Manila Standard - 2019 July 13 - Saturday

Rody slams Iceland, UN reso ‘EJK probe out to shame PH’

By MJ Blancaflor, Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called out Iceland for filing a resolution before the United Nations Human Rights Council to probe drug-related deaths in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 149 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

“Itong mga gagong ito [these fools], they don’t understand the social, political problems of the Philippines,” President Duterte said in a speech on the 28th anniversary of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

“Ano ang problema ng Iceland? Ice lang.

[What’s their problem? Just ice.] That’s your problem, you have too much ice and there is no clear day or night there. So you can understand, there is no crime, there is no policeman,” Duterte said.

Earlier, the Palace on Friday condemned the resolution of the UNHRC calling for an investigation of human rights violations in the country, saying it is designed to embarrass the Philippines before the international Next page

3 years after arbitral win vs China sea claims

Carpio, Del Rosario tag war threat a govt ‘scare tactic’

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

NO LONE RANGER. A protester, symbolizing millions of his

THE Duterte administration is using the threat of an unwinnable war against China as a scare tactic to justify its policy of appeasement toward Beijing, two staunch advocates of asserting the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea said Friday.

Their statements came as a new survey showed that nine out of 10 Next page

countrymen, holds the tricolors in front of the Chinese Consulate in Manila on Friday, to coincide with the anniversary of the arbitral ruling by the United Nations, to oppose the Asian superpower’s growing sway in the Philippines as tensions rise over its presence in the disputed South China Sea. (inset) Former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario (2nd right), former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales (left), and Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio (right) attend a forum that discussed The Hague ruling favoring the Philippines against China’s claims. AFP, Lino Santos

Diplomatic sanctions on nations abusing journalists urged LONDON―Countries that abuse journalists should pay a “diplomatic price,” British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt told a conference on media freedom on July 11, adding that liberal democracies must also “practice what we preach.”

In Manila, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Friday he had ordered a special investigating team to look into the killing on

Wednesday of radio commentator Eduardo Dizon, who was gunned down by men on a motorbike while on his way home in Kidapawan City, Cotabato.

“As chair of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, I have given instructions for the creation of a special investigating team, which will surely include the NBI [National

Bureau of Investigation], to conduct an inquiry into the killing of Eduardo Dizon and to file appropriate charges against the perpetrators,” Guevarra told newsmen.

Kidapawan City Police Chief Maria Joyce Birrey said a special task group had been created to investigate Dizon’s killing.

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Duterte supports Romualdez for VP

POGOs growth seen as both boon, bane

By Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will support Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez should the latter run for vice president in 2022 elections, Malacañang confirmed on Friday.

In a text message to reporters, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Chief Executive would support Romualdez’ vice presidential bid “if he decides to run.”

According to the Palace official, talks of Romualdez’ possible vice presidential bid came unexpectedly.

“It came out of the blue, while we were chatting with him [Romualdez],” Panelo told Rappler.

Romualdez, who has been seen accompanying the President in his official and private activities, has been chosen by Duterte to be the next majority floor leader of the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Panelo said Duterte’s endorse- Incoming House Majority Leader Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez (left) greets President Rodrigo Duterte as the Chief ment of Romualdez’ supposed vice presidential Executive arrives at the appreciation dinner for outgoing House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday at the Manila Hotel, bid was not a consolation for not endorsing him as Tingog Party-List Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez beams. The Palace confirmed in a statement that the President would support Next page

Romualdez if he decides to run for vice president in the 2022 elections. Ver Noveno

AI program beats pros in six-player poker

OFFSHORE gaming operations or POGOs will deliver up to P20 billion in revenues as they submit to Philippine laws, an official said Friday.

The Philippines’ “very good model” had encouraged up to 59 POGOs to set up shop in the Philippines, said Andrea Domingo, chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

She said the rules that were recently finalized covered personal and corporate income taxes, the establishment of POGO hubs and the setting of threeyear and five-year licenses to operate, In other developments:* The Bureau of Immigration said Friday foreigners wanting to work in the Philippines may soon apply for their working visas abroad before arriving in the Philippines.

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Swarm of jellyfish closes beach

PITTSBURGH—Artificial intelligence programs have bested humans in checkers, chess, Go and two-player poker, but multi-player poker was always believed to be a bigger task. Mission: accomplished.

THOUSANDS of thimble jellyfish recently swarmed a beach on Samar Island, forcing locals to close the beach to swimmers and tourists, a Yahoo News report said.

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Rumors on Egyptian bombers ‘fake news’ UNVERIFIED reports about an Egyptian couple now roaming Sulu and planning to conduct bomb attacks upon instructions of Islamic State terrorists are doing the public more harm than good, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

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SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

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No Andaya plea on Malampaya of the case that led it to file a suit in court.

The Ombudsman earlier opposed Andaya’s plea for the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the graft and malversation charges filed against him in connection with the alleged P900-million Malampaya fund scam.

In an opposition filed on April 10, Ombudsman prosecutors said Andaya’s motion for reconsideration should be denied as the plea was filed beyond the five-day period reglementary period stated under the Guidelines for Continuous Trial.

Andaya earlier filed a motion to dismiss the cases but the anti-graft court denied his plea, prompting Andaya to

file a motion for reconsideration in late March.

But even if Andaya filed the motion on time, the Ombudsman said it should still be dismissed “based on the merits.”

In his motion for reconsideration, Andaya said the information containing the 97 counts each of graft and malversation through falsification filed against him are “fatally defective” as they failed to show how he participated in the scheme.

The court, however, has already ruled on the validity of the charges, saying all matters on the alleged role of Andaya in the scheme are best presented during the trial, the Ombudsman said.

international community and the global audience. The Philippines is a sovereign state, undeserving of any intrusion by any country, under whatever disguised lofty principle it advances,” Panelo said.

Duterte was widely criticized for his war on illegal drugs because thousands of drug suspects—including children— were killed during police operations.

“The resolution demonstrates how the Western powers are scornful of our sovereign exercise of protecting our people from the scourge of prohibited drugs that threaten to destroy the fabric of our society. Their intrusive abuse is patent and condemnable. It smacks of politicization designed to force our free state to be subservient to their imagined superiority,” Panelo said.

Panelo also questioned the validity of the resolution, claiming that most of the members of UNHRC were “not really convinced” about the need for an investigation.

“The subject resolution not only was not unanimously adopted, but it didn’t even get a simple majority of the 47 countries. The voting is not decisive in its favor. Only 18 countries out of the 47 member-countries voted for the resolution. A simple majority would have been 24,” Panelo said.

“This means that majority of the members are not really convinced of the resolution calling for the investigation of the so-called extrajudicial killings in our country,” he added.

But a local human rights group said that an independent investigation on the human rights violations committed in the country is “long overdue.”

“This is not a numbers game, as what this callous government tries to reason out. This systematic and state-perpe-

trated butchering of the Filipino people has reached international concern, and the clamor for change will only echo louder from here on,” Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay said.

“We reiterate that this is not an issue of sovereignty, but of accountability,” she added.

The Commission on Human Rights in the Philippines also supported the UNHRC resolution and urged the government to allow and cooperate with a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the alleged human rights abuses.

“It must show both the international community and our own people that it is willing and able to hold perpetrators to account, to protect all human rights defenders, to stop the killings, and to end impunity,” the commission said in a statement.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said if everything is aboveboard, the government has nothing to worry about.

“Let’s project statesmanship and maturity as a country. Let’s keep an open mind, not shut doors to international bodies objectively looking into the issue,” Drilon said.

“We will rise to the challenge and the challenge is to improve the human rights situation in the country,” he said.

Instead of imputing malice on a legitimate action performed by highly respected organizations such as the UNHRC, Drilon said the government must be able to show strong resolve to address the issue.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, on the other hand, said the Philippines can manage without the intervention of the UNHRC.

jailing of activists in China and Vietnam and the murder of reporters in Mexico.

“If we act together we can shine a spotlight on abuses and impose a diplomatic price on those who would harm journalists or lock them up for doing their jobs,” he said.

The London conference, co-hosted with Canada, brings together 60 ministers and around 1,500 journalists,

activists and academics from 100 different countries.

The hosts are hoping for pledges about action to protect press freedom and cooperation between states on responding to specific cases.

Britain and Canada want to create a group of “like-minded countries to lobby in unison where media freedom comes under attack,” Hunt told a press conference. AFP with PNA

not intended to attack the congressmen but a call to protect the Constitution.

Congressmen, Gordon said, should not have involved the President in deciding who would be the next House Speaker. He said House members should have and keep their independence as an institution.

“Why did they force the President to interfere? Whoever won there would follow the President. That’s classic compromise,” said Gordon.

“Maybe they just want inner peace within their institution that’s why they let the President decide,” he added.

He said the separation of powers should be respected so that there would be a system of checks and balances.

The three branches of the government, which are the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial, Gordon pointed out should not meddle with each other’s roles.

“If I were a congressman, I would never ask the President to do that. But I would be very happy to see the termsharing succeed later,” said Gordon.

The announcement about the termsharing came during the oathtaking ceremony of newly appointed officials in Malacañang on July 8.

With this arrangement, Cayetano will serve 15 months of the 18th Congress, while Velasco will serve the remaining 21 months.

Meanwhile, Romualdez will be the House majority leader.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, working with Facebook’s AI initiative, announced Thursday that their program defeated a group of top pros in six-player no-limit Texas hold ‘em.

The program, Pluribus, and its big wins were described in the US journal Science.

“Pluribus achieved superhuman performance at multi-player poker, which

is a recognized milestone in artificial intelligence and in game theory,” said Tuomas Sandholm, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon.

Sandholm worked with Noam Brown, who is working at Facebook AI while completing his doctorate at the Pittsburgh-based university.

“Thus far, superhuman AI milestones in strategic reasoning have been limited to two-party competition,” Sandholm said in a statement released by the school.

According to the creators of Pluribus, the technology could be used to solve a “wide variety of real-world problems” that, like in poker, involve actors who bluff, or hide key information.

The program first defeated two major poker champions, Darren Elias and Chris Ferguson, who each played 5,000 hands against it.

Pluribus then took on 13 pros in a separate experiment, five at a time. In a total of 10,000 hands, the program “emerged victorious,” researchers said. AFP

even if it is true. It’s like the story of the boy who cried wolf,” Lorenzana said in a message to reporters.

In a related development: The Philippine National Police has cited the need for lawmakers to understand the need to support measures that will enhance its capability to secure the country against the threat of terrorism.

PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said this after President Rodrigo Duterte asked the police and the military to be prepared for “dangerous times ahead”.

Citing the case of the first suicide bombing perpetrated by a Filipino in

Sulu last June 28, the PNP chief said he had earlier warned Congress to prepare for these situations.

“I have been telling that [scenario] to Congress that we really have to prepare for this. I think no less than the President said that there are dangerous times ahead it’s because he foresees these kinds of global terrorism will not end in few years time,” Albayalde told reporters on the sidelines of a gun show in Mandaluyong City.

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it had yet to receive information regarding the Egyptian terror couple. PNA

By Maricel V. Cruz

F

ORMER Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. on Friday refused to enter any plea on 97 counts of graft and malversation of public funds, respectively, in connection with the P900-million Malampaya fund scam, saying he had a pending petition before the Supreme Court.

Andaya’s action prompted the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division to enter a not guilty plea for him.

In his petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court, Andaya accused government prosecutors of grave abuse of

discretion in filing the multiple criminal charges against him.

Andaya’s a petition for certiorari came with a prayer for a temporary restraining order to stop the trial because of certain defects in the Ombudsman’s appreciation

Carpio,...

From A1

Rody...

From A1

Filipinos believe the government should assert the country’s right to disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea. At a forum Friday, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario were particularly concerned over President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to set aside the July 12, 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that ruled in favor of the Philippines against China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea. “The claim that enforcing the arbitral award means going to war with China, a war the Philippines will surely lose, is utterly false claim, designed to intimidate the Filipino people to submit to the will of China,” Carpio said during a forum on the West Philippine Sea at the UP Bonifacio Global City Auditorium.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines on Friday also said it stood by its petition with the Supreme Court seeking to compel the government to protect the marine resources in the West Philippine Sea. The statement came as fishermen removed their names from the petition, saying they were being used for political reasons. This caused the Office of the Solicitor General to move to have the case dismissed.

Del Rosario lamented that the government has done nothing to implement the arbitral award and instead it allowed China to deprive the Filipinos of what is theirs by continuing to shelve the tribunal’s decision.

“We are still succumbing to threats of force including threat of war,” Del Rosario said, noting that “war is not even a good option for China” as its economy is heavily reliant on global trade.

community.

Duterte said the countries criticizing him believed the claims of Senator Leila De Lima, a vocal critic of the President’s war on drugs.

De Lima, while she was still Justice secretary in the previous Aquino administration, revealed that Duterte is behind a vigilante group murdering people involved in illegal drugs.

“They believe hook line and sinker, that De Lima,” the President said.

“I’m asking human rights people. Is it wrong to say, ‘If you destroy my country, I will kill you?’” Duterte said.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the resolution proposed by Iceland before the UNHRC was “grotesquely one-sided” and “maliciously partisan.”

“It reeks of nauseating politics completely devoid of respect for the sovereignty of our country, even as it is bereft of the gruesome realities of the drug menace in the country,” he said.

His statement came after the UNHRC narrowly adopted the Iceland-proposed resolution to investigate the deaths related to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Eighteen member states backed the resolution while 14 opposed it. Fifteen abstained.

The resolution requests the UNHRC to present a comprehensive report on the human rights situation in the Philippines amid the anti-narcotics crackdown.

“Evidently, the resolution was designed to embarrass the Philippines before the

POGOs...

From A1 Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente made the announcement following the joint memorandum circular on the Rules and Procedures Governing Foreign Nationals Intending to Work in the Philippines signed by Immigration, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Senator Joel Villanueva said Friday POGOs were growing but they were actually less beneficial to the domestic economy.

He said the POGOs were causing a lot of stress in the real estate market to the detriment of Filipino businesses and workers renting in the urban areas to be near their workplaces.

“With the way developments in the industry are unfolding, we fear that we are becoming the sin city of China with very little benefit to Filipinos and our economy,” Villanueva said in a statement.

The offshore gaming operations delivered P11.9 billion in revenues from 2016 to 2018 with P8 billion more expected in 2019, Domingo told the PhilAsian Gaming Expo, a three-day event billed as Asia’s largest gaming expo.

Addressing POGO operators in the crowd, Domingo said: “We are offshore gaming operators in the Philippines.

We are legal. We ensure fair play. We do not run away from losing bets and we are here to stay.” Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Rumors...

From A1 Aside from causing undue alarm, the DND chief said the frequent release of such unverified reports have the tendency to make people skeptical and could make them ignore legitimate information on such matter.

“It is unverified news like this that unduly alarm the public. The down side is that if this happens often enough na hindi naman totoo (that it is not true), time will come when the people become inured to the news and will not believe

Diplomatic...

From A1 “We are currently reviewing the CCTV footage that captured the crime,” Birrey told Radio Station DXND. Hunt, who is battling Boris Johnson to become Britain’s next leader, raised the murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the

Duterte...

From A1 for Speaker.

“Nope. The chat was before the suggestion of the term-sharing,” he said.

In recent days, the Chief Executive announced that Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano would share a term with Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco as leaders of the lower chamber.

In the Senate, Senator Richard J. Gordon branded as “clear compromise” the term-sharing for the Speakership at the House of Representatives as declared

by Duterte.

He clarified that his statement was

AI program...

From A1

Swarm...

From A1 A video posted by Yahoo through the In The Know channel showed the jellyfish, locally known as “baso-baso” (glass-like or cup-like), floating in clumps in shallow water.

The exact location of the beach in Samar was not specified in the video, which was captured by an underwater drone as it glided through the swarms.

The website Newsflare, which first showed the video, said the footage

IN BRIEF Recto: Specify works using road users' tax

THE proposed 2020 national budget must comply with the Road Board abolition law, which requires all projects funded by motor registration fees be specified in the annual General Appropriations Act, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Friday.

In a statement, Recto reminded the executive branch to make sure that next year’s spending bill will be in accordance with Republic Act 11239, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed last April 8.

RA 11239 abolished the Road Board and decreed that all Motor Vehicle User’s Charge collections be remitted to the National Treasury and placed in a special account in the General Fund.

Monies under the account will be “earmarked solely for the construction, upgrading, repair, and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and road drainage to be included in the annual GAA,” states the law.

“This is the very important sunshine provision in the law abolishing the Road Board. It means that projects funded by MVUC must be itemized and presented, in the interest of transparency, as MVUCfunded projects,” Recto said.

“That’s the way to do it. Full disclosure. So that vehicle owners will know where the registration fees they have paid will go,” the senator added.

Sandigan suspends Cotabato governor

THE Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division has imposed a 90-day suspension against Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco in connection with the fertilizer fund scam.

In a seven-page decision, the anti-graft court said “Section 13 [of the anti-graft law] is so clear that there is hardly room for any extended court rationalization of the law.”

“The law unequivocally mandates the suspension of a public official from office pending a criminal prosecution….. Such preventive suspension is mandatory, and there are no ifs and buts about it,” the Sandigan decision added.

The court also ordered the Department of Interior and Local Government to enforce the suspension order.

Catamco and her former husband, Pompey Perez, were accused of “conspiracy to defraud the municipal government of Poro with the anomalous purchase of P5 million worth of Vitacrop liquid organic fertilizer” in 2004.

At the time, Catamco was not yet a public official and was going by the name Nancy Perez.

Ombudsman prosecutors alleged that the transaction was irregular due to lack of public bidding and the supplier, Perzebros Co. represented by the Perezes, was ineligible, being barely two months old at the time of the transaction.

Investigators also hinted at overpricing in the transaction, noting that Poro town was made to pay P1,500 per bottle of fertilizer when the actual price was supposedly only P408 per bottle, or an overprice of P1,092 per bottle. Maricel V. Cruz

Koko: Don't call separation 'divorce'

SENATOR Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel II said Friday he will support the approval of a law that would allow couples to separate as long as the separation was not called “divorce.”

“If what we’re after is a remedy for a married couple with irreconcilable differences, let us look for this remedy,” Pimentel said.

“But [let’s] give it another name. I would be open to that. For example, dissolution of marriage.”

Pimentel, whose marriage to former Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Jewel May Lobaton was annulled last year, believes couples in failed marriages should have the legal means to regain happiness.

The House of Representatives passed a divorce bill during the 17th Congress, but its counterpart bill in the Senate was left to die a natural death in committee.

Even before the 17th Congress, several lawmakers had made similar attempts to approve a divorce bill during the 14th, 15th and 16th Congress, but all failed.

As a result, Senator Risa Hontiveros filed another divorce proposal in the Senate saying spouses in failed marriages, particularly women, should be given all the chances to find true and meaningful relationships and build nurturing families.

Hontiveros’ focus was on women trapped in abusive relationships, but she acknowledged her bill would meet stiff opposition as the other lawmakers had experienced when they filed divorce proposals starting in the 13th Congress in 2005.

Hontiveros said a divorce law would give freedom to many Filipinos, allowing them to build new lives and show real respect for family and marriage.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

was captured on July 4. It quoted the drone owner as saying: “We got out of the water when they started approaching the shore.”

“I’m still trying to determine if this event is natural or anthropogenic,” the filmer, who was not identified, told Newsflare.

Thimble jellyfish (Linuche unguiculata) is a tiny jellyfish with a straight-sided, flat-topped bell. They are the most common cause of sea bather’s eruption, which is a reaction caused by the injection of juvenile jellyfish nematocysts into human skin. Jimbo Gulle

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SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Ex-VP Binay joins biggest World Scout Jamboree

By Joel E. Zurbano

READY FOR SONA. Members of the Presidential Security Group check the second floor of the rear entrance of the House of Representatives as part of their preparation for the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte on July 22. (Inset) Presidential helicopters conduct a safe landing and take off drill for the SONA. Ver Noveno

Roadblocking, repair works in NCR okayed THE Metro Manila Development Authority gave its go-signal to the Department of Public Works and Highways to resume its road improvement works along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and Circumferential Road 5 (C-5 Road) beginning 11 p.m. Friday (July 12) until 5 a.m. Monday (July 15).

DPWH-National Capital Region Director Ador Canlas said the road repairs will be undertaken at the southbound of EDSA from Guzent Construction Equipment Sales and Rental to Culiat Bridge, 1st lane from sidewalk; from Magallanes to Baclaran Bus Stop going to Magallanes to Alabang Bus Stop, outer lane; and from Eugenio Lopez Drive to Scout Borromeo (Desilting and Construction of Manhole); and at the northbound of after Aurora Boulevard Service Road, 2nd lane from sidewalk.

Road rehabilitation will also be undertaken at the southbound of C-5 Road from fronting SM Aura, 3rd lane from median; and at the northbound from fronting SM Aura, 2nd lane from median. Joel E. Zurbano

Consultation on IRR draft of UHC ends THE Department of Health on Friday ended its fourth Public Consultation on the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11223 otherwise known as Universal Health Care Act, according to Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III. Duque said the collaborative dialogue among representatives from Regions VI, VII and VIII was held July 10-11, 2019. It aimed to clarify provisions of the law and seek inputs for the UHC IRR. Upon signing of the law by President Rodrigo Duterte last February, the DOH was tasked to draft the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the said Act within 180 days after its enactment into law which will define its operationalization.

“To ensure that 106-million Filipinos in 7000+ islands benefit from the UHC reform the soonest, we need to make sure that first, Filipinos know what to expect, and second, the implementers [health care providers, managers, and stewards] have a clear idea of how to implement this gargantuan task,” said Duque.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Ex-Banco Filipino exec Macapagal dies, 67 FELIPE Garcia Macapagal Jr. of Tondo, Manila and Candaba, Pampanga succumbed to heart failure last July 9.

He was 67.

He is survived by his children Philip Howard, Mark Lester, Vincent Kevin, and Regina; sister Anita Broas, brother Antonio, fondly called “Tonymac” among his peers in the media profession; uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and grandchildren.

A graduate of University of Santo Tomas’s College of Commerce, the deceased used to work with Banco Filipino before it was ordered closed by the Securities and Exchange Commission in the early 80’s. Afterwhich, he found job at the Department of Education’s Division of City Schools—Manila until his retirement a few years ago.

His remains lie in state at the Lorenzo funeral parlor along J. Nolasco St. (formerly Sande Street) in Tondo, Manila.

Interment is on July 14 (Sunday) at the North Cemetery after the 2 p.m. Holy Mass at the Sto. Niño Parish Church.

Isko wants council to ban face covers inside banks T

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

O AVERT any more robberies in over 500 banks and pawnshops in Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno will ask the City Council to pass an ordinance which seeks to ban the wearing of caps, sunglasses and face masks while entering these establishments.

