoods 8 p.m. – Alaska vs San Miguel

Danny Seigle is one of San Miguel Beer players expected to deliver the goods when they face the Alaska Milkmen today.

TNT assured of Top 2 finish after victory

By Jeric Lopez TNT KaTropa has sealed one of the top two seeds.

Terrence Jones unloaded 21 of his game-high 36 points in the first half and produced a triple-double to help the Tropang Texters cruise to their seventh straight win at the expense of Blackwater, 115-97, as they cemented their place in the top two in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Jones also had 16 rebounds and 14 assists for yet another triple-double, his second straight and third overall.

Jayson Castro nearly had a tripledouble of his own, scoring 13 points and 10 assists with seven rebounds, while Troy Roasario added 14 markers to help Jones and the Texters.

After improving to 9-1 with a game to go, TNT has secured a finish in the top two and more importantly, a twiceto-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

The Texters can seal the top seed with either a win in their last game or a NorthPort loss in its final assignment.

The Elite, also already in the quarters, fell to 6-4, still good for third place.

With Jones locked and loaded from the get-go, it didn’t take long for TNT to seize control.

TNT owned the second quarter, taking it by 15 points, 35-20, to enable to open up a commanding 60-43 speread at the turn.

A 30-11 blast midway the second actually gave it a gigantic 21-point, bubble 57-36, with 2:46 left before halftime.

The pounding continued further in the second half with the Tropang Texters once extending lead up to 27 points, 9366, in the fourth with 11:03 remaining after a Rosario basket.

The Tropang Texters shot 50-percent from the floor in the first half, helping them gain the separation they got.

Bobby Ray Parks Jr. had a team-high 21 points with 10 rebounds and five assists in a losing effort for Blackwater.

The scores: TNT 115 - Jones 36, Rosario 14, Castro 13, Heruela 12, Pogoy 12, Trollano 11, A. Semerad 8, Magat 4, Casino 3, Taha 2, Reyes 0, Golla 0, D. Semerad 0.

Blackwater 97 - Parks 21, Digregorio 19, Maliksi 16, Blair 16, Belo 10, Sumang 4, Alolino 3, Banal 2, Dario 2, Sena 2, Desiderio 2, Cortez 0, Tratter 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Jose 0.

Quarterscores: 25-23, 60-43, 91-66, 115-97

Pirates stun Knights

By Peter Atencio

B

IG plays from the Marcelino twins in the last two minutes pushed the Lyceum University of the Philippines Pirates to an 84-80 repulsing of the Letran Knights yesterday at the start of the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The younger of the 20-year-old standouts, Jaycee showed the way with 24 points for the Pirates, including eight points in the fourth period as Lyceum fought their way back into the lead in the last two minutes.

It was Jayvee’s driving shot off Letran’s Larry Muyang’s fifth foul in the last 1:22 which allowed the Pirates to shatter the game’s last deadlock and put them ahead by three, 80-77, with his three-point play.

Cancer survivor Jerrick Balanza, who shot 19 points for the Knights, missed a basket off Nino Ibanez in the next play, and Jayvee struck again following Jaycee’s pass after the turnover.

With Jayvee scoring with 50.7 ticks left, the Pirates stayed ahead by five, 82-77.

The absence of injured big man Mike Harry Nzeusseu tolled heavily on the game of the Pirates, but they fought their way back from six points down in the last seven minutes.

Nzeusseu, the Pirates’ 6’8” slotman from Cameroon, sat out the game after hurting his right index finger during a pre-season game. He will be back when the Pirates meet the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on Friday.

This year’s competitions are hosted by Arellano University, which embraced the theme “Kaisa sa Pagkakaiba,” in line with its push to promote togetherness among the 10 member schools.

Students wearing outfits that showcased the tribal culture in the country

went around during the parade of athletes, while rocker Bamboo and NCAA battle of the bands champion Cherry Band from Mapua University had a short performance.

“Coming to the game, we discussed how we will look at the season. It’s not about the result of the game, but how we are playing the game,” said Pirates’ coach Topex Robinson.

Meanwhile, Donald Tankoua fired 19 points and had 12 rebounds for the defending champion San Beda Red Lions as they demolished the Arellano Chiefs, 59-46.

The Knights, with new coach Bonnie Tan back in the league after last handling Lyceum three years ago, continued to give the Pirates a scare in the remaining 41 seconds.

A triple from Edson Batiller gave the Knights a reason to keep on fighting, 8082.

But after Balanza missed an attempt, Jayvee stole the ball off Jayson David and went for a drive in the last three seconds to hand the Pirates a four-point edge when the game ended.

SAN Miguel Beer and Alaska dispute the UNTV Cup PBA Legends Faceoff title when they clash today before an expected huge crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen and Milkmen collide at 8 p.m. with the former out to complete a grand sweep of the fourteam tournament organized by UNTV President and CEO Daniel Razon in cooperation with the PBA Legends Foundation chaired by former Crispa star Atoy Co. San Miguel goes into the game with a big psychological advantage having swept the elims, including a 7661 drubbing of the Milkmen – thanks largely to Allan Caidic’s five booming triples.

Crowd-favorite Ginebra and Purefoods battle for third place at 6 p.m.

Razon said the combined prizes of the tournament worth P2 million – P1 million to the champion, P500,000 to the runnerup, P300,000 and P200,000 to the third and fourth placers, respectively – will go to the Legends Foundation.

General admission is free to public.

Gates will be opened at 3 p.m. with PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial expected to grace the affair designed to benefit former PBA players.

San Miguel and Alaska sealed a title showdown by beating their respective semis rivals with the former scoring a 79-70 win over the Alvin Patrimonioled Hotdogs while the Milkmen overpowered the Gin Kings, 84-69, despite playing only with seven players.

Adding color to the SMB-Alaska tiff is the showdown between Johnny Abarrientos of the Milkmen and Olsen Racela of the Beermen.

Though Abarrientos still surprisingly deadly with his crossover moves, the Milkmen should firm up their defense since Caidic, Danny Seigle, Dondon Hontiveros, Chris Calagio and Nic Belasco are still capable of knocking down threes – not to mention the inside plays of still fit twotime former MVP Danny Ildefonso.

Bong Hawkins, Jojo Lastimosa, Jeffrey Cariaso and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes should be ready for their fireworks – that means they have to be extra quick and sharp.

Pasig bows out Czech stuns favorite in Penong’s 5150 Davao of contention IRONKIDS champions.

Penong’s 5150 Davao was reclassified Originally scheduled as an Olympic by Sunrise Events and the IRONMAN DAVAO CITY—Jakub Langhammer distance triathlon (swim, bike, run) the Group to a Run-bike-run Duathlon after of the Czech Republic surprised the exwater testing concluded that the water perts by beating favorite Mitch Robins quality in the swim area was not suitable of Australia to rule the Penong’s 5150 for recreational use.

Davao yesterday at the Waterfront Hotel “I had to change strategy because of the here. conditions. In the end I was happy because There were no surprises in the Women’s there was no swim. Mitch (Robins) is so Professional Category, with Dimity Lee fast in the swim. I completely changed my Duke of Australia winning by a comfortrace strategy and I think in the end it was able margin over Laura Wood of New good,” said Langhammer.

Zealand.

Duke was not as happy as Langhammer Kieran Mcpherson finished second to but she was nonetheless satisfied with the Langhamer in the Men’s Professional overall conduct of the race.

Category. Robins was third while Filipino “For most of us, it’s not something August Benedicto came in fourth. we’re accustomed to. I know for a fact John Leerams Chicano won the Asian I’ve never raced in a duathlon ever, in my Elite with a time good enough to place entire career. And you don’t train for it. third in the Men’s Professional category.

It’s different,” said Duke.

The Penong’s 5150 Davao started with The Aussie winner said she had to run a 2.5k run, followed by a 40k bike and with care and needed to follow her strattopped by a 10k run to complete the duegy in order to come out on top. athlon.

“You do have to make sure that the first The Sunrise Sprint (1.25k run, 20k bike run is quite controlled. If you don’t then and 5k run) followed the Penong’s 5150. you get on that bike really tired. For me Gian Wallace Tumabang Taylor ruled the Jakub Langhammer of the Czech Republic I felt the first 20 kilometers of that bike. men’s category while Moira Martinez raises his hands after crossing the finish line, You know, I just didn’t have the legs,” Erediano ruled the women’s category winning the Penong’s 5150 Davao at the said Duke who finally adjusted during the of the Sunrise Sprint. Both are former Waterfront Hotel. second half of the bike ride.

Turn to A7

By Reuel Vidal

FOUL-TROUBLED Pasig-Chooks fell to Kranj of Slovenia,, 11-22, on Saturday evening (Manila time) at the Plaza de Leclerc in Poitiers, France.

The loss ended Pasig’s hopes of qualifying to the 2019 FIBA 3X3 Lausanne Masters this August.

Pasig was down by as much as six points with 5:38 left while already carrying seven fouls.

Nikola Pavlovic sparked a 4-1 run to cut Pasig’s deficit down to just three, 1114, with 3:39 left.

But in the next possession, Taylor Statham was caught with an over-the-back foul – Pasig’s 10th with 3:26 remaining.

A10th foul in 3x3 basketball means that the erring team will be penalized with two free throws and the opposite team also getting ball possession. From there, Pasig gave up six freebies, five of which were converted to send the 16th-ranked squad in the Masters.

Then, Mensud Julević’s layup sent the Slovenians to match point, while a long two by Igor Tratnik ended the match for the top-ranked Filipinos.

Pasig returns to Manila on Monday to prepare for the fourth leg of the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Patriot’s Cup on Saturday at the SM Megamall Events Center. Peter Atencio

Zion to miss remainder of summer Blu Girls arrest slide, stun Peru, 2-1 league; Davis signs with LA Lakers LOS ANGELES—The New Orleans Pelicans top prospect Zion Williamson suffered a bruised left knee in an exhibition game on Friday and will sit out the remainder of the NBA’s summer league schedule.

Williamson, the top overall pick in the 2019 entry draft, left his debut contest in the first half and did not return after colliding with a player from the New York Knicks.

“Zion will move forward from this incident without issue,” Pelicans vice president David Griffin said on Saturday. “However, in an abundance of caution, we have made the determination that he will not appear in game action for the remainder of the NBA summer league. He will continue to take part in training and conditioning with our performance team.”

Williamson scored 11 points in nine minutes, including some monster dunks.

The game was suspended in the fourth quarter after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Ridgecrest, California, about 230 kilometers (145 miles) southwest of Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers made it official on Saturday, announcing they have signed forward Anthony Davis, who they hope will form a dynamic onetwo punch with superstar LeBron James.

“Anthony Davis is arguably the most dominant all-around young player in today’s NBA,” said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. “Anthony represents everything we stand for, with his unwavering commitment to excellence as both a person and athlete. AFP

THE Philippines salvaged a semblance of pride with a 2-1 victory over Peru on Saturday, ending its lethargic but reassuring stint in the USA Softball International Cup at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, Georgia, USA. “I never doubted that a win will be coming. That close victory over Peru showed that the Blu Girls have been learning from their previous losses and are applying what they have learned.

The need now is for the girls to be more consistent as we prepare for the qualifying tournament for the 2020 Olympics,” “ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, ASAPHIL President and President/CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, which for a long time has been supporting softball in the country.

The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls drew first blood when Angelie Urs-

abia tripled on a 1-0 count in the first inning to score the game’s first run.

Peru, however, answered with a run in the bottom of the first inning to knot the count at 1-all.

The Philippines had another run in the fourth inning and pitcher Royevel Palma made sure Peru would not score again, preserving the win for the Blu Girls after eight losses in this prestigious women’s softball tournament.

Palma earned the win after pitching for six innings and allowing only four hits, zero runs and striking out five batters.

Ursabia led the Philippines with two hits in three at bats.

The Philippines is slated to play in the WBSC Softball Asia/Oceania 2019 Qualifying Event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to be held in Shanghai, China from Sept. 24 to 29.

Riflayca Basa of the Blu Girls

IN BRIEF Lloyds, Mitsubishi to build LNG plant DUBAI-BASED Lloyds Energy teamed up with Mitsubishi Corp. of Japan to put up a 1,200-megawatt liquefied natural gas power plant in the Philippines, according to the Energy Department.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Lloyds Energy was preparing the documents for its permits to proceed with the planned merchant LNG power plant.