Speaking at a news conference Friday afternoon, Moreno assured Manila residents that the protection of all financing establishments in the city is one of the primordial concerns of the city government.

Moreno said with the implementation of the ordinance, anything that covers the face or hides the identity of a person would be prohibited.

“Those entering banks or pawnshops should remove these materials that can conceal the identity of a person,” Moreno said.

The Manila mayor underscored the need for an ordinance to exact

punishment on violators. He said this would also ensure that people entering the bank and bank personnel would strictly adhere to it.

“The closure of a bank can be made a punishment in case of violation,” Moreno as he put up a P1-million bounty for information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects.

According to Manila Police District chief Police Colonel Vicente Danao, Metrobank’s Binondo branch was held up by five to seven unidentified suspects shortly before it opened Thursday.

Danao said the suspects were wearing security guard uniforms while another

was garbed in a Grab uniform.

He added that the suspects tied down the bank’s security guards, tellers as well as other employees.

But Danao was surprised upon learning that the police were only allowed to enter the bank two hours after they arrived in the area because the branch head supposedly stopped them.

This led Moreno to lament the uncooperative stance of the bank’s personnel.

The mayor also questioned the action of the bank’s chief security who said he was a former cop, for preventing responding policemen to enter the bank premises.

Moreno said the bank security chief, whom he did not identify, even invoked a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas circular in barring the policemen in the said establishment to conduct an investigation.

The responding policemen actually arrived in the bank premises two minutes after the incident, but were only allowed entry after two hours following the arrival of the Manila mayor.

‘Unite to fight invasive alien species in PH’

By Rio N. Araja SECRETARY Roy Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday called for convergence to fight invasive alien species in Asia-Pacific region.

He urged experts and researchers to work together and come up with research-based solutions that would reduce the negative impact of invasive alien species to biodiversity and the environment in general.

“I stand firm in promoting convergence of our research and development efforts for a sustainable region-wide management of invasive alien species,” he said.

“Let us continue with our pursuit for research-driven strategies and policies to effectively manage and conserve biodiversity for the good of humankind,” he added.

In a recent international conference on invasive alien species management in Manila, DENR underscored the need for a collective effort to tackle the invasive alien species that has been “invading and destroying nature’s ecological balance.”

“These invasive alien species pose serious environmental concerns and are among the major threats to biodiversity,” Cimatu said.

“They cover a wide gamut of ecosystems from the terrestrial to aquatic environments, irreversibly impacting on biodiversity, agriculture as well as food and water security,” he noted.

Invasive alien species are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are non-native to an ecosystem, and which may cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health.

HUMAN RIGHTS. Human rights advocates and defenders in the Philippines led

by Tinay Palabay (second from right) of Karapatan, an alliance for the advancement of people’s rights, hoist their placards during a press confence in Manila on July 12, a day after the United Nations Human Rights Council approved a resolution mandating a comprehensive international review of the drug war in the Philippines. The Human Rights Council on July 12, narrowly approved a resolution mandating a comprehensive international review of the drug war in the Philippines, which watchdogs say claimed more than 20,000 lives. AFP Photo

Free online messaging at BARMM launched

By Nash B. Maulana COTABATO CITY—The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund has launched in the Bangsamoro Region a free online messaging tool that has broadened public engagements among adolescent and youth in neighboring countries.

The U-Report uses polls, alerts, and collects real time responses. It is designed to empower the youth, make them aware that voices matter and that their own could be their communities’ voice in the future.

Andrew Morris, UNICEF Philippines chief of field office in Mindanao, said “U-Report will now give adolescents and young people opportunity to make their views known in a much more

powerful way.”

The Unicef said that in Indonesia government high offices had responded to more than 30,000 U-Reporters asking the government about where to bring their concerns.

The U-Report in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao becomes the country’s first. It was launched Thursday in partnership with the Voluntary Service Overseas Philippines and the Office on the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA) —BARMM. Dr. Marjanie Mimbantas, member of BTA Parliament and OBYA executive director, said the U-Report is timely introduced in BARMM where the Moro youth is “facing the challenge of vulnerability in recruitment by the wrong forces [extremism].”

FORMER Vice President Jejomar Binay announced on Friday that he will join the biggest World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, USA from July 21 to Aug. 3.

About 50,000 scouts from more than 160 National Scout Organizations, representing more than 200 countries and territories around the world, will be participating in the largest regular event organized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement, according to the organizers.

Binay will also participate in the Bronze Wolf Honours and Awards Gathering on July 23.

The Bronze Wolf is the only award presented by the WOSM World Scout Committee in recognition of an individual’s outstanding service to the Scout Movement.

Last year, the World Scout Committee conferred the prestigious Bronze Wolf Award on former Vice President Binay for his exemplary leadership and service at all levels of Scouting.

Binay is currently a regular member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines after his more than 20-year stint as its National President.

He also served as Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee from 2007 to 2009, and 2009 to 2012. He still remains as the only Scout Leader who held the position for two consecutive terms. At present, he serves as the Consultant to the Regional Scout Committee of the Asia-Pacific Region.

With the theme “Unlock a New World,” the 24th World Scout Jamboree is jointly hosted by the Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and Asociación de Scouts de México.

The World Scout Jamboree is held once every four years and is the largest regular event organized by the WOSM. It is an educational event aimed to promote peace and understanding through various activities that encourage meaningful interaction among different nationalities.

PCSO remits P2.5-b dividend to national gov’t for year 2017 THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office remitted P2.5 billion as dividends to the national government for CY 2017 which made it to the 6th top-paying GOCC. In addition, the Agency also recently remitted to DOF the amount of P744 million as dividends for CY 2018, pursuant to RA 7656.

On the report that PCSO has not declared and remitted dividends from 1994 to 2016, the agency said it did not have any annual retained earnings for the years in question, but only generated savings from its operating fund, which were automatically reverted and transferred to the agency’s Charity Fund, in accordance with its Charter. As mandated under RA 1169, as amended, all balances of any funds in the PCSO shall revert to and form part of the Charity Fund.

From this Charity Fund, PCSO was able to give assistance to over one million beneficiaries under its Individual Medical Assistance Program from 2012 to 2016. Further, for the period 2007 to 2016, PCSO remitted more than P25 billion to the national government as mandatory contributions; provided almost P500 million for calamity assistance and P1.8 billion for its Ambulance Donation Program.

The PCSO, being a GOCC directly under the Office of the President, is and will remain committed in abiding and complying with existing accounting rules, regulations and other relevant laws affecting the operations of PCSO. For questions and clarifications please contact: Atty. Marissa O. Medrano PCSO Spokesperson or Pilar Pinga Cruz PCSO alternate spokesperson at 9970245.

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Opinion

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Climate emergency and the poor IN ALL my lectures on climate change, I always emphasize the double injustice in climate change: the poorest countries and the poorest communities in all countries will suffer first and most from climate change even as they have contributed the least to the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions that causes climate change. Conversely, the richest countries and the wealthiest people in all countries will have more options in dealing with climate change.

The inequity and injustice are galling.

This gross climate injustice and inequity will be exacerbated in the years and decades to come, as made clear in a recent report by Philip Alston, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. That report, issued last June 25, concluded: “Climate change will have devastating consequences for people in poverty.

Even under the best-case scenario, hundreds of millions will face food insecurity, forced migration, disease, and death. Climate change threatens the future of human rights and risks undoing the last fifty years of progress in development, global health, and poverty reduction.”

The Alston report, from which I lifted most of what I say in this column, does not mince words, outlining how climate change will intensify existing poverty and inequality: “It will have the most severe impacts in poor countries and regions, and the places poor people live and work. Developing countries will bear an estimated 75-80 percent of the costs of climate change.”

This is because poor people live in areas more vulnerable to climate change, including in housing that is less resistant. The poor

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

“lose relatively more when affected; have fewer resources to mitigate the effects; and get less support from social safety nets or the financial system to prevent or recover from the impact.” For obvious reasons, the livelihoods and assets of the poor are more exposed. In addition, poor communities are “more vulnerable to natural disasters that bring disease, crop failure, spikes in food prices, and death or disability.”

These observations are true in the Philippines. We have seen the poor suffer the most in all our big disasters, including when Yolanda devastated the Visayas, Pablo destroyed huge areas of Mindanao, and Sendong killed thousands in Cagayan de Oro. Alston observes that climate change could end up undoing decades of progress in development, global health, and poverty reduction. He notes: “Middle-class families, including in developed countries, are also being rendered poor. The World Bank es estimates that without immediate action, cli climate change could push 120 million more people into poverty by 2030—likely an underestimate, and rising in subsequent years.

Eight hundred million in South Asia alone live in climate hotspots and will see their living conditions decline sharply by 2050.”

Quoting the most recent scientific studies, Alston points out that, at 2 °C degrees of warming, 100-400 million more people will be put at risk of hunger and 1-2 billion more people may no longer have adequate water.

He also cites studies on how climate change could result in global crop yield losses of 30 percent by 2080, even with adaptation measures.

The Alston report highlights public health impacts, which the poor will bear disproportionately: “Between 2030 and 2050, it is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. With people in poverty largely uninsured, climate change will exacerbate health shocks that already push 100 million into poverty every year.”

Alston describes how poor people in poverty face serious threats of losing their homes, highlighting how in 2050, climate change could displace 140 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America alone. He emphasized the impact of flooding and landslides, weakening “already degraded Turn to A5

Y

Promise and folly

OUNG people are credited with many things. They are optimistic, idealistic, and bereft of emotional baggage that usually encumbers their older counterparts. They are open to other points of view, technologically adept, and free from the prejudices that colored how their elders saw the world. are off to a promising start.

To say that all young people in government are beacons of hope, however, would be a gross miscalculation.

Remember the erstwhile chairman of the National Youth Commission, Ronald Cardema, whom we first noticed for saying that government scholars who criticize the government should be stripped of their scholarships.

Later, he tried to substitute himself as the representative of the Duterte Youth party-list in Congress when he was, in fact, overage. He was also accused of using his Executive post to campaign for the party.

And now another newcomer in Congress, the nominee of Ang

These recent weeks, the spotlight has been on the young, newly elected government officials trying to make their mark.

The display of political will is heartening. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso easily comes to mind. In just a few weeks, he has set the example of clearing the sidewalks notorious for the chaos and crime that has plagued the city for decades.

Domagoso had desolate beginnings but through sheer grit made it to city hall.

Other younger mayors are showing that new approaches to governance are more effective than what their constituents have grown used to. Their three-year terms are long, but at least they

Probinsyano party-list, is in the news for less than flattering reasons.

Rep. Alfred delos Santos punched a waiter at a Legazpi City restaurant on Sunday.

CCTV footage of the incident circulated in succeeding days.

The waiter reported the incident to the police but did not press charges.

Such a display of arrogance and entitlement is a sorry reminder that not all young people are bent on improving on what the previous generation put in front of them. Instead they could be a product of the sins and mindsets they grew up with in the past.

While no individual is completely good or completely bad, these new public officials must always hold themselves to a higher standard. Their acts, or omissions, will not just be felt today. How they behave in public or in private will reflect who they really are, and will tell the rest of us if indeed there is cause for hope—or whether we are just looking at a replay of old follies.

ICPD@25: Pursuing SRHR

THE world is now populated by an estimated 7.7 billion people with around 5.54 billion living in Asia. Philippine population now stands at around 108 million and the country is now the 13th most populous in the world.

In 1994, the United Nations International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) was held in Cairo, Egypt. That was 25 years ago. The Conference came out with an ICPD Program of Action (POA) signed by 179 countries including the Philippines.

Advocates of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) hailed the ICPD for the shift of frameworks from population control to one of health and rights. Concretely, this meant that governments should veer away from having demographic targets because the tendency was to implement coercive policies that violate human rights, mainly of women to meet population targets. Numbers became more important than rights and lives. Instead of these numbers, the ICPD POA put emphasis on creating an enabling environment towards the fulfillment of SRHR, women’s rights, and gender equality.

These mean that people should be able to have a responsible, satisfying, and safe sex life; and have the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how many children they will have within the context of equal gender relations.

Concretely, achieving ICPD targets necessitates putting in place and implementing laws, policies and programs that will: empower women to be able to decide on their own bodies; enable families to plan their families; make pregnancy and childbirth safe; educate young people about SRHR and provide them the services they need; eliminate violence against women (VAW) and gender-based violence (GBV); address the problems of sexually transmittable infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS; eliminate all forms of discrimination and abuse against women; remove discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (SOGIE); equalize marriage laws; and address problems caused by unsafe abortion. This is a tall order especially for a country such as the Philippines where the Roman Catholic Church and allies manage to still significantly influence governance.

Twenty-five years after the ICPD, the country has made some progress relevant to its international commitments but a lot of major work still needs to be done.

In the 2019 World Population Day Commemoration last July 11 jointly organized by the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) and the United Nations Fund for Family Planning (UNFPA), the importance of pushing harder toward achieving ICPD goals was emphasized. The event was attended by several UN bodies headed by the Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Mr. Ola Almgren, some Ambassadors, government agencies, and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Usec. Juan Antonio Perez III of POPCOM and Socio-economic Planning Sec. Dr. Ernesto Pernia of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) both highlighted government achievements in pursuing the ICPD goals.

Perez highlighted some areas of SRHR like family planning, adolescent health, and gender-based violence. For instance, the average number of children per woman went down from 4.1 in 1993 to 2.7 in 2017; and modern contraceptive use rate went up from 25 percent to 40 percent for the same years.

However, teenage pregnancy rates significantly went up from 6.5 percent then to 8.6 percent in 2017.

There remain a lot to do.

Policies are now in place especially with the passage of the Reproductive Health and Universal Health Care laws, Perez said.

The new Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP) with a new set of objectives and targets was also developed and will run in the next three years. For this, Perez said that they will need 100,000 volunteers down to the barangay level and women workers will be focused on. PhP10.4 billion will be devoted for the program.

Pernia noted the differences in the country’s status in 1994 when the ICPD was held and now, 25 years hence. The country’s population then was around 68 million and now, we have close to 110 million Filipinos, and poised to double in 39 years because the contraceptive prevalence rate goes down slowly. He stressed that if the Philippines only continued our family planning program that started in the ‘70s, fewer women would die from pregnancy and childbirth complications, teenage pregnancy rates would be lower, unplanned pregnancies will be fewer, much less Filipinos would be poor as intergenerational poverty would be significantly arrested, and our environment would be less taxed and stressed.

Turn to A5

Misled I USED to be a fan of Mrs. Clooney. Yes, the lawyer-wife of actor George Clooney, Counsellor Amal Clooney.

At a time when Noynoy Aquino was lording it all over the country, controlling all three branches of government in the name of his supposed battle for good governance, which in reality was a personal persecution of his perceived enemies, Amal Clooney dared defy him and stood for former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whom Aquino, through his cohorts, made sure to suffer time under hospital arrest.

Mrs. Arroyo endured her ordeal and was rewarded her much-deserved acquittal given the lack of any evidence against her. She pushed through with responsibilities as a lawmaker, retiring from politics as Speaker of the 17th Congress—and thanks partly to Amal for helping enlighten the international community on the former president’s sad plight.

But that was then. Now Amal might have ventured on the wrong side by taking the case of Rappler’s Maria Ressa.

As lawyer Larry Gadon says, Amal may not have been given the full disclosure of the facts and background in connection to Ressa’s cases.

Amal Clooney may not have all the facts about Maria Ressa Gadon recalled that his experience the Philippine counterpart coordinating law lawyer with Amal and her associates, he had the chance to witness how Amal was thorough and diligent in digging into the details of Mrs. Arroyo’s plunder case.

Working with Amal on the Arroyo case, Gadon said he provided the former with all the relevant and material facts to the case and many times they communicated with him through telephone and emails, asking for minute details of relevant issues., in-

cluding copies of relevant and material records and documents from Sandiganbayan and Ombudsman.

“Nothing was spared because as a lawyer I was aware that disclosure of all facts and records would be necessary to come up with proper legal position on the controversy,” Gadon says.

And as Amal’s involvement in Mrs. Arroyo’s case was the issue on the refusal of the Sandiganbayan to grant her bail despite the utter lack of evidence of the prosecution, and despite the fact that all co-accused have been granted bail, it helped raise a clear conclusion that the human rights of the former president were indeed violated.

However, Amal’s handling of Ressa’s case might be different as Gadon said Amal might be completely unaware of the real background of Ressa’s cyber libel case.

There is a private complainant in this case who has a right to seek justice for whatever transgression and violation committed against him by the Rappler CEO. And as far the other case of tax evasion, Gadon insists that at the very onset it cannot be deemed as a political persecution for a lot of big businessmen and huge corporations Turn to A5

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Opinion Government must listen to its people: Primacy in our waters

By Ambassador Albert del Rosario EXACTLY three years ago, on the 12th of July 2016, the Tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS declared that China’s claims to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, with respect to the maritime areas encompassed by its “ninedash line” defy and violate international law.

We succeeded in invalidating China’s “ninedash line” and in clarifying our entitlements including our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This was a huge victory for our country and the international community, as it signaled the triumph of the rule of law in one of the most important bodies of water on Earth, i.e., the South China Sea. However, the problem we face today is that the Award we won has been shelved, resulting in more unlawful acts of intimidation and bullying in the South China Sea. As recent as Monday this week, the President said that his verbal agreement allowing the Chinese to fish in our EEZ is “constitutional” despite the clear constitutional mandate that says the “use and enjoyment” of our EEZ is “reserved...exclusively to Filipino citizens.”

An impeachable offense What then should we as Filipinos do?

On this note, I would like to share with you interesting statements lifted from the transcript of President Duterte’s Oct. 16, 2016 departure speech, as he embarked on his State visits to Brunei Darussalam and China President Duterte said: “[M]any are wondering how I would deal with China on the matter of the China Sea or West Philippine Sea. We will stick towards our claim. We do not bargain anything though. We continue to insist that it’s ours and that the Tribunal, the international decision will be taken up and, but there will be no hard impositions.

We will talk and we will, maybe paraphrase everything in the judgment and set the limits of our territories, the special economic zones. It will be– no bargaining there.

It is ours and many of you are just—wanting to ask the question.

That is it. No bargaining of our territories whether within the turf or to the 200, it will remain a special concern and I will be very careful not to bargain anything for after all I cannot give what is not mine and which I am not empowered to do by any sketch of imagination.

Then Mr. Ian Cruz from GMA 7 asked: “Sir, according to Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, if you concede the sovereign claims over Scarbor-

ough Shoal, you could be impeached. What’s your reaction, sir?”

President Duterte replied: “He is correct. I would be impeached; it’s an impeachable offense. I do not fight with that statement. It’s all correct, it’s all legal and so I agree with him.

I said we cannot barter which is not ours, it belongs to the Filipino people. I cannot be the sole authorized agent for that is not allowed under the Constitution. Tama siya.”

We believe that this position of the President is what the people want not only in Scarborough Shoal, but also in our EEZ, which includes the West Philippine Sea. It is consistent with the Constitution and puts the interests of the Filipino people first. To paraphrase the President, he cannot be the “sole authorized agent” to share with the Chinese, our EEZ that belongs exclusively to the Filipino people.

In fact, the President and the military are constitutionally mandated to secure the integrity of our national territory which includes our EEZ and the West Philippine Sea. Inviting more questions If there is an agreement with China to fish in our EEZ, either written or unwritten, we believe this raises the following vital questions: 1)Is this to be viewed as a successful Chinese invasion without a shot being fired?

2) Is this now a Philippine policy?

3)Is this not a clear violation of our Constitution that mandates our President and our military to defend what is ours?

4) To what extent will this adversely diminish or nullify what we had won in our arbitral tribunal victory?

5)To what extent will this embolden the Chinese militia vessels to further bully our fishermen? And what is to happen to our poor fishermen? Will our Filipino fishermen be continually persecuted or prevented from fishing in our West Philippine Sea? 6) Can we be assured that our lawful rights to oil and gas within our EEZ are being fully protected?

7)With China’s artificial island building, the massive destruction of the marine environment and now this, how much faster will it take to exhaust the fish resources?

8)And when will we stop giving our northern neighbor primacy over that of our own people? When will Filipinos be FIRST and not LAST, in our own country?

Government must listen to its people I think the Filipino people deserve answers to these questions.

The Government must listen to its people.

Ninety-three (93) percent of Filipinos, ac-

cording to a recent Social Weather Stations survey think it is important for the Philippines to regain control of the artificial islands built by China in the West Philippine Sea. This 93 percent is four points higher than the December 2018 survey result, and steadily has been increasing.

Similarly, 92 percent of Filipinos think it is right to strengthen the Philippines’ military capability, especially the Navy, and 83 percent of Filipinos support bringing these issues to the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or other international organization.

In contrast, the same survey found that 80 percent of Filipinos were satisfied with President Duterte’s performance.

Exacting accountability Given the current administration’s decision to shelve the Award, former Ombudswoman Conchita Carpio-Morales and I took the initiative of filing a communication before the International Criminal Court on March 15, 2019 for the wrongful acts of Chinese officials not only against Filipinos, but also against our neighbors in the South China Sea. This ICC Communication is a means of enforcing the Award because it is meant to exact accountability for the actions committed by Chinese President Xi and others, already found unlawful by the Award.

Given the unfortunate decision to shelve the Award, it falls on us ordinary Filipinos to find creative and viable means to enforce the Award, so we may be able to defend and preserve our national patrimony—including our West Philippine Sea, not only for ourselves, but for our children and those yet unborn.

Threats of war Finally, To the deep dismay of our people, however, our government has persisted in allowing China to deprive our citizens of what is ours by continuing to shelve the tribunal outcome. We are still succumbing to threats of force including a threat of war. Surprising as it may sound, according to Professor Amitav Acharya of the American University, war is not even a good option for China.

Its economy is heavily reliant on global trade, including its fuel supply, which needs open shipping lanes such as the Malacca Strait and the Indian Ocean which are dominated by US naval power.

With the recent clearer security guarantee definition provided by the US it may not be necessary therefore to shrink to China’s threat of war.

Ambassador Del Rosario is former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Ambassador to the United States.

Drug lords may be sitting in UN rights panel THE United Nations Human Rights Commission resolution against the Philippines merely dramatizes how useless the international body and its members are.

We should not recognize and accept the legitimacy of such resolution by a UNHRC minority vote and which are based on utter lies and fake news on human rights violations.

The Geneva-based UNHRC clearly advocates the cause of criminals, particularly the illegal drug traffickers, instead of the human rights of the poor victims of drug menace.

In fact, it is not far-fetched if some of those country representatives who vot-

Climate...

From A4 infrastructure and housing—especially for people living in unplanned or unserviced settlements.” According to Alston, “2017 saw 18.8 million people displaced due to disasters in 135 countries—almost twice the number displaced by conflict. Moreover, since 2000, “people in poor countries have died from disasters at rates seven times higher than in wealthy countries’. Sadly, he points out, “authorities have a history of prioritizing wealthier areas for protection, further endangering people in poverty.”

As I noted at the beginning of this article, what is particularly galling about climate change is the inequity and injustice that characterizes it. Alston documents this as well: “Perversely, the richest, who have the greatest capacity to adapt and are responsible for and have benefitted from the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions, will be the best placed to cope with climate change, while the poorest, who have contributed the least to emissions and have the least capacity to react, will be the most harmed. The poorest half of the world’s population—3.5 billion people—is responsible for just 10 percent of carbon emissions, while the richest 10 percent are responsible for a full half.

A person in the wealthiest 1 percent uses 175 times more carbon than one in the bottom

Misled From A4 with much bigger tax liabilities also face same tax collection issues and cases. They

ed against the Philippines’ anti-illegal drugs campaign turn out to be drug lords themselves.

It is not surprising to note that some of the countries of those UN representatives who voted to call a UN inquiry into the alleged “extrajudicial killings” actually have worse illegal drugs problems, such as Mexico, Peru and other Latin countries.

These countries, which are notorious for producing and manufacturing illegal drugs like opium, marijuana, cocaine heroin, and crystal meth (shabu), are actually the suppliers of such illicit drugs to European countries that also voted against the Philippines.

Mexican drug cartels, like the Sinaloa cartel, Juarez cartel and other factions rival those of Colombia and Peru in trafficking illegal drugs to the United States, Europe and Western Africa.

The Mexican drugs mafias have strongly influenced and controlled their government institutions, including the national police and military.

Uruguay, which has a population less than half that of Metro Manila, also voted yes to the UN probe, has actually legalized the use of certain types of addicting drugs so no wonder it is against shutting down the drugs industry.

The UNHRC resolution also shows how Duterte’s political enemies, particularly the liberal opposition, effectively use black propaganda and yellow journalism to sow lies about the country’s anti-crime and anti-illegal drugs drive.

No less than the country’s Vice President has shamelessly engaged in the smear drive against the Duterte administration and the Philippine National Police.

The Filipino people are aware of the State enemies’ desperate tactics to involve international bodies, such as the UN to meddle in our internal affairs, and to try to discredit, destabilize and dethrone the Duterte administration.

With heads held up high, we certainly will not allow that.

10 percent.”

Alston also cites data that illustrates how “climate change itself has already worsened global inequality and that the gap in per capita income between the richest and poorest countries is 25 percentage points larger than it would be without climate change.”

In the face of these impacts, action has been wanting. According to Alston: “Somber speeches by government officials at regular conferences are not leading to meaningful action. Thirty years of conventions appear to have done very little. From Toronto to Noordwijk to Rio to Kyoto to Paris, the language has been remarkably similar as States continue to kick the can down the road. The essential elements of climate change were understood in the 1970s, and scientists and advocates have been ringing alarm bells for decades. Yet States have marched past every scientific warning and threshold, and what was once considered catastrophic warming now seems like a best-case scenario.”

It’s not just governments that have failed us. Big Business has been complicit, especially fossil fuel companies: “In 2015, the fossil fuel industry and its products accounted for 91 percent of global industrial greenhouse emissions and 70 percent of all human-made emissions.” It is an industry that has known for decades about their responsibility for rising CO2 levels and the likelihood that the rise would lead to cata-

strophic climate change. And yet, it took no action to change its business model.

According to the Alston report: “From 1988 to 2015, fossil fuel companies doubled their contribution to global warming, producing in 28 years the equivalent of their emissions in the prior 237 years since the Industrial Revolution. During that time, just 100 companies produced 71 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.”

Finally, the report concludes with constructive proposals on how to move forward: “Addressing climate change will require a fundamental shift in the global economy and how States have historically sought prosperity, decoupling improvements in economic well-being and poverty reduction from resource depletion, fossil fuel emissions, and waste production. This will entail radical and systemic changes including incentives, pricing, regulation, and resource allocation, in order to disrupt unsustainable approaches and reflect environmental costs in entire economic subsystems including energy, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and transportation.”

We can still avert the worst impact of climate change. The poor does not have to be sacrificed and thrown to the mercies of the storms and droughts that are coming. But to succeed in this, we must declare a climate emergency now—globally, nationally, and locally.

do not cry human rights violation or political persecution.

“Whatever, these can hardly be deemed as political persecution,” says Gadon.

While in the case of Mrs. Arroyo, Amal was provided with all the relevant facts and records, Gadon says that in Ressa’s case,

Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs she might “have been provided with biased information coming from a biased writer or columnist from a biased news outfit.”

In other words, some groups opposed to the administration may have been using Ressa’s case to undermine the present administration and that Amal is being misled

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Press freedom—not First, when the Constitution provides that mass media should be owned by Filipinos, such is an exercise of our sovereign right as an independent state. We are free to enact laws that would safeguard and put limitation to foreign ownership of our mass media and other sectors in our THE case filed against Maria Ressa, the industry. No foreign court could dictate CEO of Rappler Holdings, is far from her or decide how we are to direct our econoclaim that the government is suppress- my or as to its ownership. We all have to ing the freedom of expression and of the abide by the constitutional provision, and press. She accuses the Duterte adminis- we can never raise the defense of political tration of “weaponizing” the issue which prosecution.

Second, the donation of Omidyar of clearly is defamatory and intended to sow hatred toward the government. She is hid- $1.5 million is an admission that Rappler is a foreign-funded organization in violaing behind the mantle of press freedom.

Foremost, the issue is not about free- tion of the Constitution. The violation is dom of the press, but one of seeking to serious because their syndicated business know the truth. The fact that the US- is to slander the government that refuses operated mass media network continues to bow down to their wishes. Besides, the to operate instantly belies that Ressa is donation does not seek to alter the nature being harassed. This has to be pointed of their activity of engaging in mass meout. Rather, their being prevented from dia operation which is prohibited. Neither participating in any press briefing or from can the SEC headed by Teresita Herbosa interviewing government officials is just be forced to reverse her decision which in reaction to the finding that they just do implies that Rappler already committed the prohibited act. not have the license isor is operating in Third, the is violation of Section sue of nationality 11, (1) and (2), Artiis not directed to What Ressa is doing Omidyar but to the cle XVI of the Conlocal operators of stitution that owner- is simply violating this mass media. ship of mass media Should there be a shall be limited to laws. change in the naFilipino citizens. ture of the donaThis is pursuant to an order issued by tion, such could the Securities and Exchange Commission be treated as regular investment which admittedly is welcomed by the country. on January 11, 2018.

Interestingly, while Ressa was award- But if the amount is intended so that ed by her foreign benefactor, TIME Rappler can continue what is essentially Magazine, as one of the Persons of the prohibited by law, that would still fall Year in 2018 as alleged crusader for under the category of circumventing the press freedom, it is stated in her brief law.

Fourth, the decision to donate of $1.5 bio-data posted in the internet that her nationality and citizenship states million by Omidyar came in late. There “American, Philippine.” We are curious was already a decision that Rappler viofor even if we take it that she is sporting lated the law. What they seek now is an dual citizenship, which is allowed under appeal to reverse the decision. The revothe law, it should have written Filipino cation was made in July 2018 and the doto denote her citizenship. By writing nation was made in March 2019. Worse, Philippine after the word American in- the decision already constitutes a finding dicates clearly that she is not a Filipi- that they violated the law on nationalno. As veteran journalist, Ressa knows ity, i.e. who can operate mass media in this country. This means respondents are what this column is talking about.

Maybe there is a clear case of suppres- merely hanging on to that thin line pendsion of freedom of the press, including ing appeal to their case.

Besides, the donation is intended to hit her and her henchman Reynaldo Santos and the entire board of directors of Rap- two birds with one stone. This means that pler namely: Manuel Ayala, Nico Jose with the conversion of “investment” of Nolledo, Glenda Gloria, James Batinga, Rappler into donation, their lawyer can Felicia Atienza, James Velasquez and raise the defense that there was a mere corporate secretary, Jose Maria Hofilena, technicality. In addition, not being alif there was actual closure of the estab- lowed to operate does not constitute exlishment or was physically prevented emption from the payment of the tax due from performing their duty. Nonetheless, for as long as they have taxable income they continued to operate and spread fake here.

One must bear in mind that Ressa and news about the administration in blatant violation of the nationality principle that Rappler Holdings Corporation (RHC) ownership of corporations operating a have generated taxable income for being mass media in this country is limited to considered as a “dealer in securities” after it was found out that RHC acted as a midFilipino citizens.

The trouble with Ressa is she always dleman in buying Rappler Inc’s shares for tries to outsmart our law enforcers by her the purpose of underwriting Philippine accusation that the government is “weap- Depository Receipts (PDRs) for resale onizing” the issue. For one, the personal to interested buyers. Whatever this peocase filed by Wilfredo D. Keng linking ple may say and whatever is the nature of him to some illegal activities as alleged their syndicated business, Ressa and her owner of the car used by then Chief Jus- gang are under obligation to pay the VAT tice Renato Corona was branded by her that is due for the said transaction.

Lumping all these cases, it is clear as “preposterous” and “baseless,” and an “attempt to intimidate him,” “black that Ressa’s ranting about freedom of the propaganda” and “lies.” Alas, the charges press is off tangent or as one would out it are specific, and no amount of technical- non sequitur. Nevertheless, no state will ity would stand to deflect the motherhood allow any alleged international lawyer to tell us what to do like bringing a case to mantra of “freedom of the press.”

Her claim of being charged for a crime a foreign tribunal for forum convenience.

Taxation cases are jurisdictional much of libel when the law for the alleged crime had yet to take effect when the questioned that they are equated to our national sovarticle was published is pure nonsense. ereignty. It is rather odd if foreign courts She opposed the idea of being charged will decide a case to grant tax exempfor a continuing offense of cyber libel. In tion to foreign operatives of mass media. which case, as long as they remain posted We would be amending our Constitution in the internet and there are new readers and our local laws just to accommodate reading those libelous remarks, surely a business that clearly operates to viothey stand as continuing defamatory re- late the Constitution. More than anything else, is it not possible for the international marks.

But Ressa and her gang are not aware lawyer to practice law here, much that our that they committed an even more serious own lawyers are not allowed to practice offense of circumventing the law when abroad if they do not have the license. they accepted the donation from their rpkapunan@gmail.com own benefactor, the Omidyar Network.

ICPD@25:...

From A4

A big achievement relative to ICPD is the presence of the RH law. The full and efficient implementation of the law should be given utmost importance if Filipinos are to benefit from its promise. Usec. Perez is correct in prioritizing community-based initiatives because the women who need RH services are there. Here, women’s and other community organizations can play an important role. Hopefully, this really happens.

Much of the focus during the World Population Day event was on family planning.

While this is quite important it should be noted that the ICPD is about SRHR and this encompasses much more than the right to modern family planning.

It is true that we have good laws and policies. However as said by UNFPA Country Representative Iori Kato during his address at the WPD event, the country needs more to address other related pressing problems.

For women’s rights and SRHR advocates, the need is for laws on: divorce, prevention of teen as they believe she maybe one of the best person whom they could use to project political persecution, this time against the administration’s supposed perceived enemies.

And since Ressa could find it hard to link her cases to alleged political persecution against her, Gadon suggests it would be best

pregnancy, marriage equality, prevention of child marriage, and SOGIE equality.

It is also important to note that existing laws must be fully implemented and if needed, strengthened. These include the anti-Rape, anti-VAWC, anti-sexual harassment, etc. Finally, Malacañang should now release the Republic Act No. of the Safe Public Spaces Act which has lapsed into law last April.

Lastly, it is time to not shirk from discussing the most contentious issue of abortion.

Unknown to many, yearly at least 610,000 Filipinas undergo induced abortions, mostly unsafe. Tens of thousands of these women are hospitalized due to abortion complications, and at least 1,000 die yearly. The least that government and advocates can do is to understand the problem. While abortion is illegal in the country, talking about it is not.

As earlier said, to fulfill Philippine obligations under the ICPD, there are major things that we need to do. The challenge of ICPD@25 is the pursuit of SRHR. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook for her camp to give a full disclosure of the issues, facts and records of her cases as it might even serve her better and to provide Amal a wider perspective of the issues.

By doing such, Gadon says, Amal might even find another angle to develop her defense.

Manila

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019 Standard A6 TODAY Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR PROVISIONAL RELIEF

TOLL REGULATORY BOARD 14. Petitioners most respectfully re-plead the foregoing allegations as may be relevant to the purpose of this Section.

5th Floor, The Columbia Tower, Barangay Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City 1550

In Re: Petition for Approval of Initial Toll with Application for Provisional Relief, TRB Case No. 2019-02 Philippine Reclamation Authority and Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation, Petitioners x-------------------------------------------------x

15. Pending TRB’s approval of the proposed initial toll rate of PhP 12.00 per kilometer for the entire C-5 Link Expressway(Segments 2 and 3 of the MCTEP),Petitioners seek the approval of a provisional or interim initial toll fee for Segment 3A-1.

7

NOTICE TO EXPRESSWAY USERS Notice is hereby given that the Philippine Reclamation Authority and Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation filed a Petition for Approval of Initial Toll for C-5 Link Expressway and Provisional or Interim Initial Toll for Segment 3A-1 of the Manila - Cavite Toll Expressway Project.

Any interested expressway user shall have the right to file, within a period thirty (30) days from the date of the publication of this Notice, a petition for review with the TRB at Unit 55, 5th Floor, the Columbia Tower, Brgy. WackWack, Mandaluyong City.

SO ORDERED. Mandaluyong City. July 10, 2019

On 4 April 2019, CIC submitted the updated project cost for Segment 3A-1to the Independent Consultant, DCCD Engineering Corporation, for certification.

16. Segment 3A-1 is one of the roads intended to complete the southern arc of the government-designed Circumferential Road No. 5 and is targeted to be commercially operational by 22 July 2019. Once opened, Segment 3A-1 will immediately alleviate congestion and enable motorists to easily cross from Merville, Paranaque to Taguig and vice versa. Segment 3A-1 will decongest Sales Road, as well as the East and West Service Roads, effectively delivering an immediate relief from traffic congestion.

17. The collection of a provisional or interim initial toll for Segment 3A-1 is necessary upon its opening, to ensure the sustainability and viability of the MCTEP and its Expressways and to ensure the comfort and safety of motorists and other users of the Expressways. It will ensure the continuity of the same standards of safety, performance, and reliability, which have been provided to motorists since MCTEP’s commercial operation as a toll road system.

18. More importantly, the collection of the provisional or interim initial toll fee for Segment 3A-1 will ensure the continued progressive construction of the remaining segments of the C-5 Link Expressway, towards completion of the expansion of the MCTEP toll road system as one integral system interconnecting various destinations within its geographical coverage.

By Authority of the Board:

(SGD.) ENGR. ABRAHAM P. SALES Executive Director II/ Hearing Officer

19. In light of the foregoing, Petitioners respectfully pray that this Honorable Board authorize the collection of the following provisional initial or interim tollfees for the entire stretch of Segment 3A-1,inclusive of Value Added Tax:

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation

Vehicle Class

Provisional or Interim Initial Toll PhP 22.00 PhP 44.00 PhP 66.00

TOLL REGULATORY BOARD Class 1 Class 2 Class 3

5th Floor, The Columbia Tower, Barangay Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City 1550

IN RE: PETITION FOR APPROVAL OF INITIAL TOLL WITH APPLICATION FOR PROVISIONAL RELIEF,

ELAINE ROSE Z. ESPIRITU Counsel for Petitioner CIC 32nd Floor, Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street Legaspi Village, Makati City Roll of Attorneys No. 64615 PTR No. 7347683/1-10-2019/Makati City IBP No. 066749/1-10-2019/Pampanga MCLE Compliance No. VI-0017590/02-11-2019 E-mail address: ezespiritu@mptsouth.com VERIFICATION/CERTIFICATION REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY OF MAKATI ) S.S. I, JANILO E. RUBIATO, of legal age, with office address at 7th and 8th Floors, Legaspi Towers 200, Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village, Makati City after being sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that: 1. I am the General Manager and CEO of Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), and pursuant to PRA Board Resolution No’. 3318, Series of 2003, I am duly authorized to sign or verify the foregoing Petition For Approval of Initial Toll for C-5 Link Expressway and Provisional or Interim Initial Toll for Segment 3A-l of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project (“Petition”) .

2. On behalf of PRA, I have caused the preparation and filing of the foregoing Petition.

3. I have read the foregoing Petition and hereby certify that all the allegations contained therein are true and correct of my own personal knowledge and based on authentic records in the possession of PRA. 4. The computation of the provisional or interim initial toll in the Petition conform to the interim toll positively considered for approval by this Honorable Board. The matter is of extreme urgency and PRA will suffer great damage and/ or irreparable injury before a decision on the merits can be rendered by the Honorable Board, and/ or failure to immediately impose and collect provisional or interim initial toll would result in outright delay or stoppage of urgently needed improvements, expansions, or repairs of the toll facilities of the MCTEP and its Expressways.

20. The provisional or interim initial toll fees indicated above adopts the interim toll positively considered for approval by this Honorable Board. The above authority requested is pursuant to Rule 5, Section 1 of the TRB Rules, which authorizes the Honorable Board to motu proprio or upon verified petition or motion grant the application for approval of provisional toll rates, including the date of its implementation.

5. I certify that PRA has complied with all existing laws, rules and regulations being implemented by the Toll Regulatory Board and that PRA has no pending financial or monetary obligation in the form, among others, of supervision fees, concession fees, penalties and other charges with the Board.

21. Petitioners most respectfully submit the attached affidavits issued by the authorized representative of CIC and of PRA, incorporated in the Verification and Certification hereof, showing that the provisional or interim initial toll fees conform to the Honorable Board’s findings on the applicable initial or interim authorized toll rates, that the matter is of extreme urgency, and Petitioners will suffer great damage and/or irreparable injury before a decision on the merits can be rendered by the Honorable Board, and/or failure to immediately implement and collect the provisional initial toll would result in outright delay or stoppage of urgently needed improvements, expansions or repairs of the toll facilities of the MCTEP and its Expressways.

6. In compliance with Rule 7 , Section 5 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, and with Rule 2, Section 2 of the 2013 Revise;d Rules of Procedure of the Toll Regulatory Board, I hereby certify that. I have not commenced any action or proceeding involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, the Court of Tax Appeals, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency.

Out of caution, PRA respectfully discloses that there is a pending arbitration (PCA Case No 2017-13 - Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (Philippines) and Philippine Reclamation Authority (Philippines) vs. Republic of the Philippines, represented by its Toll Regulatory Board) relating to the Board’s inaction on petitions for toll rate adjustments for the years 2011 and 2014 for R-l Expressway; and year 2014 for R-l Expressway Extension.

1. PRA is a government instrumentality with corporate powers created and existing under and by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1084, with principal office address at 7th Floor, Legaspi Towers 200 Building, 107 Paseo de Roxas Street, Makati City, Philippines, where it may be served with notices and legal processes of the Honorable Board.

22. Pursuant to Rule 5, Section 1 (c) of the TRB Rules, Petitioners are willing to post a surety bond in such amount and under such terms and conditions as the Honorable Board may prescribe, to guarantee the refund of the provisional initial toll to affected toll users in such manner as the Honorable Board may determine, in case it is finally ascertained that Petitioners are not entitled thereto.

7. If I should hereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending in the Supreme Court, the C6urt of Tax Appeals, the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency, I hereby undertake to report that fact within five (5) days from knowledge thereof to the Honorable Board.

2. CIC is a private corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at PEATC Compound, Aguinaldo Boulevard, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City, Philippines, where it may be served with notices and legal processes of the Honorable Board.

23. Based on the foregoing, it is respectfully prayed that the Honorable Board issue a Notice to Start Toll Collection authorizing Petitioners to collect the provisional initial toll fees, in accordance with Section 2, Rule 48 of the TRB Rules, as follows:

PHILIPPINE RECLAMATION AUTHORITY and CAVITEX I N F R A S T R U C T U R E CORPORATION Petitioners. x-------------------------------------------x

TRB Case No. 2019-02

PETITION (For Approval of Initial Toll for C-5 Link Expressway and Provisional or Interim Initial Toll for Segment 3A-1 of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project) Petitioners PHILIPPINE RECLAMATION AUTHORITY (PRA) and CAVITEX INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION (CIC), by and through undersigned counsel, to this Honorable Board, most respectfully state:

3. On 26 July 1996, the Republic of the Philippines (Phil), through this Honorable Board, Public Estates Authority,1 and UEM-MARA Philippines Corporation2 executed a Toll Operation Agreement (“TOA”)3 for the ManilaCavite Toll Expressway Project (“MCTEP”). The TOA granted the exclusive right and authority to PRA, as Grantee, to undertake the operation and maintenance, and to CIC to undertake the design and construction of the MCTEP and its specific Expressways, including the C-5 Link Expressway subject of this Petition, for the duration of the Franchise Period, as defined in the TOA. The C-5 Link Expressway consists of Segment 2 (R1 Interchange to Sucat Interchange) and Segment 3 (Sucat Interchange to South Luzon Expressway Interchange).

4. On 22 January 2015, CIC submitted a Project Information Memorandum for the C-5 Link Expressway dated 22 January 2015 (“2015 PIM”) to the Toll Regulatory Board (“TRB”) for the implementation of the C-5 Link Expressway Project (“Project”), which involves the design, construction and operation, of an approximately 7.7 kilometer toll road that will link R-1 Expressway in Parañaque to Circumferential Road No. 5 (or C-5 Road) in Taguig and will pass over the Skyway at-grade and South Luzon Expressway (“SLEX”).

Vehicle Class Class 1 Class 2 Class 3

3 4 5

8

Segment 2

Segment 3B

6

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3

Provisional or Interim Initial Toll PhP 22.00 PhP 44.00 PhP 66.00

*Inclusive of Value Added Tax

b) Upon the filing of this Petition, issue an Order: (i) finding this Petition sufficient in form and substance; and (ii) requiring the publication of the following at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation not later than 12 July 2019, or on such date as the Honorable Board may direct: -

Petition; Approved toll; Toll fee matrix; Date of effectivity of the toll; and Notice that any interested tollway user may file a petition for review within a period of thirty (30) days after the date of first publication;

(iii) requiring the posting of a surety bond in such amount and under such terms and conditions as the Honorable Board may prescribe, in accordance with Rule 5, Section 1 (c) of the TRB Rules. (c) Issue an Order approving the final initial toll rate of PhP 12.00 per kilometer for Segments 2 and 3 of the MCTEP, pursuant to, and in accordance with, this Honorable Board’s authority under Presidential Decree No. 11129, and authorizing Petitioners to collect the same.

Other reliefs as may be just and equitable are likewise prayed for.