“Lloyds Energy, together with Japan Mitsubishi, will put up a 1,200-MW LNG power plant...Lloyds is for the merchant power plant whose feedstock is LNG. It is not LNG farm,” Cusi said.

“They’re working on their papers.

They’re going to submit it to us. That is the product of our negotiation when we went to Japan during the trip of the President that I think was something like end of May, early June. That’s just a product of our discussion with the Japanese and Lloyds Energy,” the energy chief said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Power rates likely steady this month POWER rates of Manila Electric Co. will likely remain steady this month on several factors that mitigated the higher charges at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market amid power plant outages experienced by the Luzon grid and the higher universal charges.

Meralco vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said the Energy Regulatory Commission also recently approved an increase in the universal charges in the customers’ power bills.

“There are factors that will push up rates, such as the recently approved increase in the universal charge and higher charges from the WESM due to plant outages,” Fernandez said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Investors push for water security THE private sector asked the government to further improve the education system, ensure water security and continue to ease the business environment.

Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office received the recommendations from the private sector on behalf of the Duterte administration during the recent “Sulong Pilipinas” workshop at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Finance assistant secretary Antonio Joselito Lambino II said the top recommendation presented by the private sector was the refinement of the K-12 basic education program through the skills enhancement of instructors and integration of in-demand skills in the curricula.

Julito G. Rada

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

B1

Govt finalizing cable car plan Meat processors ask BOC to restore T MDM tariff to 5%

By Darwin G. Amojelar

HE Department of Transportation said it expects to complete the feasibility on the installation of cable cars in Metro Manila by the end of the year.

“My target is to finalize the feasibility study by end of this year. They are looking at somewhere in Pasig River as long as they will address the security issues in Malacanang Palace,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

Tugade said the government was also looking at the possibility of installing cable cars in Baguio City.

The government, through DOTr, secured P25 million in funding from the French government for a feasibility study on the installation of cable cars.

Tugade said aside from the feasibility

study, the French government planned to participate in the installation of the cable cars.

He said the Philippine government was in talks with a mall owner in Metro Manila to install the cable cars to decongest traffic in Metro Manila. He did not identify the developer.

According to the Japan International for Cooperation Agency, the updated daily cost of traffic in Metro Manila was P3.5 billion in 2017, higher than the estimated P2.4 billion based on the previous transport roadmap.

Jica said that with the estimated 12.8 million population of Metro Manila as of 2015, the cost would amount to P273 for each resident a day, up from P187.5 for each resident in the previous roadmap.

It said that without intervention, the daily cost of traffic would increase to P5.4 billion in the coming years.

Jica said Metro Manila’s traffic situation was worsening, as traffic demand reached 13.4 million trips a day.

By 2035, the daily cost of traffic was expected to ease to P3 billion with the government’s “Build Build Build” program, the agency said.

The program involves the construction of subways, railways and expressways across the country.

Jica said with additional projects, the impact would be further reduced to P2.4 billion.

Automation the new trend in entertainment centers PROVIDING new content through the adoption of technology and automation are now the key factors that can keep family entertainment centers, theme parks and arcade centers competitive.

David Chow, director of HQ Bizlink International PTE Ltd. which serves as the organizer of the Philippine Attractions & Amusement Expo 2019 to be held on July 11 to 13 July at the World Trade Center, is encouraging investors, operators and marketing managers of FEC to attend the technical presentations during the event to get the latest trends in the industry. PAExpo2019 is open to the public for free.

“Customers are not loyal to the brand but to their feelings, Hence, creating unique content and technology is far more important,” said ZooMoov chief executive Miguel Pereira. He said it is

important for the industry to develop their value through technology.

Pereira said the salesforce offers an opportunity for businesses to understand their customers and anticipate market demands. “We can then innovate fast to give them what they want— even before they know they want it.

That capacity to innovate and act fast is important for an SME [small and medium enterprise] as it gives a competitive advantage.”

“As an entrepreneur, I’m always searching for creative and innovative business approaches which have helped ZooMoov stand out from its competitors,” he said.

Gavin Russell Smith, vice president for business development park attractions at WhiteWater West, said technology plays a crucial role in keeping

theme parks business competitive.

He said water parks now offer as simple as Wi-Fi and charging stations, apps and guest interfaces. “Guests now expect technology as part of their experience,” he said.

“Developers and operators in the amusement parks and attractions industry looking to stay current and relevant in industry trends need to keep close eyes on changing trends within our industry to satisfy guest needs and stay relevant,” Smith said.

Another important lesson is how to change the social dynamics in theme parks, he said.

Smith said the industry is now recognizing the importance of visual factors on guests experiences which is changing how parks are designed and upping the bar for everyone.

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. asked the Bureau of Customs to immediately restore to 5 percent the import duty on mechanically deboned meat and refund the excessive payments advanced by the importers.

Pampi through legal counsel Ma. Luz S. Arzaga-Mendoza, in a letter to Customs commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero on June 21, complained about the “unwarranted imposition of excessive duty rate of 40 percent on MDM” or the raw materials used by meat processors to produce hotdogs, sausages and canned meat products when the right tariff should be 5 percent.

“We are respectfully requesting your good office to issue a directive immediately stopping the further imposition of the 40-percent duty rate on MDM and order for the refund of the excessive payments advanced by the aggrieved importers,” Arzaga-Mendoza said.

Customs district collector Erastus Sandino Austria earlier issued letters to MDM importers demanding the payment of the 40-percent duty rate and threatening to impose the corresponding surcharges and interests starting March 5, 2019 when the Rice Tariffication Law took effect.

Austria argued that the law effectively raised the tariff rate on MDM shipments to 40 percent, a decision that PAMPI found unilateral.

PHILIPPINE ATTRACTIONS &� AMUSEMENT EXPO 2019�

11 - 13 July, 2019 at World Trade Center, Pasay City, Manila� (Opening Hours: 11 & 12 July - 10 am to 5 pm; 13 July - 10 - 4pm)� Open to Trade & Public - Free Admission • Free Arcade Games & Kiddie Rides to try� Age: 4 year old & above. Children below 16 year old must be accompanied by an adult.� For Trade & Business�- more that 70 companies from countries / areas� including the Philippines, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Italy,� Singapore, Taiwan and USA displaying the latest products, technologies and� services on designs and latest trend concepts for the indoor & outdoor� playground, parks, amusement games and edutainment industry at the expo.� For Knowledge�- listen to some of the experts at the Technical Presentation� session. Attendance is FREE, on first-come-first-served basis as there are� limited seats available. Online registration will close on 5 July, 2019.� Artistryware Interactive�- Niccolo Manuel F Manahan / Production Manager� Augmented & Mixed Reality: A New Breed Of Interactive Entertainment.� (The viability of augmented and mixed reality in theme park attractions and offer potential� solutions and collaborations)�

Embed International�- Cashless - Investment Protection And Marketing Op-� portunity.� (Why cashless? Benefit in business costs reduction & marketing opportunity)�

Semnox Solutions�- Kiran Karanki / Director� New Wave Of Automation In Parks.�(Taking parks automation to the next level)� WhiteWater�- Gavin Russell Smith / VP, Biz Dev. Park Attraction - SEA/China.� Forewarned Is Forearmed.� (Stay current and relevant industry trend to retain your customers - 5 trends must carefully� consider)�

ZooMoov (Singapore-based) - Miguel Pereira / CEO� Set Your Value Proposition Apart From Today’s Crowded Landscape By Creat-� ing Unique Content And Technology.� (Don’t allow competition and fast pace environment to dilute your brand. Creating unique� content and technology is far more important)� Attendance is Free - Online Registration at�https://www.pa-expo.net/tech-presentation-regn�

For The Public & Family�- The Fun Begins here. Parents, bring� your children to enjoy the arcade games and indoor play-� grounds FREE at the Demo Area.�

B2

Business

MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock index likely to stay above 8,000

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

HE Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, is likely to firm up above the 8,000-point level on benign inflation outlook and expectations of another round of interest rate cuts.

AAA Securities research head Chris Mangun said the PSEi had steadily climbed over the last eight weeks and, “we finally might have a shot at breaking that heavy resistance at 8,150”.

“If it can successfully break above that resistance level, then we may see it back at all-time highs before the end of the year. This scenario

may play out over the next few weeks. However, if it fails to rally, then we will see it lose another 500 to 600 points and trade sideways till the end of the year,” Mangun said.

“I am more inclined to believe that the former scenario is what will play out. The next few weeks are going to be interesting,” he said.

The bellwether rose 1.48 percent

last week to close at 8,117.94 on July 5, while the broader all-share index climbed 1.06 percent to 4,945.68 amid thin trading.

“The week’s close at 8,117.94 momentum is building up to challenge the 8,100/8,200 levels. A break above 8,200 could signal a break-out of the 7,500 to 8,000 levels consolidation and engage the bulls back to play,” BDO Unibank chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said.

Four of the six sub-indices posted week-on-week gains led by property which advanced 2.48 percent, industrial which climbed 2.45 percent, financials which rose 1.27 percent and holding firms which went up 1.22 percent.

Mining and oil index declined by 2

percent while services lost 0.72 percent on a week-on-week basis.

Foreign investors were net sellers last week by P357.7 million, while the average daily turnover dropped to P5.8 billion from the previous week’s average of P10.3 billion.

Top gainers last week were Philippine National Bank which jumped 14.1 percent to P0.97, First Philippine Holdings Inc. which rose 13.5 percent to P91.65 and Aboitiz Power Corp. which advanced 6.3 percent to P37.

Heavy losers included Phinma Energy Corp. which retreated 13.7 percent to P2.20, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. which dropped 9.6 percent to P57.40 and Megawide Construction Corp. which slipped 5.3 percent to P18.

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW JULY 1-5, 2019 Close Volume

Value

FINANCIAL Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources China Bank COL Financial Eastwest Bank Ferronoux Holding Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

58.9 143.00 78.60 2.30 1.26 27.15 18.76 12.12 4.84 7.71 0.53 1.34 765.00 0.500 71.75 0.98 13.24 55.80 58.05 115 190 27.15 172 1750.00 61.95 1.12

38,260 13,587,570 8,322,700 462,000 2,395,000 358,900 50,600 6,040,700 691,400 1,800 4,000 39,000 240 5,036,000 10,872,130 1,308,000 203,200 3,486,050 14,030 210 5,910 278,100 3,162,490 585 227,320 137,000

2,236,331.00 1,903,976,212.00 657,433,059.00 1,120,860.00 3,153,130.00 9,812,160.00 948,588.00 72,604,606.00 3,361,589.00 13,893.00 2,120.00 53,950.00 184,100.00 2,550,390.00 783,657,707.00 1,280,110.00 2,683,474.00 186,531,539.00 813,889.00 24,150.00 1,128,768.00 7,632,895.00 540,930,597.00 1,032,965.00 14,058,713.00 161,170.00

INDUSTRIAL Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Basic Energy Corp.

Bogo Medelin C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Conc. Aggr. ‘B’ Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Eagle Cement EEI Emperador Euro-Med Lab First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide MG Holdings Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Pilipinas Shell Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings SFA Semicon Shakeys Pizza SMC Food and Beverage SPC Power Corp.

Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

37 14.58 0.85 1.36 0.260 110 17.46 3.07 14.48 113.8 16.5 100.5 110.3 40.6 2.09 5.14 6.4 10.500 15.58 11.00 7.62 1.7 26.95 91.65 57.40 2.5900 13.60 10.24 1.700 285.00 50.00 4.25 3.44 9.59 25.45 14.56 18 0.186 386.00 5.87 1.91 4.75 5.87 9.30 2.20 12.08 38.8 4.91 4.90 1.38 1.91 1.14 14 104.1 6.58 0.127 1.23 176 2.48 1.28 16.00 1.43

5,732,700 4,154,000 15,416,000 2,769,000 24,730,000 90 30,200 60,779,000 10,365,500 80 2,342,200 511,870 165,470 75,300 623,000 15,100 829,700 11,579,800 3,321,500 2,697,800 9,743,300 95,000 20,303,600 3,191,710 1,454,230 30,416,000 2,449,200 1,448,100 6,709,000 1,325,070 10 16,000 96,000 170,500 3,283,800 2,443,900 11,769,500 4,460,000 536,900 600 68,739,000 432,000 5,538,300 227,300 143,271,000 178,900 1,986,100 101,200 7,441,000 1,502,000 81,000 4,048,000 1,995,200 1,740,580 528,900 3,100,000 4,350,000 3,726,640 278,000 11,537,000 2,400 125,051,000

209,570,305.00 61,899,246.00 13,104,460.00 3,814,460.00 6,498,850.00 9,900.00 508,248.00 186,579,850.00 154,954,878.00 9,096.00 41,200,318.00 64,494,246.00 24,152,627.00 3,056,735.00 1,290,120.00 79,454.00 5,186,988.00 121,625,520.00 51,782,258.00 29,919,852.00 74,602,323.00 165,250.00 547,399,670.00 283,788,050.00 88,002,459.00 78,524,950.00 33,379,728.00 14,839,756.00 11,547,970.00 377,541,214.00 500.00 68,300.00 321,920.00 1,616,866.00 82,801,640.00 34,823,138.00 216,265,904.00 832,420.00 206,293,930.00 3,528.00 128,056,360.00 1,988,690.00 32,705,699.00 2,112,227.00 339,877,460.00 2,159,058.00 77,708,725.00 499,800.00 36,460,900.00 2,121,650.00 163,880.00 4,681,490.00 27,600,580.00 184,458,043.00 3,440,966.00 405,750.00 5,346,560.00 636,712,730.00 697,020.00 14,529,230.00 38,170.00 191,349,240.00

HOLDING FIRMS Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ Asiabest Group ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Ayala Land Log BHI Holdings Inc. Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Lopez Holdings Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

MJCI Investments Inc. Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Transgrid Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

1.020 55.50 15.70 0.77 7.00 12.98 1.290 1.300 910 3.860 1251.00 6.87 10.22 3.91 14.00 0.240 855 6.40 68.75 6.35 4.55 0.485 4.24 15.88 0.640 4.78 2.89 0.0400 1.510 2.81 174.90 2.48 983.00 1.37 0.82 260.200 465.60 0.2370 0.335

472,732,000 5,351,900 26,669,000 8,326,000 164,000 490,500 18,728,000 5,333,000 1,932,700 28,475,000 10 12,558,800 13,779,700 1,000 959,600 4,450,000 316,320 1,126,300 4,518,230 500 13,900 1,266,000 17,233,000 14,366,000 13,868,000 84,529,000 14,000 83,000,000 70,075,000 24,000 1,558,520 9,000 1,195,610 1,314,000 1,723,000 7,560 270 7,430,000 33,950,000

487,625,930.00 297,210,326.00 419,593,944.00 6,393,910.00 1,138,540.00 6,401,158.00 24,753,110.00 7,113,270.00 1,743,034,480.00 110,093,930.00 12,510.00 85,799,188.00 142,756,206.00 3,910.00 13,463,534.00 1,032,350.00 280,450,020.00 7,232,139.00 305,133,382.00 3,140.00 64,040.00 613,890.00 69,370,240.00 224,002,940.00 8,827,390.00 408,615,210.00 38,680.00 3,331,300.00 115,668,180.00 68,170.00 273,610,107.00 22,170.00 1,176,138,645.00 1,840,050.00 1,422,490.00 1,987,054.00 117,076.00 1,741,580.00 11,294,400.00

PROPERTY 8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Anchor Land Holdings Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ CEB Landmasters Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

DM Wenceslao Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Filinvest Land,Inc. Global-Estate Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil Infradev Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’

15.300 0.85 11.34 2.050 0.970 52.200 2.35 5.17 6.1 0.630 0.85 0.930 0.238 0.460 10.580 25.2 0.475 0.121 1.90 1.38 6.1 0.340 1.8000 0.4800 0.405 46.00 2.24 27.00

4,893,700 7,176,000 4,900 324,000 126,913,000 42,382,210 3,030,000 14,403,000 187,200 230,521,000 1,669,000 2,620,000 5,610,000 8,570,000 1,587,600 1,821,700 8,450,000 50,000 230,423,000 9,784,000 68,648,000 79,690,000 18,669,000 5,530,000 1,670,000 1,500 5,924,000 12,375,100

75,893,608.00 6,009,450.00 54,400.00 657,750.00 116,583,010.00 2,190,831,486.50 7,014,590.00 73,386,754.00 1,139,745.00 144,656,920.00 1,380,070.00 2,480,360.00 1,339,210.00 3,908,300.00 16,352,756.00 45,410,765.00 4,020,450.00 6,050.00 437,064,500.00 13,621,000.00 423,316,303.00 24,921,150.00 34,401,200.00 2,571,500.00 681,400.00 69,010.00 13,108,280.00 329,444,715.00

STOCKS

JUNE 24-28, 2019 Close Volume

Value

58.4 140.00 78.50 2.41 1.19 27.45 18.7 11.62 4.99 7.71

26,890 20,034,920 10,021,900 704,000 553,000 1,352,500 128,600 5,671,700 1,986,600 6,400

1,565,008.00 2,825,706,381.00 794,679,688.50 1,650,370.00 648,460.00 37,776,615.00 2,401,314.00 65,946,620.00 10,107,242.00 49,340.00

1.35 765.00 0.500 71.25 0.97 13.26 49.25 58 115 190 28.1 170 1750.00 61.25 1.12

103,000 210 1,114,000 10,889,940 2,106,000 371,100 2,467,300 16,900 150 4,700 1,601,700 1,511,000 1,375 394,070 4,261,000

139,580.00 160,615.00 553,305.00 791,814,583.50 2,090,510.00 4,904,144.00 122,351,615.00 975,288.00 17,250.00 895,582.00 45,338,150.00 256,508,661.00 2,416,070.00 24,191,880.00 4,772,330.00

34.8 14.5 0.84 1.39 0.265 110 16.80 2.92 15.02 113.8 19.28 133.3 150 42 2.02 5.3 6.03 10.460 15.6 10.92 7.64 1.75 26.8 83 63.50 2.5400 13.70 10.06 1.700 281.80 50.00

4,845,000 4,683,800 21,651,000 1,969,000 27,220,000 3,530 162,700 140,033,000 5,708,400 1,230 768,500 1,306,150 986,050 2,922,600 2,339,000 267,000 643,100 15,309,500 2,196,000 3,663,400 25,839,600 9,000 31,484,100 2,221,070 1,843,200 38,372,000 2,277,000 620,200 2,636,000 2,556,240 30

169,693,980.00 67,405,004.00 17,747,460.00 2,721,770.00 7,379,100.00 337,126.00 2,812,334.00 426,228,080.00 85,868,152.00 133,713.00 15,724,069.00 139,557,158.00 93,483,825.50 122,749,005.00 4,932,280.00 1,380,987.00 3,842,910.00 159,915,728.00 34,547,474.00 39,979,016.00 197,028,160.00 15,630.00 832,619,990.00 181,613,832.00 110,459,973.50 95,983,170.00 30,916,016.00 6,283,086.00 4,447,790.00 728,421,078.00 1,500.00

3.46 9.25 25.05 13.8 19.02 0.186 387.00 5.89 1.82 4.54 5.82 9.18 2.55 12.10 38.75 5.09 4.90 1.37 2 1.21 13.9 106 6.56 0.125 1.20 166 2.7 1.28 16.02 1.52

31,000 158,300 7,392,200 3,220,700 13,296,200 1,460,000 939,870 26,800 74,026,000 523,000 7,014,700 114,200 164,419,000 299,900 855,500 43,200 48,000 2,619,000 132,000 3,131,000 2,655,700 958,750 594,900 80,000 6,453,000 5,071,810 110,000 31,459,000 14,000 136,134,000

105,310.00 1,437,024.00 183,371,565.00 45,039,366.00 256,886,492.00 271,730.00 359,688,910.00 157,614.00 122,261,980.00 2,422,500.00 34,735,033.00 1,038,990.00 436,739,770.00 3,637,550.00 32,892,610.00 218,870.00 233,700.00 3,630,660.00 251,060.00 3,799,330.00 36,970,684.00 102,363,459.00 3,863,944.00 9,980.00 7,963,120.00 878,725,368.00 287,000.00 39,408,810.00 230,030.00 201,983,610.00

1.050 55.00 15.44 0.73 6.70 13.74 1.370 1.370 894 3.810 1481.00 6.88 10.30 4.48 14.00 0.234 940 6.40 67.40 6.36 5.29 0.5 4.13 15.2 0.660 4.8

498,192,000 4,095,720 23,041,800 5,017,000 65,200 787,400 51,075,000 4,505,000 1,982,560 93,625,000 30 5,384,900 20,806,400 21,000 490,100 4,740,000 390,680 586,300 6,352,620 97,800 1,100 410,000 5,067,000 9,690,200 27,370,000 134,990,000

464,020,730.00 224,998,558.50 353,432,492.00 3,679,020.00 438,873.00 10,702,056.00 71,651,120.00 6,321,720.00 1,777,367,460.00 354,721,370.00 42,130.00 36,341,897.00 217,324,668.00 93,690.00 6,853,806.00 1,113,550.00 362,811,205.00 3,666,970.00 421,515,218.00 614,380.00 5,819.00 202,065.00 20,769,330.00 147,580,818.00 17,743,740.00 651,573,140.00

0.0420 1.360

257,800,000 8,842,000

10,760,700.00 11,799,170.00

175.20 2.38 969.00 1.37 0.85 267.000 480.00 0.2320 0.330

609,580 45,000 1,057,280 850,000 3,799,000 384,200 210 2,720,000 88,990,000

107,425,500.00 107,120.00 1,019,653,860.00 1,144,490.00 3,249,980.00 102,280,530.00 94,358.00 635,180.00 28,516,150.00

15.500 0.83 11.00 2.080 0.850 50.800 2.33 4.83 6.08 0.610 0.82 0.920 0.237 0.450 9.750 24.5 0.470 0.125 1.88 1.40 6.1 0.340 1.8600 0.4600 0.400 49.00 2.13 26.35

7,689,400 11,874,000 43,700 876,000 15,096,000 52,756,970 1,610,000 3,244,000 309,400 148,353,000 2,134,000 336,000 10,529,000 25,300,000 2,232,600 2,554,300 13,870,000 960,000 464,323,000 19,103,000 94,574,100 147,480,000 31,630,000 1,190,000 3,730,000 200 4,609,000 8,299,300

120,832,020.00 9,791,730.00 478,552.00 1,764,420.00 12,894,020.00 2,685,876,604.50 3,734,920.00 15,557,060.00 1,882,856.00 87,522,280.00 1,718,300.00 306,290.00 2,663,910.00 11,659,700.00 21,773,839.50 64,350,905.00 6,540,900.00 120,000.00 866,059,350.00 25,612,410.00 571,457,754.00 49,888,050.00 58,945,700.00 554,850.00 1,510,650.00 9,800.00 9,743,220.00 218,288,475.00

STOCKS

JULY 1-5, 2019 Close Volume

JUNE 24-28, 2019 Close Volume

Value

Value

Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

2.22 3.14 38.25 1.96 6.32 0.750 7.230

2,379,000 3,281,000 44,760,700 3,665,000 404,500 64,000 18,275,200

5,308,660.00 9,927,950.00 1,700,850,700.00 7,116,840.00 2,569,728.00 47,810.00 131,002,963.00

2.23 2.95 37.10 1.95 6.4 0.760 7.130

2,632,000 830,000 68,847,100 6,933,000 1,194,000 360,000 19,956,800

5,675,960.00 2,467,130.00 2,606,352,915.00 13,380,630.00 7,831,401.00 269,540.00 141,897,013.00

SERVICES 2GO Group’ ABS-CBN APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Chelsea DFNN Inc. Discovery World Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Metro Retail MetroAlliance A MetroAlliance B NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. PH Resorts Group Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Wilcon Depot