Makati City for Pasig City, 3 July 2019.

approximately 2.2 kilometers

approximately 1.6 kilometers

approximately 1.9 kilometers

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY OF MAKATI ) S.S. I, ROBERTO V. BONTIA, of legal age, with office address at PEATC Compound, Aguinaldo Boulevard, Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque City, Philippines, after being sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that: 1. I am the duly authorized representative of Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC), one of the Petitioners in the aboveentitled Petition For Approval of Initial Toll for C-5 Link Expressway and Provisional or Interim Initial Toll for Segment 3A-1 of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project (“Petition”).

2. On behalf of CIC, I have caused the preparation and filing of the foregoing Petition.

3. I have read the foregoing Petition and hereby certify that all the allegations contained therein are true and correct of my own personal knowledge and based on authentic records in the possession of CIC. 4. The computation of the provisional or interim initial toll in the Petition conform to the interim toll positively considered for approval by this Honorable Board. The matter is of extreme urgency and CIC will suffer great damage and/ or irreparable injury before a decision on the merits can be rendered by the Honorable Board, and/ or failure to immediately impose and collect provisional or interim initial toll would result in outright delay or stoppage of urgently needed improvements, expansions, or repairs of the toll facilities of the MCTEP and its Expressways.

5. I certify that CIC has complied with all existing laws, rules and regulations being implemented by the Toll Regulatory Board and that CIC has no pending financial or monetary obligation in the form, among others, of supervision fees, concession fees, penalties and other charges with the Board.

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT CORPORATE COUNSEL Counsel for Petitioner PRA 3rd Floor, MWSS Building Katipunan Road, Balara Quezon City, Metro Manila

6. In compliance with Rule 7, Section 5 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, and with Rule 2, Section 2 of the 2013 Revised Rules of Procedure of the Toll Regulatory Board, I hereby certify that I have not commenced any action or proceeding involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, the Court of Tax Appeals, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency.

Out of caution, CIC respectfully discloses that there is a pending arbitration (PCA Case No 2017-13 - Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (Philippines) and Philippine Reclamation Authority (Philippines) vs. Republic of the Philippines, Represented by its Toll Regulatory Board) relating to the Board’s inaction on petitions for toll rate adjustments for the years 2011 and 2014 for R -1 Expressway; and year 2014 for R -1 Expressway Extension.

ELPIDIO J. VEGA Government Corporate Counsel Roll of Attorneys 32618 IBP OR 066193, 01/9/19, Davao City MCLE Exemption VI-000743; 7/4/18

7. If I should hereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Tax Appeals, the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency, I hereby undertake to report that fact within five (5) days from knowledge thereof to the Honorable Board.

MA. DOLORES M. RIGONAN Assistant Government Corporate Counsel Roll of Attorneys 36023 IBP Life Member Roll 06385; 11/18/08; Quezon City MCLE Exemption VI-000748, 7/4/18

C-5 Link Expressway is referred to as the C-5 South Link Expressway in the Updated PIM.

signed

my

name

ROBERTO V. BONTIA Affiant

9

“This Honorable Board has the following powers and duties under its charter: Section 3. Powers and Duties of the Board. — The Board shall have in addition to its general powers of administration the following powers and duties: x xx.

4. Issue, modify and promulgate from time to time the rates of toll that will be charged the direct users of toll facilities and upon notice and hearing, to approve or disapprove petitions for the increase thereof.”

12. On 10 June 2019, TRB issued a letter to PRA and CIC stating that the Honorable Board is considering an interim toll rate of PhP 22.00 for the entire stretch of Segment 3A-1, subject to the applicable provisions of the 2013 Revised Rules of Procedure of TRB (“TRB Rules”).

13. With the intervention of immediately opening the tollway facility to serve the motoring public in order to alleviate traffic congestion, Petitioners CIC and PRA are targeting the opening of Segment 3A-1 on 22 July 2019.

Progressive inspections have been conducted by representatives of the Honorable Board and Petitioners CIC and PRA, and Segment 3A-1 is now ninety-two percent (92%)as of date. CIC anticipates the issuance of the Certificate of Substantial Completion on or before 8 July 2019.

VERIFICATION I CERTIFICATION

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto this_____________in______________, Philippines.

approximately 2.0 kilometers

11. In the Updated PIM, CIC proposes an initial toll rate of PhP 12.00 per kilometer (Value Added Tax inclusive) for the C-5 Link Expressway, to be collected upon opening of the first sub-segment of the Project, Segment 3A1, in 2019, to allow CIC to recover its investment.7

“x xx.However, no approved toll rate shall be imposed and collected without a Notice to Start Collection being first issued

Vehicle Class

10. As indicated in the Updated PIM, the Project involves the construction of: (i) three (3) interchanges (R1 Interchange, Sucat Interchange, and Merville Interchange); and (ii) two (2) access ramps to SLEX and C-5 Road. It shall be implemented in sub-segments, in light of PRA’s progressive delivery of Right of Way, as follows

Segment 3A-2

Subscribed and sworn to before me this_____________ in________________ Philippines, affiant exhibited to me competent evidence of identity in the form of_________________issued on_______________.

(a) immediately issue a Notice to Start Toll Collection granting Petitioners the authority to collect, on or before 22 July 2019, the provisional initial toll fees for the entire stretch of Segment 3A-1, as follows:

8. On 17 August 2015, TRB issued a Notice to Proceed (“NTP”) for Segment 3A-1 of the Project, subject to compliance with TRB requirements.

Segment 3A-1 is a 2.2 kilometer, portion of the Project with three lanes in each direction that will run westward from C-5 Road to Merville. It includes the flyover crossing SLEX and a connection to the West Service Road. By the authority granted to CIC to commence with the construction of Segment 3A-1 through the issuance of the NTP, CIC proceeded with its design and construction.

2x3 lane toll road that will run from C-5 Flyover westward to Merville. It includes the flyover crossing SLEX and a road connection to the West Service Road.

2x3 lane toll road from Merville to RSG Airport View Subdivision. It includes an interchange to Merville and left turn flyover to SLEX from Parañaque side going north to Makati City.

2x3 lane toll road from Sucat Interchange to R-1 Expressway, crossing Sucat Road and Quirino Avenue 2x3 lane toll road from RSG Airport View Subdivision to Sucat Interchange.

JANILO E. RUBIATO Affiant

by the Board.”

7. On 16 June 2015, CIC submitted a Supplement to the Project Information Memorandum (“Supplemental PIM”) for the C-5 Link Expressway to TRB, to address concerns raised by local government units (“LGUs”), specifically the barangays of Merville and Moonwalk in Parañaque City, where portions of the Project are located.

Segment 3A-1

name

WHEREFORE, the foregoing premises considered, Petitioners most urgently and respectfully pray that the Honorable Board:

The Public Estates Authority or “PEA” is the former name of Petitioner Philippine Reclamation Authority.

UEM-MARA Philippines Corporation is the predecessor-in-interest of CIC. Capitalized words and expressions used in this Petition shall have the meanings set forth in Section 1 of the TOA. Annex A Annex B

9. On 8 June 2018, CIC submitted an Updated Project Information Memorandum for C-5 Link Expressway6 (“Updated PIM”) in order to reflect, among others, the necessary updates to the technical requirements of the Project, project cost estimate, implementation schedule, and proposed investment recovery.

my

PRAYER

6. On 9 January 2015, Department of Public Works and Highways(“DPWH”) separately issued a letter5 stating that it had no objection to TRB’s evaluation of the 2015 PIM. It likewise suggested that a technical working group be constituted immediately to verify the design and the toll rates for the Project.

2

signed

*Inclusive of Value Added Tax

5. On 27 January 2015, PRA issued a letter4 wherein it interposed no objection to TRB’s evaluation of the 2015 PIM since it already contained the complete details on the right of way, engineering design, construction schedule, operations, and tolling policy for the Project. Furthermore, PRA requested that a technical working group be constituted immediately for the issuance of a notice to proceed to commence construction of the Project.

1

Provisional or Interim Initial Toll PhP 22.00 PhP 44.00 PhP 66.00

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto this_____________in______________, Philippines.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this_____________ in________________ Philippines, affiant exhibited to me competent evidence of identity in the form of____________issued on_______________.

JONATHAN C. NICOLAS Government Corporate Attorney IBP LifeMember Roll 7567; Bulacan Roll of Attorneys 55410 MCLE Compliance VI-0014206, 10/10/18 (MS-JULY 13,18 & 22, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

D2

Sports

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

Filipino cyclists dominate Tour of Friendship R1 in Thailand

Manila

Standard

A7

TODAY SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

OKC sends Westbrook to Houston N

EW YORK—Russell Westbrook has been traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul and two first-round NBA draft picks, according to multiple reports Thursday.

The Houston Chronicle and ESPN, each citing unnamed sources, reported the agreement, the latest blockbuster move in an NBA off-season of major relocations for NBA stars and huge lineup changes for many clubs.

Eight-time All-Star Westbrook, the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player, will be reunited with 2018 NBA MVP James Harden, his former Thunder teammate who was traded to the Rockets in 2012.

Harden and Westbrook had wanted to reunite the backcourt tandem they enjoyed

for three seasons with the Thunder.

“It’ll be very interesting and fun,” Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta told Houston’s Fox 26 TV. “James and Russell wanted to play together.

“I said at the end of the year we’re never going to stand pat. We’re always going to try to get better. I think this makes us a better team. I hate to lose Chris Paul, but we felt like we did what we had to do to become a better team.”

Paul, who at age 34 could be looking at yet another trade deal, according

to reports, joins a rebuilding Thunder squad along with Houston’s first-round NBA Draft selections in 2024 and 2026 as well as the right for the Thunder to swap first-round picks with the Rockets in 2021 and 2025.

Harden has led the NBA in scoring the past two seasons, averaging 36.1 points a game this past campaign.

Westbrook has averaged triple doubles for the past three seasons, this past campaign producing 22.9 points and career highs of 11.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists.

Together, Harden, 29, and Westbrook, 30, form a super pairing as potent as any in the Western Conference, which now includes last month’s NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and ex-Thunder star Paul George with the Los Angeles Clip-

THE Philippine delegation, represented by Excellent Noodles, garnered the top awards in all the four categories of the annual Tour of Friendship R1 held at the Khao Yai National Park in Thailand recently.

Headed by Alexander L. Billan, Team Captain of Excellent Noodles and President of Jeverps Manufacturing Corporation, the Filipinos were crowned champions in both the 30-to39 and 40-to-49 age brackets.

Vernon Amaranto and Resty Aragon were also awarded champions in the 30-to-39 and 40-to-49 age categories, respectively.

Virgilio Valenzuela and Elpidio Untalan emerged fifth placers in the 50to-59 and 60-and-above age groups, respectively.

The 10-member cycling team also got fifth place in both the 50-to-59 and 60-and-above age brackets.

The Thailand bikefest gathered more than 300 cyclists from across the world to fight for honors in four age group categories, namely, 30-to-39; 40-to-49; 50-to-59 and 60-and-above years old.

Th cycling competition showcased the talents and skills of the worldclass Filipino cyclists, who participated in the five-stage course during the four-day event to bring honor to the country.

Camaraderie, sportsmanship and true brotherhood were also achieved by the Excellent Noodles’ team in the event that connected renowned cyclists, who professed their eternal Members of the Excellent Noodles Cycling Team are shown prior to their Tour of Friendship competition. love for the sport.

Republic of the Philippines

PHILIPPINE RECLAMATION AUTHORITY (Public Estate Authority)

7th floor, Legaspi Towers 200 Bldg., 107 Paseo de Roxas St., Legaspi Village, 1226 Makati Tel. Nos.: (02) 817-4711 to 13:(02) 813-1441 to 45 • Facsimile No.: (02) 815-2662 Website:www.pea.gov.ph • info@pea.gov.ph

27 January 2015 HON. EDMUNDO O. REYES, JR. Executive Director Toll Regulatory Board 2nd Floor IBP Building Doña Julia Vargas Avenue Ortigas Center, Pasig City Re: Project Information Memorandum for the C-5 Link Expressway Dear Director Reyes: This pertains to the Project Information Memorandum for the C-S Link Expressway drafted by Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC), formerly UEM-MARA Philippines Corporation (UMPC), and our joint venture partner in the Manila Cavite Toll Expressway Project (MCTEP).

As you are aware, the C-5 Link Expressway consists of Segments 2 and 3 of the MCTEP subject of the subsisting Toll Operation Agreement (TOA) dated 26 July 1996 entered into between and among the Republic of’ the Philippines, through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), the Public Estates Authority (now PRA) and UMPC (now CIC). The C-5 Link is the last outstanding segment or “missing link” of the Circumferential Road No. 5, which was designed to decongest the central parts of Metro Manila and facilitate faster travel to and from the south and southwestern parts of Metro Manila, to and from the central and northern parts thereof.

After a series of meetings and consultations, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has agreed on the modi lied alignment of the C-5 Link Expressway by utilizing the original alignment in the TOA and the portions acquired by the DPWH for the C-5 Access Road.

As the Project Information Memorandum already contains the complete details on the right of way, engineering design. construction schedule, and operations and tolling policy for the C-5 Link Expressway, we hereby interpose no objection to the evaluation by the TRB of the said Memorandum. We shall appreciate the TRB’s immediate action thereon by constituting a technical working group, with a view to the early issuance of a Notice to Proceed, at least with respect to the C-5 flyover from C-5 Road across the South Luzon Expressway and towards Sucat, Paranaque City, which already has complete availability orthe right of way.

Thank you for your favorable action on the matter.

Very truly yours,

PETER ANTHONY A. ABAYA General Manager & CEO Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Manila

HONORABLE EDMUNDO O. REYES, JR. Executive Director Toll Regulatory Board 2/F IBP Building Doña J. Vargas Avenue Ortigas Cencer, Paslg City SUBJECT :

C-5 Link Expressway

Dear Director Reyes: This has reference to the Project Information Memorandum (PIM) for the C-5 Link Expressway drafted by Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC), the Franchisee for the Manila Cavite Toll Expressway Project (MCTEP).

We are made aware that the C-5 Link Expressway is included as Segment 2 and 3 of the Expressways under the Toll Operation Agreement between the Toll Regulatory Board, CIC, and the Philippine Reclamation Authority. It is reportedly the last remaining portion that will complete the Circumferential Road No.5 around Metro Manila aimed at decongesting traffic at the central portions and thoroughfares thereof.

The modified alignment of the C-5 Link Expressway contained in the draft PIM was discussed between representatives of CIC and the DPWH in a series of technical meetings. During these meetings, the use of the existing rlghts-of-way already acquired by the Government for the C-5 Link and portions of the C-5 Access Road acquired and developed by the DPWH has also been discussed. CIC also clarified with DPWH its technical and legal positions on the NAIA Third Runway being proposed by DOTC, which TRB was also made aware of by DOTC. Based on information provided

by DOTC Secretary Abaya, the Third Runway Is no longer an option. Hence. we are therefore not objecting to TRB evaluating the CIC Proposal and draft PIM. Further, our suggestion is for TRB to Immediately constitute a technical working group that will verilY the desIgns and toll rates for the C-5 Link Expressway. DPWH, through Its PPP Service, Is open to extending Its assistance to the technIcal workIng group should you request it.

Very truly yours,

ROGELIO L. SINGSON Secretary

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

pers, plus LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Add improved teams in Denver, Utah and Portland and Stephen Curry-led Golden State—NBA finalists the past five years—and the Western Conference next season figures to be up for grabs after years of dominance by the Warriors.

Oddsmakers like Rockets Caesars Sportsbook in Las Vegas improved the odds of the Rockets winning next year’s NBA title from 10-1 to 7-1, putting Houston fourth behind the Lakers (7-2), Clippers (4-1) and Milwaukee Bucks (9-2).

The first major off-season move came June 30 when Golden State’s Kevin Durant and Boston’s Kyrie Irving both signed with Brooklyn. AFP

Ecostrong, Perry’s Group square off for Orchard title

Que roars to 5-shot PGT triumph CARMONA, Cavite—Angelo Que marked his return to local turf in big fashion, outclassing a stellar international field with a kind of finish that wins big-time championships—a six-under 65 that netted him a whopping five-stroke triumph over Aussie Tim Stewart in the ICTSI Manila Southwoods Championship here yesterday.

Two up over American Christopher Hickman and Justin Quiban after 54 holes, Que made it a bit more interesting with a bogey on the first hole, sparking hopes even from the other pursuers, including Stewart, wanting to get a crack at the coveted crown in the $100,000 championship that drew one of the strongest casts in years.

But the long-hitting amiable shotmaker cut short all their expectations with a rash of birdies, hitting five to close out the frontside with a 31. Back up by three with nine holes left, Que birdied the first two holes at the back, including a 25-footer on No. 10, to all but wrap up the chase for honors in this third leg of the third season of Philippine Golf Tour Asia put up by ICTSI. “After I led by four after 10 holes, I knew I was in control already,” said Que, whose third six-under card on a course he calls home netted him a 72-hole total of 22-under 262. “In order for the other to catch up, they had to make birdies in succession.”

Nobody did and the former Philippine Open champion settled for a run of pars in the last seven holes and still won by a big margin.

“Hickman played well too but he could not putt and missed a lot of birdie chances,” added Que, who received the replica of the check worth $17,500 from Southwoods golf director Jerome Delariarte and Joop Kalambakal of ICTSI Public Relations.

Que, who credited his irons and putting to his triumph, his first local victory since posting a 12-shot romp at PGT Mt. Malarayat in 2017, said he’ll take a few days rest before heading back to Japan to resume his campaign, including his title-retention drive in Tokai Classic in Aichi October.

Stewart, who led in the first round with a 63, rallied in a flight ahead with back-to-back closing birdies, shooting a second straight 67 and snatching runner-up honors with a 267 worth $11,500 that however kept the big-hitting campaigner from Sydney winless on the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Quiban lost in a power duel with Que and Hickman but matched Stewart’s birdie-birdie windup to card a 69 for solo third at 268 worth $7,000 as Hickman, who took charge in the second round, wavered at the back with two bogeys after keeping Que within sight with a frontside 32.

“I hit the ball great but missed my putts,” said Hickman, who rued his birdie chances on Nos. 13, 14, 15 and 15. He actually tied Que at 15-under with a birdie on the second hole coupled with Que’s bogey on No. 1. He ended up with a 70 and dropped to joint fourth at 269 with reigning Philippine Open champ Clyde Mondilla, who charged back with a 66.

“Some days you putt well but there are some day that you don’t. But Angelo was such a great player, especially today (yesterday),” said Hickman, who sparked hopes of a big debut on the circuit after storming ahead in the second round.

American Lexus Keoninh eagled the par-5 14th and hit six birdies against two bogeys, finishing solo sixth at 270.

Angelo Que celebrates his return to local throne with a runaway victory

PERRY’S Group/TV Shop and Ecostrong square off for the coveted title in the 10th Orchard Intra Club Golf League after disposing separate rivals in dramatic fashion in the semifinals held over the weekend at the Orchard Golf and Country Club.

Regarded as the clear favorite to win this year’s crown, the top-seeded Perry’s Group and SAGO Rover finished tied with 5 match points, with the former needing two extra holes in the playoff to earn the first finals slot.

Ecostrong, meanwhile, averted sudden death as Digoy Esguerra holed in a pressure-packed six-foot putt for par on the 18th of Palmer to lift his team to victory over M.A.E.L.S. and complete a comeback including crucial wins in the eliminations.

“It is going to be an exciting finale as both teams look evenly matched. It will boil down to who wants it more,” said Orchard General Manager Nilo Famy, who was happy with the turnout of 344 players and 13 teams participating.

Although Perry’s Group finished the elimination round at the helm with 37 match points, team captain Louie Garcia said his team is not the “clear favorite.”

“All the teams played really well and for us, every game was a different challenge.

And we took it one game at a time. Team strategies have been good so far especially in planning the line-ups,” said Perry’s Group skipper Louie Garcia.

For Ecostrong, it was an uphill climb. It was at 11th place with four games left in the elims. But it pulled it off, winning emphatically specially in the last two and reached its target.

“We still have to slug it out in the finals to fully achieve our goal,” Ecostrong manager Gino Olivares explained.

The first round of the finals is at the Player course then at the Palmer course on Sunday, the same day that the battle for second runnerup between SAGO Rover and M.A.E.L.S will take place at Player course.

Petron tries to end Superliga 1st round with win BIÑAN CITY—Reigning champion Petron seeks to end its first round campaign on a high note when it tackles lowly Sta. Lucia in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference Saturday at the Alonte Sports Arena here.

Game time is at 6 p.m. with the Blaze Spikers looking to win their sixth win in seven games in this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Team Rebel Sports, SOGO, Eurotel, PCSO, Cocolife, UCPB Gen, Mueller, Senoh, Asics, Bizooku and One Sport Prior to that, Marinerang Pilipina hopes to stop its bleeding when it takes on Cignal at 4 p.m.

But barging into the win column in this tourney that also has ESPN5 and Kapatid

Games Today (Alonte Sports Center) 4 p.m. -- Marinerang Pilipina vs Cignal 6 p.m. – Sta. Lucia vs Petron

TV5 as broadcast partners wouldn’t be easy.

The HD Spikers is coming in hungry after losing their fourth straight loss to Foton, 2725, 23-25, 20-25, 19-25, late Tuesday at the Bacoor Strike Gym in Bacoor City.

In that match, Jaja Santiago took over, erupting for 29 points while Dindin Santiago, Maika Ortiz and Elaine Kasilag all had impressive performances to give the Tornadoes their fourth win in seven matches.

Still, all eyes will be on Petron.

With their bitter rival F2 Logistics wrap-

ping up the first round with its seventh win, the Blaze Spikers are looking to have a strong finish to build momentum entering the second round next week.

“I know we’ve been struggling in our past games. But I’m glad that the team showed its real potential from a win we had over Generika-Ayala last Tuesday,” said Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos.

“We just need to focus on the team right now and do the things we need to do and improve on.”

The Blaze Spikers continue to bank on their depth and all-star rotation of Frances Molina, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Mika Reyes, Bernadeth Pons, Rem Palma, Rhea Dimaculangan, Buding Duremdes and Sisi Rondina.

Sports

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

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

IOC observer will attend POC polls

By Peter Atencio THE president of the Indian Olympic Association and the International Hockey Federation, Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, will observe the process that the Philippine Olympic Committee will undergo to elect new officers including its president.

Batra will be in Manila to attend two meetings of the POC General Assembly later this month.

Batra’s presence was confirmed in a letter that was sent by International Olympic Committee director for Olympic Solidarity and National Olympic Committee Relations James Macleod and Olympic Council of Asia director general Hussain al-Musallam to concerned officials.

Only three positions in the Philippine Olympic Committee executive board, not four, will be up for grabs.

This is after board member Cynthia Carrion decided not to push through with her decision to resign.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines chief explained that she had a change of heart after she addressed her letter of resignation to Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, and not the executive board.

Tolentino, according to Carrion, did not accept her resignation letter.

“He feels that it is not irrevocable. So, he is not accepting, so I am still a board member,” said Carrion.

Carrion added she has already consulted legal counsel and obstacle course chief Al Agra over her situation.

Issues concerning Carrion’s decision will be among the matters that the executive board will resolve during the POC extraordinary general assembly on July 18 at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati.

Without Carrion, the positions for president, the chairman and a board member will be disputed during polls that will be held on July 28.

So far, only boxing’s Ricky Vargas, archery’s Clint Aranas and chairman Abraham Tolentino are considered resigned since they have already forwarded their letters addressed to the board.

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.

SBU Red Lions rout JRU Heavy Bombers TEAMMATES James Canlas, Calvin Oftana and JB Bahio scored well when the defending champion San Beda Red Lions brought down the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 74-52, yesterday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

And they have point guard Evan Nelle to thank for all the assists and the scoring chances that he gave his teammates to help the Red Lions earn back-to-back wins in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Tournament.

With Nelle creating openings, Canlas struck hard in the first period, hitting 10 of 17 points as the Red Lions unraveled a 15-0 attack in the first seven minutes.

Meanwhile, the Letran Knights bounced back from their loss to the Lyceum Pirates with an 81-72 beating of the Arellano Chiefs.

Jerrick Balanza tallied 31 points for the Knights, who improved to 1-1 in their win-loss record.

The Red Lions never looked back after they established a 21-10 edge, and got eight points from Oftana as they moved away, 45-31, at halftime.

When the smoke cleared, Oftana also tallied 17 points while Bahio added 11.

Canlas, a Fil-Canadian, gave the Red Lions a 24-point spread, 55-31, with 6:49 left in the third off Bahio’s pass.

Nelle only had five points, but he made heads turn with almost recordbreaking 14 assists.

Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez said he was glad they scored their second straight win. But he feels that the squad still needs to work on their executions, which needs to be consistent all throughout. Peter Atencio

Phoenix Pulse Fuelmasters guard Matthew Wright drives strong to the hoop against three NLEX Road Warriors defenders, from right: Kenneth Ighalo, Poy Erram and import Oluseyi Ashaolu. PBA Media

Eliminated Road Warriors beat Phoenix Pulse, 87-85

By Jeric Lopez

N

LEX went out with a bang. In its final game of the conference, the eliminated Road Warriors got some positives after they played the role of spoilers by squeaking past Phoenix, 87-85, in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City last night.

Olu Ashaolu led NLEX with a double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds with five assists while Kenneth Ighalo added 14 markers.

NLEX ended its tournament run with a 3-8, win-loss mark.

With Ashaolu in tow, the Road Warriors are now looking forward to a strong Governors’ Cup showing.

The loss is a big blow to Phoenix’s hopes of making the quarterfinals.

With its third straight defeat, the Fuel Masters finished at 4-7, in ninth place at the moment, and can only hope that the results of the remaining games can favor them to have a slim shot for a playoff for a berth in the next round.

Only the top eight teams will march forward to the quarters.

NLEX dodged a huge comeback bullet from Phoenix in the final minute.

After squandering most of its double-digit lead in the fourth, it only held an 84-82 lead with 32 seconds left and got a break after Richard Howell missed a right elbow triple, that could’ve potentially given the Fuel Masters the lead.

Paul Varilla then sank two freebies for NLEX, making it 86-82.

RJ Jazul countered with a triple on the other end, trimming Phoenix’s deficit to only a single point, 85-86, with eight seconds remaining, leading the door open.

Jericho Cruz then split his charities with 2.6 ticks left and Matthew Wright’s desperation triple was totally off, allow-

ing NLEX to preserve the win.

NLEX coach Yeng Guiao even got ejected with only 42.9 seconds left after two technical fouls due to continuous complaining and profanity, enabling the Fuel Masters to gain steam and threaten in the closing seconds.

Playing loose with nothing on the line, the Road Warriors were able to put up a spirited performance to end their campaign on a high note.

An 11-0 run midway through the opening quarter paved the way for NLEX’s cruise as it opened a 21-9 advantage with over a minute left in the first.

NLEX retained the momentum as it stretched its lead further to 17 points, 4528, after a tremendous dunk by Ashaolu in the dying seconds of the first half.

The second half was no different until the Fuel Masters rallied back in the waning minutes to threaten.

Phoenix’s last-ditch effort to salvage the game only managed to trim the gap in the final tally towards the end.

RJ Jazul had a game-high 20 points for Phoenix in a losing cause.

Laguna, Cavite will host SEA Games events SOME events of the 30th Southeast Asian Games will now be held in the provinces of Laguna and Cavite.

Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee executive director Tom Carrasco said this at the close of the second chefs de mission meeting among member countries yesterday at the Hilton Hotel in Pasay City.

Carrasco explained that they are experiencing shortages of places to stage events that they have calendared in Subic Bay, Pampanga and at Clark Field in Angeles.

“Wala nang venues. We have to look somewhere else,” said Carrasco.

So far, the Centro Mall in Los Baños, Laguna will host floor ball and indoor hockey, while women’s football will now be in Biñan.

They have found a venue for net ball in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, while underwater hockey will be held at the Vermosa Sports Complex in Imus, Cavite.

“Hindi lang nailagay sa Manila ang mga venues. Nailabas na rin namin sa Southern Luzon,” said Carrasco.

Meanwhile, Malaysian CDM Datuk Megat Zulkkrnain Omardin said they are satisfied with the ongoing preparations for the Games, and the full report that they got from PHISGOC chief operating officer Ramon Suzara, and the 12 representatives from Malaysia’s National Sports Council, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and National Sports Institute arrived in the country early this week to do inspections.

“We are quite happy to see what is happening, I will tell our tournament managers that the Philippines is ready,” added Omardin.

Omardin said he agrees with the observations of the Singapore delegation that the Philippines seems to have reached the 75 percent mark in its efforts to prepare for the biennial meet. Peter Atencio

LEADER OF THE PACK. Defending Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas (right) and France’s Julian Alaphilippe (center), wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, ride in the last kilometer of the sixth stage of the 106th edition of the Tour de France cycling race between Mulhouse and La Planche des Belles Filles, in La Planche des Belles Filles. AFP

Forty-something Tiger’s Masters win inspired Serena LONDON, United Kingdom—Tiger Woods’s remarkable Masters win this year at the age of 43 serves as an inspiration to Serena Williams, who is just three years shy of 40 herself, she said after reaching her 11th Wimbledon final on Thursday (Friday Manila time).

Williams who will equal Margaret Court’s Grand Slam singles haul of 24, if she beats Simona Halep on Saturday, believes that technology has helped her continue to succeed even after taking time out to have a baby.

The American superstar lost just three games to her 33-year-old semifinal opponent Barbora Strycova in easing to a 6-1, 6-2 victory in less than an hour on Thursday.

“I think technology has really changed,” said Williams, who at 37 years of age and 291 days is the oldest

Grand Slam finalist in the modern era.

“That’s the only reason I’m able to compete.

“I feel like if we had this technology 20 years ago, maybe Michael Jordan would still be playing basketball.

“I just feel like we know so much more about our bodies.

“Things I do different now than when I first was on tour, it’s lengthening my career.”

Williams, whose early part of the season was affected by a knee injury, said it was not just her and Woods who were enjoying extended careers.

“It’s not just me, it’s Roger (Federer, 37), Tom Brady (41-year-old New England Patriots six-time Super Bowl winning quarterback), Peyton (Manning, NFL quarterback who won two Super Bowls during his 18year career) played forever. AFP

Gimpayan leads Classic past Cebu Sharks VALENZUELA continued its remarkable run in the MPBL Lakan Season and on Thursday night, the Classic added the Cebu Sharks to their list of victims following a 6966 triumph at the Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo.

Jaymar Gimpayan stepped up big as the unheralded forward came away with a double-double performance of 11 points and 11 rebounds to guide the Classic to their fourth straight win in the tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

The victory catapulted Valenzuela into a tie for third to fourth places with the Manila Stars in the northern division of the tournament.

For head coach Gerry Esplana, Valenzuela’s early success can be attributed to the players’ willingness to embrace their roles.

“Alam nila kung ano ang role nila,” added Esplana. “At any given day, laging mayroong mag-i-step up sa team.”

Zamboanga and Quezon City carved out contrasting victories over their respective rivals.

Playing without premier frontliner Harold Arboleda, who was sidelined after hurting his hand, the Family’s Brand Sardines-supported squad got a big lift from Allan Santos, who scored the game-winning short jumper with three seconds left and towed his squad to a tense 60-59 win over Bulacan.

Santos was at the right place at the right time, grabbing a rebound and putting in a short jumper.

In the next play, Zamboanga denied Bulacan’s shooters, leaving JR Taganas to receive the inbound pass and desperately heaved a midrange jumper as time expired.

Quezon City, on the other hand, turned to newcomers Tonino Gonzaga, Dahrrel Caranguian and Clark Derige as the Capitals brought down the Mindoro Tamaraws, 72-62.

Serena Williams celebrates beating Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova during their women’s singles semi-final match on day ten of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London. AFP

IN BRIEF Dividends remitted

by GOCCs hit P61.3b

DIVIDENDS remitted by governmentowned and -controlled corporations as of July this year have reached a record high of P61.3 billion, the Department of Finance said Friday.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the unprecedented amount of dividend contributions come from 53 GOCCs, including the state-run Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, which were allowed to retain their cash contributions to enable them to shore up their capital to meet the country’s development needs.

“The dividends collected by the national government help offset the subsidies given out to state enterprises performing crucial social functions. They will go a long way in helping us hold down deficits and continue funding the infrastructure and social programs of President Duterte,” Dominguez said during the 2019 GOCC Day held at Malacañan Palace on Thursday.

The event was attended by President Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and other Cabinet officials.

Julito G. Rada

Business

Trabaho bill offers best tax incentives

CONGRESS is expected to pass the second package of the Duterte administration’s tax reform agenda, the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High Quality Opportunities or TRABAHO (HB 313), this time focused on turning the Philippines into a globally competitive investment hub, with the best investment package legislation can churn out.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, TRABAHO’s principal author, said the measure primarily sought to bring down the current corporate income tax rate from 30 percent to 20 percent, and ensure that the grant of fiscal incentives would help bring in the greatest benefits, such as higher and more dispersed investments, higher quality jobs opportunities, and better technology.

The measure also aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the grant of fiscal incentives and enhance the accountability of corporate taxpayers through refinement in tax administration. It is also often called TRAIN 2, in reference to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion that was passed in the first half President Duterte’s term.

Heat-not-burn devices helping smokers quit NON-COMBUSTIBLE tobacco products such as heat-not-burn devices offer the best way to end the smoking epidemic that kills 20,000 people a day, according to health experts.

Japan saw cigarette sales fall 27 percent in two years with the introduction of heat-not-burn products, according to Prof. Gerry Stimson of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the program director of the 6th Global Forum on Nicotine. Around 17 percent of the Japan cigarette market have switched to IQOS, the heated tobacco system of Philip Morris Internal.

David Sweanor, a lawyer and chair of the advisory board of the Centre for Health Law, Policy & Ethics at the University of Ottawa, said electronic nicotine delivery systems such as heatnot-burn products, electronic cigarettes and Swedish snus were much safer alternatives to cigarette smoking.

“In Japan, with the introduction of heated tobacco products, one-third of the cigarette market was gone,” Sweanor said in a news conference at the sidelines of the 6th Global Forum on Nicotine in Warsaw, Poland in June 2019.

“We know enough science to know that we can have enough products that have a tiny fraction of the risks of cigarettes. We have seen examples around the world that many smokers will move to these products,” Sweanor said.

About 62 countries currently regulate electronic nicotine delivery systems under tobacco regulation, while 39 countries inappropriately ban safer nicotine products, according to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction Report.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

B1

Pagcor: Govt not inclined to impose higher taxes on POGOs

By Julito G. Rada

Ex-Marina exec sees bleak shipping outlook

THE domestic shipping industry is in dire straits. A former official of the Maritime Industry Authority said the Philippine domestic shipping industry will continue to have a bleak outlook for the rest of 2019.

The former government official and leading industry analyst based his forecast on the 2018 performance of the Philippine domestic shipping industry.

Records show local shipping operators collectively reported net income losses of about P4 billion.

“With the way things are going now, the domestic shipping industry is projected to bleed even more in 2019,” the former government executive notes.

He stressed that while cargo volumes were still growing moderately due to the growth of domestic consumption, shipping operators were burdened by increasing operating costs, partially attributed to the excise tax on petroleum products as provided for under the TRAIN Law. Fuel consumption remains the biggest component of operating cost.

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

NEW BANKNOTES. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno (right, front row) presents a set of new generation currency banknotes to President Duterte bearing their respective signatures in a ceremony held in Malacanang Thursday. With them are (from left, front row) Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. Seated are Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade (left) and Asian Development Bank vice president Ahmed Sayeed. At the back row (from left) are Monetary Board member Peter Favila, MB member Felipe Medalla, Senior Assistant Governor Dahlia Luna, MB member Bruce J. Tolentino, MB member Juan de Zuñiga Jr. and MB member Antonio Abacan, Jr.

Shell also obtains TRO vs oil price unbundling T

By Alena Mae S. Flores

HE Taguig City Regional Trial Court Branch 70 issued a 20-day temporary restraining order against the Department of Energy from issuing a circular that seeks to unbundle the components of petroleum prices.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. filed the TRO request against the implementation of DC2019-05-0008, titled Revised Guidelines for the Monitoring of Prices in the Sale of Petroleum Products by the Downstream Oil Industry, which aims to promote transparency in oil prices.

Under the circular, oil companies are required to report their “unbundled price adjustments” to include import costs, tax burdens, biofuel costs and other es-

sential cost components that contribute to the changes in retail prices, including industry take or profit.

“The Court finds that there is a cause for issuance of the temporary restraining order to enjoin the defendant from implementing DC2019-05-0008 and to maintain the status quo and preserve the rights of the parties before the matter of the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction can be heard,” said RTC Taguig presiding judge Felix Reyes.

The TRO ordered Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and his subordinates “to cease and desist” from implementing the circular for 20 days from the receipt of the order dated July 3.

Pilipinas Shell said order would ensure the promotion of market competition, saying the circular was is contrary to the law.

The company said it would lose its competitive advantage once it complied with the circular.

“A deregulated downstream oil industry paved the way for a truly com-

petitive market, characterized by many players, varying product offerings, competitive prices, adequate and continuous supply of environmentally-clean and high-quality petroleum products,” Pilipinas Shell said.

“Since deregulation, consumers have enjoyed the freedom to choose their preferred fuels in locations most convenient for them, and at prices that are acceptable to them, availing of discounts, promotions, and other value-added services that their chosen service station offers,” it added.

The country’s second biggest oil company said while the DoE’s mandate was to monitor oil price movements, “we believe that the Circular leads the industry back to the path of regulation.”

“Further, it restricts the timing of price adjustments and requires the submission of critical unaudited information that could be prejudicial to the industry players. The Circular is also unclear and administratively impossible to comply with,” said Pilipinas Shell.

‘MEN WHO MATTER.’

Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. president and chief executive officer Manuel Paolo Villar (second from left) is recognized as one of People Asia’s ‘Men Who Matter’ 2019.

Villar, a graduate of Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, joined a group of men honored by People Asia at New World Makati for their achievements in business and the arts, contributions to nation building, and other advocacies. With Villar are (from left) People Asia’s editorin-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez and New World Makati general manager Marcel Van Mierlo.

FLIGHT delays of Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have significantly dropped after the Department of Transportation ordered the daily publication of on-time performance in May. The DOTr said PAL’s mostly average OTP improved from below 60 percent in April 2019 to nearly 80 percent in June. The running average OTP for PAL in July, stood at 82 percent.

For Cebu Pacific, the OPT was 60 percent in June before improving to 77 percent in July, with peak days reaching 80 percent.

OTP rating for airports is measured by the number of departures and arrivals that take place in less than 15 minutes after scheduled departure/arrival

Developers seek review of house price ceiling

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Flights delays of PAL, Cebu Pacific declining, says DOTr

By Darwin G. Amojelar

STATE-RUN Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. expressed optimism the government will not impose higher taxes on offshore gaming operators in the country to encourage them to stay here.

Pagcor chairman and chief executive Andrea Domingo said at the sidelines of the opening of the first PhilippineAsian Gaming Expo held on Friday at the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia, Pasay City that POGOs should still make a profit even when they were paying taxes to the government.

“Not really to overtax... but just what is rightfully... and that they could still make a profit enough for them to stay here. Because there’s a lot of competition from other countries like in Cambodia,” she said.

She said an operator in Cambodia just needed to pay $1,000 in order to start an offshore gaming business, the same way in Vietnam. Even Laos was also thinking of opening up its gaming industry, she said.

Despite the government’s taxation of POGOs, Domingo expressed confidence those operators planning to set up shops here would not be discouraged to locate in the Philippines.

But she said some operators had already expressed their apprehension on what might happen in the future.

“They were afraid,” she said.

Domingo said the taxation was fitting and that POGO operators must follow the law.

Domingo said the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police had already closed down “over 170 illegal operations” so far.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the BIR was about to start collecting taxes from foreign workers this month. The government expects at least P24 billion worth of taxes annually from foreign workers employed in the offshore gaming operations in the country.

Dominguez said the initial estimate of P24 billion a year could balloon as data from government agencies showed that approximately 138,000 foreign workers were currently employed in the POGO industry.

times, including cancellations.

“I thank PAL and Cebu Pacific for their efforts to improve OTP. It is my hope that this be increased, and that more and more airlines follow suit,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

Airline officials said the daily publication of OTP, which started in mid-May as ordered by Tugade, had been helpful in pushing for improved performance and promoting the airlines’ accountability to the air-riding public.

Manila International Airport Authority general manager Ed Monreal welcomed the upward trend of airline OTPs as a sign of effective collaboration and cooperation between the government and the private sector to improve aviation services for the

Filipino people.

“I laud the airline operators for doing their part to give Filipinos a comfortable life through improved on-time flight performance. We shall continue in this direction as we work on a number of solutions to decongest the NAIA,” Monreal said.

Local airlines and the government in June 26 airlines signed a pledge of commitment to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The airlines committed to aid in the decongestion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through improved on-time flight performance, support the development of other gateways including Sangley Airport in Cavite and improve the travel experience of air passengers.

MASS housing developers urged the government to review recent moves to adjust the price ceiling and the design standard for socialized housing, saying they will have a negative effect on the industry and the overall economic growth and development.

The Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines and the Socialized Housing Alliance Roundtable Endeavor, the two leading mass housing organizations in the country, expressed concern the government might not be able to meet its target to build 443,303 housing units from 2020 to 2022, or an average of some 147,767 units a year, if the two rules were not revised.

“The price adjustments and the accompanying increase in design standards for socialized housing projects is not viable and unrealistic. It will be difficult for developers to produce socialized housing under these requirements, especially in urban and highly urbanizing areas as this will entail additional construction costs,” OSHDP president Jefferson Bongat said.

“The unrealistic adjustments in standards and price ceilings will adversely affect the participation of housing developers in the National Shelter Program of the government and will slow down the production of socialized housing,” Bongat added.

The National Economic and Development Authority-Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council joint council has increased the price ceiling for socialized housing to between P480,000 for a 22 square meter with loft of at least 50 percent of the base structure or 24 sq. m. and P580,000 for a 28 sq.m. with loft of at least 50 percent of the base structure or 32 sq. m.

B2

Business

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market declines; FLI advances T HE stock market slipped Friday on profit taking in mixed trading as investors wait for catalysts that could sustain the recent rally.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 12.67 points, or 0.2 percent, to 8,141.82 on a value turnover of P6.9 billion. Gainers beat losers, 108 to 82, with 52 issues unchanged.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group declined 2.3 percent to P38.30, while parent SM Investments Corp. dropped 2 percent to P960.

Filinvest Land Inc. of the Gotianun Group, however, advanced 6.1 percent to P1.91, while Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, climbed 3.8 percent to P6.30.

The rest of Asian equities rose Friday,

building on optimism fueled by expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, with debate now focusing on how far the central bank will go.

The gains came despite unease caused

by Donald Trump accusing China of backsliding on a trade promise—just days after the two sides tentatively began phone talks on resolving their tariffs war.

After big losses at the start of the week, trading floors have been much more positive since Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell’s congressional testimony Wednesday in which he all but flicked the switch on a rate cut at the end of the month.

A second day of testimony Thursday essentially reiterated his point.

His comments, which highlighted economic headwinds from the trade war and slowing global growth, sparked a rally on world markets.

“We have a sitting (policy board) that is prepared to over-deliver on markets’ expectations as... Powell’s monetary policy testimony unambiguously reinforces his inclination to cut rates aggressively,” said Vanguard Markets’ Stephen Innes.

He added that even a forecast-beating inflation report on Thursday was unable to deter traders from betting on a reduction.

“Not surprisingly there is 100 percent consensus the Fed is going to cut in July.

But we are still no closer to settling the 25 or 50 (basis points) July rate cut debate.”

Hong Kong added 0.1 percent and Shanghai ended 0.4 percent higher with Tokyo 0.2 percent up.

Seoul gained 0.3 percent and Wellington added 0.1 percent. Singapore added 0.1 percent despite data showing the city-state’s economy taking a serious hit from global trade uncertainty.

But Sydney, Taipei and Jakarta were all lower.

The broad gains follow another record lead from Wall Street, where the Dow ended above 27,000 for the first time.

As investors head into the weekend Trump provided a seed of uncertainty with his tweet hitting out at China, just two weeks after meeting its President Xi Jinping and telling the world that trade talks were “back on track.”

He accused China of not fulfilling a pledge to buy more agricultural goods, saying it was “letting us down in that they have not been buying the agricultural products from our great Farmers that they said they would.”

“Hopefully they will start soon!”