11.3 17.5 0.530 0.046 21.5 2.74 11.66 0.0570 92.75 7 8.59 6.18 2.23 10.06 890 2258 5.46 420.00 11.98 2.21 144.7 1.98 9.8 5.75 0.120 6.7900 3 14.08 3.80 0.85 19.44 15.40 0.530 3.16 2.65 1.55 1.56 2.500 3.04 9.01 3.06 5.53 9.49 136.00 3.88 1240.00 0.890 0.750 43.80 77.00 8.98 3.36 0.760 0.39 5.49 0.770 16.940

74,700 519,500 75,439,000 83,900,000 42,200 2,604,000 52,381,800 137,170,000 1,297,220 2,400 17,976,000 59,300 30,000 326,900 13,000 232,580 1,166,500 45,060 1,900 4,891,000 4,286,730 517,000 6,800 49,500 10,650,000 27,576,200 141,000 5,300 12,354,000 5,771,000 3,342,000 1,500 2,222,000 107,000 18,153,000 358,000 217,000 20,247,000 1,304,000 111,400 378,000 261,100 627,200 980 27,814,000 282,400 289,886,000 26,777,000 3,516,400 8,266,210 3,855,500 91,433,000 11,889,000 31,330,000 12,162,300 18,831,000 3,762,500

839,462.00 9,083,210.00 39,930,580.00 3,904,800.00 905,210.00 7,098,370.00 609,358,940.00 7,807,710.00 117,203,033.50 16,800.00 154,502,077.00 368,827.00 66,950.00 3,307,426.00 11,570,000.00 521,714,540.00 6,289,897.00 18,528,510.00 22,998.00 10,931,210.00 624,040,503.00 996,260.00 68,224.00 288,045.00 1,270,590.00 187,412,696.00 429,340.00 76,078.00 47,283,020.00 5,039,100.00 63,964,298.00 21,970.00 1,165,520.00 340,250.00 46,335,400.00 562,950.00 346,520.00 53,503,760.00 4,051,020.00 1,015,896.00 1,100,260.00 1,417,513.00 5,174,579.00 135,867.00 108,098,440.00 356,657,820.00 260,387,960.00 20,622,350.00 155,103,860.00 628,806,814.50 34,747,568.00 307,582,630.00 8,859,000.00 12,240,600.00 66,738,982.00 14,002,270.00 64,062,688.00

11.16 17.18 0.500 0.045 21.3 2.78 11.30 0.0560 91 6.98 8.39 5.90 2.18 10.10 890 2262 5.38 407.80

72,200 490,400 16,540,000 31,700,000 27,500 4,542,000 21,664,400 203,070,000 810,460 21,500 26,539,600 15,200 1,000 376,400 20,000 332,345 534,600 12,040

810,034.00 8,404,240.00 7,972,600.00 1,400,300.00 572,735.00 12,671,400.00 244,269,986.00 11,229,110.00 73,566,559.50 151,063.00 221,905,760.00 94,705.00 2,180.00 3,860,792.00 17,800,000.00 746,118,010.00 2,877,453.00 4,893,096.00

2.21 146.4 1.92 10.1 6.00 0.116 6.9200 3.2 14.28 4.12 0.83 19.08 15.48 0.520 3.24 2.53 1.58 1.55 2.530 3.1 9.18 2.92 5.40 9 136.00 3.65 1290.00 0.830 0.800 44.95 74.00 9.20 3.45 0.740 0.39 5.48 0.750 16.800

8,390,000 6,582,760 81,000 12,900 2,200 4,250,000 47,867,900 450,000 6,100 2,974,000 880,000 4,629,500 700 2,036,000 181,000 16,441,000 597,000 120,000 13,125,000 433,000 95,400 27,000 1,823,900 4,700 180,120 14,759,000 463,290 80,263,000 12,020,000 2,724,000 6,283,440 228,900 66,064,000 33,159,000 59,100,000 20,780,400 36,230,000 10,717,500

18,675,690.00 953,384,528.00 149,860.00 130,330.00 13,200.00 496,770.00 332,062,767.00 1,415,720.00 88,830.00 12,374,490.00 713,910.00 89,726,506.00 10,738.00 1,077,180.00 572,770.00 42,802,200.00 1,002,100.00 194,580.00 33,566,770.00 1,331,390.00 883,363.00 80,450.00 9,899,301.00 43,060.00 24,840,235.00 52,342,120.00 599,752,310.00 66,463,740.00 9,480,560.00 373,856,000.00 476,277,209.50 2,127,561.00 235,633,520.00 24,767,840.00 23,128,850.00 110,924,678.00 28,134,720.00 293,812,908.00

MINING & OIL Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Benguet Corp `A’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Phinma Petro Semirara Corp.

United Paragon

0.0018 1.18 2.78 12.48 1.1900 1.1400 2.73 0.290 7.85 1.470 0.222 0.110 0.121 0.008 0.0076 1.18 2.25 1.02 0.5300 0.8700 0.0120 0.0120 3.51 7.35 0.0100 4.8400 22.70 0.0067

501,000,000 16,836,000 361,000 3,200 135,000 6,000 3,248,000 1,190,000 27,100 63,789,000 2,400,000 27,840,000 5,680,000 55,000,000 8,000,000 304,563,000 11,493,000 857,000 128,000 3,976,000 96,200,000 66,300,000 2,183,000 4,642,100 45,100,000 1,073,000 4,991,300 58,000,000

901,800.00 20,272,700.00 999,570.00 39,266.00 163,680.00 6,840.00 8,955,810.00 337,850.00 211,792.00 97,071,590.00 2,393,250.00 3,096,550.00 680,320.00 414,300.00 67,100.00 346,467,540.00 26,353,720.00 874,020.00 69,470.00 3,583,650.00 1,161,400.00 795,600.00 7,726,160.00 34,468,574.00 470,800.00 5,143,050.00 115,961,830.00 373,400.00

0.0019 1.24 2.79 12.60 1.2000 1.3300 2.82 0.290 7.87 1.500 0.227 0.120 0.129 0.008 0.0080 1.04 2.25 1.02 0.5500 0.8800 0.0110 0.0120 3.60 7.66 0.0110 4.7000 23.15 0.0065

410,000,000 21,682,000 519,000 7,400 54,000 13,000 1,730,000 2,867,000 115,700 25,400,000 3,080,000 33,780,000 3,970,000 49,000,000 10,000,000 867,000 15,714,000 203,000 257,000 1,151,000 97,400,000 42,200,000 8,881,000 4,583,300 44,100,000 3,105,000 11,589,300 75,000,000

746,100.00 27,252,720.00 1,399,210.00 91,320.00 64,030.00 15,060.00 4,870,600.00 1,047,750.00 893,673.00 37,752,680.00 681,750.00 4,008,000.00 487,910.00 377,000.00 79,700.00 892,630.00 35,202,660.00 204,070.00 140,330.00 1,007,550.00 1,167,400.00 490,800.00 32,567,240.00 35,632,072.00 459,000.00 14,366,680.00 262,708,620.00 501,000.00

PREFERRED ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Alco Preferred B Alco Preferred C Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ DD PREF First Gen G FPH Pref C GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B House Preferred Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred 2A PCOR-Preferred 2B PCOR-Preferred 3A PCOR-Preferred 3B PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A SMC Preferred 1 SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMPFC Preferred

17.1 100 98 456 496 98.1 104.5 450 500 5.49 900 900 94.15 1 99.7 999.5 1010 1011 1010 100 107.5 965 75 76.05 72.5 73 74 74.5 73.9 73.7 1.36

546,200 36,010 3,050 10,420 1,120 18,590 45,200 100 16,020 25,900 540 5,000 600 115,000 170 6,580 4,495 11,135 8,450 27,590 1,100 18,300 20,110 102,830 31,610 58,130 87,410 1,540,000 28,700 50,020 1,000

9,238,690.00 3,601,000.00 304,305.00 4,840,020.00 555,396.00 1,835,235.50 4,764,911.00 44,960.00 7,957,920.00 141,161.00 480,800.00 4,500,000.00 56,549.50 114,120.00 16,983.00 6,543,650.00 4,520,450.00 11,238,090.00 8,526,930.00 2,755,305.00 116,750.00 17,654,510.00 1,508,305.00 7,825,436.00 2,294,093.00 4,242,080.00 6,477,860.50 114,580.00 2,050,533.50 3,660,222.00 1,360.00

16.84 99 100.1 484.6 497 99.95 105.1 450 480 5.49 900 900 96.85 0.98 102.5 998 15 1000 1008 0 103.1 960 75 76 72 73 73.7 73.5 73.7 73

153,800 90 27,750 830 6,270 1,140 1,900 360 6,180 32,691,200 5,590 3,400 8,280 175,000 28,100 1,510 15,000 13,305 2,100 2,500 1,710 158,420 3,890 36,110 1,166,100 703,300 1,017,000 2,320 836,540 909,890

2,598,642.00 8,910.00 5,252,575.00 398,296.00 3,077,980.00 113,878.50 205,875.00 158,292.00 3,062,550.00 225,134,916.00 5,031,000.00 3,165,510.00 781,931.00 173,200.00 2,814,109.00 1,506,995.00 1,097,800.00 13,338,090.00 2,116,540.00 2,028,245.00 1,624,393.00 152,553,565.00 291,239.50 2,740,633.50 84,207,395.50 51,342,920.00 75,766,483.00 170,305.00 61,575,283.00 66,409,924.50

WARRANTS & BONDS LR Warrant

1.860

979,000

1,831,520.00

1.940

918,000

1,766,800.00

SME Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

2.48 5.01 1.18

6,000 1,736,000 261,845,000

14,880.00 8,448,400.00 67,020,870.00

2.48 4.86 1.16

3,000 1,348,000 47,579,000

7,400.00 6,616,070.00 52,835,820.00

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS First Metro ETF 121.7

64,090

7,731,896.00

119.6

22,530

2,710,793.00

DOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. USD DMPL A1 10.1 USD TECH B2 1

31,230 125,700

317,762.00 125,309.00

10.2 0.99

42,970 399,400

438,293.00 399,399.20

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Abra Mining Abacus Cons. `A’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. PremiereHorizon Xurpas Century Property Filinvest Land,Inc. Phinma Energy Boulevard Holdings Arthaland Corp.

VOLUME 501,000,000 472,732,000 304,563,000 289,886,000 261,845,000 230,521,000 230,423,000 143,271,000 137,170,000 126,913,000

STOCKS Ayala Land `B’ Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Ayala Corp `A’ SM Prime Holdings SM Investments Inc. Metrobank Bank of PI Universal Robina Robinsons RTL I.C.T.S.I.

VALUE 2,190,831,486.50 1,903,976,212.00 1,743,034,480.00 1,700,850,700.00 1,176,138,645.00 783,657,707.00 657,433,059.00 636,712,730.00 628,806,814.50 624,040,503.00

Megawide drops plan to develop Cebu casino MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. dropped a plan to develop a casino adjacent to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Megawide chief corporate affairs and branding officer Manuel Louie Ferrer said in a recent interview that while the company would no longer pursue the casino project, it would still push through with the construction of three hotels near the airport complex.

Ferrer said the company was, in fact, set to start building the first hotel before the end of the year.

The 350-room hotel, which will be operational over the next two years, will be managed by an international hotel operator.

“We will soon sign an agreement with an international hotel operator to manage the hotel,” Ferrer said.

“There is a huge demand for hotel development in Cebu as well as for MICE [meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions] particularly in Mactan,” he said.

Ferrer said that for the development of the second hotel, Megawide was planning to tap an Asian hotel operator.

He said the third hotel would be a local brand of the Megawide group.

The three hotels, once completed, will have combined 1,000 rooms.

Megawide was previously in talks with Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy to develop a four-hectare property adjacent to MCIA into a mixed-use real estate project with hotel and gaming components. The plan, however, did not push through.

Uy, through Udenna Corp., is already building a $300-million integrated resort and casino on Punto Engaño Peninsula in Mactan Island.

Megawide in partnership with GMR Infrastructure of India operates MCIA Terminal 2 which opened in July 2018.

The new terminal increased the airport’s capacity by 4.5 million to 12.5 million passengers annually. It also has 6,000 square meters of gross leasable area for retailers.