While the remark did not spark a selloff on equity markets, observers pointed out that it highlighted how much work needed to be done before the economic superpowers reach an agreement. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58.9 5,000 81.05 4,731,620 2.35 250,000 148.2 2,169,450 1.24 59,000 27.45 101,000 18.7 8,300 12.16 646,700 4.8 26,000 0.53 20,000 1.35 5,000 0.475 700,000 72.9 2,805,870 0.99 72,000 13.2 1,900 20.5 11,200 53.85 119,940 190 60 58 3,030 27 14,000 179 668,390 1,752 20 61 18,410

294,500 386,705,392.50 587,510 319,915,340 73,160 2,761,895 155,234 7,866,000 125,040 10,600 6,650 332,550 204,927,283 71,280 25,080 229,620 6,479,242.50 11,305 175,760 375,670 120,884,435 35,025 1,123,983.50

294,500 37,022,343.50 23,500 112,310,562 1,395,175 -3,888,752 -8,199,961.50 893,027 33,757,169 -1,100,353.50

36.5 14.3 0.8 1.35 0.26 2.8 14.52 17.1 15.52 40.3 87.5 100.4 1.96 6.05 10.08 15.24 11 7.5 26.1 89.2 57.5 2.54 14.22 9.92 1.66 280.4 3.27 8.9 24.85 13.8 18.88 381.4 5.86 1.74 4.72 5.61 9.25 2.4 11.9 38.85 4.8 4.94 1.35 1.94 1.08 14.1 102 6.48 1.17 171.7 2.58 1.2 1.35

INDUSTRIAL 36.5 1,052,700 14.48 870,300 0.82 1,682,000 1.35 1,000 0.265 1,210,000 2.8 3,257,000 14.62 339,800 17.42 379,900 17 7,400 40.3 200 93.4 13,320 108.9 5,860 1.98 82,000 6.1 5,600 10.1 4,045,100 15.3 412,000 11.18 673,400 7.55 2,206,800 26.8 7,471,800 89.95 457,440 57.7 157,900 2.58 8,382,000 14.48 1,571,900 10 325,400 1.69 109,000 280.4 906,650 3.42 24,000 9.39 12,300 25 984,900 13.86 2,175,900 18.9 464,000 381.4 151,320 5.87 120,500 1.77 6,123,000 4.77 72,000 5.61 5,343,400 9.25 10,000 2.44 5,925,000 12.06 2,300 39.05 250,400 4.84 100,000 5 241,000 1.35 138,000 2 66,000 1.1 343,000 14.36 1,115,300 102.3 285,670 6.49 236,000 1.19 200,000 171.7 482,420 2.58 5,000 1.23 1,152,000 1.36 2,688,000

38,495,310 12,565,708 1,386,840 1,350 314,750 9,189,980 4,961,442 6,618,848 122,840 8,060 1,192,255 625,627 161,330 34,102 41,007,092 6,308,926 7,526,118 16,601,990 198,044,640 41,163,492 9,141,188.50 21,576,610 22,877,840 3,244,356 182,440 254,900,036 78,960 109,955 24,640,255 30,101,478 8,779,526 57,837,114 706,381 10,895,490 342,560 30,135,346 92,500 14,449,690 27,404 9,764,465 480,240 1,203,640 186,470 137,480 376,760 15,973,210 29,293,077 1,534,514 238,120 83,536,758 12,900 1,405,590 3,674,060

-17,177,885 399,202 1,424,390 -521,526 36,492 222,835 -14,640 -33,678,400 1,389,736 3,942,836 -3,514,331 3,643,155 -22,763,223.50 4,053,722 -7,892,800 -3,300,512 -894,688 -69,280,402 -1,264,495 20,462,000 -6,464,540 -7,042,664 -118,270 -11,378,191 -288,770 1,411,500 11,000 -178,252 -3,745,554 9,765 -30,161,538 -142,680 -39,380.00

0.99 57.1 15.74 0.74 7.01 13.3 1.29 1.31 921.5 3.9 7.08 10.4 13.98 0.24 901 6.41 68.95 0.495 4.46 15.8 0.67 4.86 0.042 1.81 2.81 177.5 981 0.85 1.4 262 0.244 0.305

0.95 56 15.5 0.73 7 12.74 1.28 1.28 910 3.76 7.02 10.1 13.6 0.24 881 6.37 67.85 0.485 4.38 15.62 0.62 4.78 0.04 1.73 2.81 175.5 960 0.81 1.36 261 0.24 0.295

HOLDING FIRMS 0.99 18,993,000 56 1,090,530 15.5 5,076,700 0.74 59,000 7 206,300 13.24 97,000 1.28 1,706,000 1.31 986,000 917 266,350 3.89 2,295,000 7.08 8,259,500 10.1 2,552,600 13.98 215,700 0.24 100,000 900 317,720 6.41 110,100 67.85 1,260,410 0.485 50,000 4.4 1,550,000 15.76 2,534,300 0.64 6,718,000 4.78 41,149,000 0.04 56,100,000 1.76 2,821,000 2.81 5,000 176 350,090 960 173,480 0.84 74,000 1.37 65,000 262 130 0.244 1,130,000 0.3 2,080,000

18,354,210 61,512,908 79,049,806 43,360 1,444,103 1,263,886 2,186,970 1,269,160 244,270,900 8,788,080 58,214,151 26,055,552 2,954,752 24,000 284,496,745 703,937 85,867,551 24,400 6,816,680 39,826,420 4,378,990 197,695,860 2,293,700 4,974,660 14,050 61,820,125 168,262,805 61,920 88,950 34,050 272,320 622,400

971,550 -8,565,148.50 3,670,638 305,897 -135,450 4,906,490 692,330 -205,531 -3,871,208 -130,150 25,023,245 -703,300 -2,205,126 -931,050 -21,504,518 -674,240 30,539,810 -7,308,614 2,274,330 -5,230 -65,000

15.54 0.9 2.04 1.1 53 2.35 5.2 6.35 0.63 0.81 0.94 0.246 0.45 9.89 25.1 0.475 0.123 1.91 1.41 6.3 0.35 0.51 1.73 0.405 2.16 27.5 2.35

15.5 0.86 2 1.04 52.3 2.3 5.16 6.35 0.61 0.78 0.91 0.24 0.445 9.7 24.6 0.465 0.122 1.81 1.38 6.11 0.34 0.48 1.7 0.405 2.15 26.8 2.29

12,741,932 5,701,960 137,330 17,155,840 599,248,429.50 109,320 2,016,649 635 11,170,800 68,440 18,320 612,970 454,250 5,891,136 6,095,495 2,869,450 26,850 238,630,000 2,449,590 193,287,155 3,079,050 137,500 3,060,960 4,050 411,120 167,011,285 3,268,920

-284,434 -87,110 10,700 133,288,020 -9,250 5,676 694,400 -36,750 -757,406 2,244,260 -2,793,950 84,575,690 104,134,553 138,000.00 750,850 -228,100 80,596,550 -231,000

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

58.9 80.5 2.36 145.1 1.24 27.15 18.76 12.14 4.87 0.53 1.3 0.48 72.2 0.99 13.2 20.5 54.15 188.1 58 26.4 180 1,751 62.2

58.9 82 2.36 149.1 1.24 27.45 18.76 12.22 4.87 0.53 1.35 0.48 73.6 0.99 13.2 20.55 54.25 190 58.4 27 183 1,752 62.2

58.9 80.4 2.35 145.1 1.24 27.15 18.7 12.1 4.78 0.53 1.3 0.475 72.2 0.99 13.2 20.5 53.3 188.1 58 26.4 178.4 1,751 60.9

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

36.5 14.5 0.8 1.35 0.26 2.86 14.6 17.3 15.52 40.3 89 105 1.97 6.05 10.26 15.24 11 7.54 26.5 89.2 57.5 2.6 14.6 10 1.7 282 3.28 8.96 25.3 13.8 18.98 385.4 5.86 1.81 4.76 5.7 9.25 2.42 12.06 39.2 4.86 4.94 1.35 2.08 1.1 14.1 103 6.54 1.2 173.1 2.58 1.21 1.4

36.9 14.5 0.84 1.35 0.265 2.87 14.8 17.6 17 40.3 94.95 108.9 1.98 6.19 10.28 15.42 11.28 7.55 26.8 90.25 58.3 2.61 14.96 10 1.7 282.6 3.42 9.39 25.55 14 18.98 385.4 5.87 1.84 4.78 5.7 9.25 2.45 12.06 39.2 4.86 5 1.36 2.1 1.12 14.44 104.9 6.59 1.2 174.5 2.58 1.23 1.4

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.98 56.8 15.74 0.73 7 12.74 1.29 1.31 910 3.78 7.06 10.16 13.96 0.24 881 6.37 68.6 0.495 4.46 15.7 0.63 4.82 0.04 1.78 2.81 177 980 0.83 1.4 262 0.244 0.305

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

15.5 0.88 2.01 1.06 52.6 2.3 5.16 6.35 0.62 0.78 0.91 0.24 0.45 9.81 24.7 0.47 0.123 1.82 1.38 6.16 0.345 0.48 1.73 0.405 2.15 27 2.29

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

3.18 39.2 1.98 6.2 0.83 7.24

3.19 39.25 2.01 6.2 0.89 7.34

3.07 38.3 1.91 6.11 0.8 7.23

3.19 38.3 2 6.2 0.83 7.27

122,000 7,380,400 1,258,000 46,900 5,955,000 5,018,600

388,270 286,074,870 2,501,220 287,598 4,952,420 36,495,863

57,240 51,477,925 416,000 3,681,105

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

11.18 17.56 1.42 0.56 0.047 21.6 2.72 11.4 0.063 92.9 7.01 7.95 5.96 9.98 894.5 2,200 5.4 428.4 2.15 1.91 143 9.7 5.7 0.117 5.96 3.72 0.9 19.5 0.51 3.3 2.6 2.65 2.98 9.3 5.18 132 4.1 1,224 0.71 0.88 45.6 78.75 9.39 3.54 0.8 0.35 5.38 0.79 16.86

11.2 17.68 1.45 0.56 0.052 21.6 2.72 11.54 0.065 94 7.01 8.04 6.2 10 894.5 2,240 5.4 428.4 2.15 1.95 144.7 9.9 6 0.12 6.03 3.72 0.9 19.52 0.55 3.41 2.64 2.68 2.98 9.4 5.2 140 4.36 1,245 0.74 0.89 46.15 80 9.49 3.58 0.8 0.35 5.55 0.81 16.92

10.9 17.48 1.4 0.52 0.047 21.6 2.62 11.36 0.061 92.9 7 7.7 5.9 9.62 894.5 2,112 5.31 420 2.11 1.91 142.8 9.7 5.7 0.117 5.71 3.64 0.87 19.4 0.51 3.29 2.59 2.56 2.85 9.2 5.16 132 4.05 1,214 0.7 0.85 45.6 77.95 9.35 3.43 0.77 0.34 5.38 0.78 16.82

SERVICES 11 17.5 1.45 0.53 0.052 21.6 2.63 11.5 0.063 93.5 7 7.87 6.2 9.62 894.5 2,200 5.33 420 2.12 1.95 143.6 9.9 5.75 0.119 5.8 3.7 0.89 19.48 0.53 3.3 2.63 2.59 2.9 9.2 5.19 140 4.24 1,214 0.71 0.85 45.9 80 9.49 3.44 0.8 0.35 5.5 0.8 16.82

6,400 77,600 276,000 10,278,000 231,400,000 100 318,000 9,978,900 139,860,000 322,170 2,200 4,632,200 10,400 19,400 20 38,080 157,000 350 1,593,000 39,000 1,061,600 12,200 9,300 1,190,000 8,061,200 422,000 566,000 168,200 847,000 644,000 1,201,000 5,326,000 188,000 6,800 40,500 236,890 8,098,000 137,130 15,181,000 19,558,000 2,220,500 610,130 34,100 3,815,000 3,447,000 3,170,000 1,271,800 10,093,000 1,131,300

70,526 1,363,046 396,710 5,499,320 11,569,600 2,160 840,930 114,472,346 8,869,760 30,187,463 15,407 36,454,485 61,446 188,398 17,890 84,279,270 840,039 147,818 3,391,450 75,090 152,539,484 120,530 53,770 141,020 47,111,315 1,547,590 501,660 3,276,176 451,740 2,155,440 3,147,720 13,954,310 543,690 63,010 209,709 33,163,520 34,211,310 168,172,265 10,848,830 16,860,560 101,914,580 48,320,891 320,416 13,247,810 2,723,300 1,095,550 7,005,590 7,995,680 19,044,742

-57,700 139,000 -48,960 -83,442,008 -129,000 7,828,565.50 2,109,107 22,366,370 -145,880 19,500 21,355,382 -6,079,961 91,390 -19,800 1,006,900 -582,720 -107,140 60,720 25,900 23,000 1,305,050 38,643,680 -1,056,090 210,910 31,469,485 11,406,837.50 3,059,480 724,770 17,250 -4,387,459 -10,250 -5,204,044.00

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

0.0018 1.11 2.7 12.3 1.25 2.84 7.87 1.45 0.222 0.107 0.123 0.0077 1.23 2.25 1.04 0.84 0.012 0.012 0.01 4.7 3.55 7.65 22.35

0.0019 1.14 2.7 12.3 1.25 2.84 7.87 1.46 0.222 0.11 0.123 0.0077 1.23 2.27 1.04 0.85 0.013 0.012 0.011 4.8 3.6 7.9 22.9

0.0016 1.1 2.7 11.48 1.25 2.81 7.78 1.43 0.218 0.107 0.123 0.0075 1.15 2.19 1.03 0.84 0.012 0.012 0.01 4.68 3.53 7.65 22.35

MINING AND OIL 0.0018 2,043,000,000 1.14 2,246,000 2.7 1,000 12.08 3,000 1.25 48,000 2.81 180,000 7.78 500 1.44 440,000 0.218 160,000 0.109 320,000 0.123 160,000 0.0075 16,000,000 1.18 642,000 2.25 1,286,000 1.03 87,000 0.85 58,000 0.013 203,400,000 0.012 1,500,000 0.01 3,800,000 4.8 245,000 3.54 50,000 7.75 484,000 22.5 1,477,000

3,538,100 2,518,450 2,700 35,332 60,000 510,300 3,906 634,920 34,980 34,650 19,680 120,200 747,460 2,869,420 89,620 49,230 2,641,800 18,000 38,100 1,167,820 177,330 3,779,587 33,297,500

-18,000 -327,400 101,340 10,950 19,680 29,000.00 -1,398,440 45,980 110,849 -374,865

AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

490 483.2 100 99.05 104.1 499 5.37 950 945 96.95 1 1,011 1,011 106 990 75.2 76.2 73 74.95 74.85 73.3 73.5 74

490 490 100 99.05 104.1 499 5.37 985 945 97 1 1,011 1,012 106 1,000 75.2 76.75 73 74.95 74.95 74.5 73.8 74

488 483 100 99 104 499 5.25 950 945 96.9 1 1,010 1,011 106 990 75.15 76.1 73 74.95 74.5 73.25 73.5 74

PREFERRED 490 2,820 490 610 100 200 99 60,100 104 5,600 499 420 5.37 17,532,800 985 920 945 110 96.95 15,040 1 15,000 1,011 4,050 1,012 370 106 4,480 990 6,270 75.2 4,320 76.75 29,160 73 1,000 74.95 14,000 74.5 37,420 74.5 13,410 73.8 12,000 74 30

1,379,800 294,732 20,000 5,950,400 582,470 209,580 94,151,040 900,950 103,950 1,458,671.50 15,000 4,094,500 374,340 474,880 6,255,150 324,854 2,219,621 73,000 1,049,300 2,790,125 982,395 882,600 2,220

28,992 4,950,000 72,870 -94,144,155 -

LR WARRANT

1.84

1.87

1.83

WARRANTS 1.84 57,000

105,130

-

1,232,627 2,121,180

425,100

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 15.5 821,200 0.87 6,494,000 2.03 68,000 1.07 16,039,000 53 11,368,580 2.31 47,000 5.18 388,700 6.35 100 0.62 18,051,000 0.81 85,000 0.94 20,000 0.246 2,510,000 0.445 1,020,000 9.76 601,800 24.7 244,300 0.475 6,160,000 0.122 220,000 1.91 126,428,000 1.41 1,744,000 6.3 31,041,100 0.345 8,920,000 0.51 275,000 1.72 1,786,000 0.405 10,000 2.15 191,000 27.5 6,117,500 2.3 1,411,000

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.96 1.09

5.09 1.1

4.96 1.08

FIRST METRO ETF

122

122.4

122

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.38 10.2

10.38 10.2

10.2 10.2

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

14,573,419

INDUSTRIAL

64,938,104

HOLDING FIRMS

158,537,391

PROPERTY

265,336,729

SERVICES

505,721,181

MINING & OIL

2,376,095,908

GRAND TOTAL

3,387,399,942

5.05 1.09

SME

244,100 1,946,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 122.2 6,970 10.2 10.2

DDS

11,100 190

851,306 114,120 1,938

-

VALUE 1,788.79 (up) 22.61 1,227,255,615.90 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,791.25 (down) 62.55 1,119,458,126.11 HOLDING FIRMS 7,758.23 (down) 54.74 1,374,788,549.83 PROPERTY 4,423.93 (down) 14.57 1,693.65 (up) 5.75 1,778,063,467.76 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,437.16 (up) 39.47 1,107,401,093.36 PSEI 8,141.82 (down) 12.67 252,408,853.189 All Shares Index 4,944.70 (down) 13.27 6,863,581,865.26 Gainers: 108; Losers: 82; Unchanged: 52; Total: 242

Phoenix set to issue P3.5b worth of CP on August 5

By Alena Mae S. Flores PHOENIX Petroleum Philippines Inc. plans to offer commercial paper worth P3.5 billion.

Phoenix said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the CPs would have a tenor of 360 days from the issue date tentatively scheduled on August 5. It tapped PNB Capital and Investment Corp. as the arranger of the offering.

Net proceeds of the offer, assuming a final discount rate of 7.5 percent and it is fully subscribed, is expected to reach P3.216 billion.

“The expected net proceeds of the offer are intended to be used to refinance existing short-term loans of the corporation, which were used to finance working capital requirements in relation to the regular importation of fuels and lubricants by the corporation,” Phoenix said.

The final issue price on the discount rate will be pegged on July 26.

Phoenix earlier raised P7 billion from the issuance of Series A commercial paper in December.

The issue served as the maiden series of the company’s P10-billion commercial paper program, which it will issue and re-issue over a three-year period.

The issue is a milestone in the debt securities market as it is the first program of its kind to be approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The initial offer of commercial papers is composed of two sub-series amounting to P3.5 billion each. Series A-1 has a fixed discount rate of 7.0937 percent and a tenor of 180 days, while Series A-2 has a fixed discount rate of 7.4717 percent and a tenor of 360 days.

Series A commercial papers matured in June 25 and has been repaid by the company.

With the repayment, Phoenix’s remaining balance from commercial paper program stands at P6.5 billion.

“Phoenix Petroleum has long recognized the role of the financial markets as a vital and dynamic source of funding for our initiatives. This is why, today, we mark another milestone with the biggest issuance of commercial papers at P10 billion,” Phoenix Petroleum chief finance officer Ma. Concepcion de Clasro said earlier.

Phoenix is one of the country’s most aggressive oil companies today, venturing into liquefied petroleum gas, bitumen, convenience store retailing business and most recently, liquefied natural gas.

Chelsea Logistics awaiting delivery of new ro-ro ship

By Darwin G Amojelar CHELSEA Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. expects the delivery of its new roll-on roll-off passenger ferry from Japan in October this year.

The 98-meter “M/V Trans-Asia 20” Bed/Seat Ro-Ro Type Passenger Ferry, which was launched at Kegoya Dock Co. Ltd.’s Japan shipyard on July 5, can carry a total of 740 passengers, 22 buses and six trucks, providing better service to Filipinos. This is the Chelsea Group’s 10th brand new RoPax made in Japan.

“The launch of M/V Trans-Asia 20 is a testament to the long lasting and fruitful cooperation between Chelsea and Kegoya, with a number of new projects still in the pipeline. This shows our serious commitment to support the shipping modernization of the country which is aligned with our belief that Filipinos are entitled to better maritime transport,” said Chelsea president and chief executive officer Chryss Alfonsus Damuy.

“We expect our fleet expansion program to contribute to our market dominance and to continue to provide an alternative reliable transportation to Filipinos,” Damuy said.

The launch of M/V Trans-Asia 20 coincided with the keel laying ceremony of the vessel with Hull No. S-1191, which marks the official start of construction of another 98-meter Bed/Seat Ro-Ro Type Passenger Ferry. It has a gross tonnage of 5,100 with carrying capacity similar to M/V Trans-Asia 20 and will be finished and delivered in April 2020.

The newest passenger ferry ship brings Chelsea’s fleet to a total of 89 vessels, including 30 roll-on/roll-off passenger vessels, 11 fast craft, 15 cargo ships, 12 tankers, 15 tugboats, 4 barges and 2 floating docks through its subsidiaries Chelsea Shipping Corp., Starlite Ferries, Inc., Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Incorporated and Fortis Tugs Corp..

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

World

TODAY

B3

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Lennon Walls’ spring up in HK Back to school in the South for defectors from N. Korea SEOUL―One of the first things North Korean defector Ri Kwang-myong did after reaching the South was to go back to school―12 years after finishing his education.

North Korea claims a 100 percent literacy rate and boasts that its free compulsory education demonstrates the superiority of its socialist system.

But those who escape from the impoverished country often struggle in the South from a lack of basic knowledge.

Lessons at North Korean schools are peppered with praise for the leadership, defectors say, and for many, education is also disrupted by grinding poverty or their long journey to freedom.

Ri, 31, is among a handful of adult students at Wooridul School in Seoul, an educational haven for North Korean students too old, or lagging academically and so unable to go to appropriate state schools.

“Although I studied in the North and graduated, I don’t know much,” said Ri, who went back to school last year, six months after arriving in South Korea.

Much of what he was taught in the North was not applicable in his new home, he added: “Everything I learned is different.”

One of the most important subjects in the North Korean education curriculum is revolutionary studies, which focuses on the ruling Kim family.

It starts with two hours a week at the age of six―when pupils are taught the official versions of the childhoods of the country’s founder Kim Il Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong Il, grandfather and father of the current leader Kim Jong Un. Soon afterwards Kim Jong Il’s mother Kim Jong Suk joins the pantheon, and in secondary school six classes a week are devoted to the subject―a significant percentage of the total teaching.

When AFP visited Manbok high school in Sonbong, North Korea, principal Ri Myong Guk said: “Our students grow up in the love and care of the party and the state.

“We believe it’s important to educate the students with political and revolutionary history so they appreciate the love and care of the great leaders,” he explained.

The South Korean government describes the North’s education system as designed to instill “unconditional loyalty to the party and the leader as the most important aspect of life”.

And Lee Mi-yeon, a former kindergarten teacher in the North who fled in 2010, added: “They are taught as mythical, God-like figures who created the country and made grenades out of pine cones.”

Teachings about the leaders seep into other subjects as well, she said.

AFP

H

ONG KONG―Plastered in colorful sticky-notes carrying messages of defiance against Hong Kong’s government, the so-called “Lennon Walls” have sprung up across the city―though fights have broken out as Beijing loyalists try to tear them down.

The first wall was a uniquely Hong Kong take on a public graffiti display in Prague, which has been around ever since the 1980 murder of John Lennon.

Anyone can paint on the Prague wall, making it a constantly evolving canvas of counter-cultural messages inspired by the ex-Beatles star.