Megawide expects net income to be flat in 2019 because of the full-year deprecation of MCIA and higher interest expense recognition. Jenniffer B. Austria

Ayala Land opens second tower of Seda Hotel in BGC SEDA Hotels, the home-grown hotel brand of property developer Ayala Land Inc., recently opened a second tower with 342 rooms in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Seda Hotels said in a statement the second tower offers a ballroom that can seat 300 and a restaurant that can accommodate 220.

It said that with the addition of 342 more rooms, the new tower would increase Seda BGC’s room inventory to 521, consisting of guest rooms, suites and serviced residences.

“Seda BGC was expanded to keep pace with the surging demand for premier accommodations and facilities in the area,” said Seda Hotels senior group general manager Andrea Mastellone who opened the hotel in 2012.

The two towers are joined by an expansive ground floor lobby. The hotel retained its contemporary design theme.

Guests are expected to converge at the newly-opened Misto restaurant that offers an international selection which can be enjoyed on its daily breakfast and lunch buffets.

“Misto is one of the new building’s highlights,” Mastellone said.

Misto can accommodate more than 200 persons or six times the original. It also offers a private dining room for 10 persons and a semi-private area for up to 30 persons.

The ballroom is on the second floor of the hotel―a likely venue for important business meetings and social events owing to the hotel’s strategic location at the heart of BGC. Nearby are four meeting rooms that can accommodate from 12to 50 persons. These increased the number of function spaces to a total of 11 from the two towers combined.

Mastellone said some facilities and amenities would be transferred from the original to the new tower. These include the Club Rooms and Club Lounge, Straight Up roof deck bar, the gym and pool.

“All will be bigger than the original,” Mastellone said. Jenniffer B. Austria

World

China station next target for Hong kong protesters

H

ONG KONG―Thousands of anti-government protesters began a march in Hong Kong Sunday that will end outside a controversial train station linking the territory to the Chinese mainland, as activists try to keep pressure on the city’s pro-Beijing leaders.

The rally is the first major large-scale protest since last Monday’s unprecedented storming of parliament by largely young, masked protesters―a move that plunged the international financial hub further into crisis.

Hong Kong has been rocked by a month of huge marches as well as a series of separate violent confrontations with police, sparked by a law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

The bill has since been postponed in response to the intense backlash but that has done little to quell public anger, which has evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous city.

Thousands mustered at the rally’s start on Sunday afternoon at a park in Tsim Sha Tsui, a harbor front district of the city popular with Chinese tourists.

Organizers have billed the march as an opportunity to explain to Chinese mainlanders in the city what the protest movement is about.

Inside the China, where news and information is heavily censored, the Hong Kong protests have been portrayed as a primarily violent, foreign-funded plot to destabilize the motherland, not a mass popular movement over Beijing’s in-

creased shadow over the semi-autonomous hub.

Protesters are demanding the bill be scrapped entirely, an independent inquiry into police use of tear gas and rubber bullets, amnesty for those arrested, and for the city’s unelected leader Carrie Lam to step down.

Beijing has thrown its full support behind Lam, calling on Hong Kong police to pursue anyone involved in the parliament storming and other clashes.

Sunday’s protest plans to end at West Kowloon, a recently opened multi-billion-dollar station that links to China’s high-speed rail network.

Police had placed the glass and steel structure in virtual lockdown as fears of further clashes soared despite protest organizers vowing to hold a peaceful rally.

Long lines of water-filled security barriers surrounded the station while only those with previously purchased tickets were being allowed in. Ticket sales for Sunday afternoon were halted and only two entrances were open.

The terminus is controversial because Chinese law operates in the parts of the station dealing with immigration and customs, as well as the platforms, even though West Kowloon is miles from the border.

Critics say that move gave away part of the city’s territory to an increasingly assertive Beijing.

Local politician Ventus Lau Winghong, one of those organizing the rally, said they would “protest in a peaceful, rational and elegant way” adding there was no desire to occupy the station given the catalyst for their movement was opposing people being sent to the mainland.

Police gave permission for the rally to go ahead but urged protesters to remain peaceful, noting there had been calls on social media for people to “take part in non-cooperation movements which involve various illegal acts such as provoking police officers or storming buildings”.

Under Hong Kong’s mini-constitution―the Basic Law―China’s national laws do not apply to the city apart from in limited areas, including defense.

Hong Kong also enjoys rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of speech, protected by a deal made before the city was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.

But there are growing fears those liberties are being eroded.

Among recent watershed moments critics point to are the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians, the de facto expulsion of a foreign journalist and the jailing of democracy protest leaders.

Authorities have also resisted calls for the city’s leader to be directly elected by the people. AFP

THE PROTEST GOES ON. Protesters

gather to take part in a march to the West Kowloon railway station, where high-speed trains depart for the Chinese mainland, during a demonstration against a proposed extradition bill in Hong Kong on July 7, 2019.

Hong Kong has been rocked by a month of huge peaceful protests as well as a series of separate violent youth-led confrontations sparked by a proposed law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. AFP

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MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Protests pile pressure on HK youth HONG KONG-Hong Kong’s protests have ratcheted up the already high stress levels among young people as they despair for their future under Beijing’s heel in a city where anger has long simmered over inequality and sky-high property prices, experts warn.

The international financial hub has been rocked by a month of huge peaceful protests as well as a series of separate violent youth-led confrontations sparked by a proposed law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

Compared to the huge optimism-tinged pro-democracy “Umbrella Movement” rallies in 2014, the recent protests have been darker and more desperate, culminating in the storming of parliament last Monday by hundreds of young, masked demonstrators.

The movement has also taken on a distinctly funereal tone, publicly mourning at least four people who have taken their own lives in recent weeks after leaving political messages.

Experts stress that most suicides have complex, multiple triggers and have warned that depicting the four as “martyrs” to the protesters’ cause risks encouraging copycat acts.

An army of social workers, counselors and other volunteers have mobilized across the city to address a spike in demand for mental health services. AFP

Thousands march for Gay Pride MADRID―Four hundred thousand people turned out on the streets of Madrid Saturday for a Gay Pride parade dedicated this year to pioneers of the LGBT+ cause, amid growing fears of fresh repression with the rise of the far-right in Europe.

The marchers converged on the Spanish capital’s main Atocha train station for the start of the festivities. The 400,000 figure was later given by police.

The slogan for this year’s march was “History, struggle and memory” and participants marked 50 years since the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969 which were the foundation of the gay rights movement worldwide.

Catholic Spain at the time was controlled by dictator General Francisco Franco and homosexual acts were illegal. Thousands of gay people were shipped off to rehabilitation centres or even jailed.

Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1978, three year’s after Franco’s death, since when Spain has become one of the most LGBT-tolerant countries in the world, authorizing gay marriage and adoptions by gay couples in 2005.

“I’m 53 years old and I have suffered,” said Manuel Carmona, carrying a large rainbow flag for Saturday’s march.

“But those who are 63-years-old suffered more and those who are 73-yearsold even more and I want us to recognise these people who have helped us,” added Carmona, who has been attending the pride march for 30 years. AFP

Iran set to exceed nuclear uranium enrichment cap TEHRAN―Iran said Sunday it was set to breach the uranium enrichment cap set by an endangered nuclear deal within hours as it seeks to press the signatories into keeping their side of the bargain.

The move―involving purifying beyond the 3.67 percent allowed by the 2015 agreement―comes despite opposition from the European Union and the United States, which has quit the deal.

President Hassan Rouhani’s order to exceed the threshold would be implemented “in a few hours” after the last technical details were sorted, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said live on state television.

Rouhani initially flagged the Islamic republic’s intentions on May 8, exactly a year on from US President Donald Trump unilaterally abandoning the multilateral deal.

He has said the move is in response to a failure by remaining state signatories to keep their promise to help Iran work around biting sanctions reimposed by the US in the second half of last year.

French President Emmanuel Macron told Rouhani of his “strong concern” over the risk of weakening the nuclear agreement and the consequences that would follow during a telephone call Saturday, according to a statement

from the Elysee Palace.

However, the two leaders agreed to “explore by July 15 the conditions for a resumption of dialogue between all parties”, the statement said, adding that Macron would consult with Iranian authorities and international partners to bring about the “necessary de-escalation” of the situation over the coming days.

It is not yet clear how far the Islamic Republic will boost enrichment.

But a top advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hinted on Friday it could reach five percent.

The 2015 deal was reached between Iran and six world powers—Britain, China, France, Germany, the United States and Russia—and saw Tehran agree to drastically scale down its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Washington began reimposing sanctions in August 2018 and has targeted crucial sectors, including oil exports and the banking system, fueling a deep recession.

The 3.67 percent enrichment limit set in the agreement is sufficient for power generation but far below the more than 90 percent level required for a nuclear warhead.

Rouhani has stressed that Iran’s action would be reversed if the other parties provided relief from the US sanctions. AFP

Manila

Heatwave adds to migrants’ woes in Bosnia BIHAC―Stranded in Bosnia, thousands of migrants face yet one more hurdle on their journey towards the European Union: the scorching summer heat in the Balkans.

Under a leaden sky, Saleh Alhasan and his friends hurry to reach the shade of the woods after failing yet again to cross the border to Croatia, the last barrier on the long and tortuous road into the European Union.

“I tried more than 15 times... It has been 10 months that I try to pass. And I do not want to give up. I just want to see my son” born in Sweden, says the 33-year old Syrian architect.

“I only saw him in a photo.”

His wife was among hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees who took the so-called Balkans route in 2015, before the EU borders closed for them.

On a dusty road, Saleh and his companions pass by red signs hanging on trees, warning that the field is mined: a legacy of the country’s brutal 1992-1995 war.

They stop at a stream to refresh themselves, exhausted after walking in temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).

The men no longer know where to rest.

In Bihac and Velika Kladusa near the Croatian border, reception centers with a capacity for 3,500 run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are full.

Saleh and his friends live in unhealthy squats. He wants to return to Sarajevo where, he says, “there are more options” for a fresh attempt to cross the border.

The flow of newcomers slowed during winter but has now resumed and “a hundred migrants arrive daily in the canton” of Bihac, says regional police spokesman Ale Siljdedic.

“But recently far fewer people succeed in crossing the border. Croatia has considerably reinforced its police presence,” he adds.

According to Bosnia’s security minister, more than 34,000 migrants from Asia and Africa have illegally entered the country since the beginning of 2018, 11,000 of them this year alone.

Some 8,000 are currently in Bosnia, according to European Commission estimates.

This has caused tensions both among migrants of different nationalities and with locals, who are also poor. Recently, hundreds of migrants occupied public spaces in the town of Bihac, which is home to some 65,000 people.

With the help of the local Red Cross, the authorities in June set up a camp in Vucjak, an uninhabited zone a dozen kilometers from the border, to accommodate migrants who have not found a place in IOM centers.

But according to the United Nations, the

zone around this camp is also “very close” to minefields.

The EU finances the IOM centers, but it has refused to provide funds for the Vucjak camp because “it is not a suitable location and presents a clear danger” for those staying there.

Bihac mayor Suhret Fazlic says the problem is the facility is too close to the border.

Nicolas Bizel, head of operations at the EU delegation in Bosnia told AFP that this was not the main issue.

His concern was that it was too close to unexploded wartime mines and that there was also a risk of a methane explosion because the zone used to be a landfill site.

This camp became know as “The Jungle” by its occupants―like the one that sprang up in the northern French port city of Calais, before being torn down in 2016.

Several hundred young men live there in deplorable sanitary conditions, sleeping in tents without beds, without medical assistance, showers or toilets.

Several barrels equipped with faucets provide minimal hygiene facilities.

“It is too hot. We could not rest in the tents,” said Suleman Ashraf, a 29-year-old Pakistani trying to get to Spain to join his brother.

The food that arrives twice a day is everything we have here. Some water as well and we survive with that,” AFP

Standard Republic of the Philippines) ProvinceTODAY of Cagayan City Of Tuguegarao

) ) AFFIDAVIT

I, MARIO A. BINARAO, of legal age, married, Filipino citizen, with residence address at Maddarulug Sur, Enrile, Cagayan, under oath, depose and state that: (1) I am the lone business owner of ANAK CONSTRUCTION, duly registered under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); (2) The said business is now changing its current status, SINGLE PROPRIETORSHIP, to a CORPORATE status bearing the name KIMIKARLAI CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION; (3) The said business has no pending case whatsoever be it civil, criminal or administrative case; (4) All business documents necessary and pertinent to the change of status has been submitted to and registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

(5) Being the holder of majority of the shares of stock, I have the controlling interest over the said corporation; (6) As such, I am executing this affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing.