Hong Kong’s versions reflect recent years of political unrest as Beijing stamps down on the city’s freedoms, and first showed up in 2014.

That year student-led protests took over key intersections of Hong Kong for more than two months, calling for the right to directly elect the city’s leader.

A “Lennon Wall” sprang up on a staircase leading up to the city’s parliament, covered in thousands of sticky-notes.

A banner that flew from a bridge next to the wall throughout the occupation quoted Lennon’s song Imagine: “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.”

Those protests failed to achieve any concessions from Beijing and the wall was removed when the pro-

test camps were cleared.

Five years later Hong Kong is gripped again by roiling anti-government protests―this time sparked by a widely loathed and now suspended plan to allow extraditions to the mainland.

And the protest walls are back.

What makes these incarnations different is that they have blossomed at different locations across the city after another “Lennon Wall” outside the parliament was destroyed by a crowd of pro-government supporters two weeks ago.

The walls carry a variety of messages for Carrie Lam, the city’s unelected pro-Beijing leader, from the polite to the profane.

Protesters leave boxes of pens and sticky-notes at each wall and cover them in plastic to protect the displays from Hong Kong’s regular tropical downpours.

At a wall in Tsuen Wan, a district far from Hong Kong’s packed center, a 19-year-old student surnamed Lau was using an ink stamp that someone had left featuring two Chinese characters which have gone viral in

recent weeks.

“It’s a clever piece of calligraphy,” he told AFP. “If you read the characters one way it says ‘Hong Kong’ but if you turn it on its side it reads ‘Add Oil.’” Add oil is a popular Cantonese phrase to express encouragement and has been chanted with relish by protesters over the last month.

Many messages carry similar themes like “Hang in there” and “Don’t lose heart”. Others take aim directly at Beijing. “Hong Kong is not China...yet” is a common refrain.

“Be Patient, Be Water” added another note, referencing a mantra of adaptability espoused by martial arts fighter and local legend Bruce Lee. There are also messages scrawled by foreign visitors and inhabitants. “Stay strong Hong Kong, New York’s got your back,” read one. “You guys are the bravest,” added another in French. “Hong Kong freedom” added another by a man who signed off with his name “Waqas” and “Pakistan.”

“We are Filipino and we love Hong Kong,” said another, likely drawn by one of the hundreds of thousands of low-paid domestic helpers who are a vital part of the city’s economy.

But the walls have also become flash points. AFP

Fights mar Tsai’s visit to New York NEW YORK―Police in New York had to break up fights between supporters and opponents of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday during a visit to the United States that will likely infuriate Beijing.

Taiwanese media broadcast footage of the clashes outside the Grand Hyatt, where Tsai is staying during her twoday US trip.

Opponents of Tsai―many waving Chinese flags―chanted slogans and fought with supporters, while one man was seen being detained and handcuffed by police.

Tsai is spending two days in New York ahead of a visit to diplomatic allies in the Caribbean.

Normally, the head of a state passing through American soil would not spark controversy, but Taiwan has long found itself in a precarious and unusual diplomatic situation.

The democratic island has ruled itself for seven decades but most countries do not recognize it, including the United States, which switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.

Yet Washington remains its most powerful unofficial ally and biggest arms supplier.

China sees Taiwan as part of its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

It bristles at any countries that might lend Taiwan diplomatic support or legitimacy.

With the US currently engaged in a trade war with China, the relations between Taipei and Washington have warmed considerably.

Unlike the last three American presidents, who were wary of angering Beijing, Donald Trump has ramped up relations with Taiwan.

Last week the State Department approved $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles, the first big-ticket military deal for the island in years. AFP Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Quezon City, Metro Manila BRANCH LXXVIII (78)

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION TO ADOPT JHON ERIC I. ECHAGUE AND TIMOTHY ERICSON B. ECHAGUE SP. PROC. CASE NO. R-QZN-19-06513-SP For: Adoption ERIC O. ECHAGUE AND MICHELLE LORIE D. BAYLON Petitioners. x--------------------------------------------------x

ORDER

SIXTH BULLRUN. Participants run next to Nuñez del Cuvillo fighting bulls and steers on the sixth bullrun of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, on July 12, 2019. On each day of the festival six bulls are released at 8:00 a.m. (0600 GMT) to run from their corral through the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town over an 850-meter course. Ahead of them are the runners, who try to stay close to the bulls without falling over or being gored. AFP

Cuba’s aging rockers finally earn their due HAVANA―For decades, their songs were banned and even called the “music of the enemy.” But Cuba’s rockers have finally found their place in a nation where salsa, rumba and reggaeton usually reign.

This year, Havana will celebrate the International Day of Rock and Roll― which falls on Saturday―with three days of concerts.

Each day, 13 groups will take the stage at Maxim Rock, the club that also serves as the home of the government-sanctioned Cuban Rock Agency, for a 10-hour marathon.

It will be a far cry from the many years when the classic rocker look―long hair, tight jeans and leather bracelets―was at odds with the “new man” image, hardworking and serious, vaunted by the authorities during Fidel Castro’s revolution.

Despite the obvious difficulties, most of Cuba’s rockers chose to remain at home and dedicate themselves to their music, rather than opt for exile or the struggles of dissident life.

Nowadays, some have lost their hair while others can no longer squeeze into those tight jeans, but they’re still performing regular gigs in Havana.

Roberto Diaz, a 48-year-old with a graying goatee who will began a European tour

next month with his group Animas Mundi, was one of the musicians who tried to keep rock alive in Cuba in the late 1980s.

“I was one of those youngsters who would get stopped in the street all the time, getting asked for my ID documents or being taken down to the police station if I was walking around with my guitar or keyboard,” said Diaz.

“It was tough―it wasn’t like it is today,” said Virgilio Torres, a 62-year-old singer with Vieja Escuela (“Old School”).

Rock came to Cuba from the United States in 1955, four years before the revolution.

Political confrontation between the communist-ruled island nation and Washington soon followed―most notably in the form of the US economic embargo in place since the early 1960s.

Rock music was banned from television and radio airwaves from the 1960s to the 1980s before slowly benefiting from a decade of increasing tolerance.

During the ban, rock “was sometimes viewed as ideological corruption,” said Torres.

“It was the enemy’s music because we sang in English, which created confusion. AFP

ORIE NTA L MINDORO E LEC TRIC COOPE R ATIV E , INC. (O R M E C O) Simaron, Calapan Cit y INVITATION TO BID All interested bidders are invited to participate in the actual bidding for these one (1) LOT detailed as follows: LOT - I

Supply of Teller’s Receipt Approved Budget Cost: Php4,334,400 (VAT-Inclusive) Source of Funding: General Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

NOTE: AWARDING PER LOT GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Interested bidders may secure BID DOCUMENTS and obtain further INFORMATIONS from the ORMECO, Inc. Bids and Award Committee (BAC)/Procurement Section, ORMECO, Inc., Simaron, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. A non-refundable fee in the amount of Php5,000.00 and shall be collected as payment for BID DOCUMENTS. 2. Interested bidders must be accredited as supplier before joining the pre-bidding conference and accreditation will start on July 15, 2019 at 8:00am until 5:00p.m. of July 19, 2019. You can call at telephone numbers 043-2882349/043-2869375 or send an email at ormeco_coop@yahoo.com.

3 PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at ORMECO, Inc. Board Room, Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro at 2:00 p.m. of July 22, 2019.

4. SEALED PROPOSALS will be received at 2:00 p.m. of August 5, 2019 and immediately after which, the said proposals will be opened during the actual bidding in the presence of the attending bidders.

5. ALL BIDS must be accompanied by a BID BOND payable to ORMECO, Inc. in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT issued by a reputable bank equivalent to TWO PERCENT (2%) of the Approved Budget Cost (ABC). No Bid Bond in the form of Surety Bond shall be accepted. The bidder with the lowest calculated bid will be considered the winning bidder.

6. The winning bidder shall issue FIVE PERCENT (5%) in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT from a reputable bank, representing the PERFORMANCE BOND. 7. If the bidder who submitted the best offer refuses to push through with his / her proposed BID during and after the bidding, his / her Bid Bond shall be forfeited, and failure of bidding shall be declared.

8. ORMECO, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any Bids, declare failure of bidding and not to award the contract without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. ORMECO, Inc. also has no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnity bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids.

ORMECO, INC. (SGD) ENGR. MICHAEL O. GUICO BAC-Chairperson (MS-JULY 13, 2019)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B4

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR UPCOMING PAMPANGA HUB

T

Alviera opens leisure club, industrial park

HE newly opened Alviera Country Club, a 5.6-hectare sports and leisure facility, is expected to drive residential, business and tourism growth in Pampanga.

The club opened its doors to the press recently, and unveiled a scene of non-stop construction and infrastructure development, coupled with a lively residential sales and industrial park build-up, as potential institutional locators take a closer look at the 1,800-hectare estate in Porac town.

New hub in Pampanga Alviera Country Club is envisioned as the province’s new hub for convergence, with a host of amenities like swimming pools, gym with studio, multiple courts, spa, game console room, ballroom, function rooms and restaurants. The club was designed by Leandro V. Locsin Partners, which worked on the concept of harmony of urban living and nature, an idea the estate espouses.

“With the landmark opening of the Alviera Country Club, Alviera is positioned to be the center of sports, leisure and recreational activities in the area,” said Melanie Eugenio, Alviera project development manager.

Aside from the club, estate growth has been distinguished by the expansion of the industrial park. From an initial 32 hectares, Alviera Industrial Park has grown to 64 hectares following strong demand for more lots. Phase one now has move-ins from various locators such as Monde Nissin and Badan Building Materials, a company in stone engineering. Operations with about 350 combined employees are expected to commence soon.

Phase two of the industrial park, 32 hectares in area size, is on track for completion early next year. Alviera Industrial Park seekks to attract light to medium, non-polluting industries, and

is open to PEZA and non-PEZA locators.

Coming together Alviera has evolved into an estate where diverse elements like residences, schools industrial parks and leisure areas, are coming together in the development. These include residential options from three Ayala Land residential brands: Avida Land Corp., Alveo Land and Ayala Land Premier.

Land values have appreciated by 24 percent since the estate launched in 2014.

Avida Settings Alviera is now 98 percent sold. Avida Northdale Settings Alviera, another house and lot offering, has been well-received with sales take-up currently at 70 percent. The Avida communities are closest to Alviera’s central business district and commercial areas.

Montala Alviera from Alveo Land is also 98 percent sold. Lot buyers of Alveo have another choice with their second residential community, The Greenways. The project has a current sales take-up of 60 percent. The Greenways is a community that builds on Alviera’s natural greenery with a central amenity park, pocket parks and linear parks across the neighborhood.

Park Estates at Alviera is Ayala Land Premier’s first exclusive residential project in the estate. The 14-hectare property is a low-density enclave featuring only 68 lots in generous cuts of 1,00 to 1,600 sqm. The neighborhood is closest to the Alviera Country Club.

Land ho!

Land development for the Alviera East commercial center nearby continues, and is set to be finished by next year.

Campuses for Miriam College Alviera, and Angeles-based Holy Angel University, and the La Salle Botanical Garden are also part of the initial 400 hectares under development.

The 23-hectare botanical garden, an Alviera-De La Salle College collaboration, now has its nursery in place on the estate.

The project will soon include themed gardens, greenhouses and libraries. The botanical garden will be operational by 2020.

PSE WELCOMES GREEN DEVELOPER. ArthaLand recently issued P1-billion worth of preferred shares at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) to finance the development of the company’s real estate projects, and for general corporate purposes. The offer consisted of 10 million preferred shares at P100 per share, and was oversubscribed two times. “The strong response from investors shows there is a growing demand for green developments,” said Leo Arthur T. Po, executive vice president and treasurer of ArthaLand. At the bell-ringing ceremony were (from left to right): Eduardo V. Francisco, president of BDO Capital & Investment Corporation; Jaime Enrique Y. Gonzàlez, board director of ArthaLand; Leonardo Arthur T. Po, executive vice president and treasurer of ArthaLand; Jaime C. Gonzàlez, vice Chairman and president & CEO of ArthaLand; PSE chairman Jose T. Pardo; PSE president & CEO Ramon S. Monzon; PSE director Roberto Cecilio O. Lim; PSE chief operating officer Roel A. Refran; and PSE director Alejandro T. Yu. GATHERING OF BUILDING PROFESSIONALS IN SINGAPORE.

IBEW 2019 will feature four tradeshows this yearshowcasing the latest innovations and industry solutions from September 4 to 6. These are BEX Asia, covering the integrated design and planning space; Innobuild (IB) Asia focusing on construction; Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) Asia, zeroing in on energy efficient solutions and renewable energy; and Smart Cities and Buildings (SCB) Asia, featuring the latest advances in urban solutions. The shows are part of the inaugural International Built Environment Week (IBEW), set to take centerstage at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre from September 3 to 6. “Visitors to our four specialised shows can look forward to learning about new building materials; sustainable solutions and renewable energy; technology that will boost productivity and reduce costs; as well as smart systems to improve the experience of building owners and occupants,” said Louise Chua, project director, Reed Exhibitions (Shown here with Fred Dart, CEO and founder, Bridgetek; and Coleman Lim, managing director, ebm-papst.

Groups call for gov’t probe into substandard steel in construction THE drive to ensure that the local construction industry does not build infrastructure that would be unsafe in the event of a high intensity earthquake, gained momentum last week as a consumer group and technology-based party list called on the government to investigate allegations of continued selling of substandard construction materials.

Atty. Rodel Taton, president of Consumers Union of the Philippines (CUP), revealed Tuesday that big steel manufacturers have been replacing micro-alloyed (MA) steel rebars with quenched tempered (QT) steel ones, used to build hundreds of high rise structures throughout the country—without the knowledge of contractors, developers and various construction end-users.

The AGHAM (Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Mamamayan) likewise released a statement midweek urging the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), to coordinate in ensuring that buildings, particularly high-rise structures, all over the Philippines, are not prone to collapse in case a high intensity earthquake (“The Big One”) strikes.

Thousands of lives threatened “The geographical location of the Philippines is the main reason why certain types of steel materials are not recommended for use in high-rise buildings,” said AGHAM partylist representative Angelo Palmones, in a local radio program yesterday.

“We are concerned that steel being used to build thousands of high rise structures in the country, are compromised, putting the lives of thousands of Filipinos at risk,” the lawmaker said. “These substandard construction materials, particularly reinforcement bars (rebars), would not withstand a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.”

Palmones expressed doubts about the use of QT, or “thermo-mechanically treated” (TMT) steel bars as reinforcing in high-rise buildings. These products, he said, are potentially threatening tens of thousands of lives due to their premature catastrophic failure under “cyclic loading” generated by earthquakes.

AGHAM decried “the elevated risk which has been forced onto Filipinos by the country’s steel manufacturers who 12 years ago changed the steel bar manufacturing process without notify-

ing the government, or public.”

Profit over lives Taton revealed that local steelmakers are making as much as P1.5 per kilogram by switching from the manufacture of MA to comparatively cheaper QT steel rebars.

“In return for this profit, these companies are risking the lives of many people who live in condominiums, work in high rise offices, and use government and private sector infrastructure that have been built using substandard steel,” he claimed.

Palmones decried the suspected connivance between government officials, particularly those in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Product Standard (BPS) to create a smokescreen in covering the real dangers rebars made out of QT process.

He explained that steel manufacturers should not be making and deciding what regulations to develop, and what standards and tests must be conducted.

“We at AGHAM strongly feel that appointing officials with vested interests can comprise the safety standards in the country, and put the lives of those living in high rises, and all infrastructure projects in mortal danger.

Need for steel testing center The two groups called for the establishment of a cyclic loading facility in the Philippines to ensure the appropriate implementation of stringent testing standards for steel in the Philippines, a known high seismic risk country.

But according to Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC)–Department of Science and Technology (DoST), deputy executive director Agustin Fudolig, it would be hard for them to justify the cost of building a P50 million cyclic loading facility.

“There will be no clear return on investments (ROI), since only large steel makers will be the main clients of the facility,” Fudolig said during a recent TV interview.

In China and Taiwan, the use of QT bars have been banned since last year.

In the Philippines, Palmones said the alleged P400-billion yearly income from the manufacture of quench-tempered rebars, has ostensibly become an attractive incentive for big steel manufacturers.

“It is a lot cheaper to manufacture quench-tempered rebars than micro-alloyed steel ones, but it comes at the expense of people’s lives,” he pointed out.

PDIC LAUNCHES ONLINE SITE FOR ASSETS ON SALE.

Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) President Roberto B. Tan recently spearheaded the launch of the PDIC Assets for Sale microsite before real estate brokers in Davao city. The site, http://assetsforsale.pdic.gov.ph, providesaccess to the catalogue of properties that PDIC is disposing of through public bidding, or negotiated sale.

The site presents PDIC’s extensive list of properties for disposal either through public bidding or negotiated sale, and contains information on the procedures to buy these properties. “Today’s briefing for real estate brokers is part of our campaign to make the public aware of opportunities to participate in the sale of properties foreclosed by failed banks and those acquired by the corporation,” said Tan. The management of assets of closed banks is part of PDIC’s mandate as receiver, and liquidator of closed banks.

Life

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

YOUNG LIFE

Style expert Pam Quiñones focuses on personality when styling.

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

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STYLIST:

‘Don’t follow trends, focus on personality’

By Bernadette Lunas

BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

H

ERE’S something we’ve noticed: if you pick apparel and accessories based on trends, you’d most likely end up thinking you have nothing to wear in a few months or so even if there’s literally a huge pile of clothes staring at you.

Because, in case you haven’t heard this gem yet, trends come and go.

Style expert Pam Quiñones, who’s made a living spotting trends, providing fashion advice, and dressing individuals, says the most vital part of the styling process is “getting to know people’s interests, preferences, and body types, among others.”

Quiñones brings her innate understanding of the balance between form and function to this year’s edition of Stylist Closet. The fashion event features visual displays, pop-ups, and style talks across Ayala Malls.

For Stylist Closet 2019, she went to several Ayala Malls to handpick the pieces to comprise the four key trends to spotlight. She clarified, however, the trends are not literally seasonal trends.

“We tried to focus on fashion personalities to curate the key trends,” said Quiñones.

The fashion stylist identified the four key trends as Pureness (clean and contemporary; featuring urban cool style, layering, airy

fabrics, and shades of blue and touch of metallics); Expressive (opulent and maximalist; highlighted by vintage ‘80s style, leather, metallic, and prints on prints); Natural (raw and polished; features natural fabrics which are ideal for tropical countries; and Quiñones’ favorite); and Unpredictable (non-conformist style marked by athleisure, oversized outerwear, and bright colors).

Quiñones picked items from various brands present in Ayala Malls, including Mango, Topshop, GAP, Springfield, Joe Fresh, Tory Burch, Lacoste, Banana Republic, Marks and Spencer, Steve Expressive—opulent and maximalist style Madden, Rustan’s private labels, featuring vintage ‘80s pieces.

Penshoppe, Kamiseta, Plains & Prints, Apple & Eve, and Maldita, to name a few.

In addition to shopping curated looks, shoppers can book an online appointment for a personal styling session with Quiñones and her team from Qurator Studio.

The fashion festivities continue today until August 18 with displays, pop-ups, and stylists’ fashion presentation at select malls.

Natural—raw and polished style highlighted by natural fabrics and neutral colors.

Principal-approved, chic and easy hairstyles SCHOOL can be stressful, but it doesn’t mean you have to look it. Salon creative director and hairstylist to the stars Lourd Ramos shares tips for achieving salon quality hairstyles even if you pulled an all-nighter and only had 15 minutes to get ready.

“Doing your hair really improves the outlook of your day, and it shouldn’t be a hard task. With Philips haircare tools, women can now effortlessly style their hair and still have enough time to conquer the rest of their day,” said Ramos.

Healthy curls

According to Ramos, wearing your hair curly makes quite a statement.

Philips StyleCare Sublime Ends Curler lets you easily create loose curls without too much fuss because of its innovative SplitStop Technology. It is designed to protect fragile ends when you style, so you can put your perfect curls with healthier ends in the spotlight.

Match it with a cute outfit, and you’re good to go.

Classic ponytail

Have a busy day ahead? The easiest way to keep hair away from your face as you run from one class to another is to put it in a ponytail. Dry your mane using Philips DryCare Advanced Hairdryer, whose ThermoProtect keeps hair protected from damage. Keep it sleek and clean by ensuring there’s no loose hair.

Still looks kinda drab? Elevate a simple pony by adding a French braid.

Straight hair

If you’re running a bit late, go for an effortless but polished look by straightening your crowning glory.

Not only is it easy to do, a simple look allows you to focus on getting things done without having to worry about those pesky fly-aways. Add a hair barrette for added cuteness.

Use Philips KeraShine Straightener to achieve sleek, straight hair. Get more hairstyle points as its ceramic plates are infused with keratin that provides ultimate shine and allows for an ultra-smooth glide.

caption

Pureness—contemporary cool style in shades of blue and with touch of metallics

Unpredictable— non-conformist style marked by athleisure, oversized outerwear, and bright colors.

Roundtable discussions feature stylists and influencers, including Liz Uy, Solenn Heussaff, Isabelle Daza, Jess Wilson, LA Aguinaldo, and Vern and Verniece Enciso.

Style Closet kicked off at Greenbelt and Glorietta on July 4, followed by style talks from July 5 to 7.

Today until July 14, Stylist Closet is at UP Town Center. It is making a stop at Marquee Mall for a stylists ramp display today before heading down south on July 19-21 at Alabang Town Center.

From July 20 to August 18, Stylist Closet runway preview will be intermittently showcased at Market! Market!, Ayala Center Cebu, Harbor Point, TriNoma, and Solenad.

The fashion event will wrap up at Bonifacio High Street with a closet spectacle from August 16 to 18, and a roundtable discussion on August 17.

“Pam and our line-up of speakers are not only pushing people to shop, but urging them to shop smart. They are not teaching fashion, they are teaching style,” Ayala Malls marketing group director Eunice Velasco said in a statement.

Blackwater’s range of cologne for men and women

Smell fresh even after six classes NOTHING ruins confidence quite like worrying whether your seatmate’s suffering from your smell after a whole day of classes—that sometimes extends to group work in the evening.

Fragrance brand Blackwater has a range of cologne that keeps men and women smelling fresh.

Blackwater Deo Spray in Dark Pleasure has a refreshing aroma featuring an expert blend of sweet and juicy grapefruit, marine accord, and woody-herbal

scents. For a more masculine aroma, Deo Mist in Grey Marble consists of citrus, wood, and herbal musk.

Smell like a baby with young adult responsibilities with Blackwater Women Deo Spray in Desire which features a baby powder scent with hints of orange, lily, and rose. Or smell like a “snack” with Women Deo Mist in Berries and Cream with its lush notes of plum and berries with a hint of vanilla.