In witness whereof, I have here unto set my hand this 3rd day of July, 2019 at Maddarulug Sur, Enrile, Cagayan, Philippines.

Affiant further sayeth naught.

MARIO ABBARIAO BINARAO TIN NO. 166-295-535-000 SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this July 03, 2019, in Cauayan City, affiant exhibiting his Community Tax Certificate NO. , issued on at Enrile, Cagayan, Philippines.

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109 ;

Page No. 23 Book No.

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; ;

Series of 2019.

(MS-JULY 8, 2019)

LGUs

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

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MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba (third from right, second row) stands with the Natantanging Cagayano and Gintong Medalya awardees during the 3rd Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano Award at Valley Hotel in Tuguegarao City on June 29. Also in photo are Atty. Charo Mamba-Villaflor, Capitol Chief of Staff and Tourism Officerin-Charge, Provincial Administrator Rodolfo Alvarado, Board Members Rodrigo De Asis, Pastor Ross Resuello, and Alfonso M. Llopis, and the event’s board of judges.

Jessica M. Bacud

Navotas solon seeks wage hike for school staff

By Jun David

NAVOTAS lone district Rep. John Reynald Tiangco is seeking to increase the minimum salaries of public-school teachers and nonteaching personnel and give them additional incentives.

With House Bill 877, Tiangco pushed for a salary grade of 15, or P30,531 for entry level licensed teachers, and SG 10 or P19,233 for nonteaching personnel.

The neophyte lawmaker also proposed that both teachers and nonteachers be given a P5,000 augmentation pay per month, P10,000 medical allowance per year, and free tuition and registration fees in relevant graduate courses or continuing education programs in all state colleges and universities.

“Teachers play a significant role in honing the minds of our children, and in shaping their moral character and civic consciousness. It is only imperative that they be compensated adequately, fairly, and competitively,” said Tiangco.

He added that the bill intends to “affirm the respect due our educators, motivate them to continue their exemplary service, elevate their quality of life, and encourage the best and brightest among our people to enter the teaching profession.”

HB 877 covers all teaching and non-teaching personnel in all public schools for basic education, whether nationally or locally funded, including those employed in the Philippine Science High School System.

It also includes teaching and nonteaching staff of the Alternative Learning System, and all non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education who are not occupying positions with salary grade 20 and up.

As of January 2019, an entry level licensed teacher only receives P20,754 a month and non-teaching support personnel get P11,068 a month.

Meanwhile, another barangay in Navotas has received drug-cleared certification from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Mayor Toby Tiangco, together with Rep. John Rey Tiangco, handed the certificate to Brgy. Captain Carlito de Guzman, Sr. and other officials of Brgy. Tanza I Monday after flag ceremony.

9 Cagayanos lauded in ‘Dangal ng Lahi’

By Jessica M. Bacud TUGUEGARAO CITY—Nine outstanding Cagayanos were awarded with the most esteemed honors for achievers known as the “Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano” at the Valley Hotel here.

The awards night, held on June 29, coincided with the province’s 435th founding anniversary The awards have two categories: The Natatanging Cagayano Award and the Gintong Medalya Award.

The Natatanging Cagayano 2019 is Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, who hails from Tuguegarao. He was represented by Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan.

Gintong Medalya awardees were Richard B. Biraguit in the field of Agriculture, Engr. Florencio A. Balagso for Agriculture, Maj. Gen. Ramiro Manuel A. Rey on Peace and Order, John Mauro Q. Manuel in Community and Development, Joeffrey M. Calimag, Ph. D for Higher Education, Justice Perpetua T. Atal-Pano in Law and Women Empowerment, Dr. Raymond E. Narag, Ph.D for Justice System and Penology, and Lerma Elmira M. Bulauitan in Sports.

Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba said the Dangal awards embody the greatness of a Cagayano, “whose perseverance, dedication, service and noble values are his pride to the whole nation and to the whole world.”

The award “aims to recognize outstanding, exemplary and distinguished Cagayanos who have made a name not only in the province, but also in the national and international arena, contributing to the progress and development of communities and in nation-building,” he said.

Taguig ‘bakuna’ work unwraps

By Joel E. Zurbano

I

N TAGUIG City, children’s health and welfare is a priority.

This was proven by the city’s preparedness and immediate compliance to Department of Health’s school-based immunization (SBI) program— making Taguig the first local government unit in the National Capital Region to implement the program for this year.

The program “Back to Bakuna: School-Based Immunization Kick-off Activity” was held at Signal Village National High School on June 24. Taguig’s school-based immunization program is a strategy where government medical personnel visit public schools to provide

free vaccination services to students.

For this year, more than 19,000 pupils and educators are set to be immunized by the local government as part of its yearly SBI, and as of May 2019, 6,087 of them have already been vaccinated. Last year, 14,960 schoolchildren and teachers were

fully immunized under the school-based immunization program of the city.

Under its school-based immunization program, the City Health Office offers Measles, Rubella, Tetanus, and Diphtheria (MRTD) vaccines to Grades 1 and 7 pupils while human papillomavirus (HPV) doses were given to Grade 4 and Grade 5 students.

According to Dr. Jennifer Lou De Guzman, the National Immunization Program director for Taguig, orientations were done for school nurses so they could properly answer queries of parents on vaccines during assemblies.

“Taguig City believes that our kababayan’s health serves as the backbone of our community that’s why we do not

stop educating our parents about the importance of getting their children and themselves immunized,” she explained.

Taguig currently offers free vaccinations in its barangay health centers. These include BCG vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Pentavalent vaccine or 5-in-1 vaccine, HIB (Haemophilus influenza type) vaccine, DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) vaccine, Oral poliovirus vaccine, and Pneumococcal vaccines for senior citizens.

In his message during the Back to Bakuna event in the city, Mayor Lino Cayetano highlighted the importance of the cooperation of the City Health Office, the Department of Health and the Department of Education in advancing health programs in the city.

Batangas gives P3.7 ‘refund’ to PUP pupils

By Butch Gunio

Youth volunteers from various colleges and universities in Metro Manila participate at the Habitat for Humanity Young Leaders Build 2019 cleaning and house-painting activity in Bistekville 1, Quezon City.

2K youths help build homes for 20 Habitat sites AT LEAST 2,000 youth volunteers were recently mobilized to revitalize homes, schools and community centers in 20 sites nationwide under the Habitat Young Leaders Build 2019 program.

Volunteer activities include house painting, community clean-up and school repairs as part of the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela campaign.

Michael Ng, a Grade 12 student of British School Manila, was one of the youth volunteers at the May 18 HYLB event in Bistekville 1, Quezon City. He shares: “I

learned that it is important for all of us to be our own little leader, doing our best to inspire others to help other people, especially the less fortunate.”

“We would like to thank the communities, sponsors, and youth volunteers for participating in HYLB2019. Your enthusiasm and dedication are inspirational. We do hope for your support in HYLB 2020 and beyond,” said Lili Fuentes, Chief Operating Officer of Habitat Philippines.

HYLB is Habitat’s flagship youth

Telus, Spectrum PH aid diversity, inclusiveness TELUS International Philippines has embraced and celebrated diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace before many others.

The company has active employee resource groups that highlight opportunities for more inclusive decision making across the leadership community, and one of those groups is Spectrum Philippines.

Telus’ very own LGBTQIA+ resource group encourages leaders and all team members to embrace gender diversity programs and ensure the unique needs of the gay community are considered in workplace programs like benefits, recruitment activities, and facilities.

As one of the country’s leading customer experience and business process solutions companies, Telus International Philippines has six sites across Metro Manila.

As a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to inclusiveness, Spectrum, since its inception in 2014, has provided team members from the LGBTQIA+ community a platform to make the workplace culture more accepting, and the benefits and facilities more inclusive.

Joining the yearly Metro Manila Pride March and Parade is one of the most anticipated activities of Spectrum Philippines. This is a one-day event where they go all out in showing their support for the LGBTQIA+ community, together with hundreds of team members and various organizations.

This year, over 600 Telus International Philippines team members participated and expressed unity and solidarity on advocating against violence, discrimination, and equality of rights for the gay community.

program in Asia Pacific, which started in 2012. It aims to engage youth to take the lead in helping communities have safe, decent and affordable housing.

Volunteer sites for HYLB 2019 include Brgy. Tanza in Navotas City; Brgy. Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City; Bistekvilles 1, 4, 5 in Quezon City; Kaakbay Community in Caloocan City; FTI Complex in Taguig City; Brgy.

Bignay in Valenzuela City; Katuwang Village in Silay City; and a dozen sites in Leyte, Cebu and Davao.

MARIVELES, Bataan—Vice Governor Cris Garcia recently led the distribution of P3.7 million in refunds to 1,284 students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Mariveles campus under the Iskolar ng Bataan program.

“Here is your refund. The documents had already been processed for its release, but we had an election ban then and were not able to distribute it. There is no truth that the money was used for the election,” Iskolar ng Bataan coordinator Ramon Canas quoted the vice governor as saying to PUP students during the distribution at the campus covered court.

Canas said each student received from P500 to P3,000 for one year or two semesters, depending on their college units or workload.

“Actually, it is not a refund since students are not paying tuition fee in state universities like PUP anymore.

It is actually educational assistance,” Canas explained.

He said the late governor Tet Garcia started the refund program in PUP Bataan in 1994. In 2004, it was integrated into the Iskolar ng Bataan program of the provincial government.

Before becoming vice governor, Garcia was the original coordinator of the Iskolar ng Bataan. She now serves as adviser of the program.

TELUS International Philippines team members march with the LGBTQIA+ community to show their support at the Metro Manila Pride Parade with the theme #ResistTogether.

Life

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

FOOD

Where fine Filipino flavors flourish

@MStandardLIFE MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

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PINOY FOOD, REPRESENT! Food and beverage outlets in Resorts World Manila—such as Silogue (in photo)—and its partner hotels champion Filipino food with its decadent selection of well-loved Filipino dishes.

T

IME and again, Filipino flavors show they can compete with international cuisines.

Here in Manila, there is no shortage of establishments that promote and celebrate wellloved Pinoy dishes, like Resorts World Manila and its partner hotels—both international marquee brands and homegrown names.

“I’ve worked as a chef in several hotels—including fivestar brands—around the world,” shared Chef Mario Manaloto of Silogue, an RWM signature restaurant. “I’m glad that by working for a company like RWM, I am able to prepare meals that are truly Filipino for both my kababayans as well as for foreigners.”

Silogue, which is dedicated to Filipino comfort food, has a variety of Filipino offerings, including an all-day, all-Filipino buffet. The luxury integrated resort said it has proven to be very popular with RWM guests—many of whom are experiencing Filipino food for the first time there.

Its a la carte menu includes kansi from Visayas, and laing and tinumok from the Bicol Region, among other rich flavors.

Its vibrantly-colored sago’t gulaman is the perfect sweet refreshment for a country with seemingly endless summers.

Proving that the appeal and mastery of Filipino cuisine goes beyond nationality, Chef Paul Stoks, the Dutch chef of S Kitchen

by Sheraton Manila Hotel, has developed a deep appreciation for Filipino cooking techniques as he immersed himself in the culinary traditions of several Philippine regions.

The result of the combination of his European background and a thorough immersion in the local culture is a remarkable

Halo-halo at The Terrace

3 things that make a great pizza Menudo sa Puti at Savoy Cafe

Binagoongan at Holiday Inn Express Manila

Empanada at S Kitchen, Sheraton Manila

Crispy Pata at Cafe Belmont

proficiency in Tagalog and what may be the crispiest, most tender lechon ever.

S Kitchen’s empanada, on the other hand, is a study in creativity, combining the rich fattiness of sisig with the sharp tang of Kapampangan longganisa in a delicate pastry shell.

Kusina, Hilton Manila’s all-day dining restaurant unabashedly embraces the Filipino dining experience. The all-day buffet includes an heirloom kare-kare recipe from its executive sous chef’s grandmother.