Life

C2

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

FELINE FRIENDS. From left: Pirate duo Cyrille Chico and Coco, Bobby Dato and his Turkish Angola Espion are truly festive, best dressed winners Janelle Manalang and Milky, and Joan Apolinar and Snowflakes showcase their ‘purr-ty’ style.

y t r a p ’ y t r r u ‘P S

OME are affectionate, some are aloof. Some are snuggly, some doesn’t want to be touched. But for these cat parents, their feline babies are purr-ty and sweet.

It was a purr-fect afternoon for cats and their hoomans as they dressed up to showcase their style at the recent Pet Express and Meow Mix Purrfect Combi Cat Fashion Show in SM Makati.

The catwalk was brimming with cuteness as furry felines and friends walked in Luau-inspired costumes with tropical Hawaiian and hula outfits complete pineapple crochet headdresses, Philippine fiestathemed ensembles, and pirate costumes, among others.

The event was organized by Pet Express and Meow Mix, a brand and shop that has been dedicated in understand-

ing cats’ needs.

In addition to the fashion show, Meow Mix presented a buffet of wet cat food variants and tips on how to take care of feline’s health and nutrition.

Participants got the chance to have their own pet caricature in the Catcature activity, wherein feline lovers had their cats drawn in cool dresses.

Proceeds from the Pet Express and Meow Mix Purrfect Combi Purrty Fashion Show was given to CARA Welfare Philippines to help aid its Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return project in the barangays, villages, and commercial establishments

DID YOU KNOW?

Music used in the sci-fi horror series Stranger Things are popular with Spotify listeners.

Spotify listeners are obsessed with music from ‘Stranger Things’ HERE’S a recent discovery: Not only do fans love streaming the sci-fi series Stranger Things, they like listening to songs used in the show.

According to Spotify, listeners have spent more than 17 million hours streaming music related to the Stranger Things, which recently premiered its third season, since its launch on July 15, 2016.

The Clash’s 1981 hit “Should I Stay or I Should I Go” ranks as the most-streamed song tied to the show—from the original soundtrack to the many playlists listeners have created themselves.

The said song played a central role in Season 1 (Will Byers would sing it to calm himself in the Upside Down), and Spotify saw global streams of the song go up 30 percent in the two weeks after Stranger Things premiered compared to the two weeks before.

Speaking of Upside Down, listeners have created more than 3,500 playlists titled “The Upside Down” with the top tracks in these being the eerie score track “The Upside Down” from composers Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, as well as the instantly-recognizable “Stranger Things” theme track.

Meanwhile, the top tracks on Stranger Things playlists on Spotify include “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” “Stranger Things,” “Every Breath You Take”

by The Police, “Africa” by Toto, “Kids”

by Dixon and Stein, “Time After Time”

by Cyndi Lauper, “Elegia” by New Order, “Atmosphere” by Joy Division, “Hazy Shade of Winter” by The Bangles, and “Whip It” by DEVO. And the top three countries that stream the most Stranger Things music are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.

The gang from Hawkins solve the mystery of the Upside Down.

A blooming cat with its blooming ‘hooman’

Aloha party with Rhoda Rosales and Princess

In support of the Filipino youth RECOGNIZING the importance of education in the country’s growth, Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, focuses on efforts to improve learning and employment opportunities through Brigada Eskwela, Spark Scholarship Program, and Go Green in the City.

Driven to transform its employees into community advocates, Schneider Electric encourages them to take part in its 15,000 volunteering days—a worldwide campaign that it hopes to accomplish by 2025.

Locally, the company took part in the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2019 program as part of this movement.

More than 40 employee volunteers from the Taguig and Ortigas sites went to Signal Village National High School where they repainted some of the school facilities. In Cavite, over 100 employee volunteers went to Emiliano Tria Tirona High School in Kawit and assisted in preparing the school for the coming school year.

They also participated in greening the school, in anticipation of the global environment day and Philippine Environment Month “Schneider Electric has always been driven by our commitment to enriching the lives of the communities we are a part of. Brigada Eskwela, in particular, is special to me because we got to mingle with the teachers, even some of the incoming students. Hearing their stories and their dreams, it inspires us to continue our efforts to improve the educational system here in the Philippines, creating a brighter future for the Filipino Youth,” said Sch-

Schneider Electric Philippines country president Alexandre Vermot together with the teachers of Signal Village National High School.

neider Electric Philippines president Alexandre Vermot.

Meanwhile, the company also launched its scholarship initiative, Spark Program.

The program is uniquely structured to prepare the scholar-interns as potential digital talents by being part of automation project teams. They are given mentorship from regional digital SMEs as well as from plant/local digital leaders.

Graduates of the program will automatically gain employment opportunities at Schneider Electric.

College students taking up courses such as Data Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial and Automation Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, and the like are welcome to apply for the program.

Employee volunteers from Taguig and Ortigas sites participated in this year’s Brigada Eskwela at Signal Village National High School.

Finally, Go Green in the City aims to involve Filipino students to contribute to the search for solutions to the global energy challenge while allowing them to learn from industry leaders and experts. It is also an avenue for women empowerment as each participating team must have at least one female student.

This year, students submitted their bold ideas based on the following categories: “Buildings of the Future,” “Plants of the Future,” “Grids of the Future,” and “Sustainability and Access to Energy.”

The students were invited to share ideas to reshape the future and show a more effective side of sustainability: the connection of the social and environmental impacts of technology and the business world.

The top contenders presented their winning projects in the Go Green in the City 2019 Country Finals on July 12.

The winning team will be mentored by Schneider Electric experts in preparation for the regional and global legs of the competition where they will be representing the Philippines and hopefully, the entire Asia Pacific region.

“By spearheading and taking part in all these educational initiatives, we are reaching more youth, granting them more opportunities to explore, and enabling them to be a part of our mission to transform cities and reshape industries through the digital transformation of energy management and automation,” enthused Vermot.

Entertainment

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

J

ULY ushers in the return of one of the breakthrough stage productions of the year as Resorts World Manila (RWM) brings back Ang Huling El Bimbo for its final run at the awardwinning Newport Performing Arts Theater.

More audiences can now take advantage of new promos for the musical, which is touted as a ‘mustsee’ for all generations. Theatergoers in groups may purchase 10 tickets and get five more free for same section seats via the 10+5 ticket promo, while currently enrolled students can also enjoy special rates at only P1,000 per ticket for Silver seats upon presentation of their school IDs. Ang Huling El Bimbo is the story of four friends who navigate life’s ups and downs from the nineties to the present.

The musical’s nostalgic soundtrack, woven through the hit songs of the country’s most prominent rock band during the nineties, provides the anchor of the poignant yet redeeming tale of friendship and self-reflection.

With a creative team of rising young talents behind the production including Dexter Santos (director/choreographer), Myke Salomon (musical director/Emman), and Dingdong Novenario (playwright), among others, Ang Huling El Bimbo also boast a stellar cast of multi-generational thespians

Theater fans can still catch the final run of the breakthrough musical until Aug. 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

‘ANG HULING EL BIMBO’ dazzles in its final run

led by Gian Magdangal, David Ezra, Jon Santos, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, OJ Mariano, Myke Salomon, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (also associate director), Carla Guevara- Laforteza, Reb Atadero, Bibo Reyes, Boo Gabunada, Tanya Manalang, Lance Reblando, Phi Palmos, Gab Pangilinan, Sheila Francisco, and Jaime Wilson.

“Ang Huling El Bimbo is not just a theatrical experience,” shared King of Talk Boy Abunda after catching a performance. “Ako’y nakikiusap ho sa management ng Resorts World na sana’y dugtungan pa nila... I’m really hoping that you can extend Ang Huling El Bimbo until end of the year,” he added.

Recently, the musical took home two

awards for most outstanding musical direction by Salomon, and most outstanding choreography courtesy of Santos in the 11th Gawad Buhay Awards; and was also recognized by the 2019 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards in Singapore.

Visit www.rwmanila.com or download the RWM Mobile App for the complete show schedules.

MMFF 2019: A strange mix REVEALED during a press conference held at the office of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the list of four films chosen to be part of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), appears to be a strange mix.

After receiving 26 finished scripts from 24 film productions, the MMFF Execom, upon the recommendation of its Selection Committee, announced that these films are the “best of the best” of the materials submitted to them.

In the horror genre, we have Ampon, starring Derek Ramsay and Kris Aquino (Quantum Films). We all know how frail and fragile is the health condition of Ms. Aquino, how she will muster enough strength and stamina to start and even finish this motion picture, will be the biggest mystery that will unravel before our very eyes.

Second finished script which passed the standards of the Selection Committee is Miracle in Cell No. 7, starring Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre (VIVA Films). Why a Korean film adapted and remade as Pinoy drama movie made it to the cut is a major puzzlement.

Surely, this “commercially viable” film will be a box office darling, Mission Unstapabol: The Don Identity (APT Entertainment, Inc., ZET Production) stars Vic Sotto andMaine Mendoza . With its title alone that screams, now we know what a “finished script” must possess right? A little dash of Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible and a fine sprinkling of the Matt Damon’s superlative action franchise Bourne Identity with Sotto doing a Cruise and a Damon, spells action-packed

Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza team up once again in another MMFF entry

and fresh. Really?

And I did not see this coming, Momalland, starring Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis (ABS-CBN Film Productions and VIVA Films) with Tony Labrusca.

If MMFF history will repeat itself, we can now claim with full conviction that this Vice Ganda flick will be the biggest box office earner in the forthcoming festival.

Meanwhile, I am curious about the fate of finished script submission of the movie that will star Coco Martin, Jentnlyn Mercado, and AiAi

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

ACROSS 1 Untidy condition 5 Poodle pros 9 Whoa!

13 State positively 14 Nest on a crag 15 Caesar’s garment 16 Tidbits for kitty 17 Lombardi of coaching 18 Ventilates 19 Type of battery 21 Fads and crazes 23 Herbal brews 24 Galley movers 25 High-flying socialites (2 wds.)

28 Traded 32 Dart-thrower’s quaff 33 — boom 36 More pristine 37 Consider 39 Cato or Livy 41 Run out of energy 42 Walk in 44 Ms. Winfrey 46 Turn sharply 47 Shaggy flowers 49 Conical tents 51 Fat cat’s victim 52 Midsummer 53 Battery terminals 56 Ship biscuit

60 Island near Java 61 New-car option 63 Grass-skirt dance 64 Liver secretion 65 Social mores 66 Word of mouth 67 Mournful cry 68 Glance over 69 Back of the neck DOWN 1 Nursery word 2 Villain’s work 3 Type of hop 4 Jogger’s wear 5 Ribs of a leaf 6 Urn homophone 7 — -tac-toe 8 Teeter-totter 9 Remains in one place (2 wds.)

10 Hard labor 11 Fairy-tale baddie 12 Elapse 14 Amelia Earhart, e.g.

20 Wine deposits 22 Ensnare 24 Entertainment award 25 Dulled by overindulgence 26 Ms. Verdugo 27 Molars

29 Competition award 30 Unearthly 31 Coffee grounds 34 Rodeo gear 35 Brat 38 Sequence of notes in a song 40 Temperaments 43 Roller coaster 45 Kept back 48 Theater features 50 Jungle snake 52 Husband of Medea

53 “Fernando” band 54 Use a hammer 55 Earthen pot 56 Merry sound (hyph.)

57 Subtle glow 58 Keep time 59 Cabbagelike plant 62 List ender

delas Alas.

If we are to factor in the “commercially viable” criterion, will it be expedient to express that one of the finished film slots, already belong to them?

Twenty-six finished scripts submitted, may we get access to them? What were these films? In due time, will the identities of the Selection Committee be made public?

Some of the most talked-about films that are eyeing an MMFF slot come December time are Peque Gallaga’s Magikland, Mindanaw with Judy

Ann Santos and Allan Dizon, Isa Pang Bahaghari with Nora Aunor, and Culion, with Iza Calzado, Meryl Soriano, and Jasmine Curtis Smith.

Who among them will be considered as worthy of the remaining finished film slots?

During the press conference, it was reported that for next year, the possibility of a mid-year and the annual December festival might come to fruition.

Will this eventuality have an effect to the yearly Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival that happens in August and the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino that transpires in September?

Do we really need more festivals to convince the people to watch our motion picture offerings? Or is it about time to limit the influx of foreign films, especially the Marvel, DC, and Disney franchises whose film products lord the cinemas and are flocked by gazillion of audiences?

Must we push for more Pinoy film appreciation and awareness, as well as film education and literacy, not only for the young but for the rest of the general public who still prefer the popcorn fare that Hollywood offers?

Other Asian countries, such as Korea and India, are able to curb the appetites of their cinema audiences for American blockbusters. Why can’t we do the same?

We are all stuck with the fact that by the holiday season, we are left with no choice but to celebrate it and part of the annual tradition is watching the MMFF entries. For now, let us all remain optimistic that the final selection will be truly worthy of our hard-earned pesos and quality time spent with families and loved ones.

Ang Huling El Bimbo runs until starting Aug. 18. Tickets are now on sale at the RWM Box Office and TicketWorld outlets. Call mobile number 0917-8239602; 0917-8728766; 0917-6589378; and 0917-8728309; or landline number (632) 908-8000 local 8079/7768 to avail of the special promos.

Couch Potato...

From C4

It is also interesting to note that the EDDYS is marking the film industry’s centenary with recognition of individuals that have worked behind the cameras in the last hundred years. In a way, they shaped the kind of films Filipinos have seen in years. I remember when I was young, I would see films from Sampaguita Pictures, LVN Pictures, Premiere Productions, and then there came Larry Santiago Productions, LEA Productions, and many other independent producers some of them becoming the mainstream producers like Regal Films, Viva Films, Seiko Films and then came Star Cinema.

So, we all await the results of the EDDYS tomorrow night. And then we will see how these editors have evaluated the films they had chosen to be nominated. *** Bible animation series back on ABS-CBN Calling all certified Batang Superbook. The long wait is finally over.

Did you miss Chris, Joy and Gizmo, and their exciting time-travel adventures with Superbook? Well, here’s some exciting news for you.

Superbook is back on TV with all-new episodes kids and kids-at-heart will surely love.

Every Sunday, beginning July 14, Superbook and Kapamilya fans can once again enjoy watching Superbook on ABS-CBN. With new, actionpacked episodes, inspiring characters, fun-filled adventures, and valuable life lessons, Superbook Season 4 is definitely something to look forward to.

To continue its fourth season, Superbook has added six new episodes, in addition to the first seven episodes which premiered worldwide last year. These new episodes are inspired by the life of Jesus and other Bible characters like Paul, Barnabas, and Jeremiah.

Each episode is in-line with this season’s theme— “Superbook SuperStar”—and aims to instill good moral values that will encourage the next generation to shine God’s light like stars in the sky for everyone to see.

Batang Superbook airs every Sunday, 9:15 a.m. on ABS-CBN.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

INTERNATIONAL

COUCH POTATO

Nicki Minaj cancels Saudi show

IVY ROSSINI

Editors’ choices tomorrow night at New Frontier AS THE awards season comes to a close, the spotlight is trained on the EDDYS tomorrow night, July 14, at the New Frontier Theatre at the Araneta Center.

It will be interesting to see how this bunch of newspaper entertainment editors will choose from among those nominated in the various categories the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors or SPEEd to win the now “coveted” trophies.

As I see it as an observer, an EDDYS win, is much like an imprimatur from those that wield power on entertainment desks of the various newspapers in the country. These editors control the content of the pages they edit, they either use or not use a certain story, highlight or hide a story about a certain personality.

In short, the editor, if it uses its authority in the newspapers, can influence the public and their opinion on certain films, TV shows, personalities or issues related to mass media.

So, in the last two years, the EDDYS was largely unknown and most of those in the industry of film ignored it, specifically the first one as not many in the film business understand or are aware what an “editor” in a newspaper does.

Their mindset on an “editor” is the person that cuts the film (when the film was still a celluloid thing) or “deletes” an improper scene or unwanted scene in a footage. But never someone who “edits” the manuscripts of contributors, columnists, and writers to make them readable and intelligible enough for the newspaper readers.

But, it seems the dynamics is gradually changing. People are beginning to distinguish an editor from a columnist or even a writer, and so, film workers are also slowly getting the beat and rhythm of the EDDYS. I remember last year when Eddie Garcia (he is nominated in this year’s EDDYS for Best Actor for his role in Rainbows’ Sunset) said after he received is EDDYS icon trophy, “Mabuhay tayong mga Eddys!” I think that was the most memorable speech an actor said about EDDYS, and that will resonate in the years to come when the EDDYS continue to honor the outstanding talents in Philippine films.

So, who will be the winners? Will they be your favorite young actors and actresses? Or will they be the seasoned performers that make local films even more interesting as it passes the hundred years

KADENANG GINTO’s

new chapter takes social media by storm Beauty Gonzalez and Dimples Romana

A

CTRESS Dimples Romana, who plays the feisty Daniela Mondragon in the trending television series, Kadenang Ginto, couldn’t believe that the “Daniela the Explore” meme would trend and become a social media craze.

The ubiquitous meme, which features the popular character in a glamorous mini red dress and with a matching luggage in tow, has explored the farthest corners of the Philippines, including some parts of the world (we’ve yet to see Daniela in outer space).

“I was told that memes and trending topics only last for a day, but our memes have been making rounds for more than a week already,” the ecstatic Dimples told reporters during a recent press conference.

The teleserye that spawned a thousand memes is opening its newest chapter, promising more high-stakes showdowns between the clashing Mondragons.

Expect more heated confrontations between Romina (Beauty Gonzalez) and Daniela, whose lives will soon turn upside down as they meet the new character

Leon, played by Richard Yap. But before their paths cross, Romina will continue to experience Daniela’s wrath, after the latter seized all of the riches Romina inherited from Robert.

However, Romina’s sheer determination will put her back on top as she uses all her experiences to rebuild her empire.

Leon (Richard), her new business partner, will guide her every step of the way and help her retrieve everything that was taken from her.

As Romina works her way up, Daniela’s world will slowly crumble as their company goes bankrupt. This will ignite Daniela’s fury against Romina and will do whatever it takes to pin down her rival.

Where will the battle between the two Mondragons lead them? How will Leon create more chaos in their lives?

Since the series started airing in October 2018, Kadenang Ginto has kept viewers glued to their TV screens every afternoon, hitting an all-time high national TV rating of 27.3 percent, according to Kantar Media--a feat for an afternoon series.

The show also helped launched into stardom teen idols Francine Diaz, Kyle Echarri, Seth Fedelin, and Andrea Brillantes, who are now known as The Gold Squad. Their popularity and success have also reached online as their YouTube channel recently received the Silver Creator Award after reaching 100,000 subscribers.

The channel currently has more than 500,000 subscribers.

Don’t miss Kadenang Ginto on Kapamilya Gold on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). Nickie Wang

Music and lyrics SONGWRITING can be viewed as basically a loner’s activity. Besides, fewer songs properly recorded and officially released were actually written by a pair or a pool. Thus, a songwriting camp is sort of a comeout party for a melodydriven and lyrically empowered individual.

With FILSCAP ((Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, Inc.) now urging Society members to apply for the fourth edition of its own initiative, I can’t help but take myself back to the experience of being in the first batch myself. More than anything, it was an undertaking that boosted morale, with all the mentoring and camaraderie that came with it.

Conducted in 2016 at the First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo, the first FILSCAP Songwriting Camp was a thrill on its own since no one

had come before us. While most of us enlisted were practically capable songwriters, the YUGEL idea that we were LOSORATA about to learn more about the craft excited us.

Somehow you’d feel it was necessary to be in such spot as validation of your lifelong passion.

The celebrity mentors who joined that first year was naturally a strong cast led by prolific hitmakers Vehnee Saturno and Jim Paredes. The campers were divided into four, with me ending up in Camp Mariposa under the wing of Ebe Dancel whose talent turned Sugarfree into an iconic outfit.

He informed everyone he was really a clumsy kid growing up, hitting walls with his mind elsewhere and a kind of liability that evolved into “Hari Ng Sablay.”

Ebe’s presence was doubly special,

Taken a few years back during the first FILSCAP Songwriting Camp, the author (first row, second from right) posed with his mates in Camp Mariposa under mentor Ebe Dancel (back row, middle).

too, considering that Gary Valenciano’s cover of his composition, “Wag Ka Nang Umiyak,” was, at the time, high up in the consciousness of teleserye-loving

Pinoys. He emphatically performed the track as token for campers as I observed he was extra focused tuning his guitar and spending a lot of time on it. Well,

US ARTIST Nicki Minaj has canceled a performance in Saudi Arabia in a show of support for women’s and gay rights in the ultra-conservative kingdom, the rapper said Tuesday.

Minaj’s scheduled appearance in the western city of Jeddah next week as part of a cultural festival had triggered a social media backlash over human rights in the country.

“After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest,” Minaj said in a statement sent to AFP by her publicist.

“While I want nothing more than to bring my show to fans in Saudi Arabia, after better educating myself on the issues, I believe it is important for me to make clear my support for the rights of women, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression.”

Minaj, known for her profanitylaced lyrics and raunchy music videos, was due to perform as headline act of the festival as the kingdom loosens its decades-old restrictions on entertainment.

Others scheduled to perform include British musician Liam Payne and American DJ Steve Aoki.

The New York-based Human Rights Foundation last Friday wrote Minaj an open letter urging her to withdraw from the festival, calling on her to “refuse the regime’s money” and use her global influence to demand the release of jailed Saudi women activists.

Amnesty International has described the Saudi human rights record as “abysmal,” adding that the nation is in the “grip of a sweeping crackdown against critics of the government.”

The festival in Saudi Arabia, which forbids alcohol and has a strict social code, comes as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pursues a liberalization drive that has led to new cinemas, concerts and sporting extravaganzas. AFP

Raunchy rapper Nicki Minaj

when I earlier sat down to show him what I had written, he quickly asked if I was sure enough that my guitar’s really in tune.

Both Paredes and guitarvirtuoso Mike Villegas, who rounded up the mentoring quartet, revealed peg songs to their hits, with “Apo’s Tuyo Na’ng Damdamin” revealed to be inspired byThe Beatles’ “For No One” and Rizal Underground’s “Bilanggo” somehow coming off while the classic “Blue Moon” was in Mike’s head.

Saturno, for his part, shared how one of hisAriel Rivera songs became so big it was picked up abroad for cover versions.

Still, even tips from masters were, at least to me, less special compared to friendships born out of the Camp. Being around people who behave and see the world like you is definitely inspiring.

If the loneliest songs were penned because the writer feels he’s up against the world, a songwriting camp makes you feel you have finally found the one you belong to.

(FILSCAP Songwriting Camp Year 4 is scheduled Aug. 21 to 23 at Hacienda Isabela, Indang, Cavite.)