Taking advantage of its location in Manila’s busiest airport terminal, The Manila Life Café by Marriott Hotel Manila showcases Filipino cuisine to millions of tourists every day, including its Manila Sunrise platter and Pancit Luglug.

The Belmont Hotel’s Café Belmont, meanwhile, takes diners to a jaunt to the famed grilleries of the Negros Islands with its smoky and tangy chicken inasal. It also serves an impossibly crisp and tender crispy pata.

Guests can indulge in town fiesta favorites Menudo sa Puti and the Pakbet con Bagnet at the Savoy Hotel Manila. Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City takes a similar route with its lip-smacking binagoongan, with the sharp flavors the shrimp paste infusing the fatty chunks of choice-cut pork belly.

Maxims Hotel’s two restaurants, the Terrace and Café Maxims both offer sweet endings with halo-halo and bibingka.

RWM recently partnered with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for a sustained promotion of Philippine heritage cuisine.

“This is the best avenue to bring to the fore Philippine culture and the arts.

Before, we only had the stage, the school, and the streets to showcase our culture and the arts. Now, tourists and people who would like to experience culture and arts, can find everything here at RWM,” said NCCA executive director Rico Pableo, Jr.

The new All-in Overload Pizza is made with 6 meaty toppings and other complementing ingredients.

MANY fans of the pie would tell you there is no bad pizza—it’s great hot, it’s great cold. It’s a treat and a meal in itself.

But local pizza chain Greenwich offers the three most important things to look for in a pizza to consider it a great one.

All-in toppings

While it’s true that it can be topped off with any basic—sometimes unusual—ingredient, a pizza becomes even more delicious if it’s generously sprinkled with the tastiest and meatiest toppings such as ham, pepperoni, burger crumbles, bacon, Italian sausage, and Spanish sausage, plus additional ingredients to complement the taste such as veggies, pineapples, mushrooms, and cheese.

The new Greenwich All-in Overload Pizza got these toppings all in one crust, bringing an explosion of flavor with every bite.

Greenwich barkada members Enrique Gil, Yassi Pressman, and Robi Domingo like their pizza with meaty toppings.

Dough made from scratch

Contrary to what most people think, the pizza crust is more than just a base for the toppings. It actually sets the initial flavor base and texture of the entire pizza.

Greenwich says it pays attention to the dough they use for the crust, which is prepared from scratch daily and made using only the best ingredients.

Best shared with friends

Some things are just better when shared—and pizza certainly tops that list. Sharing a pizza that’s overloaded with toppings, flavor, and that unmistakable pizza goodness with friends is enjoyable because it heightens the experience with each bite.

Greenwich All-in Overload Pizza can be enjoyed as as part of the Overloaded Trio exclusive delivery offer. For only P499, the entire barkada can enjoy three of their favorite flavor-loaded doublesized Greenwich pizzas. Call #5-55-55, or order online at greenwichdelivery.com.

Life

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MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Chocoholics’ paradise A

S PART of every chocoholic’s favorite holiday, the World Chocolate Day on July 7, Muntinlupa City-based Crimson Hotel Filinvest City serves choco-filled treats at its in-house f&b outlets.

CHOCOLATE HEAVEN.

Lobby Lounge serves Chocolate Afternoon Tea featuring savory bites and chocolateloaded sweet treats.

The Lobby Lounge bring guests a collection of 100 cookie creations on July 12-21. Dubbed as the 100 Cookie Project, cookie lovers will have a field day trying flavors such as Dark Choco Chip, Matcha White Choco, Salted Caramel, Tablea, Truffle Honey, Gooey Nutella, Smore, Gluten Free Milk Choco Chip, Coffee Walnut, Peanut Butter, and more.

Chocolate and afternoon tea come together for the Lobby Lounge’s dreamy Chocolate Afternoon Tea, which includes a savory section of Chocolate Salmon Gravlax Sandwich, Mole Poblano Wrap, and Roasted Beef with Chocolate Sauce Pie. Meanwhile, sweet treats come in the decadent form of Dark Chocolate and Tonka Beans Flexi Ganache, and White Chocolate Strawberry and Basil Tartelette, among others.

The succulent afternoon tea is available for the whole month of July from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

On July 7, Café Eight served a Sunday Brunch Buffet featuring decadent culinary concoction made with chocolates.

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City’s sensational chocolate-loaded food and beverage promotions are made with luscious ingredients from Auro Chocolate, a proudly Filipino, bean-tobar chocolate company that sustainably sources cocoa beans directly from local farming communities in Davao.

Call (02) 863-2222 or email dining@crimsonhotel.com for inquiries and reservations.

Chocolate reigned supreme during the World Chocolate Day Sunday brunch buffet at Café Eight on July 7.

The 100 Cookie Project features more than 100 decadent flavors of cookies.

Bazaar highlights artisanal food, healthy drinks

‘Eat and greet’ in this food crawl series Foodpanda’s Eat ‘n Greet food crawl participants share a meal at one of the food stops.

ON-DEMAND food delivery service foodpanda debuts its new food crawl series that lets participants discover the new flavors in town and meet and greet the owners and chefs behind the establishments.

The Eat ‘n Greet, foodpanda says, is all about new food experiences. “[It] is literally eating delicious food, creating a community with the best foodies in town for a one of a kind experience.”

The first of the food crawl series brought foodies to LJC Group of restaurants, which coincidentally is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

The first stop of the food crawl was at Café Adriatico in Manila, the flagship restaurant of LJC Restaurant Group.

Cafe Adriatico serves full menu of Spanish-Mediterranean dishes and a variety of light options.

Participants then headed over to Ang Bistro Sa Remedios. LJC Restaurant Group’s historic Ang Bistro Sa Remedios serves nostalgic Filipino classics that bring back good memories.

The last stop was Polka Dots Bakeshopm which provided a sweet ending to the food crawl. It serves decadent desserts.

Go to the app or online to know any upcoming food crawl events.

THE Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. and Vicsal Foundation-organized Metro Community Bazaar features artisanal food items and healthy drinks, as well as upcycled accessories and trendy home products made by groups that provide livelihood to marginalized communities and individuals.

Shoppers in the month-long bazaar, ongoing today until July 31 at Metro Supermarket Alabang, Muntinlupa and Mandaue, Cebu, can choose from products from MRSGI CSR partners such as upcycled accessories from the Artisan Women of Tondo, and Moringa Tea and Powder products from GreenEarth Foundation, Inc. Also featured at the event are the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Caritas Segunda Mana, Coca-Cola Philippines, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Philippine Red Cross, and St. Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center.

The community bazaar is part of the company’s ongoing celebration of the Metro Community Bazaar features food items National Corporate Social Responsibil- and other products made by groups that provide livelihood to marginalized communities. ity month.

iPhoto

Nueva Vizcaya cook wins Solane Kitchen Hero Chef Region II leg

LJC Restaurant Group serves authentic Filipino dishes.

Jan Daryl Doculan (fourth from left) from Nueva Vizcaya emerged as the winner of the Region II leg of Solane Kitchen Chefs’ Edition, a nationwide cooking competition which aims to recognize a new generation of local talented chefs.

Doculan bested seven other contestants with his winning dish, Dinakdakan, which he garnished with assorted atchara, ensalada, toasted shallot, and candied calamansi. He will have the chance to qualify for the national competition round with a grand prize of P100,000 and a culinary trip to Japan.

With Doculan in photo are (from left) Solane marketing manager Valeri Villano, Solane Kitchen Hero ambassador Chef Sau del Rosario, Solane Kitchen Hero director Nancy Reyes-Lumen, and Region II judges Herminia Baby Reyes and Lilibeth Rillera.

Entertainment

MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

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CTOR, model, and foodie Daniel Matsunaga is going back to his roots and is creating his own franchise of popular and well-loved Brazilian food in partnership with Renegade Branding Concepts, a new Philippine startup that creates franchising and licensing concepts curated by celebrities and digital personalities in the fields of beauty, fashion, health and wellness, home interiors and food and beverage.

Daniel, who is Japanese-Brazilian, is sharing his love of Brazilian food with Filipinos through new food cart businesses that will sell churrasco, pao de quiejo (cheese bread), and pasteis (pastel).

On top of these Brazilian treats, Daniel developed his own line of potato bar that will serve fries, curly fries and potato chips served in unique dips and sauces.

“I have always been a foodie and I am so excited for everyone to taste these delicious food that I grew up eating,” Daniel shares.

“This new food business is really close to my heart because the recipes are developed by my family,” he adds.

Renegade Branding Concepts is the brainchild of Antonio, who has partnered with some of the biggest brands in the world including Versace Home, Armani Casa, yoo

by Philippine Starck, Missoni, and Trump Organization. He has also worked with influential global celebrities like the late architect Zaha Hadid, I.M.Pei, Lenny Kravitz, British fashion designedOzwald Boateng, and Paris Hilton, to name a few.

Renegade Branding Concepts, is a subsidiary of Resident Holdings, a conglomerate with nearly 20 businesses in the fields of beauty, fashion, real estate, franchising, e-commerce, e-services, fintech, and

ONE of the most feared and revered animals in the ocean, sharks are taking the spotlight for eight weeks of “fintastic” programming on Nat Geo Wild.

Tune in to Shark! on Nat Geo Wild every Saturday for eight weeks starting on July 6 for brand new documentaries capturing the amazing lives of sharks.

The frenzy of programming will captivate viewers with truth that is stranger than fiction—from the latest developments in shark research and preservation, to new ways to predict shark attacks, to shocking explorations into the hidden science of sharks.

Shark! programming highlights including a fascinating experiment to determine if the weather can help predict shark attacks in Forecast: Shark Attack and the ultimate Red Weddingstyle battle for dominance in Cannibal Sharks. Enjoy a front-row seat to some of the most memorable shark feasts in Great Shark Chow Down, and in Man vs. Shark, join marine biologist Jeremiah Sullivan, who has been developing an armored suit to go noseto-nose and fin-to-fin to help preserve these awe-inspiring animals.

Andy Baek, Head and Vice President of National Geographic Channels, FOX Networks Group Asia, said, “The oceans of Asia are home to many species of sharks, all playing an important role

South Korean actress and 'My Weightlifting Fairy' star Lee Sung Kyung

Weightlifting Fairy’s Lee Sung Kyung holds Manila Fanmeet

DANIEL Matsunaga’s

new partner Brapanese actor and model Daniel Matsunaga goes back to his roots by partnering with a local startup.

educational-tech, among others.

“We are so happy to partner with Daniel for his own food business. We developed these concepts together with the hope of serving good food to everyone,” says Renegade Branding Concepts President and CEO Robbie Antonio.

Nat Geo Wild Asia premieres 'Shark!' that features a series of programs dedicated to the ocean's most dangerous predator.

Monday, July 8, 2019

50 Bicker 54 Flee 55 Hawaii’s Mauna — 58 Sword handle 59 Thrill upon thrill 62 Pinnacle 63 Dainty swallows 64 Sibling’s daughter 65 Brunch or lunch 66 RBI or ERA 67 Swiped DOWN 1 Cantina fare 2 British school 3 Starfish features 4 Mouth part 5 Very low bows 6 Slogan 7 Jacques’ pal 8 In a short time 9 Off-road twowheeler 10 Heavy stick 11 Taking a cruise 12 Go off at an angle 13 Mex. miss 18 “Orinoco Flow” singer 23 Jean Auel heroine 24 Cotton unit 25 Coup leader

am so excited for the launch of these Brazilian food kiosks. We have already sold some licenses and the kiosks will be launched to the public in a few months’ time,” he said.

For his part, Antonio hopes that the public embraces the food concepts nationwide.

‘Shark!’ premieres on Nat Geo Wild Asia

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Greenish-blues 6 Polite address 10 NBA team 14 Courtyards 15 Prefix for directional 16 PC owner 17 Ending 19 Bug repellent 20 Switch positions 21 Cookout intruder 22 Horseshoe locale 24 Cajun’s home 26 Casual farewell 27 Grand — Island 30 Let overflow 34 Ice-skating leaps 35 Muslim woman’s cover-up 36 Moo goo — pan 38 Three squared 39 Blender button 40 Is off base 41 Spanish gentleman 42 Packs firmly 43 Prince Val’s wife 44 Vague discomfort 46 Very dirty 47 Country hotel 48 Staircase parts

When asked if he would be interested in launching other business concepts in the future, Daniel replied enthusiastically.

“Definitely. I love acting and modeling but I am also a foodie at heart.

I would love to develop more food businesses in the future, that’s why I

27 Parade feature 28 Principle 29 Auburn tint 31 Co. honcho 32 Wading bird 33 — Vader 35 Work avoiders 37 “— —, old chap” 39 Ideal kind of dentist 40 Building extensions 42 Astronaut’s ade 43 Flu or cold 45 Beam above

the door 46 Edict 49 Favored set (hyph.)

50 Pow! 51 Paddy crop 52 — mater 53 Leave 55 Onion relative 56 Single time 57 Ra’s symbol 60 Financial guru 61 She played Rosemary

in undersea ecosystems and keeping our oceans healthy. To shine the spotlight on these misunderstood creatures, Nat Geo Wild is diving into the deep end to give viewers in Asia a feeding frenzy of shark programs.”

Shark! also aims to raise awareness about these incredible animals that depend on a healthy planet in order to survive. As part of its overall effort to protect the Earth, National Geographic recently launched Planet or Plastic?, a multiyear initiative to reduce the amount of single-use plastic reaching our world’s oceans.

Planet or Plastic? benefits the thousands to potentially millions of marine animals that become entangled in, are suffocated by or ingest plastic each year; as well as contributing to the overall health of the planet’s marine ecosystems and all who rely on them. To learn more about the Planet or Plastic? initiative, visit NatGeo.com/planetorplastic.

As the world’s destination for science, exploration and adventure, National Geographic has long made coverage of sharks and ocean health a core part of its DNA. On screen—with this year’s eight-

KOREAN actress Lee Sung Kyung, known for her lead role in hit K-drama Weightlifting Fairy, is finally going to meet her Filipino fans at the Be Joyful fan meet happening on July 27 at the SM Sky Dome in Quezon City.

Her Be Joyful tour kicked off in Taiwan last January, followed by her Japan fan meet last June, and finally here in the Philippines this month for her firstever encounter with her Pinoy followers.

Lee Sung Kyoung first gained popularity in the country when the Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo aired on ABS-CBN in 2016.

The award-winning actress also previously appeared in It’s Okay, That’s Love, the series that aired on Jeepney TV in 2017, and starred in The Doctors (also known as Doctor Crush) which aired in the Kapamilya Network last year.

Be Joyful tickets are up for grabs at P9,072 (MVP), P6,940 (VIP), and P4,270 (Fairy Pass), available online via smtickets.com. MVP pass holders will get to be part of the highly coveted group photo, while MVP, VIP and Fairy Pass ticket holders will have a hi-touch with Lee Sung Kyung and a chance to be part of the upcoming Be Joyful press conference.

Don’t miss Lee Sung Kyung’s Be Joyful Tour in Manila, produced by ABSCBN Events and CDM Entertainment.

week Shark! programming event—and off—through recent books like Shark by marine wildlife photographer Brian Skerry, and Nat Geo Kids’ Ultimate Book of Sharks – National Geographic is constantly seeking new ways to grab audiences’ attention and immerse them in the fascinating world of sharks.

Shark! programming highlights include: Cannibal Sharks (July 6 ): Drawing on spectacular user-generated content from around the world, Cannibal Sharks pulls in two of the world’s leading shark experts—Dr. Mark Meekan and Dr. Mike Heithaus—to unpack and analyze the mounting evidence that shark-onshark attacks happen a lot more than we ever realized. As the scientists explore what might make a shark turn on its own kind, viewers will witness stunning natural footage layered with graphic images to learn about shark body languages, senses and more.

Man vs. Shark (July 13, 9:30 p.m.HKT): Marine biologist and shark suit inventor, Jeremiah Sullivan, attempts to intentionally get bitten by a deadly tiger shark and survive.

Forecast Shark Attack (July 20, 9:30 p.m. HKT): Join marine biologist Greg Skomal and meteorologist Joe Merchant as they test Joe’s theory of how shark attacks can be as predictable as the weather.

Great Shark Chow Down (July 27, 9:30 p.m. HKT): Tune in to witness five of the world’s most extraordinary feeding events.

Eyewitness Shark Attack: Revenge of The Reef Shark (Aug. 3, 9:30 p.m.

HKT): Shark attacks caught on video reveal clues to help us understand sharks like never before. In this episode, a spear fisherman is bitten by a Caribbean reef shark.

Eyewitness Shark Attack: No Way Out (Aug. 10, 2019, 9:30 p.m. HKT): Shark attacks caught on video reveal clues to help us understand sharks like never before. In this episode, a cage diver is horrified when a shark gets stuck in the cage.

Eyewitness Shark Attack: Invasion of The Great Whites (Aug. 17, 9:30 p.m. HKT): Shark attacks caught on video reveal clues to help us understand sharks like never before. In this episode, a great white lunges for a shark researcher.

Operation Sharklift (Aug. 31, 9:30 p.m. HKT): In a world-first, scientists catch, crane-lift, and relocate huge bull sharks away from busy Noumea harbour in the South Pacific to a pristine coral reef, far from people.

Tune in to Shark! on Nat Geo Wild every Saturday at 9:30 p.m. HKT, until Aug. 31, for brand new documentaries capturing the amazing lives of sharks.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019

Wellness and beauty brand invades Tagum

Mornings with ‘Mars Pa More’

'Mars Pa More!' hosts and their kids, Nathan and Primo, with guest celebrity Alden Richards.

BEAUTÉDERM Corporation continues to gear up for the highly anticipated grand celebration of its 10th anniversary in the business this November as it recently opened BeautéNook By Beautéderm located at the ground floor of City Mall in the city of Tagum in Davao Del Norte.

BeautéNook By Beautéderm is owned and operated by Kharnelia Edquila and the event was attended by Beautéderm Corporation’s President and CEO Rhea Anicoche-Tan along with brand ambassadors Ken Chan, Shyr Valdez, and Lorna Tolentino with special celebrity guests Rap and Renz Fernandez. The event was also graced by Davao-based Beautéderm brand ambassadors such a beauty queens Carly Chua, MJ De Castro, and Lesley Anne Ticaro as well as businesswoman Leo Revita.

The event also announced the grand winner of Beautéderm Slender Sips Weight Loss Challenge, which was participated by 22 hopefuls. Leyzander Rosell, who lost 7.8 kg through diet, exercise, and the help of Beautéderm’s Slender Sips drink, emerged as the grand winner.

The winners of the MTV Dance Contest,

on the other hand, were Aphrodite in the adult category and UMTC Femmes in the youth category. They rendered their own dance interpretations to the tune of “Be Proud It’s Beautéderm,” which is recorded by certified OPM hitmaker and Beautéderm brand ambassador Jinky Vidal and composed by the legendary Vehnee Saturno.

The winners received a grand total of P500,000.00 worth of cash and special prizes.

Kapuso actor Ken Chan serenaded Tagum with a sampling of romantic ballads while grand slam queen Lorna Tolentino performed a special duet with him to the delight of the massive crowd. Comedic group Digos Good Vibes provided fun and laughter as hosts of the event.

“We are targeting to open more physical stores by the end of the year,” says Rhea.

“We already have a store in Singapore and we are preparing to open in New Zealand, Dubai, and the US.” For more exciting news and cool updates on Beautéderm Corporation, follow @ beautédermcorporation on Instagram and like Beautéderm on Facebook.

VERY WANG

S

NICKIE WANG

From left: Rhea Anicoche-Tan, Rap Fernandez, Lorna Tolentino, Shyr Valdez, Kharnelia Edquila, Rap Fernandez, Ken Chan, and Architect Ariel Edquila.

TARTING today, Camille Prats and Iya Villania are going to be your morning companions as they host the familyoriented lifestyle magazine show Mars Pa More, which showcases funfilled segments dedicated to bringing moms and kids closer together.

After its successful seven-year run on GMA News TV of highlighting trends and activities for mothers alone, now on GMA 7, Mars Pa More! has an added twist that brings to light special bonding moments.

Although the show seems so light and relaxed, according to Camille, it wasn’t an easy transition from GMA News TV to GMA 7.

“It was a very long talk about the transition of Mars from GMA News TV to GMA. It was a month-long discussion. It wasn’t easy for me to transition from GMA News TV without Ate Suzi because we worked together for seven years. She’s practically like my family. She’s always been part of my life,” Camille said during the show’s press conference.

The actress and host, who is expecting her third child anytime this month, explained that her former co-host couldn’t join her in the new show because of conflict in schedule.

“S he (Suzi Entrata) is also part of Unang Hirit and Mars Pa More! will be shown right after Unang Hirit. They

Malek sought reassurances over Bond film role

Iya Villania joins Camille Prats in 'Mars Pa More!' which airs every morning starting today.

are on the same morning block so it’s going to be a big challenge if she’ll be part of the show,” she shared.

She added that she will definitely miss her bonding moments with her former co-host and looks forward to more years with Iya who is now on board.

“When I found out that it’s going to be her, I realized that it’s gonna be an easy show because I’ve known her for awhile. So, she’s no longer new to me.

I hope they also give Mars Pa More! a chance because Iya also adds a different flavor to the program,” Camille said.

“We have a good relationship as moms. I really ask her stuff. So, that alone we already had a good start even before working together,” she carried on.

With Iya and Camille, Mars Pa More!

SNAPSHOT

Finally, a day club in Boracay AQUA Boracay, a 5-star resort on Bulabog Beach, is all about creating your dream vacation. Located away from the deafening crowd of one of the best islands in the world, unique experiences within the resort are definitely #vacationgoals.

The Day Club at Aqua Boracay was launched as a refreshing take on the nighttime clubbing scene that caused environmental issues on the island in the past. With its sexy pool menu by world-renowned Chef Chele Gonzalez, and one of the best pools in the paradise of Boracay, your best island experience is guaranteed.

introduces a promising roster of kids who can sing, dance and even cook, who will take the center stage and spread the good vibes.

Every morning, viewers can expect non-stop talk and fun activities such as easy home-cooked recipes, familyfriendly games, interesting crafts, musical segments, trending challenges on social media, hottest places to go for the family, and beauty and home tips for mommies.

Mars Pa More! airs Mondays to Fridays, 8:50 to 9:20 a.m. on GMA Network.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International.

For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

OSCAR winner Rami Malek has revealed he thought twice before signing up to play the lead villain in the latest long-awaited James Bond film opposite Daniel Craig.

The US actor, who won the Oscar this year for his performance as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, said he feared his Egyptian ancestry could lead to the part being a caricature of a Middle Eastern terrorist.

Malek told reporters in New York that he raised his concerns with the film’s director Cary Fukunaga and received reassurances that was “not his vision”, according to Britain’s Daily Mirror tabloid.

“That was one thing that I discussed w i t h Cary,” he said. “I s a i d ,

‘We cannot identify him with any act of terrorism reflecting an ideology or a religion. That’s not something I would entertain, so if that is why I am your choice then you can count me out.”

“But that was clearly not his vision.

So he’s a very different kind of terrorist,” the actor added.

Malek, who was born in Los Angeles in 1981 to parents who immigrated to the United States from Egypt three years earlier, has said he identifies strongly with his Egyptian heritage.

“I am Egyptian. I grew up listening to Egyptian music,” he told GQ magazine last year. “These are my people. I feel so gorgeously tied to the culture and the human beings that exist there.”

Malek will star alongside Craig— who is set to bow out after five films and eight years as 007—in the 25th edition of one of the world’s most enduring franchises.

However, the as-yet-untitled film has been besieged by problems, most recently with Craig undergoing minor ankle surgery after an injury on set.

The production was repeatedly delayed over script disputes and after Oscar-winning director, Danny Boyle quit the project.

The film is now due to open in cinemas in the United States, Britain, and France on April 8, 2020.

Malek revealed that he has already filmed some scenes in Norway— though without Craig—and praised the latest installment in the 007 spy series. AFP American actor Rami Malek plays an Arabicspeaking terrorist in the latest 'Bond' movie.